2024 Newsletters

St Peter

Lutheran Church

Of Red Cross

Dornsife, PA

Newsletter

Winter 2024

Pastor’s Corner 

The Rev. Terry K. Wimmer, Pastor

From the Prophet Jeremiah the 29th Chapter, these words: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” One of my great joys is writing sermons. When I was in seminary one of my preaching professors worried that my prior life in politics and government would take precedent over God’s Holy Word. As many of you know by now that is not the case. God’s Holy Word is always at the forefront, always at the heart of my sermons. That does not mean however that I don’t take advantage of some of my life's experiences to give a contemporary perspective to Scripture. Such was the case when I began thinking of this sermon five months ago when President Doyle called one evening and so rudely interrupted my plans to watch my beloved Philadelphia Phillies. He spent the next 2 plus hours sharing the recent history of St. Peter’s, and as we finished that initial conversation, and the post-game show had begun, two words came to my mind and to my spirit, and to my heart: Love and Hope. As most of you know I worked in the United States Congress, and it was customary to attend a variety of after hour functions including cocktail parties and diplomatic receptions. At one at the Army Navy Club in Northwest Washington I met Ted Sorenson, the former Speech Writer for President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I was able to pull him aside and ask him about two of the late President’s speeches I loved. 1 of 4 The first was the speech President Kennedy gave on September 12, 1962 at Rice University in Houston, Texas. In that speech the President talked about the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In that speech the President repeated his commitment that America should send astronauts to the moon and safely return them to Earth by the end of the 1960’s. The President asked the question, and I quote “But why some say, the Moon? Why choose this as our goal. And they may well ask, why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic . . . We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win.” Hope my dear Sisters and Brothers. Hope. Four months before his assassination, President Kennedy spoke at the Berlin Wall, a wall built by the communist government to prevent men, woman, and children from leaving East Berlin and freedom. In that speech, the President said “Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall to keep our people in . . . so let me ask you to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow . . . beyond the wall to the day of peace with justice.” Hope my dear Sisters and Brothers. Hope. (PAUSE) The challenges faced by Christian Church are great, and those challenges existed long before the COVID epidemic. Many congregations conveniently and wrongly 2 of 4 used that epidemic to explain why so many of our Sisters and Brothers stopped coming to Church. The truth be known, many of our Sisters and Brothers walked away from the Church because of a variety of reasons. Some walked away weary of the battles being fought over the language, the pronouns used to describe our God, even Jesus. Many who left also grew impatient with Church leaders who claimed they were following Jesus’ commandment found in the 13th Chapter of John “to love one another as I have first loved you” but failed to embrace those who were black or brown or Asian, or what they wore, how many piercings they had, or who they loved. Walls my dear Sisters and Brothers. Walls. We Lutheran Christians must never forget that Jesus spoke those words during His Last Supper, a meal we need to celebrate every Sunday, and at other times during the week given the changing economic realities faced by God’s people who must work on weekends. We continue to ignore these Sisters and Brothers at our great peril. All too many of our Sisters and Brothers have walked away from the Church because we have become indifferent to the needs of all God’s children, and our indifference is slowly destroying the Christian Church in America. Jesus always emphasized selfless, sacrificial love, the same love he lived throughout His life, His teachings, and ultimately His sacrifice on the Cross. Our Lord and Savior demanded we break down the walls we have built in and around our hearts so we can 3 of 4 embrace his teachings because without love there is no hope. St. Paul knew this when he wrote to the new Christian community in Rome, and I quote “ We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Our journey is hard my dear Sisters and Brothers, and there will, of course, times when we grow weary and need the Sacrament of Holy Communion to feed and energize our Spirit. Loving all our Sisters and Brothers in Christ, especially those who languish in fear and loneliness, there is no greater example, no greater source of strength to help us breach the walls of our indifference, and to shatter the walls of our hearts, then the unconditional love of our God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God! Amen!

History Corner - By Dave Hause - Saint Peters Church, Red Cross Sunday School History.

Records indicate that the Sunday School started in 1849 and the surnames of those who attended are still around today: Hilbush, Zartman, Schlegel, Latsha, Dressler, Sholl, Ferster, Fegley, Kobel, Rogers, Kerlin, Schappell, Brown, Bobb, Klock, Snyder, Rebuck, Mill, Bahner, Reitz, Smith, Zerfing, Emerich, Keel, Clements, Welker, Billman, Dreibelbis, Otto, Peiffer, Miller, Merkle, Wolf, Bucher, Roth, Seiler, Ganser, Tressler, and Paffenberger

In the first church building (built in 1819 A.D.), there were two congregations that worshipped in a two-story building, originally built of logs. It was in the middle of the present-day Cemetery directly behind our present-day church. All indications show that Sunday School was held every other Sunday and there were up to 8 different classes in each gender session. 

The second church building was consecrated to the service of Almighty God on May 8, 1860. The Sunday School was moved to the basement of this new church on Sunday May 13, 1860

One of the last classes held in the first church building was held on April 29, 1859 and the teachers listed are: Male Teachers Jacob Billman Tressler 1st Class, Isaac D Zartman 2nd Class, John Ferster 3rd Class, Joseph Zerfing 4th Class, Gilbert Reitz 5th Class, Female Teachers Amanda Zartman 1st Class, Eliza Zartman 2nd Class, Caroline Zartman 3rd Class, Harriet Seiler 4th Class, P. Wooly 5th Class.

All Sunday Classes were opened with singing and prayers and closed with the same.

Home Visits 

Pastor Terry has been busy visiting members of our community to introduce himself. He’s been visiting and giving communion to those who cannot come to worship, visiting those who are ill in hospitals and giving solace to all who need him.  Pastor Terry wants to make clear that he will visit anyone who needs him, day or night.  He is a strong advocate for pastoral care.  Just call his cell at 610-618-0304 and he will be wherever you need him.

Manor Care Visit—The hymn singing by our group of ladies to the residents at Manor Care on December 16 was well received and enjoyed by all.  This was Pastor Terry’s first opportunity to meet the residents of Manor Care.  He took the opportunity to offer communion to those who wished to have it.

Fall Roundup

Apple Festival – This event not only offered great food such as apple sausage and cider, it also included a cider making demonstration as well as demonstration on the importance of honey bees to apple growth.  A great time was had by all and requests were made for a repeat in the fall of 2025.  A shoutout to all who made this event possible.

Home Harvest – Although late this year, the chancellor rail was filled with donated canned goods.  A big thank you to Linda Boyer for suggesting that this worthwhile project be brought back.   

Christmas Pageant – Our Christmas Pageant, “Twas The Night Before Christ” was presented on December 22 and was very successful.  The pews were full and the compliments were flowing.  A special thank you to Cathy Erb and Dan Kahler for all the planning and ideas they came up with.  A shout-out to those who found and installed the stage.  There were so many who helped and a special thank you to all of you.  We look forward to the next production!

Christmas Eve – Our members this year were given a choice of 2 different services to attend, 2 pm and 7 pm.  Pastor Terry suggested that we offer this choice to address schedule conflicts or difficulty with night driving.  It was well received and it is planned to continue to offer this.

Blankets, Mugs and Cookbooks are still available.   Contact any member of Council.   

Sunday Bible School -- 10:30 am

Bible Study has been temporarily paused due to the high rates of flu/covid/rsv this winter.  The group plans to resume once the illness rates begin to diminish.

FUTURE HAPPENINGS

Easter Egg Hunt – April 12, 10 am

Maudy Thursday Services – April 17, 2 pm & 7 pm 

Good Friday Services – April 18, 7 pm

Easter Sunrise Service – April 20, 6:30 am, followed by breakfast

Making Fish Pie – April 26, 10 am, class by Lena Lenker

Mother’s Day Meal – May 4 – (church service at 10:30 am)

Bread Making Class, May 17, 9:30 am, class by Lena Lenker

Email Addresses for Contact-We would like to start keeping in contact with all of you via email.  This would allow us to send you updated info, reminders or new events that are planned.  The quarterly Newsletter would still be mailed to you. Please  send your email address to our church email at stpeterlcmc@outlook.com

Prayer List - Please read over the prayer list to see if there is anyone on the list that you are aware can be removed or you wish to have added.

  The Family of Carl Bobb

Sandy Bobb

Steve Bobb

Ed Boyer

Maureen and Dan Coleman

Carl Criley

Angie French

Darlene French

Scott Hauser

Kimberly Hayes

Tony Julio

Sandra Kieffer

Shane Kieffer

Reggie “Frenchie” LaChance

Diana LaChance
Jeff Latsha

Glenn Masser

The Family of Shirley Maurer

Angie Meadows

Terry Pascolini

Harry Rebuck

Jim Reiner

Sandy Reiner

Anna Reitz

Family of Gerald Rickert

Bev Schwalm

Kris Smeltz

Shelby Troutman

Colyton Wagner

Diane Wolfe

Gary Wolfe

St Peter

Lutheran Church

Of Red Cross

Dornsife, PA

Newsletter

Fall 2024

Pastor’s Corner

MOVING FORWARD 

A few months ago, I was sitting in my recliner getting ready to watch my beloved Philadelphia Phillies play when my phone rang with an unfamiliar number on my screen.  

The game hadn’t started yet, so I took the call. It was Doyle Ferster, the President of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Red Cross.  

I put the television sound on mute. Doyle spent the next 2 and 1/2 hours telling me of the congregation’s experiences with your former Pastor.  

Near the end of our conversation, the game was over, in fact, the post-game show had started. 

Doyle asked for my help. I offered to come and meet with your Church Council, which I did the following week. 

During that meeting, I heard spiritual sadness and even pain expressed over the deterioration of the ministry of the people of St. Peter’s. However, I did not hear despair.   

What I shared with them was that while their sadness and pain was very real, they needed to begin the process of moving forward and trusting in God’s grace and mercy. 

My faith in that belief is rooted in two passages from Scripture: from the Old Testament, Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways,” and from the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” 

In Christ, we are all made new, and this gives us all the freedom to move forward, leaving the past behind!  

Thanks be to God! 

Interim Pastor Terry Wimmer 

History Corner - By Dave Hause

The Sunbury Weekly News

1885, Sep 1

Page 3

 A Skilled Painter.

The Lutheran and Reformed congregation of the St. Peters church of Jackson township, Northumberland county, Pa., having recommended certain repairs at their church building, the board of trustees, requiring the skill and services of a fresco and plain painter, engaged Carl Litz of Sunbury, Pa., to do this work, and he having done the same in such a skillful and workmanlike manner, we regard it but due to him that we should in this public way express our entire satisfaction with the manner in which he performed his work, and would cheerfully recommend him to anyone needing that kind of work, a good reliable and competent mechanic. 

PETER BOHNER,

MARTIN RABUCK,

ISAAC REITZ,

H. B. LATSHA,

JOHN TRESSLER

Mahanoy, Pa., Aug. 28th, 1885

Home Visits

Doris Kahler and Anna Hause have begun visiting and offering communion to those who are unable to attend church.  The reception by our shut-ins has been overwhelmingly joyous.  If you would like to be visited by a church representative or know someone who would, please call the Church Office at 570-920-6083. For emergencies of any sort, please contact any member of Council directly. Calls, texts, messages, and emails are all welcome forms of communication.   Additionally, if any member would be interested in joining Doris and Anna in bringing communion to these shut-ins, please let Doris or Anna know so that dates can be coordinated.

Manor Care Visit—The hymn singing by our group of ladies to the residents at Manor Care on Tuesday was well received and enjoyed by all.  It was hard to leave.  Pauline Kohl celebrated her 101st birthday and our group of ladies led the Manor Care residents in singing happy birthday.  The ladies also presented to both Pauline Kohl and John Land the commemorative 250th Anniversary blanket.

Summer Roundup

The Ham Pot Pie Dinner and Bake Sale on July 27th was sold out in 1 ½ hours.  Who would have thought that Pot Pie would be that popular in the middle of a hot summer?  And yes, those were homemade noodles!  A huge thank you to all who contributed their time to making this event so successful.  Thank you members for your baked good donations!  Without you we couldn’t have done it! 

The Chicken BBQ and Bake Sale was a huge success.  The people waiting in line was constant and, at times, a bit overwhelming.  But everyone was served and happy.  Most were take-out meals, but some ate inside as well.  It was great to see people enjoying being around each other and seeing the friendship and laughter begin to come back in this post-Covid world.  We’d like to give a big shout-out to Mountaindale (Steve), Erdman Pest Control, Frank Krammes, Red Hill Farms, Brian Kahler, Grosser Excavating and Wellington Farms LLC for your donations to this BBQ!  We give to each of you our heartfelt thank you for your generosity!  

And finally, the 2-day Celebration of the existence of our beautiful Church.  We may be small, but we are mighty!  The food was delicious, the entertainment wonderful and the enthusiasm reached 10 on the chart.  The public came and went all day on Saturday, so it was hard to get a number of people who were there.  But it was constantly full under the tent and some sat outside the tent as well.  Not only did we set up tables and chairs so people could eat, we encouraged people to bring lawn chairs to use to enjoy the entertainment and spend the day.  There were lawn chairs everywhere.  It was wonderful!  From the kids’ games (thank you Whitney) to the Chinese Auction (thank you Sue) to the free handouts (thank you Michelle) to all the volunteers who made it happen (you know who you are), a big SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU.  And, we can’t forget all the companies and individuals who donated to make this happen.  A list of those donations from companies is at the end of this Newsletter and donations are still coming in! Thank you Dan for taking the bull by the horns on that!

And then, lastly … Sunday service outside under the tent and Battle Cry leading our service.  We counted 63 people attending!  And then the surprise presentation at the end … the gifting of our commemorative blanket to the oldest members of our congregation.  For anyone who hasn’t seen that blanket, we encourage you to stop by the Church.  It is hanging in the back of the sanctuary.   Below is a picture of the presentation to those members who were at the service.  But we still have members to honor for their faithfulness. Hopefully, by the time this Newsletter is received, all remaining faithful members will have received theirs.

Blankets – Blankets are available.  They are beautiful well made blankets with our church embroidered in one corner and words of faith in the opposite corner.  Cost is $65 each.  They make great Christmas gifts.

Mugs – Mugs are available and going fast.  Cost is $10 each.  These red mugs are 15 oz. of beautiful porcelain and great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate … and even soup.  Remember, Christmas is coming.

Church Cookbook – We still have cookbooks available.  Please see Sandy Reed or Ann Reitz to get your cookbook(s).  Another great idea for a Christmas gift.

Sunday Bible School -- 10:30 am
We are studying Bible answers to participants’ questions with open discussion time. We have finished the Book of Genesis and have decided to begin the Book of Exodus.  Come join us.  Not only are there lively discussions but the social time is invaluable.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

FUTURE HAPPENINGS

Children’s Hymn – On Communion Sundays, we will be singing a children’s hymn instead of the special music played during the offering.  Copies of the song to be sung will be supplied by Audrey and will be handed out with the Bulletin.  Although we don’t have many children attending at the moment (which we are working to change), most of us grew up with a child’s faithful celebration of Jesus and will enjoy this welcome addition.

Apple Festival – October 26 – 2 pm

This is the final event for our 250th Celebration.  We will have a cider making demonstration and a demonstration on the importance of honey bees to apple growth.  We will have apple sausage and burgers with apple toppings.  Bring your favorite apple dish to share.  Coffee and juices will be provided.  Let’s have a great social time and celebrate serving God for 250 years!

A suggestion was made that we return to the annual Home Harvest event where canned goods and home garden products are collected and donated to Haven Ministries.  Because we are past the garden harvest timeframe, it was suggested that we collect canned goods only and celebrate this joyous giving in conjunction with Thanksgiving.  At the same time, the Food Pantry is looking for items for the holidays.  So, from now until November 10, we are asking that in addition to your generous donations to the Food Bank, you bring an extra can or 2 for Haven Ministries.  There will be a bin on the windowsill between the sanctuary and the Sunday School room for the Haven Ministries donated canned goods.  Linda Boyer has volunteered to deliver the donated goods to Haven Ministries.

Christmas Eve Service – After much discussion and careful consideration, it was decided to have our Christmas Eve service on the Sunday before Christmas, December 22nd, at 2 PM.  We believe this will accommodate our members and guests who have difficulty driving at night and for those individuals who have family obligations on Christmas Eve and will give everyone a better opportunity to attend. After the service, we will have a birthday cake to celebrate Christ’s birthday.  Watch our weekly Bulletin for updates.    

Shoebox Project - It’s that time of year again.  Sue Ferster will be heading up this project.  See Sue for details.

Holiday Meal – Our holiday meal/social gathering will be January 18 at 2 pm downstairs.  Watch our weekly Bulletin for updates.

Cooking/Baking Classes – Lena Lenker will be giving baking/cooking classes on the fine art of making fish pie and homemade bread.  Watch our weekly Bulletin for updates.  

Email Addresses for Contact-We would like to start keeping in contact with all of you via email.  This would allow us to send you updated info, reminders or new events that are planned.  The quarterly Newsletter would still be mailed to you. Please  send your email address to our church email at stpeterlcmc@outlook.com

St Peter

Lutheran Church

Of Red Cross

Dornsife, PA

Newsletter

Summer 2024

Council’s Corner

We are sure you’ve heard that there has been a significant change at St. Peter Church.  Due to many reasons, we have chosen to part ways with Pastor Karis.  As we begin our journey and strive toward our next chapter, we pray that Pastor Karis succeeds in her next chapter and we thank her for the time she was with us.

We’re not sure what the future holds but we are sure that we are trusting in the Lord to lead us all during this time of transition. We invite you to continue attending in the hope that you will enjoy the diversity of the different speakers, and we would like you to know that the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month will be led by LCMC Pastor Terry Wimmer.  Thus, Communion will be celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of each month.  If it’s been a while since you’ve attended, whatever the reasons, again we encourage you to come and see a few of the refreshing changes that each speaker of the message is bringing to the service. 

The Council of St. Peter, as a whole, is asking for your continued support and trust as we do our best to serve the Church through this transition.  As we take a breather during the summer months to gather our thoughts and to hone our vision of the future of the Church, we will lean on and trust in the Lord to give us wisdom and guidance; knowing that we have your prayers and trust is more than helpful!

With the help and guidance of Pastor Wimmer and the help of our fellow Christians, we are looking forward to learning and growing the body of Christ as we run headlong into this period of growth.  As St. Peter Lutheran Church of Red Cross prepares to celebrate 250 years of

serving God, we trust in His steadfast love for this Church and know He won’t fail us now!

To God be the glory,

Council of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Red Cross

A Famous Civil War Vet is Buried in Our Graveyard

By David Hause

Isaac Ossman Billman

BIRTH 6 Jun 1839

Jackson Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA

DEATH 2 Aug 1904 (aged 65)

Jackson Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA

BURIAL Saint Peters Lutheran Church Cemetery

Red Cross, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA

The Daily Item Sunbury, Page 4, Aug 27, 1897

HELD UP JEFF. DAVIS.

Isaac 0. Billman, of Mandata, Claims That Distinction.

A well-known Northumberland County native is one of the party who captured the President of the Confederacy in 1865.

Isaac O. Billman, the well-known hotel man and auctioneer of the lower end of the county, passed through Shamokin a few days ago on his way to Tamaqua in search of evidence to establish his claim to a pension. In conversation with a Herald reporter, he told of the capture of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, and the personal part he took therein.

Mr. Billman claims that he was one of the men that captured Davis and his small party, their daughter and son and Postmaster General Lee and their bodyguard of several rebel soldiers.

"I asked Davis to throw up his arms and searched him for weapons, but he had none in his possession," was the statement Billman made to the writer. "It had been reported that Davis wore a petticoat when captured, but it is not true. He wore a long coat that reached below his knees and resembled a duster."

Mr. Billman enlisted in the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry on February 22, 1864, and with the 3rd Ohio and 4th Michigan Cavalry under the command of Col. Minty, the brigade marched through the State of Georgia in an effort to capture the confederate president and a large sum of gold that was in his possession.

One evening the advance guard reported that Jefferson Davis and his small party of fugitives were reported encamping a short distance away, but Col. Minty stated that it was best to effect the capture at early dawn.

It will be remembered that a reward of $100,000 was offered for the capture of Davis and Col. Minty had this in mind and desired to gain the credit and reward for his Michigan Cavalry. So, during the night he moved his men around the confederate president's camp and at early dawn, effected the capture and received the reward which rightfully belonged to the 3rd Ohioians according to the statement of John Thomas and several other old Shamokin veterans who were members of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Soon after the capture, the spot swarmed with soldiers who hurled bitter curses upon the head of the prisoner and as he stood on the wagon said, "If you can't treat a man as he should be treated, I will get out of sight," and he drew down the curtain of the vehicle. With a mad rush, the soldiers tore the coverings and side hangings of the wagon into shreds for the purpose of securing relics but did not attempt to harm the prisoner.

 Home Visits

Doris Kahler, Jodi Lenker and Anna Hause will begin visiting and offering communion to those who are unable to attend church.  If you would like to be visited by a church representative or know someone who would, please call the Church Office at 570-920-6083. For emergencies of any sort, please contact any member of Council directly. Calls, texts, messages, and emails are all welcome forms of communication.

Spring Roundup

The Soup Festival and Bake Sale on March 2nd was wildly successful.  Soup was sold as fast as it was made … until finally every drop was gone.  Thank you Dan, Sue, Doyle and Celeste for making the soup and manning those kettles.  The bake sale was just as successful.  Thank you, members, for your baked good donations!  Without you we couldn’t have done it!  Thank you, Ann, Jodi and Anna, for making the bake sale happen!

The Ice Cream Social on May 18th was a huge success.  There were 80+ people who attended.  A big shout out to Dan Ferster who made the ice cream, Rich Scheib who gave a history of the church and to Dave Hause who gave a history and video presentation of the church cemetery.

Summer Happenings

Church Cookbook – As part of the 250th commemoration, we have compiled a cookbook full of all your favorite recipes.

The Cookbooks are in!  They are absolutely beautiful!  Cost is $20 each.  Please see Sandy Reed or Ann Reitz to get your cookbook(s).

Sunday Bible School -- 10:30 am
We are studying Bible answers to participants’ questions with open discussion time. We are continuing with Genesis. The group may be small but the discussion and sharing are heartfelt and at times quite humorous.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Prayer Meeting – Every Monday 6:30 pm

Ham Pot Pie Dinner & Bake Sale – July 27th

3 pm to 7 pm or until sold out

Chicken BBQ & Bake Sale - August 17th

11 am to 4 pm or until sold out

250th Church Anniversary Celebration & Festival

September 14

Pulled Pork Platters or Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers

Entertainment

11 am —Jared & Katie Wehry

1 pm—Seger Family

3 pm—Brad Crum

5 pm—Bob Randall

Craft Vendors

Chinese Auction

Children’s Games

September 15

9 am—Outside Under the Tent with   Battle Cry

Cake & Coffee Following Service

Apple Festival – October 26 – 2 pm

Bring your favorite apple dish to share.  Coffee and juices will be provided.  Let’s have a great social time and celebrate serving God for 250 years!