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The Spirit October 2009
St. Stephen’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
65 E. Street Road
Feasterville, Pa. 19053
Church Office—215-357-8138
FAX # 215-357-8142
Pastor-The Rev. John P. Dougherty
Assistant Pastor-The Rev. Peggy Frischmann
Patricia R. Conover, Director of Music
Holly Donato, Organist
From Our Pastor
Dear Member of St. Stephen’s,
As you may or may not know, there has been much discussion and prayerful discernment going on among the leaders and clergy of the Lutheran church. We are part of the nationwide church, the ELCA, which met in convention in Minneapolis, from August 17-23. This letter is to inform you of some of the issues that were discussed and voted on at that convention.
We do not need to take any action on these issues, but there are some options we would want to explore if there is a desire. There are certainly differing opinions on these issues in society as well as the church. The primary issue that was voted on related to human sexuality.
On August 19, the assembly adopted, by a vote of 676-338 in favor of the 10th Social Statement called; Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the letter written by our synod Bishop Claire S. Burkat which will explain what that statement means for us.
On August 21, the assembly voted 559-451 to approve a resolution committing the church to find ways for congregations that choose to do so to “recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same gender relationships”. Another resolution was for the ELCA to commit itself to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, life long, monogamous, same gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.
This means that the church ordination policy was changed. The ELCA has always ordained homosexual/lesbian people to the office of ordained ministry. But the minister had to take a vow of celibacy, just like a single heterosexual pastor did. This vote changes that. It is now unclear, if any vows will be required of anyone in the future.
As Christians, most of us are accepting of homosexuals and interact with them as we do heterosexuals. We fully agree that homosexuals should be protected from discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, housing, joining of organizations, and especially as church members; but some people are not accepting that they should be ordained as clergy as was voted for by the ELCA in its national assembly. Some believe that it goes against our understanding of Scripture.
After reading this information let the church council know how you feel, if you desire, and we will discuss it more fully in our next council meeting.
Through Christ,
Pastor John
Wear Red for Reformation Sunday
MEMORIALIZE A LOVED ONE
Just as you remember loved ones with flowers or bulletins, you may also
memorialize a loved one with the sanctuary candle.
The cost is $5.00 per week.
Fill out a flower envelope and mark it candle.
St. Stephen’s “News” Column
Wedding
Sandra Doms & Thomas Vickrey - October 17, 2009
Funeral
The congregation would like to express its sympathy to the family of Anna Exler on her death and entrance into Eternal Life.
St. Stephen’s Sunday School News
Sunday School teachers meeting is after the last service on Sunday, October 11th
The Annual Congregational Meeting of St. Stephens Lutheran Church will take place immediately following the service on Sunday, November 8, 2009. On that Sunday there will be only one service at 9:30 a.m. Please make time to stay after that service and participate in the meeting. It is our responsibility as members of St. Stephen’s to take part in the planning for the future of our congregation.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2009 DUE TO THE MEETING.
Thank you,
St. Stephen’s Church Council
“The 3 Day” walk for Breast Cancer
October 16th is a big day. I am participating in “The 3 day” walk for Breast Cancer. We’ve all been touched in someway by someone battling cancer. We pray for all those who are in treatment, newly diagnosed or who were overcome by this disease. We walk toward a better future in hope of finding a cure.
If you’d like to sponsor my 60 mile journey, log on to www.the3day.org/goto/LauraByrnes. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Laura
Bible Study Group
The Bible Study is Continuing. We invite anyone who desires to learn more from the scriptures to join us in the parlor each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
St. Stephen’s Traveler’s
December 2, 2009 trip to Staten Island, NY for our Christmas dinner and show cost $69.00.
Also on December 9th we have a Mystery trip cost is $69.00.
For more information please call Sharon Buchholz, 215-598-0370 .
Teach Others about Sharing God’s Love
Is God’s will in your will? Including the church in your will teaches others about sharing God’s love. Without your wishes expressed in a will, the ministries of the church for which you care deeply will not be blessed through your estate.
The Endowment Committee
St. Stephen’s Lunch Bunch
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Our meeting will be held in Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. Entertainment for the day will be the Four Gone Conclusions (Barber Shop Quartet). Lunch will follow at Johnny Apples, 184 Buck Rod, Holland.
1. Chicken Piccatta
2. Grilled Pork Chops
3. Penne A La Bodka
Price per person is $19.00 includes tip, taxes, soup, potato and a vegetable, tea & coffee.
No dessert.
Please send check to St. Stephen’s Lunch Bunch to:
Ann Stellwagen, 432 Walnut Ave., Trevose, PA 19053
Dues are now due $8.00.
AUGUST, 2009 FINANCIAL SITUATION
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WERE:
$137,239.82
For which we thank you
OUR EXPENSES WERE:
$160,020.52
OUR RESERVES WERE DECREASED BY:
$22,780.70
BUILDING FUND
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WERE:
$11,802.00
MORTGAGE PAYMENT
$12,064.00
Please keep current with your offerings.
I. H. O. P. REFUND PROGRAM
Eat at I. H. O. P., Pay your check. Ask for refund receipt.
Deposit in box in narthex. St. Stephen’s will receive a 10% refund on all receipts.
Cook Book
Help create a St. Stephen’s cook book. We are looking for favorites and family secrets. Please include hors d’oeuvres, main and side dishes, desserts and party specialties. A red box is located in the narthex. Please include your name if you would like.
Thank you, Susan Gordon from Family Fellowship.
Serving God and the Community since 1953
Church Staff
Jean M. Burkins Church Secretary
Marie Skaziak Church Secretary
John Schneider Sexton
Steve & Patty Nickel Sextons
Carol Merchiore Wedding Coordinator
Church Council Officers
Charles Baun President
Jenn Schneider Vice-President
Chuck Townsend Treasurer
Al Giandomenico Financial Secretary
Joan Bowman Church Council Secretary
Church Council Members
Carol Merchiore
Lynn Rhodes
Dawn Boger
Paul Boger
James Barrett
Steve Nickel
Sue Gordon
Ryan Thiboldeaux
Helen Gallagher
Just a reminder!
Copy deadline for the November issue of “The Spirit”
newsletter is October 9th
Our Church Website
www.ststephenslutheranchurch.org
If you are an individual or group that would like events/announcements/pictures on the church website please contact Paul Boger by email or 215-651-1947
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