The

Salem

Dove

MARCH 2007

FROM THE PASTOR:

I was just thinking about writing something for the March Dove when the phone rang. A Buffalo stockbroker and businessman was on the other end. I have known him for some time and we have had some good talks before and have served together on some projects before. He said he called because he had a religious question and wanted to talk and reflect. He said that it came up because he was visiting a large Wesleyan church over the weekend and listened carefully to the sermon, and something kept coming out wrong for him. The preacher said that Buddha and Mohammed were basically good people and had done good for the people of their day, but they were not saved; the only way to be saved was Jesus. He said that the way it was presented seemed to leave us Christians in an arrogant position where we were the only right ones. We got to talking and thinking about his concern.

I suggested that we don’t come off so arrogant if we don’t do the judging but let God do the judging. We cannot say that God cannot judge, but we cannot do the judging for him. I also said that it is sometimes easier to approach the issue of judgment but beginning with nature. For example what happens to you if you give Mother Nature the signal with your middle finger—so to speak? Mother Nature can break you up and kill you if you mock her. We know that many Christians have an anxiety attack if you even suggest that someone gets AIDS from sexual infidelity because that is the wrath or judgment of God. They will say that they will not tolerate a God who would do such a thing. It is strange for anyone to say they won’t tolerate a God who has wrath and judgment—I didn’t know we got to decide what aspects of God we will tolerate. But Mother Nature surely demands consequences when someone is careless with sex; but then many are trying to make nature over into our image too. The point is that we must learn to say God and nature as well demand consequences or judgment. But we must do it in a way that not only gets us a hearing in our families and world but in a way that does not make us come off arrogant and self righteous. As this man and I talked we agreed that God is free to judge and to show mercy as he sees fit when and where he wills. We also agreed that there are many who know the Christian answers but who will end up under God’s judgment in spite of their right answers from the Bible and the catechism. Self-righteous people can learn lots of right answers and never see their own self-

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Salem Lutheran Church

10 McClellan Circle - Buffalo, New York 14220

Rev. David F. C. Wurster, Ph. D. – Pastor

Lynn I. Scarpine, Director of Christian Growth Lois L. Jones, Director of Music

Ernelle L. Ponivas, Secretary Stephen Jarmusz Sr., Custodian Claire Carlson, ‘Dove’ Editor

Rev. Richard E. Blemaster, Pastor Emeritus

e-mail: salemoncircle@yahoo.com website: www.salembuffalo.com

= = = Misson: SALEM/Peace - As the Father sent me I send you. = = =

Vision: Preach – Teach – Heal – doing what Jesus does

(CON’T. FROM PAGE ONE)

righteousness. So we decided that our job as Christians is to accent the grace of God in Christ and speak of God’s judgment in a way that leaves it in His hands and does not lead to our own self-righteousness.

After we talked, I thought of Martin Luther’s thoughts on those people whose main reason for being Christian is to get to heaven and to avoid hell. He said that these people were self centered (self righteous), and also work righteous. They loved the gift more than the Giver. Some of his actual words: “These men are parasites and hirelings; slaves and not sons; aliens and not heirs…. A son who served his father merely for the sake of the inheritance would indeed be a wicked child and deserve to be cast off by his father.” Yes, he could be blunt.

After I hung up I opened a Bible to the first few verses in Luke 13 to look at a Gospel lesson. I called the businessman back, and his secretary put me right through. I told him about Luke 13; he opened a Bible he keeps at his desk in the office. These verses talked about some self-righteous people who came to Jesus for a pat on the back rather than any life change. Pilate killed some Galileans and they concluded that they were worse sinners than others. And a tower fell on some people in Jerusalem so they concluded that they were worse sinners than any others. Jesus was quick to take judgment from their hands and dump it on their head. He said, “Unless you repent you will perish as they did...” The point he is making is that judgment begins with me. Only then can we know the Gospel of grace in Christ and make any kind of judgments at all and leave the big judgment in the hands of the judge. Only then can we really share the Gospel. We are not in it—Luther’s point—to get the goodies of heaven. We are in it because we love him because he first loved us. We are in it for eternal love and life.

I remember a woman who was in the self-righteous mode who told her husband at the breakfast table about her dream. She told him she dreamt the rapture had come and that she and the children were caught up—“but you were lost.” I’m sure those words set the day off on a gracious track!

Lent is a time to reflect on repentance beginning with me and not the other person. Repentance is a word of freedom as well. Repentance begins with God who loves us enough to show us our own slavery to ourselves and who promises to love us into a world beyond the prison of self. Lent is focused on the cross of Christ. He calls us beyond self into his glorious light. He will judge when and where he will. But more powerful he promises to bring new life from the dead—a gift of grace. As we continue to celebrate our 90^th anniversary let us remember our Lutheran heritage and the gifts of 90 years of life in him. Let us continue to pray the Spirit leads us to mission beyond ourselves and into the story of life in its fullness—that is shalom-Salem.

Peace, Pastor Wurster

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE CLASS 2006-2007

Faith, Stories and Prayers

Making peace with head, heart, tongue and both hands

Mission: Salem/ Peace – As the Father sent me, I send you.

Vision: Preach, Teach, Heal/Care – doing what Jesus does

Lutherans are people with One Lord and 3 books (Bible, Catechism, Hymnal)

Schedule may be revised for special topics and forums

Each week we will choose a hymn, prayer and/or psalm to begin the class. Bring a favorite to class and we will use it. When a good and timely topic arises we can suspend this schedule and address a topic.

Date Bible Catechism

Mar. 4 Romans 2 Creed 1

Mar. 11 Romans 3 Creed 2

Mar. 18 Romans 5 Creed 3

Mar. 25 Romans 6 Lord’s Prayer Intro. & Petition 1

Apr. 1 Ezekiel 1,2,3 Lord’s Prayer Petition 2/3/4

90^TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS

March 11^th – Rev. Kenyatta Cobb, Hananiah Lutheran Mission

March 24^th – Potluck and Auction – proceeds matched by Thrivent

to benefit Hananiah and Interfaith Hospitality Network (see flyer elsewhere in this issue)

April 8^th – Easter

April 22^nd – Interfaith Hospitality Network – Charlie Scarpine

April 22^nd – Ars Nova Concert

April 28^th – Youth Garage Sale

April 29^th – Pastor Biegner – History of Lutheranism in Western New York

May mission – Niagara Lutheran Home

May 6^th - Pastor Biegner – History of Lutheranism in Western New York

May 20^th – Confirmation Classes Reunion with Reception – Rev. Richard Blemaster,

Pastor Emeritus, Preacher

June 3^rd – Sunday School Celebration – honoring all Sunday School teachers past & present

June 10^th – Rev. Chris Brown – Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center

June 10^th – Strawberry Social

July mission – Lutheran Hour

July 22^nd – Rev. Dennis Putzman, son of Salem, Preacher

July 22^nd – “Taste of Salem”

August mission – Lutheran Church Extension Fund

August 12^th – Rev. Lee Stisser, former Pastor, St. Paul’s, Preacher

September mission – Concordia, Bronxville

September 9^th – Joint Picnic with Buffalo North Circuit

October 3^rd – Roast Beef Dinner - to benefit Hananiah and Interfaith

October 7^th & 14^th – Pastor Biegner – History of Lutheranism in Western New York

October 20^th – Anniversary Banquet – Michael’s Banquet Center

October 21^st – Reunion Service with Coffee Hour

November mission – Clinical Pastoral Education

November 22^nd – Service of Thanksgiving

December 9^th – Celebratory Service of Praise with Rev. Dr. John Brunner, Eastern Dist. LCMS President

Throughout the year, we will be supporting two missions – Hananiah Lutheran Mission and Interfaith Hospitality Network as part of our outreach. We will also be supporting our charities/ missions allocated in our budget.

Committees are being formed for the above events. Please volunteer by signing up on the forms on the wall outside the Krueger room. See order form for 90^th Anniversary items.

Claire Carlson, Rose Ann Merkt, Norrine Nagel, Ray Yox, Co Chairpersons

MEMORIALS AND GIFTS

STEPHEN MINISTRY - - - - - - - - Gifts: Mark & Christine Johnson; Rich & Shirley Landseadel; Tom Jindra

CURRENT- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Gifts: Violet Kelm (birthday); Olga Kingsland (birthday)

MEISSNER FUND- - - - - - - - - - - -Gifts: Arlene Ball; Elinor Jentsch; Olga Kingsland; Gladys Matson; Paul & Stephanie Swierczynski; Ray & Lois Yox; Shirley Banas; Sue Gifford; Mark & Christine Johnson; Marilyn Krentz; Lorraine McGill; George & Jean Ponivas; Dorothy Putzman; Mel Beyers

Memorials and Gifts are recorded based on information from the control sheets complied by the counters each Sunday. Please note Memorials and Gifts may not be published in the Dove in the same month in which they are donated.

ORDER FORM FOR 90^TH ANNIVERSARY ITEMS

Form due March 31^st 2007

Item Price per item Sizes(circle one) quantity

Adult Tee Shirt

S M L XL

Larger Size Tee Shirt

$10

Youth Tee Shirt

XS S

(2-4)(6-8)

M L

(10-12)(14-16)

Adult Sweatshirt

$14

S M L XL

Larger Size Sweatshirt

$16

Larger Size Sweatshirt

$17

Youth Sweatshirt

$14

XS S

(2-4)(6-8)

M L

(10-12)(14-16)

TOTAL COST____________

Please return form with your payment

(cash or check made payable to Salem Lutheran Church)

to Claire Carlson, David Carlson or Fred Bartz Jr.

Name: ___________________Phone Number:__________

CASH AND CARRY Items will be available before and after services beginning in March 2007.

$3 - COFFEE MUGS $5 - TOTE BAGS

DID YOU KNOW……………….

In honor of Salem’s 90^th Anniversary, it was suggested to “interview” some of our members to recall their memories of our church’s history. Our next “interviewee” is Elinor Ulrich Jentsch. Elinor’s parents were Henry Ulrich and Florence Bieler Ulrich. Elinor’s father, Henry was a member at that “country” church, Trinity in West Seneca since birth. Elinor’s grandparents are buried in Trinity’s cemetery. Living in South Buffalo, Pastor Krueger approached Henry Ulrich about transferring his membership to Salem.

Elinor is the youngest in her family of four girls. All her sisters were confirmed at Salem. Her sisters are: Helen Ulrich Taylor, Leona Ulrich Miller and Marian Ulrich Cavanaugh. Elinor was baptized, confirmed and married by Pastor Krueger at Salem.

A separate wooden structure had to be built next to “old” Salem because there were so many children attending Sunday School. In addition to attending Sunday School, Elinor had to attend Afternoon School or religious education at the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During confirmation, she went after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. So there was religious education five days a week at the church. The Sunday before the children were confirmed was Lesson Sunday. The children sat in the front of the church in the choir pew area and had to answer questions by Pastor Krueger in ‘round robin’ style. There were 27 children in her class. Elinor was confirmed in 1942.

Communion was given four times a year then. You had to announce to the pastor the Friday before if you desired communion. This took place in the sacristy of the church. Communion was given in a separate service after the regular worship.

During the war years, “God Bless Our Native Land” was sung at the conclusion of every service. Elinor remembered the sons of Salem lost in the war.

During Elinor’s teen years, Pastor Krueger was also the Vice President of the District. There were vicars and others during that time that assisted him. They were seminary students Otto Truog and Bertwin Frey who later became the pastor at Bethany; Ralph Krueger who served as Junior Pastor and Robert Sauer who served as Director of Education and Music and later became a Vice President of LCMS.

She was a member of the Walther League, the junior and senior groups.

(con’t on next column)

(con’t from the previous column)

Elinor attended Youth Bible Class until she was recruited as a Sunday School teacher. Many were recruited that way.

She was a member of the Altar Guild until it disbanded. You could be a member until the age of 35 then you became a member of the Ladies’ Aid.

Elinor’s father, Henry was a member of “new” Salem Building committee. His gift from the Lord was that of carpentry. He made all of our current Sunday School altars.

To decide the size of the cross on the top of the building, several different sizes were made. Henry climbed up on the roof so that the other members of the Building Committee could decide which size they liked as he held them up.

Elinor married Carl Jentsch on October 4^th 1952. Carl attended Adult Classes and became a member prior to their marriage. “New” Salem was dedicated in December 1951 and they were married in October making them the second couple married at “new” Salem. As an engaged couple, Elinor recalled the walk from “old” Salem to “new” Salem where Carl had the honor of the opening the front door.

Carl held many Council positions and was an usher. He hosted the annual Men’s Club steak outing for twenty years.

She has three children, Mark, David and Amy Jentsch Newhall. They were all baptized and confirmed at Salem. She has five grandchildren.

Elinor was and continues to be a member of the choir. She is on the Worship Committee, Servant Ministry Committee, is in Golden Agers and LWML and has helped with VBS.

She has been officers in the Altar Guild, Golden Agers and LWML. Elinor remembered her mother being a member of the LWML and the officers making home visits to collect the mite boxes.

Elinor’s confirmation verse is Psalm 27:1 - “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”(KJV) This verse has always guided her life. Elinor took her confirmation vow very seriously and found it very meaningful.

Her other favorite verse is Rev. 2:10b – “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”(KJV) She instilled this verse in her children and uses it in her daily walk with the Lord.

We would like to thank Elinor for her special observations on the history of Salem.

Claire Carlson

LENT 2007

Salem will participate with the Lutheran churches in the North Buffalo Circuit this year. Salem is new to this group so this is a way to get to know fellow Lutherans in the area. The theme of the Services will be Christ on Trial. There will be a soup and sandwich supper at 6 pm at the host church and worship will be at 7:30 pm. Hymn sing at 7:15 pm. Salem will have a morning worship at 10 am and then the evening service as indicated on the schedule. The worship committee has decided to have a car pool to travel to other churches for the evening services.

The Lenten schedule is as follows:

March 7 – St. Luke, Cheektowaga – 6 pm – soup/sandwich – 7:30 worship (Salem – 10 am)

March 14 – Salem – 6 pm – soup/sandwich – 7:30 worship (Salem – 10 am)

March 21 – Holy Cross, Clarence – 6 pm – soup/sandwich – 7:30 worship (Salem – 10 am)

March 28 – Out Savior, Buffalo – 6 pm – soup/sandwich – 7:30 worship (Salem – 10 am)

May 17 – Ascension Service at Pilgrim, Kenmore – 6 pm – soup/sandwich – 7:30 worship

Offerings – all loose offering during this series will go to Hananiah Lutheran Church, a mission.

Pastor Wurster

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EASTER BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2007

8:15 AM TO 9:00 AM IN THE SOCIAL ROOM

$5.00 PER ADULT &

$2.00 PER CHILD (5-12)

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FUND

MENU: SAUSAGE, EGGS,

SWEET ROLLS, ORANGE

JUICE, TEA, COFFEE AND

MILK

TICKET SELLERS:FRED BARTZ

AND MARK THOMAS

Lutheran ‘30’ Broadcast Schedule:

36^TH YEAR – 2006-7

Each Sunday at 9:00 am on WXRL (1300 AM), Lancaster, NY

March 4 – St. John, North Tonawanda

March 11– Redeemer, Colden

March 18 – Salem, Springville

March 25 – Trinity, West Seneca

SALEM LUTHERAN YOUTH

The Youth Group wants to say thanks to the Thrivent group for their donation of funds from the December coffee hour. They donated the funds for the Youth to use for future activities.

After service on Sunday, January 21st, the Youth helped collect over $400.00 for the Buffalo City Mission. This service event was done as an early "Soup-er Bowl" Sunday, while its director, Tom McLaughlin, was visiting our church.

As mentioned last month, the Salem Youth “lock-in”-sleepover was held the weekend of January 25-26th. We had 17 youth people stay overnight with the assistance of eight adult chaperones. Music, pizza, breakfast and fellowship was joined together with crafts. First, the youth made paper lace doily Valentine's Day hearts. Next, they painted and decorated small birdhouses and finished up with decorating pins with prayerful thoughts to keep for themselves (or give to someone who is special to them).

The birdhouses will be used as a fundraiser during the Salem Potluck/Auction later in March. Make sure to stop by to see their talents (or buy one to take home).

The lace hearts were delivered to the Seneca Manor nursing home. A team of eight Salemites, including one of our own shut-in's, placed the hearts on the doors of over 130 residents. The smiles on their face and the opportunity to wish everyone a "Happy Valentine's Day" made this a very rewarding endeavor.

For March, plan to stop by the Youth table before or after the Potluck dinner. The youth will be glad to let you know what they are doing. Some youth are joining the confirmands at the "Famin-a-Thon" at Harvest House, March 2-3.

The Youth Group continues to sell candy bars after church most Sundays. Thank you for your continued support.

Planning will continue for the Youth-sponsored "Indoor Garage Sale" scheduled for April 28th. Watch the Bulletin for more information or to reserve a table. See flyer in this issue of the Dove

The next youth meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 11th, after service in the lower social room. All youth grade 3 and above are invited. Remember, SLY wants to see as many as possible!

Paul Thomas, Salem Lutheran Youth Leader

CONGREGATION GAME NIGHT

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

6:00 p.m.

Bring your favorite game and a snack (chips, pretzels, cookies, etc.) to share. Beverages will be provided. If you don’t want to play games, then come for the fellowship!

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BIBLE STUDY

A Bible Study is at 1 pm on Tuesdays

led by Sally McAlpine. All are welcome.

A Bible Study led by Ruth Carr is on

Thursdays at 9:30 am. All are welcome.

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ANNIVERSARY MEMORABILIA NEEDED

As part of our 90^th anniversary celebration, we are asking all our members to assist us in developing a large display of Salem and St. Paul memorabilia. If you have any photos, anniversary brochures, group pictures or any such items we would appreciate it if you would bring them to church and give them to Ruth Carr or Elinor Jentsch. We will display everything at some time in the fall of 2007.

Many of us have large quantities of return labels and we suggest that you identify your contributions so that we can return everything to the rightful owner.

Ray Yox

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THE BALANCE IN CURRENT AS OF January 31, 2007 IS A DEFICIT OF $6,077.89.

Nancy Thomas, Treasurer

ST. PAUL CONFIRMATION

PHOTOS NEEDED

I am looking for confirmation photos from St. Paul’s Lutheran church for the years between 1987 and 2001. I would prefer 8” x 10” or the largest size I can borrow. I’m looking for photos of the whole confirmation group including the Pastor. All photos will be returned after I scan them for a CD album I have been creating. Included should be the names and position they stand in from left to right and the year. If you have scanned photos you can email them to me at cbelect@verizon.net as an attachment in JPG or BMP format.

Thank you, Chuck Yung

Please remember the deadline for the next issue of the Dove will be March 18^th 2007. Articles may be placed in my basket in the church secretary’s office or email to patchtroop546@aol.com. Thank you. Claire Carlson

SALEM DISASTER SHELTER

Donations are coming in slowly. Thank you to all who have already donated items. This shelter will be available to everyone, so we are asking everyone to donate something from our wish list. There is a box in the upper hall for donations. We also have plans to purchase a generator.

Items needed:

Bottled water Powdered milk

Coffee (regular & decaf), tea bags, Kool aid, hot chocolate

Spaghetti & spaghetti sauce Rice

Canned fruits & vegetables Soup

Instant oatmeal Canned tuna & chicken

Fruit roll ups & fruit snacks Peanut butter

Sugar, salt Batteries (any size)

Candles (no votives or tapers) Flashlights

Blankets Bandaids

Tylenol Tums or Rolaids

Neosporin Bleach

Ziploc Bags Trash bags

Thank you for your help. Ken Kushka

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OUR SYMPATHIES to the family of Norma Hagner and to Delores Landwehr on the loss of her grandson.

Some Christian Growth Thoughts:

What are you really good at? What do you like to do? What is your passion? We all know what Christ’s passion was/is: us! He came to walk amongst us, live with us, teach us and ultimately…He saved us. And, we’ve been charged with His commission; to love one another as He loves us and to go forth to make disciples of all nations.

I’ll bet you may be thinking, ”Easier said than done’! Congregations try and try, one program after another, to fill up their pews for worship, to attract more young people and families, to love others and bring them to Christ, yet oft we find in recent times that none of the past “tried and true” methods/programs/groups/events will enable not only attracting others, but getting them to stay and invest their time, talent and treasure in the congregation. How do we stem the tide of shrinking congregations and turn the church around with Christ?

Albert Einstein once said: “No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it.” What this means is that we need to think differently about our church(es)! When we think differently, we behave differently. All too often I hear of what’s wrong with our church(es), instead, let’s focus on what’s right with our church(es)! What are our strengths? What are we really good at? Where is our passion?

Do we ‘limit’ God’s will when we complain about what’s wrong and then insist on doing it like before? Where is the room for God’s will to grow among us if we’re always looking back? Wasn’t Jesus a ‘risk taker’? Shouldn’t we be as well? Isn’t God all about death and resurrection? (You know; dying to our old selfish ways and rising to new life in Him)? If we profess Christ, should we not live Christ? To do this may mean the ‘death’ of some of the ways/programs we used to do/have. Then what? Resurrection…that’s what. A new rising in Christ, be it new methods/programs/groups/events, it will be things we haven’t done before. God’s will, will be free to grow amongst us! With Christ, we are free to embrace new thinking, new seeing, new doing in His Name. Life simply can’t get any more exciting than that!

Now it’s time to turn our thinking into action; look around our congregation and take special note of what our strengths are here at Salem. Let’s identify and nurture the spiritual gifts we recognize in one another. Look for: brotherly love, forgiveness, hospitality, service, prayer, witnessing, self-examination, confession, unity, mission-minded, teaching, joy, praise, love for others, humility, desire to learn, proclaiming and time with God (worship). When you see these strengths in action, give thanks be to God, re-affirm the strength with the person(s) you see it in

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(con’t. from previous column)

and write it down so others may become aware.

Once we identify Salem’s strengths and then raise these gifts up in prayer to the Lord, stand back, for God is about to do an amazing work here amongst His people! Thanks be to God!

In His joy, Lynn Scarpine, DCG

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ENROLLED IN THE CHRISTCARE SERIES

Salem has recently enrolled in the ChristCare Series, a system of small group ministry, designed by the Stephen Ministries in St. Louis. Two representatives from our congregation will attend a one-week Training Course to be trained as “Equippers,” who will direct the ChristCare Group Ministry in our congregation. These Equippers will return to us with the knowledge and resources necessary to establish small group ministry at Salem.

They will recruit and train members of Salem to be group leaders and then organize small groups. Keep your eyes and ears open for more information about the exciting ministry.

I am excited and thankful that God has led us to this direction in ministry. I believe we are going to be even more effective in our ministries of inreach and outreach because of the ChristCare Group Ministry and our partnership with Stephen Ministries.

Please pray for our mission together, for God’s guidance and strength and for our ChristCare Ministry.

We will be having an enrollment ChristCare Group Ministry Worship Service.

Roy A. Sheppard

THANK YOU TO Walt Forbach and Tom Jindra for helping with the poinsettia sale. They have been assisting for over 10 years.

THANK YOU TO Steve Jarmusz Sr., Steve Jarmusz Jr. and Jennilyn Jarmusz for cooking for the Hot Dog Lunch to benefit Valparaiso University on February 11^th.

THANK YOU TO Cherie Jarmusz and Shirley Landseadel for being the Financial Secretaries for many years and to Marjorie Zawada for assisting them.

MEETINGS

Sunday, March 11^th

BOOK SALE during Coffee Hour

Donated books may be left in the LWML box in the Upper Parish Hall. (Please NO Reader’s Digest Condensed Books.)

Wednesday, March 14^th

BUFFALO ZONE LWML MEETING

12 Noon – St. Luke, Cheektowaga

Please bring your lunch.

Thursday, April 26^th

SALEM LWML EVENING MEETING

Joyce Vassallo, President

GOLDEN AGERS

Our first meeting of 2007 was held on February 1. There were 37 present with two new members being welcomed. The program for the day was Amanda Leitten, special event coordinator for Renaissance House along with two clients speaking on the Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign.

Our next meeting is Thursday, March 1^st at 12 noon. Please bring your lunch and join us. Our meeting in April is April 5^th.

Trips for the coming year were presented. On May 16, a day trip to the Greg Frewin Theater for Las Vegas in Niagara Falls. Enjoy a sit down lunch and the matinee show followed by a stop at the Fallsview Casino for $75. On July 19, the annual picnic will take place at the Commissioner’s Cabin in Chestnut Ridge Park. The cost for lunch and dinner will be $13. September 15-19 will be a trip to Frankenmuth/ Mackinac Island at a cost of $595. If you are interested in any of these tours, contact Pat or Dick Bundt at 876-7717.

Gretchen Putzman, Secretary

MEETINGS (con’t)

MEN’S GROUP

Our next breakfast meeting is March 3 at 8:30 a.m. at Salem. All men are encouraged to attend. We will be planning the lay service that we are doing in April and some future outings.

Ken Kushka

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WOMEN’S GUILD

BAKED GOOD SALE

March 11^th after coffee hour

All donations appreciated. Please leave in church kitchen.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 13^th at 12 noon. Please bring your lunch and join us.

Shirley Banas, Vice President

POTLUCK CORNER

ORANGE PINEAPPLE CAKE

1 pkg. yellow cake mix 4 eggs

1 pkg. orange jello ¾ c. oil

1 can crushed pineapple with juice

In a bowl, add cake mix, jello, eggs, oil and pineapple and juice. Mix well. Pour into a greased and floured 9” x 13” pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes.

Frosting can be Cool Whip or the following Whipped Cream:

Cook 2 ½ tbsp. flour and ½ c. milk until thick, then cool.

¼ c. soft oleo 1 tsp. vanilla

¼ c. Crisco ½ c. granulated sugar

Beat in bowl 5-10 minutes with electric mixer. Add to flour and milk mixture.

Olga Kingsland

ERICK SCOTT, foster son of Lynn and Charlie Scarpine was voted by faculty and students at Kenmore West High School as “Character of the Quarter.” Erick’s picture hangs in the school’s front hall along with the traits of his character: caring, responsible, humble, enthusiastic, trustworthy, kind and looking out for others.

Lynn Scarpine

EASTERN DISTRICT NEWS

Equipping to Share

April 21^st – Grace, Niagara Falls (283-1843)

Lutheran Schools Week – March 4 -11

BOY’S BASKETBALL GAME SCHEDULE

All Games are at the HUB behind Wesleyan Church, McKinley Pkwy. in Hamburg

Admission - $2

March 3 – 11:30 Salem/ St. John’s Lutheran A – Potomac Methodist A

Bye - Salem/ St. John’s Lutheran B

March 10 – Division Playoffs

March 17 – Championship Games

Please come and support the young men of Salem. Jim Carr

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CO-ED SOFTBALL TEAM

Here at Salem we are trying to organize a co-ed softball team. Those who are interested, please contact Jim Carr at 896-1991 or Matt Hoffmann at 380-1350.

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THANK YOU

Dear Rev. David Wurster,

I just wanted to send you a quick thank you for your participation in the “Soup or Bowl of Compassion” to benefit the Buffalo City Mission. It is a true blessing to see our communities coming together to help fight homelessness in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank you & God Bless, Audrey Calhoun

Director of Community Relations, Buffalo City Mission

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HELLO NEIGHBORS! I TOOK PICTURES OF YOUR CHURCH AND THE IMMEDIATE AREA AFTER THE STORM IN OCTOBER. IN THE PICTURES YOU CAN SEE HOW EVIDENT GOD’S BEAUTY IS DESPITE THE DEVASTATION WE EXPERIENCED. KEEP SHINING HIS LIGHT. SINCERELY, STACEY HOOVER, 147 CHOATE AVE.

(These pictures will be posted on the bulletin board in the church office.)

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Eastern District Presidential Scholarship

Deadline – March 23^rd 2007

For High School Seniors desiring to enter church vocation

Eastern District Student Aid Program

Deadline – April 20^th 2007

Based on Financial Need

For students desiring to enter church vocation

Students must be members of LCMS.

See church office for application forms and more information.

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A GREAT STATEMENT BY ENGLAND’S PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR

In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England’s Prime Minister Tony Blair’s words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said:

“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in…how many want out. Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ

2. The American G.I

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.”

Submitted by Sally McAlpine

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WINE TASTING AND ART AUCTION

April 22^nd 2007

Sunday afternoon

At Greenfield’s new Chapel/Auditorium

Benefit for Lutheran Campus Ministries

Questions, call Jeff at 688-4064

Local artists needed, call Maryann at 639-1169

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THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADERS WILL BE PRESENTING THEIR ESSAYS AND PROJECTS TO THE CONGREGATION ON MARCH 25^TH.

LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES –

LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE

LHM’s New Children’s Web Site Is a Safe,

Christian Place to Play Online

JCPlayZone.com engages children through interactive games, crafts, recipes, and other activities in a safe, Christian environment. Games, activities, and coloring pages will change often to encourage children to return and check out what’s new. JCPlayZone can be a home page for a family’s computer so that when the children sign on to the Internet, it is the first Web site they see. The website was created especially for children ages 2 through 6.

A companion Web site for parents, “JC ParentZone” provides parents access to relevant information on helpful parenting articles and provides answers to their spiritual questions. The articles and spiritual questions will be updated regularly.

Eastern District Partnered with the Slovak International Ministry Center

At its 2006 District convention, the Eastern District LLL made bookmarks and mailed them to Slovakia, telling the staff and volunteer that it is partnered with them in ministry and prayer. If your church (Bible Study groups, Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, etc) would like to show your love and concern for the Slovak ministry, and make some tokens (e.g. bookmarks) for the staff and volunteers to share with those they minister to, you can mail them to:

Evanjekicky medialny program, kpt. Rasu 2, 841 01 Brastislava 42, The Slovak Republic

For more information about the Slovak international mission, please visit: www.eurolutheran.com. For more information on activities to help, contact: Ruth Muck Eastern District Outreach Chairman at drlmuck@aol.com or Leslie Tucker, Int’l Fund Development Coordinator, at leslie.tucker@lhm.org (800) 944-3450.

Ginger Strom, District Information Services Chairman, Eastern District LLL/LHM

www.lhm-easterndistrict.org

Exciting New Lutheran Hour Ministries Radio Program

Want a “do-over” in your life? Then tune into “Life-revised,” Hour Ministries new radio program that helps show you that life is a series of revisions. “Life-revised” is on station WXRL 1300 AM on Saturdays at 3:30 pm. The weekly broadcast can also be heard each Saturday on XM Satellite Radio’s Channel 170 at 1:30 pm EST.

Life-revised will share healthy ways to combat life’s challenges. Co-hosts “Dr. Mark” Hannemann and Michelle Bauer provide wise and lively discussions about family, health, financial, and other issues with Christian integrity, street smarts and compassion. “Dr. Mark” is a LCMS pastor, a professional mental health practitioner and director of a Christian counseling center and Michelle is a talented media professional and mother of three who provides a fresh female perspective to the discussions.

For more information, visit www.liferevised.com.

Paul Fromm, Erie Zone LLL President

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SOUTH BUFFALO ECUMENCIAL ASSOCIATION SUNDAY EVENING LENTEN CHURCH SERVICES

(in the worship tradition of the host church)

Sunday, March 4 – 5 pm

South Park United Presbyterian Church

519 McKinley Pkwy. (823-3416)

Sunday, March 11 – 5 pm

St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

2315 Seneca St. (822-2315)

Sunday, March 25 – 5 pm

South Park United Methodist Church

73 Ashton Pl. (822-1255)

Sunday, April 1 – 5 pm

Good Shepherd Community Church

187 Southside Pkwy. (824-4112)

Come to any or all of these worship services in these Christian traditions.

Hear the Word of God and a Lenten message.

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FISH FRY

March 9^th and March 30^th

St. Jude’s Episcopal Church

Dash & Macamley Sts.

South Buffalo

4-7 pm

Adults - $7.50

Children (5-12) - $3.50, Children (under 5) –free

Jan Liebner, Publicity Chairman

Dove March 2007

From the Pastor:

I was just thinking about writing something for the March Dove when the phone rang. A Buffalo stockbroker and businessman was on the other end. I have known him for some time and we have had some good talks before and have served together on some projects before. He said he called because he had a religious question and wanted to talk and reflection. He said that it came up because he was visiting a large Wesleyan church over the weekend and listened carefully to the sermon, and something kept coming out wrong for him. The preacher said that Buddha, and Mohammed were basically good people and had done good for the people of their day, but they were not saved; the only way to be saved was Jesus. He said that the way it was presented seemed to leave us Christians in an arrogant position where we were the only right ones. We got to talking and thinking about his concern.

I suggested that we don’t come off so arrogant if we don’t to the judging but let God do the judging. We cannot say that God cannot judge, but we cannot do the judging for him. I also said that it is sometimes easier to approach the issue of judgment but beginning with nature. For example what happens to you if you give Mother Nature the signal with your middle finger—sot to speak? Mother nature can break you up and kill you if you mock her. We know that many Christians have an anxiety attack if you even suggest that someone gets AIDS from sexual infidelity because that is the wrath or judgment of God. They will say that they will not tolerate a God who would do such a thing. It is strange for anyone to say they won’t tolerate a God who has wrath and judgment—I didn’t know we got to decide what aspects of God we will tolerate. But Mother Nature surely demands consequences when someone is careless with sex; but then many are trying to make nature over into our image too. The point is that we must learn to say God and nature as well demand consequences or judgment. But we must do it in a way that not only gets us a hearing in our families and world but in a way that does not make us come off arrogant and self righteous. As this man and I talked we agreed that God is free to judge and to shoe mercy as he sees fit when and where he wills. We also agreed that there are many who know the Christian answers but who will end up under God’s judgment in spite of their right answers from the Bible and the catechism. Self-righteous people can learn lots of right answers and never see their own self-righteousness. So we decided that our job as Christians is to accent the grace of God in Christ and speak of God’s judgment in a way that leaves it in His hands and does not lead to our own self-righteousness.

After we talked I thought of Martin Luther’s thoughts on those people whose main reason for being Christian is to get to heave and to avoid hell. He said that these people were self centered (self righteous), and also work righteous. They loved the gift more than the Giver. Some of his actual words: These men are parasites and hirelings; slaves and not sons; aliens and not heirs…. A son who served his father merely for the sake of the inheritance would indeed be a wicked child and deserve to be cast off by his father.” Yes, he could be blunt.

After I hung up I opened a Bible to the first few verses in Luke 13 to look at a Gospel lesson. I called the businessman back, and his secretary put me right through. I told him about Luke 13; he opened a Bible he keeps at his desk in the office. These verses talked about some self-righteous people who came to Jesus for a pat on the back rather than any life change. Pilate killed some Galileans and they concluded that they were worse sinners than others. And a tower fell on some people in Jerusalem so they concluded that they were worse sinners than any others. Jesus was quick to take judgment from their hands and dump it on their head. He said, “Unless you repent you will perish as they did..” The point he is making is that judgment begins with me. Only then can we know the Gospel of grace in Christ and make any kind of judgments at all and leave the big judgment in the hands of the judge. Only then can we really share the Gospel. We are not in it—Luther’s point—to get the goodies of heaven. We are in it because we love him because he first loved us. We are in it for eternal love and life.

I remember a woman who was in the self-righteous mode who told her husband at the breakfast table about her dream. She told him she dreamt the rapture had come and that she and the children were caught up—“but you were lost.” I’m sure those words set the day off on a gracious track!

Lent is a time to reflect on repentance beginning with me and not the other person. Repentance is a word of freedom as well. Repentance begins with God who loves us enough to show us our own slavery to ourselves and who promises to love us into a world beyond the prison of self. Lent is focused on the cross of Christ. He calls us beyond self into his glorious light. He will judge when and where he will. But more powerful he promises to bring new life from the dead—a gift of grace. As we continue to celebrate our 90th anniversary let us remember our Lutheran heritage and the gifts of 90 years of life in him. Let us continue to pray the Spirit leads us to mission beyond ourselves and into the story of life in its fullness—that is shalom-Salem.

Peace,

Pastor Wurster

W O R S H I P

The Worship Committee has developed a page for the DOVE that will communicate to the congregation the themes, liturgies, sermon texts and titles and other

points of worship. (LW = Lutheran Worship TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal WOV = With One Voice SH = Supplemental Hymnal)

Hymns and liturgy are being chosen by Pastor, the Music Director, and the Worship Committee. Comments are invited for future growth.

	LITURGY	1^st Hymn	Sermon Hymn	Communion Hymns	Last Hymn	Text & Title
March 4 Lent 2 (purple)	LW 158 Communion	LW 347 –“Today Your Mercy Calls Us”	LW 412 – “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”	LW 91 – “My Song is Love Unknown;” SH 67 – “There’s Room at the Cross;” SH 69 –“Turn Your Eyes”	LW 96 – “Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain”	Luke 13:31-35 – “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’
March 7 Mid 3 (purple)	10 am service at Salem 7:30 pm at St.Luke
March 11 Lent 3 (purple)	LW 158 Word	LW 381 –“Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus”	SH 81 – “Eternal Father! Strong to Save.”		LW 101- “In the Cross of Christ”	Luke 13:1-9 – “Chattering Heads Can’t Change”
March 14 Mid 4 (purple)	10 am service at Salem 7:30 pm at Salem
March 18 Lent 4 (purple)	LW 158 Communion	LW 114 –“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”	LW 355 – “Salvation Unto Us Had Come”	LW 231 – “Lord Jesus Think on Me;” LW 241 –“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”	LW 221 – “Savior Again, to Your Dear Name”	Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 – “The Waiting Father”
March 21 Mid 5 (purple)	10 am service at Salem 7:30 pm at Holy Cross
March 25 Lent 5 (purple)	LW 158 Word	LW 98 –“Glory Be to Jesus”	SH 80 – “Dear Lord and Father”		LW 114 – “When I Survey”	Luke 20:9-20 – “Grabbing a Tiger by the Tail”
March 28 Mid 6 (purple)	10 am service at Salem 7:30 pm at Our Savior
April 1 - Lent 6 Palm Sunday/ Confirmation (purple)	LW 158 Communion		LW 172 – “I Bind Unto Myself Today”	LW 105 –“Ride On, Ride On;” LW 109 – “Jesus, I Will Ponder Now;” LW 106 – “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”	LW 102 – “All Glory, Laud and Honor”	Luke 22:1 ff. – “Confession in Power”

You're Invited !!!

SELL or BUY !!!

SATURDAY, APRIL 28th

9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

10 McCLELLAN CIRCLE, Buffalo

(on McKinley Parkway)

Sponsored by the Salem Lutheran Youth Group

RENT a TABLE - Only $10.00

Contact the Church @ 824-2787

for more information or

to rent a table

Sunday School News

Pretzels

On February 18 Sunday School distributed bags of pretzels during the Children’s Message. Thanks to Miss Doll one of the things we learned is pretzels remind us of folded hands in prayer.

So remember from Ash Wednesday to Easter eat one pretzel a day with your main meal to remind you that Lent is a time of prayer.

The Cereal Mountain is back!

Sunday School is collecting boxes of cereal for a local food pantry during Lent.

We welcome you to join us in our effort. Just leave any boxes you wish to contribute on the stage and we will add them to the mountain.

Hope everyone enjoyed the fastnachts on Ash Wednesday.

Thanks to the Salem Bakers: Elinor Jentsch, Norrine Nagel, Roy Sheppard and Joyce Vassallo for their time and talent at making these tasty treats. This has become quite a tradition at Salem.