The Dove

  The

Salem

 Dove

 

OCTOBER 2005

 

FROM THE PASTOR:

            October is the month of Reformation and Halloween. I have noticed that Halloween is a very big day in the customs of Western New York - - it’s a high holy feast day in our area culture. Of course, this day was the eve (een) of all saints (hallow) day on November 1st. It’s also the day on which the reformation of the church is dated – the day when Martin Luther posted 95 theses on the church door of Wittenberg, Germany. These theses are about the teaching of the church.

            Luther looked through scripture and saw a very old and very new way of looking at the teaching of the church. Lots of people looked at the teaching of the church as a picket fence – creation is one picket, the commandments are another picket or pickets, baptism is another picket, etc. People could choose one picket or the other as a favorite on the basis of their own likes or dislikes. The center of the teaching of the church could easily end up the ego of the chooser. Choice, by the way, is the center word in the teaching of many in our world today.

            Luther had a different picture of the teaching of the church. He saw the teaching of the church as a wagon wheel. The center or hub of the wheel is the living Jesus Christ with victory marks in his hands. All doctrines or teaching are spokes in the wheel that lead us to Him and from Him into the world. In Luther’s Small Catechism you can see this pattern in the commandments. All commandments are grounded in the first Commandment – all meanings begin with “fear and love God.” Our God reveals himself in Christ Jesus. John writes his Gospel with this wagon wheel picture – the cross and Christ are the center of each section — and Paul does the same in Romans. This pattern of teaching has very practical application to our life in the world. It calls us to be Christ centered in all of life and not ego/self centered. Let me try to make an application with the 8th Commandment in our world.

            Right after the hurricane Katrina hit there was great damage and confusion. Politics was all over the place, and many were putting the worst construction they could on many things. Many early attacks came (con’t next page)

 

Salem  Lutheran  Church

10 McClellan Circle  -  Buffalo, New York 14220

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

Lois L. Jones, Director of Music                Ernelle L. Poinivas, 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 THE PASTOR)

against the president from the media. My point is not to defend the president at this point – it’s to apply the teaching of the church to how we speak in the midst of crisis.

            In one interview with Governor Pataki (on 9/11) the reporter was talking about being prepared for disasters or attacks. Then the interviewer’s questions went “south” fast with clear bias. His whole intent was to get Gov. Pataki to criticize the president. The Governor’s answer came right out of the western – catholic – Lutheran teaching of the church. He said the fact is that George Bush is president for three more years and now is the time to unite for the good of the people of the country. When asked if he wanted to be the next president he said that he was now Governor and that was his job.

            I’m not defending either man nor saying proper criticism and public debate is wrong. But the fourth commandment commands that we honor those in authority and not despise them in their office. The eighth commandment clearly says we should fear and love God that we not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.

            Breaking this teaching especially in time of crisis has consequences attacking leaders for self interest in time of crisis can make it more difficult to get help to those in need and can even cause loss of life. Let me give you an analogy. If during a fire someone begins to be a sniper, firing at the firemen doing the rescue work because they are not doing a perfect job as they see it, then the sniper or snipers hurt more than the firemen. They also hurt or even kill those whom the firemen are trying to rescue.

            Another example is much closer to home and very real in our day. Parents are the governors of family and children. There is a war going on in our world over parents’ authority to discipline and even over parents’ roles in life. Often parents who try to discipline and teach traditional morality become the objects or sniper fire in the form of ridicule from the TV and entertainment industry and even some media. Many times the “experts” in human development make parents feel like poor ignorant slugs needing experts to tell them just what to do – and grandma or grandpa won’t qualify as experts! Often the experts who are the snipers have not succeeded at marriage or raising children but they insist at being experts and snipers. The same is true with many snipers in times of crisis. Many of the experts have never governed or been leaders. They are like experts on aviation who have never sat is the pilot’s seat. If they were put in the pilot’s seat, you may not want to be on the plane. I thought of this as I walked through Pearl Harbor. From our vantage point of today, there were many errors made on that December day but people focused on a constructive vision and plan of action for the future and by and large did not snipe at leaders over and over.

            Just as Jesus is the middle of Christian teaching and life so he is in the middle of life then and now – too. He had lots of snipers around him, and we can learn from them the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. When the Pharisees came to ask about divorce (Mark 10) they were not there to seek learning or growth; they were there as snipers. They were there to test him or to destroy him because he was not fitting their picture or pace of life. They were very divisive people. But when the disciples came to Jesus and asked him how to pray (Luke 11), they were asking a positive question and ready to learn.

            To live with the mind of Christ and to be a good citizen in a democracy one needs to learn the difference between constructive criticism and good and honest political debate and being a sniper full of negative criticism and self centeredness. Snipers almost never grow in grace or gratitude, and their lives can get stuck just going in circles. Constructive critics learn to grow in love, grace, faith and community building. They are on a journey of life in tune (Salem) with the Lord of the church. Let’s celebrate the journey.

                                                                                    Pastor Wurster

 

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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.

 

 

SUNDAY  MORNING  ADULT  BIBLE  CLASS

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.

 

Date                                         Bible                            Catechism

 

Oct. 2                                      John 3                          Commandments 9 -10 Conclusion

Oct. 9                                      John 4 – Sign #2            Creed 1

Oct. 16                                                John 5                          Creed 2

Oct. 23                                                John 6 – Sign #3 & 4            Creed 3

Oct. 30                                                John 7                          Lord’s Prayer Intro. & Petition 1

Nov. 6                                     John 8                          Lord’s Prayer Petition 2/3/4

 

 

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MEMORIALS   AND   GIFTS

 

HANDICAP  ACCESS  -  -  -  -  -                        In memory of:  Cliff Alfes by Bill Roth and Dorothy Rogers

          FUND                           

                        In memory of: Julius Bogumil by Violet Kelm and Ruth Carr.

                        In honor of: her grandson by Joyce Vassallo.

 

      Gifts: Sally Krentz; Marilyn Krentz; Chuck & Lynda Yung; Janilyn Kogut; George & Jean Poniwas; Dorothy Weise; Gerald Monk; Ruth Carr; Rich & Shirley Landseadel; Olga Kingsland; Doris Baker; Mary Bartz; Nancy Thomas; Norbert Bialo; Melvin Beyers; Ethel Berkhoudt; Kim & Russ Alessi; Florence Daberkow, Lorraine & John McGill; Mark & Monica Thomas; Paul Thomas; Arlene Ball; Fred Bartz Jr.; David & Claire Carlson; Violet Kelm; Sue Landwehr; Dorothy Putzman; Paul & Stephanie Swierczynski; Sallie Langner (birthday); Lois Doll; Allen & Judy Feltz

 

CURRENT FUND - - - - - - - - - -                        Gifts:  William Wilke (birthday).

 

MEMORIAL FUND ---------------                        In memory of: Lorraine Carr by the Estate of Lorraine Carr

                                                                        Gifts: Mary Eitler

 

 

KATRINA RELIEF

            Salem as of this writing has three plans by which to send aid to the victims of Katrina.

  1. Put money in the offering marked Katrina or Hurricane Relief. This money goes from Salem in the Eastern District to the Southern District directly to three congregations specified for Eastern District support: St. Paul, Burgundy, New Orleans – Pastor David Goodine; First English, Metairie – Pastor Andy Lissy; Grace, Houma – Kelly Bedard and Mark Borchert, pastors.
  2. Thrivent members can pick up forms from the table outside the office for matching funds and make contributions this way.
  3. Working with refugees from New Orleans who are coming to the Buffalo area. This could be close and personal. Watch for more information.

            Also basic points of disaster assistance and support plans for the weeks ahead are:

Prayer: Pray for people, leaders, churches, communities.

Presence: Some people from our area have been and will be sent.

Work: People can volunteer for work crews in the devastated area. We can help make connections.

                                                                                    Pastor Wurster

 

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Tid Bits from the Church Council

 


      At the June meeting of the Council, Pastor discussed financial advice given to him to explore purchasing a home.  This advice encompassed purchasing a home as an investment and should not be considered as a retirement.   Pastor agreed to keep the Council informed of the progress of his house search.  Pastor is looking at homes that are a short drive to Salem.  The Council noted that the status of the Parsonage would not change.  As of this writing, Pastor and Ruth are still actively searching.  
                        Jim Carr, President

 

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DIRECTORY CHANGES

Catherine Nagel, 69 Burbank Dr., Orchard Park, NY 14127, Phone: 662-8292

Kenneth Huss, 1122 NW Market St., Apt. 5, Seattle, WA 98107-3702

 

 

       OUR SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF CLIFFORD C. ALFES WHO DIED TUESDAY, AUGUST 30TH 2005.

 

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CHURCH RECORDS

 

WEDDINGS – Bret Thomas Enser and Kelly Marie Barrio on Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 1317 Elton Rd.,  Farmersville Station, NY by Pastor Wurster.

 

                        Marjorie Nagel and Sam Zawada on Saturday, August 6, 2005 in Salem, by Pastor Wurster.

 

                        Jennilyn Lillie and Stephen Jarmusz Jr. on September 17, 2005 in Salem by Pastor Wurster.

 

FUNERAL: Clifford C. Alfes, died August 30, 2005 at the age of 88 years, 5 months and 4 days. Funeral: Friday, September 2, 2005 in Sieck & Mast Funeral Home by Rev. Ronald R. Sprehe; Burial: St. Matthew’s Cemetery, West Seneca, NY.

 

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CHURCH COUNCIL POSITIONS NEEDED!!!

 

            Salem is looking to fill 3-year terms as of January 1, 2006

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

MUSIC AND WORSHIP

New position: STEWARDSHIP (if approved by Voters in the Fall)

            If you have any questions or interest, please contact Mark Thomas.

                                                                                    Mark Thomas, Salem Council VP

 

 

 

 

        Please remember the deadline for the Dove is always the third Sunday of the month.  Articles may be placed in my basket in the church secretary’s office or email to patchtroop546@aol.com. Thank you.

                                                                Claire Carlson

 

 

HOMEMADE SOUP SALE

 

        Quarts of homemade soup made by Salem Choir members will be on sale during the Roast Beef dinner on October 5th. All proceeds to be donated toward the purchase of new chairs for the choir room.

                        Sally McAlpine

 

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MEETINGS

 

 

 

 

            All women are invited to our annual dinner meeting on Thursday, October 27th 2005. Please see the bulletin for more details.

 

 

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WOMEN’S GUILD

 

            Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 11th at 12:00 noon. All women are invited to join us. Dessert, tea and coffee will be provided by the committee. Bring your lunch.

            If ANYONE would like to donate baked goods, candy or crafts for our sale at the Roast Beef Dinner, Wednesday, October 5th, it would be greatly appreciated by the Women’s Guild. Cakes and cupcakes do not sell. Please leave items in the kitchen marked “Women’s Guild Bake Sale” by Tuesday, October 4th or Wednesday morning, October 5th.

            Fran Wiedemann, Vice President

 

MEETINGS (con’t.)

 

GOLDEN AGERS

 

            The next meeting of Salem Golden Agers is Thursday, October 6th 2005. Please bring a bag lunch.  Future meetings are November 3rd and December 1st.

                        Norma Krug

 

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YOUTH

 

Our first meeting of the year, tied in with Rally Day went off well.  We are starting off the new church year with lots of energy.  But first of all, the Salem Lutheran Youth (SLY) Group would like to welcome our new Director of Christian Growth, Lynn Scarpine.  She will be a welcome addition to our staff here at Salem. 

 

Our first scheduled event this year is to participate in the Roast Beef Dinner on October 5th.  Look for our table.  We will be auctioning off gift baskets.  You can have your own “Game Night”.  If you want to “pencil” us in, you will have to stop by.  The youth will be scheduling a lock-in sleepover, tentatively in November.  There are plans for a movie night, also.  In support of those in need, the youth plan on working at a local soup kitchen.  Mrs. Scarpine will lend her vast background working with youth to assist in some of our projects. 

 

For those that have been asking and waiting, the youth decided to postpone the Garage Sale until the spring 2006.  So hold your things or think of us during your spring cleaning. 

 

The next Youth meeting is Sunday, October 16th after service in the lower parish hall.  All youth are reminded we are asking for a canned good for the needy to share with others what they don’t have or need.  The canned goods can be placed in the barrel in the narthex before service.  Our meeting is open all youth 5th grade and up.  We are always looking for adult volunteers.  All ideas, time and talents are welcome.  If anyone would like to donate a 6-pack of annuals, it would be greatly appreciated. 

          Paul Thomas, Salem Lutheran Youth Leader

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU

 

        I would like to say thank you all my friends at Salem who remembered me during my accident with their calls, cards and prayers. A special thank you to Lynn Scarpine for her visit.

                Lorrie Ross

 

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Dear Mrs. Sheppard and Salem Board of Christian Education:

        Thank you so much for granting me the Christian Education Scholarship. I appreciate it greatly. College is going well and I’m learning a lot. God has opened many doors for me and I can’t wait to let Him guide me. Thanks again for everything. God bless.

        Love, Stephanie Carlson

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   The Salem Choir would like to thank everyone who supported and helped with the “Mid Summer Night’s Dance” held August 12th:

            Thanks to all who came and made the evening a success.

            Special thanks to all “helpers” who are not choir members but cheerfully added their hands (and backs) to the set up and clean up efforts.

            Thanks to all the choir members especially the planning committee.

            We happily and gratefully report that $625.00 was raised for the purchase of new Salem Church Choir Chairs. Thanks be to God and his people.

            Our fund raising efforts, will continue with the Choir Soup Sale to be held in conjunction with the Roast Beef Dinner on October 5th. We are also planning a Valentine’s Day music/ dancing/karaoke night on Feb. 11th. Save the date and join us for another fun filled evening.

            Dave & Barb Bartholomew

 

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2ND ANNUAL WINE TASTING & SILENT ART AUCTION

Sunday, November 6th 2005

3 – 6 pm

Greenfield Health & Rehabilitation Center Auditorium

5949 Broadway, Lancaster

For tickets, please call 688-4064

Rev. David Young, Chair, Lutheran Campus Ministries of WNY

 

A NEW ARRIVAL

 

          Salem Lutheran has been blessed with a wonderful new addition to our kitchen equipment inventory! A Berkel slicer has been purchased from Buffalo Hotel Supply Co. This is the same company who delivered our new refrigerator. The Health Department would no longer give us a seal of approval on the old slicer and we would be taking a serious risk if we were to slice anything to serve the public. By all accounts it was made in the 1930’s.!

          There have been so many ladies and men over the years who have worked in the kitchen preparing meals. They would spend hours and days in Christian companionship cooking wonderful food to raise money for the Lord, the needy and Salem church. We all have stories to tell of our mothers and grandmothers; the “fry cakes,” breakfasts, dinners, picnics and bake sales; the laughter, the cooking, the sharing (yes, even the squabbles!) that went on as they worked.

          Therefore, in appreciation for those who have gone before us, we, the following, dedicate this slicer to their memory. It is hoped that the next generation will have kind thoughts about us as we continue the Salem traditions witnessing for the Lord and serving the South Buffalo community.

 

Name                     In memory of

Shirley Banas - Grandmother, Katherine                                        Edinger

Ethel Berkhoudt-Mother, Mabel Engelbert

Lois Doll          -Grandmother, Amanda Krentz

                    -Parents, Robert & Lillian Doll

Elinor Jentsch-Mother, Florence Ulrich

Delores Landwehr-Husband, Carl Landwehr

Gladys Matson – Husband, Kenneth Matson

                      -Parents, Ed & Flora Ulrich

Norrine Nagel – Grandmother, Bertha Lange

                     - Mother, Eleanore Engelbert

Jean O’Keefe – Grandmother, Clara Grotke

-         Mother, Mildred Schutt

Gloria Pfohl            -Mother, Minnie McNatty

Bill Pietz                - Mother, Amelia Pietz

Roy & Deann Sheppard – Mothers, Florence

                    Sheppard & Louise Goodreds

Ray & Lois Yox    - Mother, Emma Mast

 

Lutheran ‘30’ Broadcast Schedule:

34TH YEAR – 2004-5

 

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

 

October 2nd – Trinity, West Seneca

October 9th – Salem, Springville

October 16th – St. Luke, Cheektowaga

October 23rd – St. Mark, North Tonawanda

October 30th – Redeemer, Colden

November 6th – Immanuel, Tonawanda

 

125th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH,

EAST AURORA, NY

 

Saturday, October 22nd 2005

Hospitality: 4 – 5 pm

Dinner: 5 pm

 Cost: $20 per person

Ismallia Shrine Temple

1598 Southwestern Blvd.

West Seneca, NY

 

RSVP by October 12th at 652-4240

 

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   On behalf of our Rector, The Rev. Ralph Strohm, the Wardens and Vestry, I would like to invite you to join us for our Centennial Anniversary Service Saturday, October 22nd 2005 at 5 pm at St. Simon’s Church, 200 Cazenovia St.. Our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. J. Michael Garrison will be preacher and celebrant of Holy Communion.

            Judy Elliott, Parish Administrator

 

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ANNUAL FALL RUMMAGE SALE

Friday, October 7th from 6 – 8 pm

Saturday, October 8th from 9 – 11 am

 St. Paul’s UCC

49 Indian Church Rd., Buffalo

823-4077

stpauls@localnet.com

 

ANGELS HAVE WHEELS

            All Medicare recipients should now be aware that that if they suffer from conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders and have difficulty walking or propelling a standard wheelchair, they may be eligible to receive an electric wheelchair paid for by Medicare.

            For more information on Medicare eligibility, contact Gregory Coleman at 1-800-810-2877.

 

 

 

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The Lutheran Service Society of New York invites you to attend a celebration of our Adoption Program’s 100th year of ……

“FINDING LOVING, HEALTHY, FAMILIES OF  CHILDREN”

On October 2nd 2005

At the Buffalo Marriott

From 4 – 7:30 pm

Cost - $25.00 per adult

 

Keynote speaker–Dr. Kenneth Condrell, PhD

 

For tickets, please call LSS AT 631-9212

 

 

 

 

FINNAN’S 5K RUN

 

To benefit the Lutheran Service Society of NY’s Counseling Program

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 2005

            Location: Finnan’s Restaurant

1191 Lincoln Ave., Lockport

438-2363

Time: 11 am 5K Fun Walk & 1 mile Fun Run

11:30 am 5K Run

 

Entry Fee: $16 Pre-registered, $20 on 10/16

For entry forms, call LSS at 631-9212 or Finnan’s or go to www.score-this.com .

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPENINGS AT ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

3512 CLINTON ST, (near Union Rd.) WEST SENECA

 

FAMILY STYLE ROAST BEEF DINNER

WED., OCTOBER 12TH

4 PM

 

PRICE: ADULTS - $7.50, CHILDREN- $4 AND UNDER 3 FREE

TAKE OUTS AVAILABLE

 

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CHILI DINNER

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

4 – 7 PM

 

Traditional style as well as vegetarian will be offered.

Proceeds will go to: Jean Borchert Memorial Garden Fund.

Prices: $6 per person or $20 for a family of 4

 

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ELECTION DAY LUNCHEON

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH

11 AM – 2 PM

 

ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES, TUNA SALAD, HOMEMADE SOUP, FRESH BAKED DESSERTS AND MUCH MORE