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+ Christmas comes again with the song of the angels: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of good will.” As we look around our tired old earth, we may wonder if the song is being drowned out and dimmed by the noise and darkness of our world. There is war and tension all over our world and our lives. We have hopes and we have fears. We have memories that make us sad and that make us thankful. There is a longing in us that Jesus could make us peaceful and comfortable and take the tension out of our lives. But the glory of God reminds us that when He comes with peace, He puts life giving tension into our lives. Peace with no tension is the peace of death. Peace in Christ always brings life giving tension in our life, congregation and world. Advent is a time of tension in the church. There is always the attempt to skip Advent and just jump to Christmas like lots of the world around us. Let’s decorate and sing carols early before Christmas. This whole idea of waiting and preparing clashes with the mall and our own sense of time. When we walk into church it should feel very different from the mall. The mall caters to our desires and our egos. We hear things like, “Treat yourself – you deserve it – NOW.” But in the church time changes and is different. It revolves around God’s grace in the seasons of our life. Peace in God’s time includes our sorrows and joys. If we could really get a feel for Advent, we’d take off our watches, drop our calendars and palm pilots and learn to tell time by the sun, moon, stars and the colors and candles in worship. Even the thought of being without our watches and calendars can upset us in God’s peace. But peace upsets and comforts in God’s own way. Mary had her life all organized in her way and time. She was engaged and planned to marry and have children. God sent Gabriel to disrupt her time with His time. “In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son, born of a woman,” says St. Paul. Then the time of her life was always in tension with her son – the Son of God. She made plans for him, and he would disrupt them with his plan and his time. When she planned for Him to make wine at a wedding, He said, “Woman, what’s this between you and me. This is not my hour.” His hour, His great hour was on the cross where the glory of God broke through in death and new life. The shadow of His hour of glory is at
the heart of our peace and the heart of Mary’s life as
well. When she
went with Joseph to the temple the old man, Simeon, held the
child and said, “Let your servant depart in peace, for my
eyes have seen Your salvation. . . the glory of the people
Israel.” He then told Mary that the child would reveal the hearts of
many and that a sword would pass through her heart also. (Continued on next
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+ SALEM
LUTHERAN CHURCH
10
McClellan Circle - Buffalo, New
York 14220 Phone
- 824-2787
e
– mail: salemoncircle@yahoo.com
website:
www.salembuffalo.com
Rev.
David F. C. Wurster, Ph. D.
- Pastor
Lois L. Jones, Director of Music Stephanie Pittock, Director of Christian Growth Ernelle L. Ponivas, Secretary Stephen Jarmusz, Sr., Custodian Rev.
Richard E. Blemaster, Pastor Emeritus (FROM
THE PASTOR
- continued) -
- - - When
we think of peace we realize that our sense and God’s sense
of peace are very different.
If we feel no tension, it’s a sign that we are in
heaven already, in which case we wouldn’t be reading this
newsletter, or we’re dead in spirit.
So the peace of God is like a bow – there is tension
between the limbs and the string.
It’s that tension that makes it work to send an arrow
into flight. So
when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us to show us the
glory of God, life giving tension was and is highlighted.
And that tension is there not only for Mary and Joseph
in their time, but for all of us in our time too.
The Word of God always creates the living tension of
peace. The Word was from eternity in the beginning before creation. He became flesh and blood in the body of Mary and in the body of Christ. The word still is and becomes flesh in the real presence of the Communion meal. When you take the body of Christ in your hand in Communion, you are holding the body of Christ in some way like Mary held the body of Christ in her hands. And then you become what you eat and drink, the body of Christ – the real presence of Christ. As Christmas was not a retreat from the world, but
God’s coming deeper into His world with His peace so
Christmas is not a retreat from the world, but God’s
entering again and again into a world that belongs to Him, but
forgets Him. We are His peace, His real presence in the world
of our work, play and life. So if we are really hearing the angels song about
glory in heaven and peace of earth, we will feel the life
giving tension of the Prince of Peace.
Peace is like the bow with limbs and a string in
tensions. The
Prince of Peace is in the center of that tension as we live in
the congregation. The
congregation is the real presence of the body of Christ and we
are reminded again of our mission:
Salem/Peace – As the Father sent Me, so I send you.
We are sent back into the malls, market places, sports
places, homes and all places to be His peace in His world.
Advent and Christmas are really supposed to feel
different and be different.
We are supposed to be different so we are a blessing to
the people in His world.
So Advent and Christmas is a time to think about how
different we really are and when we feel the tension of being
different, we rejoice in that living tension.
We peacemakers are in Christ and are weird
people. Remember
the original German meaning of weird (werden) is to become; we
“wierdos” are in the process of becoming real people of
God’s peace. So if you feel a little weird at Christmas, stop and think.
You might just talk like Mary, “My soul magnifies the
Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Peace,
Pastor
Wurster ^ ^ ^
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Lutheran
‘30’ Broadcast
Schedule: 33th
YEAR, 2003-2004
Each
Sunday at 9:00 a.m. on WXRL (1300 AM), Lancaster, N. Y. December 7 – SALEMDecember 14 – St. John, North TonawandaDecember
21 – Trinity, West Seneca December
28 – Salem, Springville January
4 – St. Luke, Cheektowaga January
11 – St. Mark, North Tonawanda January
18 – Immanuel, North Tonawanda January
25 – Calvary, Buffalo C
H R I S T M A S P I E A N Y
O N E? The Friends of Music and Culture at Salem are pleased to announce that the Freudig Singers of Western New York, under the direction of Roland Martin, will present their annual Holiday “Pie” Concert at Salem, Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. This all-Christmas program will feature, among other selections, “Stille Nacht,” “We Three Kings,” and “One Horse Sleigh” as they were originally written and performed. Joining the Freudig Singers will be the Orchard Park Middle School Select Choir, along with their ceremonial drummers, performing “Alleluia.” The Freudig Singers of Western New York is an auditioned, professional-caliber chamber ensemble dedicated to broadening the musical experience of the people of Western New York by providing quality choral performances. From its inception in 1984, the group has focused on the education and enrichment of its audience and concert partners, offering performances in a variety of venues around Western New York and encouraging collaborations with area children’s choirs, exceptional high school musicians and the area’s finest instrumentalists. The Singers’ Annual “Pie” Concert is traditionally followed by a social hour where a slice of pie and beverage (included in the price of each ticket) are provided for everyone. The pies are home-made by the Freudig Singers. Growing in popularity since its inception, the “Pie” Concert is always a sell-out. Tickets for Salem members and friends will be available through Ray Yox, Ruth Wurster, and Maureen Wilke. Pre-concert sale prices are $10.00 – adult; $8.00 – student/child/senior, 65 +. Any tickets still available to be sold at the door, day of concert, will be $12.00. The Freudig Singers will also be selling tickets, so they are sure to go quickly for this celebrated event. The Friends of Music and Culture welcome sponsors to support their efforts to maintain an effective arts ministry at Salem. Checks of $10.00 or more, payable to “Salem Lutheran Church,” may be mailed to the church or dropped into the collection plate, addressed to Music and Culture. Please list your name as you wish it to appear in the program. Sunday
Morning Adult Bible Class – Fall 2003 Faith,
Stories and Prayers Making peace with head, heart, tongue and both handsMission: Peace/Salem – As the Father sent me, I send youVision:
Preach, Teach, Heal/Care – doing what Jesus does
Lutherans are people with One Lord and 3 books (Bible,
Catechism, Hymnal) Date
Bible
Catechism
Hymns/Prayers Dec. 7 John the Baptist – Luke 1 & 2 Baptism Psalm 96Dec. 14 Mary – Luke 1 & 2 Baptism Psalm 123Dec.
21
Jesus’ Family Tree
Commandment 4
Psalm 113 Dec.
28
Holy Innocents – Matthew 2
Commandment 1
Psalm 115 =============================================================================== SYNOPSES
OF COMING
LUTHERAN HOUR
BROADCASTS
(Heard
Sundays at 7:30 a.m. on WNSA 107.3 FM and at 9:30 a.m. on WXRL
1300 AM) December
7 -
“An Unpleasant Message”
- Ever
been afraid of news? Turn
in to hear God’s message of repentance and
discover its true value. December
14 - “Somebody
You Don’t Know” - If someone asked, “Do you know Jesus?” Would you answer with a
powerful “Yes!” December
21 - “Good News,
Great Joy” -
Bad news may abound, but the angels’ message to the
Bethlehem shepherds
reminds us that God brings “good news of great
joy.” December
28 - “A Dark
Beginning” -
Disappointed over the past?
Looking forward with hope?
Even Jesus faced
tough times when He was young.
He knows your needs! ======================================================================================= O
U R S
Y M P A T H Y
T O . . . The family of Robert Krueger (brother of Paul
and David Yox, and
nephew of Raymond and Lois Yox) who died November 7,
2003
in Florida . . . To the family of Kenneth Miller (son of Warren Sr. and GertrudeMiller and brother of Warren Jr., Wayne, Craig, Robert, Kenneth, Gary, Ronald, Mark, Maureen, Douglas, Sharon, Karen, Dennis, Darryl) who died November 13, 2003 . . . and to the family of Norman Ross (husband of Lorraine and father of Shirley, Judith, Laura, and Gary) who died November 13, 2003. Our
prayers are with these families. 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.
WORSHIP TIME
- 10:30
a.m. ( LW = Lutheran
Worship
TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal
WOV = With One Voice) Hymns
and liturgy are being chosen by Pastor, the Music Director,
and the Worship Committee.
Comments are invited for future growth.
NOTE:
The more recent color for Advent is blue to signify the
sky and the Virgin Mary, but there are still reasons to accent
the purple to signify both the royalty of a King and the grief
and sorrow of repentance in preparation to meet the King. O
F I
N T E R E S T
- - - NEW
CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE IN THE AREA - Fruit
of the Spirit, 1881 Ridge Road, West Seneca, NY
(located in the Home Depot Plaza between Blockbuster
Video and Fashion Bug), open Monday
through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Items available: CD’s, artwork, hand painted glass,
Bibles and Bible cases, children’s books and videos,
study guides, greeting cards, journals,
balloons, Heritage Lace wall décor, dedication gifts,
wedding gifts, and gifts for every occasion.
The new owner is Valerie Danforth.
Phone: 675-4511 or http://www.fotswny.com CHRISTMAS
CONCERT and CAROL SING-ALONG - Friday,
December 12, 2003, 8:00 p.m., Grace Lutheran
Church, 174 Cazenovia St., Buffalo, NY, presented by
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Free will
offering matched by Thrivent to benefit Lutheran Charities.
Please bring a new unwrapped
toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
Performing: Sonshine Youth Choir; Peace Choir; Sufficient
Grace Band; Carol sing-along. A
NEED FROM HARVEST HOUSE - Linda Tatu,
President – “Dear Friends in Christ,
As winter quickly
approaches we find our baby ministry shelves and
hangers in desperate need of the following
(gently used or new) (Infant to size 14):
“Coats, hats,
gloves and/or mittens, boots”
The
Harvest House Baby Ministry is the largest supplier of free
baby and children items in the area, providing assistance to
over 1200 families each year. Would it be possible before the holidays, or at your
convenience, to consider a Sunday drive for the above items? We would gladly pickup after the last service, if needed, or
if at all possible we would welcome your Church bringing the
items to our facility anytime Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. – 4
p.m. or Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 noon.
If you have any question, call us at 825-0929 or visit
our web site at www.harvesthouse.ws
Your
consideration to assist so many children in need is greatly
appreciated.” 2nd
Annual “Lutheran Night at the Theatre” – Sunday, April 4, 2004 at Shea’s Performing Arts Center,
646 Main St., Buffalo; “Les Miserables” –
showtime – 7 p.m. and light supper – 5 p.m.
Reservations by February 20, 2004 by calling Lutheran
Charities at 632-2623; ticket prices:
$54.50, $42.50, and $27.50.
Supper packages (only 130 available) include food, cash
bar, parking, gratuities and a ticket to the show – Package
prices: $75.00, $65.00, and $50.00.
All proceeds will benefit the 23 local social service
agencies that through your generosity, Lutheran Charities
supports in the Western New York community.
Tickets will make a terrific Christmas gift. THANK
YOU NOTES TO L.W.M.L. - From
Rev. David Young, committee Chairman – “Dear Joyce – I
would like
to thank you and the LWML workers for hosting the
reception after the Reformation Service.
There were
wonderful foods, neatly arranged and presented.
People lingered long after the service at the reception
because
the hospitality and the setting was so conducive to
fellowship. Thanks
again to you and the LWML.” and
from – Rev. Travis Pittock, Mission Developer – Executive
Director, Christian Life Ministries, Buffalo (CLiMB) –
“Dear Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and
King! On behalf
of CLiMB and Hananiah Lutheran Mission, I want to thank you
very much for your support and donation of Bibles to our
ministry. Your
gift is appreciated more than you will ever know.
It is only through partnerships like yours that we can
continue our ministry in Buffalo, reaching the lost with the
Good News of Jesus!
God blesses us in so many ways . . . through your
prayers, your gifts . . . This past August we launched the
first ever “Showing God’s Love” VBS program at Our
Savior, in conjunction with servants from Camp Pioneer . . . .
culminating in a huge block party on the last day of VBS.
We reached over 100 youth and families in the
community. Next
year, with God’s grace, we plan to duplicate this program at
Our Savior/Hananiah and Salem in South Buffalo.
As you can see, there are many exciting new ministries
that God is blessing in Buffalo, and once again, thank you so
very much for your partnership in this ministry.
I pray that our Lord continues to bless you as you
share the gifts He has given you!
- In the
shadow of the cross, Pastor Pittock”
BLESSED
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR from: Pastor
and Ruth Wurster Stephanie
Pittock, Director of Christian Growth Ernelle
Ponivas (secretary) Lois
Jones (organist-choirmaster) and Steve
Jarmusz Sr. (custodian).
ADVENT
COIN FOLDERS
These were sent out as usual for your use during the
Advent season. Please
insert
them in the reminder envelope, enclosed in this DOVE (if more, envelopes
are needed, they are on the table in the upper parish hall)and
return
them
at one of the holiday services, December 14 or 21.
Deposit them in the
special
box on the narthex table, rather than in the offering plate
because of
bulk.
All monies received in these folders will be used for
various charities
listed
in our budget. Also
note that all unmarked Christmas festival envelopes
will
automatically go to Synod and District for missions. ************************************************************************************************** D I R E C T O R Y
Ms. Iris Suleski
Mrs. Noelle (LeBlanc) Rennolds
C H A N G E S
83 Davey Street
57 Meadowbrook Dr. (temporary) Buffalo, N. Y. 14206 Lackawanna, N. Y. 14218
Phone: 823-3643 Miss Jennifer Krol
Capt. Justin LeBlanc Miss Heather Krol
HHD 501st MI Brigade
Mrs. Sheree Krol, 101 Crystal Ave. (upper) Box 241 and JamesBuffalo, N. Y. 14220 APO Ap 96205 101 Crystal Ave. Phone: 822-1910 Buffalo, N. Y. 14220
Phone: 822-1647 To keep your new pictorial church directory updated, it is suggested that you make these additions and changes. Please contact the church office with any new names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Thank you! + +
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to use the Wheat Ridge
seals from
Lutheran Hour Ministries included with the last
DOVE to brighten your holiday mail, and then give
a donation to church for them before the end of
the end of the year; make
all checks payable to “
Salem Lutheran Church.”
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