DECEMBER 2004

 

 

FROM THE PASTOR:

            Our Lord is a failure in the modern Christmas world. In a world in which gifts are advertised and chosen by the one receiving them he would not be taken up by any advertising firm or chosen by very many in the year end rush. But many of our most valuable gifts are the unchosen gifts. Even those we began to choose sometimes become more valuable when we discover how they were also unchosen or beyond our choosing.

            Take a look at Christmas story. Jesus was not a “chosen” gift by Mary or by Joseph. Neither one of them chose Him to be in their lives. They were at first shocked and would have ducked the whole thing. But this gift chose them. The Lord of Life chose His own mother in the Counsel of God and then became an unchosen gift to her. This baby was not on her gift list or of her choosing. The giver of the gift knew Mary very well and knew this gift would fit her well. All generations afterwards would call her blessed and life itself would be turned upside down as the hungry would be satisfied and the rich sent away empty. She would rejoice in the birth of her baby, and find herself in the weak, vulnerable and dependent position of a new mother even though she held the Lord of all at her breast. She would fell the weakness and humiliation of seeing her son die with the sin of the world on his back while the world was blind and screaming for him to choose to save himself. She was blessed to see the glory of the Lord break through darkness and death so she could sing: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Mary did not choose this gift, but it was given by one that knew her better than she knew herself.

            Joseph probably thought that he had chosen Mary as his wife, and was very disappointed when she came up pregnant. This was no gift to him. And yet it was a gift to him that he did not choose, and the glory of God appeared to him too.

            Don’t things like marriage and children and even friends happen for us like they did for Joseph? A couple chooses each other in same way, but in reality they only choose images of the other. It’s only after marriage that the images crack and the real people appear. It’s then we hope that they can receive the gift of God giving them grace and forgiveness as real people. (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)

 

If they cannot let go of their choosing and receive the gift God gives them, His grace then they may lose their life. The same process is true even for the gift of the chosen and wanted child and friend. Because of our sinful nature we end up choosing others and our gifts so they are like us. God gives gifts that take us beyond our own little worlds and choices.

            When an unchosen gift is given that fits as the giver knows us sometime even better than we know ourselves. A real gift then is given not on the basis of merit because the giver owes us something or even wants to please us but simply from grace and love. Such gifts are usually a surprise that can open up new visions of life.

            Unchosen gifts can be received only by faith. In fact, two words, gift and faith, go together.

When these two come together then there is wonder and mystery. It’s no wonder that Mary pondered things in her heart as the mysteries of life opened up to her by the gifts of God given to her. She could only receive them by faith and say “Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord.”

            The gospel is an unchosen gift. The Small Catechism says: “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in my Lord Jesus Christ or come to him, but the Holy Spirit has called (also chosen) me by the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts…..”

            I’m sure we will all get those gifts we want or choose from a list this Christmas and would probably be disappointed if we didn’t get some of our choice. But let’s take the time as well to look around and name the unchosen gifts God has placed into our lives. Look at your loved ones. Look at the One who loves you in life and death. Look at your unchosen gifts and ponder the mystery of the glory of God and the peace of God.

 Blessed Christmas,  Pastor Wurster

 

 

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 BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

 

from Pastor & Ruth Wurster

Ernelle Poniwas (secretary)

Lois Jones (organist-choirmaster)

Steve Jarmusz Sr. (custodian)

 

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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)

 

      Date                           Bible                             Catechism

Dec. 5                   Jeremiah 25-29                Baptism II

Dec. 12                 Jeremiah 30/31                Baptism III

Dec. 19                 Jeremiah 32/33                Baptism IV

Dec. 26                 Jeremiah 34/35                Confession/ Keys

Jan. 2                    Jeremiah 36/37                Sacrament of Altar “What”

Jan. 9                    Jeremiah 38/39                Sacrament of Altar “Benefits”

 

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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ADVENT COIN FOLDERS

 

            These were sent out as usual for your use during the Advent season. Please insert them in the reminder envelopes enclosed with 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 19 or 26. 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.

 

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JANUARY/ FEBRUARY DOVE

 

Please remember the deadline for submission of articles to the DOVE is the third Sunday of the month. Next month’s issue will cover both the months of January AND February. Please place all articles in the basket on top of the file cabinets in the office. Thank You.                    Claire Carlson

 

 

 

 

 

1.  The last day  to give to CHARITIES Through Salem is SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2004. Any CHARITY Donations given after this day will be counted for 2005.

2.  December 31^st will still end 2004 for giving to Salem.

Jim Carr, Church Council President

                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

Lutheran Wheat Ridge Christmas Seals 2004

 

Remember 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 year: make all checks payable to:

“Salem Lutheran Church.”

 

 

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SYMPATHY to the family of Robert E. Schmidt Sr. (father of Robert Jr.)

who died October 28, 2004 at the age of 75 years.

Our prayers are with Robert’s family for God’s comfort and strength.

 

And to the family of Frank Swift Sr. (husband of late Auguste; and father of Phyllis Bell, Ruth Van Remmen, Frank Swift Jr., Jean Sliwinski, Richard Swift and Gerald Swift), died November 5, 2004 at the age of 90 years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 4^th at 5 pm. at The Warsaw Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church, 3415 S. Main St., Warsaw, NY. Our prayers are with Frank’s family for God’s comfort and strength.

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INSTALLATION SERVICE

 

of Rev. Keith Blum

 

at Immanuel, Tonawanda, NY

 

on Sunday, December 12, 2004    at 4 pm

 

All invited to come and give thanks to God!

MEETINGS

 

Women’s Guild

 

            Our Christmas Party will be on Wednesday, December 15 at 12:00 noon at the Holiday Inn, 601 Dingens and Rossler, Buffalo, NY. Phone: 891-8823. Please give Shirley Banas the $13.00 for the dinner and the $5.00 monetary gift for the NIAGARA LUTHERAN HOME to Sallie Langner.

 

            Our Baked Goods sale in November was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who helped us in any way. Our profit with donations, some crafts and baked goods was $241.00.

           

            Our meetings in January, February and March 2005 will be at 12:00 noon. Please bring a sandwich for lunch. Dessert and coffee will be provided by the committee.

 

                                                                                    Fran Wiedemann, Vice President

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                                                Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

 

LADIES OF SALEM: Our dinner meeting in October was a great success. We enjoyed good food, fun and fellowship. However, our real mission is MISSIONS. Won’t you join us at our January meeting and help us.

                                                            Gladys Matson, Secretary

 

            Please save your used religious Christmas cards and give to Gretchen Putzman and leave on the narthex table. Thank you.

 

            TOPS MARKETS is discontinuing their TOPS TAPES program for organizations as of January 1, 2005. Please save your register tapes for Norrine Nagel through Christmas. Her deadline is Sunday, December 26^th so she will have time to count and box the remaining tapes. The LWML thanks you for your assistance over the years.

                                                                        Norrine Nagel

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Golden Agers

 

 

            Tired of eating lunch alone? Pack a sandwich and come join the Salem Golden Agers. We supply dessert, coffee and tea. Meet some interesting people and enjoy the entertainment. Our next meetings are Thursday, December 2, 2004 and January 6, 2005. at 12 noon. We’ll be waiting for you!

                                                                                                            Norma Krug

 

 

 

WANTED: NEW extra Christmas, birthday, anniversary or blank picture cards. Please give to Olga Kingsland for the residents to use at the Niagara Lutheran Home.

 

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REMINDER: Please remember your “Handicap Access” Pledges before the end of the year.                                                  Fred Bartz Jr.

 

REMINDER: Please check and “clean out” your mailslots in the upper parish hall. Your name is above the mailslot. Thank you.

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FOR SALE:  Appliances and Misc. Furniture – See Fred Bartz Jr. if interested.

 

 

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CHRISTMAS CARD EXCHANGE

            Instead of mailing your Christmas cards, put them in the mailboxes in the upper church hall and donate the money you would have spent on postage. Please have all donations to me no later than December 19, so I have time to shop and deliver the food to needy families before Christmas. Thank you for all your help.                        God bless,  Joanne Kushka                       

           

 

HOLIDAY TELEVISION SPECIALS

 

          Two award-winning, animated Christmas videos produced by the Lutheran Laymen’s League will again be shown this year in the Buffalo area. “Red Boots for Christmas” will be shown on Channel 2 at 1 pm on Christmas Day, followed by the “Little Shepherd” at 1:30 pm. Why not make both of these programs a part of your Christmas celebration?

            Watch for the Lutheran Laymen’s League Float, “The Family of God” in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. The float, the only one from a religious organization, will be on about half-way through the parade. For best viewing tune on to the HGTV channel with no commercials.

            Advent devotions are available on the Lutheran Hour Ministries: www.lhm.org, along with other features, such as Bible searches, interesting topics, news and links to “Red Boots” and “Little Shepherd.”

Paul A. Fromm, LLL Erie Zone President

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Such a Romantic Guy – An elderly gentleman invited his friend of many years to have dinner with him and his wife. The friend was impressed by the way the husband used so many endearing pet names when addressing his wife: “Honey,” “My Love,” “Darling” and “Pumpkin” and more. He knew that the couple had been married for about 60 years.

          While the wife was out of the room, he leaned over to his friend and said, “It’s wonderful that after all these years of marriage, you still call your wife by those loving names.” The old man whispered to his friend, “To tell you the truth, about five years ago, I forgot her name.”      taken from Immanuel Luth. church newsletter, Pensacola, FL

 

 

 

DIRECTORY CHANGES:

 

Nicole Baron, 10617 Spruce Knob Ln., Charlotte, NC 28214

Rebecca Croston, 560 Allen St., Syracuse, NY 13210

Laura Jablinski, 9803 Cochrane Rd. #4252, Ft. Mead, MD 20755-5290

Tim Metzler, 1187 Orchard Park Rd., Apt. 228, West Seneca, NY 14224 Phone #677-5502

John H. Pfeiffer Jr., 121 Holiday Ln. Apt. #E2, Hamburg. NY 14075-4237

Carl A. Radtke (*Angel), 121 Thorndale Ave., West Seneca, NY 14224 Phone #822-4107

Katie Yung, B3C3 Mackenzie West Alfred State College, Alfred, NY 14802

Sarah Yung, 35 Linda Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Kenneth R. Huss, 357 Marion St., Rochester, NY 14610-1118

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The annual COOKIE PACK of the LSS of NY and the Auxiliary will be held on Monday, December 13, 2004 beginning at 9 am at Calvary Lutheran Church, 4110 North Bailey Ave., Amherst. Please bring small cookies (diabetic & regular), craft items, sandwich bags and Christmas story booklets with you. This usually finishes around 12 noon. Any questions call the LSS office at 631-9212.

                                                            Maryetta Lootens, Corresponding Secretary, LSS Auxiliary

            Salem members may leave cookies marked “LSS Cookie Pack” in the church kitchen on Sunday, December 12^th.

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A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

 

Voices of God – Our Savior

And Immanuel Cantata

 

Our Savior & Immanuel Lutheran – LCMS

Jointly present on

Sunday, December 5^th

                                                                   2 pm                                      

Immanuel Lutheran Church

1084 Lovejoy St. Buffalo, NY

(northeast of Bailey & William)

 

Freewill donation

 

Additional off street parking west of the church on lovejoy st.

 

Officiant: Rev. Robert Spilman, interim pastor, Our Savior

Immanuel Camerata:

Bill Carr- Trumpet, Tom Carr- Clarinet, Janet Guda- Organ

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS REPORT

          Sincerest thanks for your participation in the Entertainment Book Campaign for Camp Pioneer. This year 36 books were purchased. Camp Pioneer will receive $180.00 from our sales. A total of over 400 books were sold all together. Thank you to those who reached out and sold books at their workplaces.

The project will enable children in the Papyrus Program, outreach to children in foster care and also to children in the Agape Program serving those who have developmental disabilities to be able to spend time at Camp Pioneer, “A warm place in the Son” due to your support. Camp Pioneer thanks you and I do too. I would like to share with you a thank you note from a young camper in the foster care program, one of the programs sponsored by the sale of our entertainment books. It’s very touching and fills one heart with joy to know that this child learned of Jesus – his Savior and that many others do too.                                                                                                                                                       Elinor Jentsch, Chairperson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU

 

From Katelyn Carr – “Salem Lutheran Church, thank you so much for awarding me a scholarship to further my education and achieve my goals. Just wanted to let you know how much your kindness is appreciated.”

 

From Katie Yung – “Salem Lutheran Church, I just wanted to thank you for the scholarship money. This money will help me with my schooling. It was very nice of you to do this and I am very thankful. Thanks again and God bless!

 

 

From Mel Beyers – “I would like to thank everyone at Salem for their thoughtful cards and prayers during my recent surgery. With your recent thoughtfulness in mind, this brings you a ‘thank you’ of the warmest kind!

 

 

                                                        November 20, 2004

To all my friends at Salem,

        It has been five weeks since my automobile accident near Syracuse. God was with me and my two friends on that Saturday afternoon. The well wishes, cards, food and most of all the many prayers from you have been with me since then. The people of Salem have once again proven that they are part of a large family who cares for each other.

        There is no way I can individually thank each of you, but I want everyone to know just how much all you have done has meant to me. My thanks and prayers are with each of you, as they were with me.

                                                God Bless All of You, Nancy Thomas

 

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        A BIG THANK YOU to Bob Wiedemann for all the extra “yard” work he does around church and to Bob Wolf for the numerous little yet important things, he tends to.  We certainly appreciate it, Bob(s)!

 

As some may not know, many volunteers assist with the mail preparation of the DOVE. We would like to thank the following unsung dedicated volunteers: Maureen Wilke for proofreading and mail label preparation and the collating team of Doris & Wilson Baker, Mel Beyers, Olga Kingsland, Lois Mudie, John O’Neill, Marge Schermerhorn and Joan Van Dewark. Their repeated monthly efforts are sincerely appreciated.

 

        THANK YOU to the many members of Salem who contribute time and effort to help our church run smoothly, but also who do not wish recognition.

 

            “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? I Thessalonians 3:9 NIV

 

 

                       

The Lutheran Chorale of the Niagara Frontier

Greg White, guest conductor

Presents

A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

A PROGRAM OF SEASONAL MUSIC INCLUDING EXCERPTS FROM

A CEREMONY OF CAROLS

BY BENJAMIN BRITTEN AND SELECTED SHORTER WORKS BY FELIX MENDELSSOHN, ANDRAE CROUCH, JOHN RUTTER AND OTHERS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2004  AT 7 PM

Ascension Lutheran church, 4640 main st. at burroughs

Snyder, ny

Tickets: $10, $8 for students and seniors

This church is handicapped accessible

 

 

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GRIEF – HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

 

          Facing the holidays without a loved one is especially difficult. The Rev. Erv Brese, from the Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center, will offer tools for coping, inspirations for hoping, and reasons for rejoicing.

Saturday, December 4

10 – 11 am

Kenmore United Methodist Church, 32 Landers Rd., Kenmore

FREE

 

 

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WANTED: NURSING STAFF

Mercy Center, 625 Abbott Rd., Buffalo, NY is currently seeking highly motivated employees at our facility for experienced nursing staff caring for Retired Religious Community on Health Care Unit. The positions open are:

LPN or NA for 11 pm – 7 am shift every other Sunday

LPN – per diem needed for 3-11 pm and 11 pm – 7pm shifts

NA for 3-11 shift for 2-4 shifts per week including every other weekend

PCA, C.N.A. preferred but will train the right person.

          Apply in person at 625 Abbott Rd., Buffalo

Thank you. Karen Koszuta, RN, Director, Mercy Center Health Care Unit

 

 

 

 

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

 

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,

With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular: please wipe away the tear,

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear many Christmas songs that people hold so dear

But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.

 

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.

But I am not so far away. We really aren’t apart.

So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear.

And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

 

I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.

I send you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as My Father said to do,

For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for each of you.

 

So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

 

 

 

          This poem was submitted by Marjorie Schemerhorn. She received it from Roswell Hospital and would like to share it with those who have lost loved ones this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHURCH RECORDS

Baptisms: Christopher Jordan Engelbert, son of Walter and Susan Engelbert, baptized Sunday, October 10, 2004; sponsors: Jorgen Christiansen (proxy: John W. Engelbert) and Lisa Berton.

Jacob Michael Zielinsk, son of Michael and Lana Zielinski, baptized Sunday, November 7, 2004; sponsors: Jenny Pfeiffer and Jennifer Zielinski.

Commital: For Benjamin Kasprzak (Roman Catholic) (husband of Dorothy Kasprzak) died September 29, 2004: cremated: committal at St. Matthew’s Cemetary, West Seneca, NY by Pastor Wurster.

Funeral:   Robert E. Schmidt Sr., died October 28, 2004 at the age of 75 years, 9 month and 7 days; funeral: November 1, 2004 in Sieck & Mast Funeral Home by Rev. Norman LeBlanc; burial: Hillcrest Cemetary, Hamburg, NY