JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2005

 

FROM THE PASTOR:

            We begin a new year on the calendar again. It is good as we begin a new year to think about our end. I have a friend who used to say, “the way you begin is the way you end.” This is true of shooting an arrow or rifle bullet, where the arrow or barrel is pointed at the beginning determines where the arrow or bullet will end up, and where it ends up is determined by where it began.

            So what is the end of your life – the point, the goal?  Lots of religious people say simply heaven; the problem is that almost everyone has their own definition of heaven these days. If that be the case and heaven means what I feel is good for me then life begins and ends with me – the self, in biblical terms; that’s really hell. So let’s begin again and ask what is the point of your life and the life of Salem? Can you think of a one word definition of the end or point of your life and our life? Psalm 150 gives a one word answer to this question by repeating one word a dozen times: Alleluia – Praise the Lord.  Psalm 148 tells us that Alleluia is not only the point of our human life but the point of all creation from stars to bugs.

            Our mission in life is Alleluia. Alleluia is our mission statement. We don’t have to take a survey to find it. We look in the scriptures for it. For Christians this begins and ends in Jesus Christ, who is the alpha (beginning) and the omega (end) of all created life. To carry out our mission in life we need to first know who we are before we get too busy just doings things.

            In January and February this year we will hear the Father tell us who Jesus is and thus also tell us who we are as well. In January we begin the Epiphany season with the wise men and Jesus’ baptism where the Father’s voice says, “This is my beloved son, I’m delighted with him.”  At the end of Epiphany season at the Transfiguration the voice again says, “This is my beloved son, I’m delighted with him. Listen to him.”

            If we at Salem want to know our mission in life we must learn all we can about the Lord Jesus Christ and about what he does and what he says – we must listen to him as the Father told the disciples and us. The first thing he tells us in the Commandments and in the Lord’s Prayer is who we are. The second commandment and the first petition both tell us about God’s name. We bear our Lord’s name like we bear our family name.

 

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)

 

The cross and Easter tell us then we are different from the world. We do not belong to ourselves but we have been bought with a price and our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit so we should glorify God in our body. (a way to get at what Paul is saying in 1 Cor. 6:20 is to translate this way: Ya’ll glorify God in ya’lls’ body now.) We together make up the body of Christ. We have no mission alone, by our self – only in relationship with Christ and others.

            Mission begins with the Voice of the Father telling us who we are – brothers and sisters of Christ and in Christ. A good indicator that a person has lost a sense of mission is always demanding what, “I like.” Then all worship and life turns into a scramble and competition to get what I like. The community falls apart and praise and thanks disappear. You can see this process all over life. In a meeting you can see it, when everyone there is choosing their own life in some way and the chair ends up feeling like he is herding a bunch of cats instead of guiding a body with unity and a common purpose.

            To gain a sense of unison, egos have to die and be raised up anew in Christ. We must listen to him and follow him. Salem is our one word mission statement in this congregation. Salem means peace. Paul says in Eph. 2:14 – He (Christ) is our peace. To know the peace of God we know Jesus Christ and his voice. Then we follow him in doing what he does in our world. The lessons and themes in January and February tell us about our Peace and our lives as peacemakers.

            An important part of knowing our end in life is stewardship. We need to learn more about stewardship at Salem. I’d like to suggest a couple of ideas about mission and stewardship here. One is that if we save our life we will lose it, but if we lose it for Christ’s sake, we gain life eternal. Another idea directly connected with it is the point spoken by Jesus: one sows, another reaps (John 4:37). Too often we expect immediate results. We put some money and effort in and expect money and more members next year. What many of us sow in these years may be reaped by others years from now. This means living to our end in faith. What Jesus sowed in his death and resurrection is being reaped by people thousands of years and generations later. In an age and culture that looks for instant payback we are called to a different life and end.

            So what is the end of our life? Think of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ – the beginning and end of all. Think of the word Alleluia. The end then of the congregation is Salem/ Peace. The way you begin is the way you end – and the way you end is the way you begin. We pray that our beginning and end is in Him who is the beginning and the end. The Father with the Spirit says, “Listen to Him.”

                                                                        Peace, Pastor Wurster

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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

                                   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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WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SERVICES

 

            After a almost a year’s discussion and effort by the Salem worship committee we will have a series of Wednesday evening Lenten worship services in different churches of the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association. Each Wednesday evening we will have worship and fellowship at a host church.

 

The theme is “The way of the cross with our risen Lord.” At each church you will hear a character tell about the way of the cross.

 

The schedule is as follows:

Feb. 9 –   7:00 p.m. – Ash Wednesday – We all worship at our home churches. At Salem we will have the imposition of ashes and communion.

 

Feb. 16 – 7:00 p.m. – Salem hosts the worship service. We will follow the Evening Prayer and hear St. Thomas.

 

Feb. 23 – 7:00 p.m. – Good Shepherd Baptist Church (187 Southside) is our host and we will hear Judas.

 

Mar. 2  -  7:00 p.m. – St. Simon Episcopal (200 Cazenovia) is our host and we will hear Mary Magdelene.

 

Mar. 9  -   7:00 p.m. – Woodside Methodist (Abbott Rd.) is our host and we will hear St. Mary, Jesus’ mother.

 

Mar. 16 – 7:00 p.m. - St. Martin R.C. (1140 Abbott) is our host and we will hear Lydia.

 

There will be fellowship after each service. Some churches may serve soup, etc. before the service. Check on that. Also watch for bulletin inserts and updates.

On March 25^th, Good Friday – There will also be a South Buffalo Ecumenical Association Cross Walk. More information and a schedule will be coming.

 

There will be the regular MORNING services at Salem on Wednesdays in Lent at 10:30 a.m.

                                                                        Pastor Wurster

 

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HOMEMADE GERMAN FASTNACHTS

Two chances to enjoy this delicious treat!

 

Shrove Tuesday – Feb. 8  - Come have a cup of coffee & a fastnacht – take some home. This sale benefits the Salem Piecemakers.

 

Ash Wednesday – Feb. 9  - Worship in the morning or evening. The coffee hour will have fastnachts to purchase also. This sale benefits the Sunday School.        Salem Bakers

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

The Sunday School would like to express their appreciation to the congregation for their support of the door offerings taken in December.  We were able to make Christmas for a family from the Salvation Army a happier one.

We hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas Pageant as much as the children enjoyed performing it for them.

Please don't forget our upcoming events:

Ash Wednesday (February 9) Fastnacht Sale
Children will sing in Church on Palm Sunday (March 20)
Spaghetti Dinner in April - watch for more information

 

                                                                        Monica Thomas, Acting Superintendent

 

 

 

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C H U R C H    R E C O R D S

 

CONFIRMATION:  Sunday, December, 2004 – Kelly Marie Swartz and Cory Michael Swartz

 

BIRTH: Antonio Louis Vives, son of Ashley Ball, born January 9, 2005. God’s blessings to Antonio and Ashley.

 

 

FUNERALS: Evelyn Mae Weise, (mother of Karen Hooftallen & grandmother of Kimberly & Todd Zeltman) died December 3, 2004 at the age of 80 years 11 months and 1 day; 

                       Funeral: December 6, 2004 in Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, Inc., Silver Creek, NY by Pastor Wurster; burial: Glenwood Cemetery, Silver Creek, NY

 

                       Susan Marie Hannen, (mother of Charles) died December 11, 2004 at the age of 94 years 7 months and 27 days; funeral: December 14, 2004 in Holy Funeral Home, Inc., West Seneca, NY by Pastor Wurster; burial: Hillcrest Cemetery, Armor (Hamburg), NY

 

                       Robert D. Cliff (husband of Audrey Karl – former confirmed & baptized member of Salem), died January 1, 2005 at the age of 62 years 10 months and 28 days; funeral: January 5, 2005 in Loomis, Offers & Loomis Funeral Home, Seneca St., Buffalo, NY by Pastor Wurster; cremation.

 

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS TO: the Weise, Hannen and Cliff families.

 

 

 

 

MEETINGS

 

Women’s Guild

 

            Our annual Christmas party was held on Wednesday, December 15^th at the Holiday Inn. A good time was had by all. In lieu of exchanging gifts, we each gave a monetary gift to the Niagara Lutheran Home.

 

            Feb. 8 – 12 noon – Bring a sandwich – Deann Sheppard will be giving a book review of “In the presence of my enemies” by Gracia Bruaham. This book will be available in the church library. It is about two Christian missionaries and their capture by terrorists in the Philippines. All ladies are invited.

 

Thursday, Feb. 10 – Ecumenical luncheon at 12:00 noon at Salem.

 

            Mar. 8 – 12 noon – Lunch will be provided by the committee. Our guest speaker will be Susan Lichtenthal from the Lutheran Service Society. All ladies are invited.

                                                                                    Fran Wiedemann, Vice President

 

 

Golden Agers

 

            The first meeting of the Salem Golden Agers for 2005 will be Thursday, February 2, 2005. Pack a sandwich and join us for dessert and coffee. Dues will be collected at this meeting. Twelve dollars for a full year or six dollars for six months.

                                                                                    Norma Krug

 

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preserve the sanctity of marriage

 

            Existing state and federal laws may not be enough to stop activist judges and local authorities from marrying same-sex couples. It is now time for a constitutional amendment to define and preserve marriage as between one man and one woman. Copies of the following petition are available in the church office to sign. The signed copies will then be sent to members of the united states senate and house of representatives through the american center for law and justice.

 

 

This form is available in the church office for signatures.

                                                                                                Norrine Nagel

 

 

 

 

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

 

LWML Mini Retreat – Friday, March 4 – Sat. March 5^th – Adam’s Mark Hotel. Theme is Hymns and Hers. Anyone interested should contact  Joyce Vassallo or Elinor Jentsch for more information.

 

Volunteers are needed to help with the Eastern District LWML Board of Directors’ dinner on March 11^th and the Buffalo Zone LWML Planning meeting dessert and coffee on March 17^th hosted by the Salem LWML. Please contact Joyce Vassallo if you are willing to help.

 

Love Care Packages were sent to the following servicemen and college students: Laura Jablinski, Becky Croston, Catherine Baron and Katie Yung. The packages always include homemade cookies, tracts, etc. and are mailed twice a year at Thanksgiving and Easter.

A new mother dinner was delivered to Lana and Michael Zielinski and baby Jacob.

                                                                        Gladys Matson, Secretary

 

 

 

BUFFALO ZONE LWML SERVICE PROJECT

 

            On the first and third Friday of each month, the Buffalo Zone LWML will be working at the Cornerstone Manor from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Work would be sorting clothing, helping in the kitchen, etc. If you are interested in helping, please contact Lucille Koeller at 652-9457.

                                                                                    Gretchen Putzman

 

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LWML QUARTERLY

 

            It’s time to renew your subscription to the LWML Quarterly. The cost remains $5 for the year. Please fill out the attached form and return to Gretchen Putzman by February 13. This will give Gretchen time to notify the Zone Treasurer who will submit our order to the national LWML.

 

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                        Name(s) ______________________________________________

                        Cost        $5

 

 

BOX TOPS AND LABELS FOR EDUCATION

 

          SALEM LWML COLLECTS BOX TOPS AND THE LABELS FOR EDUCATION. EACH BOX TOP IS WORTH 10 CENTS. SOME ARE SENT TO THE BETHSEDA LUTHERAN HOME FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED AND OTHER MISSIONS.  PLEASE LEAVE ON THE TABLE IN THE NARTHEX OR GIVE TO SALLIE LANGNER. LISTED BELOW AND ON THE NEXT PAGE IS THE CURRENT LIST OF PRODUCTS WITH BOX TOPS AND LABELS YOU MAY SAVE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORY CHANGES

 

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

Mary Bartz, 505 Abbott Rd., Apt. 210, Julianna Apts., Buffalo, NY 14220; Phone #824-4928

Charles Karneth, 74 George Urban Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Crystal Rylowicz, 57 Zittel St., Buffalo, NY 14210-2447

Mark Schermerhorn, 42 Nandale Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14227; Phone #822-7782

Mr. & Mrs. James Wickins, 1680 Austin Rd., Attica, NY 14011; Phone #585-591-0375

 

CHRISTMAS CARD EXCHANGE

 

            This year was biggest success yet. More people contributed this year than ever before and we also received a large donation from a former Salem family. In total, $617 was raised. Shopping at 4 different stores and taking advantage of coupons and sales, I was able to buy $1072 worth of groceries. We had enough food to help 8 families! This was the most we have ever done. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who contributed. God will bless you for your generosity.

                                                                                    Joanne Kushka

 

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WE SUPPORT THE UNBORN CHILD PAIN AWARENESS ACT

 

          Medical researchers have determined that before the end of the fifth month of pregnancy, unborn babies already have all the parts of the nervous system that enable them to feel excruciating pain when they are torn apart and stabbed during abortions. A bill under consideration in Congress, the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (S.2466, H.R. 4420), would require that any woman who seeks an abortion after this point must first be given accurate information about the capacity of her unborn child to experience pain. The bill would also require the mother to sign a form saying whether she wants to go forward with the abortion, and whether she will agree to have pain-reducing drugs given to her unborn baby.

            In the church office is the petition supporting this act. Please come to the office to sign the petition or see Pastor for more information.

                                                                                    Pastor Wurster

 

 

 

 

 

                        IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ST. PAUL --- Rev. Dr. David and Ruth Wurster invite you to join them on a trip to Greece following the footsteps of St. Paul in October 2005. We received word over the Christmas holidays that 40 people have already reserved spaces for the trip to Greece. Another bus for 40 people is being booked now. If anyone is interested in following the footsteps of St. Paul, reserve your space as soon as possible, as there were only 40 seats left as of New Year’s Day. For more information, call Rev. Wurster at church or Ruth at home at 825-3253.

                                    Pastor & Ruth Wurster

 

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PANCAKE BRUNCH           

A HUGE SUCCESS

 

            $380 was raised on January 9^th and $300 will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. This event benefited the South Asia’s Tsunami survivors through Thrivent and Lutheran World Relief “Wave of Giving” program.  A big THANK YOU to all who helped Fred Bartz Jr., David, Claire, Stephanie & Jennifer Carlson, Roy Sheppard, Ken & Joanne Kushka, Kim & Russ Alessi, Elinor Jentsch, Gladys Matson, Norrine Nagel, Joyce Vassallo, Mel Beyers, Renee Richards, Isabella Wickins, Jim, Judy, Kate, Elise, Jennifer and Ryan Carr, Marjorie Nagel, Sam Zawada, Ethel Berkhoudt, Jean Poniwas and Jeremy Calzone.

 

            Donations for Tsunami survivors are still being collected for the “Wave of Giving” program.  Checks should be made payable to Lutheran World Relief. PLEASE NOTE All Thrivent member gifts to this Wave of Giving campaign will be matched $1 for $1 through April 15, 2005 up to $2 million. Only Thrivent member donations will be matched. Please use the attached response form with donation check.                                                             Norrine Nagel