The Dove |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Salem Dove OCTOBER 2006 FROM THE PASTOR: I was asked by some of our leaders and Salem to write up a statement about communion. That started some good thinking and prayer and discussion now. While thinking about this I realized the truth of a very controversial statement. You cannot join the church. Think about that for a moment. A person cannot join the church. Jesus says quite clearly that we can’t choose him, but he chooses us. This is a steady and constant theme in John 6 where Jesus is telling the people over and over again that no one can come to him unless it is given by the Father and they are taught by God. We all learned this in our catechism in the meaning of the third article of the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…” There it is: no one can join the church. We can only get in by being called by the Gospel and following the call. There are no volunteers in the church. The church is the body of Christ made up of believers who gather around the Word and the sacraments. That may leave some confused. You can join the organization of a congregation which is the tool that the church uses in the world. There are many people who join the organization who never really become part of the body of Christ. Jesus talks about these people. He said they would do lots of good works and say, “Lord, Lord,” but in the end he would not know them. (Matt. 7) On the other hand, there are lots of people who are part of the church who do not join the organizational structure of a congregation or do so only at the edge. This has been important for us to think about at Salem as we follow our Lord into the future and also into our community in the city of Buffalo. Some of the leaders here and I have been talking about how all this works and we have realized that there are and should be two dimensions of Salem in her daily life. There is and needs to be a core element here that are Lutherans and members and officers of the congregation. They are the group that must govern the congregation in matters of policy and money and things of that matter. They are the people who vote and hold office in the corporation (Salem) that is recognized by the state of New York. We need these people for no body, not even the church can live without living in the political reality of the world (CON’T. ON PAGE TWO) Salem Lutheran Church10 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) where material resources must be
managed and power must be managed.
This political reality with political leaders is
the second greatest gift God has given us (Augsburg
Confession 28). When
done wisely it leads to ordered peace (salem) in our
world. Around and beyond this core group is the worshipping community made up of people from the core group and beyond it. This group may not all be “dyed in the wool Lutherans” (this is not the case in any real community of people) but they are true Christians and servants of Christ and called by Christ to be part of his body. This we need to remember: if they confess Christ they are called by him to be one of his sheep. This community in the Gospel is the first greatest gift of God to us. (Augsburg Confession 28). It is in this community that Jesus comes in the real presence in the communion meal where the body and blood of Christ are given “in, with, and under,” the bread and wine. Where Christ is really present there is both judgment and grace and the proper attitude is that “we fear, love, and trust” in him above all things. If our governing core--church council and voters--can see this reality they will govern wisely with an eye to the Lord of the church and with an eye to serving the community where Christ has called them to serve. Salem will be the peace of God in the world in south Buffalo. We have a core group of people who have a good heart for this. We pray for their wisdom in the time ahead because many changes are taking place in our congregation and community. So how does this apply to the communion statement? I decided to just quote things from our doctrine (Book of Concord) that is in the Salem constitution and found that it is very positive and fits our mission very well. It is centered in the Gospel and is responsible and helpful in guiding us into deeper thought and prayer. I won’t put in the whole statement that is for continuing prayer and discussion, but let me quote two key elements. “Who then receives this sacrament worthily? Answer: Fasting and bodily preparation are in fact a fine external discipline, but a person who has faith in these words, ‘given and shed for you,’ and ‘shed for the forgiveness of sins,’ is really worthy and well prepared. However, a person who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, because the words ‘for you’ require true believing hearts.” (Small Catechism--Martin Luther) “We believe, teach, and confess, that there is only one kind of unworthy guest, those who do not believe…no genuine believers--no matter how weak--as long as they retain a living faith, receive the Holy Supper as condemnation…The true and worthy guests…are the Christians who are weak in faith, fragile and troubled, who are terrified in their hearts…by their sins…who feel the weakness of their faith and deplore it, and who desire with all their hearts to serve God with a stronger, more resolute faith and purer obedience.” (Book of Concord/Formula of Concord on the Lord’s Supper Art. 7) These are powerful words because they are focused on the Gospel-- one Jesus Christ who is our Peace. We cannot join the church. But we can volunteer to join the organization and use the organization in service of the church with our talents and gifts. Let these thoughts lead you into a good Lutheran question: What does this mean? That question is to lead us into a lifetime of learning and adventure. Speaking of a lifetime, by the way, 2007 in the 90th anniversary of Salem. Let’s ask the Lord of the church to lead us into a celebration that points to 100 years of Salem in the community. Peace,
Pastor Wurster VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV 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
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 Oct. 1 Philemon Commandments 9-10 Conclusion Oct. 8 1 John 1,2 Creed 1 Oct. 15 1 John 3,4 Creed 2 Oct. 22 1 John 5 Creed 3 Oct. 29 Gen. 1, 2 Lord’s Prayer Intro. & Petition 1 Nov. 5
Gen. 3
Lord’s Prayer Petition 2/3/4 VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV MEMORIALS
AND GIFTS HANDICAP ACCESS -
- -
- -
In memory of: Fred Bartz Sr.
by: Fred Bartz Jr.
In memory of: Phyllis Lesanti by: Ruth
Carr Gifts:
Dorothy Roger; George & Jean Poniwas; Ethel
Berkhoudt; Dorothy Putzman; Florence Daberkow; Lois
Doll; Kim & Russ Alessi; Nancy Thomas; Mel Beyers;
Doris Baker; Monica
& Mark Thomas; Allen & Judy Feltz; Rich &
Shirley Landseadel; Olga Kingsland; Ruth Carr; Maxine
Ford; Lorraine McGill; George & Rose Ann Merkt; Paul
Thomas; Bob & Fran Wiedemann STEPHEN
MINISTRY
- - - - - - - - Gifts: Mark & Christine
Johnson; Dennis & Sharon Croston MEMORIAL
FUND-
- - - - - - - - -
In memory of: Chester
& Evelyn Weise by Karen & Paul Hooftallen
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. PLANS ARE UNDERWAY FOR
SALEM’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN
2007 “90 YEARS OF CARING, HEALING AND
TEACHING”
During the year of 2007, we commemorate the 90th
anniversary of SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH with a variety of
celebratory events. Plans are already underway for
special services of thanksgiving, for reunions, for a
banquet, for a display of memorabilia and for special
music events.
Also, we plan to reach out to the community with
signs and banners proclaiming our mission and confirming
that SALEM is alive and well.
The year 2007 will be devoted to praise and
thanksgiving to God for all His blessings upon SALEM for
90 years.
Co-Chairpersons: Claire Carlson, Rose Ann Merkt,
Norrine Nagel, Raymond Yox Please see Elinor Jentsch for books. SALEM
LUTHERAN YOUTH The
Youth Group has already kicked into gear for the new
school year! In
September 17th we conducted the First
Annual Salem Bowling Challenge.
The Youth vs. Council/ Leaders!
The Youth numbered seven: Jen and Ryan Carr,
Ashley and Matt Hoffmann, Beth and Karen Thomas and
Laura Thomas. The
“golden agers” included Jim and Judy Carr, Joanne
and Ken Kushka, Monica Thomas and Paul Thomas.
Based on pin count and handicap, the Youth eked
out a narrow victory.
High game honors went to: Male
Youth: Matt
Hoffmann Female
Youth: Laura
Thomas Male
Leader: Jim
Carr Female
Leader: Judy & Monica (tied). There
will be a trophy ceremony in the near future.
Besides having a great time, we all learned
something… we were flexible as the rules and structure
changed and next
year, bowling only two games! Look
for the Youth table and a “Chinese”
auction the night of the Roast Beef Dinner.
Reminder: Asking for a donation from each family member involved with
SLY. Deliver
your basket to the church office by the previous Sunday. Our
next Youth
Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 29th
after church. There
are plans for a Fall
Festival; an event with games, prizes and surprises.
The afternoon will start out with a pizza party
and
traditional
fall eats and drinks.
There will be more information in the Bulletin
in the weeks leading up to the event.
A little
hint… you will need to bring in a large paper bag
and selected items from your home.
Admission will be canned goods for the needy.
Also, this event will be for youth grades three (3) through high school.
Submitted
by Paul Thomas, Youth Leader oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo WOMEN’S
GUILD
Ladies, we are experiencing a drop in regular
attendees. Please feel free to join us the 2nd
Tuesday of each month at 12 noon. The next meeting is
Tues., Oct. 10th. Please bring a sandwich for lunch and
dessert is provided by the committee. Please join us.
God bless, Shirley Banas, Vice President
On Thursday, October 26th 2006, our
LWML will have our annual dinner meeting. It will be an
OKTOBERFEST DINNER MEETING at 5:30 pm. ALL LADIES of
Salem are invited to attend.
Our group is still collecting cancelled stamps.
We would appreciate it if you would save them for us.
They need to have a ¼ inch border. Money received for
them goes to the purchase of Bibles.
We are also collecting used Bibles or other
devotional books for area mission churches. If you can
donate any, please give to Claire Carlson.
Gladys
Matson, Secretary
See Zone Rally poster on another page in this
issue of the Dove.
We would like to thank Pastor Wurster for being
our Bible Study leader at the LWML retreat on September
15-17, 2006 at Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center. He did
a great job. ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss GOLDEN
AGERS
Meetings and activities began at our regular
meeting on September 7th. Our next meeting
will be October 5th and our anniversary
dinner will be November 2nd at 12 noon at the
Holiday Inn on Dingens Street. The cost will be $1 5 and
the dinner choices are beef or stuffed chicken breast.
Please sign up and pay at the October meeting.
Under consideration for the December 10th
trip is The Fourth Wise Man at Studio Arena or the
Marvin Hamlisch Christmas Show.
The entertainment for the October 5th
meeting will be the Rev. Greg Miller with stories and
songs on the keyboard.
Gretchen Putzman
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SALEM
MEN’S GROUP
Salem’s Men Group meets the first Saturday of
every month at 8:30 am. Men of all ages are encouraged
to join us for breakfast and fellowship. We are
currently making plans for several outings and will be
leading a lay service this fall. Come and join us for a
good time. Our
next meeting is October 7th.
Ken Kushka Please remember the deadline for the next
issue of the Dove will be October 15th. Articles may
be placed in my basket in the church secretary’s
office or email to patchtroop546@aol.com.
Thank you.
Claire
Carlson LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS
Renewal or new subscriptions are due into the
church office by Sunday, October 22, 2006 - $8.75 per
year. This Lutheran magazine will be mailed to your
home.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa B A N N S Published
“James Krol and Nicole Beaudoin wish to enter the holy estate of matrimony according
to God’s ordinance and desire the prayers of the
Christian congregation on their behalf so that they may
begin in God’s name and have it turn out well. Now
should anyone have anything to say against this, let him
or her speak at this time or hereafter remain silent.
God grant them His blessing. Amen.” (From
Martin Luther’s Wedding Booklet)
Pastor Wurster
######################################## Christian Growth Thoughts The renowned author, speaker, and
theologian, Reverend Eugene Peterson, says in his book
‘Working the Angles’ that to be an effective
devoted minister of Christ requires a daily practice of
these three items: 1)
Daily
scripture reading and study 2)
Daily
time spent in prayer with God alone 3)
Being
consciously aware of the spiritual needs of the person
before you. The first two are fairly easy if one has
developed a spiritual discipline of daily time with God
and (con’t
next column) (continued
from preceding column) His Word.
The third item is the one that can trip up
the best of us. My first question upon reading the third
item, was also Luther’s favorite question; “What
does this mean?”
Here’s what I’ve come to think about it:
being consciously aware of the spiritual needs of the
person before you implies emotional focus, not on
self but on other. Begin by asking questions such as; what is this person’s
body language saying?
Or asking the person about their day, their
family, their “highs and lows”.
Also, watching their eyes and deliberately trying
to maintain eye connection with them while talking, will
give you a clue as to what they are thinking.
So often when we are in conversation with
others, we will ask them how they are and then begin to
think about all the things we want to share.
Are we truly listening to them?
Each of us is a minister in service to
the Lord God. Ministry
happens every moment of every day no matter where you
are or whether you’re alone or with another, ministry
happens. The
essence of the words ‘to minister’ means to serve.
And every moment we are in service to God, our
families, ourselves and others.
Shouldn’t we want to be the best possible
ministers that we can?
And what would that look like to the community
around us? What
would our very own congregation look like if we each
focused more on the other and their spiritual needs,
than our own? Do
we not trust God to take care of ALL our needs,
including spiritual?
If so, then we needn’t worry about ourselves
and thus be freed up to focus on serving the needs of
others. Isn’t
that exactly what Jesus did for us when He chose to
follow God’s will and die on the cross for US?
I have met some people here at Salem who
do just that: they are very focused on the needs of
others and rarely think of their own needs.
I am blessed and inspired by these folks! So, in your daily time with God, ask Him
how you can be more focused on serving the spiritual
needs of others. God
will show you the way.
In His Service, Lynn Scarpine, DCG THE
BALANCE IN CURRENT AS OF August 31, 2006 IS A DEFICIT
OF $11,754.90.
Nancy
Thomas, Treasurer QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ Dear Salem church,
Thank you for the scholarship I received from the
St Paul’s Scholarship Fund. I am now majoring in
Family Life Ministry and Youth Counseling at Concordia
University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. God’s blessings.
Stephanie
Carlson P.S. Thank you to the confirmation class and the Youth Bible Class
for helping me with my surveys for my Youth Culture
class. POTLUCK CORNER Pineapple Lime Basic Salad 1 6 oz. pkg. lime gelatin 2 c. boiling water 2 ½ c. crushed pineapple with syrup (1 lb. 4 oz. can) 1 c. sour cream Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Add crushed pineapple and chill until thickened, about 2 hours. Add sour cream and pour into a 1 ½ qt. ring mold. Chill until set. Mary Bartz WANTED: Recipes for Potluck Corner. Please leave in my
box in secretary’s office.
Claire Carlson qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq NIAGARA LUTHERAN
HOME GUILD’S ANNUAL FALL FUN FAIR Craft/Plant
and Bake Sale Thursday,
October 19th NLHRC
Lobby 9
am – 3 pm Bring
your donations to 64 Hager St. at any time and mark them
for the Fall Fun Fair. Questions, call Joan Herman at
434-0156. EASTERN
DISTRICT NEWS October 14, Lutheran Service Book Workshop, 9:30-12:30,
Salem, (See flyer in this issue of the Dove.) October 20, Entertainment Dinner & Auction to benefit
Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center, Hearthstone Manor,
Salem will be getting tables together. Please see
Norrine Nagel if interested. OUR
SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS TO THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES OF: Eben Smith – father in law of Karen Smith who passed away
September 15th 2006 and James Walker - father in law of Diana Rae Walker who passed away September
20th 2006. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red
Cross is currently seeking volunteers for its Services
to Seniors Programs. The Ombudsman Program provides
advocacy services responsive to the complaints and
problems of residents living in long term care
facilities. The LIFE Project provides in-home supportive
services to seniors living independently. For more
information call 878-2385. Christian
Reitler, Ombudsman Program Coordinator Stephanie
Malinenko, LIFE Project Coordinator xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRIES IN
BUFFALO
This year we not only celebrate our Lutheran
heritage, but also significant anniversaries of Lutheran
Campus Ministries: 100 years in the ELCA, 70 years in
the LCMS and 40 years in Western New York.
Our weekend features special guest, Dr. Barbara
Harbach, Professor of Music at the University of
Missouri, St. Louis. Formerly she was on the music
faculty of UB and Director of Music at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Eggertsville. She will lead a massed
choir at St. Paul’s Lutheran, 4007 Main St.,
Eggertsville for Lutheran Campus Ministries annual WNY
Reformation Celebration.
Sat. Oct. 28th – Dr. Harbach will
present a workshop; “How Music Upholds and Enhances
Congregational Worship,” 9 am – noon at St.
Paul’s.
Sun. Oct. 29th at 4 pm is the
Reformation Celebration also at St. Paul’s. The
centerpiece of the celebration will be the “Luther
Cantata” arranged by Dr. Harbach, who will also
conduct the performance. FIVE
FINGER PRAYER
Submitted by Paul Thomas
Jr. Salem
Lutheran Youth The
Youth Group has already kicked into gear for the new
school year! In
September 17th we conducted the First
Annual Salem Bowling Challenge.
The Youth vs. Council/ Leaders!
The Youth numbered seven: Jen and Ryan Carr,
Ashley and Matt Hoffmann, Beth and Karen Thomas and
Laura Thomas. The
“golden agers” included Jim and Judy Carr, Joanne
and Ken Kushka, Monica Thomas and Paul Thomas.
Based on pin count and handicap, the Youth eked
out a narrow victory.
High game honors went to: Male
Youth: Matt
Hoffmann Female
Youth: Laura
Thomas Male
Leader: Jim
Carr Female
Leader: Judy & Monica (tied). There
will be a trophy ceremony in the near future.
Besides having a great time, we all learned
something… we were flexible as the rules and structure
changed and next
year, bowling only two games! Look
for the Youth table and a “Chinese”
auction the night of the Roast Beef Dinner.
Reminder: Asking for a donation from each family member involved with
SLY. Deliver
your basket to the church office by the previous Sunday. Our
next Youth Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 29th
after church. There
are plans for a Fall
Festival; an event with games, prizes and surprises.
The afternoon will start out with a pizza party
and
traditional
fall eats and drinks.
There will be more information in the Bulletin
in the weeks leading up to the event.
A little hint… you will need to bring in a large paper bag and
selected items from your home.
Admission will be canned goods for the needy. Also, this event will
be for youth grades three (3) through high school. Submitted
by Paul Thomas, Youth Leader
October 4
Roast
Beef Dinner & Bazaar Sunday
School will be selling candy bars October 12 Sunday
School Teacher Meeting at 6:30 p.m. October 29 Reformation
Party Rally
Day/Bible Presentation Rally
Day was celebrated on Sunday, September 24th.
We had a family breakfast during
Sunday School time with parents and
students.
During
Church our Third Graders: Brittany Houck,
Nicholas Miller, Deandra Lesanti, Sean
Pfeiffer and Jennie Swierczynski received
their Bibles.
Our
Sunday School Staff was commissioned as
well. Superintendent:
Monica Thomas Treasurer:
Paul Yox Secretary:
Beth Radtke Financial
Secretary: Dawn Miller Primary
Department Leader: Judy Hoffmann Primary
Teachers: Judy Hoffmann and Daylina
Houck Primary
Helpers:
Eric Radtke, Arlene Ball, Jennifer
Carr, Ashley Hoffmann Junior
Department Leader: Lois Doll Junior
Teachers: Paul Swierczynski, Judy Carr,
and Monica Thomas Junior
Department Helper: Ernelle Poniwas Youth
Bible Class Leaders: Jim Carr and Lynn
Scarpine
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.
Lutheran
‘30’ Broadcast Schedule: 35TH
YEAR – 2005-6 Each
Sunday at 9:00 am on WXRL (1300 AM), Lancaster, NY October 1st
– Salem, Springville October 8th
– Trinity, West Seneca October 15th
– St. Mark, N. Tonawanda October 22nd
– Immanuel, Tonawanda October 29th
– Pilgrim, Kenmore
|