The Dove

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER     2004

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FROM  THE  PASTOR  - I was talking to a Christian educator not long ago.  I have known her for a number of years.

                                               She has been a professional youth worker in the church and also an educator/teacher for

                                               professionals in the church, including pastors.  She made one of those memorable

                                               comments that make sense and focus the mind.

She said,  “I don’t believe in youth ministry anymore – I believe in family ministry.”  That makes lots of sense as I look back over the years, and also look at what’s going on in the church and in the world around us.  She does not mean that she doesn’t consider youth unimportant nor that she has given up her love of young people.  She is getting to a very old point about how to love and minister to youth better than we often do today.  Christian education has to do with whole families and family stories – not with here a child and there a youth.

Martin Luther was getting at the same point she was getting at when he wrote the Small Catechism – “a Bible of the Laity, in which everything is summarized that is treated in detail in Holy Scripture and that is necessary for a Christian to know for salvation.”  (Book of Concord – pg. 487)  In Luther’s Small Catechism this is the heading under title of each section:  “In a simple way in which the head of a house is to present them to the household.”  Martin Luther thought in terms of family ministry when he wrote the Small Catechism.  He was clear that the primary institution of human life and society was marriage and family and that the primary teachers of any child are the parents.  If he were alive today he would probably say something close to what I heard from the woman Christian educator.

Family and parents is where the primary values of life are learned.  Primary values are learned at the level of doing and not saying.  Of course, they are most powerfully learned when the saying and doing are not contrary to each other, but complement each other.  Most classroom teachers I have talked to over the years say it’s easy to tell which students come from disturbed homes.  They can tell by the student’s disturbed words and behavior.  It is not, however, politically correct – PC- to say this in public these days.  I have seen the same thing as a family counselor and as a supervisor and consultant for students and professionals in family work.  It’s also a truth you can observe in congregations even though many people try to duck the truth of the connection between parents’ life and kids’ life or leaders’ life and youth life in a congregation.

Lots of congregations have a string of people who drop kids off for Sunday School and teach the kids by their action that this education is for kids and some women, but not for grown ups and men.  Some church leaders wring their hands about the lack of youth participation in a congregation, but neglect to notice that the percentage of youth in Bible Study and the percentage of adult leaders in Bible Study is about the same.  The hand wringers are teaching and the youth are learning quite well. (continued on next page)

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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

 

 

 

 

(continued from FROM  THE  PASTOR) . . .

 

Taking kids to the “shrink” for emotional problems or to the pastor for spiritual learning is proving a real failure and neglect if not abuse of our youth.  We have and can do better.  At Salem we have a living Sunday School program with thoughtful leaders who are thinking in new ways.  We have confirmation mentors who have enriched confirmation way beyond trying to get information in kids’ heads.  Our D.C.G., Mrs. Pittock, over the last year introduced us to a program of family ministry called Faith Incubators, which sees ministry to youth beginning at the birth and continuing through high school graduation with events and blessings with the families and congregation throughout all those years.  This has had a powerful impact in families and congregation where it has been used.  We have now the opportunity to build on what Mrs. Pittock gave us in this regard.  We also have been given a $2,000.00 grant to explore and use this program in the coming year in confirmation.  We at Salem have been blessed in many ways.  The challenge now is to use the blessings God has given us.  We have a good “Salem Board of Christian Education” who are discovering that their job is not primarily controlling things, but empowering people to be a new creation in Christ and find ways to challenge us all for family ministry.

One of the things the mentors taught us early on is that confirmation is not just for kids.  Over the year three and even four generations of people shared the learning and life in Christ.  We saw things happening that could never happen in the old model – things Martin Luther knew about and wrote about almost 500 years ago.

We have the people, the gifts, the leadership, and the promises of our Lord here at Salem.  Jesus said that those who hear but don’t do (Christian education is some disconnected facts storehoused in a skull) build a house on sand and when the storm comes it falls apart.  But the one who hears and does (Christian education fills the whole family and congregation) builds a house on the rock and the storms come and it stands.  And Peter on Pentecost preached that the Lord will pour out His Spirit on all people and sons and daughters will prophesy and young people see visions and old people dream dreams.  All of this still works because the Spirit is still moving all over the world and here at Salem too.

                                                                        Peace,

                                                                        Pastor Wurster

 

 

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Sunday School

Another school year is upon us, and we welcome all our children, parents, and teachers back to Sunday School on Rally Day, September 12th at 9:00 am.  We invite you to join us for breakfast, crafts, and music.

During our 10:30 am worship service, the liturgy will be adapted to accent the Sunday School and Christian education, our third graders will receive their Bibles, the Sunday School staff will be commissioned, and we will recognize the commitment and support of parents and the congregation. 

This year, we are looking for parent volunteers to help out with various aspects of Sunday School.  We urge you to look inside yourselves, pray about it, and if the Spirit moves you, talk to your Sunday School teacher or contact B. David Sylvia to find out how you can help.   

We look forward to seeing everyone again on Rally Day to kick off another great year of Sunday School!

B. David Sylvia, Sunday School Superintendent

Reminder to Sunday School Teachers:

Next meeting:  October 14, 2004 at 7:00 pm

 

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        CONGRATULATIONS to Stephanie Carlson, member of Treemor Senior Girl Scout Troop 1407 on the presentation of her Gold Award.  Stephanie completed over 50 hours of work by redecorating our church’s women’s restroom. Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouts and will be presented at the September 12th Rally Day service. Gold Award is similar to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.

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            REDEDICATION of CHURCH RESTROOMS WILL BE HELD RALLY DAY SEPTEMBER 12TH.          We thank Stephanie Carlson and Mallorie Knappert, members of Treemor Girl Scout Troop 1407 for their redecoration efforts as their Gold Award project.

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MEETINGS

WOMEN’S GUILD

 

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 14th 2004. Dessert and coffee at 7:30 pm. Meeting to follow. All ladies are invited to attend.             

Fran Wiedemann, Vice President

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SOUTH BUFFALO ECUMENICAL ASSOCIATION

 

will meet Thursday, September 9th at 6 pm. at South Park Presbyterian Church, McKinley Pkwy. Prayers, light supper and planning meeting. RSVP 823-3416

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GOLDEN AGERS

 

The Salem Golden Agers will meet September 2nd at 12 noon. Won’t you join us for our new season? 

                                                Norma Krug  823-2453

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LUTHERAN SERVICE SOCIETY WOMEN’S AUXILLARY

 

Regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at 12 noon. All members and friends are welcome.

Location: Luther Manor Apartments, 245 Bryant St., North Tonawanda

For Directions, call 631-9112.

BRING A BAG LUNCH, BEVERAGE AND DESSERT PROVIDED.

                                                Maryetta Lootens, Corresponding Secretary,       

                                                Women’s Auxillary, LSS

 

 

 

                                               

 

A very special thank you to Claire Carlson for hosting the LWML picnic meeting July 22nd. It was a great success and the food was outstanding.

 

            Please mark your calendars:

September 17-19        Retreat at Pioneer

October 3rd                  LWML Sunday

October 28th                LWML Dinner Meeting

                                                Joyce Vassallo, President

 

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REMINDER

 

SEPT. 17-19, 2004 LWML RETREAT @ PIONEER

 

PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE SEPT. 1ST

(see Gretchen Putzman or Joyce Vassallo for forms)

 

GOD’S GIFT  - A MOTHER’S TOUCH

(1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NIV)

 

“GIFTS FROM THE HEART”/ ITEMS TO BRING TO PACK IN EACH BOX

 

                        1 plastic feeding bottle & 2 extra nipples

                        1 receiving blanket

                        1 article of small clothing

                        1 teething toy & 1 rattle (or combo teether-rattle)

                        something for ‘mom’/ small gift

                        photo of yourself to enclose in card provided

 

We will also need donations of snacks for Saturday evening, 9/18: cheese/ crackers,  assorted fresh fruit, homemade cookies. Please contact Elinor Jentsch 662-9459 or Joyce Vassallo 549-4248.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Quilting has been recognized as an official ministry of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod since the synodical convention in St. Louis, MO in July 2004.

            Salem Piecemakers delivered 11 twin sized quilts to City Mission on August 9th. These quilts were designated to specific men committed to a year long program of self improvement. We had the pleasure of having lunch with the director of City Mission Thomas McLaughlin. He expressed his appreciation for all the help the mission has received from Salem.

            We also delivered 11 baby quilts to Harvest House for their baby ministry. Their outreach helps families throughout the city and countywide.

            The Salem Piecemakers are looking for anyone interested in serving to join us in our ministry. No experience necessary.

Contact:            Norrine Nagel

                        Gretchen Putzman                                 Joyce Vassallo

                        Deann Sheppard                                 Maureen Wilke

                        Gustie Schultz                                     Ruth Wurster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASTERN DISTRICT LLL CONVENTION

 

            The Eastern District of the Lutheran Laymen’s League will hold its 61st annual convention on September 10th – 12th 2004 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Brockport, NY. The convention starts on Friday evening at 7:30 pm with an opening worship service, followed by Convention Session #1 and a time for fellowship. Saturday’s agenda begins at 9:30 am with Bible study, followed by two convention sessions, lunch, activities, breakout sessions, and concludes with the dinner/banquet at 6:00 pm.  Rev. Walt Winters, Director of International Ministries for Lutheran Hour Ministries, will give a two part International report and will be the guest speaker at the banquet. Sunday will be an opportunity to share in Bible study and worship with the host congregation, Concordia.

            The convention agenda is designed to have the majority of the activities on Saturday so that people from the local area (Buffalo), if they wish, can come for just the day and avoid the cost of staying overnight. All attendees are responsible for their own hotel accommodations. For more information , call Paul Fromm at 691-8478

MENTORING AT SALEM

 

            Salem’s mentors will begin a second year in September! Last year’s confirmation class was the first to have mentors help them, along with their parents and godparents. Eight committed adults worked with their students during confirmation class, through journaling and field trips throughout the year. They helped carry out the mission and vision of Salem: to preach, teach and heal. The bonds between mentors and students will be lasting ones, bonds that will only become stronger through the years.

            Our thanks to the mentors who served faithfully in 2003-4:

                        Elinor Jentsch

                        Maureen Wilke

                        Stephanie Pittock

                        Gladys Matson

                        Melissa Banas

                        Julie Schmidt

                        Delores Landwehr

                        Roy Sheppard

            We are still in need of mentors for 2004-5.

                                                                        Deann Sheppard

 

                    MENTORS WANTED….

            Special individuals willing to make a difference in a young person’s life. Need to have time to spend with a member of the confirmation class on a weekly basis. Qualifications required: Big heart, likes children and is willing to assist with confirmation requirements and to share God’s love and its meaning with a young person. Program begins first week in September and continues through May. No experience necessary, training provided—high rewards guaranteed!

Interested?  For more information contact:

            Mentoring Program Coordinators

Deann Sheppard 674-0681 deannshep@adelphia.net

Sue Landwehr 822-9431 land369@cs.com

 

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FAMILY GAME NIGHTS

           

Before we know it, the cold weather will be here and we will be stuck in the house. To beat the “winter blues,” I’d like to start organizing a few Family Game Nights. Nothing elaborate, just good friends and good fun. Okay, maybe good food, too. After all, what do Lutherans do better than eat? Here’s where you all come in. I could use a little help getting them organized. So if any of you have been wondering what to do with yourselves this winter, TA-DA! I have the perfect solution! The rewards are great and I promise not to work you too hard. Just see me or give me a call at 823-8461.

Joanne Kushka

 

SALEM’S NEW SUPPLEMENTAL HYMNAL

 TO BE INTRODUCED AND DEDICATED

ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH

 

After many months of preparation, our new supplemental hymnal will be dedicated on September 19th 2004. The new hymnal contains 125 hymns and songs which are not currently in our hymnal, LUTHERAN WORSHIP.  Many of the new hymns and songs are considered to be contemporary and are a joy to sing. In addition, we have included 11 verses of scriptures which fit nicely with the hymn attached. There are also 22 Christian symbols drawn by the German artist Clement Schmidt and they are contemporary in nature. We have added several portions of Luther’s Small Catechism for occasional reference. Our Worship Committee feels strongly that the new hymnal will greatly enhance our worship experience.

            The development of this new hymnal required a good deal of effort on the part of several of our members. We thank Sally McAlpine for coordinating the entire project and we are grateful to the following for making  significant contributions:

 

Lois Doll                                              Ernelle Ponivas

Elinor Jentsch                                       Maureen Wilke

Lois Jones                                            Pastor Wurster

Joanne Kushka                         Ray & Lois Yox

Norrine Nagel                                      Deann Sheppard

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THANK YOU

 

            We would like to thank the Salem Lutheran congregation for their support in sending us to the LCMS national Youth Gathering in Orlando, Florida. It was amazing and we wouldn’t have been able to go without all your support. The trip brought us closer to each and to God. Thank you for your continuing support.

                                                With Love, The Toastmasters,

Kate and Elise Carr, Stephanie Carlson, Connie Kraft and Ashley Merkt

 

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Thank you very much for allowing us to use your church hall on June 24th for our Gold Award banquet for the Girl Scouts. 

Sincerely,  Mary Schumer, Leader, Treemor Senior G.S. Troop 1407

 

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This is to acknowledge your generous donation of $60 for our new Papyrus Camp outreach to children in foster care. Many of the children who will attend Papyrus Camp come from broken, hurting homes and may have never heard about God’s love and grace. As adopted sons and daughters of heavenly Father and King, we are each called to share the love of Christ with those around us. Thank you again for answering this call with a resounding ‘Yes’! Thank you for this special gift. We are blessed by your partnership in the Gospel.   Linda Gage, Executive Director, Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center


CHURCH RECORDS

 

MEMBERSHIP CHANGES: Neil Guda – student membership – student at Concordia Seminary, St. Catharines, Ontario.

 

BAPTISMS: Malachi Maximus Reese, son of Rashawn Reese and Carrie Schreier and Celeste Valentine Kosman, daughter of Carrie Schreier; baptized Sunday, April 25, 2004; sponsors for both children – Joseph Wrobel and  Bonnie Wrobel

 

FUNERALS:   Florence Sheppard, died Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at the age of 102 years, 1 month, 1 day; funeral: July 3, 2004 in Salem Lutheran Church by Pastor Wurster; burial: St. Matthews Cemetery, West Seneca, NY

 

                        Hildegard W. Gerth, died August 14, 2004 at the age of 76 years, 7 months, 8 days; funeral: August 18, 2004 in O’Connell-Murphy Funeral Home, Buffalo, NY by Pastor Wurster; burial: cremation

 

COMMITTAL: For Kenneth Matson, July 9, 2004 by Pastor Wurster in St. Matthew’s Cemetary, West Seneca, NY

 

TRANSFER IN: Ms. Dayle Austin from Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lockport, NY

 

TRANSFER OUT: Rev. Travis and Stephanie Pittock to Salem Lutheran Church, Springville. NY

 

Released to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Lockport, NY (LCMS) – Robert and Elaine Gesegnet. They were removed March 1988 by Rev. Blemaster.

 

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GRADUATIONS

 

Laura Thomas graduated from 8th grade from Holy Family School with a partial scholarship to attend Mount Mercy Academy.

 

Thomas (TJ) Szpara Jr. graduated from West Seneca West Senior High School on June 23rd 2004. He will attend ECC for the Criminal Justice Program.

 

Matthew Bartz graduated from Hutch Tech High School. He will joining the Air Force September 28th.

 

Kate Carr graduated from Cheektowaga High School on June 24th and will be attending University of Buffalo for Pre – Med.

 

Katie Yung graduated from West Seneca East High School on June 28th and will be attending Alfred State for CAD.

 

Pamela Laurent graduated from Cheektowaga High School on June 24th and will be seeking employment.

 

            Congratulations and God’s blessings to all our graduates on their future endeavors.         (Please let the church office know if any of our graduates are missing from this list.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMORIALS    AND    GIFTS

 

HANDICAP ACCESS FUND

In memory of:  Florence Sheppard by Judith Paschke; Mary Didas; Danielle Visnesky; Walter & Grace Krueger; Violet Kelm; Ruth Carr; Fred Bartz Jr.; Kim & Russ Alessi; Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Olson; Susan & Daryl Hewson; Mr. & Mrs. O’Donnell; Mr. & Mrs. DeGraff; Nalewajek Family; Jean O’Keeffe; Grace Belter; Mary Kay Patterson; Mr. & Mrs. Benenati; Mr. & Mrs. Vitello; Mr. & Mrs. Sledzieski; Mrs. Jesonowski; Dzieciuch Family; Mr. & Mrs. Kneppel; Ruth Kray; Catherine Coleman; Ethel Berkhoudt; Michael & Sandy Mulvaney; John & Sally McAlpine; Sallie Langner

 

In memory of: Alfred Hope by Ruth Kray; Kim & Russ Alessi;  Violet Kelm

 

In memory of: Kenneth Matson by Walter & Grace Krueger

 

Gifts: Cheryl Cudmore; Alice Bogumil; Eleanor Senchoway;  Arlene Ball; Ethel Berkhoudt; Melvin Beyers; Richard & Shirley Landseadel; Mr. & Mrs. George Poniwas; Fred Bartz Jr.; Florence Daberkow; Lorraine McGill; Nancy Thomas; David & Claire Carlson; Jim & Judy Carr; Lois Doll; Sallie Langner; Mark & Monica Thomas; Paul Thomas Jr.; Charles & Lynda Yung; Rev. & Mrs. Richard Blemaster (birthdays); Marjorie Schermerhorn; Craig Miller; Doris Baker; Mr. & Mrs. Paul Swierczynski; Dorothy Putzman; Allen Feltz;  Maureen Wilke; Diana Walker (birthday); Marie Radtke (birthday); Mary Bartz; Robert Wiedemann; Paul Swierczynski

 

MEMORIAL FUND: In memory of: Lavern & Eleanor Schmidt by Mr. & Mrs. Ohlrich

                                    In memory of: Alfred Hope by Martha Haas

                                    In memory of: Florence Sheppard by Gladys Matson

 

CURRENT FUND: 

Gifts: In memory of Walter Schermerhorn (birthday) by Marjorie  Schermerhorn;

By Treemor Girl Scout Senior Troop 1407

 

FRIENDS OF MUSIC & CULTURE FUND: Gift: by Shirley Landseadel

 

MISCELLANEOUS FUND: Gifts: by Thrivent for Habitat for Humanity

 

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CHURCH DIRECTORY CHANGES

 

Please add to your directory: Miss Jennilyn Lillie, 12102 Sisson Hwy. Lawtons, NY 14091, Phone: 337-2747

            Ms. Dayle Austin, 177 Sheffield Ave., Buffalo, NY 14220, Phone: 822-5565

 

Change of room number:  Dorothy Sweeney, c/o Seneca Manor Health Care Facility, #246, 2987 Seneca St., West Seneca, NY 14224

 

THRIVENT BRANCH

 

   October 3, 2004 – Dinner Meeting

   October 10, 2004 – Jay Delaney from Thrivent to give presentation during coffee hour

                                          Fred Bartz Jr.

 

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COMMUNITY NEWS

 

            WEST SENECA WEST SENIOR HIGH ORCHESTRA PARENT ASSOCIATION IS SPONSORING A CHINESE AUCTION

 

on Sunday, October 3rd 2004 at Seneca Hose Co. #1 Fire Hall, 2801 Seneca St., West Seneca

DOORS OPEN: 12 noon,  Numbers Drawn: 2 pm.

            Admission: $1.00 (includes chance on raffle) Cost Tickets: 1 Sheet of 25 tickets for $2 or 3 Sheets of 25 tickets for $5 (which includes chance on raffle)

 

Split Club, Large Item Raffles

Drinks, Bake Goods, Nachos are available

For further information contact: Karen Wojcik at 827-7983 or Kim Walkow at 822-9423

 

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LEAPP – The Loving, Encouraging, Affirming People Place AFTER SCHOOL CHILDCCARE PROGRAM – Grace Lutheran Church, 174 Cazenovia St., Buffalo

 

            Available to students in grades K through 6. Nutritional snacks, fun crafts & games, homework help & more! Monday through Friday 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

(when Buffalo Public Schools are in session)  APPLY NOW FOR FALL! LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. Weekly or Monthly Payment Plans.  Sliding Fee Scale & Family Rates.  For more information or to receive a registration form. Call 822-0553 or email at LEAPP1@juno.com.

 

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 4TH ANNUAL 5K RUN

            Sat. Sept. 18th 2004        7:45 am registration

Westminster Presbyterian Church, west side of Delaware Ave. between North and Summer Sts.   $15 pre-registration, $17 day of the race

Church Challenge also available – for more information – http://www.habitatbuffalo.org/run.html or 834-0938 or johnperry@mac.com

 

 

COMMUNITY NEWS (page 2)

 

CUB SCOUT RECRUITMENT (Boys ages 6-10 ½ )

Kick – Punts – Pass    Football Kickoff and Tailgate Party

Special presentation by the Order of the Arrow

 

When: Sat. Sept. 18, 2004       Where: Delaware Park (Amherst & Colvin inner circle)

                        Time: 10 am – 1 pm ( Bug Juice & Hot Dog - $2)

 

For More Information Contact: Mark Tiedemann 896-4989

   Greater Niagara Frontier Council, 401 Maryvale Dr., Buffalo, NY 14225

            Phone: 891-4073 or email: rwilson@bsamail.org

 

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IN CONCERT                         4GVN

Performing Live at South Park United Presbyterian Church, 519 McKinley, Buffalo

September 18th @ 3:00 pm                        Cost $5            Call 823-3416 for ticket information

 

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IT’S ST. LUKE’S 1ST OKTOBERFEST

 

Saturday, September 25th

2-9 pm at the Lamm Post on 962 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville

 

$5 General Admission includes raffle entry for:

Fabulous Door Prize – 2 tickets on Air Tran

**Children under 12 are FREE**

**German ‘Chinese’ Auction**

 

Entertainment by: The Auslanders & The Rosengartners

Refreshments available at a nominal charge and include:

Sausages, Sauerkraut, “Authentic” German Potato Salad & other German Specialities

Hot Dogs & Snacks for Kids

German Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks & Coffee

Homemade Desserts by St. Luke’s Finest Bakers

 

Call  St. Luke’s church office at 633-6752 for tickets and more information.

 

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NOTES  FROM  PASTOR . . .

 

Thanks for the Vacation Bible School at Salem.  Thanks to all the people from the kids to the teachers who made such a success of Vacation Bible School at Salem.  We will hear about it as time goes on and seeds sown will take root and grow.  The Sunday School is following up on the V.B.S. – watch for more in September and in the future.

 

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C O N F I R M A T I O N

 

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.the confirmation students and parents will meet with Pastor Wurster and the mentors as we begin a new year of confirmation instruction.  Students, parents, and mentors please plan to attend and come aboard the confirmation experience for the coming year.

 

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L.C.M.S.  Convention  in  St. Louis  -  Most of you know that I attended the L.C.M.S. Convention in St. Louis.  It was a good experience.  We elected some good leaders for our church body.  We set a good tone for mission in the world.  It was good to meet with and to go out with classmates and friends.  Written reports about the details of the convention and meetings for discussion have come out and are coming out.  I’d be glad to talk with anyone about the convention.  The Spirit is moving this church body within the church catholic and within God’s world at this time in history.

 

All organized religion has the good, the bad, the ugly – we are no exception, and at this time the good seems to have the dominant hand - - really the Holy Spirit does.  We also have some world class leadership in the church.

 

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TRAVEL  -  This year it seems I am traveling on long trips for short time spans.  This is because of family weddings and events and changes in life and family.  I’ll keep you informed about travel for conference and vacation and those who stand in while I’m away.  Sometimes we have gone on vacation for a month in the summer, but this year it seems a week at a time is how it comes out.

 

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LIBRARY  -  New Booklet  -  A Lutheran Response to the “Left Behind” Series.  The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has given a response to ideas expressed in the Left Behind series.  In a cover letter Dr. Gerald Kieschnick quotes a Commission on Theology and Church Relations report,, “the ideas expressed in the “Left Behind” series are in many ways contrary to the teaching of Holy Scripture . . . at odds with Biblical revelation” – “and with the precious Gospel of Christ that is at the heart and center of everything Scripture teaches.” 

This may be a good little booklet for some to ponder and review a Lutheran view of life and eternity.

 

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NEW EDITOR OF THE DOVE

                Claire Carlson is the new editor of the Dove. Please place articles for the Dove in her basket on the file cabinet in the church office or email her at patchtroop546@aol.com.  Deadline for each month is the third Sunday of the preceding month.

 

SUNDAY  MORNING  ADULT  BIBLE  CLASS

 

The Bible Study this year will carry out the mission of Salem/Peace:  As the Father sent me, I send you.  We will study three Biblical books this year:  Jeremiah, Galatians, and Mark.  Jeremiah begins with God sending the prophet to the people in the midst of a dying age to give them some realistic hope of a new day and new life in God’s grace.  Jeremiah is one of the biggest books in the Bible, so we will concentrate on the images and stories in the book and how they point us to Christ.

 

Galatians is a letter from Paul that summarizes the Gospel with clear and stark language.  Mark is the shortest of the Gospels, but focuses on the death and resurrection of Jesus as the key to life.

 

The best way to study this material is to read the material before hand by using the calendar in the newsletter.  There are books in the church library and lots of books available for added and background information.  I’d be glad to help you find more information if you like.

 

We will also review the Catechism in the Bible Class guided by the schedule in the newsletter and available in class.  Finally we will begin with a hymn or prayer, and/or a psalm each week.  If you have a favorite, bring it to class, and we will use it.

 

Lutherans are people with One Lord and three books (Bible, Catechism, Hymnal).  We will use the three books in class to see one Lord glorified. 

 

People interested in becoming a member of Salem Congregation, who are coming from outside the Lutheran tradition, can come to class for 12 sessions to learn our tradition, meet fellow Christians at Salem and then decide if they want to join us in the journey.  For those interested I have a packet of material and we talk further.  Come join us for some Faith Stones and Growing in the Peace of God.

 

 

                                    Date         Bible                            Catechism

Sept. 12     Jeremiah 1     Commandments 1 - 3

Sept. 19     Jeremiah 2     Commandments 4 - 6

   Sept. 26     Jeremiah 3 / 4             Commandments 7 - 8

 

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TEEN BIBLE CLASS PICNIC

 

            On Tuesday, August 10th, we gave a picnic for our Teen Bible Class at Chestnut Ridge. 12 youth and 2 adults attended. We played ‘Duct Tape Soccer’ and had a water balloon toss. A special thank you goes to Judy Carr for her help. We would like to thank the kids for a great time and a LOT of laughs.  Watching them play soccer with their legs taped together was the best entertainment we’ve had in a long time. What a wonderful group of young adults we are blessed to have at Salem! We are so proud to be part of their lives and urge everyone to get to know them because they are Salem’s future. We love them all.

                                                                        Thanks kids!

                                                                        Ken & Joanne Kushka

 

Sunday School

Another school year is upon us, and we welcome all our children, parents, and teachers back to Sunday School on Rally Day, September 12th at 9:00 am.  We invite you to join us for breakfast, crafts, and music.

During our 10:30 am worship service, the liturgy will be adapted to accent the Sunday School and Christian education, our third graders will receive their bibles, the Sunday School staff will be commissioned, and we will recognize the commitment and support of parents and the congregation. 

This year, we are looking for parent volunteers to help out with various aspects of Sunday School.  We urge you to look inside yourselves, pray about it, and if the Spirit moves you, talk to your Sunday School teacher or contact B. David Sylvia to find out how you can help.   

We look forward to seeing everyone again on Rally Day to kick off another great year of Sunday School!

B. David Sylvia, Sunday School Superintendent

Reminder to Sunday School Teachers:

Next meeting:  October 14, 2004 at 7:00 pm

 

 

 

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)

Hymns and liturgy are being chosen by Pastor, the Music Director, and the Worship Committee.  Comments are invited for future growth.

SUNDAY         LITURGY                  lst Hymn                    Sermon                               Communion                       Last                               Text & Title

                                                                                         Hymn                                   Hymns                           Hymn

 

SUNDAY

LITURGY

1st Hymn

Sermon Hymn

Communion Hymns

Last Hymn

Text & Title

Sept. 5 Pentecost 14 (green)

LW 158 Communion (outdoor/Gospel Procession)

 

LW 501 – “God of Our Fathers”

“Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us;”  “Softly and Tenderly;”  “His Name Is Wonderful”

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Luke 13:22-30 – “Growth – More Than Numbers”

 

Sept. 12 Pentecost 15 (green)

LW 158 Word

 

WOV 721 – “Go, My Children With My Blessing”

 

LW 220 – “Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer”

Luke 14:1, 7 –14 – “Head Table – By Invitation Only”

 

 

Sept. 19 Pentecost 16 (green)

LW 158 Communion

 

LW 403 – “Praise and Thanksgiving”

“There Is A Balm;”  “Kum Ba Yah;”  “Lord, We Praise You”

LW 221 – “Savior, Again to Your Dear Name”

Luke 14:25-33 – “Faith Costs”

Sept. 26 Pentecost 17 (green)

LW 158 Word

 

LW 440 – “From All That Dwell Below the Skies”

 

“Shine, Jesus,

Shine”

Luke 15:1-10 – “Only the Lost Can Laugh”

 

Lutheran ‘30’ Broadcast Schedule:

33th YEAR, 2003-4

 

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

 

Sept. 5 – Immanuel, Tonawanda

Sept. 12 – Calvary, Buffalo

Sept. 19 – Salem, Buffalo

Sept. 26 – St. John, North Tonawanda

 

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BIBLE STUDY

 

            Bible Study will begin again at 1 pm on Tuesday, September 7th led by Sally McAlpine.  All are welcome.

 

A Bible Study led by Ruth Carr is on Thursdays at 9:30 am. All are welcome.