Vol. 35 No. 2

February 2009

Family Page News

Trinity Lutheran Church

14 East 38^th Street, Erie, PA 16504-1558

e-mail address: tlcerie@verizon.net

web site: www.lutheranerie.com

Trinity Office and Fax Number 456-1703

Pastor’s Office 452-4888

The mission of Trinity Lutheran Church is to share the
Good News of Jesus Christ by inviting others into God’s family,
encouraging spiritual growth through God’s Word and Sacraments, and
caring for one another in the love of Christ.

“Celebrating with Thanks, Ablaze with Hope”

128 Years of Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church – 1881 - 2009

± ± ± - N E W - ± ± ±

Sunday Schedule beginning February 15!

10:15 AM Adult Bible Class

Subject: The “Law and Gospel”

11:15 AM Traditional Worship Service

Communion 1^st and 3^rd Sundays

6:00 PM Today’s Praise Worship Service

Communion 3^rd Sunday

LENTEN SERVICES IN FEBRUARY

February 25, 2009

12:00 PM Ash Wednesday Lenten Service Trinity, Erie

7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Lenten Service Holy Trinity, Albion

This issue of the “Family Page News”

is dedicated to the memory of our beloved pastor

Rev. Mark Luther Sallach

1955 ~ 2008

As you might already know,

on December 20, 2008, at approximately 4:30 pm,

our Lord called Pastor Sallach home.

Pastor Sallach valiantly battled multiple myeloma

for more than a year and a half

and in doing so he taught us how to live

and he also taught us how to die.

We will all one day face that great last enemy …death

… but pray we do not do so without purpose or hope

and that we can face it with confidence and trust in Jesus Christ

who said, in John, Chapter 11:

“I am the Resurrection and the Life.

He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.

And whoever lives and believes in Me will never die."

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MEMORIALS FOR PASTOR SALLACH

If you would like to give a gift in memory of Pastor Sallach, please send it to us at: Trinity Lutheran Church, 14 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504-1558 and be sure to specify if you would like the memorial placed into the “Fan Into Flame” memorial (which is where Pastor requested memorials be placed) or into the memorial fund at Trinity.

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REPORT ON THE CONGREGATION

February finds us past the holiday season of Christmas and New Year’s and well on the way into the new year.

The end of 2008 will be a year that this congregation will long remember, with the passing of Pastor Mark Sallach, but we must all remember to live by the example he set for us. To live each day to the fullest, to know that our Lord is our Savior – even in death – and to be ready for our final day for it may come as the thief in the night.

Mark May, Congregational President

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CHURCH COUNCIL AND VOTERS

At the December 14, 2008 special Congregational Voter’s Meeting, the Revitalization program was placed “on hold” with the blessing of our District President, David Stechholz.

Church Council has had many “special meetings” since Pastor’s death to discuss a wide array of topics in regard to the operation of the church.

Based on a recommendation from our District President, Council looked at the “Intentional Interim Pastor” program. This program would place a full-time pastor into the congregation to help the congregation through the grieving and healing process and then on to the call process for a new permanent full-time pastor. An “Intentional Interim Pastor” would be here for a minimum of one year, up to two years, and then move on.

Our District President offered the name of an available “Intentional Interim Pastor” and subsequently brought Pastor Fitzpatrick, of the Philadelphia area, to Erie to speak with Council on January 13.

At another special Congregational Voter’s Meeting on January 18, 2009, the voters chose to have the Church Council open a discussion with Pastor Fred Poeppel and the Church Council / Congregation of Albion as to the feasibility of Pastor Poeppel filling in as a vacancy pastor at Trinity.

Church Council had a special meeting on Monday, January 26, with Pastor Poeppel to discuss the needs and desires of our congregation as well as his availability and responsibilities at his called church in Albion. Subsequent to that meeting, our Executive Committee met again with Pastor Poeppel as well as the Executive Committee from his congregation on Thursday, January 29, to discuss issues in more detail.

On Sunday, February 1, Holy Trinity in Albion had a special Congregational Voter’s meeting to discuss the changes that would be needed in order to allow Pastor Poeppel to fill the position of vacancy pastor at Trinity. The Albion congregation voted to move their Sunday morning worship time from 10:00 am to 9:00 am in order to allow Pastor Poeppel to conduct a morning service for us at Trinity at 11:15 am.

On Sunday, February 8, our voters had a special Congregational Voter’s Meeting to hear and discuss the outcome of the meetings that had transpired between our Council, Pastor Poeppel and the Council from Holy Trinity in Albion.

At the end of discussion, it was unanimously decided to hire Pastor Poeppel as a vacancy pastor for Trinity beginning Sunday, February 15. The items of most significance at this point include:

· Sunday morning Adult Bible Study will be moved back to 10:15 am and will continue to be led by lay leaders of our congregation

· Sunday morning Traditional Worship will be moved back to 11:15 am and will be led by Pastor Fred Poeppel

· Sunday evening Today’s Praise Worship will remain at 6:00 pm and will be led by Pastor Poeppel as well.

· Stephen Ministry will begin meeting again with their next meeting to be held on Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 pm in the Stephen Ministry room.

· Confirmation classes for our youth will resume as soon as can possibly be arranged (hopefully within the next couple of weeks.)

· Mid-week Lenten Services will be held.

If you have any questions, please feel free to address them to any of the Church Council members.

President – Mark May, 725-2560

Secretary – Jeanette Copley, 825-6842

Treasurer – Marina George – 881-4331

Elders – Tyco Swick, 868-9393 Trustees – Sam Steiner, 833-8704

John Anderson, 881-1335 Art Anderson, 456-1319

Terry Lawrence, 602-3185 Sean Bartlett, 881-6910

Carl Marzolf, 734-1231 Tim Hinds, 864-5284

(vacancy to be filled) Millis Parshall, 864-1370

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DVD OF PASTOR SALLACH’S FUNERAL

We had a videographer record Pastor Sallach’s funeral (which included several of the songs written by Pastor Sallach himself) as well as the “sharing of memories” during the bereavement dinner following the funeral. Our church secretary is in the process of editing the video and will hopefully have the DVD ready to copy by early March.

The DVD’s are available for purchase at a cost of $5 each. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this DVD, please contact our church secretary at 814-456-1703 or email her at tlcerie@verizon.net. Please include your name, telephone number and the number of copies you wish to purchase.

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AUDIOS OF PASTOR SALLACH’S SERMONS

We have audiocassette recordings of Pastor Sallach’s many sermons but have had a number of requests for his last Thanksgiving Service entitled:

“Thanks for The Medicine – Faith”

Introduction – We will often look for medical care.

I. We cry out to the acknowledged authorities for assistance.

II. Jesus gives simple directions for looking for relief and healing.

III. A simple expression of thanksgiving is all that is sought.

Conclusion – We give thanks as a word of faith.

As well as his last sermon on Sunday, December 7, entitled:

“Who’s Keeping Track of Time?”

Introduction – Some watch the clock move very slowly.

I. Our Lord is patient, watching to see many repent before “time’s up.”

II. Our Lord’s patience is a sign of salvation.

III. We wait for the Lord in holiness, godliness and peace as He approaches.

Conclusion – See how fast God’s clock moves.

If you would like audio copies of either service, please call our church secretary at
814-456-1703 or email her at tlcerie@verizon.net. Be sure to include the following information: your name, telephone number, service(s) desired, number of copies desired AND whether you prefer the copies to be on audiocassette or on CD.

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Since Pastor’s hospitalization and death in December, a lot of things that “Pastor always took care of” have needed to be handled by someone else – sometimes with little or no idea where to begin! But dedicated individuals have stepped in and worked hard to pick up those pieces ... both for the ministry of the church as well as the business of the church … so thank you to everyone who has helped in any way for contributing both your time and your talents to help keep our church running as smoothly as possible each and every week!

And if picking up the pieces of things “that Pastor always did” on a day-to-day basis wasn’t enough, for the first time in a very long time, we find ourselves without a full-time pastor.

You can’t possibly imagine just how much thought, time, effort and prayer have gone into the question “What do we do now?” Many have spent countless hours in special meetings and conversations (in person and/or by telephone) discussing the business and future of Trinity with individuals at the Synod, our Circuit Counselor and others … so we’d like to say thank you also to each and every individual that helped guide our church through this difficult time and help point us in the right direction!

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SUNDAY MORNING STUDY GROUP

The SUNDAY morning Adult study group, meeting at church in the first main floor classroom before worship is now working through a study series entitled, the “Law and Gospel.”

All are welcome to begin their day of worship in this study, meeting at a NEW TIME - 10:15 am - beginning Sunday, February 15. Normally 8 to 10 are in attendance. Led by Terry Lawrence / Millis Parshall.

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TAKING CARE OF GOD’S HOUSE

If you are the only one here or you are the last one to leave the church, please remember to:

• Set the alarm before you leave
• Turn off all lights throughout the building
• Make sure the secretary’s office, the choir loft, the janitor closet on the mail floor and all outside doors are tightly closed and locked

Thank you!

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry will meet on Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 pm in the Stephen Ministry room. Before the meeting, please do your pre-class reading of Module 2 in the blue Stephen Ministry book (beginning at page 17) and remember to bring your book with you to the meeting! See you there!

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2008 ANNUAL REPORT

We still need to put together our Annual Report for 2008. If you have anything to contribute to the report, please submit your information to our church secretary by Monday, February 23.

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THRIVENT

Thrivent Coordinators, please plan to stay following the morning worship service on Sunday, February 22 for a brief meeting. A meeting of the entire Thrivent group will be scheduled soon … be sure to watch the bulletins for more details!

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LWML – Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League asks you to pray for missions every Monday at noon. No matter where you are, please take a moment to pray for missions work around the world, for missionary families, for financial support of outreach through our church body and any other work of the LWML. Remember to pray especially for our missionaries, the Esala’s. Thank you.

The LWML will provide a light luncheon following the Ash Wednesday Noon service on February 25. Please stay following the service for sandwiches and muffins.

Also, the Spring Board Meeting of the LWML will take place on Saturday, April 4 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North East. Be sure to mark your calendar and watch upcoming newsletters and bulletins for more details!

The LWML Spring Rally will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, NY. Mark your calendar for this get-together as well and keep an eye out for more information as it becomes available!

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OFFICIAL ACTS

FUNERAL

December 27, 2008 – Rev. Mark L. Sallach

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MEMBERS IN HOMES

Please remember our elderly and others who do not get out much with notes, cards, visits in person or telephone calls, as well as remembering them in your prayers.

At Independence Court: Ted Steinbarth

At Manchester Presbyterian: George Hill

At Presbyterian Lodge (on Elmwood): Hilda Papesch

Rouse-Warren County Home: Gerda Mushrush

At Sarah Reed: Amy Mares

At Sunrise on the Bay: Mary Lynch

At Village at Luther Square: Bill Guerdon

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SPECIAL MUSIC

Anyone who would like to perform a vocal or instrumental solo, duet, etc. during a Sunday evening service is most welcome! Please contact Cindy Anderson or Steve Groszkiewicz if interested!

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LADIES AID SOCIETY

Ladies Aid is collecting small to medium sized boxes that bracelets, earrings etc. sometimes come in. We are unable to use cardboard boxes, but rather the boxes that are usually hinged, and are fabric (velveteen) covered. A collection box with a display of the types of boxes we need is on a table in the narthex. Thank you for your assistance.

The Ladies Aid will have a BAKE SALE following the morning worship service on Sunday, February 22.

Bakers … please remember that we can no longer sell anything that needs to be refrigerated, including pumpkin and other cream pies!

And that baked goods need to be securely wrapped in plastic wrap or bags and the contents clearly marked. When wrapping your baked goods, please keep in mind that small portions seem to sell best.

Please drop off your homemade baked goods by 10:00 am the morning of the sale.

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TRINITY SENIORS

The next meeting of Trinity Seniors will be Wednesday, February 11, at 12:00 pm at church.

This is a catered meal and reservations are to be made for the dinner – price is $7.00. Deadline for purchasing tickets is Sunday, February 8.

Our guest speaker will be Shelley Brown from the American Red Cross.

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SHAWL MINISTRY

Trinity Shawl Ministry has recently leagued with "Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers." The contact, Cozette Haggerty, has welcomed our group with open arms. The program has received overwhelming feedback from families from all over America of fallen service men and women since its inception in 2007. These individuals and families are encouraged to know that there are those who care about them, and that they are not forgotten. Trinity Shawl Ministry will receive mailing information for multiple family members who are in need of this type of encouragement and solace.

The Shawl Ministry will dedicate shawls during a March morning worship service.

Also, we are increasingly discovering ways that non-knitters (or crocheters) can be a part of this ministry also. For information, please contact Trudy Sallach.

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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please keep in mind that the church office only has the information that you have provided. Please update us as to any mistakes or omissions. Thank you.

Celebrating their birthday in February are:

3	Carl Lewis, Jr.	11	Nick Lawrence
5	Norma Anthony	13	Michael Sallach
6	Katie Dzuricky	16	Rachel Bock
8	T. J. Kelly, Jr., Rachel Sallach,	22	George Hill, J. J. Pfeifle, Jr.
	Bill Guerdon	23	Betty Jo May
11	Justin Burkett, Nicholas Lawrence	25	Joseph Balter
12	Alexis Tate

And belated wishes to those who celebrated their birthday in January:

2	Elmer Hoffman	18	Alexandra Anderson
3	Nancy Tate	20	Beverly Yokoff
7	Eugene Bernhard, Kathy Dzuricky,	22	Stacey May
	Verna Fichenscher	25	Chloe Bock
10	Benjamin Anthony	27	Karen Conner
11	Jacob Gland, Nicholas Krahe	28	Thomas Sallach
16	Carl Marzolf	30	Dick Yeager

Celebrating their anniversary this month are:

2-26-1966

Joseph and Maggie Balter

Congratulations on your special day!

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ALTAR FLOWERS

Special thanks to those who contributed altar flowers in church for February:

February 1 – Robert Sawtelle in memory of his wife, Leora.

February 8 – Max and Gertrude Weber in memory of their loved ones.

February 15 – Max and Gertrude Weber in memory of his brother.

February 22 – Dick Wenger in memory of his parents, J. O. & Emma Wenger.

And to those who contributed altar flowers in church for January:

January 4 – Mark and Luanne May in Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings.

January 11 – Terry and Brenda Lawrence in memory of their loved ones.

January 18 – Pat and Linda Federici in memory of John and Helen Cook.

January 25 – Trudy Sallach and family in memory of Rev. D. E. Sallach and
Rev. Mark L. Sallach

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February 2009 Trinity Lutheran Church Calendar of Events
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
1 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 10:00 am Traditional Service 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	2	3 9:00 am Dorcas	4 7:30 pm Choir Practice	5	6	7
8 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 10:00 am Traditional Service 11:15 am Special Congregational Voter’s Meeting 6:00 pm Today’s Praise LAST DAY TO purchase tickets for Seniors Luncheon on Wednesday	9	10 9:00 am Dorcas	11 12:00 pm Trinity Seniors Luncheon 7:30 pm Choir Practice	12	13	14
15 NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE TODAY!! 10:15 am Adult Bible Study 11:15 am Traditional Service with Communion 2:30 pm Stephen Ministry meeting 6:00 pm Today’s Praise with Communion	16 7:00 pm Church Board and Council Meetings	17 9:00 am Dorcas	18 7:30 pm Choir Practice	19	20	21
22 10:00 am Deadline to drop off items for Bake Sale 10:15 am Adult Bible Study 11:15 am Traditional Service followed by Ladies Aid Bake Sale and Thrivent meeting 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	23	24 9:00 am Dorcas Deadline for March Newsletter Articles!!	25 12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Lenten Service (Erie) 1:00 pm Light luncheon following Ash Wednesday service provided by the LWML 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Lenten Service (Albion)	26	27	28