Vol. 35 No. 12

December 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

Rev. Fred Poeppel, Vacancy / Interim Pastor

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.

128 Years of Ministry – 1881 to 2009

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

December

6 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship with Communion

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise with Communion

13 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise

20 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship with Communion

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise

27 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

Thursday, December 24 - 6:00 PM

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP

with Communion

Friday, December 25 - 10:00 AM

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FROM THE PASTOR

Happy New Year! No, I haven’t completely lost my mind. (I know it’s around here somewhere.) If you grew up in the church, you know that we just began a new church year with the season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas which we celebrate on December 25 and the celebration continues to Epiphany on January 6, 2010.

In contrast to the world around us, the focus of Advent is two-fold. On the one hand, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world as both God and man so that our sins might be forgiven. On the other hand, we anticipate the day when Jesus will return to the earth to bring an end to this world. Those will be scary days, but we can look forward to the end of the world with hope because, by faith in Jesus, the end of this world will mean the beginning of a new life with Christ for eternity. Therefore, during Advent we repent of our sins and believe they are forgiven for the sake of Christ’s death and resurrection.

To help us prepare for His coming (first and second) we would like to make available some daily Advent devotions. Lutheran Hour Ministries has been preparing them for years, but a few years ago they stopped printing them. Just as they seized the opportunity to reach out with the Gospel via radio in the 1920’s, now they are reaching out via the internet. We will download a master copy and print them in the church office for you to pick up (available in regular as well as large print), or you can sign up at lhm.org to have an Advent devotion sent to you daily via e-mail. Another thing I like about LHM is that they are all about reaching out to lost people. Therefore they have prepared two different devotions: a traditional one for long time Christians, and one that looks at the preparation of the birth of Christ from the perspective of a new believer or a seeker (one with an interest in and questions about Jesus). Here are the descriptions from the LHM website.

From Nazareth to Bethlehem boldly declares God’s love and grace in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. As 2009’s traditional Advent devotion, Rev. Vern Gundermann chronicles a number of journeys from Mary and Joseph’s road trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, to the Messiah’s birth there, to the family’s flight to Egypt, to Jesus’ ministry in Palestine—these devotions show a God on the move in the lives of men—both ancient and modern.

In Who Would Have Thought? author Chuck Strohacker uses anecdotal stories, real-life situations, and personal observations to share the truth of God’s love as shown in the birth of Jesus. Touching on family Christian traditions, lessons learned in the classroom, and his hobbies—to name but a few things—Strohacker casts light on the unparalleled marvel of God’s love as shown in the birth of His Son 2000 years ago in a tiny village just south of Jerusalem. “Who would have thought,” he asks, “that God would open up His mercy and grace, not only to His chosen people, Israel, but to the Gentiles (us) as well?”

Sharing Advent devotions with someone you know is a great way to get involved in a meaningful outreach effort this Christmas. Why not pick up a copy for yourself and one to pass on to a friend! Or sign up for your daily copy via e-mail. See you in church! Bring a friend!

Pastor Fred

Cell phone: 814-323-1679 Email: pfpoeppel@yahoo.com

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TRINITY SENIORS

Trinity Seniors will meet on Wednesday, December 9, at 12 Noon at church for their Christmas luncheon. This will be a catered meal and tickets are $7.00 each.

Reservations are required. Reservation deadline is Sunday, December 6.

Committee #2 – Jerry & Edie Neidinger and Lois Gressley – will be in charge of the dining room.

There will be a special Christmas devotion and songfest. Please join us for an afternoon of Christmas and Christian fellowship.

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY

The Adult Bible Study meets at 10:15 am every Sunday morning as they continue reading the “Law and Gospel” study series.

All are welcome to begin their day of worship in this study led by Millis Parshall.

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DORCAS

Dorcas will meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 am to trim stamps for missions through December 15. At that point, they will be taking a break for the holidays. Please watch the upcoming bulletins and newsletters for information as to when Dorcas will resume their meetings. Meanwhile, please save your stamps!!

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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

At St. Mary’s (Asbury): Betty Peterson

At Sunrise on the Bay: Mary Lynch

At Village at Luther Square: Bill Guerdon

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CHURCH COUNCIL AND VOTERS

Our Congregational President, Mark May, is working to gather a list of names for consideration to serve on a Pastoral Call Committee. If you have any interest or questions, please contact Mark at 725-2560.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the following Council Members:

President – Mark May 725-2560

Elders – Tyco Swick 868-9393

John Anderson 881-1335

Terry Lawrence 602-3185

Carl Marzolf 734-1231

Richard Wenger 476-1549

Trustees – Sam Steiner 833-8704

Art Anderson 456-1319

Sean Bartlett 881-6910

Tim Hinds 864-5284

Millis Parshall 864-1370

Congregational Secretary – Jeannette Copley 825-6842

Financial Secretary – Doris Swan 864-5217

Treasurer – Marina George 881-4331

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POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Poinsettia plants will be available at Christmas. Cost is $8.00 each. Please your order in a well-marked envelope and drop it in the offering plate. Include information as to “in memory of” or “in honor of” is desired. Checks should be made out to Joann Kaufer.

Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 6.

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DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS

Please join members of Church Council on Monday, December 7 at 6:00 pm as they begin to decorate the church for Christmas!

Everyone is invited and encouraged to come and help. They say … many hands make light work!

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ALTAR FLOWERS FOR 2010

Flowers on the altar for the year 2010 can be underwritten beginning Sunday, December 6, 2009.

A signup chart will be posted on the bulletin board in the hall of the east parking lot on that date.

Your name written on the chart entitles you to pay approximately $35 for two vases at Trinity’s altar for one week.

The cost is payable during the month for which you signed up. You will receive a reminder with an envelope.

Please see Joann Kaufer if you have any questions.

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AMISH FRIENDSHIP CINNAMON BREAD

If anyone is interested in receiving a “starter bag” (and recipe) of the Amish Friendship Cinnamon Bread to make for the holidays, please let me know! I am going to be making a batch and can easily make more batches if others are interested. Just call me at 456-1703 or email me at tlcerie@verizon.net by Thursday, December 3 so I know how many batches to start!

Louise

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LADIES AID

· All adults attending Trinity are encouraged to join us for a Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 10 at Ricardo’s at 12:00 noon!!

Think about the Filet Mignon served with Pasta, Deep Fried Zucchini and more … is your mouth watering yet? Mine is!

Everyone will order from the menu and pay their own bill.

Trudy and Karlynn are the hostesses for our Christmas lunch.

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Lord!

· Many thanks to all who made the Anniversary dinner a success! There were 75 in attendance and it cost the Ladies Aid $250 to put it on.

See how God works in wondrous ways? The November Election Day Bake Sale netted $252 despite the low turn out of voters thanks to the dedicated bakers, workers and buyers!

· Our November meeting had 9 ladies in attendance. It was reported that five gift cards were given to college students away from home.

· A bereavement dinner was held for Elmer Hoffman family and friends with only kitchen helpers needed (no food prep).

· A plaque is being made for the Photo Gallery.

· Our Christmas Gift this year is to the church for needed repairs.

· There were no volunteers for Officer changes, thus the present officers will continue for one more year.

President: Nancy Rusnak

Vice President: Lois Gressley

Secretary: Joann Kaufer

Treasurer: Doris Swan

Board member: Joyce Baird

· Reminder … Ladies Aid does not meet in January or February.

The next business meeting will be held March 11, 2010 at 12:15 pm.

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ALTAR FLOWERS

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

December 6 – Eugene Bernhard in memory of his father, Edward Bernhard

December 13 – Pat & Linda Federici in memory of John and Helen Cook

December 20 – Louise Daubenspeck in memory of Pastor Mark Sallach and her brother, Donald A. Page

December 27 – Karen & Arnold Conner in memory of Joyce K. Conner

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NOTE OF THANKS

Both Dick and I would like to thank the Trinity family for all the prayers, cards, and phone calls to us during our surgeries. It was a tremendous support and prayers were definitely answered!

Lois and Dick Yeager

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UPDATES TO MEMBERS & FRIENDS DIRECTORY

Please make the following updates to your copy of our “Members and Friends Directory.”

Addition: Francine Hake
464 East 33^rd Street
Erie, PA 16504

Change: Karen Burkett has moved to:
2273 Pinnacle Court
Erie, PA 16506-6421
Phone number unknown

Change: Jeff and Jessica Vogt have moved to:
1127 West 29^th Street
Erie, PA 16508-1535
Phone number unknown

And if there are other corrections, additions or changes that should be made, please contact Louise at 814-456-1703 or via
e-mail at tlcerie@verizon.net. Thanks!

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SERVANTS THIS MONTH

COUNTERS 11:15 am

Dec. 6 John & Brenda Johnson, Tyco & Sharon Swick

Dec. 13 Ben Anthony, Sam Steiner, Millis Parshall

Dec. 20 Mark & Luanne May, Dick & Dot Smith

Dec. 27 Art Anderson, Vince & Neva Cunningham

If you are unable to serve a scheduled date, please make a substitution or call Art Anderson at 456-1319.

ELDERS 11:15 am 6:00 pm

Dec. 6 Dick Wenger John Anderson

Dec. 13 Tyco Swick Terry Lawrence

Dec. 20 Carl Marzolf John Anderson

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Tyco Swick

Dec. 25 Tyco Swick Christmas Day – 10:00 am

Dec. 27 Dick Wenger Terry Lawrence

If you are unable to serve a scheduled date, please make a substitution or call Tyco Swick at 868-9393.

LOCK-UP 11:15 am 6:00 pm

Dec. 6 Millis Parshall Tim Hinds

Dec. 13 Mark May Sean Bartlett

Dec. 20 Sam Steiner Art Anderson

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Tim Hinds

Dec. 25 Mark May Christmas Day – 10:00 am

Dec. 27 Sam Steiner Art Anderson

If you are unable to serve a scheduled date, please make a substitution or call Sam Steiner at 833-8704.

USHERS 11:15 am

Dec. 6 Vince Cunningham, John Johnson,

Millis Parshall, Dick Yeager

Dec. 13 Mark May, Millis Parshall, Dick Smith,
Dick Yeager

Dec. 20 Vince Cunningham, John Johnson, Mark May,

Dick Smith

Dec. 27 Vince Cunningham, John Johnson,

Millis Parshall, Dick Yeager

If you are unable to serve a scheduled date, please make a substitution or call Terry Lawrence at 602-3185.

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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 this month are:

4	David Shagla Sr.	18	Marlene Okel
5	Kelly Corey,	22	Greg May
	Norma Saxton	23	Sarah Leretsis
6	Kirsten George,	25	Carol George,
	Marina George,		Carolyn Tillman
	Tanya George,	26	Jonah Bock,
	Sarah Swick		Susan Sayre
8	Woody Sanders	27	Stephanie George
10	Heather Bartlett	28	Andrew Lobaugh
	Gina Groszkiewicz,	29	Gene Dougan
	Brenda Johnson	30	Pat Surrena

Celebrating their anniversary this month are:

12-27-1947	C. Vince & Neva Cunningham
12-30-1983	Tim & Gabriele Gland

Congratulations on your special day!

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HEARTFELT SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO

Bev Behringer and her family. Bev’s brother died recently so please remember Bev and her family in your prayers at this difficult time.

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CONFIRMATION CLASSES

Confirmation classes will continue at 4:15 pm on Sundays into December. Please see Pastor Poeppel if you have any questions.

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December 2009 - Trinity Lutheran Church - Calendar of Events
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
		1 9:30 am Dorcas	2 7:30 pm Choir Practice	3	4	5
6 10:15 am Bible Study 11:15 am Traditional Service with Communion and Rite of Confirmation 4:15 am Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise with Communion Today is the last day to: - purchase Seniors luncheon tickets - sign up to attend the Ladies Aid Christmas Party - order Poinsettias	7 6:00 pm Church Decorating 7:00 pm Board and Council Meetings	8 9:30 am Dorcas	9 12:00 pm Trinity Seniors Christmas Luncheon 7:30 pm Choir Practice	10 12:00 pm Ladies Aid Christmas Party at Ricardo’s, 2112 East Lake Road	11	12
13 10:15 am Bible Study 11:15 am Traditional Service 4:15 am Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	14	15 9:30 am Dorcas	16 7:30 pm Choir Practice	17	18	19
20 10:15 am Bible Study 11:15 am Traditional Service with Communion 4:15 am Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	21	22 NO Dorcas	23 7:30 pm Choir Practice	24 6:00 pm* Christmas Eve Candlelight Service	25 10:00 am Christmas Day Service with Communion	26
27 10:15 am Bible Study 11:15 am Traditional Service 4:15 am Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	28 Last day to submit articles for January’s newsletter!	29 NO Dorcas	30 NO Choir Practice	31

*Note: Our Christmas Eve service is being held at 6:00 pm to allow Pastor Poeppel to also have a Christmas Eve service at Holy Trinity in Albion!