“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that each person of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Back-to-school shopping was always a fun time that I looked forward to as a student. Starting the school year with new pencils, new crayons, new notebooks, new clothes, new lunchbox, was exciting! Remember those days? As I write this newsletter page many of you are making final purchases in preparation for a new school year to begin! There are binders and notebooks and writing utensils, backpacks, textbooks (for our college students) and supplies; new clothes, new shoes, new tees, new jeans, are also on the list of things to buy. Each item is a necessary tool to enter into a new school year for learning, growing, and becoming. School work is challenging, exciting, frustrating, and rewarding. Some work comes easily while other work exhausts us. But all of the work has purpose and benefits. School matters. School reminds us of the importance and value of getting an education, gaining social skills, understanding team work, and how to live as community in the midst of diversity. School equips students for careers, relationships, for life. School matters. The same can be said of the church. There are tools we need to live into the identity and name of baptized children of God. These tools are not exactly the same as what we need for school yet are essential for growing ourselves into the people God has called us to be. Most of the tools are given or provided through ministry offered to all. Bible Study, worship, WOW!, Confirmation, Youth Group,

Outreach, service projects, all remind us of the importance and value of: learning what it means to be a child of God saved by grace, called to discipleship; learning to speak the language of our faith; embracing a life of serving, loving, and forgiving one another as Jesus has taught us; understanding how to live life together as community in diversity. Faith matters. Faith shapes the way we work, enter and engage in relationships, make choices with our money, and live each day. Council, staff, and I are prayerfully planning opportunities for all of us to live into our life as disciples marked with the cross of Christ, gifted by the Holy Spirit; working to fulfill our mission; and visioning how, what, when, where, and with whom we can be the Church visible and active in the world. I invite you to pray with us and actively engage in these opportunities as they are offered. You will be blessed and others will be blessed by you! I pray summer included family gatherings; adventures and excursions for restoration, recreation, and renewal; time to breathe in God’s creation; blessings in abundance; prayers of thanks. Now is the time to gather again as a church family, participate in adventures and excursions for being restored, recreated, renewed; time to breathe in God’s grace; count the blessings of each day; pray in thanksgiving, live into who we are as children of God called to be disciples and make disciples. Discipleship work is challenging, exciting, frustrating, and rewarding. Some work comes easily while other work exhausts us. But all of the work has purpose and benefits. Faith matters. I am excited to begin, to see lives transformed, new disciples brought to faith, and the Lord bringing us through change and challenges to renewed hope and life in Christ! Blessed to be sharing the journey with you,

Pastor Denise

Save Money Lower Stress and FEEL IN CONTROL

PERSONAL BUDGETING WORKSHOP Bethany Lutheran Church 200 3rd Avenue Altoona Monday, September 26 12:30 p.m.

In the workshop, you’ll receive convenient guides and hear testimony from real life families and the budget-saving techniques they used to do more with less. You’ll learn firsthand the skills you need to make your money go further. By working through simulations, you’ll gain a personal understanding of budgeting tools and how they can be applied to your own life. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our skilled experts and learn their valued techniques that will give you the power, knowledge and insight to manage money wisely! REGISTER NOW… www.BudgetingAltoona.eventbrite. com. Food will be provided!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY  Pastor Dena Gable of the Levansville/Bakersville Parish in Somerset County was elected to serve on the ELCA Churchwide Council.  Unification of Lay Rosters – Associate in Ministry, Diaconal Minister or deaconess have been unified into one roster and all will now be known as “Deacons”.  Reception of “Declaration On the Way: Church, Ministry, and Eucharist” – the acceptance of this document demonstrates the many and various ways that Lutheran and Catholic theology and understanding of the Holy Eucharist agree with each other. The hope is this document will make the way forward for Catholics and Lutherans to share in the Holy Eucharist. We are not there yet, but this is a major step forward toward Christian fellowship.

 William Horne elected as new VicePresident of the ELCA  Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee was keynote speaker for the Assembly. She received the Nobel Peace prize for her work in organizing Christian and Muslim women in Liberia to work together to end the Liberian Civil War. She continues to work to bring ordinary people together to bring about positive social and political change in the world.  Adopted AMMPARO strategy – to help shelter minor children often traveling alone as immigrants into our country seeking safety and new life.

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:1-2 Worship, prayer, fellowship, Bible stories, games… these blessings and more abounded at Simpson Temple as we hosted Sequanota Day Camp again July 17-21. Camp staffers Nora, Alvaro, and Jimmy led worship Camp Sequanota-style to kick off our week. But the fun didn’t stop there! Using the Ephesians verse to teach campers about Christ’s love, the staff encouraged campers to live out that verse in all aspects of their lives. New friendships were created and old ones were strengthened as campers and staff challenged and supported each other in thought- provoking bible lessons, crazy fun games, footstomping hand-clapping music, and theater skits that had everyone (even staff themselves!) laughing each day. Elementary and Jr. High youth alike especially enjoyed the quiet craft and snack times, where they talked, shared, and celebrated their many gifts from God.

New this year, staff and Jr. High campers completed a service project for our church. They mulched, weeded, and watered the 6th Avenue Memorial Garden and the geraniums around the sign, and washed the outside windows of the Education building fellowship hall. Many heartfelt thanks to Terry and Sandi Kruise for providing and preparing the mulch! As a fantastic end to our week, staff surprised the Jr. High campers by inviting them to spend Friday with them at Camp Sequanota. Pastor Denise, Becky Snyder and two car loads of excited campers followed the staff down to Camp Sequanota for a day of outdoor camp fun! Whether it was nature trail hiking, selfies at the climbing rocks, pizza lunch buffet, rope swing challenge course, swimming in the huge pool, or Chloe the Sequanota Camp dog – each activity made memories that campers will cherish! Sequanota Day Camp was a week filled with love! Each camper would love to share the amazing time they had at Day Camp with you. Please take a minute at worship and engage one of our Sequantoa campers in a conversation about Day Camp. You’ll be glad you did! Many heartfelt thanks to Sequanota staffers Nora, Alvaro, and Jimmy, and to all who volunteered time, talent and treasure to make Sequanota Day Camp possible this year. Special thanks to Sally Strawmire, Diana Rickabaugh, Tammy Biddle, Becky Snyder, Sue Means and Pastor Denise for providing supervision, snacks and meals.

As summer winds down you may think to yourself or hear from others that they are looking forward to getting back ‘in to the routine’. If you are like many others, fall and winter inevitably include more time indoors. Why not use our October 1 Book Sale as the time to stock up on indoor activities to include: books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games? If you have frequented our sales in previous years, or have attended library book sales, maybe you have some of these exact items to “recycle” so others can also enjoy them? Please begin to bring in your gently used items (no rummage items or clothing please) to the Education Building Basement during normal office hours where we have held the event in previous years by September 18th so we have time to organize and price the items. All proceeds will be used for outreach efforts in the community.

Autumn FunFest will be held on Saturday, September 10 from 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. at The Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg. There will be a petting zoo, games and entertainment for kids, craft and vendor booths. Lunch will be available with sandwiches, homemade soups, freshbaked rolls, desserts and more. All proceeds will benefit the residents of The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg.

Annual Patriotic Musical Tribute Sunday, September 11, 2016 3:00 p.m. Altoona Area High School Auditorium (hosted by Simpson-Temple United Parish) Guest Speaker is Mr. Gordon Felt, President of the Families of Flight 93 Blair County Brassworks on the patio 2:00 – 2:30 Other Guests include… Flight 93 Memorial Chorus Altoona Dance Theatre Bellwood-Antis Middle School Chorale Flight 19 Jim Worthing, Gregg Brandt, Doug Rhodes, AAHS Brass Quintet Starting Over Quartet, AAHS Student Ambassadors, Community leaders, EMTs, Firefighters, Police, Boy Scouts, and more!

The Annual STUP Family Picnic, is a time when we can all gather for a picnic meal, fellowship, and a few games.

Sunday, September 25 Legion Park, Hollidaysburg 3:00 ~ games and fellowship 4:00 ~ Worship (no morning worship service)

5:00 ~ Dinner The meat, beverage and place settings will be provided by the church. We ask that you bring a dessert, casserole, or vegetable/fruit tray to share. If you forgot to sign-up, as always there will be plenty for everyone!

Confirmation is designed for those young people in grades 7 & 8. Classes will be taught by Pastor Denise immediately following our 9:15 Worship Service. Classes will begin October 2.

WOW!kidz is moving to Sunday morning! Yup, it’s true! To co-ordinate our WOW!kidz activities with Confirmation Class, Miss Becky will be meeting with children grades 1 – 6 immediately following Worship Service in the Education Building. Classes will begin October 2. See you there!!

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Beginning October 2 - an Adult Bible Study group will be held the sanctuary after worship service. Unlike standard studies where a specific book is selected for study, our group will be jumping around the Bible to study fundamental issues of faith that interests the group. If you are shy - no problem. No one is required to read and no tests are administered. Please join us as it will be dynamic, educational and enjoyable.

In the July/ August edition of the Newsletter we inadvertently missed one of our youth who received honors this past school year. Keeli Weyant, daughter of Kevin and Jessica Reitz was recognized as an honor student at Juniata Elementary School. Congratulations Keeli!

…to all who helped with Sequanota Day Camp by providing classroom support, meals for the staff and by bringing your children to Day Camp each day. …to Sandi Kruise for continuing to “house clean” rooms in the Education Building. …to Terry and Sandi Kruise for providing mulch for the Memorial Garden. …to our youth from Day Camp for spreading the mulch in the garden as a service project. …to Marv Livermore for working to repair the water cooler in the Narthex.

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS 7/31/16

 Sequanota Day Camp was again a great experience!  Confirmation planning continues. Classes will begin October 2 following Worship.  Plans for a fall Comedy Nite were discussed. Pastor will confirm date with Pastor Telyea.  A date in October for a possible book sale will be confirmed within the next several weeks.  Plans for the Church Picnic were made. Staff decided to not hold morning worship that day and include worship as part of the picnic scheduling. Games and fellowship will begin at 3:00; worship at 4:00; dinner at 5:00.  Staff welcomed Patti Fabinyi, our new organist.  The new retaining wall, steps, and central air conditioning have been completed at the parsonage.  The 9/11 Patriotic Musical is progressing.  Staff will join with Church Council for a Visioning and Planning Day on Thursday, August 18.  Our Charge Conference meeting for the UMC has been scheduled for November 7 at Juniata United Methodist Church.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS 8/9/16

 Council officers for 2016 – 2017 are: Regina Klevan, President; Larry Biddle, Vice-President; Vallarie Iapalucci, Secretary.  Council approved Pastor Denise to attend the Bishop’s Convocation September 19 –21.  Council approved vacation for Patty Jo August 29 – September 2.  Council approved participation in the Mt. Lion Backpack program for October.  Council is exploring options for lawn care.  September meeting for council will be held at the parsonage.  Council approved the purchase and installation of a storm door for the parsonage.

The HUB was able to respond to the needs in Clearfield by sending cleaning buckets, a large box of miscellaneous cleaning supplies, 2 cases of Clorox, 2 boxes of Health Kits, and a couple of quilts . There is still an ongoing request for volunteers to help with the cleanup. Many families were displaced and homes are being repaired. If you cannot go in person, please remember them in your prayers. Caring and sharing with approximately 30 of God’s children Also, the HUB responded to a need at the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana by sending along 51 quilts for their use. We have been told many are sleeping on floors, no beds, and often no floor as we know them. These went with the V.I.M. team. Caring and sharing with 51 of God’s children.

This is another group to keep in prayer. Often amazed at the poverty within our country including living conditions. Last week we sent 846 kits to Mission Central, along with computer components and miscellaneous items. Caring and sharing with 846 of God’s children. The Blueberry Sale went well….we sold, 1,355 boxes of blueberries, and those profits will pay the bills for the coming year. Thank you Lord, and all those who purchased and worked to distribute. We often think in terms of “how many kits” did we fill and ship to Mission Central….what if we think in terms of God’s children? There are so many needs and through the caring and sharing that you do….the HUB was able to give to approximately 927 of God’s children who are hurting within a six week period of time. Praise God, praise God Thanks to all of you for all that you do…..volunteers and those who donate are what make the HUB possible. The HUB always welcomes helpers who want to assemble kits or tie quilts, etc. Get a group of friends together…this is a great way to do mission work.

School supplies……this is the time of year we encourage people to purchase school supplies for the HUB. Loose leaf, 3 ring paper (150 sheets), legal pads, 8x10 ½, either white or yellow, 1 subject spiral notebooks, unsharpened pencils, (no patriotic or animal designs), round tip scissors, crayons..24 pack, erasers (2” size)….We try very hard to stockpile before the prices go up again. We are also low on receiving blankets, hand towels, toothbrushes, hand soap, bandaids, nail clippers, handi-wipes, clothesline, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Also, old blue jeans that can be cut and sewn into quilts. All donations may be taken directly to the HUB located at 1738 N. Branch Avenue. Hours are Monday & Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00; Friday 10:00 – Noon.

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Tammy Biddle Tony Greiner Kriss Hippo Peg Goodman Michelle Bossler Alan Mackey Michele Sauers Brayden Yingling Lori Botteicher Karin Avery Nikki Brown Becky Carn

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Jaclyn and Tyler Gum Lee and Jennifer Slusser

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CHURCH STAFF

Council Members

Rev. Denise M. Arpino, Pastor Patti Fabinyi, Organist Patty Jo VanAtta, Admin. Assistant David Lutz, Treasurer Sally Carn, Fellowship David Parsons, Custodian

Regina Klevan Dawn Covino Dawn Brubaker Larry Biddle Isaiah Arpino Becky Carn Vallarie Iapalucci Bonnie Barry Leah Klevan