Messiah Messenger Published by Messiah Lutheran Church

The Mission of this church is to glorify God by providing worship, learning, witness, service, and support to all people. Volume 16, Issue 11

November 2016

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Saturday, November 5 at 9:00AM  

At The Lighthouse Inn and Restaurant, on East Lake Road



Come enjoy a conversation and great food with other men from the church!

  

Thanksgiving Prayer Service and Dinner

  

Saturday, November 12 at 5:30pm



The winner of the Fourth Annual Phil Gotham, Sr. Memorial Chili Cook-Off is….Steve Porada!! Congratulations to Steve for winning two years in a row!

Please remember to bring your food item to the dinner If you are interested in joining our committee or helping on an event contact Cindy Anderson at 881-2161.

If you need to cancel your reservation please contact the Church Office 1

Ladies’ Breakfast Pancake Breakfast Ministry

Saturday, November 19 at 9:00AM At Bob Evans on Buffalo Road

Do you enjoy cooking pancakes? Join one of our teams that cook for the Pancake Breakfast! Call Phil Gotham at 825-6105 to be part of what’s cookin’!

An opportunity for our ladies to gather for fellowship, food, and fun

The Worship Committee will next meet on October 5 in the Study Lounge

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS 6.5” potted Poinsettia to help decorate our Church for Christmas Eve Services will be available for order Cost per plant is $8.50 Order forms will be in the pews of Church You may also place your order at the Church Office All orders are due no later than December 6

Only ONE dedication per plant, please! 2

November 6 Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Psalm 149 Ephesians 1:11-23 Luke 6:20-31

November 20 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43

November 13 Malachi 4:1-2a Psalm 98 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19

November 27 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44

Lectors are needed for both Worship Services!

Altar Guild The Altar Guild is a very important “behind the scenes” ministry! The people in this ministry make sure that our worship space is properly prepared for Sunday Worship and other special services. To be part of this welcoming ministry please contact:

Don’t wait to be asked personally, contact Pr. Jeff if interested! Training will be provided

Linda Voigt at 899-8618

Usher Ministr y Ushers are DESPERATELY needed for both Worship Services!!! If you would like to be part of this welcoming ministry please contact: Cindy Needham at 899-5532

Assisting Ministers are needed for both Worship Services!

Assisting Ministers and Lectors The blank schedule for December will be in the Narthex through November 13 Please schedule yourself.

contact Pr. Jeff if interested! Training will be provided

If you do not indicate your availability it will be presumed that you ARE available.

Share your instrumental/vocal talent in leading our 11:00 Worship Service in praising God! Team practice is at 9:45am in the church every Sunday! Just show up Or

contact Sheryl Williams at: [email protected] 3

The goal of our Stewardship/Finance Ministry is to help God’s people grow in their relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents, and finances that God has entrusted to them. Are YOU shopping on line?

Count e r Mi nist ry

Use your Amazon purchases to help Messiah!

Become part of the team of people who count the weekly offerings and take them to the bank.

Follow the link on our webpage or go to: http://smile.amazon.com Choose Messiah Lutheran Church as your charity and AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Messiah!

Time commitment is about 30 minutes after worship. Training will be provided! Contact the Church Office if interested.

Attention Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Members…

2nd Mile Giving Appeal

Thrivent Members can designate Messiah Lutheran Church as a recipient of the charitable giving that Thrivent offers through Choice Dollars. Visit their website, www.thrivent.com, or call your Thrivent representative, for more information. To those that have designated Messiah as a recipient of Thrivent Choice Dollars, we gratefully thank you!

Giving that support we offer above and beyond our regular tithe Our 2nd Mile Giving recipient for November is:

The Christmas Needy Fund You may contribute at the Pancake Breakfast or by using the yellow envelopes in the pews at church, marking them for this month’s second mile giving recipient.

As of October 23 we have received $905.00 for 2016 through your designating Messiah as the recipient of your shares.

Through October 23, $144.50 has been donated for The Highmark Caring Place

For more information about Thrivent Financial for Lutherans contact Vince Kremer, Financial Associate, at 814-878-5727 or visit Thrivent.com

Thank You for your generosity!

A Special Thank you to...

DID YOU KNOW… that your offerings to Messiah Lutheran Church can be made electronically while you’re on vacation or if you prefer the convenience of scheduling a monthly/weekly automatic withdrawal from your account? It’s easy to set up the following options: Simply Giving

T. W. Landscaping 20393 Irish Road Edinboro, PA 16412 Phone: (814) 450-4381

or

Toney Wofford, Owner

Electronic transfer from your bank account For more information, call the Church Office, 899-6386.

For their contribution to the sidewalk project 4

November Sponsors 11/6

8:30 WA

11:00 WA

Lee

Lee

Flower (1)

Candle Voigt

Hough

11/13

Flower (2)

Voigt

11/20

Allen

11/27

Sedelmyer

Hough

Hough

Please consider sponsoring the Worship Aids and/or Vigil Candle during the year. Every sponsorship helps to defray the cost to the congregation. Thank you!

2016 Sponsorships

“And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.”

Pl ease ta ke t he appropriat e for m. Th e c om pl et ed f orm , a nd pa ym en t, a r e d u e p ri or to d at e of sp o nso rsh i p Altar Flowers: Vigil Candle: Worship Aids:

1 Chronicles 29.13

1 vase/$20 2 vases (same weekend)/$35 $3/week $10/service/wk

Giving Thanks Every year, for the last ten or so, I have used November to concentrate on the things for which I am thankful. I try to post one every day on Facebook, but I always keep a list. Some of the things for which I am grateful are the usual: my home and family, my faith and my church. Others are as simple as a hot cup of cocoa on a cold night, or watching the birds and critters from my window. Some days it is hard to find much of anything for which to be thankful...then I find a dollar in an old pocket, or I hear the rumble of my husband's sports car. Yes, I am grateful for small things. I am grateful that I found Messiah. I am happy to sign a pledge card. I see how much joy our church family has when we get together whether at a monthly breakfast, a picnic or an event in the social hall. Of course there are squabbles, but, like any family, we forgive and forget and stay together like a family should. I am grateful that my children and grandchildren live close to me. I am grateful that they are happy and productive. For what are you grateful? Has it been a year of sickness? Can you be grateful for the people who are helping you to recover, and the modern medicine that gives us hope? Has there been tragedy in your life? When you are grieving, you can still be grateful that your faith 5

will see you through your pain. A while ago, I had a fall. See, I who hate housework with an unrivaled passion, decided that the kitchen floor could not wait any longer. Armed with a mop and bare feet I began the thankless job. Next thing I knew, my feet were in the air and I was flat on my back, inches from the stove. My dear Hubby, sound asleep after the night shift, never heard a thing. I laid there for a few minutes making sure nothing was broken. After I finally stood, I realized that the sinus headache that had been plaguing me was gone. So even though something bad happened, something good came out of it. Yes, it's a stretch, but there is always a bright spot if we look hard enough. One of Pastor Jeff's sermons in October was about being grateful. When a person says, “how are you?”, resist the urge to tell them. Instead, simply say, “I am grateful.” It catches on! I am trying to make that a habit. We Americans have so much. We Christians have even more, with the promise of a life everlasting. We have the gift of salvation and forgiveness of our sins. Isn't that enough for which to be grateful? When Thanksgiving Day approaches, we may gather with family and friends over turkey or tofu, eat and drink to excess and say a prayer of thanks for our dinner. Be grateful for your hot dogs, leftover spaghetti and canned tuna, too. It is all a gift from God. From my family to yours, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful that you are our extended family! Your servant in Christ, Marilyn DiLuzio Rizzo

Memorials Memorials are special gifts to the Church in memory of loved ones who have passed, given by friends and family. The names of the givers are displayed in the Memorial Book kept in the Narthex of the Church. The funds are used for permanent or semi-permanent items needed for the ministry of the Church such as banners, vestments, paraments, candles, or other designated items. Memorial gifts may be made at any time throughout the year. Memorial Gifts Received in August and September: Ethel Kochel Al & Pat Schell David & Shirley Bolam Shirley Englert Deborah Danielewicz Charlotte Fitch Brenda Ward Beatrice Ward Irene Owens Phil & Penny Gotham The Rhodes Family Mary & Lou Albert Ann Harmon Margie & Bob Quinn

In Memory of Barb Roth

The Sanford Family Craig & Ethelynne Cunningham Dave & Ann Kent Tarzan & Lisa Booth Matt & Sally Zill Shirley Damon Latrobe Elementary School Staff Jim & Pat Heidecker Mark & Carol Zamperini Tops Friendly Markets Bernice Fryer Rebecca & Les Wright Elsie Singer

Compliments of

DUSCKAS FUNERAL HOME, INC.

In Memory of Tom Barlett

Pat Barlett 2607 Buffalo Road Erie, PA 16510 899-7656

In Memory of Marie Hennell

David & Shirley Bolam

Nancy E. Dusckas, Spvr.

536 West 10 Street Erie, PA 16502 452-2456

Gary J. Cumming, Spvr.

www.dusckasfuneralhome.com

6

CYFM will meet on Thursday, September 1 in the Finance Room Contact Candy Sprouse if interested in joining: [email protected]

During the 11:00 Worship Service

The Grateful Prayer Group Contact Charlotte Fitch (824-5035) to participate in this wonderful ministry or just show up!

Leader Schedule: November 6 Tammy Johnson November 13 Bonnie Magee November 20 Sandy Hough, Candy Sprouse November 27 Steve & Linda Porada

We meet in the Study Lounge on Thursdays at 10:00am.

Only a six week commitment at a time!

Care Group #4 Bible Study Monday, November 14 & 28 at 1:00PM All are welcome to join us!

Wednesday, November 9 at 1:30pm at the home of Bonnie Magee (3920 Emmet Drive, Erie, PA 16511)

Men of Faith, Rise Up!

November’s book is: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Men’s Bible Study

December’s book will be: The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Monday, November 21 at 7:00pm In the Study Lounge

Come join us!

We are called to be men of God’s Word. Join us on the journey

Guided Meditation

In order to make a Prayer Chain request, please email or call the Church Office

Mondays at 6:30PM at 430 E Grandview Blvd. Apt. 216 AND

Thursdays at 11:00am In the event of emergency situations, contact Pr. Jeff and he will pass on the information! Thank You for your cooperation!

in the Study Lounge

All are welcome to participate! Contact Charlotte Fitch 824-5035 for more information 7

For families with children ages 3-10 All children attending must be accompanied by an adult Event includes lunch, crafts and prayer Please sign up by Sunday, November 13 in church, by email or in church office

A ministry to, with, for and by 3rd-12th graders!

F

2 0 1 7 Mis sio n Trip

ootsteps: The upcoming fall retreat will take place November 18-20 Cost is $35.00 Open to youth going into grades 9-12. Contact Pastor Jeff if interested.

Sponsored by the East Erie County Cluster, July 16-21, 2017 in Mingo County, WV Work will focus on helping the flood recovery efforts.

Aluminum Can Recycling Please bring in YOUR Aluminum cans to the garage at the church. They will be taken to the recycling center and the money will go toward 2016 Youth Mission Trip. Thank you for your support! 8

Knitting & Crocheting Group

Email the Servant Outreach Committee at: [email protected] Please feel free to email us comments, suggestions, etc.

November 12 from 10:00am12:00pm in the Study Lounge Come join us!

Angel Tree 2015

Come for fellowship, come to knit or crochet.

The Angel Tree returns November 20 This years beneficiary is: Mercy Center for Women

Bring a friend with you too!

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Items must be in by December 4 PLEASE do not wrap any of the gifts, this will be done by the recipient agency.

If you want to make Prayer Shawls you do not need to come to the Saturday get together for knitting and crocheting. Several people make shawls on their own. If you are interested in knitting or crocheting Prayer Shawls please contact Shirley Damon.

Save the Date!

Remember if you need a prayer shawl contact Shirley, anyone on Servant Outreach, or the Church Office.

Preparing and serving dinner at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on December 15. Volunteers are to meet at Holy Trinity (643 W. 17th Street, Erie) at 5pm. If you want to carpool meet at Messiah at 4pm. If you have any questions contact Anna Mae Van Dyne at 899-5778

Wesleyville Food Pantry September Item of the Month: 3pk-Face Soap Bring your donations to the church by November 27 or make a financial contribution designated for the Food Pantry anytime during the month. Food Pantry Distribution: November 15 at 10:00am Through October 23, 20 canned meals have been donated. Thank you for your generosity! 9

I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you. 2 Kings 20:5

Blood Pressure Screenings If you would like to help coordinate a Wellness Event or an Outreach Event, please contact: Anna Mae Van Dyne at (899-5778)

Sunday, November 6 in Fellowship Hall during the Pancake Breakfast Please be assured that the results of your monitoring will not be shared with anyone other than you!

November Health November is Diabetes Awareness Month. In the United States there are about sixteen million people who have diabetes. Prevalence of diabetes is increasing in all age groups from children to the elderly. The likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes is largely a function of what we eat, how much we exercise and most important, how much we weigh. By taking control of these three factors, we can be assured we are taking the right steps to protect ourselves from one of the most common and serious conditions in the United States today. Many people are unaware that they even have the disorder. Classic signs and symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss. When the blood is tested there is an increase in the blood glucose level. Early discovery and treatment will prevent the many complications associated with diabetes.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH: Are you a smoker? The American Cancer Society has designated November 17 as the Great American Smoke Out. Consider joining millions of Americans who quit for the day and much longer. Quitting is a gift to yourself and to all those around you. Free information and methods to quit are available from the American Cancer Society. Today is the day to investigate quitting and participate in The Great American Smoke Out. Call 800-ACS-2345 or Visit http://www.cancer.org Used by permission from “Wellness Tip of The Week” written by JoAnn C. Kauss, RN, MSN, St. Malachy Church, 2003.

Find out what is going on in the ELCA: Church-wide - www.elca.org NWPA Synod - www.nwpaelca.org 10

Church Leadership Council: Anthony Baer-Pres (3) Art Anderson-VP (1) Anna Mae Van Dyne-Sec(2) Richard Alaniz (3) Carol Brigham (2) Linda Fryer (2) Phil Gotham (3) Sean Gotham (1) Marilyn Rizzo (2) Brian Rogala (3) Brian Rogala, Jr. (1) Tim Smock (1) Cluster Board Reps: Brian Rogala Art Anderson Committee Chairpeople: Church Life: Cindy Anderson CYFM: Candy Sprouse Mutual Ministry: Mark Van Horn Property: Rich Alaniz Servant Outreach: Anna Mae Van Dyne Stewardship/Finance: Linda Fryer/ Brian Rogala, Jr.

Unofficial Highlights  Received a letter from the Clarks that they no longer consider themselves members of Messiah  Received letter of resignation from the Church Parish Administrator to be effective December 29, 2016  Received a request from Pat Via in regard to the archives that the church purchase an additional file cabinet to house our archives; Council approved; indicated that Memorial funds be used for this purchase  Received a request from Art Anderson to offer a gift card in thanksgiving to John Anderson for his help and expertise in installing the new railings; Council approved  Follow up on the suggestion to “honor” those actively in ministries of the church, highlighting one area per month and distributing a pocket coin in appreciation; it was decided to purchase the Three Solas coin from Creative Communications for the Parish  The Letter to Latent members will go out the last week of October  Nominations for Church Council include: Gerrie Elias, Geoff Groce and Mike Mikotowicz; a discussion ensued about how comfortable the current Council was if we only had three people elected to Council  Discussed the Annual Stewardship Appeal; Carol Brigham volunteered to give Temple talk one weekend; there will be three distributions of materials, each week with a different theme; members will be asked to return their commitment form on the third Sunday of November and tack it to the cross that will be in the Sanctuary  Pr Jeff reported his decision to forego the wine fundraiser that he presented to Council through a recent email  Reminded Council Members of the Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 23; volunteers were sought to make coffee and set out the pastries received from Panera Bread; we thank Tammy Kuhn for obtaining them for our use

Part-Time Position Available

Special Note Cards Available

Communications/Financial Secretary

Note Cards are 45/8 x 73/4 inches And feature the various stained glass windows in our church

10 Hours/week $10/Hour Successful Candidate must be proficient in: QuickBooks Pro MS Office Wordpress Facebook Position would begin January 1, 2017 Contact Pr. Jeff if interested

Cost is $6.00 per package of 8 There are only 12 packages remaining! Get yours before they are gone! Note Cards may be purchased in the Church Office 11

Committee Meeting Thanks to the eleven CROP Walkers who showed up and represented Messiah! Thank you for a job well done! The Servant Outreach Committee

The Property Committee will meet Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.

Snow Shoveling Volunteers sought:

Our thanks to all who made our recent celebration a reality and a success: To the late Sherry Wallin for getting us off on the right course. Thanks to those who shared their expertise in a multitude of projects, to the interviewers and especially to the interviewees, and Marilyn Rizzo for collating all the histories and interviews. We thank Madalyn Shatzer for two summers of work on the magnets. Thanks to photographer Phil Gotham for the photos of the windows and to Carol Brigham for her computer expertise. Thank you to Fran and Jessica (Sayre) for their input, arranging and circulating the photographer, and last minute assistance, and for standing on my shoestrings! Thanks goes to the grounds crew, and to Bonnie Stearns for the extraordinary cleaning detail. We thank the Church Life Committee for the lovely reception on Sunday morning. Thanks to the office staff for keeping it all spinning in the same direction. Thank you to Pastor Jeff for his support and assistance. And, thank you to the whole congregation for their enthusiastic support and participation in this momentous family reunion. We had a good time! God is with us. Sincerely, Pat Via & the 100th Anniversary Team

We are in need of volunteers to commit to clearing our sidewalks, steps and wheelchair ramp during the week throughout winter. Please sign up in the Narthex to volunteer or contact the church office.

Please keep the church office informed of any changes in your mailing address, phone number, and email address. It is important for us to keep our data base up-todate. Thank you for your cooperation.

We welcomed to the Sacrament of the Altar for the first time... Cheyenne Paananen on October 9 at the 11:00 Worship Service We are sad to see the following members depart Messiah, but we wish them well in their new church home: Pat & Paul Clark 12

To my Messiah Family and Friends, In my time of need, I am so heartfelt of all the reception I have incurred since my major surgery. I thank you for the wonderful gift of prayers, all the beautiful cards with their inspiring words of healing, the many phone calls to perk up your emotions when you are down, the beauty of flowers that were given showing the sunshine in our lives, the love put into homemade food sent to give strength, cookies given to sweeten our life in time of need. I thank all of you for your kindness, love, and gifts for such a grateful recovery. My love and prays for all of you and your families, God Bless, Pam Baker and Family

A Special Thank you to...

Carner Landscaping 8181 Morehouse Road Erie, PA 16509 Phone: (814) 881-4179 Shawn Carner, Owner

For their contribution to the sidewalk project!

Church Office Hours Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

Dear Pastor Piccirilli,

Closed 10:00am-5:00pm 10:00am-2:00pm 10:00am-5:00pm 10:00am-5:00pm

It gives me great pleasure to extend warmest regards and congratulations to you on the occasion of the Messiah Lutheran Church celebrating its 100th anniversary. This anniversary is a remarkable milestone and a true testament to the congregation’s dedication and commitment throughout these many years. Under your leadership, Messiah Lutheran Church has been a consistent and import source of faith in the community. The church’s long existence speaks to the noble ideals and values which have guided the church since its foundation. These values stand out as a positive example for future generations. Please accept my sincere congratulations, and may you and your congregation enjoy many more years of success.

13

K

oinonia:

The next Men’s Weekend will be March 3-5 The next Women’s Weekend will be March 31-April 2 Contact Pastor Jeff or any Koinonian if interested. Sunday, November 13, 2016

NWPA Synod, ELCA presents…

First English Lutheran Church 104 N. Gilpin Punxsutawney, PA 4:00pm Catechism Celebration with Rev. Dr. Ralph Jones, Bishop,

On the Trail of Martin Luther July 12-22, 2017 Highlights of the trip include: 500th Anniversary of the Day of the Reformation, Mainz, Worms, Gutenberg Museum, Erfurt, Wartburg Castle, Lutherhaus, Eisleben, Dresden, Leipzig, St. Thomas Church, Wittenberg, St. Mary’s Church, Berlin

Sunday, December 11, 2016 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3325 Morefield Road, Hermitage, PA 4:00pm Catechism Celebration Rev. Dr. Ralph Jones, Bishop

Registration is due by December 6, 2016 Double: $4,199/person Single: $4,699/person Book now and save $200 per person Double: $3,999/person Single: $4,499/person The trip is limited to Forty-four (44) people A brochure/itinerary is available in the Church Office with more information AND an informational presentation by Collette Travel will be given on Saturday, June 18 at 10:30AM in the Howard Miller Student Center, Thiel College Campus Please RSVP (814) 589-7660

CHECK IT OUT... Make it easy to read Scripture every day friend us (search “Church Pastor”) on Facebook. We post a Scripture verse every day that will then show up on your page! 14

Birthdays 1 2 4 6 8

Joyce Barringer Alexandra Hanson Cynthia Lee Brad McShane Judi Dale Susan Romanski Abigail Miller

12 13 15 20 22 25

Marriage Anniversaries

Jamie Logue Donald Kent Devon Juliano Mike Mikotowicz James Stearns Pat Via

“ Bless them so that all may see

in their lives together within the community of your people a vision of your kingdom on earth.” From the Nuptial Blessing in the Marriage ceremony

2 Rich & Briana Alaniz 8 Wendi & James Proper 14 Bud & Pam Bresee

Baptismal Anniversaries “Through baptism you have

been received into the household of God, entrusted with the good news of Jesus Christ, and strengthened to serve by the holy and life-giving Spirit.”

5

Donna Sedelmyer Matt Zill 7 Kristine Edwards 11 Nevaeh Peters 12 Tammy Johnson Briana Alaniz Isabelle Wisniewski 15 George Elias

If we missed your Birth, Baptism, or Marriage Anniversary we apologize. Please contact the church office to provide us with that information.

17 Jamie Logue 18 Jay Hollenbeck Gayle Dieter Carol Brigham 20 Lori Bresee 25 Jeff Damon 27 Dave Frick Gunner Hough

Daily Bible Readings For November 1 1 Judges 5 2 Judges 6 3 Judges 7 4 Judges 8 5 Proverbs 27:12-27 6 Psalms 125-129 7 Judges 9 8 Judges 10 9 Judges 11 10 Judges 12 11 Judges 13 12 Proverbs 28:1-14 13 Psalms 130-134 14 Judges 14 15 Judges 15 16 Judges 16

Messiah Lutheran Church Contact Information Church Office: (814) 899-6386 [email protected] Pastor: Rev. Jeffrey J. Piccirilli [email protected] In the event of a pastoral emergency, please call Pastor Jeff at 431-5879 www.messiah-erie.org 15

17 Judges 17 18 Judges 18 19 Proverbs 28:15-28 20 Psalms 135-137 21 Judges 19 22 Judges 20 23 Judges 21 24 Ruth 1 25 Ruth 2 26 Proverbs 29:1-13 27 Psalms 138-141 28 Ruth 3 29 Ruth 4 30 1 Samuel 1

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 2025 Eastern Avenue Wesleyville, PA 16510

Address Service Requested Dated Material

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour on November 6!

Contents: Church Life Worship Stewardship/Finance CYFM Youth Ministry Servant Outreach Church Council

Pg 1 Pg 2 Pg 4 Pg 7 Pg 8 Pg 9 Pg 11

Property About Our Members Notes of thanks Around the Community November Celebrations Daily Bible Readings Contact Information

Pg 12 Pg 12 Pg 12 Pg 14 Pg 15 Pg 15 Pg 15

Newsletter Deadline All items for the monthly Newsletter must be submitted in writing no later than the Monday after the second Sunday of the month and are subject to editing. No exceptions.

Messiah Lutheran Church is on... 16