Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
March 2016
Palm Sunday
March 20th Reading of the Passion
“Amazing Love”
Cantata
8:45 & 10:45 am
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Maundy Thursday, March 24th
Holy Communion Service
7:00 pm
Good Friday, March 25th
Services
11:00 am & 7:00 pm
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Easter Festival Services
Sunday, March 27th
7:00 am
9:00 am
11:00 am
Easter Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am — 10:30 am
Dear Friends in Christ,
As children we all heard the same things over and over again:
"Don't run with scissors!"
"Don't leave the refrigerator door open!"
"Don't put your brother's head in the toilet!"
"Always say ‘please' and ‘thank you.'"
"Look both ways before crossing the street."
"Eat all your vegetables."
"Do your homework first."
"Don't put the cat in the dryer."
And, as children, our tendency was to respond with a "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard it all before." But there's a reason
why some things are said over and over again; a reason why some things must be said over and over again — It's be-
cause we need to hear these important things! We need to hear them over and over again because we don't always "get
it" the first ten times we heard them.
And what are the important things we need to hear over and over again? Anything connected to God's love for us and
our love for God and one another bears repeating. Put simply, some things cannot be said or heard enough, like the
words, "I love you." Such words are packed so chock full of life-giving-meaning that they call out to be heard over and
over again...70x7
This is the case with the parable of the Prodigal Son. Sure, we've heard it before but on March 6th we will hear it again.
We may even think we know all about it, but that doesn't change the fact that the parable of the Prodigal Son is one of
those all-important things we need to hear over and over and over again. Just like the words, "I love you," the parable of
the Prodigal Son is an unapologetic expression of God's radical, sacrificial, extravagant love for you and me and the
whole of the world. So, we're going to hear it again because we need to.
But just what is the message? Is there just one message, just one point to be made? What is it that Jesus wants us to hear
and understand? Why does the parable not have an ending? What is the Good News?
Well, we've been calling this parable the "Prodigal Son." But what exactly does the word "prodigal" mean? Does it mean
lost, wayward, rebellious. Or does it mean excessive, extravagant, lavish, unrestrained, wasteful?
It means all of the above which tells us the Father is a prodigal in a positive sense: he is excessive, extravagant, lavish,
unrestrained, lovingly wasteful. And the two siblings are prodigals in a negative sense: they are lost, wayward, and re-
bellious...each in their own way. So maybe what we have is a family of prodigals; maybe what we have is the church.
If that's the case then we're supposed to find ourselves in the parable. Who are you? Which character are you most like?
Maybe you're a complex person and not limited to just one character. Maybe you see a little Father in you, a little young-
er brother, a little elder sister. Maybe when we hear the parable and include ourselves we discover that love and justice
are given according to what is needed, not according to what is perceived to be deserved.
Maybe one of the messages of the parable is that God the Father claims His children in unconditional love, a love that is
extravagant, excessive, lavish, unrestrained, seemingly foolish and wasteful — a love we call Jesus Christ. Maybe we
need to hear that more often. Maybe we need to hear that over and over again until we really believe it with the whole of
our being.
Jesus leaves us with a parable that has no ending. What will happen to this dysfunctional family is left up to us. Do we
recognize our own lostness? Do we embody the love of God in all we say and do? Are we reconciled one to another?
Would you like to hear it again?
Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
Lenten Worship: Good God Questions
What’s in a question? The asking of a question can be an entry point for new dis-
covery. And questions about God can open us to a deeper understanding of the
character of God and God’s mission in the world. Good God Questions feature
teachers from Luther Seminary who love God both with their heart and with their
mind. These brave souls take on some of the most troublesome questions of be-
lievers. Questions we will consider this Lenten season are:
What about my child who is baptized but doesn't believe?
What happens to us after death?
Join us for soup starting a 6:00 pm and worship will begin at 7:00 pm.
Easter Breakfast
Sunday March 27
8:00 – 10:30am
MENU
French Toast
Scrambled Eggs
Sausages
Assorted Baked Goods
Bagels/Muffins
Fruit Salad
Free Will Offering
All donations of baked items
(bought or Home Made) gladly accepted.
Sign up in the Fellowship Hall.
PALM SUNDAY DEDICATIONS
Please submit by Sunday, March 13, 2016
PALMS FOR DISTRIBUTION $20 ___________
ALTAR PALMS $20 ___________
Please PRINT so spelling will be correct in bulletin.
In memory of _____________________________________
In honor of ______________________________________
In thanksgiving ___________________________________
Given by ________________________________________
Update on what’s happening around Church…..
Committee Meetings
Executive Committee — Monday, March 7 at 7:30 pm
Council Meeting — Monday, March 14 at 7 pm
Property Work Morning — Saturday, March 12th from 9 am — 12 pm
March—Make Wednesday Nights Easy! Join your Christ Lutheran Family for a simple supper each Wednesday night
in the Fellowship Hall
March 9th & 16th — 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Lenten Soup Supper at 6 pm followed by Worship at 7 pm.
March 30th — 6:30—7:00 pm
All are welcome from our Bell ringers, Choir members, Confirmation families
and anyone who needs a break from the kitchen for an evening.
In Need of a walker, crutch or other supply to help you get moving again? Our church has several items to lend out.
Contact Carol Schmid at 631-567-2112 who has volunteered to connect people in need with the sup-
plies that have accumulated in the church closet.
Property Work DAY
SATURDAY, March 12th
Beginning at 9 am
Chores and tasks for all ages and abilities! If you are
available for work on another day, please see or call Joe or
Chris. ALL ARE WELCOME!
PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE
REHEARSALS for the PALM SUNDAY
CANTATA — AMAZING LOVE have begun.
Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm until
Lent and then rehearsals will still be on Wednesdays
but after the mid-week worship service.
Palm Sunday is on March 20th and the Cantata will
be sung at both services.
ALTAR FLOWERS & SANCTUARY CANDLE The 2016 Altar Flower and Candle Charts are posted on the Communication Bulletin Board outside Pastor’s Office. Please remember your loved ones with an arrangement of flowers for $18 or by lighting the candle for $10. Use a yellow envelope and mark it Altar Flowers and Candle for your donation.
HYMNAL
DEDICATIONS
AVAILABLE
Hymnals can be
donated in
memory of some
one but also in
honor or thanksgiving for someone.
The cost to donate a hymnal is
$20.00. If you would like to donate
a hymnal, please use the yellow
envelopes. If you have any ques-
tions, please speak to Pastor Mark,
Janet O’Mara or anyone on the
Church Council.
Christopher Mottenski, Joseph Thomesen, Lynn Musa, Barbara Krause, Bernie
Phalen, Eddie Wecera, bertina Gamblin, Mary Stagner, Logsdon Family, Daily Fami-
ly, Owen Preston, Ronald J. J. Fuzia, Maureen Consiglio, Christine Apoian, Bob
Smith, Ruza Rados, Alba Bran, Grace, Albert Vitarelli, Frank Schadock, Eleanor At-
kins, Betty Eichner, John Musa, Lorraine Cunningham, Michael Dinger, Hasan Skin-
ner, John Forman, Rene Doumeng, William Hajek, Jr., Chris Levey, Jeanette Perry,
Davante, Anmol, Justin, Dee Sulima, Margaret Lenahan, Lisa & Marvin, John Ver-
milyea, Jamey Musa, Mona Lang, Amelia Newhoff, Charles Moonsammy, Kenneth Schultheis, Chris-
tine (Johnson) Porter, Ruth Knudsen, Debbie Rasmussen, Robert MacLachlan, Eleanor Owens,
Christine Sparacino, Thomas DeFranza, Gail Callis, Adele Henneborn, Phyliss Stack, Henry Bou-
chard, Bob Lobacz, Kim Schiniener, Leonard Crowe, Cathy McWilliams, Alyssa Furlani, Marie &
Thomas Curr, Jim Musa, Linda Smith, Dorothy Jenssen, Gloria Marsh, Steve Sparacino, Gary
Patera, Lorraine O’Donnel, Paul Bouchard, Bill Paddack, Daniel Taddei, Donald Lemp, Miecia
Webb, Frieda Costa, John & Janice Reilly, Scott Cunningham, Bob Wilson, Kevin Wispell, Kristen
Gilliar, Paulette Schery, Nazema Singh, Joan Deangelis, Tina Crachiolo, Bebe Zalina Singh, Kailey
Marie Johnstone, Albert Trabold, Kenneth Longacre, Jennifer Hassig, Rose Crowe, Christine Lam-
bert, Lane Romano
Marie Schrader, John Jansen, Anita Joanni, Christopher McCarthy, Eugene Diaz, Al Smith, Barbara Bou-
chard, Mary Ann Osborne, Mary Ann Rescigno, Theodore Papamarcos, Anne Marie Lowe, James Hansen,
Helen Muller, Steve Caruso, Diana Mancini, Betty-Jo Molina, Barbara Johnson, Ivy Sukhu, Donna Vito,
Robert Burns, Danielle Fischetti, Cathy Roosa, Edna Muller, Dick Guenste, Christopher Mayotte, Todd
Panzner, Petya Licheva, Jamie Rodriguez, Heather Panzner, Barbara Suchopar, Ron Weber, Dawn Rotolo,
Marisa Carney, Liam Kruer, John Flynn, Paul Harrington, Ruth DeMartino, Linda & John Jeziorkowski,
Ashley Thornberg, Helen Gronus, Reggie Fountain, Gene Fairbrother, Russell Weber, Peg Bartnick, Frances
Quervalu, Sally Sukhu, Dolores Johnson, Asen Traykov, Millie Ramos, Brian Doherty, Jeffery Belford,
Dorothy Heusel, Karen Sussman, Linda Hanna, Pat Geist, Justin Coco, Leigh & Dalton Families, Michelle
Diaz, Thorleif Berntsen, Tom Connors, Joan McDonald, Tricia Ciccone, Iris Simmons, Ryan Hall, Christian
Jean-Pierre, Marie vonBargen, Heather McNamara, Kari Dinges, Neil Blam, Diane Lorelli, Larry Hanna,
Fortunado Paturso, Helen Cacavas, Cathy Murray, Benjamin Archer, Lauren McCormack, Banfalvy family,
SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Alex Newhoff, Nikko Navarro, Travis Montgomery, Billy DeCarlo, Matthew Gallino, Gregory Lon-gacre, Justin Holke, Michael Beiner, Brian McClain, Daniel Eich-ner, Brian Eichner, Sean Moller, Christopher Gaudio, Daniel Riley, Evan Book, Eric Thomesen, Brett Marcinik, Alexandria Gentry
Notes from the Stewardship Committee
E-GIVING Did you know that you can have your weekly offering given to church every week automatically without an envelope? Every week your designated offering is taken out of your bank account and sent directly to church. It’s very simple and you don’t have to worry about forgetting your envelope.
The Women’s Book Group is Back!
March Book Selection is The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman and the discussion will
be led by Helen Gronus on March 6th at the home of Carol
Carty at 12:45 pm.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
3 year olds to 5th Graders
Every Sunday during the 10:45 Service Start your lesson in church with your family, listen to a special
children’s sermon delivered by Pastor and then head to your class-
room to discuss and participate in activities based on the Bible
readings of the day. Lessons, crafts , music and more!
Jr. Youth Group
March 26
Easter Egg Coloring and Hunt
10-1 pm BRUNCH will be served
6th through 8th grades: Confirmation Students are to attend Wednesday Night
Lenten Services during the remainder of March. There will be a light supper at 6:00 pm.
Service begins at 7 pm. In addition , students should be at Maundy Thursday and Good
Friday Services during Holy Week.
Regular Confirmation classes resume on Wednesday, March 30th at 7 pm with a light supper
at 6:30 pm.
Make sure to complete your Confirmation Notes at each service. Forms can be picked up and returned to the basket in the narthex.
Sr. Youth Group News
Good News!!! The Retreat is on! Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10. Retreat Topic: Trust and Bonding Exercises Retreat Activities: Hiking, Basketball, Bonfire – weather permitting
Game Room, Board Games (Marathon Monopoly?), Ice Cream Sundaes Retreat Deposit of $50 Due on Sunday, March 13, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 SYG is hosting the Lenten Soup Supper at 6:00 pm Set-up is 5:00 pm
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Distribution of Easter Food Baskets
Community Notes and
Information
Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry - Hours are Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm Cub Scout Pack 38 - For boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. Call Emy Terhune 631-258-8452 for more information Boy Scout Troop 327 - For boys from 5th grade to the age of 18. Meets every Friday night in the Wolpert Building from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Call Dave Maziarz, Scoutmaster at 834-6118 for more information. Homemakers - Meets at Christ Lutheran Church every Tuesday morning. Call Sandy Deck at 581-1289 for more information.
AA - High Noon Group - meets every weekday at 12:00 noon in the Wolpert Building. AA - Evening Group - Meets Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Wolpert Building at 8:00 pm
CHRISTLUTHERANIT.ORG
Your Passport to Everything at Christ Lutheran Church!
CHECK OUT OUR HOMEPAGE ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB!
Miss a special event or need a little inspiration--check out the
links to listen to the Festival Choir sing a Cantata, relive the
Sunday School pageant, be inspired by the fabulous voices of the Central Islip
High School Concert Choir. Need to check a date — check out the on-line cal-
endar of events. Much more is waiting for you. Go on-line today!
A monthly publication by and for the members of Christ Lutheran Church, Islip Terrace, NY.
Submissions should be made by the 20th of each month. Rev. Mark Kreemer, Pastor Cell: (631) 533-2446
Office: (631)581-1710 E-mail: [email protected]
Deacon: Janet O’Mara
Congregation Officers: President: Karl Von Seggern Vice President: Lorraine Hajek, Jr. Secretary: Jason Terhune Treasurer: Ricci Ordway Assistant Treasurer: Gail Callis Financial Secretary: Ellen McManus
Parish Coordinator: Madeline Sharrock [email protected]
2016 Church Council
Karl Von Seggern Ricci Ordway Jason Terhune Marie Von Seggern Joe Callis Judy Gauthier Ellen McManus Jean Musa Peter Sharrock Gail Callis Helen Carioscia Lorraine Hajek Jr. Holly Von Seggern Ken Hill Ed Preuss Joan DeAngelis Dawn Rotolo
Become a STEWARD BOOSTER for $10 and have your name printed in
the issue with the designation of your choice.
In memory of ___________________________
In honor of _____________________________
In thanksgiving for __________________________
On the occasion of _________________________
Your Name ______________________________
STEWARD BOOSTERS FOR MARCH 2016
In memory of Nancy by Joe Cervenka
In memory of Nora-Jo by Joe Cervenka
P&J SCHEDULE—WINTER /SPRING 2016
FEB 28 – MARCH 5 ---SHARROCK, VONSEGGERN
MARCH 6 – 12 ----GAUTHIER, BIRSNER, EICHNER
MARCH 13 – 19---- O’TOOLE,PICECE, DEANGELIS, KREB
MARCH 20 – 26 ---KOBEL, CUNNINGHAM
MARCH 27 – APRIL 2 ------ TERHUNE, SUKHU
APRIL 3 – 9 ----- MCWILLIAMS, MUSA, HILL, CARTY
APRIL 10 – 16 – MCMANUS, LAMBDIN, CARIOSCIA
APRIL 17 -23 ----- NEWHOFF, SWAINE, O’MARA
APRIL 24 – 30 --- HOMEMAKERS
MAY 1 – 7 ---- CONFIRMATION CLASS/ SR YOUTH
MAY 8 – 14 ----- SHARROCK, VONSERGGERN
MAY 15 – 21 --- GAUTHIER, BIRSNER, EICHNER
MAY 22 – 28 ---- O’TOOLE,PICECE,DEANGELIS,KREB
MAY 29 – JUNE 4 ----- KOBEL, CUNNINGHAM
JUNE 5 – 11 ----- TERHUNE, SUKHU
If your group cannot do your assigned week, please switch with another
group. We are being counted on to provide two boxes of sandwiches each
and every week! If your group needs help, please recruit your friends,
family and neighbors!
Please let church office know when you are making
sandwiches so delivery
to St Anne’s in Brentwood can be arranged. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
LENTEN FOLDERS
Lent is a time for self-
reflection and a time to focus
more on self-discipline. Christ
was tempted by the devil and
constantly questioned by believ-
ers and those with doubts. The
Lenten Offering Folder is en-
closed for your use as a reminder
of the sacrifices made by God’s
only Son. Please use as part of
your faithful journey through
Lent and return it with your
Easter Offerings.
EASTER DEDICATIONS
Please submit by Sunday, March 20, 2016
FLOWERS FOR THE CROSS $20 ___________
EASTER FLOWERING PLANTS $15 __________
Please PRINT so spelling will be correct in bulletin
In memory of__________________________________
In honor of ____________________________________
In thanksgiving for______________________________
Given by _____________________________________
The Food Pan-
try is beginning
its collection for
Easter Baskets.
Donations of Hams,
Turkeys and Roasting
chickens are needed.
SUNDAY SERVERS for March
3/6/2016 3/13/16 3/20/16 3/27/16
Greeters 8:45 Helen Gronus
Irene Montgomery
Ellen McManus
Bob Lobacz
Jean Musa Kevin O'Mara
Irene
Montgomery
10:45 Chris Swaine Barbara Carney
Vanessa
Von Seggern
Phyllis Kobel
Marie
Von Seggern
Ushers 8:45 Joe Callis
Alan Cunningham
Alan
Cunningham
Bruce Dochnahl
Don Lemp
Alan Cunning-
ham
Alan
Cunningham
Kevin O'Mara
10:45 Al Smith
Bill Schrader
Billy Schrader
Karl
Von Seggern
Jason Terhune
Edward Pruess
Phyllis Kobel
John Kobel
Nicholos Hober
Doug Hajek
Jan Coco
Ron Fuzia
Jim Musa
Tom Primiano
Eucharistic
Ministers
8:45 Ricci Ordway
Betsy Cunningham
Nancy Hill
Ken Hill
Ellen McManus
Helen Gronus
Janet O'Mara
Madeline
Sharrock
10:45 Marie Von Seggern
Karl Von Seggern
Marie
Von Seggern
Marcia Coco
Judy Gauthier
Karl
Von Seggern
Jason Terhune
Dolores Johnson
Assistant
Ministers
8:45 Madeline Sharrock Cathy
McWilliams
Judy Gauthier Janet O'Mara
10:45 Veronica Kreemer Karen Carrier Karl
Von Seggern
Phil Bertuglia
Acolytes 8:45 Joseph Picece
Nicholas Picece
10:45 Dylan Campson Nicholas Monz Jason Birsner
Nursery 10:45 Ginny Da Silva
Amanda Da Silva
Regina Campson Geradine
Lambdin
Emy Terhune
Joshua Terhune
Coffee Hour 8:45 Carol Carty
Billy Carty
Nancy Hill
Ken Hill
Jean Musa
Jim Musa
Phil Bertuglia
10:45 Stan Fuzia Mary Varak
Craig Kadane
Judy Gauthier Janice Fuzia
Ron Fuzia
Altar Guild Alan Cunningham
Betsy Cunningham
Pat Guenste
Cindy Terk
Dee Sulima
Everyone Everyone
The Family of Christ Lutheran Offers
Prayers of Sympathy for the Families of :
Nora-Jo Cervenka — 1st wife of Joe Cervenka
John Gansle—husband of Patricia
Father of Kathy Gansle Stickler
Father-in-law of Dave Stickler
Memorial Service and Luncheon for
Christine Simoncini, mother of Jackie Flamio
Saturday, March 12th at 11:30 am
Take Your Faith Outside this Summer!
Welcome to Camp Ma-He-Tu
Best. Camp. Ever. A sleep away camp for girls ages 7-15. Cel-
ebrating our 78th summer on the shores of
Lake Kanawaukee in Harriman State Park,
Bear Mountain, just 40 miles north of New
York City.
Not ready to let your daughter go to camp on her
own or do you need a break?
Check out Ma-He-Tu’s Wom-en in the Woods - July 2nd
to July 6th 2016 Girls of ALL ages just wanna have fun! Moth-
ers and daughters - Aunts and nieces - Friends
young... and not so young.... All women and
girls are welcome. Come spend one day, or even
a few playing, laughing, singing and relaxing .
Check out the website at http://www.mahetu.org
The 84th Annual Lutheran Summer Conference at Silver
Bay “A week unlike any other.” We invite you to join
three hundred others this summer at the annual Luther-
an Summer Conference on the YMCA’s spectacular cam-
pus at Silver Bay on beautiful Lake George in the Adiron-
dacks. An all-inclusive, Christian getaway with fun for
every age All on-campus accommodations include all
meals and activity costs. A Conference Fee ($65/ person
or $325 maximum for families) includes all Lutheran pro-
gramming, including evening activities, classes and dis-
counted conference rates for Silver Bay. Silver Bay also
offers morning camp programming for all children
through age 13. Saturday, July 16th — Friday, July 22nd,
2016
For more information on Silver Bay contact our
registrar, Karen Hoffman, for information: Luther-
[email protected] , (203) 454-2842
Pinecrest is a Lutheran Leadership school which meets annually for a one-week session in August to train young
leaders in Christ.
http://pinecrestbuzz.weebly.com/
Christ Lutheran Church
Carleton Ave & Nassau Street
P.O. Box 205
Islip Terrace, NY 11752-0205
Office Phone: (631) 581-1710
The Rev. Mark Kreemer, Pastor
Cell: (631) 533-2446
Dated Material - Please Rush
Current Resident or
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Growing in the Lord