The Town Line

Lutheran Town Line Lutheran Church, Alden, New York

Sunday Worship Services June 2014

8:30 and 11:00 am

Sunday School Our Mission In recess “Called to Be a Servant Community”

Worship Time change Starting Sunday, June 15

8:30 and 10:00 am

Wednesday Summer Worship starts July 9th

FROM OUR PASTOR Dear Friends,

I am willing to bet you have heard the quote: “Begin at the

Beginning.” (Alice in Wonderland) You may have wondered why I

have not introduced to you the books of the Bible in order from first

to last. I did have a reason for that. I have found that when most

people begin trying to read the Bible that they give up because the

first book of the Bible, Genesis, is not easy to read. There are

parts that are confusing and some that are downright boring.

(Yes, I did say that there are parts of the Bible that are boring.)

But I think that now that you have tried out many of the

other books of the Bible, you are ready to read Genesis. Just a

reminder, if you get stuck or don’t understand what you are

reading, move on. Don’t give up. There are some great stories in

Genesis that you don’t want to miss. There are parts of Genesis

that are genealogies, which is a list of names of who begat who.

Feel free to skim those parts and look for familiar names.

Before you begin Genesis, there are some things you must

understand about this book. Before it was written down, these

stories were passed down over the generations. A good way to

understand Genesis is to consider it a book that seeks to answer

those questions that children ask their parents at night. Where did

we come from? Who are we? Why is there sin in the world? Who

is God and why do we follow him? As you read different stories in

this book, ask yourself what this story might be telling us about

God and humankind.

There are also parts of Genesis that might shock you. This

book should be rated PG-13 because there are a few stories that

involve risqué behavior. The people in Genesis are not perfect,

but God loves them anyway, and God works through their

imperfection to bring about his will.

It’s a long book, 50 chapters, you might want to read 2

chapters to finish it in a month. Please don’t hesitate to ask me if

you have any questions!

Happy reading!

God’s peace,

Pastor Serena

Sunday School Celebration Sunday, June 1, 2014 Please join us as we honor our teachers and celebrate a great year of Sunday School! Please bring your children directly to their classrooms at 9:45 and come back

and join us at 10:15 in the fellowship hall for cake and closing program. *This will be the last day for regular classes until the fall. Pastor’s Backpack Challenge: its back! Calling all kids and youth, Starting Sunday June 8th it’s your chance to really challenge Pastor Serena. Come to worship every Sunday this Summer and get a chance to take home the backpack. Pastor Serena will then have to make up a children’s sermon on the spot based on the item you place in the bag.

Weird Animals Vacation Bible School

Where Jesus’ Love is one of a kind Sunday June 29- Thursday July 3

from 5:30-8:00pm. Registration forms available at Church.

Weird Animals CDs for VBS are on sale in the gathering area.

They are $7.00 Please leave your money in the jar (checks payable to Town Line Lutheran).

GRADUATE RECOGNITION

We will be recognizing our High School and College

graduates on Sunday, June 29 at both worship

services. May we ask that our graduates share a

picture with us for a display we will have on that

Sunday. Please call and let us know if you are

graduating by Monday, June 16th

NURSERY SCHOOL NEWS Nursery School Graduation program will take place on Thursday, May 29 in the Fellowship Hall. The children have been very busy all during May with preparations for this event, practicing songs and fingerplays, making props and decorating cookies for refreshments. A slide show of pictures taken on our field trips and during special activities at school will be shown for the enjoyment of all attending. (special thanks to Pastor Serena for putting our pictures on flash drive for viewing) Diplomas and refreshments follow after which the children will begin their summer vacation. Beginning June 3 we will begin washing toys and equipment and storing them away until the Fall. We plan to work 9 – 12 each morning until June 13. If anyone is available to help us wash toys, please feel free to join us. You will be most welcome! Openings are available for the September’s class. The class meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 – 11:30 am and is for 3 and 4 years olds. Please call Lois 937-7503 or Diana 937-8222 for information about the school, tuition costs or registration forms. Thank you to Shari and Krista Wypij for including us in this year’s Craft show. We are very appreciative! Thank you to everyone who participated and made the event a success.

Naomi Circle will meet on June 10 at 12:30 pm.

Come join us for Bible study and friendly conversations. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert and drinks will be provided. All woman of Town Line are invited!

Pairs and Spares Our Pairs and Spares group at Town Line consists of any age, either a couple (Pair) or single (Spare) that meets for lunch and fellowship. Please bring a dish to share and join us on Wednesday, June 25th at 11:30 am

Quilters tie it up for the season Our dedicated quilters have completed another successful season, producing many quilts. We couldn’t do it without the generous and most welcome support from church members and the community. We sincerely appreciate everything that has been donated .We will begin meeting again in September. If you have any questions please call Lois Stutzman at 683-2782.

Town Line Book Club The Town Line Book Club

meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7pm. We have refreshments that are connected to the story as well as

interesting discussions about the book and related topics. In the future we are considering hosting a movie night and showing the movie version of one of the books that we have read. Everyone is invited!

June "Running With Scissors" Augusten Burroughs July "The Hiding Place" Cory Tenboom August "Half Broke Horses" Jeannette Walls September "Winter Palace" Eva Stachniak October "The Mermaid Chair" Sue Monk Kidd November "The Book Thief" Markus Zusak December "Skipping Christmas" John Grissam Please email/call Jeanette Dickinson at: jcdickinson66@yahoo.com or call 681-3966 with any questions

STRAWBERRY SOCIAL Wednesday, June 18, 2014 4:30 - 7:00 pm at Town Line Lutheran Church

Come for Supper Come for Dessert

-Hamburgers -Fresh Strawberries

-Hot Dogs -Short cakes

-Salad Bar -Ice Cream

-Beverage -Sundaes

Entertainment Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra

Youth and Adults are needed Youth and Adults are needed to help with the Strawberry Social. The proceeds will go to the youth. If you can help in any way, please sign the list in the narthex. There will be picking and hulling, setting up, serving and clean -up.

YOUTH NEWS

Thanks to everyone who supported our youth at the car wash & hot dog roast during the Craft Fair! Thanks so much for everything you do for us! We had a great time with other kids in the conference for the Organic Youth Olympics here at Town Line Lutheran! Thanks to Mr Rick & Organic Youth! STRAWBERRY SOCIAL, WED. JUNE 18TH @ 4:00-7:00 PM

with the Carnival Kids steel band Tues. June 17th Youth & parents needed 6:00-8:00

PM for preparation Wed. June 18th Youth & parents needed @ 3:30 for serving & stay until everything is cleaned up!

Sunday School end of year celebration June 1st

VBS begins June 29th assistants still needed!

GRADUATE RECOGNITION

We will be recognizing our High School and College

graduates on Sunday, June 29 at both worship

services. May we ask that our graduates share a

picture with us for a display we will have on that

Sunday. Please call and let us know if you are

graduating by Monday, June 16th

MUSIC NOTES…

MUSIC SUNDAY, JUNE 1st AT BOTH SERVICES! Come & join in a celebration of music!

Our Creation Youth choir, Bell choir, & Chancel Choir will

be leading worship. Rejoice in the Lord with popular hymns & special music! Don’t miss out on the fun!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to provide special music during the summer while our choirs take a much deserved break! The sign up sheet is on the music bulletin board in the gathering space or speak with Kate! Any questions call Kate 668-5610

Summer Worship schedule begins on Sunday, June 15

with a time change: 8:30 and 10:00 am

God’s directions for life: Some assembly required Did you know that God not only loves us but offers us great

guidance on how we can live better and more fulfilling lives here on earth? Join us this summer on Sundays starting June 8 as we

explore in worship God’s directions to us for our daily lives.

Coming This Summer!!!

Expect the Unexpected! Starts Wednesday, July 9 - 7:00 pm

July 9: You want me to do what?

July 16: Who me, God?

July 23: I thought this was a “no rules” vacation!

July 30: It wasn’t my turn to watch him!

August 6: What’s wine got to do with it? Watch the bulletin for more information!

This is a great big THANK YOU to all who helped around the church and church yard . Lawns and gardens look great!

On behalf of Lutheran Charities, the St. John’s Lutheran home for children board of directors thanks you for your patron support of $50.

Thank you for the beautiful Altar flowers. God has blessed us for 55 years. Thank you to Annette for thinking of us. Gordon and Judy Griffith

Thank you very much to Pastor Serena that she showed to mom when she was so sick. Thank you also for the kind words at her memorial service. Mom sure loved Town Line Church and the people there. Thank you to the ladies that helped us prepare for her service. Jim and Janet Wright

Thank you very much for the Altar Flowers delivered to me while recovering in Greenfield Rehab. Thanks to Lorraine Zink for bringing them and visiting. God Bless, Janet Seitz

Thank you to Shari and Krista Wypij for chairing the Spring Craft fair and Basket Raffle. Thank you to all that helped make the event a huge success.

Thank you to Edie and Craig Sims for chairing and to all those who helped make the food for the Dinner for Pastor Biegner . Let his Walk begin.

75 Mile Walk for LCLC (Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center) and Resurrection Health Center, every dollar donated will be matched! Help two worthy causes and support our visitation pastor, Rev. Chick Beigner as he celebrates his birthday by walking 75 miles for two Lutheran organizations that change lives. All donations made now through Father's day (June 15) will be matched by an anonymous donor (Up to $500 total). You can give in the jar in the gathering area or give in your offering envelop and label it “75 mile." For more details see the display in the gathering area.

The Town Line Lutheran Newsletter In order to help us cut costs and also waste less of our world's precious resources, we will not be mailing the newsletter to your door. Here are your choices on how you can get your newsletter:

1. Email: drop an email to Diane at the office to receive your newsletter electronically. The church email is townlinetllc@aol.com.

2. Pick up paper copy at church: Paper copies of the newsletter will be available for you to take home the last Sunday of every month.

3. Download from the church website: www.townlinelutheran.com

4. If none of the above work we can mail it to your home

If you wish to advertise in the newsletter, please drop off or email your articles by the 15th of any given month.

If you have a change of address or phone number, please email the Church and let us know

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE:

Townlinelutheran.com

Friend us on facebook! Email addresses are needed: If you would like to have your email added so we can contact you in this way, please email the Church: Townlinetllc@aol.com.

How can you help others or get help? Here are a few local agencies Alden Pantry collection You can bring items for the Alden Food pantry to church any Sunday. There is a blue box located in the Coat room.

Alden Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers. Call 937-7105 for more information

Hearts and Hands “Faith in Action” A Neighbor helping neighbor” volunteer program Call: 542-2226 www.heartsandhandsfia.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities Become a friend of Ronald: Find us on Facebook.

Suicide Bereavement support For immediate help/support call 24 hours a day: (585)202-2783 Erie County Crisis Services (716)834-3131

Lutheran Charities www.wnylutherancharities.org 716-632-2623

Alzheimer’s Association of WNY 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 Program.wny@alz.org 2805 Wehrle Dr Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221

Hospice Buffalo 225 Como Park Cheektowaga, NY 14227 716-686-1900 Essential Care for Children, a program of Home Care Buffalo 225 Como Park Boulevard Cheektowaga, NY 142270-1480 (716) 686-8006 Caring Hearts Perinatal Program 150 Bennett Road Cheektowaga, NY 14227 (716) 359-8056 Life Transitions Center, Inc. The Mary & Ralph C. Wilson Counseling Center 150 Bennett Road Cheektowaga, NY 14221-1480 Phone: (716) 836-6460 Caring Hearts Home Care 892 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 686-8300

Worship Assistants for June

Ushers Early Late Paul Luderman David Reiner John Wild Dylan Grant Robin Gilbert Ronald Ball Thomas Hofmeier Harry Mandris

Acolytes 8:30 am 11:00 am 1 Chris Klein Taylor Tyburski Samantha Wild Jon Mollenkopf-Grill 8 Erin Bliemeister Haley Tyburski Adam Dulski Ali Reiner

10:00 am 15 Victoria Wild Tony Muscoreil Chris Klein Laura Mollenkopf-Grill 22 Adam Dulski Becky Kron Roger Hofmeier Justin Mason 29 Victoria Wild Becky Kron Erin Bliemeister Anna Jegierski

Communion Set–up 1 Lois Stutzman 8:30 am 8 John Wild 8:30 am Mark and Jody Reddy 11:00 am 15 Barb Sims 8:30 am 22 Marci Mason 10:00 am

Altar Flower Delivery 1 Elli Donnelly 8 Annette Fitscher 15 Lorraine Zink 22 Diane Lechowicz 29 Elli Donnelly

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for all the above Ministries! Call the Church office if you would like to help at the church in any of these or our many other ministries.

Church Council 2013-2014 President John Wild 716-937-8894 Vice President Mark Casell 716-983-2468 Secretary Elli DeFilippo 716-937-7953 Treasurer Susan Angielczyk 716-937-8911 Financial Secretary Michael Dewitt 716-937-3453 Benevolence Treasurer Barbara Sims 716-683-3134 Trustees: David Luderman 716-481-8319 Craig Sims 716-937-6239 Deacons: Harry Mandris 716-937-0322 Robin Gilbert 716-810-2719 Music and Worship: Edie Sims 716-937-6239 Parish Education: Janet Klein 716-870-5109

Church Staff Information

Ministers: All the People of God in this place Pastor: The Rev. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill Cell: 716-510-2939 Email: pastorserena@gmail.com Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Merlin H. Knauff (retired) Church Council President: John Wild Phone: 937-8894 Visitation Pastor: The Rev. Charles Biegner Jr. Secretary: Diane Casell Office: 684-1467 Sexton: Ann Stanek Music Director: Kate Snyder: 668-5610 Nursery School: Lois Stutzman

Church Office Days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

If you need assistance outside of these office days, Call Diane 716-713-3149 or Pastor Serena 716-510-2939

Thanks for your cooperation.

Facts and Figures Sunday Attendance Offerings May 4 194 $5,526 May 11 251 $4,029 May 18 143 $4,113

Needed Weekly $4,523

June Wedding Anniversaries June 1 51 years Helen and Marlin Gillette June 1 30 years Ellen and Harry Mandris June 7 56 years Virginia and Charles Chauncey June 11 65 years Ruth and Ken Duncan June 16 41 years Diane and David Baehre June 16 41 years Diane and Paul Luderman June 18 48 years Jeanette and Tom Dickinson June 19 32 years Kathy and David Lee June 20 33 years Jackie and Craig Gaiser June 21 67 years Dorothy and Donald Chapman June 21 40 years Jackie and Frederick Vogel June 22 57 years Carole and Richard Noel June 22 32 years Michele and Michael Piasecki

Did we miss your special Anniversary (10, 20, 25 and over 30 years) If so, please let us know at the Church office.

Baptisms May 4, 2014 Ryker Scott, son of Scott and April Manchester May 11, 2014 Madeline Grace, daughter of Brian and Heather Putney.

Death Ralph Asmus passed away at the age 94 on Tuesday, May 13th after a long illness. Ralph was the brother of Althea Green and his Great Grandfather, Michael was one of the co-founders of Town Line Lutheran Church. Ralph was one of the last relatives of the Co-founding families. There will be a commitment in June.

Memorial To the Town Line Memorial fund In memory of Marguerite Turner by The co-workers of Sue Trybuskiewicz at Independent health

Vacations are great. But wait! Remember our congregation’s mission and ministries continue over the summer. So, before you pack up and head out for vacation, make your offering to our church. Thank you and have a great vacation.

June Birthdays 1 Matthew Slater 1 Janet Klein 1 Michelle Muscoreil 1 Carrie Weston 2 Pamela Allan 2 Peter Subsara 3 Serena Mollenkopf-Grill 3 Maxwell Stoldt 3 Dan Wypij 5 Alexander Czechowski 5 Kelly Marshall 5 Donna Pautler 5 Alyssia Schutt 6 Sharon Holcomb 6 Kacey Menge 6 Marquis Worden 7 Amanda Bartz 7 Patricia Gardner 7 Emilie Space 7 Hunter Zimmer 8 Jacob Rospierski 9 Ethan Hamm 9 Joan Randall 10 Susan Hansen 10 Alexander Jasinski 10 Toni May 10 Joshua Stoldt 11 Molly Bauer 11 Jackie Gaiser 11 Ashlyn Golding 11 Dorothy Snyder 12 Nathan Jegierski 12 Dixie Lilleck 13 Timothy Zima 14 William Nedell 15 Adele Steinman 16 Margaret Bliemeister 16 Michael Hapeman 16 Jacob Smith

17 Shaun Fallon 17 Kevin Peters 17 Jamie Pruitt 17 Christina Striewing 17 Ian Subsara 18 Roger Erny 18 Mark Luderman 19 Alycia Baran 19 Tammy Piasecki 20 Linda Green 20 Nathan Heinrich 21 Ronald Ball 21 Kaitlyn Laudico 21 Rebecca Ross 21 Albert Stutzman 21 Atom Stutzman 22 Laura Ferguson 22 Stephen Slevinski 22 Brenda Wells 22 Tammy Piasecki 23 Suzanna Ball 23 Rachel Knauff 23 Sean Nowicki 23 Donna Pesch 24 Carly Cascio 24 Joyce Smith 25 Ryan Zima 26 Cassandra Ball 26 William Dabb Jr 27 Jeanette Dickinson 27 Ron Dulski 27 Anna Jegierski 27 Karen Salvatore 29 Janet Seitz 29 Peggy Snyder 29 Jessica Wierzbowski 30 Cheryl Klein

Did we miss your birthday? If so, please contact the Church office, 684-1467.

TOWN LINE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1159 Town Line Road Alden, New York 14004-9590 A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ELCA.org Living in God’s Amazing Grace

Church office: 716-684-1467 Church Fax: 716-683-1664 Pastor: The Rev. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill Cell: 716-510-2939 Email: pastorserena@gmail.com Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Merlin H. Knauff (retired) Church Email - Townlinetllc@aol.com Church Website: www.Townlinelutheran.com