the town line lutheran
TRANSCRIPT
The Town Line
Lutheran Town Line Lutheran Church, Alden, New York
Sunday Worship Services May 2020
ONLINE
Sunday School Our Mission Online “Called to Be a Servant Community”
From our Pastor
Dear Friends,
I thought I should take a break from what I have been doing in the
newsletter and instead write to you about how our church is trying to
move forward in this new world we are in.
First of all, I want to say as your pastor how proud I am of all of you.
I am proud of how you have stepped up to help protect others in our
community from this virus. I am proud of how many of you are helping
family members and neighbors, and the safe and creative ways you have
found to do that. I am proud that you have continued to be generous to
your church, the food pantry, Samaritan Fund, and other community
needs. I am proud how you have let the love of God work in you in these
challenging times. It is an honor to pastor such and amazing group of
people.
Second of all, I am proud of our leadership here at Town Line. Our
council has worked hard to help us navigate these challenging times.
They are facing things that no churches have had to face in living
memory, and I am so proud of their dedication and commitment to our
church. They are striving to work together for the good of our
congregation, and I believe they are doing an amazing job.
So, what happens now? My best guess is that we will not be allowed
to worship together in May since the governor’s Pause order takes us to
May 15. Under the guidance of the council, Kate and I are working on
continuing online worship and drive thru worship. (More details can be
found in this newsletter) We hope to be able to broadcast live worship
from the sanctuary in the next few months instead of doing it from my
home. In the meantime, I hope that you are finding spiritual inspiration
and hope in what we have been able to do for worship.
We have also moved to using an online program called ZOOM for
church meetings, Bible study, book club, fellowship, and the youth.
Those who have used it have found it to be an enjoyable way to safely
connect with others and have a good time. I hope that many of you will
take some time to try it out, I have “coffee chat” hours (no agenda, just
chit chat, come and go as you please) set up now for twice a week. I can
also use this program for individual sessions, if you need someone to
talk to, I am here.
I pray that all of you will find strength and peace in your faith. I find the
words from Phillipians 4:13 run through my head when I am wondering
if I can get through the challenges before me. “I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.” It reminds me that it is not me, but
God, who gives me the strength to face whatever challenges come my
way.
Rest assured, the minute we are allowed to gather again for worship,
WE WILL!!!! If we can gather “in person” sooner than June, we will. In
the meantime, lean on God, pray for the world, and strive to let the love
and kindness of Jesus flow through you in everything you do.
God’s peace, Pastor Serena
Time of the Covid 19
Town Line family,
With Covid 19 upon us, we are dealing with unprecedented amounts of uncertainty. News is being delivered by the hour and changes every day, affecting our lives and how we interact with each other. Town Line continues to provide worship opportunities. We sincerely hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy. Together in Christ, we are strong and if we all do our part, we will get through these difficult times, becoming closer to those around us and closer to Christ in our hearts. Due to the Coronvirus, all activities are canceled until further notice. The council, in consultation with the county and synod will know what steps we can take toward regathering in person. Watch your email for updated information. Thank you! Thank you for those who have been so generous with sending in or dropping off your offering. Thank you for those who have donated to the food pantry, Good Samaritan fund, and other community needs. Thank you to those who are helping neighbors and family members. You are truly letting the goodness of God shine in you. If you are in need, please reach out to Pastor Serena. The Good Samaritan fund at our church is there for those in need. (716-510-2939)
We wanted to share with you some online opportunities for drive thru worship, fellowship and Bible study.
Coffee Chat with Pastor Serena (on Zoom) 10am Wednesdays or 7pm Thursdays Click information below to join, you will need a computer with audio or smartphone. See below for the link to click on. 10am Wednesday mornings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85650914565?pwd=MDFZZ3pTam1VWDViaWM2WWZMQW1MUT09 7pm Thursday evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86817691252?pwd=cEZyaTk5Z2JqbGtONmEwRHJzK0VTdz09
Sunday Evenings at 7pm: Bible study: Jesus Christ Superstar (on Zoom)Join us as we discuss the characters in the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar and compare who they actually were in our scriptures. This week we will watch the songs sung by Jesus and look at the scripture these songs are based on. see below for the link to click on. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82855746227?pwd=cytoTHE2eVZwQW1mTHpmTHRmOG1kUT09
Sunday Morning Drive Thru: 10am-11am Every other Sunday through May: Come for a prayer, blessing, music and drop off offering and items for the Alden Food pantry. April 26: special gift for each car to celebrate Spring
May 10: special Mother's day gift for all our "spiritual" mothers
May 24: special memorial day gift for each car
Worship moving forward Sunday Online worship will be posted on Sundays at 8:30am on YouTube. We will continue to email you the direct link the day before.
May God continue to guide and bless us in these challenging days.
Sunday School News Please watch our facebook page: TLLC Sunday School and Town Line Lutheran and emails for information!
Share a picture of yourself and family at home.
We would love to see your smiling faces.
We are still hoping to have VBS but we will know more by Mid-May. Watch your email or the next newsletter.
The QUILTERS
We will NOT meet in May. If you have any questions please call Lois
Stutzman at 683-2782.
Calling All readers: for May you are welcome to join us virtually for Book Club on Zoom. We will be meeting on Monday May 18 @ 7pm to discuss "Go set a Watchman" by Harper Lee. Email Pastor Serena and she will put you on the book club Zoom list and you will get a direct email invitation.
([email protected]) Or you can try us out this month by clicking the link below. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84337151309?pwd=ZldQZ0FQK1hPWGc4ZDdGbHExZlRZdz09 For those without a computer, you can call from a phone to participate in the discussion. Contact Pastor Serena for that information (716-510-2939)
We hope that soon we can meet again in person. For June, July and August we are inviting people to come to our meetings and share about a book they have recently read. We will keep you posted in the newsletter and you can always call Jeanette Dickinson with any questions. 716-681-3966
Help us help those most vulnerable at this time. We are asking that you take time to drop them a note, card, to our homebound members. If you have children in your household this might be a good time for them to put their creativity to work,
and adults too!
Those in quarantine in Nursing/Rehab/ homes:
Althea Green, Greenfields, 5949 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 Ken and Ruth Duncan, Elderwood Assisted Living, 229 Bennet Road, Cheektowaga, 14227 Janet Seitz, Elderwood Skilled Nursing, Room 138, 225 Bennet Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Arlene Krueger, Elderwood Skilled Nursing room 208, 229 Bennet Road, Cheektowaga, 14227 Joyce Kalle, Eden Heights Assisted Living, room 117, 3030 Clinton, West Seneca, 14224 Mauguerite Krueger, Brothers of Mercy Nursing care Room 317, 4520 Ransom Road, Clarence, 14031 Millie Williams, Brothers of Mercy Nursing rehab, 4520 Ransom Road, Clarence, 14031 Martha Hess, Greenfield Skilled Nursing, Room C112, 5949 Broadway, Lancaster 14086 Delores Luderman, Green Field Court, Room 149 5951 Broadway, Lancaster, 14086 Bette Maines, Green Field Manor apartment 120, 5953 Broadway, Lancaster, 14086 Mary Jane Heinrich, Greenfield skilled nursing, Room D115, 5949 Broadway, Lancaster, 14086 Anneliese Folwancynz, Greenfield Court, 5951 Broadway, room 262 Lancaster, 14086 Sue Parks, Harris Hill Rehab, room 118a, 2699 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, 14221
Those at home: Adele Steinman, 11740 Parkwood Drive, Alden, NY 14004 David Peebles, 122 Glendale Rd, Alden. NY 14004 Bill and Thelma Dabb, 982 Sumner Rd, Darien.NY 14040 Helen Arndt, 1432 Mechanic St, Alden, NY 14004 Marge Pohl, 11317 Broadway, Alden NY 14004 Barb Sims, 11044 Broadway, Alden, NY 14004 Bata Holtz, 6951 Council House Road, Basom NY 14013
YOUTH NEWS…
I believe these words with all my
heart. Without these three
words we would have nothing to
cling to at this time of great
challenges.
Faith-rely on your faith in God
to get you through. Hold fast to that faith for the answers. Cling to your
faith as a lifeline that will allow you to know that God walks this life with
us and we are never alone. Talk with God for comfort and listen for His
voice.
Love-model the love of our Savior Jesus Christ for one another. Do what
you can to help those in need and to serve others. No act of love is too
small. Show kindness to those who are sequestered with you in your
home and reach out to those who are not by social media, phone calls,
texts or even mail.
Hope-never lose hope! Just as the dove returned to the ark, there will
come a day that we will rejoice and join each other in worship to
celebrate the promises that God makes each and every day to care for
us. Be aware of the good things that are happening all around us in the
midst of this pandemic. There is goodness all around us if we look for it.
All of our youth events are on hold at this time as things are changing each day and we don’t know what the social rules will be going forward. I will keep you informed about any changes and notify you when we can begin to meet in person again but in the meantime, have patience, be kind and love yourself as you are all children of God and are very special people.
Kate Snyder Director of Youth cell 716 949-5338
email [email protected]
music notes… to everyone who worked so hard in preparing the Palm Sunday cantata. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t present it but I think that everyone that worked on the cantata got something out of the music and the story that it told.
As soon as we can safely sing together again I will let you know!
On Line Worship services will continue to be our lifeline at this confusing time. Find us on YouTube or Facebook or a link that you receive by email.
“Wheels & Worship” will be held April 26th, May 10th & 24th at 10:00-11:00 (note the time change) Come for drive- thru worship and offer up prayer requests, chat with Pastor, enjoy some music, give your offering & donations for the food pantry and receive a blessing!
Thanks to everyone who listened to my organ concert! I was scared silly but we all need to stretch and grow!
If you have a special hymn that has great meaning for you and you would like to hear it on one of our online services-let me know and I’ll try to include as many as I can!
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Kate Snyder cell 716 949-5338 email [email protected]
Good News Corner Since we couldn’t be all in one house for Easter dinner we did a zoom meeting at dinner time for a prayer before eating. We’ve been doing zoom every Sunday night my daughter in California gets to be part of it too. Be Safe Shelly Piasecki During the current crisis, I have worked on assembling family history albums using photos I collected while cleaning out my parents' home. I have been sewing face masks for family members, and I have begun some of my annual housecleaning tasks. Most importantly, I have been attempting to maintain communication with family and friends. -- Elli DeFilippo
John and I have been walking (weather permitting) daily, using either the Heritage Trail or our local sidewalks. We're also doing a lot of reading, word puzzles, and regular 500 or 1000 piece puzzles. Also got to do some spring yardwork. Had a "conference call" with family (kids, grandkids, etc.) which was set up for us by our son to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Lois and John Stutzman Jack & I and our family are surviving. Easter Sunday was different. We compared it to the year Janet & Karen were pre-schoolers, and they had the chickenpox. We were quarantined that Easter also, but it only lasted a week. Very thankful that we are not sick with the virus. God's blessings to all! Jack and Carol Rice
TOWN LINE LUTHERAN CHURCH MEMORIAL WALKWAY
Order your memorial brick(s) in memory of your loved ones. We can email you the order form.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal The amount per book is $25.00 which can be given: As a Memorial:
- In memory of - As a Thank offering for blessings: - To honor someone
Please make checks to the Town Line Lutheran Church Memorial fund and mail or email your dedication to church
STAY HOME, STAY WELL!
Town Line donates to the Alden/Marilla Food Pantry
The Town Line Lutheran 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 [email protected].
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
If none of the above work we can mail it to your home
If you have a change of address or phone number, please email the Church and let us know
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: [email protected].
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE:
Townlinelutheran.com
Friend us on Facebook! Join us on Twitter
PRAY FIRST
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 [email protected] 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
Church Council 2019-2020 President: Mark Reddy 359-2389 Vice Pres: John Wild 517-0624 Secretary: Ann Marie Appleby 650-8785 Treasurer: Patty Zehler 908-3877 Financial Secretary: Judy Quinty 902-4316 Benevolence Treasurer: Heidi Wild 983-5507 Trustee: Harold Bowen 684-1557 Trustee Robin Gilbert 292-2719 Deacon: Harry Mandris 937-0322 Deacon: Ellie DeFilipppo 574-9830 Member: Larry Muscoreil 465-3301 Member Marcie Mason 984-5858
Church Staff Information Ministers: All the People of God in this place Pastor: The Rev. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill Cell: 716-510-2939 Email: [email protected] Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Merlin H. Knauff (retired) Secretary: Diane Casell Office: 684-1467 Sexton: Ann Stanek Music Director: Kate Snyder: 668-5610
Church Office Hours If you need assistance please call/text
Pastor Serena 716-510-2939 Thanks for your cooperation.
Worship Assistants for May will not be needed but we sure do appreciate you volunteering at
Town Line Lutheran!
Deaths “Called to the Church Triumphant” April 15, 2020: Arlene Dohn April 17, 2020: Bob Ulbrich Our sincere sympathy is extended to their families and friends. Memorial services will be held at a later date. When we have that information we will share it with you
May 13 49 years Carol and Donald Menge May 16 62 years Judith and Gordon Griffith May 20 38 Years Lisa and Bryce Blair May 21 38 years Jeanne and John Seitz May 22 39 years Joyce and Thomas Seagrave May 28 38 years Lori and George Kumpf Did we miss your special Anniversary (10, 20, 25 and over 30 years) If so, please let us know at the Church office.
2 Beth Ribbeck 3 Jack Skubis 4 Jacob Macken 5 Michael Piasecki 5 Jack Rice 5 Ilaria Muscoreil 6 JJ Jimerson 7 John Smith 10 Erik Ferguson 11 Jakob Grant 13 David Czajka 13 Justin Heinrich 15 Stella Check 17 Lillian Bowen 18 Ruth Duncan 19 David Reiner 19 Riley Stutzman 19 Tom Fritz 20 Kimberly Dulski 20 David Smith
21 Jon Bonning 21 Maya Slevinski 21 Emma Uebelhoer 22 Dolores Luderman 23 Kathy Peters 23 John Wild 24 Lisa Blair 24 Carolyn Hodan 25 Colin Barry 25 Kristen Brush 26 Arlene Krueger 26 Jordan Phillips 27 Daniel Brush 27 Richard Mollenkopf-Grill 28 Brian Aquila 28 Annette Fitscher 30 Kim Johnson 30 Antonio Muscoreil 30 Pat Vogt 30 Kenneth Zehler 31 Megan Holcomb 31 Clifford Nowicki 31 Jonathan Seitz
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 Pastor: The Rev. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill Cell: 716-510-2939 Email: [email protected] Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Merlin H. Knauff (retired) Church Email - [email protected] Church Website: www.Townlinelutheran.com