The Parishioner 1

The Parishioner Volume 24, Issue 9 A Publication of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church December 2019

continued page #2

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Christmas Eve Services December 24th

4:30 & 7:30 Join us for Christmas Eve Services

Invite your Family Bring a friend

4:30 Children/Family Service Christmas Prelude 4:00 PM

Special Music by Sanctuary Choir Holy Communion

Favorite Christmas Hymns Children’s Message

7:30 Festival Candlelight Communion Service

Christmas Prelude 7:00 PM Holy Communion

Special Music by Sanctuary Choir Amidst the warming glow of candlelight

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4F (Food, Fun, Family, Friends)

Stuffed Pork Chop Dinner Bake Sale & Basket Auction

Bake Sale

Saturday, December 7, 2019 Before and after church

Come stock up on your favorite holiday goodies! (PSST! You get first pick of all the freshly baked DELICIOUSNESS!)

Sunday, December 8, 2019 Shop all morning long for your holiday favorites.

Basket Auction Saturday, December 7, 2019 Sunday, December 8, 2019

Auction baskets winners will be chosen Sunday afternoon. Winners do NOT need be present.

4F Dinner

Sunday, December 8, 2019 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Fellowship Hall

$10 – Adult Dinner $3 – Child’s Dinner $2 –

Child’s Peanut Butter & Jelly or Hot Dog All proceeds go to St. Mark’s General Fund, for the Good of the Church

Reservations due by Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Take outs available. Come…bring your friends and family!!

NAME______________________________________ #Adult Dinners________ #Child Dinners_________ #Child PB&J__________ # Child Hot Dog________

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“Dear Fellow Parishioners,

During inclement weather due to snow and icy conditions etc., we ask that you always use the main door off of

the parking lot at the elevator to enter and exit the Church Property as this will always be the 1st entryway to be

cleared. Please note that all entryways will be cleared, however the main door will be the 1st entryway to be cleared

for your safety we ask that you utilize this entryway. Also do to insurance purposes entryways that have not been

cleared will not be unlocked until they are cleared and safe for use.”

Thank you and God Bless,

Property Committee

Eve Bible Study

Eve Bible Study will meet on Thursday, December 18th at the Butler Country Club at 11:30 a. m. for Christmas brunch and devotions.

With the cooler weather upon us, remember to dress accordingly

while attending Sunday School and Worship Services.

It’s that time again!

Decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas!

So, mark December 1st on your calendar and stay to help decorate after the 10:15 am worship service. Then enjoy our beautiful sanctuary!

The Church Library has all our old favorite Christmas stories for your holiday

reading. Why not take time from your hectic schedule to relax for a

bit and enjoy a little reading time?

Take some time to visit the Church Library today.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Presents “Queen Esther” In Lancaster, PA

Sight’s & Sound’s Millennium Theater invites you to experience one of the most riveting Bible stories of the Old Testament as it comes to life with magnificent sets, special effects and live animals in the brand new, original stage production.

Everyone has a story. Set in the opulent yet perilous Persian Empire, Queen Esther is a captivating tale of beauty and bravery, Esther’s ordinary life changed forever when she was taken through the palace doors, entering a new world of royalty and risk. With a crown on her head and a secret in her heart, can she find the courage to trust in God’s plan and believe that she was made for such a time as this?

Day 1: Travel to Lancaster, PA to check into your hotel before your evening entertainment. Enjoy dinner at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, followed by “Guys and Dolls” (Dinner)

Day 2: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before checking out. Stop at Bird in Hand Farmers Market where you may purchase some homemade baked goods, bulk foods and other items before you arrive at Sight and Sound Millennium Theater to see “Queen Esther.” Depart for home after the show. (Breakfast) Further details can be found on the bulletin board near the elevator.

Departure – 9:00 AM Approximate Return: 8:00 PM Contact: Robert Niggel (724)445-2696

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**You Are Invited!** Family Christmas Program Sunday, December 15, 2018

4:00 – 6:00 pm

Join us for a special program and create some lasting Christmas memories

with family and friends!

We will have a wonderful time with families as we celebrate the Advent Season anticipating our Savior’s birth.

Answers to Cryptogram page #7: (1)O Come All Ye Faithful (2)Silent Night, Holy Night (3)Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly (4)Hark! The Angels Sing (5)The First Noel (6)We Wish You A Merry Christmas (7)It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (8)I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas (9)Away in the Manger (10)Santa Claus is Coming to Town (11)Silver Bells (12)Little Drummer Boy (13)God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (14)Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (15)I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (16)Jingle Bells (17)Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (18)O Christmas Tree

The Christmas Concert

“A Circle of Friends”

Featuring

The Singing and Ringing Choirs

Sunday Evening

December 8, 2019 – 7:00 P.M.

Saint Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

A free Will Offering will be taken to benefit Katie’s Kitchen

The Church is Handicapped Accessible

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December Trivia 1. What Christian group banned Christmas in Boston from 1659

to 1681?

2. Before becoming tied up with Christmas what was Yule?

3. The French word “Noel” is often used around Christmas, but

what was its original meaning in Latin?

4. What old Christmas tradition signals to people passing by

that the residents of a house are Christian?

5. What animal parts were the first artificial Christmas trees

made from? Answers on page #7 Source: https://conversationstartersworld.com/christmas-trivia/

Confirmation Corner

1. Where does God offer you the forgiveness of sins?

2. How do you receive this forgiveness of sins?

3. What moves God to forgive sins?

4. What do the Scriptures teach of eternal life? >Answers below<

Confirmation Corner Answers from above: (1) In the Gospel (2) Through faith, that is, by believing the Gospel (3) Because He is merciful and because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice for sinners (4) That those who die in faith will live with God forever

“Advent is a whole lot more than waiting for Christmas, Advent is a whole lot more than preparing for Christmas —- Advent is ultimately about preparing the way for the Light of Christ in a world dying for light. Advent is a whole lot more than passively waiting for the King — it’s about participating in the work of the Kingdom of God.” “Now is the season to be a star that shatters the dark.” Read more at: https://annvoskamp.com/2017/12/what-advent-really-is-what-we-all-really-need-this-season-how-to-be-a-star-in-the-dark/

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Trivia answers from page 6: (1) The Puritans; Even though the ban on Christmas was lifted in 1681, Christmas didn’t become popular in Boston until the mid-19th century. Puritans also suppressed Christmas in England as well, during the Interregnum. (2) A pagan midwinter festival; It was celebrated by Germanic peoples and was connected to Norse mythology. With Odin being the Yule Father who led the Wild Hunt across the sky. Yuletide is about two months long and falls roughly mid-November to early January. In the middle of Yuletide is Yule. (3) Birth; You can definitely see why Noel became so synonymous with Christmas! (4) Putting candles in the window; It was not only a way for residents to show their faith but also an invitation for other Christians to join them in celebration. (5) Goose feathers painted green; These feather trees were first made in Germany during the 19th century. Another form of artificial Christmas trees were wooden pyramids

painted green and lit by candles.

Answers on page #5

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St. Mark’s 2019 Advent Project

LAUNDROMAT CARE PACKAGE

Landing at the Laundromat during cold months can be discouraging. Brighten someone’s day by assembling a Laundry Care Basket for someone who might need an

extra dose of Christmas cheer.

You will find empty laundry baskets at the “T” and near the church office. Pastor Neal is challenging us to fill the baskets with items used to help do laundry

…especially at the laundromat: Laundry Detergent (Powder / Liquid / Pods), OxiClean, Fabric Softener, Dryer Sheets, Bleach, Lint Roller, Spot / Stain Remover, A Button Repair Kit, A Roll of Quarters, Laundry bag, A Book to Read while waiting, A Bottle(s) of Water, A Snack to munch on, A Christmas Card or a handwritten note sharing how much God loves that individual Baskets need to be filled by Tuesday, December 17th and will be distributed Thursday,

December 19th to folks in need using Katie’s Kitchen services.

Hunters Sharing the Harvest

Did you know that more than 1.8 million people in PA are

classified as food insecure? An average deer will provide a highly

nutritious meat for 200 meals – what better way to share our

resources to help alleviate hunger in Butler County. All monetary

donations are also appreciated.

Look for more printed information about Food Providers accepting

venison donations, and Meat Processors preparing the venison for

these groups at each of the entrances to the church sanctuary.

Donations can be sent to:

Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH)

6780 Hickory Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17112 Butler County Coordinator – Tom Rossman *724/283-0449

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The youth of St. Mark’s want to express a sincere thanks to their church family for always going above and beyond to ensure the success of a project. It was a joy to serve you at the Reformation weekend pancake breakfast and Fall Spaghetti Dinner.

********************************************* We need you!

A letter from Mary Ellen was read at a recent Church Council meeting stating that she has decided now is the right time for her to retire. For us, there is no “right time.” We’ve counted on her for oh so many years to keep the “ship” on course. While we wish Mary Ellen the very best in retirement, we need to keep the ship afloat.

So, we are looking to hire a person to join Wendy Holt in the office. We would love to clone Wendy as she has been doing an excellent job since April of this year. We are hopeful to find another of our faithful members that might be willing to work as a permanent part time employee in the office.

The job would be 24-30 hrs/wk. We hope to make it a job share position with Wendy to take care of the day-to-day operation of our church. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and computer literacy is essential. We will teach other responsibilities through on-the-job training and online webinars. For consideration, please drop off your resume at the church office or mail your resume to:

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Attn: Personnel

201 W. Jefferson St. Butler, PA 16001

Annual Meeting November 10, 2019 – 11:00 a.m.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Annual

Meeting, your voices and votes are MUCH

appreciated. Congratulations to the following

members elected for Congregation Council:

Richard Beamer – 2 year term

Reuben Pink – 2 year term

Paula Stepp – 2 year term

Mike Montag – 2 year term

Karen Cooper – 1 year term

Elaine Walker – 1 year term

And, congratulations to the following member

elected to the Nominating Committee:

Faye Hohn

The 2020 Budget was approved as

recommended by the Church Council by a vote

of: 105(Yes), 4(No), 3(Abstain)

A total of 114 Ballots were cast.

With a New Year approaching, we ask that you

might consider joining a committee and

supporting the work of your church

Please remember to keep our Church Council,

Nominating Committee and Call Committee in

your prayers.

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Receive your newsletter in your email inbox.

Tired of dealing with paper overload in your

mailbox?

Want to help reduce paper use?

Would you like to help the church save

mailing costs?

Drop a note to the church office requesting a

paper-free copy of the monthly Parishioner to

wendy.holt@stmarksbutler.org

>Or, visit the website, stmarksbutler.org, to find a

link to the current newsletter on the homepage.

Financial Giving for 2019

Year – end contributions for 2019 that are mailed need to be in the office by Monday, Dec. 23rd in

order to receive credit on your 2019 offering statement. The offering for Sunday, December 29th

will be included in this year’s offering.

Acolytes Needed…Would you consider helping out? Our youth are doing a great job, but we would like to have more participation. Perhaps a family or two would consider making this a part of their ministry…please pray about this, and should you desire to join this ministry, contact the pastor or the Church Office.

Thank you!

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Chicora Medical Center 160 Medical Center Road

Chicora, PA 16025

Margaret Tarcha

Velma Wee

Concordia Lutheran Ministries

134 Marwood Road

Cabot, PA 16023

Shirley Stewart Rm 2133B

Concordia at The Orchard

104 Concordia Way, Butler, PA 16001

Millie Sutton Rm 101

Call the office for current

address:

Nancy Bachman

Jean Bachman

Janis Benson

Lois Cochran

Kathleen Eichenauer

David Fennell

Carole Fibick

Mary Anita Gamberoni

Donna & Glen Gold

Madaline Golec

Jim Herold

Dr. Dorothea (Drews) Johnson

Victor Leithold Jr.

Sandra Linaberger

Esther Marie Miller

Shirley Protzman

Yva Schoerner

Dorothy Shakely

Mary Lou Wagner

Jean Wikert

Pastor

Rev. James F. & Susan Neal

2310 Maple Drive

Ford City, PA 16226

Christmas Card List As you send out your Christmas greetings,

please remember these St. Mark’s members.

Sunnyview Nursing and

Rehabilitation Center 107 Sunnyview Circle

Butler, PA 16001

Katherine Rapp Rm302

The Staff of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Wishes You a Christmas Filled with God’s Love

Rev. James F. Neal S.T.S Robert Niggel Ralph Christy Jr. Rebecca Veith Dr. Regina Kettering Interim Pastor Wm. Oehlshlager Director of Music Bell Choir Director Organist

Aaron Minister Assistant Organist

Sherry Young Toni Tassey Justine Brown John Lingenfelter Darcie Pomykata

Treasurer Financial Secretary Katie’s Kitchen Larry Rettig Director of Children &

Custodians Youth Ministry Mary Ellen Tack Children’s Hour Director

Wendy Holt Administrative Staff

Rev. Ralph Storm

112 Marwood Road

Apt. 4314

Cabot, PA 16023

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DEC2019 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 8:00 - 10:15am-Church 9:00am-S.S. Decorate Sanctuary

1st Sunday in Advent

9:00am-3T 9:30-11:30pm-Children’s Hour 6:00-7:30pm-Choir

5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

5:00pm-Church 4F Bake Sale

08 09 10 11 12 13 14 8:00 - 10:15am-Church 9:00am-S.S. 11:15am-4F Dinner 7:00pm-Circle of Friends

2nd Sunday in Advent

9:30-11:30pm-Children’s Hour 1:00pm-Prayer Shawl 6:00-7:30pm-Choir

5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

5:00pm-Church

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:00 - 10:15am-Church 9:00am-S.S. 4:00pm-Family Christmas Program

3rd Sunday in Advent

9:30-11:30pm-Children’s Hour 11:30am Eve Bible Study-Country Club 5:30pm-Worship & Music 6:00-7:30pm-Choir

4-6 Youth Serve @ Katie’s Kitchen 5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen Laundry Basket Gift

5:00pm-Church

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:00 – 10:15am-Church 9:00am-S.S.

4th Sunday in Advent

Office Closed Office Closed No

Katie’s Kitchen

5:00pm-Church

29 30 31 8:00 – 10:15am-Church 9:00am-S.S.

Christmas Eve Services

See box below

Christmas Eve

4:00 pm – Prelude Music

4:30 pm - Children’s Family Christmas Eve Service

7:00 pm - Prelude Music

7:30 pm – Candlelight Christmas Eve Liturgy

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St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

201 West Jefferson Street

Butler, Pennsylvania 16001

Phone: 724-287-6741 Fax: 724-287-6747 Website: www.stmarksbutler.org

ADDRESS CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT 92

BUTLER, PA

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Parish Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM -- 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturday: 5:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 & 10:15 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Serving Christ Together

St. Mark’s Staff

and

Council Officers

Ministers: The People of St. Mark’s

Interim Pastor Rev. James F. Neal S.T.S. Jfn2@windstream.net

Parish Administrator Mary Ellen Tack maryellen.tack@stmarksbutler.org

Administrative Assistant Wendy Holt wendy.holt@stmarksbutler.org

Dir. Children/Youth Ministry Darcie Pomykata youth@stmarksbutler.org

Sextons John Lingenfelter / Larry Rettig

Aaron Minister Robert Niggel/Wm Oehlschlager

Director of Music Ralph Christy Jr.

Organist Dr. Regina Kettering

Assistant Organist Rebecca Veith

Bell Choir Director Rebecca Veith

Children’s Hour Director Darcie Pomykata

Katie’s Kitchen Director Justine Brown

Council President April Quinn

Council Vice President Ron Atkison

Council Secretary Judy Minehart

Treasurer Sherry Young

Financial Secretary Toni Tassey

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