Dear co-workers in Christ,

We are living in uncertain times. So did Martin Luther, whom we highlight later this month on Reformation Sunday. Our presiding ELCA bishop, Elizabeth A. Eaton, has a wonderful articles titled “Uncertain times” in the September 2020 issue of “Living Lutheran.” Below is the fall monthly message:

During these uncertain times, we will resume inside worship on Reformation Sunday, October 25, with two services –8:15am and 10:30am. We will be following CDC guidelines with safe distancing and wearing masks. We have space for 25-30 people at each service. You will receive a letter in the mail by October 20th to explain our procedures for safely gathering and worshiping. These are important ways we share God’s love during this pandemic.

I’ll close with a quote from Martin Luther: “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.”

In faith, hope and love,

Pastor Scheffey

P.S. Another way we are staying safe is continuing to gather twice a month. In November we will switch to first and third Sundays, with Holy Communion every first Sunday.

GROWING IN GOD’S WORD

Growing in God’s word is so important to who we are as people of God:

· Daily devotional books for October-December 2020 are available by back door of church in plastic container. Or Pastor Scheffey will safely deliver one to your home.

· Fall Bible Study is twice a month in October (on Pastor Scheffey’s porch). Please contact her for directions

“Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Share your harvest, if you are able

John the Baptist went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins…. And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” – Luke 3:4, 10-11

God’s people have traditionally given thanks and celebrated God’s abundance at harvest time, when farmers close out their growing season. In 2020, North Americans once again rejoice that our land has produced plenty of food. And many Americans, blessed with stable jobs and rebounding investments, can give thanks for a harvest of financial and personal blessings as well.

But millions of us and our neighbors are struggling. Covid-19 has caused massive joblessness, pushing countless families into poverty. Hunger and homelessness are skyrocketing. Federal, state and local safety-net programs are breaking, and food banks, shelters and other charities are overwhelmed.

The rising need presents an opportunity for God’s people who are blessed with more than enough to help siblings in need. This year, consider celebrating your harvest of blessings not only by giving thanks but also by donating generously – of your time, talent, money or goods – to a local food bank, homeless shelter, soup kitchen or charity. Our congregations could lead this effort with a campaign, “Harvest of Giving.”

Our hurting, struggling neighbors need to know not only that Covid-related misfortune is not their fault, but also that God and God’s people are standing with them, supporting them with love and help. The best way is for those who are blessed with an abundant harvest to share it with those whose harvests are lean.

–Rob Blezard

Copyright © 2020, Rev. Robert Blezard. Pastor Blezard serves as an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA, and works as content editor for www.stewardshipoflife.org. He blogs at www.thestewardshipguy.com

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

October 5Rebecca and Billy Tippett

6Daniel and Sonya Serfass

7 Jessica and Edward Balbuena

12Annette and Matt Mandeville

15Stephen and Winnie Serfass

19Gary and Sue Potts

20Kristi and Daniel Armitage

24Rich and Karen Gould

28Ken and Alma Green

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

October 1Nicole Rex

3Heather Stenlake

5Kaitlin Smith

Ken Jablonski

Millie Hawkey

Addison Krock

11Linda Serfass

12Maddieson Bizousky

15 Susan Piekarski (Antonucci)

16Whitney Harding

17Terry Jacoby

18Cheryl Allen

19 Mariah Donnelly

20Meryl Ann DePue

Aiden Ryan Shaw

27Jessica Heath

OCTOBER 4TH will be the last day to order Ham take-out Dinner.

If you would like to place an order you can call:

(570) 688-5381

MESSAGE FROM FAMILY PROMISE

Hello to all,

> Hoping this finds everyone well!

> We continue to provide emergency shelter to families in need. Our case managers are working with seven families -- three at Streamside Camp and four in hotels around the community.

> We've been blessed to have the support of several churches who have been able to provide meals for our families at Streamside. Thank you again to the volunteers at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Zion UCC, Stroudsburg Wesleyan and East Stroudsburg for the meals provided (to be provided) to date!

> Beginning Monday, Sept. 28 we are in need of meals for our families at Streamside. By then we will have two families at Streamside, single Mom with 4 girls (twin 10 year olds, 9 and 5) and the other family (13 years, 5 years and six months). None of the family members have any food allergies.

> With the meals, plastic utensils, paper plates and bowls are need, as well as bottled water or juice.

> Meals can be dropped here at our offices at 905 Main St., Stroudsburg, by 4 p.m. or delivered directly to Streamside, whatever is more convenient.

> If you are able to help, please contact Cindy here at Family Promise (570) 420-8589

> We appreciate your continued support!

> Thank you,

> Enid

MAIL A CARD OR A LETTER TO OUR: SHUT-INS,

MILITARY and PEACE CORP VOLUNTEER

Scott Boeman Peter & Margaret Desmedt

c/o Brookmont Healthcare Route 54, Hometown

510 Brookmont Dr. 149 Lafayette Avenue

Effort, PA 18330 Tamaqua, PA 18252

570-413-4381 Margaret cell

Fern Serfass James Murphy (Rm 7W)

213 Scenic Drive c/o Bush’s Personal Care Home

Kunkletown, PA 18058 302 Kunkletown Road

610-681-4116 Kunkletown, PA 18058

Richard Serfass Joyce Kratz

c/o Manor Care 647 Steckle Road

2029 Westgate Dr. Kunkletown, PA 18058

Bethlehem, PA 18017 570-629-1237

Military

Keanu Heath Tanner Heath PVT Awe, Christal

403 Cedar Dr. 2421 13th St.  Bravo BTRY AG BN 95th

Hampton VA 23669 P.O. Box 805 6075 Carkner St.

GulfPort MS. 39502 Fort Sill, OK 73503

SALEM-ST. PAUL’S MISSION STATEMENT

Salem-St. Paul’s Church calls people to grow in God’s love, through thanking, caring,

serving and sharing, following the example of Jesus.

SALEM-ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

138 TRACH ROAD, P.O. BOX 168, KRESGEVILLE, PA 18333

Church office: 610-681-5191; E-mail: ssplc@ptd.net

Musician: Michael J. Seroka (570) 516-7207

Secretary: Ruby Dunlap (570) 620-8162

Website: ssplckresgeville.org

SALEM-ST PAUL’S

“GOOD NEWS”

OCTOBER 2020