Category: 2022 03 March

March Mustard Seed 2022- Announcements

4/6/2022

2022 Phone Directories are available. Hard copies are available on the table outside of the sanctuary or can be mailed to you by either calling or emailing Janet (215) 368 0240 or janetatfaith@verizon.net . The directory can also be emailed to you if you prefer. Just let Janet know.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
We are continuing an in-person Sunday School program during the 10:30 a.m. service as well as a Wednesday Bible School program on Wednesdays at 4:30pm via zoom!
   Our Sunday teachers are Gail Achilles and Anita Halpern and our Wednesday teachers are Nancy Gansner, Gail Achilles and Anna Friedrich. We are using the Whirl curriculum, following lessons that go along with the lectionary (the lessons that are read each week.)
    Please come on Sunday morning or contact the church office at faithmont@verizon.net if you would like to be part of the Wednesday zoom class. (Please make sure we have your email address so we can send you the zoom link. Materials will also be sent to those participating on zoom. A Bible will be provided to your child if they do not have one. Please let us know.)
    The lessons for March are:
Mar. 6 & 9:                         Jesus is Tempted             Luke 4:1-13
Mar. 13 & 16: God’s Covenant with Abraham
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Mar. 20 & 23:                 God Provides                     Isaiah 55:1-9
Mar. 27 & 30:              The Prodigal Son           Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

    For more information see, Melissa Prunkel, Education Leader

Adult Forum, Bible Study for adults is on hold for now. If you would be interested in leading this group, please contact the church office.
Thank you, Rich Hollenbach, for your years of leadership and service!

Monday Night Bible Study will meet via zoom from 7-9pm on Monday nights. They are reading, "Leading a Life of Balance" by Christa Kinde, foreword by Marilyn Meberg. There are 12 chapters, and they started Chapter 1, on January 24. All are welcome to come at any time during the study.
Your Sister in Christ, Gail Achilles.

We will be resuming in-person VBS in 2022. Gail Achilles is enthusiastically looking forward to August. We will be doing “Monumental” Vacation Bible School Monday through Friday, August 8-12, 2022 from 9am to 12noon. We will be needing lots of volunteers to help out in many different ways. Please contact Melissa Prunkel, Gail Achilles or the church office with your suggestions or to volunteer to help. Thank you, Church Family!

SOCIAL MINISTRY
Lord, when did we see you...?

The Project for March will be Lutheran World Relief " Personal Care Kits". We have done these in the past and we are confident that we will be successful again this year. There will be a poster board with post-it notes that will have the items to purchase.
Take one or several of these post-its, purchase the item/items and put it/them in the purple bin under the coat rack. The kits will contain one towel, 2 bars of soap, one toothbrush, one comb and one pair of nail clippers.
There will be a description of what items to purchase. We must follow these instructions so shipping of the kits can be done properly. If you have any questions please contact Chris Jones, who will head this month's project.

Prayer Vigil - Saturday, March 12 - 9 to 3

Everyone in the congregation is invited to participate by devoting one (1) half hour of time to come to the sanctuary to pray for that half hour. Hoping we can pray from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.   Council has given their blessing for this Vigil.

We know there is power in prayer. In fact, when I opened my pocket size “The Power of Prayer”, the page maker was at March 12....a true God wink in support of our wanting to pray to him on that day. The prayer on that page is... “Almighty God, my body and my soul yearn for You. I praise Your name for supplying my earthly and spiritual needs. Amen.”

Our focus is to pray for God’s will and leading in the call for a pastor for our church. We can pray that Pastor Tim Garman becomes our part time pastor or that God leads us to another option. It has been 3 and ½ years since we’ve had a full-time pastor and we have miraculously kept together in our bond to love Jesus and love each other. We are ready to move forward and grow with pastoral leadership. Please join this day in praying that God will give us clear direction for Faith Church.

We know that Jesus spent much of his time in prayer…communicating with his Father, so we need to follow his example. “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7

A sign-up sheet is on the desk in the Foyer. If you cannot be at church, please pray at home.

Won’t you be part of the Power...the Power of Prayer, that is!

Your Sister in Christ,         Sharon Hood

March Mustard Seed 2022 - Council Notes

4/6/2022

Council Notes February 2, 2022

REPORTS TO BE APPROVED

Council Minutes from the January regular council meeting were reviewed. All members voted in favor and the minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: All council members voted in favor to approve the Treasurer’s report.

REPORTS TO BE REVIEWED

President’s Report: Rich reported that Pastor Bruce will preside at all February Sunday Worship Services. Pastor Maggie is unavailable for February Sunday Worship Services. Rich expressed that he thought the 57th Annual Congregational Meeting held on January 23, 2022, went well, and thanked council for their support. On Sunday, January 30, 2022, the new Faith Lutheran Church Council for 2022, were installed into council and blessed by Pastor Maggie Ainslie at the beginning of the Sunday worship service.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bryan Penman welcomed our new council members and introduced himself as Dean of Lower Montgomery Conference of the Southeastern PA Synod ELCA and that he is Pastor of St. Mark’s located in Conshohocken, PA. He also informed us that he has been instrumental in helping Faith Lutheran Church in the transition process of calling a new Pastor, including our interim and bridge pastors. No updates on finding that one-fourth salary that Pastor Tim Garman is waiting to obtain, so he can say “Yes” to the pastoral call for our church. Pastor Penman has sent emails out to further research the funds/grants that he learned as “Vitality Leader” are available to disabled persons looking to function in church leadership roles. He reminded us that the Bishop sounded optimistic about the program. Pastor Penman will continue to research this program and keep us updated. He mentioned that there are a few congregations in need of interim pastors but do not fit Pastor Tim’s needs. Pastor Penman explained to us that Pastor Tim can walk away from this call and, likewise, our congregation can do the same. If Pastor Tim should decline, Pastor Penman will assist us with an assigned Bridge Pastor and the call committee will have to go back to interviewing candidates. Pastor Penman told us that as of now there are zero pastoral candidates looking for a part-time pastoral call. Pastor Penman talked to us about two churches sharing a Pastor. He will actively pursue both the funds for the disabled program and that he will be in touch with Grace Lutheran in Pottstown to start a conversation about sharing Pastor Tim. He suggested that we write up a letter stating that we called Pastor Tim, who is disabled, and he at the present time can only accept the call if he is granted one quarter of his salary through this program (Faith Lutheran Church Congregation is offering him three quarters of a full-time salary), and ask them to please help us make this happen. As far as Pastor Penman knows, Pastor Tim Garman would be the first disabled pastor to lead a church in our area, and this would be quite remarkable, uplifting, and noteworthy. We all agreed for Pastor Penman to first look into the program for the disabled and secondly, have conversations with Grace church. Linda Kratz asked if offering part-time is keeping us from finding a Pastor, and secondly, she suggested that perhaps updating our MSP to be more accepting of change. Rich prompted by Jack asked, “How many full-time pastors are available? Pastor Penman answered, “17 (4 are in final stages of call, and 5 are first call candidates (2 are in final stages), and our Faith Lutheran Church Call committee turned one of the first call candidates down.” Rich reflected that if we had more money, we would have more options. Linda Kratz asked if we entertain the sharing a Pastor with Grace Lutheran Church option, does their congregation need to go through the voting process? Pastor Penman answered, “No.” He added that with this option that he envisioned a shared ministry splitting Pastor Tim Garman 50 – 50. Pastor Penman excused himself from the Council Meeting after his report ended, and there were no further questions.

ELECTION OF NEW COUNCIL OFFICERS & MINISTRY TEAM LIAISONS

President: Rich Hollenbach
Vice-President: Jack Walls
Secretary: Gail Achilles
Treasurer: Denise Bailey, Assistant: Debbie Hollenbach
Financial Secretary: Janet Hill, Assistant: Carol Taylor

Ministry Team Chairs (C)/Council Liaisons (L)

Christian Education: Melissa Prunkel & Gail Achilles (Co-chairs)
Communications – Lauren Krupp (C), Jack Walls (L)
Evangelism – Doug Renner (C), Melissa Prunkel (L)
Finance – Debbie Hollenbach (C), Gary Apgar (L)
Fundraising – Linda Kratz (C)
Health – Nancy Allegrezza(C), Anne Hutnyk (L)
Hospitality/Fellowship – Anne Hutnyk & Debbie Hollenbach (Co-chairs)
Long Range Planning – on hold until we call a new pastor
Mutual Ministry – Vice President is convenor/Ex Officio: Jack Walls. Appointments: Gail Achilles & Melissa Prunkel
Property – Vince Hill (C)
Property Management (per constitution) - Pastor, Council President, Secretary (Janet Hill)
Social Ministry – Sharon Hood & Debbie Hollenbach (Co-chairs)
Special Funds – President: Rich Hollenbach (C), Property Chair: Vincent Hill, Worship & Music Team Member: Member at large:
Stewardship – Jack Walls (C)
Transportation – Dale Foster (C); Linda Kratz (L)
Worship & Music – Rich Hollenbach (C)
Audit Team 2022 – External required by Synod. Sharon Hood will coordinate.
Nominating Team – Adam Feldman (Chair), Debbie Hollenbach & Anne Hutnyk.

Council 2022 Devotions:
Jan: Adam       Feb: Rich               Mar: Gail         Apr: Gary
May: Vince      Jun: Sharon           Aug: Anne        Sep: Linda
Oct: Melissa    Nov: Jack              Dec: TBD
No council meeting in July.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS

Christian Education: Gail reported that we are planning an in-person VBS August 8 through 12, 9 am to 12 noon. So far, we have a handful of volunteers for which we are very grateful. If interested in volunteering, please contact Gail or Missy. We ordered a VBS program called “Monumental,” which should arrive before the end of February. A zoom meeting invitation will be sent out to all potential volunteers to discuss VBS plans. Thereafter, we will have an in-person meeting (to be determined) to hand out materials from the curriculum. We will follow all covid protocols in place during VBS week. We also ordered Valentine’s Day and Easter gifts for our Sunday/Wednesday Whirl Bible School students. Also, during Lent there will be Bookmarks and other trinkets for the congregation to take if you so desire on the table in our Foyer. (Note: a donation can will be on hand).
Communications: - Jack agreed to talk to the congregation at Sunday Worship Service prior to Palm Sunday about Palm Sunday Envelope offerings to be placed in the Heating/AC Fund. (See attached Finance report)
Finance: report submitted by Debbie Hollenbach.

Gloria from Univest informed us that we are eligible for a free year for our Safe Deposit Box. The next payment date is 9/21/22.
Faith ended the 2021 year a Budget Surplus of $56,071.75. $47,966 was forwarded to fund the budget deficit for the year 2022. The Finance Ministry Team recommends that $8,000 of the remaining budget surplus be placed in the Heating/AC Fund. That leaves $105.75 to go into Undesignated Funds. All members of council voted to approve that $8,000 of the remaining budget surplus be placed in the Heating/AC Fund and the remaining $105.75 to go into Undesignated Funds.
Recommend the any money collected in the Palm Sunday Dedication Envelope be place in the Heating/AC Fund. All council members voted to approve monies collected in the Palm Sunday Dedication Envelope be placed in the Heating/AC Fund.
Reminder that the Audit Team needs to review our 2021 books.

Fundraising: Sharon will talk to potential church members that may be interested in becoming Fundraising Chair in place of Linda Kratz.
Health: Neither Nancy Allegrezza nor Tina Hutnyk are available at this time for blood pressure checks.
Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne reported that Janet and she came up with a list for the year of Coffee Hour Sponsors. There will be sign-up sheets for Feb 13 Soup(er) Bowl and Sandwiches. Council decided that because of covid protocols, we will have normal coffee hour for Palm Sunday and Easter in lieu of the traditional breakfasts we have had in the past.
Mutual Ministry: Jack is the chair and Missy and Gail complete the team. No further update.
Property Team: Vince reminded us that he will fix the insulation on the fellowship hall duct work when the weather is warmer in the spring.
Shepherding: (Sharon) – Valentine Cards will be sent to our shut-in members with prayers, blessings, and love.
Social Ministry: Sharon reported that Code Blue led by Mary Lou raised $156.00; 314 snacks; 2 dental packs and warm clothing. Janet Hill wrote a nice thank you letter in care of Mark Landon, Trinity Lutheran Church, for opening their doors to gentlemen in need of care and a place to stay the night.
Special Funds: Camera currently used for zoom worship is Adam Feldman’s. Cost of new one is $1155 minus $516 left from Synod technology grant. Need $639. Team approved taking the $639 from the Klumpp Memorial (which has $2,145.)
Stewardship: Jack reported that the new app is launched and will communicate this on Sunday before Worship Service, and he proudly announced that his daughter Tessa is creating a sign about E-giving to be displayed in our church.
Transportation: Rich reported that we continue to make sure those in need of a ride to and from church is provided. Wawa has discontinued their donations of food during their move to and remodeling at their new location.
Worship & Music: Pastor Bruce will be leading Sunday worship service during the month of February. Rich will work out the details for Ash Wednesday service (March 2.)

OLD BUSINESS

Christmas Tree for the sanctuary – Anne and Adam are still looking into artificial trees. If they cannot find a suitable artificial tree, Anne stated that as long as the tree farm stays open where she has a connection, she will make sure our church has a tree.
Food Addicts Group – Rich reported that this group never responded back to us, so he is closing out the Food Addicts Group.
Denise’s Laptop – After Adam fixed Denise’s laptop, Denise has seen an improvement.
New Camera for Sanctuary – Money approved by Special Funds – See Special Funds report attached. Rich added that Adam will order new camera, and finally have his personal camera back that he kindly loaned to our church for the past year and a half.
Council discussed making masks optional; we decided to leave the decision to March and revisit then when the weather is warmer and hopefully the covid surge decline.
Jack informed us that he spoke to Pastor Tim to give him a list of Real Estate brokers to help him. Pastor Tim told Jack he is looking for a first-floor apartment in a specific price range, and that he is under the impression that Synod is working on coming up with that one fourth salary to enable him to afford the move to our area.

NEW BUSINESS

Synod Assembly, April 30th, 2022 – need 2 volunteers (male & female) Rich asked if anyone from council would like to attend; it will be a virtual meeting. Gail volunteered to attend; still need one male volunteer.
Prayer Vigil – Sharon brought up an idea to have a prayer vigil in the near future to pray for a Pastor for Faith Church. Sharon will make an information sheet along with a signup sheet. Sharon gave examples of prayers being answered this way.
Rich informed us that Adam Feldman went to a township meeting regarding a new buyer of the property that borders our property beyond the back of the parking lot. The new buyer wants an easement of the distance to the property border. We own ten feet into woods and if their request is approved, we will have less of a buffer. Adam will send an email report to council.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Will be a hybrid meeting.

March Mustard Seed - Letter from Council Secretary

4/6/2022

Hello Church Family: For my message for March, I want to talk about Ash Wednesday. Growing up Catholic, we received ashes every year on Ash Wednesday, but I never understood or even questioned the reason behind it. In my youth, I just did it because that was what was expected. I have to say, shamefully, that as a young girl I always worried I would get a big fat cross on my forehead that wouldn’t disappear for days. Children can be cruel due to their ignorance I suppose and would make fun of the big dirt mark displayed on one another’s foreheads. In our youth, Ernie and I believed we die, and our bodies turn to dust. Lights out. As we grew in our Christian education, we know that Jesus dying for us on the cross freed us from sin and through his Resurrection, we, who believe, are given eternal life with God forever. (John 3:16)

Having faith as a true believer, I was intrigued to get more background on Ash Wednesday. The following information is by Kelly Givens, contributing editor to Crosswalk.com. “Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. In 2022, Ash Wednesday falls on March 2. Ash Wednesday focuses the Christian’s heart on repentance and prayer, usually through personal and communal confession. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is traditionally a 40-day fast (not counting Sundays) — a reference to the time Jesus spent being tempted in the desert — that seeks to prepare the heart of the believer for the solemn remembrance of Jesus’ death. It concludes and is followed by a joyous Easter Sunday celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

The History of Lent and Ash Wednesday
The history and beginnings of Lent aren’t clear. According to Britannica.com, Lent has likely been observed: “since apostolic times, though the practice was not formalized until the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.” Christian scholars note that Lent became more regularized after the legalization of Christianity in A.D. 313. St. Irenaeus, Pope St. Victor I, and St. Athanasius all seem to have written about Lent during their ministries. Most agree that “by the end of the fourth century, the 40-day period of Easter preparation known as Lent existed, and that prayer and fasting constituted its primary spiritual exercises.”

Though Lent is not named or observed in the Bible, as Christianity Today notes, “the path of Lent—prayer, fasting, and generosity over a period of time—is heavily emphasized by the authors of and characters in the Bible, including Jesus. The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent. Therefore, while the word is absent in the Bible, the reality of Lent is woven throughout the whole of Scripture, as we have discovered.

Verses to Reflect on for Ash Wednesday
If you’d like to start thinking through and observing Lent and Ash Wednesday, here are a few verses specific to Ash Wednesday to meditate and reflect on, and then a prayer you can pray to observe the day.

Our Creation: Genesis 2:7 - Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Our Curse: Genesis 3:19 - By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.
Our Cry of Repentance: Psalm 51:7- 10 - Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Although Ash Wednesday is not officially in the Bible it is an important ritual to begin the season of Lent. From Lutheranlenses.com I learned--
1. The ashes remind us of our sinfulness.
2. The ashes remind us of our mortality.
3. The ashes demonstrate that without God all of us are spiritually dead.—We are redeemed by our God. They are a reminder that we need to repent for our sins and turn back to God.”

As in Genesis 3:19, God said to Adam, You are dust and to dust you shall return. Ashes remind us that the price of sin is death. We are mortal and our eternity reigns in God alone. (Interesting tidbit: the ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from burning the blessed palm leaves from the previous Palm Sunday.) Also, ashes in the “Sign of the Cross” displays the good news of the Gospels.

Spread the Good news by wearing that “Ash Cross,” the bigger the better. Wear it proudly to proclaim the Good news of God’s love for all his people. Matthew 28: 19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Ash Wednesday is a fitting way to start the season of Lent leading to Resurrection Sunday! Thank you, Jesus. Help us stay in your Light! Amen.

Your Sister in Christ, Gail Achilles

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March Mustard Seed 2022- Announcements

March Mustard Seed 2022 - Council Notes

March Mustard Seed - Letter from Council Secretary

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