The Messenger of Arndt’s Church - May, 2017

Arndt's Lutheran Church1851 Arndt Road, Easton, PA 18040

610-253-3732Email: arndts.lutheranchurch@rcn.com

Website: www.arndtslutheran.org

Regular Worship Services (9/11/16 thru 5/28/17): Saturday, 6:00 p.m. - Sunday, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Summer Worship Hours Begin 5/28/17: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. - Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

Activities During May

Ladies Tea - Saturday, May 13thOur annual Ladies' Tea will be held on Saturday, May 13th, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The tea is an enjoyableafternoon of fun and fellowship. For this year's program we will welcome Janice Thomas, Shelter Director atThird Street Alliance, who will talk to us about Third Street Alliance and its service in the community. Ourservice project will also be for Third Street Alliance - donations of new or gently used towels will beappreciated for this project. New This Year: Do not eat lunch at home - tea sandwiches will be providedalong with hot and cold tea and our traditional Moravian Sugar Cake. The cost is $7. All women (members and friends) are invited to attend. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Bike for World Hunger - Saturday, May 13thBike for World Hunger at the Bob Rodale Fitness and Cycling Park in Breinigsville will be held on Saturday,May 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Picnic Pavilion and the event begins at 9:00 a.m. with a prayer by Bishop Zeiser. This annual event raises money for the ELCA WorldHunger Appeal. To participate you may ride a bike, walk, run, rollerblade or "scooter". Every participant musthave an individual registration form and signed release to participate. For more participation details, contact the church office.

Quoit Tournament - Saturday, May 20thThe Annual "Quoits for Andy" quoit tournament will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at the Arndt'sPavilion. Registration begins at 12:00 noon and the registration fee is $15 per person or $30 per team. There isa basket raffle and food available. The tournament benefits the Andrew D. Siegfried Memorial ScholarshipFund, which awards a scholarship to a graduating senior from Easton Area High School who is going into buisiness. Log on to quoitsforandy.org for more information or speak to Ruth Ann or Rich Siegfried.

Arndt's Spaghetti Dinner - Saturday, May 20thOur spring Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 20th, serving from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cost is $8 foradults (ages 12 and up), $6 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 5. The dinner will include spaghetti and meatballs (with homemade sauce), salad, bread, beverage and homemade desserts.

Summer Worship Hours Begin May 28thWe will switch to our summer worship hours on Sunday, May 28th,, with one service at 9:30 on Sunday mornings. The Saturday communion service remains the same time at 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Day Remembrance Service - Sunday, May 28thOn Sunday, May 28th, following the 9:30 a.m. worship service, we will gather outside at the flagpole for a shortservice honoring the men and women who have served our nation and who continue to serve today. Ourmorning services will be followed by a potluck brunch.

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The Pastor's Page

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Recently I officiated at a committal service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Uponarrival, I noticed the flags of the six branches of the services displayed in this simplebut impressive stone pavilion. I was struck immediately by the ceremonial procedure inhonoring those who have served our country. …the regimen of the soldiers who stoodguard at the urn, the precision in folding the American flag and presenting it to thefamily, the clicking of their heels after the service as they carried the urn and walked totheir positions during the shooting of the rifles by the honor guard. All of this was tohonor a man who was a Viet Nam veteran and was to be buried in the nationalcemetery because of his patriotism.

It reminded me of why I look forward to our annual Memorial day service after worshipon the Sunday closest to Memorial Day around our flagpole.

If you have not attended, I invite you to be a part of the brief service on Sunday,

May 28th, when veterans will place flowers around our flagpole as the wars in whichthe United States was involved are named.

At this ceremony, we give thanks to God for bringing our veterans home safely, wepray for families who have lost someone in any of the wars and we ask God forcontinued guidance and care for all women and men who still serve our country.

Please join us on May 28th.

Giving thanks for those who have served and still serve our country.

Pastor Jean

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May Prayer Calendar

You are asked to pray for the member listed on each day of the month. All of the members of our churchfamily will be lifted in prayer many times throughout the year. Members are listed alphabetically. Ifsomeone is missed, please contact the secretary in the church office.

May 01 - Kris SmestadMay 02 - Erik SmestadMay 03- Hans and Anna SmestadMay 04 - John and Kim SmestadMay 05- Laura SmestadMay 06- Allen and Christine SnookMay 07 - Andy, Jordan and Emma SpatigMay 08 - Genie Speidel, Gracie and EllieMay 09 - Trudy SpormanMay 10 - Robert StamponeMay 11 - Emily, Robert and Aurora EdelenMay 12 - Peter and Traci Stewart, Abigail and EllaMay 13 - John and Traci Stofa, Rebecca and MichaelMay 15 - Helga and Max StolzMay 16- Jim and Jane StyersMay 17 - Doris TarlowskiMay 18 - Brad and Ruth ThomasMay 19 - Shawn and Darlene Tice, Ryan and JulieMay 20 - Patrick and Josalyn Vanfleet, Penelope and PaxtonMay 21- Michael Varju and Jessica Weaver, Jace and LiliannaMay 22 - Eric and Rebecca Wagner, Chris, Matthew and CatherineMay 23 - Jill and Christopher WalkerMay 24 - Richard and Renee Walter, Ricky, Riley and RyanMay 25 - Tom and Nancy WaltersMay 26 - Ken WeidnerMay 27 - Marlene WerkheiserMay 28 - Melanie and Stewart WhiteleatherMay 29 - Sherri WilsonMay 30 - Shirley WilsonMay 31 - Connie Witmer

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Arndt's Administrative Items

Interesting Items from Council

From the April Council Meeting:

+ Keith Johnson will check with our current insurance carrier regarding coverage for thedamage from the birds.

+ Keith Johnson will meet with a representative from Church Mutual Insurance on May 3rd and do a walk-through of the church to investigate better insurance rates.

+ There was discussion regarding the serving of alcohol at the Oldies Dance in June. It will be aBYOB.

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March, 2017

Income $9763.44Expenses $8894.31

$ 869.13

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Last Sunday, Second Offering

The May Last Sunday, Second Offering collection will be received on Sunday, May 28, 2017, and will benefitThird Street Alliance for Women and Children. Third Street Alliance for Women & Children provides a safeand healthy space for women, children, and families to live, learn, and thrive.

Altar Flowers/Altar Food Box/Worship Bulletin Sponsorships

You may sponsor our weekly, traditional altar flower vases or an altar food box for $35. You may purchaseyour own $35 worth of food for the food box and bring it in to place on the altar or you may write a check to thechurch and our volunteers will purchase the food for you. Worship bulletins may be sponsored for $15. Allsponsorships include your personal dedication message. Place completed forms in the offering plate or mailthem to the church office--forms are on the bulletin board in the coatroom area.

Thrivent Action Team Reminder

Thrivent Action Teams - Earn $250 to put towards a ministry project of your choosing. Go toThrivent.com and search for Action Teams. If you are a Thrivent member, proceed to Action Team Application.If you are not a Thrivent member, become an associate member for $20 and then fill out the Action TeamApplication. Receiving $250 and doing a great ministry project with friends...what a DEAL!

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Monthly Church Activities

Children's Sunday School

Sunday School is held on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for children 3 years of age through sixth grade.The last day of Sunday School will be on Sunday, May 21st.

Confirmation Class

Our May confirmation class will be held on Sunday, May 21st, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Supper will be provided.This is our last formal class before confirmation on Sunday, June 4th, when Jordan Kutza and Matt Wagnerwill be confirmed.

Open Arms Senior Connection

Open Arms meets at the church on Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Pick up an Open Arms newsletter in the narthex or ask to be put on our newsletter mailing list and have one delivered to your home.

Arndt's Preschool - May News

We have always taught our children that it is important to share with others. We make gifts for our familymembers, collect food for the food bank. The boys and girls did chores for their families and earned money todonate to The Center for the Health and Welfare of Animals. Seven children worked hard and earned $73. The Center was very grateful for this donation. Grant money from Thrivent helped us to complete this project.

Our activities for the month of May are centered around the season of spring. At the end of the month we willbe graduating 7 boys and girls. We are currently registering boys and girls for the 2017-2018 school year. If anyone knows of a family member, friend or neighbor looking for a preschool, please refer them to our school.

Arndt's Bible Study

Bible study will resume on Tuesday, June 6th, at 6:00 p.m. Please bring a bag lunch for supper.

Women's Monthly Lunch Gatherings

Ladies of the church meet once a month on the third Wednesday of the month for lunch and to relax, chat andenjoy each other’s company. Too often we are doing the food prep; this time, sit back and enjoy. Car pools willmeet at church at noon on lunch days. Come each month or as often as you are able. Please call Janet Herr at610 588 6618, or email her at snookers2@frontiernet.net, a week in advance if you can attend so reservations can be made. Lunch in May will be at Daddy's Place, 650 Northampton Street, Easton, on May 17th.

New - Country Dance Class - Every Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

A country line dancing class will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Theclass will be taught by Barbara Ann Willett, a certified dance instructor. Class will begin Wednesday, May 3rd -cost is $5 per class. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara at 610-253-7382.

Special Workshop - Composting - May 31, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Join us on Wednesday, May 31st from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 noon for a talk about “black gold”- compost. Mr. Michael Balik, master gardener from PSU Extension Service, will teach us how to compost and how tocreate our own "gold". Please feel free to invite community members to hear this important message as webecome more aware of the value of home gardens and recycling. This presentation is an outgrowth of the discussions at our Women’s Mini retreat about the goal of zero waste and feeding the hungry.

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Worship at Arndt's

Sunday, May 7, 2017 – Fourth Sunday of Easter - Holy CommunionToday is sometimes called "Good Shepherd Sunday." Jesus is called the "gate" of the sheep in today's gospel. The risenChrist opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism.Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us in the midst of the world's violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God's tender care to all creation.

Sunday, May 14, 2017 - Fifth Sunday of Easter - Service of the WordAs we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today's gospel includes Jesus' promise that he goes to prepare a placefor his followers in his Father's house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus' mission in the world. As First Peterreminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ--our way, our truth, our life.

Sunday, May 21, 2017 - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Holy CommunionJesus does not leave his followers orphaned. Through the Holy Spirit Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of everygeneration. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. Wereceive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord's table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.

Sunday, May 28, 2017 - Seventh Sunday of Easter - Service of the WordIn these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit totransform the church around the world. In today's gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name.Amid religious, social and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, wego forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

Sunday, June 4, 2017- Day of Pentecost - Holy CommunionToday's festival derives its name from the Jewish festival of Pentecost, observed fifty days after Passover. On the fiftiethday of Easter we celebrate the Holy Spirit as the power of God among us that heals, forgives, inspires and unites. In thereading from Acts, images of wind and fire describe the Spirit poured out on disciples of all nations. In John's gospel therisen Christ breathes the Spirit on his followers on Easter evening. In the one Spirit we are baptized into one body, andat the Lord's table the Spirit unites us for witness in the world.

Fundraising Programs at Arndt's

Gift Card Program from Great Lake Scrips

Keep your inventory fully stocked with all of your favorite retailers so you have them on hand when you needthem for shopping, dining, home improvement, health & beauty, etc. Contact Carole Brown (484-505-0647),for any questions or to order gift cards. Scrip products are a great way to pay for all of your purchases whileearning money for the church at the same time!

RADA Cutlery

RADA Cutlery products are reasonably priced, well constructed--and made in America! We have many itemsin stock (please see the poster in the narthex) and there are many other knives and items available in the RADAcatalog. This is a great fundraiser for Arndt's because it is something that everyone can use and it gives thechurch a return of 40% profit. Contact Joan Kocher at 610-515-0908 or Karen Beverly 610-252-2338 forpurchasing information

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Community Service and Activities

Safe Harbor Meals Provided by Arndt's

Safe Harbor Dinner - The next date for the Safe Harbor dinner meal is Thursday, May 25th.

Thank you to everyone who participates in this community ministry.

Backpack Project

Arndt's continues to collect individual packs of applesauce to support the backpack project. Our goal is toprovide the best nutrition that we can, so we ask for the no added sugar applesauce. You may bring yourdonations to the church and place them in the box marked for the "Backpack Project". Thank you for yoursupport of this project.

2017 Vacation Bible SchoolSt. Paul’s III Lutheran Church & Arndt’s Lutheran Church present

Stories of the Old Testament“How easy is it to obey God?”

June 26-30; 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

To be held at St. Paul's III Lutheran Church, 2561 Newburg Road, Palmer Township

Registration fee of $12.00 per child, $30 maximum per family (includes t-shirt)

Looking Ahead

Oldies Dance: Saturday, June 17th, in the pavilion, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. BYOB. Snacks available.

Four Seasons. On Saturday, June 24th at 6 p.m., we will gather for an Italian dinner at church . A sign up sheet will be in the entry way after June 1st. Join the fun. Games, laughs and conversation to follow dinner.

Women's Mini-Retreat. Monday, June 26th, 5:00 - 8:00, Light supper followed by a speaker and serviceproject.

Ocean Grove Choir Festival: Sunday, July 9th. Bus leaves Arndt's at 11:00 a.m. - returns around 11:00 p.m.Cost is $35, includes driver's tip.

Mission District Oktoberfest: October 14, 2017, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 610 West Berwick Street, Easton. Celebrating 500-Year Anniversary of the Reformation.

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Arndt’s AnnouncementsPlease submit any special information you may want to share with the rest of the congregation to the

"Arndt's Announcements” page of The Messenger.

Baptisms

On Sunday, February 19, 2017, we welcomed Jacob Ryan Selmasska, son of Adam and Ashley Selmasska,through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Jacob was born on March 26, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital in Allentown.

On Saturday, April 15, 2017, we welcomed Alexandra Grace Schallock, daughter of Robert Schallock and AnneKlimke, through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Alexandra was born on August 18, 2016.

On Sunday, April 30, 2017, we welcomed Alessia Frances Berkowitz, daughter of Angela Coxe and StevenBerkowitz, through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Alessia was born on January 5 2017, at St. Peter'sUniversity Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Funerals

On February 18, 2017, Charlotte A. Godshalk was raised to life eternal. Funeral services were held onFebruary 23, 2017.

On April 25, 2017, Janet M. Exley was raised to life eternal. Funeral services were held at the church onApril 29, 2017. Thank you to . . . .

Janet and Don Herr and Healthscreen. Seventy-four people were tested at the annual Health Screening tests,which were successful in detecting health concerns for a total of 30 people who were referred to their physicianfor further testing. The tests will be offered again next year on Easter Monday, April 2, 2018.It was a pleasure to welcome folks to our church. One man entered the sanctuary, felt chills and said he will return for worship. Many exclaimed at the beauty of the old building.

The congregation for supporting the April Last Sunday, Second Offering which benefited the Backpack Palsproject and collected $100 for the program. Giant gift cards were purchased from the church to buy applesaucefor the next backpack "packing". Thank you to everyone who donated. Thank you from . . . .

ProJeCt of Easton, Inc.'s Board of Directors, staff and all the people who benefit from our programs.Thank you for your donation of various food items to the Interfaith Food Pantry. It is only through the generoussupport of our community that we are able to offer the services we provide to the public through the InterfaithFood Pantry and the ASSIST program at no cost. Your support makes a difference to those in need.

Janice D. Komisor, Executive Director

Help Wanted!Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is looking for the following positions for a Summer Youth Program that willrun from June 12th through August 12th from 8:00 to 1:00, Monday through Friday. That is 25 hours per weekfor 9 weeks. Please send resume by May 14th to Pastor Michael Reist at revmike@ptd.net – Thank you.Assistant Director – Up to $12.00/hour depending on experienceCounselor – Up to $10.00 hourCounselor – Up to $10.00 hourFood Coordinator/Counselor – Up to $10.00 hour

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Geraniums for PentecostSunday June 4, 2017

We will be decorating the church with geraniums for Pentecost on Sunday, June 4th. If you wish to purchaseany plants, the price is $3.00 per plant, red or white, and you may take them home after the service to plantoutside in your flower gardens.

The deadline for ordering is Sunday, May 21st. Please place this completed form, along with payment(checks made payable to "Jeri Leiendecker") in the offering plate or leave your order with Sue in the churchoffice.

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Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________________________________________________

____________ RED @ $3 per plant $____________

____________ WHITE @ $3 per plant $____________

Total Amount Enclosed $____________

In Honor Of:______________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

In Memory Of:_____________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Orders and payment are due on Sunday, May 21, 2017.

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