1. shopping
2. gifts

ReMarks From
St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church
81 Main Street ● Pennsburg, PA 18073 ● 215-679-9015 ● Charles E. Romanowski: Pastor
December 2014/January 2015
CHURCH COUNCIL: There will be
no December meeting. However,
there will be a re-organizational
meeting on Monday, January 5th,
7:00 PM. The regular scheduled
meeting of Church Council will be Monday,
January 26th, 7:00 PM.
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE
MONTH COMMUNION SERVICE for
December will NOT take place on
December 7th due to the Hometown
Christmas Parade. It will occur on the second
Sunday of the month, December 14th, 2:30 PM.
CHRISMON BOOKLETS can be found in the
pew racks. These booklets, which describe the
beautiful Chrismons that adorn our Christmas
tree in the chancel, may be purchased for $2.00
each (this will assist in printing costs). If
interested, place your money in one of the “My
Offering” envelopes, mark it “Chrismon”, and
place it in the offering plate at the time of the
offering. – Thank you!
ONE
WORSHIP
SERVICE:
On
December 28th, we will have only one
worship service at 10:15 AM. There will
be no Sunday School that day. Regular
worship hours, 8 & 10:15 AM, Sunday School,
9:00 AM, will resume January 4th.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS DURING THE
HOLIDAYS: There will be limited office hours
the weeks of December 22nd, and December
29th. Please call the Church Office before you
stop by to make sure Kathy or Pastor Chuck is
there.
THE THIRTEEN returns to St.
Mark’s on Sunday, December
21st, 6:00 PM. Join one of the
country’s finest professional
choirs, The Thirteen, for a concert of your
favorite Christmas carols, as well as Christmas
works from the Franco-Flemish tradition. Sure
to delight concert-goers of any age, come and
experience Christmas with The Thirteen. A freewill offering will be taken. Light refreshments to
follow the concert.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: Don’t
forget, our start times for these two
services are: 6:30 & 10:00 pm. Both
services are Candlelight and celebrate
Holy Communion. Special music will
accompany each. Bill Folk will once again lead
a group of members playing some Christmas
tunes about twenty minutes before the 10 pm
service.
HOMETOWN
CHRISTMAS
PARADE: Sunday, December
7th- Once again, St. Mark’s will
host the arrival of Santa Claus on
our church property- he arrives at
the gazebo. We will again
welcome hundreds of visitors at Mrs. Claus’
Café for hot coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and
other snacks. If you would like to help in the
kitchen that afternoon, please express your
interest to Bonnie Gillespie. Baked goods will
very much be needed for December 7th.
(Please, finger baked goods only!)
PAGE 2
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2014
ATTENDANCE & GENERAL GIVING
September 7, 2014 ············ 165 ·························· $2,677.00
September 14, 2014 ············ 151 ·························· $2,207.00
September 21, 2014 ··········· 128 ·························· $2,413.00
September 28, 2014 ············ 121 ·························· $1,772.65
Total general income for the month of September including mail-ins but not special gifts, was $14,654.65.
Amounts budgeted are $22,495.00 a month; for a week $5,176.92.
October 5, 2014 ················ 175 ·························· $5,995.00
October 12, 2014 ················ 173 ·························· $3,073.00
October 19, 2014 ··············· 116 ·························· $2,707.00
October 26, 2014 ················ 132 ·························· $2,092.00
Total general income for the month of September including mail-ins but not special gifts, was $20,385.32
Amounts budgeted are $22,495.00 a month; for a week $5,176.92.
The Bible Study for December will
be held December 2 at St. John’s
Church, 75 E. Main Street,
Pottstown. Please call Diane Mohr 215-6797154 if you are going to the Bible Study. We
will meet at 9:00 am at the church parking lot.
The next WELCA Meeting will be December 9th
at 11:30. Bring a box lunch. (Bring cookies for
gift giving and for the social following the
meeting.)
The Christmas Program will be
presented by Narona Gebert.
The Bible Study for January 2015 will be
January 6, 2015 at St. James Church, High &
Price Streets, Pottstown. We will meet at 9:00
am at the church parking lot.
There will be no January meeting for WELCA.
WELCA is always looking for new members.
CONGREGATION MEETING, December 14th:
Immediately following the 10:15 AM service we
will meet to approve the 2015 Church Budget;
and, elect members to Church Council. All
members are encouraged to be present. A copy
of the 2015 budget appears in this issue of the
newsletter please bring it with you to the
meeting.
Church Committee & Treasurer Reports All committee and organization reports are due
into the church office by Sunday, January 18 th
so that they may be included in the annual
report of 2014 and reviewed by the auditors.
The Church Audit will take place on Saturday,
January 24th.
Baptisms –
October 12th – adult baptism - Heather
Schmitt
October 26th - Madison Grace and
Samantha Rose Waehner
November 9th – Maximus Robert May
Marian Simons has a new e-mail address and
phone number.
She can be reached at
msimons771@gmail.com and 215 534-3698
New members:
We welcomed to our St. Mark’s Family at the
10:15 service on October 26th, Philip and
Christina (Tronolone) Waehner and their
daughters Madison Grace and Samantha Rose.
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
PAGE 3
Inspirations From Pastor Chuck
“THE CHRISTMAS BUDGET CHALLENGE”
I imagine Kathy and I are like many families of St. Mark’s when it comes to
Christmas shopping- we only have so much cash to spend; and, honestly, like
some of you, we try not to charge too much, at least not more than we can
pay off when the statement arrives after the first of the year.
Despite making a conscious effort each year to avoid the Christmas frenzy
and keep our minds on the real meaning of Christmas (yeah, clergy are just
like you), the reality is that it’s very difficult to keep an eye on spending during
the festive season. It’s a little like picking the needles up under the Christmas
tree, just when you think you’re finished, more appear!
To avoid being tangled up by unexpected expenditure, why not take some time out over a coffee or
hot chocolate and review your Christmas spending by making a conscious effort to make and keep
a Christmas Budget. Now, I’m not saying you take a total “bah humbug” approach to the
commercialism of Christmas, but budget spending could help you to maintain a clear head when
faced with the seasonal onslaught and give you that important head space to concentrate on the
real gift of Christmas, one that never tarnishes, runs out or disappoints.
I’m talking about the idea of remembering to spread some Christmas cheer by brightening up the
holiday season for those who need it most. You might consider:
THE OPEN LINK: For many years we have had a Christmas tree outside the
library/lounge with 80 or more Christmas balls with requests from boys and girls (with
their age) from the valley who have expressed their Christmas wish list. Bring in your
unwrapped gift with the Christmas ball taped on it by Sunday, December 14th. Or
maybe your family would like to “adopt” an entire family through The Open Link and
buy Christmas gifts for the kids and parent(s). Call The Open Link (215-679-4112)
and tell them of your interest. (Average price: $25).
PENNSBURG MANOR: Some of the residents have little or no family. To help remember
these folks around the holidays, we try to spread a little Christmas cheer by collecting cash
donations and forwarding it to the staff of the Activities Department at Pennsburg Manor. They
then go out and buy Christmas gifts for these residents. If you would like to make a donation,
please pass it on to Harold and Doris Heiter; or drop it off at the church office. (Whatever you
can give, all money is pooled and divided equally)
HOMELESS CHILDREN OF DELAWARE COUNTY: Pastor Chuck’s friend, Jim Shelton, faces
needing Christmas gifts for nearly a thousand children and youth. If you should decide to buy a
toy for one or more of these youngsters, please bring it unwrapped to the church office by
Sunday, December 14th. (You can pick up some wonderful stocking stuffers for under $10;
toys between $10 to $20).
So, when you work on your Christmas list and draw up your Christmas gift-buying budget,
remember the true meaning of Christmas. Read about the birth of the babbling babe in Bethlehem
(Continued on page 6)
PAGE 4
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
Family Ministry Notes
Wishing you a very blessed holiday season and a happy/healthy NEW YEAR!
Following is a listing of Family Ministry events for the months of December and
January:
December 2014:
Sun. 12/07
Sun. 12/14
Tues. 12/16
Sun. 12/21
Wed. 12/24
Thurs. 12/25
Sun. 12/28
Youth Group Work Meeting, 9:00 AM (Program & Luminaries)
Hometown Christmas
Live Nativity, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Family Ministries Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM
Christian Education X-Mas Program 10:15 AM Service
B-Day/Anniversary Social Following 10:15 AM Service
Christmas Eve Services
Christmas Holiday
No. Sunday School/Confirmation Class at 9:00 AM
January 2015:
Sun. 01/04
Sun. 01/18
Tues., 01/20
Resume Sunday School and CAT. Class at 9:00 AM
Youth Group Work Meeting
Martin Luther King Worship Service
Family Ministries Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM
More detailed information will be available prior to the above events.
Dawn
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
PAGE 5
“ST. MARK’S TRIVIA CORNER”
#6 – TOPIC/People:
Who began the first Chrismon Christmas tree at
It is hard to believe that we are at the St. Mark’s and in what year?
end of the year already. It certainly
has been fun sharing St. Mark’s Trivia #7 – TOPIC/Statistics:
questions with all of you! I hope you have How many religious holidays are in the church
enjoyed the trivia, with great anticipation of more year?
in the new year.
#8 – TOPIC/Things:
Holiday Wishes
What season is marked by the hanging of a
We
wish
for
you
a
holiday garland of greens and 4 candles at the front of
That's
better
than
your
dreams, our church and occurs during the four weeks
Filled with peace, good will and hope before Christmas?
And firelight that gleams,
Overflowing
with
holiday
spirit Answers on page 10
Good
food
and
holiday
laughter;
FROM
THE
CEMETERY
And when it's done, We hope that you NEWS
Live happily ever after!
COMMITTEE:
[By Joanna Fuchs]
Peggy Treffinger, an East Greenville
resident, met an untimely death in a car
Wishing you and your family all the very best for
accident in January 1975 at the age of
the Holiday Season and a very prosperous New
21 years. Permission was granted to
Year!
her mother, Ruth Treffinger to erect a
meditation center on St. Mark’s
Elaine E. Strimpel
Cemetery in Peggy’s memory.
Leon
Pennypacker was engaged to draft a plan for the
site designated. The following year, Peggy’s
#1 – TOPIC/Building:
As you enter St. Mark’s and face the altar, what father, Donald Treffinger, a mason, built the
Bible story is depicted in the stained glass brick wall. Shrubs, dwarf trees and decorative
stone graced the center. Over the years, some
window to the left?
dying plants and overgrown trees were replaced
or removed entirely as seen fit. Regardless, the
#2 – TOPIC/Building:
What is the small room called at the front purpose of the Treffinger Meditation Center is
entrance area, right inside the two glass doors, ongoing and is there for your use.
between the outer doors and the interior wooden
The Cemetery Committee has recently
door to our church?
welcomed two new members to the Committee.
Mrs. Elaine Strimpel was inducted on July 28th
#3 – TOPIC/Cemetery:
Kulp was inducted on
In what year did the dedication of the Cemetery and Mr. Howard
th
September 29 of this year.
occur?
#4 – TOPIC/People:
Who was the first Choir Director at St. Mark’s?
#5 – TOPIC/People:
Who was the very first Editor of the
“REMARKS” Newsletter of St. Mark’s, and how
many years did she serve as Editor?
First Monday Community Meal:
December 1st, 2014 and January 5th, 2015, 6:00
pm – Pennsburg, UCC. Everyone is invited –
open to all – and free to everyone!
PAGE 6
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
(Luke 2:1-20) before you go out Christmas shopping, it will help remind you of the most precious
Christmas gift of all, the Christ child. And, do help brighten Christmas for others by remembering
them in their time of need, your Christmas will be all the more blessed.
A blessed and merry Christmas to all!
Pastor Chuck
“Church Council Gives Approval for Pastor Chuck to Officiate Same
Gender Marriages”
At their October 27th meeting, Church Council voted unanimously to allow Pastor Chuck to
officiate same gender marriages at St. Mark’s, as well as at “off-site” locations. This decision was made after much prayerful deliberation and discussion by church council.
In conjunction with their deliberation, Church Council wanted the congregation to go through a discernment process to seek their opinions on the subject; therefore, the “Conversations with Pastor
Chuck”. Eleven such conversations took place in September and October, with a high of 17 in attendance, to as little as one, two, and three present. In two cases no one showed up. In all, 40 members attended these conversations. Twenty-nine members were supportive of same gender weddings and eleven were opposed.
Furthermore, I reported that I received 7 e-mails from members and two letters from members who
were supportive of same gender weddings. I also had more than thirty one-on-one conversations
with folks, none lasting more than just a few minutes; and, all were in favor of same gender weddings. One member was Pastor Fluck, who said, “The time has come for the church to recognize
same gender marriages.” The entire staff is included in the above figure. A few who said “yes” in
support of same gender marriage, did say that they wished the word “marriage” would not be used,
the word “union” was their preference.
In sum, I told church council that we heard from about 95 members on this subject, with approximately 84 in favor of allowing same gender marriages and eleven
opposed. With Church Council voting affirmatively, (14 members present) this put
the total to 98, which resulted in them taking the above action.
I would like to thank all members who expressed their opinions in these conversations, for their emails and letters, and their opinions shared ever so briefly with me. I and Church Council know this
was not an easy conversation to have, many wished we could have avoided it. Yet, honestly, we
knew that it was a conversation that was very much needed after same gender marriage was legalized in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
I would also like to thank our Council president Pete Reigner for sitting in on better than half of these
conversations. Again, thank you all for your support and input in what was not the easiest topic of
conversation.
Faithfully,
Pastor Chuck
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
PAGE 7
CHRISTMAS, EPIPHANY AND BAPTISM OF Thank you Pastor Chuck and members of St.
JESUS THANK YOU NOTES (from Pastor Mark’s for giving of your time and making the
Chuck)
wonderful luncheon given to us at the Upper
Perk Manor. God Bless you all – a resident of
HAPPY NEW YEAR! NOVEMBER 30TH, the Upper Perk Manor
First Sunday in Advent, we begin a new year at
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. We are preparing Pastor Chuck: I would like to thank you again
with expectation for the birth of Jesus on for the wonderful luncheon you and your Angels
December 25th. We are told by the world around gave us at Upper Perk Manor on October 25 th. I
us to buy, buy, buy to show our love for our hope today is a good day and tomorrow even
loved ones. We are told by the world to use better! – Mary Slick, Resident
money we do not have, to buy things we do not
need, to impress people we don’t even like. Our I would like to thank my St. Mark's friends and
gifts given at church each week show our family for all the get well wishes, prepared meals
appreciation for God’s love for us. Thank you for for my family and prayers for healthy recovery
your faithful stewardship that enables us to from my surgery. I am truly blessed to have my
proclaim the Son of God, Jesus!
church family! Thank you so very much! Lisa
Sell"
th
EPIPHANY SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 , we
remember the coming of the Wise Men to the
Dear Pastor Chuck & the Prayer Chain: We
baby Jesus in Bethlehem. They brought with wish to express our sincerest appreciation for
them their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. your love, support and acts of kindness during
On this Sunday morning you will bring your our time of loss. Thank you for keeping us in
offering envelope as your gift to the Christ child, your thoughts and prayers. Pastor Chuck – your
to pay him homage. We do this each time we letter meant the world to us! - Norma & Al
gather together. We, like the Wise men, bring Marshall
our gifts to honor our Lord and Savior. Thank
you for your generous gifts. You are enabling St.
A special thank you from Evelyn Thomas to the
Mark’s Lutheran Church to tell the story.
Prayer Shawl Ministry. She can no longer write
thank you notes, but wants the ministry to know
BAPTISM OF JESUS, JANUARY 11TH, we will how much she loves her prayer shawl. It keeps
remember the baptism of Jesus Christ in the her warm (she says she is always cold) and she
River Jordan, by John the Baptist. In all of the wears it all the time.
accounts from Matthew, Mark and Luke, God
proclaims from Heaven words such as: “This is
my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well
pleased.” This affirmation begins the ministry of
Jesus. In our own baptism, we begin our
ministry, our stewardship of time, abilities, and
money. I give thanks for your stewardshipsministry at St. Mark’s.
Your thoughtful touch meant so much! Thank
you for my Prayer Shawl. Sincerely – Harriet
Bowman
Evelyn Thomas celebrated her 99th birthday at
Frederick Living in October with her son , Alan and
his wife Jane, and her daughter Cristine (Dixon), also
several of her grandchildren and four of her nine
great-grand children. Evelyn is wrapped in her prayer
shawl, a gift from St. Marks' prayer-shawl ministry
PAGE 8
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
Wedding Congratulations to the following couples:
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
Breakfast items collected for Meals on Wheels
Jillian M. Larsen and David J. Adelsberger married on 9/27/14 at The Pearl Buck
House by Pastor Chuck. – non members
Audrey Ariani and Christopher T. Bean married on 9/27/14 at St. Mark’s by Pastor Chuck
– non members
News from our Church Library –
New children’s books have been added concerning thanksgiving – “Saying Grace” by Virginia Kroll; “Being Thankful”
by Mercer Mayer; “The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks” by
Jan & Mike Berenstain and
“The Fantastic Gifts of Fall” by
Dandi Daley Mackall. Feel
free to check out these books and others.
Trivia Answers
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Vestibule
September 16, 1906 (108 yrs. ago!)
Eleanor Weirich
Mrs. Ethel Stock started as Editor of ReMarks in 1976
Christmas theme including "Baby Jesus Visits
and did it for 25 years/more than 200 newsletters!
the Temple" and "Yuletide ice cube Fair". Also 6. Ruth Treffinger – project initiated in 1964 & first tree
erected 1965/49 years ago
added are several books with stories from the
7. 7 = Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas as well as Epiphold and new testament.
any, Pentecost (birthday of the church) & All Saints
Day/Reformation
For adults, a fiction book written by Wm. Paul
8.
ADVENT. The Advent wreath is an adaptation of an
Young - "The Shack", will be found on the top
old Northern European custom of adorning a wagon
Shelf.
wheel with evergreen branches in the heart of win.
ter, symbolic of the fact that no farm work could be
We encourage members to check out these and
done until the green of growth returned in the
other books before or following church services.
spring. Candles represented light shining into the
darkest part of the year; candles are lit symbolizing
the hope of the coming light of Christ shining into
the darkness of human sin and struggle.
1.
2.
3.
4.
We have also added some children books with 5.
Harvest Home
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
Service of Remembrance
Choir Brunch
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
ACCOUNT
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
%
BUDG
CHNG
2015
PROPOSED
BUDGET
11.1
5,000
4,500
11,448
15,871
0.0
5,500
230,092
1,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
9,100
5,500
227,570
1,000
1,500
2,000
1,500
6,500
0.0
2,400
400
2,000
2,200
300
2,000
6,651
209,600
755
2,189
1,598
8,238
9,000
12,267
2,423
443
2,242
5,023
216,361
567
3,783
1,258
9,056
10,182
4,709
327
1,679
0.0
13,600
15,370
10,949
62,937
1.9
275,092
269,940
277,803
331,753
0.0
0.0
14,400
200
120
200
14,400
200
100
200
22,400
610
3,456
120
1,500
22,400
8,187
11,122
115
2,911
0.0
500
500
2,000
2,191
0.1
15,420
15,400
30,086
46,926
1.5
65,669
5,024
32,046
600
4,000
64,699
4,950
27,497
600
4,500
64,058
4,900
24,884
441
4,206
64,058
4,901
24,164
48
4,716
0.0
1,400
1,400
900
1,000
4.9
108,739
103,646
99,389
98,887
1.5
28.6
25,802
1,974
500
600
1,200
2,000
2,700
25,421
1,945
500
600
1,200
2,000
2,100
25,169
1,964
793
700
1,165
1,900
2,500
25,169
1,926
1,600
550
1,232
971
1,975
0.0
300
300
75
859
3.0
35,076
34,066
34,266
34,282
2014
BUDGET
2014
ESTIMATED
2013 ACTUAL
INCOME
BENEVOLENCE INCOME
CURRENT INCOME
Plate Offerings
Current Envelopes
Initial Envelopes
Fuel Envelopes
Capital Envelopes
Insurance Envelopes
Christmas Envelopes
1.1
0.0
33.3
0.0
33.3
40.0
Easter Envelopes
Special Appeals
Interest
Thrivent Choice
Other
TOTAL INCOME
9.1
33.3
EXPENDITURES
COMMUNITY LIFE
ELCA Synod Apportionment
Local Appeals
World Hunger/ELCA Appeals/Seminary
Evangelism
Advertising
0.0
0.0
20.0
Thrivent Choice
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Total Community Life
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Ministry of Pastor
Pastor's Salary/Housing
Employer Portion of FICA
ELCA Pension/Medical
Continuing Education
Auto Reimbursement
Supply Pastors
Total Ministry of Pastor
Worship and Music
Music Director's Salary
Employer Portion of FICA
Conferences/Workshops
Supply Organists
Music Supplies
Maintenance-Organ, Piano, Bells
Worship Supplies
Choir Vestments
Total Worship & Music
1.5
16.5
0.0
(11.1)
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
PAGE 11
Education
Director of Family Ministry
1.5
Employer Portion of FICA
Seminar
Church School/Vacation Bible School
Youth Ministry
Library
Lutheran Magazine
Total Education
1.6
Total Congregational Life
0.0
8,363
640
100
500
100
8,240
630
100
500
100
8,158
624
100
2,632
362
100
8,158
624
1,085
346
-
0.0
20
20
20
18
1.4
9,723
9,590
11,996
10,231
4.2
153,538
147,302
145,651
143,400
1.5
19,011
1,455
600
1,200
18,730
1,433
600
1,500
18,876
1,444
555
1,500
18,277
1,398
400
1,835
9.4
2,000
100
1,200
1,000
100
3,500
2,000
100
1,500
1,200
200
3,200
1,875
75
1,300
838
63
3,234
1,809
72
1,308
1,184
2,906
0.0
300
300
600
795
(1.0)
30,466
30,763
30,360
29,984
1.5
21.7
16,159
1,236
2,204
169
32,600
2,800
15,920
1,218
2,171
166
34,200
2,300
15,762
1,206
2,149
164
32,208
2,666
15,762
1,206
2,148
165
31,760
1,595
0.0
15,000
15,000
13,482
12,593
(1.1)
70,168
70,975
67,637
65,229
0.0
5,000
5,000
3,644
8,562
0.0
500
500
120
15
0.0
5,500
5,500
3,764
8,577
0.0
0.0
0.0
PARISH CARE
Administration
Secretaries Salary
Employer Portion of FICA
Seminars (Council/Secretary)
Postage/Printing
Supplies:
Office
Simply Giving Fees
Weekly Envelopes
Kitchen
Stewardship
Office Equipment/Service
Furniture & Fixtures
Total Administration
Maintenance
Sexton Salary
Employer Portion of FICA
PT Sexton Salary
Employer Portion of FICA
Utilities
Maintenance Supplies
Insurance & Contracted Services
Total Maintenance
Building and Property
Repairs & Capital
Miscellaneous
Total Building & Property
1.5
0.0
(20.0)
0.0
0.0
(20.0)
(16.7)
(50.0)
1.5
1.5
1.8
(4.7)
7,493
Christmas Envelope Transfer
Total Parish Care
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE
(1.0)
106,134
107,238
101,761
111,283
1.9
275,092
269,940
277,498
301,609
305
30,144
*This budget will be presented to the congregation on December 14 for their approval.
Sun
29
30
10:15 am Worship
Only
28
23
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm Family Ministry
31
6:30 & 10:00 pm Christmas
Eve Services
24
1:00 pm Golden Agers
5:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:15 pm Brownies/Juniors
17
6:00 PM Relay
6:30 PM Girl Scouts
16
5:00 Children’s Choir
6:15 pm
Brownies/Juniors
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
22
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
15
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
9:00 am Blankets
10
1:00 pm Golden Agers
5:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:15 pm Brownies/Juniors
3
Wed
11:30 am WELCA
9
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
8
2
Tue
1
Mon
Thu
Notes:
Merry Christmas!
25
9:30 am Mom’s Club
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 pm Adult Choir
18
6:30 pm Cadettes
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 pm Adult Choir
11
6:30 pm Cadettes
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 am Adult Choir
4
~ December 2014 ~
26
19
12
5
Fri
More Calendars: Jan 2015, Feb 2015, Mar 2015
27
20
11:30 am – 4:30 pm Girl Scouts
Winter Wonderland
13
John’s Plain & Fancy
12:00 noon Bel Canto Practice
4:00 pm Bel Canto Concert
6 9:00 am Mom’s Breakfast –
Sat
January ►
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
Worship/10:15 Sunday School
Program/Social
11:30 am Youth Choir
6:00 pm 13 Concert
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
21 8 & 10:15 am
Worship /10:15 am Congreg
Mtg
11:30 Youth Choir
12:00 Kulp Private Party
2:30 pm Worship
5:30 – 6:30 pm Live Nativity
14 8 & 10:15 am
11:30 am Youth Choir
1-5 pm NARC
Hometown Christmas
7 8 & 10:15 am Worship
◄ November
PAGE 12
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
PAGE 13
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
Helper List
If you are unable to serve on your
scheduled date please find a
substitute or call Pastor Chuck at 215679-9015. He prefers that you take the
responsibility of finding a substitute.
10:15 AM-Anna Franzone
& Narona Gebert
8 AM-Dave & Pam Craig
8 AM-Judy Oberholtzer & Sally
Wimmer
10:15 AM-Church Council
8 AM-Church Council
10:15 AM-Paul
Hausmann
8 AM-Bob Morris
10:15 AM-Dawn Harris
8 AM-Renae Morris
Lay Readers
8 AM-Barbara Hentz & Erin
Mikolai
10:15 AM-Ed & Terry Matten,
Candace & Sylver Reynolds
8 AM-Donna Ney
Ushers
10:15 AM-Pete & Maribeth
Reigner
8 AM-Bob & Renae Morris
10:15 AM-Harold Hieter
Greeters
8 AM-Bonnie Gillespie &
Sally Wimmer
10:15 AM-Hugh Custer, Ryan
& Aricia Sloyer, Carol May
6:30 PM-
Crucifer
10:15 AM-Deb Long &
Linda Reed
6:30 PM-Church Council
10:00 PM-
8 AM-Morgan Fiorito
6:30 PM-
10:00 PM-Church Council
10:15 AM-Ellen Leh
8 AM-Jenna Fiorito
10:15 AM-Savanna
Butz, Shelby
Livingstone
8 AM-Lance Templeton
10:15 AM-Jenna Folk,
Taylor Wismer
6:30 PM-Charissa
Baysinger, Noel Fresa
10:15 AM-Sylver
Reynolds
10:00 PM-
10:15 AM-Pete & Maribeth
Reigner, Robert & Eleanor
Wright
10:15 AM-Andrea
Clutter, Jackson Gray
10:00 PM-
10:15 AM-Harold & Doris
Hieter
10:15 AM-Keegan
Fonder
10:15 AM-Charissa
Baysinger
10:00 PM-
10:15 AM-Not
Needed
Acolytes
DECEMBER 2014
Date
7
14
21
24
Christmas
Eve
28
10:15 AM-Jacob
Bardsley, Lindsey
Henry
12
11
8 & 10:15 am Worship
27
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm Church Council
7:00 pm Cemetery
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm Family Ministry
20
26
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
19
6:00 pm Relay for Life
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
2:00 – 7:00 pm Blood Drive
13
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
6
Tue
5:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:15 pm Brownies/Juniors
28
9:00 am Blankets
5:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:15 pm Brownies/Juniors
21
1:00 pm Golden Agers
5:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:15 pm Adult Choir
14
9:00 am Blankets
7
1:00 pm Golden Agers
5:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:15 pm Brownies/Juniors
Wed
Thu
6:30 pm Cadettes
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 pm Adult Choir
29
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 pm Adult Choir
22
6:30 pm Cadettes
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 pm Adult Choir
15
9:30 am Mom’s Club
6:30 pm Handbells
8:00 pm Adult Choir
8
Have a Blessed New Year!
1
~ January 2015 ~
Fri
30
Pastor/Dawn 2015
Extravaganza - Detroit
23
16
9
2
Sat
More Calendars: February, March, April
8:30 am open – Carol Fels Baby
Shower 11:00 am
31
Pastor/Dawn 2015
Extravaganza – Detroit
9:00 am Staff Breakfast Mtg
24
9:00 am Audit
Camasta Birthday Party
17
10
3
February ►
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
25
8 & 10:15 am Worship
11:30 am Youth Choir
All financial records due for Audit
18
8 & 10:15 am Worship
11:30 am Youth Choir
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm Church Council
2:30 pm Service
11:30 am Youth Choir
5
Mon
4
8 & 10:15 am Worship
11:30 am Youth Choir
Sun
◄ December
PAGE 14
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
PAGE 15
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
8 AM-Morgan Fiorito
10:15 AM-Keegan
Fonder, Lindsey Henry
8 AM-Noel Fresa
10:15 AM-Charissa
Baysinger, Jenna Folk
8 AM-Lance Templeton
10:15 AM-Grace
Haldeman, Sylver
Reynolds
8 AM-Noah Fresa
Acolytes
JANUARY 2015
Date
4
11
18
25
10:15 AM-Grace
Haldeman, Shelby
Livingstone
Crucifer
10:15 AM-Jackson
Gray
10:15 AM-Taylor
Wismer
10:15 AM-Andrea
Clutter
10:15 AM-Savanna
Butz
Ushers
8 AM-Barbara Thomas
Lay Readers
If you are unable to serve on your
scheduled date please find a
substitute or call Pastor Chuck at 215679-9015. He prefers that you take the
responsibility of finding a substitute.
8 AM-Church Council
10:15 AM-David Lintvedt
Helper List
10:15 AM-Church Council
8 AM-Sally Wimmer
Greeters
10:15 AM-Ryan & Aricia
Sloyer
8 AM-Amy Hagenbuch, Elaine
Strimpel
10:15 AM-Horst & Joyce
Pape
8 AM-Barbara Hentz,
Michelle Mikolai
8 AM- Michael & Julia Slotter
10:15 AM-Horst & Joyce
Pape, Michael & Julia Slotter
8 AM-David & Pam Craig
10:15 AM-Gene & Amelia
10:15 AM-George & Bonnie Haley, Paul & Carla
Long
Hausmann
10:15 AM-Maribeth
Reigner
8 AM- Noah Fresa
10:15 AM-Becky Putera
8 AM-Liz Afflerbach
10:15 AM-Charlotte
Moser
8 AM-Gerald & Susan
Harpel
8 AM-Dick Conrad, Elaine
Strimpel
8 AM- Josh & Lindsey
Kresge
10:15 AM-Connie Beers,
Diane Berner, Becky Brunner,
Carol May
10:15 AM-Dana, Lindsey &
Jessica Henry
PAGE 16
REMARKS FROM ST. MARKS
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
SERVING IN HARM’S WAY:
Our sympathy & prayers go out to the families of
Eric Cozzone & Andrew Kirkner –
Leroy Heffentrager – date of death – 11/05/14
nephews of Bill & Debi Kirkner
Oliver Cleaver – date of death – 11/16/14
Darren Kern – son of Mark & Wendy
Kern
Douglas Needs – son of Jeffrey & Annette Needs
Dane Obelcz – nephew of Lynne Theis
ST. MARK’S PRAYER LIST
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ≈ Philippians 4:6
James Borchelt
Vera Boykin
Gary Eckard
Charles Herb
Rev. Ronald Krick
Joan Noon
Father John Scarcia
Pat Borneman
Bill Cameron
Florence Fosbenner
Marie Jones
Richard Leh
Allen Reynolds
Rosie Seville
Lillie Bosler
Travis Cook
Jane Hassanally
Ray Kramer
Tom Mikolai
Rick Robinson
Ruth Strimpel
Members, please help us update our Prayer List - Additions and those whose names can be
removed – please notify the Church Office.
Church office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
[Office closed Monday & Friday in July & August]
Office phone: 215-679-9015—Office Fax: 215-679-7188
Email: StMarks@StMarksPennsburg.com
Web: www.StMarksPennsburg.com
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Web: www.ministrylink.org
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Web: www.elca.org
Who’s Who at St. Mark’s
Pastor: Rev. Charles E. Romanowski
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. William A. Fluck
Director of Family Ministries: Dawn Harris
Director of Music: Judith A. Love
Council Members
Council President: Pete Reigner
Vice-President: Diane Mohr
Secretary: Christine Hoffman
Treasurer: Dorothy Specht
Asst. Treasurer: Thomas Putera
Financial Secretary: Kathleen Romich
Stanley Brunner, Gracie Cooper – Youth Rep.
Bonnie Gillespie, Charlie Greulich, Paul Hausmann,
Karen Keller, Donald Pyne, Jeffrey Sell, Lisa Sell,
Ryan Sloyer, Sally Wimmer
Administrative Assistant: Kathleen Romich
Sexton: Maureen Edelman
Assistant Sexton: Dennis Laubach
Cemetery Caretaker: Dennis Laubach
Acolyte and Crucifer Director: Elizabeth Afflerbach
Greeters Coordinator: 8:00 AM: Karen Keller
10:15 AM: Carla Hausman
Lay Readers Coordinator: Joan Brunner
Ushers Coordinator: 8:00 AM: Elaine Strimpel
10:15 AM: Barbara Bieler
President of WELCA: Diane Mohr
Altar Guild President: Bonnie Gillespie
ReMarks Editor: Julie O’Donnell
Photographer: Karen Mengel