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The Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church
Parish Visitor
308 Market Street
PO Box 246
New Berlin
Pennsylvania 17855
570-966-2815
mlc@dejazzd.com
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace be with you all!
As I write this, the new movie “Selma” is scheduled to hit the theaters soon. It is the first full length feature film to present
the story, or at least part of the story about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Frankly, I wonder how much of it will present the many religious aspects and faith-filled motivations of his public and social ministries to fight racism. I hope that
King will be portrayed as a spirit-filled and passionate pastor who worked for justice starting in his own neighborhood. He
was named after the reformer that we know and love. I read many of his works while I visited the King Center in Georgia.
Most of what he wrote were sermons and articles for his parishioners. Yet, he is well-known for his public sermon, “I have a
dream.” It was not just a speech. The best parts were added while he was in the moment. The familiar refrains and echoes
were not part of the original draft. They must have been Spirit inspired. I say this because they are accessible, theological,
and biblical in vision. The depth of the message was that he hoped and we hope together for a day when we will live as God
intends.
Of course, he is also well know for his social activism and his nonviolent emphasis on working out injustices by appropriate
conduct. His words demanding respect and upright behaviors in the face of corruption and violent oppression still ring true.
Recent events throughout our country and world have highlighted the fact that King’s proclamation and interpretation of the
radical words of Jesus continue to be a deep well full of guiding words. In a time when it seems that so many are interested
in picking a fight and enflaming the drama, it is still comforting to hear his wise words speak of ways to get beyond the things
that tear us down. He helps us to see what hatred, fear, and all forms of negativity do—kill. We celebrate his birthday this
month, which is more encouraging than celebrating his death as a martyr (on April 4). Yet, I have often wondered why we
do not see his peace-making work as a spiritual and religious effort. He is indeed listed in our church calendar of saints as a
renewer of society and martyr. I appreciate the American Civil Holiday that honors him, but as a pastor, there is so much
more to his life. Not only do I still find his sermon, “I have a dream” inspiring, but I pray that as he is in the great cloud of
witnesses that surround us—that he would continue to help us find the nonviolent path to racial equality and peace. I pray
that he would help us to see beyond the tone of others’ skin (or other superficial markers) to judge by the content of their
character. I pray that we would be inspired to hear the call of Jesus to serve and help our neighbors and society with similar
courage and integrity. I pray that there would be more pastors like Martin to lead us into that great one day. I pray that you
would be able to discern ways that you could be more open, loving, and accepting. May we each ask ourselves, “Do my
words and actions work for peace in my home and town? Do I judge others appropriately and show respect to those who
are different from me? Do I use my power and authority for the good of others? Do I show forgiveness to those who have
wronged me?
May we as co-workers in the kingdom, lift up his example and strive to live lives worthy of Christ’s calling to us. May we
build up and not tear down, share love and turn aside from hate.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Pastor Andrew Fitch
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Supporting “Reforming Our Discipleship” we will hear from Ancient and present voices that will encourage the comfort to swim in the
deep end of faith in action. Saints past, present, and future will help us
along our way. We will explore the facets of deepening discipleship. What
does it mean to follow Jesus in living and dying? How can we grow as individuals and as a people? How do we relate our faith to those who might
be “spiritual but not religious” or not affiliated with any tradition?
Mission-fest
January 25
During the Learning Hour
A Time for hearing more about “Reforming our Discipleship”
Bring your ideas and a pot-luck dish to share!
This is a “brain-storming” type event, so come ready to share and participate and consider ways that we can continue to grow in mission as a people of God.
There will be a few baby sitters for the little ones, so young and old can have fun and enjoy the time to talk and share.
We will finish up around lunch with the meal.
If you have any questions, contact Pastor Fitch.
Thank you from the Fitches
Thank you for the cards, gifts, prayers, and warm wishes for
our new year in a new home! Thank you particularly for the
congregation’s Christmas gift. We certainly appreciated it and
all that you do for us and all that we do together as a people of
God.
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WELCA … Luther an Chur ch Women ar e tying quilts for Lutheran World Relief. There is a
desperate need for old sheets (fitted or flat) of any
color or pieces of material measuring at least 60”
x 80”. If you can help, please bring these items to
church and give them to Miriam or Fran. Thank
You.
Dear Workers in the
Kingdom of God,
On Dec. 18th, our
food pantry served 48 families or 134 people. Thank
you to all of the volunteers
who give of their time every month . Please consider
helping out next month on Thurs., Nov. 20 , by
contacting Miriam Milbrand at 570-966-1352.
Since our food pantry is small and local,
we are not receiving any government food or money. In support of our food pantry, the churches
will be asking you to please help by bringing specific items next month. Peanut butter and tuna will be the goal for the United Church of
Christ. At Messiah Lutheran, the congregation
will be asked to bring
PASTA AND SPAGHETTI SAUCE
and place them in the container which will be sitting by the coat racks. Phyllis Swanger will ask
the folks at the Methodist Church for canned fruit
and prepared meals. Pastor Jason's congregation
will be contributing cereals. If you wish to contribute monetarily, checks may be made to M.E.L.C.
Pastor's Discretionary Fund. Of course, you can
still donate other food items to the pantry if you
find good sales on different items.
Please save paper bags for us to use in the
food pantry. We need 1 qt. plastic bottles again.
Thanks for your continued support,
The New Berlin Food Pantry
XYZ Luncheon … Tuesday,
January 20 at Noon at Hideaway
Café, at the SUN Tech. Please
sign up if you plan to attend. If
you need a ride, indicate that on
the sign up sheet in the fellowship hall. These
luncheons are open to anyone who wants to join
in, regardless of age.
81st Annual Men’s Oyster Supper
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 6:30pm
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Turbotville, PA
Approximate donation of $14 per person
The Knit Wits will meet on Thur sday, J anuar y
29 at 7:00pm at the home of Barb Brown.
2015 Altar Guild … Ther e is one Sunday in
2015 that still needs someone to serve on Altar
Guild. The date is September 13. Please contact
Miriam Milbrand if you can serve on this date.
Thank You
MESSIAH YOUTH
I want to thank you for all the prayers and well
wishes during my recovery. I would especially
like to thank all of those who provided all the
delicious meals.
Friday, January 23, 2015
6:30-9:00pm
Ice Skating at the Sunbury Rink
$4 admission includes skate rental. Bring money
for vending machines if you want snacks.
Thanks again,
Janet Neidig
Looking ahead to February:
Feb. 15, 2015 (Sunday) 2:00 – 3:30 New Berlin
Lutheran is host. Lent will soon begin so time to
make the donuts. Come decorate your donut and
join in the fun with Gaye and Lynn guiding us
with some songs.
January Anniversaries
January 3
January 12
January 19
January 25
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David and Marguerite Hummel
Shawn and Kelly Roush
Robert and Janet Neidig
Robert and Erma Van Horn
Worship Leaders/Assistants
(Please remember … If you cannot attend worship the day you are scheduled as a helper, please find a replacement and notify the church office of the change. And, if you ar e not cur r ently on our list of helper s, and would
like to be, please contact the church office.)
Head Usher
Ronald Blatchley
Acolytes
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
1/2/1
Garrett Benfer and Evan Foss
Amanda Schlegel and Nathan Sauers
Emilee Fitch and Christopher Hauck
Bradley Sauers and Ryan Sauers
Sean Benfer and Keisha Schlegel
Lectors
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Tom Milbrand
Miriam Milbrand
Karla Benfer
Jillian Fee
Stacy Sauers
Greeters
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Katie and Ross Mitchell family
Clyde and Diane Walter
Grant and Kathy Brady
Stephanie and Reese Stahl
Greg and Kim Schlegel
Cantors
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Miriam Milbrand
JR Erdley
Ronald Blatchley
Ryan Fitch
Kate Williard
Altar Guild
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Frances Blatchley
Deb Wetzel and Bob Woodling
Ken and Patty Wetzel
Lee Eberhart
Tom and Miriam Milbrand
Fellowship
Hosts
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Kay T. & Betty H.
Church Council
Deb & Jerry Boyer
Patty & Gladys W.
John & Nancy S.
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Nate Williard, Katie Mitchell, Tom Milbrand, Patty Wetzel
Greg Schlegel, Diane Walter, Deb Wetzel, Frances Blatchley
Linn Wetzel, Kay Hestor, Stacy Sauers, Kerry Fitch
Chris Sauers, Nate Williard, Ryan Fitch, Emilee Fitch
Gary Anderson, Ronald Blatchley, Jean Sauers, Ross Mitchell
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Youth
Gary Anderson, Donald Wetzel, Ronald Blatchley, Carl Scholl
Confirmation Class
ACT Class
Ken and Patty Wetzel, Kay Trick, Deb Wetzel
1/4
1/11
1/18
1/25
2/1
Ronald and Frances Blatchley
Deb Wetzel and Bob Woodling
Ken and Patty Wetzel
Lee Eberhart
Tom and Miriam Milbrand
Communion
Assistants
Offering
Bearers
Flower
Sponsors
(Feb. Head Usher—Katie Mitchell)
Messiah Congregation,
Thank you so much for your gracious Christmas
gift. I appreciate it and all of you. Remember to
always keep a song in your heart!
In His Love, Gaye
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The deadline for the
February Newsletter is
Sunday, January 25.
Prayer List
Prayers of healing, wholeness, encouragement—Long Term:
Judy Hackenberg, Julia Hauck, Logan Roush, Alicia Saxon, Kevin Featherstone, Linda Wood, Aimee
Erdley, Lois Roberts, Marlene Gabel, Faye Stover, Merrilee Bender, Lester Hummel, Noah Navickas,
Catherine Bell, Travis Catherman, Cindy Murphy, Laura Faux, Eleanor Evitts, Katie Benfer, Bill Duke,
Edward Bennett, Bill and Bonnie Pontius, Nancy Pursley, Glen Jones, Julia Fetter, Neida Frank
Prayers of healing, wholeness, encouragement,—Short Term:
Pat Seebold, Alexis Erb, Roy Fern, Corey Milbrand, Sandy Haines, Mary Catherine Hummel, Erica
Muskett, Sue Moll
Providence and protection for First Responders, Military service
Stanley Miller, Aaron Snyder, Adam Davis, Stephen Schlegel, Shane Keller, Eric Brosious
Prayers of care and help for our homebound:
Bob Frank, Robert Seebold, Edna Probst, Erma VanHorn, Jane Solomon, Pauline Sauers, Roberta Hollenbach, Martha Wetzel, Clair Jacka
Prayers of consolation and comfort for those who are grieving
ATTENTION MARRIED COUPLES: When is the last time the two of you did some
thing to enrich and revitalize your marriage? Make 2015 the year you resolve to take time to
spend a weekend learning how to make your marriage a more intimate, loving, Christian
union. Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends run from Friday night at 8 PM to Sunday
around 4 PM and have been enriching marriages for almost 40 years! There is a $45 per
couple registration fee; plus toward the end of the weekend, you will be given an opportunity
to make a confidential contribution toward continuation of the program. Two nights lodging,
5 meals for each of you, and all supplies are included.
The 2015 Pennsylvania Weekends are:

March 13-14, 2015 at the lovely Sher aton Pittsbur gh Air por t Hotel located in a peaceful setting 6 miles fr om
the Pittsburgh Airport.
 April 10-12, 2015 at Toftr ees Golf Resor t and Confer ence Center nestled in 1500 wooded acr es in State College, PA.
 September 18-20, 2015 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Canadensis, PA, a new, hotel-style facility on Spruce Lake
in the heart of the Pocono Mountains – an hour north of Allentown.
October 16-18, 2015 in Lancaster, PA, at the all newly-renovated Heritage Hotel Lancaster, home of the unique treehouse-inspired restaurant, “Loxley’s.”
Registrations are limited, so act today to ensure that you can attend the Weekend of your choice. To sign up
online, go to: www.GodLovesMarriage.org and pay the $45 fee using your credit card, or mark the option to mail in a
check For questions, or if you would like a brochure mailed to you, contact Pennsylvania Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at 724-325-3166 or email: fjschamber@comcast.net.
January Birthdays
Jan 1 Robert Hicks
Jan 5 Julia Fetter
Jan 6 Adam Hartman
Jan 7 Andrea Klingler
Ross Mitchell
Jan 8 Kevin Fry
Melissa Hauck
Jan 11 Gladys Wetzel
Jan 12 Michael Showers
Jan 13 Chris Sauers
Emilee Fitch
Jan 15 Austin Styers
Linda Resseguie
Jan 18 Mary Spangler
Jan 19 James Reilly
Jan 22 Robert Gutheinz
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Jan 24
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 31
Ronald Blatchley
Wendy Foss
JoLynn Weikel
Pamela Erdley
Roberta Hollenbach
Ruth DeWire
Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
November 6, 2014
Present: Pastor Fitch, Gary Anderson, Ronald Blatchley, Kay Hestor, Chris Sauers, Greg Schlegel, Carl
Scholl, Diane Walter, Nate Williard. Absent: Katrina Mitchell. No visitors.
The meeting was called to order at 6:49pm by President Diane Walter and Pastor Fitch led the group in a
reading of a Mission Verse, Galatians 3:27. The pastor then led a brief devotions based on the Mission Verse.
The Secretary’s minutes of the October meeting were accepted without change.
The Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $2309.49 at the end of September and a current balance of
$776.20 (as of November 5) and a list of unpaid bills totaling $15,264.23. Treasurer Williard reported that Portico (Pastor’s benefits) has now been paid up to date by borrowing from 300 Market Street Renovation funds.
The current balance on the Mortgage Account is $167,295.29. The Treasurer’s report was accepted for file
and audit.
The Pastor’s report indicated the usual mix of worship, pastoral care, community and fellowship participation.
He particularly noted his satisfaction with the Faith Statements and Confirmation of Evan Foss and Julia
Hauck on October 26. He thanked the Council and congregation for their help on moving to the new parsonage. Pastor’s work week has averaged 51 hours in October.
Committee Reports
Stewardship: Blatchley presented a Giving Calculator which he would like to include along with the distribution of envelopes for 2015. The Calculator offers some advice on giving and may assist members in
deciding what amount they wish to give weekly.
Property, 300 Market St.: Some leaky plumbing was repaired by Eric Eaton but he had to open a wall.
Clyde Walter will close the wall with an access panel. The chimney in the summer kitchen needs to be
cleaned and repaired; Schlegel and Scholl will attend to it. The oil-fired boiler, oil tanks, and mini-splits
are available to anyone for a donation or will be scrapped after Nov. 17. “Phase II” will see to repairing
the spouting and improving the drainage on the Market Street side of the house. Other work might wait
until spring. A Men in Mission will be organized on Nov. 22 to deal with some of the problems.
Property, 412 Market St.: The property sold for $144,000 and Messiah netted $134,105.71 after expenses. That amount will be deposited to the Renovation Account to settle any remaining bills and repay the
bridge loan of $60,000.
Property, 308 Market St.: Hearthstone is done and has been paid for masonry work. The boilers will be
serviced soon. Linn Wetzel will look at sanctuary lighting and make recommendations.
Finance: Schlegel is finishing up with necessary forms for Berkheimer.
Christian Education/Youth & Family Ministries: No Report.
Worship and Music: Christmas Family Service will be at 6:30pm.
WELCA: Will meet Nov. 10 and prepare baskets for shut-ins.
Men in Mission: November 22 workday beginning at 8:00am.
Staff Support: No report.
Mission and Witness: Attempted to have a meeting. No report.
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(continued on page 6)
November Council minutes continued …
Old Business
Church Directory has been submitted for printing.
Quickbook: No action.
Nominating Committee: Candidates proposed for 2015 Church Council are Greg Schlegel, Diane Walter,
and Linn Wetzel. By motion of Sauers/Hestor Council endorses the nominations. Candidates proposed
for 2015 Nominating Committee are Frances Blatchley, Shawn Danner, Wendy Foss. By motion of
Scholl/Williard Council endorses the nominations. Those names will be presented at the Congregational
Meeting November 16.
Spangler Estate: On motion of Sauers/Schlegel Council votes to recommend to the congregation that
Messiah Church accept the Donald Spangler bequest of $20,000 to be placed into a new Donald Spangler Building Fund.
New Business
Several names were proposed for an Audit Committee. Our by-laws require three members on rotating
three-year terms but we currently have no standing committee. Walter and Schlegel will contact the
names proposed to see who will serve. The committee will form and decide among themselves who is in
for one year, two years, and three. They will also have to select a chair.
The Finance Committee presented a proposed 2015 budget subject to a bit of tweaking. On motion of Anderson/Scholl the budget was approved for presentation at the Congregational Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm with Council praying the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be a dinner meeting at
the parsonage December 11.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald C. Blatchley, Secretary
January 25, 2015: Camp Mount Luther Turkey Benefit Dinner
This event will celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday. Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of our country. Camp Mount Luther thought it would be fitting to have a turkey dinner to honor his January birthday! You are invited to come to his birthday party and support camp at the same time! The dinner will be held on Sunday, January 25,
2015, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Center at Mount Luther. The menu will consist of turkey and all the trimmings. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray the cost of the dinner. Reservations are required and can be
made by contacting the camp office at (570) 922-1587 or cml@campmountluther.org. Deadline for ordering is Tuesday,
January 20, 2015, at 9:00 a.m.
February 6-7, 2015: GROW in the Snow
The Upper Susquehanna Synod GROW Team and Camp Mount Luther are pleased to announce the return
of the synod youth retreat. This year’s event will be held on February 6-7-8, 2015. All youth in 6-12th
grade and their youth leaders are invited to attend. The theme for the retreat is “Washed by the Water.”
Come Gather and Reflect On the Word as you take a closer look at baptism. Experience your Creator,
play winter games and find refreshment in the peace of camp in winter. Most of the programming will
occur from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, but we are offering an option to make it a whole weekend
and stay overnight Saturday. Cost is $55 (one night) or $100 (2 nights) if registered by January 15, 2015.
Late fee of $10 added after that date. Firm registration deadline of February 2, 2015, with no refunds
after that deadline. Each registered group should provide one adult (21 or over) for every seven youth and at least one
adult for each gender represented. Cabin assignments will be made based on available adults and number of youth attending. A schedule with more information is posted here:
http://www.campmountluther.org/newsitems/GROW%20in%20the%20Snow%20Schedule.pdf.
Contact Pastor Peter Horn at stlukelcpeter@ptd.net or Chad Hershberger at chad@campmountluther.org with questions.
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January 2015
3
Fri
2
10
Thu
1
9
Wed
8
Tue
7
6:45pm Church
Council
17
Mon
6
8:30pm Worship and
Music Committee
16
24
Sun
Epiphany
14
15 10-11:30am
Food Pantry
Food Distribution
23
5
13
22
31
4
7pm WELCA
Planning meeting
21
30
Second Sunday after
Epiphany
12
Baptism of Our Lord
19
29
11
18
20 NOON - XYZ
Lunch at Hide Away
Café, @ SUN Tech
28
7pm Knit Wits meet
at the home of Barb
Brown
27
7:30pm Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
26
25
Missionfest
Third Sunday after
Epiphany
Sat
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Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church
PO Box 246
New Berlin, PA 17855
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church
Parish Visitor
January 2015
Visit our website at www.newberlinlutherans.com
Live God’s Grace. Share Christ’s Love. Serve the Lord.
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