October 20, 2019 Sermon

Announcements ~ October 20, 2019

 A:     Blessed be the name of the LORD, from this time on and forevermore

C:     From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

*Blessings to all this morning and a special welcome to all guests visiting with us today.

Even on a rainy day, it is a joy to be in God’s presence and worship together as we are Moving Forward Together in Purpose.

*Could you be an Encourager for one of our students? Deliver Micah’s Backpacks to Fountaindale? Help provide lunch for the residents at Potomac Towers? Volunteer at St. Mark’s Food Bank or the Reach Cold Shelter?  Find out about all these opportunities to serve in today’s bulletin. God’s Work. Our Hands.

*Next Sunday is Reformation Sunday, a celebration of the Lord’s ongoing efforts to reform and transform us and our church for God’s saving work in the world. If you have it, wear some red.

*Our Annual Trunk or Treat is also next Sunday, October 27th from 6-7pm. Cars are asked to arrive at 5:30pm to park and prepare to hand out their goodies. So the kids have lots of cars to visit, we really need several more people to sign up to come. Ask a neighbor, friend or co-worker to come. This is one simple way we spread the sweet love of Jesus.

*On November 3rd, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday. Among the traditions for that day is the remembrance of those who have died since last November. Please be ready to tell us next Sunday on the attendance form if you have lost a dear one in that time so we will include them in our remembrance.

*To maintain this property God has given us AND to keep down our costs, Haven needs your help at the Fall Clean up  days on November 9th and 16th from 9am – noon. There are a variety of tasks for a variety of abilities. Come out and help for one or more hours on one or both of these days.  We will conclude at noon with some snacks and prayer. See the bulletin for more information.

*The Giving Tree is up in the lobby! We are collecting food for our annual Christmas food baskets. Please take a tag or two and bring the items back to church by mid November.

*We have a change in the Adult Bible Study schedule. Today, Pastor Dave Kaplan will continue a study of the book of Philippians. Next Sunday, Valerie Wills will begin a monthly class on Religions of the World with a look at Shintoism. You are never too old to learn!

*One worship note — At the pastor’s last-minute request, today’s Hymn of the Day has been changed to #787, “On Eagle’s Wings”

This week’s concerns and joys:

*Best wishes to Mike Freeman and Pam O’Connor who celebrate birthdays this week. Congratulations to Craig & Joyce Meredith and Tim and Lauren Hugenin who celebrate wedding anniversaries this week.

A; Now we prepare ourselves to worship as we listen to the Prelude. Amen.

Announcements ~ October 6, 2019

A:     Blessed be the name of the LORD, from this time on and forevermore

C:     From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

*Blessings to all this morning and a special welcome to all guests visiting with us today. It is a joy to be in God’s presence and worship together as we are Moving Forward Together in Purpose.

*Welcome to Pastor Reed and thank you for preaching and presiding at worship today. Please add your own words of gratitude after worship and during coffee fellowship.

*Today at 11 am, all ushers and those who are willing to be ushers, are invited to come back to the church after getting refreshments for a brief “re-training” meeting. It has been a long time since we updated the guidelines for ushering, which is a very important ministry of hospitality. We promise it will be brief so you can still attend part of today’s adult Sunday School class.

*Help pack or deliver Micah’s backpacks? Be an encourager for one of our students? Take a seminarian to lunch? Help provide lunch for residents at Potomac Towers? Find out about all these opportunities to serve in today’s bulletin. God’s Work. Our Hands.

*October’s newsletter is available in the church lobby. Be sure to pick up a copy today.

*It is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Check out the materials in the narthex. Consider joining Amy Mason in the Tristate Breast Cancer Walk on October 19^th. Information about this event is in the October newsletter and today’s bulletin.

*Pastor Alessandri will be on vacation through Friday, October 11^th. Please contact Pastor David Eisenhuth for pastoral care and presence in an emergency. His phone number is in the bulletin, newsletter and on slips on the mobile message board in the narthex. Please do not hesitate to call Pastor Eisenhuth for support as needed. Please pray for safe travels and good homecoming for Pastor Alessandri.

This week’s concerns and joys:

*Harold Rice will have his court hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 9^th at 1 pm in District Court. If you can attend, your presence will be appreciated. There is more information in the bulletin and newsletter. Otherwise, please pray for Harold and for a positive outcome.

*Best wishes to Kendra Sellers, Aura Harbaugh-Wiles, Kathy Wright, and Ann Lochbaum who celebrate birthdays this week and Joan & Ed Schupp who celebrate their wedding anniversary today.
A; Now we prepare ourselves to worship as we listen to the Prelude. Amen.

September 29, 2019 Sermon

Announcements ~ September 29, 2019

A:     Blessed be the name of the LORD, from this time on and forevermore.

C:     From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

*Welcome Home, Haven and a special welcome to all guests visiting with us today. It is a joy to be in God’s presence and worship together as we are Moving Forward Together in God’s Word.

*This morning we welcome our Seminarian, Katy Moran, as our Ministerial Fieldworker in the coming school year. Be sure to welcome Katy. And, please be sure to keep introducing yourself to Katy during the year —- We are a lot of new faces and names for Katy to try to remember.

*Haven Connectors will meet this morning at 11 am in Haven West. A Haven Connector is a Haven member who has agreed to keep in touch with 10-12 other members during the year. If someone introduces themselves as your Connector, we hope you will welcome their contact and appreciate their efforts to keep members connected to Haven and Haven connected to members.

*Haven’s Sunday School Adventure starts today. Listen for the bell to gather students from Coffee Fellowship. The children will be diving into the story of Adam and Eve.  The Adult Sunday School class will begin a two-week look at the “Prodigal Son, the Welcoming Father and the Not-so-Happy Brother,” led by Jamie and Jim Cannon. And our teens will be planning their coming year with leader Jackie Webb. No matter your age, come grow in God’s Word as we build a community of faith that is moving forward together.

*Ketchup Sunday is TODAY! The Council thanks you for your consideration and response. While we have tried to make it somewhat light-hearted using a ketchup bottle, it is about more than a deficit. Let this be an opportunity to listen to God’s call to the spiritual practice of reviewing our finances regularly and prayerfully to see if our spending aligns with God’s will. . “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

*Next Sunday at 11 am, all ushers and those who are willing to be ushers, are invited to come back to the church after getting refreshments for a brief “re-training” meeting. It has been a long time since we updated the guidelines for ushering, which is a very important ministry of hospitality. We promise it will be brief so you can still get to Sunday School. Ushers and soon-to-be-ushers, please plan to come to this brief meeting next Sunday.

*PLEASE take your bulletin home today and read it. Feeding folks at Potomac Towers, being an encourager to one of our students, packing or delivering Micah’s Backpacks —- these are just a few ways you can use your hands to do God’s Work.

*Pastor Alessandri leaves tomorrow for a much-needed vacation. While she is gone, Pastor Stephanie Steele and Pastor David Eisenhuth will be available if you should wish for pastoral care and presence. The pastors’ phone numbers are in the October newsletter AND available on slips at the mobile board. Please do not hesitate to call these pastors for support as needed.

This week’s concerns and joys:

*It is a delight to announce that Maura Haupt is home and feeling great.

*We thank the Evangelism Team and their helpers for yesterday’s pet blessing. We blessed 11 dogs, 2 cats, 1 monarch butterfly and 1 mighty impressive lizard and had a good time.

*Best wishes to Jean Carbaugh, Kenny Shankle, Don Andrews and Dawn Tice who celebrate birthdays this week.  Congratulations to Kenny and JoAnn Shankle and Elaine & Ray Michael who have wedding anniversaries this week.

A:  Now we prepare ourselves to worship as we listen to the Prelude. Amen.

September 22, 2019 Sermon

Announcements September 22, 2019

A:     Blessed be the name of the LORD, from this time on and forevermore

C:     From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

*Welcome Home, Haven and a special welcome to all guests visiting with us today. It is a joy to be in God’s presence and worship together.

*The Parish Education Team is at it again. They’ve provide us with a theme for our program year —- Moving Forward Together. It will be on our bulletin covers. It is on a wonderful bulletin board provided by Susie Resh. Each month we will add a different ending. This month, it is “Moving Forward Together in God’s Word”. Add it to your devotions and prayer time and let’s discover how God will be moving us forward together this year.

*Our Welcome Home, Haven month continues today as we celebrate the Kick-off of another Sunday School year. Coffee fellowship will be in the Gathering Room. We hope children, teens AND adults will come together for a time of fun, games and celebration. You can also get a peek at our new Micah’s Backpack Ministry space, which we will bless. Please stay and come down to the Gathering Room to show your support for Haven’s efforts to Move Forward Together in God’s Word in our Sunday School and our Hunger ministries.

*We are collecting personal hygiene items for St. Mark’s Food Bank. They often get requests for items like shampoo, deodorants, feminine hygiene supplies, and toothpaste & toothbrushes, which cannot be purchased with food stamps. All donations are appreciated.

*The weekly Adult Bible Study — Wading in the Word —- meets each Wednesday at 10 am. Come every week or come when you are able. NO prior Bible Study experience needed. ALL are invited and welcomed to come. And IF you would be interested in an evening Bible study during a week night, please note that on your attendance form.

*Next Sunday, the Adult Sunday School class will begin a two-week look at the “Prodigal Son, the Welcoming Father and the Not-so-Happy Brother,” led by Jamie and Jim Cannon. Come explore this famours Bible story and consider how it may apply to our lives.

*Ketchup Sunday is coming! Look on page 14 of your bulletin. We are $10,000 behind our projected offerings. The Council asks each of us to prayerfully consider how we each can help “catch up” and move forward together in ministry. Please be as generous as you are able.

*Haven’s Pet Blessing is this Saturday, Sept. 28^th, from 10 am -1 pm. down by our digital sign. Each pet receives a blessing and has their picture taken with their owner. Spread the news and stop by with your pet. Or just stop by to greet our neighbors and their pets.

This week’s concerns and joys:

*We are sad to announce the death of Samuel Hong, husband of Jill Britton-Hong and son-in-law of Sue and Cliff Britton. We give thanks for God’s mercies and pray for comfort and peace for Sam’s family in the coming days and months.

*It is a delight to announce that Sharon Hartsock is home after receiving a pacemaker last week. And our joy continues as we report that Maura Haupt, who was taken by helicopter to Children’s Hospital in DC after she had stopped breathing, is awake and eager to go home. Testing continues since the cause for the incidence is still undetermined. Please keep Sharon, Maura and their families in prayer.

*We thank the Parish Life and Worship Teams and all their helpers for putting together a wonderful Outdoor Worship and Picnic last Sunday. It was a beautiful day for praising our Lord and enjoying good food and fellowship.

*Best wishes to Abby Byers, Content Allamong and Amy Mason  who celebrate birthdays this week.                                                 

A; Now we prepare ourselves to worship as we listen to the Prelude. Amen.

Announcements ~ September 15, 2019

A:     Blessed be the name of the LORD,  from this time on and forevermore

C:     From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

*God’s blessings to all and a special welcome to any guests visiting with us today. It is a joy to be in God’s presence and worship together outdoors in this lovely setting.

*After worship and our delicious picnic lunch, there will be games for the children and Bingo for everyone. We have some nice prizes, too. Let’s enjoy our time together, Haven!

*Next week, we continue our Welcome Home, Haven month at Haven Road as we worship together at 9:30 and kick off a new Sunday School year. Our coffee fellowship will be in the Gathering Room, where we hope children, teens AND adults will come together for a time of fun, games and celebration. We will also give tours of our new Micah’s Backpack Ministry space and offer a blessing of the room and the ministry. Please make plans to stay. Show your support for Haven’s efforts to Move Forward Together in God’s Word in our Sunday School and our Hunger ministries.

*Some members had expressed an interest in attending the face-off of Smithburg and Middletown’s JV soccer teams, when Haven’s own teens, Aura and Emily will be playing against one another. Well, it is THIS Tuesday, Sept. 17^th at 5:30 pm at the Middletown High School. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children. It should be a good game.

*This Wednesday at 10 am, Wading in the Word Bible Study will resume. Each Wednesday, Pastor Alessandri will lead the class through a look at the gospel for the upcoming Sunday and a study of St. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. NO prior Bible Study experience needed. ALL are invited and welcomed to come.

*Ketchup Sunday is coming! Be sure to read the flyer in your bulletin today. Begin to “mustard” up the time for prayerful consideration so you can “relish” this opportunity to imitate God’s generosity.

This week’s concerns and joys:

*Harold Rice wants you to know that each time a postcard is passed into his cell he feels love coming to him. He thanks you for your kind words and looks to the day he can be back at his church.

*Good news, Haven. We WILL be getting a seminary student this year. We know nothing more until Pastor goes to the Gettysburg campus tomorrow.

*Best wishes to Wayne Gaumer and Michael Freeman who celebrate birthdays this week and, again, to Bob Dean who celebrated his 102^nd birthday last Thursday.

A; Now, we continue our worship with our Opening Hymn, “Shout to the Lord.” AMEN

September 8, 2019 Sermon

Announcements ~ September 8, 2019

 A:     Blessed be the name of the LORD, from this time on and forevermore

C:     From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised.

*Welcome Home, Haven and a special welcome to all guests visiting with us today. It is a joy to be in God’s presence and worship together.

*This morning we will welcome five New Members to Haven. We hope you will be sure to greet our newest brothers and sisters in Christ as we share some refreshments in the narthex after worship.

*But there is still more on this second week of our Welcome Home, Haven month. After refreshments, you have two opportunities. In the parlor, you can exercise Your hands doing God’s Work by learning about PLARNING — the process of turning plastic grocery bags into waterproof sleeping mats for the homeless. If you can cut or tie strips of plastic together, you can help. Great fellowship, too.

At the same time, in the adult Sunday School room, Pastor Alessandri will be leading a discussion about decisions made at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

You are welcomed to go to one or sample both opportunities.

*We are collecting personal hygiene items for St. Mark’s Food Bank. They often get requests for items like shampoo, deodorants, feminine hygiene supplies, and toothpaste & toothbrushes, which can not be purchased with food stamps. All donations are appreciated.

*Next week, on September 15^th, Haven will have its annual outdoor worship and church picnic at Doub’s Woods at 10:30 am.  Sign up on the attendance form so we know how much chicken to buy. Bring a lawn chair for worship. Stop at the Picnic bulletin board in the narthex to pick up a slip for your contribution to our picnic feast. There will be NO worship here at the church next Sunday. So, come on Haven! Let’s worship, picnic and party together at Doub’s Woods next Sunday at 10:30 am!

*The September newsletter is now available in the church narthex. Pick up your copy today.

This week’s concerns and joys:

*Best wishes to Dustin Black, Jadrya Fortson and Bob Dean who celebrate birthdays this week. Congratulations to Dick and June Hess who celebrate a wedding anniversary on Thursday.

A; Now we prepare ourselves to worship as we listen to the Prelude.

September 1, 2019 Sermon (click here to open the Sermon pdf)

Announcements  August 31 & September 1, 2019

a: Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good,   C:  For God’s mercy endures forever.

*Welcome Home, Haven and a special welcome to all guests visiting with us today. What a joy it is to be in God’s presence and worship together.

*The September newsletter is now available in the church narthex. Pick up your copy today so you don’t miss an opportunity for service or fun this Welcome Home Haven month.

*Next Sunday we welcome five new members to Haven. Pass the word. Let’s welcome them with a good crowd, Haven! After worship, you can learn what happened at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly with Pastor Alessandri in the adult Sunday School Room OR you can learn how to do God’s Work with Our Hands through our plarning project.

*In just two weeks, on September 15^th, Haven will have its annual outdoor worship and church picnic at Doub’s Woods. Sign up on the attendance form so we know how much chicken to buy. Stop at the Picnic bulletin board in the narthex to pick up a slip for your contribution to our picnic feast. More information in the bulletin.
*Welcome Home Haven month doesn’t stop there, either. On September 22nd our coffee fellowship after worship will move to the Gathering Room for the grand Re-Opening of Sunday School — babies, children, teens and adults are asked to come to kick-off another year of Going Forward Together in God’s Word. Please stay to support our Sunday School.

*Haven’s Adult choir will have its first rehearsal this Wednesday at 7 pm. If you can carry a tune, come check it out this friendly musical fellowship. Talk to Choir Director, Steve Pastena if you have questions or need any encouragement.

*And if singing is not your gift, how about Haven’s Bell Choir? The Bell Choir will have its first rehearsal next Monday, September 9^th. Bell Choir Director, Nancy Newkirk, will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this music ministry at Haven.

*To extend hospitality to families with young children, we provide a nursery during worship. Please consider adding your name to the list of volunteers who staff that nursery during the year. The more volunteers, the fewer times each person will need to serve. Exercise your faith by helping to care for our children and their parents.

This week’s concerns and joys:

*Thanks to all who contributed food or helped to serve lunch at Potomac Towers last week. Over 35 persons enjoyed a summer picnic lunch. We serve our next lunch on October 31st.

*We have no birthdays or anniversaries recorded for this coming week. Can that be right? Please let us know if we missed someone’s special day.

A: Rejoicing in God’s saving grace, we seek our Lord’s wisdom and strength:

C: “To honor God, to reach out with love to our members and the community and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.”  A: Amen