THE MESSENGER
ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net
Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran
2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605
Phone: 610-929-8727
Fax: 610-929-5397
Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM
Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com
Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.
“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”
March, 2019
MARCH
-Edna C. Lovelace
March likes to tease and make us think
That spring’s around the bend;
The winds are soft and gentle
Like a little lamb and then –
Before we know what’s happening
The winds are harsh and cold;
We know that winter’s still around –
We are not really fooled.
March is so unpredictable,
It can’t make up its mind –
But we need a little patience
And one day we will find
That there are little catkins
On the pussy willow trees;
Spring is just around the corner
And the wind is just a breeze.
“I have cared for you since you were born.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
(Isaiah 46:3-4)
This Bible passage from Isaiah 46 has tremendous meaning for me personally, now that I am advancing in age. On March 18, I will be celebrating my 60th birthday! When I was in my teens and early twenties, I could never think of myself as being 60! Now that it is here, I wonder where have all those years gone!
Turning 60 years old gives me the opportunity to look back over my life. There have been many success and failures, joys and sorrows, challenges and disappointments. Through all my 60 years, however, I have felt the presence of God.
Here are just some of the major events of my 60 years:
Born on March 18, 1959 in Warwick, RI
Baptized in April of 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI
Confirmed on October 21, 1973 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI
Graduated from Tollgate High School, Warwick, RI, in June of 1977
Graduated from Upsala College, East Orange, NJ on May 29, 1981
Completed my internship in pastoral ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kreidersville, PA, August 1983 to August 1984, where I met my future wife.
The death of my younger sister at the age of 18 on November 28, 1985 (Thanksgiving Day)
Graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA on May 12, 1985
Ordained a pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI on September 29, 1985
Began my pastoral ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, Robesonia, PA on October 1, 1985
(Installed on October 27, 1985)
Engaged to Leanne Newhard on February 15, 1986
Married Leanne Newhard on November 14, 1987 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kreidersville, PA
Birth of a daughter, Rachel, on May 16, 1990
Baptism of Rachel on July 8, 1990 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Robesonia, PA
Began my pastoral ministry at Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, PA on September 1, 1990
(Installed on November 18, 1990)
Purchased my first home in Fleetwood, PA in October, 1990
Birth of a son, Aaron, on October 14, 1994
Baptism of Aaron on December 4, 1994 at Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, PA
Began my pastoral ministry at Alsace Lutheran Church on September 1, 1995 (Installed on October 15, 1995)
Confirmation of Rachel on June 8, 2003 at Alsace
The death of my mother on June 3, 2004
Confirmation of Aaron on May 11, 2008
Continued on next page…
Called as Senior Pastor of Alsace on October 6, 2013 (Installed on April 6, 2014 – I was too sick to attend; it was the first installation of a pastor by phone!)
Father-in-Law died on January 26, 2016
I know there are many more events to come, God willing! I cling to the promise of Isaiah 46:3: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime…” God is good! I have been blessed!
In Thanksgiving,
Pastor Richard A. Nelson
Baptism
Rayson Curtis Hoffa
Parents: Jason and Danielle
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)
March 3 (white) – Transfiguration of Our Lord; Sacrament of Holy Communion
March 6 (purple) – Ash Wednesday: 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m. Imposition of Ashes & Holy Communion
March 10 (purple) – 1st Sunday in Lent (Daylight Savings Time begins)
March 13 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
March 17 (purple) – 2nd Sunday in Lent
March 20 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
March 24 (purple) – 3rd Sunday in Lent
March 27 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
March 31 (purple) – 4th Sunday in Lent; Guest preacher – Don Kerns
April 3 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
April 7 (purple) – 5th Sunday in Lent
April 10 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
April 14 (purple) – Palm Sunday; Sunday of the Passion
April 17 (purple) – Holy Wednesday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 1:00 p.m. Only!
April 18 (purple) – Maundy Thursday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 7:00 p.m.
April 19 (black) – Good Friday Community Service, 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion
Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:00 p.m.
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor
Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. David Rutt, Music Director
Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist
Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary
Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton
CHURCH OFFICERS
Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent
Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary
Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary
Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer
Council Members/Term Expires
John Funk End of 2020
Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019
Peggy Harter End of 2020
Jeffrey Klinger End of 2019
Payton Mentzer End of 2020
Donald Moll End of 2021
Mary Pachuilo End of 2019
Evelyn Sheetz End of 2021
Gerald Speicher – Vice President End of 2021
Note from Church Council:
An informational session on the electronic
sign will be held on Sunday, March 24, at 9:30 a.m. in the Bertha Weber
room. All are welcome to attend!
Sharing the Ministry of Alsace
Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:
It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.
Hearing Devices
Wireless hearing devices are available to those who need or desire them for our worship services.
They may be obtained by seeing Lee Strause on a Sunday morning.
Hersheypark
The Youth Group is selling discount tickets for the 2019 season. The tickets are $32.95 for ages 3+ to be used from May 3 to September 29, 2019. We need a minimum of 20 tickets to get the discount. Hersheypark Meal Tickets are also available to purchase at a cost of $11.99 each. Deadline to order and pay for the tickets is Sunday, March 17. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.
Hospital Admissions
Please inform the church office when a member is hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility, including room numbers. Due to the HIPPA laws, information about hospital and health
care facility admissions is limited and often restricted. Without your help, we cannot track and follow up with visits and prayers.
How to Become a Member of Alsace Lutheran Church
Speak to Pastor Nelson if you are interested in membership, or know someone who might be!
If you are already a member of a Lutheran Church –
Simply call the church office (610-929-8727), give the secretary the name of your previous church, and we will request a Letter of Transfer.
If you are a member of another Christian Church –
Simply contact the Pastor, and you will be invited to a New Member class, after which you will join Alsace by Affirmation of Faith.
In the Event of Bad Weather
In the event that Sunday morning worship or other events at the church would need to be cancelled due to severe weather, you can check WFMZ-TV. Check your local TV station, or you can see all the closings posted at wfmz.com. If you are ever in doubt, you can call Kim Grinage (610-376-1962) or Pastor Nelson (610-944-6131).
2019 Lenten Schedule
Mid-Week Lenten Studies will be offered at 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. on the Wednesdays in Lent. All will be held in the Bertha Weber Room. Dates are March 13, 20, 27 & April 3, 10.
Ash Wednesday: March 6, 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m. Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion
Holy Wednesday: April 17, one worship with Holy Communion at 1:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday: April 18, worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday: April 19, Community Service at 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion, and
Service of Tenebrae at 7:00 p.m.
Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry
NEW: In addition to the items listed below, the Pantry is also looking for plastic grocery bags for the distribution. Bags can be put in the same box with the other items. Donations of the following items are most needed, as these items are not readily available from the Food Bank: toilet paper; paper towels; bath soap; laundry detergent; fabric softener; Kleenex; shampoo; toothpaste. Bring any donations to church and place them in the box marked “Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.”
Thank you for your continued support of the MCFP!
The MCFP is looking for some new volunteers who can help with the distribution, which is the third Thursday of every month. Help is especially needed from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help the clients bring their food to their cars. For more information or to volunteer, please speak to Pastor Nelson.
A Fundraiser for the Pantry will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at the Leesport Diner. 15% of your bill will be given to the Pantry. Good anytime from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You need a ticket to participate. Tickets are available at the church.
Reading Fightin’ Phils
The Youth Group is selling tickets for the Faith & Family Night baseball game on Thursday, June 13 at 7:10 p.m. The cost is $7 per person for a seat in the green section of the grandstand. Deadline to sign up and pay for the tickets is Sunday, May 12. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.
2019 Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered on the following Sundays and Holidays (all times are 8:15 and 10:45, unless otherwise noted):
March 3; March 6 (Ash Wednesday) at 12 Noon & 7:00 p.m.; April 17 (Holy Wednesday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 18 (Maundy Thursday) at 7:00 p.m.; April 19 (Good Friday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 21 (Easter); May 5 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m.); June 9 (Day of Pentecost & Confirmation); August 4; September 1; October 6 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.); November 3; December 1
Notes: There will be no Communion service in July; There will only be one Holy Communion
Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule, cont.
Service on Holy Wednesday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. (no service at 7:00 on Holy Wed.); 2:00 p.m. Communion Services will be held on May 5 and October 6 in the chapel.
Senior Club
Luncheon tickets for Tuesday, March 19, can be purchased from Pat Berger or Bob Boyer. Cost is $5 per person. The meeting begins at 11:30, lunch is served at Noon and Karl Hausman will begin at 1:00.
Please check your Brochures for the list of items to bring for the Alsace Social Ministry Pantry!
Payment ($60 per person) for the trip on Tuesday, May 28 to Green Grove Gardens, is due to Pat Coller no later than March 26.
Gift certificates can be purchased throughout the year from Irene Stoudt. You may call her at 610-929-8275.
Supper Club
Same rules as before: One check, no coupons and please do not fill out your check until you arrive at the restaurant. Thursday, April 3 – Knight & Day
(Lenten Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2)
Wednesday, May 1 – Ganly’s Pub
Wednesday, June 5 – Country Fare, Myerstown
Wednesday, July 3 – Blind Hartman’s
Wednesday, July 31 – Mimmo’s
(Church Camp on Wednesday, August 7)
Wednesday, September 4 – Schmeck’s Villa
Wednesday, October 2 – Fiore’s
Wednesday, November 6 – Applebee’s, 5th Street Highway
Wednesday, December 4 – Crossroads
Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible Study continues with the study, “Getting to the Heart of God’s Story.”
Here is the upcoming schedule:
April 24 Session 25: Jesus, Son of God
Matthew 17-21; Mark 8-12, 14; Luke 9, 22; John 7-8, 11-12
Session 26: The Hour of Darkness
Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 13-14, 16-19
Wednesday Bible Study, cont.
May 1 Session 27: The Resurrection
Matthew 27-28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 19-21
May 8 Session 28: New Beginnings
Acts 1-10, 12
May 15 Session 29: Paul’s Mission
Acts 13-14, 16-20; Romans 1, 3-6, 8, 12,15
1 Corinthians 1, 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13,15-16
Galatians 1, 3, 5-6; 1 Thessalonians 1-5
May 22 Session 30: Paul’s Final Days
Acts 20-23, 27-28; Ephesians 1-6; 2 Timothy 1-4
May 29 Session 31: The End of Time
Revelation 1-5, 19-22
COMMUNITY
Reading High School
The following items are for the Reading High School and the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH). Their goal is to provide a resource room that will be available to students. This room will offer provisions to fulfill their basic needs such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. If you are able to donate any of the following items, please place them in the Chapel foyer. Thank you!
Hygiene Products: shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; toothbrush and toothpaste; liquid bath soap;
feminine hygiene products; hairbrushes; make-up
School Supplies: binders and folders; pens and pencils; spiral ring notebooks; backpacks
Baby Supplies: baby food; formula; diapers; wipes; baby clothes
Food: granola bars; Nutra grain bars; non-perishables; bottled water; ready to eat food; holiday meals
Miscellaneous: towels; clothing detergent; camping mats; pillows; Gift Cards for grocery stores, clothing stores and fast food; BARTA bus passes; barber shop; Goodwill gift cards for interview clothing; monetary donations made payable to RHS Knight Closet.
St. John’s Gernant’s Church, 13 Gernant’s Church Road, Leesport
“Homemade” Pot Pie Dinner (Family Style)
Memorial Hall
Saturday, March 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Donation: Adult – $10; Children 5 to 11 – $5
Pricing and Dinner dates subject to change
YOUTH PAGE
Birthdays
Abby Warren – 3/4 Austin Kerschner – 3/18
Benjamin Villareal – 3/7 Allie Painter – 3/18
Kalika Kauffman – 3/8 Madison Rentschler – 3/18
Trishia Reed – 3/8 Nathan Rentschler – 3/18
Jacob Stoudt – 3/8 Alexa Cipola – 3/19
Jordi Farr – 3/14 Gavin Torok – 3/27
Joseph Vaccaro – 3/14
Pastor Nelson – 3/18
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Remember to sign up for all events on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, or by responding to the Facebook Page.
March 10 – Laser Quest
Sign up to participate! Let’s Defend our trophy!
Cost is $25 per person
Pizza will be served at Laser Quest!
April 7 – Lunch, Stuff Eggs and Pack Up “Blessing Bags”
After lunch, we will stuff the eggs for the Egg Hunt, and pack up the “Blessing Bags” for
the Opportunity House. The more help, the quicker it goes!
April 7 – $50 non-refundable deposit due for the trip to Ocean City, NJ. If you need a registration
form, please see Pastor Nelson or Cindy.
April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt
Report to the church by 10:30 a.m.
Lunch will be at “The Works”
Upcoming Dates & Events – Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
- Saturday, May 11 – Trip and Hike at Bushkill Falls
- Saturday, May 25 – Yard Sale
- Saturday, June 1 – Breakfast at Shady Maple, Shopping for Quilt
- Thurs.-Sun., June 20-23 – Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
- Fri., Sat., Sun., July 12-15 – Peach Festival
- Sun.-Fri., August 4-9 – Church Camp
- Saturday, August 24 – Pool Party & Picnic at Woodcrest Retreat
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
March 1 – Raymond Weidenheimer
March 2 – Donna Deluca, Sandra Thomas, Cailin Wunsch
March 4 – Andrew Breisch
March 5 – Ardis Haines, Lesley Wegman
March 6 – Judith Moll
March 7 – Carter Kalbach
March 8 – Kalika Kauffman, Trishia Reed
March 10 – Daniel Redcay
March 11 – Nina Rowley
March 12 – Camdyn Gunter
March 13 – John Funk, Virginia Gerhart, Ethel Schaeffer
March 14 – Mary Brubaker, Carl Spayd
March 16 – Shirley Auchenbach, Landon Gauby, Anthony Pachuilo, Mary Swavely
March 17 – Anna Gaydos, Patricia Ritz
March 18 – Pastor Nelson
March 19 – Richard Batz, Aralyn Hoffa
March 20 – Ryan Breisch, Geraldine Hafer
March 22 – Patricia Berger, Emma Cervola
March 23 – Shirley Kaupp
March 25 – Colin Mengel
March 26 – Lilly Jankowski
March 27 – Elizabeth Hartman, William Reber, Jr.
March 28 – David Hartline
March 30 – Irene Stoudt
MARCH ACTIVITIES
Sunday, March 3 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Holy Communion
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
Tuesday, March 5 9:00 a.m. – Senior Club Board Meeting
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
MARCH ACTIVITIES, cont.
Wednesday, March 6 Noon & 7:00 p.m. – Ash Wednesday Communion
Sunday, March 10 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
12:00 p.m. – Youth Group to Laser Tag
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
Tuesday, March 12 10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
Wednesday, March 13 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Services
Friday, March 15 Messenger Article Deadline
Sunday, March 17 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
Tuesday, March 19 11:30 a.m. – Senior Club Luncheon
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
Wednesday, March 20 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Services
4:40 p.m. – Soup Kitchen
Sunday, March 24 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
2:00 p.m. – Congregational Painting Party
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
Tuesday, March 26 8:00 a.m. – Messenger Mailers
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
MARCH ACTIVITIES, cont.
Wednesday, March 27 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Services
Friday, March 29 Youth Group to Breakaway Event in Ocean City, MD
Sunday, March 31 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE CHRISTIAN HOME
-Velma Redelfs
The Christian home is a haven
And founded upon the Rock
Held firm by the Heavenly Father,
Protected from every shock.
With Christ the Head of the household,
All things take their proper place,
His sweetness and gentleness filter
The trials and cares to erase.
No problem too great for His wisdom,
No trouble too small for His care,
Whatever the danger may threaten,
The Saviour will always be there.
God’s Word bring the light of His presence,
In blessing and strength to His own.
No good will He hold from His loved ones
Who are building a Christian home.
Leave a Reply