The Adventurer
Of Ascension
Lutheran Church
&
As some of you already know, I grew up in a family of funeral
directors. My grandfather was in ‘the business’ as they say, and
his two sons, my father and uncle, were funeral directors as well.
When I was a boy I used to play marbles in my grandfather’s
funeral home. The home was an excellent venue for shooting
marbles, because of the wide expanse of smooth carpet. The
room always smelled like flowers, whether there were flowers
there or not. It was as if the fragrance of years had bonded to the
walls. I can still remember shooting marbles while my father
applied cosmetics to a body a few feet away. Though it may
sound a bit morbid to those in other walks of life, being with my
father seemed entirely normal to me and not a bit unusual.
In later years, one of my first real jobs was ‘driving hearse’ for my
grandfather. I enjoyed it, and for a 16 year old it felt like an
important responsibility to take my place in the funeral
procession. In truth it was, and looking back on it I’m a little
surprised my grandfather trusted me to do it. I remember being
particularly careful at one old cemetery where the entrance was
framed by a decorative iron fence. The clearance on each side of
the hearse was about an inch on either side, and it required two
spotters to make it through without incident. Pulling it off always
felt like an accomplishment!
In those years nearly all funerals involved taking a body and
casket to the cemetery. Cremations where almost unknown, and
the traditional funeral service still predominated. When my
grandfather died in 1973, his service was done with a casket and
all the flourishes one might expect for someone in that walk of
life. When my grandmother died 25 years later, she was
cremated at a grave side service attended by the immediate
family and myself presiding. The difference between the services
reflected a sea change in funeral customs and practices in those
two and a half decades.
In spite of all of the above, I confess I have made no personal
arrangements for my own funeral! I’m told this is not unusual,
because it always seems like something that can be dealt with….
later!
Recently I received an invitation from Jeremy DeBord, whose
offered to give a presentation on funeral and memorial service
topics to our congregation. Jeremy is from the DeBord Snyder
Funeral Home in Lancaster, and has given his presentation to
other congregations in our area. In broad terms the presentation
will cover:
1. Funeral Service Options. (What choices are available in funeral
planning?)
2. Pre-Planning Options (What are the steps and benefits to preplanning?)
have attended two years of confirmation classes. This affirmation
can be done by the whole assembly during an appropriate time of
the church year (for instance, at my former parish one year, we
did not have a group of youth who completed confirmation; so on
Pentecost Sunday, the whole assembly professed and affirmed
the faith given to them in baptism).
3. Tips and Recommendations
4. Question and Answer Session
The information session will last about a half an hour, with
another half hour for questions and answers. We have
scheduled it for Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at 6:30 PM, and you’ll be
hearing more about it between now and then. Hopefully the
presentation will be helpful to anyone still thinking about their
end of life plans, and provide an opportunity to ask whatever
questions you may have.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Bowser
On June 4 (Pentecost Sunday), we celebrated the Affirmation of
Baptism of three of our confirmation students – Riley, Ellie, and
Molly. This rite is conducted for our confirmation aged youth as a
sign of their full participation in the life of the church. When they
were baptized, parents were entrusted with responsibilities to
nurture their faith so these young persons could live into the
covenant God made with them – to bear God’s creative and
redeeming love and grace found in Christ to the world. These
three young person’s then stood before the worshipping
community to profess their faith and affirm their commitment to
Christ and his Church.
If you open a copy of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, you will find
in the order for the Affirmation of Baptism (pp.234-237) that there
is a section entitled “Affirmation by the Assembly.” That’s right!
This affirmation is not just for our confirmation aged youth who
Using the order for Affirmation of Baptism, I encourage you to
participate in a contemplative exercise:
1. Profession of Faith
a. The first part of the profession asks that we
renounce all the forces that are contrary to God –
the devil and all the forces that defy God; the
powers of the world that rebel against God; and
the ways of sin that draw us from God. Take
some time to mediate on the things of this world
that draw you away from God. Write them down.
Confess them to God and lift up a prayer of
repentance.
b. The second part calls us to affirm our faith in the
Triune God – the One who brings us out of sin and
death into life and grace. Say the Creed. Open
up Luther’s Small Catechism and read the section
on the Creed (ELW p.1162). Reflect upon how
God’s grace, given in baptism, transforms and
renews you each day. If you like journaling, write
down your thoughts. Say a prayer of thanksgiving
for God’s salvation, forgiveness, and redemption
found in baptism.
2. Affirmation of Faith
a. Ponder this question (that was asked of our youth
and can be asked of the whole assembly): “Do you
intend to continue in the covenant God made with
you in holy baptism: to live among God’s faithful
people, to hear the word of God and share in the
Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God
in Christ through word and deed, to serve all
people following the example of Jesus, and to
strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”
Explore the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to you
for ministry. Write down the examples of how you
use your gifts to live out this covenant.
b. The whole assembly is then asked: “Do you
promise to support and pray for one another in
your life in Christ?” Reflect upon how you support
one another in the community of faith. Take the
time to give thanks for three people and the gifts
they have given to the church. Pray for the Body
of Christ, that all members may use their gifts for
mission and ministry. Give thanks to someone, in
person, for a specific gift they have used for the
church.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide your path and order your
days!
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Marvin Stouffer
(Willow Valley Manor)
Ralph & Gail Hamilton
Cindi Foster
Jane Witte
Jay Obetz
Sam McKee
Lydia Willig
Elle Young
(Willow Valley Lakes)
464-1748
Saturday Service
517-8174
284-3522
682-0362
464-4965
464-6634
413-3558
951-6108
Saturday Service
Saturday Service
Saturday Service
Sat. or Sun. Services
Sunday 10:45
Sunday 10:45
Sunday 10:45
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASCENSION WILL NOT BE SPONSORING A CLOTHING
BANK THIS YEAR.
In Christ – Pastor Maureen
If you are interested in joining the next book
discussion group, please sign your name to sheet
found on the bulletin board in the narthex. The
group will discuss Before Amen: The Power of
Simple Prayer by Max Lucado. Please check the
box if you would like the church to order your
copy of the book. If you would prefer to order
your own, the book can be found on Amazon in hard copy (new
and used) and Kindle formats. The group will meet on Tuesday,
September 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the large Sunday School classroom.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Maureen.
WIDOWS’ & SENIOR SINGLES LUNCHEON – The July luncheon
will be held on July 19th at T.J. Rockwell, 800 Mount Gretna Rd,
Elizabethtown. If you cannot sign the sheet, please call Edith
Hiller at 291-0210 by July 18th.
The August luncheon will be held on August 16th at Olde Hickory
Grill, 709 Olde Hickory Rd, Lancaster. If you cannot sign the
sheet, please call Edith @291-0210 by August 1th.
SOLANCO FOOD BANK NEEDS: Saltines, Tuna Helper, Chicken
Helper, Stuffing Mix, Granola Bars, Hamburger Helper, Canned Chicken
(large size can), Pancake Mix, Canned Fruit (all sizes)
Diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6),
Keeping up with "Joseph's Table"
I wanted to give the congregation an update about how many places
we had to set at "Joseph's Table" in May...151+ saw us scrambling to
get enough places set as people kept coming in our door. Someone
who shall remain nameless asked me "When do you think this is going
to take off?" (Thank you Pr Steve) I cannot express my gratitude for
each and every hand that took part, from individual donations to those
turning out the lights after clean up.
A word about how we operate; the two weeks following our
community meal we are getting organized based on our most recent
event. Our menus are planned through Jan 2018 but head chef Rick
Spangler is looking at quantities and where we will purchase items for
the best value and coordinates his kitchen staff. Dee Grant and
Gretchen Clark know how long it takes to roll the silverware and do
final room set up. Lynda Daveler and Dee Grant take a look at what is
being served and estimate how many servers will be needed for a
given meal. Nancy and Jay Obetz keep the clean up crew on its toes
until every dish is put away. Information is sent to the Advertiser for
publication. Announcements for food donations and volunteers of help
during every phase of service is posted two Sundays prior. Boy Scout Tr
393 set the fellowship hall tables and chairs up on there meeting night
every third week. I have the Reigner and Kurau families as care takers
of the banner which goes up the Sunday before our community
meal................ As I have said before, this takes a congregation!
We depend on your use of the sigh up sheets, we have no other way
to prepare, otherwise the week of the meal we may find ourselves
short staffed. We will continue during the summer, some other local
community meals do not. This also means that despite vacations and
get aways, "Joseph Table: needs to be set. Numbers from May call us
to need more then before for June. We have a core of dedicated folks
each month but we invite others to come and share the experience of
community service Third Thursdays at Ascension.
The opportunity we have "to feed His sheep" has become a part of this
community. Thank you all for your continued support of this outreach.
Rhonda Miller, Coordinator
JULY BIRTHDAYS
1 Arveda Morris
Ellanora Young
17 Jay Sandberg
2 Brice Hobbs
18 Barbara Kuntz
Rob Troup
2 Sarah Hillen
4 Lauren Kuntz
19 Konrad Poniatowski
Lynda Daveler
5 Sam McKee
Walter Erb
21 Jonathan Stein
Donald Seiverd
Terri Krimmel
6 Tyler Andrews
Kimberly Lloyd
22 Edward Oberle
7 Joseph Spinelli
8 Kenneth Baker
Mary Brusstar
Bradley Wilson
David Zimmerman
9 Robert Kaschak
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
23 Krista Branco
Patricia Eshleman
Fredrick Connin
24 Daniel Brusstar
3 Ronald Sykes
Imogene Wohlgemuth
4 Judith Oberle
James Smith
5 Sheila Krow
Krista Mize
Craig Rulenz
8 Dorothy Bleacher
Riley Marie Dawson
Melissa Mintzer
Paul Todd
9 Jacqui Funk
14 Jim Devine
23 Mark Cardwell
Carolyn Sensenderfer
25 Peter Antonic
Molly Patches
26 Emily Clouser
Richard Shultz
Jarrod Lloyd
10 Elena Crain
27 Linda Shoemaker
11 Charles Wolf, Jr.
13 Emily Antonic
14 Betty Pleger
12 Patrice Gibson
Bethlehem Linde
Audrina Snyder
13 Jocelyn Branco
Sara Braungard
Mary Gray
21 Roxanne Bolinger
Lauren Lawson
Liam Zimmerman
24 Teresa Fowler
26 Randy Miller
27 Joshua Shultz
Stephanie Lininger
11 Terry Cline
Beth Heine
Tyler Krow
Michael Rieker
20 Matthew Blevins
Ronald Boehmer
28 Dylan Kaschak
Latasha Storm
29 Susan Adams
Kyle Troup
15 Michelle Monborne
Jeffry Smith
Riley Troup
16 Joyce Freeman
Ralph Hamitlon
30 Beth Keens
31 Al Drayovitch
17 Katherine Karlow
Jonathon Rossos
Cynthia Rossos
19 Edith Hiller
29 Dusty Hess
Mabel Kirsch
31 Richard Stott
Directory Changes
Frederick & Loretta Connin
(717) 553-5752 - [not “533”]
Donna Verwey (New Phone #)
(717)615-7881
Colin Obetz (Cell)
(717) 381-6984
Tom Crain
552 Wood Duck DR
Manheim, PA 17545
Cindy Dittman
1703 Marietta Ave, Apt 2K
Lancaster, PA 17603
Ruth Wimbrow
925 Willow Valley Lakes Dr
Apt. 436
Willow Street, PA 17584
June Shultz, President
Sam McKee, Vice President
Ed Patches, Secretary
Vern Grant, Co-Treasurer
Nick Rossos, Co-Treasurer
Pastor Steve Bowser
Scot Crain
Cindy Dittman
Dave Hamric
Nancy Obetz
Darius Poniatowski
Ellen Russell
Pastor Maureen Seifried
Donna Verwey
786-4120
464-6634
732-616-0537
872-4467
392-6291
464-5683
464-1965
392-6065
314-8184
464-4965
435-8965
371-1023
579-2012
687-7956
JULY VOLUNTEERS
BREAD
The Hopper Family
ACOLYTES
9:30 a.m.
2
9
16
23
30
Erin Kuntz
Rebecca Patches
Molly Patches
Owen Smith
Ellie Parido
NURSERY
9:30 a.m.
ALTAR GUILD
Set-Up
9:30 a.m.
Clean-Up
2 Bonnie Schuler/Sue Hinden
Ellie Young/Rita Smith
9 Lyn Daveler/Nancy Obetz
Fran Neupauer/Christina Z.
17 Deb Wolf/Marilyn Erb
Edith Hiller/Donna Grant
23 Rebecca Martin/Carol Fricke
Marge Garling/Janet Nelson
30 Nancy Obetz/Lyn Daveler
Ellie Young/Rita Smith
ASSISTING MINISTERS
6:00 p.m.
1
8
15
22
29
9:30 a.m.
2
9
16
23
30
Nori
JL
Ellie
Gail
Erin
GREETERS
6:00 p.m.
1
8
15
22
29
Dave & Gerry Axe
Dave Zofsak
Jerry Morris
Tom & Carol Fulton
Pat Eshleman
9:30 a.m.
2
9
16
23
30
Tom & Gretchen Clark
Karen Raught
Christina Zeitler
James & Lois Kinney
Ron & Marge Garling
Tom Crain
Scot/Elena Crain
Tom Fulton
Lynn Rieker
Scot/Elena Crain
June Shultz
Sundae Lausch
Ed Patches
Chuck Miller
Judy Hinson
Norma Spangler
Dee Grant
Kim Hobbs
Colin Obetz
Pete Schwebel
2
9
16
23
30
USHERS
9:30 a.m.
2
9
16
23
30
Frankford Family
Shelley Family
Roger & Arlene Strauss
Frankford Family
Obetz Family
AUGUST VOLUNTEERS
BREAD
ACOLYTES
9:30 a.m.
6
13
20
27
The Nelson Family
Isaiah Parido
Kylynn Frankford
Aidan Karlow
Keana Frankford
NURSERY
9:30 a.m.
ALTAR GUILD
Set-Up
9:30 a.m.
6 Bonnie Schuler/Sue Hinden
Clean-Up
Edith Hiller/Donna Grant
20 Rebecca Martin/Carol Fricke
Marge Garling/Janet Nelson
27 Nancy Obetz/Lyn Daveler
ASSISTING MINISTERS
5
12
19
26
9:30 a.m.
6 Holly Pugh
Bonnie Snyder
13 Anne Lewis
June Shultz
20 Kim Hobbs
Rhonda Miller
27 Norma Spangler
Meagan Smith
Ellie
Gail
Erin
Nori
Fran Neupauer/Christina Z.
13 Deb Wolf/Marilyn Erb
6:00 p.m.
6
13
20
27
Ellie Young/Rita Smith
GREETERS
6:00 p.m.
5
12
19
26
Dave & Gerry Axe
Richard & Carolyn Sensenderfer
Harry & Shirl Bortzfield
Dave Zofsak
9:30 a.m.
6
13
20
27
Lynda Daveler
The Frankford Family
Bob & Cathy Kaschak
Judy Hinson
Tom Crain
Colin Obetz
Lynn Rieker
Tom Fulton
USHERS
9:30 a.m.
6
13
20
28
The Erb Family
The Erb Family
Roger & Arlene Strauss
The Obetz Family