The Adventurer
**********************
Ascension Lutheran Church
Rev. Steven R. Bowser
Office: 464-5683
Fax: 464-2626
June 3rd
_____________________________________________________
JUNE 2012
___________________________________________________
THE MEAL
__________________________________________________________
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. Holy Communion
Sunday: 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. Sunday Church School
Office Phone: 464-5683
Summer Schedule – Memorial Day thru Labor Day – 8:15 & 10;00 a.m.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Ascensionws.org
Staff
Rev. Steven R. Bowser, Pastor
John Zielinski, Minister of Music
Dave Hamric, Youth Director
Ann Witman, Church Secretary
Michele Colvin, Membership Secretary
Jack & Liz Shultz, Sextons
-22_-
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless
you eat the flesh of the Son of
man and drink his blood, you
have no life in you; he who eats
my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life, and I will raise
him up at the last day.
(John 6:51-53)
Last month we considered the first pillar of Lutheran liturgy; the
service of the Word. This month we will consider the second
pillar of the liturgy; the service of the Meal, or Holy Communion.
Continued
HISTORY
In colonial America, clergy took their place in the immigrant
migration from the old world to the new. Like other institutions,
it took some time before seminaries were established and the
church became an organized presence. Congregations were
often founded by lay people and served by itinerant pastors.
These travelling pastors would visit communities once or twice a
year, preaching sermons that lasted well over an hour,
conducting baptisms, and celebrating Holy Communion. In
Lutheran circles, the most prominent of these was Henri
Melchior Muhlenberg, (1711-1787), who was born and educated
in Germany, before moving to Pennsylvania. One of
Muhlenberg’s sons would later become the first president of
Franklin College, now known as Franklin and Marshall.
This particular history is important as we think about Holy
Communion, because it created a particular piety and
expectation about the use and frequency of the Eucharist.
Because Holy Communion was shared only when ordained clergy
were available, it gradually was perceived as ‘special’ because of
its infrequency, rather than the presence and promise of Christ. It
has taken several generations to wean American Lutherans from
viewing the Eucharist as a rarity, and returning the Lord’s Supper
to its central, historical, and regular place in Christian worship.
UNDERSTANDING
In the Scripture, Jesus affirms the mystery that by his word, the
bread and wine become for us the body and blood of Christ for
the Church. The institution of the Meal appears in all four
Gospels, as well as Paul’s letters. (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark
14:22-25, Luke 22:15-20, John 6:51-58, and 1 Corinthians 11:2325) Absent in all of these accounts, is the notion that Jesus is
-2-
merely ‘play acting’, and that the bread and wine are only
symbols or re-enactments of his last meal with his disciples.
Though there are many important nuances, Roman Catholic
theology differs from Lutheran theology largely in that it seeks to
explain how Jesus is present in the meal using the doctrine of
transubstantiation. Luther’s approach is less interested in the
‘how question’, and focuses instead on the promise of
forgiveness of sins offered in the meal. Luther emphasized the
benefit, rather than the explanation, of the Lord’s Supper as a
‘means of grace’.
PARTICIPATION
Believing Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, (a Greek word
meaning thanksgiving), informs how we approach the altar and
our sense of reverence in receiving Christ in bread and wine. In
1 Corinthians 11, Paul says:
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup
of the Lord in an unworthy manner, will be guilty of
profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man
examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of
the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without
discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon
himself.
(1 Cor. 11:27-29)
Receiving Holy Communion may be done happily, joyfully,
reverently, or quietly, but it should not be done without some
sense that when we break bread together, we are in the
presence of the risen Lord. Holy Communion should not be
regarded either as empty ritual, or treated as if we’re sharing a
snack. The example of parents can be particularly helpful in
leading our children to appreciate the importance of Jesus’
presence in weekly worship. This growing sense of appreciation
-3-
continues with first Communion instruction, Confirmation
instruction, and the deepening of our relationship with God over
time. For all of us, a growing appreciation of the Lord’s Supper is
characteristic of a growing intimacy with God.
LITURGY
The Service of the Meal begins with the Offering, and extends to
the Post Communion Prayer. The Offering gathers the material
gifts of the congregation, including the bread and wine, with a
sense of grateful appreciation that our gifts offered to God, are
first given by God to us. Gratitude is the prevailing attitude of
God’s people during the Meal, because it reflects the grace and
mercy of Christ himself.
The Words of Institution are the words used by Jesus in the
Gospel accounts of the Lord’s Supper. Prior to the Words of
Institution, there are many variations of introductory or
‘prefacing’ words, which speak to particular themes or seasons,
and vary considerably in length. If brevity or simplicity is desired,
the Words of Institution alone are enough to celebrate the
Eucharist.
The distribution of the bread and wine are done by the presiding
minister and the assistants, for the sake of ‘good order’ in the
worshipping life of the community. It is normal for the presiding
minister to lead by distributing the bread, because of the
familiarity of the pastor with the congregation. The idea is the
pastor is better able to know who is able to receive the
sacrament and who is not, though in an increasingly mobile
society and in large congregations, this can be a challenge even
when the intent is well intentioned.
placing the bread on the tongue was begun to prevent
communicants from carrying part of the host away from the
service for superstitious use. (Protection from evil spirits, good
luck charms, etc.) Pastor Russell Saltzman tells of visiting a
congregation in New York City in the 1980’s, where the host was
placed on the tongue. When he questioned why this was done,
the pastor said that visitors to the services were palming the
bread and carrying it away, and later profaning it in satanic
rituals. Pastor Saltzman dryly notes that while many Lutherans
may be ambivalent about Jesus truly being present in the Supper,
the satanists on the Lower East side of Manhattan had no such
reservations!
In Word and Sacrament, the Lutheran Liturgy communicates the
Gospel verbally and in the divinely appointed words and
gestures, commanded by Christ to the Church. In the
proclamation of the Word, and in Baptism and Holy Communion,
we can be assured of the presence of Christ through his means of
grace, and know that he is truly with us always, until the end of
the age.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Bowser
The bread is placed in the hand of the communicant, which is the
oldest and most natural practice. The medieval practice of
-4-
-5-
FINANCE REPORT
April 30, 2012
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WIDOWS’ & SENIOR SINGLES LUNCHEON – The luncheon will be held
on June 20th at Garfield’s Restaurant, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster. If you
cannot sign the sheet, please call Edith Hiller by June 18th. Reminder:
Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food cart.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEWS – We are nearing the completion of 4
more units at our Fairview Avenue build, and home dedications have
been set for May and June! As we come into the home stretch, we
need your help. If anyone has professional construction experience
and are willing to donate a day to volunteer with us, contact Abbey at
[email protected] or call 717-392-8836. We are currently
hanging drywall, painting, installing: trim, cabinets, and flooring.
2012 ADULT VOLLEYBALL is just around the corner for ages 15 and up.
A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the narthex. Questions? Call
Eric or Tammy Hiller.
MISSION QUILTS – In October of each year our congregation supports
Lutheran World Relief by preparing personal care kits that will be
distributed to people in many parts of the world. This fall we plan to
add quilts as part of our gift. If you can sew a straight seam or tie a
knot you can help create a quilt that will improve the life of someone
in need. The directions for these quilts are simple and easy to follow.
Please contact Bonnie Shockey for information about this project and
ways that you can participate, or call Arlene Strauss.
-6-
-7-
STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE
Office hours for the secretary can vary throughout the summer
months. If you need to come to the church, please call first to
make sure the secretary is in the office. Thank you.
As we near the half way point of 2012, we are thankful for God’s
blessings on our congregational family. As we end our Sunday
School for the summer, change to our summer worship schedule,
and prepare for vacations, please remember to be faithful and
regular in your offerings to our church. Your continued
commitment is vital and necessary for our ministry both locally
and across the world.
Please remember:
**********************************************************
REMINDER!
Summer Worship begins on Sunday,
June 3rd. The late service will begin
at 10:00 a.m.
Thank you for your faithful support both now and throughout the
year.
Ray Witmer, Treasurer
-8-
-9-
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
1 Adam Reichenbach
18 Oliver Sheaffer
2 Charles Wolf, III
19 Jennifer Todd
Jared Zimmerman
3 Sharon Cline
Eric Dunnenberger
Logan Falk
Tom Fulton
20 Renae Ziegler
21 Jodi Stauffer
4 Barbara Schoch
Dennis Shafnisky
David Washabaugh
The following will be confirmed at the 10:00 a.m.
service on Sunday, June 3rd:
Emily Hobbs
Riley Lewis
Jarrod Lloyd
Andrew Mintzer
Ally Monborne
Danielle Seiverd
Congratulations confirmands!
5 Brooke Baker
Tammy Hiller
Evan Peck
Dorothy Polaski
23 Caleb Bolinger
24 Jennifer Bennethum
Julie Dommel
Douglas Swope
Aidan Zimmerman
25 Shirley Bortzfield
6 Serena Bolinger
Michael Heim
William Shoemaker
Christina Zeitler
27 Nathan Fowler
Mark Sellers
28 Gregory Falk
8 Brenda Witmer
Jacqui Zimmerman
30 Samantha Rotay
10 Sue Hinden
Nathaniel Hobbs
Aiden Karlow
12 Cathy Kaschak
13 Geraldine Blevins
Pastor Steve Bowser
Timothy Brusstar
James Eshleman
Brenda Lloyd
Judith Richardson
14 Nathan Rugh
16 Caye Brubaker
17 Mikayla Patrick
Kevin Shelley
-10-
-11-
(thanks continued)
Thank you for the candy. I enjoyed it. Thank you also for your cards, visits and
prayers. They all were very appreciated.
Janet Leaman
Thank you so much for remembering me at Easter with a basket of sweets.
Pastor Bowser and Ascension Church are in my daily prayers. Love,
Ruth Ammlung
I would like to thank all the women who helped provide meals for two
members of our congregation during the month of April. I greatly appreciate
your help.
Dee Grant
Greetings,
Thank you for all your support of Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester
Counties! More mothers and children found a safe and permanent
home during 2011-2012 because you cared enough to make a
difference. As we begin our new fiscal year I reflect back on all the
work done by staff, board members, mentors and volunteers. Because
of their efforts, over 90% of the mothers in our program successfully
graduated this past year! I am truly grateful for your partnership with
Bridge of Hope LCC. Together we were able to change lives. Gratefully,
Francesca J. Crane
Executive Director
*****************************************************
Marjorie Pleger
I’d like to thank everyone for the meals, prayers, cards, and flowers during my
recovery from knee surgery.
Cindy Dittman
The Property Committee would like to thank everyone who came out to weed,
and those who helped on Spring Clean-up Day! Let’s keep it looking nice all
summer long. Thank you again. It was very much appreciated!
Eric & Tammy Hiller
To all the dear women and leaders of Ascension’s women’s retreat,
We send heartfelt thanks for the cute bead bracelets you created for our
Bridge of Hope, Lancaster and Chester County moms and daughters. The
special promise words you wrote in the cards attached to each bracelet will be
so meaningful to our moms. I cannot wait until we distribute them. Thank you
for giving to Bridge of Hope in such a caring way. Warmly,
Deb Cone Halsey
Assistant Program Director
*****************************************************
Hildegard Gross – Graveside services were held on April 26th at
Riverview Cemetery, Lancaster.
We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Hilda.
-12-
-13-
JEFFREY KEENS graduated from Millersville Univeristy in
December, 2011 with a BA in Psychology. He has accepted a full
time position with Alcoa Mill Products.
JERALYNN E. MILLER – Graduated from the University of
Delaware with a Masters Degree in Public Administration.
MICHAEL ARIANO will be graduating from Penn Manor High
School/LCCTC Certificate in the Protective Services Program.
ZACH BECHTOLD is graduating from Solanco High School and will
attend McDaniel College.
EMILY BOWSER graduated from Colorado Christian University
with a BA in Political Science with a Psychology minor and Global
Studies emphasis.
JEREMY J.S. MILLER – Graduated from Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania with a Bachelor Degree in Theater Arts.
HANNAH PUGH will be graduating from Lampeter-Strasburg High
School and plans to attend Kutztown University in the Fall.
TARYN K. SEIVERD is graduating from Penn Manor High School
and will possibly pursue Restaurant Management/Ownership.
LIESL DIEFENDERFER, granddaughter of Roger & Arlene Strauss
graduated from Virginina Tech with a degree in Chemistry. She
will be working at Amstel Rail.
BILLY DITTMAN will be graduating from JP McCaskey High
School. He will be attending YTI in the Fall.
CHRISTOPHER HAHN, grandson of Margot Hahn is graduating
from St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City and will be attending
Georgetown University in September.
-14-
-15-
AN INVITATION FOR WOMEN TO
“COFFEE, TEA AND THEE”
As you may know we have a picnic planned for August 19 which will be
held in Buchmiller Park, Pavilion #32.
Hoping this will be the greatest and best picnic we have had, we need
many helpers, young and old, to make it a great success. This will take
several meetings and very careful planning to pull it off.
We are looking at having one church service on that morning, held in
the park, with great music by talented members of our church family,
delicious foods and lots of fun and games for all.
We will close it off with spiritual devotionals by several members.
We desperately need volunteers to work on a committee for this great
event.
We will have our first planning meeting on May 20 after the 10:45
service. This is the same day as the congregation breakfast. Please, if
you are interested in helping with this major event, come to that
meeting and help us plan out all the details. (Depending on when this
newsletter gets mailed, it may be after the meeting date, so please let
me know if you’re interested in helping in any way.)
If you cannot make the meeting, I would greatly appreciate a phone
call with your phone number or an email with your email address.
Have you ever heard of Bible Study Fellowship International, in short
BSF? BSF was established more than 50 years ago and is a highly
regarded non-denominational in depth Bible Study with classes in over
38 countries across the globe with over 200,000 attendees. The closest
classes are in Reading, Paoli, Allentown and Bethlehem. Hopefully
there will be one in the Lancaster area in the near future too.
If you would like learn more about BSF and the local BSF startup group,
feel free to attend an information hour at the home of Judy Mills,
7:30 PM on June 7, 2012
Decaf coffee, tea, and a cold beverage will be served as we meet and
greet one another followed by a short presentation. There will be no
obligation as this is an informational hour only.
You can feel free to just come however it would be appreciated if you
could please RSVP. Feel free to call for directions. If you have another
interested Christian friend or relative please feel free to bring her.
If you are unable to attend but would like more information please feel
free to call or email.
Information about BSF can also be found on their website at
www.preview.BSFInternational,org.
Folks, I NEED HELP!
Thanks, Lonnie Stein
-16-
-17-
Council Chronicle - May 2012
Council met on May 7th to take up the
business of the congregation. The following
especially deserve your notice:
 Minister of Music - It was agreed to
change the title of the position recently filled
by John Zielinski, from that of Director of Music to Minister of
Music.

Prayers for Active Military – It was suggested and agreed to
include during worship services and/or through the prayer chain
special prayers for friends and family members who are active
military. The congregation is invited to submit names of active
duty military to Ann Witman, Pastor Steve, or one of the assisting
ministers.

Kitchen Committee - Council is looking to form a Kitchen
Committee to begin planning for the new kitchen. If you are
interested, please put your name in the pool on the bulletin board.

Alpha Course – This course which clarifies the fundamentals of
Christianity, is being considered by the Evangelism Committee.

Quilt Ministry - Hand-knotted quilts will be a part of Lutheran
World Relief Ingathering Sunday in October, along with our
traditional personal health kits. Arlene Strauss and Bonnie Shockey
are leading the endeavor and will instruct all interested quilters in
the recommended design and construction. Attention, fabric
hoarders… donations of quilt fabric will be much appreciated.

Mutual Ministry Concern – Council heard several issues of concern
recently communicated by several members of the congregation
and Council is taking all into consideration.

Visioning Group, aka a Strategic Planning Task Force – A group has
been formed – thanks to all who volunteered – and will be meeting
soon to consider how best to accomplish strategic planning for the
congregation and make recommendations to Council accordingly
so that the strategic planning process can take place in the fall.
That process will require input from the entire congregation and
will help us to see the road ahead. All members of the church are
heartily encouraged to review the opportunities for service –find a
small group – and add your hand to the oars – all in His service.
-18-
JUNE YOUTH NEWS
-19-
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ray D’Agostino, President
Kent Brusstar, Vice President
Lee Mills, Secretary
Ray Witmer, Treasurer
Scot Crain
Walt Dauber
Gail Hamilton
Judy Hinson
Barbara Hopper
Ellen Russell
Bonnie Shockey
Linda Shoemaker
Chuck Towler
-20-
-21-