Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church
56 Cleveland Drive
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-4632
The Seeker
MARCH / APRIL 2013
Rev. Anthony Stephens, Pastor
Rev. John F. Backe, Interim Pastor
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you.
Sunday Worship Schedule
Sunday School:
9:30 am
Confirmation Class: 9:15 am
Worship:
10:30 am
Coffee Hour:
following worship
Weekday Office Schedule
Office hours:
9:00 am - 12:00
Office Phone: (914) 271-4632
Office E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.oursaviourcroton.org
-Matthew 7:7
Weekday Activities
Adult Bible Study Tuesday @ 7:30 pm
Choir Practice:
Thursday @ 7:45 pm
Our Saviour Lutheran Church
56 Cleveland Drive, Croton-On-Hudson, New York
MARCH 2013
The Seeker
PRAYING PARTICIPANT
- Pastor Anthony Stephens
The priest polishes the communion ware in the middle of the Eucharistic prayer observed a parishioner from
way at the back of the church during a Latin Mass. Of course the priest hadn’t buffed some schmutz off the chalice, but
had instead assiduously made the sign off the cross on each and every piece of communion ware, and, also, in those
days faced the altar. (See Why Catholics Can’t Sing an excellent and not at all anti-Roman Catholic book by Roman
Catholic organist Thomas Day). Nevertheless, the priest had, hopefully, communicated reverence even though his
gestures were quite misunderstood.
Liturgists, like me, periodically sit at the back of the churches and observe the practice of others and observe
some practice, and scratch our heads, asking “How does that proclaim the Gospel?” Perhaps others look at my
choreography and ask the same. Liturgical Christians tend to believe, I think, that the whole service’s shape, in Latin
“ordo,” is a vehicle for that purpose. Each element should contribute to the end of the Gospel proclaimed.
All Christian worship whether charismatic or liturgical has a shape. It just depends how it is defined. Many
churches, particularly of the charismatic, have lots of singing and then a big and long sermon. There are many great
preachers in and from this tradition, but everything revolves around a single point of proclamation. The congregation is
there to listen; albeit in an excited fashion. In contrast, certainly post the Second Vatican Council; liturgy is the work of
the people. They sing, they pray, they give, they participate at many levels and work together to be a holistic vehicle for
the Gospel, and the homily has a complimentary part.
The Second Vatican Council’s ripples were felt across the world. Commenced in 1962 under Pope John XXIII,
to “throw open the windows and let fresh air into the church,” it had a similar effect to non-Roman Catholics as it did to
Roman Catholics. Laity (non-ordained) were no longer praying observers, they were praying participants.
Occasional worshippers and even non-occasional worshippers will complain – “I get nothing out of it.” Well,
that has the cart before the horse: worship is not God worshipping us (even though the Divine initiative is to reach out
to us through Word and Sacrament first); it is the people worshipping and being grateful to God.
One Sunday morning my sister and I set off for church – our liturgy of worship had begun. Unfortunately the
little village church did not have services that week; they were being held at another little church in the cluster.
However, despite the distinct “fail” in researching the church time, we felt that we had gone to church and would have
knelt, stood, sung, and given as an extension of the liturgy begun. Of course we missed the better bit, the Divine
initiative of Word and Sacrament – God’s gift to us, which is always a pity.
Looking at the backside of the priest polishing the communion ware could also suggest to the laity that they
were excluded, and exclusion is always a message we strive to avoid. At seminary, a pastor working on her PhD, and
helping out with various classes, was the preacher in the chapel one day. Her story, though a good one, was starting to
sound familiar.
A seminarian’s wife and baby were at the back of the chapel. The baby started to cry and the acoustics of the
chapel did a much better job with amplifying the baby than the preacher. The preacher struggled and then stopped to
address the mother. It was a lose / lose situation. We heard the door slam as the mother and her baby left for good.
(They actually left the state). This was a liturgical fail. The work of the people includes making welcome those who
have particular needs, and is the unscripted part of the liturgy. It would have been a great sermon indeed to be as
memorable as the mother’s exodus.
I know that I have perpetrated such blunders myself, but at least at Our Saviour my co-particpants have tended
to do the right thing. The extra-large print bulletin I don’t think was my idea.
Participants, and this is the bottom line, participate.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
John Magerlein
The Congregation Council oversees the life and activities of the congregation. We are grateful to the
members listed below for their willingness to serve in this important way. Each Council member has a
particular area of responsibility as shown here. If you have comments or suggestions of any sort, please speak with a
member of the Council.
Dianne Carroll – Christian Education Committee and Circle School
Greg Evans – Stewardship Committee
Eric Golberg – Treasurer
Peter Ling – Secretary and Finance Committee
John Magerlein – President
Steven Millar – Property Committee
Bryan Montgomery – Vice-president and Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
Angie Nuwesra – Committee assignment to be determined
Matthew Papertsian – Worship and Music Committee
Barbara Henninger (ex officio) – Financial secretary
It currently appears that Pastor Stephens will be deployed to Afghanistan beginning in early March. We pray that he
will be able to accomplish much good there and will be safely returned to us with a broader
perspective which will be helpful in his ministry here. During this period, Pastor John Backe will serve as our interim
pastor. You may contact him through the church office.
While Pastor Stephens is gone, our members will need to work together to take greater responsibility for the activities
and programs of the congregation. I ask you to think about church activities which you could
organize or lead. The other members of the Council and I look forward to discussing any ideas with you.
PASTOR DEPLOYS (for real)
Pastor Stephens will be leaving for a week of training at Fort Benning, GA on March 15, 2013.
After the week of training he heads for Kandahar, Afghanistan to fill a vacated post as battalion
chaplain for 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
The 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion deployed to Afghanistan in Fall 2012 to
provide communications support to military units across that country using
Information Network-Tactical system that employs satellite technology to provide
voice and data connections to military units. The battalion’s mission is to provide
“signal assurance.”
The 101st is garrisoned in Yonkers, New York.
The expected end of deployment for 101st ESB is late May, early June, 2013, based
upon current Army policy.
Pastor John Backe, a retired pastor of enormous experience, both as a parish
pastor and an interim, will seamlessly carry on as Our Saviour’s interim until
Pastor Stephens returns.
LAYETTES
-Frya Barnes
I recently mailed 22 Layettes to Lutheran World Relief. I still have a couple more to send
and would appreciate it very much if I could get a small donation to buy the missing
items as well as to provide some funds for mailing the layettes.
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and commences the eight day week. Our worship will
commence at Chapel of the Good Shepherd on Benedict Boulevard at 10:15 am. We will then
process to the sanctuary of Our Saviour where worship will continue at 10:30 am. For those not
joining the procession (about three blocks), gathering occurs quietly in the sanctuary in the
normal fashion.
Holy Week
You are encouraged to worship every day of Holy Week. This year there will be services of
worship at Our Saviour on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Resurrection Sunday.
Maundy Thursday
A service of Holy Communion also incorporates all the elements of Jesus’ farewell at the Last
Supper; the Eucharistic meal and the New Commandment – to love one another. This is a
passionate and mighty service, which begins at 7:30pm.
Good Friday
There will a Good Friday service at 11:30am at Asbury Methodist Church. There will be a
Tenebrae (explosive darkness) at 7:30pm. Celebrating Easter without the Good Friday lament will
always be lacking something.
Holy Saturday
This year the first Great Vigil of Easter service will be held at St. Augustine,
Croton-on-Hudson.
Easter Sunday
We believe that there will continue to be a Sunrise Service at the Chapel of Asbury Methodist
Church at 6:30am.
The Easter pancake breakfast will be served by the gentlemen of Our Saviour at 7:30 am.
The first Eucharist for the festival of the Resurrection of Our Lord will be at 8:30 am.
An Easter Egg hunt will follow the first Mass.
A second Eucharist for the festival of the Resurrection will be at 10:30 am.
LET US TALENTS AND TONGUES EMPLOY
Stewardship is everything we do after we say “I believe.” Our 2013
Stewardship Campaign kicks off under the direction of Greg Evans. In
keeping with our Lenten Theme of “do something” rather than just “give
something up”, now is the time to get off our spiritual couches and to give
thanks to God for his past and future goodness by employing our time,
talents and treasures in a worshipful and creative way.
WHO IS THIS GUY AND WHAT’S HE DOING HERE?
Pastor John F. Backe
You can call me Pastor John. I am excited and feel privileged to be the pastor of Our Saviour during Pastor Stephens’
absence. I have served in congregations, hospice and campus ministry during the past forty years. I returned to the Metro
NY Synod from Denver four years ago after spending five years in Jersey City and the Syracuse area before that. I returned
to be near my three grandchildren. You are likely to hear more about them in conversation and during sermons.
In the next few months we will share a unique journey together. I am not “taking Pastor Stephens’ place” nor am I just here
to pass the time until he returns. My presence is a reminder and sign that we are not an isolated group of people but the we
are connected to a larger body through the Metropolitan NY Synod.
Very soon after my arrival we will share the mystery and wonder of Holy Week and the Festival of the Resurrection. This
could be a daunting place for a pastor to begin but I am comforted by the competent leadership that exists with the
congregation.
Enlivened by the Easter spirit we will go forward fully engaged in the life of the congregation. Sunday worship will
continue, confirmation of several young people is anticipated, a congregational retreat is planned. I am eager to learn from
you what mission and ministry looks like in this place and perhaps to share my experience and ideas.
I will do things differently than Pr. Stephens. Feel free to ask me anything. I will likely ask many of you your ideas,
opinions and thoughts about life at Our Savior. I feel excited, privileged and blessed by this opportunity. Thank you for
allowing me to share in ministry with you.
—————————————————————————————————-
The Congregation of Our Saviour WELCOMES Pastor John and we look forward to
serving Christ with him.
PUT ON YOUR EASTER BONNETS
- Mikiko Glberg
"Brrrrr..." even though we don't have a lot of snow we are having a cold winter this year. But
when we have a cold winter we appreciate more the coming of Spring. Let's celebrate Spring
and new life by wearing Easter Bonnets again this year. Your Easter Bonnet will bring a happy
and nice smile for your family and friends too.
After the first and second services on Easter Sunday the people wearing Easter Bonnets and
other Easter hats will take pictures in front of the alter. Please invite your friends too!
HOSPITALITY: New Schedule Idea
- Mikiko Golberg
When my family started coming to this church in 1997, our coffee hour
was every other Sunday. And a couple years later we started coffee hour
every Sunday.
I'm very thankful for the people who support hospitality. All people
enjoy staying at church after the service is over for coffee and
fellowship. But sometimes I sense that people are tired to sign up for hospitality twice
every six months. So I want to discuss the idea of taking a break, for example a summer break
in July and August or a break during Lent next year. If you want to talk with me about this idea
S’MORES AND MORE
- Eric Golberg
Save the date: May 31 through June 2, 2013.
Koinonia is yours and you belong to Koinonia. Come and enjoy 2
days and three nights of campfires, s’mores roasting, hikes, singing and the
great outdoors. The gift of God’s love for the world gives new meaning to life
everyday...and it is for us. Stay in a Retreat cabin with meals in the Kairos
Conference Center. For kids in 3rd to 6th grade.
Immediately following our 8:30am Easter service,
the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will begin. All
children pre-Confirmation age are invited to join
in the fun. We are requesting donations of toys,
candy and plastic eggs for the hunt. All donations
are to be dropped off at the church office.
Once again we thank you for supporting our youth
activities.
Please consider donating Flowers in memory of or in honor of someone
special this Easter and help adorn our Easter Altar.
This year we will be decorating the Altar with beautiful Easter Lilies.
Flowers are $15 per plant. Please fill in the form below and mail in
or place in the Sunday offering plate along with your check.
EASTER FLOWERS
I would like to contribute_________________ Easter Flowers at $15 a plant.
Total submitted: ___________________.
Offering Envelope No.___________
In Honor or Memory of: ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________.
From: _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________.
Thanks for making our Easter Season more festive . Please put in Easter Flowers Offering
Envelope and return form to church office or submit in Offering Plate on Sunday.
MARCH SUNDAY SERVANTS
APRIL SUNDAY SERVANTS
March 3
Greeters&Ushers:
John & Tom Magerlein
Worship Assistant:
Rosie Evans
Lector:
Eric Golberg
Altar Guild:
Lori Esteves
Communion Assistant:
Bob Riekert
Acolyte:
Shoshana Nuwesra
Hospitality:
MaryBeth Soucy & Heather Cooper
April 7
Greeters&Ushers:
Dianne & Meagan Carroll
Worship Assistant:
Greg Evans
Lector:
MatildaWeekes-Johnson
Altar Guild:
TBD
Communion Assistant:
John Magerlein
Acolyte:
Liam Montgomery
Hospitality:
Annie Andrews & Evelyn Garrett
March 10
Greeters&Ushers:
Eric Golberg & Frya Barnes
Worship Assistant:
Lee Ann McCarthy
Lector:
Alexandra Stephens
Altar Guild:
Lori Esteves
Communion Assistant:
Ken Gabrielsen
Acolyte:
Daniel Crumb
Hospitality: Brigitte Anderson-Crumb & Evelyn Garrett
April 14
Greeter&Usher:
Chuck Cooper & Frya Barnes
Worship Assistant:
Lori Esteves
Lector:
Anita Baumann
Altar Guild:
Greg Evans
Communion Assistant:
Evelyn Garrett
Acolyte:
Shoshana Nuwesra
Hosp:
Jennifer Stieglitz & Heather Cooper
March 17
Greeters&Ushers:
Anita & David Baumann
Worship Assistant:
Matilda Weekes-Johnson
Lector:
John Magerlein
Altar Guild:
Lori Esteves
Communion Assistant:
Alexandra Stephens
Acolyte:
Zoe Staats
Hospitality: Lee Ann McCarthy and Angie/Lee Nuwesra
April 21
Greeters&Ushers:
Lily Evans & Evelyn Garrett
Worship Assistant:
Rosie Evans
Lector:
Bob Riekert
Altar Guild:
TBD
Communion Assistant:
Ken Gabrielsen
Acolyte:
Daniel Crumb
Hospitality:
Amy Gardiner & Anita Baumann
March 24
Greeters&Ushers:
MaryBeth Soucy & Evelyn Garrett
Worship Assistant:
Lily Evans
Lector:
Janet Behning
Altar Guild:
Greg Evans
Communion Assistant:
Chuck Cooper
Acolyte:
Leon Johnson
Hospitality:
Sue Montgomery & Sue Orts
April 28
Greeters&Ushers: Alexandra Stephens & Rosie Evans
Worship Assistant:
Matilda Weekes-Johnson
Lector:
Lori Esteves
Altar Guild:
Greg Evans
Communion Assistant:
Frya Barnes
Acolyte:
Zoe Staats
Hospitality:
Sue Papertsian & Greg Evans
March31 Easter Sunday:
There will be an 8:30 am and a 10:30 am service on
Easter Sunday. We will need 2 Usher/Greeters,
a Worship Assistant, a Lector, a Communion Assistant,
and an Acolyte for each service. As Easter attendance is
determined by the individual families preference...we will
post an Easter Sunday Worship Schedule so that those
interested can sign-up to assist at their preferred time.
As well service attendants will be needed for the Holy
Week services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
So please check out the Holy Week/Easter Sunday
Sign-Up Sheet on the Link Table and please sign up to
enhance your Easter Season Experience.
May 5
Greeters&Ushers:
John & Tom Magerlein
Worship Assistant:
Lee Ann McCarthy
Lector:
MaryBeth Soucy
Altar Guild:
TBD
Communion Assistant:
Bob Riekert
Acolyte:
Leon Johnson
Hospitality:
Frya Barnes & Matilda Johnson
May 12
Greeters&Ushers:
Anita & David Baumann
Worship Assistant:
Lily Evans
Lector:
Eric Golberg
Altar Guild:
TBD
Communion Assistant:
Alexandra Stephens
Acolyte:
Liam Montgomery
Hospitality:
Men’s Feast For Moms
5
31
24
17
Breakfast 7:30am—10:30am
Services 8:30 & 10:30am
Egg Hunt
9:30am
(white)
Easter Sunday
Confirmation 9:15am
Sunday School 9:30am
Procession at 10:15am
Service
10:30am
(red)
Palm Sunday
Confirmation 9:15am
Sunday School 9:30am
Service
10:30am
(purple)
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Confirmation 9:15am
Sunday School 9:30am
Service
10:30am
(purple)
Fourth Sunday in Lent
10
Confirmation 9:15am
Sunday School 9:30am
Service
10:30am
(purple)
Third Sunday in Lent
25
18
11
HB Rita Kozlowski
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
AA
26
7:30pm
HB Jillian McCarthy
AA
19
AA
12
HB Eleanor Soderlund
AA
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
HB Mikiko Golberg
NA
27
NA
20
NA
13
NA
6
7
28
7:45pm
7:45pm
Maundy Thursday
Service 7:30pm
Choir Practice
21
Choir Practice
14
Choir Practice
7:45pm
THURSDAY
HB Ray Calore
HB Saskia Kuchnicki
FRIDAY
AA
23
AA
16
AA
9
AA
2
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
SATURDAY
AA
7:30pm
Good Friday
30
noon service at Asbury UMC Great Easter Vigil
Joint Service at
OSLC Service 7:30pm
St. Augustine Church
29
22
15
8
4
WEDNESDAY
3
TUESDAY
1
MONDAY
KEY:
HB—Happy Birthday
HA—Happy Anniversary
SUNDAY
MARCH 2013