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THE WORD

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED

FOR THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF

REFORMATION LUTHERAN CHURCH

January, 2007

1942 – 2007

Celebrating 65 Years Of Ministry

in the Community

New Year and New Life at Reformation!

he New Year will be a time of new and renewed life at Reformation!  New ministries are forming; our 65^th Anniversary is being celebrated; we return to two services (January 14); and the transition process continues to move forward.  Here’s a glimpse at what is being developed in 2007:

·                    People have seen the need to find ways to get together.  Recently, a Prayer Group has started to meet on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  A Book Club is forming and in the process of identifying a book to read and discuss in January.  A Prayer Shawl Ministry is starting to bring together people who enjoy knitting or crocheting to pray over and create shawls that can be shared with those who need to be wrapped in God’s loving comfort.  Wednesday Evening Bible Studies are also in the works.

·                    A 65^th Anniversary Committee is planning a whole year of events to celebrate.  May, our anniversary month, will be an important time as we mark our anniversary with special worships on May 20 and a Jazz Brunch on May 19.  The culmination of our celebration will lead into our celebration of Reformation Sunday on October 28.  Watch these pages for additional details.

·                    Two services return on January 14.  Come out at 9:00 am on Sundays for a more traditional worship service, close to what our services have been over the past months.  Come out at 11:00 am on Sundays to see what might happen next in song and dance.  Come worship and experience the many ways in which we can praise our Lord Jesus Christ and experience God’s grace in Word and Sacrament.

·                    The Transition Process continues with work on the Congregational Mission Profile this month and the appointment of a Call Committee upon its completion.

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From Our Interim Pastor:

s we look towards the beginning of 2007, it is natural that we take time to reflect on the year that was.  From the Barbara Walters’ special on the 10 most fascinating people of 2006,to Time magazine’s person of the year, this is a time of looking back on the people and events that had an impact on our lives.

Undoubtedly, the departure of Pastor Simmons early in 2006 had a significant impact on the life of this congregation and its members.  For many people, Pastor Simmons was their first contact with Reformation, perhaps their first connection to the Good News of Jesus Christ.  The reactions to his departure were varied and deep.

Throughout the remainder of the year there have, at times, been struggles to function without his vast knowledge of people and events.  What did we miss in planning the 64^th Anniversary?  What does that Camp RC budget really mean?  We’re not getting another vicar?  Ooops, we need candles for All Saints Sunday!  Attendance and giving have been down.

And yet, God has managed to continue to be present and active in this place.  The Word has been proclaimed in the reading of scripture and preaching, through music and song, by clapping and dancing.  God’s grace has been shared in bread, wine, and with Philadelphia tap water when we combine these with God’s promises in Holy Communion and Baptism.

Yes, as I continue to learn, God is good – all the time.  And all the time (even in 2006) – God is good.  And so we look back on the year that was and lift all of it – the good and the bad – up to God.  We will not continue to dwell in 2006, for a new year is coming: 2007 AD, Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord.  This will be another year in which God’s goodness will continue to be revealed.

And so, the New Year is an opportunity to look forward with anticipation.  Plans are already underway for celebrating our 65^th Anniversary.  Lessons have been learned and documented so that missteps can be avoided in the future.  New ministries are emerging as we enter 2007.

It is also quite likely that God’s Holy Spirit will speak at Reformation in the coming year.  You, the members of this congregation will give voice to God by your action in calling a pastor.  The transition process will continue into the New Year as we move in that direction.  The surveys are in and are being compiled so that our profile can be worked on early in the year.  When that is complete, a call committee will be appointed and charged with the task of recommending a candidate for call.  As we journey through this next year, continue to pray for our congregation and for the things that God will be doing in our midst.

Peace,           

Pastor Jeff

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Blood Drive

Reformation Lutheran Church is sponsoring its annual Blood Drive, Saturday, January 13, 2007, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  Appointments are preferred, please contact: Imogene Jones (see church directory for telephone number) or signup online: www.pleasegiveblood.org, enter sponsor code (9N07).  Remember you can save a life.  Every blood type is crucial to life.

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JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

  1. Lola Hankerson, Helene Johnson, Elizabeth Ragin, Bernadette Ross, Carol Scott

  3. Mishawn Beckford

  4. Michael Dennis

  5. Roxanne Johnson, Barbara Threadgill

  6. Sunday Banks, Nina Corbett, Candace Hill

  7. James Bradley, Sonia Haynes, Chelsea Peoples,

  9. Saniyyah Coley, Ida Draughn, Nellie Hooks, Florence Mathis-Brown, Anthony McAllister, Doltis Rose-Anson, Tenea Wilson

10. Kafi Herbert, Sadeiah Matthews, Justin Neville

11. Dovega Brown, Gladys Holder, Dawn Smith

12. Terri Campbell, Ian Dillard, Nicole Jackson, Juan Roche-Curet, Kira Taylor

13. Cheriee Ashby

14. Jade Alston, Latroya Cebollero

15. Willie Kent, Wendell Marshall, Annette Sample

16. Rosella Heilemann, Evelyn Lyons, Carolyn Smith

17. Mann Mason, Barbara Williams,

18. Melvin Draughn, Michelle Edwards

20. Alicia Bradford,

21. Judy Ashby, Layla Brown, Marin Moon, Christopher Salber, Doris Edwards, Amirah Jones

23. Cynthia Crenshaw, Mya Nicholson, Marcale Wilson

24. John Banks, Jarrett Scott

25. Annette Allen, Naja Green, Tonia Hudson, Danielle Mason

27. Sean Cross, Ted Horne

30. Audrey Martin

31. Alex Brown, Rosella C. Heilemann, Jan Sheard, Donnica Wyatt

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Reminders

Members Concerns/Suggestions Sheets are available in the Narthex for members who would like to express their concerns or make suggestions on how to improve our ministry.

We have begun taking pledges to dedicate a room at the Seminary, in honor of Dr. Addie Butler. It will cost $50,000, spread out over the course of the next 3 years. For more information, see a member of Council.

Members can place announcements in the box at the back of the hall by noon each Friday.

As we approach the end of the year, we need to work diligently to achieve our goals.

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December 31, 2006

Gifts for Jesus Sunday

10:00 am

In church, the twelve days of Christmas extend until January 6, when we celebrate the arrival of the magi at the manger, bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  On this Sunday, you, like the magi, are invited to bring your gifts before the Jesus.  During this time of giving and receiving, please plan to offer a special gift on this Sunday to support the mission of our congregation as we join the angels in proclaiming the birth of our Savior.

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Annual Congregation Meeting

January 27 at 10:00 am

Come join us and hear reports on the mission and ministry at Reformation in 2006 as we look forward to a new year.  Important actions to be taken by the congregation include the election of Council Members and Officers, and the adoption of the 2007 Budget.

Please note:  Due to changes in the Constitution approved in January 2006, officers will now be elected from among the twelve members of the Congregational Council.  In order to be elected as an officer, an individual must first be elected as a council member.

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MLK Weekend Coming Up!

On Sunday of Martin Luther King weekend, January 14, the choir from St. Luke in Devon will join us for our services.  This is a renewal of the relationship our congregations have had over the years.

On Monday, the 15th, we will have our Annual MLK Day of Service at Reformation.  Projects are being identified that will enhance both our facilities and our ministries.

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Council Corner

The congregation council wishes you and your family joy and peace during the holidays and always.

Actions from November 28, 2006 Council Meeting:

On January 14, 2007, we will return to 2 services. The services will be held at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Sunday School will resume its 9:45 am schedule.

No committee and/or person (s) will be permitted to solicit monetary donations for stained glass windows until approved by the congregation at the Congregational Meeting in January.

An Ad Hoc Committee is being formed to revisit our Facility Usage Policy.  It will be headed by Faith Powell.

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Stewardship Corner

Now that the New Year is approaching let’s make every effort to fulfill the commitments (worship & prayer, time & talent, and finance) that were returned in November.

May we go forward with a renewed spirit and focus on the purpose that God has for each one of us.

The Stewardship Committee wishes our Reformation Family a blessed and healthy New Year.

“I will not offer God Sacrifices that cost me nothing” II Samuel 24:24

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2007

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TO CONTACT THE CHURCH, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE:  215-548-4332 (fax: 215-548-4334).  Check out the church web site at www.welcomeplace.org.  The office secretary is Sandra Wilson.  The parish administrator is Evelyn Trent.  Pastor Jeff Ziegler’s home phone number: 856-627-1983; email: PrJZiegler@aol.com.

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last updated 12/19/2006