Newsletter

September 24 – November 6. 40 days. This is a special time when Reformation will be participating in the “40 Days of Purpose Campaign”. During this time we are calling on all members (and others too!) to participate by:

The campaign is centered on the idea that we were created by God and that God has a purpose for our lives. This is what we will learn and pray about.

If you haven’t already signed up for a small group, please do so right away. And watch for more details about the concluding big event, which will be held at the Liacorus Center (Temple U.) on Saturday, November 5 at 7 p.m. This will be a “Stand for Africa” event, and Rick Warren will be the speaker.

I thought the 40 days of Lent came right before Easter. Well, yes, they do, but this year we are going to get in a extra 40 days with our fall campaign: “40 Days of Purpose.” Thousands of other churches across the country have already participated in this program, and hundreds more will be this fall. We’ll be a part of it.

Twenty-two million copies of “Purpose Driven Life” have been sold. This book is by Rich Warren, pastor of the Saddleback (mega) Church in California. The campaign was developed in order to get people not only to read the book, but to pray about it, and discuss it with others.

I hope that during this time you will take the opportunity to read the book. Some copies will be available at the church, but others are available at local bookstores. I also hope that you will get into a small group. We’ll be having 15 different groups meeting at Reformation. One of them should be at a convenient time for you. The groups will be led by members of our Shepherd’s group, and a video tape from Rick Warren will be used each time to begin the discussion. Each group will meet weekly (6 times) during the 40 days.

Think about others you might invite to participate in our 40 days campaign. Each of the seven Sundays will be devoted to the themes, and small groups are open to guests as well. You may know someone who would really appreciate participating with us in this effort. Extend an invitation!

I believe that God has something for each of us to do in our lives. We’ve been put here for a reason. This campaign is designed to help you focus in on the purpose that God has for you – to grow in it, or perhaps to get started on it.

Sunday School is now open for students every week beginning at 9:45 a.m. Classes begin in the old social hall, and are open to students aged 3 through 8^th grade. We have an excellent staff of teachers ready to teach your children.

Sunday School is where children learn the stories of the Bible, and come to understand what they mean for their lives. It is where children experience the love of the Christian community and begin to understand the meaning of the Church.

2. Laurence Bell, Jean Casmir, Winsome James, Runell Lewis, Patricia Morinere, Stewart Scott

11. Joan Dillard, Corinthia Gray, Susan Hightower, Shauna Ocasio, Rachel Sinclair

Reformation’s high school youth group has begun it’s fall meetings, and already has lots on its agenda.

At least 13 of our youth has signed up to attend the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio next summer. Gwen Mayrant, Daryl Washington and Charlene Jenkins will accompany them.

Gwen Mayrant, Charlene Threadgill, and Gwen Dixon will be serving as youth group advisors this fall. The youth themselves will be electing officers soon.

Members of the youth group will be participating as leaders in the worship services on October 2, and they will be holding a children’s Halloween Party on October 31. They will also be attending a pre-San Antonia Event on October 23 and the Synod Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (SMYLE) on November 4-5 at St. Peter’s Church.

The youth group is open to anyone in grades 9-12. It normally meets following the 11:00 A.M. service on Sundays.

Members of Reformation have been busy this fall trying to help some people in need. Here is some of what has happened:

--A group gave a Saturday to working on a Habitat for Humanity House in Germantown. Thanks to Alex Nicholson, Chris Mapp, Chris Hicks, Clara Sheard, Jan Sheard, Pat Debnam, Chris Allen, Manny Mason, Sylvia Combs who went to work, and also to Addie Butler and Thrivent who provided the lunches.

--Contributions were received, and other support given, to help support a family in need.

--Funds were collected for the Lutheran Disaster Response in the Gulf. To date $1271 has been forwarded, as well as other gifts from Thrivent members which have been matched.

KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS…FOR HEALING: Gloria Myers, Florence Mattis-Brown, Addie Butler, Brian Wynne, Ruth Robinson, Barbara Broadnax, Erika Daniels, Marguerite Rueger, Sophie Edwards, Rosetta Singleton, Kathy Mattis, Herbert Bomar, Nicole Matthews, George Edwards, Dorothy Taylor, Beulah Waters, Tammy Archie, Janice McClary, Marva Buchanon, Marion Lampkin, Minnie Davis. FOR GRIEF: Brenda Felder (loss of mother), Robin Lowe (loss of mother).

[Return to Top]

September 26 Dinner at the Trolley Stop Dinner in benefit for Generation on a Mission

December 3 Church Bazaar sponsored by Esther Circle (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE THIS YEAR)

On October 2 we will have another opportunity to come forward during the 9:00 and 11:00 services with our gifts of thanksgiving. The Stewardship committee invites you to join in the celebration of FIRSTFRUITS GIVING The story of FIRST FRUITS GIVING is told in Leviticus 23. We are reminded that God required that the first crops harvested were to be offered to Him. This giving reflects our gratitude for all that God has given us. One of the principles of Stewardship is being a grateful steward who recognizes that God comes first. “Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord.” II Corinthians 8:5.

My name is Ari Mattson and I am the new vicar here at Reformation Lutheran Church. I wanted to write a few words to introduce myself to the congregation and community.

I am originally from Eugene, OR, which is 100 miles south of Portland, at the start of the Willamette Valley. Growing up I spent much of my free time exploring the natural beauty of the valley and the forests of the surrounding mountains. This time instilled in me a life-long love of hiking, camping, and trail biking, which I enjoy as often as possible.

I am blessed to share my life with my wife of two years and best friend, Kate. Kate is originally from Columbus, IN and she works full-time as a Youth Director at St. Stephen Lutheran in Woodbury, NJ, which will keep her away most Sundays.

I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in 2001 with a BA in English Literature and later enrolled at the Lutheran Seminary of Philadelphia, where I have studied for the past two years. In the space between college and seminary, I moved around a lot and worked a variety of jobs, including camp host, bartender, substitute teacher, barista, and aftercare provider.

Now I am pleased and excited to be working at Reformation and I look forward to getting to know all of you during my time here.

September 11 was the 18^th Annual Men’s Day, and the Men of Reformation did it up big. The Men’s Chorus was its usual highlight, and the congregation welcomed back Pastor Joseph Alsay as guest preacher. Thanks to Ken Matthews, chair, and the many others who helped to make it all possible.

Special awards were given to RICHARD McKNIGHT as “Man of the Year” and ADDISON BRADLEY as “Youth of the Year.” Mr. McKnight is a member of the Men’s Group, and sings in the Chancel Choir. A past president of the Congregation Council, Richard was the chair of the Building Committee that oversaw the building of our new facility. Addison Bradley, a 10^th grader at New Media Charter School, is active in the youth group, a representative on the Synod’s Fellowship of Lutheran Church Board, a frequent leader in worship, and a member of the group that operates the sound system during services. CONGRATULATIONS!

School is open and it’s time for our children to “hit the books” and “burn the midnight oil” so they do their best in school. We all like to think that our child(ren) will do well and make the honor roll each marking period. But the reality of our times let’s us know that many of our kids need extra help with their school work.

Most of us who are working parents know it’s difficult to work all day, come home,

Fix dinner, and then, help with homework. Help is here! The 8^th grade after school program will resume for the 2005-06 school year on Monday, October 3^rd here at the church. The program is open to any 8^th grader in our community. Tutoring in math and language arts will be available. If you’d like to enroll your child, please call the church office (215-548-4332). Get your child the extra help they need!

How PC literate are you? No, not “politically correct”…personal computer literate. If you don’t have any PC skills or you just want to brush up your skills, please join our computer classes starting on Saturday, October 1^st. These 1 hour sessions will run for 8 weeks. Bill Warner will be the class coach. The cost for the sessions is $20. Please see Charlene Jenkins or Bill Warner for additional details.

GENERATION ON THE MOVE IS ON A FOOD KICK, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO SIGN THE CLIP BOARD OR COOK.

Monday, September 26, dine with us at the Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave., 5-9 p.m. 15% of proceeds will benefit GOAM. Our May event at the Trolley Car was a success as we met members and friends who attend each service. The owners also contribute a percentage to the amount we raise.

Saturday, October 1, Linda Taylor of Taylor’s Wholesome Foods Workshop will hold a taste sampling and presentation on preparing healthy soul food for your upcoming holiday dishes. Make your reservation with Evelyn Lyons. Cost $12 per adult or $22 for two.

Friday, October 7, at 6 p.m. we will meet at the church to go to dinner at Melange Café, Cherry Hill, JN.

Wednesday, October 19, 10:30 we will resume with speakers. Tell us topics you would like to be discussed.

The GOAM committee meets monthly first Tuesday, 2 p.m. at the church. We are planning a cross country trip and would appreciate your input.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

DATE September 25	9:00 SERVICE Communion	11:00 SERVICE Communion
KICK-OFF FOR "40 DAYS OF PURPOSE"
LUTHERAN CHARITIES APPEAL SUNDAY
October 2	Communion	Communion
FIRST FRUITS SUNDAY/YOUTH SUNDAY
40 DAYS THEME: WORSHIP: PLANNED FOR GOD’S PLEASURE
October 9	Communion	Communion
VISITOR SUNDAY
40 DAYS THEME: FELLOWSHIP: FORMED FOR GOD’S FAMILY
October 16	Healing Service	Healing Service
TIME AND TALENT SUNDAY
40 DAYS THEME: DISCIPLESHIP: CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST
October 23	Communion	Communion
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
40 DAYS THEME: MINISTRY: SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD

TO CONTACT THE CHURCH, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE: 215-548-4332. (fax: 215-548-4334) The office secretary is Sandra Wilson. The parish administrator is Evelyn Trent. The vicar is Ari Mattson. Pastor Simmons’ home phone number is 215-242-6719.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:00 SERVICE

Communion

11:00 SERVICE

Communion

KICK-OFF FOR "40 DAYS OF PURPOSE"

October 16

October 23

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

40 DAYS THEME: MINISTRY: SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD