Adult Education in October

Grab your Fair Trade coffee or tea and join your friends for an hour of really interesting topics.

Grab your Fair Trade coffee or tea and join your friends for an hour of really interesting topics.

October 5: Our Neighbor’s Faiths

This class begins on September 28 with Holy Spirit member Ed Smith leading a two week study of the major religious traditions of the world. Based on a humanities course he teaches, we will begin to discuss how sacred practices developed, and how we talk to people about what God means to us. There is much to learn so this class will be repeated two more weeks in the winter term.

October 12 and 19: Lasting Plans – Eternal Care

Pastor Eshbach and Allison Carlson will lead this class about how to make plans and provide direction for your loved ones at the time of your death. This class will include some practical background about the Lutheran Christian funeral liturgy, as well as reminding you of decisions you can make now to assist your family later.

October 26: All Hallows’ Eve Party

During the Middle Ages on All Hallows Eve (October 31) people would dress up as one of the dear departed saints of the church.  On the Sunday before Reformation Day and All Saints Day, we gather together with  the children’s classes for a similar, yet contemporary costume party. Who will come dressed as Martin and Katie Luther?

From the Pastor

There is much to read in this edition of The Courier. That is because there is much going on at Holy Spirit right now.

Hello!

There is much to read in this edition of The Courier. That is because there is much going on at Holy Spirit right now.

This month, two pages have been set aside to detail some, just some, of the outreach ministries where we have had an impact. These are primarily locally based efforts, but we have had an impact around the world with our companion congregation in Tanzania, and through our contributions of personal care kits, school kits, and quilts to Lutheran World Relief.

The children and youth ministry engages that generation with special times like the Lego Club, and the October outing to the corn maze.

October is the month we join together and make our pledges of support to this congregation for 2015. That happens when we process our pledge cards forward on Stewardship Sunday, October 5th.

And there is more. All of these good things have their start as we gather on Sunday morning for word and sacrament worship. This is our foundation, gathering as one community at the table of our Lord, receiving the means of grace, that we are called to share with the world.

There is a place for you to share your gifts and talents. But first, be part of that special time on Sunday morning. And be part of this community which extends the hand of grace here and throughout  God’s creation.

CLFTON D. ESHBACH
Pastor

From the Pastor

Given how many other groups and movements lay claim to our allegiance today, can the church ever expect to exert the level of influence in our lives that it once did?

I recently read an article from the Rev. Dr. David Lose, the new president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (and who grew up in Lebanon County too). The article is entitled The church’s role in our lives? Yes with a question mark at the end of the title.

The thesis question is: Given how many other groups and movements lay claim to our allegiance today, can the church ever expect to exert the level of influence in our lives that it once did?

After some history about the influence of the church upon the culture over the centuries, the article states that civic groups, associations, clubs, sports leagues, and others have made the church less than the center of our lives. Some of the items mentioned were once part of the activity of congregations. I played church league softball in Berks County. My grandfather was a pretty good dart baseball player in a similar church league.

So what is he church to do? Dr. Lose leans toward the concept that the church should help, “bring our other activities into focus, that we might see these different enterprises in light of our faith.” In order for that to happen, the church must have as a goal, “of forming Christian faith in our people.”

He writes, “Slowly but surely [we must] learn the Christian story and, more importantly, learn how to use the story to make sense of our lives and share our faith with others.”

That’s why we offer times of education and discussion for all ages on Sunday morning. But may it also mean that we need to offer times of learning at different parts of the week. The Thursday night study group is one example. But how about on a weekday morning? Or an online discussion group working together on a question of the week? Or an early morning conversation at a local coffee shop?

As we take advantage of these times to learn together, we can make progress in our ability to have our faith make sense and to give us the ability to share that faith with other people. God knows we are a work in progress.

CLIFTON D. ESHBACH
Pastor

Calling all Singers

We are always looking for new persons to join the choir, so if you like to sing come on out and join us on Sept. 10.

The first choir rehearsal for the season will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2014.  We are always looking for new persons to join the choir, so if you like to sing come on out and join us on Sept. 10.

Stewardship Sunday

Sunday, October 5th is Stewardship Sunday when we will present our pledge cards prior to worship.

During the week of September 15th you will receive in the mail your packet for the annual Stewardship Campaign. Please review and prayerfully consider your level of giving for 2015. Sunday, October 5th is Stewardship Sunday when we will present our pledge cards prior to worship.