ECHO FROM THE HILLS May 2024
NEWSLETTER OF SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH
Ruth Keener, Editor
LEARNING TO WRITE A SERMON
This editor has just returned from a Licensed Lay Minister weekend retreat on the subject of preaching. It was held at a church near Allentown. We were 11 candidates along with three coaches. One of the coaches was Pastor Jira Albers, who is the Director of Education for the LLM candidates. The other were Pastor Dan Bettell and Pastor Peggy ? . Other students were from Tamaqua area, Reading, Schuylkill Haven, etc. Most of them have already been preaching in their home congregations. We had to write a 10-minute sermon and deliver it to our fellow students on Sunday afternoon. Here is mine. It is actually an expansion of a mini sermon I had written.
A sermon on I John 3:1-7 WHO AM I?
The three letters of John were probably written by a writer known as “the elder.” The community he writes to is one whose beliefs are deeply rooted in their understanding of the Gospel of John. They are no longer welcome in the synagogue or the temple. Nor are they accepted by Rome. The Jews are recognized as an authorized religion of Rome; but Christians have no such privilege. Perhaps they are feeling a bit at loose ends. If they don’t belong to the temple, where do they belong? They need to define themselves.
Identity is a big issue to many people today. They say they need to go find themselves. One wants to say, “Why? Are you lost?” Well, maybe they are. People try to find themselves in the way the dress or how they style their hair. They express themselves with tattoos. Some try to find themselves by seeking all kinds of dangerous activities, like extreme sports. Others travel from place to place, trying to find out where they belong, where they can feel accepted. These searches are often unsuccessful because people look in the wrong places for their identity.
What about you? Are you a chip off the old block? A chip off the old block is a person who is so much like the parent it is hard to tell them apart except for their ages. Both my father and my brother were pastors. When my father retired, he said to my brother Tom, “I always thought you would be the pastor I could never be.” Tom was surprised. He said, “I always thought I had a lot to live up to.” He said, “When I was a young pastor, whenever I met another pastor in the synod, they would say, “Oh! You must be John Keener’s son.” Dad said, “After I retired there were a lot of new younger pastors in the synod. Whenever I met one of them, they would say, “Oh! You must be Tom Keener’s father.” You see, they were known for each other. Yes, Tom is a chip off the old block.
Look at the first verse in the reading. See what love the Father has for us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. Now in light of that, reconsider the question I asked a moment ago. Are you a chip off the old block? Are we like our heavenly Father? The text says, Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not been revealed. What we do know is that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Wait a minute. How can we purify ourselves? Then John says, Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawless ness; sin is lawlessness. I know that no matter how hard I tried, I could never be sinless. How can I ever be like God, a chip off His “old block”?
But what does it say next? You know that he (that is Jesus) was revealed to take away sins; and in him there is no sin. Yes! That’s it! Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has taken away all our sins —past , present and future. He has made us sinless through his incredible sacrifice and victory over sin and death.
If Jesus took away our future sins, does that mean that it doesn’t matter what we do from now on? Of course not! It means that if we really understand what God has done for us in Christ, it makes us want to obey his will.
You became a child of God at your baptism. You were adopted into God’s family. You received the Holy Spirit who works in you to change you into the likeness of Christ., which is the likeness of God. And the Holy Spirit still works within you through the events of your life, through the people you interact with, through the things you read, through your trials and triumphs to help you do what God is calling you to do and be what God is calling you to be. This doesn't happen quickly in a splash. It happens slowly over time. For me it is a terribly slow process. You cannot make yourself more Christlike. It is the Holy Spirit working within you that changes you, making you more generous, more loving, more compassionate, more joyous. It is a most joyous thing to see God working in your own life or in someone else’s.
What about all those people looking for their identity in all the wrong places? People don’t really find themselves. They search until God finds them. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share His love and His Word with those who are still seeking.
Are you a chip off the Old Block, if I may so irreverently refer to God? Yes, you are! Because Jesus has made all the difference in your life through his suffering, death and resurrection. And the Father is constantly giving more chips off His block to increase His family.
The answer to who am I? I am a child of God called to show his love and his Word to the world. Praise Him! Praise Him! — Ruth Keener, Editor & LLM Candidate
This editor has just returned from a Licensed Lay Minister weekend retreat on the subject of preaching. It was held at a church near Allentown. We were 11 candidates along with three coaches. One of the coaches was Pastor Jira Albers, who is the Director of Education for the LLM candidates. The other were Pastor Dan Bettell and Pastor Peggy ? . Other students were from Tamaqua area, Reading, Schuylkill Haven, etc. Most of them have already been preaching in their home congregations. We had to write a 10-minute sermon and deliver it to our fellow students on Sunday afternoon. Here is mine. It is actually an expansion of a mini sermon I had written.
A sermon on I John 3:1-7 WHO AM I?
The three letters of John were probably written by a writer known as “the elder.” The community he writes to is one whose beliefs are deeply rooted in their understanding of the Gospel of John. They are no longer welcome in the synagogue or the temple. Nor are they accepted by Rome. The Jews are recognized as an authorized religion of Rome; but Christians have no such privilege. Perhaps they are feeling a bit at loose ends. If they don’t belong to the temple, where do they belong? They need to define themselves.
Identity is a big issue to many people today. They say they need to go find themselves. One wants to say, “Why? Are you lost?” Well, maybe they are. People try to find themselves in the way the dress or how they style their hair. They express themselves with tattoos. Some try to find themselves by seeking all kinds of dangerous activities, like extreme sports. Others travel from place to place, trying to find out where they belong, where they can feel accepted. These searches are often unsuccessful because people look in the wrong places for their identity.
What about you? Are you a chip off the old block? A chip off the old block is a person who is so much like the parent it is hard to tell them apart except for their ages. Both my father and my brother were pastors. When my father retired, he said to my brother Tom, “I always thought you would be the pastor I could never be.” Tom was surprised. He said, “I always thought I had a lot to live up to.” He said, “When I was a young pastor, whenever I met another pastor in the synod, they would say, “Oh! You must be John Keener’s son.” Dad said, “After I retired there were a lot of new younger pastors in the synod. Whenever I met one of them, they would say, “Oh! You must be Tom Keener’s father.” You see, they were known for each other. Yes, Tom is a chip off the old block.
Look at the first verse in the reading. See what love the Father has for us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. Now in light of that, reconsider the question I asked a moment ago. Are you a chip off the old block? Are we like our heavenly Father? The text says, Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not been revealed. What we do know is that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Wait a minute. How can we purify ourselves? Then John says, Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawless ness; sin is lawlessness. I know that no matter how hard I tried, I could never be sinless. How can I ever be like God, a chip off His “old block”?
But what does it say next? You know that he (that is Jesus) was revealed to take away sins; and in him there is no sin. Yes! That’s it! Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has taken away all our sins —past , present and future. He has made us sinless through his incredible sacrifice and victory over sin and death.
If Jesus took away our future sins, does that mean that it doesn’t matter what we do from now on? Of course not! It means that if we really understand what God has done for us in Christ, it makes us want to obey his will.
You became a child of God at your baptism. You were adopted into God’s family. You received the Holy Spirit who works in you to change you into the likeness of Christ., which is the likeness of God. And the Holy Spirit still works within you through the events of your life, through the people you interact with, through the things you read, through your trials and triumphs to help you do what God is calling you to do and be what God is calling you to be. This doesn't happen quickly in a splash. It happens slowly over time. For me it is a terribly slow process. You cannot make yourself more Christlike. It is the Holy Spirit working within you that changes you, making you more generous, more loving, more compassionate, more joyous. It is a most joyous thing to see God working in your own life or in someone else’s.
What about all those people looking for their identity in all the wrong places? People don’t really find themselves. They search until God finds them. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share His love and His Word with those who are still seeking.
Are you a chip off the Old Block, if I may so irreverently refer to God? Yes, you are! Because Jesus has made all the difference in your life through his suffering, death and resurrection. And the Father is constantly giving more chips off His block to increase His family.
The answer to who am I? I am a child of God called to show his love and his Word to the world. Praise Him! Praise Him! — Ruth Keener, Editor & LLM Candidate
MEETING THE BISHOP
During Saturday of the LLM retreat, we met Bishop Chris deForest. He is a personable man who spoke to us and gave us an opportunity to ask him questions. I asked if the distance between congregations in our rural area was a reason to think the 6261 Ministry Community could not work here. It turns out that this is not a firmly established model that we must follow. It is a work in progress.
All parties involved will help to determine how the program will work. We don’t necessarily have to travel to the other churches. In discussions with the Deacon, the 2 Pastors, the 6 LLMs and the Councils of the 6 congregations, all parties will work to determine what is the best way for us to share our resources and abilities. We don’t have to meet in person to do this. We can talk by phone, we can use zoom, we can find creative ways to communicate.
This is an effort to solve the problems of lack of pastors and the difficulties of doing ministry in our mostly rural area. It does not make sense to me to simply dismiss it out of hand because we don’t know how it is going to work out. It makes sense to take a leap of faith and to trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in this new opportunity the Lord has brought our way through our Synod.
— Ruth Keener, Editor & LLM Candidate
SOCIAL MINISTRY LUNCH
We’ll be having lunch on Thursday, MAY 9 at noon
In Zion's basement.
Meeting to follow.
All are welcome, bring a dish to share.
LUNCH AT THE TERRACE
Our soup and sandwich lunch at the Sullivan Terrace
will be on Saturday,
MAY 25 at noon.
Anyone is welcome to come.
During Saturday of the LLM retreat, we met Bishop Chris deForest. He is a personable man who spoke to us and gave us an opportunity to ask him questions. I asked if the distance between congregations in our rural area was a reason to think the 6261 Ministry Community could not work here. It turns out that this is not a firmly established model that we must follow. It is a work in progress.
All parties involved will help to determine how the program will work. We don’t necessarily have to travel to the other churches. In discussions with the Deacon, the 2 Pastors, the 6 LLMs and the Councils of the 6 congregations, all parties will work to determine what is the best way for us to share our resources and abilities. We don’t have to meet in person to do this. We can talk by phone, we can use zoom, we can find creative ways to communicate.
This is an effort to solve the problems of lack of pastors and the difficulties of doing ministry in our mostly rural area. It does not make sense to me to simply dismiss it out of hand because we don’t know how it is going to work out. It makes sense to take a leap of faith and to trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in this new opportunity the Lord has brought our way through our Synod.
— Ruth Keener, Editor & LLM Candidate
SOCIAL MINISTRY LUNCH
We’ll be having lunch on Thursday, MAY 9 at noon
In Zion's basement.
Meeting to follow.
All are welcome, bring a dish to share.
LUNCH AT THE TERRACE
Our soup and sandwich lunch at the Sullivan Terrace
will be on Saturday,
MAY 25 at noon.
Anyone is welcome to come.
Do you need a ride to Church?
If so, please call the office at 570-928-08253.
We have people willing to drive.
Let us get you together with them.
If so, please call the office at 570-928-08253.
We have people willing to drive.
Let us get you together with them.
CLOTHING DROP-OFF SHED
Zion Chapel has acquired a Clothing Drop-Off Shed. It is sponsored by St. Pauly, which, according to the notice on it, is “a western new York family-owned company and a member of the Better Business Bureau. Our mission is to get USEABLE clothing to people who can use it, here in the U.S. and in the developing world.” If you wish to donate serviceable used clothing, please place it in a plastic bag and tie it closed. It can be dropped into the open slot at the side of the shed.
Items Accepted:
Clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, drapes, pillowcases, stuffed animals
Items NOT accepted:
rags, pillows, fabric scraps, toys, household goods
Zion Chapel has acquired a Clothing Drop-Off Shed. It is sponsored by St. Pauly, which, according to the notice on it, is “a western new York family-owned company and a member of the Better Business Bureau. Our mission is to get USEABLE clothing to people who can use it, here in the U.S. and in the developing world.” If you wish to donate serviceable used clothing, please place it in a plastic bag and tie it closed. It can be dropped into the open slot at the side of the shed.
Items Accepted:
Clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, drapes, pillowcases, stuffed animals
Items NOT accepted:
rags, pillows, fabric scraps, toys, household goods
Chapel Finances
ABOUT YOUR BENEVOLENCE OFFERINGS
Each month you give $418.00 to the NEPA Synod and ELCA.
PAID IN March 2024
Community Outreach $ 26
Food Pantry $ 81
World Hunger $ 106
Lutheran Social Services $ 83
These are paid out the month after being collected.
THANKS FOR GIVING
While enjoying your vacations, don’t forget to keep up your giving. The church continues to have expenses even while you’re away
ABOUT YOUR BENEVOLENCE OFFERINGS
Each month you give $418.00 to the NEPA Synod and ELCA.
PAID IN March 2024
Community Outreach $ 26
Food Pantry $ 81
World Hunger $ 106
Lutheran Social Services $ 83
These are paid out the month after being collected.
THANKS FOR GIVING
While enjoying your vacations, don’t forget to keep up your giving. The church continues to have expenses even while you’re away
Schedule for Worship Helpers
May 2024
St. John’s Chapel 9:30am
May 5 Frank Messermtih
May 12 Liz Heath
May 19 Joe Klingler
May 26 Josh Beaver
Zion Chapel 8am
May 5 April Rine
Zion Chapel 11am
Greeter: Altar Guild:
May 12 Judy Epler
May 19 Ruth Keener
May 26 Leo Fiester
May 2024
St. John’s Chapel 9:30am
May 5 Frank Messermtih
May 12 Liz Heath
May 19 Joe Klingler
May 26 Josh Beaver
Zion Chapel 8am
May 5 April Rine
Zion Chapel 11am
Greeter: Altar Guild:
May 12 Judy Epler
May 19 Ruth Keener
May 26 Leo Fiester
Remember the Food Pantry
The temporary supplements that people were getting post-pandemic have now ceased. Therefore, the Food Pantry is in need of more donations. Many food prices are still high for the Food Pantry as well as for everyone. If you have food stuffs to donate, please place them in the basket at the rear of your chapel. They also need money donations, because expenses are up and many more people are in need. Put it in the offering plate and mark for Food Pantry. Thank you so much for your generosity!
The temporary supplements that people were getting post-pandemic have now ceased. Therefore, the Food Pantry is in need of more donations. Many food prices are still high for the Food Pantry as well as for everyone. If you have food stuffs to donate, please place them in the basket at the rear of your chapel. They also need money donations, because expenses are up and many more people are in need. Put it in the offering plate and mark for Food Pantry. Thank you so much for your generosity!
BULLETIN SPONSORSHIP
If you want to sponsor bulletins, here is the procedure. Fill out a Requisition obtained from your Chapel treasurer. If you want a special picture bulletin and/or a specific date, please get it to the secretary 2 weeks in advance.
COST: regular plain bulletin $10.00
Special picture bulletin: $20.00
Include on the Requisition whether it is in memory of or in honor of someone. You can talk to the secretary on the phone about it, but she should also receive a Requisition.
If you want to sponsor bulletins, here is the procedure. Fill out a Requisition obtained from your Chapel treasurer. If you want a special picture bulletin and/or a specific date, please get it to the secretary 2 weeks in advance.
COST: regular plain bulletin $10.00
Special picture bulletin: $20.00
Include on the Requisition whether it is in memory of or in honor of someone. You can talk to the secretary on the phone about it, but she should also receive a Requisition.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES LAW
Volunteers in Pennsylvania who have any contact with children now need to have a Child Abuse Clearance from the state. This includes not only Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers and helpers; it also applies to volunteers who work at meals that children are likely to attend. Volunteer applicants are eligible to receive one Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification FREE OF CHARGE every 57 months. (That’s 5.75 years.) That means anyone working at any SHLC dinner, breakfast, or tea will be required to obtain this clearance.
To get your clearance, go to www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS and follow the instructions. It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s the law.
Volunteers in Pennsylvania who have any contact with children now need to have a Child Abuse Clearance from the state. This includes not only Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers and helpers; it also applies to volunteers who work at meals that children are likely to attend. Volunteer applicants are eligible to receive one Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification FREE OF CHARGE every 57 months. (That’s 5.75 years.) That means anyone working at any SHLC dinner, breakfast, or tea will be required to obtain this clearance.
To get your clearance, go to www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS and follow the instructions. It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s the law.
PASTOR ROBERT BROWN TO SUPPLY
We have contracted with retired pastor Robert Brown to be our regular pulpit supply for the foreseeable future. If perchance, he can’t make it on a certain Sunday, we will get someone else, but most Sundays he will be leading our services.
If you need pastoral care call Pastor Brown and ask if he can help: 570-928-7101. Only in an extreme emergency, you may call Pastor Jira Albers: : 570-250-8563. Otherwise, call the SHLC Office : 570-928-8253
We have contracted with retired pastor Robert Brown to be our regular pulpit supply for the foreseeable future. If perchance, he can’t make it on a certain Sunday, we will get someone else, but most Sundays he will be leading our services.
If you need pastoral care call Pastor Brown and ask if he can help: 570-928-7101. Only in an extreme emergency, you may call Pastor Jira Albers: : 570-250-8563. Otherwise, call the SHLC Office : 570-928-8253
NEW OFFICERS OF JOINT COUNCIL
New Officers Other Council members
President - Frank Messersmith Wayne Casto, Zion
Vice President - Judy Epler, Zion
Secretary - Nanette Good Mark Richlin, St. John’s
Treasurer - Derek Batz, interim Elizabeth Heath, St. John’s
Please pray for them and respond to their leadership . The church needs all of us to work together.
These folks are supposed to lead, not do all the work themselves.
New Officers Other Council members
President - Frank Messersmith Wayne Casto, Zion
Vice President - Judy Epler, Zion
Secretary - Nanette Good Mark Richlin, St. John’s
Treasurer - Derek Batz, interim Elizabeth Heath, St. John’s
Please pray for them and respond to their leadership . The church needs all of us to work together.
These folks are supposed to lead, not do all the work themselves.
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Frank Messersmith, President
, Vice President
Nanette Good, Secretary
Derek Batz, Interim Treasurer
St. John's Chapel Trustees
Frank Messersmith, President
Cindy Henning, Vice President
Nanette Good, Secretary/Treasurer
Sue Minarik
Elizabeth Heath
Zion Chapel Trustees
Judy Epler, President/Secretary
Linda Ruth, Treasurer
Linda Fries
Clair Johnson
Ruth Keener