MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KATHLEEN
Dear Ones,
The liturgical calendar has a way of reaching into us and leading us on the steps we take in our lives, and Epiphany is one of the ways we can look for the light and be open to where God is calling us in the coming day, the coming month, and even the coming year. During the month of January here at St. Tim’s, there are opportunities to be beacons of light and help others to hear and see the Good News of God’s love – by our actions and our words.
Epiphany is one of my favorite times of the liturgical calendar. Epiphany means a revelation, a light, a recognition, even a dawning understanding we might have. In Epiphany, the Magi make their journey to see the Christ Child, and in that journey and arrival, we see Jesus drawing all creation to the divine life revealed in him, and we see the realization of God's dream of reconciled creation. In our own way, we are each endowed by the Spirit with unique and precious gifts for sharing God's healing love in a good but often divided world--a division we can see revealed in so many places that we direct our gaze to. [1]
Check the calendar and the announcements each week in your worship bulletin to see how you can be uplifted in the coming day of each month.
Join your pastor and your Council Leadership in prayer for the People of God in this place … and everywhere we go.
Glorious God, Each day provides opportunity to awaken to the radiance of your presence, and to welcome your blessing into my life. How often I forget that I am your home! Help me to draw more closely to you, that I may manifest your love more deeply in the world. My every bright place and darkened corner grow ever more luminous as I bear your light this day. Amen. [1]--Pastor Kathleen[1] Feasting on the Word, Worship Companion for Year C, Vol. 1, Ed. Kimberly Bracken Long, Westminster John Knox Press, 2012.
This is the Tidings for January 2025. If you have not done so already, please sign up on the bottom of the church's website (https://www.sttimsfoxchase.org/ ) to receive additional electronic news from the church.
GOT INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF TIDINGS? Send it to Liz Soltan at soltan320@comcast.net, or give her a call at 215-828-1619.
WEATHER BULLETIN
In case of snow, ice, or otherwise inclement weather conditions on Sunday mornings, call the church office at 215-745-4453 to listen to our recorded message. It will let you know if we’ve been forced to cancel our service.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR ONES!
Thank you all so very much for the congregation's Pastoral Christmas Gift I received this year. It is the kindest gift I have ever received...and absolutely much-appreciated.
It has been a joy to serve as your Pastor during this past year,
and I am looking forward to continue God's call of sharing the Good News this coming year!
--Pastor Kathleen
SCENES FROM CHRISTMAS AT ST. TIM’s
Some of the wonderful volunteers who decorated the sanctuary the Sunday before Christmas…
The much admired (and delicious) birthday cake served to the 31 guests at the December Hope’s Table
Our music director, Tim Brown, and dedicated choir practice with guest oboist Evan Pelletier before the Christmas Eve service.
For additional photos, check out our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sttimslutheranchurchfoxrok
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
SUNDAY WORSHIP (9:15 AM): SEASON OF EPIPHANY throughout January, with the Baptism of our Lord celebrated January 12. All are welcome for coffee hour afterwards, too.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11: HOPE’S TABLE, FROM 11 AM TO 1 PM. Come, bring a friend, or enjoy making a friend over a nice meal with nice people. This month’s menu is tentatively scheduled as chicken orzo soup, pasta and meat sauce, and dessert. Call or email Liz Soltan if you can help out (215-828-1619 or soltan320@comcast.net).
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19th at 3pm
SEPA Synod-ELCA and the African Descent Lutheran Association Philadelphia Chapter invite you to the...
MLK Day Annual Memorial Service
at Christ's Lutheran Church
700 E Pennsylvania Ave in Orland, PA
THEME: We have been here before Beloved, now what?
MONDAY, JANUARY 20: COUNCIL MEETING, 3:30 PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25: INTERGENERATIONAL GATHERING/MISSION MAKERS: FROM 3:30 to 5:00 PM. (SEE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE.)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30: WEEKLY EVENING BIBLE STUDY. We are studying the Book of Acts! Join us on Zoom from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Here’s the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377364589?pwd=ya6q2beNsuxiSoXNL6LH8STVTuMhVY.1
MISSION MAKERS: All Hands (and Ages) on Deck
Our next Mission Makers event is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, at 3:30 to 5 pm—after sports are over for the day. We’ll be making meals for Caring for Friends, as we often did for our congregation’s “God’s Work, Our Hands” events. (See picture below.) No matter your age or ability, you can help. We predict you’ll enjoy a new twist, too—we’ll also be making a fun craft and having a snack. Try it, you’ll like it!
NORTHEAST/ NORTHWEST CONFERENCE NEWS: EVANGELISM INITIATIVE
On Saturday, February 1st, Pastors and Congregants from the Northeast/Northwest Conference will gather at St. John's in Mayfair to discuss a new Evangelism initiative for our congregations. We have a grant from Synod and have asked Moses Suah Dennis and Bradley Gow, leaders of the Synod’s Vitality Team, to come help our conference step out in new ways to meet and welcome people to our congregations with the Good News of Christ.
Pastor Kathleen will be attending and is asking congregants of St. Tim's to prayerfully consider attending this initial discussion. The meeting will be held at St. John's on Tyson Avenue from 10:00 am through lunch.
GotSneakers? GOOD FOR US (AND THE WORLD)
2025 brings us to our third year of participating in the GotSneakers Recycling Program. Response has had its ebbs and flows; however, we are certainly making an impact on our world.
Here are the statistics for 2024.
Our Donations:
Number of bags - 6
Number of “excellent” sneakers - 0
Number of “good” sneakers – 17
Number of “fair” sneakers - 13
Number of recyclable sneakers – 19
Number of non-athletic shoes - 7
Sustainability Impact:
Landfill - 56 pairs displaced from landfills
Carbon dioxide - 1,680 pounds displaced
Water - 126,392 gallons saved
GotSneakers sent St. Tim’s $42.00 for our sneaker donations. While $42.00 may be less than expected, it’s still $42.00 reaped simply from our goodwill. As stewards of God’s creation, we should expand our focus to the positive impact we are making on landfills, carbon dioxide, and water. The simple act of bringing your unwanted sneakers to church is a win-win no matter how you look at it. Keep up the good work! —Kathy Swift, Treasurer
WHO’S WHO ON COUNCIL
If you have a question or concern, reach out to any member. If you wish to attend a Council meeting—usually held the third Monday of the month-- please let us know beforehand.
SUSAN FEOLA (PRESIDENT) - 215-718-9600 or suefeola07@msn.com
VANESSA FINEBERG (VICE PRESIDENT) 215-605-2653 or vineberg@comcast.net
CAROLYN DENZEL (SECRETARY)-- 215-205-4187 or cdenzel03@gmail.com
KATHY SWIFT (TREASURER) –215-813-0824 or kswift6267@comcast.net
JOHN CREEDON (PROPERTY) –267-249-8369 or creedonsr@comcast.net
TINA SNYDER (PARISH LIFE/SERVICE) – 267-879-4637 or jimntina87@comcast.net
ELISA DAVIS (WORSHIP) —215-532-1773 or edsmjjd@gmail.com
PASTOR KATHLEEN KERIN –201-638-8217 or kathkerin@gmail.com
THE NEXT CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, JANUARY 20, AT 3:30 PM
PRAYER MINISTRY
The Prayer Team is ready to lift you or your concern in prayer. No concern is too small or insignificant. If you need prayer, talk with one of our team members: Carolyn Denzel, Sue Feola, Vanessa Fineberg, Barbara Huber, Isabel Hyczko, Tom Lyden, Tina Snyder, Rich Soltan, Verna Clohecy, and Pastor Kerin.
SUNDAY LECTIONARY READINGS FOR JANUARY
JANUARY 5:
Jeremiah 31:7-14 , Sirach 24:1-12 (alternate),
Psalm 147:12-20, Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 (alternate), Ephesians 1:3-14, and John 1:[1-9] 10-18
JANUARY 12:
Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, and Luke 4:14-21
JANUARY 19:
JANUARY 26:
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