September and October

Sep 5, 20234 min read

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ST. TIM’S

Getting ready for VBS. For more photos and videos, check out our Facebook page.

VBS –A WONDERFUL TRIP TO ADVENTURE ISLAND

How do you measure the success of a Vacation Bible School? By the numbers? During VBS week (July 24-28), over 30 children attended, 11 teen volunteers assisted, and 16 adult volunteers worked under the energetic and enthusiastic direction of our Christian Education Director, Susan Feola.

At the following Sunday’s service, Susan Feola and Dawn Weber (Beacon the Puffin puppet’s special friend) presented a slide show that took us all to Adventure Island.

What if you measure the success of a VBS by children’s smiles? As he left on closing night with his family, one child said breezily, “See you next week!” Guess he thinks church is a cool place—and that may be the true measure of VBS success.

UPDATE ON OUR PASTORAL TRANSITION

Our transition process is moving forward! Five people have agreed to be on our transition team: Elisa Davis, Carolyn Denzel, Barbara Huber, Tim Madden, and Jackie Schmid. They will be meeting with our transition consultant, Pastor Sandra Brown, over the next week or so to create questions which we need to ask the congregation, and to plan an event in which we will do this work. The next step then will be to compile the data received to create a ministry site summary that will be submitted to the Lutheran Synod of Southeastern Pennsylvania. We will keep you posted during our Sunday announcements.

A reminder that during this phase of our transition, Pastor Brown is the go-to person if you have any questions about the process, or if you are in need of pastoral care. Please contact the church office during office hours or call her directly (215/680-3972) if you are hospitalized or ill.

BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES

Before Vicar Kyle left for his new position, he kindly arranged for several pastors in the North East/North West Conference to lead our Tuesday afternoon Bible study group. Many thanks to Pastor Joey Klinger (Dean of the NEW Conference), as well as Pastors Jane Marston of Tabor United and Kathleen Kerin of St. Paul (Olney). The participants appreciated hearing different perspectives and getting to know other pastors from our conference.

Fall sessions will start on Tuesday, September 12, at 4 pm in our Library. Pastor Sandra Brown will lead the discussions throughout the fall. We’ll begin with 1 Corinthians 13 (“Love is…).

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS

St. Tim’s has supported Feast of Justice for many years, but we have decided to hold a special, focused collection for the 10th anniversary of “God’s Work, Our Hands.” According to Pastor Tricia Neale, the Executive Director of FOJ, the following kinds of items are “flying off the shelves”:

* Low-sugar juices

* Low-salt soups

* Dried fruit

* Personal care items

Let’s help FOJ stay well-stocked and able to help our neighbors in need. Bring your contributions to our Library on Sunday, September 3 and 10.

AND DON’T FORGET

Council member Kathy Swift has found ways for St. Tim’s to recycle (and in some cases, raise funds) through year-round collections:

* Gently-used and new sneakers

* Used printer cartridges

* Eyeglasses and hearing aids

Find the collection boxes in the coat closet across from the Library.

SHOPRAISE, SHOP SMART

Have you tried ShopRaise yet? This fundraiser now offers gift cards. Liz Soltan, Council President, says it’s surprisingly easy to use the gift cards—both for online shopping (think Amazon) and for in-store purchases. Here’s the ShopRaise link: Online Mall Page | Shop Raise | Successful Fundraising Your Way!

Flyers with instructions are also at the back of the sanctuary.

PRESCHOOL NEWS: READY TO GO

The Preschool School Board, comprised of teachers and several church members, met in late August to discuss plans for ’23-24. Our teachers work hard to provide learning and fun. Returning are Linda Yesenosky (Director/3s Teacher), Katie McAlorum (3s Assistant Teacher and Pre-Kindergarten Enrichment Program Teacher), and Colleen Falconio and Donna Forcina (4s Co-Teachers). Joining the staff is Marcia Maio (Teaching Assistant).

COMING UP

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

October: Information Gathering/Congregational Event

Help the Transition Committee answer questions about St. Tim’s mission

and pastoral goals

November: Food, Crafts, and Bakery Sale

Enjoy favorites from past Bazaars

Look for more info in our Sunday bulletins and Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/sttimslutheranchurchfoxrok

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: Barbara Huber, Tina Snyder, Isabel Hyczko, Carolyn Denzel, Rich Soltan, Vanessa Fineberg, and Verna Clohecy. You can also text Richard Soltan at 215-828-1617 or email Verna Clohecy at vclohecy1@aol.co.

WHO’S WHO ON COUNCIL

Church Council usually holds meetings after worship on the third Sunday of the month, although summer vacations may necessitate a break in that schedule.

Anyone is welcome to attend a Council meeting, but we do request notice beforehand. Similarly, feel free to bring up your suggestions, concerns, or questions to any Council member.

Here is the contact information for Council members.

· Liz Soltan (President) – 215-828-1619 or soltan320@comcast.net

· Rich Soltan (Vice President)—215-828-1617 or soltanesq@comcast.net

· Carolyn Denzel (Secretary)—215-205-4187 or cdenzel03.gmail.com

· Susan Feola (Christian Education)—215-718-9600 or suefeola07@msn.com

· Vanessa Fineberg (Parish Life)—216-605-2653 or vfineberg@comcast.net

· Tom Lyden (Property)—215-340-981 or thomas.lyden513@icloud.com

· Tina Snyder (Service)—267-879-4637 or jimntina87@comcast.net

· Kathy Swift (Worship)—215-813-0824 or kswift6267@comcast.net

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NEXT CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Sunday, September 17, after our worship service