August 2019 Newsletter
Pastor’s Message
35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 8:35-39)
Hard to believe that the summer is on the downward slope and heading towards the back to school sales. I have had a busy time and full schedule over the past few weeks. Celebrating weddings with multiple families in the church, VBS, and summer camp experiences at both Hartman Center and Harvey Cedars.
All of these events have been grounded in 2 things: Love and Community. Really that is the bottom line on everything we do and are a part of in the church. Showing and sharing love, while building community with one another and God.
Camp of the Heart at Hartman Center, the camp Kara and I direct, is made up of a diverse community of folks who have many different abilities. These folks come together and celebrate each other and celebrate life, as it is all grounded in God’s creation and grounded in knowing we are all children of God. This camp continues to show us all what community in God’s world can and should look like.
Our Harvey Cedars experience this year had a wonderful message that really was right on the mark for all the young people who were there. I invite you to join the youth in church on August 18th, when they will share more about the camp experience. I will highlight some of what was shared. Again love was an important part of the whole message and in fact the young people were reminded that they are loved. (period). Using the scripture message from above we were reminded that nothing can separate us from God. Nothing that we do or don’t do will cause God not to love us. While that was day 1’s message the rest of the week was spent on topics that lead the young people through a plan to live and work through life, with topics entitled: For Freedom, Word/People/Spirit, Do the Work, and Repent/Confess/Accept. The speaker was very affective and the band that led many worship experiences was very good in every way. The band was very welcoming to all who wanted to chat with them, take pictures with them, or sharing contact info for continued connections during the year. The band even came out and played neon dodgeball with many of the kids one of the nights. Impressive facilities, open thoughtful speaker, and great music helped to make it a great time… oh, and there was the beach too.
Blessings and Prayers for all God’s People,
Pastor Nate
Worship Schedule this month:
August 4th – (Theme of Worship: Soul Investment) Hosea 11:1-11; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21. NO First Sunday Fellowship. We welcome Rev. Mike Romig to the Pulpit.
August 11th – (ToW: Living into the Promise) Psalms 138; Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:32-40. We welcome Jeff Baker as he shares his gifts, using the art of chalk. His theme is “His Work….Our Hands”.
August 18th - (ToW: Restore Us) Praise Group will share songs and We will hear from the participants of Harvey Cedars.
August 25th - (ToW: Healing Reign) Jeremiah 1:4-10; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17.
Look Further Ahead
September 1st - (ToW: Open Table) Jeremiah 2:4-13; Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16; Luke 14:1,7-14. Labor Day Weekend.
September 8th – (ToW: A New Identity) Jeremiah 18:1-11; Philemon 1:1-21; Luke 14:25-33. Congregational Meeting for Vision Proposal
VISION COMMITTEE
If you have been with us in worship during the month of July you have begun to hear the personal why statements from the members of the vision committee. These will continue through August and into September until you hear each person’s reflections of why this process is so important to the future work of the church as we live into what’s next. We hope that these short messages may help you shape your reasons for being an important part of Dreisbach too. Our individual visions help to shape the vision and work we undertake as a whole body of faith.
DECIDING WHERE TO START
As we prayerfully considered where to begin and how we can be an effective committee to serve the future of Dreisbach, we quickly realized there are many thoughts and ideas on what we should or could focus on and many perspectives on how ministry is going now. That has led us to embark on some major data gathering. So we need to gather the collective thoughts and perspectives of the church. We’re looking to hear the voices of both folks inside and outside the church. In order to gather open and honest data we feel that a trusted 3rd party is going to be needed to gather thoughts, opinions, and trends of our area; so that this information can help to guide us into what is next.
OUR PROPOSAL
Members of the Vision Committee have met with several local and regional professionals who serve in the space of leading organizations to define who they are, where they can be most effective, and a potential path to get there. After meeting with 5 different possible partners we presented to consistory a proposal to work with Samaritan Counseling Center located in Lancaster. The core focus of the initial round of work proposed is to complete an objective in-depth survey this Fall, where we will ask all members to complete the survey either electronically or on paper. And we will also be led through some reflection conversations and activities focusing on the history points of Dreisbach, because it is helpful to understand where we have been so we can successfully move forward as a faith community. Consistory has approved that this proposal be brought to the congregation this Fall.
LET’S TALK
We anticipate members having various questions on why and how this work will be accomplished. So let’s talk. We want to share with you what and how we are looking to partner with Samaritan Counseling Center. Why we feel this is the best choice for Dreisbach, why a survey makes the most sense, how we would use the information from the survey, etc. In order to share more information and answer questions ahead of time, we will be having an informational session after worship in the downstairs social hall on the following Sundays.
Sunday, August 11 Sunday, August 25 Sunday, Sept 1
DECIDING AS A CONGREGATION
The information sessions are meant to prepare all members for a Congregational Meeting we will have on September 8, 2019 following worship to vote on the Vision Committee moving forward with using the services of Samaritan Counseling Center. Please mark your calendars for the vote and plan to join us for an informational session prior. The committee intends to present the same information each week but conversations and questions may vary based on those in attendance.
THANK YOU
We can't, nor do we want to, do this work alone. We proactively THANK YOU for taking time to join us for an informational session and learn more about this important opportunity for Dreisbach prior to the Congregational Vote on September 8th.
The Vision Committee
Fall Rummage Sale
Our Go-to-Person for the Fall Rummage Sale will be Carol Willow, and Judy Willow will be enlisting the needed workers. Our church family has been so supportive in the past. We look forward to continued response. Thank you!!
Carol and Diane Hackenberg help with publicity.
Set-up will be on Sunday, September 29th. The Yard Sale ( a new addition) and the Rummage Sale will be held the first week of October.
Fall Festival
Mark your calendar for our 4th annual Fall Festival which takes place, Saturday, October 12th from 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. It is a great day for fellowship amongst our people here at Dreisbach and visitors.
We are in need of volunteers in the following areas – food stand, pie tasting contest, bake sale, games, hayrides and especially setting up and taking down the tables, decorations, tent tops, etc.
It isn’t too early to think about what favorite pie you would like to enter in the contest. This is open to men, women and children.
“Clyde’s Fries” will be here again!
Great entertainment is already scheduled for the event.
Future articles will be posted in the bulletin and newsletter. Again, please mark your calendar for this special time!
Prime Timers
The Prime Timers will be meeting at the Old Turnpike Restaurant, Thursday, August 15th at 12:30 pm. Come and enjoy lunch and a time of fellowship. Lunch will be dutch treat. Anyone 50 or older is welcome to join the group.