REFORMATION TIMESrelcmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RELC-March-2020-Newsletter.pdfIda Cramer entered eternal life on February 3, 2020. A memorial service was held at Reformation

Share a Lent Devotion Share a reflection to be a part of our daily devotions this Lent! Visit relcmedia.org/lent to learn more and complete a submission. Daily Devotions will be emailed each morning beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 26. Contact Pastor Alina with any questions.

Join Us for Midweek Soup Suppers and Worship Each Wednesday in Lent, starting March 4, we invite you to gather for a soup supper and discussion at 6:30 pm in Creighton Hall. The soup supper will be followed by Evening Prayer in the sanctuary at 7:30 pm. Calling All Soup Makers

Our midweek Lent Soup and Bread Suppers begin March 4 at 6:30 pm in Creighton Hall. Each week, we need seven crock pots of warm hearty soup. Bring

your hot, prepared soup to Creighton Hall Kitchen by 6:15 pm. Our Lent Soup and Bread Supper Coordinator, Ginny Winderman, will be there along with members of the Hospitality Ministry Team to assist you. Sign up in the Reformation Lobby to bring soup and/or bread throughout the season of Lent. Contact Ginny or Hospitality Ministry Team Member, Phyllis Brady, with questions.

Easter Food Bags Reformation will provide Easter dinners to three local agencies. Bags will be available on March 15 and 22. We ask that you take a bag, fill it with the items

on the shopping list, and return it by April 5. You can also donate money using the special envelopes on the counter in the lobby. These dinners are very much appreciated by the recipients. ART IN THE HEART OF WORSHIP Join Our Taskforce Planning is now underway for the Summer 2020 Art in the Heart of Worship summer engagement activities. If you would like to help make Art in the Heart of Worship happen again, join the planning Monday, March 2, at 5 pm in the Alyce Thompson Room. Questions? See Deacon Beth. Bible Study is Back! Adult Bible Study will resume in the choir room at 9:45 am on Sunday, March 1, with a look at our beautiful liturgy. We will be considering the reasons for the structure of the service and the underlying scripture and doctrine for each part. The goal of the study is to gain a better understanding of why we do and say what we do on Sunday morning so that our worship experience is even more meaningful. All adults are welcome.

REFORMATION TIMES

M a r c h 2 0 2 0

REFORMATION TIMES 2 MARCH 2020

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

– 1 Corinthians 12:26

Ida Cramer entered eternal life on February 3, 2020. A memorial service was held at Reformation on February 8. Make a Difference with Care Kits Throughout Lent, we will collect supplies for men living in recovery at Phoenix Recovery Project. The mission of the Phoenix Recovery Project is to provide a safe, structured, and sober environment for individuals to overcome their issues with drug or alcohol addiction. It is Phoenix Recovery Project's vision that any person seeking recovery have the opportunity to do so and not be turned away. Founder and Reformation member, Brandt Norton, has said, "Recovery is a transformative process where an individual can achieve a spiritual awakening and develop a strong relationship with God. By providing safe housing for them in their journey, we enable them to do so." Until March 29, care kits filled with donations such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, comb or small brush, shampoo, wrapped bars of soap, new wash cloths and hand towels can be returned to Reformation. Travel size items work the best. Care Kits enable people in transition to have a deeper sense of dignity through basic self-care. If you would like to help Community Action Ministry Team sort and deliver the kits, join us on Thursday, April 2, at 9:30 am. See Linda Bucher, Community Action Chair, with any questions.

Faith-Life Connections Classes Help, Thanks, Wow Join Laura Reiter Sundays, February 23, March 1 & 8, as she facilitates discussion based on Anne Lamott's book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. The easy-to-read essay addresses three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life. You won't want to miss this delightful read and engaging discussion at 9:45 am in Creighton Hall. The Power of Forgiveness To forgive someone can be simple. But this simple act can have powerful consequences and may lead to a personal and spiritual transformation. Kathie Leighton leads participants in a three-week video-based discussion on Sundays, March 15, 22 & 29, at 9:45 am in Creighton Hall. The Power of Forgiveness features Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh and bestselling authors, Thomas Moore and Marianne Williamson.

REFORMATION TIMES Published Monthly by

Reformation Lutheran Church

Deadline: Noon the 15th of every month Materials to: [email protected]

Congregation Council and Officers

Dick Hughey, President; Talitha D’Italia, Vice President; Marilyn Gilroy, Secretary; Tom Conroy, Treasurer, Emily Black, Deb Conley, Megan Gress, Skip Hoffman, Andrew Marcus, Uli Neubert, Bev Norton, Layla Phillips, Mike Polito, Pastor Alina Gayeuski, Pastor Wayne Matthias-Long


Help Feed the HomelessReformation provides meals to the homeless at the Life Center five dates per year: the fourth Thursday of each January, March, May,

July and September. We usually provide at least 150 meals each time we go. It is a very much needed service and one that helps us in our mission to “serve our neighbors”. All are welcome to enjoy dinner and fellowship together afterward at a local restaurant.

Our next opportunity for you to participate in this rewarding mission is Thursday, March 26. There are several ways you can help:

1. Make a meat casserole – The recipe andaluminum pans can be found on the counterin the lobby.

2. Help pack meals on March 26, 5:15-5:45 pm,in Creighton Hall.

3. Join the car pool on March 26 at 5:45 pm tothe Life Center to help serve meals.

4. Make a donation to support this work usingthe special envelopes in the lobby.

Sign-up in the lobby. Contact Brett Norton [email protected] for more information.

Blood Drive Success! Way to go, Reformation! The Red Cross collected 19 pints of blood at our drive in January. Save the date for our next drive, July 19.

Spring Forward Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday, March 7.

Dear Reformation Friends, Thank you for the altar flowers on the 12th of January. They were beautiful – and continue to remind me of your love and caring. The church has always been a sanctuary and reminder of God’s love – both through worship and especially through the voices and hugs of the people. I cherish my friendships and thank you all sincerely.

Jennifer Breen

Dear Members, Thank you for the altar flowers. They are always a joy to behold. Joanne and I are very thankful for your kindness.

Sincerely, Dallas & Joanne Scott

Support the Well The Well is a shelter for women experiencing homelessness in the Philadelphia area. Reformation has volunteered to help at the shelter by providing dinners and needed items a couple of times a year. We are planning on preparing meals for Sunday, March 8. Please sign up in the lobby to provide a casserole, bread, or other side dishes that would feed about 12 people. Other needed items include hair ties, combs, brushes, sugar, coffee, creamer, and to-go breakfast foods. Special envelopes are on the counter in the lobby if you wish to make a financial donation that will help with buying supplies. Please bring all food and donations to church by noon on Sunday, March 8. Thank you for your help! Contact KristenChorney with any questions.


Serve at the Welcome ChurchWe will provide hot beverages after the service at the Welcome Church, on Sunday, March 29. We will meet at Reformation at 2 pm and

carpool to the Welcome Church, across from the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The Welcome Church serves those who are living with homelessness. Sign up in the lobby if you are interested. For more information, contact Deacon Beth or Linda Bucher.

Eco-Tip The Give Back Box is an easy way to donate used household items simply by placing them in an Amazon or other box you have. Go to the website: www.givebackbox.com and follow their instructions for packing and shipping your unwanted items. They will provide the shipping labels and all you have to do is drop the box off at UPS, FedEx or USPS location. This is a great and green way to reuse the box and pass on slightly worn items you no longer wear or use. Thanks to Jen Troutman for this month’s tip.

You Did a SOUPer Job! As the chart below shows, the generosity of RLC just keeps growing! This year, we donated 767 cans of soup to the Media Food Bank and Chester Eastside Ministries. Way to go!

YOUTH GROUP Save The Dates March 15 – Soup Making March 27-29 – Tuscarora Youth Retreat May 3 – Scavenger Hunt and Dessert

Hang with the Guys The Men's Breakfast Group is inviting all Reformation men to our next Breakfast on Saturday, March 14. Come out and join us for hot coffee and warm food

and always interesting discussions. Coffee and fellowship begin at 8:30 am, breakfast is served by 9:00, and the roundtable discussions begin shortly thereafter.

Jameson and Tyler Troutman trace finger labyrinths during confirmation parent class.


Bible PresentationsBibles will be presented to our 2nd grade students on Sunday, March 22, during worship.

Children Around the Altar During the season of Lent, the Sermon on the Steps will be in its regular spot in worship – following the gospel reading.

In addition to coming up to join the preacher for the Sermon on the Steps, the children will also be invited up at the time of the Great Thanksgiving at the beginning of the communion liturgy. They will stand with the presiding pastor around the altar throughout the communion liturgy and can return to their seats with their families after the Lord’s Prayer.

Donate Shoes Stay and Play, the after-school program at Reformation, is supporting a shoe drive being conducted by Gratitude for

Grandparents (G4G), an organization for grandparents raising their grandchildren. G4G will receive money for the donated shoes from Funds2Orgs which will help fund summer camp programs for grandchildren.

Funds2Orgs then redistributes the shoes to microentrepreneurs in developing countries and works with microentrepreneurs to help create, maintain, and grow small businesses in countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of shoes collected are used to feed, clothe, and house their families.

All types of new or gently used shoes are being collected. Shoes may be placed in the collection box in the lobby until March 29. Please see Linda Bucher or Deacon Beth with questions.

RLC Supports Recovery Each week, the following 12-Step groups meet at Reformation:

Sunday at 8:00 pm Men’s AA Monday at 1:30 pm Food Addicts Monday at 7:00 pm Alanon Beginners Monday at 8:00 pm Alanon/Alateen Tuesday at 7:30 pm Women’s AA Thursday at 8:00 pm AA Saturday at 7:30 pm AA

Go to aasepia.org or foodaddicts.org for more information about these and other meetings.

The children gathered around Pastor Wayne during the Travelling Sermon on the Steps.


Join Us for Jazz Night! Join us on Sunday, March 15, at 4 pm for Jazz Night! This fun-for-all-ages and free event will kick off 2020's Media Performing Arts Series. Musicians from the 11am service and other friends of

Reformation will provide a program of your favorite jazz standards. Mark E. Davis Scholarship The Mark E. Davis Scholarship was established by The Rev. William and Irene Davis, following the death of their son, Mark. Applications for the 2020-2021 academic year are on the counter in the lobby or by contacting Gary Kamin at [email protected]. All applications and support materials must be received or postmarked by the May 1, 2020, deadline. Complete details can be found in the January Reformation Times. Any questions should be addressed to the following committee members: Sandy Coll, Ellen Conroy, Evan Davis. Rebecca Funk, or Gary Kamin. A Grateful Staff Thank you, Reformation, for your kindness and generosity this holiday season. We truly love working for this church and congregation and are grateful for the generous Christmas gift.

Summer Camp Registration Registration is now open for all summer programs at Bear Creek Camp. To register, visit: bearcreekcamp.org.

Holy Week @ Home Holy Week @ Home packets (including Holy Week passports!) will be available starting on Sunday, March 15. Packets will include scripture and activities for each day of Holy Week.

Above: Karen Heser, the Bear Creek Camp Program Director, gives a thumbs up with Pastor Alina and Deacon Beth. Left: Warren Given smiles behind his chipmunk mask.

Bear Creek Camp Sunday


Library News Spring is around the corner and a good book will turn your mindset toward a peaceful and reflective season of Lent. Be sure to check out our many

offerings and some new books of interest: Near the Exit: Travels with the (not-so-) Grim Reaper, by Lori Erickson, blending memoir, spirituality, and travel, examines how cultures confront and have confronted death, from Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and Mayan temples, to a Colorado cremation pyre and Day of the Dead celebrations, to Maori settlements and tourist-destination graveyards. The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation is a fresh, dynamic translation into modern English, carefully crafted to let the power and poetry of the language shine forth--particularly when read aloud--giving it an immediacy and intimacy rarely found in traditional translations of the Bible. The Inclusive Bible contains both the Old and the New Testaments. For the Beauty of the Earth, by Leah Schade. Drawing on the beloved hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth,” each week of this 40-day Lenten devotional focuses on a different aspect of the splendor of nature, how God nurtures our spirit through creation, and how we must protect our precious home. Each five-minute devotional includes a scripture, reflection, and prayer. For Heaven’s Sake: Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully, by Marilyn Sharpe. A realistic, encouraging, and supportive book for all who want to nurture faith in Jesus Christ in the home while using proven methods for raising great preschoolers.

Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word, by Mark Franciso Bozzuli-Jones. This unique devotional takes the reader on a spiritual journey through Lent and Holy Week with a focus is on the Spirituals. The Library thanks Pat Polilli, Kirsten Olsen, Laura Reiter, and anonymous donors for recent donations of books. Preparing for First Communion

It is our practice at Reformation that children receive their first communion at the desire of their parents. First communion instruction is a take-home lesson set that can be completed at

your own time and pace. Once the lessons are completed, the family will set up a meeting with Pastor Alina, and then choose a date for the child to receive first communion. This can be done for any age (or ages if you wish for siblings to receive first communion together) and can be done at any time of the year. Families desiring for their child to receive their first communion should contact Pastor Alina.


Compassion and Care Kits Go Hand in Hand

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.”

Among researchers, compassion is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

Compassion is not the same as empathy, though the concepts are related. While empathy refers more generally to our ability to take the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help.

Each week, we hear about challenges and sorrows due to substance abuse and addiction. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, or background, experience such. Loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and friends silently struggle in the shadows cast by alcohol and drug use.

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to alcohol or drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who abuse alcohol and drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their use simply by choosing to do so. In reality, addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

People living in recovery are survivors. Most times, these brave people lend their time and energy to support others. Reformation member Brandt Norton is doing just that. Brandt is one of the founders of the Phoenix Recovery Project: phoenixrecovery.com.

The mission of Phoenix Recovery Project is to provide a safe, structured, and sober environment for individuals to overcome their issues with drug or alcohol addiction. It is Phoenix Recovery Project's vision that any person seeking recovery have the opportunity to do so and not be turned away. Brandt has said, "Recovery is a transformative process where an individual can achieve a spiritual awakening and develop a strong relationship with God. By providing safe housing for them in their journey, we enable them to do so."

During March, in these weeks of Lent, we will collect care kits for men living in recovery at Phoenix Recovery Project. Care kits filled with donations of travel size items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, comb or small brush, shampoo, wrapped bars of soap, new wash cloths and hand towels can be dropped off at Reformation until March 29. Care Kits enable people in transition to have a deeper sense of dignity through basic self-care.

Our acts of compassion send the message to all, You Belong!

Deacon Beth A. Barkhau

VBS Save the Date

July 19 - 23, 2020

2020 Scholar-in-Residence Registration

Dr. Crystal HallWalking with the Risen Christ: Opening Scripture and Breaking Bread

Saturday, April 25, 2020, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Dr. Crystal Hall is a professor of Biblical Studies at United Lutheran Seminary.

In her presentation Dr. Hall will explore Luke’s Road to Emmaus story (Luke 24:13-35) and the way itconnects with our lives as those who walk with the risen Christ now and how we are called to sharethis good news of resurrection.

Dr. Crystal Hall’s research and teaching address the call to justice. Herresearch interests include Paul’s writings, poverty and wealth in the Romaneconomy, ecology and liberation theologies. Her commitments includeempire criticism, reading the biblical text within its historical contexts ofempire, as well as feminist theory. She works to privilege voices that havehistorically been excluded from the classroom and the church.

Through the Contextual Bible Study methodology, Dr. Hall works to read theBible prophetically with communities struggling against the structures thatkeep them marginalized. In addition to her work as an academic, Dr. Hall isa trained organizer and political educator. She has worked withorganizations that draw on long lineages grounded in human rights,environmental justice and the leadership of the directly impacted. She hasworked on staff with organizations including the Poverty Initiative (now theKairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice), United Workers and the Sierra Club.

Dr. Hall is a proud partner of Luis Larín. They reside in Baltimore. Dr. Hall enjoys salsa dancing,gardening and home improvement projects.

Registration is $10 per person and must be postmarked by April 1.

Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _____________________________ email: _______________________________________

Amount enclosed: $_______________

Make checks payable to Reformation Lutheran Church; write “S.I.R. 2020" on the memo line. Drop into the offering plate, or mail to Reformation Lutheran Church, 102 W. Rose Tree Road, Media,PA, 19063.

EASTER FLOWERS Order Deadline is Sunday, March 29

Easter flowers may be ordered by completing this form and placing it on the offering plate or in the church office. Checks should be made payable to Reformation Lutheran Church and attached to your order.

The names of those who order plants will be printed in the Easter worship bulletins. Flowers may be taken home after the 11:00 am service on Easter or the following week during office hours (8:30–4:30).

Please be sure to complete all four sections:

1. Select your plantsPots of Lilies _______ X $8.50 = $___________ Pots of Tulips _______ X $6.75 = $___________ Pots of Daffodils _______ X $6.75 = $___________

Total Enclosed $___________

2. Check one box below and please PRINT clearly

□ In memory of __________________________________________

□ In honor of ____________________________________________

□ In memory of loved ones

□ To the glory of God

3. Your name as it should appear in the bulletin PRINT clearly_________________________________________ Envelope Number:_____________

4. Check one:□ I/we will pick up the plant(s)

□ Please donate the plant(s)

8 2nd Sunday in Lent8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday School & Adult

Faith Builders11:00 am Worship6:00 pm CG1 Classic Films… 8:00 pm Men’s AA

91:30 pm FA Group6:30 pm CG2 Stretch...7:00 pm CG3 Searching… 7:00 pm Alanon7:00 pm Souls7:15 pm Boy Scouts8:00 pm Alanon/Alateen

109:30 am CG4 Searching…1:00 pm Mah Jongg7:00 pm Council Meeting7:00 pm CG5 Visio…7:30 pm Women’s AA

1112:00 pm Staff Meeting4:00 pm CG6 Games…6:30 pm Lent Soup Supper7:30 pm Holden Evening Prayer

8:00 pm Chancel Choir

123:45 pm Music Together5:30 pm Media Food

Pantry Thirst Quencher6:30 pm Zumba6:30 pm Library Committee7:00 pm CG7 Sewing…8:00 pm AA

148:30 pm Men’s Breakfast10:00 am CG8 Labyrinths11:30 am Citizens Climate

Lobby12:00 pm CG9 Cheese…2:00 pm CG10 Spirit…7:30 pm AA

15 3rd Sunday in LentNewsletter Deadline @ noon8:30 am Worship9:45 am Healing Service9:45 am Sunday School & Adult

Faith Builders11:00 am Worship 12:00 pm Youth Group Soup Making12:15 pm Healing Service1:30 pm Mah Jongg4:00 pm Jazz Concert6:00 pm CG1 Classic Films… 7:30 pm Men’s AA Anniversary


13

Sunday Monday FridayThursdayWednesdayTuesday Saturday

179:30 am CG4 Searching…12:00 pm Staff Meeting1:00 pm Mah Jongg6:30 pm Children’s Choir7:00 pm CG5 Visio…7:00 pm Youth Summer Service Team Meeting

7:30 pm Women’s AA

184:00 pm CG6 Games…6:30 pm Lent Soup Supper7:30 pm Holden Evening Prayer


193:45 pm Music Together6:30 pm Zumba7:00 pm CG7 Sewing…7:00 pm Eco-Ministry8:00 pm AA

206:30 pm Gratitude for

Grandparents

21 10:00 am CG8 Labyrinths12:00 pm CG9 Cheese…2:00 pm CG10 Spirit…7:30 pm AA

22 4th Sunday in Lent8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday School & Adult

Faith Builders11:00 am Worship6:00 pm CG1 Classic Films… 8:00 pm Men’s AA


Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church102 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063 www.relcmedia.org Urgent Pastoral Care Line: 610-314-7747 All other phone calls: 610-891-0600

249:30 am CG4 Searching…1:00 pm Mah Jongg6:30 pm Children’s Choir7:00 pm CG5 Visio…7:30 pm Women’s AA



265:15 pm Feeding the

Homeless6:30 pm Zumba7:00 pm CG7 Sewing…8:00 pm AA

2810:00 am CG8 Labyrinths12:00 pm CG9 Cheese…2:00 pm CG10 Spirit…7:30 pm AA

27

29 5th Sunday in Lent8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday School & Adult

Faith Builders11:00 am Worship 1:30 pm Mah Jongg2:00 pm Welcome Church Thirst Q…6:00 pm CG1 Classic Films… 8:00 pm Men’s AA



710:00 am CG8 Labyrinths12:00 pm CG9 Cheese…2:00 pm CG10 Spirit…7:30 pm AA

1 1st Sunday in Lent8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday School & Adult

Faith Builders11:00 am Worship 1:30 pm Mah Jongg6:00 pm CG1 Classic Films… 8:00 pm Men’s AA

21:30 pm FA Group6:30 pm Art in the Heart…6:30 pm CG2 Stretch...7:00 pm CG3 Searching… 7:00 pm Alanon7:00 pm Souls7:15 pm Boy Scouts8:00 pm Alanon/Alateen




53:45 pm Music Together6:30 pm Zumba7:00 pm CG7 Sewing…8:00 pm AA

66:30 pm Gratitude for

Grandparents

Youth Group Tuscarora

102 W. Rose Tree Road • Media, PA 19063 relcmedia.org • 610.891.0600

Label

Sunday Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Summer Worship: 8:30 am & 10:00 am

Pastors The Rev. Wayne A. Matthias-Long The Rev. Alina S. Gayeuski

610-891-0600 www.relcmedia.org

Return Service Requested

REFO R M ATI O N TI M ESMarch 2020

Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 6:30 pm Lent Soup Supper

7:30 pm Holden Evening Prayer

Sunday, March 15 4:00 pm Jazz Night

Sunday, March 22 Bible Presentations

Thursday, March 26 5:15 pm Feeding the Homeless

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

MEDIA, PA 19063 Permit No. 315

MISSION: Called by Christ, we INVITE all people,

SERVE our neighbors, and BUILD a living faith.

WELCOME: Called by Christ, we invite and welcome all people. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status. We welcome all without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, age, abilities, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances, or employment status. We welcome all without regard to religious belief or identity, citizenship, political views, or anything that might divide us. Our unity is in Christ.

Documents

REFORMATION TIMESrelcmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RELC-March-2020-Newsletter.pdfIda Cramer entered eternal life on February 3, 2020. A memorial service was held at Reformation