The Messenger

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: 410-364-5147

12095 Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova, MD 21625 info@stpaulscordova.org

September

2017

PASTOR’S PAGE

14 [But] as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned

it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for

correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient,

equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

How from childhood do we begin to know the sacred writings. In the Lutheran baptismal service this is

one of the first things the parents and godparents are asked if they would be sure to provide for the scripture to

be learned by their child.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the king-

dom of heaven belongs." (Matthew 19:14)

Jesus calls to the disciples to let the children come to him for to them belongs the kingdom of heaven.

Here Jesus says to let the children come now-not later. Too many people voice the erroneous phrase “the chil-

dren are the future of the church.” The truth is the children are the church now because you cannot say when in

the future they will be ready. Using this erroneous phrase children hear they are not important in church until

some future date so if they are not important until the “future” why should they pay attention or even show up

until they are of value to the church. When that day comes will they still be interested in a place that only val-

ues them at a certain age.

Our children need to learn they are of great value to Jesus since birth and Jesus called them to come to

him now and not be hindered by the disciples. Maybe this scenario could cause us to consider if we may have

inadvertently hindered access to Jesus for some young person without knowing we have done so.

In the baptismal service, the congregation agrees to help bring up children into the faith. But, do we say

“We Will” because we just happen to be present at the service or because we truly will assist in the spiritual

education of our children not for just this particular church body but for the Body of Christ as a whole. Martin

Luther in his “Sermon on the Estate of Marriage” gives direct and no-nonsense instructions to parents about the

spiritual education of children. I will be offering excerpts from Luther’s 3rd point in this sermon. You can

read this whole sermon on line and googling “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage Revised and Corrected by

Dr. Martin Luther Augustinian at Wittenberg”

Luther says in this third point to pay a more thorough and continuous attention to the health of

the child’s soul. Also, the child is an eternal treasure from God who commands one to protect and so prevent

the world, the flesh and the devil from stealing the child away and bring him (or her) to destruction. Again, Lu-

ther states that “if you cannot do this then seek out other people who can help, sparing neither money or ex-

pense, neither trouble or effort for your children are the churches, the altar, the testament, the vigils and the

masses for which you will make provision in your will. It is they who will lighten you in your hour of death,

and to your journey’s end.”

So you can see Luther values all children as the present of the church and church life not sometime in

the future and neither should we. Our children present their offerings at Sunday School as we present them dur-

ing the service. Our young people offer singing in the service at times, serve as acolytes, crucifers and lectors

just as the adults do. Our young people attend Sunday School classes to learn about Jesus and how God loves

them as do some of our post confirmation young people. So, you see they are not the future of the church they

are the very present now of the church.

[Continued on page 2]

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[PASTOR’S PAGE CONTINUED]

In essence, we are all children of God and we are God’s children now not sometime in the future. Jesus

dies so we will all be children of God no matter what our age in the present and heirs to the inheritance of eter-

nal life Jesus obtained for us on the cross.

So, when you see our children take them as seriously as you would take your adult brothers and sisters

in Christ. When asked to help or serve in the process of their spiritual education do all you can to fulfill the

vow made in every baptismal service by saying “I Will”.

We are children of God joined in baptism,

Pastor Flavia

QUIET TIME WITH GOD-LECTIO DIVINA CONTINUES- The next session is scheduled for Saturday,

October 9, 2017 at 10:00AM-PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DATE AND TIME

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LUTHERANS TURN 500- On October 31, 2017 the Lutheran Churches will take time to remember its be-

ginnings in Wittenberg 500 years ago. We will celebrate our Lutheran heritage and in

2017 Lutherans will look anew at their beginnings and renew their knowledge of the Lu-

theran Confessions, catechisms, Ways of worshipping God and his Christ, their relation to

the Holy Spirit in baptism, Jesus’ real presence in the communion meal and how we might

witness more fully and sincerely to the salvation of Jesus Christ for all the world.

We are still collecting 500 cans of food for the local food pantry. The countdown

of foodstuffs will appear as the cans rim the sanctuary declaring all who enter our striving to help those for

whom a daily meal is not a guarantee even in this day and age. As of the composition of this newsletter article

we have collected : 432 CANS — WE NEED 68 MORE TO MEET OUR GOAL!!!

QUIET TIME WITH GOD-LECTIO DIVINA CONTINUES- The next session is scheduled for Saturday,

September 9, 2017 at 10:00AM

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The Denny Days continue The next scheduled date: Tuesday, September

25th beginning at 5PM.

Go to Dennys.com and sign up for coupons for discounts on meals and

for a free Grand Slam on your birthday. Come and have some coffee and

conversation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere!

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Pulpit Exchanges

Many times, in Pastor’s sermons there is mention of the Pastor’s exegesis group (fancy name for Bi-

ble study). After much discussion, the pastors felt it would be interesting to preach at each other’s churches

to experience a different body of Christ and for the same body of Christ to hear another pastor’s Holy Spirit

inspiration of scripture.

September 3rd-will be the exchange between St. Paul’s and Easton Presbyterian Church. Come meet

the Rev. Duke Dixon and hear what the Spirit will say through him.

This is a great way to get to know our neighbors and see what God is saying and doing within the

Christian community of Talbot County. All the pastors look forward to meeting the congregations we think

about as we craft sermons to spread the gospel in our community. It is also a good way to get acquainted

with the other pastors who are “on-call” when their own pastor is away on vacation or continuing education.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pastor will be away for continuing education in Mundelein Seminary beginning after the service on Sunday,

September 24th and will return on Friday, September 29th.

Pastor Karen will be on call during this time.

Pastor would like to express:

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Special Funding Program

Replaced HVAC Units

Three months ago St Paul's had to replace the air conditioning/heat pump unit servicing the office area and

most recently the unit serving the fellowship hall. Both units were beyond their useful life and repairs or com-

pressor replacement were not viable options.

Replacing the units was an expense that was not anticipated nor budgeted. Total cost to purchase and in-

stall both units was $13,835. Since these were not budgeted expenses and our budgeted expenses for the year ex-

ceed projected income, the Church Council is initiating a special funding program to cover these unexpected ex-

penses. The goal is to raise $13,800 by Sunday, September 24, 2017. Progress reports will be provided each

Sunday.

As a congregation, members and friends of St. Paul’s respond in support of the needs of our church and

community when necessary. Our annual budget consists of daily operational needs and does not provide for ex-

traordinary expenses. Your Church Council asks that you prayerfully consider donating to this special funding

program. God calls on us to be good stewards of the gifts He has provided. What is He calling you to give for

this need?

Please identify your donation toward this fund separate from your offering. Specify your donation by

writing “HVAC Fund” on an envelope or on the memo line of your check. Donations may be placed in the offer-

ing plate or mailed to the church office.

Families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God. According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for this work.

Ezra 2:68,69 Respectfully, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Council

Monthly Offering Report

Offerings Year to Date: July 2017

The annual budget, unanimously approved by the congregation in January, requires annual offerings of $187,236 to

meet approved expenses. Stewardship Sunday responses estimate annual offerings of $160,717 leaving a projected

deficit of ($26,519). The Difference shown above does not include this projected deficit.

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be

filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Prov 3:9-10

July Offerings YTD Estimate of Giving YTD Actual Difference

$10,831 $82,982 $78,114 ($4,868)

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BIBLE STUDY

Bible Study Group will meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month

Please come join them for a enjoyable time, lots of learning, lots of discussing the lessons, time for sharing news, everyone welcome– 9am.

Rally Day Coming Soon!

Sunday, September 10th at the

Talbot Co. Ag Center, Hiner’s Lane

We will Gather at the Ag Center on Sunday morning

at 10am, our Annual Worship Service, followed by a covered dish lunch. Please bring a dish or dessert to share.

following worship services. We will have the blessing of the backpacks, students and teachers.

We have not yet had anyone come forward to fill the job of Superintendent !

Please consider helping out OUR Church and OUR Children.

REGULAR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES will begin on Sunday, September17, 2017

In this newsletter, page 11, you will find a copy of the

Sunday School Registration Sheet for your child.

Please complete and return as soon as possible to the church office!

September 12, 2017

Genesis 50:15-21

Psalm 103:1-13

Romans 14:1-112

Matthew 18:21-35

September 26, 2017

Ezekiel 18:1-4;25-32

Psalm 25:1-9

Philippians 2:1-13

Matthew 21:23-32

Sunday School News

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PURPLE IN SEPTEMBER??????

Yes, you will be seeing purple in the church in September. It is not a mistake.

Talbot Goes Purple is an initiative from Talbot Country Sheriff’s Office and Tidewater Rotary in

partnership with Talbot Country Public Schools and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. It

is an effort to bring awareness to the problem of drugs in our community and encourage the

community to unite in fighting drug addiction.

A letter from the Sheriff’s Office was sent to all Talbot County residents, businesses and churches ask-

ing them to display purple in solidarity throughout the month of September. At the July council meet-

ing it was voted to participate by stringing purple lights outside the church. At the August meeting it

was refined to having the lights be displayed around the front door of the church. A subsequent ques-

tion was asked as how the congregation could be more aware of St. Paul’s participation within the walls

of the church. It was suggested that we use the purple paraments normally reserved for the Lenten sea-

son for September to further show our solidarity with the Sheriff’s Office request.

Since the letter went to all Talbot County residents all residents are all encouraged to consider partici-

pating in our own homes and businesses with this display of concern for the drug epidemic in the

Talbot Community and to stand up in the fight against all substance abuse.

This project is based on THP Project Purple initiated by The Herrin Project established by Chris

Herrin a former NBA basketball player to help individuals and families caught in the throes of

addiction.

For more information go to WWW.thpprojectputple.org

Information brochures and window clings are available on the counter outside of the church

office. When car magnets become available again they will be found on the counter.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CHAPEL ELEMENTARY For the month of September we will be collecting school supplies to be given to Chapel Elementary School here in Cordova. There are many items they could use, here at some ideas, but there is a more complete list (and extra copies) on the bulletin board by the office. Glue sticks, composition books, box of tissues, regular size crayons, markers, #2 pencils, large zippered pencil cases, headphones, one inch binder, hand sanitizer, box of colored pencils, 2 pocket folders, dry erase markers, black, highlighters, wide ruled loose leaf paper, small bottles of white glue, etc. See the entire list, items may be placed in the box in the narthex. Thank you again, for your donations for the kids at Cordova Elementary.

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Please remember in prayer: Each Sunday, in the Prayers of the

Church, we include our members and friends and family of

members who are in special need of our corporate prayers.

Members of St. Paul’s: Kenny Asche, Frances Blades, Douglas

Bridge, Warren Burr, Doug Edsall, Charlotte Horner, Rev. Donald

McClean, Dale and Betty Jean Mumford, Edith Roe, and George

Schnoor.

Friends of St. Paul’s: Francis Barletta (father of Rocco Barletta),

Erin Bartz, Lisa Callahan, Tim Cannon, John Draper, Michael Eaton (brother of Rosemary Spies.), Otis Faulkner,

Lyn Fuller, Margie Haddad (friend of pastor), Grant Harrison, Dorothy Hiner (mother of Michael Hiner), Scott

Hogan, Katelyn Howard, Hayden Hutchison, Reed Joachimowski, Darren Leonard, Jim and Diane Lewis,

(mother and father of Jamie and Jeff Lewis and mother and father in-law of Michelle and Meredith Lewis), Ursula

Mosley, Michael Mumford (son of Dale & Betty Jean Mumford), Mike Quinn, Bill Radcliff, Albert Radmore

(Pastor’s Uncle), John Rickwood, Adam Schauber (father of Dottie Carroll), Nancy Smith, Mike Smithmeyer,

Jack Wheatley,

Those serving in the military, Dash Asche, Tori Spies and Hunter Priest .

For all missionaries, especially Taylor Stevens, her “Soul Spark” team companions and all involved with the

world race.

CHOIR will resume on Sunday, September 17th.

Thinking about joining the Choir?

IF SO, THAT’S GREAT, MORE VOICES ARE AL-WAYS WELCOME.

SEE OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR AND ORGANIST JULIE HAWLEY

Sit-n-Stitch Group

The Sit-n-Stitch Ladies are re-

turning from vacation (with all

the summer projects) on

Thursday, September7th. at

10am.After this they will meet

on the second Thursday of

St. Paul’s Email Prayer ministry is led by

Betty Jean Mumford.

If you would like to add your name to the email

prayer list to

receive prayer requests and include these

in your prayers, email

Betty Jean Mumford

at

bettyjmum-

ford@hotmail.com

The Post Office has changed regulations on the way that mail is addressed.

You now must have the correct address or the mail or it will be returned. For instance

the Church address is: (St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12095 Blades Rd., P.O. Box

368, Cordova, MD. 21625).

You must have the P.O. Box 368 on the letter to us, or it will be returned. (which has

already happened to us). This is for all mail, not just the church. We want to make sure

we receive your mail and or checks you send us, so please try to remember to

include the P.O. Box number !

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BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH

Church Calendar Scheduling:

If you would like to schedule a church event (either an event to be held at church or a church-sponsored event),

please contact Fay Sauca in the church office to confirm the availability of the date, and to ensure that your event

is on the Master Calendar. An electronic version of our congregation’s Master Calendar is always available online on

our website at www.stpaulscordova.org/calendar

CALENDAR for September 2017 September 4 Labor Day September 7 Sit-n-Stitch 10am September 9 Fellowship Hall in Use September 10 Worship and Picnic at Talbot Ag Center 10am September 10 Grandparent’s Day September 11 Farmer’s Lunch September 12 Bible Study 9am September 13 Church Council Meeting 7pm September 17 1st Day of Sunday School September 22 Fall Begins September 24-29 Pastor Away—Continuing Ed Seminar September 25 Denny Days 5pm September 26 Bible Study 9am September 30 Oktoberfest—Talbot Ag Center

09/01 Lee Heinsohn 09/01 John Miller 09/02 Gavin Corley 09/05 Samantha Lewis 09/06 Joseph Richtol 09/06 Rosemary Spies 09/09 Tricia Walston 09/10 Donna Stevens 09/18 Charlotte Horner 09/20 Andy Miller 09/22 William Behrens, Sr. 09/22 Carl Sauca 09/23 Addison Rice 09/26 Connie Marth 09/26 Shannon Rickwood 09/26 Cody Sard 09/29 Cameron Edsall 09/29 Cindy Spies

We are in great need of volunteers

for the Shelter in Easton,

Can you help us in a morning or

evening, if you can help see

Mike Hiner for information.

09/12 Sam & Wendy Sauca 09/19 James & Monica Bissett 09/23 Frances & Paul Blades 09/27 Tony & Susanne Gay 09/28 Aaron & Danielle Cannon

A sign up

sheet is on

the bulletin

board out-

side the

September 10

GRANDPARENTS

DAY

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Acolytes and Crucifers

If you cannot serve on your Sunday, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND SOMEONE TO SWITCH

WITH — So we will have coverage in church on Sunday.

ACOLYTES CRUCIFERS

September

Tammy Norfolk

and Diana Hurd

September 3 Mike Hiner

September 17 Betty Jean Mumford

ALTAR FLOWERS

September 3 Marian Davis

September 10 None Needed

September 17 open

September 24 open

September 3 Olivia Brown

September 10 Ag Center

September 17 Austin Spies

September 24 Colby Rickwood

LECTORS

September 3 Ellen Mulder

September 10 Ag Center

September 17 Justine Spies

September 24 Robert Saathoff

September 3 Diana Hurd and Rosemary Spies

September 10 Ag Center

September 17 Terri Hiner & Darian Sump

September 24 Betty Jean Mumford & Diana Hurd

September 3 Marian Davis & Gerda Fisher

September 10 Ag Center

September 17 Sam Sauca & Darian Sump

September 24 Marian Davis & Renee Pearson

September 3 Maddy Sauca

September 17 Mallory Short

At St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church our mission is to:

“Grow our membership with faith and love

And share our blessings with all God’s people.”

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Reminder – First Sunday Collection

For the Hungry

Don’t forget your canned goods for the 500

Can Collection in celebration of Martin Luther’s

anniversary. The cans may be placed in the

sanctuary around the WALLS!

(They will be donated to local food pantries.)

The items they need most are:

Ready-to-eat foods with easy open lids

Soup Canned Fruit

Corn beef hash Canned meat

Corn beef hash Spaghetti with meat sauce

WHEN YOU GET SETTLED

IN SCHOOL, SEND US

YOUR ADDRESS

AND EMAIL

ADDRESS SO WE

CAN KEEP IN

TOUCH WITH YOU !

Send to: info@stpaulscordova.org

Our Church yard, big lot and cemetery have looked great this summer. Thank you to Chris Rice for keeping it looking great each week! Also, thank you to everyone who have either cut the grass or donated money to have Chris cut it.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !! Ushers and Lectors are needed, this would help in that others wouldn’t have to serve as often. If this is something you might like to try, call the office 410-364-5147.

BAPTISM On Sunday, August 27, 2017,Olivia Charlotte

Hawley, infant daughter of Julie and Logan

Hawley was baptized. Olivia was born February 22, 2017.

Her baptismal sponsor was Taylor Holston.

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Please inform the church office of any

changes in your personal information:

Address, phone number,

marriage or divorce,

or new births so that we

can keep our

records up-to-date.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Sunday Worship begins at 9:00 am

Vertrau auf Gott!

(Trust in God)

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Flavia Skilbred:

Home: 443-385-0261

Cell: 443-297-9172

Email: pastor@stpaulscordova.org

Choir Director and Organist—Julie Hawley

Secretary: Fay Sauca

Office Phone: 410-364-5147

Office Fax: 410-364-5142

Cell: 443-786-4185

Office Email: info@stpaulscordova.org

Office Hours: Tue.–Wed. & Thurs. 10:00-3:00

The office will be closed

On Monday, September 4—Labor Day

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 12095 Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova MD 21625 Return Service Requested