The Parishioner 1

The Parishioner Volume 26 Issue 09 A Publication of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church September 2021

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Periodically I receive text messages (or an occasional phone call or e-mail) from some of the youth, most of

whom I took through confirmation. I want to share with you part of a text message conversation I had with a

high school student a few years ago (S = Student; P = Pastor):

S: Hey Pastor, I have a friend who doesn’t really believe in God yet, but I’m trying to talk to him about the

Bible and now he wants a Bible, but he has a question that I can’t really give him an answer to….

P: (I gave him my answer to the question).

S: Okay, that answers his question. Thank you for your help. I’m sure he’ll have more questions because he’s

reading a Bible for the first time and you know more than me but he’s come a longgggggg way since the

beginning of baseball starting and I’m trying to get him to come to church this Sunday.

P: I’m so proud of you.

S: Thank you Pastor. I’m just doing what you taught me.

That young man, the friend of my church member, did come and continued to come to church regularly.

Then, after several meetings with me, he stood before the congregation, and at the age of 16 received the

sacrament of Holy Baptism. There aren’t many things more “rewarding” than that – both the conversation with

my church member and taking a young man through catechesis and into Holy Baptism.

One of the things I repeatedly emphasize to my confirmation classes is this: Confirmation is not graduation!

In the same way, we need to remember that being Christians/being the Church is not restricted to an hour or

so on Sunday morning; it is who we are and what we are. When we are baptized into Christ, we become sons

and daughters of God. As St. Paul teaches in Romans 6, in baptism we die and rise with Christ, so that we might

live a new life (literally, “walk in newness of life”).

As you have heard me say, the Holy Spirit brings us into Christ Jesus and brings the life of the crucified, risen

and ascended Jesus Christ into us. As we daily worship, pray, read and meditate on the Scriptures, fellowship

and serve, we do so by yielding our daily living and doing to the Holy Spirit, so that he may continue to shape

and transform us into the image of Christ.

This transformation (referred to in the Bible as sanctification) is not a private experience for our own

pleasure or appropriation; it is the ongoing means by which the Holy Spirit is able to proclaim the Gospel through

us into the world – by our words and our actions.

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It is not insignificant that the New Testament refers to Christians and the Body of Christ. The Church (in

Greek, ecclesia), is made up of those whom Christ has called to himself out of the world and whom he sends

back into the world for his sake. The witness of the Church happens in numerous ways, sometimes when we

least expect it. Sometimes our witness begins in conversation; it is always seen in the way we live our lives, or,

more properly, in the ways Jesus faithfully lives out his life in us and through us. We are bearing witness to the

Gospel even when we may not realize it, and even when we are afraid to.

With you in the body of Christ,

Pastor Phillips

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St. Mark’s Financial Overview

JULY 2021

Receipts $ 24,727.91

Expenses $ 42,593.77

Deficit ($ 17,865.86)

3T Meeting Talk - Task - Tea

Wednesday,

September 1 9:00 am. – Noon

========= “Come & join us, cutting bags, tying bags into ropes to weave, weaving, tying knots on quilt, sewing quilts. Be a part of our cutting up, and getting tied into knots. We have lunch too!”

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>Would you like a visit or communion brought to your home?

Pastor would be glad to accommodate you. Call the church office @ (724)287-6741,

Or

Pastor David Phillips, at the church, Monday – Thursday (724)287-6741

Or anytime at: email: dmp628@yahoo.com, cell phone: 920-285-1990

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Grab your knitting needles

and/or crochet hooks!

Prayer Shawl Meeting

Wednesday, September 8

1:00 pm in the Church

Lounge. What makes a prayer shawl

special?

“This [recipient] is held in the

crafter's thoughts [and prayers]

from beginning to end. Then

whenever the recipient wears

the shawl they have a tangible

reminder of the care

and prayers directed their way. It

is as much a healing item for one

person as it is the other.”

Church Council Meeting Tuesday, September 14 @ 6:00

Please have your reports to the office by

Thursday, September 9. Envelopes can be

picked up Sunday, Sunday 12.

EVE Bible Study

Tuesday, Sept. 28 @

3:00 pm in Good News

Sunday School Room

RALLY BACK TO

SUNDAY SCHOOL

SUNDAY, September 12

@ 10:15 am.

Youth Sunday School &

Confirmation will be

back in full swing!

“Where else can your kids get

Biblical instruction that’s focused

toward their developmental

abilities?”

https://ministry-to-children.com/sunday-school-10-reasons/

“ I L I K E A T E A C H E R W H O

G I V E S Y O U S O M E T H I N G

T O T A K E H O M E T O

T H I N K A B O U T B E S I D E S

H O M E W O R K . ” L I L Y T O M L I N

The Parishioner 3

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50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! You are INVITED!

Sunday September 26, 2021

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

for

Pastor James Neal ~ Fifty years of Ordination

Robert Niggel ~ Fifty years of Lay Ministry

A worship service of celebration will be held in the sanctuary at 3:00 pm.

Immediately following the service will be a reception in St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall.

St. Mark’s is honored to be able to host this special celebration. We invite you to join

us in expressing our joy for the dedicated, faithful work these two men have given to

the family of Christ.

As part of the reception celebration, we would greatly appreciate a donation of cookies from

anyone who is able to provide them. Please bring your cookies to the Fellowship Hall either

Saturday, September 25 between 9:30 – Noon, or Sunday before Noon. Thank You!

I have some GREAT news to share with you: We are in the initial stages of creating a NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY!!! That may not excite some of you (especially if you’re like me and don’t enjoy having your photo taken!), but I want to encourage everyone to get excited about this. The most recent photo directory of St. Mark’s congregation was made in 2003!!! That’s 18 years ago! As a Pastor, I use the directory a lot. Jessie and I have been here 10 months and are still learning people’s names. Many of you are not in the 2003 directory, and many of those who are in it have passed away or transferred their membership.

Since we are making the directory ourselves, it will be much easier to do (we hope). As you will soon discover, we will take photos here on several Sundays from 10:30 to 1:30. You will be able to schedule a time online or you can call Wendy at the church office and make a reservation. There will also be an online form available on the St. Mark’s website. (Paper copies will be available for those who don’t have access to a computer.) You can also submit your own photo – a digital photo is preferred or give a photo to Wendy that she will scan.

Because of the costs involved in creating the directory ourselves – the cost of color copies, photo paper, binding materials, etc. – we are asking for a $5 donation per photo (individuals, couples, families). As a thank you for your donation, we will be able to share with you the digital photo that you select for the directory.

The goal is to get as many people as possible to participate. A new, comprehensive directory will be

extremely helpful to me and Jessie. It will also be helpful to new members.

The Parishioner 4

Notes from Katie’s Kitchen …….

Happy September!! Hope that everyone had a great summer enjoying the warm

weather, sunshine, & outdoor activities that come along with it! My grandson & I had a great

time playing badminton in our back yard & I spent a great deal of time playing in the garden. I must say

that my garden & new grass that we planted loved all of the rain that we had. However, when September

comes, we all get back into our busy routines of school, meetings, falling leaves, & pumpkin spice

everything! The pandemic may have altered our lives a bit, but it is still wonderful to look ahead to the

beautiful autumn ahead of us & the spectacular colors that God paints this part of Western PA.

We continue to be blessed with lots of fresh produce from Butler Farm Market, our Community

Partnership with Sandy Curry, and members of our KK family gardens. One of the things our clients find

hardest to get are fresh fruit & vegetables due to the lack of stores that sell these in town. One of the

ways we are working to help with this food insecurity is being handled by Community Partnerships.

They have been providing Fresh Bucks to those who qualify by income that can be used at the City Farm

Market on Saturday mornings during the summer to purchase fresh fruit & vegetables from local farmers.

It’s a “win, win” for our neighbors & our farmers! For more information on this helpful nutritional

program, check out the Community Action Partnership, Butler, PA website - https://yourcapinfo.org

And check out their section on Programs. It’s not too late in the season to apply for this. Maybe you or

someone you know would benefit from this great program.

As we come to the end of September, the CARES $ that we have been receiving from the federal

government through the Meagan Snyder at the Butler Co Food Bank during this pandemic will be coming

to an end. I know I keep using the word “Blessing” but you have no idea what a BLESSING these dollars

have been to KK. These dollars have allowed us to provide nutritious, creative homemade meals for our

neighbors with little cost to KK. Packaging has been the major expense we have had & will continue to

have for the foreseeable future until more are vaccinated & Covid numbers decline for an extended

period. Please continue to pray that we soon climb out of this difficult time, and that those who are

suffering from Covid & its affects will be comforted & healed by our loving God.

Make sure to take some time during this beautiful season to breath in the fresh autumn air, have a

pumpkin spice latte, and stop to notice the vibrant colors of Fall! God’s paint brush is amazing! It’s His

gift to us!

Wishing you a very grace filled Fall!

-Justine

The Parishioner 5

“I never look at the masses as my responsibility.

I look at the individual.

I can love only one person at a time.

I can feed only one person at a time.

Just one, one, one.”

Mother Teresa

~~~~~

Results of the August 17, 2021 Blood Drive:

33 Donors Schedules ----- 3 Deferrals

21 Whole Blood

2 Power Blood

25 Total Units collected, the goal was 20

67 Potential number of Lives Saved

SAVE THE DATE!

“Over 80” Luncheon

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Lunch will be served in

Fellowship Hall at 12:00 with a

service of Communion to follow.

Please call the church office

(724-287-6741) by Friday, 10/01

to make your reservations

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The Parishioner 7

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The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We welcome into Christ’s Kingdom

through Holy Baptism Barrett Howard Filges

Son of Colt & Sarah (Bogan) Filges

Sponsors:

Cody Filges and Laura Filges

Grandparents:

Darrell & Sherry Filges and

Martha Bogan

Barrett is the 5th generation of the

Filges family to be baptized into the St.

Mark’s church family:

Father – Colt Alan

Grandfather – Darrell Glenn

Great-Grandfather – Glenn Edward

Great-Great-Grandfather – Harry

Edward

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We welcome into Christ’s Kingdom

through Holy Baptism

Noah Matthew Master

Son of Tanner & Samantha

(Bachman) Master

Sponsors:

Cory & Rebecca Achezinski

Grandparents:

Matthew & Tracy Bachman,

Butch & Joyce Master

Great-Grandparents:

Joan Bachman, Joan Master,

Rita & George Nauman

Noah is the 5th generation

to be baptized into the St. Mark’s

church family:

Mother - Samantha Lynn,

Grandfather – Matthew Jason,

Great-Grandfather – Glen Otto,

Great-Great-Grandfather – Otto Aaron

Through Water and the Word, God brings His gifts of forgiveness of

sins, protection from the evil one, and the promise

of everlasting life.

As these children are born into God’s Family today they will become

part of our Church Family at St. Mark’s.

Pray for them and their parents, encourage them in their faith.

We rejoice with you!

Answers to insert zig-zag puzzle #5 - Screech, Charade, Dentist, Steeple, Leprosy, Syringe, Geology; #6 - Cupcake, Ketchup, Upstage, Gelatin, Inherit Itemize, Zealous

The Parishioner 8

Funny Church Sign Postings

- “Acting perfect in

church is like dressing

up for and X-ray.”

- “When you throw mud

at someone, you lose

ground”

- “What could this sign

say to get you here on

Sunday?”

https://www.stewartsigns.com/blog/101

-funniest-church-sign-sayings

September Facts

1. September begins on the same

day of the week of just one other

month, December.

2. September 17th is an incredibly

important day for the US, as it was

on this day in 1787 that the US

Constitution was adopted. If it

weren’t for the Constitution the

US could be an incredibly

different country today, with far

fewer civil liberties! https://www.thefactsite.com/september-facts/

JOKE OF THE MONTH

Q. Why did the boy go to school with his pants tucked into his

socks?

?????

?????

?????

A. To protect himself from mathema-ticks.

CARAMEL APPLE CRUMB PIE https://www.almanac.com/recipe/caramel-apple-crumb-pie#

TOPPING: INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces INSTRUCTIONS: Use All-Purpose Pie Dough, refrigerated, or your favorite piecrust. Roll the pie pastry into a 13-inch circle and line a 9 ½-inch deep-dish pie plate with it. Pinch the overhanging pastry into an upstanding rim. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F. For Topping: Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor. Pulse several times to mix. Scatter the butter pieces over the mixture. Pulse to a sand-like consistency. Transfer to a bowl and rub well with your fingers until the texture is uniform. Refrigerate the crumbs. FILLING: INGREDIENTS 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced baking apples 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon salt INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the apples, 1⁄3 cup of sugar, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and salt with the remaining sugar and mix to blend. Add the mixture to the fruit and stir. Pour the filling into the chilled piecrust, shaping the apples into a smooth mound. Bake on the center oven rack for 35 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven. Spread the crumbs on top. Tamp lightly, to compact. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes more, or until the juices bubble thickly around the edge. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 1 hour before serving. CARAMEL SAUCE: INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, in pieces 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped pecans INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the cream, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat, add the vanilla and pecans, and stir. Transfer to a small bowl and cool completely. Refrigerate briefly for a thicker sauce. Serve the pie with sauce drizzled on each slice.

The Parishioner 9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. ~ Proverbs 1:7

For the protection of wisdom

is like the protection of money,

and the advantage of

knowledge is that wisdom

preserves the life of

him who has it.

~Ecclesiastes 7:12

THANK YOU!!

Through your generosity

St. Mark’s filled 95

School Bags. The bags

were donated to Glade

Run Lutheran Services

and Grace Youth &

Family Foundation.

Dear St. Mark’s Church Family,

“In moments of Sorrow, it’s

Family & Friends who bring Love &

Peace. Thank You Sincerely.”

Thank you for the beautiful floating

yellow rose and your prayers.

~ Love, The James Domhoff family

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear friends at St. Mark’s –

I would like to thank you for the

beautiful service you preformed for

my mother (Johanna Fuellgraf). St.

Mark’s meant a great deal to her. I

know she looked forward to the “over

eighty” gatherings and seeing old

friends. My mother is now reunited

with my father and they are in a better

place! And thank you for the lovely

rose.

Sincerely, Gretchen Goetz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Pastor Phillips,

We’d like to express our gratitude

to you for officiating at the funeral of

Marvin. Your message was filled with

hope and optimism. I found it very

comforting.

Dear St. Mark’s Congregation,

Thank you so much for the

remembrance rose in memory of

Marvin. It was so beautiful, and so

very thoughtful.

With much appreciation,

The Family of Marvin Gall

~~~~~

Rev. Phillips and Congregation,

“Your special ways and generous

heart make a beautiful difference.

Thank you so much.”

We had a very pleasant visit from

Ed and Elaine (Walker). Especially

grateful for communion and the gift

of two shawls.

In God’s Love,

Joseph & Harriet Herring

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Friends,

I am letting you

hear from me. I

received 3 blankets

which I am thrilled

with – You see I am

always cold and I wear

them across my legs &

shoulders. Also they

will be well worn in

winter if I haven’t

worn them out. One is

the beige & green farm

animals. Two are pink &

gray velour patterns

which I sent to

laundry, hope they come

back! I am waiting

cause I need them. I

got them at Bingo. One

a friend gave, two I

won. Here comes the

nurse, Bye, Gratefully

Yours,

M. Ewen - Paquet

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Stay Connected We are working hard to continue reaching out, serving and “being witnesses” through a variety of old and new ways.

Find us, “Like us” and Share us!

Website – stmarksbutler.org / Facebook – St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Butler, PA)

YouTube – St. Marks Butler PA / Radio Broadcast – WBUT 1050 AM, Sunday mornings @ 10:30 am

Newsletter – “The Parishioner” - sent monthly to your mailbox and found on the website

Email – Parish Administrator, wendy.holt@stmarksbutler.org / Phone – (724)-287-6741

Mail – 201 West Jefferson Street, Butler, PA 16001

Help us stay connected to you. Share and/or update your contact information so that we can keep you informed.

Miss Jessie’s Corner

~Sharing little snippets of inspiration~

“We do not know who we will touch with our kindness. This

one act could be your purpose on this earth. Do not be

afraid – go forth and spend the love of Jesus.”

Serenity R

aven-W

olf.com

Back to School Trivia

1. How many words can the

average school pencil write?

2. What percentage of Americans

had high school diplomas in

1910?

3. Which college was the first

to admit both men & women?

4. What is the fear of going to

school called?

5. Which state was the first to

require students to attend

to school?

6. What were the first pencil

erasers made from?

Answers on page 5

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me

but the one who sent me.” ~ Jesus speaking Mark 9:37 NIV

SPREAD THE WORD! Sunday, September 12 will begin the new year of youth Sunday school. We look forward to having

your children join us. And would love to encourage new faces to join the teaching team! You don’t have to know all the answers, just be

enthusiastic about sharing the Good News!

“Your Sunday School class is important. It matters to the kids, it helps parents fulfill their mission and most importantly it

matters to God – because Jesus loves kids.” https://sundayschool.works/encouragement/why-is-sunday-school-important/

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.

September 2021

Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.

1 2 3 4

9:00am 3T 5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

9:00am Worship 10:15am S.S.

Church Office Closed

1:00 Prayer Shawl 6:00pm Children’s Hour Parent Mtg.

5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9:00am Worship 10:15am S.S.

6:00pm Council Mtg.

9:30am 1St Day Children’s Hour

5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

9:00am Worship 10:15am S.S.

9:30am Children’s Hour

5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

26 27 28 29 30

9:00am Worship 10:15am S.S.

3:00pm Eve Bible Study

9:30am Children’s Hour

5:00pm Katie’s Kitchen

Scri

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He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed

for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:10

3:00 pm. ~ Celebration

Service of Ordination

Pastor James Neal

Lay Minister Bob Niggel

The Parishioner 12

St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson Street

Butler, Pennsylvania 16001

Phone: 724-287-6741 Fax: 724-287-6747 Website: www.stmarksbutler.org

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT 92

BUTLER, PA

Parish Office Hours:

9:00 AM -- 1: 00 PM

Tuesday – Friday

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday: 9:00 am.

Sunday School: 10:15 am.

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Scriptures and Prayers

September 5, 2021 – Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2:1-10, 14-18; Mark 7:(24-30) 31-37

Gracious God, throughout the ages You transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us

to the power of Your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim Your promises to the whole

world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord. Amen.

September 12, 2021 – Isaiah 50:4-10; Psalm 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 9:14-29

O God, through suffering and rejection You bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross

You transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take

up our cross, and follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

September 19, 2021 – Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 54; James 3:13—4:10; Mark 9:30-37

O God, our teacher and guide, You draw us to Yourself and welcome us as beloved children. Help us

to lay aside all envy and selfish ambition, that we may walk in Your ways of wisdom and

understanding as servants of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

September 26, 2021 – Num. 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 104:27-35; James 5:(1-12) 13-20;

Mark 9:38-50

Generous God, Your Son gave His life that we might come to peace with You. Give us a share of Your

Spirit, and in all we do empower us to bear the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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