Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Please know that we will be celebrating Communion on Sunday mornings with or without drinking wine.  Pastor and our Worship & Music and Council have worked things out.  Thank you to them all for keeping us safe and yet still participating in the spiritual union with the Lord celebrating Holy communion.  

We have such wonderful news!  Our own Jayne Kornbau gave birth to a beautiful baby boy names Kyler John.  Kyler has two older sisters named Maeli and Mira.  We are so sure that they are a big help to their Mommy and Daddy in taking care of baby Kyler. They are irreplaceable and very much needed.  We want to welcome Kyler and are so excited that baby and Mom are doing fine.  May our Lord bless Matt, Jayne, Maeli, Mira and Kyler John and bring them much happiness and good health always.  WELCOME to our Holy Trinity Family!!! 

A message from Carl & Judy Bottenfield.

     We would like to express our sincere thanks for all the ways of kindness and concern for our family at the time of our son John’s death. We received many cards, calls, monetary gifts and dinners.  A special thank you to Dorcas for providing a wonderful funeral dinner. Having such a kind and loving church family will never be forgotten.
In Christian Love,
Carl & Judy and Carl Jr.     

Habitat for Humanity-

We are no longer collecting aluminum cans for them because they quit giving any monetary value for them to Habitat.

A reminder that the first Sunday of the month is “Loose change for World Hunger day”.  We gladly accept currency too just make sure you designate “World Hunger” on the envelope. 

Because of Covid-19, Blood Pressure screening has been cancelled.  Thank you as always to Karen Borden, Cindy Kapusta and Kathy Long our resident medical staff.  You are all still the best of the best!  

The Dorcas Ladies are not meeting for the summer months.  And they will not be having a “Rummage Sale.”   Hopefully they will have one next summer.   

                      Thank You

Joshua’s Haven

This is such a worthwhile project.  We here at Holy Trinity are supporting Joshua’s Haven.  It is a faith and gospel-based City Mission in Farrell on Stambaugh Avenue. for the area’s homeless men.  If you would, please help support this mission, by putting any of the needed items in the bin that is placed in the narthex of the church.  Thank you to Stephanie Banjak who sees to it that the items are delivered to them.

Much needed items are as follows:
Shampoo (bulk size bottles) Cereal
Body Wash (bulk size bottles)
Pop
Mops                                             
Coffee
Toilet bowl cleaner
Juice
Antibacterial spray                        
Bleach
Plates                                             
Napkins

Don’t forget…our local hospitals have established new privacy procedures and will no longer tell us when our members are hospitalized.  If you, a family member or friend are in the hospital please call Pastor or the office (724 981-2050) with relevant information such as room number and condition.  This way maybe we can send a get-well card and include you or yours in our prayers. 

This will only apply until August 21^st. Then Pastor Nelson will be retiring. Need Pastor Nelson after office hours?
His Cell phone is    1-336-209-5893
Home Phone is 724- 308-7626
His home address is as follows:     
1014 Bon Air Drive
    Sharon, PA l6l46 
garydmin@gmail.com

A message to Pastor Nelson…

               Happy Retirement!

All of us here at Holy Trinity want to wish you a well-deserved rest from administering to many many people over the past 32 years.  We want to thank you for all your support and guidance during your Call with us.  When they say time flies that certainly applies for these past six years, many funerals, many baptisms, weddings and the first Holy Communion, and Confirmation of our young people not to mention supporting many members going through tough times.  Thank you for being there and sharing your expertise.

Wherever life takes you all of us here at Holy Trinity pray your future is filled with good health, prosperity and much happiness.  

           God’s Peace and our Love, 
           Holy Trinity Lutheran Members

PS    All our love and special wishes to Pastor’s dog Mailn as well. We will miss her wagging tail and great disposition.   

FYI:  Following the worship service on September 13^th according to Worship & Music and Marlene Sypolt, superintendent of our Sunday School we will be having our “Rally Day”.   What exactly will be happening we are not sure.  It depends on how the coronavirus is going.  Will it be winding down or winding up…we’ll see?  

This is being typed on July 10^th which makes it tentative for the time being. 

Check out the Holy Trinity Web- Site 2020 at www.holytrinityhermitagepa.com  

Hope you enjoy our very interesting site.  Have any questions or concerns, please call 

Charles Foltz and he will gladly help you.  

If you have anything you would like posted on our website, please let Chuck know and he will be happy to post it.  In fact, we encourage you to do so.  Thanks, so much Chuck.  

Recycle and Save our Planet

Please be sure to recycle your bulletins and put them in the tote that is in our narthex, that will help our environment.

If you would also make sure lights and the water are turned off in the bathrooms as you leave them, this will also help.   Thank you to Fred Rombold who take the used bulletins to be recycled.  Please know it is much appreciated.  The Lord gave us this beautiful earth and we should all do our best to take care of it.

Trust Me with every fiber of your being!  What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me.  One aspect of this is the degree to which you trust Me in a crisis or major decision.  Some people fail miserably here, while others are at their best in tough times.  Another aspect is even more telling:  the constancy of your trust in Me.  People who rely on Me during adversity may forget about Me when life is flowing smoothly.  Difficult times can jolt you into awareness of your need for Me, whereas smooth sailing can lull you into the stupor of self-sufficiency.

     I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith.  You may think that no one notices, but the One who is always beside you sees everything—and rejoices.  Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence.

Psalm 40:4; Psalm 56:3-4; Psalm 62:8;

                         Isaiah 26:3-4

Speaking of no one noticing…We want to thank from the bottom of our hearts all the people who donated masks, bought hand sanitizer and gave of their time and talents to help repair the things that go wrong around here.  You know who you are, and our Lord knows who you are, thank you, thank you, thank you!  

               Our Lord sees everything…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

    

  BLESSINGS FOR TRAVELERS

O God, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go,   preserve those who travel, surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger;     and bring them in safety to their    journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.   

Special news about a special project…

A new Chair Lift!  The Dorcas ladies are trying so hard to get this project started but regulations etc. keep getting in the way.  Hopefully it will be installed at the top of the stairs in the sanctuary leading down to the Fellowship Hall soon.

What tomorrow brings is uncertain.    Will school resume?   Will Sunday services be able to continue?  Will we be able to get a supply Pastor for our Sunday services?  Will we be able to have Sunday School?  Will we be able to resume our normal life- style?  Only time will tell.  We hope and pray our prayers are answered and we will begin our normal ways.     

A few jokes based on religion courtesy of Don Gold.  Thanks, Don, for sharing.

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, “I know what the Bible means!”  His father smiled and replied, “What do you mean, you ‘know’ what the Bible means?  The son replied, “I do know!”  “Okay,” said his father. “What does the Bible mean?”  “That’s easy, Daddy…” the young boy replied excitedly,” It stands for ‘Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.’

       (This one is Don Gold’s favorite)

There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.  “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk. “Only the Ten Commandments answered the lady.”

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“Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world.  There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning.”

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There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: “I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it’s still out there in your pockets.”

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While driving in Pennsylvania a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign… “Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution:  Do not step in exhaust.”

We love these No-Bake Cookie Clusters because they’re a sweet homemade treat that we can make without using our oven. This makes them the perfect summer cookie! Plus, these cookies taste as good as more traditional recipes. Creamy chocolate and peanut butter are always a winning combination! What You’ll Need1 (12-oz.) pack – white chocolate chips2 tablespoons peanut butter1 1/4 cups crispy toasted rice cereal1 cup Spanish peanuts1 cup miniature marshmallowsWhat to DoLine baking sheets with wax paper.In a large saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate with peanut butter, stirring constantly. Let mixture cool slightly, then stir in cereal and peanuts. Fold in marshmallows.Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Let cool until firm. Serve, or refrigerate until ready to serve.Mr. Food Test Kitchen Tip!You can add some fun to these by sprinkling on a little flaked coconut, colored sprinkles, or chopped candy bars before allowing to cool.  No-bake desserts are a great way to keep the kitchen cool & make everyone happy! We are very pleased to announce that Scarlett Hanley daughter of Chelsea and Chris Hanley, granddaughter of Jim & Janice Lowery great-granddaughter of Bill & Norma Matzel graduated from West Seneca High School in Buffalo, NY.  She has enrolled at Buffalo State University and plans on attending this coming fall. We are also very pleased to announce that Jacob Christopher Klein grandson of John & Ruth Klein has graduated from Jupiter High School in Jupiter, Florida and is going to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.  He will be majoring in Aerospace Engineering.  He was tenth in his class of 800.   Our prayers are for them to have their college years filled with much learning, continued good health and abundant happiness.                      Congratulation!!!

More wonderful news…Jason Sypolt and his love Tara were married on thebeach in Fort Myers, Florida on July 1, 2020.Our most sincerest wish is for them to have a life time of happiness and God’s blessings with them always.  Congratulations!!!  Sunday School News      Hope that everyone is enjoying these      nice warm summer days.  We want to      congratulate Carter Burns and      Keegan Widmyer on their upcoming      Confirmation on August 16th.   God      Bless both of these young men.  We      hope to still see them floating around     the Sunday School from time to time.      As far as Sunday School in the fall      everything is still up in the air.  We will     let you know when the time comes      closer as to what we will be doing. As of      right now Rally Day is scheduled for      September 13th.          Enjoy the rest of your summer.      Remember to wear your masks and                to keep everyone safe. A note from Myron Jones…     Well its done…the turn-arounddriveway by the Fellowship Hallentrance…Some have asked can wemake   it even bigger?  My answer…We sure can.  At this point we did whatwe could with what we have.  Pleaseremember that it can always be added toenlarge the lot.  But for now…people      and stuff can be dropped off right by the door.How wonderful!!!           We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Louis & Melinda Vellente and family at the loss of Melinda’s brother John Monok.  May our Lord comfort them and give them the peace that only He can give.                                   We also want to welcome Kyler John Kornbau to our Holy Trinity Family.  He was baptized on July 25th right here in our church with Uncle Ron Tomko assisting Pastor Nelson.  While mom Jayne and father Matthew watched James Antel become Kyler’s God Father and Gabrielle Lucas become his God Mother.  And other family members and sisters Maeli and Mira joined in this most special happening. By water and the Spirit you share Christ’s death, and by His rising you have new life.  Alleluia!  Welcome to God’s Family!       One of the last religious functions       Pastor Nelson will be doing is confirming      Carter Burns and Keegan Widmyer.  We      want to congratulate them both for their      dedication and hard work learning all      about being a Lutheran.  We also want to      thank Pastor Nelson for his guidance and      wisdom over these past two years.  They       are considered adult members of our       church with all that comes with it.  They      are voting members, they have their own      offering envelopes special number and      all, they can serve on the church council      and any other committees.  Most      importantly they have fresh ideas, hopes      and even fears about Holy Trinity that       will be welcome by all.       O God, accept my heart this day, and     make it always Thine, that I from Thee no     more may stray, no more from Thee      decline.       Before the Cross of Him who died, behold,      I prostrate fall; Let every sin be crucified,      and Christ be all in all.      Anoint me with Thy heavenly grace, and      seal me for Thine own, that I may see Thy     glorious face, and worship at Thy throne.        Let every thought and work and word to     Thee be ever given; then life shall be Thy     service, Lord, and death the gate of heaven.                                          -Matthew Bridges From the Pastor…                                                          I remember standing on the shore by the Sea of Galilee.  It was morning, and the sun was majestically making its way above the surrounding hills.  In the nearby villages the first light of dawn signaled the beginning of  yet another day as these villages came alive with activity.  I thought about how, in this very place, many centuries ago, a young country preacher called these fishermen out of their daily tasks and asked them to follow him.  I wondered if they knew all of what that would mean.  I thought about my own Christian pilgrimage and how my life has been one of living out my baptism, and how God’s plan for my life has slowly been unfolding itself, bringing me to this moment in time.  As I looked out over the horizon it dawned on me that God had called me from my summer job supervising kids on a playground, I began to quiver with anxiety with the responsibility of what lay ahead of me.  I began to think, “what am I doing here, I’m just this kid from Western New York?”The preacher at my ordination said to enjoy this high point because you don’t know where the cross of Christ will lead you.  As I get older and more history is behind me, I have been thinking about those words.  Those first disciples didn’t know what was in store for them either, when they left their jobs.  Perhaps one of my favorite songs is “The Long and Winding Road” by the Beatles.  It probably describes my life journey-the many highs, lows, bends, curves, potholes, roadblocks, and detours.  Fortunately, God has given me the gifts, supplies, and strength that I have  needed.    Six and a half years of that journey I have walked with you, and now we have come to one of those forks in the road where we will part ways until we meet again.  I hope we will be able to worship together on August 16th as two           of our young men will affirm their faith through the rite of Confirmation, and I will say farewell until we meet again.          I don’t know where God will lead me    next, but like I’ve said before, everytime I try to make plans for myself, God messes them up and sends me in a different direction.  I would like to travel some more, read some more, and have some new adventures, but for now I need to rest, and maybe do some of the things I never got to do.  So may God continue to bless you as you continue your journey with a new Shepherd.  After all, you may be surprised as to where God will lead you!                  Yours in Christ,               Pastor Gary Nelson

Congratulations on Your Retirement Pastor…

We rejoice with you on this special occasion as you celebrate your retirement.  May the Lord bless you and keep you, fill your life with His joy and sustain you with His grace.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Happy Retirement and happiness always from all of us here from Holy Trinity.

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.  Discipline yourselves, keep alert.  Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.  And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”

(1 Peter 4:7-11)    Peter writes this letter to the Christians in Asia Minor.  They are experiencing “separation anxiety.”  They were so dispersed that they were addressed as “exiles.”  He wrote it when it was tough to be a Christian. He wrote it because he was convinced that following Jesus would only get tougher as time went on.  Their situation put them in conflict with their culture, leading to suffering, persecution and alienation.  This letter then is an addressed on how to live out their baptism in such difficulties.  The baptized should be prepared for action and have their hopes set on the grace of God and this will in turn produce holiness.

This letter speaks to us as well.  We now have entered a time when a deadly virus is roaming around the earth.  We too are feeling the anxiety.  We are afraid, we don’t know what to do, what is the right path.  It has led to fear, suffering and sometimes death.  Peter says that we live in hope, and the source of this hope is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and because he lives we will live also.

     This hope leads to a new way of living, and this new way of living leads to purity which is obtained by obedience to the truth and leads the baptized into genuine love for one another.   Our church is still open, and we are doing ministry.  Although we are not in our building we have been doing worship on Sundays, funerals, praying for and providing for those in need.

     When days of difficulty, pain, or loss sweep over us, that is not the time to pull away from the Lord, but an opportunity to draw closer to him.  Trials help us grow into mature Christians.   Troubles help us grow into more effective channels of God’s love and grace to others.  Peter’s letter shows us how to survive in a world turned hostile and how to focus on the hope we have in Jesus instead of on the hopelessness of the situation around us.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nelson

We express our condolences to the family of John Miller (Sally Calvin’s brother) who died in Ohio on April 29^th.

We express our condolences to the family of John Bottenfield (Carl & Judy’s son) who died in Hermitage on May 5^th.

We express our condolences to the family of Ron Haun Sr. who died on May 6^th .

We express our condolences to the family of Harold “Pete” Dinger of Brookville, Pa who died on May 5^th. Pete was an active lay person who was part of the greater NWPA synod and the former Western-W. Virginia synod.

We extend our condolences to the family of the Rev. Richard “Dick” Schultz who died in Erie on May 10^th.  Pastor Schultz’s last call was to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Erie (Millcreek) before retiring.

WHEN WILL WE BE BACK IN OUR BUILDING?

          First of all, we are thinking about June 14^th, but as they say, we are following the science not the politics, and the data not the emotions.  We will consult with our governor, the CDC, and our Bishop, but the final decision will be the pastor and our council.  As of now we want to you know that your church council has been working at some things that need to be done in preparation for whenever we return to the building.  We need to do a deep clean and our sextons have agreed to do that.  The building needs to be cleaned after every service.  We will need to wear face masks and sit at least six feet apart.  We will not physically share the peace, have children’s sermons, greet each other after the service or have a social time after the service.  One of the big challenges is how do we distribute communion?  I have talked with our Bishop and other pastors about it and have some suggestions.  We are also considering having worship out in our parking lot.  We are ordering a low volt transmitter that would allow people to dial in a certain station on their car radio.  We would also have to stay in our cars and not get out.  We are open to any ideas that you may have.  In the meantime we are worshipping and ministering to each other and our community.  It’s just different.