{"id":210,"date":"2022-10-01T00:01:25","date_gmt":"2022-10-01T05:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/holytrinityhermitagepa.com\/?p=210"},"modified":"2022-09-29T19:22:36","modified_gmt":"2022-09-30T00:22:36","slug":"october-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/holytrinityhermitagepa.com\/?p=210","title":{"rendered":"October Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

*Standard and Altar Shelf – 2022<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

We offer beautiful Flower Memorials to remember a loved one, honor a person, event or whatever you wish to acknowledge.  The charts are posted on the wall in the narthex.  They are only $15.00 and so beautiful!<\/strong>                  <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Christmas Hat & Mitten Tree<\/strong> will be up on November 6th for Bethesda Children\u2019s Home.  The age group of boys <\/strong>and girls for receiving hats, mittens<\/strong> and any other new clothing<\/strong> are 12 to 18 years old<\/strong>. What a unique way to share our blessings with these special children.  Please put <\/strong>your donations<\/strong> in the box<\/strong> under the Christmas tree or on one of the branches.<\/strong> Let\u2019s fill the branches and the  box up and once again put big smiles<\/strong> on the children\u2019s faces<\/strong> at Bethesda this holiday season.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS:  The tree is up on November 6th because Bethesda needs the gifts by the early part of December so they can determine who gets what gift for Christmas.   We want to thank Dorothy Slezak for making preparations with Bethesda to get our gifts in a timely manner.  We are so blessed to have her.<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to<\/strong> What lies within us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will be celebrating Reformation Sunday on <\/strong>October 30<\/strong>st<\/sup><\/strong>.  Please be sure to \u201c<\/strong>wear red\u201d<\/strong> the traditional color for Reformation Sunday and come celebrate with us. Being a \u201cChristian\u201d is very important to our very existence.  In fact, it is the reason for our existence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReformation Sunday\u201d is celebrated because Martin Luther knew what was being told to us Christians wasn\u2019t correct. He realized that we are all saved by grace.  We are saved by God\u2019s grace to us because He loves us and gave His only begotten son to die for us. We are saved by grace and reformed by Martin Luther.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cA mighty fortress is our God!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

           <\/strong>W<\/strong>ho Needs to Be Freed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martin Luther disliked the idea that adherents to his ideas would call themselves “Lutherans,” preferring the term “Christians” instead. Luther wanted the focus to be on what Christ had done, not on what he had done. So perhaps Luther would be distressed to see so many faithful people not only calling themselves Lutherans five centuries later, but also celebrating Reformation Sunday as a church holiday! Lucky for Luther, the focus of Reformation Sunday is not on Luther’s writings or accomplishments but on the freedom in Christ that is at the heart of the gospel message.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the text John 8:31-36l, Jesus’ audience also quibbled over terminology. When Jesus told them, “The truth will make you free” (John 8:32), they were suspicious about what exactly he meant by “free.” They rejected any implication that they or their ancestors might previously have been slaves in need of being set free. However, Jesus wasn’t talking about politics or history. He was referring to a kind of slavery that transcends context: the slavery of sin. All people have been enslaved by sin, and all people need God’s mercy. We are bound by the individual sin of personal choices and by the societal sin of complex systems that are beyond any one person’s control.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weight of all that sin can feel crushing, but at the heart of the Reformation message is the truth that, through Christ’s death and resurrection, God has already offered us unconditional forgiveness for all our sins, no matter how heavy. We don’t need to earn God’s mercy because it is a gift offered without reservation or requirement. God’s grace is given to us for free and to make us free. Thanks be to God, the chains are gone! That is the good news at the heart of Luther’s teachings, and it is the good news at the heart of our celebration on Reformation Sunday and every day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The children just love getting dressed up in their favorite costume then getting their trick or treat bag and going door to door and receiving candy.  What a really fun time for them and the neighbors giving the candy out and admiring their special costumes.  Happy Halloween!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS   It was one of my favorite holidays that is for sure.  I remember, my brothers always got more candy than I did, but to me I had a ton and was perfectly happy with my bag full.  We had neighbors who always made us extra special trick or treat bags and boy were they wonderful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those of us who don\u2019t have young children have grand memories and parents of today are making them. Life is so good!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salvation Army is in need of \u201cBell Ringers\u201d to ring the bell for 2hour shifts. Please consider helping this worthwhile organization.  Call them for time schedules at 724 347-5537.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteer bell ringers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises the funds that sustain the help we give all year long. The Salvation Army relies on money raised in red kettles to serve more than 25 million people in need each year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will be blessing animals this year on Saturday October 1<\/strong>st <\/sup><\/strong>at 10:00am in our pavilion.  Ron Tomko and Sandy Kimmel will be presiding over this very special event.  So please bring your pet or pets that are such an important part of your family and have them blessed with God\u2019s love and ours.  Kindly be sure pets are leashed.  Thank You <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church,  was born 1182 and died 1226AD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching “using words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God’s creation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Francis<\/strong> was a remarkable man and is renowned for his love of animals.  It is believed that once he even preached a sermon to a field of sparrows.  He told the birds how lucky they were that God had made them to fly and that they always had feathers for clothing and that God had given them beautiful rivers and streams for water, and tall trees in which to nest.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dear Lord, in your love you created us in your image and made us stewards of the animals that live on earth.  Bless us in our care for our pets and protect them and guard them and us from all evil, now and Forever.  Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorcas News<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorcas meeting was held Monday Sept. 19, 2022 at 7pm following our welcome back picnic.  Nine members and 1 guest attended.  Ruth Klein gave devotions and prayers were offered for members Shirley faber, Joanne Gerda and Mary Sobey.  Treasurer\u2019s report was read and approved.  Minutes were read and approved.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Old Business:  <\/strong>The rummage sale was a great success.  Thank you to all who helped in any way.  Kathy & Chuck Long took leftover items to various charities including Hope Ministries, Warren Family Mission, The Meragerie.  Clothes were also taken to an American Legion in Ohio that sent them to Kentucky to aid flood victims.   Kathy also reported she was finally able to purchase 2 of the Stop the Bleed kits.  QA representative from Mercy Health will give a presentation on the correct use of the kits.  All members of the congregation are invited to attend.  The date is Oct. 26 at 4pm.  More information is forthcoming.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In New Business<\/strong>: Dorcas will be sending a donation to Ukraine through the Lutheran Disaster Response.  The Dorcas Christmas Party will be December 4<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong> at 4pm at the Sharon American Legion.  More information to follow.  The time for the October meeting has been changed to 12:00noon on Monday October 17, 2022.  Hostess will be Marlene Stebelsky and Karen Borden will give devotions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruth Klein made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Sandy Kimpan.  Closed with the Lord\u2019s Prayer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Respectfully Submitted<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                         Melinda Vellente    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are pleased to announce that the camera club will be using our fellowship hall.  They will be meeting the first and third Tuesday of the month beginning on September 6, 2022 from 6:30pm until 9pm.  The following is the schedule for October, November and December 2022.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 4-Macro<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 18-Leading Lines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nov. 1- -Bugs & Insects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nov. 15-Birds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dec. 6 Naturally Framed Picture <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

           (framed within composition)                          <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dec. 20-Christmas Party\/ No Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201c<\/strong>Happy New Year 2023!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jan.  3-Best Shot #2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jan. 17-Nostalgia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest of schedule will follow next month.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, our most genuine welcome to Camera Club!  We are so glad to be able to provide a nice place to meet. We heard through the grapevine that they welcome all who want to learn how to Smile for the camera!  Which means new members are welcome to join.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Deepest Sympathy\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We wish to express our sympathy to the Antel Family at the loss of their mother\/grandmother\/great grandmother.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elva was born on January 13<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong>, 1922 and the Lord took her home on September 7, 2022.  Elva was 100 years old.  Her son is James Antel and his wife, Diane, her grandson is James Antel and his wife Jill, her granddaughter is Jayne Kornbau and her husband Matthew and Elva had five great grandchildren.  They are Alyssa & Astyn Antel and Maeli, Mira and Kyler Kornbau.  May our Lord comfort Elva\u2019s family and give them the peace that only He can give. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are.  It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us.  It means that if we meet again, you will know me.  It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                <\/strong>Frederick Buechner<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This came to us from Jeff Bindas and I thought it was worth repeating.  Thank you Jeff for sharing.                                     <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Request from the \u201cNews Desk\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Church groups and individuals with information about activities or personal achievements are welcome to submit them to the Church Office. Our readers are interested in the happenings in our church and in the lives of our congregation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please have articles for the November Dorcaszette in the church office by<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 October 18<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office during normal business hours.  724 981-2050 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9:00am to 3:00pm <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have a message from Myron Jones\u2026he is requesting that people who have Loved Ones buried in our cemetery and have flowers etc. on gravesites to please remove them for winter.  We don\u2019t know what kind of winter we will be having.  Winter winds can be very strong which would blow gravesite items everywhere.  Thank you for your kind consideration with this matter. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to all our members we are continuing to collect items for them.  And Stephanie Banjak has been kind enough to take our gifts to them.  As soon as she sees the bin getting full, off she goes to Joshua\u2019s and delivers your donations.  Thank you to all our members who donate and thank you to Stephanie who delivers it all.  It takes a village!  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We would like to thank Chuck Foltz for maintaining our website.  If you haven\u2019t gotten to explore our 2022 Holy Trinity site yet, please make the time to see all that our website has.  All you have to do is go to <\/strong>www.holytrinityhermitage.com<\/strong><\/a> and see what we mean.  Chuck also live streams our worship service on Facebook every Sunday and he also helps Denise and Jayne with Sunday School.  Thanks so much Chuck you are so very much appreciated and needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a necessary repeat, please read.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if there\u2019s an emergency at the church?  <\/strong>Say a small fire starts\u2026Do we know where the fire extinguishers are located, for example.  So, in the unlikely chance that there\u2019s a fire, there are two fire extinguishers in the corners of the Fellowship Hall, one<\/strong> by the boiler room<\/strong> door<\/strong> and one by the entrance way<\/strong>, where the lite little tree is.  There is a small silver one hanging on the white pillar<\/strong> next to the small white sink in the kitchen<\/strong>.  Upstairs there is one<\/strong> hanging at the top of the stairs<\/strong> that go up to the balcony<\/strong>.  Another one <\/strong>is outside the lady\u2019s restroom <\/strong>and there is a first-aid kit hanging on the side of the wooden cabinet in the kitchen<\/strong>.  We also have a lifesaving machine called an AED<\/strong> Defibrillator<\/strong> that is used if someone should have heart problems.  Cynthia Kapusta<\/strong> is the person who is knowledgeable on how it is used and makes periodic checks to make sure it is good to go if needed.  We have the Defibrillator mounted on the wall in the<\/strong> fellowship hall.<\/strong>   She also is trained in the Heimlich<\/strong> maneuver<\/strong>, which she has shown to the Dorcas ladies<\/strong>.  An important maneuver to know should anyone be chocking.  We want to thank Cynthia<\/strong> so very much for helping to keep us safe.  So, the next time you\u2019re in the church look for these and for the EXIT signs<\/strong> above the doors, just in case.  Thank You<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October Sunday School News<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s great to be back at Sunday School! We kicked off the new year with our Rally Day party. The food was delicious and it was fun to see our friends again. We painted birdhouses, played games, had a scavenger hunt, and tossed water balloons (some of us dropped more than we caught, haha)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to all the members of the congregation that joined us for lunch and helped us to celebrate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year we have 18 children in our One Room Sunday School (pre school – 5<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong> grade) and we have one new student. Kyler Kornbau is joining us for his first year! Welcome Kyler! Ron Tomko has six students in his 6<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong> grade class. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The focus of our new curriculum is to connect the older and younger students and provide the older ones with opportunities to mentor the younger ones. We\u2019re going to have a fantastic year!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Fall\/Halloween party is scheduled for Sunday, October 30<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong>. We don\u2019t know our exact plans yet, but whatever we do we will have fun!!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joyfully in Christ,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of the Sunday School teachers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have some great news\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our church voted by ballot to share a Pastor with Christ Lutheran and our congregation voted 44-5 to indeed share a Pastor.  Now all we need is a Pastor.   We can only pray and wait for our prayers to be answered.  Patience is a virtue sayth the Lord.  So, we will be patient.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have more good news, Barry Kimmel is leading another Bible Study group this year.  They will be held on Wednesday\u2019s at 11am in the parlor starting Oct. 5 and like always, everyone is welcome to join him.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPumpkin Sheet Cake\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 \u00bd cups. Oil <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 cups sugar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 cups pumpkin or small can of pumpkin (16 oz.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 eggs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 tsp. of vanilla<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix all together<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then add<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 cups of flour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bd tsp. of salt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 tsp. baking soda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 tsp. of baking powder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 tsp. cinnamon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 cup chopped nuts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frosting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 oz. cream cheese<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bc cup of oleo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 cups of powdered sugar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 tsp. vanilla<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cream together and put on the cooled cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Both easy and delicious\u2026 what a great combo!)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few words from Patty\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yesterday I went to our \u201cRally Day\u201d and I can honestly say it was a fun, rallying time.  The children were enjoying being together.  Some of them were exploring.  Some were running around smiles on their little faces with a feeling of being free and like being home.  How wonderful is that!  Moms and Dads were visiting with each other finding out the most recent happenings in each other\u2019s lives.  People like me were visiting with other members and loving every minute of it.  Some guys were talking football and you get the idea\u2026everyone just enjoying themselves.  What a happy day.  Even Marlene Sypolt came.  She came all the way from Pittsburgh to share with us our Rally Day.  What a wonderful surprise that was.  She looks so happy and everyone is so happy for her.  What a blessing to have her join us.  I don\u2019t have the special words to describe how I felt.  How everyone else felt but it was sure awesome.  Denise Germani, Jayne Kornbau and all those involved honored the children, our members, and all those in attendance.   Thank You all so much. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On another subject, our own Mary Sobey accidently broke her leg in two places.  Mary is 101 years old and caused us all much concern but our prayers, her fortitude and God\u2019s will prevailed.  She went through surgery just fine and is now healing at Nugent\u2019s Homes-Room 8 if you\u2019d like to send her a card or maybe even go visit her.  Your prayers are always needed, and I can\u2019t wait to hear her contagious laughter when she is here helping the Dorcas.  I am looking forward to laughing with her from my office at I don\u2019t even know what, just know it is funny.  <\/strong>Heal quickly Mary\u2026we miss you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We received a request from a Christ Lutheran member.  Apparently they have two (2) printers, two (2) window air conditioners and a coffee maker that they would like to donate to someone in need.  If you know of an organization or person that would be in need of any, or all, of these items, please call Monica in the church office at 724 981-2070.  She will be happy to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop the Bleed\u2026our Dorcas is hosting this meanningful program on Oct. 26 at 4pm.There is a flyer enclosed in this newsletter with more info.  If you are planning on attending please call the office or Kathy Long, so they know how many are coming.  Thank You<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guess What!!! our Dorcas Ladies are going to sell Philadelphia Christmas Candy again this year.  Yummy chocolate candy from a wonderful chocolateer right here in our valley.  So get your Christmas list ready and we will be announcing more details in the November newsletter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halloween is a fun time for kids, but with pumpkin carving, costumes with pointy accessories and playtime around after dark, parents need to be attentive to safety.  Here are some tips for an enjoyable and safe Halloween this year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pumpkin Carving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone loves pumpkins this time of year, and children really enjoy making jack-o\u2019-lanterns<\/a>. But remember these safety tips when your family gets together to create pumpkin decorations for Halloween.<\/p>\n\n\n\n