2024 Newsletters
St Peter
Lutheran Church
Of Red Cross
Dornsife, PA
Newsletter
Fall 2024
Pastor’s Corner
MOVING FORWARD
A few months ago, I was sitting in my recliner getting ready to watch my beloved Philadelphia Phillies play when my phone rang with an unfamiliar number on my screen.
The game hadn’t started yet, so I took the call. It was Doyle Ferster, the President of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Red Cross.
I put the television sound on mute. Doyle spent the next 2 and 1/2 hours telling me of the congregation’s experiences with your former Pastor.
Near the end of our conversation, the game was over, in fact, the post-game show had started.
Doyle asked for my help. I offered to come and meet with your Church Council, which I did the following week.
During that meeting, I heard spiritual sadness and even pain expressed over the deterioration of the ministry of the people of St. Peter’s. However, I did not hear despair.
What I shared with them was that while their sadness and pain was very real, they needed to begin the process of moving forward and trusting in God’s grace and mercy.
My faith in that belief is rooted in two passages from Scripture: from the Old Testament, Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways,” and from the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!”
In Christ, we are all made new, and this gives us all the freedom to move forward, leaving the past behind!
Thanks be to God!
Interim Pastor Terry Wimmer
History Corner - By Dave Hause
The Sunbury Weekly News
1885, Sep 1
Page 3
A Skilled Painter.
The Lutheran and Reformed congregation of the St. Peters church of Jackson township, Northumberland county, Pa., having recommended certain repairs at their church building, the board of trustees, requiring the skill and services of a fresco and plain painter, engaged Carl Litz of Sunbury, Pa., to do this work, and he having done the same in such a skillful and workmanlike manner, we regard it but due to him that we should in this public way express our entire satisfaction with the manner in which he performed his work, and would cheerfully recommend him to anyone needing that kind of work, a good reliable and competent mechanic.
PETER BOHNER,
MARTIN RABUCK,
ISAAC REITZ,
H. B. LATSHA,
JOHN TRESSLER
Mahanoy, Pa., Aug. 28th, 1885
Home Visits
Doris Kahler and Anna Hause have begun visiting and offering communion to those who are unable to attend church. The reception by our shut-ins has been overwhelmingly joyous. If you would like to be visited by a church representative or know someone who would, please call the Church Office at 570-920-6083. For emergencies of any sort, please contact any member of Council directly. Calls, texts, messages, and emails are all welcome forms of communication. Additionally, if any member would be interested in joining Doris and Anna in bringing communion to these shut-ins, please let Doris or Anna know so that dates can be coordinated.
Manor Care Visit—The hymn singing by our group of ladies to the residents at Manor Care on Tuesday was well received and enjoyed by all. It was hard to leave. Pauline Kohl celebrated her 101st birthday and our group of ladies led the Manor Care residents in singing happy birthday. The ladies also presented to both Pauline Kohl and John Land the commemorative 250th Anniversary blanket.
Summer Roundup
The Ham Pot Pie Dinner and Bake Sale on July 27th was sold out in 1 ½ hours. Who would have thought that Pot Pie would be that popular in the middle of a hot summer? And yes, those were homemade noodles! A huge thank you to all who contributed their time to making this event so successful. Thank you members for your baked good donations! Without you we couldn’t have done it!
The Chicken BBQ and Bake Sale was a huge success. The people waiting in line was constant and, at times, a bit overwhelming. But everyone was served and happy. Most were take-out meals, but some ate inside as well. It was great to see people enjoying being around each other and seeing the friendship and laughter begin to come back in this post-Covid world. We’d like to give a big shout-out to Mountaindale (Steve), Erdman Pest Control, Frank Krammes, Red Hill Farms, Brian Kahler, Grosser Excavating and Wellington Farms LLC for your donations to this BBQ! We give to each of you our heartfelt thank you for your generosity!
And finally, the 2-day Celebration of the existence of our beautiful Church. We may be small, but we are mighty! The food was delicious, the entertainment wonderful and the enthusiasm reached 10 on the chart. The public came and went all day on Saturday, so it was hard to get a number of people who were there. But it was constantly full under the tent and some sat outside the tent as well. Not only did we set up tables and chairs so people could eat, we encouraged people to bring lawn chairs to use to enjoy the entertainment and spend the day. There were lawn chairs everywhere. It was wonderful! From the kids’ games (thank you Whitney) to the Chinese Auction (thank you Sue) to the free handouts (thank you Michelle) to all the volunteers who made it happen (you know who you are), a big SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU. And, we can’t forget all the companies and individuals who donated to make this happen. A list of those donations from companies is at the end of this Newsletter and donations are still coming in! Thank you Dan for taking the bull by the horns on that!
And then, lastly … Sunday service outside under the tent and Battle Cry leading our service. We counted 63 people attending! And then the surprise presentation at the end … the gifting of our commemorative blanket to the oldest members of our congregation. For anyone who hasn’t seen that blanket, we encourage you to stop by the Church. It is hanging in the back of the sanctuary. Below is a picture of the presentation to those members who were at the service. But we still have members to honor for their faithfulness. Hopefully, by the time this Newsletter is received, all remaining faithful members will have received theirs.
Blankets – Blankets are available. They are beautiful well made blankets with our church embroidered in one corner and words of faith in the opposite corner. Cost is $65 each. They make great Christmas gifts.
Mugs – Mugs are available and going fast. Cost is $10 each. These red mugs are 15 oz. of beautiful porcelain and great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate … and even soup. Remember, Christmas is coming.
Church Cookbook – We still have cookbooks available. Please see Sandy Reed or Ann Reitz to get your cookbook(s). Another great idea for a Christmas gift.
Sunday Bible School -- 10:30 am
We are studying Bible answers to participants’ questions with open discussion time. We have finished the Book of Genesis and have decided to begin the Book of Exodus. Come join us. Not only are there lively discussions but the social time is invaluable. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
FUTURE HAPPENINGS
Children’s Hymn – On Communion Sundays, we will be singing a children’s hymn instead of the special music played during the offering. Copies of the song to be sung will be supplied by Audrey and will be handed out with the Bulletin. Although we don’t have many children attending at the moment (which we are working to change), most of us grew up with a child’s faithful celebration of Jesus and will enjoy this welcome addition.
Apple Festival – October 26 – 2 pm
This is the final event for our 250th Celebration. We will have a cider making demonstration and a demonstration on the importance of honey bees to apple growth. We will have apple sausage and burgers with apple toppings. Bring your favorite apple dish to share. Coffee and juices will be provided. Let’s have a great social time and celebrate serving God for 250 years!
A suggestion was made that we return to the annual Home Harvest event where canned goods and home garden products are collected and donated to Haven Ministries. Because we are past the garden harvest timeframe, it was suggested that we collect canned goods only and celebrate this joyous giving in conjunction with Thanksgiving. At the same time, the Food Pantry is looking for items for the holidays. So, from now until November 10, we are asking that in addition to your generous donations to the Food Bank, you bring an extra can or 2 for Haven Ministries. There will be a bin on the windowsill between the sanctuary and the Sunday School room for the Haven Ministries donated canned goods. Linda Boyer has volunteered to deliver the donated goods to Haven Ministries.
Christmas Eve Service – After much discussion and careful consideration, it was decided to have our Christmas Eve service on the Sunday before Christmas, December 22nd, at 2 PM. We believe this will accommodate our members and guests who have difficulty driving at night and for those individuals who have family obligations on Christmas Eve and will give everyone a better opportunity to attend. After the service, we will have a birthday cake to celebrate Christ’s birthday. Watch our weekly Bulletin for updates.
Shoebox Project - It’s that time of year again. Sue Ferster will be heading up this project. See Sue for details.
Holiday Meal – Our holiday meal/social gathering will be January 18 at 2 pm downstairs. Watch our weekly Bulletin for updates.
Cooking/Baking Classes – Lena Lenker will be giving baking/cooking classes on the fine art of making fish pie and homemade bread. Watch our weekly Bulletin for updates.
Email Addresses for Contact-We would like to start keeping in contact with all of you via email. This would allow us to send you updated info, reminders or new events that are planned. The quarterly Newsletter would still be mailed to you. Please send your email address to our church email at stpeterlcmc@outlook.com
St Peter
Lutheran Church
Of Red Cross
Dornsife, PA
Newsletter
Summer 2024
Council’s Corner
We are sure you’ve heard that there has been a significant change at St. Peter Church. Due to many reasons, we have chosen to part ways with Pastor Karis. As we begin our journey and strive toward our next chapter, we pray that Pastor Karis succeeds in her next chapter and we thank her for the time she was with us.
We’re not sure what the future holds but we are sure that we are trusting in the Lord to lead us all during this time of transition. We invite you to continue attending in the hope that you will enjoy the diversity of the different speakers, and we would like you to know that the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month will be led by LCMC Pastor Terry Wimmer. Thus, Communion will be celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of each month. If it’s been a while since you’ve attended, whatever the reasons, again we encourage you to come and see a few of the refreshing changes that each speaker of the message is bringing to the service.
The Council of St. Peter, as a whole, is asking for your continued support and trust as we do our best to serve the Church through this transition. As we take a breather during the summer months to gather our thoughts and to hone our vision of the future of the Church, we will lean on and trust in the Lord to give us wisdom and guidance; knowing that we have your prayers and trust is more than helpful!
With the help and guidance of Pastor Wimmer and the help of our fellow Christians, we are looking forward to learning and growing the body of Christ as we run headlong into this period of growth. As St. Peter Lutheran Church of Red Cross prepares to celebrate 250 years of
serving God, we trust in His steadfast love for this Church and know He won’t fail us now!
To God be the glory,
Council of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Red Cross
A Famous Civil War Vet is Buried in Our Graveyard
By David Hause
Isaac Ossman Billman
BIRTH 6 Jun 1839
Jackson Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA
DEATH 2 Aug 1904 (aged 65)
Jackson Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA
BURIAL Saint Peters Lutheran Church Cemetery
Red Cross, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA
The Daily Item Sunbury, Page 4, Aug 27, 1897
HELD UP JEFF. DAVIS.
Isaac 0. Billman, of Mandata, Claims That Distinction.
A well-known Northumberland County native is one of the party who captured the President of the Confederacy in 1865.
Isaac O. Billman, the well-known hotel man and auctioneer of the lower end of the county, passed through Shamokin a few days ago on his way to Tamaqua in search of evidence to establish his claim to a pension. In conversation with a Herald reporter, he told of the capture of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, and the personal part he took therein.
Mr. Billman claims that he was one of the men that captured Davis and his small party, their daughter and son and Postmaster General Lee and their bodyguard of several rebel soldiers.
"I asked Davis to throw up his arms and searched him for weapons, but he had none in his possession," was the statement Billman made to the writer. "It had been reported that Davis wore a petticoat when captured, but it is not true. He wore a long coat that reached below his knees and resembled a duster."
Mr. Billman enlisted in the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry on February 22, 1864, and with the 3rd Ohio and 4th Michigan Cavalry under the command of Col. Minty, the brigade marched through the State of Georgia in an effort to capture the confederate president and a large sum of gold that was in his possession.
One evening the advance guard reported that Jefferson Davis and his small party of fugitives were reported encamping a short distance away, but Col. Minty stated that it was best to effect the capture at early dawn.
It will be remembered that a reward of $100,000 was offered for the capture of Davis and Col. Minty had this in mind and desired to gain the credit and reward for his Michigan Cavalry. So, during the night he moved his men around the confederate president's camp and at early dawn, effected the capture and received the reward which rightfully belonged to the 3rd Ohioians according to the statement of John Thomas and several other old Shamokin veterans who were members of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Soon after the capture, the spot swarmed with soldiers who hurled bitter curses upon the head of the prisoner and as he stood on the wagon said, "If you can't treat a man as he should be treated, I will get out of sight," and he drew down the curtain of the vehicle. With a mad rush, the soldiers tore the coverings and side hangings of the wagon into shreds for the purpose of securing relics but did not attempt to harm the prisoner.
Home Visits
Doris Kahler, Jodi Lenker and Anna Hause will begin visiting and offering communion to those who are unable to attend church. If you would like to be visited by a church representative or know someone who would, please call the Church Office at 570-920-6083. For emergencies of any sort, please contact any member of Council directly. Calls, texts, messages, and emails are all welcome forms of communication.
Spring Roundup
The Soup Festival and Bake Sale on March 2nd was wildly successful. Soup was sold as fast as it was made … until finally every drop was gone. Thank you Dan, Sue, Doyle and Celeste for making the soup and manning those kettles. The bake sale was just as successful. Thank you, members, for your baked good donations! Without you we couldn’t have done it! Thank you, Ann, Jodi and Anna, for making the bake sale happen!
The Ice Cream Social on May 18th was a huge success. There were 80+ people who attended. A big shout out to Dan Ferster who made the ice cream, Rich Scheib who gave a history of the church and to Dave Hause who gave a history and video presentation of the church cemetery.
Summer Happenings
Church Cookbook – As part of the 250th commemoration, we have compiled a cookbook full of all your favorite recipes.
The Cookbooks are in! They are absolutely beautiful! Cost is $20 each. Please see Sandy Reed or Ann Reitz to get your cookbook(s).
Sunday Bible School -- 10:30 am
We are studying Bible answers to participants’ questions with open discussion time. We are continuing with Genesis. The group may be small but the discussion and sharing are heartfelt and at times quite humorous. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Prayer Meeting – Every Monday 6:30 pm
Ham Pot Pie Dinner & Bake Sale – July 27th
3 pm to 7 pm or until sold out
Chicken BBQ & Bake Sale - August 17th
11 am to 4 pm or until sold out
250th Church Anniversary Celebration & Festival
September 14
Pulled Pork Platters or Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers
Entertainment
11 am —Jared & Katie Wehry
1 pm—Seger Family
3 pm—Brad Crum
5 pm—Bob Randall
Craft Vendors
Chinese Auction
Children’s Games
September 15
9 am—Outside Under the Tent with Battle Cry
Cake & Coffee Following Service
Apple Festival – October 26 – 2 pm
Bring your favorite apple dish to share. Coffee and juices will be provided. Let’s have a great social time and celebrate serving God for 250 years!
St Peter
Lutheran Church
Of Red Cross
Dornsife, PA
Newsletter
Spring 2024
Pastor’s Corner
With Endurance and Joy
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2. ESV
Are we trained and ready to continue with endurance in our lives of faith individually and as a church? I went on a long hike today and realized once again that I need to keep training, and keep practicing, so that I can keep the endurance needed to hike in the mountains. People are often impressed when I say I grew up in Nepal and had to walk in the mountains all the time. The thing is, I don’t have the same endurance and lung capacity now that I did as a child. Sure, I know how to hike. I know the techniques to go up mountains and how to go downhill safely so that I can keep going for hours. But despite frequent walks of medium duration behind my home, including some inclines, I haven’t actually been hiking enough for my heart and lungs and muscles to find it easy. I don’t have the same endurance that I used to. If I want to hike the mountains here, let alone in Nepal again one day, I need to actually practice hiking more than once a year.
All well and good you say. Why are you talking about this, Pastor? In Hebrews, Paul equates the life of faith to a race that requires endurance. It is a marathon, not a sprint. It is an all-day hike, not a stroll around the block. It requires training, adaptation to changing conditions, and endurance. The life of faith isn’t just a difficult slog though. I go hiking not just to tire my legs out, although exercise is part of the goal. I go hiking for the views of river valleys, mountain streams, interesting trees and flowers, glimpses of birds on the wing or butterflies in the woods. Today I got to see bald eagles nesting and birds migrating, and it was a joy to see God’s creation along with spending time getting to know the group I went hiking with. Jesus endured the tough stuff that we couldn’t handle, endured the cross, for the immense joy set before him. We too can endure the challenges of life and faith, the training and the trials, when we focus on the joy along the journey as well as the joy of the life to come. Let us face this season of Lent and this year of celebrating what God has done, as a time of training in drawing close to God. If you have lost your child-like faith, Jesus invites you to take it up again and learn from him, focusing on the joy that he brings. Training in faith is a lifelong journey of both endurance and joy, and an opportunity of rediscovering what it means to follow Jesus.
This year in particular, we celebrate that God has been faithful in gathering his people together for generations here in Pennsylvania. Many saints have continued their journeys of faith together with joyful endurance. How will God choose to move and work today and in the years to come? How is he calling us to follow him? The challenges of growing and training in faith are the same generation after generation, even though styles change. We are called to gather as the people of God, to seek the Lord by listening to and reading His Word, to discuss it and share our stories of faith, to lift up our voices in praise and worship, and lift up our supplications to the Lord as we pray with and for one another. And to always be willing to share with the world the amazing good news of what Jesus has done for us.
It is so easy to get caught up in the pleasures of this world and distracted from the walk of faith. We are to enjoy the world God has made and given us to steward, but we are not to use it for ill or only our own pleasure and gain at the expense of our neighbor. Each generation needs to return to the Lord for themselves, not depending on the faith of their parents. God gave this word to Solomon and he gives it to us as well: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. ESV
I invite you to join me in a time of seeking the Lord in prayer. training ourselves in faith and humbling ourselves before him in repentance as we listen for his guidance. We can depend on God’s word that he will hear our prayer, give us healing, and lead us in the ways we should go when we turn to him. As he has shown himself faithful in the past, he will be faithful in the years to come. Let’s dust off the boots and walking sticks, our Bibles and songbooks, and fill our canteens with the pure living water of the Word of God. Let us prepare ourselves and be ready for what God is going to do, and keep our eyes and ears open for the sigh of the Spirit.
Shalom
~ Pastor Karis
Back From Nepal!
A simple letter of thanks and prayer.
By Aaron Ruohoniemi
I’m so excited to announce that I arrived safely back in the United States on February 6th after spending exactly 6 months in Nepal!
To start off, I’d like to express that I simply cannot thank you enough for all the incredible prayer and support I’ve received throughout the past six months! Because of your prayer, I had the most wonderful time in Nepal making countless friends and memories.
It was surreal to finally live in the country and amongst the people that I have heard so much about throughout my childhood. The Nepali and international community in Nepal was so exceptionally welcoming and kind. I’m so thankful to have witnessed and been a part of the great work being done by the Nepali church and missionary community.
The tight bonds that I was able to form with the three young kids that I taught and helped to care for are so special to me. That family will always hold a special place in my heart.
Now that I’m back in Pennsylvania, I will be resuming my duty as Admin. Assistant at Red Cross and trying to figure out the future that God has planned out for me. While I’m planning to attend college in the fall, I am so incredibly excited to let you all know that my next adventure will be teaching English at a youth camp at Lake Baikal in Buryatia, Russia for the first two weeks of July! Please keep this trip in your prayers.
Additionally, please continue to pray for the missionary family I stayed with and assisted during my time in Nepal, as they transition to this time without my presence in their family.
Finally, please pray for the hearts of the people of Nepal, that they will open up towards the Lord and his workings. Your prayer can truly make a difference in the lives of unbelievers all around the world.
Thanks again! -Aaron Ruohoniemi
Winter roundup
Christmas Eve
Thank you to all who participated in and attended the special afternoon service for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. It was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship!
Home Visits
For those who are unable to attend church, if you would like to be visited by Pastor Karis and/or receive communion, please call Pastor Karis. For emergencies of any sort please contact Pastor Karis directly. Calls, texts, messages, emails, or just stopping by to chat are all welcome forms of communication.
Spring Texts 2024
March 3rd – Mark 12:1-17; Psalm 80:7-19
March 10th – Mark 12:29-44; Psalm 89:1-4
March 17th – Mark 13:1-8, 24-37;
Psalm 102:12-17
March 24th – Mark 11:1-11; 14:3-9
Psalm 118:25-29
March 29th – Mark 15:16-39; Psalm 22
March 31st – Mark 16:1-20; Psalm 118:21-27
April 7th – Acts 1:1-14; Mark 6:7-13
April 14th – Acts 3:1-10; Mark 6:53-56
April 21st – Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thess 1:1-10;
Mark 13:9-11
April 28th – Acts 18:1-4; 1 Cor 1:10-18
Mark 9:34-35
May 5th – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3;
Mark 12:28-31
May 12th – 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-57;
Mark 12:26a-27
May 19th – Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13;
Mark 1:4-8
May 26th – Luke 11:2-4; Psalm 81;
Psalms 65 &67
Announcements:
Sunday Bible School -- 10:30 am
We are studying Bible answers to participants’ questions with open discussion time. We have decided to start again at the beginning with Genesis. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!