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The Window

St. Luke's Lutheran Church
Monthly Newsletter
Vol. 201 No. 133
February 2023

A Message from Pastor Sally
 
I lift my eyes to the hills…from where will my help come?

Each day I make time to go to the bank of the Potomac River. I can walk down to the water and listen to its song as it flows downstream. When I look up the river,  I can see a gentle rise of hills. The trees on the river’s edges are intricate patterns of branches, bearing witness to the winter. It is here that I listen for God’s quiet voice.

The rock that I sit on has been underwater for the past two weeks. The waters recede a little each day - actually this is the first time that I have my seat back as the water laps at my feet.

Rivers have always run through my life. My New Jersey rivers were the Mullica, and Rancocas Creek.  I met the Susquehanna,  Yellow Breeches Creek when I moved to Pennsylvania. I encountered the Youghiogheny River up close in a white water raft! We got sucked out of the raft by a strong hydraulic and all lived to tell the tale. When I was on internship in Upstate New York and fell in love with the Mohawk River and the Moose River in the Adirondack Mountains- my second white water rafting trip!

Now I live in West Virginia and I am so blessed to be within walking distance of the Potomac River and close to the Savage River in Maryland. I love the New River in southern West Virginia and, yes, I went white water rafting! 

I love the Potomac River in every season. The water’s sound calms me. This is where I go to listen for God’s quiet voice. 

What is a special place for you, that calms and centers you, where you are able to listen for God’s voice?

Pastor Sally Bartling
Thank You

We are blessed to have members who can “wear many hats!”  Just about every Sunday morning you will find John & Kate Andrews helping out with our worship services:  Usher, acolyte, crucifer, assisting minister, communion assistant, as well as communion preparation.  Their bright smiles and cheery dispositions make one happy to be around them.  We appreciate their dedication and service to our church and to our Lord! 

WELCA News

  • Our next WELCA meeting will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 11am, in the church parlor, Tracey Malloy will be the hostess. 
  • WELCA will be singing on the 4th Sunday, in February; which will be February 26th, 2023. The musical selection is to be determined.
Church Council 
Council Officers

President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:


Ray Beall
Nancy McCormick
Dick Graham
Gemma Schade
Additional Members on Council:
Bobbie Beall
Wendy Upchurch
Carolyn Clauson-Andrews
Jeanne Zaladonis
Brian Burton
Communion Committee
Carolyn Clauson-Andrews
Tracy Malloy
Sharon Cihlar
Gemma Schade
Jeanne Zaladonis
Communion

We are pleased to announce that we have returned to “normal communion”. Folks are to come down the center aisle, practicing safe distancing. Both Pastor Sally and the assisting minister will wear face masks and gloves. Pastor Sally will drop the wafer in one’s hand and the assisting minister (wine) or communion assistant (grape juice) will pour the wine/juice. Folks will then go back to their seat by the side aisles.
Worship & Music Committee

The Worship and Music Committee will meet on Monday, February 6th. at 4:45 pm in the parlor.
Assisting Minister Schedule
2/5
2/12
2/19
2/26

 
Brian Burton
Wendy Upchurch
Jeanne Zaladonis
Liza Broll
Ways to Give

St. Luke's has multiple ways to submit your offerings and donations. We encourage you to set up an automated giving schedule. Our online giving portal lets you easily set up a recurring gift via your debit card, credit card, pay pal credit, or checking account. Click here to access.
 
Please consider donating to Lutheran Disaster Response. The Disaster Response Team is working in the United States, Eastern Europe and around the world to respond to various disasters. When giving your donation, please mark on your check Lutheran Disaster Response. Thank You.

Give via Check. 2022 Offering Envelopes are ready and in the Narthex for pick-up. Checks can be made payable to "St. Luke's Lutheran Church" and dropped off, or mailed to 1601 Frederick Street, Cumberland, MD 21502

Gift of Stocks & Mutual Funds
Giving appreciated assets - such as stock - often allows you to maximize a gift. Typically, you can receive a tax deduction for the value of the stock on the day it was given, regardless of the cash basis (original purchase price) of the stock. Capital gains taxes are avoided. 

Estate Planning
Setting up a well-designed estate plan may protect your loved ones from expensive probate taxes, allowing you to use the savings to leave a legacy gift for the Church. 

If you are interested in more information about the options contact info@stlukescumberland.org today. 
There is a group that have been supporting a Ukrainian/Russian refugee family in our area for several months. They have applied for asylum and have a very good chance of getting approved.

However, the attorney's fees are $8,500.00.

The family have no money because their assets are in Russia and there is an international embargo on transfers of funds to and from that country. And they don't have work permits, so cannot officially take paid employment. Ellen McDaniel-Weissler is putting together a Concert and Silent Auction to raise money for the attorney fees.

The event will be at St Paul's Lutheran Church, Smallwood St, on Saturday, February 11 at 2.00 pm.

Ellen has lined up some great acts, including the FSU choir, Greg Latta, Beau Hartman, Jeff Avey, Ian Robinson, and Tom Hawk (yodeler), and there are several more as yet unconfirmed. We would appreciate donations for the silent auction. Please contact me for details.

If you like to cook, we're looking for finger food for refreshment time. Contact me or Ellen if you can help. And we could also do with people to help with set-up, bump down, and ushering. Contact Ellen if you'd like to help in this way. And. if you'd like to make a direct donation, please make it to St Luke’s Lutheran Church, Frederick St, marked "Ukrainian/Russian family. Call Debbie at 301-722-6604 or email debbie@stpaulcumberland.org.
Like to find out more about what is happening in our Synod?
  • You are always welcome to “check out” the Synod’s website:
    demdsynod.org for an events calendar, list of resources, various ministries within the synod, etc.
  • Each Tuesday, the Bishop & the Synod Staff email a newsletter that includes current events/programs/meetings in the Synod that are open to ALL of us.  There are programs for church leaders, youth, deacons . . . the list is endless.  YOU can subscribe to this newsletter.
    • Just go to the Synod Website:  demdsynod.org
    • Scroll down to the bottom of the home page
    • You will see “SUBSCRIBE TO THE E-LETTER”
    • Fill in your first name, last name, and email address
Now you, too, can begin receiving Synod information directly to your email.  AND, if there is some information or project you would like St. Luke’s to consider, just let the Council know!
Date
2/1
2/11
2/13
2/13
2/16
2/18
2/19
Happy Birthday
Alexander Burton
Liza Broll
Wendy Upchurch
Evie DeVoto
William Keener
Karen Parker
John Andrews

It's Party Time!

Everyone enjoys a birthday party.  Let’s help the Interfaith Food Pantry this month by providing  “A Birthday Cake Bundle” for folks in our community.

We will have our monthly “gathering event” on Thursday, February 9th. at 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.   We will “eat and meet,” followed by assembling the “birthday cake bundles.”

Even if you are unable to attend, please consider bringing some of the following items to church and place them in the basket on the table in the narthex:

  • Cake Mix, Cookie Mix, and/or Brownie Mix
  • Canned icing
  • Aluminum cake pan
  • Canned baking spray
  • Spatula
  • Birthday candles

We would also need some plastic wrap to “secure” the items in the cake pan.     (We have already had a donation of “Happy Birthday” napkins)

Thank you for your consideration!

Card Ministry

Current list of our homebound/facility-bound members is available in the narthex. Please reach out as you can. It really does brighten their days to hear from their church family and friends. 

In 2022, we have sent 226 cards to our members and friends. Please continue to inform me when Get Well or Sympathy cards need sent; but also, when there are happy events that need celebrated, such as special anniversaries and congratulations of major life events. Feel free to reach out to me for contact info by phone or text (240-727-2829) or email tmalloy810@verizon.net. 

Remember in Prayer

Recent Prayer Requests
Bill Berndt
Daniel McMullen Jr
Daniel Jefts
George Green
Julie Bagrowski
Tom Miller
ElijahThomas
Jan Burton
Jean Krampf
Leslie Ann Thomas
Lori Heavner
David Bartling
Hayden Weslow
Cheryl Weaver
James Green
Lidiia Sullivan (living in Ukraine)
Jack Andrews
The People of Ukraine
Carroll Andrews
Our military members & families
Rick Michael
Todd & Angelique Bowman
Sandy Cyrus
Sharon Crabtree
David Brown
Layla Smith
Sharon Crabtree
Jenna Moore
The Family of baby Joel River
Wamsley
Ongoing
Wilda Rita Heavner
Kim Jackson
Owen Lawyer
Sandi & Jim Pague
June Smith
Ben Starr
Michael Vaughn
Noah Weaver
Lisa Whitacre
Judy Workmeister
David & Dianne Kuhns
Earlene Fradiska
Carolyn Hardman
Sandy Moore
Billy Iliff
Finley Jefts
Savannah Andrews
Tracey Malloy
If there is someone you would like to put on the Prayer
list, please call the church office at 301-722-4190
or email request to info@stlukescumberland.org
Staying Connected

A warm welcome to our guests! All are welcome to commune at St. Luke's. Lutherans believe Christ to be bodily present in, with and under the forms of bread and wine, brining us His forgiveness of sins.

St. Luke’s Pastor Office Hours
Pastor Sally will be at St. Luke’s Monday and Thursday each week.

Please understand that there may be times when my office hours may be postponed due to a pastoral emergency or a funeral. You may always contact me at this number: (304) 813-0889.

Newsletters 
Our monthly newsletter, The Window, is distributed both by US Mail and email. (Of course, we encourage email delivery!) This publication containing columns, announcements, articles of interest to the congregation, and much more.

Sharing Photos
We have added an Image Permission and Use Form on our website Contact Us Page. Please complete this form and email any images you would like shared on our website, newsletter, or social media to: info@stlukescumberland.com

Church Staff

Pastor:
Organist/Director of Choirs:
Maintenance Supervisor:
Bookkeeper: 
Secretary:
Rev. Sally L. Bartling
Lea Ann Alter
Kevin Carroll
Eleanor Stotler

Volunteers
St. Luke's Statement of Mission
St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Cumberland, Maryland, is a member of the Church Universal, which the Holy Spirit uses for the evangelization of the world. Through the Holy Spirit we accept the responsibility to make disciples of all persons. As affirmation of our faith in Jesus Christ, we shall provide a house of worship in order to preach and teach the Gospel and to administer the Sacrament. From the base of Christian learning and strength, and with God's help and guidance, we shall strive to reach out to our community and to people throughout the world. 

Dedications

If you are interested in reserving a dedication bulletin, newsletter or altar flowers please call the church office to reserve your selection today! 
Bulletins 
Newsletters
Altar Flowers
$15.00
$15.00
$30.00
GIVE
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