DECEMBER 14, 2011__                                                ___  ____                            VOLUME 21, NO. 9

WHO IS TODAY’S GRINCH?

On the day after Thanksgiving, all the news reports featured stories on what has come to be called Black Friday, the most profitable shopping day of the year, keeping most retail merchants “in the black” (showing a profit) for the year.  As usual, these reports centered on the fights that broke out between shoppers over some special but limited sales items.  Out in California, a woman actually pepper-sprayed her fellow shoppers in order to get first crack at something she wanted.  I well remember the news story from 2008 where a man was stomped to death by fellow shoppers, as the doors first opened at a Walmart store on Long Island, right near where I grew up.

And now, we have developed a new sales day dubbed Cyber Monday!  The Christmas Season has turned from being a celebration of God’s gift to us of the promised Savior to one of a season of frantic spending.  The large, front page headline in the local Almanac on its first post-Thanksgiving issue read, “Season For Spending.”  A few days later, the main Business page of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette headlined an article with, “Credit Cards Feed Urge to Splurge.”  And we all know that it is no longer “politically correct” to call it the “Christmas Season.”  No, it is now the “Holiday Season.”  And the pressure is to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND!  Like the Grinch, just do everything you can to accumulate more and more.  Don’t worry about the consequences right now.  “It’s on Sale!  Buy it!”

The season has now been so secularized that some Christian groups have strongly supported changing the date we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  It must be pointed out that nowhere in the Scriptures is there any reference to the date of our Savior’s birth.  In the early church, Easter was the high point of celebrating the completion of our God’s plan of salvation.  It was only later that some thought was given to doing something special to commemorate and celebrate the day of Jesus’ birth.  The early Roman Church decided to establish a special “Christmas Mass,” since shortened to “Christmas.”  But without Scriptural evidence of what date this special Mass should be held, December 25^th was selected.  There are several theories of why this date was chosen and most hold to the theory they believed that day was the first day of the winter solstice; while we know now that the winter solstice date is normally December 21^st, the science at that time was imperfect and it took several days to convince them that the days were, in fact, actually getting longer.  The time of the winter solstice also fits well with the Christian conviction that “Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.”

One of the strongest arguments for Jesus’ birth not being in the winter is that the census ordered by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) wouldn’t have been ordered in the dead of winter.  No, spring would be a much more likely time.  Some believe it was most likely related to the known dates of His death and/or resurrection; either Good Friday, the day He proclaimed, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), or Easter, the day God fully revealed the results of Jesus’ gift of eternal life.  But we shall never know the real date for sure this side of Heaven’s Gates.

As you can surmise, I strongly believe that secular society today symbolizes the mental picture of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!”  But it is up to the entire Christian Community to be sure we stay focused on the real meaning of the Christmas Season.  From a practical point of view, we will never be able to change the date of our Christmas celebration but we can be firm in our approach.  While secular society wants everyone to say, “happy holidays,” we Christians must solidly object to that and always say, “Merry Christmas!”  But I like to go even further.  For many years now, I have not used the phrase, “Merry Christmas.”  Because God has blessed us with the precious gift of His only begotten Son, I prefer to wish everyone a “BLESSED CHRISTMAS.  May all my Christian brothers and sisters reading this have a very Blessed Christmas!!!

Bob Reith

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH - SOUTH PARK AND PATTERSON ROADS

BETHEL PARK, PA 15102 - PHONE (412) 835-7140

Visit Ruthfred on the web at www.ruthfred.org

Pastor James D. Molstre          Pastor Steven P. Carlson         Vicar Adam Osier

                        Sylvia Armen, Parish Assistant                       Clyde Lundgren, Financial Manager                     Paula Mikulan, Office Manager                      Aaron Kroenke, Youth Director                            Bob Thomas, Church Council President

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Herald Staff:

Bob Reith and Nancy Halboth, Co-Editors

Sibyl Mose, Mailing Labels and Typing; Carol Mueller, Printing; Nancy Thomas, Staff Writer

Herald Volunteer Assembling and Mailing Crew – (11/09/2011 edition):

Leslie Gill, Rosie Del Bene, Barb Thomas, Carole Berry, Betty Roth, Terry Alwine, Kathy Robbins, Judy Boyd, Joyce Bock and Chris Sopoci

Official Acts

October 31, 2011 through December 4, 2011

(*Indicates Member)

Baptisms:

*Clare Elizabeth Weber – 11/12/11                          *Taylin Rose Elliott – 11/27/11

New Members -11/13/2011:

Karen Coleman, Faith Coleman                               Diane Fisher, Lyndsey and Alyson

Sara Michaliszyn, Riley and Natalie                        Gerald Spellman, Brionie

Funerals:

Robert L. Haunschild – 11/17/11                             *Mildred J. Norman – 11/26/11

Transfers:

Kevin and Andrea Nowicki and son Bryce to Zion Lutheran Church, Brownsville Road,            Pittsburgh – 10/31/11

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YOUR HERALD PUBLICATION DATES FOR 2012

      Publication Date / Issue                                       Submission Deadline Date

    February 15 – Lent                                                           February 5

    March 28 - Holy Week / Easter                                        March 18

    May 9 - Mid-Spring                                                          April 29

    June 20 - Summer Preview                                               June 10

    August 22 - Fall Preview                                                  August 12

    September 26 - Mid-Fall                                                  September 16

    November 7 - Thanksgiving / Advent                              October 28

    December 12 - Christmas / New Year                              December 2

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

From the Desk of Pastor Molstre

“He shall reign forever and ever”

George Fredric Handel’s masterpiece the Messiah is an amazing piece of music.  We remember Pastor Dennis singing in the Advent Season with “Comfort Ye.”  And of course the Hallelujah Chorus still sends chills down the collective spine of audiences everywhere. What makes it even more amazing are the circumstances surrounding its composition.

Handel composed the music in twenty-four days in the front room of his residence in London.  Afterward he was quoted as saying, “Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not…I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself.”

We perhaps all have heard the story about when Handel’s Messiah was first performed.  One observer that night wrote, “The audience were exceedingly struck and affected by the music in general.”  And when the Hallelujah Chorus began, “they were so transported, that they all, together with the King, started up, and remained standing till the chorus ended.”

However, despite King George’s enthusiastic response, most London concert-goers were not enthralled.  In its first season, according to witnesses, the Messiah was met with “chilling apathy and stolid indifference,” and within two years, Handel was driven into temporary bankruptcy.

When I read those words, (the Messiah was met with chilling apathy and stolid indifference), I couldn’t help but think about the Messiah today.  Jesus is often met with chilling apathy and stolid indifference.  Of all the seasons of the year, this is the time of year in which one would think Jesus would be met with cheer and with warmth.  As a congregation and as believers in Jesus Christ we welcome the Christ Child and make room in our hearts for Him.  After all, He shall reign forever and ever!     May God grant each one of you a very Merry Christmas.

In Christ,

Pastor Molstre

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

Special Services and Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendar Now

Sunday, December 18^th -                                Church Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am

Saturday, December 24^th -                              Christmas Eve Services at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 pm

Sunday, December 25^th -                                Christmas Day Communion Service at 10:00 am

                                                                             only.  No Sunday School

Saturday, December 31^st -                              New Year’s Eve Service at 8:00 pm

Sunday, January 1^st -                                       Church Services with Holy Communion at 8:30 and

                                                                            11:00 am and 6:00 pm; Sunday School classes

                                                                             for all ages

Monday, January 2^nd -                                     Happy 90^th Birthday to Jim Drew

Sunday, January 8^th -                                      Church Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am

Wednesday, January 11^th -                              JTTW and KidsTime resume

Thursday, January 12^th -                                  Happy 102^nd Birthday to Sophie Godava

Saturday, January 14^th -                                  Mary Lou Libell/Joe McKenna wedding

Sunday, January 15^th -                                     Church Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am

                                                                             Annual Congregational Meeting with election of

                                                                             officers immediately following both services

Sunday, January 22^nd -                                    Church Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am

Tuesday, January 24^th -                                   Happy 94^th Birthday to Tanya Sweitzer

Friday, January 27^th -                                      XYZ Lunch and Program at 12:00 noon

Sunday, January 29^th -                                     Church Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am

Sunday, February 5^th -                                    Church Services with Holy Communion at 8:30 and

                                                                             11:00 am and 6:00 pm

Monday, February 6^th -                                   GriefShare Group at 7:30 pm (See page 13 for more                                                                         information)

Saturday, February 11^th -                                Happy 97^th Birthday to Bill Bennett

Sunday, February 12^th -                                  Church Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am

Tuesday, February 14^th -                                 Happy 94^th Birthday to Bob Kahn

LOOKING AHEAD -

Wednesday, February 22^nd -                           Ash Wednesday

Sunday, March 11^th -                                           Walk Thru the Bible - New Testament

LOOKING WAY AHEAD -

April 11^th and 12^th -                                         Motor coach trip to Jonah at Sight and Sound                                                                          Theater, Lancaster, PA

August 6^th thru10^th -                                        Vacation Bible School

Note: Please be sure to check your Sunday bulletins for any changes that may occur.

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

MEMBER PROFILES by Nancy Thomas

Sandy Newman

Refreshing as the Gospel of Jesus is the Living Presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of SANDY NEWMAN.  Her unconditional commitment to the Lord and His Will remains the complete focus of her goals and her labors as she seeks, in all things, to edify His Kingdom and bring Glory to His Name.  Her beautiful and inspiring testimony confirms God's Faithfulness and Grace to instill convictions, and empower and strengthen those who pursue His Righteousness.

Pittsburgh-born Sandy Milton was raised in Mt. Lebanon in the house where her mother still lives.  Sandy was the youngest of her family with two older brothers and two older sisters.  After graduating from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1979, she continued her education at Penn State University with a major in Business Analysis.  While an undergraduate Sandy met Bryan Newman, her future husband.  After graduation in 1983, both Sandy and Bryan accepted positions with PPG Industries in Pittsburgh.  Sandy's dream of being a “June bride” materialized when the couple married in 1985.

The Newmans established their first home in Cleveland after PPG transferred Bryan and held a position there for Sandy as well.  In late 1987, when Bryan received a promotion, they returned to Pittsburgh.  With a “seamless transition” Sandy resumed her former job with PPG, where she continued employment until September of 1993, just prior to daughter Hannah's birth in October!  With the arrival of son James in October of 1996, Sandy's “new career” as a full-time mother began.

Sandy's early Christian experience was limited in what she called a “C and E” home;  the family attending only annual Christmas and Easter worship services.  Although she didn't know Jesus then, “the Holy Spirit was at work” prompting her curiosity to determine, “Why do people go to church?”  Sandy's search led her to read Fulton Oursler's book The Greatest Story Ever Told.  “The sweetest news I had ever received!  Jesus loves ME, died for ME!”  She held fast to the promises of Joel 2:25 as well.  “I will restore…what the locusts have eaten” and I Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  In the spring of 1981, Sandy's quest ended with a “conversion experience,” followed by “lots of initial growth, and a soul on fire for the Lord!”

Several years later, however, her enthusiasm waned as her job again became a priority.  But after her father's sudden and unexpected death and “no one else to turn to,” she “cried out to the Lord....and HE was THERE.”  Since then Sandy has grown in closeness to Him, “knowing His Word...and in constant contact with Him.”  With the heartache of losing her Dad, she has learned that God “uses trials to refine our faith and to develop perseverance.”

Since 1999 she's been a small-group leader for Community Bible Study International, a non-denominational, family ministry.  Additionally, in 2001, Sandy volunteered through Catholic Charities as a “house-mom” in assisting Sudanese refugees in their resettlements.

The Newmans began to worship at Ruthfred in 2007 and were amazed when Sylvia, our Parish Assistant, arrived to visit them the Monday after they had first come to church!  Pastor Molstre continued in contact, too.  And that November when the family joined our congregation, Sandy's ministries at Ruthfred began.

Since 2009 Sandy has served as a leader for Morning and Evening “Journey.” She's a faithful member of “Priscilla Circle.” She and Bryan are “under-shepherds” for their Mt. Lebanon and Dormont area.  She served as the “Opening Leader” for the Adult Sunday School class during 2010-2011, and now serves as a “back-up.”  Last year she also taught the lessons during July, and taught again this July.  Sandy also taught in the “Upper Room” in the fall of both 2008 and 2009, and accepted various roles in our VBS during the summers of 2008, 2009 and 2010. 

(Continued on page 6)

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

MEMBER PROFILES – Sandy Newman

(Continued from page 5)

Yet, a particularly SPECIAL conviction of Sandy and Bryan, based on Deuteronomy 6: 6-7, Ephesians 6: 4 and II Corinthians 6: 14-17 remains “parents' responsibilities to give children their education with a goal to approach all of life with a Biblical world-view in all subjects,” and to define, “in whom they believe, in what they believe and why they believe it....and be able to articulate it to others and defend it.”  Sandy's confidence in Hannah and James prevails knowing that they are “able to take stands for the Lord....their commitments to Him are strong.”  Sandy's conviction to home-school her children realizes her persuasion and obedience to “Train up a child in the way he should go....” with the Blessed assurance that “when he is old he will not depart from it.”

And, with a passion for home-cooking, Sandy delights in serving “healthful food for body and soul” to her family and to others through our “Samaritan Ministry”....and in quiet moments, to reflect upon the Christian writings of Max Lucado, C. S. Lewis, Charles Stanley and others.

Indeed, Sandy's story shares a beautiful testimony of longing and seeking...and one of God's Faithfulness and Love in response.....a perfect and timely Advent Blessing for all of us.  And, during this Season of Waiting, Watching and Preparing our hearts for the coming Messiah, a favorite quote of Sandy's blesses us from the pen of Blaise Pascal with the words of truth:  “There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.”

“Redeemer, come!  I open wide

My heart to thee:  here, Lord, abide!”

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EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS

Every day is Christmas when you have the kind of mind,
That stores up all the goodness and the sweetness it can find.
When you don't need an occasion, to spread a bit of cheer,
But just keep on a-giving, of yourself throughout the year.

Every day is Christmas, with a gaily wrapped surprise,
When you've learned to see the friendship, in someone else's eyes.
When you try a little harder, and complain a little less,
Holding fast to all the fervor of the faith that you possess. 

Every day is Christmas, when you've found that you can be
More concerned with words like “you” and less with “I” and “me.”
When it's fun to do a favor, and to lend a helping hand,
When being understood means less, than when you understand.

Every day is Christmas, with a beauty deeply cast,
When you find it doesn't matter, if you're first or if you're last.
When you can face your conscience, and be glad of what you are,
Then every day is Christmas, with a stable and a star.

Author Unknown

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

GOOD NEWS by Susan Wright

I was deep into my morning Bible and prayer time when the phone rang.  I hesitated—caller ID said it was a cell phone number, but I didn’t recognize it.  Finally, I picked up.  “Good morning,” said an enthusiastic female voice.  “I’m calling with good news.  You’ve been selected to receive discounts on a Florida vacation.”

My teeth clenched.  Obviously, I’d need to renew my “do not call” registration.  “I’m sorry,” I said, but I’m sure my voice clearly conveyed I was not sorry at all.  “I’m really not interested.”  Paying no mind, the telemarketer continued with her rehearsed script.  I cut her off.  “I’m sorry,” I repeated, letting my irritation show.  “I don’t have time to talk.  I’m having my Bible study right now.”

I expected a hasty apology and a click on the other end of the line.  Instead she said, “Oh, I wish I had time to do a Bible study.  Jesus is my best friend.” …. I deflated faster than a cold soufflé.  “Would you please pray for me?” she asked.  “I’ve been so sick and I just keep throwing up, but I can’t afford to go to the doctor.”  “Of course I will.” I answered.  “That’s Jackie,” she reminded me.  “Just say ‘many needs.’”

She thanked me when she hung up, but I felt as if I should have been thanking her.  I should have thanked her for reminding me there is a person on the other end of that line—someone who is doing a thankless and unpleasant job because they need it to survive.  I should have thanked her for reminding me how blessed I am, and that I am not here just for myself.

Advent always reminds me, like Jackie did, to be humble.  I once heard a speaker say we can’t appreciate the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice by looking only at His final physical sufferings and death.  His arrival on Earth as a baby inside His mother’s womb was itself an incomprehensible sacrifice.

We can hardly imagine the pre-incarnate Christ in His true glory—our human eyes could not behold Him.   According to the Book of Revelation, there is no need for the sun or moon in heaven because Christ is its lamp (Rev. 21:23).  As Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, He was and is “in very nature God”—perfectly holy, perfectly wise, perfectly powerful, perfectly sovereign, all knowing, perfectly good, and omnipresent.  And, blessed be His Name, perfectly loving.  Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” (Phil. 2:6,7 NIV). 

For us, He released His glory and “made Himself nothing.”  He took on human form, with its pains and fears, discomforts and griefs, and a multitude of petty humiliations.  Long before Good Friday, He took on our nature, experiencing hunger and thirst, temptation and abandonment—and quite likely the same clouds of biting gnats, and body-racking viruses the rest of us have dealt with.  Most unimaginable, of course, is that Jesus in His undefiled holiness ultimately also took on the filth of our sins and stains. 

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,” He says, “for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:29).  Our attitude should be like His, Paul tells us.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  …Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4).

There was a time I probably would have said pride is not my problem, but I’ve come to learn I am not the exception to this universal human condition.  My pride is showing every time I think critical thoughts about someone else’s driving or an undoubtedly troubled celebrity.  “I am better than that,” is the unspoken subtext.  Or somebody will interrupt what I’m doing, and I sigh in exasperation (subtitle: “You are wasting my important time.”).

Lately, God has been projecting that subtext onto a wide screen for me and I’ve been horrified to realize how big a part of my inner monolog it really is.  Sometimes, I stop reading those subtitles.  But as the Bible tells us over and over, if we fail to humble ourselves God will do it for us.  There I will be, happily reading my Bible and talking to God, and the phone will ring.

Soon we will celebrate Christ’s birth—His laying aside of glory to live with us, and to offer His prideful children an undeserved gift: the dazzling white robes of His own righteousness.  The angel Gabriel tells us this “good news of great joy will be for all people” (i.e., not just for me, and not excluding annoying telemarketers).

[Susan Wright is a participant in morning JTTW and worships regularly with us here at Ruthfred]

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

JOINED THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

Obituaries of Members and Family of Members

(Members Identified in Bold Face; Former Members in Bold Face Italics)

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."  Psalm 116:15

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ROBERT L. HAUNSCHILD, age 61, of Presto was taken home to the Lord on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  He was the husband for seven glorious years of Christine (Meyer-Piatt) Haunschild, the loving father of Amy (Chris) Madsen of Wichita, KS and Laura (Sebastian Bachmann) Haunschild of Cincinnati, OH.  Bob was the son of Billie Jean and the late Robert L. Haunschild of Belton, MO, the brother of Carol (Greg) Hayes and Paul (Maria)  Haunschild all of Pleasant Hill, MO.  He was also the grandfather of five and the dear son-in-law of Evelyn (the late Dan) Meyer.  Bob, a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church, faithfully attended Ruthfred’s 8:30 am Sunday worship service and the adult Sunday School class together with his wife Chris and mother-in-law Evelyn.  He fought a courageous battle with lung cancer even though he never smoked.  He was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors especially the mountains where he was a regular hiker and mountain climber.  He also enjoyed playing golf, especially with Chris where they were regulars at the Ruthfred Golf outings.  Bob graduated from the University of Kansas, was a partner with Ernst and Young and was the CFO with PNC Bank until his retirement.  The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, November 17^th at Ruthfred.  Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Missouri.  Contributions may be made to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Lung Cancer Research, UPMC Cancer Pavilion Suite 1-B, 1550 Center Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

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THOMAS A. RENNIE, age 87, of Bethel Park, on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.  Tom was the husband of the late Margaret “Marnie” Rennie, the beloved father of Ethelann (Bill) Sweeny, Thomas J. (Diana) Rennie, Susan (John) Bearer, Mimi (Rick) McKee, Paul R. (Lisa) Rennie, Lisa (Tom) McWilliams, Eileen Rennie and Cheryl (Vern) Underwood.  He was also survived by 17 grandchildren, including Austin, Sam, Bailey and Livvie Underwood plus nine great-grandchildren.  Tom was a member of The Greatest Generation, a WWII US Navy veteran who sailed on the USS Madison.  He was also a member of the Library Sportsmen’s Club. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, November 21^st in St. Joan of Arc Church and Interment was at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery with full military honors.  Contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association or Bethany Hospice.

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MILDRED J. “Millie” NORMAN, age 87, of Bethel Park, died on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at her home.  Millie was born March 14, 1924 in Belle Vernon, the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Mitchell Jones.  She was a graduate of Donora High School, then attended business school and was employed during WWII with the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C.  She enjoyed reading, cooking, watching the Steelers, but most of all, spending time with her family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Calvin H. Norman, her daughter Janice E. Norman, an infant daughter Dawn Norman and a brother, Edward M. Jones.  Millie is survived by three sons, Eric Mark (Laura) Norman of Lake City, FL, Vaughn K. (Svetlana) Norman and Grant C. Norman of Bethel Park plus two grandsons, a sister, Mary Ellen Keys of Virginia Beach, VA and a brother, Wayne G. (Dot) Jones of Enola, PA and many special nieces, nephews and friends.  The Funeral Service was held at Ruthfred on Saturday, November 26^th with Pastors Molstre and Carlson and Vicar Osier officiating.  Interment followed at Forest Lawn Garden Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Ruthfred or the Three Rivers Hospice Patient Care Fund, 1195 Jacks Run Rd., Versailles, PA 15137.

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(Obituaries continued on page 9)

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

OBITUARIES  (Continued from page 8)

RONALD T. “RON” MILLER, age 56, of McMurray, after a courageous battle with MS, on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.  Ron was the beloved husband of 35 years to Millie, the father of Adam and the late Ronnie, the son of Ruth and the late Donald Miller Sr., the brother of Donald (Carol) Jr., Ruth (Jack) McEwen, Sandy (Ken) Johnson, the brother-in-law of Gary (Kathy) Cunko, Deb (Ken) Podlesnik and the late Jeffrey (surviving wife Nancy) Cunko.  Ron worked for the Mine, Safety and Health Administration for 20 years.  The Funeral Service was held at Peters Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, November 26^th and interment was at Jefferson Memorial Park.  Memorials may be made to the Ronald T. Miller II Scholarship Fund c/o: Washington County Community Foundation.

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INEZ HOBSON SMITH, age 88 of Fairport, NY passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2011.  She was predeceased by her parents, Brook and Ida Hobson and her husband, James D. Smith (who she is meeting “under the clock” right now).  She is survived by her brother, Raymond G. Hobson and her sons, Jeff (Miffy) of Portland, OR, and Craig (Theresa) of Rochester, NY, as well as five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, including Christine Wittman and Brook Hobson.  Inez was a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology and was the founder the Bentwood Garden Club of Catonsville, MD.  Memorial gifts can be made in Inez's memory to the Perinton Presbyterian Church, 6511 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd., P.O. Box 611, Fairport, NY 14450-0611.

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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE CARLSONS

Dear Ruthfred Church family,

Our theme this Advent Season has been “Preparing for Christmas!  Preparing for Christ!”  As we celebrate Jesus’ First Coming when He was born as our Savior, it is our greatest desire that each one in our congregation be born anew in Christ, and that in the midst of all the festive preparations of this season, our hearts would be prepared to be received by Jesus at His Second Coming.

“For unto you is born, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”   ~ Luke 2:11

We wish you a very Blessed Christmas!!                    

Pastor & Jen, Ben, Sadie, Sam

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THE NEW SHOES

An eye witness account from New York City

On a cold December day some years ago, a little boy, about ten-years old, was standing before a shoe store, barefooted, peering through the window and shivering with cold.  A lady approached the young boy and said, “My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!”  “I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,” was the boy's reply.

The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy.  She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel.  He quickly brought them to her.  She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.

By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks.  Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes.  She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.  She patted him on the head and said, “No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.”

As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her, “Are you God's wife?”

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS TO OUR SHUT-INS

 Please call church office to get names and addresses.

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

A BIRD'S EYE VIEW

Mom got up early Sunday morning and got the kids ready for church.  Dad sat in the living room, reading his newspaper and looking out at the snow.  They'd had the conversation before, but nothing had changed.  “Why don't you come to church with us this week?” she asked.  He didn't look up from his paper.

“You know why,” he said out loud and then in his own mind finished the answer with, “A truly great God wouldn't care about puny humans anyway.”  The man replayed the argument in his mind:  “If God is so perfect and great, why would He care about helping us?  If God is so powerful, why would he make His son become a human being?  Why would He stoop so low to help us.... if God is really so great.”

The house was silent except for the sound of the logs crackling in the fireplace.  From the other end of the house came a strange thump.  The man put down his paper and walked down the hall. Outside the window huddled a group of birds.  In confusion and fear, they had flown into the
window pane and fallen to the ground.  They huddled together in the snow trying to figure out what to do next.  The man felt sorry for the birds.  He thought to himself, “The birds could go in our barn and they'd be warm there.”  So he went outside and opened the door to the barn.  Then he waited in the cold.  The birds didn't move.

“I know, I'll shoo them over to the barn door,” the man thought.  But as he tried to herd the birds to the barn they simply scattered.  Only after he left them alone did they come back to their spot in the snow.  The man had one last plan.  He went back in the house and got a loaf of bread.  Carefully, he tore off pieces of bread and made a path to the barn door.  But the birds just huddled closer together, ignoring the gift of life which the man was offering.

Stumped, the man stood looking at the birds, wondering just what it would take to get them to safety.  He thought to himself, “If only I could become a bird and lead them to safety, then they wouldn't have to die.”  He stopped and thought about it again.  And he finally understood.

(This was originally titled “Christmas – More Than Humbug” and was credited to a Louis Casself)

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TEN RESOLUTIONS FOR THE COMING NEW YEAR

This coming year, I have decided that with God's help, I shall:

Give up complaining . . . focus on gratitude.

Give up harsh judgments . . . think kind thoughts.

Give up worry . . . trust divine providence.

Give up discouragement . . . be full of hope.

Give up bitterness . . . turn to forgiveness.

Give up hatred . . . return good for evil.

Give up anger . . . practice patience.

Give up pettiness . . . put on maturity.

Give up gloom. . . enjoy the beauty that is around me.

Give up gossiping . . . control my tongue.

 (Author Unknown)

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

THE SAMARITAN MINISTRY 

Our church family at Ruthfred is blessed to have so many hearts willing to serve.  This ministry has continued to be an outpouring of love and gratitude to God resulting in an outpouring of love to each other, our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Mick and Marlene Nowicki, Coordinators of the Samaritan Ministry are in the process of securing an updated volunteer list.  Please consider volunteering a small portion of your time to make a big difference in someone else’s life.  If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful outreach, it would be helpful to the coordinators if the form below is completed by those already serving and anyone else new to the ministry.  The desired area of service could then easily be coordinated with the need.

Due to the nature of the services provided, most needs are met on an as-needed basis and do not require an extended commitment or obligation.  Please indicate your name, phone number and e-mail address and circle the letter of the services that interest you.  Be sure to include any comments such as availability or any other special services that you may be able to provide.  Once completed, please fold and place in the offering plate or return to the church office.  Thank you for your consideration to serve in this outreach to our church family.

If you are in need of any of the services or know of any Ruthfred families or individuals that the ministry can assist, please contact Mick and Marlene Nowicki or the church office.  If you are uncertain if the ministry can help, please inquire regardless.

 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  COLOSSIANS 3:12

NAME____________________________________________ PHONE____________________

E-MAIL___________________________________________

SERVICES:   (as needed)

A)    Transport elderly/sick to hospital/doctor appointments

B)    Transport elderly to grocery store, bank, etc.

C)    Transport elderly to church

D)    Pick-up and deliver pharmacy orders

E)    Provide and deliver meals to families in need

F)    Provide and deliver meals to new moms/dads

G)    Provide relief for caretakers of elderly/sick

H)    Provide child care for children of ill parents

I)     Provide cleaning services for elderly/sick members

J)     Provide haircutting services (hairdresser/barber)

K)    Provide visitation to homebound/lonely

COMMENTS: _________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

WINTER COAT DRIVE

Barb and Bob Thomas wish to thank all those who supported the Rainbow Kitchen Community Services Coat Drive.  Your charity resulted in 823 adult coats and 707 children’s coats being distributed.  There was a coat for everyone who needed one.  We were also able to distribute gloves, hats, scarves, shoes and clothing to numerous adults and children.  We are truly blessed
to be part of such a generous congregation.

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A GERMAN CHRISTMAS SERVICE

On Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 4:00 pm, a German Christmas Service (Deutscher Weihnachtsgottesdienst) will be held at the First Lutheran Church on Grant Street downtown (across the street from the U. S. Steel Tower).  It will feature the Pittsburgh Posaunenchor, a trombone group organized by Ruthfred member, Dr. Robert F. Schmalz, who also performs with the group.

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WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE

“…Be happy and full of joy, because the Lord has done a wonderful thing.”  (Joel 2:21)

Next year’s conference, Celebrate 2012, will be held at the Petersen Events Center on Friday, September 28^th and Saturday, September 29^th.  Ladies, please let Marlene Nowicki know of your interest and watch the bulletin for registration details.  We hope to have an even larger group next year and you don’t want to miss it! 

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GRIEFSHARE

A Grief Recovery Support Group

GriefShare is a network of thousands of grief recovery support groups meeting around the world to help individuals walk the journey of grief and be supported on the way.  The heartfelt daily prayers, meaningful reflections, insightful experts addressing questions, and Scripture verses will comfort and strengthen you on your personal journey through the grief process.  GriefShare support groups have been available in our area for some time.  We are now planning our first GriefShare group here at Ruthfred.  We will begin on Monday, February 6, 2012, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.  We will meet every Monday evening for a ten-week program.  The support group encourages you to attend as many sessions as you can.  God doesn’t expect you to carry this burden of grief alone.  He uses the church and the people in it to help you in your recovery.   Please contact Erica Diethorn or Aaron Kroenke if interested.

If you are dealing with the deep hurt of loss, come to our GriefShare group and look expectantly at what God can do in your life.  Visit www.griefshare.org for more information.

Sincerely,

Erica Diethorn,

Your Grief Share Facilitator

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

☺A CHRISTMAS POEM

I joined the jostling throng                      Why beat yourself to frazzles

Of shoppers at the mall                            Shopping with such care

I had my Christmas list                            When well you know the custom

And planned to shop it all.                      Practiced everywhere.

Money was no problem                           The morning after Christmas

I took my credit cards                             All the gifts go back

It's fun to shop for free--                         Everything's exchanged

The shock comes afterwards.                  For reasons there's no lack.

I started with the shirts                            Last year the book I chose

And when I found my size                      After poring o'er a score

The colors were so wild                           Was furtively exchanged

They'd knock out both your eyes.           For [a very different] lore.

Then on to toys and games                      And the robe I thought so luscious

There were millions more or less              All soft and shimmery

Tho I tried to choose a few                     Went back for plain and tailored

It was bedlam, what a mess.                    Tastes are sure a mystery.

Oh for those bygone days                       Well Merry Christmas all

When checkers and Parchessi                  I'll see you in the line

Always made a hit                                   When I exchange my gifts

And shopping then was easy.                  They're never right, not mine.

My head began to throb

My feet were killing me

And I suddenly decided

This is not for me.

(This poem was written by a member’s mother some forty years ago!)

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SEEN ON A CHURCH BULLETIN BOARD

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

YOUR BENEVOLENCE DOLLARS AT WORK

VICTORY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Dave and Alla Hatfield

Acts 2:47 ...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Dear Friends,

Early this summer I felt impressed to pray for a student to be saved every week.  I felt this was inspired by God, and encouraged the rest of our campus staff to begin praying the same way, and said when we got to that point, we’d then begin to pray for someone to be saved every day.  But after a couple of months praying that way, I couldn’t continue.  I sensed strongly that the Holy Spirit wanted to bypass the original prayer and have us intercede immediately for a soul a day.  So even though it stretched my faith, I agreed and we began praying for a soul to be saved every day and for multiple people to be saved in one setting.  I am happy to report that while we’re not quite there yet, we are closer than what I would have dared hoped for six weeks into the semester!

We saw 18 students pray to receive Christ all of last school year (we’ve averaged between 15-20 for ten years).  Before our outreach with Pastor Geary Jones last week, we’d already prayed with 17 students to give their lives to Jesus.  Last Thursday and Friday at our outreach meetings, nine more students prayed to receive Christ.  Eight of them gave us their contact info and our staff will hopefully be meeting with all of them for Bible study this week!  We’re obviously very excited about what God is doing, and are working hard to be intentional and excellent in our follow-up so that we fulfill Jesus’ mandate to make disciples, not simply making decisions for Him.  Two of our most exciting disciples in the making are Alyssa and Noelle.  We met both of them during the first week of class doing prophetic evangelism, and both of them were rocked by God.  Alyssa met with Jill the next week and told her she was getting involved in another ministry, so Jill graciously let her go.  But two weeks ago Alyssa went to an outreach concert we were helping with and was really touched.  They got together and Jill explained the gospel (which she had heard of but had never had it explained to her) and Alyssa wanted to receive Christ on the spot.  She came out to church last week for the first time and publicly gave her testimony (a pretty bold step for a new believer) and came this week and brought a friend!  Noelle was so impacted when we first met her I regretted not leading her to Christ on the spot, but after four Bible studies she came to hear Pastor Geary and gave her heart to Christ.  She was praying for people at our Sunday night healing service two days later.  God’s definitely moving in her life powerfully!

I’d like to ask for prayers that all of those who have been saved would respond in similar ways, and that all of those who don’t go to another ministry would be “added to our number.”  A few told us they wanted to go to other churches or ministries, so we blessed them and encouraged them to plug in elsewhere.  A few have avoided our follow-up efforts and one is seemingly wiggling out after doing two Bible studies.  We believe these people all had legitimate encounters with God and really want to do our best to disciple them, but we can’t control people.  The rest (over 50%) are in weekly Bible studies.  We would also like to see them come to church so our core group grows and is encouraged.  It is important for them as young believers to plug in and it’s also important for the strength and encouragement of our ministry to be able to reach more people.  So please keep praying for our follow-up and discipleship efforts.  Also please keep our family in prayer.  During our outreach weekend our washing machine broke, Caleb fell after ice skating and got a bloody nose (Alla was initially very concerned he was seriously hurt--he wasn’t) and then our dryer died as well.  We’re thinking maybe the devil doesn’t like what we’ve been doing and is trying to discourage us.  We know we have the victory in Christ but it’s good to know people love us and are praying for us.  Thanks so much and God bless you!                                                                                                            

In Christ, Dave and Alla

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Monday, November 14, 2011

The meeting was called to order by Bob Thomas and opened with devotions and prayer by Pastor Carlson. 

The Benevolence Committee’s recommendations for the following months were approved by Council:

                        September 2011                                  $5,000

                        October 2011                                      $1,900

                        November 2011                                  $2,800

                        December 2011                                   $4,500

The proposed distribution of the November 24, 2011 Thanksgiving Offering is half to Washington City Mission and half to Light of Life Mission, Inc.

Council approved repairs to the drain line and drain stacks in the educational wing after the recent water leak, and approved repair and sealing of cracks in the church parking lot.  Repairs were also made to the water heater in the educational wing.

The Walk Through the New Testament will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.  The cost will be $20 for each participant.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Pastor Molstre.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeanine Szalinski, Secretary

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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Identical sessions of the Congregational Meeting were held following the 8:30 am and 11:00 am church services on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  The meeting was called to order with prayer by Council President Bob Thomas.  He stated the purpose of the meeting was to approve the 2012 budget which was approved by the Council on October 10, 2011.

Bob Thomas thanked the following members of the Finance Committee for their hard work and input in preparing this budget: Clyde Lundgren, Jim Marshall, Deb Skundrich, Mick Nowicki, Rich Kleiser, Ned Wellman, Chris Haunschild, and John Coldsmith

Bill Ward reviewed the proposed budget noting that there is a 7% increase over the 2011 budget which included an increase in salaries, the purchase of a new copier, and the addition of a summer intern for the youth program.  The 2012 Benevolence Budget shows an increase of 1.8% over 2011.

There were 108 in attendance at the first session with 106 in favor and 2 opposing and 68 in attendance at the second session with 68 voting in favor.  Of the 176 in attendance, there were 174 in favor of the budget and 2 opposing.  Ten percent of the communing members is needed for a quorum.  The needed quorum was 108.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeanine Szalinski, Secretary

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – DECEMBER 14, 2011

Herald Smileys J

LITTLE JOHNNY’S CHRISTMAS

Little Johnny and his family were celebrating Christmas with a big dinner at his Grandma's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served but as soon as Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating. “Johnny! Please wait until we say our Grace.” said his mother. “I don't need to.” Little Johnny replied. “Of course, you do,” his mother insisted. “We always say grace before eating at our house.” “That's at our house.” Johnny explained. “But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!”

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Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?

A. Ruthless.

THE YAKKITY PARROT

A man received a talking parrot as an early Christmas present from his friend.  The problem was every time the man walked into his living room, the parrot yelled insults at him.  After a couple of days of this, the man became frustrated and put the parrot in his freezer.  However, after a short time the man relented and brought the parrot back to its cage.  The shivering parrot said, “I’m s-s-sorry I w-w-was so r-r-rude to you; p-p-please forgive m-m-me.”  After the man said he forgave him, the parrot then asked, “Oh, j-j-just a q-q-question.  W-w-what exactly d-d-did that t-t-turkey do th-th-that upset you?”

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THE FOOD SHOPPER

The lady was doing her food shopping for her large family’s Christmas dinner.  After going through every turkey in the meat department, she was unable to find one large enough to feed her whole family.  She finally went to the clerk and asked, “Do any of these turkeys get any bigger?”  “No, ma’am,” the clerk replied.  “They’re all dead.”

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ONLY IN HOLLYWOOD

The movie crew required a couple of goats in the movie being filmed.  Between takes, they kept the goats in a fenced area just outside the studio.  After finishing a scene with the two goats, a helper, among other things, was responsible for moving the goats back to their pen.  However, in the process, he accidently dropped a reel of film.  As goats do, they got the reel out of its can and ate all the film.  When they were done, the one goat asked the other, “How did you like that film?”  The second goat replied, “I enjoyed the book better!”

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Q.  Do you know what the New England fisherman sent to all his friends at Christmas?

A.  Why Christmas Cods, of course

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Do you have a “Smiley” you would like to share with the congregation?  Place it in an envelope marked “Herald Smileys” and leave it in the church office with your name and source.

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