HErald

APRIL 23, 2008 VOLUME 18, NO. 3

ALWAYS LEARNING

It was a beautiful summer evening out on the open sea. I was a young Naval Officer on the midnight to 4 am watch on a 136 foot coastal minesweeper sailing from Charleston, SC to New London, CT. I had just qualified as an Officer of the Deck, meaning I was the one in control of the ship as we sailed some several hundred miles off the Carolina coast. I was alone on the Flying Bridge, directly above the Pilot House where there was a helmsman at the wheel keeping the ship on course from the commands I gave him. There was also a quartermaster who was sometimes in the chart house and at other times on the flying bridge or the pilot house as needed. The only other person awake was an engineer down in the engine room. The Commanding Officer (ship’s Captain) was comfortably sleeping in his quarters.

The ocean was smooth, the radar screen showed no ships in the immediate vicinity and the cool summer breeze was delightful. You couldn’t ask for a better night at sea. As I scanned the horizon around 2 am, I noticed a faint glow on the eastern horizon. What could that be? As I continued to look through my binoculars at the glow growing stronger, I suddenly concluded that there must be a ship just over the horizon that caught on fire. I picked up the phone and rang the Captain’s quarters, arousing him from his sound sleep. As soon as he answered, I said, “Captain, I think there is a ship on fire east of us.” The Captain threw on a robe and headed up the ladder to the Flying Bridge. The glow was very strong now. He looked through his binoculars for a few moments, put them away and as he turned to go back down the ladder, said to me, “Moon’s rising!”

The thing that always amazed me was the fact the Captain never spoke a word of criticism or rebuke. He knew I must have learned my lesson and we went on to have a very close relationship. What a lesson that was! I realized things were not always what they seemed to be. How easy it is to make an assumption based on false or incomplete knowledge.

When we look at the life of Jesus we see how He treated people. He was constantly revealing the truth of God and those who were repentant were treated lovingly with forgiveness. Oh, there were times when Jesus’ anger was revealed. We all remember his casting the sellers of sacrificial animals and the money lenders out of the Temple. His anger was also evident in some of his many dealings with the Scribes and Pharisees. One example was when He was in the synagogue and saw a man with a withered hand. Some of the Pharisees were present and were watching Jesus closely. Jesus asked the Pharisees if it was legal to heal on the Sabbath but they remained silent. Mark 3:5 tells us, “And when He had looked at them with anger, being grieved with their hardness of heart… ” Jesus then proceeded to heal the man.

How do you and I treat people we have contact with in our everyday world? Like my old Commanding Officer treated me? Do we really ask ourselves the current young people’s question, “What would Jesus do?” Are we as fully conversant with Scripture as we should be to have the full understanding and assurance of how God wants us to act in our dealings with others? Only by continuing to read, study and contemplate His Holy Word is this possible.

Bob Reith

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER YEAR FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE CONGREGATION

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 Brent M. Olson John H. Dennis, Pastor Emeritus

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Herald Editorial Team: President of Church Council:

Bob Reith, Editor Mark Riley

Nancy Halboth, Editorial Assistant RLCW President:

Sibyl Mose, Editorial Assistant Deb McGivern-Roney

Printing, Assembly and Mailing Crew: (3/5/2008 issue):

Barb Thomas, Kathy Robbins, Carol Mueller, Betty Iacomini, Nancy Halboth, Leslie Gill, Rosie DelBene, Bob Cook and Jim Arter

Next Publication Date: June 11, 2008 Submission closing date: June 1, 2008

Want to contact the Herald? Email us at Ruthfredherald@aol.com.

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The poem Footprints in the Sand has circulated around the world for about sixty years. Pastor Olson referred to it in his sermon on April 6^th, using it as an example of how much our God cares for us and carries us. Ruthfred member Al Hatala had earlier suggested we reprint the poem in the Herald and we are doing that in this issue (page 11). The poem was used in many publications and cards over the years and most often was shown as, “Author Anonymous.” However, in 1984, the actual author, Mary Stevenson, discovered a handwritten copy she had made in 1936, one of many copies she had made for friends and family after originally writing the poem as a young girl in 1933. The age of the 1936 copy was later authenticated by a forensic specialist. Many others had claimed authorship over the years but in 1984, Mary was awarded the U. S. copyright to the poem. If you would like more information on this beautiful poem, visit the website www.footprints-inthe-sand.com.

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As this issue of the Herald is going to press, Pope Benedict XVI is visiting the United States. An interesting report recently in The London Times states that this Pope recognizes something we Lutherans have known for centuries, that it was Martin Luther’s intent not to split from the Catholic Church but to reform it from within. Exerts from this interesting article are reprinted on page 7.

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Would you be interested in helping publish the Herald? The editor is always looking for assistance. Most of the Herald volunteers participate in the assembly and mailing of each issue. This job takes about two hours on the morning of the publication date and involves collating, stapling, folding, sealing and applying address labels. Several others do typing, copy editing and printing.

There is a need for helping in any of the above plus some other functions. One would be writing periodic articles by interviewing a member of our congregation; another might be becoming a regular “web surfer” for articles on the internet. You might even have an idea of your own of how you might be able to contribute to your Herald.

If you might be interested in helping in any way, please contact the editor.

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WORDS OF WISDOM

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

From the Desk of Pastor James Molstre

Spring Has Sprung!

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that you are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:3-4

This time of year is always a special time of year for me. Springtime is the time when God’s beautiful creation seems to be most evident. As the grass becomes green and as the leaves begin to come out, we can’t help praising the Lord for his handiwork.

Springtime is also a time for renewal. The effects of winter disappear as God renews creation each year. As we notice the changes that the seasons bring each year, it is not surprising that God would relate the changes that come in the Christian life to the changes in the seasons.

Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” These “times of refreshing” are short periods of time that we might liken to a warm spring day. After a long cold winter, isn’t it refreshing to go outside and enjoy a nice spring-like day? God says that there are going to be times in your life that seem like the season of winter…long, cold, and harsh. These times may seem like they will never end. But God has promised that these long cold spells will be interrupted by periods of refreshing.

These periods of refreshing are times when the Holy Spirit renews you by giving you hope. The Holy Spirit gives you hope as you read the Bible. He gives you hope as He sends someone your way with an encouraging word.

If today you are going through a winter-like season in your life, take courage, because God is going to give you a blessed respite. If you are in a spring-like time of life, be ready. Perhaps God is going to use you to give an encouraging word to someone who is down.

No matter how we are feeling, we can all praise the Lord for His beautiful creation and the miracle of spring.

In Christ,

Pastor Molstre

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

Official Acts

February 24, 2008 through April 13, 2008

(* Indicates Member)

Baptism: Joshua David Simpson – 3/22/08

Funerals:

David A. Kuzmovich * – 3/4/08 Nancy B. Ney – 3/18/08

Martha R. Whitehead – 3/25/08 Marion G. Partridge * – 4/12/08

Re-Activated: Nancy Weaver – 3/19/08

Transferred: Barbara Zeigler to Christ Lutheran Church, Murrysville, PA =======================================================================================================

Special Services and Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendar Now

Friday, April 25^th - eXtra Years with Zest lunch and program at 12:00 noon

Thiel College Choir Concert at 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 26^th - Movie Night - “Amazing Grace” at 7:00 pm

Sunday, April 27^th - Anniversary Sunday and reception of new members

Thursday, May 1^st - Ascension Day Service at 8:00 pm

National Day of Prayer

Happy 101^st Birthday to Marie Powell

Friday, May 2^nd - Women’s Spring Banquet at 6:30 pm

Sunday, May 4^th - Public Exam for Confirmands at 3:00 pm

Sunday, May 11^th - Pentecost - Confirmation at 11:00 am Service

Mother’s Day

Monday, May 12^th - Golf Outing – Scenic Valley Golf Club at 8:00 am

Sunday, May 18^th - First Communion for Confirmands at 11:00 am Service

Friday, May 30^th - Life-Line Screening – Call 1-800-324-1851

Saturday, May 31^st - Movie Night – “End of the Spear” at 7:00 pm

Sunday, June 1^st - High School Graduates Recognized

Tuesday, June 3^rd - Happy 91^st Birthday to Mike Kurtz

Monday, June 9^th - Happy 97^th Birthday to Helen Theobald

June 10^th - 13^th - AFLC Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, OK

FOR YOUR FUTURE PLANNING -

Sunday, June 15^th - Father’s Day

Friday, June 20^th - Happy 90^th Birthday to Alice Griffiths

June 23^rd - 27^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 – APRIL 23, 2008

From the Desk of John H. Dennis, Pastor Emeritus

I had a former member speak with me this week, and she was surprised that our church did not have Holy Communion each Lord’s Day...She was not reared in a Lutheran church, and when she came here, she was very active and commited, but in that day, we had Holy Communion about 5 times a year. We had it at Lent, Maundy Thursday, June…also about Reformation Day and during Advent. I do not know why we chose those dates, but that was about it.

Some years later, we decided to have Holy Communion the first Sunday of each month, and also at the beginning of Lent…and Easter Day...Christmas Day, etc. Now, it seems that many churches have it each Lord’s Day. There is no rule about this. The only thing that really matters is that we are a church of Word and sacrament, and if we are not careful, with as large a congregation as we have, we can forget the Word and have only the sacrament. We have to get people in and out after the 8:30 service…so that Sunday School can get its time, and then be back, not late, for the 11:00 service. When I had the services, I preached about ten to twelve minutes on Holy Communion Sunday so that we might accomplish this. Our two pastors pretty much try to follow this pattern.

The big thing about Holy Communion is not how frequently we receive it, but how we receive it. We know that Jesus says that He gives us His Body and Blood. As we look at this statement, we know that this is done simply because He, who never lies, has told us this…And that it is His Word that makes it so...So, in, with and under the bread and wine, we truly receive Jesus Christ into our body and soul.

Do we ask God to forgive us our sins? Do we vow not to continue in a said sin that may be a sin that is unto death? Any sin is unto death if we do not confess it, and come to Christ...but there are those sins which are besetting sins that we commit over and over, knowing that we are wrong and that Christ asks us to come to Him in a total way.

How about customs surrounding the reception of the Lord’s Supper? I was taught, at confirmation, always to fold my hands as I receive the sacrament...I was taught to be neat and clean as I approach the altar. I was taught to return to the pew and bow in prayer… We had no kneelers, but I use my kneeler and it gives me a feeling of deep reverence. We are to sing the hymns chosen for us while others are receiving the sacrament...We talk only to God unless there is a need for a whisper or so. Communion was such a joyfully-solemn time. It still is…With Paul...we say…“Let all things be decently and in order.”

When you receive Holy Communion, each week or once a month or whenever, look your best...approach the altar with folded hands...come down from the altar with folded hands...signs of humility, and rejoice that the living Jesus Christ gives you Himself! What a blessing! Praise God!!

Rev. J. H. Dennis

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

Obituaries of Members and Family of Members

(Members Identified in Bold Face)

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

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ROTH, ERNEST L. “Ernie”, age 85, of Bethel Park formerly of Mt. Oliver on Saturday, February 23, 2008. Beloved husband for 53 years of Elizabeth "Betty" (Hillerich) Roth; brother of Alberta Preffer and the late Thelma Guskey; brother-in-law of Anna M. Hillerich; uncle of Daryl (John) Ballentyne, Ralph (Susan) Preffer, Dr. Louis (Carol) Guskey and David (Faith) Guskey; also survived by great nieces and nephews. Ernie was an employee with Colteryahn Dairy for over 30 years. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 27^th by Pastor Molstre and Pastor Olson at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. Interment was at the Jefferson Memorial Park. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. Ernie was a regular member of the Herald assembly and mailing crew for many years until recent health problems prevented his participation.

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KUZMOVICH, DAVID A., age 58, of Bethel Park, on Saturday March 1, 2008 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Beloved husband of Christine (Cametti) Kuzmovich; loving father of Kimberly (Jason) Taylor of Phoenix, AZ, Karen Kuzmovich, of Phoenix, AZ, and the late Daniel; dear grandfather of Kendall Taylor; son of Martha and the late Charles Kuzmovich; brother of Charles (Aino) Kuzmovich and Gerri (Robert) Swaney. David served as a Ruthfred Elder from 1990 to 1994 and had earlier served as a Deacon. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 3^rd at Ruthfred. Family requests memorial contributions to NBTF (National Brain Tumor Foundation), 22 Battery Street, Suite 612, San Francisco, CA 94111-5520 (www.Braintumor.org) or the Ruthfred Pastor's Fund.

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WHITEHEAD, MARTHA ROSE, age 102, of Wilson, NC, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Wife of the late Herman William Strueve; beloved mother of Doris Marie Dinehart, Helen (Paul) Slifer and the late Martha Jane Sala; grandmother of Linda Lee Minery, Edward Dinehart, Bruce Slifer, Marjory Marie Dinehart, William James Slifer, and Robert Slifer; great grandmother of Bobby, Sharon, Patty, Becky, Tommy, and a late child in infancy; great great grandmother of Madison and Cheyenne; sister of the late William Whitehead, Gladys Burton, Ruth Fagley, Russell Whitehead, and Victoria Grundy. Mrs. Whitehead retired from the Federal Reserve Bank in 1966 where she specialized in the detection of counterfeit bills, worked with bond redemption and in the cash department. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Ruth Chapter. Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Molstre on Tuesday, March 25^that theBeinhauers Funeral Home, Peters Township. Interment was at the Smithfield Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Pastor’s Fund at Ruthfred.

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McCLOSKEY, EDWARD A., age 83, of Meadowlands, on Thursday, March 20, 2008. Edward is survived by Eileen McCloskey, his wife of 11 years; children Betsy (Frank) Scarpa, Edward E. (Deborah) McCloskey, Gregory W. (Robin) McCloskey, Judith (Dennis) Milliken, Thomas B. (Mary) McCloskey, Joseph J. (Judy) McCloskey and Steven (Pam) McCloskey; Grandfather of 21 and Great-Grandfather of 3; brother of James McCloskey, John McCloskey, Eugene (Nancy) McCloskey, William McCloskey and Rosemary Kasorek; Step-Father of Sherry Ward. Ed had many nieces and nephews including Michael McCloskey. He was preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth R. Needham McCloskey, a sister Marjorie Tomsula, a brother Frederick McCloskey and a grandson. Mr. McCloskey was a building contractor and home developer. He was a charter member of St. Benedict the Abbot Church where he was active with the Knights of Columbus. Ed was a veteran who served in the Marine Corps during WWII in the Pacific and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday March 25^th at St. Benedict the Abbot Church. Interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

(Obituaries continued on page 8)

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

POPE BENEDICT XVI: MARTIN LUTHER NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL

Benedict argues reformer didn't intend to split Christianity, merely cleanse it -- London Times

Pope Benedict XVI is to rehabilitate Martin Luther, arguing that he did not intend to split Christianity but only to purge the Church of corrupt practices.

Pope Benedict will issue his findings on Luther (1483-1546) in September after discussing him at his annual seminar of 40 fellow theologians — known as the Ratzinger Schülerkreis — at Castelgandolfo, the papal summer residence. According to Vatican insiders the Pope will argue that Luther, who was excommunicated and condemned for heresy, was not a heretic.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, the head of the pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said the move would help to promote ecumenical dialogue between Catholics and Protestants. It is also designed to counteract the impact of July's papal statement describing the Protestant and Orthodox faiths as defective and “not proper Churches.”

The move to re-evaluate Luther is part of a drive to soften Pope Benedict's image as an arch conservative hardliner as he approaches the third anniversary of his election. In addition, it emerged that the Vatican is planning to erect a statue of Galileo, who also faced a heresy trial, to mark the 400th anniversary next year of his discovery of the telescope.

Cardinal Kasper said: “We have much to learn from Luther, beginning with the importance he attached to the word of God.” It was time for a “more positive” view of Luther, whose reforms had aroused papal ire at the time but could now be seen as having “anticipated aspects of reform which the Church has adopted over time.”

The Castelgandolfo seminar will in part focus on the question of apostolic succession, through which the apostles passed on the authority they received from Jesus to the first bishops. After the Reformation Protestants took the view that “succession” referred only to God's Word and not to church hierarchies but some German scholars have suggested Luther himself did not intend this.

Luther challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the sole source of religious authority and made it accessible to ordinary people by translating it into the vernacular. He became convinced that the Church had lost sight of the “central truths of Christianity,” and was appalled on a visit to Rome in 1510 by the power, wealth and corruption of the papacy.

In 1517 he protested publicly against the sale of papal indulgences for the remission of sins in his “95 Theses,” nailing a copy to the door of a Wittenberg church. Some theologians argue that Luther did not intend to confront the papacy “in a doctrinaire way” but only to raise legitimate questions…a view Pope Benedict apparently shares.

Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X, who dismissed him initially as “a drunken German who will change his mind when sober.”

(From the Internet – WorldNetDaily)

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WORDS OF WISDOM

If God is your Co-pilot - - - swap seats!
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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

THE SAMARITAN MINISTRY

“And when he saw him, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33b (NKJV)

The Samaritan Ministry was started years ago by Elaine Schrey and led most recently and lovingly by Judy Stewart. The new coordinators for this ministry are Mick and Marlene Nowicki. The ministry has been very successful thanks to all who have so generously volunteered their time.

The purpose of the Samaritan Ministry is to provide help and assistance to our brothers and sisters in Christ here at Ruthfred. 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. The following is a list of the services available:

As-Needed Services

A) Transport elderly/sick to hospital/doctor appointments; B) Transport elderly/sick to grocery store, bank, etc.; C) Transport elderly/sick 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); and K) Provide visitation to homebound/lonely.

Short Term – (Six Months)

L) Homebound Helper – an outreach to an individual homebound member/couple involving weekly contact and at least one monthly visit. This would include sending birthday and other special cards. The Homebound Helper is for those individuals who would like to establish a more personal on-going relationship with a homebound member/couple.

If you are in need of any of the above services, please contact Mick and Marlene Nowicki. There are many volunteers ready to serve you in God’s love.

If you have not already done so, and are willing to serve, please contact Mick and Marlene and let them know which service(s) are of interest to you.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV)

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Obituaries of Members and Family of Members

(Continued From page 6)

PARTRIDGE, MARION G., on Thursday, April 10, 2008, age 90, formerly of Crafton Heights; wife of the late George F. Partridge, Sr.; beloved mother of George F. Jr. (Diann) and Richard J. (Darlene) Partridge; grandmother of Timothy (Jeanette) and Brian Partridge; great-grandmother of Connor and Michael. The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 12^th at the St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Crafton, PA with Pastor Dennis participating. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Baptist Home, 489 Castle Shannon Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234 or to The Family Hospice, 50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

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THE RUTHFRED LUTHERAN CHURCH HERALD – APRIL 23, 2008

LORD, PROP US UP...

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side.” After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently. He answered, “Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.”

“Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leanin’ to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leanin’ side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.”

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.”

(From Barb Thomas - email 3/16/08)

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COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENINGS

May 30, 2008

Ultrasound tests conducted by Life Line Screening will be held at Ruthfred on May 30^th to determine risk of stroke (due to carotid artery blockage), abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis. These diseases are preventable and treatable if caught in time. Early detection is prevention.

NEW: Afib – This test determines if you suffer from an irregular heart rate. Having an irregular heart rate puts one at 5 times greater risk in developing coronary and carotid artery disease. Individual pricing is available. The wellness package, which includes all the vascular tests, is recommended and does provide the most savings along with a free osteoporosis test.

Appointments are required. Please call 1-800-324-1851 for an appointment.

Life Line Screening’s mission is to make people aware of an undetected health problem and encourage them to seek follow-up care with their physician. You will receive your results in 21 days after the testing.

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