posted Jun 2, 2014, 9:22 AM by Pastor Russ Crouthamel
“We know that all things work together of good
for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans
8:28
The theme of the 2014 Synod Assembly is “Walking Together
in Christ’s Name: Disciples with a purpose.” The word “synod” comes from
the Greek “syn+hodos” and literally means “walking together.” This synod
assembly will celebrate the shared journey of ministry and mission of the 85
congregations and 11 clusters of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
This theme inspires me to take some time to reflect upon
our own shared ministries in Punxsutawney, that is, how we have walked together
in the past and how we walk together in the present. - The two congregations of Mount Zion and First
English have shared pastoral ministry and other ministry efforts for many
decades. This shared ministry has allowed the parish to have full time
pastoral leadership, to share resources, to worship together on special
occasions, and to work together when the need arises.
- The parish has supported many local
congregations and social organizations with material donations, monetary gifts,
and prayer. This parish has supported Crosstown Food Pantry; the
Salvation Army; the UCC Clean N’ Gleam Soap Pantry; the Women’s Shelter; Grace
Place First Friday dinners; and others.
- The parish comes together each February 2 to
host the Groundhog luncheon. The proceeds from this luncheon are given to
ministries on the synod territory such as Jefferson Area Lutheran Social
Ministries, Bethesda Children’s Home, and the Salvation Army.
- The FE Concert Series Committee has hosted
community choir concerts to bring together the voices and musical talents of
our brothers and sisters from different denominations. This concert has
typically been well received and has enriched the choirs of each congregation.
- The parish works with our fellow Lutherans to:
raise money for Heifer International each Lent; celebrate the Easter Vigil at
Zion Lutheran; provide dinners at the Lutheran Campus Center at IUP; provide
one another with pastoral support during vacancies, illnesses, or vacations;
and to work with our Synod to support ministries on the NW PA territory like
World Hunger, the Bweranyange Girls’ School, the Malaria Campaign, and many,
many others.
There are probably shared ministries I have missed in
this Pastor’s notes section. If there are, please let me know so I can
keep them in my memory bank for future reference. Nevertheless, I ask you
to participate in an activity. First, pray about how we can continue to
“walk together in Christ” with our fellow Lutherans and non-Lutherans.
Second, write/type these ideas in the space below. Lastly, share them
with me for future joint ministries.
In Christ ~ Pastor Maureen
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have been baptized into your
death and resurrection so that we may be united in the faith to proclaim your
name in word and deed. By your Spirit, inspire in us ways to continue to
walk together so that, through our shared ministries, we may proclaim your
name, spread your Father’s kingdom, and share the love of God with all
people. Amen. |
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