Calendar of Events for the Week of  August 2, 2026: Monday - 5:30pm - Karate Tuesday - Wednesday - 6:30pm - AA Meeting; 7:00pm - Bible Study Thursday - 5:30pm - Karate; 6:00pm - Book Study; 6:30pm - "The Chosen" Viewing Friday - Saturday - Â
CHURCH PICNIC SUNDAY AUGUST 23rd FOLLOWING WORSHIP - Mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend the picnic here at our church. Hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages will be provided. Bring a covered dish to share. See the sign-up sheet on the table in the parlor to let is know if you are coming so we can plan the food.Â
BOOK STUDY PLANNED - Starting Thursday August 6th and continuing each Thursday evening at 6PM Pastor will lead a study on the book âNightâ by Ellie Weisel. A chapter per session will be discussed until the book is finished.
HAZLETON AREA LUTHERAN BARN PARTY - Please know that the Hazleton Area Lutheran Churches are planning a Barn Party on September 13, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.Â
* Location: The barn of Thomas and Geraldine (Gerri) Herron, 36 East Cherry Lane, Nescopeck, just off Route 93 (the Berwick-Hazleton Highway). * There will be a pot-luck dinner with several churches providing the barbecue, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish (if your last name begins with an A through M) or a dessert (names beginning N through Z). Beverages, plates, utensils, and paper products will also be provided. * Please sign up by August 30 so that the planners of the event know how many folks to expect. We would like to know if children will be coming and what their ages will be so that we can plan age-appropriate activities, such as a hayride. * A sign-up sheet is on the table in the parlor
WILLING WORKERS - There is no July meeting. Â Calendars are on the table in the parlor if you didnât receive one. Â Our next meeting will be our annual picnic on August 11th at 5:00pm at the church. Â All food and drinks will be provided. Members should bring items for the auction. Â We will play games and enjoy fellowship with each other. Â All women of the church are invited to attend. For more information, contact Deb Jones at 570-233-7675.
LOOKING AHEAD TO . . . GODâS WORK. OUR HANDS ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH - Would you like to help provide essential items for some of our littlest fellow human beings? Wee, here is your chance! You can donate a needed item(s) or make a monetary donation to help complete a Baby Care Kit. Items for the kits are listed on a page in this newsletter and there will be a sheet in the parlor where you can volunteer what you would like to donate. The goal is to assemble 10 kits to be put together during Sunday School time on September 13th. The Baby Care Kits will be sent to Lutheran World Relief for distribution. Collections will begin on July 4th and end September 6th. Thanks in advance for supporting this project.
A SPECIAL WEEKEND - To recognize Holy Cross Day on Monday, September 14 the Casting Our Nets ministry group is planning to decorate the Nave for the weekend of September 12th & 13th. Everyone is invited to bring crosses for the display! Drop off is Saturday September 12th from 10 AM until noon. Pick up will be following worship on the 13th until 1:00pm PM. Please sign up in the Parlor to indicate your interest in participating. Questions can be directed to Jo Cvammen.
SECOND SATURDAY SUPPERS - We will resume on Saturday September 12th at 5:30pm.
ARTICLES FOR THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER ARE DUE BY AUGUST 16TH
BOUNTIFUL GARDENS - Starting July 1st, the table to share your Bountiful Gardens produce will be in the parlor. Â Individuals with extra produce from their gardens can leave it on the table before the Saturday or Sunday church services. Â If you would like any of the produce, we are asking for a free will donation which will be given to the Valley Food Pantry, along with any extra produce. Â When leaving your produce, please put it on the table in the parlor and NOT in the shopping cart.
"THE CHOSEN" VIEWING DATES -Â
* Thursday, August 6th - Season 3, Episode 7 - "Ears to Hear" (65 minutes) * Thursday, August 20th - Season 3, Episode 8 - "Sustenance" (100 minutes)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS AUGUST 10 - 14 - Put these dates on your calendar and plan to be a part of our Vacation Bible School. A registration form is in this monthâs newsletter and are on the table in the parlor. Information is also on our VBS page at /vacation-bible-school.
BIBLE STUDIES - Wednesday night Bible Study is 7pm-8pn We are currently reading the Book of Proverbs. Wednesday morning Bible Study is taking a hiatus for the summer and will begin again September 2nd at 11:00am.
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE - LDR is asking for gifts to help with the recent earthquakes, fires and floods. Checks may be out to the church and marked LDR. Â 100% of all money donated goes directly to help those in need!! See info and forms on the bulletin board.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
* BLACK CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CONCERTS- Free Light Dinner 5:30pm-6:00pm â Concerts 6:00pm-7:30pm â Rain or Shine â Bring a lawn chair:
- Saturday August 22nd â Poor Manâs Gambit Duo - Saturday August 29th â Doc Pappa and the Renegade Ramblers
HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS FOR CONYNGHAM BORO 125TH ANNIVERSARY:
* July 31/August 1 â Valley Days - -Saturday St Annâs Band at 1:00pm and Fireworks at 9:00pm Â
STEPHEN MINISTRY:
Bear one anotherâs burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)
Why is it called Stephen Ministry? Â Stephen Ministry draws its name from the book of Acts. In chapter 6, Stephen was one of seven men chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need, particularly widows. Stephen was known as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, full of Godâs grace and power, and performed great wonders and signs among the people. Â Stephen was also the first person in the Bible who was martyred for his conviction of his faith in Christ.Â
Caring ministry has been a feature of the Christian faith throughout history â and it is at the heart of what Stephen Ministers do. Â Stephen Ministry serves to bring Christâs healing love to those who are hurt. Â Jesus instructed his disciples to âlove one another as I have loved youâ (John 13:34). Â Stephen Ministry, as a care-giving ministry, equips people to offer that love through their caring presence, listening, encouraging, and praying with and for their care receivers. Â If you would like to know more about Stephen Ministry, contact Deb Jones at 570-233-7675.