January 2000
The envelopes for giving for the year 2000 are available for pick up in the narthex, as are statements of giving for 1999 for tax purposes. If you have not done so already, please pick up yours in the next few weeks. As in the past, members are asked to legibly write the donation amount for each fund on the outside of the envelope for each week in 2000. Any envelopes that are not marked will have 100% of the donation applied to the current fund of the church. Call the church office or Financial Secretary Steve Graybill with any questions.
Dan and Janet Foss of Holy Spirit have begun serving as new music volunteers for the Community of St. Dysmas at MCIJ (Maryland Correctional Institution, Jessup). On January 21, 2000, Pastor Alexander served as substitute pastor for St. Dysmas. For more information about St. Dysmas, please contact the Foss' or the church office.
On behalf of the property committee and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church congregation, I would like to thank all of the volunteers for the lawn maintenance and flower bed grooming in 1999. The grass cutting, trimming and weeding of flower beds really beautified the church grounds. Great job and thanks to: Scott Smith, Jeff Hansen, Judy Brumbach, Jackie & Randy Hilling, Milt & Aaron Taylor, Dave Dudley, Greg Klimovitz and Matt Novak for their help with Lawn Upkeep. Great job and thanks to: Pam Beghtol, Robin Kasemeyer, Mimsy & Roy Bryson, Cathy Klimovitz, Lorraine Markosky, Dorothy Umstot, Joyce Emge, Jackie & Randy Hilling, Holly & Paul deBenedictis, Janet & Dan Foss, Margie Robinson and Donna Slack for their Flower Bed Upkeep. We truly appreciate all of your hard work. New volunteers can look for sign-up sheets in the church narthex in the spring. Thank you, Bob Moczulski - Property Chairman.
Mar-Lu-Ridge is a Christian Conference & Educational Center in Jefferson, MD. They offer overnight camp for kids (aged 6-16), for families (all ages) and adults (55+). Mar-Lu-Ridge is currently offering a warm full color afghan to remind all people of their memories made at the Ridge. A color photo of the afghan and an order form can be found on the narthex bulletin board. For more info on Mar-Lu-Ridge camp opportunities, watch the bulletin board or contact the church office.
Thought for the Month: A Prayer for the New Year
God of the years that lie behind us,
Lord of the years that stretch before,
Weaver of all the ties that bind us,
Keeper and King of the open door.
Grant us hope and courage glowing
White and pure as the stars above;
Grant us faith in a full stream flowing,
From the heights of Your eternal love.
Out of the ruins of doubt and sorrow,
Out of the aches and pain and tears,
Help us to fashion a new tomorrow,
Free from the anguish of blighting fears.
All through the seasons of sowing and reaping,
All through the harvest of song and tears,
Hold us close in your tender keeping,
O Maker of all New Years!
-- Author Unknown