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Greetings from Bishop Zeiser

June 3, 2013: This is the Church I See!

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

As I travel from congregation to congregation, I am constantly amazed by the commitment and enthusiasm of congregation members to do what matters to God. On May 18 at the Bike for World Hunger, congregation members confirmed once again why I am so excited about this synod. Here are some of their stories.

St. John, Ringtown: Their “Think Tank” works on new ideas for serving all the people in their town and reaching out with welcome. Stacie remembers being frustrated about life in the church, but now she calls herself “energized.”

St. Peter, Pine Grove: They wore awesome blue T-shirts bearing the words “Rethink Church” and the ICTHUS (fish) symbol with a creative twist: the fish was smiling and had huge teeth. Todd talked about how he and his wife and two other couples work with youth and about the good things that happen during coffee hour after worship. He told a great story about what happened after a spaghetti dinner at the church.

Salem/St. Paul, Kresgeville: Nick, a retired motorcycle mechanic who volunteers with “Dream Come True,” helped build a Playhouse Mansion for one of the kids. Ken, paralyzed from the waist down in a 1979 motorcycle accident, participated last year using his motorized wheel chair. This year he used his brand new, seven-speed, three-wheeled handcycle, saying, “What better event than this to break it in?” Buhler and Woody, Canine Companion dogs, were there, too, raising money to feed the hungry.

Holy Trinity, Dingmans Ferry: They were “resting” by playing football and tossing a Frisbee. Kayla said, “Our team goal is 150 miles.” Danielle chimed in, “Our church is fun!” Chris tossed me a football. “Throw us a pass, Bishop.” They ran down the field and—if I do say so myself—I threw a rocket. Someone should have been taping this pass! Truth is, I threw it so hard I fell to the ground as the ball left my hand.

St. John, Emmaus, already had over $1,000 pledged. Liz’s hair is just starting to grow back after being shaved in support of the Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research. On Palm Sunday, right after her head was shaved, she served as crucifer. Now there’s a role model!

Prince of Peace, Johnsonville: Julia, aged 7, went with her brother Jonathan from door-to-door (under their parents’ watchful eyes) to get Bike for World Hunger support. She told neighbors, “My church is doing this for hungry people.” She and Jonathan could have played in baseball games that day, but they wanted to be at Bike for World Hunger.

St. John, Allentown: Some had participated in Bike for World Hunger 12 years ago and were sorry it was discontinued. Happy that it’s been renewed, they had second-generation participants. Phil said, “This place is perfect!”

Trinity, Lehighton: Kelly and Shawn, riding a tandem bicycle, really liked the recent leadership retreat at church. It produced a new mission statement: “Living the excitement found in Christ through service and love.” Nancy and George rode 75 miles on their 75th birthdays!

This is a glimpse of the church I see regularly on my travels around the synod. I hope these stories helped you catch some of my excitement about our synod.

Your servant in Christ,

Samuel

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Bishop's Calendar
 

June 2013

• June 9, Christ, Hellertown, 9:30 a.m.

• June 14-15, Synod Assembly, Wilkes-Barre

• June 20, Staff meeting, 9:15 a.m.

• June 22, LYF Assembly

• June 23-30, Vacation

July 2013

• July 1-7, Vacation

• July 11, Staff meeting, 9:15 a.m.

• July 13, Synod Council Meeting, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

• July 14, Celebrating with our full communion partners at the Moravian Musical Festival, Central Moravian Church, 7:30 p.m.

• July 17, Ordination and Installation of Tom Scornavacchi as pastor of Common Ground Ministry at Atonement, Wyomissing, 7:30 p.m.

• July 21, Meeting with voting members to Churchwide Assembly, 3-5 p.m.

• July 25, Staff meeting, 9:15 a.m.

• July 31, Bishop's Conference planning, 2 p.m.

August 2013

• August 4, Preaching at Faith, Blakeslee, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• August 8, Staff meeting, 9:15 a.m.

• August 9-19, Travel time and Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh

• August 21, Diakon Board

• August 22, Staff meeting, 9:15 a.m.

• August 25, Service of Thanksgiving for Bishop Penrose Hoover

• August 29-30, Staff Renewal Event

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