Lincoln Chapel United Methodist Church Pastors Letter

Madeline Kerstetter
     I'm a just a little Lincoln Chapel Church mouse scurrying around the church, in back of the furniture, especially the kitchen, hunting crumbs or any food or looking for nesting material.
     You would just be surprised at the things I hear people say, especially about a lady they call Madeline Kerstetter! She gives me grief because she is in the church kitchen so much, sweeping and scrubbing the floor. But that is not as bad as the little traps she puts around the floor - they are hard to evade. She washes all the dishes before special occasions - mentioning my name as the reason she is doing it. Oh and the way she carefully covers everything I could enjoy!
     I hear people say, besides all she does to stop me, that she is always busy taking food to those who need an uplift, and helping people with transportation to appointments, volunteering time for the community service, keeps checking on sick people - calling them to offer help. Oh, they say people in the nursing homes look forward to her visits. If only she didn't have those bad habits of trying to hinder me…
     Congratulations Madeline!

Kenneth Hackenburg
     In traveling around the dark recesses of Lincoln Chapel, I have heard a good bit of chatter about a turkey supper. I have heard Kenneth Hackenburg is such a faithful helper. They call him a trustee….What is that? He delivers frozen turkeys all around the country side, to the faithful women of the church of the church to be roasted for this supper. Then he helps with preparations, especially helping to peel all those potatoes!
     And that isn't all I hear about him. He's always on the scene (health permitting), to help with any repair work or renovations that are needed for the church or parsonage. People are saying he has done this for many years.
     He has been a manager of the Lincoln Chapel Cemetery adjacent to the church, keeping records and assisting people in their hour of special need. What a vital service!
     At this big event - the turkey supper - I hope there are some crumbs dropped just for me!
     Congratulations, Ken!!!

Aleah Schlief
     In scampering around the church sanctuary, I have noticed a special young girl - Aleah Schlief - who is so reverent and appropriate in serving as an acolyte for the church worship service.
     Oh yes, and I hear people mentioning this and noticing her devotion in doing this very special part of the worship of the Lord.
     Besides this, she is always available, and willing to serve. My applause for Aleah!
     Congratulations, Aleah!!!

Doug Peffer
    Some of the conversations I have heard this month were people expressing appreciation for Doug Peffer - especially his nice article in the newsletter concerning his reasons for resigning as Chairperson of Trustees. How commendable!
     But how he will be missed in that capacity. His special talent to organize work days, gaining the cooperation of the men of the church, certainly is a gift. Along with that is his ability to cook-bringing his cast iron pans and making breakfast for the men at work. Our church has been kept in such excellent condition due to our men being so willing to work.
     Doug's capacity in the community as township supervisor has also been valuable as he keeps the trustees aware of codes to be met.     Besides these valuable services, it is remembered the good and faithful job Doug did teaching the Disciple Bible Study a few years ago.
     You are appreciated, Doug!
     Your Little Church Mouse

Evelyn Keister
     As I scampered around the church this past Christmas season, I heard comments of praise and admiration for the beautiful sanctuary decorations. I learned that Evelyn Keister was responsible for the special decorations in the 1850's style.
     Evelyn also organized a group of people to make the beautiful Chrismons that were used to decorate the large Christmas tree. The children of the congregation marched into the worship service each Sunday during Advent, each carrying a Chrismon, and decorated the tree.
     The children's joyous faces, bright with anticipation as they decorated the tree, added so much to the worship service during Advent.
     I also learned that Evelyn has assumed the responsibility for scheduling the accompanists for our worship services and fills in the rotation as well!

Evelyn, you are appreciated!
The Church Mouse

Cris Walter
     In spending a lot of time in the church kitchen, my favorite place, I see Cris Walter dashing around organizing and preparing for turkey suppers for the public. She organizes them from start to finish. What a help it must be to the church family and the financial gain serves many purposes.
     And then, too, I see here helping with counting the church offerings each Sunday and preparing it for the bank deposit, as financial secretary of the church.
     I have heard people expressing appreciation for her work with the youth of the church in any capacity she can and for her service as a past Nursery Class teacher in the Sunday School.
    The people of the church say a big "thanks" to you, Cris.
     Your Church Mouse

Stanley Catherman
     Lincoln Chapel was a very busy place over the Easter Season. From my hideout in the church kitchen, I saw Stanley Catherman cooking breakfast for the congregation after the early sunrise service on Easter Sunday. How nice! And I heard many comments about how good it tasted!
     Stanley has cooked our meals on other occasions as well. People of the congregation appreciate you, Stanley. He is youth leader and as well as conducting their regular meetings, he takes them on trips outside the parish. On one occasion he took them on a mission trip to help repair a church.
     A big thanks to you, Stanley!
Your Little Church Mouse

Kafy Long
    As I travel around the church basement, I have seen a lot of activity this spring. Many happy voices! I learned that Kafy Long, the membership secretary of the church had planned a celebration for the 50 year and over members, their families, and the congregation. With her recruited helpers they served a lovely ham dinner, complete with beautiful table decorations, to about eighty people.
     Kafy organized two donut baking days. The proceeds of the first one going to missions and the second to the American Cancer Society for Relay for Life. Both were successful.
     She is also the chairperson of the visitation team of the church. So a very special THANKS goes to you, Kafy!

Thelma Houtz
     In my travels around the areas of Lincoln Chapel, one Sunday I heard an invitation to all the church family to come to Thelma and Bud Houtz's 50th anniversary celebration.
     Thelma has been very active at Lincoln Chapel. She is the Sunday School pianist, and sometimes serves as Worship Service pianist. She was an officer of the United Methodist Women for a long time. At their annual Bazaar she always promotes the food and bake sale, arranging and selling the products.
     She was a faithful member of the choir, served at one time as secretary of the Administrative Council and helped with the Church newsletter. I've heard many of the Church family wishing she and Bud many more years of happiness and in their new home.
     So the Church Mouse Award goes to Thelma Houtz.
Your little Church Mouse

Lori Jo Showalter
    In my travels around Lincoln Chapel this summer, I heard so much about the Vacation Bible School that our church was a part of at the 4-Bell Church.
     Lori Jo Showalter certainly had a BIG part in organizing and making this happen. We heard her announcing it and making the church family aware of the needs for the school, as well as recruiting helpers.
     Lori Jo also conducts a Kid's Club at our church each Wednesday evening. The Children are really enjoying it.
     Along with all these activities she conducts the opening Worship Service before the children's Sunday School each week.
     So the Church mouse award goes to Lori Jo!
     Congratulations!
Your Church Mouse

Charles Zechman
    My award this month goes to Charlie Zechman. Behold, we are getting gray together. When I first met him I could see he knew how to organize, solve problems, and draw the best out of those working with him. There is always laughter present. Many times in meetings when the going got tough, I would see frowns change into smiles because of his ability to bring humor into the situation.
     He was a major influence in designing the present church kitchen. No small feat with the space allotted. He also built the table that sits in the center of the kitchen being careful to “round the corners” so the ladies would not catch their aprons on it. He gained access to a stainless steel counter and with good helpers combined it with the old sinks to provide a needed work space. Being a woodworking artisan he was asked to build cupboards for under the bathroom sinks. Through the years he has met many requests and needs of the Sunday School teachers and the United Methodist Women for items to help with their ministry and service.
     He served in leadership of many of the church offices. He was Superintendent of Sunday School, President of the United Methodist Men, and along with his wife, Fay, was leader of the United Methodist Youth. A period of time that I observed as a joyful and fruitful experience.
     Even with his hair now graying I see him supportive of the church functions and off in my corner I slap my knee with laughter when again I observe one of his comical antics.
Congratulations, Charlie!!!
Your Church Mouse

The Saints of the Church
        Since this month the church celebrates ALL SAINTS DAY, my award goes to some of the Saints this church has known. They are now counted among that great cloud of witnesses. I even dare to think of them as “our cheering section”.
     I remember Harry Pick, a pillar of the church – always serving in places of leadership, a laity minister, Sunday School superintendent, committed to teaching the youth, always lending a helping hand and word of encouragement.
     I remember too, Calvin Hackenburg and his wife Fay. Calvin served many years as chair of the Administrative Board, was a faithful Sunday School teacher of the Adult men and women’s class. His wife too, was active with the United Methodist Women and could always be relied upon for help with the funeral meals and many areas of service.
     Stanley and Naomi Pick were models of steadfast and faithful attendance and service, always ready to lend a hand in the many projects undertaken.
     Luella and Pearl Bingaman provided flowers from their own garden for the sanctuary every Sunday. Never having married or had children of their own, it was marveled at how well they could teach children. Every year the “little ones” provided a Children’s Day service for our congregation. There were recitations and music presented beautifully. I can still hear Luella and Pearl shushing the children in the rear of the sanctuary as they awaited “their turn” to march up front to do their presentation. It was awe inspiring to note the respect the little ones had for their teachers. We will be forever humbled by the example they set.
     Harry Bingaman and his wife Dorothy both dedicated to serving the Lord with their many talents. Harry taught and preached beautifully. Dot was quite active with the United Methodist Women and was instrumental in organizing the first Christmas Bazaar held in the Chapel social room. She promoted the mission field whether it was homebound or abroad. Wherever need existed, she sought to help.
     Betty Jean Kollar was always faithful and caring. For years she provided all the candles used in the worship service and Christmas Eve decorations. She served through the United Methodist Women, the church choir and worship. Whatever she did, it was always done with a spirit of joy and in service to the Lord she loved.
     There were MANY faithful saints from this church, time nor space accords me the privilege of naming everyone. I give my award to all of them. God has blessed this church immensely. Let’s remember and be glad.

The United Methodist Women
     My award this month goes to The United Methodist Women. Many times I have observed them at meetings from my vantage point behind the vent in the social room wall. They can really sing and praise God! They support each other and are compassionate of needs that exist within the church family, the community, and yes the world. They work in earnest for the mission field and to especially support the needs of women and children. During the Christmas Season they can usually be found planning, packing and delivering things to shut-ins and needy people of the community.
     They have been supportive and a participant of the School of Missions and have interacted with other United Methodist groups in the neighboring towns. They have also hosted the Spiritual Enrichment Day and Programs of Prayer and Self Denial each year.
     The years hold many memories and the voices and prayers of those no longer living or able to attend are not forgotten but still linger in the rafters of this Chapel. I remember them all with love and respect.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me,” Jesus said. Ministry of and to children has always been of importance. The award this month goes to Wendy Hosterman into whose hands have been entrusted the children’s message each Sunday. Ah, how our hearts rejoice to hear their responses. A number of years ago, Wendy answered the Lord’s call and with the Spirit’s guide, has had an effective relationship with the children. Using icons and stories she gets the message of Jesus and His love before them.
What a blessing those moments are!!! Thank you for your commitment and faithfulness, Wendy!

Del Richart
My award this month goes to Del Richart. When he worships with us he appears to be such a quiet unassuming man and I appreciate that. However, his talent and ability have not gone unnoticed! He was a major influence with the kitchen and social room remodeling and lent his expertise to the electrical rewiring and many various physical needs of the church building. I can still hear him and Charlie Zechman laughing together. He was seen often with his tool belt and hammer in hand serving God in a very unique way. Hats off to you, Del!

Never do I pass through the sanctuary that I don’t marvel at the expertise of Ned Weaver, the artisan who built the altar or communion table at the front of the sanctuary. He modeled it after the pulpit that has existed here as long as the Chapel has existed. He matched it in line as well as color. He also added his expertise to the shelves housing the church artifacts in the rear of the sanctuary. His praise to God is certainly exhibited in his handiwork! We are blessed as we observe Ned and his family at worship with the rest of his church family!

Matt Weaver
     Now that winter is behind us, I can enjoy the warm air of springtime! Lincoln Chapel was such a warm place to be this past winter. So much was going on! Activities, meetings, ministries, counseling, funerals, weddings, worship, Bible study, dinners – it seems like the activity never stopped here!
     Lincoln Chapel would have been a much quieter place if people stayed away because of the ice and snow. But thanks to Matt Weaver, folks had a way to get here. Matt kept the snow, slush, and ice at bay this winter, assuring folks a safe and clean place to park and walk at church.
     I also heard Pastor Jon mention that he really appreciated Matt’s help keeping the parsonage driveway clear this winter, too.
     Thank you, Matt! You were up before the crack of dawn many times, hard at work, to keep us safe!

Frank Long

It is with fond memories that this month's award goes to Frank Long. For many, many years, Frank had been our Sunday School Superintendent on Sunday Mornings. He was a very caring man and one of the hardest workers I know.
Each winter as I wandered around the church, I noted Frank clearing the way for all of us to get to church as he plowed the snow from the parking lot. Frank placed the outside light at the front of the church so the ladies would not have to use flashlights to leave the church at night.
Many people remember Frank greeting them on Sunday mornings at the back of the church. And so this month's award is dedicated to Frank for all his work he did for our church.

Marcy Long
And the August Mouse Award goes to…Marcy Long!!!
     Since I took up residence at the church, I have found a visitor who has come to see me at the office on a regular basis. I even perched on her computer monitor while she worked one day. Marcy has been a treasured secretary at the church and has always been very reliable. She has recently been chosen as the Pastoral Assistant and I think we will have many exciting adventures to come.
     Marcy has been very active in all the bodies of the church and serves in various ways. She has organized the Bazaar and Donut Day along with being active in the United Methodist Women. Marcy writes our newsletter each month and has even taught Sunday School and lead Bible Studies.
     Thanks, Marcy, for all your hard work!

Previous Church Mice
2003-2004 - Lois Pick
2004 -2005 - Fay Zechman