Week Beginning March 28

Man precariously sitting on a narrow ledge enjoying popcorn with a phone in hand.

Masks are required at all times.

If you do not bring a mask with you, one will be provided.

Depending on attendance, the pastor will make a weekly decision

as to whether there will be singing.

Today: March 28th, Sunday of the Passion/ Palm Sunday

8:00am In-person

10:30am (Livestream)

10:30am In-person Service

Calendar Week: March 29th – April 3rd

 29thScouts 6:30pm BH

1st  Easter flower delv; Maundy Thursday Service 7:00pm in person & livestream;

 RCA meeting 6:45pm Lib.

2ndGood Friday Service 7:00pm in person & livestream

Next Sunday: April 4th, Easter Sunday

10:30am In-person Outdoor Service

In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held online only.

April– The office will be closed Easter Monday, April 5th. If you need immediate assistance during our absence, please contact Pastor Jeff at 570-220-3631.

FROM THE OFFICE Staff will be working in the office and from home. If you need immediate assistance during our absence, please contact Pastor Jeff at 570-220-3631 or Sarah Young 570-932-1753. We will respond to your emails and calls as soon as possible, from the office and remotely. Thank you.

Holy Week services Maundy Thursday (April 1st) and Good Friday (April 2nd) will be held at 7:00pm, in-person & online.

EASTER Weather-permitting, we hope to have an outdoor 10:30am Easter service, which will also be broadcast online.  Unsurprisingly, there will be no breakfast.  In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held completely online at 10:30am.  This information will be posted on our Facebook page, website and the office outgoing phone message, Saturday night.

VOTE RESULTS Here are the results of the vote to extend a call to Pastor Jeff made at the Special Congregational Meeting, March 14, 2021. There were unofficially 101 Yes votes and 3 No votes. (Voting results were shared in-person and via Zoom at 1pm, by The Rev. Miller, on the 14th and the below statement was posted on our Facebook page shortly after.)

The votes are only unofficial to the extent that the total attendance via Zoom still needs to be confirmed.

Pastor Jeff has accepted the call, and will now be our full time pastor at St. Luke! We look forward to scheduling his installation and installation dinner later this year.

Congratulations Pastor Jeff and many thanks to our Call Committee, Congregational Council and Sarah for all of their contributions to the Call Process and Sunday’s Special Meeting! And a special thanks to our congregation for their spirited response to the meeting and vote!

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COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES Outreach Ministry would like to again send Care Packages to our college students, whether they are on campus, or online, at home. If you would like your college student(s) to receive one of these packages, please send their name(s) and address to Sarah at,  info@stlukeluth.comcastbiz.net

ITEMS NEEDED FOR CARE PACKAGES We hope these goodies will bring smiles to our college students’ challenges this year:  small bags of pretzels, chips, popcorn, wrapped candy, cookies, peanut butter or cheese crackers, individual packs of tissues, small containers of hand sanitizer, etc. A container will be placed in the Bell Hall vestibule during the month of March, for your donations.  We will mail the Care Packages in time for final exams.

THE ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH SCHOLARSHIP is now available at inFaithFound.org/scholarships Applications and required attachments are due April 30, 2021.

THE PRE-SCHOOL FLOWER SALE begins March 26th and runs until Tuesday, April 27th. Each certificate costs $18.00 and can be redeemed for one 10inch hanging basket at Simmers Nursery in Montoursville from May 1st -May 31st, 2021. Certificates are available upon request, at the church office or call Lynn Shade at 570-971-2422.

SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS * Rev. Mark Brumbach 570-322-6538 shepherd@uclc.orgWhoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” -Proverbs 14:31  

Immediate need:

Men’s and Women’s body wash

Shampoo and Conditioner

*Bars of Dove soap

Baby diapers sizes 3 and up

Baby wash Baby shampoo

Children’s toothbrushes Children’s toothpaste

Other necessary gifts are the hygiene items that we donate: deodorant, baby wipes, baby shampoo, baby powder, baby oil, Q-tips, shaving cream and razors, tissues, toilet paper, women’s hygiene products, combs, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, nail clippers, towels, and wash cloths. These items are collected in the Bell Hall vestibule and in the West Hallway indoors. 

** PLEASE NOTE the Bell Hall glass vestibule (across from the office entrance) doors are always open for your donations.

***UPDATE FROM THE FOOD PANTRY *** The food pantry at this time is in need of these products: EASTER meal products and MUCH MORE……

Canned meats/fruits/veggies Cereal/Oatmeal

Microwave meals/soups &

Ramen Noodles

Juices & drinks/Healthy snacks

Spaghetti/sauce/ Peanut butter/jelly Ketchup/mustard/mayo

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COVID – 19 Information

Many of us have questions regarding COVID – 19. Here are some resources and answers to frequently asked questions.

Informational Resources:

www.pa.gov

www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/vaccine/pages/vaccine/aspx

www.cddc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html

These informational Resources will explain just about everything you would want to know about COVID – 19. There are links to help you determine if you are eligible for the vaccine, who is enrolled to offer vaccinations, types of vaccine available and potential side effects from the vaccine. They are also a valuable source of information about all aspects of COVID -19.

If you do not have a computer and have a general question, then you may want to call the PA Department of Health for assistance.  Here is the number:

1-877-724-3258 – Pennsylvania Department of Health Information Line – THIS NUMBER WILL NOT SCHEDULE YOU FOR A COVID VACCINATION.

FAQ’S

Where can I get a COVID -19 vaccination?

There are multiple facilities that offer the COVID vaccination, but demand is greater than supply at this time. The best option is to get on waiting lists. Here are some facilities that are offering the vaccination.

  • UPMC 844-8762-2822
  • Weis Markets
  • Giant Food
  • Rite Aid
  • Sam’s Club
  • Geisinger
  • Family Practice Centers (Southside, Hughesville and Muncy)
  • River Valley Community Health and Dental Center

This can be a very frustrating process and may take multiple attempts and much time. These places typically insist that you make an appointment on their websites. They will not take telephone calls. Family Practice Centers may take telephone calls. A suggestion would be to ask your family and friends where they were successful at getting an appointment. If you do not have a computer there are places that can help you with an appointment. They are:

  • River Valley Community Health and Dental – 570-567-5400 (or you can email your info (name/phone/dob) to them at covidvaccine@rvhdc.org to ask to be put on the list for an appointment).
  • Department of Aging PA Link Helpline – 1-800-753-8827 (they have people on that line specifically to help those without computers to schedule an online appointment (if any appointments are available). 

   UPMC 844-8762-822

Is there a cost for the vaccination?

There is no cost for the vaccine, though some places may charge an administration fee. Ask when you make your appointment.

What types of vaccines are available?

Currently there are two types:

  • Pfizer (which is approved for people 16 and older). This is a two- vaccination series with at least 21 days between doses.
  • Moderna (which is approved for people 18 and older) This is a two-vaccination series with at least 28 days between doses.

Do I still need to be vaccinated if I have already had COVID?

Yes, it is recommended but speak to your medical provider for specific information on when you should be vaccinated after having COVID.

If I have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine do I still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing?

Yes, those measures are still recommended. Also remember that it will take at least two weeks after your second dose of vaccine to finish developing your immunity.

Do I need to get the same type of vaccine for both doses?

Yes, it is recommended that if your first dose was Moderna, then you second dose should be as well. The same goes for Pfizer.

More information with phone numbers can be found in the March Mini-Newsletter, available for pick up with the Sunday Bulletins.