Our Mission:
“To Know Live and Share the Love of Christ”
The
Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School
172
White Plains Road
Bronxville,
New York 10708
Voice
(914) 337-0207 Fax (914) 771-9711
http://www.vlc-ny.org
CONTENTS
Angels
Altar
Guild
Automated
Giving
Bible
Classes
Capital
Campaign
Chapel
School
Coffee
Hour
Columbarium
Communion
Assistants
Confirmation
Classes
Credit
Card Gifts
Early
1st Communion
Evangelism
Committee
Fellowship
Committee
Flowers/Altar
& Chancel Wall
Lectors
Lutheran
Women’s Missionary League
Matching
Funds
Music
Programs
Parish
Nurse Practitioner
Professional
Development School
Recycling
Inkjet and Laserjet Printer Cartridges
Seniors
Social
Ministry
Stewardship
Sunday
School
Ushers
Village
Voices
Voting
Members
Worship
Services
Youth
Groups
Youth
W’ship Assistants (Order of St. Philip)
Ministry
Partners
Welcome
in the Name of Christ!
ANGELS
A caring ministry of one-on-one visitation and communication is
provided by “Angels” who visit or call those who are
shut-in, housebound and hospitalized. The VLC has teamed up with
The Wartburg to create a "Parish Health Partnership"
to enhance the Angels ministry.
Contact:
Pastor Taylor 337-0207 (1022) or AD-DT@Concordia-ny.edu.
ALTAR GUILD
Members of the Altar Guild serve VLC by caring for the altar cloths
and other linens used during our worship services. This includes
changing and/or laundering these items as needed. Altar Guild
members also prepare the altar for Holy Communion. Those involved
help out with one service per month. This group requires a minimal
time commitment and provides a valuable service to the church.
Contact:
Joan Deery at (914) 337-0207
AUTOMATED GIVING
Last year the VLC began a free program that allows weekly or monthly
giving to be automatically deposited from the donor's bank account
to the VLC. No more check writing or catching-up on offerings
after missed Sundays. This service is free and easy to apply for.
Contact:
Marilyn Hylton at (914) 337-0207 (X1004) or MHylton@VLC-NY.ORG
BIBLE
CLASSES
These classes give us an opportunity to learn more about the Word
of our Lord and to share ideas and information about our faith
in a friendly, informal setting.
- Daytime
Bible Class: The class led by VLC Pastors and Teachers has been
meeting weekly (except for the months of July & August)
for almost 30 years and meets on Wednesday from 11-12 Noon.
- Couples
Bible Study: The home bible study continues on the 3rd Saturday
of each month at 7:00 PM at group members homes. With all the
hectic busyness of life, take this time to grow and fellowship
with friends. Leave the children at home with a babysitter and
join us for this new and exciting venture. Contact: Pastor Hartwell
at (914) 337-0207 (X1022) or PastorH@VLC-NY.ORG
- Women’s
Bible Study: Deborah Cook leads a Saturday morning Bible class
for women on the first Saturday of each month from 8:30-10:00
AM. The group enjoys a light breakfast, Bible study and Christian
fellowship.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: For Church,
School, and Community
A new administration and school building was erected and the existing
lower level, fellowship area, and classrooms were renovated. To
find out more about the project and to become a prayer and financial
supporter,
Contact:
Kevin Cook at 914-337-0207 (1039) or KCook@VLC-NY.ORG.
CHAPEL
SCHOOL
Chapel School provides an excellent Christian Day School educational
program for children in Grades Nursery (3-year olds) through Grade
8. The school features caring teachers in a safe and loving environment.
It also provides an extended CARE program for children needing
supervision beyond regular school hours. A six-week summer program
is also offered.
Contact:
James
Dhyne, Principal 337-3202, jdhyne@vlc-ny.org
Michael
Schultz, Asst. Principal 337-3202 macvlc@aol.com
Camille
Strawbridge, Secretary 337-3202, cstraw@vlc-ny.org
COFFEE HOUR
We enjoy a coffee hour every Sunday immediately following the
9:00 AM worship service, September - June, in the Friendship Room.
This is a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends and
get involved. Members of the congregation take turns providing
the refreshments. At least two people team up to provide cake,
cookies, juice and milk. The Church supplies the coffee; the hosts
make it. We'll set you up with an experienced partner if it's
your first time! Sign up to help host Coffee Hour by adding your
name to the schedule found on the bulletin board in the Friendship
Room.
Contact:
the church office at (914) 337-0207 (1003).
COLUMBARIUM
Col-um-bar-i-um.
A sepulchral vault or any other structure with recesses in the
walls to receive the ashes of the dead.
-American
College Dictionary
The Johnson
Columbarium is located on the lawn along the north wall of the
sanctuary. The five low walls in a garden-like setting are designed
to receive a thousand urns of ashes. Interment is limited to VLC
parishioners and members of their families.
Contact:
Click here for more information
or contact Pastor Hartwell 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG
COMMUNION
ASSISTANTS
Members of the congregation assist our clergy in the celebration
of Holy Communion. No experience is necessary but attendance at
training session on October 14 at 10:15 AM and 12 Noon is encouraged.
Members who currently assist train new assistants. Communion Assistants
normally participate monthly.
Contact:
Pastor Hartwell 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG
CONFIRMATION
CLASSES
Sixth graders to eighth graders participate in these classes during
the regular Sunday school hour. In addition, the 8th graders (Class
of 2003), taught by Bonnie Zwernemann, meet for classes and supper
with Pastor Zwernemann on Tuesday's at 5:30 PM in the Friendship
Room. Confirmation Instruction furthers students in Christian
education and prepares them for participation in Holy Communion
and other adult functions of the congregation. The Rite of Confirmation
will be held on Pentecost Sunday.
Contact:
Pastor Hartwell 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG
CREDIT
CARD GIFTS
Both MasterCard and Visa can be processed at the VLC for Charitable
Giving purposes. Persons who take advantage of frequent flyer/reward
programs and credit savvy givers may take advantage of this service
by calling the church office.
Contact:
Marilyn Hylton at (914) 337-0207 (X1004) or MHYLTON@VLC-NY.ORG
EARLY
FIRST COMMUNION
Parents/guardians of youth in the 6th-8th grade wishing their
children to receive Holy Communion BEFORE the rite of Confirmation
should plan to attend First Communion Classes with their children.
Pastor Hartwell will lead the classes on five Wednesday evenings
during the Lenten season (7:00 PM -7:45 PM). Those completing
the classes will celebrate their first communion as a special
part of the Maundy Thursday service (8 PM). At least one (1) parent/guardian
must attend the sessions with their child.
Contact:
Pastor Hartwell 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG
EVANGELISM
COMMITTEE
Sharing Christ and promoting the ministry and services of the
church and school is the goal of this action-oriented committee.
Be a part as the GREAT COMMISSION of Jesus is discussed and lived
out.
Contact:
Pastor Taylor 337-0207 (1022) or AD-DT@Concordia-ny.edu.
FELLOWSHIP
COMMITTEE
VLC members, their families, and the community have many opportunities
for interaction through a variety of entertaining activities and
shared meals sponsored by this active church committee. Some of
our fellowship activities have included: Softball Team, Summer
Picnic, Christmas Progressive Dinner, Gourmet Club, Super Bowl
Party, Bowling & Pizza Party, Church Christmas Decorating
Potluck, Clambake. Please attend upcoming events and be a part
of the Committee that makes the fellowship happen.
Contact:
Sarah Gleason (914) 337-0207or chrisnysarah@netscape.net
FLOWERS/ALTAR
& CHANCEL WALLS
Members and guests at VLC are invited to place flowers on the
altar for Sunday worship services in honor of or in memory of
a loved one, or to the Glory of God. In the event that more than
one person selects the same Sunday, flowers can also be placed
on the chancel walls on either side of the pulpit and lectern.
To request flowers, please sign the chart located in the narthex
(next to the front door of the Church.)
Contact:
Kim Rapillo 337-0207 or kgrap@vlc-ny.org
LECTORS
Lectors assist our clergy and congregation by reading the Old
Testament and Epistle lessons for the day. You only need the ability
to read clearly and the desire to assist in celebrating our worship
service. Attending training sessions on Sunday, September 23 at
10:15 AM and 12 Noon and as scheduled is encouraged. Lectors usually
participate monthly.
Contact:
Pastor Hartwell 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG
LUTHERAN
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE (LWML)
The LWML is open to all women and is affiliated with the ILWML
(International Lutheran Women in Mission) of the Lutheran Church
- Missouri Synod. This group meets monthly. Past activities have
included: lectures, service projects, Bible study, and fellowship,
and quarterly Communion breakfasts. All women are welcome.
Contact:
Deborah Cook at (914) 337-0207or Kuchen4@aol.com
MATCHING
FUNDS
Last year
alone thousands of dollars were raised to enhance ministry due
to matching monies provided by AAL, Lutheran Brotherhood, Verizon,
Deutche Bank, IBM and others. Contact the church or school office
to discover how to double or triple your charitable donations
to the VLC and Chapel School.
Contact:
Marilyn Hylton at (914) 337-0207 (X1004) or MHYLTON@VLC-NY.ORG
MUSIC
PROGRAMS: MAKE YOUR LIFE A SONG TO GOD!
We are encouraged by Paul in Colossians 3:16 to grow as we sing
psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in our Christian life together.
At the Village Lutheran Church there are many ways to join that
song:
CHERUB
CHOIR
Children
in Nursery through Grade 2 learn to sing God's praises together
during the Sunday school hour and participate in the 9:00 Sunday
worship service approximately six times a year. This is a great
way to learn about Jesus and have fun.
Contact:
Betty Geiling at (914) 337-0207or ecg@concordia-ny.edu
YOUTH CHOIR
The
Youth Choir welcomes all children in Grades 3-8 and provides an
opportunity to share themselves with others to the glory of God.
As members learn a variety of music, they develop habits of discipleship
and Christian service, while being nurtured spiritually. Please
come to the first rehearsal on Thursday, September 14, at 7:00
pm and find out how much fun we have! Rehearsals are 7:00-7:45
pm Thursdays in the church and the Youth Choir sings at the 9:00
am service and at festival services. Walking Together with Jesus.
Contact:
George Heath at 914-337-0207 or GeorgeHeath@vlc-ny.org
CHANCEL
CHOIR
Adults
and students from Grade 9 and up are given the opportunity to
sing the “Word" in styles from Renaissance anthems to
Classic hymn settings to new songs of praise. Choir members sing
at the 9:00 and/or 10:45 am services. If you have ever felt moved
by the Spirit, now is the time to shout it out! Rehearsals are
8:00-9:30 p.m. Thursdays in the church sanctuary.
Contact:
Deborah Reiss at (914) 337-0207
FAITHWALK
Praise and
Worship songs are learned by this praise team to lead worship
at the Contemporary Service on the first Sunday of each month.
Contact:
Jim Burkee at 337-0207
HANDBELL CHOIR
Adults and students Grade 9 and above are invited to participate
in the Handbell Choir. No experience necessary--just the ability
to count and the desire to learn. The bells ring in worship approximately
once a month and rehearse 7:15-8:15 Wednesdays throughout the
school year. If you have questions or are thinking about joining
the group, please call.
Contact:
Deborah Cook at (914) 337-0207or dcook@christchurchbronxville.com
INSTRUMENTALISTS/SOLOISTS
Those of you who play an instrument are welcome and encouraged
to participate regularly in any service. Your gift can be offered
in worship, as you feel comfortable, whether you play a solo piece,
a hymn introduction or a descant. Singers are also invited to
offer a vocal solo, whether it be a hymn or other song. Music
and accompaniment will be provided as needed.
Contact:
Deborah Reiss at (914) 337-0207or dreiss@vlc-ny.org
PARISH NURSE PRACTITIONER
The VLC has a volunteer Parish Nurse Practitioner, Joy Elwell,
who coordinates the parish health and educational opportunities
of the church and school. Activities include the annual health
fair, blood pressure checks, educational info. Mrs. Elwell also
has regular office hours to provide primary care to students,
staff and community members. Most major medical plans including
Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. Call the church office for
hours.
Contact:
Joy Elwell at (914) 337-0207
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL
Chapel School and Concordia College work together on a partnership
that enhances the academic excellence of both institutions.
Contact:
Dr. Lujanna Butts at 337-9300
RECYCLING
Recycling
inkjet and laserjet printer cartridges helps to save our already
overfull landfills and our precious natural resources. Please
save all inkjet and laser cartridges used at work or at home.
Bring them in every Sunday instead of discarding them. They can
be left in the designated basket in the Narthex.
Contact:
Camille Strawbridge at (914) 337-0207 (X1005) or Cstraw@vlc-ny.org
SENIORS
The seniors meet on the second Tuesday of each month (except July
and August) to socialize, enjoy a catered lunch and hear a guest
speaker. Plans for the year include theater outings and a luncheon
held at the Siwanoy Country Club. Reservations for each meeting
are made through sign-up forms in the Sunday bulletin. VLC members
are welcome to bring non-member friends. Residents of Lohman Village
(Wartburg, Mt. Vernon's Retirement Community) also regularly participate
in these activities.
Contact:
Charlotte Vogt or Helen Britz at (914) 337-0207
SOCIAL
MINISTRY
The Social Ministry Committee provides caring support to members
of the congregation and acts as an outreach arm to charitable
and service organizations in the community. Current and past projects
include collections for St. Bernard's Learning Center (a school
for homeless children in White Plains), the Sharing Community
Men's Shelter in Yonkers and Yonkers Emergency Food Pantry. Special
seasonal projects have included preparation of Easter Baskets
for homeless children and shut-ins, and delivery of a Christmas
ham with all the trimmings to families in need.
STEWARDSHIP
(What are those envelopes for?)
Sunday worship, Wednesday Bible studies, the Chapel School, fellowship
opportunities, mission projects, Sunday school, glorious music
and more are the blessings we receive with our membership at VLC.
These blessings are supported by your generous and voluntary offerings,
given with grateful hearts and the knowledge that everything we
have is a gift from our loving Father. We invite you to prayerfully
consider what part of your financial resources may be given to
the Lord's work and ask that you establish that offering as a
regular part of your household bookkeeping.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
The mission of the VLC Sunday School is “to nurture the faith
development of our children as they learn about God and his grace
and love for them”. We are “to make disciples of all
nations, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”
(Matthew 28: 19-20). Our program on Sunday mornings is for children
beginning at 3 years of age and ending with Confirmation Classes
in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Grades
N-2
Class
is from 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM. During this time there is an opening
worship, lesson and activities, and singing with the Cherub Choir
(who sing about 7 times each year in Church.)
Grades
3-6
Children
participate in the 9:00 AM worship service and are dismissed after
the sermon (at about 9:40 AM) for Sunday school. Their Sunday
school class meets until 10:15 AM.
All children
are encouraged to participate in our Memory Work Program, which
is to be done at home with parents. Selections include Bible verses,
hymn verses, prayers and parts of Luther’s Small Catechism.
During the year, children also participate in a special Christmas
service and other activities such as mission projects, making
cards for shut-ins and celebrating baptismal birthdays.
The Sunday
school also has a Cradle Roll program for children, newborn to
age 3. Birthday cards and devotional materials are mailed to the
children and their parents. This program is for children baptized
at the VLC and newborn to age 3 children joining our church after
baptism.
Our regular
Sunday school program begins in September, the first Sunday after
Labor Day, and continues through June. During July and August,
children are invited to attend the special educational hour for
adults and children at 9:30 AM (between the 8:30 AM and 10:30
AM worship services). Interested persons should phone the contacts
for more information about teaching, assisting or enrolling in
Sunday school.
Contact:
Superintendent: Lillann Skeckowski (914) 337-0207
USHERS
Ushers assist in our worship services by greeting the congregation
distributing the weekly bulletin, collecting the offering and
assisting during the celebration of Holy Communion. Ushers participate
in one worship service once per month. We are always looking for
new participants!
Contact:
(914) 337-0207
George
Pietarinen
Walter
Olam
Hans
Hover
VILLAGE VOICES
Village Voices is a monthly newsletter of events and happenings.
News and articles are normally due around the middle of the month
prior to publication and should be delivered to the church office
or via e-mail.
Contact:
Tricia McGinnis at (914) 337-0207or tkmcg@mindspring.com
VOTING
MEMBERS
All communicant members of the congregation, who are 18 years
and older are eligible to be voting members regarding matters
affecting church policy. In order to vote you must attend two
meetings of the Voters’ Assembly. You may vote upon attendance
at your second meeting. Voters’ meetings are held quarterly
and on an as-needed basis. Every member’s voice is important.
Meetings are announced in the Sunday bulletin. Please join us!
WORSHIP
SERVICES
Saturday
- 5:30 PM
Evening Eucharist: A communion Service in an informal setting
Sunday
- 8:00 AM
Morning Eucharist: A Communion Service set to traditional hymn
tunes
- 9:00 AM
Creative Worship: A blended service of traditional hymns and
contemporary choruses utilizing the services in Lutheran Worship.
(Communion 2nd and 4th Sundays)
- 10:45 AM
Classic Praise: A Communion service utilizing Lutheran Hymnal
- 7:00 PM
A Service of Prayer and Praise: Held occasionally. See church
bulletin for details.
Wednesday
- 8:45 AM
Chapel School K-4
- 9:30 AM
Chapel School 5-8
Contact:
Deborah Reiss at (914) 337-0207OR dreiss@vlc-ny.org
YOUTH
GROUPS
The Village Lutheran Youth Program is about "Building our
Future!" The VLC Youth Group welcomes all Voyager (3rd -6th
Grade), Lifer (7th -8th grade) and Crusader (9th -12th grade)
Youth and their focus is three-fold: explore faith, serve others
and have fun. Watch the Youth Board for meeting and activity dates
and times. Friends are ALWAYS welcome.
Contact:
Lifers and Crusaders: Michael and Erika Schultz, 337-0207 or macvlc@aol.com,
Tyandbash@aol.com
YOUTH
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS (Order of St. Philip)
Youth in Grades 6-12 are trained to assist worship by carrying
the cross or the torches and by helping with Communion distribution
as a part of the Order of St. Philip.
Contact:
Pastor Hartwell 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG
MINISTRY PARTNERS
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (WOMEN'S MEETING)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a group for women who have had a drinking
problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational,
multiracial, and apolitical. There are no age or education requirements.
Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about her
drinking problem. Meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at the VLC.
Contact:
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
ATLANTIC
DISTRICT OFFICES
The Village Lutheran Church is part of the Atlantic District of
the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The Atlantic District includes
101 congregations and 66 Lutheran schools up and down the Hudson
River, including the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island.
The district offices are located on the campus of Concordia College.
Dr. David Benke, president of the district and his staff handle
all mission work and the ministries associated with these schools
and churches.
Contact:
Dr. David Benke, President, Atlantic District (914) 337-5700 http://www.ad-lcms.org
CONCORDIA
COLLEGE
Since its founding on the Concordia campus 82 years ago, Village
Lutheran Church has enjoyed a very special relationship with this
120-year old Christian liberal arts college located directly across
White Plains Road. Concordia’s education and music majors
practice their craft at Chapel School and in our worship services;
our children use the Concordia gym, library and other facilities.
Concordia faculty, staff and students have always been active
members of VLC’s congregation.
Concordia
is a 4-year college that offers a number of services and opportunities
to our community including concerts, lectures, book reviews, tennis
and fitness club memberships and strong cooperation of numerous
community organizations.
Contact:
Concordia College (914) 337-9300
http://www.Concordia-NY.edu
THE GIRL SCOUTS
A Brownie Troop meets at the VLC. For young girls, Brownies offers
a rewarding way of interacting and growing together. Call for
more information.
Contact:
The Church Office at (914) 337-0207
THE TREEHOUSE
The Treehouse is a volunteer lead grief support group sponsored
by the Bereavement Center of Westchester that is geared for children
dealing and coping with the death of a parent, sibling, guardian
or other loved one.
Contact:
Patricia Donovan-Duff at The Bereavement Center of Westchester
(BCW) at (914) 961-2818
THE
WARTBURG HOME, MT. VERNON
The Wartburg Home of the Evangelical Lutheran Church is an expression
of God’s love for the elderly and their families. The Wartburg
ministers to its residents and the elderly of surrounding communities
by providing a full range of high quality services which promote
maximum health and well being.
Wartburg programs
include: 1) Lohman Village, a retirement community for active
seniors; 2) Marie Louise Heins Home, a residence for ambulatory
elderly; 3) The Waltemade Health Care Center and Pavilion, which
provides skilled nursing care for those who need round-the-clock
services; 4) Respite Care, for persons cared for at home whose
caregivers need temporary relief; 5) Adult Day Health Care, a
daily program for seniors who live within a 6-mile radius who
come to the Wartburg campus for activities and therapies; 6) Long
Term Home Health Care, with various kinds of assistance and therapy
for medically eligible persons in their own homes.
Contact:
(914) 699-0800 and ask to be connected to the office for the program(s)
in which you are interested.
http://www.thewartburg.org
