Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell
The Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School
172 White Plains Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0207 (1022)
DATE 10-24-10
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November Good News Coffee House
The next Good News Christian Coffee House will be held at VLC on Saturday, November 13, 2010, featuring Frank Rendo. The Coffee House opens at 7 p.m. with gourmet coffee and pastries, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10/Adults, $5 Students. Children $3 (ages 5-12).
Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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Morris Mayer is Commissioned as deacon at Village Lutheran Church
Deacon Elect Morris Mayer of Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School requests the honor of your presence at his Commissioning Liturgy and The Divine Service at Village Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 13, 2010 At 5:30 PM. Reception will follow at the church. Clergy, Deacons, Deacon Graduates and Deacon Students are invited to vest. For those wearing stoles, the color of the day is Red. Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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Local Author to Speak at Seniors Luncheon in November
Join Lutheran author Ray Keating for a talk about his new book, Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel at the next Seniors Luncheon on Tuesday, November 9, 2010. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is at 12 noon. Please invite a friend and join us for a very special VLC and Lohman Village Seniors Luncheon at the VLC. Call 914-337-0207 to reserve a space. A love offering will be received. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:30 PM
The Community is invited to a Thanksgiving Eve Service at Village Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 24 at 7:30 PM. The service will feature prayers of thanksgiving to God, traditional thanksgiving hymns and choral music. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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HEADLINE: Prayer Service
On the last Saturday of each month Village Lutheran Church holds a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. The brief service features prayer at the altar and anointing with holy oil. Service participants are welcome to come early (at 5:30 p.m.) for a spoken service of Holy Communion and stay for the prayer service or simply attend the prayer service at 6:30 p.m. The prayer service is open to all people of faith who wish to pray for healing and special needs in a beautiful, quiet setting. Upcoming Dates: November 27; December 18 (note change of week for Christmas); and January 29, 2011. Admission is free and open to the public.
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Christmas Coffee House
Village Lutheran Church will host the Christmas Good News Christian Coffee House on Saturday, December 11, 2010 with holiday music by Servants of the Shepherd. The Coffee House opens at 7 p.m. with gourmet coffee and pastries, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10/Adults, College students and Seniors $5, Children $2 (ages 5-12). A love offering will be taken to offset expenses. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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SENIORS Christmas Luncheon.
Join Village Lutheran Church and Wartburg Lohman Village Seniors for the annual Christmas luncheon with special music by The Chapel School children singing Christmas favorites on Tuesday, December 14. Wear red and bring a friend for a beautiful holiday tradition. If you would like to be included in the grab bag, bring a gift wrapped and labeled woman or man. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at 12 noon and the children's music at 12:45 p.m. Call 914-337-0207 to reserve a space. A love offering will be received. The community is welcome to attend.
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Sunday School Christmas Pageant:
The children of the Village Lutheran Church Sunday School program will share a Christmas Pageant on Sunday December 12 at 9 am. The musical, under the direction of Ms. Kate Porter, features over 60 children with dramatic dialogue, choral singing and musical instruments all focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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Chapel School to hold annual Service of lessons and Carols:
Following in the tradition of Kings College in Cambridge, England, this beautiful choir service has become an annual tradition at our church and school. Please join the Chapel School Select Choir on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7:00 p.m. to hear the Christmas story told through a festival of nine Scripture passages and carols. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church and the Chapel School is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-3202 for more information or go online at WWW.thechapelschool.org
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ROUND-THE-TABLE CAROL SING
The 61st annual Village Lutheran Church Christmas choir service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10:45am. Join the Chancel Choir (with string quartet), Youth Choir, Village Bells, and Village Brass in celebrating the birth of the Savior through music. Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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German Christmas Service (Deutscher Weihnachtsgottesdienst)
A service of lessons and carols (Bibel Lektionen und Lieder) in the German language will be held on Sunday, December 19 at 4:00 PM (Sonntag, den 19. Dezember 4:00 PM ) at Village Lutheran Church. Reverend Martin Conkling, Professor of Religion at Concordia College will be preaching (Prediger). A German Pastry Reception will follow. Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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Christmas Eve Worship Schedule Announced
Village Lutheran Church will host three Christmas Eve services. Admission is free and open to the public. The children's service will be at 5 PM with hymns and readings designed for families with children, a children's message and a gift for all children. The 8 PM service features candles and carols and the 11 PM service is the traditional midnight mass with candles, carols and holy Communion. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
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New Year's Day Service
Village Lutheran Church invites the community to begin the new year in prayer. The church will feature a communion service at 5:30 PM on Saturday, January 1. Admission is free and open to the public. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Rd. in the Village of Bronxville, across the street from Concordia College. Call 914-337-0207 for more information or go online at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG.
DATE 8-3-10
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Bronxville Church Welcomes New Associate Pastor and His
Family!
Bronxville, NY - Rev. Roy Minnix has joined the Pastoral Staff at
Village Lutheran Church as their Associate Pastor and as Campus Pastor
to Concordia College - New York. Rev. Minnix began his service in late
July and comes to the area from Hudson, New York. According to Rev. Dr.
Robert Hartwell, Senior Pastor of the church, "Pastor Roy brings unique
gifts and talents to this community and is especially excited to work
with the Concordia community." The task description of the new pastor
specifically seeks to link the students at Concordia with service to the
church and the local community. Concordia College and Village Lutheran
Church issued the call to Pastor Roy as a collaborative effort. Speaking
about the challenges, Rev. Minnix said, "In our modern age, people
struggle with understanding who they are and how they fit into the
world. This is particularly true of college students. I hope to inspire
Concordia's students with the message of God's love in Christ and to
help them to engage their world with the hope of the Gospel." Pastor
Minnix will be officially installed as Associate Pastor of Village
Lutheran Church at a special service on Sunday, September 12 at 4 PM and
the community is cordially invited to attend. Rev. Minnix is married to
Jennifer Minnix and they have three children. The Village Lutheran
Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road
22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church). The church
operates the Chapel School, Preschool through Grade 8 school that boasts
the first Nursery School Program in Westchester County.
DATE 6-16-10
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9/11 Service schedule. The Village Lutheran Church will hold a September 11 memorial service on Saturday, September 11 at 5:30 PM. The service will feature a time of prayer for all who were lost or injured on the first 9/11, rescue workers who are sick or ill because of their efforts at ground zero and for peace in our world. Holy Communion will also be celebrated. The community is cordially invited. The Village Lutheran Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road 22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church).
Seniors Plan Trip To Fall Foliage and Shopping The Seniors’ Ministry of The Village Lutheran Church Invites Community Members to their 5th Annual Day Trip of Pocono Shopping and Fine Dining on Thursday, October 14. The tour leaves from Lake Isle in Eastchester at 8:30 AM and the Wartburg-Mt. Vernon at 9:00 a.m. with donuts and coffee. From the Wartburg the group will head by bus for the Crossings Outlets (http://www.thecrossings.com). After lunch and shopping we will enjoy a fine early dinner at the Lake Naomi Country Club (http://www.lnc.org) by Pocono Pines (what was formerly known as "Lutherland") in the beautiful fall atmosphere and be back at Lake Isle at about 8 PM and the Wartburg at about 8:30 PM. Cost is $65 and includes early dinner at the Country Club and the bus trip. Return the registration form or call 914-337-0207 (1003) for information. Seats are limited. The Village Lutheran Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road 22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church).
Christian Education Begins On Sunday, September 12th at 9 a.m. the Village Lutheran Church’s Sunday school program will begin. It is open to all community members and provides Sunday morning Christian education to children age 3-year-olds to 6th grade. Child care is also provided for children less than 3 years of age. There is no cost for Sunday school and involves play, snack, short Bible lessons and loads of fun. Sunday school is held during the 9 am service so that parents and caregivers can worship at the service while the children attend Sunday school. At the special opening (Rally Day) service, the 3 year olds will receive a blessing and the 3rd graders will receive a free student Bible. After the ceremony the children will be dismissed to the Sunday school and parents are welcome to attend with their children until the children are comfortable. If you have questions, please call me the church office at (914) 337-0207 (x 1003).The Village Lutheran Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road 22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church). The church operates the Chapel School, Preschool through Grade 8 school that boasts the first Nursery School Program in Westchester County.
CCD ORIENTATION AT VILLAGE LUTHERAN CHURCH On Thursday evening, September 16 at 6 PM, the Village Lutheran Church’s Confirmation (CCD) program will begin with a brief orientation meeting for children, parents and caregivers. It is open to all community members and provides weekly Christian education programming for students in grade 7 and 8 leading to leading to the Rite Of Confirmation (in the spring of the 8th grade year). Cost for the program is $100 and includes a weekend winter retreat for the students (and interested parent chaperones) in January each year. Confirmation/CCD is held Thursday evenings from 6-7 PM. A community youth group is also held for youth in the 3rd – 6th grade at the same time. If you have questions, please call me the church office at (914) 337-0207 (x 1003).The Village Lutheran Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road 22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church). The church operates the Chapel School, Preschool through Grade 8 school that boasts the first Nursery School Program in Westchester County. ############Headline: Deacon Courses BeginVillage Lutheran Church is pleased to announce upcoming registration for Diaconate Training which begins on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville, NY. The classes are open to any interested persons and may lead to commissioning as a Deacon in the Lutheran Church but may also be taken for study and exploration of the protestant church. Courses, which involve introduction to Pastoral care, Doctrine, Bible, Liturgy, Church Leadership and Church History are held on Tuesday evenings. For tuition and registration information call 914-337-0207 or go on-line at VLC-NY.ORG. The Village Lutheran Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road 22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church). The church operates the Chapel School, Preschool through Grade 8 school that boasts the first Nursery School Program in Westchester County.
DATE 3-27-10
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Beloved Associate Pastor Takes Call to New Jersey
Bronxville, NY: Rev. Deric Taylor, the Associate Pastor of Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville, has accepted the Divine Call to serve as Pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairlawn, New Jersey. The Village Lutheran Church is making plans to honor Pastor Taylor. The beloved pastor will be honored the weekend of May 15 with a special dinner at Lake Isle Country Club and a special service of God Speed at 10 AM on Sunday May 16. Taylor will also be will be the featured preacher at the Rite of Confirmation at 10:45 AM on May 23. According to Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, the church's Senior Pastor, "Pastor Taylor has been in our community for over 12 years. he and his wife Julie and son Bradly will be missed terribly. However we know that this is exciting time in his life and ministry and wish him God speed and good luck as he begins this new venture." Call the church office at 914-337-0207. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708. For more information call 914-337-0207 or www.vlc-ny.org.===================
12 Receive Rite of First Holy CommunionBronxville, NY, Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville recently celebrated early first communion for children in their congregation. After attending, with a parent or guardian, four classes presented by Senior Pastor Robert Hartwell, the students' finished the instruction with a celebratory first communion lock-in on Friday, March 19. The lock-in consisted of games, devotions and banner making in preparation of First Communion Sunday. Receiving their first communion at the service on Sunday, March 21 were 12 young people including students from Bronxville, Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Pelham, Scarsdale, the Bronx and White Plains. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708. For more information call 914-337-0207 or www.vlc-ny.org.Photo Credit: Village Lutheran Church-Pictured from l-r: Rev. Deric Taylor, Associate Pastor; First Communicants of Village Lutheran Church; Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell. Senior Pastor
================International Program begins at local churchBronxville, NY:
Spring Alpha returns in April! Come join us on Wednesday, April 7 with Celebration, Cocktails and Dinner. We will meet in the Multi-Purpose Room from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. What is it? An opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian Faith. Low Key, Friendly, Fun! Bring a Friend! Alpha is an International Program that began in the Church of England and has been well received by a variety of denominations for its focus on the fundamentals of Christian faith and the informal discussion style. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708. For more information call 914-337-0207 or www.vlc-ny.org.
Youth hold autism-diabetes awareness event Bronxville, NY: The Village Lutheran Church Youth Group (for 9th-12th graders) will be hosting a Singing for Cure Band Bash on June 18th, 2010 at 6 p.m. at Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville, NY. National band, L2 and other local and regional bands will appear. The cost of the tickets for the event is $11. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708. For more information call 914-337-0207 or www.vlc-ny.org.================Tag Sale benefits youth headed to new OrleansBronxville NY: The Village Lutheran Church Youth Group will hold a Tag Sale on Saturday, May 1 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted on April 29 and April 30. Proceeds benefit the youth group’s trip to New Orleans for the LCMS Youth Gathering over the summer. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708. For more information call 914-337-0207 or www.vlc-ny.org.
Two-session Bible study begins Bronxville, NY: Village Lutheran Church invites all to attend their informal worship service (Mass) with the Lord’s Supper at 5:30 PM on Saturday June 5 and 12 and then stay for refreshments and an hour Bible Study called “Table Talk.” Visitors and newcomers welcome. The basics of the Christian Faith and the Lutheran Tradition will be explored. Perfect for the long time members to discuss the basics, seekers to learn more and for a prospective members to learn more about the Lutheran tradition. Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708. For more information call 914-337-0207 or www.vlc-ny.org.
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DATE: 09-17-07
Pastor loses weight, gains support
Bronxville, NY-“What would you do for your favorite charity? Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, the Senior Pastor of the Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School in Bronxville recently had to answer that question. “For most people, support of our church means a check written each week or rolling up their sleeves to do volunteer work. For me, in addition to these things, it means counting calories and laps.” In November of 2006, a former parishioner challenged Hartwell to demonstrate to his flock his commitment to the growing church and school by publicly losing weight. With a goal of 70 pounds (and a guaranteed match of $5,000 per pound if he reached the goal by January 1, 2008) Harwell consulted with Dr. Joy Elwell, his nurse practitioner, and began the challenge the church dubbed, “The Skinny on Sacrifice.” Using the Nutri-system diet, walking with his wife of 20 years, Sue, and lifting weights and running at Concordia College’s fitness center, Hartwell has seen a 65 pound weight loss (as of mid September) and a dramatic increase in stamina and energy.With 5 pounds to go for the challenge and 10 more after that for his personal goal, Hartwell reflects on the challenge and the experience. “I will say that this is a wonderful motivator for me personally. It also has been a confirmation for me of how much and how committed I really am to my church and school. I can remember seeing a food item that I would loved to have eaten yet refusing it without much anguish because I knew my church was worth far more than those tasty bites.” The church and school completed a building project several years ago and the challenge monies will go directly to pay for and pay down the debt. According to the Chapel School principal, Mr. James Dhyne, “It is so important that we cover the debt in special ways, with the goal of eliminating it, so we can focus with clarity on serving the community with programs of education, empowerment and support.”Several church members and community supporters have also agreed to match the challenge at their own level. One parishioner, Tuckahoe High School student, Raymond Piedmont, even joined his Pastor on the challenge and has surpassed his mentor by loosing 78 pounds to date and dramatically increasing his fitness goals. According to Piedmont, “I saw what the Pastor was doing and said, “I can do that.”” Hartwell and Piedmont along with congregants, school families and friends, plan to ring in the new year with a family fun night, a special New Year’s Eve prayer service and a weigh-in at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2008. When asked what foods Hartwell would eat after the goal was completed, Hartwell was quick with the answer,” My weight loss is about a change of lifestyle. The committed monies will empower this ministry but once they are used, they will be gone. How sad, though, if our view of fitness goes back to status quo after the challenge. We have already decided that a focus on healthy care of BODY, mind and spirit will remain a major focus of our ministry. That is one gift that will see returns for decades to come.”For more information on the challenge contact the church at 914-337-0207 or PastorH@VLC-NY.ORG or go on-line at WWW.VLC-NY.ORG. The Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road (across the street from Concordia College). The Village Church (chartered as Concordia Lutheran Church) was founded in 1916.
CONTACT: Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell
The Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School172 White Plains RoadBronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 10-16-06
Church Observes Confirmation Reunion
The Village Lutheran Church celebrated a Confirmation Reunion on Sunday, October 15.The Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell described the event: “Over the years hundreds of children and adults have confirmed the faith given them in their baptisms and we thought it would be very special to invite back as many as possible to mark our 90th anniversary.”During the service the Confirmands were asked to stand as a special blessing was shared. The Confirmands also received a limited edition anniversary pin. Included in the over 150 worshippers was the Pastor Emeritus of the Village Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. James C. Zwernemann (who presided at many confirmation services in his almost thirty years of service to the church), along with his wife, Bonnie (McGinnis) Zwernemann who is a daughter of the church and a Confirmation alumni.A highlight of the service was the singing of the Concordia Chorale, Concordia College-New York’s touring choir who sang several arrangements for the festive service and during the Eucharist. According to Deborah Reiss, the choir’s conductor, “We were happy to share in the Village Lutheran Church’s big day. Expressing faith through music is a big part of our mission as Concordia’s tour choir.”In 2007, the church will continue to mark her 90th year as a congregation with a Baptismal reunion on Sunday, April 22 at 10:45 AM and a Wedding Reunion for couples married at the church on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 10:45 AM
The Village Lutheran Church is located across the street from Concordia College on state road 22 and was chartered in 1916 (as Concordia Lutheran Church). The church operates the Chapel School, Preschool through Grade 8, that boasts the first Nursery School Program in Westchester County. The church is celebrating her 90th anniversary in 2006 and the school her 60th in 2007.
Photo Caption: Senior Pastor Robert Hartwell (Left) and Pastor Emeritus James C. Zwernemann (right) pose with many of the returning Confirmands at a reception for the Confirmands following the special reunion service.
CONTACT: Rev. Dr. Robert HartwellThe Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School172 White Plains RoadBronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0207
