Press Releases 

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 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

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