What difference does Easter make anyway? It makes a lot of difference to those who are in touch enough 
with reality to take life and death seriously. It made a big difference to a very real woman named Mary. 
     
Mary had the heart-wrenching honor of washing the dried blood from Jesus’ lifeless body as others prepared the tomb for His body to lie. As she washed she remembered . . . 
She came from a good home in Magdala, a town along the coast of Galilee. 

She remembered her teen age years. She remembered how she hated herself for what she did and often thought life was not worth living. Then she met Jesus and felt His accepting love and how His eyes seemed to penetrate her very soul. The demons who had haunted her were commanded to be gone. After that, a gentle, peace filled her existence filled her life until Jesus’ horrendous death. 

Was all her hope for nothing? What of the thousands of diseased bodies that He had healed? The broken lives He had restored? All the promises of the Kingdom of God, Jesus talked about. 

But early Sunday morning, Mary was back at the tomb to finish anointing His body. When she arrived, the tomb stood open, the huge stone pushed to the side. The Romans were gone, just the ashes of their smoldering fire remained. “He’s gone! They stole the body of my Lord,” she cried as she ran to tell the apostles. But it wasn’t cruelty that rolled away the stone that Easter morning. It was the powerful hand of God as Jesus Christ stepped forth brimming with life. 

Mary saw Jesus, mistaking Him for the gardener. There was no mistaking His familiar voice— “Mary.” She fell at His feet, tears of grief melting into tears of .” “Rabbani,” she said as she looked into his face. “Teacher.” 

In an instant history changed forever, because where once the human mortality rate held steady at 100%, now it skipped a beat as Jesus, Savior of all mankind, stepped out of the dead statistics and into life. Death is the last word no longer for Jesus’ followers, life is. 

“Jesus,” Mary would tell us, “He has changed my life.” And millions around the world echo, “Mine, too, He touched my life as well.”  

For while religious leaders have come and gone, the fact remains: only One stepped forth from the tomb. Only One has risen from the dead. Only One has conquered death. Only One offers the promise of eternal life to those who follow Him. “I am the resurrection and life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” 

So why do Jesus’ followers gather in churches on Easter morning? To show off their Easter finery? No, they come to celebrate the victory of life over death, and to declare that Jesus Christ has risen! 

We hope you will join us this Easter Sunday.

He Has Risen! He Has Risen, Indeed!

​This is something that most of us are not too fond of. We worry will it be for the better, or will it not work out the way we may have hoped. Have we considered and prayed and sought God's will for us in the change. These are all questions that we seek answers for.  

We have been making some changes at church. We have painted; we have taking a HUGE undertaking in replacing the carpeting in almost the entire church. We have added a TV in the narthex so people who come into the building see what we are up to here at St. Luke’s. These are all changes that as far as I can tell have been very positive and should be good for the church. But we are not done yet and I want to share a few thoughts with you. 

We are in the beginning stages of considering leaving the PSEC and the UCC. I'm sure many of you have heard this and are wondering where I stand on this. First off, for me personally, I have had some differences with the policies of the denomination for a long time. After all, I was raised in a UCC church. But, I think that we could be a more effective congregation, if we were independent. I am not going to go into the details of the differences that I have, but would be happy to speak of them in person with anyone. 

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the holy season of Lent. I remember growing up and Lent was really important. Each Wednesday night during Lent we went to church along with many other members. We heard messages of a need to change and to love God more. By Holy Week, the services were filled as people prepared for the great day of Easter. 

Life has changed. We are way to busy to squeeze in another worship service. There are way too many activities between us with our children. Lent has lost its meaning. 

Our lessons for Ash Wednesday call us to change our focus in life. Joel calls us to “return to me with all your heart,” return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abiding in steadfast love . . .” Jesus calls us to quit proclaiming how good and righteous we are, but live quietly in all our actions. Lent is a call to change. We are not called to give up candy, sweets or be absolutely crazy and give up coffee. We are called to read the Bible but, more importantly, to let the Gospel show forth in our daily lives. We should use a devotional book daily during Lent, to let the words seep into our lives, like water does to a plant. 

When you come to church, let the words of the scripture, hymns and maybe even the sermon become part of us. When you come forward for the Holy Communion, realize what is really happening to you and in you. Let Lent change you. 

Lent will never be like it used to be, for those are only dreams. Make sure this Lenten season changes you. Who knows, maybe we will be different even after Easter. 

I look forward to working with our council, the discernment team and any members who have suggestions for how we can grow this church and reach out to our community and our members. For some of you getting to this point may be a long and difficult process, but after much prayer and consideration I feel confident that this is the direction we need to go as a congregation. I have faith that God is still with us at St. Luke's as long as we seek to do his will and serve the world he loves so much. 

Blessings,   
​Rev. Gary Dierolf 

The second chapter of Matthew tells the story of the magi who travelled from the east toward Jerusalem and ultimately Bethlehem after witnessing the appearance of a star that they knew to be a proclamation of the arrival of the Messiah. We know that the star went on before them and came to rest over the very spot where the infant Jesus could be found. That incredible star that they followed for so many miles, indeed, had led them to both the place and the moment where they could encounter the Son of God. They knew that their journey had been worth it as they worshipped him and offered gifts of great value. 

As we journey through this season of advent, leading to the incredible joy that is Christmas, I would invite us to give thought to the metaphorical stars that we follow. We know just how easy it can be for the busyness of the season to become overwhelming, pulling our attention, our time, our energy, and our resources in so many different directions. As people of faith, the star that matters most is not that of celebrity or politics. It is not those of rampant consumerism or holiday obligations. Rather, the star that we seek and follow is the one that bears the light of Jesus' love for each of us.  

The magi so long ago were able to look upon the countless stars in the night sky and find the special one that led them to Jesus. May we do the same this season, turning our gaze upon the promise, the hope, the joy, the peace, and the love that we know through our precious Savior. May you and all those that you love enjoy a safe and Merry Christmas as well as a joyous New Year! 

Be blessed!
​Pastor Gary

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus, 

All Saint’s Sunday is one of the high Sunday’s of the church year. It is on this Sunday that we remember all our loved ones who have gone home to be with Jesus. It is a time we remember how they touched our lives and the lives of those around them. We always start the service with the great hymn , “For All The Saint’s” It was written by William Walsham for All Saints Sunday. As the basis for this great hymn , he used the verse from Hebrews that I love to quote on this Sunday. In Hebrews 12:1,” Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” It was a few days after the New Year, in 2016, and Teresa & I were attending the funeral of Rev. Robert R. Mitchell Jr. at Christ Lutheran Church in Oley. It was a day the church was packed. He was well loved, and many pastor’s were in attendance. I had the honor to deliver the eulogy. The organist played, “ For All The Saints” and stopped after a few verses, and everyone kept singing. It was a powerful moment! Maybe this is what heaven was like when our loved ones arrived. And then as we hear in Revelation 7:17, “ God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” 
         
On this most holy day, come and celebrate with us as we remember all those who 
have joined Jesus in his Heavenly Home. 

​In Jesus’ Name,  Rev. Gary J. Dierolf 

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,

When the Pharisees see only sinners are among the invited and refuse to be seated with them, Jesus reminds them that they too are guests at God’s table. Have we ever been like the Pharisees and refused to be involved with a group or sit at a table because of who was sitting there? We are all guests at the Table of the Lord and all are invited.

​When we sit at the table with Jesus, it means being transformed and saved by Him. His word penetrates deep inside of us, like a scalpel, and operates deep in the heart so as to free us from evil lurking in our life.

At times when the Word enters us, it is painful because it discloses deception, reveals all those false excuses we gave and it lays bare the hidden truths we try to bury. As we read the Word, it illuminates truths and purifies it; gives us strength and hope. In our journey in this life, the Word gives us the nourishment to keep going day by day.

When we come to worship and receive Holy Communion, we are nourished with the very life of Jesus. It is like coming to the altar and receiving an immensely powerful remedy and, in a mysterious way, Communion renews the grace we receive from God.

By approaching the altar with the attitude of humility that we are not worthy to receive such a Holy Gift; Jesus comes to us, giving of Himself in the Bread and Wine, Body and Blood. We are always accepted at His table with open arms.

Come, the Feast is ready! Yours in Jesus,
Rev. Gary J. Dierolf

July already?!? Where has 2023 gone?? It is an honor and privilege to be with you during this transition 
period.

You have all been so warm and welcoming to both Teresa and I. You have made us feel, very quickly, part of 
your family. We are blessed to share whatever time we have with you. We have worshipped together, prayed 
together and of course had many laughs together. Worshipping with you have been sacred times and I will 
remember them for a long time. 

You are a blessed congregation. The location of our church surely shows the glory of God’s handiwork in 
creation. We have a great staff of hard working people devoted to this congregation and its mission to further the kingdom of God. Our volunteers are truly amazing. You give so much of yourselves in everything you do: Wednesday wavers, Bible study, and the list can go on and on. The congregation loves being together. You can tell that by all the conversations before and after worship.

You are friendly and welcoming to visitors. I am so truly blessed being your supply pastor no matter how long I am here. Our future together is in God’s hands.

We still need to grow in mission and outreach. We need to work together to ensure our church will be here for a long time. Churches are closing all the time. Our world is getting worse each day. We need to be the beacon of God’s love to all. This will only happen if we continue to pray, worship and work together for God’s 
glory. This is not about us only about what we can do for God. 

Thank you again for letting us be with you. Thank you for loving me and letting me grow with you. May our 
time together be a blessed time filled with the Spirit. 

Always in His Hands, 
Pastor Gary

What is change, coins as opposed to paper currency*, making or becoming different*? For St. Luke’s, it means to replace (something) with something else*. With the resignation of Reverend Morris, we, as a congregation, will hire a pastor who will lead us into the future. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”** We are facing change at St. Luke’s, but our
 Lord and Savior will never change.

How does change affect us? Change can evoke many different emotions, fear, anxiety, anger, or excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation. Many of us have been through quite a number of changes, both in our personal lives and as a member of St. Luke’s.

How we manage change can make or break us as a congregation. In Isaiah 41:13, we read, “For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’ ”**

How can we know that we will remain a strong and faithful congregation? We ask God for guidance, knowing that he loves us and wants the best for us, and trust that he will provide us with what we need. Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 16:3 tells us to “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”**

The Search and Call committee and elders are working together to move St. Luke’s through the next phase of our church’s life, providing pastoral leadership and care until a new pastor is hired. May we all keep the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 in our thoughts: “ ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ “**

Please keep St. Luke’s in your prayers.

Definitions from Oxford Languages
** Scriptures from the New American Standard version

It has never been easy for me to say good-bye to the congregations I have served. St. Luke’s  is no exception. As many of you have heard, I have taken a new position at Zion (Blue Mountain) United  Church of Christ, Strausstown, Pennsylvania. Strausstown is right off Interstate 78, 10 minutes south of  Hamburg. I am not new to Zion, Sharon was their pastor from 2008 to 2013. It is a half-time position and my primary reason for taking this position is the commute from Womelsdorf to Trappe. The trip was starting  to wear on me. Zion is only 13 miles from our home.

I hope you know how much I enjoyed serving you as your interim minister. You are good  people and so appreciative of my ministry among you. I believe that you have a future and when you find a  settled pastor you will blossom. I do not know who that person is but God does. Your search committee is  hard at work finishing your profile. I believe once it is in circulation you will find interested candidates. I  encourage you to take your time and find someone who has the capacity to love you as I have loved you.

You have a lot going for you. I know your leadership base has dwindled but the leaders  serving the church are committed Christian eager to serve the Lord. You are also blessed with a healthy  endowment which, if used faithfully, will sustain you for a very long time.

My last Sunday is May 28, Pentecost Sunday. What a perfect Sunday to bid you  farewell. Both you and I will avail ourselves to the life giving breath of God as it blows across our spirits  preparing us to do a new thing. I will always hold you in my prayers and I will remain a constant cheerleader  as I pray for you daily. That will be my commitment to you.

Thank you for your kindness and love.
Pastor Pat

Spring is my favorite time of the year. When Spring approaches, there are always clear signs of its arrival. The morning air is not as cold as it has been. The mud holes and wet spots around houses begin to dry up. Our yards gradually begin to change color, from a brown to a deep green. When we see these signs, we know Spring cannot be far behind.

As with spring, there are certain signs that mark the Easter season. We use some of the same imagery; the blooming of flowers, the newness of birth in nature, and brilliant sunrises, are all images we use to signify the spring season as well as Easter. Have you ever stopped to wonder why we make this connection?

In nature, we see spring as a time of renewal, a time when life around us is energized from the heat and moisture of God’s good earth. We see spring as a time of procreation for many of God’s creatures. Spring is a prelude to life and life’s abundance around us, to be enjoyed until the postlude of winter.

The Easter season has the same potential for Christians. Easter is a time of renewal. It is a time for all of us to take a closer look at the relationship we have with Jesus. As we progress through Lent in preparation for Holy Week, we have the opportunity to see the suffering in our lives as we reflect on the passion of our Lord.

Easter is also a time for us to be energized by the power of God’s spirit within our own lives.

As we observe the church year in our tradition, there is the potential for us to become lackadaisical in our participation in the life of the church. Church life becomes predictable and boring, therefore we disengage. But there is always the Easter season to breathe life back into our sleeping souls.

Most importantly, Easter is a time for new life. Jesus Christ went to the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. No longer would men and women be held in bondage to the sin in their lives. Jesus death on the cross, and the power of the resurrected Lord, was and is a act of procreation. Because we believe, we are created anew through Jesus. (John 3:3)

I encourage you to see this Easter season as a time of new birth and growth in your life. There are many opportunities in the life of St. Luke’s where you can experience the signs of the Easter season. My prayer is that you will not only experience the season but also you will experience the power and presence of the risen Lord.

God's Blessings,
Pastor Pat