The Union Press What s INSIDE

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1 What s INSIDE To know Him and make Him known 1 Pastor s Letter 2 Letter Continued & Dollar & Sense 3 Food Bank, Lectionary, Flowers, Greeters & Birthdays 4 Calendar 5 Thank You Notes & Quilting The deadline for the February issue of the Union Press is February 12 th On February 2, much of the Christian Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple as recorded in Luke 2: The age old feast commemorates Mary and Joseph taking their son to Jerusalem forty days after his birth, so that Mary could complete the required ritual purification after bearing a child (Exodus 13:12-15), and so that the parents might offer the sacrifice required for the redemption of the firstborn son (Leviticus 12). Their journey, so foreign to us, was an ordinary one for young couples of their time and place, or at least it began that way. But upon reaching the Temple the Holy family was met by two individuals, prophets in their own right, who had long awaited the revelation of God s Messiah. Simeon and Anna were their names. The reaction of these two led Mary to marvel about the child she called her son, which was surely not the first time the Virgin had done so, after all the announcement of her pregnancy was heralded by an archangel! Perhaps it was the words that Simeon spoke in the presence of Mary that so struck her that day. Luke 2:32 speaks of the Christ child as a light for revelation to the gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. For so long in Israel s history many held the belief that the Messiah, when he came, would be all about elevating the glory of God s people, Israel. This is not to say that the Old Testament does not speak of the gentiles benefitting from the reign of the Messiah, but it was certainly the case that such language of global blessing was regarded as an undercurrent to Israel s own hope and expectation. However, in Simeon s song the glory of Israel takes a back seat to revelation for the gentiles. It comes in second. The focus is reversed, which means that this small baby Mary holds is not just important to her people, but to the wellbeing and salvation of the entire world. Now that is news at which to marvel. On February 2, the Feast of Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, it is a long standing tradition in many countries to go to church to witness the blessing of beeswax candles to be used in worship in the coming year. As such, the feast is often more commonly referred to as Candlemas, which means, mass of the candles. The candles figure so prominently in the celebration of the Feast of the Presentation because in the events of the Temple, just as in the Visit of the Magi and Christ s baptism, the Light of the world is revealed to the nations. A promise is made that Christ will be a light of revelation for all. Continued on page 2 1

2 This is big news. And it happens at such a strange and seemingly anti-climactic time of the year. February. On a day when some are jumping into the Octorara Creek. After all the excitement and celebration of Christmas. What are we to make of it? Truthfully, I don t know. But I find it interesting that it is only in late January, very near the celebration of Jesus Presentation at the Temple, that we as a congregation hold our annual meeting and make our big presentation of what has transpired the year before, as well as what we hope to do in the coming year. On January 29, just three days short of Candlemas, we will have our annual meeting to elect those serving in ordered ministries and to receive the annual budget. At that time, we state our hopes and plans for presenting Christ to the world in We have big ideas for the year ahead, both to deepen our fellowship and to bless our neighbors. Will you join us in shining the light of Christ both near and far? Scott Union Dollars and Sense As this is being written, many of us are probably reviewing New Year s resolutions that have already come and gone by the wayside. Typically, we all want to do better in the new year, in terms of our relationships, our daily routines and a host of other things. Typically, it often doesn t take too long for those things to become forgotten, seem impossible to do, or life just gets in the way of accomplishing them. Shouldn t we be more thankful that God never forgets, that nothing is impossible with God, and that God has a way of accomplishing things beyond our own feeble talents and abilities. Shouldn t we be praising God in all things? I am reminded of the first two lines in our Doxology, which we sing every week, but probably often sing without truly appreciating the meaning of what we are singing Praise God from whom all blessings flow our God is the provider of all that we have, both materially here on earth; but more importantly what we will each have when we each reach our heavenly home. Praise Him, all creatures here below.our God has created everything; each person, each creature and all of nature and the universes that exist below Heaven. The presentation of our tithes and offerings should be more than just a ritual within the Worship service. They should be more than just a check or cash placed in the offering plates. They should be a true expression of our praise to God in reflection of our awareness of who He is, and who we are. It s never too late to make that one of our New Year s resolutions. God has been extremely faithful in His blessings to us. Can we in turn, be faithful in expressing our praise to him? Who knows what He may accomplish through us, through our continued praises to Him?? How is God speaking to you?? 2

3 Lectionary Passages February 5 th 5 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12); Psalm 112:1-9 (10); 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16); Matthew 5:13-20 February 12 th 6 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37 February 19 th 7 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119:33-40; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48 February 26 th 8 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 Or alternate Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 February Flowers & Greeters 5 Diane Hastings 12 Howard & Holly Urbine 19 Harold & Joan Probst 26 Jack Hastings 5 Ken & Judy Beiler 12 Jane Ferguson & Sue Shuler 19 Milt & Joan Whiteside 26 Don & Arlene Hastings 1 Joan Probst 2 Michael Ferguson 3 Blanche Church Lori Kelley Allen Weicksel 5 Bradley Fuller Russ Gilmore Faye Chase Whyte 7 Nathan Supplee 9 Olivia Williams 10 Dorothy Walton 11 Allison Reed Mary Nickle Wayne Letterman 12 Verna Herr 14 Jerry Whiteside 19 Betty Lou Griffith 23 Dorothy Herr Robert Whiteside II 25 Frankie O Connell, III 26 Thomas Hastings Austin Murray 28 Nancy Ambler 29 Peter Graziano Jr. February Food Bank Watch the bulletin for additional items. Do you have an extra bible laying around or are you willing to purchase one to help individuals who need one? The food bank currently has plenty of children s bibles, but none for the adults. 3

4 2017 Joy is love exalted; peace is love in repose; long-suffering is love enduring; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love in school; and temperance is love in training. D.L. Moody Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 Fellowship of Prayer :00 Deacons Mtg. 9 1:00 Circle # :00 Trustees 6:30 NO Girl Scouts 12 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 13 1:00 Circle #1 7:00 Circle #3 14 Valentines Day 10:00 Session Mtg. 6:30 Girl Scouts President s Day 21 6:30 Girl Scouts :30 Girl Scouts 4

5 Thank You I want to thank the Deacons for the basket of fruit, which was delivered by Arlene Hastings. I really enjoyed her visit. Annie Thompson To Our Union Family. Thank you for your prayers, concerns and cards during my husband s recent surgery and fall. The surgery was successful. He has recovered from the injures received during the fall through your prayers and God s healing. Yours through Christ, Holly & Howdy Urbine Thank You Union Church, Thank you very much for the gift card. While serving in the military, it is comforting to know that folks back home are thinking about me and praying for me. I have spent 21 Christmases in the Navy and greatly appreciate the notes, cards and gifts sent to me over the years. I have many fond memories as a child and young adult attending Union Church. May God bless you all. Have a very happy and joyous William Bard Commander, USN The The MESSENGER Union Press QUILTING Wednesdays starting in February until we are done. We would love to see you on Wednesday, February 1 st at 9:00 a.m. The flower calendar for 2017 is on the bulletin board in the main lobby. Please choose the dates you would wish to provide flowers in the sanctuary vases. The cost is $30 again this year or if you desire you can bring your choice to the church for the vases. Thank you, The Deacons 5

6 Union Presbyterian Church 5637 Street Road, Kirkwood, PA (Address Services Requested) FEBRUARY 2017 FEBRUARY