Christ United Church of Christ, 1414 Ligonier Street Latrobe, Pennsylvania November 2017

Transcription

1 Christ United Church of Christ, 1414 Ligonier Street Latrobe, Pennsylvania November 2017 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 Worship Services for November 11/5 Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 AM All Saints Sunday, Holy Communion 11/12 Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 AM Stewardship Sunday / New Members Received 11/19 Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 AM 11/26 Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 AM Reign of Christ Sunday No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey you are welcome

2 Concerns of the Congregation Please pray for: Katie Baker, Scott Barr, Edith Bridge, Cathy Campbell, Lauren DeAngelo, Carol Gerhard, Treasure Keys, Zoe Klug, Lorraine Mickinack, Bob and Evelyn Neighly, Betty Newman, Joyce Puzak, Louise Quitko, Kenny Repko, Shirley Robb, Emily Sautter, Terri Selembo, Jean Sheffler, Judith Short, Dewey Silvis, Laken Smith, Kathleen Swartz, Russ Upholster, Reatha Young. We especially hold in prayer the family of August Heining who passed away on October 15, 2017 Praying the roll: Everyone on the church roster will have a turn at experiencing the comfort and peace of intentional prayer. We are family....and families pray for one another! Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers for the entire week. Week of November 5 Bob and Evelyn Neighly, Rosella Nessmith, Betty Newman Week of November 12 Harvey Noel, Jim and Karen O Connor, Pastor Cindy and Larry Parker Week of November 19 Dorthy Paulovich, Sandy and Blaise Pezek, Bonnie Pickle Week of November 26 Dorothy Piper, Louise Quitko, Susan Renz GREETERS LIST - NOVEMBER November 5 - Larry & Loretta Staruk November 12 - Bill Berkey 1 Needed November 19 - Rich Baker & Art Dira November 26-2 Greeters Needed USHERS LIST - NOVEMBER November 5 - Marsha Ackerman & Larry Staruk November 12 - Mick Mattern & Judy Holden November 19 - Rich Baker & Art Dira November 26 - Sally Walker & Harvey Noel 2:00 AM on November 5 Don t forget to set your clocks back before you go to bed on Saturday night, November 4. Communion Servers for November 5 Elder/Assistant Carolyn Stutzman/Art Dira Deacons/Main Servers..Art Dira, Jim O Connor, Don Burd, Loretta Staruk Deacons/Auxillary Server... Elena Sillaman

3 A Message From Pastor Dick November is Stewardship month with the second Sunday, Nov. 12 th designated as Stewardship Sunday. I thought this would be a good time for us to think about Stewardship in a wholistic way. Think about the following. Frequently when we give either of our money, our time or our talents, we do so with tainted motives: obligation, duty, guilt, habit, to bolster self-esteem, or to please someone else. The purest motive would be to give out of love and gratitude for what God has done for us in Christ. This is selfless giving which does not depend on our feelings, on how our gift is received or whether we get anything in return. But surprisingly, Paul says to us that our giving produces profound blessings, not just for others but for us. Think for a moment about the times when you have been generous in your giving to others. What blessings have come to you as a result? Think about the poor widow who put two copper coins, all she had. How do you think God blessed her? Here is an acrostic of the word GENEROSITY G = gratitude to God E = energy to meet the challenges of living N = needs of others are met E = everything we need will be supplied R = riches in abundance will flow to us and to others O = outpouring of thanksgiving S = Service meets the needs of others I = inspiration for us and others as needs are met T = truth is shared (the Truth of God s Promises) Y = yielding more, surrendering more results in increasing blessings May God bless you as you give generously of your time, talent and treasure. Are you interested in joining the membership of Christ Church? If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of Christ Church, please see Pastor Dick or Rosella Holzer. New members will be received on November 12.

4 All Saints Day is November 5 All Saints Day celebration has a long history in the worship life of the church. It began as a commemoration of the martyrs who had died for this faith, and it has become a day when we honor and remember those who, in death, have joined the Church Triumphant, as well as the faithful saints of the present and the future who serve Jesus Christ. Remembering the lives of Peggy Olecki, Barry Holden, Sr., Franklin Piper, Marcus Grasmick, Irene Patty, Mildred Repko, Helen Schirf, John Kitzmiller, Bertha Banocy, Robert George, Trooper Michael Stewart, Lois Feather, Louisa (Nan) Mattern, Lorraine Staruk, August Heining CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Sunday School for Children Classes are scheduled for the second Sunday of each month (November 12 and December 10.) Two adults with child clearances will teach the lessons after the pastor s children s sermon. Seasons of the Spirit, UCC curriculum, will be used which relates to the gospel reading of the day. A short craft and snack will be included. Adult Sunday School will meet at 9:30 AM each Sunday with discussion on a timely topic. Do you think race relations in our country need to improve? Do you have any concerns about the recent rhetoric and news about race? Join us for an honest discussion. Hope to see you there.. Wednesday Morning Bible will be held each week at 10:00 AM. The study will be on the Old Testament: Genesis to Exodus. All are welcome. Wednesday Evening Bible will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the conference room. The study will be Faith - Depending on God. Our study group has grown this fall to ten, what a blessing!! Please come join us, it s never too late to join in. Christian Ed Committee will meet on Sunday, November 12 following worship.

5 Stewardship Sunday is November 12 Stewardship Sunday will be here on November 12, so it is time for each of us to think about our annual giving to Christ Church and its missions. As you all know, the strength and viability of our church depends on each of us being generous stewards of our time, talents and treasure. Only you and God know how you should apportion each of those. Below is a "Weekly Giving Guide" which you can use to assess your "treasure" portion of stewardship by comparing your income (by year, month or week) to the percentage amount that you contribute to Christ Church each week. Look at your percentage contribution and consider whether you might increase it somewhat. Pledge cards will be sent out soon asking you to try to commit to a certain level of giving for the coming year. Please prayerfully consider your stewardship. Annual Monthly Weekly 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 15% Income Income Income $18,000 $1,500 $346 $14 $21 $28 $35 $42 $52 $25,000 $2,083 $481 $19 $29 $38 $48 $58 $72 $30,000 $2,500 $577 $23 $35 $46 $58 $69 $87 $40,000 $3,333 $769 $31 $46 $62 $77 $92 $115 $45,000 $3,750 $865 $35 $52 $69 $87 $104 $130 $50,000 $4,167 $962 $38 $58 $77 $96 $115 $144 $60,000 $5,000 $1,154 $46 $69 $92 $115 $138 $173 $75,000 $6,250 $1,442 $58 $87 $115 $144 $173 $216 $100,000 $8,333 $1,923 $77 $115 $154 $192 $231 $288 $125,000 $10,417 $2,404 $96 $144 $192 $240 $288 $361 $150,000 $12,500 $2,885 $115 $173 $231 $289 $346 $433 $175,000 $14,583 $3,365 $135 $202 $269 $337 $404 $505 $200,000 $16,667 $3,846 $154 $231 $308 $385 $462 $577 $225,000 $18,750 $4,327 $173 $260 $346 $433 $519 $649

6 Search Committee Update The Search Committee met on Wednesday, October 4 and Monday, October 16 with Rev. Linda Miller-Pretz to complete our work on the church profile. The profile has been posted on the United Church of Christ website. We will soon be reviewing profiles of candidates for pastor. Lay Life Mission Committee Report Thank you to everyone who supported the Soup and Salad Bar. Whether you assisted with set up, prepared food, served food, cleaned up or ate the food - we couldn't have managed without you. Our combined effort raised $ which will be used for missions at home or abroad. We are in the spirit of Thanksgiving". Mission For November is Operation Reindeer Operation Reindeer supports Torrance Hospital s Three Wishes program which gives each resident struggling with mental health issues gifts each Christmas. Items should be new and unwrapped and ready by November 30. See the following page for a list of suggested items. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Decorating the Church Please plan to stay after the service on November 26 to decorate the church for Christmas. Pizza and a beverage will be provided for a light lunch. Many hands make the afternoon a time of fun and fellowship. Advent Luncheon A Pot Luck luncheon is planned after the worship service on December 3. Plan to stay and share a dish with your church family as we welcome in the Christmas Season. Watch for sign-up sheets for both of these events.

7 November Mission of the Month - Operation Reindeer Lay Life and Mission Committee will again be collecting gifts for the residents at Torrance State Hospital and for Mental health consumers of the Westmoreland Case Management and Support system. Listed below are the requested items. Please bring unwrapped items to the church by November 30. For safety reasons, no glass bottles, belts, scarves or razors Clothing No scarves or belts Men s size XL or larger, Women s size L or larger XXL and 1X and larger sizes are greatly needed Sweat shirts/pants tops, t-shirts pants or jeans Sweaters undergarments pajamas Socks Mittens, gloves Hats, ear muffs Bathrobes Jackets, Coats outerwear Toiletries No razors, items in glass containers, or alcohol-based items Non-aerosol items please Shampoo/conditioner Soap/body washes Tooth paste/brushes Hair spray, gels combs/brushes small packs of tissues Hand/body lotions Shaving gel/creams Pony tail holders Cosmetics No nail polish, glass bottles or mirrors Lipstick, gloss powder eye shadows Mascara lip balm blush Activities No needles or wire bindings Craft games puzzle books CD s/dvd s Games Regular & large print books Bibles Activity books Hand held games Crayons/paints Food items No nuts or glass containers Diabetic & sugarless items Decaffeinated drink mixes/coffee Individually packed snacks (crackers, cookie, cakes, gum, candy) Miscellaneous Batteries, especially AA wallets portable CD player Gently used luggage, tote bags, duffle bags or other storage bags for patients to use when discharged New slip-on shoes - no shoelaces or flip-flops Sports memorabilia, especially Pittsburgh teams Watches writing paper, stationery items especially stamps

8 NOVEMBER PIE SALE The ladies of St. John s have offered to bake pies as a fundraiser to benefit missions. The 9 pies can be pre-ordered (see the order form on the chapel table) and will be available for pick up on November 22. Pies for sale include: pumpkin, egg custard, apple, dutch apple, cranberry-apple-raisin, coconut cream and pecan. Homemade pumpkin roll will be available as well. All pies are $9.00 except pecan, which is $ Pumpkin rolls are $8.00. BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP The next book discussion will be held on Tuesday, November 14 at 11:00 am. The selection is Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown. This is a new, timely and important book that challenges everything we know about cultivating true belongings in our communities, organizations, and culture. BIENVENUE will meet on the first Wednesday of each month 12:30 PM. On November 1 we will meet at The Pond, 2120 Lincoln Avenue, Latrobe. We have lunch, good fellowship, and also collect money for missions. Bienvenue means - welcome. So, to all the ladies of the church, you are welcome to join us. at VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with Senior Food Distribution on Tuesday, November 14 at 8:30 AM. Thanks so much for your help as always. MINISTERIUM FOOD ITEMS FOR NOVEMBER The Greater Latrobe Ministerium asks churches to donate items for the Food Pantry distributions each month. The needed item for November is oatmeal. Thank you so much for your generosity. A box is in the sanctuary to collect these items.

9 A Month of Celebrations The Church year is quickly coming to a close but not before we celebrate several important festivals. On November 5, we will observe All Saints Day with remembering members of the church and those dear to us who over the past year have entered final rest with our Lord. On November 19, the worship hour will be devoted to Thanksgiving with Bell Choir and Chancel Choirs providing music. That evening, a special Thanksgiving service, A Festival of Praise is being planned and presented by the 18 community churches that comprise the Greater Latrobe Ministerium. This service will be held at Latrobe United Methodist Church on Main Street. Our Chancel Choir will participate with several others to offer individual anthems. The congregation will join in with hymns of thanksgiving and praise. November 26 ends the Church year with the celebration of the Reign of Christ. We look forward to sharing these special Sundays and the community service with our Christ UCC Church family. Janice Seigle Director of Music A Festival of Praise Sunday, November 19 7:00 P.M. Latrobe United Methodist Church 440 Main Street, Latrobe, PA All are invited for fellowship and refreshments after the service.

10 READERS AND GREETERS NEEDED If you are willing to read scripture on Sunday morning, please sign up in the chapel. Early in that week call the office and Caryn will let you know what the scriptures are for Sunday. You may read from your own bible if you choose or the scriptures can be printed out for you. Also, greeters are always needed. All it takes is a friendly smile and a hand shake. Please sign up in the chapel. QUILT AUCTION A beautiful "dog themed" quilt was donated to Christ Church by Dorthy Paulovich's sister. The quilt measures 46 1/2 x 63. A silent auction - one in which you write your name, contact information, and a bid - has begun. Bids will be accepted through November. The quilt will be on display in Christ Church and will be awarded to the highest bidder in early December. Stop in and add your name to the bidding. It would make a great Christmas gift! THE EMMAUS COMMA CLUB REUNION GROUP This group will meet on the third Sunday of each month from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in the Conference Room. The next meeting will be on November 19. CONTACT US Newsletter Editor, Loretta Staruk cocoakitty2001@gmail.com Church Secretary, Caryn Dettling Director of Music, Janice Seigle Church christchurchucc@verizon.net Church Office Phone: Christ UCC Website - ARTICLES FOR THE DECEMBER/JANUARY NEWSLETTER ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16. Note: This is a two-month issue. Please send to cocoakitty2001@gmail.com or give to Loretta Staruk

11 Time to Order Your Poinsettias Place a poinsettia in the church on Christmas Eve in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please include payment with order form and place in the offering plate or send to the church office by November plants are $8.00 each Choose one: red In memory of: white pink In honor of: The Christmas Fund provides direct financial assistance to retired and active United Church of Christ authorized ministers and lay employees and their surviving spouses, including pension and health premium supplementation, emergency assistance, and Christmas thank-you checks. A ministry of the Pension Boards, the offering is received annually on the Sunday before Christmas. You have the opportunity to be a part of this ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through your participation in this year s Christmas Fund Offering. The Christmas Fund Offering will be collected at Christ Church on Sunday, December 17.

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13 November 2017 Church Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 AM 6:30 PM Choir Bible 12:30 PM The Pond 7:30 PM Bells 3 4 Remember to turn your clocks back one hour tonight 5 11:00 Worship Holy Communion All Saints Sunday 12 11:00 Worship Stewardship Sunday New Member Sunday Christian Ed following worship 19 11:00 Worship Thanksgiving Sunday 12:30 PM Comma Club 7:00 Festival of Praise Latrobe UMC 26 11:00 Worship Reign of Christ Sunday Decorating of the church follows worship 6:30 PM Lay Life and Mission 6:00 PM GLCC Practice 6:30 PM Consistory Pie Order Deadline 6:00 PM GLCC Practice :30 AM Senior Food Distribution 11:00 AM Book Discussion 6:30 PM Bible :00 AM Bible 14 6:30 PM Bible 15 10:00 AM Bible 6:30 PM Bible 7:00 PM Search Committee :00 AM Bible 27 6:30 PM Bible Pie Pick-up :00 AM Bible 6:30 PM Bible 9 6:30 PM Choir 16 6:30 PM Choir 7:30 PM Bells Newsletter Deadline 23 Thanksgiving Church Office Closed 30 6:30 PM Choir 7:30 PM Bells 24 Church Office Closed Veterans Day Mission Statement: To reflect Christ s love in everything we do Vision Statement: Not our will, but God s

14 November 2017 Prayer Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday O you who are the God of all generations, we thank you for all who have walked humbly with you and Pray for Praise the Pray for Praise God especially those near to us and dear, in whose lives those who Lord for the those with for the we have seen the vision of your beauty. May we know that in the body or out of the body they are represent us bountiful hearing loss. things in with you. Unite us still, God of our souls, in one in harvests. your life household of faith and love, one family in heaven government. worth and on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. celebrating! --John Hunter ( ) 5 Remember those suffering with mental illness. 12 Pray for Sunday School teachers and participants. 6 Give thanks for medical personnel who treat mental illness. 13 Remember retired pastors. 7 Pray for those who provide support for mental health consumers. 14 Pray for young Christians as they strive to live out their faith. 8 Give thanks for those who volunteer to help mental health consumers. 15 Pray for all those who transport people or goods. 9 Pray for families and those who care for people with mental illness. 16 Praise God for lakes, rivers and oceans. 10 Pray for those experiencing drought. 17 Thank God for never giving up on us. 11 Veterans Day Pray for veterans and those serving in the Armed forces. 18 Pray for children who have been abused or cruelly treated. 19 Pray for those who are planting churches in the United States. 26 Pray for those who are caught up in violence. 20 Remember in prayer former pastors and their families. 27 Thank God for church volunteers. 21 Pray for the physical facilities of our church, asking God for direction. 28 Give thanks for volunteer firefighters. 22 Pray for the universal church that love may abound and truth flourish. 29 Pray for the Bible groups, asking God to bless the members. 23 Thanksgiving Pray that God will continue to cultivate grateful hearts in us. 30 Pray for those making a living on the sea. 24 Pray for our own church. 25 Ask God how you may best serve Him.