FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 TRUMBAUERSVILLE ROAD * QUAKERTOWN, PA PHONE: *

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THE BEACON FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 TRUMBAUERSVILLE ROAD * QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951 PHONE: 215-536-7510 * EMAIL: QUAKERTOWNCOB@VERIZON.NET OCTOBER 2014 From The Pastor 1998 was the year.

From volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, to worship experiences, service projects, and concerts, my National Youth Conference journey was a powerful and amazing one for me.

The youth at First Church of the Brethren are amazing and I am honored to be able to say that I pastor their church.

Our youth are the future of our church, has long been heralded by many a church member.

That rhetorical question is one for us to continue to ponder and pray about.

1 THE BEACON FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 TRUMBAUERSVILLE ROAD * QUAKERTOWN, PA PHONE: * QUAKERTOWNCOB@VERIZON.NET OCTOBER 2014 From The Pastor 1998 was the year. My youth group was only 4 people. And I was the only one of age to go. But 1998 National Youth Conference proved to be an amazing kick off point in my life. From volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, to worship experiences, service projects, and concerts, my National Youth Conference journey was a powerful and amazing one for me. Fast forward 16 years into the future, this past July marked a similar journey for our youth group. The youth at First Church of the Brethren are amazing and I am honored to be able to say that I pastor their church. These youth experienced not just hiking the mountains in Colorado, but a mountain top experience with other youth. Our youth are the future of our church, has long been heralded by many a church member. While true, our youth are our church now too, so how can we better embrace them, empower them, and support them in their endeavors both within and beyond the church? That rhetorical question is one for us to continue to ponder and pray about. While I was limited in my prior involvement with the youth, I want to start off by planning paint ball, laser tag, bowling outing soon, a corn maze outing in October, Trunk or Treat (coinciding with Wednesday Night Programming), and a special concert that is in the works about a half hour away. Let s all be involved to show our amazing youth the support they deserve. I also plan to attend the movie nights as well! Additionally, you will begin to see some increased participation from the youth in worship (10:15 on the first Sunday of the month, 10:00 otherwise). Our youth have amazing voices and abilities for use in different ways. I am excited at the potential of each youth and their overall involvement. Will you join me in supporting the youth as they are our church now and forever? 2 Timothy 4: 12 says, Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Let us be examples with and for our youth. May God bless our youth and our desire to intergenerationally work together for the call of Christ. Just a couple other things to point out: don t forget Harvest Home (September 28, 2014), Wednesday Bible Study 11:00 am, 7:00 pm, Wednesday Night Programming for children and adults, as well as stay tuned for more events and activities to come. One of my favorite things about being Brethren is that we can join together as one church family for some of the simplest things and give God the glory through them. Continuing the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together. Pastor Jen

SCHOOL CLASSES: PRE-NURSERY (children 3 and under) NURSERY CLASS (AGES 3 & 4) BEGINNERS CLASS (KDG & GR 1) LITTLE GLEANERS (GR 2 & 3) SUNBEAM CLASS (GR 4 6) JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH (GR 7 12) BIBLE STUDIES

2 ADULT CLASSES: Sabbath (Sr. Adult Class in the Chapel) Growing Older and Wiser (Church Library) Acts 13 Lessons to help take the message of Christ to our World" (Young Adult Study in the Fellowship Hall) CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: PRE-NURSERY (children 3 and under) NURSERY CLASS (AGES 3 & 4) BEGINNERS CLASS (KDG & GR 1) LITTLE GLEANERS (GR 2 & 3) SUNBEAM CLASS (GR 4 6) JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH (GR 7 12) BIBLE STUDIES ADULT BIBLE STUDY Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am; Becoming a Contagious Christian a blueprint for starting a spiritual epidemic of hope and enthusiasm for spreading the gospel ADULT BIBLE STUDY Wednesday evening at 6:45 pm; The Barefoot Church WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY Saturdays at 9:30 am; BELIEVING GOD: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith MARK YOUR CALENDARS: NOVEMBER 9 November Congregational Meeting NOVEMBER 26 Thanksgiving Eve Service - 7:00 pm NOVEMBER 30 Family Breakfast/Hanging of the Greens DECEMBER 7 1 st Sunday of Advent Page 2

ANE DISTRICT CONFERENCE October 4, 2014 Elizabethtown College One-Day Format The conference is planned from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Worship at the District Conference will focus on the theme, Building Up the Body of CHRIST, based on Ephesians 4:11-16.

The Lancaster CoB Tour Choir Singing Our Faith, led by Emery DeWitt, will provide special music.

3 ANE DISTRICT CONFERENCE October 4, 2014 Elizabethtown College One-Day Format The conference is planned from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:00 am with a Bible Study option at 7:30; the conference business session begins at 8:30. Worship at the District Conference will focus on the theme, Building Up the Body of CHRIST, based on Ephesians 4: Mark Wenger, Director of Pastoral Studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (Lancaster) will lead the Bible study at 7:30 am. At 1:30 pm a special worship service is planned. The Lancaster CoB Tour Choir Singing Our Faith, led by Emery DeWitt, will provide special music. Paul Mundey, pastor of the Frederick, MD church, will preach the message, The Drumbeat of Love, while Dave Weiss, conference logo designer, portrays the message in a live painting. We will both hear and see the message preached. Together in worship, let us glorify God and Build Up the Body of CHRIST. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 2 Brian Kelly 6 Adam Graham 6 Julie Pistone 6 Jen Roth 7 Jessica Howard 7 Hope Donnelly 9 Keith Dieterly 10 Joseph Shubert 19 Jason Kreighbaum 22 Betsy Bean 23 Christopher Yorgey 24 Sarah Jean Guiffrida 25 Keith Donnelly 26 Emma Dieterly 27 Amanda Salanski 28 Miranda Compton 28 Eric Salansky 30 JoAnn Beard 31 Arthur Steich WORLDWIDE COMMUNION SUNDAY IS OCTOBER 5 In 1933, a Pittsburgh Pastor Hugh Thompson Kerr had a unique idea. What if churches all around the world celebrated Holy Communion on the same Sunday? He contacted leaders of various denominations worldwide. His idea was met with such warm enthusiasm that celebrating the sacrament on the first Sunday of October is now an annual affair. It unites Christians throughout the world, or in the words of the popular hymn: In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north; But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth. A PERSONAL INVITATION: Jesus of Nazareth cordially invites you to attend the Love Feast, Feetwashing, and Communion Service on Worldwide Communion Sunday October 5, at 6:30pm. You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake! SENIOR MOMENT To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, and reverent - that is to triumph over old age. Page 3

Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what her Sunday school lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Our church will once again be participating in the preparation of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse.

Through the power of Christ, one shoebox gift lovingly packed by a family or an individual and delivered to a child overseas can inspire pastors, multiply congregations, plant new

$org for further information. \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - WHAT MORE COULD I WANT?$ of $104,355. We are thrilled that giving increased again this year! said Director of Development Don Fitzkee.

of $104,355. We are thrilled that giving increased again this year! said Director of Development Don Fitzkee.

4 Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what her Sunday school lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him about the morning's lesson. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming." NEWSLETTER DEADLINES: A great big thank you to everyone who contributed to the Beacon this month. The deadline for submitting articles for the November Beacon is Oct 15 and for the December Beacon it is Nov 19; but please feel free to put them in early, it really helps. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Our church will once again be participating in the preparation of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. What goes into an Operation Christmas Child shoebox is fun. What comes out can change lives forever. Through the power of Christ, one shoebox gift lovingly packed by a family or an individual and delivered to a child overseas can inspire pastors, multiply congregations, plant new churches and inspire children to share the Gospel with family and friends. This year's National Collection week is November Please see Bill or April or go to samaritanspurse.org for further information. \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - WHAT MORE COULD I WANT? 2014 Bike & Hike The 18 th annual COBYS Bike & Hike, established a new income record this year; as of September 18, income was projected at more than $108,000, up from last year s figure of $104,355. We are thrilled that giving increased again this year! said Director of Development Don Fitzkee. Contributing to the growth in income was the addition of a Silent Auction, which featured 35 donated items and raised nearly $3,000. People seemed to be enjoying themselves at the auction, said Don, and we think this will add a growing component to the event in coming years. A photo gallery from the Bike & Hike is available on the COBYS Facebook page at &type=3. The event is held each year on the Sunday after Labor Day, so next year s Bike & Hike is slated for Sunday, September 13. Page 4

The Beacon Quakertown First Church of the Brethren OCTOBER 29th CHRISTIAN TRUNK OR TREAT, 7:00 pm OCTOBER 2014 NEWS FROM HEAVEN S BOUNTY Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of

safely walk through the parking lot to collect items from the trunks of parked cars. Parents, please park on the left (Quakertown) side of the church and children dress in your best costume!

A big THANK YOU to Door to Door and Windy Spring Farms for providing the fresh produce this summer for the Pantry.

5 The Beacon Quakertown First Church of the Brethren OCTOBER 29th CHRISTIAN TRUNK OR TREAT, 7:00 pm OCTOBER 2014 NEWS FROM HEAVEN S BOUNTY Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me Matthew 25:40 Putting a faith spin on a secular day, the event will begin with music and a faith story in the sanctuary and then the children will safely walk through the parking lot to collect items from the trunks of parked cars. Parents, please park on the left (Quakertown) side of the church and children dress in your best costume! In August, 94 households were served. These consisted of 72 children, 159 adults and 37 senior citizens. A big THANK YOU to Door to Door and Windy Spring Farms for providing the fresh produce this summer for the Pantry. Our volunteers have received news from the government that the upcoming year s budget is considerably less than last year. Yet, they are now servicing 35% more clients! At present most of the private donations are coming in from our community friends outside the church. We are slowly edging up to serving 100 families each month, so any and all donations are welcome. Again, if you have a Tuesday or Thursday off and would like to see the current operations of the pantry, please feel free to contact Benay to set up a time and date. Heaven s Bounty is run in accordance with all government regulations, as well as, with sensitivity to our clients. KIDS: Children are encouraged to dress up in costumes (but please, no graphic or gory costumes, or costumes associated with evil). Arrive at 6:45 pm and meet in the sanctuary for music and a faith story; then join us as we move into the parking lot for fun treat giveaways! CONGREGANTS/ADULTS: Please fill your trunks with treats and join the lineup in the parking lot. Treats can be Bibles, candy, baked goods, crafts, toys, District Senior Adult Fall Banquet bookmarks - please make sure all foods are individually wrapped and toys are rated for age 3 and older. A good mix is Wednesday, October 22, noon Yoder s Restaurant (New Holland) Program: Ridgeway Brass Menu: Choice of Broasted Chicken or Beef Stroganoff Cost: $16.50 always welcome! ALL: Refreshments will be provided following the activities. Page 5

KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES Knock, knock Who s there? Ben Ben who?

Hoo. Hoo who? Are you an owl? --------------------------- Knock, knock. Who s there?

Crypto-verse Answer on page 9, Oct 10. 6: 31 6: 31 "Have I not commanded you?

6 KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES Knock, knock Who s there? Ben Ben who? Ben knocking for 10 minutes Knock, knock. Who s there? Hoo. Hoo who? Are you an owl? Knock, knock. Who s there? I am. I am who? You mean you don t know who you are? Crypto-verse Answer on page 9, Oct 10. 6: 31 6: 31 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Page 6

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES 1 Gary & Andrea Adams (1988) 4 William & Audrey Howard (1986) 5 Richard and Beth Bednar (2013) 16 Dennis & Judy Menszak (1981) 17 Micah & Justine Musselman (2007) 19 Brian &

Do you take God at His word, believing what He has told us, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers?" "Beth Moore came face-to-face with this question well into adulthood.

" Over time, the Holy Spirit led her to understand He was saying, "I didn't ask you to believe in Me. I asked you to believe Me.

Changing leaves, football, cooler weather soup! Nothing tastes better on a cool fall day than hot soup. This recipe couldn t be easier.

7 OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES 1 Gary & Andrea Adams (1988) 4 William & Audrey Howard (1986) 5 Richard and Beth Bednar (2013) 16 Dennis & Judy Menszak (1981) 17 Micah & Justine Musselman (2007) 19 Brian & Holly Kelly (2002) 20 Jeff & Jane Haring (1979) To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to share it with you. ~Mark Twain~ "Do you believe God or merely believe in Him? Do you take God at His word, believing what He has told us, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers?" "Beth Moore came face-to-face with this question well into adulthood. At first, her response to God was, "Lord, of course I believe in You; I've believed in You all my life." Over time, the Holy Spirit led her to understand He was saying, "I didn't ask you to believe in Me. I asked you to believe Me." Join the Women's Bible Study Group, October 4 at 9:30, as they begin their study of Beth Moore's book, BELIEVING GOD: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith. LOAVES AND FISHES Ah, October! Changing leaves, football, cooler weather soup! Nothing tastes better on a cool fall day than hot soup. This recipe couldn t be easier. Just throw all the ingredients in a crock pot and forget it until you re ready to eat. I always add extra garlic we love it and it s good for you! Have leftover soup? Freeze and pull out later for a quick meal. TOMATO SPINACH SLOW COOKER SOUP 4 cups fresh or 8 oz. frozen and thawed spinach 2 medium carrots, chopped 2 medium celery ribs, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth 28 oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes 2 bay leaves 1 Tbsp dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed (optional) Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours. Remove bay leaves, stir and serve. Yields about 1 cup per serving (Weight Watchers 1 point) Tip of the Month: Drink an 8 oz. glass of water before each meal. It will help fill your stomach without adding any extra calories! Page 7

8 DEACON S CORNER I guess I am what you could call a simpleminded person. I like to take things at face value. I don t have a lot of pretenses; I believe in treating people as I would like to be treated. I believe in the golden rule -- do onto others as you would have them do onto you. I also believe we should not do to others what we do not want them to do to us. I also believe that you can tell a lot about people by the way they live their lives, and the things they seem to place importance on. What they do with their time and their treasure. How they treat their neighbors. I believe that as Christians (professors of Christ) our behavior and conduct should be distinguishable from that of the rest of the world. Not in a way that presents us as holier than thou, but simply more Christ-like in our conduct (the things we do and say). I believe that if we truly possess the Holy Spirit in our lives it will be evident in our way of living. Galatians 5:22-26 says: But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature and all its passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep step with the spirit, let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. If the fruits of the spirit are not evident in our lives (to ourselves or others), maybe we need to reevaluate our behaviors; maybe they are squelching the Holy Spirit s attempts to control our lives. I believe that most of the time we start out with good intentions to be Christ-like, but too often we allow worldly influences to creep in and control our thinking -- instead of God. Ephesians 4:29-32 says: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit all who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Sometimes it seems easy for us to justify our bad behavior. So-and-so did this -- so they deserve how I am treating them. It soon escalates and become self-perpetuating. It is the reason a lot of relationships end. What if we were to make an honest attempt to have the mind-set of Christ and act accordingly? What if we were to put others before ourselves and treat them with the same courtesy, respect and dignity we demand from them? What would happen if we really did treat others the way we ourselves want to be treated? Jesus taught that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul -- and our neighbor (all people) as ourselves. It s not always easy; sometimes it s downright hard. He knew it would be. It means accepting people for who they are with both good and irritating qualities. It means realizing that none of us is perfect -- but through Christ we have been forgiven. And, as we have been forgiven, we need to extend the olive branch of forgiveness to others. We are called upon to encourage each other, not tear each other down. It is not always easy -- but the rewards are great, and it s what the Lord our God calls us to do. JOHN 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Page 8

CHURCH CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2014 1 Wednesday Adult Bible Studies 11:00 am and 6:45 pm Children s Activities 6:45 pm; Bell Choir Practice 8:15 pm 2 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00

!! 5 World Communion Sunday Sunday School 9:00 am (Classes for ALL ages); Coffee Fellowship 9:50 am Worship Service 10:15 am Nursing Home Services: Quakertown Center 1:30 pm; Belle Haven 2:15 pm Love

8:15 pm 9 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 10 Friday Crypto-verse answer: "Do to others as you would have them do to you.

9 CHURCH CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER Wednesday Adult Bible Studies 11:00 am and 6:45 pm Children s Activities 6:45 pm; Bell Choir Practice 8:15 pm 2 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 3 Friday 4 Saturday Atlantic Northeast District Conference Elizabethtown College Women s Bible Study 9:30 am NEW STUDY BEGINS!!! 5 World Communion Sunday Sunday School 9:00 am (Classes for ALL ages); Coffee Fellowship 9:50 am Worship Service 10:15 am Nursing Home Services: Quakertown Center 1:30 pm; Belle Haven 2:15 pm Love Feast and Communion, 6:30 pm 6 Monday 7 Tuesday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 8 Wednesday Adult Bible Studies 11:00 am and 6:45 pm Children s Activities 6:45 pm; Bell Choir Practice 8:15 pm 9 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 10 Friday Crypto-verse answer: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31 11 Saturday Women s Bible Study 9:30 am 12 Sunday Sunday School 9:00 am (Classes for ALL ages) Worship Service 10:00 am Youth Group Meeting 4:00 pm 13 Monday 14 Tuesday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 15 Wednesday Adult Bible Studies 11:00 am and 6:45 pm Children s Activities 6:45 pm; Choir Practice 8:15 pm Newsletter Deadline 16 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Sunshine Stitchers 7:00 pm in the Church Library 17 Friday 18 Saturday Women s Bible Study 9:30 am Men s Breakfast 9:30 am Caitlyn and Cody s 19 Sunday Sunday School 9:00 am (Classes for ALL ages) Worship Service 10:00 am 20 Monday 21 Tuesday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 22 Wednesday District Senior Fall Luncheon at Yoder s Restaurant Adult Bible Studies 11:00 am and 6:45 pm Children s Activities 6:45 pm; Bell Choir Practice 8:15 pm 23 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 24 Friday 25 Saturday Women s Bible Study 9:30 am 26 Sunday Sunday School 9:00 am (Classes for ALL ages) Worship Service 10:00 am 27 Monday 28 Tuesday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 29 Wednesday Adult Bible Studies 11:00 am and 6:45 pm Children s Activities 6:45 pm; Choir Practice 8:15 pm 30 Thursday Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 31 Friday Page 9

FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 Trumbauersville Road Quakertown, Pa.

org Email address: quakertowncob@verizon.

Postage Paid SUNDAY SCHOOL 9AM SUNDAY WORSHIP 10AM CHILDREN S

am and 6:45 pm WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY Saturday at 9:30 am HEAVEN S

10 FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 Trumbauersville Road Quakertown, Pa Phone: Web Site: address: Non-Profit Organization Permit #11 Quakertown, Pennsylvania US Postage Paid SUNDAY SCHOOL 9AM SUNDAY WORSHIP 10AM CHILDREN S ACTIVITIES Wednesdays 6:45 pm ADULT BIBLE STUDIES Wednesdays 11:00 am and 6:45 pm WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY Saturday at 9:30 am HEAVEN S BOUNTY FOOD PANTRY Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Look inside for more information DEFEND THE TRUTH WITH LOVE

From The Pastor NOVEMBER 2014

From The Pastor NOVEMBER 2014 THE BEACON FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 TRUMBAUERSVILLE ROAD * QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951 PHONE: 215-536-7510 * EMAIL: QUAKERTOWNCOB@VERIZON.NET NOVEMBER 2014 From The Pastor Toto, I ve got a feeling we