TRUNK OR TREAT OCT pm

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1 THE BEACON FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 TRUMBAUERSVILLE ROAD * QUAKERTOWN, PA PHONE: * QUAKERTOWNCOB@GMAIL.COM OCTOBER 2018 ANE DISTRICT CONFERENCE OCTOBER 5-6, 2018 LOVE FEAST AND HOLY COMMUNION Oct 7 th, 6:30 pm OCC FUNDRAISER 1:00-4:00 pm October 13, 2018 TRUNK OR TREAT OCT pm CARIBBEAN STEEL RHYTHMS OCT 28 at 6:30 pm TAKING IT WITH YOU Several years ago, I came across a picture in the newspaper that really captured my attention. The article associated with the picture was about a funeral, but it was the picture not the article that I noticed. Obviously, for my attention to be riveted to the picture, this could not have been an ordinary funeral. Two peculiarities jumped off the page the moment I saw the picture. First, I noticed the unusual size of the grave. It was longer and wider than any grave site I had ever seen. Second, the casket they were lowering into the grave was very unusual. Instead of lowering a normal casket into the grave, a crane was lowering a 1984 Chevrolet Corvette. Inside the car were the ashes of a seventy-one-year-old man named George. On that March day the ashes of George and the Corvette were lowered into their final resting place. While I m sure that particular vehicle had a lot of meaning to its owner, other than sentimental reasons, being buried in a car serves no purpose. That vehicle has been rusting away for the past twenty years. It serves as an effective reminder that you can t take it with you. Whatever we accumulate, whatever we earn, all the materials and money we value on earth must all be left behind when we die. There is no way around this fact. Comedian, Jack Benny, spent nineteen years on his radio show and many years afterwards on television and other appearances portraying a penny-pinching miser. His character was the comedic embodiment of a modern-day Scrooge, although in real life he was described as a very generous man. (Continued on page 4) Philippians 2:1-5 (NAS) Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit. If any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, {Amen}

2 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: NURSERY (through Kindergarten): Bible Stories ELEMENTARY (Grades 1 through 6): Gather Round (Brethren Press) JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH (7 th through 12 th grade): Bluefish Tv Videos ADULTS (in the Church Library): Miracles: Signs of God's Glory by Douglas Connelly SR ADULTS (in the Chapel): I AM, Discovering Who Jesus Is by Douglas Connelly BIBLE STUDIES: ADULT BIBLE STUDY Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am; LUKE: New Hope, New Joy by Ada Lum ADULT BIBLE STUDY Wednesday evening at 6:45 pm; Life Lessons: Book of James by Max Lucado MEN S BIBLE STUDY - 3 rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm; The Godly Man: Personal Studies for the Christian Man by Gene Warr ANE DISTRICT PRAYER CALENDAR Encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11 WEEK 7 Oct Oct Oct Oct 18 CHURCH WE ARE PRAYING FOR Heidelberg (Newmanstown, PA) Ambler (Ambler, PA) Lampeter (Lampeter, PA) Little Swatara (Bethel, PA) CHURCH PRAYING FOR US Elizabethtown (Elizabethtown, PA) Palmyra (Palmyra, PA) Swatara Hill (Middletown, PA) Springfield (Coopersburg, PA) NEWSLETTER DEADLINES: A great big thank you to everyone who contributed to the Beacon this month. The deadline for submitting articles is the third Wednesday of the preceding month, so the deadline for submitting articles for the November Beacon is OCT 17 and for the December Beacon it is NOV 21; but please feel free to put them in early, it really helps. Page 2

3 NEWS FROM HEAVEN S BOUNTY For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35 Heaven's Bounty had another busy month in August. The pantry served 97 families which consisted of 93 children, 136 adults and 53 seniors. Fifteen volunteers clocked hours in August. The pantry often has bread and goodies left over at closing on Thursday. Anyone is welcome to come and help themselves to these donations from 1:00 to 1:30 pm. If you know someone who needs help, the pantry is opened Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. To sign up, the client must be a resident of Quakertown School District and have a photo ID. Once the (one page) paperwork is completed, a client may visit the pantry every four weeks. Should you have questions, please see either Benay Forte or Diane Wert Thank you to all who gave so generously to the Harvest Home food drive to benefit Heaven s Bounty Food Pantry. Many in our community will receive the blessing of the donated items. Also thank you to the Youth for arranging the beautiful display in the sanctuary. Thank you also to those who donated baby food for Crossroads Pregnancy Center. The need is on-going, so the collection box will be out for several more weeks. We are hosting the "Loaves & Fishes Dinner on Thurs, October 4th, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church See the sign-up sheet in the narthex for ways to help. LOVE FEAST AND HOLY COMMUNION World Communion Sunday is October 7 th this year. We will be celebrating with a Love Feast - a small meal and feet washing - and by sharing Holy Communion. All are welcome to come and share in the meal, and those who have been baptized are welcome to share in the feet washing and Communion; the service begins at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship room in the church basement. The Chapel will be set up for those who prefer not to do the stairs (Thank You, Jim). Page 3

4 ZION CHORAL 2018 CONCERT SCHEDULE We'd love to have you join us for one (or all) of our concerts! Prelude begins a half hour before the start of each program. October 14 3:00 pm Shepherd of the Hills Church 527 Hoffmansville Rd, Bechtelsville PA October 21 To be determined October 28 3:00 pm 3:00 pm Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pk, Quakertown PA November 4 First Baptist Church 700 N Broad St, Lansdale PA November 11 Immanuel Leidy's Church 273 W Cherry Ln, Souderton PA November 18 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church 1151 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown PA TAKING IT WITH YOU (Continued from page 1) In one episode he was having a problem with his insurance company. At first, the insurance company refused to issue him a life insurance policy, because they had never written one the way he wanted it written. He wanted to name himself as the beneficiary of his own life insurance policy. They finally agreed to write the policy, but on one condition. They required him to leave a forwarding address so they would know where to send the check. The fictional character, Jack Benny, thought he had found a loophole, discovering a way to take it with him, but in the end, it didn t work. But, in reality there is a loophole, well, sort of. You can take your treasure with you, if it is the right sort of treasure. In Matthew 6:19-20 Jesus says, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. The point of Jesus words is that there are some treasures that you can take with you, but these treasures are not riches, possessions, fame, or properties. The treasures that Jesus promoted can be accumulated by all, regardless of social or financial standing. They cannot be bought, sold, or traded. In fact, they are not material possessions at all. Instead they are actions performed for the benefit of others, words spoken to share God s love and forgiveness, a cup of cold water shared to one who is thirsty, an extended hand to a brother or sister who has fallen, a need that is filled, a life that is touched, or a heart that is changed. These are the treasures Jesus instructed us to accumulate, treasures that you can take with you. So, as you go through life, don t be afraid to accumulate treasures, just make sure they are the eternal kind. (Also Read Matthew 25:31-46) Pastor Mark Page 4

5 SENIOR MOMENT Autumn is the hush before winter. French Proverb GOD MADE AN AUTUMN DAY Neil Hancock God took a bit of the sunset, Colors bright and rare. He took from the mountains a hazy blue -- Gold from a maiden s hair. From the ocean came a ripple of jade, From the rivers a misty gray -- He blended them all together And He made an Autumn Day! Senior Adult Banquet Yoder s Restaurant, October 24, Noon Entertainment: One Heart, One Voice gospel quartet Cost: $18.00/person Menu: Tossed salad, Broasted chicken or ham loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans & baby carrots, vanilla or chocolate ice cream UPCOMING SERMONS: OCTOBER 7: Scripture Reading: John 4:4-26 Sermon Title: "Reaching Out" OCTOBER 14: Scripture Reading: James 3:1-12 Sermon Title: "The Power of Words" OCTOBER 21: Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 Sermon Title: "Overcoming Anxiety" OCTOBER 28: Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:89-105; Romans 12:1-2 Sermon Title: "Knowing God's Will" RIDDLES What clothes does a house wear? Address What country makes you shiver? Chile What did Tennessee? The same thing Arkansas What did Delaware? Her New Jersey What did Idaho? Her Maryland Page 5

6 RECIPE SWAP CREAM OF PEANUT SOUP INGREDIENTS: 1 Medium onion 2 Ribs celery, chopped ¼ cup Butter 1 Tbl Flour 2 qt Chicken stock 1 cup Smooth peanut butter 1 pt Light cream DIRECTIONS: Sauté the onions and celery in butter. Sprinkle the flour over the top and stir until blended. Add the chicken stock and heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Cool a bit and then puree in a blender in small batches; return to the sauce pan. Add the peanut butter and cream and warm to serving temp - do not boil. Serve garnished with peanuts. ANE DISTRICT CONFERENCE: OCTOBER 5 & 6, 2018 Philippians 4:8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. If you would like to contribute a recipe, just put it in my mailbox or the church. Thanks, Judy Mo. A trip to Sight and Sound s newest production: JESUS is being planned. A block of tickets has been reserved for December 27; cost is $56 for adults and $26 for children It's the 3:00 p.m. show and we will probably be stopping at Shady Maple on the way out. Please call or the church or see Judy Me as soon as possible for tickets. District Conference is the annual gathering of Church of the Brethren congregations, fellowships and projects within the Atlantic Northeast District. District Conference offers an opportunity for fellowship, worship and a chance to participate in important topics related to the district. The goal is to work together to create spiritually healthy congregations who covenant and network together to further the Kingdom of God. There are two policies that will be voted on by Delegates at this year's District Conference: 1. ANE Policy on Same-Gender Marriage 2. ANE Procedural Outline for Congregational Withdrawal There is lots and lots of info on the District website Or you can talk to one of our District Representatives this year: Judy Menszak and Juli Thomas. Page 6

7 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 What an exciting time of year! After months of preparations, it s almost time to pack those shoeboxes! We have flyers and shoeboxes available to pack your own boxes with your family, or join us in packing our churches boxes. You may even sponsor one of our boxes if you d like to participate but don t have the time or ability to get out and shop. We have scheduled six packing parties-focusing on one age/gender category per party; dates and times are listed on the right. We will have everything set up for you to grab a box and fill it with your choice of items so the box will truly be a personal gift to the child who receives it. Please join us for an hour or two and feel free to bring along family members, friends, neighbors or coworkers to join in the fun. Remember, whatever you pack in your box stays in your box. The boxes remain sealed until they are inspected at the processing center in Baltimore. Nothing is redistributed or removed from your box unless it contains a do not send item listed on the flyer. Shoebox Dedication Sunday is November 11, so be sure to return your boxes that morning to be dedicated and prayed over before being taken to the collection center. Bill and April have recently become year-round volunteers with OCC s Church/Community Relations Team. We are available to help promote OCC s ministry with local churches, businesses and community groups. Please let us know if you hear of anyone who would like for us to share information with their group. We appreciate all of your support! OCC FUNDRAISER 1:00-4:00 pm October 13, 2018 Operation Christmas Child sends shoeboxes filled with toys and necessities all over the world to children in need. They spread the love of God to children that don t know him. An Operation Christmas Child Fundraiser is being held Saturday, Oct 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm; Heaven s Bounty is sponsoring the event. A $6.00 luncheon is planned with takeout available. MENU: Hotdog or Sloppy Joe Baked beans Sauerkraut Snack Drink There will also be a bake sale and a craft sale. All proceeds will go directly to our OCC project costs. If you would like to donate baked goods or craft items, call or the church. Please contact Joan if you have any questions. OCC PACKING PARTIES: Sun, Oct 1:00 pm Tue, Oct 6:30 pm Thu, Nov 6:30 pm Sun, Nov 1:00 pm Tue, Nov 6:30 pm Tue, Nov 6:30 pm Page 7

8 CORNER OF INSPIRATION I am writing this column on July 7 th. It should be a relief to you to know that I wasn t up at 4:00 am watering flowers again. You can stop worrying now. Actually I was vacuuming (no, not at 4:00 am) when the urge (need) to write overcame me. So here I am -- pen in hand. We ve just come through two weeks of really hot, humid and muggy (uncomfortable) weather, but overnight it changed -- big time. It was a relief to turn off the A.C., open the windows and wake up to the joyful sounds of the serenading birds. Unlike the last few 90 o days we ve experienced, the temperature this morning is around 60 o with a very low dew point. A corporate sound can be heard of people praising God for the gift of such a beautiful day. I sat outside for awhile and took it all in -- the cool temperature, the low humidity, the refreshing breeze, and all the sounds of nature. I added my voice to the throng of those thanking/praising God for a day like this. As I sat there, my head was filled with the praises of the doxology. We humans can do a lot of complaining. We complain about the condition/course of our lives, the weather, and just about anything else we can have an opinion about. With all the blessings around us and all the reasons we have to be thankful, we zero in on what s wrong with things (or at least what we think is wrong with them.) We have so much to thank God for and yet As I m writing this I can envision the changes the fall season will bring -- leaves changing color, a crispness in the air, colors of the fall flowers in bloom, and pumpkins dotting the fields on the horizon. All precursors of the soon-to-come Thanksgiving season -- a time when we offer our thanks to God for His overflowing blessings in our lives. Today I am giving thanks for the gift of this beautiful morning/day. I might not remember to include it among my Thanksgiving blessings. I will strive to thank God each day for the blessings of that day -- and focus on them rather than the occasional complaint I may have. Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost (now back to vacuuming -- though I d much rather be writing!) PSALM 145:1-3 (NIV) I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy... I've learned... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" actually makes my day. That being kind is more important than being right. That you should never say no to a gift from a child. Page 8

9 CARIBBEAN STEEL RHYTHMS OCT 28 at 6:30 pm Good News! Good News! If you enjoyed the Caribbean steel drums last year (and who didn t!), you have the opportunity to enjoy them once again on Sunday, October 28 at 6:30 pm. This group was quite popular last year -- with many from the community attending. For many it was their first introduction to steel drums. If you ve never seen them before, you are in for a real treat. Come out to experience and enjoy it; you ll know why they are so popular. An offering will be taken for the band; and refreshments will follow their performance. Plan to attend and bring a friend -- you ll be glad you did! Putting your best foot forward at least keeps it out of your mouth. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) TRUNK OR TREAT OCT pm Come and decorate your trunk and share your treats with the children or just come for the outing. From 6:00-7:00 it will be the Trunk or Treat and then 7:00-8:00 we will be having s mores around a fire pit. Bring your chairs and join us for a fun night out!! Please no blood or distasteful costumes. We will meet in the sanctuary before the fun starts; hope to see you here!!! Page 9

10 NOVEMBER The Next Congregational Meeting is Sunday, November 11, shortly after the worship service (15 minutes or so). This will be the regular semi-annual meeting to hear commission and committee reports, to elect new board members and officers for 2019, and to discuss and approve the 2019 budget. This is the time for you to ask questions and to raise any concerns you may have - so please plan to attend. PANTRY CLOSED: Nov 6 (Election Day) Nov 22 (Thanksgiving) THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE 7:00 pm at Springfield CoB No Evening Bible Study or Choir practices DECEMBER DECEMBER 01 Hanging of the Greens Breakfast at 9:00 am QUAKERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY SINGERS CONCERT Watch for details LIVE NATIVITY Dec. 08, 6 pm to 8 pm Candle Light Service Dec. 24, 7:00 pm Page 10

11 BIRTHDAYS 2 Brian Kelly 6 Julie Keller 6 Jen Roth 7 Jessica Howard 7 Hope Donnelly 9 Keith Dieterly 10 Joseph Shubert 12 LeAnna Marie Thomas 22 Betsy Bean 23 Christopher Yorgey 25 Keith Donnelly 26 Emma Dieterly 26 Jacob Borochaner 27 Amanda Salansky 28 Miranda Compton 28 Eric Salansky 30 JoAnn Beard 31 Arthur Steich ANNIVERSARIES 01 Gary & Andrea Adams 04 William & Audrey Howard 16 Dennis & Judy Menszak 19 Brian & Holly Kelly 20 Jeff & Jane Haring PASTOR MARK S MINISTRY HOURS Monday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tuesday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Wednesday: 10:00 am to noon & 1:00 to 4:00 pm Thursday: Variable OCTOBER CALENDAR SUNDAYS WEDNESDAYS 9:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am: Adult Bible Study 10:00 am Worship Service 6:45 pm: Adult Bible Study 8:00 pm: Choir or Bell Choir Practice FOOD PANTRY OPEN TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm Oct 04 Thu -- Loaves & Fishes Dinner at Trinity Oct 04 Thu 7:00 pm Missions Workshop Oct 07 Sun 9:50 am Coffee Fellowship at 9:50 am; Worship at 10:15 1:30 pm Quakertown Center Service 2:15 pm Belle Haven Service 6:30 pm Love Feast and Holy Communion Oct 13 Sat 1-4 pm OCC Fundraiser Oct 14 Sun 6:00 pm Youth Fellowship Oct 18 Thu 7:00 pm Sunshine Stitchers 7:00 pm Men s Bible Study Oct 20 Sat 11:00 am Men s Brunch Oct 27 Sat 6-8 pm Trunk or Treat Oct 28 Sun 6:30 pm Caribbean Steel Rhythms Concert Oct 29 Mon 7:00 pm Church Board Meeting SERVICE SCHEDULES FOR OCTOBER NARTHEX NURSERY HEAD USHER: Jeff V Oct 07 Wendy & Connie DEACON: Denny Oct 14 Ellen & Tina SOUND ROOM: Dale & Audrey Oct 21 Hope & Ashley GREETERS: Jeff & Jane Oct 28 Judy Mo & Audrey H LOOKING AHEAD: Nov 06 - Election Day, Pantry Closed Nov 11 - Congregational Meeting after worship Nov 21 - Thanksgiving Eve Service at Springfield CoB Dec 01 - Family Breakfast/Hanging of the Greens, 9:00 am Dec 08 - Live Nativity, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7:00 pm Page 11

12 FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 Trumbauersville Road Quakertown, Pa Phone: Web Site: address: SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 am SUNDAY WORSHIP 10 am HEAVEN S BOUNTY FOOD PANTRY Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am to 1:30 pm ADULT BIBLE STUDIES Wednesdays 11:00 am and 6:45 pm MISSIONS WORKSHOP 1 st Thursday at 7:00 pm YOUTH GROUP 2 nd Sunday at 6:00 pm SUNSHINE STITCHERS 3 rd Thursday at 7:00 pm MEN S BIBLE STUDY 3 rd Thursday at 7:00 pm MEN S BRUNCH 3 rd Saturday at 11:00 am OCTOBER INSIDE: LOAVES AND FISHES DINNER October 4 ANE DISTRICT CONFERENCE October 5-6, 2018 LOVE FEAST AND HOLY COMMUNION October 7 at 6:30 pm OCC FUNDRAISER October 13 from 1 to 4 pm TRUNK OR TREAT October 27 from 6 to 8 pm CARIBBEAN STEEL RHYTHMS CONCERT October 28 at 6:30 pm ZION CHORAL 2018 Concert Schedule Page 12