The Good Newsletter. St. Thomas United Church of Christ. CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volume MMXVIII, Issue 5 May 2018

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1 The Good Newsletter St. Thomas United Church of Christ Volume MMXVIII, Issue 5 May 2018 Dear Church Family and Friends: For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do. Ephesians 2:8 What good is it if we say we have faith but don t show it by our actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Faith by itself isn t enough. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, claims we were made for ministry and shaped for serving God. What does this mean for us at St. Thomas? Warren goes on to say that, We are the way we are because we were made by God for a specific ministry... We were shaped for serving, so our purpose is to show love for others through ministry... He planned every day of our life to support his shaping process. Warren continues to say that our shape is the way God equips each one of us for ministry. Use this acronym to help us spring into S.H.A.P.E. Spiritual gifts - A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7 Heart and passion - What we love to do and care about most. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 Abilities -.and natural talents we were born with. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:6a Personality or temperament - God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 1 Corinthians 12:6 Experiences - all kinds, especially painful ones. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 Our chapter on Shared Ministry is ending. I want to humbly say, Thank you, for your willingness to embark on a new thing. I am grateful for all parts of the story we shared. But it is time we get back into S.H.A.P.E. As we move through this spring season, our stillspeaking God will challenge us to re-s.h.a.p.e. ourselves for service and ministry in this Body of Christ. Remember: What seems impossible to us, is possible with God. Healing and new life can begin. My prayer for this church family, is that we will be able to serve as the hands and feet of Christ as we continue to carry on our mission and ministry here in this place. Love and Prayers, Pastor Debra CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Good Newsletter ~ 1

2 MEMBER INFORMATION Please consider calling or sending a card to someone who is celebrating a birthday or anniversary. 2 nd Tami Malitsch 3 rd Natalie Cain 8 th Pastor Debra 12 th Jaina Harhart 14 th Benjamin Dutt, Carol Sadowski 16 th Evan Shook 18 th Terri Csaszar 21 st Carole Csaszar, Elanna Erdman, Jacob Lyons 22 nd Mildred Saeger 23 rd Rebecca Brown 25 th Alivia Bond 28 th Brian DeFiore 29 th Linda Ritter, Declan Wagner BIRTHS Annika and Ryan Kittek, twins of Erin and Jeremy Kittek were born March 30, 2018 at St. Luke s Hospital. Owen and Sean are very proud big brothers. WELCOME Carley, Margaret & Daniella Cain were baptized on Sunday, April 8, Carley also became a member on April 8, We welcome Carley and her daughters into the fellowship of St. Thomas. HOSPITAL INFORMATION If you or a member of your family is admitted to the hospital our number for all St. Luke s and Lehigh Valley Hospitals is 498 and for Easton Hospital is U21. Please have someone let the church office know about the admission since the hospitals don t usually call us. Thank you. 2 nd Kimberly & Michael Hartzell 14 th Nikki & David Anthony 26 th Melanie & Gregory Rasich 27 th Carole & Kenneth Hay ESTATE PLANNING Please consider St. Thomas in your estate plans. If you do, let us know. We are not concerned with the amount of the gift but would like to be able to thank you properly and make sure your wishes are honored. For more information, contact the church office. The Good Newsletter ~ 2

3 MAY SERVING IN WORSHIP WORSHIP FOCUS This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC MAY 6 Junior Singers Guest Preacher Scripture: John 15: 9-17 Sermon: TBD Children s Message & Prayer: TBD MAY 13 Mother s Day Scripture: John 17: 6-19 Sermon: To Be One Children s Message & Prayer: Puzzles and Mazes MAY 20 Pentecost Sunday, Communion Scripture: Acts 2: 1-21 Sermon: Breathe Children s Message & Prayer: Bible Boy MAY 6 GREETER... Shirley Hein USHERS... Volunteers Needed WORSHIP LEADER... Pastor Debra ACOLYTE... Jacob Lyons FLOWER SPONSOR... Hartzell/Hess Families MAY 13 GREETER... Jean Stauffenberg USHERS... Volunteers Needed WORSHIP LEADERS... Pastor Debra &Bob Wilt ACOLYTE... Jackson Rohrbach FLOWER SPONSOR...Dave & Nikki Anthony COUNTING TEAM... Elaine Taylor, Bob Wilt MAY 20 GREETER... Gloria Hurley USHERS... Volunteers Needed WORSHIP LEADERS... Pastor Debra & Karen Jaindl ACOLYTE... Claire Erdman FLOWER SPONSOR... Brenda Lichtenwalner COUNTING TEAM... Matt Erdman, Keith Jaindl MAY 27 GREETER... Volunteers Needed USHERS... Volunteers Needed WORSHIP LEADERS... Pastor Debra & Dave Hay FLOWER SPONSOR... Jen Koplin COUNTING TEAM... Jason Dutt, Dave Hay MAY 27 Joyful Noise Offering Scripture: Ephesians 4: 1-16 Sermon: Our Story Never Ends Children s Message and Prayer: Great Value The Good Newsletter ~ 3

4 MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR REHEARSALS 7:15 pm 10:15 am CHRISTIAN ED NEWS Last day of Sunday School is May 20 th. CONFIRMATION CLASS If you have a child entering 7 th grade or above who is interested in Confirmation Class, please contact Pastor Debra. Classes will begin in September. The traditional time for the class to be confirmed is Pentecost Sunday, which is June 9, PRAYER CHAIN & PRAYER REQUESTS If you would like to be a contact person on the prayer chain, please speak with Pastor Debra, Diane Wilt or the church office. If you know someone who is in need of prayer, contact one of the persons listed. Pastor Debra, Diane Wilt, Laurene Blair, Donna Hoffman, Kenny Miller, Karen Peters, Prayer List Since Our Last Newsletter: Homebound/Care Facility Bound: Walter Frey, Annabel Huth, Mae Michael, Patricia Musgnung, Charles Reichard SPECIAL OFFERINGS IN MAY Strengthen the Church Offering During the month of May Our gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities. Joyful Noise Offering May 27 th The Good Newsletter ~ 4

5 PRAYER BOX We have started an intentional way to pray for our St. Thomas Family. A small box has been placed on a table in the area near the card rack. Slips of paper with names of our members are in this box. As the Spirit moves you, draw a name from the prayer box and pray for that person. The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Thomas usually meets the fifth Sunday of the month following worship. Due to the Spring Cantata on Sunday, April 29 followed by food and fellowship, the next meeting will be Sunday, May 20, 2018, following worship. The group welcomes anyone who has an interest in knitting or crocheting, a novice or a veteran knitter/crocheter. If you or someone you know could benefit from a prayer shawl, please contact Pastor Debra or the church office. SIGHT & SOUND OUTING We are trying to organize an outing to Sight & Sound to see their production of Jesus. When: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Cost: Ticket $56.00 plus a share of the van and gas to get us there. Spaces Available: 15 Deadline: May 6 - $56 due by May 6, Van and gas amount to be determined "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 To all those who serve on & help with the various teams. To all those who serve as ushers, greeters and acolytes. USHER DUTIES As a reminder for those who volunteer as ushers: Please select one of the ushers each Sunday to keep an eye on the light board in the sanctuary at the beginning of worship to let any late arrivals in. Thank you. The Good Newsletter ~ 5

6 DEADLINE INFO The Good Newsletter is a collection of material submitted to the church office and is published by the church. Please also refer to the weekly worship bulletins to keep updated on what is happening at St. Thomas. Please submit information for the June newsletter is by May 15 th. CARD RACK We have all occasion cards for sale on our card rack. Cost: 50 each CARD RACK DONATIONS We do accept donations of unused greeting cards for our card rack. At this time we do not need blank cards. If you d like to donate cards for the card rack please place them in the shoe box on the credenza in the hall by the side entrance. Thank you. GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP The program, Beyond the Broken Heart: A Journey Through Grief, is a grief support and ministry program for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. This program will be held at 10am Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. For information, please contact Pastor Debra. MISSION PROJECT Many of us do not worry about our clothing needs. We are able to purchase basic items for our children, and for ourselves, no matter what kind of household budget we use. But there are some families who struggle to purchase basic items. St. Thomas UCC will be helping families at Spring Garden Elementary School this spring. We will collect the following new clothing items now until May 20 th. Please place the items in the bin outside the church office. Thank you for supporting these families. Sizes: All sizes for children and adults. Types of Clothing: Plain sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, shorts The Good Newsletter ~ 6

7 Remember Mother s Day Sunday, May 13 th Source: newsletternewsletter.com The Good Newsletter ~ 7

8 LOOKING AHEAD TALENT SHOW Join us on May 6 following worship for lunch and a show! We are looking for YOU to share your talent! See Chris or sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board! MAY SHOO FLY PIE SALE Tuesday, May 8, 2018 ~ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. To Order: Place your order on the message board next to the church office, or call the church office at Cost: $8.00 each Please place your order by Wednesday, May 2! April Pie Baking Work Schedule Monday, April 30: 9 a.m. Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making Monday, May 7: 9 a.m. Pie Baking Tuesday, May 8: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pie Pick-up TRINITY UCC MONTHLY HOAGIE SALE Deadline to order is Sunday, May 6. Hoagie pickup is from 6:45-7p.m. on Tuesday, May 8. Cost of hoagies or sandwiches is $4.00. Hoagies are with or without onions. Sandwiches are Ham & Cheese, Turkey & Cheese, or Trinity Special (Turkey, Ham & Cheese). To order call Trinity UCC at FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE Saturday, May 12 th, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Spring is on the way clean out your basement and attic donate items (no clothing please) to the St. Thomas Table or donate something for our bake sale. Reserve your own space for $10. Call the church office to reserve your space. Volunteers are needed to help set up, sell and clean up. See Amy Rohrbach or Karen Jaindl to volunteer. Proceeds benefit Christian Ed. The Good Newsletter ~ 8

9 MEMORIAL FLAGS You are invited to help Boy Scout Troop 359 place flags on the graves of veterans. They will meet at the flag pole in Memorial Park Cemetery at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 14. All help is appreciated. Contact Dave Hay with questions (610) RED GERANIUMS FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY We are selling red geraniums to be placed in the sanctuary for Pentecost, May 20. Please use the signup sheet to order red geraniums. The cost is $4.00 for a 4 potted geranium. The last day to order is Sunday, May 6. Also, if you have it, please wear something RED to church on Pentecost, May 20! PENTECOST SUNDAY May 20, 2018 ~ 10:45 a.m. worship service WELCOME BACK BIBLE BOY Here he comes to spread the Word! Bible Boy will be making a return appearance during the Children s Time at St. Thomas UCC on May 20. His quest is to spread the Word of God to boys and girls (adults as well!). So join us on May 20 to again welcome this Christian Crusader, and hear of his adventures! MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE There will be an outdoor Memorial Day Service of Remembrance following worship on Sunday, May 27. We will gather outside fellowship hall. We will remember and celebrate the men and women who have served our country. The Good Newsletter ~ 9

10 THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018 IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY CALLING ALL GRADUATES! Please let us know when you will be graduating from High School, College, etc. We d like to know any awards you re receiving, degrees and future plans. The information will be listed in the June Good Newsletter. We need the information by May 15! Graduates will be honored during worship in June! CONTINUING MINISTRY 2018 Resource Persons We print this information so that members and friends of St. Thomas will know who to contact with questions, concerns, and ideas pertaining to the ministry of St. Thomas. The following persons serve as resource and contact persons: Pastor Rev. Debra K Hess Office: Cell: Church Office Karen Jaindl Governing Board President: David Hay Vice President: Bob Wilt Treasurer: Matt Erdman Recording Secretary: Karen Jaindl Financial Secretary: Karen Peters Members: David Anthony, Jason Dutt, David Hay, Kyle Hess, Karen Jaindl, Kenny Miller, Karen Shook, Bob Wilt Elders you may also contact Laurene Blair, Matt Erdman, Shirley Hein, Donna Hoffman, Gloria Hurley, Keith Jaindl, Brenda Miller, Nancy Musgnung, Karen Senft, Michael Shay, Elaine Taylor, Diane Wilt Music Director J. Christopher Malocheski or Prayer Resource Person Diane Wilt Christian Education Amy Rohrbach Address St. Thomas UCC ~ stthomasunited.churchofchrist@rcn.com Web Sites St. Thomas ~ stthomasuccbeth.com Penn Northeast Conference of the U.C.C. ~ United Church of Christ, Cleveland, Ohio ~ Pastoral Care Please call the staff through the church office, , or contact Pastor Debra, , if you or family members are in need of Pastoral Care. The Good Newsletter ~ 10

11 SUMMER WORSHIP TIME There will be a combined worship service at Bethany UCC on Sunday, June 3 beginning at 10 a.m. A light lunch will follow. The Sunday morning worship time for St. Thomas will change to 10:00 a.m. beginning Sunday, June 10 and continue through September 2. Mark your calendars! JUNE (Sunday Worship Time Changes to 10 a.m.) June 3 Combined Bethany UCC, 10 am June 12 Congregational Care Team, 7pm June 18 Governing Board, 6:30pm June 24 Joyful Noise Offering JULY July 4 Church Office Closed July 10 Congregational Care, 7 p.m. July 16 Governing Board, 6:30 p.m. July 22 Sundaes on Sunday July 29 Joyful Noise Offering NOTE: Regular Sunday Events: 9:30 a.m. All Sunday School Classes through May 20 10:15 a.m. Choir 10:45 a.m. Worship Not all events/activities have been scheduled. Please check the calendars each month for updates! The Good Newsletter ~ 11

12 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 1 Strengthen the Church Offering received all month. 7 9 am Bake Shoo Fly Pies :30 am Sunday School Classes 10:15 am Choir 10:45 am Worship Mother s Day! 9 am 1 pm Shoo Fly Pie Pick-up 10 a.m. Grief Support Group 7 pm Care Team Meeting 21 6:30 pm Governing Board THURSDAY FRIDAY :15 pm Choir a.m. Grief Support Group 10 7:15 pm Choir 15 SATURDAY 3 7:15 pm Choir 10 a.m. Grief Support Group 20 9:30 am Sunday School Classes (Last Day) 10:15 am Choir 10:45 am Worship Bible Boy Communion 2 10 a.m. Grief Support Group 6 9:30 am Sunday School Classes 10:15 am Choir 10:45 am Worship Following Worship Lunch & Talent Show WEDNESDAY am Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making 7:15 pm Choir Church Office Closed Church Office Closed 8 am 1 pm Flea Market & Bake Sale 18 Church Office Closed 25 Church Office Closed Pentecost Sunday 27 10:15 am Choir 10:45 am Worship Joyful Noise Offering Following Worship Memorial Day Service 38 Memorial Day Church Office Closed 29 9 am Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making 10 a.m. Grief Support Group St. Thomas United Church of Christ 902 East Macada Road, Bethlehem, PA Church Office ~ stthomasunited.churchofchrist@rcn.com stthomasuccbeth.com Rev. Debra K Hess Pastor J. Christopher Malocheski Music Director Our Mission To welcome all people into a growing spiritual family dedicated to helping and serving others, inspired by the love of God and Jesus Christ working in our lives. The Good Newsletter ~ Sunday Worship ~ 10:45 a.m. 26