February 3 rd. February 4 th YOUTH GROUP HOAGIE SALE FEBRUARY 2018

Transcription

1 THE BEACON FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 455 TRUMBAUERSVILLE ROAD * QUAKERTOWN, PA PHONE: * QUAKERTOWNCOB@GMAIL.COM FEBRUARY 2018 YOUTH GROUP HOAGIE SALE February 3 rd (Hurry! Orders are due Jan 28) SOUPER BOWL OF CARING February 4 th IS IT FAIR? A brother and sister were sitting at a table staring at a single plate holding the last piece of cake. Their mother, tired of the arguing, decided to solve the conflict for them. The mother joined them at the table, picked up the knife and handed it to her daughter. You divide the cake, the mother said. That s not fair, the brother complained, she will cut herself a bigger piece. The daughter took the knife from her mother s hand, and prepared to divide the cake. However, before she could begin, her mother continued with her instructions. After you divide the cake, your brother will be allowed to decide which piece he wants, she said. The daughter paused for a moment, then relocated the knife to the center and cut two equal slices. All one s ways may be pure in one s own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. (Proverbs 16:2) Often, we may be able to convince ourselves that what we are doing is fair, but is it really? Would the people around us agree? To answer that question, we must be willing to step outside of our own perspectives and concerns, and try to see our actions and intentions through the eyes of others. True fairness requires giving the interests of others equal value and priority with our own. This is the lesson Jesus taught when he said, Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31) Remember, even though we may convince ourselves that our actions and decisions are fair, the Lord weighs the spirit. God knows the intentions of the heart, and the final weighing of every action will be done with God s scales. Pastor Mark Psalm 95: 1-7 (NIV) Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

2 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: NURSERY (through Kindergarten): Gather Round ELEMENTARY (Grades 1 through 6): Bible Stories JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH (7 th through 12 th grade): The Story DVD series ADULTS (in the Church Library): Jonah, Joel and Amos by Doug and Doris Haugen SR ADULTS (in the Chapel): THE TWELVE DISCIPLES 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 PASTOR MARK S MINISTRY HOURS Monday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tuesday: 10:00 am to noon Wednesday: 10:00 am to noon & 2:00 to 6:00 pm Thursday: Variable To make an appointment: call the church, call or text his cell ( ), or marknichols08@gmail.com or quakertowncob@gmail.com 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 March Beacon is FEB 21 and for the April Beacon it is MAR 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 The winter has brought new challenges with snow and deep cold. In December, Heaven's Bounty served 102 families consisting of 96 children, 163 adults and 50 seniors. Forty families were served the Tuesday and Thursday before Christmas alone. Speaking of winter weather, like the church, the pantry uses the Quakertown School District as a guide. If the district is closed, the pantry is closed. If there is a delay in school opening, there is also a delay in the pantry opening. However, pantry leadership also considers the safety of volunteers and clients. If snow is not cleared, the pantry may be closed until the parking lot and walks are clear - even if the school is open on schedule. The pantry is getting low on supplies. No federal deliveries were received in November, December or January. Our last state request (made in January) has spent the reminder of our allocation for fiscal year We will not receive a new allocation until there is a new budget (due July first). The pantry is in particular need of cereal, peanut butter and canned soup. Benay Forte and Diane Wert are always available to answer any of your questions. As always, Heaven's Bounty is managed to serve our community according to all state and federal regulations. RECIPE SWAP TAILGATE CHILI Try this classic chili recipe that's good for your heart. It's ready in 30 minutes and will go well with your Youth Group Hoagies! INGREDIENTS FOR 4 SERVINGS 1 lb. 95% lean ground beef (or ground white meat chicken or turkey for a healthier option) 1 medium onion (chopped) 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped) 1 medium jalapeño (optional) chopped 4 clove minced, fresh garlic or 2 tsp. jarred, minced garlic 1 Tbsp. chili powder 1 Tbsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. ground coriander 15.5 oz. canned, no-salt-added or low-sodium pinto or kidney beans, rinsed, drained 14.5 oz. canned, no-salt-added, or, low-sodium, diced tomatoes (undrained) 3/4 cup jarred salsa (lowest sodium available) DIRECTIONS 1. Spray large saucepan with cooking spray. Cook beef and onion over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to break up beef. Transfer to colander and rinse with water to drain excess fat. Return beef to pan. 2. Stir in bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, and cumin, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes. 4. Optional serve topped with low-fat grated cheese, a dollop of fat-free sour cream, sliced avocado, snipped cilantro or chopped green onions. This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association's Simple Cooking with Heart Program. Page 3

4 SENIOR MOMENT "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." ~~Robert Frost SOMEONE TO CARE Ruby Lee Mitchell Instead of pointing out the way, I d rather someone kind would say, I ll walk along with you, my friend; The road has many turns and bends. When life is dark and I can t see, I d rather one would say to me, Instead of placing block or bar, Come on, I ll help you find a star. If we d share in life s give and take, We must share with the friends we make. With a friend, journeys seem less far; With one to help, I touch a star. I read this in the Fish Wrapper and decided it would be a good motto for our newsletter: MAKING MISTAKES IS BETTER THAN FAKING PERFECTION. CHURCH NOTES: ATTENTION! The bowl at the back of the church marked For the Poor is for monetary donations only. in a church bulletin during the minister s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better. Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers. The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, Break Forth Into Joy. Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on It s a Terrible Experience. We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and the rector. March 24 (Saturday) at 11:00 am Sponsored by the Witness Commission, our annual Community Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 24 at 11:00 am. There will be LOTS of ways you can help; check the March newsletter for more details. 1 John 3:18 - Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Page 4

5 The Beacon Quakertown First Church of the Brethren FEBRUARY 2018 SOUPER BOWL OF CARING NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE 2018 February 4th Participants in National Youth Conference (NYC) 2018 will focus on the theme Bound Together: Clothed in Christ. The scriptural theme is from Colossians 3:12-15: As God s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. NYC will take place July 21-26, 2018, in Fort Collins, Colo. The event is for youth who have completed ninth grade through one year of college at the time of NYC (or are age equivalent to this range) and their advisors. Programming, lodging, and meals are included in the registration fee. Registration will be online and will open in January Visit for more information. Hunger and poverty have a negative impact on individuals and the communities in which they live, yet there is joy in serving and giving to those in need. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national movement of young people working to fight hunger and poverty in their own neighborhoods. Since 1990, young people have been leading the charge and inspiring others to collect dollars and food in the weeks leading up to The Big Game. Teaming up with local partners, these groups give 100% of donations to local charities, changing the nation's largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of caring. Our Youth Group is sponsoring a Souper Bowl collection on February 4th; after the worship service they will be waiting in the narthex with the soup bowls - please support this effort generously. CROSS-STITCHERS! YOUTH GROUP HOAGIE SALE February 3rd The Women s Fellowship is sponsoring the creation of a baby quilt for the Disaster Relief Auction in September. Anyone who enjoys doing this kind of work is invited to take a square(s) (numbered 1 through 12). The individual square kits are on a table in the lobby. Pick out your favorite square and put your name on the clipboard opposite its number. Completed squares are due back to Joan by April 1st, so take advantage of these nice long winter nights to help create something warm and cozy for a special little one. Hoagies are still only $5.50 each; you have a choice of turkey or Italian and a choice of fixings. See any member of the Youth Group to put in your order; orders are due Jan 28. Order enough for your Super Bowl party and pair them up with the chili on page 3. YUM! Page 5

6 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:10 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. -Proverbs 31:13 Many thanks to all of the talented women who contributed knitted or crocheted red newborn hats for the American Heart Association's Little Hats, Big Hearts campaign. Thanks to your efforts, 107 babies born in area hospitals in February will be gifted a red hat to bring awareness of congenital heart defects and women's heart health. This is an annual campaign, so feel free to continue making them for next year. Since May 2005, our Sunshine Stitchers group has been meeting each month to share fellowship and work on projects together. Church members and friends from our community work on individual projects or charity projects and it's a great time to relax and unwind in an informal setting. There are so many opportunities to use our needlework projects to bless others. We have made prayer shawls, comfort hearts, flying discs and doll blankets for Operation Christmas Child, as well as items for the troops, underprivileged children and the homeless. We love to include at least one handmade item in each box for Operation Christmas Child. We welcome you to join us in the church library at 7pm on the third Thursday of each month. If yarn crafts are not your thing, we always have plenty of other Operation Christmas Child projects to work on. Just come with willing hands and we'll provide something to keep them busy! If you would like to participate but are unable to attend our meetings, please let April know and she can provide you with patterns or supplies to work on a project from home. Knock knock! Who's there? Sherwood Sherwood who? Sherwood like to be your valentine! Q: What do squirrels give for Valentine's Day? A: Forget-me-nuts. Q: What did the valentine card say to the stamp? A: Stick with me and we'll go places! Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope? A: I'm stuck on you. Q: What did the rabbit say to his girlfriend on Valentine s Day? A: Somebunny loves you! Q: What did the paper clip say to the magnet? A: "I find you very attractive." Q: What did Pilgrims give each other on Valentine s Day? A: Mayflowers We will be meeting on Sunday, February 4th at 2:00pm in the chapel to make Valentines. Everyone is welcome to join us and all supplies will be provided. If anyone knows of someone who could use a bit of cheer and would appreciate receiving a Valentine, please let April know and we'll be happy to send them one! Page 6

7 PETER BECKER FLOWER SHOW Legendary Gardens March 15-17, 2018 Thursday & Friday: 10am to 6pm Saturday (Family Day): 8am to 2pm. Share in the excitement, creativity and ingenuity of Peter Becker Community family at our Annual Flower Show. This year s theme Legendary Gardens will explore the lure of Ireland, the mystique of Atlantis, the heroic Mount Olympus and more. The Flower Show s twin event, the Spring Market Place, runs at the same time and offers a unique shopping experience along with exhibits of vintage garden bikes. These one of a kind works of art will be available to buy via silent auction. Mark your calendars and bring a friend! Wintry February is the month of love and valentines, of birthdays of great men, and also of Groundhog Day. But perhaps our key thought should be of love s magic touch that makes a little paper valentine the most precious thing in the world; brings comfort in sorrow and despair, and peace where there has been fear and strife; and turns a moment into a miracle and life into a beautiful adventure. -- Esther York Burkholder Page 7

8 CORNER OF INSPIRATION The other day I was listening to the radio when, lo and behold, the unequivocal sounds of Lawrence Welk could be heard. I realize that admitting so makes me appear somewhat square, but I really enjoy his music. It s not just the music itself, but also the association of it with some people who played a major role in my life. My first introduction to it was as a preschooler (perhaps 3 or 4 years of age). My brother and I would often spend the night at the home of a childless widow we affectionately dubbed Auntie. Saturday night was Lawrence Welk night. Our parents both deal with some on-going mental health issues and Auntie provided much needed love and was a welcoming stabilizing presence in our lives. My Aunt Marian was also a fan of Lawrence Welk. She is no longer with us, but I can picture her waltzing ever so gracefully in Heaven to the strain of The Christmas Waltz. She and I shared a commonality of wild imagination and sense of humor. She helped me through some difficult times and was much more than just an aunt to me. My friend, Helen, is another example of someone deeply affecting my life. When I was twelve and she was in her thirties she took me under her wings so to speak. When my mother was not able to help with my wedding, Helen stepped in. I credit her with making a big difference in my life. The reason for my mentioning all this is that the month of February brings with it Valentine s Day. A day we remember and celebrate those we love. Although we most often associate it with romantic love, I like to think of it as an opportunity to celebrate anyone who God placed in our lives to demonstrate His love. I can t imagine my life without the caring influence of them. God knew who and what I needed in my life even before I knew Him. He strategically placed them in my life as stepping stones to Him. I mention these things not to make you aware of my life -- but to encourage you to think about yours; about the people who loved, shaped, molded and cared for you. Those who in some way have been positively influential in your life -- whoever they are and whatever role they played (even if it was a minor one.) Think about them and take time to appreciate them. Don t take them for granted! I realized a while back that not everyone is blessed to have had people in their lives like I have. Thank God for their presence and influence. Then think about how you can be a loving, caring, example of Christ s love to others. How can God use you to impact the life of another? You can be to someone else, the life changing difference that others were to you. You, through your actions, can be the beginning to someone s journey to faith. You can be remembered by others as someone who cared enough to make a difference. Good intentions aren t enough -- loving action is required. So, on this Valentine s Day, remember those who have shown you genuine Godly love. Thank God for placing them in your life -- and the difference they have made. Then spread the love. The best way to show appreciation and gratitude is to share it. Look around you for opportunities -- someone needs what you have to offer. Someone needs your love and encouragement. Someone is longing to see Christ s love in action through you. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY Page 8

9 LENTEN SCHEDULE Feb 14 - Ash Wednesday Mar 24 - Community Easter Egg Hunt Mar 25 - Palm Sunday Mar 29 - Maundy Thursday - Love Feast and Holy Communion Mar 30 - Good Friday Apr 01 - Easter Sunday 06:30 am Sunrise Service 10:15 am Worship Service LOVE SONG Lord, You said, Behold, I make all things new. And You did. I climbed, I fell, I wrestled with stone and sand and mud. I fought and lost, Destroyed and mourned. I wept, and through my tears, I saw You And You were weeping, too, Weeping with Your arms outstretched. And having nowhere else to go, I fell into Your warm embrace. Now all things are new. Resting in Your arms, I find eternity, heaven, light. My heavy, bleeding spirit is reborn. Everyone wanted Father John to get a new sound system, but he knew that the feedback was the only thing keeping the parishioners awake during his sermons. That is a HUGE cabbage. It must be from the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant! I soar, I leap, I dance! Jesus, Savior, Friend and God incarnate, This love song is for You. Julie Harris REMINDER: You are very welcome to borrow the CDs we make of the worship service, but please remember that they need to be returned so others can listen too. If you want a copy to keep, it is really easy for us to make one for you - just ask Dale, Jim, Judy or Logan. Page 9

10 CAMP SWATARA NEWS Tell the Story: 75 Years at the Base of Blue Mountain In 2018, Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA will celebrate 75 years of faith, friends, and fun! Make plans now to join with friends, fellow campers, past and current staff at the great events and activities being planned. Get more information about all of the anniversary celebrations and keep up to date by contacting the camp office ( ) or online at Here are some highlights (more details on their website!) Sweetheart Dinner - February 10th Are you a "Swatara Sweetheart"? This event is especially for couples who met, got engaged, were married, or honeymooned at Camp Swatara, but ALL couples who consider themselves "Swatara Sweethearts" are welcome! Camp History Hike - July 22nd On July 22, 1943, a group hiked the hills and woods of the current camp property surveying it as a possible site for a new camp. By the end of the day, they were in agreement that this was the spot! Relive this walk in the woods 75 years later on Sunday, July 22nd with Camp Historian, Jon Wenger. 75th Anniversary Celebration Weekend! - August 3rd-5th Make plans now to take part in this special anniversary weekend! Friday will feature "A Day in the Life of Camp" while the main celebrations will be on Saturday with special exhibits, activities, meal events, decade gatherings, and an afternoon of speakers, music groups, and stories. The weekend will wrap up with worship on Sunday morning. Fall Fun Food Fest - September 29th Gather 'round the campfire and pull up a chair to the table for an evening of food and fun! We'll have a carry-in dinner starting at 5:30pm with camp friends invited to bring a favorite dish featured in one of the Camp Swatara Cookbooks or that was part of their experience at camp. Contributor's Dinner - November 2nd Come and join us at the East Lodge for our Annual Contributor's Dinner on November 2nd! Tell YOUR Story! What is your Camp Swatara story to tell? Please tell us! Submit your story online at or just send your paper version to the main camp office (2905 Camp Swatara Road, Bethel, PA 19507). Some stories will be selected and complied to be included in a special Commemorative Edition Book as part of camp's 75th Anniversary celebrations. Deadline for submissions is March 1st, Please note that not all submissions may appear in printed book form and all are subject to final editing. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Page 10

11 INCLEMENT WEATHER ALL CHURCH ACTIVITIES WILL BE CANCELED if the Quakertown School District closes. CHECK: WFMZ - Channel 69 BIRTHDAYS 2 Bill Mapes 2 Matthew Patton 3 Logan Evans 3 Pauline Lerch 4 Larry Renninger 4 Kevin Steich 8 Eric Dieterly 9 Brittany Dieterly 10 Steve Hunter 14 Beth Shaffer 15 Courtney Adams 15 Grayson Compton 17 Tim Garvin 18 Arlene Shubert 19 Carroll Donnelly 20 Kaelynn Dieterly 27 Gaida Shubert ANNIVERSARIES 26 Gerald and Joan Hangey (Listed as First Church of the Brethren) FEBRUARY CALENDAR SUNDAYS WEDNESDAYS 09:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am: Adult Bible Study 10:00 am Worship Service 06:45 pm: Adult Bible Study 08:00 pm: Choir or Bell Choir Practice FOOD PANTRY OPEN TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS: 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Feb 01 Thu 7:00 pm Missions Workshop Feb 03 Sat - - Youth Group Hoagie Sale Feb 04 Sun 9:50 am Coffee Fellowship at 9:50; Worship at 10:15 Souper Bowl Offering 1:30 pm Quakertown Center Service 2:00 pm Valentine Crafts in the Chapel 2:15 pm Belle Haven Service Feb 11 Sun 6:00 pm Youth Fellowship Feb 15 Thu 7:00 pm Sunshine Stitchers 7:00 pm Men s Bible Study Feb 17 Sat 9:00 am Men s Breakfast SERVICE SCHEDULES FOR FEBRUARY HEAD USHER: DEACON: SOUND ROOM: GREETERS: Keith Dieterly Keith Dieterly Jim & Taylor Bob & Diane LOOKING AHEAD: March 3: ANE District Women s Spring Fellowship March 15-17: Peter Becker Flower Show March 24, 11:00 am - Community Easter Egg Hunt March 25: Palm Sunday March 29: 7:00 pm: Love Feast and Holy Communion March 30: Good Friday April 01: Easter Sunday 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 9:30 am to 2:00 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 MEN S BIBLE STUDY 3 rd Thursday at 7:00 pm MEN S BREAKFAST 3 rd Saturday at 9:00 am INSIDE: YOUTH GROUP HOAGIE SALE FEB 03 SOUPER BOWL COLLECTION FEB 04 BABY QUILT VALENTINE CRAFTS SUNSHINE STITCHERS WOMEN S SPRING FELLOWSHIP MAR 03 PETER BECKER FLOWER SHOW MAR SCHEDULE FOR LENT 1 John 4:19 - We love because He first loved us.