Volume 24, No 4 April 2013 YOUNG ADULTS FORM ACTIVITY GROUP

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1 Envoy Palmyra Church of the Brethren Volume 24, No 4 April 2013 Spring Worship Themes Pastor Lohr is working with our pastoral staff and some of our retired ministers to develop a spring sermon series based on our new mission statement: The mission of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren is to invite, welcome, nurture, disciple, equip, empower and inspire all persons to live and serve in the way of Jesus. The series will be titled The Way of Jesus. Although the specific topics for each Sunday have not yet been finalized, each week we will look at a particular value that Jesus taught and modeled for us in his own life and ministry. Our goal is to fulfill the charge on the inside of our pulpit: We would see Jesus. Pastor Lohr will begin the series on Sunday, April 7, preaching on the topic: The Way of Jesus: Seeing. Please join us each Sunday and stay tuned for more information. YOUNG ADULTS FORM ACTIVITY GROUP Young Adults that have a connection with the church have begun building a calendar of activities. Activities will be publicized in the Envoy, bulletin, church website and the newly formed Young Adult Facebook page. You can sign-up for these events on the church s website or on Facebook. Currently the ad-hoc planning group for the Young Adults is: Bethany Clark, Andy Hoffer, Ben Long, and Erin Smith. Tim Haldeman (tlhaldeman@verizon.net) and Dennis Coffman (dencoffman@comcast.net) are serving as coordinators during the group s initial formation. Upcoming Events: March 21, 7:00 p.m. Movie Night. (Location & movie TBA) April 18, 7:30 p.m. Bowling Night at the Palmyra Bowling Lanes.

2 2 THE PEACE ACTION TEAM WANTS TO SHARE SOME EXCITING NEWS WITH YOU. Do you recognize the name Leymah Gbowee? No? Well, it should sound familiar because she has been the subject of a Moment for Peace. This woman has made an incredible impact not only on the African nation of Liberia, but the entire continent. Realizing that women and their children suffer the most in prolonged conflicts, she began organizing Christian and Muslim women to demonstrate against war and violence. Together. She founded the Liberian Mass Action for Peace group and is currently the Director of the Women Peace and Security Network Africa. She has spoken publicly on the topic of women and conflict in numerous international settings, including the United Nations. With the formation of the Gbowee Peace Foundation USA, her vision of enhancing girls and women s rights and leadership skills can become ours as well. Leymah Gbowee has been awarded numerous international honors, including the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. She will be speaking at Elizabethtown College on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free but must be requested in advance. You can do so by calling What? You d like a preview of what her presentation might include? Go under announcements. That will take you to an excerpt of an interview on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Really, how can you pass up an opportunity like this? Joel and Linetta Ballew of the Shenandoah District in Virginia have been called to the position of Administrator at Camp Swatara, beginning June 1. They will share the position as Co-Administrators and together they bring an expansive skill set. Linetta brings organization and administration skills and over ten years of experience and leadership in Outdoor Ministry. She has experience in the American Camping Association accreditation program, and has shared her leadership with the Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association. Joel has knowledge of current technology and marketing, as well as an extensive camping background. He also brings experience in non-profit leadership and fund-raising. Joel has been in Pastoral Ministry for nine years. Joel and Linetta are articulate speakers, creative thinkers and are both licensed ministers pursuing ordination.

3 3 Part-time Director of Young Adult Ministries The church is seeking to expand its Pastoral Ministry Team with the hiring of a part-time Director of Young Adult Ministries. Among other responsibilities, this individual will minister to the young adults of our congregation and broader community; provide leadership and oversight of the congregation s Young Adult Ministry program; engage in creating and resourcing vibrant, relevant programs and recruit and mentor young adult leaders. The successful candidate will possess a well-defined, mature faith; effective communication skills; comfort working with both young adult singles and young adult families; the ability to work on a pastoral team; a functional knowledge of technology and the ability to create new programs and engaging opportunities for young adults. This position requires approximately 20 hours per week. Interested candidates should forward a resume to: Charles Runkle, Search Team Chair at cerdhr@comcast.net. WONDROUS LOVE Written by Evelyn Dietz for February 24 th Canticle Bell Choir Ministry of Music The spoken word is understood when one knows the language being spoken. Voice inflections and punctuation help the listener to comprehend the meaning of words. Music is a universal language. It has meaning for everyone, but frequently needs interpretation to enhance the clarity of message of the composition. Composers and arrangers write music in a way that speaks to the listener. What Wondrous Love Is This, a Southern Appalachian folk hymn with a pleasing harmony, has been sung and played on many occasions. Does the hymn point to the love of God in sending His son into the world so believers would have the blessed assurance of eternal life? The bell choir s arrangement in today s worship service resonates with discord as in the final week of Jesus life. The wondrous love, a betrayal, an arrest and trial, denial from one of His followers, sentencing and a cross, the sound of hammers and nails all encapsulated with Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. The inharmonious combination of tones allows one to envision the measure of love that was given for our amazing grace.

4 4 Hey Kids! Look what is coming Children s Church Join us every 2 nd and 4 th Sunday during traditional service at 10:30 a.m. We base our theme on the sermon and add our own kidfriendly twist to things! Newcomers can call Missy at and she ll personally meet you at the front door! Come bowl with us! Join us Saturday, April 13 th from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Palmyra Bowling Lanes. Cost is $4/bowler. (Cost includes 2 games and shoes). RSVP to Missy by 4/17/13 so we can reserve enough lanes. Parents welcome. We ll have a ball! Story time Come to church in your PJ s! Join us on April 23 for Story time. We read, we laugh, we learn, we do crafts and best of all, we eat cookies! Bring a friend and join us from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the preschool room. Stuffed animals always welcome.

5 5 UPCOMING SENIOR ADULT EVENTS! June 18: Ice Cream Social at Pine Woods, 6:30 8:30 p.m. July 17: Hershey Antique Car Museum, 1:30 p.m., cost is $9.00. Following the tour of the museum, we will stop nearby for ice cream. September 25: Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, cost is $9.00. Following the tour of the museum, we will have a Dutch treat lunch at an area resturant. October 2: District Senior Adult Dinner at Yoders Restaurant. October 23: Fall Foilage Tour & Dutch treat lunch at Red Lion Restaurant in Pine Grove. We will leave the church at 10:30 a.m. November:?? December 11: Christmas Lunch (Dutch treat) at the Hometown Restaurant at 12:00 noon Upcoming DISTRICT trips: Contact Earl Ziegler at April 26 Lancaster County Amish Tour April 29-May 2 Ohio s Amish Country & Longeberger Basket Tour May 21 Mystery Tour July Canadian Rockies LEBANON VALLEY BRETHREN HOME AUXILIARY NEWS The Ministers of Music will present a musical program in the DiMatteo Worship Center on April 21, 7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome. There will be a freewill offering. The offering is used to make things more comfortable for the residents in Health Care.

6 6 R&K SUB SALES It s the third Wednesday of the month and the Wendy s fundraiser is on hiatus until the fall. What are you going to do for dinner? Don t you fret! You can still support the youth and eat a delicious meal! The youth will be selling R&K subs and sandwiches this month. Contact a youth to make your order or make your order in the church office or Fellowship Hall. Orders can be picked up at the church on Wednesday, April 17 from 4-7pm. Thanks for your support! Green Moment After returning from Christian Citizenship Seminar in April, the youth were asked to present what they had learned during a Sunday school elective. Out of this elective emerged the proposal for a Green Moment to appear each month in the Envoy. Each month we will provide you with one or two ways in which you can reduce your personal energy use in order to better care for God s creation. 1) Buy loose, unwrapped candy from the bins at the store if possible. If you get something in aluminum wrapping, recycle the metal by rolling it up and dropping it into an empty soda can that's going into the recycling. 2) Use matches over lighters...plastic and fuel create more waste. 3) Save the Easter basket filling stuff (you know, that annoying little paper that gets everywhere) from year to year, or buy recycled Easter Basket filling. Tips 1&2 from It's Easy Being Green by Emma Sleeth, and tip 3 from Jenna Walmer The Phoenix Youth Center Donation Drive Jesus spoke of spoke of his love and concern for children on several occasions. This spring we will keep that ministry alive as we support the Phoenix Youth Center. Located below the Palmyra Public Library, this PACC program provides a place for children and youth from 3rd through 9th grade to receive tutoring, do their homework, and relax after school and throughout the summer. The center serves over 400 students and is in constant need of supplies. Starting March 24 through April 21, a large box will be placed in the Fellowship Hall and Narthex for the following donations: Crayons, markers, glue sticks, tape, lined paper, construction paper, child safety scissors, tissues, paper towels, snacks - chips, crackers, pretzels, etc. individually packaged are preferred, recreation equipment - ping pong balls & paddles, pool sticks & balls, PlayStation2 controllers & games (rated E). Donations can also be dropped off at the center at 325 S. Railroad St. between 2:45-6:30 p.m., Mon. Thurs. or 2:45 5:00 p.m. on Fri. For more information on the Phoenix Youth Center, go to or call

7 7 CUB PACK & TROOP 477 SPAGHETTI DINNER All you can eat! Please use the Chestnut Street entrance! SATURDAY, April 13 th, :30 PM to 7:00 PM at The Palmyra Church of the Brethren s Fellowship Hall 45 North Chestnut Street Palmyra, PA $7.00 per Adult $3.00 per Child (ages 5-12) UNDER 4 years FREE Tickets may be purchased at the door Take-outs are available Bring your own container Menu Salad, Spaghetti, Sauce, Meatballs, Bread, Coffee/Punch and Dessert

8 8 CAMP SWATARA NEWS! SIGN UP FOR CAMP! Mark your calendars now to attend a week of camp this summer. Information is on the Camp Bulletin Board on the 1 st floor of the education wing. Don't forget your Good as Gold Certificate from camp rep., Eileen Smith. This is provided by our congregation to pay half of the camp tuition. Remember that May 24 th is the summer registration deadline. After that the fee increases by $ BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT: WHERE: Blue Mountain View Golf Course - (Just off Route 22 - East of Fredericksburg and North of Esther's Diner) WHEN: Wednesday, July 17 COST: $70.00 per person - includes green fee, cart, refreshment, banquet, prizes TIME TO ARRIVE: 7:00 a.m. for 7:45 a.m. start. 8:00 a.m. T time TYPE OF PLAY: "Scramble Play" Each member of the foursome drives on each hole. Players then all hit from the point considered best position. Note: Drives are from white markers for men, red markers for women and gold for those 65 and over. Call Camp Swatara at to register. FAMILY CAMP WEEKEND: AUGUST 2 AUGUST 4. It s that time again. Family Camp Weekend will be here before you know it! If you have not camped with us in the past or want to camp again, please call me. We do have open sites & some cabins. Join us for a great weekend! Deadline for payment is May 26. I will be at Fellowship 30 on May 5 & May 19 to take your reservation. Contact me to confirm or reserve your spot now! Sandy Hughes at or at foxterluv@verizon.net. BHA FUNDRAISER - GOT GOLF? GOT BIKE? You are invited with Brethren Housing Association to once again honor mothers recovering home and dignity at BHA on Mother Day weekends with two events: Friday, May 10 is BHA s Golf Tournament at ParLine Golf Course (12:30-6:30pm) with plenty of contests and fun prizes to take home to the mom in your life. Saturday, May 11 is BHA s Spring Thaw Bike Tour starting this year at Mt. Wilson Church of the Brethren (7:30am-1pm). This year s event includes big changes: a metric century and half-century (100km/50km or 62/31 miles) plus two familyfriendly routes on the Lancaster-Lebanon Rail Trail. If you d like to be part of one of these events and haven t before, contact Chris at cfitz@bha-pa.org or (717)

9 9 Connecting With Folks Who Might Journey With Us Pastor Audrey Finkbiner, Coordinator of Congregational Care How do we welcome people to live and to serve in the way of Jesus with us? Let s ponder that as we focus on visitors those who join us for worship, for learning and service, for celebration and support. Last fall, Pastor Lohr began sharing his inspiration of a three part approach to adding to our numbers. Here it is, in brief: IDENTIFY INTRODUCE INCLUDE For this month we focus on introduce. What happens in this part of the relationship? Of course, we learn about our visitors their names, their work, their joys and challenges, values and beliefs. And they learn about us. It s time for us to explore whether this person and our congregation are a fit. What do we mean by fit? Here s an example: One morning, I took a call in a church office (not PCoB). The caller indicated that he was interested in visiting. But first, he had a question. What translation of the Bible do you use? I explained that I personally use a variety of translations, but that the NRSV was in the pews. I then learned that he would not be visiting, since we did not use the correct translation. The fit question will usually not be so quickly resolved. Much as we want to welcome and include folks, some really fit better in another setting. Once they begin to feel comfortable, our visitors will want to know something about our theological perspective, our ministries and core values. They may have questions about our denomination. When the time is right, we will want to begin to share more about our congregation. The Welcome Visitor packets and our church website are great resources, especially when combined with warm human conversation! When we get the sense that this relationship is indeed a fit, we focus on the third part of the relationship, INCLUDE. More about that next month! The New Inglenook Cookbook is coming! Many of you probably own or have seen a copy of one of the original Inglenook Cookbooks. It was first published over one hundred years ago, and contained recipes that were submitted by Brethren cooks from all over the country. Brethren Press is proud to share this legacy, and is now offering The New Inglenook Cookbook with over 350 cherished recipes for a new generation. These tried-and-true recipes can be treasured for years to come and represent the best from our tables. The cookbook will cost $28, but special discounts are offered if we place our order before April 15. For these early-bird orders, individual copies are $21 and group orders of 10 or more are only $16.80 a copy. The church would like to place a group order to take advantage of the discount. A sign-up is available at the mail slots or on our website and follow the prompts. Once the total is determined, the office will follow up with those who ordered with the price.

10 10 I would like to thank everyone for the get well wishes extended to me through cards, phone calls, visits, meals and prayer. PCOB and its caring church family are truly a blessing in my life. -Sharon Smith Thank you all for your prayers, the food you sent, the cards, the phone calls, and your love and concern following my traumatic accident with a seriously fractured wrist. I deeply appreciate everything!!! My heart is overflowing with gratefulness to everyone. Most sincerely, Evelyn Rhoads To our friends at the Palmyra Church of the Brethren, Thank you so much for providing the refreshments after Carol s memorial service. To all the staff and volunteers at PCoB who did so much to bring off the service in a smooth and meaningful way, thank you! All a special tribute to Carol and blessings to me and my family, Kirby Dubble. 10 TIPS TO HAVE A GREAT DAY Submitted by Donna Layser 1. Laugh out loud 6. Sing a song 2. Pet the dog 7. Take a walk 3. Clean up the clutter 8. Chew gum 4. Build a snowman 9. Give a hug 5. Drink orange juice 10. Take a deep breath

11 11 HEALTH MINISTRY UPDATE Do you feel confused or unsatisfied after a visit to your doctor? You can get the most out of an office visit by following these simple suggestions. Take a list of questions, symptoms, and medications you're taking (including over the counter drugs and supplements) with you. Take notes and ask for written instructions. If you don't understand something, say so. Keep asking until you get the answers you need. Take a friend or family member with you. Two heads are better than one when trying to remember what your doctor said. Don't wait until the end of the visit to discuss what you really are concerned about. If you have a lot of problems to talk about, ask for an. extended visit when you schedule your appointment. Or if something comes up during the visit that requires more time, ask for another appointment. Follow the doctor's recommendations. If you don't feel that you can do what he says, be honest and tell him so he can suggest another treatment plan. Many doctor offices are using to communicate with their patients. If you feel comfortable doing this, discuss this with her or her staff and find out their policies and procedures for using . Your health is important and you need to make sure you get the most out of every doctor visit, test or treatment.

12 12 CONGREGATIONAL TIDBITS HEALTH CONCERNS: Dottie Miller, Steve Danz, Anna G. Wagner OUR SYMPATHY TO: Family of Fannie Hartman who passed away on February 17, 2013 John & Janice Holsinger on the death of John s sister-in-law, Judy Roland Holsinger. Bob, Carmen, Megan, Hannah Donachy on the death of Bob s father, James Donachy. Stuart Fuller on the death of his wife, Phyllis Fuller. Dennis & Marti Shaak on the death of Dennis mother, Jeanette Shaak. DIRECTORY UPDATE: Steve Hartman: Dottie Miller: John Rhine: Erin Smith: 322 South Railroad Street, Floor 2, Palmyra, PA 17078, smithem05@gmail.com Dave & Sharon Smith: guerndrs@msn.com Joel Smith: joel.smith5407@gmail.com Fern Steckman, , missgreenplant@yahoo.com SERVING IN APRIL Date Acolyte Greeters Ushers Flowers Child Care 4/7 n/a Robert Smith Paul & Pat Miller Brenda Heisey Tara Garber 4/14 n/a Don Kensinger n/a George Bell Steve Gottshall Carl Grubb 4/21 n/a Mary Cantrell n/a Vicki Ford Donna Fawber Via Allison Mattern Dawn Nye Maya Smith 4/28 n/a Steve Hoffer n/a Betty Smith Shirley Spahr

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