~ Pondering Our Faith with Pastor Jack ~

Transcription

1 JULY/AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 45 NO St. Paul s United Church of Christ 47 South Whiteoak Street Kutztown, Pennsylvania Our Mission We, the family of St. Paul s UCC, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, are committed to carry His good news. We celebrate God s presence by sharing God s unconditional love with fellowship, worship and service to others. We pray for God s wisdom and compassion to lead us in our endeavors. CHURCH STAFF Rev. John W. Davies Pastor Phone: Rita Reed....Office Secretary Judy Heffley.. Organist Carol Reinhard. Choir Director Donna Sheaffer. Bell Choir Director Lois Reistroffer.. Sexton CHURCH OFFICERS Carl Arndt..... President Tom Lenich.. Vice President Barbara Merkel......Recording Secretary Cheryl Ziegler... Treasurer Laraine Wuchter & Jan Lenich Financial Secretary BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Cheryl Ziegler...President Ashley Stofflet.Vice President Christina Richard. Secretary ~ Pondering Our Faith with Pastor Jack ~ From June 10-12, June Rung, Cindy Kutz and I gathered with a full compliment of our brothers and sisters at West Chester University for the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference. Like everyone else, we awoke on Sunday morning to the horrifying news of the mass shootings in Orlando, Florida. To say that we were all heart sick would be a gross understatement. In the days that followed, the news reports explored possible motivations behind this horrific event and whether, or not, the perpetrator had any accomplices. Was it a state-sponsored terrorist attack? Did his former wife, his father, or anyone else have any prior knowledge of his impending actions? If so, what did they know and when did they know it? Again, the rush to exercise judgment and attribute responsibility seemed to eclipse any sense of loss that the families, friends and community of Orlando were most certainly feeling and continue to feel. Further, in my travels over the next week, I heard disturbing dismissals from various sundry people that, because this hate crime took place at a night club named (ironically) the Pulse (a prominent gathering place for LGBT culture), they (referring to the victims) got what they deserved for violating God s law. My heart sank even further. Again the they vs. us mentality reared its ugly head. We d just spent a busy weekend exploring, considering, and praying about what it could and would mean for the Church of Jesus Christ if we were to re-reorder our priorities so that we were truly Working in Faith Putting Jesus First? We heard four dynamic speakers, attended a total of six workshops among us, and participated in three services of Word and Sacrament. These worship services kept calling us back to a place of central significance Christ. Whatever ideas and programs generated by the workshops may have come to light; no matter how melodious the hymns; regardless of how motivating the speakers were, we all (every single one of us) would have to reenter the real world where there still seems to be an absence of Christ at least as exhibited by some people on the heels of the Orlando shootings. What are we to do? Pastor s aberdeen@ptd.net stpaulssecretary@hometownu.com Continued on next page...

2 Continued from previous page. Working in Faith Putting Jesus First how much more timely and essential the theme of our Spring meeting seems now. This is exactly what we are to do! We acknowledge the pain and hurt that still exists in the world. We admit to the cruelty that we humans are capable of inflicting on one another, and often do. But our confession of these weaknesses is made to a loving God who awaits our humble and sincere approach and offers forgiveness from which comes the strength to regather and regroup with renewed strength so that we can continue Working in Faith Putting Jesus First. Call me crazy, but I still get excited and filled with hope with the recognition that we can experience the love and peace of our Risen Savior when we invite everyone to his table where each one has a seat and all are fed. It doesn t make any difference who they are, where they re from, what their social status is everyone is welcome at his table. When we start practicing this reality more authentically then, THEN we will know the peace of Christ more fully and the love of God will rule our lives. I think June Rung captures well the essence of what it means to live in communion with Christ all of God s children in the following. With her permission, I offer it to you for your consideration. Bread and wine aren t bread and wine at all but a call from the one who knows we hunger from the one who knows we thirst from the one who says take and feast on my body and my blood and remember me. June Rung 2016 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS The church office hours for the summer are 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. BREAD AND WINE Bread sliced or cut or cubed unleavened or risen stale or fresh old with mold or toasted with peanut butter or jelly wheat or white or oatmeal or cinnamon. Bread so simple with so many choices. and Wine red or white in a glass or cup or chalice or bottle Italian or from California or NewYork state or locally. Wine --- so simple with so many choices. ATTENTION ALL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS: The annual calendar meeting will be held on August 15th at 7:00 pm. All committee chairpersons are welcome to attend this meeting. If you do not wish to attend, please make sure you send your meeting schedule to Rita Reed at stpaulssecretary@hometownu.com or leave a copy in the office by July 3rd. UNTIL

3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: July 2 Kevin Kulp, Brianne Bailey 4 Roy Stofflet, David Bubbenmoyer, Daniel Hawkins, Carly Hawkins, Aiden Kutz 6 Robert Hartman, 7 Matthew Diehl 8 Thomas Luckenbill, Donna Derr 10 Gary Fritz, Kathryn Snyder 12 Carolyn Ordway, Todd O Neil 13 Bradley Schwalm 14 Jessica Rhodes 15 Marjorie Weida 18 JoAnn Fritz, Laraine Wuchter 19 Mildred Merkel, Elaine Seaman, Brenda Bailey, Kelly Monroe, Tayson Merkel 20 Jillian Wessner, Alexander Diltz, Nicole Diltz 21 Mary Steltz 22 Amy Bray 23 Ryan Kulp, Janet Haas 24 John Keiser, Jr., Jennifer Schemberg 25 Daniel Follweiler 26 Nicholas Gollatz 27 Dennis Kutz, Tod Herman 28 Brenda Grider, Jan Weller 29 Nancy Thomas, David Uhler, Steven Steltz, Jr, Marissa Strauss 30 Thomas Merkel Jr., Darren Kemp 31 Dale Folk, Caleb Heffley, Gautham Heffley HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: August 1 Ronald Newhard, Colin Heffley Matthew Strauss 2 Judith Magee, Jarad Luckenbill 4 Barbara Merkel 5 Erin Webb 6 Brandi Reidenhour, Trista Smith 7 Curtis Daub Jr. 8 Elle Angstadt 9 Amy Rakowiecki, Jennifer Uhler 11 Lori Lobb, Kimberly George 12 David Swan 13 LaRue Grim, Karen Rhode 15 LeAnn Silberman, Lindsey Derstine 16 Linda Stitzer 17 John Kutz, Dennis Fenstermacher 18 LeRoy Haas, Tasha Sward 20 Cynthia Kutz 21 Aaron Snyder, Dalton Firestone 24 Nicole Weaknecht, Miranda Reidenhour 25 Jennifer Good, Natalie Grim, Amber Bungo Taynara Rocha 26 Joseph Kibler 27 Tyler Schmoyer, Emily Harris 30 Michael Delp, Marcie Miller, Andrea Bohn 31 Matthew Weida, Ray Oswald

4 Congratulations to our graduates!!! David Ordway, son of Gene and Carolyn Ordway, graduated from Parkland High School. He will be attending Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama starting in August majoring in biology. This past February David won the Mr. Parkland 2016 title. It is a yearly sold out event that has 14 senior male students competing for the title. Judges evaluate the contestants on talent, swimsuit, formal attire and an interview. David's talent was a lip-synced tribute to Miley Cyrus. It was fun night had by all. Brandon Leinbach, son of Steve and Sherry Leinbach, graduated cum laude from Millersville University on Saturday, 7 May 2016 with a BS in Early Childhood Education. He is currently looking for a position as an elementary school teacher and is living in Mountville PA. Jen Silberman, daughter of Jerry and Leann Silberman, graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science. Her future includes working in the field of Psychology/Clinical-Counseling Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors. Your family at St Paul s is very proud of your accomplishments!! If you know of anyone who has graduated or will be graduating over the summer, please send the information to Marj Weida at maweid69@hotmail.com. It will be posted in the next Pulse coming out in September. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Baptism June 19, 2016 PFC Moyer, Jacob B Dale E. Bortz (Until Mid-August, 2016) 225 Winchester Lane Marine Corps Engineer School Dallas, PA CEIC MAT CLASS 26 PSC Box 20069, Camp LeJeune, NC Luther Balthaser Edith Balthaser Topton Lutheran Home Topton Lutheran Home 114 Buehrle Center 108 Breidegam Center Topton, PA Topton, PA Jerred Schwalm Melinda Miller Topton Lutheran Home 521 Dorchester Ave 1 S Home Ave Room 212 Reading, PA Topton, PA Everly June Ferris was welcomed into the family of God via the Sacrement of Holy Baptism. She is the daughter of Sean and Cristin Ferris. May God s richest blessings be upon this young family today and always.

5 PENNSYLVANIA SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE SPRING MEETING June 10 12, 2016 Together with Pastor Jack, we attended this conference, held at West Chester University, as St. Paul s delegates. The theme was Working in Faith, Putting Jesus First. It was a weekend of many blessings, inspirations and insights. We cast our votes on revisions to the PSEC Constitution/By-laws and other Conference business. We attended several informative workshops. There were wonderful worship experiences with delegates and guests from other churches in our Conference. We heard dynamic speakers including Rev. Alan Miller, Penn Northeast Conference Minister, Dr. Tony Campola and Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, former pastor of Riverside Church in Manhattan. As we talked with representatives from other churches we realized that our challenges are not unique to St. Paul s. We were reminded of resources available at the Conference to help. A recurring message throughout the weekend was the importance of reaching outside our church walls into the community and sharing His Word. This is Christ s mandate and the only way the Church will grow and thrive. We were challenged to dream bigger, but to always be certain that our programs and ministries fit our stated mission. Thank you for the opportunity of attending this conference. We will be sharing information learned and ideas for our ministries at St. Paul s with the appropriate committees. Cindy Kutz & June Rung What If! What if I go to church on Sunday mornings and the doors are locked, I would be very upset! I know I can pray to the Lord anywhere, but He feels very close to me in His house. Now What If someone says that the church is out of money and we ll have to combine with another church to share expenses. We can only maintain one church building. Which one stays open? I for one need My church, My church family!! Does anyone else think about this? God helps us in our everyday lives, but we must also ask What If. Nancy O Neil

6 FELLOWSHIP NEWS The celebration of the 130th anniversary of the church was held on May 15, An old potluck tradition was brought back. The food made by all was amazingly delicious as it usually is. In addition to eating, we talked about and wrote down the special memories that we had at the church and answered trivia questions. It was interesting to learn bits of information. There is much that occurred from the founding of the church to this years 130th anniversary. The fellowship committee will be busy planning for new events over the next few months. We hope you have a warm sunshine filled summer. Women in Crisis Mission Hot turkey open-faced sandwiches, potato filling, mixed vegetables, fresh fruit and cookies this was the homemade fare St. Paul s Mission team prepared and served to approximately women and children at Women in Crisis on April 11, All the residents showed their appreciation. To our surprise everyone took some of everything, even the vegetables! The children especially enjoyed the fresh fruit since they rarely receive any from the Greater Berks Food Bank or other volunteer groups. Women in Crisis provides a safe haven and support for women and children victimized by domestic violence and sexual assault. It includes a short-term bridge program, usually from one to three months, during which time the women are counseled and assisted in securing permanent housing. A huge thank-you to all of you who prepared, served or donated food and fifty-seven much-needed shampoo, conditioner and deodorant items. Thanks for your dedication and support! Plenty of food was left over so the residents could enjoy the extras for other meals and snacks. Without your help, this mission event would not have been possible. Surely, Women in Crisis is a place where God is at work. And you helped to share that message. Submitted by Kathy Landis RENOVARE RETREAT The Revitalization Group is sponsoring a Spiritual Retreat to be held at the Kirkridge Study and Retreat Center, Bangor, PA on August 26-28, Hope to see you there!

7 18 Church office hours 8a-12n; 5 6 Pastor Jack s office Pastor Jack s of Pastor Jack s of- July 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 FOLK FESTIVAL 9:00 AM WORSHIP 10 10:30 AM WORSHIP AT FOLK FESTIVAL 17 9 AM WORSHIP 10:15 ADULT SS 24 9 AM WORSHIP 10:15 ADULT SS 4 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED 11 Church office hours 8a-12n; Pastor Jack s office hours 9-11a 7p SNIGNEB Mtg Pastor Jack s office hours 9-11a 7p MISSIONS Mtg. 7p PROPERTY Mtg. 25 Church office hours 8a-12n; Pastor Jack s office hours 9-11a 26 fice fice 1-8:30pm H&H Quilter s Guild 27Pastor Jack s office 7 Church office hours 8a-12n; 14 Church office hours 8a-12n; 21 Church office hours 8a-12n; 28 Church office hours 8a-12n;

8 JULY July 3, 2016 July 10, 2016 July 17, 2016 July 23, 2016 READING: Psalm 30 Psalm 82 Psalm 52 Psalm 85 TEXTS: 2 Kings 5:1-14 Amos 7:7-17 Amos 8:1-12 Hosea 1:2-10 What Is Demanded of Me? The Absense of Loopholes Guest Speaker Bridging the Divide GREETERS: N/A N/A Brian & Ethel Beck Ronald & Carol Reinhard ACOLYTES: DEACONS DEACONS DEACONS DEACONS DEACONS: Gretchen Barrell Brian Beck Keith Leinbach Gretchen Barrell TER: Robert and Joan Gangewere SORS: Mr. and Mrs. Donald Grider Nancy O'Neil In Memory of Loved Ones To the Glory of God WORSHIP SCHEDULE SUGGESTED SERMON YOUTH USHERS: FLOWERS CEN- FLOWERS SIDES: BULLETIN SPON- Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Tenth Sunday after Pentecost WORSHIP AT THE FOLK FESTIVAL Galatians 6:1-6; 7-16 Colossians 1:1-14 Colossians 1:15-28 Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 10:111, Luke 10:25-37 Luke 10:38-42 Luke 11:1-13 Barbara Merkel Ethel DeMatteo-Beck Jennifer Pilgert Barbara Merkel Colin Heffley Jessica O'Neil Boyd Lenich Colin Heffley Ashley Stofflet Sue Kunkel Laraine Wuchter Ashley Stofflet In Honor of their 57th Wedding Anniversary

9 15 Church office hours 8a-12n; 10 Pastor Jack s office 7p CONSISTORY Mtg. VBS Pastor Jack s office Pastor Jack s office August 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 9 AM WORSHIP SUMMER Communion 10:15 ADULT SS 14 9 AM WORSHIP 10:15 ADULT SS VBS TEAR DOWN and CLEAN UP 21 9 AM WORSHIP 10:15 ADULT SS 28 9 AM WORSHIP 10:15 ADULT SS 1 Church office hours 8a-12n; Pastor Jack s office 8 Church office hours 8a-12n; Pastor Jack s office 7pm Mission Mtg Pastor Jack s office 7p CALENDAR Mtg. 7p PROPERTY Mtg. PULSE DEADLINE; 22 Church office hours 8a-12n; Pastor Jack s office 29 Church office hours 8a-12n; Pastor Jack s office 2 7pm Board of CHRISTIAN ED. Meeting 9 VBS 30 7p FINANCE Mtg. SPE- CIAL BUDGET 3 ; Pastor Jack s office 7p WORSHIP Mtg. 1-8:30pm H&H Quilter s Guild 31 Pastor Jack s office 4 Church office hours 8a-12n; 11 Church office hours 8a-12n; VBS 18 Church office hours 8a-12n; 25 Church office hours 8a-12n; 5 12 VBS VBS TEAR DOWN AND CLEAN UP

10 AUGUST August 7, 2016 August 14, 2016 August 21, 2016 August 28, 2016 WORSHIP Tweltfh Sunday after Pentecost Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost TEXTS: Isaiah 1:1, Isaiah 5:1-7 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Jeremiah 2:4-13 TBA TBA TBA Guest Speaker GREETERS: Nancy O'Neil John & Marcia Keiser Debra Schaeffer Ronald & Denise Moll ACOLYTES: DEACONS DEACONS DEACONS DEACONS DEACONS: Keith Leinbach Gretchen Barrell Brian Beck Keith Leinbach In Memory of their parents In Memory of their parents Ann Rollman SCHEDULE SUGGESTED READING: SERMON YOUTH USHERS: FLOWERS CENTER: FLOWERS SIDES: BULLETIN SPONSORS: SUMMER COMMUNION Psalm 50:1-8;22-23 Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 Psalm 71:1-6 Psalm 81:1, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Hebrews 12:18-29 Hebrews 13:1-8, Luke 12:32-40 Luke 12:49-56 Luke 13:10-17 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Jennifer Pilgert Barbara Merkel Ethel DeMatteo-Beck Jennifer Pilgert Boyd Lenich Colin Heffley Jessica O'Neil Boyd Lenich Laraine Wuchter Ashley Stofflet Sue Kunkel Laraine Wuchter Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Reinhard Mr. & Mrs. Emory Fenstermacher Aly Robertson & In Memory of Mary & John Kemp

11 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016 CAVE QUEST August 8-12 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at St. Paul s UCC (Kutztown) VBS is coming soon! The St. Paul s UCC VBS program is back for another fun summer program titled Cave Quest. Please plan to register asap (but no later than July 8) by completing the attached form or contacting Louise Moyer at or LouiseMoyer13@gmail.com. Children from age 2 thru Grade 6 will have a blast! We are also looking for adult and older youth helpers too. There is no charge for the program. Come join the spelunking fun! CAVE QUEST VBS at St. Paul s UCC (Kutztown) Child s Name: Child s Age & Current Grade: / Parent s Name: Parent s Phone: Emergency Contact Phone Number (during VBS): Parent s Address: I am willing to help by: Serving as a Station Leader Rotating with Classes Helping with Stations

12 ST. PAUL S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 47 South Whiteoak Street Kutztown, PA Address Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Kutztown, PA Permit No. 30 Sent With A Prayer To: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY MARK YOUR CALENDARS July 10th Worship at Kutztown Folk Festival July 23rd Samson at Sight & Sound July 26th 31st VBS set up August 7th Summer Communion August 8th 12th Vacation Bible School 6:00 to 8:30 PM August 15th Calendar Meeting 7:00 PM August Renovare Retreat