The Union Press To know Him and make Him known November 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pastor s Letter... 1 Remembrances & Apple Dumplings... 2 Dollar and Sense... 3 Homecoming... 4 Calendar... 5 Bazaar Registration... 6 Just so You Know... 7 Thank You... 8 Upcoming Events... 9 Poinsettia Order Form... 10 Friendly Reminder Newsletter Submissions for the DECEMBER issue are due November 19 th A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR As our thoughts turn to this season of Thanksgiving, I am again reminded of how many things we have been blessed with as a people. As citizens of the United States we have been given a voice, one that we can use to worship freely. We have been given a high level of prosperity among the world s people, which has made the notion of savings and retirement, things virtually unknown through much of human history and in many places in the world still today, common objectives for us. Many of us enjoy relative good health. We are blessed with friends and family. We have food on the table and a roof over our heads. All things considered we are doing quite well. The Bible tells us that, from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48 NIV) Jesus speaks these words to highlight the importance of readiness among his disciples, of actively using the gifts we have been given by the Lord to further promote the Lord s aims each and every day we are given. In short, to make good use of the gifts God gives, in ways that are pleasing to God, is the best means of demonstrating our gratitude, not only during Thanksgiving, but all year round. Saint Augustine put it this way, Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others. We have been given much, an abundance even, from a God who loves to give. Most importantly, we have been given the opportunity to follow after our Lord in giving from our plenty in order that God s name be praised. As we sit down to our holiday meals and give thanks, let us make sure our words of gratitude are reflected in charitable action on behalf of the poor. Thanksgiving Blessings, Scott
Remembrances from Rev. Ferguson As a pastor who never moved once he was employed in his position it is most likely a challenge to make a home in a new area. With the change from Lancaster County style living to Chester County one discovered that there were subtle differences. Food tastes went from an emphasis on milk to mushrooms. I recall the taste buds adjusting to mushroom soup instead of vegetable and meat pie being exchanged for angel food or as was discussed at our table during lunch chocolate pie. Some diners had never tasted chocolate pie and were urged next time at the Hershey Hotel or thereabouts on a bus trip to try a taste. It is rich and a small piece can linger in taste for awhile. Memorable as it can remain one can decide whether it was delicious or a once in a lifetime experience. Such thoughts come as the Thanksgiving holiday comes in November. One wonders what would be a choice for your menu? A survey would opt fish in lieu of turkey and our vegetarian friends would offer thanks for tofu. Whatever may be on the table let us remember the words of Holy Scripture: The Lord loves a grateful heart. On that special day let us remember our manners and bring to the table a cheerful attitude. Those sharing the meal will be glad you came. Thoughtfully, Rev. John Ferguson Apple Dumpling Fun
Union Dollar & $ense Well, it s that time of year.the leaves are turning color and beginning to wind their way to the ground. Halloween will soon be upon us, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Before too long, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews will begin creating their wish lists for Christmas (if they haven t already begun!!) And, our budget team will soon be meeting to formulate next year s Program of Ministries. What would be on your wish list for Union Presbyterian Church in 2018? What areas of ministry (new or existing) should we be considering as we move into a new year? How can we be maintaining as well as increasing our outreach and impact within our community and beyond? What ministries should we continue to do well, and what are some new things that we should consider doing, even if we ve never done that before? What needs for maintenance and upkeep for our facilities should we be considering? Our Trustees have done a marvelous job in addressing fuel and electrical operating costs this past year, and that has generated considerable savings for us. Are there other areas that could be addressed? How can we be providing the best worship/study experience from a facility standpoint? If you have ideas, proposals or suggestions, please share them with Pastor, any members of Session, Deacons or Trustees. All of these groups will be working together (with your input) in formulating Union s Program of Ministry for 2018. If you have talents or gifts that can be shared in any of our ministries that could offset some financial obligations; that is a great way to contribute!! As Max Lucado has shared The Bible teaches that we are to give God our first fruits meaning the first and best of what we have. That includes our gifts and talents, as well as the financial resources that He has blessed us with. Does God need our first-fruits? Of course not. Why, then, is giving so important? When you give, you put your gifts, talents and possessions in perspective. Giving helps you participate in God s work. Giving helps you and your heart condition far more than it helps God. As always; your prayerful consideration of the gifts, talents and financial support that you can provide to our over-all ministry is greatly appreciated. Each of us plays an important and integral part in Christ s ministry through Union, and we will all be blessed as we continue to do so. Each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves a person who gives happily. 2nd Corinthians 9:7
THANK YOU to all who helped make Homecoming a really nice event. Julie W, Sue S who did invitations, Saturday - food prep - Esther T, Arlene H, Pat M., Elsie V, Holly U. Chris A & Marty G for set up. Sunday - Charlotte S, Verna Mae W, Barbara P, Cheryl & Ray W. Cleanup and food delivery -Betty V, Holly U, Dick H, Larry W, Bill R. Many Thanks, Nancy & Diane Hastings
2017 The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live. He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything. Albert Schweitzer Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 5 9:00 Sunday School 9:45 Fellowship 10:00 Worship 6 7:00 Trustee Mtg. 7 6:30 Girl Scouts 1 9:00 VIP Meeting 7-8:00 The Case for Christ Bible Study Video Viewing 8 9:00 Art Class 9:00 Deacon Mtg. 7-8:00 The Case for Christ Bible Study 2 4:15 Kidz J.A.M. 6:00 Choir Practice 9 12:00 CIRCLE #2 4:15 Kidz J.A.M. 6:00 Choir Practice 3 4 10 VETERANS DAY Apple Dumpling & Soup Sale 4-6 11 Apple Dumpling & Soup Sale 10-12 12 9:00 Sunday School 9:45 Fellowship 10:00 Worship 13 1:00 CIRCLE #1 7:00 CIRCLE #3 14 6:30 Girl Scouts 15 9:00 Art Class 7-8:00 The Case for Christ Bible Study 16 4:15 Kidz J.A.M. 6:00 Choir Practice 17 18 19 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 9:00 Sunday School 9:45 Fellowship 10:00 Worship 20 21 6:30 Girl Scouts 22 9:00 Art Class 7-8:00 The Case for Christ Bible Study 23 THANKSGIVING 4:15 Kidz J.A.M. 6:00 Choir Practice 24 25 26 9:00 Sunday School 9:45 Fellowship 10:00 Worship 27 28 6:30 Girl Scouts 29 30
14th Annual Union Presbyterian Church Christmas Bazaar Vendor Application SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. A benefit to support Women s Association Mission Work Please complete the application and return it with your check. Mail to: UNION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ATTN: CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 5637 STREET ROAD KIRKWOOD, PA 17536 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY STATE ZIP PHONE# EMAIL TYPE OF CRAFT (We reserve the right to remove items that we deem inappropriate.) The FEE for each 10 wide by 8 deep space (approx. size) is $20.00 (limit 2 spaces). Each space will be provided with 2 chairs. 8 Tables are available for rent, or you are welcome to bring your own. There are a limited number of spaces with electricity for an additional fee. Number of Spaces (limit 2) X $20.00 = Table Rental X $ 5.00 = Electrical Outlet required? Yes or No $ 5.00 = Total $ Make checks payable to Union Presbyterian Church Bazaar. Deadline for application and fees is Monday, November 27th, 2017. Spaces will be assigned first come basis. Booth fees are nonrefundable. (applications that are received by November 13th and do not close before 12pm bazaar day will be entered in a drawing to have 1 booth fee refunded.) We would like to invite each vendor to donate an item from their booth to be given away in drawings for our customers. Tickets will be given to each customer when they arrive and numbers will be drawn through the day. Vendors willing to donate will receive 3 tickets free of charge to deposit in the drawing of their choice. This is strictly voluntary. Would you like to participate YES NO. SALE HOURS AND SET UP: Exhibitors may set up Friday evening between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Saturday 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. All vendors must be open for business at 8:00am and must not close before 12p.m. We encourage you to set up on Friday evening to avoid congestion on Saturday morning. Breakfast egg sandwiches, hot dogs with sauerkraut, homemade soups, cakes, pies and beverages will be sold during the show. If we can be of further assistance, please call Krissy Supplee at 717-799-2985 or Laura Nixon at 717-682-0551. I the undersigned release Union Presbyterian Church of any liability and damages to merchandise or any person working in said booth. Signature: Date:
FOOD BANK Things we need Canned Chicken, 5 oz. canned Tomato Sauce, Boxed Stuffing Mix LECTIONARY PASSAGES November 5 31 st Sunday in Ordinary Time Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12 November 12 32 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 November 19 33 rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30 November 26 Christ the King Sunday Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100:1-5; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46 NOV. FLOWERS & GREETERS 5 Joe & Helen Pugh 12 Verna Mae Walton 19 Sue Shuler 26 Carolyn Sacks 5 Don & Dorothy Wood 12 Ken & Judy Beiler 19 Larry & Barbara Whyte 26 Don & Arlene Hastings Apple Dumpling (2 for $6) & Chicken Corn Soup (1 quart $5) Sale November 10 th 4:00-6:00 & November 11 th 10:00 Noon NOV. BIRTHDAYS 1 Charlotte Stoner 2 Richard Stoner 3 Casey McCardell 4 Ray Wallace 5 Michael Whiteside Bill Bard Gregory Nixon James Nixon 6 Lois Rineer Evan Hastings 7 Ann Shoemaker 8 Judy Beiler James Daughton II 9 Andrea Nixon Richard Hastings Tom Chase Mick Chase 10 Sharon Noonan Joyce Gunzenhauser Mary Denise Slodki Glen Weicksel Audra Finley 16 William Jackson, Jr. 19 James Martin Nicole Garzia 22 Brian Wade 23 Matthew Sheaffer 25 Cheryl Fuller Barbara Wharton 26 Alex Carter 28 Margaret Miller Thomas McCardell 30 Laura Greenleaf
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, and support for my brother. Jimmie Graver & Family Thank you for your generous donation to support the work God has called us to in Haiti. We appreciate your help in spreading the gospel to all we came in contact with thru our various programs. Blessings, Jeff & Terri Swope Thank you Dearest Union Church Friends, Many many thanks to my dear church friends for remembering me with such uplifting cards and prayers during my recent knee replacement. It has sure slowed the old gal down, but I had a good nurse. (He just doesn t like to cook and do dishes!!!) Thank you again dear friends I feel so blessed! Faye Wade Union Church Family, Your cards and prayers were a blessing. I know God has answered to relive my pain. Thank you so very much, Pastor Scott for your phone call, prayers and visit. Pat DiPaola thanks for your visit and beautiful flowers. God Bless All, Helen Pugh Now that I am completely healed and back to both jobs in full capacity, I just wanted to let all of you know how wonderful it is knowing that I had the support and prayers of the entire UPC. It is glorious to know that no matter how long it has been since I ve walked through those doors, that I still have a family. Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. Yours In Christ, Sue Hastings Dear Friends at Union, Thank you! for your recent gift in support of our ongoing outreach to international students. We are grateful for your support and prayers for us. In Christ our King, Jim & Helen CRU/Bridges Intl. THANK YOU to all who helped make Homecoming a really nice event. Julie W, Sue S who did invitations, Saturday - food prep - Esther T, Arlene H, Pat M., Elsie V, Holly U. Chris A & Marty G for set up. Sunday - Charlotte S, Verna Mae W, Barbara P, Cheryl & Ray W. Cleanup and food delivery -Betty V, Holly U, Dick H, Larry W, Bill R. Many Thanks, Nancy & Diane Hastings
Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar Fri. Nov. 3 rd & Sat. Nov. 4 th 9 AM 3 PM 7 East Locust Street, Oxford Offering a holiday shopping experience of handmade arts & crafts, and home baked goods. Visit our popular NTY Thrift Shop and The Gift Box. Proceeds benefit the Ware Presbyterian Village Resident Activities Fund. Chestnut Level Presbyterian Women's Fellowship Meal Monday, December 4 @ 6:30 pm This year, we are excited to let you know that we have Lindsay Graham, Break Free Music Ministries joining us for the evening. If you wish to attend please RSVP by Nov. 17 th by calling Charlotte Stoner at 529-2575. Union Post Office The post office at Union Church will operate for the Christmas Holiday Season. Christmas Cards will be delivered to anyone who attends church. Please place the cards in the box in the lobby. Please have first and last name on the envelope. December 10 th will be the last day to bring cards. The sooner cards are deposited the better! If you have any questions, please ask Arlene or Donald Hastings 529-2495. C Cookie Sale Friday, December 1 st 4pm-8pm & Cookie Sale & Craft Bazaar Saturday, December 2 nd 8am-12pm Union is calling all Cookie Bakers and Candy Makers for our Grand Annual Cookie Bake. It s that time of year again to dust off your old faithful recipes and maybe try some new ones too yum! Cookies can be made at home or you could gather some cookie buddies and bake in someone s home or in the church kitchen. The church will be open Wed, Thurs & Fri. Save the Date MSWW Christmas Luncheon Calling all widows, widowers, and mature singles! Our MSWW group will be having a Christmas Luncheon on December 13 th. More information to come. "God's Gift of Love" Practice - Friday, December 9 th at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10 th at 7:00 p.m.
5637 Or you may give your check and order form to Arlene Hastings. Union Presbyterian Church 5637 Street Road, Kirkwood, PA 17536 Order form for Poinsettias Those who would like to give poinsettias FIRST should ANY complete CHURCH this form and return it by Sunday, December 10, 2017. Name Address Phone Number In Memory of In Honor of Poinsettias are $6.50 each Number ordered @ $6.50 = $ Please make checks payable to Union Presbyterian Church. Attach your check to this form and mail both to: Union Presbyterian Church,, Street Road, Kirkwood, PA 17536