June & July 2017 CHURCH STAFF Pastor: Rev. Cecilia Baxter Interim Pastor: Rev. John Kunkel Pastoral Intern: Bob Rapp Director of Children and Youth Ministry: Janet Newett Director of Music: Andy Hoke Nursery: Bobbie Pacheco, Julie Rice, Amber Ebert Administrator: Deborah Brogan Facility Manager: Herschel Schreck Custodian: Brooke Weed Vol. 23 - Issues 6 & 7 610-865-6565 christ@christucc.org www.christucc.org Childcare available at all services. WORSHIP 10:30 a.m. June 4, 2017 Pentecost Sunday & Confirmation Sunday June 11, 2017 Trinity Sunday & Teacher s Recognition Followed by Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting 9:30 a.m. June 18, 2017 Father s Day June 25, 2017 New Member Sunday & Graduation Sunday July 2, 2017 Barry Holben, Guest Organist July 9, 2017 Alan Miller, Guest Preacher July 16, 2017-10:00 a.m. Combined UCC Worship at Church of the Manger July 23, 2017 July 30, 2017
My yard has become a riot of dandelions. There are some parts of the yard that are nearly completely yellow. My son, Henry, loves it. I realize that not everyone shares his enjoyment of these little flowers. Many folks call them weeds and work incredibly hard to remove every last one of them from their green spaces. But, right now, after a long winter, watching the joy on my son s face as he pushes his trucks through our yellow yard, I can't bring myself to be annoyed with these yellow lions, turning their faces up to the spring sun. They remind me that the season is changing. Spring has come and summer is on its way. It is time to begin planning and planting again. At church, we are shifting seasons, too. We are transitioning into the Season of Pentecost, when we are invited into life-changing, transformational ministry like those early disciples. We are also shifting out of our program year, with the faith formation classes wrapping up and the Chancel Choir singing for the last Sunday on June 11 th. I hope you'll join us in celebrating and thanking our choir and faith formation leaders that day during worship. The school year will end soon, too. The summer will be a season of travel for many of us as we visit loved ones far away or go out into nature to get some much needed rejuvenation. If you are looking for a few ways to keep up your spiritual practices while you travel this summer, here are a couple suggestions I'd like to share: -Beach Ball and Sharpie: Blow up a beach ball and use a sharpie to write something you are thankful for every few days. -Flat Jesus: Included in this newsletter is a Flat Jesus. Color him and take pictures of him whenever and wherever you feel God's presence this summer. Send a copy to the church office so we can follow the sacred summer stories of all our church members. -Read two Psalms a day. See how the writers shift through joy, lament, thanksgiving, and sorrow. Put a star next to the ones that are most meaningful to you. Try writing your own Psalm. I hope you find some new life this summer. I hope you grow something great. I hope you get some rest, too. And, I hope you can find little reminders of God's love that are like the dandelions: bright, tenacious, and always ready to surprise us with where they may grow. In hope, Pastor Cecilia Where Are You Going? On the way to visit our younger son in Florida this past March my wife and I stopped at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. Styled after a barn, the library reflects Graham s farm-based childhood; he was raised on a nearby dairy farm. From this simple beginning, the Holy Spirit called Billy Graham to a world-wide ministry that touched the lives of millions. Pentecost reminds us that all who name Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have been called by this same Holy Spirit. In January 2000, Billy Graham was honored by the citizens of Charlotte. After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the podium, looked at the crowd, and said, I m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When the conductor came to him, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn t find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn t find it. The conductor said, Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I m sure you bought a ticket. Don t worry about it. Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, Dr. Einstein, don t worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don t need a ticket. I m sure you bought one. Einstein looked at him and said, Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don t know is where I m going. Having said that Billy Graham continued, See the suit I m wearing? It s a brand-new suit. I ve been told that I have gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So, I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. Do you know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I ll be buried. But when you hear I m dead, I don t want you to remember the suit I m wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am... I also know where I m going. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are provided with this clarity. Redeemed by Jesus, we are called to be children of God. Clothed in righteousness, we are fitted for eternity. By the grace of God, we are saved not only can we know who we are, but most importantly we can know where we are going! Now that s the Spirit! Pastor John
Christ Church Soup Kitchen Anyone interested in volunteering their time for the Christ Church UCC Saturday Soup Kitchen please contact Lynn Ratzell at 610-759-1982 or sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0445a9aa29a2ff2-soup Consistory Updates The Christ Church Saturday Soup Kitchen is in need of a volunteer or volunteers to help with planning and setting up the Saturday menus for our street neighbors. This would entail about 30-60 minutes per week. Again, this is just for the planning and setting up of the ingredients for the volunteers who come in on Saturday morning to prepare the meals. Your help would be greatly appreciated! Peace, Ed Yenolevich, Consistory Chair NOTE: Spiritual Council and Consistory will meet June 5. Consistory is in need of members to fill the positions of Deacons and Elders. Nominees must be a member of Christ Church. Nominees for Elder must have served as Deacon at least 2 years. If there is someone you would like to nominate or if you would like to join the Consistory team yourself, please provide a name by calling the church office. If you nominate a fellow member, please make them aware with their permission. Nominees will be presented for vote at the Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting in June. Please submit name(s) by May 29. Any questions, contact Ed Yenolevich at 610-867-0435 or edyeno@gmail.com. Greeters are needed for Sunday worship. Please contact the church office or sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0445a9aa29a2ff2- worship If there is any one interested in placing altar flowers in our sanctuary, please contact Barbara Davies at 610-838-6142. Ushers Meeting June 11th Ushers are asked to meet in the back of the sanctuary at the conclusion of the semi-annual congregational meeting for a very brief Ushers Meeting. Questions? See John Snyder. DEATHS May 4, 2017 Catherine Weaver May 21, 2017 Betty Metz Semi-Annual Meeting is on Sunday, June 11. Please have all reports Submitted by June 2. Please notify the church office with any changes in your household, ie: address change. We also need to know our homebound members and their needs. Please inform the church office if you or a family member have been admitted to the hospital and advise the hospital that our church code is 409.
Stand Up Bethlehem Music Updates June 4 - Youth Ensemble sings in worship June 11 - Last Chancel Choir Anthem for season June 18 - Men's Ensemble (Note that service time changes to 9:30AM) July 2 - Barry Holben will be at the organ There will be solo opportunities throughout the summer. Please see Andy if you would like to sign up. You do not need to be a choir member to do a solo! First rehearsal for Chancel Choir season will be on Wednesday, September 6 at 7pm. A full musical ensemble calendar for 2017-2018 should be available sometime in August. TARGETED GIVING DONORS NEEDED? Our ministerial and administrative staff rely heavily on computer technology to create newsletters, track finances, create reports, conduct research, write sermons and a whole host of other important functions. Our current computers are well past their end of life and we are in dire need of replacing them. If you would like to help underwrite the cost of the new computers, please send a check to the church office or use one of the pew envelopes and indicate your wish to support the purchase of the computers. Any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated. An event held to aid the homeless of Bethlehem. Saturday, June 10 10am-2pm in Eberts Hall Used clothing donations will be accepted at the church from now up to and including the day of the event. Free Hot Food Free Clothing and Personal Items Veterans Services Available Free Health Checks and Hair Cuts To donate your time, goods, or for more information, please contact: Bob Rapp 484-357-0600 or masherrapp@gmail.com Feeling stressed? Need a little centering and relaxation? Thursdays nights 7:00-8:15pm In The Gathering Place No Experience necessary YOGA Dear Friends: It was two and one half years ago when Debbie and I first attended Sunday worship with you on Blessing the Backpack Sunday. I still remember the enthusiastic welcomes we received from everyone and the invitations to return. After moving to Bethlehem we did return, on Stewardship Sunday, and from the time we entered the Gathering Place before worship you made sure we knew we were welcome. That welcome included an invitation to stay for lunch. A few months later, even though we were still getting to know each other, you supported me as I continued pursuing my call to Ordained Ministry. You invited me into your pulpit, allowed me to gain experience in adult and youth ministry, provided opportunities for Debbie and I to serve the homeless in the community and Debbie to facilitate Adult Sunday School. Most recently, you opened your hearts and your worship space in order for us to celebrate my entering into ordained ministry. Thank you for all that you did to make the Ordination Service memorable. Preparing the bulletins, the sound and video support, the music (I especially appreciated the reminder that God provides hope, peace and strength as the ensemble sang God Of This City) and the reception after the service. Thank you also for the generous gift certificate to Abiding Spirit. Debbie and I will always remember our time at Christ Church and the friends we made during that phase of our journey. Our prayer for you is that God continues to bless you and the ministry you offer to the people of Bethlehem. We look forward to having the opportunity to joyfully serve the greater church together through conference activities and events. Thank you again for your hospitality and friendship. Sincerely, Rev. Michael P. Lonergan and Deborah A. Lonergan
FAITH FORMATION Another year is coming to an end! Our final class for the 2016-17 year will be June 11. During worship on June 11, we will recognize our awesome teachers: Jessica Becker, Judy Koch and Anthony Newett! We will also recognize our Adult Bible Class leader and organizer, Shirley Kochenberger (can't spell her name right now lol) YOUTH Summer Schedule: June 4: Confirmation and Youth Ensemble singing June 23-24: End of the Year Camp Out at the Newett House! Bring a tent and sleeping gear. We will roast marshmallows and hotdogs on the fire, play games and have a faith-based conservation under the stars! June 25: Graduate Recognition in worship June 30-July 4: General Synod *see below July 9: General Synod reflections in worship July 15: Church-wide Family Picnic at Reservoir Park in Hellertown 11am-1pm July 17-21 VBS 6-8pm: Youth can volunteer and get community service hours for school August 6: Stockholders Brunch 11am-12:30pm Youth will serve food for those that invested in the Youth Group. Youth will also share their experiences from the PNEC Annual Youth Retreat and General Synod. August 18: Outdoor Movie Night in the Courtyard, featuring the new Live Action Disney's Beauty and the Beast! September 24: YOUTH SUNDAY! (more info about planning times to come) UCC General Synod *Christ Church has 7 youth and 2 adult chaperones attending the UCC General Synod in Baltimore, MD June 30- July 4! Our youth will experience the beauty of the Wider Church with thousands of others during these five days. They will praise, celebrate, stand up for social justice issues and explore what it means to be part of the United Church of Christ! Invest in the YOUTH: Please help support this trip to General Synod, and other faith formative youth activities, by becoming a STOCKHOLDER! See bulletin for Investor Form. BRUNCH DATE: August 6, 11am to 12:30pm. SUMMER Children and Youth Faith Forming opportunities... This summer, beginning June 18, we will be trying something exciting in our worship space. We are going to have a CHILDREN'S SPACE! This is an area set aside for toddlers to age 4 with quiet toys, books, and coloring supplies. This allows children to be present for worship and engage in what is going on around them at their level. Each Sunday this summer, the worship service will include either a children message OR the children will be invited to the All Purpose Room for a special creative lesson for the second half of the service. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL will be July 17-21 from 6-8pm for ages 3-12. The theme is Splash into God's Word; we will explore some of the water stories from the bible! We will share the songs and stories with the congregation in worship on Sunday, June 23 AND we will have a FAMIL POOL PARTY on Saturday July 22 beginning at noon at the Masemore s home, 3071 Kenwick Circle, Bethlehem, PA 18017 Register for VBS online at: https://goo.gl/forms/fcbeis0pguhourjk1
Dear Friends at Christ Church UCC, Thank you for your generous donation to The Chemo Bag. It is because of the support of our community that we can continue to do what we do. Best, Leah Walia
Buy STOCK in Christ Church YOUTH and Help Send a Youth to General Synod 2017!! Choose your investment level $10, $25, $50, $100 etc... With your investment, you will receive.. a STOCK Certificate and Receive a postcard from Baltimore, MD! Following General Synod, you will be invited to attend the Stockholder s Brunch where youth participants will share their experience with you via photos, memories, videos and more! General Synod 2017 June 30-July 4, 2017 THEME: Make Glad This is a gathering of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, that happens every two years. Thousands come together from all across the country and beyond to talk about church structure, issues of peace and justice and witness to the awesomeness of God. This is an opportunity for youth to meet new people, participate in moving worship services and hear inspiring speakers. Also youth will have a chance to create new understandings about themselves, the world, what they believe and how they see themselves in the world as a person of faith. FUNDRAISING GOAL: $6000.00 Cost per person for Event, Housing, Food and Transportation: $600 Easter Cantata --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I want to buy stock in Christ Church Youth and help send them to GENERAL SYNOD 2017! (return this form with your investment to the Christ Church office) NAME: April 9 ADDRESS: 10:30 am Directe EMAIL: Level of Investment: (circle) $10 $25 $40 $50 $75 $100 $150 $200 $300 OR
Flat Jesus Color him and take pictures of him whenever and wherever you feel God's presence this summer. Send a copy to the church office (by snail mail or to christ@christucc.org) and we'll share it on the church Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #christchurchflatjesus2017.