Envoy Volume 29, No. 8 September 2018 Update: District Policy on Same Gender Marriage A September 2017 letter from the Atlantic Northeast District Ministry Commission, regarding a district policy for pastors who perform a same-sex marriage, was shared and discussed at our November 2017 Congregational Council meeting. Unable to understand the letter or the policy clearly, our Congregational Council directed our Board to continue investigation into the letter. Our Board then invited the District Ministry Commission and the District Executive to attend our April 2018 Board meeting to clarify the letter and the policy. District Ministry Commission chair Marvin Foster and District Executive Pete Kontra attended our April Board meeting and clarified that the September 2017 letter was not the policy, but that a policy was being developed by the District Ministry Commission with the goal of presenting it for discussion and affirmation at the October 2018 District Conference. Palmyra Church of the Brethren that wish to leave the district and/or denomination. The closest regional meetings to us are on September 11, 2018, beginning at 3pm and 6:30pm at the Spring Creek Church of the Brethren in Hershey. All letters and documents referenced in this article are available through our church office, as well as the dates, times and locations of the other regional meetings. Join us for a At a called Board meeting on April 29, 2018, our Board approved a letter to the District Ministry Commission offering a sample district policy on Same Sex Marriages that would work at honoring differences while respecting individual and congregational conscience. We received an email a few days later thanking us for sharing the sample policy. A policy developed by the District Ministry Commission has now been approved by the District Board for discussion and action at the October 5-6, 2018 District Conference. A schedule of regional meetings has been announced to discuss this policy and another policy before the October District Conference regarding congregations Sunday, October 9th Worship will begin in the Sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. Following the sermon, we will transition to the Fellowship Hall where we will continue our worship with footwashing/handwashing, a simple fellowship meal, and communion. Sunday School will begin as usual at 10:30 am.
2 Thank you To the good folk at PCOB, many thanks for all the calls, cards and words of encouragement that I have received in recent months. And special thanks to Pastor Bill for his calls and concern. Because of these things, I have managed to stay connected to the church during my absence. It was comforting to know that the congregation was thinking of me and praying for me, and I feel very blessed to be a part of such a caring church family. Jeanie Small The family and I would like to thank you for the cards, prayers and words of encouragement at the time of our grandfather, father, and husband's death, Richard (Dick) Blouch. June Blouch 55 Plus Fellowship Banquet Wednesday, October 24, 12:00 noon Yoder s Restaurant $18.00 per person Sign up at the mail boxes Deadline is October 14. Make Checks Payable to PCOB Sponsored by the Atlantic Northeast District Congregational Updates! Please note these new contacts & contact changes: Joel Lohr: 1337 Riddle Ave., Apt. 5, Morgantown, WV 26505 Greyson Smith: 1618 Lambeth Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 Sarandon & David Turnbow: 4304 Bedrock Circle, Apt. 303, Nottingham, MD 21236 Bonnie Mock: 3112 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Jenna Walmer: jwalmer@eagles.bridgewater.edu. Millie Rein: 203 Community Circle, Palmyra, PA 641-4249 Kimberly Gottshall: 5 Pacella Dr, Apt# 6309, Randolph, MA 02368 Bob Feeman: 8905 Walking Stick Trail, Raleigh, NC, 27615 Scot & Debbie Blouch: 498 Quiggle Circle, Harrisburg, PA 17112, 482-8555 Ben & Sondra Simmons: 49 Oberholtzer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, 361-1085 Jose & Elisha Aponte: 27 N. Chestnut St., Palmyra. Jose: 585-5082, Elisha: 836-8748 Dottie Bucher: 1308 Grubb Rd., Palmyra, 215-272-9789 Randy & Joy Derck: 134 N. Prince St., Palmyra, Randy: 824-6293, Joy: 824-6294 Junior Waybright: Palmyra Heritage House, 616 W Main St, Palmyra Greg & Sherri Baiocchi: gbaiocchi7@gmail.com Please extend sympathy to the following: Cindy Bortner and Wayne Anspach on the death of Cindy s cousin and Wayne s niece, Susan King on June 14. Susan was like a sister to Cindy. Millie Rein and her children Tim Long and Pattie Schylaske and their families on the death of Millie s husband, George on June 23. June Blouch and her children on the death of Dick Blouch on July 15. The family of Ray Bashore who passed away on July 18. Elaine Burns and her family on the passing of her step mother, Arlene Hartman on July 31. Gerry Daniels on the death of his brother, Dennis on August 2.
3 Make a Note of It By Jeff Clouser, Director of Music Ministries Women's Ensemble will rehearse on Wednesdays, September 12, 19 and 26 at 6:30 p.m. The Children/Youth will be singing or playing jingle The Music Ministry of PCoB wishes to thank all those bells with the Chancel Choir during worship on Sunwho helped make the Re-Creation Concert an enjoyaday, December 16. They will rehearse at the start of ble evening for our guests and visitors. their education hour beginning Sunday, October 7th. If your child is interested in singing, please make sure Palmyra Church of the Brethren expresses a sincere they join us on any or all of those Sunday's leading up thank you to our Summer Melodies Musicians. Your to and including December 16. musical offerings have been a blessing. Choir rehearsals are starting! Canticle Bells on Wednesday, August 29, 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir on Thursday, August 30, 7:15 p.m. Praise Team will resume their regular rehearsal time on Thursday, August 30, 6:15 p.m. Lebanon Valley Expo 80 Rockerty Road, Lebanon, PA 17042 WWW.BrethrenAuction.org PCoB Chancel Choir seeks additional singers. Singers do not need to be a member of PCoB to participate. We sing the second and fourth Sunday of the month at the 9am worship service with additional Sundays added around Christmas, Easter and Music Appreciation Sunday as well as our concert at Londonderry Village on a Wednesday in late February or early March. The choir season ends the beginning of June. If interested please speak with Jeff Clouser, Director of Music Ministries or email him at jclouser@palmyracob.org. Little Explorers Early Learning Summer Classes FREE Preschool (ages 3 5) classes with stories, activities, crafts, lunch. Wednesdays, September 26 - November 14 10:30 a.m. 12 noon Palmyra Church of the Brethren Multi-Purpose Room Call the library, 717-838-1347 or missamy@lclibs.org for more information.
4 Children/Youth Singing For Christmas! The Children/Youth will be singing or playing jingle bells with the Chancel Choir during worship on Sunday, December 16. They will rehearse at the start of their education hour beginning Sunday, October 7th. If your child is interested in singing, please make sure they join us on any or all of those Sunday's leading up to and including December 16. Serving In September September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 Head Usher John Rhine John Rhine John Rhine John Rhine John Rhine Offering Usher Steve Hoffer Steve Hoffer Steve Hoffer Steve Hoffer Steve Hoffer Greeters Don Reynolds Mike Collins Don Reynolds Mike Collins Don Reynolds Mike Collins Don Reynolds Mike Collins Don Reynolds Mike Collins Flowers NA Bucher Family Jay & Carolyn Buffenmyer Karen Meads Art & Nancy Gingrich Worship Nursery Lori Faiola Michele Gottshall Shila & Derek Ulrich Michele Gottshall Samantha Auer Elaine Hoffer Sharon Smith Melanie Hartman NA Worship Childcare Brenda Heisey Samantha Auer Lori Walmer Donna Fawber Via Jeanie Small Sherry Baiocchi Betty Smith Shirley Spahr Steve & Elaine Hoffer Sunday School Nursery Melanie Hartman Jeanine Houff Cindy Bortner Cindy Weatherholtz Michele Gottshall Andy Hoffer Shila & Derek Ulrich Linda Whitman Elaine Hoffer
5 Yoga With Emily Kimak, RYT 200 Thursdays September, October 2018 January, February, March, April 2019 In the Fellowship Hall You may choose which months to attend. Pay in the first class of each month. Register by contacting Sharon Smith by August 24, smsdrs440@msn.com or 202-7122. Chair yoga Thursdays, 5:45-7:00 p.m. $20 /$15-1 st month for new students Chair Yoga is a month long course open to anyone looking to practice yoga with the support of a chair. The class is inclusive of any age or ability, and can be particularly helpful if one is experiencing chronic illness, fatigue, or limited mobility. Participants will learn several ways to set up chairs and blocks in order to practice yoga postures, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat to place under their chair for stability. Mats will also be available to borrow. Yoga Foundations Thursdays, 7:15-8:30 p.m. $20 /$15-1 st month for new students Yoga Foundations is month long course open to beginning and intermediate/advanced practitioners alike, who are interested in refreshing foundational skills in body alignment and awareness in a relaxed environment. Each class will be an adaptable, guided practice in yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation. Takehome materials will also be offered. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat; however, mats and blocks will be available to borrow. The 22nd annual COBYS Bike & Hike is set for Sunday, September 9, at the Lititz Church of the Brethren. The event includes a three-mile walk, 10- and 25-mile bicycle rides, and the 65-mile Dutch Country Motorcycle Ride. A silent auction runs throughout the afternoon. Donations of door prizes and auction items will be welcomed until the week of the event. Walkers and bicyclists donate a $25 registration fee, obtain support from sponsors, or both. Motorcycles are $35 per cycle, plus $25 for an additional passenger. Those who pre-register by September 5 receive a $5 discount. Individuals who raise $25 or more in pledges do not need to pay the registration fee. Each participant receives a free t-shirt, ice cream and refreshments, and a chance to win a door prize. Those who raise certain levels of support earn additional prizes. Junior and senior high youth groups who raise $1,500 or more earn a gym and pizza night. For more information, visit www.cobys.org/bike-and -hike. To arrange a silent auction or door prize donation, contact Development Associate Anne Stokes at 717-656-6580 or anne@cobys.org. Please note... For security purposes, the Properties Team would like the church office to be locked on Sunday mornings. Any items for the staff, financial secretary or treasurer should be placed in the white mail box to the left of the office door.
6 Three-Cents-A-Meal Offering On September 16th. The Three-Cents-A-Meal Offering is a challenge to us, people who do not know hunger, to reach out and help others. A portion of the offering goes to the Caring Cupboard to help our neighbors; the rest of the offering helps out other hungry families around our nation and world. Involve your children in this offering challenge by helping them create your family s offering container for the table. By putting aside a few cents at every meal and remembering those who struggle with hunger, you and your family can make a real difference. Welcome Center Now Open! The area under the side balcony is now named the Welcome Center. It is a central location ideal for conversation and meetings with seating areas and tables. It is a convenient location for dropping off donations, signing up for activities, accessing mail & information. This is what you will find...and where to find it! Bibles - Window Sills Brochures of PCOB and our ministries - Window Sills Bulletin (previous week s) - right hand side of mail boxes Children s activity bags - on table to the left of the Jesus statue CD of worship services - right hand side of mail boxes Directory - right hand side of mail boxes Donations cart for The Caring Cupboard - along the wall of windows Donation box for used eye glasses - on the floor along the wall of windows Donation baskets for used cell phones/ink jet cartridges - on table along wall of windows Donation slot for LVBH envelopes - right hand side of mail boxes Donation slot for Box Tops for Education - right hand side of mail boxes Donation slot for Redner s Tape - right hand side of mail boxes Envoy (current issue) - right hand side of mail boxes Lost & Found Basket - on table along wall of windows Mail slots (Individual) - left hand side of mail boxes Mail slots (Teams & Classes) - right hand side of mail boxes Mana Bags - on table along wall of windows Requisition forms - right hand side of mail boxes Sign ups for events - on the table under the clock Song sheet inserts from the bulletin - on the table under the clock
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10 Palmyra Church of the Brethren Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully Simply Together 45 North Chestnut Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 Office: 717-838-6369 palmyracob@palmyracob.org www.palmyracob.org STAFF Lead Pastor Dennis M. Lohr Coordinator of Congregational Care Bill Cave Director of Young Adults Ministries Rachel Witkovsky Director of Youth Ministries Bethany Hoffer Director of Children Ministries Missy Thompson Director of Music Ministries Jeff Clouser Office Administrator Gail Wagner The mission of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren is to invite, welcome, nurture, disciple, equip, empower and inspire all persons to live and to serve in the way of Jesus. Envoy is the official publication of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren. It is published 11 times a year. Deadline for the October s Envoy is September 6, 2018 Email articles to: envoy@palmyracob.org Please include the month the article is to be published.