1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Pastor Daniel
ERUCC Pastor’s
Scholarship
Pastor Hanberry
New Church
Directory
A Look Back Over
The Years
Nominating Report
OCWM
Worship Notes
Integrated Health
& Wholeness
Ministry
On this Street
We Stand
CAbi Fashion
Fundraiser
Kids & Youth
Have You Ever
Considered Being a
Confirmation Mentor
Mission Roundtable
Religious Coalition
Special May
Offerings
Adult Learning
Options
New Members
Save the Date
Thank You’s
ERUCC Book
Group
Treasurer’s Report
May Birthdays
1
Trinity Chimes
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Evangelical Reformed
United Church of Christ
2015Congregation
An Open & May
Affirming
9
10
11
12
13
13
14
14
15
16
17
17
18
19
20
Hanberry
From Pastor
Daniel
Hanberry
In the February Faithfully,
18th issue ofPastor
Christian
Century, Andrew Root writes
about Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a youth minister. Many of us know about
Bonhoeffer’s time in New York and with black churches in Harlem, his work
with the Confessing Church in Germany, and his writings such as “The Cost
of Discipleship.” We know that he was executed by the Nazi’s in 1945. But I
must confess that I did not know about Bonhoeffer’s pastoral ministry with
young people.
Root writes, “Nearly all the direct ministry that Bonhoeffer did was
with children or youth. From 1925 to 1939, when World War II broke out, it
is nearly impossible to find a period that Bonhoeffer was not working with
children or teens. The history is often missed when telling the story of
Bonhoeffer. He saw it as his core theological and pastoral task to wade into
the chaos of the lives and experiences of young people as a witness to the
gospel.” (Christian Century, February 18, 2015)
Root describes how Bonhoeffer told stories from his life to create a
space for the young people he was teaching to enter. It was in teaching a
confirmation class of boys that he remained calm in the midst of the chaos of
energetic young boys and engaged them by telling stories of a living faith.
He moved from concentrating on the content of the curriculum to signaling to
the boys that he was there for them and thus creating a safe space for them to
explore what it means to be a disciple of Christ. He sought to weave together
his story and their story and the traditions of the faith.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 1
Walk around Trinity Chapel on a Sunday morning and you will encounter adults engaging with children and
youth. The best thing they do is demonstrate time and time again how much they care. Our children and young
people have so many adults in their lives who create the space for them to share their own stories, experiences
and thoughts. They listen and seek to understand what those kids are seeing and feeling and then they connect
them with the good news of a God who calls us beloved. They tell the stories of Jesus who loved children and
encourage them to care and share as Jesus did.
I pray that in the season of Easter ahead, that we discover ever new and meaningful ways to encounter
the living Christ through his story and our stories.
SAVE THE DATE: May 3rd Congregational Meeting following the 10:30 service. Lunch will be
served. At 1 p.m. we will adjourn to the parking lot for ground breaking services.
ERUCC PASTOR’S SCHOLARSHIP
Written by Pastor Daniel
On April 8th, Jenna Duranko, Milt Crutchley, Kathy Johnston, and I took a field trip to Lancaster
Theological Seminary to attend a luncheon honoring 2014 Scholarship donors. We were thrilled to meet
Donte Jones, recipient of the ERUCC Pastor's Scholarship. Financial aid is essential to provide accessible,
high quality theological education to future ordained and lay leaders of the church. Over the last ten years,
the percentage of students graduating from Lancaster Theological Seminary with debt has increased
dramatically. In 2002, the percentage of students graduating with $15,000 or more in seminary debt was 37
percent. In just ten years, that percentage increased to 75 percent, with 3 percent of 2012 graduates leaving
with $40,000 or more in seminary debt.
In light of the pay range most of the graduates can likely expect following graduation, it is critical
that scholarship grants continue to provide the necessary funding so that promising students consider a call
to ministry.
The ERUCC Pastor's Scholarship was established in 2004 with a gift from the Fisher Endowment
Fund in honor of the pastors who have served ERUCC and as an honor to Fred Wenner who was preparing
for retirement. Fred served for 15 years on the board of
trustees of Lancaster Seminary, four of those years as chair.
The purpose of the gift was to underwrite the basic expenses
of persons studying for ordained ministry and to support
theological education in the United Church of Christ.
As Pastor Wenner wrote in January of 2004, “An intended
consequence of this gift is to encourage members of
Evangelical Reformed Church to consider their call to
ordained ministry, knowing of the financial support
available through this new scholarship fund.”
While we were on campus we also stopped by the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society and
viewed some old Evangelical Reformed materials in the archives.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 2
From Pastor Hanberry
I remember standing, stuck in about 10 inches of MUD in the village of Finca Ocho, outside the city of
El Progreso in Honduras. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The rains had finally stopped and the heat and
humidity of Central America had begun to bring a crusty surface to the more than a foot of mud left by the
horrible rains and wind of Hurricane Mitch. This reference from Wikipedia says it all: “Due to its slow motion
from October 29 to November 3, Hurricane Mitch dropped historic amounts of rainfall in Honduras,
Guatemala, and Nicaragua, with unofficial reports of up to 75 inches (1,900 mm). Deaths due to catastrophic
flooding made it the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in history; nearly 11,000 people were killed with over
11,000 left missing by the end of 1998. Additionally, roughly 2.7 million were left homeless as a result of the
hurricane. The flooding caused extreme damage, estimated at over $6 billion (1998 USD).”
My wife, Pat, and I traveled there in December 1998, right after the international airport in San Pedro
Sula had opened again to air traffic. Our church, Glade UCC in Walkersville, supported (out of a foreign
mission fund established in 1942 to be used only for cash donations to various UCC global mission projects)
our proposal to go there in person, to explore how we might help and to stand in solidarity even for a little while
with our friends from previous mission projects in San Pedo and in El Progreso. So for four days of our eightday trip, friends from what would soon become our partner church for the next 15 years, Bethel Evangelical and
Reformed Church (Iglesia Betel), drove us in an old four-wheel drive truck out to this barrio to work with an
elderly couple, Jose Maria and Alba Lydia, and their five young grandchildren who lived with them because
their father had been murdered and their mother lived in the city to earn money for their care, to start cleaning
up the mess of a house left by Hurricane Mitch.
The first day we worked with Jose Maria trying to begin the cleanup of his stick and board, dirt floor
house, which had been totally destroyed by 20 feet of swelling waters that had rushed down the mountain sides
into their community. The next day, a few others from the community joined us. Each day others stopped their
own cleanup to join us, and by the final day there were 8 or 10 people helping. This was the moment of vision
for Pat and me. Standing there in the December muggy heat and mud, we imagined others joining us in the
future to not only rebuild but to actually build new cinder block homes with these families. Houses with cement
floors, metal roofs (wooden rafters would be eaten away by the termites in a short time).
In those four days in the mud, we experienced what community looks like. This experience reinforced
the vision of our bringing our friends from back home to join this work, enabling the development of a
partnership with lasting and sustainable ramifications.
Unlike many church mission work trips, I knew that this was not to be a one-time, one-shot project. The
people there (including Iglesia Betel and the families of Finca Ocho) and our folks back home in our churches
needed a long-lasting, on-going relationship to deal with the immensity of the problem. The response would
need to be sustainable over a long period of time. Needless to say, I didn’t, in my wildest imagination, think the
work would go on for almost 16 years.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 3
But it did. This past January, in our 21st and final work group, we
finished the 50th house built and financed by this partnership in Finca Ocho
and in a second community, Brisa del Sur (where we worked since 2004).
Over 135 people from 21 different churches in the Catoctin Association
made up those 21 work groups. We raised over $120,000 for building these
houses; add to that the costs of the trips and related expenses, we raised
another $100,000 for this work. In addition, we started a scholarship
project in February 2000, providing 27 scholarships at $400 per child per
year) for elementary graduates to attend high school in the city – something
that had never happened before in the history of these rural barrios. People
and churches of the CA have contributed almost $175,000 for this project.
While our house building part of the partnership will not continue,
our Scholarship project will. Our continuing goal is to raise at least
$10,000 per year, with $2,000 of that fund going to support several of the
promising high school graduates to go to college.
It is amazing that from a foot of mud in Finca Ocho with two
“gringos” and an elderly couple—Jose Maria and Alba Lydia—hundreds
and hundreds of lives would be so blessed and transformed. To give
witness to that, about 40 folks who had participated in one or more of the
work trips gathered April 19 to celebrate our work together.
If only Jose Maria and Alba Lydia and all our long-lasting friends
from Honduras could have been with us. But they were…as we were with
them over these many years. Thanks be to God!
From Pastor Daniel:
On behalf of
ERUCC and the Catoctin
Association, I am
grateful for Gerry’s
leadership and the
transformation of so
many lives through this
project. Groups
traveling from this area
brought dignity as well
as hope to those who
received new homes, as
well as their
neighborhoods. His
Faithfully Pastor Hanberry
leadership, along with
Pat’s, enabled over 135
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY IN THE WORKS – DO YOU
JUST USE YOUR CELL NUMBER AND NO LONGER
HAVE A LANDLINE?
Calling all ERUCC Community! If you have
replaced your landline phone with a cell
phone number, please let Kris know. Call her
at the church or [email protected]. LET’S
STAY CONNECTED.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
people from this area
to experience the
oneness we share in
Christ, as well as within
the human
family. Thank you.
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 4
A LOOK BACK OVER THE YEARS
by Sandra Derr Trout
Recently after welcoming a new member to ERUCC down in the Social Room, she asked me how long I
had been a member of this church. I smiled and replied, "I am a lifetime member." She remarked how
fortunate I was to have been a part of this congregation for so many years. As I left church and was walking
to my car, I was recalling walking to church as a child with my family from our downtown home several blocks
away. As I passed Brewers Alley I remembered fondly how I used to look at the steeple and bells in Trinity
Chapel from my father's upper level office in what was then City Hall.
My mother taught Sunday School in the Trinity Chapel with the beloved Mildred Rhoads, mother of Bill
Rhoads. In the 1950's, I was in the Children's Choir with Sperry Storm, Jack Storm's dad, who was organist and
director of the choir. Youth activities and Bible School were always much anticipated church events. As my
mother became friends with Peggy Garst and Lavenia Marsh, she was soon treasurer and an active member of
the Chimes Circle. My mother and aunt were involved in banking so I quickly learned about budgets, saving,
sharing, and giving. I remember many conversations about pledging to the church with my parents. Whenever
we visited my grandparents, my grandfather would give me several quarters. Nearly sixty years ago, he would
tell me to save some for when I grew up and to give several to the church or someone in need. As a child I
looked forward to Sundays placing my quarters in the offering plate.
In 1970, Michael and I were married by the Rev. Paul Althouse in the sanctuary and in 1976, our twin
daughters, Kim and Kelly were baptized here. As parents, we were so pleased for them to benefit from so
many wonderful experiences and develop their faith with Pastor Fred Wenner. They loved bells with Nancy
Doll and the youth group activities and trips. Many of their closest friends today were in those youth
groups. As a family, we were always proud of the many ways our church helped many people and
organizations in the Frederick community through our mission projects.
With Michael serving as deacon and I as a two-term elder and for many years as chair of Evangelism and then
Worship Committee, we had the opportunity to serve on Consistory for many years. Then as Spiritual Council
chair, I was on the Search Committee when Pastor Barbara Kershner Daniel was called to our congregation. It
was in those leadership roles that the finances and budget needs of ERUCC became very clear. All committees
were very conservative in their spending. Like at home, there were many expenses. Our forefathers were
able to maintain four large buildings over many, many years for us all to enjoy and cherish. Take time to
reflect on what a wonderful job they did over the years.
Now as we approach the groundbreaking of our “Growing in Faith, Building in Hope, Now is the Time” project,
each of us needs to prayerfully consider how much we have received and enjoyed from our church family,
whether we are a lifetime member or a new member. Each of us needs to support our ongoing budget needs
and help finance our new project endeavor which will provide a space that will continue our respected
ministry and outreach in the Frederick community.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 5
NOMINATING REPORT FOR 2015 -2016
ELDERS (3 year term):
Two to be elected:
Betsy Fisher (second term 2018)
Starr Schaeberle (first term 2018)
Continuing Elders are:
Rodney Martin (second term 2017)
Allen Flora (second term 2017)
Milt Crutchley (second term 2016)
Cliff Barr (first term 2016)
DEACONS (2 year term):
Four to be elected:
Tom Frazier, head deacon (second term 2017)
Tom Perlet (second term 2017)
Jennie Covahey (first term 2017)
Richard Torian (first term 2017)
Continuing deacons: Marc Kline (first term 2016)
Phil Selby (second term 2016)
Jenna Duranko (first term 2016)
Jaci Clayton (second term 2016)
COMMITTEE CHAIRS (2-year term but may be re-elected for 2 additional 1-year terms) (*to be elected)
Property:
Phil Selby (first term through 2016)
Stewardship:
Jill White (first term through 2016)
*Mission & Social Action: Cliff Barr (first full term through 2017)
*Finance & Budget: Connie Golleher (first through 2017)
*Worship:
Cindy Smith (second 1-year term 2016)
Christian Ed:
Laura Rhoderick (first term 2016)
*Member at large:
Bob Marendt (first full two-year term 2017)
Youth:
Monthly rotating
Submitted by Milt Crutchley and Rodney Martin
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 6
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 7
WORSHIP NOTES
(Worship Notes are from Seasons of the Spirit and Pulpit Resource)
MAY 3 - The first lesson for this Sunday is from I John 4:7-21 and all who abide in God’s love will love each
other. In John 15:1-8, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vineyard with God as the vine grower. Jesus is the vine
and his followers are the branches. He uses the image of a deep and living connection (abiding) that nourishes
us in love and produces joy. This is Heritage Sunday. We will be sharing communion at the chancel rail and
using the Red Hymnal for our hymn singing. The Senior Choir will be singing.
Following worship, we will have our annual congregational meeting to review church finances and
activities for 2014. Lunch will be served. At 1:00, we will gather behind the church for ground-breaking
services.
MAY 10 - Jesus’ commandment to love one another in John, chapter 15, verse 12, is one of the strongest
themes of Jesus’ teaching. Not only does Jesus “command” us “to love one another,” he shows us how: To
love each other “as I have loved you.” Jesus then “pushes the envelope” in verse 13: “No one has greater love
than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:9-17). Exploring what “laying down one’s life” is a
challenge that enlightens and inspires. 1 John 5:1-6 is a text that supports and ungirds the theology of Jesus’
commandment to love one another. Central themes of the first letter of John include “faith and believing,” and
“love put into action.” These themes encourage us to act in ways that cause love and faith to overcome the
problems of the world. Indeed, as disciples of Jesus, what does it mean to be a friend, even a spiritual friend?
This morning we will be ordaining and installing the new members of the Consistory. Spirit and Young
Spirit will be singing. The Chancel Bell Choir will be playing.
MAY 17 - Youth Sunday - This year’s theme is, “We Are…” The Children’s Choir and Young Spirit will be
singing. The Cambridge Bell Choir will be playing.
MAY 24 – Pentecost - Pentecost, as described in the classic text in Acts 2:1-21, is a high holy day of the life of
the church. Pentecost is the day we celebrate the founding of the Christian church. More than that, on
Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit into the life of the church and into our own lives. The
power of the Holy Spirit is reinforced in the gospel for this day, John 15:26-27 and 16:4b-15, when Jesus
explains what the Holy Spirit will do for the faithful. This raises the question of what “spirit” means to us in the
21st Century. What does “spirit” look like in these modern times? The Senior Choir will be singing.
MAY 31 - Trinity Sunday - Different people have different ways of responding to God, as we learn in Isaiah
6:1–8. In the story of Nicodemus in John 3:1–17, Jesus speaks of coming into relationship with God.
Nicodemus, a respected teacher, comes to a young rabbi, Jesus, at night, admitting his struggle to understand the
signs he’s witnessed. We share that struggle: what does it mean to be “born from above”? or “born anew”?
How are we to understand that somehow, when we encounter God, we become new people?
This morning members of the Junior Fire Company will join us in worship. The Senior Choir will be
singing.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 8
INTEGRATED HEALTH AND WHOLENESS MINISTRY
Substance
Abuse & Teens
by Joan W. Quinlan
What parent, grandparent, or
family member isn’t concerned
about drinking and drug use
with their child, preteen, or teen? It is among one of the top issues they face in raising
them. So, here are some myths, facts, and tips for helping those under 21 stay healthy and
drug-free. This article focuses on alcohol, since it continues to be the drug of choice for
youth.
For many parents, facing high school graduation brings up fears, rightfully so. Beach
week, prom time, just entering college in the fall can have us wonder, “Did we do the
right thing?” Well, yes, you did, in belonging to and having your children be part of
ERUCC. And, you’ll see why later in this article.
GENERAL FACTS: Alcohol use by those under 21 continues to be a serious public
health and safety issue. Even with all the advancements and prevention strategies put in
place over the past 30 years, drinking by those under 21 cause significant consequences
that can be avoided. To put it into perspective, recent surveys have shown that most
young people start drinking before the age of 15. Surveys showed that in the 30 days before the survey that
among high school students, 42% drank, 21% binged drank, 10% drove after drinking, and 24% rode with a
driver who had been drinking. For students, drinking can also lead to academic problems -- unintended,
unwanted, and unprotected sexual activity; health problems, i.e., depression and anxiety; academic problems;
and other drug use.
MYTH: Alcohol isn’t as harmful as other drugs.
MYTH: Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
FACT: It increases the risk for diseases—in fact,
FACT: One 12 oz. bottle of beer or a 5 oz. glass
drinking too much can lead to alcohol poisoning,
which can be deadly.
of wine has about as much alcohol as a 1.5 oz. shot
of liquor. Alcopops—sweet drinks laced with malt
liquor—often contain more than beer!
MYTH: Adults drink, so kids should be able to
drink too.
FACT: A young person’s body and brain are still
growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning
problems. Those who drink before age 15 are five
times more likely to abuse or become dependent on
alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 21.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
MYTH: I can drink alcohol and not have any
problems.
FACT: If one is under 21, drinking is a big
problem—it’s illegal and can result in
consequences.
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 9
TIPS: As a parent, grandparent, friend, or mentor your short and frequent discussions can have a big
impact on a child’s decision to drink or use other drugs. Talking often builds an open, trusting
relationship, and lots of little talks are more effective than one “big” one. When you do talk, make your
views clear (and remember, what you do is more important as what you say). As children gets older, the
conversation will change—make sure that what you say fits their age. Finally, remember that the
conversation goes both ways--hear and respond to their point of view. Young people who have adults
who listen to their feelings are more likely to say “no.”
Finally, research has shown that children and teens who have a strong connection to family, as well as a
spiritual and/or religious connection, are often able to better handle peer pressure to drink or use other drugs.
Also, just having children and teens involved in creative arts—drama, music, art, etc.—or sports can lead to
their making good choices. Since, if a child or teen spends their time in very worthwhile pursuits, it leaves
them little time for activities that can be counter-productive. And, I have to say, that having a child involved in
a community like ERUCC gives them connections, spirituality, a sense of belonging and, perhaps, a purpose.
This article was based on information from several publications from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), HHS. Their website has many publications
that are downloadable and have information based on years of research and strategies that have proven effective

On this Street We Stand
by Kevin Coyle
On Church Street we stand
Standing tall with pillars of white
Big in size, but tight in fellowship
Together we worship
Singing praises to the One above
Listening to words of wisdom, sweet and true
Delighting in one another
Greeting members old and new
On this street we stand
Full of history
Ancient as Schley
But modern, open, and affirming
Onward we go
Singing, listening, and greeting
Following the God that speaks still
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 10
◘◘◘◘◘◘
Dear Women of ERUCC,
You are cordially invited to the first ERUCC Fashion Fundraiser Event. Proceeds
Benefit ERUCC Building Project!! .
Ladies, this is your chance to get style tips, learn about spring trends, enjoy quality
time with other women, and fill gaps in your closet with clothes you will love!
I am so excited to share this fun day of Fashion with all of you for so many reasons! I
know that you will love the clothes, the experience, and the time to connect with other
women! I also know that you will feel moved by the positive impact you have made on
your community through this fundraiser. You will be able to help the ERUCC building
project, and give to women all throughout the world through your purchases. I so hope
you will come and enjoy a great time and all this event has to offer!
Friday, May 8, 6:30pm OR Saturday, May 9, 10am, ERUCC Social Room
Women ages 14 and up are invited and all are welcome to bring a guest!
Please RSVP and specify your choice of times: 240-535-7893 or [email protected]
Warmly,
Emily Perlet, Personal Stylist
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 11
AT
TINY TOTS – (Tiny Tots is for
GOD’S KIDS CLUB
children birth to Kindergarten and a
caregiver.) Tiny Tots will meet
Monday, May 18th, from 4 to 5 in the
Nursery. Our theme will be bugs. We
will see how bugs can be helpful.
(God’s Kids Club is for children
in Kindergarten – Sixth Grade).
God’s Kids Club will celebrate
National Smile Day on Monday, May 18th, during
Monday Mess Hall. Watch for more details.
CHANGE IN SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE:
There will be no Children’s Church on May 17th.
We feel it is important for the children to stay in
church on Youth Sunday and see what the youth
have planned.
“In God we live, move, & exist.” (Acts
17:28a - CEB)
There will be a meeting on Monday, May11, at 6:45
in the social room for those wishing to help with
VBS.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: VBS will be
Aug 3-7 from 9-Noon. Classes for 4
years old through 5th grade.
For questions regarding children’s and family
activities, contact Kim Sexton –
[email protected].
YOUTH GROUP
2016 CONFIRMATION CLASS
Sunday, May 3 - 6-7:30p.m.
Practice for Youth Sunday
Saturday, May 16 – 8-11a.m.
Spring Clean Up at the church
Sunday, May 17 – Youth Sunday
Noon German trip meeting
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Youth who have completed 7th grade and older are
welcome to join in our 2015-16 confirmation
program
Information Meeting – Sunday, May 31
Following the 10:30 Service in the downstairs
conference room of the Parish House.
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 12
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BEING A CONFIRMATION MENTOR?
One of the wonderful discipleship experiences available for adults at ERUCC is the opportunity to
mentor a young person through their year of Confirmation. For many, many years this mentoring process has
been a key part of the confirmation program.
The basic role of a mentor is to walk alongside one of our youth, sharing your faith, your dreams.
Some of the expectations we have for someone serving as a mentor are:








Be in touch with your Confirmand on a regular basis at least twice a month. Connecting at
worship or coffee fellowship is fine.
Attend worship on a regular basis and participate in the life of the church – as a model for your
young person.
Get to know your Confirmand as a unique and gifted individual.
Listen to the joys and concerns of your Confirmand, as well as to their doubts and struggles of
faith.
Occasionally attend their 9:30 Sunday School Class
Going with the class on four or five Sunday morning visits to other downtown church (as able)
Participation – if able – of any time during Confirmation Camp (August 3-7, 9-4 at the church)
and if able to attend the Confirmation Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson (September 18-19)
and the February trip to New York and a closing overnight event at the church.
Participation in Confirmation Sunday on May 15, 2016
We are creating a pool of persons interested in serving in this capacity. If you want more information or
want to be considered for this opportunity, please contact Bettie Joe Cructhley at:
[email protected].
MISSION/SOCIAL ACTION ROUNDTABLE - The next Roundtable will take place in the downstairs
conference room on May 17th at 7p.m. All persons who are currently involved with mission or social
action projects are invited to attend in order to update attendees on what is happening (or any
needs). Also invited are people who would like to learn more about our various mission/social action
projects. Come as well if you have ideas regarding additional areas where we might need to focus
some of our attention – Cliff Barr, Chair
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 13
SOME DATA ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS COALITION
The Religious Coalition is the largest provider of emergency shelter to the
homeless in Frederick County and a point of entry for homeless prevention
programs in Frederick.
The Coalition provides healthcare assistance to the uninsured through Mission of
Mercy and food assistance through a netbook of local food banks throughout the
county serving 1,400 households. In 2014, 483 individuals were seen with the
homeless shelter for 18,000 bed nights.
ERUCC was a founding partner of the Religious Coalition and continues to be a major supporter with
funds and volunteer hours.
The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs is seeking volunteers, 18 years or older, who are
willing to serve at the Year Round Shelter during the season. The shelter is open seven days a week from April
through October. Each evening contains two shifts: 6 pm-8:00 pm or 8:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Duties :


Greeting and checking in our homeless guests, assign beds, handing out needed supplies, and assisting
staff. A staff member will be on duty all hours during which the shelter is open.
There will be one training session for all new and returning volunteers. See schedule to complete
training.
To register for volunteer training, call the Alan P. Linton Jr. Emergency Shelter at 301-631-2670. Ext 11
SPECIAL OFFERINGS IN MAY
HOMEWOOD
FOUNDATION
MOTHER’S DAY
APPEAL – MAY 10
The Homewood Foundation raises funds for a
variety of important initiatives, including: (1)
Benevolent care for Homewood residents who may
need special assistance; (2) Capital campaigns for
expansion and beautification projects; and (3)
Special projects and activities within the
Homewood communities.
The Homewood Benevolent Endowment Fund,
established in 1972, receives gifts for benevolent
care. These funds are distributed among the
retirement communities to assist with the financial
needs of residents who meet established
qualification criteria.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
STRENGTHEN THE
CHURCH OFFERING
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Strengthen the Church
(STC) is a special mission
offering to reimagine and build the future of the
UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels,
STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time
leaders for new churches in parts of the country
where the UCC voice has not been heard.
As God calls our congregation to be the “church” in
new ways, your generosity will plant new churches,
awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop
the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. STC
funds will also be used to award grants to help
congregations communicate the “God is still
speaking” message.
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 14
ADULT LEARNING OPTIONS AT ERUCC FOR SPRING 2015
FOR ADULTS AT ERUCC
LEARNING OPTIONS ON SUNDAY
OPTION 1: Let’s Study the Bible and Prepare for Worship




9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Facilitated by Stefan Mach
Continuing series: May 3, 10, and 17
Meets in the downstairs conference room
General Approach:
 Opening with Prayer and the Reading/sharing (in various creative ways) the Biblical text
from the lectionary for the day – mostly the texts the preacher is using for worship
 Explore the Biblical contextual and historical/deeper meaning of the scripture passage
 Explore the theological/faith-related aspects of the text, plus the hymns, prayers, and
liturgies in the worship bulletin for the day
OPTION 2: Let’s Talk: “Inequality: Overcoming the Gaps that
Divide”
A six-part series (Continuing May 3, 10, and 17) — each session is on Sunday morning from
9:30 — 10:15 a.m. with about 30 minutes for presentation and 15 minutes of discussion and
time for all of us to “Let’s Talk” together about the nature of equality in America and the world
and about those factors that tend to divide us into the “INS” and “OUTS.”
MAY 3, 2015: Inequality In Prisons and Jails – Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Gerry Hanberry

Show part/clips of video lecture by Michelle Alexander, “Mass Incarceration in an Age
of Colorblindness,” based on her book, “The New Jim Crow”

Discussion and reflection based on the video
MAY 10, 2015: Religious Equality in a Multi-Faith Context– Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Gerry Hanberry – Panel:
Barbara K. Daniel, a Rabbi, a representative of the Islamic Community
 How do religious groups, in all their various settings, worship and serve together while maintaining their
unique styles of worship and varied theologies?
 What does religious pluralism look like?
 Major gaps between religions/faith groups
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 15
MAY 17, 2015: Social and Community Inequality — Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Gerry Hanberry
 Current issues that create division in community life: housing, economics, race and ethnicity, immigration
 Current trends that suggest improvement in community life
 Role of community institutions in narrowing the gaps between those In and those Outside of the
“mainstream” of community and social life
 Shared goals of various community groupings (“normal” middle class neighborhoods, gangs, and their
appeal and threats, etc.)
WATCH FOR PLANS AND SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY SERENDIPITY
BEGINNING May 24 – 9:30 a.m.
The Adult Education Team is looking for topics and leaders for programs on current issues and interesting ideas
for the Sunday morning programs between May 24 and Sept. 6. Please contact Pastor Gerry Hanberry with any
ideas.
WEEK DAY OPTION
Tuesday Morning Bible Study with Pastor Barbara K. Daniel
Title: The Old Testament (11:00 – Noon - Meets in Downstairs Conference Room)
May 5
May 12
Restoration and Theocracy
Wisdom Literature
May 19
Life in the Diaspora
NEW MEMBERS:
Catherine with Sadie & Madison
Susan
Susan Marendt Johnson – Susan was born
and raised in Frederick, and baptized at
ERUCC. Her parents are Bob and Pauline
Marendt. Her daughter, Jennifer, resides in
Mexico City. Susan is the Branch Manager of
The Columbia Bank.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Catherine Faith Zier – Catherine has lived in Frederick
County for a long time. She and her husband Peter are
currently raising our two grandchildren, Sadie and Madison
Zier. My son Patrick is their father. My other son, Frank who
was confirmed at ERUCC many years ago, currently lives in
NC. My sister, Ann Hammond, who is the BEST sister in the
world is one of the reasons I joined ERUCC. My other
reasons would be the friendliness of everyone I have met,
the children’s programs, and Pastor Barbara.
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 16
SAVE THE DATE
◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘


MAY 16
JUNE 7

JUNE 20
SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY (8-Noon)
CHURCH PICNIC –at Ballenger Creek Park, Shelter 2
from 12:30 to ?
BREAK THE SILENCE ON OVARIAN CANCER WALK.
Join us in Baker Park for our 2nd Annual 5K Walk to
Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. We would love
to have you participate in this event where we honor
survivors and their families, remember those we
have lost and spread awareness to the signs and
symptoms of this disease. To register to walk or as a
volunteer go to nocc.kintera.org/frederickmd. We
hope to see you there! - Cathie & Will Duncan
From 2014 Walk

SEPT 18-21
FAMILY CAMPING – Our annual camping expedition at Rocky Gap. If you have any questions,
please see Laura Rhoderick or Starr Schaeberle. We would love to have you join the fun.
THANK YOU’S

A WORD OF THANKS FROM GEORGE AND SALLY HODGES - Sally and I want to thank the
church for all the cards thanking us for our years of playing music with New Spirit and Joyful Noise.
Sally started with New Spirit and then I joined.
Joyful Noise started in 1997, and I played with several guitar players that came and went. I then asked
Sally to play guitar with us. We played up until November 2013. I saved all my music and I have over
320 songs that I have played over the 16 years.
Playing guitar with New Spirit and Joyful Noise was my small contribution towards Evangelical
Reformed UCC. Love, George
(One Sunday this winter, ERUCC members and friends wrote thank you cards to Sally and George for their
many years of playing guitar with two of our musical groups.)

THANK YOU so much for all the lovely 90th birthday cards and notes that were sent to me down in
Florida. What a surprise!! Can’t wait to thank all the ERUCC folks in person. See you soon. – Mabel
Ellam
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 17
ERUCC BOOK GROUP
(The book group meets once a month at various members’ homes. Depending on the time of year and the book
read, this group usually includes 8-14 people.)
May 26 - An Unquiet Mind
by Kay Redfield Jamison
In her bestselling classic, “An
Unquiet Mind,” Kay Redfield
Jamison changed the way we
think about moods and madness.
Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from
the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed,
revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at
times prompted her to resist taking medication. “An
Unquiet Mind” is a memoir of enormous candor,
vividness, and wisdom—a deeply powerful book
that has both transformed and saved lives.
Dr. Jamison is one of the
foremost authorities on manicdepressive (bipolar) illness; she has also
experienced it firsthand. For even while she was
pursuing her career in academic medicine, Jamison
found herself succumbing to the same
June 23 - The Signature
of All Things
by Elizabeth Gilbert
In The Signature of All
Things, Elizabeth Gilbert
returns to fiction, inserting her
inimitable voice into an
enthralling story of love,
adventure and discovery. Spanning much of the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel
follows the fortunes of the extraordinary Whittaker
family as led by the enterprising Henry Whittaker—
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
exhilarating highs and catastrophic depressions that
afflicted many of her patients, as her disorder
launched her into ruinous spending sprees, episodes
of violence, and an attempted suicide.
a poor- born Englishman who makes a great fortune
in the South American quinine trade, eventually
becoming the richest man in Philadelphia. Born in
1800, Henry’s brilliant daughter, Alma (who
inherits both her father’s money and his mind),
ultimately becomes a botanist of considerable gifts
herself. As Alma’s research takes her deeper into
the mysteries of evolution, she falls in love with a
man named Ambrose Pike who makes
incomparable paintings of orchids and who draws
her in the exact opposite direction—into the realm
of the spiritual, the divine, and the magical. Alma is
a clear-minded scientist; Ambrose a utopian artist—
but what unites this unlikely couple is a desperate
need to understand the workings of this world and
the mechanisms behind all life.
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 18
TREASURER’S REPORT
Financials for the month ending March 31, 2015
31-Mar
Jan - Dec
Budget
pro-rated
amount
Variance
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Envelopes & Offerings
Plate
Building Use
Miscellaneous Income
Investment Income
Kemp Hall Rent
Total Income
actual
101,013.20
1,027.35
550.00
457.00
43,180.32
30,526.00
176,753.87
125,000.00
875.00
875.00
125.00
41,892.50
29,355.00
198,122.50
23,986.80(under)
-152.35(over)
325.00(under)
-332.00(over)
-1,287.82(over)
-1,171.00(over)
21,368.63(under)
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
179,823.20
-3,069.33
201,063.75
2,941.25
21,240.55(under)
-128.08
As always, we thank you for your support of ERUCC. We have completed the first quarter, and as you will see,
expenses have been kept at a modest level. Our giving remains far below the amount required to support the
annual budget. When the building project gets underway, this will be a difficult issue. As we enjoy the season
of Lent our church attendance, and concurrently our giving, will increase.
As you read this report, remember that an over on the income side is good news, while an under on the expense
side is good news. If you have any questions about this report or any other financial matters of the church,
please contact Robert Morris, head of the Finance Committee, or Allen Flora, Treasurer.
OUR CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor ([email protected])
Rev. Dr. Gerry Hanberry, Interim Associate Pastor ([email protected])
Rev. Frederick Wenner, Pastor Emeritus
Associate for Children’s
Children’s Choir Director
Marj Menchey Bernstein
Ministries
Facilities Manager
Kim Sexton
Bud Rossig
([email protected])
Head Chimer &
Finance Manager
Young Spirit Choir Director
Kristen Niehoff
Tricia Coffey
Organist & Choir Director
Alison Shafer
Bell Choir Director
Nursery Attendant
Nancy Doll
Sharon Wells
Office Administrator
Kris Ricci ([email protected])
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 19
10
11
1
Glenn Wallace
Heather Hueting
Colleen Hueting
Paul Sunday
Clerene Crampton
Michaela Poole
Catie Sexton
Evie Frazier
Lavenie Cornell
Neil Pain
Ad Howard
Joseph Heverley
Ryan Curran
William Houghton
Christopher Baker
Robert Marsh
Stephanie Bindel
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
15
17
18
20
Sally Hodges **
James Coffey
21
22
Sara Hoewing
Rachel Wenner
Sally Herrett **
Jerry Carey
Laura McNay
John Wenner
Alden Fisher
Larry Leister
Kim Jahoda
James Hueting
Fred Wenner
James Graham
Nancy Doll
Shan Hammond
Ryan Baker
Doug White
Cameron Pain
Blair Penn **
Amber Conlon
Ian Adamson
Kathryn Cross
Tom Hueting
23
24
Marshall Wassink
Mike Sexton
Addison Baker
Pepper Bowins
Alexandria Rudy
Delmar Speak
Kenneth Neal
Kathy Johnson
Ed Higinbotham
Sandra Trout
Alex Schaeberle
Asher Grimshaw
Mary Ellen Rhoderick
Helen Swanson
Pat Hevner
Debi Hendricks
Bob Ziegler
Karin Mens
Laura Baker
Eliza Michalski
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
** Please send cards to our friends that are no longer able to attend church services.
May 9 – Sally Hodges, 9902 Gas House Pike, Frederick, MD 21701-3332
May 11 – Sally Herrett, Homewood, Apt. 347, 7407 Willow Road, Frederick, MD 21702
May 18 – Blair Penn, Glade Valley Nursing Home, Room 307B, Walkersville, MD 21793
Condolences to the families of:



Cherry Dottore who passed away on Monday, April 13.
Hazel Smith (Mother of Cindy Smith) who passed away on Monday, April 13.
Nancy Smith (Mother of Dan Smith) who passed away on Thursday, April 23.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick 21701
Phone: 301-662-2672 - www.erucc.org
Page 20