Jordan United Church of Christ Joy of Jordan Volume 53, Issue 9 October 2014 From Your Senior Pastor What are the most difficult words to say? We might have different answers for that question, but among them I’m certain would be: “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.” But without offering or receiving forgiveness, we can get stuck in a place of bitterness, anger, pain, and resentment. Yet every Sunday as we gather for worship we are invited to confess our sins before God and one another, and to receive the full assurance of God’s pardon and peace. We may begin the journey of forgiveness to ease our own burdens. But along the way we discover a chance to live out the truth of the gospel. I am convinced that forgiven people should be forgiving people. It should be a hallmark of our Christian witness to a hurt and broken world, which often looks to violence as a way to “settle the debt.” The Lord’s Prayer, which most of us know from memory, contains the petition: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” We count on God’s forgiveness, but don’t always find it possible to do the same for others. As a pastor, I’m in a front seat to many fights and estrangements in relationships. Certainly we know what the scriptures teach about forgiveness when we are wronged even from the very first book in the Bible. Genesis 50:15-21 is the powerful story of Joseph—who when he had a chance for payback against his brothers who had sold him into slavery, instead forgave them and looked out for their welfare. Old Testament scholar David Noel Freedman was once asked to sum up the entire Bible in one sentence. After a moment of reflection he said, “There is forgiveness.” (cited in The Christian Century) Ultimately, all sins, including those against others, are really sins against God (Psalm 51:4) because they represent a violation of the trust God has placed in us. To begin to address this important topic, I’ve decided to both teach and preach about forgiveness over several weeks. I started with a sermon on Jesus’ way of dealing with issues of conflict in the church from Matthew 18:15-21 in September, and will pick up on the theme of Forgiveness: Learning to Let Go October 5 and 12. I’m also planning to use four weeks of Sunday mornings in the Sara Harting Classroom, beginning September 28 at 9:15, to go into even greater depth through a study penned by Adam Hamilton. Each Sunday through October 19, he’ll briefly introduce the material through a DVD, and we’ll look at scripture and share our experience to help discern God’s divine plan for us. Then on Sunday, October 19, at both services, we’ll hear one of the most poignant stories of forgiveness in recent memory. We’ve invited Marie Roberts Monville to share her incredible witness of faith through an unimaginable tragedy. On an October morning eight years ago, she and her husband Charlie walked their own three children to the bus stop, where he kissed them and told them he loved them. A short while Inside this issue: Treasurer’s Report 2 Wally’s World 3 TLC 4 Autumn Glory Bazaar 4 CROP Walk 4 Mark Your Calendars 5 Small Groups 5 Alzheimer’s 5 Koinonia Calendar 6 Pizza & Corn Pie 6 GAIN Care Packs 7 Popcorn Sale 7 Sunday School 7 Help in the Office 8 Prayer Beads 8 Musical Notes 9 Prayers & Squares 10 3M Trips 10 Bloodmobile 10 ROSE Ministry 10 Scouting Update 11 Emergency Sheltering 11 Basket Social 12 Sponsorships 13 Reading Rebels 13 Happy Birthday! 13 Women’s Conference 13 Volunteer Opportunities 13 Contact Information 14 Calendar 15 Page 2 later, he drove to a Amish school in West Nickel Mines, PA, with a handgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, a rifle, cans of black powder, a stun gun, two knives, a toolbox and restraint devices. Roberts ordered a teacher, a teacher’s aide and the boys to leave, then bound 10 young schoolgirls and lined them up against the blackboard. He boarded the windows, apparently preparing for a long siege, but as police surrounded the schoolhouse, Roberts shot all 10 girls before killing himself. Five girls died; the others were severely wounded. The gentle, quiet man who had shared Monville's bed, children and life was now a mass murderer, guilty of unfathomable evil. In mere hours, Monville lost her husband, and her children lost their father. Her closeknit community was terrorized and her family's name disgraced. Her innocence was despoiled, and her faith tested. “I felt deserted, left behind to bear the weight of the world’s judgment and questions alone,” Monville writes in a book published in 2013, One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond the Shadow of the Amish Schoolhouse V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 Shooting, “and I felt that weight pressing me down.” The world watched in awe as the Amish families, including families of those whose daughters were murdered, offered Marie forgiveness and grace. It changed her life, and now she wants others to know the power of the light of Christ even in the darkest moments of our lives. We hope you’ll join us, and invite friends and neighbors who struggle with being forgiven or forgiving others to be part of worship Sundays in October at Jordan Forgiveness isn’t just a good idea, it’s a way of life for the followers of Jesus. After he teaches them the Lord’s Prayer, he warns the disciples: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15) “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C.S. Lewis “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.“ (Ephesians 4:23) The Reverend Doctor David Charles Smith Senior Pastor and Teacher Saturday, October 25 (tentative date) Look for more information in the bulletin J o y o f J o rd a n Page 3 Pastor Wally’s World One day, a man went to visit a church; he got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near, the driver got out and said, “I always park there! You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday school, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still he said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as a crown of thorns ap- peared on his head and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place." This is why God hates it.” -Jack Wellman What are the Seven Deadly Sins.) Is church about ourselves or about God? God’s spirit teaches us to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (Galatians 5:2223). This is what God wants us to focus on. Is that what we focus on as members of God’s church? But in “Wally’s Church” it is about satisfying Wally’s wants and needs, Wally’s worship style, Wally’s laws, Wally’s traditions and teachings. Wally’s Pride. We are all in trouble if we claim to be owners of the church. In reality, we are just a part of God’s church at Jordan, submitting to His will and Her love. We will not get it right each time but we need to make it good each time. In Mark 10:18 Jesus says “only God is Good” so let’s get it more like God. We come together trying to solve issues and problems amongst our-selves, but we need to submit, too; the Church is God’s, not ours. Do we want God to take our place? I have heard for decades people like myself saying, “This is My Church.” This is where I park, sit, sing, socialize, and work. “This is My Church,” I have been here for 5, 10, 25 years. We use words and, many times, we do not think about how they are perceived by others. I remember thinking as a leader of a church that it was about me taking on the responsibility and laying claim to “My Church.” But, If I say “My Church,” I really mean “Wally’s Church.” What do you think God thinks of these words? We do not even see the prideful arrogance of the words. Pride is one of the Seven deadly sins. (“Haughty eyes are eyes full of pride and pride is actually at the root of all sin. That is why it is listed first because pride is first and foremost inherent in all sin. Haughty eyes are eyes that look condescendingly on people. They look at others as inferior in an arrogant way and see them- Blessings, Wally selves as superior to all others. MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRESENTS: THEOLOGY, LITERATURE, AND COFFEE (TLC) at Luther Crest (800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104) Mondays, 2:30-4:30 PM Enjoy a time of learning and fellowship as theological themes in selected literature are presented and discussed. Beverages will be provided. Books to be discussed are: October 6 Dracula by Bram Stoker Leader: Nelson Quinones, St. John Lutheran Church, Fogelsville October 20 Foster by Claire Keegan Leader: Nelvin Vos, St. John Lutheran Church, Allentown November 3 The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin Leader: Ruth Marcon, First Presbyterian Church To register, please contact Chaplain Dianne Kareha (610-391-8210). Register online: moravianseminary.org or ask the Church Office for a registration form Page 4 V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 AUTUMN GLORY BAZAAR Craft & Vendor Show Saturday, October 11th 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Two Floors & more than 70 tables of CRAFTS & VENDORS. The Little Shopper’s Shop is for children ages 10 & under. Food, Pies, & Pumpkin Rolls. Bargains will be in our Attic Treasures, Santa’s Attic, & Read It Again. Plus our Raffle & Chinese Auction. BAZAAR’S CRAFT AND VENDOR SHOW HAPPENINGS: Volunteers Needed: If you have some spare time to help with the Bazaar, please check out the Sign-Up Poster in the Parlor for Pre-Bazaar jobs the week of the Bazaar and jobs for the day of the Bazaar. It takes over 100 people to make the Bazaar work. You time & talent is needed. Pre-Orders: We are taking Pre-paid Pre-orders for Chicken Corn Soup, Chili, and Cabbage & Noodles. Go to the Giving Tree in the Parlor for Order forms. Deadline is Sunday October 5. Donating Food: The Giving Tree is in the Parlor with Leaves of items we will need for the Bazaar, the deadline for receiving items will be Sunday October 5. Donating Used Items: We will be taking all types of donated items for Attic Treasures, Santa’s Attic, and Read It Again. Just no Furniture or Clothes. They can be brought in starting Sunday October 5 after Sunday School class is finished to the Junior High Classroom in the basement. Advertising: Take Bazaar Flyers and pass them around. Spread the word with Family, Friends, and Co-Workers. This year’s Bazaar is Saturday October 11, mark your calendar! Moving Tables and Chairs: Starting Sunday October 5 after the second service, Tables and chairs will be moved around in the Junior High, Senior High, and Nursery. Wednesday evening, October 8, all other tables and chairs without the church will be moved to prepare for the Bazaar. This will affect group meetings and practices. Please connect your group leader about any possible changes. Put on your walking (or running) shoes for the Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 12, 1:30 PM, beginning and ending at St. Timothy’s Lutheran For more information, contact the Lehigh Conference of Churches (610-433-6421) or check us out online: www.cropwalk.org. J o y o f J o rd a n Page 5 MARK YOUR CALENDARS Sunday, October 5, 8:00 & 10:30 AM—World Communion Sunday Town Hall Meeting after the second service Monday, October 6-Friday, October 10—Bazaar Prep Downstairs classrooms and Kitchen reserved for set-up Saturday, October 11, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM—Autumn Glory Bazaar Join us for our annual craft show (and so much more!!) Sunday, October 12, 12:45 PM—CROP Walk Wednesday, October 15—November Newsletter Articles Due Saturday, October 18, 11:30 AM—Market Day Pick-Up Sunday, October 19, after second service—Leadership Summit Monday, October 20, 7:00 PM—Town Hall Meeting Saturday, October 25, 7:30 AM—Bloodmobile Sign up sheets are available all month long Saturday, October 25, 3:00-5:00 PM—Trunk or Treat (tentative) Tuesday, October 28, 7:00 PM—All Church Meeting Plan to have your group meet during this time, and we will also discuss church events. Sunday, November 2—Don’t Forget to Fall Back One Hour! You don’t want to be late for church, do you!? SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL GROUPS We want to hear your testimony: How has being in a small group changed your life? Anyone who has participated in a small group knows the impact that it has on their lives, but there are many in the church who haven't had that opportunity. If you have been blessed with good friends and fellowship, we want to hear your story! We are looking for volunteers to either write a short testimony (100-200 words) for one month’s newsletter, or get up and speak about your experiences as a Moment for Ministry in February. Please note: this is not an advertisement for an upcoming small group, but a chance to share your testimony. Call the Church Office to sign up for the month you prefer. We can’t wait to hear all about it! PHOEBE INSTITUTE ON AGING CONFERENCE Thursday, October 16, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM DeSales University, University Center “Most people state they want to live a dignified life, one filled with respect and purpose, if they were to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In order to set the stage for this type of vision, individuals, businesses, and communities need to make the first step in becoming dementia friendly.” Lori La Bey, founder of AlzheimersSpeaks.com Keynote Address at the Conference: Lori La Bey, creator of the first dementia friendly community and memory café in the country Brian Duke, Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging & chair of the Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s Disease State Planning Committee This free event is made possible by funds raised at the annual Phoebe Institute on Aging Benefit Visit phoebe.org/piaconference or email [email protected] for more information Page 6 V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 KOINONIA SCHEDULE Saturday, October 11 – Bazaar. Our help is needed to work the dining room. Wait staff is needed between 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Busiest time is 11:00-1:00 PM. Your help to clean up is really great. Tips go toward the cost of the retreats. Sunday, October 12 – Bryan Sirchio at Neffs 3-5:30 PM. Christian singer/ songwriter with a keen intellect and a great sense of humor. Check with Mary or Ann for details. Monday, October 13 – Columbus Day – GAIN Warehouse. Meet at Jordan 7:00 AM. Bring a lunch or money to give a donation for a warehouse lunch. We will provide $12 each for supper. Return home about 7:30 PM. We need to know who is going that we can plan transportation. All medical and permission paperwork must be completed by October 13. Parents are invited to come along. Thursday, October 16 – IMPORTANT - Call Ruth Ann with your pizza count. You may still sell pizzas until next Thursday; however, be sure to call her with your new count. Saturday, October 25 – Pizza Sale. Meet at church at 7:30 AM to assemble pizzas. We’ll be finished by 9:30. Pizzas are 12 inches and are ready to be frozen or baked. October 31- November 2 – Retreat at Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Canadensis, PA. Theme: Life is a Challenge. $50.00 a person. Meet at church Friday, 6:00 PM and return Sunday, 3:30 PM. KOINONIA PIZZA SALE: CORN PIE! DID YOU SAY CORN PIE? October 25 8 inch pies (plain) ready to bake or freeze. Homemade by a Mennonite family 12 inch pie, ready to freeze or bake. $8.00 a pie October 11 at the Bazaar Same wonderful price - $6.00. Orders are being taken NOW from any Koinonia leader Or call Ruth Ann McCay (610-395-6742) See any youth or youth leader. Pick up pies at the Bazaar. MILITARY ADDRESSES Do you have a friend or relative serving in the military either in the states or abroad? We are getting to that time of year when Lay fellowship and Koinonia will be preparing holiday care packs. Please give us the addresses of close friends or relatives. Help us show our appreciation for what our service people do for our freedom. Call the church office or write the information on paper and put it in the Koinonia mailbox. Please include your name and telephone number with the military person’s information. J o y o f J o rd a n Page 7 GAIN Care packs for Global Aid Network Imagine helping in a mission warehouse for 21 years! This has been an awesome experience. Each year Jordan donates and helps people around the world. Our church school students and their parents provide the majority of the care packs; our Mission committee has helped with the shipping costs; Jordan’s youth and adults travel to the warehouse and we all become Christ’s hands and feet. This year at the warehouse we will have the opportunities to pack seeds and food. If you need additional zip bags, they are on the table at the front door in the Narthex. The completed Care packs are due at church October 5. You are also welcome to come with Koinonia Monday, October 13, to the warehouse at Mt. Joy, outside Lancaster. If you have any questions or would like your picture taken to put in your Care pack, please call Ruth Ann McCay (610-395-6742) or Rick or Spencer Paterick. Use this handy list to shop for your Care Pack supplies. Please pay special attention to quantities and sizes specified. Enclose the items in bags provided. Please enclose $5.00 to help cover the cost of shipping each Care Pack and return it to the display area by October 5. For additional information about the work of GAIN you may contact: Global Aid Network 1506 Quarry Road Mount Joy, PA 17552 or go to the website www.gainusa.org 717-285-4220 The list: 2 pencils, 2 ball point pens (blue or black), 1 pack colored pencils (1224 count), 1 pack crayons (24 count), 1 letter-size spiral notebook (70 pg. min.), 1 12-inch ruler (with metric measurements), 1 eraser (not a slip-on pencil eraser), 1 small pencil sharpener, 1 sheet or page of colorful stickers, 1 toothbrush (in original pkg.), 1 letter and a photo of you and/or your family, $5 per Care Pack to help deliver overseas (You may include extras of any items in a separate zip lock bag.) HELP OUR TROOP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! Boy Scout Troop 1600 is again taking orders for its annual popcorn sale, and you can send a gift to military men and women, their families, and local veteran's organizations and help scouting at the same time. A gold donation of $50. or silver of $30. will ship your gift pack and benefit our troop. Or order for yourself, and others. Make great holiday gifts. Chocolatey Carmel Crunch, White Chocolatey Pretzels, Dark & White Chocolatey Drizzle, Premium Caramel Corn with Almonds, Cashews, and Pecans, Chocolate Lover's, Sweet & Savory, Cheese Lover's, White Cheddar Cheese Corn, Popping Corn, Butter Light Microwave, Unbelievable Butter Microwave, Kettle Corn Microwave, Bacon Ranch, Buffalo Cheddar Cheese, Classic Caramel Corn, and Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese are all available with prices to suit every budget. Order form in the Social Hall every Sunday, or call Jonah Smith (610366-1422) during the week to place your order by October 26. Payment due with order (payable to Troop 1600). Orders ready for pick up in the Social Hall November 16. GAIN is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ 1-800-778-7806. Sunday school is off to a great start….the classrooms are full of youth and adults who are eager to learn and grow in the faith…the teachers are excited to share what they know of God’s love with their students… our first mission collection of food products for the food bank is September 28… and our first Spaghetti Dinner was well attended. I want to take this opportunity to thank some of our teachers and helpers who have decided to take a break from our classrooms. They are Michele Horn, Colleen Spitko, Tricia and Ron O’Leary and Diane Strock. We are grateful for the time they gave to our Sunday school and our children. I want to welcome into our church school teaching family Wendy Lukens, Gail Hertzog, Rick Paterick and Valarie Melvin-Rico. Our classes will be collecting care packs for Global Aid Network through October 12. If you did not get a plastic bag with the list please ask your Sunday school teacher. This is a great mission project, so I hope you can help us support it. If you have not returned your child’s registration form please do so as soon as possible. It is important that we have the information on these forms in the event of an emergency. Forms are available from your child’s teacher or on the church’s website (jordanucc.org). Page 8 V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 GWILYM T. WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP FUND WE NEED HELP IN THE OFFICE while Katie and Linda attend the Annual PNEC Parish Secretaries Seminar Tuesday & Wednesday, October 7 & 8 If you are available for a few hours on either of those days, please contact the Church Office (610-395-2218 or [email protected]) to volunteer! The purpose of this Fund is to provide financial assistance for post-secondary students enrolled in accredited institutions of higher learning, and who are preparing to embark on a career either as an ordained minister, a certified teacher or educator, or a doctor of medicine. You are required to submit to the PNEC office all application materials (your application, certification of an acceptable program of study, your school's financial bill) before your request will be considered. Application materials must be in our office by October 1st in order to be considered for a grant for the (preceding) summer and/or (current) fall terms, and by March 1st in order to be considered for a grant for the (preceding) winter and/or (current) spring terms. Reimbursement checks will be issued directly to successful applicants. Even if you have received a Gwilym T. Williams scholarship in the past, you must reapply in order to be considered for a new grant. Applicants are awarded a maximum ten grants for undergraduate work, and ten (more) grants for postgraduate studies. Please contact Beverly McClure (610-826-3113 or [email protected]) at the Conference Office for an application packet. Or simply go to www.pnec.org to obtain the application packet. Please note: your application will not be processed until all three application materials are received in the PNEC office. EMAIL NEWSLETTER, SAVE POSTAGE If you would like to receive your (FULL-COLOR) newsletter through email, or sign up for our weekly ePistle, please send your email address to Katie and Linda in the Office ([email protected]) You can also view the (FULL-COLOR) newsletter on our website: jordanucc.org PRAYER BEAD CLASS FINALLY HERE! Many of you expressed interest in gathering in a small group to learn more about the use of prayer beads to help enhance your prayer life. The chance to do that has finally arrived! We will be using the book A Bead and a Prayer by Kristen E Vincent to help guide us through a 4 week Bible study using prayer beads and a 5 th week will be added on for those who would like to make their own set of beads. A set of prayer beads will be provided for each participant at the beginning of the course to get you started which can either be kept or traded in for the set that you will make at the end of the course to keep you going. If you have your own set of beads already please feel free to bring them with you. Dates for the study will be Wednesday evenings October 15 thru November 5 with the bead making night November 12. Time of the class will be 6:30 to 7:30 PM, (could go to 8:00 PM if there is lingering discussion). The study is specifically designed for Protestants and will help answer questions like: Why Prayer Beads? and guide us to reflect upon How to Listen with Prayer Beads. There will be no cost for the study. Donations will be accepted (but not necessary) to help offset the cost of the supplies for those who wish to make their own set of prayer beads. This class is for men and women alike. For those interested in more information please speak to Pastor Alice or Tammy Hill or sign up in the church office or on the Spiritual Life bulletin board. Deadline to sign up is OCTOBER 6! J o y o f J o rd a n Page 9 Musical Notes WORSHIP There is a need for more music volunteers at Jordan, but that need is far trumped by our need for wholehearted worship. 1:22-26). The result is that these well intentioned but misguided dogooders will think and act too much like their non Christian counterparts to the rest of the world. This does indescribable damage to Christians' chances to show the world that God makes a difference in lives (been there and done that). that could actually help people get in touch with themselves. However, his approach was very vain, empty, and naïve - and totally devoid of God. Unless we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we First, the needs for current music can't know our true identity. This is programs: There are enough choir because our identity is in Christ. and praise choir members to funcEach one of us was created in the tion, but it would be great to have If Christians ARE growing and image of God- not by a human phimore people join us. Cherub choir Christ centered, their churches will losophy or culture. We were shaped now will be for kids up through fifth thrive and the Lord will help arrange for His worship - to stand in the grade, and the Sunday school choir His worship there. presence of God's holiness and not a few times a year program will be in the drafty, dark, and lonely halls shut down. I am told that the older That takes the pressure off as far as of sin and fear. kids do not like to sing. If your church program structures (and pohousehold has tweens and teens tentially off of you when your church The songs of our lives need to rewho do like to sing, they are very musician asks for volunteers and off flect our love and faith in the Savior welcome to join the praise choir! your church musician whether volwho died so that we might have The hand bell choir needs substitute unteers show up or not). Christians eternal life. Praise hymns are wonringers and one or two new regular are all like pieces of God's puzzle in derful to sing, but much of our deep ringers who read music. His plan that He is willing when Spiritual truth and theology can be asked to arrange in the right place. found in the hymns of old. One of My job as church musician involves Why is it so important to find how these is "O Worship the King" by engaging and helping others preand where God want us to glorify, Robert Grant. pare for worshipping through music. worship and relate to Him? The folThe choirs are to be the best musiO worship the King, lowing devotion from Dr. Tony Evall glorious above, cal worshippers they can to lead the ans beautifully explains: congregation. It would be wonderful O gratefully sing if more people offered to help with Worship the King In His Presence: His power and His love; worship music through singing or "Let us continually offer up a sacriOur Shield and Defender, playing an instrument in worship. fice of praise to God, that is, the fruit the Ancient of Days, However, there must be no guilt of lips that give thanks to His name." Pavilioned in splendor, tripping or sense of duty involved. Hebrews 13:15. and girded with praise... God reveals to each an individual As you open up a hymnal on SunFrail children of dust, path or pathways that bring His purday and sing along with the choir, and feeble as frail, poses to fruition (Jeremiah 29:11), remember, God is not listening to In Thee do we trust, and He helps each person order the tone of your voice or the words nor find Thee to fail; their lives accordingly. you sing. He is listening to your Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, So, we have to learn to listen to heart. Is it turned to Him in worship God's voice and not other voices. and praise and adoration? Or is it Our maker, Defender, NOT EVERY GOOD SOUNDING tuned to the distractions of the Redeemer, and Friend. THING IS SOMETHING THAT THE world? Are you thinking about His Dr. Evans concludes this way, and LORD WANTS US TO DO, GOOD goodness or about the person you so will I: FEELING THINGS CAN CHOKE promised to meet at the mall later in OUT THE BEST, and CHURCH the afternoon? One Minute Please - When it comes ACTIVITIES DO NOT EQUAL to worship, sometimes we spend so When life suddenly falls apart, peoCHRISTIANITY. One can be exmuch time on the appetizers that we ple begin to search for answers. At tremely busy with even church activforget to enjoy the main course. times, it seems as if they are willing ities that they are not taking time to to search anywhere but in the preslearn and apply the Bible and self ence of God. Recently, an actor was examine against it to find out where on television telling why the cult he Choir Director and Organist sin is enslaving him or her (James was involved in was the only one Alana Acker Page 10 V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 Prayers and Squares—Prayer Quilt Ministry Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 7, 9:00 AM in Sara Harting Classroom Also, look for us at the Bazaar Saturday, October 11. We will be selling handmade items. If anyone is interested in participating in a workshop, please contact Lucille Schantz (610 966-3439 or [email protected]) Marilyn Durner (610 295-0683 or [email protected]) or Helen Griffith (610-398-0966 or [email protected]). 3M BUS TRIP AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE Tuesday, December 2 SHOW: "Joy To The World" Lunch at Eden Resort Cost $82 - Payment due October 28 Depart - 11:00 AM and return 7:00 PM October is Blood Drive Month at Jordan! The Miller-Keystone Blood Center will be in the Parking Lot October 25, 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Contact Nancy Resh or Adele Snyder for an appointment. Adele will be in the Social Hall or the Parlor following both services. Choose a time suitable for you. For more information, or to make reservations for these trips, please contact Kathleen Huber (610-437-0635). Thanks to those who donated at the Center in August: Truann Berger Mary Heller Edward Reihing Ken Ritter R.O.S.E.—Women’s Ministry The 11 women gathered for our Second Saturday Breakfast September 13 unanimously agreed to continue the monthly breakfast beyond our trial period held over the summer. The time of good fellowship and good food inspired us enough to want to make it a permanent event! Over the summer we experienced 3 different restaurants and found the most welcoming (and quietist) atmosphere to be at Morgan’s at Cedar Crest Blvd. and Willow Streets and so will meet at Morgan’s for the time being each month. The Second Saturday Women’s Breakfast will take a month off to accommodate Jordan’s Annual Bazaar to be held Saturday, October 11 and will begin again Saturday, November 8, 9:00 AM, and again Saturday, December 13 to finish out the year. Not everyone can make each breakfast and that is OK. We invite you to just come when you can. It is helpful, however, to know how many will attend so enough spaces can be reserved so always look for a sign-up sheet, an email reminder, or a phone call. Please speak to Pastor Alice for more information. HEALING THROUGH GRIEF The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult events any of us face and an experience each of us lives through in a uniquely individual way. Lutheran Congregational Services is offering bereaved family members and friends a free, short-term bereavement support group, facilitated by professional bereavement counselor Sylvia Havlish, for six Thursday afternoons, October 2 through November 6, 2:00-3:30 PM in the Fuellenbach Room of Luther Crest (800 Hausman Road, Allentown). Our goal is to help each person gain the tools needed for lifelong healing and understanding. Advanced registration is required. For more info or to register, please call Luther Crest Chaplain Diane Kareha (610-391-8210). A new weight loss support group will begin Thursday, October 23, 5:45 PM. Please call Lucille Schantz (610-966-3439, [email protected]) or Kathleen Huber (610-437-0635, [email protected]). You are invited to attend the last session October 9 to get a preview of the meetings. J o y o f J o rd a n Page 11 SCOUTING UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2014 Troop 1600 has had a very busy summer season! We participated in the Klecknersville Camporee where troop members learned a lot about the volunteer fire company and had an opportunity to earn First Aid, Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Merit Badges. We had a crew of guys available to support the Jordan eRecycle event on May 31 – it was a busy morning and this event continues to be a great service to the community. During Festival Weekend, the Troop camped at Camp Jordan and helped out running game booths at the Festival. During the day on Saturday we spent time cleaning up camp and add some new features. It really looks great – please feel free to check it out this summer after one of the outdoor worship services. On Flag Day, we celebrated by holding a Flag Retirement Ceremony in the JUCC Peace Garden. Members of the local Veterans Association attended and we retired flags that we have collected over the past year including those that we helped replace on 7 local cemeteries. Later in June the troop travelled to Bass River State Park in New Jersey where our scouts got to experience the New Jersey Pine Barrens first hand. Some of the scouts and leaders also had a rather unsuccessful attempt at deep sea fishing – at least they got a nice boat ride! In July we had 34 scouts attend the week long Summer Camp at Camp Minsi in Pocono Summit, PA. We had a terrific week with many awards and recognitions. One we are particularly proud of is the overall clean campsite award for week. We also had a crew of 12 scouts and leaders travel to the Outer Banks in North Carolina where they completed a week long sailing adventure at Pamlico Sea Base. Lots of fun, but, very cramped quarters living on a small sail boat for a week. In August we travelled to Worlds End State Park for camping and hiking on the famous Loyalsock trail. TO finish the summer season, we spent the weekend in the Delaware Water Gap National Park and completed a 2 day, 21 mile canoe trip. The canoe trip is a popular annual event and a great learning experience for younger scouts. Looking forward – the Troop will be attending a special Search and Rescue Camporee in Schnecksville in September. We’ve also got an Introduction to Backpacking trip in early October and a trip to visit Harpers Ferry later in the month. The Harpers Ferry trip will include an educational historic hike for our scouts. It’s with great pleasure that I announce that Troop 1600 confirmed its newest Eagle Scout – Ryan Muller earned the rank of Eagle on Tuesday, September 9 at a special Board of Review. Ryan is the 15 th Eagle Scout in the 10 year history of our Troop. Congratulations Ryan! If you have any questions about Boy Scouts, know of someone interested in joining our program, or have ideas on how the Troop can serve Jordan UCC, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Yours in Scouting, Bill Folk, Scoutmaster (Email: [email protected], Phone: 484-695-4353) The bitter cold days and nights of Winter are just on the horizon and as we prepare our houses and heating systems for these days there will be the homeless people in the Lehigh Valley that do not have the luxuries that we have become accustomed to. There are many reasons and some through no fault of their own that people become homeless such as: teenager kicked out of house because she becomes pregnant, job loss, poor choices, etc. For the past years, many churches throughout the Bethlehem area have opened their buildings to the homeless during the Winter months. Their members, non members and outsiders through the direction of the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Program have offered the homeless a warm bed, dinner/breakfast, clothes and showers. The volunteers offer themselves as servants in the many ways of a listening ear, food preparation or even a friendly smile. If you would like to become an occasional volunteer between November 2014 and March 2015 please attend one of the following two training sessions offered for volunteers: Saturday, October 18, 9:00-11:00 AM, Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Rd., Bethlehem Wednesday, November 12, 7:00-9:00 PM, Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Rd., Bethlehem To register, please visit www.bethlehememergencysheltering.org. Once on the home page, scroll down and click on BES Volunteer Training. Please fill out the form and be sure to check your choice of training date. For more information or questions, please email [email protected] or call 484-893-0818. Page 12 V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 14TH ANNUAL BASKET SOCIAL Friday, November 14, doors open 5:30 PM for seat, food, and drawing By the time you receive this, the Basket Social will only be one month away! Please contact your friends, family, and coworkers; to determine how many tickets you will need. To order your tickets, look for the bright pink order form in last month’s newsletter, the Narthex, or ask for one in the Church Office. Fill out your form, put it in an envelope with your cash or check payable to Jordan United Church of Christ, Basket Social and mail it to the address on the form OR put it in the Basket Social box inside the Church Office (slide under door). Please do not call the Church Office as they will NOT have tickets for sale. The Basket Social Committee will fill your order. You can pick up your tickets beginning Sunday, October 5 after the 8:00 and 10:30 service. No orders will be processed without payment. A Basket Social Committee member will be available every Sunday after both services for questions, with extra forms, envelopes, and empty baskets for you to fill. A theme idea sheet will be available each Sunday. REMEMBER: Only 250 tickets are available. Orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Everyone, including children , will need a seat ticket bag! WE DO SELL OUT! THIS YEAR: $10 Seat Ticket Includes: 26 Basket Tickets, 1 Food Voucher (BBQ Platter and Free Dessert), 1 Reserved Seat Ticket and a bonus: 1 Big Ticket (worth $2) and you could win a Large Prize (worth over $50!) If you cannot attend the evening social, you are welcome to come during the day Friday, November 14, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, to purchase and distribute your tickets Extra tickets will be on sale that evening as well: $6 a sheet, or $15 for 3 sheets (26 tickets per sheet). Browse through the baskets during the day and place your tickets in the cans. We will keep the large stub and record your name and phone number on them and call you if you win. HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP US MAKE THIS A GREAT SUCCESS? WE NEED YOUR HELP MAKING BASKETS OR DONATING SUPPLIES TO MAKE BASKETS! We usually display 200-250 baskets. Each basket should be valued at $20-$25 minimum and have a card on the outside of the basket that describes what is in it. You can use the basket theme sheet for ideas when making a basket that is included with your tickets. Last year, we had much success with our Big Item or Big Basket area. We are seeking items such as fine dining gift certificates or play tickets, larger toy or sports items, Christmas décor or household items. This can become a nice night our or a gift for a loved one during the holidays. A pink ticket (worth $2) is included in your Seat Ticket Bag. More tickets will be available the night of the Social. Talk to a member of the committee on a Sunday morning for more information. If you have new or nearly new items the Basket Social Committee can use, we would be happy to assemble a basket for you. These items can be dropped off in the Library during normal Church Office hours BEFORE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9. You can also choose to donate a gift certificate, business offer, half price coupons, or an item from a local business. Remember, all profits support the mission and ministry of Jordan UCC and Boy Scout Troop 1600. So you see—this can be a fun-filled evening for all basket lovers! Questions? Contact Danette E. Campbell (610-366-8581 or [email protected]) J o y o f J o rd a n FLOWERS October 5 Jimmy & Jo Ann Kingston October 12 Howard Correll Nancy Haldeman October 19 Mr. & Mrs. Richard Buehler Ginny Christman October 26 Anna Schaffer Tim, Andrew, & Jeffery Kurtz Page 13 OCTOBER CHILD IN JERUSALEM Carol Ritz DEATHS Jim Christman 88, died September 2, 2014 William F. “Bill” Brossman, Sr. 89, died September 9, 2014 BIRTHS Ethan John Thilges September 5, 2014 The Reading Rebels meet in the Parlor the second Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM. Would you like to join them? November 13: The All Girl Filling Station by Fannie Flagg HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To members on our Special Care List. October 27 Priscilla Kline will be 76! Presbyterian Sr. Care R.461P Washington, PA 15301 October 31 Joan Koch will be 80! Country Meadows, Unit 339 Allentown, PA 18106 December 11: (tentative date for a get-together) January 8, 2015: White Knights by Fyodor Dostoevsky and The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol Iron Sharpens Iron (Women’s Conference) Saturday, October 4, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Calvary Baptist Church, Easton, PA A one-day conference for women of all ages (13 and up) featuring: Inspiring keynote speakers, sixteen different breakout seminars uniquely designed for women, Christ-centered worship For more information or registration, contact: IronSharpensIronWomenPA.org Halloween Candy for St. Luke’s Neighborhood Center! Bring it to the Narthex the first three Sundays in October Questions? Contact Pat Markle (610-262-7464 October GARDEN CENTER FUNDRAISER See an Usher or ask Church Office for more info A sign-up sheet is in the Parlor for help the day of Bazaar. Bazaar Craft Show Set-up and take down Karen Redmond 610-336-4131 [email protected] Food Preparation/Serving Cindy Litzenberger 610-248-7561 [email protected] Pie Crust & Pie Making Charlotte Fritz 484-597-0035 Help set-up Santa's Attic Ginny Daubert 610-366-7236 Pumpkin Roll making Eleanor Swogger 610-769-4423 [email protected] Shoofly Pie Making Barbara Buehler 610-395-2051 [email protected] Gail Hertzog 610-398-2643 [email protected] Help Sort Attic Treasures Nancy Resh 610-395-3567 Sort Read it again books Carol Ritz 610-437-6183 [email protected] Page 14 V ol um e 53, I s s ue 9 Church Contacts ADDRESSES & TELEPHONES Church, 1837 Church Rd 610-395-2218 Sexton, 1841 Church Rd 610-360-0751 Kitchen. 1837 Church Rd 610-395-2263 STAFF Dr. David Charles Smith 610-554-8333 Rev. Alice Roth 610-433-1655 Wally Frisch 484-330-6061 Administrative Assistants Katie Colcord 610-395-2218 Linda Townsend 610-395-2218 Treasurer John Griffith 610-398-0966 Financial Secretary Kathleen Huber 610-437-0635 Music Director Alana Acker 610-530-7510 Sextons Amy & Frank Kloiber 610-360-0751 EVANGELISM Fellowship Hour Gail Hertzog 484-547-8733 Arrange Banquet Lucy Ritter 610-395-4083 Prayer Chain Mary Heller 610-799-0372 Called to Care Rev. Alice Roth 610-433-1655 Cook & Share Group Charlotte Fritz 610-261-9488 Festival Committee Rick Paterick 610-366-0364 Mary Heller 610-799-0372 Welcome Committee Gail Hertzog 484-547-8733 Peace Garden Pat Yost 610-435-0908 Publicity Candace Weiss 610-868-2516 Nursery Volunteers Jane Wetzel 610-395-3672 CONSISTORY ELDERS JD Fekula 267-374-7777 Michele Harrison 610-435-4182 Brian McLaughlin 484-239-7221 Rochelle Reimert 610-769-5077 Ken Ritter 610-395-0991 Ann Royer 610-433-8919 Tom Stephens 610-437-0809 Glenn Stettler 610-366-0058 CONSISTORY DEACONS Gene Hill 610-395-3948 Joan Kuhns 610-820-7141 Lyle Litzenberger 610-894-9994 Emily Pisco 610-440-0733 Carol Ritz 610-437-6183 Alex Rodriguez 610-266-6176 Kerry Snyder 610-737-7768 Mary Heller/Gloria Vellela 610-799-0372 CONSISTORY OFFICERS John Harting, Pres. 610-799-2508 Linda Townsend, Sec. 610-398-1810 MUSIC & WORSHIP Cherub Choir Brittany Pohl 610-573-1358 Sacred Dance Choir & Christian Clowns Ruth Ann McCay 610-395-6742 Sponsor Altar Flowers Lorraine Smith 610-395-4867 Audio/Visual Jason Speigel 610-966-0213 Lay Ushers Lorraine Smith 610-395-4867 Church School Ann Royer 610-433-8919 PERSONNEL Joe Goll 610-398-1121 Audrey Lichtenwalner 610-657-3379 Richard Schantz 610-966-3439 NEWSLETTER AND BULLETIN GUIDELINES The bulletin is assembled and printed on Thursday of the current week. Weekly announcements are due in the Church Office by NOON on Thursday. Please submit your information in a timely manner—early submissions are always welcome! Newsletter articles are due OCTOBER 15. Items received after the 15th will be printed in the next month’s Newsletter. PLEASE keep Newsletter submissions to 500 words or less. Short, to-the-point articles are best. Submissions can be supplied in the following forms: PREFERRED: Email sent to [email protected] If you are submitting a Paper Copy, typed submissions are preferred GROUPS Basket Social Karen Brown 610-398-0999 Bowling League Lucy Ritter 610-395-4083 Cemetery Association Bob Bleiler 610-395-2759 Don Heller 610-395-3530 Crafty Disciples Pat Yost 610-435-0908 Endowment Committee Carl Klase 610-435-2894 Food Bank Dora Gensemer 610-395-6708 Grounds Committee Richard Schantz 610-966-3439 Koinonia (Youth Group) Ruth Ann & Bill McCay 610-395-6742 Lay Fellowship Jim & Eleanor Swogger 610-769-4423 [email protected] Market Day Mary Heller 610-799-0372 Miller Memorial Blood Bank Adele Snyder 610-395-6147 Mission Dave / Michelle Williams 610-433-1366 Perpetual Memorial Helen Griffith 610-398-0966 Pinochle Night Dot Frey 610-395-6866 Prayers & Squares Lucille Schantz 610-966-3439 Marilyn Durner 610-395-0683 Property/Maintenance Glenn Lichtenwalner 610-657-3592 Soup Kitchen Pat Markle 610-262-7464 Spiritual Life Wally Frisch 610-395-2218 3-M's Group (More Mature Members) Faith Gensler 610-435-3180 Trips and Tours Kathleen Huber 610-437-0635 Vacation Bible School Katie Colcord 610-395-2218 Wipe the Tears Robert Momolu 484-788-2111 Boy Scouts Bill Folk 610-391-0153 Cub Scouts Frank Tipa 484-358-6109 COMMUNITY GROUPS Jr Girl Scouts Troop 6700 Michelle Sorgi 610-391-9365 Cadette Girl Scouts Troop 6550 Becky Folk 610-391-0153 Sr. Girl Scout Troop 6451 Jo Lee Muller 610-481-0020 J o y o f J o rd a n Page 15 October 2014 For a fully updated calendar, check out our website — jordanucc.org SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 9:00 1:00 6:30 6:30 7:00 7:30 3M Breakfast Lean on Me Bell Choir Confirmation Den Meetings Senior Choir THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 3 4 6:30 Sunrise B’fast 11:00 Crafty Disciples 5:45 Weight Watch 7:00 Thurs. Happen 9:00 Men’s B’fast Pavilion Rented 6:00 Parking Lot 9:00 Girls / Run 5 WORLD COMMUNION 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:00 Worship 9:15 Church School 10:30 Worship Following Second Service—Town Hall Bazaar Set-Up 11:00 Staff Mtg. 1:00 Augustine 7:00 Troop 1600 Bazaar Set-Up 9:00 Prayers & Squares 10:00 Small Group 7:00 Daniel Plan Bazaar Set-Up 1:00 Lean on Me 4:45 Girls / Run 6:00 Bazaar Prep 6:30 Bell Choir 7:30 Senior Choir Bazaar Set-Up 6:30 Sunrise B’fast 11:00 Crafty Disciples 5:45 Weight Watch 7:00 Thurs. Happen Bazaar Set-Up 9:00 Men’s B’fast 9:00 Girls / Run 12 13 COLUMBUS DAY 14 15 16 17 18 8:00 Worship 9:15 Church School 10:30 Worship 3:00 Koinonia 6:00 Holy Rollers 7:00 1:00 5:45 7:00 10:00 Small Group 7:00 Daniel Plan 7:00 Troop Comm 7:00 Crew 1600 Newsletter Articles Due for November 10:00 Small Group 1:00 Lean on Me 4:45 Girls / Run 6:30 Bell Choir 6:30 Confirmation 6:30 Prayer Bead 7:00 Den Meetings 7:00 Girl Scout 6700 7:30 Senior Choir 6:30 Sunrise B’fast 11:00 Crafty Disciples 1:00 Finance Comm 5:45 Weight Watch 7:00 Thurs. Happen 9:00 Men’s B’fast. 9:00 Girls / Run 11:30 Market Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:00 Worship w/ Marie Monville 9:15 Church School 10:30 Worship w/ Marie Monville 12:00 Leadership Summit 8:00 Food / Flock 11:00 Staff Mtg. 1:00 Augustine 7:00 Troop 1600 7:00 Town Hall 10:00 Small Group 7:00 Consistory 7:00 Daniel Plan 7:00 Pinochle 7:00 Small Group 8:00 PA Homeschool 10:00 Small Group 1:00 Lean on Me 4:45 Girls / Run 6:30 Bell Choir 6:30 Confirmand / Mentor Social 6:30 Prayer Bead 7:00 Den Meetings 7:30 Senior Choir 6:30 Sunrise B’fast 11:00 Crafty Disciples 5:45 Weight Watch 7:00 Thurs. Happens 9:00 Men’s B’fast. 4:00 Wedding 7:30 9:00 9:00 3:00 26 27 28 29 30 31 8:00 Worship 9:15 Church School 10:30 Worship 6:00 Holy Rollers 11:00 Staff Mtg. 1:00 Augustine 7:00 Dubbs Mtg 7:00 Troop 1600 10:00 Small Group 7:00 All Church Mtg. 7:00 Daniel Plan 7:00 Crew 1600 10:00 Small Group 1:00 Lean on Me 4:45 Girls / Run 6:30 Bell Choir 6:30 Confirmation 6:30 Prayer Bead 7:00 Den Meetings 7:00 Girl Scout 6700 7:30 Senior Choir 6:30 Sunrise B’fast 11:00 Crafty Disciples 5:45 Weight Watch 7:00 Thurs. Happens 9:00 Men’s B’fast. Koinonia GAIN Augustine PLC Troop 1600 9AM-3PM AUTUMN GLORY BAZAAR Koinonia Retreat Koinonia Pizza Bloodmobile Girls / Run Trunk or Treat Jordan United Church of Christ Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Emmaus, PA Permit No. 9 1837 Church Road Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: 610-395-2218 Address Service Requested jordanucc.org This newsletter is sent With a blessing and a prayer to... Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or the life of a loved one. Sponsor any of the following: Bulletins , Children’s Bulletins, Large Print Bulletins, A Choir Anthem or even THIS NEWSLETTER! Sign up in the Red Sponsor Book in the Narthex or contact the Church Office (610-395-2218 or [email protected]) Church Information SUNDAY SCHEDULE CHURCH STAFF Worship 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM Dr. David Charles Smith, Senior Pastor Church School 9:15 AM Rev. Alice Roth, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care NURSERY AT 10:30 AM Mr. Wally Frisch, Associate Pastor for Spiritual Growth Mrs. Carol Gilbert, RN, Stephen Minister SUMMER SCHEDULE (July-Labor Day) Worship 9:30 AM Mrs. Alana Acker, Director of Music and Organist No Church School Mrs. Linda Townsend, Parish Administrator Ms. Katie Colcord, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Amy & Mr. Frank Kloiber, Sextons Ms. Julie Cherry & Mrs. Michele Horn, Nursery Instructional Aides CHURCH OFFICE 610-395-2218 610-395-2688 fax [email protected] OFFICE HOURS Monday—Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM PRAYER CHAIN 610-799-0372 CONGREGATION CODE 450
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