Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
B RYAN S IRCHIO ......... 2
Issue 9
Vol. 38
October 2014
CHILDREN’ S NEWS ..... 4
Y OUTH G ROUP .......... 5
HONORING THE PAST * CELEBRATING THE PRESENT
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Basket Social—October 1, 2014
Doors open at 5:30 pm/Social begins 7 pm
Fellowship Hall, Union UCC, Neﬀs
Tickets are $5 each with 25 chances on a sheet and are
available from Dolly Mulcahy, 610-262-8696, or the
church oﬃce. There are only 150 ,ckets, so secure yours
early! Hot dogs & soda served
Donaons of ﬁlled baskets (valued about $10) & door
prizes can be brought to the church oﬃce at any me, or
to Fellowship Hall between noon & 4 p.m. on Wednesday,
Oct 1. Donaons of baked goods can be brought to the
kitchen on Wednesday evening. If you need a basket, call
Dave or Dolly.
A few ideas of basket themes: Kitchen Basket – Kitchen Towel, Recipes, Utensils, Spices… / Snack Basket – Chips, Pretzels, peanuts… /
Bathroom Basket – Soap, Toilet Paper, Hand towel… / Coﬀee Basket
– Creamer, Coﬀee, Hot Chocolate… / Child’s Basket – Silly Pu<y,
Matchbox Cars, Balloons… / Gardener’s Basket – Seeds, Pots, Watering Can… / Baking Basket – Mixes, Recipe Cards, Icing, Sprinkles…
Book/Movie Club
Next Book is “Orphan Train” by Chrisna Baker-Kline, meeng on Oct. 8 at 7pm in Memory
room. 5 copies of Parkland Library Talk and Tote books will be available on Sept. 8.
age
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
From the Pastor
Following the legalizaon of same-sex marriages in
nineteen states (including Pennsylvania) and the District
of Columbia, Chrisan same- sex couples are requesng
congregaons to take their marriages under their congregaon’s care. Chrisan homosexual couples wish to be
embraced in the same way that congregaons accept heterosexual couples. I would like to suggest that we reconsider our posion as a church on this important subject,
which has become even more relevant in recent months.
History
When the General Synod of the United Church of
Christ voted to aﬃrm marriage equality in the summer of
2005, Union UCC’s governing body led a discussion in response. Since votes by the delegates to this naonal gathering are advisory to local UCC churches, and not compulsory, our governing body adopted a middle ground posion between those who were strongly opposed to marriage equality and those who supported it.
This is a relevant summary of the Consistory’s resoluon approved at its meeng in February of 2006 and
found on page 3 of the document .
Items on which we agree:
1) We will not change our policy (hitherto unwrien) to
include marriage rites for same sex couples. 2) We invite
persons, regardless of sexual orienta!on, to par!cipate in
our congrega!on’s life, including congrega!onal leadership. 3) We will con!nue to nurture families, including
those headed by same-sex partners to par!cipate in the
rites and sacraments of the church (except the rite of marriage for same-sex couples.) 4) We recognize and respect
that Pennsylvania law does not permit same-sex persons
to marry. However, we do want families headed by same-sex
partners to have access to those civil beneﬁts, as they become available to them under the law, and to accept the
responsibili!es of their covenanted rela!onships.
Items on which we cannot agree:
1) We cannot agree on blessing a civil union of homosexual couples under our congrega!on’s care.
A few from each side decided that they could not accept
the compromise and leF the fellowship of our congregaon.
Summary
Nine years ago the 2005 UCC General Synod vote was
startling to many. The de of opinion has changed signiﬁcantly in the intervening years, so that many congregaons,
even those that some might label conservave in their interpretaon of Scripture, have embraced same-sex marriages.
Unl this year our congregaon could not legally conduct a
same sex marriage. Now that it is possible, we will have
faithful members of our congregaon request that we conduct a same-sex marriage. Before we turn couples away
based on the Consistory’s previous resoluon, I urge the
Consistory to reconsider its previous denial.
Although I will rere as your Senior Pastor, before
the Consistory will be able to address this issue again, I urge
you to do so in the interim period. When God (through the
Holy Spirit at work through the search commiGee, the Consistory, and the congregaon) is ready to call new leadership
for you, a thoughHul revising of the 2006 Consistory decision should have taken place.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Thomas
Did You Know?
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You can get weekly emails updang you on the events and Sunday services at church?
You can get your monthly newsle<er online?
We have a Facebook page: Facebook.com/unionneﬀs
You can sign up for E-giving at no cost to you?
You can sign up to sponsor bullens, ﬂowers and the good news on
Sign-up Genius?
To sign up to get emails/e-newsleGer, sponsor on Sign-Up Genius, or for E-giving visit our website:
WWW.UNIONUCC.ORG and click on the RESOURCES tab or send an email to: [email protected]
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Tales From the Road
By Rev. Dr. Paence Stevenson, Minister of Visitaon
Aging in Place
Aging in Place has become a big buzzword in light of our
naon’s increasingly large populaon over the age of 65.
What exactly does it mean? The Center for Disease Control
deﬁnes aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own
home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.
Most adults would prefer to age in place—that is, remain
in their home of choice as long as possible. In fact, 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. Most of us
would much rather stay in our own homes, with familiar
neighbors, access to pets, hobbies, our local grocery stores,
banks and favorite restaurants. So how can we make this
happen?
Many of you have already thought ahead to these things
and have built your homes on one level, with wider hallways
and doorways which are wheelchair accessible. You may
have installed ramps, grab bars, railings or perhaps a stair liF
in ancipaon of a season in your lives when you need these
type of assistance. Many of us are fortunate enough to have
family or friends who can drive us to the doctor or grocery
store, or who call us on a regular basis to check in.
Technology can be a great enabler for aging in place.
Many of you are familiar with the various technologies that
Consistory Minutes
allow a person to wear a necklace that has a buGon
which can be pushed in the event of a fall or accident.
More and more technologies are being developed to
assist people to “age in place”, such as systems which
wirelessly communicate with family members by text
message or email when appliances are used or not used
within a certain me period (Evermind), or Reemo,
which allows you to control lights, lock doors, alarm security systems remotely with a gesture of your arm.
One component of successful aging in place is a+tude. We need to be willing to accept help, including
assisve devices, such as using a cane or walker, a remote emergency service; supporve services, such as
home health aides; or the possibility of moving to a family member’s home or facility that can provide more services than we cannot reasonably get at home. We can
make aging in place much easier if we plan ahead for our
care and have a willing aVtude to accept the help we
need to remain independent, or to research local facilies for specialized care in the event that we ever need
to move to assisted living center or a nursing home.
Mark your calendars for November 4 when our
very own Sue Ondrey will be making a presenta,on at
Golden Times on Aging in Place. Bring your ques,ons
and concerns to our luncheon and presenta,on at
12:00 noon in Fellowship Hall.
by Jennifer Young (subject to approval)
The monthly meeng of the Union United Church of Christ Consistory Meeng was called to order on Monday, September 15th,
2014 by President Carrington Smith.
The Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Report and August/
September bills were presented and approved.
Property and Maintenance Commi<ee reported that everything in good order and that the progress in Grove going very well.
For Safety reasons, in the future it may be necessary to ﬁx 2 broken
sidewalks in the front of the church.
Chris,an Educa,on Commi<ee reported that the educaon
year is oﬀ to a really great start and the scavenger hunt went well.
Children’s church is using a new program “Whirl” and it is DVD
based. One read “Hot Dogs and Hamburgers”- a new topic for Sunday Morning Adult Educaon. There is a new Jr. Youth Group- CIA
(Children in Acon), led by Tammy Lorah-Haydt and Jen Young.
Trunk or Treat October 25th. Please sign up. Advent Bus Trip- Sunday November 30th. Request was made for Funds of Lasng GiFsfor aTV for Youth Room, DVD players, portable CD players, and new
equipment for the classrooms.
Mission Commi<ee reported that on Harvest Home Sunday
they collected 1200 lbs of food collected and will be distributed
between two local food banks.
Church and Ministry reported on suggested UCC Senior Pastor
Statement- Same Sex Marriage. Now that it is possible and legal in
the state of Pennsylvania, Pastor Tom urges us to revisit this
issue again.
Evangelism Commi<ee reported that their ﬁrst meengnext week. Topic is Italian Dinner on Nov 8th.
Fellowship reported that the following upcoming events:
October 1st Basket Social., that they are all set to support an
event on October 26th (shhhh it’s a surprise), and December
7th- Advent Brunch.
Worship Commi<ee reported that 2 headsets will be
purchased for Pastors and Worship Assistants to use during
service.
There was a conversaon regarding the weekly bullensremain status quo- or replace front and back covers. Worship
commiGee was unanimous that they want to keep the bullens the same. We have trouble geVng sponsors. If we connue to have a problem geVng sponsors, it will have to come
out of the budget. Pastor Kris would like addional robes for
the conﬁrmaon class.
The next regular mee,ng of the Union United Church of
Christ Consistory will be held Monday, October 20th, 2014, at
7:00 p.m. in Room 101.
Page 3
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Children’s Programs
Nursery to 6th Grade
Contact: Kathy Bonsell 610-767-6961
Email: [email protected]
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s
love. All Union UCC families are invited to PACK A SHOE BOX filled with small
toys and other gifts. Instructional brochures will be available in Memorial Hall.
We will be accepting completed boxes on Nov. 2 & Nov. 9.
Union UCC would like to invite all children to our third
TRUNK-OR-TREAT on Saturday, October 25th,
3:00 to 5:00 pm. We will be in both our grove parking lot and the Lutheran lot with a short cemetery walk in between.
Wear your costume and pick up treats at each participating decorated
vehicle. In our lot, you can vote on the car that you think is the BEST
DECORATED and the vehicle that is the MOST CREATIVE. Both churches will also have food for our
hungry trunk-or-treaters. Union UCC is also having a Food Drive—Bring canned goods for the local
food bank and receive a special treat! Hope you can join us at this fun and safe event!
We are still looking for families, groups and/or organizations to decorate vehicles and hand out
candy. Please sign up on Kathy’s door or in Memorial Hall.
THERE’S SOMETHING NEW IN CHILDREN’S CHURCH….WHIRL!
We are piloting a new curriculum, Whirl, in Children’s Church this year. It is a lectionary based curriculum that emphasizes the church year and worship experience. This curriculum also includes short videos and weekly use of the Bible. There is a Whirl Story Bible for Kindergarten—2nd grade and a Whirl
NRSV Bible for 3rd-6th grade. We will have Bibles in the classrooms for the children to use. Another
component is a leaflet that includes in-class activities and take home activities.
We hope each family will take the time to complete some of the weekly activities
to further experience and explore the Sunday lesson. We are shifting our grade
groupings to fit the lessons. K, 1st and 2nd grade will meet in Room 7, 3rd and 4th
grade will have class in Room 5, and 5th and 6th grade will gather in Room 4.
Oct. 5 World Wide Communion
Matthew 21:33-46
Oct. 12 Sneaker Stroll (mission)
Philippians 4:1-9
Oct. 19 Children’s Sabbath Sunday Matthew 22:15-22
Oct. 26 Matthew 22:34-46
SNEAKER STROLL
(our version of the CROP WALK)
October 12th during Children’s Church.
Wear your sneakers or crocs and bring your
donation envelope!
With Cold and Flu season approaching please remember our Sick Child Policy
It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all of the children at Union United Church of Christ and its Pre-School.
Parents are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child under our care. In general, children
with the following symptoms should not be brought to Pre-School, Sunday School, Children’s Church or any other children’s programs
or acvies:
• Fever, diarrhea, or voming within the last 48 hours
• EmiVng green or yellow ﬂuid from the nose
• Eye or skin infecons
• Other symptoms of communicable or infecous disease
Church employees reserve the right to disallow aGendance or parcipaon in any class or church event, by any child deemed in the
church employee’s discreon to evidence any of the above symptoms. Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request that the child be picked up.
Page 4
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Youth Group News 6th-12th Grades
For more information contact: Pastor Kris [email protected] 610-657-6007 Cell
Or Dave DiPaolantonio at 610-349-9162 and youth [email protected].
Facebook: Union UCC Youth Group
www.unionucc.org/Ministries/Youth Group
Anyone who is in grades 6-12 is considered a member of youth group. Any parent,
guardian of our youth or adult can assist youth group. Friends and families are always invited
(unless noted).
Sat Oct 18 9am-2pm CRAFT SHOW at
Church Sign up with Pastor Kris to volunteer for an
SUNDAY MORNINGS
9:15-10:15am
*Returns Sept 7*
hour shift. Help serve drinks or food. Start your holiday
shopping!
OR
Sat Oct 18 KNOEBELS SPOOKTACULAR DAY
www.knoebels.com
$34 ($22 under 48” tall) Money due to “Union UCC Youth Group” now – no
later than October 5th. Meet at church at 11:45am, home by 10pm. Families
and friends are welcome, we will need parents as drivers. Adults can get in
free and pay for single ride tickets. Supper and drinks provided by the youth
group. Bring a bag lunch to eat on the way.
Sat Nov 8 Hang-In Night 7:00-9:30pm Music, food, games, friends
THE MUNCH BUNCH (6th & 7th
grades 2nd Floor Room 203)
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Starts Oct. 5
(8th grade Youth Room)
Confirmands can go to
The Breakfast Club
when there’s no class.
THE BREAKFAST CLUB (9th- 12th
grades Room 4 Basement)
and time to hang in together. Bring a canned good for the food bank.
Nov 21-23 Confirmation Class goes to Camp Ichthus If you have been confirmed and
you’d like to join us, contact Pastor Kris for forms. $40
Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Christmas Candy Sale Pick up your fundraiser flier at church
starting Sunday, November 2. This is a shared fundraiser with the Confirmation Class.
Fri Dec 5 Christmas Shopping (Adopting a Family to Shop for Christmas)
Meet at church at 6:30, home by 10. Bring money for dessert on the way home.
Sun Dec 14 Advisory Team Meeting and Lunch 11:30am-1pm
Sun Nov 2 at The Breakfast Club (High School Class)
Do you have a child graduating from high school soon? Starting to think about
college and don’t know where to begin? One of our church members, Brad
Hackett, has thirty years of experience working on college campuses. Two
years at Colgate University, three years at Bucknell University, ten years at
Syracuse University and most recently he works at Muhlenberg College for the
past fifteen years. As a college coach, Hackett meets with hundreds of
families every year, offering advice on the college search process.
Come meet with Hackett in Room 4 on November 2nd to learn more about the
college search.
Page 5
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Sunday Morning Alive
Sunday Morning Alive leads worship on
Sundays at 10:30 for about six
Sundays throughout the year.
We have a worship team that includes a
group of singers, guitar players,
keyboards and drums.
We play tradional and favorite
Nov. 30 at
hymns as well as contemporary and
10:30
alternave worship music.
Worship
Golden Times
(Senior Adults)
For those wise in years and young at heart.
Our next gathering will be Tuesday, October 7.
THE BOOMBADIERS featuring Pastor Tom
playing his Boomba.
Friendship, homemade soup, lunch, dessert
and a program ~ Free!
Interim Staﬀ Changes and Hours
The Rev. Dr. Allan Kramer-Moyer will begin
serving here as our Interim Assisng Pastor on NoThe Real Meaning of an Oﬀering
vember 4th and his ﬁrst Sunday will be November
16th. “Pastor Allan” will be doing hospital visits on
Why should God be so concerned about the giHs we
bring him and about our ﬁnancial management in general? Is Mondays and will have oﬃce hours on Monday,
Tuesday and Friday. He will share in represenng the
he really so poor that he needs our giFs? That can’t be. In a
staﬀ in our commiGees, aGend staﬀ meengs, join
magniﬁcent verse from Psalm 50, Jehovah once told his Old
Golden Times and help provide programming, share leadership
Testament people: “I have no need of a bull from your stall or
with Pastor Kris in the Friday morning Bible Study Class, share
of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is
leadership with Rev. Paence and Pastor Kris with the Sunday
mine, and the caGle on a thousand hills.”
morning Adult Class, assist with weddings and funerals, and asMy acon of bringing an oﬀering (whether of money or of sist in worship and preach. He will serve for 25 hours a week,
sacriﬁcial animals) is actually of liGle value to God in and of
which is part-me. His email is [email protected] and
itself, since he doesn’t need anything from me. But to under- you can reach him by phone by calling the church oﬃce. We
look forward to giving him a warm Union UCC, Neﬀs welcome!
stand God’s condemnaon of poor stewardship we need to
Rev. Pa,ence currently serves with us for about 10 hours a
remember the real purpose of our oﬀerings. Their highest
week,
focusing on caring for people on our visitaon list, leading
purpose is not just to support the ongoing programs of the
Golden
Times and the Helping Hearts, assisng with the Sunday
congrega,on and the conference.
morning Adult Class, assisng in worship monthly, preaching
Bringing our oﬀerings is an act of worship; that’s the only
quarterly, and aGending staﬀ meengs. During this interim me,
jusﬁcaon for scheduling the gathering of oﬀerings during
her hours will increase to 15 hours a week, she will add doing
our regular worship services. With our oﬀering we tell God:
Wednesday hospital visitaons, funerals, and addional Sunday
“Father, we know you don’t need this oﬀering. But we ask you morning Adult Class sessions. She typically does not have set
to receive it as a token of a much greater oﬀering we have
oﬃce hours but appointments can be made by contacng her.
brought you—the oﬀering of self, the oﬀering of our hearts.” Her email is [email protected] and you can reach her by
phone by calling the church oﬃce.
But to bring my leFovers, the scrapings of my plate aFer I
Pastor Kris will connue to serve as an Acng Pastor. She
have eaten, says something quite diﬀerent to God. It dishonwill
represent
the staﬀ at the commiGees previously staﬀed by
ors and demeans him as “Eater of my LeFovers.” Think about
the
Senior
Pastor
and will take on more worship, preaching,
that, and shudder.
funeral, wedding and administraon responsibilies. She will
connue to co-lead Conﬁrmaon Class (with Dan Topp, Sue
Ondrey, and Karen Nuschke) and Youth Group (with Dave
DiPaolantonio) and High School Choir (with Chris Hamm). Pastor Kris’s hours average about 50 a week. She is in the oﬃce on
Tuesday-Friday mornings at 9:30 and most of those aFernoons.
You can contact her through the church oﬃce, her email
[email protected] and her cell phone at 610-657-6007.
The staﬀ and leaders can’t thank you enough for your support and prayers during this me of change. If you have quesons or ideas or want to oﬀer your help, please contact Consistory President Carrington Smith or Church and Ministry Chair
David Fleming. (Contact the church oﬃce for their contact inPage 6
forma,on.)
Stewardship Committee
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Pastor Thomas is our Catch the Spirt recipient for October. Join us
in celebrating his ministry on October 26.
Arcle by Kathi Fuellhart
Tom was well grounded in the comfort and peace of religious tradition
right from the beginning. His family
was actively involved in the life of
their home church, Trinity Lutheran, in Lancaster, PA. His family’s
history in church leadership and activities set the example for him.
His father had grown up at Trinity, and so it became the family’s
church home. As a young veteran of WWII, Tom’s father even
served on the Vestry. His mother was raised in the Presbyterian
church, and his maternal grandfather taught Sunday School at a
Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. His maternal grandmother was
quite religious and always wanted one of her 4 sons to go into ministry. I’m sure she would be pleased with the way Tom has fulfilled
her dream.
Tom’s mother, Doratha, is originally from the Gettysburg area.
His parents met at Millersville State where both graduated in 1939.
His mother’s teaching degree enabled her to teach in both a oneroom and two-room schoolhouse in the Lancaster County area. His
father, Franklin Rote Thomas (which is PA German for Roth), was
born in Wilmington DE. The couple was married around 1941 and
settled in Lancaster.
When Frank graduated from Millersville as a certified mathematics teacher, he found he could not support a family on a teacher’s salary and continued to work at Armstrong Cork Company,
now called Armstrong Tile and Floorings, where he had worked to
put himself through school. Armstrong’s wartime government contracts kept Frank employed until he decided to join the Navy
around 1943. He became a-PT boat captain, returning home after
the war in 1946.
Through the war years and beyond, their family grew. Their
daughter, Tanya, was born in 1943 and Tom arrived in 1948.
Younger brother Timothy arrived 4 years later. Tom’s youthful
world was idyllic and he thrived in his two-block suburban community in Lancaster – at the end of the development was a wild area
that included a creek. A dream come true for a young boy! He remembers most of these years as happy and secure.
When Tom ‘s father’s work moved to Richmond, VA, the family moved there when Tom was 13 years old .He went to a newly
established Lutheran church with a style of worship and liturgy
similar to our own.
In 1965-66, his senior year in high school, Tom had an English
teacher who made a deep impression on him. The young teacher,
Mr. Gregory (who had recently graduated from the University of
Virginia), opened the world to his students by helping them understand the extreme social changes happening at the time. Tom especially liked the way he made current events relevant and encouraged free thinking.
Tom’s football career officially started in 7th grade. Because his
rural school did not have a team, his father encouraged him to try
out for a local Lancaster team, which was his introduction to organized football. He was a starter on the team that maintained the
school’s 4-yr winning streak. Tom said that when he moved to Virginia at 13, he didn’t even have to try out for the team when the
high school coaches discovered he had played football in Pennsylvania! Tom continued his football career in high school where he
played as a fullback and linebacker.
At the University of Virginia, Tom’s football career continued
as a fullback for the college team and ended as an offensive guard.
Tom’s study focus was sociology and anthropology, but he found
himself taking as many religious studies courses. He found himself
struggling between the career choice of law or ministry.
When I asked Tom why he felt called to ministry, he spoke
of the time when his family joined that small church in Richmond and the pastor took a personal interest in his congregants
and guiding the spiritual lives of the youth, including Tom. He
became involved in the life of the church right away, was one of
the congregation’s most active and devoted members. He says
he was always at the church, whether in the youth group or the
choir. And as President of Luther League, he preached youth
sermons as a junior and senior in high school. It was his pastor
who suggested the possibility of a life in ministry.
Although Tom’s applications to Princeton and Union Seminaries were accepted, it was Andover-Newton Seminary right
outside of Boston that he felt called to. He loved its tradition
and history – it is the oldest seminary in the U.S., having been
established in 1808. The school’s association with Harvard and
its teaching influence offered a case study approach to educational theory, which Tom especially liked.
In between three years of academic work at the seminary,
Tom spent a one-year internship in Lindsborg, Kansas, a Swedish community. He enjoyed his introduction to farming, and
even shoveled manure too! The church had 40 acres that the
parish planted in wheat and the church was able to sell the crops
to offset costs.
After he graduated from Andover-Newton in 1974, Tom
spent four years at State Street Congregational (UCC) Church in
Portland, Maine as Associate Pastor. As he was leaving State
Street, he applied to the UCC World Board asking for a mission
position in either Latin America or Africa. As many of us have
heard in his sermons, this was a life changing experience for
him. He spent two years as Chaplain to the United Church of
Zambia’s Kafue Secondary School where he was responsible for
more than 500 people, who lived and worked and went to school
there. He lived in a three-room Chaplains house. He said it was
not as rustic as one might think – he usually had electricity and
always had running water.
Food was nourishing in Zambia, and Tom had a garden and
raised chickens. Fruit, including papaya and bananas, was plentiful. A short distance away was fresh-baked bread from a bakery. Processed foods and household items that we take for granted; such as, butter, oil, or detergent, were hard to come by, however.
During his last two years in Zambia, Tom served two English speaking affluent Congregations: Trinity and St. Andrews
in the capital city of Lusaka. The President of Zambia (Kenneth
Kaunda, who helped win the country’s independence from Britain in 1964) was a member of the congregation. During this
time, Tom met and married Kathy Brearley. When the time
came for them to leave Zambia, they spent two months in Zambia sharing their mission experience with Kathy’s sending body,
The British Methodist Church. Tom returned to Richmond with
his new bride in 1982. He and Kathy traveled throughout America, sharing their mission experiences with UCC churches.
In the spring of 1984, Tom accepted the position as our
Senior Pastor at Neffs and started in August. He was excited and
felt welcome right away. His 30 years have been joyful and
challenging, and as he says, he’s considered them all as chapters
in the life of our church. And now he’s ready to start a new
chapter as a grandfather, and continue his gardening, which he
still finds so satisfying and rewarding. We will miss him but
wish him and his whole family God’s blessings of peace and joy
Page 7
in the years to come!
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Women’s of Union UCC
Blues Nite Out
Women’s Lunch
Saturday, Nov 1 at 2pm (We can stay un,l 5pm.)
Starlite Diner 233 N Route 100, Fogelsville, PA 18106
Cost: Open menu, pay your own.
Any women from our church and friends/family are
welcome! Let's catch up and check in with each other
and enjoy a meal together.
RSVP by Oct 18 to AFen Hamm at 484-225-2122 or
[email protected].
The weather for Blues Nite Out may have dampened
attendance, but not the energy of the three bands who
performed on stage, or the enthusiasm for those who
attended and enjoyed the music in the grove, or the spirit
of our church volunteers who cooked, baked, and served
food and refreshments.
Weather for Friday’s show with the Bryant Brothers
was overcast with rain threatening, but stayed calm for a
nice summer evening in the grove. New band members
provided an opportunity for new songs to be performed,
backing up Tom Bryant’s guitar playing and brother
Bob’s drum performance. Blues Nite Out is always their
favorite show of their year.
Light showers continued Saturday afternoon, yet the
show must go on. Guitarists Jake Kaligis & Mike
Rauscher invited audience members to come up on the
stage and stay dry to enjoy their music. Our most intimate gathering ever at BNO.
The weather finally cleared and the crowd was building as the night progressed. Lehigh Valley’s finest harmonica player James Supra joined Sarah and her band
for a truly special evening of music in the grove. Sarah
and her band truly enjoy and appreciate being able to
play at Neffs Church Grove.
Thanks to all who helped to make Blues Nite Out
2014 a success.
Union UCC Women’s Retreat
April 17-19, 2015
Trout Lake Retreats, Stroudsburg
Members, Friends, Family members are invited.
Theme: Garden Getaway ~ Where Women Walk with
God
Cost: $125 (Collecng $60 deposit now through January
1st, ﬁnal payment due April 5.)
Pay to “Union UCC” either by mail or drop in mailbox at
church. Be sure to mark your check “Women’s Retreat.”
Leaders: Pastor Kris and the Planning Team
Sunday Sponsors:
We are in need of sponsors weekly for Adult/
Children’s Bullens, Spread the Good News and
Flower Baskets.
Flowers ($30) Phyllis Hamm at 610-349-0324;
Bullens ($20, $8) Ruth Purner at 610-432-1761
Spread the Good News ($20) Tara Henninger
610-767-6961
or see our website at www.unionucc.org/
resources/giving-and-sponsorship/ways-to-give.
We thank Claire Kern, Deb Topp, Deb Wenner, and
Pastor Kris for sharing their talents in decorang the
altar and worship space on Sundays. We hope you ﬁnd
this meaningful and worshipful.
The Hannah Fund was established to help the Snyder-Samuelson family during their daughter
Hannah’s treatment for leukemia.
If you know of someone who could use our support, please contact a Pastor or the church
oﬃce. You can make contribuons at any me to: “The Hannah Fund.”
Page 8
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
RX Corner
by Ann Kirka, R.Ph.
Heartburn is a common ailment among many people. It is described as a burning discomfort in the chest,
which occurs when stomach acids irritate the esophagus. It is also referred to as “acid reﬂux”. A valve in the
lower esophagus funcons to let food move into the
stomach and prevent any backwards ﬂow. Heartburn
occurs when the valve wears out or does not close completely, allowing a reﬂux of acid and a burning sensaon. GERD, or gastroesophageal reﬂux disease, is a
chronic, severe form of heartburn.
There are several causes for the esophageal valve
not to funcon correctly. Foods including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coﬀee, alcohol,
caﬀeine, and spicy foods are oFen to blame, as they can
cause the lower esophageal muscles to relax and keep
the valve from closing properly. Overeang and excess
pressure on the stomach (obesity or pregnancy) are other reasons for the valve to malfuncon. Finally, stress,
not enough sleep, and smoking can cause heartburn.
Occasionally the discomfort comes from another an
underlying medical issue. A hiatal hernia can be a cause
of GERD symptoms. This occurs when the upper part of
the stomach moves up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm (the muscle separang the abdomen from the chest), allowing stomach contents (and
acid) to reﬂux into the esophagus. Stomach ulcers can
also cause reﬂux and pain.
For connuous pain or extreme distress, see your
doctor to rule out more serious gastrointesnal problems.
We’re back! We are excited to be
celebra,ng our 25th year here at the Preschool! Our students began classes on September 8th. We have been busy having fun as we
get to know each other and make new friends.
You can tour the Preschool hallways to see
some of the artwork created by our budding
arsts.
If you know anyone who is looking for a
Preschool for their child, it’s not too late to enroll. We sll have a few openings available and
we welcome anyone who would like to join our
Preschool family.
We are currently selling Kidstuﬀ Books
($25) and Enjoy the City SaveAround Books
($20). Each book oﬀers a diﬀerent variety of
discount coupons for dining and shopping. For
Weis shoppers, Weis coupons are in the
Kidstuﬀ Books again this year! The books make
great giFs and all proceeds beneﬁt the Preschool children. If you would like to purchase a
book, stop by or call the Preschool oﬃce at
(610) 767-5327.
2014 Allentown
What: 2014 Church World Service CROP Walk
Who: about 300 walkers from approximately 30 faith communies in the Allentown area
When: October 12, 2014, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Where: St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church at OG and Walnut Streets in the west end of Allentown PA
Why: to raise money for local and global hunger concerns
How: You can walk, sponsor a walker, or keep our walkers in your thoughts and prayers. There is a one mile walk and a six mile
walk from which parcipants may choose.
Also: Please bring your spare change to worship on Sunday, October 5, 2014. During worship, we will be holding our second annual milk jug gathering of loose coins for the CROP Walk.
The Children’s Church staﬀ and children will be par,cipa,ng in the annual Sneaker Stroll in the church cemetery to raise money for
the CROP Walk. This will take place during the 10:30 a.m. worship hour on Sunday, October 12, 2014.
Ques,ons about the CROP Walk? Please call John Snyder-Samuelson at 484-809-3815.
Helping Hearts and Communion Ministers
Our Helping Hearts group cares for our members on our visitaon list by delivering ﬂowers sponsored by church
members and by vising, sharing prayers and Chrisan friendship. Our Communion Ministers also share in this
Page 9
ministry by delivering communion. Our next mee,ng will be on December 11th.
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Pastor Tom’s Retirement
Congratulaons to Pastor Tom Thomas on his upcoming
rerement. To honor his 30 years of leadership and service to
Union United Church of Christ, a new endowment fund has
been started within the Funds of Lasng GiFs.
The Thomas Family Fund has recently been established in
memory of son, Owen Thomas. Recognizing Owen’s love of
mission trips and learning experiences through his parcipaon of Union UCC‘s youth programs, the purpose of this fund
is to encourage youth and young adults to engage in mission
eﬀorts to serve God and people throughout the world.
Memorial giFs in memory of Owen Thomas will be the
starng principal of The Thomas Family Fund. To honor Pastor
Tom’s service and celebrate his upcoming rerement, in lieu of
personal giFs, church members and friends are encouraged to
support this new fund. All donaons will be addional principal for the fund.
Future earned interest on a yearly basis from The Thomas
Family Fund will support youth and young adults interested in
mission eﬀorts locally, naonally, and internaonally. The
Chrisan Educaon and Mission CommiGees will oversee the
ulizaon of the fund’s income.
To make a donaon to The Thomas Family Fund, please
use a separate envelope marked “Pastor Tom’s rerement
giF”, drop it in the collecon plate, or send to the church
oﬃce. Checks made payable to Funds of Lasng GiFs.
Thank you to all who celebrate Pastor Tom’s rerement,
the Thomas Family and to the legacy that will connue
through the work of The Thomas Family Fund.
I/We celebrate Pastor Tom’s rerement and honor his 30
years of pastoral care to Union UCC with a donaon to The
Thomas Family Fund.
Name ______________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
_________________________________________
Envelope # _________
Page 10
Amount ___________
Celebra,on Plans
We have several things planned in the next few months
to celebrate Pastor Tom’s ministry with us.
Watch your bullen and newsleGer for updates.
Sunday, October 19- 8 and 10:30 Worship
Pastor Tom’s Last Sermon
Sunday, October 26 8 and 10:30 Worship Rev. Alan
Miller, Penn Northeast Conference Minister, Preaching
and Leading us in a Celebraon and Farewell Service
Sunday, October 26 3-7pm
Pig Roast, Potluck and Party in the Grove
with DJ & Entertainment * Under the Big
Tent * Rain or Shine
Come and stay for as long as you can.
Bring a favorite chair & a side dish, salad, casserole or
dessert to share. Pulled pork, hot dogs, hamburgers,
and beverages provided.
3:00 Welcome * 3:45 Remarks/Prayer * 4:00 Meal
Served * 7:00 Clean Up
RSVP by Sunday, OCTOBER 19 by returning
bo<om slip of paper through oﬀering plate or
emailing oﬃce at [email protected] with
name and total number.
Name: ____________________________________
Total Number a<ending: ______________
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
ABC’s of Pastor Tom
Presented September 7, 2014
is for Awesome Senior Pastor, husband, father, and now
a grandfather.
is for Bap,sms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, Tom
does it all.
is for Christmas Eve with three services, ten hour marathons, celebrating the birth of Christ.
is for Devo,on to God, to our country, to our world.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
is for Mission, encouraging people to help others
through mission efforts.
is for Nightly meetings one or two nights a week
helping to shape our church.
is for Open and Inviting, we believe that no matter
who you are or where you are in life's journey you
are welcome here.
is for Prayer, reflection and sharing concerns to all.
is for Quilters & Knitters, every Wednesday Tom
Q makes
a visit to chat with them as they quilt and knit.
is for Easter sunrise services in the cemetery.
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
is for RespecVul and Reverent during hospital visits
and funeral services.
is for Sharing the sacrament of communion to all.
is for Farming & Gardening and Tom's enthusiasm for
God's Garden Spot.
is for Golden Times serving coffee and refreshments.
is for Heritage and History - Tom's respect of our church,
our property, and our members.
is for Intelligent and Interes,ng, a man of varied interests.
J is for Jokes - Tom regularly includes jokes in his sermons.
K
L
M
N
O
P
is for Knowledge of the Bible, teaching adult Bible study
classes.
is for Lenten series of prayer, reflection and teaching.
is for Tenebrae Good Friday service, a special
meaningful service.
is for Union UCC, Dedicated to our congregation for
30 years
is for Vaca,on Bible School, skits, lessons, recreation, crafts and more.
is for Worshipping and Welcoming, sharing worship with our church family and welcoming new
members.
is for Xtreme love of music by our church members
and guests both vocal and instrumental.
is for Youth, nurturing young people for a Christian
life.
Congratulations!
Rev. Josh Knappenberger (previously a seminarian at Union UCC) will be installed at Zion Blue Mountain UCC,
Strausstown on Sunday, November 2 at 3pm. Everyone is invited to join in the celebraon.
Country Holidays
Craft Show
CRAFTERS! Reser ve a table for
$30 to sell your hand-made crafts by
calling Debbie W enner 610-799-4584.
MEMBERS! NEW MEMBERS! Ar eas wher e
you are needed for 1 or 2 hours: Greeter, Helper
in Kitchen, Set-up, Clean-up.
BAKERS! We need your favor ite baker y item.
Helpers are always needed. Helpers are always
wanted. Helpers are always special and greatly
Union UCC
5550 Route 873, Neffs
Saturday, October 18,2014
9am-3pm
Juried Crafts
Food & More
Page 11
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Property Committee
This month we take a moment to thank Pastor Tom for his parcipaon on the property commiGee during his tenure as Senior
Pastor. Tom has been a member of Union UCC’s property commiGee for the past fourteen or so years, and previously a member
of Union Church’s joint property board when property decisions
were shared with the Lutheran Church.
Over the past thirty years, Tom has aGended monthly
meengs, met and visited with many local contractors of many
varied trades who have worked on our church property, learned
where all the special switches, outlets, knobs, control panels,
drains, and other items are located., and he was always ready to
give a helping hand during spring or fall cleanup days, help set up
and clean up aFer major events, even help with snow shoveling.
Tom’s guidance and support of the work of the property commiGee has been a blessing to us as we have upgraded and improved our church property, and also with the building of the
New Beginning Addion in 2003.
Pastor Tom provided great respect to the heritage of our
church, and took great interest into the history of our forefathers
who seGled and worshipped here in Neﬀs over the past 250 years,
ﬁrst building a log church, then building one of stone, and then
our current brick church built in 1872, plus two addions.
Thank you Pastor Tom for your building spirit these past 30
years, enjoy your home garden, household projects and your family in the coming years.
From Neﬀs Church Grove
Improvements are in full swing over in the Neﬀs Church
Grove. In just a few days in early September, the old concrete
stage was broken up, demolished and removed. Then a few
more pine trees were removed, some sll damaged from Hurricane Sandy, some parally roGen and ant ﬁlled, some unsafe for
the future.
The good news is that all this work created a nice big open
spot for a new covered pavilion to cover 12 picnic tables, and also
created spaces for new trees to be planted in 2015, in areas that
they can grow vibrantly and not be threatened by the older large
pine trees.
Yes, the grove will look diﬀerent next summer, fresh and
ready to grow for future members and guests to enjoy the many
events that will follow. The memories of bands, church services,
children’s programs on the old stage will connue in our minds
and hearts. Those memories will never be forgoGen, yet new
memories will be made as these new improvements are made to
Neﬀs Church Grove.
Page 12
Home Visitation
Members Birthdays
Dorothy George - Oct 10
Eastern Comfort, 206 Diamond St
Slangton, PA 18080-1589
Marion Snyder-Oct. 10
4323 Route 309
Schnecksville, PA 18078
Audry Knerr - Oct 15
Phoebe Home W#219A
1925 Turner St, Allentown, PA 18104
Miriam Hausman-Oct. 17
198 Cheyenne Ln.
Lehighton, PA 18235
Hilda Nagel - Oct 23
2757 PA Rt 309
Oreﬁeld, PA 18069-9775
Emilie Peters-Oct. 24
WA-4 Park One Sandy Dr.
Walnuport, PA 18088
Adeline Miller- Oct 29
Whitehall Manor
1177 6th St
Apt. C69B
Whitehall, PA 18052
STAFF BIRTHDAY
Rev. Paence Stevenson-October 16
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Star,ng September 16th every Tuesday 78:30PM room 5.
We will study The Book of Revelaons with a
DVD video series led by Dr. Mickey Eﬁrd.
Harry B. Burger invites you to come learn new
things and grow in faith
Hospital Info Update:
If you are in the hospital, please ask a family member, friend, or
the hospital chaplain to call a pastor or the church oﬃce to let us
know if you’d like us to visit. Please do not rely on the church
code system to tell us since it has proven to be inconsistent with
informa,on. Our church code is 511 and if you are listed
correctly, when we call the chaplain’s oﬃce, you will appear
under our number. Usually the pastors do hospital visits on
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays hoping they will catch
everyone at some point during their stay. We are more than glad
to visit and pray with you, so please don’t hesitate to call on us.
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
17th Sunday aFer Pentecost/Worldwide Communion
8:00am Heritage Service
10:30am Horizon Service
Text: Exodus 20: 1-20
Message: “Commandments and the Chrisan Life”
Sermon: Rev. Thomas N. Thomas
Lay Readers: 8:00 - Leslie Thompson-Strack
10:30 - Dan Topp
Greeters: Roger & Nancy Christman, Stan & Jean
Wieand
Acolytes: 8AM - Tegan Haley
10:30AM - Christopher & Rachael Bath
Sunday, October 12, 2014
18th Sunday aFer Pentecost
8:00am Heritage Service
10:30am Horizon Service-Sneaker Stroll
Lay Readers: 8:00 - Sandra Craig
10:30 - Vicki Mayk
Greeters: Don and Candy Wingate, Cliﬀ and Carol James
Acolytes: 8AM - Madison Amorim
10:30AM - Jacob Gladsh & Jacob Roth
Sunday, October 12th at 8am and
10:3O Worship at Union UCC
Guest Musician and Worship Leader:
BRYAN SIRCHIO
Singer, Songwriter, UCC Pastor
Author: The 6 Marks of Progressive Christian Worship Music
Sunday, October 12th
At Union UCC 5550 Route
873, Neffs
2:00 A Time to Visit, Refreshments
3:00-5:30 Bryan Sirchio (Workshop,
Worship and Concert)
www.sirchio.com facebook:
Bryan Sirchio
REGISTER NOW THROUGH
OCTOBER 5th
Contact our church office to
register at
[email protected].
Sunday, October 19, 2014-Pastor Tom’s Last Sermon
19th Sunday aFer Pentecost
8:00am Heritage Service
10:30am Horizon Service
Text: Exodus 33: 12-23
Message: “A Single Journey”
Sermon: Rev. Thomas N. Thomas
Lay Readers: 8:00 - Susan Rumble
10:30 - James Ondrey
Greeters: Karl and Lynne Klinger, Karen & Karl Imdorf
Acolytes: 8AM - Jacob Klinger
10:30AM - Abigail Hill, Gabriel Horvath
Sunday, October 26, 2014
20th Sunday aFer Pentecost/Healing Service
8:00am Heritage Service
10:30am Horizon Service
Rev. Alan Miller, Penn Northeast Conference Minister,
Preaching and Leading us in a Celebraon and Farewell
Service of Rev. Thomas Thomas, Senior Pastor
Congratulaons and blessings on 30 years of ministry
with us and on your rerement, Pastor Tom!
Lay Readers: 8:00 - Suzanne Schneider
10:30 - Donna Christman
Greeters: Greg and Johanna Zellner, Carol Pope,
Ronnie Pope
Acolytes: 8AM - Rebekah Lorah
10:30AM - Madison Milander, Dylan Kuntz
Holy Grounds
Coffee Hour
Every Sunday
9:15-10:15 & 11:30-12:00
Con,nues on Sundays aHer 8am and 10:30 Worship
Services and in between the services in Memorial
Hall (on the same level as the sanctuary). Stop by for
snack or drink, to say hello to a friend, or learn about
something new about a commiGee.
Thank you to our hos,ng commi<ees:
Oct. 5— Church & Ministry
Oct. 12— Chrisan Educaon
Oct. 19— Helping Hands
Oct. 26—Mission CommiGee
Page 13
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Financial & Attendance Reports
Worship
Service
Opera,ng
Fund
Designated Funds
8AM
10:30AM
CC/
Nursery
August 3
78
156
14
248
Grand
Total All
Funds
Date
Total
7-1-2014
$ 9,644.00
$21,417.00
$31,061.00
August 10
77
185
CFW
262
Income
$28,907.00
$1,710.00
$30,617.00
August 17
72
113
10
195
Expenses
$33,038.00
$6,339.00
$39,377.00
08-31-2014
$ 5,513.00
$16,788.00
$22,301.00
August 24
58
166
27
251
Designated Funds category includes oﬀerings for NIN,
Mother’s Day, OGHS, Lenten, Advent,
Improvement Fund, Flowers, Directory, Bulle,ns, Phoebe Campaign, & Special GiHs.
August 31
71
130
10
211
TOTAL ATTENDANCE
August 2013– 956 August 2014 - 1,168
AVG ATTENDANCE
August 2013–239 August 2014 - 234
Deaths
Elvin Creitz, passed away September 14, 2014,
and was laid to rest in Union Church Cemetery,
Neﬀs on September 19, 2014.
Lorraine Hunsicker would like to thank everyone for
all their cards, and acts of kindness during her long
illness.
Thelma Trobetsky, passed away, September 15,
2014 and was laid to rest in Union Church Cemetery,
September 20, 2014.
U NION UCC C HURCH S TAFF
Rev. Thomas N. Thomas
For Pastoral Emergencies
(610) 780-2338
[email protected]
Rev. Kris Snyder-Samuelson
Cell Phone : (610) 657-6007
[email protected]
Rev. Pa,ence Stevenson
Pastor of Visitaon
[email protected]
Kathy L. Bonsell
Director of Chrisan Educaon
E-mail Address : [email protected]
Page 14
Barbara Carinci
Church Administrator
[email protected]
Tara Henninger
Communicaons Coordinator
[email protected]
Mike Baer
Music Coordinator
[email protected]
Blake Hoppes
Organist/Accompanist
[email protected]
Church Oﬃce:
610-767-6961
PO Box 66,
5550 Route 873
Neﬀs PA 18065-0066
www.unionucc.org
Preschool Oﬃce:
610-767-5327
Ronald Kneller
Facility Caretaker
[email protected]
Church Telephone Extension Directory
610-767-6961
Pastor Thomas
Pastor Kris
Pastor Paence
Barbara Carinci
Tara Henninger
Kathy Bonsell
Mike Baer
Kitchen
ext.
ext.
ext.
ext.
ext.
ext.
ext.
ext.
24
25
23
21
22
27
26
30
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
Memorials
The following donaons have been accepted into the Memorial Fund in memory of Barbara A. (Lewis) Kern:
Marvin Bortz
Lewis & Dolores Lengyel
Naomi R. Follweiler
David & Marjoire Bell
Stanley & Jean Wieand
John & Gloria Simock
Arthur J. Henry Lumber Co.
Leatrice Macheimer
The following donaons have been accepted into the Thomas
Family Fund in honor of Pastor Tom’s rerement:
The Allwines (Valerie & Ed)
Leroy & Marianna Oswald
Leona E. Baer
Ronald & Carol Pope
Kay L. Bagenstose
Dolores A. Rabenold
Madeline & Richard Bingell
Dorothy A. Rabert
Bertha Blose
Bonnie Rex
Barbara & Rich Carinci
Dennis & Denise Rothrock
Donna E. Christman
Marion Snyder Family
Michael & Sandra Daumer
Ron Snyder
Karen & Ernie Dojack
Don & Marlene Steﬀy
Linda L. George
Alice Stephen
Catherine C. Haberern
Linda & John Stewart
Mike & Jeanne Hakler
Mary Ellen Taras
BeGy & Mike Hockman
Larry & Sue Todd
Curs & Janet Hoﬀman
Mike, Deb, Ethan & Grace
Joyce & George Lawrence
Baer
Kevin & Diane Richter
Dennis & Debbie DeFrain
Dorothy Reph
Susan & Donald Rumble
Sharon Reph
Carolyn Barry
Donald & Bonnie Herzog
Carrington & Susan Smith
Lee & Carol Marn
Patricia Warmkessel
Richard & Jill Schlosser
John & Gloria Simock
Susan Steinmann
Barbara Panner
Robert E. & Dorothy D. Hoppes
Judy & Al Stubbmann
George & Diane Karetsky
The Terembula Family
Roy and Annie Kern
Marilyn & Ronald Sechler
Darlene & Dennis Kreitz
Kathleen Hodes
Janice Liscka
Ann & Jeﬀ Snyder
Mark, Paige, Blaine Liscka
Tom & Linda Anderson
Marguerite MacBurney
Jeﬀrey Hoﬀman
Malcolm & Margaret Mackenzie
Sandra V. Klotz
Ben, Krista, Lucas & Connor Maxwell
Union UCC Youth Group
Beverly Moser
The Jack & Karen Nuschke Family
Doug Oswald
Sacrament of Baptism
On August 24 the congrega,on joyfully welcomed:
Hazel Anne Dojack
Daughter of Ernest and Karen
(Haas) Dojack
Aiden Patrick Segata
Son of Nicole Baer and John Segata
Mission Committee
The GREAT Toilet Paper
Challenge is coming again to
Union UCC in November. Start
looking for the super sales on toilet paper at your favorite grocery
store or wholesale club and stock
up until November. Collections
will begin on Sunday November 2.
Operation Project Food Bank
Every November, Union UCC is responsible to provide volunteers to help distribute food at the Northern
Lehigh Food Bank in Emerald. Ten to twelve volunteers are needed on Thursday November 6, 13, and 20
from 3:30 pm - 7:15 pm and on Saturday November 22
from 8:30 am - 12:00 noon. Please consider providing time
to help others, call Phil Wehr 610-767-3657 or Wilbur Romig 610-285-2191. The food bank is located on Center
Street in Emerald, directly across from the Washington
Township Municipal building.
The NL food bank provides food relief to over 250 families in the local area. Director Dale Bryfogle manages the
huge task of overseeing the daily operations of the food
bank, along with many volunteers from the community, over
twelve participating local churches, and other service organizations.
She is always looking for more regular helpers to organize, stock shelves, distribute food and other duties. Volunteer opportunities are available on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please contact Phil
or Wilbur for more information.
Thanks to our Office Helpers!
Madeline & Dick Bingell, Nancy Christman, Don & Eunice Diehl, Phyllis Hamm, Judy Hoﬀman, Eleanor & Ron
Kleckner, Barb Koras,nsky, Barbara Panner, Calvin Panner, Drew Panner, Ruth Purner, Linda & Wilbur Romig, Jill
Schlosser, Marianne Ulrich, and Jean & Stanley Wieand
Page 15
Union UCC ‘Babble from the Belfry’ October 2014
October 2014
Tuesday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
3
9:30am Busy Bee Quilters
10am Knitwits
5:30pm Basket Social
6:30 Spiritually Fit
6pm Tai Chi
7pm Chrisan Ed;
Chime Choir
9am Bullen Prep
9:30am Bible Study
Saturday
4
6
7 9am Staﬀ Mtg
8
9
10
11
10am Tai Chi
6:30 Spiritually Fit
10am Program Staﬀ
12am Golden Times
6pm Cherub Choir
6:30 Junior Choir
7pm Middler Choir; Bible Study
7:30 High School Choir
9:30am Busy Bee Quilters
10am Knitwits
6:30 Spiritually Fit
7pm Book Club; Church &
Ministry
6pm Tai Chi; Preschool Board
7pm Chime Choir
9am Bullen Prep
9:30am Bible Study
5:00pm Wedding
rehearsal
3pm wedding
4pm PNEC
13
14
15
16
17
18
10am Tai Chi
6:30 Spiritually Fit
10am Helping Hands
6pm Cherub Choir
6:30 Junior Choir
7pm Middler Choir; Bible Study
7:30 High School Choir
9:30am Busy Bee Quilters
10am Knitwits
6:30 Spiritually Fit
7pm Chime Choir
9am Bullen Prep
9am-2pm Country
Holiday CraF Show
20
21 9am Staﬀ Mtg
22
23
24
25
10am Tai Chi
6:30 Spiritually Fit
7pm Consistory
10am Program Staﬀ
6-8pm Youth Choirs
7pm Bible Study
9:30am Busy Bee Quilters
10am Knitwits
6:30 Spiritually Fit
6pm Tai Chi
7pm Chime Choir
9am Bullen Prep
9:30 am Bible Study
5:00pm Wedding
rehearsal
2pm Wedding
3pm Trunk or Treat
27
28 9am NewsleGer
29
30
31
10am Tai Chi
6:30 Spiritually Fit
6-8pm Youth Choirs
7pm Bible Study
9:30am Busy Bee Quilters
10am Knitwits
6:30 Spiritually Fit
6pm Tai Chi
7pm Chime Choir
9am Bullen Prep
9:30 am Bible Study
6:30pm Wedding
rehearsal
SUNDAYS
5 Worldwide Communion
8am Heritage Service
9:15 - 10:15 am
Holy Grounds
Educaon Hour
Horizon Choir
Conﬁrmaon Class
10:30am Horizon Service
Children’s Church
11:30am Holy Grounds
Mission CommiGee
12 8am Heritage Service
9:15 - 10:15 am
Holy Grounds
Educaon Hour
Horizon Choir
Conﬁrmaon Class
10:30am Horizon Service
Children’s Church
11:30am Holy Grounds
Tech CommiGee
2pm Bryan Sirchio
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
26 Healing Service
19
8am Heritage Service
8am Heritage Service
9:15 - 10:15 am
Holy Grounds
Educaon Hour
Horizon Choir
Conﬁrmaon Class
9:15 - 10:15 am
Holy Grounds
Educaon Hour
Conﬁrmaon Class
10:30am Horizon Service
Children’s Church
10:30am Horizon Service/
Children’s Church
11:30am Holy Grounds
11:30am Holy Grounds
4pm Scrapbookers
3pm
Rerement Celebraon