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Central’s CONNECTIONS
CENTRAL SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH, 2111 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446 - 610-584-4480
www.cscfamily.org
Love
Love God.
God. Serve
Serve Others.
Others. Grow
Grow Disciples.
Disciples.
November 16, 2014
Welcome…we are glad you are here! If you are a visitor with young children, we have childcare available
during our worship services. For Infants to 3 years of age we have a NURSERY. Youngsters Pre-K through Second Grade
can go to the Beginners room when excused from the Worship Service. Both classrooms are in the main hall of the main floor.
For exact locations, please ask an usher who can direct you to the proper classroom.
Calendar of Events
Church News and Notes
Sunday, November 16~ Rev. Dr. Daniel Kamaraj
Mission Speaker – Bibles for India
The Flowers on the Altar are given to the
Glory of God and in Loving Honor and Memory of:
Owen and Doris Seibert
Congratulations to William Toplis who will celebrate his 90
th
birthday on Monday, November 17 .
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Congratulations to Ellis Kriebel who will celebrate his 91
th
birthday on Wednesday, November 19 .
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Congratulations to Tim and Jessica (Anders) Brown whose
son, Gavin, was dedicated in the Traditional Service on
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Sunday, November 9 . Gavin’s grandparents are Merrill and
Phyllis Anders and his great-grandmother is Dorothy Nice of
our congregation.
TODAY’S GUEST SPEAKER
Today we welcome Rev. Dr. Daniel Kamaraj, a pastor from
North West India, as our special speaker. Daniel holds a
M.A. in Christian Management, a M.Div. and a Doctorate of
Divinity and has been in ministry for 23 years. His ministry’s
name is Logos Faith Foundation where church planting and
discipleship training is a priority. He comes to us as a friend
of Dr. Drake Williams. Daniel’s ministry will be the recipient
of the “Bibles for India” offering we have been collecting.
This special offering will provide over 800 Bibles in the native
language to India. Daniel has suffered extensive persecution
for his faith in Christ. Daniel is married to his wife, Mercy.
Together they have a daughter, Gracelyn, and sons Franklin
and Jeremiah.
Prayer for Church Life
Please pray for God’s blessings upon our ministry to the
homeless through Keystone Opportunity Center (Interfaith)
this month. Ask God to spur many to get involved in this
wonderful ministry through sleepovers, dinners or limo service.
Prayer for Missions
Please pray for Church Ministries International** as they
advance the Gospel by developing churches in Latin America
with thoughts of expanding in to Central America. CMI centers
their vision on the cities of strategic influence within a nation
and asks for prayer as they concentrate on reaching urban
professionals that are the leaders in academia, business and
public policy.
**supported by our Board of Missions
9:00 a.m.
10:10 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
Traditional Morning Worship Service
Sunday School for all ages
Informal Worship Service
Meadowood Service
Baptismal Service at Hope Fellowship
Christmas Musical Rehearsal (SANC)
Dorian Choir (SANC/FH)
Wired and Crave (AYS/CCC)
Small Group – Ephesians (ACR)
Monday, November 17
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
United Choir Mtg. (CHAP)
Reserved, J. Bickel (MERE)
Church Council (MERE)
United Choir (SANC)
Chancel Bells (PRIM)
CSC Men’s Basketball League (CCC)
Tuesday, November 18
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Worship Band Practice (CHAP)
North Pennsmen (FH)
Board of Christian Ed (ACR)
Bethel Bible (BETH)
Wednesday, November 19
9:45 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
LAMPS (FH)
Junior Choir (JR)
Genesis Bells (PRIM)
Cub Scout Activity Meeting (BALC/MID)
AWANA –Funny Hat Night (CCC)
363 Worship (CHAP)
Celebration Brass (FH)
Prayer Meeting (PRAY)
Brasswind (FH)
Chancel Choir (SANC)
Thursday, November 20
12:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Happy Days, Reserved (FH)
Nominating Committee (ACR)
Happy Days Committee (BETH)
Friday, November 21
9:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
Happy Days, Reserved (FH)
Tea at Meadowood
Saturday, November 22
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
Work Project (STEEL)
Dodgeball Tournament (CCC) – (A flyer with
additional information is on the table in the Narthex)
NEXUS (AYS)
Calendar of Events continued on next page……..
Sunday, November 23~ Rev. Dr. David McKinley
Prayer Shawl Ministry Recognition
9:00 a.m.
10:10 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
Traditional Morning Worship Service
Sunday School for all ages
Informal Worship Service
Christmas Musical Rehearsal (SANC)
Dorian Choir (SANC/FH)
Wired and Crave (AYS/CCC)
Small Group – Ephesians (ACR)
YOUTH NEWS
AWANA – CRAZY HAT NIGHT!
Pick out a crazy hat to wear to Awana this week! We will
meet at our regular time on Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. –
8:00 p.m. at the Central Community Center. Awana is open
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to all Kindergarten – 5 Graders.
BAPTISM BY IMMERSION
WIRED & CRAVE
Today we will be baptizing four individuals from our church,
by immersion, at the Hope Fellowship Church at 3:00 p.m.
Hope Fellowship is located just one mile north of Central,
near the Towamencin Schwenkfelder Cemetery. The
address is 1900 S. Valley Forge Road. All are invited to
attend.
There are regular Wired and Crave meetings tonight from
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Anders Youth Suite and
Community Center. See you there!
Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through
baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised
from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may
live a new life.”
ATTENTION ALL SCHWENKFELDER
WOMEN
Members and non-members attending LAMPS,
WCF, Bible Study, Sunday School, etc.
We are heading to Ocean City, New Jersey for the 2015
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Women's Retreat - Friday, March 13 through Sunday,
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March 15 and are very excited to announce that we will be
attending a Beth Moore Living Proof Live conference in
Atlantic City as part of our Retreat!!!
Many more details will follow, however, right now there are
tickets to purchase before they are sold out! Normally, when
we take sign-ups, we ask for a $25 deposit to secure your
spot. This year we need to purchase the tickets well in
advance of our February sign-ups. We already purchased a
block of 20 and it is sold out. Now we need to purchase
another block before they are sold out. Tickets are $69 and
that will be considered your deposit for the Retreat.
IMPORTANT: If you are planning on attending the 2015
Retreat, checks need to be received BEFORE this Friday,
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November 21 . This is the day that we will be ordering the
next block of tickets. Please make your check payable to
“Central Schwenkfelder Church” with “Beth Moore Ticket” in
the Memo line. Please bring your payment to the church
office or drop in Joanne Lepping-Irvine’s church mailbox. Do
not let money be an issue. If you are certain that you will be
attending the Retreat, we will purchase a ticket for you and
work something out, but we need to know!!! Also, the entire
cost of the Retreat will be no more than $130.00. This
includes the Beth Moore ticket that will be pre-purchased,
two overnight stays, dinner Friday night, all three meals
Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. The Remaining balance
will be due in February. Stay tuned for more exciting details!
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MANNA ON MAIN STREET
Let's impact our community by filling the pantry shelves of
Manna on Main Street in Lansdale. All non-perishable foods
are welcomed, especially canned fruits, soups and canned
tuna. They are also happy to receive cereals and pastas.
Donations can be put in the “Harvest Box” in Fellowship Hall.
WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
The WCF Nominating Committee’s slate of officers is as
follows: Barbara Bucher, President; Amelia Stetler, VicePresident; Wendy Kaminsky, Recording Secretary; Marilyn
Seipt, Corresponding Secretary; Carol Fryling, Treasurer.
These current officers have agreed to run for office for
another 2-year term.
The slate is now OPEN to all women in the congregation to
make other nominations. Anyone making a nomination must
first get the permission of the nominee before submitting your
name and that of the nominee. PLACE NOMINATIONS in an
ENVELOPE in Beverly O’Brien’s church mailbox. TODAY is
the deadline for nominations.
Nominating Committee: Wendy Kaminsky, Bev O’Brien,
Doris Plager, Pat Zambella
GEDÄCHTNISTAG DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
The official resolution to recognize the Schwenkfelder Day of
Remembrance by the Senate of Pennsylvania that
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commemorates the 280 Anniversary of “Schwenkfelder
Thanksgiving Day” is in the glass case in the main hallway.
Take a moment to check it out! This day commemorates
the arrival in Philadelphia, on September 24, 1734, of some
180 Schwenkfelder immigrants fleeing persecution in their
native homelands of Silesia, Germany. Upon arrival, they
paused to give thanks to God for their safe arrival to a land
where they would find freedom to practice their faith. Every
year since that time, the Schwenkfelders gather to remember
their faith and reflect upon their struggles and opportunities.
2nd ANNUAL MEN’S RETREAT:
Jan. 15 – 16, 2015
The Men of Central and Board of Christian Education are
excited to announce our second annual Men’s Retreat. It
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will take place from January 15 – 16 , 2015. We will be
traveling to Spruce Lake retreat center in the Poconos (about
30 minutes north of Stroudsburg).
This retreat is an annual event organized by Spruce Lake,
bringing together 200+ men from a number of churches. The
event will start with a steak dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday
and will end around 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Our time may be
relatively short, but we believe that it will still be an impactful
and uplifting event. Our teacher will be local pastor Greg
Lafferty. Greg previously pastored at Saddleback Church in
California, where Rick Warren is the senior pastor. There will
also be time for worship, recreation (tomahawk throwing?),
and personal renewal. Worship will be led by Mitch McVicker,
who regularly toured with Rich Mullins.
The cost will be $109, which should cover all costs at the
retreat (food, lodging, speaker, etc.). A deposit of $25 is due
at the time of registration. Good News: We have 50% off
discount coupons for the first 25 “first timers” who
register!
To ensure your spot, please register by Sunday, November
th
30 . There is a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall. You can
also register directly with Peter Colvin (267-664-5923,
[email protected]). Please make checks payable to
Central Schwenkfelder Church, with “Men’s Retreat” written
on the memo line. Checks can be placed in Peter’s mailbox.
Please note that this retreat is also open to non-members
(same price). This is a PERFECT opportunity to connect your
family or friends with our church!
Please contact Peter for more information. You can also go
online to:
http://www.sprucelake.org/events/calendar/mens-retreat/
We are praying that you will attend this retreat, which is sure
to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.
USHERS NEEDED!
Please consider offering your time this December to help
usher during one or more of the Traditional Worship Services
on Sundays and/or one of the United Choir Concerts on
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December 7 . Sign-up sheets are on the small table in the
Narthex across from the entrance to the Sanctuary. Thank
you!
Please be reminded that meetings will not be scheduled
in the Plaid Pad, Blue Lounge or Middlers Room during
the month of November due to our Interfaith guests’ stay
this month!
CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS
Forms to submit a Poinsettia Christmas Memorial in honor of
a loved one can be found on the bulletin tables, as well as in
the November newsletter and in the Narthex office.
Completed forms with payment can be placed in the
designated box in the Narthex office or mailed to the Church
Office at your convenience. The deadline for submissions to
be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin is Monday,
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December 8 .
CHRISTMAS CHURCH DECORATING
HELP NEEDED!
The decorating of our church Sanctuary for the Christmas
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holiday season is scheduled for Saturday, December 6
beginning at 8:00 a.m. It is a big task and as the saying goes
“many hands make light work” and we’re in desperate need
of some extra HANDS! In addition to the decorating with
garland, candle tapers and bows, there is also some heavy
lifting (of the large wreaths) and tasks requiring the climbing
of ladders …so if you’re willing, able and available and can
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help on the 6 , please contact Linda Moritz at
[email protected] or 215-836-9386. Or you can sign up
on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE
Want to get a head start on your Christmas Shopping?
Looking for a unique gift?
Want to treat yourself?
Men, do you need a special something
for the woman in your life?
We have the answer! Come to a “Holiday Shopping for a
Cause” event, sponsored by the Women’s Christian
Fellowship of Central Schwenkfelder Church. The event is
being held at the Central Community Center on Friday,
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December 5 , from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday,
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December 6 , from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be
many items to purchase including jewelry, cards, scarves,
purses, bookmarks, toys & clothing in all price ranges.
Purchases can be taken home that day. All of the proceeds
will go to Women At Risk, International, which is an
organization that rescues women and children from human
traffickers here and around the world, providing them with
safe shelter. They are trained to work with dignity, while
being presented with the hope of Christ. All the items at the
fundraiser are made by these women and support the work
of Women At Risk, International (WAR). If you would like
to support WAR but are unable to attend the event, cash or
check donation will be accepted at the display table in
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Fellowship Hall on November 23 or 30 .
ANGEL TREE
Angel Tree is here! Once again, our congregation has the
opportunity to provide gifts to children on behalf of their
incarcerated parent and to show them God’s love in a very
real way. Angel tags will be available before and after both
worship services in November.
This year we will be purchasing gifts (2 each) for 68 Angel
Tree children. We will also be getting gifts for needy children
in the area of our missionary church in Philadelphia and for
residents of New Life Youth and Family Services. More
specific directions will be with each child’s tag when you pick
it (or them) up in Fellowship Hall. The Mere Christianity
Class
UNITED SCHWENKFELDER
CHOIR CONCERTS
Mark your calendars
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Sunday, December 7
2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The United Schwenkfelder Choir, an 80-voice choir with
members from over 30 area churches, will be presenting its
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86 annual Christmas Concert at Central Schwenkfelder
Church featuring selections of both sacred & seasonal
anthems.
The choir is an ecumenical, non-denominational group
accompanied by beautiful piano & organ music as well as
occasional instrumentalists.
We pray that those attending will be blessed & inspired as we
enter the Christmas season.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT CENTRAL
Christmas Musical
Members of the Junior, Dorian, Chancel, and Handbell
Choirs will present the musical, “Why the Chimes Rang” on
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Sunday, December 7 at 10:15 a.m. (during the Sunday
School hour) in the Sanctuary. Do not miss the opportunity
to witness this intergenerational presentation of the story of
the old church chimes that have been silent for many years
until the perfect gift brings them back to life. This musical will
surely prepare your heart for the Christmas season.
Lessons and Carols
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On Sunday, December 21 during the Traditional service
(9:00 a.m.), the Junior, Dorian, and Chancel Choirs with
instrumental ensemble will present a service of Lessons and
Carols.
Christmas Cantata
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On Sunday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary,
Central’s Worship Team will present “Love Was Born,” a
Cantata of scripture and song portraying the birth of our
Savior.
Special Christmas Music at Central
Thursday, Dec. 4
7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7
10:15 a.m.
ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING
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November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent. Please
consider helping with the Advent Wreath lighting with your
family or a small group of people on any of the four Sundays
of Advent, as well as Christmas Eve. If interested in
participating at the Traditional Service please contact Sally
House ([email protected] or 610-476-4146). For the
Informal Worship Service please contact Wayne Wurtz
([email protected] or 215-715-6864).
Spend time alone with God.
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“Why the Chimes Rang”
Dock Community
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“Why the Chimes Rang”
Sanctuary
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United Choir Concerts
Sanctuary
Sunday, Dec. 7
2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21
9:00 a.m.
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Lessons and Carols
Sanctuary
Sunday, Dec. 21
7:00 p.m.
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“Love Was Born”
Sanctuary
PICCALILLI STILL AVAILABLE
There are still a few pints of piccalilli available. Starting next
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Sunday, November 23 , a member of the Country Market
Committee will be in Fellowship Hall to sell the pints after
both services and Sunday School, until they are sold out.
Cost is $5.00.
Announcements and Connections information can be emailed to [email protected]. Please note that information
is due Wednesdays by 10:00 a.m. CD’s of the 9:00 a.m. worship service are available for a $1 donation and can be
ordered through the church office. Sermons are also posted on the church’s website under “Central to Life”.