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 23, 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. Church News and Notes The Flowers on the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Honor and Memory of: Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Lesher John Lesher Mr. and Mrs. Merrell W. King Joseph and Evelyn Posen Thomas Posen Rebecca Posen Those needing prayer: (*Discharged from medical facility) *Lettie Schultz – Abington Hospital Sympathy is extended to Jeff Benham on the passing of his brother, John S. Benham, who died on Sunday, November th 16 . PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Today during the Traditional Service, prayer shawls were laid out and Rev. David prayed for the individuals who will receive these shawls. This is a ministry among several women in the church who knit the shawls to be given to persons who are grieving, sick, graduating, infants, those in the military, etc. If you know someone who would like to receive one of these shawls, you can contact the church office or Wilma Werley and we would be glad to provide a shawl for you. EARLY CONNECTIONS DEADLINE th For inclusion in the November 30 Connections, the deadline th for submissions will be Wednesday, November 26 at 9:30 a.m. due to the office being closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thank you. Prayer for Church Life In preparation for the Thanksgiving Holiday, ask God to give us all thankful hearts as we recall His many blessings this past year. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Prayer for Missions Thank the Lord for Rev. Ed Winslow’s ministry** at the Schwenkfelder Missionary Church in South Philadelphia. Pray for God’s guidance of the lay leaders and for the success of the Soup Kitchen to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people. **supported by our Board of Missions Calendar of Events Sunday, November 23~ Rev. Dr. David McKinley Prayer Shawl Ministry Recognition 9:00 a.m. Traditional Morning Worship Service 10:10 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 11:15 a.m. Informal Worship Service 1:00 p.m. Worship Band Rehearsal (SANC) 4:00 p.m. Christmas Musical Rehearsal (SANC) 5:45 p.m. Dorian Choir (SANC/FH) 6:30 p.m. Wired and Crave (AYS/CCC) 6:45 p.m. Small Group – Ephesians (ACR) Monday, November 24 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Celebration Brass (FH). United Choir Mtg. (CHAP) Church Council Sub-committee (ACR) United Choir (SANC) Chancel Bells (PRIM) CSC Men’s Basketball League (CCC) Tuesday, November 25 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Worship Band Practice (CHAP/SANC) North Pennsmen (FH) Board of Missions (MERE) Bethel Bible (BETH) Hebrew Christian Fellowship Small Group (POT) Wednesday, November 26 9:45 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 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) 363 Worship (CHAP) Celebration Brass (FH) Prayer Meeting (PRAY) Brasswind (FH) Chancel Choir (SANC) Thursday, November 27 – Office Closed Friday, November 28 – Office Closed Saturday, November 29 8:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Work Project (STEEL) NEXUS (AYS) Sunday, November 30~ Pastor Julian Scavetti First Sunday in Advent 9:00 a.m. Traditional Morning Worship Service 10:10 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 11:15 a.m. Informal Worship Service 1:00 p.m. Worship Band Rehearsal (SANC) 4:00 p.m. Christmas Musical Rehearsal (SANC) 5:45 p.m. Dorian Choir (SANC/FH) 6:30 p.m. Wired and Crave (AYS/CCC) 6:45 p.m. Small Group – Ephesians (ACR) WOMEN’S RETREAT INVITE A FRIEND We are heading to Ocean City, New Jersey for the 2015 th Women's Retreat from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, th 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: TODAY is the day we need to know if you will be attending the 2015 Retreat. Checks need to be received BY 10:00 a.m. TOMORROW. Please bring your payment to the church office or drop in Joanne Lepping-Irvine’s church mailbox. 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. 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 prepurchased, 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! USHERS NEEDED! Please consider offering your time this December to help usher during one or more of the Traditional Worship Services on Sundays, the Christmas Eve Services and/or one of the th United Choir Concerts on December 7 . Sign-up sheets are on the small table in the Narthex across from the entrance to the Sanctuary. Thank you! PICCALILLI STILL AVAILABLE Attention Shoppers -- Pints of Piccalilli will be available today in Fellowship Hall after the 9:00 a.m. service and before and after the 11:15 service. Perhaps it is time to restock your supply and/or purchase a few jars to use as gifts. YOUTH NEWS NO AWANA THIS WEEK Awana will not meet this week due to the holiday. Have a th Happy Thanksgiving and we will see you on December 4 ! WIRED & CRAVE 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! DONUTS! Donut Day Today! This month the donuts will be available in the Junior Room after class for any current and former student. Please feel free to stop by after class! ============================= FIRST FRIDAY FUN NIGHT! Winter weather giving you the blues? Come out to the heated Central Community Center for the next First Friday th Fun Night on December 5 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. All church members and their guests are invited to come and enjoy the open gym and lounge for recreation, games, and fellowship. See you there! COUNTRY AUCTION THANK YOU The Country Auction Committee wants to thank everyone who supported this year’s event and the “Stitches for Missions” project, which raised about $12,800 for our church’s missions and the Life Builders Work Camp Fund. Thanks to the many volunteers, those who donated and bid on auction items and to the cooks who provided food for our dessert buffet. Thanks to the local businesses who provided door prizes - The Hill Company, Floral & Hardy, and Merrymead Farm. Thanks also to our auctioneer, Roger Heebner, and auction moderator, Jeff Ost, for a job well done. The committee is also grateful to Robin Lohse and “Ode to Joy,” and Lettie Schultz with her beautiful piano music for entertaining us with music during the auction preview. And congratulations to the lucky winner of the “Stitches for Missions” quilt drawing - Fran Clemens! MANNA ON MAIN STREET CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES For those using envelopes to contribute this year, your 2015 offering envelopes will be available in Fellowship Hall next th Sunday, November 30 . Please contact Leslie ReyburnShisler if your box is missing or if you wish to receive envelopes in 2015. Thank you. 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 OFFICERS Since there were no additional nominations from the women of the congregation, the current WCF officers will serve another term for 2015-2016: Barbara Bucher, President; Amelia Stetler, Vice President; Wendy Kaminsky, Recording Secretary; Marilyn Seipt, Corresponding Secretary; Carol Fryling, Treasurer. Nominating Committee: Wendy Kaminsky, Bev O’Brien, Doris Plager, Pat Zambella WCF ATTIC TREASURES The WCF Attic Treasures Committee will meet in Fellowship th Hall on Monday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. for a brief business meeting and to assemble gift baskets. Lunch will follow at 12:30 p.m. GEDÄCHTNISTAG DAY OF REMEMBRANCE The official resolution to recognize the Schwenkfelder Day of Remembrance by the Senate of Pennsylvania that th 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 th th 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 . A sign-up sheet is on the sign-up table in the Narthex. You can also register directly with Peter Colvin (267-6645923, [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: OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATE Our 65 shoe boxes are on their way to NC…and then up, up and away to many “children of the world” whom “Jesus loves” (to partially quote a favorite chorus). Appreciation goes to all who joined this WCF project by packing individual boxes, contributing financial support for shipping or joining a group to do both. The bags of items from extra shoppers found their way into boxes and are part of a resounding THANK YOU. Keep God’s truth in your head and His love in your heart. 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. COUNTRY FAIR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST Remember looking through the Sears Wish Book for that special item that you wanted for Christmas? Well we have been looking through catalogs as well. We would like to start replacing the tables that we use on fair day with ones that are lighter and easier to manage. You can make our wish come true by making a donation for these tables. Each table costs approximately $150. Any amount is appreciated and is also tax deductible. Make checks payable to Central Schwenkfelder Church with “Fair Tables” written in the memo line. Nancy Kreider, Dianne Cestrone, Pat Gramm CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS We look forward to Poinsettias being placed in the Sanctuary for the Christmas Season. Forms to submit a Poinsettia Christmas Memorial in honor of a loved one can be found on the bulletin tables, the November newsletter and on the last page of Connections. 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 th Monday, December 8 . CHRISTMAS CHURCH DECORATING HELP NEEDED! The decorating of our church Sanctuary for the Christmas th 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 th 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. ANGEL TREE Angel Tree Tags are now here in Fellowship Hall! 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 Tree Tags are available before and after both worship services TODAY and NEXT th SUNDAY, November 30 . All gifts are due back on Sunday th December 7 . 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 ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING th Next Sunday, 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 610-4764146). For the Informal Worship Service please contact Wayne Wurtz ([email protected] or 215-715-6864). 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? 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 th Central Community Center on Friday, December 5 , from th 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, 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 proceeds go to Women At Risk, International, 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 Fellowship Hall on November rd th 23 or 30 . Some disturbing facts about human trafficking in the United States and around the world include... 800,000 people from the U.S. and around the world are illegally trafficked each year. About half of these are children. This is the fastest growing organized crime in the United States. 70% of trafficked women become sexual slaves. 300 children are sold in Atlanta, GA each month. Around the world, babies are being sold for as little as $25.00. Women and girls are frequently the victims of domestic violence and rape. These are some of the sinful acts being committed against women in the world that WAR, Intl. fights. If you want to learn more, stop by the table in Fellowship Hall today or next week or visit their website at www.warinternational.org. th NOTE: Next Sunday, November 30 , a brief video will be shown during the announcements in both services which could be difficult for children to view. Parents, please use discretion. CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT CENTRAL United Schwenkfelder Choir Concerts Lessons and Carols st Mark your calendars th 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 th 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. On Sunday, December 21 during the Traditional service (9:00 a.m.), the Junior, Dorian, and Chancel Choirs with an instrumental ensemble will present a service of Lessons and Carols. Christmas Cantata st 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. We pray that those attending will be blessed & inspired as we enter the Christmas season. Special Christmas Music at Central Thursday, Dec. 4 7:00 p.m. Christmas Musical Members of the Junior, Dorian, Chancel, and Handbell Choirs will present the musical, “Why the Chimes Rang” on th 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. Sunday, Dec. 7 10:15 a.m. th “Why the Chimes Rang” Dock Community th “Why the Chimes Rang” Sanctuary th United Choir Concerts Sanctuary Sunday, Dec. 7 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 9:00 a.m. st Lessons and Carols Sanctuary Sunday, Dec. 21 7:00 p.m. st “Love Was Born” Sanctuary Christmas Memorials Anyone desiring to place a poinsettia memorial in the Sanctuary for the Christmas Holiday season is requested to complete the form below and place it in the box located in the Narthex office or mail to the church office by Monday, December 8, 2014. The cost of each memorial will be $10.00. Please use the form below to list your memorial(s) as you desire to have them appear in the special insert of our Christmas bulletin. Poinsettias will be distributed after the 9:30 p.m. service on Christmas Eve or from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26th. If you are unable to pick up your plant, please make arrangements for someone else to collect it for you. Thank you. Any plants that are not picked up by noon on December 26th will be delivered to area shut-ins. (List as you wish the memorial to appear in the bulletin.) PLEASE NOTE CHANGE: Please use a separate form for each memorial. In Loving Memory of: Given by: _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Signed _______________________________________ I wish to take my plant(s). YES NO Phone _______________________________________ Check enclosed (amount): _________________ Make payable to “Central Schwenkfelder Church” (Please be sure to include $10.00 per listing/memorial.) Cash enclosed (amount): _____________________
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