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First News
First Reformed United Church of Christ 40 East Orange Street Lancaster, PA
717-397-5149
[email protected] www.firstreformedlancaster.org
April 2015
From the Interim Pastor...
From Palms to Passion to Praise
As we stand at the beginning of Holy Week, we are keenly aware that the jubilant cries of Palm
Sunday turned all too quickly into the shouts of derision and rejection of Good Friday. If we had been
there, would it have turned out any differently?
Would we have recognized in an ordinary Galilean, who could not claim any high-ranking religious
or social status, the Christ sent by God to be the Savior of the World? Would we have recognized a
suffering God on a criminal’s cross, the ultimate form of Roman torture and execution? Likely not, for we
still do not recognize the suffering Christ in the faces of those deemed of less worth and value according
to our cultural norms today. We still do not recognize the suffering Christ:
In the faces of undocumented workers who wish only to feed their starving families;
In the lives of those who do not fit heterosexual or gender-conforming cultural ideals and are now
facing a plethora of new discriminatory laws allowing businesses to deny service to them;
In the faces of those whose basic rights and freedoms are denied or endangered by the same
white privilege that enslaved their ancestors and continues today in the form of voting restrictions, subquality schools, and racial profiling.
The
people
stood
yelling,
“Crucify!”
and it breaks our hearts every time.
For Jesus’ death occurs every time someone
is ignored, mistreated, oppressed.
“Crucify!”
tears
away
at
God’s
Beloved.
(From UCC Worship Ways, 2012
continued, page 2
Parish News
From the Interim Pastor (continued)
And yet, by the grace of God, the suffering of the cross is not the end of the story. On the day of
Resurrection which we celebrate anew this Easter, our broken hearts are mended and our despair is
transformed into hope. Let us come together with praise and joyful exultation, for all things are made
new! It is not only Christ who is raised, but so are we…. If we accept the invitation to new life. Our God
of second and third chances offers us anew the opportunity to be transformed by the same power that
raised Jesus.
God invites you and me into a new community so that we may be the embodiment in this world
of the living Christ.
We are called to live as Resurrection people who stand in solidarity with those who are rejected,
marginalized, and made to suffer by the same forces that crucified Jesus. As Easter people, we dare to
lives out the victory God has already won: the victory of compassion over hatred, justice over injustice,
inclusion over exclusion.
Jim Wallis and others have written of how, “during the deepest, darkest days of apartheid when
the government tried to shut down opposition by canceling a political rally, Archbishop Desmond Tutu
declared that he would hold a church service instead.
“St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa was filled with worshippers. Outside the cathedral hundreds of police gathered, a show of force intended to intimidate. As Tutu was preaching they
entered the Cathedral, armed, and lined the walls. They took out notebooks and recorded Tutu’s words.
“But Tutu would not be intimidated. He preached against the evils of apartheid, declaring it could
not endure. At one extraordinary point he addressed the police directly. ‘You are powerful. You are
very powerful, but you are not gods and I serve a God who cannot be mocked. So, since you’ve already
lost, since you’ve already lost, I invite you today to come and join the winning side!’ “
May we live our lives with the same confidence and courage. Through our struggles with illness,
grief, bigotry, violence and evil continue, we know that those forces have already lost. GOD’S LOVE
DOES WIN! AND NOTHING, NOT EVEN DEATH, CAN SEPARATE US FROM THAT LOVE!
Christ is Risen! Life and love abound. Welcome to the new community of Easter people!
Easter Blessings to all,
Pastor Janet
Pastor Janet’s contact info:
Phone: 828-290-5570
Email: [email protected]
Page 2
From Dana’s Desk...
Yours is the glory, Resurrected One!
Endless is the victory you o’er death have won.
These inspiring words written by Swiss pastor Edmond L. Budry are sung frequently throughout the
seven weeks of Eastertide, set to the stirring tune Judas Maccabeus by G.F. Handel. And, for us, the
good news of Jesus’ resurrection is not just a seasonal announcement, but a road map for all of life …
a life inspired by LIFE.
Megan McKenna, an internationally known author, lecturer, retreat leader and spiritual director,
wrote:
“On Easter, and for now, nothing is as it seemed to be. Nothing is over even when it obviously is. In
reality it’s just beginning; reality is unraveling, and the mystery is moving in on us. You see, the only
things left in the tomb where they belong, are hate, inhumanity, injustice, war, killing, starvation, oppression, greed, overweening power, violence, rage and rape, destruction of the earth, despair, and
death itself! It is time to seal the tomb again, with all that debris and garbage inside. They have been
stricken, struck with a mortal blow, and they are defanged and undone. Those who have been buried
in Christ know! The world and time and all created by God are eastering and rising up to new life
again. The universe and all of us are the result of unbearable tenderness, and we are laced and
threaded with everlasting life that cannot and will not ever be undone. Hope surrounds and delight
stalks our every step, because Love still reigns and seeks us out no matter where we hide or live.
“This is the day the Lord has made” is the refrain truly appropriate for these brightening days of Eastertide. This is the day, and it is every day, because the Crucified One opened his eyes to the incomparable glory of this day after the gloom and gore of what came before. We walk out of the tomb and
back into our homes and churches, our workplaces and the weary world, but now we walk the Way
of the Cross together with our Crucified and Risen Lord, and we walk all the way with God, all the way
to glory.”
So let our Alleluias ring out this Spring, and all our days, because the victory has been won. Our pilgrimage through life continues, and because of Easter, our GPS has us headed in a new direction,
with the destination being LIFE….. may we continue the journey together, faith-fully.
ALLELUIA!
Pastor Dana’s contact info:
Phone: 717-625-4551
Email: [email protected]
Page 3
Parish News
Holy Week Worship
Palm Sunday, March 29 will be observed this year as “Palm/Passion Sunday.” The first part of
the service will focus on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will then shift into the
re-telling of the rest of the events of the last week of Jesus’ life.
On Friday of Holy Week, April 3, please join us for our Good Friday service at 7 pm, which will include Communion, as we commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, as well as the traditional elements of Good Friday worship.
The Downtown churches ministerium will also hold a Good Friday observance. From 12-3:00,
there will be a service at St. James Episcopal Church. Over the course of the 3-hour period,
different preachers will offer sermons on each of Jesus’ last words from the cross.
Worshippers may come and go as they wish, staying for as little or long as they are able.
Sunday, April 5, is Easter Sunday. “Christ is risen; He is risen indeed.” Come and join
us for a bright and joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The service will include
a special Children’s Message, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and music by choir
and brass.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Children’s Church teachers will be hosting our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children up to age 10
on Easter Sunday, April 5, immediately following worship in our courtyard. Come and join in the fun!
B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Basket!)
Easter Eggs Needed
Anyone wishing to assist the Easter Bunny can help by providing filled plastic
eggs. Please fill eggs with wrapped candy, jelly beans, or small trinkets. You may
drop off your donations in the church office or on Sunday in Harbaugh Hall.
Thank you!
Page 4
Parish News
Lancaster Association (UCC) Meets April 19, 3:00 PM at New
Building of the Lancaster Council of Churches
When? Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 PM
Where? The Lancaster County Council of Churches Food Hub at 812 N. Queen St, Lancaster PA 17603
What? A short business meeting of the Association to elect a President, Treasurer, and members to the
Members in Discernment Committee & Committee on Church & Authorized Ministers. Nadinne Ziegler
will be installed as a member of the Association’s Members in Discernment Committee.
A tour of the new Food Hub and information on their ministry to provide emergency food, clothing and
transportation for the poor with the goal of helping them to live independently in the community.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Each attending congregation is asked to bring items for the LCC April Showers Toiletries Drive for the
needy. A box will be available in Harbaugh Hall in April if you wish to donate the following items:
•soap
•body wash
•shampoo
•deodorant
•tissues
•paper towels
•bathroom tissue
•toothbrushes
•toothpaste
•dish soap
•disinfecting wipes
•body lotion
•boxes or small bottles
of laundry detergent
SOS program - Park City Diner and Day & Knight Diner
Park City Diner and Knight & Day Diner have a program through which 10% of
your dining check will be donated to First Reformed Church when you use the
program card. At the end of 2014 we had received a total of $515.55 from
these two diners as we participate in their “Share Our Success” (SOS) program.
We can expand our participation by providing more cards to relatives and
friends, so they can help our church. I have ordered an additional 250 cards for distribution in the
near future.
This is a great program for the church, with little effort on our behalf. Just distribute the cards, and
follow up with those who have the cards, to ensure they are being used. Thank you for your support.
Jim Chryst
Page 5
Parish News
In Our Prayers
Free Tax Help
We hold in our prayers:
Would you like help with your taxes? Free tax
assistance is available provided by IRS certified
tax preparers at First United Methodist
Church, Duke and Walnut Streets, Monday
through Friday, 9:00AM to 2:00PM. This AARP
TaxAide Program serves persons with low and
moderate incomes with special attention to
those age 60 and older. Federal and state tax
returns are prepared and electronically filed.
Assistance is also provided for local taxes and
property tax/rent rebates. Questions? Call
464-4560.
Joel and Meagan Holler on the birth of their
son Jordy William Holler, and grandparents Liz
and Bill Groff.
Toni Tice, recovering from surgery.
Terry Styer, recovering from surgery.
We continue to hold in our prayers:
…Le An Ambrose, Bill Anderson, Leona Anderson, Carroll Barton, Cheri Becker, Kimberly
Bender, Larry Bonaccorso, Stella Bonaccorso,
Lois Bowman, Mary Brocco, Deb Burke, Marian
Chavez, Carol Connor, Thelma Connor, Darlene
Christiansen, Anna Devonshire, Kathy
Gilchrest, Pat Harbaugh, Arlene Holbein, Phillip
Holt, Etta Irwin, June Lantz, Bill and Ruth
Moore, Ethel Murr, Kevin Parise, Jo Ann
Peppler, Bobbie Pontz, Charles Rohrer, Phyllis
Sanders, Chester Spotts, Janet Spotts, Jeanne
Sullivan, Jess Turner, Paula Wagner, Kathy
Warns, Ila Westbrook, and Robert Whetts.
In the Hospital?
When you are in the hospital, please be sure to
let the church know, especially if you are admitted during the weekend. Our local hospitals
are good at getting this information to us, but it
helps if we hear from your family as well.
First Ladies Luncheon
Bushel of Love
The food you donate to our Bushel of Love is
distributed to our hungry neighbors by the
Lancaster County Council of
Churches. Thank you for your
generosity!
The April item is peanut butter
(no glass please). Please place
your offering in the basket in
Harbaugh Hall.
The First Ladies of First
Reformed United Church of
Christ will hold their monthly
luncheon Tuesday, April 14 at
11:30 a.m. at the Elks Club on
Duke St. You are invited to join
the ladies of First Reformed for
an afternoon of fun and fellowship. Please
contact Judy Ames at 393-0587 for
information and directions.
Page 6
Parish News
Capital Campaign Update
Inquirer’s Class Coming Up
As of March 08, 2015, we
have received $304,608.00
in contributions including
gifts from FRC members,
corporations and other
churches. The Capital Campaign team would like to thank everyone for
their donations to the campaign.
The second Inquirer’s Class in our
series is coming up in April or
May. We will explore some of the
history, beliefs, organization, and ministry opportunities of First Reformed UCC. The first class
gave us the “bigger picture” of the UCC and its
place within the wider church, and now we will
find out more about how all that “translates”
into this congregation’s identity and purpose.
Please let Pastor Janet or the church office know
if you are interested, and which Sundays in April
and May you would be able to attend. We will
then let everyone know the date. We look forward to hearing from you, - anyone interested
in better understanding FRC is welcome!
We have come a long way but we still have to
pay off our Fulton Bank loan.
We took out the bank loan in June 2013 to move
the project forward and avoid expected increased contractor and material costs.
The congregation was informed of the choices
and voted to move forward with a low interest
loan amount of $284,950.00.
The Capital Campaign team, leadership, and our
congregation have worked hard to pay off the
loan balance which now stands at $107,000.00
as of March 2015.
We have a beautiful renovated kitchen and fellowship hall where we can continue to serve
meals for the less fortunate and provide a larger
gathering area for this church congregation.
We are all in this together and I hope you give
this matter your prayerful consideration.
Dean Mason
First Reformed Church Lunch
Join us on Sunday, June 7 for lunch at Isaac's
Restaurant on N. Queen St, after church service.
We will gather in Harbaugh Hall after our regular
scheduled Sunday morning service and proceed
to Isaac's for a group lunch. You would be responsible for your own tab. A portion of the proceeds from our lunch bill will be sent back to the
church. Our last lunch there earned the church
$125.75 and was a great chance to fellowship
with fellow church members. More info to follow
in the next newsletter and the church bulletin.
Capital Campaign Chairman
Page 7
Parish News
Grocery Card and Gas Card
Program
Vivian Spiese and Jim Chryst would like to thank
those of you who participate in the gift card fund
raising program. During 2014 your purchases
amounted to a contribution of approximately
$2,700 for the church. That is a tremendous
accomplishment! However, it is reasonable to
assume that we could realize over $4,000 per
year, if more folks got into the habit of buying
these cards, and helping the church. We ask you
to try this method of grocery and gas purchases
and see why so many of our parishioners are
involved and satisfied.
Vivian and Jim.
Congregational Life Team
The Congregational Life Team (CLT) has recently
undergone a restructuring. After serving for
several years, Alyssa Leister resigned as chairperson. Thank you, Alyssa, for your dedicated
service to this ministry at FRC.
Judy Mason has become the Chairperson of the
CLT. The team has been divided into three subteams to better focus on the different areas
over which CLT has oversight. Nadinne Ziegler
has agreed to take charge of the Fellowship
sub-team. A leader is being sought for the
Education sub-team, and a Worship team will
be developed in the future. Thanks to all who
work on this team which has much activity and
visibility in the life of FRC.
It’s A Boy!!
Congratulations to Meagan
and Joel Holler on the birth
of their first child, Jordy
William on Sunday March 15, 2015 at 5:43pm.
He weighed 5lbs, 8 oz. and was 19-1/2” long. The
proud grandparents are Liz and Bill Groff.
Welcome to God’s world, Jordy.
Welcome a New Member!
On Sunday, March 22, Peg Kepner officially
joined FRC. Peg is a familiar face to many as
she has joined many FRC activities and worship
services since St. Andrew’s closed a couple
years ago.
Peg is a retired teacher whose interests include
gardening, reading and antiques. She is also
very involved in community meals and helps
with Tuesday dinners on behalf of both FRC and
the former St. Andrew’s.
You can reach Peg at:
230 Brenneman Road
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-464-5144
[email protected]
One of the gifts we give our new members (in
addition to nametags and offering envelopes) is
a loaf of homemade bread. Our thanks to
Nancy Crawford who continues to share her gift
of baking with our new members.
Page 8
Parish News
Fellowship Schedule
Our fellowship time directly following worship is a crucial ministry at First Reformed. Our Church Growth
Team does a wonderful job welcoming new friends into our space and they encourage visitors to stay for
fellowship. This time provides everyone the chance to interact with one another and with the new faces
that join us. If you are unable to do your assigned day, feel free to reach out to another member to see
about switching. Please let the church administrator know if you do switch. She will keep an up-to-date
list of Fellowship Hosts and will print them in the bulletin each week and the newsletter each month.
Thank you for your commitment to growing our church and extending the hand of hospitality.
April
5-Easter-NO FELLOWSHIP
12-Jen & Jeff Eaton
19-Jim Chryst
26-Bruce & Marianne Adams
May
3-Diana & Patrick Helm
10-Chad & Sara Souders
17-Jack & Kay Hughlett
24-Dave & Kelly Cochran
31-Tara Schram-Trompeter
June
7-Gloria Nixdorf
14-Toni Tice
21–Nadinne Ziegler
28-Meagan Holler
July
5-Rick & Joanie Cashdollar
12-Audrey Shirk
19-Carol Tracy
August
2-Ice Cream Social
9-Megan Malick
16-Open
September
6-Welcome Back Potluck
13-Open
20-Linda & George Peterson
26-Sue Wike
23-Joanne Carroll
30-Open
27-Karen Risser
October
4-Julie & Donovan Witmer
11-Jill & Kelly Van Belle
18-Becky DiLeo
25-Bruce & Christie Alton
November
1-Kelly Wobrak
8-Lois Newswanger
15-Diane Sanchez
22-Hanging of the Greens Meal
29–Sandy & Terry Styer
December
6-Alyssa Leister
13-Courtney Wettrau
20-Nadinne Ziegler
27-Diana & Patrick Helm
Page 9
Member News
Reach Out to Our Homebound
Following you will see a list of First Reformed members who are not able to come to worship or to our
many church events (so called “Homebound”). Without exception, they miss being able to be here and
be a part of this community. They eagerly receive any kind of contact from us. You are encouraged to
send a note, send flowers, make a phone call, make a visit. You will be rewarded much more than you
can imagine.
Jess Turner
507 Country Place Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601
Mary Brocco
156 Tracy Berg Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17603
Etta Irwin
600 Freemason Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Thelma Conner
Room 506
675 Willow Valley Square
Lancaster, PA 17602
Jo Ann Peppler
Country Meadows Rm. 202
1380 Elm Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
Bill Anderson
Reed Run Room 325
1520 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
Leona Anderson
Juniata 306
1520 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phyllis Sanders
PCU9
200 Luther Lane
Columbia, PA 17512
Charles Rohrer
Luther Acres Room 133
600 E. Main St.
Lititz, PA 17543
Birthdays
Anniversaries
1—Jim Fisher
11—Bill Moore
23—Nadinne Ziegler
7—Jim & Timna Fisher
5—McKenna Kraft
11—Bruce Alton
24—Leah Altobello
8—Darlene & Ron Christiansen
7—Dan Sanchez
12—Ann Hogarth
25—Joanne Eby
16—Chad & Sara Souders
7—Carys Eaton
13—Judy Mason
26—Pr. Janet Boyd-Weidler
17—Jenni & Brian Sigman
9—Phyllis Ezard
19—Don Walton
28—Heather Crawford
10—Linda Esbenshade
21—Linda Mamourian
28—Riley Kraft
10—Thelma Connor
23—Janice Morris
Page 10
Worship Participants
April 2015
Altar Guild
5—Georgia McCune & Kelly Wobrak
12—Mary Anne Remley
19—Kay Hughlett
26—Tara Schram-Trompeter
Bell Ringers
Lector
5— Jim Chryst
12— Megan Malic
19— Carol Martin
26— Georgia McCune
5—Patrick Helm
12—Kelly, Dave & Spencer Cochran
19—Jim Fisher
26—Toni Tice
Money Counters
7—Carol Martin, Alta Hamric, Art Ezard
13—Bonnie Van Tassel-Parent, Janice Morris
20—Gordie Kraft, Linda Esbenshade
27—Sandy Frey, Alta Hamric
Children’s Church
5—Kelly Cochran
12—Kim Kleckner
19—Judy Ames
26—Diane Sanchez
5—Sara Souders
12—Alta Hamric
19—Kim Kleckner
26—Diana Helm
Fellowship Hour
5—No Fellowship—Easter Sunday
12—Jen & Jeff Eaton
19—Jim Chryst
26—Marianne & Bruce Adams
Sound Tech
5—Dean Mosemann/Don Walton
12—Dave Sanchez
19—Dean Mosemann/Don Walton
26—Dave Sanchez
Flower Sponsors
5—Easter Flowers
12—Ron & Darlene Christiansen
19—Jim Chryst
26—
Usher Captain(s)
5—Sandy Schlemm
12—Joanne Eby
19—Jim Fisher & Ila Westbrook
26—Alta Hamric & Art Ezard
Bulletin Sponsor
Joanne Eby
Nursery
Greeter
Carol Martin (4/5); Carol Tracy
Welcome Table
Joanne Carroll
Communion Assistants (April 5)
Jim Chryst, Carol Martin, Sandy Frey, Megan Malick
If you cannot serve as scheduled, you must find a substitute and then advise the Church Office,
either by phone (397-5149) or email ([email protected]).
Page 11
~April 2015~
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
Thu
2
NO Choir
5:30 NA
5
6
9:00 Chime Choir
10:30 Worship with
communion
11:45 Easter Egg
Hunt
12
10:00 Staff Meeting
11:30 First Ladies
5:30 Community
Dinner: Trinity UCC
6:00 Women’s
Art Group
7:00 Outreach Team
7:45 NA
13
9:00 Chime Choir
10:30 Worship
1:00 CCP
7:00 AA
19
7
20
14
5:30 Community
Dinner: Highland
Presbyterian
6:00 Women’s
Art Group
7:45 NA
21
8
6:00 SA
7:45 NA
9
Fri
3
12-3 Good Friday
at St. James
6:15 Chime Reh.
7:00 pm Good
Friday Service at
FRC
7:00 AA
5:30 Community
Dinner: St.
Paul’s UCC
6:00 Women’s
Art Group
7:45 NA
27
28
6:30 Finance Team
26
9:00 Chime Choir
10:30 Worship
7:00 Leadership
Team
7:00 AA
5:30 Community
Dinner: Sonlight
Bible Church
6:00 Women’s
Art Group
7:45 NA
Community
Breakfast:
Apostles UCC
8:00 AA
10
11
8:00 CCP
Community
Breakfast:
Grace UCC
8:00 CCP
7:30 Choir
5:30 NA
6:00 SA
7:45 NA
15
16
8:00 AA
17
7:30 Choir
5:30 NA
22
6:00 SA
7:45 NA
23
18
Community
Breakfast:
St. John’s
Episcopal
8:00 CCP
10:00 Staff Meeting
8:00 AA
24
25
Community
Breakfast:
FRC
8:00 AM
Newsletter
Deadline
4
5:30 NA
10:00 Staff Meeting
9:00 Chime Choir
10:30 Worship
3:00 Lancaster
Association Mtg.
Sat
7:30 Choir
5:30 NA
6:00 SA
7:45 NA
29
30
8:00 AA
31
1
Community
Breakfast:
Apostles UCC
7:30 Choir
5:30 NA
6:00 SA
7:45 NA
8:00 AA

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