GLEANINGS
St. Stephen Reformed Church
249 East Main Street, New Holland, Pa. 17557
Phone: (717) 354-7871 • Fax: (717) 355-2565
Office Hours Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Pastor: Dr. Timothy Witmer
February 2017
Inside This Issue:
The Lord is good! Our new year is off to a strong start. The
Annual Meeting was a very encouraging time as we reviewed the
Thoughts from the Pastor
1
many ways in which the Lord blessed us in 2016. I had the privilege
Highlights of 2016
2
of presenting the “Year in Review” in which we remembered the
February Scripture
3
highlights of the year. Inside this issue, you will see a summary of
Session Update
4
the wonderful things the Lord did among us. None of these
February Birthdays
5
accomplishments would have been possible without the faithful
News/Upcoming Events
5-6
participation of the St. Stephen family.
Youth Group Update
7
Worship participants and staff
8
At the Annual Meeting, we also presented our plans for 2017
February Calendar
9
including our desire to provide resources for growth in His Word as
individuals and as families. This is particularly meaningful as it was
His Word that spurred the Protestant Reformation which marks its 500th anniversary this year. Goals
for 2017 also include the establishment of our Care Group ministry in the Fall and the gathering of a
long-range planning committee to begin thinking about what we would like our church to become by
its 300th anniversary in 2032. I know that’s a long time from now but those long-range plans will help
us plan for the near future as well.
At the meeting, we were also pleased to present our new church purpose statement: “The
Purpose of St. Stephen Reformed Church, the ‘Beacon on the Hill,’ is to KNOW Jesus, the Light of the
World, to GROW together as His followers, and to SHOW His light to the world.” This follows the
traditional motto of our church and focuses on our personal growth, our growth together as His
people, and our desire to impact others with the Good News!
Many thanks to elders John Garner, Rich Miller, and treasurer Ben Strubel for their leadership
at the meeting and for their faithful service throughout the year.
In January we held our first Inquirers Luncheon of the year and it was very well-attended.
We rejoice that the Lord continues to bless us with visitors every Sunday and we will receive the next
class of new members in February. Three of the families in the new group have children! The
children’s ministry continues to grow! Many thanks to Ruth Pankuch and Cathy Eby for their
assistance with the luncheon.
We are also pleased to announce that the Lord has provided for our need for an
administrative assistant who is able to be in the office from Monday through Friday from 9:00 –
3:30. Anita Witmer (no relation!) is already known to many of you and comes to us with lots of
experience. Please see an introduction to Anita inside. These changes were necessitated by our
growing needs as well as Charlene Good’s request for a reduced role. We are glad that Char will
continue as our bookkeeper. We are grateful for her many years of service as our office administrator.
Interestingly enough, I am writing this article on the third anniversary of the “chance” meeting
with Carol Sprecher in Yoder’s bakery department. We are still amazed at how the Lord has been at
work. He has and continues to do “immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine!” Barbara
and I are very grateful for your encouragement and for your partnership in ministry.
Pastor Tim
1
Highlights of 2016
(not an exhaustive list)
For the Year:
73 New Members added
General Fund Income Exceeded Expenses by $149,636
Important Property Projects Completed
January
Children’s Sunday School Ministry Began
February
Women’s Ministry Began
March
Easter Egg Hunt (200 in attendance)
Easter Worship with more than 300 in attendance
On Easter, began using ESV Bibles and Trinity Hymnals
Christianity Explored Dinners and studies began
Faith Titus, Children’s Ministry Director began her work
June
Steeple Dedication (300 in attendance)
July
Camp Good News (40 campers)
Church Picnic
Nathaniel Stamper moved to full-time status
August
Deacons Ernie Orr and Gene Eberly Ordained and Installed
October
Farm Show Stand
Fall Friend Day with 332 in attendance
November
Thanksgiving – served 426
Operation Christmas Child (72 boxes delivered)
December
Breakfast with Santa (served 591)
Christmas Eve (2 services with more than 400 in attendance)
2
February 2017 Worship Planning
St. Stephen Reformed Church
February 5 - Holy Communion
SERMON: “Looking Ahead”
By: Dr. Timothy Witmer
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12: 1-7
February 12
SERMON: “The Unforgiveable Sin”
By: Dr. Timothy Witmer
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12: 8-12
February 19
SERMON: “You Can’t Take It With You”
By: Dr. Timothy Witmer
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12: 13-21
February 26
SERMON: “Don’t Worry!”
By: Dr. Timothy Witmer
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12: 22-34
3
SESSION UPDATE
This is an overview of the meeting not including confidential matters.
The elders and deacons met on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 7:00 PM in the Pastor’s
office. The meeting was opened with Scripture reading from Psalm 4 and prayer.
In attendance were Pastor Witmer, Elders Garner and Miller, Deacon Orr, and Treasurer
Ben Strubel.
The financial reports were approved including the checks for the month. Thanksgiving to
God was offered for His blessing on the financial health of the church.
It was agreed that from now on, the Samaritan’s Fund for those in need will be
administered by the Deacons, who will consult with the Elders when needed.
Plans for the agenda for the upcoming Annual Meeting were finalized with reports and
goals to be presented by Pastor Witmer and the budget to be presented by Elder Miller and
Treasurer Strubel. Elder Garner will serve as secretary of the meeting.
Deacon Orr gave an update on projects and needs. The Property Committee will “bundle”
some important projects to be presented under the category of capital improvements. We
are anticipating the Spire Lights to be installed by Town and Country.
The purchase of a portable sound system was approved.
The parameters of the respective office roles of Anita Witmer and Char Good were agreed
upon together with Ms. Good’s new job description and compensation.
The Elders approved the “Supper Club” concept coming from the Women’s Ministry which
is tentatively set for the weekend of February 24.
The new elective plan for adult Sunday School is tentatively scheduled to begin in March.
Details are forthcoming.
The Elders approved a return of the New Holland Band for an outdoor concert on Sunday
evening June 4.
The Elders will meet on Saturday, February 11 to continue work on new bylaws and
organizational structure.
Communion will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2017.
The next stated meeting of the Officers will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at
7:00 PM. The meeting was closed with a prayer of thanksgiving at 8:47 PM.
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Best Wishes to the following February Birthdays. Please
help us keep our records up to date by notifying the office
of any Birthdays listed incorrectly!
02/03
02/03
02/06
02/07
02/07
02/08
02/08
02/09
02/10
02/10
02/11
02/11
02/12
02/12
02/13
Megan Taylor
Catrina Thompson
Paul Waltman
Brian Frankhouser
Logan Weaver
Robert Piper
Joel Taylor
Audrey Bechtold
Corrinna Bond
Randall Sierk
Joan Laudeman
Charles Nemec
Faith Titus
Nancy Weaver
Jocelyn Strubel
02/14
02/14
02/16
02/21
02/22
02/22
02/24
02/24
02/25
02/25
02/25
02/28
02/28
02/28
Harry Baily
Pauline Collins
J. Willison Smith III
Nathaniel Titus
Laela Kreider
Bill Snyder
Edwin Frankhouser
Kenneth Sawyer
Irene Gundlah
Richard Laudeman
Robert Spotts
Ruth Frankhouser
Jean Martin
Betty Smith
News and Upcoming Events
TREE OF WARMTH. Because of your
thoughtful generosity 50 pair of
gloves/mittens, 10 pair of socks, 26 hats, 16
hat/glove sets, 9 scarves, 3 blankets, 4 coats,
13 sweaters, 10 pair of slacks, and 4 handbags
were delivered to the New Holland Clothing
Bank. Thanks so very much for caring and
sharing. The Outreach Committee.
FOOD MINISTRY: Frozen soup is now
available for you to share with those who are
ill, those shut-in or someone who just needs a
caring touch. For your friends and neighbors
brighten someone’s day. Any questions please
call Betty Hillard or Ruth Pankuch.
REMEMBER OUR VETERANS ON
VALENTINE’S DAY: St. Stephen shows our
LOVE to the veterans of the Lebanon and
Coatesville VA Hospitals by providing
VALENTINE CARDS. Please help with one or
more cards, homemade or purchased, signed
or left blank. Place on the table in the church
by February 12. St. Stephen also likes to
provide cookies, except those with nuts. These
should be placed in a non-returnable
container and left on the table in the kitchen
on February 12. Questions call Betty Hillard
(431-6994) or Ann Orr (354-7121). Thank you
for Helping!
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY will be held on
Mondays at 7 pm and Tuesdays at
10:00am. The study will be using the DVD
series 'The Promised One - Seeing Jesus in
Genesis' by Nancy Guthrie. Study guides are
available for $7. Please contact Marion Sacks
(717-355-6396) for sign up and book purchase.
YOUTH GROUP Bible Series on the book of
Exodus entitled Gods and Kings: An
Examination of Spiritual Slavery and
Freedom, continues on Sunday evenings from
6:30 to 8:00 pm.
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SAVE THE DATE
THINK SPRING
There are two upcoming events you should
Mark Calendars for to ensure you don’t miss
the fun:

Save Friday and Saturday, February
24th and 25th for a Fellowship Event –
More information coming soon.

Saturday, March 11, Women and Teens
(ages 14 and up) are invited to a time of
fellowship and fun. Stay tuned for
further details.
Garden Spot Village (GSV)
woodshop volunteers and
quilters, invite you to attend the
9th annual Bird House Show
and Silent Auction from February 1 through
28, when it closes at 5:00 p.m. The event being
held in the Village Square Indoor Park will
feature dozens of unique bird houses, quilted
wall hangings and other handcrafted items
with a bird theme. You are invited to come and
enjoy the display and if you wish, to bid on an
item that you might like to have personally or
give as a gift. Since events are periodically
held in the Indoor Park, please call 717-3556000 to inquire if the Park is open when you
plan to visit. Funds raised by the woodshop
volunteers and quilters, through this event will
be given to the GSV Benevolent Fund to assist
residents who for reasons beyond their control
have exhausted their financial resources.
(See the church bulletin board for more
information.)
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
IT'S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT
OUR ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT &
LUNCHEON FOR 2017.
But first, we need to replenish our supply of
plastic Easter Eggs. You'll see bins in the
narthex for your contribution of eggs
and please consider the purchase of candy
noting the need to be NUT FREE, no hard
candies or gum, individually wrapped and
small enough to fit in the plastic eggs. Rules,
rules, rules, I know but our children's needs
are our responsibility.
NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
On January 5, 2017 I was fortunate to join the
staff here at St. Stephen PCA. My previous
administrative position had been with Auntie
Anne’s Soft Pretzels (due to many changes
within the company, my position was
eliminated).
The egg hunt this year will be Saturday, April
8th at 11:00 am. There will be more up and
coming information in the March Gleaning
and Sunday bulletins. Chair persons this year
are Tom and Donna Frankhouser for the egg
hunt and the remaining Outreach committee
for the luncheon. Any questions about the Egg
Hunt please contact the Frankhouser's at 717808-9108.
Even though I live in New Holland, I was
surprised by how many people I already knew
here at St. Stephen. I got to know some of you
by helping at your annual thanksgiving
dinner, which I enjoy very much.
Everyone has been very friendly and helpful
and I look forward to meeting more of you as
time goes by.
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St. Stephen Youth
Update
Update on St. Stephen Youth Group
Greetings! Kelsey, Moses, Eden and I are thankful that the Lord has brought us to St. Stephen Reformed
Church (PCA). We give thanks for what God has, and is doing in this church. This spring will conclude our
second full year St. Stephen Youth Group. God’s gracious provision and guidance for this ministry is a blessing
to the leaders and we want to keep you aware of what is happening. Here are a few things you should know…
First, January 29th was the launch of our series entitled: Exodus: Gods and Kings - An Examination of Spiritual
Slavery and Freedom. We met at our house, launching with our 2nd annual Mexican Winter Party. It was well
attended by our teens. We are all excited to examine Exodus from a historical perspective, but also looking to
the spiritual implications of the Lord’s redemption of His people from bondage.
Second, following the Exodus study we are tentatively planning a series on apologetics in an effort to help
teenagers defend their faith and provide compelling arguments as to the hope they have in Christ (1 Peter
3:15). Apologetics is the name for the study of a rational defense of Christian faith, applying the Bible to
unbelief.
Lastly, we divide the youth group into semesters (a spring semester and a fall
semester). Each semester we look at one book of the Bible in a group inductive
Bible study and we examine topics through one topical series. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Again, thank you for all of your
support and prayers. The Lord is good and His love endures forever!
St Stephen Reformed Church
Update from Nathaniel Stamper
[email protected]
7
St. Stephen Youth Group’s
lessons rotates between
Inductive Bible Studies and
Topical Lessons
Spring Semester 2017
(717) 715-5954
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS / STAFF
ALTAR GUILD
Karen Bates
CHURCH OFFICERS
COUNTING TEAM
Dr. Timothy Witmer – Pastor
John Garner – Ruling Elder
Rich Miller – Ruling Elder
Gene Eberly – Deacon
Ernie Orr – Deacon
Don and Carol Orner
and Sue Beiler
GREETERS
Feb. 5
8:15
10:30
Feb. 12 8:15
10:30
Feb. 19 8:15
10:30
Feb. 26 8:15
Skip and Sue Beiler
Linda and Ralph Dixon
Alda Showalter
Bill and Fran Seiple
Jim and Marlene Ressler
Jim and Ellie Chubb
Deb Sindall, Karen Boyer and
Mary Beckett
10:30 Judy Jenkins
STAFF
Pastor: Dr. Timothy Witmer
Pastoral Assistant: Nathaniel Stamper
Organist Emeritus: A.J. Young
Organist & Choirmaster: Douglas Wimer
Music Leader: Dr. Stuart Sacks
Children’s Ministry Director: Faith Titus
Sexton: Jill Wilson
Bookkeeper: Charlene Good
Administrative Assistant: Anita Witmer
USHERS
February 5, 12, 19, 26
8:15 – Dick and Cathy Eby
10:30 – Ernie Orr, Jean Martin,
Bruce Gingrich and Pete Mathers
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February 2017
◄ January 2017
March 2017 ►
Sun
Mon
5 *Communion Sunday*
8:15 am Early Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Late Worship
6
6:30 pm Youth Group
7:00 pm Women’s Bible
Study
12
8:15 am Early Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Late Worship
13
6:30 pm Youth Group
7:00 pm Women’s Bible
Study
19
8:15 am Early Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Late Worship
20 ”President’s Day”
Gleanings Reports Due!
6:30 pm Youth Group
7:00 pm Women’s Bible
Study
26
8:15 am Early Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Late Worship
27
6:30 pm Youth Group
7:00 pm Women’s Bible
Study
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
2
6:30 pm Bell Rehearsal
6:45 pm Choir Practice
7
10:00 am Women’s Bible
Study
8
9
7:00 pm Property
Committee Mtg
7:00 pm Finance Meeting
14
10:00 am Women’s Bible
Study
15
16
3
4
7:30 am Men’s Breakfast at
Yoder’s-TIME CHANGE
10
11
17
18
22
24
25
Fellowship Event
Fellowship Event
6:45 pm Choir Practice
23
6:45 pm Choir Practice
28
10:00 am Women’s Bible
Study
Sat
6:45 pm Choir Practice
6:30 pm Bell Rehearsal
7:00 pm Officers Mtg
21
10:00 am Women’s Bible
Study
Fri
Notes:
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