June 2015 Vol. 34 No. 6 The monthly newsletter of Christ Church United Church of Christ I n this Issue Faith Formation…...2 Pastor Galen’s Column……….….…3 Events, Opportunities, and Other News………..…..….….4 News You Can Use…….….....5 Calendar………………...…....6 Church Retreat, Prayer List, Music Book Form ……...…....7 News from the Pews…….....8-9 Rev. Potteiger, Budget Requests, Misc….……….......10 Treasurer’s Report……...….11 Picnic/Intergenerational……12 Christ Church UCC 247 S. Market St. Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (717)367-1208 Website etownucc.org Email [email protected] Pastors Rev. Dr. Galen E. Russell III Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Young Speaker: Lynn Marsh Editor Tracey Yasi Deadline for newsletter submissions is the first Sunday of each month 1 Faith Formation Commission Christian Education & Youth Programming at Christ Church T Discipleship Faith Programs learn teach Spiritual Growth ministry confirmation Summer Programming: Folks he Board of Christian Education is in this group will help plan our pleased to present the new face of Christian Vacation Church School and Jr. Education right here at Christ Church. The Church (Summer Children’s Church). Faith Formation Commission will They will also help design any special replace the former Board. The idea of the summer children and youth Commission mirrors our already reprogramming. designed Worship Commission, and to some degree the Outreach Committee Youth: This group focuses on all which work together as a larger group, but aspects of Christ Church’s Youth truly function within smaller subsets Ministry. The Middle School and High responsible for varying aspects of ministry. School Church School Classes and the For example, within Outreach Committee Confirmation and Mentor Program, A are the smaller groups of Meal Ministry, Ministry of Presence. They will also clothing and food banks, help to plan the Older Christmas in November, Youth, grades 6-12 “The Board of and Summer Thank Christian Education is programming. Ideally, this Offering to highlight a group will consist of both few. Likewise, the pleased to present the adult and youth Worship Commission is new face of Christian representatives. comprised of three smaller Education at Christ teams responsible for Adult: The Adult Church” certain church seasons. group will support our LifeSearch and Contemporary The newly created Faith Formation Christian Conversation classes, as well Commission will function in a similar as help design additional Sunday fashion. The larger group will meet on a morning options for our adults. They bi-annual basis with additional meetings as will create and support opportunities needed. The smaller groups will gather for our young adults and provide more regularly and with more frequency support and creativity around adult during heavy planning times for each area small group studies and discussions. of ministry. learn guide Share COVENANT Youth Group Here is a suggested design for the Faith Formation Commission’s Focus Areas: 2 Ministry NURTURE The excitement around the new Faith Formation Commission is hard to contain! Please consider being a part of Younger Children and this newly designed ministry. If you Workshop Rotation: This group have questions, contact Pastor Fred. My will be responsible for the Nursery and hope is that the new Faith Formation Preschool areas, Workshop Rotation, Commission will inspire new energies and Church School Mission and and creativity in how we learn about our Outreach. They will also be faith together. The Commission will responsible for maintaining our Safe hopefully form soon so we can begin to Church Policy and Procedures as well generate new opportunities beginning in as the Younger Youth Group the fall of 2015. (grades 2-5) programming. -Pastor Fred education ADULTS youth VCS “The Memes of Peace and Love” “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval.” (Romans 13: 3, NRSV) “What’s trending this week?” At the beginning of Romans 13, Paul says “What’s in the media’s spotlight?” that Christians are subject to the governing “What are we talking about today?” authorities… for rulers are to combat bad “What’s in vogue?” conduct, and if you live right, authorities will “What’s gone viral?” be on your side. Um… that is, if the authorities These answers change all the time, don’t are inherently good through and through. they? When Yes, some have Sharing the Journey…… something is rightly said that trending, like there are plenty of Pastor Galen Russell what color the people who have a dress is… whitedisrespect for the gold, or blue-black… the idea replicates police, and cops have to always be on their itself in our consciousness and on our cell guard because their lives often are in danger. phones. As it spreads, it might hit the But, it is also rightly said that there is a culture national news, and it spreads even more of distrust, hatred, and anger among some of rapidly until it burns itself out. No our police officers, and they act with Practicing peace one talks anymore about what brutal and sometimes unwarranted -making and deadly force. color the dress is, right? When ideas, habits, and cultural living love has to Yes, there are long-standing practices are replicated and spread, get replicated in injustices everywhere, but it’s also they are called memes. We live by true that the laws are not applied all people. cultural memes that have stuck— uniformly for all people. like how we greet each other with some sort As Christians I believe it is imperative that of touch: a handshake, high-fives, a fist we promote a culture of peace and love that bump, a hug, etc. Those are memes. can stop, reverse, and ultimately heal our When an idea replicates itself via violence. Practicing peace-making and living technology, they’re called tremes. We love has to be the memes that get replicated effortlessly copy and share, share and copy and stick in people of all backgrounds and selfies and other pics, we upload videos, and faiths, all vocations and professions. People of publish blogs that can replicate so quickly the church, and other grassroots organizations, that they can “go viral.” Those are tremes. I think, have to be the ones to led the efforts in Bad ideas and trends get replicated, too, rejecting the replication of violence, and and can spread like wildfire. I struggle with support the memes that beautifully mirror what the ever-increasing violence and unrest Jesus taught. between police and civilians, which seems to Replicate peace and love in us, O God, that have spread without restraint lately. It’s a we might be able to spread both to others. We culture of violence; a bad meme that stuck. pray that they stick! Amen. Let’s taLk about…. A New Proposed Schedule for Sunday mornings at Christ Church! Trial run: Sept. 13th to Nov. 15th First worship service Church School Fellowship Time & choir reh. Second worship service 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Here are some developing ideas thus far... Worship and Education are focal points of Sunday mornings. Pastors have a chance to teach. Nursery ideally staffed all morning. A 10 wk. trial starting 9/13 allows for new adult classes and a full feel for the change. At Nov. Annual mtg. a decision to be made? 3 Events & Opportunities other NEWS Small Groups T Summer Stay-cation Offering he Crafting Crew is a small group open to all those interested in knitting, crocheting, sewing, card making, stamping, etc. The daytime group, which meets at 1pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, participates in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Or, if your schedule is better suited to evenings, come on out on the 2nd Tuesday at 7pm where are variety of crafts and projects benefiting the church are lovingly created! Benefits the Crispus Attucks Lunch Café in Lancaster Crispus Attucks serves daily lunches and is in need of funding to continue this ministry T he Garden Group and all others interested will visit the Penn State Trial Gardens in Manheim on Saturday June 20th. You do not need to be a member of the Garden Group to enjoy this delightful setting, one of Lancaster County’s best kept secrets. The property is the premier testing site on the East Coast for annuals and perennials, where an incredible variety of specimens are grown and rated for performance. In addition, the Lancaster County Master Gardener Volunteers maintain an Idea Garden showcasing examples of Native, Perennial, Annual, Xeriscape, Herb and Vegetable Gardens. Bring a bag lunch and wear comfortable walking shoes. This is a self-guided tour at your own pace. We meet at the church at 10 am. to carpool. Please sign up on the Events Board. Save the Date! Crispus Attucks Meal Tuesday, July 14th 3:30pm - 7pm Cooks, Drivers, Servers, and Brownie Bakers Needed Please consider giving the gift of “you” and be a blessing to the needy of Lancaster Elizabethtown Work Week Missions at Home T he sign up sheet for this year's local mission trip is on the bulletin board just outside Pastor Fred's office. Our group will most likely work locally for a few days during the week of July 26 to August 1st. In addition to working during the days, we will enjoy some evening events which include eating together, reflection on the day’s events, worshiping, and of course have a lot of fun! This local mission is a wonderful opportunity for any person in our congregation to take part for even just a day or two. It is a blessing to have crazy fun at times with each other in the congregation, help others in our community, and to share God's love. Please sign up! If you have questions, please speak with Steve Stouffer or Pastor Fred 4 News you can Use Christ Church’s SmartChurch App is Live A ll smartphone users may add the SmartChurch app to their mobile device allowing you to instantly connect with Christ Church and other members. What are the benefits to adding your church as an app to your phone? Purchase Your Grocery Cards Here! D on’t forget, you can purchase gift cards to use at Giant, Weis, Darrenkamps, Stauffers of Kissel Hill, and Groff Meats right here at Christ Church! Cards are sold in denominations of $25, $50, and $100, and Christ Church earns 5% from each card sold (10% for Groffs). You have the convenience of using the card just like a debit card, and you’re supporting Christ Church at the same time. Look for the table each Sunday in the back of the Sanctuary, or come into the office during the week to purchase yours! Post questions, comments, and announcements to the wall Post and read prayer requests Get updates on events, and even RSVP to an event, or you may share an event with your friends Create a profile and connect with fellow members of the congregation through a virtual directory Connect with the staff, church office, and website with the tap of the screen The app is free and available at the app store for iphone users, and google play for androids. Download it today to connect right away! Just a Reminder... C Registration forms on our website or on the youth board hurch calendar, helper schedules, upcoming events, full color NET, and important documents are located on the church website at etownucc.org. To view the member’s only page, please enter the password “stillspeaking” when prompted. Stay Informed P lease notify the office if you would like to be added to the weekly Christ Church StillSpeaking email. Each Thursday the office sends out an update of announcements, upcoming events, and other news. 5 June 2015 Sun Mon 1 11 am Staff Meeting “Spring being a hard act to follow, God created June” -Al Bernstein, American actor Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 6:30 pm Finance Committee 7 pm Crafting Crew 1 pm Crafting Crew 16 17 Church Office Closed 7 pm Outreach 7Net Deadline Intergenerational Sunday 9 am Worship Church Picnic 8 11 am Staff Meeting 14 Laity 15 9 am Worship 6 pm VCS@ St. Paul’s UMC Penn Central Conference 6 pm VCS@ St. Paul’s UMC 7 pm Worship Team C Sunday 11 am Staff Meeting 6 pm VCS@ St. Paul’s UMC 6:30 pm Property 6:45 pm Spiritual Council 7:30 pm Consistory 7 pm CollectiveSpirit 18 6 pm VCS@ St. Paul’s UMC VBS Older Youth Mulching@ CC Church Office Closed Penn Central Conference Penn Central Conference 19 20 6 pm VCS@ St. Paul’s UMC Church Office 10 am Depart Closed from church for trip to Penn State Trial Gardens in Manheim 25 26 27 3 4 Flag Day 21Father’s 22 Day 11 am Staff Meeting 9 am Worship/ VBS Presentation 23 24 9:30 am The NET 8:45 am Retiree Assembly Breakfast @Country Meadows Church Office Closed 7 pm Board of Christian Education 7 pm CollectiveSpirit 28 9 am Worship Guest Preacher: Rev. Dave Carnish 29 11 am Staff Meeting 30 1 2 6 Church Office Closed Yes! I would like to purchase a copy of Sing! Prayer and Praise music songbook published by the UCC: Fill out the field below as you would like it to appear on the bookplate: Example: In Honor of: My mother, Martha Washington, on the occasion of her 284th birthday In Honor of: ______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ In Memory of: _____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Given by: _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Enclosed is $10 to cover the cost of this book. Please make checks payable to Christ Church UCC C alling all “Zesty Christians” to attend the all-church retreat at Hartman Center in November. Mark your calendar for this flavorful event, where we will explore what it means to be a “salty Christian”. The weekend will be filled with activities, crafts, worship, hiking, football, and lots of fun with our church family. If you’ve never attended an all-church retreat or if it has been a while since you’ve been on one, consider joining us for a fellowship-filled weekend. If you would like to help plan this event, please contact Jo Hopwood or Pastor Fred. (Dates for November will be finalized shortly) Matthew 5:13 says “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” 7 Please Keep the Following in Your Prayers: Gladys Cifani - Jackie Page’s mother Peggy Drescher - recovering at home Barb Kondras - recovering from hip surgery Mardi Sawyer - back pain Andy Sherwood - recovering from back surgery Sandy Spayd - recovering from back surgery Christ Church honors Mrs. Grace McCoy, our oldest member Kendra Snyder (Lauer) and Robin Powl O n a rainy spring morning, Grace McCoy’s cheerful “hello” greeted me on the telephone. As Christ Church’s oldest member at the age of 102, Grace’s voice sounds young and sweet. With Intergenerational Sunday approaching, the staff thought it would be a treat to share a bit of Grace’s story with the congregation, and I was happy for the opportunity to chat with her by phone. News from the pews... machines, and others whatever project they happened to be working on. All brought lunch and enjoyed the fellowship with one another, and while she can no longer remember names, she can still picture their faces. T May 16, 2015 Congratulations! hese days, Grace shares Jay S. Meads that she spends her days at Fairmount Homes in Ephrata February 17, 1923 - April 30, 2015 orn Grace Kaufman in sitting and thinking. Her 1913, Grace graduated from hearing is poor and her Lancaster General Hospital eyesight has diminished School of Nursing in 1934, significantly in the past 6 and is their oldest living months, and she can no alumnae. Grace worked for longer read the stash of books June Birthdays five years as a private duty she once devoured. She nurse, caring for her patient enjoys regular visits from her in their home, a job she found son, Richard, and 6/1 Gertrude Barr* 6/18 John Boyer very rewarding. On March 2, granddaughter, Laurie. She Madeline Eby 1935, Grace married Bill claims her memory is poor, 6/2 Christina Adams Jennifer Fasching McCoy and the couple went but Pastor Galen found her Erma Leib on to have their son, Richard. on a recent visit to be “sharp John Witmer 6/20 Dorothy Berrier as a tack”. She knew all the Andrew Yehl, Jr. goings on at Christ Church 6/4 Kathryn Neyer hroughout her married because her family reads her 6/22 Jason Hampton life Grace enjoyed working the bulletins and newsletter. 6/6 Lester Helmeczi with flowers and creating 6/23 Barbara Berrier floral arrangements. She 6/7 Dale Fantom Alan Dively would purchase art supplies race is very and then make pictures with appreciative to know that 6/9 Shirley Boltz 6/25 Jennifer Hampton flowers. In 1971 Grace and others from her church are Tanya Runnels Valerie Heslop Bill transferred to Christ remembering her, and I am Bette Kissel* Church UCC from St. Peter’s very pleased to have this 6/11 Lloyd Byers UCC in Lancaster. She tells opportunity to share a bit of 6/27 Ryan Sheidy me when she thinks of Christ her story. - Tracey Yasi 6/13 Eleanor Lokey Church, one of her fondest 6/28 Barbara Russell memories was the Thursday 6/14 Elizabeth Gruber afternoon group of ladies that 6/30 Scott Stephens met to make crafts for the annual Holiday Bazaar. The *Denotes our group met each week over members 90 and over the summer, some 8 hauling their sewing B T G Many have volunteered their time and talents during this year of Faith Formation at Christ Church. Please thank a teacher or shepherd when you see them! Rotation Teachers Rotation Shepherds Church School Teachers Allyson Cook Sue Eurich Kathy Light Sarah MacDerment Tess Mullhausen Tanya Runnels Dan Schaffer Ali Spayd Nancy Yehl Patricia Best Carolyn Laboy Scott MacDerment Sean Reading Karen Reading Patrick Sampsell Shelby Schaffer Barb Shenigo Tris Shenigo Ed Spayd Sandy Spayd Ariana Wheeler Amy Addams Ryan Best Ann Dinsmore Jo Hopwood Jeff McCloud Pamela Miller Ginny Shenberger Missy Stephens Jan Stouffer Chuck Wells Kara Young Music - Allison Downing Ali Spayd You all bring life and light into our learning and we are truly grateful for your dedication and compassion! Confirmation Teens and Mentors enjoy a day at the Heifer Global Village in Shepherd’s Spring, MD. G oing to the Global Village was a wonderful experience. It helped me understand the mission of Heifer which is to create a world community through service and understanding. At this particular village we had the chance to see homes similar to those found in Guatemala, Thailand, Mozambique, Kenya, Appalachia, and even a refugee tent. When we walked to the Guatemalan house, I thought it would be hard to adjust to the space because I have a more ‘advanced’ kind of home. It was surprising to see the bright colors in the kitchen and the bedroom. While we were there we made a meal typical of what those in the country would eat in their everyday lives. The foods we eat compared to the food the Mayans eat are similar in ways yet so different. They cook all of their food over an open campfire and they have to grow and pick their own food. The food and smells were delicious. The Mayans of Guatemala have a beautiful and brightly colored wardrobe that they hand make from plants and trees. After lunch and our lesson on Guatemalan culture, we enjoyed a craft usually done during Holy Week made from brightly died saw dust and glue. We also played a common group game. Our day ended with a trip to the barn yard to visit with some of the animals Heifer provides worldwide. The livestock contained rabbits, goats, and chickens. The goats and rabbits were cute, but the chickens were creepy. Overall, I not only enjoyed the trip because of the fun I had with my confirmation class and mentors, but my eyes were opened to how lucky we are to have what we have. It truly was an exciting adventure. -Compiled from essays from each teen 9 Celebrating 50 Years! C hrist Church Pastor Emeritus Rev. P. Larry Potteiger is celebrating 50 years in the ministry. He was ordained June 6, 1965, and served Christ Church as Senior Pastor from 1981 to 2003. Those wishing to remember Larry are encouraged to send their congratulations and well wishes to: Congratulations Larry! Please have your 2015 Committee Budget Proposals in to Cris Dinsmore no later than June 30th Pastoral Emergencies Cards of Thanks from our Members “Dear Rev. Dr. Galen Russell, the Staff, and Membership of “Dear Friends, Christ Church, Thank you for the Let me take this prayers, thoughts and wellopportunity to express our thanks wishes extended to me and gratitude for all the prayers, throughout my hospital stay and cards, phone calls, and greetings recovery. on the street and in various shops A very special thanks to in and around town for the the members of the prayer chain, speedy recovery of Barbara from to Pastor Galen for his hospital the fractured hip she recently visits, and Pastor Fred for his suffered. The Prayer Shawl has telephone calls.” not left Barbara’s side since it was given to her. Dennis Fackler The spontaneous outpouring of concern and “Thank you so much for the compassion for Barbara and the lily - it was beautiful and smelled prayers all of your offered, I am so good. Your thoughtfulness sure meant a lot in her very rapid was very much appreciated.” recovery.” Ede Brinkman Sincerely, Barbara & James Kondras 10 Please note the following dates when our pastors are away and pastoral assistance is required in the event of an emergency: 6/12- 6/14 Laura Ramsey 6/12 & 6/14 Rev. Amy Shorner-Johnson 6/26-28 Rev. David Carnish Dear Hartman Center Supporters, I want to thank you so much for you recent donation of $150.00 to Hartman Center which will be used for the general operations of this ministry. Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Druckenmiller For Pastoral Care Needs: Church Office Info: If you need assistance from one of the pastors during office hours, feel free to call 367-1208 For newsletter submissions, weekly email info, website issues, and calendar updates, please contact Tracey at: [email protected] or 367-1208 Mon. - Thurs. Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Young For questions related to giving, financial statements, and bulletin announcements, please contact Kathy at: [email protected] or 367-1208 Mon., Wed., and Thurs. Dir. of CollectiveSpirit: Jan Stouffer Christ Church Staff: Lead Pastor: Rev. Dr. Galen E. Russell III Should there be an emergency after office hours, Pastor Galen may be reached at and Pastor Fred at **Please let the office know of any hospitalizations or illnesses. Dir. of Music and Chancel Choir: Chelsea LaMonica Dir. of Carillon Choir: Ruthann Ressler Dir. of Children’s Choirs: Ali Spayd Organist: Laura Ramsey Asst. Organist: Ray Edmison Office Administrator: Tracey Yasi Business Administrator: Kathy Yoder Treasurer: Cris Dinsmore Facility Manager: John Witmer TREASURER’S REPORT How are we doing on our “Intentions” for 2015? CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND Our 2015 Ministry Spending Plan expects $300,000 Thank you to everyone who contributes to our total gifts from “Intentions” from members of our con- Capital Improvement Fund over and above your gregation. Therefore, by the end of April we expected regular “intention” giving (see left side). $100,000 in contributions and received $96,895. Balance on January 1st: ($83,483.13) Way To Go!!! We’re close to our goal! Total contributions as of Apr. 30th +9,336.45 Total expenditures as of Apr. 30th -21,864.51 But... we started this year with $25,000 more in total Balance as of April 30th: ($96,011.19) projected expenses than total projected income. So, the pie chart below shows how far we’ve come So far this year, the expenditures include Phase II this year, and how far we need to go to balance our Renovations—Education Building and Interest on the Line of Credit we have at Susquehanna Bank. budget and eliminate the deficit. WE CAN BALANCE OUR SPENDING PLAN!! FINANCE COMMITTEE’s Tidbits and Notes Thank you for your faithful giving! Our “Intention” giving (on the left) makes up the $325,000 Gifts needed to balance by Dec. 31st. ACTUAL REC’D Where we are as of April 30th: $96,895 Where we should be as of April to balance: $108,333 11 bulk of our income for our 2015 Ministry Spending Plan, but we have other sources of income, too. So far, all totaled, we’ve received $129,446 of the $425,725 needed to balance by Dec. 31st. Our Endowment Fund which includes our investments and holdings continues to pace well in the market. Some funds have restricted uses; other unrestricted funds are allocated in equal thirds; Outreach, Current Operating expenses as needed, and future Capital funds. Value: $2.04 million The “Giving Survey” is included in this NET! Please fill out and return the included survey, or go to our website, or do fill it out at church! Christ Church U.C.C. 247 S. Market Street Elizabethtown, PA 17022 NON–PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ELIZABETHTOWN, PA PERMIT No. 3 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Please label here O Celebrating all ages from 0 - 102! Church picnic! n Sunday, June 7th we will recognize and celebrate God’s people of all ages. From our youngest to not so young, we are a church blessed with precious newborns, curious children, talented teens, awesome adults, and sensational seniors. As is our custom, we will be honoring those who have reached the age of 90 and beyond: Gertrude Barr John Buch Elwood Chapman George Cunningham Lawrence Drybred E Jeanne Dysart Robert Drysart Frank Graham Dorothy Gerhart Dorothy Jacobs Jane Hoffman Bette Kissel James Phillips Viola Ruth une 7th Sunday, J the 9:30 Following e am servic S Jean Styer Raymond Styer Paul Weidler And last but not least, Grace McCoy, who is our oldest member at the age of 102! Congratulations, Grace! Those wishing to send Grace a card are encouraged to do so - she loves to hear all the news from Christ Church! *Look inside this issue for a under urch family s and ch r u o y in Jo for hotdog the pavilion rs provided by hamburge . Sign up to Fellowship or dessert! bring a side special column about Grace 12
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