THE SPIRE
November 2014
Love God! Love Others!
Upland Baptist Church
325 Main Street, Upland, PA 19015
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 610-874-7474
Website: www.uplandbaptist.org
Rev. Brenda A. B. Shaw, Pastor
Duck watched Mr. Gasper in the kitchen. He seemed much busier
than normal. Duck could not figure out what he was doing. Mr. Gasper had books all over
the table and the counter. He kept writing and scratching things off his list.
Mr. Gasper seemed distracted for days. Then one morning, Duck watched as Mr.
Gasper got up early, had breakfast and left the house like he was on a mission. Duck really
wished he could have gone along. He was really curious about where Mr. Gasper could
have gone.
A couple of hours later, the backdoor opened and Mr. Gasper came in struggling with
grocery bags. He kept going out and coming in, loaded down with bags. Duck was
amazed as the counter filled and then the table. There were grocery bags everywhere.
Duck wondered who was coming to dinner.
It took a long time for Mr. Gasper to put everything away. In fact, he had trouble
finding places to put everything. As soon as he was finished, he went into the living room
and took a nap.
Later that afternoon, Mr. Gasper came into the kitchen to make himself some lunch.
While he worked, he finally told Duck why they needed all the groceries.
“Duck we are going to have company for Thanksgiving dinner. I know I usually go
over to Toby’s house, but they are going away this year. So, I invited the Shaner Family over
for dinner. I was a little surprised when they said yes, but I am glad they can come.”
When Mr. Gasper took his sandwich to the living room to watch the news while he ate,
Duck wondered who the Shaner’s were. He did not know that family. He was also curious
when Mr. Gasper was going to start cooking dinner, if they were coming.
Duck was surprised when the house was quiet for the rest of the day. He was worried
that Mr. Gasper was going to have to order pizza when his guests arrived because he wasn’t
cooking anything for dinner.
The sun set and still nothing happened. Duck was really confused.
“Well, Duck we have three days until Thanksgiving. Do you think that is enough time
for me to make dinner? I hope I don’t disappoint them.” Mr. Gasper said to Duck before he
went to bed.
Duck immediately felt better. Mr. Gasper had plenty of time to make dinner. Then he
started to panic. Mr. Gasper was cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Toby’s mom worked for days
baking and chopping and cooking to get ready. And she cooked all the time. Mr. Gasper
hardly ever cooked. He used the microwave.
Over the next couple of days, Mr. Gasper prepared for dinner. He chopped onions
and celery. He sliced apples for pie. He tried to make a pumpkin pie, but that did not work
out so well. Duck was relieved when Mr. Gasper returned late one afternoon with a bakery
box filled with a pumpkin pie inside.
Mr. Gasper woke Duck up early on Thanksgiving. He was in the kitchen putting the
turkey in the oven. Soon the house was filled with wonderful smells. Duck was surprised how
calm Mr. Gasper seemed with people coming for dinner.
The doorbell rang early that afternoon. Mr. Gasper took Duck to greet their guests.
Duck was surprised when a woman entered with three small children.
“Mr. Gasper, it is very nice of you to invite us all over today. I hope it hasn’t been too
much trouble,” the woman said.
Duck laughed to himself as Mr. Gasper told her it hadn’t been any trouble. Duck knew
better. He had watched Mr. Gasper work for more than a week getting ready.
The children explored the living room and were excited to find a box of toys under the
coffee table. Duck knew that Mr. Gasper had gone out and purchased toys so his guests
would feel comfortable.
Duck was surprised to see the woman tear up as she watched he kids play with the
toys.
“Mr. Gasper, I was feeling pretty lonely with Tom overseas. Thanks for making us feel so
welcome today. I hope you are going to let me help you in the kitchen.”
Mr. Gasper looked serious for a moment and said, “I remember being serving overseas
at the holidays and how hard it was to be away from family. I can’t imagine it is any easier
for you. Your children are always so joyous on Sundays at church; I am really looking forward
to spending time with them today. I was all alone today, too.”
Mrs. Shaner smiled and said, “Now we do have family. Next time you will have to
come to our house.”
Duck sat on the floor with the children as the adults went to finish dinner preparations.
He was grateful that Mr. Gasper had opened his home and his heart to this family. He knew
they were going to be great friends.
Pastor Brenda
Mr. Gasper saw a need and he responded. He knew the Shaner family would be alone as
their husband/father served overseas. What need can you see that you can do something
about? Where is God calling you to have compassion?
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CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Legal Corporation/Ministry Council Highlights
Discussed Pastor Appreciation Sunday including the Worship Service and the Coffee Hour
afterwards.
Approved a new service contract with Tom Kennedy for the boilers and heater.
Approved a new oil delivery service, Allied, located in Aston.
Reviewed and discussed the finances of the Church.
Prepared the first draft of the 2015 Preliminary Budget.
Welcome to Joan Decker to the Ministry Council! Joan has agreed to serve as Outreach
Team Leader!
PROPERTY TEAM LEADER ~ DIANE LORD OGRAM
The large tree in the old cemetery has been cut down. The roots could not be removed in
order to keep the integrity of a small tombstone of which the roots had grown around.
We cancelled our previous oil dealer for a better price and contract for service. Tri-County
Comfort Systems will be performing the annual cleaning and service of the boilers and hot
water heater. Allied Heating will be providing our oil.
The Budget Meeting for next year was held on October 14th. The 2015 Preliminary Budget
was completed.
Ministry to Members Team Leader ~ Dawn Rafalski
Men’s Group
The next Men’s Breakfast will be held on November 15th at 8:15am at Brandywine Baptist.
Members News
We are still in need of a team of two people to serve two of our shut-ins home communion
once a month. Please see Dawn Rafalski for information and volunteering. This is a very
special way to show compassion to our long time members who can no longer come out to
church.
Mark Saturday, December 6th on your calendar. Join in on the fun as we go for a hayride at
Linvilla from 5:30 to 6:30pm. We will have cider and sit around the campfire after the ride.
Look for more info in your Sunday bulletin and a sign-up sheet in the back of the church later
in November.
WORSHIP TEAM LEADER ~ PAT IRACE
On Sunday, October 19th, we put on our God glasses and started looking at our
Church and our world in a new way. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what is going
wrong and see only pain and suffering. We want to see this Church, our lives, our world
through God’s eyes. We want to see every person as important. See every moment as an
opportunity to share God’s love; to see the beauty around us. We want to see the good
that is happening in our world and there is a lot of good, if we open our eyes and look for it.
So put on your God glasses and practice looking at our Church the way God sees it.
There will be Praise Cards included in the bulletin on some Sundays. Please take a
moment to write something about how you see God at work in our Church.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service will be Wednesday, November 26th at 7:00 pm.
Looking ahead to Christmas! A Night of Christmas Music is planned for Wednesday,
December 17th at 6:30 pm. The program will include selections by Joyful Noise, carol singing
and some solo performances. If you would like to participate by performing, please let us
know.
DISCIPLESHIP TEAM LEADER ~ JACKIE WRIGHT
MONDAY VBS NIGHT
Monday’s VBS Night is continuing to meet each week. The number of children
has been very inconsistent. Please pray that we will bring in children from the
community who want to learn about the Bible. The children continue to have
dinner each week followed by a Bible lesson, learning activity, and some type of
art
activity. Thank you to Pastor Brenda, Linda Cook, Jane Kofroth, John Kofroth,
and Rob Powers who work with the children. Thank you to Pat Irace, Charlene Miller, Joan Decker,
Hans Geveke, and Betty Vandergrift who volunteer in the kitchen and help serve the children. Thank
you to everyone who has made monetary donations for the program.
VBS Night
Monday Evenings
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Upland Baptist Chapel
Ages 5 – 12
Congratulations to Frances White who has worked
at Wallingford Nursing Home for 40 years!
VBS Night will meet every Monday in November.
CHILDREN AND TEEN NEWS
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Anna Geveke volunteered at each of the Aston, Brookhaven, and Parkside Community Days.
Tom Geveke set another personal track record at the Delco Cross-Country Championship.
Cameron Klimek, Casey Klimek, and Sara Mason participated in the Pastor’s Appreciation
Worship Service as readers.
Katie Boyer-Mason, Tom Geveke, and Sarah Powers participated in the Pastor’s
Appreciation Worship Service as members of the Joyful Noise Bell Choir.
Matthew Shaw is enjoying Pre-School and making new friends.
Stephen Shaw had a good parent-teacher conference. Stephen is collecting Box Tops for
school. If you have any, he would love to add them to his class’ total. He continues to enjoy
playing baseball.
Sunday School News
Sunday School classes are available for Pre-School, Elementary, and Adults at 9:30 am. Set your
alarm and join us. We’ll be waiting for you!
OUTREACH TEAM LEADER ~ JOAN DECKER
PRAY FOR CITYTEAM
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 For turkeys which are urgently
needed for Thanksgiving food baskets. Over 1,500 turkeys are needed between now and
Thanksgiving! If you find yourself with an extra turkey, contact Linda Cook and she will see
that the turkey gets to CityTeam.
For enough food to provide for holiday food boxes for both Thanksgiving and Christmas
through generous donations.
For donations of non-perishable food, especially protein items like tuna and peanut butter to fill
the pantry shelves.
For individuals and families looking for sustainable employment.
For the Gospel message to be received with hope and joy by those who come in for the
feeding program.
For those in the Recovery Program as they look to turn their lives around.
UPLAND BAPTIST AT CITYTEAM
Upland Baptist was at CityTeam on Saturday, October 18, 2014. We
served a noon meal of spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, fruit cup, and
cookies to the residents. The rest of the meal was used to serve the public at
dinnertime. Thank you to Linda Cook who did the shopping and Linda Cook,
Hans Geveke, and Brenda Shaw who prepared and served the meal.
We are scheduled to be back at CityTeam in December. But due to their
Christmas food and gift deliveries, we will not be going to CityTeam in
December.
CityTeam will be undergoing some changes in their meal and chapel program. We will be
attending a meeting on November 7th to find out what these changes are and how we will fit in with
the new program.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to our CityTeam fund. Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
CITYTEAM THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS
FOOD BOXES
CityTeam is located in the second-hungriest area in the United States, only behind the Bronx
in NY, and it is in the poorest place in Pennsylvania, according to a national poll.
This year, CityTeam expects at least 900 families to register for both a
Thanksgiving and Christmas meal. City Team does not receive government funding
and is completely dependent upon donations to meet families’ needs. CityTeam wants
to help, but cannot do it on their own. They need assistance to make the holidays a
special time for these families.
Looking for a family holiday project this season? Looking to help those less fortunate? Here is
how you can help.
 Sponsor a family for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or both. You will need to budget $35 per food
box and $20 per turkey.
 Donate food items. The following items are needed for the food boxes.
green beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables, soup, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy,
instant potatoes, pasta, cake mix, stuffing mix, sweet potatoes/yams, tomato
sauce
 Donate your free turkeys or free turkey coupons.
 Donate gift cards to any local supermarket.
All food is needed no later than Saturday, November 15th
for Thanksgiving and no later than Saturday, December 13th for Christmas. This lets CityTeam get
the family’s food box assembled and ready to be delivered to their house.
Remember, you can make a difference for needy families that may not have a Holiday meal.
If you have questions or are interested in helping assemble food boxes, please contact John Clifford
at 610-872-6865, ext. 107 or [email protected]
IT’S ALMOST THAT TIME OF YEAR . . .
CHRISTMAS AT CITYTEAM
Each year, many children in Delaware County will not receive toys for
Christmas without help from people who care. Last year, CityTeam was
able to provide new toys for over 2,500 children in Chester and the
Delaware Valley. To make this happen again, they need your help.
Here’s how you can help.
1. “Adopt” a Child in Need by Shopping for their Toy Requests. CityTeam will share with you
the first name, age, and requests that each child has made. You can choose how many
children you can shop for and CityTeam will provide you with a family who has that many
children. If you are interested, please call CityTeam at 610-872-6865, and they will direct to
you the proper extension.
2. Donate Toys for Children for Aren’t “Adopted” by Someone. You don’t have to adopt a
child or a family of children. CityTeam also needs donations of new unwrapped toys. If you
are interested in donating toys, you can bring them to CityTeam before December 13th. A
list of toys will be placed on the bulletin board in the Chapel and as you walk into Church in
the middle of November.
3. Donate Financially. Maybe you would like to buy presents for someone, but don’t have
the time. Or maybe you would like to honor a loved one by sending in a donation in their
name. If so, for $30.00 you can purchase gifts for a child and receive a lovely card.
Donations can be sent to CityTeam, 634 Sproul Road, Chester, PA 19013. Make sure you
include a note as to what your donation is intended to go towards.
4. Volunteer. CityTeam is in great need of volunteers to help, especially to help deliver to
the families in need. Please call the coordinator of volunteers, Emily, for more information at
610-872-6865, ext. 114.
This year, the “Advent Collection” will go towards our CityTeam
Fund and Sunday School/VBS Night. The Advent envelopes will be
on the table in the back of the church.
The “Christmas Card Collection” will go toward
our “Summer Children’s Programming.
November Birthdays
December Birthdays
1 Ruth Jaworsky
3 Bella Smith
Jack Robert Murphy
13 Dawn Rafalski
15 Betty Hamilton
18 Pat Irace
22 Brian Klimek
23 Sara Mason
27 Helen Rhoads
4 Bobbi Jean Simcox
7 Deloris Hanley
15 Mary Lightcap
16 Ben Geveke
Cheryl Rhoads
24 Amanda Harman
25 Ethel Jaworsky
26 Kathleen Geveke
27 Courtney Klimek
28 Beatrice Smith
December Anniversaries
18 Carol & Richard Arscott
Women’s Union
Home and International Mission birthdays
For November and December
Rev. Dr. Stanley Slade
2 Lenape Circle
Royersford, PA 19468
11/16
E-mail: [email protected]
Mrs. Ruth Fox
11/24
P.O. Box 64
A Muang
Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Rev. David Reed
12/25
Calle Marlin #192
Fraccionamiento Fidepaz
La Paz BCS 23090
E-mail: [email protected]