| Huff's Church Chatter |
| UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST 2008 8/1 - Last day of Vacation Bible School 8/2 - 10-12 Noon VBS Practice 8/3 - 8 a.m. Worship indoors with Altar Communion 10:30 worship outdoors VBS Closing Covered Dish after 10:30 worship Pastor Jones' last worship with us 8/5 - 1-4 p.m. CKC Swim Party 7 p.m. Fund raising Committee Meeting 8/6 - 7:30 p.m. Ladies Aid Meeting 8/11 - Vicar Barry Spatz starts 10 a.m. Staff Meeting 7 p.m. Union Council Meeting 8/13 - NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 8/14 - 1 p.m. Senior Citizen Meeting 6 p.m. Picnic Preparation 8/15 - 7 a.m. Picnic Preparation 8/16 - 7 a.m. Picnic Preparation 4-9 p.m. Church Picnic 8/17 - 9:15 a.m. Acolyte/crucifer training 10:30 Outdoor Music in the Park worship Breakfast Brunch after 10:30 worship 8/20 - 2:30 p.m. Peaches & Ice Cream at Topton Home 6 p.m. Christian Kids Club Meeting 6 p.m. Parents of Young Children Meeting 8/21 - 7 p.m. Stewardship Meeting in church 8/24 - 9:15 a.m. Mentor Training Sunday School Meeting after 10:30 worship 8/25 - 7 p.m. Worship & Music Meeting 8/28 - 12 Noon Senior Citizen Covered Dish 7 p.m. Buildings & Grounds Committee Mtg. PASTOR'S CORNER Dear Friends at Huff's church, Although this is written on my Sabbatical, I will be returning to my pastoral duties at Huff's on August 7. I plan to spend some time with Pastor Jones, hearing his experiences, and getting caught up with what has happened while I was away. We were privileged to have him as our Sabbatical pastor. I look forward to reconnecting with all of you at worship. I continue to pray for you and our congregation during this time of Sabbath rest for me. I find I really have missed leading worship, preaching, teaching, casually talking with you and visiting our shut in members. I miss our music, and find myself humming things we've sung together, or that the choir has sung. Thank you to the adult Sunday School class for sending me a thinking of you note I know we weren't supposed to be in contact, but sometimes the right thing to do is to break the rules in order to be loving (like Jesus frequently did). Thank you for granting me this precious Sabbatical time. I had no idea how meaningful it would be. The time spent in guided retreat helped me to feel closer to God. Reading and discussing eight books on spirituality with local pastors challenged me to think about how we at Huff's are connecting to God, and helping others to connect to God (becoming disciples). I look forward to sharing more of my Sabbatical learning with you. Among my devotional reading material, I've been reading The Forgotten Desert Mothers by Laura Swan. I felt drawn to the sayings of Amma Syncletica of Egypt, a wise woman whose life story and sayings were written down in the fifth century. Her comment about remaining where one is in order to learn best seems to fit our situation, "If you find yourself in a monastery [you might want to substitute the word, "church"] do not go to another place, for that will harm you a great deal. Just as the bird who abandons the eggs she was sitting on prevents them from hatching, so the monk or nun grows cold and their faith dies when they go from one place to another." Her point is that we might dream of the ideal faith community, just over the horizon, but if we stay put, learn from one another, even when we at times frustrate one another, it is better for all concerned. We would not develop spiritual depth without spending the time with one another. God speaks within Christian community. Experts recommend staying put in pastorates as well. If the pastor and congregation seem well suited to one another, even a twenty or thirty year pastorate is encouraged, as long as the pastor and congregation keep growing in their search for God. Something called an upward spiral occurs the congregations responds well to the pastor's leadership, so the pastor gets stronger as a faith leader, which challenges the congregation to grow in faith, and so on. As long as God is first, not the pastor's nor the congregation's ego or wishes, the Holy Spirit has room to lead the congregation and pastor to places of spiritual growth and true Christian communion. May God continue to lead Huff's congregation to be what God calls us to be. I look forward to seeing you August 10 in worship. Pastor Kropa Sabbatical Supply Scribblings An Early Thanksgiving I can't believe that our time together is nearing an end! This season of serving as your "sabbatical supply pastor" will conclude on August 7th. Can you believe that we have been together for almost three months? Our time together has been such a rich blessing for Louise and me and I thank each of you! Our time together is something for which I give God thanks as well. When the Apostle Paul writes to his beloved Christian friends in Philippi, he pens this praise: "I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:3-5). Let me share a few of the many thanksgivings that fill my heart as you have "shared in the gospel" with me this summer. Boy, you know how to make folks feel welcome! From the very first day, you embraced us "strangers," opened your hearts and homes, and made us feel part of the Huff's Church family. I thank you and praise God for your Christian hospitality. What a terrific sense of humor you have! You recognize that laughter is a gift of God and sharing a good laugh is a way of connecting with a sister or brother in Christ. I thank you and praise God for your hearty laughter. What caring hearts you have! A few times in worship I shared stories about struggles or losses that my family has experienced. Several folks, including many men, offered concern and Christian love. And then, you wrote a note or email or telephoned to check in! I thank you and praise God for your Christian concern! What a wonderful mission priority you have! I'm thinking of the Allentown Rescue Mission, the mission trip to Jamaica, opening the Flea Market to the needy of Berks County, and making connections so families suffering hardships can keep roofs over their heads. I thank you and praise God for your outreach! What a faithful worship life you have! I savor the variety of worship resources, hymns, and music with which you praise God. Both Lutheran and Reformed traditions are honored without being stuck in the past. I thank you and praise God for worship that lifts up our hearts and sends us forth to serve. What a superb staff and top-notch leadership you have! Pastor Kropa is such a joy! Pastor Stough is such a blessing as the visitation pastor! Susan, Mary Ann, Gloria, Linda, and all of the folks who serve on the various committees wow, you are all such living blessings! All of you have made these three months so smooth. I thank you and praise God for your faithful shepherding! So many thanksgivings come to my heart and mind, but the space in the newsletter is limited to one more...and I bet you can guess what's next! Can anybody say, "Picnics?" I lost count of how many covered dishes and picnics we shared together. Although I'm quite thankful for the delicious food, more than my stomach was filled as we broke bread on the picnic grounds. We shared laughter. We shared tears. We shared hopes and dreams. We shared life together from a Christian perspective. I thank you and praise God for your fellowship which fills the hungers of our hearts! For Louise and me, Thanksgiving is coming early this year because of you and the way God's Spirit moves through you. I am eternally grateful for your offering us a safe haven, a time to heal, an opportunity to discern what God may have in store for the future, and a place to experience the joy of abundant life in Christ Jesus. Thank you for your part in making Thanksgiving come early this year. And I will continue to give God thanks "because of your sharing in the gospel from the very first day..." You are such a blessing!!! With gratitude to you and thanks to God, Pastor Jones NEWS OF HUFF'S UNION MISSION STATEMENT We, the members of Huff's Union Church, desiring to be blessed together with Work and Sacrament and to become evermore the Body of Christ in our world, do hereby commit ourselves to a ministry which includes increasingly meaningful worship, creative Christian Education, intentional witnessing, dedicated service, and responsible support. Making Disciples: Inside and Out. UNION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Union Council held their monthly meeting on July 14. We discussed with our treasurers how the new envelope format is affecting the Capital Improvements and Benevolence giving. It was felt that because the new format does not have separate line items for these two important areas of giving, many people are not making donations to these areas. Instead, they are putting their contributions into General Funds, believing that we will use their donation where it is needed. This may be an envelope design flaw that we need to change. However, because the 2009 envelopes are already ordered, we cannot make a change until the 2010 envelope year. It was decided we should address this as a newsletter item to make our members aware that Capital Improvements and Benevolence are not supported by General Funds. If you intend to have a portion of your donation go toward one of these two areas, you must indicate the amount you wish to give on your envelope. We also discussed two other areas of the budget and sought ways to reduce costs of postage and electric usage. When the heating season begins, we will probably seek ways to reduce heating costs as well. The creation of an email distribution list was discussed as a way of reducing the cost of mailing our monthly newsletter. Council must gather more information before this could be implemented. Those interested in receiving the newsletter via email would be asked to sign up for the mailing. We must also study the effect that a reduced number of newsletters would have on our bulk rate mailings. Using the new fluorescent light bulbs was discussed. We would have a large "up front" cost of getting the new bulbs, but the reduced cost of electric might make it worth the investment. This suggestion will be studied by our Building and Grounds Committee. A NOTE FROM "VICAR HAINES" On June 29, I preached a trial sermon at Hope Lutheran Church in Bowers. After the service, an election took place and the congregation voted to call me as their pastor. I assumed my duties on July 15, and am anticipating serving in Christ's church. My ordination date has not been determined, but I will be pleased to inform you when I learn of it. I think fondly of the times I spent at Huff's and appreciated everyone's kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God's blessings, Pastor Elizabeth Haines This is Huff's third student who will be ordained into the Christian ministry. We are very proud that we are a teaching congregation, and have had a hand in the pastoral training of our church's leaders. BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES We are honoring our members who celebrate their 80th birthday or older and also honoring those members who celebrate their 50th anniversary or more. Please let us know if we missed anyone. BIRTHDAYS 8/6 - Margaret Bolen 8/9 - Lauretta Lasher 8/12 - Marvin Diehl 8/17 - Ruth Acker 8/17 - Margaret Moll (Mrs. Ernest Moll) 8/21 - Sarah Bickel 8/31 - Miriam Leeser ANNIVERSARIES 8/18 - Richard & Jean Wetzel 8/23 - George & Mildred Miller NURSERY NEWS We ask that you please be in the nursery by 10:15 a.m. If there is a problem and you cannot make your scheduled date, please call the office or Rachel Welch. We need to have our volunteers in the nursery each Sunday. If an emergency happens after office hours on the weekend, please contact Rachel Welchif you cannot get a substitute. Thank you for volunteering. FINANCIAL REPORTING IN 2008 As we share in ministry at Huff's Church, we budget carefully to meet the needs of the ministry here, reach out to others through various UCC & ELCA benevolences, and maintain the property. This work can only be accomplished by all of us contributing from the time, talents, and money as God has provided to us. During the Union Council meeting, our treasurers reported the following information: Year to Date Ending June 30, 2008 UCC Lutheran Union Total Income $55,475.42 $68,819.18 $164,075.07 Minus Trf. -$1,986.54 Total Exp. - $54,608.60 -$78,093.67 -$159,304.53 Balance -$1,119.72 -$9,274.49 $4,770.54 CIF Loan as of June 30, 2008 National Penn Bank Huff's Union Organizations Balance 1/1/07 $111,866.81 $207,600.03 Interest Paid $3,666.09 $3,804.22 Principle Payment $20,233.45 00 Balance $91,633.36 $207,600.03 Ladies Aid paid $2,500 of Principle Payment. QUARTERLY STATEMENTS Second quarter statements were mailed the week of July 6th. If you have not received a statement by August 1, or if there is an error, please call Robin Diehl at 610-845-7092. LAST PICNIC OF THE SEASON, AUGUST 16 Huff's will hold their last picnic for the summer on Saturday, August 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. The picnic will be held rain or shine. Food is available after 4 p.m. Entertainment (weather permitting) starts at 6 p.m. and it is the Walt Groller Orchestra. As always, help is needed for the picnic. Click here to download a form to volunteer your help. Preparation starts on Thursday evening, August 14 at 6 p.m. At 7 a.m. on Friday, August 15 the baking starts and preparation for turkey BBQ. On Saturday, August 16 at 7 a.m. preparation continues and then there are the shifts for the picnic. Hope to see all of you there. MUSIC IN THE PARK On August 17 at 10:30 a.m. we will have music in the park, a worship service which features a time to sing and hear some Gospel music played on guitars, banjo, percussion and mandolin. Afterwards, you are invited to purchase a Breakfast Brunch (see below) whose proceeds will go to pay off our Capital Improvement Fund expenses. Please come and invite family, neighbors and friends to join us. BREAKFAST BRUNCH TO BE HELD The Fundraising Committee will hold a Breakfast Brunch after the 10:30 worship service on August 17th. Items include sausage, french toast, bacon, home fries, scrambled eggs, fruit, donuts, beverages. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12 and free under 2 years old. All proceeds go to pay down the debt for the church renovations. The Fundraising Committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, August 5th at 7 p.m. If anyone has any new ideas for fund raisers, you are welcomed to come to the meeting or call Pat Crossley at 215-679-4951. TOPTON HOME PEACHES & ICE CREAM We are scheduled to serve Peaches and Ice Cream to the residents of Topton Home on Wednesday, August 20th at 2:30 p.m. We also need help to peel and cut the peaches which we always do in the morning prior to going to the home. If you are able to help in either preparation or serving, pleas contact Minerva Arner. Thanking you in advance, Carl Arner. THE SHOUTING STONES SHINE-ON! The teen Praise and Worship band at Huff's Church is growing, and making a name for themselves in the world of Praise and Worship. The name is "The Shouting Stones," and this summer they performed at the New Goshenhoppen Festival on July 4. They made another appearance at the Huff's Church Clambake on July 12. The Shouting Stones perform current, popular Praise and Worship songs, as well as original songs written by them. If you have not witnessed their performance yet, they will be performing again at various functions and worship services for Huff's Church. The Shouting Stones will begin rehearsing again beginning September 14 after the late services on Sunday mornings. If you are a teen in grades 6 or 7 and up, and you would like to join us in Praise and Worship please speak to Mr. Fritz VonHummel, Mrs. Stacy Whalen, or Ms. Julie Brought who are the managers/advisors of The Shouting Stones. PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN The Parents of Young Children (POYC) group will meet August 20th from 6-7 p.m. in the nursery on the street level of the church. POYC is a group designed for parents of young children ages three and under. Come out and pray, talk, and enjoy the company of other Christian parents while laughing over similar experiences of your little ones! If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Jackie Watkins. DID YOU KNOW... You probably already know that each month I post this newsletter, Huff's Church Chatter, on our website. And you probably also know you can find email addresses to contact certain folks with questions you may have, and that you can view photos of church events and the restoration of our church building. You might even remember reading last Spring about the new Blog. But did you know that if you miss church on Sunday, you can check the "This Week's Announcements" page for the upcoming week's schedule and read the latest announcements that were in Sunday's bulletin? And did you also know that at www.huffschurch.com you can print the forms to: Register for Vacation Bible School Submit the Annual Youth Permission form Order Altar Flowers Sponsor Bulletins Volunteer your help at Huff's Picnics Order Tools of Hope (for Father's Day) Order Blankets of Hope (for Mother's Day) Order Lilies and Tulips (for Easter) So please take a moment to visit the Huff's Church website. And remember, I am always looking for ways to improve our website and make it more useful to our congregational members and our guests. Your feedback is extremely valuable in helping me towards this continuing goal. Pamela A. Moll CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2008 The Confirmation Class presented statements to Union Council members explaining why they chose to live out their baptismal vows at Huff's and what they plan to do to stay connected to Huff's after confirmation. As part of their statement, they were asked to choose a Bible verse. The confirmands have given council permission to share these statements in the newsletter over the next few months. My Statement by Isaac Buffenmeyer I got many of my beliefs by being born into a Christian family. I became connected to Huff's Church through my parents. My mother was baptized and confirmed here. My grandma (Gloria Adams) was confirmed here. My great-grandma (Elsie Moll-Bechtel) was baptized and confirmed here at Huff's. My great-great grandparents Albert Moll & Mary Leh-Moll were both baptized and confirmed here at Huff's. I was baptized at Huff's too. I attended Sunday school, vacation bible school classes and pre-confirmation. My faith comes from the trust and confidence from learning the bible stories. I am being confirmed because I wish to be a part of the church. Also my parents want me to be confirmed. In Exodus 20:12 the Bible states, "Honor thy father and mother," which is one of the 10 Commandments. I will attend worship service as often as I possibly can. GOD IS STILL SPEAKING IN HUFF'S CHURCH ATTENDEES LIVES On the first Sunday of April, I asked those who attended worship to write down an ending to this sentence: I know God is still speaking/was still speaking in my life when... Here are some of the answers. This is the end of what was received. I know God is still speaking/was still speaking in my life when... I had difficulty taking care of my mom and Pastor Kropa said a prayer. After that I was lifted up and from then on I had strength and knowledge to care for her. I said a prayer for my kids and I got a vision of cupped hands and wings. He told me he was sending help. Five days later my dad died, but I knew he was comforting me. When I was still worried about my kids and other people, I got a vision of a plaque that said patience friend. I wake up in the morning and look out my window and see flowers and things turning green. I see the work that has to be done for the people of the world. Love, Faith and Peace. My aunt was suffering from cancer, and he took her to be with him in heaven so her suffering would end. He made me realize I'm living better than a lot of other people in this world. No one has to complain if they can get up, walk, go to work, have a roof over their head and food to nourish their bodies. I know I am blessed in many ways, if we just stop to think. I wake up every morning and thoughts of him are with me throughout the day. When I know my beloved "husband" is with him and he's safe, loved and in no pain. God is keeping him for me and that his love has gotten my family through this terrible ordeal. He gives me strength while I wait for my transplant surgery. Everyday my relationship with him grows deeper and I depend on his continuous and unconditional love. My road has been long, and it's still winding out of control, at least out of my control. He has taught me patience and tolerance throughout my 6 year and ongoing situation. I volunteer at an assisted living home and he humbles me with his truth, light and his way. He has generously placed the most wonderful human beings in my life and I know he is with me even when I may doubt and wonder why things move at his pace. God speaks daily in my life and I speak back. I feel so lucky to be one of his children. He fills me with the Holy Spirit so I can spread his word and love. THANK YOU NOTES RECEIVED From the Open Line in Pennsburg: Dear Friends, Thank you for your very generous donation of $309 to the Open Line. Your kindness will enable us to help many families in our community. Sincerely, Michele A. Connelly, Exec. Dir. From the American Cancer Society: Dear Friends, On behalf of the PA Division staff and volunteers of the American Cancer Society, I want to personally thank you for your recent gift of $400 through Daffodil Days. Sincerely, Garry Pincock, Chief Exec. Officer From Bear Creek Camp & Conference Center: "Thank You!" We just wanted you to know that we received your gift of $10. We truly appreciate your support. Pastor Bob Stover From Allentown Rescue Mission: Dear Rev. Kropa, Thank you for your gift of 8 to 10 bags of clothing. In his service, Gary F. Millspaugh, Exec. Dir. From Lutheran Campus Ministry at Kutztown University: Dear Mrs. Lorish, On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Centre at Kutztown University, I want to take this opportunity to thank Huff's Lutheran Church for its recent donation of $100. Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Dennis Ritter, Board Mem. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOOD BANK Sunday morning, June 29th, Valerie Arner and I packaged 175 items from our food bank which were delivered the same day to the Allentown Rescue Mission. It just happened that the men from the Allentown Rescue Mission sang during the 10:30 church service in the park. Therefore upon their return to the mission, everything was sent along with them and saved us an extra trip to Allentown. Our July, August & September food donations will be delivered to Friends, Inc. in Kutztown. Your donations are greatly appreciated by the agencies which serve the people in our communities. Serving Christ, Carl Arner VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL There will be a closing worship celebration for Vacation Bible School on Sunday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m. in our Park pavilion. All are encouraged to attend and to wear their VBS t-shirt. All classes will have a part in the service, whether it be singing or acting in a skit. It will be an informal service; you may dress casually. After worship, we have a shared covered dish meal, served from the refreshment stand. We provide plastic ware and drinks. Please drop off food before the service, so our Hospitality committee may have it ready after worship. There will be a practice time on Saturday, August 2, from 10- 12 noon for VBS participants in the Sunday program. This includes those in grades 2 and above. All will practice for leading worship at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, August 3, in the park. VBS teachers will be present to supervise both practices, and parents are welcome to stay. Any questions, please call our co-directors Dale Heffner or Susan Manwiller at 610-845-2626. SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL Summer Sunday school is currently in session from 9:15- 10:15 a.m. in the street level of the church. Mrs. Manwiller will be teaching all classes in a combined classroom. This summer the youth will be learning about Fruits of the Spirit. Every Sunday we will be discussing one of the following: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control, Jonah, Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom, and the Lord's Prayer. Summer Sunday school will meet every Sunday through Rally Day on September 7th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Manwiller at the office at 610-845-2626 or email youthminleader@huffschurch.com SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS' MEETING All Sunday School teachers are invited to attend the next meeting on August 24th after the 10:30 worship service in the street level of the church. We will be discussing Rally Day plans. Please plan on attending! PEOPLE AND PLACES MEMORIALS To CIF in memory of Marian M. Weller: Carl, Minerva & Suzanne Arner To CIF in honor of Ray & Dolores Funk's 50th Anniversary: Dale & Beverly Fogel Gary & Diana Fogel Patricia Funk Carl & Fern Seidt Ethel Funk Michael & Sharon Sova David Fogel Arno & Donna Miller Ernest & Joyce Kemp Betty Reed & Son Ruth Austrevich Barbara Kreiser M/M James Rohrbach M/M Todd Luft M/M Michael Austrevich M/M Nevin Wetzel M/M Karl Fenstermacher Shirley Fluck Vivian Guldin Shirley Heydt M/M Elmer Bechtel Marian Stettler M/M Curt Vasilik Doris Herman & Ray Stauffer Gary, Monica & Haydn Hallman Rodney, Cathy & Brynna Boyer Charles, Marion & Sandy Miller Larry & Theresa Kreiser To CIF in memory of Ralph C. Leh Linda & Raymond Lorish Paul C. Ritter Raymond & Eileen Koffroth Edith Leh & Family Robert & Doris Schultz Mary Szilli & Family Marvin & Audrey Diehl Milton & Mary Kerchner Jeffrey Smoyer Herbert & Claudia Hatzel Ray & Dolores Funk Pearl Hoffman & Family Robert & Lucile Jones Frank & Jean Banus Ruth & Storm Houck Jeffrey & Maryjean Sell George W. Baver Jim & Pam Meitzler Bob & Sue Stockdale Dennis & Bea Miller Charles, Marion & Sandy Miller Carl, Minerva & Suzanne Arner To CIF in memory of Millard Thomas Carl, Minerva & Suzanne Arner FUNERALS Please pray for the family and friends of Ralph C. Leh who died on June 19. WEDDINGS Congratulations to Keith & Elizabeth (Jack) Heffner who were married on June 21. Congratulations to Mitchell & Stephanie (Schmoyer) Kulp who were married on June 28. YOUTH AND CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB NEWS CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB CKC Swin Party: Tuesday, August 5th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Topton Pool. Cost is $5 for students. New to the group? Come out and join us! Questions? Call Mrs. Manwiller. The CKC will meet August 20th from 6 to 7 p.m. in the church on the street level. Anyone in grades 3-7 is invited to join us. During the hour we pray, learn, play games, and have snacks. If you have any questions call Mrs. Manwiller at the office at 610-845-2626 or email youthminleader@huffschurch.com. See you there! YOUTH GROUP There will not be a Youth Group meeting in August. Watch this spot for what will be happening in September. We will plan the 2008-2009 year then. Enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you in September. CONFIRMATION On August 17th at 9:15 a.m. there will be an acolyte/crucifer training session for any Confirmand that has not been in Christian Kids Club and would like to be an acolyte or crucifer. Please plan on meeting in the sanctuary with Pastor Kropa and Vicar Barry. Please contact the office if you are unable to attend this session so that a make up session can be scheduled. There will be a mentor training with Pastor Kropa on August 24 at 9:15 a.m. in the chapel. As a mentor, you will receive the book What Is This? which will provide questions for you and your Confirmand to answer and discuss. This will get you started, and help you stay focused during your sessions together. We will review what it means to be a mentor, do a mentoring exercise in small groups, and generally talk about the Confirmation program and answer any of your questions. SENIOR CITIZENS For August, the Seniors will meet on Thursday, August 14 at 1 p.m. The entertainment for the day will be Betty Naftzinger. Come and join in the fun. Thursday, August 28 at 12 Noon, the seniors will meet for their covered dish luncheon. LADIES AID SOCIETY COMFORTER TOPS COMPLETED The comforter tops that were made by Carolyn, Connie, Joyce, Linda, Mickey & Ruth for the Mennonite Heritage Center of Harleysville, will be completed by the Mennonite Heritage Center and then be sent to hospitals, refugee camps, orphanages in Afghanistan, Bosnic, Russia and Serbia. They will be used as blankets, shelter from the sun, a room divider, or a backpack to carry belongings. They were on display in the park at the June 29th worship service. The next meeting of the Ladies Aid will be Wednesday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. Help will be needed for the August 16 picnic. AREA NEWS SUNDAY GOSPEL BRUNCH Every 1st Sunday of the month there is a Sunday Gospel Brunch at the Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. There is live roof raising Gospel Music on the second floor. Cost is $5 music cover and $5 minimum dining charge. "Show Your Spirit" with your bulletin and everyone at your table will receive $2 off any brunch entree. Time is 1 to 4 p.m. Also every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 pm., if you turn in your Sunday bulletin at the Allentown Brew Works, everyone at your table will receive $2 off any brunch entree. 145TH ANNIVERSARY DAY & COMMUNITY FESTIVAL AT BETHANY CHILDREN'S HOME Friday, August 15, from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. (Rain or shine) is the date for the festival. Crafts, food, raffles, entertainment and a car show fill the day. For more information call 610-589-3333. Bethany's is located at 1863 Bethany Rd., Womelsdorf. PEACH LAWN FETE Wednesday, August 13 at Phoebe Home, 1925 Turner St., Allentown. Food available from 4-6:30p.m. and the Allentown Band will perform from 7 to 8 p.m. in the bandshell. This event is hosted by the Phoebe Auxiliary and the activities and volunteer departments. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT LUTHERAN HOME AT TOPTON Sunday, August 24, the Barbone Street Jazz Band will perform Dixieland, New Orleans Jazz, and Swing Music. The six member band add their individual styles to render a unique energentic and easily recognizable sound. The concert will be held rain or shine from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the grassy area beside The Children's Services building. Please remember to bring your lawn chair. FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY, INC. Family Promise invites you to join us at our first annual fundraising event "A Taste of Hope" on Tuesday, September 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the VF Designer Outlet Building, 4th floor. Sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and VF Corp. Cost is $25 donation per person by September 1. Checks should be payable to Family Promise of Berks County, Inc., 105 West Greenwich St., Reading, PA 19601. There will be Hors d'oeuvres & desserts, basket raffle drawing, silent auction, & live auction. For questions call Joan Rohrer @ 610-413-0891 or JoAnn Styer @ 610- 777-3278. |
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