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.
UCC slogan: To Believe is to care; to care is to do.
ELCA slogan: Lutherans love life, live love.
WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends,
Peter asked Jesus, "How many times should I forgive? As
many as seven times?" (Matthew 18) Jesus told Peter not only seven
times, but seventy-seven times. Part of being Christian is learning to
forgive.
Historically the church has been blamed for creating victims,
people who are door mats because they feel they must suffer abuse as
part of the Christian life style. The New Testament is full of advice
to forgive, to love even one's enemies, etc. but the New Testament is
not about creating a culture of victims, but about liberating oneself
from harboring grudges, nurturing hopes of retaliation, etc. As
Christians, we are not called to put ourselves in harms' way, or to
remain in abusive relationships. We are called to work at letting go
of those hurts we have experienced. This is what forgiveness means.
How can we do this? We can find a quiet time of the day, and
go away to a peaceful spot. We can quiet our mind by sitting
comfortably, and allowing our breathing to slow down (take a few
slow, deep breaths). We might want to read some scripture (I John
3, I Corinthians 13, Psalm 23, Psalm 139, Philippians 1: 3-11, Psalm
10) and relax into the security and serenity of knowing we are God's
beloved. Then, we can pull out something distressing that has
happened to us. If it is too upsetting, we can put it back, and think of
something less distressing. The goal is to try to slowly work through
our feelings of hurt and pain, to see if anything good can be salvaged
from them, then to bless them and to let them go. Pray for the hurt
and pain, pray for the ache within you, pray for God to help you to
grow beyond this issue. We know we are to pray for our enemies,
and, if you can find no better words, try praying, "God, I know Jesus
has commanded me to pray for my enemies. You know who they are,
how I have been hurt, now please accept this as my prayer for them.
Do for them what is your will, and rescue me from the hurt and pain
they have caused me."
You might also find comfort in reading other Psalms, which
push the human desire for retribution (Psalm 137, Psalm 7, Psalm 64,
Psalm 69) always followed by reading what Jesus says (Matthew 5:
43-48). In this way, we move from the human desire for retribution,
to striving to do what Jesus says, which is to forgive and to leave the
final outcome of every situation up to God, who is a God of justice as
well as a God of mercy. (Ephesians 4: 25-32, Romans 12: 9-21).
Yours in the struggle to live as Christ would wish,
Pastor Jane Kropa
UNION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
For future regularly scheduled congregational meetings,
beginning with the winter meeting to approve the new year's budget,
we will have just one meeting, after the 10:30 a.m. worship service,
with a covered dish following the meeting. In this way, everyone will
hear the same presentations, the same questions, and the same
answers to these questions. People who attend worship at 8 a.m. will
be invited to return for the meeting at 11:30 or may choose to attend
the later service for that Sunday.
A sick leave policy for lay staff members is being developed.
At the May Union Council meeting, a proposal was made by
the Personnel Committee to take the former position of Director of
Children and Youth Ministries and divide it into two positions. This
decision was made after the Pastor Parish Team and Personnel
Committee met together to discern what they felt were the greatest
needs of the congregation. After reviewing a list of things that had
been done in the past by the Director of Children and Youth
Ministries and Huff's students, the two groups came up with things
which could be done by someone with pastoral training (such as
emergency spiritual discussions, working with committees, creating
small faith-building groups, and some visitation at hospitals or to shut
in's) and things that could be done by a well-organized lay person
with a background in Christian education. This second position
would be called a Disciple Builder, and would help Huff's work on
its desire to Make Disciples: both inside and out. The Disciple
Builder would help maintain our files, work with Pastor Kropa and
the Christian Education Board, Sunday School, Christian Kids Club,
Vacation Bible School, and Youth Group to help Huff's develop
ways, not just to educate, but to try to live our faith (to become ever
more faithful disciples of Christ.) As the list and position
descriptions were developed, both the synod and conference staff
were asked their input, and helped the Personnel Committee and
Pastor Parish Team reject some options, and pursue other options.
Information about these two positions was presented to the
congregation on May 17.
At June's Union Council meeting, Pastor Paul Jones was
proposed and approved as the Pastoral Support Staff person. Pastor
Jones would work for about five hours a week with Pastor Kropa to
do some of the pastoral duties that Vicar Barry and our other students
did while they were at Huff's. This position is considered by both the
conference and synod to be a contracted agreement for pastoral
services, rather than a pastoral call.
The Disciple Builder would work approximately 9 hours per
week. This position will be advertised in the synod and conference
lists of lay employment opportunities. It is felt that it would be best
if we looked for someone outside our membership to fill this position,
in order to avoid conflict between duties of membership and duties of
employment. These two positions will be funded from the already
budgeted money for the former Director of Children and Youth
position.
We are experimenting with our bulletins and newsletter to
keep them newcomer friendly but also to save paper and toner. We
welcome feedback. Please leave a note in the secretary's mailbox or
call the office at 610-845-2626.
WHAT DOES A PASTOR DO? PART 2
I've been asked to share with the congregation what a pastor
does. In order to keep these article to a manageable size, I'll spend
several months explaining what it is that I do.
In the service of installation of a Lutheran pastor, the pastor
is escorted to the baptismal font, where the pastor is reminded that
s/he has been called to baptize, teach and to forgive sins. The pastor
is then escorted to the pulpit, where s/he is reminded of the calling to
proclaim good news. Finally the pastor is escorted to the
altar/communion table where s/he is reminded of the calling to lead
worship and preside at the Holy Communion.
Last month I discussed my role in preparing for and leading
worship. This month I'd like to talk about my role as pastoral
teacher.
At Huff's, you might immediately think of my role as teacher
as what I do with the Confirmation Class, but I also teach
Confirmation parents and mentors as we spend those 1 3/4 years
together. Part of the learning that happens in Confirmation Class is
about the Bible and the church; part of the learning is that young
people can be responsible for certain duties in the congregation (being
acolytes, picnic helpers, changing the letters on the sign, etc.), how
Christians can have fun working and playing together (picnics and
oyster pie making), how to move from childhood to teenager in the
church, how parents and mentors still ask questions and continue on
their adult spiritual journeys, how to listen to a lesson or sermon, how
to behave with respect and expect to be respected, how to discipline
oneself to read a book of the Bible and answer questions, how to
work with others to pantomime Bible stories, etc. If all goes
according to plan, Confirmands' greatest learning is that they are
cherished by our congregation as fellow disciples of Jesus Christ.
I teach through sermons, and in any gathering or conversation
where people can ask me questions. I periodically offer a more
extended learning experience in part-day retreats. Here we learn not
only something about the Bible, but how one might try various
spiritual disciplines and practices. I teach evangelism and welcoming
behavior as well as modern theories on meaningful worship when I
work with the Worship and Music Committee. I teach disciple
building when I work with the Christian Education Board. In most
groups, I play a teaching role, including how one might organize a
committee, how one might publicize an event, how one works toward
consensus, etc. I teach when I write articles such as these. Teaching
excites me because I don't see it as "fact packing" but more as being
a tour guide to wonderful new places let's explore this idea together;
have you ever thought of doing this; what happens if you do this, etc.
To be a relevant teacher means keeping in touch with popular
culture as well as up-to-date theories in my field: making disciples.
I take yearly continuing education classes and participate in seminars;
I attend pastors' gatherings where we are taught new approaches and
interpretations. I then share what I have learned with you. If I don't
know an answer to something you ask, I'll research it and get back to
you. I must admit to you that, when I began seminary, I was so
frightened of public speaking, I almost changed my major from
pastoral ministry to Christian education. I knew then how much I
loved to teach. As I reflect on my twenty-three and one-half years
of ordained ministry, I feel I have had many teaching experiences in
pastoral ministry, and am glad I continued with pastoral studies.
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
7/2 - Erwin Boyer
7/4 - Dorothy Kemp
7/7 - Eleanor Romig
7/12 - Harold Kline
7/18 - Herman Weller
7/27 - Grace Boyer
7/31 - Earl Heffner
ANNIVERSARIES
7/20 - Wilson & Katie Danner
NURSERY NEWS
July Schedule
7/5 - Mike Chappell & Pam Anthony
7/12 - Taylor & Andrea Walters
7/19 - Rose & Liz Kline
7/26 - Eve & Adele Kropa-Smart
NOTE: 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
Welch if you cannot get a substitute. Thank you for volunteering.
FINANCIAL REPORTING IN 2009
Year to Date Ending May 31, 2009
Church Checking Budget
Beginning Balance 1/1/2009 $24,905.31
Total Income $133,023.48 $141,583.25
Minus Trf. From Investments 00
Minus Total Expenses -132,400.88
Balance $25,527.91
Please remember that summer is usually a low giving season. We
appreciate your continued giving during this time.
CIF Loan as of May 31, 2009
Huff's Union Church
Organizations
Beginning Balance 1/1/2009 $188,502.12
Interest Paid - YTD 2009 $1,740.82
Repayments on Principle $8,259.18
Forgive Debt - Park Board $10,000.00
Remaining Balance $170,242.94
STATEMENTS TO BE MAILED IN JULY
A January thru June giving statement will be mailed to all
members in July. We will do this twice this year so that you can
check your giving and make sure that our records are correct. Expect
to receive your statement by August 1. If you do not receive your
statement by this time or if there is a mistake, please call Robin Diehl.
SPECIAL OFFERING OPPORTUNITY FOR JULY
We do not have a special denominational offering for July, so
we ask that you give that extra offering to our congregation's current
expense fund. Through May, our expenses were just a little bit lower
than our offerings. Another need is our Local Needy Fund.
SPONSORS OF GERANIUM PLANTS FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY
Shirley Fluck; Sharon & Lee Hess; Crystal Hess; Mickey
Jones; Harry & Pat Crossley; Debbie Asquino; Ann & Bob Taylor;
Martin & Kay Kriebel; Marvin & Audrey Diehl; Gary Moll; Evan &
Melissa Hess; Carl, Minerva, Suzanne & Robert Arner; Rachel
Woodhead; LeRoy & Ruth Leibensperger; Pearl Hoffman; Dolores
Funk; Pat Zentner; Robin Diehl; Joe & Connie Szilli; Charles &
Carol Zwoyer; Melvin & Norma Greiss; Ernest & Joyce Kemp; Pam
& Jim Meitzler; Sheri DeMarco; John & Jane Leeser; James Garber;
Barry & Carol Spatz. We wish to extend many thanks to these
individuals for their generosity in supporting the donation of the
geraniums for decoration of our sanctuary and the exterior of our
church property.
Thanks to the following individuals for their time and talent
who planted the 75 plants around the church, chapel and schoolhouse:
Raymond & Linda Lorish; Bea & Dennis Miller; Ray & Dolores
Funk; Barbara Kreiser and Shirley Fluck.
May the beauty of God's creation, be an image of the presence
of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
STAFF VACATION TIME
Mary Ann Walter, church secretary, will be on vacation from
July 20 through July 24. If you need to speak to someone during our
secretary's vacation, first call the church office, then the pastor's
home office at 610-944-5923.
HUFF'S BLOG HAS MOVED
After receiving an announcement about the discontinuation of
our current blog server, it was necessary for me to move the Huff's
Church blog to another location. All the old posts have been moved
and restored. The button link to the blog on the Huff's Church home
page has been updated to point to the new site. However if you have
a bookmark to the old blog, it will need to be updated to:
http://huffschurch.wordpress.com
Thanks and sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Pam A. Moll
HUFF'S CHURCH PICNIC
The Ladies Aid will have their annual picnic on Saturday, July
25 from 4 to 9 p.m. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m., weather
permitting, and it will be The Majestics & Lester Miller and
Druvvelmacher Schusslers. Food will be available after 4 p.m., rain
or shine, and there will be a bake sale also.
Help is needed. Preparations start on Thursday evening, July
23 at 6 p.m. Friday, July 24 the baking starts at 7 a.m. and on
Saturday, July 25, preparation continues at 7 a.m. There is always
help needed for the evening, especially cleaning up. Call Joyce
Kemp.
BLOODMOBILE
The Bloodmobile will be here on Monday, July 13 from 1 to
6 p.m. During the summer the blood supply drops to a critical level
and there is a greater need. Please tell your neighbors, friends, co-
workers, etc. about this blood drive. Walkins are always welcome,
but you can also make an appointment for a certain time.
CLAMBAKE
Date: July 11, 2009
Time: 5 p.m.
Event: Clambake
Place: Huff's Church Park - rain or shine
Cost is $14.00 and tickets must be purchased by July 5. No extra
bakes will be made. Menu includes white or dark meat chicken, 1
dozen clams, potato, corn on the cob, carrot pepper cabbage, beverage
and dessert. Additional 1 dozen clams cost $5. Additional 1 dozen
steamed shrimp cost $4. Hamburgers will be available for anyone
who does not want the Clambake. Contact any Capital Improvement
Fund Raising Committee member or call Pat Crossley.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate the completion of pre-communion classes by the
following children:
Kyle Arner, son of Colleen & David Arner
Eric & Glenn Boyer, Jr., sons of Judy & Glenn Boyer, Sr.
Tileen & Jimmy Meitzler, children of Laura & Jimmy
Meitzler, Jr.
Gabrielle Walters, daughter of Andrea & Tom Walters
They will now be participating in the sacrament of Holy Communion
as a part of our congregation.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GATHERING
There will be a Christian Education gathering on Thursday,
July 9 at 7 p.m. on the street level of church. Anyone interested in
discussing, learning, and praying about how the Church invites,
welcomes, and supports faith development for all age groups is
encouraged to be part of this brainstorming session. Pastor Kropa
will guide and moderate our discussion. There is a short article we
ask those attending to read before the session. Please contact Joanne
Benfield or Pastor Kropa if you would like to be part of this evening
so we can get the article to you, or if you have any questions.
250TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE NEWS
The 250th anniversary Committee met for the first time on
June 3rd. Four people attended, and it is hoped that more will become
involved in the future. The next meeting will be on Thursday, July
9th at 7 p.m. in the church. There are lots of possible special activities
that can be planned for next year, but your help is needed! Even a
small contribution of time will be appreciated.
If you have any ideas, photos, or church-related paraphernalia,
please bring them along to the meeting. Email tess31457@aol.com
if you want to help but can't attend the next meeting. Sincerely,
Tess Woloszanski, Chairperson
MISSIONARY VISITOR
Huff's congregation hosted Martha Mensendiek, missionary
from Japan, on May 19, 2009. Martha was a very engaging speaker,
who has ties to Eastern Pennsylvania. We have her presentation on
tape for anyone who would like to view it; please see Pastor Kropa.
Her farewell letter is printed below:
Thank you, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, for inviting
and hosting me during the months of April and May! Through your
warm welcome and hospitality, and your faithful witness to the Good
News in your communities and beyond, my own faith and passion for
the church and its mission were deepened! I enjoyed getting to know
you and your congregations, to see the beauty of your churches, and
to share in the fellowship of Christian community in this beautiful
part of God's world! I am grateful to the Conference staff who
coordinated my schedule, to Ann Few for accommodating me in her
home, to the many people who helped with transportation to and from
churches, for the delicious meals prepared, and for sharing so much
with me. Thank you too for your interest in hearing about Japan and
about our partnership with the Christian church in Asia.
Please pray for me as I return to another term as missionary
in Kyoto, Japan. Pray for the Bazaar Caf‚, (our coffee house
ministry) so that we will continue to be a welcoming place for all, a
place to share God's love with those on the margins of society. And
I would appreciate your prayers as I take on new challenges at
Doshisha University. I plan to work on addressing the problem of
date rape and other forms of sexual violence on campus, which so far
has been ignored. Finally, please keep the ecumenical peace
movement in your prayers, in its work to preserve and promote
Japan's peace constitution, and to support non-violent solutions to
world conflicts.
May God continue to bless your churches and your
communities!
In Christ's Peace, Martha Mensendiek
NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD ASSEMBLY
Our delegates this year were Paul Ritter, Linda Lorish and
Pastor Kropa with Vicar Barry attending as a visitor. We will
publicize the summary of the NEPS synod assembly when it is
forwarded to us in the NEPS mailing.
PA DUTCH DINNER THEATER
Tickets are now on sale for the PA Dutch Dinner Theater to
be held Saturday, September 12. They will be for sale at the picnics
or you can call Carl Arner. Meal tickets are $11.00
and the meals are served at 1 & 5 p.m. Only 100 meal tickets will be
sold at each seating. Program tickets are $5.00 and the shows are at
2:15 & 6:15 p.m.
Dutch players - Practice every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the
Chapel beginning on July 9th.
HYMN REQUESTS
If you would like to request favorite hymns, please use the
tear off strip on July's bulletins. List the title, hymnal and hymn
number for each hymn. Place the strip in the offering plate. Please
remember hymns are chosen to fit the season and theme of the day,
so a requested hymn may not be sung until it fits this criteria.
BUILDING DISCIPLES
Huff's motto is Building Disciples: Inside & Out. One of the
ways to be a better disciple of Jesus, is to learn more about the Bible.
The confirmation class is reading the Book of Acts over the summer
months. If you would like to read along and have a copy of their
worksheet, please contact Pastor Kropa. You are welcome to attend
class on September 13 at 9:15 a.m. with the confirmands as we talk
about Acts.
The worksheets are meant to accompany the New Revised
Standard Version of Acts. If you need a copy of this version of the
Bible, we have some for sale at cost at the rear of the Sanctuary. Cost
is $10 for hard cover and $6 for soft cover.
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.
Why I wish to live out my Baptismal Vows at Huff's Union Church
by Stephanie Renninger
Religion is an important part of my life. In my family, it is
our belief that being baptized and confirmed are essential stages in
growing up. Galations 5:25 - "If we live by the spirit, let us also be
guided by the spirit." Confirmation class with Pastor Kropa has
taught me the teachings of the Bible, being involved with the church
makes me feel closer to God, and how I can become a better Christian
in my everyday life. Throughout my life, I have attended Sunday
school, Vacation Bible School, I was in the church choir, and I attend
church services, and attend and help at church activities. As I got
older, I looked forward to confirmation, taking communion, and
becoming a part of the Huff's Church family.
Confirmation class at Huff's Union Church has also given me
a better understanding of communion and what a sacred and spiritual
ceremony communion is. Being confirmed would help me feel closer
to God and when I am in need of help, that he will guide me in the
right direction. Having gone through two years of Confirmation class
has made me feel more comfortable and more accepted at Huff's
Church because I now have a better understanding of my religion and
my church.
When my parents, Melody & Scott moved to Brandywine
Heights School District from Allentown and Emmaus, they were
searching for a new church to bring my family to. I remember them
saying that when they came to Huff's for the first time they just knew
that it was their new church. The people at Huff's welcomed them
and made them feel like they belonged there. Everyone was so
genuinely friendly and helpful. From that day, Huff's is still a
friendly environment. The Bible verse I chose is located in the New
Revised Standard Version, Galatians 6:10 - "So then, whenever we
have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for
those of the family of faith."
Huff's Union Church is another place, where I consider home,
where everyone believes in God, and everyone considers each other
family. There are plenty of reasons how I will stay involved after I
am confirmed. I enjoy helping at the picnics, helping in the nursery
and being involved with youth events. One of my personal favorites
is being a lector, reading passages from the Bible. I love speaking in
the sanctuary of God, it makes me feel happy and peaceful inside and
I enjoy being involved with my church. I would be honored to be a
member of Huff's Church Christian family.
THANK YOU NOTES RECEIVED
From Stamps for a Living & Deaf/REACH
Thanks for the philatelic material you sent May 14. We are
very pleased that you thought of us and are willing to take the time to
collect and send it. Thank you for your continuing support.
Sincerely, June Heinz, Stamp Collection Volunteer
From St. Vincent Mission, Inc.
Dear Friends,
We appreciate our partnership with Huff's Church so very
much. We received your check for $2,288.65 this week. Thank you.
Eastern Kentucky was badly flooded this past Friday, May 8
and Saturday, May 9. We praise God that there wasn't any loss of
life in Floyd County although there has been wide-spread devastation
from wind, high water, mud and rock slides. Because 26% of the
population lives at or below the federal poverty line, few families
living in the flood plain are able to afford flood insurance.
St. Vincent Mission, Inc. Was honored as Kentucky's
Nonprofit Organization of the year. In 2008, they distributed 43,110
meals and also 143 families received emergency assistance funds, six
students received scholarships, 55 young people benefited from
Vacation Bible School and art classes, 342 individuals received
Christmas gifts, three students earned their GEDs, and 35 homes were
repaired through the efforts of staff, volunteers and donors of St.
Vincent Mission. For more information about St. Vincent Mission,
visit http://www.stvincentmission.org
Blessings, Sr. Kathleen Weigand, OSB, Director
From Ontelaunee Region, Antique Automobile Club of America:
Dear Carl,
Thank you for talking to our group today. We found the
history of the church and the surrounding area very informative.
Many of our members can truly relate to a lot of the things you talked
about. I guess you could tell by all the questions they asked that they
were very interested.
Thank you so much for helping to make our antique car tour
a success.
Yours truly, Susan Manwiller, President
PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
The Parents of Young Children, a Huff's Church support and
play group for parents with children of ages 4 and under (children and
either or both parents are invited to attend) will be meeting at 6 p.m.
on July 8 (call Kerri Longacre for directions) and on July 24 (call Brooke
Ruch for directions). Questions? Contact the group's convener,
Jackie Watkins by email watkins054@dejazzd.com
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
RUMMAGE SALE
Thanks to everyone who participated and volunteered for our
Rummage Sale and Chinese Auction. Our estimated profit is
$1,538.53.
Thank you to Dianne Styer for being chairperson of the
Rummage Sale; and for all who donated items, set up and/or packed
up leftover items and to everyone who bought items this year. A
special thank you to Carl & Minerva Arner for manning the kitchen
and all the hours of volunteering. Without everyone's efforts, this
Sunday School project would not be possible. THANK YOU!
Chinese Auction Winners:
1. Tupperware Kit - H.K. Mest
2. Foose Patriotic Cookie Cutters - Diana Pilgert
3. Foose Baby Shower Cookie Cutters - Diana Pilgert
4. Foose Fireman Cookie Cutters - Diana Pilgert
5. Crocheted Baby Afghan - Diana Pilgert
6. Foose Dad's Tools Cookie Cutters - Steph Woloszanski
7. Esterly's Sandwich Shop $10 Gift Certificate - Dolores Heffner
8. Radcliffe's $20 Gift Certificate - Shirley Fluck
9. Reading Phillies Tickets - Deborah Schott
10. Dolly's Large Learning Game - Ryan Ruth
11. Dolly's Small Learning Game - Pearl Hoffman
12. Weis Market $10 Gift Certificate - William Fisher
13. Holly Pilgert Avon Gift Set - Rachel Ruth
14. Lorish Mower Shop Supplies - Sue Stockdale
15. Tony's Free Pizza Gift Certificate - Dianne Styer
16. Minerva's Lap Quilt - Marie Bower
17. Market Caf‚ $25 Gift Certificate - Ruth Leibensperger
18. Cat Care Basket - Deborah Schott
19. Dog Care Basket - Tom Mitchell
20. Horse Care/Activity Set - Mary Szilli
21. Natural Personal Care Basket - Madison Heffner
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
You do not want to miss summer adventure at Discovery
Canyon. July 27-31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., come and explore the
wonders and excitement of God's creation. Five key words echo
throughout our canyon adventures: rejoice as a family of God; pray
in thanksgiving of God's great creation; ask for guidance and
strength, seeking God's help and safety; tell the good news of God's
glory; seek the presence of God in our daily lives. Join us for
inspirational Bible stories, the wonders of God's creation through
science projects, echoes of music that rocks and crafts filled with
color and beauty. The adventures will be offered for preschool
through adult. Registration forms are available in the lower level of
the church at the VBS display. Questions contact Dale Heffner or
Vicar Barry.
ROCKING CHAIR NEEDED
The nursery is in need of a rocking chair. The previous
rocking chair has been repaired numerous times and needs to be
replaced. If you have a rocking chair in good condition to be used in
the nursery or are willing to donate funds for a new rocking chair,
please contact Lea Kline.
YOUTH AND CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB
YOUTH GROUP
The Youth group trip to Dorney Park has been moved from
July to August 1st from Noon until 9 p.m. A sign up sheet will be
posted in July. Questions? Call Jeremy Force at 484-547-7730 or
email force@menschmill.org
CONFIRMATION
Please work on reading the book of Acts and filling out the
worksheet (due September 13, 2009). Please be sure you have all
missing sessions made up. Work toward 7 participation credits by
April 2010. One picnic shift earns 1 credit. 8 sermon reports were
due for year one. Questions? Call Pastor Kropa at 610-944-5923 or
email krosmart@enter.net
CHURCH FAMILY
MEMORIALS
To CIF in memory of Edna M. Schmoyer
Steve & Debra Reinhard
To CIF in memory of Philip S. Greger
Harold Bower
To CIF in memory of Arthur J. Moll
Bob & Sue Stockdale
To CIF in memory of Clarence J. Leibensperger
Nancy Peters & Walter Adams
Matthew, Tina, Garrett & Kaitlyn Peters
Earl & Lorraine Greiss Raymond & Linda Lorish
Melvin & Norma Greiss Lisa & Danie Fricker
Wm. D. J. Greiss Pearl Hoffman
Stanley W. Steltz Ruth & LeRoy Leibensperger
Marvin & Audrey Diehl Carl & Minerva Arner
Betty C. Yeager
FUNERALS
Please pray for the family and friends of Clarence J.
Leibensperger, Jr. who died on May 19.
Please pray for the family and friends of Alice M. Danner who
died on May 19.
WEDDING
Congratulations to Matthew & Karen (Irwin) Sheetz who
were married on May 23.
GRADUATES
We honored our graduates on June 14 at the church services.
Below we have printed something about each of the graduates that we
honored:
John Brensinger, son of Steven & Diane, graduated from
Brandywine Heights High School. John will be attending Penn State
Hazelton in the fall for a Criminal Justice Degree. He will be
participating in the Air Force ROTC program.
Jocelyn Adele Kropa-Smart, daughter of Pastors Kerry
Smart & Jane Kropa, graduated from Fleetwood Area High School.
Adele will attend Alvernia University in the fall to study
Occupational Therapy. She received the Fleetwood Area High
School Class of 1994 award.
Sean McFarland, son of Jeffrey & Ann Maria, graduated
Summa Cum Laude from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a
B.S. in Molecular Biology and minors in mathematics, chemistry, and
nanotechnology. Sean will begin graduate studies at the University
of California Berkeley campus this fall in pursuit of a Ph.D. in
Bioengineering.
Christopher J. Schmoyer, son of Donald & Linda, graduated
from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in History, minors in
Biology and BioScience. Christopher's future plans are for Graduate
School in BioScience.
Krista Thomas, daughter of Kevin & Diane, graduated from
DeSales University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Krista
will be working at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest on the
medical surgical floor. She will be furthering her education after one
year. She plans to get a Masters Degree to become a Nurse
Practioner.
Jennifer Weaver, wife of Scott and daughter of Joan
Gouldner, graduated from DeSales University with a Masters Degree.
SENIOR CITIZENS
The Senior Citizens will meet on Thursday, July 9 at 1 p.m.
They will play bingo that day.
Thursday, July 23 at 12 Noon is their Picnic in the Park.
Entertainment for that day will be Mike Hertzog.
LADIES AID SOCIETY
The Ladies Aid will meet on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.
in the Chapel.
The Ladies are looking for help for their picnic to be held on
Saturday, July 25 from 4 to 9 p.m. See Linda Lorish or Joyce Kemp
if you are willing to help.
