~ The Voice of Consistory ~

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November, 2013 Page 3

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St. Paul’s

United Church of Christ

104 Green Street

Sellersville PA 18960

Phone:215-257-7268 Fax: 215-257-0902

Web: www.stpaulsucc.net

Staff

Rev. Patti Thomas, Pastor

Nancy Ziegenfuss, Director of Christian Education

Christopher Ziegenfuss, Choir Director

Peter Ziegenfuss, Handbell Choir Director

Nathan Gulla, Organist

James Stover, Assistant Organist

Stacey Moyer, Secretary, Newsletter Editor

Cindy Bibic, Financial Secty. Dennis Hurchalla,

Custodian

Weekly Worship ~

8 AM and 10:15 AM

Sunday School ~ 9 AM

This time last month, we were hurdling head on into a partial government shutdown. Panicked news reports, high stakes rhetoric and fiscal concerns whirled around Washington and into our communities.

While the politics that played on our TV screens and computer monitors during the budget impasse may have seemed frustrating and out of our hands, the truth is that is often the way our individual lives work.

Many of the things that affect us each day are unexpected, inconvenient and beyond our control. In trying to cope with the massive undertaking of raising a family or working a job or balancing a schedule, we are forced to decide what we can do and what we can’t as we negotiate a path forward. In doing so, we are given the opportunity to declare God as an ‘essential’ or ‘non-essential’ function in the daily operation of our lives.

When the times get tough, hectic, or uncertain we can chose to focus only on the problems and compound our troubles, or we can put our trust in God. By choosing to make prayer, reflection and acceptance of God’s plan an ‘essential’ function in our day-to-day life, we can surprisingly regain control of a chaotic world.

In our society- just like in our lives- there will always be things outside of our control, but the decision to allow God to help will always be yours.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 --

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• Sunday, November 3rd

~ Thirty-first

Sunday in Ordinary Time -Worship, 8 am and 10:15 am.

-Sunday School for all ages, 9 am.

-Theme ~ Transforming Love

-Scriptures: Isaiah 1:10-18

Luke 19:1-19

-Coffee, Cookies and Conversation.

-Daylight Savings Time ends

-Begin Ordering Poinsettias

• Sunday, November 10th

~ Thirty

second Sunday in Ordinary Time -Worship, 8 am and 10:15 am.

-Sunday School for all ages, 9 am.

-CROSSROADS, 9 am.

-Theme ~ Hold on to Faith

-Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

Luke 20:27-38

-Youth Group, 7 pm.

-Coffee, Cookies and Conversation.

• Sunday, November 17th,Thirty-third

Sunday in Ordinary Time

-Worship, 8 am and 10:15 am.

-Sunday School for all ages, 9 am.

-Thanksgiving Sunday

-Theme: Infinite Possibilities

-Scriptures: Isaiah 65:17-25/Luke 21:5-19

-Joyful Noise loose change offering.

-Coffee, Cookies and Conversation.

* * * * *

• Sunday, November 24th

, Reign of

Christ Sunday -Worship, 8 am and 10:15 am.

-Sunday School for all ages, 9 am

-Strengthen the Church Offering

-Theme ~ Together in Christ

-Scriptures: Colossians 1:11-20/Luke 23:33-43 -Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation.

* * * * *

ALL-SAINTS SUNDAY ~ a celebration of all the saints, remembering and thanking God for the lives of those who have gone before us since November of 2012. Those who have lost a loved one are invited to name and light a candle in memory of that person. Also, those children who were baptized since November of 2012 will be recognized.

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH THANK OFFERING ~ November 24 ~

Through our gifts to Strengthen the Church, we build the future of the United Church of Christ by funding The Stillspeaking Ministry, new and renewing churches, youth

and young adult ministries, and lay and pastoral leadership formation.

The God is Stillspeaking Ministry spreads the message of God’s extravagant welcome, reaching out especially to those who have felt there is no room for them within Christianity and the church ~ the excluded and alienated, the spiritually homeless, the questioning. Please give generously.

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you…As God has sent me, so I send you.”

When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

-John 20:19

Community Thanksgiving Eve Service

November 27th, 7:30 pm. to be hosted by St. Michael’s with Rev. Patti Thomas preaching,

and Rev. Jeffrey Stecz as liturgist. The combined choirs will feature selections of music.

~ Operation CHRISTMAS CHILD Samaritan’s Purse ~

It’s that time of year again ~

Shoebox brochures are now in the Narthex. Please take a brochure and fill a shoebox with those suggestions listed. These shoeboxes go to over 100 countries.

Pick up a shoebox in the Narthex or purchase a plastic box from Walmart. Walmart also has small toys like a slinky, etch-a-sketch and lots of cars, and t-shirts for one dollar. Did you know the plastic shoeboxes are used by the families to mix their dinners in for they have few utensils.

Give some child joy and a chance to learn about our Savior. Jesus said, “Give to the least of them and you give to me.”

Any questions, see Janet Dunlap.

Deadline for boxes: Before November 20th

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE . . at the Sellersville Museum and will be up the weekend of November 9th . Tags will be items and gift cards for kids and teens as well as hats, mittens, and gloves for children, teens and adults. Items can be returned to St. Paul’s (large box outside of office) by December 11, UNWRAPPED, please. Wrapping supplies – paper, gift boxes, tissue paper, tape, bows, gift tags, are also needed.

TURKEYS for FISH ~ The HOLIDAYS are near! Once again, Landis Supermarket has made arrangements

for all Pennridge FISH supporters to turn their earned rewards into grocery gift cards for the Pennridge FISH food pantry.

This holiday season our turkey program has changed to a Holiday Cash Rewards program. You will be able to earn and donate Landis GO! Cash as many as three times, up to a total of $30.

During each cash reward redemption period simply inform the cashier you would like to donate your earned GO! Cash. It's as easy as that! Landis will convert all donated GO! Cash to grocery gift cards for the Pennridge FISH

food pantry. For your first opportunity to donate, simply shop at Perkasie with your GO card between Fri. Oct. 4th and Thurs.

Oct. 24th. Earn up to $10 in GO! Cash based on your total purchases. October's GO! Cash redemption is Fri. Oct. 25th thru Sat. November 2nd.

Watch for more opportunities to earn and donate GO! Cash in November and December. Three times to earn, three times to donate! Check your receipt or www.LandisMarket.com for details.

Sorry but we cannot combine multiple 'GO Cash' earning period point donations. **November's earning period will be 11/1 - 11/21/13. Cash Redemption period will be 11/22 - 11/30/13

***Decembers earning period will be 11/29 - 12/19/13. Cash Redemption period will be 12/20 - 12/28/13

ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS!!

Order your poinsettias by filling out the form below or sign up on the bulletin board. Please post your name(s) as you would like it printed in the bulletin. Cost will be $6.00 for a beautiful flowering plant. Please pay Lucille Moore directly.

____ In Memory of ____________________________________________________ No.

____ In Honor of ______________________________________________________

No.

____ “To the Glory of God” No. ____________________________________________

Signed

Deadline to order: Sunday, November 24 Money due by Sunday, December 8.

Stewardship of the Earth “Honor and Preserve All of God’s Creation”

TAX DAY IN NOVEMBER?

Yes, now is the time to make sure energy-saving improvements to your house

and save on 2014 taxes. But they must be done before January 1st.

A new roof, water heater, furnace, boiler, heat pump, central AC, building

insulation or exterior windows and doors can allow you to claim a Non-Business

Energy Property Credit of 10% of the cost up to $500.

A home owner who adds solar equipment or geo-thermal heat pumps before

2017 can earn a Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit up to 30% of the

cost.

If you can use either of these tax credits, you’ll be saving money now and into

the future with the use of more energy efficient equipment.

~ Nancy Lyons

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, St. Paul’s walkers walked the CROP Walk. We were delighted with so many walkers ~ a good time was had by all as we spent

the afternoon walking for the hungry. We will be having a count soon, as to the final tally.

Please remember: if you sponsored a walker, please pay, and if you took a sponsor sheet, please return them to Nancy Lyons as soon as possible. All forms must be returned, used or not. !

Our Church Family

Tree Decorating Party Curb Appeal Ministry

Saturday, December 7th beginning at 4 PM Thanks to these team members for adding some new “curb appeal” to the front of our Church Decorate the Christmas tree and get into the building. Mulch and Plants: Aaron and Neil Clark Christmas Spirit! Rick Moyer, Chris Ziegenfuss and Paul and Debbie Koehler. Front and Side Red Doors and We’ll gather at the church at 4 PM. Adults can help Railing: Dennis Hurchalla and Neil Clark. with the various stages of setting up the tree and stringing the lights and beads. While the adults work, the kids can take part in some fun crafts. Once the tree is set up, we’ll take a dinner break. After dinner, the kids and adults will decorate the tree together. Bring the whole family (grandparents too!) Dinner will be provided. Please bring a dessert to share. Sign-up in the Narthex or email Nancy Ziegenfuss by December 1st.

~ St. Paul’s will be a trolley stop during Sellersville’s Winterfest this year.

~ Date is Tuesday, December 3rd ~ Back by popular demand will be hosting the Valley Steel Drum Ensemble. Watch for more information on the plans for that night as they are finalized. Don’t miss it!

Thanksgiving Baskets filled with fruit, cookies and goodies will be packed for

our sick and homebound on Saturday, November 23rd, 9 a.m. Please stop by to help

assemble the baskets so they may be distributed on Sunday, November 24th. Your

contributions of cookies or cakes would also be appreciated. You are encouraged to

take a basket with you on Sunday, November 24th and deliver it to the member so noted

on the card (address is supplied). The members enjoy the baskets along with your personal visit.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS for the month of November . . . November 3 - Tracey and Mike Molettiere November 10 - Terri Hawkins and Breanna Barndt November 17 - Dr. Pat Guth and Joan Buckley November 24 - Lori Milkowich and Jackie Kemmerer

COOKIES, COFFEE, CONVERSATION

following late church each Sunday… please sign up on the clipboard sheet in Fretz Hall.

Bring some cookies, a cold drink, and make some coffee!

“Thank you to everyone who helped to make St. Paul’s Chicken Pot Pie Dinner another success!

Many, many people were involved ~ making the noodles, cooking and pulling chicken, preparing

the dinner that day and those who helped in every way, to serve our many (over 200) guests!”

Thanks again! Pat & Buster Guth!

. . .Thank You to everyone who supported the Change for Change campaign. We collected $14.46 in our jug. This money will be sent in with the other CROP Walk money that was raised this year.

*****

. . .On behalf of the Sellersville Museum and the Sellersville Historical and Achievement

Authority, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to you for allowing us to include St. Paul’s in our “Three Historic Sellersville Churches Walking Tour,” held during the Gallery of Arts event. Also, please extend our gratitude to Neil for his assistance. ~ Marty A. Steeley

. . .Keystone Opportunity Center-During the week of October 20-27, 2013 Family Promise (formerly National Interfaith Hospitality Network) will celebrate its 25th year of providing safe congregation-based housing for families struggling with homelessness. You (St. Paul’s) are one of more than 160,000 volunteers and 6,000 congregations across the country mobilizing communities and existing resources to help homeless families regain their independence. Thank you and the congregation of St. Paul’s UCC for serving the IHN this August. This summer you shared in the lives of Cassandra, JJ, Danielle, Jackson and Daniel. You may also be interested to know that the photo included with the thank you letter is that of Keyla and James holding the keys to their own apartment! The family graduated from Keystone’s Transitional Housing program and is now happily living in Souderton. Keyla and James will be our guest speaker’s at this year’s Sleepout for Homelessness in November! Thank you for your direct impact on this families’ success. ~ Sue Zomberg.

. . .BETHANY CHILDREN’S HOME ~ The Christmas Gift Wish List for The children of Bethany will be posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex shortly. Please bring your gifts to the church office, unwrapped, by Sunday December 8th. ~ The Bethany Children’s offering will be supported on Sunday, December 1st ~ Please note that most of the children are teenagers.

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. . . ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held on Sunday, December 8th following 10:15 Worship to approve 2014 Budget and elect Consistory, Endowment Committee, Cemetery Trustees and Conference/Association delegates.

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. . . CWS CLEANUP BUCKETS AND RELIEF FUNDS ~ The 6 buckets that were filled with cleanup supplies over the summer were shipped to Church World Service in New Windsor, MD. Thanks go out to Lew Daniels of Cocker-Weber Brush Co. who donated the UPS shipping cost of $75. That allowed all $413.60 of funds donated by St. Paul’s members to also be forwarded to CWS for disaster relief. With the 6 buckets (valued at $56 each) and the cash donations, St. Paul’s was able to help others in need with just under $750! GREAT JOB!

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. . .BULLETIN and FLOWER CHARTS for 2014 will be posted the first Sunday in

December. Please sign up to sponsor a Sunday by placing your name after the date or dates you wish to sponsor. You may also sponsor the Bulletin (cost is $10) for a

Sunday. You will be contacted close to the date you sponsor. ! ! ! !

. . . TRINITY CONCERT SERIES 2013-2014 ~ Piano Recital-Nathan Gulla will be performing at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fifth and Chestnut Sts, Perkasie on Sunday, November 17th, 4:00 pm. Nathan will be performing his program from his graduation Piano Recital that was preformed at the University of Maryland, including a concerto accompanied by a piano reduction on a second piano. Come out and show Nathan some support!!

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. . .ST. PETER’S TOHICKON U.C.C. will be serving their Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner on Saturday, November 2nd from 4 – 7 pm. Special music will be provided by saxophonist, Fred Haas and the Women’s Guild will have a Bake Sale with an array of desserts. Tickets are $11/adults and $6/children (5-12), under 5 are free. Take Out $12/adults and $6/children (5-12), children under 5 are free. For further information and tickets, please call 215-257-4633. See flyer hanging in Narthex for more information as well. St. Peter’s ask that everyone please bring an item of food for the Food Pantry!

Thoughts To Ponder 2.4 Hours

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured

to you. ~ Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Many People are sticklers about tithing a tenth of their income, but tithing includes more than just our money. Sometimes, when it comes to time, we aren’t so generous in giving to the Lord. A tenth of our day is just under two and a half hours-2.4 to be exact. When we think of all the things we already cram into our day, it may seem impossible to give that much time to God. The good new is that our tithe of time doesn’t have to be spent all at once. We can give more time on weekends, if necessary. We can do a variety of things as we tithe our time to God each day: study the Bible, pray for others, call someone, send an encouraging e-mail, send a card to brighten someone’s day, fix a meal for the sick, visit the homebound, bake cookies for a neighbor, be a mentor to a young person who doesn’t have both parents, bring groceries to a needy family, take a depressed friend out for coffee, or listen to a friend unload his problems.

Once these activities become habits, we might be surprised to find that a tenth of our day just isn’t enough time to serve God. ~ submitted by Rick Moyer

Thanksgiving Eve Service

at St. Michael’s, 7:30pm.

Strengthen the Church

November 3 November 24

~ November 28

THOUGHT FOR THE

DAY

God needs our time even more than our money.