The Messenger

November 2015

First Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

442 Hummel Ave,

Lemoyne, PA 17043

717-763-4537

www.lemoynedisciples.org

Church Office Hours:

MWF 9:00 am—2:00 pm

Out of the Blue & 2 Events

Search Committee & Prosperity Center 3

Prosperity Center (cont), Church News & MIYP 4

Girl Scouts 5

Outreach/Thank You’s 6

Scheduling, Prayers & Outreach 7 Finances, Mark Your Calendar & Fundraising 8

Calendar 9

Giving Basket 10

Inside This Issue

Pastor: Linda J. Springer

Organist: Mary E. Snyder

Administrative Assistant: Jessica Spicher

Basket Raffle 2015 Saturday, November 14 11 AM—1 PM, Fellowship Hall In years passed, we have had a spaghetti dinner in conjunction with our basket raffle. However, we have decided to change things up this year and do only a basket raffle and some lunch foods. We are still looking for donations for baskets valuing between $25-$40 in value. Additionally we are also interested in keeping our costs down and profits up. Some of these items include: hot dogs, pork for pulled pork sandwiches, hamburger for sloppy joes, small bags of chips, cans of soda (any kind), baked goods for the bake sale, and volunteers to help on the day of the raffle. We need at least 2 people to sell tickets at the door and one to handle money in the kitchen. Girl Scouts cannot handle money for the Church.

Additionally, there are 3 other ways for you to help:

1. Take a solicitation letter, found on the welcome table to stores to ask for donations. If you receive a donation, please send a thank you letter on behalf of the church.

2. Create your own themed basket. Pick your own theme!

3. Sell advance tickets to the events. Cost is $6/ticket which includes: hot dog, chips, a beverage, 5 raffle tickets and a door prize ticket.

* You may also purchase additional raffle tickets for 2 for $1 * If you bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the M28 Food Pantry, you will be entered for an extra chance to win the door prize!

Proceeds benefits the Ministries of First Christian Church, the Girl Scouts and the West Shore Community Prosperity Center. This is one of our biggest fundraisers, so please invite your friends and families for some good food, fun, fellowship and great prizes!

Poinsettia Orders 2015

As is our tradition, for Christmas, First Christian Church will decorate its sanctuary with Poinsettias. If you would like to participate by ordering Poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones and friends, please see the pdf form (that was attached to this email, in November bulletins or on the Church website) to make your selection, attach your payment, drop in the offering plate or mail to the Church office. Orders will be taken through Monday, November 30, 2015. Orders will be place through Royer’s Flowers and Gifts. You will have a choice between Red, White and Jingle Bell (all 5-6 blooms). The cost is $8.95 per plant. Delivery will be December 20th and will be available for you to pick up on Christmas Eve or the following Sunday. Please call the Church office with questions.

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Out of the Blue/Events

Out of the Blue

The other Sunday I was sitting in the sanctuary before Worship. The serenity and quietness was overwhelming but welcoming. As I sat there, I looked at all the empty pews and I asked myself, "What if

those pews could talk?"

They have been there for many decades and have seen and heard much.

If they could talk, they would tell us of our forefathers who built the communion table, the pulpit and the chairs with their talented hands. This is what people did in those days. They didn't go out and shop. They made what they could. We thank them for the legacy they left to us.

The pews could tell us of all the beautiful music we have heard from the choir loft and the organ. For many years the choir loft was packed. There have also been cherub choirs and the bell choir. Music has always been an important part of our heritage.

Think of how many have been baptized in our baptistry! They would tell of the many beautiful weddings and the simple weddings that have taken place. They could tell us how full they were when there was a funeral.

Many chuckles, tears and smiles have taken place in those pews. Many prayers have been raised up.

If only those pews could talk! Think of your experiences in the pews and then give God thanks.

Journeying along with memories,

Linda

Mat Making Workshop November 22, 12-3 PM

We will continue to hold the Mat Making Workshops on the 4th Sunday of each month after Worship in the Fellowship Hall to benefit homeless men and women in our area. We will be approaching fall and winter months and want to help those less fortunate. Since we will be gathering during lunch time, we are asking you to bring a dish to share for a pot luck lunch. We appreciate your time and effort you put into this Outreach Ministry.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

November 22, 2014

Following Worship

We will discuss several topics:

It will allow Members to vote on the

proposed 2016 budget

We will vote on the 2016 board Members

We will review the General Board Members

and discuss additions or removals.

Other topics as needed.

Community Thanksgiving Eve

Worship Service Wednesday

November 25, 7PM

The Annual Community Thanksgiving service will

be held here at First Christian Church on

Wednesday, November 25 at 7 p.m. A Harvest

Dessert Social will follow the Worship service in

the fellowship hall. Let us gather as a community

to give God thanks! If you would like to help,

please bring a dessert to share!

Psalm 107:1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! “

Happy Thanksgiving!

Advent Devotionals We will be following an

Advent Devotional this year, please find more

information in upcoming Happenings and

bulletins.

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Search Committee Update/Prosperity Center/Upcoming Events

Search Committee Update

The Finance Committee and Church Board have approved the motion to hire Minister Delores Neal as our Part Time Interim Senior Minister. The Congregation will vote on November 1st and with a positive vote she will begin working on November 2nd. At this time, the Search Committee will stay active and work with Delores to assure an easy transition and help where and when needed towards her ordination.

West Shore Prosperity Center, What is it and how is it connected to First Christian Church?

Just over 2 years ago, First Christian Church was asked to help those in our community by providing some services to them. The Church Board, at that time, voted to form the West Shore Prosperity Center with the help of the United Way, Family Promise and other local not for profits organizations. The Prosperity Center is organized by volunteers of First Christian Church and is one of our many outreach activities. It is NOT a separate entity, but a part of our whole.

As the West Shore Prosperity Center, First Christian Church has been able to provide many services to the community and will be providing more in the future.

The services we are currently providing include:

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is where we provide free income tax preparation for the elderly and low income in our community.

A FREE computer lab containing 4 laptops and a printer. This allows members of our community who do not have access to the internet to apply for jobs, benefits, read email, and do school work.

Financial and budgeting classes

We will be offering help and support by trained volunteers to help people navigate the insurance market place and understand medical insurance. (We have already been approved by the Federal Government and completed training on 9/22/15)

We will be offering help and support to fill out SNAP and Childcare Network applications once we have met all the state training requirements. We have 2 people currently working with the state’s COMPASS system to do that.

We will be adding a Tuesday night homework and social time for the elementary, middle and high school age community children to attend once all the paperwork is finalized and approval from Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA and Agora Cyber Charter School

Services we hope to provide in the future include:

It is our hope to expand this coming year and offer resume' and interview training assistance for those looking for work.

We have also been in touch with Dress for Success and would like to form a relationship with them so that we can help to offer proper clothing for individuals moving into the workforce.

Cooking nutritiously on a budget!

Finalize a relationship with a support group for Survivors of Suicide and offer at least one support group here.

Finalize relationships with other LOCAL not for profits and work together to improve our community by offering support services that are needed.

Our Prosperity Center is reliant on YOU to help us meet the needs of those in our community. We are always looking for volunteers to help as tutors, meal preparers, lend a listening ear or even mentor those interested in learning more about Christ. Please consider giving some of your time to this great service our Church is able to provide through the United Way.

Upcoming Opportunities

The Christmas season is quickly approaching! It takes months to plan for a huge event, and Christmas is one of the most important events of the year! This year we will be busy sharing Christ’s love...so we need to start early! We will begin dec-orating for Christmas at 9 AM on Saturday, Novem-ber 28th and ending around 11:30 AM. Whatever we do not complete will be finished on Sunday. Please join us!

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Prosperity Center (cont)/MIYP/Stewardship Update

We are offering THREE ways to SHARE the Christmas Spirit!

New Hope Ministries Christmas Blessing Express—Giving Tree We will be collecting, during November, the following NEW items and donating them to New Hope Ministries unwrapped: Mr. Potato Head, Baby dolls, Curling or flat irons, Legos, Crockpots, Belts, Board games, Watches, Soccer balls and Footballs . These donations are due by Novem-ber 29th!

New Pew Bibles for First Christian Church-Beginning November 15th and extending until December 27th, you will have the opportunity to purchase a Pew Bible “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” a loved one or friend. This is also a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ! Look for order forms soon! Prices range between $10-$15 per bible. (See attached form)

Providing Christmas dinner and a few gifts to ONE family in the Lemoyne area. As we get closer to the time, more details will be outlined. These donations will begin November 29th and extend till December 20th. The items will be delivered by Members of the Church who will take communion with them to offer to the family.

Highlights from 2014 MIYP Tax Year

15 sites in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties along with partnerships in Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

230 Volunteers

5, 246 federal returns were filed through the MIYP program

$5.2 Million return to our community

$1, 236 = average refund

6% is the average increase in household income with refund

$834,114 saved in tax preparation fees (based on average cost of $159 per return)

To Volunteer:

No experience is necessary!

You will learn a valuable skill. You will receive IRS tax training and certification which can help volunteers in both their personal and professional lives.

Make a BIG Impact—You can help a family receive thousands of dollars in Earned Income Credits and Child Tax Credits while helping them avoid high preparation or filing fees.

Flexible enough for ANY schedule—Volunteer days, nights or weekends at one of 15 tax prep sites throughout the midstate.

You can also serve as a greeter, screener or translator

Volunteer Information Sessions

Monday, November 2; 6-8 PM, Widener University Commonwealth Law School 3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg

Tuesday, November 10, 6-8; Goodwill Keystone Area 1150 Goodwill Drive, Harrisburg

Thursday, November 12, 4-6; Northern Dauphin Human Services Center 295 State Street, Elizabethville

Sign up by contacting Jennifer Hilt at jhilt@uwcr.org or by calling 717-724-4068.

The United Way is in dire need of volunteers this year. Even if you are unable to help, but you know someone that may be interested in helping, please pass this information along We are trying to recruit for all aspects of the program. Thank you!

Stewardship What is it? Biblical stewardship does not require that a Christian despise money or to discontinue earning it. Money is a necessity for basic living. The Bible does warn, however, that the love of money creates evil (1 Timothy 6:10). It is important not to allow money to become the center of one's life. When money is not the object of one's love and devotion, one is free to focus on higher things. Good stewardship encourages a Christian to find true value in life. If money does not offer much to life, what does? The Bible states, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf" (Proverbs 11:28). The righteous, not the rich, thrive. But how do the righteous thrive without riches? They thrive because they understand and possess what holds a higher value.

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Girl Scouts

Thanksgiving Pie Sale Benefitting First Christian Church, Great for Thanksgiving!

Orders are due by November 20th at 8PM.

Order forms may be given to Diana Onstott or mailed to her at 640 Rupley Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011, or left in the offering plate on Sunday mornings.

Checks should be made payable to: First Christian Church.

Payment is due when pies are ordered!

Pick up is Tuesday, November 24th at 6:30 pm at First Christian Church.

Order forms can be found on the welcome table or on the Church website.

Pie Choices: Chocolate Pie—$5.50

Pumpkin Pie—$5.50

Apple Pie—$6.50

Homemade and Delicious!!!

Estimated profit per pie is $3.00 for First Christian Church! Take some time off your hands with all the Thanksgiving preparations and order a wonderful and tasty pie to share with your family and friends, all while benefitting First Christian Church!

First Christian Church & the Girl Scouts are collecting a wide variety of

items!

1. Plastic grocery store bags (both)

2. Old wax candles or just old canning wax (Girl Scouts)

3. Old, empty ink cartridges (FCC)

4. Used Clothing (both)

5. Aluminum pie tins (Girl Scouts)

6. Flour (Girl Scouts and FCC)

7. Canned pumpkin (Girl Scouts and FCC)

8. Eggs (Girl Scouts and FCC)

9. Apples—fresh not canned (FCC and Girl Scouts)

10. Jello chocolate pudding mix, the kind you cook! (FCC and Girl Scouts)

11. Sugar (FCC and Girl Scouts)

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West Shore Prosperity Center: Financial Improvement Classes

Family Promise, Family Support of Central PA, First Christian Church and United Way are partners! FREE Financial Improvement Classes are offered at First Christian Church, Lemoyne, during the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM– 11:30 AM. These programs offer help & educational information designed to help people live healthier lives. Everyone is invited! Come to one session, or join us for them all! All classes are held on the 2nd floor, parlor.

FREE childcare is provided during the group sessions! For more information, call (717) 763-4537 or e-mail: lemoynedisciples@gmail.com

Upcoming Classes

November 14 “To Your Credit, Part I”

Outreach Ministries Reaching out...Partnering with others….To serve our community

Girl Scout Corner!

Activities and events we have

participated in the past

month:

We helped make the First Christian Church

Yard Sale a success.

We have been working to put together our

baskets for the basket raffle, to be held

November 14th.

We are in the middle of the Nut and Magazine

sale, so if you are interested, please see one of

Kelly Manning’s daughters, Doria Onstott or

Barb Plaza’s daughters.

We have begun collecting clothes for the Good

Will clothing drive.

We will be making at least 50 pies for Bethesda

Mission for Thanksgiving.

Some of our girls have volunteered at the Five

Loaves Food bank.

We volunteered for the Wormleysburg

Founder’s day.

We held our weekly meetings and our

investiture service and have been working on

the mats for the homeless!

Thank you for your continued support in the Girl

Scouts!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Jessica is collecting birthdays of all Members and regular attendees. The list she has needs to be updated. If you do not see your birthday listed accurately in the weekly or month-ly newsletters, please contact her by calling the Church Office during office hours or via email at: lemoynediscples@gmail.com. Thank you for your help!

Thank you!!!…from the M28 food pantry, who

works with poor families in drug and alcohol transition programs and underprivileged single parent families and children. As an emergency food pantry, over the last month the food pantry has served over 55 people who are mostly single parents and children. Thank you for your generous donations. Please consider donating throughout the holiday season! Thank you!

Annual Reports: Jessica will be emailing

blank forms to be completed by each chair for the

committee or area in which they are responsible for

by November 9th. Please fill out and return to

Jessica at lemoynedisciples@gmail.com no later

than December 7th. The annual reports will then

be produced and made available to the

congregation on Sunday, December 13th. These

reports will be located on the Welcome Table for

you to pick up and review. Thank you!

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Scheduling/Prayers/Outreach (cont.)

November Serving Schedule

November 1

Elder: Bill Davis

Diaconate: Kelly Manning, Jack Wagner

& Ken Onstott

Communion: Ken & Debbie Holler

Greeters: Dottie Michels

November 8

Elder: Linda Runkle

Diaconate: Jane Welsh, Glenn & Lois Haagen

Communion: Loyetta Quinn & Kelly Manning

Greeters: Jean Trout & Dottie Michels

November 15

Elder: Diana Onstott

Diaconate: Jack Wagner, Melissa Ford

& Linda Runkle

Communion: Linda Runkle & Diana Onstott

Greeters: Linda Runkle & Dottie Michels

November 22

Elder: Rev. Ed Arbogast

Diaconate: Jane Welsh, Ken & Debbie Holler

Communion: Linda Runkle & Lois Haagen

Greeters: Dottie Michels

November 29

Elder: Lois Miller

Diaconate: Ken Onstott, Jack Wagner

& Jane Welsh

Communion: Glenn & Lois Haagen

Greeters: Glenn & Lois Haagen

Prayer Requests

Bob Saline (L. Springer)

Betty Alford (D. Michels)

Alex’s Wife (B. Plaza)

Joan Kain

Bert Levarto

Family of Billy Hannie

Bryan Eldridge

Robin (D. White)

Joan

Randy Robinson (K. Granny)

Parents (Shiela & Paul) of Zach Milstead (R. Goudy)

Tom Runkle (L. Runkle)

Brenda Smiley (J. Trout)

Frank (J. Kain)

Phyllis (M. Snyder)

Allen Haas (M. Snyder)

Frank Hughes

Kieth Putnam (B. Eldridge)

Matthew Conte & shipmates (M. Snyder)

Elders

Alex Glaser & shipmates

Military men & women

Scott Boltz

Goudy/Frey Family

FCC

Free Computer Lab—West Shore Prosperity Center

The Church will be open on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM, by appointment only, for individuals who do not have access to computers, internet, or to job search, create a resume, check email, enroll in state or health insurance benefits, etc.

We will be utilizing 4 laptops and a printer given to us through the United Way and will have a volunteer each Tuesday evening to help those individuals who could use this FREE service. To make an appointment, please call the Church office at 717-763-4537.

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Fundraising Opportunity Sheetz Coupons books which have BOGO and free MTO food offers to support FCC and Girl Scouts are on sale. They are a great value at $10.00 with 100% profit for us because the Girl Scouts purchased them on our behalf. If you are interested in helping sell books to friends and neighbors see Diana Onstott.

Income and Expenses

Month of September Congregational Offerings Received $3,721.15 Fundraisers $100.00 Misc $222.30 Total $4,043.45 Bills Received and Paid $4,262.52 Received from Trust funds $4,261.17 BMI check (repair roof & inside damages) $10,964.59 Estate check for Living Memorial Fund $1,075.00 Check from United Way (pay for childcare) $400.00

Thank you for your continued support!

Finances/Mark Your Calendar/Fundraising

Flower Sign Up Help us make the Church even more beautiful by signing up to

donate flowers for Sunday mornings. The cost of flowers remains $32.00. They are provided by Royer’s. Please contact the Church office to reserve the date of your choice or simply sign your name on the flower chart in the back of the Sanctuary. Days are available for November.

Grocery Store Card Please remember to support your

Church by getting grocery store cards.

Karns, Giant and Weis cards help us

meet our Church budget by providing

small, but steady fundraiser income. You may place

orders in the offering plate or give to Diana Onstott

any Sunday morning. The Church receives $50.00 eve-

ry time we purchase $1,000.00 worth of cards. Re-

member to give generously and purchase an extra

$25.00 gift card for the Church to use for those in

need. We receive requests weekly!

School for Congregational Life

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Toftrees Resort, State College, PA

9 am – 5 pm Come for a day of intensive, in-depth

workshops on congregational life, as well as an

inspirational message, worship, fellowship &

great food! Early Bird Registration: $50 per

adult before October 18/$15 for children and

youth 2-18. Late Registration after October

18: $60 per adult/$20 for children and youth

2-18. Registration packet have been mailed

and are available on-line. Information can be

found at www. padisciples.org.

Mark Your Calendar:

12/6: 9 AM Ministry Planning Meeting

Tea Party after Worship

12/7: Annual Reports Due to Jessica

12/12: 1:00 PM Girl Scouts First Aid Class & Spa

Ball All Nighter Begins; Ends 12/13 at 9 AM

12/13: Annual Reports become available to the

Congregation

Finance Meeting after Worship

12/20: Church Christmas Party after Worship

12/24: 7 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

12/25: Merry Christmas—Church Office Closed

12/27: 9 AM Elder Meeting

12/28: Church Office Closed

1/1: New Years Day—Church Office Closed

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November 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 9 AM: Ministry Planning Meeting (Choir RM)

10:15 AM: Worship; Congregational Mtg. after Wor-ship

4-7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

2 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

3 6:30—8 PM: Prosperity Center Computer Lab (FH)

6:30—8 PM: Cub Scout Sign Ups (FH & Snoopy RM)

4 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

5 6:30—8 PM: 4 Girl Scout Troop Meetings (GS RM, Snoopy RM & FH)

6 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

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8 10:15 AM: Worship

Finance Meeting after Worship

4-7 PM Girl Scouts (GS RM)

9 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

10 6:30—8 PM: Prosperity Center Computer Lab (FH)

11 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

12 6:30—8 PM: 4 Girl Scout Troop Meetings (GS RM, Snoopy RM & FH)

13 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

14 10-11:30 AM: Financial Improvement Class (Parlor)

11 AM—1 PM: Basket Raffle (FH)

15 10:15 AM: Worship

Board Meeting after Worship

4-7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

16 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

17 6:30—8 PM: Prosperity Center Computer Lab (FH)

18 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

19 6:30—8 PM: 4 Girl Scout Troop Meetings (GS RM, Snoopy RM & FH)

20 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

21 9 AM—3 PM: Girl Scout Pie Baking (FH & Kitchen)

22 10:15 AM: Worship, “Thanksgiving Sunday” Annual Congregational Meeting after Worship 12-3 PM: Mat Making Workshop 4-7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

23 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

24 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

6:30—8 PM: Prosperity Center Computer Lab (FH)

25 7 PM: Community Thanksgiving Eve Service

26 Happy Thanksgiving

Church Office Closed

27 Church Office Closed

28 Decorate the Church for Christmas

2-7 PM: Fellowship Hall Closed for Private Event

29 10:15 AM: Worship, “Hanging of the Greens Sunday” 4-7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

30 9 AM—2 PM: Office Hours

November Birthdays:

Kelly Manning: November 2

Mary Snyder: November 6 No

Glenn Haagen: November 8 November

Joan Kain: November 12 Anniversaries

Frank Hughes: November 21

Joseph Frey: November 22

Leon Smith Jr.: November 26

Debbie Reed: November 29

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First Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

442 Hummel Ave,

Lemoyne, PA 17043

PH: 717-763-4537

www.lemoynedisciples.org

November 2015

As Christians we are called to give, but sometimes we become overwhelmed by how we can make a difference. As we all donate the same items each month, we will experience what a difference we can all make in people’s lives every day. You can bring your items to church through the end of the month and place them in the giving basket located in the sanctuary.

October, November & December Donation Suggestions: (last Sunday to donate: 12/27/15) Items include: Non perishable items include: dry pastas, spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, baby food in jars, baby cereal, regular cereals, oatmeal, etc. Perishable items include: milk, bread, eggs, fresh meats that can be frozen, etc. Perishable items may be placed in the freezer in the kitchen and clearly labeled “M28 Food Pantry.” To learn more about M28, visit their website at m28.us.

What? Food items: perishable & non-perishable

Who? YOU!!!

Benefits: M28 Food Pantry

November & December Giving Basket