(717)665-2447

Rev. Dr. J. Christopher Nichols, Pastor stpaulsucc@dejazzd.com

Rev. Dr. James W. Bright, Jr., Pastor Emeritus www.stpauls-ucc.com

Volume 2015 Number 1/2 January/February

St. Paul’s Happenings

A monthly publication of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Articles for this newslet-ter should be submitted to the Administrative Assis-tant approximately two weeks prior to the month of publication.

Pastor’s Message

Anniversaries

Birthdays

Music Department News

Christian Education News

Youth Information

Prayer Concerns

Thank You Notes

Mission Information

Women’s News

50 North Main Street

P.O. Box 129

Manheim, PA 17545

Annual Meeting - Sunday, January 25 - There will be a blended worship service beginning at 10:00 AM followed by a covered dish. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

Proposed By-Law Changes - If you would like to review the 2015 proposed by-law changes, copies are available on the table outside of the church office.

Sunday, January 11, 2015 - Members of the congregation are invited to come to the Bright Library between services for a Budget Information meeting to discuss the proposed 2015 Budget .

Our free community breakfast will resume its schedule of the third Saturday each month.

January 17 February 21

St. Paul’s UCC softball team will host and serve at our January 17 breakfast. If you would like to volunteer to help set-up, greet, serve or clean up any month, please contact me by phone or email.

Sandy Bareford 341-5931/sanbare17@aol.com

Making a Difference in our Community through the Love of Christ!

2015 Worship Schedule

January 4-18 Two Services (8:30 AM, 10:45 AM) January 25 Blended Service (10:00 AM) – Annual Meeting February 1- June 7 Two Services (8:30 AM, 10:45 AM)

Summer Schedule - Time to be Announced June 14 or 21 Single Services (One at Mummau Park) June 28 Single Service (Contemporary) July 5 - August 2 Single Services (Traditional) August 9-23 Single Services (Contemporary) August 30 Single Service (Traditional)

Resume Two-Service Schedule 8:30 AM Traditional and 10:45 AM Contemporary

September 6 - December 27

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Contemporary Connection

THIS NEW YEAR 2015….may we practice Colossians 3:16:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY as you…. SING psalms, hymns and spiritual SONGS

with gratitude in your hearts to God!”

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 tells us, ‘It was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make

themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord; and when they

lifted up their voices with the trumpets and cymbals and other musical instru-

ments, in praise to the LORD, they sang, “For He is good; for His steadfast love

endures forever!” Then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud so that the

priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord

filled the house of God.’

May our services be filled with that kind of singing, filling the sanctuary with the

glory of the Lord! Our worship team’s 2015 hope is to encourage believers in

their walk with Christ through music. Each Sunday, may we provide an opportuni-

ty for worshiping in spirit and in truth!

Worship is a delight to God (Psalms 149:3-4). It is the very purpose for which man

was created (Revelation 4:11). So whether a vocalist or musician, music is a Bibli-

cal means of worship towards God.

In Christ Alone,

Kathy Nichols

Director of Contemporary Worship knichols12@hotmail.com

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Council Highlights 12-16-14

Below are the highlights from the most recent Council meeting:

Marie D., treasurer, reported that we are now at 85% expenses of what is budgeted. A final draw from the endowment fund is needed to cover a large upcoming insurance pay-ment. Please note that although the endowment fund draw was over $71,000, the total market value of the fund is only down $13,000 due to healthy market performance.

Several members of the Sparks/BCE board attended the meeting to share their concern re: the proposed budget and the lack of communication between Council and the BCE/Sparks teams now that a staff person is no longer serving as a representative. Council assured the teams that a member from Council will now be in attendance at each of their meetings to facilitate better communication.

Several changes were made to the proposed 2015 budget. Learn more at the informa-tional meeting to be held on Sunday, January 11, following the 8:30 AM worship service.

Discussion as to what Council may look like in 2015 and 2016 due to the by-law changes proposed to the congregation at the January 25, 2015 meeting.

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 25. Parts of the meeting will be incorporated into the blended worship service, which will start at 10:00 AM, followed by the formal business meeting. A covered dish meal will follow the business meeting.

◊ The meeting will feel much like the November celebration dinner.

◊ The Annual Report will be revised and printed in booklet format. Deadline to submit information to the church office for the report is January 5.

Pastor Chris reported on the following:

◊ 250 people attended the Dec. Breakfast with Santa and the following Sunday, there were 10-12 visitors in worship (both services). This is the fruit of our work in reaching out into our community.

◊ Hanging of the Greens this year got a mixed review. Could this be a possible all church/outreach event next year?

◊ Internet issues have been plaguing the office the past two weeks.

The funds for the Andrienne Long project have finally been disbursed.

Remember to Shine the Light of Jesus this Christmas and New Year!

Blessings!

Pam Herman

Council Secretary

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SPUCC Youth Update

When? We meet at 6:12 PM on Wednesdays and Sundays unless the event of the day requires a time change.

Who? High School students (grades 9-12; 8

th graders also

invited) and their friends. Church membership not required!

Thursday, January 15 - WinterJam! Meet after school in the church parking lot, return late (more details TBA). WinterJam info. Make sure Connie Beck or Pastor Chris know that you're going!

Wednesdays at 6:12 PM: Leadership Team.

All HS youth (and 8th graders) are invited to participate. This group meets at the church building and homes for food, devotions, and planning.

Youth Group purpose:

Growing in faith.

Having fun.

Growing the group by making friends, inviting friends, and getting to know people of all ages.

Setting an example.

Changing other people's lives through doing good.

Supporting church activities.

Stay in the Loop! To receive messages about youth group activities and events, send email addresses and texting numbers to Pastor Nichols at revjcn@gmail.com, 860-307-6611.

Called to Care

If you need transportation to a doctor or to church, please call

Bev Leibold, Ministry Leader, at 627-3425 or the church office at

665-2447. Please try to give us 48 hours notice.

If you have any questions about the Called to Care ministry, please contact Bev Leibold.

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Soup’s On!

On February 1, the Mission Team will have a soup sale in Fellowship Hall between worship services in support of the Mission trip to Eagle Ranch in June. The cost is $5.00 a quart. There will be a variety of soups to choose from. St. Paul's has some wonderful cooks.

See what's on sale!

A reminder to everyone who is thinking of going on the mission trip in 2015 to Eagle Ranch in Tennessee that the first deposit of $100 is due on or before January 4, 2015. The mission planning team will be in Fellowship Hall on January 4 to collect first deposits. If you would like to pay your deposit before January 4, you can put it in the church office with your name and marked “mission trip” or give it to Karen Brandt or Leon Huber.

We are looking forward to a fun filled week and getting to know the youth and adults from Janelle Fair's church, Northminster Presbyterian, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

‘MY ONE WORD’ Ladies Bible Study

at the home of Kathy Nichols (600 School Ln, Mt Joy)

Tuesdays, January 6 - 27

One word can change everything! This year, LOSE THE LONG LIST OF RESOLUTIONS and do SOMETHING about ONE

THING instead of doing NOTHING about EVERYTHING! Choose just one word that

represents what you most hope God will do in you, and focus on it for an entire

year. This single act will force clarity and concentrate your efforts. If you are interested in this 4 week small group study . . . contact Kathy Nichols 860-689-3816 or Jen Givler 717-209-1533.

January All Church Event: B-I-N-G-O, Sunday, January 25, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Please join us for a fun filled evening of Bingo. Bring a wrapped gift valued at $5.00 or less for the prize table. Snacks will be provided.

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WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

A special "thank you" to our Church Family for the contributions of the varied Christmas gifts that were collected for our friends in the UCC Homes. Several of us sorted the many gifts and Betty Lou and Menno Stoner delivered half of them to Kindred Place in Annville and Bev Leibold delivered the other half to Ephrata Manor. I am sure the residents are enjoying these gifts of love. In addition, thank

you to those of you who filled the gift bags for the residents of the Danner Home. Our thanks to Sue Kopp for delivering the bags, so they would have them in time for their Christmas party. They love to see the surprises they are given in these gift bags.

The Women's Fellowship purchased and delivered Poinsettias to our own shut-ins at Pleasant View and other facilities and many in their own homes. These folks appreciate the visits and they enjoy the beauty of the plants and just knowing we care about them. It is the least we can do for these folks. Thank you to one and all who made the deliveries.

Our next big project will be our Sub Sale. The sale dates will be January 4, 11 and 18. The price will remain the same at $4.00 per sub, so look for Carol Meckley, who will be at the table to take your orders. The pick-up date will be January 29 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The money from this sub sale will help to support our young boy in Africa and the Manheim Food Bank. Thank you in advance for your support of this project.

We will be making some changes in 2015. It has been the consensus that we would rather meet during the daylight hours, so our next meeting will be on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at1:30 PM. This will give us an opportunity to get together and decide what kind of projects we want to continue doing and whether we want to meet monthly or bi-monthly. So we look forward to seeing you at this meeting and ask that you bring your thoughts and ideas with you. Afterward, you can pick up your subs and take them with you when you leave. Several ladies have spoken to me recently and indicated that they may be interested in joining our ranks, so we will look forward to having you join us.

I know this is a January and February Newsletter, but since I don't know what we will be planning until after our January meeting, you will have to watch the bulletin carefully to see what is in store for February.

We look forward to the new year of 2015 and trust that we will move closer to God with a positive attitude and a stronger faith in Him.

June Y. Smith Coordinator of Women’s Fellowship

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CHANCEL CHOIR REQUEST

Almost every Sunday the Choir receives two messages from the congregation. The first is how much enjoyment the choir offers with its various musical perfor-mances; often followed by the words wonderful and great. The second comment is how much musical sound is produced by a small group of singers.

Hopefully, the first message will continue but you could do something about the number of sing-ers in the choir. Each week Rev. Nichols challenges us to get involved with the community (or outside the walls of the church) and invite people to participate. This message is also good for those of us "inside" the church.

If you have only a small morsel of musical talent, this is your "opportunity" to join in the music making. Listed below are some of the volunteer/working benefits.

1) Medical Insurance (Our Lord takes care of our needs)

2) A liberal vacation policy (Take off weeks whenever you desire)

3) No written or oral reports from the director concerning your participation

4) A limited work schedule (Mostly two hours a week)

5) Everyone receives the same compensation in the choir regardless of the years of service

Summarizing! A great place to work and worship, limited work hours, a major benefit program, no worry about job performance and a weekly opportunity to "Praise Our Lord." No sign-up sheet needed.

The choir hopes to see you on Wednesday, January 7, at 8:00 PM.

SSPS news

I would like to wish Happy New Year to all of my wonderful kids and their families! Now that the holiday break is over we will resume practice on Wednesday night January 7, at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary.

We always welcome any child who likes to sing, have fun, and learn about our savior Jesus! Please come out and join us! Our next performance will be on January 11 during the Contemporary Worship Service.

Thank you for all the love and support you give these kids!

Miss Sandy

341-5931/sanbare17@aol.com

Thank you to the eight ringers who performed in the Cantata. You worked hard and it showed. Very nice performance.

I could still use more ringers! Come out and have fun. The next performance is January 18 at the Contemporary Worship Service.

Thank you,

Jim Hoffman

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January Mission of the Month

Food Ministries: Community Breakfast and Manheim Central Food Pantry

St. Paul’s Community Breakfast St. Paul’s Community Breakfast is a local mission spearheaded by members of our church who collectively identified a need to feed our community’s body and mind. St. Paul’s first breakfast began in February 2014 and fed about 30 community members. In less than a year, this monthly mission has grown to feed over 200 community members at our “Breakfast with Santa” in December 2014. Our Community Breakfast has dedicated members who volun-teer their time to coordinate the planning, set-up, fellowship, cooking, and clean-up of each breakfast. Breakfast is served every third Saturday in our Fellowship Hall from 9:00 -10:30 AM of each month with the exception of December’s breakfast which is the first Saturday. Church volunteers interested in helping in anyway can contact Sandy Bareford.

Manheim Central Food Pantry The Manheim Central Food Pantry is a member of the Central PA Food Bank and a ministry of the Manheim Ministerium. The pantry is located at 334 West Gramby Street, Manheim, PA. The pantry serves as a supplemental food program to needy families or individ-uals residing in the Manheim Central School District. The food pantry is open for registered clients on the 1

st, 2

nd, 3

rd, and 4

th Mondays and Thursdays of each month. Hours for clients to

receive food are from 11:00 - 1:00 PM. Registered clients receive food once each month and personal care items based on family size. The Pantry regularly offers canned food, pre-packaged food items and personal care items. In addition, when they are available, it offers baked goods, fresh produce, frozen meats, and dairy products.

St. Paul’s UCC actively supports our local Food Pantry. Pastor Chris participates on the Food Pantry Steering Committee. Members are encouraged to donate food in the “grocery cart” located by the coatracks near our Welcome Center. A list of desired foods is posted by the grocery cart.

Please consider feeding the Manheim Community’s Mind, Body, and Soul via our January Missions!

St. Paul’s Church Family,

From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank you for all the love shown to me by cards, prayers and visits concerning Nevin’s passing at the end of November.

Called to Care Group - Thank you for taking him to Hershey Medical Center for Chemo over the years.

Women’s Fellowship - The light meal served after his Celebration of Life service was outstanding.

June, the organist - Your music set the tone for his Celebration Service.

Ted Beck - who answered all my questions and guided me through this difficult time.

Pastor Nichols - Thank you for all your visits to Hershey Medical Center , home and phone calls. Also all the guidance given at this time!

Thank you again,

Grace Ann McMullen

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St. Paul’s UCC February Missions of the Month Strengthen the Church and United Church of Christ Homes

Strengthen the Church Each day, visions and dreams are created in the hearts of many in the United Church of Christ. Through the Strengthen the Church offering, these visions and dreams can become a reality.

As God calls our congregations to be "church" in new ways, your generous gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Because of this offering, many more will hear the good news that "God is still speaking,"

All gifts are directed to activities and programs within your local Conference, as well as the UCC's national ministries.

United Church of Christ Homes UCC Homes offers a distinctive and exciting retirement lifestyle in a carefree secure communi-ty. Our Not for Profit Status means residents always come first. You are sure to find kindred spirits in our many social clubs and leisure centers to make you feel at home.

Founded by the Lancaster Synod of the former Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1955 (now the Lancaster, Lebanon, and Harrisburg Associations of the United Church of Christ in Penn Central Conference), UCC Homes is a non-profit corporation that has continuously served older adults in Central Pennsylvania since 1965. UCC Homes owns and operates The Lebanon Valley Home in Annville, Thornwald Home in Carlisle, Ephrata Manor in Ephrata Township, Kindred Place in Annville, Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home in Carlisle, and Kindred Place in Harrisburg.

The corporation consists of one clergy and one lay delegate from each of the organization’s 87 sponsoring churches of the United Church of Christ in the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and Mercersburg Associations of Penn Central Conference. New members to the 15 member Board of Directors are elected during UCC Homes’ Annual Meeting each February. While closely re-lated to the ministry of the United Church of Christ in health and welfare, the Church bears no responsibility or liability for the organization’s operations.

During its numerous years of service, UCC Homes has become widely known and respected for the quality of care it provides to its residents. A contributing factor to this enviable reputation may be found in the corporation’s dedicated staff and committed volunteers.

Please give generously to the February Missions of the Month!

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Anna Mae Barto

Martha Bricker

Fern Groff

LaVerne Haas

Dawn Hoffman

Floyd Imes

Erma Kimm

Harvey Kopp

Joanne Lehman

Gladys Nauman

Gerry Peters

Linda Rohrer

Burt Savitz

Lucy Scott

Michael Shelley

Carol Shoop

Everett (Tim) Stauffer

Phyllis Smeltz

Tim Stirling

Doris Stroud

Robert Swayne

Dorothy Weaver

Helen Webb

Mary Young

**Nancy Brosey

**Barry Longenecker

**Linda Osborn

**Connie Shirk

**Harold Hess

**Larry Snavely

**Bets Klopp

SERVING PROUDLY IN THE MILITARY

Timothy Becker

Cindy Dieterly

Doug Pearson

Nathaniel Sexton

Geoffrey Ruhl

** Friends of St. Paul’s

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER

Please call either Joan Hess (665-4705) or Elizabeth Beckmeyer (664-5523) to add your name to the list. We have decided to keep all of those in retirement and nursing home facilities on permanently so we do a better job of remembering who they are, as well as those who are homebound.

ON TO THE PRAYING FIELD . . .

Dear Gracious and Loving Father:

We pause this Christmas season as the light of your Word enters our hearts and we are reminded that your gift of life and faith to us are cherished. Lord Jesus, your story has become our story to tell. We celebrate your birth as grateful people. Lord God, we pray you will continue to keep us faithful, gracious, loving, giving, and forgiving as your Spirit teaches us and we say “Thank You”. Jesus is the “Light of the World”! Amen

Do YOU have the GIFT of FAITH?

Let Go & Let GOD Joan Hess

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USHER SCHEDULE

January 2015 - April 2015

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4

*Steve Balmer *Mike Givler *Brian Peters *Ed Kopp

Terry Myers Jenn Givler Kyle Peters Bill Green

Ron Forry Ron Carper Jeremy Troop Travis Eckert

Ed Parido Doug Herr Ron Swartz Jay Hess

Team 5 Team 6 Team 7 (Summer)

*Ken Long *Wayne Martin *Erica Hoffman

Bob Doster Rick Conley Jim Hoffman

Jason Koch Dave Ludwig Steve Durborow

Scott Carper Tom Brewer Marie Durborow

(*Denotes team captain) Subs: Brenda Conley, Jeff Bankert, Wayne Deem

8:30 AM

January 2015

4 1

11 2

18 3

25 4

February

1 5

8 6

15 1

22 2

March

1 3

8 4

15 5

22 6

29 1

April

5 2

12 3

19 4

26 5

Please Note:

There are prayer request papers being put in the offering plates each Sunday. They need to be collected and handed to the Pastor when you return to the front of the Sanctuary with the offering plates.

Also, please let your Team Captain know if you cannot attend and who your replace-ment will be.

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ACOLYTE SCHEDULE

January 2015 - May 2015

Troy Peters Olivia Faulhaber Makayla Burkhart Colton Faulhaber Lilly Stehman

8:30 AM Service

January 2015

4 Lilly Stehman

11 Colton Faulhaber

18 Troy Peters

25 Olivia Faulhaber

February

1 Makayla Burkhart

8 Olivia Faulhaber

15 Lilly Stehman

22 Colton Faulhaber

March

1 Troy Peters

8 Olivia Faulhaber

15 Makayla Burkhart

22 Lilly Stehman

29 Troy Peters

April

5 Colton Faulhaber

12 Troy Peters

19 Makayla Burkhart

26 Olivia Faulhaber

May

3 Lilly Stehman

10 Colton Faulhaber

17 Makayla Burkhart

24 Troy Peters

31 Olivia Faulhaber

NOTE: If you are unable to make your assigned Sunday, please find a

replacement for yourself and notify the church office.

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January Sermon Titles 1/04/2015 Luke 18:24-25; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Being Rich (in what matters most) #1: "Good News and Bad News" Having wealth is a blessing and a curse and a potential blessing. 11/11/2015 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 Being Rich (in what matters most) #2: "Rich Giving" Fulfilled, spiritually rich people find that giving is an exercise of faith. 11/18/2014 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 5:14-16 Being Rich (in what matters most) #3: "Rich in Good Deeds" We are not saved by good works, but saved for good works. 1/25/2014 Luke 12:16-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Being Rich (in what matters most) #4: "Rich Toward God" Being rich toward God means getting our minds off of our selves and caring for others. The church is a powerful tool in God's hands.

Sunday Worship Attendance

Date 1st 2nd Total

12/7/14 91 60 151

12/14/14 80 50 130

12/21/14 162 35 197

Christmas Eve

12/24/14 88 (4:30) 143 (7:30) 231

12/28/14 60 42 102

Greeters January February 4 Jackie & Andy Ressler 1 Phyllis Smeltz 11 Marian & Larry King 8 Bonnie & Terry Myers 18 Marlena & Bill Green 15 Jonita & Terry Bires 25 Barbara Chase 22 Phyllis Smeltz

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10:45 Contemporary Worship Volunteers

Date Greeters Ushers Reader

Jan. 4 Tom & Lynn Brewer Michelle & Kyle Peters Kyle Peters Ted & Connie Beck Jan. 11 Tammy & Maddy Byers Marie Durborow & Steve Durborow Eric & Stacy Myers Brenda Faulhaber Jan. 18 Andy & Jackie Ressler Jim & Erica Hoffman Leon Huber Jerry Schrawder & Sean Heisey

Jan. 25 Blended Service - Annual Meeting

Greeters: Please be at your post 20 minutes before the start of the service. Your job is extremely im-portant as YOU may be the first smiling face someone sees entering the building! Our goal is for every-one to be greeted with a cheery welcome and an extended hand of friendship as they are given the weekly announcements! If the person is new, you may want to ask if they have any questions and take time to chat. Two greeters at upper doors by front of the sanctuary (one may wish to go to downstairs back door) and two greeters at downstairs front door street entrance (TO PROP DOORS OPEN-turn round button at top). Stick welcome flags in planters at front of building. Please stay in your area through the first song to greet any latecomers.

Ushers: Please arrive at least10 minutes before the service begins. Make sure you have 2 plates to pass. When Pastor Chris calls the Ushers forward, take a plate, and wait for his cue to begin passing them. Afterward, take out the prayer request strips, make sure they face the same way, and give them to Pastor Chris immediately. Take the collection to the counters in the office, leaving/returning to the worship area by the BACK STEPS. Put collection in the closet safe if no one is in the office. If office is locked, bring collection back to sanctuary using BACK STEPS.

Scripture Reader: The reading of scripture is of utmost importance! The Reader’s goal is to read God's Word slowly and clearly, with appropriate expression, to the congregation. Prior to the service please be familiar with the passage and practice reading it aloud, working on any words that may be difficult. Get a mike from the Media person to take to your seat with you. When it is time to read, stand and read the scripture (from your pew) using that mike.

If you cannot make your time, please contact someone else. (For your convenience, a

Master List is listed below). Names with an asterisk* are also Readers. Thank you for

your willingness to serve!!

Master List

Aura Heisey Maddy & Tammy Byers Leon Huber* Connie Beck Marie Durborow Eric Myers Ted Beck* Steve Durborow* Stacy Myers Lynn Brewer* Pam Herman* Kyle Peters* Tom Brewer Brenda Faulhaber* Lisa Fegley Sean Heisey Dani Fair Jerry Schrawder Beth Bryant Jackie Ressler-greet only Katie Stehman* Marie Bryant* Erica Hoffman-usher only Corri Huber Kaitlin Bucher* Jim Hoffman-usher only

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S a i n t P a u l ’ s U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s t 5 0 N o r t h M a i n S t r e e t P . O . B o x 1 2 9 M a n h e i m , P A 1 7 5 4 5

C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d

Council Members

Ted Beck, Vice President

Jay Bell

Doug Byers

Wayne Deem

Marie Durborow, Treasurer

Jean Gates

Kevin Gavitt, President

Aura Heisey

Pam Herman, Secretary

Deb Herr

Kelly Kleinfelter

Gail Ober

Ruth Raia

Katie Stehman

Church Staff

Rev. Dr. J. Christopher Nichols Pastor

Brenda Conley Administrative Assistant

June Smith Organist

John Degler Chancel Choir Director

Kathy Nichols Director of Contemporary Worship

Sandy Bareford Children’s Choir Director

Jim Hoffman Bell Choir Director

Mark Lowe Custodian