december 2021 church of christ uniting kingston pa

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DECEMBER 2021 Church of Christ Uniting Kingston PA INSIDE: 2 Pastor’s Ponderings 3 Advent Worship 4,7,11 News 5 COCU Calendar 6 Chrismon Tree 8 Food Pantry 9,10 Inspiration 12 Nursery and Roof The content of The Courier is only as good as your submissions. Articles and pictures must be received by Sunday December 19 th at the email address: thecourier@co cu4u.org for inclusion in the January 2022 issue. Thanks! Editor: Curt Schwarzwalder 50+ YEAR COCU MEMBERS HONORED DURING 49 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 50 year members: Pastor Jane, Rev. Greg Myers, guest speaker, Robin Smith, accepting on behalf of her sister, Beverly Gingell Finch, Janice Oriel, and Lindsay Rowan. Photos: Michelle Giza Rev Myers conducts the Children's Message. Anniversary mums. COCU CHOIR RECOGNIZED ON MUSIC MINISTRY SUNDAY Photo: Curt Schwarzwalder The Courier is free via email - $10 per year donation requested for print edition COCU Online: YouTube channel - webpage - Facebook page

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Page 1: DECEMBER 2021 Church of Christ Uniting Kingston PA

DECEMBER 2021 Church of Christ Uniting Kingston PA

INSIDE:

2 Pastor’s

Ponderings

3 Advent

Worship

4,7,11 News

5 COCU

Calendar

6 Chrismon Tree

8 Food Pantry

9,10

Inspiration

12 Nursery

and Roof

The content of

The Courier

is only as good as your submissions. Articles and pictures must be received by Sunday December 19th at the email address: [email protected] for inclusion in the January 2022 issue. Thanks!

Editor: Curt Schwarzwalder

50+ YEAR COCU MEMBERS HONORED DURING 49TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

50 year members: Pastor Jane, Rev. Greg Myers, guest speaker, Robin Smith, accepting on behalf of her sister, Beverly Gingell Finch, Janice Oriel, and Lindsay Rowan. Photos: Michelle Giza

Rev Myers conducts the Children's Message. Anniversary mums.

COCU CHOIR RECOGNIZED ON MUSIC MINISTRY SUNDAY

Photo: Curt Schwarzwalder

The Courier is free via email - $10 per year donation requested for print edition

COCU Online: YouTube channel - webpage - Facebook page

Page 2: DECEMBER 2021 Church of Christ Uniting Kingston PA

The Courier December 2021 page 2

PASTOR’S PONDERINGS

“Light the Advent Candle” Faith We Sing Songbook #2090 Words & Music by Mary Lu Walker

“Light the Advent candle, one: Now the waiting has begun; we have started on our way, time to think of Christmas day.” Refrain: “Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.”

“Light the Advent candle, two: Think of humble shepherds, who filled with wonder at the sight of the child of Christmas night.” [Refrain] “Light the Advent candle, three: Think of heavenly harmony; angels singing “Peace on earth” at the blessed Savior’s birth.” [Refrain] “Light the Advent candle, four: Think of joy forever more; Christ Child in a stable born, gift of love that Christmas morn.” [Refrain] “Light the Christmas candle, now: Sing of donkey, sheep, and cow; birthday candles for the King, let the alleluias ring.” [Refrain] Among the lights that many of us set up for Christmas, there is one that I believe has special significance during the Advent/Christmas season, but really throughout the year and that is the candle in the window. There are many homes in the Kingston area with candles in their windows. Some people keep them in their windows all year long. When I drive by homes at night, I am reminded of how important the light really is. I instantly think, that home is a place of warmth and hospitality. The candle in the window at this time of year also says to me that this is a home where the Christ Child and his family are welcomed. That the “inn” is not too crowded.

Putting a candle in the window is a practice that goes back to colonial times in our country not to mention other lands. It signifies both the light of love and the warmth of welcome in our hearts. If family members are missing, it symbolizes that they are remembered and always welcome to come home.

For me a candle in the window says that I value other people. It says, “There is a light in this house, light that I am willing to share. My home is not a fortress in which I hide. It is a place where light, warmth, love, and caring can be found. During this time of year, the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer until the winter solstice on December 21st. I jump for joy on December 22nd because I have one more minute of light in my day. During the Advent season God provides an inner light that keeps us focused on the true meaning of the season.

This year my candle in the window shines not only for the Christ Child but for those loved ones that have gone on to heaven this year. Relatives and friends who have made an impact on my life over the years will be greatly missed this Christmas but their spirit will always shine in my heart. I am always grateful for your prayers for my family and friends and for your prayers on my behalf for health, strength, and daily guidance. Our congregation, Church of Christ Uniting, is doing great work for God and I look forward to where God will lead us in the new year.

May the radiant star of Bethlehem shine brightly in your life this Christmas!

Blessings and Peace to All,

Pastor Jane

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The Courier December 2021 page 3

DECEMBER SCRIPTURE READINGS

Sunday, December 5th- Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6.

Sunday, December 12th- Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18.

Sunday, December 19th- Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:46-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45.

Friday, December 24th- Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20.

Saturday, December 25th- Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14.

Sunday, December 26th- First Sunday after Christmas Day I Samuel 2:18-20 & 26, Psalm 148, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 .

Friday, December 31st- Watch Night Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46.

On the Presbyterian Calendar....

December 1st: World AIDS Day: Presbyterian HIV/AIDS Awareness. The 219th General Assembly (2010) called upon all of our congregations and worshiping communities to become HIV and AIDS competent churches. That means raising awareness and offering support and empowerment by addressing HIV and AIDS in sermons, in prayers and through ongoing educational and service opportunities.

December 10th: Human Rights Day: Visit pcusa.org/un for resources and information about the U.N. and Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.

December 19th: Christmas Joy Offering: These gifts go to support the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, as well as education and leadership development at Presbyterian related schools and colleges equipping communities of color, by receiving the Christmas Joy Offering.

January 1, 2022: Global Family Day. Celebrate the global day of peace by providing heat for refugee families in need of warmth and shelter. _________________________________________________________________________ SUNDAY SERVICE SIGN IN- For those of you who come in the Fellowship Hall door, there will be a worship sign in sheet on the stage. Please sign in just as you would if you came through the Narthex. Thank You! Dave Oriel was nominated to be the Vice Moderator of the Lackawanna Presbytery for 2022 at the November 13th meeting of the Presbytery held at Covenant Presbyterian. He was approved unanimously. Congrations, Dave! Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Carol Fleming and Rev. Scott Loomer on their retirement from the Presbytery of Lackawanna effective 12/31/2021. Blessings to both of you as you begin a new phase of your lives together!

Page 4: DECEMBER 2021 Church of Christ Uniting Kingston PA

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COME CHRISTMAS CAROLING with us on Sunday, December 12th. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall at 3:30 p.m. We will be caroling in our church neighborhood. All ages are welcome. Let us all make a Joyful Noise this Christmas season and share that joy with our neighbors. Mark your calendars and join us for this fun event. See you there!

“MARY’S” GROUP December 2021 Meeting – Tuesday, December 14th. Place: Agolino’s Restaurant (22 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston) Time: 5:00 pm for Devotions. RSVP: Donna Dickinson @ 570-696-2539 by Sunday, December 12th. We will be discussing the Advent book of short stories,

“A TREASURY OF CHRISTMAS MIRACLES: True Stories of God’s Presence” by KAREN KINGSBURY. “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” -Psalm 62: 5-8

THE WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER BREAKFAST GROUP now meets at Ollies Restaurant at 84 S. Wyoming Ave. in Edwardsville on Wednesdays at 8 a.m.

MID WEEK MEDITATION is offered on Wednesdays on our church Facebook page, YouTube and our website (cocu4u.org). We are thankful for the opportunity to reach out to the church fellowship and community with a short message and sometimes a song. We need you. Please consider doing a 3-5 minute story for the Meditation. All are welcome and appreciated. Contact Bill Ellsworth at 570-606-9303 for more information. Thank you!

LUNCH BUNCH is at 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays in Lukens Lounge. Our study this fall is Adam Hamilton's Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments for Today. Anyone is welcome to join us. Any questions about the study, please feel free to contact me. Thanks, Pastor Jane

MEN’S BREAKFAST- Calling all COCU men and guests: Come join us on the third Saturday of each month for Men’s Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room, 1335 North River Street in Plains PA. See you there!

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL- Come join us in Lukens Lounge following worship. Individually wrapped snacks and water/juice boxes will be available to tide you over until you can get some lunch. Please wear masks and social distance. –Pastor Jane

FELLOWSHIP TIME- The Celebration Team would like to continue to have Fellowship Time after worship service. Coffee is provided. Hosts should provide a snack (including a healthy choice) and a cold drink option. Food options can be individually wrapped or safely able to be chosen. Social distancing will be observed. If you would like to host a future Fellowship Time, please check the sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Contact Peg Knapich (570-239-7189 or [email protected]) for more information. ADVENT DEVOTIONALS are available in the Narthex for both Children and Adults. Please pick one up today. Christmas will be more meaningful if you share in a devotional every day leading up to Jesus' birth. May everyone have a blessed and meaningful Christmas season. -Pastor Jane

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COCU Calendar - December 2021 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 8AM PRAYER

BREAKFAST AT OLLIES

10AM FOOD

PANTRY

MEETING

6:30PM

BIBLE STUDY

2 11:30AM

LUNCH BUNCH

3 4

5 2nd Sunday of

Advent

10AM WORSHIP

COMMUNION

11AM FELLOWSHIP

11:30AM ADULT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

6:30PM FILL POPCORN BAGS

7:30PM CHURCH

CONFERENCE

6

6PM

CONFIRMATION

CLASS

–FELLOWSHIP HALL

7 9:30AM

LECTIONARY

GROUP

6PM FRONTIER GIRLS

–FELLOWSHIP

HALL

8 8AM PRAYER

BREAKFAST

AT OLLIES

6:30PM BIBLE STUDY

9 11:30AM

LUNCH

BUNCH

10 11

12 3rd Sunday of

Advent

10AM WORSHIP PRACTICE FOR

CHRISTMAS

PAGEANT

11AM FELLOWSHIP

11:30AM ADULT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

3:30PM CHRISTMAS

CAROLING

13

7PM EDUCATION

MINISTRY TEAM

MEETING

14 9:30AM

LECTIONARY GROUP

5PM MARY’S

GROUP AT

AGOLINO’S

7PM PROPERTY

TEAM MEETING

15 8AM PRAYER

BREAKFAST AT OLLIES

10AM FOOD

PANTRY

MEETING

6:30PM

BIBLE STUDY

16 11:30AM

LUNCH BUNCH

17 18 9AM MEN’S

BREAKFAST AT

SCRATCH

KITCHEN

19 4th Sunday of

Advent

10AM WORSHIP

CHRISTMAS

PAGEANT

11AM CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

20

21 Winter

Begins

9:30AM

LECTIONARY

GROUP

6PM FRONTIER GIRLS

–FELLOWSHIP

HALL

22 8AM PRAYER

BREAKFAST

AT OLLIES

23

24 OFFICE

CLOSED

7PM

CHRISTMAS

EVE SERVICE

25

Christmas

Day

26 10AM WORSHIP

11AM FELLOWSHIP

27 28 29 8AM PRAYER

BREAKFAST

AT OLLIES

30 31 New

Year’s Eve

Sunday 10am- Worship in person in the sanctuary or view online live or later on demand.

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THE CHRISMON TREE Frances Kipps Spencer, the originator to the Chrismon Tree, wanted Christians to remember the birthday of the Christ Child—the real reason for celebrating Christmas. And so the Chrismon tree began as an offering to God in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Danville, Virginia, in 1957. Chrismon (kriz’mon) is a combination of two words: CHRISt and MONogram; hence, a monogram of Christ. After much research, Mrs. Spencer came across copies of Chrismon sketches that were designed and carved by some of the earliest Christians. The drawings were found on jewelry, utensils, doors, catacombs and buildings.

Early Christians used them to identify themselves to one another, to designate meeting places of church and sometimes to show unbelievers where they stood. All Chrismons are white and gold: white refers to our Lord’s purity and perfection; gold refers to His majesty and glory. The evergreen tree, which is where the Chrismon ornaments are usually hung, symbolizes eternal life that our Savior won for us. May these ancient Christian symbols remind you of God’s greatest gift to us all, Jesus Christ.

Following are the explanations of the Chrismons pictured here (left to right). You can view many more by searching online and entering the word ‘Chrismons.”

Star of David-reminds us that the Messiah would be of the house of David. Chi Rho-the first two letters in the Greek word Christos, meaning Christ. The Triquerta- represents the Trinity of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Butterfly-symbolizes the resurrection and new life of Christ. Anchor-used by Christians when persecuted as reminder Jesus is their anchor of faith. Alpha & Omega-first and last letters of Greek alphabet; Christians believe Jesus is the

beginning and end of all things. (Descending) Dove-symbol of Holy Spirit which came upon Jesus at His Baptism. Celtic Cross-circle at the top of the cross represents the gift of eternal life. Pax-a tablet decorated with a sacred figure, as Christ. Crown-Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Be sure to stop by the two trees in the front of our Sanctuary during this Christmas season where you will find a display of Chrismons. These beautiful needlepoint decorations came to COCU from St. John’s Lutheran Church, W-B, a few years ago when the church closed. Many thanks to Carl Ruck for rescuing this collection of such fine handiwork, made by the members of St. John’s after the 1972 flood. CONFIRMATION 2021-2022

Continue to be in prayer for our Confirmation Class over the Holiday Season:

Confirmand Ericka Rosengrant and Mentor Rich Monroe Confirmand Keira Long and Mentor Pam DeRemer Confirmand Ella Aritz and Mentor Natalie Staron Confirmand Elizabeth Larson and Mentor Cindy Kazinski Confirmand Lillian Larson and Mentor Wendy Harrison Confirmand Evan Davis and Mentor Bill Loughlin Confirmand Alex Boerger and Mentor Bill Ellsworth Confirmand Kathryn Eidam and Mentor Steve Davenport Confirmand Mirabaai Reitsma and Mentor Todd Swanson

You will notice our Confirmands and Mentors lighting the Advent and Christmas Eve Candles this year. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead our youth on a faith-filled journey into 2022.

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ANNUAL TREE TRIM– Traditionally, we have celebrated the start of Advent with our Annual Tree Trim. Last year, because of Covid, that did not happen, and this year, ever mindful and cautious regarding the virus, we are hosting an Ongoing Tree Trim. In the Narthex, we have a tree to decorate. You will find Christmas crafts and craft supplies in the box under that tree. Please take home a craft or two, make it, and bring your finished craft back to help

decorate our tree. You are also welcome to bring an ornament from home. If you don't take it home after the season is over, we will donate it to the COCU tree decorations for future tree trims. Our children and youth kicked off this Ongoing Tree Trim by making ornaments in Sunday School on the first Sunday in Advent, November 28th. Show off your creativity and celebrate this wondrous Advent Season with your gifts of imagination and inspiration!

ANGEL TREE- COCU is once again proud to participate in the Angel Tree Ministry Program. This program gives our congregation an opportunity to share Christ’s love with the families of prisoners. A reminder to participants, the wrapped gifts should be placed under the tree in the Narthex by Sunday, December 5th, or in the Church office no later than Thursday, December 9th.

When returning the gift to the church, please attach the original angel tag to the gift. If you purchased more than one gift, please group your gifts together and put the child’s name and code number on each package. Any questions, please contact a member of the Church and Community Ministry Team.

KENSIE’S CHRISTMAS CARDS – Last year I began a project with the help of some of my friends and classmates to make Christmas cards. I decided to make as many cards as I could and donate them to spread a little extra Christmas cheer. We made enough cards for all 110 residents at Wesley Village and all 50 residents at Tiffany Court! This year, it is my hope to expand the project and be able to give cards to at least one more facility. If anyone is interested in helping me with this project, I would greatly appreciate it! The cards can be homemade or bought with a special message inside. There is a box in the narthex marked “Kensie’s Christmas Cards,” where the cards can be placed. Please drop off your cards by Sunday, December 12th. Let’s make this Christmas a little more special for as many as we can! Thank you, Kensie

MADDY’S TREE– For the eighth year, we will join the parents of Madison Benjamin as they honor their daughter’s memory with a toy drive that will benefit children who are hospitalized at Janet Weiss Children’s Hospital over the holidays. Madison, the great-granddaughter of our own COCU members, Virginia and Charles Dancheck, was born with a life-threatening condition. Expected to live only one year, Madison survived until she was four years old.

In her memory, her parents created this toy drive they lovingly call “Maddy’s Gift.” A collection bin will be placed in the Fellowship hall for your donated, unwrapped gifts. These gifts can be of any variety, for either boy or girl, for ages newborn through teens. Gifts will be accepted until December 12th. Thank you for joining us with this beautiful ministry.

PECAN SALE- Thanks to everyone who purchased pecans in our recently concluded sale. It was a great success, and Betty Harris would be pleased. More than $350, proceeds from the sale, will be directed to COCU’s camp scholarship fund. -Evelyn Kersey

BOSCOV’S- Thank you to all who supported Boscov's Friends Helping Friends. We raised $165.00. This money will go toward our 50th Anniversary Celebration.

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ALTAR FLOWERS- The flower calendar has been returned to the Narthex. If you would like to place flowers on the altar or on the side credence tables to remember or honor a loved one or special event, please contact Lois Giza at 570-287-0617 or at [email protected]. The cost is $30. You can send your payment to: COCU, 190 S. Sprague Avenue, Kingston PA 18704. Attn: Altar Guild. Thank you to everyone who provides our flower arrangements each week! Any flowers not taken home by the donors are given to our homebound, those in assisted living, or members who are in the hospital.

How Lovely Are Thy Branches written by David Mead, Creative Communication

Dear Heave'nly Father, When I look upon this Christmas tree, I think of your great love. You sent your only Son for me.

He left his home in heav'n above. He took a humble form. The King of all Creation lay asleep inside a barn.

He walked among your people, and he reached out with your love. He pointed, like my Christmas tree, to you, our God above.

Upon a tree, my Savior died. He took away my sin. He rose from death so I may live with you in heav'n again.

He truly is the Vine, I know. In him I grow and thrive. I am your lovely branch, dear Lord: Eternal, green, alive!

Amen

THE AL BEECH WEST SIDE FOOD PANTRY is closed

for the foreseeable future. Please contact CEO at 570-826-0510 to find the nearest available food pantry or to make a donation. A temporary board is meeting this month (see COCU Calendar) to determine the future of the food pantry.

An Advent Idea - passionatepennypincher.com

Each day of Advent, you add a food item to a box. After you have celebrated Christmas Day, just take the box full of non-perishable items to a local Food Pantry like CEO, Keystone Mission, St. Vincent De Paul Pantry and Soup Kitchen, Back Mountain Food Pantry or a neighbor nearby.

November 28th: A Box of Cereal November 29th: A Jar of Peanut Butter November 30th: A Box of Stuffing December 1st: A Box of Instant Potato Mix December 2nd: A Box of Macaroni and Cheese December 3rd: A Can of Canned Fruit December 4th: A Can of Canned Tomatoes December 5th: A Can of Tuna December 6th: A Cake Mix December 7th: A Jar of Applesauce December 8th: A Can of Sweet Potatoes December 9th: A Can of Cranberry Sauce December 10th: A Can of Beans December 11th: A Box of Crackers December 12th: A Package of Rice December 13th: A Package of Oatmeal December 14th: A Package of Pasta December 15th: A Jar of Pasta Sauce December 16th: A Can of Soup December 17th: A Can of Corn December 18th: A Box of Jello Mix December 19th: A Can of Peas December 20th: A Box of Pudding Mix December 21st: A Container of Fruit Juice December 22nd: A Can of Icing December 23rd: A Can of Carrots December 24th: A Jar of Jam December 25th: A Loaf of Bread

The week after Christmas, grab your family and take the box to a local food pantry or church in your area. Thanks for your generosity and your thoughtfulness. -Pastor Jane

Page 10: DECEMBER 2021 Church of Christ Uniting Kingston PA

Star Path The Courier December 2021 page 10

The light of a star came down to earth in a Judean town long ago, farmers and shepherds attending the birth in a manger rough and low. Livestock bleat on a night so cold, the baby Jesus cuddled there.

Who knew that God could come to earth to save us from our sins? Mary and Joseph – refugees – traveling far from kith and kin. The savior of the world swaddled, sleeps at his mother’s breast.

They do not understand the fate foretold in dreams of waking sleep; A man, their son, will give his life in Jerusalem foreseen. The Almighty God in a star of wonder brings His son for love and peace.

So, sing and revel now with creation’s heavenly choir, Worship God come to earth imbued with grace and fire. The Truth is revealed in Bethlehem town for all to see and praise.

Raise anthems of joy above the starlit manger and announce as you go That Jesus Christ is born today in a manger rough and low, To quell your fears and give life eternal for a journey so long ago.

Excerpted from The Third Testament, James M. Case, 2020, p. 23

_________________________________________________________________________

A Letter of Thanks from Pastor Jim and Merry....

Rev. Jane and Church of Christ Uniting...

Thank you and the congregation on behalf of Merry and myself for the most generous retirement gift.

As ministers, we both know, retirement is never a final thought, there is always something left to do. I think of our United Methodist tradition and how at Ordination they say we are "MOVING ON TO PERFECTION." This is certainly a goal of all of us, but the road ahead can sometimes be difficult as we travel through those hills and valleys. Church of Christ Uniting has given us so much. The friendships that come through fellowship and sharing prepare us to meet the challenges that we will face.

Again, thanks to all for generously sharing in so many ways and even though everyone talks of retirement as an ending, it is just another beginning and since we live nearby, it looks like we will be "just around the corner," doing those things that God calls us to.

Blessings on all and looking forward to being in the congregation, Pastor Jim Maxwell _________________________________________________________________________

MINISTER OF PASTORAL CARE- Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston, is looking for a caring, understanding and compassionate ordained pastor who enjoys visiting members of our congregation 10-15 hours per week. Please send

resume to Personnel Chairperson, Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague Avenue, Kingston PA 18704 or email [email protected]. Job description available upon request.

DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION– Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston, is looking for a dynamic person to work with youth of all ages. A two or four-year degree and/or experience is desired. 15-20 hours per week. Send resume to Personnel Chairperson, Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague Avenue, Kingston PA 18704 or email to [email protected].

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SHELF SITTER UPDATE!! The manufacturer has once again been forced to delay production due to equipment failure. The Anniversary Committee will be unable to sell them as Christmas presents, but would like to sell them as a fundraiser in the spring. Updates will follow as they become available. Thanks for your patience.

GUN SAFETY- The Gun Safety Committee at Sixth Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh is reaching out to religious communities in Pennsylvania to form partnerships to prevent gun violence. Their goal is to work for legislative change to save lives while respecting responsible gun ownership, as PA has a long tradition of hunting and sports clubs. If you are interested in having a conversation about this issue, please call the office of Church of Christ Uniting at 570-288-8434.

FREE INK JET CARTRIDGE- I had to get a new printer. I have an HP 75 Tri-Color Print Cartridge FREE to a good home. Please contact me if you would like to have it. -Pastor Jane

DEVOTIONAL LINE- 570-288-2334. Don’t forget to start or finish your day by listening to our church members and staff share their thoughts and prayers. Each volunteer records daily devotions for Sunday through Saturday for one week. Scheduled in December: Barbara Swanson, Francine Lewis, Merry Maxwell, Curt Schwarzwalder, Phyllis Johnson.

LITURGISTS FOR OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES- Celebration would like to get a list together of liturgists that we could call on to help with the first part of our service of worship each Sunday. Please contact Jack Wise to volunteer, 570-655-9801. When you call Jack, please let him know which week you would be able to be our liturgist. Thanks!

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CHILDREN'S MESSAGE- If you are thinking, "I would like to do the Children's Message," please let Pastor Jane know. It is always good to have different voices in worship to share God's message with our children on a Sunday. Please call either the church office at 570-288-8434 or the cell at 570-396-5883. Thanks in advance!

MEALS ON WHEELS at COCU is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals throughout the week. They are in need of volunteers especially when the regular drivers go on vacation or are ill. Please contact Amy at 570-288-1023 for more

information about being a volunteer driver for MOW. Thanks in advance for your time.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL please call the church office at 570-288-8434. In an emergency, if you cannot reach Pastor Jane at the church office, please call her cell phone at 570-396-5883.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Kay Smith and her family on the death of her husband, Cyrus Smith, who died on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Chuck Lull and his family on the death of his wife, June Lull, who died on Sunday, October 24.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Evelyn Coslett and her family on the death of her nephew, David Daniels, who died on November 3.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Don and Ron Bailey on the death of their mother, Caroline Bailey, who died on Sunday, November 7.

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A BEAUTIFUL DONATION TO THE COCU NURSERY Kelly Dickinson, former member of COCU and daughter of Donna and John Dickinson has donated a child's table and chairs to the nursery. Kelly's grandfather, Raymond Smith, hand crafted them as a gift for Kelly's third birthday, 31 years ago. Kelly hopes this gift will bring joy to many other children who may hold tea parties just like she did as a little girl. Photo: Donna Dickinson

NURSERY RENOVATION ‘AFTER’ PICTURES:

Photos: Curt Schwarzwalder

COCU BUILDINGS ROOFS – HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED?

Gutters are built in to the roof. Charlie Dancheck says this is a tradition in the

construction of Methodist Church buildings for decades. An additional standard gutter

was added over the ramp and door to Fellowship Hall due to drippage.

Submissions: [email protected]

COCU Online: YouTube channel - webpage - Facebook page

CHURCH OF CHRIST UNITING

Come share our Joy!

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

Rev. Jane M. Pykus, Senior Pastor