jerusalem united church of christ t he …...545 church drive, palmerton, pa 18071 (trachsville) /...
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545 Church Drive, Palmerton, PA 18071 (Trachsville)
www.jerusalemucc.org / (610)-681-4412
Follow Us on Facebook: Jerusalem Trachsville UCC
JERUSALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
T he Traveler
The Vision of our Church is to increase
Faith, Hope, Love, Community and Belonging
Pastor: Rev. Kathryn Foster (H): (610) 261-9015 Office Hours: By Appointment (M) (610) 554-7364 Email: [email protected] Church Secretary: Jillian Kuntzman Office: (610) 681-4412 Office Hours: Tue. thru Fri. 9 a.m. – 1 PM Email: [email protected] (hours subject to change) Director of Music: Shelba Scheffner [email protected] Director of Christian Ed: Marcia Heinick [email protected] Treasurer: Steph Anderson (610) 681-3878 / [email protected] Financial Secretary: Debbie Cope (610) 681-5033 Sexton: Barry George
CHURCH CONSISTORY
President: Ed Brader 484-357-3551 [email protected]
Vice-President: Rick Anderson 610-681-3878 [email protected]
Secretary: Lorrie Nothstein 610-442-7437 [email protected]
Additional Members
Barry George Marcia Heinick Bob Buck Lyn Summers
Duane Hawk Saralyn Sarandis Jaclyn Wonderly Kelli George
MARCH 2020
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Dear Members and Friends,
Baby Isabela Pereira de Jesus was recently born in Rio de Janeiro. Her father took a picture of
her right after she was born which showed her, not crying, but scowling. Her scowl seems to
communicate that she is extremely unhappy with everything happening to her at that time. Is
being born painful? In fact, one insightful meme artist captioned the picture imagining her
saying: “Put me back in there! RIGHT NOW!”
Do we sometimes still feel that way? “Lord, get me out of here, RIGHT NOW!” Of course.
However, as much as we might think we want that, we do not want it without some clear
knowledge that where we would be going is better than where we are right now. Although the
promise of heaven is there for us; so is the prospect of “hell.” The bible translates hell from
different words: Sheol, and Hades, both meaning “the grave,” where humans know nothing; and
Gehenna, which was a fiery dump outside of Jerusalem that burned the trash. Neither definition
is too palatable.
We may be interpolating Baby Isabela’s scowl as her discomfort with this world on an
existential level, but, regardless, we can relate. We begin the 40 days of Lent this month the
purpose of which is to remind us that this body of dust and this world of sorrow is not our God-
given home. Neither is Hell. Ezekiel 33:11 records, “As I live, says the Lord, I have no
pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from their ways and live.”
In order for us to “live” in any kind of paradise, we have to conform to the lifestyle of that
place. Heaven is the place we want. We will have to fit in. Otherwise, it stops being heaven and
starts becoming hell. God will not allow that.
We observe the 40 days of Lent (not on Sundays!) to remind us that we get what we deserve,
except for the love of God in Christ. Through faith in Christ’s work on the cross, God covers
our sin, and urges us toward real humanity. Yes, we scowl. So do something about that!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Kathryn
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MESSAGE FROM THE CONSISTORY PRESIDENT MARCH 2020
Hello Fellow Members and Friends of JUCC, It’s hard to believe how quickly the first two months of 2020 have gone by. Generally, the winter months are a little quieter at JUCC, however there continues to be a great deal of planning taking place for our programs and activities at our church. The various fundraising committees are beginning to organize their lists of things that need to be done to make these events successful. I would like to encourage anyone who has not taken the opportunity to volunteer a helping hand in the past, to consider doing so this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know fellow members and experience the satisfaction and fun of being part of GOD’S GREAT TEAM at JUCC. I would suggest to current committee members to reach out and kindly ask new folks to join your particular team. Sometimes all we need to do is ask. The Governance and Policy Committee continues to meet twice a month. A big thank you to Pastor Kathryn and all the members of this committee for their hard work and determination to bring clarity to the policies of how our church does business. A special thank you to Debbie Cope for her attendance and input at the February meetings. There is not much to report in the progress of our building project since last month’s newsletter. We are waiting for the third General Contractor’s bid, and two more land development bids, as well as final approvals for the land plan. We hope to have these items by the end of March. More updates will follow as information is available. Finally, we thank you LORD for bringing us all together to work as one body to do Thy will. God has an incredible plan for our ministry. We all need to continue to pray for his guidance. Peace Be with You, Ed Brader, Consistory President
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SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS **Registration required for all programs**
Nursery (infant to pre-K): Meets with Judy Hessinger at 9:00 AM in the Sunday School room. For the nursery, parents are required to stay on premises and may be asked to stay with their children depending on planned activities. Children (ages 5-12) “Children’s Church” program begins during the 9 am service; children are released for Bible School around 9:15 AM. Parents are encouraged to stay for church service. Registration required. NOTE: Play clothes are recommended! We sometimes get messy! Youth Group (ages 13-17): Meets the last Sunday of each month @ 6pm. Please contact Jessie Walters, our Youth Group Director at [email protected] or call 484-358-6720 for more info. Adult Sunday School: Adult Sunday School will meet in the choir room @ 9 am
Christian Education Happenings- March 2020
The new curriculum Loving God, Loving your Neighbor , is working out very well. For the most
part the teachers are pleased with its content and activities. The kids will be learning about the
season of Lent, as it leads up to Easter.
We will be having an Egg Hunt for the kids in the church on Palm Sunday during the 9:00 am
service. Parents are welcome to watch. We are looking for donations of individually wrapped mini
candies to put in the Easter eggs, or we can take monetary donations and candy and prizes will be
purchased.
We will not have Sunday School on Easter morning and Pastor Kathryn will do a Family Together
service. This allows the Sunday School teachers an opportunity to worship with their families on
this Holy Day.
And… We have set a date for Sports and Arts Jamboree/ Vacation Bible School. It will be held July
13-16th with a closing program at the 9:00 service on July 19th. Please mark your calendars and we
will be distributing more information in the next few months. It is uncertain as to where we will be
with the building project so we may have to be creative with our planning! We will keep you
posted.
VBS has 2 groups, the “Littles” who are 2-5(not yet in Kindergarten) and a parent /grandparent or
guardian must stay with their child through out VBS. The 2nd group is for our school age kiddos
who will be with our adult and youth helpers. If you have any interest in helping with VBS please
let me know and I will help you get the necessary clearances, if you do not have them already.
Blessings!
Marcia Heinick
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Shorter term prayer concerns: Anna Bowman Jessie Walters Mark Stetler
Timothy Henning Joanne Frable Bill & Delores Scheffner
Duane Hawk Helen Smale Kalli Sarandis
Betty Nothstein Jean Edgecomb Pearl Fauzio
Doug Hawk Wanda Pettit Tony & Gloria Medalgia
Ed & Leann Wesler Longer term prayer concerns: Jim Buck Kayla Johnson Bonnie O’Brien
Bob Buck Gerald Hawk Dalton Fredericks
Barry Smale Linda Mackes Jim Fritz
Ada Frederick Anne Jenkins Brenda Nothstein-Bunting
Jeff Eckhart Elizabeth Krause Dean Serfass
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“…pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” (James 5:13)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
As disciples of Jesus, we seek to pray daily.
Below is a list of those who need our prayers.
MONTHLY GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP The Monthly Grief and Loss Support Group at JUCC now meets twice a month – on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm, and on the 4th Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Directed by professional counselor, Sue Featro, M.E.D., E.D.D., M.S. Counseling, this group is for people experiencing grief due to trauma, loss or death. It is an effort to assist people in the surrounding community to heal and find peace.
Meetings for March are scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th @ 1:00 pm
Thursday, March 26th @ 6:30 pm
FAMILY CARE GIVER GROUP! A Family Care Giver Support Group is now scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. In order to serve all potential needs, alternating times of evenings at 6pm and mornings at 11am will be offered. The January meeting will be held on Thursday, March 12th, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. The group will meet in the Choir Room and is open to the public. If you know of anyone who is struggling with caring for a family member, please let them know that this support group may assist them with education and fellowship to ease their caring work. Facilitated by Jennie Serfass from Manor Care. No RSVP necessary.
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Due to current public health concerns, we are asking that people refrain from shaking hands as a greeting. Hand sanitizer is also available in the sanctuary.
We want to make sure everyone stays as healthy as possible!
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HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Palm Sunday, April 5th
Maundy Thursday April 9th - Taize Service 7pm Good Friday April 10th -Tenebrae Service 7pm
Easter Sunday April 12th - 7:00 am Dawn Service, 9:00 am and 10:30 am
JUCC QUILT & CRAFTS GROUP! Interested in crafting, sewing or quilting? JUCC Quilt & Craft Group will be meeting the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The meetings this month will be held on March 12th and March 26th. See (or call) Shelba for more info (610)704-3756. There will definitely be quilting going on, but this group also involves other crafts/classes as well, depending upon your interests. It could also just be "open sew" where everyone works on their own projects. Bring your friends and enjoy some fun and fellowship!
SPECIAL SUNDAY SERVICES
MARCH 8TH – GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY MARCH 11TH – LENTEN SERVICE 7:00 PM MARCH 29TH – 5th SUNDAY “SPECIAL SOMETHING SUNDAY”
BIBLE STUDY!! JOIN AYTIME!!
Bible study is held the second and fourth Tuesday from 7pm until 8:30pm with Pastor Kathryn. The group is studying the
book of Acts. The Bible study will continue indefinitely!
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DATE THEME HOST CHURCH PREACHER March 4th
Stop St. Matthews United Church of Christ
Rev. Deb Scheffey
March 11th Merge Jerusalem United Church of Christ
Rev. John Harding
March 18th Yield Jerusalem Lutheran Church
Rev. Randy Lentz
March 25th On Way Salem St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Rev. Suzanne Brooks-Cope
April 1st Dead End Salem United Church of Christ Gilbert
Rev. Kathryn Foster
6:00 PM to 6:45 pm Simple Soup Supper 6:30 PM Choir rehearsal 7:00 PM Worship Service
Host Choir Directors will choose an easy anthem. Choir members from all churches are encouraged to attend the 6:30 pm rehearsal and sing each week.
Church offering envelopes received will be forwarded to their respective churches. Loose
offering received will go to the Host Church.
In case of inclement weather, please check Channel 13, WSBG and/or WFMZ for service cancellation information. Host Church will also place cancelation notice on their answering
machine if possible.
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MARCH FLOWERS & BULLETIN SPONSORS March 1 – Elise Binder in honor of Doris Behler’s birthday on March 10th
March 8 – Rick & Lisa Williams in honor of their 22nd wedding anniversary
March 15 – Carolyn & Robert Hill in memory of Irene, Elmer & Kenneth Hoppes
March 22 – Doris Behler & family in memory of James Behler’s birthday on March 23rd
March 29 – Ricky & Beverly Waibel in honor of their granddaughter Jaclyn’s birthday
on March 30th and grandson Peyton’s birthday on March 31st
March Scripture Readers
March 1 – Lisa Hawk/Kim Williams / March 8 – Lynn Mastio-Rice March 15 – Shari Jacobs
March 22 – Bob Fahringer / March 29 – Stephanie Anderson
GREETERS FOR 2020!
If you would like to serve as a greeter at the 10:30 a.m. service on Sundays, please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the back counter or contact Donna Mackes.
All it takes is a warm smile and a friendly handshake!
SPRING FILLING SCHEDULE
Chopping, dicing & slicing is Thurs. March 26th @ 6PM and Fri. March 27th @ 8AM
Mixing is Sat. March 28th Orders being taken March 8th to 22nd $6.00 for 2 lb. tin, $12.50 for 5 lb. tin
Pickup is Sun. March 29th and Sun. April 5th - 11:30 AM to 1 PM To order call @ 610-377-4936 or JUCC office @ 610-681-4412
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A Special Meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020
Are you interested in helping with upcoming events at our church?
Join us on Monday, March 9th at 6:30pm for a special meeting to discuss upcoming annual events.
List of Annual Events: Filling Sales – March 28th & November Flea Market – June 12th and 13th Free Community Chicken BBQ – June 27th Church Picnic – August 1st Palmerton Festival “Happy Bowl” Stand – September 11th,12th & 13th Apple Fest – October 3rd Holiday Basket Bazaar – November 7th
COMMUNITY EVENT FREE CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE
In our church Grove Rain or Shine! Saturday, June 15th from
4pm to 7 pm First come ~ first served!
Bring the whole family & lawn chairs Enjoy an evening of good food
and fellowship! For more information call our office at
610-681-4412
2-Day Flea Market! June 12 t h from 9am to 3 pm
& June 13 t h from 8am to 1 pm
Rain or Shine!
In the Church Grove
Something for Everyone!
Great Prices! Everything Must Go!
GROVE & CEMETARY CLEAN UP
The Boy Scouts will be cleaning the grove on Saturday, April 4th at 10am.
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Cemetery clean-up (for both cemeteries) will take place Monday, March 16th beginning at
5:30pm.
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Contact Pastor Kathryn to make
reservations. Checks payable to Kathryn
Foster.
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REGISTER RECEIPTS
Please continue to save your register receipts from Kinsley’s Shop Rite in Brodheadsville, Weis Markets and Redners. Last year, receipts were down from prior years, so consider requesting receipts from your neighbors and friends. Bring or mail them to the church to the attention of Lana Kuehner.
Receipts that will not be accepted include:
--- Kinsley’s receipts with the senior discounts, prescriptions, cigarettes, and beer, wine, lottery purchases or payouts. --- Weis Markets receipts with prescriptions, cigarettes, wine and beer, lottery purchases or payouts
Just a reminder! Our beverage can shed is looking for your empty aluminum beverage cans. There are two deposit slots: one for crushed cans and one for uncrushed
cans.
Our clothing bin is out in the grove near the beverage can container. Recycle Local us a community-based organization benefiting those in need while keeping many items out of the nation’s landfills. Accepted items include all clean & dry clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, towels, drapes, pillow cases and stuffed animals.
Tune in to TV Channel 69 (WFMZ) for JUCC closings or log onto wfmz.com for updates for weather-related
closings and delays.
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Do You Know?
The JUCC sanctuary is equipped with a hearing assistance system?
You can ask an usher for a receiver to help you to hear during the service!
Jerusalem UCC CCLI license number 2745745
Jerusalem United Church of Christ
545 Church Drive, Palmerton, Pennsylvania 18071
Church office: (610) 681-4412
www.jerusalemucc.org
Facebook: Jerusalem Trachsville UCC
Rev. Kathryn Foster, Pastor
Home: (610) 261-9015 ~ cell: (610) 554-7364