march 2012
DESCRIPTION
Shenkel UCC NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
Shenkel United
Church of Christ
SHARINGS AND CONCERNS
March 2012
SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1580 Shenkel Road
Pottstown PA 19465
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Shenkel United Church of Christ’s “The NEWSLETTER” is a monthly publication prepared, edited, and mailed by the leadership and staff to all members and friends of the church. It communicates news about our life, purpose, and mission as a Church of Jesus Christ. Information related to our partnership as a member of the United Church of Christ and wider church/community out-reach is included on a regular basis. The Church is located at Unionville & Shenkel Roads in North Coventry Township.
March 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Community
Lunch Bunch: 11:30 AM
Pastoral Rela-tions Commit-tee: 7 PM
Choir: 7 PM
2
World Day of Prayer Service: 2 PM at St. Paul’s UCC on Pottstown
3
4
Communion
5 6 7
“Just Eating:” 6 PM Agape: 7 PM
8
No Choir tonight
9 10
DON’T FOR-GET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR!
11
Healing Prayers
Receiving New Members: 10:45
Field Education Meeting after 10:45 worship
12 13
Quilters: 9:30 AM
Spiritual Council: 7 PM Consistory: 7:30 PM
14
“Just Eating:” 6 PM
15
Choir: 7 PM
16 17
18
Youth Group meets after 10:45 service Social hall re-served 3-6 PM
19 20
Mid-Day Dinner Club: Noon at Vincenzo’s in Douglassville Music & wor-ship: 7 PM
21
“Just Eating:” 6 PM
Prayer Shawl Ministry: 7 PM
22
Healing Prayers: 9:15 AM
Card Making Class: 10AM
Choir: 7 PM
23 24
25 Leadership
Survey Discus-sion: after 10:45 service
26
Community Meal: Noon at Christ Episco-pal Church in Pottstown
27
Quilters: 9:30 AM
28
“Just Eating:” 6 PM
29 30 31
1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown PA 19465 610.326.3535
Email: [email protected] www.shenkelucc.org
PAGE 3
The Pastor’s Pen Pastor Bonnie L. Moore
484.524.8280
Office Hours:
Tues., Wed., Thurs.
9 AM to 1 PM
CONSISTORY
OFFICERS
President
Glen Hoff
Vice President
James White
Secretary
Connie Armbruster
Treasurer
Ken Bevan
Financial Secretary
Chris Gray
Assistant Financial
Secretaries
Lori Scharneck
Doug Allen
Barry Miller
Director of
Music Ministry
Joan Valentine Johnson
Elders
Glen Hoff
Lynne Moyer
Connie Armbruster
Chris Gray
Gary McDermit
Deacons
Jeff Graef
Mark Dushanko
James White
Jeff Graef Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of
wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart
enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the
riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable great-
ness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.”
- Ephesians 1:17-19
This Lent, what courageous faith, what God-driven tenacity, what remarkable
power, what immeasurable greatness will you recognize?
Be God’s,
Pastor Bonnie
Fueled By Marcie Hans
Fueled
by a million
man–made
wings of fire –
the rocket tore a tunnel
through the sky –
and everybody cheered.
Fueled
only by a thought from God –
the seedling
urged its way
through thickness of black –
and as it pierced
the heavy ceiling of the soil –
and launched itself
up into outer space –
no
one
even
clapped.
SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
3/4
Ray and Sandy
Rowe
David and Diane
Reinert
Early: Claire Faust
Late: Sandy Rowe
Early: CUL*
Late: CUL*
3/11
Ann Baccari
Harold and Mary Lou
Smith
Early: Carol Pearson
Late: Betty Kreiger
Early: Judy Gergle &
Barb Sweinhart
Late: Tracy Dise &
Maryln Rohrbach
3/18
Sponsor Needed
Sponsor Needed
Early: Jody Sweinhart
Late: Carol Lykens
Early: Jody and Joel
Sweinhart
Late: Ann Hartzell &
Betty Kreiger
3/25
Sponsor Needed
Ethel Miller
Early: Claire Faust
Late: Ben Mocarski
Early: Jim and Claire
Faust
Late: Sherri Mocarski &
Ann Hartzell
* CUL = Communion Usher Leaders (will recruit members to assist in serving communion.)
PAGE 4
“Flours” is a collection of pantry items or a monetary donation
of your discretion to the Cluster. If a cash donation to the Clus-
ter is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Al-
tar flowers are $30.00 and bulletin dedications are $6.50.
Food Sculptures are also gladly accepted.
The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedication
during this and the upcoming months. Please complete
one of the special flower/bulletin envelopes below the sign
-up chart, enclose your payment, and either put it in the
collection plate or in the Secretary’s box by the office door.
You should sign your name on the chart in the narthex by
the appropriate date after you have completed your enve-
lope. Please do not sign the chart without completing an
envelope.
Shenkel UCC celebrates the sacrament of Holy
Communion at both services on the first Sunday of
each month. Each time communion is served, some
of the bread and non-alcoholic wine that has been
consecrated at the altar will be saved in a traveling
communion kit, ready to go to the homes or hospital
rooms of members who were unable to be present,
and would like to receive the sacra-
ment. Please let Pastor Bonnie know
if you, or someone you know, would
appreciate “distance-communing” with
their Shenkel Church family!
SERVICE COMMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Hallelujah! Lynne Moyer has volunteered to chair the Service
Committee. Thank you, Lynne! Now we will be able to con-
tinue to offer this invaluable ministry to the members of our
Shenkel family as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION…. PAGE 5
FROM OUR SEMINARIAN….
Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe that the Lenten season is knocking
at our door already! It seems as if we just put away
our Advent decorations and removed the luminaries
lining the church walk outside our doors. Yet, Easter really is right
around the corner.
This season is my all-time favorite. In addition to the fastnachts,
chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings, it affords us the opportu-
nity to slow down our lives for awhile. It invites us to reflect upon the
rich, yet short life of Christ. It asks us to consider and examine what
Christ means to us and how we find Christ present in our lives today.
It causes us to question whether we are truly engaged in the work
that Christ taught us to continue after his departure. It challenges us
to stretch ourselves in the coming year.
I invite you to join me this year in taking time to reflect on your rela-
tionship with Christ and God. Where is God calling you during this
season of your life? How might you utilize the gifts you have been
graced with, by God, to assist Shenkel UCC in the coming year? Take
time to pray about this…I’m sure God will be listening and will walk
beside you on the journey.
Peace,
Sue Fritz, Seminary Intern
The Youth are also participating in 30-Hr Famine with several other local congregations on
March 16-17. Youth will fast from breakfast on Friday morning until lunch
on Saturday to experience what it is like to be hungry. The purpose of the
Famine is not only to educate about the hunger crisis, but also to raise
money to combat it. We would appreciate any donations (participating
youth will be identified in coming Sundays) but keep in mind that just $30
feeds one child for a month in a developing country! We thank you for your generosity!
Mensch Mill is hosting a Spring Youth Event on April 13-15. Registration for the event is $75 for the whole week-
end or $35 for just Saturday. Go to: psec.org for more information or contact Ariel at [email protected].
Finally, several of Shenkel’s Youth are gearing up to go to National Youth Event, held at Purdue University, Indiana
from July 8-15. If you are interested in being part of the trip, contact Ariel for more details! For congregation mem-
bers: the Youth will be fundraising for this very unique & exciting opportunity! More information to follow!
As always, the Youth Group meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month following late worship. Bring a few dollars for
pizza & soda on March 18th & April 15!
“A TASTE OF
THE CARIBBEAN”
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Tickets will soon be on sale for this super fun evening with wonderful, flavorful food from the islands.
Tickets will be available from all members of the choir:
Adults: $20 Kids: $10—Children under 3 are
free!
Members of the choir will be serving the meal and will gladly accept tips for the cause!
All proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing new choir robes. Watch for further information coming soon.
PAGE 6
February Consistory Highlights
Received thank-yous from Bethany Children’s Home, Phoebe Ministries, and the
Pennsylvania Southeast Conference on behalf of Living Water UCC for our gifts
Accepted with regret the resignation of Barb Burhans (Deacon)
Appointed Chris Gray as Financial Secretary, and Barry Miller as Assistant Finan-
cial Secretary
Received guidance from Treasurer Ken Bevan on reviewing the monthly Treasurer’s Report
Were updated on Pastor Bonnie’s sabbatical grant proposal plans
Decided to have one service only at 10:45 on June 3, when our guest preacher will be the Rev. Judith Young-
man, who is serving as the PSEC Interim Conference Minister
Approved the Worship and Music Committee’s recommendation of one service at 10:45 on June 10 to cele-
brate the end of the Sunday School year with the annual church picnic to follow. (Services will be at 9:30 in-
side for the remainder of June; services in July and August will be held, weather permitting, outside at 9:30.)
Planned a Consistory Retreat for Tuesday, March 6 with the topic “Committee Structure”
Complete copies of Consistory Minutes are available from the church office upon request.
ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….
YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M
Actual
11,715..50 1,003.00
Budget 12,908.44 916.67
Difference (1,192.94) 86.33
SAVE-A-TAPE PROGRAM
This is one of the easiest
ways to help our church
financially!
Just ask for a Save-A-Tape card at the customer ser-
vice spot at your local Redner’s store, show your card
at the register when you check out, then bring your
register tapes to church and deposit them in the box
in the Narthex. These tapes are collected routinely,
presented to the store, and Redner’s donates a per-
centage of your total purchase to the church. Be
careful to bring your tapes in regularly instead of sav-
ing them at home, as they do expire if not redeemed
within a certain time period. Also, please return the
entire register tape. Redner’s will not accept any
register receipt that has any part of it removed.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS
FOR THE BULLETIN OR
THE NEWSLETTER?
Just a reminder that all bulle-
tin announcements should
be at the church office by
each Tuesday at noon to be included in that
week’s bulletin. Newsletter articles must
be submitted by the 15th of each month to
be included in the next issue.
Recycling Reminder….
We still accept aluminum cans at the
church for recycling. Please continue
to recycle your plastic bottles and
other recyclables at home.
SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….
REMEMBER TOO….
The Pottstown Cluster Food
Bank collection at Shenkel is the
1st Sunday of each month.
Please place your items in the
large plastic bins in the narthex.
AND...Please bring in your
used cell phones and empty ink
cartridges and place them in the
box across from the nursery, or
in the box located on the coat rack shelf across from the
office.
The cartridges are recycled to Staples, and the church
receives credits toward the purchase of office supplies.
The used cell phones are given to the police
department to be distributed to abused
women.
The Cluster welcomes all cash, food and
clothing donations between the hours of
8:30 am to 12:00 pm on Monday through
Friday. Please come to the back door off
the alley. Parking spaces at the rear of the
building are reserved for people dropping
off donations.
Pantry Needs: Canned meat and vegetables, canned soups
and stews, real fruit juice, dry pasta, canned fruit, boxed pota-
toes, nutritional snacks, canned tomatoes, dry milk, pancake
mix and syrup, oatmeal, sliced white bread, peanut butter and
jelly.
With questions please contact Sherrie at 610 910 5995
Clothes Closet and Housewares: tooth brushes/tooth
paste, deodorants, combs, shampoo/cream rinse, denture ad-
hesive (Polygrip), clothes detergent, toilet cleaners, all purpose
cleaners, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, size 3,4,5 only.
Donations of housewares such as pots/pans, linens, and small
appliances are always welcome.
The Feinstein Challenge is around the corner, March and April
are again months that the Cluster can count all food donations
and monetary donations specifically noted for the Feinstein
Challenge and increase their share of the $1 million donation
Mr. Feinstein will make in 2012. With a critical shortage of
their food supply at the Outreach Center, donations are needed
more than ever this year.
PAGE 7
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of
the least of these who are
members of my family, you did it to me.”
- Matthew 25:40
Participating in a mission trip is often an incredibly
rewarding way for people of all ages to realize the
power of God’s love. Now’s your chance to take
advantage of a mission opportunity by signing up for Shenkel’s
2012 Boston Urban Outreach! All members of the congregation,
thirteen years or older, are welcome to participate in an exciting trip
to Boston, Massachusetts that will take place this coming June and
offer participants with many humbling opportunities to learn about
homelessness. Some of our daily activities will include hearing
from men and women who have experienced homelessness, pre-
paring meals for adults with life-threatening illnesses, painting/
cleaning homeless shelters, cooking for and eating with men and
women affected by homelessness, and, of course, some sightsee-
ing in one of the coolest cities around. The trip will take place
Wednesday, June 20th through Sunday, June 24th and the approxi-
mate cost per person will be $200, please contact one of the fol-
lowing people: if you are interested in learning more or to sign up:
Collin/Chris Gray: (610) 970-2793, Pastor Bonnie: (484) 524-8280
or Gary McDermit: (610) 385-3584. Sign-up deadline is April 30.
Did you get your One Great Hour of Sharing daily devo-tional calendar?
It's a great way for you and your household to remember and give thanks for the abun-
dant blessings in your lives, as well as to raise awareness of some challenging situations in our world. You'll be invited to define a "unit" of giving and respond each day by contributing to OGHS, which provides disaster relief and com-munity development around the world. Although contributions to OGHS will be received during worship throughout the month of March, a special dedication for all gifts will be offered on March 25th.
OGHS coin boxes and devotional calendars are available in the narthex. You can read more about One Great Hour of Sharing at [email protected]!
BULLETIN BOARD….
CARD MAKING CLASS
The card making class will continue to
meet on the third Thursday of each
month at 10 AM. The cost of the class
is $8.00 which will provide each of
us with three beautiful cards. The next class will be on
Thursday, March 21st.. To insure there will be enough
materials prepared for everyone, please call Ann Bac-
cari at 610-323-5525, or Connie Armbruster at 610-
326-6516 if you plan to attend.
PAGE 8
Mid-Day Dinner Club
It has a new name!! Shenkel's
Mid-day Dinner Club meets at 12
noon on the third Tuesday of each
month – and you’re invited to join us! The next
meeting date is Tuesday, March 20 – we’ll be eat-
ing at Vincenzo’s in Douglassville. The Mid-day Din-
ner Club is open to young-at-heart adults of any age
who enjoy eating out and would like to get to know
other Shenkel members a little better. Call the
church office if you’re able to join us!
COMMUNITY
LUNCH
BUNCH Thursday, March 1
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
COME ONE, COME ALL….
FOR: Lunch,* fellowship and a special treat.
For our March event, we will have an ALL BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION. Come and say “Happy Birthday” to every-
one!
*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00 to cover
the cost of the lunch and the program. Please sign up on
the sheet in the narthex, or call the Shenkel UCC church
office at 610-326-3535 by the Monday prior to the pro-
gram to reserve your spot.
For more information please call Ruth Klein
at 610-326-4520.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the
third Wednesday evening of each month
at 7 PM. The next get-together is on
March 21st. Anyone who likes to knit or
crochet is encouraged to come. We are
always looking for new members to help
with this wonderful ministry. You don’t have to be espe-
cially experienced, just motivated. If you have any ques-
tions, please speak to June Hartung at church, or call the
church office at 610-326-3535.
Palm Plants will be needed for Palm
Sunday through Easter to decorate
the sanctuary. If you have a plant
you would like to loan to the church
for this special season, please con-
tact Louise Hine at 610-385-3716.
Shenkel UCC Prayer Shawl Ministry Goes Abroad:
The other year Cameron Dushanko took a trip to Germany and presented a prayer shawl as a gift to his host family — they really loved it! Now one of our shawls can be seen in India! The picture above is of Ariel Royer giving one of our shawls to Dr. Anil Henry and his mother on her recent trip to India with Global Ministries.
Our shawls are becoming world renown!
PAGE 9
STEWARD’S CORNER
A few weeks ago, I noticed an announcement in the church bulletin that the Adult Sunday Class was talking
about ―The Church Mouse!‖ I thought that meant ME! So I made sure I was in a good location that morning to
hear what this was all about. To my surprise, it was about that far away, popular mouse named ―Mickey.‖ Well,
it wasn’t exactly about him, but about that Kingdom where he lives. They were talking about the Magic King-
dom, and how wonderful it is…..about how that guy, Walt Disney, did such a good job in making everyone who
comes to his ―Kingdom‖ feel special and have a wonderful experience.
The class talked about all the people who work at Disney World being called a ―Cast Member,‖ and trained to be sure every
―Guest‖ was treated as a VIP. (I found out that meant ―A Very Important Person.‖) Then the discussion turned to Shenkel
Church and how we can provide that same ―culture,‖ that same approach. The people here do a pretty job greeting people, wel-
coming new visitors, recognizing that everyone is important. The conversation moved on to having a ―Blue Sky‖ attitude. That
meant something about being positive and innovative in programming and meaningful experiences, in Christian love and fol-
lowing the guidelines that JESUS gave us.
I think Disney World must be a beautiful place, but there are wonderful ―Cast Members‖ here at Shenkel Church, doing what
the Christian church was created to do. I’m proud of them. The Magic Kingdom sounds like a wonderful place, but I’m happy
right here, at Shenkel Church’s Kingdom.
STEWARD
Shenkel’s Church Mouse
“GRACE” In Christian theology, the word ―grace‖ refers to the free gift of forgiveness and new life offered in
love to all people through the One whose birth we just celebrated on Christmas day. For centuries,
theologians have sought to define God’s grace, only to discover it continually taking new forms and
expressing itself in new and unexpected ways. In the eighteenth century, John Oliver Newton captured
the one thing we know for sure about God’s grace in his hymn Amazing Grace: ―’Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and
grace will lead me home.‖
Each Sunday during the season of Lent, from February 29 through April 1, we will be exploring and celebrating that amazing
grace. Shenkel’s choirs will be featuring music around the theme of grace, and we’ll be investigating the significance of this
free gift offered to us all – no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. Join us!
Do you have a favorite meal-time grace that you would be willing to share with your Shenkel family? Please send it to the
church office for inclusion in our worship bulletins during Lent. Thank you.
The O'Drain Family
Christian, Mari & Connor
Mari is a school counselor and Christian is a probation and parole officer. Connor is a third grader in the
Perkiomen Valley School District and we live in Schwenksville. Julie Zachesky brought the O'Drain's to
Shenkel as Mari and Julie have been friends since childhood.
Eric Martens
I am engaged to Anne Confer who an intern at St Luke’s Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry, CT. Our wedding is Au-
gust 5th and she plans on moving to this area when she finishes her internship.
I work at Presbyterian Children’s Village in Rosemont as a chaplain primarily in our residential treatment pro-
gram. I hope to be a healing presence in the lives of teenagers who have experienced horrible traumas and are strug-
gling in life as a result. I also work on building PCV's partnerships with churches and community organizations. So I
am often visiting other congregations and preaching and/or teaching on Sunday mornings.
I recently moved into the area for my job. As I looked for a UCC church I found Shenkel’s website. I have
felt very at home since coming, and hope in the future to begin the ordination process with the congrega-
tion’s help.
I enjoy being active, running and biking. I also love to coach sports (soccer, wrestling, volleyball, and
track) and to act.
PAGE 10 FAITH & EDUCATION
Wholeness Committee
The third Thursday of each month is a time for Prayer and anointing, and also a time for reflec-
tion. We will be meeting in the Agape Room from 9:15 till 10:00 AM. Anyone who is in need of prayer or anointing is invited to come.
The Prayer Chain list is being updated. At this point we will be re-moving all names currently on the list, unless notified otherwise. Re-quest for prayers should be placed in the prayer box in the Narthex, or get in touch with any member of the Wholeness Commit-tee. These names will be carried for one month unless notified other-wise. If anyone is interested in ministering on the Prayer Chain, please contact Ann Baccari or Freda Wanner. Members of the Wholeness Committee are Ann Baccari, Ted Gray, Tootie and Louise Hine, June Hartung, Carol Stubbe and Freda Wanner.
The Adult Sunday School Class meets at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday morning in the social room. Everyone
is welcome to join us!
On Sunday, March 4, the adult Sunday School Class will be hosting a special guest from the YWCA Tri-county Literacy
Center in Pottstown, Jay J. Hively, director. The YWCA Tri-county Area Adult Literacy Center serves adults in Montgom-
ery, Berks and Chester counties. The Literacy Center is helping to address the growing number of adults that are being left
behind because of limited literacy skills.The programs include reading, writing and math, English as a second language,
workplace essential skills, customer service skills certification, preparation for the GED test (3 out of 10 public school stu-
dents do not graduate from high school), assistance with the U.S. citizenship test and basic computer skills. How does it all
work? , Jae Hively, Director of the Literacy Center will share a snapshot of literacy in America, how it is affecting our econ-
omy, family, neighborhoods and democracy, and what works best as we try to address these challenges.
We invite all who are interested to join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Social Room to learn of this special service in a program enti-
tled "What did you say?"
March 11 — ―Simplifying the Soul - Some Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit‖ How can we
simplify space? How might we simplify our use of money? and other things!:-) Led by Rev. Wanda
Craner.
March 25 — ―We Wish to See Jesus" (John 12:20-26) Have you "seen" Jesus lately? Have you
encountered God? Do we "really" have guardian angels? Come and see! Led by Rev. Wanda Craner.
“The Living Last Supper”
Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012
Maundy Thursday is the first of three sacred
days in the ancient Triduum, “The Three Sa-
cred Days.” As the disciples gather around
the table on this holiest of days to share their last meal together,
Jesus gently reminds them that their time together will soon end.
We will have the unique opportunity to learn what it was like for
each of the twelve disciples to be called by Jesus, to be his stead-
fast companions as they traveled far and wide spreading the
“Good News,” and what Jesus meant to each of them.
Please join us at 7 P.M., in the Social Hall, to worship and share
Holy Communion together. Perhaps this night will lead each of us
into a deeper commitment with God and help prepare us for the
glorious Easter message that will be revealed to all the world on
Easter Sunday!
Pastor Bonnie’s Sabbatical
The time is coming…Pastor Bonnie will be with
us six years, and we will gift her the ―Gift that
keeps on Giving,‖ a well-deserved three month
sabbatical, tentatively scheduled for early Fall,
2013. This will be a time for spiritual renewal,
education and refreshment for her and also, a
time for our congregation to experience spiritual
renewal.
Pastor Bonnie is applying for a national grant
that will cover both her (and our congregation's)
expenses during her sabbatical; the application
must be submitted by May 1st of this year.
Please let her know your thoughts and sugges-
tions about what she might do during her sab-
batical, as well as what will be meaningful for
our congregation during those three months.
There will be updates periodically. In the mean-
time, if you have any questions or concerns, you
may either speak with Pastor Bonnie, or a mem-
ber of the Pastoral Relations Committee.
Gratefully submitted by,
Carol Lykens, Chairman, Pastoral Relations
Committee
Freda Wanner
Mary Lou Smith
Dave Derman
Ted Gray
SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday April 21, Shenkel will host our first Latin American
Dinner Festival that supports the Music Ministry, more specifically for the purchase of new choir
robes. The robes that we currently have are over 30 years old and with the addition of many
new members, we haven’t had a lot of choice left for decent fitting robes. Evelyn Rodriguez has
generously offered to cater this wonderful meal that has been a hit with the winners of her an-
nual auction item. From our first-hand knowledge of the meal, Evelyn makes a great dinner,
and we invite you to bring your friends and family to support the work of the music ministry..
We suggest that you buy a Full Table and bring your neighbors and friends along with the family. Fun times, good food
and a chance to abuse the members of the Chancel Choir who will be serving your meals to you….maybe you could
even give them a great tip to help support the music program. Tickets will be available very soon.
For the first five weeks of Lent, beginning Feb. 26 through March 25, we will be doing a “GRACE” series, where the
choir will be singing many different pieces about “grace” and in many different styles. Pastor Bonnie will also be incor-
porating “grace” into the service in a variety of ways. Let us know your favorites!
Easter-tide is coming quickly, and all the choirs from the smallest of the Sunday School kids to the adults and Chime
Choir are getting ready for festive music. As always, we have lots of room for more members of our choirs. If you are
moved by the music at Shenkel, join the choir and help us sing. It provides more than just “music,” but also a chance
to give your talent where it is really needed and appreciated.
We’d like to keep you updated on the great job that Lori Scharneck is doing in conducting the chime choir this year.
They have been practicing several new selections for the spring. They will be playing “Amazing Grace” in our “GRACE”
series on March 11, a small group playing on Maundy Thursday and the entire group playing on April 1, Palm Sunday.
Special thanks to Collin Gray for his talents on February 12 at both services, including helping the Chancel Choir with
an Oboe solo on the keyboard. Poor Collin thought we wanted him to learn the Oboe just for this. But you know, he
could do it! Thanks Collin.
PAGE 11
Leadership Survey
Results Discussion Sunday, March 25th
following the 10:45 A.M.
Worship Service
As part of my covenantal relation-
ship with Lancaster Theological
Seminary and Shenkel, I established
three ministerial goals to focus upon during this year of formation
studies. I was very interested in understanding how a Pastor and
the congregation effectively work together to bridge differences and
build community. I thought that it would be very helpful for me, as
a future church leader, to understand the dynamics of congrega-
tional life.
During this meeting, I will share the results which people shared;
what I have learned about the role of a Pastor; and, how I believe
this will help me with my future endeavors. Everyone is invited to
sit in on this session.
SAVE THE DATE….
Coping with Loss
Workshop Friday, April 20, 2012
10AM – Noon in Shenkel’s
Social Hall
Whenever we face loss, we experience grief. Our reac-
tions are unique and quite personal; none of us ex-periences grief in quite the same way. If you are
suffering from the loss of a loved one, a child, a special
friend, or a sibling, you are not alone.
On Friday, April 20th, I will be hosting a free workshop
for anyone interested in learning more about coping
with grief. During this workshop, we will explore the
faces of grief, engage in different methods for process-
ing loss, and identify methods for taking care of our-
selves during these times of sorrow. I invite you to
bring along photographs, journals, letters, and cards
that remind you of your loved one. Also, feel free to
invite a friend. If you have any questions regarding
this workshop, please contact me at your convenience
(Sue Fritz: email: [email protected] or
DON’T FORGET….Turn your clocks
ahead one hour before going to bed on Sat-
urday, March 11. Daylight Savings Time
begins in the wee hours of March 12. You
don’t want to be late for church! ☺
Owen J. Roberts Presents
Entertainment for All Ages!
The Owen J. Roberts Music
Programs are sponsoring the
3rd Annual Pasta Dinner at Cedarville
United Methodist Church on Friday,
March 30th from 5—8 PM, featuring live entertainment by
the High School and Middle School Jazz bands and stu-
dent ensembles. Advance Tickets are $8/$10 at the door/
$6 for Seniors (65 and over) and chil-
dren (age 5 and under) are free. Con-
tact Collin or Chris Gray at
[email protected] to purchase tickets.
Owen J. Roberts Music Programs
present…. “GUYS AND DOLLS” March 16th at 7 PM
March 17th at 2 & 7 PM March 18th at 2 PM
This wonderful show features Shenkel’s own Taylor Helmers, Jordan Caplan and Collin Gray!
Tickets are $15 — Adult $10 — Students & Senior Citizens
Additional information and order forms are in the narthex or at www.ojrsd.org
Come and support our talented young members.
MORE NEWS….
Soroptimist International
of Pottstown, a non profit organi-
zation consisting of local business
women who are focused on improv-
ing the lives of women and girls in
Pottstown, is having a St. Patrick’s
Day Dance at Sunnybrook on Satur-
day, March 17 at 7 p.m. The ticket cost is $25 per
person. All proceeds benefit women and girls in the
Pottstown Community. Also, any business
women or retired business women are in-
vited to join this wonderful organization at
any time. If interested, please contact
Butsy McElroy at 610-323-3230.
SHENKEL QUILTERS It takes many ideas and hands to
make an original quilt. We are
working on the center panel, de-
ciding on what works best to com-
pliment the surrounding com-
pleted blocks. All of us agree, that this is going to be
a very special quilt. It's exciting to see all of our ideas
take shape, so...I invite you to stop by and see an
original design in progress. March meeting dates will
be Tuesday the13th and the 27th at 9:30 in the Church
Social Hall
Margie Allen
Summer Camp 2012 -
―Secrets of the Kingdom‖
Each year Mensch Mill provides children, youth and fami-
lies with dynamic programs that provide opportunities to
explore the outdoors, to create personal growth experi-
ences, and to make new friends and grow in faith. This
year, our theme uses the parables that Jesus taught to help
us discover how we can make a meaningful impact today.
There are some nice discounts this year. Register by May
1 to receive a discount of $45 for overnight campers and
$15 for day campers. There is also a $25 discount if you
bring someone to Mensch Mill for the first time. And as
always, Shenkel will reimburse 50% of the registration fee
from our Campership Fund. For more information, visit us
on the web at www.Menschmill.org or Facebook. You
could also speak to Barbara Sweinhart or call the church
office.
Spring Work Day - March 17, 2012
This special day is scheduled in an effort to finish clean-
ing the Mensch Mill property of the damage remaining
from the snowstorm last October. As we prepare for the
summer season, we want to make sure that Mensch
Mill provides a welcoming space, and we need extra hands
to make that possible this year. Your help is greatly appre-
ciated whether you can give the whole day or only an hour
or two. We begin at 8:30 with breakfast cake, fruit, juice
and coffee. Then, we work till noon when a hearty lunch
will be provided. In the afternoon, we will finish projects,
hopefully by 3 pm. To participate in this event, call the
Mensch Mill office at 610-845-7013 or email
PAGE 12
OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….
03/01 HARRY ALDERFER 03/01 DIANE REINERT 03/01 Jeffrey Graef 03/01 JESSICA MOSER 03/02 Karl Metka 03/02 KATHLEEN SNYDER 03/03 JOAN GRANGER 03/04 Faye Pedrick 03/05 Sue NYE 03/05 RANDY GERBER 03/05 STEPHEN WANNER 03/06 Patricia Laverty 03/06 Brenda Berriker 03/06 MAGEN PERELLI 03/08 JOAN CHRISTMAN 03/10 ADELE KLEIN 03/11 Clayton Brewer 03/12 Angela Haslett 03/12 Kyle Miller 03/13 SANDRA WELLER 03/13 Seth Flaxenburg 03/14 THOMAS KLEIN 03/15 Steven Craner 03/18 NICOLAS ALTENDERFER 03/19 Lynne Moyer 03/19 CHRISTIAN GERBER 03/20 Bill Faust 03/20 Jacob Eames 03/20 Lilly Keim 03/22 Cara Bevan 03/22 Emily Sakal 03/23 RICHARD SNYDER 03/23 ERIC KLINE 03/23 MATT BILINSKI 03/23 Madelyn Murphy 03/24 Ethel Miller 03/25 Josh Rice 03/30 STAUFFER KUTZ 03/30 Stephanie Viti
During the month of March,
Shenkel will be praying for
these randomly selected
members and friends of our
congregation:
3/4 Linda, Andrew, Lexi, Brandon and Aaron Foss,
Michael Zurek, Christina, Laura, Leslie and
Mark Hauze
Wendy Ambrose
Meredith Hampton
Barb and Bill Burhans
Tammy, Robert, Colin, Jared and Joshua Devine
3/11 Cara Bevan
Freda Wanner
Marie and Carl Bade
Debbie and Nicole Smith and Tom Davis
Sue and Michael Kulp
3/18 Robin, David and Timothy Klein
Gillian Caplan
Gabriella Megni
Taylor Baker
Jess Miller
3/25 Evelyn Rodriguez
Kyle Hudick
Pat and Fred Kerlin
Robyn, Michael, Hannah and Noah Apgar
Kailyn Painter
A great big THANK YOU to the volun-
teers who did all the lifting and mov-
ing necessary for getting the piano
from Jim Yocom’s house to its new
location in our Sunday School.
Randy Berriker, Bill Zachesky, Barry Miller, Barry Yo-
com, Drew and Joel Sweinhart…. you’re the best! No
doubt our Sunday School will really enjoy this new ad-
dition that will enhance their new program. Thanks,
too, to Joel and Drew Sweinhart for using their truck
(and muscle) to dispose of the old piano.
My family and I wish to thank all of you for
your prayers and concerns about my well being
after a run-in with a neighborhood dog. I am
well on my way back to normal, whatever
"normal" is.
Bill Baseley
P.S. You may want to include the dog on your next prayer
list.
PAGE 13
LOOKING AHEAD….
April 1
8:30 a.m and 10:45 a.m.
Come sing "Hosanna!" with the crowd and participate
as our Lenten journey culminates in this joy-ful celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.
April 5
7:00 p.m.
Thursday marks the beginning of the ancient Triduum, “The Three Sacred Days,” which lead to Easter Sun-day. Join us as we learn what it Maundy was like for the disciples to live and share their lives with Christ Jesus.
April 6 10:30 a.m.
The Pottstown Community Good Friday Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. from the green between Zion’s UCC and Emmanuel Lutheran on Hanover Street. Join us as we walk and pray for our community. (Children, dogs and strollers welcome!
Tenebrae Service 7:00 p.m.
The drama continues as we recall Jesus’ painful march to Golgotha, his suffering and death on the cross, and the darkness that hung over the earth.
Easter Vigil –
Following the Good Friday Service, April 6, the vigil begins, and ends on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. This is a time of solitude and meditation. It is suggested that at least two people be pre-sent for one hour all through the night. Materials will be provided on which to meditate, or you may bring your own personal meditation to read. It is a time of quiet reflection.
For two weeks prior to Easter, there will be a sign up chart in the Narthex for people wishing to participate in the Vigil. If you would like more information, contact Ann Baccari or the Church office.
April 8
Come sing "Alleluia!" as we celebrate Christ’s victory over the grave, and are assured, once more, that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love. 6:30 a.m. – Community Sunrise Service in the field across from Temple United Methodist Church at the intersection of Temple and Unionville Roads, Potts-
town. Breakfast will be served following the service – all are welcome! Our 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM services of worship will include joyful, inspiring music, a celebratory message, and Holy Communion. Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall between services; no Sunday School will be held that morning.
PAGE 13