may 2018 - constant contactfiles.constantcontact.com/e9ae4f8f201/fc8f8cb6-1e... · 15 w. church...
TRANSCRIPT
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 1
FROM PASTOR DANIEL
Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod
Bolsinger who brings decades of expertise in guiding churches and organizations
through uncharted territory. He offers a combination of illuminating insights and
practical tools to help you reimagine what effective leadership looks like in our
rapidly changing world.
As a lover of history, I am always interested in knowing about the past but more
importantly what we can learn from that past. This particular book really spoke to
me in the midst of what we have experienced and what I suspect we will be
experiencing in the years ahead.
We know that explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. They were tasked with
finding a waterway to the Pacific Ocean. They were prepared for that reality.
And then the waterway ended, and they faced the mighty Rocky Mountains.
That’s quite a different reality. How do canoe over the mountains? Do you
abandon the journey and go back to President Jefferson and tell him you tried but
sorry no luck?
History tells us that Lewis and Clark choose not to give up. But they did need to
leave the canoes behind. They retooled their knowledge of water navigation and continued on the journey.
I find myself leading in a cultural context that I was not expecting. My training as a local church pastor back in
the 1980’s did not include many of the aspects of ministry that I face today in my daily life. Some days I find
myself moving along with what I expected to happen, paddling along in my canoe on the stream of parish life
and then I hit the unexpected. Like others who have gone before, I have had to reconsider and retool –
drawing on my past knowledge and experience but also recognizing that new tools and new training will be
needed for the future.
ERUCC is at yet another crossroads as we approach the official opening of our new building. There are many
things that you can expect that we have been doing that will continue. There are some things that we used to
do that will change. There are many more new things that are coming on the horizon.
We will draw on our incredible past and the tools and practices that have served us well in the past. There
may be some places where we need to let go of our canoes and figure out another way of getting to where we
need to be. We will need to continue to be flexible, resilient, and resourceful as we discover new navigational
tools.
MAY 2018
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pastor’s Page 1 Worship Notes 2 Adult Education 3,4 Book Group 5 Making a Difference 6 Thanks 7 Florida Mission Report 8 Men/Women/Travel 9 Building Update 10 Photos, Looking Ahead 11 Treasurer’s Report 12 Youth 13 Children Ministry 14 Germany/CAC 15 Golf 16 Strengthen Our Church 17 Gifts/ April Birthday 18 VBS Registration 19
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 2
MAY WORSHIP NOTES (Scripture notes from Season of the Spirit and Pulpit Resource)
May 6 Loving Friends John 15:9–17 “...love one another.”
These are the words of Jesus to his followers. So simple, and yet not always so easy. Jesus’ commandment to
love one another in John, chapter 15, verse 12, is one of the strongest themes of Jesus’ teaching. Not only
does Jesus command us “to love one another,” he shows us how to love each other “as I have loved you.”
Jesus then pushes the envelope in verse 13: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for
one’s friends” (John 15:9-17).
Exploring what “laying down one’s life” is a challenge that enlightens and inspires. 1 John 5:1-6 is a text that
supports and ungirds the theology of Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Central themes of the first
letter of John include “faith and believing,” and “love put into action.” These themes encourage us to act in
ways that cause love and faith to overcome the problems of the world. Indeed, as disciples of Jesus, what
does it mean to be a friend, even a spiritual friend?
This Sunday we will be sharing communion at the chancel rail. The Senior Choir will be singing. We have a
guest musician, David Howard, cellist. Following worship we will have our annual congregational meeting to
review church finances and activities for 2017. Lunch will be provided.
May 13 Love Leads the Way Acts 1:15–17, 21–26 “You know everyone’s heart.”
How do you make decisions? In this story, the followers of Jesus pray and roll the dice as a way of discerning
who will be added to the eleven apostles. In his prayer in John 17: 6-19, Jesus is sure of one thing: everything
comes from God.
Reflect on what combination of head, heart, and gut do you employ in making your own decisions. How do you
invite God into the process? When God speaks to you, do you sense God’s presence? Hear God’s voice?
Recognize an inner calm? Is there an inner knowing? Spirit and Young Spirit will be singing.
May 20 Alive in Love Acts 2:1–21 “I will pour out my Spirit....”
Pentecost, as described in the classic text in Acts 2:1-21, is a high holy day of the life of the church. Pentecost
is the day we celebrate the founding of the Christian church. More than that, on Pentecost we celebrate the
coming of the Holy Spirit into the life of the church and into our own lives. The power of the Holy Spirit is
reinforced in the gospel for this day, John 15:26-27 and 16:4b-15, when Jesus explains what the Holy Spirit will
do for the faithful. This raises the question of what “spirit” means to us in the 21st Century. What does “spirit”
look like in these modern times?
The Senior Choir and Young Spirit will be sharing in music leadership on this joyous celebration of the birth of
the Church. Today we will be confirming? young people into the life of the church. Please join us in
celebrating as they affirm their baptisms this day.
May 27 Trinity Sunday
This morning in worship we will be reading from Micah 6: 8, Colossians 3: 12-17, and John 2:1-11 as we celebrate the marriage of Ann Hammond and McGreevy. All three passages speak to our call to live in community with one another. The story of the wedding feast in John 2 speaks of God’s overflowing love. In the face of scarcity, an extravagant sign of transformation reveals God’s abundance. Faith trusts the possibility that God can and will provide for the good of all. What Mary knew and trusted invites our own knowing and trusting: God’s love never runs dry. The Senior Choir will be singing.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 3
OTHER WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
THURSDAY NIGHT’S TABULA RASA “Tabula Rasa” - A term meaning simply to clean the table. Finish the day by leaving all concerns and worries of the day to God and “clean up” your mind in a little sung prayer. We invite you to cleanse your mind and breathe in God’s Spirit. Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Trinity Chapel.
SERVICE OF LIGHTS - A NEW WORSHIP AND HEALING OPPORTUNITY This evening prayer is designed according to the Order of Worship in Taize (France). We invite you to a prayer full of music in an atmosphere of candle light in the Sanctuary. Let us break away from the hurried sense of our lives and breathe in the presence of Christ and community. Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel People who play an instrument are welcome to participate in the service. We will meet at 6:15 p.m. to set up and prepare.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT EDUCATION
Let’ s Talk:
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Meets in Trinity Chapel, West Classroom
May 2018
May 6 New Building Use Policies
This morning we will share and discuss the new building use policies developed by a
team of ERUCC members along with the Leaders on Loan group from Leadership
Frederick.
May 13 “Perspectives from Liberia, Africa - how the people overcame years of
brutal civil war and Ebola to find peace and reconciliation.”
Led by ERUCC member, Laura McNay, Deputy Director for Operations and
Management, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
May 20 Community Leaders share their thoughts on the “impact” our new building
will have on downtown Frederick and the wider community.
May 27 Jenna Duranko will share her work on communicating with the congregation and
beyond through social media.
CALLLING ALL GRADUATES!
We would like to honor our graduates in June. If you or a member of your family is graduating please send
their name to the church office: [email protected]
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 4
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY WITH PASTOR DANIEL
11:00 am – Noon The Lodge at Willow Ponds (Homewood)—
Classroom A
A Study of 1, 2, and 3 John
May 1, 8, and 15
WEDNESDAY EVENING DISCUSSION GROUP
FACILITATED BY ESTHER ZIEGLER
The Wednesday Evening Discussion group will meet on Wednesdays in Lent at 7 PM in the Trinity Chapel
first floor class room. Although we are continuing with the series Great Figures of the New Testament by
Professor-Jill Levine, each lecture is about a different character so you can drop in at any time.without feeling
that you will be lost in the middle of a series. This gives you the opportunity for some deeper understanding of
significant New Testament characters based on recent Biblical resources and scholarship.
May 2 –The Christ of Faith
May 9-Paul of Acts
May 16-Final Session to Plan for September
TUESDAYS WITH TED
6 TO 7:30 P.M. IN THE PARISH HOUSE CONFERENCE ROOM
Join the conversation as we watch a TED Talk. Light refreshments provided
May 1 Steve Jobs – How to Live Before you Die
This evening we will listen to Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement address at Stanford University. While not
actually a TED Talk, the speech is deeply touching and inspirational. A must-watch even if you’ve already seen
it ten times already.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living
with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner
voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know
what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
June 5 Martin Pistorius: How My Mind Came Back to Life--and No One Knew
At 12 years of age, Martin Pistorius contracted a brain infection and lost the ability to communicate. His parents
were told that, for all intents and purposes, he had become a "vegetable" and was no longer mentally aware.
But in reality, Martin's mind had begun to knit itself back together. The problem? No one knew it.
This talk will make you cry, but it will also make you smile. Through it all, you'll learn the value of a simple
smile, the remarkable power of the mind, and why it's important to look beyond the first impression.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 5
ERUCC BOOK GROUP 2018
(The book group meets once a month at various members’ homes.
Depending on the time of year and the book read. This group usually
includes 8-14 people.)
May 22 Hosted by Ave Barr in the Thomas Room at ERUCC
Manhattan Beach: A Novel by Jennifer Egan
Anna Kerrigan, nearly twelve years old, accompanies her father to visit
Dexter Styles, a man who, she gleans, is crucial to the survival of her
father and her family. She is mesmerized by the sea beyond the house
and by some charged mystery between the two men.
Years later, her father has disappeared and the country is at war. Anna works at the Brooklyn Naval Yard,
where women are allowed to hold jobs that once belonged to men, now soldiers abroad. She becomes the first
female diver, the most dangerous and exclusive of occupations, repairing the ships that will help America win
the war. One evening at a nightclub, she meets Dexter Styles again, and begins to understand the complexity
of her father’s life, the reasons he might have vanished.
With the atmosphere of a noir thriller, Egan’s first historical novel follows Anna and Styles into a world
populated by gangsters, sailors, divers, bankers, and union men. Manhattan Beach is a deft, dazzling,
propulsive exploration of a transformative moment in the lives and identities of women and men, of America
and the world. It is a magnificent novel by the author of A Visit from the Goon Squad, one of the great writers of
our time.
June 26
Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy
Location to be Determined
Recruited by the U.S. Army and Navy from small towns and elite colleges, more than ten thousand women
served as codebreakers during World War II. While their brothers and boyfriends took up arms, these women
moved to Washington and learned the meticulous work of code-breaking. Their efforts shortened the war,
saved countless lives, and gave them access to careers previously denied to them. A strict vow of secrecy
nearly erased their efforts from history; now, through dazzling research and interviews with surviving code girls,
bestselling author Liza Mundy brings to life this riveting and vital story of American courage, service, and
scientific accomplishment.
Homewood Mother’s Day Appeal
Mother’s Day has always been special at Homewood. This holiday has served as a fitting time to honor our
own mothers or other significant women in our lives by supporting Homewood’s mission.
Last year, Homewood subsidized more than $11 million in care, and this need continues. A gift made in honor
of your mother, or other important woman in your life, will help them provide continuing care for those who
need it most.
Envelopes will be provided on Sunday, May 13th for this appeal.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 6
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
ERUCC members and friends are making a difference in people’s lives within our church community as well as
the wider community. We hope to have a page in Trinity Chimes that tells the story of ERUCC “impact.”
This month, we are featuring people who have volunteered with the Religious Coalition’s Cold Weather
Shelter. Many thanks to Ed Hoffman who has coordinated our volunteer pool for many years.
Please contact Ed about other opportunities with the Religious Coalition or Pastor Daniel for further community
engagement opportunities with groups like Habitat, the Frederick Center, and others.
“ One of the many things I like about ERUCC is that it provides me with several volunteer opportunities I can
participate in to support our community. Too often I get consumed with the logistics of my own life and I
forget about others that don’t have the privileges that I have been afforded. Spending a couple of hours at
the Cold Weather Shelter costs me nothing and provides a benefit to the folks in need as well as the staff.
Volunteering there has opened my eyes to how I think of homeless people. I never realized the range of
circumstances leading to homelessness and how folks are just doing the best they can in a world that isn’t
designed with a safety net. One thing that really struck home was the wake-up call sheet. Many of the folks
spending the night request a wake-up call so they can make it to work on time. Yes –people with jobs that
can’t get housing and live on the streets. My lesson? Never judge a book by its cover. “ (Ron Terbush)
“…what made the biggest impression on me is how the majority of the homeless w/who we came in contact,
still managed to retain their sense of humor There is a good amount of laughter there; especially w/those who
have forged friendly relationships w/others there on a semi-regular basis.
The range of people in need is astounding! You see everyone from those who may have been homeless for
quite some time to those who look as if it all just happened yesterday.
Ron and I attended a piece of theatre at The Met a couple of months ago, called Life Without the Ruby
Slippers. It was an original piece that originally workshopped about four years ago and they brought it back;
just for a weekend of three performances. I'm so glad we caught it. The cast was made up of actors and real
homeless people who shared their own stories. It was riveting and as Ron mentioned, it made me see
homeless individuals in a more positive light. Far too many of us are only a paycheck from disaster of one kind
or another.
It's SO much more than handing a dollar and/or some change out the winder at the intersection.
I found the wake-up calls pretty eye-opening as well. We, as humans, tend to assume way too much too
much of the time. Everybody has a story. I can't imagine holding down a full-time job yet still unable to afford
a place to rest my head and body at the end of the day.
I do it because it's the right thing to do and it's in my power to do so. It's the very least I can do and it doesn't
cost a dime. I also enjoy sharing the responsibilities w/my husband.
What I hope has happened as a result of being there is that the people we help are one step closer to walking
away from their troubles and into a better life. “ (Ray Hatch)
“ I happily answer: Because I believe that the 'haves' in life should give back to the 'have-nots'. Why I feel this
way: I am a 'have' by luck. I was born into the right family, healthy in body and mind, and experienced good
fortune along the way. Many many have not been so lucky. Therefore I feel strongly driven to help. Working
the shelter is one small way to help, to even the playing field a bit. It has been a personal drive for many
decades. I admire the standard that Ed sets. (Gerry Blessing)
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 7
“I started volunteering with the cold weather shelter when it was first established in the basement of various
churches. I remember an incident where a guest indicated that even though they were down on their luck they
were still people. It affected the way I "looked" at the guests from then on.
I volunteer because I can.” (Kathy Johnston)
“I like the idea that I can come together as a community from various churches, etc., to provide such a service.
I enjoy working with others in such a way for such a purpose. I feel good that I have done something helpful for
folks that are very vulnerable. I like Ed Hoffman and feel good responding to his requests for volunteers.”
(Richard Torian)
“I was able to volunteer only one evening at the Shelter by checking in the guests and verifying their
belongings. I brought candy canes and made eye contact with everyone in my charge. They enjoyed seeing a
fresh “pretty” face and assisted them if they wanted any particular snacks or had specific individual needs. The
atmosphere there was one of caring and concern for all the people coming in the building as well as the
volunteers and staff. It was a very pleasant experience and one that I hope to continue. Perhaps there will be
another opportunity to spend some one on one time with them in the future to share stories.” (Lisa
Ausherman)
Thank you, ERUCC folks, for giving of your hands and heart.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the cards, calls, food, and
especially prayers during my recent surgery and recuperation. As I continue to
recuperate from home, I thank God every day for the many, many blessings I
have received from my church family -- you're the best!
Thanks again, Pat Hevner.
My deepest thanks to everyone for your tremendous show of support after the sudden loss of my
beloved Ed...all those who attended his service, those who sent cards, called and emailed. It is a deep
and abiding loss for me, but with all the love shown me after his passing I know I will make it through
this time of sorrow.
With love, Mary Meyer
To the members of my church family,
Thank you so much for your thoughts, cards, and prayers. They were all very appreciated. It’s great
being part of this church community. ~ Patti Patterson.
ERUCC CHURCH Donation for Building Fund and Youth:
On behalf of the Frederick County Building Industry Association and the Home Show Committee, I would like
to take this opportunity to thank ERUCC for once again being a part of our Home Show. Manning the gates for
donations, passing out show inserts and clean up at this year’s FCBIA Home show was invaluable. The
commitment of your members who participated over the two-day show was outstanding.
Please accept the enclosed donation of $1,600 as a gesture of our appreciation. We sincerely hope we will
see you at the 2019 show on March 16 and 17, 2019
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 8
FLORIDA MISSION REPORT
The United Church of Christ speaks about the ministry of presence and
the importance of accompanying people on their journey. This is our
ministry with partners around the world.
Working with a group of 11 other energetic, hopeful, and caring adults
from ERUCC, Christ Reformed UCC, Middletown and St. Paul’s UCC in
Fleetwood, PA, in Daytona Beach, Florida, providing much needed
assistance for those affected by Hurricane Matthew. The ERUCC
group, in addition to me, is represented by Will Duncan, Scott Smiley,
and Keith Stickley.
Scott Smiley provides us with reflection on his experience:
When Barbara asked if we would be willing to do a devotional during the trip, I must confess I was
hesitant to volunteer. You see I view myself as rather practical, some might even say rather cut and
dried, but not overly eloquent or motivational. So I wasn’t sure what could I possibly have to offer that
would be of value? Yet I also felt a little nudge pushing me to say “yes.” So, with great reluctance, I
agreed.
And having committed to do this, I immediately began thinking about what I might reflect on that might
resonate with and best serve the group. So, I turned to the bible for inspiration—seemed like a good
starting point right? I specifically looked for verses on serving others, and I quickly became
overwhelmed by the sheer number of references to this topic. So instead, I turned to the secular world
and I stumbled upon the following anonymous quote, which I thought might fit the bill:
“If you are more fortunate than others, it is better that you should build a longer table, than a taller
fence.”
To me, the simplicity and eloquence of these word seemed to sum up, rather magically, all the
guidance of the many scripture verses I had read. It also seemed so fitting for the path we travel
together this week.
We are all fortunate to be able to make time to do this trip—more fortunate than many of our fellow
congregants and friends. Are you fortunate enough to have skills which are needed, that others do not
possess? Perhaps you are fortunate to possess a willingness to learn and serve that others may not
have? Maybe you are fortunate to have the gift of hospitality and help ensure the group is watched
over and well fed so that we have the strength to do the task before us. Or are you fortunate to have
the gift to inspire with your words or to create daily rituals for the group that ground us in why we are
here?
Whatever the particular gift may be, each of you do indeed possess a unique and special gift, I think
that each and every one of us here must, at some level, believe ourselves to be more fortunate than
others lest we wouldn’t be here now.
And this week has indeed shown us that we are all more fortunate than many of the people we are
serving here this week. I don’t know each of your individual situations, but I would suspect that most, if
not all, of us don’t worry that the roof over our heads leaks significantly every time it rains. Nor do we
have to go to neighbor of family member’s home because we don’t have a functioning bathroom, or
have waited three years to repair significant structural damage to our homes.
So while we have indeed built a roof, and scraped and painted walls and ceilings, and various other
tasks, we have also been building a longer table.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 9
So for the many gifts you have shared this week, and for being willing to walk this path together which
has built that longer table, I would like to say “thank you” to each and everyone here. Each and every
one of us followed Christ’s call and example and together we have indeed built a longer table and not a
taller fence.
While it may often feel like the world has forgotten how to do this, I think there are actually countless
examples of it each and every day if we but look, and this week we are all part of the greater web of
those little miracles. So let us take a moment now to celebrate our efforts, not in a boastful or prideful
way, but with humbleness of heart, in service to what we are called to be. In Christ’s words:
“And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
MEN OF ERUCC – COME JOIN US
Some ERUCC men have begun a breakfast group
for socializing and growing our faith. We have
decided to meet the first Sunday of the month at 8
AM. It's “Bring Your Own Breakfast.” We gather
in the Liz Coffey Conference Room. Feel free to
drop by as your schedule permits and invite others
to do so as well.
CHIMES LEARNING AND SERVICE
GROUP
The Chimes Learning and Service Group will meet
for their annual spring luncheon on Thursday, May
10th at Dutch's Daughter Restaurant. We will order
from a special menu and each person will pay their
own bill. We will gather starting at 11:00 and then
order about 11:30. The room is downstairs, and
you can go down the ramp on the right and park in
the lower parking lot. If you would like to go, please
let Mary Meyer know at 240-8l5-5973 or
[email protected]. ALL ARE WELCOME !!!
TRAVEL WITH YOUR ERUCC FRIENDS
October 2-12, 2019 Danube River Cruise
(Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein–Melk, Linz, Passau, Regensburg–
Prague)
May 9 -19, 2020 Alpine Europe and Oberammergau
(Heidelberg, Rhine Valley, Lake Lucerne, Inssbruck, Salzburg, Munich., Neuschwanstein,
Oberammergau, Rothenberg)
Contact Pastor Daniel for brochures and more information.
Homewood at Crumland Farms Indoor Yard Sale
Friday, May 4th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday May 5th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Small appliances, books, crafts, decorations, DVDs, electronics, small
furniture items, toys, tools, linens and much more!
Refreshments for sale. Cash or check, please. For more information,
call 301-644-5600
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 10
BUILDING UPDATE
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 11
AROUND ERUCC
LOOKING AHEAD
June 15-17 – Family Camping at Rocky Gap State Campground, Cumberland, MD
June 16 – 5th Annual 5K Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer ® runwalk.ovarian.org/Frederick
July 12-26 – Our German Partners from Klein Schwechten visit
September 8-10 – All Church Retreat/Getaway Bethany Conference Center, Bethany Beach, DE. All ages are
welcome to attend as we celebrate our life together as a church family.
http://www.cccadisciples.org/bethanybeach
October 7 – Building Dedication
October 19-27 – Our German Partners from Inden and Langewehre visit
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 12
TREASURER’S REPORT
As you may know, the tax laws have changed significantly for 2018. In an effort to
provide information to our congregation, we are sharing one possible option for charitable
giving. Each individual or family should consult their own tax or financial advisor for
specific advice on your own situation.
Donor Advised Funds
What is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
A DAF can be thought of as a charitable savings account. Money or investments are transferred to the
DAF and the amount of the transfer is deductible as a charitable contribution. This deduction is taken
whether any funds were distributed to any charitable organization. For example, $20,000 is transferred to
the DAF in 2018. On the individual’s 2018 tax return that $20,000 is shown as a charitable contribution,
along with any other contributions that may have been made by the taxpayer that were made outside of
the DAF.
What are the mechanics?
Large investment firms such as Fidelity and Schwab and some other organizations provide the vehicle
for starting the DAF. An opening transfer, generally $5,000 or more, is transferred to the newly opened
DAF. Note that once the transfer is made, they cannot be returned to the taxpayer – the funds can only
be used to make charitable contributions. The donor advises the fund, generally by logging into one’s
account, of specific charitable contributions that are to be made from the DAF. The fund makes a
determination if the contribution is to be sent to a valid charitable organization, and, if so, send the funds
to the charity, along with a letter that identifies the donor. Note that the identity can be made
anonymously.
Why would someone choose to open a DAF?
There are generally two reasons, one relating to personal taxes and the other relating to leaving a
legacy. From a tax perspective, if one’s income is abnormally high one year, contributing what would
normally be several years’ worth of contributions to a DAF may result in higher itemized deductions in the
year in which the funds were transferred. An example – someone who generally contributes $15,000 to
charitable organizations in a year might transfer $45,000 in a year of otherwise high income. The
$45,000 could still be paid out at the normal $15,000 per year. This is also useful if it is expected that one
will be in a lower tax bracket in future years. From a legacy perspective, funds accumulated in a DAF can
be paid out over many years following an individual’s death.
For further information, links to Fidelity and Schwab are provided below.
https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/philanthropy/what-is-a-donor-advised-
fund.shtml?immid=PCD&engine=MICROSOFT&campaign=Donor+Advised+Primer&adgroup=Donor+Ad
vised&keyword=what+are+donor+advised+funds&network=o&device=c&msclkid=8db71f4ab2e311aa3af
4459f9c5528e9&gclid=CJn9usD2v9oCFYG3swodLD8FGQ&gclsrc=ds
https://www.schwabcharitable.org/public/charitable/donor_advised_funds
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 13
ERUCC YOUTH SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 6 Youth
Sunday, May 20 Confirmation 10:30 Service
Sunday, June 3 German Visit Prep and Fun Activity
OUR GERMAN FRIENDS ARE COMING!
July 12-26 and October 19-27
Our friends from Klein Schwechten will be arriving July 12 and staying with us through July 26.
We’ll be looking for host families, drivers, and food preparers. Here’s our draft schedule for July:
July 12 Arrive Newark and Travel to New York City
July 13-14 New York City
July 15
Sunday, July 15 Worship at ERUCC – Time with Host Families
Monday, July 16 Washington, DC National Cathedral Tour Conversation with UCC National Staff
Tuesday, July 17 River rafting and time in Harper’s Ferry
Wednesday, July 18 Morning activity as a group/Afternoon and evening free
Thursday, July 19 Depart for Regional Youth Event, University of California
July 19-22 UCC Regional Youth Event
Monday, July 23 Free day with host families
Tuesday, July 24 Work Project in Frederick
Wednesday, July 25. Luau and swim party at Dan and Austin’s
July 26 Departure
In October, a small group of youth and adults (8-10) is coming from Langewehre and Inden. We’re
working on that schedule but tentative plans include: visits to Washington DC, Frederick social work
sites, Gettysburg and Lancaster County (PA), and Baltimore. Again, we will be looking for host families
and people willing to help transport our guests to various activities.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 14
TINY TOTS AND GOD’S KIDS CLUB
On May 21st we will meet from 4 to 5 PM in the preschool Sunday school room. Our theme will be
Family. Please bring 10 pictures of your family to share and use in our project.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
August 6th through 10th
9 a.m. to Noon
Ages 4 years through 6th grade
Registration form in this newsletter and on Website
Cost is $25.00 per child if registered by June 30. After July 1, $30.00.
After August 1, $35.00 per child
CHURCH PICNIC
The Church Picnic will be Sunday July 15th from noon till ? at Ballenger Creek Park pavilion 2
Bring place settings and drinks for your family and a side dish or dessert to share
Please sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4aaaab2aa13-church1
SABBATICAL PLANS FOR KIM SEXTON
For the months of June and July I will be on sabbatical focusing on Rest, Renewal and Reconnecting. I
will start by attending The Fund for Theological Education Leadership Forum with Pastor Daniel where
we will “explore the Courage to Build Beloved Communities” and “leave awakened to new possibilities to
create thriving communities and ignite the gifts of young leaders”.
After the conference, I will travel to New England to spend time with my extended family and visit some
of our church family who have relocated to the area. While in New England I will spend a week at Mercy
by the Sea with the author, artist and activist Jan Phillips: Creative Seeing, Creative Being -- Diving Deep
into Our Wells of Wisdom; A Sacred Journey into the Second Half of Life. I will have study time to listen,
read and reflect on the works of Brené Brown and Parker Palmer. I will have time to work on a
curriculum plan we have had in the works for ERUCC and conduct research into new curriculum on the
market. I will end my sabbatical by visiting Catie on her new journey. My plan is to come back to you
with ideas that we take into the new space and a renewed sense of call.
Girl Scout Troop 81226 is working on our Silver Award. We are seeking donations so
we can give back to the community. We will be building a musical garden wall at Miss
Sherry’s house for her daycare. We are also planning to cook and deliver a meal for 70
guests at the Children’s Inn at NIH, along with other treats.
To help us accomplish this, we are seeking monetary donations or Walmart gift cards.
If you would like to know more you can talk to Alex Cumber, Alyssa Kline, Maddie
Ireland, Paige Coffey, Sydney Wallace or Akuia.
Donations can be given to any of us or Evie Frazier or Kim Sexton.
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 15
AN INVITATION TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY
June 16/17 – June 23/24
2019 Kirchentag
Dortmund
Our German partners from the Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Inden-Langerwehe have invited ERUCC
to bring a small group to join them AND our partners from Klein Schwchten to join them for the 2019
Kirchentag to be held in Dortmund. We are grateful to Daniel Müller Thór for extending this invitation.
This will be an adult trip as the youth will be traveling to Germany in July.
We will leave on the evening of June 16th or the morning of the 17th and spend a few days with our
friends in Inden and Langerwehe before traveling together to Dortmund.
So what is the Kirchentag? It’s a gathering of church folks from across Germany and the world. An
expected group of 100,000 with days filled with concerts and worship and inspiration. Here’s a link to the
page for more information: https://www.kirchentag.de/english/about_kirchentag/overview.html
Cost for the trip will be $1000 to include the Kirchentag program, hotel accommodations at the
Kirchentag, and transportation. The remaining costs for the trip will be subsidized by receipts from the
Fisher Fund. Meals will be on your own while at the Kirchentag.
Please let me know if you are interested in participating in this opportunity.
Central Atlantic Conference
Justice & Witness Action Network
What is the Justice & Witness Action Network?
It’s the primary arm for the Conference out carry out our mission and agenda for justice and
witness ministries.
Who is the Justice & Witness Action Network?
It’s a grassroots advocacy network composed of individual members, clergy, and churches
across our Conference.
Our work is grounded in Central Atlantic Conference and General Synod resolutions, consonant
with historic UCC witness, informed by a biblical understanding of justice, prophetic ministry
and action, and a set of guiding principles to define our witness.
What will the Justice & Witness Action Network be doing?
Educating and engaging members in community organizing, grassroots advocacy, prophetic
witness and action, and shaping public policy that advances our vision of securing a just and
compassionate world for all.
Join this new justice movement and encourage other members of your church to sign up! Together we
can become a strong voice for justice and our actions will bear witness to our call.
“… to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.” ~Micah 6:8
More information and sign up : http://bit.ly/CAC-JWAN
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 16
ERUCC GOLF TOURNAMENT A HUGE SUCCESS!
On Monday, April 23 we
had the most beautiful
weather for our 2nd
Annual ERUCC Golf
Tournament.
Thank you to everyone
who donated raffle items,
provided funds for prizes,
volunteered at the event,
or played in the
tournament. Altogether,
65 people played a part in
helping us raise over
$4,000 to support the
church building project. (That’s over $ 7,500 for our two-year total!)
As we arrived at each hole on the course, we were greeted by signs honoring and memorializing family
and friends of the church. For me, this distinguishes our tournament from other ones, because it
highlights our connection to one another while enjoying friendly competition. (Our two first place teams
were captained by Cindy Smith and Will Duncan.)
Thanks again to all who participated through donation, volunteering, and/or golfing. I offer a special
thanks to Domenik, our pastoral intern, who sent us out on the course with a special prayer, and to the
Clustered Spires pro, Scott Petersen, who took great care of us.
~ Cindy Duranko, chair
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 17
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING
May 20, 2018
The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of
ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of
this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a
just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that
meet the emerging needs of local communities.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches,
awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.
ERUCC will receive this offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018. There is an envelope in your
offering packets for the offering. In addition, you may use one of the Strengthen the Church Offering
envelopes in the pew racks.
On June 16, we will hold our 5th Annual 5K Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer® Please
join us to increase awareness, honor those affected by ovarian cancer, raise funds for research, and to
support our local programs and initiatives. This is an empowering community event where Together in
Teal ®, we honor survivors and remember those we have lost to the disease.
As a six-year ovarian cancer survivor and one who is blessed to be healthy, I am passionate about taking the fight forward, to turn my own diagnosis into something meaningful. I am asking you to support this important cause. This year the Frederick Chapter will be hosting our walk in Baker Park, 121 Bentz St. Frederick, MD, on June 16, 2018, with our opening ceremony beginning at 8:30 AM. You can register to walk as an individual, form a team, or join a team. ERUCC members have been incredibly supportive of this event in the past and I know that many of you will join us again. To learn more about the event, to donate or register, please go to www.runwalk.ovarian.org/frederick Thank you for your support! Cathie Duncan
FILM SERIES
The Multifaith Alliance of Climate Stewards of Frederick County (MACS Frederick) would like to invite the
public to a free three-part film series in April and May. The films will be presented at the following places
of worship around Frederick County. Snacks will be provided and a facilitated discussion will follow each
movie for those who wish to talk about the film.
May 3, 7:00 PM: “From the Ashes” at Frederick Friends Meeting, 723 N. Market, Frederick 21701
May 20, 2:00 PM: “Merchants of Doubt” Middletown United Methodist Church, 7108 Fern Court,
21769
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 18
GIFTS RECEIVED
In memory of Ed Meyers
For March for Our Lives in Washington
Donated to the building project in honor of Cindy Duranko and Cindy Smith
Donated to the building project in honor of Gerry Blessing
Donated to the building project in honor of Kim Sexton.
1 Colleen Hueting, Glenn Wallace
2 Paul Sunday **
3 Michaela Poole, Catie Sexton
4 Beanie Cornell, Evie Frazier, Neil Pain, Asher Wenner
5 Ryan Curran, Joseph Heverley
6 William Houghton
7 Chris Baker
8 Robert Marsh
9 Stephanie Bindel, Sally Hodges **
10 Tom Coffey, Rebecca Shillingburg
11 Jerry Carey, Alden Fisher, Robert Lambie,** Laura McNay, John Wenner
12 Kim Jahoda, Larry Leister
13 James Hueting
15 Ryan Baker, Nancy Doll, James Graham, Fred Wenner
16 Jennie Covahey
17 Cameron Pain, Doug White
18 Ian Adamson, Amber Conlon
20 Kathryn Cross
21 Sara Hoewing, Tom Hueting
22 Rachel Wenner
23 Marshall Wassink
24 Addison Baker, Matthew Mercier, Mike Sexton
25 Pepper Bowins, Lexi Rudy
26 Frannie Davis, Kennie Neal, Delmar Speak **
27 Kathy Johnson
28 Asher Grimshaw, Ed Higinbotham, Sr., Alex Schaeberle, Sandra Trout
29 Debi Hendricks, Pat Hevner, Mary Ellen Rhoderick
30 Bob Ziegler
31 Laura Baker, Kendall Marsh, Karin Mens
** Please consider sending birthday cards to those members who can no longer attend
church.
5/2 – Paul Sunday, 1002 Old Denbigh Blvd., M-213, Newport News, VA 23602
5/9 – Sally Hodges, 9902 Gas House Pike, Frederick, MD 21701
5/11 – Bob Lambie, 105 Sandstone Drive #127, Walkersville, M 21793
5/26 – Delmar Speak, 8110 Canterbury Drive, Frederick, MD 21704
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 19
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 20
ERUCC 15 West Church Street Frederick, MD 21701 www.erucc.org
OUR CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor ([email protected])
Domenik Ackermann, Pastoral Intern ([email protected]) Rev. Frederick Wenner, Pastor Emeritus ([email protected])
Associate for Children’s
Ministries Kim Sexton
([email protected]) Director of Music
Alison Shafer
Office Administrator Amy Aguilar
Bell Choir Director Kelly Esslinger
Head Chimer & Children & Youth Choir
Director Tricia Coffey
Nursery Attendant Sherry Murray
Social Media Coordinator Facilities Manager
Jenna Duranko Mike McGreevy