the good newsletter - st. thomas ucc bethstthomasuccbeth.com/files/116562090.pdfthe good newsletter...

The Good Newsletter 1

The Good Newsletter St. Thomas United Church of Christ

Volume MMXVI, Issue 7 July 2016

PLEASE NOTE: Pastor Debra will be away

July 1 - 9!

Please call the church office for emergency pastoral care if needed.

Dear Church Family and Friends,

Summer has arrived!

Lightning Bugs. Fireflies.

One was in my car last week, hanging out…. going along for the ride.

I put down my window and strongly encouraged the bug ~ in my most pastoral care voice ~ to fly out the window to the awaiting dusk. I thought I succeeded, only to discover a few moments later, she was still keeping me company. After a few more attempts at flight, the firefly ‘shared her light’ and departed….moving on in her journey.

As soon as I closed the window, I was filled with regret. I missed her already. After all, she was not hurting anything. I was being selfish – I just do not like bugs in my car. There I was trying to ‘shoo’ her away and – as if to say, “I know you are afraid” – she still shared her light with me before she flew away.

That moment of regret was followed by a memory that settled in the front of my mind, recalling as a child, how I would chase fireflies in the early, warm summer evenings. At that time, I was trying to catch one in the palm of my hand…. just so I could hold for one single moment – a part of the creation that God

created. I would lie for hours on the cool grass looking up at the night sky and view the light show that was performing above me.

While I realize there is a scientific explanation for the firefly’s ability to flicker light, to me, my traveling firefly companion was an everyday miracle produced by the hand of a loving God and almighty Creator. Yet, I was afraid to share my space with her.

Considering the many challenges we face these days, especially amid tragic events unfolding in the communities and world we live in, we need to be reminded we, too, are miracles of God. We should not live I fear, but live free to share our light with others (as my firefly traveler shared with me).

I pray as the summer season unfolds, we will be able to do this one amazing thing – share our light with another human being through our gifts of compassion, kindness and love.

In Christ’s Love ~

Debra


BIRTHDAYS

1st Elaine Taylor 8th Donna Hoffman & Les Lyons 11th Randi Schlegel 12th Kenny Miller 13th Matthew Henninger 16th Paula Henninger & Eileen Wernett 18th Katarina Hojohn 20th Michael Shay 21st Charlotte Blair & Adam Shook 22nd Carter Rohrbach & Karen Senft 23rd Gage Landis 25th Chris Dieterich 28th Karen Peters

ANNIVERSARIES

1st Holly & Matthew Erdman 9th Brenda & Keith Lichtenwalner 21st Shilpa & Steven Harhart 26th Lucille & Gary Urban

MEMBER INFORMATION Please consider calling or sending a card to someone who

is celebrating a birthday or anniversary.

Ryan Daniel Reaser, son of Dana & Jeremy Reaser, was baptized Sunday, June 12, 2016.

HOSPITAL INFORMATION

Please remember to let the hospital know our church number if you or a

member of your family is admitted to the hospital. Our number for all St.

Luke’s and Lehigh Valley Hospitals is 498. Easton Hospital is U21.

Estate Planning Please consider St. Thomas in your estate plans. If you do, let us know. We are not

concerned with the amount of the gift but would like to be able to thank you properly

and make sure your wishes are honored. For more information, contact the church office.

SPONSORS The flower and bulletin sponsor sheet has been posted through August of 2016. The cost is $35 and you may use the signup sheet or call the church office to sponsor the flowers and bulletins. Consider sharing the flowers with someone who is in the hospital or unable to attend worship.


LEIBINGER LIBRARY Going on vacation?

Check out a book or two in our library to take with you. We still need some help to organize the library.

Please see Flo Heacock or Pastor Debra.

JULY

WORSHIP FOCUS

July 3 – Hymn Sing

July 10 – Reject Racism Scripture: Exodus 22: 21-22, Isaiah 1:17, James 1:26-2:26

July 17 – Fight for the Powerless Scripture: Mark 1: 14-20

July 24 – Share Earthly & Spiritual Resources Scripture: Exodus 16: 11-18, 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15, 1 Timothy 6: 17-19

July 31 – Embrace Diversity Scripture: Matthew 9: 35-10: 8

CHILDREN’S TIME FOCUS July 10 – “M&M Test”

July 17 – “Encourage One Another”

July 24 – “Sharing What We Have”

July 31 – “The Chocolate Chips in Our Cookies”


MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR REHEARSALS

Sundays ............................................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m.

SERVING IN WORSHIP JULY 3

GREETER ....................................... Volunteer Needed USHERS ................................... Jim Harhart, Donna &

Katarina Hojohn, Janet Knauss FLOWER SPONSOR ............................... Janet Knauss COUNTING TEAM ................. Dave Hay, Dana Reaser

JULY 10 GREETER ................................................ Roger Porter USHERS ..................................... Dave Hay, Beverly &

Roger Porter, Amy Rohrbach FLOWER SPONSOR .......................... Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ................Matt Erdman, Kyle Hess

JUNE 17 GREETERS ................................. Flo & Rocky Heacock USHERS ........................................ Carol & Matt Ford,

Richard Graber, Jean Stauffenberg FLOWER SPONSOR .......................... Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ........... Karen Peters, Karen Shook

JULY 24 GREETER ................................................ Dana Reaser USHERS .................................................. Kim Hartzell,

Karen, Sarah & Evan Shook FLOWER SPONSOR ................... Karen & Dave Peters COUNTING TEAM ............ Karen Jaindl, Elaine Taylor

JULY 31 GREETER ....................................... Volunteer Needed USHERS ................................. Brenda & Kenny Miller,

Karen & Dave Peters FLOWER SPONSOR .................................... Jen Koplin COUNTING TEAM ................. Brenda & Kenny Miller,

Nancy Musgnung


CHRISTIAN ED NEWS Summer Discovery Bible Camp (VBS) – Trinity UCC and St. Thomas UCC will host a Vacation Bible School Program at St. Thomas from July 18 – July 22 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. To register, please use the registration form on the next page or call the church office.

LOVE'S FREEDOM Love is the power to grant freedom without desiring to limit or inhibit its exercise. It is the power to give freedom without any will to take it back. And it is only Omnipotence that can refrain absolutely from trespassing upon freedom. Only God can give and not take back ... [God] suffers within himself the entire consequence of allowing man

absolute freedom. That is his love....

Thus, the existence of evil and suffering in the world is a proof, not that God is either good but powerless, or all powerful but not good. On the contrary, it is a proof that God is both loving and omnipotent. Only absolute love could grant unhindered freedom, and only omnipotence can endure the operation of that freedom.

—D.R. Davies

NEW!!!! COLLEGE CARE PALS

College Care Pals is a group of church members who care about our young adults as they journey through their college experience. College Care Pals take time out to pray and to encourage students during their college days. They may send students emails, an occasional card, or perhaps even a favorite snack or gift card during finals week. If you would like to “adopt” a student or would like more information, please contact Pastor Debra or the church office.


PRAYER CHAIN & PRAYER REQUESTS If you would like to be a contact person on the prayer chain, please speak with Pastor Debra, Diane Wilt or email the church office. If you know someone who is in need of prayer, contact one of the persons listed.

Pastor Debra, 610-739-4926 Diane Wilt, 610-691-3841 Laurene Blair, 610-691-3652 Donna Hoffman, 610-868-5509 Kenny Miller, 610-868-7182 Karen Peters, 610-866-0583

Prayer List Since Our Last Newsletter: Homebound/Care Facility Bound: Mae Michael, Walter Frey, Annabel Huth, Nancy Mangold & Frances

Hornung

CARD RACK We have all occasion cards for sale

on our card rack. Cost: 50 cents each

What A Deal!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed Fridays

FOOD OFFERING Thank you for contributing to our on-going food offering. Your generosity is truly appreciated. The food offering is received during the entire month and distributed to St. Thomas families and friends in need and area food banks and pantries.

Deadline Info – The “Good Newsletter” is a collection of material submitted to the church office and is published by the church. Please also refer to the weekly worship bulletins to keep updated on what is happening at St. Thomas. Please submit information for the August newsletter by July 15th.


MEETING UPDATE We were scheduled to hold our mid-year congregation meeting on July 17. In lieu of holding another

congregation meeting, we are sending financial information and updates by email and U.S. mail. Please direct any questions to a governing board member.

BES UPDATE Since February 2016,we have not secured a site coordinator for the shelter program at St. Thomas. As a result, the Governing Board voted to remove St. Thomas as a site for the B.E.S. for this upcoming winter season. BES updates will follow as a new season approaches.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have

loved you.” John 15:12 …To all those who help fold bulletins and newsletters. …To all those who volunteer to serve as ushers and greeters. …To all those who helped with the Shelter Volunteer Thank You

dinner. …To all those who donated to the choir room floor clothing drive

fund raiser. We raised $359.85!

IRON PIGS BASEBALL GAME Join St. Thomas at an Iron Pigs baseball game

7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17. Tickets are $ 10. That includes a meal voucher.

See or call Heather Dutt 610-393-4733 or call the church office to sign-up. Space is limited. Deadline to order tickets is July 17th!


No experience necessary. Will provide training.

Needed - a desire to have a fun night out, a competitive spirit, and a willingness to commit your time and effort.

TRINITY UCC DART TEAM needs you! Games are played on Monday evenings from 7 - 9 pm at various churches during the league season beginning in September. For information, call Annmarie at 610-759-7375.

BUS TRIP TO CHURCH WORLD SERVICE New Windsor, Maryland

Friday, August 12, 2016 ~ 6am – 10pm Leave from St. Paul’s UCC, 105 E. 19th St., Northampton

The bus will be filled with CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets, Hygiene Kits, & School Kits

We will travel to CWS and volunteer for the day (9am – 4pm). Lunch is provided. Dinner stop on the way home (dinner only cost to volunteers).

To register, contact Pastor Debra. Seats are limited.

St. Thomas is making/sending 50 hygiene kits. Items still needed are: 30 hand towels measuring 15”x28” to 16”x32” ( no microfiber), 14 wash cloths, 44 wide-tooth combs, 28 finger nail or toe nail clippers, 450 standard size Band-Aids. Call or sign-up to provide certain quantities

of the items needed. We don’t need more than requested. Deadline for donations is July 31!

PEACH FESTIVAL PEACH PIE SALE Saturday, August 20, 2016 ~ 12 – 5 p.m.

To Order: Place your order on the message board next to the church office, or call the church office at 610-868-9167

Cost: $9.00 each Please place your order by Monday, August 15!! Thank you.

Rain Date August 21 ~ 12 – 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER SHOO FLY PIE SALE Tuesday, September 13, 2016 ~ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

To Order: Place your order on the message board next to the church office, or call the church office at 610-868-9167

Cost: $7.50 each

Please place your order by Wednesday, September 7!! Thank you.


Source: newsletternewsletter.com


Independence Day

July 4

SUNDAES ON SUNDAY

Following worship on July 10, we will enjoy “Sundaes on Sunday.” Stay for a time of fellowship and make your own sundae. Please use the sign-up sheet to

volunteer to bring toppings.

CONTINUING MINISTRY 2016 Resource Persons We print this information so that members and friends of St. Thomas will know who to contact with questions, concerns, and ideas pertaining to the ministry of St. Thomas. The following persons serve as resource and contact persons:

Pastor Rev. Debra K Hess

Office: 610-868-9167 Cell: 610-739-4926 Church Office

Karen Jaindl – 610-868-9167 Governing Board

President: Matt Erdman Vice President: Joseph Malocheski Recording Secretary: Karen Shook Treasurer: Karen Jaindl Financial Secretary: Brenda Miller Members: Jason Dutt, Matt Erdman, Matt Ford, Kyle Hess, Karen Jaindl, Gail Malocheski, Joseph Malocheski, Kenny Miller, Nancy Musgnung, Dana Reaser, Karen Shook, Bob Wilt

Elders you may also contact Laurene Blair, David Hay, Shirley Hein, Donna Hoffman, Gloria Hurley, Keith Jaindl, Brenda Miller, Karen Senft, Michael Shay, Elaine Taylor, Diane Wilt

Music Director J. Christopher Malocheski –

610-868-9167 or 1-570-283-1402 Prayer Resource Person

Diane Wilt – 610-691-3841 Christian Ed - Amy Rohrbach

Email Address St. Thomas U.C.C. ~

[email protected] Web Sites

St. Thomas ~ stthomasuccbeth.com Penn Northeast Conference of the U.C.C. ~ www.pnec.org United Church of Christ, Cleveland, Ohio ~ www.ucc.org

Visit us on Facebook ~ Google: St. Thomas UCC Pastoral Care

Please call the staff through the church office, 610-868-9167, or contact Pastor Debra, 610-739-4926, if you or family members are in need of Pastoral Care.

http://www.ucc.org/


LOOKING AHEAD…

SAVE THE DATE! JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE! Sunday, August 14th: Trinity UCC, our sister church, will host Our Master’s Touch as it performs “The Witness” at its 9 a.m. worship service. St. Thomas is invited to attend. There will be no 10:45 a.m. service at St. Thomas that day. More information to follow.

PEACH FESTIVAL & BASKET RAFFLE Saturday, August 20 - 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Rain date Sunday, August 21 - 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Watch for sign-up sheets to volunteer your time and /or donate items. Peach Festival Basket Raffle Sign-Ups

1. Sign up for a basket of your choice.(sign-up sheet on bulletin board)

2. Purchase the items and fill a basket/container of your choice or request items from local businesses/organizations.

3. Return the basket to the church by Sunday, August 14th.

Thank you for your support.

For questions, contact Kim Hartzell at 610-739-4921.

AUGUST EVENTS August 7 - Communion August 9 – Congregational Care, 7 p.m. August 13 – Confirmation Meeting for

confirmands & parents, 9 a.m. @ Trinity UCC

August 14 – Special Combined Service @ Trinity UCC

August 15 - Governing Board, 6:30 p.m. August 17 - Iron Pigs Game – Tickets required. August 20 – Peach Festival & Basket Raffle August 21 – Rain Date/Peach Festival August 28 - Joyful Noise Offering

SEPTEMBER EVENTS September 5 – Church Office Closed/Labor Day September 8 – Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. September 11 – Christian Ed Breakfast, Sunday

School Begins, Blessing of the Backpacks September 13 – Congregational Care, 7 p.m. September 15 - Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. September 18 – Teacher Recognition &

Installation, Postage Stamp Offering September 19 – Governing Board, 6:30 p.m. September 22 - Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. September 24 – CROP Walk Fund Raiser September 25 – Joyful Noise September 29 - Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

NOTE: Regular Sunday Events:

10:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal - 10:45 a.m. - Worship

Not all events/activities have been scheduled. Please check the calendars each month for updates!


St. Thomas United Church of Christ

902 East Macada Road, Bethlehem, PA 18107

Church Office ~ 610-868-9167

[email protected]

stthomasuccbeth.com

Rev. Debra K Hess – Pastor

J. Christopher Malocheski – Music Director

Our Mission To welcome all people into a growing spiritual family dedicated to helping and serving others, inspired by the love of God and Jesus Christ

working in our lives.

Sunday Worship ~ 10:45 a.m.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

Church Office

Closed

Pastor on

Vacation

2 Pastor on

Vacation

3 10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship –

Hymn-Sing

Pastor on Vacation

4

Independence

Day

Church Office

Closed

5

Pastor on

Vacation

6

Pastor on

Vacation

7

Pastor on

Vacation

8

Church Office

Closed

Pastor on

Vacation

9

Pastor on

Vacation

10 10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship

Following Worship –

Sundaes on Sunday

11

12

7 pm – Care

Team Meeting

13

14 15

Church Office

Closed

16

17

10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal


18

6:30 pm –

Governing

Board

6:30 -8:30 pm - VBS

19

6:30 -8:30 pm - VBS

20

6:30 -8:30 pm - VBS

21

6:30 -8:30 pm - VBS

22

Church Office

Closed

6:30 -8:30 pm - VBS

23

24

10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal


25 26 27 28 29 30

31 10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship –

Joyful Noise

Offering

2016

July

mailto:[email protected]

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