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HILLTOP HERALD MAY 2015

Deacons:

Patti Milsom, Chairperson

Kathleen Sokol, Co-chairperson

Linda Carlen

Gwen Davidson

Carol Henson

Sally Lickovich

Tricia Luebbe, Secretary

Nancy Rossi

JoAnn Sanders

Cathy Scott

Robert Shaffer

Tracy Spiegel

Jim Strand

Bob Weber

Leadership of Union Church Session:

Sally Andrews Stated Clerk

Scott Davis Outreach/Mission

Connie Rippole Administrative Support Team

Cheri Bittner Discipleship

Jim Hall Fellowship

Gail Jackson Childcare Committee

Rob Rossi Finance Team

Carol DiClemente Nominating Team

Jake Phillips Worship Team

Trustees:

Don Jukes, President

Bob Winning, VP

Tom Connell

Clyde English

Mary McNavish

John Miles

Union Church Staff Billy Younger Lead Pastor

Joshua Hjemvick Pastoral Assistant of Youth & Families

Monica Laughery Office Manager

Matt Robles Assistant Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Lisa Berger Director of Children’s Ministries

John M. Seybert Director of Music Ministries

Sue Strunk Organist

Sarah Shaffer Treasurer

George Shumek Financial Secretary

Anne Burke Childcare Director

Carl Reed Sexton

Sally Andrews Pastoral Care Coordinator

Mimi Massucci Wedding Coordinator

Sue Shumek New Member Coordinator

Mark Trautman Cemetery

Youth Ministries (Grades 6-12) Building authentic faith that the students of Union Church can carry on to college and beyond.

Check the website for the summer schedule and programs.

In response to the gospel, we will love God, love one another, and love the world by making disciples of Jesus Christ.

discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries during the summer 10AM One-Worship schedule:

Nursery available every Sunday for infant-age 5. Children will be cared for by gentle, loving, compassionate hands while you

attend worship.

Preschool (age 3-5) will not be offered through the summer.

Elementary (current K-grade 5) discipleSHIP available; EXCEPT on Communion Sunday’s in which children are encouraged to

attend Communion Service with the family. Children get to know God through Bible teachings built around monthly applications

which are characteristics of God. Through music, fun activities and creative Bible stories, children learn to apply these truths to their

everyday lives.

HILLTOP HERALD “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“Get Ready to Huddle Up!”

Dear Union Church Family,

Wow! These are amazing days at Union Church. I am wildly encouraged at the great opportunities that lie

before us that include, church renovations and upgrades, fundraising, and new mission initiatives. At the same

time, I am sobered by the many challenges that confront us. The ongoing denominational crisis will only

intensify, and our growth is forcing us to look at additional parking options. Let’s not forget, as well, that the

year 2020 is fast approaching, and we have to make sure we are carrying out our 20/20 Vision Plan!

These great opportunities and equally great challenges make clear and precise communication between

leadership and the congregation absolutely critical. To that end, in the upcoming months the Session will host

communication forums called “Hilltop Huddles.” The purpose of the huddles is to share the vision of what

Union Church aspires to become over the next 5 years and answer any questions you might have about the

future direction of the church.

The dates and times of the “Hilltop Huddles” will be announced in the very near future. We will offer several

different meeting times and locations to make sure everyone who is interested can attend. Until then, pray for

your leaders and your church, and be ready to huddle up in the coming days.

In Christ,

Billy

UNION CHURCH 6165 Steubenville Pike McKees Rocks Pennsylvania 15136

phone 412-787-1818 fax 412-787-8126 www.unionpresbychurch.org

SAVE THE DATE!

JUNE 22-26

NEXT HILLTOP HERALD PUBLISHED JUNE 14TH

- ARTICLES DUE BY NOON ON JUNE 11TH

HILLTOP HERALD JUNE CALENDAR 2015

1 9am Knitters & Crocheters in Lounge

7pm Worship Committee Meeting in Noble House

2 9am Quilters

Noon-2pm prepare a spaghetti dinner for the Pittsburgh Project

5:28—5:44pm ‘tee times’ for Union Golf Fellowship at Moon Golf Club

7pm Fellowship Committee Meeting in Fellowship Hall

7pm Nominating Committee Meeting in Noble House

6 7pm AA Meeting in Fellowship Hall

7 10am Communion Service/Graduate Sunday Nursery care for infants thru age 5 / NO discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries

11am Graduate Dessert and Coffee Social in Fellowship Hall

8 7pm AST Meeting in Lounge

7pm Finance Committee Meeting in Noble House, dining room

7pm Outreach/Mission Committee Meeting in Noble House, living room

9 9am Quilters


6pm Food Pantry open in Fellowship Hall

11 Hilltop Herald articles are due by noon!

KTA (Kindness To All) Meeting in Fellowship Hall

13 9-11am “Noble Reflections” prayer vigil in Noble House

9:30am Trustees Meeting in Lounge

7pm AA Meeting in Fellowship Hall

14 Salad Luncheon Social in Fellowship Hall after worship services

10am Worship Service with discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries and Nursery care for infants thru age 5

Women’s Spiritual Retreat “Renovation of the Heart” registration begins today!


6pm Discipleship Committee Meeting in Lounge

16 9am Quilters


7pm Deacons Meeting in Lounge


21 * FATHER’S DAY * 10am Worship Service with discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries and Nursery care for infants thru age 5

22-26 Union Childcare Center CLOSED

22 Feed the Homeless at Northside Common Ministries

6pm Childcare Committee Meeting in Anne’s Office

7pm Session Meeting in Noble House

23 5:28—5:44pm ‘tee times’ for Union Golf Fellowship at Moon Golf Club


28 Omaha Mission Trip-High School Youth Group


30 9am Quilters


YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

June 22-26:

Surf City offers middle school students the opportunity

to get out of the city, make some new friends, tube,

wave run, swim, climb sand dunes, enjoy a really big

lake, and most importantly examine faith in Jesus

Christ.

Reserve your spot now with a $50

non-refundable deposit.

This summer, our high school students will be traveling to Omaha, Nebraska to serve with Christ For the City International! The Urban Plunge program invites students to experience ministry in the inner city. Our students will visit seven to ten different ministries throughout their week together. Ministry service includes visiting the jail, feeding the homeless, helping to sort and hand out clothes, and love children in need, amongst many others. Urban Plunge. Love God. Love People.

Reserve your spot now with a $50 non-refundable

deposit.

Trip Details:

Date: June 27-July 4, 2015

Cost: $100/person

If you have any additional

questions, don’t hesitate to call

the youth and family ministry

Urban Plunge Omaha, NE, Students in grades 9-12

Surf City, Students in grades 6-8

It’s not too late to sign up for summer trips!

Talk to Josh or Matt today.

Summer Youth Group June - August

Looking forward to spending the summer together and digging

deeper into Gods word! Details to come regarding schedule/time of meeting and activities each week.

MAY 2015

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL RETREAT

We rejoice in the New Members that were received by the congregation this spring.

Katie Bradenburg joined the church by letter of transfer. She resides in Oakdale. Katie was born in Milwaukee

and later moved to Philadelphia. She enjoys volleyball and soccer. Katie and Andrew Zippel are engaged to be

married this August.

Arlene Connors joined Union by a re-profession of faith. Arlene attended high school in Coraopolis and now

lives in Pennsbury. She enjoys volunteering at Animal Friends, traveling, and reading.

Jen Costello joined the church by a re-profession of faith. Jen is originally from Lynchburg, VA and now lives in

Ingram. Jen has two children, Zachary and Noa. She enjoys reading, running, and watching Zachary participate in

wrestling.

Christina and John Hooker joined Union by a profession of faith. They are the proud parents of son, Jonathan,

born January 23, 2015. They live in Oakdale. John enjoys volleyball, basketball, hunting, and fishing.

Missy Paxton joined the church by a re-profession of faith. Missy is originally from Houston, PA and now lives in

Robinson. She enjoys bicycling and attending baseball games.

Sheila and Ron Wiley – Sheila joined Union by a profession of faith. Ron joined by a re-profession of faith. The

Wiley’s live in Imperial with their two children, Olivia and Nathan. They enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ron enjoys computers and Pitt basketball and football.

Adam Zippel joined the church by a re-profession of faith. Adam is originally from Orlando, FL and now lives in

Oakdale. He enjoys watching soccer. Adam is engaged to Katie Bradenburg and they have set their wedding date

for this August.

You will find photos of our new members on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

Sue Shumek, New Member Coordinator

“Renovation of the Heart” Finding the Healing of the Cross and the Resurrection

with Guest Speaker Karen Younger

October 3 & 4, 2015

Seven Springs Resort

Registration begins June 14th and ends August 23rd.

Contacts: Winona Johnston 412-498-2927 or Kathy Sokol 412-498-8377

MAY CALENDAR 2015

11 7pm AST Meeting in Lounge

7pm Finance Committee Meeting in Noble House, dining room

7pm Outreach/Mission Committee Meeting in Noble House, living room

12 9am Quilters


6pm Food Pantry open in Fellowship Hall

13 PreSchool Graduation Program and Social in Fellowship Hall

7-9pm Union Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

14 1pm Presbytery Meeting at Bower Hill Community Church

6:30pm Bell Choir Rehearsal

7:30-8:45pm Choir Rehearsal

15 KTA Set-up for Indoor Craft Show/Flea Market in Fellowship Hall

5pm Union Youth Group departs for Teen Quest Youth Group Retreat

16 8am depart Union Church for WorldVision inter-generational service day; return at noon

9am-2pm KTA Indoor Craft Show/Flea Market in Fellowship Hall


17 Donuts and Coffee Fellowship after worship services

9:15am Contemporary Worship Service with Baptism, Ordination, Minute 4 Mission, and discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries

9:30am Adult Bible Study in Lounge

10:30am Choir Rehearsal

11am Traditional Worship Service with Minute 4 Mission and Nursery care for infants thru age 5

3pm Union Youth Group returns from Teen Quest Youth Group Retreat

6:30-8pm Adult evening Bible Study in Noble House


6pm Childcare Committee Meeting in Lounge

7pm Session Meeting in Noble House

19 9am Quilters


7pm Deacons Meeting in Lounge

20 Union Childcare Center picture day in Fellowship Hall

7-9pm Union Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

21 6:30pm Bell Choir Rehearsal

7:30-8:45pm Choir Rehearsal


24 9:15am Contemporary Communion Worship Service with discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries

10:15am Bell Choir Rehearsal

10:30am Adult Choir Rehearsal

11am Traditional Communion Worship Service with Nursery care for infants thru age 5

25 * MEMORIAL DAY * Church Office and Childcare Center closed

26 9am Quilters

12:30pm Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study in Lounge


27 7-9pm Union Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

30 Trustees Workday


31 SUMMER SCHEDULE: ONE-WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINS!


A NEIGHBORS PERSPECTIVE ON A LIFETIME UNION

CHURCH MEMBER:

It was the summer of 1984 when we moved into

Robinson Township and made a special friend.

We thought we had found the perfect piece of land to

build our dream home and raise our children. We would

be the last house on a street that ended abruptly at a

field of tall grasses and a shallow valley of native trees.

This place would provide plenty of space for our children

to play.

In midsummer of our first year there, I heard an

unusually loud engine noise from the street and went to

investigate. A very old farm tractor was being driven

down our quiet street, and the operator parked it

alongside my yard. This was the day I introduced myself to Farmer Ben.

As we shook hands he mentioned that he would be harvesting the hay from his field across the street. He enlightened me

that most of the land that I could see from this very spot once belonged to his ancestors, and the owner before them was an

Englishman named William Penn. His story carried his passion for this land that he inherited.

I had the feeling I was trespassing on my recently purchased land and was being evaluated to see if I was worthy to live on it.

But our conversation was friendly, and I thought I was winning his trust. That was until I let it slip that I was a Catholic, and he

noted his entire family is Presbyterian and if his grandfather were still alive he would have chased me off. We both had a

good laugh, and I suggested he come up to our porch and have a glass of iced tea.

Ben related that he would be the last of his family to farm this land. This once extensive farm had been broken off into

fragments by previous family members and sold to pay the ever increasing land taxes. Each new generation of children lacked

interest in farming and found better-paying jobs elsewhere. He alone continued to harvest the hay to feed his small herd of

ponies until his final days.

His tales of farm life were laced with passion for his family, his church and above all this precious land. Over many summers

that followed, as my children grew old enough to help, we would lend a hand to Ben in harvesting the hay bales, fixing a

fence post or repairing any equipment that malfunctioned.

Our reward for baling hay was a ride on his old hay wagon down the farm road. The ponies would stand near the fence

watching their winter feed being hauled into the barn. The day would end with Ben enjoying a glass of iced tea on my porch

as the sun set low in the sky and his memories of farm life tumbled out.

But, like his old equipment, Ben’s age was taking a toll. His wife pleaded with him to give it all up. After a lifetime of farming

by Ben there came a summer when he took ill and the tractor and equipment sat idle. The ponies were sold and the hay field

became overtaken with weeds. Ben had held onto his family farm as long as possible, but it was time to let it go; he passed

away shortly thereafter.

We joined his family at his beloved Presbyterian church, high upon a hill overlooking Robinson, to say farewell to our friend.

He was laid to rest among his ancestors and former neighbors in the sloping church yard. These were the people Ben had

spoken of in his tales — immigrants who came to settle here and raise their families. There are countless stories of the past

buried in the cemetery, and I am grateful to have heard just some of them from my friend.

After Ben’s passing a developer purchased the farm land, razed the barn, cut the trees and changed the land contours. The

property is now dotted with new homes, young families and barking dogs. It is doubtful any of these new owners know the

history of the farm families who long ago came to settle this land.

Few people can boast that their land has been passed down through their family for over 200 years, and I am fortunate to

have known one. The task of being the family’s ambassador to close the book on its farm life fell ultimately to Ben, and he did

his family proud.

By Alan Meyers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


There’s something about the things that we say that kind of stack up one way. Then there’s the way we live, or the

reality about certain situations that stack up another way. If both stacks line up, you can build something strong

on them. When what we say lines up with what we do, people know they can trust us—our words have strength,

our lives are built with integrity.

Honesty really is a big deal. That’s why we’re spending the month of May talking about it. Honesty is choosing to

be truthful in whatever you say and do.

When we’re honest, when our words line up with our actions, people know they can trust us. Our relationships

grow stronger. God understands the relationship between honesty and trust. This is something God set into

motion in the first place.

Since the beginning, God has been in the business of making and keeping promises. God told Abraham that he

would be the father of a great nation of people—he was. God told the Israelites that He would provide for them

in the desert—He did. God told Joshua that the wall of Jericho would fall if the people marched around it for

seven days—it did. God told Mary that she would give birth a Son, Jesus—she did.

That baby boy was the answer to a promise God had set in motion from the beginning: God kept His promise to

send a Savior. When we were lost, He came through and sent Jesus, the Messiah, the One who in whom we can

ultimately put all of our trust.

That’s really it, isn’t it? God is honest. He has proven from the beginning that He can be trusted—even to the

point of sending His Son. And we’re called to reflect the image of God to a world around us that is desperate for

people who will live with integrity.

We want kids to begin building the kind of lives that show they can be trusted. Because they know the One who

can be trusted above any other.

We start the month with Proverbs 10:9, “Anyone who lives without blame walks safely.” Being honest isn’t just

about the words you say, it’s really about the life you live. Being honest comes much easier when you are an

honest person and live your life with integrity.

Bottom Line: Being truthful helps you stay out of trouble. You don’t have to worry about what will happen

to you if you live life with honesty. We hope kids realize that making the wise choice to tell the truth is a

great way to stay away from trouble.

In week two we head to Genesis 27 where we find Jacob and Esau. It seems that Jacob was always up to

something sneaky. He had already conned his brother Esau out of all the wealth and power he’d receive when

Isaac passed away. But Jacob hasn’t forgotten about the special blessing Isaac still has yet to give Esau. He wants

in on that too. We’ll see what happens when his mom Rebekah gets involved and they scheme a plan to trick

Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing.

Bottom Line: When you are not truthful, you can hurt the people you care about. We hope that kids realize

that when we tell lies, it breaks relationships that should be most important to us.

6165 STEUBENVILLE P IKE

McKEES ROCKS PA 15136 Phone : 412 -787 -1818 L i s a Berger

Di rector o f Ch i l dren ' s Min i s t r i e s

discipleSHIP CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES BIOGRAPHY: FARMER BEN’S PASSION FOR LAND


6165 STEUBENVILLE P IKE

McKEES ROCKS PA 15136 Phone : 412 -787 -1818 L i s a Berger

Di rector o f Ch i l dren ' s Min i s t r i e s

discipleSHIP CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES, continued

For week three we’ll take a closer look at a story in 2 Kings 5 that involves Elisha and his servant named Gehazi. At

a moment in time when Gehazi saw Elisha turn down a gift, Gehazi decided that he could take advantage of the

situation and take the gift for himself. He went behind Elisha’s back, denied his actions, and inevitably lost Elisha’s

trust.

Bottom Line: When you are not truthful, you lose trust. If you continually tell lies and hurt people with

dishonesty, eventually you will lose the trust of those around you. We hope kids realize that honesty helps

them build relationships with others.

In week four, we’ll head to the book of Esther. We learn that Haman’s just been promoted as the king’s most

important advisor, but there’s one man who won’t bow to him: Mordecai. Haman is so angry that he vows to

destroy not just Mordecai, but all of his people, the Jews! Little does Haman know that Mordecai has family in high

places. Queen Esther risks everything to save her people. Once her plan with Mordecai is set in motion, Haman’s

dishonesty to hurt others ended up hurting himself instead.

Bottom Line: When you lie to help yourself, you hurt yourself instead. Sometimes we have a tendency to lie

in order to make ourselves look good. But we can’t keep the lie for long. Eventually we’ll be found out and

our lie will only hurt ourselves.

As we look at these great stories and principles from the Bible, we hope that kids begin to live with honesty and

integrity, that what they say will line up with what they do. But this won’t always be easy. We need God's strength

to tell the truth.

Lisa Berger, Director of Children’s Ministries

As we look at our earth during this Spring Season, we are reminded of a new birth. . . flowers are blooming, the

leaves are returning on the trees and the world is a beautiful place to be when we walk with our Lord.

Union Church Deacons are so very thankful for the help of so many people. A special thanks to Kim Hjemvick for

the beautiful weekly floral arrangements. We are so blessed by the Food Pantry donations from Ron Schmidt and

Giant Eagle. Also a big thanks to Dina Roberts, the Reed Family and a wonderful group of young people that

collected food for the Food Pantry.

Just a reminder that The Food Pantry is open any time for our church family. The Food Pantry is regularly open on

the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7PM.

Many prayers continue for our church family and shutins. If you have a special need please contact Monica or a

Deacon Representative.

We are excited about our new members and the chance to serve you!!!

DEACONS

A group of women in our congregation gathered on three separate occasions this winter to work on a mission project along

with women all around the Pittsburgh Presbytery. The Pittsburgh Presbyterian Women completed more than 550 individual

reusable personal hygiene sani-panties. It is hard to understand that what we as women in this part of the world deal with, in

a private and safe way, is not so in the third world countries. Union Church women produced 140 items and provided money

to purchase underwear for these girls as well as contributing to the shipping costs.

There are many things happening here at Union Church that few of us realize. Presbyterian Women have always been

involved in mission work As we take a summer break from our monthly Bible study, we continue to serve by supporting

mission work in the world. Financial support has been sent to the Thank Offering program which grants aid to programs all

over the world from health clinics, a hospice group here in Virginia, after school programs, children’s needs in the Ukraine

and many more funds. The PW Birthday Offering was supported with donations from our church. These donations will help a

Community Center in Barranquilla, Columbia serving women and children fleeing from the brutality of the drug trade, and

also a residential center here in Memphis Tennessee where women are helped as they escape prostitution and human

trafficking. Also, thanks to a gift from the Outreach/Mission Committee of Union we were able to join the women of the

Synod of the Trinity as they provide wheel chairs for sisters and brothers who have no way to move about in some of the very

poor areas in the world. We are grateful for Jackie Pfaub who leads our Bible study each month and a special thanks to

Darlene Tidball who served for many years as treasurer of the Union Church Presbyterian Women.

OUR PURPOSE

Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves:

to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,

to support the mission of the church worldwide,

to work for justice and peace and

to build an inclusive, caring community of women

that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA)

and witnesses to the promise of God’s Kingdom

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

A successful Palm Sunday Brunch was served to 168 that visited after Worship Services.

A special one-service was held on April 12th

with donuts served before and after the service. A Congregational

Meeting was held following the service.

Join us for Christian fellowship at the next donut Sunday on May 17th

after Worship Services.

A new fellowship oportunity is being planned. A salad luncheon following the one-service on June 14th

. More information

about this luncheon will be announced later.

Another activity the Union congregation looks forward to is the annual Ice Cream Social to be held July 19th

.

A Rally Day Picnic is planned for Sept.13th

, at Clever Park following the church service. This is a fun-filled day of games and

food, but most of all a great time to get to know one another.

The Fellowship Committee invites all to attend the Sunday activities, to share Christian Fellowship and an opportunity to get

to know one another. Blessings to all from the Fellowship Committee

FELLOWSHIP

CHILDCARE CENTER Preschool Spring Program and Graduation May 13, 2015: You are invited to attend our spring program held in the sanctuary

at 10am. Children who will be attending kindergarten this fall will be called individually to receive a certificate. Refreshments

will follow in Fellowship Hall.

Ms. Carolyn from Robinson Library will be coming on May 19th

with her trunk of books and stories for our preschoolers.

Laugh Out Loud, a children’s photography company, will be here May 20th

to photograph the children. The theme of the

photos is “Old Hollywood”

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