NEWSLETTER

From the Pastor Jim Latimer

June 6 was another banner Sunday at Community UCC. Three more families with young children joined our church family:

Darren and Joanne Patterson; Children: Ryan, Aidan and SarahAnthony and Michelle Colella; Children: Jared and JoshuaJames and Devon Strobel; Child: Corbin

Here are some of the reasons they gave for choosing to join us:

Because I love the Community UCC Preschool and so I decided to put my boys in the Sunday School here too. Everyone is so nice and inviting.

To begin my journey of strengthening my spiritual relationship with God.

To become engaged with a church instead of just attending.

To introduce God to our children, and as a family have some stability of God in our lives.

Community UCC is close to our home and we can come together as a family. Everyone is very inviting. I would like my son to attend the preschool here.

I want to better my relationship with God, and to be become more involved.

I am very excited. Everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly.

Please view their photos and biographical information and make a point of getting acquainted with them. Your own life with be richer for the doing.

Yeah God!Rev. Jim

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July /August 2010

Inside this Issue

1 From the Pastor

2 FellowshipWomen’s Ministry

3 Meet Our New Members

4 Revitaliztion

5 Church in SocietyGrow & Share

6 Christian Education

7 Stewardship

8 Kids Page

9 Christian Symbols

10 Lay Ministry

July/August CalendarInsert

Church Office Hours:Tues – Fri. 9:00 am- 2:30 pm email us at:office@communityucc.net

The CommunicatorCommunity United Church of Christ

3330 St. Lawrence AveReading, PA, 19606610-779-3955

Community United Church of ChristMission Statement

“We are a community worshipping God, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, endeavoring to extend compassionate service toward others and to engage in Christian love within this church and throughout the world, while striving to deepen our faith and understanding of who we are as a Christian Community.”

www.communityucc.net

NEWSLETTER

Your Church StaffRev. Jim Latimer

Pastor610-568-2480 (cell)

Rev.Jim@communityucc.net

Regina Floyd Church Secretary

610-779-3955

Sam DeWaldConsistory President

610-779-1890

Robin & Dustin BennettSextons

610-401-0265

Dan SmithDirector of Music

610-779-3955

Marti SmithBell Choir & Praise Band

610-779-9410

Bridgette RothermelChildren’s Choir

610-823-4390

Christine MillerPreschool Director

610-779-7086

Warren LubenowTreasurer

610-779-3632

Don DickersonFinancial Secretary

610*-582-3177

Jack McGuireAsst. Financial Secretary

610-779-1092

Regina FloydFinancial Recording Secretary

610-779-3955

Fellowship Retirees’ Breakfast Cancelled for July & August See You in September You need not be retired to join in the fellowship! If you can break away or start the day with us, please do so. We meet at The Breakfast Hut for a scrumptious meal and wonderful conversation. For more information contact Betty Houck (610.779.2962) or Ethel Adams (610.779.2164).

Join the Men’s Breakfast July 10th & August 14th @ 8:00 a.m.

The 2nd Saturday of each month the men of congregation meet for breakfast at Boscov’s East, to discuss timely topics concerning the church and our community. Just as important the Property Committee meets at 9:30 following the breakfast to address the maintenance of the church. All are invited

Church Picnic Sunday July 11, 12:00p.m.Exeter Community Park We had a great time last year and we hope to make this year’s picnic even better. We are looking for folks to make or sponsor the Raffle Baskets. If you would like to help with the set-up please contact the church office.

Join the women of Community Church on Wednesday, August 25th

at 6:30 p.m., we will not have a meeting in July. We will kick off a new season in August to make ready for the Women’s Retreat and the Holly Days Bazaar. All the women of the church are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Freezer Ministry

The freezer ministry has been adopted by Women's Ministries and will be coordinated by Marianne Lubenow. You can help our church members when a need arises through your donations of soup, one dish meals, bread and muffins.Please label and date all donations and place in the freezer marked Freezer Ministry.  If you would like a meal or you know of someone who could use our assistance call either the church office (610-779-3955) or Marianne (610-779-3632).Thanks for your generous support.

Thank You, Thank You Special thanks to Beth Kistler and the Kramlich Memorial Fund for the purchase of 1 of the new freezers in the kitchen. Thanks also to the Women’s Ministry for the purchase of the second freezer. It really helped out during the candy making marathons and the Chicken BBQ.

A great big thanks, to Barry and Sandra Fehnel for the donation of the large microwave for the kitchen. We desperately needed it!

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NEWSLETTER

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Anthony and Michelle Colella ~ Anthony and Michelle reside on Fox Run in Reading with their two sons – Jared, and Joshua. Anthony was born and raised in Saegertown, PA. He attended Mercyhurst College, and his vocation is that of hospitality manager. Michelle is from Pittsburgh, PA. She attended Kent State and Boyd School, and she is employed in the insurance industry. Michelle loves music, and Anthony likes playing RPG games. They both enjoy reading and playing games with their children. Both Anthony and Michelle were raised in the Roman Catholic faith and attended Saddleback Church while living in California. They plan to become engaged members of Community UCC, and are looking to strengthen their spiritual relationship with God and to introduce God to their children.

Darren and Joanne Patterson ~ Darren and Joanne have three children – Ryan, Aidan, and Sarah. They make their home on Spring Meadow Lane in Reading. Darren comes from Smithtown, NY; he attended Florida Tech; and he is a pilot for Continental Airlines. Joanne is from Lansdale, PA, and works as a stay-at-home mom and a Weight Watchers leader. She attended Upper Perk High School, East Stroudsburg University, and Boyd School in Pittsburgh. Joanne likes to cook and bake, while Darren enjoys drawing and flying airplanes. They both love playing with their children. Darren’s church background is Roman Catholic, and Joanne’s is United Methodist and Lutheran. They have chosen to join Community UCC because they love the preschool and Sunday school programs here and feel everyone is nice and inviting.

James and Devon Strobel ~ Jimmy and Devon, along with their infant son Corbin, live on Winchester Court in Reading. They were both born and raised in Pottstown, PA. Jimmy attended St. Pius X High School, Montgomery County Community College, and the Montgomery County Police Academy. He works as a police officer. His hobbies include sports, playing poker and pool, and having cookouts. Devon attended Daniel Boone High School and Berks Technical Institute. She works as a phlebotomist at Quest Diagnostics. She likes to read, cook, and do scrapbooking. Jimmy has eight brothers and sisters and was raised in the Roman Catholic faith. Devon was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s UCC in Amityville. They are joining our church family because they feel everyone is very welcoming and friendly, and they hope to become involved in the life of our church and build a better relationship with God.

Meet Our Newest Members

NEWSLETTER

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From the Revitalization Team

Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

What does my church expect from Me?

What do I expect from my church?

What exactly is an Engaged church?

Let’s look at the Guiding Scripture for an Engaged church

Ephesians 4:14-16- God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love-like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

Over the next few Communicators – we will be exploring readings and questions that will make you think of what an Engaged church is.

So let’ s get started:

Suggested Reading: “Growing an Engaged Church” (GEC): Introduction and Chapters 1-3. (These books are available in the church library or ask any revitalization member for help)

Questions for Thought:- What are the four outcomes that are the most relevant indicators of a congregation’s

spiritual health described in Chapter 2? What do you think?

- What is the concept of Spiritual Commitment and its attendant attitudes and behaviors described in chapter 3? Do you know anyone you would consider as “spiritually committed?”

The Revitalization Team will have the complete study program handouts located in the back of the church for those of you interested. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this program, please let any of the Revitalization Team know.

NEWSLETTER

Church in Society

HELPING HANDS

    As a good neighbor the Church in Society Committee would like to reach out to those in our church and community that might need a helping hand to maintain their house and yard.  Jobs such as shrub trimming, minor home repairs, painting and cleaning could be offered to those who find themselves unable to do household chores.  If you or someone you know could benefit from a helping hand group effort please call the church office at 610-779-3955 or contact a member of the CIS committee.  - Lorie Martin, Connie Killian, Diane - Schaeffer, Pat Nase, Kim Crosier - - Marianne Lubenow

IN HIS NAME FOOD PANTRY

   We are grateful for your continuing support of the Food Pantry.  The director, Diane Carter recently made us aware of the need for some special items.  We hope to improve our participation by choosing a theme for each month that supports these needs.  You can look to your Communicator, church bulletin and posters in the narthex for this monthly information.  During the month of July we encourage you to bring personal care items such as; sunscreen, deodorant, lotions, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, tooth brushes, and feminine hygiene products.      Together our small contributions can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.Thank you!

Grow and ShareBruce May

The Grow and Share program started right here in Community and has been Growing and Sharing. There is a lot more information on the website and some is posted in the narthex. The idea is to encourage gardeners to grow more than they need and to bring the excess along to church. A number of other churches are taking part and the food is gathered right here at Community on Sunday and delivered to the Greater Berks Food Bank on Monday. Of course we need help and volunteers and we would love to hear from you even if gardening is not your thing.

For more information on Grow and Share or if you would be interested in being the administrative volunteer, please contact Bruce May at 610-370-9397.

Music & Worship

SUNDAY NURSERY

The Preschool Nursery is openduring the 9:00am worship service this summer. Holly Vazquez and Tania Dierksheide will be theremost Sundays, with other volunteers filling in when needed. During the summer, the nursery is held in the downstairs preschool room that is across from the children’s bathroom. Children ages 2 through 4 yearsare welcome.

ORGAN RECITALConrad Smith will be playing an organ recital at St. John’s Lutheran Church to inaugurate their new organ on Sunday, August 15, 2010at 3:00pm. The church is located at 521 Walnut St. (corner of Walnut and Church Sts.) Reading.

Thank You, Choir

For the beautiful music on Sunday mornings,

For your dedication in attending rehearsals,

For inspiring us to lift our hearts, minds and voices in singing praises to our Lord,

Choir, we thank you!

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A Prayer for Summer

A rippling sea of green and goldIs shimmering before usAs wind stirs the tall corn,Wave after green wave rises high,Reaching for the summer sun.

Lord God,When you summon seedsFrom these furrowed fields,How readily they obey!

Like the myriad crops,Help us grow steadily:Help us stretch, ripenRound out, unfold.

In the warm rays of your strength,Help us yield goodness!

NEWSLETTER

Christian EducationBarry & Sandy Fehnel - Directors

Busy Bags for Children

Busy Bags filled with quiet activities are now available in the Narthex for use during worship or for quiet time in the Library during worship. Children may choose a Busy Bag from the basket in the Narthex or may request one from an usher. Please take the artwork you created with you when you leave and return all other items in the Busy Bag to the basket in the Narthex.

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VBS TeamChristine Miller Beth & Jeff Kistler

Recycling Fund Raiser Benefits Youth ProgramHave you seen the fish bowls in the coat room and above the bookshelf at the downstairs entrance? Please place the following items in or near the fish bowl:

Cell phones Ink jet printer cartridges Apple iPods and these other MP3 Players

(Microsoft Zune, Creative & SanDisk) Digital cameras

The youth group receives money in exchange for these recycled items. Also, if you are willing to help collect these items from the fish bowls on Sunday mornings, please contact Marti Smith at (610) 779-9410 or hikealong2000@yahoo.com

Patriotic Trivia

As we celebrate America’s birthday, it’s interesting to note that clergymen wrote both the Pledge of Allegiance and the hymn “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” Rev. Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge in 1892. Rev. Samuel Francis Smith wrote the hymn in 1831. Both men were Baptist ministers.

The pledge was first used in public schools in 1892 during Columbus Day observances. “My Country ’Tis of Thee” was used as a national song before “The Star-Spangled Banner” was named America’s national anthem in 1931.

The Cause of Christ

“Wake up, sing up, preach up, pray up, pay up, stay up and never give up or let up or back up or shut up, until the cause of Christ in the church and the world is built up.”—Woodland Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri

Sadly, due to low enrollment and lack of volunteers this year’s Vacation Bible School is cancelled. We look forward to providing a quality Christian education experience next year. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and spent time planning! We appreciate your time and talents!

VBS Canceled

NEWSLETTER

Stewardship

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Budget as of April 30, 2010Income May YTD Budget % Rec'd         Envelopes 13,637 68,323 175,000.00 39.04%Plate 439.45 2,128.85 8,000.00 26.61%Christian Ed 54.25 281.25 1,200.00 23.44%Interest 28.94 161.45 2,500.00 6.46%BBQ/Spag 2,629.23 2,629.23 6,000.00 43.82Group Cont 1,575.86 3,939.65 3,500.00 112.56%Misc 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 0Mission 534.96 1,882.37 3,6000 52.29%Deficit Reduction 50.00 180.00Total Income 18,899.69 79,525.80 200,800.00 39.6%

Expenses May YTD Budget % Exp'd         Prof Staff 8,311.41 46,707.07 116,187.00 40.2%Office Op 1,084.71 5,749.11 9,600.00 59.89%Christian Ed 270.53 687.07 2,500.00 27.48%Prop & Mnt. 5,219.81 27,840.32 69,238.00 40.21%OCWM / CIS 833.33 4,166.65 10,000.00 41.67%Other Comm. 11.96 548.67 5,100.00 10.76%Misc 0.00 292.95 500.00 58.59%Total Exp 15,911.71 87,519.21 218,625.00 40.03%

Net Income 2,987.98 -7,993.41 -17,825.00 44.84%

Stewardship Committee Barry J. Fehnel, Chair

Stewardship June Monthly Activities

Discussion of Turning Tippers into Tithers. Discussion on Electronic Giving. MissionInSite Program.

Endowment Presentation at Immanuel Church.

Good Year Round Stewardship Programs

Present Programs: Hour of Prayer, Faith Conversation, Bible Study, Grow and Share

Future Programs:Financial Presentation High

School/College Students and Parents

Financial Presentation for all working individuals.

Financial Presentation for young couples/individuals.

Family Social Dance Instructions here in the church. (What does dancing have to do with “stewardship”?) Stewardship is the giving of talents, resources and time. So come - spend some “time” in fellowship.

2010 Stewardship Drive Update

100 Pledges totaling $130,205.88 as of June 22, 2010.

11 people pledged for the first time.

Note: 98 total pledges were received in 2009 totaling $134,455.

If you have not yet pledged, we encourage you to prayerfully think about it.

Yours in Christ,Stewardship Committee

NEWSLETTER

Christian Symbols

Beehive

This modern symbol represents the church and its many, varied “workers.” A multitude of people, each with different tasks and gifts, works to build up the body of Christ. Often, nine bees are pictured near

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America the Beautiful

Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) wrote, edited and taught English in her native Massachusetts. Occasionally, she wrote hymns, too.

On a trip to Colorado, Bates was greatly impressed by amber waves of grain, fruited plains and purple mountain majesties. She believed that God had definitely shed his grace all across this land. A visit to the summit of Pikes Peak inspired Bates to write her most famous poem-hymn, “America the Beautiful.”

Bates also realized that patriotism was an important part of America. She was grateful for heroes “who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life.” She wanted all Americans to realize how God had shed his grace on them and had crowned what was good “with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”

Bates embodied the spirit of thankfulness to God for all she had experienced and been given.

Vacation time

Someone has said, “Vacation is what you take when you can’t take what you’ve been taking any longer.”

There are good reasons to take a vacation every year: spending time with friends and loved ones, experiencing physical and mental refreshment, enjoying changes in scenery and routine, and preparing for another year of productivity.

Please enjoy your vacation! Try to be faithful to the Lord by attending church while you’re away, if you have the opportunity.

Just remember that during vacations and weekend getaways, you’re especially missed by your friends at church. The work of the church suffers because no one can fill your place of responsibility quite like you.

God’s work goes on all summer long. Your presence and gifts are needed to enable the church to be strong and vigorous throughout the entire year. When you’re away, please bring or send your offering before you go.Have a wonderful summer!

NEWSLETTER

the hive to represent the nine fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

When John was exiled to the island of Patmos, he wrote the book of Revelation. In the first chapter, verse 10, John says he was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) and had a vision of someone he called the Son of Man (meaning Christ). Christ was dressed in a long robe with something draped across his chest. What was it?

A. A golden sashB. A towelC. A ribbon with a cross sewn on itD. A palm leaf

Answer: A (See Revelation 1:13.)

Lay Ministry Schedule for Jul/Aug 2010

 

 

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Righteousness Exalts

The word righteous, according to the dictionary, means “acting in accord with divine or moral law.” Self-righteous means “being convinced of one’s own righteousness, especially in contrast with the

beliefs of others.”

Self-righteous people often ignore principles such as the Ten Commandments and act according to their own self-created standards — or no standards at all. Self-righteousness is an attitude, as well, causing people to feel morally superior to others.

For example, a certain man keeps two sets of business records. One “doctored” set is for the Internal Revenue Service. The man self-righteously justifies this practice to a pastor, saying, “A man can’t make a decent living being honest. You have to cheat in order to have enough to live well.”

The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin

is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34, NRSV).

The Tribute of Criticism

Senator J. William Fulbright (1905-1995) was never upset with American citizens who criticized their government. He believed the fact that they could criticize their leaders was an implied tribute. Plus, Fulbright

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Bible Quiz

Almost 600 years before Christ, the Babylonian army marched into Jerusalem, ravaging the city and destroying the glorious temple. Furthermore, the enemy soldiers took a large number of the city’s inhabitants back to their country to serve as slaves. Later, an Old Testament book described the woes the Jews suffered because of the war. That book begins “How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! How like a widow she has become …. ”

Choose the name of that book.A. LamentationsB. ObadiahC. IsaiahD. Amos

Answer: A (See 1:1, NRSV.)

July 4 Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Sam DeWaldUshers Bob & Mim Nonnon

Pam & Jerry ColemanFlower Sponsors Robert & Doris Wentzel

July 11Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Don Dickerson Ushers Betty Houck, Barb Ash

Gary & Etta ShaneFlower Sponsor Barry & Sandra Fehnel July 18Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Dave Chapman Ushers Ron & Jean YergerFlower Sponsors The Houck Family

July 25Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Mike Walulek Ushers Kay Miller, Jodi Bixler

Leila EscavaciniFlower Sponsor Larry Lenhart

August 1Announcements Consistory MemberLay Leader Jack McGuireUshers Bob & Mim Nonnon

Pam & Jerry ColemanFlower Sponsors Gary & Etta Shane August 8Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Sam DeWald Ushers Betty Houck, Barb Ash

Gary & Etta ShaneFlower Sponsor Ethel Adams August 15Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Karen Walulek Ushers Ron & Jean YergerFlower Sponsor Jolene Miller

August 22Announcements Consistory Member Lay Leader Marianne Lubenow Ushers Kay Miller, Jodi Bixler

Leila Escavacini August 29Announcements Consistory MemberLay Leader Don DickersonUshers Rick & Janelle Hartman, Kayla Merkel

NEWSLETTER

reasoned, constructive criticism is often a sign of a desire to make needed changes in a community or nation.

Citizens in many other countries pay the price of torture, imprisonment or even death if they speak ill of their leaders’ oppressive policies. In America, our freedom should obligate us to speak out against injustices and wrongs.

American writer and civil-rights activist James Baldwin said, “I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

Our Ministry of Worship

Each Sunday, we gather for worship at 9:00 a.m., during the summer months. Child-care rooms are located on the parking lot level of the church. Remember that we have an elevator from the parking lot level to the sanctuary level

A PrayerMim Nonnon

Heavenly Father,I am tied to you by bonds of love.

Therefore, I feel I can speak likely to you.Before I came to know you, I was nothing.I did not know the real meaning of life andI had no positive understanding of myself.I have no doubt that you had a purpose inbecoming an: “important” part of my life. Ilisten to the words of Jesus, your son, andsing his praises which

fill my heart with joy.

And as I heard his words, you enabled hislove to penetrate my heart. Now I am socompletely filled in his love and faith.Now, Father, I cannot change my attitudeto my faith, nor do I want to. I can only liveto serve in whatever way pleases you anddedicate my life to you forever. 1pray inthankful praise for all the blessings I havereceived through the holy name of ourprecious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Amen

A Dollar Bill’s Message

Look at the back of a dollar bill. On the left circle, which is one side of the Great Seal, are the Latin words Annuit

Coeptis, which mean “He [God] favors our undertakings.”

The pyramid in the left circle represents material strength and endurance. Yet the open spot near the top of the pyramid means there’s more good work to be done in our country. The “eye” atop the pyramid represents the “eye of God,” watching and reminding us that spiritua

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Hour of Prayer: Join us every Wednesday morning from 9:05 to 10:00 AM for the Hour of Prayer. In particular, we will be praying for our church and community. Rev. Jim will be available for individual prayers as well. All are welcome. If you need to arrive late or leave early that’s fine. The main purpose is to open ourselves to God’s presence and leading. Prayer is foundational to our renewal.

The Bible

“Our Christian experience must agree with the Bible. We will be taught by the Bible and fed by the Bible. But we do not believe in Christ because He is in the Bible: We believe in the Bible because Christ is in us.”—Claxton Monro

Choose the Right Half

An elderly clergyman chugging slowly along on a sidewalk was hailed by a middle-aged workman as they neared each other.

“Hi, Jerry,” said the workman cheerily. “How are you?”The old pastor replied, “Oh, I’m about 50/50.”“Well,” replied the worker, “take the better half and

forget the other half.”

Special dates

• Independence Day, July 4, 2010

NEWSLETTER

l matters are more important than material concerns. Under the pyramid, Novus Ordo Seclorum refers to a “new order of the ages.”

On the right circle is an eagle, our country’s national emblem, symbolizing strength and victory. The shield on the eagle’s breast signifies self-reliance. One of the eagle’s claws holds an olive

branch, representing peace. The other talon holds arrows, referring to power and protection.

The center of the bill says “In God We Trust.”

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