The Good Newsletterstthomasuccbeth.com/files/131966516.pdf · 2019-06-28 · The Good Newsletter 3...

The Good Newsletter 1

The Good Newsletter St. Thomas United Church of Christ

Volume MMXIX, Issue 7&8 July & August 2019

THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS INFORMATION FOR JULY & AUGUST 2019!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

July & August Church Office Hours

Monday thru Thursday

8 am to 12 noon

Dear Church Family and Friends ~

Summer has officially arrived! A time of rest,

where schedules are a little more relaxed and the

biggest decision of the day is which flavor of ice

cream to choose.

When I was a little girl, I loved summer. I had more time in the day to read, to write and to be outdoors. I would go fishing, swimming, play street ball with other kids in the neighborhood, and create shadow people at the park.

I would also blow bubbles. I was fascinated by this activity. It was always a surprise how small or large the bubbles would get. That is, until I realized I had control of that – how much liquid was in the circle, how big the bubble wand was and how soft or hard I blew into the plastic circle.

I would also try to guess the direction of the wind: Where was the wind coming from? Where was the wind going?

Ok…. I was a weird kid.

However, now I am an adult and I always have a bottle of bubbles on hand. Why, you ask?

Because it is fun, helps reduce stress, is a lesson in mindfulness, and makes me mindful of God’s Spirit.

Just like the wind, we are unable to see God’s Spirit, but we know God’s Spirit is actively present

in our lives. We know this by witnessing the results the Spirit produces in those around us.

Blowing bubbles is an exercise in mindfulness. Allowing our distracting thoughts and feelings to ‘float’ away, helps to calm our mind. We know that our minds cling to past regrets and future worries, preventing us from being in the moment. When we are able to name the regret or worry for each bubble, and watch them ‘float’ away, our minds become calm.

Remember this childhood prayer?

Lord, I’m blowing my bubbles up to you (blow

bubbles);

I’m blowing my troubles up to you (blow bubbles).

Just like when the bubbles go, “POP!”

You can help troubles disappear and stop.

Lord, I’m blowing my bubbles up to you (blow

bubbles);

I’m blowing my troubles up to you (blow bubbles).

Amen.

With God’s Spirit encouraging you, buy a bottle of bubbles and enjoy!

Summer Blessings –

Pastor Debra


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

is celebrating a birthday or anniversary.

HOSPITAL INFORMATION Please remember to let the church office know if you or a member of your family is admitted to the hospital. The hospitals do not notify the church when a member is

admitted.

SPONSORS The flower and bulletin sponsor sheet is posted. 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.

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

1st Holly & Matthew Erdman 9th Brenda & Keith Lichtenwalner 21st Shilpa & Steven Harhart 22nd Shelby & Bryton Danner 26th Lucille & Gary Urban

3rd Matthew Ford & Jeffrey Jaindl 11th Dorothy Langenbach 12th Mary Lou Anderson 18th Kenneth Hay & Mesha Lyons 19th Dean Rohrbach 20th Roger Porter 21st Lucille Urban 22nd Jarrod Bond, Jr. 27th David Peters 29th Jessica Wagner

1st Barbara & Rich Hoyle 11th Ulvia & Michael Shay 16th Karen & Adam Shook 17th Gail & Joseph Malocheski


NEW MEMBERS New members were received in our St. Thomas family on June 2nd and June 9th.

Please update your directory with the following information:

Kim Brutschea Lori Czipoth Tyler Czipoth 293 Woodsbluff Ct. S. 3921 W. Greenwood Dr. 3921 W. Greenwood Dr. Bath, PA 18014 Bethlehem, PA 18020 Bethlehem, PA 18020 Asha Harhart Eric Hess Janet Konkolics 2313 Linden St. 538 School Rd. 2826 Middletown Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017 Nazareth, PA 18064 Bethlehem, PA 18020 Susan & Frank Olshefski Ethan Reaser Carley Wrecsics 1626 Second St. 2847 Westminster Rd. 602 Penn St. Bethlehem, PA 18020 Bethlehem, PA 18017 Bath, PA 18014

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS It seems early to think about Sunday School classes starting in the fall, especially since summer has just begun! It takes a lot of work to prepare for the new church season and we have already begun to do that! A Christian Ed letter will be distributed this summer with more information and updates. If you are interested in being a part of our Christian Ed team, which includes programs and teaching for children, youth and adults, please contact Kimberly Hartzell, Christian Ed chair. We look forward to our first time together on September 8 at our CE Back To School Breakfast! In the meantime, have a good summer!

CONFIRMATION CLASS 2019-2020 For those youth eligible for confirmation class this coming September, you should have received an introductory letter, a registration form and an information sheet in the mail. Please return the information sheet and the registration form to the church office by August 3rd. Look for more information this summer regarding a parent meeting, class covenant and retreat. For questions, contact Pastor Debra.


JULY 7 –

Scripture: Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20 Sermon: Plans? Go Two By Two For Children: We Are Not Alone

JULY 14 – Special Guest, Gary Barraco, 3

Great Loves Ambassador (PNEC) Scripture: Leviticus 19:1, Jeremiah

29: 4-7, Isaiah 10: 1-4, Matthew 22: 36-40

Sermon: Love Thy Neighbor For Children: The Whole Cookie

JULY 21 – HYMN STORIES & SONGS JULY 28 - JOYFUL NOISE OFFERING

Scripture: Luke 11: 1-13 Sermon: Shaped By Prayer For Children: PB&J

AUGUST 4 –

Scripture: Luke 12: 13-21 Sermon: I Had A Dream – Then I

Woke Up For Children: 31 Pairs of Socks

AUGUST 11 –

Scripture: Luke 12: 32-40 Sermon: Life: It’s Short For Children: A Night Light

AUGUST 18 –

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 29-12:2, Luke 12: 49-56

Sermon: Life: Surrounded By Superheroes

For Children: The Things We Cannot See

AUGUST 25 - JOYFUL NOISE OFFERING

Scripture: Luke 13: 10-17

Sermon: Showtime In The

Synagogue

For Children: Rules: Yes or No?


JULY

JULY 7 GREETER ............................ Volunteer Needed USHERS ..................... Rebecca & Dave Brown.

Carol & Matt Ford FLOWER SPONSOR ............... Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ..................... Matt Erdman,

Karen Jaindl

JULY 14 GREETER .................................... Mesha Lyons USHERS ........ Shirley Hein, Jean Stauffenberg,

Elaine Taylor, Linda Wintergrass FLOWER SPONSOR ............... Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ....... Karen Shook, Bob Wilt

JULY 21 GREETER .................................... Gloria Hurley USHERS ........................ Heather & Jason Dutt,

Holly & Matt Erdman FLOWER SPONSOR ............... Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ......... Dave Hay, Diane Wilt

JULY 28

GREETER ..................................... Dana Reaser USHERS ...................... Brenda & Kenny Miller,

Karen & Dave Peters FLOWER SPONSOR ............... Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ...................... Dana Reaser,

Amy Rohrbach

AUGUST

AUGUST 4 GREETER ................................ Rebecca Brown USHERS ............................ Volunteers Needed FLOWER SPONSOR ....... Barbara & Rich Hoyle COUNTING TEAM ...... Jason Dutt, Keith Jaindl

AUGUST 11

GREETER .................................... Gloria Hurley USHERS ............................ Volunteers Needed FLOWER SPONSOR ....... Ulvia & Michael Shay COUNTING TEAM ................... Dave Anthony,

Elaine Taylor

AUGUST 18 GREETER ................................. Melanie Rasich USHERS ............................ Volunteers Needed FLOWER SPONSOR .... Beverly & Roger Porter COUNTING TEAM .................... Brenda Miller,

Larry Hillegass

AUGUST 25 GREETER .................................... Laurene Blair USHERS ............................ Volunteers Needed FLOWER SPONSOR ............ Jean Stauffenberg COUNTING TEAM .............. Nancy Musgnung,

Karen Peters


CHRISTIAN ED FUND RAISER WAWA shorti coupons are available for $4 each and can be redeemed at WAWA for a shorti

hoagie. Stock up for all those summer activities or just for a quick lunch or dinner. For coupons, see Amy or Karen Jaindl. Proceeds benefit Christian Ed. Thank you.

MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR REHEARSALS

Sundays @ 9:45 am A Note From Chris!

Every year, in spring and summer, new life blooms anew all around us. The beauty of creation brings renewal and new Blessings daily in our lives, with new adventures and opportunities in abundance. As our music ministry grows at St. Thomas as well, you are invited and welcomed to grow with us! During the summer, we will be offering "pick-up choir" - no rehearsals during the week, just a brief warm-up at 9:45am before worship. Generally, we will be using familiar tunes, mostly from the hymnal - simply drop in and try it out as you like! In the fall, please consider joining us in choir and / or chimes. We meet in praise and fellowship in a supportive and welcoming environment - all skill levels are welcome. If you play an instrument, there is another opportunity for growth! Please join us in worship and song - see Chris Malocheski for further information or simply drop in the music room before Church!

Calling all Wanna-be and Are-already Chimers!

Our Church Chime Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. beginning September 12. We welcome anyone interested in learning a truly easy musical instrument while hanging out with some fun people every week. All you need to know are primarily colors (pink, blue, and occasionally yellow) and your left hand from your right. The best part is you don’t need to sing to ding! For further information, contact Barbara Hoyle at 610-739-1190.

BETHLEHEM EMERGENCY SHELTERING 2019-2020 We are looking for volunteers for the BES new season which starts November 15 at Christ UCC. St. Thomas will be serving the second and fourth Wednesdays. We appreciate all the hard work our volunteers do to help our homeless neighbors. We especially need help with overnight shifts. If God’s Spirit is nudging you to help with this outreach, please contact Pastor Debra or Dave Peters.


The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Thomas meets the fifth Sunday of the month following worship. The next meeting is Sunday, September 29th. The group welcomes anyone who has an interest in knitting or crocheting, a novice or a veteran knitter/crocheter. To date, this ministry has produced more than 500 shawls! If you or someone you know could benefit from a prayer shawl,

please contact Pastor Debra or the church office.

…To all those who serve on & help with the various teams. …To all those who serve as ushers, greeters and acolytes. …To all those who are contributing to the Giving Tree. …To all those who are helping with lawn mowing, weeding & grounds keeping.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

SUMMER VACATIONS Summer has arrived. Unfortunately, when we take summer vacation, church expenses do not. Please give prayerful consideration to your church giving over the summer. Some care and consideration of meeting this financial need to support our ongoing ministry is paramount. Remember, you can mail your offering to the church office or bring the envelope to church before you go!

STAFF VACATIONS Chris Malocheski will be on vacation July 7 – 13.

Pastor Debra will be on vacation July 21 – 27. Please call the church office for pastoral care.

Karen Jaindl will be on vacation July 28 – August 3. The church office will be open usual

summer hours.


OUR NEWEST MEMBERS


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: Annabel Huth & Mae Michael

PRAYER BOX We have an intentional way to pray for our St. Thomas Family. Prayer was important to Jesus and it is important to us. Our Prayer Box is located on a table near the card rack. Please remember to select a name of one of our church family members to pray for this week.

THE GIVING TREE A Year-Round Donation Practice

The tree is on the bulletin board along the information hallway.

Items to donate or monetary items to help cover church expenses are on butterflies/envelopes on the board.

Monthly envelopes have been posted. Monthly amounts are listed on each envelope.

This is the amount the church pays for the service. Any amount you’d like to contribute to the service is appreciated.

Please take the envelope or butterfly item off the board that you’d like to donate and return it to church. Envelopes may be placed in the offering plate.

Items may be placed in the bin by the church office. Thank you for already making selections from the tree.

Please check the tree often as new items appear on the tree!


LOOKING AHEAD…

CHURCH TEAM MEETINGS Care Team Meeting ~ Sunday, July 7 following Worship

Finance Team Meeting ~ Tuesday, July 16 @ 6:30 pm Governing Board Meeting ~ Monday, August 19 @ 6:30 pm

SUNDAES ON SUNDAY Following worship on July 21 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.

JOYFUL NOISE OFFERING The Joyful Noise Offering will be received during worship on Sunday, July 28 and August 25. The Joyful Noise Offering will be used to help with property expenses.

PEACH FESTIVAL & BASKET RAFFLE Saturday, August 17 - 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Use the sign-up sheets to volunteer your time, to donate items to help defray the cost and/or to donate a basket for the raffle

Rain Date: August 18, 12-4-p.m.

PEACH FESTIVAL PEACH CRUMB PIE SALE Saturday, August 17, 2018 ~ 12 – 4 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 pre-ordered, $10 at the festival

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


SPECIAL OFFERING During worship on August 4 and 11 we will have a special offering for a monetary contribution to the band performing at the peach festival. Heather Dutt and her band will be performing again this year.

TALENT SHOW

We’ve got talent! I know we do!

The last evening of our Faith and Family Series for the summer will culminate in a Talent Show on Wednesday, August 14th. We begin with a Taco dinner at 6pm, followed by the show. To participate, please use the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board or contact Nancy Musgnung at 610.360.8146.

BREAKFAST CAFÉ

Just an early reminder that the Breakfast Café will open again at 8:30am on Sunday, September 15th. There is no charge, though donations are accepted and appreciated.

SEPTEMBER SHOO FLY PIE SALE Tuesday, September 10, 2019 ~ 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: $8.00 each

Please place your order by Wednesday, September 4! June Pie Baking Work Schedule

Wednesday, August 28: 9 a.m. - Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making Tuesday, Sept. 3: 9 a.m. – Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making Monday, Sept. 9: 9 a.m. – Pie Baking Tuesday, Sept. 10: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Pie Pick-up

FOOD OFFERING

Our monthly food offering will be

distributed to New Bethany

Ministries. If anyone knows a

family in need, please contact

Pastor Debra. Thank you for

supporting this outreach.

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

September newsletter by September 15th.


Independence Day July 4

Church Office Closed

Sunday, August 4, 2018 10:15 a.m. worship service

CONTINUING MINISTRY 2019 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 – David Hay Vice President – Nancy Musgnung Co-Treasurers – Matt Erdman, Karen Jaindl Recording Secretary – Karen Peters Financial Secretary – Karen Peters Members – David Anthony, David Hay, Kenny Miller, Nancy Musgnung, Karen Peters, Amy Rohrbach, Karen Shook, Diane Wilt

Elders you may also contact Laurene Blair, Matt Erdman, Donna Hoffman, Gloria Hurley, Karen Jaindl, Keith Jaindl, Brenda Miller, Nancy Musgnung, Michael Shay, Elaine Taylor, Diane Wilt

Music Director J. Christopher Malocheski – 610-868-9167 or 570-709-9474

Prayer Resource Person Diane Wilt – 610-691-3841

Christian Education Amy Rohrbach

Email Address St. Thomas UCC ~

[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

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/


REMEMBER WHEN YOU SHOP ONLINE TO:


SOCIAL MEDIA – Check out St. Thomas with Social Media!

Don't forget to visit our Website – stthomasuccbeth.com

Like us on Facebook – St. Thomas UCC

Follow us on Instagram – st.thomas.ucc

Check out Pastor Debra's blog at in-plain-sight.blog

VISION STATEMENT To be a safe place where we Encourage, Equip, Engage, Educate and Empower, in God’s love, Christ’s mission and ministry.

SEPTEMBER Joyful Noise Offering - last Sunday of

the month Choir rehearsals Thursdays at 7:15 September 2 – Church Office

Closed/Labor Day September 8 – Christian Ed Breakfast,

Sunday School Begins, Shelter Meeting

September 16 – Governing Board, 6:30 p.m.

September 22 – Teacher Recognition & Installation

September 26 – Crop Walk Pastie Sale September 29 – Prayer Shawl Meeting

OCTOBER Joyful Noise Offering - last Sunday of

the month Choir rehearsals Thursdays at 7:15 October 6 – World Communion, Shelter

Meeting October 21 – Governing Board, 6:30

p.m. October 23 – Pumpkin Carving October 26 – Craft Fair


SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6

6-8 pm – Faith

& Family Night

Church Office

Closed

Church Office

Closed

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:45 am – Choir

Rehearsal 10:15 am – Worship Following Worship –

Care Team Meeting


14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9:45 am – Choir 10:15 am – Worship,

Special Presentation Following Worship –

Staff Meeting

No Governing Board Meeting

9:30 am – Pastoral Council

Meeting

6:30 pm –

Finance Team

6-8 pm – Faith

& Family Night


21 22 23 24 25 26 27 9:45 am – Choir

Rehearsal 10:15 am – Worship Following Worship –

Sundaes on Sunday


28 29 30 31 9:45 am – Choir

Rehearsal 10:15 am – Worship –

Baptism, Joyful Noise Offering

6-8 pm – Faith

& Family Night

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

Mission Statement To welcome all people into a growing

spiritual Community, proclaiming God’s word to the world.

Sunday Worship ~ 10:15 a.m.

NOTE: Summer Sunday Events:

9:45 a.m. – Choir Rehearsal, 10:15 a.m. – Worship

Not all events/activities have been scheduled. Please check the calendars each

month for updates!

mailto:[email protected]


SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

6 pm – AED

Training

Church Office

Closed

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9:45 am – Choir


Communion, Festival Band Offering

6:30 pm –

Clean Pavilion


11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:45 am – Choir

Rehearsal 10:15 am – Worship,

Festival Band Offering

(Peach Festival

prep work

subject to

change →)

6:30 pm –

Finance Team

Meeting &

Peeling Peaches

9 am – Bake

Peach Crisps

6-8 pm – Faith

& Family Night

9 am – Bake

Peach Pies


9 am – Set-Up

12 – 4 pm –

Peach Festival

& Basket Raffle

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 9:45 am – Choir

Rehearsal 10:15 am – Worship Peach Festival Rain Date

6:30 pm – Governing Board Meeting


25 26 27 28 29 30 31 9:45 am – Choir


Joyful Noise Offering

9 am – Pie

Shell Rolling

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

Mission Statement To welcome all people into a growing

spiritual Community, proclaiming God’s word to the world.

Sunday Worship ~ 10:15 a.m.

NOTE: Summer Sunday Events: 9:45 a.m. – Choir Rehearsal, 10:15 a.m. – Worship

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

mailto:[email protected]


Wednesday July 3: ________# attending Wednesday July 17: ________ # attending Wednesday July 31: ________ # attending Wednesday August 14: ________ # attending Names of those attending: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Please contact me for a contribution of food at: __________________________ (phone number)

Calling all kids, parents, grandparents, etc… Please join us for dinner, movies, activities,

and good ole family fun this summer! Festivities will happen every other Wednesday from 6-8 pm this summer at St Thomas.

So we can plan ahead please

return the portion of this form and let us know what dates you

are able to attend and how many will be joining in the fun! If we

can contact you for a contribution of food, please

indicate that on the form. We are looking forward to seeing

you there!

THIS SUMMER, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT ST. THOMAS UCC IS

PROUD TO PRESENT:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FAITH

&

FAMILY

NIGHTS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY

(7/3, 7/17, 7/31, 8/14)

The Good Newsletterstthomasuccbeth.com/files/131966516.pdf · 2019-06-28 · The Good Newsletter 3...

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