2013 march newsletter

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THE LONGswAMp UCC BEACON MArCH 2013 CALLING YOU HOME Dear Members and Friends, This month we prepare for the great celebration of Easter. It is a time when we join with Christians throughout the world to re-live the wonderful announcement of the angels at the empty tomb, Why are you looking among the dead for the One who is alive? He is not here. He has been raised. Luke 24:5. Our faith is built on God doing something completely different in Jesus Christ. So lets be careful not to limit our imagination of what God can do. We worship an amazing and surprising Still Speaking God. During these harsh times it is good to remember that our destiny is in the hands of a God who has the power to overcome all disgrace and devastation, even death itself. This month we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, but the real miracle is that God is constantly at work in our own lives bring hope out of darkness. We worship this God of new beginnings. We worship this God who takes people that the world considers insignificant, and turns them into servants of the eternal kingdom. Please invite family members, friends and new neighbors to attend Easter Day worship with you at 7am or 10:15am. Holy Communion (at both services) will be served to all baptized Christians. Remember that 80% of new people who come to worship attend because they have been invited by a friend or family member. Grace & Peace Pastor Kathy Longswamp UCC Holy Week & Easter Worship Services 200 Clay Road, Mertztown, PA 19539 Phone 610-682-6230 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.longswampucc.org Please Join Us Sunday March 24 th 10:15 am Worship Palm Sunday Distribution of Palms American Cancer Society Daffodil Sunday Wednesday March 27 th 7pm Community Worship At St. Pauls Lutheran Church Rev. Roger Ulrich, Preacher Maundy Thursday March 28 th 7:30pm Worship The Last Supper. Celebration of Holy Communion G ood Friday March 29 th 7:30pm Worship Service of Light and Shadows

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Page 1: 2013 March Newsletter

TTHHEE LLOONNGGsswwAAMMpp UUCCCC BBEEAACCOONN

MMAArrCCHH 22001133 CCAALLLLIINNGG YYOOUU HHOOMMEE

Dear Members and Friends,This month we prepare for the great celebration of Easter. It is a time when we join with Christians throughout the world to re-live the wonderful announcement of the angels at the empty tomb, �Why are you looking among the dead for the One who is alive? He is not here. He has been raised.� Luke 24:5. Our faith is built on God doing something completely different in Jesus Christ. So let�s be careful not to limit our imagination of what God can do. We worship an amazing and surprising Still Speaking God.

During these harsh times it is good to remember that our destiny is in the hands of a God who has the power to overcome all disgrace and devastation, even death itself. This month we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, but the real miracle is that God is constantly at work in our own lives bring hope out of darkness. We worship this God of new beginnings. We worship this God who takes people that the world considers insignificant, and turns them into servants of the eternal kingdom.

Please invite family members, friends and new neighbors to attend Easter Day worship with you at 7am or 10:15am. Holy Communion (at both services) will be served to all baptized Christians. Remember that 80% of new people who come to worship attend because they have been invited by a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace Pastor Kathy

Longswamp UCC Holy Week & Easter Worship Services 200 Clay Road, Mertztown, PA 19539 Phone 610-682-6230 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.longswampucc.org

Please Join Us

Sunday March 24th 10:15 am Worship Palm Sunday � Distribution of Palms American Cancer Society Daffodil Sunday

Wednesday March 27th 7pm Community Worship At St. Paul�s Lutheran ChurchRev. Roger Ulrich, Preacher

Maundy Thursday March 28th 7:30pm Worship The Last Supper. Celebration of Holy Communion

G ood Friday March 29th 7:30pm WorshipService of Light and Shadows

Page 2: 2013 March Newsletter

Easter Sunday March 31st

7:00 am Worship & Holy Communion8:30 am Coffee, Orange Juice and Donuts10:15 am Worship & Holy Communion, Bell Choir

Longswamp United Church of Christ, Mertztown, PA2013 Worship & Mission Calendar

Sun Mar 3 10:15 Third Sunday of Lent Confirmation Field TripWed Mar 6 7 pm Community Lent Worship New Jerusalem � Rev. BrearleySun Mar 10 10:15 St. Patrick:

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGSTART OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGSAnniversary of Althea and Jeanette�s passing. Blessing Prayer Shawls

Wed Mar 13 7 pm Community Lent Worship Longswamp UCC - Rev. BordenSun Mar 17 10:15 Holy Communion

One Great Hour of Sharing Mission Offering

FAITH WORLD

Wed Mar 20 7 pm Community Lent Worship Christ DeLong - Rev. SassamanSun Mar 24 10:15 PALM SUNDAY Daffodil SundayWed Mar 27 7 pm Community Lent Worship St. Paul�s ELCA - Rev. UlrichThur Mar 28 7:30pm Maundy Thursday

Holy CommunionFri Mar 29 7:30 pm Good Friday - TenebraeSun Mar31 7 am Sunrise Worship & Holy Communion

8 am Coffee & DonutsSun Mar31 10:15 am Easter Worship & Holy Communion

HHoollyy CCoommmmuunniioonn:: The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, March 17th, March 28th (Maundy Thursday), & March 31st

(Easter Sunday). If you wish to receive private Holy Communion or if you have a family member who cannot attend church for Communion, please notify Pastor

Brearly.

YOUTH CLASSES!!: March17, 9 am downstairs -Youth Class for high-school age, taught by Andrew Thomas. Coffee & discussion, Caffeine & Character- Who's in Charge Here?-Theme of Authority (pt.2)

Calling all children ages 3-11! Join us on March 17th for Faith World during the 10:15 worship service.

FFlloowweerr CCoovveerreedd CCrroossss… On Easter Sunday morning remember to bring flowers to adorn a

six foot cross that will be placed in front of the church. This activity is sponsored by the church school and represents Christ�s victory over death. Help transform the old rugged cross into the wonders of redeeming love, Christ, the Son of God.

Page 3: 2013 March Newsletter

Daffodil Sunday will be held on Sunday, March 24th, here at Longswamp UCC. This is in support of the American Cancer Society's annual campaign in finding a cure and to help support programs and services for Cancer survivors and their families. What a great way to beautify our sanctuary for such a worthwhile cause! Thank you for your support from the American Cancer Society!

CONSISTORY CORNER � March 2013

Your Consistory held their monthly meeting on Monday evening, February 18th, 6:30 PM at the parsonage. Much of our time was spent on the outcome and impressions from the Leadership Retreat held on January 26th. Using the book, �Springs of Living Water� and another recommended book by Rev. Marchetto, �Leadership & the New Science�, Pastor Kathy discussed with us new ways of thinking about how we might proceed in today�s fast-paced world using Quantum Mechanics. Essentially, we must notice new information as it emerges, processing information and responding quickly to feedback. Information and communication are essential as they are dynamic and ever-changing. What works today, may not work tomorrow. Pretty heady and forward thinking concepts, but your Consistory will be utilizing some of this new way of thinking as we move forward. With our vision for our mission and ministry for the next 3-5 years identified as �Serving the Community: Spiritually & Physically�, we must learn to adapt and change, identifying what works and what doesn�t, and be able to respond to ever-changing needs in our community and in our very midst.

Dylan Weaknecht provided some interesting data he compiled using information from the past 10-11 years regarding membership and attendance, and we will be using that data and some other information to come up with some new ideas for increased attendance, membership, and retention of our current church family. This will be addressed by the Membership Committee, one of the three new committees that arose from Church Life and Growth (CLAG). We will begin to make contact with inactive members, continue to evaluate current LUCC programs, and encourage new growth through innovative marketing solutions (internet, social media, direct mailings) and increased community outreach and sponsored programs. We will also be dividing the membership into 12 �teams� led by Consistory members and Elders, in a new Stewardship campaign that will be on-going for most of the year. Lots of new ideas�

Property Committee provided an extensive report of projects they are currently working on, and Consistory voted to approve their recommendation for J.R.Wegman Construction to replace all of the windows in the Christian Education Building. The congregation will be asked to vote on this recommendation at the Annual Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013, incorporated into the end of the worship service. By now you should have received a written notice of this meeting in the mail. Please plan to attend to get Annual Reports from all of the church�s organizations and to learn more about the window replacement proposal and cast your vote.

The Longswamp Church Historical Committee also formally asked Consistory if they may use more space in the upstairs of the parsonage, providing us with a map of their intentions. Many items of LUCC significance have been given to the Committee, and they are in the process of catalogue-ing all items for ease of reference. The fire-proof safe that was purchased several months ago is getting filled with very important, irreplaceable items from our church�s extensive history. As we move forward, we must never lose sight of where we have been. The LUCC Historical Committee is ensuring that our church�s past is well-preserved for generations to come. We thank them for that, and look forward to YOUR contribution to the current life and growth of Longswamp United Church of Christ.

In Christ,Kimberly Jenkins2013 Consistory President

===================================================================Have You Remembered the Church In Your Estate Planning??

===================================================================

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SURVEY RESULTS FOR CHRISTIAN ED/FEGELY HALLThis month, as promised, we will be detailing this portion of the survey results. Next month: the Parsonage.

Christian Education Building & Fegely Hall:

Restroom Modernization & Accessibility - 68% view this as a #1 priority (Wheelchair accessibility is included) 18% view this as a #2 priority in this area) 10% view this as a #3 priority

Needed wheelchair/handicapped accessibility is mentioned throughout all parts of the campus by more than 24% or respondents.

Painting/Insulation/Floors/ General �facelift� � 14% think this should be a #1 priority 16% think this should be a #2 priority 2% think this should be a #3 priority 12% think this should be a #4 priority

Kitchen Modernization/Upgrades - 8% list this as a #1 priority 12% list this as a #2 priority

30% list this as a #3 priority

Small Addition - 2% see this as a #1 priority 6% see this as a #2 priority

12% see this as a #3 priority 12% see this as a #4 priority

Storage area added � 0% of respondents list this as a #1 or #2 priority4% list it as a #3 priority

12% list it as a #4 priority

Comments, regarding the use of the Walbert Building Funds for this purpose:Facelift, paint, tile, windows�small investment with big return.Bathrooms need to be updated and accessible to older and handicapped visitors. Currently there is NO

bathroom access by wheelchair or walker for any guests using Fegely Hall.Much of the wear and tear in this area is generated by the LLC.A small addition overlooking our beautiful view of the valley might be money well spent, and would alleviate

our �space sharing� issues with the LLC. Paneling is outdated and lowers �curb appeal�. Paint or remove.Side entrance is unattractive and worn out. New door, replacement of siding would be a big improvement.

Stay tuned next month for detailed results regarding your thoughts on the Parsonage. Thank you for your feedback�Consistory and Property Committee are using this data to help us move forward.

Please mark your calendars for our General Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013, incorporated into the end of the regular 10:15 AM worship service. This meeting�s purpose is for a general overview of our church�s ministry and programs, with annual reporting by all facets of our church and Learning Center. In addition, Property Committee and Consistory will be bringing their

recommended bid for replacement of all windows in the Christian Education Building, to the Congregation, for a formal vote. Stay tuned for more information. Plan on attending worship, and continue to stay informed in the life of YOUR church. See you March 10th!

Page 5: 2013 March Newsletter

A Message from our Treasurer

Distributions from the estates of Althea and Jeanette Walbert have been deposited into a money market account called �Building Fund�. This is in accordance with the wishes of Althea and Jeanette as expressed in their wills. Therefore, the use of the funds is restricted to the construction, repair and maintenance of church buildings and property. The funds may not be used for operating expenses or purposes not related to these specific categories. The use of these funds is spelled out in the revised endowment by-laws. The Endowment Committee is tasked with making recommendations to Consistory for investment of the funds. In this regard, the Endowment Committee recommended to the Consistory that $580,000 of monies in the Building Fund be invested with Institutional Advisors, an investment management firm associated with National Penn Investors Trust Company. Consistory approved the investment and the funds were deposited with Institutional Investors in July, 2012. Please refer to the �Walbert Building Fund Endowment Investment Performance� included in the Annual Report. In addition, a new account called the �Building Fund Checking� was opened in 2012. Funds are transferred from the Building Fund money market account to the Building Fund Checking as needed. An accounting for the Building Fund and Building Fund Checking for 2012 is included in the Annual Treasurer�s Report. Detail of the Building Fund expenses is included with this Report. Please note that the Building Fund money market earned $3,490.71 in interest in 2012. Deposits of distributions from the Walbert Estate totaling $1,253,638 were made to the Building Fund in 2012.

In the past, we have found it necessary to transfer funds from the Maintenance and OCPP accounts to the General Fund in order to pay our bills. A total of $6,200 was transferred from the Maintenance and OCPP accounts to the General Fund in 2012 in order to cover a short fall in General Fund income. The OCPP account was closed in 2012 with the balance transferred to the Maintenance Fund. Please note that heating oil expenses totaling $21,790.19 and church insurance package premiums totaling $5,460.33, as detailed in the Annual Treasurer�s Report, were paid from the Building Fund money market and Building Fund checking for 2012. These payments are considered building or property maintenance expenses and are permitted payments from the Building Fund. Sufficient funds were not available from the General Fund to cover these expenses.

While the generosity of members is greatly appreciated, the funds received through offering fall short of covering the operating expenses of the church. Please give prayerful consideration to your giving for 2013. While increased giving would of course be very beneficial, regular giving is also very important. The church has bills to pay on a regular basis throughout the year. Though we have received a generous gift from Althea and Jeanette Walbert, the use of the funds is restricted. Giving to the General Fund and Maintenance Fund of the church is still very much needed. The day to day operating expenses of the church are paid from the General Fund and maintenance of equipment and minor repairs have been paid from the Maintenance Fund. While we may be �building toward the future� with the generous bequest, we still must pay today�s bills. Please continue to support these funds through your generous giving. With everyone�s prayers and generosity, the church can be in a much improved financial situation in the future.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dawn Strunk for all her hard work in �keeping the books� and other work as our financial secretary. The treasurer�s job would be much more difficult without her efforts. A special thank you also to Harold Dankel, Barbara Weaknecht and Bob Fritz for counting the offering and making the deposits. They are faithful and diligent in their duties and very much appreciated.

Your servant in Christ,Bob Friedly, Treasurer

Heating Oil Offering… Your help is needed!The church budget for 2013 projects heating oil expense of $23,463. Any additional financial assistance that church members could provide to help defray this large expense would be greatly appreciated. You may put your offering for heating oil in an envelope marked

�Heating Oil.� Envelopes designated for heating oil are also provided for your convenience in the sanctuary pews. You may put the envelopes in the offering baskets on Sunday, return them by mail or drop them off at the church office at your convenience. Thank you!

Page 6: 2013 March Newsletter

On February 3rd, Karen Friedly, wife of Robert Friedly, was received as a member of the Longswamp Church Family by reaffirmation of faith. Please take the time to introduce yourself and welcome her!

News: FIELD-TRIP: MARCH 3, 2013 to Zion�s United Church of Christ, 620 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18010 & the Liberty Bell Museum.

Come and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after the 7AM service on Easter morning. Everyone is invited to come down to Fegely Hall on Easter morning and enjoy some donuts and coffee. Hope to see you there!

Saturday March 30th at 3PM - RAIN OR SHINE

EASTER EGG HUNT FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

Your 2013 Church Envelopes are available to be picked up. Please notify the church office if you wish to have your envelopes mailed to you. If you would like a home visit from the Pastor and/or Elders please let us know. Someone will be glad to come to your home.

Sunday, March 10th marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time!

Please be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour so that you will be �on time� for Sunday morning activities at Longswamp UCC!

Ann Mabry MillerC HOIR REHEARSALS � As we march into March we await the first peeps of the tiny spring p eepers! Our Loft Choir rehearsals for the Lenten Season and Holy Week will be over by the e nd of March, as Easter Sunday is March 31st! Rehea rsals for our Loft Choir members will be on the choir loft on these Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:30 P.M. ---- March 7th, March 14th and March 21st. A short Loft Choir rehearsal will be held after the Maundy Thursday Worship Service on Thursday, March 28th, so that the Loft Choir can go over the anthems for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

NEXT SCHEDULED SUNDAY TO SING - March 3rd (Lent, Praise Music) March 10th (Lent) - "Awake, My Soul, and Sing!" - Arr. Purifoy (from "A Service of Worship for the Easter and Lenten Season)

March 17th (Lent, Faith World) - early in service

March 21st (Palm Sunday) - "The Palms" - Faure

March 28th (Easter Sunday) - "Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen" - Kopolyoff

Page 7: 2013 March Newsletter

DO YOU KNOW YOUR HYMNS? - The Dentist's Hymn - "Crown Him With Many Crowns"

THANK YOU - Thank you to Jenna Masenheimer and Mary Beth Weidman for their musical selections in February. Jenna played piano accompaniment while Mary Beth sang, "You Raise Me Up". Later in February, they sang a duet for "Pass It On", by Kaiser, with acc ompaniment by Ann Miller. We hope to hear more beautiful music from Jenna and Mary Beth!

HI MARGE! - WE MISS YOUR LAUGHTER ON OUR CHOIR LOFT! WE HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER!

COMING IN APRIL - Music for Earth Day....music for Spring!

Friendship Discussion Hour: (9-10am on Sundays)Join us in March as we continue our study titled 'The Jesus Creed': Explore what it means to love God and love others.

2012 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Members are reminded to advise the church office if you desire a copy of your giving for the year of 2012. Otherwise your copy will not be printed out. Those who have already signed up to receive theirs can pick them up in the Church Narthex.

LONGSWAMP UCC WEB PRESENCE: Church website: www.longswampucc.org. Church Facebook page: If you have a Facebook profile, search for Longswamp UCC and feel free to join the group. Contact Ellie Long at [email protected] or Andrew Thomas at [email protected]

Please note that in case of inclement weather, weather cancellations will be announced and/or posted on WFMZ-TV (Channel 69 News) and wfmz.com at least one hour before church school and/or services.

UPPER ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE: These books are available in the church Narthex for a $1 contribution. Large Print is also available.

Absolute Deadline for Newsletter Articles for the April issue are due in the Church Office by Tuesday, March 12th! We appreciate them being sent to us by email or in typed format. Thank you!

The 2013 Altar Flower and Bulletin Sponsor Charts are hung up on the bulletin board on the left side when exiting the sanctuary.

Please remember to contact Dawn in the church office in advance to inform us of your change of address to help save us additional postage cost. Each time a piece of mail is returned to the church, we have to pay the corrected address and return of that mail.

G enealogical Help: Ellie Long has graciously offered to handle any genealogical inquiries. Please c ontact Ellie at [email protected].

Page 8: 2013 March Newsletter

JJuusstt aa RReemmiinnddeerr…Anyone hosting fellowship or after church activities, please make sure that the church or Christian Ed building is locked, windows are closed, and lights turned off before leaving. Thank you.

SAVE THOSE REGISTER TAPES! (Very easy way to assist your church)If you shop at Radcliffe�s market , Be sure to drop off your receipts in the vest ibule (papered box marked Radcliffe).

If you shop at Redner�s, you need to obtain a �Save a Tape� Card from the store and use it every time you shop, then simply collect your receipts and deposit them in the designated box found in the side vestibule (papered box marked Redner�s).

LOAVES & FISHES �Free Fellowship & Soup/Salad/Sandwiches Meal �: Tuesday, March 19th from 6-7:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Topton. All are Welcome! Desserts are greatly appreciated.

BRANDYWINE FOOD PANTRYThank you to Longswamp UCC for keeping our pantry shelves stocked this winter. Currently, the pantry is serving 44 area families. Thanks to your generous donations, it has been possible to meet the growing demand. Below are items that the pantry is in need of: navy beans, refried beans, wax beans, canned potatoes, canned spinach, canned asparagus, cream corn, sauerkraut salad dressing, ketchup, mayonnaise, cake mixes, snacks, boxed cereal, assorted jello (no orange or strawberry), aspirin, deodorant, canned apricots, canned cherries, mandarin oranges, canned pineapple canned meats, canned chicken, penne noodles, farfalle noodles, rotelle noodles, orzo, assorted tomato sauce, Chef Boyardee cheese ravioli, Chef Boyardee beefaroni, macaroni and cheese, tea, coffee, assorted juices.The pantry staff thanks you again for your support.

Marie (Your Brandywine Food Pantry Administrator)

NOTICE: A FREE QPR Suicide Prevention Training Seminar will be held onApril 21 @ 12:30 in the chapel building on the Huff's Church Campus. All interested persons are invited to

attend.

Assisting In Our Worship...*Communion Sunday**Special Service

HEAD USHERS: Mar. 3 � Tina Cirafesi

Mar. 10 � Kyle Koller**Mar. 13 � *Mar. 17 � Don Siegfried Mar. 24 � Barb Weaknecht**Mar. 28 � Barb Weaknecht**Mar. 29 � Don Siegfried *Mar. 31 � 7am � Dylan Weaknecht 10:15am � Fran Zettlemoyer

GREETERS:Mar. 3 � Dawn Weller

Mar. 10 �**Mar. 13 � *Mar. 17 � Mar. 24 � **Mar. 28 �

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**Mar. 29 � *Mar. 31 � 7am � 10:15am �

NURSERY HOSTS:Mar. 3 � Chris & Kayla FreudigMar. 10 � Jennifer & Mary Beth Weidman*Mar. 17 � Coralie & Weylin EckMar. 24 � Volunteers Needed*Mar. 31 � 10:15am � Tina & Julianna Cirafesi

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: Mar. 3 �Mar. 10 �**Mar. 13 � LUCC Members*Mar. 17 � Friendship Discussion HourMar. 24 � *Mar. 31 � 8am � Donuts & Coffee

A SPECIAL NOTE ON HOSTING FELLOWSHIP�

If anyone is interested in donating food, beverages, or financial donation for fellowship on a specific Sunday, but not wanting to host it, please call the church office or talk to the Pastor.

ALTAR GUILD:March � Fern Fritz, Cindy Conrad, & Sue McElrea

ACOLYTES: Mar. 3 � Julianna Cirafesi Mar. 10 � Garrett Jenkins**Mar. 13 � Dale Loch, Jr *Mar. 17 � Matt Masenheimer Mar. 24 � Mackenzie Gross**Mar. 28 � **Mar. 29 � Mary Beth Weidman *Mar. 31 � 7am � Weylin Eck 10:15am � Nick Strunk

FLOWER & BULLETIN SPONSORS:Mar. 3 � Siegfried Family

Mar. 10 � Walbert Estate*Mar. 17 � Eloise Long Mar. 24 � Robert & Fern Fritz*Mar. 31 �

Cost: Altar Flowers $35.00Bulletins $10.00 $45.00

Please drop a note or call the church office or sign up on the charts in the Narthex if you would be interested in sponsoring altar flowers and/or bulletins for any of the open dates for 2012.

READERS: Mar. 3 � Vern Shade Mar. 10 � Amy Riovo**Mar. 13 � Local Pastors *Mar. 17 � Harold Dankel Mar. 24 � Bev Thomas**Mar. 28 � Kim Jenkins**Mar. 29 � Andrew Thomas *Mar. 31 � 7am � Barb Weaknecht 10:15am �Alex Jenkins

ATTENTION:We are still in need of greeters for all dates, except March 3rd and fellowship hosts for March 3, 10, & 24. Please contact Barbara Weaknecht by phone at (610-682-

2406) if you�re willing to greet or host fellowship on any of the above listed dates. Your dedication to serving as greeters and/or hosting fellowship is greatly appreciated. Thank you for serving your church in this way!

MMeemmbbeerrss aannddFF rriieennddss PPrraayyeerr LLiisstt::[ As of newsletter preparation time]

Active Military Members: PFC Michael Xiques Long-term Needs: Amy Roth, Alayna Biltcliff, Olivia Radcliffe, Niki Ferrizzi, Hope Distasio Rev. William Thomas, Mark Grim, JoAnn JonesFebruary Prayer Needs: Marjorie Shoemaker, Marcia Strause (open heart surgery) and her doctors, Lehman and Freund, & Edward Ritter (starting treatment for bladder cancer).Shut-ins: Mary Conrad [Kutztown Manor], Ruth Hertzog & Corinne Reppert [Lutheran Home, Topton], Jean Rhode & Ruth Romig [Lewisburg], Webster Heffner [Carlisle, PA], Helen Schuler [Oakhurst, NJ], Anna Delong, Caroline Delong, Catherine Miller, Anna Reppert, & Doris Weller [home]

[Please give the Pastor a note with any special prayer needs]

Page 10: 2013 March Newsletter

Hospital ID Number:Our hospital identification number for Lehigh Valley Area is #451 and for Reading Hospital use Longswamp UCC. Please use our name or number when entering the hospital. Also, make sure that a family member or friend contacts the church office to let us know when you are hospitalized.

March 1 - Jayne SiegfriedMarch 3 - Kimberly JenkinsMarch 4 - Gail ZettlemoyerMarch 5 - Dan EckMarch 6 - Kim Toth, Dawn StrunkMarch 7 - Arlene ChaseMarch 8 - Allison IsamoyerMarch 10 - Sandra Reppert, Dawn WellerMarch 13 - Anna Delong, Zachary StrunkMarch 15 - Fern ReidnauerMarch 19 - Corinne ReppertMarch 20 - David Snyder, Sr.March 21 - Robert FriedlyMarch 22 - Kylee WessnerMarch 24 - Amy Riovo, Skylar StrunkMarch 25 - Cole FredericksMarch 26 - Mark GodfriauxMarch 27 - Elizabeth TeetersMarch 31 - Curtis Dorwart

03/05/1960 Barbara & Paul Weller03/14/1992 Dawn & Derek Strunk03/23/1957 Jean & Allen OswaldHAPPY ANNIVERSARY & MANY MORE!

For Your Information�For parents with children up to and including age

five, or at parent�s discretion, a NURSERY is available in our Christian Education Building.

There are BUSY BOXES available for use by the �young and the restless� located in the bookcase in the narthex. Please replace them after the worship

service.

WIRELESS HEARING DEVICES are available upon request from the Greeters.

Always sign PEW PADS when in attendance and ESPECIALLY when you have communed

Please use OFFERING ENVELOPES OR put offering envelope number on check.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & MANY MORE!

THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTY at LUCC

The February meeting of THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY at LUCC was held February 12th at 6:30 PM in the church library. The following ladies worked on prayer shawls at this meeting:

Chris FreudigoKathleen HermanoShirley SoltoDoris RumbleoJennifer LochoJayne SiegfriedoJudy Kollero

Our inspiration was taken from the book, Prayer Shawl Ponderings by Karen Doolard. The following scripture verse was discussed: �But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marr ed in his hands: so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.� � Jeremiah 18:4

Gifts to the Prayer Shawl Ministry:

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A $50.00 gift was received from Barbara Weaknecht �s Bible Study Group. We thank you for your ogenerosity.Jean Althouse, Cindy Conrad, and Sue McElrea provided 2 boxes of Hefty Bags for packaging shawls. oThank you for thinking of us and keeping us supplied with these bags on a regular basis.Shawls donated and made by Maryalice, then delivered to LUCC by Ron and Millie Newhard:o

Blue & White Shawl with long white fringesCrochet Triangle Shawl � Blue & Brown Multi colorCrochet Shawl � Multi shades of Gray with fringesCrochet Lap Shawl � Solid GrayCrochet Shawl � Burgundy/Crème/Navy StripeKnit Shawl � Lilac and White blocks

3 Thank you cards were received

11 Shawls were blessed on February 10th

You may join the prayer shawl ministry by getting involved in making shawls, or by requesting a shawl for a friend or loved one that is in need. If you wish to make a donation, we welcome your contributions. NEXT BLESSING: March 10th, NEXT MEETING: March 12th at 6:30 PM.

LLOONNGGSSWWAAMMPP LLEEAARRNNIINNGG CCEENNTTEERR NNEEWWSS…Everyone Who Enters Must Hibernate is the sign on the door of the preschool classroom downstairs. Preschool students brought in bears and experienced hibernation in caves. They also discussed animals that migrate and adapt during the winter months. In the photos below, Abbey is exploring her cave and Jenna is counting and sorting teddy grahams with Nancy. Jenna also practiced subtraction as she enjoyed eating the teddy grahams.

Church Staff and Information: 2013 Consistory Members:Rev. Dr. Katherine Brearly, Pastor Kimberly Jenkins, President

Dawn Strunk, Church Secretary Donald Siegfried, Vice-President Ann Mabry Miller, Organist Dylan Weaknecht, Secretary Vern Shade, Bell Choir Director Francis Zettlemoyer, Deacon & Elder Ronald Newhard, Sexton Barbara Weaknecht, Deacon & Elder (Also contact for Longswamp Union Cemetery) G. Kyle Koller, Deacon Beverly Thomas, Director of Longswamp U.C.C. Shirley Solt, Deacon Learning Center Tina Cirafesi, Deacon Robert Friedly, Treasurer Richard Conrad, Deacon

Church Website: www.longswampucc.orgContact Person - Eloise Long 610 682-0696

E-mail Contacts:Church [email protected] [email protected]

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LONGSWAMP UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Longswamp Learning Center Hours: Monday thru Friday - 6:30am till 5:30pm (610) 682-9750

Church Secretary (Dawn Strunk) Office Hours: Monday thru Friday � 9:00am till 2:00pm (610) 682-6230

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1 2

39:00am Conf., FDH1100::1155aamm WWoorrsshhiippConfirmation Field Trip 5:30pm Bell Choir

46:30pm Boy Scouts (cabin)

57:15pm PCRC

677::0000ppmm CCoommmmuunniittyyLLeenntteenn SSeerrvviiccee @@ NNeewwJJeerruussaalleemm UUCCCC((RReevv.. BBrreeaarrlleeyy pprreeaacchhiinngg))

77:30pm Loft Choir

8 9

109:00am Conf., ,FDH1100::1155aamm WWoorrsshhiipp:: AAnnnniivv..WWaallbbeerrtt ddeeaatthhss,, BBlleessssiinnggPPrraayyeerr SShhaawwllssCCOONNGGRREEGGAATTIIOONNAALL MMTTGG3:30pm LUCC Historic ComDDAAYYLLIIGGHHTT SSAAVVIINNGGSS TTIIMMEE

BBEEGGIINNSS

116:30pm Property Comm.6:30pm Boy Scouts (cabin)7:00pm LLC Board of Directors

126:30pm Prayer Shawl Ministry

AAPPRRIILLNNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR AARRTTIICCLLEESS

AARREE DDUUEE!!

1377::0000ppmm CCoommmmuunniittyyLLeenntteenn SSeerrvviiccee @@LLoonnggsswwaammpp UUCCCC((RReevv.. BBoorrddeenn pprreeaacchhiinngg))

147:30pm Loft Choir

15 16

179:00am Conf., YG,FDH1100::1155aamm WWoorrsshhiipp;; HHoollyyCCoommmmuunniioonn,, FFeelllloowwsshhiipp,,FFAAIITTHH WWOORRLLDD && OOGGHHSS5:30pm Bell Choir

PPAALLMM PPLLAANNTTSS && LLIILLYYOORRDDEERRSS AARREE DDUUEE!!

186:30pm Consistory6:30pm Boy Scouts (cabin)

196 – 7:30pm FREE FELLOWSHIP &

Soup/Salad/Sandwiches MEAL @ Trinity Lutheran,

Topton

2077::0000ppmm CCoommmmuunniittyyLLeenntteenn SSeerrvviiccee @@ CChhrriisstt--DDeelloonngg UUCCCC,, BBoowweerrss((RReevv.. SSaassssaammaannpprreeaacchhiinngg))

217:30pm Loft Choir

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24 9:00am Conf., FDH1100::1155aamm WWoorrsshhiipp:: PPaallmmSSuunnddaayy // DDaaffffooddiill SSuunnddaayy5:30pm Bell Choir Palm Sunday

256:30pm Boy Scouts (cabin)

26 2777::0000ppmm CCoommmmuunniittyyLLeenntteenn SSeerrvviiccee @@ SStt..PPaauull’ss EELLCCAA,, MMeerrttzzttoowwnn((RReevv.. UUllrriicchh pprreeaacchhiinngg))

2877::3300ppmm MMaauunnddyy TThhuurrssddaayySSeerrvviiccee wwiitthh HHoollyyCCoommmmuunniioonn

2977::3300ppmm GGoooodd FFrriiddaayyTTeenneebbrraaee SSeerrvviiccee

OFFICE CLOSED Good Friday

30

3:00pm Easter Egg Hunt (for ALL ages)

317:00am EEaasstteerr SSuunnrriisseeHHoollyy CCoommmmuunniioonn SSeerrvviiccee8:00am Coffee& Donuts 9:00am Confirm & FDH10:15am WWoorrsshhiipp:: EEaasstteerrHHoollyy CCoommmmuunniioonn SSeerrvviiccee Easter Easter