february newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Shenkel, Shenkel NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
Shenkel United
Church of Christ
SHARINGS AND CONCERNS
February 2012
SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1580 Shenkel Road
Pottstown PA 19465
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Shenkel United Church of Christ’s “The NEWSLETTER” is a monthly publication prepared, edited, and mailed by the leadership and staff to all members and friends of the church. It communicates news about our life, purpose, and mission as a Church of Jesus Christ. Information related to our partnership as a member of the United Church of Christ and wider church/community out-reach is included on a regular basis. The Church is located at Unionville & Shenkel Roads in North Coventry Township.
February 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Agape 7 PM 7 pM
2
Community Lunch Bunch 11L30 AM Choir 7 PM
3
4
5
Communion
Inquirer’s Class After 10:45 wor-ship
6 7 8 9
Choir 7 PM
10 11
Bear Creek Trip 3:15—9 PM
12
Healing Prayers Field Education Meeting after 10:45 worship
13 14
Quilters 9:30 AM
15
Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 PM
16
Healing Prayers 9:15 AM
Card Making Class: 10 AM
Choir 7 PM
17 18
19
Youth Group meets after 10:45 worship
20 21
Mid-Day Din-ner Club: Noon
Spiritual Coun-cil: 7 PM
Consistory: 7:30PM
22
Worship: 7 PM
23
Choir: 7 PM
24 25
26 27
Community Meal: Noon at Christ Episcopal 175th Anniver-sary Committee Meeting
28
Quilters: 9:30 AM
29
1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown PA 19465 610.326.3535
Email: [email protected] www.shenkelucc.org
PAGE 3
The Pastor’s Pen Pastor Bonnie L. Moore
484.524.8280
Office Hours:
Tues., Wed., Thurs.
9 AM to 1 PM
CONSISTORY
OFFICERS
President
Glen Hoff
Vice President
James White
Secretary
Connie Armbruster
Treasurer
Ken Bevan
Financial Secretary
Barry Miller
Assistant Financial
Secretary
Lori Scharneck
Doug Allen
Director of
Music Ministry
Joan Valentine Johnson
Elders
Glen Hoff
Lynne Moyer
Connie Armbruster
Chris Gray
Gary McDermit
Deacons
Barbara Burhans
Jeff Graef
Mark Dushanko
James White
Jeff Graef Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
On Thursday, January 12, Trent returned to The Seeing Eye for his evaluation and training to
become a Seeing Eye dog. I really miss him – it’s weird not to have someone staring at me
while I eat breakfast in anticipation of a daily morning walk, resting his head on my feet while
I work on my computer, or leaping up in excitement when I close my laptop, certain that it’s
time for at least a few tosses of a tennis ball or a Frisbee.
But as hard as it was for me to watch him head off in the Seeing Eye van, I can’t help but feel
excited about what the future holds for him. If all goes as expected, in about four months he
will be making a huge difference in someone else’s life, enhancing the independence, dignity,
and self-confidence of his visually impaired “Forever Person.”
Lent is the season when many people think about what they can “give up.” Although the prac-
tice of fasting typically involves acts of penance and sacrifice as personal preparation for the
celebration of Easter, I believe that there are things we might “give up” that will also contribute
to justice, peace, hope or healing in a wider community, or even in the world. Just as my
“giving up” Trent will make it possible for a blind person’s sense of freedom to grow, might
your giving up some activity enrich the lives of your spouse or your children? Might your giv-
ing up your control over some task enable someone else’s creativity to flourish, or their leader-
ship skills to grow?
There is a time for every matter under heaven. This Lent, I challenge you to give some serious
thought about what God may be asking you to “give up.”
Be God’s,
Pastor Bonnie
SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
2/5
Need Sponsor
Need Sponsor
Early: Carol Pearson
Late: Julie Zachesky
Early: Consistory*
Late: Consistory*
2/12
Need Sponsor
Need Sponsor
Early: Carol Pearson
Late: Faye Pedrick
Early: Dave & Diane
Reinert
Late: Mary Lou Smith &
Carol Stubbe
2/19
Need Sponsor
Gary & Susan Stultz
Early: Carol Pearson
Late: Louise Hine
Early: Dick & Verna
Walters
Late: Rick & Angeline
Viti
2/26
Need Sponsor
David and Diane
Reinert
Early: Bill Faust
Late: Tootie Hine
Early: Lara Faust &
Horace Ingram
Late: Lisa & Barry
Yocom
* Communion Usher Leaders will recruit members to assist in serving communion.
PAGE 4
“Flours” is a collection of pantry items
or a monetary donation of your discretion to the Cluster. If a cash donation to the Cluster is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Altar flowers are $30.00 and bulletin dedications are $6.50. Food Sculptures are also gladly accepted.
The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedication during this and the upcoming months. Please complete one of the spe-cial flower/bulletin envelopes below the sign-up chart, enclose your payment, and either put it in the collection plate or in the Secretary’s box by the office door. You should sign your name on the chart in the narthex by the appropriate date after you have completed your envelope. Please do not sign the chart without completing an envelope.
Shenkel UCC celebrates the sacra-
ment of Holy Communion at both
services on the first Sunday of each
month. Each time communion is
served, some of the bread and non-
alcoholic wine that has been consecrated at the altar
will be saved in a traveling communion kit, ready to
go to the homes or hospital rooms of members who
were unable to be present, and would like to receive
the sacrament. Please let Pastor Bonnie know if you,
or someone you know, would appreciate “distance-
communing” with their Shenkel Church family!
YOU SHOULD KNOW….Sunday worship is
never cancelled due to snow or inclement
weather. If possible, though, please plan to at-
tend the 10:45 service to give the snow removal
crew time to clear the parking lot and sidewalks.
The choir directors and Sunday School teachers will con-
tact you if there is a cancellation of any programs. Of course, you
should always use your judgment as to whether it is safe enough to drive. Happy Winter!
The Adult Sunday
School Class meets
at 9:30 a.m. every Sun-
day morning in the so-
cial room. Everyone is
welcome to join us!
On February 5, Ariel Royer will be our leader,
and she will tell us all about her “India Experi-
ence.” Other classes will be announced in the
worship bulletin announcements.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION….
SHENKEL
QUILTERS The meeting dates for the Shenkel
Quilters in February are Tuesday
the 14th and the 28th at 9:30 in the
Church Social Hall. We are al-
ways looking for new quilters. You don’t have to be an
expert; we have several experienced quilters who would
welcome the chance to teach you. Come join the fellow-
ship of our special ladies, and enjoy this beautiful, reward-
ing kind of artistry.
Remember, we will also meet on January 31st.
Hope to see you then!
Margie Allen
PAGE 5
Shortly after Thanksgiving this last year,
members of the youth group gathered together
to plant tulip bulbs, or “Bloominaries.” With
the help of Pete Wanner & Lynne Moyer, the
group dug
holes for hundreds of bulbs to
surround the labyrinth! The
mass planting will have a stun-
ning effect when the tulips
emerge in a few months! We
hope that you will all go take a
look at the “Bloominaries,”
which raised money for Shen-
kel’s Relay for Life Team, when they bloom! You won’t be
able to miss the popping color! Please see page 7 in this
newsletter for complete information about ordering the
“Bloominaries.”
The Youth Group will continue to meet the third Sunday of
each month, that being the 19th of February and the 18th of
March. In between those meetings, the group will be holding
at least fundraiser! We’ll let you know what that is & when in
your Sunday church bulletins!
From January 13-15, the Youth
Group enjoyed a Winter Retreat at
Camp Mensch Mill. Everyone had a
great
time!
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are
members of my family, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40
Participating in a mission trip is often an incredibly rewarding way for people of all ages to real-
ize the power of God’s love. Now’s your chance to take advantage of a mission opportunity by
signing up for Shenkel’s 2012 Boston Urban Outreach! All members of the congregation, thir-
teen years or older, are welcome to participate in an exciting trip to Boston, Massachusetts
that will take place this coming June and offer participants with many humbling opportunities
to learn about homelessness. Some of our daily activities will include hearing from men and
women who have experienced homelessness, preparing meals for adults with life-threatening illnesses, painting/
cleaning homeless shelters, cooking for and eating with men and women affected by homelessness, and, of
course, some sightseeing in one of the coolest cities around. The trip will take place Wednesday, June 20th
through Sunday, June 24th and the approximate cost per person will be $200, please contact one of the following
people: if you are interested in learning more or to sign up: Collin/Chris Gray: (610) 970-2793, Pastor Bonnie:
(484) 524-8280 or Gary McDermit: (610) 385-3584
BEAR CREEK TRIP OPEN TO ALL The Youth Group is sponsoring a trip to Bear Creek for an evening of skiing and
snowboarding. We want to invite the entire congre-gation to come snowboarding, skiing, and snowtubing with us on February 11 from 4 pm – 9 pm. We can get evening lift tickets for a discounted price (if at least 15 people sign up!) so the total cost per person will be $28/person. Children under 5 & seniors over 70 ski free! If you are interested in coming on the trip, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex. Money will be collected when we meet at church at 3:15 on February 11th. If you would like to pay in advance, you can deliver your payment to Ariel Royer. We hope you will join us!
PAGE 6
December & January Consistory Highlights
Received thank-yous from Church World Service, Mensch Mill and the Pottstown
Cluster for our donations
Accepted with regret the resignation of Barry Miller as Financial Secretary
Expressed thanks to Barry Yocom, Barry Miller and family, Joel Sweinhart and Pete
Wanner for the Grove and Cemetery clean-up following the October snow storm
Accepted with regret the resignation of Randy Berriker from the PRC
Approved a contribution to Living Water UCC in Philadelphia for the purchase of a new church building
Elected Officers for 2012: Glen Hoff, President, Jim White, Vice President, Connie Armbruster, Secretary, Jeff
Graef, Assistant Secretary, Ken Bevan, Treasurer, and Doug Allen and Lori Scharneck, Assistant Financial
Secretaries. Barry Miller has agreed to continue to serve as Financial Secretary until his replacement can be
found.
Appointed Linda Foss to fill the vacancy on the Board of Christian Education.
Appointed Lisa Yocom, Bob Brown and Betsy Bevan to serve as the Nominating Committee in 2012.
Appointed Carol Pearson, Barry Yocom and Barb Sweinhart to serve as the 2012 Response Team.
Thanked Jim White for painting the handicapped parking spaces in our parking lot.
Changed the date of the February Consistory meeting to February 21.
Complete copies of Consistory Minutes are available from the church office upon request.
ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….
YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M
Actual
The complete financial report for 2011 was
presented at the Annual Congregational
Meeting on January 29. Copies are avail-
able by request from the church office.
Budget
Difference
SAVE-A-TAPE PROGRAM
This is one of the easiest ways to help our
church financially!
Just ask for a Save-A-Tape card at the customer ser-
vice spot at your local Redner’s store, show your card
at the register when you check out, then bring your
register tapes to church and deposit them in the box
in the Narthex. These tapes are collected routinely,
presented to the store, and Redners donates a per-
centage of your total purchase to the church. Be
careful to bring your tapes in regularly instead of sav-
ing them at home, as they do expire if not redeemed
within a certain time period. Also, please return the
entire register tape. Redners will not accept any reg-
ister receipt that has any part of it removed.
Have you noticed the blank line on the right
-hand side of our offering envelopes? That is
there so you can designate a portion of your
gift for a specific special offering, such as the
Pottstown Cluster, the North Coventry Food
Pantry, or… the stained glass windows resto-
ration project! All you need to do is to write in the name of the
project, and the amount of your gift you’d like to go towards that
project. Just think – if you add $2.00 to your regular giving
each week and designate it for the windows, you’ll have do-
nated over $100 in one year to help us pay the final installment
for their renovation! Every little bit helps. If you’d rather not
make a one-time gift towards the restoration of the stained
glass windows, this is a great way to let your recurring giving,
over time, make a HUGE difference.
DO YOU HAVE
NEWS FOR THE
BULLETIN OR THE
NEWSLETTER? Just a reminder that all bulletin an-
nouncements should be at the church
office by each Tuesday at noon to be
included in that week’s bulletin. News-
letter articles must be submitted by the
15th of each month to be included in the
next issue.
SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….
REMEMBER TOO…. The Pottstown Cluster Food Bank col-
lection at Shenkel is the 1st Sunday of
each month. Please place your items in
the large plastic bins in the narthex.
AND...Please bring in your used cell phones and empty
ink cartridges and place them in the box across from the
nursery, or in the box located on the coat rack shelf
across from the office.
These cartridges are re-cycled to Sta-
ples, and the church receives credits
toward the purchase of office
supplies.
The used cell phones are given to the police
department to be distributed to abused women.
The Cluster welcomes all cash, food and cloth-
ing donations between the hours of 8:30 am to
12:00 pm on Monday through Friday. Please
come to the back door off the alley. Parking
spaces at the rear of the building are reserved
PAGE 8
PANTRY NEEDS
WE NEED PLASTIC BAGS!!
Canned Soups and Stews
Real Fruit Juice
Canned Pasta, Dry Pasta
Frozen Meat
Canned Meat or Fish (Tuna,
Spam, Chicken)
Peanut Butter, Jelly
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Boxed Potatoes
Boxed Meat Helpers
Sliced White Bread
Oatmeal, Spaghetti Sauce
Canned Tomatoes
Cat Food
Diet Foods of any kind
Dry Milk, Cake Mix
Pancake Mix & Syrup
Ketchup. Mustard
Also refrigerator Items-Milk ,
Yogurt, Eggs, Butter etc
Bold items are items of which
we have very little.
Please contact Sherrie at 610-970-
5995 for more information.
OTHER ITEMS NEEDED
Toilet Paper
Toiletries - personal hy-
giene wipes, toothbrush/
toothpaste, soap, deodor-
ants, comb, shampoo/
cream rinse, Denture Adhe-
sive (Poligrip)
Cleaning Products: Clothes
detergent, dish detergent,
toilet cleaners, multi-
purpose cleaners (Mr.
Clean or Spic/Span
Paper Products: paper tow-
els and toilet paper
Diapers (sizes 3,4,5 ONLY
Please)
Blankets and Sheets
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING
CLOTHING AND HOUSEWARES
AT THIS TIME.
Please contact Vicki at 610-
970-5995 for more informa-
tion.
Chaplain Office Requests GIANT print Bibles
During the month of February, we
will be accepting offerings for
Mensch Mill Camperships. This
offering provides scholarships for
children and youth from Shenkel who are attending
camp at Mensch Mill this summer. Please give as
generously as you can.
Thank you.
Bloominaria
The 2012 Pottstown Relay for Life, Sil-
ver’s Gold Team, invites you to honor
and/or remember someone who has been
touched by cancer by purchasing a beau-
tiful, perennial flower bulb that will bloom year af-
ter year.
The bulbs will all be purple and will be planted in
the Labyrinth at the grove at Shenkel UCC.
Bloominarias are available for $1.00 per bulb, 6 for
$5.00 or a donation of your choice. All proceeds
benefit the American Cancer Society and the fight
against cancer.
There are order forms available in the narthex, or
you could contact Lynne Moyer at 610-327-
9046 for more information.
Please make checks payable to American
Cancer Society. All donations are tax
deductible.
Daffodil Sunday
March 25, 2012
Deadline for ordering daffodils is February
19, 2012. Sign up chart in the Narthex.
You can still order the following:
Bunch - $10.00
Pot of Mini Daffodils - $12.00
Vase and a Bunch - $15.00
Bear (Shar N. Hope) and a Bunch - $25.00
Thanks a "bunch"!
Louise Hine
BULLETIN BOARD….
CARD MAKING CLASS
The card making class will continue to
meet on the third Thursday of each
month at 10 AM. The cost of the class
is $8.00 which will provide each of
us with three beautiful cards. The next
class will be on Thursday, February
16th. To insure there will be enough materials prepared
for everyone, please call Ann Baccari at 610-323-5525,
or Connie Armbruster at 610-326-6516 if you plan to
attend.
PAGE 8
Mid-Day Dinner Club
It has a new name!! Shenkel's Mid-
day Dinner Club meets at 12 noon on
the third Tuesday of each month – and
you’re invited to join us! The next
meeting date is Tuesday, February 21st – we’ll be eating
at the Red Lobster. The Mid-day Dinner Club is open to
young-at-heart adults of any age who enjoy eating out and
would like to get to know other Shenkel members a little
better. Call the church office if you’re able to join us!
COMMUNITY
LUNCH
BUNCH
COME ONE, COME ALL….
FOR: Lunch,* fellowship and an interesting program.
For our February event, Bob and Barbara Brown will share a
film and tell us all about the beautiful Rogue River in Ore-
gon. Come enjoy this program about this fantastic piece of
American nature.
*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00 to cover the
cost of the lunch and the program. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex, or call the Shenkel UCC church office at 610-326-3535 by the Monday prior to the program to re-serve your spot..
WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2012
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Shenkel UCC’s Fellowship Hall
1580 Shenkel Rd
Pottstown, PA 19465
For more information please call Ruth Klein at 610-326-4520
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the
third Wednesday evening of each month
at 7 PM. The next get-together is on Feb-
ruary 15. Anyone who likes to knit or cro-
chet is encouraged to come. We are al-
ways looking for new members to help
with this wonderful ministry. You don’t have to be espe-
cially experienced, just motivated. If you have any ques-
tions, please speak to June Hartung at church, or call the
church office at 610-326-3535.
Keep April 21, 2012 open for a special
"Saturday Nite Live” Shenkel style!!
Service Committee
Coordinator Needed!
When there is a funeral service at
Shenkel, it is a comfort to the fam-
ily to have Shenkel's Service Committee coordinate a
reception in the Social Hall following the service. The
gathering provides an opportunity for people to share
stories and celebrate the life of the person who has died,
and to assure the family of their love, support and care
in their time of grief.
Although we have a list of people who have volunteered
to help with receptions, we are in need of someone will-
ing to serve as a Coordinator for this committee - talk-
ing with the family about caterers, arranging to have
the room set up appropriately, inviting folks to contrib-
ute desserts (if desired by the family), and ensuring that
someone is responsible for clean-up.
If would like to volunteer for this greatly appreciated
ministry, please contact Pastor Bonnie as soon as possi-
ble.
If we do not fill this position, Shenkel will be unable to
offer this ministry in the future. Thanks!
PAGE 9
STEWARD’S CORNER
Did you hear people in church a couple weeks ago tell you to “Move it…Move it”? I thought they were talking
about moving some of our church furniture. So I decided to follow the kids and adults (including Pastor Bonnie)
who were “Moving it.” I was hoping they didn’t plan to move my corner.
Then I heard that pretty young lady, Julie Zachesky, explain that it was the Sunday School children who were go-
ing to be “Moving it” and it was to be held every Sunday morning down stairs in their Sunday School classes. But now, they
have different names for the rooms … “Garden of Eatin”…“Creation Station”…“Holyword Studios” and “Activity Alley.”
You must see those beautiful rooms, so creatively decorated! This is a whole ,new program for the children, with an excellent
group of volunteers on the planning committee, and many others who will be involved in future months. Shenkel church and its
people are very imaginative and willing to “Move it, Move it,” so that our children will learn to love and love to learn.
“I LOVE IT, LOVE IT!”
Swingin’ Steward
P.S. You can join in the fun by volunteering to share your skills with the children. Just hurry to sign up with Julie Zachesky,
phone 610-705-885. All it takes is just 1 hour for 4 Sundays. Guaranteed satisfaction for you and the children! So, how about
if you "MOVE IT... MOVE IT!” too?
What’s So Amazing About Grace?
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory…
full of GRACE and truth.”
-John 1:14
¡Gracias! Grazie! Did you know that when a Spanish or Italian speaker says thanks, they are
invoking one of the meanings behind the word grace? That’s because grace, gracias, and grazie all descend from the
same Latin word, grātia. For the ancient Romans, grātia had three distinct meanings: (1) a pleasing quality or beauty of
form (2) favor or goodwill, and (3) gratitude or thanks. All three of these meanings are still in use in modern-day English.
The first is used when we describe someone as having (or not having) grace: “Dancing, she had all the grace of an ele-
phant on skates.” The second meaning is utilized when we talk about merciful or compassionate behavior directed to-
ward others: “He was saved by an act of grace from the Governor.” And the third meaning is used when we “say” grace
(i.e. “thanks”) before a meal.1
In Christian theology, grace has an additional meaning. God’s grace is the free gift of forgiveness and new life offered in
love to all people through the One whose birth we just celebrated on Christmas day. For centuries, theologians have
sought to define God’s grace, only to discover it continually taking new forms and expressing itself in new and unexpected
ways. In the eighteenth century, John Oliver Newton captured the one thing we know for sure about God’s grace in his
hymn “Amazing Grace:” “’Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”
Each Sunday during the season of Lent, from February 29 through April 1, we will be exploring and celebrating that amaz-
ing grace. Shenkel’s choirs will be featuring music around the theme of grace, and we’ll be investigating the significance
of this free gift offered to us all – no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. Join us!
1From dictionary.reference.com/browse/coup+de+gr%25C3%25A2ce and www.dictionary.com.
Do you have a favorite meal-time grace that you would be willing to share with your Shenkel family? Please send it to the
church office for inclusion in worship bulletins during Lent. Thanks!
The Christian women of Malaysia invite us to join them for World Day of
Prayer, 2012. The theme, "Let justice prevail," was developed out of their
experience of life as Christian women within their multicultural multi-
religious society. Their prayer is that all races, ethnic groups and religions
will work together for harmony and justice for everyone. Therefore, they
begin the worship service with the greeting, "Peace and Welcome."
Come and learn about our Asian neighbors. Share friendship with others
during a social time after the service. All are welcome!
SERVICE AT 2 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012
ST.PAUL'S UNITED
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Grace & Franklin Streets,
in Pottstown Sponsored by Pottstown Church
PAGE 10 FAITH & EDUCATION
Wholeness Committee Update
The third Thursday of each month is a time for Prayer and anointing, and also a time for reflection. We will be meet-ing in the Agape Room from 9:15 till 10:00 AM. Anyone
who is in need of prayer or anointing is invited to come.
The Prayer Chain list is being updated. At this point we will be remov-ing all names currently on the list, unless notified otherwise. Request for prayers should be placed in the prayer box in the Narthex, or get in touch with any member of the Wholeness Committee. These names will be carried for one month unless notified otherwise. If anyone is in-terested in ministering on the Prayer Chain, please contact Ann Baccari or Freda Wanner. Members of the Wholeness Committee are Ann Bac-cari, Ted Gray, Tootie and Louise Hine, June Hartung, Carol Stubbe and Freda Wanner.
Ash Wednesday
Worship
February 22nd
Ash Wednesday marks the
beginning of the season of
Lent, a period of 40 days
(excluding Sundays) set aside by Christians since
the fourth century of the Christian era as a time of
penitence and renewal, and for preparation for
the high point of the Christian Year – Easter.
Please plan to join us on 2/22 at 7 PM to begin
your observance of a holy Lent.
FROM OUR SEMINARIAN….
Friends,
In a recent Guideposts article, I read about an author, Debbie Macomber, who chooses one word
to focus upon in the coming year. She maintains a journal and reflects upon the word in her writings, with
her friends, and in her prayers. Sometimes, in the day to day course of living, the words jump out at her
through the actions of others and from the funny things that happen in life.
For example, during my seminary orientation week in 2009, we were asked to write a three to five word prayer on
an index card. Each of us then received a prayer written by a peer. The prayer I received was “pray for endurance.” I
carry the prayer in my wallet and each time I open it, I am reminded to pray for “endurance” whenever I feel weighted
down by the stresses of life and seminary studies. This brief prayer, with its focus on the word endurance, has been a source
of encouragement during the last 2 ½ years.
This year, as I reflect upon my life and current needs, I have settled on two words that will be my focus for 2012:
perseverance and hope. In time, I’ll be able to see how God has woven these two words into the fabric of my life.
What words are calling to you right now?
Sue Fritz
Just Eating?
While this phrase could mean only eating, the word, just, also means “being honorable and fair in one’s deal-
ings.” This play on words captures a paradox that the “just Eating” curriculum addresses – eating can be a
mundane activity done with little thought or reflection or it can be an opportunity to thoughtfully live out our
faith and practice justice.
The curriculum draws on Jesus’ story and the rituals of the Christian faith to examine four aspects of our lives with food:
• the health of our bodies
• the access others have to food
• the health of the earth, which our food choices influence, and
• the ways we use food to extend hospitality and enrich relationships.
With this curriculum, you will be challenged to think about each of these areas, to see how they relate to each other, and to
consider what changes your faith may ask of you. You will also be invited to try spiritual disciplines that may be new to you,
such as fasting, using food preparation as a time of prayer, engaging in food advocacy, or changing items in your diet.
Are you interested in better understanding the relationship between our Christian heritage and our food? If enough people are,
we will use this curriculum as a study guide for five weeks during Lent. The tentative plan is to meet on Wednesday eve-
nings, beginning with a shared meal together. Please speak to Pastor Bonnie if you are interested in being part of this group.
PA Southeast Conference Fall Meeting “With God All Things are Possible”
On Saturday November 19, Barb Burhans, Pastor Bonnie and I represented Shenkel at the fall conference meeting.
Ann Baccari also attended as a visitor.
Our morning began with opening music performed by a singing group, the Dogs of Falkner Swamp. Before the morning
business session, we were introduced to our interim conference director, the Rev. Judith Youngman. There was a re-
port on the state of the conference and the 2012 budget was presented. A highlight of the morning was a talk given
by Rev. Dwayne Royster, pastor of the Living Waters Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Royster spoke of his church’s suc-
cessful search for a new building. They will need to raise $50,000 to qualify for a low interest loan. During the day,
over $7,000 was raised through donations and the worship service offering.
We were then assigned to small groups for Bible study. We also enjoyed a time for fellowship and lunch. There was
the opportunity to visit exhibits from those churches celebrating anniversaries.
The afternoon began with “speak outs”, a time for individuals to highlight church or conference achievements and con-
cerns. The second business session began with a general synod overview and an explanation of proposed changes to
the governance structure. Local church survey results were also presented. The day concluded with a service of wor-
ship. Rev. Youngman delivered the sermon. We joined in singing and sharing Holy Communion. Rev. Nancy Gottshall
was recognized at a time of farewell.
I was impressed with the energy and enthusiasm presented by the leaders and participants. Indeed, with God’s help,
all things did seem possible. I would encourage others to take advantage of an opportunity to attend conference
events.
Connie Armbruster
PAGE 11
Move it, Move it! I want to extend a special THANK YOU to the many people who have donated their time, financial support and sharing of creative and artistic talents in prepara-tion for the new Kids On The Move children's pro-gram at Shenkel which debuted on January 8th,
This proves to be another example of the generosity of our church family when it comes to making something happen! A special Thank You as well to
my planning committee members...Linda Foss, Jody Sweinhart, Mari O'Drain, Jenn Hauze and Tammy Graef! We could not have made this happen without each of you!
So, Kids on the Move is officially underway...and the rumor is that the kids had so much fun learn-ing about how they can be Disciples of God!! Thought we would share some pictures of what is happening in the basement of our church....if you STILL have not come downstairs to check it out---please feel free to join us anytime! Our first unit, "Calling the Disciples" will continue until Feb-ruary 5th. Julie Zachesky
OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….
2/04 Jesse Painter
02/04 Barry Miller
02/04 AUSTIN ATKINS-DWINCHICK
02/08 RONALD CHRISTMAN
02/08 CHRISTINA M. FAUST-HERD-BEALER
02/08 Anna Shenk
02/10 Nicole Miller
02/11 Doug Allen
02/12 Georgina Heimbach
02/15 LORI SKULSKI
02/15 RACHEL LLOYD
02/16 Eden Richard
02/17 Sherri Dushanko
02/18 George Ellis
02/18 SETH DAWICKI
02/22 JACOB DWINCHICK
02/25 EMILY LLOYD
02/26 Gary McDermit
02/26 AMERIC MCCULLAGH
02/26 Isheunesu Chidawu
02/27 Kathy Iezzi
During the month of Febru-ary, Shenkel will be praying for these randomly selected members and friends of our congregation:
2/5 Betty and Forrest Kreiger
Joan and Doug Johnson
Stacia, Joe, Glen and Noah Bradley
Gene, Emily and Nick Takach and Eric Croom
Alyson Painter
2/12 Heather and Jim Nye
Ben Mocarski
Elaine and Patti Hughes
Mindy and Isheunesu Chidawu
Paula and Steve Terrell
2/19 Kortne Hudick
Sandy and Ray Rowe
Jody and Joel Sweinhart
Linda and John Jonides
Carol and Stan Stubbe
2/26 Ruth Klein
Judy Gaul
Tootie Hine
Debbie and Glen Hoff
Tracy, Larry and Abigail Dise
PAGE 12
Virginia Johnson is currently staying with her
daughter. Her address is c/o Mary Fox, 243
Stock St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Her
phone number is 570-645-7500. She would,
no doubt, love hearing from her church family here at
Shenkel.
I want to thank everyone at Shenkel for
their cards and prayers as our family
journeys through this next phase of our
lives. They are appreciated so much!
And….
Since I may not be able to be here the next
few months, we desperately need nursery at-
tendants for the 10:45 service. Anyone who
would be able to assist Samantha Pennell with
this is urged to call me.
T hank you,
Barb Burhans
A big THANK YOU goes out to Jim White for providing
our new handicapped parking spaces. It was so kind
of him to give this gift to the church.
Please only use them if it is appropriate
for you to do so.