545 Church Drive, Palmerton, PA 18071 (Trachsville)Phone: (610) 681-4412 Facebook: Jerusalem Trachsville UCC

Website: www.jerusalemucc.org

Godis still

speaking, T he Traveler

OCTOBER 2019JERUSALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Vision of our Church is to increase Faith, Hope, Love, Community and Belonging

Church Staff Contact InformationPastor: Rev. Kathryn Foster home: (610) 261-9015 Office Hours: By Appointment cell: (610) 554-7364 juccpast@ptd.netSecretary: Lyn Summers (610) 681-4412 Office Hours: Tue. thru Fri. 9 a.m. – 1 PM

juccsecy@ptd.net (hours subject to change)

Director of Music: Shelba Scheffner shelba.scheffner@gmail.com

Director of Christian Ed: Marcia Heinickmheinick@ptd.net

Treasurer: Steph Anderson (610) 681-3878stephand@ptd.net

Financial Secretary: Debbie Cope (610) 681-5033Sexton: Barry George

President: Ed Brader 484-357-3551 braderwoodcraft@gmail.comVice-President: Rick Anderson 610-681-3878Randerson@serviceteam.comActing Secretary: Lyn Summers 610-681-4412juccsecy@ptd.netAdditional Members: Barry George Marcia Heinick Bob Buck

Lorrie Nothstein Beverly Waibel Duane Hawk Saralyn Sarandis Jaclyn Wonderly

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Dear Members and Friends,

Have you ever experienced being at the exact location of the end of a rainbow? Recently, and for the first time in my life, I saw that. I know it was the end of the rainbow because as I drove just a bit further north and east, I could see the full rainbow and the end was right at the place I had just been.

Sorry to say, there was no pot of gold for me. I did get to see a blurry mixture of sun and rain surrounding me in that area looking like a hologram. It reminded me that we need both sun and rain for life to survive and thrive, and in the hologram, humans may not see clearly.

Watching beauty in the environment also makes me think of the song by Carol Bayer-Sager and David Foster, “The Prayer.” It is a beautiful song asking God to be our eyes, our guide, and our source for wisdom when we are confused or feel lost. There is so much about which we do not know and that can cause us to lose our way.

Fortunately, we know of the one true God about whom the gospel writer, John, tells us “so loved the world….” “World” meaning the planet itself and everyone on it. We need to listen to the warnings of science and scientists. We need wisdom to fix what is broken. Sometimes I think that people no longer value wisdom and knowledge. I see the beauty and begin to understand God valuing this “world.” We should too. Maybe there was a pot of gold after all. Wisdom.

Join me in prayer this month for the wisdom to save us all.

See you in church!

Pastor Kathryn

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MESSAGE FROM THE CONSISTORY PRESIDENTOCTOBER 2019

Hello Fellow Members and Friends of JUCC ~WOW! It was a great summer here at JUCC! SO many things have happened and

continue to happen.Back in June, we had our 2nd annual Free Community Chicken Bar-B-Que Dinner,

serving over 220 people. We had our annual Church Picnic on the 1st Saturday of August. Not only was this a great fund-raiser to support our ministry, but equally as important, it was an opportunity to present ourselves and our beautiful grove to the surrounding community. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment, food, and fellowship. We were blessed to realize a profit of over $7,000! Thank you to all who helped out and supported our picnic in any way.

The annual Palmerton Community Festival was a great success as well. We were blessed with 3 days of perfect weather. Our new food trailer was simply a joy to set up, and after working through some minor changes to the layout, we were able to dish out 1,800 pounds of filling, plus chicken barbeque and cold drinks. We realized a profit of over $18,000! Simply unbelievable! This will go a long way in supporting our church budget and ministry. “A Big Thank You” to all who worked so hard to make this happen. Thank you also to those who donated their time, food and supplies. There simply aren’t enough “thank yous” to go around. I especially want to recognize Wendy Hoppel, and Denise & Terry Goodhile. Thank you for the marathon hours you put into this most successful fund raiser. Great teamwork by all!

Finally, but most importantly, we need to realize that the success of these events is all part of God’s plan for JUCC. God wants us to succeed in continuing to develop and spread our ministry to our surrounding community, and beyond. As much effort and hard work as we put forth to the success of our fund raisers, God wants the same effort from us in our discipleship.

We must continue to pray for God’s guidance for what He is calling each of us to do as a team in His name. I believe, with God’s help, we have so much potential and opportunity to bring others to the Lord. We need to keep cultivating that potential into reality. God’s journey for all of us is so exciting and spiritually rewarding, and the best part is that the journey never ends!Peace be with you ~Ed Brader - Consistory President

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Shorter term prayer concerns:Anna Bowman Jessie Walters Mark StetlerTimothy Henning Joanne Frable Dorothy SummersDuane Hawk Kathleen Ridenour Dick StrausbergerHelen Smale Jim Kindrew Dean Serfass Carolyn Mackes & family Jeff Eckhart Marie BurgerKalli SarandisLonger term prayer concerns:Jim Buck Orpha Shaffer Kayla JohnsonBonnie O’Brien Bob Buck Gerald HawkDalton Fredericks Barry Smale Linda MackesJim Fritz Ada Fredericks George & Linda Seidel^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

ALL SAINT’S SUNDAYOn Sunday, November 3rd, we will celebrate “All Saint’s Sunday”

to remember all those who were connected with JUCCwho have passed away since the last “All Saints Day”

Join us to celebrate the lives of Lorraine Smith and Evelyn

Bartholomew.

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SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS **Registration required for all programs**Nursery (infant to pre-K): Meets with Judy Hessinger at 9:00 AM in the Sunday School room. For the nursery, parents are required to stay on premises and may be asked to stay with their children depending on planned activities.Children (ages 5-12) “Children’s Church” program begins during the 9 am service; children are released for Bible School around 9:15 AM. Parents are encouraged to stay for church service. Registration required. NOTE: Play clothes are recommended! We sometimes get messy!Youth Group (ages 13-17): Meets the last Sunday of each month @ 6pm. Please contact Jessie Walters, our Youth Group Director at juccyouthgroup@gmail.com or call 484-358-6720 for more info.Adult Sunday School: Adult Sunday School will meet in the choir room @ 9 am beginning on September 15TH

“…pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” (James 5:13)“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

As disciples of Jesus, we seek to pray daily.Below is a list of those who need our prayers.

GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP – NEW EVENING SESSION

The monthly Grief & Loss Support Group will begin a new evening session on the 4 th Thursday of each month beginning @ 6:30 p.m. The group will be directed by Sue Featro, who runs the afternoon group. As always, the group is confidential. October evening session will be held @ 6:30 p.m. on Thursday October 24 th .

MONTHLY GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUPThe Monthly Grief and Loss Support Group at JUCC now meets twice a month – on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm and the 4th

Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Directed by professional counselor, Sue Featro, M.E.D., E.D.D., M.S. Counseling, this group is for people experiencing grief due to trauma, loss or death. It is an effort to assist people in the surrounding community to heal and find peace. Meetings for October are scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 th @ 1pm

and on Thursday, October 24 th @ 6:30 p.m.

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MONTHLY GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUPThe Monthly Grief and Loss Support Group at JUCC now meets twice a month – on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm and the 4th

Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Directed by professional counselor, Sue Featro, M.E.D., E.D.D., M.S. Counseling, this group is for people experiencing grief due to trauma, loss or death. It is an effort to assist people in the surrounding community to heal and find peace. Meetings for October are scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 th @ 1pm

and on Thursday, October 24 th @ 6:30 p.m.

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FAMILY CARE GIVER GROUP!A Family Care Giver Support Group is now scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. In order to serve all potential needs, alternating times of evenings at 6pm and mornings at 11am will be offered. The October meeting will be held on October 10 th

at 6:00 pm. The group will meet in the Choir Room and is open to the public. If you know of anyone who is struggling with caring for a family member, please let them know that this support group may assist them with education and fellowship to ease their caring work. Facilitated by Jennie Serfass from Manor Care. No RSVP

MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS!Norman Eckhart - Norman was born and raised outside of Palmerton, near Forest Inn. He graduated from PHS in 1948. Norm was baptized, confirmed, and married here at JUCC. He and his late wife, Arda (Haydt) have one son and three grand-children. Norm was employed with Prudential for over 30 years. He loves to travel, do crossword puzzles and see country-western shows.

Joseph Szwajkowski – aka “Joe Ski” – Joe is a carpenter by trade and an avid outdoorsman who loves hiking, fishing, and camping. He is on the board of Friends of Beltzville State Park & Pohopoco Rod & Gun Club. Joe and his wife, Diane, are from Lehighton, and are good friends with Mary Beth Beers.Sharon Ann Longacre – “Sherry” is a native Lehighton and Palmerton area schools. She worked for many years at Hideaway Hills. After 1996 she moved away to own and operate two mail delivery routes. Recently she moved back to care for her father. While still making the commute, she hopes to find more local employment. Sherry has 2 children, 4 grandchildren and enjoys cooking/baking, gardening, crafts, and being with family. Lillian Strohl – Lillian is widow living in Palmerton. She has three children and one handsome grandson! All of her adult life, she was a member of first UCC in Palmerton. First church closed on June 1st, so she feels blessed to find Jerusalem UCC. Lillian loves to read, go shopping and is a Penn State football fan. Samuel & Sharon Gerhard – Sam and Sharon were born and raised in NE Pennsylvania. They met in 1992 while working together at the mountain Laurel resort. Married in 1994, their son Luke was born a few years later. Sam is a truck driver who enjoys working on cars, hunting, fishing, and camping.  Sharon is an LPN who loves to garden, hike and camp. They were long time members of Bethel Baptist Church in Freeland until the pastor retired. They are so happy to have found JUCC and love the community involvement. Dean Serfass – Baptized at JUCC, Dean and his wife, Nancy, have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He owned and operated an automotive truck rental & towing business in Slatington and Allentown for 38 years and is now semi-retired driving school buses for CLIU #21.

October Scripture Readers Sunday Morning GreetersOctober 6 @ 10:30 a.m. October 6 @ 10:30 a.m. Bob Fahringer Lyn SummersOctober 13 @ 10:30 a.m. October 13 @ 10:30 a.m. Saralyn Sarandis Saralyn Sarandis & Shari JacobsOctober 20 @ 10:30 a.m. October 20 @ 10:30 a.m.Kim Williams & Lisa Hawk Sam & Sharon GerhardOctober 27 @ 10:30 a.m. October 27 @ 10:30 a.m. Bob Fahringer (T) Ed Brader

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FAMILY CARE GIVER GROUP!A Family Care Giver Support Group is now scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. In order to serve all potential needs, alternating times of evenings at 6pm and mornings at 11am will be offered. The October meeting will be held on October 10 th

at 6:00 pm. The group will meet in the Choir Room and is open to the public. If you know of anyone who is struggling with caring for a family member, please let them know that this support group may assist them with education and fellowship to ease their caring work. Facilitated by Jennie Serfass from Manor Care. No RSVP

OCTOBER FLOWERS & BULLETIN SPONSORS October 6 – Leonard Breiner in memory of son Bruce Breiner’s birthday on October 23rd October 13 – Steph & Rick Anderson in honor of their sons’ October birthdays: Logan

Kresge on the 8th, Dustin Meckes on the 16th & Ricky Anderson on the 27th

October 20 – Leon and Danielle George in honor of their 31st wedding anniversary on October 22nd

October 27 – Wanda Kern & Leonard Breiner in honor of their birthdays (Lenny’s on October 13th & Wanda’s on October 28th)

HARVEST HOME SUNDAY – October 6th To beautify our church and express our thanks to God for a bountiful life, we are asking that people donate nonperishable food items, canned goods and produce that will be either be donated to CACPAC, given away privately or sold to raise money for the church. You can bring nonperishable items for CACPAC or canned items any time; however please wait until Saturday, Oct 5th to drop off perishable produce items in the church building. Thank you in advance!

Jerusalem U.C.C. 545 Church Drive,Palmerton (Trachsville) (610) 681-4412

(located 1/2 mile off Rt. 209, behind Towamensing Fire Co)

Saturday, October 5, 2019 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In the Picnic Grovefeaturing:

Music by God’s House Bandfrom noon until 3 p.m.

Chinese Auction and Meat Raffle with drawings at 3 p.m.

homemade food, including apple dumplings, cobbler, funny cakePA Dutch shoo-fly pie, apple or regular sausage sandwiches, soup,

Bar-BQ, hot dogs and macaroni & cheese & ice cream!Wagon with apples, pumpkins, and fall items for decoration

Graver’s Apple Cider

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Apple and Fall Festival

OPERATION WARM-A-CHILD

JUCC IS DOING A NEW OR GENTLY USED COAT DRIVE FOR INFANT TO SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:JUCC Office & Country Junction Main Entrance

DRIVE ENDS ON OCTOBER 13th Office hours are 9am to 1 pm Tues. through Fri.

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FALL FAMILY COSTUME PARTY!!Sponsored by 55 & Alive!

Saturday, October 26 th – 6 to 9 pm Costumes for adults & children are encouraged but not

required. Please refrain from costumes with “evil” themesGames & activities for all ages! And a hayride!

FREE HOT DOGS ~ FREE CIDER ~ FREE DONUTSAll children must be accompanied by an adult.Please bring a snack or dessert to share and a

Non-perishable item for the CACPAC Food Pantry

Apple/Fall-Fest Chinese AuctionApple/Fall-Fest Chinese Auction baskets (or boxes or trays) of assorted items with an apple or fall theme or home decorative items, plants, etc. make nice prizes for the Chinese auction. Please bring any items for the Chinese Auction for the Apple Fall Fest to the church during office hours or to the festival by 9 AM, Saturday, October 5. All donations are appreciated. The Chinese auction corner has been a popular area at the festival for many years. Let’s keep it going!

APPLE FEST FOOD PREP SCHEDULE!Making soup - Wednesday, October 2nd @ 9 am in the grove

Baking Apple Dumplings – Friday, October 4th @ 8 amApple Fest Set-up - Saturday, October 5th @ 7 am

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What a busy bunch of kids! The JUCC YRT is collecting donations and toiletries/cleaning supplies (see list below!) in support of the Sleep Out for Homelessness event we participated in on 9/28 through the PNEC.  Each attendee was asked to raise $125 (in cash or supplies) ahead of the event, proceeds benefitting the Easton 3rd Street shelter.  Our goal is $100!  To make a donation or learn more, please contact Jessie Walters or Natalie Bojko.  Items needed include: Bar soap, body wash, mouthwash, deodorant, hand/body lotion, shampoo & conditioner, bath towels, baby shampoo, lotion & soap, Lysol spray, all-purpose cleaners such as 409 or Fantastik, dish soap, Pinesol/Mr. Clean, laundry detergent, fabric softener, hand sanitizers w/pump. Let’s support our youth group and help with these donations!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDThe Shoebox Project

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, brings good news and great joy to children around the world. But the work doesn’t stop there! Through the Greatest Journey, their discipleship program for those who receive shoeboxes, whole communities are being transformed by the Gospel. If you are interested in participating in this project, there are flyers at the back of the church with instructions for how to pack your shoebox. Shoeboxes should be brought to the church by Sunday, November 10 th and will then go to a drop-off location for delivery. It's not necessary to wrap the shoe box but if you do the lid must be wrapped separately so it can be opened for inspection.

REFORMATION SUNDAYDo you yearn for the church traditions of years past? Do you remember with fondness the formality and poetic strains of a traditional Reformed Church service taken from the old E&R Hymnal? If so, you can experience a service of this type at JUCC on Reformation Sunday, October 27 th at 10:30 a.m. A blast from the past for your enjoyment!

JUCC QUILTING GROUP!Interested in crafting, sewing or quilting?  A group has formed here at JUCC and will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The next gatherings will be on October 10 th & 24 th .   See (or call) Shelba for more info (610)704-3756.  There will definitely be quilting going on, but this group also involves other crafts/classes as well, depending upon your interests.  It could also just be "open sew" where everyone works

2019 BASKET RAFFLE & BAZAARWORK & SET-UP SCHEDULE

Wednesday October 30 th – 6 pm until? – making soup in the basementFriday November 1 st – 9 am until 12 pm – Basket Bazaar set-up

Saturday November 2 nd – 7:30 am – final set-up2:00 pm – Baskets raffled with clean-up to follow

For further info contact Beverly Waibel @ 610-377-5811 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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2019 BASKET RAFFLE & BAZAARNovember 2, 2019 – 9am to 2 pm

Time is fast approaching for our annual Bazaar & Basket Raffle. Mark your calendars! We will need donations of filled baskets or gift cards with a $15.00 value or more. In previous years, we reached our goal of 70+ baskets, so let’s continue the great support and HARD WORK! New and gently used Thanksgiving and Christmas items or crafts may be donated to sell. Everyone enjoys the “Bargain Table”! Baked goods will be appreciated for the bake sale. Donated items & baskets may be brought to

the church office between 9am and 12 pm on Tuesday, October 29th, Wednesday October 30th, Thursday October 31st or Friday November 1st.

The work schedule for the Bazaar is as follows: (subject to change)

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. . .. . .to Greet and to read scripture at the 10:30 Sunday Services.Please contact the office at 610-681-4412 to check on Sundayavailability and to sign up!

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REGISTER RECEIPTSPlease continue to save your register receipts from Kinsley's Shop Rite in Brodheadsville, Weis Markets and Redners. Last year, receipts were down from prior years, so consider requesting receipts from your neighbors and friends. Bring or mail them to the church to the attention of Lana Kuehner.

Receipts that will not be accepted include: --- Kinsley's receipts with the senior discounts, prescriptions, cigarettes,

and beer. --- Weis Markets receipts with prescriptions, cigarettes and beer.

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Just a reminder! Our beverage can shed is looking for your empty aluminum beverage cans.

There are two deposit slots: one for crushed cans and one for uncrushed cans.

Our clothing bin is out in the grove near the beverage can container. Recycle Local us a community-based organization benefiting those in need while

keeping many items out of the nation’s landfills. Accepted items include all clean & dry clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, towels,

drapes, pillow cases and stuffed animals.

Jerusalem UCC CCLI license number 2745745

Jerusalem United Church of Christ 545 Church Drive, Palmerton, Pennsylvania 18071

Church office: (610) 681-4412 www.jerusalemucc.org

Facebook: Jerusalem Trachsville UCC Rev. Kathryn Foster, Pastor

Home: (610) 261-9015 ~ cell: (610) 554-7364

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