May/June

Newsletter 2021 Heidelberg Union Church

5187 Irvin Road, Slatington, PA 18080

Church office: 610-767-4740

E-mail address: uccheidl@ptd.net

STAFF

Interim Pastor Reverend Rashion Santiago 484-338-4340

Organist and Music Director Patrick Kerssen 973-934-3854

Concert Handbell Choir Director Jacqueline A. Grove 484-553-9037

Treasurer Kelly Mahoney 484-258-4414

Financial Secretary Debbie Peters 610-760-0997

Sexton Kelly Frisch 484-330-1295

Secretary Sydney Kobal 484-274-5088

Christ has risen!!!

Hello Heidelberg!

Easter Sunday is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon

occurring on or after the vernal equinox, the moment the Sun

crosses the celestial equator (the imaginary line in the sky above

the Earth’s equator) from south to north (www.timeanddate.com).

In other words, Easter Sunday is tied to the transitions of nature so that the date moves

from year to year.

There are lots of reasons why it was set up this way. Here are two I like. First, Easter is

connected to a change in the seasons. Something new is happening. The world is on the

brink of change and will look different soon. Second, Easter doesn’t have a specific date.

That connects with the church’s view that every Sunday is a celebration of Easter. It isn’t

just once a year that we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Easter is the way we live our faith,

ask our questions, offer our prayers, gather as the body of Christ, serve in and through our

ministry, mature as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Bible never says celebrate Easter on one specific day. Instead, it encourages disciples to

live Easter’s good news of new life in the resurrection of Jesus Christ everyday. The greatest

way we can do that is to do what the first disciples did. They gave testimony to how they saw

the Lord.

Jesus appeared in all kinds of places — in locked rooms, along the road, in the midst of fear

and doubt, injustice and despair, to people who longed for meaning, purpose, wholeness and

faith, and certainly in the joys of being found, healings, people being fed, the discovery of

God’s way and will.

Where do you see Jesus? How are you experiencing new life in this Easter season? The good

news of Easter tells us that wherever we look, regardless of what day it is, Jesus is there,

waiting to be seen, waiting for our eyes to open and see new life and new possibilities.

I hope that your eyes will be opened to the wonderful ways God is working through us and

calling you into new life and encouraging you to be a part of sharing it in your own life and

in our life together. God’s new life is at work in us and around us! When I see the impact of

our ministry, I cannot help but say, “I have seen the Lord!”

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!

Blessings,

Pastor Woody

5/01 Joshua Rumble

5/02 Taryn Kemmerer 5/05 Matthew Rumble

5/07 Brenda Schwartz 5/08 Alex Haberern 5/10 Christine Afflerbach

5/10 Dale Blose 5/11 Harlan Wanamaker

5/12 Harold Wenner 5/12 Rachel Hewitt 5/12 Rhonda Hewitt

5/13 Dorothea Hemerly 5/13 Cory Schwartz 5/15 Robin Koch

5/16 Paul Smith 5/16 Brian Wanamaker

5/17 William Seyfried 5/17 Addison Morder 5/19 Julianne Pennabaker

5/21 Claryssa Loch 5/21 James Hawk

5/22 Holly Scornavacchi 5/22 James Bittenbender III 5/22 Adam Fink

5/23 Barbara Beatrice 5/24 Michael Fink 5/26 Adelyn Gulich

5/26 Tracy Hoffman 5/27 Cynthia Newhard

5/27 Timothy Bowers 5/28 Amelia Wotring 5/28 Pamela Saks

5/29 Esther Trexler 5/31 Nancy Miller 5/31 Casey Nemeth

6/01 Sarah Andrews 6/04 June Oswald

6/04 Karen Romig 6/05 Donald Yesik

6/06 Dalton Shorts 6/09 Marlene Blose 6/09 Karen Wolfgang

6/10 Mason Piescienski 6/11 Gail Christman 6/11 Harold Miller

6/12 Linda Frey 6/13 Travis Fatzinger

6/14 Marianne Rucker 6/14 Michael Koenig 6/14 Kelly Branch

6/15 Ronald Klevenhagen 6/16 Sylvia Wenner

6/16 Kim Kish 6/16 Eli Gough 6/17 Diana Hill

6/18 Richard Mengel 6/20 Marie Didyoung 6/20 Linda Fritzinger

6/21 Meredith Handwerk 6/21 Magdalena Lear

6/22 Leroy Bachman 6/23 Shirley Greenawald 6/24 Ruth Miller

6/25 Brad Sell 6/26 Joan Hein 6/29 Danica Andrews

6/30 Maxine Hoffman

5/06 Mark & Tracy Hoffman 5/07 Dominic & Katelyn Malone 5/12 James & Dawn Wentz 48 years 5/18 Brian & Kelly Mahoney 4 years 5/20 William & Eleanor Williams 60 years 5/28 Norman & Katherine Blose 66 years 5/29 Jeffery & Gail Christman 5/29 Richard & Marie Leiby 33 years 5/31 Harold & Nancy Miller 41 years

6/03 Barry & Betty Krause 6/06 Gregg & Shelby Bailey 6 years 6/09 Tyler & Katie Walton 3 years 6/11 David & Anita Lear 6/12 Leroy & Michele Bachman 39 years 6/12 Paul & Shirley Smith 39 years 6/22 Walter & Kelly Frisch 36 years 6/25 Brian & Constance Lynn 33 years 6/27 Victoria & John Hughes 11 years 6/29 Allen & Susan Fatzinger

*If we missed your birthday or anniversary, we deeply apologize. Please feel free to contact the office

with the information 610-767-4740 or uccheidl@ptd.net*

I would like to thank everyone who contributed money and/or gift cards. Thanks to your generosity I was able to distribute grocery gift cards to 12 needy families this Easter. Your

support of this outreach ministry is truly appreciated. -Denise Snyder

2021 Governing Board Members

President - Amy Butterweck Sharon Haberern

Vice President – Eugene Handwerk Barbara Weaver

Treasurer – Kelly Mahoney Brian Lenhart

Secretary – Sonia Fink Linda Fritzinger

Jim Graver Barbara Matthias

SPONSORS FOR APRIL

April 4, 2021

April 11, 2021

April 18, 2021

April 25, 2021

FLOWERS

Betty Krause

Ron & Eleanor

Klevenhagen

Linda Hausamann

Kelly & Brian Mahoney

SERVING FOR MAY

May 2,

2021

May 9,

2021

May 16,

2021

May 23,

2021

May 30,

2021

USHERS GUIDES/ ACOLYTE

Linda Fritzinger &

Barb Matthias/

Molly Lenhart

Brian Lenhart &

Sharon Haberern/ Emmalyn

Fink

Eugene Handwerk &

Barb Weaver/ Madelyn Lenhart

Amy Peters & Jim Graver/ Amelia Fink

Sonia Fink &

Linda Fritzinger

LAY

READERS

Eugene

Handwerk

Shelby Bailey

David Fink

Colleen

Andrews

Ron

Klevenhagen

SPONSORS FOR MAY May 2,

2021 May 9, 2021 May 16, 2021 May 23, 2021 May 30, 2021

BULLETINS/FLOWERS

Carol & Danny Olesh

Julia Ann & Arlan Hill

LeRoy & Michelle

Bachman

Doris &

Richard Koenig

Dawn & Ed

Fisher

SERVING FOR JUNE

June 6,

2021

June 13,

2021

June 20,

2021

June 27,

2021

USHERS GUIDES/ ACOLYTE

Kelly Mahoney & Barb

Matthias/ Molly Lenhart

Brian Lenhart & Amy Peters/ Amelia Fink

Kelly Mahoney & Sharon

Haberern/ Emmalyn Fink

Eugene Handwerk &

Sonia Fink/Patrick

Romig

LAY READERS

Corey Snyder

Amy Butterweck

Lisa Lenhart

Kim Weaver

SPONSORS FOR JUNE June 6,

2021

June 13,

2021

June 20,

2021

June 27,

2021

BULLETINS/

FLOWERS

OPEN!

Doris & Barry

Loch

OPEN!

Susan Bickert

ISO: HEIDELBERG ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS - Heidelberg Altar

Guild is in search of new members. Our main responsibilities include

altar preparations (i.e. changing paraments with the liturgical

seasons), altar flowers and candle maintenance. Join us for a meeting

on Sunday, May 16 after the church service. We look forward to

welcoming new faces and ideas as we regroup and return to in person

services as a Federated Ministry.

GERANIUM ORDERS - The Heidelberg Altar Guild will be offering red geraniums for

Memorial Day weekend. The cost of the plant is $9.00. The pot size is 7 ½ inches. Last day to order is Saunday May 9, 2021. Payment MUST accompany the order. Checks should be

payable to Heidelberg Union Alar Guild. Plants will be in the church Sunday May 30, 2021. Altar Guild Members:

Cheryl Gough: 484-695-2822 Linda Hausamann: 610-767-5281 Sharon Haberern: 484-226-0989 Eleanor Klevenhagen: 610-841-9803

ALTAR FLOWER AND BULLETIN SPONSORS - Now that we will

be having indoor services each Sunday we are looking for altar flower and bulletin sponsors! If you are interested in sponsoring

please sign up on the list located in the narthex or contact Linda Hausamann at 610-767-5281. To sponsor the bulletin the cost is

$10; and the cost of flowers is $25. If you are not comfortable attending church at this time Linda will deliver your flowers if needed! Please see the schedule in the newsletter for available

dates.

UPDATE FROM PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE - The Pastoral Search committee has

begun putting together our “Church Profile”. This profile includes a multitude of information about Heidelberg Union Church and will take quite a bit of time to compile. Once we compile

the information the profile will be submitted to the Conference and Synod for their review and approval. Following the approval of our profile, the committee will then experience a mock interview to better prepare us for the interview process which will follow our official

posting. We are hopeful to be posting the profile by Fall.

GIFT CARDS - Since we're back in church, it will again be much easier for you to order your

gift cards for all your gift giving needs. Order Forms are located in the narthex. An order will

be placed next month, so your completed form must be submitted to Barb Weaver by the first Sunday in May (May 2nd) with pick up the second Sunday. Weis gift cards, in

denominations of $25, $50 and $100, are also still available at any time. If you are still hesitant to venture out, call Barb Weaver (610-767-5187) to place your order. Thank you for your continued support of this Union fundraiser.

-Coordinators Sheri Hausman & Barb Weaver

STREAMING SERVICES IN THE SANCTUARY – ASSISTANTS NEEDED! - Ron Klevenhagen

arranged with ESG Services to have equipment installed in the sanctuary to allow live streaming church services. The equipment and most of the cost was covered by a donation of

one of our gracious members. The Council Consistory approved the project for its potential to reach members who cannot or desire not in today’s climate, to worship in-person. Live streaming gives the feeling of

being there and know its happening as you watch. To make this available to members on Sunday mornings takes a small team of trained

individuals prior to the service to make sure everything is turned on and ready to function and then again at the end of the service to properly shut down the equipment. If you are willing to assist, contact Ron

Klevenhagen at 610-841-9803 to participate in a training session.

GOVERNING BODY MEETINGS - The meeting date for the immediate future is the second

Tuesday of the month at 7 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for May 11th, 2021 at 7 P.M.

ONE CALL AND ZOOM - Sponsorship would be greatly appreciated for the One Call and

Zoom services. One Call has been a valuable resource both before and during the quarantine to get messages to all members, and without Zoom we would not be having our virtual

worship or other meetings. Please consider sponsoring one of these by sending a check made out to Heidelberg Union Church 5187 Irvin Road Slatington PA 18080 and please note what

the donation is for.

FOOD BANK INFORMATION - The Lowhill Food Pantry is in need of food supplies. Any

contribution of food will be greatly appreciated. Donations for Lowhill Food Pantry may be dropped off on the first Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or the last Saturday

from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 610-674-2440 for other arrangements. Thank you for your generosity.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS - Please note the following change of address:

MaryAnn Ackerman

Floor D2 Room 204D

Cedarbrook Senior Care & Rehab

Allentown PA 18104

YARD SALE - We are still collecting items for the Union yard sale. The yard sale will take

place on July 2nd and 3rd. Please keep a look out in future bulletins for updates!

FAITH FORMATION - Virtual Faith Formation has resumed every Sunday at 9 a.m. in

person! We have some fun surprises in store, so don't miss out!! If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Mahoney at 484-258-4414. If you are new to joining us or have any

questions, you can also email Colleen Andrews at huc.team@yahoo.com.

FACE MASKS - Linda Fritzinger (610-767-9086) and Susan Bickert (610-

767-5782) are voluntarily making washable face masks available to members of Heidelberg Church for a donation to the church.

CHOW CHOW ORDERS - Women of Faith will be making

Chow Chow on Wednesday May 26th. Please call with your orders to Eleanor Klevenhagen 610-841-9803 or Sue

Bickert 610-730-3097. Please return any pint jars. You can leave them in the box on the porch by the pastors study. Thank you, we always have a great response.

Get your orders in early!

SOUP KITCHEN - Heidelberg Church has been helping to feed the less fortunate, homeless

and hungry for over 40 years. We will start to help at Dubb’s Church on May 11th. No baked items at this time. Thank you to Robin Koch who continues to donate cases of water and

other needed items. Thank you to our faithful volunteers during this challenging time. Prayers are needed.

-God’s Blessings, Linda

NORTHERN LEHIGH FOOD BANK - Thank you to everyone who contributed yams for the

Easter meal distribution for the clients. Sixty-nine pounds of yams were contributed- also a thank you for the S.O.A.P. closet items contributed. A total of 139 items of toothpaste,

toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, hand soap, hand sanitizer, and laundry detergent were contributed. Distribution is still enforced by drive-thru process. Your generosity is always greatly appreciated by the clients. Thank you again.

-Betty Krause (Heidelberg Union Church Food Bank Representative)

FOOD BANK DIRECTOR - Dale Breyfogle, Food Bank Director for many years has retired on

April 1, 2021. On Monday March 8, Barbara Scheirer, new Food Bank Director, was accepted by the Board of Directors. Barbara was well qualified for the position- Barbara’s

parents, Donald and Stella Scheirer were Directors prior to Dale. We welcome Barbara and wish her success in her new role as Director.

IN PERSON SERVICES - Easter Sunday was the beginning of our in person, in the

sanctuary worship services! We welcome those that feel comfortable and want to attend, just

bring a mask- no reservations are required. We can’t wait to worship together in our sanctuary!

PARKING LOT RENOVATION PROJECT FUND

Your Governing Board recently approved a capital improvement project for the large

parking lot. It is in need of renovation! Would you like to contribute to this undertaking?

If so, please send your donation to Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Road, Slatington,

PA 18080 Attention: Kelly Mahanoy, Treasurer and earmark it: PARKING LOT. God’s

blessings always.

TROUBLE THE WATER: RACIAL JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION- A virtual conference

you won’t want to miss! Save the date: May 22, 2021 the featured speakers include: The Rev.

Cecee Mills (Keynote Speaker), The Rev. Melissa Portman, Dr. Helen Davis, The Rev. Marsha Williams, and The Rev. Dr. James Thomas. Registry is open and at:

http://www.cvent.com/m-events/Info/Summary?e=1a0e8974-d452-4b94-9129-26f783dfb8f4&fbclid=IwAR0D1GbVnwWnciHMZ-18zwklZN-k8E4kQQ1YcRtGZLWYZSntZ-dAupeavdw&dvce=0

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION- Just a reminder that our newsletters will be sent out every other month please note, the different time sensitive dates. The schedule will be as follows:

July/August Newsletter September/October Newsletter November/December Newsletter

Information Due: June 15th Information Due: August 15th Information Due: October 15th

The Blessing of Easter- The Promise of Hope.

By: Barbara M. Matthias

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you

with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41: 10 (NIV)

Now that the memory of Easter is now behind us, let us reflect our thoughts as to

what it stands for. To me, Easter brings a message of new life for all through God’s resurrected Son. However, most importantly, the realism of hope also is worth mentioning

when I think about the fruits of Easter. As we continue our path down this Corona Virus Road, I so often think about the

uncertainty and trials of my own life. In my past, I have endured many obstacles and

tragedies, as I am sure all of you have. When I look back on those times, I realize that each obstacle had a purpose. Those trials have led me to where I am today. God was always protecting me and giving me hope, although at times I failed to see this. When you

experience difficulties or obstacles, especially fear, with this ever-changing Corona Virus, you do not have to worry. You can walk with hope in your hearts, knowing that God is with

you. The promise of hope, one of God’s richest blessings, can be had by all if only you believe. Look at me, through everything I endured, I’m still standing. That my friends says a lot. God is good all the time; all the time, God is good!

“Happy are those that take refuge in the Lord.” -Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Prayer Requests

At this uncertain time prayers are especially needed

for our church, governing board, and members. For those who need encouragement, hope,

increased faith and healing- body, mind, and spirit. Acts of concern and kindness needed to reach out

to someone in need of a phone call, visit or a

hug to put a smile on their face and lift their spirits! -God’s Blessings, Linda Hausamann

Prayer: Lord remind us of our need to spend time with our spiritual family. Help us to make spiritual fellowship a priority. Amen.

Members in Need of Prayer: -Matthew Loch

-Mary Jane Dise

-Dale Zellner -Jack Snyder

-Chevelle and Jackie Jochim -Nancy Wanamaker

Surprise Porch Pop Up's!

Nothing has been harder during this pandemic then not being able to see each other.

So in the spirit of bringing us together, be prepared for a Surprise Porch Pop Up! Each month, at least 2 members will get a

little surprise dropped off to them. It may be for a

Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well or a simple Hello.

Hi Everyone!! The Porch Pop Up's continued with our 2nd Pop Up in February to Betty Krause. Then for March,

Pastor Woody came along to deliver to Arlene Rex along

with Melvin Snyder and our 2nd delivery to Diane Schlauch. So now Spring has sprung and so will our April Pop Up's.

Will you be next? Stay Tuned!!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2 Fifth Sunday of Easter

9:00 a.m. Faith Formation

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom

Worship Service

3

4 5

6

National Day of

Prayer

7

8

9 Sixth Sunday of Easter

9:00 a.m. Faith Formation

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom

Worship Service

Mother’s Day!

10

11 Governing Board Meeting

7:00 p.m.

12

13

14

15

Armed Forces Day

16 Seventh Sunday

of Easter *Communion*

9:00 a.m. Faith Formation

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom Worship Service

17

18

19

20

21

22

23 Pentecost

9:00 a.m. Faith Formation

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom

Worship Service

24

25

26

27

28

29

30 Trinity Sunday

9:00 a.m. Faith Formation

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom Worship Service

31

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

3

4

5

6 Second Sunday after

Pentecost 10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom

Worship Service

7

8 Governing Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

9 10 11 12

13 Third Sunday after

Pentecost

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom Worship Service

14

15 Newsletter deadline for July/August!

16

17

18

19

20 Fourth Sunday after

Pentecost *Communion*

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom Worship Service

Father’s Day/

First Day of Summer!

21

22 23

24

25

26

27

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 a.m. In Person/Zoom

Worship Service

28

29

30