~ ~ ~ Past Events in 2019 ~ ~ ~



 

Christmas Sunday

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie

Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 10:25am

     Each year on the Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Ben shares a different Christmas legend with us.  This year he will be sharing "The Legend of the Christmas Cookie."  How did Christmas cookies begin?  How are Christmas cookies related to our Pennsylvania German heritage?

     Perhaps the most important question, will there be Christmas cookies on this Sunday at St. Paul's UCC?

 

 

 

Christmas Eve with St. Paul’s UCC

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

    This Christmas Eve we will once again be offering two evening worship services.  We hope that you will join us for one or both of these services.  There will be some similarities between the two services, but there will be enough differences that if you come to both, you will have two different (and hopefully spiritually enriching) worship experiences.

For the Earlier Christmas Eve Worship Service:

    7:00pm - We will begin the liturgy part of the worship service
    ✧    We will be lighting the Christ Candle for the Advent Wreath
    ✧    There will be communion in the pews
    ✧    Pastor Motz will be retelling Luke’s Birth Narrative verbatim
    ✧    The children focused message will be about "The Christmas Tree"
    ✧    We will have Christmas carols during worship (different ones from the later service)
    ✧    The Chancel Choir will be singing
    ✧    The Handbell Choir will be playing
    ✧    We will be ending the service with candlelight, three verses of “Silent Night”

               followed by “Joy to the World”

For the Later Christmas Eve Worship Service:

    11:00pm - The worship service will begin
    ✧    We will be lighting the Christ Candle for the Advent Wreath
    ✧    There will be communion at the chancel rail
    ✧    Pastor Motz will be retelling Luke’s Birth Narrative verbatim
    ✧    The reflections will be about "Missing Christmas"
    ✧    We will have Christmas carols during worship (different ones from the earlier service)
    ✧    There will be special music
    ✧    We will be ending the service with candlelight, and all six verses of “Silent Night”

                 followed by “Joy to the World”
    ✧    We hope to end the worship service just a little after midnight - Christmas Morning

 

 

 

Annual Congregation Meeting

Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 11:45am

     For more information, please contact the Consistory President: Geri Gammel or Vice President: Jon Henning.

 

 

 

Children & Youth Christmas Program

Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 10:25am

     For more information, please contact Sheri Rowe (Worship Committee) or Elsa Wertz (Christian Education Committee).

 

Soup 'n' Such  &  St. Paul's Clothing Closet  &  Pet Food

Last Thursday of the Month

Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 4-6pm

Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 4-6 pm

Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 4-6pm

Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 4-6pm

November - NO Soup 'n' Such or Clothing Closet (due to the holiday)

Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 4-6pm (date change due to the holiday)

Image of Soup and Meal     Once a month St. Paul's UCC offers "Soup 'n' Such", "St. Paul's Clothing Closet", and "Pet Food Distribution."

     Soup & Such is a free meal for all served from 4:00-6:00pm on the last Thursday of the month. 

          (Volunteers are welcome to come and help prepare and set up at 2:00pm).

     St. Paul's Clothing Closet offers a free bag of gently used children's clothing from 4:00-6:00pm.

     We have free pet food distribution during this time, as well.

More Information

     You can click on this Soup & Such link for more information and for this year's schedule, or contact the chairperson of the Mission Committee, Steve Miller.

     You can click on this St. Paul's Clothing Closet for more information, or contact coordinator Robin Henning.  We are continually looking for donations of gently used children's clothing.

 

Youth Group Babysitting

Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 5:00-9:00pm Price change!!

     St. Paul's Youth Group and their adult helpers are offering babysitting on Saturday, December 7 so that you may get ready for the holidays or just take an evening off.  Babysitting is between 5:00pm and 9:00pm, but the drop off and pick up times are flexible; your child need not stay the entire time.  If you do not plan to have your children at the church for the entire time, then the cost is $6.00/hour/child.  However, if you plan on using the entire 4 hours then the cost is $20.00/child (for up to 2 kids).  If you have 3-5 children that you would like us to babysit, then the cost is $50.00/family.  Whether you decide to go hourly or for the entire time, the cost includes supper and activities.  There is a limited number of children (ages 2-11) that we will be able to watch, so please sign up early to save a spot.  Your reservation must be made by Thursday, December 5 by 4:00pm.  Call 610-621-5770 or e-mail at office@sprucc.org.  Leave a message that includes your name, phone number, and the number of children.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.  The money raised will benefit the Youth Group of St. Paul's and their future projects and fun activities.

 

 

 

Light In A Darkened World

December 2019

     Throughout the Season of Advent (the four Sundays before Christmas) we share in a different weekly theme of what the advent (anticipated coming) of Christ means for us and for our world.

Sunday, December 1 at 10:25am - Hope

     In a world darkened by anxiety and fear, we find hope in Christ who overcomes for us all that creates darkness.

Sunday, December 8 at 10:25am - Peace

     In a world torn by violence and conflict, we learn of a better path to peace through Christ who forgives, redeems, and unites us.

Sunday, December 15 at 10:25am - Joy

     In a world of grief and loss, we are led to greater and deeper of times of joy through Christ who strengthens and encourages us.

     (This is also the date of our children's Christmas program, which will take place during the 10:25am worship service).

Sunday, December 22 at 10:25am - Love

     In a world with too much hate and division, we learn to love our neighbor as ourselves through Christ who loves us.
     (This is also the date of our annual congregational meeting, which take place following the worship service).

Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00pm & 11:00pm - Light

     Even as a single candle can bring light to a room, all shadows in our world are dissipated by the light of Christ.

      For more information about our Advent and Christmas Worship Services, please contact any member of the Worhsip Committee, including acting chairperson Sheri Rowe.

 

Community Thanksgiving Worship Service

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 6:30pm

ThanksgivingWorship 05     St. Paul's UCC is hosting a community Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.  There will be a combined choir from St. Daniel's ELCA, Zion's UCC, and St. Paul's UCC; directed by the Rev. Robert Masenheimer.  Our featured preacher will be the Rev. Bob Kramer.  There will be a children's sermon and children's bulletins, followed by light refreshments and fellowship.

 

 

 

Fire & Ice

Acolyte Training

Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 11:45am

     For those in grades 5 or older, we will be having acolyte training following the worship service on Sunday, November 24.  After the acolyte training we will have a free ice cream sundae bar for the new acolytes, their siblings, and their parents.

     For more information, please contact any member of the Worship Committee, including chairperson Terry Pastor or vice chair Sheri Rowe.

 

Christ the King Sunday

Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 10:25am

     For more information about this annual worship service, please contact any member of the Worship Committee, including chairperson Terry Pastor or vice chair Sheri Rowe.

 

 

Healing Service

hand make_heart_shape-1-300x285Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 10:25am

     On Sunday, November 24 during the 10:25am worship service we will share in a time of Prayers of Healing.  All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.

     Prayers for healing might include: healing of body, mind, spirit, or relationship.  Prayers for healing might be for yourself, someone you know, or someone in the world for whom you wish to pray. 

Description

     There is no one way to come to God in prayer.  We offer more than one way to participate in prayers of healing in order to better meet the spiritual diversity of those gathered for worship, and our preferences and needs change throughout our spiritual lives.  You may participate in more than one of the following:

     Order for Laying on of Hands (Option 1) - you will be invited to come forward and sit in the first pew.  One of our healing team pairs will pray for persons one at a time (or you may come forward as a couple or as a family).  You will let the team know your name and if you have a particular healing prayer request or would just like a general prayer for healing.  The prayer team will then place their hands on you (i.e. hands, shoulders, back), pray for you, and then anoint your head with oil.  After which you may depart.

     Candle Lighting Prayer (Option 2) - Simply come forward and use one of the match sticks to light a candle for healing and wholeness.  If there are multiple persons for whom you are lifting up in prayer, you are certainly welcome to use additional candles for each person.  You may wish to softly speak their name as you light the candle.  You may also wish to pause and offer a silent prayer to God for them, for yourself, or for whomever you are praying.

     Kneeling Prayer (Option 3) - Your are invited to come forward and kneel at the chancel rail to offer prayers of healing for yourself and/or for others.

     Remaining in Your Pew (Option 4) - For those who do not come forward for any of the other three options, we invite you to pray for yourself and/or pray for those who come forward for healing and wholeness in your life and in theirs.

     All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.  As we pray for healing, we pray for God's will and wisdom in answering our prayers for healing.

More Information

     For more information about our healing service, please contact any member of the Worship Committee or the Pastor -- Worship Chair: Terry Pastor; Worship Liaison: Sheri Rowe.

 

 

 

Candy Orders

Chocolate 001Orders Due: Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Pickup: Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 9:00am-1:00pm

              Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 11:45am

     Click on this 2019 Candy Order Form link for a candy order form.  Please indicate "dark chocolate" or "milk chocolate."

     You can e-mail your order into the church office at office@sprucc.org or place it in the "Candy Order" basket, which is located in the second floor hallway.  To e-mail your order, you can either: (1) fill out the form, scan or take a pic of it, and e-mail it to office@sprucc.org or (2) simply e-mail a typed order to office@sprucc.org.

     You can pay by check, cash, or electronically online.  To pay online, click on this Pay Online link, enter your amount in the "Fund-Raiser" line and type "Candy Order" as the description.

     For more information, please the 21st Century Christian Women's Fellowship Group chairperson Sue Hiester.

 

Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 9:00am-1:00pm

     Sponsored by St. Paul's 21st Century Christian Women's Group, the bazaar includes homemade candy, a large basket raffle, baked goods, chow chow, preserves, attic treasures, and soup & BBQ to go.  If you're hungry while shopping, a light breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase.

 

 

 

Youth Group Bonfire

Saturday, November 23, 2019 - Postponed

     Due to forecasted heavy rain, the bonfire that was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 23 is being postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date.  We will plan the new date and time at our next youth group meeting.

     For information purposes, we were originally planning on meeting at the church at 6:15pm to transport our 2019 Jack Frost Parade Float to the Umberger's field for a Youth Group bonfire party, which was to begin at 6:30pm.

     Dress in layers, as it will probably be chilly out.  Bring friends --- it's a party!

 

PSEC 2019 Fall Meeting

Sunday, November 17, 2019 from 2:30pm-5:30pm

Location: Ursinus College

     On Sunday, November 17 we will have our annual PSEC Fall Meeting at Ursinus College—Bomberger Hall; 601 E. Main St., Collegeville.

     St. Paul's UCC can send two voting lay delegates and one voting youth, and as many non-voting visitors as would like to attend, in addition to the Pastor.  To be a voting delegate, please contact President Geri Gammel or Vice President Jon Henning.

Topics Include:

• How do your OCWM contributions benefit your Pastor, your members and your youth?
• What were the Resolutions at General Synod all about and how do they effect your church?
These are just a few of the questions that we will answer at the Fall Meeting. Join us and learn what is happening in the PSE Conference and how your church benefits!
Registration opens at 2:30 pm
Meeting begins at 3:00pm
Childcare is available from 3:00 pm to meeting end.
(Please register the child and bring the completed Child Care Medical Release
form with you to the meeting.
Register at: https://psec2019fall.eventbrite.com

 

Bible Presentation to Confirmation Class

Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 10:25am

     We will be presenting study Bibles and hymnals to the confirmation class students during the 10:25am worship service on Sunday, November 17.

     We hope that you will be present for worship on this day to show these young persons seeking to grow as disciples of Christ and as future members of St. Paul's UCC your support in their journey of faith.

     Being able to have direct access to the written Word is a central and key belief in our Reformed tradition.  Learning and growing in faith by having songs, prayers, and scripture in the home is a foundational belief in our Reformed tradition, especially in our affirmation of the Priesthood of All Believers.  Thank you for your tithes which make providing youth with Bibles possible. 

     The version of the Bible they will be receiving is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).  The NRSV is a direct translation of the Bible (as opposed to a dynamic equivalance).  The Bible they are receiving is a study Bible, which includes commentary, maps, and other resources to help them better understand the passages they are reading.  It includes the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical texts.  It will have their names imprinted on the front cover.  [The NRSV is our primary translation for worship, adult Sunday school and Bible studies, new adult members, and the version teens receive as confirmands].

 

 

 

Youth Fellowship Group Bi-Monthly Meetings

Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 6:00pm

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - CANCELLED (Thanksgiving)

     Please note, so that youth can be spending time with family and other friends, there will be NO youth group meetings the nights of Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas Day.

 

 

Harvest Home

Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 10:25am

   Harvest Home will be celebrated on Sunday, November 10th during our 10:25am worship service.  We will be collecting nonperishable items for the Conrad Weiser Food Bank.  Please be generous in your contributions.  Items such as paper towels, toilet paper, peanut butter, canned goods, shampoo, and anything nonperishable will be welcomed.   The harvest has been good this year and we praise the Lord for all the goodness and blessings he has brought to us.  Now it is time to share our blessings by giving to the food bank.  Items will be collected until the end of the month, and given to the Conrad Weiser Food Pantry.

     For more information, please contact Geri Gammel in the church office.

 

 

 

Harvest Home

Cornucopia 2016dSunday, November 10, 2019 at 10:25am

     Harvest Home will be celebrated on Sunday, November 10, and during our 10:25am worship service we will be blessing the donated gifts and giving thanks to God for the many ways God has blessed us. 

     We are collecting nonperishable items for the Conrad Weiser Food Bank.  Please be generous in your contributions.  Items such as paper towels, toilet paper, peanut butter, canned goods, shampoo, and anything nonperishable will be welcomed.   The harvest has been good this year and we praise the Lord for all the goodness and blessings he has brought to us.  Now it is time to share our blessings by giving to the food bank.  Items will be collected until the end of the month, and given to the Conrad Weiser Food Pantry.

About Harvest Home

     Harvest Home is about giving thanks to God.  Harvest Home is held in the fall, when we receive the final harvest from the fields and orchards of the growing season before the coming of winter.  We give thanks to God for the harvest of the year and the bounty we receive (whether that is through food in farming, animals in ranching, paychecks in laboring, or social security and pensions in retirement).  All that we are and all that we have comes from God, and we give thanks.  An important way that we give thanks is to gather in worship in prayer, praise, song, and scripture.  Another important way that we give thanks to share the first fruits of this year's bounty through our church to those in need, enabling others to receive the bounty of God in their lives, as well.  Harvest Home reminds us, especially when many of us now purchase food from grocery store shelves rather than directly from fields, that what we receive is from God, and that we are to give thanks -- not just on this day, but each and every day.

     For more information about the worship service, please contact the Worship Committee (Terry Pastor, chairperson or Sheri Rowe, vice chair); for information about the food pantry and donations, please contact the Mission Committee (Steve Miller, chairperson or Geneva Aulenbach, vice chair).

 

 

 

Bible Presentation to Youth

Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 10:25am

     The Sunday school will be presenting Bibles to the youth during the 10:25am worship service on Sunday, November 10.  We have three Sunday school classes for youth at this time.  Bibles are being presented to those in the middle class and older class (elementary and middle school) who have not yet received a Bible from the Sunday school.

     We hope that you will be present this day to show these youth your support in their journey of faith, and to share in the prayers of blessing over these Bibles and the youth who will be using them.

     Being able to have direct access to the written Word is a central and key belief in our Reformed tradition.  Thank you for your tithes which make providing youth with Bibles possible. 

     The version of the Bible they will be receiving is the Contemporary English Version (CEV).  It is a direct translation (as opposed to a dynamic equivalence), which is easier to read then the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), and it has a sentence structure which is designed to be read aloud or silently for young readers.  This is also a full version of the Bible, plus the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical texts).  [The NRSV is our primary translation for worship, adult Sunday school and Bible studies, new adult members, and the version teens receive as confirmands].

 

PSEC_2019_FallYouthEvent_CaringForTheEarthPSEC Fall Youth Event

Friday, November 8 - Sunday, November 11, 2019

Location: Camp Conrad Weiser
Registration Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2019

This Year's Theme: Caring for Creation

Focus Scripture:  Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it."


Overview of Daily Activities

    FRIDAY: Beginning at 5pm – Arrival & Check-in, Dinner, Small Groups/Orientation, Large Group/Ice-Breaker Activities, Movie (that fits with the theme) & Small Group Discussion
   SATURDAY: Breakfast, Morning Watch, Workshops, Lunch, Workshops, Free Time/Camp Activities, Dinner, Small Groups, Worship, Dance & Bonfire
   SUNDAY: Breakfast, Small Groups, Morning Watch, Large Group Activities, Closing worship, Affirmations, Depart – 12:00pm

More Information

     Information on the PSEC website: PSEC 2019 Fall Youth Event

     To register, click here.

     Overview of the PSEC 2019 Fall Youth Event

     Medical Form

 

Jack Frost Parade - Float Building

20181025 183415

The Parade is on Sunday, November 3, 2019

Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6:00-7:00pm

      Brainstorming float ideas.

Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 6:00-7:00pm

     Deciding on float theme and designing the float.

Saturday, October 5 at 6:00pm

      Working on the float during a youth group lock-in.

Thursday, October 10 at 6:00pm

      We will be working on the parade float during our normally scheduled meeting.

Tuesday, October 29 at 6:00pm

      We are rescheduling the Thursday, October 31 meeting to Tuesday, October 29, due to Halloween being on Thursday.

Thursday, October 31 from 4:00-6:00pm

     During Soup 'n' Such we plan to be working on the parade float.  (Please note that due to this being Robesonia's "Trick or Treat Night", there will be NO youth group meeting this evening).

     This year's float is being designed and built by our Youth Fellowship Group.  As such, you do need your clearances and related paperwork completed and submitted to Elsa Wertz or Denise Unger to help the youth in the building of the float

     See the above dates and times for helping to build the float.  Please wear clothing that can get messy (we will be working with paint, markers, ink, and glue).

 

 

 

Jack Frost Parade

Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 1:00pm -  Loading the Float onto the Trailer

Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 2:00pm -  Line up at Conrad Weiser Middle School

Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 3:00-5:00pm - Parade

Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 5:15pm -  Unloading the Float at St. Paul's UCC

     This year's float is being designed and built by our Youth Fellowship Group.  See the above dates and times for helping to build the float.

    For the annual Jack Frost Parade in Robesonia, youth and adults alike are invited to come dressed in a Batman themed hero costume (or tshirt, sweatshirt, etc).  You can also wear a St. Paul's UCC blue shirt, or just a plain blue shirt.

     We expect to be loading the float onto the trailer at 1:00pm (at St. Paul's UCC), lining up for the parade at 2:00pm (at Conrad Weiser Middle School), and unloading the float from the trailer around 5:15pm (at St. Paul's UCC), returning it to the stage in Fellowship Hall.  We will need to wait until the parade is over to be able to drive the float back to the church building.

 

Live Stream - Training

Sunday, November 3 from 11:45am to 12:15pm

     For at least a year Steven has been live streaming the worship services.  For each worship service, we average about 10 people watching our live stream.  (Which means there are about 10 more people every Sunday in worship with us, who we do not see in the pews, but are in prayer, praise, and song with us none the less).  We have been using Steven's computer and some of his personal equipment in order to make this happen.

     Steven has been working to make this a little more permanent for us, which is also serving as his Eagle Project.  The church is purchasing a new computer, wires, desk, microphones, and other equipment: (1) to make the live stream work better and more consistently; (2) to improve the sound quality in the sanctuary and in the live stream; (3) so that we are not dependent upon having Steven and his computer there on a Sunday to make the live stream function; and (4) so that we can get the wires up off the floor, the tripod off of folding chairs, and the equipment onto something better than a folding card table, so that we do not have those tripping hazards and for better visual appearance.

Live Stream - Training

     On Sunday, November 3 after worship, Steven will be seeking to train additional people to use this equipment.  Steven will be continuing to offer his leadership and technical expertise throughout this school year.  However, Steven is a high school senior and plans to leave for college next year, plus sometimes he on vacation and Boy Scout campouts over the weekend, and so we are in great need of a few people to learn from him and apprentice under him. 

     Again, we average 10 people watching the live stream each week, and we expect that number to grow (as members age with less ability to physically get to the building; as members are hospitalized and go through rehab; as members go on business trips, move out of state, travel abroad, or go to college; as potential future members check us out on line first, before coming to a worship service; and as technology becomes more accessible and more familiar).

Live Stream - Equipment

     None of this equipment is coming out of the operating budget.  Thank you to all who have been donating for this equipment, and thank you to all who have been donating their time to help run wire and set up equipment.  We are anticipating the total cost to be around $1,200.00.  If you would like to help with donations, you can make a donation payable to "St. Paul's UCC; 301 West Penn Ave; Robesonia, PA 19551" marked "Live Stream & Sound", or you can make a contribution by clicking on this online contribution link, put your deductible amount in one of the "Other" lines and type "Live Stream & Sound" for the description.  If we receive more donations than needed for this project, funds will be earmarked in a "Audio-Visual Fund" to help support future audio-visual repairs, upgrades, and additions.

YouTube Channel

     You can view our YouTube Channel by clicking on this St. Paul's UCC YouTube Channel link.  As of October 2019, we have 18 subscribers.  Click on the "SUBSCRIBE" button found there to subscribe to our channel.

More Information

     For more information about our live stream and audio system, please contact Steven, any member of the Worship Committee (chairperson, Terry Pastor or vice chair, Sheri Rowe), or Pastor Ben Motz.

 

All Saints Sunday

AllSaints CrossGrapevineSunday, November 3, 2019 at 10:25am

    This day an annual rememberance and celebration of all the saints of the church, and a special rememberance of the members of St. Paul's UCC who died and entered the "Church Triumphant" since last year's All Saints' Sunday.  During worship this Sunday, we will be reading those names, lighting a candle, and pausing in silent prayer, followed by sharing in the sacrament of communion --- as we join in communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and in communion with one another, all the saints who have passed, and all the saints who are yet to come. 


About All Saints Day

    November 1 is All Saints Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of November.
    The custom of commemorating all of the martyrs of the church on a single day goes back at least to the third century.  Our All Saints Day celebration commemorates not only all the martyrs but all the people of God, living and dead, who form the mystical body of Christ.  Today we like many congregations remember our members who have died during the past year, and we celebrate their entrance into the Church Triumphant.

    All Saints Sunday celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who make up the body of Christ.  With thanksgiving we remember all the faithful departed, especially those most dear to us who have died.  Even in the midst of loss and grief God wipes away the tears from our eyes and makes all things new.

     For more information about this worship service, please contact any member of the Worhsip Committee, including chairperson Terry Pastor or vice chair Sheri Rowe.

 

 


Exploring Faith Series

     and New Member Class

NewMember ChurchBldgBegins: Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 9:15am 

Pre-registration Date: Thursday, October 31 at 12noon
(Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, walk-ins welcome)

    This six week series begins on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  Our classes will be from 9:15am - 10:15am, and will be held downstairs in the Miller Fellowship Hall.
    During this series we will be learning about God, the Bible, the UCC denomination,  discipleship, St. Paul's UCC, the sacraments, your questions, and more.  This class is helpful for new members and those considering membership - without any pressure to join the church.
    The series will be led by Pastor and will cover such topics as....
      (1)   Why and how do we as Christians use the Bible
      (2)   How and why we worship in the way that we do
      (3)   Prayer practices
      (4)   Baptism and Holy Communion
      (5)   Who is God and what is the Trinity
      (6)   History, structure, creeds, and statements of faith of the UCC
      (7)   Learning about the Spiritual Gifts God has given each of us
      (8)   The Mission & Vision of St. Paul’s UCC
      (9)   The new SafeConduct policies processes within St. Paul’s UCC
      (10) and more....    
    This class also serves as our New Member Class.  If you participate in this class, there is no obligation or pressure to join.  This adult class is open to visitors, new members, long-time members, and everyone in between.
    If you joined St. Paul’s UCC within the past year or two, and have not taken this class, you are especially encouraged to participate, as we want you to know your church well.
    You are welcome to participate even if you cannot make all the classes.  Even if you can only make a couple of the classes, we are happy to have you participate.  There is no fee.
    Please pre-register for the class by contacting the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 or sign up in the narthex hallway (preferably by Sunday, April 21), so we can be sure to have enough materials for everyone for our first day of class.  However, you need not pre-register, walk-ins will be very welcome.

     For more information about this series, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 orPastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:orPastorMotz@sprucc.org.">orPastorMotz@sprucc.org.

 

Trick or Treating - Come for a Treat

Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

TrickOrTreat WitchBag     Stop by the front of the church building on Robesonia's Trick or Treat Night on Thursday, October 31 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

     We are inviting members to donate candy in advance for us to hand out.  With the bags of candy, we will be including a small flyer sharing with some of the ministries within our church that might be of interest to young trick or treaters.  We are also looking for persons to help hand out the candy, decorate the front of the church for the evening, and help take down the decorations afterwards.  If you would be interested in helping with any of that, please contact the Evangelism Committee leadership: Robin Henning (chair).

 

 

 

Called To Care Training

C2C RedBlackLogo_2016Session #1: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 6:00pm
Session #1: Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 3:00pm

Session #2: Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 6:15pm

Session #3: January 2020 - TBD

     “Called-To-Care” (C2C) is our seven session training program for members of our church to be engaged in the visitation ministry to our hospitalized, ill, and homebound members.

     Our next session will be on Tuesday, October 29 from 6:15pm-8:15pm.  This will be session #2.  There is no fee to participate in this training session.  Pre-registration is encouraged to make sure that we have enough materials.  To pre-register, please contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.


Background of the C2C Program:    

     “Called-To-Care” (C2C) is the UCC program for lay church members to minister to the sick, hospitalized, grieving, and others in need.  It is used in many different congregations and nursing home facilities throughout the country to train and organize lay visitation.
    In 2017, it was instituted as St. Paul’s UCC official lay visitation program.
    In the past couple of years, Pastor Ben has taught this twice here at St. Paul’s for our members and members of Zion’s UCC in Womelsdorf.
    All elders (whether currently on Consistory or not) are to complete at least session #1 & #2 by the end of February 2019, which addresses such issues as confidentiality, initiating a visit, basic do’s and don’t’s of a hospital or home visit, and more.  All elders who are providing communion are to also complete session #7, which goes over the serving of communion.
    For more information about C2C or VCT Ministry, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 orPastorMotz@sprucc.org.

Joining the Visitation Care Team Ministry:

    Although all elders vow to assist in prayers and visits as a part of their ordination vows, other members are also welcome to participate in our VCT Ministry.  However, to make sure our visits are safe and appropriate, VCT members do need: (1) to be trained in visiting (and have completed at least sessions #1 & #2 before their first visit); (2) be approved to visit by the Spiritual Council; and (3) be approved by Christian Ed through our Safe Conduct process to visit the sick and vulnerable within our church.

     If you are interested in being a part of the VCT Ministry, please contact the pastor, and/or the visitation coordinators: Terry Pastor and Sheri Rowe.

 

 

 

Consecrating/Blessing of Our Hands

Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 10:25am

Guest Steward: The Rev. Robert Masenheimer

     We will have our annual consecrating of our hands and gifts as stewards of God's gifts during our 10:25am worship service on Sunday, October 27, when we celebrate "Consecerating Stewards Sunday."

     This year, our "Guest Steward" is our very own, the Rev. Robert Masenheimer.

     The worship service will be followed by a special "Super-Hero Luncheon."  We hope you will join us for that time of food and fellowship.

     For more information about this year's "Be A Hero In Christ -- Following the Lord’s Way", please contact Head Deacon, Marianne McCloy; or Deacon, Geneva Aulenbach.

 

 

 

Super-Hero Luncheon

Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 11:45am

RSVP by Sunday, October 20

     We are looking forward to our annual Consecrating Stewards Sunday Luncheon.  This year's theme is "Be A Hero In Christ -- Following the Lord’s Way".

     This is a free luncheon, open to all.  Please RSVP by Sunday, October 20, so that we can best prepare for the luncheon.  You can RSVP by contacting the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770; or use the RSVP card found in the October issue of The Herald or found in the Sunday bulletin.

     This luncheon is a great time to fellowship with one another after hearing the special message from our Guest Steward and receiving the blessing of our hands.

     For more information about the luncheon or this year's "Be A Hero In Christ -- Following the Lord’s Way", please contact Head Deacon, Marianne McCloy; or Deacon, Geneva Aulenbach.

 

 

 

Reformation Sunday

Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 10:25am

     For information, please contact any member of the Worhsip Committee, including chairperson Terry Pastor or vice chair Sheri Rowe.

 

Roast Beef Dinner

Saturday, October 26, 2019

     For more information about this fund-raiser led by the Men's Fellowship Group, please contact any member of the Men's Fellowship Group.

     To purchase tickets with your credit card or electronic transfer, click on this On Line Purchase link, enter the total amount in "Fund-Raiser", enter "Roast Beef Dinner" in description, and bring your printed receipt with you to the Roast Beef Dinner.

 

 

 

Youth Fellowship Group Bi-Monthly Meetings

YouthGroup Star_Jumping

Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 6:00pm

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 6:00pm

Thursday, October 31, 2019 - CANCELLED (Halloween)

Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 6:00pm

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - CANCELLED (Thanksgiving)

     Our regular youth group meetings are on the second and last Thursdays of the month from 6:00-7:00pm, and are intended for grades 5-12 (and/or up to age 21).

     Please note, so that youth can be spending time with family and other friends, there will be NO youth group meetings the nights of Halloween and Thanksgiving.


World Communion Sunday                                 

Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 10:25am

      Join with us, as we join with Christians throughout the world to share in our common unity with. Christ through the breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine.

     Communion will be served in the pews on this Sunday.

     For more information, please contact any member of the Worship Committee, including Terry Pastor (chairperson) and Sheri Rowe (vice chair).

 

 

 

Hero In Christ Sunday

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Lets Go_Heroes     We will have a special hero themed day on Sunday, September 29.

     You are invited to come to Sunday school and worship dressed for our hero theme.  For example, you can wear a hero themed tie, t-shirt, sweatshirt, or costume.  This could be based on a modern hero (firefighter, police officer, EMT, doctor, nurse, soldier, marine, sailor, airman), a historical hero (Harriet Tubman, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Wright Brothers, Madam Curie), a biblical hero (Moses, Sarah, Phoebe, Paul, the wisemen, an angel), or a superhero (Batwoman, Spiderman, Hulk, Supergirl).  You can also simply come dressed for the service project activities that afternoon, or just come dressed casually -- the most important part is that you are there.

     We are planning a special worship service for that morning, which will include special activities for youth.

     We will not only be dressing like noted heros, we will be seeking to be heros in Christ for people within our community.

     After worship, we will have a luncheon, and then go out into our community and help people with small but important projects at their homes for which they need assistance.  If you or someone you know has a project for which we can be of help, please contact the Property Committee or the church office for that potential project to be added to the list of those being considered.

     For part of the afternoon, we plan to have small ways kids can share in the helping, and for the rest of the afternoon we will have fun games and crafts for them.

     We will then regather at the church building for dinner, followed by a closing celebrative worship.

     If you cannot be with us for the whole day, come for the parts that you can.  We look forward to celebrating as the Body of Christ with you.

Schedule for the Day

       9:15am Sunday School

     10:25am Morning Worship

     11:45am Lunch

       1:00pm Service Projects

       2:30pm Games & Crafts for Youth

       5:00pm Dinner & Fellowship

       6:00pm Closing Celebrative Worship

       6:30pm Departure

How to Help Participate

Identifying Projects

     If you or someone you know has a potential project for us to consider, please contact the Property Committee: Dale Mentzer (vice chair and Head Trustee) or Jon Henning (Vice President).  We are looking for local projects that can we can complete in one afternoon.  If you are not sure whether or not it is the type of project we might be looking for, contact them anyway and ask.  The Property Committee will designate someone to come out and evaluate the potential project, and then of the list of possibilities, based in part on the number of people volunteering to help, they will select which ones we will be doing this day.

Helping with Projects

     To volunteer to help with projects, please contact the Property Committee: Dale Mentzer (vice chair and Head Trustee) or Jon Henning (Vice President).

Helping Plan and Lead Worship

     To help plan the morning or evening worship services, decorate for the services, or help lead the worship services, please contact the Worship Committee: Terry Pastor (chair) or Sheri Rowe (Consistory liaison).

Helping with Games and Crafts

     To help with the games and crafts with youth that afternoon, please contact the Christian Education Committee: Elsa Wertz (chair) or Geri Gammel.

Helping with Meals

     To help with the meals, please contact the Fellowship Committee: Steve Miller (chair) or Geneva Aulenbach (Consistory liaison).

Helping Share the Good News

     To help share with our community how we are living the word and sharing the love of God through this day, please contact the Evangelism Committee: Robin Henning (chair).

Knit Together as the Body of Christ

     We hope that every able bodied member living in the area will be able to participate in at least some small way in this day, coming together in loving service, as the Body of Christ.  Ephesians 4:16. 

     To help or to submit a project, contact the leadership directly; or click on this Hero In Christ - Interest Participation Sheet link, download the help form, fill it out, and return it to the office at office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

What to Bring

     Bring yourself and your faith, willing hands, and a willing spirit.

     For those helping with outdoor projects, you are encouraged to wear closed-toe/closed-heal shoes, gloves, safety gear (especially if running power tools, such as eye and ear protection), a bottle of water and sun screen.

     We will list suggested tools to bring here, as submitted by the Property Committee, and/or you can contact members of the Property Committee directly.

     For kids (and adult helpers) who are joining in the crafts and games, please wear sneakers or other closed-toe/closed-heal footwear, and come in clothes that can get dirty and be played in --- as we are looking forward to having a whole lot of fun!

 

 

 

Healing Service

hand make_heart_shape-1-300x285Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 10:25am

     On Sunday, September 22 during the 10:25am worship service we will share in a time of Prayers of Healing.  All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.

     Prayers for healing might include: healing of body, mind, spirit, or relationship.  Prayers for healing might be for yourself, someone you know, or someone in the world for whom you wish to pray.

     As we pray for healing, we pray for God's will and wisdom in answering our prayers for healing.

Description

     For those who may have attended one of our healing services before, the following gives a brief description overview of what takes place.  

     During the healing service portion of the worship service, for those who would like to participate in the healing service, there will be four options in how to participate in the Prayers of Healing, including: (1) opportunity to light a candle(s) for yourself or another(s); (2) the opportunity to come forward to kneel and pray nearer the altar at the chancel rail in the midst of a loving congregation; (3) the opportunity to be prayed for and annointed with oil by the pastor and elder; (4) the opportunity to simply remain in your pew; and/or (5) a combination of any of those four.

     All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.

More Information

     For more information about our healing service, please contact any member of the Worship Committee or the Pastor -- Worship Chair: Terry Pastor; Worship Liaison: Sheri Rowe.

 

 

 

Catch up-e1355759534746Ketchup Sunday

Bring Some Green - We’ll Have Some Red

Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 10:25am

    While on vacation, you may have accumulated some unused offering envelopes in your packet over the summer months.  On September 15 bring along with you any unused envelopes in your offering envelope packet from January through August, insert some green cash in them, place them in offering plates, and “catch-up” with your offering. 

     Stick around for food and fellowship after worship, and we will have some red ketchup for on your burger or hotdog, and you can “catch-up” on what everyone’s been up to over the summer.

Donating By Mail

     If you can’t make it on September 15, bring your envelopes with you the following week, or simply mail them to the following address:
           St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
           attn: Ketchup Sunday
           301 West Penn Avenue
           Robesonia, PA 19551

Donating Electronically

     If you are unable to join us in worship in person that day, or just prefer online giving, you can click on this online giving, and make an electronic contribution to the "General Operating" fund or type "Ketchup" under "Other 1" or "Other 2."  If you like, you can also follow the instructions on that web page to set up and account and recurring contributions, so you need not worry about catching-up with future offerings.

Thank You

     Thank you for your generous and regular support of your church.  Without it, we would not exist or be able to share the wonderful mission outreach ministries, visitation ministries, Bible studies and Sunday school, worship services, funerals, weddings, baptisms, confirmations, and so much more.  Thank you for your faithful, generous, and regular support.

     For more information, please contact our Deacons and Stewardship Team: Marianne McCloy (Head Deacon); Geneva Aulenbach (Deacon); Terry Pastor (Financial Secretary); or Jon Henning (Treasurer).

 

 

 

First Responder Community Worship Service

Monday, September 9, 2019 - Time TBD

      Zion ELCA in Womelsdorf will be hosting their 2nd annual First Responder Worship Service on the evening of Monday, September 9, 2019.  As we receive more information, we will post that information here.

 

New Members Joining

Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 10:25am

     We will be welcoming new members during our 10:25am worship service on Sunday, September 8, 2019.

 

Confirmation Class Begins

Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 6:00pm

     This school year's confirmation class program begins on Sunday, September 8 at 6:00pm.  The first class is for students and their parents.

     Please preregister for this class, so we can be sure to have enough materials for the first day, by contacting the church office at 610-621-5770 by Sunday, August 25.

     For more information, click on this Confirmation Class Program link, which will take you to our the page on our site dedicated to the confirmation program.

 

 

 

WorshipSchedule 001Return to Regular Schedule

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Sunday School at 9:15am
Sunday Worship at 10:25am

     We will return to our regular Sunday school and Sunday worship schedule on Sunday, September 1, 2019 (the first Sunday in September).

     Our regular schedule runs from September to May; and our summer schedule runs from June to August.

     For more information, please contact Terry Pastor, Chair of the Worship Committee or Elsa Wertz, Chair of the Christian Education Committee (Sunday school).

 

YouthGroup DiscussionTime_May2018Youth Fellowship Planning Meeting

Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 6:00pm

Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:00pm

Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 6:00pm

     During our regular May youth group meetings we will be planning the 2019-2020 youth group activity calendar.

     Our regular youth group meetings are on the second and last Thursdays of the month from 6:00-7:00pm, and are intended for grades 5-12 (and/or up to age 21).

     During our monthly meetings we have time for fellowship, prayer, learning, fun, and the youth planning for their own upcoming activities, all with appropriate adult supervision (who are approved through our SafeConduct process).

     Click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page for more information about our youth group, upcoming youth group activities, additional youth group links, and more.

 

 

 

SchoolBus KidsBalloonsBlessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 9:25am

  All preschool, school age youth, and college and graduate students are welcome and invited to bring their school backpacks with them to worship on this Sunday for a "Blessing of the Backpacks," as we send students back to school with our prayers.  Visitors, friends, members, and students of all ages are welcome to bring their backpacks and participate in the blessing.

     During this worship service we will also have special prayers for students, school teachers, and Sunday school teachers as they begin the new school year.

     For more information, contact Terry Pastor, Chair of the worship committee.

 

 

 

Bell Tower Work Group

Saturday, August 24 - Postponed

    The bell tower needs some work.  The Property Committee and Consistory President met with a contractor on Friday, August 23, who went up and examined the bell tower.  After meeting him, the decision was made to postpone the work (originally planned by the Property Committee for Saturday, August 24), until receiving a report and quote from the contractor.

     When/if we schedule another work party for working on the tower, we will list that here.  Look for more information in the Sunday morning announcements.

     In the meantime, please note that you will NOT be able to use the front doors to enter the sanctuary.

     For additional information please contact Dale Mentzer (Head Trustee) or Mark Verry (Property Chairperson).

 

 

 

Worship at Knoebels Amusement Park

Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:30am

03 DSCN0310     We will be gathering for worship at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA at Pavilion Tent #4 on the third Sunday of August at 10:30am. 

     Friends, family, visitors are all very welcome to participate.  There is NO park admission fee.  There is NO parking fee.  You need only to pay for ride tickets (for whatever rides you may wish) and any food you may wish to purchase there.

Schedule at the Park

          10:00am - begin to gather at Pavilion Tent #4

          10:30am - worship at the pavilion

          11:00am - rides and water park open

          11:15am - lunch at Pavilion Tent #4

            8:00pm - water park closes

            9:00pm - park closes

More Seating

     We will have more seating at the pavilion this year.  Our attendance for this worship service has grown every year.  This is our most well attended worship service of the summer!  We were able to reserve even more picnic tables this year than we have in past years.

Worship in the Sanctuary of St. Paul's on August 18

     For those who are unable to journey with us to Knoebels, we are planning to have a worship service in our sanctuary at 9:25am.


Welcome and Support Kids from our Youth Group and from Bethany Children's Home

     We have invited youth from Bethany Children's Home to join us for worship, food, fellowship, and fun.  They will be providing their own transportation and adult supervision.  We will be providing each from Bethany with a $10 ticket packet (and Bethany will be providing each of their participatnts with a $10 ticket packet, for a total of $20 of tickets per person).  As was the participation last year, we are tentatively expecting 70 persons from Bethany to join us. 

      In addition, this year (as we did last year) we will also be providing $20 ticket packts to youth who have been participating in the Youth Group this past year.  We are anticipating about 25 youth from our Youth Group.  Many of the kids who participate in the youth group are of families who come to our monthly Soup ‘n’ Such with limited financial resources in need, and we wish to make all the kids in our youth group feel equally welcome, wanted, and able to participate.  Your generous support will enable them to have a joyful day in worship of their Lord and in fellowship with fellow disciples.

     Tickets will be distributed to youth at 11:00am, following the worship service.

To Contribute

     To contribute, please make your tax deductible donation payable to "St. Paul's UCC" marked "Knoebels Youth," and send it to "St. Paul's UCC; 301 West Penn Ave; Robesonia, PA 19551."  You can also make a secure online donation by clicking on this Help Kids Worship at Knoebels -- Online Giving link, enter the amount of your gift in the "Special Mission 1" or "Special Mission 2" line, and type "Knoebels Youth" in the line next to the amount.  Please give generously to enable these youth to join with us in worship and fellowship.

     [If you designate "Knoebels Youth", the funds will be used for both the Bethany Kids and the Youth Group Kids as needed.  If you designate "Bethany Youth", the funds will just be used for the Bethany Kids.  We will respect and honor either, but we want to encourage you to designate "Knoebels Youth" to give us the most flexibility and help the most amount of kids participate.  Thank you].

     [If your generosity exceeds the need, the remainder amount will go in our "St. Paul's UCC Bethany Children's Activity Fund" to be used to help youth from Bethany participate in future church events with St. Paul's - such as next year's trip to Knoebels].

Help With the Knoebels Luncheon

     We will also be sharing in a luncheon with the youth from Bethany at the pavilion.  We will be providing the food, drinks, and paper supplies.  For more information about how you can help with the luncheon, please contact any member of the Worship Committee [Terry Pastor (Chairperson)].


Previous Year's Photos

     To view photos from previous year's click on the following links:

           Knoebels 2016 - Facebook Photos

           Knoebels 2015 - Website Photos

           Knoebels 2015 - Facebook Photos

           Knoebels 2014 - Website Photos

           Knoebels 2014 - Facebook Photos

 

 

 

11866309 907439839329128_4394530921662045914_n14th Annual Car Show

Saturday, August 10 - 10:00am to 3:00pm

Classics, Street Rods, Muscle,
Antique, Trucks, Jalopies

     This annual event gets better and better each year.  Our annual car show features a variety of cars.  Four classes and one best in show will be judged and awards issued at the end of the show.

     The show will be held in the grass lot behind St. Paul’s UCC.
     There will be catered foods, soft drinks, and door prizes available.
     To register a vehicle for the show, contact the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or call 610-621-5770 for a registration form.  The cost to register: pre-registration by
August 3, 2019 is $8.00; and registration the day of the show is $10.00.
     You can view pictures from previous years on our website under the “Photos” tab.

 

 

 

BlueMtn Pic001High Ropes Course

Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 4:15pm

    On Thursday, August 8 we will meet at St. Paul's UCC parking lot at 4:15pm and leave for Blue Mountain.  Our reservation will be for 6:30pm, and we will be there for about two hours.  We anticipate returning to the church between 10:00-10:30pm.

     You will need to wear closed toe shoes (such as sneakers) -- NO sandals, flip-flops, etc.

     Blue Mountain recommends that you leave your cell phone at home or in the car, as they are not responsible for damage due to it falling and breaking.

     You will also need to have a completed Blue Mountain Resort Release & Assumption of Risk Form completed.  Please download and print it from here and bring that completed form along with you.  You can also contact the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 to get a printed paper copy of the form.

     There will be water stations along the course to be able to hydrate.

     We anticipate getting snacks / dinner while at Blue Mountain or stopping along the way home somewhere else.

Preregistration - Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 6:00pm

     Please remember to sign up for the High Ropes Course at Blue Mountain by this Thursday night's meeting (Thursday, July 25 at 6pm) with your $10 per person fee.  (The remainder of the fee will be covered by proceeds from our youth group fund-raisers).
     We need at least 10 people to sign up for the group reservation and discount.
     If you would like to participate, but cannot attend Thursday's meeting, please contact the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770.

     For more information about our youth group and a list of upcoming youth group activities, please click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page.

 

 

 

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 9:25am

     John Ries, former Director of Bethany Counseling in Reading, will be our guest preacher this Sunday during our regular 9:25am worship service.

     For more information about this or other worship services, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 9:25am                                          

fire-dove-1024x1024

     The Rev. Robert Masenheimer will be preaching this Sunday in the sanctuary during our regular 9:25am worship service, while Pastor Ben will be leading our youth in worship during their over night hike on the Appalachian Trail.

     For more information about this or other worship services, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

 

 

Backpacking Trip

Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, June 23, 2019

     The Youth Fellowship Group will be going on a two day and one night backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.  We will start hiking the morning of June 22, filter water and cook meals along the trail, tent camp that night, have worship on the trail the morning of June 23, and then hike out.  We plan to meet at the church parking lot at 6:00am on Saturday, June 22; and return to the church around dinner time on Sunday, June 23.

     There is a fee of $5.00 per youth and $10.00 per adult for food (Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast).  Hikers also need to pack their own lunches for Saturday and Sunday, as well as pack snacks and water.  If that fee is cost prohibitive, please contact the pastor or other youth group leader, so that we can make this trip possible for you.  (Thank you to those members of St. Paul's who are donating funds to reduce the food cost for this trip.  It is greatly, greatly appreciated!).

Planning Meetings

     We will be planning the details during the May 9, May 30, and June 13 youth group meetings.

     By the June 13 meeting we need to know who has: tents (size and capacity of those tents); light-weight backpacking type stoves; light-weight cooking kettle; and who can provide transportation from the church to the trailhead and back again (and who needs transportation).

Sign-Up Due Date - June 13

     You need to sign up with your money by Thursday, June 13, so that we can order food in time for it to arrive.  If you cannot be at that meeting, please email or call the church office by 4:00pm on June 13 at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 to sign up.

Backpack Check-In & Weigh-In - June 20

     Come with your backpack fully packed on Thursday, June 20 at 6:00pm, so that we can weigh it and make sure that you have all the gear that you need.  Also, bring your tents this day, so we can practice setting them up and making sure that you have all the poles, stakes, etc needed to set up your tent.

More Information

     More information is being sent out via the Youth Group Update Emails.  If you are not on the list to receive those, please contact the church office to be added to that email list.  You can also find information in the June issue of The Herald.  For additional information, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.

     For more information about our youth group and a list of upcoming youth group activities, please click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page.

 

 

 

Trinity 001Trinity Sunday

Sunday, June 16, 2019 at 9:25am

     Info about this Sunday coming soon....

     For more information, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

Vacation Bible School (VBS) 

Sunday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 5:30-8:00pm

Roar 003ROAR!  Life is wild - God is good

     That’s the title of this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) program to be held this June at St. Paul’s UCC (a program run in conjunction with St. Daniel’s ELCA). The program will run from Sunday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 19 from 5:30 - 8:00pm.

     Kids will discover that God is good through all of life’s challenges.  Life is wild for kids; sometimes feeling chaotic and out of control.  At VBS, kids will learn and experience the solid foundation of God’s goodness.  When the wild side of life doesn’t feel so fun or adventurous, God’s goodness is something they can cling to, hold, and remember.

    Each day kids go on adventures through stations with their Crews (small kid groups with a leader).  Each station is designed to reinforce the daily Bible Point in a hands-on, interactive way that keeps everyone engaged.

     We will have Bible stories, prayer, games, snacks, music, an opportunity to make and build new friendships, FUN, and more!

     The program is designed for children age 3 up to and including those students entering grade 6.  Older youth are invited to be crew leaders and helpers.  You do not need to attend all four nights - come to as many as you can.  This program is being offered FREE.  This program is open to all the youth in our community.  All the adult leaders working with you have completed their background checks and other requirements of our SafeConduct policies.

     We hope you’ll join us either as a leader/helper or as a person bringing along kids.

Registration Forms

    For a printable pdf registration form, click on this VBS 2019 Roar Printable Registration Form link, or contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org for us to mail you a form.  You can print the form and mail it to the church office at St. Paul's UCC; 301 West Penn Ave; Robesonia, PA 19551.

     For an electronic writeable pdf form that you can email, click on this VBS 2019 Roar Electronic Registration Form link.  You simply type in your registration information on that form and email it to the church office at office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

     So that you as a parent have fewer forms to fill out, we use the same consolidated form for all of our youth activities, which means you can just use the same form for VBS, Sunday School, Youth Group, etc.

More Information

     For more information or to sign up to help, please contact Geri Gammel or Elsa Wertz (their direct contact info can be found in the monthly church newsletter), or contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

    Our annual VBS experience is a combined ministry program hosted by St. Paul's UCC on odd numbered years and by St. Daniel's ElCA on even numbered years.

 

 


Veterans Benefits Presentation

Hosted by Zion UCC in Womelsdorf

Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 7:00-8:30pm

     For more information, please contact the secretary at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

 

 

 

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 9:25am

     We will be receiving new members this Sunday during the 9:25am worship service.

     For more information about the importance of this Sunday and what the Worship Committee is doing to make this special service extra special, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

NewMember ChurchBldg

Receiving New Members

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, June 9 at 9:25am

     During worship on Pentecost Sunday we will be welcoming new members into the congregation of St. Paul's UCC.  Please come and welcome your brothers and sisters in Christ into the family and fellowship of St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

     Light refreshments to follow the worship service, which provides an additional informal time to introduce yourself to our newest members.

     If you are interested in joining on this Sunday, and have not already done so, please contact Pastor Ben Motz or the church office before June 1, 2019 at PastorMotz@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org">PastorMotz@sprucc.org or Office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org">Office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770.

 

 

 

Conrad Weiser Baccalaureate Service

Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 7:30pm

     The annual Conrad Weiser Baccalaureate Worship Service will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 7:30pm in the Conrad Weiser High School auditorium.  The annual baccalaureate is organized and led by the Conrad Weiser Ministerium and the Conrad Weiser graduating class.

 

 

 

Schuylkill Valley Baccalaureate Service

Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 6:30pm

     The annual Schuylkill Valley Baccalaureate Worship Service will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 6:30pm at the Schuylkill Valley High School, hosted by the Schuylkill Valley Ministerium.

 

 

 

Ascension 003bAscension Sunday

7th Sunday of Easter

Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 9:25am

On Sunday, June 2 we will have our annual celebration of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
    Ascension Day is celebration of the day when Jesus took his disciples to Bethany and blessed them, as he was lifted up into heaven.  This was forty days after Easter Sunday, and ten days before Pentecost.  After Jesus was lifted into heaven, the disciples gathered in worship with great joy!  This was the last day that Jesus would be physically walking the earth with his disciples, and we are reminded in this scripture by two men in white robes (presumably angels) that Jesus would in the future return in the same way in which he was seen going into heaven.
    The Ascension Sunday worship service includes the ceremony of extinguishing the Paschal Candle, which has been lit every Sunday during the season of Easter, symbolizing that Jesus is no longer physically present with us, for he has ascended!  From Pentecost through Epiphany, the Paschal Candle will be placed near the baptismal font, symbolizing that it is through our baptism that we ascend with Christ.  During the rest of the church year, we will only be lighting the Paschal Candle for baptisms and funerals/memorials, as a part of that symbolism of ascending with Christ at the time of our earthly death, through our baptism.
    We will also be sharing in pew communion together, gathering together as one body, as the disciples did on that day of Ascension.
    This is an important day for all of the disciples of Christ to gather together as one body.  For it is a day that we show one another our mutual support, and our life together as the Body of Christ here on earth, now that he has Ascended.  It is important for us to follow the example of those first disciples, and gather, worship, pray, and fellowship together on this day to prepare for the Holy Spirit coming into our lives.  It is also important for us to gather together and be centered on the Spirit, for as we are about to enter the longest season of the church (Pentecost), the Holy Spirit is about to send us out into the world in mission and ministry, and we need the strength of the Spirit and the support of one another to faithfully live out God’s calling in that season.
    We hope for all to gather together in worship, praise, prayer, and fellowship, as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord! Alleluia!

     For more information about this worship service or other services, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

Summer Worship Schedule                                                                             

Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 9:25am

     Our summer hours go into effect on Sunday, June 2, 2019.  During summer hours, worship is at 9:25am, and there is no Sunday school.  We continue to have children's bulletins and a children's sermon every Sunday, and children's worship on the second and third Sundays of the month.

     The choirs do not meet during the summer, and are finished with rehearsal till late August.  If you have something special musically that you would like to share during a morning worship service see our Minister of Music, the Rev. Masenheimer.

     We will return to our regular schedule on the first Sunday of September.  See you at 9:25am on Sunday, June 2.

     For more information, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

 

 

Ascension Day Worship Services

Hosted in the Covenant Association of the UCC

Morning Worship - Thursday, May 30 at 11:00am

     Join us as we gather with the churches of the Oley Valley Ministerium at Friedens UCC, 337 Main Street, Oley, PA on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 30 at 11:00am to celebrate Jesus' ascension into Heaven.  Our worship will include hymn singing, prayers, a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Tyson L. Frey and Holy Communion.

Evening Worship - Thursday, May 30 at 7:00pm

     The annual Council for United Church Ministry in Reading/Covenant Association Ascension Day service will take place at Grace (Alsace) UCC on Thursday May 30 beginning at 7:00pm.  The Rev. Bruce Dalious will be preaching, with the Rev. Michael Baal and the Rev. Bonnie Dalious, worship leaders.

 

 

 

Flag

Memorial Sunday

6th Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 10:25am

     For more information, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor(Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

Memorial Remebrance

Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 6:30pm

Location: Henry P. Robeson Memorial Park in Robesonia

     A brief memorial remembrance ceremony will be held at Robesonia’s Henry P. Robeson Memorial Park to honor the very special men and women of our community who gave their lives for our great nation while serving in our armed forces to protect us and the freedoms we greatly value. Everyone is encouraged to attend this ceremony to show respect and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice these heroes made. Children also are welcome and especially invited. This memorial ceremony is being offered to our community by the Patriotic Order Sons of America.

     The Henry P. Robeson Memorial Park is located at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Robeson Street (at the traffic signal) in Robesonia.

 

 

 

Healing Service

5th Sunday of Easter

hand make_heart_shape-1-300x285Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 10:25am

     On Sunday, May 19 during the 10:25am worship service we will share in a time of Prayers of Healing.  All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.

     Prayers for healing might include: healing of body, mind, spirit, or relationship.  Prayers for healing might be for yourself, someone you know, or someone in the world for whom you wish to pray.

     As we pray for healing, we pray for God's will and wisdom in answering our prayers for healing.

Description

     For those who may have attended one of our healing services before, the following gives a brief description overview of what takes place.  

     During the healing service portion of the worship service, for those who would like to participate in the healing service, there will be four options in how to participate in the Prayers of Healing, including: (1) opportunity to light a candle(s) for yourself or another(s); (2) the opportunity to come forward to kneel and pray nearer the altar at the chancel rail in the midst of a loving congregation; (3) the opportunity to be prayed for and annointed with oil by the pastor and elder; (4) the opportunity to simply remain in your pew; and/or (5) a combination of any of those four.

     All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.

Prayer List & Prayer Chain

PrayerRequests HeartFlower     In addition, we would be happy to add you to our church's Prayer List or Prayer Chain -- members and nonmembers alike, as we seek to be a community of healing, where all may know the living presence of our loving God and where all may know that they need not journey through the challenges and tribulations of life alone.  We pray for God's healing of body, mind, spirit, and relationship; seeking healing according to God's will and wisdom for each of us.

     To add a name to the prayer list or prayer chain, simply contact the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770.

More Information

    For more information about our periodic healing services, please contact anyone on the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor (Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), or the Pastor.

 

 

 

Good Shepherd Sunday

4th Sunday of Easter
Mother's Day

Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 10:25am

     For more information, please contact the Worship Committee including Terry Pastor 

GoodShepherd 003

(Chairperson), Sheri Rowe (Consistory Liaison), and Liz Brunner (Decorating Sub-Committee Chair).

 

Youth Group Car Wash

at Boyer's Food Market, Womelsdorf

Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10:00am - 2:00pm

     Mark your calendars now to come out and support the youth at their car wash. The cost is $5.00 per car and the location is Boyer's Food Market in Womelsdorf. You can pay by cash or check. This fund-raiser will be used to help offset the costs of Youth Group activities.

CarWash 003

For Those Who Are Helping

     Youth should arrive between 9:30-9:45am to help set up.  Youth should expect to stay until 2:15-2:30pm to help clean up.

     Youth should wear modest clothing that can get wet or dirty.  If you have a blue St. Paul's UCC t-shirt or tie-dye t-shirt, you are encouraged to wear one of those.  Youth are encouraged to bring some extra old towels, and are encouraged to bring one or two additional items for car washing (soap, sponge, bucket, towel drying rack, etc).  Please e-mail the pastor at PastorMotz@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org">PastorMotz@sprucc.org about what you might be bringing by Wednesday, May 1, so that we might know what additional supplies are needed.

     Please remember to wear/bring suntan lotion.  You are encouraged to pack a lunch and/or snacks.

More Info

     For more information about our youth group and a list of upcoming youth group activities, please click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page.  For more information about this activity, please contact Mike Keffer, Beth Miller, or Pastor Ben.


Please note the change in time from previously advertised: the car wash will now be from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Also, please note the following change from previously advertised: there will NOT be a bake sale during the car wash.

 

 

 

ReclaimingGreatComCvrMissional Approach Workshop

Originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 -- Postponed to April 30

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm

    As part of our “2020 Vision - Six Year Growth Plan,” we have adopted the Missional Approach as our philosophy to evangelism and church growth.  The Missional Approach to evangelism and church growth is all about reclaiming the Great Commission and living out the Great Commandment.
    Pastor Ben will be offering a workshop on the Missional Approach on Tuesday, April 30 from 6:00-8:00pm.  The workshop will cover our long-range "2020 Vision - Six Year Growth Plan"; the missional approach philosophy of church growth, the discernment process, and highlights from Reclaiming the Great Commission (one of our main resource books for this approach).

     [This is a repeat of the same workshop that was offered on Wednesday, January 16, 2019; and it is a postponement of the workshop previously scheduled for Wed, April 10].

     This free workshop is open to members and visitors alike.  Preregistration is encouraged, so that we can have enough materials photocopied in advance.  To register, please use the sign up sheet in the hallway or contact the church office at Office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org">Office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 by Sunday, April 28.
     As part of the Six Year Growth Plan, all Consistory members and all Standing Committee Chairpersons who did not attend this refresher last year, should attend this workshop this year, as well as other leaders and staff.  For more information about this workshop, please contact Pastor Ben at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.

 

 

 

Exploring Faith Series

     and New Member Class

NewMember ChurchBldgBegins: Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 9:15am

Pre-registration Date: Sunday, April 21
(Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, walk-ins welcome)

    This four week series begins on Sunday, April 28, 2019.  Our classes will be from 9:15am - 10:15am, and will be held downstairs in the Miller Fellowship Hall.
    During this series we will be learning about God, the Bible, the UCC denomination,  discipleship, St. Paul's UCC, the sacraments, your questions, and more.  This class is helpful for new members and those considering membership - without any pressure to join the church.
    The series will be led by Pastor and will cover such topics as....
      (1)   Why and how do we as Christians use the Bible
      (2)   How and why we worship in the way that we do
      (3)   Prayer practices
      (4)   Baptism and Holy Communion
      (5)   Who is God and what is the Trinity
      (6)   History, structure, creeds, and statements of faith of the UCC
      (7)   Learning about the Spiritual Gifts God has given each of us
      (8)   The Mission & Vision of St. Paul’s UCC
      (9)   The new SafeConduct policies processes within St. Paul’s UCC
      (10) and more....    
    This class also serves as our New Member Class.  If you participate in this class, there is no obligation or pressure to join.  This adult class is open to visitors, new members, long-time members, and everyone in between.
    If you joined St. Paul’s UCC within the past year or two, and have not taken this class, you are especially encouraged to participate, as we want you to know your church well.
    You are welcome to participate even if you cannot make all the classes.  Even if you can only make a couple of the classes, we are happy to have you participate.  There is no fee.
    Please pre-register for the class by contacting the church office at office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 or sign up in the narthex hallway (preferably by Sunday, April 21), so we can be sure to have enough materials for everyone for our first day of class.  However, you need not pre-register, walk-ins will be very welcome.

     Please note: The Exploring Faith Series is normally a six week series, but due to other scheduling conflicts, we will be condensing the spring 2019 series to just four weeks.
     For more information about this series, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.

 

 

 

Holy Humor Sunday

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 10:25am

DSCN2459 StC

     Our youth group has selected this year's Holy Humor Sunday's theme, which is "Drawn to Christ."

    We will have some uplifting humor, hands on experiences for youth during worship, special artistic decorations, children created bulletin covers, choir, bell choir, light refreshments to follow, and more.

    Each year for Holy Humor Sunday, we invite worshipers to come dressed based on the theme (or come dressed as casually or as formally as you would like).  If you would like to come dressed based on our artistic theme, "Drawn to Christ," the following are some suggestions:
     ☐ t-shirt or sweatshirt with your favorite artist (painter, musician, sculptor, dancer, rock band, etc).
     ☐ shirt with a depiction of your favorite art or a favorite type of art
     ☐ wear a sweater that you or someone else knitted
     ☐ wear a tie depicting a favorite art or type of art
     ☐ tie-dye St. Paul's UCC t-shirt (for those who made that t-shirt)
     ☐ dress like your favorite artist
     ☐ dress ready to engage in art: (dressing like a painter, dancer, mime, musician, etc)
     ☐ dress as an expression of art (like Lady Gaga is known for doing - just let your artistic expression be modest and appropriate, as we have youngsters in worship)

RisenChristBySea 2What is Holy Humor Sunday?

     Holy Humor Sunday is an opportunity to let our hair down - way down - with a very upbeat and fun service, following the somber season of Lent.  It is a day of humor and light-hearted fun. 

     Holy Humor Sunday shares its roots with that of April Fool’s Day.  When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, he defeated death, and in doing so the Great Deceiver (i.e. the Devil) was deceived - bested by the best trick ever.  From deceiving the Great Deceiver on Easter, April Fool’s Day came to be celebrated on April 1st, and Holy Humor Sunday came to be most commonly celebrated on the Sunday following Easter Sunday.
     This ancient Easter custom was begun by the Greeks in the early centuries of Christianity.  For centuries Holy Humor Sunday has been celebrated by Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant countries going by a variety of names, including "Bright Sunday" (the Sunday after Easter) and “days of joy and laughter” with parties and picnics the week after Easter to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.  Churchgoers and pastors played practical jokes on each other, drenched each other with water, told jokes, sang, and danced.
     The custom was written about by early church theologians, including Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom.  These theologians called it “Risus paschalis - the Easter laugh,” referring to God playing a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead.
     The custom began to fade by the mid 1900s in many churches.  In 1988 the Fellowship of Merry Christians, which bi-monthly publishes The Joyful Noiseletter, began to encourage churches to resurrect “Bright Sunday” celebrations and to call it “Holy Humor Sunday.”  The first theme they encouraged was: “Jesus is the LIFE of the party.”  The Fellowship of Merry Christians encourages churches in general to uplift the joy and humor found in scripture and in our Christian faith.  You can learn more on their website at: https://www.joyfulnoiseletter.com/hhsunday.asp
     St. Paul’s UCC has been celebrating Holy Humor Sunday annually since 2014.  Previous themes and pictures from those worship services can be found on the “Photos” page of our website.

     The Worship Committee begins considering themes each January for the next Holy Humor Sunday, and we welcome individuals to share ideas.  For the past few years our youth group or confirmation class came up with and developed the theme

     For more information, contact any member of the Worship Committee or contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org 

Previous Holy Humor Themes

     You can view pictures from some of our previous years by clicking on the following links:

          2019 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "Drawn to Christ"

          2018 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "Medieval"

          2017 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "Game On!"

          2016 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "Come Fishing"

          2015 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: “From Zeroes to Heroes”

          2014 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "A Childlike vs A Childish Faith"




Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 21, 2019

6:15am - Sunrise Worship

    Our Easter Sunrise worship service will begin outdoors around a fire with candlelight, right before sunrise, and conclude in the sanctuary.  There will be the processional of the cross, the return of the light to the sanctuary, and Holy Communion.

7:45am - Easter Breakfast

    The Men's Group will be preparing and serving breakfast shortly after the Sunrise Worship service and before Sunday school begins

9:15am - Sunday School

    We will have our usual Sunday school classes for all ages at our usual 9:15am time.

10:25am - Worship

   Our second Easter worship service will take place at our regular time 10:25am.  We will have a chidlren's sermon, regular sermon. children's bulletins, available nursery, the choir, the bell choir, and Holy Communion.   Join us for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

     For more information about our Easter worship services, please contact any member of the Worship Committee (Terry Pastor Chairperson and Sheri Rowe Liaison).

 

 


Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 6:30pm

Image result for maundy thursday clipart     On Maundy Thursday Jesus gathered with the disciples for the Feast of Passover.  They shared in a meal.  He took bread, blessed it and broke it, and instituted the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion).  He then took his disciples to a garden to pray, where he was betrayed and crucified.
     On Thursday, April 18 at 6:30pm, we will begin worship in the Fellowship Hall at table with one another.  We will have a free light meal and communion.  Then we will process to the sanctuary for Tenebrae - the service of shadows - where we will pray, hear the last words of Christ, and strip the altar in preparation of his crucifixion, as the sanctuary slowly becomes shrouded in darkness.
     We hope you will join us for this meaningfully spiritual service.

     The meal is provided by the church; there is no charge for the meal, and there is no need to bring any food along with you.  As always, visitors, friends, and members are all equally welcome.

     (Please note, with having Tenebrae included in our Maundy Thursday worship service, we will not be having a separate Good Friday worship service).

 

 

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 11:45am

      St. Paul’s is holding their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 14, following the Sunday worship service for the youth ages 0-12.  We are asking for donations of individually wrapped candy to put into plastic eggs and dyed, hard boiled eggs.  Thank you.

      For more information, please contact the Christian Education Committee: Elsa Wertz or the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org.

 

 

 

Palm Sunday

PalmProcession 2017_02Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 10:25am

      The Sunday before Easter is "Palm Sunday" and "Passion Sunday."  Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Passion Sunday commemerates the beginning of Holy Week.  We will have our traditional "Blessing of the Palms" this Sunday, and we will have enough palms for everyone to be able to take a blessed palm branch home with them.

     For more information about this worship service, please contact any member of the Worship Committee (Terry Pastor Chairperson and Sheri Rowe Liaison).

 

 

 

Geocaching-multicolored-watercolor-splashGeocaching - Youth Group

Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 1:00pm

      The youth group is planning a Sunday afternoon geocaching activity at Blue Marsh.  We will meet at 1:00pm at the church parking lot, and carpool to the Old Church Road parking lot at Blue Marsh (which is located between the bridge and the intersection of Old Church Road and Route 183).  We will begin hiking from that parking lot at 1:30pm.

      If you are interested in going, please let Pastor Ben know if you will be meeting at the church parking lot at 1:00pm or at the Old Church Road parking lot at 1:30pm.  Please also let him know if you need transportation.

      There is no fee for this event.  Friends in grades 5 and up are welcome.  Expect to be hiking for a few hours as we look for the geocache.

      (This activity was originally scheduld for Sunday, February 24, but was postponed due to the winter weather that day).

      In the event of significant rain, this event will be postponed.  Announcements about postponements will be made during worship that Sunday morning, and we will strive to add that to our Snow Cancellation web page.

      If you do not have a Youth Registration Form on file at the church office (which includes allergy and emergency contact information), please click on this Youth Registration Form link, print the form, fill it out, and bring it with you to this activity.  If you are not sure if you have this form on file, simply contact the church office at 610621-5770 or office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org to inquire.

    What to wear and bring:

           ☐ dress in layers (so you can add or subtract layers as you get cool/warm)

           ☐ wear a water resistant jacket or snow coat (in case of showers or snow)

           ☐ wear/bring a knit hat (winter hat, even if you have a hoodie)

           ☐ wear wool or synthetic socks (if possible), not cotton (to decrease chances of blisters)

           ☐ pack an extra pair of socks in a ziptop bag (incase your feet get wet)

           ☐ wear gloves

           ☐ pack an extra pair of gloves (incase your 1st pair get wet)

           ☐ bottle of water

           ☐ snacks (such as granola, fruit, dried fruit, nuts, jerky, etc).

           ☐ small backpack to carry your snacks, water bottle, extra socks, etc.

           ☐ any medication that your parents instruct you to have with you

                 (please let one of the adult leaders know if you are bringing medication)

           ☐ handheld GPS or phone with a geocaching app

           ☐ energy and a sense of fun and adventure

      For more information about our youth group and a list of upcoming youth group activities, please click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page.

 

 

 

Ham & Dandelion Dinner

food-in-your-yard-01 C2Saturday, April 13, 2019

     More information coming soon.....

     You can pay with cash or check at the door.  To purchase your tickets online, click on this Online Purchase link, in the "Fund-Raiser Line" type in the total amount of your ticket(s) and type in "Ham & Dandelion" or just "H&D" for your description, enter your payment method, print your receipt, and bring that receipt along with you to the dinner.

     For more information about the dinner, please contact Mike Keffer, Chairperson of the Men's Fellowship Group, or Steve Miller, Chaiperson of the Fund-Raiser Committee.  For more information or for assistance in using the online purchasing option, please contact the Financial Secretary Terry Pastor at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770.

 

 

 

Ordination 003Ordination & Installation

Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 10:25am

5th Sunday in Lent

     During our 10:25am worship service we will be ordaining and installing a new deacon and a new elder for ministry at St. Paul's UCC.

     We will also be sharing in Holy Communion on this first Sunday in the month of April.

     For more information about this worship service, please contact Terry Pastor, chair of the Worship Committee at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

 

Afternoon Community Worship During Lent

Lenten Afternoons

Wednesdays at 12:00noon

     Details coming soon.  For more information, please contact Terry Pastor, Chair of the Worship Committee.

     Lenten Worship Schedule

Below is the schedule for the Wednesday Lenten services at noon.

    March 13th- St. Francis, Robesonia
    March 20th- Zion Lutheran, Womelsdorf
    March 27th- Trinity Lutheran, Wernersville
    April 3- St. Daniels, Robesonia
    April 10- Trinity Lutheran, Robesonia

 

What Every Police Officer Wants Gun Owners to Know

Sunday, March 31 at 1:00pm

     Dan Billings has spent more that 40 years in law enforcement and security. As a police academy instructor for the past 24 years, he has taught officers in dozens of topics including, Use of Force, Officer Safety, Avoiding Ambush Situations, Civil Law, and De-Escalation Techniques.  He is the Director of Security for the Senate of Pennsylvania in the State Capitol. Previously he was in charge of the F.O.P. Critical Incident Stress Program for 26 years and responded to a significant number of police involved shootings.
    He will be presenting the importance of safety regarding owning, storing and carrying a firearm. He is a proponent of the right to bear arms under the second amendment and a very strong advocate for doing so safely. Police officers routinely encounter people in possession of firearms, both legally and illegally. Many illegally possessed firearms are stolen from law abiding citizens. He will discuss the many factors that should be considered before, during and after a citizen decides to use a firearm to stop a criminal act.
    All are welcome to attend.
    Mark the date on your calendar and plan to join us on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
    Following the 10:25am worship service, there will be a free luncheon in our Fellowship Hall at about 11:45am, and this free seminar will begin at 1:00pm.
  If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

 

Giving Up Something Bad

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 6:30pm

Sundays, March 10 to April 7 at 6:30pm

Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 6:30pm

      This year our weekly evening theme will be "Giving Up Something Bad for Lent."  Will be using James W. Moore's book Give Up Something Bad for Lent to guide us in prayer, discussion, worship, and scripture reflection.

     The first in this seven part series will begin on Ash Wednesday in the upstairs sanctuary.  This will be our introduction to the topic, as well as our traditional Imposition of Ashes and the serving of Holy Communion in the pews.

     Over the next five Sundays (March 10 to April 7) we will be gathering in the downstairs Miller Fellowship Hall for worship with prayer, music, scripture reflection, and a different topical focus based on giving up something bad for Lent.  These gatherings will be instead of weekly Wednesday evening worship.  (Please note - there is NO weekly Wednesday worship for Lent this year).  This will give us the additional opportunity to explore: (1) how well Sunday evening's work for a weekly worship experience (as opposed to Wednesdays); (2) how well an evening gathering in the Miller Fellowship Hall with a different format might work; and (3) how well using the projection system might work for sharing in Christian music videos as a part of our gathering.  In addition, since AA meets downstairs on Wednesdays, by having gathering on a Sunday evening, we will have greater access to the nursery room for parents who may be in need of us offering an appropriately supervised nursery those evenings.  We are intending for a relaxed atmosphere those five Sunday evenings.  We will be offering light refreshments those evenings, and we invite all to come dressed casually.  We hope that all who are able will come out, give this Lenten experimental worship a try, and give us your feedback about the experience.

     On Maundy Thursday, April 18 we will begin worship in the downstairs Miller Fellowship Hall with a free light meal, communion, and our seventh and final chapter of Give Up Something Bad for Lent, which is "Wrap Your Armas Around Something Good for Easter."  We will then conclude worship with our traditional Tenebrae Worship Service ("Service of Shadows") in the upstairs sanctuary.

     There is no need to purchase a book for this series (although you certainly may if you like the topic), and there is no fee for the weekly refreshments or Thursday's meal.  Visitors as always are very, very welcome.

     For more information about the theme or to help with worship, refreshments, paraments and decorations, or set-up, please contact any member of the Worship Committee, including Terry Pastor, Chairperson; Sheri Rowe, Consistory Liaison; and Liz Brunner, Sub-committee Coordinator.

     To help with nursery during any of these seven evenings, please contact Elsa Wertz, Christian Education Chairperson.  [As with all nursery care, volunteers must be CHYLD Worker approved (having approved clearances, etc) before working with the children and youth within our church].

 

IceSkating 472371Ice Skating

Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 5:00-7:00pm

     The Youth Group is going ice skating on Saturday, March 23 from 5:00pm-7:00pm during the open skate time at Body Zone3103 Papermill Road; Reading, PA 19610.

     The Youth Group has decided to use some of their funds to help offset the cost, so the cost will only be $10.00 per youth for admission and rental.

      For more information about this event, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.  For more information about the Youth Group and other upcoming youth activities, click on this Youth Group link.

     To view pics from this event, click on this Ice Skating Photos link.

 

Lancaster Theological Seminary

Sunday, March 10, 2019

     Throughout the month of March we are encouraging the support of our Lancaster Theological Seminary (LTS).  Our annual offering envelope and information flyer for LTS can be found in the March newsletter and the Sunday, March 10 bulletin.  You can learn more, by clicking on this LTS Annual Promotional Flyer link, by going to the LTS Website, or by contacting a member of St. Paul's Mission Committee.

     To make an online contribution, click on this Online Contribution link, insert your dontation amount in the "Mission 1" or "Mission 2" line, and type "LTS" in the description.

 

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 6:30pm

     Our Ash Wednesday worship service will be on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30pm.  We will be offering the imposition of ashes, as well as offering communion in the pews.  Worshipers will have the option of receiving ashes on their foreheads, the back of their hands, or not at all - whichever you prefer.

     Click on this "Why Ashes on Ash Wednesday" link to learn more about the use of ashes on Ash Wednesday.

     Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.  The season of Lent includes the 40 days and six Sundays before Easter.  It is a season of penitence as we reflect upon our personal sins, which led to the need for the sacrifice of Jesus’ life for us upon the cross.  The root word of “Lent” means “to lengthen,” referring to the lengthening of days as we anticipate the longer days of spring and the new life granted through the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter -- moving from darkness to light.

     For more information, please contact any member of the Worship Committee (Worship Committee Chairperson Terry Pastor or Worship Committee Liaison Sheri Rowe).

 

Transfiguration Sunday

Image result for transfiguration imagesSunday, March 3, 2019 at 10:25am

   On Sunday, March 3 we will have our annual Transfiguration Sunday worship service at 10:25am.

     Transfiguration Sunday takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday (the last Sunday in the Epiphany Season before we begin the Season of Lent).  The gospel lesson for Transfiguration Sunday is that of Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where Jesus is transfigured (changed into dazzling white) before their eyes, and he is joined by Moses and Elijah.

     This year, we will also be celebrating in Holy Communion as a part of our worship service.

     For more information about this worship service, please contact any member of the Worship Committee (Worship Committee Chairperson Terry Pastor or Worship Committee Liaison Sheri Rowe).

 

Burning of the Palms

Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 9:15am

Palm-To-Ash     We will be having the annual burning of the palms outside on Sunday, March 3 during the 9:15am Sunday school hour, weather permitting.  Pastor Ben will be teaching why we use ash from palm branches on Ash Wednesday, as well as the process of creating the Ash Wednesday ashes.
    If you have palms you would like to donate, you can bring them to the church office on Sunday, February 24 (or bring them anytime between now and Sunday school on March 3).
    For information, please contact Elsa Wertz, Chair of Christian Education; Terry Pastor, Chair of the Worship Committee; or Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 oroffice@sprucc.org orPastorMotz@sprucc.org."

 

New Organist Begins

Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 10:25am

    We welcome our new organist this week.  Rev. Robert Masenheiemer will be taken over the position of organist and choir director.   We look forward to  working with him.  Please introduce yourself and wish him well.   Welcome, Rev. Masenheimer.

 

Scout Sunday

BoyScoutSunday Patch_2018Combined Boy Scout and Girl Scout Sunday

Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 10:25am

     Rather than having a separate Boy Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sunday, we will be having one combined “Scout Sunday” this year.
    All those involved in Girl Scouts U.S.A., Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Venture Scouts, and other scouting groups - both as youth and adults - are invited to wear their uniforms for this annual celebration.  To receive the 2019 Boy Scout or Girl Scout Sunday patch, please use the sign up sheet in the narthex hallway by Sunday, February 03, and indicate whether you would like the Boy Scout or Girl Scout Sunday patch.

      For more information, please contact Terry Pastor, chair of the Worship Committee.

 

Valentine's Babysitting

Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 5:00-9:00pm

     St. Paul’s UCC (Robesonia) Youth Group and their adult helpers are offering babysitting Saturday, February 16 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with drop off and pick up times flexible between those hours (child does not have to be there the entire time).
     Cost is $6.00/hour/ child. ***
     We are accepting up to 15 children.  (ages 2-11)
     Supper will be served and is included in this cost.

     Please sign up by calling 610-621-5770.  Leave a message including your name, phone number, number of children and their names.  We will return your call as soon as possible!  
     Call by or before 4:00pm on Thursday, February 14 to make a reservation!  ***

     Let us babysit while you take your special someone out for Valentine’s Day or take a well deserved break!

     ***The money raised will benefit the Youth Group at St. Paul’s for future projects/fun.

     For the safety of all, all of our adult supervising leaders meet the requirements of our Safe Sanctuary / Youth Protection Policies, including completing background checks, references, and interviews.
     St. Paul’s U.C.C.; 301 West Penn Avenue; Robesonia, PA 19551
     For more information, please contact Beth Miller or the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.

 

Youth Group Lock-In

Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 4:30pm to Sunday, February 17 at 11:45am

     Youth are requested to be at church Saturday, February 16 at 4:30pm to help set up and organize your babysitting fundraiser.  Babysitting starts at 5:00pm and runs until 9:00 pm.  Please bring games and movies (rated G) that we can share with the children.  
     Please continue to hand out your flyers and make more as needed!
     The Youth Group Lock-in starts after babysitting.  Bring your usual items - sleeping bags, pillows, toothbrushes, hair brushes, etc and Money for Dunkin Donuts (breakfast).   We want everyone to stay for worship the next day and are asking that pick-up begin after 11:45am.  
     Parents are welcome to join us for worship at 10:25am!
     Any questions, please ask them at our Youth Group meeting on Thursday, February 14 at 6:00pm or email one of the adults that help with Youth Group..

Usher/Greeter Training

Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 11:45am

   St. Paul’s UCC is working on stretching our greetings with Usher/Greeter training on Sunday, February 10 at 11:45am (after the worship service).  We also will at this time have a short talk about Welcome training.  So if you are wanting to be a friendly face and want to help welcome and greet visitors and members, be here after the Healing service February 10th to find out more about this important position of the church.  The duties of a greeter have broadened, so it is a good idea to join us if your not new to be a greeter.

     For more information, please contact the Chair of the Worship Committee, Terry Pastor, at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.  If you are a greeter, usher, or someone who offers the welcome announcements and are not able to attend this training or February 10, please contact Terry for the scheduling of a future make up date.


Service of Healing

Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 10:25am

    On Sunday, February 10th during the 10:25am worship service we will share in a time of Prayers of Healing. 

     For those who may not have attended one of our healing services before, the following will give you an idea of what takes place.   Please note that during this service you do not need to do anything special, you are very welcome to just sit and observe.

     During the healing service portion of the worship service, for those who would like to participate in the healing service, there will be four options in how to participate in the Prayers of Healing, including: (1) opportunity to light a candle(s) for yourself or another(s); (2) the opportunity to come forward to kneel and pray nearer the altar at the chancel rail in the midst of a loving congregation; (3) the opportunity to be prayed for and annointed with oil by the pastor and elder; (4) the opportunity to simply remain in your pew; and/or (5) a combination of any of those four.  All are welcome to come and be prayed for during this rite of healing -- members and visitors alike are welcome.

     In addition, we would be happy to add you to our church's Prayer List or Prayer Chain -- members and nonmembers alike, as we seek to be a community of healing, where all may know the living presence of our loving God and where all may know that they need not journey through the challenges and tribulations of life alone.  We pray for God's healing of body, mind, spirit, and relationship; seeking healing according to God's will and wisdom for each of us.

    For more information about our periodic healing services, please contact the Worship Committee (Worship Committee Chairperson Terry Pastor  or the Pastor.


SOUPer Bowl Sunday

Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 11:45am

Snow Date: Sunday, February 10

     Sunday, February 3 is SOUPerbowl Sunday!  Immediately following the 10:25am worship service (where we will break bread together in the sacrament of holy communion), we will be having our annual fellowship soup luncheon in Miller Fellowship Hall.

     You are invited to make your favorite soup, put it in a crockpot with a label (your name and kind of soup), and place it in the kitchen area.   Donations of breads, drinks, and desserts are also welcome. 

     After the worship service we will all enjoy the variety of soups prepared, along with any donations of bread, crackers, drinks, and desserts.

     There is no fee for this luncheon.  You do not need to bring a soup, dessert, or bread to participate.  We love food; we love your fellowship more.  Visitors and members alike are very much welcome and invited.

     This not only provides an opportunity to engage in supportive fellowship and break bread together, but also an opportunity for us to support the SouperBowl of Caring in the fight against hunger (information about which can be found in the below article), caring for our fellow humankind as instructed and modeled by Christ.

     Not to worry, this luncheon will be over well before the Super Bowl football game begins, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy a variety of soups, fellowship with each other, fight hunger through our local Conrad Weiser Food Pantry, and watch the Super Bowl.

     For more information, please contact Beth Miller, or contact the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770.




SouperBowlLogoSouperBowl of Caring

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Souper Bowl and Cans of Soup

Help St. Paul’s Youth Group by donating cans of soup for the Souper Bowl. Place your soup cans in the team’s can that you think will win the real Super Bowl!

Please have all cans of soup at St. Paul’s U.C.C. by February 10th!



Museum Trip

February 2019 - Cancelled

     Unfortunately, we needed to cancel this activity.  We will be replacing it with geocaching.

     For more information about our youth group and a list of upcoming youth group activities, please click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page.




When Bad Things Happen to Good PeopleWhenBadThings BkCvr

Sundays from 6:30pm-7:30pm

January 13, 2019 - March 3, 2019
January 20 (Snow/Ice) - CANCELLED
February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday) - NO CLASS
March 3 (Moved Earlier Due to Forecasted Snow) - 1:30-2:30pm

    It is known as the “theodicy question”: “If God is all loving, and if God is all powerful, why does suffering exist?”  As a way to explore the theodicy question, this January we will begin an 8 week study of the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner on Sunday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm.
    You can get a copy of the book on your own in print copy or digital copy.  Or, for those who sign up by Sunday, January 6, we will provide a free used print copy (while supplies last, for you to keep) of the book.  There is a sign up sheet in the second floor hallway, or you can contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org to sign up.  We hope books will arrive well before January 6.
    For those participating, please read the introduction and chapter 1 before the first class.  (If you are interested in participating and don’t get a chance to read ahead of time, please come anyway).  You do not need to participate in all eight sessions in order to participate in the discussion, as we know schedules are challenging.
    This is open to members and non-members alike.  Members, please share this information with anyone you know who might benefit from this opportunity.
    Pastor Ben will be leading most of the sessions.  For more information, please see the “Recent & Upcoming Events” page on our website at www.sprucc.org, and/or contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.  We also have an updated reprint in this issue of The Herald from our 2018 fall direct mailing community mailing, entitled, “If God Is So Powerful, Why Doesn’t God Fix It?”

 

Installation & Ordination of New Leadership

Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 10:25am

Snow Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 10:25am

    On Sunday, January 20 at 10:25am we will be installing our newly elected officers into their respective positions.  We hope that you will come and celebrate in this day with them and show them your support and thankfulness for their leadership. The service will be held in the Miller Fellowship Hall followed by refreshments.

     Please note: Due to the forecasted snow/ice on January 20, worship was cancelled, and as such our Installation/Ordination Sunday will now be on our snow date Sunday, January 27 at 10:25am in the Miller Fellowship Hall.



Missional Approach Workshop

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm

    As part of our “2020 Vision - Six Year Growth Plan,” we have adopted the Missional Approach as our philosophy to evangelism and church growth.  The Missional Approach to evangelism and church growth is all about reclaiming the Great Commission and living out the Great Commandment.
    Pastor Ben will be offering a workshop on the Missional Approach on Wednesday, January 16 from 6:00-8:00pm.  This free workshop is open to members and visitors alike.  Preregistration is encouraged, so that we can have enough materials photocopied in advance.  To register, please use the sign up sheet in the hallway or contact the church office at Office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org">Office@sprucc.org">Office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org">Office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 by Sunday, January 13.
    As part of the Six Year Growth Plan, all Consistory members and all Standing Committee Chairpersons who did not attend this refresher last year, should attend this workshop this year, as well as other leaders and staff.  If you are a leader who cannot attend on this date, please be in contact with Pastor Ben  at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org">PastorMotz@sprucc.org">PastorMotz@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org">PastorMotz@sprucc.org to see if an additional date might be possible.

 

Closing of the 2018 Books

Sunday, January 13, 2019

    Thank you to all who mail their tithes and offerings to the church when they are not able to be here in person to place them in the offering plate during worship.
    We will be closing the 2018 books on Sunday, January 13, 2019.
    As in the past, and as is common in many churches, the morning of the second Sunday of January will be the last day that donations and expenses will be received for 2018.  This will give sufficient time for contributions to be mailed, expenses to be submitted, and donations to be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference (PSEC).

Donations
    For donations to be counted for the 2018 contribution year, they need to: (1) be received by the counting team by worship on Sunday, January 13; and (2) dated for 2018.  As of January 1, all other contributions will be attributed to the 2019 giving year.
    For additional information about donations, please contact the Financial Secretary, Terry Pastor at 610-621-5770 or Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:Office@sprucc.org.">Office@sprucc.org.

Expenses
    All bills and reimbursement requests: (1) must be submitted to the Treasurer Jon Henning by the end of worship on Sunday, January 13, 2019; and (2) be dated for 2018.  As of January 1, all other expenditures will be attributed to the 2019 fiscal/budget year.
    For additional information about expenses, please contact the church Treasurer, Jon Henning.

 

Baptism of Christ Sunday

Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 10:25am

     Join us as we celebrate the Baptism of Christ at the Jordan River.

     For more information about this worship service, please contact the Worship Committee Chairperson, Terry Pastor at 610-621-5770 oroffice@sprucc.org.

 

I Don't Know What You're Talking About

Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 6:15pm

    On Tuesday, January 8 from 6:15-7:00pm Pastor Ben is offering a Communications Workshop.  This workshop is designed to: (1) help provide you with guidance to help make sure your articles are providing the congregation with the information they need to know what you are talking about and what your activity is all about; (2) go over the format needed to submit articles to the office secretary; and (3) to make sure your articles, posters, and flyers fit the necessary guidelines to be used within St. Paul's UCC.  
    This workshop is for any person who wishes to submit an article for the newsletter, bulletin, website, or hang a flyer in the church building.  All elected leaders, as well as anyone who might be interested in communicating within the church through the newsletter, bulletin, flyers, posters, website, facebook, or E-News should attend this workshop.
    This workshop is free.  No advance registration is needed.
    If you took this workshop in the past, it will be similar to the 2018 workshop.  However, if you have not taken this workshop since 2017 or before, there have been changes and there will be new information, so you should attend this workshop, also.
    For more information, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.
    As a reminder, it is the policy at St. Paul’s UCC that no committee or individual should hang or set out flyers/posters about an event or activity before submitting a complete article to the office secretary about the event, following the guidelines discussed in this workshop.


What is EFT?

Sunday, January 6, 13, & 20, 2019 at 11:45am

Snow Date: Sunday, January 27

     For the first three Sundays of the new year, Terry Pastor, our Financial Secretary will have a table set up during the after worship fellowship time to answer your questions about Electronic Financial Transfer (EFT), how to sign up on line or with paper, sample documents, and more.  EFT is the way in which you can make one-time special donations as well as ongoing regular monthly/weekly donations to St. Paul's UCC using a credit card or an electronic transfer from a checking or savings account.

     For more information see Terry Pastor after worship or contact the church office at office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770.  Additional information can also be found on our website at this EFT Donations link.


Epiphany Sunday

Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 10:25a

     For more information about this worship service, please contact the Worship Committee Chairperson, Terry Pastor at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org.">office@sprucc.org.


Annual Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner

New Year's Day - January 1, 2019 - 11:00am to 2:00pm

   The Men's Fellowship Group will cook a feast to start the new year out right.  This annual meal starts at 11:00 am  to 2:00 pm.  Pork, Sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, applesauce a roll and of course homemade desserts are on the menu.  Adults-$12.00, Children(6-12)-$5.00, under six free.  Come onct and eat yourself full.

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