Usher & Greeter Training

Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 11:30am

     More information coming soon......

     For more information, please contact the church office or the Worship Committee Vice Chair, Terry Pastor or Worship Liaison, Diane McAllister.

Healing Service

First Sunday in Lent

Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     We hope you will join us this Sunday for a Service of Healing.  During this worship service, there will be a time when people can: (1) remain in their pews in prayer; (2) come forward and light a candle to offer a prayer; and/or (3) make a prayer request for healing to one of our prayer teams, who will pray for you and offer an annointing of oil in prayer.

     We will also be noting the one year anniversary of the war against Ukraine, and invite your prayers for peace, freedom, and healing of people and nations.  For more information about our support click on this Ukraine Relief Aid link.

     Lent is the 40 days (plus Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter).  Our scripture reading for the First Sunday in Lent is from Matthew 4:1-11, where we hear about Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days and then being tempted by Satan, afterwhich Jesus begins his ministry.  The 40 days of Lent are based upon that wilderness experience.  During the 40 days of Lent, as Christians we seek to strengthen our spiritual disciplines in order to strengthen our faith life and to show our deep sincere gratitude for the self-sacrifice that Jesus made for us not only on Good Friday, but throughout his life.  Our increase of spiritual disciplines often include: participating in additional worship services, increased almsgiving, increased prayer, increased study of scripture, increased service to others, and/or fasting and using those resources we would have spent on ourselves to bless the lives of others.

     For the worship bulletin, scripture, announcements, and Communitas, click on this Worship Bulletin link.  For the live stream worship service, click on this "Into Temptation" link.  For more information about the Sunday and mid-week worship services during Lent, please contact Terry Pastor or Diane McAllister of the Worship Committee.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 4:00pm

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 6:30pm

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, Zoom, & In-person

     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. 

     During the worship service on Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30pm, ashes will be placed in the sign of the cross on the forehead or back of the hand of those who wish to receive them.  The minister will say, "Remember that you are dust, and unto dust, you shall return."  We will also share communion together.  We will also be sharing in Holy Communion this evening, as the last meal before beginning our Lenten fast.  For those communing at home, you are invited to have your own bread and wine or grape juice for the pastors to bless during the Live Stream.

     If you would like to learn more about the use of ashes on Ash Wednesday, please click on the following link, "Why Ashes on Ash Wednesday".  For the YouTube Live Stream of this worship service click on this Ash Wednesday Live Stream link.

     On Ash Wednesday also begins the first in a series of dialogues between characters in the Bible.  This year the series being offered is entitled, “Couples in the Bible”.  The dialogues will take place each Wednesday evening during the worship service from  March 1 to March 29 at 6:30pm.  The first in the series will be a dialogue between Jesus and Martha.  Rev. Mary Etta Mest is the author of these dialogues and they are both insightful and entertaining.  Please join us as the characters change each Wednesday evening during Lent.

     For more information about the worship services throughout the season of Lent, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.

Transfiguration Sunday

Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     The final Sunday following Epiphany, and before Lent, is Transfiguration Sunday.  All three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) tell a story of Peter, James, and John accompanying Jesus to the top of a holy mountain.  There, before their eyes, Jesus is transfigured or transformed into a dazzling white brightness.  Transfiguration Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, February 19, 2023 during the 10:15am worship service.

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:30pm

     Please join us for chicken pot pie on Wednesday, February 15th.  This special meal is sponsored by the Men's Fellowship Group and The 21st Century Christian Women's Group.  

     The meal includes chicken pot pie, pepper cabbage, bread, drink, and a homemade dessert. For those dining in, the meal is all you can eat. For those doing take out, the meal includes all of the above except the drink.

     The cost of the meal is $12.00/adult and $8.00/child (age 12 and under).

     Take out quarts of pot pie will also be available for purchase at $9.00 each. Please call the church (610-621-5770) by Friday, February 10th to pre-order your take out quarts. They will be available for pick up on the night of the dinner. Quarts include only pot pie.

     Funds raised from this dinner will help with the men's and women's groups community outreach projects.

Soup-er Bowl Sunday

Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 11:30am

     One of Our Favorite Times of the Year!  February 12th is SOUPerbowl Sunday!  Immediately following worship, we will be having a soup luncheon in Miller Fellowship Hall.  EVERYONE is invited!  Please make your favorite crockpot meal (soup, chili or whatever) and bring it in to church. Make sure it is labeled with your name and kind of soup or creation, and place it in the kitchen area. It will be plugged in and stay warm during the worship service.  After worship we will gather to enjoy the varietyof crockpot delicacies.  Large bowls and small bowls will be available so that you may sample as many or as few items as you wish.  Our best year was when we had 19 crockpots of soup/chili.  Let's try to beat that this year!  If you don't have a crockpot or you're not much of a cook, you may instead bring in crackers or bread or a dessert.  You will have plenty of time to enjoy this meal and still see the real Super Bowl!  Game time is set for 6:30pm ET.  So no excuses.  Please plan to attend.  The food is always good and the fellowship is GREAT!  Please sign the sign-up sheet in the vestibule or call the church office so that we may better plan this event.

6th Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     For the worship bulletin, scripture, announcements, and Communitas, click on this Worship Bulletin link.  For the live stream worship service, click on this "Yes, Yes or No, No" link.

     For more information about the worship services throughout the season of Epiphany, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.

Burning of the Palms

Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 9:00am

     We will be having the annual burning of the palms outside on Sunday, February 12 during the 9:00am Sunday school hour, weather permitting.  Pastor Ben will be teaching why we use ash made from the Palm Sunday branches for our Ash Wednesday service, as well as demonstrating the tools and process of creating the Ash Wednesday ashes.
    If you have palms you would like to donate, you can bring them to the church office before Sunday, February 12.
    For information, please contact Terry Pastor, Chair of the Worship & Education Committee; or Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org" data-mce-href="mailto:office@sprucc.org">office@sprucc.org or PastorMotz@sprucc.org." data-mce-href="mailto:PastorMotz@sprucc.org.">PastorMotz@sprucc.org.

Youth Group Lock-In

Saturday, February 11 to Sunday, February 12, 2023

     Babysitting will be from 5:00-9:00pm on Saturday, February 11.  After the babysitting ends, our lock-in begins.  Youth participating in the lock-in should also participate in the 9:00am Sunday school classes and the 10:15am Sunday morning worship.  The lock-in will continue until the conclusion of the 10:15am worship service on Sunday, February 12 (ending around 11:30am).

     Youth and chaperones should bring sleep bag or blanket(s), pillow, modest sleepware, toiletries, and a change of clothing for Sunday.  A sleeping pad is also recommended.  You are encouraged to bring games and are welcome to bring snacks and movies (chaperones will have the final say on the appropriateness of the movies).

     For breakfast on Sunday, the youth will most likely walk to the Dunkin Donuts, pick out something to eat, and then return to the church to consume it.  The final details about breakfast will be decided by the youth at their Thursday, February 9 meeting.

     Click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page for more information about our youth group.

Valentine's Babysitting

Parents' Night Out

Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 5:00-9:00pm

     The Youth Group and their adult helpers are offering babysitting Saturday, February 11 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).

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

     The cost is $10 for the first child for the entire time. The cost for a second child is $5 more, third child $5 more, and so on. This cost includes a meal and activities. There is a limit of 10 children (ages 2 to 11) for this evening, so sign up early to save a spot.  The money raised will help support the ministries and activities of the Youth Group.

     Please sign up by calling the church office at 610-621-5770 or by emailing the church office at office@sprucc.org.  Leave a message including your name, phone number, number of children, their names and ages.  We will return your call as soon as possible.  Please call or e-mail by or before 3:00pm on Thursday, February 9 to make a reservation!

     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.
     For more information, please contact Beth Miller or the church office at 610-621-5770 oroffice@sprucc.org.

5th Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     For the worship bulletin, scripture, announcements, and Communitas, click on this Worship Bulletin link.  For the live stream worship service, click on this "Taking God's Light Into the World" link.

     For more information about the worship services throughout the season of Epiphany, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.

Visitation Care Team

Refresher Course

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 7:30pm

    As we are coming out of what is hopefully the worst of “COVID time,” hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and the like have resumed in-person visits.  This means that for the most part we are resuming our Visitation Care Team (VCT) support visitations.  This meeting will be an overview refresher about what we are to be doing, to best help facilitate care of our member, as  a part of our Visitation Care Team Ministry.

     All Elders (including those currently not on Consistory) and all others who are on the Visitation Care Team Ministry (VCTs) should participate in this meeting.

    If you cannot attend this, please contact our Care Team Coordinators: Geri Gammel and Terry Pastor or contact Pastor Ben Motz for scheduling an alternative date/time.

Ice Skating

Sunday, January 29, 2023 from 2:00-4:00pm

     The Youth Group will be going ice skating on Sunday, January 29.  Friends and family are invited.  Children who are younger than Youth Group age need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

     Mark your calendars, and look for more details here in the near future.

     Click on this Youth Fellowship Group link for more information about our youth group.

     For more information about this event, 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.

4th Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     For the worship bulletin, scripture, announcements, and Communitas, click on this Worship Bulletin link.  For the live stream worship service, click on this "Blessed Are You" link.

     For more information about the worship services throughout the season of Epiphany, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.

Youth Communion Classes

Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 9:00am

    Pastor Ben Motz is offering classes for children, teens, and young adults who have not yet been confirmed, but who would like to participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion.  The classes give the opportunity for youth to have an understanding and greater reverence for the sacrament before participating.
    If you are unsure whether participating in communion is right for your child at this time, please note that youth do not need to commune after taking the class.  You can come to the class, learn more, and then decide afterwards.  However, if you do wish to commune, unconfirmed youth need to participate in the communion class or complete the confirmation program, so that they have a more complete understanding of what this Sacrament is about.

    If you would like to participate in the class, but are unable to attend on January 29, please contact the church office or Pastor, as with enough interest, the Pastor will hold another Youth & Communion Class on the following Sunday, Feburary 5 at 9:00am.
    For more details about children and communion, you can pick up a copy of our church’s “Children & Communion” booklet from the church office.   For more information, please contact the Pastor at 610-621-5770 orPastorMotz@sprucc.org.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 4:00pm

3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     For more information about the worship services throughout the season of Epiphany, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.

Families & Young Children Ministries

Planning Meeting

Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 9:00am

     In 2023, we are beginning a new "Families & Young Children Ministry."  Our first planning meeting will be with Pastor Ben during the 9:00am Sunday school time on Sunday, January 22.  This is especially geared for families with children who are younger than 5th grade (younger than our youth group age).

Installation of Leadership

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 10:15am

Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

        We will be celebrating in the installation of our new Consistory, chairpersons, and other elected leadership on Sunday, January 15 during our 10:15am worship service. We hope that you will join us in-person or virtually to celebrate this special day with them, and offer them your support and thankfulness for their servant leadership.

Closing of the 2022 Books

Sunday, January 8, 2023

    Thank you to all who have been mailing their tithes and offerings to the church office, dropping it in the mail slot, giving electronically, or have been placing your offerings in the offering plate.

     We will be closing the 2022 books on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
     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 2022.  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 2022 contribution year, they need to: (a) be received by the counting team by worship on Sunday, January 8; and (b) be dated for 2022.  As of January 1, all other contributions will be attributed to the 2023 giving year.
     For additional information about donations, please contact the Financial Secretary, Terry Pastor at the church office or at finsec@sprucc.org.
Expenses
     All bills and reimbursement requests: (a) must be submitted to the Treasurer, Terry Pastor, by the end of worship on Sunday, January 8, 2023; and (b) be dated for 2022.  As of January 1, all other expenditures will be attributed to the 2023 fiscal/budget year.
     For additional information about expenses, please contact the church Treasurer, Terry Pastor.