Recent and Upcoming Events

 

 

Epiphany Sunday

The Arrival of the Wise Men

New Years Day

Sunday, January 1, 2023 at 9:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     Please note the earlier 9:15am time for worship on this Sunday.

     Epiphany is the celebration of the arrival of the Wise Men to Bethlehem, revealing the good news of the Christian message and the reign of Christ being for the whole world.  Although, we are celebrating Epiphany on January 1, the season of Epiphany begins on Friday, January 6 and continues until Ash Wednesday.

   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.

 

Sunday School

     Youth and Adult Sunday School Classes are CANCELLED for December 25, 2022 and January 1, 2023.  Click on the following links to check out our Online Children & Youth Sunday School Resources and our Online Adult Study Resources to engage in God's word at home.

     Sunday School will resume at 9:00am on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

 

 

 

Annual Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner

Sunday, January 1, 2023 from 11:00am to 2:00pm

     Yes, we will be having our annual Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner on New Year's Day!  It will be Take-Out or Dine-In.  

     The meal includes pork, sauerkraut, green beans, mashed potatoes, applesauce, roll and cake.  The cost is $12.00 per meal.  You may pay with cash or a check (payable to St. Paul's UCC in Robesonia).  You may also pay online in advance by clicking on this online giving link; enter "Pork Dinner" plus number of meals in the "Fund-Raiser" line; print your receipt; and bring your receipt with you.  If paying in advance online, those online orders must be made by 6:00pm Saturday, December 31, to ensure sufficient meals will be set aside for you.  We will continue serving meals until 2:00pm, or until we run out of food; we do recommend you come early.

     This fund-raiser helps us begin the New Year well, by giving financial support to the many ministries and mission efforts of St. Paul's UCC at the beginning of January.  If you are not interested in pork and sauerkraut for New Years, but would still like to offer financial support on New Year's Day, you may make an online contribution, or send a contribution to "St. Paul's UCC, 301 West Penn Avenue, Robesonia, PA 19551."

     For those who are perhaps new to the area, pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day is a tradition for many/most Pennsylvania-German (Pennsylvania-Deustche) families.  It is a delicious way to begin the new year.  Komm onct and eat yourself full!

 

 

 

Closing Worship Service as Two Separate Churches

Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     St. Paul’s UCC and Zion UCC have voted to become one new church together, within the current St. Paul’s buidling, as the “United Church of Christ of Robesonia.”  In bringing closure to who we have been separately, we will have a “closing worship service” the day before our “opening worship service.”

     To view our YouTube Live Stream, click on this Live Stream - "Closing Worship Service" link.

 

 

 

Opening Worship Service of Our Newly Unified Church

Baptism of Christ Sunday

1st Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     On this Sunday, those interested in being members of the new United Church of Christ of Robesonia will be reaffirming their membership vows, as we have our official opening worship service of our new church.  The pastors and congregation will be reaffirming their relationship with one another; we will be celebrating in Holy Communion with both communion sets; and we will be celebrating the Baptism of Christ.

     For information about how to join the new church, please click on this joining the newly unified United Church of Christ of Robesonia link.

        To view our YouTube Live Stream, click on this Live Stream - "Opening Worship Service" link.

 

    If you plan to participate via Zoom, please use the following Zoom information:

          Meeting ID: 104 401 368

          Passcode: 301301

To log in either use the Zoom app; or go to Zoom.com and click “Join A Meeting;” or use the following address:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/104401368?pwd=WGs0YnlEYXVGTWl2ZDJCalNrSkI0UT09;
or use a telephone by calling: +1 301 715 8592 (Washington DC).

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Youth Fellowship Group Bi-Monthly Meetings

Thursday, January 12 & 26, 2023 from 6:00-7:00pm

Thursday, February 9 & 23, 2023 from 6:00-7:00pm

      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).

     We continue to hold our youth group meetings in-person.  If you would like to join by Zoom, please let us know.  Fully vaccinated youth and adults do not need to wear a mask while socially distant for youth group activities, all others continue to need to wear a mask while indoors, and optional while socially distant outdoors.

     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.

 

Youth Group Advisors Meetings

Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 5:30pm

Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 5:30pm

     The Adult Youth Group Advisors meet on the second Thursday of the month at 5:30pm (half an hour before the youth group meeting).  Our adult advisors are approved through our SafeConduct process, and seek to provide a well supervised, safe, fun, and meaningful youth group experience.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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).

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Getting to Know the Pastors

    Pastor Ben and Pastor Mary Etta are scheduling small group gathering times for you to meet with them, for you to get to know them a little better and for them to get to know you a little better, as well as to hear from you your hopes, dreams, ideas, etc for our new church.

     Please sign up either by emailing/calling the church office or using the sign up sheet in the hallway.  So that this can be a small group experience, we are limiting the number of people for each gathering.  As the groups fill up, we will add more dates/times for gathering.  Their goal is to meet in small groups with every able-bodied member who lives in the area.
     Our first four time slots are:
          Tuesday, January 24 at 1:30pm
          Tuesday, January 31 at 1:30pm
          Tuesday, February 7 at 6:30pm
          Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30pm

     To sign up for a time slot, simply email or call the church office at office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770; or use the sign up sheet on the table in the upstairs sanctuary hallway.

 

 

 

Soup 'n' Such & Kids Clothing Closet

Held on the Last Thursday of the Month

Currently Dine-In or Take-Out: Subject to Change 

Thursday, January 26 from 4:00 - 6:00pm

Thursday, February 23 from 4:00 - 6:00pm

     On the last Thursday of the month from 4:00-6:00pm, we offer a free meal, which we call "Soup 'n' Such" and free children's clothing (one bag per child) through our "Kids Clothing Closet".  You can also schedule an appointment to pick up clothing by calling the office at 610-621-5770.

     In addition to food and clothing, we would be happy to be in prayer with you individually and/or add a name and a need to our prayer chain or prayer list.

     All are welcome to share in this meal -- we do NOT have any income, residency, or religious affiliation requirements.

     Through these two ministries we seek to share live out the teachings of Christ in sharing the love of God in both practical and spiritual ways (Matthew 25:14-46).

 

Volunteers

Donations

     We accept donations of gently used, clean clothing, in good condition, which can be placed under the roof at the Pearl Street doors on the left.

     Monetary donations enable us to purchase the food to make these meals possible.  Click on this Supporting Soup 'n' Such link for information about donating.

 

More Information

      For more information about these ministries click on this Soup 'n' Such or Kids Clothing Closet links.

 

 

 

Family Movie Night

Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 4:00pm

 

 

 

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 or PastorMotz@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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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!

     Look here for the cost and more details, after the January 12 youth group meeting.  The money raised will help support the ministries and activities of the Youth Group.

     Please sign up by contacting the church office at 610-621-5770 at office@sprucc.org.  Leave a message including your name, phone number, number of children and their names.  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 or office@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).

     The youth will be making breakfast on Sunday.  The final details on the breakfast menu will be made 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.

 

 

 

Soup-er Bowl Sunday

Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 11:30am

     Save the date, and look for more information to be posted here in the near future.

 

 

 

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.

     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.

 

Family Movie Night

Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 4:00pm

 

Family Movie Night

Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 4:00pm

     On Saturday, March 25 at 4:00pm we will have a Family Movie Night.  All are welcome.  There is NO admission fee - it is FREE.  Refreshments are FREE.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 4:00pm

     On Saturday, April 29 at 4:00pm we will have a Family Movie Night.  All are welcome.  There is NO admission fee - it is FREE.  Refreshments are FREE.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 4:00pm

Worship at Knoebels Amusement Park

Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 10:30am

     We will be gathering for worship at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA at Pavilion Tent #4 on the second 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 - pool opens

          12:00pm - park opens

            6:00pm - pool closes

            8:00pm - park closes

 

Hybrid Worship at St. Paul's on August 13

     For those who are unable to journey with us to Knoebels, we are planning to have our usual in-person and virtual worship service in the sanctuary of St. Paul's UCC at 10:15am.

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

 

 

 

~ ~ ~ Upcoming Events in 2024 ~ ~ ~

 

 

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