Recent and Upcoming Events

Women's Monthly Luncheon

Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 11:30am (reservation deadline August 7)

Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 11:30am (reservation deadline September 11)

     Each month on the second Thursday the women of the church and their friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the Country Fare Restaurant in Myerstown (located at 498 E. Lincoln Avenue, Myerstown).  This is just an informal social gathering to spend time together and get to know each other better.  The women meet at 11:30am to avoid some of the lunch time rush.  It makes for a very pleasant gathering.

     If you are interested in attending, please let Rev. Mary Etta Mest know so that she may reserve a table large enough to fit everyone.  She will need to know by the Monday of the luncheon week.  She may be contacted at 610-659-2775 or mestme@aol.com.  We hope that you will join us!

Youth Fellowship Group Bi-Monthly Meetings

Thursday, September 14 & 28, 2023 from 6:00-7:00pm

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

Thursday, November 9 & 30, 2023 from 6:00-7:00pm

Thursday, December 14, 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).

     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, August 10, 2023 at 5:30pm

Thursday, September 14, 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.

Women's Fellowship Group Meeting

Will resume Monday, August 21, 2023 at 7:00pm

Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:00pm

     For more information, please contact Sue Hiester, chairperson, or any member of the 21st Century Christian Women's Fellowship Group.

Soup 'n' Such & Kids Clothing Closet

Held on the Last Thursday of the Month

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

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

Thursday, September 28 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.

Annual Car Show

Food, Fun and Fellowship!

Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 10:00am to 3:00pm

     Our 17th Annual Car Show will take place rain or shine on Saturday, August 12 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.  The show will take place behind the church in the grass lot.  It will be a fun event with food, music from the 50's and 60's, and loads of good looking classic cars.  Six trophy awards will be presented in the following categories:  Antique, Classic, Modified, Truck, Special Interest and Best of Show. 

     If you would like to pre-register, please do so by August 7, 2023.  You may also register on the day of the show.  The pre-registration cost is $12.00 per car.  Registration on the day of the show is $15.00 per car.  The first 100 cars to register will receive a free gift.  To obtain a registration form, please click on this registration link.  You may then download and print the form.  Please follow the instructions found on the form.  If you would like a form sent to you, please call the church at 610-621-5770.

     For more information and/or to help with this event, please contact the Men’s Fellowship Group, chaired by Brian Keppley, or contact Head Deacon - Cory Putt.  You may also call the church office (610-621-5770).

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 UCC of Robesonia 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 UCC of Robesonia 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

12th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

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

13th Sunday after Pentecost

Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     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 information about our worship services, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.

14th Sunday after Pentecost

Labor Day Weekend

Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

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

Sunday School Resumes

15th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Sunday School at 9:00am

Sunday Worship at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

     Sunday school will resume the Sunday after Labor Day.  We are very much looking forward to reconnecting with youth and adults, after what has hopefully been a restful and re-energizing summer break, as we learn more about the Bible and God's love for us revealed in its teachings.  Sunday school is held from 9:00-9:45am.

Oktoberfest

Postponed until 2024

     Our thoughts are to delay the Oktoberfest until 2024.  Please look for more information in the future.

     If you would like to help with or be a part of this event, please contact the Men’s Fellowship Group, chaired by Brian Keppley, or contact Head Deacon - Cory Putt.

Rally Day: Carnival Theme

Sunday, September 17, 2023

During Sunday School: 9:00-9:45am

     We will be celebrating Rally Day on Sunday, September 17 beginning at 9:00am.  Rally Day is a time to invite and welcome everyone - members and nonmembers - to another year of Sunday School and Church. 

     For Rally Day Sunday the Sunday school area will be decorated using a carnival theme.  We will have a variety of carnival-type games for the kids to play, as well as popcorn and juice.  All children of the church and community are invited to attend.  

     We hope many will stay to worship at 10:15am.  Like all Sundays there will be mini-message for the children.  After the mini-message the children will be invited to go downstairs to the Sunday school area for Jr. Worship and a craft activity.  Jr. Worship is offered twice a month on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month.  It is a time when the children learn a little more about the Bible reading for that day through a craft activity.

     After church all are invited to our Annual Ketchup Sunday (see article below).  For dessert Sunday school will be providing ice cream sundaes.  Hmmm, good!  We hope you will stay and join us! 

Ketchup Sunday

16th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Sunday School at 9:00am

Worship at 10:15am

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

      COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

Fellowship Luncheon at 11:30am

     After worship on Sunday, September 17 we will be celebrating in our annual "Ketchup Sunday", with hot dogs, ketchup, and other refreshments.

     We hope this fellowship time will give us a chance to catch-up with each other after our summer vacations.  To help with catching up, you are invited to email the church office pictures from your summer vacation at office@sprucc.org.  If you have multiple picures, please do send them to the church.  We will include them in a summer vacation slide show which will be presented during the fellowship time.

     Ketchup Sunday is also about catching up with our missed offerings.  If you look through your offering envelope packet, you may find a few from the summer that you haven't yet used.  If so, you are invited and encouraged to bring those with you on September 17 (with an offering in them) and place them in the offering plate to be blessed and uplifted to God, and in doing so "Catch-Up" in your support of Christ's ministries through his church.  If you cannot attend, you may also mail those offerings to the office or contribute electronically.

     Whether you submit pictures or not, and whether you bring your envelopes or not, we hope that you will come, join in the refreshments, and catch up with your church family as we begin the fall.

17th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Sunday School at 9:00am

Worship at 10:15am

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

COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low

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

Called To Care Training

Session #1: Monday, September 25, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm

Session #2: Monday, October 9, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm

     “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.

     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 by the Sunday before each workshop (Sept 24 & Oct 8).

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 order to visit people on behalf of the church, members need to complete at least session #1 & #2, which addresses such issues as confidentiality, initiating a visit, basic do’s and don’t’s of a hospital or home visit, and more.

Elders:

     In order to have standing as an Elder (in order to be recognized by the "Elder" title/designation) in the United Church of Christ of Robesonia, all Elders (whether on Consistory or not) are to complete at least session #1 & #2 and have CHYLD Worker Status.  All elders who are providing communion are to also complete session #7, which goes over the serving of communion.

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) have approved CHYLD Worker Status 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 (Homebound) and Geri Gammel (Weekly Acute Care). 

     For more information about C2C or VCT Ministry, please contact Pastor Ben Motz at 610-621-5770 or PastorMotz@sprucc.org.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 4:00pm

Duncan's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 4:00pm

     Our Youth Group is organizing a visit to Duncan's Corn Maze on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 4:00pm.  This is open to family and friends of all ages. Admission is FREE.

     Duncan's Corn Maze is located at 30 Quarry Road, Robesonia.  Enjoy the corn maze, visit the pumpkin patch, or just hangout and enjoy snacks by the campfire.  Little ones can enjoy the slide, haybales, and corn box. 

     We will be gathering near the maze entrance at 4:00pm.  Every year the maze has a different theme.  The 2023 theme is a Zebra.  Join us for a fun afternoon.

CROP Walk

Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 1:15pm

Registration begins Sunday, Oct 8 at 12:30pm

      The Crop Walk helps raise funds and awareness for Church World Service (CWS) and Berks County's Helping Harvest Food Bank efforts to fight hunger.  As in year’s past, 75% of the money raised from this walk goes to support Church World Service’s mission to feed hungry people around the world by helping them develop self-sustaining methods of growing crops and raising livestock; 25% of the money raised will go to Helping Harvest, which provides food for those in need in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

     The walk takes place at Gring's Mill.  Registartion begins at 12:30pm; opening ceremonies are at 1:15pm; and the walk begins at 1:30pm.

     Walkers can choose to walk a 1, 3, or 5 mile loop on the Gring's Mill trail.  There is also the ability for people in wheelchairs to participate.

     To join our church's Crop Walk team click on this Join the United Church of Christ of Robesonia Crop Walk Team link.  You can also get a paper form and more information by contacting the church office, Pastor Ben Motz, or our Mission Committee leadership: Robin Henning, Jon Henning, or Cory Putt.

     If you are not interested/able to join in the Crop Walk, but would like to make a donation to this important effort, you can do so: (1) by sponsoring one of the youth who are walking; (2) securely on online by clicking on this online donation link and then click on "Crop Walk"; (3) mailing a donation marked "Crop Walk" to the church office payable to "United Church of Christ of Robesonia"; or (4) putting a donation in the offering plate, marking it "Crop Walk."

     Both our Youth Group and our Family & Children's Ministries plan to participate in this year's Crop Walk.

     Dress comfortably in layers, wear appropriate footwear (such as sneakers, walking shoes, or hiking boots), and bring water.  Depending on the forecast, you may wish to bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or jacket.

     Click on this CROP Hunger Walk for more information about this annual ecumenical ministry to fight local and global hunger.

Because of YOU Our Church Changes Lives

Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 10:15am

RSVP for Luncheon due Sunday, October 1

     During worship on this Sunday, we will be consecrating (blessing) our hands for the good gifts they give to further the ministry of Jesus Christ.  After worship, we will be having our annual celebration luncheon.  The luncheon is FREE.  However, in order to have enough food prepared, we encourage everyone to RSVP by Sunday, October 1.  You can do so by contacting the office at office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770, or sign up in person before/after worship on Sundays, Sept 17, Sept 24, or Oct 1.

Strengthening Personal Finances

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 7:00pm

     You are invited to a free workshop entitled, "Your Legacy: Family, Church, and Charity".  Learn how to leave behind a lasting legacy that celebrates the things that were most important to you.  Leave feeling better and more confident about your personal financial situation.  

     Please register by Sunday, October 15, 2023 so that we may prepare enough handouts and have sufficient refreshments.  

     This financial workshop is being offered by Roger Yoh, a personal finance expert from Thrivent Financial, which is a Fortune 500 Company and the financial branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  Some of you may know Roger as a graduate of Conrad Weiser High School.

     "Thrivent, a Fortune 500 diversified financial services organization, has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies" (The Reading Eagle, April 11, 2023, page A8).

Family Movie Night

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00pm

     On Saturday, October 28 at 4:00pm we will have a Family Movie Night.  All are welcome.  There is NO admission fee - it is FREE.  Refreshments are FREE.

Jack Frost Parade

Sunday, November 5, 2023

     The United Church of Christ of Robesonia will be participating in the Robesonia Jack Frost Parade this year.  Look here for more information about this annual parade in the near future.

Rock Climbing at Reading Rocks

Thursday, November 16, 2023 -  from 6:00-9:00pm

Early Bird Discount Registration - Due: Thursday, November 9

     The Youth Group is planning on going rock climbing at Reading Rocks on Thursday, November 16 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 

     We will be posting fees here in the near future.

     Please wear sneakers, comfortable pants, and comfortable shirt.  Please bring with you one a bottle of water.  Participants need to complete the Reading Rocks Waiver, which is available through the church office, or at Reading Rocks.  The climbing rules for Reading Rocks, can be viewed by clicking on this Reading Rocks Climbing Rules link.

    Reading Rocks is located at 550 George Street, Reading, PA 19605 (between the Fairgrounds Square Mall and Lowe's in Muhlenberg Township).

     For more information, please contact Pastor Ben Motz.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 4:00pm

     On Saturday, November 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.

~ ~ ~ Upcoming Events in 2024 ~ ~ ~

Farm Show

January 2024

     Our Youth Group is tentatively planning on going to the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January 2024.  Look for more information as the Farm Show week approaches.

     For more information about the Youth Group, please contact our adult advisors: Pastor Ben Motz, Geri Gammel, or Beth Miller.

Family Movie Night

Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4:00pm

     On Saturday, January 27 at 4:00pm we will have a Family Movie Night.  All are welcome.  There is NO admission fee - it is FREE.  Refreshments are FREE.

Snow Tubing

February 2024

     Our Youth Group is planning a snow tubing event this February.  Look for more information here in the future.

     For more information about the Youth Group, please contact our adult advisors: Pastor Ben Motz, Geri Gammel, or Beth Miller.

Battleship New Jersey & Aquarium

April 2024

     Our Youth Group is tentatively planning a sleep over on the Battleship New Jersey followed by a trip to the New Jersey Aquarium.  Look for more information here in the future.

     For more information about the Youth Group, please contact our adult advisors: Pastor Ben Motz, Geri Gammel, or Beth Miller.

Patriot Days

Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, 2024

     Mark your calendars....

     Our Youth Group will be having a campout at the Daniel Boone Homestead for the annual Patriot Days Encampment.

     For more information about the Youth Group, please contact our adult advisors: Pastor Ben Motz, Geri Gammel, or Beth Miller.

Worship at Knoebels Amusement Park

Sunday, August 11, 2024 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 UCC of Robesonia on August 11

     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 UCC of Robesonia 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

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