Recent and Upcoming Events
Youth Fellowship Group Bi-Monthly Meetings
Thursday, March 9 & 30, 2023 from 6:00-7:00pm
Thursday, April 13 & 27, 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, March 9, 2023 at 5:30pm
Thursday, April 13, 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.
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.
Four times were offered in January and February. Three more times are being offered in March.
Our next set of small group dates/times are:
Monday, March 20 at 10:00am
Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30pm
Sunday, March 26 at 11:30am (after worship)
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, March 30 from 4:00 - 6:00pm
Thursday, April 27 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.
Women's Monthly Luncheon
Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:30am (reservation deadline March 6)
Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 11:30am (reservation deadline April 10)
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!
Mid-Week Afternoon Community Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 12:00noon
Zion ELCA in Womesldorf will be hosting our first Conrad Weiser Ministerium Wednesday community afternoon Lenten Service this year. The Rev. Mary Etta Mest will be the preacher. The worship service begins at 12:00noon, followed by a free light luncheon beginning at about 12:30pm.
Lent is a season where we increase our spiritual disciplines to strengthen us in faith and in relationship with our Lord God, as Jesus strengthened himself in faith in the 40 days in the wilderness. One of the ways in which we strengthen our faith (as well as strengthen our fellowship with our fellow Christians within our school district) is through this additional mid-week worship service durng this season of Lent.
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 6:30pm
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Wednesday = Low
For the Wednesdays during Lent, we will have a short evening prayer service beginning at 6:30pm. These services will be offered in-person, and via live stream, phone stream and Facebook Live.
This year the dialogue 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 second in the series will be a dialogue between Sampson's father and Sampson's mother. 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.
2nd Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low
More information coming soon......
Mid-Week Afternoon Community Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 12:00noon
Trinity ELCA in Robesonia will be hosting our second Conrad Weiser Ministerium Wednesday community afternoon Lenten Service. The worship service begins at 12:00noon, followed by a free light luncheon beginning at about 12:30pm.
Lent is a season where we increase our spiritual disciplines to strengthen us in faith and in relationship with our Lord God, as Jesus strengthened himself in faith in the 40 days in the wilderness. One of the ways in which we strengthen our faith (as well as strengthen our fellowship with our fellow Christians within our school district) is through this additional mid-week worship service durng this season of Lent.
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:30pm
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Wednesday = Low
For the Wednesdays during Lent, we will have a short evening prayer service beginning at 6:30pm. These services will be offered in-person, and via live stream, phone stream and Facebook Live.
This year the dialogue 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 next in the series will be a dialogue between Adam and Eve. 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.
3rd Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low
More information coming soon......
Mid-Week Afternoon Community Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 12:00noon
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Wednesday = Low
The United Church of Christ of Robesonia will be hosting this Wednesday's Conrad Weiser Ministerium community afternoon Lenten Service. The worship service will be in our sanctuary from 12:00-12:30pm, followed by a free light luncheon in Miller Fellowship Hall.
Lent is a season where we increase our spiritual disciplines to strengthen us in faith and in relationship with our Lord God, as Jesus strengthened himself in faith in the 40 days in the wilderness. One of the ways in which we strengthen our faith (as well as strengthen our fellowship with our fellow Christians within our school district) is through this additional mid-week worship service durng this season of Lent.
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 6:30pm
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Wednesday = Low
For the Wednesdays during Lent, we will have a short evening prayer service beginning at 6:30pm. These services will be offered in-person, and via live stream, phone stream and Facebook Live.
This year the dialogue 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 next in the series will be a dialogue between Pilate and Pilate's wife. 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.
Time to Make Easter Candy!
Beginning Friday, March 17, 2023
Sales are up and we are looking for many volunteers to help with the Easter candy making this year. We need help in a variety of ways: set up tables, assemble boxes, roll coconut or peanut butter balls, dip in chocolate, put candy in boxes, label, and clean up (with occasional sampling). Normally we start on a Sunday, but with so many orders coming in, we are starting on Friday, March 17. No previous experience is required, both men and women, young and old are wanted. The work isn't hard. Everyone works together in the same area so there are various conversations going on, helpful tips being passed to one another, good camaraderie taking place. Lunch is provided. You need not come at the start, nor stay until the end. Come when you can and stay for as long as you can. If you have questions or need clarification, contact the church via phone (610-621-5770) or email (office@sprucc.org).
For more information about how to help, please contact Sue Hiester, chair of the 21st Century Christian Women's Group, or any member of the Women's Group, or the church offfice.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, March 17 - 12:00pm: mix and roll
Saturday, March 18 - 9:00am: mix and roll, assemble boxes, setup tables
Sunday, March 19 - 2:00pm: mix and roll, coat, pack boxes
Monday, March 20 - 8:30am: coat, pack boxes, fill orders, clean up
Tuesday, March 21 - 8:30am: coat, pack boxes, fill orders, clean up
Wednesday, March 22 - 8:30am: coat, pack boxes, fill orders, clean up
Thursday, March 23 - 8:30am (if needed): finish up
Saturday, April 1 - 9:00am: finish packing, fill and assemble all orders
Sunday, April 2 - 9:00am to 1:00pm: candy pickup
4th Sunday in Lent
Laetare Sunday
Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low
During worship we will be receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Please continue to scroll down to learn more about this ministry.
Laetare Sunday is a Sunday of "Joy" as we pass the half way point of the somber season of Lent. In some traditions, Laetare Sunday is a day to take a small break in your Lenten fast. In some churches, pink/rose colored paraments are used to highlight this day, as the liturgical color of "joy". Let us join together - even if by live stream - in joy of the Good News of our Lord.
For information about the Lenten worship services, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
Sunday, March 19, 2023 during worship
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) supports partners in countries with ministries that fund health, education and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries and both international and domestic disaster response, administered by Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources.
This is one of our national UCC "Five for Five" annual offerings, and is received on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
In Galatians, the Apostle Paul encourages followers of Jesus to generously help and care for others. Though there is great need in the world and we can grow weary because we do not know how to help, God's Spirit energizes and re-energizes us in every season.
We can make a difference. We do make a differance. Your generosity makes all the difference. Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing provide immediate aid and long-term support to people experiencing hunger, thirst, disaster, or crisis around the world.
The need has never been greater. The opportunity is now. It's time to share.
So let's not allow ourselves to get
fatigued doing good. At the right
time we will harvest a good crop
if we don't give up...
Galatians 6:9
Mid-Week Afternoon Community Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 12:00noon
Trinity ELCA in Wernersville will be hosting our fourth Conrad Weiser Ministerium Wednesday community afternoon Lenten Service. The worship service begins at 12:00noon, followed by a free light luncheon beginning at about 12:30pm.
Lent is a season where we increase our spiritual disciplines to strengthen us in faith and in relationship with our Lord God, as Jesus strengthened himself in faith in the 40 days in the wilderness. One of the ways in which we strengthen our faith (as well as strengthen our fellowship with our fellow Christians within our school district) is through this additional mid-week worship service durng this season of Lent.
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6:30pm
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Wednesday = Low
This year the dialogue 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 next in the series will be a dialogue between Peter and Paul. 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.
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.
Easter Candy Sale
Order Due Date: March 26, 2023
Pick Up Date: April 1, 2023
Our church's 21st Century Christian Women's Group is now receiving orders for their annual Easter Candy Sale. Proceeds help support the many important ministries you find on this website. This is a delicious way to support the ministries of the church, and a satisfying way to bring an end to your Lenten fast.
An order form is available by clicking on this Easter Candy Order Form link. Please print out the form and send it to the church office by mail or email along with your payment. Please note the details found on the order form. All orders must be paid for when placed. Paper copies of the order form are also available on a table in the church's upstairs hallway, or you may contact the church office and a copy will be sent to you. All orders are due Sunday, March 26.
Paper order forms and payment can be handed in within the church building or mailed to:
United Church of Christ of Robesonia
Attn: Women's Group
301 West Penn Avenue
Robesonia, PA 19551
E-mail order forms should be emailed to: Office@sprucc.org
Secure online payments may made at this Online Candy Order Payment link.
Orders may be picked up at the church building on Saturday, April 1 between 9:00am and 1:00pm, or after the 10:15am worship service on Sunday, April 2.
For more information, please contact Sue Hiester, chair of the 21st Century Christian Women's Group or the church office.
Easter Flowers
Order Due Date: March 26, 2023
Pick Up: Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 after the 6:30am or 10:15am worship services
Flowers sprouting out of the ground are signs for us as Christians of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter, and the rebirth to new life we experience through him. Flowers also add to the beauty of the Easter season at St. Paul's UCC. The Decorating Committee is taking orders for potted Easter Flower plants to put on display in the sanctuary for Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior! Dedication of the flowers to honor or remember special loved ones will be printed in the Easter Sunday bulletin.
To place an order please click on this Easter Flower Order Form link.
Print out the form and send it to the church along with your payment. Please note the details found on the order form. All orders must be paid for when placed. Paper copies of the order form are also available on the upstairs hallway table at church, or you may contact the church office and a copy will be sent to you. All orders are due Sunday, March 26.
Paper order forms and payment can be handed in within the church building or mailed to:
United Church of Christ of Robesonia
Attn: Easter Flowers
301 West Penn Avenue
Robesonia, PA 19551
E-mail order forms should be emailed to: Office@sprucc.org
Secure online payments may made at this Online Easter Flower Purchase link.
Thank you in advance for placing an order!
You may take home your flowers after the 6:30am or 10:15am worship services on Easter Sunday (April 9). For more information please contact Denise Unger or the church office.
Prayers of Remembrance Worship Service
5th Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Sunday = Low
During this worship service we will have Prayers of Remembrance for our sisters in faith, Priscilla A. Graeff and Julie L. Reber. We hope that you will join us to lift them up in prayer.
Today is the last day to order Easter candy and Easter flowers. Candy donations for the Easter Egg Hunt are due today as well.
For more information about our worship services during Lent, please contact any member of the Worship Committee (Terry Pastor, Vice Chair).
Mid-Week Afternoon Community Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 12:00noon
St. John's (Hain's) UCC in Wernersville will be hosting our fifth and final Conrad Weiser Ministerium Wednesday community afternoon Lenten Service. The worship service begins at 12:00noon, followed by a free light luncheon beginning at about 12:30pm.
Lent is a season where we increase our spiritual disciplines to strengthen us in faith and in relationship with our Lord God, as Jesus strengthened himself in faith in the 40 days in the wilderness. One of the ways in which we strengthen our faith (as well as strengthen our fellowship with our fellow Christians within our school district) is through this additional mid-week worship service durng this season of Lent.
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 6:30pm
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
COVID Safety Precaution Level for this Wednesday = Low
This year the dialogue 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.
Tonight's series will be a dialogue between Elijah and the Widow. Rev. Mary Etta Mest is the author of these dialogues and they are both insightful and entertaining. Please join us as this final segment of the dialogue series is completed. Tonight is the last of our Wednesday evening worship services during Lent.
Reading Royals Hockey
Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 4:00pm
Our "Young Children and Families Ministry" is planning a trip to a Reading Royals Hockey Game on Saturday, April 1 at 4:00pm. The group rate cost is $18.00 per person.
This event is open to people of all ages, and you are invited to invite friends and family to participate, as well.
We hope that through fellowship events, such as this one, we can help strengthen our Godly, loving, supporting friendships with each other, as members of the Body of Christ, as well as to provide opportunities for people to connect with us beyond the Sunday morning pew.
For tickets, please contact Stephanie Spahn or the church office at office@sprucc.org or 610-621-5770 by Sunday, March 26.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Deadline to receive Egg Hunt Candy
Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 9:00am - Egg Hunt
We will be holding our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2, during our regularly scheduled Sunday school time for children from birth to 6th grade. It will start in Miller Fellowship Hall where we will first hear an Easter story. Then, weather permitting, we will go outside to the grass and hunt for goodies! If the weather is poor, then the hunt will take place indoors. Whether inside or out, the children will be broken up into different age groups with each age group hunting at their designated moment. This enables parents with children in multiple age groups to watch each of their children hunt for eggs. Please remember to bring your basket or bag. Invite your family and friends! We look forward to seeing you there!
We are asking for donations of individually wrapped candy or small toys or items to put into the plastic eggs. Please , NO hard boiled eggs. Candy donations may be placed into the basket or container located upstairs in the church. In order to have enough time to fill the plastic eggs, please bring your candy to the church no later than Sunday, March 26th. Thank you!
For more information, please contact coordinator Brenda Conlon or Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship & Education Committee) or any member of the Worship & Education Committee or the church office at 610-621-5770.
Palm/Passion Sunday
6th Sunday in Lent
Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, & In-person
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 information about the Lenten worship services, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship & Education Committee) or any member of the Worship & Education Committee.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 6:30pm
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 6 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. However, we will have a Good Friday Vigil on Friday, April 7th.
Due to the logistics of starting in the fellowship hall and moving to the sanctuary, this worship service will be live only. However, we will replay a virtual worship service from a previous year on our YouTube Live Stream & Phone Stream, so that those remaining at home may still participate in the scripture lessons, music, and worship of Maundy Thursday.
Good Friday Prayer Vigil
Friday, April 7, 2023 from 7:00am - 7:00pm
The Good Friday Prayer Vigil will be on Friday, April 7th. Pray alone in church for a half-hour or an hour. We will have some items to help you to pray such as the prayer list in the bulletin and the inspirational books called "Our Daily Bread". You may bring a newspaper to pray for our community, our country, the world. A sign-up paper will be on a table in the upstairs hallway so you may sign up for the time(s) you want. Rev. Mary Etta Mest will be in the building throughout that time, but your sacred time in the sanctuary should be undisturbed.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 9, 2023
6:30am - Sunrise Worship
In-person Only
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.
Because this worship service begins outdoors and ends in the sanctuary, this year's sunrise worship service will be in-person only. However the 10:15am worship service will be hybrid.
9:00am - Sunday School
We will have our usual Sunday school classes for all ages at our usual 9:00am time.
10:15am - Worship
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live & In-person
Our second Easter worship service will take place at our regular time 10:15am. We will have a children'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 Vice Chairperson).
Holy Humor Sunday
2nd Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live & In-Person
Each year we pick a different theme and this year's Holy Humor theme will soon be announced. As always we will have humor during worship, as well as activities for youth. You are invited to come dressed for the theme and what it means to you. Stay tuned to learn what the theme is. No matter what it is we hope you will come and hear the fun message about the Good News that Christ brings to all of humanity.
What 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
We have 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 (Terry Pastor, Vice Chairperson) or contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org.
Previous Holy Humor Themes
You can view pictures from some of our previous years by clicking on the following links:
2022 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "Good News"
2021 Holy Humor Sunday - Theme: "There's No Business Like God's Business"
2020 Holy Humor Sunday - Cancelled due to COVID-19
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"
3rd Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, Zoom, & In-person
For information about our worship services, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.
Native Garden Planting
Earth Day at Blue Marsh
Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 9:00am-12:00noon
For Earth Day, our "Young Children and Families Ministry" is planning to participate in "Native Garden Planting Event" at at Blue Marsh this year. God calls upon us to be good stewards of creation, and this activity is one way in which we can live that out and teach good environmental stewardship to our children.
This activity is open to people of all ages; friends and family are welcome. There is no cost to participate.
What to Bring/Wear:
Water
Packed Lunch/Snacks
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Clothes that can get dirty/muddy
Hat to protect you from the sun is recommended
Work gloves
Shovels and/or trowels (if you have them)
Your love of nature and God's creation
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.
Good Shepherd Sunday
4th Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 10:15am
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, Zoom, & In-person
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. On this weekend, we focus on how Jesus is our shepherd, always watching out for us and saving us.
For information about our worship services, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.
Family Fishing Program!
Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 2:00pm
Blue Marsh Stilling Basin
Do you like to fish? Do you wish you knew more about how to fish? Are you a little rusty and need a refresher course? The Youth Group is organizing a Family Fishing Program for all ages. It will be held in the afternoon on Sunday, May 7th at the Blue Marsh Stilling Basin. The Fish and Boat Commission will be presenting the program to teach families about fishing. Children and their parents are invited to attend (children should be accompanied by an adult). If you have a fishing rod bring it along, if not there will be some rods available to share. The Commission does need a head count about a month prior to the event so that they may plan accordingly. The instructor's fishing license will cover everyone fishing that day so an individual license will not be necessary. Please check your calendar and put your name on the sign-up sheet at church if you will be able to attend. We will meet in the church parking lot around 1:00pm and drive over together, or you may meet the group at the Stilling Basin. The program will begin at 2:00pm. This is a free program. NO fee.
Family Movie Night
Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 4:00pm
Wine & Strawberry Festival
Saturday, June 3, 2022 from 3:00-6:00pm
We will be offering our community a Wine & Strawberry Festival on the first Saturday of June from 3:00-6:00pm.
We are planning wine tasting from local wineries (including strawberry wine slushies), live music, a bouncy house and inflatible slide for kids, crafts for kids, prayer tent, hot dogs, popcorn, cake, ice cream, and of course strawberries.
To help with the festival in general, please contact Cory Putt. To help cook and serve food, please contact Brian Keppley, chair of the Men's Fellowship Group.
With over 500 people attending last year, we hope that this second annual festival will again be a great way for us to connect with our neighbors and offer a fun activity for our community.
Annual Car Show
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Save the date for our 17th Annual Car Show, and look for more information here in the future.
For more information and to help with this event, please contact the Men’s Fellowship Group, chaired by Brian Keppley, or contact Head Deacon - Cory Putt.
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
Sunday School Resumes
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 9:00am
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.
Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Mark your calendars and save the date for our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest. Look for more information in the future.
We are planning beer, wine tasting, food, live music, prayer tent, inflatables and crafts for kids, and more.
For more information and to help with this event, please contact the Men’s Fellowship Group, chaired by Brian Keppley, or contact Head Deacon - Cory Putt.
~ ~ ~ Upcoming Events in 2024 ~ ~ ~