Recent and Upcoming Events
Women's Monthly Luncheon
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:30am (reservation deadline October 9)
Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:30am (reservation deadline November 6)
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, 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, October 12, 2023 at 5:30pm
Thursday, November 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.
Women's Fellowship Group Meeting
Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:00pm
Monday, November 20, 2023 at 7:00pm
The Women's Group is open to all women of the church. They usually meet on the third Monday of each month. 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, October 26 from 4:00 - 6:00pm
Thursday, November 30: Cancelled for November
Thursday, December 14 from 4:00 - 6:00pm: Note the earlier date
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.
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.
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 - Cancelled
Please note, we did not have anyone register for the October 9 session, and as such that session has been cancelled.
“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.
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.
Duncan's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 3:00pm
On October 29th Duncan's Corn Maze will be open to all UCC of Robesonia members and the Youth Group. This event will be from 3:00-8:00pm and there will be a separate area with a fire pit to roast hot dogs, make smores, and go through the maze. There is no charge for the event. All family and friends are welcome to attend. RSVP's are required in order to coordinate and have sufficient supplies. At the maze that day everyone will sign in with Wanda Moore at her area and get an arm band to receive admission into the maze. RSVP's must be received by October 22nd. Contact Wanda Moore directly or contact the church office. Many thanks to Wanda for hosting this event.
Duncan's Corn Maze is located at 30 Quarry Road, Robesonia. While the corn maze is quite enjoyable there's also a pumpkin patch and lots of things for the little ones to have fun with - a slide, haybales, and a corn box.
When you arrive look for Wanda's reserved area and check in with her. You may arrive at a time convenient to you between 3:00 and 8:00pm. Every year the maze has a different theme. The 2023 theme is a Zebra. Join us for a fun afternoon/evening.
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
Registration Due: Sunday, November 12
The Youth Group is planning on going rock climbing at Reading Rocks on Thursday, November 16 from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
The cost is $10 per person. Cost includes admission and harness rental. Friends, parents, and siblings are invited. Those younger than youth group age (younger than 5th grade), must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Pizza, soda, and water will be provided at no additional charge.
Please wear sneakers, comfortable pants, and comfortable shirt. We recommend bringing a bottle of water. Please do not wear loose jewelry or other articles that could get caught on the rock wall. 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.
Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Look for more information in the near future.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 6:30pm
Hybrid: Live Stream, Phone Stream, Facebook Live, Zoom, & In-person
We are hosting a community Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. There will be a combined choir from local churches, directed by the Rev. Robert Masenheimer. Our featured preacher will be the Rev. Eileen Smith LeVan, Associate Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Robesonia. There will be a children's sermon and children's bulletins, followed by light refreshments and fellowship. We hope you will join us to praise God and celebrate our blessings as a community.
For the Live Stream, click on this Thanksgiving Eve Live Stream link; for the bulletin, click on this worship bulletin link.
For information about our worship services, please contact Terry Pastor (Vice Chair of the Worship Committee) or any member of the Worship Committee.
Family Movie Night
Saturday, November 25, 2023 - Cancelled
Our free Family Movie Night is held on the last Saturday of the month at 4:00pm.
Due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weekends, there will be NO movie night in November or December. Our monthly movie night will resume on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4:00pm
Youth Group Lock-In
Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 7:00pm
to Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 11:30am
We will be having a lock-in (a sleep over) at the church building from Saturday, December 2 to Sunday, December 3 for youth group age youth. This will begin on Saturday at 7:00pm, continue throughout the night, and into Sunday morning with 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, December 3 (ending around 11:30am).
This is a free activity. Please sign up by Sunday, November 26, so we can plan for your attendance.
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, November 30 meeting.
Click on this Youth Fellowship Group link to go to our youth group page for more information about our youth group.
Family Movie Night
Saturday, December 30 - Cancelled
As families and friends are gathering with one another over the holiday weekend, we are cancelling the December movie night. We hope you will join us in the new year on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4:00pm for our next movie night
Our monthly family movie night generally takes place at 4:00pm on the last Saturday of the month, and is a part of our "Families & Young Children Ministries."
~ ~ ~ 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