Shenkel United

Church of Christ

SHARINGS AND CONCERNS

April 2012

SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1580 Shenkel Road

Pottstown PA 19465

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Shenkel United Church of Christ’s “The NEWSLETTER” is a monthly publication prepared, edited, and mailed by the leadership and staff to all members and friends of the church. It communicates news about our life, purpose, and mission as a Church of Jesus Christ. Information related to our partnership as a member of the United Church of Christ and wider church/community out-reach is included on a regular basis. The Church is located at Unionville & Shenkel Roads in North Coventry Township.

April 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Palm Sunday No communion

2 3 4

Agape 7 PM

5 Community

Lunch Bunch 11:30 AM Choir: 6 PM

Service: 7 PM in social hall

6

Community Prayer Walk: 10 AM

Worship Service 7 PM

Easter Vigil follow-ing service

7

Vigil ends at 11:30 AM

8 Easter Sunday! No Sunday School today. Light Easter brunch between services

9

10

Quilters: 9:30 AM

Spiritual Council: 7 PM

Consistory: 7:30 PM

11 12

Choir 7 PM

13

Social Hall reserved for the evening

14

15

Holy Humor Sunday Youth Group meets after late worship

16

17

Mid-Day Dinner Club: Noon at The Brick House in Pottstown

18

Prayer Shawl Ministry: 7 PM

19

Healing Prayers: 9:15 AM

Card Making Class: 10 AM

Choir: 7 PM

20

Grief Workshop in social hall: 10 AM — Noon

21

―Taste of the Caribbean‖ 6 PM

22

Inquirer’s Class meets after 10:45 worship

23 24

Election Day Ursinus Asso-ciation Spring Meeting

25 26

No Choir tonight

27 28

Consistory Retreat: 9 AM

29

Inquirer’s Class meets after 10:45 worship

30

1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown PA 19465 610.326.3535

Email: shenkelucc@aol.com www.shenkelucc.org

PAGE 3

The Pastor’s Pen Pastor Bonnie L. Moore

484.524.8280

blmoore@comcast.net

Office Hours:

Tues., Wed., Thurs.

9 AM to 1 PM

CONSISTORY

OFFICERS

President

Glen Hoff

Vice President

James White

Secretary

Connie Armbruster

Treasurer

Ken Bevan

Financial Secretary

Chris Gray

Assistant Financial

Secretaries

Lori Scharneck

Doug Allen

Barry Miller

Director of

Music Ministry

Joan Valentine Johnson

Elders

Glen Hoff

Lynne Moyer

Connie Armbruster

Chris Gray

Gary McDermit

Deacons

Jeff Graef

Mark Dushanko

James White

Andrew Foss Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley

“I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you.”

- 2 Timothy 1:6

Although plans for my sabbatical (August 18 through November 23, 2013) are still unfolding and

will be not be final until we learn if we receive the Clergy Renewal Grant for which we are apply-

ing, here are a few of the anticipated pieces that I hope will excite you as much as they excite me:

1. While I am away, Shenkel’s part-time “sabbatical interim” will be an experienced UCC pas-

tor who will be inviting preachers from various countries and backgrounds to share the pul-

pit. You will have a first-hand taste of one of the formative periods of Shenkel’s history,

when, in the 1950s, coordinated by the Rev. Dr. Ed Schlingman, Shenkel’s pulpit was filled

by speakers from around the world!

2. The parsonage will be made available for several weeks during my sabbatical to a pastor

and his family who will travel here from Liberia. You will have a chance to learn much

from them as they share about their community and ministry back home, and they will learn

from you as you orient them to what will be a very unfamiliar lifestyle!

3. For part of my sabbatical, I will have the opportunity to participate in a different kind of

ministry, serving as a volunteer at The Seeing Eye, an organization that has nourished my

spirit and provided inspiration for my ministry (as you well know!) for years. By spending

time on their campus, I will have a unique opportunity to interact with staff, volunteers, and

students at The Seeing Eye, and to use my gifts for public speaking, spiritual nurture, com-

munity outreach, and dog training in new ways. While doing so, I will also be learning from

a non-church organization that excels in helping people develop their fullest potential by

recognizing and nurturing the gifts, abilities and strengths that lie within. I have always un-

derstood that to be one of my primary tasks as a pastor; I am looking forward to gaining new

insights for parish ministry from a non-profit organization that has been “tending fire” faith-

fully for over eighty years with staff, volunteers, people receiving Seeing Eye dogs, and

even puppies and dogs!

I will be sharing more details as plans evolve, but in the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t

hesitate to speak with me or any member of the Pastoral Relations Committee. I am looking for-

ward to this sabbatical being “the gift that keeps on giving” as I know we all will benefit from this

time of “tending fire” both while I am away and after I return.

Be God’s,

Pastor Bonnie

April 1 8:30 a.m. and

10:45 a.m.

Come sing "Hosanna!" with the crowd and participate

as our Lenten journey culminates in this joy-ful celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.

April 5

7:00 p.m.

Please join us at 7 P.M., in the Social Hall, to worship and share Holy Communion together. Perhaps this night will lead each of us into a deeper commit-ment with God and help prepare us for the glori-ous Easter message that will be revealed to all the world on Easter Sunday!

April 6 10:30 a.m.

The Pottstown Community Good Friday Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. from the green between Zion’s UCC and Emmanuel Lutheran on Hanover Street. Join us as we walk and pray for our community. Children, dogs and strollers welcome!

Tenebrae Service 7:00 p.m.

The drama continues as we recall Jesus’ painful march to Golgotha, his suffering and death on the cross, and the darkness that hung over the earth.

Easter Vigil –

Following the Good Friday Service, April 6, the vigil begins, and ends on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. This is a time of solitude and meditation. It is suggested that at least two people be pre-sent for one hour all through the night. Materials will be provided on which to meditate, or you may bring your own personal meditation to read. It is a time of quiet reflection.

There is a sign up chart in the Narthex for people wishing to participate in the Vigil. If you would like more information, contact Ann Baccari or the Church office.

April 8

Come sing "Alleluia!" as we celebrate Christ’s victory over the grave, and are assured, once more, that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love. 6:30 a.m. – Community Sunrise Service in the field across from Temple United Methodist Church at the intersection of Temple and Unionville Roads, Potts-

town. Breakfast will be served following the service – all are welcome! Our 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM services of worship will include joyful, inspiring music, a celebratory message, and Holy Communion. Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall between services; no Sunday School will be held that morning.

PAGE 4

SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

4/1

Palm Sunday

No communion

NEED SPONSOR

NEED SPONSOR

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Faye Pedrick

Early: Bill & Carolyn

Baseley

Late: Ed & Faye Pedrick

4/8

Easter Sunday

Communion

Joan and Doug

Johnson

NEED SPONSOR

Early: Jody Sweinhart

Late: Barbara Brown

*CUL:

Early: Gary McDermit

Late: Mark Dushanko

4/15

NEED SPONSOR

Sue and Gary

Stultz

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Bob Brown

Early: Barbara Sweinhart

Late: Andrew Foss

4/22

Lynne Moyer

NEED SPONSOR

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Jody Sweinhart

Early: Ron & Carol

Pearson

Late: Jody & Kaleena

Sweinhart

4/29

NEED SPONSOR

NEED SPONSOR

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Wendy Ambrose

Early: Bill & Carolyn

Baseley

Late: Wendy Ambrose &

Judy Comishock

* CUL = Communion Usher Leaders (will recruit members to assist in serving communion.)

PAGE 5

“Flours” is a collection of pantry items or

a monetary donation of your discretion to the Cluster. If a cash donation to the Cluster is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Altar flowers are $30.00 and bulletin dedica-tions are $6.50. Food Sculptures are also gladly accepted.

The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedication dur-ing this and the upcoming months. Please complete one of the special flower/bulletin envelopes below the sign-up chart, enclose your payment, and either put it in the collection plate or in the Secretary’s box by the office door. You should sign your name on the chart in the narthex by the appropriate date after you have completed your envelope. Please do not sign the chart without completing an envelope.

Normally, Shenkel UCC cele-

brates the sacrament of Holy

Communion at both services on

the first Sunday of each month.

This month, however, Palm Sunday falls on the first

Sunday of the month, so we will wait until Easter Sunday to share communion. Each time commun-

ion is served, some of the bread and non-alcoholic

wine that has been consecrated at the altar will be

saved in a traveling communion kit, ready to go to

the homes or hospital rooms of members who were

unable to be present, and would like to receive the

sacrament. Please let Pastor Bonnie know if you, or

someone you know, would appreciate “distance-

communing” with their Shenkel Church family!

The third Thursday of each month is a time for prayer and anointing, and also a time for reflection. We will be

meeting in the Agape Room from 9:15 till 10:00 AM. Anyone who is in need of prayer or anointing is invited to

come.

The Prayer Chain list is being updated. At this point we will be removing all names currently on the list, unless

notified otherwise. Request for prayers should be placed in the prayer box in the Narthex, or get in touch with

any member of the Wholeness Committee. These names will be carried for one month unless notified other-

wise. If anyone is interested in ministering on the Prayer Chain, please contact Ann Baccari or Freda Wanner. Members of the

Wholeness Committee are Ann Baccari, Ted Gray, Tootie and Louise Hine, June Hartung, Carol Stubbe and Freda Wanner.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION…. PAGE 6

FROM OUR SEMINARIAN….

Friends,

I’m finding it very difficult not to have Spring

Fever these days! Between the warm

weather we’ve been experiencing and excitement over my

upcoming graduation and future plans, there’s definitely a

“spring” in my step. Besides which, I feel particularly joy-

ful right now because this is a time of year when we can

visibly see the beauty of God’s creation: bulbs bursting

forth from the ground, robins emerging from their winter

hideout’s, and fields being cultivated in preparation for

the planting of crops that will continue to bless us with

their abundance in the months to come. I encourage you

to breathe in the freshness of spring and give heartfelt

thankfulness to God our Creator, who makes all things

possible.

Blessings on your journey,

Sue Fritz, Seminary Intern

Mensch Mill is hosting a Spring

Youth Event on April 13-15.

Registration for the event is

$75 for the whole weekend or

$35 for just Saturday. Go to:

psec.org for more information

or contact Ariel at afroyer@gmail.com.

Four of Shenkel’s Youth are gearing up to go to National

Youth Event, held at Purdue University, Indiana from July 9

-14. Starting this month, we are selling Wawa Shortie Hoa-

gie coupons for $4 each to fundraise for the event. You

can get, buy or reserve coupons from Kaleena Sweinhart,

Sam Pennell, Cameron Dushanko, Ben Mocarski or Ariel

Royer.

As always, the Youth Group meets on the 3rd Sunday of

the month following late worship. Bring a few dollars for

pizza & soda on April 15 & May 20!

“A TASTE OF THE

CARIBBEAN” Saturday, April 21, 2012

Tickets are now on sale for this super fun evening with wonderful, flavorful food from the islands.

Tickets are available from all members of the choir and from the church office:

Adults: $20 Kids: $10

Children under 3 are free!

Members of the choir will be serving the meal and will gladly accept tips for the cause!

All proceeds from the event will go to-ward purchasing new choir robes.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

R-Phillies Game

The date has been set for our an-

nual Reading Phillies outing. Re-

serve the date August 16,

2012. Forty (40) tickets have been

ordered at $10.00 each, including

transportation. Watch for further

information. There will be no steps

to climb to our seats, and of course, there will be fire-

works! Contact Ann Baccari, your resident Phillie

Phantatic, with any questions.

OUTSIDE CHURCH/GROVE

CLEAN UP Saturday, March 31st at 8:30 AM

Please bring rakes and gloves.

March Consistory Highlights

Received thank-yous from the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference for our

2011 OCWM contribution

Approved an extension of Ariel Royer’s contract as Director of Youth Ministry

through August 2012

Reviewed the Safe Church Policy and compliance issues

Were reminded that Sue Fritz’s time with us as a seminary intern ends in early May, and that the Lay Commit-

tee is working on a final evaluation

Approved Ann Baccari as a delegate (with Connie Armbruster) to the PSEC Spring Conference meeting

Rescheduled the Consistory Retreat (discussion of Shenkel’s committee structure) for April 14

Complete copies of Consistory Minutes are available from the church office upon request.

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….

YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M

Actual

20,339.96 1,703.00

Budget 25,816.87 1,833.33

Difference (5,476.91) (130.33)

SAVE-A-TAPE PROGRAM

This is one of the easiest

ways to help our church

financially!

Just ask for a Save-A-Tape card at the customer ser-

vice spot at your local Redner’s store, show your card

at the register when you check out, then bring your

register tapes to church and deposit them in the box

in the Narthex. These tapes are collected routinely,

presented to the store, and Redner’s donates a per-

centage of your total purchase to the church. Be

careful to bring your tapes in regularly instead of sav-

ing them at home, as they do expire if not redeemed

within a certain time period. Also, please return the

entire register tape. Redner’s will not accept any

register receipt that has any part of it removed.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR THE

BULLETIN OR THE NEWSLETTER?

Just a reminder that all bulletin announce-

ments should be at the church office by

each Tuesday at noon to be included in that

week’s bulletin. Newsletter

articles must be submitted by

the 15th of each month to be

included in the next issue.

Recycling Reminder….

We still accept aluminum cans at the church

for recycling. Please continue to recycle your

plastic bottles and other recyclables at home.

PAGE 7

Have you completed Shenkel's Safe Church Training yet?

Even if you aren't expecting to be engaged in ministries with our children or youth,

the more people who are aware of our policies and have watched the online vid-

eos, the safer our church will be for all of us!! Please consider contacting Glen

Hoff (ghoff71049@aol.com) and reserving an hour of your time to complete Shen-

kel's Safe Church Training. Thanks!

As of February 28, 2012

SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….

REMEMBER TOO….

The Pottstown Cluster Food

Bank collection at Shenkel is

the 1st Sunday of each month.

Please place your items in the

large plastic bins in the narthex.

AND...Please bring in your

used cell phones and empty ink cartridges and place

them in the box across from the nursery, or in the box

located on the coat rack shelf across

from the office. The cartridges are

recycled to Staples, and

the church receives credits toward the pur-

chase of office supplies. The used cell

phones are given to the police department

to be distributed to abused women.

The Cluster welcomes all cash, food and

clothing donations between the hours of

8:30 am to 12:00 pm on Monday through

Friday. Please come to the back door off

the alley. Parking spaces at the rear of the

building are reserved for people dropping

off donations.

PANTRY NEEDS: canned soups and stews, real fruit juice,

canned and dry pasta, canned meat or fish (tuna, Spam,

chicken), peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, canned vegetables,

boxed potatoes, boxed meat helpers, sliced white bread, oat-

meal, spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, diet foods of any

kind, dry milk, pancake mix & syrup, ketchup, mustard, refrig-

erator items – milk, yogurt, eggs, butter, plastic grocery bags.

With questions please contact Sherrie at 610 910 5995

CLOTHING AND HOUSEWARES: Toiletries – personal hy-

giene wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, deodorants, combs,

shampoo/cream rinse, denture adhesive (Polygrip), Cleaning

Products: clothes detergent, toilet cleaners, multi-purpose

cleaners (Mr. Clean or Spic/Span) Paper products: toilet paper

and paper towels, Size 3,4,5 diapers, blankets and sheets,

The Cluster is now accepting spring and summer clothing.

With questions please contact Vicki at 610 970-5995

The Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon will be held on

Thursday, April 26 at 12 noon at Morningstar Fellowship, Bech-

telsville. Please let Barb Sweinhart know if you would like to

attend.

The Feinstein Challenge is on for the month of April and any

monetary or food donations specifically marked to support the

challenge will be counted toward the total for the Cluster.

PAGE 8

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are

members of my family, you did it to me.”

- Matthew 25:40

Participating in a mission trip is often an incredibly rewarding way for people of all ages to realize the

power of God’s love. Now’s your chance to take advantage of a mission opportunity by signing up for

Shenkel’s 2012 Boston Urban Outreach! All members of the congregation, thirteen years or older, are

welcome to participate in an exciting trip to Boston, Massachusetts that will take place this coming

June and offer participants with many humbling opportunities to learn about homelessness. Some of our daily activities

will include hearing from men and women who have experienced homelessness, preparing meals for adults with life-

threatening illnesses, painting/cleaning homeless shelters, cooking for and eating with men and women affected by

homelessness, and, of course, some sightseeing in one of the coolest cities around. The trip will take place Wednesday,

June 20th through Sunday, June 24th and the approximate cost per person will be $200, please contact one of the fol-

lowing people: if you are interested in learning more or to sign up: Collin/Chris Gray: (610) 970-2793, Pastor Bonnie:

(484) 524-8280 or Gary McDermit: (610) 385-3584. Sign-up deadline is April 30.

During the month of April, we will be accepting offer-ings for:

Maundy Thursday — Our Church’s Wider Mission (UCC)

Good Friday — Prisoner Visitation Support

Easter — Pottstown Cluster Outreach Center

Special Collection on April 22 — Phoebe Minis-tries.

Please be as generous as you can.

BULLETIN BOARD….

CARD MAKING CLASS

The card making class will continue to meet on the

third Thursday of each month at 10 AM.

The cost of the class is $8.00 which will

provide each of us with three beautiful

cards. The next class will be on Thurs-

day, April 19. To insure there will be

enough materials prepared for every-

one, please call Ann Baccari at 610-323

-5525, or Connie Armbruster at 610-326-6516 if you

plan to attend.

Hope to see you on April 19th!

PAGE 9

Mid-Day Dinner Club

Shenkel's Mid-day Dinner Club meets at 12 noon on

the third Tuesday of each month – and you’re invited to

join us! The next meeting date is Tuesday, April 17 –

we’ll be eating at the Brick House in Pottstown. The

Mid-day Dinner Club is open to young-

at-heart adults of any age who enjoy

eating out and would like to get to

know other Shenkel members a little

better. Call the church office if you’re able to join us!

COMMUNITY

LUNCH

BUNCH Thursday, April 5, 2012

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

COME ONE, COME ALL….

FOR: Lunch,* fellowship and an interesting program.

For our April event, we are pleased to present Sue LaP-

lant, a dietician who will teach us about good nutrition

and proper label reading. This information will cer-

tainly help us in caring for our health.

*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00 to cover the cost of the lunch and the program. Please sign up

on the sheet in the narthex, or call the Shenkel UCC church office at 610-326-3535 by the Monday prior to the program to reserve your spot.

For more information please call

Ruth Klein at 610-326-4520.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the

third Wednesday evening of each month

at 7 PM. The next get-together is on

April 18th. Anyone who likes to knit or

crochet is encouraged to come. We are

always looking for new members to help

with this wonderful ministry. You don’t have to be espe-

cially experienced, just motivated. If you have any ques-

tions, please speak to June Hartung at church, or call the

church office at 610-326-3535.

Looking ahead…..

COVENTRY WOODS FESTIVAL at CAMP FERNBROOK Sunday, May 20, 2011

1:00 — 5:00 PM

Come, enjoy a Spring day at Camp Fernbrook! Shenkel UCC will have a table at the festival to

spread the word about our church. We need volunteers to man the table for 1 hour shifts.

Please call Jody Sweinhart at 610-326-3721 if you can help.

SHENKEL QUILTERS

The Shenkel Quilters will meet only

once in April. The date we will

meet is Tuesday, April 10th at 9:30

in the Church Social Hall. We will

not meet on Tuesday the 24th due to election voting

taking place at the church.

We hope everyone has a blessed Easter!

Margie Allen

PAGE 10

STEWARD’S CORNER

What are all those announcements about “a taste of the Caribbean? And what is a carieb bean?

Since that big guy talked about it in Spanish, I guess it’s something that Spanish people eat.

Anyway, I’ll be around on that night, April 21, peeking from a corner in the social room and

watching all those people from the choir serving the meal. I wonder if they will be singing as they

serve? I’ve heard of singing for your supper, but this time I think they’ll be singing for money to

buy new choir gowns. ( They have probably out-grown the old ones by eating too many carieb beans.)

I am curious about all this, so I’ll be there and I hope you all will come too. It does sound like fun!

See you there,

STEWARD

P.S. You can get your tickets from any choir member. You know who they are! Or you can purchase them from

the church office.

Spring Inquirer’s Class

Would you like to learn more about the

theology, mission and ministry of the

United Church of Christ and of Shenkel

UCC? Join us for a two session In-

quirer’s Class on Sundays, April 22 and

29, following 10:45 service

of worship. You are welcome at these

sessions whether you are a long-time

member of Shenkel, or are considering

becoming a member. Membership is

an option, but not a requirement, for

those who complete both sessions.

Please contact the church office at 610

-326-3535 or shenkelucc@aol.com to register. Child-

care may be available upon request.

Holy Humor Sunday

On Sunday, April 15, we will

once again be resurrecting an

old Easter custom begun by

the Greeks in the early centu-

ries of Christianity. “Holy Humor Sunday,” typically

celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, is rooted in

the musings of early church theologians that God

played a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus

from the dead – “Risus paschalis - the Easter laugh,”

the early theologians called it. Please join in the

laughter on April 15th - it signifies resurrection joy!

Summer Camp 2012 -

“Secrets of the Kingdom”

Each year Mensch Mill provides children, youth and

families with dynamic programs that provide opportuni-

ties to explore the outdoors, to create personal growth

experiences, and to make new friends and grow in faith.

This year, our theme uses the parables that Jesus taught to

help us discover how we can make a meaningful impact

today.

There are some nice discounts this year. Register by

May 1 to receive a discount of $45 for overnight campers

and $15 for day campers. There is also a $25 discount if

you bring someone to Mensch Mill for the first time.

And as always, Shenkel will reimburse 50% of the regis-

tration fee from our Campership Fund. For more infor-

mation, visit us on the web at www.Menschmill.org or

Facebook. You could also speak to Barbara Sweinhart

or call the church office.

PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Excitement and enthusiasm are mounting! The Pastoral

Relations Committee met a potential sabbatical interim pastor and

husband last month. Currently, our plan is that this pastor will be

our "Pastoral Director" during Pastor Bonnie's sabbatical, taking

care of sermons, weddings, funerals and any emergency situa-

tions. She also has connections with clergy around the world, and

"with a little bit of luck" (My Fair Lady) we may be pleasantly

surprised who might appear in our pulpit. Such things as a Libe-

rian Choir from Trenton to visit us, or having a clergyman from

Liberia staying at the parsonage for a month are possibilities to

contemplate.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please direct them to

Pastor Bonnie or a member of Pastoral Relations Committee.

Gratefully submitted by,

Carol A. Lykens, Chairman

Freda Wanner, Dave Derman, Mary Lou Smith and Ted Gray

The choirs are excited to wait on your tables at the upcoming Caribbean

Dinner. Remember to tip well since our current choir robes are in desperate need of replacement. Randy Berriker needs a robe to cover his knees at the

very least. But all of us would appreciate your support to replace our 40 year old robes. Plus...the dinner is going to be fabulous. We’ve had Evelyn Rodriquez’s cooking before, and we’re anxious to have it again...yummo!

Easter week is upon us, and the music ministry is ready. You’ll hear from all

the groups this season. Bell Choir is playing Maundy Thursday as well as Palm Sunday. On Good Friday, the Chancel Choir is singing with a guest flutist, Allison Smith. On Palm Sunday, the Sunday School children are singing along with the Chancel Choir, and The Women of the

Chancel Choir are singing a beautiful anthem on their own...not to be missed. Then on Easter Sunday at both services, the Chancel Choir will be singing two selections.

We hope you enjoyed hearing so many different versions of Amazing Grace during Lent. You may be shocked to learn that we didn’t scratch the surface of the total number of variations of

that special hymn from John Newton. We have had a lot of great feedback from the congrega-tion...but in all honesty, the choir is pleased that they need not be confused any more with

which version we’re singing this week. So, from now until the end of May, we’ll be finishing up the choir year and awaiting our first adventure in the Grove. Thanks to all our musicians for a

wonderful Easter season together.

PAGE 11

The Adult Sunday School

Class meets every Sunday morning at

9:30 a.m. in the social hall. Everyone is

welcome to join us!

April 1st — TBA

April 8th — Easter/No Sunday School

April 15th — “MY FAITH JOURNEY” —

Led by Susan Fritz

April 22nd — TBA

April 29th — TBA

SAVE THE DATE….

Coping with Loss

Workshop Friday, April 20, 2012

10AM – Noon in Shenkel’s

Social Hall

Whenever we face loss, we experience

grief. Our reactions are unique and quite personal;

none of us experiences grief in quite the same way.

If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one, a

child, a special friend, or a sibling, you are not alone.

On Friday, April 20th, I will be hosting a free workshop

for anyone interested in learning more about coping

with grief. During this workshop, we will explore the

faces of grief, engage in different methods for process-

ing loss, and identify methods for taking care of our-

selves during these times of sorrow. I invite you to

bring along photographs, journals, letters, and cards

that remind you of your loved one. Also, feel free to

invite a friend. If you have any questions regarding

this workshop, please contact me at your convenience

(Sue Fritz: email: gardngal@msn.com or

fritz@lancasterseminary.edu).

The Youth group wants to thank

the congregation for supporting

the 30-Hr Famine. In total, we

raised $780 – enough to feed two children for an entire

year! That’s such a generous service, and we are so

thankful to have you helping us to meet these goals!

MORE SHENKEL NEWS….

OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….

04/01 Kelly Martin

04/02 Kurt Painter

04/03 Celia Phillips

04/06 Gerald Phillips

04/07 James White

04/10 SCOTT KUTZ

04/10 Judith Andrien

04/10 DEBBIE HOFF

04/10 Mike Rice

04/11 Sandy Rowe

04/12 CRYSTAL BURHANS

04/12 Gary Stultz

04/12 Taylor Helmers

04/12 Julianne Wanner

04/12 Anthony Guardiani

04/14 Robert Miller

04/14 JOSEPH YANNICK

04/15 Joshua Rogers

04/16 Drew Sweinhart

04/16 Angeline Viti

04/18 Jennifer Hauze

04/18 JENNIFER MILLER

04/20 Carolyn Baseley

04/20 MARIE KUTZ

04/21 Barbara Brown

04/21 Christine Durham

04/22 RICK ROHRBACH

04/23 COLE OPLINGER

04/24 ERIKA MARKLEY

04/24 Mary Sue Moyer

04/24 KAELYN KLINE

04/25 Mark Hauze

04/26 FREDERICK KERLIN

04/26 Claire Metzger

04/26 TYLER KYAN BURHANS

04/27 Samantha Pennell

04/29 Donald Laverty

During the month of April, Shenkel will be praying for these randomly selected members and friends of our congregation:

4/1 Dee Dee and Peter Wanner

Barbara Sweinhart

John Pennell

Cindi, Rick, Aimee and Julie Rohrbach

Horace Ingram

4/8 Nancy Weaver

Kathy, Joe, Joelle and Magen Perelli

Clair and Jim Faust

Celia and Jerry Phillips

Jenny Scheler

4/15 Cameron Dushanko

Erika, Terry, TJ and Ashlyn Augustine

Kim and Steve Bade

Dillon Gaul

Kelly Martin

4/29 David Phillips

Kathy and Michael Iezzi

Denise, Joe, Joseph and Dylan Yannick

Judith Andrien

Diane and David Reinert

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Sue Fritz, our seminary intern, will complete her field education with us on May 6. The Lay Committee, which has been offering her support and providing her feedback over the past seven months, will be working on a final evaluation to share with her in mid-April. If you have any thoughts you'd like the committee to take into consideration when preparing their report, please speak with any member of the committee be-fore April 8.

Thanks, Evelyn Rodriguez, chair; Cameron Dushanko, An-drew Foss, Bob Brown, Brenda Berriker and Sandy Rowe, committee members