THE CALVARY SPIRIT “Sharing God’s Love in Worship, Fellowship and In Service to our Neighbors.” July/August 2017 NOTES FROM PASTOR LINDA Thank you…for being you…for showing love…for offering grace. In his first letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul writes that all the members of the community are part of the Body of Christ. He offers, “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” As a faith community, we are called to be there for each other during the sorrows and the joys of life. We are called to truly live out the faith that we claim. Life does offer both struggles and blessings. It matters that we stand beside each other, that we lift each other up, that we share the burdens of life as well as the joys. As your Pastor, I offer you my gratitude and thanks for the way you blessed my life when my friend’s son, my Godson, Brandon, tragically passed away in a car accident. I received this devastating news while at Calvary’s spring flea market. As I began to share this sad news with those present, I was immediately given hugs and love. Some asked what they could do to help in Worship the following morning. I was asked if I needed to stay home and was told members of Calvary would do whatever I needed. The prayer chain was initiated. More hugs were offered. Many of you signed a card. Care and compassion were shown that day and in the days to follow. Thank you for truly being Christ and for blessing me with love and grace. As I shared this experience with my colleagues, one The Calvary Spirit 1 Church Staff Rev. Linda Kozlowski, Pastor Margaret Curry, Organist & Choir Director JoAnn Longacre, Church Administrator Linda Himeback, Treasurer Calvary United Church of Christ 1231 Route 100, Barto PA 19504 phone #610-652-5023 Pastor Linda’s phone # 484-529- 2241 [email protected]
Transcript
THE CALVARY SPIRIT “Sharing God’s Love in Worship, Fellowship and In Service to our Neighbors.” July/August 2017
NOTES FROM PASTOR LINDAThank you…for being you…for showing love…for offering grace.
In his first letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul writes that all the members of the community are part of the Body of Christ. He offers, “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” As a faith community, we are called to be there for each other during the sorrows and the joys of life. We are called to truly live out the faith that we claim. Life does offer both struggles and blessings. It matters that we stand beside each other, that we lift each other up, that we share the burdens of life as well as the joys.
As your Pastor, I offer you my gratitude and thanks for the way you blessed my life when my friend’s son, my Godson, Brandon, tragically passed away in a car accident. I received this devastating news while at Calvary’s spring flea market. As I began to share this sad news with those present, I was immediately given hugs and love. Some asked what they could do to help in Worship the following morning. I was asked if I needed to stay home and was told members of Calvary would do whatever I needed. The prayer chain was initiated. More hugs were offered. Many of you signed a card. Care and compassion were shown that day and in the days to follow. Thank you for truly being Christ and for blessing me with love and grace. As I shared this experience with my colleagues, one by one they affirmed that the members of Calvary blessed me during a very difficult time in my life.
Thank you for being you, for showing love, for offering grace, for embodying Jesus. We’re all in this life together. We’re all part of this faith community. We’re all part of the Body of Christ. May we continue to grow deeper in our faith. May we continue to allow ourselves to be open and authentic. May we continue to share love, to offer grace, to show compassion for this is what Jesus modeled for us.
Peace, love, and blessings,Pastor Linda
The Calvary Spirit 1
Church StaffRev. Linda Kozlowski, PastorMargaret Curry, Organist & Choir DirectorJoAnn Longacre, Church AdministratorLinda Himeback, Treasurer
Calvary United Church of Christ1231 Route 100, Barto PA 19504 phone #610-652-5023Pastor Linda’s phone # [email protected]
SUNDAY MORNINGS: As your Pastor, I absolutely love greeting you and spending time with you on Sunday
mornings. You matter to me; your stories matter to me; your concerns and your joys matter to me. I want to be in conversation with each of you. I really do love our times of sharing.
Having said that, here is my truth. During the 10-15 minutes prior to Worship on Sunday mornings, I’m also listening to the Spirit for I truly believe God gives me the words to speak. So if you tell me something during those10-15 minutes prior to worship there is a 50/50 chance I will remember what you have said to me.
If possible, please save the conversation for after worship when I try to greet each person who is present. Or, give me a call on Monday afternoon when I have office hours. Or, stop by to see me during my office hours (Mondays 3-4:30 and Wednesday 1-3). I would love to have more time to spend with you in conversation. And I really don’t want to forget what you share with me.
You matter to me. Your stories matter to me. Your concerns and struggles, your joys and celebrations matter to me.
Peace, love, and blessings,Pastor Linda
PASTOR LINDA’S SUMMER OFFICE HOURSPastor Linda’s summer hours will be Mondays 3:00-4:30 pm and Wednesdays 1-3 pm. Tuesdays
will remain as visitation day. Other times available by appointment.
PASTOR LINDA’S DAY OF SABBATHPastor Linda’s weekly day of Sabbath is Friday. If you have an emergency, please don’t hesitate to
reach out to her via e-mail, phone, or text message. If you have questions which are not emergencies, please hold them until the next day. We all need space to rest and reflect so we want to honor Pastor Linda’s day of Sabbath.
PASTOR ON VACATIONPastor Linda will be on vacation beginning Saturday, August 12th, through and including Sunday
August 20th. Our emergency contact during this time will be Rev. Jane Kropa of Huff’s Church and she may be reached at 610-781-3187.
JULY & AUGUST SCRIPTURE READINGSJuly 2, 2017—Red, White & Blue Sunday
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18Romans 6:12-23Matthew 10:40-42
July 9, 2017—Crazy Hair SundayPsalm 145:8-14Romans 7:15-25aMatthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 16, 2017—Camp Fire Sunday – Outside WorshipIsaiah 55:10-13Romans 8:1-11
The Calvary Spirit 2
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 23, 2017—Christmas in Jul SundayIsaiah 44:6-8Romans 8:12-25Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
August 6, 2017Isaiah 55:1-5Romans 9:1-5Matthew 14:13-21
August 13, 20171 Kings 19:9-18Romans 10:5-15Matthew 14:22-33
August 20, 2017Isaiah 56:1, 6-8Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32Matthew 15:10-28
August 27, 2017Isaiah 51:1-6Romans 12:1-8Matthew 16:13-20
CONFIRMATION CLASS…LEARNING ABOUT OUR MUSLIM SISTERS AND BROTHERS….On Friday, June 16th, our three confirmands, Hannah, Emma, and Eve, along with their mothers,
Tammy and Sharon, and I travelled to the Islamic Center of Reading for the breaking of the Ramadan fast which is known as Iftar. My home church, Immanuel UCC in Shillington, provided the Iftar meal and invited us to join them. This experience was both joyful and educational.
During Ramadan, which lasts for a month and commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, our Muslim sisters and brothers fast from sunrise to sunset. During this fast they neither drink or eat. The breaking of the fast is a time to gather, to be in prayer, and to be in fellowship. This is what we experienced: prayer along with joyful, radical hospitality.
At the breaking of the fast, we received dates and watermelon slices prior to entering the Mosque for prayer. Out of respect for the Islamic tradition, we wore scarves on our heads, took off our shoes, and entered the women’s side the Mosque, sitting or kneeling for prayer. After the prayer, there was time for us to ask questions. The members of the Islamic Center of Reading welcomed us graciously and shared their faith. This time of prayer and sharing was followed by a delicious feast. Our Muslim neighbors open their breaking of the fast to the entire community. It truly was a celebration and we felt welcome.
Here are some of the reflections from our experience…
The Calvary Spirit 3
Eve…I thought it was fun and interesting. I liked how welcoming everyone was. It was neat to see how they pray and their electronic prayer timetable. All the people were so nice.
Emma…Everybody was very welcoming. It was nice that everyone respected each other’s differences. It was interesting to see how the Muslims pray; it is very different from how we pray but it seems that the meaning is similar. It was really nice that they put us before them; for example, they made sure we had food to eat and water to drink before they did.
Sharon…Visiting the Islamic Center was truly an amazing experience. It really warmed my heart to be welcomed so graciously by our Muslim neighbors and to share such a special event with them. I believe we were all deeply touched by the sincerity of the people we met. I’m so grateful we had this experience, as diversity should be embraced and celebrated, not feared and avoided.
The evening ended with these words from all of us: can we do this again? Yes we can and yes we will!
Peace, love, and blessings,Pastor Linda
THEME SUNDAYS IN JULYOnce again our Worship Service during the month of July will include themes. We invite you to
dress in the theme of the day as the Spirit moves you.
July 2nd—Red, White & Blue SundayJuly 9th—Crazy Hair SundayJuly 16th—Camp Fire Sunday—Service will be held outdoors under the pavilionJuly 23rd—Christmas in July SundayJuly 30th—Slippers, Socks, Shoeless Sunday
FELLOWSHIP PADSWe have begun to use Fellowship Pads on Sunday mornings. What are Fellowship Pads? There are
pads in each pew for everyone to sign on Sundays. There is also a space for prayer requests. If you should see someone new sitting beside you, please fill in your address/phone number in addition to your name as it has been proven this encourages the guest to also offer their full information.
Please take time each Sunday morning to sign them as we try to become a church which is continually seeking ways to be welcoming and hospitable.
CONSISTORY NEWSAh summer, warm temperatures, longer days and vacations. I am looking forward to taking off some
time over the summer to just relax maybe a day or two at the beach, maybe a few days in the mountains or maybe just a week of day trips with the Grandkids. Whatever we do we will try to just relax. I hope that all of you enjoy your summer as well. With longer days, you can spend more time outside doing something you love, like working in the garden or flower beds or maybe going swimming. Whatever you do enjoy it and as I always say thank God for what he has given us because without him we would have nothing.
Remember to join us for our community luncheon picnic style, on July 22nd at 12:00 noon. I would love to see everyone there, what a great day for us to be able to share with our friends old or new in the community.
Peace,Becky Crist
The Calvary Spirit 4
2016 CONSISTORY Officers President – Becky CristVice President – Denise MathiasSecretary – Connie JordanTreasurer – Linda Himeback
2016 Consistory Representatives Christian Fellowship:
Christian Social Ministries:Marlene Latshaw, Rona Britton,
Stewardship & Evangelism: Becky Crist
Christian Education: Connie Jordan, Denise MathiasTammy Saylor
Spiritual Council:Marlene Latshaw, Scott Freed, Rona Britton
The Calvary Spirit 5
FAITH FORMATIONVACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!
We invite you to join us for a week of hearing the Bible speak--No, Really!! Our Living Bible will come alive each night as we explore The Spirit of Christmas Everyday.
The Living Bible will come alive each night as we open it to talk to the Angels about the Spirit of Christmas. This Bible Adventure will take place right here at Calvary United Church of Christ, from Aug. 7 – 11 from 6:00PM – 8:30PM.
Everyone knows the excitement and anticipation of December.... Christmas! BUT....what about the other months of the year?? Join us as we discover the Spirit of Christmas in everyday of the year. We will go from Christmas through Fall, experiencing God's Gifts of Love, Joy and Peace, better known as, "the Christmas Spirit" with fun stories, crafts, music and snacks. Tell your friends...We are celebrating the Spirit of Christmas Everyday!
Each evening begins with a shared meal in the Spirit of Fellowship Hall. Then it is off to the Theater for the Living Bible. From there we will move into the Spirit of Discovery Hall for fun and learning. Our Spirit Squads will enjoy activities in the Spirit of Sound Stage, the Spirit of Creativity Center, The Spirit of Feeling Forum, and more. Our guest will spend a week soaring with the Angels of the Living Bible as they learn how God’s Greatest Gift gives us the encouragement we need to share daily gifts with others. Our Mission Project this year will be The Bethany Children’s Home.
Posters and reservation forms are included with this newsletter.
What to join the fun??!!Help is needed to decorate our stations and stage, as well as station and guide leaders and 2 (or
more)"Angel" actors to bring our bible to life. The more help we have, the more fun VBS is! See Tracey Frey and Tammy Saylor--or sign up on the VBS sheet on the fellowship board. It's gonna be a fun week!!
. YOUTH NEWS
2016-2017 Youth Fellowship officers President – Hannah SaylorVice President – Matthew Frey Secretary – Ashley Whitman Treasurer – Kiera Jordan
Special request from Hannah Saylor: “I am asking for donations of mulch and perennial flowers that will be planted around the loop in the walking path. This is for my Sliver Award, which is the second highest Girl Scout award you get. Thank you very much for your donations. They are a great help”. -Hannah Saylor"
The Calvary Spirit 6
Katie LatshawKatie is a graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High School. During her time at Boyertown, she was
involved in a wide variety of activities. She was the secretary of the Orchestra, was a SADD Club officer, was one of three student representatives for Boyertown’s branch of PAYS Task Force, and was the Chaperones Committee Chair for Boyertown’s 2017 Mini-THON. She was also a member of the Concert Choir, Student Council, and the National Honor Society. Katie also works as a dishwasher and Kitchen assistant at Landis Store Hotel. In the fall, Katie will be attending Millersville University of Pennsylvania for her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Dual Certification in Special Education.
Heather ReignerHeather is a graduate or Boyertown Area Senior High School. In the fall, Heather will be attending
Millersville University.
Kira ReignerKira is a graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High School. In the fall, Kira will be attending
Millersville University.
Jenna MarburgerJenna recently graduated from Alvernia University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She will be taking her state board examination soon to officially become a Registered Nurse and will be starting her new job at Lehigh Valley Hospital in July. Congratulations Jenna and good luck at your new job!
Congratulations and many blessings to all of our 2017 graduates. May the beauty of our Creator surround you, may the light of Christ guide your way, may the presence of the Spirit fill you and overflow
into the world around you.
CALVARY BOOKWORMS UPDATEBookWorms’ next selection is “The Orphan Train”. All of the books have arrived—see Pastor Linda for your copy. Also, might a date of Tuesday, August 1st or Wednesday, August 2nd fit your schedule for our discussion?
UPCOMING EVENTSJOIN US FOR CALVARY’S SECOND COMMUNITY MEAL On Saturday, July 22nd at noon, we will be hosting a community picnic which is free and open to members of Calvary UCC, our friends, and our neighbors. We’ll gather under the pavilion to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and macaroni salad, as well as delicious desserts. We’ll gather to be in fellowship with our community. Please mark your calendar and spread the word to your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Let’s gather and continue to get to know one another. Let’s gather as a warm, welcoming community of faith.
The Calvary Spirit 7
91 st ANNUAL VEGETABLE SOUP SUPPER Please mark your calendar for the 91st annual vegetable soup supper and bake sale on Saturday, September 9th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Donations of garden vegetables are welcome for the soup. Baking of pies will take place on September 8th starting at 6:00 am. Everyone is invited to make this long-standing tradition a success!
THE ALTON ACKER MEMORIAL CONCERT SERIES Mark your calendars now for our next free concert. It will be held Friday, October 20, 2017 from 7 – 8:30 PM. We will be having Keith Brintzenhoff and the Toad Creek Ramblers. Come listen to old timey, folk, bluegrass, gospel music and PA Dutch folklore. As a special treat, there will also be 3 hoedowns included in this performance. You won’t want to miss this fun filled night!
BYOB (boxed lunch) LUNCHES ) are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12noon. Please note due to scheduling conflicts if this date needs to be adjusted it will be reflected on the monthly calendar and in the weekly announcements. Join us as we gather for lunch, conversation and fellowship.
LUNCH BUNCH This is an opportunity to gather for lunch at local restaurants with your church friends. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. The date, time and location may be found on the calendar when available before printing.
GENERAL CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTSUSAGAIN
Many of you have dropped off clothes, shoes, and other items in the USAgain bins located on our property. Thank you for helping us and USAgain recycle these items and also take action against climate change.
Let’s continue to recycle what we no longer need so those who have little can be clothed and more trees can be planted. Thank you
CALLING ALL GRADUATES Calvary has some funds available to support you as you graduate and continue your journey whether it be in the form of college, a trade school or employment. If you would like to seek financial support, please pick up an application on the faith in action table. Applications are due by July 30th. These funds are offered to assist you with incidental life expenses such as books, transportation, insurance, etc. We care about you. We love you. We hope this gift will help you on your journey through life.
PHONE MESSAGES If you call the church number for either Pastor Linda or JoAnn Longacre and they do not answer please leave a message. These messages are forwarded to Pastor Linda and JoAnn via email so even when they are not in the office they will still get your messages.
EMAIL ADDRESSES Do you have an email address? We would love for you to share it with us so we can include you on our weekly email! Every week on either Wednesday or Thursday an email is sent out to those on our mailing list. This email includes important information such as upcoming events, changes to office hours, etc. If you are on our mailing list you will also receive notification of cancellations or closures due to weather and other important emails. To “opt in” please send an email to [email protected] with “Mailing List” in the subject line.
RECEIPTS FOR CREDIT: If you purchase items for the church use and would like the dollar amount credited to your giving account as a donation, please turn the receipts into the church office. If you need your original receipt please provide a photocopy or contact JoAnn Longacre. FACEBOOK Join us on Facebook! Everyday Pastor Linda will have a post of inspiration! This may be a prayer, quote or something else. You can find us on Facebook by searching Calvary United Church of Christ-Barto
PAPER RETRIEVER RECYCLING BIN PAPER Retriever is now collecting phone directories and clean cardboard. “If it tears, we’ll take it”. We earn money for each ton collected. The more tons we collect the higher per ton we will be paid. Thanks for helping us better the environment.
REDNER’S SAVE-A-TAPE Please remember to bring in your Redner’s sales tapes from the Store and Quick shop. Please make sure that on the bottom of your receipt it says “Save-a-tape contribution” or Redners will not honor them. If you do not have a Save-a-tape card you can obtain one at the service counter or the cashier. At the end of the year we will turn in all of our tapes and earn 1% of the total. In 2016 we submitted $54, 174.89 in tapes and received a check for $541.71! UPDATE: You must sign up for a NEW Redner’s savings card in order for your tapes to be accepted. Tapes linked to old savings cards will not be honored.
ALUMINUM CAN COLLECTION Don’t forget to keep bringing in your Aluminum cans throughout 2017! Thank you to everyone who has helped with this collection. Our profit in 2016 was $254.80.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER OR EMERGENCY, TUNE TO:
WFMZ Channel 69You can also contact a memberof Calvary’s Consistory for cancellation information
JOIN US ON Calvary United Church of Christ-Barto
AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE TO DATE ~ 57/Sunday
JULY & AUGUST BIRTHDAYSIf you have a Birthday during these months and it was not mentioned or the date is listed wrong, please
let the church office know. We are working to update our records and your help in this effort is appreciated. Thank you.
7/2 Monica Kurtz, Lynsie Stofflet
The Calvary Spirit 9
7/3 Katherine Jacob7/4 Carl Heffner, Michael Borchelt7/9 Sharon Bauer, Matthew Frey, Katie Latshaw7/10 Barbara Moser, Greg wiley7/11 Karl Latshaw, Jamie Bock7/13 Grant Fronheiser7/15 Lee Derr7/17 Nicholas Wade7/18 Becky Crist7/20 Dorothy Borchelt7/22 Justin Freed7/25 Jeremy Egolf7/27 Brenda Schoenly7/29 Jean Latshaw7/30 Paul Mathias8/4 Maggie Neuin8/5 Scott Schollenberger8/8 Janet Kulp, Ashley Hallman8/12 Kylin Fronheiser8/15 Darlene Heffner8/18 Thomas Galloway, Linda Himeback, Jacob Latshaw8/20 Scott Mutter, Anthony Kintner, Payton Hallman8/21 Bonnie Oister, 8/22 Darlene Latshaw8/25 Kim Marburger8/28 Arline Gaugler, Lucas Schwenk
The Calvary Spirit 10
The Calvary Spirit 11
2017 EVENTSJuly 21 TGIF 7:00 pmAugust 6 Communion 9:15 amAugust 7-11 Vacation Bible SchoolAugust 17 Blood Drive 2:30-7:30 pmAugust 18 TGIF 7:00 pmSeptember 3 Blessing of the Pets Service 9:15 amSeptember 9 Vegetable Soup Supper 3:00 – 7:00 pmSeptember 10 Rally Day 10:15 amSeptember 15 TGIF 7:00 pmSeptember 23 Flea Market 8:00 am-1:00 pmSeptember 24 Harvest Home Service 10:15 amOctober 1 World Communion 10:15 amOctober 6 TGIF 7:00 pmOctober 14 Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 3:00-7:00 pmOctober 22 Women’s Service 10:15 amOctober 22 Trunk or Treat 2:00-4:00 pmOctober 29 Reformation Sunday 10:15 amNovember 5 All Saints Sunday 10:15 amNovember 18 Bazaar 9:00 am-2:00 pmNovember 19 Stewardship Sunday 10:15 amNovember 26 Year in Review Service 10:15 amDecember 3 First Sunday in Advent (Communion) 10:15 amDecember 17 Children’s Christmas Play 10:15 amDecember 17 Longest Night Service of Worship 3:00 pmDecember 24 Fourth Sunday in Advent 10:15 am
Christmas Eve Services: Family Service 3:00 pm (Communion)Candlelight (Communion) 7:30 pm
In the Spirit of Prayer“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. “Romans 8:26 NRSV
Praying for our friends and family nearby and around the globe...
***If you have a loved one on the prayer list that you feel should be removed, please let Pastor Linda or the church office know.
Emily ZernFamily and Friends of Evelyn FrantzFlossForrest KolbGary YoderGrace GilbertGrant FronheiserHeatherHomeless NeighborsHoward MoserIngridJeffries FamilyJim & Joann KrausJoanneJohn HenryJohn NizerJoshKathryn KatieKaylaKim YergerKirstenLee LatshawLeroyLester ChristmanLillian MillerLizLouiseMabel SchultzMaggie NeuinMarleyMary DeloMilitary PersonnelMissi & Ken Hamilton & Family
MissionariesMonica MathiasMr. ThorntonOglala Lakota on the Pine Ridge ReservationPaul SchollenbergerPaul MathiasPattyRefugees Rev. Willis & Sylvia HecklerRichard MoserSallySierraShaneSherry StanfordStephanieThomas & MaryAnn GallowayThe homeless and hungryThose standing on the margins of society and feeling unwelcomeThose who struggle with addictionsToriVickiVictims of Violence
The Calvary Spirit 13
If you have a prayer concern, please call or e-mail JoAnn at the church office, once the prayer is received it will be sent through our Spiritual Links prayer chain which ends with Pastor Linda. Please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Linda directly for
prayer, conversation or whatever need you may have. If you are aware that names can be removed from this prayer list,
