Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter April/May/June, 2016 2016 Spring Meeting 2016 Spring Meeting 2016 Spring Meeting 2016 Spring Meeting The Lancaster Association of the United Church of Christ will hold it’s 2016 Spring Meeting on Sun- day, April 17 at 3:00 P.M. at Trinity UCC, East Pe- tersburg. The association requires that the clergy and two delegates from each church attend this meeting. Christine Baer, Church World Service Lancaster, will be the presenter at the Spring Meet- ing. She will give a presentation on refugee reset- tlement in the Lancaster area. Minister’s Message Minister’s Message Minister’s Message Minister’s Message Pious people make me tired. I have a colleague who uses a certain tone when she preaches that must be what she thinks preachers sound like. I want to tell her that the impression it gives is that she doesn’t believe a word of it. Turns out, she doesn’t. That is what I’m tempted to think about most pious people. I attended a webinar recently about church technology, and they kept having technical prob- lems. That was not a good omen, and finally I turned it off when the presenter announced that the reason for the difficulty was that they began the presentation without prayer. I wanted to tell him that I had prayed several times already that day and didn’t need him to pray for me. What I did need was for him to get the proper bandwidth to support the presentation if he wanted to sell me his particular technology. Fortunately, because I had prayed about not displacing my anger that morning. I didn’t say any of that. I simply closed my browser and got some work done. The readings at the outset of Lent advised us to fast and pray and give, but not to do this as show. I’ve always loved deeply spiritual people who laugh and play and enjoy life to its fullest. They remind me of Jesus. People called him a glutton and winebib- ber, but his life so connected him to the Source of Life that, when he touched people, they felt Life itself flow into them. Being deeply and authentically connected to God should be manifested, not by external religiosity, but by power and joy. Colleagues don’t need to tell me about their spiritual lives; they just need to give me a tour around their church. Are they doing meetings or ministry? Are people’s lives being touched and transformed because they have been with them? Do people know God better or feel healthier and more alive? What about you? Do people stand taller in your presence or gossip more? Are grace and mercy their instinctive reactions around you, or are they looking for an angle, a way to get ahead? Do you need to say a prayer, or do you need more spiritual bandwidth? Rev. Bob Peiffer Spring Pot Pie Supper Spring Pot Pie Supper Spring Pot Pie Supper Spring Pot Pie Supper On Saturday, April 9, Zion’s will join together to sell their delicious homemade Beef Pot Pie. We will again be serving take-outs only, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need your help. Before that day we will roll the dough, cook the beef, and share good times as we work together for Zion’s. Price is $10 per quart or dinner. As the time draws closer, please consider making a donation to help pay for the beef. Mark your calen- dars and watch for more information.
Transcript
Zion’s Reformed United Church of ChristZion’s Reformed United Church of ChristZion’s Reformed United Church of ChristZion’s Reformed United Church of Christ NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter
April/May/June, 2016
2016 Spring Meeting2016 Spring Meeting2016 Spring Meeting2016 Spring Meeting
The Lancaster Association of the United Church of Christ will hold it’s 2016 Spring Meeting on Sun-day, April 17 at 3:00 P.M. at Trinity UCC, East Pe-tersburg. The association requires that the clergy and two delegates from each church attend this meeting. Christine Baer, Church World Service Lancaster, will be the presenter at the Spring Meet-ing. She will give a presentation on refugee reset-tlement in the Lancaster area.
Pious people make me tired. I have a colleague who uses a certain tone when she preaches that must be what she thinks preachers sound like. I want to tell her that the impression it gives is that she doesn’t believe a word of it. Turns out, she doesn’t. That is what I’m tempted to think about most pious people. I attended a webinar recently about church technology, and they kept having technical prob-lems. That was not a good omen, and finally I turned it off when the presenter announced that the reason for the difficulty was that they began the presentation without prayer. I wanted to tell him that I had prayed several times already that day and didn’t need him to pray for me. What I did need was for him to get the proper bandwidth to support the presentation if he wanted to sell me his particular technology. Fortunately, because I had prayed about not displacing my anger that morning. I didn’t say any of that. I simply closed my browser and got some work done. The readings at the outset of Lent advised us to fast and pray and give, but not to do this as show. I’ve always loved deeply spiritual people who laugh and play and enjoy life to its fullest. They remind me of Jesus. People called him a glutton and winebib-ber, but his life so connected him to the Source of Life that, when he touched people, they felt Life itself flow into them. Being deeply and authentically connected to God should be manifested, not by external religiosity, but by power and joy. Colleagues don’t need to tell me about their spiritual lives; they just need to give
me a tour around their church. Are they doing meetings or ministry? Are people’s lives being touched and transformed because they have been with them? Do people know God better or feel healthier and more alive?
What about you? Do people stand taller in your presence or gossip more? Are grace and mercy their instinctive reactions around you, or are they looking for an angle, a way to get ahead? Do you need to say a prayer, or do you need more spiritual bandwidth?
Rev. Bob Peiffer
Spring Pot Pie SupperSpring Pot Pie SupperSpring Pot Pie SupperSpring Pot Pie Supper On Saturday, April 9, Zion’s will join together to sell their delicious homemade Beef Pot Pie. We will again be serving take-outs only, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need your help. Before that day we will roll the dough, cook the beef, and share good times as we work together for Zion’s. Price is $10 per quart or dinner. As the time draws closer, please consider making a donation to help pay for the beef. Mark your calen-dars and watch for more information.
LLLLove ove ove ove IIIIn the n the n the n the NNNName of ame of ame of ame of CCCChristhristhristhrist Love INCLove INCLove INCLove INC
“The Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) na-tional organization is dedicated to creating, equip-ping and enhancing the ministry of Love INC affili-ates in communities across the country.” “Love INC is a proven model whereby local affili-ates network together local churches, church volun-teers and community organizations to help people who lack resources. Through Love INC affiliates, churches and individual Christians are mobilized to: -Work together across denominational lines. -Provide coordinated help to neighbors who are in need. -Give practical help-both tangible and intangible.” “As each individual church does what it can, even the most complex needs can be addressed collec-tively.” “Love INC is one of the most effective networking outreach and mobilization tools available to churches today.” On Sunday, April 17, Kim Wittel from Love INC will be visiting and explaining what Love INC is and how Zion’s and St. Paul’s might benefit from working with Love INC. She will be participating in our regular Sunday service at 8:45 A.M. Love INC’s “vision is to see Christian churches united in purpose and fully engaged in actively liv-ing out their faith by lovingly serving people in need in their communities.”
Please come, listen and share the love!
Zion’s Reformed Church News April/May/June, 2016 2
When God Left the BuildingWhen God Left the BuildingWhen God Left the BuildingWhen God Left the Building
Nearly 4,000 churches close every year. Why - and can it be stopped? Director Thom Schultz set out on a journey to un-cover why churches-once the heart and soul of their communities-are now shrinking in both size and influence. What he discovered gives you unprece-dented insight and serves as a powerful wake-up call. You’ll go behind the curtain at a congregation that’s seen attendance plunge from 900 to 40. Wit-ness innovative new forms of church that are thriv-ing, from a pub outreach in Pennsylvania to a Tex-as ministry that gathers in 300 neighborhoods every week. Experience hope as you get a refreshing glimpse into the future of faith viewing the documentary titled “When God Left The Building”. On April 3rd, beginning at 6:00 P.M., we will be showing this film at St. Paul’s UCC in the fellow-ship hall. We are encouraging everyone to attend as we take a look at the struggles other churches have been dealing with and some of the different ways they have discovered to reach out in their communities. Popcorn will be provided.
Greeters: Apr. 3 - Jon Wolf Apr. 10 - Janice & Russell Shirker Apr. 17 - Donna & Bob Rineer Apr. 24 - Susan & Mark Olcott May 1 - Pauline Binkley & Fannie Shirker May 8 - Pam & Rich Weeber May 15 - Shirl & Mervin Newcomer May 22 - Michelle Fisher May 29 - Joan Good & Pauline Binkley June 5 - Lori & Steve Gold June 12 - Janice & Russell Shirker June 19 - Marie & Bob Fisher June 26 - Donna & Bob Rineer Lectors: Apr. 3 - Steve Gold Apr. 10 - Rich Weeber Apr. 17 - Mark Olcott Apr. 24 - Michelle Fisher May 1 - Dawn Heinsey May 8 - Pam Weeber May 15 - Joan Good May 22 - Steve Gold May 29 - Russell Shirker June 5 - June 12 - Janice Shirker June 19 - Grace Heinsey June 26 -
Zion’s Reformed Church News April/May/June, 2016 3
Marie Fisher Dawn Heinsey Lori Gold Carol Hildebrand Steve Gold Mark Olcott Rich Weeber
Apr. 3 - Team B Apr. 10 - Team A Apr. 17 - Team B Apr. 24 - Team A May 1 - Team B May 8 - Team A May 15 - Team B May 22 - Team A May 29 - Team B June 5 - Team A June 12 - Team B June 19 - Team A June 26 - Team B Altar Care: April - Michelle Fisher May - Shirlan Newcomer June - Janice Shirker
One of the things that marked the early Church was its care for others. A way the Church continues that care is in pray-er. As you offer your prayers during the
coming months, please remember these people.
Chester Yeakel; Josie Mae Williams; Rev. John
Binkley; Fred Hyde; Stacey Marcello; Gina
Katrinak; Bill and Jean; Diane; Jen; Dawn and
Loren Zimmerman; Eddie Sue Rose; Bob and
Karen Peiffer; Ed Williams; Tammy Schmid
Welcome to Zion’sWelcome to Zion’sWelcome to Zion’sWelcome to Zion’s
If you have visited us recently or you have re-ceived our newsletter, please know that you are welcome to join any of the activities that you see. If you have any questions, regarding times or loca-tions, please call us at (717) 445-8202.
Please submit all articles, newsworthy information or member news by Sunday, June 12th. Please give all articles or information to Pam Weeber or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Please include Zion’s name in the subject line of any e-mails.
Zion’s Reformed Church News April/May/June, 2016 5
Second Sunday SharingSecond Sunday SharingSecond Sunday SharingSecond Sunday Sharing In April we turn our attention to the long running “April Showers”. “April Showers” brings health and beauty as well as personal comfort items to the residents of Ephrata Manor. A list of suggested items follows.
Sheet blankets, unbleached, natural fibers Washcloths and hand towels, white or colored Single sheets (72” x 108”) Pillow Cases, regular size Washable bedspreads Denture brushes/cups Toothbrushes & toothpaste Insulated potholders Flexstraws in bulk packs Bathroom dispenser size cups Hair Spray in pump bottles Disposable razors Shampoo Liquid bath soap Combs and brushes Kleenex, regular size Thi Highs or Knee Highs Polident or Efferdent Body Deodorant, unscented Mouthwash Body lotion Greeting cards Postage stamps Toilet tissue
Please place your donations for the April Showers offer-ing on the table in the sanctuary on Sunday, April 10th.
For June, we will be supporting the Good Samaritan Woman and Children Shelter in Ephrata. The mis-sion of the Good Samaritan Shelter is to provide safe, comfortable housing for men, women, and women with children experiencing homelessness in the greater Phoenixville and Ephrata areas. GSS also collaborates with local health and social service agencies to help their guests regain stability in their lives and address the issues surrounding their home-lessness.
Zion’s has used the “fifth” Sundays throughout the year to collect donations to support various funds. These “extra” Sundays are a reminder of the “extra” help that we can give to those in need. The consistory has recently decided that the collections on these “extra” Sundays will now go towards the Mental Health Ministry. Money collected will be used to purchase refreshments, supplies, etc. for the NAMI project.
The first “Fifth” Sunday Sharing donations to support the Mental Health Ministry will be collect-ed on Sunday, May 29. Please consider giving to this new benevolent endeavor. Thank you!
Zion’s will no longer be purchasing altar flowers from Country Lane since they no longer are serv-ing retail customers. Fresh altar flowers will now be purchased from Roxanne’s in Akron. This change, however, has caused an increase in the price to $35.00 per Sunday. We hope you will still consider purchasing fresh flowers for your special occasions and celebrations as well as in memory of your loved ones. If you would like to purchase fresh flowers for the altar vases, the sign-up sheet is available on the bulletin board in the back of the church. Please remember that you must sign up at
least one month in advance to ensure that ar-rangements may be made to place the flowers in the church on your special day. Please mark “FR” for fresh flowers on the sponsor sheet.
Zion’s Reformed Church News April/May/June, 2016 6
“Members In Need” Fund“Members In Need” Fund“Members In Need” Fund“Members In Need” Fund
The “Members In Need” fund is a financial aid program available to the members of Zion’s UCC and their family members. The “Members In Need” fund is to support those who request monetary assistance including but not limited to the following needs:
If any member has questions regarding this fund or is in need of assistance, please feel free to contact in person or call Rev. Peiffer at (717) 925-6520, or Janice Shirker (717) 733-6853. All inquiries will be strictly confidential and dis-creetly considered. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help! This fund was established for your benefit in difficult times.
Imagining the Future:Imagining the Future:Imagining the Future:Imagining the Future: Exploratory InitiativesExploratory InitiativesExploratory InitiativesExploratory Initiatives
This series of evening classes, extending from April 6 through May 11, will assist participants to imagine future ministry possibilities for Zion’s and St. Paul’s. Three ministry possibilities will be present-ed: Kindermusik, Messy Church, and Financial
Peace University.
Kindermusik: “[A movement] passionately commit-ted to bringing the power of music to children and their families . . . while supporting whole-child de-velopment and providing the early foundations of future school success.” “Some Kindermusik classes take place [in private studios], others [in churches];
no matter where the music plays, Kindermusik helps develop critical early-learning skills, nurtures the whole child . . . and offers hours and hours of irre-sistibly engaging music-and-movement fun for ba-bies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.”
Messy Church: “An opportunity for children, par-ents, and caregivers to enjoy expressing their crea-tivity, sit down together to eat a meal, experience worship, and have fun outside of Sunday worship.” “A [constellation of ideas] to draw people of all ages together to help them experience what it means to be part of a Christian community.”
Financial Peace University: “Participation in clas-ses teaches participants how to get out of debt the same way they learned to walk - one step at a time.” “Local classes are led by a coordinator and are a great way to learn, be encouraged, and stay motivat-ed. Classes meet for nine weeks. Childcare is pro-vided.
Two identical sessions per each ministry possibility will be held according to the following schedule:
Kindermusik Wed., April 6 7:00 P.M. St. Paul’s UCC
Wed., April 13 7:00 P.M. Zion’s UCC
Messy Church Wed., April 20 7:00 P.M. St. Paul’s
Wed., April 27 7:00 P.M. Zion’s UCC
Financial Peace University Wed., May 4 7:00 P.M. St. Paul’s UCC Wed., May 11 7:00 P.M. Zion’s UCC
Let’s Go Out to the Ball GameLet’s Go Out to the Ball GameLet’s Go Out to the Ball GameLet’s Go Out to the Ball Game
Zion’s is planning a night at a Reading Fightin Phils baseball game. The game is Friday, June 10. The first pitch is at 7:05 P.M. Tickets are $10 each. There are only 20 tickets available so please contact Jessie Pierce soon to reserve a ticket for you.
Zion’s Reformed Church News April/May/June, 2016 7
Salem Lutheran PreschoolSalem Lutheran PreschoolSalem Lutheran PreschoolSalem Lutheran Preschool
Salem Lutheran Preschool is now taking registra-tions for Fall, 2016. The 3 year old class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. The 4 year old class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. For more information, please call the Church office at 733-6646.
“Fresh Hope: “Fresh Hope: “Fresh Hope: “Fresh Hope: Our Mental Health Our Mental Health Our Mental Health Our Mental Health MinistryMinistryMinistryMinistry
Planning for Fresh Hope, our mental health minis-try, continues. A steering committee will begin meeting in April to set schedules and agendas for support group meetings. Initial members of the steering committee will include Grace Heinsey (Zion’s), Bill Sellers (St. Paul’s), and three mem-bers of the wider community. Note: Fresh Hope is a Christian association of sup-port groups across the United States established for those who have mental health diagnoses and for their loved ones. At the core of Fresh Hope is the belief that it is possible to live well despite mental health challenges because of the hope that exists in Jesus Christ. A Fresh Hope group provides a safe and encouraging environment where real healing takes place and where sure hope is found.
Zion’s website (www.zionsreformeducc.org) was recently updated. You will now be able to read the church’s weekly lessons. In addition, our current calendar of events and current newsletters will be available. We hope you will take some time to vis-it the website and keep current with our lessons and activities. If you would like to make additions or note any corrections, please contact Michelle Fish-er at 717-271-8775 or e-mail her at [email protected]. A special thank you goes to Michelle for helping us to maintain the website.
Violence in ChurchesViolence in ChurchesViolence in ChurchesViolence in Churches
An unfortunate aspect of our society today is an increase in what appears to be senseless violence. Unfortunately, part of the increase in violent at-tacks has occurred in churches. As a result, Kieran Connelly, the chairperson of the Safety and Securi-ty Committee at St. Paul’s UCC has met with local police authorities to discuss how our churches might protect ourselves. He met with Zion’s con-sistory to present his findings. One of the conclu-sions of this meeting was that Zion’s will begin locking the front door during the Sunday service. At a time when we want to be welcoming and open, we have had to make this difficult decision.
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