JUNE 2018
The Days of Grace At
Grace United Church of Christ
GRACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
100 FOURTH STREET
HANOVER, PA 17331
717-632-1146
Web site: http://graceucchanover.com
Church Office Hours
Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 A.M – 4:00 P.M.
Pastor: Rev. Bonnie J. Whittier
Visitation Pastor: Rev. Melissa A. Eicholtz
Organist/Choir Director: Harold E. Heller
Modern Service Worship Director: Amy Fawks
Modern Service Music Coordinator: Kathy Trimmer
Secretary/Bookkeeper: Linda DeMaio
Sextons: Sandy Puterbaugh & Faye Myers
Modern Service 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Church School 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Traditional Worship Service 10:45 AM
*Pastor Bonnie’s Phone: 717-324-6639
*Pastor Bonnie’s e-mail address:
*Pastor Bonnie really appreciates communication and her office door is open to stop in anytime.
Rev. Eicholtz's Cell Phone: 717-739-6126
Rev. Eicholtz's email:
mae9902@comcast.net
Info/Prayer/Bible Study Line
717-632-1819, access 86212#
Grace Church Office e-mail address:
Newsletter e-mail: (deadline is 15th of the month)
Pastor Bonnie’s Installation
June 3 at 3:00 PM
All are welcome to join in this celebration including the children.
A Word From Pastor Bonnie…
Hello!
It is a gray, dreary day in the neighborhood. However, it is a still a beautiful day in the neighborhood. At the gym this morning (6:30 AM) I was in the pool and an elderly lady got in the lane next me and began swimming laps. At a break she looked at me and said, “Good morning!” I replied, “It is a good morning! How are you?” She responded with not so much as a blink of the eye, “I am so blessed! I am here!” Wow! What a great attitude.
She was indeed sharing the joy of Christ and she was doing so boldly!
I want to say I hope that is me when I am her age…but the older I get the more hermit I become. On my day off I decide if it is too peopley or not to go out and do shopping, walking or any activity that requires me being around others. I wonder if that thought ever crossed Christ’s mind as he was healing, praying or listening?
Jesus did go off by himself to pray. We see that recorded several places in the gospels, but some how I think that had more to do with being connected to God than it did not wanting to be around people. I can’t imagine the feeling of 3-5,000 people walking with me all the time! Yet I will continue to tell you to share the love of Christ with your neighbor! I will continue to suggest we be intentional about sharing the love of Christ with whomever we meet…even when we are tired!
I have a very long way to travel before I understand how Jesus did what Jesus did! How he was so patient with the disciples; how he was so patient with those who did not believe and even how he was so patient, caring and loving to Judas! I am not there yet, but I am trying.
How about you?
My prayer for you and for me, is that we might have the attitude and the boldness of the lady in the pool! Let Grace UCC and its members be known as the congregation that loves our neighbor well!
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie (PB for short)
“There’s a lot of ‘Adams’ in this place” by Adam King MDiv ’18
There’s a lot of ‘Adams’ in this place.
Not atoms, with a ‘T’, like the building blocks of matter,
but ‘Adams’, with a ‘D’, like the building block of humanity.
Eager to name and categorize and invent and create
And there’s a lot of Eves in this place as well
Birthing new ideas, new life
asking hard questions
Challenging the status quo
There’s a lot of Noahs in this place
Gathering the beasts together
Building floating refugee boats for the coming flood
and inviting any and all to come on board, even the scoffers, mockers
There’s a lot of Abrahams and a lot of Sarahs in this place
Laughing at God’s cosmic joke
Then discovering God follows through on promises
There’s a lot of Isaacs in this place
Willingly following their Father with an abiding trust
Wondering why there’s no ram
And what’s this sharp knife for
There’s a lot of Jacobs in this place
tricksters, jesters, jokers, and thieves
kind-hearted mommas boys
who wrestle with God
There’s a lot of Rachels in this place
Beautiful and favored
Drawing water from wells
Drawing hope for the future
There’s a lot of Leahs in this place too
Overlooked but oh so strong
Steadily producing quality work
Steadfast and faithful
There’s a lot of Josephs in this place
full of big dreams and world changing projects
climbing the corporate ladder
to sit next to the world’s Pharaohs
There’s a lot of Shipporahs and Puahs in this place
Undermining the powers that be
Risking death
to rescue life.
There’s a lot of Moses’ in this place
Reluctant leaders of people
Deliverers of hope and liberation
God’s trusted spokesperson to a world gone mad
There’s a lot of Samuels in this place
Called in the night and crying out
HERE I AM!!
SEND ME!!
There’s a lot of Davids in this place
slaying giants and building kingdoms
prone to stray, but quick to repent
people after God’s own heart
There’s a lot of Solomons in this place
Wise beyond measure
We should listen to them more
There’s a lot of Jeremiahs in this place
crying out to the people
PAY ATTENTION!!
Weeping in grief when they refuse to listen
There’s a lot of Isaiahs in this place
whispering words of hope
return, rescue, redemption
There’s a lot of Marys in this place
bearing the Spirit of God in their souls
boldly declaring with swelled bellies
that God is doing something new
There’s a lot of Peters in this place
brash and loud and quick to act
full of ambition and hope
humble and willing to receive forgiveness
There’s a lot of Magdalenes in this place
faithful to the very end
never leaving the side of those they love
and the first to declare “LIFE HAS WON!”
There’s a lot of Pauls in this place
Brilliant beyond belief
Journeying across worlds and seas
with Good News that will not be contained
There’s a lot of Jesus in this place
I see him in each face here
Filled with the Holy Spirit
and willing to lay their lives down for their friend
There’s a great cloud of witnesses’ in this place, my friends
Look around! Do you see them?
Can you see who God has made you to be?
And can you see from where, from whom you come?
There’s a lot of Adams in this place…
May 2018 Consistory Digest
There were 16 members present, including Pastor Whittier and Pastor Eicholtz.
Treasurer’s Report:
General pledge for April 2018: $15,411.00 (5 Sundays)
General pledge for April 2017: $15,057.04 (5 Sundays)
YTD 2018 income: $65,818.77
YTD 2018 expenses: $80,109.12
YTD shortage: $14,290.35
Checking account balances
Deacon: $20,968.79
Education: $12,605.85
Memorial: $34,476.09
Resource: $10,110.22
Operating: $24,126.03
Carroll Miller reported $19,700.00 was transferred from various unrestricted funds into the Operating Account to cover our deficits. We now have $24,126 in the Operating Account which should cover expenses for the next five months.
There will be a financial review with representatives from Wilmington Trust, May 22, 2018, at 7:00 PM. Fundraising events have been going as planned. We have $2565.87 from completed projects which will be transferred to the Operating Account.
Carol Spangler-Solomon reported the Grace Yard Sale raised over $1800.
Pastor Eicholtz submitted her resignation as Grace’s Visitation Pastor effective May 28, 2018. She has accepted a position with another congregation. Pastor Eicholtz may still be called as a supply pastor for Grace. The Consistory accepted her resignation with regret.
The parsonage is in need of both cosmetic and mechanical repairs before we use it for any purpose. The Trustees will compose a list of needs and estimated expenses for the repairs. Most of the furniture has been removed except for a few of the nicer pieces that Bruce and Rita left behind.
Harold requested a pew be taken out of the choir loft. Since it was a shorter pew it was placed in the sanctuary allowing for a space for a wheelchair.
Amy Fawks reported Worship & Music has planned the following activities: May 20, honoring the graduates; May 27, Memorial Day with focus on Veterans; and June 17, Father's Day with carnations. The Modern Worship Team is looking to find someone to coordinate nursery schedules.
Ken Wenger reported this year’s Sharing God’s Grace Project will be to raise $5000 to purchase an Ark of animals from Heifer International. The last Sunday in May will be the first offering.
Pastor Bonnie reported the following:
“I am planning office hours: Monday 9-3, Tuesday 9-3, Wednesday 9-3, Thursday off, and Friday 2-4ish.
The days I have a 7 PM meeting I will work 1PM through the meeting as much as possible.
By the end of May, I plan to begin using Wednesday afternoons to begin visits to get to know people better. I will be doing hospital and emergency visits as they come up day to day.
My husband and I scheduled a trip to Colorado to visit our son and his family before I accepted the call to Grace. We will be away June 5-12th. We also have a trip to Jamaica planned September 8-15th.
There will be a Children’s Moment during the June 3, 2018 installation service.”
The Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference will be held June 8 and 9 at Susquehanna University.
Congregational meetings will be held June 10, 2018, to vote on funds to pay for seal coating the parking lot and two proposed Grace Policies: The Use of Fellowship Hall and Kitchen for Nonchurch Events and the Safe Church Policy.
Prepared by Craig Bixler 5-16-18
Pastor Bonnie’s Installation
Pastor Bonnie’s Installation, to be held Sunday, June 3, at 3:00 PM, here at Grace, is a very special time for all of us at Grace. As we prepare for this occasion, every effort should be made to attend. It is very important that our youngest members, our Grace children, be welcome to join in this celebration. All are Welcome and encouraged to take part in this wonderful day!
Congregational Meeting June 10, 2018
There will be congregational meetings immediately after the Modern Service and the Traditional Service, June 10, 2018, to approve the cost of parking lot seal coating and two Grace Policies.
Schorner Sealcoating, Spring Grove, PA, has proposed an estimate of $3,982.00 to fill cracks, reseal with one coat brush application, and re-stripe the parking lot.
Two proposed Grace Policies will be voted for approval: Grace Safe Sanctuary Policy and the revised Fellowship Hall and Kitchen Use Policy for Nonchurch Events.
The Safe Sanctuary Policy shows the requirements for volunteers who help with children and youth. The guidelines in this policy will help Grace meet PA State requirements for employees and volunteers. The Fellowship Hall and Kitchen Use Policy for Nonchurch Events has been revised. Revisions in this policy are underlined.
Sunday June 10, 2018, immediately after the Modern Service and at 10:10 AM in the sanctuary will be time to ask questions about the two policies.
Copies of the proposed policies can be found in manila folders located in the narthex, large table at the rear of Fellowship Hall, and in the large transept. The proposed policies are also posted on the Grace website: www.graceucchanover.com.
Sponsors
To sponsor flowers or bulletins for worship services, please contact the church office at 632-1146 for open dates.
Prayer Line and Bible Study
To access the message, dial 1-717-632-1819 and then enter the assess code: 86212. If you have any questions or concerns, please give Patti Miller a call at 1-717-451-1913
Personnel Needs
As most of you know, Pastor Melissa took on a position as an interim pastor for a church in Spring Grove in January. She has found that the demands of this position is making it very difficult for her to carry out her responsibilities as Visitation Pastor here at Grace. At the last meeting, the consistory accepted her resignation with regrets. Her last day as Visitation Pastor will be May 28th. While she has only been with us for a relatively short time, she has had a real impact and will be missed. She will not be out of the picture completely though. She will still be available to preach when Pastor Bonnie is away and we look forward to continue seeing her in that capacity. In fact, she will be preaching in June, giving us an opportunity to thank her and show our appreciation for her service to Grace.
Unfortunately, this presents us with the challenge of finding a new visitation pastor. We will be contacting the Conference for names of pastors who have recently retired or those who are only working part time and in need of additional hours. We will work to find such a person as soon as possible to fill this position.
Additionally, we are still looking for someone to fill an empty seat on Consistory. Being on Consistory requires attendance at one meeting per month and serving as a deacon or elder. Deacons are concerned mainly with the daily operation of the church and elders are focused more on the spiritual side of things. Regardless of the position, the consistory members are committed to Grace UCC and do their best to insure the smooth operation of the church and meaningful spiritual support and growth of the congregation. Please consider serving. We cannot have a strong church without individuals willing to step up and take a role in the leadership of the congregation. If you are interested contact Carol Spangler Solomon or Mike Mummert.
Best Wishes for Pastor Melissa
We are conducting a card shower of appreciation, thanks, and best wishes to Pastor Melissa as she leaves her position as Visitation Pastor here at Grace Church effective May 28, 2018.
Please bring cards to the Church Office so they can be presented to her when she leads Worship Service here on Sunday, June 10.
Pastor Bonnie is also getting a card together that our beloved shut-ins can sign when she visits them.
The Sunday School children will also sign a group card for Pastor Melissa.
All are included as we Thank Pastor Melissa for her good efforts here at Grace.
Sewing Group – June 12
The Sewing Group will once again be meeting in the second Tuesday of each month, September through June to assemble bed pads. More hands are always welcome.
Attention members and friends of Grace as you are doing your cleaning of drawers and closets, the bed pad ministry could use clean, threadbare sheets and pillow cases to continue their work in service of the need for the community.
YOUTH GROUP
(TWIC-TEENS WORKING IN CHRIST)
The Youth Group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM. All youth, 5th grade and older are invited to join us. Leaders are Janet Black, Jenn Weaver, and Amy Fawks (will lead the Kahootz).
Resource
Again, I want to give praises to the devoted folks who showed up at 6:30 AM and jumped in willingly to help us with the yard sale. When you realize how many things are donated, it is a super project—yes, WORK!—but what isn’t? But since help is so hard to find, and many of us are physically limited, we may have to put future yard sales on the back burner. HOPE NOT!
We earned $1811.82, which is amazing. $393.50 was from the food table profit, Thanks Donna and Barry Bankert for your smiling services there. Also, thanks to our chef, Linda Sager, for kitchen prep and ALL who donated super food items,
The profit on our April 18 Tea was $870.12.
Most important now is our bus trip to the wonderful Noah’s Ark. This is another great fund-raiser, but numbers count—and must be realized—or cancellation happens. We have until June 15 to fill the bus. Thirty-five are needed. We have 22. My tour escort was here two weeks ago and couldn’t believe what he saw. He said Disney couldn’t have done it better. So please consider joining us.
Other than the bus trip, we are taking a rest until peaches and tea times happen.
Again, thanks to all who help make Resource a vital part of this church.
Keep on “Keepin’ on”
Mary Jane
Chancel Choir and Summer
Traditionally, during June, July, August, and the first Sunday of September, the Chancel Choir does not sing for the Traditional Service. Music is presented by volunteers from the congregation or their guests. Please consider giving of your talents and/or encourage others to do so. A sign-up sheet is posted in the Choir Room.
Something New in Fellowship Hall
The next time you reach for a chair for one our Grace's youngest, and you find a wonderful, new high chair, please thank little Jacqueline Fink and her parents, Brian and Jessica, for their donation.
Upon noticing a need for one for Jacqueline's 1st Birthday Celebration, they were generous enough to gift Grace with it. We truly appreciate their kindness. Thank you!
Strengthen the Church Offering
The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.
This offering will be received during the month of June. Envelopes are located near the June Days of Grace. Prayerfully consider a gift to this ministry.
Community Aid Collections
Please remember to donate gently used and in good condition clothing to this great effort. The bin is located at the end of our parking lot. For more information, please contact the Church Office. Thank you!
Grace UCC WISE Group
will meet in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 PM on June 6 and August 1 for their BE A FRIEND Session. All are welcome to join this supportive group. Bring a friend!
Tea at Homewood at Plum Creek
Angels Among Us is the theme for the annual Tea at Homewood at Plum Creek. The dates this year are Saturday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 26. Tickets will be available the last week of April at $20.00 each.
A generous donation was made this year by a current resident of Plum Creek. She has made by hand a quilt, Angels Watching, and two wall hangings, Angels Among Us, which will be offered at a raffle to be held in connection with the teas. Pictures and some additional information can be seen on a flyer on the church bulletin boards. Tickets are available now at $2 each or 3 for $5 and can be purchased from Pauline Benner. (The winners need not be present at the tea on the 26th in order to win. There will be three prizes.)
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Births
Rowan Nichole Ramsey, born May 10, 2018 to proud parents are Emily and Daniel Ramsey; proud big sister is Raelan, proud grandparents are Joleen and Charlie Fennell, and proud great-grandfather is Merle Whisler.
Baptisms
Jaden David Stair, son of James Stair and Angie Boyers, was baptized on 22 April 2018.
New Members
Gary Michael Arter and Bryan Michael Asper, with their son Ryker, joined Grace on 22 April 2018.
Sharing God’s Grace
Heifer International is the project for Sharing God’s Grace for 2018. Since 1944 Heifer International has provided livestock to improve the lives of who struggle for reliable sources of food and income. Since its founding Heifer International has helped more than 31 million families and in the past four years has been ranked in the top four most trusted nonprofit organizations by Harris Poll Equitrend.
Heifer International operates under the concept of passing on the gift or giving away a portion of what one has been given. Families who receive livestock are given extensive training on how to care for their animals and agree to pass on an offspring to neighbors in need. In this simple way every gift will multiply for years to come and help spread hope around the world.
Grace UCC’s goal is to give enough animals (cows, sheep, oxen, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, geese, beehives, etc.) to fill an ark. In this way we can provide assistance to those in need. The cost of an ark is $5,000. The last Sunday of each month May thru December you are invited to come forward during the final hymn in each service and put your offering in the ark. Please make checks payable to Grace UCC with Heifer Project in the memo line. Of course you may put the money in any Sunday and mark it for Heifer International or Sharing God’s Grace.
Just as Jesus fed the multitudes during his ministry let us provide food for those in need.
VBS
Shipwrecked
Rescued by Jesus
July 15 – 19
6:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Join us in and adventure where children will learn that Jesus loves them and is always there for them, no matter what happens in life
Interactive Bible stories, music, crafts, snacks, and more.
Help Fill The Ark
As it was with Noah, the Ark is about hope and a new beginning.
Animals can provide:
-
Food for children like milk, eggs, or meat
-
Income for housing, health care, and other needs
Help give families around the world new hope as they learn to feed themselves.
HANOVER AREA
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The Clothing Bank needs your help!
We are looking for individuals who are available to come and sort clothing and items. Sorters are needed 8:30-11AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Cashiers are needed 9AM-12 noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and on the first Saturday of the month when the Clothing Bank is open from 9:00 AM to 12 noon. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact the Council office at 717-633-6353.
PAL LUNCH
Volunteers Needed
We are scheduled for PAL lunch the third Saturday each month. Help is always needed and accepted. If you would like to volunteer to help at PAL lunch on the 3rd Sat of the month, please contact: Craig Bixler 632-5606
PAL June Needs
PAL
Mayonnaise, Hot Chocolate, Bar-B-Que Sauce,
Sugar
CLOTHING BANK
Baby Wipes
CHANGING LIVES SHELTER
Shampoo, Disposable razor,
Men's flip-flops (L,XL)
RUTH’S HARVEST
All single serving please!
Single Serving of Anything,
expiration date after 9/2018
SERVING IN JUNE
If you are unable to serve a position that you are scheduled for please find a substitute and/or inform the church secretary.
USHERS
Head Ushers: Sue Fuhrman, Joann Sites
June 3 &10 Ken Wenger, Cathy Reck,
Kim Aumen, Michele Rudisill,
Steve Hershey, Steve Rudisill
June 17&24 Sue Lang, Richard Boyer,
Matt Boyer, Earl Fuhrman,
Becky Boyer, Mary Jane Fuhrman
LECTORS
June 3 Len Bankert
June 10 Pauline Benner
June 17 Donna Bankert
June 24 Faye Myers
GREETERS
June 3
June 10
June 17
June 24
No Youth Church – June, July, August
YOUTH CHURCH ASSISTANTS
If you are interested in helping, please contact
Tina Hagarman 633-53
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
Acolyte & Reader
June 3 Colby Bealing
June 10 Maxwell Wisensale
June 17 Alexis Knopp
June 24 Levi and Luke Highlands
NURSERY HELPERS
NO NURSERY – June, July, August
Contact Nancy Kuhn 637-2713 for more information and to sign up for an assignment date.
TRADITIONAL SERVICE
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
NO COFFEE HOUR – June, July, August
MODERN SERVICE
HOSPITALITY HOSTS
If you are interested in providing refreshments for the modern service, please contact Pam Kreitz at 717-476-9511.