Welcome Everyone!
Grace United Church of Christ
100 Fourth Street Hanover PA 17331
(717) 632-1146
Web site: http://www.graceucchanover.com
Church Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday / 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM
e-mail address: graceucc@yahoo.com
If you are interested in serving here with other members of your “Grace” family as greeter, usher, acolyte, reading scripture etc., please write your name and phone number on a piece of paper along with your choice of service and place in the offering plate as it passes by. Someone will contact you.
Sunday Mornings!!!
9:00 to 9:45 am is Modern Service
10:45 am is Traditional Service
9:45 to 10:30 am is Church School
Info/Prayer/Bible Study Line
Daily Updates 717-632-1819, access 86212#
Pastor’s cell phone: 717-324-6639
E-mail address: twanda98@comcast.net
Pastor Bonnie really appreciates communication and her office door is open to stop in anytime
NURSERY HELPERS NEEDED
see page 7 for details
Simply Spiritual Book Club
The Simply Spiritual book club will meet every Monday at 10:00 AM.
Visitation Leader: Patricia A. Miller
Cell Phone: 717-451-1913
Email: pattiamiller68@gmail.com
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Organist/Choir Director: Harold E. Heller
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Modern Service Worship Director: Amy Fawks
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Modern Service Music Coordinator: Kathy Trimmer
Secretary: J Elaine Conley
Sextons: Sandy Puterbaugh & Faye Myers
A Word from Pastor Bonnie…
Greetings,
I spent my birthday and several days following at the shore with friends. The day we arrived it was cold and rainy. I figured we were not going to see dolphins because of the weather, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them while I stood on the balcony just a little while later.
Thursday the weather was perfect beach weather! We had breakfast, gathered our chairs and beach bags and went to the beach. Low and behold we saw dolphins everywhere! Then out of the water is a huge black fish—oh my goodness it is a whale!!!! I was so excited-well actually all of us were pretty excited. We watched the whale and the dolphins until they were too far away to see.
I sat back in my beach chair and marveled at the beauty of creation. I thought of Genesis 1 and thought to myself, “It is good.”
God is good…all the time!
I really hope God can still surprise you as much as I was surprised to see the dolphins and then a whale. Wow. I hope you will allow God the opportunity to WOW you.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
May 2019 Consistory Digest
There were 16 members present including Pastor Whittier, and Greg Sindlinger.
Treasurer’s Report:
General pledge for April 2019: $12,584.31 (4 Sundays)
General pledge for April 2018: $15,411.00 (5 Sundays)
YTD 2019 income: $63,658.98
YTD 2019 expenses: $82,711.54
YTD shortage: $19,052.56
Checking account balances:
Deacon: $23,321.80
Education: $12,610.00
Memorial: $25,798.44
Resource: $10,443.56
Operating: $14,052.01
Carroll Miller reported average giving for April was $3,146 per week. Easter Sunday is always better than average. Budgeted giving requires $3,702 per week. Expenses were close to Budget, so we had a deficit of $3,296.
The Finance Committee met on 4/23/19. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss and decide how to fund operations for the remainder of the year. The final decision was to use $10,129 from the Swam Estate gift and close several accounts at Wilmington Trust totaling $33,000. Unrestricted funds were taken from the Caler Flower Fund, the LC Hoffheins Fund and the Ott Estate Fund. $43,000 should get us through yearend.
The By-laws Committee will meet May 20, 2019.
The Gettysburg Association meeting was held May 5. A new hymn was presented that we may be able to sing at Grace. Money is available for people who are interested in attending Hartman Center camps.
Eighteen out of twenty congregations were represented.
1st Choice Computer Solutions will begin installation of Wi-Fi at Grace during the week of May 20.
Patti Miller reported during April, she made 15 visits, including nursing homes, rehab, and private residences. Some members received more frequent or repeat visits based on individual circumstances such as declining health or prolonged rehabilitation. Everyone appreciates the weekly mailings from Grace.
Children and youth volunteer clearances are being reviewed to make sure volunteers for Vacation Bible School have current clearances.
The Resource Committee reported the June 4 bus trip to Winterthur, the DuPont Mansion and gardens, has 31 people signed to go. Peach pies will be baked in August. A bus trip to Boston in late October has been planned. There are 20 people signed to date.
Pastor Bonnie reported she is looking forward to VBS. We will have one service the morning of July 14 at 9:30 AM. She will be teaching Sunday school during the summer months of June & July. “How Do We Read the Bible?” will be the topic. She saw many of the homebound during April. I am able to do many more visits now that the office is covered.
Pastor Bonnie also reported that on June 2 immediately following the Traditional Service, there will be time to discuss a “5 Year Plan” for Grace. Susan Dienes will be renting the parsonage, most likely beginning in July.
Gary Rickrode reported to the Consistory the fourth and final first aid/ CPR/AED class was held April 7th. Seven members were in attendance and were certified. We now have 22 newly certified members. The newest members who completed the training were: Mike Mummert, Robbie Moul, Pam Kreitz, Rick Boyer, Becky Boyer, Joann Sites, and Charles Sites.
Construction of the Blessings Box along North Franklin Street most likely should be done after the sidewalk is repaired.
Prepared by Craig Bixler 5-14-19
Need some Stuff?
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Washer & Drier
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Lg table with 4 chairs
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Misc. Pictures
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Wall Sconces
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Pfaltzgraff dish set (complete)
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assorted glassware
Call the office for more information!
Looking Ahead
June 2nd: We will be honoring the Graduates during both services. Please contact the office with information about your graduate.
June 2nd: The 5-year Planning meeting. (luncheon being served / Subs & Salty snacks.)
June 2nd: Church School Series “How to read the Bible”
June 4th: Bus Trip to Winterthur – HURRY UP – contact Mary Jane to buy your ticket.
Penn Central Conference: June 7th and 8th
June 9th: Pentecost
June 10th: Consistory meeting
June 11th: Sewing Group’s last regularly scheduled meeting for the summer! (see page 9 for volunteer opportunity)
June 19th: Seniors Luncheon at noon.
June 21st: Movie Night @ 6:30 pm
July 9th and August 14th – Day trips to New Windsor, MD for volunteer/work day at the Brethren Serrve Center. (see article on page 4)
Flower Sponsors!
Did you wait too long and miss sponsoring Altar flowers on YOUR special day?
Add a pedestal arrangement or a bud vase.
These additions to our floral offerings ensures that there is still a way for you to honor the day.
… and stay within your budget!
To sponsor flowers for worship services, please contact Elaine at the church office (717) 632-1146 or use the sign-up poster on the bulletin board in the large transept.
SENIORS LUNCHEONS SCHEDULE
The Seniors Luncheon will meet at noon in the Fellowship Hall on June 19, and September 18.
Pastor Bonnie’s Calendar of Upcoming Events
July 14th VBS Sunday – Worship 9:30 am Fellowship Hall
September 8th – Recognition of Chancel Choir & Ambient Grace
October 13th Harvest Home
October 26th Halloween – Trick or Treat
October 27th Reformation Sunday
November 3rd All Saints
November 10th Recognizing the Veterans
December 1st Hanging of the Greens –
One Service @ 9:30 am
Card craft / Homebound
Covered Dish afterwards
December 22nd Christmas Pageant During Morning Worship
One Service @ 9:30 am
(following the service everyone is invited to the fellowship hall for lunch and a surprise visitor.)
December 24th Family Service 4:00 pm
(Fellowship Hall)
Traditional Service 9pm
(Sanctuary)
Easter 2020 Good Friday Breakfast/brunch
VOLUNTEERS
Let’s Go!
The sewing group is getting ready for their two (2) annual treks to the Serrv International Warehouse at New Windsor, MD and you are invited!
History & Impact of Serrv International:
One of the first fair trade organizations in the United States, Serrv was established in 1949 to help displaced refugees trade their handcrafts for income after the Second World War. As a founding member of both the World Fair Trade Organization and the Fair Trade Federation, we've steadily increased our impact in the fight against global poverty. Today we employ and empower nearly 8,000 artisans and farmers in 24 countries.
We, as volunteers, will be unpacking shipments, inspecting each item, tagging and repackaging everything in plastic bags or cartons for sale. The items we handle will be rather small and light.
The dates for our trips this year are:
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Tuesday July 9th, and
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Wednesday August 14th
We gather at the church at 7:00 am and leave together in a “caravan” so it is important that we know in advance who will be going with us.
Invitation open to persons 12 and older.
All persons under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and persons under 18 must have a signed permission slip.
We work for them and they feed us a lunch of hot dogs, chips, dessert and a drink.
If interested in joining us, please contact Linda Sager (717-637-4414) or Donna Bankert (717-632-5417) or the church office.
New Group Being Started!
You Day / Monday
Mondays during the lunch hour
Pastor Bonnie has started a new group – “Healthy eating & exercise ~ taking care of you”
Let’s come together to offer support, encouragement, help, recipes and laughter as we learn to take care of ourselves and promote healing & health. Mondays @ 12:00 – Bring your lunch & Join the Group!
Community Aid
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!
Aaron Welper is looking for volunteers to offer services to seniors. If you have been thinking about helping others and are interested in donating your time and talent by way of doing yard work or washing windows etc., please contact Aaron @ (717) 752-5552.
GRACE Music Notes:
Chancel Choir rehearsals for the season are complete and will resume in last August.
The Summer Music season begins!! If you or someone you know would like to give of their musical talents during the summer season, please use the Schedule on the bulletin board in the Choir Room. Dates available are on a first come, first served basis and are between June 16, through and including September 1st.
Sunday School – June & July
How to read (and understand) the Bible
June 2
Lesson 1: Bible 101
Where, what, why and how?
June 9
Lesson 2: Bible 102
Timeline: Authors, Canon
June 16
Lesson 3: The Old Testament
Genesis 1
“In the Beginning God…”
June 23
Lesson 4: Continuing the OT
Difficult to read/difficult to grasp
Did it go as God planned/hoped?
Were mistakes made by God?
June 30
Lesson 5: Midrash
What is Midrash and how do we use it today?
July 7, 14, 21 The new Testament
The 3 Synoptic Gospels
Gospel of John
The Epistles — What is an Epistle
The Apocrypha
Revelation “Apocalyptic”
July 28
Lesson 9: Pulling it all Together
An article from Liberating WORD
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During a conversation with someone who clearly is more conservative and evangelical than I am, I casually said, "Well I disagree with you, but I appreciate your point of view. Who knows? You may be right, and I may be wrong." Although I have said that many times in the past, my conversation partner reacted with great dismay. This conversation illustrates so perfectly why dialogue is so difficult and increasingly rare these days. Fundamentalism, whether religious or political, has trapped so many people in a world of black/white, either/or thinking. Fewer and fewer people seem capable of holding two opposing possibilities as credible. The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, a heroic civil rights leader and the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, used to express great frustration at this attitude. He often noted that it was not a liberal vs. conservative issue. He explained that the most vehement conflicts of his life have been with liberals who have taken as rigid a stand as any right-winger. In his inimitable way, Troy would say, "An effin fundamentalist is an effin fundamentalist." I LOVE that! It planted itself in my psyche in a way that I became increasingly aware of my own tendency to be rigid and excluding ideas. Regardless of how liberal we might be, theologically or politically, it still is possible to slip into fundamentalism. Being able to see another person's perspective and acknowledge the possibility that they could be right, and we could be wrong, is the only preventative I know, but it seems to be harder and harder to do.
Actually, I think the "f" word Jesus used is "faith." |
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Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza |
Because of our purchase of the Toshiba copier in 2018 for the church office, Olivia’s House received a donation in our name from the company (Doceo) we bought the copier from. Their program “Doceo Gives Back” allowed us to choose a recipient at the time of purchase. Please see the Thank You note we received, below.
Thank You!
A note of THANKS to all who so generously donated candy for our annual Grace UCC Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday.
The response was AMAZING! Even though the egg hunt had to be held indoors due to damp weather, we had approximately 25 children ages 1-11 years old (baskets in hand) egg-citedly searching for the candy filled eggs! Thanks again to Everyone!!
Children and Youth Volunteers
Is Your Volunteer Clearance Out of Date?
Clearances for children and youth volunteers will soon expire for those people who had clearances done in 2014. PA state law requires all clearances be done every 60 months. The bulletin board outside the nursery has a list of Grace Volunteers showing past clearance dates. There is also information on the board showing how to renew clearances. A bulletin board in Fellowship Hall and on the top floor of the education wing contains the information as well. Please contact Craig Bixler for more information.
The Deacon’s Fund
We have a Deacon’s Fund. Do you know we have this fund, and do you know what it is used for?
The Deacon’s Fund was the brainchild of Harold Hartlaub some 25+ years ago. The Deacon’s Fund was designed to help people in need. It is to be used for members of Grace UCC only. It was stated, “no names/just situations.” The pastor receives the telephone calls or visits, hears the situation and then takes it to the Deacon’s Fund Committee for discussion and approval or not.
Currently the Deacon’s Fund has three members and the Pastor; Vickie Arnold, Barry Bankert and Linda Heller are currently on the committee.
The Deacon’s Fund is completely confidential.
Pastor Bonnie
NEW accessibility!
Do You Shop at Giant or Weis?
Giant and Weis grocery cards are NOW available to buy during hours the church office is open!!!
DURING OPEN OFFICE HOURS!
There are multiple denominations to fit all budgets! You get your exact money’s worth and the church makes a percentage!! Your grocery money makes money!!! How often does that happen? Right?
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 Saturday of the month, please contact: Craig Bixler 632-5606
NURSERY HELPERS
There has been difficulty getting volunteers to help in the nursery during the Traditional Service.
Beginning June 2, there will no longer be anyone in the nursery during the Traditional Service. The nursery will still be open during the Modern Service.
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Please contact Ashley Rummel if you are interested in helping in the nursery.
VBS
Sunday, July 7 thru Thursday, July 11
6:15 – 8:30 PM
Theme: ROAR
Life is Wild * God is Good
At Roar, children discover that God is good even when life get wild! They participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Wild Bible Adventures, and collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God’s love, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos.
Roar into the fun at VBS!
Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s VBS, please contact Linda Bixler 717-632-5606.
For more information about our VBS and to register your child, visit:
https://vbspro.events/p/graceuccvbs
or call the church office at 717-632-1146.
We look forward to a fun week at ROAR!
Resource Committee
I’ve heard it said, “all she thinks about is money!” Yes, I push to see good results on projects, I do not like failure.
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The May 4th Yard Sale netted over $1200.00
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We need a few more bodies for the June 4th Bus Trip – see if you can make it!
We are sort of on a vacation but will be up and running by Peach Pie time – Get your orders ready!
I must say we have a great a success in the love and dedication of those who step in and do the work for these projects!
Don’t Miss This!!! Can you imagine someone who has a heart attack on a Tuesday, stints are put in and by Friday morning, there she is in the kitchen ready to bake pies!!
That’s loyalty – Thanks Tillie! We Love you!
My thanks to all our caring workers!
Mary Jane
The sewing group is still looking for 1 more interested person (with their own sewing machine) to help with making prayer blankets!
Please contact Donna Bankert or Linda Sager
MODERN SERVICE
HOSPITALITY HOSTS
If you are interested in providing refreshments for the modern service, please contact Pam Kreitz 717-476-9511.
HANOVER AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
HACC / June Needs
PAL
Ziplock sandwich size bags
Dressing
Potatoes Whole or Sliced
Pineapple
CLOTHING BANK
Family Sized Toiletries
Men & Women Socks
CHANGING LIVES SHELTER
Men &Women Deodorant (trial size)
Flip Flops
RUTH’S HARVEST
Single Serve Entrees and Vegetables
WEEKLY PRAYERS
Family of Grace, please add these ministries and committees to your weekly prayer appeals:
Week of June 2, Hispanic American Center
Week of June 9, Ministries Board
Week of June 16, Provide-A-Lunch
Week of June 23, Public Relations Committee
Week of June 30, C L Shelter Residents
Wow!
What a great day in the neighborhood!
The sun is shining; the birds are singing; the wind is blowing, and the temperature is great !! AND I have wonderful news!!
The iron-on transfers of the church logo have arrived. The color selection is huge, some even have glitter!! You can come in and pick the size and color of your logo, and if you want, the “perfectly imperfect” transfer too! We have come up with what I hope is the best option for everyone.
Come in the office, pick your transfers to take home and all for the bargain price of $5.
You can use a shirt you already own or get a new shirt just for this and simply iron it on!
AND ….
We also have decals for your car, notebook, or whatever you want to put your decal on! Same color and size choices … let everyone know that you are proud to be a part of Grace UCC!
$5.00 gets you three decals of your choice!
Have Fun! Pastor Bonnie
Serving In June
If you are unable to serve a position that you are scheduled for, please find a substitute or contact Elaine in the Church office.
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Ushers |
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Head Usher: |
Sue Fuhrman, Cathy Reck |
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June 2nd, 16th: |
Mike Mummert, Kim Aumen, Joleen Fennell, Steve Hershey, Karl Whisler, Merle Whisler |
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June 9th: |
Consistory Members |
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June 23rd, 30th: |
Judy Rummel, Kelly Bankert, Len Bankert, Nancy Bankert, Sydney Bankert, Carol Spangler-Solomon |
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Liturgist |
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June 2nd |
Matt Boyer |
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June 9th |
Joann Sites |
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June 16th |
Rick Boyer |
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June 23rd |
Joan Rebert |
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June 30th |
The Shank Children |
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Greeters |
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June 2nd |
Faye Myers |
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June 9th |
Consistory Members |
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June 16th |
Faye Rebert |
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June 23rd |
Joan Rebert |
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June 30th |
Sue & Tracey Caler |
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Acolyte for 10:45 service |
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June 2nd |
Luke Highlands |
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June 9th |
Levi Highlands |
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June 16th |
Colby Bealing |
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June 23rd |
Maxwell Wisensale |
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June 30th |
Lexi Knopp |
Office door LETTERS slot
I want your feedback!
Got an idea? Think I’ve missed something? Too many commas? (wink, wink, nudge, nudge…) mis-spelled an important word?? Tell me. Write me a note and use the office door LETTERS slot. I want to know!
AND REMEMBER!!! … if you haven’t already perused your copy of the new directory, please do so. I am interested in your “edits” and will gladly take any corrections or additions that you may have. You may call me, email the church, or drop a note in the letters slot!
Thanks! Elaine
Newsletter e-mail:
(The 15th of the month is the deadline for submitting articles to the newsletter.)