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ST. JOHN‟S WORD
ST. JOHN‟S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, ORWIGSBURG, PA July/August
http://stjohnorwigsburg.org/ 2005
St. John’s Word is The Mission Statement of
published by and for the St. John’s United Church of Christ
members and friends of St. As a Christ centered congregation we strive:
John‟s UCC, Orwigsburg,
Pennsylvania. If ever you To reach out with unconditional love and selflessness
read this newsletter and using our God given gifts to provide a nurturing shelter for
notice an error or oversight, those seeking a Christian home.
please notify the church
office. Comments, articles, To provide opportunities for spiritual growth through
drawings and photos for worship, education, fellowship, prayer and Christian action
inclusion in future issues throughout our community and the world.
may be sent to:
Susan McCartney August 2005
pathais@earthlink.net We will celebrate Holy Communion on August 7, with
Bobbi Jo Foster the congregation coming forward to share the bread
bjslandworks@comcast.net and wine at the Communion table.
Pastor
Rev. Barbara Kershner Altar Guild - Ruth Faust
(570) 366-3876
pastorb4@verizon.net Head Usher - John Jones
President of Consistory
John Jones
Date Acolyte Altar Flowers Nursery Att.
Health Minister 8/7 Kelsey Deb Moyer Linda Rice
Kay Jones
(570) 366-1333 Thompson
kjones8022@aol.com 8/14 Aaron Kohr Wes & Connie Joan Koehler
Church Secretary Kirby
Eva Cresswell
sjucc@verizon.net 8/21 Keith Joan & Bob Sue Kramer
Office (570)366-2255 Wagner Koehler
Fax (570)-366-2274
Summer Office Hours:
Monday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 12 Noon
8/ K St B
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"Welcomers" Heather Foose and John McCarthy were united by Rev.
We are looking for Barbara Kershner in a service held at Saint John's on June
people to serve as 25th. Heather is the daughter of Bill Foose and the late Sue
"welcomers". Foose.
Welcomers would assist
visitors with such things Jimmie Moore, Jarrod Kramer, and Stephen Rice have
as finding a seat for the all been chosen for Area All Stars in baseball!!
church service, inviting Way to go!!!!
and accompanying them
to our coffee hour and
Many thanks to all who help contribute to each month's
introducing them to
newsletter. We appreciate the input.
other church members.
If interested in NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS AUGUST 21,
becoming a part of this 2005
ministry, please contact If anyone would like to report on Camp Mensch Mill for
Paulette Peters. the next newsletter, we'd be happy to hear from you. Or if
Birth announcement: you have some summer 'sharing' to do, we'd love to print it
Baby boy Teagan for everyone to enjoy and 'travel with you', even it's been
Fitzpatrick Ryan was in your own backyard for some great gardening!!
born May 31st to
Jennifer (Schneck) and Death Announcement:
Michael Ryan. Maternal The prayers of the church are with the family of Jay Rutter,
grandparents are Kenny member of Saint John's who passed away on July 5th.
& Marlene Schneck. Surviving are his wife, Claire W. Wenrich Rutter, whom
he married on Sept. 15, 1956, Orwigsburg; a son, Jeffrey
Have you noticed that F. and his wife, Jody Rutter, Lenhartsville; two sisters,
our doors all around the Geraldine R., widow of John H. Lundbye, Orwigsburg,
church and the and Marie C., widow of Samuel K. Deibert, Orwigsburg.
fellowship center have Rev. Kershner presided at the service to celebrate Jay's life
new coats of paint on at Hamilton Funeral Home Inc.
them??? If you have, Our gardens are looking better. Weeds seem to be
and ever see our "winning" this year, but we are grateful for our
friend/member, volunteers who are attempting to keep the gardens
Linwood looking great. Many thanks.
Bartholomew, please
shake his hand and say Congrats to Amanda Whitley and Chris Brossman who
'thanks.' have done so well in the Schuylkill County Idol singing
competition. You both make us proud!
Wedding
Announcement:
If You Have Ears, Listen!
„Be it resolved that the 25th General Synod of the United Church of Christ, meeting in Atlanta,
Georgia,
celebrates and reaffirms our Church‟s faith in Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church,
whose true humanity and divinity are declared in our Constitution, our liturgies,
our hymnal and our ecumenical commitments.‟
“If you have ears, listen.” Jesus often said that as he taught and told his parables. “If you
have ears, listen.” But I say to you: don‟t listen to
the fear, gossip and half-truths. Be careful little
ears what you hear. In case you haven‟t heard, the
General Synod of the United Church of Christ met
in Atlanta over 4th of July weekend and passed
several resolutions including the one at the top of
this article. The UCC is united in Christ but will
we be divided over marriage? Another resolution
called for the government to grant equal marriage
rights for all, including couples of the same sex.
There has been strong local response, but before
we jump on the bandwagon of churches leaving the
UCC, we need to slow down and listen. To
begin with, same sex marriage is not legal in
Pennsylvania. We have time to listen.
Listen to what General Synod is all about. General Synod is only one of four settings in the
church,
called to live and work together within unique roles and mutual responsibility.
Listen to how delegates are chosen to represent the conference and to vote their own conscience.
Listen to the fact that the basic unit of the life and organization of the UCC is the local church.
The United Church of Christ is composed of local churches, associations (we belong to
Schuylkill Association), conferences(Pennsylvania Southeast conference) and the General
Synod. Member congregations are free to make their own decisions, while living in
covenant relationship and respectful diversity with other UCC congregations. The actions
of the General Synod are not binding. They are not commandments from on high.
If you have ears, listen to the equal marriage rights resolution which speaks first to the
government and society to protect civil rights, and “calls for an end to rhetoric that fuels
hostility, misunderstanding, fear, and hatred expressed toward gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender persons.” Finally the Synod speaks to the local church, calling upon all
settings of the UCC to engage in serious, respectful, and prayerful discussion of the
covenantal relationship of marriage and equal marriage rights for couples regardless of
gender.
General Synod is simply asking the local church to listen, listen to the stories of your neighbors,
your colleagues, your friends, your nieces and nephews, sons and daughters whose stories may
be different from yours. Just listen. Listening is part of being the church and part of singing
the hymns of the church. When we sing, we don‟t have to sing the same notes. Sometimes
harmony is dissonant, a bit unpleasant but it adds energy and movement as we move toward
resolution. We do have to keep listening to stay in tune and in rhythm. As we each sing our
own parts, as local church, association, conference, synod, as married and single, as gay or
straight, may we listen to one another and allow harmony and dissonance so that together we
may proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, our cornerstone and our foundation.
Peace,
.
Pantry supplies are low.
We have been giving out about 40 boxes a month.
Pantry needs:
$ Pasta/Macaroni and Cheese
$ Cereal $ Pork & Beans
$ Spam or canned meats $ Paper Products
$ Peanut Butter $ Soap Products
$ Jelly
$ Canned vegetables
12 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
13 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
14 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
Food Pantry Sunday is the 1st Sunday of each month, however donations are welcome on any
Sunday or they can be dropped off at the church office.
Thank you!
ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE meetings are held each month on the 3rd Monday. Please
come and join us at 7 pm in the conference room in the office.
July 2005
SUNDAYS
AT 7 PM
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
SERVICE IN THE AIR CONDITIONED
FELLOWSHIP CENTER
JOIN US!!Altar Guild - Barbara Berger
Head Usher - Paulette Peters
Helper - Peg Berger
Date Acolyte Altar Flowers Nursery Att.
15 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
July 2005
SUNDAYS
AT 7 PM
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
SERVICE IN THE AIR CONDITIONED
FELLOWSHIP CENTER
JOIN US!!Altar Guild - Barbara Berger
Head Usher - Paulette Peters
Helper - Peg Berger
Date Acolyte Altar Flowers Nursery Att.
7/3 Kayla Kelly & Mike Lori Moore
Moore Malone
7/10 Brendan Beryl Gerhard Mardelle
Harley Deibert
7/17 Aaron Kohr Ruth Faust Peg Berger
16 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
July 2005
SUNDAYS
AT 7 PM
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
SERVICE IN THE AIR CONDITIONED
FELLOWSHIP CENTER
JOIN US!!Altar Guild - Barbara Berger
Head Usher - Paulette Peters
Helper - Peg Berger
Date Acolyte Altar Flowers Nursery Att.
7/24 Samantha Sharon Pryor Sharon Pryor
Deibert
7/31 Keith Leonard & Louise Bobbi Ann
Wagner Strunk Kimmel
We combined July & August Issues of St. John‟s Word, but would still
like to recognize those who have volunteered their time in July.
Thank you!
17 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
Please remember all of St. John’s
members who may be medically or ALSPACH, Emma
spiritually in need of our prayers. 366-2999
1000 Manor Rd - Rm 129
Orwigsburg, PA 17961-1303
BARTHOLOMEW, Emma
(610) 927-8741
9 Reading Dr. Apt 206
Wernersville, PA 19565-2022
BINDLEY, Flossy (Mrs. Florence)
366-0870
36 Applewood Circle
Orwigsburg, PA 17961-2329
DAROSH, Ady
366-0245
226 Grove St
Orwigsburg, PA 17961-1902
DIBENEDETTE, Thelma
366-2999
1000 Manor Rd
Orwigsburg, PA 17961-1303
KAUFFMAN, Laura
(610) 373-1560
Country Meadows Of Wyomissing
1800 Tulpehocken Rd
Reading, PA 19610-1240
MILLER, Leroy
621-7200
160 Red Horse Rd Room 107
Luther Ridge
Pottsville, PA 17901-4216
SHUTTLESWORTH, Catherine (Kay)
385-0331
18 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
Rest Haven Unit 3A-Rm 313 Orwigsburg, PA 17961-1506
401 U University Dr
Sch. Haven, PA 17972-2212 WEBBER, Russell
366-2446
SMITH, Janet 129 S Warren St Apt B
(717) 600-1347 Orwigsburg, PA 17961-2115
63 Morningside Drive
York, PA 17402-2617 WILDERMUTH, Evelyn
695-3141
SMITH, Polly (Mrs. Annetta) Tremont Health & Rehab Center
366-2084 44 Donaldson Rd Room 305
300 Second Mt Road Tremont, PA 17981-1424
Orwigsburg, PA 17961-9007
SMITH, Dolly
366-0635
930 Elizabeth Drive
19 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
General Synod in Atlanta (by Kay Jones)
It was my great honor to serve as a delegate from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference to the
General Synod of the United Church of Christ held in Atlanta, July 1-5, 2005. My experience in
Atlanta has hopefully made me a better disciple of Christ who is the sole head of our church. I
found that the experience increased my awareness of ways to serve the Lord. I heard stories
from other people who are doing creative and meaningful ministry around the world. I came
home with new energy and joy as a Christian in today's difficult world.
General Synod is a time for worship and prayer: as delegates we attended daily worship and
prayer. Each committee deliberation began with a process of Bible study, prayer and rules for
respectful dialogue.
General Synod is a business meeting. Each delegate is assigned to a committee. The committees
consider resolutions that come from local congregations as well as the national church
ministries. These resolutions are considered and amended by assigned committees and then
brought before the whole General Synod for consideration, amendment and vote.
20 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
General Synod is a place for leadership and policy-making. The delegates to the Synod elect
the national officers of the U.C.C. Resolutions adopted by the General Synod become a
portion of the policy that the national church's ministries use to carry out their work. The
General Synod "urges, requests, encourages and recommends" approved resolutions to the
local congregations for prayerful discussion and to consider adopting as policy. The General
Synod, however, cannot tell a local congregation, association or conference what to do.
General Synod is a place to see all of the ministries and components of the United Church of
Christ in one place. It is the opportunity to see the great diversity of the congregations united
in the U.C.C. and to experience their ways of worship and prayer. It is a time to learn so
much about the mission Christ calls us to to be a part of in the world.
This General Synod passed a number of resolutions. As a congregation we are asked to
"engage in serious, respectful and prayerful discussion" and consider adoption of the
recommendations of the resolutions. Some of the resolutions passed by General Synod
include:
$ Called to Wholeness: Becoming an Accessible to All Church
$ In Support of Ministries to our Campuses of Higher Education
$ In Support of Equal Marriage Rights
$ Religious Freedom for Native Hawaiian Prisoners
The next General Synod will be held in Hartford, Connecticut in 2007. This will be the 50th
anniversary of the founding of the United Church of Christ. We will all be invited to go to the
convention. I hope some of you will be able to attend as visitors. I ask you to join me in
praying for the U.C.C. and its many Christian ministries in the world.
21 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
Report on our Penn Southeast Conference meeting:
Barbara Skelding recently gave her report to the congregation from the June meeting of Penn
Southeast Conference held in Lancaster, Pa.
The guest speaker was Rev. Anthony Robinson and he spoke about the challenges we face as
churches in the 21st century. The 'old' way of thinking was 'obligation' and now the newer
way is 'motivation'.
The loudest message I heard from the conference, was that if we want our churches to live on
in this changing society, the emphasis needs to be not how we can keep the church a social
club for members to feel comfortable, but a creative reaching out to spread the word of God.
So the next time there is a change of liturgy or a new song we don't know, we might ask the
question: Do the words we are accustomed to saying still speak so others might understand,
or are we worried about everyone being comfortable knowing the words that no longer speak
to those that hear them?
Thank you for the opportunity to represent our church at the Penn Southeast Conference
Meeting.
Barbara Skelding
The 175th Anniversary team has planned the following events for 2006:
April 9- Palm Sunday- a brief service will be held at the corner of Washington &
Tammany Street, the sight of the old Reform Church, followed by a walk to St. John's
current location and the Easter Cantata.
May 13- Catered Dinner Dance to be held at the Schuylkill Country Club
May 26- Cemetery tour by Danielle Richards
July 15- Carnival/Block Party- Community event
August 26- Picnic and vesper services at the Boy Scout camp
September 16- Music Night
October 14 Line Dance with instructor at the center
November 26- Homecoming/reunion celebration
Details will follow for the events listed above. If you would like to participate in the
planning of a particular event, please attend the monthly 175th Anniversary planning
meetings held the third Monday night of the month at 7:00 pm in the church office or
contact Barb Skelding.
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July/August 2005
23 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
OUTREACH MINISTRY:
Outreach column this month is to promote thought, not anger. All thoughts are my own and
I‟d love to discuss them with any of you privately. I won‟t begin this column by telling what
Outreach did or has plans to do, but to ask what plans do you have to help all of St John‟s
Ministries?
Part of St. John‟s Mission Statement says---As a Christ centered congregation we strive to
reach out with unconditional love & selflessness using our God given gifts to provide a
nurturing shelter for those seeking a Christian home. Have you done this? Did you write, visit
or call that neighbor or shut in? Do you speak to your neighbor or the one sitting alone in
church?.”
We need to do things for "our kids", yet the Health Ministry had a bike safety course
Saturday May 14 and not one of St John‟s children showed. St John‟s needs your
cooperation.
Outreach ministry could use your help. God is still speaking. Are you listening? Do you
follow thru?
Edna Hart
HELP WANTED:
We are presently hopeful that someone will step forward to become a public relations person
for St. John's. This person might be one who drives to Pottsville on a regular basis, or would
be willing to take on such 'tasks' for our church as listed below. Many times this information
can be shared via a computer/email.
If you are interested, please see either Edna Hart or Pastor Barbara. There is a lot of
flexibility in this position, but we feel even more strength in our congregation will be a result
of some good old 'PR'.
Weekly job would be to see that The Call & The Republican get the information on the
church service for that week.(Note: information has to change weekly, or the Republican will
not run it.)
Notify the Republican of activities in the weekly/monthly calendar.
Place ads/send in photos as needed.
Thank you for any consideration you may give this request.
The church is prayer-conditioned.
24 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
25 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
Equal Marriage Rights
In response to concern about the "In Support of Equal Marriage Rights for All" resolution
passed at General Synod in July, you are invited to participate in a four session biblically
based study of marriage called "God Is Still Speaking about Marriage." The sessions will take
place on Sundays August 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 9-9:45 immediately before 10 am service in the
conference room. All are welcome.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Barbara (366-3876) or Kay Jones (366-
1333).
Health Ministry
Are You Wearing Your Sunblock??????
Watch for the next edition of Healthy News.
The August edition will have lots of upcoming programs for the fall including a new program
at Lancaster Seminary, cooking lessons, prevention programs and so much more.
Some people understand life better. And they call some of these people "retarded" ...
At the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled,
assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not
exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of
times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked
back. Then they all turned around and went back ... every one of them. One girl with Down's
Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better."
Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium
stood, the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the
story ... Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more
than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means
slowing down and changing our course.
26 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
If you read this and care to share it with someone, we may be able to change our hearts as
well as someone else's. "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle".
God doesn't call the qualified -- He qualifies the called.
27 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
28 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
Handymen and Gals needed!
A project is being planned to update the parsonage powder room - donations of new vanity,
sink top and flooring have been made. We plan to paint the dark paneling and install flooring
and new fixtures. We also plan to paint the dark paneling in other downstairs rooms in order
to bring them 'out of the 60's'! Times will be arranged according to availability of workers
and Pastor Barbara's schedule. Please see Ruthann Moyer during social hour, or call 366-
2009 and leave your message - let's pull together and see how 'fast' we can make the changes!
PARISH LIFE MINISTRY:
We hope you enjoyed the annual Pignic held on June 26 at Albright's Woods. The homemade
dishes that complimented the deliciously roasted pig were fantastic!! Big, delicious thanks to
both Wes Greenwell and Harlan Rump for putting in long hours to roast the pig and serve and
then clean up. Also thanks to Cindy Patton, from The Market Place in Orwigsburg, for
helping Bobbi Jo Foster and Amanda Whitley with last minute game ideas and supplies. If
you stop in, Thank Cindy. She was a big help!
Parish Life meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the fellowship center.
We are presently planning the upcoming Apple Fest, to be held in conjunction with the
Orwigsburg Heritage Days on September 10. Many thanks to the members who have already
volunteered to make this event a great day for St. John's. Please fill out the form below for the
'best time' you are available and return it to the office, or call Toni Groff or Barbara Skelding
to schedule a time.
......................................................................................................................................................
Apple Fest - September 10, 2005
Volunteer schedule: ( Please check any times you are available. We can use your help if
only for one hour on any given date)
29 ST. JOHN‟S WORD
July/August 2005
_______August 15 (make pie crusts to freeze) 9 _______September 8 and 9 ______- peel/core
am - 2 pm apples and bake dumplings 9am-2pm AND 6-10
pm
_______August 17 and 22_____ (make dumpling
crusts to freeze) 9 am - 2pm
_______September 10 - we will need help from
_______September 7 - cut apples/bake pies 9 am - 8:30 am until approximately 2:30 pm. Kitchen
2 pm AND 6-10 pm
helpers, table set-up and clean-up and clean up in
the kitchen.
August 7-11
30 ST. JOHN‟S WORD 6-8:30 pm
July/August 2005
Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church
All kids ages 3 - 12 are invited!!
We will listen to great stories about Jesus, make cool crafts, sing fun songs, play
zany games, and eat spectacular snacks! Call the church office to register at 366-
2255 or you may register on-site. See you at the circus spectacular!!!
WANTED: Dog-loving, adventure seeking kids for a week of fun under the Big Top
at Davey and Goliath‟s Circus Spectacular: A High-Flying Gospel Adventure! If you
love listening to stories about Jesus, making cool crafts, singing fun songs, playing
zany games, and eating spectacular snacks with your friends, then it‟s time for you to
join the circus! No Experience neccessary!
NAME _________________________________ PHONE _________________
Volunteers needed!!!
Call Vicki Jones
366-0861
