News & Views
Spring City, Pennsylvania May, 2007
Erica Young Resigns
Our Organist, Erica Young, has submitted her resignation
effective June 30. While this move opens us many new
opportunities for her, we are truly sad to see her go and will
miss her great talent. Erica writes to us:
It has been my privilege to serve as your Organist over the
last four and a half years. I am grateful for the kindness the
congregation has shown me since my arrival and for the
opportunity to be part of such a wonderful faith community.
It has truly been my pleasure to contribute to Brownback’s
ministry through music.”
Erica and her fiancé, Ryan Wolfe, who will be married in
September, will be relocating this summer to Altavista,
Vriginia. Ryan, who has recently received the Doctor of
Pharmacy degree from the University of Sciences in
Philadelphia, has accepted a position there.
While we are sorry to lose Erica and her gift of music, we
wish both Erica and Ryan all God’s blessings as they begin
their life together in their new home. We will be honoring
Erica and thanking her for her ministry with us on or prior
to June 24, her last Sunday at the console. Watch for details.
In the meantime, Rich Bauer, our Consistory President, and
Barbara Brungess, Worship and Music Committee chair,
have begun the process of seeking a replacement for Erica.
As information on our search for a new Organist becomes
available, we will report back to the congregation.
Brownback’s United Church of Christ
640 Ridge Road
Spring City, Pennsylvania 19475
Telephone: 610-495-6788
E-mail: brownbacksucc@comcast.net
On the Internet at: www.brownbackschurch.org
Our Church Leaders
Dr. Richard Bauer, Consistory President
Maureen Gerhart, Secretary
James McKeighan, Missions Treasurer
Barry Vining, Major Improvement Treasurer
Kris Houck, Sunday School Superintendent
Elders
2007 Amy Meravi Richard Bauer
2008 Linda Raifsnider Bob Keeley
2009 Les Schwartz Mike Houck
Deacons
2007 Maureen Gerhart Barry Vining
2008 Jim Law Jim McKeighan
2009 Kelly Erb Russ Kurtz
Our Church Staff
Rev. Frank L. Lamson, Pastor and Teacher
Dolores Keeley, Secretary
Penny Sallade, Choir Director
Erica Young, Organist
Bernadette Brungess, Sexton
Robert Jacob, Cemetery Superintendent
Rev. Dr. Eugene Grau, Pastor Emeritus
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From the Pastor
You didn’t know Pete Willnauer. He was a friend of mine
who died peacefully the evening of April 17 in New Britain,
Connecticut. His wife, Thelma, and his brother, Jack, were
with him. I had had a chance to see him and visit with him
one last time just a week before. His three sons – Kipp,
Korey, and Kent – had also been able to travel from their
homes in Kansas and Missouri and had shared special time
with him. And, there were others, too – a steady stream of
family and friends who also made their way to the Hospice
Center to say thank you and good-bye.
Pete spent his entire life in Connecticut – except for those
years during World War II when he served in the U.S. Navy
in the South Pacific. After the war, he came home and like
many other vets, he took advantage of the GI Bill and went
to school. Then, he met and married Thelma and together
they built their home and raised a family – their three boys
and, later, a fourth “adopted son” – me.
Pete was a great Dad. He was active in Scouts and school
and supported the boys in everything they did. They were
Eagle Scouts and Drum Majors and always involved in their
church. And, Pete was always there, encouraging them and
showing them what it was to be a very good man. He was a
quiet guy who had a great sense of humor. He was also kind
and generous, patient and thoughtful, and smart about all
the important things in life. He loved to hunt and fish.
You didn’t know Pete Willnauer but he was someone well-
worth knowing and you would have liked him, too, just as
so many of us did. He enriched the lives of all of us who
knew him and loved him and it was a real privilege to have
been a part of his life. Now, as difficult as it is, we return him
to God, but we do so with truly thankful hearts.
- 3-
Planning Ahead for VBS
The annual Brownback’s Church Vacation Bible School will
be held this year beginning Monday, June 18 – Friday, June
22 from 6:00 - 8:30 pm. Children from age 3 to those who
will be completing Grade 5 are welcome to mosey on over as
we spend the week at “Avalanche Ranch!” It is a tradition at
Brownback’s Church that registration is free for all.
Each night our little cowpokes will gather at the corral to
hear Bible stores, make crafts, play games, sing songs, enjoy
great snacks, and follow the new Wild West adventures of
Chadder the Chipmunk. This is a great time of great fun and
good learning for our children and for the young people and
adults who will be giving us a hand out on the ranch.
To register your children for a great week at the “Avalanche
Ranch” Vacation Bible School, complete the forms that are
now available on Sunday in the lobby at church. Young
people completing Grade 6 and older and all adults who can
take on some of the chores at the ranch, should now contact
Penny Sallade or Pastor Frank.
Since we’ll be out on the ranch for Vacation Bible School
week, we’re looking for props that will give Fellowship Hall
and the lobby a real Wild West look and feel. Appropriate
decorations – wagon wheels, saddles, lanterns, troughs, hay
bales, barrels, or anything other ranch-related items – are
needed. Please see Penny Sallade with whatever you have!
Then, join us at “Avalanche Ranch” for all the fun!
TWO BOYS were walking home from Sunday School after
learning about the Devil. One of them said, “What do you
think about all this Devil stuff?” The other thought for a
moment and then replied, “Well, you know how Santa Claus
turned out. It’s probably just your Dad.”
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Young At Heart
The Young at Heart Club met at noon on April 12 for a
luncheon of broasted chicken, scalloped potates, mixed
vegetables, peas, another delicious salad by Dot Kassel, and
strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Pastor Frank led devotions. Door prizes were won by Evelyn
Halteman and David Prizer. It was agreed to raise the
monthly donation from $5 to $6 beginning in September.
Judy White, who is retiring as the Club’s “head chef,” was
given a planter of pansies and white alyssum in appreciation
for her faithfulness and hard work in preparing meals for
Young at Heart since the Club began meeting in 2003. The
members expressed their sincere gratitude for the hours and
effort Judy has given for planning, shopping economically,
and preparing so many delicious and bountiful meals.
Thank you, Judy for all you have done for us which has
helped to make Young at Heart so special.
The program for the day, “Seeing in the Darkness,” was
presented by Diane Irene Wahl. Mrs. Wahl did a marvelous
first-person presentation on Fanny Crosby, the blind 19th
century composer who wrote more than 4,000 hymns. Her
presentation was entertaining and informative and her
singing was most inspiring.
The last Young at Heart meeting of the season will be held
on May 10 when 39 of us will travel to Sight and Sound in
Lancaster to see “In the Beginning.” The next meeting at
church will be a luncheon on Thursday, September 13. The
Club is always seeking ideas for programs that would be of
interest to our members who are all 60+. If you have any
suggestions, please contact Nancy Peiffer or Louise Wilson.
Please join us when we meet again in September
- Phyllis Prizer
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Possibilities for Children and Youth
All parents of children and young people in Grades 1 to 12
and all others who may be interested are invited to gather
after church on Sunday, May 20 for a special meeting to hear
about and then to discuss some new programs that under
consideration for our children and young people here at
Brownback's Church.
Some of us have been talking about starting a weekday after
school program for our kids through Grade 8. Our program
would be based on a model called LOGOS that is currently
offering in more than 5,000 churches across the nation.
LOGOS is usually held on Wednesday from about 3:30 to
6:30 p.m. and includes a variety of activities plus Bible Study
and a light supper.
Our LOGOS program would run for about 10 weeks in the
fall and for another 10 weeks after the holidays but before
spring sports get underway. The churches that have a
LOGOS program find it to be a very positive part of their
ministry to children and also for the life of their church.
LOGOS is a major undertaking so we need to know if there's
support for it from our parents. If you want to know more
about LOGOS in advance of our meeting, you can talk to
Amy Stone who was part of a LOGOS program in her
church in Illinois or to Pastor Lamson who has led LOGOS
programs in the past.
As you may know from the positive vote at our last Annual
Meeting to support this new venture, we are also in the
process of seeking a Seminarian to hire who will provide
support for us in our ministry to middle school and high
school young people. We'll also be talking about this new
development at our meeting on May 20. Please join us. It's
all good and very exciting for us and for our kids!!
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Enjoy Summer Camp at Mensch Mill
Our friends at Mensch Mill, our UCC outdoor retreat and
ministry center, are preparing for another fun-filled summer
of church camp for our children and young people. Every
week of camp will center on a theme including Mystery,
Reality, Christmas, Sports, and MADD. Horseback riding
camps will also be offered again this year.
A week at camp includes drama, music, nature, arts and
crafts, swimming and other sports, as well as worship and
study. It’s a great way to spend a week and, as UCC
members, our kids get a discount! Scholarships are also
available for Brownback’s Church kids. It’s a great deal.
We have Camp and Retreat brochures available now in the
church office. Or, you can check out all the offerings for your
kids on the internet at www.menschmill.org. Consider camp
for your kids this summer!
May Anniversaries
We congratulate the following in our church family who are
celebrating wedding anniversaries in May.
5/2 John and Lorrain Cassady
5/2 Joseph and Donna Kandler
5/2 Rick and Jeannette Francesco
5/4 Derrick and Debbie Boaman
5/4 Brian and Dina Copenhaver
5/7 Bill and Esther Mundell
5/10 Eric and Bobbi Jo Dormer
5/13 Joe and Deb Timmins
5/27 Barry and Holly Vining
5/31 Rance and Darlene Strunk
5/31 Justin and Velma Valbert
- 7-
Holy Week and Easter Celebrated
We appreciate the good work of all who were involved in
the inspiring and meaningful services during Holy Week.
Many thanks. . .
to BenTimmins for helping to plan and lead the Good
Friday service with Pastor Frank. It was reverent and
most thought-provoking for those who attended.
to our wonderful Senior Choir who “packed” our
choir loft to capacity during the Lenten and Easter
services and inspired everyone with their anthems
and beautiful harmony. How grateful we are to all of
you who glorify God through your music. How
grateful we are to Penny for her directing and to Erica
for her beautiful accompaniment which is often quite
challenging but played to perfection. All of you are
greatly appreciated.
to all members who came out to do spring cleaning
on Saturday, March 31 at the church. They were: Earl
Brungess, Jeff Erb, Greg and Maureen Gerhart, Bob
and Eileen Jacob, Russ Kurtz, Kathy Laird, Frank
Lamson, Amy Meravi, Bill Moore, Brian Piersol,
Phyllis Prizer, Linda Raifsnider, Paul Roussey, Penny
Sallade, Les and Bonnie Schwartz, and Joe Timmins.
Thank you, one and all.
These are just a few examples of how so many of our
members at Brownback’s Church work on our behalf
“behind the scenes.” Many times we’re not even aware
that it’s happening, but what they do contributes to
making our church the great place it is for all of us.
- Phyllis Prizer
- 8-
Thank you, Evie Shive
We are so grateful to Evelyn Shive who, after serving for
more than 30 years, has stepped down as the person who
takes care of the flowers that grace our church each Sunday.
Evie was responsible for the Flower Chart and made sure
there were flower sponsors for every Sunday. Then, when
the flowers were delivered, she placed them in church. Later,
after the service, she made sure, with the help of 12 good
women – one for each month of the year, that the flowers
were delivered to the sick or shut-in. Those are MANY years
of good and faithful service and we thank you, Evie!
A NOTE TO US:
I would like to thank the members of the Women’s Bible
Study at Brownback’s for the Prayer Shawl.
Twila Bean
Note: Twila recently received one of the Prayer Shawls that
have been knitted by members of the Women’s Bible Study
for those who are ill, hospitalized, or shut-in.
Stop by the Sign Up Center
Take a moment to stop by the Sign Up Center in the lobby at
church. There, you can sign up to attend many of our church
events – such as the All-Church Picnic on June 10 and the
Father’s Day Breakfast on June 17.
You will also be able to sign up to take a Sunday or two as
Lector to read in the Service or to serve as Social Hour hosts
and provide the goodies for after church, or to sponsor the
flowers that grace our sanctuary. Thank you for signing up!
- 9-
Our Graduating Young People
Do you have a young person or know a young person who
will be graduating from high school, college or university, or
any other learning center? Please let us know ASAP so we
can honor our graduates. Call the church office or email us
at brownbacksucc@comcast.net with the names and details.
In the Parish
Remember in your prayers all those in our church family
who have been ill, hospitalized, or in rehab including:
Charles Ibach, Twila Bean, and Bob Megay
We give thanks for the new life of Chase Matthew Kitchen,
son of Shannon and Kevin, who was born April 19. Bob and
Linda Painter are Chase’s Grandparents and Marie Painter is
his Great-Grandmother.
We also give thanks for the new life of Genevieve Hope
Jacob, daughter of Stacia and Andrew, who was born April
26. Her Grandparents are Bob and Eileen Jacob. May God
bless these children and their families now and always.
Twila Bean would enjoy receiving cards and notes from her
friends at Brownback’s Church as she continues to
recuperate after her recent hospitalization. Her address is:
320 Ridge Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
If you know of anyone who has been ill or hospitalized,
email us or call the church office so we can care for all who
are in need. Let us also know the good news you hear so we
can celebrate and share it with everyone.
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Let’s Make it “50 for 50”
Thank you for the gifts that have come in for “50 for 50” This
is a challenge to all of us that’s been set by our Consistory to
mark this 50th anniversary year of the United Church of
Christ (UCC): We are challenged to make a special gift (or
two or more!) of $50 to support two missions of the church.
The first is the development of a new UCC congregation in
southern Chester County and the second is support for our
UCC-related Lancaster Theological Seminary for the training
of new Pastors. Our gifts to “50 for 50” will help make a new
church and will add to the Seminary’s scholarship fund.
We are now more than a quarter of the way to our goal – 50
of us contributing $50 or more to each mission. If we make
our 50-for-50 goal, we will provide $2,500 for a new church
start and $2,500 for scholarships at the Seminary. Please use
the 50-for-50 form that’s included in this edition of the
“News and Views” and help us reach our goal! As the theme
of the UCC 50th Anniversary reminds us: Let it shine!
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THANK YOU, PAT MCKEIGHAN! Our plants at church
have needed help and now they’re receiving it. We are
grateful to Pat McKeighan who has offered her green thumb
to help keep our plants healthy and strong. Watch them
grow under her good care. Thank you, Pat!
NEW MEMBERS are always welcome at Brownback’s
Church. If you would like more information about our
church or would like to join, please speak to Pastor Lamson.
Mark Your Calendars
Mark your calendars now so you and your family won’t
miss these upcoming important events:
o Celebration of Confirmation – Sunday, June 3 during
our 10 a.m. Service. Celebrate our Confirmands!
o Annual Sunday School Picnic – Sunday, June 10 at 1
p.m. at Warwick Park.
o Our PA Southeast Conference Spring Meeting -
Friday, June 8 – Saturday, June 9 at the Lancaster
Host Resort, Lancaster.
o Our “Avalanche Ranch” Vacation Bible School –
Monday, June 18 to Friday, June 22 here at church.
o UCC General Synod, Hartford, CT – Friday, June 22
to Monday, June 24. We will be leaving early on
Friday and returning in the afternoon on Monday.
Three nights at the hotel will cost $120 per person
double occupancy. We still have a few spots available.
Speak to Pastor Lamson if you can join us.
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May Birthdays
We rejoice with those of our church family
who celebrate birthdays in May. If your
special day is missing, call the church office at
610-495-6788.
5/1 Mary Ann Acar
5/2 Amanda Feiser
Michael J. Patrick
5/3 David Weiss
5/4 Erica Young
5/7 Erin Erb
Dan Lamson
Doug Baker
5/8 Dr. Jim Thompson
5/11 Cara Spiess
5/12 Bernie Brungess
5/13 Sam Garges
5/14 John Hallman
Colleen Spiess
5/15 Ben Timmins
5/16 Kennedy Houck
5/18 Rance Strunk
5/20 Margaret Miller
Allison Kandler
5/22 Bob Caldwell
5/26 Amanda Sallade
5/27 Marie Painter
5/28 Tom Moore
5/29 Alyssa Vining
5/30 Brian Copenhaver
Sara Miller
5/31 Kris Houck
CAR WASH PLANNED: Watch for details in the Sunday
bulletin on the youth Car Wash that will be held Sunday,
May 20 after church to benefit Relay for Life.
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Official Call to the Spring Meeting
The Spring Meeting of our Pennsylvania Southeast
Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held from
Friday June 8 at 10 a.m. to Saturday, June 9 at 5 p.m. at the
Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster.
Keynote speaker for the Meeting will be Dr. Diana Butler
Bass, an expert in American religion and the author of six
books including “Christianity for the Rest of Us” which tells
the story of mainline congregations – like ours – and how
they found new vitality through spiritual practices and by
pursuing God’s hope for transformation in the world.
Preacher for the Meeting will be the Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniels,
Senior Pastor of the First Congregational UCC in Glen Ellyn,
Illinois, one of the finest preachers in America today.
All Pastors are required to attend the Spring Meeting and if
you would like to come along for what is sure to be a great
event, please speak to Pastor Lamson.
HELP WANTED for mowing the cemetery, the parsonage,
and part of the lot next to the parsonage. This is a part-time
paid position. Ben Timmins, who has part of this job, will be
away for five weeks during the summer. If you will be in the
area and are interested in a good part-time job here at
church, please see Bob Jacob.
SOCIAL HOUR HOSTS ARE NEEDED! Check out the
calendar at the Sign Up Center in the lobby. As we approach
the summer season, there are many good dates still open.
Take a Sunday or two and help us fill the calendar!
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More Info on VBS
As we prepare for and present our “Avalanche Ranch”
Vacation Bible School, we need a lot of help! Specifically we
need the following:
team teachers for the Bible story
craft leaders
game leaders
snack preparers
song leaders
skit helpers
daily news editors
sign-in and sign-out leaders
class helpers to move things along, and
bulletin board creators
If you can help, please be in touch with Penny Sallade. No
experience is necessary. All you need is an open heart and a
love for our kids. Come for the fun!
East Vincent Celebrates 175 Years
The East Vincent Township 175th Anniversary will be
celebrated on Saturday, May 5 with a 10 a.m. parade that
will start at the East Vincent School and end at the Township
Park. Route 23 will be closed from 10 to 11 a.m. that day!
Later on there will be tours of historic East Vincent Homes,
music and other good things starting at 5 p.m. also at the
Township Park, and, finally, a fireworks display.
The home of Les and Bonnie Swartz will be open for tours,
Bob Keeley will be honored as a 75-year Township resident,
and Irma Wall will be in the parade! Join the celebration.
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Brownback’s United Church of Christ
640 Ridge Road
Spring City, Pennsylvania 19475
Forwarding and
Address Correction
Requested
- 16 -
Brownback’s United Church of Christ
640 Ridge Road
Spring City, Pennsylvania
Our 50 for 50 Offering
It’s a challenge to all of us to mark this 50th anniversary year
of the United Church of Christ: to make a special gift (or two
or more!) of $50 to support two missions of the church.
The first is for the development of a new UCC congregation
in southern Chester County and the second is support for
our UCC-related Lancaster Theological Seminary and its
ministry of training new Pastors for service in the church.
When we buy shares in “50 for 50” we help make a new
Chester County church possible and add to the scholarship
fund at the Seminary. If 50 of us buy 50 shares at $50 for each
mission, we will provide $2,500 for a new church start and
$2,500 for scholarships at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Yes, I/We want to participate in “Our 50 for 50 Offering.”
I/We will buy _____ shares at $50 each for the development
of a new UCC congregation in southern Chester County.
I/We will buy _____ shares at $50 each to support the work
of Lancaster Theological Seminary and its ministry of
training new Pastors for service in the church.
Name ________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________
Total Enclosed ________________________________________
Return this form to church with your check. Thank you!
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