The Clear Voice November 2008

The Clear Voice St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 101 Worthington Road Exton, PA 19341 November 2008 (610) 363-7285 Jonathan Hauze, Pastor www.stpauluccexton.org St. Paul’s 5th Annual Holiday Fair Saturday, November 22, from 9-3 Silent Auction from 10-2 Invite your friends and family to shop our tables for the holidays!! This is the largest fundraising activity for our church and WE NEED YOU!! Please consider helping in some way. We will need people to bake pies to sell, donations of used jewelry and other white elephant items, silent auction items such as gift certificates for dining at local restaurants, theatre tickets, themed gift baskets and even empty baskets!. Please contact the following people if you can help with their activity: ♦ Fran Pluchino and Sheri Brierley for your donation of crafts or silent auction items. If you can make a few items that we can sell that would be great!! The silent auction tables need either themed gift baskets, gift certificates to local restaurants, merchants, theatre tickets, or quality new or very gently used holiday items. Please have your silent auction items to church by Sunday, Nov 11th! ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Lisa Allen for donations for the white elephant room -. Jewelry, children’s books, videos/DVD, CDs, gently used small home items. Check with Lisa if you have questions. Open - Hospitality Table- greeting people at the door and offering free refreshments. Barb Coover if you can bake pies (apple, blueberry, pumpkin and cherry) Russ Brierley if you can help in the Santa Room. CALLING ALL SANTAS! Mayme Baumann in the Elfery if you can help with the children’s crafts Advertising- Marylee Sailer and Lorraine Nowlan We will also need many people to help with set up and clean up. Please consider helping make this a great success!!! Even if you cannot come on Saturday, there are lots of other things you can do. The more people who help the more fun we all have. Check the signup sheet on the bulletin board OR for more information contact Fran Pluchino. Thanks to those who already volunteered. The Clear Voice, November 2008 1 November events 2 All Saints’ Sunday Communion at 9:00 and 10:30 3 Shelter Team Serves at Atkinson’s Men’s Shelter 4 Boy Scout Troop 482 meets 7 PM Bell Choir Practice 7 PM 5 Choir Practice 7 PM 6 7 8 9 Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 AM 10 Shelter Team Serves at Atkinson’s Men’s Shelter 11 Boy Scout Troop 482 meets 7 PM Bell Choir Practice 7 PM 18 Boy Scout Troop 482 meets 7 PM Bell Choir Practice 7 PM 12 Choir Practice 7 PM 13 Men’s Breakfast Exton Diner 7:30 AM 14 15 16 One Service at 10:00 AM Sunday school at 10:00 Congregational Meeting followed by Luncheon 23 Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 Ministerium Thanksgiving Service at 7:00 30 First Sunday of Advent Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 AM 17 Consistory Meets 8:00 PM, Boards 7:00 PM 19 Choir Practice 7 PM 20 21 22 St. Paul’s 5th Annual Holiday Fair (9 to 3PM) 24 25 Boy Scout Troop 482 meets 7 PM Bell Choir Practice 7 PM 26 Choir Practice 7 PM 27 28 29 December Events: December 7: Second Sunday of Advent / Hanging of the Greens Advent Workshop at 9:00 Worship at 10:30 Sunday school at 10:30 Lectionary for November 2008 Readings can be found in their entirety online at: http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/ November 2: (All Saints): Revelation 7:9-17 / Psalm 34 / 1 John 3:1-3 / Matthew 5:1-12 November 9: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 / Psalm 78:1-7 / 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 / Matthew 25:1-13 November 16: Judges 4:1-7 / Psalm 123 / 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 / Matthew 25:14-30 November 23: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 / Psalm 100 / Ephesians 1:15-23 / Matthew 25:31-46 November 30: Isaiah 64:1-9 / Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 / 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 / Mark 12:24-37 The Clear Voice, November 2008 Pastor’s Ponderings…. I was very interested last month to read a review of a new book entitled “Electing Not to Vote: Christian Reflections on Reasons for Not Voting.” The book is edited by Ted Lewis, a Mennonite layperson, and is comprised of nine essays by authors from a broad range of Christian traditions. It represents a thoughtful challenge to the idea, often uncritically accepted in American churches, that voting is a matter of Christian duty. Are there legitimate theological reasons for refusing to cast a ballot? The subject of this book fascinates me for many reasons. Most of all because I realize that I have never reflected carefully on this question. Sure, I have had my moments in the past. I have felt disillusioned about the system. I have been disheartened by the choices. But never have I seriously considered not voting. After all, the connection between Christian responsibility and civic duty is wired into my theological DNA. For at least the first 150 years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the election-day sermon was a fixture of church life. Our Puritan forebears (this is part of the lineage of the United Church of Christ) gathered before each election to hear a sermon in which their minister, in the words of one historian, “explained the meaning of the orthodox theology for the choices before the voters, described the character of a good ruler and the mutual duties of the people and their governors.” It was simply assumed that every member of the church would vote. And the Puritans would not have made a distinction between roles of citizen and church member. For proof of this, look no further than the suffrage laws: to vote in Massachusetts, one had to be a church member. I have already written about freeing the gospel from its captivity to partisan political ends (see last month’s Ponderings). But now I am pressed to ask a larger question about the way that we carry out the gospel mandate to labor for justice and peace. Is our participation in the electoral process a vital part of our Christian witness? This problem, I think, deserves at least our prayerful reflection. “Electing Not to Vote” is already at the top of my winter reading list. And I have already come to one conclusion. If we do make the connection between Christian and civic duty like the Puritans did before us, we should be wary of regarding our vote as the ultimate expression of this connection. This would make us a bit like Christmas and Easter Christians. No, if we are going to be politically engaged, we need to show up all year long, speaking boldly about what we believe, no matter who wins the election. We may need to consider the idea that it’s not all about choosing “the right candidate,” but about changing hearts and minds. And that doesn’t happen overnight. So the next question for us becomes: What do we plan to do on November 5? Yours in Christ, Jonathan Christian Education In October, the children learned about judgment and hope through stories from the prophets. We are learning to seek God and do justice. Many of the children participated in the baking for World Communion Sunday, in the Crop Walk, and in bringing in canned goods for Harvest Home Sunday. Thanks to all for your help in raising great stewards. Each and every one of us can help to make our world a better place for all of God’s children. Lisa and Liza will continue to lead the two classes in November. Our new verse is Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you but to DO JUSTICE and to LOVE KINDNESS, and to WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD?” Also in November, practice will begin for our Christmas Pageant. If you do not have a role yet and are interested in participating, please see Liza Hauze. If you are interested in volunteering as a lead teacher or helper in either Sunday School class, please see Lisa Allen. We have lots of openings for the coming winter season. The Adult Sunday School class is having wonder-filled discussions of the Gospel of John at 9 each Sunday morning and would love to welcome new voices! Please join us. Our next Christian Ed Committee meeting will be held November 24th at 7:00 pm and will focus on final prep for our winter plans. If you are interested in joining the committee, please see Lisa Allen. And, looking forward a little bit, the children’s and adult Sunday school classes will join together with all interested members of the congregation at 9 am on Sunday, December 7 for our annual Advent workshop. There will be adult and children’s crafts, preparation of gifts for out shut-ins, and refreshments. The workshop will be followed by our traditional Hanging of the Greens worship service during which we will decorate the sanctuary and prepare ourselves for the Christmas season. Please join in all of the festivities on this special Sunday. 3 The Clear Voice, November 2008 Book Club News The book club will meet on November 18 at 7:00pm at Nancy Wilson’s home. We will be discussing the book “The Shack” by William P. Young. This is a book that can be read and reread many times. If you want to join us and participate in a thought provoking discussion of this remarkable book, please plan to attend. There are copies of the book available from book club members. All are welcome and even if you have not read the book, come and listen to what should be an enlightening evening. Members are always looking for additional books to read, so if you have suggestions on any books you feel would provide good discussion, please bring your ideas with you to a meeting or see Mary Lee Sailer. Other books under consideration are “Hot, Flat & Crowded” by Thomas Friedman, (A potential follow-up to “Post-American World”). “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz and “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski. If you have any questions see Mary Lee Sailer. Happy reading!! th Congregational Meeting Final church leadership nominations, 2009 proposed budget, and any new or revised proposals will be submitted for approval at November congregational meeting, November 16th, following a single all church Sunday worship service (10AM). Seeking Nominations for 2009 Church Leadership Filling church leadership roles from congregation members is an important part of maintaining a healthy and vibrant church. If you have not served in this capacity in the past would you consider doing this as a service to church and God next year? Positions that are needed for 2009 include Deacons, Trustees, and Elders. See Greg Allen, Russ Brierley, Pastor Jonathan, or any member of consistory if you would be willing to serve. Seeking Church Treasurer After many years of dedicated service, our current Treasurer, Dan Shoop, will be stepping down at the end of this year. We are looking for several co-treasurers to fill this role next year so that this position does not over burden any one person. If you would be willing to serve this position see Greg Allen, Russ Brierley, Pastor Jonathan. David L. Weaver-Zercher (an Author of Amish Grace) to speak locally….. A presentation and conversation with David L. Weaver-Zercher, Ph.D., one of the three authors of “Amish Grace” will take place at Downingtown Friends Meeting House on November 9th at 1:00 P.M. Downingtown Friends Meeting is located at 800 E. Lancaster Ave in Downingtown. “Amish Grace” tells of the remarkable response of the Amish Community to the horrific shooting of ten schoolgirls in October, 2006   Co-Habitat Update Work is ongoing on the Habitat for Humanity homes in West Chester. Several volunteers from St. Paul’s did work on the homes in September. There will be many chances for St. Paul’s to send volunteers to this project over the next 6 months. We hope that you will consider giving some time out of a weekend or two for this important mission. Anyone 16 years or older can help. And don't worry about being qualified: whether you have many skills, or none at all, you are needed! The next work days for St. Paul’s Habitat for Humanity will be November 12-15. 4 Ringing in Some Great News! Interested in joining our new Bell Choir? Please see Stephanie Esposito, George Haughton, Mary Raudenbush or Pastor Jonathan. All ages are welcome! Handbell Rehearsal: Every Tuesday 7 PM If you are interested in helping to pay for the bells, a donation of $25 to $200 will help pay for each bell (many bells are needed to complete ensemble). Donations can be designated on your offering envelope. So far, $2522 has been donated to offset the $5885 purchase price. The Clear Voice, November 2008 November Birthdays November 1 – Ralph Esposito & Jessica Allen November 6 – Margarito Davila & Rose Danese November 10– Jennifer Robilotta November 11 – Polly Levering Cameron Wallace November 12 – Michael Boden November 14 – Marcy Hessinger November 17 – Terry Lewis November 19 – Caisa Baumann Lillian Baumann November 24 – Naveen Gladson November 22 – Tom Schneller November 28 – Gail Smith November 29 – Jeff Behrndt November 30 – Tom Phillips Christmas Flowers Poinsettias will be on sale for Christmas. The cost will be $5.00 each and the colors will be red, white, pink, burgundy, jingle bells, pink marble, and monet. An order form will be inserted in the weekly Sunday bulletin. Also, if you would like to donate your flower(s) to the church to be given to homebound members over the holidays, please note that on the order form. All orders must be placed by Sunday, December 7th. Please make your checks payable to St. Paul's UCC. Please see Ron or Joan Trimble for more information. Fishes & Loaves November 2 – Doris Schultz November 9 – Please see Sign-up Sheet! November 16 – Luncheon November 23 – The Gladson Family November 30 – Please see Sign-up Sheet! Anniversaries November 1 – Russ and Sheri Brierley celebrate 11 years of marriage November 9 – Ralph and Mary Lou Esposito celebrate 40 years of marriage November 11 – Rose & John Danese celebrate 9 years of marriage Readers and Greeters November 2 Greeters: Ed & Sharon Kuznick Reader: Sharon Kuznick November 9 Greeter: Mary Lee Sailer Reader: Barb Schneller November 16, One Service at 10:00 Greeter: Robin Madison Reader: Marg Perina November 23 Greeter: Millie Lafreeda Reader: Mary Lee Sailer November 30 Greeter: Nancy Wilson Reader: Beth Kerschner The schedule for scripture readings is on page 2 of The Clear Voice. If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan directly. Please sign-up on the bulletin board or contact Nancy Wilson if you would like to be a reader or greeter at the 10:30 service. Flowers November 2 – Lorraine Nowlan in memory of her parents November 9 – Alice Behrndt in memory of her son November 16 – Nancy Wilson in memory of Jack November 23 – The Pluchino’s in memory of father’s 85th birthday November 30 – Please sign-up sheet The 2008 flower chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Social Hall. The fee for Sunday flowers is $20.00. 5 The Clear Voice, November 2008 In Memoriam: Harry Dewees (May 12, 1911 – October 6, 2008) ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places . . . I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” –from John 14 On October 10 a service of thanksgiving for the life of Harry Dewees was held at St. Paul’s UCC. Harry, who moved to Tel Hai about one year ago, died in his room on October 6 in the care of hospice, and in the company of family. Officiating were Pastor Jonathan and the Rev. Herbert Eby of Sullivan County, PA. Harry shared a friendship with Rev. Eby that was forged during his many trips to the mountains, one of his favorite places. If Harry wasn’t at St. Paul’s on Sunday morning, you would’ve been sure to find him up in the mountains. He lived in Lionville for much of his life, and was a great source of wisdom on the history and people of the area. He had a knack for telling stories, and did so with a delightful sense of humor. We give thanks for the life that Harry shared with us and for the glorious life that is now his as he has joined that great cloud of witnesses who surround us in our Christian journey. May God's perpetual light shine upon him. Advent Devotional Pastor Jonathan is beginning work on a daily devotional for Advent, and he welcomes your contributions. If you are interested in contributing a reflection and prayer for this year's devotional, please contact Jonathan. Boundary Training On Saturday, November 8, the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference will sponsor a Boundary Training for pastors and lay leaders at First Schuylkill Haven UCC in Schuylkill Haven, PA. The program, which runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., will be facilitated by John Ries of Bethany Counseling Ministries, using an excellent video curriculum entitled "Sacred Trust: Boundary Issues for Clergy and Spiritual Teachers." Registration can be completed online at www.psec.org or by filling out the registration sheet available in the fellowship hall. Donations are needed. Please try to help these 2 much needed missions…. The Shelter: The men at the Atkinson’s Shelter have been very appreciative of your previous donations of used clothing. ALL the items collected last winter have been distributed and put to good use. Mr. Mc Neil, the shelter coordinator has a request… “If possible, could you please ask for donations of any gently used twin bedding and towels as well as clothing for our men?” In the past, the shelter has provided the linens to the men staying at the facility, but unfortunately, they have all gone to good use when the men have left. Funds are scarce and they will accept donations so the men have the items needed to use for showering and sleeping. If you are able to donate gently used towels or twin bed linens, please bring them to church and place your bagged and laundered items in the bins located in the social hall. We will distribute them when we are next at the shelter. In this ever changing financial climate more men find themselves in trouble. Please consider helping…..and thank you in advance. Call Fran Pluchino if you have any questions. The Lord's Pantry: The Lord’s Pantry (Downingtown) is in need of the following items: Pork & Beans, Cereal, Soup, Pasta and Tomato products -Canned tomatoes, Spaghetti Sauce. If you are able to donate these items, please bring them to church and place them in the basket located in the social hall. We will take the items to the Pantry throughout the month of November. Call Nancy Wilson if you have any questions. The Clear Voice, November 2008 Church Fall Work Day Saturday, December 1st The Trustees have set up an ALL church workday for fall clean up on Saturday, December 1st, starting at 9 AM. Bring your fall clean up garden tools. Even if you can only spare an hour on this Saturday, please try and stop and lend a hand. We will also be decorating the church for the holidays and preparing for Hanging of the Greens this day as well. are sure to bring smiles to the gift recipient and to the faces of our global partners. You can choose to make a gift to support any of the projects of our international partners, the work of a current or new missionary, or you may make a general gift to Global Ministries in honor of your friends, family, pastor, or just about anyone. See our list of suggested projects to support, or you are welcome to choose any of the programs described in the Special Projects section of each geographic Mission Area. Please indicate the name and address of your honoree(s) and the designation you have chosen. We will send your honoree(s) a Global Ministries Christmas card and photo, notifying them that a gift has been given in their name(s). You may instead choose to have the card and photo sent to you so that you can present the gift to your honoree. We will send you a letter and receipt for your tax-deductible gift(s). Gifts may be in any amount. The suggested items are some ideas to get you started. You may make your gift online at http://globalministries.org/getinvolved/special-givingopportunities/alternative-christmas.html or you may send your check with information about the gift recipient and gift designation to: Global Ministries Office of Resource Development P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206 If your gifts are designated for particular programs, they will go in their entirety for the designated purpose to our international partner. No administrative fees are taken from designated gifts to Global Ministries because of the faithful giving from our churches to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) and the Disciples Mission Fund (DMF).P A Gift to a Specific Project of our global church partners: Haiti: House of Hope I and II work with the poorest of the poor in Port-au-Prince in two shanty communities within the capital city. A gift of $20 can provide lunches for a child for a month. $100 can pay a child's school fees for a year. Paving and Water Retention Plan Physically Progress! You will notice the work being done. Over time, several adjustments were made in the plan through our cemetery committee meeting and through contractors' questions. Then when Jon Kopf joined the trustees, his knowledge allowed him to shed light on this kind of plan which brought about more good adjustments. Coming to agreement with the contractor' bids, the trustees' decision was brought to Consistory and with its agreement, the project is in process. Literally, the show is "on the road". Marg Perina-speaking for the Paving Task Force and the Trustees' Committee MISSION & STEWARDSHIP Mission Corner Christmas is fast approaching and many are starting to think about Christmas shopping. What do you get for that family member or friend who has everything and wants nothing? Or maybe you’re looking for a creative way to celebrate Christmas this year? Alternative Christmas gifts are a meaningful way to give a gift that keeps on giving. With an Alternative Christmas gift, you can honor your loved ones and make a difference in the lives of people around the world, all without a trip to the mall. Alternative Christmas gifts are eco-friendly, ethically sourced, can change lives. They're perfect for the person who has "everything" and The Clear Voice, November 2008 Ecuador: FEDICE Chicken Project serves to provide women with their own source of income. A gift of $10 can purchase feed for animals. $25 can purchase a chicken or other animal. China: Small loans for farmers allow farmers to purchase goats which provide milk as a form of nutrition for children, elderly, and the sick. $44 buys a goat and provides $3 for the local organization which administers the loans. Japan: Asian Rural Institute (ARI) Rural Leaders Training Program educates students to return to their home communities to help lead local agricultural communities in transforming local practices toward sustainable agriculture. A gift of $20 can help to update critical resources. $300 could help maintain and replace technology and equipment at the Institute. India: Christian Hospital in Diptipur is in a poor area of India where 35% of people live on less than $1 a day, many patients are not able to pay the full amount for treatment. A gift of $17 can immunize a child for life against the six leading childkilling diseases: measles, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, and tuberculosis. Bangladesh: Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) provides women with micro-credit loans to begin small economic ventures that enable them to help support their families. $25 can help provide resources for a training event. Israel/Palestine: The Olive tree planting campaign is a joint project of the East Jerusalem YWCA and the YMCA of Palestine working to replant 50,000 olive trees. A gift of $20 covers the cost of a young tree, including distribution, planting, and information on tending for the olive tree. Sponsor labels are inscribed with the donor's name and the quote "chose to keep hope alive." Lebanon: The Arab Group for Christian Muslim Dialogue uses grassroots strategies to equip youth with conflict resolution skills. A gift of $30 can pay for conference/workshop materials for one person, $40 can purchase one travel visa for conferences, workshops, and dialogues and $90 can pay for meals for one person for a three day workshop. Angola: Project SIVAYA ("Praise the Lord") provides hymnals and Bibles in Portuguese, Umbundu, Nganguela, Fiote, and Kimbundu to people in rural areas where there is the most need. The cost of a Bible is about $10 each. Hymnals are about $15 each. Kenya: Bicycles for Pastors – Most clergy in Africa are unable to afford the purchase and upkeep of a vehicle. Yet each pastor or evangelist might serve several preaching points or small churches.. Gifts of any size will help provide $200 to furnish a bicycle for a pastor serving in rural Kenya. A more modest gift could cover a bicycle wheel, handlebars, or peddles! For more information or to make an Alternative Christmas gift, go to: http://globalministries.org/get-involved/specialgiving-opportunities/alternative-christmas.html Equal Exchange's Interfaith Program: UCC Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Project The Mission Committee has been very pleased with the congregation’s response to the fair trade coffee ministry. We are now offering fair trade tea and chocolate. The five kinds of tea available are: Darjeeling, Masala Chai, Earl Grey, Green, English Breakfast. And there are seven kinds of chocolate: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, white chocolate with strawberries, dark chocolate with nuts and currants, dark chocolate mint, and milk chocolate hazelnut. Beginning November 2, fair trade table will be displayed only on the first Sunday of the month. But if your supply runs low before the first Sunday, don’t worry – just catch Liza Hauze or Mary Lee Sailer on Sunday morning and they can make sure you have what you need. Just a reminder: this is not a fundraiser but a justice advocacy project, so all fair trade products are being sold at the wholesale cost, with no markup. interfaith@equalexchange.com • www.equalexchange.com/interfaith 8 The Clear Voice, November 2008 Neighbors in Need A total of $976 has been received for The Neighbors in Need Mission. THANK YOU! Neighbors in Need represents one of several ways that the United Church of Christ (UCC) expresses its financial commitment to justice and compassion throughout the U.S. Thanksgiving Offering to support The Wyncote Church Home The Wyncote Church Home is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference. The Wyncote Church Home provides a secure and dignified living experience for older persons in their retirement years, and to provide that care within a network of caring and supportive services designed to enhance the quality of life. Exton-Lionville Ministerium Dining Out: We will be having a dining night out that we will share with our sister churches in the Ministerium coming up this fall. The date will be announced shortly. Ministerium Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Ss. Philip and James Roman Catholic Church in Exton (Ship Rd. and Rte. 30) Celebrate Thanksgiving with your sisters and brothers in the Lionville-Exton Ministerium, by coming to worship at Philip and James on Sunday evening, November 23. If you are able, please bring finger food to share for the social which will follow the service. A freewill offering will be accepted to support the Emergency Fund of the ministerium, which enables us to help local people-in-need with housing, utilities, groceries, and other necessities. Stewardship Journey for 2008 This year’s theme is “The World of The Generous Gets Larger and Larger.” Proverbs 11:24 (The Message) Thank you to all who have participated in the stewardship program! If you missed out on pledging, you can still pledge on any Sunday. Pledge envelopes are located throughout the church and once filled out, they can be dropped either in the Treasure box or offering plate. We invite everyone to participate in this process. ST. PAUL’S ATTENDANCE and FINANCIAL NOTES for September 2008 September 2008 Attendance and Financial Information: Sunday attendance in September was 319, for an average attendance of 80. September operating expenses were $19,206 and income was $9,618. Hence, St. Paul’s expenses exceeded income by $9,588 in September 2008. Year-to- Date Financial Summary: For the months of January through September, total income was $118,415 and expenses were $133,286 for a year-to-date deficit of $14,871. The Clear Voice, November 2008 ABRAHAM FETTERS-WHITE SCHOOL UPDATE We have finally completed all exterior work on the schoolhouse and have begun the interior restoration. The septic system has been completed and is now hooked up to the plumbing which was installed in early September. The electrical installation the support beams and columns and subfloor insulation were completed in October and we are awaiting the installation of the HVAC unit. We continue to seek funding for the restoration from many foundations and will be offering several avenues for fundraising this fall: 1. We will be selling brick pavers for purchase by individuals or a family for $100.00 per brick for 2 lines of text, or company name for $200.00 per brick. 2. We are also selling unframed copies of Uwchlan Township Maps circa 1860 depicting the local road system, landowners and businesses. 3. On Sunday evening, December 14th we will be having a fundraising concert that is open to the public in the church sanctuary with local vocalists and musicians who will delight us with holiday music. Look for more information in the weekly bulletins and emails. If interested in purchasing a brick or map, or the concert, please call or see Frank Perina or Fran Pluchino. When the school house is finally completed, St. Paul’s will have additional Sunday School and meeting space and new ways for the church to provide mission and outreach to the community. Community CROP Walk Thank you for your generous support of our CROP Walk team! We had 41 walkers, including our stroller brigade, come out on a beautiful day. This is the third year that St. Paul’s UCC has participated in the walk, and this was our highest number of walkers yet. Our final total is not yet in, but we know that our team raised more than $1,200. The Downingtown CROP Walk as a whole raised about $22,000. 75% of this money supports Church World Service projects in over 80 countries around the world, and the remaining 25% supports The Lord's Pantry (Downingtown), The Deacon's Pantry (Frazer), Steeple to People (Honey Brook), the Emergency Food Cupboard (Coatesville), and the Salvation Army (West Chester). 10 The Clear Voice, November 2008 Our 5th annual church holiday fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2008, 9 AM to 3 PM Calling All Volunteers! - If you are able to help please sign up on the volunteer sheet located on the bulletin board in the social hall. There will be activities for anyone and everyone who would like to contribute to the fair. If you find that you cannot attend these gatherings and would like to support the Fair in other ways please contact Fran. We are always looking for new ideas or suggestions! Silent Auction Items - We are looking for silent auction items such as restaurant gift certificates, store gift certificates, sports event and theater tickets, and basket theme items- baby gifts, teas, coffees, Italian, teacher gifts, beach items, picnic items, movie baskets rock and roll, 60’s theme, travel, Mexican, new year’s eve, holiday wrappings, teens- male and female, young adult- male and female and just about anything you can imagine. Please remember that the Silent Auction is our best fundraiser of the Fair! Baskets – We could really use a fresh stock of baskets for silent auction items. Calling all seamstresses OR those who like to use an iron! We are making several quilts this year for the silent auction. If you have a few hours to give of your time, we will provide everything needed. We just need your hands to help! Please let Fran Pluchino know if you can help and what times are good for you. Jewelry - Do you have old, new, gently worn or never used jewelry? If you said yes and you would like to part with it, please bring it to the church and give it to Lisa Allen. Crafts – We could use any craft items that people can make or if you know someone who is looking to sell their crafts at fair, please let Fran know. If you would like to help in any of the areas listed below, please sign up on the volunteer sheet or contact the coordinator: Barb Coover-Baked items-Pies- apple, blueberry, pumpkin and cherry Lisa Allen-White elephant rm.- Jewelry, children’s books, videos/DVD, CDs, gently used small home items. Sheri Brierley and Fran Pluchino-Silent Auction and Crafts Russ Brierley - Santa’s Workshop Mayme Baumann- Elfery Kid’s crafts Open – Hospitality, Marketing door to door, Set up and clean up NEEDED…. Volunteers need to obtain donations from area merchants for the silent auction baskets. We will have all the materials for you to take along to area merchants who have donated in the past and those who might donate. An hour here and there to solicit goes a long way! We have had a fantastic response in the past, but really need help now……Please contact Fran Pluchino or Russ Brierley if you have any questions. There are flyers and donation form letters available for those who are able to help with soliciting donations. You will find these on the table near the back hallway. Please take several with you to give to those area merchants who are able to make a gift donation. The letter will help them receive the tax credit and help us in thanking them for their donation. The flyer can be displayed in their storefront window and help us in announcing the event to the public. Keep your eyes and ears open for more information!! 11 The Clear Voice, November 2008 St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 101 Worthington Road Exton, PA 19341 The Clear Voice November 2008 12