Newsletter

Vol. 27, Issue 5           Newsletter of First UCC              Sch. Haven, PA

Harvest Homecoming

Sunday, October 5

Sunday Small Groups

 &

 Higher Grounds Café

In May 2007 we completed a survey to identify our strengths as a church.  Last fall a Planning Team recommended an emphasis on three strengths: caring for young people, focusing on the community and welcoming new worshippers.  Sunday, October 5, we address those recommendations with a:

 Harvest Homecoming!

On Borough Day, members of the church circulated invitations to the community to visit on October 5 to see what God is doing at First UCC.  Realizing we now live in the 21^st century, the Board of Christian Education has revamped our children and adult classes.  Children are invited to participate in a “Circle of Friends” where a variety of activities will be offered, since different people learn in different ways.  (See “The Circle of Friends” page for details.)  Adults are welcomed to the Higher Grounds Café, now moved to the meeting room in the lower level where comfortable couches, coffee and conversation welcome both teens and adults.  After worship, we will offer a picnic of hot dogs and ice cream sundaes for members and guests alike!

To encourage participation by guests and members, we are offering “Family Fun Packs” with a pizza coupon, video coupon, and bag of microwave popcorn for every family that attends.  Everyone will also have the chance to put their name in a basket to win a free I-pod Shuffle. Why?  Because a 21^st century church has to find ways to appeal to people of 21^st century culture.

Of course, everyone is needed to make this happen.  Volunteers are needed to greet our guests as they arrive Sunday morning through the narthex doors.  Donations of snacks are needed to serve along with the hot dogs and sundaes.  Help preparing the food is needed. Any monetary donations to defray the costs of the day would be welcome too.

Most importantly, we need you to come to Harvest Homecoming!  Come and bring your friends! Come see what God has done and be part of what God will do at First UCC!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Shawn

“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.  Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer.

I find myself praying for you with a glad heart…

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”

--Philippians 1:3-6, The Message, Eugene Peterson

10/5              harvest homeCOMING; world communion

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship; Communion and Food Donations for the Pantry

Scripture:          Exodus 20:1-20             The Ten Commandments

                        Philippians 2:1-11           Imitating Christ’s Humility

                        Matthew 21:33-46          The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Sermon:            Respect or Reject

10/12                        Disabilities awareness sunday

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship; Unger Baptism

Scripture:          Exodus 32:1-14              The Golden Calf

                        Philippians 2:12-18         Shining as Lights in the World

                        Matthew 22:1-14            The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Sermon:            Complaint Free

10/19                        children AND TEEN sabbath

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship

Scripture:          Exodus 33:12-23            Show Me Your Glory

                        Philippians 2:19-3:1a      Christian Co-workers

                        Matthew 22:15-22          The Question about Paying Taxes

Sermon:            When Will We Hear?

10/26                        reformation sunday

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship

Scripture:          Deuteronomy 34:1-12    The Death of Moses

                        Philippians 3:1b-11         Breaking with the Past

                        Matthew 22:34-46          The Greatest Commandment

Sermon:            Toss Out the Trash

Reformation Dinner after Worship

11/2              all saints; totenfest

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship; Communion and Food Donations for the Pantry

Scripture:          Joshua 3:7-17               Israel Crosses the Jordan           

                        Philippians 3:12- 4:1       Pressing Toward the Goal

                        Matthew 23:1-12            Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees

Sermon:            Citizens of Earth and/or Heaven

11/9              laity sunday; recognition of veterans

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship

Scripture:          Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25    Renewing the Covenant

                        Philippians 4:2-9            Rejoice in the Lord Always

                        Matthew 25:1-13            The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

Sermon:            Living as Beloved

11/16                        praise and healing

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship

Scripture:          Judges 4:1-7                  Deborah and Barak

                        Philippians 4:10-20         Acknowledgement of the Philippians’ Gift

                        Matthew 25:14-30          The Parable of the Talents

Sermon:            Paid in Full

Annual Congregational Meeting after Worship

11/23                        thanksgiving sunday; reign of christ

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship

Scripture:          Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24  Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord

                        Ephesians 1:15-23          Paul’s Prayer

                        Matthew 25:31-46          The Judgment of the Nations

Sermon:            Harvest of Righteousness/ Judgment Throne

11/30                        first sunday of advent

hanging of the greens

9:30 AM            Christian Education for All Ages

10:30 AM          Worship

Communion & Food Pantry Donations                             Oct. 5 & Nov. 2  

As we come to be fed at the Lord’s Table, we remember those in our community who have difficulty feeding themselves.  Our donations of non-perishable foods to the Schuylkill Haven Food Pantry are much needed and appreciated. 

Fall Festival                                                                        October 12

Since there is not going to be a Fall Festival this year, monies collected through this offering will go towards the fundraising efforts of the Chicken BBQ.

The Compassion Fund                                          Oct. 19 & Nov. 16    

One half of this Special Offering is placed in an emergency fund for church members’ use.  The other half is donated to the Schuylkill Haven and Vicinity Council of Churches Food Bank to feed people in need in our community.

All Saints Offering                                                            October 26

The All Saints Offering is collected for the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Medical Coverage of Retired Clergy and their Spouses.

OCWM                                                                                 November 9

The money collected for OCWM is used within the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference for local ministries.

Thank Offering                                                              November 23

The Thank Offering is collected to support the development of new congregations and the revitalization of existing churches.

The following totals are up to and including the end of August 2008.

            TOTAL EXPENSES –                    $ 147,005.19

            TOTAL REVENUE –                     $ 147,140.01

            Gain –                                       $       134.82

            Amt taken from Kline Fund –       $  74,000.00

            Total 2008 LOSS –                      $  73,865.18

NOTICE OF ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

At the Annual Meeting held on Sunday, January 27, 2008, it was voted on and approved by the congregation to change the month in which the annual meeting is held.  Below is the approved revision to Article VI, #2 of our church’s constitution and by-laws (the underlined portions are the actual changes):

The Governing Body shall meet annually during the month of ­­­­­ November, generally on the third Sunday of the month.  The purpose of the annual meeting shall be to receive and review reports of all the Church organizations, to adopt a budget for the New Year, to affirm the actions of the Consistory for the past year, to elect Elders and Deacons, and to consider and act upon any other matter properly laid before it.  Notice of the date of the annual meeting shall be given by mail and by announcement from the pulpit at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.  Copies of the reports, the proposed budget, nominations by the Consistory for the offices of Deacon and Elder shall be made available to the congregation two weeks prior to the meeting.  A year-end financial report will be available to the congregation on the first Sunday of February for the previous year.

The Annual Congregational meeting to approve the 2009 Proposed Budget, 2008 Committee Reports, and 2009 Consistory members is scheduled for:

Sunday, November 16, 2008

(In the Sanctuary immediately following the Worship Service)

Please plan to attend and participate in the important issues to be addressed.

Attention ALL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

if you are planning to submit a committee report for the Annual Meeting (covering the time period from September 2007 thru August 2008), please have it typewritten and submitted to the office (preferably by email) no later than Sunday, October 26, 2008.  Annual Reports will then be available to the congregation on Sunday, November 2, 2008 (2 weeks before the meeting).

Death – Russell Young passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.  Russ was the husband of Mary Young.

            Ed Kleckner passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2008.  Ed was the husband of Thelma Kleckner.

Saturday, November 15^th, 9 AM – 1 PM

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!  No job is too small.  What we need is 1 Santa, 2 people to help at the children’s craft table, 4 people in the kitchen, 2 people at the baked goods table, and lots of people to bake desserts or make soups and other hot food items to sell.  Teenagers are welcome to baby-sit for workers or take care of the craft table.  If there is a job that you are willing to take, please contact Cheryl Henninger at 739-1335 or sign up in the Narthex.  See the ad at the back of the newsletter for more information.

PLEASE NOTE … We are no longer selling Flea Market items at the Bazaar.  Therefore, DO NOT drop any items off for resale.  The only items we are collecting are those for the Chinese Auction Baskets. 

KAUFFMAN'S CHICKEN BAR-B-Q

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2008; 3 PM - 7 PM

DRIVE THRU ONLY

MEAL $6.50 includes 1/2 chicken, baked potato,

Applesauce, roll and butter

Tickets Available by calling 385-5979 Carrie Ann Klinger

or 385-2049 the Church Office or in the Narthex every Sunday

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SUB SALE

PICK UP AT MOYER'S DUTCH MARKET, ROUTES 443 & 183

PURCHASE A TICKET FOR $4.00 EACH

GOOD FOR A SMALL SUB OF YOUR CHOICE

REGULAR, HAM OR TURKEY

TICKETS VALID SEPTEMBER 1 thru OCTOBER 30, 2008

BENEFITS: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

AT FIRST UCC, SCH. HAVEN

Tickets Available in Narthex every Sunday

or call church office 385-2049

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WOLFGANG CHRISTMAS CANDY SALE

BOOKS AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX FOR ORDERS

CANDY MADE IN YORK, PA

ORDERS AND MONEY DUE AT CHURCH SUN., NOV. 9, 2008

CALL 385-2049 OR 385-5979 FOR MORE INFO

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FILLING SALE & PIE SALE

FILLING IS $4 PER CONTAINER

(each container hold 2 pounds)

PIES ARE $7 EACH

(Apple Crumb, Blueberry Crumb, Pumpkin)

CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE (385-2049) TO PLACE YOUR ORDER

Basket Bingo Thank You.  Thank you to all who made the basket bingo on August 30 a great success. We netted a profit of $1,929.91. Our next basket bingo is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2009 (Please save the date!). More details on this fundraiser will be available in a later newsletter.  

Come Join the Circle!

At the heart of our faith are powerful stories of God’s love and faithfulness—stories we hear, remember, and pass along to others.  They remind us who God is and who we are called to be.

“Come Join the Circle” welcomes learners and leaders into the heart of the Bible’s great stories.  Rotation-style learning centers create the kind of learning environment where the Bible is at the center and fun and creativity abound in an environment that individualizes as well as builds community.

The Circle of Friends welcomes children age 3 through fifth grade to explore a Bible story for several weeks through story-telling, community life, brain teasers, quiet time, fun and games, show and tell, food and people, and music. Focusing on a key story for an extended time allows children to really understand the story; even if they miss a week they can still catch on quickly.

Our younger children also have care provided for them in the Nursery from 9:15 AM through worship. Cindy Hill has agreed to serve as our new Nursery Attendant!  A resident of Pottsville, Cindy is a mother and grandmother, and works with the Reading Hospital as a patient care technician.  Elizabeth Kost, a resident of Minersville but originally from Massachusetts, is our substitute nursery attendant.  The mother of a college student, she is looking forward to working with younger people again.  When you take your child to the nursery, please sign in with Cindy or Liz so they are certain of your child’s name and can reach you if necessary.

Parents, when you bring your children to JOIN THE CIRCLE a place is waiting for you as well.  Just drop downstairs for your morning coffee at the “Higher Grounds Café.”  Join friends you already know or make new friends in a relaxing environment.  See HIGHER GROUNDS CAFÉ for more information.

There is a copy of the September Consistory minutes on the bulletin board in hallway next to the sanctuary.

Our new confirmands are Brandon Bertasavage, Jacob Moyer, April Rohrer, Nick Semanco and Kyle Wingle.  Brandon is in eighth grade at Pottsville Middle School; Jacob, Nick and Kyle are in seventh grade at Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School; and April is in seventh grade at Blue Mountain Middle School.  We will covenant with them in worship on October 5 to support them through their two year confirmation experience. 

Confirmands meet for Christian education at 9:30 AM with Mr. Reider in the Weiser Board Room and attend worship at 10:30 AM each Sunday.  Confirmation class is held Mondays after school unless otherwise noted. 

CONFIRMATION ACTIVITIES FOR OCTOBER and NOVEMBER         

Sunday, 10/5                 1:30 PM CROP Walk, St. Ambrose RC Church

If you are unable to walk, you can still raise money to help feed the hungry.

Monday, 10/13               No School, No Confirmation Class

Sunday, 10/19               Teen Sunday and Children’s Sabbath

Sunday, 10/26               Reformation Sunday Celebration Dinner

Saturday, 11/15             9 – 1 PM Christmas Bazaar

Sunday, 11/16               Attend Annual Meeting after worship

Wednesday, 11/26         7:30 PM  Council of Churches Thanksgiving Eve Worship, Church of the Nazarene, Schuylkill Haven (bonus points)

Additional details will be provided in class.  If you have questions, talk to Pastor Shawn.  Don’t forget to check the Teen FORCE page for other activities.

Higher Grounds Café has moved to the meeting room on the lower level.  Adults and teens are welcome to enjoy comfortable couches, coffee and conversation.  Friends are welcome.  The café is open Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.  The café is under the management of Cheryl Henninger and Rhonda Thompson.

ACOA meets every Wednesday, 7-8 PM at First UCC, Schuylkill Haven.

Christian Singles Group.  Schuylkill Singles meet several times a month for a variety of activities.  Dues are $25 a year.  Anyone needing more information can contact Diane Calhoun at 874-2580.

Friendly’s Family Fun Night.  This event is to benefit Locust Lake Ministries who provide services at Locust Lake and Rosemont Campgrounds.  On Monday, October 13, Friendly’s will donate a percentage of the money spent for your dinner to Locust Lake Ministries.   All food (including take-out) must be ordered between 5 and 8 PM.

Queen Bees and Wannabes:  Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and other Realities of Adolescence.  Schuylkill County’s VISION is sponsoring this free program.  The program will be held at the Pottsville Area High School Auditorium on Monday, October 13, 7-8:30 PM.  Seating is limited.  Registration is required.  Call the Schuylkill County’s VISION office at (570) 581-8479 to register.

Servant Leadership:  Leading God’s People.  The Interfaith Health Network of Schuylkill County will hold this event at the Schuylkill Medical Center South Jackson Street (Pottsville Hospital) on Saturday, October 18, 9 AM - Noon.  Topics include:  Who are you as a leader?; How will you lead?; Communication tools that matter; Shepherding; Changing with grace; and Being a healthy leader.  Any church member in a leadership position is invited to attend.  To register, call (570)366-1333.                            

Living & Learning After 50.  Diakon is offering stimulating learning opportunities to Schuylkill County residents.  Learn about computers, art, dance, yoga, stress reduction, spiritual, self protection and much more!  Visit their website, www.diakon.org/LL50, for a course schedule.  Call Susan at (570)624-3018 or (800)621-6325 for more information.

Once again it's time to put on comfortable walking shoes and take a hike for hunger.  Sunday, October 5 is the date for the annual Schuylkill Haven CROP WALK for the Hungry.  CROP stands for “Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty.”  The 10 kilometer or roughly 5 mile walk (jog, run) will start and end at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church. Registration is at 1:30 PM with the walk beginning at 1:30 PM.

Each year the faith communities of Schuylkill Haven raise money to heed God’s call to serve those who are hungry and in need through local mission projects and global initiatives

For more information or to obtain sponsor forms or to sponsor someone who is walking, contact Pastor Shawn or one of the Confirmands.

Are you looking for something to do for Make a Difference Day?   SWIC is in need of many items for their Shelter and Transitional Housing.  Some items are baby lotion, baby wipes, bath towels, batteries, bed linens, cell phones, cleaning supplies, deodorant, diapers, first aid items, gift cards, laundry detergent, pillows, silverware, stationary, toilet paper, toys and umbrellas.  A more complete list is available on the bulletin board in the hall off the Sanctuary.  Check October worship bulletins for additional “Make a Difference” projects.

Help Fight Hunger with a Simple Click!

Use your favorite search engine to visit “Campbell’s Soup Click for Cans.”  Vote for your favorite NFL team and help them advance to the soup playoffs to win soup donations for their local food bank.  You can vote once a day and enter to win tickets to the 2009 Pro Bowl in Hawaii!

GodTube Website

Have you visited GodTube?  Launched in August 2007, GodTube became the fastest growing website at the time.  It uses viewer-generated content but filters out profane and sexual remarks.

Celebrate Ministry

During the month of October, we are invited to pray for those at First Church engaged in ministry…which means we are encouraged to pray for everyone, because in one way or another we all minister when we share the love of God through Jesus Christ.

Take time in October to thank the people who keep the church going.  People who visit shut-ins; provide transportation; bless the church through bequests; open the doors before and lock up after church activities; prepare meals; count offerings; contribute to the Food Pantry; join in a choir; direct choirs; prepare communion; provides flowers for worship; usher; change light bulbs; light candles; serve on Consistory and committees… Undoubtedly you can think of many more examples.  Our Month of Ministry will conclude with a banquet!

Reformation Celebration Dinner    Sunday, October 26, After Worship

Reservations Needed by Sunday, October 19

Reformation Sunday, October 26, will be the culmination for our Month of Ministry celebration.  After worship, we are all invited to the Mengel Memorial Fellowship Hall for a dinner prepared by Hess Catering as we give thanks for the ministry gifts of the entire congregation.  A free will offering will be received to defray the cost for the dinner.  Reservations are needed no later than Sunday, October 19.  Please make a note on the Friendship Pad, sign up in the Narthex or call the church office at 385-2049.

board of christian education

New members needed; meeting time flexible.

Please speak with Pastor Shawn if you are interested.

Consistory

Wednesday, October 8 & Wednesday, November, 12, 6:30 PM

SOUL (Seniors Out to Lunch)

Tuesday, October 14, Noon at Luckenbill’s Family Restaurant

Tuesday, November 11, Noon at Valenti’s in Orwigsburg

Worship & Sanctuary

New members needed; meeting time flexible.

Please speak with Pastor Shawn if you are interested.

Fall Women’s Event – Journey to Africa – October 4, 10 AM – 2 PM.  Come to the Church House and see Africa from the viewpoint of someone who visited may times and also through the eyes of a college student.  Contact Sue at 610-489-2056 x313 for more information or visit www.psec.org to register.

Walking with God XI.  This year’s weekend will be held October 11-12 at the Kline Center of Mensch Mill Retreat Center.  The Keynote Speaker will be Ms. Rhoda Glick, D. Min.  Questions may be directed to Rev. Wanda Craner, Minister of Spiritual Nurture, craner@psec.org or 610-369-3426.

Footwear Donation. UCC churches throughout our conference are collecting sandals, flip flops and sneakers to be sent to needy children in the Philippines.  The footwear does not have to be new, but of course, still usable by a child who cannot afford to purchase a new pair.  If you have any new or used footwear to donate to this worthwhile cause, please bring it to the church.  All of the shoes donated will then be taken to the Fall Association which will be held here at First Church on October 19. 

Fall Meeting and Celebration, Sat. Nov 15, St. Paul's UCC, Amityville.
Mark your calendar now for Saturday, November 15, for the Fall Meeting of PSEC at St. Paul's UCC, Amityville - beginning with registration at 9 AM and concluding by 2:45 PM. The theme for the meeting is "Revive Us Again."  There will be opportunities for Bible study and significant small-group conferring on two important items: (1) how ministry-related functions are handled by Associations and the Conference; and (2) the long-range funding of the Conference mission and ministry. 

…Sunday, Nov. 2

Council of Churches CROP Walk                                 Sunday, October 5

Every year, members of the Council churches participate in a Church World Service CROP Walk to raise money to fight hunger in our community and the world.  Twenty-five percent of the money raised is donated to the Council Food Pantry to feed hungry people in our area.  Confirmands and teens are encouraged to participate, but every member of the church is welcome to walk or donate to a walker, as we fight hunger and poverty in a visible way.

Monthly Food Pantry                               Friday, Oct. 17 & Nov.21, 1 PM

The Council offers free food to those in need in the community.  At present, the Food Pantry is located on Market Street, behind Evans Delivery on Columbia Street (the old Walkin Shoe Factory).

Penn State Religious & Philosophical Forum         Friday, Noon

October 31 – Meet in the Fryer Conference Center for a presentation on “Conceptions of Science and Religion” by Dr. Christopher Fisher, Senior Pastor at First UMC, Schuylkill Haven. 

November 21 – Meet in the Fryer Conference Center for a presentation on “Christianity and Postmodernity” by Rev. James Ehrman, Coordinator of The World Christianity Project at Yale University. 

For more information on the above Penn State events, contact Dr. Donald C. Lindenmuth at 385-6065 or dcl1@psu.edu.

Bloodmobile                                   Thursday, November 6, Noon – 6 PM

Council holds a Bloodmobile for the American Red Cross every other month at Jerusalem Lutheran Church.  You must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy in order to be able to donate blood.

Bi-Monthly Council Meeting                 Tuesday, November 18, 7:30 PM

Council meetings, held every other month, move among the 15 churches of the Council.  This month’s meeting will be held here at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church.  First Church is in need of lay representatives to serve on the Council.  Talk to Pastor Shawn if you are interested in community ministry.

Thanksgiving Eve Worship              Wednesday, November 26, 7:30 PM

The Council of Churches Annual Thanksgiving Eve Worship will be held at the Church of the Nazarene.

THE GIVING CONNECTION

 “The world of the generous gets larger and larger.”  --Proverbs 11:24

As Consistory develops a budget for 2009 to present to the congregation at our annual meeting on November 16, the need for every member of the church to contribute to the financial health of the church’s ministry is obvious.  Our individual contributions may not seem important, but they add to the creation of a whole body of giving.

Faith is personal but not simply individual—just as being a parent or partner is “personal” but always involves more than “me.”  Those who first followed Jesus were not isolated individuals but members of a group of disciples.  The church is called “the body of Christ” with different parts that alone would not exist at all.

We are part of a bigger picture.  We only become who we are in relationship with others.  We find our identity as a part of a world larger than ourselves.  Our baptismal vows, most church creeds, and the UCC Statement of Faith begin with “we.”  Without each other we are lost to ourselves.

So it is with giving.  This is a personal decision that is more than an individual matter.  It shows and confirms our connection with others.  And like any relationship that matters it requires our own emotional investment: the less we give the more we stand to lose. 

Our problem then becomes living in the “fear of scarcity,” overlooking what we get when we give: a better experience of God and one another, a chance to connect with something larger and more important than ourselves, and the discovery that Jesus is right.  In giving, even when it is hard, we receive—more than we thought possible.

“In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them.  You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’”  --Acts 20:34-35 (The Message)

“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”  --Proverbs 11:25 (The Message)

Teen FORCE consists of the confirmation class through high school students.

The calendar just keeps getting fuller!  Check out the options…

Sunday, 10/5                 CROP Walk Service Project         1:30 PM St. Ambrose

            Ask PS for an envelope to gather donations to feed the hunger. 

Prizes will be awarded to the fastest walker

and to the person who raises the most money,

as well as to the church with the most participants.

            BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO THE WALK.

Sunday, 10/12               Laser Quest/Reading Rocks         after worship

            Details pending. Check your Sunday bulletins.

Sunday, 10/19               Children and Teen Sabbath         lead worship

            Would you like to read scripture? Play a musical instrument?

Offer a sermon or thoughts on giving?  Let PS know.

Sunday, 10/26               Reformation Celebration             after worship

                                    Schuylkill Association Teens        3:45 PM

Meet at church at 3:45 PM to carpool to St. John’s Church in Auburn.  Fellowship, food and fun. Talk to PS for more information.

Friday, 10/31                 Fifth Quarter Post Game Party!    First UM Church

            Take in live music, free food, and a John Madden Football Tournament at the First United Methodist Church, 420 Saylor Street, after the Blue Mountain-Schuylkill Haven game.  For more information call 385-3941 or visit www.fumcstudents.org.

November 7 – 9             Fall Youth Event                         Mensch Mill

            Jesus Is My SUPERHERO!

All teens in ninth through 12^th grade are invited to join other senior high youth seeking ways to become more faithful as Christians.

$20 Early Bird registration is due by October 5:

the church will pay the rest of the $70 cost.

$40 Late Worm registration is due from October 6-29:

the church will pay the rest of the $80 cost.

Talk to PS or Cydney Van Dyke for more information.

Saturday, 11/15             Christmas Bazaar Fund Raiser     9 AM – 1 PM

Friday, 11/28                 Hanging of Greens Sleepover      8 PM – 10 AM

            You know the routine!  Meet at church at 8 PM to set up for hanging of the greens in worship on Sunday.  Then the fun begins!

Youth Matters! is for youth ages 8 through 12.  We had a blast in September meeting at the church for games, pizza and planning.  Some of our ideas…

Sunday, 10/5                 CROP Walk                                1:30 PM St. Ambrose

Check the Teen FORCE page for details. 

Ask Pastor Shawn for a donations envelope.

Date pending??? Hillside SPCA Service Project       time pending???

            Check the Sunday worship bulletin for details.

Sunday, 10/26               Reformation Celebration             after worship – 2 PM

            Stay after worship for the church dinner

AND stay after the dinner for games. 

Weather-permitting we will play

outdoor and indoor games.

Saturday, 11/15             Christmas Bazaar Fund Raiser     9 AM – 1 PM

Sunday, 11/16               Leaf Raking Party                       1 – 3 PM

Bring your rakes and meet at the church. 

We will carpool to a church member’s house to rake leaves,

have fun, and help someone, all at the same time.

Schuylkill Haven Union Cemetery.  We are honored to know that your congregation wishes to continue its historic ties with Union Cemetery.  Your recent gift to us came at a good time since our lawn tractors are in need of repairs.  It is through gifts from friends of the cemetery and a few burials each year that we are able to maintain our property.  We are truly thankful for your timely gift and know that God will continue to bless your church as you share with others.        --J. Daniel Reed

Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC).  SWIC thanks you for your gift of $147.75 from your Peach Festival to support services for victims of domestic violence in Schuylkill County.  We greatly appreciate your interest in assisting some of our area’s most vulnerable families.  AS SWIC observes its 25^th year of serving this community, we are very grateful to ongoing supporters who help us continue to provide comprehensive services into the next decade.  Please extend our gratitude to all involved.  Thank you for your support for our work and for area victims of domestic violence.  --Sarah T. Casey 

 Greeter:  ________________________

Altar Guild:  Kelly Schaeffer & Grace Snyder (10/5)

Care Cards:  Jane Madenfort

Flower Committee:  Bobbie & Carol Donati

Liturgists                                          Acolytes

10/5- Mary Alice Ross                         10/5- Brandon Bertasavage

10/12- Katie Mills                                10/12- Jacob Moyer

10/19- ____________________          10/19- Tommy Wensel

10/26- ____________________          10/26- Bryce Moyer

Sunday School Teachers              Fellowship Hour

10/5- All Teachers for Homecoming   10/5- Harvest Homecoming

10/12- Sierra & Linda Pritiskutch        10/12- Katie Mills & Janet Bradley

10/19- Katie Mills                                10/19- Linda Lopez & Tina Kluge

10/26- Kelly Schaeffer                         10/26- Reformation Celebration

Greeter:  Rich Rohrer

Altar Guild:  Linda & Dave Williams (11/2)

Care Cards:  Harris Bradley

Flower Committee:  Jane & Jim Madenfort

Liturgists                                          Acolytes

11/2- Rich Rohrer                                11/2- Shannon Henninger

11/9- Rhonda Thompson                     11/9- Katie Thompson

11/16- Janet Bradley                           11/16- Zack Semanco

11/23- ____________________          11/23- Josh Semanco

11/30- ____________________          11/30- Brandon Bertasavage

Sunday School Teachers              Fellowship Hour

11/2- Renee Liskiewicz                       11/2- _____________________

11/9- Tina Kluge                                  11/9- _____________________

11/16- Katie Mills                                11/16- _____________________

11/23- Kelly Schaeffer                         11/23- _____________________

11/30- Advent Crafts                           11/30- _____________________

If you cannot serve on the date listed