NEWSLETTER
May 2010Volume 3, Issue 5
Inside this Issue
1 / From the Pastor
2 / Fellowship
Women’s Ministry
3 / Christian Education
4 / Music & Worship
Church in Society
5 / Stewardship
6 / Preschool
7 / Kid’s Page
8
8 / Church Calendar
9 / Christian Symbols
10 / Lay Ministry
11 / Our Ministry of
Worship
Church Office Hours:
Tues –Fri. 9:00 am- 2:30 pm
email us at:
From the Pastor
Jim Latimer
Revitalization Update
Palm Sunday weekend marked another milestone in our renewal process. Chris Browne of EngagedChurches.com (Gallup Faith) was here to share the results of the ME25 member engagement survey that 144 of us took in January.
Twenty of us worked together Friday evening and all day Saturday (March 26-27) analyzing the survey results in great detail, and discerning God’s will for how to interpret them for increasing our spiritual vitality. That is, for deepening our intimacy with God so he can better use us for his love and work through Community UCC.
This process revealed three high impact areas. These three areas are basic that they are often overlooked. We realized that the success of our renewal efforts depends upon much greater clarity in these three areas:
1. Spiritual needs (Survey question, “In my congregation my spiritual needs are met.”)
2. Member expectations (Survey question, “As a member of my congregation I know what is expected of me.”)
3. Doing what I do best (Survey question, “In my congregation I regularly have the opportunity to do what I do best.”)
We formed three subgroups, each dedicated to a particular area. The subgroups are now digging into their issue to gain more clarity and to create a plan to address it.
Here are the subgroups:
Member Expectations: Dave Chapman, Sandra Fehnel, Janet Papilla, Christine Miller and Bill Dawe;
Spiritual Needs: Bruce May, Todd Dierksheide, Jack McGuire, Marti Smith, Mim Nonnon, and Jolene Miller;
Do What I Do Best: Larry Ahrens, Gina Floyd, Sharon Clark, Linda Dawe, Barry Fehnel and Lorie Martin.
Rev. Jim and Sam DeWald are ex-officio members of all three groups.
If you would like to join a group please let me know or a member of that subgroup. Your voice is most welcome!
Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!
Rev. Jim
Your Church Staff
Rev. Jim Latimer
Pastor
610-568-2480 (cell)
Regina Floyd
Church Secretary
610-779-3955
Sam DeWald
Consistory President
610-779-1890
Robin & Dustin Bennett
Sextons
610-401-0265
Dan Smith
Director of Music
610-779-3955
Marti Smith
Bell Choir & Praise Band
610-779-9410
Bridgette Rothermel
Children’s Choir
610-823-4390
Christine Miller
Preschool Director
610-779-7086
Warren Lubenow
Treasurer
610-779-3632
Don Dickerson
Financial Secretary
610*-582-3177
Jack McGuire
Asst. Financial Secretary
610-779-1092
Regina Floyd
Financial Recording Secretary
610-779-3955
Fellowship
You are invited to the Retirees’ Breakfast on Thursday, May 20th, @ 8:30
You need not be retired to join in the fellowship! If you can break away or start the day with us, please do so. We meet at The Breakfast Hut for a scrumptious meal and wonderful conversation. For more information contact Betty Houck (610.779.2962)or Ethel Adams (610.779.2164).
Book Group
The book group will meet Thursday, May 20 at 12:30 at the home of Barb Taglang. Our title for this month is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Everyone is welcome. Call Barb at 610-779-2649
for further information.
Our last selection until fall will be The Apple in the Attic. We will meet at Pat Nase's home on June 17th. Copies of the book are available from Kathy May.
We are always hoping that new members can join us. It isn't necessary to come to each one. Everyone is always welcome.
Join the women of Community Church on Wednesday, May 26th, at 7:00 pm,as we develop a revitalized ministry program. All women of the church are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Church Picnic
Sunday July 11, 12:00p.m.
Exeter Community Park
We had a great time last year and we hope to make this year’s picnic even better. If you would like to help with the planning please contact the church office. .
A Night at the Reading Phillies.
Community Church will be going to the Reading Phillies on Thursday, June 24th. We will be seated in the yellow section, cost is $9.00 per ticket. There will be fireworks following the game. See Jolene Miller for tickets or call 610-779-3272.
St. Lawrence Women’s Club
Sandwich Sale
On Tuesday, May 18ththe ladies will be selling Italian, Turkey & Cheese and Ham & Cheese hoagies on at the Borough Hall. Cost is just $5.00! See the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board or call Jolene Miller at 610-779-3272.
Christian Education
Barry & Sandy Fehnel - Directors
Busy Bags for Children
Busy Bags filled with quiet activities are now available in the Narthex for use during worship or for quiet time in the Library during worship. Children may choose a Busy Bag from the basket in the Narthex or may request one from an usher. Please take the artwork you created with you when you leave and return all other items in the Busy Bag to the basket in the Narthex.
Music & Worship
The Penn State Berks
College Choir Concert
Join us on Sunday, May 2nd, at 2:00 PM. The Penn State Choir will present their concert at Community UCC; under the director of Ray Rhoads. The concert theme is “Life’s Passages”;the concert will include sacred and secular music. Admission is free. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Coming soon…Sunday Preschool Nursery
We have a need for a preschool nursery during the 10:15am worship service and thanks to Holly Vazquez this need will soon be met. Holly is in the process of recruiting and training volunteers to staff the nursery. If you are willing to help, please contact Holly at (610) 370-1402 or .
Once volunteers are trained, the nursery will serve toddlers through four years old. It will be held in the area of fellowship hall closest to the stage. Parents can exit the sanctuary using the two doors in front, and the nursery is at the bottom of the stairs. Watch the bulletin for an announcement about when the staffed nursery will open.
Church in Society
Something New is Cooking at Community UCC!
Members have come together to begin a new food ministry for our own members in need with the start of our new “Freezer Ministry”.
We will now have a way to reach out to those we care about. There are times when all of us might need help with a meal. For example:
- after the birth of a child
- a hospital stay
- recovery from a fall
- death of a family member.
We will be accepting ongoing donations of soup, bread, muffins and one dish meals to have on hand for such occasions. Watch for upcoming information on how you can help stock the freezer.
Stewardship
1
NEWSLETTER
1
NEWSLETTER
Calendar
Christian Symbols
When John was exiled to the island of Patmos, he wrote the book of Revelation. In the first chapter, verse 10, John says he was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) and had a vision of someone he called the Son of Man (meaning Christ). Christ was dressed in a long robe with something draped across his chest. What was it?
A.A golden sash
B.A towel
C.A ribbon with a cross sewn on it
D.A palm leaf
Answer: A (See Revelation 1:13.)
Lay Ministry Schedule for May 2010
May 28:0010:15
Announcements
Lay LeaderMarianne LubenowBob Nase
AcolyteDerrick Jackson
Flower SponsorsBarry & Sandy Fehnel
The Family of Ruth Hasson
May 9No 8:00 Service10:15
Announcement
Lay LeadersMarti Smith
AcolyteJosh Straka
Flower SponsorDon & Sallie Dickerson
May 16 8:00 10:15
Announcements
Lay LeaderKaren WalulekDon Dickerson
AcolyteMoran Sandwritter
Flower SponsorBruce & Kathy May
May 23 8:0010:15
Announcements
Lay LeaderJack McGuireSam Dewald
AcolyteJordan Diefenderfer
Flower SponsorDan & Lorie Martin
Matt & Kathy Gettis
Bulletin SponsorRichard & Dixie Warmkessel
May 30TBA
Up But Not Away
Many Christian denominations celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, which refers to a post-resurrection event that took place 40 days after Easter. This year it occurs on May 13.
According to Luke, Jesus led his friends to a Jerusalem suburb called Bethany. While on a small mountain, he blessed his friends and then rose into heaven while they watched.
The ascension was such a momentous occasion that after Jesus disappeared, his followers had a worship service at the spot. Then they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52, NRSV).
Because Christ had promised to be with his followers always (Matthew 28:20), from then on they knew he would be with them as Spirit. Jesus’ body was up and away, but spiritually he was still and always would be their companion.
Our Ministry of Worship
Each Sunday, we gather for worship at 8:00 & 10:15 a.m. Child-care rooms are located on the parking lot level of the church. Remember that we have an elevator from the parking lot level to the sanctuary level
1
NEWSLETTER
1