The Calvary Spirit
“Sharing God’s Love in Worship, Fellowship and In Service to our Neighbors.” July/August2017
NOTES FROM PASTOR LINDA
Thank you…for being you…for showing love…for offering grace.
In his first letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul writes that all the members of the community are part of the Body of Christ. He offers, “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” As a faith community, we are called to be there for each other during the sorrows and the joys of life. We are called to truly live out the faith that we claim. Life does offer both struggles and blessings. It matters that we stand beside each other, that we lift each other up, that we share the burdens of life as well as the joys.
As your Pastor, I offer you my gratitude and thanks for the way you blessed my life when my friend’s son, my Godson, Brandon, tragically passed away in a car accident. I received this devastating news while at Calvary’s spring flea market. As I began to share this sad news with those present, I was immediately given hugs and love. Some asked what they could do to help in Worship the following morning. I was asked if I needed to stay home and was told members of Calvary would do whatever I needed. The prayer chain was initiated. More hugs were offered. Many of you signed a card. Care and compassion were shown that day and in the days to follow. Thank you for truly being Christ and for blessing me with love and grace. As I shared this experience with my colleagues, one by one they affirmed that the members of Calvary blessed me during a very difficult time in my life.
Thank you for being you, for showing love, for offering grace, for embodying Jesus. We’re all in this life together. We’re all part of this faith community. We’re all part of the Body of Christ. May we continue to grow deeper in our faith. May we continue to allow ourselves to be open and authentic. May we continue to share love, to offer grace, to show compassion for this is what Jesus modeled for us.
Peace, love, and blessings,
Pastor Linda
Sunday mornings:
As your Pastor, I absolutely love greeting you and spending time with you on Sunday mornings. You matter to me; your stories matter to me; your concerns and your joys matter to me. I want to be in conversation with each of you. I really do love our times of sharing.
Having said that, here is my truth. During the 10-15 minutes prior to Worship on Sunday mornings, I’m also listening to the Spirit for I truly believe God gives me the words to speak. So if you tell me something during those10-15 minutes prior to worship there is a 50/50 chance I will remember what you have said to me.
If possible, please save the conversation for after worship when I try to greet each person who is present. Or, give me a call on Monday afternoon when I have office hours. Or, stop by to see me during my office hours (Mondays 3-4:30 and Wednesday 1-3). I would love to have more time to spend with you in conversation. And I really don’t want to forget what you share with me.
You matter to me. Your stories matter to me. Your concerns and struggles, your joys and celebrations matter to me.
Peace, love, and blessings,
Pastor Linda
Pastor Linda’s SUMMER Office Hours
Pastor Linda’s summer hours will be Mondays 3:00-4:30 pm and Wednesdays 1-3 pm. Tuesdays will remain as visitation day. Other times available by appointment.
PASTOR LINDA’S DAY OF SABBATH
Pastor Linda’s weekly day of Sabbath is Friday. If you have an emergency, please don’t hesitate to reach out to her via e-mail, phone, or text message. If you have questions which are not emergencies, please hold them until the next day. We all need space to rest and reflect so we want to honor Pastor Linda’s day of Sabbath.
PASTOR ON VACATION
Pastor Linda will be on vacation beginning Saturday, August 12th, through and including Sunday August 20th. Our emergency contact during this time will be Rev. Jane Kropa of Huff’s Church and she may be reached at 610-781-3187.
JULY & AUGUST Scripture Readings
July 2, 2017—Red, White & Blue Sunday
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
July 9, 2017—Crazy Hair Sunday
Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 16, 2017—Camp Fire Sunday – Outside Worship
Isaiah 55:10-13
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 23, 2017—Christmas in Jul Sunday
Isaiah 44:6-8
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 30, 2017—Slippers, Socks, Shoeless Sunday
1 Kings 3:5-12
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
August 6, 2017
Isaiah 55:1-5
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
August 13, 2017
1 Kings 19:9-18
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
August 20, 2017
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:10-28
August 27, 2017
Isaiah 51:1-6
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Confirmation Class…learning about our Muslim sisters and brothers….
On Friday, June 16th, our three confirmands, Hannah, Emma, and Eve, along with their mothers, Tammy and Sharon, and I travelled to the Islamic Center of Reading for the breaking of the Ramadan fast which is known as Iftar. My home church, Immanuel UCC in Shillington, provided the Iftar meal and invited us to join them. This experience was both joyful and educational.
During Ramadan, which lasts for a month and commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, our Muslim sisters and brothers fast from sunrise to sunset. During this fast they neither drink or eat. The breaking of the fast is a time to gather, to be in prayer, and to be in fellowship. This is what we experienced: prayer along with joyful, radical hospitality.
At the breaking of the fast, we received dates and watermelon slices prior to entering the Mosque for prayer. Out of respect for the Islamic tradition, we wore scarves on our heads, took off our shoes, and entered the women’s side the Mosque, sitting or kneeling for prayer. After the prayer, there was time for us to ask questions. The members of the Islamic Center of Reading welcomed us graciously and shared their faith. This time of prayer and sharing was followed by a delicious feast. Our Muslim neighbors open their breaking of the fast to the entire community. It truly was a celebration and we felt welcome.
Here are some of the reflections from our experience…
- Eve…I thought it was fun and interesting. I liked how welcoming everyone was. It was neat to see how they pray and their electronic prayer timetable. All the people were so nice.
- Emma…Everybody was very welcoming. It was nice that everyone respected each other’s differences. It was interesting to see how the Muslims pray; it is very different from how we pray but it seems that the meaning is similar. It was really nice that they put us before them; for example, they made sure we had food to eat and water to drink before they did.
- Sharon…Visiting the Islamic Center was truly an amazing experience. It really warmed my heart to be welcomed so graciously by our Muslim neighbors and to share such a special event with them. I believe we were all deeply touched by the sincerity of the people we met. I’m so grateful we had this experience, as diversity should be embraced and celebrated, not feared and avoided.
The evening ended with these words from all of us: can we do this again? Yes we can and yes we will!
Peace, love, and blessings,
Pastor Linda
Theme Sundays in July
Once again our Worship Service during the month of July will include themes. We invite you to dress in the theme of the day as the Spirit moves you.
July 2nd—Red, White & Blue Sunday
July 9th—Crazy Hair Sunday
July 16th—Camp Fire Sunday—Service will be held outdoors under the pavilion
July 23rd—Christmas in July Sunday
July 30th—Slippers, Socks, Shoeless Sunday
FELLOWSHIP PADS
We have begun to use Fellowship Pads on Sunday mornings. What are Fellowship Pads? There are pads in each pew for everyone to sign on Sundays. There is also a space for prayer requests. If you should see someone new sitting beside you, please fill in your address/phone number in addition to your name as it has been proven this encourages the guest to also offer their full information.
Please take time each Sunday morning to sign them as we try to become a church which is continually seeking ways to be welcoming and hospitable.
CONSISTORY NEWS
Ah summer, warm temperatures, longer days and vacations. I am looking forward to taking off some time over the summer to just relax maybe a day or two at the beach, maybe a few days in the mountains or maybe just a week of day trips with the Grandkids. Whatever we do we will try to just relax. I hope that all of you enjoy your summer as well. With longer days, you can spend more time outside doing something you love, like working in the garden or flower beds or maybe going swimming. Whatever you do enjoy it and as I always say thank God for what he has given us because without him we would have nothing.
Remember to join us for our community luncheon picnic style, on July 22nd at 12:00 noon. I would love to see everyone there, what a great day for us to be able to share with our friends old or new in the community.
Peace,
Becky Crist
2016 Consistory Officers
President – Becky Crist
Vice President – Denise Mathias
Secretary – Connie Jordan
Treasurer – Linda Himeback
2016 Consistory Representatives
The Calvary Spirit 1
Christian Fellowship:
Marlene Latshaw, Becky Crist,
Rona Britton, Shirley Neiman,
Denise Mathias
Worship:
Tammy Saylor,
Denise Mathias
Church Property:
Scott Freed, Shirley Neiman
Christian Social Ministries:
Marlene Latshaw, Rona Britton,
Stewardship & Evangelism:
Becky Crist
Christian Education:
Connie Jordan, Denise Mathias
Tammy Saylor
Spiritual Council:
Marlene Latshaw,
Scott Freed, Rona Britton
The Calvary Spirit 1
FAITH FORMATION
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!
We invite you to join us for a week of hearing the Bible speak--No, Really!!
Our Living Bible will come alive each night as we explore The Spirit of Christmas Everyday.
The Living Bible will come alive each night as we open it to talk to the Angels about the Spirit of Christmas. This Bible Adventure will take place right here at Calvary United Church of Christ, from Aug. 7 – 11 from 6:00PM – 8:30PM.
Everyone knows the excitement and anticipation of December.... Christmas! BUT....what about the other months of the year?? Join us as we discover the Spirit of Christmas in everyday of the year. We will go from Christmas through Fall, experiencing God's Gifts of Love, Joy andPeace, better known as, "the Christmas Spirit" with fun stories, crafts, music and snacks. Tell your friends...We are celebrating the Spirit of Christmas Everyday!
Each evening begins with a shared meal in the Spirit of Fellowship Hall. Then it is off to the Theater for the Living Bible. From there we will move into the Spirit of Discovery Hall for fun and learning. Our Spirit Squads will enjoy activities in the Spirit of Sound Stage, the Spirit of Creativity Center, The Spirit of Feeling Forum, and more. Our guest will spend a week soaring with the Angels of the Living Bible as they learn how God’s Greatest Gift gives us the encouragement we need to share daily gifts with others. Our Mission Project this year will be The Bethany Children’s Home.
Posters and reservation forms are included with this newsletter.
What to join the fun??!!
Help is needed to decorate our stations and stage, as well as station and guide leaders and 2 (or more)"Angel" actors to bring our bible to life. The more help we have, the more fun VBS is! See Tracey Frey and Tammy Saylor--or sign up on the VBS sheet on the fellowship board. It's gonna be a fun week!!
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YOUTH NEWS
2016-2017Youth Fellowship officers
President – Hannah Saylor
Vice President– Matthew Frey Secretary – Ashley Whitman Treasurer – Kiera Jordan
Special request from Hannah Saylor: “I am asking for donations of mulch and perennial flowers that will be planted around the loop in the walking path. This is for my Sliver Award, which is the second highest Girl Scout award you get. Thank you very much for your donations. They are a great help”. -Hannah Saylor"
Katie Latshaw
Katie is a graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High School. During her time at Boyertown, she was involved in a wide variety of activities. She was the secretary of the Orchestra, was a SADD Club officer, was one of three student representatives for Boyertown’s branch of PAYS Task Force, and was the Chaperones Committee Chair for Boyertown’s 2017 Mini-THON. She was also a member of the Concert Choir, Student Council, and the National Honor Society. Katie also works as a dishwasher and Kitchen assistant at Landis Store Hotel. In the fall, Katie will be attending Millersville University of Pennsylvania for her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Dual Certification in Special Education.
Heather Reigner
Heather is a graduate or Boyertown Area Senior High School. In the fall, Heather will be attending Millersville University.
Kira Reigner
Kira is a graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High School. In the fall, Kira will be attending Millersville University.
Jenna Marburger
Jenna recently graduated from Alvernia University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She will be taking her state board examination soon to officially become a Registered Nurse and will be starting her new job at Lehigh Valley Hospital in July. Congratulations Jenna and good luck at your new job!
Congratulations and many blessings to all of our 2017 graduates. May the beauty of our Creator surround you, may the light of Christ guide your way, may the presence of the Spirit fill you and overflow into the world around you.
CALVARY BOOKWORMS UPDATE
BookWorms’ next selection is “The Orphan Train”. All of the books have arrived—see Pastor Linda for your copy. Also, might a date of Tuesday, August 1st or Wednesday, August 2nd fit your schedule for our discussion?
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for Calvary’s second Community MeaL OnSaturday, July 22nd at noon, we will be hosting a community picnic which is free and open to members of Calvary UCC, our friends, and our neighbors. We’ll gather under the pavilion to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and macaroni salad, as well as delicious desserts. We’ll gather to be in fellowship with our community. Please mark your calendar and spread the word to your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Let’s gather and continue to get to know one another. Let’s gather as a warm, welcoming community of faith.
91st ANNUAL VEGETABLE SOUP SUPPER Please mark your calendar for the 91st annual vegetable soup supper and bake sale on Saturday, September 9th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.Donations of garden vegetables are welcome for the soup. Baking of pies will take place on September 8th starting at 6:00 am. Everyone is invited to make this long-standing tradition a success!
THE ALTON ACKER MEMORIAL CONCERT SERIESMark your calendars now for our next free concert. It will be held Friday, October 20, 2017 from 7 – 8:30 PM. We will be having Keith Brintzenhoff and the Toad Creek Ramblers. Come listen to old timey, folk, bluegrass, gospel music and PA Dutch folklore. As a special treat, there will also be 3 hoedowns included in this performance. You won’t want to miss this fun filled night!
BYOB (boxed lunch) LUNCHES) are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12noon. Please note due to scheduling conflicts if this date needs to be adjusted it will be reflected on the monthly calendar and in the weekly announcements. Join us as we gather for lunch, conversation and fellowship.
LUNCH BUNCH This is an opportunity to gather for lunch at local restaurants with your church friends. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.The date, time and location may be found on the calendarwhen available before printing.
GENERAL CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
USAgaiN
Many of you have dropped off clothes, shoes, and other items in the USAgain bins located on our property. Thank you for helping us and USAgain recycle these items and also take action against climate change.
Let’s continue to recycle what we no longer need so those who have little can be clothed and more trees can be planted. Thank you
Calling all graduates
Calvary has somefundsavailable to support you as you graduate and continue your journey whether it be in the form of college, a trade school or employment. If you would like to seek financial support, please pick up an application on the faith in action table. Applications are due by July 30th. Thesefundsare offered to assist you with incidental life expenses such as books, transportation, insurance, etc. We care about you. We love you. We hope this gift will help you on your journey through life.
Phone MESSAGES If you call the church number for either Pastor Linda or JoAnn Longacre and they do not answer please leave a message. These messages are forwarded to Pastor Linda and JoAnn via email so even when they are not in the office they will still get your messages.
EMAIL ADDRESSES Do you have an email address? We would love for you to share it with us so we can include you on our weekly email! Every week on either Wednesday or Thursday an email is sent out to those on our mailing list. This email includes important information such as upcoming events, changes to office hours, etc. If you are on our mailing list you will also receive notification of cancellations or closures due to weather and other important emails. To “opt in” please send an email to with “Mailing List” in the subject line.