Aiglastson
(Nostalgia spelled "forwards". Live toward the Not Yet!)
Newsletter of the Lancaster Association
Of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
November 2008 Lester D. Helmeczi, Editor Volume XXVII No. 14
MINISTERIUM WILL
MEET NOV. 4TH
Bill Rader will lead the program at the next gathering of Lancaster Association clergy scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th, at Hamilton Park UCC . He will be presenting on a book he has translated, Eberhard Busch's Drawn to Freedom: Christian Faith Today in Conversation with the Heidelberg Catechism.
The schedule will be as always:
8:30 a.m. breakfast
9:00 a.m. business
9:30 a.m. program, concluding no later than 11 a.m. [
MIDDLE EAST PEACE
VIGIL MOVES TO
SUNDAY MORNING
THIS MONTH
On Sunday, November 9, the winners of the Peace Essay Contest in area middle and high schools will be reading their essays in the morning service of worship at Salem U.C.C., Rohrerstown, at 9:30 A.M.
The contest winners are Meagan Douches of War-wick Township Middle School and Joel Nofsiger of Lancaster Mennonite High School. There will be no evening vigil that day. [
Daylight Savings Time Ends November 2nd
Turn clocks BACK one hour
ASSOCIATION FALL
MEETING IS SET
The fall meeting of the Lancaster Association will be held Saturday, November 22, at St. Paul's UCC, Bowmansville.
Richard Berg, librarian at Lancaster Seminary, will speak about the E&R Historical Society and how they might help local churches organize and store church records.
The program will also include a power point presentation as a follow-up to the "Ways We Love The Association" begun at the spring meeting.
The business meeting will include the adoption of the 2009 Association budget.
The gathering will begin with breakfast ($5.00 cost) at 8:30 am. Please call the church at 717/445-6256 or email stpaulucc@frontiernet.net to reserve a place at the breakfast table. Breakfast cost is payable at the door. [
DINNER EVENTS
ON THE HORTIZON
First Annual Oktoberfest is being held by Salem UCC, Columbia, on Saturday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m. at 322-324 Walnut St. (rear) Columbia, Pa. Please join us for lots of food and fun!
A Corn Pie Supper is being offered by St Paul’s U.C.C. 133 Church Street in Bowmansville, on Saturday, November 1, beginning at 3:00 pm. The menu includes corn pie, pepper cabbage, green beans, applesauce, rolls, beverage & dessert.
Ticket prices are Adults $9.00, Children 6-12 $5.00, and Children under 6 are Free. You will also be able to purchase pies only for $6.00. Take outs are also available.
You may visit our web site for a map with directions at www.stpaulsuccchurch.org or call the church office at 717-445-6256.
Trinity Reformed UCC, Mountville, has set Saturday, November 15, 2008, 4:00 – 7:00 pm, for their “all you can eat” chicken and waffle dinner, at the church, 450 West Main Street, Mountville, Pa
The menu includes:
Chicken, homemade waffles,
peas, beverages (lemonade, coffee, hot tea), and a dessert table (for $1.00 per item)
The cost: Adults - $8.00,
Children 12 to 2 - $4.00,
Information at 203-4715.
A Dinner and Concert are scheduled at Trinity UCC, East Petersburg, on Sunday, December 14.
Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm in Isenberg Hall, followed by the concert by Trinity Musicians in the Sanctuary. The cost will be covered by a free will offering to be received.
Please call 569-1632 for reservations. J
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4 !
The right to vote is a fundamental part of the democratic process. Enjoy the privilege! Fulfill your citizenship responsibility! Be patriotic! VOTE!
NEW PULPIT SUPPLY COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATION
Attention church treasurers and finance committees: The Penn Central Conference Commission on Ministry recommends that supply pastors be paid at the rate of $125 plus mileage for leading one worship service, with an additional amount of compensation for a second service at the discretion of the congregation. [
COMING CONCERTS
Maria Corley, pianist, and E. Mani Cadet, vocalist, per-form a varied program of spirituals, broadway and holiday music, on Sunday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. as part of the Crown Concert Series at Church of the Apostles UCC, 1850 Marietta Ave. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. A free-will offering will be received. On the Web at www.apostlesucc.org. Or call 392-5718.
A Piano Concert, in memory of June Ringer, will be offered at First Reformed UCC, 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster, on Sunday, November 2nd at 3pm.
Michael Fennelly is the featured pianist, assisted by Megan Weston, Soprano. A freewill offering will be received. For more information please call the church office at 397-5149. [
ASSOCIATION EXEC COMMITTEE NOTES
Executive Committee meets Thursday, November 6, 7:00 pm, at St. Andrew Church.
WILLING TO BE PART OF
THE BODY MACHINE
AT FESTIVAL OF HOPE?
Susan Minasian has been asked to choreograph another gathering of The Body Machine piece that was part of the Penn Central Conference worship this year. T
he Body Machine has been invited to be part of the Festival of Hope on Sunday December 7th at First Presbyterian Church on Orange St. in Lancaster
This piece is about diversity and celebrating all of us as the Body of Christ.
This is a very easy move-ment piece. ALL people: any age, race, gender, orientation, ability etc. etc. etc. can take part. No previous dance experience is necessary. You even wear what you want to wear. No special costuming.
If you are willing to partici-pate, please call St. Andrew UCC at 394-3311 and let Trudy know that you will take part. Or email Susan Minasian at susanstandrew@epix.net and communicate directly with her.
Participants will meet at St. Andrew Church on Saturday December 6th at 9:30am to 10:30am for a practice session, and then will gather as a group the next day at First Presbyterian Church to offer the Body Machine as a call to worship.
This is a fun thing to do with friends and family! It could be a wonderful experience for The Lancaster Association to participate in the Festival of Hope this way.
ST PETER’S DEDICATES
RENOVATIONS
You’re invited to see the transformation of St. Peter's UCC as they begin their second century of service in Lancaster and the wider community. The conclusion of their 100th anniversary celebration will be the dedication of renovations during the 10:45am worship service on Sunday, November 9, at 816 Buchanan Ave.
St. Peter's choir will offer a lively anthem written by Director of Music Ministry, Dr. Daryl Hollinger, and the Chin Christian Fellowship, which also worships at St. Peter's, will share songs of celebration.
A luncheon will be served in Kunkel Hall following the worship service, and tours of the renovated restrooms, an elevator, and a new narthex, making the church facility handicapped-accessible, will be available from 2pm to 4pm, during an Open House. [
A saint is someone whose life makes it easier to believe in God. How will that happen through how we live?
CALENDAR NOTE
The next Penn Central Conference Annual Meeting has been scheduled for June 12 - 14, 2009, the second full weekend in June [
For directions, please call
Meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, receive “giveaways”, and browse the Resource Center (including a free resource table).
For sale will be:
UCC/PCC Merchandise, Daystar Pins,
Dakota Indian Jewelry
Equal Exchange Coffee,
Tea, Cocoa & Chocolate
717-652-1560 or go to www.pccucc.org J
BOUNDARY TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES SET
The completion of Boundary Training is an expectation and requirement for all persons holding standing as an ordained or licensed minister within the Lancaster Association. Persons must complete the course with-in one year of becoming a part of the Association, and repeat every five years thereafter.
Authorized Ministers
(ordained, licensed, and commissioned ministers) of any Penn Central Conference Association who need to fulfill their association’s requirements relating to Boundary Training, may do so on Thursday, November 13, 9 am- 3 pm at the Conference Office.
Presenter Sally Dries will lead this workshop exploring guidelines for setting appropriate boundaries and developing healthy patterns of self-care.
This workshop will fulfill the Boundary Training requirements of all eight associations in Penn Central Conference.
The $25.00 registration fee includes lunch. Pre-Registration is required, but the fee is
payable at the event.
Please call or e-mail the Conference Office to register.
717-652-1560; whepler@pccucc.org
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Hamilton, a member of the LA Committee on Church and Ministry and a pastoral counselor in Lancaster, will offer Boundary Training Wednesday, November 19th, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, (Coffee and Donuts at 8:30), at Grace UCC, Eden, for ordained and licensed persons serving in the Lancaster Association.
Utilizing video-tapes, discussion and case studies, this class will explore the concerns of maintaining professional boundaries within our profession.
Snacks and Drinks will be provided. Please brown bag your lunch.
To register or ask questions, please contact Jeffrey at 392-1007 or at jdhamiltonlcsw@verizon.net.
A separate class will be offered in January for retired persons in LA not serving in parish settings. If you are one of these, you may attend the November or January class to fulfill your requirement. [
Lancaster Association Newsletter Aiglatson
is published monthly on or
about the 15th of each month. Information about activities
for the following month
are needed on or about
the 12th of the month.
Please forward to
UPCOMING FORUM
ON IMMIGRATION
A “forum on immigration” for the Lancaster, York and Gettysburg Associations of Penn Central Conference is being organized for Sunday November 9, 2 - 4 pm, at Church of the Apostles UCC. [
DUCC SPONSORS
HOLY ADVENTURE
BOOK SIGNING
Disciples United Community Church, where author Bruce Epperly is co-pastor with Rev. Kate Epperly, will sponsor another "Holy Adventure" book signing and lecture, on Saturday Nov. 8th at 4:30 p.m.
The book signing and lecture will be held in the Community Room of the Lancaster Friends Meeting House at 110 Tulane Terrace (just off Columbia across from Tobias Frogg Restaurant).
At that time there will be an opportunity for persons to sign up for a six to eight week "Holy Adventure" spiritual growth group led by Rev. Kate Epperly. The time and meeting place for the group is to be negotiated with those who sign up. [
GOOD NEWS STORIES
WELCOMED FOR PENN
CENTRAL NEWS
PC NEWS is always looking for "good news" stories happening within local churches. Stories should include "what, when, where, why, and how" of the event and may be emailed, along with any digital photos, to bwaleff@pccucc.org , PC News Editor. (Deadline: 1st of the month prior to publication date, e.g. January 1 for February / March issue). [
VOTER’S BILL OF RIGHTS
You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter.
You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.
You have a right to have your questions answered concerning voting procedures.
You have the right to receive instruction in the use of equipment for voting.
You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in line at the polling place prior to the close of the polls.
You have the right to cast a secret ballot free from intimidation, threat or coercion.
You have the right to receive a new ballot, if, prior to casting your ballot, you believe you made a mistake.
You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot, if you are unable to vote without assistance.
You have the right to election materials in another language, if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant production. [
MINISTRY IN A CHANGING CULTURE WORKSHOP AT PRC
The Parish Resource Center, 633 Community Way, Lancaster, will offer a workshop titled “From Membership to Participation: Ministry in a Changing Culture” on Thurs-day, November 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center.
Nationally known author, teacher, and consultant Gilbert Rendle will lead the workshop, which is open to the public and is especially appropriate for pastors and congregational leaders. Because lunch will be included in the fee, registration must be made by November 13. To register and for more information, contact the Center at 299-9932 or infolancaster@parishresourcecenter.org or visit www.parishresourcecenter.org/lancaster.
Rendle says that churches are among many North American organizations discovering that membership may not be the best way to define a relationship with people who want to participate. But the shift to a new relation-ship requires leaders to let go of old problem-solving ways. Leaders, he feels, need to learn how to see the opportunities of the new culture. Workshop participants will explore the cultural shift from membership to participation and the implications for the local church.
Dr. Gilbert Rendle is senior consultant at Texas Methodist Foundation Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence in Austin. He is author of five widely acclaimed books on congregations and ministry and is well known for his engaging teaching style and insightful congregational consulting. [
LOCAL AUTHORS
OF NEW DARFUR BOOK WILL SPEAK
AT AARON’S BOOKS
Steven Fake (Reading) and Kevin Funk (York) will speak about their new book, Scramble for Africa: Darfur Intervention and the USA (Black Rose Books Hardcover $48.99), at Aaron’s Books in Lititz on November 2, 2008 at 1pm.
The Scramble for Africa analyzes the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur and the activist movements surrounding it, taking on both the US government and the Save Darfur coalition alike. The authors present the basic information on the political and military aspects of the conflict, examine the options, and suggest ways forward, always with concern for both the broader international implications and for the hundreds of thousands of victims.
This meticulously researched work gives the history of Sudan – especially the Darfur region – in relation to US and Western objectives, discussing, at length, the immensely harmful role the United States played in Sudan in the 1970s and 1980s through Washington’s support of repressive regimes in Khartoum. It’s being called “explosive, masterful, and impeccably fair. Consider it the thinking person’s guide to Darfur.” [
TO WHOM CAN YOU
SAY THANKS?
As we celebrate the saints and “give thanks” this month, perhaps you might ask yourself, “to whom can I say thanks?”
Do a retrospective on your life and note the people who helped you along the way. You might even note the people in your family, those near and dear, who are helping you today. (Perhaps they’re the ones you’re taking for granted.) Also note the non-existence of the “self-made person”! We all have people to thank for helping us in our daily living.
Consider: the friendly smile from the stranger; the teacher who gave of his or her personal time to assist you with a difficult subject in school; perhaps the cheerful service you receive at a crowded check-out counter; the physician or medical staff person who makes an effort to help you feel more at ease; the trash collectors and mail delivery persons who serve you; the loved one who makes some sacrifice for you; the smile and friendly service of your local auto service technicians; to list just a few. All are gifts from God.
To whom can you say thanks this month? LDH [
Aiglastson
(Nostalgia spelled "forwards". Live toward the Not Yet!)
Newsletter of the Lancaster Association
Of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
December 2008 Lester D. Helmeczi, Editor Volume XXVII No. 15
LANCASTER REFUGEE
PROGRAM IS QUITE BUSY
AND NEEDS HELP
Church World Service is in great need of sponsors for our refugee families!
The Immigration and Refu-gee Program here in Lancaster, which serves the refugee and immigrant communities of Central Pennsylvania, has received almost 100 refugees since July. (About 5 to 10 new arrivals each week)
Sponsors provide vital assistance to a new refugee family by helping them transi-tion into their new life. These
families come from a variety of religious backgrounds: Hindi, Christian, Muslim and Budd-hist families. Many of the following families have already arrived in Lancaster and have not yet found an organization to sponsor them:
If your group would be interested in sponsoring any of these families or individuals, please contact Laura at 717-358-9278 as soon as possible.
(See CWS-IRP p. 4)
LUNCH, COOKIE SALES
AT SALEM, COLUMBIA
A soup and Sandwich Lunch is on tap in the fellow-ship hall at Salem UCC, 324 Walnut St., Columbia, Sunday, November 30, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cost is $5.50 per adults over 12 and $3.00 ages 3-12. Take outs will be available. The price includes soup, sandwich, drink, & dessert.
You’ll be able to stock up on Christmas cookies for the holidays the following week, Sunday, December 7, at noon, same location. [
PEACE IN ADVENT IS
PEACE VIGIL THEME
The Peace Vigil at Salem UCC, Roherstown, will convene in the library or parlor on December 9 at 7:00. Pastor DiNino will lead us on the theme of peace in the Advent Season. All are welcome! [
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
WILL BENEFIT TEN
THOUSAND VILLAGES
St. Peter's UCC, Lancaster, will host a Christmas Festival, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9 am to noon, December 1 through December 13, at the church, 816 Buchanan Avenue.
The Festival will benefit Ten Thousand Villages which helps bring dignity and oppor-tunity for a better quality of life to the artisans who have made the gifts. Ten Thousand Villa-ges practices fair trade, helping to provide vital, fair income to artisans and their families, and encourages artisans to use environmentally friendly pro-cesses, sustainable natural resources, and recycled mater-ials.
The skillfully handmade items from Ten Thousand Villa-ges include exquisite home decorations, personal accessor-ies (e.g. scarves and jewelry), and a variety of unique gift items.
For details, please contact the Church office (397-8912) or saintpeters@dejazzd.com. [
APOSTLES OFFERING
CHRISTMAS STATIONS
Four “Stations of Christ-mas” - tableaus of the journey towards Christ’s birth –will be offered at Church of the Apostles, Sunday, December 14th in the church narthex prior to their one worship service at 10 am that day. The service will feature the Christmas portions of Handel’s “Messiah”, accompanied by a small orchestra.
They will also have three services on Christmas Eve: 6pm (Family Service), 8pm (Traditional Lessons & Carols Service) & 11pm (Communion Service). [
Sometimes there’s more joy and excitement in getting ready for something than in the event itself. Hope this isn’t true for the Advent /Christmas seasons.
ASSOCIATION YOUTH
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Music, food and fun will help spice up your Christmas break if you share in the LA Youth Christmas Party, Sunday, December 28th at Salem UCC, Rohrerstown from 6-8 pm!
We will have time to meet each other, enjoy some food, exchange a gift and hopefully listen to a live band.
Please bring a $5 wrapped gift for a gift exchange and a snack item to share. [
ASSOCIATION EXEC COMMITTEE NOTES
Following the sharing of devotions and prayer concerns at the October 2 meeting, it was noted that:
Ø St. Peter’s UCC voted on September 7 to discontinue the shared ministry with St. Luke’s UCC.
Ø From the distribution of the $5,000 CD, $4,600 was invested in The Cornerstone Fund and the additional money was deposited in the checking account
Ø $2,000 “cabin money” was sent to Hartman Center
Ø Geri LaSalle, St. Paul’s, Manheim,was elected to serve on the Outreach Committee
Ø Church and Ministry Com-mittee: 1) urges that back-ground checks be made for licensed and commissioned ministers, as well as for ordained ministers, seeking new positions; plans period-ic reviews for pastors in specialized ministries, in January; plans four-hour boundary training for retired clergy; granted transfer of ministerial standing for Amy Schultz and Robert Sherfy from Central Association.
Ø Treasurer reported an available balance of $5,582.09
The Executive Committee meets next on Thursday, December 4, 7:00 pm, at St. Andrew Church. [
ARK LAUNCHING ENDS
ANNIVERSARY PARTY
The celebration of Christ Church, Elizabethtown’s, 265th anniversary will conclude on Sunday, December 28, at the 10:00 am worship service, with the launching of the Heifer Project International Ark load-ed with $5,000 worth of hope for a better future for many around the world. A special Children’s Time guest will speak, after which the children will help launch the Ark.
The congregation’s Chancel Choir will present “And Glory Shone Around”, a new Christ-mas Cantata by Lloyd Larson and Douglas E. Wagner, on Sunday, December 14, at 10:00 am.
The church’s Youth Group will hold a Spaghetti Dinner on December 31, New Year’s Eve, 4:30 – 6:30 PM in the lower level Social Room. The “All You Can Eat” dinner costs $5.00, with take-outs also available. All proceeds benefit the Youth Fund. [
LIVE NATIVITY
Salem UCC,
2312 Marietta Avenue,
Friday, December 19,
5:30 - 8:15 PM.
(Raindate: Dec. 20)
Don't miss this Salem holiday tradition. Cocoa, cookies and carols inside!
DUCC SPONSORS ADULT CHRISTMAS STUDY
Disciples United Commun-ity Church is sponsoring a four week adult study on “The Christmas Stories: An Adven-ture in Progressive Spirituality” at 4:45 p.m. on the Saturdays in December (6, 13, 20, 27). Led by Dr. Bruce Epperly, Professor of Practical Theology at LTS and co-pastor of DUCC, this study will focus on how we can read the stories of Jesus’ birth and early childhood in light of our century as well as the per-spectives of the first century Christian communities. Parti-cipants will experience new perspectives on the birth of Jesus through theological reflection and spiritual practices.
This series is free and open to the public. Disciples Com-munity Church is located at 110 Tulane Terrace (The Friends Meeting House). For more information, please check www.ducc.us or call 898-0313.
DUCC is also beginning a six week study on Bruce Epper-ly’s Holy Adventure: Forty One Days of Audacious Living, during the winter season. Holy Adventure is a progressive theological and spiritual response to Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. This text joins theological reflection, imaginative prayer, spiritual affirmations, and outreach as a way of experiencing God’s holy adventure in your life. For more information, contact Kate Epperly at 898-0313. [
"DO YOU OWN AN IMMIGRATION HANDBOOK?"
Rev. Joan Maruskin launched her lecture at our well attended Penn Central Confer-ence workshop on "The Church's Response to Immigra-tion" at the Church of the Apostles on Sunday, November 9, by asking the following ques-tion: "Does anyone here own a copy of an immigration hand-book?"
Only one person raised their hand. This person was apparently in on the theological secret. " You all do" said Joan, "because you all own Bibles and the Bible is, in fact, an excellent immigration hand-book." It is a story of the people of God on the move. Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden. The Israelites were guests in the land of Egypt and even-tually took to the road for the promised land. Even the Son of Man had no where to lay his head.
As she drew clear similar-ities between those who were immigrants in the Bible and those who are immigrants today, Joan provided a very firm theological and Biblical basis for the church having compassion for "the stranger".
In the second hour of her two hour presentation she also debunked a number of common myths and provided us with numerous important facts about undocumented resi-dents in the United States today. Her lectures are available on the Penn Central website: http://www.pccucc.org
An Elder in the United Methodist Church, Rev. Maruskin is the National Administrator of the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program (CWSIRP) Religious Services Program. She has developed a text enti-tled “Responding to Immi-grants: "Using the Bible as the Ultimate Immigration Hand-book " portions of which are available to read on the Justice and Peace page of the Penn Central website. (On the home page, follow the link on immi-gration to the Justice and Peace Ministries page. There you will find the link to comprehensive resources on immigration at the bottom.)
The Nov. 9th workshop was part of the Penn Central Conference's new effort to bring consensus decision making to our Annual Meeting. This sort of decision making depends upon the conference, associa-tions and individual churches all becoming informed and discussing the concensus resolution issues early in the fall and making additions and edits to the body of the resolu-tion online throughout the ensuing months. The Justice and Peace Team has started an online blog to facilitate the writing and re-writing process throughout the year and has scheduled two face to face meetings for the editing pro-cess. Finally, after all the ideas come together in a consensus process, the resolution will go to the annual meeting of the Conference for final approval.
The Team encourages you and your church to consider engaging in exploring this exci-ting, open, win-win process of year long study, discussion and collective decision making. The issue of immigration is a good "test case" for our Conference's future approach to important but complex issues which, if simply voted "up or down" in the traditional fashion at Ann-ual Meetings, might be divisive rather than creative for the church at large.
Rev. Katherine G. Epperly, D. Min. Co-Pastor, Disciples United Community Church
Rev. Bruce Bouchard, Pastor, Grace UCC, Hanover,
both members of the Penn Central Justice and Peace Ministries Team. [
A CHRISTMAS GIFT
FROM ANN LUTZ
The following poem was written by the Rev. Ann D. Lutz for her first grandchild (who is now 27 years of age) and could be entitled “A Christmas Primer for Very Young Christians” as it provides the basic facts about Christmas and the people and places around the event. It is offered here for our churches as a tool for Advent - a happy song for the season of preparation.
Ann is a graduate of Moravian Seminary and served with her late husband at First UCC, Quakertown. She currently resides at Willow Valley Retirement Community.
A SONG FOR CHRISTMAS
By the Rev. Ann D. Lutz
Sing a Song of Christmas! Sing a song of Joy!
Sing a song of Jesus, Mary’s Baby Boy,
Cradled in the manger, sleeping in the hay,
Jesus Christ, our Savior, born on Christmas Day.
Sing a Song of Angels, singing in the sky,
“Glory to the Father! Praise to God on high!
“Unto you a Savior, Christ the Lord is born,
“Bringing peace from heaven, on this Christmas morn!”
Sing a Song of Shepherds, watching o’er their sheep,
Startled by the Angels from their quiet sleep;
Join them as they hasten, through the starry light,
Join them as they worship, Christ the Lord tonight!
Sing a Song of Wise Men, riding o’er the sand,
Bringing gifts and homage from the eastern land.
Blend with ours your voices; come and let us sing,
“Praises to our Savior, Christ the newborn King!”
Sing a Song of Greeting: “Peace and Hope and Love!
“Blessings on this Christmas, from the Lord above!”
Sing a song of Christmas! Sing a song and pray:
“Thank you, God, for Jesus, born on Christmas Day!
(To be sung to the tune,
“Sing A Song of Sixpence”) [
LTS SPONSORS LENTEN STUDY ON JAMES
"The Book Of James: How Should Christians Live? Chal-lenging Questions, Simple Answers”, led by Professor Chuck Melchert, will be offered by Lancaster Theological Seminary as a Lenten study for churches and groups.
This program includes: introductory and concluding lectures; study guide, and video/DVD introductions to each session. Congregational cost: $150.
The Book of James is especially relevant for many of today's churches. James wrote in the first century to new Christian communities who were exper-iencing difficulties with how members related with one another, and also pressures from the conflicting values of their surrounding cultures. James offers wise insight and practical suggestions which are remarkably close to the spirit of Jesus' teachings, and which offer both advice and challenge to today's Christian commun-ities.
For more information, please contact 290-8758 or aanderson@lancasterseminary.edu. [
CWS-IRP
Through hard work and a long-term commitment of sup-port, people who once had no hope are discovering the means of transforming their lives. Church World Service Immi-gration and Refugee Program
works hand-in-hand with caring churches, organizations and individuals to provide help and homes to refugees, and works to build a hospitable community in the United States for uprooted people so that they can fashion a better future.
For details please contact CWS at 308 East King Street,
Lancaster PA 17602
Tel: (717) 381-2890
Fax: (717) 381-2896
ü Meet the refugees at the airport and transport to housing
ü Provide a furnished house or apartment for at least 30 days
ü Provide food or food allow-ances for at least 30 days
ü Provide clothing and other necessities as needed
ü Transport to orientation at Church World Service
ü Assist refugees in applying for a Social Security Card
ü Assist adults in learning English
ü Assist refugees in schedule-ing a Health Assessment (with a TB test) within 30 days of their arrival
ü Register children in school
ü Help with applying for Medicaid, Food Stamps, Welfare, and other benefits
ü Provide community orientation
ü Assist adults in preparing for work or getting a job
ü Provide transportation
ü Maintain contact with the case manager and the denominational office for 90 days and help in the completion of any addition-al paperwork
ü Mentor and offer friendship for the family [
LTS HOSTS BOOK TALK, CELEBRATES CLERGY COUPLE PUBLICATIONS
Lancaster Theological Seminary will celebrate the publication of two new texts by LTS Professor Bruce Epperly and the Rev. Kate Epperly,
Tuesday, December 2, at 4:00 p.m. in the Seminary Refectory.
These texts are the first two volumes of their trilogy on ministerial spirituality and well-being.
Feed the Fire: Avoiding Clergy Burnout (Pilgrim Press) focuses on ways pastors can remain vital, energetic, and creative in ministry. This book provides whole-person nurture to pastors in every stage of ministry through sharing life-transforming, whole person spiritual practices, theological reflection, and their personal narratives as well as stories from ministers in LTS’s minis-terial excellence groups.
The Four Seasons of Ministry: Gathering a Harvest of Righteousness, invites pastors to deepen their calling to faithful ministry from the experience of call and seminary, their first congregational call, mid-career, and retirement. And to go beyond the day-to-day pressures of ministry to experience a larger perspective, a life-long adventure in com-panionship with God, their loved ones, and their congrega-tions. [
Lancaster Association Newsletter Aiglatson
is published monthly on or
about the 15th of each month. Information about activities
for the following month
are needed on or about
the 12th of the month.
Please forward to
CALENDAR NOTE
The next Penn Central Conference Annual Meeting has been scheduled for June 12 - 14, 2009, the second full weekend in June. [
We celebrate Advent, Christ-mas and Epiphany because something has happened FOR us; and therefore something has happened IN us; so some-thing will happen THROUGH us. God promises us Christ’s presence and power to make this happen.
W.H.Keller [