The Word... Pass It On

THE WORD, PASS IT ON
St. Luke’s UCC, Ottsville
A Note From Our Pastor
Nov/Dec
2014
Jan
2015
If you need to
contact
Pastor Suzanne,
she can be
reached at
610-216-8083
Inside this issue:
In Our Prayers
3
Rummage Sale
3
Soup Sunday
5
Thanksgiving Service 6
I wish I knew how prayer works. I mean, I really wish I could understand and explain it. It is so easy to think of prayer either as a huge burden or
else as a magic wand when I need help. It’s easy to feel guilty when we fail to
‘pray without ceasing’ as the Apostle Paul admonishes his readers. And when
we don’t see the answers we want or get any noticeable results at all from our
prayers it is easy to just throw it aside and give up on it altogether because ‘it
doesn’t work’.
I believe we can benefit by thinking of prayer as a continuous conversation with God. It is a form of communication and less an appliance that
should ‘work right’. Through prayer we are reminded that we are in relationship with our Creator. We are reminded of our Source. A conversation with
God is a good description for prayer and yet prayer is more than that too.
Words are not always necessary in prayer. In fact at times words may
get in the way. I’m reminded of Anne of Green Gables who is learning from
Marilla to say her prayers before bedtime. Anne says decisively that if she really wanted to pray she would go out in a beautiful meadow and just feel a prayer. I too have found that to be helpful in prayer, to let my emotions flow and
trust that God is part of that and understands the communication.
The Irish Jesuits have this to say about prayer: “There is a space in each
of us that only God can fill. That deep space is a hunger. During prayer, we let
that hunger become conscious. The food that matches this deep hunger is relationship with Jesus in faith. Jesus is offering this relationship. It is as if he is
saying to each of us, ‘Believe; come into the circle of relationship with me. It
will satisfy your deepest hunger. You are made for this. It is worth working at.’
Prayer means idleness for God, emptiness before God. Prayer time it
time put beyond usefulness to yourself. You bring yourself and your time and
your desire to be with God; you come with your availability. The fact that you
are not busy but available suggests that God is the main actor in your prayer;
what happens in prayer is God’s agenda.”
No wonder I don’t know how prayer works! It is part of the wonderful
and sometimes uncomfortable reality of being in relationship with God. Mystery, we live with a lot of mystery. Thanks be to God for the privilege of participating in God’s agenda through prayer!
May you often let your hunger become conscious. Whether you use
words, or music, or tears, or laughter or silence; make yourself available to
God’s agenda. That’s how prayer works.
Autumn blessings,
Pastor Suzanne
Page 2
The Word, Pass It On
,Still Speaking Daily Devotionals
Start your day off right with Daily Devotional, delivered each day to your email inbox.
http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/
PLEASE NOTE:
The Nockamixon
Cemetery in Ferndale will be cleaning
off all graves on November 15th. If you
have something that you would like to
keep, please remove prior to the 15th.
Thank you.
Christmas Poinsettias
It’s time to order poinsettias for the
Christmas holiday. Your completed order form & payment should be given to
Linda Boss by Sunday, November 9th.
Newsletter is available electronically and hard copy. If you prefer
electronic please supply your email address. For those who need an
extra hard copy, they are available in the back of the church.
This newsletter welcomes
others to write and/or
submit articles that
inspire and give us all
something to dream
about
W EBSITE:
http://www.saintlukesucc.org
W EBMASTER: S TEVE H OUSTON
Weekly
Announcements
Joyce Houston types the Announcements for our Sunday
bulletins. If you have something to include, or you have
a change to the Worship
Assistants, please contact
Joyce at
[email protected] or 610346-6788 by Tuesday of each
week.
There is now a calendar
in the school house for
all activities scheduled
for that building.
Check out the bulletin
board in the hallway!
Greeters, lay readers, nursery and
acolytes needed.
Fellowship Hour—need people to host
a Sunday. You don’t have to bake,
just bring some refreshments. Or just
bring the food and Linda Boss will
host.
Donations are always welcome.
Paper products, coffee, sugar, half
and half and ice tea provided
Please see Linda Boss
Page 3
Nov/Dec/Jan
We keep in our prayers...
Randy Marks (brother of Jane Degen)
Amber (friend of Jim Haney)
Jason Tomchak (friend of Cindy Lentz)
Joe Jordan (husband of Jane Degen’s co-worker)
Samantha Storms (friend of Kathy Bahnck)
Roger Bahnck, Sr. (Carl Bahnck’s brother)
Our St. Luke’s family: Kitty Barndt, Betty Griffaton,
Howard Shive & Walter Wolfinger
Our shut-ins: Darwin Gruver, Jane Rinker & Alex
Zheltonoga
Families of the victims of the school tragedy in
Marysville, Washington
All of our men & women serving in the military
The power of Prayer
Terry Biresch (good friend of Carl Bahnck)
Todd Bayles (Linda Boss’ friend’s son-in-law)
Margie Velez (Tayna Boss’ mother)
DO YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE YOU WOULD
LIKE TO PLACE ON OUR PRAYER LIST? IS SOMEONE READY TO COME OFF THE LIST? PLEASE
LET JOYCE HOUSTON KNOW.
Rummage Sale
Our October 2014 rummage sale was held at the 412 & 611 old Ford agency which was donated by Mr.
Thompson from Doylestown. It was like a dream come true since it was a very large building. We were
able to spread our rummage throughout the building. We even had rooms set up like a department
store. We had an area designated for our many donated baked goods. We had a stove and 3 refrigerators brought in to be able to prepare our fabulous food.
We were able to pull off this memorable rummage sale due to organization but most of all TEAM
WORK! We worked several weeks and long days and it was amazing how it all got done by so many. We
are blessed with the outcome of this 3 day sale. Thus far we have made $10,798.69 and money still is
coming in for items as well as donations. We have several items we are going to try and sell on Ebay
since they are collectables.
We are very thankful for the following people that made our rummage sale a success. They are as follows: A.C.R. Clean LLC, Ottsville Volunteer Fire Co., Pamela Ptak, Mr. John Thompson, Vera’s Country
Café, Mr. Wayne Nicholas, Wehrung’s, St. John The Baptist Church and School, Mr. Roger Bahnck.
We also want to let you know that all the items that were left from the sale were given to charitable
organizations in the area such as Thrift stores, Care and Share, VIA, the homeless shelter at Old
Church and the boy scouts. The only things that we used for the dumpster were things that were damaged and things that were not in any condition to go to the thrift stores. We are very fortunate to be
able to recycle what is left to these needy organizations.
Thank you all for your hard work! We are a great Team!!!
Thankful and Blessed,
Dawn Ramsden
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The Word, Pass It On
Thanksgiving Basket
Christmas Basket
(All food must be at Church by Nov. 9 th so
we can deliver it to the Food Pantry):
(All food must be at the church by Dec. 7th so
Orange juice or any other flavor
Pancake mix
Syrup
Cereal
Hot Chocolate Mix
Bacon or sausage
Eggs
Bread
Jelly
Butter
Turkey
Stuffing Mix
White Potatoes
Can Gravy
Rolls
Fruit cocktail
Applesauce
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin pie or another kind-can be frozen
and they can bake it
Coffee
Dec 7th which is the last day we can collect for
Christmas
Anything else anyone wants to add is wonderful. It is a good feeling to be able to give to the
families in our community at Thanksgiving
time!
It is a wonderful gift to give unto others!
If someone wishes to give a Giant gift certificate they are very much appreciated at the Pantry.
we can take it to the Food Pantry):
Hot Chocolate Mix
Orange juice or any other kind
Pancake mix
Syrup
Bacon or sausage
Eggs
Cereal
Bread
Jelly
Ham
Green bean casserole recipe and ingredients
Sweet potatoes
Rolls
Butter
Fruit cocktail
Apple sauce
Cherry pie or any other kind-can be frozen and
they can bake it
Cookies
Coffee
Anything else anyone wants to add is fine.
Thanks to all! It is a wonderful thing how our
church can spread its Christmas cheer to the
community especially at the Holiday Season!
It is a wonderful thing how our church can spread its Christmas
cheer to the community especially at the Holiday Season!
Nov/Dec/Jan
Page 5
Soup Day Luncheon
Sunday, November 2nd
Jack Frost is in the air!
And so is the aroma of St. Luke’s soup!
So join us for a time of fellowship and sharing on Sunday, November 2nd after worship.
Remember all proceeds go to our local “Meals on wheels!”
All you can eat luncheon
$5.00
Ages 6—12
$3.00
Children under 6
No charge
Soup take outs
$5.00
Thank you
See you over a bowl of soup
Susan
CHRISTMAS CANDY SALE
Candy Sale - October 26 to November 16, 2014
(See separate order sheet for all details.)
We will be dipping pretzels, peanuts & raisins Wed. through Fri., Nov. 19, 20 & 21 at 9:00 a.m.
Nov. 19 & 20 – We will also have evening hours.
All other candy making: Mon. through Fri., Dec. 1 to Dec. 5 at 9:00 a.m. Mon. to Thurs. that week,
we will also have evening hours. All candy orders are due by Sun., Nov. 16. Candy delivery date is
Sun., Dec. 7.
Any questions contact Ann Diehl 610 847-5606
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The Word, Pass It On
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
NOVEMBER 26TH
8PM
GEIGEL HILL CHAPEL, GEIGEL HILL ROAD
JOIN YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS FOR A THANKSGIVING EVE CELEBRATION
AND FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE STEPPED BACK IN TIME. THIS TINY HISTORIC CHURCH
OPENS ITS DOORS FOR THANKSGIVING EVERY YEAR.
EXPERIENCE AND SHARE THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING WITH FELLOWSHIP AND SONG.
THE SERVICE IS SHORT, BUT THE SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IS LONG AND MORE FILLING
THAN TURKEY!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
WOMAN’S SEMINAR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
9AM
ST. PETER’S CHURCH, TOHICKON
BRING A FRIEND!
BRING A LUNCH
IDEAS, QUESTIONS, NEED
TRANSPORTATION.
BEVERAGE PROVIDED
Enjoy a morning of prayers, spiritual discussion and fellowship with UCC women from
our four churches… St. Luke’s, St. Solomon’s, St. Peter’s and Tinicum (The Red
Brick Church). We get together every other
month. It’s a time to put our busy world
behind us and get in touch with God.
Call Susan 610 847-5709
See you on the 22nd!
Nov/Dec/Jan
Page 7
Mission News
Cell Phones for Seniors, what a
GREAT idea!!
Several years ago the mission team collected
phones as a fund raiser. When the team lost their
buyer donations continued to pour in - - - - -
So we found a new purpose for them. We give all
donated phones to the sheriff’s department for
seniors to use.
Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child
Folks are busy filling shoe boxes to be loaded on the truck bound for the
North Carolina distribution center. From there they are sent to needy
children world wide. There are empty shoeboxes and pamphlets with
instructions on the front pew. For more information see Melba Kline.
The deadline to hand in completed boxes is Sunday, November 16th.
On October 19th several churches in the Palisades area joined together for the Crop
Hunger Walk. Organized by Linda Frey and friends, walkers started in Riegelsville and
walked along the towpath to the south edge of Trauger’s Farm.
The distance of 6 miles simulated the average distance a woman in a 3rd world country needs to carry her family’s water supply each day. Walkers had an opportunity to carry a small bucket of water to the
finish line. That proved to be no easy task as even the small bucket got heavy and spilled. Some ingenious ’handles’ and
carry methods were used by many youth— and walkers have a new appreciation for others across the world.
Serving our Community:
Items for the Lord’s
pantry collected weekly.
Meals prepared and
delivered to those in need.
See Kathy Bahnck to
share a need.
Serving our Region:
Trips to serve breakfast
at Old First 3rd
Saturday of each month.
Signup sheet on bulletin
board
Serving our Nation:
Anyone interested in
joining disaster relief
mission trip please see
Pastor Suzanne.
Serving our World:
Samaritan Purse—
Christmas Child
Swaziland relief
Page 8
The Word, Pass It On
Dates to Remember
Soup Sunday—Nov. 2nd
Poinsettia sale—Nov.9th
Thanksgiving Basket—Nov. 9th
Christmas Candy Sale—Oct 26th to Nov. 16th
Operation Christmas Child—Nov 16th
Woman’s Seminar—Nov 22nd
Thanksgiving Eve Service Nov. 26th
Candy Making Nov. 19, 20, 21 and Dec 1—5
Christmas Basket—Dec. 7th
Re-occurring Events
Contact List
2nd Wednesday—Vera’s breakfast
3rd Wednesday—Vera’s lunch
2nd Thursday—Consistory
3rd Saturday—Breakfast at Old First
Flowers—Edie Rapp
Meals—Kathy Bahnck
Sunday School—Linda Schaefer
Trustee—Elsie Heaney
Rummage Sale—Dawn Ramsden, Kathy
Bahnck
Candy Sale—Anne Diehl
Medical Supplies—Susan French
Angel Committee— Linda Schaefer
Cross Sales—Dawn Ramsden
Mission Work—Betz Schwalm
1st weekend in February—meal at
Old First homeless shelter—driver
needed
Bullet points from each consistory meeting are posted on the bulletin board in the
hallway.
Current Consistory
Becky Oglialoro, President
Don Houston—Vice President
Linda Boss, Secretary
Kathy Babb, Financial Secretary
Peggy Cook
Susan French
Jim Haney
Linda Schaefer
Consistory meetings
are open to all
members and
friends.
Sunday School
Sunday 9:15
Worship Service
Sunday 10:30 am
Vision Statement of St. Luke’s UCC, Ottsville
We are called into compassionate community, following Christ.
We celebrate God’s loving embrace of all creation.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you
are welcome here.
Phone: 610 847-2633
Email:[email protected]
.
Newsletter

To submit articles and/or comments:

W EBSITE:
http://www.saintlukesucc.org
W EBMASTER: S TEVE H OUSTON
mark FOR NEWSLETTER

Drop in office basket

email or give to me

email or give to Pastor Suzanne.
Next publication—Feb/March/April (with deadline date of Jan31st).
Betz Schwalm
[email protected]