Volume 46, Number 4

V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
S T . T HOMAS
VOICE
OF
THE
J ULY / A UGUST 2011
T HE R IGHT R OAD
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I
am following your will does not mean that I am actually
doing so.
I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE
T HE R IGHT R OAD
1
T HE P ASTOR ’ S P EN
2
S UNDAY S CHOOL N EWS
2-3
But I believe that the desire to please you does,
in fact, please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right
road, though I may know nothing about it.
C OMMITTEES & O RGANIZATIONS
4-5
U PCOMING A CTIVITIES
6-7
Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be
lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never
leave me to face my perils alone.
G REETER S CHEDULE
11
A NNIVERSARIES
12
B IRTHDAYS
13
K IDS ’ P AGE
14
~ Thomas Merton
B IBLE Q UIZ
7
YUM E VENTS
8
M ISCELLANEOUS I NFORMATION
9-10
J ULY / A UGUST C ALENDARS
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world ~ Psalm 19:4
P AGE 2
T HE VOICE
OF
S T . T HOMAS
What summer lull? In many Churches things slow down considerably for the
summer – NOT HERE! Things are humming! June, July and August are as
T HE
busy as any other time. We have a full slate of Worship Services and Sunday
P ASTOR ’ S
School, mid-week Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, VBS,
P EN
Youth Mission Trip, special youth activities, an Outdoor
Service, “Rock” events, etc. So whoever thinks that things
quiet down, let them take a look at what we have going on.
We have a wonderful God who is there for us at anytime – and we have a
Church that’s here for us at anytime too. Enjoy the summer, but
remember we’re open for “business” all year. With our great A/C in the
sanctuary, there’s no reason to stay home because it’s too hot. I’m looking
forward to seeing you this summer.
Rev. Bill Miller
S UNDAY S CHOOL N EWS
C RUSADER 
The Crusader  Class wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this our
9th year participating in the Bernville Community Yard Sale a huge success. With all the rain
we’ve been having this spring, our #1 THANK YOU goes to God. He blessed us with a truly
delightful day. Sunny, bright, and with temperatures in the low 80s. We couldn’t have asked
for nicer weather. THANK YOU to all those who prepared and/or donated food and supplies,
served food, and set up and cleaned up. Your time and cooperation were greatly appreciated.
It’s a lot of hard work but the fellowship among the customers, workers, and folks selling
their wares to treasure hunters makes for a day of fun. The Pepsi Cola Co. again was very
generous in donating Pepsi products. The drinks that were not sold will be used by our
Youth Group on their mission trip to Kentucky. THANK YOU, Pepsi - You’re the best!
May God Bless You All,
Betty Himmelberger
“God has given us two hands: one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not
cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.”
~ Billy Graham ~
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 3
T N T C LASS
Our class intends to have another jewelry fundraiser in the fall, and we
will post the date when we have a firm one. Our first one kicked off to
such a good start that we have been able to give more to worthwhile causes,
which was our intent starting in 2011. We want to become generous and
cheerful givers because that is submission to God, which is more pleasing to Him than simple
obedience. The difference is that we may obey with gritted teeth, while an attitude of
submission is doing something in joy before the Father.
There was a dire need expressed through a prophetic ministry on the internet, for a pastor in
Kenya who reported that his family had not eaten for a week. Conditions there were quite
severe. I emailed this pastor and we had several conversations as he expressed how difficult
things were in his country. I am amazed at the power of the internet, that one could have a
conversation with a pastor in Kenya! His hope was that he and his parishioners could
become self reliant and not have to ask for famine relief periodically.
With some combined efforts of giving with which our class
participated, he reported that they would be able to build a chicken
house, buy chickens and feed, and prepare and plan ahead so that
people would not starve again. What a joy and honor to partner with
God in situations such as these!
We continue to learn about the Song of Solomon which is such a rich
expression of love and worship to the King of Kings. We have had a
number of supernatural experiences during these weeks of study and
fellowship. We love it when the Holy Spirit moves among us.
I want to encourage all of us to begin to pray in earnest for Israel. God tells us that when we
pray for Israel, He will bless us so we know it is very important to God that we bless and cover
Israel daily. There are many wonderful scriptures to pray, such as Deuteronomy 33:25-29;
Ezekiel 36:6-12, 25-31, 33-37; Psalm 122:6 and 128:6 and 130:7. Use these, or find your
own scriptures, and pray from your heart for God to bring His covenant plans forth for that
nation, and to protect Israel as the nations of the world rise against
her. Pray for Muslims, Jews, pagans, to come to know Jesus
Christ as the Messiah. Pray for God to send dreams and visions to
these people because their culture readily accepts that these are
from God. Many have turned to Jesus as a result of Him coming to
them in a dream. It is our responsibility to pray for them, for the
Jews have given us priceless gifts. When you pray for Israel, and
for all other things God places upon your heart, you are lifted
higher to the Father, you have more peace and more relationship
with Him. Let's go, church - rise up to the place God has for you.
Remember, if you are not praying, the enemy is advancing.
Have a wonderful summer!
Kathi Basehore
P AGE 4
T HE VOICE
OF
S T . T HOMAS
C OMMITTEES & O RGANIZATIONS
G UILD
Summer is here and I hope it will be a time of relaxation for
everyone. It is also a relaxing season for the Guild before the
busy fall begins.
On July 26, the Guild will have its annual banquet at Risser’s
Restaurant at 6:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome, but reservations
must be made with Millie Graeff.
Craft classes will begin on Monday morning, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, in
preparation for the bazaar in December. Anyone is welcome to join us. Even if you think you
are not a crafty person, there is always something that you can do.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe summer.
wonder where the summer has gone.
Soon school will begin and we will
Our next meeting will be held on August 30 at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Jean Luckenbill
L IBRARY
Listen to the Music
If you enjoy Christian music, why not check out the wide variety of CDs
available in the church library. There are several dozen CDs with nearly as
many varieties of performers; there are older recordings as well as newer
ones, in musical styles to suit almost every taste. If you're into a solid rock
sound, take a listen to Kutless’ To Know that You're Alive. For rap fans,
there's B. Reith’s Now is Not Forever. What about the adult contemporary
sound of Phil Stacey's Into the Light with his heartfelt vocalizations and
lyrics. If you're in the mood for a mix of artists on one CD, then Above the
Noise, or With Open Hands, or the annual Wow Hits series is for you
through which you'll hear many of your favorite
contemporary artists like Third Day, Michael W. Smith, FFH, Jars of Clay
and Caedmon's Call. The angelic harmonies of Point of Grace with their CD,
Free to Fly, will warm your heart. If the solid twang of country music inspires
you, David Johnson's Many Roads to Home will be manna for your spirit.
Whatever your musical preference, our library has Christian CDs to touch
your soul and bring glory to our Lord.
“In the summer, the song sings itself.”
~ William Carlos Williams ~
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 5
S T . T HOMAS C EMETERY
We’ve been in “full lawnmowing / caretaking” mode since May and our “team” is battling the
usual elements of “wet weather and the heat”. But we persevere nonetheless. Our young
lads from Tulpehocken High School are again supporting us and working very well with our
supervisory staff.
Any retiree that has some free time on their hands, we can always
use assistance in supervising these students. An adult must be
with them while they work and able to troubleshoot any problems
that arise. So if anyone can help us out, please see me ASAP.
During the summer months, we usually work from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m., Monday through Thursday, with a make-up on Friday in the
event of cancellation due to rain. If you’ve got 2 hours to spare, it
would help us immensely.
We’ve got at least 2, sometimes 3 young men weed whacking; 2 lads push mowing and our
tractor mower operating at the same time. We will be utilizing 8 students over this entire
mowing season (usually up to November). They each will be putting in
35-40 hours of work on the cemetery as the time requirement for their
graduation projects. (Two of them are close to finished already). This
is such a huge benefit to the cemetery and is a big savings to our
treasury. Mrs. Bross has again supplied us with a great group of
students. We owe her a great deal of thanks for her assistance to us.
All of the above equipment (4 weed whackers, 3 push mowers, 2 riding mowers) are kept in
shape by Glenn Fox’ mechanical / engineering abilities and volunteer time to keep us moving
properly. This is another financial savings which is a big help to keep us operating. We go
through quite a bit of gas over the mowing season and this is a big expense for us as well.
At the same time you may note that our many war veterans’ graves were enhanced with new
flags which are placed in remembrance of those interred. The flags were placed this year by
the students as part of their graduation project work.
Cemetery Books are available for lot locations and if you are interested in
having one, please contact us. If you have any questions, or suggestions, these
too we will gladly answer “ASAP”.
Respectfully,
George F. Eisenbrown, President
P AGE 6
T HE VOICE
OF
S T . T HOMAS
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The Art of Hearing God 3-day fast track conference is being
held here at our church from 7/14 - 7/16/11 and this is the
UPCOMING
pre-requisite course for Understanding Dreams and Visions
conference which is being held here on 8/4 - 8/6/11. These
CONFERENCES courses teach us how to more clearly hear God’s voice through
dreams and visions which come under the spiritual gifting of
prophecy, or speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Since 1/3 of the Bible relates to dreams and visions, this is an
area of tremendous importance to God. He spoke through them in Bible days, and He speaks
to us through them today. See Joel 2:28, Job 33:15-16, Rev. 19:10 and 1
Corinthians 14:1 as just a few scripture verses which pertain to this
truth. To sign up for the courses, go to www.streamsministries.com and
click on training, then onto the course names, then click on the Bernville
class. You may also call Streams Ministries at 888-441-8080 or call Kathi
Basehore for details or help at 610-488-7812 or email her at
[email protected]. Come out and learn about the differences between
prophets and psychics, about how to fine tune your spiritual frequency to
hear God more clearly, about how to spiritually listen to others, and much
more! Begin your journey with God on learning how He speaks to you in
dreams and visions. It could be a life changing event for you.
PHILLIES GAME IN WASHINGTON
Saturday, August 20
Phillies vs. Nationals in D.C.
The sign-up sheet for the trip to Washington, D. C. to see the Phillies play the
Nationals, filled up in 90 minutes! FULL PAYMENT IS DUE BY JULY 31. We
have a full bus, but a waiting list is available. Those coming on the trip will
receive a letter outlining details for departure and rules for attending the
game. If you have any questions, see Pastor Bill.
S T . T HOMAS D AY AT K NOEBEL ’ S
S ATURDAY , A UGUST 27, 2011
We have PAVILION “U” reserved for picnicking, so bring
your lunch and/or supper! Information about discounted
ride tickets will be forthcoming.
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 7
Outdoor Service at the Park
Sunday, August 21, 2011
8:00 a.m.
Chapel Service
NO Sunday School
10:30 a.m.
Service in Umbenhauer Park
 bring your chairs and enjoy the fun!
 followed by a covered dish lunch
 meat and drinks are provided
 everyone is invited
B IBLE Q UIZ
Many people travel for leisure during the summer. In Bible days, travel was most often done
out of necessity. Scripture records many notable journeys.
Match the people in the left-hand column with their correct travels in the right-hand column.
A.
Abraham and Sarah
1.
Traveled to visit cousin Elizabeth
B.
Mary, Jesus’ mother
2.
Traveled from Haran to the land of Canaan
C.
Joseph, Mary and Jesus
3.
Took missionary journeys to Turkey, Macedonia
D.
Apostle Paul
4.
Traveled to Egypt to flee from King Herod
The answer is: A2, B1, C4, D3
P AGE 8
T HE VOICE
OF
S T . T HOMAS
YUM E VENTS
Laser Tag: Please join us at Laser Quest on July 6 for three games. We will
gather at the church at 6:00 p.m. and return around 8:30 p.m. The cost is
$18.00 per person plus the cost to purchase snacks or beverages.
Mission Possible: Our annual mission trip is on July 9 - 15. There are 18
youth, 12 adults and 3 children that will be going to Pikeville, KY to run a Bible
Camp at the YMCA, repair a home for a family in need, and take part in Shoes for
Hope. We ask that you would keep us in prayers.
Bernville Pool Night: On July 20, we will have a Bernville Pool Night. All teens
in the area are invited to join us at the pool at 7:00 p.m. for three hours of great
fun and swimming. If thunderstorms hit, we will gather at St. Thomas for an
evening of fun and food. Please plan to join us and bring your friends.
Explosion: Please join us for an afternoon of music and mayhem on July 24.
This event will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will include incredible music, some zany
games, and an opportunity to go crazy! Watch for more details in the future.
Glow in the Dark Mini-Golf: On July 30 we will meet at 6:30 p.m. to travel to
Bernie’s Mini-Golf in Schuylkill Haven to have some ice cream and play a round
of mini-golf. Your game will cost $6 plus the ice cream. We will return to St.
Thomas by 10:00 p.m. Please come and join us!
Roller Skating: On August 3, we will travel to Skateaway in Shillington to roller
skate. The cost to skate is $5 or $1 if you just want to hang out. We will meet at
the church at 5:30 p.m. and return around 9:00 p.m.
Reading Phillies Game: On August 4 the Reading Phillies will play the
Harrisburg Senators followed by post-game fireworks. We will leave St. Thomas
at 5:30 p.m. and the cost per ticket for this great evening is $10.
Anybody Want to Play Some Football: On August 10 anyone who is interested
can join us for football and capture the flag at Umbenhauer Park. We will gather
at the park at 6:00 p.m. and play games for 2 hours. Drinks will be provided.
Dig-In Preview Night: On August 17, Dennis Degler will host a Dig In gym
night. This night will comprise of fun sports, the use of the Wii and the PS2.
There will be plenty of snacks and drinks provided for those who attend.
Bernville Pool Night: August 24 is another Bernville Teen Pool Night. games
and good things to eat. See the information above.
Photo Scavenger Hunt: This year we’re going to the mall to take pictures on
August 31. We will meet at St. Thomas at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m.
*Permission Slips for any events can be obtained at YUM meetings or on the Church web site.
**Be sure you have a medical form on file in the office before attending any of these events.
***If anyone needs financial assistance for the events listed above please don’t hesitate to ask.
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 9
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
C ONGRATULATIONS T O O UR G RADUATES
Adam S. Bross received a B.S. Cum Laude in Materials Engineering
from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has been involved in two
research groups working in the areas of thin film deposition and
semiconductors. He will be attending graduate school at RPI where he
will focus on LED/solid state lighting research.
Dennis L. Degler graduated from Tulpehocken High School. He will be
attending ITT Technical Institute in King of Prussia to study Cyber
Security in the field of Criminal Justice.
Rebecca M. Kline graduated from Tulpehocken High School. She plans on attending
Reading Area Community College and transferring to Kutztown University majoring in
Education and Art.
David D. Peiffer graduated from Tulpehocken High School and Berks Career & Technology
Center, West Campus, with his certificate in Carpentry. He was named BCTC Outstanding
Male Student for the West Campus for 2011. He will be attending Pennsylvania College of
Technology in August majoring in Building Construction Technology.
Jenna L. Pendleton graduatedfrom Tulpehocken High School. She plans on attending
Miscericordia University’s five year Occupational Therapy Master’s program in the Fall of
2011.
Kara M. Pendleton graduated from Millersville University, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in
Economics and Mathematics. She plans to pursue a career in economics and is currently
employed at Integrity Bank.
Jennifer M. Stum graduated from Fleetwood High School. She enjoyed her time at Fleetwood
where she participated in cross country, track, chorus, three years of German, Homecoming/
Prom committee, interact club, yearbook, outdoor club, and excelled art (portfolio/studio).
She works on campus at Kutztown University and has decided to attend Kutztown University
to pursue her college degree.
Jennifer L. Williamson graduated from Tulpehocken High School and Berks Career &
Technology Center. She has been in the Occupational Child Development class at BCTC for
the past three years and plans to pursue a career in child care. She also was part of the work
program this year volunteering at A Step Ahead Child Care Center. Jenny has been an honor
roll student for her entire high school career.
P AGE 10
T HE VOICE
OF
S T . T HOMAS
M EET O UR N EW M EMBERS
Stephanie Matthews
Joel Batdorf
Larissa Ott
Marlene and Bruce Good
Bill Brandt lives in Bernville with wife, Bridget. His
interests include reading, walking and hiking, studying
the Bible, music, and home improvement projects.
Clayton Wagner Jr. lives in Hamburg and his interests include hunting, fishing, shooting
sports, golf, guitar and wood working.
L IVING W ITH G RIEF
Pastor Bill asked Mary and I to consider starting a grief support
group. We have accepted and now are inviting anyone who is
grieving the loss of a loved one to join us. We struggled through
grief when we lost our mates just as some of you have and we
know what you are going through. WE don’t have answers but
we do have experiences that may be of help. We’re hoping that
as we share experiences with one another we will be able to gain
emotional strength to live life as God has intended. Our plans
are to meet twice per month beginning on Tuesday, July 12 at noon in our home. We will
provide lunch and share together for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or whatever time our
schedules will allow. At each session we will determine the next meeting time. We are open
to meet at any time most convenient to those who join. Mary and I realize that any loss
causes great sorrow so we want you to know that anyone is welcome whether it is for the
grieving of a mate or parent or sibling or child. You may join us at any time. We being with
no agenda, just the sharing of life. Perhaps, later the study of a book, and there are many
available, will bring value to our group. Please join us, bring a Bible, so that the Lord may
lead our discussions. May God bless you. Our home is located at 116 Shartlesville Road,
Bernville, PA 19506 and our phone number if 610-488-9623. It would be helpful to know if
you’ll come.
Arlan Bond
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take
between two deep breaths.”
~ Etty Hillesum ~
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 11
S CHEDULES
10:30 Sunday Service
Date
Main Entrance
Library Entrance
Elevator Entrance
July 3
Melanie & Gerry Gernert
Ed & Dorothy Meredith
Ken & Donna Heffner
July 10
David Peiffer & Family
Gladys Eyer
Dorothy Showers
July 17
Bob & Mim Kripplebauer
Judy Guthier
Ada Fox
July 24
Fern Wenrich
Irene Blatt
Violet Hartman
July 31
Jason & Heather Leonard
Dick & Grace Reber
Pam Graeff
Aug. 7
Gerry Ruth
Jennifer Williamson
Mildred Neuin
Aug. 14 Fritz & Louise Wolf
Charles & Scarlett Seifrit
Gail Stamm
Aug. 21 Susan Gernert/June Wenrich
Holly Boltz
Donald & Nancy Lynn
Aug. 28 Michael Pendelton Family
Eric Bross Family
Jan Keeney
Sept. 4
Chester & Jean Luckenbill
Lynwood & Helen Mack
Sept. 11 Tom & Candie Stewart
Ruth Koenig
Larry & Bonnie Rentschler
Sept. 18 Earl & Sandy Bond
Arthur & Anna Mae Smith
Tom & Diane Witmer
Sept. 25 Robert & Shirley Luckenbill
Shirley Miller
Randy & Darlene Nye
Forrest & Corrinne Wagner
SPIRITUAL INSOMNIA
Studies show that most Americans don’t get adequate sleep. Whether an overcrowded
schedule or insomnia is to blame, the short and long-term effects are alarming. It’s tough
to maintain a healthy mind and body when you’re sleep-deprived.
Likewise, we require sufficient, regular quiet time with God to stay spiritually healthy.
Even Jesus needed time alone with God. Luke 5:16 says Jesus withdrew to deserted
places to pray. Think how much more we need to listen for God’s voice and learn from his
Word!
P AGE 12
T HE VOICE
OF
S T . T HOMAS
ANNIVERSARIES
JULY
AUGUST
1 - Ken & Sharon Gehris
(39 years)
4 - Mark & Sharon Rutherford
(1 year)
12 - Lance & Amy Sterner
(8 years)
26 - Chris & Marcy Hibshman
(3 years)
27 - Glenn & Millie Lessig
(54 years)
29 - Lynwood & Helen Mack
(67 years)
6 - Gene & Gloria Davis
(23 years)
8 - Barry & Kelly Ackerman
(13 years)
13 - Richard & Michele Schaeffer
(17 years)
17 - Rose & Ernest Ebling Jr.
(15 years)
19 - Joel & Sara Jackson
(11 years)
22 - Ronald Jr. & Denise Beissel
(30 years)
27 - Brian & Nancy Luckenbill
(23 years)
28 - Randy & Karen Becker
(29 years)
28 - Dale & Beverly Wentzel
(40 years)
31 - Gregory & Susan Dries
(8 years)
WHATEVER THE WEATHER
No matter the forecast, weather can remind us of God’s presence:





When it’s sunny, remember that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12).
When it’s cloudy, remember that God often spoke to and guided his people from a cloud
(Exodus 13:21-22).
During a thunderstorm, remember the thunder and lightning when God beckoned
Moses to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16).
When it rains or snows, remember that God’s Word serves his purpose just as
precipitation does (Isaiah 55:10-11).
When it’s windy, remember that “a wind from God” came at Creation (Genesis 1:2),
and God’s Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost like a mighty wind (Acts 2:2).
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 13
BIRTHDAYS
JULY
4 - Brent Beissel
Ronald Beissel Jr.
5 - Judith Guthier
6 - Brayden Ackerman
Carter Lutz
Jesse Miller
7 - Donald Lynn
8 - Alexandra Ricketts
Isabella Rioux
9 - David Himmelberger
10 - James LaFollette
Jonathan LaFollette
Dylan Plato
Winnie Faust
11 - Barbara L. Williamson
12 - Denise Beissel
Steven Degler
13 - Kristin Becker
Glenn Rumbel
15 - Charles Paulson Jr.
20 - Charles Seifrit
21 - Tyler Davis
Betty Berger
22 - Nancy Luckenbill
Blanche Schlappich
24 - Lindsey Rumbel
25 - Clara Hardick
26 - Laural Haas
Leslie Weidman
27 - Connor Long
28 - Zachary Ricketts
Renee Nye
29 - Jenna Pendleton
30 - Drew Weishaar
Rowena Henderson
Linda Focht
AUGUST
1 - Tyler Blatt
Randy Nye
3 - Hayden Leonhard
Glenn Luckenbill
5 - Geraldine Ruth
7 - Katherine Travis
Lance Sterner
9 - Sara Jackson
Alexa Heim
10 - Nicole Davis
Bella Woll
13 - Pam Ashman
Eric Troutman
14 - Virginia Schmehl
15 - Ashley L. Wise
Scott Graeff
Dennis Degler, Jr.
Barbara Hullinger
Vernon M. Reifsnyder
16 - Bryllee McCollum
18 - Tyrus McCollum
23 - Lynwood E. Mack
24 - Wendy Zellers
Ashley Stoudt
26 - Clinton Keeney
27 - Brennon Zellers
Susan Himmelberger
28 - Michael Davis
John Hartman
29 - Eleanor Stickler
Chester Luckenbill
30 - Audrey Jonas
Gary L. Zellers
“What if you could measure your age not by the weakness of your body,
but by the radiance of your spirit?”
~ Dr. R. Maurice Boyd
V OLUME 46, N UMBER 4
P AGE 14
K IDS ’ P AGE