Shenkel United

Church of Christ

SHARINGS AND CONCERNS

December 2011 & January 2012

SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1580 Shenkel Road

Pottstown PA 19465

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Shenkel United Church of Christ’s “The NEWSLETTER” is a monthly publication prepared, edited, and mailed by the leadership and staff to all members and friends of the church. It communicates news about our life, purpose, and mission as a Church of Jesus Christ. Information related to our partnership as a member of the United Church of Christ and wider church/community out-reach is included on a regular basis. The Church is located at Unionville & Shenkel Roads in North Coventry Township.

2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 No Choir to-night

2

3 Mini Advent Workshop 10 AM to 1 PM

4 Communion

Sanctuary Prepara-tion for Hanging of the Greens —after 10:45 worship

Hanging of the Greens 6 PM

Girl Scouts 3-4:30 PM

5

6

7 Agape 7 PM

8 Choir 7 PM

9

10

11 Healing Prayers Field Education Com-mittee Meeting after 10:45 worship 2012 Boston Urban Outreach Meeting After 10:45 worship DEADLINE FOR GIVING TREE GIFTS!

12 13 Quilters 9:30 AM Elders 7 PM Consistory 7:30 PM

14 Deadline for Committee An-nual Reports

15 Healing Prayers 9:15 AM

Card Making Class 10 AM

Choir 7 PM

16 17

18 ONE SERVICE

ONLY at 10:45

Youth Group Meets after worship

Congregational Meet-ing after worship

Light lunch in hall Caroling 1-3 PM Girl Scouts 3-4:30 PM

19 20

21 Longest Night Service 7 PM

22 Choir 7 PM

23

24

Worship 7 PM 9 PM

25

No Sunday School

One Service only 9:30 AM - Blessing of the Toys

26

Community Meal at Noon

27 28 29 Choir 7 PM

30

31

2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

One Service Only at 9:30 AM Communion

2 3 4

Agape 7 PM

5

Community Lunch Bunch 11:30 AM Choir 7 PM

6 7

8 Healing Prayers

Installation of elected church offi-cers 10:45

Field Ed. Committee Meeting and

Un-decorate Church after worship

9 10

Spiritual Council 7PM

Consistory 7:30 PM

11 12

Choir 7 PM

13 14

15

Youth Group meets after 10:45 worship

16 17 18 Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 PM

19

Healing Prayers 9:15 AM

Card Making Class 10 AM

Choir 7 PM

20 21

22

Inquirer’s Class after 10:45 wor-ship

23

Community Meal

24

Music and Worship Meet-ing 7 PM

25 26

Choir 7 PM

27 28

29

Annual Meeting after 10:45 wor-ship

Mandatory Meet-ing for Workcamp 12 PM

30 31

1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown PA 19465 610.326.3535

Email: shenkelucc@aol.com www.shenkelucc.org

PAGE 4

The Pastor’s Pen Pastor Bonnie L. Moore

484.524.8280

Office Hours:

Tues., Wed., Thurs.

9 AM to 1 PM

CONSISTORY

OFFICERS

President

Kimberly Yocom

Vice President

Glen Hoff

Secretary

Sandy Rowe

Treasurer

Ken Bevan

Financial Secretary

Barry Miller

Assistant Financial

Secretaries

Doug Allen and

Lori Scharneck

Director of

Music Ministry

Joan Valentine Johnson

Elders

Glen Hoff

Carol Lykens

Connie Armbruster

Sandy Rowe

Wayne Klein

Deacons

Barbara Burhans

Barry Miller

Mark Dushanko

Kim Yocom

James White Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley

“And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.”

- Matthew 8:24

So, what kind of tree are you?

Are you a multi-branched tree that kids love to climb in?

Are you a tall, deciduous tree that offers your shade on hot summer days?

Are you a tree that is able to bend and sway under the weight of unexpected October

snow storms?

Are you a tree that easily breaks under the stress of a strong wind?

Are you a tree that produces fruit, or flowers, or nuts, or provides grace and beauty by

your presence in the world?

Are you a tree that provides a safe haven for songbirds – or howler monkeys, or py-

thons?

Are you a tree that is in need of pruning to be more healthy?

Unlike actual trees, we human beings have a choice about how, and even where, we will

live in the world. We also have a choice about how we will deal with both the gifts, and

the challenges, that are a part of our everyday lives.

Hear what the Psalmist says about : “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of

the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their de-

light is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are

like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their

leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

May you plant yourself in God’s word, and have a blessed Christmas, and fruitful New

Year!

Pastor Bonnie

PAGE 5 SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

12/4

Ruth Klein

Ron & Joan

Christmas

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Jody Sweinhart

Early CUL: Barb Burhans

Late CUL: Connie

Armbruster

12/11

Ed and Faye

Pedrick

Sponsor Needed

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Kaleena Sweinhart

Early: Bill & Carolyn

Baseley

Late: Ted & Chris Gray

12/18

Sponsor Needed

Sponsor Needed

ONE SERVICE ONLY

10:45 A.M.

Reader: Mark Dushanko

Ushers: Barb and Joel Sweinhart

12/24 FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, SEE PAGE 13

12/25

Sponsor Needed

Jeff Luckenbach

ONE SERVICE ONLY

9:30 A.M.

No reader needed

Ushers: Tootie and Louise Hine

* CUL: Communion Usher Leaders will recruit members to assist in serving communion.

1/1

Sponsor Needed

Sponsor Needed

ONE SERVICE ONLY

9:30 AM

Reader: Tootie Hine

CUL: To be announced

1/8

Sponsor Needed

Sponsor Needed

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Kaleena Sweinhart

Early: Horace Ingram &

Ron Pearson

Late: Mark & Sherri

Dushanko

1/15

Sponsor Needed

Sponsor Needed

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Chris Gray

Early: Bill & Carolyn

Baseley

Late: Wayne & Adele

Klein

1/22

Bill and Lara Faust

Sponsor Needed

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Cameron Dushanko

Early: Andrew Foss

Late: Gary McDermit

1/29

Sponsor Needed

Sponsor Needed

ONE SERVICE ONLY

10:45 AM

Reader: Louise Hine

Ushers: Barb & Jody Sweinhart .

* CUL: Communion Usher Leaders will recruit members to assist in serving communion.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION….

SHENKEL QUILTERS

The Shenkel Quilters will meet on the

following times in December and

January: In December, we will only

meet on Tuesday the 13th, and in Janu-

ary, we will meet on Tuesday the 10th

and on the 24th in the Church Social Hall at 9:30 a.m.

Our numbers are dwindling...we need more ladies!

We will teach you quilting, plus it’s lots of fun! Merry Christmas!

Margie Allen

PAGE 6

The Youth group is going to be participat-

ing in some great upcoming events! For

more information on the events listed

below, e-mail or call Ariel Royer

(afroyer@gmail.com, 484-269-4338):

December 18 – December Youth Meeting (& possible

Christmas Party – check the bulletin for more info!)

January 13-15 – Youth Retreat (& January youth meeting).

February 19 – February Youth meeting

February 24-26 – Workcamp Weekend at Old First Re-

formed UCC, Philadelphia

On Sunday, December 18th, We

will have one worship service at 10:45

a.m. and a congregational meeting im-

mediately following the service. The

agenda for this meeting includes the

election of the 2012 Consistory and the

approval of the 2012 budget. Please make every effort

to attend.

On Sunday, January 29th, we will again have just

one service of worship at 10:45 a.m. and

immediately following the worship, the

annual congregational meeting will be

held. Copies of the 2011 Annual Report

and new Shenkel UCC Church Directory

will be available for you to order.

ARE YOU A COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON?

Something to think about….believe it

or not, the end of the 2011 is fast

approaching, and your annual commit-

tee report will be due at the church office no later than De-

cember 15th in order for the annual report to be com-

pleted on time. Please consider this suggestion for annual

reports. You can either just add bullets under these cate-

gories, or incorporate these into a more narrative report --

-- accomplishments during 2011

-- concerns or questions that arose

during the year

-- hopes and plans for 2012

Thank you.

We welcome back Rick Viti to our Shenkel UCC family. Rick is an insurance agent working out of several of Prudential Fox and Roach offices in Chester and Mont-gomery Counties. He is divorced with two children, Jaden and Ange-

line, who are both active members of our church. In his free time, he enjoys playing competitive tennis, ice skating with his children, and hiking. Rick re-cently purchased a townhome in Lower Pottsgrove Township, close to the Pottstown hospital, and he looks forward to restarting his spiritual journey here at Shenkel UCC.

We are so glad to have you back with us!

Ask Kaleena Sweinhart, left, and Samantha

Pennell, right, what it’s like to sleep in a box!

PAGE 7

November Consistory Highlights

Received a thank-you from the Pottstown Cluster for contributions totaling $1500.80 to date this year.

Heard about the intergenerational mission trip being organized by Collin Gray for June 20-24, 2012. (See

article elsewhere in this newsletter.)

Received an audit report which showed that everything was in order.

Approved a jewelry fundraiser to help raise funds for the stained glass window restoration.

Decided to rely on volunteers to clean up the downed limbs in the Grove. (Contact Kim Yocom or Barry Miller

if you can help!)

Complete copies of Consistory Minutes are available from the church office upon request.

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….

as of October 31, 2011

YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M

Actual

No report this month Budget

Difference

“Flours” is a collection of pantry items or a monetary dona-tion of your discretion to the Cluster. If a cash donation to the Cluster is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Altar flowers are $30.00 and bulletin dedications are $6.50. Food Sculptures are also gladly accepted. The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedication during this and the upcoming months. Please complete one of the special flower/bulletin envelopes below the sign-up chart, enclose your payment, and either put it in the collection plate or in the Secretary’s box by the office door. You should sign your name on the chart in the nar-thex by the appropriate date after you have completed your envelope.

Attention:

The florist that we have been using is

going out of business as of the end of

November, 2011, but stopped supply-

ing our flowers at the end of October.

As of this time we have asked Stephen

Wanner to do the Altar arrangements

until the end of the year keeping the

same price. After the beginning of the

year, the price may be going up!! As we

get more information, we will be putting that in the bulletin.

Thank you and we appreciate your understanding.

Louise Hine

SAVE-A-TAPE PROGRAM

This is one of the easiest ways to help our

church financially!

Just ask for a Save-A-Tape card at the customer ser-

vice spot at your local Redner’s store, show your card

at the register when you check out, then bring your

register tapes to church and deposit them in the box

in the Narthex. These tapes are collected routinely,

presented to the store, and Redners donates a per-

centage of your total purchase to the church. Be

careful to bring your tapes in regularly instead of sav-

ing them at home, as they do expire if not redeemed

within a certain time period. Also, please return the

entire register tape. Redners will not accept any reg-

ister receipt that has any part of it removed.

SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….

REMEMBER TOO…. The Pottstown Cluster Food Bank col-

lection at Shenkel is the 1st Sunday of

each month. Please place your items in

the large plastic bins in the narthex.

AND...Please bring in your used cell phones and empty

ink cartridges and place them in the box across from the

nursery, or in the box located on the coat rack shelf

across from the office.

These cartridges are re-cycled to Staples, and the church

receives credits toward the purchase of

office supplies.

The used cell phones are

given to the police department to be distrib-

uted to abused women.

The Cluster welcomes all cash, food and clothing

donations between the hours of 8:30 am to 12:00

pm on Monday through Friday. Please come to

the back door off the alley. Parking spaces at the

rear of the building are reserved for people drop-

ping off donations.

PANTRY NEEDS FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY:

Canned Soups and Stews

Canned Pasta, dry Pasta

Canned Meat or Fish (Tuna, Spam, Chicken)

Peanut Butter, Jelly

Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables

Boxed Potatoes

Boxed Meat Helpers

Sliced White Bread

Oatmeal, Spaghetti Sauce

Canned Tomatoes

Cat Food

Diet Foods of any kind

Dry Milk, Cake Mix

Pancake Mix & Syrup

Ketchup, Mustard

Also refrigerator items -

Milk

Yogurt, Eggs, Butter, etc.

Please Contact Sherrie at 610 970-5995 with questions.

PERSONAL CARE NEEDS FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY:

Toiletries- personal hygiene wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste

Soap, deodorants, combs, shampoo/cream rinse,

Denture Adhesive (Polygrip)

Cleaning Products: Clothes detergent, dish detergent,

Toilet cleaners, multi-purpose cleaners

Paper Products: toilet paper and paper towels

Diapers (sizes 3,4,5 ONLY please) Blankets and Sheets

The Cluster is not accepting clothing at this time.

Chaplain Office Request – GIANT print Bibles

Vickie Bumstead writes that the Cluster will again be having their

Holiday Toy Program during the week before Christmas. They are

collecting gifts for children between the ages of 3 months to 16.

Here at Shenkel we will have a giving tree in our narthex with or-

naments that suggest gifts for children to be given to the Cluster

and also to Bethany Home.

PAGE 8

Once again, the Pottstown Cluster is

providing Christmas holiday meals for

needy families in Pottstown and Shen-

kel has been invited to participate in

the drive.

We are planning to provide 390 14.5

oz. cans of green beans to help fulfill

this need. Donated cans can be placed on the chan-

cel rail, and the deadline for donating is Sunday, De-

cember 4. Thank you.

Have you noticed the blank line on the right-hand side of our

offering envelopes? That is there so you can designate a

portion of your gift for a specific special offering, such as the

Pottstown Cluster, the North Coventry Food Pantry, or… the

stained glass windows restoration project! All you need to

do is to write in the name of the project, and the amount of your gift you’d

like to go towards that project. Just think – if you add $2.00 to your regu-

lar giving each week and designate it for the windows, you’ll have donated

over $100 in one year to help us pay the final installment for their renova-

tion! Every little bit helps. If you’d rather not make a one-time gift towards

the restoration of the stained glass windows, this is a great way to let your

recurring giving, over time, make a HUGE difference.

The mission of the Christmas Fund is

to provide assistance dollars in situa-

tions of critical need, including Pension

Supplementation, Health Premium

Supplementation, Emergency Grants,

and Christmas “Thank You” Gift

Checks to lower-income retired UCC pastors.

The offering on Christmas Eve benefits Shenkel’s

Help Fund.

Can you help?

The Cluster needs volunteers who are able to come in on Tuesdays or Thursdays to host the clients in the grocery store and also for Monday or Wednesday on the dock, receiving and sorting food. They also have openings for food pick-up on Tuesdays at Giant, Tuesdays at Redners for milk, and Wednesdays or Fridays at Costco.

January's Special Offering is Bethany Children's Home - Beth-any Children's Home provides residen-tial services for children and adoles-cents who are unable to live with their own or a substitute family. Founded in 1863 and related to the United Church of Christ, Bethany serves more than 300 boys and girls each year on its Womelsdorf, PA, campus.

BULLETIN BOARD….

CARD MAKING CLASS

The card making class will continue to

meet on the third Thursday of each

month at 10 AM. The cost of the class is

$8.00 which will provide each of us with

three beautiful cards. To insure there

will be enough materials prepared for everyone, please

call Ann Baccari at 610-323-5525, or Connie Arm-

bruster at 610-326-6516 if you plan to attend.

Hope to see you on December 15 and January 19!

PAGE 9

Young at Heart Supper

Club

Shenkel's Young at Heart Supper Club

has changed its meeting time to 12 noon

on the third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting date

is January 17th. The Young at Heart Supper Club is open to

young-at-heart adults of any age who enjoy eating out and

would like to get to know other Shenkel members a little bet-

ter! Call the church office if you’re able to join us!

COMMUNITY LUNCH

BUNCH

COME ONE, COME ALL….

FOR Lunch,* fellowship and an inter-

esting program.

To kick off the new year, George Batman will be here to en-

tertain us with music from our era. Come enjoy lots of old

musical favorites and start the new year off on a happy note!

*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00 to cover the cost of the lunch and the program. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex, or call the Shenkel UCC church office at 610-326-3535 by the Monday prior to the program to reserve your spot.

WHEN: Thursday, January 5, 2012

from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Shenkel UCC’s Fellowship

Hall

1580 Shenkel Rd

Pottstown, PA 19465

For more information please call Ruth Klein at 610-326-4520.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will not meet

during the month of December. They will

resume in January, meeting on the third

Wednesday, January 18th, at 7 PM. .

Anyone who likes to knit or crochet is en-

couraged to come. We are always looking

for new members to help with this wonderful ministry. You

don’t have to be especially experienced, just motivated. If

you have any questions, please contact June Hartung at

610-323-5617.

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOPPING?

Collin Gray’s long-awaited CD, “Reflection,” is still available for sale at the church office. We have several left to sell, and they make great gifts. Christ-mas is just around the corner, and this CD of beautiful original music would make anyone happy. The price of the CD is $15 and worth every penny! Please contact the church office to make your purchase!

Keep April 21, 2012 open for a special

"Saturday Nite Live‖ Shenkel style!!

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR THE

BULLETIN OR THE NEWSLETTER?

Just a reminder that all bulletin announce-

ments should be at the church office by

each Tuesday at noon to be included in

that week’s bulletin. Newsletter articles must be sub-

mitted by the 15th of each month to be included in the

next issue.

PAGE 10

STEWARD’S CORNER

Last month I told you about Shenkel’s beautiful Stained Glass Windows, that are very old, very precious,

and now being repaired. I am anxious to see them back in the sanctuary again.

Throughout the centuries, stained glass windows have been used by churches to bring our attention and

thoughts toward God. They may portray biblical scenes and symbols in glorious color and art form in a

spiritual way.

The various colors are created by using various metallic oxides, mixed with the sand and other materials, depending on the color

desired. (They make my favorite color, blue, by mixing in cobalt -- whatever that is.) Anyway, I know all this because that

little lady, who sits in the back pew, studied about stained glass windows, and wrote up a nice report.. So, if you want to learn

more, we can loan her report to you.

Anyway, I think that way back when God said “Let there be light,” he may have also been thinking of stained glass windows.

We anxiously await having all of our beautiful stained glass windows back in place at Shenkel.

So long for now, STEWARD

STAINED GLASS WINDOW RESTORATION PROJECT

UPDATE Congratulations! We have raised 50% of the

funds needed for the Stained Glass Window Pro-

ject through the generous donations from the

members of this congregation! The first set of re-

furbished windows have arrived and the final set

has been removed. Church Art Glass is still indicating they be-

lieve they will have the remainder of the windows back to us in

time for Christmas… so keep your fingers crossed! We will

have 1 year to pay off the remaining balance.

Any donations you wish to make should be clearly identified in

the memo section of your check or the extra line on your offer-

ing envelope.

Also, you can help with the cost of the Stained Glass Window

renovation project by contributing to it through your offering

(indicate on the envelope and on your check that it is for the

“Stained Glass Window Renovation”.) You can also help by

supporting the fund raiser projects being offered in the Narthex

each Sunday after the church services. Picturesque note cards

and/or Christmas cards are available for purchase. There also

are beautiful cross necklaces and bracelets on sale for both

adults and children. Thank you all for your continued support!

The music ministry has been busy

since September preparing for

Christmas. The Chancel Choir is

looking forward to singing on Christ-

mas Eve as well as Christmas morn-

ing and relieved that their hard work

is almost over for the Christmas sea-

son. Our dedicated Chancel Choir is

a true blessing for all of us at Shenkel…let them know

how much you appreciate their talents.

At 7:00 PM Christmas Eve service, the Sunday School

children in attendance will be singing as well as several

other children who will share their talents for welcom-

ing baby Jesus.

The 9:00 PM Candlelight Service will be a traditional

candlelight service with the Chancel Choir and Bell

Choir providing music for this special night.

On Sunday, January 29th at the 10:45 AM service, we

will welcome a special guest (and surprise) musician at

Shenkel. We’re not telling who…but you won’t want to

miss this special musical talent.

A very joyous and peaceful Christmas to all in the

Shenkel family. We wish you good health and a life

enriched by music every day during 2012.

PAGE 11 FAITH & EDUCATION

9:30 a.m. every Sunday

Meeting in the social room

Everyone is welcome

During the month of December,

the Adult Class will meet

DEC. 4, 11, and 18

“CHRISTMAS ANGELS”

(Stories for the Season)

Will be presented each week.

Led by SHERRI MOCARSKI

JANUARY, 2012 –

The adult class program will feature

videos from “The Archives.” Presenting “The Life of St. Paul”

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are

members of my family, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40

Participating in a mission trip is often an incredibly rewarding way for people of all ages to

realize the power of God’s love. Now’s your chance to take advantage of a mission oppor-

tunity by signing up for Shenkel’s 2012 Boston Urban Outreach! All members of the con-

gregation, thirteen years or older, are welcome to participate in an exciting trip to Boston,

Massachusetts that will take place this coming June and offer participants with many hum-

bling opportunities to learn about homelessness. Some of our daily activities will include

hearing from men and women who have experienced homelessness, preparing meals for

adults with life-threatening illnesses, painting/cleaning homeless shelters, cooking for and

eating with men and women affected by homelessness, and, of course, some sightseeing

in one of the coolest cities around. The trip will take place Wednesday, June 20th through

Sunday, June 24th and the approximate cost per person will be $200. Anyone who has any interest whatsoever in

being a part of Shenkel’s trip to Boston is strongly encouraged to attend a meeting at 12:00 (immediately after the

10:45 service) on Sunday, December 11th where additional information will be presented. If you’re interested in

receiving additional information, but are not able to attend to the December 11th meeting, please contact one of

the following people:

Collin/Chris Gray: (610) 970-2793 Pastor Bonnie: (484) 524-8280 Gary McDermit: (610) 385-3584

Hope to see you on the 11th!

CALLING ALL KIDS!!!

Join us on January 8th for our Kick

-Off of "Kids On The Move," our

new and exciting Sunday School

Program for anyone ages Pre-K

through 6th grade. Invite a friend

and come have some fun. Experience first-

hand what "Move It, Move It" is all about!!!

~~ Kick-off starts at 9:30 a.m. sharp, so don't

be late!!

Winter Inquirer’s Class

The Winter Inquirer’s Class will be

help following the 10:45 services

of worship on Sunday, January 22

and Sunday, February 5. This is a

great opportunity to learn more

about the mission and ministry of

Shenkel UCC, as well as the UCC

in general. These two 45 minute

sessions also serve as a segue to

church membership, if desired. Please share

this information with anyone you know who

might be interested and ask them to let Pas-

tor Bonnie or the church office know of their

intention to attend. Childcare can be avail-

able upon request.

Healing Prayers We have healing prayers during the worship

service on the second Sunday of each month.

It is our hope that you will use this opportunity

to participate. During the collection of the of-

fering, anyone who desires prayer for them-

selves or on behalf of another is invited to

come to the front of the church, where a

prayer team will join you for prayer. Healing prayers are also

offered the third Thursday of every month at 9:15 a.m. in the

sanctuary. Anyone in need of prayers for themselves ,or on behalf of another, is welcome !

PAGE 12

SECOND ANNUAL

HANGING OF THE GREENS SERVICE

Sunday, December 4 - 6:00PM

Mark Your Calendars and join us in this annual celebration where we prepare our

church for the Advent Season.

Seasonal Music and Fun - The Chancel Choir and Men’s Choir will be accompanied by a Brass Quartet, directed by our Director of

Music Ministry, Joan Johnson.

The Shenkel Bell Choir will also be helping to chime in the holiday season.

Sunday School Children have been busy practicing a song, “Children Go Where I Send Thee” which they will

be sharing during the service so we are looking for as many Sunday School students to be there to show the

congregation all their hard work.

Help Decorate for Advent –

Families will help to decorate the windows of the Church. And Everyone is asked to bring an ornament to

place on the tree. The Advent Committee is asking that everyone bring a silver or gold ornament to hang.

There will be a basket of ornaments available for anyone who doesn’t have an ornament to place on the tree.

To All Volunteers involved with the service – we will be meeting following the 10:45 service on December 4

so we can do a walk-through of the evening’s events.

Make this an annual addition to your Advent plans as it truly is a magical evening as you watch the transfor-

mation of our church.

Bethany Children’s Home

2011 Christmas Wish List

The youth currently living at Bethany are be-

tween the ages of 13-18. Please DO NOT

wrap your gifts, as they will be distributed among all the

youth. The Staff at Bethany will wrap them after sorting.

Much like other teenagers, the kids at Bethany LOVE to

shop! Gift cards from area malls, Wal-Mart, Target,

Kmart, craft stores, etc. are ALWAYS appreciated.

Please see the list posted on the bulletin board in the

social hall, or under the giving tree in the narthex, for a

full list of gift suggestions. Gifts may be placed in the

narthex, under the Giving Tree, or brought to the Hanging

of the Greens Service on December 5th. The deadline for

donating gifts is December 11th.

Please note that Bethany cannot accept used clothing,

toys or personal products. They do not have infants or

toddlers in their care.

MAKING CHRISTMAS MERRY….Once

again, Shenkel will have a Giving Tree to help make

the holidays of those less fortunate a bit merrier. The

tree, which is in the narthex, will hold ornaments that

can be used to identify holiday gifts and toys to be

donated to both Bethany Children's Home and the

Pottstown Cluster Toy Drive. Gift requests for the

Cluster are printed on the back of the ornaments

and a flyer with suggestions for Bethany Children’s

Home gifts is available under the tree. Please help

make the holiday special for these

children by taking an ornament

and returning it to church, at-

tached to an unwrapped toy or gift

certificate. Deadline to receive

gifts at the church is Decem-

ber 11th. If you have any ques-

tions, please contact Carol Stubbe

at 610-326-5301.

TIS THE SEASON….

Friends,

When I was a child, Christmas was my favorite holiday of the year. My family had an annual ritual of selecting and tagging a live tree during early October. During the beginning of December, we’d bring our tree home to deco-rate, garnishing it with tinsel, colored lights, and lots and lots of Christmas balls that had been in the family for many years. The finishing touch on the tree was the angel on top and the small crèche which was placed front and center underneath the tree. Unlike many families today, nothing else was placed underneath our tree until Christmas morn-ing. My mom and dad wanted to be sure that the true meaning of Christmas didn’t get lost amongst carefully wrapped packages and bows.

Now that I’m older, Christmas is a much different experience for me. I no longer think of Christmas as a one day event and my greatest joy is simply having time to spend with family that I haven’t seen in a couple of months. It is a time of new beginnings, a time to reflect on the year gone by and all the opportunities that lay in front me in the coming months. One of my favorite theological writers, Howard Thurman, has captured this concept of beginnings in a beautiful passage which I offer as my gift to you this winter season:

“When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among all, To make music in the heart.”

Blessings this holiday season, Sue Fritz, Seminarian Intern

PAGE 13

Sunday, December 4, 6:00 PM – Hanging of the Greens

Service

Sunday, December 18, 10:45 AM — One service only

with Congregational Meeting immediately following to elect

2012 Deacons, Elders, and Board of Christian Education

members and to approve the 2012 budget.

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 PM – Longest Night service, designed to offer

hope and healing

Saturday, December 24, 7:00 PM – Children & Families Christmas Eve Service,

geared towards families with children, and will include communion, light-

sticks and a re-enactment of the Christmas story.

Saturday, December 24, 9:00 PM - a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight ser-

vice with communion and choirs.

PLEASE NOTE: There is NO 11 PM Christmas Eve service this year.

Sunday, December 25, 9:30 AM – Christmas Day Celebration

(No Sunday School)

Help light the path to church

on Christmas Eve….

The youth will be selling luminaries in

the narthex after each service every

Sunday in Advent. Luminaries are

$5/1, $10/2, or $12/3 and can be pur-

chased in honor, memory, or in celebra-

tion of someone or something. We hope

you’ll consider supporting our fund-

raiser while contributing to the beauty

of the church on Christmas Eve.

COMMUNION USHER

LEADERS FOR

CHRISTMAS EVE:

7 PM — Kim Yocom

9 PM — Barb Burhans

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

Christmas can be a painful time for some individuals. It may be the first Christmas

without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always

been difficult.

The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches about

the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds

many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of

unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation—all these can make us feel very alone in the

midst of the celebrating and shopping.

We need the opportunity and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not

alone.

Our spirits sink, as days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encourage-

ment to live the days ahead of us.

For these reasons, a special ―Longest Night‖ Peace Service is being offered on Wednesday, December 21, at

7:00 p.m. at Shenkel United Church of Christ, 1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown. Come and join us in sharing and

hearing prayers, Scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those

who struggle - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.

Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it), is welcome. Please extend an invitation to your

friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Shenkel UCC celebrates the sacra-

ment of Holy Communion at both

services on the first Sunday of each

month. Communion will also be

served at both services on Christmas

Eve. Each time communion is

served, some of the bread and non-alcoholic

wine that has been consecrated at the altar will be

saved in a traveling communion kit, ready to go

to the homes or hospital rooms of members who

were unable to be present, and would like to re-

ceive the sacrament. Please let Pastor Bonnie

know if you, or someone you know, would ap-

preciate ―distance-communing‖ with their Shen-

kel Church family!

YOU SHOULD KNOW….Sunday

worship is never cancelled due to

snow or inclement weather. If pos-

sible, though, please plan to attend

the 10:45 service to give the snow

removal crew time to clear the

parking lot and sidewalks. The

choir directors and Sunday School

teachers will contact you if there is

a cancellation of any programs. Of

course, you should always use your

judgment as to whether it is safe

enough to drive.

PAGE 14

Advent Happenings

2011

Dec. 3, 2011 – Saturday - 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Mini Advent Workshop

Today we will be meeting to put up the tree in the Sanctuary and Social Hall.

Carry up from the downstairs closet everything that will be needed for decorating the sanctuary and so-

cial hall to include lights, garlands, star of Bethlehem, etc. Out door lights and door decorations will

need to be hung.

We will need help to carry boxes up to the social hall level for storage until Sunday.

Social hall and social hall tree will be decorated.

Jabots will be decorated.

Narthex to be decorated, if there is enough time

Snacks will be served.

Come join in the fun and fellowship!

Dec. 4, 2011 – Sunday – After 10:45 a.m. service – Sanctuary Preparation for Hanging of the Green Service

Again, help is needed!

What needs to be completed before the Hanging of the Greens service?

Lighted garland to be hung on the altar rail

Pew decorations to be hung

Jabots to be hung

Window sills to be prepared for decorations

Narthex to be set up for Hanging of the Greens Service

Food will be served – Barbecue, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chips, etc.

Dec. 4, 2011 – Sunday – Following 10:45 service -

Linda Foss will do a run through of the Hanging of the Greens Service with the families. Any final

preparations needed for the service.

Dec. 4, 2011 – Sunday – 6:00 p.m. – Hanging of the Greens Service

Dec. 18, 2011 – Sunday – Immediately after the Congregational Meeting (which follows the10:45 a.m.

service) – All Church Christmas Caroling

First a light lunch then leave the Church at approximately 1:00 p.m. for caroling to sick and shut-in

members. Return to the Church at approximately 3:00 p.m. for cookies and hot chocolate.

Jan. 8, 2011 – Epiphany Sunday – After 10:45 a.m. service

Take all the decorations down in the Sanctuary and Social Hall.

PAGE 15

OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….

12/03 Kyle Hudick

12/04 KORTNE HUDICK

12/04 Taylor Baker

12/05 DAVID REINERT

12/05 Nicholas DeVito

12/06 Carl Bade

12/07 Maggie McCullagh

12/09 Ariel Royer

12/09 Abigail Dise

12/10 ELLEN FAUST

12/10 DIANE WILLIAMS

12/10 ROBIN KLEIN

12/10 CHRISTINE NYE

12/15 Verna Walters

12/15 Analexis Foss

12/16 DAVID ELLIS

12/17 PATRICIA KERLIN

12/17 ELLA WOODMAN

12/18 Gillian Caplan

12/18 Sierra Miller

12/19 GIONNA ALTENDERFER

12/20 Judith Gergle

12/20 Amy Shenk

12/21 Betty Bortz

12/22 Sara Helmers

12/22 TIMOTHY KLEIN

12/22 Jim FAUST

12/23 KAREN GERBER

12/23 Dave Miller

12/23 Josh Palubinsky

12/24 TJ AUGUSTINE

12/25 DAVID BADE

12/26 JEFF LUCKENBACH

12/26 Anna Bevan

12/27 TOM MCKIERNAN

12/28 ADDISON MARKLEY

12/29 GEORGE HAMPTON

12/31 Joan Johnson

12/31 MELISSA MELLINGER

During the month of December, Shenkel

will be praying for these randomly selected

members and friends of our congregation:

12/4 Sharon, John and Jacob Sabo

Ruth Brewer

Joan and Joe Granger

Brenda and Randy Berriker

Charlene Logan

12/11 Connie and Sam Armbruster

Karen, Randy, Christian and Nathan Gerber

Sue and Barry Miller

Dawn and Joe Yannick

Nicole Miller

12/18 Elaine and Jim Bevan

Lori and Tom Klein

Carol and Ron Pearson

Marie and Stauffer Kutz

Bette Burkhardt

12/25 Lisa and Barry Yocom

Miranda Brewer

Collin Gray

Mary Lou and Harold Smith

Barbara Luckenbach

PAGE 16

The Personnel Committee and

the Consistory would like to

welcome Stacey Keim as the

new Sexton at Shenkel. Stacey spent many hours as

a young girl at Shenkel helping her grandparents,

Eden and Lorene Richards, with many of

their responsibilities. She considers Shenkel her

home, and has already begun to attend to some of

the neglected areas of "her home". Thank you Sta-

cey for accepting the position, and helping to care

for our home, Shenkel !

During the month of January, Shenkel will be

praying for these randomly

selected members and

friends of our congregation:

1/1 Robin and Mike Martin

Angela Reid Quashigah

Matt Terrell

Gail Munion, Ken, Christine, and Carolyn Gale

Alyssa, Mike, Nick and Nate Rice

1/8 Ellen Faust

Josh Palubinsky

Chris, Ted and Lucas Gray

Lindsay Hoff

Lori, John and Kaya Skulski and

Jordon Gerhardt-Skulski

1/15 Jean Munion

Faye and Ed Pedrick

Joanne, Kevin, Justin and Madelyn Murphy

Gary McDermit

Karen, Dave, Emily and Olivia Sakal and

Sierra and Kyle Miller

1/22 Lori and Frank Brewer

Julianne Wanner

Barb and Bob Brown

Jill and Karl Hudick

Lynn, David and Katherine Derman

1/29 Sheree and Rick Scheler

Heather, Tom and Jaxson Coyne

Marissa Matthews

Josh Rice

June Helfrich

OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….

01/01 Lori Brewer

01/03 Jean Munion

01/03 Tammy Baker

01/04 Wendy Ambrose

01/04 Kimberly Yocom

01/04 Jenny Scheler

01/05 Susan Miller

01/05 DENISE YANNICK

01/05 Noah Apgar

01/08 Tim Durham

01/09 Olivia Dushanko

01/13 Freda Wanner

01/13 Andrew Andrien

01/13 Brandon Foss

01/20 Frank Brewer

01/21 Mike Martin

01/21 Kailyn Painter

01/22 STEFAN BILINSKI

01/22 Aurora Keim

01/23 Lucy Body

01/24 DAVID KLEIN

01/24 Matthew Metzger

01/25 JARED DEVINE

01/26 Richard Walters

01/26 SHARON WOODMAN

01/27 ERIC KLEIN

01/29 Brian Iezzi

01/30 JILL HUDICK

01/31 Crystal Heimbach

PAGE 17

Bloominaria

The 2012 Pottstown Relay for Life, Silver’s Gold Team,

invites you to honor and/or remember someone who has been

touched by cancer by purchasing a beautiful, perennial flower bulb

that will bloom year after year. The bulbs will all be purple and will be planted in

the Labyrinth at the grove at Shenkel UCC.

Bloominarias are available for $1.00 per bulb,

6 for $5.00 or a donation of your choice. (All donations are tax deductible.)

All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society

and the fight against cancer.

In Memory/Honor of _______________________________________

Donor Name _______________________________________________

Email address _______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

City State Zip ________________________________________________

Please mail completed form along with donation to:

Lynne Moyer

1214 Grandview Circle

Pottstown, PA 19465

Or leave at Shenkel Church.

Please make checks payable to American Cancer Society

The official registration and financial information of the American cancer Society, East Central Division, Inc. may be ob-

tained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply

endorsement. Ohio Residents may call 717-783-1720.