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FROM PASTOR DANIEL

(From the Guide for the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering)

I Corinthians 3: 5-9

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as

the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So

neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who

gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common

purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are

God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

In the church, we often talk about the virtues of “servant leadership.” At its best, that

term encourages church leaders to model their ministry after Jesus, who stooped to

wash the feet of his disciples, who served them at the table, and who prayed for them

faithfully even in his final hours.

God invites each of us to lead by serving, to share freely of our gifts so that God may

work through us. Indeed, the word translated as “servant” in 1 Cor. 3:5 in the NIV is diakonos, the root of the

term “deacon.”

Paul uses the term to describe someone whose work may be of benefit to others. Specifically in this context,

he describes someone whose efforts God may use as a channel for good and growth. In choosing to humbly

give their gifts, “servant-leaders” become channels of God’s healing love, so that all may enjoy the powerful

experience of shared value, worth, and investment.

When we work and share our gifts together, none of us has to be Paul or Apollos, or any famous spiritual

leader, in order to be faithful to the responsibilities we have been given. None of us is expected to solve all the

problems of the world alone, or even as individual churches. Rather, we are called to use the time, talent, and

resources we have been given for the opportunities before us. In so doing, we have the joyful opportunity to

participate in the growth God is already providing in the world.

One Great Hour of Sharing works through a global network of partners, so that none of us has to do this work

alone. Strong relationships are at the heart of this shared ministry, recognizing that true servant leadership

empowers each person and community to use the gifts they’ve been given.

The Greek word translated as “co-workers” in 1 Cor. 3:9 in the NIV is synergoi. It shares a root with the English

word synergy, meaning the interaction of two contributions—which, when combined, produce a greater effect

than the simple sum of those contributions.

MARCH 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pastor’s Page 1 About Lent/Easter 2 Worship Notes 3 Lent and Cantata 4 UCC President 5 Education 7-9 Book Group 10 Green Team/1st Sat. 11 275th Anniversary 12 Trips 13 Golf Tournament 14 Children’s Ministry 15 Youth/Scholarships 16 Birthdays/Gifts 17 Etch Your Name 18 Easter Lily 19

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When we give to One Great Hour of Sharing, our gifts join with others and the effects multiply exponentially as

God gives growth.

The growth of any garden depends on the soil in which it grows. Different plants give and take different

nutrients from the soil. Good gardeners are careful to balance plant varieties so that everything growing in the

garden will have what it needs to thrive and bear fruit. If the balance of the soil nutrients is thrown off, all the

plants in the garden may suffer. Keeping that balance does not mean treating all plants the same. Rather, it

means giving each plant what it needs. As co-workers in God’s garden, when we share in the work of One

Great Hour of Sharing, we make an investment in the future and receive abundant blessings in return.

Unlike with the stock market or a retirement account, we do not invest in God’s growth to receive a benefit for

ourselves. Rather, we give, receive, plant, and water in the service of the future for which God yearns.

In this letter from Paul, the Jesus-followers in Corinth are encouraged to give and plant without undue

attachment or ownership to the end result. It matters little who takes credit for the good fruits borne by the faith

community in Corinth—Paul or Apollos. What matters is that they bear the fruit God has called them to bear.

How can our church learn to live for the love of what we may never see? How might we invest in futures,

trusting that even if we may never see it, God indeed will give abundant growth?

WE WILL BE RECEIVING THE ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING ON MARCH 22. Please use

the envelopes in your envelope packet or one in the pew racks.

About Lent and Easter 2020

(From Seasons of the Spirit)

Copyright © The Rev. Diane E. L. Wendorf.

We begin this Lent with Jesus in the wilderness, and then travel with him to Jerusalem and beyond. The gospel

of John is our gospel companion for most of this Season of Lent. Here we will encounter Nicodemus and

through his conversation with Jesus we, too, are assured of God’s care in the winds of change and new birth.

We will sit on the edges with a Samaritan woman as she draws from the well of life-giving waters, see the

movement of God in our lives and the world around in the story of one who is born blind, experience the pain of

a community in the death of Lazarus, and join the conversation that unbinds and brings forth life.

On Palm/Passion Sunday, we enter Jerusalem on a path paved with cloaks and branches. It is a path that

leads to betrayal, abandonment, prayer, violence. The story seems to come to an end in the closing of the

tomb. Instead, it is a beginning.

Easter arrives dressed in white and gold and a flurry of Alleluias. Mary is the first to witness the resurrection of

Jesus and Thomas follows with his proclamation of faith. Two who travel home believing all has come to an

end meet the risen Christ when bread is broken and shared. Narratives from Acts offer a glimpse into the faith

and life of the early church, which the authorities could not contain.

The Season of Easter ends with words of farewell and commission. John’s narrative of the Spirit’s promised

coming finds abundant fulfillment in Act’s testimony to Pentecost. The Spirit restores, unites, and empowers

the community to witness. Alleluia!

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MARCH WORSHIP NOTES (Scripture notes from Season of the Spirit and Pulpit Resource)

LENT BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 We will have services at noon each Wednesday from February 26 – April 8

Sunday, March 1 First Sunday in Lent Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7, taken from the older of the two creation narratives in Genesis, tells the story of human choices and consequences. God tells the first human beings not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Matthew 4:1–11 tells of Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. As with the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after the exodus from Egypt, Jesus too is faced with the temptation to satisfy hunger, and to seek fame and political power. This is a test of Jesus’ commitment to God’s ways. Jesus places his trust in God.

We will be sharing communion this morning at the chancel rail. The Senior Choir will be singing. The Rev. Suzanne Morris will be leading worship.

Sunday, March 8 Second Sunday in Lent The story of the people of Israel begins with a call and a promise, with an individual chosen and blessed boldly by God as we read in Genesis 12: 1-4a. That story includes his family, then a whole people, and finally all the world. Abram’s family are nomads settled in Haran, a major caravan city in northwestern Mesopotamia. God calls Abram and Sarai to leave home and country and go to a new land. John 3:1–17 tells of Nicodemus, who comes at night to talk with Jesus. Jesus tells him that new life – the opportunity for a fresh beginning – is a gift from God, not attained by our efforts. We are called to believe and trust in God.

Spirit and Young Spirit will be singing in worship today. We will also be celebrating Girl Scout Sunday. The Rev. Richard Leslie will be leading worship.

Sunday, March 15 Third Sunday in Lent “Is God among us or not?” is a question running through this Season of Lent. When trouble comes on their journey, the thirsty people quarrel with Moses and question God’s presence in Exodus 17:1-7. John 4:5–42 tells a story about another thirsty voice and life-giving water. It is a story about broken relationships – those between Jews and Samaritans, between men and women, between community members. Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about living water and she recognizes the presence of the Messiah in this conversation. Water gives both physical and spiritual life. Still today, Jesus’ words give life to our spirits. They restore and heal. The Senior Choir will be singing. The Rev. Carolyn Roberts will be leading worship. Sunday, March 22 Fourth Sunday in Lent -- One Great Hour of Sharing In the church, we often talk about the virtues of “servant leadership.” At its best, that term encourages church leaders to model their ministry after Jesus, who stooped to wash the feet of his disciples, who served them at the table, and who prayed for them faithfully even in his final hours. God invites each of us to lead by serving, to share freely of our gifts so that God may work through us. Indeed, the word translated as “servant” in 1 Cor. 3:5 in the NIV is diakonos, the root of the term “deacon.” Our lessons today will be from Luke 10: 25-28, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We’ll also read from I Corinthians 3: 5-9 . We are honored to welcome The Rev. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the UCC, as our preacher for the morning. He is present to join us in celebrating 275 years of ministry. The Senior Choir will be singing.

Sunday, March 29 Fifth Sunday in Lent When we find ourselves in the depths of trouble, it can be difficult to imagine how we might ever feel alive again. Today’s readings remind us that God’s Spirit gives life and hope. Ezekiel 37: 1-14 tells the story of dry bones coming to life again. We trust in God’s power to forgive and restore, to breathe new hope into our dry bones. We will be sharing in chancel communion and dedicating a new communion table and cloths. The Senior Choir will be presenting their Cantata this morning – "A Little Jazz Mass” by Bob Chilcott.

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MID- WEEK LENTEN SERVICES Wednesdays March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 1, 8

Noon–12:15 p.m. - Service of Prayer in Trinity Chapel 12:15–1 p.m. - Lunch and Bible Study Reflection

Theme: One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Just like you, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists that have us escaping our

everyday lives for exotic experiences. 'How,' Ann wondered, 'do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt,

drama, and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long —and

sometimes even dark? How is God even here?' In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday

blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in expressing

of gratitude for the life we already have, that we discover the life we've always wanted...a life we can take, give

thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are

wildly loved—by God. Let Ann's beautiful, heart-aching stories of the everyday give you a way of seeing that

opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace, a way of being present to God that makes you deeply happy, and

a way of living that is finally fully alive.

Ash Wednesday March 4 Attitude of Gratitude March 11 Grace in the Moment March 18 All is Grace March 25 Trust: The Bridge to Joy

April 1 Empty to Fill April 8 Connecting with Art (This week we will

take a look at various artist’s depictions of the crucifixion of Jesus and have a conversation about what we see and how we experience them.)

MARCH 29 CANTATA : A LITTLE JAZZ MASS - BOB CHILCOTT (1955 - ) Bob Chilcott is one of the busiest and most popular choral composers and conductors in Britain today. He has been involved in choral music for most of his life. He was a boy chorister and then a tenor choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, and later sang with, composed and arranged for the celebrated King’s Singers. Since 1997 he has worked as a full-time composer. Today, Bob is in great demand internationally as composer, conductor and choral consultant. He has been invited to appear at many important international festivals, and has worked with some of the world’s leading choral ensembles. At home, he is currently Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Singers. Bob Chilcott’s singing experience has given him an inside knowledge of an exceptionally wide range of music, and this is reflected in the eclectic nature of his own compositions which, whilst remaining within the mainstream English choral tradition, are variously inspired by folksongs, Gregorian chant, Anglican hymns, spirituals, jazz, close-harmony, gospel and African music. During his time with the King’s Singers, Chilcott had the good fortune to work with such jazz luminaries as George Shearing, Richard Rodney Bennett and John Dankworth. His wonderful setting of the Latin Missa Brevis, A Little Jazz Mass, was composed for the 2004 Crescent City Choral Festival, New Orleans. A relaxed, easy tempo Kyrie is followed by a Gloria with driving, upbeat outer sections enclosing a lyrical central section. The music of the Sanctus could be described as a ‘jazz lullaby’; the Benedictus ups the tempo a little, building to a strong forte for the ‘Hosanna’. Clearly inspired by the blues, the Agnus Dei reaches a powerful climax at ‘Dona nobis pacem’ before arriving at a peaceful conclusion. It says much for Chilcott’s skill that he has successfully brought together two very diverse traditions - the Latin mass and the jazz idiom - in such an expressive and entirely unforced way, an achievement that has generally eluded other composers who have tried something similar. -John Bawden

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ERUCC WELCOMES UCC GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT REV. JOHN DORHAUER

Sunday, March 22, 2020

In celebration of our 275th Anniversary, ERUCC welcomes the UCC

General Minister and president, Rev. John Dorhauer.

The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, author and theologian, currently serves as ninth General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. John began his ministry serving First Congregational United Church of Christ and Zion United Church of Christ in rural Missouri. He then served as Associate Conference Minister in the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and then Conference Minister of the

Southwest Conference of the UCC prior to his election as General Minister and President. Dorhauer received a B.A. in Philosophy from Cardinal Glennon College (1983), and has a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary (1988), the same year John was ordained in the United Church of Christ. John received a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary (2004); his area of focus -- white privilege and its effects on the church. With a personal theology shaped in the passionate conviction that God is love and God is just, John has embodied the United Church of Christ’s vision of “A Just World for All” throughout his ministry. On October 17, 2014, Dorhauer conducted the first legal same sex wedding in the state of Arizona when he performed the wedding service of David Laurence and Kevin Patterson. In his first term as General Minister and President, recognizing increasing sensitivities in this country around race, John initiated the collaborative creation of a curriculum, “White Privilege: Let’s Talk – A Resource for Transformational Dialogue.” Designed to invite UCC members and others to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive, and bold conversations on race, the curriculum and accompanying facilitator’s guide have been used by both UCC and non-UCC audiences. In addition, John has partnered with the UCC Board of Directors in providing oversight for the articulation of the denomination’s statements of Purpose, Vision and Mission – critical elements for the UCC’s evolving organizational strategy. To activate the new vision, John invited the denomination’s participation in a collective biennial mission initiative, Three Great Loves. In partnership with the UCC Board of Directors – and informed with responses from across the church to the question “what does a transformative UCC need to be in 10 years?”-- John has called the church to accomplish essential strategic priorities over the next 10 years to position the church for a transformative future. These include attaining inclusive excellence, developing robust technology infrastructure that benefits every expression of the church, curriculum and training towards “A Just World for All,” strategic organizational alignment consistent with purpose, vision and mission, and platforms to foster and encourage innovative church. The Shaping Our Future Campaign has been launched to generate $4 million in new philanthropic support for marketing, technology, and leadership development programs critical to the health and vitality of every expression of the church. More recently, recognizing a need for thought leadership to consider, inform and shape our responsibility for life-long, cradle-to-the-grave theological formation, John called for a summit on theological formation, From the Ground Up, which was launched in spring 2018. At present, his focus is on re-establishing the primacy of the Local Church and the mutuality of relationship amongst the expressions of the church, undertaking an assessment of the denomination’s assets devoted to resourcing local church ministry relative to the needs of the local church, and operationalizing the alignment of the national setting consistent with the newly established strategic priorities for the UCC.

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John now serves as Vice-Chair of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and has co-chaired the NCC’s United to End Racism campaign. He has been identified by the Center for American Progress as one of the religious leaders to watch for in 2017. John insists that the Holy Spirit envisions a future in which the United Church of Christ matters. He is calling on the denomination to rethink itself and to consider new ways of being church in light of institutional religion’s changing landscape and emerging shifts in the generational populations – believing that an emergent church is already coming alongside the institutional church. John’s book Beyond Resistance: the Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World is a call to the body of Christ to accept what the Spirit of the Risen Christ is doing to birth something new, vital, and relevant – all towards nurturing Beloved Community.

ERUCC WORK WEEK: March 16- 20 You can help get some projects done around the church, save the church some money, and get to know ERUCC members and friends all at the same time during ERUCC Work Week. This is the fourth year we have done a “stay-at-home” week and worked on a variety of needed work projects around the church. Keith Stickley, Chair of the Property Committee and our former Facilities Manager, have identified projects that we, as volunteers, can do to make our buildings safer, cleaner, and more welcoming.

Here are some of the projects we hope to accomplish that week:

Replace the shutters on Parish House (we have new shutters)

Touch up painting and other painting

Plant tree in front of Parish House

Steam clean/pressure wash front steps/sidewalk

Light bulb changes

Clean carpet in Trinity Chapel/Main Sanctuary

Grounds work

Stain benches in back patio area

Clean out the basement of Trinity Chapel

General organizing and cleaning See Keith Stickley or Pastor Daniel if you are interested in helping this week. If that week doesn’t work with your schedule and you want to do one of the projects at a different time, let us know.

2020 Home Show Parking Volunteers Needed The 2020 Home Show at the Frederick Fairground will be held March 21-22.

Once again, we will need lots of volunteers to help with parking and clean-up!

This is a great fundraiser for the youth group. Please sign up for as many slots as

possible using the link below--we need YOU! Please contact Shelley Weakly with

any questions at 301-798-3537.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FABA72CA2FE3-2020

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT EDUCATION

Let’s Talk (meets in the Community Room) SUNDAY MORNING ADULT EDUCATION

9:30-10:15 am

March 1 275th Anniversary Presentation

“We the People: The Stories of Frederick County”

with Mary Boswell, Executive Director, Heritage Frederick

March 8 The Green Committee Presents – A Ted Talk and Discussion

Come learn how to talk about climate change. We will watch a Ted Talk by Katharine Hayhoe

and have a follow-up discussion. Dr. Hayhoe is a leading climate scientist and the wife of an

evangelical Christian pastor in Texas who believes that everyone has a reason to care about

climate change and provides us with strategies for how to talk to climate deniers. We will also

share information about Neighborhood Sun, a new local clean energy opportunity. Bring your

questions! A mural of a mid-Atlantic stream highlighting plant and animal species that are

threatened or extinct due to environmental degradation will be on display in the community

room. There will also be information on how to mitigate habitat damage.

March 15 Who and what is the Catoctin Association?

With Cliff Barr, Member of the Catoctin Association Council

March 22 Conversation with Rev. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United

Church of Christ

March 29 Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP)

Come and learn about student homelessness in Frederick County

Let’s Study the Bible and Prepare for Worship (meets in the Coffey Room) 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

In this class, we will seek to draw out the major themes found in the Lectionary scripture texts on which the

sermon will be based. Exploring the lectionary Scriptural texts before the Sunday morning worship (10:30 a.m.)

service will help prepare participants to be more fully involved and more present in worship. This group is

facilitated by clergy members of the congregation.

WEEKDAY ADULT EDUCATION

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY WITH PASTOR DANIEL 11:00 – Noon in the North Meeting Room

March 3: John 21:2-13 Joy in the Morning March 10: John 21:15-19 Sent Forth

Study of the Gospel of John

Are you seeking comfort for an aching soul? Are you struggling with our broken world? Are you yearning for a

way to interpret your life and the events of today through the lens of love, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption?

All of this (and more) can be found in the Gospel of John. John offers a challenge to our lives that can be

provocative, unsettling, and richly rewarding … but what else could we hope for in our encounters with stories

of the Divine? In this study, dig deep into the Gospel as you ask: “What am I seeking? What are we searching

for? And when we find it, what will we do?”

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March 17 – April 21 Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time

Of the many recent books on the historical Jesus, none has explored what the latest biblical scholarship means

for personal faith. In Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg addresses the yearnings of those

who want a fully contemporary faith that welcomes rather than oppresses our critical intelligence and openness

to the best of historical scholarship. Borg shows how a rigorous examination of historical findings can lead to a

new faith in Christ, one that is critical and, at the same time, sustaining.

Drawing on his own journey from a naïve, unquestioning belief in Christ through collegiate skepticism to a

mature and contemporary Christian faith, Borg illustrates how an understanding of the historical Jesus can

actually lead to a more authentic Christian life—one not rooted in creed or dogma but in a life of spiritual

challenge, compassion, and community.

In straightforward, accessible prose, Borg looks at the major findings of modern Jesus scholarship from the

perspective of faith, bringing alive the many levels of Jesus's character: spirit person, teacher of alternative

wisdom, social prophet, and movement founder. He also reexamines the major stories of the Old Testament

vital to an authentic understanding of Jesus, showing how an enriched understanding of these stories can

uncover new truths and new pathways to faith.

March 17 Meeting Jesus Again March 24 What Manner of Man? The Pre-Easter Jesus March 31 Jesus, Compassion, and Politics April 7 Jesus and Wisdom: Teacher of Alternative Wisdom April 14 Jesus, the Wisdom of God: Sophia Become Flesh April 21 Images of Jesus and Images of the Christian Life

TUESDAYS WITH TED IN THE CHURCH OFFICES: TUESDAY, MARCH 17, FROM 6-7 P.M.

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. The group watches a TED Talk and then discusses the ideas raised in the presentation.

Tuesday, March 17, Mike Robbins, “The Power of Appreciation” In this humorous and thought-provoking talk at TEDxBellevue, Mike talks about "The Power of Appreciation." As Mike discusses, there is an important distinction between "recognition" and "appreciation." Leaders, teams, organizations, and individuals who understand this distinction can have much more impact, meaning, and productivity in their lives and with the people around them. He also discusses important research in the field of positive psychology that exemplifies the importance of appreciation. Mike Robbins is a former professional baseball player and author. His work focuses on appreciation, teamwork, leadership and emotional intelligence. Tuesday, April 14, 6-7, TED Talk,

Sebastian Junger, “Our Lonely Society Makes It Hard to Come Home From War” Sebastian Junger has

seen war up close, and he knows the impact that battlefield trauma has on soldiers. But he suggests there's

another major cause of pain for veterans when they come home: the experience of leaving the tribal closeness

of the military and returning to an alienating and bitterly divided modern society. "Sometimes, we ask ourselves

if we can save the vets," Junger says. "I think the real question is if we can save ourselves."

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WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN BIBLE STUDY

March 4-April 8 7-8:30 PM in Trinity Chapel

During Lent the Wednesday Evening Study Group will take a break from studying the

book of Genesis to spend six weeks engaged in reading and discussing the book

Entering the Passion of Jesus---A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill

Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School

and College of Arts and Sciences.

Professor Levine focuses on the history and literature surrounding the last days of Jesus’ life with the intent of

deepening the student’s understanding of the risks involved in each day of Holy Week as well as the ethical

and spiritual challenges these passages continue to raise. In addition to the material found in the chapter we

will read each week to prepare for class, the study includes a DVD lecture by Professor Levine who writes and

speaks with wit, wisdom, and deep compassion. A significant portion of the 90-minute session is spent in

group discussion, but note that the title is A Beginner’s Guide so don’t feel you need to be a Biblical scholar to

participate. The church has purchased books for the class and they are available in the church office.

The topics will be: March 4 Jerusalem: Risking Reputation March 11 The Temple: Risking Righteous Anger March 18 Teachings: Risking Challenge March 25 The First Dinner: Risking Rejection April 1 The Last Supper: Risking the Loss of Friends April 8 Gethsemane: Risking Temptation

The class meets in Trinity Chapel at 7 PM in the classroom to your right as you enter the chapel. It is facilitated by Esther Ziegler; please contact her at estherrziegler@gmail.com or Amy Aquilar in the church office if you plan to attend.

THE CHIMES LEARNING AND SERVICE GROUP The Chimes Learning and Service Group will meet on Thursday, March 12, at 10:00 am in the Flora Room, just

inside the North Room, off the main entrance foyer. Our speaker will be Nancy Bodmer, who is a member of

the Historical Society of Frederick County. Nancy is an expert on the history of Buckeystown and has written

books on the subject. It will be nice to learn more about the history of our area. Hope to see you

there...EVERYONE IS WELCOME!! For questions or additional information, contact Mary Meyer, 443-293-

7042 or mmeyer222@yahoo.com.

Confirmation Sponsored Fish Fry Fundraiser!

The confirmation class will be putting on a Fish Fry each month during lent! The beneficiary of the funds is the ERUCC 275th Capital Campaign! Tickets will be on sale this Sunday at church from any of the confirmands. Price is $10 for adults and $7 for kids under 12. Friday, March13, from 5:30-8:30pm in the community room. Open to the Public. To buy tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lenten-fish-fry-tickets-91995869121?fbclid=IwAR34QXhfCOq2BfqyHpO17FJfnf5kDN18DVo21Od4ZCJh2pfkCyl1f8qfw2M We are also looking for volunteers to help. You can view these options and signup here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0545A8AE22ABFD0-erucc1

If you are unable to attend, but still want to offer support, we can always use some funds to help offset the costs of purchasing all the food.

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ERUCC BOOK GROUP

2020

(The book group meets once a month at various members’ homes. Depending on the time

of year and the book read, this group usually includes 8-14 people.) Meetings begin at 7:00

p.m. For more information about ERUCC's book club, write Pam Shepp at

pam@vitalsources.org or call/text her at 301-524-5223.

March 24: An American Marriage by by Tayari Jones

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the

New South. He is a young executive and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting

career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by

circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years

for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit.

Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort

in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy's time in prison

passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years,

Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their

life together.

This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once

bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an

intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward - with hope

and pain - into the future.

April 28: The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

With 6 pm pre-discussion on the concentration camp at Ravensbruck

Manhattan, 1946. Grace Healey is rebuilding her life after losing her husband during the

war. One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work,

she finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own

curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs - each of

a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly

leaves the station.

Grace soon learns the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a

ring of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. Twelve of

these women were sent to Occupied Europe as couriers and radio operators to aid the

resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. Setting out to learn the truth behind the

women in the photographs, Grace finds herself drawn to a young mother turned agent named Marie, whose

daring mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor, and betrayal.

Vividly rendered and inspired by true events, New York Times best-selling author Pam Jenoff shines a light on

the incredible heroics of the brave women of the war and weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, sisterhood,

and the great strength of women to survive in the hardest of circumstances.

May 26 Homegoing June 23 Soul of a Thief by Steven Hartov July 28 Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the

American City

August 25 The Next Person You Meet in Heaven September 22 Any book by Toni Morrison October 27 Born a Crime by Trevor Noah November 24 The Overstory

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GREEN TEAM NEWS

Sunday March 8. Green Sunday

Let's Talk at 9:30: Ted Talk and Discussion

Come learn how to talk about climate change. We will watch a Ted Talk by Katharine Hayhoe and have follow-up discussion. Dr. Hayhoe is a leading climate scientist and the wife of an evangelical Christian pastor in Texas who believes that everyone has a reason to care about climate change and provides us with strategies for how to talk to climate deniers. We will also share information about Neighborhood Sun, a new local clean energy opportunity. Bring your questions!

A mural of a mid-Atlantic stream highlighting plant and animal species that are threatened or extinct due to environmental degradation will be on display in the community room. There will also be information on how to mitigate habitat damage.

Worship at 10:30 The warming climate will be artistically demonstrated during the service through a cello piece played by David Howard and a knitted Tempestry created by local knitters including Nancy Jones. Rev. Richard Leslie will share a sermon that reminds us that we are up to the challenges we face today, including the urgent need to protect our beautiful planet.

Sunday March 22, Free MACS and Hood College Event 2 p.m. at Hodson Auditorium/ Rosenstock Hall

Networks for Life: Your Role in Stitching the Natural World Together by Doug Tallamy. You will learn why native plants are vitally important to sustaining insect and animal populations and how your yard has an important role to play. Register at bit.ly/macslecture

Sunday March 29 Neighborhood Sun Community Solar Sign-up Day. 11:30 -1:00 pm

After worship, members of the Green Team, Interfaith Power and Light and Neighborhood Sun, will be available to help you sign up to receive your electricity from a local solar installation. The church and IPL will receive a donation for each person who signs up. The rate you pay for community solar will be 10-30% less than the Potomac Energy rate.

Learn more about it. Check out Neighborhood Sun video clips or talk to a Green Team member.

ERUCC TO OPEN DOORS ON FIRST SATURDAY March 7 from 4-9 pm

As an effort to reach people attending First Saturday events, especially families with young children, we will be opening our doors on First Saturday in March. We will serve as a place where people can come in and get warm, get

some hot chocolate, use the restrooms, and hang out a little bit. We can use your help in providing a hospitable place. Here’s how you can offer radical hospitality:

1. Volunteer your time that evening – greet, serve hot drinks and snacks, direct people to bathrooms and baby changing tables

2. Donate hot chocolate and cookies or crackers To volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a8ad2fa2fc1-march

Contact the church office if you are interested in supporting these efforts. Thank you.

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March 1 and 2 Anniversary Lectures

In celebration of its 275th Anniversary, Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 West

Church Street, Frederick is holding a series of monthly lectures. On March 1, from 9:30-10:15, Mary

Boswell, Executive Director of Heritage Frederick will present, “We the People: The Stories of

Frederick County.”

This lecture will be repeated on Monday, March 2, from 7-8:30.

This program will be held in the Community Room.

275TH ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOK!

Let’s celebrate our church history through time-tested recipes from our

members. We want cherished recipes to remember our members such as

Rachel Ford’s scotcheroos. And we want recipes from our newer

members that will become a part of our ERUCC heritage. Please consider

sharing a favorite family recipe for our 275th anniversary cookbook. The

finished book will include special photos and historical information as well.

Share your recipes with Elizabeth Slade at: elizaslade@gmail.com

275th Preserving Our History Campaign

Ongoing contributions to the 275th Preserving Our History Campaign are welcome throughout

the year. Other projects prioritized for 2020 and the rebuilding of the Building Preservation Fund

are important for our immediate needs and future goals.

ERUCC EVENTS Seeking your help for event hospitality! If you have time, please contact Amy for the details:

Wednesday, March 4 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. MADD Victim Impact Panel Hospitality in the Church Street lobby. Want to be added to our hospitality host list? Please email Amy at aaguilar@erucc.org to get added to the list.

SAVE THE DATES:

BETHANY BEACH RETREAT September 25-28, 2020 WOMEN’S RETREAT November 20-21, 2020

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PASTOR DANIEL TO TRAVEL TO INDONESIA AND THAILAND

Pastor Daniel will be traveling with her husband to Indonesia and Thailand, March 1-16, with Global

Ministries of the UCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.)

This pilgrimage will take the group through the cities of Bali and Yogyakarta in Indonesia and of Bangkok

and Chiang Mai in Thailand to learn and build bridges of understanding and solidarity with sisters and

brothers in that region. Participants will be exposed and immersed in the work of interfaith initiatives,

HIV/AIDS education and prevention, women’s empowerment and development, migration, human

trafficking, and theological education. The program will include worship at a local church, visits to partner

organizations and their projects, cultural experiences, sightseeing, and more.

During her travels, Suzanne Morris, Richard Leslie, and Carolyn Roberts will be leading worship. Clergy

members of the congregation will provide any needed pastoral care coverage along with Kim Sexton.

SAVE THE DATE: May 18 – 31, 2021

Camino de Santiago Walking the Way of St. James

Trip Information Night: Wednesday, March 18 at 7 pm Community Room, ERUCC

Pastor Daniel is working with David Petrucci, Petrucci Productions, in planning a pilgrimage on the

Camino de Santiago. David Petrucci has traveled the Camino four times and will offer his expertise for

the trip details as well as his experience of walking.

So many of us were inspired by David Howards’ presentation on his Camino experience as well as our

Lenten Focus in 2019 focusing on the movie, The Way. This pilgrimage is in response to the interest

following our Lenten season in 2019.

For over a thousand years, pilgrims have hiked the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. Along

the way, they enjoy traditional cuisine, historic accommodations, but most of all experience the power of

pilgrimage and tracing the steps of those who have gone before us.

Throughout our journey, we will explore historic cities and towns that pilgrims entered hundreds of years

ago, enjoy tours of Burgos, the 19th-century capital of Castille and Leon, with its many cathedrals and

churches, and small villages in Galicia.

We will begin our walk from St. Pied-de-Port in France and end in Santiago de Compostela. We will hike

into this legendary city, arriving at the cathedral the same way as countless pilgrims before you.

Cost for the trip will be $2,500, which will include

airfare, transfers, four hotel nights, and professional

fees. The estimated additional costs for pilgrims will

be $500 for accommodations and food.

Information about the trip will be presented at

ERUCC on Wednesday, March 18, at 7 pm in the

Community Room. We are also setting up dates to

go to the Trail House for guidance in equipment needed for the journey.

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NEW! COINS FOR A CAUSE PROGRAM TO LAUNCH IN MARCH

A new program sponsored by the Mission and Social Action Committee, Coins For A Cause, launches

this year in March.

The idea was spurred by the youth group’s annual SOUPer Bowl Sunday donation drive and the

recognition that we could, as a church, keep the organizations that make a difference in our world at the

forefront.

One Sunday a month, members will be in the back of sanctuary to collect change as you leave. The

funds collected will be donated to a different nonprofit each month, one that's suggested by ERUCC

members and selected by the committee. In March, money collected will be donated to the local

Blessings In A Backpack organization. (https://biabfrederickmd.org/).

Have an idea for an organization to support? Let us know! Email your suggestions for Coins For A Cause

nonprofits to committee chair Rebecca Shillingburg at rebecca.shillingburg@gmail.com.

ANNOUNCING THE 4th ANNUAL ERUCC GOLF TOURNAMENT! Monday, April 20, at Clustered Spires Golf Course. (Rain date: Monday, April 27.)

Whether or not you are a golfer, please consider supporting this fundraiser in one of the following ways: • Enter a team ($75/person; Deadline to enter is April 13)

• Donate money or prizes for the raffle. (We really need congregation members to help in this way) • Advertise your business (You can display a sign at the tournament for $300 with your business name. You provide the sign or we will have it made. Deadline is April 1.) • Sponsor a hole in honor or memory of someone (For $100 you can publicly express gratitude for church staff, grandchildren, or friends; or you can memorialize a loved one. Deadline for ordering signs is April 1.) We raised over $10,000 in the first three years of our tournament thanks to the participation of golfers and other church members. With your help, we can add substantially to that amount this year. This is a wonderful fellowship experience that also financially benefits ERUCC! Thank you in advance for your participation. GOLFERS: We are hoping to increase our number of teams this year. We will be have senior tees (over 75 years old) for men and women! Cost is still just $75/player, and covers green fees, lunch, and contests for longest drive and closest to the pin. Send a $300 check to Cindy Duranko to reserve a spot for your team. You don’t need to send team member names yet, but remember, there can be only one ERUCC person on your team. (Entry deadline is April 13.) Contact Cindy Duranko with any donations, registrations, or questions. 2209 Avalon Ct., Frederick, MD 21702; cduranko@hotmail.com; 240-446-9961.

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ERUCC CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

FOR YOUR SUMMER PLANNING : Vacation Bible School will be August 3 to 7 from 9 am to Noon. Bible School is for children 4 years old through 6th grade.

GOD'S KIDS CLUB AND TINY TOTS

Monday, March 16, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Nursery. Our topic will be St. Patrick’s Day. Come dressed in

green. For questions, please contact Kim Sexton at ksexton@erucc.org

Girl Scout Sunday

Girl Scout Sunday will be March 8. If you are currently a Girl Scout and would like to participate please

email Kim Sexton at ksexton@erucc.org.

FILLED EASTER EGGS WANTED We are looking for donations of filled Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt. If you would be willing to

donate some filled eggs, please fill your eggs and bring them to church on Sunday, April 5 (Kim Sexton

will collect them after both services). Please put a note with your eggs indicating their contents.

Suggestions for filling: candy, Peeps, stickers, coins, gold fish, animal crackers and small toys. If you

have any questions, contact Kim Sexton at ksexton@erucc.org.

DID YOU KNOW

Did you know we have started reading stories and sharing them with our families via Facebook and

email?

We are looking for guest readers to share a children’s book. If you are interested, contact Kim Sexton.

GOD’S KIDS CLUB AND TINY TOTS SCHEDULE 2020

4/6 Egg Hunt*** 4/20 Tiny Tots Earth Day** 4/28 FCPS No School Day, 275th History Day 9-2* 5/18 Tiny Tots Final Music Mess Hall 5/31 Last day of Sunday school 6/15 Tiny Tots, Theme: Outside fun** 7/20 God’s Kids Club Reading Day 9-2* 8/3-8/7 VBS*** * God’s Kids Club activities are geared towards children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Time and day vary based on activity. Watch the newsletter and bulletin for further details and how to sign up. ** Tiny Tots activities are geared towards children birth through Kindergarten. Tiny Tots meets on the 3rd Monday of the month from 4 to 4:50 in the Nursery. *** Birth through sixth grade activities.

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ERUCC YOUTH SCHEDULE

Saturday March 7-8 Overnight at the church 6 pm Bread baking and movie night at the church. We’ll bake bread to sell for a fund raiser and bake bread for communion as well. Trish Coffey is organizing the baking. Marc Kline and Laura Rhoderick will be staying overnight. Come earlier and help welcome visitors to Frederick’s First Saturday.

Saturday, March 21 and March 22 Home Show Parking at the Fairgrounds Eric and Shelley Weakley are working on this fund raising for the youth group.

Sunday, March 22 10:30 service UCC President John Dorhauer preaches at ERUCC

Sunday, April 5 6-7:30 Planning for Youth Sunday April 17-18 Bike Trip Planned by Chuck and Aiden Baldree and Marc Kline

Sunday, April 26 Youth Sunday – 10:30 Service

ERUCC SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE ERUCC is fortunate to have several scholarship programs available to our members as they seek educational opportunities to develop knowledge and skill in realization of their full potential. The McCardell Scholarship Fund was established by Mr. Robert McCardell in honor and memory of members of the McCardell family. The Kieffer Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Henri L.G. Kieffer, pastor of this church from 1910-1946. The Liz

Coffey Scholarship Fund was established in memory and honor of our beloved youth Liz Coffey. Contributions to these Scholarship Funds by members and friends of the church are always welcomed. These scholarships are gifts to church members for post-secondary undergraduate education and are awarded by the Scholarship Committee. The awards are based on the quality of the candidate's plan for use of the funds, the ability and promise of the applicant, and the need for financial assistance. The aid may continue for subsequent years after an interview with the Scholarship Committee, submission of intent to reapply, and a transcript of grades for the current year. Scholarship applications are available through the Church Office for new applicants (301-662-2762) or aaguilar@erucc.org. Students wishing to renew scholarships must also contact the Church Office providing the information requested. All application materials must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee through the Church Office by the April 30 deadline. Any further questions can be directed to Sandra Trout, Chairman of Scholarship Committee, at troutsandra@aol.com.

15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 17

1 Melanie Anderson 2 Gaylon Cornell, Holly Davis 4 Pierre Bowins 5 Tom Frazier, Brady Hill 6 Lynn Morgan 8 Sienna Schmid, Charles Summers, Sr. 9 Susan Johnson 10 David Howard 11 Jeff Schaeberle, Pat Sunday 12 Daniel Ireland, Susan Moxley, Fran Wenner 16 Star Schaeberle 17 Marie Hueting 18 Judy Peterson 19 Denise Flora 21 Emma Baker, Nathan Chappell, Cathie Duncan, Andy Johnston 23 Lilian Pontius 24 Anne Hoffmann 25 Crystal Kline, Jill Kline, Stephen Powell 26 Callie Baker, Donna Kline 27 Kevin McKinley 28 Beth Calabria 29 Linda Marsh 30 David Wenner 31 Eli McNay, Nancy Perlet

GIFTS RECEIVED

To the Building Fund

Key Compost fees

275th Anniversary Fund

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PALM SUNDAY & MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICES

April 5 and 9

On Palm Sunday, we will shout our praises before quieting our voices to enter into the passion of our God. We will hear of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as we read from Matthew 21: 1-11 and then of his passion as we read from Matthew 26:14—27:66.

Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." As recorded in John's gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34).

Readers are needed for these two services with longer and shorter reading parts. If you are interested in participating or have questions, contact Pastor Daniel at bkdaniel@erucc.org.

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Etch your name in history In 1745, ERUCC’s elders laid the foundation for our church.

Now you can lend your name to its future with the purchase

of a brick paver to be located on the outdoor plaza.

The handsome brick pavers are

available in three sizes. Their pricing, along with the total

number of lines and characters (which includes spacing and punctuation) are as follows:

12” x 12” – 5 lines, 15 spaces each, $850

8” x 8” – 4 lines, 15 spaces each, $500 4” x 8” – 3 lines, 15 spaces each, $250

Orders must be placed by May 1, 2020.

Purchases can be made online at www.erucc.org, with the

submission of this form, or by calling Amy, our administrator, at 301-662-2762.

Payment Method Check made payable to ERUCC

Credit Card Visa Mastercard

Name: _________________________________________________________

Phone or email: ________________________________________________ Card Number: _________________________________________________

Expiration date: _______________________________________________ Security Code (3 digit code on back of card): ______________

Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Mail this form to : ERUCC| 15 West Church Street | Frederick, MD 21701. Call the office for the Brick Guidelines sheet: 301-662-2762

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15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 20

This year we will be filling our chancel area with beautiful

Easter lilies on Easter morning.

Plants will be ordered from the Dutch Plant Farm this year.

If you would like to place an order, please fill out the

information below and return to the church office with your

payment by March 22.

The cost per plant is $12. You may take your plant home

after the Easter Service.

I would like to place _____________lilies in the sanctuary for Easter morning.

If you wish your lily to be listed “in memory of,” “in honor of,” or “placed by the donor,”

please indicate which and PRINT the names below.

In memory of:

In honor of:

Placed by:

Donor Name:

15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org Page 21

ERUCC

15 West Church Street Frederick, MD 21701 www.erucc.org

OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor (bkdaniel@erucc.org) Rev. Frederick Wenner, Pastor Emeritus (faw500@msn.com)

Associate for Children’s

Ministries Kim Sexton

(ksexton@erucc.org)

Director of Music Alison Shafer

Office Administrator Amy Aguilar

(aaguilar@erucc.org)

Social Media Coordinator Jenna Duranko

Head Chimer & Children & Youth Choir

Director Tricia Coffey

Nursery Attendant

Sherry Murray

Facilities Manager

Vacant