The Crown Newsletter October 24, 2016

C The

A publication of Church of the Apostles, a United Church of Christ congregation

October 24, 2016 Vol. 40 No. 11

In this Issue:

Council Meeting Minutes

Outreach Ministry

Parish Life

Unsung Helper

Thank You Notes

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Calendar

Join us on:

The month of November is a time to give thanks for what we have, for the service of our

Veterans, and to spend time with loved ones. In the life of the church, we will have the

annual Bazaar, congregational meeting, and begin the season of Advent. For me, it will be exactly a year since I started as your associate minister on November 22. My initial

reflection about my first year at Apostles is: time flies when you are having fun! Truly, it has been a fun and meaningful year.

As with any first year of ministry in any new setting, much of my time has been spent

getting to know all of you, your ministries, and the wider community of Lancaster City,

Lancaster County, and central Pennsylvania. I continue to experience the presence of God in my ministry with this community. I have, and hope to continue to find ways to support and engage our youth and young adult members. One of the greatest gifts that I have

received in serving this congregation is embracing and recognizing my experience and

approach to ministry from a Native-American perspective. Often, members ask me to talk more about this, but I must say that it takes more than a conversation to understand. For the month of November, in honor of Native American Heritage month, I will write a weekly blog more about these experiences and how you can go deeper in understanding Native-American history and culture. You will be able to access this blog on the church website and The City. I look forward to sharing this with you.

Rev. Heather Giffen Associate Pastor

November

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Council Meeting Minutes—September 26, 2016

Giving Report for September 2016

At the end of the third quarter, our giving and income from all sources, except our endowments are slightly ahead of last year, which is excellent news. That, of course, is tempered by the fact that our expenses have increased by $49,000, so our endowment interest allowance is definitely needed to fund all our ministries. Our current numbers for the year are: total income of $374,317.05, which includes our interest income; and total expenses of $434,064.16, which gives us a current loss of $59,747.11. They compare to last year’s numbers of total income of $339,96.03 and total expenses of $385,898.34 for a loss of $45,929.31.

Sundays at 9:15 am and 10:45 am Dial (717) 392-5718 to listen to the worship information. The sermon can be watched online at www.apostlesucc.org

Worship Schedule

Attendance: Andy Appel, Conner Braun, Jeannie Clausen, Chuck Erisman, Bernie Fickes, Herb Forry, Don Freeman, Cathy Kenlin, Linda Lewis, Carol Nielsen, Bob Reiff, Andy Smith, Pastor Kuhn, Pastor Giffen Absent: Julie Berkow, Steve Daniels, Clara Kosmela President Bob Reiff called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Bernie Fickes offered devotions on “What is Worship?” The minutes from August 16 were approved as written (Freeman, Nielsen). Andy Smith noted that the budget numbers currently are going fine; there is a slight amount less in income, but we are under our budgeted figures for this point in the year as well. There being no questions, the Treasurer’s report was approved (Appel, Clausen). Education Andy reported that everything is in the minutes. Trunk or Treat is Saturday, October 22. Outreach There was no report, but Cathy K. mentioned that the Crispus Attucks meal for Nov. 27 has been cancelled due to the new guidelines from the LCCC (regarding ServSafe kitchens being the only ones able to cook community meals).

Parish Life 1. On October 2, Melissa Koehler will be giving flu shots. 2. See Clara or Cathy if you have suggestions for Unsung Helpers to be featured in the Crown. Property 1. Chuck reported that heat pump parts are needed for the sanctuary. 2. Carol N. had presented an idea for a meditation walk in Rader Park. 3. The water retention work in Rader Park is coming along. 4. Property is planning to add a restroom and storage area to the outside of the Youth Center. Stewardship 1. Don announced that the commission is working on combining a number of the smaller endowment funds into fewer larger ones. 2. A discussion was held regarding the Alva Way Fund and its implications for a student chaplaincy position. Worship 1. Christmas Day is Sunday this year; there will be one service at 10:45. 2. The Christmas Eve services will again be at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. At the 7:00 service, the Christmas story will be told through songs, scripture, and the children will be reenacting the nativity story. 3. There will be two services on New Year’s Day, with the

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Sunday School children having their annual Pajama Party. Pastor Kuhn’s Report 1. Discussion was held on the SILO report that Pastor Kuhn distributed last month. She would like to see more collaboration between the various groups in the church. MPC does this now. She said that another place where this can happen is with the Young Families’ group during the choir dinner. Parish Life, Education, and Executive have so far agreed to help defray the cost of the pizza for their dinners. 2. Kathy distributed copies of Property’s newly-written job description for the Property Manager. We are to look at it so we can vote to approve it at next month’s meeting. 3. There is a need for church office volunteers on Tuesday afternoons, Thursday afternoons, and Friday mornings. 4. She is looking for people to be part of a new task force to be charged with looking at church growth. This group will not fall under any commission, and would report directly to Council. 5. Laurene Bowers from the Penn Central Conference wants to meet with Council to discuss church growth and vitality. Pastor Giffen’s Report 1. A start-up Youth Group meeting was held this month, with seven youth in attendance. Meetings will be held at the Youth Center. 2. The Youth Advisory Committee met to start setting up goals and a vision. 3. Heather is on the planning committee for the Youth Retreat at Hartman Center in November. 4. She has been involved in a partnership with German churches and will be part of Generation Next, a young adult group meeting in Germany next May. Old Business 1. Budget/Congregational Meeting - the meeting will be held on Nov. 20. Meetings will be set up prior for members to ask questions. A question was raised as to where the Preschool contribution shows up; Andy S. will investigate and respond via email to Council. The proposed budget was approved (Appel, Forry). 2. Safe Church Policy - Andy A. presented the following as the proposed policy: RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF CHURCH OF

THE APOSTLES Be it resolved the Council of Church of the Apostles adopts the following as official policy of Church of the Apostles:

Church of the Apostles hereby adopts as policy of the church the law of Pennsylvania commonly known as "THE PENNSYLVANIA CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES LAWS", as enacted to date of the passage of this resolution and incorporates any amendments or other changes to the laws as may be made from time to time. Specific citation of the law is 23 Pa.C.S.A. Sections 6303 et seq. as amended. This covers our liability that exists as an institution from the negligence standpoint: we have, as policy, the affirmation we abide by all the rules and regulations of the law. The next steps involve Commissions determining what may be necessary/appropriate for implementation for their purposes.

Andy A. made the motion for approval, Andy S. seconded; motion passed. New Business 1. Nominating Committee - Andy reported that a nominating committee needs to be formed as soon as possible, made up of five Council members and five members-at-large. At this point, there will be one Council position to fill for 2017. We also need two Spiritual Council members. Kathy noted that the nominations need to be approved by Oct. 10 so that the letter to the congregation can go out by Oct. 14. Pastor Giffen closed the meeting with a prayer at 8:45. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lewis Secretary

Council Meeting Minutes Continued

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Wishing Well We are continuing to collect personal and home care supplies for the Apostles Assistance Fund. Your generosity continues to amaze us, and makes it possible for Pastor Kuhn to assist many people in our community who need our help. Thank you so much for caring about our neighbors in need. We will continue to collect for this ministry until the middle of November. Please consider taking a paper from one of the two posters and purchasing the item listed on that paper. Items are collected in the Wishing Well. The needs are growing. Before Thanksgiving, we will be beginning our Holiday Ministry, which is to gift needy students at Martin Elementary School. The Preschool will be partnering with the congregation to gift 80 students this year! It is so exciting to spread Christian love and joy to so many children this Christmas! You can begin to participate as soon as you see names posted on the Outreach bulletin board in the Narthex. Thank you for all that you give to the Wishing Well ministries! Please see Jane McCartney if you have any questions.

Hurricane Matthew Relief Appeal Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti on the morning of October 4, and Cuba later that afternoon. The storm flattened communities and wrecked agriculture throughout the region. The powerful and slow-moving storm battered the United States’ Atlantic coast, flooding homes and causing deaths.

The United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are well situated to respond to people impacted both in the Caribbean and within the United States. Within

hours, solidarity grants from the 2016 One Great Hour of Sharing Offering and Week of Compassion Fund were at work through partners in the region responding to immediate needs of food, shelter, and safety. The UCC and Disciples are ready to respond with other churches to provide food, water, containers, roofs, mattresses, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support. Within the United States, both denominations are active in local and

national disaster response networks. Your generosity to this disaster appeal will enable our churches to expand these responses and to support our neighbors now, in the immediate crisis, and through the long-term recovery process that follows. To support this appeal, please make your check out to Church of the Apostles and put “Hurricane Matthew Relief” in the memo area. Mission to Homeless Offering Each January, we collect a Special Offering to help those struggling with homelessness. Thanks to the congregation’s generosity, a check for $1,500 has been given to Transitional Living Center specifically earmarked as security deposits for those making the step toward independent living. Hardly a week goes by without seeing an article in the paper about the lack and difficulty of finding and attaining affordable housing. This donation will assist those who are making that challenging step toward independence. Transitional Living Center vets each candidate, and we will be notified when our funds are being used. This year alone, 45 people in 13 families have attained permanent housing through this program. Thank you, Church of the Apostles!

Book Club The COA book club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 2 pm in the library. Please join us on Tuesday, November 8 to discuss An Emotional Journey by Mahtob Mahmoody and My Name is Mahhtob by Mahtob Mahmoody. We are happy to have new people join us! If you have any questions, please contact Clara Kosmela at (717) 569-9960.

New Beginnings Ring in the Christmas season by enjoying some holiday “comfort” food and Christmas carols. This year’s annual Christmas Banquet and Carol Sing will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 9th at 12 pm.

Outreach

Parish Life

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Transportation will be provided for Homestead residents. Residents will be picked up at 11:40 am. The cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP to Cathy Bernhardt by December 4th. Children’s Library We invite all families to visit the children’s library in room 217 between services every Sunday. We have a large variety of books for preschoolers through elementary-age children. We have a parent resource section as well, with books that deal with special topics such as illness, death, and divorce. Over the next few weeks, Sunday School classes will visit the library to get a tour and to check out books. We invite children to take out one or two books weekly. Upon return of the books to the basket on the library desk, children may check out two more books. We appreciate the donation of books by generous church members over the years, as well as gifts from the Frank Meyer Memorial Fund that started the library. Apostles Community Preschool has donated a large number of their library books as well. If you would like to donate a book to the library in honor of your child’s birthday, please see Linda Lewis for the master list of books we already have. We hope to see you at the library soon! The By-laws and Spiritual Council - The Spiritual Council Permit us to introduce you to the Spiritual Council, who is on it, and how it functions. Its main function is to collaborate with the Senior and Associate Pastors in ministering to the spiritual needs of the congregation. The membership of the Council can change from year to year. Presently, it is comprised of the two pastors: Pastors Kathy Kuhn and Heather Giffen; current Council President, Bob Reiff; current Vice President, Andy Appel; two past Council Presidents, Ken Keller and Lou Gaudioso; and two members at large from the congregation, Mary Ellen Bachman and Milton Gockley.

Meeting quarterly and chaired by the Sr. Pastor, the Council covers the spiritual needs of the congregation. Here is where we are able to share the feelings and needs presented to us by church members. It is important to know that what is shared at these meetings are known only by the members and that nothing leaves these meetings to be discussed with anyone else. Therefore, we ask that if you have an issue that you feel is important to be shared with this Council, please bring it to one of these members and know that it will be honestly covered. We, the Spiritual Council, pray that you will feel free to share feelings with us as we move forward with our spiritual guide, Jesus the Christ.

Don Culp is a quiet behind-the- scenes worker. He helps the office staff with special mailings. This means folding and “stuffing” envelopes to be sent to COA members and brochures sent to over 1,800 neighbors at least four times a year. He also attaches a flyer to each brown bag (about 1,000!) that is given out at the door at the Bazaar. Don also spends much of his time (as does his wife, Karen) working in the

Seeds of Hope Garden. Don (and Karen) has also prepared and served many delicious meals using the COA kitchen. Thank you, Don, for all you have done and are now doing for COA.

Thanks to Andy Appel for delivering the beautiful flowers, and also for his visit with us. The fall-colored flowers were lovely. Thanks again, Dick and Ginny Godfrey

Parish Life Continued

Unsung Helper

Thank You!

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Every year, the Bischoff family, volunteer friends, and choir members bake pies to sell at the choir table at the Bazaar. Please fill out the form below to pre-order your pies. Please give the form to any choir member or drop it off in the church office by Thursday, November 3. Do not include payment. We will hold your pies for pick up at the choir bake table until 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 12, unless you request special arrangements.

The fruit pies can be ordered with different tops. Please circle the letter of the Top you are ordering, and also write the quantity of pies that you would like. Special notes: Double crust and lattice fruit pies can be frozen. Crumb topped pies do not freeze well. Mince pie and apple dumplings also freeze well. If you would like us to make a pie that is not listed, please note that in the Special Requests. We will call you to discuss whether we can accommodate your request.

Name: _______________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________

Special Requests: _________________________________________________________________________

Please circle the letter on the chart of the pie topping that you want:

Double Crust – D Lattice – L Crumb - C

FRUIT PIES TOPS QUANTITY @

TOTAL

PRICE

APPLE D L C $10.00

BLUEBERRY D L C $10.00

CHERRY (SWEET) D L C $10.00

CHERRY (SOUR) D L C $10.50

PEACH D L C $10.00

RED RASPBERRY D L C $10.00

OTHER ITEMS

LEMON SPONGE $10.00

MINCE $11.00

PUMPKIN $10.00

SHOOFLY

(WET BOTTOM) $10.50

APPLE DUMPLINGS $6.50

ITEMS WITH SPLENDA

APPLE PIE D L C $10.00

CHERRY (SOUR) D L C $10.50

APPLE DUMPLINGS $7.00

TOTAL

Pies, Pies, Pies : Pre-order Form for Bazaar

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There is a real emphasis on service — The junior high class volunteered at

first Saturday Breakfast in October and plans to continue in November.

They are also carving pumpkins and helping at Trunk or Treat.

Save the dates:

November 27 – Advent Workshop

December 24 – Children will reenact the Christmas

story as part of the 7 pm service

December 25 – Family-friendly worship - One

service at 10:45 am

January 1 – Annual Pajama Day at Sunday School

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* 90+ Birthdays ** 50+ Anniversaries

Date Name

1 Ella Mae Hershey*

2 Bill Newport

4 Mikki Reich

5 Jessica Dougherty

5 Michael Leser

6 Mary Jean Irion*

8 Robert Perry

8 Thomas Moran

8 Samantha Irwin

9 Molly Reinhardt

9 Jocelyn Morrison

10 Doris Liepa

11 Daniel Flynn

12 Breanne Zipko

14 Louise Aument

14 Steve Daniels

15 Barbara Wylie

16 Clara Schenke

16 Kenneth Shenberger

17 Linda Eaton

18 Anna Mae Endslow

21 Robert Frankhouser

22 Lillian Minnick

23 George Frey

23 Bryce Walburn

24 Sara Jane Kimmel

24 Jennifer Eaton

25 Leigh Breslin

26 Pauline Brown*

26 Lynn Steedle

27 Anna King*

27 Eileen Thomas

29 Tom Sanders*

29 Donna Carr

30 Monica Daniels

Date Name

11/07/2008 Nathan & Emily Sheffer

11/09/1996 Larry & Erika Neiderer

11/09/2002 Todd & Melissa Harris

11/14/1953 Clay & Barbara Butzer**

11/14/1964 John & Bonnie Eshbach**

11/23/1968 Ludmil & Clara Kosmela

11/24/1966 Kenneth & Sara Jane Kimmel**

11/26/1999 Matthew & Patricia Rineer

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Our flowers are an integral part of our worship service. Not only providing a physical symbol of beauty during our worship, after the service they are given as a symbol of love and caring to a member of our community who is unable to be with us physically. The cost of our flowers and bulletins averages about $140 a week. Our suggested contribution for sponsoring flowers and bulletins is $35; however, any amount is welcomed and appreciated. If you would like to sponsor flowers, please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or send it into the office. A thank-you letter will be sent following your sponsorship with directions for sending in your donation. Thank you for your support in this important ministry. Worship Commission I would like to sponsor flowers on the following date: __________________________________ “In honor of” or “In memory of” __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ Your name __________________________________ Phone number __________________________________

Please place this form in the church office or an offering plate.

If you have any questions please contact:

Dawn Dougherty (984-2740) or Bonnie Jolly (872-4053)

November Flowers for Worship November 6:

In Loving Memory of:

Geraldine Reed by her sister, Janice

Peter Schellenberger by his family

November 13: In Loving Memory of:

My dad, Robert Farmer, by Betty and Marty Holmes

My wife, Sandy, by John Hess

November 20: In Loving Memory of:

Arthur D. Smith by Bev and Ken Keller

My daughter, Tara Rena’e, and my wife, Kelle, who are loved and missed very much by Joe Lainhoff

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November 1 Tuesday 6:45 pm Apostles Bells 7:00 pm Worship Design November 2 Wednesday 5:15 pm Choir Parents Dinner 6:00 pm Cherub Choir 6:30 pm Carol Choir 7:00 pm Craft Group November 3 Thursday 12:30 pm Marketing Meeting 7:00 pm Apostles Choir—10:45 November 5 Saturday 8:00 am Downtown Breakfast Ministry November 6 Sunday 8:15 am Apostles Choir—9:15 9:00 am Nursery Care 9:15 am Worship with Children’s Sermon 9:30 am Children’s Sunday School 10:00 am Blood Pressure Screening 10:15 am Children’s Library 10:45 am Worship Service 2:00 pm Worship Service— Homestead November 7 Monday 8:00 am Meditation Monday 7:00 pm Ministry Planning Committee November 8 Tuesday 2:00 pm Book Club 6:30 pm Committee on Ministry 6:45 pm Apostles Bells November 9 Wednesday 9:15 am Bible Study 5:15 pm Choir Parents Dinner 6:00 pm Cherub Choir 6:30 pm Carol Choir 7:00 pm Craft Group

November 10 Thursday 7:00 pm Apostles Choir—10:45 7:00 pm Stewardship Meeting November 12 Saturday 9:00 am Christmas in the Country Bazaar November 13 Sunday 8:15 am Apostles Choir—9:15 9:00 am Nursery Care 9:15 am Worship with Children’s Sermon 9:30 am Children’s Sunday School 10:15 am Children’s Library 10:45 am Worship Service 12:00 pm Children’s Ministry Team Meeting 4:00 pm Youth Choir 6:00 pm Youth Group November 14 Monday 8:00 am Meditation Monday 7:00 pm Commission Meetings November 15 Tuesday 6:45 pm Apostles Bells 7:00 pm Worship Design November 16 Wednesday 9:15 am Bible Study 3:00 pm Widowers Group 5:15 pm Choir Parents Dinner 6:00 pm Cherub Dinner 6:30 pm Carol Choir 7:00 pm Education Commission November 17 Thursday 7:00 pm Apostles Choir—10:45 November 20 Sunday 8:15 am Apostles Choir—9:15 9:00 am Nursery Care 9:15 am Worship with Children’s Sermon 9:30 am Children’s Sunday School 10:15 am Congregational Meeting

11:00 am Worship Service 12:00 pm Lunch with Pastors November 21 Monday 8:00 am Meditation Monday 7:00 pm Church Council Meeting November 22 Tuesday 6:45 pm Apostles Bells 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Worship November 23 Wednesday 5:15 pm Choir Parents Dinner 6:00 pm Cherub Choir 6:30 pm Carol Choir November 24 Thursday Office Closed—Thanksgiving Holiday November 25 Friday Office Closed—Thanksgiving Holiday November 27 Sunday 8:15 am Apostles Choir—9:15 9:00 am Advent Workshop 9:00 am Nursery Care 9:15 am Worship with Children’s Sermon 9:30 am Children’s Sunday School 10:15 am Children’s Library 10:45 am Worship Service 4:00 pm Youth Choir November 28 Monday 8:00 am Meditation Monday November 29 Tuesday 6:45 pm Apostles Bells November 30 Wednesday 9:15 am Bible Study 9:30 am Widows Support Group 5:15 pm Choir Parents Dinner 6:00 pm Cherub Choir 6:30 pm Carol Choir

*Note: If you have an event that needs to be added, removed, or changed in the church calendar, please contact the church office with this information in a timely manner. Together, we can ensure that everyone who would like to participate always receives the correct information. Thank you!

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Food Bank Please plan to continue your generous donations to the food bank. Food Bank Needs: Rice (One lb. bags) Peanut Butter Canned Fruit Brown Grocery Bags Hamburger Helper Tuna Helper Macaroni and Cheese Canned Tomatoes (One lb. or less)

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES PRAYER CHAIN If you have a need or concern for yourself or others, please call or email any person on the Prayer Chain and your request will be sent through all the links of the chain and the power of prayer will be a blessing to you and yours. Link 1: Betty Holmes 203-1118 or bettyholms@aol.com Steve/Monica Daniels 299-6007 or monicadaniels54@gmail.com Lynn Steedle 390-4152 or ccsteedle@gmail.com Jim/Bonnie Jolly 872-4053 or jbjolly@comcast.net Link 2: Harriet Latschar 859-1535 Mary Ellen Bachman 393-8922 Susan Shaak 872-2987 Doug Nutt 653-6363 Link 3: Annette Rohloff 394-0424 or rexthomas@comcast.net Bev Keller 898-2146 or bek0914@aol.com Cindy Williams 572-3808 or clwjbwilliams@gmail.com Mike/Nancy Steger 617-2635 or stegs4u@hotmail.com Link 4: Kit Gregory 299-6677 or kitpaul@comcast.net Jean Heidig 394-8733 or geojean6@gmail.com Donna Carr 397-6305 or ddcarr@lancastergeneral.org

Donations Thank you stamp savers. Keep saving

stamps for the Wounded Veterans. Drop

off in the office for Skip Rhodes.

Donations Pull tabs, Campbell Soup Labels & Box Tops for

Education are needed. These benefit the Ronald

McDonald House and Hoffman Home.

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Church of the Apostles, UCC

1850 Marietta Avenue

Lancaster, PA 17603-2398

Phone: 717-392-5718

Fax: 717-392-6470

Email: webmaster@apostlesucc.org

www.apostlesucc.org

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 1065

Lancaster, PA

Church of the Apostles Staff

Senior Pastor The Rev. Kathryn L. Kuhn ext. 115

kathrynk@apostlesucc.org

Associate Pastor Heather Giffen ext. 114

heatherg@apostlesucc.org

Director of Music Ministries Cynthia Kahler ext. 116

cindyk@apostlesucc.org

Director of Adult Choirs & Instrumental Music Nathan Sheffer

Bell Choir Director: Ron Bellamy

Children’s Choir Director Johanna Baker

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

Technology Specialist Anthony Strohm

Sexton Larry Rongione

Communications & Administrative Coordinator Michelle Ayala ext. 111

michellea@apostlesucc.org

Finance & Member Services Coordinator Judy Ruppert ext. 110

judithr@apostlesucc.org

Property Manager Eric MacLaren ext. 118

ericm@apostlesucc.org

Church Council President Bob Reiff

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Scan to make a one-time gift.