* * *
Worship News
We begin the month of October, joining Christians around the globe in celebrating World Wide
Communion Sunday, with a service of worship and communion on the 6th.
The following week, we’ll celebrate October’s Baptismal Anniversaries and give thanks for the
beautiful memorial gifts given in the names of Fred Krause, Butch Moyer, Paul Peiffer, Arthur
Wenrich, Phillip Zemencik and Ruth Yeich.
October 27th is Reformation Sunday and November 3rd is All Saints Sunday.
We hope that you can join us for some or all of these services and that you’ll find them
meaningful and spiritually fulfilling.
* * *
October’s
Communion Offering
is designated to be given to the United Church of Christ Neighbors in Need offering.
Association
News
This year’s Fall Association Meeting will be a joint meeting between the East Berks,
Heidelberg, Reading and Schuylkill Associations. It will be held on Reformation Sunday at 3pm
(registration 2:30pm) at Good Shepherd UCC on Tuckerton Rd. (1 block west of Rt. 61), north
of Reading.
For several months now, Executive Committee members from these four associations have
been meeting to get to know one another better and to look for ways that we can share resources
and live-out our mission working together.
This joint meeting, which each association resolved to participate in at their spring meetings,
will hopefully help to build relationships and inspire ideas through communal worship, friendly
fellowship and mutual support.
The theme of the day is “Reformed and Reforming, Where Do You See God Doing
a New Thing?” Delegates are encouraged to attend and visitors are welcome. All attendees will
be invited to share their hopes for the church by posting them on a version of the “Wittenberg
Door.”
Come and share in this time of worship, fellowship and hope with your brothers and sisters in
Christ.
Conference News
The Rev. Wanda Craner has been appointed, “Acting Interim Conference Minister” by the
Conference Consistory. Rev. Craner has been a member of the Pennsylvania Southeast
Conference staff for nearly 17 years, serving as Minister of Spiritual Nurture. She takes over for
Rev. Judith Youngman whose term as Interim Conference Minister expired at the end of August.
The search for a permanent Conference Minister continues. The profile was completed in
August and is posted online at psec.org.
The Fall Conference Meeting will be held Saturday, November 9th at New Goshenhoppen UCC
in East Greenville, PA.
* * *
Sch. Haven Food Pantry– October: Mac and cheese
& elbow macaroni.
We will be helping at the Pantry on Mon., Oct. 14 at 8:30 AM,
and on Fri., Oct. 18 at 1:00 PM.
* * *
Soup Kitchen Ministry
We will be helping at the Pottsville Soup Kitchen on Thurs., October 10 from 4:30 – 7:00
PM.
If you would like to help, please speak to Rae Ann Borger.
The Exercise Group meets each Monday night 6:30-7:30 PM and each Thursday night
from 6-7:00 PM. The class is FREE and all are welcome! You do what you can– aerobics,
weights, toning– there are weights and mats available for use.
A ‘Cisor
* * *
Quilters
Quilters are still quilting each Tuesday from10 AM to at least 12 noon– sometimes until 2 PM.
Stop in, say “Hi”, have a snack, and see what they are working on– it’s always something
beautiful!
* * *
We Need You!!!
The church office is still looking for people willing to serve as ushers, greeters, youth greeters,
and acolytes (especially ushers!). If you or your child/ children are not already on the rotation
list, and would like to help, please contact the church office.
You can send an email, call the office or write a note and put it in Kelly’s mailbox. Your help
would be greatly appreciated.
Pastor’s Vacation
Please note that Pastor Brad will be on vacation Monday, Oct. 14, and also the week of
Monday, October 21. He will still be officiating the worship services.
* * *
AGAPE Committee
The AGAPE Committee will be making candy on Monday, Oct. 7 at 1:00 PM at the Ebling’s home.
They will be packing the boxes on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 1:00 PM. Please speak to Verna Ebling if you
would like to help.
* * *
Women’s Group for Fun and Adventure
The Women’s Group for Fun & Adventure will meet on Tuesday, October 1 and Tuesday, Oct.
15 at 7:00 PM here at St. Paul’s.
The members are attending a conference on Nov. 15-16 at the Hershey Lodge. Registration for
the conference has already begun. For more info., there are handouts on the table in the back of
the sanctuary, or speak to Sharon Kissinger.
* * *
There will be a
Sunday School Meeting
on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.
Hymn History
th
Reformation Sunday is October 27 . The man credited with starting the Reformation, Martin
Luther, was not only a fiery preacher, but also a talented musician and noted hymn writer.
Luther attempted to revive congregational singing in worship by writing lyrics that could easily
be remembered. Yet, he was often criticized for setting his hymn lyrics to the music of
contemporary tunes that were being sung in bar rooms and taverns.
We will open our worship service on the 27th, by singing Luther’s most famous hymn, “Ein’
feste Burg ist unser Gott” – “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”
This hymn was based on Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
times of trouble.” As legend has it, during times of difficulty and danger, Luther and his
associate would resort to singing this song.
Throughout the centuries, translators have struggled to translate this hymn. There are
reportedly at least 80 English translations that exist. The most popular version that is used in the
U.S. was done by Frederic Henry Hodge. This version first appeared in the Pennsylvania
Lutheran Church Book published in 1868.
Information for this article came from the book, “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan.
NIN Offering
6th
Sunday October
is World Wide Communion Sunday and on that day, we will receive
the Neighbors in Need Offering, the 3rd of 4 special offerings taken for the national church.
Two-thirds of this offering goes to support the work of the UCC’s Justice and Witness
Ministries. This is one of four Covenanted Ministries in the UCC which helps local
congregations and all settings of the church respond to God's commandments to do justice, seek
peace and effect change for a better world. The work of JWM is guided by the pronouncements
and resolutions approved by the UCC at General Synod.(Please refer to pages 22-23 of this
newsletter to see an alphabetical list of the many issues supported by the Justice and
Witness Ministries of the UCC.)
The remaining third is used to help support the Council of American Indian Ministries and the
20 UCC congregations located on Native American Reservations.
* * *
A fellowship
Coffee Hour,
hosted by the Senior Choir,
will be held on
Sunday, October 13
following Worship.
Join your family, friends and neighbors Sunday, Oct. 6 for the annual Church World Service
(CWS) Crop Walk through Sch. Haven.
The walk is sponsored by the Schuylkill Haven Council of Churches. Have fun and get great
exercise, as you help those who hunger around the world and in our local community.
Registration is at 1:00 PM, and the walk begins at 1:30. We will meet at the Sch. Haven Food
Pantry located to the rear of the old Walk- in Shoe Company. There are 2 routes: one is shorter
and the other is a bit more challenging. Both routes have several rest stops along the way.
St. Paul’s has always been a strong supporter of CWS and their mission and ministry.
Annually, we collect an offering for their Blankets+. Last year we had 33 walkers from St.
Paul’s Summer Hill and raised $1,200.67!!!! There was a total of 94 walkers between the
participating churches, and all together the total raised was $8,355.01. Let’s see if we can do
even better this year and make a clear, definitive statement about our commitment to fighting
hunger in our community and around the world.
Verna Ebling will again serve as our walk coordinator, please see her for a sponsor packet and
join us for this year’s Crop Walk.
* * *
Crop Walk Fundraiser
The Haven Council of Churches has a Community Fundraiser day on Oct. 7 at Hoss’s
Restaurant in Cressona to raise money for the Crop Walk. Tickets are good for lunch and dinner
purchases. The Crop Walk will receive 20% of each purchase when a Hoss’s fundraiser ticket
is used. The tickets are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary, or by calling the
church office.
* * *
Bible Study
The Bible Study group will meet Thursdays, Oct. 3, 17 and 31 at 7:00 PM in the Conference
Room. The study is open to everyone. Please speak to Pastor Brad.
* * *
Nursing Home Ministry
-Oct. 27: Schoolyard Square, 2 PM
-Nov. 24: Seton Manor at 2:30 PM
-Dec. 22: Caroling - meet at the
Church at 2:30 PM
Please speak to Bill Reber if you would like more information and/or to participate in this
ministry.
CONSISTORY MEETING NOTES
9-8-2013
The Consistory of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ held a special meeting on Sept. 8, 2013
and discussed the following items:
Consistory voted to approve a contract with Dottery’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. to
install a heat pump/air conditioning system on the upper floor of the church in the amount of
$31,500.
A complete set of approved minutes will be published in next month’s newsletter. Any
questions or comments regarding any of the items discussed can be directed to any Consistory
member or the pastor.
Respectfully submitted, Mike Rubinkam, Secretary
* * *
CONSISTORY MEETING NOTES 9-17-2013
The Consistory of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ met Sept. 17, 2013 and discussed the
following items:
1. Confirmation Sunday will be held May 4, 2014.
2. Annual meeting to vote on budget and new consistory members
will be held Dec. 8.
3. Minor issues with the parking lot have been fixed, and the project has been paid in full.
4. Work on the AC/heat pump project will begin soon. The electrical work will cost $2,840,
more than anticipated, but the contractor has offered us a $500 credit to help offset the
increased cost.
5. The landscape project is more than $300 over budget.
6. November communion offering will go toward the All Saints fund
for retired ministers in need in our conference.
A complete set of approved minutes will be published in next month’s newsletter. Any questions
or comments regarding any of the items discussed can be directed to any Consistory member or
the pastor.
Respectfully submitted, Mike Rubinkam, Secretary
* * *
Mark your calendars:
St. Paul’s UCC Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 8- following Worship
The purpose of the meeting will be to review and vote on the
proposed budget for 2014, and elect new Consistory members.
* * *
Young Adults... “Box City”
A box city at First UCC in Sch. Haven is scheduled for Friday, November 1, starting at 7:00
PM. This event is open to any young adult from 9-12th grade. The goal is to spend the night
outside, in an attempt to recreate the experience and identify with someone who may find
themselves homeless or without adequate shelter. Please speak to Pastor Brad if you have any
questions or would like to attend.
* * *
UCC Sends Challenge to Young Adults
How does your faith transform, connect or touch the world? The United Church of Christ is
challenging young adults to answer this question visually for the chance to be a prophetic voice
for the denomination. The "My Faith, My World, My Voice" video contest challenges young
adults to be visionaries for the future by creating a video representation of what faith means to
them and how it impacts their world.
The contest is open to individuals ages 18-35 and the deadline for submissions is Oct. 31,
2013. All entries must be original content and cannot be longer than 60 seconds. Videos can
contain stills/photos, graphics, music, text, animation and/or video, and must be family-friendly
and appropriate for viewing on ucc.org.
For more details and contest requirements, and to view a sample video, visit:
ucc.org/videocontest/
Sunday School News
We know fall just began the end of September, but, we hope you will take a moment to look
and plan ahead for winter and the Christmas season right now! Sunday School is asking for your
early help in filling 50 shoe boxes with Christmas blessings for needy and disadvantaged
children around the world in time to have them shipped by the second week of November. This
is our Christmas Party mission project and we hope you will choose to be a part of it!
"Go and do likewise," Christ commanded after explaining the parable of the Good Samaritan in
Luke 10. So Samaritan's Purse travels the world's highways looking for victims along the way,
not only offering help, but hope to suffering people in a broken world by sharing the good news
of the only One who can bring true peace - Jesus Christ , the Prince of Peace! The shoe box gifts
given through Operation Christmas Child (OCC) became a reality through Samaritan's Purse in
1993 and, since that time, have allowed more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130
countries to experience God's love through the power of small gifts placed in a simple shoe box.
Operation Christmas Child Samaritan's Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to
deliver the gifts and share the life changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
are hoping to gather enough supplies to fill 50 shoe boxes this year! The filled boxes will be
dedicated during the worship service on Sunday, November 10th so we have to get busy now!
The boxes can include the following items:
School Supplies such as pencils, pens, pencil sharpeners, crayons, markers, stamps and ink pad
sets, writing tablets or paper, sketch pads, solar calculators, coloring and/or picture books,.
Toys as: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small
Etch-A-Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (please include extra batteries), slinky, etc.
Hygiene Itemssuch as toothbrushes, toothpaste, mild bar soap (please place in a zip lock plastic
bag), comb, brush, washcloth, etc.
Other Items such as T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches,
flashlights (please include extra batteries), hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all
candy), mints, gum, etc.
A Personal Note- You may enclose a personal note to the child and a photo of yourself and/or
your family. If you include your name and address the child may write back to you!
Please no damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures,
chocolate or food, out-of-date candy, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items
such as snow globes or glass containers, aerosol cans.
The items can be purchased for a Boy or a Girl in the following age categories: Ages 2 -4, 5 - 9,
and 10 - 14.
We still are in need of large boxes to pack the items in so please check the backs of your closets!
There is a Christmas box located in the back of the sanctuary for your donations, but, if you
would rather not shop yourself, we have cheerful, willing SS teachers who will do the shopping
for you! Money for shopping can be given to any of the SS teachers, to SS President Amy
Rubinkam, to the treasurer Tanya Elo, Pastor Brad, or dropped off in the secretary's office during
the SS hour. You may also pack a box yourself! More complete instructions on packing the
boxes can be found on the internet at www.samaritanpurse.org. Click on the Operation Christmas
Child link and you will find all the information as well as pictures and a history and ministry of
Samaritan's Purse. If you do pack a box yourself, please have it to church by Sunday, November
10th. This is a fun and rewarding activity that will benefit you as much as the children who
receive the boxes! Please join us in the fun either in your own home or with us here at Sunday
School. Money to cover shipping of the boxes ($7 per box) has already been very generously
donated through the Vacation Bible School offerings taken in June. THANK YOU VERY
MUCHyour donations and generous support!!!
You Are Invited to the Over 60 Dinner!
On Saturday, October 12, a dinner will be held in your honor in the church fellowship hall.
The program will begin with a time of fellowship from 5 to 5:30 PM, followed by the dinner.
After dinner we will have a short, informal worship service. Dress is casual.
Please plan to attend and feel free to bring a friend.
Respond to one of the following
by Sunday, October 6:
Church Office: 754-7225
Bill Reber
Let us know if you will need to have transportation provided.
We hope to hear from you soon!
This year the program for the Over 60 dinner will feature talents of St. Paul's.you, a child or
grandchild would be willing to share musical or athletic talent, please speak to Bill Reber. Lots
of help will also be needed to prepare and serve the dinner.
* * *
Fundraising Committee
Thank you to everybody that supported the Dining Out Days Fundraiser at the Friedensburg
Country Restaurant. Thank you to Chris Clauser for his donations to round out the profits. Our
profits for that fundraiser were:
June = $100
July = $100
August = $125
Brandi Kline will be doing an Avon Fundraiser during the Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 13.
A percent of all the sales will be given to the FRC.
The Committee will be doing the annual Gift Card Fundraiser. The due date for orders will be
Sunday, October 27.
Watch your bulletins for more info. on these fundraisers. If you have any questions, please
speak to Deb Clauser or Libby Zimmerman.
* * *
Secret Pal Dinner
Mark Your Calendar:
This years Dinner will be held on Thurs., Dec. 5. Please see Lucinda Nagle if you would like
to attend.
* * *
Mark your calendars:
We plan on making
apple butter
on Saturday, October 26.
For times and more details,
please contact Bill Reber.
Friendly Circle
Mince & Pumpkin

9” Mince - $10.00
8” Mince - $8.00
8” Pumpkin - $6.50
Name:__________________
Phone:__________________
Please indicate number of pies you are ordering:
# of 9” Mince ______
# of 8” Mince______
# of 8” Pumpkin_____
Total Cost: $____________
Orders due by:
Sunday, November 10
Pick up:
Tuesday, Nov. 26
(11:00 AM - 12:00 noon)
Friendly Circle
August Meeting
There were 8 members in attendance at the August meeting.
The following items were discussed:
-Member Meat Pie Sale- Oct. 4
7:00 AM - bake meat pies
2-3:00 PM - Pick-up orders
(cutting vegetables will take
place on Thurs., Oct. 3 beginning
at 9 AM)- Help is appreciated!
-Due to the lack of help and participation, the Friendly Circle will
no longer be serving banquets.
-Funeral dinners and meat pie sales
will continue.
-Mission project
-October 29 at 7:00 PM - next
meeting– all are welcome!
-Pumpkin and Mince Pie Sale:
November 10 is the deadline for
mince and pumpkin. The work
schedule is as follows:
Mon., Nov. 25– bake mince pies
beginning at 7:00 AM
Tues., Nov. 26– Bake pumpkin
pies beginning at 7:00 AM.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also- Mark Your Calendar:
The F.C. Ladies Christmas Party is open to all ladies of the church. It will be held on Monday,
Dec. 2 at Hoss’s Restaurant in Cressona beginning at 6:00 PM. If you are interested, please sign
up with Lucinda Nagle or Fern Felty.
“Changing
Season”
The fall colors are here– changing of another season. The church looks great with the bright
autumn colors. I reflected on the summer activities around here and checked the calendar of
upcoming events. They are many and varied– along with long traditional changes of St. Paul’s.
The church was once the mainstay or core of the family life, and activities were always well
attended. Not so anymore at some places– St. Paul’s is very fortunate in it’s attendance, and
children and youth of varied ages. But today there are many more outside activities to chose
from, and often the church takes a back seat. Thus, we see many things changing (banquets,
suppers, etc.) just as the seasons change. Check out the worship, fellowship/ activities at St.
Paul’s and try to participate and/ or help in some way. It’s up to each of us to help make the
church go in the direction it should. See you at St. Paul’s.
“Paulie”
The Religious and
Philosophical Forum
of
The Schuylkill Campus of the PA State University presents it’s 2013-2014 lecture series
“Religion & Science”
All presentations take place on a Friday at noon in the R. Michael Fryer Conference Center.
Dates and topics are as follows:
-Friday, October 25, “Human Significance in Theology and the Natural Sciences”
-Friday, November 22 “Psychology and Religion”
-Friday, February 21 “Philosophical Reflections On Religion and Science”
-Friday, March 21, “Evolution and Biblical Scripture”
-Friday, April 25, “Why History Matters: Debunking the Warfare
View of Science and Religion”
There is a schedule on the bulletin board in the narthex. For further information, please contact
Dr. Donald C. Lindenmuth at 385-6065 or DCL1@psu.edu.
- - - - -
If you are interested in this topic, you can read about the United Church of
Christ views on “Religion and
Science” by visiting their website: www.ucc.org.
Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes
Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced
God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share
the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
This is our Sunday School’s Christmas Mission Project– they have set a goal of 50 boxes to
fill and send off to third world countries this year, and are asking for your support of this effort.
Please read the Sunday School article on pages 10-12 to learn more about this outreach.
The SS article gives a list of all the items that can be purchased for the shoe boxes, and the
ages, etc. There are printed lists available- clipped on the decorated box in the sanctuary, or you
can also check out the web site at www.samaritanpurse.org.
The Blessing of the Shoeboxes will take place during worship on Sunday, November 10.
* * *
“Sometimes questions are more important than answers.”
—Nancy Willard
Bethany Receives $25,000 Grant Plus Two
Legislative Citations
In conjunction with their 150th Anniversary, Bethany Children's Home was awarded the
Mocavo Community Digitization Grant for $25,000. This award will allow Bethany to digitize
The Book of Children and The Book of Life, which contain the names of every child who has
been a resident at Bethany since the very first one, Caroline Engel, in 1863. Bethany also
received two citations from the Pennsylvania Legislature on the occasion of their 150 years of
service. The first was from State Representative Jim Cox, and the second from State Senator
David Argall and State Senator Mike
Folmer.
- - Employment Opportunities
at Bethany in Womelsdorf:
Bethany is seeking applicants for: Houseparents, Child Care Workers, Daycare Aides, Tutor,
Therapeutic Recreation, and Night Watch Workers. Applicants must pass a pre-employment
drug screen, furnish required background checks and health assessment. Bethany is a smoke-free
campus and certified in the Sanctuary model of care. Toll-Free 877-270-1200.
The Vision Plan
of the National Setting
of the UCC
Core Purpose
Drawn together by the Holy Spirit, we are a distinct and diverse community of Christians that
come together as one church, joining faith and action. In covenant with the church in all of its
settings, we serve God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world as made manifest in the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Core Values
Continuing Testament
Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. God is still speaking,
Extravagant Welcome
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.
Changing Lives
Never place a period where God has placed a comma
Bold, Inspirational Goals (BIGS)
1. Bold, Public Voice
The UCC is a bold, widely-known and respected public voice of Christianity in service of God's
ever-unfolding mission.
2. Welcoming, Reachable
Congregations
There is a welcoming UCC community of faith that is accessible to all — no matter who they are
or where they are on life's journey.
3. Engaged Discipleship
Every UCC person is well-equipped to be growing in faith, be theologically conversant, and be
active in the global mission of the church.
4. Excellent, Diverse Leaders
The UCC has a wealth of prepared, excellent leaders that reflect the diversity of God's beloved
community.
Strategies
The Faith In Project
Launched at National Youth Event in July 2012, the project is a missional “God is still
speaking,” ministry and marketing initiative to position the United Church of Christ to engage —
with specificity — God's movement in the neighborhoods, towns and cities where God calls us
to serve.
Mission 4/1 Earth: 50 Great Days
Held in April and May 2013, this all-church mission initiative brought churches together to green
up, power down, and shout out for the environment — while planting more than 130,000 trees,
writing more than 50,000 letters of environmental advocacy, and contributing nearly 600,000
hours of earth care.
Reading Changes Lives
Planned for the fall of 2014, this is an aggressive, sustained all-church literacy campaign to
reverse the looming disparity affecting children and youth who are overlooked because of race,
economic marginalization, and/or learning style.
The Stillspeaking Worship
Institute
A twice-annual event hosted by diverse local churches, or other settings, with an emphasis on the
experience of culturally diverse, accessible and replicable approaches to worship — as lived,
shared experiences as the primary teaching tools.
Intercultural Ministries Soar
A Centers of Excellence model of Intercultural Multi-ethnic (I'M) Ministries – extravagant
welcome demonstrated through practices of hospitality and accessibility; vibrant and diverse
styles of worship, justice engagement that confronts power and marginalization; and equipped
clergy and lay leadership with intercultural competencies and experience.
The Stillspeaking Leadership
Institute
A multiple-year training and equipping program for leaders, both clergy and lay, of all ages and
diversities, who are deeply interested and engaged in helping the wider UCC, and the
Stillspeaking movement, to flourish and prosper.
Extravagance UCC
We imagine a diverse, fully inclusive community of people from around the globe coming
together in many ways that include online interaction and connection in order to proclaim and
extend God's extravagant welcome.
Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (LED)
A flexible, biblically-grounded, non-issue-based justice curriculum and training program
designed to engage and develop justice leaders for the church and community.
* * *
UCC’s Keeping You Posted Weekly News
(news, featured items, resources, worship materials, and justice-action items
e-mailed each Tuesday. Just sign-up at www.ucc.org)
The latest email, sent Tuesday, Sept. 17 contained many links to recent news such as the
Washington Navy Yard shooting, peace issues in Syria, flood victims in Colorado, etc. Sign-up
today and “keep posted”!
Thanks:
-to
Lori A. Edwards for sponsoring the shut-in mailing for October
-to Verna Ebling, Mary Fertich, Bonnie Reber, Shirley Reber and Ardith Moyer for putting
together the September newsletter
-to Cherie Powell for baking the bread used for the September Communion
-To all the Christians at St. Paul’s UCC, Summer Hill,
My mom, Limasang R. Tem (Mrs. Tem), and I would like to take this opportunity to write and
thank you all for the books you have donated to Bethania High School.
May God bless you all abundantly in return.
I love reading so my sister, Elisa (Bengkoi) Phillips gives me books to read. I’m enjoying the
books and am blessed for your generosity. My mom is also thankful for the Christian books,
devotional books, etc. for her Bible classes.
Thank you again. With Love,
Corliss I. Reichi
(To see the beautiful colorful letter sent to us by Corliss, check out the bulletin board.)
-Dear St. Paul’s UCC,
I want to thank the church for all the books you have donated to Bethania High School. We are
most grateful for the love, prayers, and help you all put together to send the books to us. I am
most grateful for all the Christian books that Elisa has given me to read and to aid me in teaching
the first semester of the 11th Grade Bible Class. They are great books. I love reading them and I
have been blessed by them. Thank You! I extend my warm regards to the church congregation
for the books and may God bless you all for your love, prayers, and generosity!
Love and Prayers,
Limasang Recheked Tem
* * *
God's Highly Valued Investment
Someone once asked IBM founder Thomas Watson if he would fire an employee who made a
mistake that cost the company $60,000. To the questioner’s surprise, Watson replied, “Why
would I fire someone in whom I’ve invested $60,000 in training?”
Neither will God “fire” or in any way dismiss us for our mistakes and failures. He has invested
far too much — even his own Son’s life! — in each of us for that.
Don’t hold back for fear of failure. Serve the Lord boldly. Try something new for the sake of
the Gospel, and when you make a mistake, bring it honestly to God in prayer. Be open to the
Holy Spirit, who provides “continuing education” — in Scripture, through other Christians and
by connecting directly with your heart — to improve your skills and gifts every day.
* * *
A True Original
A real Christian is an odd [individual]. He feels supreme love for one whom he has never seen;
talks familiarly every day to someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of
another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes
down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is poorest and happiest
when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can
keep; sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passes knowledge.
The man who has met God is not looking for anything; he has found it. He is not searching for
light, for upon him the light has already shined. ... He is not a copy, not a facsimile. He is an
original from the hand of the Holy Spirit.
—A.W. Tozer
How's Your Path?
Some Christian converts in an African village were diligent about daily prayer. In fact, they
each had a special place in the thicket outside town where they prayed in solitude. Over time,
they wore pathways through the brush to their private prayer areas. If someone neglected his or
her prayer life, it was evident because fresh grass started growing on that particular footpath. Out
of concern, fellow Christians offered this loving reminder: “Friend, there’s grass growing on
your path.”
How worn is your own path to prayer? Are you persistent when answers don’t seem to come?
Do you trust that God will answer your prayers, according to his good and gracious will?
Don’t abandon your pathway to prayer. When you grow weary, remember Galatians 6:9 (NIV),
which promises that “at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
* * *
A Strong Harvest
Seeds of strength are planted
in the soils of weakness. Your
most uplifting strength tomorrow may grow from your most
debilitating weakness today.
—V. Gilbert Beers
October Birthdays
1 - Wayne Herring
- CJ Ferguson
- Nathan Crouse
2 - Joshua Nagle
- Willie Fertich
3 - Connor Palerino
4 - Dean Dewald
- Skye Haller
5 - Linda Blankenhorn
7 - Paige Koch
6 - David Smith
8 - Harold W. Berkheiser
9 - Kathleen Reber
- William Barnes
11 - Terry Stank
12 - Louise Clauser
13 - Casey Horvath
14 - Ardith Moyer
- Dustin F. Faust
- Jacqueline Rose Bouchard
15 - Suzanne Koperna
16 - Clint Clauser
- Jill Brossman
17 - Debbie Clauser
18 - Kassandra Moyer
19 - John Ulsh
20 - Carol Ann Mengel
- Franklin Reichert
21 - Craig Borger
- Verna Fidler
- Elaine Moyer
- Nicholas Horvath
22 - Donna Koch
- Ray Koch
- Elaine Reichert
23 - Tom Nagle
- Kaitlyn Mintz
-Amber Lynn Ulsh
24 - Charlee Ferguson
25 - Krista Strohecker Clauser
- Aaron Rodnick
26 - Debbie Deibert
27 - Gary Keller Sr.
- Jackie Fessler
28 - Ryan Jarbo
- Amy Rubinkam
30 - Cigi Marshall
- Blake Frantz
****Happy Belated Birthday to Mary Ella Hoy! She was missed in the September
Birthdays (Sept. 24). Sorry Mary Ella!!!
* * *
Anniversaries
3 - Guy and Nancy Fidler
7 - Edward and Annetta Zemencik
- Lucille and Ronald Faust
8 - Harold and Joan Berkheiser
10 - Jeff and Kelly Palerino
11- Mike and Snipps Reber
13- Mark and Stephanie Palerino
14 - Mike and Jackie Fessler
16- Nelson and Gail Moyer
18 - Scott and Jill Cutter
19 - Tammy and Roger Krause
- Ronald and Donna Tranosky
27 - Lee and Florence Moyer
29 - Robert and Melissa Eckert
30 - Brock and Pam Koch
31 - Brian K. and Elizabeth M.
Moyer
Baptismal Anniversaries
The Baptismal Anniversaries will be celebrated during Worship on Sunday, October 13 at 10:30
AM.
 Ava Grace, daughter of Clint and Christine Clauser
 Douglas Clint, son of Clint and Christine Clauser
 Caden Nelson, son of Nelson and Gail Moyer
 Colby Lee, son of Jason and Lori Ulsh
 Skylar JoLyn, daughter of Kevin and Gina Brown
 Chase Christian, son of Bob and Brook Koch-Guers
 John Michael, son of John and Rebecca Ulsh
 Ian Joseph, son of Joseph and Cherie Powell
 Chloe Jayne, daughter of Joseph and Cherie Powell
 Mackenzie, daughter of Bradley and Katie Miller
 Blake Aaron, son of Jared and Heather Frantz
* * *
God's Gracious Gifts
God receives none but those who are forsaken, restores health to none but those who are sick,
gives sight to none but the blind, and life to none but the dead. … He has mercy on none but the
wretched and gives grace to none but those who are in disgrace.
—Martin Luther
Gary James Brennan III
Gary James Brennan III was baptized on Sunday, September 8 by Rev. Bradley Walmer during
the 10:30 AM worship service.
Gary was born June 9, 2012 in the Schuylkill Medical Center, South Jackson St., Pottsville.
Gary III is the son of Gary and Monique Brennan. His proud grandparents are Mary Lou and
Gary Brennan, and Tim Barnes Sr. and Mary Ann Dixon.
Gary’s Godparents are Heather Martin, Thomas Hostetter, and Bill & Tracy Anderson.
* * *
“Merely having an open mind is nothing; the object of opening the mind, as of
opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.”
—G.K. Chesterton
Christian Symbol
"Verbum Domini
Manet in Aeternum"
Latin for "The Word of the Lord Endures Forever," this motto of the Lutheran arm of the
Protestant Reformation comes from 1 Peter 1:25. Frederick the Wise, ruler of Saxony and one of
Martin Luther's earliest and most powerful defenders, had the VDMA symbol sewn into the right
sleeve of the official garments of his court. The symbol also appeared on banners, flags, swords
and uniforms, representing the unity of the Lutheran laity in defending their beliefs.
* * *
Bible Quiz
What Old Testament people experienced God parting the waters so they could cross on dry land,
and under what circumstances did they do so?
A. The Hebrew slaves, fleeing Egypt through the Red Sea
B. The 12 Tribes of Israel, as they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land
C. Elijah and Elisha, crossing the Jordan before Elijah was taken up into heaven
D. All of the above
Answer: D (See Exodus 14:22; Joshua 3:17; 2 Kings 2:8.)
* * *
Special Dates

World Communion Sunday,
October 6, 2013
• Columbus Day Observance, October 14, 2013
• Reformation Sunday, October 27, 2013
• Reformation Day, October 31, 2013
* * *
Change Happens
When we tell ourselves “I can never change” or “That will never happen,” we presume too much
and believe too little. In Jesus Christ, God renders all of our final conclusions premature and all
of our talk of determinism as simply bad faith. In Christ, God opens closed doors, brings
resurrections, reveals possibilities, reclaims the lost, liberates the cursed and possessed, and
changes the unchangeable.
—Don Shelby
Lectionary Readings
For October:
September 30 – October 6
(Twentieth Sunday
after Pentecost)
Lamentations 1:1-6
Lamentations 3:19-26
Psalm 137
Hab 1:1-4, 2:1-4
Psalm 37:1-9
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
October 7 – October 113
(Twenty-first Sunday
after Pentecost)
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Psalm 66:1-12 or
2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c
Psalm 111
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
October 14 – October 20
(Twenty-second Sunday
after Pentecost)
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Psalm 119:97-104 or
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 121
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Luke 18:1-8
October 21– October 27
(Reformation– Reconciliation Day/ Twenty-third Sunday
after Pentecost)
Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65 or
Sirach 35:12-17 or
Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
Psalm 84:1-7
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
October 28 – November 3
(All Saint’s Sunday/ Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Psalm 119:137-144 or
Isaiah 1:10-18
Psalm 32:1-7
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10
* * *
Secret to Survival
I have become convinced that the very contradictions in my life are in some way signs of
God’s mercy to me: if only because someone so complicated and so prone to confusion and selfdefeat could hardly survive for long without special mercy.
—Thomas Merton
* * *
We will have a joint Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service with our neighbors from St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 27 here at St. Paul’s UCC Summer Hill. A
meal will be served at 6:30 PM, and Worship with Holy Communion will follow at
approximately 7:00 PM. All are welcome!
You Are Invited To
a Fall Festival at
Hartman Center
Saturday, October 19
9:00 AM-3:00 PM
There will be a silent auction, lots of food and baked items, musical entertainment,
hay rides, games, pony rides, Tree-ba dachi climbing
academy, craft artisans…
Fun for all ages!
For more information, visit www.hartmancenter.com.
* * *
Hartman Center
Lumber Jack Weekend
November 8-10
Bring your ax, your hatchet or your chainsaw and join us for a fun and work filled
weekend. Help us cut down many of the dead trees in our woods and fill our woodshed with
firewood! Even if you want to come and clean up brush, split wood, etc. Bring your work
gloves and even paint brushes, because there is a lot of fall clean up work to do– something
for everyone to do– men and women alike!
There will be a Lumberjack Breakfast Brunch on Saturday,
a pie eating contest Saturday night, a Sat. night movie and Outdoor worship on Sunday.
Come Friday night and stay the weekend or come Saturday. No charge, but donations
will be accepted for food.
Call 717-667-2431 or email bruce@hartmancenter.com if you would like to attend.
* * *
Daylight Savings Time
Ends on Sunday,
November 3
* * *
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
―Aldous Huxley
“Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you’re alive,
it isn’t.”
—Richard Bach