Emmanuel United Church of Christ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org Dorrance, Pennsylvania Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:12:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 41.097982-76.003246EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChristhttp://feedburner.google.com **Youth Group Meeting** http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/SIT58G1xGIE/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2012/01/06/youth-group-meeting/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:01:04 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=943 Share on Facebook

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]]> Youth Group Meeting – Sunday, January 15th @ 5PM

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2012/01/06/youth-group-meeting/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2012/01/06/youth-group-meeting/ Welcome to Emmanuel United Church of Christ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/fC60d21n1EE/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-20/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:25:30 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=939 First of all I would like to say, “Thank you for the wonderful Christmas gift received from you.” Archie and I will be able to have a nice vacation next week when we go to North Carolina. We are going to visit my cousin David who lives on a big creek just off the intercoastal waterway. He [...]]]> First of all I would like to say, “Thank you for the wonderful Christmas gift received from you.” Archie
and I will be able to have a nice vacation next week when we go to North Carolina. We are going to visit
my cousin David who lives on a big creek just off the intercoastal waterway. He and Archie will be doing
some fishing and I will be doing some resting and shopping – and hopefully some cooking fish. I am happy
to be the designated cook.
Thank you, too for a very good year at Emmanuel. There were lots of things going on and lots of people
pitched in to help out. For all of us who have worked hard during 2011 I pray that the same spirit will
continue into the new year! There will continue to be much to do.
Enjoy this prayer for the New Year from Litanies and Other Prayers by Phyllis Cole and Everett Tilson
copyright 1990,1993 by Abingdon Press.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Therefore,

If this is a time to be born, let us emerge from the womb with a cry;
If this is a time to die, let us say farewell with a smile.
If this is a time to plant, let us scatter the seed with a prayer;
If this is a time to harvest, let us reap the grain with a song.
If this is a time to break down, let us topple the walls with a shout,
If this is a time to build up, let us raise the foundation with care.
If this is a time to mourn, let us catch the tears with a chalice;
If this is a time to dance, let us leap the moon with a laugh.
If this is a time to embrace, let us wrap the world with a ribbon;
If this is a time to stand alone, let us face the crowd with a mirror.
If this is a time to remain silent, let us proclaim the truth with a deed;
If this is a time to speak, let us counsel the words with the heart.
If this is a time to do battle, let us sustain the weak with a vision;
If this is a time to make peace, let us anoint the wounds with a balm.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;
O Lord, teach us to know the times!

God Bless and Happy New Year!
PennySignature

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-20/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-20/ Thank You! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/NdzBTmAyJB8/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/thank-you-15/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:20:05 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=937 We would like to thank everyone for their caring prayers, calls, cards and food you gave us. We are very grateful that you are with us in our time of need and sorrow. Cindy Heller and Family

Thanks to everyone who made, sold and/or purchased soup from our latest sale. This one was the most profitable [...]]]> We would like to thank everyone for their caring prayers, calls, cards and food you gave us. We are very grateful that you are with us in our time of need and sorrow. Cindy Heller and Family

Thanks to everyone who made, sold and/or purchased soup from our latest sale. This one was the most profitable yet at $1,145. It’s great to see everyone supporting our church through these fundraisers.
Letters expressing thanks for our continued support are on the bulletin board in the bell tower from Bethany Children’s Home, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Phoebe-Devitt Homes. They gratefully acknowledge our monthly donations so that they can continue to support those they serve. By dividing our donations into monthly installments, we have fulfilled our promise as outlined in our budget to support these organizations affiliated with our denomination.
Bethany Children’s Home sent a letter thanking us for the Christmas gifts to their children. Their Christmas morning was brighter thanks to you.
Bernie Baluta sent a letter thanking us for the Thanksgiving meals for ten needy families. These families would otherwise have gone without a dinner on Thanksgiving.
Church World Service sent an email to Pastor Dollar thanking everyone for participating in the CROP Walk. Through our donations, people have shelter, food and clean water and they and their children are taught sustainable living techniques. We have also received a check for $193 from CWS as our portion of the money raised in the CROP Walk to restock the Wapwallopen Ministerium Food Bank.
Our thanks to all of our church family for your generous Christmas gift. We sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness. ~Denise

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/thank-you-15/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/thank-you-15/ Valentines for Vets http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/3I_qcsaQCUM/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/valentines-for-vets-2/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:18:28 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=935

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]]> A box will be in the bell tower for your Valentines for Vets. These Valentines are appreciated very much by those who are housed at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. The last date to deposit your Valentines will be February 12. Remember those who served.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/valentines-for-vets-2/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/valentines-for-vets-2/ Christmas Gifts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/2t_8FEcE4tU/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/christmas-gifts/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:17:29 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=933 I would like to thank everyone who supported our Christmas gifts. The children had many wonderful toys and stuffed animals to wrap during our Christmas Party. They were taken to the McKinney Clinic to be passed out to the children whose families need to use the services of the clinic. The gifts you provided from [...]]]> I would like to thank everyone who supported our Christmas gifts. The children had many wonderful toys and stuffed animals to wrap during our Christmas Party. They were taken to the McKinney Clinic to be passed out to the children whose families need to use the services of the clinic. The gifts you provided from the Giving Tree were also delivered and distributed to those whose needs are so much greater than ours.
The children also assembled the fruit baskets which were delivered to our shut-ins. It is so important for them to learn that we, as Christians, need to support each other and give of ourselves.
Thank you for showing them the true meaning of Christian love. ~Lisa Rinehimer

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/christmas-gifts/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/christmas-gifts/ Pop, Candy, and The Christmastime Travelers http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/kUnFpZBxceM/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/pop-candy-and-the-christmastime-travelers/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:59:58 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=931 I would like to really, really, REALLY thank all the cast and crew of our Christmas Program. Everyone did a terrific job as we helped Candy find the Song of Christmas. I hope that you also found a Song that your heart can sing to God. Many people commented about how well the soloists and [...]]]> I would like to really, really, REALLY thank all the cast and crew of our Christmas Program. Everyone did a terrific job as we helped Candy find the Song of Christmas. I hope that you also found a Song that your heart can sing to God. Many people commented about how well the soloists and choir performed. They admired how well the speakers and performers played their parts. Being part of such a talented crew is so awesome. ~Denise

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/pop-candy-and-the-christmastime-travelers/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/29/pop-candy-and-the-christmastime-travelers/ ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/2Dl1pSAN7UM/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/04/annual-meeting-of-the-congregation/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:02:58 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=911 The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held on Sunday, December 11, after our Worship Service. The proposed 2010 Budget was approved by the Consistory for distribution in the weekly bulletins and extra copies are available on the table in the Narthex. NOTICE TO ALL COMMITEES, TEAMS AND ASSOCIATIONS: In accordance with our Constitution Article [...]]]> The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held on Sunday, December 11, after our Worship Service. The proposed 2010 Budget was approved by the Consistory for distribution in the weekly bulletins and extra copies are available on the table in the Narthex.
NOTICE TO ALL COMMITEES, TEAMS AND ASSOCIATIONS: In accordance with our Constitution Article 10, All committees should have a report prepared for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.
“Article 10. ORGANIZATIONS, SOCIETIES. All organizations and societies of the Congregation are subordinate to the Consistory and shall make an annual report (Activities and Financial) to the Congregation.”

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/04/annual-meeting-of-the-congregation/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/04/annual-meeting-of-the-congregation/ Christmas Events http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/tuY5ArJwew0/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-events/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:02:00 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=909 We will meet after the Annual Meeting on December 11 for caroling. After stopping for lunch at McDonald’s, we’ll raise our voices and spirits as we sing songs of the season to residents of our local nursing homes and to our homebound. Come with us and sing glory to the newborn king!

Special Music For [...]]]> CHRISTMAS CAROLING

We will meet after the Annual Meeting on December 11 for caroling. After stopping for lunch at McDonald’s, we’ll raise our voices and spirits as we sing songs of the season to residents of our local nursing homes and to our homebound. Come with us and sing glory to the newborn king!

Special Music For Christmas Eve

Anyone wishing to present music prior to the Christmas Eve Early Service is asked to see Denise Dean. We will begin at 7:00 pm and conclude at 7:30 pm. If you are more inclined to read a poem or selection, that would be very welcome also.

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree has been set up in the Narthex. Bernie Baluta, at the McKinney Clinic, asks that we provide men’s gifts. There is a great hardship among our middle/older age men and she appreciates our help in ministering to their needs. Just take an ornament, purchase the item listed on it, wrap it, tape the ornament to the package and place it under the tree. You may also include a card from you and your family.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-events/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-events/ CHRISTMAS PROGRAM http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/i6lZPYXO60c/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-program-2/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:59:53 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=907 Christmas is in the air – well, maybe not quite yet. But it is getting cooler and we are starting song practice for our Christmas Program, Pop, Candy and the Christmastime Travelers. Get your spirits warmed up with some great familiar carols and new tunes for this heartwarming story about a world-wide search for the [...]]]> Christmas is in the air – well, maybe not quite yet. But it is getting cooler and we are starting song practice for our Christmas Program, Pop, Candy and the Christmastime Travelers. Get your spirits warmed up with some great familiar carols and new tunes for this heartwarming story about a world-wide search for the Song of Christmas. Voices of all ages are wanted and welcome as we learn new arrangements and harmonies.
Parts have been distributed and practices scheduled as follows:
Speaking Parts
Dec. 1 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Dec. 8 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Dec. 15 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Dec. 17 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Dec. 18 9:00 am to 10:00 am (during Sunday School)
Non-Speaking Parts
Dec. 15 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Dec. 17 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Dec. 18 9:00 am to 10:00 am (during Sunday School)
Singing Parts (in addition to Sundays at 9:00 am)
Nov. 30 6:30 to 7:15 pm
Dec. 7 6:30 to 7:15 pm
Dec. 14 6:30 to 7:15 pm
Dec. 17 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Dec. 17 9:00 am to 10:00 am (during Sunday School)
I understand some of you cannot attend all the practices and I know who you are, but I expect everyone to attend every practice that you can.
I am really happy that you all volunteered to make this program possible. You are a great bunch of kids and I really enjoy working with you (honest!). I am always so proud of the way you make our programs come to life and love your enthusiasm.
Thanks for your dedication,
Denise

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-program-2/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-program-2/ WAPWALLOPEN CROSSROADS MINISTERIUM LOCAL MISSION FUNDS http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/u4Krkyt7b_o/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/wapwallopen-crossroads-ministerium-local-mission-funds/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:57:49 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=905 The Ministerium would like to tell everyone that it has funds available for local mission work. These funds could be used to help with heating costs, electricity costs, or rent or mortgage payments, once per year per needy family/person. Also available are Weis and Carone’s gift cards to help with purchasing fresh veggies, milk/diary products [...]]]> The Ministerium would like to tell everyone that it has funds available for local mission work. These funds could be used to help with heating costs, electricity costs, or rent or mortgage payments, once per year per needy family/person. Also available are Weis and Carone’s gift cards to help with purchasing fresh veggies, milk/diary products and meats. If you know someone in need, please contact either Pastor Penny (706-6476) or Pastor Rachael Dietz (379-3878) so we can help others in our communities.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/wapwallopen-crossroads-ministerium-local-mission-funds/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/wapwallopen-crossroads-ministerium-local-mission-funds/ CHRISTMAS OFFERING ENVELOPE http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/BuBc3zUYIcw/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-offering-envelope/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:57:38 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=903 Please be generous in giving to our church ministries supported by this offering: $150 to Phoebe Devitt Home $150 to Bethany Children’s Home $250 to Lancaster Theological Seminary These organizations sincerely need and appreciate your support. Every penny counts with today’s expenses, so please give generously. The “Christmas Offering” is a benevolence offering and is not used to build [...]]]> Please be generous in giving to our church ministries supported by this offering:
$150 to Phoebe Devitt Home
$150 to Bethany Children’s Home
$250 to Lancaster Theological Seminary
These organizations sincerely need and appreciate your support. Every penny counts with today’s expenses, so please give generously. The “Christmas Offering” is a benevolence offering and is not used to build up the General Fund. Your regular offering is needed to support the General Fund and the mission of your church.

Envelope for Pastor’s

Christmas Gift

There is a new envelope included with this year’s offering envelopes. Instead of giving the usual monetary gift from the General Fund, all gifts collected through this envelope will be used as Pastor Penny’s Christmas gift. Thank you for being generous and letting her know how much she is appreciated.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-offering-envelope/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/christmas-offering-envelope/ CROP WALK RECAP http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/-hViUvRrwsw/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/crop-walk-recap/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:55:25 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=901 This year’s walk was held on October 2 with about 15 walkers. A total of $775 was raised through your generosity and support. The breakdown is:

Emmanuel                       $220 Mt. Zion                            $200 St. James                          [...]]]> This year’s walk was held on October 2 with about 15 walkers. A total of $775 was raised through your generosity and support. The breakdown is:

  • Emmanuel                       $220
  • Mt. Zion                            $200
  • St. James                          $180
  • Faith UCC (Hazleton)  $125
  • St. Mark’s UCC               $50

Thank you for donating to the CROP Walk which also benefits the Wapwallopen Food Bank since a portion of the donations will be returned for local use.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/crop-walk-recap/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/crop-walk-recap/ Emmanuel through the Year http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/PV-HZfN8Yys/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/emmanuel-through-the-year/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:52:45 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=897 This has been an especially challenging year for most people, but God’s hand is still seen in the actions of the members of Emmanuel. For many years you have donated your time, talents and treasure to such undertakings as the Alberdeen Road Clean Up; hosting the men of Mother Theresa Haven (formerly V.I.S.I.O.N); assembling Thanksgiving [...]]]> This has been an especially challenging year for most people, but God’s hand is still seen in the actions of the members of Emmanuel. For many years you have donated your time, talents and treasure to such undertakings as the Alberdeen Road Clean Up; hosting the men of Mother Theresa Haven (formerly V.I.S.I.O.N); assembling Thanksgiving dinners, making “care packages”, buying Giving Tree gifts, and wrapping Christmas toys for the families of the McKinney Clinic; raising awareness and funds for CROP Walk; purchasing gifts to ensure a Merry Christmas to children at Bethany Children’s Home; and fulfilling our budget promise of benevolence offerings to OCWM, Bethany Children’s Home, Lancaster Theological Seminary and Phoebe Devitt Homes.
You have always supported the mission projects of our Vacation Bible School which this year collected
Alabama, plus the Pre-Kindergarten special mission project of restocking the food bank (our theme was Shake It Up Café). You supported Kimmy and Allison Bernetski (along with Marc Davis and Pastor Penny) on their mission trip to North Carolina where they repaired an older woman’s home and made renovations to a mission clinic.
In response to the horrific devastation in Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami, you gave your monetary gifts through a special offering. Again you responded when the spring tornadoes ripped through the southern states, but not only through our special offering. When challenged to fill five CWS clean-up buckets, you provided enough supplies for SEVEN. But the greatest challenge you undertook was the one coordinated by our Scout Troops – Cub Scout Pack 433, Boy Scout Troop 434, and Girl Scout Troops 3340 and 33369. Operation Shickshinny collected so much that the entire basement of Emmanuel was filled with furniture, clothing, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, appliances, dishes, glassware, flatware, games, toys, TV’s, lamps, videos, books, strollers, stuffed animals, bikes, and all sorts of items. From the front office reception room, through the nursery, middle room and into the basement kitchen, there was only a path left wide enough to walk through. When this project started, we expected to have some donations, maybe enough for a couple of pick-up loads. Instead, more than enough was donated for a couple of tractor-trailers – yes, two trailers and one straight truck of donations were taken to Shickshinny on the morning of October 8.
All in all, this has been a demanding year, but also a very satisfying year. We can look back and thank God for the abilities and resources to radiate His love and strength throughout our communities and around the world. Let’s keep up the good work!

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/emmanuel-through-the-year/feed/ 2 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/emmanuel-through-the-year/ YOUTH GROUP http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/TRtvbdEv5vw/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/youth-group-2/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:51:59 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=898 The next Youth Group Meeting will be on Sunday, December 4, at 5 pm at the church. We’ll be discussing lots of stuff like: 1. Cookie Fundraiser – We will be baking cookies on December 10 at the church. Then we’ll sell them after worship on December 11. See me so we can get an idea of [...]]]> The next Youth Group Meeting will be on Sunday, December 4, at 5 pm at the church. We’ll be discussing lots of stuff like:
1.
Cookie Fundraiser – We will be baking cookies on December 10 at the church. Then we’ll sell them after worship on December 11. See me so we can get an idea of how many cookies we’ll be able to make.
2.
Third World Country Living – this is our version of 30-Hour Famine. We want to plan this with all our new members, too, and get everyone’s ideas.
3.
Youth For Hire – We are still looking to help people around their homes/yards. This idea benefits our group and the people we work for so think of people who might want some extra muscle for fall chores.
4.
Next Outing – We’re planning when to go to the indoor water park we have tickets for.
5.
Mardi Gras Party – We need ideas and help to plan for this fundraiser.
6.
Next Summer’s Mission Trip – When and where to next???
Come and join us so we can plan bigger and more exciting ways to show what real teen Christians are like! If you’re 10 years old or older, we’ll be looking for you!! We’d also like some more adults to get involved with us. Show us what real adult Christians are like!!
Keep on believing
Marc

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/youth-group-2/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/youth-group-2/ Welcome to Emmanuel United Church of Christ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/pSQnXx35Plg/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-19/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:05:01 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=913 Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Archie and I got together with some of his family and some of mine on the Friday after turkey day. But of course we were fed turkey and all the trimmings just the same. It was all wonderful and especially to go out and play ball with [...]]]> Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Archie and I got together with some of his family and some of mine on the Friday after turkey day. But of course we were fed turkey and all the trimmings just the same. It was all wonderful and especially to go out and play ball with the kids and take a little time to relax.
Now – ADVENT – what a wonderful time set apart for preparation and looking forward to what is to come. We are to be preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. Also we are to be preparing our hearts for the second coming of our Lord. As we look around the parking lots at the shopping centers it seems that many folks must do all this preparation by shopping. My lament for December – O that we would see the parking lots of our churches as full as those at the mall.
I received a wonderful email today with a song called “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” It’s about a little boy who has been brought up in church. As he sees all the kids lining up to see Santa in the mall he asks the question, “where’s the line to see Jesus?” Another lament – O that all the children raised in church would ask that question. You can listen to the song here.
It seems that I have several laments for this time of year and I try to do all I can to turn them around. I smile a lot. When I go shopping I try to encourage folks to be nice to those around them. If there is going to be pushing and shoving – O that the pushing and shoving would be in order to find a pew and have a seat in church. Yes, we will see folks here on Christmas Eve that we don’t see any other time of the year so let’s greet them with open arms and make them feel especially welcome.
The kid’s pageant is always a wonderful way to celebrate the coming of Jesus. It peaks the excitement of young minds to learn about the birth of the Savior. Hopefully to have them light the Advent candles this year will bring more meaning into the significance of the light – that Jesus truly is the “Light of the World”, and then hopefully that light will never go out for them.
I am excited about our goings on at Emmanuel during the month of December. The church looks beautiful all decorated for the season. Bring your friends along to feel the hope, peace, joy, and love that’s in the air during this Christmastime – and hopefully all year long.
Christmas Blessings to all,

PennySignature

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-19/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-19/ AROUND OUR NEIGHBORHOOD http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/dg9c-KiIWN8/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/around-our-neighborhood-3/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:42:59 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=895 CHS MUSICAL

– The Crestwood High School musical will be presented on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10, at 7:00 pm. This year’s play is “Fiddler On the Roof”. Join Tevye and his family as they celebrate life, cherish love and learn survival in Tsarist Russia. Here’s “To Life”.

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CHS MUSICAL

– The Crestwood High School musical will be presented on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10, at 7:00 pm. This year’s play is “Fiddler On the Roof”. Join Tevye and his family as they celebrate life, cherish love and learn survival in Tsarist Russia. Here’s “To Life”.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/around-our-neighborhood-3/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/around-our-neighborhood-3/ BETHANY CHRISTMAS LIST http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/cWNHok0ObMI/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/bethany-christmas-list-3/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:40:01 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=892 Copies of the 2011 Christmas Wish List are on the table in the Narthex. Please note that the children at Bethany are between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Specific gift items are included on the Christmas Wish List or if you prefer, the children love to receive gift cards to department stores, [...]]]> Copies of the 2011 Christmas Wish List are on the table in the Narthex. Please note that the children at Bethany are between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Specific gift items are included on the Christmas Wish List or if you prefer, the children love to receive gift cards to department stores, craft stores, area malls, etc. Please choose age-appropriate gifts with consideration for parental warnings, modest clothing and safety. The gifts should not be wrapped since Bethany’s staff will do that. Just drop them in the box wrapped in Christmas paper in the Narthex.

picture perfect

Check the front door bulletin board
for these mug shots!
Some of the Scouts who helped with the Turkey Supper are pictured clearing off a table. Their help is really appreciated by the servers and clean-up crew. We have a great relationship with these young men and their leaders.
The Crestwood Field Hockey team made it to the State Championship Playoffs but were unfortunately eliminated in the first round. The team makes it to the playoffs almost every year. So let’s hear it for Autumn Atkinson and the rest of the Lady Comets!!
The flooding in Bloomsburg was felt personally by one of our members, Sharon Moyer. Sharon’s mother, Anne Williams who is a former member, lived in the Tenny Street Apartments which everyone thought was outside the flood zone. Like so many other areas, it was not. While digging through the muck, Sharon found the American Flag from her father’s funeral, covered in mud and debris. She couldn’t get it clean herself and so took it to Elegant Cleaners in Mountain Top. They cleaned it and charged nothing because it is their policy not to charge to clean American Flags. Sharon is pictured with the beautifully cleaned flag outside the cleaners.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/bethany-christmas-list-3/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/12/01/bethany-christmas-list-3/ Welcome to Emmanuel United Church of Christ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/j14wD19FREY/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-18/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:31:08 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=889 Here I sit – in a room at Lodge of the Ozarks in Branson, MO.  It’s a fine room as hotel rooms go.  Even if it were a terrible room I think I could fall asleep tonight just fine.  I drove 1,155 miles to get Archie and me here.  He made it pretty well.  [...]]]> Here I sit – in a room at Lodge of the Ozarks in Branson, MO.  It’s a fine room as hotel rooms go.  Even if it were a terrible room I think I could fall asleep tonight just fine.  I drove 1,155 miles to get Archie and me here.  He made it pretty well.  He rode without too much pain.  Part of his pain was having to listen to the book on CD that I listened to on the way.  But if I have to drive I have to do what it takes to keep myself awake.  We spent the night in Zanesville, OH last night waking up bright and early today and getting on the road this morning at 6.

What beautiful scenery I have seen today – mountains, flat land, acres and acres of corn fields.  The farms that appeared on the flat lands in Illinois were like little cities where the clusters of silos rose in the air like skyscrapers dotting the skyline. The rock formations coming into the city of Branson were just spectacular to my eyes.  And maybe the most unusual things I saw today was gasoline for $2.97!!!  What a bargain!

If you don’t know why we came to Branson, it is the National ARMM (Association of Retired Ministers & Missionaries) Retreat.  It’s Archie’s denomination.  It starts tomorrow afternoon and goes through Fri. morning.  Hopefully he will see some clergy folks that he has known from years past.  We are both looking forward to our time here.  We do have lots of free time to do whatever we chose.

I hope to be well rested when I get home next week.  When we leave on Friday we will be coming back through Virginia to visit a friend of mine who has been diagnosed with very serious cancer.  I will see some other friends too while I’m there.

God has really been good to us as we prepared to get on the road to come here and I thank God for that.

Know that I will continue to pray for our church family while I am away.  We are coming up on some very busy times with Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas.  I would ask you to keep Archie and me in your prayers too.

God bless!

PennySignature

PASTOR ON VACATION – PASTOR BECKY COVERING

Pastor Penny will be on vacation, leaving after worship on October 30 and returning the evening of Nov. 6.  During this time, Rev. Becky Broyan will be available if you need pastoral care.  Her home/office number is 520-4195 and her cell number is 332-2421.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-18/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/welcome-to-emmanuel-united-church-of-christ-18/ Operation Shickshinny http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/YlylgL6uOhY/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/operation-shickshinny/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:28:04 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=887 There was a spectacular outpouring of generosity and compassion in response to the Scouts’ appeal for donations for the flood victims of Shickshinny.  There’s so much that we take for granted, like that morning cup of coffee or sleeping comfortably in our bed, choosing just the right outfit for today or relaxing in front of [...]]]> There was a spectacular outpouring of generosity and compassion in response to the Scouts’ appeal for donations for the flood victims of Shickshinny.  There’s so much that we take for granted, like that morning cup of coffee or sleeping comfortably in our bed, choosing just the right outfit for today or relaxing in front of the TV.  All these things and more were lost to the people who live in the flood’s path, but through your donations, many will enjoy that cup of coffee, experience a restful night in a comfortable bed, have an assortment of clothes to choose from, and check out the game or their favorite show on TV.  The people of our communities took the appeal to heart, searched high and low, and donated so much that the entire basement of Emmanuel was filled with furniture, clothing, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, appliances, dishes, glassware, flatware, games, toys, TV’s lamps, videos, books, strollers, stuffed animals, bikes, and all sorts of items.  From the front office reception room, through the nursery, middle room and into the basement kitchen, there was only a path left wide enough to walk through.  When this project started, we expected to have some donations, maybe enough for a couple of pick-up truck loads.  Instead, you donated enough for a couple of tractor-trailers plus a cube (or straight) truck – yes, two trailers and another smaller truck of donations were taken to Shickshinny on the morning of October 8.  Thank you for proving that the spirit of generosity and kindness is alive and well in Mountain Top.

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]]> http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/operation-shickshinny/feed/ 0 http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/operation-shickshinny/ Our Condolences http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmmanuelUnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/bqxlJg0S1mY/ http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/2011/11/02/our-condolences-8/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:27:23 +0000 Emmanuel UCC http://www.emmanuel-ucc.org/?p=885 We offer or sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Cindy Heller and her entire family on the passing of her mother, Joyce Moyer.  Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to Cindy and Brian, her children and grandchildren, her sisters and brothers, and to all touched by Joyce’s spirit.  May God support you through your grief.

We offer or sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Cindy Heller and her entire family on the passing of her mother, Joyce Moyer.  Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to Cindy and Brian, her children and grandchildren, her sisters and brothers, and to all touched by Joyce’s spirit.  May God support you through your grief.

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