St. Matthew’s UCC

A RESERVOIR OF FAITH IN THE SPRINGS

PASTOR

T IMOTHY

DUGAN

CELL PHONE:

570-428-4290

CHURCH PHONE:

717-243-1537

NOVEMBER 2015

Email: stmattsemail@gmail.com Website: www.stmucc.org

From the Pastor…

A Devotional Project by and for St. Matthew’s UCC

Every year I try to think, how do I encourage this church to grow in its faith? How

do I grow in mine? I grow, for example, when I hear or read different perspectives

on matters relating to faith, or the Bible, in particular. Perhaps the same is true for

you as well. I hope so.

What I envision is producing an Advent devotional that will strengthen our faith

walk in a time that has become über-commercialized. It seems to get harder and

harder each year to find time to contemplate the coming Messiah, and what this

amazing gift means for our lives. So, we just have to become more intentional, I

suppose.

Here’s the tricky part; most people assume the clergy have some angle on all mat-

ters relating to faith, particularly the Bible. I won’t argue, our training helps, for

sure; but faith is not something that resides exclusively in religious professionals.

In fact, none of the disciples, not even Jesus himself, was rabbinically trained—as

if that is what makes a person spiritual. God speaks to each one by the Holy Spirit,

and each person has something to say that we can learn from, if we have ears to

hear it.

So, while I will certainly contribute to this devotional, most of it, God willing, will

come from you. You will be able to select a text (just one), write a paragraph

about it after you think and pray about what it means to you (I am delighted to pro-

vide resources and support, too); those paragraphs will be compiled, with Staci and

me acting as co-editors, and made available to our members and friends on the first

Sunday of Advent. (See page 6 for dates and scripture selections.)

In the final analysis, if it helps grow our faith in any way, shape, or form, espe-

cially as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, it will be well worth the effort.

Texts are on a sign-up sheet; articles can be submitted electronically or on paper by

November 23, 2015. Email or give them to Pastor Tim: tpd008@aol.com. If sub-

mitting electronically, write advent devotion in the subject line, please.

All Saints Day ~ November 1

This year, All Saints Day falls on a Sunday. We will gather to hear God’s word of

hope that can lead us to increasing faith in God’s promises. A time for lifting up

all our dearly departed loved ones will distinguish the Service. If you choose not

to name your loved one for whatever reason, but would like me to do so, please

give me the name in writing personally.

God be with you,

Pastor Tim

A RESERVOIR OF FAITH IN THE SPRINGS PAGE 2

Consistory Meeting The Consistory will meet at the church on

Monday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m.

Pastor’s Schedule Note: Special circumstances may alter schedule at any time.

Pastor Tim’s Primary Contact Number: 570-428-4290 (cell)

Monday—Thursday:

Mornings: Appointments, visits, meetings, or open

Afternoons: Office hours, as able, generally 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Evenings: Church activities, meetings, or open

Friday: Off

Saturday: The Sunday sermon

Sunday: Worship services and church activities

Youth Group News

Youth Group Service Project for November: Turkey Bags for Project SHARE

This is actually an all-church event, but the youth are focusing on service this year, so I’m glad they’ll

be part of it. A shopping list of items is provided for your convenience. We will need items to be

here in Fellowship Hall by Wednesday, November 11. In addition to the food items, turkey receipts

can be donated, and we always need paper bags, and two adults to assist in the delivery of the Turkey

Bags. There will be no Youth Group on November 25.

Women’s Guild Women’s Guild will meet at the church on

November 10, at 7:00 p.m.

Bible Studies Both Bible Studies will meet the first three weeks of November. There will be no Bible

Study on November 24 or 26, the week of Thanksgiving.

Senior Group We will be going to the American Music Theater

Christmas Show on December 17.

Annual Congregational Meeting The annual congregational meeting will be Sunday,

November 8, following worship. It is very impor-

tant that we have as many members in attendance

as possible.

Shopping List:

Stuffing mix

Can of sweet potatoes

Instant mashed potatoes

Green beans: 2 cans, low

sodium preferred

Corn

Can of fruit (packed in

juice, not syrup)

Bottle of 100% juice

Brownie mix

Card of thanks or encour-

agement

Frozen turkey or free tur-

key coupon

Turkey gravy

ST . MATTHEW’S UCC PAGE 3

Mission Minded… And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and

with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love

your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:37-39

All Year - We continue our commitment to Project SHARE as the corn church.

All Year - Chapstick is being collected for the children’s section of the Penn State Hershey Hospital.

Please place your donation in the back of the sanctuary.

Turkey Bags for Project SHARE - The Youth Group will head up this endeavor. Please see “Youth

Group News” on the previous page for more details. All donations need to be at the church by

Wednesday, November 11.

No OnWord in November or December

The last Sundays in November and December do not bode well for two services. We’ll look forward

to meeting again for OnWord on the last Sunday of January, the 31st. God strengthen you as you

walk with God through the holidays.

Worship Notes The First Sunday of Advent is November 29 and we will celebrate Holy Communion during the 9:00

a.m. worship service. The Hanging of the Greens will take place the following Sunday, December 6.

Offering Envelopes for 2016

If you do not receive offering envelopes and would like to have them for 2016, please notify Jill

Harmon. Also, if you no longer want to receive a box of offering envelopes for the upcoming year or

want to make a name change (such as adding or deleting a name on the set), please see Jill.

Community Thanksgiving Service St. Matthew’s UCC

November 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Join in a community service of worship with St. Matthias Lutheran and Middlesex United Methodist

congregations on Thanksgiving Eve beginning at 7:00 p.m. Let us raise thanks in one voice as we

praise our God from whom all blessings flow!

Please note: a free-will offering to support Project Share’s mission to feed the hungry in our area will

be collected.

Also, while there will be no Youth Group on November 25 due to the ecumenical service, St. Mat-

thew’s youth who do come will be given a role to serve.

A RESERVOIR OF FAITH IN THE SPRINGS PAGE 4

Letters to the Church...

Soda Tabs and Labels for Education We are still collecting soda tabs and Labels for Education (located on Campbell’s products, among

others). We only need the UPC code with the “Labels for Education” coupon, not the entire label.

The soda tabs are recycled to help Project SHARE and the labels are for Hoffman Homes.

If you no longer wish to receive a printed copy of this newsletter, please notify Staci Davis,

sdavis626@gmail.com.

Giant and Karns Gift Card Fundraiser

Do you shop at Giant or Karns?

Please remember to buy your Giant and Karns gift cards to do your shopping.

They can be used for groceries, prescriptions, and gas; and the church receives

5% of the sales. It may not seem like much, but it really adds up! In the month of

September, we sold $2,650 in gift cards, so the church made $132.50!

Please pick up an order form in the narthex or print one from our website (it’s in

the “Forms” section of the menu bar). Give completed forms and payment to

Joan Hiser or Tammy Snyder. We will continue to have limited supplies of gift

cards on hand in the office.

It was so good to see and visit with everyone at church several weeks

ago and most recently on the 5th anniversary of Floyd’s passing.

-Jennie Weary

Happy Thanksgiving from the Staff of St. Matthew’s UCC! May all of your family time be blessed, and may you reflect back to God a heart filled with

thanks.

God be with you,

Pastor Tim, Staci, and Judy

Upcoming Events: Saturday, December 19—Ringing Bells for the Salvation Army, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 19—Christmas Open House at the Parsonage, 5:30 p.m.-8:00ish

ST . MATTHEW’S UCC PAGE 5

Newsletter/Bulletin Items Please give any information for the news-

letter or bulletin to Staci Davis—phone:

458-4348, email: sdavis626@gmail.com.

Remember those who serve.

Please keep them in your prayers.

PFC Scott Barner, U. S. Army (Young Barner’s son)

1st Lt. Nick McKenzie, U.S. Air Force (Bob and Pam Merwine’s son-in-law,

Kelsie’s husband)

Prayer Concerns

Members

Betty Adams

Maggie Epley

Margie Smith

Richard Kimmel

Friends and Loved Ones

Mary Fertenbaugh , sister of Esta, Pat, Sue, and Betty

Robert Smyser, Danielle Brown’s grandfather

Kathy Evelhoch, friend of Darlene Colonna

Shelby Adams, friend of Sue Holloway

Lucia Boutselis, mother of Barb Grimes

Han Woo Lee, Kim Halko’s friend

Galen Baker, friend of Mary Cay Hess

Terry Punda, friend of Mary Cay Hess

Trey Frey, friend of Mary Cay Hess

Bill Feuchtenberger, friend of Mary Cay Hess

Kevin Reisinger, nephew of Bob and Michelle Sweger

If you would like to add someone to the Prayer Concerns, or if you have submitted someone and feel

that he/she could be removed, please let Staci Davis or Jill Harmon know.

Book Donations If you have books to donate, please

bring them to the bell room. If you

wish to purchase any books, please

leave a donation in the box. Thanks!

A RESERVOIR OF FAITH IN THE SPRINGS PAGE 6

2015 Advent Devotional Selections

Please choose a day and select one of the corresponding texts. You will indicate your choice on the

sign-up sheet in the narthex. Read your selection and, after prayerful consideration, write a paragraph

with your thoughts about it. You may submit your piece electronically to Pastor Tim

(tpd008@aol.com) or in writing. Please make sure to cite the date, your corresponding scripture se-

lection, and your name on your submission. These will be compiled into an Advent Devotional to be

made available on the first Sunday of Advent.

Monday (November 30, 2015): Psalm 90; Numbers 17:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-18

Tuesday (December 1, 2015): 2 Samuel 7:18-29; Revelation 22:12-16

Wednesday (December 2, 2015): Isaiah 1:24-31; Luke 11:29-32

Thursday (December 3, 2015): Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:5-12; Philippians 1:12-18a

Friday (December 4, 2015): Malachi 3:13-18; Philippians 1:18b-26

Saturday (December 5, 2015): Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 9:1-6

Monday (December 7, 2015): Psalm 126; Isaiah 40:1-11; Romans 8:22-25

Tuesday (December 8, 2015): Isaiah 19:18-25; 2 Peter 1:2-15

Wednesday (December 9, 2015): Isaiah 35:3-7; Luke 7:18-30

Thursday (December 10, 2015): Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 6:1-8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Friday (December 11, 2015): Amos 8:4-12; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Saturday (December 12, 2015): Amos 9:8-15; Luke 1:57-66

Monday (December 14, 2015): Isaiah 11:1-9; Numbers 16:1-19; Hebrews 13:7-17

Tuesday (December 15, 2015): Numbers 16:20-35; Acts 28:23-31

Wednesday (December 16, 2015): Micah 4:8-13; Luke 7:31-35

Thursday (December 17, 2015): Psalm 80:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 10:10-18

Friday (December 18, 2015): Isaiah 42:10-18; Hebrews 10:32-39

Saturday (December 19, 2015): Isaiah 66:7-11; Luke 13:31-35

Monday (December 21, 2015): Psalm 113; Isaiah 42:14-21; Luke 1:5-25

Tuesday (December 22, 2015): Luke 1:46b-55; Micah 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:11-22

Wednesday (December 23, 2015): Micah 4:6-8; 2 Peter 1:16-21

ST . MATTHEW’S UCC PAGE 7

A piece of history (submitted by Don and Helen Wagner)...

Head Usher Ushers Acolyte Snow/Mow

Nov. 1 John Suffel John & Shirley Suffel,

Fred & Billie Lauer

Seager Gossert 11/2-11/8

Ed Mittong

Jesse Long

Nov. 8 Tammy

Snyder

Tammy & Bill Snyder,

Ed & Betty Lou

Mittong

Aaron Mumper 11/9-11/15

Bill Snyder

Dick Farber

Nov. 15 Dawn Trout Dawn Trout, Anita

Sheaffer, Esta Brew-

baker, Sue Holloway

Garrett McCor-

mick

11/16-11/22

Jim Hurley

Merle Stickney

Nov. 22 Jesse Long Jesse & Joyce Long,

Randy & Patti Reed

Aidan Dugan 11/23-11/29

Denny & Jill Harmon

Nov. 29 Jim Hurley Jim Hurley, Don Wag-

ner, Bill Chronister,

Dick Farber

Adam Sheaffer 11/30-12/6

Bill Chronister

Bob Merwine

Dec. 6 Bob Merwine Bob & Pam Merwine,

Denny & Jill Harmon

Keara Dugan 12/7-12/13

Ed Mittong

Jesse Long

November Birthdays

1 Craig Metzger

3 Magarron Frey

7 Esta Brewbaker

8 Charlie Sun

8 Jae Sun

9 Chad McGinnis

12 Roxie Lent

14 Jenni Mumper

15 Patrick Garvey

16 Adam Sheaffer

20 Kenneth Holloway

23 Betty Lou Mittong

27 Hannah Aust

November Anniversaries

6 Sandra &Merle Stickney 20 Joanne & Richard Kimmel

A RESERVOIR OF FAITH IN THE SPRINGS PAGE 8