Shenkel United

Church of Christ

SHARINGS AND CONCERNS

September 2011

SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1580 Shenkel Road

Pottstown PA 19465

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Shenkel United Church of Christ’s “The NEWSLETTER” is a monthly publication prepared, edited, and mailed by the leadership and staff to all members and friends of the church. It communicates news about our life, purpose, and mission as a Church of Jesus Christ. Information related to our partnership as a member of the United Church of Christ and wider church/community out-reach is included on a regular basis. The Church is located at Unionville & Shenkel Roads in North Coventry Township.

September 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Community Lunch Bunch 11:30 AM

2 3

4

Community Wor-ship 10 AM Last outdoor service

5 6

Quilters 9:30 AM

7

Agape 7 PM

8

7-8:30 PM

9 10

11 Rally Day

Pancake Breakfast 9 AM Sunday School be-gins today. One service only at 10:45 AM with Communion & Healing Prayers

12 13

Spiritual Council 7 PM

Consistory 7:30 PM

14 15

Choir Practice 7-8:30 PM

16 17

18 Youth

Group Kickoff immediately fol-lowing 10:45 wor-ship

Duo Piano/4 Hands Concert at 3 PM

19 20

Quilters 9:30 AM Young at Heart-Supper Club 5:30 PM

21

Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:30 AM

22

Healing Prayers 9:15 AM

Card Making Class 10 AM

Choir Practice 7-8:30 PM

23 24

25

Peace Service 7 PM

26

Community Meal at noon

27

Music & Wor-ship Meeting 7 PM

28 29

Choir Practice 7-8:30 PM

30

1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown PA 19465 610.326.3535

Email: shenkelucc@aol.com www.shenkelucc.org

PAGE 3

The Pastor’s Pen Pastor Bonnie L. Moore

484.524.8280

Office Hours:

Tues., Wed., Thurs

CONSISTORY

OFFICERS

President

Kimberly Yocom

Vice President

Glen Hoff

Secretary

Sandy Rowe

Treasurer

Ken Bevan

Financial Secretary

Barry Miller

Assistant Financial

Secretaries

Doug Allen and

Lori Scharneck

Director of

Music Ministry

Joan Valentine Johnson

Elders

Glen Hoff

Carol Lykens

Connie Armbruster

Sandy Rowe

Wayne Klein

Deacons

Barbara Burhans

Barry Miller

Mark Dushanko

Kim Yocom

James White Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley

“Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples…”

-Acts 9:1

“A woman stops a man walking down the street and says, „Henry! I am so

happy to see you after all these years! My, how you have changed! I re-

member you as being tall, and you seem so much shorter now! You used to

have such a pale complexion, and it is really so ruddy now! And I bet you

have lost fifty pounds! How you have changed in five years!‟

Finally, the man got a chance to interject: „But my name isn‟t Henry!‟

To which the persistent woman calmly responded, „Oh, so you changed

your name, too!‟”¹

Have you ever been so convinced that you were right about something you weren’t able to

imagine that anything else was possible – even when the evidence was in plain sight?

It’s good and it’s important to have strong convictions, but it is equally important to hold

onto those beliefs with humility. This is especially true when it comes to our faith – unless,

of course, you want to be like the Saul of Tarsus whom it took being knocked to the ground

and blinded for three days (see Acts 9:1-19 for the whole story) before he could understand

that we all have new things to learn – all the time!

As we begin a new program year at Shenkel, there are many exciting new things that are

happening in our midst. If you read through this newsletter carefully, you’ll get a taste of

some of what will be happening this year. And of course, one of the best ways to stretch

and grow in your faith is to participate in the many opportunities being offered. There is a

place for everyone to share personal experiences and perspectives as well as to gain new

insights from others’ viewpoints. Come and join us! Our learning community will be that

much richer if you’re here!

Be God’s.

Pastor Bonnie

____________________ ¹Wicks, Robert J. Seeds of Sensitivity. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 1995. p. 17.

PAGE 4 SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

SUNDAY

One Service Only

9/4

Community Service

In the Grove

Bob and Barbara

Brown

Bob and Barbara

Brown

None needed

None needed

9/11

One Service only

10:45

Communion Sunday

Ruth Klein

Ron and Carol

Pearson

None needed

Consistory Members*

9/18

Barry and Kim

(Yocom) Peterman

Sponsor needed

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Bob Brown

Early: Bill & Carolyn

Baseley

Late: Ed & Faye

Pedrick

9/25

Carol Pearson

& Family

Carol Pearson

& Family

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Lisa Yocom

Early: Ron & Carol

Pearson

Late: The Dushanko

Family

* Communion Leaders will recruit members to assist in serving communion.

“Flours” is a collection of pantry items or a monetary donation of your discretion to the Cluster. If a cash do-nation to the Cluster is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Altar flowers are $30.00 and bul-letin dedications are $6.50. Food Sculptures are also gladly accepted. The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedi-cation during this and the upcoming months. Please complete one of the special flower/bulletin envelopes below the sign-up chart, enclose your payment, and either put it in the collection plate or in the Secretary’s box by the office door. You should sign your name on the chart in the narthex by the appropriate date after you have completed your envelope.

Shenkel UCC celebrates the sacrament of

Holy Communion at both services on the first

Sunday of each month. For the month of Sep-

tember only, communion will be moved to

September 11th. Each time communion is

served, some of the bread and non-alcoholic

wine that has been consecrated at the altar

will be saved in a traveling communion kit,

ready to go to the homes or hospital rooms of

members who were unable to be present, and would like to

receive the sacrament. Please let Pastor Bonnie know if

you, or someone you know, would appreciate ―distance-

communing‖ with their Shenkel Church family!

COMMUNION AT SHENKEL….

Healing Prayers We have healing prayers during the worship ser-

vice on the second Sunday of each month. It is

our hope that you will use this opportunity to par-

ticipate. During the collection of the offering, any-

one who desires prayer for themselves or on be-

half of another is invited to come to the front of the church,

where a prayer team will join you for prayer. A prayer team will

also be available in the grove at the conclusion of the service.

Healing prayers are also offered the third Thursday of every

month at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Anyone in need of prayers for themselves ,or on behalf of another, is welcome !

FOR YOUR INFORMATION….

SHENKEL QUILTERS

The Shenkel Quilters schedule for Sep-

tember is as follows: We will meet on

Tuesday(s) the 6th and 20th in the

Church Social Hall at 9:30 a.m. We are

always interested in new members who

would like to learn the art of quilting. No

experience is needed and you don't have

to be a member of Shenkel UCC. We are a very friendly,

helpful little group of special ladies! For questions, please

contact Margie Allen 610-326-1519

PAGE 5

Peace Services

Our monthly Peace Service will be held

on Sunday, September 25 (the fourth

Sunday of the month) at 7:00 p.m.

If you’ve never attended this contem-

plative service of worship, plan to take

a break from your busy schedule and

join us over the summer. There is plenty of time for quiet

meditation and prayer; the repetitive Taizé style chants and

candle help create a peaceful and reflective setting for wor-

ship.

COMMUNITY WORSHIP

On Sunday, September 4, Shenkel will

be hosting a Community Worship Service

in our Grove. We will be joined by mem-

bers of 6 other area churches, so it's a

great Sunday to invite your friends and

neighbors to worship with you! Don't for-

get your lawn chairs, and please consider carpooling (or park-

ing at the parsonage) so there are plenty of parking spaces

for our guests.

A special offering will be taken during that service to fill the

gap created by the loss of funding for direct client services

at the Pottstown Cluster. Please make checks for this special

offering payable to the Pottstown Cluster.

Communion for September will be moved to the 11th.

Pottstown Cluster of

Religious Communities

2nd Annual Cluster Weekend Banquet Sunday, October 9, 2011 - 6 to 8 PM

Please join us for an entertainment filled evening at

the Sunnybrook Ballroom, honoring the achievements

that the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities

has accomplished over the past year and to support

their annual fundraising appeal.

The Program will feature the children's choir,

"Voices of Hope," and an adult choir formed from area

churches, directed by Teri Hoffman and accompanied

by Dr. Myra Forrest. Tickets are $25.00 and include

dinner & entertainment. For tickets or for more infor-

mation, please call Carol Stubbe at 610-326-5301.

Looking for a unique investment opportunity? UCC Cornerstone Fund investors have always enjoyed earning good rates. Now they can earn a bo-

nus of 1.5% with the new Church Builder Bonus program by investing a minimum of $10,000 in a

five-year investment, designating a “give-back” gift of at least 10% to any UCC ministry or organiza-

tion, and enjoying the bonus for the entire five-year investment term.

Cornerstone Fund investments help build the UCC by ensuring that funds are available for loans to

UCC churches seeking to improve their facilities and strengthen their ministries. But the Church Builder Bonus en-

ables investors help build their own favorite UCC organization (think Shenkel UCC! ☺) by naming that ministry as

the recipient of their 10% gift. Investors may choose to allocate their tax deductable 10% “give-back” contribution to

their local church, to a capital campaign (think Shenkel’s Stained Glass Windows Restoration Project! ☺), to a fa-

vorite national program, or to any UCC-affiliated ministry or institution.

For additional information about the UCC’s Church Builder Bonus program, check out their website, cornerstone-

fund.org, or contact the Cornerstone Fund at 888-822-3863 or by email to info@cornerstonefund.org.

The Shenkel Youth Group will start the year with a Kick-off Event on Sunday, September 18 immediately following worship. Parents are invited to stay for the first portion. Please bring your lunch, your calendars for the year, and your ideas for youth this year!

PAGE 6

June Consistory Highlights

Received a thank-you from Lancaster Theological Seminary for our contribution to

their Annual Fund

Approved the continued use of the church facilities by the Home School Co-op

Accepted with regret Sheree Scheler’s resignation as chair of the Service Committee

Decided to postpone September’s communion to September 11, as we will be hosting an inter-faith service

of worship on September 4

Decided to recruit a committee, rather than a single person, to share the responsibility of Cemetery Superin-

tendent

Learned that the repairs of the downstairs bathroom are underway

Learned that Glen Hoff and Barry Miller have agreed to serve on a task force to review the proposals for the

stained-glass window restoration and make a proposal for funding – still need one additional person!

Learned that we collected $401.01 for the Church Change offering

August Consistory Highlights (Note – there was no July Consistory meeting.)

Received a thank you from Bethany Children’s Home for our financial support of their ministry

Approved a position description for a part-time Director of Youth Ministry, and approved Ariel Royer for the

position

Learned that the downstairs bathrooms have been renovated, railings installed at the chancel stairs, and the

inside sound system upgrade is to be completed in late August.

Discussed possible funding options for the cost of the stained glass window repairs which will begin this fall.

Approved the replacement of the carpeting in the Agape Room and the hallway outside it.

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….

SAVE-A-TAPE PROGRAM EASY MONEY…. Just ask for a Save-A-Tape card at

the customer service spot at your local Redner’s store,

show your card at the register when you check out, then

bring your register tapes to church and deposit them in

the box in the Narthex. These tapes are collected routinely, presented to

the store, and Redner’s donates a percentage of your total purchase to

the church. Be careful to bring your tapes in regularly instead of saving

them at home, as they do expire if not redeemed within a certain time pe-

riod. Also, please return the entire register tape. Redner’s will not accept

any register receipt that has any part of it removed.

In August, the church received a check from Redner’s Warehouse Markets

in the amount of $205.73! Keep up the good work!

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR THE

BULLETIN OR THE NEWSLETTER?

Just a reminder that all bulletin announce-

ments should be at the church office by

each Tuesday at noon to be included in

that week’s bulletin. Newsletter articles

must be submitted by the 15th of each

month to be included in the next issue.

Thank you.

as of July 31, 2011

YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M

Actual 79,009.85 6,386.50

Budget 88,803.47 5,500.00

Difference (9,793.62) 886.50

Please see page 13 for complete information on the submission of nominees for vacant elected offices for the coming year. In 2012, we will need to elect 2 deacons , 3 elders, and possibly one member for the Board of Christian Educa-

tion. Please give careful consideration as to the qualifica-tions and responsibilities of the nominees for each respec-tive office.

SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….

REMEMBER TOO…. The Pottstown Cluster Food

Bank collection at Shenkel is

the 1st Sunday of each month.

Please place your items in the

large plastic bins in the narthex.

AND...Please bring in your used cell phones and

empty ink cartridges and place them in the box

across from the nursery, or in the box located on

the coat rack shelf across from the office.

These cartridges are re-cycled to

Staples, and the church receives

credits toward the purchase of office

supplies.

The used cell phones are

given to the police department to be

distributed to abused women.

Pottstown Cluster News The Pottstown Cluster opened for service at their new location at 57 Franklin Street on Tuesday, July 5th and the new grocery store and clothing shop ar-eas are working well. The Cluster welcomes all cash and food donations between the hours of 8:30 am to 12:00 pm on Monday through Friday. Please come to the back door off the alley. Parking spaces at the

rear of the building are reserved for people dropping off donations.

Clothing/Housewares now includes personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and paper products. We are in dire need of these items.

Personal hygiene items – shampoo/cream rinse; toothpaste; soap or body wash; deodorants; combs etc.

Cleaning products – clothes detergent; dish de-tergent; multipurpose cleaner (spic-span); toilet cleaners etc.

Paper products – toilet paper, paper towels, tis-sues etc.

Pantry – canned soups and stews; canned pasta, dry pasta; canned meat or fish (tuna, spam, chicken); peanut butter and jelly; canned fruit; canned vegetables; boxed potatoes; boxed meat helpers; sliced white bread; oatmeal; spaghetti sauce; canned toma-toes; cat food; diet foods of any kind; dry milk; cake mix; pancake mix and syrup; ketchup/mustard; refrigerator items-milk, yogurt, eggs, but-ter etc.

As always, the Cluster thanks you for your support and generosity!

During the month of Septem-

ber, we will be receiving offer-

ings to benefit the Blanket

mission sponsored by the

Church World Service. Over

8,000 congregations and groups around the

U.S. hold Blanket events, providing much

needed help to people in some 80 nations

around the world, including the United States.

Please be as generous

as you can.

Thank you.

PAGE 7

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED INGATHERING

As in the past, new articles collected will be given to eleven local agencies in the Pottstown

area on October 3, 2011. Some of the nursing homes need craft items such as construction pa-

per, markers, glue sticks, paint brushes, quilting fabric, beads and jumbo puzzles. Also

needed are toiletries as toothpaste, tooth brushes, lotion (no perfume), shampoo, body wash

and conditioner.

Other items as sweat shirts, and pants, underwear, socks, gloves, wheel chair and walker bags

are always needed and appreciated.

Items will be collected in September.

AFRICAN DROUGHT RELIEF

We are accepting offerings for a special collection for

the more than 10 million people in East Africa that are

experiencing famine as a result of the worst drought

since 1995. If you would like to contribute, please make

your checks payable to Shenkel UCC and note in the

memo line ―African Drought.‖ Thank you.

BULLETIN BOARD….

THE COMMUNITY LUNCH BUNCH

is sponsoring a bus trip to Sight and Sound on Thursday,

December 1st to see the acclaimed “Miracle of Christmas.”

The special price of the trip is $80 which includes transpor-

tation and dinner at Shady Maple. This reduced cost is made

possible courtesy of the Klein Bus Company and some

money from the CLB treasury. The bus leaves Shenkel at

11:15 AM, the show is at 1 PM and dinner is at 4:30 PM.

Anyone can go, not just Shenkel members or CLB members.

We need 45 people to sign up to confirm our seats. Payment

is due by October 6th and checks should be made out to Sam

Armburster. See the flyer in the social hall and sign up now.

You will be so glad you did!

CARD MAKING CLASS

The card making class will continue to

meet on the third Thursday of each

month at 10 AM. The cost of the class

is $8.00 which will provide each of

us with three beautiful cards. To insure

there will be enough materials prepared

for everyone, please call Ann Baccari at 610-323-5525,

or Connie Armbruster at 610-326-6516 if you plan to

attend.

Hope to see you on September 15th!

PAGE 8

Young at Heart

Supper Club

There’s still room for you! Shen-

kel's Young at Heart Supper Club

meets on the third Tuesday of each

month at 5:30 pm. The September meeting date is Septem-

ber 20th.

Here's the way it works -- you submit, to the church office,

your name (or names if you'd like to be assigned with a part-

ner or spouse) AND the name of at least one restaurant you'd

enjoy dining at. The names and restaurant names are placed

in a box. On the Sunday before the third Tuesday, 5-7 names

will be drawn randomly, along with a restaurant name, and

posted in the narthex. Everyone who does not put a check

next to their name on that Sunday (indicating that they have

seen the assignment) will receive a phone call informing

them of the others in their group, and the name of the restau-

rant their group will be dining at. Everyone is responsible

for their own transportation to and from the restaurant (feel

free to arrange a carpool with someone else in your group!)

and for the cost of their own dinner.

ALL submitted names will be included in a group, and all

names will go back in the box and be re-shuffled and re-

assigned each month. New folks can join the “club” at any

time; if you have submitted your name as a “member” of the

“club,” please let the church office know if you will not be

available on any given month.

The Young at Heart Supper Club is open to young-at-heart

adults of any age who enjoy eating out and would like to get

to know other Shenkel members a little better! Join us!

THANK YOU, RECYCLERS!

In August, we received $31.20 for alu-

minum cans collected here at church. Keep up

the good work!

COMMUNITY LUNCH BUNCH

IS BACK! Thursday, September 1st at 11:30 AM

Come one, come all….

FOR: Lunch*, fun and fellowship and a special program.

At our first event for this season, we will be entertained by

the Reading Choral Group. This promises to be

a very special experience.

*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00

to cover the cost of the lunch. Please sign up on

the sheet in the narthex or call the Shenkel UCC

church office at 610-326-3535 by the Monday

prior to the program to reserve your spot. For more infor-

mation, call Ruth Klein at 610-326-4520.

Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on

Tuesday, September 20th at 7 PM , and

on Wednesday, September 21st at 9:30

AM. Anyone who likes to knit or crochet

is encouraged to come. We are always

looking for new members to help with

this wonderful ministry. You don’t have

to be especially experienced, just motivated. If you have

any questions, please contact June Hartung at 610-323-

5617.

PAGE 9

STEWARD’S CORNER

Hello again! It’s been a while since I

wrote an article for the newsletter. I do

have some questions that I pondered in

my free time this summer…

Like…who is this General Synod? And

what rank of the military does he serve in? How come

some of our members go to visit him every two years?

Well, lucky me, I was able to “hitch a ride” to visit General

Synod this year. What an adventure!

I found out General Synod was meeting in a huge conven-

tion center in Tampa, Florida. And then I heard that over

3,000 people were coming to see the General! From all

over the country!

So here I am, a little church mouse, looking all over for this

guy – the general. There were signs all over the place that

read,“Imagine What’s Possible.” Well, let me tell you….I

never imagined that the General wasn’t even a person! It

was a TITLE used to bring people together from their UCC

churches to share in the programs and projects that they

all believe in. People cooperating and serving their

churches, and so proud to be part of the United Church of

Christ. It was like the People were the General’s Army… so

proud, so faithful, working together, worshipping together.

Who could have imagined this was possible? I found out

IT IS!!!

Steward, a soldier in

the General’s army

NIGHT OF MISSIONS

David and Georgann Zvodar of Parkerford Breth-

ren Church will present their mission experiences

in Cambodia dealing with genocide and helping

young women who are exploited. The event, spon-

sored by Pottstown Church Women United, will be

held on Tuesday evening, September 13, 2011 at

6:30 pm at The Salvation Army Citadel, 137 King

Street, Pottstown. All are welcome! Come and

learn about Cambodia!

Welcome New Members!

On Sunday, July 17th, we welcomed

three new members to our congrega-

tion. Please introduce yourselves, wel-

come, and hold Wendy Ambrose, Rick

Brewer, and Ruth Brewer in your

prayers as they continue their faith

journeys as members of Shenkel

UCC.

Wendy Ambrose was originally from Pottstown, but

moved away many years ago. When she moved back

recently, she first visited Shenkel because her mother

and stepfather, Judy and Steven Comishock, are mem-

bers here. After visiting several churches in the area, she

decided to make Shenkel her church home. Wendy

works as an office coordinator at Tri Star Metals in Limer-

ick. She is blessed with three daughters; one age 28 with

a 2 year old grandson who lives in Florida, one 25 who

lives in California, and a 19 year old college student in

Florida. Wendy is a member of the Young at Heart Sup-

per Club and is enjoying meeting and making new friends

here at church.

Ruth Brewer and son, Rick Brewer are familiar faces

here at Shenkel. They have been attending worship and

participating in church activities at Shenkel for several

years. We are so happy that they are now officially part of

the Shenkel family. Ruth has two other sons in addition

to Rick; Tim and Jeff. She enjoys knitting as a hobby.

Rick has a love for sports and enjoys collecting baseball

cards.

STAINED GLASS WINDOW RESTORATION PROJECT

Consistory has approved a proposal for the

restoration of our stained glass windows.

The total cost of the project will be $62,275.

Consistory has found funds through dona-

tions as well as memorial funds to cover the

first installment of the project, which is set to begin in Sep-

tember. This amount is $15,568.75. Another 25%

($15,568.75) will be due after the first six windows are in-

stalled. We will have one year to pay off the final amount

of the project which will amount to $31,137.50. Any ideas

to raise money for the project and/or donations directly to

the project are greatly appreciated. Please speak with Kim

Yocom about your fundraising ideas. And be sure to iden-

tify any donations to the church for this project as

“Window Restoration Project” in the memo line of the

check. Thank you.

Greetings!

My name is Sue Fritz and I will be serving as your

Student Seminarian, beginning in September 2011.

Thank you for affording me this wonderful opportu-

nity to participate in the life of your church and

ministries during the coming year. I’m looking for-

ward to working closely with Pastor Bonnie and

with all the members of this congregation. I wel-

come your feedback and suggestions.

Since 2002, I have resided in Gibraltar, PA with my husband, Sterling,

and my two cats, Sammie and Maxxie. I am currently a member of St.

John’s UCC in Gibraltar, PA. This fall, I will be completing my final

year as a full-time Master’s of Divinity seminarian at Lancaster Theo-

logical Seminary. This summer, I was enrolled in the Clinical Pastoral

Education (CPE) training program at the Reading Hospital. Prior to

seminary, I worked in the Accounting and Human Resource profes-

sions.

I look forward to being an active participant in your church family dur-

ing this coming year and I look forward to meeting you!

Blessings,

Sue

Greetings!

As we look to the start of the school year, many of us prepare in tangible ways: buy-

ing & sharpening our new pencils, labeling notebooks, making sure we have covered all of

the necessary items on our checklist for a successful school year. The members of the

Shenkel youth group have also started planning for the coming 9 months and have asked

me to be the Director of Youth Ministry to get things rolling! I am honored & delighted to

step into this role – even more so after I had the opportunity to meet & talk with some youth

members and adults recently.

I come to this position with a passion for youth ministry. I grew up as the daughter of two very capable

youth leaders (my parents are Rev. Homer & Susan Royer). I was empowered through my own youth group to be a

leader in the church and community. I credit my years in youth group for my organizational, leadership, & people

skills. I have taken those tools with me into my post-youth group life, especially in my travels of studying abroad in

high school & college. As a Culture & Communication major in college, with a concentration in the Middle East, I

studied cultural and cross-religious dialogue. Youth group also ignited my passions for social justice, environ-

mental conservation, & music.

As a ―pk‖ (pastor’s kid), I have grown up in the church & am active in the national setting of the United

Church of Christ as a member of the Wider Church Ministries board of directors. As a board, we oversee the UCC’s

global and domestic mission efforts, another area of the Church that I am particularly passionate about. Serving

on this board is another bridge I can help to build between the youth and the wider United Church of Christ.

I am excited to start working with the members in Shenkel’s youth group – I believe we will be able to

match our strengths, interests, & experiences extraordinary well. Furthermore, I am eager to be acquainted with

more of you! So please introduce yourselves- I look forward to meeting you!

With gratitude & anticipation,

Ariel Royer

PAAGE 10 Welcome to Shenkel UCC

MORE NEW FACES….

On this page, you will find letters of introduction from two new peo-ple that will be joining Shenkel’s staff this Fall! Please welcome Ariel Royer (Betty and Forrest Kreiger’s grand-daughter), who will be serving as our part-time Direc-tor of Youth Ministry through May of 2012, and Sue Fritz, who will be serving as our Seminary Intern this year as she completes her final year of seminary and prepares for ordained ministry.

Both of these women will be bring-ing energy and creativity into our community of faith. Please wel-come them – and maybe even in-vite them for dinner one evening! We are blessed to have Ariel and Sue joining us this fall!

PAGE 11

Welcome back to our wonderful musicians here at Shenkel. Last May during the Music

Sunday service, we told the congregation that over 70 people participated in some form

or another with our music program. Our goal this year is 100…so come one, come all to

help Shenkel’s music ministry continue to grow and flourish.

Thank you to the church for sending Doug and me to a wonderful music workshop in

Lititz PA in July. We sang church music with over 200 church musicians and heard glori-

ous music…some of which you’ll hear this fall and into Christmas. Please be sure to pro-

vide us feedback on the selections this fall…good or bad. We want to hear what you like.

Our Labor Day weekend combined church service in the Grove will include music from all the various churches and

a combined choir anthem. Anyone who would like to sing with this combined choir should come to the Sing

Through on August 28 to practice with us. We welcome anyone who wants to participate. On Sunday September

4, we will again practice the anthem with all the choirs at 9:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. The service is at 10:00 AM

that day.

We are very happy to announce that Lori Scharneck will be directing the Chime Choir this year, with the help of Fay

Pedrick. We are very thankful Lori is willing to tackle this position, and we can’t wait for her to get started with the

group. Currently, the plan is to start Chime Choir practice on Sunday September 18th at 8:30 AM.

Rally Day Sunday is September 11. It is a special day in many ways…and the Chancel Choir will sing a special an-

them to help dedicate the new sound system in the sanctuary.

Celebration Choir, grades 3-7…will begin their practice on September 18th immediately following the 10:45 AM ser-

vice. Youth Choir, grades 7-12 will meet at 6:00 PM on the same Sunday night as The Peace Service…4th Sunday

of the month. There is some special music for you planned for Hanging of the Greens and Christmas.

Special thank you to Ron Lloyd who graciously donated a beautiful set of Conga and Bongo Drums to the church.

We were just about to purchase the same items, when Ron came to the rescue. Thank you, Ron.

Joan Johnson

SAVE THE DATE: on Sunday, September 18th at

3:00 PM, a special Two Piano…Eight Hand concert will be performed here at

Shenkel. Last year’s concert was a big

hit…don’t miss it this year. Performers

are: John Bednar, Joan John-

son, Bruce Tonkin and Robin Ward. Re-

freshments will be served and a good will of-

fering will benefit the Somali Food Relief

efforts.

Hurray!

Collin Gray’s long-awaited CD, “Reflection,” is here at last! If you pre-ordered/prepaid one, please stop by the church office to pick up your copy. We have lots more to sell and they make great gifts. The price of the CD is $15 and worth every penny! Please contact the church office to make your purchase. Congratulations, Collin, on

this wonderful creative achievement!

Fellowship Committee

The Fellowship Committee has decided not to hold the Fall Festival this year. The committee felt it was a lot of work and last year we did not make a lot of money for the Church. Instead, we are looking to have a Barbecue Chicken dinner at the pavilion to be held as a fundraiser. More infor-mation will be forthcoming so check your weekly e-newsletter and the bulletin.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those people that helped with the fellowship time refresh-ments this summer: Barb Burhans, Connie Armbruster, Pastor Bonnie with the open house, the Foss/Hauze family, Bob & Barbara Brown, the Dushanko family, Sonya Ewert, Claire Faust, Ann Baccari, Carol Stubbe and Dave Derman. Everyone did an outstanding job each week. For the Com-munity Service on September 4, 2011, our church is respon-sible for drinks only and there are several people signed up for that already.

We are also thinking of having an “Italian Night” again, but a date has not been set for that event. If anyone one has an idea for a Fellowship Night, please let Tootie or Louise Hine or anyone else on the committee know.

Tootie Hine

Fellowship Committee Chair

PAGE 12

SHENKEL ADULT CLASS

Sept. 11 –PANCAKE BREAKFAST (No classes)

Sept.18 – IMAGINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE – Pastor Bonnie

Sept. 25 – GOD’S SIGHTINGS & GLIMPES OF GRACE – Louise Jones

Oct. 2 – STEP INTO GENERAL SYNOD - Forrest & Betty Kreiger

Oct 9. – TO BE ANNOUNCED

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

And plan to join us on

Sundays, October 16, 23, 30 and November 6

as we explore the basic tenets of Islam – the world’s fastest growing religion, and a faith that is often misunder-

stood. What do Muslims believe and practice? Who is Muhammad? How is the Qur’an similar to/different from

the Bible? What is the connection between Islam and terrorism? How should Christians relate to Muslims? Dis-

cover the answers to these questions plus, bring your own questions for some in-depth, thought-provoking, and

respectful discussion about who Muslims are and what they believe.

Instructor Rebecca H. Kolowe is a Diaconal Minister in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) with a Master’s Degree

in Islamic Studies from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She has travelled and lived extensively in African

parts of the Muslim world. Her experiences with Muslim girls as an educator in Cameroon, West Africa,

and as an American living in the Muslin world on September 11, 2001, have shaped her interest in edu-

cating Christians about Islam.

SHE HAS WONDERFUL TEACHING SKILLS AND IS VERY INFORMATIVE IN A “USER-FRIENDLY WAY”.

FAITH & EDUCATION

Come join us for our annual Pancake Breakfast and Sunday School Rally Day Kick-Off event on September 11th, 2011. Breakfast will be served at 9 AM. Come share in the great food and good chatting with friends...and learn about all the exciting plans we have for the Shenkel children in the coming year!

We are in need of about five men to help cook pancakes for the Pan-cake Breakfast on Sun-day, September 11. If you are willing to give about two hours of time,

please call Andrew Foss at (610) 741-6949 or e-mail pover@comcast.net and he will go over the details with you. Electric grid-dles are also needed and would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Worship and Retreat Opportunities for Spiritual Seekers

September 27 and 29 at 11 AM: Ven-tures Retreat, The Power of Touch at Mensch Mill. This gathering provides three exciting days of fun, learning and fellowship

for mature adults focused on ways “touch” brings life. Ac-tivities include bread making, drama, painting, earth an-gels, printmaking, and worship. Register online by Sep-tember 21st at menschmill.org or psec.org.

What's that you said?

REMINDER! A wireless listening

assist system has been installed in our

sanctuary that allows folks to use ear-

buds or headphones and individually

control the volume of Sunday morning’s wor-

ship. Four units are available in the narthex on a

first come – first served basis at all services of wor-

ship. Please feel free to use these devices.

PAGE 13

OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….

09/03 Caleb Haslett

09/04 JOHN SKULSKI

09/05 Mark Dushanko

09/05 CLAY ZACHESKY

09/08 GLEN BRADLEY

09/09 Sherri Mocarski

09/09 KERRY HUZZARD

09/10 PEG MOSER

09/10 Lauren Flaxenburg

09/11 Michael Iezzi

09/11 Collin Gray

09/12 Jaden Viti

09/13 SAM ARMBRUSTER

09/13 MEREDITH HAMPTON

09/15 DAWN YANNICK

09/16 CONNIE ARMBRUSTER

09/16 RICHARD HEIMBACH

09/18 DYLAN YANNICK

09/19 JUDY COMISHOCK

09/19 JOELLE PERELLI

09/19 Lucas DeVito

09/20 HEATHER BURHANS

09/20 Violet Jackson

09/21 Chris Gray

09/23 Alyson Painter

09/23 Taylor Murphy

09/23 Tesia Craner

09/24 Ronald Pearson

09/24 ANGELA REID QUASHIGAH

09/25 MATTHEW ELLIS

09/25 MADISON MILLER

09/26 JAMES SABO

09/28 Jason Durham

09/30 Richard Scheler

09/30 Paula Terrell

PAGE 14

Shenkel will be praying for these randomly se-

lected members and friends of our congregation

during the month of September:

9/4 Judith and Joe Gergle

Marissa Matthews

Josh Palubinsky

Cole Bevan

Charlene Logan

9/11 Jennifer and Jeffrey Dyott Elaine and Jim Bevan

Collin Gray

Helen, Stephen and Kamryn Wanner Bette Burkhardt 9/18 Jenny Scheler Tammy, Jeff and Ethan Graef Kelly Martin

Allison Levengood

Matthew Scharneck

9/25 Margie and Doug Allen

Jean Munion

Kathy and Ron Lloyd

Americ, Kevin, Max, Myles and Maggie McCullagh

To My Dear Shenkel Family,

My heartfelt thanks for your prayers, your visits, your calls and your cheery and prayerful cards. Above all, thank you for love! XO! Please continue prayers for the heart doctors who are caring for me that they will be able to find some good results from their hard work.

In God’s Love which passes all understanding, Carol Lykens

VALLEY FORGE CHORUS presents

“SATURDAY EVENING SERENDADE” A ―LIVE‖ Radio Dinner Show (including 4 –course meal —

BYOB.)

Travel back in time for a nostalgic musical Who-Dunit.

Saturday, October 15 at 6 PM

Teamsters Hall Local 384, 2910 Hannah Ave.

East Norriton, PA

For tickets and information visit :

www.valleyforgechorus.com