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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

Senior Minister: Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka

Pastor: Linda Springer

Organist: Mary E. Snyder

The Messenger

August 2014

First Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

442 Hummel Ave,

Lemoyne, PA 17043

717-763-4537

www.lemoynedisciples.org

Office Hours:

By Appointment

Inside This Issue

Pastor’s Page 2

Special Events 3

Outreach 4

Announcements 5

Serving Schedule 6

Prayer Request 6

“Grandparents Day” at Knoebels Park Sunday, September 7, 2014 Special Worship at 10:15 a.m. followed by our trip to Knoebel’s

Please save Sunday, September 7 on your calendar! We will once again be celebrating "Grandparents Day" at Knoe-

bels Park. For $11.00 a person we will have a bountiful lunch catered. Ride tickets will also be discounted. Round up children and head to Elysburg with us on that day! Sign-up today at the Welcome Table or by contacting Pastor Linda at (717) 732-0368 or jadacow@aol.com. Special child prices may be available. Payments are due to Linda Springer by Sunday, August 17th! Checks can be made payable to Linda Springer. You are invited to bring your grand-children or pictures of your grandchildren or children special to you to worship with you for a special blessing.

Back-to-School Supply Drive

Before we know it, the time to distribute school supplies will be upon us. This year we are partnering with New Hope Ministries for their back to school event, School Daze Craze, which be held on Wednesday, August 13. Please consider donating some of the following items. Please drop-off at the church by Thursday, August 7!

Suggested items:

(Those with a * are high need!)

#2 Pencils 1 inch Binders* 1 1/2 inch Binders Bookbags/backpacks* Calculators Composition Books Crayons, Erasers Glue Sticks Highlighters Lined Paper, Markers Pencil Sharpener Pens Pocket Folders* Ruler Scissors White Glue Wide Ruled Loose Leaf Paper Wide Ruled Spiral Bound Notebook

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

Pastor’s Page

Regional Update

Pastor Diana

I wanted to share with you two spe-cial statements from the Region of Pennsylvania. Let us continue to keep the Christian Church of Penn-sylvania and Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan,

Jr. and his family in our prayers. Sent on June 29 and July 18, 2014 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsyl-vania finds itself in the midst of transition. We cele-brate that new officers have been elected and in-stalled. We say thank you to those who have served. The Disciples Center for Public Witness has an-nounced that The Reverend Dr. Jack Sullivan has joined their team in order to advocate for fairness in the nation’s public education system. While details of the transition are still being worked out, your board and officers are working closely with the Office of Gen-eral Minister and President and more information will be shared as it becomes available. God’s grace contin-ues to shine brightly upon us and we give thanks for leaders past, leaders present and leaders future. We may be in the midst of a hazy summer and time of transition, but the light and love of Christ shine and rest upon us always. Sent on Friday, July 25, 2014 Last week, we shared that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania finds itself in the midst of transition, and more information will be shared as it becomes available. This week, we can re-port several steps have been taken to care for the min-istry of the regional church: The Reverend Dr. Jack Sullivan has formally com-

pleted his duties as our regional pastor. His transi-tion is complete and both the Regional Executive Committee and the Regional Board have approved a formal agreement that provides care for both Dr. Sullivan and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania.

Regional Leadership is taking first steps to assure that the Regional Minister’s duties and responsi-bilities are properly covered while we begin to dis-cern the shape of our future Regional Ministry. We have been in nearly daily contact with the General Minister and President and have graciously re-

ceived support from the Regional Minister and Staff of the Christian Church in West Vir-ginia. Look for more information on this next week.

Our region stands poised and united as we live into the bright future that God holds for us. Please continue to hold our church in prayer and please continue to let your light shine in the places you live and serve. If you would like to sign-up to receive regular communications from the Christian Church in Pennslyvania, go to http://www.padisciples.org/, click “Get Connected” in the top right-hand corner, and sign-up to re-ceive the Keystone online.

Out of the Blue

Pastor Linda

Summer sometimes brings a summer love. I remember all those loves when I was much younger. Some of those loves remain as friends to this day. I found a new summer love these last few months. It is one I will never forget. Across from my “cottage” on City Island is a lit-tle 5 year old girl by the name of Lily. My pet name is Silly Lily because it makes her smile. Her first 5 years of life have been difficult and dysfunctional but despite it all, she is a nice lit-tle girl. Lily's caregiver for three days a week has his own “cottage” across the walk from mine. I know he and his wife will never let anything bad happen to Lily. They are her surrogate grandparents and friends of her biological grandparents who have full custody of her. They truly love her. Lily and I always greet each other with a hug and say good bye with one. She really needs a lot of hugging and I am more than willing to help her out on that one simple act.

Continue on next page —>

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

Out of the Blue Continued

Lily delights in sneaking up on me and and yelling “boo.” Then she stands there and smiles her innocent little smile. At lunchtime she drags a stool over and we eat lunch together as she chatters on and on. She delights in talking about her chickens and their growth process. I told her I want to help her gather eggs some day. She loves 2 foot long sugar straws. I tell her too much of that sugar will make her fly and she looks at me quizzically. Then I usually see her sliding down the railing across the walk. And then I say to her, “Lily, didn't I tell you that you would fly eating all that sug-ar? You need to be more careful or you will fall and crack open your head and all the jelly beans will fall out.” I am just being silly. She will look at me and tell me she doesn't eat jelly beans and we both stand there and laugh. Ice cream is her favorite treat so she will bring me one too and we have an afternoon snack. One day Lily told her caregiver that she liked her friend. In fact she loved her friend. One more summer love in my life at this late stage. It feels good. God is love and He shares it in so many different ways. Thank you God and please be with Silly Lily. Journeying along filled with God's love, Linda

Popsicles with the Pastor

Wednesdays from 3 – 5 p.m.

As an outreach to the community, Pastor Diana (and anyone else who wishes to join) continues to giving away free popsicles every Wednesday from 3 – 5 p.m. on the steps of the church. So far between 20 - 30 people each week have come to get a popsicle or freeze pop. It has truly been a delight to get to know our neighbors. We are in need of some more popsicles to help us get through the end of August.

Special Events

Regional Women’s Retreat “Bridging the Gap”

The Disciples Women Ministries Cabinet is hosting its annual fall retreat September 26-28, at Hartman Center in Milroy, PA (near State College). The theme is "We are All....Disciples Women -- Bridging the Gap". Featured presenters include Lisa Constantine, Denise Angell, and Wanda McMahon. Registration: $110 for two nights and two meals $55 for Saturday only $58 for child ages 5-12; under 5 free $28 for child Saturday only Registration information is available at the church office or online at www.padisciples.org. Please send your regis-tration form and check to Christian Church in PA, PO Box 90, Greensburg, PA 15601. You must have your registration in by September 3, 2014. Late registration after September 15, 2014 will incur a $10.00 surcharge.

S’moreFest 2nd Saturdays This

Summer Aug. 9 and Sep. 13

6-8 PM Do you want S’mores? Well

it appears that a lot of peo-

ple do! On Saturday, July 12

marked our 2nd S’morefest which included

both church members and many of our neigh-

bors! We had great hamburgers and hot dogs

and delicious s’mores. We are excited to con-

tinue this event in August and September.

Come join us as our church parking lot be-

comes a place for fellowship and free food for

our church and community. This event fea-

tures a “S’more Bar” where people will be in-

vited to make their own s’mores using differ-

ent flavored chocolates, graham crackers, and

marshmallows! Continue on next page —>

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

Announcements

S’moreFest Continued

Each evening will close around a campfire as we sing

songs and give God thanks. Come and enjoy the sum-

mer as we get to know our neighbors! Church mem-

bers are invited to bring side dishes to share. You are

also encouraged to bring a lawn chair to gather

around the camp fire. We are in good shape so far for

s’more offerings and meat. We are in need of condi-

ments and hamburger and hot dog buns. If you

would like to make a donation to help offset costs,

please speak with Diana Onstott.

Backpack Blessing Sunday, August 24 during Worship Back-to-school is an important transition. It is a new year of learn-ing, with new teachers, new friends, even a new school. As recognition of this important time of the year, we will be blessing all our students, teachers, and staff as they begin a new year. So, bring your backpack, bag, lunch box, etc. to worship with you to receive a special blessing for the new school year. Stu-dents, faculty, staff, and everyone involved in educa-tion is invited to participate!

Flower Sign Up

Help us make the church even more beautiful by signing up to donate flowers for Sunday mornings. The cost of flowers

remains $32.00. They are provided by Royer’s. Please contact the church office to reserve the date of your choice or simply sign your name on the flower chart in the back of the Sanctuary.

School for Congregational Leaders Saturday, November 8

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Toftrees Resort in State College, PA

Join with your fellows Disciples from across the PA Region for a special one-day learning event on Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. at Toftrees Resort in State College. The cost of the event is $50 per adult/$15 for youth under 2-18 before October 5. After Octo-ber 6, registration is $60 per adult/$20 per youth. Overnight accommodations will be available for $89.00. More details and registra-tion will follow.

Special Fundraising Task Force

Forming

Each fall we hold a major fundraiser.This year, we will again host a spaghetti dinner and fund-raiser on Saturday, November 15th. We are looking for people who are willing to help us organize and continue to grow this wonderful event. Last year we raised around $1,000 for the church! If you are interested in helping, please contact Diana Onstott at (717) 975-8543 or henstott@comcast.net. A meeting will be held in late August/early Sept.

Income and Expenses Month of June Congregational Offering Received $4,446.59 Trust Funds 3,934.24 Memorials 525.00 Fund raisers 691.45 Misc 876.75 Total $10,474.03

Sermon Schedule

August 3 Matthew 14:13-21 “More” Pastor Diana

August 10 TBA TBA Pastor Linda

August 17 Matthew 15:21-28 “Finding Crumbs” Pastor Diana

August 24 Matthew 16: 13-

20 “Something about that Name” Pastor Diana

August 31 TBA TBA Pastor Linda

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

Outreach Ministries Reaching out...Partnering with others….To serve our community

Grocery store cards!!!!

A quick easy way to support your church! You may place the orders in the offering plate or give to Diana Onstott any Sunday morning.

The church receives $50.00 every time we purchase $1000.00 worth of Grocery cards!

Monthly Giving Basket

As Christians we are called to give, but sometimes we become over-whelmed by how we can make a difference. Yet together we can make a big difference! Each month you will be asked to purchase a specific item which will be donated to a local organization. As we all donate the same items each month, we will experience what a difference we can all make in people’s lives every day. You can bring you items to church through the end of the month and place them in the giving basket.

August’s Donation – Pickles and Olives

It will go to New Hope Ministries, a Christian social service agency which works with individuals and families in crisis.

Take off Pounds Sensibly meets on Wednesday nights!

A walking / beginner exercise group on Friday nights

6:30 - 8:00 pm Check us out! | First Meeting is Free!

Weight loss for real people Tops doesn’t pay celebrities to endorse us, and we

don’t promise quick fixes or promote unrealistic images of the “perfect “ body.

Instead we focus on health.

Mark Your Calendars

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m.

Living Fully, Dying Well – Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sat-

urday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon. [Please note

date change!]

Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Raffle – Saturday, Nov.

15 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Upcoming Meetings

Sunday, August 10 Finance Committee Meeting following worship Monday, August 11 Ministry Planning Team Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, August 17

Elders Meeting at 9 a.m. [Please note date change!]

Board Meeting following Worship

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

Scheduling and Prayers

Serving Schedule August 3 Elder: Bill Davis Diaconate: Kelly Manning, Melissa Ford, Barbara White, Jane Welsh Greeters: Kelly Manning and Loyetta Quinn Communion: Bryan Eldridge with Jane Berzinac Acolyte: Anna Nutter August 10 Elder: Rhoda Aubel Diaconate: Jack Wagner, Bryan Eldridge, Debbie Holler, Ken Holler Greeters: Dottie Michels and Kirsten Sarp Communion: Colleen Flewelling with Jane Berzinac Acolyte: Jade Boltz August 17 Elder: Robin Goudy Diaconate: Diana Onstott, Glenn Haagen, Lois Haagen, Linda Runkle Greeters: Joan Kain and Harold Turner Communion: Jane Berzinac with Lois Haagen Acolyte: Sydney Manning August 24 Elder: Lois Miller Diaconate: Colleen Flewelling, Melissa Ford, Barbara White, Ken Onstott Greeters: Glen and Lois Haagen Communion: Diana Onstott with Barbara White Acolyte: Anna Nutter August 31 Elder: Diana Onstott Diaconate: Glenn Haagen, Lois Haagen, Jane Welsh, Linda Runkle Greeters: Bill and Robin Goudy Communion: Colleen Flewelling with Jane Welsh Acolyte: Jade Boltz

You're invited to a Celebration of the Life of

Hazel Lambert Worship Service Wednesday, August 13 at 11 AM

Country Meadows 4905 East Trindle Rd

Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Building 1

Prayer Requests For Healing: Joan’s two friends - recovery Sharon (D. Onstott) Clyde - chemo Marcelynn S. (L. Runkle) Lynne W. - surgery Mary (M. Snyder) - surgery Tammy Al White Frank Hughes - surgery Larry Leebow (J. Haubert) Bob Miller - broken heel Julie - surgery Don Reese - Alzheimer’s For Joy: Rhoda Aubel Diana and Ken Onstott Jo-Ann Haubert’s grandson Mary Snyder’s great-granddaughter Craig, Bert Levarto’s on. Maury Hundley - 97th birthday! For God’s Guidance Joey Douglas (J. Kain) For Comfort: Jenny (M. Snyder) The Cichy family God’s Love: Anna Root Traveling Mercies: Dottie Michels and family Keith Thankfulness Lois Miller Lynne Weber

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

August 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2

3

Worship at

10:15am

4

5

6

Popsicles w/ the

Pastor 3-5 pm

TOPS Meeting in

Parlor 7:00 pm

7

8 9

SmoreFest 6-8pm

10 Worship at

10:15am

Finance Comm. after worship

11

Ministry

Planning Team

6:30 PM

12

13

Popsicles w/ the

Pastor 3-5 pm

TOPS Meeting in

Parlor 7:00 pm

14

15

16

17

Elder’s Meeting 9:00 AM Worship at 10:15am Board Meeting after Worship

18

19

20

Popsicles w/ the

Pastor 3-5 pm

TOPS Meeting in

Parlor 7:00 pm

21

22 23

24

Worship at

10:15am

25

26

27

Popsicles w/ the

Pastor 3-5 pm

TOPS Meeting in

Parlor 7:00 pm

28 29 30

31

Worship at

10:15am

Pastor Diana away through 8/10

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First Christian Church, Lemoyne

First Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

442 Hummel Ave,

Lemoyne, PA 17043

PH: 717-763-4537

www.lemoynedisciples.org

«AddressBlock»

August 2014

Church on the Farm Sunday, September 14 at 10:30 AM

Manning Farm

Join us on Sunday, September 14 for a special time as a church family: Church on the Farm! On this day, we worship beyond our church building by holding our worship service outdoors. Once again, we will be hosted by the Manning Family. Worship will be at 10:30 a.m. with a picnic lunch to follow. Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share. Ham-burgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided. Please also bring your lawn chairs for seating. You can also bring your swimsuits or lawn games for the afternoon. Please RSVP to the church office or sign up at the welcome table by Sunday, September 7th.

If you would prefer to worship indoors, please feel free to worship with some of our neighbors.

Grace United Methodist worships at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Trinity Lutheran in Lemoyne worships at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Calvary United Methodist worships at 10:15 a.m.

Cornerstone Fellowship worships at 10:30 a.m.