The Good Newsletter 1

The Good Newsletter St. Thomas United Church of Christ

Volume MMXVI, Issue 2 February 2016

2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The 2015 financial statements will be available for you to pick up starting Sunday, February 7. See Brenda Miller before or after worship. You may stop by the church office Monday thru Thursday from 9 to 1 to pick them up also.

Dear Church Family and Friends,

It seems we just celebrated Christmas, doesn’t it? While Christmas is a stationary date on the calendar, Easter is not, depending on the calendar. Easter may occur any date between March 22nd and April 25th. This year, Easter is early – March 27th. Lent begins in two weeks!

As we have just experienced a major snowfall in this new year, and may have used our muscles to shovel mounds of snow from our walks and driveways, the season of Lent offers a range of ways in which we can use our spiritual muscles. Lent may be seen as a time of letting go, of abstaining from something, or a time of sadness as we contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus. Lent may also be a season of renewal, of coming to know God more deeply and intimately and of growing our faith together with others.

Within the parameters of our shared ministry covenant, this Lenten season, we will have opportunities for personal spiritual growth with our two bible studies. One at Trinity on Mondays at noon, where we will journey through Lenten devotionals; one at St. Thomas on Mondays at 7pm, where we will journey through the parables. Join us and enjoy (!) as we dig deep into our journey of faith that is both individual and together!

Worship may look a bit different, too, this Lenten season as we share services with the two churches. Our kick-off worship service for Lent – Ash Wednesday on February 10th – will offer an interactive service; a shared meal on Maundy Thursday after some quiet time in the Garden of Gethsemane; a journey together through the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Check out the service schedule on page 9. Please try to join us for at least one of these services.

I recognize it may be difficult to think about – since I (as many of you) – have just returned my (your) shovel to the shed, but Lent also holds the promise of spring. Warmth, renewal, light, new growth, flowers and color. That’s what we have happening here at Trinity and St. Thomas, too - many new things sprouting up among us…as individuals and together...open spirits ready to receive the renewing warmth of God in Jesus Christ who walks with us every day.

Prayerfully in Love and Light ~

Pastor Debra

The Good Newsletter 2

SPONSORS The flower and bulletin sponsor sheet has been posted for the first quarter of 2016. The cost is $35 and you may use the signup sheet or call the church office to sponsor the flowers and bulletins. Consider sharing the flowers with someone who is in the hospital or unable to attend worship.

MEMBER INFORMATION

Please consider calling or sending a card to someone who is celebrating a birthday or anniversary.

DEATH John Piscanio, child of God and our brother in Christ, entered the church triumphant on November 25, 2015.

BAPTISM Sean Matthew Kittek, son for Erin & Jeremy Kittek, was baptized into our church family on Sunday, December 27, 2015.

BIRTH Ryan Daniel Reaser, son of Dana & Jeremy Reaser, was born on January 22, 2016. Big Brother is Ethan.

Estate Planning Please consider St. Thomas in your estate plans. If you do, let us know.

We are not concerned with the amount of the gift but would like to be able to thank you properly and make

sure your wishes are honored. For more information, contact the church

office.

HOSPITAL INFORMATION

Please remember to let the hospital know our church number if you or a

member of your family is admitted to the hospital. Our number for all St.

Luke’s and Lehigh Valley Hospitals is 498. Easton Hospital is U21.

BIRTHDAYS 1st Beverly Porter 2nd Albert Bruch 3rd Nicole Spazziani 10th Barbara Thomas, Forrest Voytko 12th Julie Wrecsics 21st Derick Hahn & Gloria Hurley 25th Dana Reaser 26th Nancy Mangold

ANNIVERSARIES

11th Elda and Sterling Bruch, Jr. 22nd Dana & Jeremy Reaser

The Good Newsletter 3

MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR REHEARSALS

Thursdays ................................................................................................................................ 7 p.m. Sundays ............................................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m.

BELLS First & Third Wednesday ......................................................................................................... 7 p.m.

GOVERNING BOARD

The members of the 2016 Governing Board of St. Thomas are: Jason Dutt, Matt Erdman, Matt Ford, Kyle Hess, Karen Jaindl, Gail Malocheski, Joe Malocheski, Kenny Miller, Nancy

Musgnung, Dana Reaser, Karen Shook, and Bob Wilt.

FEBRUARY

WORSHIP FOCUS Feb. 7 – Scripture: Exodus 34: 29-35, 2 Corinthians

3: 12 - 4:2, Luke 9: 28-36 Message: “Glimpses of God” Feb. 10 – Ash Wednesday Feb. 14 – First Sunday in Lent, Sacrament of

Communion Scripture: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11,

Luke 4: 1-13 Message: “The Easy Way is Not the Only Way”

Feb. 21 – Second Sunday in Lent, Scripture: Psalm 27, Philippians 3: 17 – 4:1, Luke 13: 31-35 Message: “In the Shadow of Those Wings”

Feb. 28 – Third Sunday in Lent, Joyful Noise Offering Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13, Luke 13: 1-9 Message: “Making Sense of the Senseless”

CHILDREN’S TIME FOCUS Feb. 7 – “Pink Flamingos” Feb. 14 – “There is a Prayer for That” Feb. 21 – “5 Little Ducks” Feb. 28 - “A Bowl of Fruit”

SERVING IN WORSHIP FEBRUARY 7

GREETER ................................................ Karen Shook USHERS ............................... Beverly & Roger Porter,

Lucille & Gary Urban ACOLYTE ............................................ Elanna Erdman FLOWER SPONSOR ........................... Sponsor Needed

FEBRUARY 14 GREETER ................................................ Mesha Lyons USHERS .................. Shirley Hein, Keith & Eric Jaindl,

Brenda Lichtenwalner ACOLYTE ............................................. Rachel Hartzell FLOWER SPONSOR ...........................Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ........................... Jeff or Eric Jaindl,

Nancy Musgnung

FEBRUARY 21 GREETER ................................................ Kenny Miller USHERS ..... Jean Stauffenberg, 3 Volunteers Needed ACOLYTE ........................................ Courtney Hartzell FLOWER SPONSOR ...........................Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM .............. Shirley Hein, Karen Jaindl

FEBRUARY 28 GREETER ............................................... Gloria Hurley USHERS ................................ Brenda & Kenny Miller,

Karen & Dave Peters ACOLYTE ................................................. Sarah Shook FLOWER SPONSOR ...........................Sponsor Needed COUNTING TEAM ........... Gloria Hurley, Karen Peters

The Good Newsletter 4

EPIPHANY OFFERING Our Epiphany Offering concludes Sunday, February 7.

EPIPHANY LUNCHEON

As a thank you for the “gifts” received during the Epiphany season, please join us for lunch after worship on Sunday

February 7. Use the sign-up sheet if you plan to attend so we can plan on enough food. Thank you.

Ash Wednesday Worship Schedule

Feb. 10 - 2pm -Trinity UCC 7pm - St. Thomas UCC

Lent Bible Study

“The Parables of Lent” TIME: 7 p.m.

DATES: Mondays

February 15, 22, 29 and March 7, 14, 21

The Good Newsletter 5

PRAYER CHAIN & PRAYER REQUESTS

If you would like to be a contact person on the prayer chain, please speak with Pastor Debra, Diane Wilt or email the church office. If you know someone who is in need of prayer, contact one of the persons listed.

Pastor Debra, 610-739-4926 Diane Wilt, 610-691-3841 Laurene Blair, 610-691-3652 Donna Hoffman, 610-868-5509 Kenny Miller, 610-868-7182 Karen Peters, 610-866-0583

Prayer List Since Our Last Newsletter: Homebound/Care Facility Bound: Mae Michael, Walter Frey, Ray Hess (FL), Annabel Huth, Nancy Mangold

& Frances Hornung

CARD RACK We have all occasion cards for sale

on our card rack. Cost: 50 cents each

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed Fridays

FOOD OFFERING Thank you for contributing to our on-going food offering. Your generosity is truly appreciated. The food offering is received during the entire month and distributed to St. Thomas families in need and area food banks.

Deadline Info – The “Good Newsletter” is a collection of material submitted to the church office and is published by the church. Please also refer to the weekly worship bulletins to keep updated on what is happening at St. Thomas. Please submit information for the March newsletter by February 15th.

The Good Newsletter 6

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

…To all those who helped fold bulletins and newsletters. …To all those who volunteer to serve as ushers and greeters.

LEIBINGER LIBRARY Please stop in and see the Leibinger Library. Sign out a book. There are books for everyone: Children, sports, crafts, cookbooks, etc. The library is open Sundays from 9 a.m. until after worship and Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book donations are still welcome!

BLACK DIAMOND RAILROAD DAYS

February 6, 7, 13, 14 from 1 – 5 p.m. Donation $5 per person, ages 12 & under free.

FEBRUARY SHOO FLY PIE SALE Tuesday, February 16, 2016 ~ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

To Order: Place your order on the message board next to the church office, or call the church office at 610-868-9167

Cost: $7.50 each Please place your order by Wednesday, February 10!!

Thank you.

February Pie Baking Work Schedule

Wednesday, February 3: 9 a.m. – Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making Monday, February 8: 9 a.m. – Pie Shell Rolling & Crumb Making Saturday, February 13: 9 a.m. – Pie Baking Tuesday, February 16: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We need your help!! There are jobs for all ages regardless of your baking experience. Please find time to help. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated!

The Good Newsletter 7

Remember Valentine’s Day ~ February 14th

President’s Day is February 15th

SPAGHETTI BUFFET DINNER Saturday, February 27 – 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. $10.00 – Adults $5.00 - Children 5-12

Pay at the Door For Info Call: 610-868-9167

The Good Newsletter 8

The Good Newsletter 9

Ash Wednesday February 10, 2016

2 p.m. at Trinity UCC 7 p.m. at St. Thomas UCC

First Sunday in Lent

February 14, 2016 10:45 a.m. worship service

Holy Week Worship Schedule

March 20 – Palm/Passion Sunday 9am Trinity UCC

10:45am – St. Thomas UCC

March 24 - Maundy Thursday 2pm – Trinity UCC

7pm St. Thomas UCC

March 25 - Good Friday 7pm - St. Thomas UCC

(next year at Trinity UCC)

March 27 - Easter Sunday 7am and 9am – Trinity UCC 10:45am - St. Thomas UCC

CONTINUING MINISTRY 2016 Resource Persons We print this information so that members and friends of St. Thomas will know who to contact with questions, concerns, and ideas pertaining to the ministry of St. Thomas. The following persons serve as resource and contact persons:

Pastor Rev. Debra K Hess

Office: 610-868-9167 Cell: 610-739-4926 Church Office

Karen Jaindl – 610-868-9167 Governing Board

President: Matt Erdman Vice President: Joseph Malocheski Recording Secretary: Karen Shook Treasurer: Karen Jaindl Financial Secretary: Brenda Miller Members: Jason Dutt, Matt Erdman, Matt Ford, Kyle Hess, Karen Jaindl, Gail Malocheski, Joseph Malocheski, Kenny Miller, Nancy Musgnung, Dana Reaser, Karen Shook, Bob Wilt

Elders you may also contact Laurene Blair, David Hay, Shirley Hein, Donna Hoffman, Gloria Hurley, Keith Jaindl, Brenda Miller, Karen Senft, Michael Shay, Elaine Taylor, Diane Wilt

Music Director J. Christopher Malocheski –

610-868-9167 or 1-570-283-1402 Prayer Resource Person

Diane Wilt – 610-691-3841 Christian Ed - Amy Rohrbach

Email Address St. Thomas U.C.C. ~

stthomasunited.churchofchrist@rcn.com Web Sites

St. Thomas ~ stthomasuccbeth.com Penn Northeast Conference of the U.C.C. ~ www.pnec.org United Church of Christ, Cleveland, Ohio ~ www.ucc.org

Pastoral Care Please call the staff through the church office, 610-868-9167, or contact Pastor Debra, 610-739-4926, if you or family members are in need of Pastoral Care.

The Good Newsletter 10

LOOKING AHEAD…

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Snow, sleet or severe weather in the forecast? Call the church office or visit www.wfmz.com to find out if a worship service or church activity is cancelled.

MARCH EVENTS

(weather permitting)

March 2 –Women’s shelter

March 3 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

March 5 – Shoo Fly Pie Baking – 9 a.m.,

Advent shelter

March 6 – Shelter meeting

March 7– Bible Study, 7 p.m.

March 8 – Shoo Fly Pie Pick-up – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Congregational Care, 7 p.m.

March 9 - Women’s Shelter

March 10 - Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

March 12 – Spaghetti Dinner Snow Date

March 14 - Bible Study, 7 p.m.

March 15 – Governing Board, 6:30 p.m.

March 16 - Women’s Shelter

March 17 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

March 19 – Easter Egg Hunt/Brunch, Advent shelter

March 20 – Palm Sunday service

March 21 – Bible Study, 7 p.m.

March 23 - Bake Easter Pies – 9 a.m., Women’s Shelter

March 24 – Maundy Thursday service, Easter Pie Sale

March 25 – Good Friday service

March 27 – Easter/communion – no Joyful Noise offering

MARCH EVENTS CONTINUED March 30 – Pie Shell Rolling – 9 a.m., Women’s

Shelter

March 31 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

APRIL EVENTS (weather permitting)

April 4 – Pie Shell Rolling – 9 a.m.

April 7 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

April 9 – Shoo Fly Pie Baking – 9 a.m., Variety Show

April 12 – Shoo Fly Pie Pick-up – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Congregational Care, 7 p.m.

April 14 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

April 19 – Governing Board, 6:30 p.m.

April 21 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

April 24 – Everybody’s Birthday, Joyful Noise Offering

April 28 – Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

NOTE: Regular Sunday Events:

9:30 a.m. – All Sunday School Classes - 10:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal - 10:45 a.m. - Worship

Not all events/activities have been scheduled. Please check the calendars each month for updates!

The Good Newsletter 11

St. Thomas United Church of Christ 902 East Macada Road, Bethlehem, PA 18107 Church Office ~ 610-868-9167 stthomasunited.churchofchrist@rcn.com

stthomasuccbeth.com

Rev. Debra K Hess – Pastor J. Christopher Malocheski – Music Director

Our Mission To welcome all people into a growing spiritual family dedicated to helping and serving others, inspired by the love of God and Jesus Christ

working in our lives.

Sunday Worship ~ 10:45 a.m.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2

3 9 am – Pie

Shell Rolling

& Crumb

Making

7 pm – Bells

Women’s

Shelter

4

7 pm – Choir

Rehearsal

5 9 am – Cook

Soups

Church Office

Closed

6 9 am – noon -

Souper Bowl

of Caring Soup

Sale pick-up

7 9:30 am – Sunday

School & Confirmation

Classes

10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship

Following worship –

Epiphany Luncheon &

Shelter Meeting

8

9 am – Pie

Shell Rolling

& Crumb

Making

9

7 pm – Care

Team Meeting

10 2 pm – Ash

Wednesday

Service @

Trinity UCC

7 pm – Ash

Wednesday

Service @ St.

Thomas UCC

Women’s

Shelter

11

10 am –

Banner

Making

7 pm – Choir

Rehearsal

12

Church Office

Closed

13

9 am – Shoo

Fly Pie Baking

14 9:30 am – Sunday School

& Confirmation Classes

10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship with

Communion

♥Valentine’s Day ♥

15 7 pm – Lent

Bible Study

16 9 am – 1 pm –

Shoo Fly Pie

Pick-up

6:30 pm –

Governing

Board

17 7 pm – Bells

Women’s

Shelter

18

7 pm – Choir

Rehearsal

19

Church Office

Closed

20

Shelter Meal

@ Advent

Moravian

21

9:30 am – Sunday School

& Confirmation Classes

10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship

22

7 pm – Lent

Bible Study

23 24 9 am – Pie

Shell Rolling

& Crumb

Making

Women’s

Shelter

25

7 pm – Choir

Rehearsal

26

Church Office

Closed

27

4:30 – 7 pm –

Spaghetti

Dinner

9:30 am – Sunday 28 School & Confirmation

Classes

10:15 am – Choir

Rehearsal

10:45 am – Worship –

Joyful Noise Offering

29

7 pm – Lent

Bible Study

2016

February