May, 2018 • Vol. 09, Number 7EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, YORK PA

Inside This Issue

Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Music Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Stephen Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Eastminster Cares . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Pre-School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

FMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Presbyterian Women . . . . . . . 10

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

“What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” It is a question, which causes many a graduating senior in high school to roll their eyes. They may know what college they are planning on attending, or if they are going to serve in the armed forces, or attending a technical school, but don’t really know what exactly they will be doing for the rest of their lives. There are too many unknowns, too many variables. Lately, I’ve been asked the same question, “So, what are you going to do when you retire?” It’s a hard question to answer. The possibilities seem endless. What I do know is that I won’t be doing what I’ve been doing for the last 40 years. I won’t be working on next Sunday’s sermon. I won’t be leading Session meetings or attending meetings at all. But, decisions do need to be made and goals set because they keep us from drifting from distraction to distraction and just meandering through life. It’s good to have a goal, a destination, a place you are trying to reach, but the target you aim for is important. Many have climbed the ladder of success and after reaching the top, concluded that their ladder had been leaning against the wrong wall. Where they ended up is not where they wanted to be. The apostle Paul set as his goal, “the prize of the upward call of Jesus Christ.” He believed that following that upward call would get him to where he wanted to be and that was near to the heart of God. All other destinations seemed to him trivial and unimportant. What really matters is the relationship with the Lord that provides both meaning and purpose as well as the promise for life rich and full and in his kingdom forever. This requires a focus forward toward the future and a letting go of the mistakes that have hindered us in the past. While looking backward can help us learn from our mistakes, it can also prompt us to bump into obstacles in front of us if we never look to what God has before us. So that we don’t get lost in the journey, Paul encourages each of us to keep our eye on the prize of that upward call. That is something you can do at every stage in life.

Greg Seckman Pastor

PEW POINTS “SO, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO

WHEN YOU RETIRE?”“But, one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching for what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

2 PEW POINTS

• WORSHIP SCHEDULE

MAY 6th SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

“Up from the Dust” John 8:1-11

MAY 13th MOTHER’S DAY

“A Spiritual Home” 1 Peter 2: 1-10

MAY 20th PENTECOST

“Breaking the Language Barrier” Genesis 11: 1-11, Acts 2:1-8

MAY 27th MEMORIAL DAY SUNDAY

“No Man Left Behind” Mark 2:1-12

• MUSIC MINISTRYTALENTED MUSICIANEastminster is blessed to have many talented musicians of all ages who share theirtalents by singing and playing bells, brass, woodwind and string instruments.Whether it’s the Christmas cantata, Christmas Eve services, Easter celebration,Celtic and Jazz services, or all the members who provide uplifting music for oursummer services, we are constantly treated to special musical experiencesthroughout the year. I think it can be fairly stated that Eastminster’s congregationis very supportive of the music in our church and throughout the community.Among our talented musicians is Sam Stover. Sam is a sophomore at Red LionHigh School, principal bass with the Peabody Youth Orchestra in Baltimore, andstudies with Dr. Donovan Stokes at Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia.Here’s some really good news! After a competitive audition, Sam has been accepted to the highly prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts High School Orchestra Program this summer. This internationally acclaimed program has staff and students from all 50 states and over 40 countries.In preparation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Sam will present a recital of the works of Bach, Shostakovich, Bottesini and Koussevitzky in Eastminster’s sanctuary on Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m. All in our church familyand the community are cordially invited to attend and support Sam and enjoy the rich tones of his double bass. Although Sam was awarded a merit scholarship, he still needs to fund $3000 by June 1st in order to attend Interlochen this summer, so donations will be gratefully accepted.Hope to see you on Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 for Sam’s recital!

MUSIC SCHEDULE FOR MAY

Sunday, May 6 – Chancel Choir

Sunday, May 13 – Sunday School Ringers and Good Shepherds Bells

Sunday, May 20 – Chancel Choir

Sunday, May 27 – Sarah Foess, soloist

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at rdy1949@gmail.com or at 717-891-4536.

Randy Yoder, Director of Music

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 3

• OUTDOOR WORSHIPPROMOTING OUTDOOR SUMMER WORSHIPWith Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service from the U.S. Postal Service, you can get help reaching potential customers in nearby neighborhoods – and you don’t even need to know names or street addresses. By simply identifying the delivery routes you want to reach, preparing your mail pieces, dropping them off at the Post Offi ce, they will be delivered to the active addresses in your designated area.I have selected this marketing tool to promote this year’s Outdoor Summer Worship Service. Five thousand (5,000) 6” x 9” double sided post cards will be sent to every residential home within approximately a one-mile radius of the church. The area is boarded by I-83, Edgewood Rd, Mt. Rose Ave, and E. Market St. This marketing method has become popular with local businesses.Richard Witzke, Elder

SEEKING LEADERSHIP To assist the Nominating Committee in gathering names of members to be considered for leadership rolls, we ask that you complete the form below.

Eastminster relies on its members to lead its programs. Please list those individuals, or yourself, that you feel would act as good Christian leaders for our Church.

Also indicate the Board this person would be suited to serve on.

• NOMINATING COMMITTEE

4 PEW POINTS

• STEWARDSHIP

WHY EVERY WOMAN NEEDS HER OWN WILL On average, women live longer than men. Statistically, women live more than seven years longer than their husbands of the same age. Because women earn and invest more money of their own today than ever before, they have assets of their own to give.When you add this to what married women receive at the death of their husbands, there is no way the thinking woman will leave the disposition of her property to the state. She will decide for herself to make a will of her own.Like men, most women do not have valid wills. Many church women who are thoughtful and careful about their giving, overlook the importance of having up-to-date wills. Most charitable giving in this country come from women; therefore, it is appropriate to remind the women in our parish of this responsibility.If you are a woman, your will can make a big diff erence for your family and for the causes in which you believe.

Infl uencing othersBesides the impact your own will can have, you may play an important role in urging your spouse or other family members to have their wills drafted. I have found that in many families, it is often the woman who recognizes the need for such planning.These questions are often raised. “What would become of the children if something happened to both of us on a trip?” “Shouldn’t we have wills so we can be sure they are taken care of?” (Sometimes the need is even more apparent where there are no children, and the heirs might be remote, even unknown).

Advantages of having a will • You can be sure your estate will be distributed as you wish. • You can name your own executor or executrix (personal representative). • You can name the guardians for your minor children. • You can bequeath more to an especially dependent loved one. • You can establish a trust fund so that a loved one can have a regular income, without money management worries. • You can include a bequest for the work of God through the church

Richard Witzke, Stewardship Elder

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 5

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR STEPHEN MINISTERS This month we are featuring Patrick Bishop. Patrick was one of a class of 6 people who took the Stephen Ministry training in 2013. He was commissioned October 28, 2013.

Patrick was born and raised in a small coal town in Western PA – not far from Altoona. He received a bachelor’s degree in elementary and secondary education at St. Francis University. He got his master’s degree in Psychology and Counseling from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Patrick has lived in Stewartstown for 30 years. He has an adult son who now lives in Rising Sun, MD and one brother in Bellaire, MD. He is a member of St. John the Baptist in Stewartstown that he attends, in addition to Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

His long time friend, Valerie Netting introduced him to Eastminster about 6 yrs ago. He enjoys singing, especially with Barbershop quartets and choirs, knew Randy and wanted to join the choir. He didn’t know if a non-member could participate. Both he and Valerie joined the Chancel Choir. Because the choir sings almost exclusively at the 11:00 service, those attending the 8:30 service may not know him.

His hobbies are woodworking, barbershop quartets, chorus, and painting. He is also involved in some FMC projects, like assisting people with moving, painting and helping with the Yard Sale. You may see him in the parking lot directing traffic for special events. When you need help, Patrick is always willing to assist.

Sources of pride and joy to him were working with younger students and their parents during his teaching career. Patrick was a certified Elementary Counselor, in addition to having been a teacher prior to counseling.

Patrick will tell you that the most important part of this article is the following testimonial:

“Another great joy in my life has come about via my developing relationships with so many wonderful people here at EPC. Prior to my coming to Eastminster, I really thought that I knew what it was to be a good Christian. I was so wrong! I stand in awe of the people here and how they reach out and touch others’ lives daily.”

Jan Witzke, Stephen Minstry

• STEPHEN MINISTRY

6 PEW POINTS

• EASTMINSTER CARESRISE AGAINST HUNGERThe final report will come out in June Pew Points. Wehave lots of volunteers of all ages and we are delightedand looking forward to the event! Imagine, preparing1600+ packets for over 10,000 meals for the hungryaround the world. It warms the heart! Thanks to all whoparticipated!

BROWNIE BAKERSBrownies are due at the church by 10:00 on May 3rd.The table is set up on Wednesday morning in theNarthex so brownies can be dropped off then, if it ismore convenient. Thank you to all the faithful bakers!

FOOD BOXESMany thanks to all who have helped over the threeholidays with the food boxes. You have made fast workof the packing which makes the saying ‘many handsmake light work’ quite applicable. Whether you werethere every time or only once, we are grateful for yourservice. Thank you to Leslie Atkins, John and Jane Henty,Lee Hankey, Glenn and Deb Bloss, the Robert Moorefamily, Dave McIntosh and his son, Nancy Edwards,Barbara Thompson, Linda and Mark Krom, and GregSeckman. My apologies, if I have missed anyone.

CHICKEN BBQ IS JUNE 9THWe will need lots of help (and have a good time), solook forward to a sign-up sheet to volunteer. Moredetails to come!

Georgia Mazzolla, Missions

WE RECEIVE THANK YOU LETTERSMany of these are posted for a time on the wall opposite the sign up sheets. Please stop and read them as this is how your contributions are at work in the community and beyond. York County Food Bank: Leslie Atkins and I delivered the check of $556.58 and 31 pounds of soup from Souper Bowl Sunday and had a wonderful conversation with the women who received the items. There are volunteer opportunities available by checking the website www.yorkfoodbank.org, (if there is a group going, you may need to call 717-846-6435) and vouchers can be purchased for $10.00 which buys 50 pounds of food for a client. It is a great facility and the people are wonderful. As a result of speaking with Courtney O’Hara, who indicated that there is always a shortage of toilet paper and paper towels, we will do a monthly collection of those items on the second Sunday of the month, beginning in May. We thank you for your participation.

Bell Family Shelter: A heartfelt note signed by the families who received Christmas boxes.

LifePath Christian Ministries for our continued support of the mission of transforming people’s lives through Christian love.

• THANK YOU

• YARD SALE

With GratitudeMy sincere thanks to all of EPC congregation for their thoughts, prayers and cards in the loss of my brother-in-law, Russell Morgan, and my grandson, Dallas James Curry, in the month of February.Russ, Cleveland, Ohio, 2/3/18.Dallas, York, 2/15/18, 31 years old.

The Dallas Chaney Family

SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH, FROM 8AM TO 2PMSpaces will be available at $15 payable in advance. Don’t want to have your own space, donate your items toFMC to sell at their table. Drop off times for donated items will be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday beforethe sale from 3PM to 7PM in the Multi-purpose room of the Haines Administrative Center.Also, a chicken BBQ, a PW bake sale, burgers, hot dogs and beverages will be available. Proceeds from theyard sale will benefit FMC and their many projects.To reserve a space or for more information, call Dave Lewis.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 7

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Date – Birthday

2 – Jennifer Sefton

4 – Mara Novak

5 – Sally Frey

5 – Georgia Mazzolla

8 – Bob Hafer

10 – Lonna Ashton

10 – Larry Keener

13 – Beth Magid

14 – Janet Reichard

15 – Dennis Ashton

Date – Anniversary

2 – Don & Ginny Wonders

7 – Steve & Shelly Moore

20 – Lee & JoAnn Hankey

21 – John & Sue Ann Randall

21 – George & Ruth Ann Shenberger

24 – Dallas & Donna Chaney

25 – Bob & Jackie Smith

27 – Tom & Sara Courtney

27 – Dan & Georgia Mazzolla

30 – Robert & Mary Bentz

15 – Kathy Becker

15 – Bob Etzweiler

17 – Ruth Ann Foore

17 – Pierce Queenan

17 – Jackie Smith

18 – Jane Henty

19 – JoAnn Hankey

19 – Barbara Hess

20 – Aidan May

21 – Colton Kauff man

May

23 – Lori Koontz

24 – Jack Parker

24 – Beverly McCreary

24 – Mark Krom

25 – John Henty

25 – Robert Bentz

27 – Joann Hinkle

29 – Jim Tollinger

30 – Leslie Atkins

• PRE-SCHOOL

We invite you to check out our new preschool website at eastminsterpreschool.comStay tuned for more exciting information…

Carly VonStein, Pre-School Director

PRE-SCHOOL REGISTRATION 2018-2019 School YearLimited openings for 2’s, 3’s and 4’sContact the preschool offi ce for more information.717-755-0543eastminsterpreschool@gmail.com

2018 SUMMER CAMPS Join us for fi ve weeks of Fun in the Sun, starting June 11. Eastminster Summer Camps off er daily activities Monday-Friday, 9:00-2:00. Each day is packed with games, crafts, experiments, sports, presentations, snacks, songs, and water play. With a variety of themes, no two days will ever be the same. Check out our camp brochure for dates and themes. Spaces are fi lling up quickly, so don’t delay!Registration information is available in the preschool offi ce or online at eastminter-york.org and eastminsterpreschool.com

8 PEW POINTS

• HISTORIAN

young people titled “Summertime ‘68”. The Vacation Bible School Director was Nancy Hoffman, assisted by Lois Klinedinst. The figurine distribution was the second wise man (9th piece of set). The figurine project was coordinated by Dorothy Gentzler and Margaret Myers.

The Senior High Youth Fellowship leaders were Milton Ohlson and Mr. and Mrs. Brian Downie. The highlight of 1968 was the work week in Kentucky, known as the Buckhorn Project. The leaders of the Junior High Youth Fellowship were Mr. and Mrs. William Hoffman and Mr and Mrs. Richard Thomas during the first half of the year and Mr. and Mrs. Rod Albright during the second half of the year.

The Women’s Association was led by President Ruth Zelinkski. The women’s group held various programs and projects, served receptions and banquets and collected for Harvest Home. William Kirk served as President of the Men’s Association. This group held monthly programs, the annual chicken BBQ and sponsored the church’s basketball team.

The President of the Deacons was Lee Stare. Rev. Guy Wingerd assisted the Deacons with visitations. The Deacons distributed four turkeys for Thanksgiving and seven food baskets at Christmas.

The leaders of the music program at Eastminster were Richard Smeltzer (Organist), Sue Wolf (Senior Choir Director), James Walker (Children’s Choir), Albert Schauder (Youth Choir), Peg Rush (Chapel Bell & Tower Bell Ringers) and Harris Rush (Senior High Bell Ringers).

The financial report of 1968 showed a beginning balance of $23,020. The income from members and investments was $82,407. The expenses for the year were $41,156. The church had mortgage/loan balances of $93,415.

Bob Moore, Church Historian

A LOOK BACK IN TIME – 50 YEARS AGO … 1968American involvement in the Vietnam War continued to divide the nation. In January the North Vietnamese launched the Tet Offensive against South Vietnam. President Lyndon Johnson announced in March that he would not seek re-election. Both Martin Luther King (April) and Robert Kennedy (June) were tragically assassinated. Richard Nixon defeated Hubert Humphrey in November’s presidential election.

The Academy Award for Best Picture went to “In the Heat of the Night.” “Hey Jude” by the Beatles was the year’s top song. “60 Minutes” debuted on CBS in September. The Detroit Tigers defeated the St Louis Cardinals to win the World Series.

Locally, racial unrest hit the City of York during summer. The York Mall officially opened in October.

At Eastminster Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Raymond K. Rossnagel served as Minister. Alan Dunlap was Clerk of Sesson. June Husson replaced Joanne Smiley during September as Church Secretary. Saylor Creswell served as Treasurer.

The Session members in 1968 were Stanley Dutt, Jack Haas, Jack Langenhop, Royden McMinn, Robert Barr, Saylor Creswell, Anne Foose, Albert Schauer, Henrietta Wolf, Richard Bowen, Alan Dunlap, Charles Gentzler, Mitchell McNary, Donald Thompson, Henry Hinkle, Earl Hawk, Robert Kohler, William Robinson, Creigh Snyder and Lee Stare.

The average attendance of worship services was 405, while the average attendance for Sunday School was 261. The membership at the end of 1968 stood at 971.

The Sunday School Superintendents were Robert Barr (9:30) and Edward Jansky (11:00). Rev. and Helen Rossnagle conducted a summer Christian Ed program for

• THOSE WE HAVE REMEMBERED IN PRAYER LAST MONTH

Eastminster Presbyterian Church – Our Congregation, Mission, and MinistryAll our Military Men and Women around the world and their families back homeStephen Ministers and their Care Receivers

Family & Friends of Zach AnthonyFamily & Friends of Dorothy BaconFamily & Friends of Ivan FlanschaHilton FooreNancy HertelDennis Hummel (not the minister)JoAnn IrvineKathy JonesEugene JonoskyNoah, son of Matt and Ashley (Mook) KazarFamily & Friends of Gary Krieger

Judy Lightfoot’s GrandsonJim MayBristol MillerBill MooreJerry and Tania O’HearnKate ReedGreg SeckmanGeorge and Barbara SimonsonConnie TroneNancy WagnerChris WoodsInez Wyrick

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 9

WE PUT THE SNOW PLOW AWAY The snow plow was removed from the tractor and stored away in the Maintenance Building until next winter, but we did have snow showers a few days after this was done. Fortunately there was no accumulation to shovel/plow, but our first two dates for Spring Clean-up were cancelled due to rain and saturated grounds. By the time you read this article, we will hopefully have had clean-up on April 28th.

Your FMC volunteers spent a total of 68 hours on campus doing “transitional” projects. There was snow to be shoveled, but they also did some preliminary springtime landscaping. The usual monthly system checks were performed and signage put out at Haines Road advertising our Holy Week services. An informal fire inspection was performed and several of the recommendations have been put in place such as lighted exit signs in the preschool, the purchase of 14 new fire extinguishers and their placement throughout the various buildings, as well as evacuation signage in all rooms.FMC is arranging for an outside consultant to present a program on safety and security issues for our church.

The HVAC system for the MPR is still being researched/addressed as to how to move forward in the most efficient manner. With such wet weather the past weeks, drainage issues in the lower parking lot have surfaced and FMC is looking into options to remedy the situation. The upper parking lot was repaired/resurfaced/relined several years ago and it looks like it is time to do the same to the lower lot after the drainage problem is corrected.

A subcommittee of FMC has been established to explore options for new lighting in the main parking lot as well as additional lighting in other areas such as the steeple. We are also working with the Communications Committee to improve the church sign to include worship times. As you can see, there is always something to do, and EPC is so very fortunate to have a dedicated group of men (and a few women too) who bring their various skills to the “table” whether to research and evaluate or actually perform the work. We invite anyone who may be interested in joining us to come to our monthly meeting, the first Tuesday of each month, dessert at 12:30 and the meeting starts at 1PM.

Lee Hankey, FMC Elder

• FACILITIES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

• CONGREGATIONAL LIFENOAH LUNCHEON – MAY 9TH We look forward to having NOAH at 12:30 on May 9th, 2018. All planning on attending should call reservations in by May 6th to Donna Becker. Come and enjoy a delicious meal, fellowship with friends, and one of our favorite programs, the beautiful voices of the 5th grade chorus from East York Elementary school.

PROGRAM: 5th grade chorus: They will be singing a selection of songs, to name a few, Reaching for the Stars, Accent-Tchu-ate the Positive, and Child of Peace.

Menu: KFC, Pasta salad, Celery and carrots, Rolls, Ice cream dessert

• DEACONS SERVING OTHERSEPC recently lost a beloved, long time member, Mr. Charles Smith. Charles also loved his EPC family. Charles and his family lovingly suggested that memorials in his name could be made to the Deacons Endowment Memorial Fund.Because of his love and the generosity of the EPC family, the Deacons have been blessed with a donation to the Endowment Fund. The Deacons thank everyone who contributed, and also thank everyone who has so generously contributed to this fund in the past.Blessings and Peace.

EPC Board of Deacons

All circles WELCOME new members. Each meeting has a time of Bible Study and fellowship. Regular meetings are held September thru May. To learn more, call a circle leader.

• MIRIAM CIRCLE

• PW SPRING GATHERING

DRUM ROLL PLEASE: MAY 2012 – PRESENT TOTAL SALES: $843,983.09 – CASH BACK: $42,510.26. Miriam Circle started the grocery card fundraiser in May 2012 earning $400 that fi rst month with sales of $8,000. We set a goal of $6,000 for the fi rst year and exceeded it by $320. Only Giant and Weis cards were sold, but over the years we have added Jerry’s, Shur Fine and Nell’s. December of 2013 set the record for monthly totals of $17,700 in sales and FMC received $885. This past year saw the highest total of sales with $148.778.93 (cash back of $7,551.93). That was $6,000 more than the year before.

FMC used these funds for the Haines House replacement doors, porch roofs, landscaping, several sheds, a tractor and fl oor scrubber to name a few projects and items. Last month’s sales reached $11,300 and EPC earned $565. Miriam Circle decided to donate 10% of our cash back monies to the Presbyterian Women’s Mission fund and this will begin with the May sales. So keep on ordering those grocery cards and double the good you are doing. Keep in mind that school will be ending and that means college kids and their laundry will be coming home. No more school lunches and the weather will be perfect for picnics and barbeques. The last day to order your Giant, Weis and Jerry’s cards will be Sunday, May 27th with pick-up on June 3rd. FMC and the Miriam Circle thank our church family and friends for supporting this fundraiser. We all hope for another record setting year.

MIRIAM CIRCLE meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Multi- Purpose Room. Circle leader is Cindy Peterson.

ESTHER CIRCLE meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 12:30 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Circle leader is Fran Mount .

RUTH CIRCLE meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Circle leader is Pat Brunk.

• PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN 10 PEW POINTS

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT! The Spring Gathering of the Eastminster Presbyterian Women will be held in Fellowship Hall on May 5th from 10 am until 1 pm. Lisa Ness and Aimee Friedrich, Wellspan Pediatric Nurse Educators, will present a program about Maternal Addiction and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Learn more about this segment of the Opioid Crisis and what we can do to help.A “Baby Shower” will be held as part of the event. Each attendee is asked to bring a new baby item(s) which will be combined into gift baskets for an at-risk baby girl and an at-risk baby boy.This is also the meeting at which we gather and dedicate the annual PW Birthday Off ering. Information will be shared about the recipients of last year’s off ering. The meeting will be concluded with a tasty lunch prepared by the EPW Hospitality Committee.All women of the church are invited to not only attend, but also bring a friend for a time of fellowship, learning, hope and joy. Contact Donna Becker to register. Cost of the meeting is $5 per person. Other questions concerning the meeting should be directed to JoAnn Hankey and Ann Bowman.

• PW SOUP SALES FINAL TOTALS FOR THREE SOUP SALES We hope you enjoyed the soup, sandwiches and dessert. We want to thank you for your generous support which totaled $1,545.44 in sales. We will be making decisions and informing you in early fall as to the recipients of the monies raised. We cannot thank you enough for your support!

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 11

• ESTHER CIRCLE

READING READY BOOK COLLECTION As of May 2018, 1,320 new or gently used books, infant to 12 yrs old, have been donated to the United Way for distribution. The children may choose a book to take home. We have set a goal of 2,000 books collected by the end of 2018. Spring is the beginning of many yard sales, a good place to buy books that are almost new. There is a collection box in the MPR. Many thanks to all who have continued to support this program.

EASTMINSTER RECEIVES GRANT FROM PW THANK OFFERING After two years of applying for a grant through the PW Thank Offering, Eastminster Presbyterian Church has been notified that it is the recipient of a Thank Offering grant of $5,220 from Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (USA) Inc. We will use the grant money to help fund the backpack program for East York Elementary School (EYES) for the school year September 2018 through May 2019. This program provides nutritious food on weekends for some of the 42% of EYES students who are eligible.

Our interest in the program began in 2014 after reading a York Daily Record story accompanied by a picture of Carlene Farabaugh, director of the York Benevolent Association (YBA), adding items to backpacks to feed some of the city school children over the weekends. We called Carlene and offered our help. At this point church members began volunteering to do the food packing. Two teams were formed alternating weekly, each with 30 to 40 regulars and substitutes, known as T1 and T2 traveled to YBA to fill food bags for the kids. These teams pack approximately 290 bags for 9 City schools.

After 3 years of packing for York City schools, we found that within a few blocks of our church there was an elementary school with a number of students eligible for free breakfast and lunch. A decision was made that the following school year, along with helping with the existing program at YBA, Eastminster would fund backpacks for EYES.

Currently Teams pack about 50 bags weekly for EYES and are attempting to increase that number. Each week, Julie Stover, an Eastminster member and Reading Specialist at EYES, on her own, adds a reading book to each backpack.

Students at EYES have shown their appreciation for having a backpack of food to take home by sending messages such as these: “These are our favorite foods in the backpacks: mashed potatoes, milk, granola bars, Slim Jims, pudding and cereal.” “The food in the backpack really helps my family on the weekend. We don’t have to try to find money to buy food when we don’t have it. Thank you. ”

Jo Watson, Fran Mount, and Lee Hankey, have been instrumental in advancing this program.

• BACKPACK PROGRAM

• PW MISSION PROJECT 12 PEW POINTS

SHOE BOX PROJECT Twenty-fi ve years ago, the fi rst Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes were given to children in Bosnia. Since that time, the global work of Operation Christmas Child has brought the Good News and great joy to millions of boys and girls around the world. In addition to the gifts such as soap, toothbrush, washcloth, pencils, paper and a toy, these children receive The Greatest Gift Gospel booklet along with their shoebox.Children can participate in the Greatest Journey – a 12-lesson discipleship program created by Samaritan’s Purse for children who receive shoebox gifts. This program will teach them to grow in their faith and how to share it with others. This is a real opportunity to reach children for Christ and let them know that God loves them. Last year, it was through the generosity of the members of Eastminister Presbyterian Church that our congregation sent 50+ shoeboxes to be processed. The shoeboxes were sent on November 25th to Ukraine. This year, we are interested in trying to double that amount and reach 100 children.

We will be collecting the following items from now until sometime in October: shoeboxes (please keep them in your home-our storage is limited), CDs, soda bottle caps, large marbles – to make spinners, fabric, buttons, felt, glue sticks, ribbon, soaps – from hotels, stuffi ng from pillows, spray paint. There is a large bin in the MPR plus small containers for the smaller items.

We will be concentrating on the following age and gender boxes: some suggested items:Girls ages 5-9 : Hair bands, small hair clips, small mirrors socks, fl ip fl ops, school supplies, toothbrush and holder, comb/brush, pillowcase dress, puzzles, washcloth and soap, jump ropes, Barbie dolls.Boys ages 10-14: comb/brush, toothbrush/holder, washcloth & soap, baseball cap, fl ip fl ops, school supplies, socks, Frisbees, tape measure, small tools, yo-yo, ball.* You can place these items in the labeled container (Shoebox project) in the multi-purpose room.

Some women have expressed a desire to help with projects. We thought it might be fun to have a fellowship/workshop to work on shoebox projects over the summer. These would be held the 2nd and 4th Thursday morning from 10-Noon in the multi-purpose room starting in June. A few of the projects would include: • Teddy Bears – cutting out, sewing, stuffi ng, and fi nishing • Spinners –decorate CDs, glue marbles into discs and caps • Pillowcase dresses • Hair fl owers – cutting and sewing.There will be more information to follow. We will have fun while we are working toward this special outreach opportunity.Carmen Doyle and Jan Witzke

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 13

• YORK REVOLUTION BASEBALL SAVE THE DATE Your Congregational Life Committee has scheduled a Revolution Baseball night on July 14, 2017 at 6:30 pm. We are pleased to off er reduced price tickets for $5.00 per person instead of the full price of $13.00. The price will include entrance to the game and a $5.00 food voucher. It is Faith and Family Night and the Revs will be playing the Long Island Ducks. There will be one fi rst pitch of the game and Fireworks after the game. Tickets can be purchased on June 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th and picked up on July 1st and 8th in the Multi-Purpose room after each service. See Jeff Lewis or Jan Trattner for information or payment. This should be a family friendly and fun night for all. Hope to see you there.

SIGN-UP FOR 2018 Play Fridays at 4:00 pm

(Maybe 4:30 if enough working members sign-up)

Send name and email

address to Dick Witzke.

• EASTMINSTER DUFFERS

14 PEW POINTS

TUESDAY, MAY 1 10:30am Staff Meeting (Staff unavailable fm. 8 - 1 p.m.) 12:30pm FMC Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 9:00am Afghan Group 10:00am Cool Knitting/Warm Fellowship 12:00pm Bulletin info due. Send to epcyorkoffice@gmail.com 7:00pm New Generation Ministry Youth Group

THURSDAY, MAY 3 10:00am Brownies (no nuts) for soup kitchen due

on table in Narthex 5:00pm National Day of Prayer Service

FRIDAY, MAY 4 HAC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED 4:30pm PW Spring Gathering prep

SATURDAY, MAY 5 8:00am PW Spring Gathering

SUNDAY, MAY 6 Grocery Card payment & pickup is TODAY after services. TODAY is the cut off date for ordering Weis or Giant Grocery Cards. 8:30am Worship/Communion 11:00am Worship/Communion 2:00pm Donegal Presbytery minutes review 3:30pm Sam Stover recital 5:00pm Rental: New Generation Ministry Worship Service

MONDAY, MAY 7 10:00am Preschool Storytime with Pastor Greg 12:00pm Preschool Storytime with Pastor Greg 6:30pm Worship Ministry

TUESDAY, MAY 8 10:30am Staff Meeting (Staff unavailable fm. 8 - 1 p.m.)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 10:00am Cool Knitting/Warm Fellowship 12:00pm Bulletin info due. Send to epcyorkoffice@gmail.com 7:00pm New Generation Ministry Youth Group

THURSDAY, MAY 10 10:00am Preschool Storytime with Pastor Greg 12:30pm NOAH luncheon 3:00pm Admin. & Personnel meeting 6:30pm Deacons Meeting 7:00pm Mission Committee

*HAC – Haines Administration Center Please see the eastminster-york.org website

for possible updates and changes to the calendar.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRAYER LIST INFO, NOTE CHANGE WITH WHERE TO SEND – Please change your

records to reflect the new e-mail address to which bulletin announcements and Prayer List additions and changes

should be sent. That address is now epcyorkoffice@gmail.com.

EASTMINSTER CALENDARFRIDAY, MAY 11 HAC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED 8:00am Mother’s Day Tea (Steph Frey’s class)

SUNDAY, MAY 13 MOTHER’S DAY 8:30am Worship 11:00am Worship 5:00pm Rental: New Generation Ministry Worship Service

MONDAY, MAY 14 9:00am Preschool Graduation Rehearsals 7:00pm Trustees Meeting

TUESDAY, MAY 15 Newsletter info due – e-mail to: newsletter.epcyork@gmail.com 9:00am Preschool Graduation Rehearsals 10:30am Staff Meeting (Staff unavailable fm. 8 - 1 p.m.) 12:30pm Esther Circle 6:30pm Congregational Life

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 10:00am Cool Knitting/Warm Fellowship 12:00pm Bulletin info due. Send to epcyorkoffice@gmail.com 7:00pm New Generation Ministry Youth Group

THURSDAY, MAY 17 8:30am Preschool Carnival 10:00am Miriam Circle 7:00pm Preschool Board meeting

FRIDAY, MAY 18 HAC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED 8:30am Preschool Carnival

SUNDAY, MAY 20 8:30am Worship 11:00am Worship 5:00pm Rental: New Generation Ministry Worship Service

MONDAY, MAY 21 8:30am Preschool Graduations 9:30am Stephen Ministers7:00pm Session

May

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 15

FINANCIAL REPORTEASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHYTD PROFIT/LOSS AS OF MARCH 31, 2017

Ordinary Income Actual BudgetEnvelope Off ering 97,684.22 89,804.00Open Plate 1,325.55 1,278.00Sunday School Off ering 20.67 34.00Per Capita 4,998.12 6,319.00 Rental Income 19,150.00 18,022.00Interest Income

(checking) 3.53 0.00Misc. Income 2,281.68 2,511.00

Total Budget Income 125,463.77 117,968.00

ExpensesPayroll 57,265.24 58,448.91Accounting Services 2,672.55 3,205.00Per Capita Expense 2,799.81 2,799.81Bank Expenses 0.00 45.00 Line of Credit Int. Exp. 0.00 0.00Deacons’ Open Plate

Communion 347.48 249.99 Education 245.64 1,300.00

Congregational Life/ Outreach 232.86 675.00 Stewardship 468.23 1,600.00 Communications 0.00 248.00 Mission 9,625.00 10,020.00 Worship 926.58 1,975.00 Administration 21.90 499.98

Plant Expenses 22,815.32 21,494.83General Expenses 3,361.41 4,455.00

Total Budget Expenses 100,782.02 107,016.52

CALENDAR CON’T

Eastminster is considering adding Facebook as a way to access information about church events. We are in search of anyone in the congregation who may have a strong knowledge of how this social media app works, and is willing to help set up the account and help monitor it. If you are interested, please contact Beth Anne in the church offi ce at (717) 755-6222.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINEThe deadline for submitting an article or

announcement for next month’s “Pew Points” is the 15th of this month. Please email your information to:

newsletter.epcyork@gmail.com or leave it in the “Pew Points” mail box in the copier room

of the Haines Administration Center. Thanks!

TUESDAY, MAY 22 8:30am Preschool Graduations10:30am Staff Meeting (Staff unavailable fm. 8 - 1 p.m.)1:00pm Ruth Circle5:30pm Bair Foundation Support Group

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 8:30am Preschool Graduations10:00am Cool Knitting/Warm Fellowship12:00pm Bulletin info due. Send to epcyorko ffi ce@gmail.com 6:30pm Christian Education Meeting7:00pm New Generation Ministry Youth Group

THURSDAY, MAY 24 8:30am Preschool Graduations10:30am Newsletter Team

FRIDAY, MAY 25 HAC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSEDLast Day of Preschool

SUNDAY, MAY 27TODAY is the cut off date for ordering Weis or Giant Grocery Cards. (Pickup & payment will be next Sunday.) 8:30am Worship 11:00am Worship5:00pm Rental: New Generation Ministry Worship Service

MONDAY, MAY 28HAC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSEDMEMORIAL DAY

TUESDAY, MAY 2910:30am Staff Meeting (Staff unavailable fm. 8 - 1 p.m.)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 309:00am Second Journey Breakfast10:00am Cool Knitting/Warm Fellowship12:00pm Bulletin info due. Send to epcyorkoffi ce@gmail.com7:00pm New Generation Ministry Youth Group

May

Eastminster Presbyterian Church311 Haines RoadYork, PA 17402

CONTACT INFORMATIONwww.eastminster-york.org

NAME PHONE EMAIL

Pastor Greg Seckman cell 717-818-0813 greg .epcyork@gmail .com

Randy Yoder, Director of Music 717-891-4536 randy .epcyork@gmail .com

Beth Anne Foess, Administrative Assistant 717-755-6222 epcyorkoffice@gmail .com

Harold Smith, Facilities Manager 717-314-9281 harold .epcyork@gmail .com

Newsletter Info newsletter .epcyork@gmail .com

Accounting/Finance 717-757-5217 epcfinance@gmail .com

Carly VonStein, Pre-School Director 717-755-0543 eastminsterpreschool@gmail .com

Pre-School 717-755-0543 eastminsterpreschool@gmail .com

Please Note: Church Office hours are daily, Monday through Thursday. The Church Office is closed on Fridays.

MAY 6th SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

“Up from the Dust” John 8:1-11

MAY 13th MOTHER’S DAY “A Spiritual Home” 1 Peter 2: 1-10

MAY 20th PENTECOST “Breaking the Language Barrier” Genesis 11: 1-11, Acts 2:1-8

MAY 27th MEMORIAL DAY SUNDAY “No Man Left Behind” Mark 2:1-12