Shenkel United

Church of Christ

SHARINGS AND CONCERNS

February 2012

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.

February 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Agape 7 PM 7 pM

2

Community Lunch Bunch 11L30 AM Choir 7 PM

3

4

5

Communion

Inquirer’s Class After 10:45 wor-ship

6 7 8 9

Choir 7 PM

10 11

Bear Creek Trip 3:15—9 PM

12

Healing Prayers Field Education Meeting after 10:45 worship

13 14

Quilters 9:30 AM

15

Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 PM

16

Healing Prayers 9:15 AM

Card Making Class: 10 AM

Choir 7 PM

17 18

19

Youth Group meets after 10:45 worship

20 21

Mid-Day Din-ner Club: Noon

Spiritual Coun-cil: 7 PM

Consistory: 7:30PM

22

Worship: 7 PM

23

Choir: 7 PM

24 25

26 27

Community Meal: Noon at Christ Episcopal 175th Anniver-sary Committee Meeting

28

Quilters: 9:30 AM

29

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.

9 AM to 1 PM

CONSISTORY

OFFICERS

President

Glen Hoff

Vice President

James White

Secretary

Connie Armbruster

Treasurer

Ken Bevan

Financial Secretary

Barry Miller

Assistant Financial

Secretary

Lori Scharneck

Doug Allen

Director of

Music Ministry

Joan Valentine Johnson

Elders

Glen Hoff

Lynne Moyer

Connie Armbruster

Chris Gray

Gary McDermit

Deacons

Barbara Burhans

Jeff Graef

Mark Dushanko

James White

Jeff Graef Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

On Thursday, January 12, Trent returned to The Seeing Eye for his evaluation and training to

become a Seeing Eye dog. I really miss him – it’s weird not to have someone staring at me

while I eat breakfast in anticipation of a daily morning walk, resting his head on my feet while

I work on my computer, or leaping up in excitement when I close my laptop, certain that it’s

time for at least a few tosses of a tennis ball or a Frisbee.

But as hard as it was for me to watch him head off in the Seeing Eye van, I can’t help but feel

excited about what the future holds for him. If all goes as expected, in about four months he

will be making a huge difference in someone else’s life, enhancing the independence, dignity,

and self-confidence of his visually impaired “Forever Person.”

Lent is the season when many people think about what they can “give up.” Although the prac-

tice of fasting typically involves acts of penance and sacrifice as personal preparation for the

celebration of Easter, I believe that there are things we might “give up” that will also contribute

to justice, peace, hope or healing in a wider community, or even in the world. Just as my

“giving up” Trent will make it possible for a blind person’s sense of freedom to grow, might

your giving up some activity enrich the lives of your spouse or your children? Might your giv-

ing up your control over some task enable someone else’s creativity to flourish, or their leader-

ship skills to grow?

There is a time for every matter under heaven. This Lent, I challenge you to give some serious

thought about what God may be asking you to “give up.”

Be God’s,

Pastor Bonnie

SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

2/5

Need Sponsor

Need Sponsor

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Julie Zachesky

Early: Consistory*

Late: Consistory*

2/12

Need Sponsor

Need Sponsor

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Faye Pedrick

Early: Dave & Diane

Reinert

Late: Mary Lou Smith &

Carol Stubbe

2/19

Need Sponsor

Gary & Susan Stultz

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Louise Hine

Early: Dick & Verna

Walters

Late: Rick & Angeline

Viti

2/26

Need Sponsor

David and Diane

Reinert

Early: Bill Faust

Late: Tootie Hine

Early: Lara Faust &

Horace Ingram

Late: Lisa & Barry

Yocom

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

PAGE 4

“Flours” is a collection of pantry items

or a monetary donation of your discretion to the Cluster. If a cash donation to the Cluster is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Altar flowers are $30.00 and bulletin dedications are $6.50. Food Sculptures are also gladly accepted.

The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedication during this and the upcoming months. Please complete one of the spe-cial 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. Please do not sign the chart without completing an envelope.

Shenkel UCC celebrates the sacra-

ment of Holy Communion at both

services on the first Sunday of each

month. 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!

YOU SHOULD KNOW….Sunday worship is

never cancelled due to snow or inclement

weather. If possible, though, please plan to at-

tend the 10:45 service to give the snow removal

crew time to clear the parking lot and sidewalks.

The choir directors and Sunday School teachers will con-

tact you if there is a cancellation of any programs. Of course, you

should always use your judgment as to whether it is safe enough to drive. Happy Winter!

The Adult Sunday

School Class meets

at 9:30 a.m. every Sun-

day morning in the so-

cial room. Everyone is

welcome to join us!

On February 5, Ariel Royer will be our leader,

and she will tell us all about her “India Experi-

ence.” Other classes will be announced in the

worship bulletin announcements.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION….

SHENKEL

QUILTERS The meeting dates for the Shenkel

Quilters in February are Tuesday

the 14th and the 28th at 9:30 in the

Church Social Hall. We are al-

ways looking for new quilters. You don’t have to be an

expert; we have several experienced quilters who would

welcome the chance to teach you. Come join the fellow-

ship of our special ladies, and enjoy this beautiful, reward-

ing kind of artistry.

Remember, we will also meet on January 31st.

Hope to see you then!

Margie Allen

PAGE 5

Shortly after Thanksgiving this last year,

members of the youth group gathered together

to plant tulip bulbs, or “Bloominaries.” With

the help of Pete Wanner & Lynne Moyer, the

group dug

holes for hundreds of bulbs to

surround the labyrinth! The

mass planting will have a stun-

ning effect when the tulips

emerge in a few months! We

hope that you will all go take a

look at the “Bloominaries,”

which raised money for Shen-

kel’s Relay for Life Team, when they bloom! You won’t be

able to miss the popping color! Please see page 7 in this

newsletter for complete information about ordering the

“Bloominaries.”

The Youth Group will continue to meet the third Sunday of

each month, that being the 19th of February and the 18th of

March. In between those meetings, the group will be holding

at least fundraiser! We’ll let you know what that is & when in

your Sunday church bulletins!

From January 13-15, the Youth

Group enjoyed a Winter Retreat at

Camp Mensch Mill. Everyone had a

great

time!

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are

members of my family, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40

Participating in a mission trip is often an incredibly rewarding way for people of all ages to real-

ize the power of God’s love. Now’s your chance to take advantage of a mission opportunity by

signing up for Shenkel’s 2012 Boston Urban Outreach! All members of the congregation, thir-

teen years or older, are welcome to participate in an exciting trip to Boston, Massachusetts

that will take place this coming June and offer participants with many humbling opportunities

to learn about homelessness. Some of our daily activities will include hearing from men and

women who have experienced homelessness, preparing meals for adults with life-threatening illnesses, painting/

cleaning homeless shelters, cooking for and eating with men and women affected by homelessness, and, of

course, some sightseeing in one of the coolest cities around. The trip will take place Wednesday, June 20th

through Sunday, June 24th and the approximate cost per person will be $200, please contact one of the following

people: if you are interested in learning more or to sign up: Collin/Chris Gray: (610) 970-2793, Pastor Bonnie:

(484) 524-8280 or Gary McDermit: (610) 385-3584

BEAR CREEK TRIP OPEN TO ALL The Youth Group is sponsoring a trip to Bear Creek for an evening of skiing and

snowboarding. We want to invite the entire congre-gation to come snowboarding, skiing, and snowtubing with us on February 11 from 4 pm – 9 pm. We can get evening lift tickets for a discounted price (if at least 15 people sign up!) so the total cost per person will be $28/person. Children under 5 & seniors over 70 ski free! If you are interested in coming on the trip, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex. Money will be collected when we meet at church at 3:15 on February 11th. If you would like to pay in advance, you can deliver your payment to Ariel Royer. We hope you will join us!

PAGE 6

December & January Consistory Highlights

Received thank-yous from Church World Service, Mensch Mill and the Pottstown

Cluster for our donations

Accepted with regret the resignation of Barry Miller as Financial Secretary

Expressed thanks to Barry Yocom, Barry Miller and family, Joel Sweinhart and Pete

Wanner for the Grove and Cemetery clean-up following the October snow storm

Accepted with regret the resignation of Randy Berriker from the PRC

Approved a contribution to Living Water UCC in Philadelphia for the purchase of a new church building

Elected Officers for 2012: Glen Hoff, President, Jim White, Vice President, Connie Armbruster, Secretary, Jeff

Graef, Assistant Secretary, Ken Bevan, Treasurer, and Doug Allen and Lori Scharneck, Assistant Financial

Secretaries. Barry Miller has agreed to continue to serve as Financial Secretary until his replacement can be

found.

Appointed Linda Foss to fill the vacancy on the Board of Christian Education.

Appointed Lisa Yocom, Bob Brown and Betsy Bevan to serve as the Nominating Committee in 2012.

Appointed Carol Pearson, Barry Yocom and Barb Sweinhart to serve as the 2012 Response Team.

Thanked Jim White for painting the handicapped parking spaces in our parking lot.

Changed the date of the February Consistory meeting to February 21.

Complete copies of Consistory Minutes are available from the church office upon request.

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….

YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M

Actual

The complete financial report for 2011 was

presented at the Annual Congregational

Meeting on January 29. Copies are avail-

able by request from the church office.

Budget

Difference

SAVE-A-TAPE PROGRAM

This is one of the easiest ways to help our

church financially!

Just ask for a Save-A-Tape card at the customer ser-

vice 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 Redners donates a per-

centage of your total purchase to the church. Be

careful to bring your tapes in regularly instead of sav-

ing them at home, as they do expire if not redeemed

within a certain time period. Also, please return the

entire register tape. Redners will not accept any reg-

ister receipt that has any part of it removed.

Have you noticed the blank line on the right

-hand side of our offering envelopes? That is

there so you can designate a portion of your

gift for a specific special offering, such as the

Pottstown Cluster, the North Coventry Food

Pantry, or… the stained glass windows resto-

ration project! All you need to do is to write in the name of the

project, and the amount of your gift you’d like to go towards that

project. Just think – if you add $2.00 to your regular giving

each week and designate it for the windows, you’ll have do-

nated over $100 in one year to help us pay the final installment

for their renovation! Every little bit helps. If you’d rather not

make a one-time gift towards the restoration of the stained

glass windows, this is a great way to let your recurring giving,

over time, make a HUGE difference.

DO YOU HAVE

NEWS FOR THE

BULLETIN OR THE

NEWSLETTER? Just a reminder that all bulletin an-

nouncements should be at the church

office by each Tuesday at noon to be

included in that week’s bulletin. News-

letter articles must be submitted by the

15th of each month to be included in the

next issue.

SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….

REMEMBER TOO…. The Pottstown Cluster Food Bank col-

lection 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 Sta-

ples, 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.

The Cluster welcomes all cash, food and cloth-

ing 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

PAGE 8

PANTRY NEEDS

WE NEED PLASTIC BAGS!!

Canned Soups and Stews

Real Fruit Juice

Canned Pasta, Dry Pasta

Frozen Meat

Canned Meat or Fish (Tuna,

Spam, Chicken)

Peanut Butter, Jelly

Canned Fruit

Canned Vegetables

Boxed Potatoes

Boxed Meat Helpers

Sliced White Bread

Oatmeal, Spaghetti Sauce

Canned Tomatoes

Cat Food

Diet Foods of any kind

Dry Milk, Cake Mix

Pancake Mix & Syrup

Ketchup. Mustard

Also refrigerator Items-Milk ,

Yogurt, Eggs, Butter etc

Bold items are items of which

we have very little.

Please contact Sherrie at 610-970-

5995 for more information.

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED

Toilet Paper

Toiletries - personal hy-

giene wipes, toothbrush/

toothpaste, soap, deodor-

ants, comb, shampoo/

cream rinse, Denture Adhe-

sive (Poligrip)

Cleaning Products: Clothes

detergent, dish detergent,

toilet cleaners, multi-

purpose cleaners (Mr.

Clean or Spic/Span

Paper Products: paper tow-

els and toilet paper

Diapers (sizes 3,4,5 ONLY

Please)

Blankets and Sheets

WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING

CLOTHING AND HOUSEWARES

AT THIS TIME.

Please contact Vicki at 610-

970-5995 for more informa-

tion.

Chaplain Office Requests GIANT print Bibles

During the month of February, we

will be accepting offerings for

Mensch Mill Camperships. This

offering provides scholarships for

children and youth from Shenkel who are attending

camp at Mensch Mill this summer. Please give as

generously as you can.

Thank you.

Bloominaria

The 2012 Pottstown Relay for Life, Sil-

ver’s Gold Team, invites you to honor

and/or remember someone who has been

touched by cancer by purchasing a beau-

tiful, perennial flower bulb that will bloom year af-

ter year.

The bulbs will all be purple and will be planted in

the Labyrinth at the grove at Shenkel UCC.

Bloominarias are available for $1.00 per bulb, 6 for

$5.00 or a donation of your choice. All proceeds

benefit the American Cancer Society and the fight

against cancer.

There are order forms available in the narthex, or

you could contact Lynne Moyer at 610-327-

9046 for more information.

Please make checks payable to American

Cancer Society. All donations are tax

deductible.

Daffodil Sunday

March 25, 2012

Deadline for ordering daffodils is February

19, 2012. Sign up chart in the Narthex.

You can still order the following:

Bunch - $10.00

Pot of Mini Daffodils - $12.00

Vase and a Bunch - $15.00

Bear (Shar N. Hope) and a Bunch - $25.00

Thanks a "bunch"!

Louise Hine

BULLETIN BOARD….

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. The next

class will be on Thursday, February

16th. 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.

PAGE 8

Mid-Day Dinner Club

It has a new name!! Shenkel's Mid-

day Dinner Club meets at 12 noon on

the third Tuesday of each month – and

you’re invited to join us! The next

meeting date is Tuesday, February 21st – we’ll be eating

at the Red Lobster. The Mid-day Dinner 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. Call the church office if you’re able to join us!

COMMUNITY

LUNCH

BUNCH

COME ONE, COME ALL….

FOR: Lunch,* fellowship and an interesting program.

For our February event, Bob and Barbara Brown will share a

film and tell us all about the beautiful Rogue River in Ore-

gon. Come enjoy this program about this fantastic piece of

American nature.

*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00 to cover the

cost of the lunch and the program. 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 re-serve your spot..

WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2012

from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Shenkel UCC’s Fellowship Hall

1580 Shenkel Rd

Pottstown, PA 19465

For more information please call Ruth Klein at 610-326-4520

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the

third Wednesday evening of each month

at 7 PM. The next get-together is on Feb-

ruary 15. Anyone who likes to knit or cro-

chet is encouraged to come. We are al-

ways looking for new members to help

with this wonderful ministry. You don’t have to be espe-

cially experienced, just motivated. If you have any ques-

tions, please speak to June Hartung at church, or call the

church office at 610-326-3535.

Keep April 21, 2012 open for a special

"Saturday Nite Live” Shenkel style!!

Service Committee

Coordinator Needed!

When there is a funeral service at

Shenkel, it is a comfort to the fam-

ily to have Shenkel's Service Committee coordinate a

reception in the Social Hall following the service. The

gathering provides an opportunity for people to share

stories and celebrate the life of the person who has died,

and to assure the family of their love, support and care

in their time of grief.

Although we have a list of people who have volunteered

to help with receptions, we are in need of someone will-

ing to serve as a Coordinator for this committee - talk-

ing with the family about caterers, arranging to have

the room set up appropriately, inviting folks to contrib-

ute desserts (if desired by the family), and ensuring that

someone is responsible for clean-up.

If would like to volunteer for this greatly appreciated

ministry, please contact Pastor Bonnie as soon as possi-

ble.

If we do not fill this position, Shenkel will be unable to

offer this ministry in the future. Thanks!

PAGE 9

STEWARD’S CORNER

Did you hear people in church a couple weeks ago tell you to “Move it…Move it”? I thought they were talking

about moving some of our church furniture. So I decided to follow the kids and adults (including Pastor Bonnie)

who were “Moving it.” I was hoping they didn’t plan to move my corner.

Then I heard that pretty young lady, Julie Zachesky, explain that it was the Sunday School children who were go-

ing to be “Moving it” and it was to be held every Sunday morning down stairs in their Sunday School classes. But now, they

have different names for the rooms … “Garden of Eatin”…“Creation Station”…“Holyword Studios” and “Activity Alley.”

You must see those beautiful rooms, so creatively decorated! This is a whole ,new program for the children, with an excellent

group of volunteers on the planning committee, and many others who will be involved in future months. Shenkel church and its

people are very imaginative and willing to “Move it, Move it,” so that our children will learn to love and love to learn.

“I LOVE IT, LOVE IT!”

Swingin’ Steward

P.S. You can join in the fun by volunteering to share your skills with the children. Just hurry to sign up with Julie Zachesky,

phone 610-705-885. All it takes is just 1 hour for 4 Sundays. Guaranteed satisfaction for you and the children! So, how about

if you "MOVE IT... MOVE IT!” too?

What’s So Amazing About Grace?

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory…

full of GRACE and truth.”

-John 1:14

¡Gracias! Grazie! Did you know that when a Spanish or Italian speaker says thanks, they are

invoking one of the meanings behind the word grace? That’s because grace, gracias, and grazie all descend from the

same Latin word, grātia. For the ancient Romans, grātia had three distinct meanings: (1) a pleasing quality or beauty of

form (2) favor or goodwill, and (3) gratitude or thanks. All three of these meanings are still in use in modern-day English.

The first is used when we describe someone as having (or not having) grace: “Dancing, she had all the grace of an ele-

phant on skates.” The second meaning is utilized when we talk about merciful or compassionate behavior directed to-

ward others: “He was saved by an act of grace from the Governor.” And the third meaning is used when we “say” grace

(i.e. “thanks”) before a meal.1

In Christian theology, grace has an additional meaning. God’s grace is the free gift of forgiveness and new life offered in

love to all people through the One whose birth we just celebrated on Christmas day. For centuries, theologians have

sought to define God’s grace, only to discover it continually taking new forms and expressing itself in new and unexpected

ways. In the eighteenth century, John Oliver Newton captured the one thing we know for sure about God’s grace in his

hymn “Amazing Grace:” “’Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

Each Sunday during the season of Lent, from February 29 through April 1, we will be exploring and celebrating that amaz-

ing grace. Shenkel’s choirs will be featuring music around the theme of grace, and we’ll be investigating the significance

of this free gift offered to us all – no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. Join us!

1From dictionary.reference.com/browse/coup+de+gr%25C3%25A2ce and www.dictionary.com.

Do you have a favorite meal-time grace that you would be willing to share with your Shenkel family? Please send it to the

church office for inclusion in worship bulletins during Lent. Thanks!

The Christian women of Malaysia invite us to join them for World Day of

Prayer, 2012. The theme, "Let justice prevail," was developed out of their

experience of life as Christian women within their multicultural multi-

religious society. Their prayer is that all races, ethnic groups and religions

will work together for harmony and justice for everyone. Therefore, they

begin the worship service with the greeting, "Peace and Welcome."

Come and learn about our Asian neighbors. Share friendship with others

during a social time after the service. All are welcome!

SERVICE AT 2 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012

ST.PAUL'S UNITED

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Grace & Franklin Streets,

in Pottstown Sponsored by Pottstown Church

PAGE 10 FAITH & EDUCATION

Wholeness Committee Update

The third Thursday of each month is a time for Prayer and anointing, and also a time for reflection. We will be meet-ing in the Agape Room from 9:15 till 10:00 AM. Anyone

who is in need of prayer or anointing is invited to come.

The Prayer Chain list is being updated. At this point we will be remov-ing all names currently on the list, unless notified otherwise. Request for prayers should be placed in the prayer box in the Narthex, or get in touch with any member of the Wholeness Committee. These names will be carried for one month unless notified otherwise. If anyone is in-terested in ministering on the Prayer Chain, please contact Ann Baccari or Freda Wanner. Members of the Wholeness Committee are Ann Bac-cari, Ted Gray, Tootie and Louise Hine, June Hartung, Carol Stubbe and Freda Wanner.

Ash Wednesday

Worship

February 22nd

Ash Wednesday marks the

beginning of the season of

Lent, a period of 40 days

(excluding Sundays) set aside by Christians since

the fourth century of the Christian era as a time of

penitence and renewal, and for preparation for

the high point of the Christian Year – Easter.

Please plan to join us on 2/22 at 7 PM to begin

your observance of a holy Lent.

FROM OUR SEMINARIAN….

Friends,

In a recent Guideposts article, I read about an author, Debbie Macomber, who chooses one word

to focus upon in the coming year. She maintains a journal and reflects upon the word in her writings, with

her friends, and in her prayers. Sometimes, in the day to day course of living, the words jump out at her

through the actions of others and from the funny things that happen in life.

For example, during my seminary orientation week in 2009, we were asked to write a three to five word prayer on

an index card. Each of us then received a prayer written by a peer. The prayer I received was “pray for endurance.” I

carry the prayer in my wallet and each time I open it, I am reminded to pray for “endurance” whenever I feel weighted

down by the stresses of life and seminary studies. This brief prayer, with its focus on the word endurance, has been a source

of encouragement during the last 2 ½ years.

This year, as I reflect upon my life and current needs, I have settled on two words that will be my focus for 2012:

perseverance and hope. In time, I’ll be able to see how God has woven these two words into the fabric of my life.

What words are calling to you right now?

Sue Fritz

Just Eating?

While this phrase could mean only eating, the word, just, also means “being honorable and fair in one’s deal-

ings.” This play on words captures a paradox that the “just Eating” curriculum addresses – eating can be a

mundane activity done with little thought or reflection or it can be an opportunity to thoughtfully live out our

faith and practice justice.

The curriculum draws on Jesus’ story and the rituals of the Christian faith to examine four aspects of our lives with food:

• the health of our bodies

• the access others have to food

• the health of the earth, which our food choices influence, and

• the ways we use food to extend hospitality and enrich relationships.

With this curriculum, you will be challenged to think about each of these areas, to see how they relate to each other, and to

consider what changes your faith may ask of you. You will also be invited to try spiritual disciplines that may be new to you,

such as fasting, using food preparation as a time of prayer, engaging in food advocacy, or changing items in your diet.

Are you interested in better understanding the relationship between our Christian heritage and our food? If enough people are,

we will use this curriculum as a study guide for five weeks during Lent. The tentative plan is to meet on Wednesday eve-

nings, beginning with a shared meal together. Please speak to Pastor Bonnie if you are interested in being part of this group.

PA Southeast Conference Fall Meeting “With God All Things are Possible”

On Saturday November 19, Barb Burhans, Pastor Bonnie and I represented Shenkel at the fall conference meeting.

Ann Baccari also attended as a visitor.

Our morning began with opening music performed by a singing group, the Dogs of Falkner Swamp. Before the morning

business session, we were introduced to our interim conference director, the Rev. Judith Youngman. There was a re-

port on the state of the conference and the 2012 budget was presented. A highlight of the morning was a talk given

by Rev. Dwayne Royster, pastor of the Living Waters Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Royster spoke of his church’s suc-

cessful search for a new building. They will need to raise $50,000 to qualify for a low interest loan. During the day,

over $7,000 was raised through donations and the worship service offering.

We were then assigned to small groups for Bible study. We also enjoyed a time for fellowship and lunch. There was

the opportunity to visit exhibits from those churches celebrating anniversaries.

The afternoon began with “speak outs”, a time for individuals to highlight church or conference achievements and con-

cerns. The second business session began with a general synod overview and an explanation of proposed changes to

the governance structure. Local church survey results were also presented. The day concluded with a service of wor-

ship. Rev. Youngman delivered the sermon. We joined in singing and sharing Holy Communion. Rev. Nancy Gottshall

was recognized at a time of farewell.

I was impressed with the energy and enthusiasm presented by the leaders and participants. Indeed, with God’s help,

all things did seem possible. I would encourage others to take advantage of an opportunity to attend conference

events.

Connie Armbruster

PAGE 11

Move it, Move it! I want to extend a special THANK YOU to the many people who have donated their time, financial support and sharing of creative and artistic talents in prepara-tion for the new Kids On The Move children's pro-gram at Shenkel which debuted on January 8th,

This proves to be another example of the generosity of our church family when it comes to making something happen! A special Thank You as well to

my planning committee members...Linda Foss, Jody Sweinhart, Mari O'Drain, Jenn Hauze and Tammy Graef! We could not have made this happen without each of you!

So, Kids on the Move is officially underway...and the rumor is that the kids had so much fun learn-ing about how they can be Disciples of God!! Thought we would share some pictures of what is happening in the basement of our church....if you STILL have not come downstairs to check it out---please feel free to join us anytime! Our first unit, "Calling the Disciples" will continue until Feb-ruary 5th. Julie Zachesky

OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….

2/04 Jesse Painter

02/04 Barry Miller

02/04 AUSTIN ATKINS-DWINCHICK

02/08 RONALD CHRISTMAN

02/08 CHRISTINA M. FAUST-HERD-BEALER

02/08 Anna Shenk

02/10 Nicole Miller

02/11 Doug Allen

02/12 Georgina Heimbach

02/15 LORI SKULSKI

02/15 RACHEL LLOYD

02/16 Eden Richard

02/17 Sherri Dushanko

02/18 George Ellis

02/18 SETH DAWICKI

02/22 JACOB DWINCHICK

02/25 EMILY LLOYD

02/26 Gary McDermit

02/26 AMERIC MCCULLAGH

02/26 Isheunesu Chidawu

02/27 Kathy Iezzi

During the month of Febru-ary, Shenkel will be praying for these randomly selected members and friends of our congregation:

2/5 Betty and Forrest Kreiger

Joan and Doug Johnson

Stacia, Joe, Glen and Noah Bradley

Gene, Emily and Nick Takach and Eric Croom

Alyson Painter

2/12 Heather and Jim Nye

Ben Mocarski

Elaine and Patti Hughes

Mindy and Isheunesu Chidawu

Paula and Steve Terrell

2/19 Kortne Hudick

Sandy and Ray Rowe

Jody and Joel Sweinhart

Linda and John Jonides

Carol and Stan Stubbe

2/26 Ruth Klein

Judy Gaul

Tootie Hine

Debbie and Glen Hoff

Tracy, Larry and Abigail Dise

PAGE 12

Virginia Johnson is currently staying with her

daughter. Her address is c/o Mary Fox, 243

Stock St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Her

phone number is 570-645-7500. She would,

no doubt, love hearing from her church family here at

Shenkel.

I want to thank everyone at Shenkel for

their cards and prayers as our family

journeys through this next phase of our

lives. They are appreciated so much!

And….

Since I may not be able to be here the next

few months, we desperately need nursery at-

tendants for the 10:45 service. Anyone who

would be able to assist Samantha Pennell with

this is urged to call me.

T hank you,

Barb Burhans

A big THANK YOU goes out to Jim White for providing

our new handicapped parking spaces. It was so kind

of him to give this gift to the church.

Please only use them if it is appropriate

for you to do so.