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Friedens United Church of Christ 337 Main Street Oley, PA 19547
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Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
READING, PA
Permit No. 420
Friedens United Church of Christ 337 Main Street
Oley, PA 19547
610-987-3536
www.friedensuccoley.com
Regular Church Office Hours
Monday thru Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Tyson L. Frey
Denise Bucciaglia
Office Administrator
Sunday School 9:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service 10:15 a.m.
The deadline to submit articles for the March 2020 Newsletter is February 15.
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Friedens United Church of Christ
February 2020 Newsletter
From the
Pastor’s Desk
Have you ever belonged to a club? Kids love to start clubs and make elaborate rules. Often
clubs are reluctant to let new members join the club and very often belonging to clubs can be
an emotional pain. People are easily hurt.
The Kee Club in Argentina is so exclusive they won’t let you know where it meets. Only after
filling out an application, passing an interview and paying an annual fee will they give you the
club’s address.
In London, it takes 15 years to become a member of the Hurlington Club. New members
cannot join until someone dies or resigns.
A club called “5 Hertford Street” meets in London and is considered to be the most exclusive
club in the English speaking world. Members are royalty, celebrities, and billionaires
Isn’t it great that Friedens UCC is not a club? The Church has never been a club and it never
will be a club. Jesus gave the qualifications for being a part of the Church in Matthew 5 (the
section we call the Beatitudes). We know the Church leads us to the Kingdom of God. It is
where the rule of God exists in the human heart.
Come out on Sunday and bring your family and friends along. At Friedens UCC, we expect
you to love God with all of your heart, mind, and strength. We also expect you to love your
neighbor.
See you on Sunday. The password to get in? Jesus called me.
See you soon.
The Rev. Dr. Tyson L. Frey
The community is invited to celebrate the new Shared Ministry in Oley. The "Authorization of a
Ministry of Extended Service among Christ Evangelical Lutheran and Salem UCC Shared
Ministry" will take place at Christ Lutheran, 325 Covered Bridge Road, on Sunday, February 9,
at 3 pm, with Bishop Samuel Zeiser preaching. A dinner will follow the service.
OLEY SHARED MINISTRY
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Friedens UCC will once again share weekly Lenten services with Salem UCC, 307 Covered
Bridge Road, Oley. We will begin 6 pm with a light supper of soup (at Friedens only) followed
by a 7 pm worship service. The schedule is as follows:
February 26 @ Salem UCC: 7 pm Ash Wednesday, Holy Communion celebrated
Focus: “A New Way of Being in the World”
March 4 @ Friedens UCC: 6 pm Soup Supper, 7 pm Worship
Focus: “From Sadness to Gladness”
March 11 @ Salem UCCV: 7 pm Worship
Focus: “A New City”
March 18 @ Friedens UCC: 6 pm Soup Supper, 7 pm Worship
Focus: “Living at Peace in a World Full of Woe”
March 25 @ Salem UCC: 7 pm Worship
Focus: “An Unembarrassed Singing of Miracles”
April 1 @ Friedens UCC: 6 pm Soup Supper, 7 pm Worship
Focus: “The Power of the Cross”
April 9 @ Friedens UCC: 6 pm Meal, 7 pm Maundy Thursday Worship
Focus: “An Alternative Community”
April 10 @ Friedens UCC: 7 pm Good Friday Worship
Focus: “An Abrasive Honesty”
MID-WEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE - Rev. Frey
YOUTH GROUP EVENTS - Tonya Fisher
Sunday, February 2: Souper Bowl Sunday immediately following worship
Join us for lunch in Weidner Hall. We will be serving chicken noodle, beef vegetable and
chicken corn noodle soups along with rolls, hot dogs and dessert. Soup is available for
take-out by the quart. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.
Saturday, February 29: SkyZone in Bethlehem, Allentown. Time to be determined.
Sunday, March 8, 4 pm: Reading Royals Faith & Family Night
Friday, April 3, 6-8 pm: Easter Egg dyeing/stuffing in Weidner Hall.
Saturday, April 4, 1 pm: Easter Egg Hunt at Oley Fairgrounds
Friday, May 8: Event to be determined
Sunday, May 17, 10:15 am: Youth Sunday
You won’t want to miss our Sunday, February 9 worship service because The
New Earth Band will be providing the music. The New Earth Band is famous for
their loose and easy, down-home blend of Country Gospel, with a smattering of
Traditional Country, and a pinch of Southern Gospel. Each musical selection
they play is carefully chosen for the purpose of communicating a positive,
uplifting message that’s firmly rooted and grounded in the Scriptures. Join us at 10:15 am to
hear the special music they play. Invite your family and friends!
THE NEW EARTH BAND
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JUST FOR FUN
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SPONSORSHIP
If you would like to sponsor the bulletin ($8) or flowers ($35), simply add your name to the
sponsorship posters in the Narthex on your desired date and fill out a green sponsorship slip
(found in the Narthex) with your information and place it in the offering plate with your
sponsorship donation. You may also contact the church office by calling 610-987-3536 or e-
mail [email protected] to make your request. There are many available dates for the
year. Below is the sponsorship schedule through April 26 as of the printing of this newsletter.
Evan Hoch February 4
Paige Rohrbach 4
Deborah Hannum 6
Mark Rittwage 6
Mark Hoch 8
Jaxon Schlegel 8
Peter Littlefield 12
Kurt Weiser 14
Barry Hoffman 16
Matthew Schaeffer 16
Linda Parkhouse 17
Hope Distasio 19
Kathy Weidner 19
Russel Leach 20
Christopher Hannum 21
Jeff Parkhouse 21
Kathleen Rhoads 21
Richard Witman 21
Linda Egolf 24
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Mark & Bernice Hoch February 6
Wayne & Kathy Weidner 8
Christopher & Deborah Hannum 10
Justin & Lynn Boyer 27
DATE BULLETIN SPONSOR FLOWER SPONSOR February 2, 2020 Kirk & Betty McKently Kirk & Betty McKently
February 9, 2020 Kirk & Betty McKently Kirk & Betty McKently
February 16, 2020 Kirk & Betty McKently Tom Kisling
February 23, 2020 Tom Kisling Kirk & Betty McKently
March 1, 2020
March 8, 2020 Eric & Veronica Schoellkopf Eric & Veronica Schoellkopf
March 15, 2020
March 22, 2020 Karen Lord
March 29, 2020 Dave Wolfe
April 5, 2020
April 12, 2020 - 7 am
April 12, 2020 - 10:15 am
April 19, 2020 Kay Bertolet Kay Bertolet
April 26, 2020 Covey Sheila Gilberry
Cameron Rittwage February 24
Lisa Kegerise 27
Carl Levan 27
Becca Heffner 29
Mark Kelly 29
Megan Schaeffer 29
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WOMEN’S GUILD - Sue Smith
The Women's Guild will meet on Monday, February 10 at 7 pm in Weidner Hall
to enjoy a Valentine-themed medley of tunes performed by Bertie Witman. She
will definitely make us smile as she entertains us. Bertie was to entertain us
last February, but, unfortunately, the evening was canceled due to snow. Let's
hope for NO SNOW this year! Refreshments will be served and ALL ARE
WELCOME. A short business meeting will follow the program.
YOUNG AT HEART - Christine Nixon
The next gathering of Young at Heart will be on Thursday, February 20 at 10 am
in Weidner Hall. We will be having a fun time with fellowship, sharing of stories
and playing B-I-N-G-O! Please bring a wrapped bingo prize with you that you
purchased from the Dollar Store. Everyone has shopped at the Dollar Store and
you know that everyone can use something from the Dollar Store at one time or another.
Come out and enjoy yourself, laugh, tell jokes if you want to; but most of all, let’s have a great
time together!
FASTNACHT SALE - Brian Ott
Donut worry, be happy! Friedens will once again be making fastnachts this year. We
will be making them the evening of Friday, February 21 and the morning of Saturday,
February 22. Sign up sheets are in the Narthex. Join us and we guarantee you will be
rolling in the dough!
PRAYER LIST
Please keep the following members and friends in your prayers:
Kathy Schaeffer (daughter in-law of Fern Schaeffer), Tara Groth
(friend of Dawn Bortz), Robert Derr (son of Mabel Yoder), the Rev.
Alan Miller, Linda Youse, Hank Hyde (nephew of Pastor and Mrs. Frey), Lexi Thomas (cousin of
Pastor and Mrs. Frey), Sara McMaster.
Please keep those serving to protect our country in your prayers, especially:
Ethan Fox, Jimmy Gresh, Josh Gresh, Emily Hain, Ryan Kardoley, Sam McMaster and Michael
Boyer.
NOTE: If you know of someone who is hospitalized or not well, please notify the church office or Rev.
Frey. Due to privacy regulations we are not usually notified by the hospital.
The Prayer List is updated monthly. If you would like to keep your request or add a request to the list,
contact Rev. Frey or the church office by the newsletter deadline.
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars! Friedens UCC will be holding a food, fun and fellowship night
on Saturday, February 29. Plans are still in the works, so watch your bulletins and
the weekly e-mail up-date for more information about this family event.
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MISSION TEAM
MONETARY HELP for those in need will have to wait until funds become
available for the Mission Team to disperse. In the meantime, we continue to
help in many other ways. With our congregation’s involvement, we provide
items for the Oley Valley Food Pantry. We help our planet by recycling.
Clothing donations are provided to the Hope Rescue Mission and New
Journey. We coordinate and send your gifts to Bethany residents. Hoagies are purchased
for Veterans. We stay in touch with cards, notes and help for our congregation members.
The Friedens Library is offered for the congregation’s use. These are just some of our
Team’s efforts. Thanks for your continued interest and support of all we do! Please
remember, we welcome any additional ideas for ways to help others.
Purchasing grocery and non-grocery GIFT CARDS is more important than ever
now, since this can be a consistent source of income that will be used to help
others in and beyond Friedens’ walls. See page 5 for details.
Your participation in the SPRING FLEA MARKET on Saturday, March 21 will be a
big help in raising funds to help others.
Continuing to save your Redner’s receipts and bringing them to church is another
example of a mission outreach performed by our congregation. The receipts are
given to the Oley Valley Community Library to help with their expenses.
The Mission Team is pleased to present the Second Annual Friedens UCC
Pasta Bowl Challenge to benefit the Oley Valley Food Pantry. Last year,
spaghetti reigned supreme. Can spaghetti repeat as champion or will
another pasta rival dethrone America’s favorite pasta meal??? Check your
March newsletter to see the exciting results!!! Pasta and pasta sauces can
be placed in the appropriately marked boxes located in the front of the
sanctuary. Please bring your donations to church by Sunday, February 16. Any pasta or
sauce donations brought to church after February 16 will not be included in the Pasta Bowl
Challenge results. However, they will be included in our March food collection that goes to
the OVFP. The following is a list of the pastas and sauces that we have collection boxes for:
angel hair, fettuccini and linguini, elbow macaroni, farfalle (bow ties), lasagna, penne,
rigatoni, rotini, shells, thin or regular spaghetti, wagon wheels, ziti, miscellaneous pasta.
Thank you so very much for your support of the OVFP as they continue to serve record
numbers of clients.
Please continue to bring in your coupons and Box Tops for Education that
help our military personnel and their families stationed and living on the Island
of Guam. Uncut coupons can also be brought to church as we have several
people who are willing to cut them out. Coupons can be used on base at
commissaries and exchanges up to six months past their expiration date! Please keep in
mind that coupons must be manufacturer coupons. Store specific coupons (e.g. Target,
Weis, McDonald’s) cannot be used. Thank you very much for your continued support of our
military by contributing to this much needed mission. Our military really is not compensated
enough for what they do to defend our country and the freedoms we all hold so dear.
Coupons are a small and simple way we can all say “Thank You” to our military.
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MESSAGE FROM OUR UCC PRESIDENT - Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer
Commentary: Content of Our Character
I have always believed as a person of faith and a minister of the gospel that to be a follower of
Jesus is to lead with love. As we remember the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., I reflect on his belief
that people should be judged by the content of their character.
I am weary of the discourse in our society and among our elected leaders and feel concerned
about what it says about the content of our character. I am weary of our President fueling our
worst impulses by regularly degrading, dehumanizing, and disparaging our fellow citizens, cities
and entire countries, continents, and religions.
Like the clergy to whom Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail was addressed, too many of us
remain silent and do nothing even as Jesus calls us to lead with love. Reasons for our silence are
many: fear of offending supporters and members, reluctance to cross the line between religion
and politics, belief in the President and his policy agenda, and respect for the office.
But, shouldn’t the President and all US leaders be judged by the content of their character?
As an authorized member of the clergy, I believe It is time to find common ground on one thing:
calling the country, our elected representatives, ourselves, and our President to higher standards
of decency.
I believe that followers of Jesus can agree on the following:
No US leaders should for any reason call for violence, overtly or sarcastically, at public rallies,
press appearances, or via social media. Postulating that torch-bearing neo-Nazis have as much
good on their side as those who demonstrate peacefully against racism is unacceptable.
No US leader should call political opponents by derogatory names and hurl insults at them that
seek to degrade them by body type, physical appearance, or intellect.
No US leader should authorize pulling children away from their mothers and fathers and locking
them in cages without proper food, sanitation, or clothing, and with no record of the family unit or
plan for reunification.
No US leader should sidle up to dictators and potentates or seek to delegitimize long-standing
allies.
No US leader should ask Americans who do not look like them to go back from where they came.
We know this is unacceptable. We know this is a sea change in expected norms of decency from
the highest offices in the land. We know that mass shootings and hate crimes are on the rise. We
know that hate speech is increasingly finding a home in the mainstream.
We must not become desensitized to this and let it become "normal."
Are we, good people with good hearts, followers of Jesus, remaining
silent?
I don’t recognize a Christianity that is willing to tolerate this.
I call for Christian progressive, moderates, and conservatives to unite for
decency. I invite us all into a shared commitment to respectfully honor our
differences, love our neighbors, and begin right now to reflect on the
content of our own character.
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ANDREW SCHAEFFER RECEIVES KEYSTONE DEGREE
On January 6, 2020, Andrew Schaeffer and several other seniors from the
Oley FFA received their Keystone Degrees at the PA Farm Show in
Harrisburg. The Keystone Degree is the highest level of accomplishment
that an FFA member can achieve at the state level. To receive this degree,
a student must complete an SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience),
complete 25 hours of community service, and several other requirements.
Andrew’s SAE focused on maintaining a farm property in the Oley Valley.
He devoted over 300 hours to this project.
Andrew has been involved in the Oley Valley FFA program since ninth grade. He participated
in Public Speaking, Agronomy Competitions, and holds the officer position of Sentinel. He has
also attended both state and national FFA conventions. In addition, he participated in the
Farmer for a Day tent at the Oley Fair, the FFA Citrus Sale, and Graveyard preservation. In
addition to FFA, Andy is a member of National Honor Society, has been involved with new
student orientation, and played baseball. He is currently wrapping up his Eagle Scout Project
which involved refurbishing a flag pole at the high school and landscaping the area around it.
After graduation, Andrew plans on attending Penn State University to major in Agricultural
Business. Andrew is the son of Friedens members Michael and Karen Schaeffer.
Many of us receive cards in the mail from various organizations who are seeking
money as a return for sending the cards to you. The cards I am referring to are
greeting cards and Christmas cards. Often people, especially those who do not
send cards to others, throw these cards away and this is a waste because there are
people who could benefit from having the cards. Starting in February, we will have
a specially marked box in the Narthex for the collection of unused greeting cards of all varieties
including Christmas cards. Please bring your unwanted cards to church and we will see that
they get put to good use! This will be an ongoing collection.
GREETING CARD DONATIONS REQUESTED - Sharon Weyant-Muir
DJ WETZEL FUND SCHOLARSHIP
The DJ Wetzel Fund was established at Berks County Community Foundation in
2017. Scholarships will be awarded to members of Berks County UCC churches
who are continuing their education after high school at a college or university,
graduate school, vocational school, or in a life enrichment program. Previous
recipients of a scholarship from this opportunity may apply again and be considered in a
subsequent year; however, there is no preferential treatment given to previous recipients.
To be considered for this scholarship, submit an application by March 15, 2020. Applicants will
be notified in May. To apply for a scholarship, go to https://bccf.academicworks.com then click
on DJ Wetzel Fund.
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MISSION TEAM GROCERY GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
The Mission Team continues to sell grocery cards for Redner’s, Boyer’s and Weis in
$25, $50 and $100 values. The Mission Team receives 5% of each card sold. There
are no hidden fees. Pay for your card/s with cash or check then use them to
purchase your groceries or use them as gifts. There will be a Mission Team
member available in the Narthex after church selling the cards each week. You can also
purchase them from the church office during regular office hours. Contact Kay Bertolet or
Betty Hoffman if you have any questions.
Many people use gift cards on a daily or weekly basis by giving them as gifts for
birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or other special occasions. You can shop with
gift cards in everyday categories including groceries, gas, restaurants and more.
A percentage of each gift card purchased goes directly to the Mission Team.
Earnings really add up!
Order forms and master retail store lists are available in the Narthex. You can also view the
retailers at www.shopwithscrip.com/shopwithscrip-retailers. Order forms and payments (checks
made payable to Sue Henne) are due to Sue Henne or the church office by Sunday, March 29.
Gift cards will be available for pick-up in church on Sunday, April 4 or by making arrangements
with the church office. Dates will be provided for the months going forward in the near future. If
you have any questions about the Scrip Gift Card Program, please call Sue Henne at 610-944-
6271 or email [email protected].
HELPING OUR ENVIRONMENT: We can all consider the following ways to help
preserve our planet and live healthier lives:
Whenever possible, refrain from using laundry detergents with harmful
ingredients and avoid products with “warning”, “danger”, or “poison” on the label.
Most of these detergents are derived from petrochemicals and have synthetic fragrances,
some causing skin irritations, all decomposing slowly and toxic to marine life. Use ½ cup
vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softeners which do not fully rinse out, so those
chemicals remain in contact with skin.
Don’t use dryer sheets, as they contain seven VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) classified
as hazardous air pollutants. Add a few drops of essential oil on a damp rag in the dryer to
scent your laundry and use dryer balls to reduce drying time, wrinkles and static.
Instead of harmful disinfectants or cleaning solutions, we can use vinegar and hydrogen
peroxide to kill almost all Salmonella, Shigella and E-coli bacteria. Keep the two liquids in
separate spray bottles, but use them together to disinfect; it doesn’t matter which is sprayed
first. Either is powerful on its own, but their strength is multiplied when used together.
At first, these little changes may seem annoying or bothersome, but once they become a habit,
we’ll wonder why we hadn’t started to take these small steps sooner for the long-term benefit.
The next Mission Team meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2020, beginning at 7 pm
in one of the downstairs Sunday School rooms. Everyone is invited to attend.
MISSION TEAM SCRIP GIFT CARD PROGRAM - Sue Henne
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CONSISTORY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - November 12, 2019
IN ATTENDANCE: Kurt Weiser, Mark Hoch, Amanda Angstadt, Betty Hoffman, Dave Wolfe,
Joe Bilski, Stan Degler, Russ Leach, Shirley Riegel-Ferreri, and Cindy Conrad, Treasurer.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The report was reviewed and approved. Cindy will research the
possibility of direct deposit for the congregation’s weekly offering. Other churches have
experienced success with this.
OLD BUSINESS: There continues to be an opening for the Music Director position. Members
of the Music and Worship Committee are continuing the search which has been challenging.
Substitute musicians have met with congregational approval and have been inspirational in
enhancing Sunday worship services.
NEW BUSINESS
Consistory Nominations: Names for the 2020 year were discussed. Many viable candidates
were suggested. They will be approached for consent to be placed on the ballot.
2020 Budget Review: An extensive discussion was held after the 2020 Budget Worksheets
were presented by the Finance Committee. The presented 2020 Budget is an attempt to
reflect an accurate picture of the actual income potential based on the current 2019 income
numbers. The proposed Budget was approved to be presented to the congregation at the
Annual Congregational Meeting in January 2020.
OTHER ITEMS OF CONCERN
Mission Team: A request has been made to open an account dedicated to the Mission Team.
As they endeavor to fundraise for future projects, it would be more convenient and efficient for
them to track their supplemental income.
NEXT MEETING: December 20, 2019
CONSISTORY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - December 10, 2019
IN ATTENDANCE: Kurt Weiser, Brian Ott, Mark Hoch, Rev. Tyson Frey, Ron Klein, Amanda
Angstadt, Betty Hoffman, Dave Wolfe, Stan Degler, Russ Leach, Shirley Riegel-Ferreri and
Cindy Conrad, Treasurer.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The report was reviewed and approved. Cindy researched the
possibility of direct deposit for weekly offering. There is a 3% transaction fee with a program
named, Avalon. She will contact Tompkins VIST Bank to see what they offer.
Mark Hoch reported that he is discussing fundraising opportunities with the M&M Sandwich
Shop. The “Minker Fund” was discussed. Stan Degler asked about the status of this fund to
request money from it to purchase storage totes for the church’s Christmas Decorations. This
fund was consolidated with the Memorial Fund in the past. A motion was carried for the
purchase of 10 storage totes for Christmas decorations.
OLD BUSINESS
There continues to be an opening for the Music Director position. The church may consider
advertising for this position in the new year. However, advertising is costly and have been
limited in their success in the past. The Music and Worship Committee continues this search
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which is challenging. Substitute musicians have met with congregational approval and have
been inspirational in enhancing Sunday worship services. All December services are covered
with the exception of December 29. Rev. Frey mentioned that his contact, Randall Hartman,
may be available to continue to play and rehearse with the choir two to three Sundays monthly
moving forward in 2020.
There are key volunteer positions within the church needing leadership including the Financial
Secretary as well as the Young At Heart coordinator. Ron and Naomi Klein are retiring from
their long term volunteer service.
Dave Wolfe reviewed the Thanksgiving Service Activity results he compiled. This information
will be shared with the congregation via hard copy.
NEW BUSINESS
Consistory Nominations: Names for the 2020 year were discussed. Many viable candidates
were suggested. The candidates who have accepted will be placed on the ballot for approval at
the Special Congregational Meeting on December 15. Consistory nominations include:
Elders: Stan Degler is moving from Deacon to Elder. Craig Conrad is accepting an Elder
position.
Deacons: Janice Hoffmaster will serve two years of a vacated Deacon position. Kay
Bertolet will serve a one year vacancy. John Rizzo has accepted a full term. There is one
remaining Deacon position open.
2020 Annual Congregational Meeting: Will be held on January 19, 2020 immediately following
the worship service. There will be a meal followed by Rev. Frey’s pictorial review of 2019
highlights as well as the 2020 budget proposal. All committee heads will be reminded to submit
their reports to the church office by the first week of January 2020.
Covenant Association 2020 Pledge: $170 was approved and will be part of the 2020 Budget.
OTHER ITEMS OF CONCERN
The Property Committee reported that the roofs have been painted and there is an agreement
with Mark Shittler for snow removal.
Dave Wolfe thanked the outgoing members of the Consistory for their service.
NEXT MEETING: January 14, 2020
PSEC friends, you did it! As of Friday, January 17, 2020, the Our Church’s
Wider Mission contributions surpassed our 2019 goal by $818. Congratulations
and thank you to all who pushed to get their year-end reconciliations complete
in order to help us close the year within budget and thank you to all who have
faithfully and regularly sent in your support throughout the year! Blessings to
you and your 2020 ministries!
FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE
