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September 2019 NEWSLETTER
CONTACT THE CHURCH
321 South Limerick Rd. Limerick, PA 19468 610-489-0990 www.stjames-ucc.org
Pastor: Anne Cormier [email protected]
Minister of Music: Donna Pinto [email protected] (610) 792-1679
Office Assistant: Sandy Chang Mon. & Thurs. 10am-1pm [email protected]
for Newsletters: [email protected]
2019 CONSISTORY
Ellie Wellman, President Nancy Ewing, V. President Laura Walters, Secretary Jay Smith Rugene Caldwell James Friemann Ken Raspen Bob Walters
officers: Tom Mogel, Financial Sec. Ruth Borneman, Historian Jay Smith, Treasurer
“Like” us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/stjamesucc
Building One Another Up in Love
(Ephesians 4: 1-3, 15-16) I therefore, the prisoner in
the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to
which you have been called, with all humility and gen-
tleness, with patience, bearing with one another in
love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace. …. But speaking the truth
in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is
the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body,
joined and knit together by every ligament with which
it is equipped, as each part is working properly, pro-
motes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
Philippians 2: 12-15 Therefore, my beloved, … work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will
and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmuring and argu-
ing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars
in the world.
A bright-eyed girl named, Emily, was on her way home from school, leaping
and jumping and dancing as she made her way. In her hand she held her report
card, excited to share it with her mom and dad. This marking period she was able
to pull up her grade in English from a “C -” to a “B+”. Emily worked hard for
that “B+” and she was proud of her efforts. She got home, and smiling from ear
to ear, handed her mother the report card. Emily, shinning like a star, beamed as
she watched her mom scan through her grades. Emily’s mother’s face was fo-
cused. Seeing life as “the glass half empty”, the first thing out of Emily’s moth-
er’s mouth was, “You came so close to getting an “A” in English, what a shame.”
I think churches, that tend to view themselves as “family”, may be the
most susceptible and complacent with a culture of grumbling. I have seen first-
hand the impact chronic complaining has on church morale and leadership. I am
not talking about the occasional bad days we all have, but a culture of grumbling
that is as contagious as it is destructive, chipping away, deflating spirits and
squashing the joy and momentum in our work together in serving the Lord.
One of the biggest triggers to elicit complaints is that scary thing called
“change.”
And it doesn’t have to be big change for the complaints to flow freely.
A few weeks ago I had a conversation with Sandy Chang, our church sec-
retary, about her church. I asked her what she thought was a significant factor as
to why her congregation is flourishing as a mini-mega church? What she shared
was profound. She said her congregation is changing all of the time. They have
(continued on page 2)
WHAT’S UP
▪ Cong’l Life…..….3-5
▪ Birthdays…………..4
▪ Prayer Concerns..6
▪ Household
Prayers….…........7
▪ Calendar…........…8
PAGE 2 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
an understanding and acceptance of “change” as something normative and expected, and necessary to be
responsive to the needs of an ever changing world. What could St. James do or be if we, embraced change as
normative and actually welcomed it or at least accepted change as a fact of life and growth? Having a
willingness to talk openly and constructively, face to face, about genuine concerns, takes courage and has the
greatest potential to bear fruit. Growing the church involves making a conscious choice to be accepting of
change and part of forward moving solutions. The hard work of working out our salvation in community, as
we build one another up in love, needs each of us to make an ongoing conscious choice to hold ourselves and
one another accountable to the behavioral covenant adopted by the congregation through the revitalization
process. The behavioral covenant is only as good as the effort we put forth in living it out with each other.
Congregational Covenant
This covenant is a tool, to be used to remind ourselves why we are here and how we have promised
to behave. Refer to it frequently, as we continue in our efforts to discern and do God’s Will.
We Promise to:
remember that this is Christ’s church, and that we are here to discern and do God’s Will
communicate clearly, completely, and directly
maintain relationships of trust
welcome and value each others ideas and opinions
listen with an open mind
consider what is best for the whole congregation
accept and support decisions based on the majority, even if our opinions differ
practice forgiveness
love, respect, and care for each other
support our church's pastor, leaders, and staff, so that together we can serve God's plan
As we face an uncertain future, let us look to Christ, the perfector of our faith. Let us choose courage and
commit to rising as we go deeper – deeper in our trust of God, deeper in extending grace and respect to
ourselves and others, deeper in our love for our neighbor, deeper in our call to build one another up in love. In
so doing, may we know the joy of Christ Jesus.
Lectionary for September
PAGE 3 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Welcome to “Secret Service”
Rally Day which will be held
September 8th at 10:15 a.m. As follow-
ers of Christ, we are called to serve
others. Just as Jesus humbly served the
people around him we are called to
serve and help others in need. In the
beginning of worship we will be putting together 25
Blessings Bags for persons who are homeless. If you
wish to contribute to the Blessing Bags here is a list
of needed items: gallon sized ziplock bags, granola
bars, pretzels or other packaged snacks, water bottle
or juice box, tooth brush, tooth paste, travel size
shampoo, body wash, hand sanitizer, comb, travel
brush and notes of Christian love and hope.
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
With GRATEFUL HEARTS
*We extend our deep gratitude to Mike Serina and his
dad, Michael for the restoration and repair of the
church sign. We appreciation all the time and work
they devoted to the repair!
*We express our deep gratitude to James Frieman and
Michael Turbish for their leadership with the Chicken
Barbeque. And thanks to all who pitched in to make
all come together! Well done good and faithful
servants!
Proper 17 (22)
Twelfth Sunday after
Pentecost
September 1, 2019
Rev. Pattie Thomas
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Sirach 10:12-18
or
Proverbs 25:6-7
Psalm 112
Hebrews
13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Proper 18 (23)
Thirteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
September 8, 2019
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Psalm 139:1-6,13-18
Deuteronomy
30:15-20
Psalm 1
Philemon
1:1-21
Luke 14:25-33
Proper 19 (24)
Fourteenth Sunday af-
ter Pentecost
September 15, 2019
Jeremiah 4:11-12,
22-28
Psalm 14
Exodus
32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
1 Timothy 1:12
-17
Luke 15:1-10
Proper 20 (25)
Fifteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
September 22, 2019
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Psalm 79:1-9
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy
2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
Proper 21 (26)
Sixteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
September 29, 2019
Jeremiah 32:1-3a,
6-15
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy
6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31
CONSISTORY MEETING NOTES
The August 6, 2019 Consistory meeting opened with
devotions lead by Ellie Wellman followed with
prayer. Minutes of the June 2019 Consistory and the
June 2019 financial reports were reviewed and accept-
ed.
Pastor Anne’s report was distributed with the
following noted:
Starting in September, Pastor Anne will be
leading the Prayer Team through a time of
healing prayer and experiential practices. Natural Church Development: Nineteen Evangelism
questionnaires were completed and returned. The re-
sults are tallied, and Pastor Anne will contact Rev.
Cean James to review and schedule a meeting for cre-
ating an action plan. Old Business
Newman and Company, the new owners of the paper
retrieval receptacle estimate the bin will be removed
by the end of August.
A 2% annual raise for Pastor Anne was approved and
made effective beginning August 1st., 2019.
Chicken Barbeque: James Friemann reported on the
planning and progress of the annual Chicken
Barbeque. Ticket sales are down and after a brief
discussion, it was decided that the chicken order
should be reduced from 500 to 400.
Property Committee Report: Bob Smith prepared a
list of things that need to be attended to. Help is
needed. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board.
New Business
~ Pastor Anne is planning a leadership retreat with a
dual focus -- develop a vision for ministering to the
community, and strategic planning to address the cur-
rent reality of St. James UCC.
~ Jay S. prepared and distributed copies of St. James
UCC Financial Summary as of July 31st, 2019
comparing it to the records of 2018. Monthly
Income has decreased, and the net yearly income is
significantly less than a year ago.
~ Nancy E. present several options for fund raising
projects. The suggestions are from Coventry Parlor
at Laurel Locks and include an Apple Dumpling
Sale, Soup Sales, and Spaghetti Dinner. It was
agreed that we need frequent fund raisers
(bi-monthly) to increase the church income. In
September, we will take orders for apple dumplings
at $4.00 each to be delivered in October.
~ Ellie W. reported on the 4th of July fireworks
display effort to welcome and reach out to people in
our community. Approximately 75 bottles of water
were distributed and $60.00 in unsolicited donations
were received. Pastor Anne suggests that we build
off this experience and plan other family activities
for next year.
~ Following a brief discussion, Consistory members
agreed, that on a trial basis, we will advertise in the
Sunday edition of The Pottstown Mercury one week
per month, the rental of our church facilities as we
seek to fill the void that DayBreak left. Budget for
advertising is $100.00.
The next meeting for Consistory is scheduled for
Tuesday, September 10th, 2019.
PAGE 4 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
September
Birthday
1….Peter Cibulsky
2….Kenneth Raspen, Sr.
10….Millie Alderfer
11….Doris Frain
14….Ellie Wellman
15….Arthur Gelwicks
16….Nona Alderfer
17….Janice Moore
19….Joyce Clarke
20….Tony Nuccitelli
23….Jennifer Clarke
23….Betty Lou Wilson
26….Donna Serina
Anniversaries
7….Scott & Sue Swinehart
Congratulations and best
wishes from your
church family!
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE CON’T
APPLE DUMPLINGS
Enclosed with this newsletter is an
order form for apple dumplings
which will be on sale in September
until the 22nd. The apple dumplings
will be made by Coventry Parlor at
Laurel Locks, cost will be $4 each,
and delivery will be Sept. 29th after
the church service. We are going to
try to organize several fund raisers
over the next months to help offset
the loss of income from rentals. If
you have suggestions for fund
raisers, or would like to volunteer to
help with a project, please let a
consistory member know.
Apple Dumplings
Sunday Morning Bible Study Discussion Class
We are staring a new book “We Make the
Road by Walking”, by Brian D. McLaren.
“You are not finished yet. You are “in the
making.” You have the capacity to learn, ma-
ture, think, change, and grow. You also have
the freedom to stagnate, regress, constrict, and
lose your way. Which road will you take?”
“What we all want is pretty simple, really. We want
to be alive. To feel alive. Not just to exist but to
thrive, to live out loud, walk tall, breath free. We
want to be less lonely, less exhausted, less conflicted
or afraid …more awake, more grateful, more
energized and purposeful. We capture this kind of
mindful, over brimming life in terms like well-being,
shalom, blessedness, wholeness, harmony, life to the
full, and aliveness.”
This book is a year-long quest for Spiritual
Formation, Reorientation, and Activation. Please
join us as we journey together in discussing this
book.
“The Christian faith is still learning, growing, and
changing, and so are we.”
Note: all quotation marks indicate this was taken
directly from the book.
Books are available in the parlor.
PAGE 5 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
NURSERY
Nursery care will be starting again in September.
September Schedule
September 1 - Nancy Ewing
September 8 - Maryann Lopardo
September 15 - Sandie Fetterman
September 22 - Amy Fetterman
September 29 - Nancy Ewing
If you would like to volunteer to help with the
nursery, please contact Nancy Ewing at
PRAYER CONCERNS
For our friends Janice Moore, Betty Wines, Doris Frain, Pauline Ebersole,
Heather Yates, Melissa Moore, Ellie Donofrio, Mary Banyai, Frank Miller
and others who are in long term care or unable to leave their homes. We
pray for comfort, peace, healing and companionship for each of them.
For our friends Frank, Jim, Curtis M, Pat F, Taylor, Tammy, Mike, Diane R,
JT, Joanna R, Angela, Sherry and others with ongoing health concerns and
challenging life of God's presence through the support of our congregation.
For our friends Pastor Moyer, Ginny T, Pat F, Michelle S, Dan H, Elfriede,
Margaret Z, Malachi, Tiffany, Tabby, Sue F, Katie, Peggy M, Jeff D, Katie, Jeanene, Ed, Angela, Sherry,
Lauren B and all cancer survivors, we pray for treatment where it is possible and release from suffering where
it is needed.
Prayers for all veterans that are still suffering from PTSD and all other side effects from their service in the
military.
Lord we thank you for your many blessing that you give us each day. We thank you for the healing that so
many have been given and prayer for continued healing for those that still have health issues. We ask for
comfort and peace for those that have lost love ones and friends. We pray for peace in our world that we may
be one, without violence and war. We prayer for wholeness and healing of mind, body and spirit for all your
children. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
We ask that any prayer requests be put on a prayer request card and given to Pastor Anne before the
service. If you do not wish the cards to be read during the service, please place them in the offering
plate.
Please note that we will remove names on the prayer list after one month, except for homebound and
hospitalized members. Let us know if you would like to add or renew a request by office phone or email.
Initiated by St. James Prayer Team, each Sunday two church
families are being included in the Sunday worship prayer time. You
are invited to include these members and their families in your
prayers throughout that week.
PAGE 6 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
PRAYING FOR ST. JAMES MEMBERS
September
1 Sang Hi Crater
Patricia Dalina
8 Eleanor Donofrio
Nancy Dunning
15 Donna Earnshaw
Pauline Ebersole
22 William Espenship
Nancy Ewing
29 Sandie Fetterman
Richard and Charlotte Fiedler
DAILY PRAYERS FOR THE MONTH
PAGE 7 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
PRAYER TEAM
EVENING PRAYER
Here at the end of the day, O Lord, help me to entrust
my cares to you. Grant me grace for my failings and
rest for my weary soul, that I may be strengthened to
do your will and share your love when a new day
dawns. Amen.
MORNING PRAYER
On this new day, Lord, make me watchful for all that
you are doing in the world; keep me faithful, that I
may do your will in all things; and hold me in your
grace, as I seek to do the same for all I meet. Amen.
SU
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CALENDAR September 2019
Wors
hip
Tea
m
Sep
tem
ber
7
Wors
hip
Tea
m 2
Sep
tem
ber
14
W
ors
hip
Tea
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Sep
tem
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21
W
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hip
Tea
m 4
Sep
tem
ber
28
Wors
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Tea
m 5
CONFERENCE & LOCAL NEWS
PAGE 9 September 2019 NEWSLETTER
QUIET DAYS
September 1 @ 8:00 am - 5:00
pm Quiet Days are designed to
open new avenues of communing
with God, and to provide an
opportunity for sharing faith
journeys and stories. They allow for Sabbath time
and renewal in the midst of our busy world. There is
no formal registration, but a minimum donation of
$5.00 is requested on Quiet Day. Each participant is
asked to bring a Bible,
journal, pen and bag lunch. Come and see what God
has in store for you!
New Goshenhoppen UCC
1070 Church Road
East Greenville, PA 18041 United States
SHOP AMAZON SMILE TO BENEFIT THE
CONFERENCE
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon
that gives customers the same selection of prod-
ucts and the same prices, but the foundation do-
nates a percentage -- usually 0.5% -- of eligible
purchases to the charitable organization selected
by the customer. If you haven't attached your
Amazon account to PSEC, please consider doing
so now!
Your contributions to UCC Disaster Ministries at work In January-June 2019, UCC Disaster Ministries
funded disaster recovery work that touched
survivors of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, cyclones,
earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions in 10 U.S. states
and territories and nine other countries. Among
them, survivors of:
Hurricane Harvey in Texas
Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and displaced to
Pennsylvania
Hurricane Florence in North Carolina
Floods and tornadoes in California, Missouri,
Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Oklaho-
ma
Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique
Flash flooding in Papua, Indonesia
Volcanic eruptions in Vanuatu
Tornadoes in Cuba
Dam collapse and mudslides in Brazil
Flooding in Sumadija and West Serbia
Heavy rain and wind in Tanzania
Earthquake in Central Luzon, Philippines
Drought in Pakistan
Cyclone Fani in India
In January through June, UCC Disaster Ministries
also disbursed $9,500 for UCC matching grants of
$250 each to 38 congregations assembling CWS
Emergency Cleanup Buckets and other Kits.
September 2019 NEWSLETTER
Notes & Reminders
Materials for the October Newsletter are due on September 19th, 2019.
St. James United Church of Christ 321 South Limerick Road Limerick, PA 19468
SAVE THE DATE:
Rummage Sale
The Fall rummage sale is being held on October
19th from 8 am to 1pm. This event is sponsored by
the Women’s Fellowship.
FELLOWSHIP DINNER
All are welcome to the
Fellowship Dinner
Wednesday September 18th at
5:30pm. Come join us if you
have never attended
before. It's a good way to get to know other church
members, we have a good
fellowship time together, and it's a night you don't
have to do the cooking. If you plan on attending, the
sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board.
