· Web view2020. 7. 6. · The Tymes, July/August 2020 Zion’s United Church of Christ. Email: [email protected] FAX: (610) 323-3426 Phone: (610) 323-3637

www.zionspottstown.org The Tymes, July/August 2020 Zion’s United Church of Christ Email: [email protected] FAX: (610) 323-3426 Phone: (610) 323-3637

My Dear Congregation:

I write to you in the midst of this 2020 pandemic that has changed our lives and our worship life quite dramatically. Montgomery County is projected to move to the green phase in one week. Your Consistory continues to meet regularly via Zoom to discuss the business of God’s church and to prepare the best practices when we discern to open the doors of the sanctuary. You will receive a “check-in” call from Consistory to see how you are doing and to ask your opinion about returning to worship in the sanctuary. Please know that your Consistory is trying to keep on top of all the issues involved and praying for God to guide us when it is right to gather together for worship.

In the meantime, we continue with our video music and worship series as we attempt to bring these things into your home. We are excited that Laura Clattenburg continues to update Zion’s Facebook page. Also Adrienne Andres has taken responsibility of updating Zion’s website. We now post the YouTube Worship and Music videos on our webpage under “online worship service.” You may also view worship resources there.

One of the new ministries we are developing is a Bible study and prayer time through the technology of Zoom. I will email you the link to join the group every Wednesday at 10:00 AM. We have a good time of fellowship and praying as well as sharing insights into the scriptures to be used in next Sunday’s service. These sessions only last for 40 minutes. Please consider joining us sometime as you are able.

Again, please let me or a Consistory member know if you have any needs during this stressful time. We will make every effort to provide for your spiritual and physical care during this state of emergency.

May God continue to bless you richly, Pastor Austin

Sunday Worship Hours

Suspended until further notice.

Special Services & Events

Summer Ingathering Special Offering – Month of July

Community Meal at Emmanuel Lutheran –July 24 & August 28 at12:00 p.m.

Blessings!

Try to find the positives in every day!

Stay safe every one!!

Zion’s United Church of Christ 209 Chestnut Street Pottstown, PA 19464 (610) 323-3637 Rev. Austin Chinault, II - Pastor Keith Clattenburg – Director of Music Kimberly Kulesa – Office Administrator Frank Moser - Custodian

The Tymes – July/August 2020

NEWSLETTER DEADLINEThe deadline for the September issue of the Tymes is August 20th. Please send articles to: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Those serving in July

Altar Guild –Sandy Strunk

Financial Secretary -Joan Miller

Preaching Theme: Letter to the Church in Rome

July 5Communion

Lectionary Readings:Psalm 145Romans

7: 15-25aMatthew 11: 16f

Sermon:I Don’t Understand

My Own Actions

July 12

Lectionary Readings:

Psalm 119: 105fRomans8: 1-11

Matthew 13: 1ff

Sermon:Life In the Spirit

July 19


Genesis 28: 10fRomans 8: 12-25Matthew 13: 24f

Sermon:Abba—Daddy!

July 26


Genesis 29: 15fRomans 8: 26-19Matthew 13: 31f

Sermon:God Intercedes

for Us

Financial Assistants

Julie Rhoads and Sharon Moser

Jim Griesemer and Audry Stengel

Brenda Ross and Dusty Rhoads

Craig Strunk and Jim Eschbach

Usher inCharge

Craig Strunk Jim Miller Jennifer Young Julie Rhoads

Ushers Jim and Bambi Eschbach, Marsha Biehl, Louise Griffiths

Brian Miller, Joan Miller, Jim Kirkhoff, Nancy March

Jim Whisler, Diane Andres, Sue Henricks, Jim Miller

Dusty Rhoads, Elaine Richards, Connie Griesemer, Audry Stengel

Those serving in August

Altar GuildSandy Strunk

Financial SecretaryLouise Griffiths

August 2 Communion

Lectionary Readings:Genesis32: 22f

Romans 9: 1-5

Matthew14:13f

Sermon:A Clean

Conscience

August 9

Lectionary Readings:Genesis 37: 1f

Romans 10: 5-15Matthew14: 22f

Sermon: If You

Confess and Believe, You

Will Be Saved

August 16

Lectionary Readings:Genesis

45: 1fRomans 11: 1f

Matthew15: 10f

Sermon:God’s

Mercy on All

August 23


Exodus1: 8f

Romans12: 1-8

Matthew16: 13f

Sermon: The Body of Christ

has a Variety of

Gifts

August 30


Exodus3: 1-15

Romans12: 9-21Matthew16: 21f

Sermon: Love Must

Be Completely

Sincere

September 6

Communion

Financial Secretary-Julie Rhoads

Financial Assistants

Jen Young and Diane Andres

Elaine Richards and Diane Andres

Julie Rhoads and Jim Eschbach

Jim Griesemer and Audry Stengel

Brenda Ross and Dusty Rhoads

Sharon Moser and Joan Miller

Usher inCharge

Jim Miller Susan Embody Jennifer Young

Craig Strunk

Julie Rhoads

Ushers

Brian Miller, Joan Miller, Jim Kirkhoff, Nancy March

Jennifer Young, Craig Strunk, Brenda Ross, Sharon Moser

Jim Whisler, Diane Andres, Sue Henricks, Jim Miller

Jim and Bambi Eschbach, Marsha Biehl, Louise Griffiths

Dusty Rhoads, Elaine Richards, Connie Griesemer, Audry



Stengel

Consistory Highlights Pastor Austin, Consistory members, Joan Miller and Dusty Rhoads continue to meet remotely every two weeks via the conference video, Zoom.Some highlights from those meetings follow:Consistory is in active discussions of the protocol which will be established when services can resume in the sanctuary and will assess the situation after Montgomery County moves to Phase Green and a survey of active church members is received. Consideration to re-open the Church will be given later in July. The Wednesday Crew will make sure the church is prepared for re-opening in accordance with the CDC guidelines. This may involve distancing signage, separate entrance and egress, assigning pews, bathroom protocol, etc. The directives will be published on Zion’s website, sent by mail to members and posted on the exterior and interior of the church. Hand sanitizer and masks are available, courtesy of Audry Leister-Stengel, Jim Whisler and Pastor Austin.Pastor Austin has moved to a more liturgical format with his weekly services, blessing the offering, sharing scripture, and including congregational responses. Keith and Laura Clattenburg continue to provide special music to accompany the services, with some church members also sharing their talents. These are posted on Facebook and YouTube and Zion’s website each week. The bulletins and sermons are mailed to church members who do not have access to the internet.Despite his part time status, Pastor Austin has graciously provided worship services each Sunday throughout this pandemic. Consistory voted to contribute $1,000 to the Pottstown Cluster to assist families during the pandemic. Zion’s was a recipient of this money from the PSEC’s Rainy Day Fund.The parking lot has been resealed. The expense was covered by funds from the Gary Moser Memorial and the Doris Miller Memorial. Regular church contributions are being received and much appreciated to keep the Church fiscally sound. Please continue to mail in contributions or drop them in the mail slot of the Chapel Building.

Continued - The Confirmands, Travis Heydt, Chase and Isa Bartolini, met with Consistory, and their Mentors, Dusty Rhoads, Dich Frantz and Kaaren Steiner, and teachers, Joan Miller and Mary Cresswell via Zoom on Friday, May 29th to discuss their confirmation class experience. The official confirmation will take place at a future date after the Church re-opens.The Pottstown Ministerium held a National Day of Mourning and Lament as a faith community response to racism and the 100,000 plus deaths from COVID-19. A video is available of the prayer labyrinth held at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 10th, with clergy participating in prayer and scripture.

Diane Andres, Consistory President

Summer Ingathering Special Offering

This year the Summer Ingathering will be used to help the Pottstown Cluster with their many needs at this especially difficult time during the Covid-19 Crisis and to help replenish the investments for the remaining expenses ($68,512.68) of the new Slate Roof installed on the church The offerings will be split with half going toward the Pottstown Cluster and half toward the roof expenses. An envelope is enclosed. We appreciate your support of this special offering. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3

Thank you, Zion's Finance Committee

All Sunday School ClassesSuspended until further notice. We look forward to seeing everyone again when it is safe to do so.



Cluster Signature Page 2019Dear Friend,Do you want to see hunger end, for good, in our community? Do you wish that all local children and families have a safe and warm place to call home? Do you want to see hunger end, for good, in our community? Do you wish that all local children and families have a safe and warm place to call home? Do you have hope we can achieve meeting individuals’ basic needs and transform lives for the better in the greater Pottstown area and beyond? Do you want to publicly thank the volunteers, employees, and local heroes who have been committed to providing food security and housing stability to those in need during the COVID-19 crisis? Yes? Great! We are on the same Page! Showcasing your signature on the 2020 Signature Page Showcase of Support is one way to help realize these goals. Sign by July 15 to showcase your support in The Mercury, sharing your commitment to positively impacting the lives of those in need, for the betterment of our community. FAST FACTS: The Signature Page Fundraiser runs from June 4th to July 15th. Signatures will be collected both online and by mail. The pages appear in the Pottstown Mercury in August. When printed, the showcase of support spans TWO FULL PAGES of the paper. This year, the campaign goal is $25,000 Giving Levels: minimum contribution of $20 for an individual signature, minimum contribution of $100 for a business logo, minimum contribution of $500 to be showcased as a 3"x2" business or personal ad on the border of a page. If the online donation option does not work for you, you can also give by mailing a check and the signed signature form to the attention of Development at Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, 57 North Franklin Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.For more information, please visit: pottstowncluster.org/signaturepage2020 Questions? Email [email protected]

Thank you from all of us at The Pottstown

Cluster of Religious Communities!

Cluster NewsOur current needs are: a bulk supply of new reusable bags and new unused plastic bags to pack food in for distribution.Also, items to support our housing program:Masks (adult and children sizes) to bring to the families we visit or are housing.Items for Move-in Kits: Disinfectant wipes, dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, bleach surface cleaner, Lysol spray,sponges, cleaning cloths, paper towels, toilet plunger, dust pan and brush, rubber cleaner gloves, mop, broom, laundry detergentIMPORTANT COVID-19 RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT:At this time we are not accepting in-kind donations of food and we are only accepting the self-care items listed above from the public as we are limiting all that comes into the building to assure we are taking every precaution we can. We can only accept new and unopened items. To donate the items listed above, please call 610-970-5995.

Redner’s Receipts!Please place your Redner’s Save-a-Tape receipts in the box in the lobby of the Sunday School building. Remember to use your Gas or Save-a-Tape card (they are the same) when making your purchase. We need the entire register tape in order to get credit. Also it has to have the words Save-a-Tape on it. Redner’s will donate 1% of sales to our church. These funds are deposited in the General Fund.Placing your grocery receipts in the box is an easy way to help Zion’s!!

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWSThe Ice House Hoagie sale has concluded. Our treasurer is awaiting final figures on the profit realized.The officers are still considering having the Women’s Fellowship Banquet in the Fall. Of course, plans depend on the Corona virus subsiding significantly by that time. Stay tuned for more details…..



Luscious Blueberry JamPrep: 20 min.Cook: 20 min. + standingMakes: 8 cups

8 cups fresh blueberries2 Tbsp. lemon juice1 pkg. (1 3/4 oz.) powdered fruit pectin7 cups sugar

1) Mash blueberries; transfer to a Dutch oven. Add lemon juice; stir in pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat; stirring constantly.2) Stir in the sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; skim off foam. Ladle into jars or freezer containers and cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.3) Cover and let stand overnight or until set, but not longer than 24 hours. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 12 months.

Ways to Contribute to Those Less Fortunate Residents of nursing homes have been greatly impacted by the onset of the Corona Virus. One change is the absence of visits by family and friends. In order to soften the blow, we ask our church members to send monetary gifts to the Church for the nursing home residents. The gifts would be used for the residents’ activities. In contacting the nursing facilities, the requested items are: Word search books, snacks, crayons, adult coloring books, slipper socks, hand lotion, tissues, bingo prizes, candy, magazines (up to a year old), nail polish in neutral tones, and window sill plants. We will take care of forwarding the gifts on through the activities directors. Your gifts would be forwarded to the following facilities: Manor Care, Manatawny Manor, Sanatoga Center, Keystone Villas, Chestnut Knoll, and Frederick Living.

Proverbs Chapter 20, verse 29:“The glory of youth is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their gray hair.” Thank you so much, Zion’s Consistory.

By Monica Kulp



Dear PSEC Friends,What a Spring this has been. The presence of the coronavirus pandemic has required more of us in learning new skills and ways of doing ministry than anyone can remember. Many churches that never imagined online worship have plunged in and are experiencing greater attendance than ever before. Some churches for whom online worship could not be achieved are working at it and engaging in intensive ways of caring for their community. We wrestle now with how to re-gather in-person paying attention to complex guidance that guards the well-being of the most vulnerable among us. There is still much more work to do. The pain of worship adaptation has been compounded by the recent murder of George Floyd and too many other black lives that pulls back the veil of racism endemic to our communities and our country. Our pastors have taken part in peaceful protests, letter-writing campaigns, and small group conversations to increase race consciousness. There is still much more work to do. If you're feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or angry I get it and I can assure you that you are not alone. Even with all the challenge and change, some very important things remain: the abiding love of God, the connections of friendship and prayer within your congregation and our Conference, our shared witness to end racism and bigotry in all its forms and our commitment to Christian outreach to neighbors near and far. I’ve been deeply encouraged by the creativity and ingenuity I’ve witnessed across the Conference and your living testimony to Paul’s words to the church in Rome, “that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:3-4)Our Conference Staff and leaders are living out of that Spirit and into new ways to, “be the link that connects our churches' various and diverse ministries both locally and globally.” Over the last ten weeks we have:

Shared $1000 with every Conference congregation from a “rainy day fund” stewarded effectively since the closing of Camp Mensch Mill and the Church House. We have been amazed and inspired at the many ways those funds

have been used to make a difference locally and globally.

Hosted weekly Conference Zoom meetings to help congregations make decisions related to virtual worship and church life and the safe care of people and buildings during the pandemic.

Connected around the issue of racism in Zoom calls and a new Conference-wide book study, “Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race" by Debby Irving.

Offered application assistance to churches who made application to the Payroll Protection Program.

Worked with the Cornerstone Fund to create new, low interest loans for congregations needing additional financial support.

Continued to offer training events for clergy and lay leaders via Zoom conferencing.

I want to thank you for your commitment to Our Churches Wider Mission which makes these things possible. I know how important it is to keep cash close to home in these very uncertain times. But your support is critical to our capacity to support others. If you find yourself able to make an additional gift beyond what you normally give or to continue your usual contributions, know that your donation is deeply felt and lasting. Many people and pastors in our communities face personal economic challenges because of the pandemic. Please reach out to me if you need support. The Conference Consistory created an Emergency Fund so that we can help each other through this time, and I want to put that to work for you.Together, we can support each other through this difficult time. We can answer God’s call to mission and ministry. We can be spiritually united even when socially distant. With prayers for your ministry,Rev. Bill WorleyPennsylvania Southeast Conference Minister



Note from FrankI would like to borrow a small power washer to do some power washing around the church building.If you have one I can borrow please, call the church office.

Thanks,Frank MoserCustodian

John & Joan Stein 60 years on July 10 Jim & Joan Miller 34 years on July 19 Bill & Brenda Ross 42 years on July 22 Barry & Susan Embody 55 years on July 23 Michael & Jessica Albitz 16 years on July 31 Fran & Jennifer Young 24 years on August 2 Michael & Kelly Kehler 18 years on August 3 Gary & Sandy Schaeffer 19 years on August 4 Jason & Amy Rhoads 14 years on August 5 David Bartolini & Adrienne Andres 15 years August 14 Bill & Nancy March 37 years August 27 Carroll & Norma Bechtel III 49 years on August 28

July 1 - Betty Leister July 3 - Jonelle Gauger July 4 - Marsha Biehl July 5 - Shirley Searfoss

Sarah Rhoads July 8 - Jim Kirkhoff

Truman Tyson July 10 - John Stein July 11 - Tori Young July 12 - Jim Whisler July 15 - Caleb Rhoads July 19 - Dusty Rhoads Tracy Camacho July 22 - Jan Rose July 24 - Joan Miller July 26 - Penny Baker July 28 - Brian Miller

August 1 - Michael Demeter, Sr. August 4 - Tanesha Killgore August 8 - Bruce Albitz August 9 - Jeanne Graham Herb Houck Pastor Austin Chinault August 10 - Faith King August 14 - David Lewis Nicholas Selkregg August 15 - Shennan Janda August 16 - Sharon Moser August 19 - Bob Mackie August 20 - Rochelle Gauger August 21 - Kay Bachkai Travis Heydt August 23 - Janice Kehler August 26 - Jennifer Young August 27 - Toni Muth August 28 - Rachel Rhoads



Zion’s United Church of Christ209 Chestnut StreetPottstown, PA 19464

July/August Newsletter

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.Hebrews 13: 8



Documents

· Web view2020. 7. 6. · The Tymes, July/August 2020 Zion’s United Church of Christ. Email: [email protected] FAX: (610) 323-3426 Phone: (610) 323-3637