October 2017 Volume 10, Issue 41

HON OR IN G T H E PAST * C EL EBR AT I NG T H E PR ES ENT *

BUI LD I NG T H E F UT U R E

Associate Pastor Search Update It is with great pleasure and excitement that I am writing you to an-

nounce that on Monday, September 18th, 2017 the Search Committee pre-sented to Consistory their selection for our next Associate Pastor. The Search Committee unanimously presented Kayli L. Freeman as their candidate and the Consistory approved and has called a special congregational meeting to vote on this recommendation. We are providing several opportunities for you to meet Pastor Kayli.

Friday, October 27 from 9am-11am – Open House in Memorial Hall Stop by for snacks and refreshments. Saturday, October 28th from 1-3pm – Open House in Memorial Hall Stop by for snacks and refreshments. Saturday, October 28th 3:30-5pm – Open House in Memorial Hall Youth and Young Adults, Stop by for pizza and refreshments. Sunday, October 29th 9:00am – 10:00am Coffee Hour in Memorial Hall Sunday, October 29th 10:30 Worship – Trial Sermon and Congregational

Meeting and Vote (No 8am worship on this day.)

Immediately following the 10:30 worship service on Sunday, October 29th all members in good standing of Union UCC (confirmed, transferred, joined) who attend the service will be invited to vote either for or against this candidate.

The Union UCC By-Laws require that in order for an individual to cast a vote, the member must be in at-tendance on this Sunday and additionally the Penn Northeast Conference requires that the member must hear the sermon in order to vote. Therefore we cannot allow write-in votes. Our Constitution requires that the candidate must receive at least 85% votes in favor of the votes cast in order to be named our next Associ-ate Pastor. The results of the vote will be announced at the service, after the votes are counted during the singing of a hymn.

I would like to congratulate and thank the Search Committee on an outstanding and extremely thorough job. I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to Donna Christman, Aften Hamm, Ardith Kuhns, Sue Ondrey, Dave Fleming, Carrington Smith, Phil Wehr, Natalie Ondrey, Mollie Jarrett, Jason Klinger, Ben Anderson, Ashley Anderson, Teresa Dalrymple and Pastor Kris. These volunteers met one to three times a month since last January and did additional homework in between meetings.

The committee is quite confident that they have presented the congregation with the best candi-date. Thank you for your prayers and support through this process. Sincerely,

Brad Hackett Consistory President

2

Basket Social Wednesday, October 4, Fellowship Hall

Doors open at 5:30 pm/Social begins 7 pm

Tickets are $5 each with 25 on a sheet and are available from the church office. There are only

150 tickets, so secure yours early! Hot dogs & soda served

Donations of filled baskets (valued about $10) & door prizes can be brought to the church office at

any time, or to Fellowship Hall between noon & 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 4. Donations of baked goods

can be brought to the kitchen on Wednesday evening.

Kayli L. Freeman Biography Submitted by the Associate Pastor Search Committee: Donna Christman, Aften Hamm, Ardith Kuhns, Sue Ondrey, Dave Fleming, Carrington Smith, Phil Wehr, Natalie Ondrey, Mollie Jarrett, Jason Klinger, Ben Anderson, Ashley Anderson, Teresa Dalrymple and Pastor Kris

The Associate Pastor Search Committee presents our Candidate: Kayli L. Freeman

Kayli was born and raised here in the Lehigh Valley. Growing up outside of Kutztown, she attended and graduated from Northwestern Lehigh in 2006. After high school, she attended Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in General Management, in 2010.

Although she enjoyed her college years and the friends she made there, she knew that there was something more for her. She began embracing and discerning her call to ministry in her third year at Shippensburg, and knew that once she graduated from college she would venture on to seminary. In the fall of 2010, Kayli took the biggest leap of faith in her life and enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Moravian Theological Seminary (MTS) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Although it was hard work and long hours, she never felt more determined and supported by God in her entire life. In May of 2013, Kayli graduated from MTS with her Masters of Divinity Degree.

Kayli was born, baptized, confirmed, and raised in the United Church of Christ. Growing up she faithfully attended Sunday School and worship. She spent a few years finding herself and trying to figure out what it meant to truly be a Christian and embrace all that God was/is calling her to be. When Kayli finally decided to jump into her call feet first, she found that God is calling her to reach out to as many people as possible, spreading the good news and showing love to all that she encounters. She truly believes in the UCC mantra, “No matter who you are, and where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Kayli believes that Christ’s love was not conditional, so neither should ours be.

Since graduating from seminary Kayli has been supply preaching at local congregations, filling in to preach and lead worship as needed. Most recently she’s been supply preaching weekly at Bethel UCC in Slatington. She lives with her loving, supportive parents, Jeff and Kim, as well as her older broth-er, Zach, and their three outrageous rescue animals. (two dogs, one cat). She has been approved for ordination by the Penn Northeast Conference, pending a call. The Search Committee says this about Kayli: Kayli’s faith is strong, enthusiastic and genuine. Her spirit and personality blends well with people of all ages. She shares ideas and energy for confirmation, youth and young adult ministries that are exciting. Her worship leadership is strong and her preaching is relevant and meaningful. We look forward to seeing her gifts flourish and grow here. She is excited that God is leading her to serve at Union UCC and is ready for this next adventure.

Kayli L. Freeman,

Associate Pastor Candidate Photo Credit: Kevin Richter

3

Mission Committee

By Susan Smith

Holy Joe’s Cafe : October’s Mission Benefitting UCC Military Coffee House

During the entire month of October, Holy Grounds will serve Equal

Exchange coffee, a fair-trade brand of gourmet products. Equal Exchange, the world’s largest worker-owned coffee roaster, has partnered with a sister congregation, the First Congregational Church in Wallingford, CT, to pro-vide coffee to the troops serving oversees. Started by a UCC military chap-

lain, Holy Joe’s Café offers men and women on active duty a place to come, relax, and talk with chaplains. This “Coffee House and Café Ministry” provides our military personnel with a place where they can be emotion-ally and spiritually renewed and have a moment of peace as well as a cup of gourmet coffee. It opens doors to communication and allows troops to begin to heal their concerns and relieve their burdens related to the home front or their deployment.

By making a donation during Holy Grounds, the Mission Committee will pass those donations on to

First Congregational Church so they can ship Equal Exchange coffee to the participating UCC military chap-

lains. By purchasing and serving the same coffee that is going to the troops, we here at Union UCC can enjoy a

special connection with our active military members. While you enjoy the coffee, we hope you, too, can be emo-tionally and spiritually renewed within the walls of Union UCC.

Operation Project Food Bank

Every November, Union UCC is responsible to provide volunteers to help distribute food at the Northern Lehigh Food Bank in Emer-ald. Ten to twelve volunteers are needed on Thursday November 2, 9, and 16 from 3:34 pm - 7:15 pm and on Saturday November 18 from 8:30 am - 12:00 noon. Please consider providing time to help others, call Phil Wehr 610-767-3657 or Wilbur Romig 610-841-6586. The food bank is located on Center Street in Emerald, directly across from the Washing-ton Township Municipal building. The NL food bank provides food relief to over 250 families in the local area. Director Dale Bryfogle manages the huge task of oversee-ing the daily operations of the food bank, along with many volunteers from the community, over twelve participating local churches, and other service organizations. She is always looking for more regular help-ers to organize, stock shelves, distribute food and other duties. Volunteer opportunities are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please contact Phil or Wilbur for more information.

Emergency Relief Efforts During September, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma brought high winds, heavy rain, and huge storm surges to Texas, Flori-da, Georgia, South Carolina, Cuba, St Marten, St Thomas, St John, and more islands. Life for millions of families was turned upside down, for many life will never be the same. Earlier in the year, forest fires were out of control in the West, tornadoes were ripping through the Midwest, plus there were typhoons in the Philippines, flooding in India, droughts in Africa, and more. Natural disasters result in loss of life, loss of homes, damage to property and possessions, loss of income, loss of everything. How does Union UCC help during these times? First through prayer, then through communications, then through sharing and caring for those families who need their spirits lifted. Every donation, every helping hand, every blood dona-tion provides a much needed boost to restore some resem-blance of life to the affected families. Union UCC’s yearly support to Blanket Sunday, One Great Hour of Sharing, Our Churches Wider Mission, and other mission agencies provides for disaster relief supplies to be placed in storage and ready when disaster strikes. Addi-tional donations are provided through member gifts when natu-ral disasters are over, going directly to help those areas of dev-astation. To help provide disaster relief to families affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Union UCC is hosting a golf tourna-ment on Oct 7, organized by member Matt Gerry. The consistory has requested $5,000 from the Funds of Lasting Gifts endowment fund to be provided to the Mission Commit-tee to prepare over 300 hygiene kits for Church World Ser-vices, plus a cash donation for disaster relief. Church World Services has already shipped over 100,000 hygiene kits to families affected by Harvey and Irma. The spirit of generosity and the desire to help people around the world is a strong tradition here at Union UCC. Thank you for supporting mission projects all year long.

Where School Memories Begin

The Preschool is once again up and running, as students

fill the classrooms with the joy of learning. This time of year

always brings the excitement of new supplies, new learning

themes, and endless possibilities of the fun to come. This

year also brings a new member to our staff; we would like to

welcome Nancy Moran as a Teacher Assistant for our 3 and 4

year-old classes. The focus of our lessons in September is

all about our students: themselves, their families, their

school, and their communities. Feel free to check out the

Preschool hallways as we add graphs of our favorite animals,

favorite foods and other themed artwork.

With a nip in the air these past few days, it reminds us

that summer is fading away and that fall will soon be in full

swing. Looking ahead to October, mark your calendars for

our Cemetary Crawl: Family 5k and Tot Trot on October 21st.

Registration will begin at 1:30 with a 2:00 start time for the

run. 10% of our profits will go to Trinity by the Sea Pre-

school in Port Aransas, which was devastated by Hurricane

Harvey. Afterwards, stay and enjoy Trunk or Treat begin-

ning at 3:00.

We are selling KidStuff Coupon Books for our school for $25! Save at Macy's, Sears, Dick's, Michaels, Payless + more! Twenty-six other editions are available for other states. KidStuff ships books to our school. Email us at preschool@unionucc.org to order any edition.

-Annette Wilcox, Director

Check us out on Facebook— or on our website– Neffs UCC Preschool www.unionucc.org/preschool

If you have a child or know of one who would enjoy learning in

our fun and caring environment, registration information can be

found on our website or by calling the Preschool directly.

Curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards Whole child focused: academic, social and emotional

4

Join the Choir! Practice Schedules: Tuesday Nights—Youth Cherubs (age 4-1st grade)– 6pm Juniors (2nd-5th grades) 6:30pm Middlers (6th-8th grades) 7pm Unity Choir—7:30pm High School (9th-12th)- Wednesdays @6pm Sunday Mornings—Adults Heritage Choir-7:15am Horizon Choir-9:15am Contact: Blake Hoppes Blake.charger@gmail.com

Fall Blood Drive Thanks to successful collections in the past, Union UCC will host a blood drive through Miller-Keystone Blood Center. This is an additional drive this year. This will be a blood drive only event. There will not be any soup sales during this Sunday, November 12 collection. Please spread the word and consider donat-ing blood on this day. Sign up online at www.giveapint.org, or contact Susan Smith at (610) 366-7284 to schedule an appointment. Appoint-ments will be from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. If you are unable to give blood, consider making a monetary dona-tion. Miss the soup sale? We’ll bring that back in March, when we’ll do another blood drive as well.

5

Contact: Kathy Bonsell

Phone: 610-767-6961

Email: dired@unionucc.org

Union UCC and Union Evangelical Lutheran would like to invite all children to our sixth TRUNK-OR-TREAT

on Saturday, October 21st, 3:00 to 5:00 pm. We will be in both our grove parking lot and the Lutheran lot

with a short cemetery walk in between. Wear your costume and pick up treats at each participating decorated vehicle. Both churches will also have food for our hungry trunk-or-treaters. Hope you can join us at this fun and safe event! We are still looking for families, groups and/or organizations to decorate vehicles and hand out candy. Please sign up on Kathy’s door or in the foyer.

5K Cemetery Crawl—Oct. 21st—2:00pm

Help support our very own preschool and help a preschool in Port

Aransas, Texas which was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Talk to your

friends and family, get sponsors, and bring your family to run or walk

through our cemetery. Full or partial 5K. Wagons and strollers are fine.

Participation prizes for all. Prizes for top three fund-raising families. Look for TRINITY

by the SEA Day School donation jar in our foyer if you can’t make the 5K. Any questions, see

Kathy Bonsell or Annette Wilcox.

Our Sunday School has started another year of fun and learning. We have a

wonderful team excited to share their faith with your children every Sunday during the Education Hour (9:15-

10:15). Start anytime! Thank you to our 3rd/4th/5th

graders for making gifts for our

Homebound members. The gifts

were delivered with the mums.

They also made a fall craft for

Meals on Wheels recipients.

SNEAKER STROLL (our version of the CROP WALK)

October 8th during Sunday School AND Children’s Church. Wear your sneakers or crocs and bring your donation envelope!

Oct. 1 Matthew 21:23-32 (communion in Room 5)

Oct. 8 Sneaker Stroll (mission) Matthew 21:33-46

Oct. 15 Philippians 4:1-9

Oct. 22 Matthew 22:15-22

~ We meet the first Thursday of every month in Room 5 at 7pm. We are always looking for new members! ~We have already made hoagies (Sept. 30) and ran a Messy Church Workshop (Oct. 1). ~ We will have a second Messy Church

Workshop on Dec. 3rd. Look for more info next month. ~ Our committee sends birthday cards, a $25 Target birthday gift, and a $20 gift card to the house parents to purchase birthday supplies to children at Bethany Home in Womelsdorf, PA. ~ Our committee sends birthday cards to our children on their first through fourth birthdays. ~ Our next project—Holiday HOPE CHESTS for local chil-dren (delivered by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley). Look for information in the foyer. Empty shoeboxes needed!

JOIN US FOR BIBLE JOURNALING

OCT. 5 AND OCT. 19 IN ROOM 5, 9:30-11

Bring a Journal Bible. We have art supplies!

Children’s Church Calendar

6

Youth Group News Grades 6-12 For more information contact:

Pastor Kris pastorkris@unionucc.org 610-657-6007 Cell

Or Dave DiPaolantonio at 610-349-9162 and youth group@unionucc.org.

Facebook: Union UCC Youth Group www.unionucc.org/Ministries/Youth Group

Anyone who is in grades 6-12 is considered a member of youth group. Adults

and parents who meet our safe child guidelines are welcome as chaperones, drivers

and team members. Friends and families are always invited (unless noted).

SUNDAY MORNINGS

9:15-10:15am Resumes in September

THE MUNCH BUNCH (6th & 7th grade

2nd Floor Room 203)

CONFIRMATION CLASS (8th grade Youth

Room) Confirmands can go to The Break-

fast Club when there is no class.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB (9th- 12th grade

Room 4)

Sunday, October 15th Church-Wide Hike

Hike the Appalachian Trail near the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Meet at church @ 12:30. It’s about a

3-4 hour hike. Remember to wear sturdy shoes or boots, warm

comfortable clothes, bring a poncho or raincoat, a water bottle, sun-

screen, hat and healthy snacks to sustain you along the way. RSVP to

Dave D by Friday, October 13.

Cemetery Crawl and Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 21 Sign up

with Mrs. Bonsell to help or to save a spot for your family’s car.

Breakfast Club Guest Speaker:

Sunday, October 22 Brad Hackett

Brad Hackett, Muhlenberg College Track Coach talks about the

college search process with 30 years of experience on college campus-

es. THE BREAKFAST CLUB (High School Class) at 9:15am-10:15am Room 4 Basement

Sunday, November 5th during Coffee Hour—Sandwich Fundraiser

Nov 17-19 Confirmation Class Retreat at Camp Icthus 9th-12

th graders are welcome to join the

Confirmation Class for the weekend. Space is limited, contact Pastor Kris for forms.

Dec 17 Advisory Team Meeting and Lunch 11:45-12:30

Church-Wide Christmas Caroling 12:30-3:30

$50 Deposit for Regional Youth Event due. Made to “Union UCC Youth Group”

Regional Youth Event 2018 Join other UCC youth from PA, MD, NJ, NY and DE at California

University, PA (near Pittsburgh) July 19-22, 2018.

$50 deposits being collected now through December 17 to hold your spot.

Talk to Dave or PK with your questions.

Confirmation Class Letters to our Youth in 8th grade have been mailed inviting them to

be a part of the confirmation class. A registration fee of $50 and

forms are due now. A required information session for each student

and at least 1 parent will be on October 1st, 9:15-10:15 in the

Youth Room (basement.) This will be the last day to join the

class. If you know someone who is interested in being in the class,

please have them contact the church office or watch our website for

the forms and information.

Keep me as the apple of Your eye.

-Psalm 17:8

7

Property Committee by Phil Wehr Blast from the Past Where has the time gone? Fifteen years ago, on August 2, 2002, the con-tractors began construction of the New Beginning Addition. Trees and side-walks were removed, the building layout was marked off, followed by the dig-ging of the foundation. By September, the basement block walls were going up, and the elevator shaft started. On Sept 11, 2002, the basement doorway from the New Beginning Addition to the parish house was created, by cutting and removing a six foot wide by seven feet high slab of twelve inch thick con-crete. By October 1, 2002 the concrete basement floor was finished, along with the basement interior block walls. Onto the Present Where has the food stand gone in the grove? After over 70 years of faith-ful service to Union Church and more recently Union United Church of Christ, the food stand said some final good bye’s to the Blues Nite Out crowd on Satur-day Aug. 26, 2017. Deconstruction of the food stand began the following Mon-day, and was completely removed by Thursday. Layout of the new food stand began on Friday, with ground being moved the following week. Looking to the Future Where will the hot dogs, sodas and ice cream be served in the grove next year? From our new and im-proved food stand which will start to take shape and rise up in the next coming months. Contractors will be busy this fall and winter to construct this new building for Union UCC’s grove. Excitement is in the air as the grove welcomes this change to the landscape. Stay tuned for more updates !!

Adult Study Friday Morning Adult Class

9:30am-11am – Room 5 (Basement)

Everyone is welcome at any time as your schedule allows.

Friday, October 6, 13, and 20 with Pastor Kris What is the Bible?: How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything by Rob Bell. Have you ever wondered – Why should we bother with such an ancient book? Isn’t it all myths and fairy tales? What about all that violence? And the contradic-tions? What is the Bible? Sunday Morning Adult Class 9:15-10:15 - Room 5 (Basement)

Everyone is welcome at any time as your schedule allows.

Life Stories: A Memoir Workshop with Vicki Mayk and Pastors Kris and Patience Sunday Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22 The late author William Zinsser said, "writers are the custodians of memory.” But don’t let the thought that you’re not a writer stop you: everyone has a story to tell! In this four-session class, participants will learn the basics of crafting memoir for your own pleasure or to create a legacy for loved ones. Through in-class exercises and ideas to take home, participants will learn the foundations of writing our most sacred stories: the tales of the life God has given us. Participants should bring a notebook and pen. The class will be taught by Vicki Mayk, a member of our congregation who teaches memoir workshops at St. Luke’s Hospice, Wilkes University and at her own retreats.

Sunday Morning Alive

Sunday Morning Alive leads worship on Sun-days at 10:30 for about six Sundays throughout the year. We have a worship team that in-cludes a group of sing-ers, guitar players, key-boards and drums.

We play traditional and favorite hymns as well as contemporary and alternative worship

music.

Look for us

next on

October 15

at 10:30am

worship!

8

Tom & Linda Anderson,

Madeline Bingell,

Eunice Diehl, Larry

Frantz, Phyllis Hamm,

Bonnie Herzog, Judy

Hoffman, Marjorie Hoff-

man, Eleanor & Ron

Kleckner, Linda Migliori,

Barbara Panner, Linda &

Wilbur Romig, Jill

Schlosser

We always welcome news-

letter assembly helpers the

last Tuesday of the month

at 9am in the Youth Room.

Thanks to our

Office Helpers!

WAYS TO GIVE and SUPPORT UNION UCC’S

Ministry and Mission DONATE ONLINE with your Credit or Debit Card Go to

www.unionucc.org/resources/giving-and-sponsorship/ways-to-

give/ and click on GIVE ONLINE button.

TEXT TO GIVE Send a text to 610-857-7023 with the amount you

would like to contribute. Include the $ sign. You’ll be sent a text with

directions to register.

ELECTRONIC GIVING you can designate an automatic weekly, semi-

monthly or monthly donation to be transferred electronically. Fill out

the form at http://www.unionucc.org/egive.pdf and return it to the

church office.

AMAZON SMILE Earn money for Union UCC while you shop at Amazon

by signing up at https://smile.amazon.com. Set Union United Church of

Christ as your charity and 0.5% of your purchases will be donated to the

church. Search charities by zip code 18065.

OFFERING ENVELOPES in person or by mail Packets are given to

members and friends in December for the new year. Place your envelope

in the offering plate on Sundays, use the envelopes in the rack in your

seat at church for the offering plate or mail your offering by postal mail.

Worship and Pastoral Care Plan – from Pastor Kris We will continue to invite guest preachers until a new associate pastor is called. See the worship page for the schedule. We have also asked two area pastors to assist us with emergencies, pastoral care and funerals as needed. We are so grateful that these pastors have agreed to support our congregation through the end of Novem-ber. Reverend James Robison has been pastor of Good Shep-herd UCC, Slatedale since October 1998 and St. Paul's UCC, Big Creek since January 2017. He has served on various PNEC Committees as well as being a delegate to General Synod. In addition to church work, he serves as President of Guardianship Support Agency, Inc. and Presi-dent of Watsontown Historical Association. In 1998 he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary. He loves dogs, chai and genealo-gy. Reverend Candi Cain-Borgman is a transplanted Kansas farm girl. After working as a Director of Christian Education in the United Church of Christ for seventeen years she attended and graduat-ed from Lancaster Theological Seminary. Immediately out of semi-nary she served St. Paul's UCC in Fleetwood. She served at Ziegels Un-ion Church for almost nine years and is excited to see what God has in store next. She is an avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler. She and her husband, Craig, share their home in Vera Cruz, Pennsylvania with four dogs, or it might be the other way round. Please continue to contact the church office, Pastor Kris or Rev. Patience as you need pastoral care. Thank you for your patience and faith during this time of staff and pastoral transition. Thank you for your discipleship of service and ministry to each other and the staff.

JD and Teri Fekula are our Catch the Spirit recipients for October. They were nominated by the Welcoming Committee. They will be recognized October 15, 2017 at 10:30am worship.

9

JD and I were both raised in the Catholic faith. Our families were routine church-goers and our faith was shaped by traditions. As adults we both valued the need for “the church” in our lives but were looking for a church with a strong sense of community and youth involvement, but also a church that embraced progressive thinking. We were so happy to find that here at Union UCC. We have two daughters, Jacquelyn age 12, and Isabelle age 10. They are Parkland students and keep us busy with many activities. We are currently in the middle of our fall softball season and keeping dad busy since he helps coach both teams. Last year we had the pleasure of becoming a part of the Welcoming Committee here at Union. It is an incredible group of people who are passionate about the role of the church in people’s lives. We have been very encouraged by this group and enjoy helping them plan some really fun activities. Our daughters also sing with the Unity choir. They began singing with the youth choir when we first starting attending Union and truly enjoyed all of the musical talents and opportunities of this congrega-tion. JD has participated in several of the men’s group activities and volunteering at the food bank. Through work with Union UCC, we, as a family, spent time volunteering at the Northern Lehigh food bank, which was a wonderful opportunity for us. Being a part of Union UCC has changed our lives for the better for several reasons. We have made new friends and regained a sense of community. It had also renewed our faith. We came to Union UCC dur-ing a time of transition, and questioning whether organized religion had a significant role in our lives. Union UCC answered that question with a resounding “YES”! Seeing how Union UCC handled the mar-riage equality issue, and how welcoming the church is overall, reinforced that we had found a church home to take up roots. Our favorite memory was the first time we attended Union UCC’s Christmas service. We were stunned at how beautiful the church was decorated. Holding the real candles made the service even more spe-cial. We love Union UCC because it is a welcoming church where we all look forward to coming, whether its for Sunday service and a chance to “recharge”, as we like to think of it, or whether it’s a chance for fel-lowship and fun family activities. The weekly messages, whether delivered by PK or a guest speaker, are often a source of discussion and inspiration for us. We always go home from Union with a feeling of con-tentment!

By Teri Fekula

10

Women’s Lunch Date Saturday, October 7th at 1-4pm

Sneak away for an afternoon with friends. Come for as long as you can. Choose from the menu, pay your own. Starlite Diner 233 Pennsylvania Route 100, Allentown

RSVP to Aften Hamm by October 1 at Unycorn12@msn.com or Contact Church Office

Women’s Retreat 2018 Union UCC Women’s Retreat Weekend April 27-29, 2018 Trout Lake Retreats, Stroudsburg $135, Collecting Collecting $75 Deposit Now through January to hold your spot. Payment plans and financial assistance availa-ble. Checks to Union UCC, Memo Line – Women’s Retreat Questions or More Info: Pastor Kris

Blues Nite Out

Mother Nature provided two beautiful summer evenings for this years Blues Nite Out, which in turn brought out record crowds to Neffs Church Grove to enjoy music, food, and fellowship. Two fun nights for members and the community, spon-sored by Union United Church of Christ. The Bryant Brothers returned Friday night to a large crowd of followers who steadily flowed into the grove as the music began. Every year, Blues Nite Out is their favorite performance spot . They truly appreciate the opportunity to play in our beautiful grove. Brothers Tom and Bob, and bass player Ray performed a variety of classic rock and blues songs through out the evening. Saturday’s event started off with a return per-formance by Bev Conklin and her BC Combo Band. Winner of multiple Lehigh Valley Music awards over the past years, Bev and her band en-tertained an ever growing crowd. Afterwards Bev commented “Thank you so much for inviting me, what a wonderful setting for our band to perform, your helpers are fantastic”. The grove was packed surrounding the stage and pavilion as the Sarah Ayers Band started their main set. This year Sarah was joined by award winning blues harmonica player James Supra. Sa-rah, James and the band played two excellent sets to a capacity crowd in the grove. Sarah comments “ This is our favorite family gig of the year, we love coming to Blues Nite Out and Neffs Church Grove”. Saturday’s event was bittersweet due to the fact that the food stand was being used for the last time. Members were serving the last dip of ice cream, the last sausage sandwich, the last hot dog. Who really ate that last hot dog? Phil ? Ju-lie ?? Or Flat Jesus ??? Special thanks to all Blues Nite Out helpers (over 70 members), bakers, chefs, ice cream dip-pers, raffle ticket sellers and music lovers who help to make this community event a success, and bless-ings for the beautiful weather. Proceeds support Union UCC‘s general fund, the Northern Lehigh Food Bank, the grove project, Trunk or Treat and more.

Hospital Stay Information: The pastors try to do hospital visits on Mondays,

Wednesdays, and Fridays/Saturdays hoping they will see any

of our members during a hospital admission.

If you are in the hospital, please ask a family member

or friend to call one of our pastors or the church office to

be sure we know you are there. 610-767-6961

It would also be helpful to tell the staff during admissions

that your church code is 511. If you are not sure that we

know of your stay, you can also call the hospital chaplain’s

office and ask them to list you under our church code 511.

We are more than glad to visit, to pray with you and

to ask the congregation to pray for you and care for you,

so please don’t hesitate to call on us.

Part time employment opportunity - Union Church Cemetery - duties include lawn mowing, grass trimming, general landscaping and ground work, set up and clean up for funerals, and more. Average of 20 hours per week during spring, summer, and fall, 5 - 10 hours per week during the winter. Applicants must be in physi-cal shape to perform duties stated above. Please call Phil Wehr at 610-767-3657

11

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

All committees and groups must

complete a use of facility form to

schedule events or activities.

Please contact Barbara, in the

church office at

610-767-6961 or

administrator@unionucc.org for

forms and room availability.

New Member Sessions Pastor Kris and our church leaders invite you to gatherings on Novem-ber 5th and 12th at 9:15am-10:15am. We will meet in the Memory Room (Room 200) on the second floor. This is time to get to know each other and ask questions. Attendance is not required to join. You will be welcomed as members in worship on Sunday, November 19th at the 8am or 10:30am worship service. For more info: Pastor Kris PastorKris@unionucc.org To sign up: Call the church office at 610-767-6961 or email Tara secretary@unionucc.org or Barbara administrator@unionucc.org

Baptism We offer baptisms during worship at the 10:30 service every other month. Upcoming dates are November 12 and January 14. There is a pre-baptism session for families typically held after church the Sunday before the bap-tism. To sign up: Call the church office at 610-767-6961 and speak to Tara secretary@unionucc.org or Barbara administrator@unionucc.org

Weddings To begin the process of scheduling your pre-marriage sessions and wed-ding at church/a venue and/or with one of the pastors: Barbara Carinci at 610-767-6961 administrator@unionucc.org

Dorothy George - Oct. 10

Eastern Comfort, 206 Dia-

mond St

Slatington, PA 18080-1589

Marion Snyder-Oct. 10

4323 Route 309

Schnecksville, PA 18078

Hilda Nagel - Oct. 23

2757 PA Rt 309

Orefield, PA 18069-9775

Emilie Peters—Oct. 24

WA-4 Park One Sandy Dr.

Walnutport, PA 18088

Home Visitation Members Birthdays

Consistory Minutes

Jim and Sue Ondrey are moving! Jim and Sue are moving to Denver, CO for Jim’s job. Jennifer is in col-lege at Vanderbilt University and Natalie at Penn State. We are sad to see them leave. Their leadership and spirit has been a tremendous gift to us in a variety of ways. We bless them and wish them all the best on this new adventure. Love and prayers go with you from your church family at Union.

The monthly meeting of the Union UCC Consistory was called to order on Mon-

day, September 18, 2017, by Vice President, Aften Hamm.

The Treasurer's report and the 8/21/17-9/18/17 bills were presented and

approved.

Property Committee reported Blues Nite Out was a success. Profits of $4,700

will go to various ministries including general fund, NL food bank, Trunk or Treat,

and more. The demolition of the food stand was completed along with removal of

two pine trees; foundation work has begun.

Christian Ed reported that Sunday School started Sept. 10th and Children’s

Church on Sept. 17. Hoagie sale will be ready for pick up Sept. 20. Messy Church

Workshop Oct. 1. Trunk or Treat is Oct. 21. Please sign up to decorate a car.

Mission Committee has not received any updates from Family Promise-we

need to develop a steering committee for this outreach. Money and Food from Har-

vest Home will be donated to the NL food bank. Holy Joes’ cafe will take place in

October. Sneaker Stroll money will be donated to the Allentown CropWalk. Blood

Drive on Nov. 12. Food bank volunteers needed. Advent Self-Denial will go to Fami-

ly Promise. $5,000 from FOLG will make over 300 hygiene kits for Church World

Service disaster relief.

Welcoming committee is handing out magnets and working on social media

ads.

Stewardship is planning new Stewardship drive and letter campaign, request-

ing $2,00 from FOLG to finance letters and postage.

Fellowship reports the Basket Social will be Oct. 4

The next regular meeting of the Consistory will be held Monday, October 16, at

6:45pm.

By Deb Wenner, subject to approval

Tales from the Road

12

By Rev. Dr. Patience Stevenson, Minister of Visitation

Helping Hearts and Communion Ministers

Our Helping Hearts group

cares for our members on

our visitation list by deliv-

ering flowers sponsored

by church members and

by visiting, sharing pray-

ers and Christian friend-

ship. Our Communion

Ministers also share in this

ministry by delivering

communion. Our next

meeting will be in

December.

Golden Times For those wise in years and

young at heart.

Our next gathering will be Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Program: Parkland Strolling

Strings November: Behind the Bench

Programs offered are fun,

informative and entertaining. Bring a dessert to share.

12 noon – 1:30pm

FREE

Food Bank Donation: Cereal An informal sharing of Holy

Communion is offered at the end of our time together for

those who are interested.

Harry B. Burger was born in Trenton, New Jersey and lived in Richboro, PA. His father had a variety of jobs, including hardware sales-man and baker before he bought a dairy farm. Harry started high school in Schwenksville, Pa, but left school to help his father on the farm. Harry enlisted in the army at age 18. Harry was stationed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, where he eventually became part of the cadre of the training staff and received his Sergeant stripes. Harry and his wife, Shirley, were married by Captain Simpson at Fort Jackson, S.C. Harry retired from the service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves. Harry finished his high school diploma in evening school in Pottstown, PA. Harry originally planned on attending veteri-nary school when he began studying at Ursinus College. When he discov-ered that he would need a language to complete a veterinary degree, he transferred to Temple University, where he received a B.S. in Biology, a Masters in Science and eventually a Doctorate in School Administration.

Harry taught at Skippack Township Elementary School in Mont-gomery County, and then became principal in Souderton School District. He and his wife, Shirley, moved to Neffs in 1979, when Harry took a posi-tion as Superintendent of Northwestern Lehigh School District. Harry re-tired in 1989.

Harry and Shirley raised 4 boys: Harry, Jr, a surgeon living in Albu-querque, New Mexico; Dale, a teacher in Warminster, PA; Brian, retired from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, in Coburn, PA; and Tim, a truck driver for Northampton Pallet Company living in Schnecksville. Harry and his four sons all enjoy the outdoor sports of hunting and fishing.

Harry has been very active since joining Union UCC. He has served on Consistory, and assists in teaching a bible study. In addition, Harry teaches bible studies at the Salvation Army and the Allentown Rescue Mission. Harry’s wife, Shirley, was a quilter and helped with many church suppers and various committees.

Thank you Betty Brittenberg and Phil Wehr! The grounds around our church building always look wonderful in the summer. This year we hired a service to cut the grass. The flower beds and detail work was cared for by Betty Brittenberg and Phil Wehr who volunteer their time generously to keep things looking welcoming and healthy. Look for the Peace Poles at the South entrance. They are donated by the Sunday School and Children’s Church in memory of Ann Stoss and the many who have passed, who were dedicated to our children and church. They are also in honor of who we are as a UCC church.

13

Priscilla Greiss passed away

on September 3, 2017 and was

laid to rest on September 9,

2017.

Dustin Wingate and Dominic

LaCava were united in mar-

riage under the care of Union

UCC on September 2, 2017

Stewardship from the Financial Leadership Team Pastor Kris

This past year we reflected on the theme of the Good Samaritan, “Go and do the same.” We challenged our congregation to share a personal faith statement about why they give their time, talent and

treasure to God’s ministry and mission at Union UCC. The challenge was to have a speaker every week for a year. Over 35 people shared about the joy of giving and serving here.

Thank you to those who spoke in worship and share important and meaningful words: Gary and Cheryl Yen-cho, Brad Hackett, Aften Hamm, Lisa Schaedel, Edie Fella, Susan Steinmann, Carol Pope, Tami Wassum, Randy and Dede Bilger, Carol Pope, Jennifer Haley, Susan Smith, Teresa Dalrymple, Jana Hill, Dolly and Dave Mulcahy, Marilyn and Bill Hill, Dave DiPaolantonio, Eric Minnich, Suzanne Schneider, Ed and Liz Nor-mann, Sue and Jim Ondrey, Carrington Smith, Dennis Foster, Phyllis Hamm, Karen Nuschke, Chrissy Shivok, Doug Albert, Don Penrod, Don and Candy Wingate, Elena Steidinger, Jeff and Ronnie Herbine, Doug and Angie Kuntz, Todd and Amy McCoy, Donna Christman, Karl Klinger.

We’ll be kicking off a new theme for the coming year. Journey to Generosity: The Way of Jesus. It is rooted in the passage from Matthew 9:35-10: 23 when Jesus says to his disciples:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

It’s easy to see that the plentiful harvest is God’s blessings and we are the laborers. God expects us to use our spiritual and financial resources to help gather and share the bounty. God expects us to be generous because God is generous. This is at the heart of making a stewardship commitment.

I look forward to continuing the journey of generosity with you.

All Saints’ Sunday November 5, 2017

Come celebrate those who have received the Catch the Spirit Award this year and we will remember those who have entered into eternal rest. Recipients and family members, please join us as we honor you and your family members. Guest Musician: Linda Littleton November 12th – Veteran’s Sunday

The following donations have been accept-

ed into the Union UCC Memorial Fund in

memory of Priscilla A. Greiss:

David & Debra Geiger

Robert P. Christman

Larry & Cynthia Hertzog

Allen Blose

Pam Hartzell

Donald & Eileen Meyer

Daniel Higgins

Philip & Julie Wehr

Richard & Madeline Bingell

John & Gloria Simock

James & Carol Beers

Bryan & Elaine Lebo

Monica Griffith

Cliff & Carol James

Thomas F. Fallon

Lisa & Ron Runkle

Ann & Gary Gauger

Keith & Lori Moore

Dan & Kathy Moore

Daniel & Deb

Topp

Mali M. Bartges

John & Cynthia

Lindner

Sunday, October 1, 2017 Worldwide Communion/Jazz Ensemble

8:00am Heritage Service

10:30am Horizon Service-Horizon Choir

Texts: Exodus 17.1-7 Message: The Journey Continues Preacher: Rev. Dr. Allan Kramer-Moyer-Pastor Allan served as our Interim Pastor for the last two years. Welcome Back, Pastor Allan. Lay Readers: 8:00– Michael Roth

Greeters: Jane Schappell, Jim & Edie Fella

Acolytes: 8:00AM –Andrew Hill

10:30AM– Cameron Kuntz

14

Sunday, October 8, 2017 CROP Walk / Sneaker Stroll

8:00am Heritage Service

10:30am Horizon Service-Children’s Choirs/

Baptism

Texts: Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 Message: A Rule of Love Preacher: Rev. Kris Snyder-Samuelson Lay Readers: 8:00– Liz Normann

10:30 - Chrissy Shivok

Greeters: Carol Pope, Ronnie Pope, Greg & Johan-

na Zellner

Acolytes: 8:00AM –Jacob Solt

10:30AM–

Sunday, October 22, 2017 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

8:00am Heritage Service

10:30am Horizon Service-Chimes/Unity Choir

Guest Preacher: Rev. Don Quayle Lay Readers: 8:00– Lucille Kuhns

10:30 - Dan Topp

Greeters: John & Debbie Romig, Jeff & Marcey

Kroll

Acolytes: 8:00AM –Marissa Christman

10:30AM– Grace Baer, Katherine Schaedel

Sunday, September 29, 2017 Trial Sermon and Congregational Vote Sunday for Our Associate Pastor Candidate No 8am Worship

10:30am Horizon Service-Church Family

Children’s Choirs, High School Choir Preacher Lay Readers: 8:00– Michael Roth

10:30 - Donna Christman

Greeters: Gene & Christina Thrash, Jen Haley

Acolytes: 8:00AM –Mitchell Roth

10:30AM–

Sunday, October 15, 2017 Healing Service

8:00am Heritage Service

10:30am Horizon Service-Sunday Morning Alive

Texts: Message: Preacher: Rev. Dr. Patience Stevenson Lay Readers: 8:00– Suzanne Schneider

10:30 - Don Penrod

Greeters: Doug & Angie Kuntz, Kathy & Karl

Schmidt

Acolytes: 8:00AM –

Holy Grounds

Coffee Hour

Every Sunday

9:15-10:15 & 11:30-12:00

Continues on Sundays after 8am and 10:30 Wor-

ship Services and in between the services in Me-

morial Hall (on the same level as the sanctuary).

Stop by for snack or drink, to say hello to a friend,

or learn about something new about a committee.

Thank you to our hosting committees:

October 1— Worship Committee

October 8— No Committee

October 15— Christian Ed

October 22— Mission Committee

October 29—No Committee

15

Date

Worship

Service

8AM 10:30AM

CC/

Video/

Nursery Total

July 2 69 220 7 296

July 9 59 96 8 163

July 16 69 112 CFW 181

July 23 57 80 7 144

July 30 68 76 4 148

August 6 101 167 6 274

August 13 71 210 CFW 281

August 20 56 120 8 184

August 27 75 117 5 197

Financial & Attendance Reports Operating

Fund

Designat-

ed Funds

Grand

Total All

Funds

7-1-2017 $9,644.00 $31,965.00 41,609.00

Income $33,473.00 $973.00 $34,446.00

Expenses $29,205.00 $7,998.00 $37,203.00

8-31-2017 $13,912.00 $24,940.00 $38,852.00

Designated Funds category includes offerings for NIN, Mother’s Day,

OGHS, Lenten, Advent, Improvement Fund, Flowers, Directory,

Bulletins, Phoebe Campaign, & Special Gifts.

TOTAL ATTENDANCE

July 2016–1,077 July 2017– 932

August - 2016 –807 August 2017—936

AVG ATTENDANCE

July 2016–215 July 2017– 186

August - 2016-202 August 2017—234

Rev. Kris Snyder-Samuelson Senior Pastor Cell Phone: 610-657-6007 pastorkris@unionucc.org

Rev. Dr. Patience Stevenson Pastor of Visitation Cell Phone: 610-248-5587 vispastor@unionucc.org

Rev. Thomas N. Thomas Pastor Emeritus Kathy L. Bonsell Director of Christian Education dired@unionucc.org

Church Telephone Extension Directory

610-767-6961

Pastor Kris ext. 24

Pastor Patience ext. 31

Barbara Carinci ext. 21

Tara Henninger ext. 22

Kathy Bonsell ext. 27

Music Office ext. 26

Kitchen ext. 30

Barbara Carinci

Church Administrator

administrator@unionucc.org

Tara Henninger

Communications Coordinator

secretary@unionucc.org

Blake Hoppes

Minister of Music

Blake.charger@gmail.com

Church Office: 610-767-6961 Fax: 610-767-7128 PO Box 66, 5550 Route 873 Neffs PA 18065-0066 www.unionucc.org Preschool Office: 610-767-5327

Union UCC Church Staff

Church Directory SMILE! New Church directory pictures are com-ing! Please visit the sign-up table in the foyer [after the 8am and 10:30 services] to schedule your pho-tography session and receive additional infor-mation about this exciting event. All members, families, friends and neighbors are encouraged to have their pictures taken. Appointments are cur-rently being scheduled for Friday, November 24 from 2 – 9pm; Saturday, November 25 from 10am – 4pm; Sunday November 26 from 1 – 6pm; and Monday November 27 from 2 – 9pm. You can also sign up online at: https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/y1cp686y/. Call Cheryl Yencho at 610-799-5229 or Deidre Bilger at 610-760-8274 or Roy Middaugh at 484-892-1092

October 2017 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2

9:15am Tai Chi

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

3

12pm Golden Times

6pm Cherub Choir

6:30pm Junior Choir

7pm Middler Choir; Bi-

ble Study

4 9:15am Tai chi

9:30am Busy Bee Quilters

10am Knitwits

5pm Basket Social

6pm High School Choir

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

5

9:30am Bible Jour-

naling

7pm Chime Choir

6

9am Bulletin Prep

9:30am Adult Study

7

9

9:15am Tai Chi

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

7pm Welcoming Cmte

10 9-11 Staff Meetings

6pm Cherub Choir

6:30pm Junior Choir

7pm Middler Choir; Bi-

ble Study

7:30pm Unity Choir

11 9:15am Tai chi

9:30am Busy Bee Quilters

10am Knitwits

6pm High School Choir

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

12

7pm Chime Choir

NEWSLETTER DEAD-

LINE

13

9am Bulletin Prep

9:30am Adult Study

6pm Wedding Re-

hearsal

14

12pm Private

party

2pm Wedding

16

9:15am Tai chi

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

6:45pm Consistory

17 10am Prescool Board

6pm Cherub Choir

6:30pm Junior Choir

7pm Middler Choir; Bi-

ble Study

7:30pm Unity Choir

18 9:15am Tai chi

9:30am Busy Bees

10am Knitwits

6pm High School Choir

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

19

9:30am Bible Jour-

naling

1:30pm Property

Committee

7pm Chime Choir

20

9am Bulletin Prep

9:30am Adult Study

21

2pm Preschool

Walk-a-Thon

3pm Trunk or

Treat

Wedding

23

9:15am Tai chi

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

24

6pm Cherub Choir

6:30pm Junior Choir

7pm Middler Choir; Bi-

ble Study

7:30pm Unity Choir

25 9:15am Tai chi

9:30am Busy Bees

10am Knitwits

6pm High School Choir

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

26

7pm Chime Choir

27

9am Bulletin Prep

9:30am Adult Study

10am Meet & Greet

28

1pm Meet &

Greet

30

6:30pm Spiritually Fit

319am Newsletter Mail-

ing; 6pm Cherub Choir

6:30pm Junior Choir

7pm Middler Choir; Bi-

ble Study

7:30pm Unity Choir

SUNDAYS

1 Communion

8am Heritage Service

9:15 - 10:15 am

Holy Grounds

Education Hour

Bible Study

Horizon Singers

10:30am Horizon

Service/Children’s Church

11:30am Holy Grounds

11:45 am Messy Church

Workshop

8 CROPWalk Sneaker Stroll

8am Heritage Service

9:15 - 10:15 am

Holy Grounds

Education Hour

Bible Study

Horizon Singers

Tech Committee

10:30am Horizon

Service/Children’s Church

11:30am Holy Grounds

15 Healing Service

8am Heritage Service

9:15 - 10:15 am

Holy Grounds

Education Hour

Bible Study

Horizon Singers

10:30am Horizon Service-

Children’s Church

11:30am Holy Grounds

22

8am Heritage Service

9:15 - 10:15 am

Holy Grounds

Education Hour

Bible Study

Horizon Singers

10:30am Horizon Service-

Children’s Church

11:30am Holy Grounds

29

9:15 - 10:15 am

Holy Grounds

Education Hour

Bible Study

Horizon Singers

10:30am Horizon Service-

Church Family Worship

11:30am Holy Grounds