Wow,

I don’t know about you but in a good

sense I feel almost like I do not know

what to do or say next. The process of

preparing for and leading worship during Holy Week beginning with Palm

Sunday and ending with Easter is a unique experience. I know recently in

a conversation with a friend and faithful Christian that they were

beginning to feel like they were living at church.

Originally the Passion, events from Jesus entry into Jerusalem, last meal,

trial, death, and resurrection were a single continuous event. The early

church, following a rigorous fast, celebrated the whole mystery on Easter

Eve and into Easter Day in one unified liturgy.

Everything was contained in the great Easter Vigil: the reading of the

mighty acts of God, the telling of our Lord’s passion, the lighting of the

new fire and the paschal (or Easter) candle, the presentation of candidates

for baptism, the full initiation rites with the renewal of baptismal vows for

the whole church, and the glorious Easter communion, or Eucharist.

(Reprinted from The New Handbook of the Christian Year, copyright ©

1986, 1992 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission.) The desire was not

to wear out the church with so many services. Nor to simply remember or

recall past events but to drawn them into the very presence of God’s

ongoing work.

Especially so that for many people they would not just return to their

regular routines or schedules either in their personal life or spiritual life.

But truly have an opportunity to be part of what God was doing through

Jesus at the Easter Vigil and also how that work of redemption and

salvation was still an ongoing process. How others were invited to accept

Christ for themselves. And for us to possibly be renewed in our journey as

we work on what it means to be Disciples of Christ.

What during the passion of Jesus spoke to you ? What is your response

? What do you want to share with others ? May each of us seek to

celebrate the return of God’s gift of unconditional love that the world’s

ways could not put out. And see how we can be part of letting that light

shine.

Grace and Peace…………………Logan, Hannah, Kelly and

Pastor Jim

THE HEBRON UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

April 2016

MESSAGE Emergency Homeless Shelter

April 25th

thru May 9th

, 2016

The emergency shelter is primarily

run by volunteers under the directions of

L.C.C.M.

We Need

YOU!!!

Hebron congregation needs to staff the

shelter on a nightly basis to:

*help with check-in….verify that guests

have voucher, photo ID, and are on the

list.

*help with security check….check guest

bags, pockets empty, etc., place

belongings in bin. This is NOT a hands

on check.

*spend the overnight….at least one

female and one male.

As per the shelter coordinator background

checks for the volunteer staff are NOT

necessary since parents are responsible for

their children.

Summary of Duties

Volunteers should arrive between 8:00 and

8:30 pm and, if not staying overnight may

leave after check-in is complete at

approximately 9:45 pm. Overnight

volunteers may leave at 7:30 am. Also, they

may and are encouraged to sleep. I have

tries to cover some basic information in this

letter. More thorough information will be

offered at a brief training to be scheduled

prior to April 25th

. We will address

concerns and questions at that time. I will

have a sign-up poster at church or you may

contact me at home 933-4020 or cell 928-

1747 or e-mail cbroomrider@comcast.net.

if you have questions.

A Big THANK YOU to the people who

have already volunteered and to those who

will be volunteering. This is a wonderful

opportunity God has given our congregation

to serve those in our community who have

fallen on tough times. The gratitude shown

by the guests last year was a very

meaningful, heartwarming blessing.

Remember, our purpose is to minister to our

guests. We are here to share God’s love as

God’s servants. As we minister with the

homeless we are working in partnership with

God to meet a present need, with the firm

hope that through our sharing together their

present situation may find a just and

acceptable resolution.

Blessings,

Carole Wagner,

Volunteer Coordinator

Some additional information:

guests have National Crime Information

Center clearance

guests do clean-up

doors are locked at 9:45 PM

Acceptable Snacks:

Fresh fruit, grapes were a favorite, granola bars,

fresh vegetables, crackers with peanut butter or

cheese – Lance or Keeble type, fruit cups, water

bottles – large & small, tea and coffee, 100% fruit

juice in pouches (individual servings), nuts, dried

fruits, pretzels (individual servings), cheese –

string cheese a favorite, or chunked, raisins –

small boxes

Not Acceptable Snacks:

Candy, Pastries, Chips, Cookies, Soda, Kool-aid

AND: If you can help, there is a sign-up sheet on

the table in the rear of the church. (for the

overnight and check-in)

Thank YOU so much,

Carole

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 7:00 PM

Narcotics

Anonymous

3

9:00 AM Sunday

School

10:15 AM

Church/Worship

4

2:00 PM

Women’s

Bible Study

7:00 PM

Lebanon

Choral Society

5

9:00 AM

Ladies Sewing

6

7:00 PM Choir

Rehearsal

10:00 AM

Bulletin info

Due

7

Finance

Committee

7:00 PM

8 9

7:00 PM

Narcotics

Anonymous

10

9:00 AM Sunday

School

10:15 AM

Church/Worship

11

2:00 PM

Women’s

Bible Study

7:00 PM Small

Group Bible

Study

7:00 PM

Lebanon

Choral Society

12

9:00 AM

Ladies Sewing

13

7:00 PM Choir

Rehearsal

10:00 AM

Bulletin info

Due

14

15 16

7:00 PM

Narcotics

Anonymous

17

9:00 AM

Sunday School

10:15 AM

Church/Worship

18

2:00 PM

Women’s

Bible Study

7:00 PM

Lebanon

Choral Society

19

9:00 AM

Ladies Sewing

20

7:00 PM Choir

Rehearsal

10:00 AM

Bulletin info

Due

21 22

23

7:00 PM

Narcotics

Anonymous

24

9:00 AM Sunday

School

10:15 AM

Church/Worship

25

2:00 PM

Women’s

Bible Study

7:00 PM Small

Group Bible

Study

7:00 PM

Lebanon

Choral Society

Emergency

Shelter Week

26

9:00 AM

Ladies Sewing

Polls -Primary

Election-

Hebron

Emergency

Shelter Week

27

7:00 PM Choir

Rehearsal

Bulletin info

Due 10:00 AM

Emergency

Shelter Week

28

Emergency

Shelter Week

Ad Board

7:00 PM

29

Emergency

Shelter

Week

30

Emergency

Shelter Week

Administrative Board

Thursday, April 28th

Thursday, July 28th

Thursday, October 27th

Annual Conference

June 16, 17 & 18, 2016

Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday Evenings 7:00 PM

September thru May

Christian Education

Tuesday, May 10th

Tuesday, August 9th

Tuesday, November 8th

Council of Ministries

Thursday, May 12th

Thursday, August 18

Thursday, November 17th

Election Days – Polls at

Hebron United Methodist

Church

Tuesday, April 26 – Primary

Election

Tuesday, November 8th

–

General Election

Emergency Shelter Week

April 25th

through May 8th

Finance Committee

Thursday, April 7th

Thursday, July 7th

Thursday, October 6th

Lay Leadership (Nomination

Committee)

TBA (September)

Lebanon Choral Society

Monday Evenings

Men’s Bible Study

Tuesday Evenings – 7:00 PM

Contact Chuck or Dan for

dates

Mission Connexion

April, June, August, October &

December – To be Announced

Narcotics Anonymous

Saturday’s at 7:00 PM

Noonday Meal at Hebron

Tuesday, May 31st

Monday, August 29

Monday, October 31st

Safe Church Committee

February, May, August &

November - To Be Announced

HEBRON MEETING DATES

Small Group Bible Study

2nd

& 4th

Monday of each

month – 7 PM

Staff Parish Relations

Committee

Wednesday, May 11th

Wednesday, August 10th

Wednesday, November 9th

Trustees

Thursday, June 9th

Thursday, September 8th

Thursday, November 9th

Women’s Bible Study

Monday at 2:00 PM

October to end of May

Listed are proposed meeting dates for 2016; all subject to change.

Meetings normally start at 7PM

Pastor: Jim Whitehouse

717.644-9167

Lay Leader: Dan Hoover

dhoover53@comcast.net

717.273.9422

Organist/Music Director:

Kara Hess 717.471.4873

Secretary: Dottie Readler

dreadler1036@comcast.net

Newsletter: Elva Allen

waltelva814@comcast.net

A Special Church Conference was held Sunday, March 13, 2016

(all members have a voice in the vote)

Received the report on Nominations and Leaders

Pastor Jim presented the Nominations Report for 2016.

Some Notes from the District Superintendent:

The District Superintendent recommended the Board of Trustees needs

to have 1/3 female.

Lay Member should represent Hebron at Annual Conference.

However, if no Lay Member, Alternate would be asked to serve.

The District Superintendent also noted that the Nominations Committee has

all women.

The Report was adopted.

NOTE:

Please email newsletter

information to Elva

Allen at:

waltelva814@comcast.

net. Thanks!!

News & Notes:

The Easter Egg Hunt was held in the Hebron

Church due to bad weather Sunday, March 20,

2016 at 3:00 PM. There were fifteen children

attending and all had a good time finding their

eggs & candy in the sanctuary and the church

basement. Thanks to Rose and Russ Swisher

who coordinated the event.

APPLE DUMPLING UPDATE

The Disciple Sunday School Class would like to thank

everyone in the congregation who supported our recent

apple dumpling sale. With everyone's help, we were able

to sell 202 dumplings! We will use the profits to help us

with our service projects, such as Operation Christmas

Child - (where we purchase the plastic shoe boxes for

everyone in the congregation to fill). Now that we have

some funds, we are also discussing some other projects.

Thanks again to everyone for their support of our apple

dumpling sale and our Sunday School class. We

appreciate it!!

We are implementing emailing the

newsletter to those interested in receiving

the newsletter via email which is ideal for

those out of town and many other

parishioners who may also prefer receiving

their newsletter via email. Please advise

Elva Allen (waltelva814@comcast.net) if

you would like your newsletter emailed

and also make sure we have your current

email address. Thanks much for your

cooperation in this matter.

Former members receive Pastoral Appointment

A former member of Hebron Church, Robert Howard, has

entered the Candidacy Program of the UMC. Bob, has

been a Christ Servant Minister for the past twenty years

serving in several churches in Lebanon County and feels

that God has called him to continue training and has

entered the “candidacy program” of the UMC with a goal

of obtaining pastoral licensure. He and his wife Cindy will

continue to operate their photography studio in Lebanon

as they have the past 32 years. In a recent and unexpected

development, Bob has been asked to take an interim

assignment to serve as Pastor of the Water Works UMC

congregation located in North Annville. To cover his many

expenses of tuition and fees, he has established a

GoFundMe campaign (www.gofundme.com/v7gd96ds).

Bob is the son of Skip & Carole Howard and Cindy was the

daughter of the late David & Lois Buffenmeyer. Bob &

Cindy were born, baptized and raised in the Hebron

BIRTHDAYS

APRIL

02 Edith Kreiser

04 Allen Beamesderfer

06 Donald Fertig

12 Rose Swisher

13 Cathy Grantz

13 Shane Bewley

14 Jason Bewley

15 Eric Mason

15 Kelsey Kreiser

16 Betty Miller

17 Justin Redinger

18 Brenda Weierbach

19 Monica Shepps

22 Theresa Kreichbaum

23 Brenda Fratini

23 Charles Aurentz

24 Betty Corl

26 Rosemary Hess

27 Russ Brightbill

29 Patty Hess

May

05 Kevin Hartman

05 Theresa Diamond

06 Diane Beamesderfer

08 David Johnston

08 Grace Guenther

08 Lori Coover

09 Robert Bickel

14 George Ritter

15 Gina Oxenreider

16 Roy Oxenreider

17 Brianna Hoglund

19 Elva Boughter

19 Lisa Kern

20 Tobie Drupp

25 Olivia Jenkins

26 William Dressel

28 Dan Dotson

31 Sara Reilly

31 Wendy Howard

31 Robie Allison

The End Is Nigh-er Than You Thought

A priest and a pastor are standing by the side of a road holding up a sign

that reads “The end is near! Turn around now before it’s too late!”

A passing driver yells, “You guys are nuts!” and speeds past them. From

around the curve, they hear screeching tires—then a big splash.

The priest turns to the pastor and says, “Do you think we should just put up

a sign that says ‘Bridge Out’ instead?” *From the Reader’s Digest

Dear Praying Friends,

I am writing to you on this day before we celebrate the Resurrection day. As I sat

this morning with God, I pondered the events that must have taken place the day

before Christ arose. I read through the Gospel reports to find any info on how Jesus friends would have been

feeling. There was not a ton written about that but some clues were left. I could imagine the sadness, the fear,

the disappointment, the confusion and even the anger they must have been feeling. It was a bit of an unsettling

experience for me as I thought through this. I also wondered why it was three days before He rose again. …other

than that it was foretold. As I sat there in this angst, I understood that God has His timing and His reasons. We

may not know them now but He knows and maybe someday we will know. But in the end it is not really

something we need to know in order to be faithful to Him and to trust Him. He has proven Himself over and over

in the world and in our lives

Our life has been busy as always. I hesitate to say it has been busier than usual because I suppose that is difficult

to quantify. I know God is with us and in the things we are doing. We have seen His hand and are thankful for His

love and patience with us as we stumble through life seeking to do His will.

Greg’s trips are nearly done for a while with the one coming up this next week. He will be leaving for Greece to

meet with some of his leaders as well as to help in Athens with the refuge relief work.

Our mission has a couple working with the islanders as well as the refuges on the island of Lesvos. I quote them

from their last letter.

The EU/Turkey accord took effect March 20. Every refugee that was on the island before that time is still a

refugee; those that arrive after that time are now a detainee. This means the new arrivals are sent to Moria,

which has been taken over by the Greek Police/Frontex. The refugees were moved to Kera Tepe or to ferry boats

before the 20th

.

Most NGO’s were asked to leave or left Moria in protest, but not EuroRelief. We, along with one or two medical

volunteer organizations, are the only ones inside the camp now. We no longer are allowed in what was the Family

Unit (it is now high security part of the camp), but we still do the tea tent and clothing tent with those

refugees/detainees that can move about within the detention center. UNHCR, Doctors without Borders and many

others have pulled out in protest of the situation (accord that send them back like human trafficking in reverse),

which just leaves those in the camp without care.

We still are manning the Skala camp 24/7. We did have a boat arrive Monday morning, after the accord took

place. They stayed 36 hours at camp, lots of good interaction with them, before they were picked up by Frontex

and taken to Moria (instead of by UNHCR).

We are meeting with Lighthouse, that run the Skala stage one camp, about now manning that camp as well, as

their volunteers have pulled out, but we all feel that there still will be boats slipping through the net and arriving

on our shores.

EuroRelief (which is GEM’s group of workers there) is committed to staying long term: our work is with the Greek

population as well as the refugees. We all agree that God is working on the island, and we would love to see a

lasting evangelical presence here. That is why we are planning to keep working to clean up and rebuild the island

that has suffered much due to the refugee situation, loss of tourism, and bad press. Relationships with the local

leadership (mayor, etc.) remain very good, and they are asking plans to use our volunteers in many ways here in

Molyvos and the north shore to deal with the present crisis.

MISSION CORNER

Much like clean up after Katrina and other natural disasters, the “work” goes on long after the disaster is out

of the news. EuroRelief/Hellenic Ministry is using the situation to build the church of Christ not simply among

the refugee population, but with everyone on the island. Getting our volunteers to realize this is very

important: the “glamour” of feeding and clothing refugees may not be here, but true servant opportunities

abound.

Most of us still believe there will be a stream of refugees to deal with, too. Opportunities in Moria, as well as

along the beach, will continue for months. Not at the pace of last fall, so patience is required. We will

probably go back to 24 hour shifts out at two camps now in Skala, with perhaps days going by without activity.

But if boats do come in, our presence will be vital: so many other organizations have pulled out, the response

teams across the north shore are stretched to their limits.

So as you think of the refuges in Europe please pray for the above needs. Athens has a lot of refuges trying to

either settle in or move on. That is the work Greg will be helping with next week. I can report more on that

later as things happen. We may still head to Lesvos at a later date to help there as well.

The group of Christian Refuges arrived last week in Prague. It was precious to be there to welcome them. They

were exhausted from their two day trip from Iraq. It must be so emotional for them as well as they settle into

a country so very foreign to them that they are now to call their home.

Prayers for them please as they settle and as we try to figure out their needs and help them.

As to other Europe wide events, I am sure you must have heard about the bombs in Brussels. Thankfully all

our GEM personal was safe, but there are many who are affected. This kind of event has great ripple effects

all around Europe. We have noticed a huge police and even military presence in Prague. You cannot get off a

metro without seeing a group of them walking around. While in some ways that is helpful, it is also a reminder

to keep praying for peace and for the the salvation of those who are so very lost and in need of a great

Saviour. We do feel safe and there does not seem to be a huge threat for Czech Republic.

English lessons are going well. I had my lesson on business terminology and slipped in a bit about Easter

traditions. It was interesting to me to hear that for most, absolutely nothing is done on Easter Sunday to

celebrate but the whole thing of Easter Monday is huge. It is a very secularly celebrated day. Men go from

house to house to whack women on their back sides with a stick. While doing so they say a poem about

wanting some sweets or an egg. If they come after noon, the ladies are allowed to whack them or pour water

on their heads. Interesting things happen here. I try not to be home or open my door on these days. :) I shared

with my students about the religious part of Easter. …the real reason for Easter. I think they had heard it and

did not seem surprised, but no great conversations came of it. God has his timing and I will wait for that.

Nic is here with us right now and will be heading to Netanya, Israel on Thursday. He will be there for almost

two months helping at a hotel as well as thinking through his next steps in life. Please pray for his heart and

for him in general. May God open his eyes, draw him to Himself, and lead him into what He has for him.

Selina continues her studies and her pursuit of her future plans. Continued prayers appreciated there as well.

Oh and Greg has begun helping coach the Prague Lions Football team. Pray for good interaction with the

players. Pray for significant conversations with them as well. He is actually away at a camp today with them. I

think that wraps it up for now. We wish you a very blessed Easter celebration. May you wait on Him and find

Him where you seek Him.

In His love and ours, Debby for us Nichols

USHER SCHEDULE

APRIL

Head Usher Allen Beamesderfer

03 Mamie Haldeman

Walt Allen

Bob Hoglund

10 Rose Swisher

Russ Swisher

Nick Taraschi

17 Wendy Miller

Carole Wagner

Jacob Hill

24 Bill Hoover

Peg Stohler

Leonard Swanger

Sunday School Schedule – Bob Hogland

Children’s Church Staff Children’s Church Staff

April 03, 2016 May 01, 2016

Toddler/Beginner……… Sue Breidenstine/Sharla Lester Toddler/Beginner………Sue Breidenstine/Sharla Lester

Primary/Junior………….. Nick Taraschi/Shelby Taraschi Primary/Junior………….. Nick Taraschi/Shelby Taraschi

April 10, 2016 May 8, 2016

Toddler/Beginner………Heather Allison/Robbie Allison Toddler/Beginner………Heather Allison/Robbie Allison

Primary/Junior………….Bob Hoglund/Sarah Hoglund Primary/Junior………….. Bob Hoglund/Sarah Hoglund

April 17, 2016 May 15, 2016

Toddler/Beginner………Brenda Fratini/Diane Beamesderfer Toddler/Beginner……Brenda Fratini/Diane Beamesderfer

Primary/Junior…………..Kelsey Kreiser/Lyndsey Kreiser Primary/Junior…………..Kelsey Kreiser/Lyndsey Kreiser

April 24, 2016 May 22, 2016

Toddler/Beginner………Chuck Gerberich/Danielle Gerberich Toddler/Beginner…Chuck Gerberich/Danielle Gerberich

Primary/Junior………….. Cindy Church/Peg Stohler Primary/Junior…………..Cindy Church/Peg Stohler

May 29, 2016

Toddler/Beginner……Heather Allison/Robbie Allison

Primary/Junior………..Bob Hoglund/Sarah Hoglund

Welcome any corrections,

additions, suggestions etc. Please

feel free to email me at:

waltelva814@comcast.net

This is YOUR Church Newsletter!

Hebron Nominations for 2016 (Class of 2018)

Administrative Board

Pastor (Ex Officio)

Lay Leader (Elected for a two -year term beginning 2014) Dan Hoover 273-9422

(Lay Member of Annual Conference)** Dan Hoover 273-9422

Alternate Lay Member Gary Gettler 866-6440

Administrative Board Chairperson* Russ Swisher 274-0141

Ad. Board Secretary / Charge Conference Recorder* Cheryl Gibson 383-3459

Staff-Parish Relations Chairperson Nicholas Taraschi 644-1629

Finance Chairperson Walt Allen 270-9883

Financial Secretary* Dawn Fertig 270-0349 / Elva Allen 270-9883

Treasurer Lisa Hill 933-1154

Council on Ministries Chairperson Dan Hoover 273-9422

Young Adult Representative to Administrative Board**

Youth Representative to Administrative Board Alex Gunther 277-5624

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018

Nancy Miller 273-6180 Beverly Bender 272-4258 Bill Hoover 454-7983

Carole Wagner 933-4020 Sue Breidenstein274-1320 Karen Saltzer 273-3164

Walt Allen 270-9883 Cindy Church 290-0915 Carl Bensing 274-1946

Joan Harter 272-5382 Ruth Shenk 272-4996

Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development (Ex Of. Pastor, Lay Leader)

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018

Nancy Miller 273-6180 Monica Shepps 272-3556 Elva Allen 270-9883

Joan Harter 272-5382 Dottie Readler 274-2682 Sharon Mason 273-3870

Carol Howard 675-7291 Brenda Royer 865-0210

Committee on Staff-Parish Relations (Ex Officio: Pastor, Lay Leader)

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018

Chuck Aurentz 821-6106 Sharon Mason 273-7859 Monica Shepps 272-3556

Beverly Bender 272-4258 Sue Breidenstein 274-1320 Anna Mae Gettler 512-2700

Bess Weidman 272-8861 *Nicholas Taraschi 644-1629

Board Of Trustees (Ex Officio: Pastor, Lay Leader)

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018

Don Fertig 273-6843 Dean Readler 277-5624 Tim Miller 610-443-3068

Nick Taraschi 644-1629 Gary Gettler 866-6440 Nancy Miller 273-6180

Carl Bensing 274-1946 Dan Hoover 272-9422 Walt Allen 270-9883

**Not Confirmed yet or Open

• Agreed to serve again

Finance Committee (Ex-Officio as Pastor)

Dan Hoover (Ex-Officio as Lay Leader) 272-9422

Walt Allen (Chair) 270-9883

Lisa Hill (Ex-Officio as Treasurer) 933-1154

Nick Taraschi (Ex-Officio as SPRC Chair) 644-1629

Dawn Fertig (Ex-Officio as Fin. Sec.) 270-0349

Elva Allen “ “ 270-9883

Gary Gettler(Ex-Officio as Trustee Rep) 866-6440

Russ Swisher(Ex-Officio Ad. Board Chair) 274-0141

Carole Wagner (Sunday School Rep.) 933-4020

Council on Ministries

(Pastor)

Dan Hoover (Chair) 273-9422

Ruth Shenk 272-0708

Nancy Miller 273-1680

Dottie Readler 274-9279**

Danielle Gerberich (Sec) 933-4538

Dean Readler 277-5642

Walt Allen 270-9883

Shelby Taraschi(Secretary, Youth Coordinator) 207-7588

Nick Taraschi (Youth Coordinator) 644-1629

Chuck Gerberich (Adult Coordinator) 933-4538

Danielle Gerberich (Adult Coordinator 933-4538

Sara Hoglund(Children's Coordinator) 610-589-1595

Bob Hoglund (Children's Coordinator) 610-589-1595

Russ Swisher (College Students) 274-0141

Carole Wagner (Senior Class Rep.) 933-4020

Safe Sanctuaries Committee (Ex-Officio as Pastor)

Dan Hoover (Ex-Officio. Lay Leader) 272-9422

Ruth Shenk (Chair Christian Education) 272-4996

Shelby Taraschi(Youth Coordinator) 207-7588

Nick Taraschi (SPRC Chair) 644-1629

Sara Hoglund(Children's Coordinator) 610-589-1595

Bob Hoglund (Children's Fellowship) 610-589-1595

Russ Swisher (Ad. Board Chair) 274-0141

Dean Readler (Congregational Rep.) 277-5642

Peg Stohler (congregational Rep.) 272-3520

**New nomination to committee

If there are any additions or corrections, please contact Dottie Readler 304-9279 or e-mail to

<dreadler1036@comcast.net>