The Messenger

October 2015

First Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

442 Hummel Ave,

Lemoyne, PA 17043

717-763-4537

www.lemoynedisciples.org

Church Office Hours:

MWF 9:00 am—2:00 pm

Out of the Blue & 2 Events

Church Business Update & Prosperity Center 3

Prosperity Center (cont), Church News & Thanks 4

Thanks (cont)/Prosperity Center Volunteering 5

Outreach 6

Scheduling, Prayers & Outreach 7 Finances, Dates to Remember & Fundraising 8

Calendar 9

Giving Basket 10

Inside This Issue

Pastor: Linda J. Springer

Organist: Mary E. Snyder

Administrative Assistant: Jessica Spicher

Indoor Yard & Bake Sale October 10, 2015 7:00 AM—1:00 PM

The Girl Scouts will be having an indoor yard sale and bake sale to raise funds to buy supplies to make pies for the Bethesda Mission and to give to First Christian Church as a thank you. Please consider going through your items that you no longer need or want and donate them to the yard sale. Clothing is always a huge seller, so please spend some time considering what you are willing to donate!

This has become a tradition and has brought in several hundred dollars to the Church the last few years. Diana Onstott is willing to help you transport your items to the Church if you need help. Please see her on Sunday mornings to make arrangements to get the items to the Church for October 10th.

Basket Raffle 2015

The date is set for November 14. The time is set for 11:00 AM—1:00 PM. The advertisement is being worked on. All we need are baskets and a few other items. We are asking for donations for themed baskets that total between $25—$40 in value. There are 3 ways for you to help: 1. Take the donation letter (solicitation letters are found on the Welcome Table) around to stores and ask for donations. Follow up with them a week later to ask if they had time to consider making a donation and if you could pick it up. Remember to send a thank you letter if you receive a donation on be-half of the Church. 2. Create a themed basket yourself for the event. All baskets due by November 1st. Theme ideas include: Christmas theme (wrapping paper & supplies), gift cards, Christian life, kitchen items, Avon, Pampered Chef, “31,” Mickey Mouse, Disney, candles, arts and crafts, movie or date night, books, wine, outdoors (bird watching/feeders) or one you come up with on your own! 3. Sell advance tickets to the event.

Other items we will need donated to keep our costs down and profits up: hot dogs, pork for pulled pork sandwiches, hamburger for sloppy joes, small bags of chips, cans of soda (any kind), baked goods for the bake sale, and volunteers to help on the day of the raffle. We need at least 2 people to sell tickets at the door and one to handle money in the kitchen. Girl Scouts cannot handle money for the Church.

Calling all bakers!!! Additionally, baked goods will be

needed on the day of the yard sale. Please consider making

something to donate for sale at the yard sale. You can contact

the Church office or Diana Onstott directly to let them know if

you will be donating a baked item.

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Out of the Blue/Events

Out of the Blue

I think at times we take things for granted when perhaps we should be more attentive to a situation. As Christians, we need to follow our faith journey with others and

make sure they continue by our side on the road.

I would like to share a reading from a collection, by Robert Morgan, in order to share what I mean.

"The name Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators, will forever be associated with discipleship, because discipling others became the passion of his life. It happened like this.

One day early in his ministry Dawson was driving along and he saw a young man walking down the street on his way to caddy at the golf course. Trotman often picked up hitchhikers, for it gave him a chance to witness.

The hitchhiker on this day swore as he got into the car. Dawson reached into his pocket and pulled out a gospel tract and handed it to him. The man glanced at the tract, then looked at Dawson and said, "Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"

Dawson looked at him closely. As it turned out, the two men had met on the same road the previous year. Dawson had witnessed to him, led him to Christ and had 'sped on my merry way' confident that another soul had entered the kingdom.

But now a year later, there was no more evidence of the new birth in this young man than if he had never heard the gospel.

After I met this boy the second time on the way to the golf course, I began to go back and find some of my 'converts.' I want to tell you, I was sick at heart.

Motivated by that experience, Dawson Trotman began working on follow-up, on developing ways of mentoring those whom he was winning to Christ.

'Before I had forgotten to follow up on the people God had reached through me,' he later said. 'But from then on I began to spend time helping them. You can lead a soul to Christ in anywhere from twenty minutes to a couple of hours. But it takes from twenty weeks to a couple of years to get him on the road to maturity.'

As Christ asked us to be "fishers of men" don't let it be a catch and release. Let it be a catch and mentor until you are positive you have really caught that fish and introduced him to Christ's kingdom.

Journeying along with my pole on my shoulder, Pastor Linda

Mat Making Workshop October 25, 12-3 PM

We will continue to hold the Mat Making Workshops on the 4th Sunday of each month after Worship in the Fellowship Hall to benefit homeless men and women in our area. We will be approaching fall and winter months and want to help those less fortunate. Since we will be gathering during lunch time, we are asking you to bring a dish to share for a pot luck lunch. We appreciate your time and effort you put into this Outreach Ministry.

FCC Trick or Treat Thursday, October 29th 6-8 PM

Join us as we give back to our community on Trick or Treat night as we hand out hot chocolate, coffee, and treats to trick or treaters and parents! Here is where we ask YOU for your help. We urge you to donate WRAPPED CANDIES and TREATS. (Please see that your donation is in the designated container placed in the narthex no later than Sunday, October 25th) Our goal is to prepare bags of treats to be passed out ahead of time. If you are available on the 29th to join us, we will need your help to pass out candy and hot beverages. Please let us know if you can help!

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Church Business Update/Prosperity Center

Church Board Meeting Update and Important date(s) to remember:

November 22: Congregational meeting to vote on the budget and board members for 2016.

Church Ministry Planning Team met on September 6th and discussed the following:

Events:

September 22: CDO training (market place insurance training)

September 27: 12-3 PM Mat Making Workshop

October 4: 9 AM Ministry planning Meeting

October 10: 7 AM –1 PM Indoor Yard & Bake Sale

October 25: 12-3 PM Mat Making Workshop

October 27: 6-8 PM Trick or Treat night

November 1: 9 AM Ministry Planning Meeting

November 14: 11 AM—1 PM Basket Raffle

Outreach:

Prosperity Center: CDO has been approved. 3 church members are in the process of getting all certifications from the FDIC to offer financial and budget assistance to those in our community. The computer lab is up and running with 4 laptops and all the printers are working. Thank you to the United Way for their help and support. Identity Theft classes are being planned for November. The Compass application is still pending.

Worship:

The nativity will be in the baptistery display for Advent.

We are looking for a volunteer to do the display for after Christmas.

West Shore Prosperity Center, What is it and how is it connected to First Christian Church?

Just over 2 years ago, First Christian Church was asked to help those in our community by providing some services to them. The Church Board, at that time, voted to form the West Shore Prosperity Center with the help of the United Way, Family Promise and other local not for profits organizations. The Prosperity Center is organized by volunteers of First Christian Church and is one of our many outreach activities. It is NOT a separate entity, but a part of our whole.

As the West Shore Prosperity Center, First Christian Church has been able to provide many services to the community and will be providing more in the future.

The services we are currently providing include:

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is where we provide free income tax preparation for the elderly and low income in our community.

A FREE computer lab containing 4 laptops and a printer. This allows members of our community who do not have access to the internet to apply for jobs, benefits, read email, and do school work.

Financial and budgeting classes

We will be offering help and support by trained volunteers to help people navigate the insurance market place and understand medical insurance. (We have already been approved by the Federal Government and completed training on 9/22/15)

We will be offering help and support to fill out SNAP and Childcare Network applications once we have met all the state training requirements. We have 2 people currently working with the state’s COMPASS system to do that.

We will be adding a Tuesday night homework and social time for the elementary, middle and high school age community children to attend once all the paperwork is finalized and approval from Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA and Agora Cyber Charter School.

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

Jessica is collecting birthdays of all Members and regular attendees. The list she has needs to be updated. If you do not see your birthday listed accurately in the weekly or monthly newsletters, please contact her by calling the Church Office during office hours or via email at: lemoynediscples@gmail.com. Thank you for your help!

Prosperity Center (cont)/Church News/Thanks

Services we hope to provide in the future include:

It is our hope to expand this coming year and offer resume and interview training assistance for those looking for work.

We have also been in touch with Dress for Success and would like to form a relationship with them so that we can help to offer proper clothing for individuals moving into the workforce.

Cooking nutritiously on a budget!

Finalize a relationship with a support group for Survivors of Suicide and offer at least one support group here.

Finalize relationships with other LOCAL not for profits and work together to improve our community by offering support services that are needed.

Our Prosperity Center is reliant on YOU to help us meet the needs of those in our community. We are always looking for volunteers to help as tutors, meal preparers, lend a listening ear or even mentor those interested in learning more about Christ. Please consider giving some of your time to this great service our Church is able to provide through the United Way. Pray about what YOU can do to contribute to this ministry!

Upcoming Opportunities

The Christmas season is quickly approaching! And yes, we know it’s not even Halloween yet. But we still want to talk about Christmas! However, look at it like this. It takes months to plan for a huge event, and Christmas is one of the most important events of the year! This year we will be busy sharing Christ’s love...so we need to start early!

We are offering THREE ways to SHARE the Christmas Spirit!

New Hope Ministries Christmas Blessing Express We will be collecting, during Novem-ber, the following NEW items and donating them to New Hope Ministries unwrapped: Mr. Potato Head, Baby dolls, Curling or flat irons, Legos, Crockpots, Belts, Board games, Watches, Soccer balls and Footballs . These donations are due by November 29th!

New Pew Bibles for First Christian Church-Beginning November 15th and extending until December 27th, you will have the opportunity to purchase a Pew Bible “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” a loved one or friend. This is also a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ! Look for order forms soon! Prices range between $10-$15 per bible. (See attached form)

Providing Christmas dinner and a few gifts to ONE family in the Lemoyne area. As we get closer to the time, more details will be outlined. These donations will begin November 29th and extend till December 20th. The items will be delivered by Members of the Church who will take communion with them to offer to the family.

Thank you!!! ...from Troop #10570 for letting us use the Church this year for troop meetings, events and activities. Thank you! ...from Family Promise for our donation of $63 which allowed them to serve one family with housing, 3 meals a day, case management and encouragement for one day! They appreciate our generosity. (cont. pg 5)

Annual Reports: Jessica will be emailing

blank forms to be completed by each chair for the

committee or area in which they are responsible

for by November 9th. Please fill out and return to

Jessica at lemoynedisciples@gmail.com no later

than December 7th. The annual reports will then

be produced and made available to the

congregation on Sunday, December 13th. These

reports will be located on the Welcome Table for

you to pick up and review. Thank you!

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Prosperity Center Volunteering/Thanks (cont)

Highlghts from 2014 MIYP Tax Year

230 Volunteers

15 sites in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties along with partnerships in Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

5, 246 federal returns were filed through the MIYP program

$5.2 Million return to our community

$1, 236 = average refund

6% is the average increase in household income with refund

$834,114 save in tax preparation fees (based on average cost of $159 per return)

To Volunteer:

No experience is necessary!

You will learn a valuable skill. You will receive IRS tax training and certification which can help volunteers in both their personal and professional lives.

Make a BIG Impact—You can help a family receive thousands of dollars in Earned Income Credits and Child Tax Credits while helping them avoid high preparation or filing fees.

Flexible enough for ANY schedule—Volunteer days, nights or weekends at one of 15 tax prep sites throughout the midstate.

You can also serve as a greeter, screener or translator

Volunteer Information Sessions

Tuesday, October 6: 6-8 PM; Tri County Community Action 1514 Derry Street, Harrisburg

Tuesday, October 13: 6-8 PM; New Hope Ministries 5228 East Trindle Rd., Mechanicsburg

Tuesday, October 20; 6-8 PM; Employment Skills Center 29 S. Hanover Street, Carlisle

Monday, November 2; 6-8 PM, Widener University Commonwealth Law School 3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg

Tuesday, November 10, 6-8; Goodwill Keystone Area 1150 Goodwill Drive, Harrisburg

Thursday, November 12, 4-6; Northern Dauphin Human Services Center 295 State Street, Elizabethville

Sign up by contacting Jennifer Hilt at jhilt@uwcr.org or by calling 717-724-4068.

The United Way is in dire need of volunteers this year. Even if you are unable to help, but you know someone that may be interested in helping, please pass this information along We are trying to recruit for all aspects of the program. Thank you!

Thank You’s Continued…

...to Jane Welsh, Bill Goudy, Glenn Haagen, Barb

White and many others who spent their time

mowing, planting and maintaining flowers so that

the outside of the church was kept nice. And to

Diana Onstott and the Girl Scouts for planting

flowers around the office. We appreciate all our

volunteers!

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West Shore Prosperity Center: Financial Improvement Classes

Family Promise, Family Support of Central PA, First Christian Church and United Way are partners! FREE Financial Improvement Classes are offered at First Christian Church, Lemoyne, during the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM– 11:30 AM. These programs offer help & educational information designed to help people live healthier lives. Everyone is invited! Come to one session, or join us for them all! All classes are held on the 2nd floor, parlor.

FREE childcare is provided during the group sessions! For more information, call (717) 763-4537 or e-mail: lemoynedisciples@gmail.com

Upcoming Classes

October 10: “Pay Yourself First, Part 2”

Outreach Ministries Reaching out...Partnering with others….To serve our community

Girl Scout Corner!

We are off to a new year! Our parents meeting was held on September 17th. We also had open enrollment that evening. The Nut and Magazine sale for the girls begins in October. If you need a magazine or want to purchase nuts or candy for the holidays please see any Girl Scout on Sunday mornings. (You can look for: Kelly Manning’s daughters, Barb Plaza’s daughters or Doria Onstott for sale of these items)

This year we are focusing even MORE on community service then we have in the past!

We will be helping Kelly Manning’s daughters with soda tab collections, so please bring in your soda tabs. There’s a container near the giving basket and bulletin board off the left side of the stage.

We will have 2 major clothing drives benefitting the Goodwill. One will be held prior to the yard sale (10/10) so that items can be sold at the yard sale, and items that are not sold will be donated to the Goodwill and another drive will be held in March. We will be collecting clothing all year, so you may donate whenever you need to clean out your closet!

We will collect paper towels and toilet paper to be used as donations that are split between First Christian Church, The Bethesda Mission, New Hope Ministry and 5 Loaves Food bank.

We will be making 50 to 75 pies for the Bethesda Mission’s Thanksgiving dinner.

We will participate in several fundraisers that will support the Church.

We will volunteer our time for the West Shore Prosperity Center.

We will be going to the Bethesda Mission wom-en’s shelter and prepare a meal for the residents there.

We will work at Central PA’s food bank.

We will assist the Religion and Society Center by doing various things like stuffing envelopes for mailings.

(Girl Scouts Continued…)

We will provide childcare when needed for outreach activities.

We will help organize, prepare, set up and break down church functions and funerals as needed.

We will organize and stock the book room and work with Glenn Haagen to create an outdoor “Little Library” for those living in our neighborhood to use.

We will be making Christmas gifts for FCC and the other 17043 Church’s Shut In’s.

We will volunteer to teach adults in the community how to use email and other basic com-puter skills so they can stay in touch with their family and friends.

Provide at least one major “fun” activity for the children of our community to attend.

Send us your suggestions for more outreach!

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Scheduling/Prayers/Outreach (cont.)

October Serving Schedule

October 4

Elder: Linda Runkle

Diaconate: Ken Onstott, Ken & Debbie Holler

Communion: Kelly Manning & Loyetta Quinn

Greeters: Ken & Debbie Holler

October 11

Elder: Diana Onstott

Diaconate: Melissa Ford, Glenn & Lois Haagen

Communion: Kelly Manning & Loyetta Quinn

Greeters: Harold Turner & Joan Kain

October 18

Elder: Rev. Ed Arbogast

Diaconate: Kelly Manning, Linda Runkle

& Glenn Haagen

Communion: Kelly Manning & Loyetta Quinn

Greeters: Velma Hughes & Dottie Michels

October 25

Elder: Rev. Ed Arbogast

Diaconate: Melissa Ford, Ken & Debbie Holler

Communion: Glenn & Lois Haagen

Greeters: Dottie Michels

Thank you for serving so faithfully!

You are appreciated!

Prayer Requests

Gretchen (C. Flewelling)

Jean Trout

Janet (M. Snyder)

Barry (M. Snuder)

Mike (M. Snyder)

Jeff Gossard

Phyllis (M. Snyder)

Allen Haas (M. Snyder)

Scott Leiser

Nancy & her mother, Beverly (M. Snyder)

Lynne Webber

Gene (L. Springer)

June Davis (B. Davis)

Frank Hughes

Kieth Putnam (B. Eldridge)

Diana (J. Trout)

Nutter Family

Matthew Conte & shipmates (M. Snyder)

Elders

Alex Glaser & shipmates

Military men & women

Scott Boltz

Goudy/Frey Family

FCC

Free Computer Lab—West Shore Prosperity Center

The Church will be open on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM, by appointment only, for individuals who do not have access to computers, internet, or to job search, resume create, check email, enroll in state or health insurance benefits, etc.

We will be utilizing 4 laptops and a printer given to us through the United Way and will have a volunteer each Tuesday evening to help those individuals who could use this FREE service. To make an appointment, please call the Church office at 717-763-4537.

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Fundraising Opportunity Sheetz Coupons books which have BOGO and free MTO food offers to support FCC and Girl Scouts are on sale. They are a great value at $10.00 with 100% profit for us because the Girl Scouts purchased them on our behalf. If you are interested in helping sell books to friends and neighbors see Diana Onstott.

Income and Expenses

Month of August Congregational Offerings Received $3,413.50 Fundraisers $970.00 Misc $100.75 Total $4,214.25 Bills Received and Paid $9,396.51

Thank you for your continued support!

Finances/Mark Your Calendar/Fundraising

Flower Sign Up Help us make the Church even more beautiful by signing up to

donate flowers for Sunday mornings. The cost of flowers remains $32.00. They are provided by Royer’s. Please contact the Church office to reserve the date of your choice or simply sign your name on the flower chart in the back of the Sanctuary. Days are available for October.

Grocery Store Card Please remember to support your

Church by getting grocery store cards.

Karns, Giant and Weis cards help us

meet our Church budget by providing

small, but steady fundraiser income. You may place

orders in the offering plate or give to Diana Onstott any

Sunday morning. The Church receives $50.00 every

time we purchase $1,000.00 worth of cards. Remember

to give generously and purchase an extra $25.00 gift

card for the Church to use for those in need. We receive

requests weekly!

If you are on Facebook, please like our Facebook Page—First Christian Church, Lemoyne!!!

School for Congregational Life

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Toftrees Resort, State College, PA

9 am – 5 pm Come for a day of intensive, in-depth

workshops on congregational life, as well as an

inspirational message, worship, fellowship &

great food! Early Bird Registration: $50 per

adult before October 18/$15 for children and

youth 2-18. Late Registration after October

18: $60 per adult/$20 for children and youth

2-18. Registration packet have been mailed

and are available on-line. Information can be

found at www. padisciples.org.

Mark Your Calendar: 10/1—10/13: Jessica out of the office

11/1: 9 AM Ministry Planning Meeting

11/8: Finance Meeting after Worship

11/14: 11 AM—1 PM Basket Raffle

11/15: Board Meeting after Worship with 2016 budget review; Giving Tree begins

11/22: Annual Congregational Meeting to vote on the proposed 2016 budget and 2016 board positions; Mat Making Workshop from 12-3 PM

11/25: 7 PM Community Thanksgiving Eve Service

11/26: Happy Thanksgiving!

11/28: Begin decorating the Church for Advent/ Christmas

11/29: 1st Day of Advent; Finish decorating the Church

12/7: Annual Reports Due to Jessica

12/13: Annual Reports become available to the congregation

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October 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

6:30—8 PM:

Girl Soucts (GS,

FH & Snoopy

Rooms)

2 3

8 AM—6 PM:

Fellowship Hall

Reserved for a

private event

4 9 AM: Ministry Planning Meeting (Choir Room) 10:15 AM: Worship 4—7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

5

Church Office

Closed—Jessica

on PTO

6

6:30—8 PM:

Prosperity

Center: Computer

Lab (FH)

7

Church Office

Closed—Jessica

on PTO

8

6:30—8 PM:

Girl Soucts (GS,

FH & Snoopy

Rooms)

9

Church Office

Closed—Jessica

on PTO

10

7 AM—1 PM:

Indoor Yard &

Bake Sale (FH)

10-11:30 AM:

Financial

Improvement

Class (Parlor)

11 9 AM Finance Meeting 10:15 AM: Worship 4—7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

12

Church Office

Closed—Jessica

on PTO

Columbus Day

13

6:30—8 PM:

Prosperity

Center: Computer

Lab (FH)

14

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

15

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

6:30—8 PM:

Girl Soucts (GS,

FH & Snoopy

Rooms)

16

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

17

1-6 PM: Girl

Scout Event (FH

& Kitchen)

18 10:15 AM: Worship 4—7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

19

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

12:30 PM:

Prosperity Center

Organizing

Meeting at the

United Way

20

6:30—8 PM:

Prosperity

Center: Computer

Lab (FH)

21

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

22

6:30—8 PM:

Girl Soucts (GS,

FH & Snoopy

Rooms)

23

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

24

25 9 AM: Elder Meeting 10:15 AM: Worship 12-3 PM: Mat Making Workshop (FH) 4—7 PM: Girl Scouts (GS RM)

26

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

27

6:30—8 PM:

Prosperity

Center: Computer

Lab (FH)

28

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

29

6-8 PM:

Trick or Treat

30

9-2 PM: Church

Office Hours

6:30 PM: Girl

Scouts: Lock In

31

12:00 PM: Girl

Scouts: Lock In

Ends

October Birthdays: October Anniversaries:

Donna White: October 3 Bill & June Davis: October 7

Robin Goudy: October 9 Linda & Steve Springer: October 15

Sophie Manning: October 15

Jade Boltz: October 15

Bertha Levarto: October 16

Velma Hughes: October 21

Donna Ritter: October 25

Sue Willoughby: October 25

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First Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

442 Hummel Ave,

Lemoyne, PA 17043

PH: 717-763-4537

www.lemoynedisciples.org

October 2015

As Christians we are called to give, but sometimes we become overwhelmed by how we can make a difference. As we all donate the same items each month, we will experience what a difference we can all make in people’s lives every day. You can bring your items to church through the end of the month and place them in the giving basket located in the sanctuary.

October, November & December Donation Suggestions: (last Sunday to donate: 12/27/15) Items include: Non perishable items include: dry pastas, spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, baby food in jars, baby cereal, regular cereals, oatmeal, etc. Perishable items include: milk, bread, eggs, fresh meats that can be frozen, etc. Perisha-ble items may be placed in the freezer in the kitchen and clearly labeled “M28 Food Pan-try.” To learn more about M28, visit their website at m28.us.

What? Food items: perishable & non-perishable

Who? YOU!!!

Benefits: M28 Food Pantry

October, November & December Giving Basket