Author: Church Office

The season of Lent begins with worship on Ash Wednesday, February 17 at 7 p.m.

During the following weeks of Lent, worship will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening,

The Sermon series this season is entitled:
Martyrs, Missionaries and Renewers
Throughout its life, the church has seen people, with extraordinary talents and dedication, serve faithfully and courageously in the name of Jesus. Some traveled widely, some faced unprecedented challenges, some gave their life. This year we will give thanks for, and learn a bit more about, some people who answered the call of God, and gave the gift of themselves, all for the glory of God.

February 24 Polycarp
March 3 John & Charles Wesley
March 10 Harriet Tubman & Sojourner Truth
March 17 Patrick
March 24 Oscar Romero

(As always use your discretion as to whether your health permits you to be out among a small group. We continue to practice the safe practices of wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and social distancing while in the building.)

Our focus for Hambright School children this winter is to provide “BARE NECESSITIES” which are underwear and socks for kids in need.  There will be a large basket in the breezeway to collect these items. Last day for donations is Sunday, February 28. Thank you for your concern, care, and support by providing these necessities for kids!

Donated items should be left in their packaging and placed in the basket under the poster. Social Ministry team members are happy to answer any questions you might have about this effort.

20th Annual Fasnacht Sale Drive-Thru

We will deliver them right to your car! Wearing a mask and gloves to keep you safe.

Monday February 15– 2:00 –  7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 16– 6:00 a.m. – 2:00p.m. (or until sold out)

Glazed, Plain & Powdered

Welcome to our December/January double issue.                              

With this edition we begin to put a wrap on 2020. Some would say “good riddance” to this year. I hear that. And in some areas, I’m right there with you. I think many of us will be toasting the coming new year at 11:59:59 p.m. on December 31st.

While we look ahead to next year with a degree of optimism (is there any other way), nevertheless we will still be dealing with things that happened this year. The most notable, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic.

As I write this article, the possibility of another mandatory shutdown  lingers on the horizon. We pray that will not need to happen. But if it does, should we be surprised?

So we continue to be careful, utilize all of the necessary precautions that are known to work, and encourage others to do the same. We can do no less. God calls us to care for the neighbor in the manner in which we care for ourselves.  Let kindness rule your day.

We can look ahead that in the new year, probably by the end of January, our restoration from the September 9 fire will be completed. We are still planning that Christmas Eve worship will be in our “new and improved” nave.

In many respects this year has been like other years. We celebrated births, mourned deaths, laughed, cried and offered support where it was needed.

As we enter December, we enter into that time when we thank God for the greatest offering of all time: Jesus, born of Mary, guarded by Joseph, celebrated and worshipped by angels and shepherds. During this month we gather as families, as a congregation and as a global church. Some gatherings in-person. Most will be virtual. The time when God chose to come and be one of us, to live as one of us, but unlike us, to die and rise so that we may be connected to God forever.

During this time of recalling the incarnation of our Lord, may you     treasure God’s good news in your heart, like Mary, and glorify and praise God loudly like the shepherds.

God bless your worship in Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and throughout the new year.

Clifton D. Eshbach,

Pastor

Hambright School Christmas Gifts

The staff at Hambright School wants us to stay safe as we shop for the kids this year.  They have requested “gift cards” of $20 or $25 from our congregation.  The gift cards will be easier to purchase and won’t require us to hunt for the “gift requests” we would usually be doing at this time of year. There is a gift box in the breezeway to put your gift cards in on Sundays through December 13. Some gift card suggestions are: Target, Wal-Mart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Visa, or anywhere kids clothes or toys can be purchased.  Thank you for your generous donations!

The Ladies at the Gatehouse

Everyone is invited to give a special gift of warmth in the form of a HAT, PAIR OF GLOVES, or SCARF to the ladies at the Gatehouse. A large white laundry basket is in the breezeway next to the narthex, ready for your donations. Any gently used coat or jacket would also be an appreciated gift for one of the ladies. These gifts will be collected through December 20. Thank you for your generous donations.