Author: Church Office

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.

Thank you!

We collected 201 pounds of food for the Hempfield Food Pantry during the Nov. Drive-Up FOOD Drop-Off

 Let’s do it again on Saturday, December 12, from 10 a.m. until noon. Just drive up to the front door of the church and place your donation onto the cart that will be located on the sidewalk. Simple!               

Requested items:

· Spam

· Prune juice

· Chicken and beef broth

· Large peanut butter

· Large jelly

· 2 pound packages of rice

· Canned pears

· Instant oatmeal

· Boxed pasta

· Cream of celery soup

· Cream of chicken soup

         No glass items, please!

Thank you for your continued witness to assist the hungry of this community.

                                 There is this old saying that has been passed                  

                                 down from generation to generation of                             

                                 pastors. It goes something like this:

                                 “Well, they didn’t teach us that in seminary!”

That old saying has been on my mind during 2020. The first time was March 12th, when the order to close and quarantine was     announced.  Dealing with a pandemic (the mere word expresses its global reach) was something new to everyone, except for those   centenarians who lived through the 1918 pandemic.

And it looks like we will be dealing with it well into next year. I get frustrated about it too. Which reminded me why we need each other very much right now. To hold us up in time of despair. To remain ever vigilant by sticking with the proven means of prevention and precaution, and not succumbing to what has been called “COVID fatigue”

The second time I thought of that old phrase was on September 9th, when I arrived at church to see about ten fire trucks in the parking lot. Not just in my ministry, but never in my life and careers had I been so close and so involved with a situation like this one.

And we’ll be dealing with this, but for a shorter period of time than the pandemic. Which reminded me of why we need each other right now. To hold us up in times of despair. And to remain helpful and patient as the work to repair is done.

No, they never taught us that in seminary. But they did teach us about the one on whom to rely. The one who is the source of our strength, compassion, love, mercy, peace, patience, and help. Through our baptism into Christ, we are united with him, and with each other for all time, through all circumstances. The peace that only Christ can give, remains. 

“Sustain us with the gift of the Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever” (ELW p.231).

Clifton D. Eshbach,

Pastor

We collected 261 pounds of food for the Hempfield Food Pantry during the Oct.

Drive-Up FOOD Drop-Off

 Let’s do it again on Saturday, November  14, from 10 a.m. until noon. Just drive up to the front door of the church and place your donation onto the cart that will be located on the sidewalk. Simple!  

Requested items:

Spam

Prune juice

Chicken and beef broth

Large peanut butter

Large jelly

2 lb. packs of rice

Canned pears

Instant and regular oatmeal

Cream of celery soup

Cream of chicken soup

Boxed pastas (ziti, rotini etc.)

Canned tomatoes

Pancake syrup 

Caned fruit cocktail

No glass items, please!

Congratulations to Erin Himes and Aleshia Brixius who have agreed to chair the Christian Education Committee.  They will be looking for other to help them on the committee as they implement their plan of work.

Thank you!!!