This Week at Immanuel United Church of Christ

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Traditional Worship Megan K. Huesgen 8 & 10:30am Sanctuary
Informal Worship Byron D. Leasure 10:15am F. Hall

Adult Seminar Avian Influenza Pandemic 9:00am LLMP Speaker: Louise Grim
Faithful Dialogues Prayer Walk w/ Sr High 9:00am Ruth Rm Facilitator: Megan Huesgen

Church School Welcomer Diane Schwerdt
Lectors Myrtle Council 8:00am; Mary Alice Waltz 10:30am
Visitor Center Hosts Loretta Arnold 8:00am; Sue O'Neil 10:30am
Ushers Kate Conrad, Lee Ann Forrer, Susan Hafer, Tim Moyer, Gene Waltz, Dan Kelley, Marshall & Wendy Merz
Childcare Volunteers (for ages 0-5) 10:30am Mary Alice Waltz, Nicole Yoder, Kristin Lampley, Alexis Lombardo, Tara Ludwig
After Worship Fellowship Hosts Diane & Bill Rowe

Sunday, May11, 2008

Traditional Worship Byron D. Leasure 10:00 am ONLY Sanctuary
PENTECOST SUN Confirmation/Communion ONE SHARED Service
Informal Worship NONE TODAY

Adult Seminar NONE TODAY - HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
Faithful Dialogues "Getting to know our Latino Neighbors" Speaker: Louis Torres 9:00 am Ruth Rm

Church School Welcomer Marc Althen
Lector Dr. Voigt 10:00am
Visitor Center Host Karen Merrill 10:00am
Ushers Past & Present Consistory Members
Childcare Volunteers (for ages 0-5) 10:30am Jason Romanski, Lisa Thiry, Maggie Keenan, Elizabeth Klee
After Worship Fellowship Hour Honoring the Confirmands / Christian Ed

AMONG THE FELLOWSHIP:
Hospitalized (Reading): Amy Endy
Recuperating: Philip Coldren
Phoebe Berks Healthcare Unit: Phil Kennedy
Condolences: to Bill & Jan Buskirk on death of Jan's mother, Mildred L. Hagerman

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some thoughts

Recently someone suggested that I write about the history of interim ministry in order that everyone have a better idea of what this whole interim process is about and how it developed. They asked because this is all such a new process at Immanuel, although it is an old process in the larger church.

When Loren Mead was starting the Alban Institute, which is now a national consulting and educational institute for churches, he discovered there were certain patterns of behavior that occurred in churches upon the departure of a pastor. He realized that churches go through a process which is similar to the process people go through when relationships end. Individuals experience grief, relief, confusion, re-evaluation and rethinking of one's self and future when relationships end. Mead realized churches go through the same process often without understanding it.

During the early 80's Mead began to work with church and outline a clear process for this time between pastors, working to help them understand, and work through, their interim period. Since Mead was an Episcopal priest, much of his work was initially with Episcopalians, but it quickly branched out to the Presbyterians, Lutherans, and beyond.

For more than 20 years churches have been going through this process that Immanuel has just encountered for the first time. It's a process of history, identity, and mission, which looks at the questions of: Who did we get to this point? Who are we? What does God call us to do and be? What do we need to do to change ourselves to meet God's calling?

I've worked in Presbyterian churches that have been through the process several times. In many parts of the Presbyterian Church the interim process is required when a pastor leaves a church.

When I was trained there was simply Interim Ministry Training. Now there is training for Intentional Interim Ministry, Transitional Interim Ministry, Interim Ministry, and other variations. It seems change is constant in life.

Shalom,
Byron

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something more for you to ponder.

In the latest issue of Presbyterian Outlook, which is a Presbyterian news journal, there was an article by a Presbyterian pastor who has spent lots of mission work time in Nicaragua. He writes about playing baseball in Nicaragua. On a Nicaraguan baseball field, of all places, I had this moment of true joy and blessing. He goes on to ask, Why do a bunch of people from Derry Presbyterian Church doctors, professionals, computer geeks, teenagers, executives want to go to Nicaragua? After a hot day building a concrete-block house, while standing on a Nicaraguan baseball field I receive a glimpse of an answer.

We are called back to something deeper and more meaningful. We are called back to something that we often lose in our sophisticated, air-conditioned, sanitized, modern lives. We are called back to the dirt where we learn again the basic trust of all truth. We are inspired by the faith we see in people who have no reason to have faith. We go to Nicaragua because we need to face the mystery again of seeing people who are happy and content when they have no reason to be, while we are seldom happy and content when we have every reason to be.

Something to ponder in our plenty.

Shalom,
Byron

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YOUTH EVENT on BULLYING! May, 4 - 6:00 PM Youth Rm
Karen Fisher, a Governor Mifflin school nurse, will speak about Bullying
in our schools. She will discuss the various forms of bullying, recognizing bullying behavior, helping children and parents cope and prevent this type
of behavior. BOTH youth and parents are invited to attend.

BREAKFAST FOOD ITEMS NEEDED May 5th, 12th, & 19th:
The group that sponsors 5th Quarter will again offer MONDAY MORNINGS IN MAY - a before school (7-7:45 a.m.) "walk through" for the students in our community to stop by in the Immanuel parking lot for a quick hot beverage and a breakfast snack. We are in need of donations for individually wrapped items (cookies, brownies, granola bars, etc.).
For these above dates, items can be dropped off in the church office the week before. Any questions/Info, contact Sue McCoy (610) 777-6116.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP GUEST SPEAKER - MAY 6th
You are invited to attend the next Cancervivors Support Group, IUCC's Cancer Support Group, on May 6th at 7pm. Pat Long will share a presentation entitled "What the American Cancer Society Can Do For You". There will be a time for questions and also sharing at this meeting, which will last approx. one hour. All welcome to attend.

BOOK BABBLE LAST 2 MEETINGS - MAY 7th & JUNE 4th
Our last 2 meetings will take place on May 7th, discussing "The Faraday Girls"; and on June 4th, discussing "The Thunderbolt Kid". Please come for one or both evenings and enjoy a lively discussion with our friendly group. We will begin Book Babble again on September 3rd, at 7pm at Barnes & Noble, when we will select new titles to read for 2008-09. Please put dates
on your calendar and join us upstairs in the Paul Room! Hope to see you!
Questions, call Barb Springer (610-777-3439) or Jan Knies (610-273-4540).

ONLY 1 SUNDAY
UNTIL OUR GREAT CELEBRATION AT 10:00 AM !!PENTECOST SUNDAY - MAY 11th - One Service at 10:00AM
In celebration of Pentecost, we hope to cover the sanctuary in RED. Please wear RED and consider sponsoring red geraniums (order forms will be forthcoming). This is sure to be a great way to welcome our newest Confirmation class into membership, share in Holy Communion, and recognize Mother's Day. The service will be held in the sanctuary...let's all come together at this special time to worship with joy and thanksgiving!

STILL GOING STRONG PICNIC & BINGO - MAY 12TH
Make your Reservation by May 5th. Cost is $7.00/ Person .
CALL Ron & Shirley Wieder at 610-777-5570.
Our group meets 2nd Monday of each month at 11am in Fellowship Hall

Follow Up Discussion on "For the Bible Tells Me So" Scheduled for MAY 18

The Diversity Group of Immanuel on Sunday, April 20 hosted a viewing of the documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So." It was an exciting evening with about 75 people attending to share a pot-luck dinner and watch the film, which examines how Biblical references to homosexuality are interpreted, and how learning that a son or daughter is gay or lesbian can impact families. The Diversity Group thanks everyone who attended, and we appreciate the interest and lively discussion that the film generated.

Unfortunately, in keeping with our plan to end the program by 8 p.m., we did not leave adequate time for group discussion. We regret that lack of follow-up discussion, and, because we feel it is extremely important for all members of Immanuel to be able to talk about topics that are difficult and uncomfortable, we will host a follow-up discussion on the film and related topics on Sunday, May 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the lower level multi-purpose room.

Discussion will be facilitated by Byron Leasure, our interim pastor, and the program will proceed as follows: We will meet in the lower level multi-purpose room, where everyone will be encouraged to get a beverage and find a seat. After viewing a very short segment of the film, Byron will open the discussion and outline the evening's purpose and structure. We will engage in small-group discussions for about 10 minutes before opening the program for open discussion. The entire program will last no more than 90 minutes, with the intention of getting you home in time for dinner.

You do not need to have seen the film to join this program. The important thing is that we sit together to share ideas and listen to one another thoughtfully and respectfully. As Byron wrote in our last This Week, we need to remember that different is different. It isn't wrong. We hope to see you on May 18 as we continue this important and timely conversation. If you'd like to learn more about the film, go to www.forthebibletellsmeso.org.

GRATITUDE CORNER - A BIG Thank YOU from ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING ! !
Thank you for your Extra Mile Contribution to date of $1,782.00 .
Your generosity is helping families and villages around the world to make their lives and communities healthy, safe, and sustainable.
Also, a BIG THANK YOU to the Children's Church School offering from February thru March 16 - $112.39 to our total.
Sharing our Resources Really Changes Lives! Outreach Committee

BLOOD DRIVE SATURDAY - MAY 17TH - 9:00am - 1:00pm
For more information & scheduling contact Parish Nurse Cindy Mingione
Phone: 610-775-2787 Thank you for your support!

BIBLE SCHOOL PLANNING MEETING MAY 20th - 7PM
Vacation Bible School (Sunday Night Block Party) will be held on Sunday evenings during the month of August from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are needed to help make this year's event a great time for all those who attend. Our next planning meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 PM in the 5th & 6th grade Sunday School classroom. If you would like to help with crafts, games, music, dinner or teaching, please plan to attend this important meeting. Any questions, please contact Alexis Lombardo at 610-796-1433.
Let's get ready for the biggest block party of the summer!

ATTN: GRADUATES & PARENTS for JUNE 1st WORSHIP
Please submit to the church office in writing, the names of your graduates; any future plans they may have; and in the case of higher education, the degree they are receiving. We will be recognizing our graduates during the 10:30 worship service on June 1st. Deadline to submit names May 25 th !

GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL STATUS
As of March 31, 2008 the overall status has improved. Some of the money that was taken from savings during 2006 and 2007 has been put back into an interest-earning savings account, to rebuild a reserve to cover periods such as the summer months when our income is sometimes less than our expenses.
The actual income figure below includes some large contributions from people who have paid their entire 2008 pledge in advance. The actual income is also higher than planned because of the excellent support for the Grocery Certificate program and the outstanding success of the Benefit Auction on March 29.

	Actual thru 3/31	Budget thru 3/31
Income	$ 271,000	$ 236,000
Expenses	$ 214,000	$ 211,000

All figures are rounded to nearest $1,000
KISSED contributions and principal payments on the loan are not included in these figures.

Immanuel UCC
April 21, 2008 Membership Update
According to the church by-laws, the Spiritual Council (made up of the six Elders currently serving on Consistory) is responsible for the membership of the church. In order to improve our oversight and management of membership issues, we are establishing a new precedent where one Elder has the primary responsibility to carry out membership related tasks. Policies and decisions will still be made by the Spiritual Council, but then one person has responsibility to make sure things get done! In 2008, that Elder is me. Starting immediately, we are doing the following:
* Reporting worship and church school attendance to the Consistory monthly.
* Reporting attendance and membership statistics to the congregation quarterly.
* Elders are participating in New Member classes to evaluate candidates and establish expectations of membership and its responsibilities.
* Elders will meet with confirmands near the end of the confirmation course to discuss their faith, and then formally present them for membership in the congregation.
* Develop standard procedures for evaluating and updating the membership files. The goal is to have procedures that can be consistently implemented year after year, even as staff and lay leadership may change.
If you have any questions on concerns on membership matters, please speak with me or any of the Elders.
Gene Waltz, Elder and VP of Consistory

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Reach Out!

RELAY FOR LIFE
It's time again for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This year's 24 hour event is at Wilson High School's John Gurski Stadium, June 13th & 14th .
Like last year we will have a team, made up of people of all ages on the track for 24 hours. If you would like to join us, there will be Sign-Ups at worship on May 11th and May 18th.
Walker packets may be picked up at the church office. There are a lot of fun activities during the 24 hours and as always, your donations and contributions go for a truly wonderful cause!

OPPORTUNITY HOUSE
Sign-up sheets are on the mission tables to provide food or monetary gifts towards the meal we will serve at Opportunity House on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. If you have never helped to serve the meal, it's a wonderful experience. Consider signing up!

FAMILY PROMISE - NEXT HOST WEEK JULY 13-JULY 20
If you are interested in meal prep, hosting, etc. contact coordinator Joan Blimline @ 610-372-1891 or joanblimline@verizon.net THANK YOU !

UPC LABELS FOR EDUCATION
Outreach is still collecting labels from Campbell's products, Pepperidge Farm, V8 Splash caps/lids, Franco American, Swanson, Market Day, and Prego for Thomas Ford School.
Collection boxes are located on the mission tables in Fellowship Hall, the narthex and outside the church office. Thank you!!

Outreach Information

OUR NEXT SOUP KITCHEN DAY - TUESDAY, MAY 6th
There is a Sign-Up sheet located on the Mission Table in the Narthex if you wish to participate. Any questions, please contact Coordinator, Betty Griffith @ 610-777-9794.

PHOEBE OFFERING SCHEDULED for SUNDAY ,MAY 11th
A special outreach offering for Phoebe Ministries will be collected Sunday, May 11. An envelope is enclosed and extras will be available on the mission tables.
Phoebe Ministries is a non-profit, multi-facility organization specializing in healthcare, housing and support services for senior adults throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Phoebe Ministries offers 16 Phoebe communities, including Phoebe Berks Village in Wernersville, that provide a variety of living options and levels of care to suit the diverse needs and desires of senior adults.
These services include long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, specialized programs for persons with cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's, and respite care. THANKS for your support !!!

MISSION NIGHT MAY 14 @ 6:00 PM
Join us in Fellowship Hall for pot-luck soup, salad and dessert. Hear stories as told by Missionaries Dale and Bethesaba Nafziger about life "at the top of the world" in Southern Asia's Nepal.
Sue McCoy, Lea Ann and Alan Forrer will share their mission stories from Back Bay. Pastor Megan will speak about the Youth Mission Trip to Kentucky and her African trip this summer.
Please plan to attend this event. We are asking those with last names beginning with A-L to bring soup or salad, and M-Z bring dessert.

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1st Quarter Membership and Attendance Update

Membership Category	People
Deaths	-12
Removed by request	-5
Transferred Out	-3
Transferred In	0
New Member Class	0
Net Change	-20
Future Member Possibilities
Baptisms	1
Births to members	2

Note: Seventeen (17) new members joined Immanuel on Sunday, April 27.

Worship Service (minus Easter Sunday)	Average Attendance
Traditional 8:00	97
Informal 10:15	77
Traditional 10:30	183
Total Average Sunday Worship	331
Special Services	Total Attendance
Easter Sunday	655
Special Weekday Services (i.e. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, World Prayer day)	446

Note: In future quarters we will show change in comparison to prior periods. Also, Easter Sunday is reported separately since attendance at these services is higher than normal and would skew the averages.

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Christians Hanging Around on Sundays
Grades 7-12
Meets 6pm -7:30 pm in Youth Room
May 4 CHAOS - Bixlers - (Bullying Discussion)
May 11 NO CHAOS - Happy Mother-s Day !
May 18 CHAOS - Going Golfing (The Weisers)
May 25 NO CHAOS - Happy Memorial Day
June 1 Youth Sunday (8 & 10:30 AM)
Attend Gov Mifflin Baccalaureate Service 7:15 PM
June 8 CHAOS
June 22-28 MISSION TRIP TO KENTUCKY !!
July 13 CHAOS
July 24-28 National Youth Event
To Be Scheduled - NIGHT at the PHILLIES ! & who knows what else!

Monday Mornings in May
Welcome Youth!
Stop in at the Immanuel United Church of Christ parking lot on your way to school every Monday morning in May for a quick cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa and a breakfast snack.
The same folks who hosted the -Fifth Quarter- events in the fall would like to invite you to stop by on your way to school for a morning -boost- for your body and your spirit for the day!

Mondays, May 5h, 12th, and 19th from 7:00-7:40am
**Come count down the days until summer vacation!!!!

Peeking into Preschool
Immanuel Preschool Children Call "the Big Kids" Their Friends!-

All Immanuel Preschool classes: have developed a wonderful relationship with a Governor Mifflin High School Class.- In this picture, Erin Nelson and Jake Blanski, children in the 5-Day 4-Year-Old Class, are assisted by high school students in making a piece of pottery.-- This spring other 4-Year-Old Classes visited the-Child Development Class, where high school students prepared and assisted with hands-on centers for the children.- Our 3-Year-Old Classes visited the students in the band..- Not only were children introduced to many instruments, they were encouraged to try playing them.-

High-school students also-come out of their study halls to volunteer in our preschool program-.The children love "the big kids' next door!

Available Teaching Position
Immanuel Preschool has an opening for a part-time teaching position for September, 2008.- Applicants must have an early childhood or elementary degree.- If interested, please contact Janet Myers or Valerie Frederick at 610-777-2348.

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Meetings & Activities

Thursday, May 1, 2008
Prayer Network 10:00 AM Conf Room
Cemetery Committee 7:00 PM Library
Senior Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Music Suite
Rdg Assn Ascension Day Service 7:30 PM Sanctuary

Friday, May 2, 2008
Kindermusik 11:30 AM Music Suite

Saturday, May 3, 2008
RSJSO 9:30 AM LLMP

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Worship 8:00 & 10:30 AM Sanctuary
Sunday School 9:00 AM Ed Wing
Rehearsal for Confirmation 9:00 AM Sanctuary
Faithful Dialogues/Adult Seminar 9:00 AM Ruth Rm/LLMP
Informal Worship 10:15 AM Fellowship Hall
Parish Nurse Meeting 11:30 AM Conf Room
Gov Mifflin Key Club 1:30 PM Fellowship Hall
Pre-Marital Session (2 of 2) 4:30 PM Paul Room
AHOYA (Adult Youth Team) 5:00 PM ULMP
CHAOS 6:00 PM ULMP

Monday, May 5, 2008
Mon Mornings in May 7:00 AM Parking Lot
Bible Study 9:30 AM Paul Room
Preschool Staff/BCIU Workshop 5:30 PM Ruth Room

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Staff Bible Study 9:30 AM Conf Room
Staff Meeting 10:30 AM Conf Room
Soup Kitchen 11:00 AM Off Site
Cherub Choir 5:00 PM Music Suite
Chimers 5:50 PM Music Suite
Junior Choir 6:30 PM Music Suite
Cancer Support 7:00 PM Conf Room
Search Committee 7:15 PM Library
Pretzel City Chorus 7:30 PM Fellowship Hall
Handbells 8:00 PM Music Suite

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Stuyvesant Seniors 10:00 AM Fellowship Hall
Shawl Ministry 1:00 PM Conf Room
Relay for Life (D. Kelley) 5:00 PM Fellowship Hall
Shawl Ministry 7:00 PM Conf Room
Book Babble 7:00 PM Paul Room
Stewardship Committee 7:00 PM John Room Sunday,

Thursday, May 8, 2008
Senior Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Music Suite

Friday, May 9, 2008
Bike Day 4 Yr Old Class 9:00 AM Parking Lot
Saturday, May 10, 2008 RSJSO 9:30 AM LLMP

Sunday, May 11, 2008
Confirmation Rehearsal/Picture 9:00 AM Sanctuary
Adult Seminar/Sunday School 9:00 AM LLMP / Ed Wing
Faithful Dialogues 9:00 AM Ruth Room
Worship Communion & Conf 10 AM ONLY Sanctuary
Informal Worship NONE TODAY
Christian Ed 11:45 AM Ruth Room
CHAOS NONE TODAY

Monday, May 12, 2008
Mondays in May 7:00 AM Parking Lot
Bible Study 9:30 AM Paul Room
Still Going Strong 11:00 AM Fellowship Hall
Diversity Meeting 6:30 PM Library
Finance Committee 7:00 PM Conf Room

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Staff Bible Study 9:30 AM Conf Room
Staff Meeting 10:30 AM Conf Room
Cherub Choir 5:00 PM Music Suite
Chimers 5:50 PM Music Suite
Junior Choir 6:30 PM Music Suite
Caregiver Support Group 6:30 PM Conf Room
Search Committee 7:15 PM Library
Pretzel City Chorus 7:30 PM Fellowship Hall
Handbells 8:00 PM Music Suite

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Outreach Mission Night (TENT) 6:00 PM Fellowship Hall
Technology Committee 6:00 PM Library
Consistory Meeting 7:00 PM John Room
Separated/Divorced Support 7:00 PM Conf Room

Thursday, May 15, 2008
Outreach Committee 6:30 PM Conf Room
Historical Society Meeting 7:00 PM Ruth Room
Senior Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Music Suite

Friday, May 16, 2008
Bike Day RAIN DATE 9:00 AM FH Park Lot
Kindermusik 11:30 AM Music Suite

 

Next Newsletter:
Deadline: May 9, 2008
Mailing Date: May 14, 2008

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Our Staff

Byron D. Leasure, Interim Senior Pastor
seniorpastor@immanuel-ucc.org

Megan K. Huesgen, Pastor of Parish Life
revmeg@immanuel-ucc.org

Roger Ulrich, Student Pastor
rogulrich@gmail.com

Dr. David A. McConnell, Minister of Music
herrdam@hotmail.com

Kim Nelson, Youth Choirs & Handbell Director

Mike Snyder, Treasurer
Mcsnyder1@comcast.net

Janet Myers, Director of Preschool
jcmyers@immanuel-ucc.org

Eileen Kaley, Director of Church School

Kathy Arnold, Financial Secretary
karnold@immanuel-ucc.org

Vicki Guilliams, Secretary - Part Time
secretary@immanuel-ucc.org

All Members, Ministers of Gospel