In response to the gospel, we will love God, HILLTOP HERALD love one another, and love the world by making disciples of Jesus Christ. A NEW HYMNAL...

Deacons: Patti Milsom, Chairperson Kathleen Sokol, Co-chairperson Linda Carlen, Treasurer Gwen Davidson Nancy Fotovich Tricia Luebbe, Secretary Jody Menni Cory Mickle Rick Novak JoAnn Plannick Nancy Rossi JoAnn Sanders Cathy Scott Tracy Spiegel Bob Weber

Leadership of Union Church Session: Sally Andrews Stated Clerk Scott Davis Outreach/Mission Team Connie Rippole Administrative Support Team Winona Johnston Discipleship Committee Scott Barker Fellowship Committee Gail Jackson Childcare Committee Rob Rossi Finance Committee Jeff Scott Finance Committee Carol DiClemente Nominating Committee Tom MacLachlan Worship Committee

Trustees: Don Jukes, President Bob Winning, VP Tom Connell Clyde English Mary McNavish John Miles

Union Church Staff Billy Younger Lead Pastor Joshua Hjemvick Pastoral Assistant of Youth & Families Monica Laughery Office Manager Kellyn von Arx Assistant Director of Youth & Families John M. Seybert Director of Music Ministries Winona Johnston DiscipleSHIP Children’s Ministries Coordinator Sue Strunk Organist Sarah Shaffer Treasurer George Shumek Financial Secretary Anne Burke Childcare Director Carl Reed Sexton Sally Andrews Pastoral Care Coordinator Mimi Massucci Wedding Coordinator Sue Shumek New Member Coordinator Mark Trautman Cemetery

Youth Ministries (Grades 6-12) Building authentic faith that the students of Union Church can carry on to college and beyond.

Youth Group meets on Wednesdays from 7PM-9PM during the school year.

In response to the gospel, we will love God, love one another, and love the world by making disciples of Jesus Christ.

discipleSHIP Children’s Ministries Preschool and Elementary discipleSHIP at the 9:15AM Worship Service. Nursery at 9:15AM Worship Service for infant-age 3; 11AM Worship Service for infant-age 5.

Nursery Children will be cared for by gentle, loving, compassionate hands while you attend the worship service.

Preschool (age 3-5) The basic foundation of a child's spiritual foundation begins at this early age. Through Bible stories, crafts, activities, and music, children will learn to develop a relationship with God.

Elementary (K-grade 5) Children get to know God through Bible teachings built around monthly applications which are characteristics of God. Through music, fun activities and creative Bible stories children learn to apply these truths to their everyday lives.

NEXT HILLTOP HERALD PUBLISHED MAY 15TH-ARTICLES DUE BY NOON, MAY 12TH

UPCOMING PUBLICATIONS FOR 2016: JUNE 19 (ARTICLES DUE BY JUNE 16TH)

UNION C H U R C H 6165 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136-1338 ● 412.787.1818 ● fax 412.787.8126 ● www.unionpresbychurch.org

A NEW HYMNAL IS ON THE WAY! Dear Friends,

I pray this message finds you and your family well and enjoying the season of Eastertide! I am writing to share two significant developments for our music ministries at Union Presbyterian Church. Our congregation has been blessed to provide opportunities for members of the music community throughout the regional area to join us in worship over the last two years. In order to enhance our music ministries in the future, the Session approved the establishment of the Union Church Music Fund in April of 2016, to provide special resources for the music program. For example, brass instrumentalists for Easter, Strings for Advent, Concert artists and/or scholarships for junior musicians and/or choristers are several possible uses for contributions to this ongoing and permanent fund. These funds will be used at the discretion of the Director of Music Ministries and the Session. In addition, here are a few things to keep in mind when considering making Music Fund contributions:

1. Contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible and are considered outside of regular giving to the general budget.

2. Contributions in any amount may be made to the Fund in the form of gifts or gifts that thank, honor or remember persons or ministries.

3. Contributions will be acknowledged with a letter from the Director of Music Ministries. Honorees and families of the memorialized will also be notified.

4. Contributions may be made at any time by sending a check, made payable to Union Church with “Music Fund” noted on the check. Also, if you would like to thank, honor or remember a person or ministry please indicate the name of the person/s or ministry on your check or in an accompanying note.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information about the Music Fund.

I also wanted to keep you posted on our new hymnals. Our church recently received a donation of more than 200 hymnals, The Presbyterian Hymnal, from Latrobe Presbyterian Church. This hymnal includes over six hundred hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs in contemporary language that will enhance our future worship services. Our current hymnals have served us well for many years as evidence by their present physical condition. Therefore, we give praise to our Lord for this wonderful and timely gift.

Session has approved the use of the new hymnals in the next few weeks. However, be assured that the Worship Team and Session has also developed a plan to take care of our current hymnals. If you or a family member donated one of our current hymnals, we will make those hymnals available in the Fellowship Hall after the 9:15 and 11:00 services, beginning on Sunday morning, April 24, 2016.

Thank you for your commitment to Christ-centered worship and music ministries for all ages at Union Church. I pray that you will consider supporting the Union Church Music Fund as we continue to advance the music ministries as an outreach to our community. I am thankful to serve in ministry with you.

Peace,

John M. Seybert, Director of Music Ministries

APRIL 2016 HILLTOP HERALD

HILLTOP HERALD APRIL 2016

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

Have you driven by Union Church at night and seen the beautiful cross high on our steeple? An interesting story is behind the installation of the cross. In the early 1950s when Greater Pittsburgh Airport opened (not the current airport but its first location along what we term as business route 60)-our church was located in line with one of the busiest runways at the field. Our 100 foot steeple and bell tower was right in the path of on-coming jets. Rev. William S.Ruschhaupt and church members knew we would have to mark the belfry with some sort of a warning device. It was decided to build a neon-lighted cross doubling as a crown for the church and a warning to pilots. Even since Greater Pittsburgh Airport opened, planes had been buzzing around the belfry like flies at a picnic. After several weeks of hard work an eight-foot cross was hoisted to the top of the church. Church members, Victor Turner and his son wired the cross. Church member and contractor Jacob Phillips brought in a 90-foot crane and hoisted the cross to the highest pinnacle of the church. Several other men whose names are not recorded, climbed the slate roof of the belfry to anchor the cross. Pilots wondered at first about the new Christmas decoration. However the story of our cross doesn’t end with this first successful venture. Our Bicentennial history book reports that during a violent storm it blew down and was replaced with a red plastic cross that then was shattered by lightning. The third and current cross is made of wood and laminated with stainless steel. This cross is topped with a lightning rod. The beautiful cross is there to let all people who pass by realize our faith is in Jesus who is resurrected after suffering death on a cross. (Information from Bicentennial Book and Pittsburgh Press January 3, 1954) Sally Andrews

Youth Ministry Contacts: * Josh Hjemvick, Pastoral Assistant of Youth & Families 724.713.0344, [email protected]

* Kellyn von Arx, Assistant Director of Youth & Families 412.337.6417, [email protected]

YOUTH GROUP ON WEDNESDAYS, 7-9pm

● 5th Grader Move-up Night — May 18

th

● End of School Year Party — May 25th

Come hang out with us. We'll have food, games, worship, Bible study, and time with friends.

Join us every Wednesday during the school year for a place to . . . get together with friends, enjoy fun games, engage in meaningful worship, and most of all a place where you can get to know God!

Youth Group is for students in grades 6-12.

SUMMER CAMPS 2016: Service Week, Grades 9-12, June 27-July 1

Surf City, Grades 6-8, July 31-August 5

DEACONS The Food Pantry is open to the Union Church family every day; and open to guests/clients the second Tuesday of every month. If you are in need of anything, please contact one of us. We are here to serve.

So blessed to serve!

Your 2016 Union Church Deacons,

Patti Milsom, Chairperson Kathleen Sokol, Co-chairperson Linda Carlen, Treasurer Gwen Davidson Nancy Fotovich Tricia Luebbe, Secretary Jody Menni Cory Mickle Rick Novak JoAnn Plannick Nancy Rossi JoAnn Sanders Cathy Scott Tracy Spiegel Bob Weber

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE – REMEMBERING THE PAST

Youth Ministry

SPRING RETREAT

May 13th

– 15th

Students in 6th

-12th

grade are invited to join us for a weekend of fun and adventure at

TeenQuest Camp and Conference Center. The cost is $100 per student

Contact Josh ([email protected]) or

Kellyn ([email protected]) for more information.

CHILDCARE CENTER NEWS Students will plant seeds while reviewing the letter ‘P’ for plant! We will learn the life cycle of a plant and practice our seed counting skills. Students will also review the letter ‘F’ for frog while examining the life stages of frogs. We will practice recognizing same/different frogs in patterns as well. We will celebrate Earth Day by reading about the importance of trees in our environment and we will sort trash into different recyclables. We will review the letter ‘C’ while completing a caterpillar count and creating a butterfly craft!

14th The Librarian Visits! Toddlers and Preschoolers! We will be listening to stories and making crafts around 10:00am

21st ALCOSAN Recycling Presentation! Preschoolers will enjoy a 30minute presentation about recycling and other ways to protect our Earth!

22nd Earth Day! Submitted by:

Anne Burke, Union Church Childcare Center Director

OUTREACH-MISSION TEAM

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Union College Student Care Packages are being sent out ‘b4’ finals, if you have a student address change or want to help, contact Lori Wildman, ‘care package coordinator’ at 412.389.1264

* * * * *

Mission Budget is set each year with three (3) Tiers of projected giving. For 2016, Tier A has been budgeted at $60,000, Tier B at $50,000, and Tier C at $42,000. The amount of monies that we can contribute throughout the year to many missionaries and mission groups or agencies depends entirely on how much is contributed by Union members and friends. So, our Monthly goals-needs for Union’s Mission Fund range from $3,500 to $5,000 per month. Your concentrated help is needed. When donating to Union Church, please consider designating a portion of your giving to “Mission”. For a copy of Union’s 2016 Mission Budget and an accounting of our Mission giving in 2015, please contact Scott K. Davis at 412-370-7899.

* * * * *

“The Table” is a meal program through Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community missional ministry, Southside Pittsburgh: Union’s Outreach-Mission Team and volunteers provide a meal for 85 to 100 people. We need volunteers to prepare each meal, bake brownies, cookies, or a dessert. We have 6-12 volunteers travel to the Southside to ‘assemble’ and serve the meal and assist in dishes & clean-up of the site. Some leave the church at 3:45PM, or others just meet at The Table at 4:30PM and the meal is served at 5:30, clean-up is done by 6:30PM. Meal Service Dates in 2016: April 19, June 14, July 26, September 13, October 18, and December 6. Pray, Cook, Bake, Serve, Clean, Care, Pray!

* * * * *

Pleasant Valley Men's Shelter at Northside Common Ministries': Union volunteers go to the men’s shelter on the North Side, Pittsburgh to serve a dinner and to fellowship with the clients. Union’s 2016 service dates are: Mondays - April 25, June 27, August 22, Oct. 24, Dec. 26 & Thursday Nov. 10! Contact Tom MacLachlan or Joan Richards for more information.

* * * * *

World Vision Distribution Headquarters in Sewickley, PA for Union’s inter-generational service Saturdays we need 15 volunteers that can package clothing to be distributed at inner-city or international locations. Union Service Saturdays are May 7th and October 1st from 8AM to 12 Noon. Contact any member of the Mission Team, or Scott K. Davis at 412.370.7899

* * * * *

Pittsburgh Project: Youth Ministry is planning a week-long Mission Trip this summer, details to come.

* * * * *

110th New Wilmington Mission Conference: July 23-30, 2016. Union Mission Team is offering scholarships for Junior High, Senior High, College Students, Young Adults and Dining Hall Workers to attend this year! Go to www.nwmcmission.org for details of programs, speakers and worship times. Contact Scott K. Davis at 412.370.7899 for more information. Step out of your comfort zone to worship and serve with students from 30+ nations around the world.

* * * * *

Hosanna Industries needs volunteers, no specific skills needed, just willing hearts and hands! There are several weekdays each month that they could use a few extra pairs of hands to help their mission workers get projects done. Contact Scott K. Davis at 412.370.7899 to help organize this service project.

* * * * *

Upcoming Outreach-Mission Team meeting: May 2 @ Noble House @ 7PM. All are welcome!

Anyone is welcome to Mission Team meetings! For ideas of service opportunities, contact: Scott K. Davis 412-370-7899

Union Church is seeking to fill the position of Treasurer. Candidate must have the spiritual gift of serving, an accounting background (CPA preferred), fund balance accounting experience, basic knowledge of payroll and employment requirements, Excel software proficiency, and strong computer and communication skills. Principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1. Record the totals of church receipts in accordance with donor restrictions as recorded and provided by the Financial Secretary. 2. Pay, upon receiving approval on required budget requisition and invoices, all financial obligations of the church. 3. Reconcile bank and investment/endowment accounts on a monthly basis. 4. Prepare a monthly report for Session and Trustees showing all receipts, disbursements and current account balances. 5. Upon authorization of the auditors, prepare an annual report to be included in the Annual Report which shall be distributed to the congregation. 6. Keep account of all trust funds and other resources of the Corporation depositing all important papers and documents in a safe place to which he/she, the clerk of session, and the President of the Trustees shall have access. 7. Serve as a consultant to the Finance Committee. 8. Prepare an annual report form and distribute to every church organization which will be completed and returned to Treasurer to be included in the Annual Report to the congregation. 9. Prepare and file annual 1099s. 10. Processes payroll bi-monthly, as well as a Union Child Care bonus check run in December. 11. Maintains employee payroll documentation, including the Form I-9 with required identification, W-4, Local Services Tax Form, and if applicable, Direct Deposit Form.

PART-TIME TREASURER POSITION

During the month of March, Session had the privilege to serve communion on the first Sunday in March and then again on Maundy Thursday. A total of 192 on Sunday and 80 on Thursday evening.

Session received a letter from Anne Burke announcing her retirement as Director of Union Church Childcare Center. Session thanks her for the past nine-years of faithful service and wishes her well in her retirement years. Session is working to review by-laws of the church. Session continues to be aware of the financial issues we as a church are facing and we are prayerfully working to deal with expenses in cooperation with the finance committee.

If you have questions or concerns please speak with a Session elder(below). “Elders have the responsibility for governing the congregation and guiding its witness to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that the congregation is and becomes a community of faith, hope, love, and witness.” [from PC(USA) Book of Order] Administrative Support Team - Connie Rippole Childcare Committee - Gail Jackson Discipleship Committee - Winona Johnston Fellowship Committee - Scott Barker Finance Committee - Rob Rossi and Jeff Scott Mission/Outreach Team - Scott Davis Nominating Committee - Carol DiClemente Worship Committee - Tom MacLachlan Clerk of Session - Sally Andrews

Presbyterian Women of Union Church are excited and so grateful for the support of the congregation during our “diaper drive”. We are currently at 3367 diapers with more to come. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT in this mission. Look next month for the grand total from all PW groups in the Pittsburgh Area. On Saturday April 16 we attended the Spring Gathering of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Women at Bethel Presbyterian Church. A new Moderator from Bethany Church in Bridgeville, a Mission Treasurer/Vice Moderator of Mission from Bethel Church, and a Vice Moderator of Issues from East Liberty were elected to serve the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Women. The two large gatherings (Spring and Fall) are opportunities to meet and share with women from churches in Pittsburgh. Any woman who is a member of Union Church is a member of Presbyterian Women. There are no dues, no registration forms or “tests”. You are all part of us and we invite you to join in our mission efforts, Bible Studies, and activities as they are published in the bulletin or the Hilltop Herald.

By: Sally Andrews

OUR PURPOSE Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered By the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves: to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s Kingdom.

NOTES FROM SESSION

HILLTOP HERALD APRIL 2016

discipleSHIP CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

6165 STEUBENVILLE P IKE

McKEES ROCKS PA 15136 -1883 Phone : 412 .787 .1818

discipleSHIP CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES, continued

Jesus won the battle over the world as He persevered through the worst: rejection, violence, heartache, even death itself—all to rescue us. This is why the author of Hebrews told us to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” In fact, the author of Hebrews has a lot to say to his audience about perseverance. See, life was very difficult for these early Christian as they were persecuted for their faith. They were forced into hiding. They met secretly in fear of violence. By simply continuing to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, the early Christians were seen as outcasts. So, the book of Hebrews was written to remind those Christians to refuse to give up. Even though life had gotten hard, they needed to keep doing what they knew was best for them to do. This month, we’ll spend most of our time in the book of Hebrews where we’ll discover more about what the Bible says about perseverance. We define perseverance as refusing to give up when life gets hard. We have the chance to lean in to them and say: “Don’t give up. Persevere in your faith. Trust God no matter what.” Throughout Scripture, the writers continually point people of faith to continue their journey relying not on their own strength, but God’s supernatural power. Take our memory verse for example. Isaiah 40:31 (NIrV), “But those who trust in the Lord will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow week.” Isaiah offers hope to those who persevere and trust in God. They will find strength even when they feel like giving up. Going through those tough times will teach us that God is always there. When it comes down to it, we all have experienced things that we would have never experienced if we didn’t push through the difficult times. When you get to the other side, you’ll see something that you would have never seen before—if you just believe in what God can do and what God can do in you. WEEK 1 We start off our month on perseverance with Jesus’ last words before He ascends back to heaven. In Matthew 28:20, we have the huge task Jesus gave His disciples to share His story throughout the world. In Acts 1-2, we discover how Jesus’ sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to help the disciples accomplish that task. Bottom Line: When life gets hard, remember God is with you. Because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, God is always with us. No matter what happens, we can continue to persevere because God can give us the strength we need to continue. WEEK 2 In Hebrews 12:1, the author of Hebrews reminds us that when life gets hard, we can look to the heroes of the faith and see how they trusted God through some extremely difficult circumstances. God brought them through those trials, and God will help us through ours. Bottom Line: When life gets hard, remember how others persevered. It’s comforting to know that others have made it through to the other side of difficult times. When we see how God helped them, it’s helps us trust God more with our own circumstances.

WEEK 3 In Hebrews 12:2-3, we will talk about what it means to run the race of life with perseverance. It will get hard, but we can focus our attention on Jesus. He is the ultimate example of someone who endured death itself to accomplish the rescue mission God set out for him. Bottom Line: When life gets hard, remember what Jesus did for you. Jesus persevered through the most difficult life had to offer. He did that for us. We pray kids discover that they can trust Jesus with their whole life from now until eternity. When life doesn’t go as planned, kids can look to Jesus and remember how His life and death overcame the world. WEEK 4 Finally, through Hebrews 12:12-15, kids will learn that others are watching us as we persevere through difficult times. When our friends or family members are having trouble persevering, they can look to our example and be encouraged to stick with it. Bottom Line: When life gets hard, remember you can help others persevere. After we go through a difficult time, we often have a chance to help others through similar situations. We want kids to learn that as they trust God and persevere, they will set an example and encourage others to do the same.

Winona Johnston Children’s Ministries Coordinator

SAVE THE DATE: June 20-24, 2016

Summer J.A.M. 2016 presents...

HILLTOP HERALD APRIL 2016