May 2011 Newsletter

Shenkel United

Church of Christ

SHARINGS AND CONCERNS

May 2011

SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1580 Shenkel Road

Pottstown PA 19465

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Shenkel United Church of Christ’s “The NEWSLETTER” is a monthly publication prepared, edited, and mailed by the leadership and staff to all members and friends of the church. It communicates news about our life, purpose, and mission as a Church of Jesus Christ. Information related to our partnership as a member of the United Church of Christ and wider church/community out-reach is included on a regular basis. The Church is located at Unionville & Shenkel Roads in North Coventry Township.

May 2011

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1 Communion

Confirmation 10:45 AM Girl Scouts 1-3 PM

2 3

Quilters 9:30 AM

4

Agape 7 PM

5

Community Lunch Bunch 11:30 AM

Blood Drive 11:30—6:30 PM

PRC Meeting 7 PM

Choir Practice

6 7

World Laby-rinth Day 12-1:30 PM

8

Healing Prayers Spring Inquir-ers’ Class after 10:45 worship

9 10

Spiritual Council 7 PM Consistory 7:30 PM

11

Board of Chris-tian Education Meeting 7 PM

12

Choir Practice 7 PM

13 14

Clean-Up Day Inside and Out-side 9 — ?

15 Holy Humor Sunday at 10:45 (The only service this week)

PRC Evaluation Meeting after worship

Youth Service Day

16

17

Quilters 9:30 AM

Prayer Shawl Ministry 9 AM

18

Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 PM

19

Healing Prayers 9:15 AM

Card Making Class 10 AM

Choir Practice 7 PM

20 21

22

Music Sunday

Spring Inquirers’ Class after 10:45 worship

Girl Scouts 1-3 PM

Coventry Woods Festival 1-5 PM

Peace Service 7

23

Community Meal at noon

24 25 26

No Choir Practice tonight

27 28

29

Memorial Service 9:30 in cemetery

30 31

1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown PA 19465 610.326.3535

Email: [email protected] www.shenkelucc.org

PAGE 3

The Pastor’s Pen Pastor Bonnie L. Moore

484.524.8280

Office Hours:

Tues., Wed., Thurs

CONSISTORY

OFFICERS

President

Kimberly Yocom

Vice President

Glen Hoff

Secretary

Sandy Rowe

Treasurer

Ken Bevan

Financial Secretary

Barry Miller

Assistant Financial

Secretaries

Doug Allen and

Lori Scharneck

Director of

Music Ministry

Joan Valentine Johnson

Elders

Glen Hoff

Carol Lykens

Connie Armbruster

Sandy Rowe

Wayne Klein

Deacons

Barbara Burhans

Barry Miller

Mark Dushanko

Kim Yocom

James White Newsletter Editor: Judy Embriani Assistant Editor: Jody Sweinhart Assistant Editor: Bill Baseley

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,

but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

- John 3:17

On a recent retreat, I found myself talking with a group of college students who had just re-

turned from a program with inmates at a state prison, led by the prison chaplain. It had been

a sobering experience for the young people; the reality of being locked in a room with peo-

ple who had been found guilty of crimes ranging from drug sales to arson to murder had

been very unsettling for all of them.

Yet, as they began reflecting on the conversations they had had with the inmates, a new in-

sight was voiced by one of the students: “I’m just one bad decision away from being in

their place,” the young man mused. The discussion quickly turned to the ways the students

had discovered that the inmates were people who were very much like them, except for the

choices the inmates had made that had landed them in prison. Sometimes it was just one

bad decision, the kids came to realize – one stupid choice, one impulsive action, one poor

judgment – that made the difference between a life of freedom and a life behind bars.

“We all make mistakes,” one of the students offered, “And some mistakes are worse than

others. But the most important thing I learned is that we should never judge people by their

worst mistake. ”

What a wonderful Easter pledge – to never judge people by their worst mistake! If God did

not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be

saved through him, might we, too, be able to offer some of that grace that we have received

to others we encounter along the way?

Easter blessings,

Pastor Bonnie

PAGE 4 SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

EARLY

LATE

5/1

The Sweinharts

Virginia Johnson

Barbara Burhans*

The Confirmands

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Carol Lykens

5/8

NEED SPONSOR

NEED SPONSOR

Barbara Burhans

Jennifer Hauze

Linda Foss

Early: Barb Burhans

Late: Lisa Yocom

5/15

NEED SPONSOR

NEED SPONSOR

Bill and Carolyn

Baseley

Sherri and Ben

Mocarski

Early: Freda Wanner

Late: Barry Yocom

5/22

The Graef Family

NEED SPONSOR

The Painter Family

The Gray Family

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Chris Gray

5/29

NEED SPONSOR

NEED SPONSOR

Barbara Sweinhart

and Family

The Pedrick Family

Early: Carol Pearson

Late: Faye Pedrick

* A Communion Usher Leader is a member of Consistory who will choose someone at the service to serve communion

with them.

“Flours” is a collection of pantry items or a monetary dona-tions to the pantry. If a cash donation to the pantry is made, a wheat arrangement will be placed on the altar. Altar flowers are $30.00 and bulletin dedications are $6.50. Food Sculp-tures are also gladly accepted. The are many dates open for sponsorship and dedica-tion during this and the upcoming months. Please com-plete one of the special flower/bulletin envelopes below the sign-up chart, enclose your payment, and either put it in the collection plate or in the Secretary’s box by the office door. You should then sign your name on the chart in the narthex by the appropriate date. Thank you.

Shenkel UCC celebrates the sacrament of

Holy Communion at both services on the

first Sunday of each month. Each time

communion is served, some of the bread

and non-alcoholic wine that has been con-

secrated at the altar will be saved in a trav-

eling communion kit, ready to go to the

homes or hospital rooms of members who

were unable to be present, and would like to receive

the sacrament. Please let Pastor Bonnie know if you,

or someone you know, would appreciate “distance-

communing” with their Shenkel Church family!

COMMUNION AT SHENKEL….

PEACE SERVICE Our Peace Service is held on the fourth

Sunday of each month. This service is

celebrated in a meditative atmosphere,

created by candles, readings, repetitive

singing, prayer, and scripture. Commun-

ion will also be served. Come and bring a friend to share

this wonderful experience.

PAGE 5

new Deacon,

Jim White!

Jim has agreed to fill Vera Hoff’s unfinished term

on Consistory, serving as a Deacon through De-

cember 2011. Thank you, Jim, and welcome to

Consistory!

Church Change Changes Churches!

The Church Change Offering will be received during worship again this year by our children, using spe-cial “noisy” cans, on the six Sundays following Easter. This special offering is used in the Pennsyl-vania Southeast Conference to prepare the church of the future for our children and youth by training and coaching pastors and lay lead-ers for congregational revitali-zation and transformation, and starting new churches in areas with growing populations where we currently do not have UCC churches. Church change changes us! Please bring your loose change and help us make a joyful noise with our Church Change Offering on May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5. Thank you!

CHURCH NEWS….

Holy Humor Sunday Returns!

We had so much fun last year, we will

once again be celebrating Holy Hu-

mor Sunday – this year on May 15th .

(Note: there will be only one service

that day, at 10:45, due to the Pastoral

Relations Committee covered-dish

event which will immediately follow

worship.) The celebration of Holy Humor Sunday

was inspired by the musings of early church theo-

logians who claimed that God played a practical

joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead on

Easter morning. Join us in some “risus paschalis”

– Easter laughter – on Sunday, May 15th!

Congratulations, Confirmands

On Sunday, May 1, Taylor Baker, Sara

Helmers, Katie Hudick, Gabby Megni,

Ben Mocarski, Kaleena Sweinhart and

Julianne Wanner will confirm their faith,

and become the newest members of Shen-

kel UCC. Please keep these young peo-

ple in your prayers as they continue their

journeys of faith.

Spring Inquirer’s Class

Would you like to learn more

about the theology, mission and

ministry of the United Church of

Christ and of Shenkel UCC? Join

us for a two session Inquirer’s

Class on Sundays, May 8 and 22, following the 10:45

service of worship. You are welcome at these sessions

whether you are a long-time member of Shenkel, or are

considering becoming a member. Membership is an

option, but not a requirement, for those who complete

both sessions. Please contact the church office at 610-

326-3535 or [email protected] to register. Child-

care may be available upon request.

Memorial Day Observance

On Sunday, May 29, we will gather at 9:30 a.m. in the cemetery for a brief (10-15 minute) service of prayer to remember and honor those who have served our country and protected our freedom. Join us!

Need Some Spring Clean-up Help?

Need any help with Spring clean-up? Spreading mulch?

Moving some furniture? On Sunday, May 15, teams of

youth will be on the road, coming to the homes of those

who have requested their assistance.

Please speak to Pastor Bonnie or contact the church office if you’d like

to schedule a time for them to stop by your home that day!

COVENTRY WOODS FESTIVAL at CAMP FERNBROOK

Sunday, May 22, 2011

1:00 — 5:00 PM

Come, enjoy a Spring day at Camp Fernbrook!

Shenkel UCC will have a table at the festival to

spread the word about our church. We need

volunteers to man the table for 1 hour shifts.

Please call Jody Sweinhart at 610-326-3721 if

you can help.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION….

Every Sunday at 9:30 AM

in the Social Hall

All are welcome.

May 1….. VIDEO from OUR “ARCHIVES”

---Tootie Hine

May 8 ….. CHURCH CHANGE (really does)

CHANGES CHURCHES!

---Rev. Lisa Martin, Trinity UCC

May 15 ….. (Waiting for Divine Intervention)

---Sherri Mocarski

May 22 ….. TO BE ANNOUNCED

May 29 ….. MY PURPOSE IN LIFE

---Ruth & Rick Brewer

SHENKEL QUILTERS

Our heart-felt sympathy goes

out to Yvonne Strom's fam-

ily. All of us will miss

Yvonne's creative ideas and

energy that she contributed to

our little group.

We continue to work on individual blocks and now

have a draft drawn for the completed quilt. A lot of

work will go into this quilt and it's fun to see the quilt

develop. We will meet in May on Tuesday the 3rd in

the church’s Social Hall at 9:30 am., but will not meet

on the 17th due to Election Day. As always, we wel-

come anyone interested in learning the art of quilt-

ing. No experience needed, just a willing heart to

make something beautiful! Please contact Margie Al-

len at 610-326-1519 for further information.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on

Tuesday, May 17th at 9 AM in the

Agape Room, and on Wednesday, April

18th in the social hall at 7 PM. Anyone

who likes to knit or crochet is welcome

to come. If you have any questions,

please contact June Hartung at 610-323-

5617.

ONE MORE CHURCH

CLEAN UP DAY

Mark your calendars ….

Inside & outside clean up….

Saturday, May 14 from 9 AM -- ?

Come, get your hands dirty, and have fun

sprucing up Shenkel in time for the warm weather.

Coming really soon... a CD of original piano music recorded by Collin Gray. You can place your ad-

vance order (pre-ordered CDs will be sold for $15 each) by contacting the church office or placing a

check, payable to Shenkel UCC, in the offering plate clearly marked CD order. Watch for details in up-

coming worship bulletins!

PAGE 6

CELEBRATE WORLD LABYRINTH DAY Saturday, May 7th, 12 noon – 1:30 PM

World Labyrinth Day is a day that brings people from

all over the planet together in celebration of the laby-

rinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion or a practice.

“Walk as One at 1”

As part of this celebration you are invited to come

and take part in the “Walk as One at 1.” We will walk

together in our local time zone at 1 PM to participate

in a rolling wave of peaceful energy as the world

turns. We will meet at the outdoor pavilion at noon.

Please wear comfortable clothes based on weather

conditions* and walking shoes, and bring a sack

lunch. From noon until 1 PM, we will share together

in lunch and conversation in the pavilion as we learn

about the history and modern use of labyrinths. Bev-

erages and dessert will be provided by members of

Shenkel. At 1 PM we will begin our walk together on

the Shenkel outdoor labyrinth. Cost per person is

$5.00. Please call the church office at 610-326-

3535 or email [email protected] to register.

*Program is cancelled if stormy or continuously raining.

We are in need of a Cemetery

Superintendent as well as some-

one to lead our Youth Group. If

you, or anyone you know , is will-

ing to volunteer for either position,

please contact Pastor Bonnie.

PAGE 7

April Consistory Highlights….

Approved a proposal by Alex Mocarski to build and install

some benches in our cemetery as an Eagle Scout project

Decided to schedule a congregational meeting On Sunday,

June 12, to discuss several proposed capital improvement

projects, including an upgrade to the sanctuary sound system, and repair of the stained-glass windows

Learned that $2181.25 was raised by the Amazing Shenkel Auction

Learned that a handicap ramp will be added at the pavilion

Approved a bid for repair, monitoring, and maintenance of our fire alarm system with ADT

Reviewed and approved Special Offerings for 2012

Complete copies of Consistory Minutes are available from the church office upon request.

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS….

SAVE-A-TAPE

PROGRAM

Keep up the good work! Just ask for a

Save-A-Tape card at the customer ser-

vice spot at your local Redner’s store,

show your card at the register when you check out, then

bring your register tapes to church and deposit them in the

box in the Narthex. These tapes are collected routinely,

presented to the store, and Redner’s donates a percentage

of your total purchase to the church. Be careful to bring

your tapes in regularly instead of saving them at home, as

they do expire if not redeemed within a certain time period.

Also, please return the entire register tape. Redner’s will

not accept any register receipt that has any part of it re-

moved.

Thank you.

YTD Current Fund O.C.W.M

Budget 38,058.63 1,833.33

Actual 34,149.09 2,672.00

Difference (3,909.54) 838.67

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR

THE BULLETIN OR THE

NEWSLETTER?

Just a reminder that all bulletin

announcements should be at

the church office by each Tuesday at noon to be in-

cluded in that week’s bulletin. Newsletter articles

must be submitted by the 15th of each month to be

included in the next issue.

Recycling Reminder…. Please remember that we only collect alumi-num cans here at the church for recycling. But please continue to recycle all your other recyclables at home. In April, we received another $26.00 for the collection of aluminum cans. Good job!

as of March 28, 2011

Zoning Hearing Update

Although the North Coventry Zoning Hearing Board approved our request for a special

exception to provide emergency shelter in our Fellowship Hall in certain circumstances,

their interpretation of the Building Code still precludes us from having people sleep over-

night in our building. We are awaiting the advice of legal council before deciding what

our next steps might be.

SHENKEL LOVES TO GIVE….

REMEMBER TOO…. The Pottstown Cluster Food Bank

collection at Shenkel is the 1st Sun-

day of each month. Please place

your items in the large plastic bins

in the narthex.

AND...Please bring in your used cell phones and

empty ink cartridges and place them in the box

across from the nursery, or in the box located on the

coat rack shelf across from the office.

These cartridges are re-cycled to Sta-

ples, and the church receives credits

toward the purchase of office supplies.

The used cell phones are given to the po-

lice department to be distributed to abused

women.

FYI….The Pottstown Cluster

Outreach Center is now open Monday

through Friday from 9:00 AM -12:00 pm for cli-

ent services and to accept donations at 137 Wal-

nut Street in Pottstown.

Pantry Needs: cereal, canned dinners, canned

tuna, peanut butter, jelly, soup, paper towels, baby wipes , dish deter-

gent, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner. Please contact Sher-

rie at 610 -970 5995 for further information.

Clothes Closet and Houseware needs: women's, men's, and children's spring/summer

clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, toiletries - per-

sonal hygiene wipes, toothbrushes /toothpaste,

soap, deodorants, shampoo, all housewares such as

dishes, pots & pans, sheets, bath and hand tow-

els. Shopping carts are also needed. Please contact

Vicki at 610- 970 5995 for information.

The Cluster reports that all is going well with the

new building at 57 North Franklin Street and it is starting to look like

their future home. If you would like to tour the new building or volun-

teer your time, contact the Cluster at 610 970 5995.

During the month of May, we will be accepting

special offerings for the Help Fund. The Help

Fund provides confidential financial assis-

tance for people in times of crisis. Please be

as generous as you can. Thank you.

PAGE 8

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE! GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE!

BE PART OF SHENKEL’S NEXT

MILLER-KEYSTONE BLOOD CENTER

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE!

Please call the office to register for an appointment to give blood

on Thursday, May 5th anytime between 2 and 7 PM. Perhaps you

will be here for Lunch Bunch and could make your donation after

the event. Or, do you have a meeting that night? Or choir prac-

tice? Please help us make this blood drive here at Shenkel a big

success, and help to rebuild the blood supply in our area. All do-

nations supply LOCAL community hospitals. Blood supplies are

always lowest during the summer months. We are hoping for a

total of 20 donors. Information packets will be given upon regis-

tration. Call Judy at the church office with any questions or to sign

up.…610-326-3535.

PAPERS AND TOWELS FOR PALS Kathie Hudick and Taylor Baker’s Confirmation project is still going

on. Please help the rescued animals at Diane’s Discount Pets by do-

nating your gently used bath/beach towels and your

old newspapers. These items help provide the animals

have a nice, clean and cozy place to rest and play until

their rescue. Separate bins for each items are in the

narthex and in the social hall for you to deposit your

donations. There are also money boxes in case you

would like to give a monetary donation.

WIN IT FOR SHENKEL UCC

Attention Golfers:

On May the 11th (12:30PM tee off) there will be a

scramble, best ball golf tournament to benefit the

operational needs of the Pottstown Cluster. What

a great way to have fun and support this wonder-

ful mission to the needy in our community! To

make the event even more fun, foursomes regis-

tering from member congregations will compete

for the “Cluster Congregation Challenge” cup. The

church/synagogue foursome with the lowest

score will have their names engraved on the cup

and will carry it back to their church to be dis-

played until next Spring’s tourney. So go to

“www.pottstowncluster.org” and sign up your fa-

vorite foursome now! And don’t forget to indicate

“Shenkel UCC” on your registration!

BULLETIN BOARD….

COMMUNITY LUNCH BUNCH

May 5, 2011 at 11:30 AM COME ONE, COME ALL….

FOR: Lunch,* fellowship and a fun auction.

WHERE: Shenkel UCC’s Fellowship Hall

1580 Shenkel Rd

Pottstown, PA 19465

At our May event, we will have lots of fun

bidding on wonderful “surprise” items. Eve-

ryone is asked to bring a new or used item

(in excellent condition only) that is all

wrapped up in fancy style. These “mystery

items” will be auctioned off by our favorite

auctioneer, Barry Yocom. All proceeds will

benefit the Pottstown Cluster.

*All participants are asked to contribute $6.00 to cover the cost of the lunch. Please

sign up on the sheet in the narthex or call the Shenkel UCC church office at 610-326-3535 by the Monday prior to the program to re-serve your spot.

For more information please call Ruth Klein at 610-326-4520

CARD MAKING CLASS

The card making class will meet again on

Thursday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m. We will

continue to meet on the third Thursday of

each month. The cost of the class is $8.00

which will provide each of us with three

beautiful cards. Please call Ann Baccari at

610-323-5525 or Connie Armbruster at 610-326-6516 if you

plan to attend, so there will be enough materials prepared for

everyone.

Do you like to write?

Are you creative?

Well, here’s your chance to

share your work with the church

community.

A new paper of creative writing

is arising in the Shenkel commu-

nity. Share your creativity!

This initiative was created by Ben Mocarski for his

confirmation project. Please submit your works to Ben,

either at church on Sundays, or through email to sdmo-

[email protected].

Submission deadline is the 30th of each month.

PAGE 9

PHILLIES PHEVER….The date has been set for the Reading Phillies!

Forty tickets have been set aside for August 4th - a Thursday night. Fireworks and someone from Shenkel will pitch out a ball. The cost will be $9.00, which includes transpor-tation. Watch for the sign up chart that will be in the Narthex in June. More information will follow, or contact your resident Phillie Phanatic - Ann Baccari..

MAY FRIENDSHIP DAY

“Living Our Friendship, Passing on

the Key” is the theme of Church

Women United’s May Friendship

Day celebration to be held at Zion

UCC, Hanover and Chestnut Streets

in Pottstown on Friday, May 13,

2011 at 6:30 pm. This nationwide

event cordially welcomes women and men from all

faith congregations. The Fellowship of the Least

Coin is part of the CWU May celebration.

Women of Zion Church will present a short skit and

women from nine different churches will participate

in the program. Come and be a part of this day of

special friendship. “Make new friends and keep the

old, One is silver and the other gold!”

The youth would like to thank the follow-

ing people for teaching Youth Sunday

School: Carol Lykens, Ron and Carol

Pearson, Marie Bade, Betsy Bevan, Ray

and Sandy Rowe, Gary McDermitt and

Wendy Ambrose. Your dedication to the

Youth is greatly appreciated.

YOUTH GROUP DAY OF SERVICE is May 15th: If you

have a job at home that needs their help, please contact Pastor

Bonnie. We may not be able to get to everyone, but we will cer-

tainly try.

JUNE 5TH-10:45 SERVICE IS YOUTH SUNDAY. During the

9:30 AM Sunday school hour in the month of May, we will be or-

ganizing and rehearsing. Youth (grades 7 - 12) interested in shar-

ing their talents should join us.

PAGE 10

STEWARD’S CORNER

The month of May is such a wonderful month!

There are special events taking place, the weather

is beautiful, and life is full of blessings.

The first Sunday of the month is Confirmation Day

for seven wonderful young people who have studied with

Pastor Bonnie and participated in several meaningful

activities and projects. We are blessed to have them

as members of Shenkel Church.

I found this perfect prayer for them.

CHILD OF BLESSING, CHILD OF PROMISE,

CONSECRATED AND ASSIGNED

TO THE CARE OF GOD WHO CLAIMS YOU

UNTO LOVE AND GRACE DIVINE.

CHILD OF LOVE, OUR LOVE’S EXPRESSION,

LOVE’S CREATION, LOVED INDEED!

FRESH FROM GOD, REFRESH OUR SPIRITS,

INTO JOY AND LAUGHTER LEAD.

CHILD OF JOY, OUR DEAREST TREASURE,

GOD’S YOU ARE, FROM GOD YOU CAME.

BACK TO GOD WE HUMBLY GIVE YOU,

LIVE AS ONE WHO BEARS CHRIST’S NAME.

CHILD OF GOD, YOUR LOVING PARENT,

LEARN TO KNOW WHOSE CHILD YOU ARE.

GROW TO LAUGH AND SING AND WORSHIP,

TRUST AND LOVE GOD MORE THAN ALL.

In Christian love,

Steward

Music News for May On Sunday May 22, we celebrate Music

Sunday at Shenkel. It’s an opportunity

to not only worship through song, but

also a time to thank the choirs and mu-

sicians at our talented church. We

know everyone enjoys the contributions

of the choirs, but not many people

know that during the church year, the Chancel Choir has

rehearsed and presented over 50 anthems. That takes a

lot of time and dedication…and for that we want to thank

our choir for their talents and dedication.

During the Music Sunday service at 10:45, you’ll have the

chance to hear it all…Bell Choir, Combined Celebration,

Youth and Joyful Noise Choirs and Chancel Choir. Don’t

miss this special service.

We’ll be looking for people who would like to contribute to

the Summer Grove worship service through music. Bring

that talent out of the shower, and into the hearts and

minds of the Shenkel family. Singers, instrument players

and groups are all welcome to participate. If you would

like to help, please speak with Joan directly.

Twice during the summer, we’ll plan a simple choir selec-

tion that will be rehearsed an hour before church and then

sung at the service. They will be very simple pieces to

learn, so even if you don’t sing a lot, come join us for these

choir Sundays. (Schedule to come)

I want to take this opportunity to thank Lois Baker for once

again leading the Bell Choir during the year. This will be

the last time we hear them this year, so give them all a big

Thanks as they play on May 22.

Thank you also to Amy Shenk who has helped lead the Joy-

ful Noise Choir this season. It is so important to get the

kids involved early at Shenkel. These musical events

mean so much to them and to all of us in the future.

On April 7th, Yvonne Strom passed away after a long illness. Yvonne was a very active member of our congregation; her abiding faith, as well as her creative and pragmatic (a unique combination of gifts!) leadership at Shenkel will be greatly missed. Over the years, Yvonne served Shenkel in many capacities, including as a member of the Wholeness and the Stewardship Minis-try Teams, a teacher in the adult Sunday School class, and most re-cently as a teacher of a special art program for our children and youth. We are grateful for Yvonne’s journey with us, and we give thanks to God for her many contributions to our community as well as to the mission and ministry of Shenkel United Church of Christ.

Healing Prayers

We have healing prayers during both services on the second Sunday of each month. It is our hope that you will use this op-portunity to participate. During the collection of the offering, anyone who desires prayer for

themselves or on behalf of another is invited to come to the front of the church, where a prayer team will join you for prayer. A prayer team will also be available in the front of the church at the conclusion of the service.

Healing prayers are also offered the third Thursday of every month at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Anyone in need of prayers for themselves or on behalf of an-other is welcome !

MORE INFORMATION….

The Mensch Mill Camp &

Conference Center begins its 2011 Summer Pro-

grams on June 21st. The Summer Camp season runs

through August 5th.

There are many opportunities for dif-

ferent kinds of special fun all through-

out the summer. To see all available,

look for the camp brochure in the nar-

thex, on the social hall bulletin board,

visit online at www.menschmill.org, or

call Barbara Sweinhart at 610-326-

1644. Don’t forget, Shenkel will reimburse campers for

50% of their camper’s registration cost.

Congregational Pastoral Relations Committee Feedback Day

On Sunday, May 15th, our congregation will have the chance to give direct feedback to the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) regarding our main areas of focus this year. Here are the plans for the day:

No early service; 10:45 service only

Brown bag lunch: bring a brown bag lunch for your-

self and /or family and join us in the fellowship hall immediately after late service. Drinks will be pro-vided by PRC.

1PM: 3 concurrent sessions will be held; each fo-

cusing on a specific topic. These sessions will be 30-minutes in length (so prepare to be succinct and to the point). After a 15-minute break, you will be able to participate in another one of the concurrent sessions.

2:30PM: an open session will be held for members

to comment on any topic that was not addressed in the concurrent sessions.

3PM: sessions over and you can go enjoy the re-

mainder of your day.

This 1-day event will take the place of the small group meetings we had held previously. It’s important for PRC to hear directly how Shenkel has done in its areas of focus.

Watch for announcements in the bulletin and a poster in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Randy Berriker, PRC Chairperson.

SUPPORT FOR THE EATHQUAKE &

TSUNAMI VICTIMS IN JAPAN

Anyone who would like to help provide support for the

victims of this devastating disaster of nature, is encour-

aged to do so. You can contribute by putting your mone-

tary donation in an envelope clearly marked Tsunami

Relief in the collection plate. Checks should be made

payable to Shenkel United Church of Christ. The dona-

tions will be forwarded to UCC Global Missions in

Cleveland to be used to support immediate relief to peo-

ple affected by this disaster. More details can be found at

www.ucc.org/disaster/japan-earthquake-2011/. Always

appreciated are your prayers for all those who have lost

so much and so many as a result of this terrifying event.

PAGE 11

There will be a Congregational Meeting

on June 12 immediately following our

10:45 (only) worship service that day to

approve the funding for capital improve-

ments at Shenkel. Specifically, repair of

the stained glass windows and upgrading

the sound system.

Our all church picnic will

follow the meeting. Hope

to see you there!

OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS….

Shenkel UCC will be

praying for these randomly

selected members and friends of

our congregation during the

month of May:

5/1 Carol and Stan Stubbe

Joan and Ron Christman

Eden Richard

Evelyn Rodriguez

Kim, Brian, Claire and Matthew Metzger

5/8 Stacia, Joe, Glen and Noah Bradley

David, Lynn and Katherine Derman

Debbie and Glen Hoff

Diane Devine

Marion and Russell Iezzi

5/15 Anna Bevan

Cameron Dushanko

Lynne and Cody Moyer

Diane Williams

Clayton Brewer

5/22 Betty and Forrest Kreiger

Linda and John Jonides

Erika, Terry, TJ and Ashlyn Augustine

Aaron Gray

Carole, Henry and Stephanie Bailey

5/29 Cindi, Rick, Aimee and Julie Rohrbach

Angela and Selorm Quashigah

Alyssa, Mike, Nick and Nate Rice

Lisa and Barry Yocom

June Helfrich

05/02 GAIL MUNION GALE

05/02 JOSHUA DEVINE

05/03 Kay Ellis

05/03 Robin Martin

05/04 KAREN METKA ZOGHEIB

05/06 Carol Lykens

05/06 Rebecca Painter

05/06 Nate Rice

05/07 JOHN DWINCHICK

05/09 Jody Sweinhart

05/09 Brian Metzger

05/10 Brooke Miller

05/11 Keith Baker

05/12 Matthew Scharneck

05/12 Ethan Graef

05/13 Michael Kulp

05/13 STEPHANIE BAILEY

05/17 Bette Burkhardt

05/17 KENNETH L. GALE

05/19 KATHY LLOYD

05/19 Katie Eames

05/20 Lynn Derman

05/20 GWEN GUNDRUM

05/20 Michaela Craner

05/21 Randy Berriker

05/21 Christina Hauze

05/21 Evan Flaxenburg

05/23 Bob Mocarski

05/23 Nina Shenk

05/24 Ruth Andrien

05/29 DANIEL MOSER

05/29 Andrew Foss

PAGE 12

CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPER

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

Spring Meeting April 9, 2011

Pennsylvania Southeast Conference

United Church of Christ

“THROUGH THE AGES Imagine The Possibilities”

Pastor Bonnie Moore, of Shenkel UCC, along with delegates Barbara Burhans and Carol Lykens attended the PA

Southeast Conference Spring Meeting on Saturday, April 9, 2011, 8:30 am-4:30pm. This took place at Trinity

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansdale, PA.

Following registration and a Continental Breakfast, we gathered in the Sanctuary for our opening Worship Service

from 9:00-10:00am.

Opening Worship Service

The StillSmallVoice singing group from Christ UCC in Trumbauersville provided this morning’s scripture and music.

This was followed by our Keynote Speaker, Ms. Edith Guffey, Associate General Minister, UCC, Cleveland. She said

these are “Times of Transition”. “Memories are powerful…share them with one another, but do not hang onto past

bad memories. Imagine what’s Possible. Do not dwell on what we don’t have but Imagine the difference we can

make. Don’t wish things were as they used to be but what we can do today. That was Then and This is Now. We

don’t want to forget our past but we must not let that hold us back from moving forward.” Very much in tune with

our theme “IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES”. She reminded us to be mindful of the Power of the Living God and be

Grateful of the Amazing Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Following our Morning Worship Service, we began the

Morning Conferring Session promptly at 10:00 am.

Morning Conferring Session

This session was very well organized, consequently they didn’t miss a beat.

Rev. Bradley Walmer for Recognition of 5 for 5 churches (of which Shenkel was one).

Rev. Karl Jones, Nominating Report.

Rev. Douglas Hanson for Credentials Report.

Mission 1 Introduction – Rev. Barbara Pence-

World Without Hunger – 11/1/11 to 11/11/11 –A kick start for no one going hungry throughout the world.

There will be more information as time goes by.

Forums from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

We could choose to attend to one of the seven forums offered. Barbara Burhans and myself chose Community

Singing in the Spirit of Taize, with Holly Phares being our Music Director/Singer/Voice Builder. This was an energiz-

ing and inspirational session for us to learn how to free our own voice and delve deeper into the Spirit, through the

rich and mystical chants of the Taize tradition. Those participating in this would then serve as the choir for the af-

ternoon closing worship service, leading the congregation in song. Sounded like fun, and actually it was much

more than that. This was our gift for attending the conference.

Barbara and I were totally surprised as to what was about to happen. We met with several other volunteers and

began by learning some voice exercises and body exercises. It was a brand new experience for us, very interesting

and most enjoyable working with our Music Director, Holly Phares. She is amazing.

Continued next page…..

PAGE 13

PSEC Spring Conference Meeting Report continued….

Pastor Bonnie chose National Church Issues, by Ms. Edith A. Guffey, our Keynote Speaker. Learning what will be

happening at General Synod, questions about the work of the national setting, and what Unified Governance is

really about, and good conversation with Edith.

Our forums were to end by noon, because lunch, fellowship and checking the book store was from 12:00 – 1:20

pm. Our music practice lasted until 12:25, but we still had plenty of time for lunch & fellowship.

Afternoon Conferring Session – 1:30 – 3:15pm

Again, totally organized and very well done.

It began with Speak Outs, where all persons in attendance may be granted the right of voice on the floor of the

meeting. They can make a statement or ask a question. However, they are not permitted to vote unless they are a

delegate.

Then a report from the Conference Treasurer, Ms. Karen Sauter. The search for an interim Conference Minis-

ter is going forward. A question was asked “how is this different from the Calling of a Conf. Minister.”The Task

Force is looking at the Conference work, looking for a minister who can be more diverse and someone to help us

know each other better.

Mensch Mill Task Force presentation-Mr. John Jones, Chair. They are working with the hardships which have

occurred as a result of the difficulties in our economy. Barb spoke about her wonderful experience at Grandpar-

ents’ Camp.

Recognition of New Pastors – Rev. Nancy Gottshall

Closing Worship 3:30-4:30pm

We sang our hearts out. The entire service was in Song. It was such an awesome experience that it brought tears

of joy . This was a Service of Song, Prayer, Eucharist, Healing and Commissioning. It was one of the most spiritual

and the most inspirational experiences of my life, and I believe Barbara will agree. It was so beautiful to be a part

of this magnificent choir, surrounded by exquisite voices and magnificent sound system. All put together by volun-

teers like us under the amazing direction of Music Director Holly Phares, practicing just over an hour. This was

especially exciting for me because I never before sang in a choir, and this was major singing. The entire service

was in Song. So, it is never too late to start something new. It was a very Joyful experience, for Barbara and for me.

Thank you for the privilege of being your voting delegates for Shenkel United Church of Christ at the Spring Meet-

ing of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, April 9, 2011.

Respectfully submitted by Carol Lykens, Elder, on behalf of Barbara Burhans, Deacon, and Pastor Bonnie.

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