NEWS FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR
Dear Hamilton Park UCC Members and Friends,
The Spirit is moving here at Hamilton Park United Church of Christ. Sunday morning worship and music is a wonderful center of our life together. Education for all ages is underway. A new venue of fellowship began every Sunday morning in the narthex, which we call our coffee house. The stewardship team is working hard to help all of us be good and faithful stewards. Mission activities and mission support is occurring regularly. The Search Committee has produced a very good church profile; which is being distributed to potential settled pastors.
I have begun teaching Adult Sunday school at 8:30 am Sunday mornings in the chapel. It will begin with a study on the Lectionary Bible readings for the day. The readings are in the “Scripture Settings” found in the bulletin, so grab a bulletin before you join us. At 9:00 am we will begin our share and prayer time. Please feel free to join us at 8:30 am or come at 9:00 am for the prayer time. In addition, the confirmation class has begun. We have three students this year. We will meet weekly after worship every Sunday until Pentecost June 4, 2017. Many other activities are being planned for the group. We will be seeking mentors shortly for each confirmand.Please continue to keep Hamilton Park United Church of Christ in your prayers. Especially we ask that you pray for the Search Committee during this exciting time of transition.
-Pastor David Goode, Hamilton Park United Church of Christ Interim Minister
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ITEMS OF INTEREST
Sunday School News
We have begun a new experimental children’s Sunday school program. The Sunday school class will be held every Sunday morning during our regular worship service time. The children will join us at 9:30 am for worship and then leave after Pastor David’s children’s story. All children are welcome to attend.
Adult Sunday school will begin at 8:30 am Sunday morning in the chapel. It will begin with a study and discussion about the Lectionary Bible readings for the day. Theseare printed on the “Scripture Settings”found in the bulletin.
At 9:00 am we will begin our share and prayer time. Please feel free to join us at 8:30 am or come at 9:00 am for the prayer time. Stop by the coffee house in the narthex before and after class.Confirmation class will be most Sunday mornings after worship. Please speak with Pastor David Goode if interested.
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Coffee House
Our new coffee house has begun. From 8:30 am until after worship we will have coffee, tea and a snack available in the narthex. Volunteers are needed to provide a light snack (cookies, donuts, pastries, etc.), make sure that the supplies needed are out on the table, refill the coffee if needed and clean up. Initial large carafes of coffee and hot water will be provided by 8:25 am every Sunday. A signup sheet will be available in the narthex.
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SMALL GROUP LIFE
The ROMEO Men’s Breakfast group will meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 13th. You are welcome to join the group for breakfast and conversation at the Centerville Diner on Columbia Avenue at Centerville Road the second Thursday of each month.
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Knit Together
Knit Together is Hamilton Park Church’s small group dedicated to the needle arts. The group will meet on Tuesday, October 25th in Maugans Chapel at 1:30 p.m. The group makes prayer shawls, baby blankets, baptismal cloths and prayer patches. Anyone who is interested in joining the fellowship to knit or crochet or work on their own projects is welcome. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. See Marianna Rasmussen if you have questions.
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Book Review Group
The Book Review group will meet Tuesday, October 11, to discuss Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. Everyone is welcome to join us at noon for lunch and discussion at Hong Kong Garden on the second Tuesday of the month. Note the November “read”will be The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
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Soup and Study Group
The Soup and Study groupis reading the book, The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley, which will be discussed. Of course, all arewelcome to join us for a bowl of soup, good company, and discussion. (Our meeting times will be monthly. Anyone who's interested can see the Thayers, Goodes, or Bushnells with questions about location, dates and time.)
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COMMITTEE UPDATES
Search Committee Progress
Report – October 2016
The work on our Profile is almost finished. The Profile is now in your hands so you can tell us what you think of the committee’s work. It’s in your hands because this is not the Committee’s Profile, it is OUR congregation’s collective Profile and Committee members have taken that distinction seriously from the beginning.
It’s been about 24 weeks since the Search Committee began its work on the Profile. We have met on Wednesday evenings of nearly all of those weeks. With congregational input, we systematically moved through the profile form, question by question.
Frankly, at the beginning I remember thinking, “this won’t take long”. That, however, was before I saw the profile form. When you see the Profile, you’ll see what I mean. It’s very comprehensive. If you have not read the Profile, please do, and give us your honest feedback; it is an essential part of the process, but it’s only the first step. In fact, you will see as we move forward, the entire process is comprehensive and methodical. It’s clear that the national church and our conference recognize the critical role a pastor serves in the life and success of a congregation. They have designed a process that encourages a congregation to truly discern what God is calling them to be and then strives to insure they have every opportunity to call the person best suited to partner with them in that journey.
Creating OUR Profile has been revealing for the committee members. It has shown us the unique depth of knowledge each member of the committee has of Hamilton Park Church and of our congregation which has only enhanced our appreciation for the rich history of our church. It has forced us to examine our faith and commitment and, most importantly, it has convinced us that God is not done with Hamilton Park Church.
Once the congregation has had the opportunity to review the Profile and any proposed changes have been made, it will be sent to the Penn Central Conference for review by Reverend Betsy Bruaw, Associate Conference Minister. As Carol reported last month, Betsy is the Conference staff person assigned to shepherd us through the entire process. Betsy has been receiving drafts of the
Profile as it has evolved and our Committee Chair, John Thayer, has been in regular communication with her, so hopefully she will find our work acceptable. Once Betsy signs off on the Profile it will be disseminated to interested candidates possibly as soon as early October. We can then begin the next phase of the process, which is reviewing what we optimistically believe will be the profiles of many interested candidates.
While the Committee understands that everyone is anxious to know when a new pastor will be called, we can’t answer that question…at least not yet. We can only tell you that we too understand how critical a new pastor will be to our future and we are committed to giving the next phase of the selection process the same care and diligence we have given the development of the Profile. So we ask for your continued patience, support, prayers and input and in return we will continue to keep you informed of our progress as we move forward.
-Mike Landis
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OCTOBER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Halloween Parade
When? Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 11:00AM.
Where? Hamilton Park Playground.
Bring your children dressed in costume for a fun day at this annual event organized by Hamilton Park United Church of Christ. The parade will begin at 11 AM with a short walk around the neighborhood led by one of Lancaster Township’s Fire Engines. After returning to the park, there will be pumpkin decorating for the children and hot dogs and drinks provided for everyone, courtesy of Hamilton Park Church. For further details, call Hamilton Park Church at 717-397-9791.
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This year's CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday,October 16.Hamilton Park Church’s coordinator is James Fickes. Please support our walkers. There will be signups in the narthex asking for you to sponsor the walkers. We will gather at the Clipper Magazine Stadium on Sunday, October 16 for registration at 12:30 PM with the walk starting at 1:30PM.
CROP Hunger Walks help to provide food and water, as well as resources that empower people to meet their own needs. From seeds and toolsto wells and water systems, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and their needs - something Church World Services have learned through 70years of working in partnership around the world. All proceeds raised through this walk go to benefit hunger relief here in Lancaster and around the world. Lancaster County Council of Churches - Food Hub will received 25% of all proceeds to help alleviate hunger county-wide.
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Fall Women's Gathering– October 15th
Please join us on Saturday October 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. We will be discussing program ideas for our next gathering, as well as sharingand learning creative outlets for managing stress and growing throughgrief and loss. Look for a sign-up sheet at the end of September or call the church office to register for this free program. Refreshments will be offered and please bring a friend and invite a neighbor.
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The Neighbors inNeedoffering will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 2, 2016. Special offering envelopes are available in the pews. This special all-church offering supports the United Church of Christ's ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Our national Justice and Witness Ministries office offers resources, news updates, and action alerts on a broad spectrum of justice issues. Working with members of the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network (a network of thousands of UCC justice and peace advocates), Justice and Witness continues its strong policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice.
Neighbors in Need also supports our American Indian neighbors in the UCC. One-third of the offering supports the UCC's Council for American Indian Ministries. Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa. Arickara, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribal UCC congregation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These churches and their pastors are supported by CAlM. Council for American Indian Ministries is also an invaluable resource for more than 1,000 individuals from dozens of other tribes and nations who are members of other United Church of Christ congregations in the United States.
Neighbors in Need helps make another world possible. It needs your support.
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Homecoming Sunday – October 30
Homecoming luncheon is Sunday, October 30th, following worship and the congregational meeting.Menu featuring chicken cordon bleu, baked potatoes, salad and desserts. There is no charge;however it is necessary to sign-up by October 23rd. Registration is at the coffee table in theNarthex. Members will receive a voucher, which will be their admission ticket to the luncheon.
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MISSION MOMENTS
This year’s Robins Nest recipient is Clair House. They serve homeless women and children in a caring environment, through life skills training and support, leading to self-sufficiency. Executive DirectorEvalinaDombrowski will be with us on Sunday, October 23. Clair House vision is a community where all women and children have a sense of optimism, confidence, and hope for the future.
Melanie Snyder from Lancaster County Reentry Management Organization will be with us on Sunday, October 30. This ministry was granted our Robins Nest award in 2015. The Mission of the Lancaster County Reentry Management Organization is to achieve safer communities through reduced recidivism by providing support and assistance to people with criminal records through an intentional network of faith-based and community organizations in partnership with the criminal justice system. The Vision is that people with criminal records will have access to the support and assistance needed to become productive citizens and remain crime-free.
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WORDS OF APPRECIATION
Thank you…
Dear Friends in Christ:
Thank you for your gift of $3,484.43 received on 8/8/2016 in support of the United Church of Christ's One Great Hour of Sharing. We are deeply grateful for your donation. Your support is extremely important to the work we do. Through it, you partner with us to support programs and services coordinated through the national setting to help local, national, and global communities change lives for the better. Should you have any questions regarding your donation, please call us at (800) 846-6822.
Faithfully,
Mary A. Paxton Director, Office of Philanthropy and Stewardship
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August 24, 2016
Dear Friends in Christ
Thank you for your gift to Our Church's Wider Mission. We are deeply grateful for your Congregation’s gift. Your support of OCWM permits us to provide for operating expenses, equip leaders, support clergy in ministry, foster healthy and vital congregations, advocate and witness for justice, respond to disasters and tragedies, send help around the world, and preach a welcoming and open understanding of Christian faith. Thank you for your vital support and faithful partnership. Please accept our sincere thanks and good wishes.
Faithfully,
Director, Office of Philanthropy and Stewards
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Thank you to those who served the community dinner on Tuesday, September 20: Mark, Caleb, Dottie, Marge, Jen, Renee', Mike, Eleanor and Doug, Peter, Carol and Laurel and Don and Priscilla.
They served 142 meals and 42 seconds. What a great way to serve others in Christ’s name.
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HPUCC PRE-SCHOOL NEWS
News from the Pre-School
We have had a busy few weeks since the school opened for our first day on September 12th! We started our Kidstuff fundraiser where we are selling coupon books hoping to help us raise some money. We are still collecting Campbell’s soup “Labels for Education” and Moo Money milk lids from Turkey Hill Stores. Also, please take a moment to register your Giant bonus card in the A+ School Rewards program to earn points for our school. Thank you for all your help! The Pre-school has been receiving quite a few donations from the Church and they are very much appreciated! We thank you very much!
Our October is shaping up to be just as busy as the first few weeks. We will be going to visit the Fire Station during Fire Prevention Week so the kids can meet some Firemen and check out their cool trucks! We are having our Friendly’s Family Fun Night on October 18th so you may not eat at home. Please join us to either dine in or take out. A portion of your bill will come back to our Pre-school!!! Then at the end of the month we will be having our Fall Halloween Parties and dress in our fun costumes!
We still have a few spots open so tell your friends and family about us! If they would like more information they can call Megan at 397-2475 and for questions regarding the Giant bonus card!
OCTOBER COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTEERS
Ushers:
*2nd…………...... Rick Koehler
9th……...... YouthTeam (Rick Bennawit)
16th…………….…………..…Moyra Glass
23rd………………………...... Mike Landis
30th……………...... Marge Mowrer
*Denotes communion Sunday
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Flower deliveries:
2nd……………...... Brian Haflin
9th…..….Doris James and Margie Koehler
16th……...... Phil & Renee’ Blankenstein
23rd………………..Fred & Dawn Snyder
30th……………....Dave & Anne Bushnell
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Lectors:
*2nd…...... Tony Madonna - Communion/
Barb Cook - Lector
9th………………….*Lector Needed
16th…………………...…....John Thayer
23rd……………………...... Flora Poulos
30th……………………...... Marilyn Hite
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Nursery Team:
2nd………………………….Amy Halteman
9th………………………….Nancy Crothers
16th……………………….....Annette Myers
23rd………...... M. Newcomer/M. Koehler
30th………………………..Vivian Bennawit
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Called to Care Contacts:
Gary & Moyra Glass………..394-5475
Jeanne Patterson……………397-1426
Anne Bushnell………………291-0627
Phil Blankenstein…………..872-0525
Jim Holtry…………………285-3437
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
The following HPUCC members and friends are celebrating birthdays in October
October 6Kelly Ann Haflin
October 8Jim Stoltzfus
October 9Joanne Rohrer
October 9Margie Koehler
October 13Wendy George
October 13David Groff
October 15Gary Glass
October 15Beth Fogerty
October 21John Wary
October 22Brian Haflin, Jr.
October 22Mona Yuninger
October 24Faith Albin
October 24Dave Bushnell
October 28Tom Reese
October 28Matt Madonna
October 30Elizabeth Stoltzfus
November 2Andrea Heberlein
November 2James Fickes
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