HUFF'S CHURCH
CHATTER
FEBRUARY 2010
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the members of Huff's Union Church, desiring to
be blessed together with Word and Sacrament and to become
evermore the Body of Christ in our world, do hereby commit
ourselves to a ministry which includes increasingly meaningful
worship, creative Christian Education, intentional witnessing,
dedicated service, and responsible support.
Making Disciples: Inside and Out.
UCC slogan: To Believe is to care; to care is to do.
ELCA slogan: Lutherans love life, live love.
WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends,
We are in the throes of winter, the time when those who don't
especially like winter feel its strangle-hold. Recently I learned that
someone I've known for years actually says winter is her favorite
season. I don't know that I've ever met anyone who didn't seem to
be longing for winter to end, and I began to think about this.
For some people, winter is a season of cold, of increased
darkness, with the inconvenience of weather that can trap one inside
when snow or ice get too deep. I read that people who feel depressed
in the winter should do something counter-intuitive: they should
bundle up and force themselves outside for at least one half-hour a
day. The increased exposure to the air, and, if it is daytime, to
sunlight, should help to lift one's mood. Being outside in winter
means moving around, and exercise is beneficial, not only to physical
health, but to a good frame of mind. One of the traditional spiritual
disciplines is honoring the body, and exercise honors the body God
has given us.
Of course, winter seems to have the upper hand for people
who like to be in control. Winter can cause us to give up things we
have planned, because we cannot travel as easily as we do in other
seasons. Winter is a time when nothing seems to be happening. It
could be a time for introspection, to consider our lives, our
commitments, our connection to God. Winter's colors are muted: a
white field, with an almost white sky, with clouds in varying shades
of blue-white, pink-white, lavender-white, and gold-white. Watching
the winter sky one evening, I thought back to my friend, whose
favorite season is winter, and realized she is a person of deep faith, of
a strong connection to God. She is someone who actually chooses to
withdraw in order to keep her spirituality alive. Is winter a symbol
for going inward, for trusting that there is something more happening
than can be seen with the naked eye? I smile, for I think this might
be the answer.
As I drive in the winter months, I am trying to relax and
become attune to the silence, the white beauty, the stark trees and the
mighty evergreens. I think of dropping into silence, in order to better
appreciate the stillness of God's presence. I remind myself that just
because I can't see God, or notice any great acts of God, doesn't
mean that God isn't quietly accomplishing exactly what God wants
done in the world. After all, we come to church in the darkness of
Christmas Eve to experience the miracle of Christ's birth, which
happened, not in broad daylight, but in the still darkness of the night.
When I am inside in the evening, I light a candle, to remind
myself that Scandinavians and Northern Germans often burn candles,
and their homes seem pleasantly cozy and warm after a brisk walk
outside, even though it does get dark very early in the day. I try to
experience the hush that allows one to imagine almost being brushed
by angel wings. Though winter might never become my favorite
season, there is something to be said for embracing it, as part of the
totality of human experience, and to learn winter's lessons.
May you stay warm and close to God in this season of winter.
Pastor Jane Kropa
UNION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Union Council met at 6:30 p.m. for an orientation session
of new members.
Council members volunteered to work on securing reports
from all committees for the annual report. We hope to make the
annual report more user friendly, and be able to give copies to new
members so that they may see in which areas they might wish to
serve.
The next Joyful Noise offering will be on May 2 and will go
to the General Fund.
The All Church Retreat will be held on Saturday, April 10,
2010 from 9-3 in the church. Bring a sack lunch and beverage. We
will talk about Christian community, connecting with God, and make
some plans for the remainder of 2010. We will also look at some
trends in society that are impacting Christian communities, and how
we might wish to respond to them.
We will review the policies for rental of the chapel and park
at our next meeting.
Building and Grounds is working on some minor issues raised
by the insurance inspection. Some things have already been taken
care of, such as keeping the stair towers clear.
We need people willing to serve as members of the Union
Endowment Fund committee. People who are interested in investing
are welcome to talk to any council member about becoming a
member of this committee, which will offer oversight of the newly
created union endowment fund.
Unless a family wishes otherwise, all gifts given in memory
of a person who has died will be put in the Capital Improvement
Fund.
The CIF Fund Raising Committee has done a very good job
during the past five years. Their work has been very much
appreciated. We have a remaining balance of $145,465.39 on our
internal loans, and pay 4% interest to our organizations on them. If
anyone would like to volunteer to chair the CIF Fund Raising
Committee, please see Dennis Thomas. The present committee will
be in charge of the clam bake in July and the PA Dutch Dinner
Theater meal in September.
The next Oyster Pie making extravaganza will be held on
April 16-17, 2010. We always appreciate volunteers.
Officers for the 2010 Union Council, UCC Consistory and
ELCA Council were elected and are listed below.
Please see our year end report, printed in this newsletter, for
an update on our first year of unified budget.
COUNCIL OFFICERS FOR 2010
LUTHERAN COUNCIL
Robin Diehl - President
Carl Seidt - Vice President
Julie Brought - Secretary
Linda Lorish - Treasurer
UCC CONSISTORY
Steve Arner - President
Rachel Welch - Vice President
Jim Meitzler, Jr. - Secretary
Jon Benfield - Treasurer
UNION COUNCIL
Dennis Thomas - President
Emily Ziegenfuse - Vice President
Rachel Welch - Secretary
Martin Kriebel - Treasurer
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
We are honoring our members who celebrate their 80th
birthday or older and also honoring those members who celebrate
their 50th anniversary or more. Please let us know if we missed
anyone.
BIRTHDAYS
2/7 - Lorraine Moll 2/13 - George Miller
2/14 - Harold Mest 2/17 - Robert Taylor
2/21 - Arlene Hill 2/25 - Mabel Weller
2/27 - William Merkel 2/28 - Marcella Gressley
2/29 - Mae Hoffman
ANNIVERSARIES
2/20 - LeRoy & Ruth Leibensperger
NURSERY NEWS
February Schedule
2/7 - Jake & Kerri Longacre
2/14 - Wayne & Bea Fogel
2/21 - Dan & Tracey Hersh
2/28 - Mike Chappell & Pam Anthony
*NOTE: We ask that you please be in the nursery by 10:15 a.m.
If there is a problem and you cannot make your scheduled date,
please call the office or Rachel Welch. We need to have our
volunteers in the nursery each Sunday. If an emergency
happens after office hours on the weekend, please contact Rachel
Welch if you cannot get a substitute. Thank you for volunteering.
THE HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Huff's Union Council has requested that we feature our
committees in the newsletter, so our members may become more
familiar with how our congregation is organized. This month's
featured committee is the Hospitality Committee.
The Hospitality Committee, chaired by Ruth Leibensperger,
can always use more help. The committee serves refreshments after
many of Huff's Church special worship services, for example, when
the A-Choir sings, when Praise Him With Dance is at our worship
service, Easter breakfast, the German Advent Communion service,
the Pet Blessing service, etc. The committee also oversees our
covered dish meals, warming things that need to be re-heated, setting
up the chapel, and washing the tables, silverware and serving platters
after the meal is over.
The committee invites anyone who wishes to bring
refreshments, and they take charge of seeing they are served, along
with beverages. The committee is responsible for clean up of the
tables after the event. If you would like to volunteer to help set up,
serve, and clean up when we have either refreshments or a covered
dish meal, please contact Ruth Leibensperger. If you are new to this
committee, Ruth will see that you are scheduled with experienced
members, so you can learn how the group functions. Please contact
Ruth at least two weeks in advance of an event, if you would like to
volunteer. If you let Ruth know you would like to be a permanent member
of the committee, she will check with you before she schedules you.
FINANCIAL REPORTING IN 2009
CIF Loan as of December 31, 2009
Huff's Union Church
Organizations
Beginning Balance 1/1/2009 $188,502.12
Interest Paid - YTD 2009 $6,963.28
Repayments on Principle $33,036.73
Forgive Debt - Park Board $10,000.00
Remaining Balance $145,465.39
Click here to see our January to December 2009 report.
SPECIAL OFFERING OPPORTUNITY
The special offering opportunity for February is the ELCA
World Hunger offering. You may use one of the special offering
envelopes in the pew racks, or send in a contribution marked "ELCA
World Hunger." Below is just one way this offering has helped
someone in need.
A few years ago, Malawi was hit hard by drought. At least
half of the families in the village of Chakwela were facing severe
hunger. But now community members are passing along gifts of
animals and seeds to others in need. How did this happen? It started
with a few "good gifts."
Several years ago, the village of Chakwela received a gift of
12 goats from a neighboring community that benefited from an
ELCA World Hunger partner in Malawi.
The goats provide families with fresh milk and fertilizer for
the land. Extra milk, cheese, butter, or yogurt can be sold for added
income making it easier for families to escape the cycle of hunger
and poverty. As the goats multiply, families often pass the offspring
along to help others.
Gladys received her first goat as a gift. Now that her goat has
given birth, Gladys knows the importance of giving back. She plans
to give her new baby goat to her neighbor and good friend, Vernas.
"Life has really improved for us," Vernas said. "Everyone has their
own goats now."
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
As in previous years, on the first Sunday of February, after
our worship services, our youth will assist us in receiving a monetary
offering, a can of soup, and/or a box of crackers as an offering for our
four agencies which deal with feeding the hungry in our area:
Pennsburg Open Line, Boyertown Multi Service, Friend, Inc.
(Brandywine School District area) and the Allentown Rescue
Mission.
LENTEN COIN FOLDER
We will again offer coin folders as a way of fulfilling the
Lenten spiritual practice of generosity. Please pick up a folder from
the table in the Narthex, just outside our Sanctuary. Please bring
filled folders on Easter Sunday (or the following Sunday). You may
also write a check, if you do not care to save quarters to fill the folder.
HEALING SERVICE
There will be a short service focusing on prayers for healing
and optional anointing with oil on Sunday, February 14, after the
10:30 worship service. Please remain in the Sanctuary, and the pastor
will join you.
250TH ANNIVERSARY NEWS
February 21st will be our Third Sunday celebration for the
month, at 9:15 a.m. All church members are welcome to attend, but
we would especially like to see all those who were confirmed from
the years 2000-2004. That would include the following members:
Jenna & Ryan Brensinger, Felicia Coffield, Drew Diehl,
Bryce Kayhart, Sean McFarland, Matthew Schantz, Lyndsay Trenge,
Aaron Wilson, Stephanie & Thomas Woloszanski, Morgan & Kaitlin
Anderson, Danielle Brensinger, Kevin Buss, Adam Hess, Heather
Hilbert, Lauren Kring, Aleka Liazis, Aaron McFarland, Adrea
Meitzler, Devin Muntz, Marc Reed, Nathan Solt, Justin Thomas,
Shelby Trenge, Marisa Zentner, Phillip Ziegenfuse, Holly & Ryan
Brotzman, Matthew Fronheiser, Dakota Kauffman, Angela Moyer,
Christopher Schmoyer, Zachary Smith, Brian Thomas, Shawn
Tornetta, Katie Welch, Jacob & Samantha Wittman.
PHILIP COOPER RECITAL ON KRAUSS ORGAN
On February 21 (snow date February 28) at 3 p.m. there will
be an organ recital by renowned organist, Philip Cooper, on our
historic Krauss organ. A snack and fellowship hour will follow in the
church (street level). Please come and enjoy this wonderful music!
Mr. Cooper's CD's with organ music from various area churches will
also be available for sale at that time, if you have not already
purchased one. The CD's besides including some musical pieces
played on our own Krauss organ, also contain a beautiful photograph
of the organ.
LENTEN EVENING WORSHIP SCHEDULE (THROUGH MARCH)
Ash Wednesday. February 17. 7 p.m. Huff's worship service
in the sanctuary.
Wednesday, February 24. 6 p.m. Huff's Chapel. Simple
meal. 7 p.m. worship upstairs in Huff's Chapel.
Wednesday, March 3. 6 p.m. St. Peter's Place (across parking
lot from church) Simple meal. 7 p.m. worship in St. Peter's Union
Church.
Wednesday, March 10. 6 p.m. Huff's Chapel. Simple meal.
7 p.m. worship upstairs in Huff's Chapel.
Wednesday, March 17. 6 p.m. St. Peter's Place (across
parking lot from church) Simple meal. 7 p.m. worship in St. Peter's
Union Church.
Wednesday, March 24. 6 p.m. Huff's Chapel. Simple meal.
7 p.m. worship upstairs in Huff's Chapel.
The theme of the Wednesday evening worship services is
ways to experience our connection with God. We will be dealing
with experiencing God through our minds (our head response), our
hearts (emotional response), praying hands (contemplation and
silence) and our feet (active working in the world). We will finish by
talking about Jesus as a model of all four spiritual types.
If you would like to help with meal preparation, or donate
something for one of Huff's Lenten meals, please contact Joyce
Kemp or Pat Crossley.
A-CHOIR
The Upper Perkiomen High School A-Choir will be at our
10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, February 28, providing a
message in music. Please invite your friends to join us in this
wonderful way of worshiping God.
GOOD GIFTS
Thank you to those who contributed to allow others to have a
Merry Christmas through the Good Gifts program. A total of $404
was received which went to the following programs: $62 to World
Hunger: Water, $10 to World Hunger: Agriculture $10. Nurture:
Children $30. Lutheran Malarial Initiative: $10. Goats $50. Pigs
$30, Ducks: $40 and Chicks: $70, Education: $75, International
Disaster Response: $10, and $25 non-designated. The money has
been forwarded to the designated areas through the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2008
The Confirmation class presented statements to Union
Council members explaining why they chose to live out their
baptismal vows at Huff's and what they plan to do to stay connected
to Huff's after Confirmation. As part of their statement, they were
asked to choose a Bible verse. The confirmands have given council
permission to share these statements in the newsletter.
Why I want to be confirmed by Jared Whalen
Religion always came to me as a choice. Growing up I was
placed in a Christian school and attended Huff's. Even though I was
put into these places, my personal faith was still my choice. Though
we can be taught many things about our spiritual walk, we only can
get what we want out of it. At Huff's I always tried to make the best
of my time there. I was involved in many activities, including CKC,
Junior Choir, Christmas pageants, and many others, and even now
I'm involved in Youth Group and the church's teen band, The
Shouting Stones. All these activities have given me leadership skills,
group effort tactics, and most importantly a stronger relationship with
our Heavenly Father.
But why did I find the need to participate in all these different
areas over my eight year span at Huff's? Maybe for the experience
or maybe for the sake of something to do, but either way through it
I found Huff's to be more than a church - Huff's became a family to
me. I have met many long-term friends at Huff's, and have come in
contact with many inspiring spiritual role models. All these people
have become important parts of my life, whether through direct
inspiration or through a distant relation.
I came to Huff's about nine or ten years ago, but was only
active for about eight of those. Our family needing a closer church
found Huff's to be the perfect suit, being my mom grew up and had
her confirmation there. Now that we are there, we have found many
great reasons to stay. Whether it's the feeling of welcome we
received when we first walked in, or the feeling of family that we
have after all this time, Huff's has become not only a house of
worship, but a home of Believers.
Now that I'm reaching the end of my confirmation, I think I
know why I always tried to stay so active in the church. From
Galatians 1:10 we read, "Am I now seeking human approval, or
God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still
pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ." This verse does
sum up why I, or anyone, should try to be constantly looking for new
ways to serve God and others. While I'm at Huff's now, or where I
am fifteen years from now, this verse will still apply. So as I finish
my confirmation training, and become a full pledged member of
Huff's, I pray that my actions will help others, benefit the church, and
most of all, be for God.
THANK YOU NOTE RECEIVED
From Lutheran Campus Ministry at Kutztown University:
Dear Pastor Kropa,
On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Centre
at Kutztown University, I want to take this opportunity to thank
Huff's for its donation of $100.
I apologize for the tardiness of this letter.
Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Dennis S. Ritter, Bd. Mem.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
MITTEN TREE
My granddaughter Hannah and I went up to church after
school on Friday and removed everything from the Mitten Tree. We
returned home whereupon Hannah sorted everything, tabulated items
and boxed everything which was sent by UPS to St. Vincent's
Mission in David, Kentucky. Thanks to everyone for your donations,
the tree truly was beautifully decorated. There were 32 scarfs, 54
gloves, 35 caps and 11 socks for a total of 132 pieces.
Serving Christ, Carl & Hannah Arner
FOOD BANK
On Monday, January 4th, a very cold, windy and wintry
morning, Sue Stockdale helped to package the numerous items in our
food pantry. For the months of October, November and December,
a total of 348 items were donated of which 71 items were distributed
in our community and 277 items were packaged and delivered on the
same day to Open Line in Pennsburg.
All the donated food, etc. remains in our neighborhood to help
the needy that are struggling to maintain a decent standard of living
for their families. Upon arriving at the basement of Open Line, there
were at least 125 large bags of groceries ready for clients to pick up.
Over 150 families are dependent upon Open Line for life support.
Thank you for your sustaining support for this worthy mission
of our church here at Huff's. The church received a check of $200
earmarked for the food bank from an anonymous donor. Therefore
each of the following agencies that receives our quarterly donations
will receive a fifty dollar check from the church for purchasing food
items. Boyertown Multi-Service, Friends, Inc. (Kutztown),
Allentown Rescue Mission and Open Line in Pennsburg thank you
for your donations.
Your donations for January, February & March are earmarked
for Boyertown Multi-Service. Thanks to Sue for her assitance.
Serving Christ, Carl Arner
SUNDAY SCHOOL SPONSORED UPCOMING 2010 EVENTS
Please mark your calendars!!
EASTER EGG HUNT - Saturday, March 27th at 1 p.m. - rain or shine
We will be collecting bags of individually wrapped candies
and/or monetary donations starting Sunday, February 7th through
Sunday, March 14. Adult volunteers are needed, so please consider
signing up for a morning of fun fellowship. See Dale Heffner or
Rachel Welch if you have any questions or are interested in helping.
SUNDAY SCHOOL COVERED DISH MEETING
The next meeting will be Sunday, March 7th after the 10:30
worship service.
RUMMAGE SALE & CHINESE AUCTION
To be held Friday, June 11th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Please note
date & time changes)
Volunteer sign-up sheets and donation drop off dates and
times will be posted in the very near future. Any questions, please
see organizing committee members Minerva Arner, Julie Brought, or
Dale & Donna Heffner.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Week of July 12-16, 2010 in the evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
We would like to invite anyone who is interested in volunteering their
time or talents to please come to our first brunch planning meeting on
Saturday, March 20th from 10 to 12 Noon in the Chapel. More info
to follow and for any questions see Dale or Donna Heffner.
YOUTH AND CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB
CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB
February 3, 2010 will be the last Christian Kids Club until
after Easter, when we will again meet at church on April 14 at 6 p.m.
On February 3 we have been invited to the home of Joanne Benfield
and Tom Mitchell for a Game Night. Please have your parents drop
you off and pick you up at 1213 Huffs Church Road. It is a ranch
style home on the left hand side of the road if you are driving south
from the church on Huff's Church Road.
YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group Bowling: February 7 (snow date Feb. 14)
(Anyone in grades 6 through 12) Bring a sack lunch and
beverage to the chapel after worship on Feb. 7. We'll eat, then leave
for bowling. You may be picked up at 3:30 p.m. Cost of bowling is
$8. Please have a signed permission slip for the year 2009-2010 for
each person under age 18 that will attend. We need 1-2 more
chaperons (adults over 21 years of age). If you wish to drive, you
must have filled out a church youth worker form. Contact Steve
Arner: if you have questions. Pastor Kropa has church youth worker
forms.
Next youth event will be March 7 (bad weather date March
14) trip to Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Bring a sack
lunch and beverage; leave from church.
CONFIRMATION
February 7. Mentors. 9:15 a.m. "Staying in Touch With God."
February 14. 9:15 a.m. Catch Up day. (Whatever we need to do.)
Pantomimes. Be ready to tell your stories (from memory), then direct
them. Say Apostles Creed, Books of New Testament from memory.
February 28. 6:30-8. Pantomime practice.
CHURCH FAMILY
MEMORIALS
To CIF in memory of Paul Hladchuk
Ernest & Marion Tokay
To CIF in remembrance of parents Ralph & Ella Leh and brother
Robert Leh
Joe & Florence Smoyer
To CIF in memory of Walter W. Gressley
David Wolf
To CIF in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Elvin & Linda Keiser
Marie Bower Ray & Dolores Funk
To Endowment Fund in memory of Sarah H. Bickel
Audrey Weston Russell & Ruth Ann Mest
Dorothy Briner Helen P. Phillips
To CIF in memory of Sarah H. Bickel
Marvin & Audrey Diehl Raymond & Linda Lorish
SENIOR CITIZENS
Look in next month's newsletter for the start of Senior Citizen
Meetings.
LADIES AID SOCIETY
Continue to save your Redner's and Radcliffe's tapes for the
Ladies. All proceeds go to the Capital Improvement Fund.
AREA NEWS
CAMP MENSCH MILL: ADULT CHOICES
Check the listing on the Sunday School bulletin board for
camp listings for children, teenagers, and adults. Some of the adult
listings are for a Quilting Retreat (March 5-7), a Grandparents and
Me summer Camp (July 23-25) the Ventures Retreat for older adults
(Sept. 21-23) and the Walking With God Retreat (October 15-17).
You may always check their website at www.menschmill.org.
CAMP BEAR CREEK: ADULT CHOICES
Check the listing on the Sunday School bulletin board for
camp news. There are three family camp dates in 2010: May 28-31,
Memorial Day Family Camp, Sept. 3-6 Labor Day Family Camp, and
October 8-10 October Outing. There is a Wild Women of Bear Creek
Camp retreat from April 30-May 2. There will be a volunteer work
day (all day) on September 25. You may also check their web site at
www.bearcreekcamp.org.
WOMEN'S WORSHIP AT NEW GOSHENHOPPEN UCC
The women's fellowship of New Goshenhoppen UCC invites
Huff's women to worship with them on Saturday, February 13, 2010
to celebrate women's week with a communion service beginning at
9 a.m. Rev. Rebecca Stephens will bring the message. Following the
worship service there will be a continental breakfast. Please call the
church at 215-679-2041 if you plan to attend. In case of inclement
weather, please call the church to check whether this event will take
place.
DISASTER IN HAITI
Both the ELCA and the UCC national offices have set up
accounts to receive and forward donations to aid in the recovery from
the devastating earthquake in Haiti. You may use a pew envelope or
your regular envelope marked Haitian relief. Please remember all
those affected in prayer. The following prayer comes from the
ELCA: Merciful God, hear our cry for mercy in the wake of the
earthquake. Reveal your presence in the midst of our suffering. Help
us to trust in your promises of hope and life so that desperation and
grief will not overtake us. Come quickly to our aid that we may
know peace and joy again. Strengthen us in this time of trial with the
assurance of hope we know in the death and resurrection of our
Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
CHATTER
FEBRUARY 2010
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the members of Huff's Union Church, desiring to
be blessed together with Word and Sacrament and to become
evermore the Body of Christ in our world, do hereby commit
ourselves to a ministry which includes increasingly meaningful
worship, creative Christian Education, intentional witnessing,
dedicated service, and responsible support.
Making Disciples: Inside and Out.
UCC slogan: To Believe is to care; to care is to do.
ELCA slogan: Lutherans love life, live love.
WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends,
We are in the throes of winter, the time when those who don't
especially like winter feel its strangle-hold. Recently I learned that
someone I've known for years actually says winter is her favorite
season. I don't know that I've ever met anyone who didn't seem to
be longing for winter to end, and I began to think about this.
For some people, winter is a season of cold, of increased
darkness, with the inconvenience of weather that can trap one inside
when snow or ice get too deep. I read that people who feel depressed
in the winter should do something counter-intuitive: they should
bundle up and force themselves outside for at least one half-hour a
day. The increased exposure to the air, and, if it is daytime, to
sunlight, should help to lift one's mood. Being outside in winter
means moving around, and exercise is beneficial, not only to physical
health, but to a good frame of mind. One of the traditional spiritual
disciplines is honoring the body, and exercise honors the body God
has given us.
Of course, winter seems to have the upper hand for people
who like to be in control. Winter can cause us to give up things we
have planned, because we cannot travel as easily as we do in other
seasons. Winter is a time when nothing seems to be happening. It
could be a time for introspection, to consider our lives, our
commitments, our connection to God. Winter's colors are muted: a
white field, with an almost white sky, with clouds in varying shades
of blue-white, pink-white, lavender-white, and gold-white. Watching
the winter sky one evening, I thought back to my friend, whose
favorite season is winter, and realized she is a person of deep faith, of
a strong connection to God. She is someone who actually chooses to
withdraw in order to keep her spirituality alive. Is winter a symbol
for going inward, for trusting that there is something more happening
than can be seen with the naked eye? I smile, for I think this might
be the answer.
As I drive in the winter months, I am trying to relax and
become attune to the silence, the white beauty, the stark trees and the
mighty evergreens. I think of dropping into silence, in order to better
appreciate the stillness of God's presence. I remind myself that just
because I can't see God, or notice any great acts of God, doesn't
mean that God isn't quietly accomplishing exactly what God wants
done in the world. After all, we come to church in the darkness of
Christmas Eve to experience the miracle of Christ's birth, which
happened, not in broad daylight, but in the still darkness of the night.
When I am inside in the evening, I light a candle, to remind
myself that Scandinavians and Northern Germans often burn candles,
and their homes seem pleasantly cozy and warm after a brisk walk
outside, even though it does get dark very early in the day. I try to
experience the hush that allows one to imagine almost being brushed
by angel wings. Though winter might never become my favorite
season, there is something to be said for embracing it, as part of the
totality of human experience, and to learn winter's lessons.
May you stay warm and close to God in this season of winter.
Pastor Jane Kropa
UNION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Union Council met at 6:30 p.m. for an orientation session
of new members.
Council members volunteered to work on securing reports
from all committees for the annual report. We hope to make the
annual report more user friendly, and be able to give copies to new
members so that they may see in which areas they might wish to
serve.
The next Joyful Noise offering will be on May 2 and will go
to the General Fund.
The All Church Retreat will be held on Saturday, April 10,
2010 from 9-3 in the church. Bring a sack lunch and beverage. We
will talk about Christian community, connecting with God, and make
some plans for the remainder of 2010. We will also look at some
trends in society that are impacting Christian communities, and how
we might wish to respond to them.
We will review the policies for rental of the chapel and park
at our next meeting.
Building and Grounds is working on some minor issues raised
by the insurance inspection. Some things have already been taken
care of, such as keeping the stair towers clear.
We need people willing to serve as members of the Union
Endowment Fund committee. People who are interested in investing
are welcome to talk to any council member about becoming a
member of this committee, which will offer oversight of the newly
created union endowment fund.
Unless a family wishes otherwise, all gifts given in memory
of a person who has died will be put in the Capital Improvement
Fund.
The CIF Fund Raising Committee has done a very good job
during the past five years. Their work has been very much
appreciated. We have a remaining balance of $145,465.39 on our
internal loans, and pay 4% interest to our organizations on them. If
anyone would like to volunteer to chair the CIF Fund Raising
Committee, please see Dennis Thomas. The present committee will
be in charge of the clam bake in July and the PA Dutch Dinner
Theater meal in September.
The next Oyster Pie making extravaganza will be held on
April 16-17, 2010. We always appreciate volunteers.
Officers for the 2010 Union Council, UCC Consistory and
ELCA Council were elected and are listed below.
Please see our year end report, printed in this newsletter, for
an update on our first year of unified budget.
COUNCIL OFFICERS FOR 2010
LUTHERAN COUNCIL
Robin Diehl - President
Carl Seidt - Vice President
Julie Brought - Secretary
Linda Lorish - Treasurer
UCC CONSISTORY
Steve Arner - President
Rachel Welch - Vice President
Jim Meitzler, Jr. - Secretary
Jon Benfield - Treasurer
UNION COUNCIL
Dennis Thomas - President
Emily Ziegenfuse - Vice President
Rachel Welch - Secretary
Martin Kriebel - Treasurer
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
We are honoring our members who celebrate their 80th
birthday or older and also honoring those members who celebrate
their 50th anniversary or more. Please let us know if we missed
anyone.
BIRTHDAYS
2/7 - Lorraine Moll 2/13 - George Miller
2/14 - Harold Mest 2/17 - Robert Taylor
2/21 - Arlene Hill 2/25 - Mabel Weller
2/27 - William Merkel 2/28 - Marcella Gressley
2/29 - Mae Hoffman
ANNIVERSARIES
2/20 - LeRoy & Ruth Leibensperger
NURSERY NEWS
February Schedule
2/7 - Jake & Kerri Longacre
2/14 - Wayne & Bea Fogel
2/21 - Dan & Tracey Hersh
2/28 - Mike Chappell & Pam Anthony
*NOTE: We ask that you please be in the nursery by 10:15 a.m.
If there is a problem and you cannot make your scheduled date,
please call the office or Rachel Welch. We need to have our
volunteers in the nursery each Sunday. If an emergency
happens after office hours on the weekend, please contact Rachel
Welch if you cannot get a substitute. Thank you for volunteering.
THE HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Huff's Union Council has requested that we feature our
committees in the newsletter, so our members may become more
familiar with how our congregation is organized. This month's
featured committee is the Hospitality Committee.
The Hospitality Committee, chaired by Ruth Leibensperger,
can always use more help. The committee serves refreshments after
many of Huff's Church special worship services, for example, when
the A-Choir sings, when Praise Him With Dance is at our worship
service, Easter breakfast, the German Advent Communion service,
the Pet Blessing service, etc. The committee also oversees our
covered dish meals, warming things that need to be re-heated, setting
up the chapel, and washing the tables, silverware and serving platters
after the meal is over.
The committee invites anyone who wishes to bring
refreshments, and they take charge of seeing they are served, along
with beverages. The committee is responsible for clean up of the
tables after the event. If you would like to volunteer to help set up,
serve, and clean up when we have either refreshments or a covered
dish meal, please contact Ruth Leibensperger. If you are new to this
committee, Ruth will see that you are scheduled with experienced
members, so you can learn how the group functions. Please contact
Ruth at least two weeks in advance of an event, if you would like to
volunteer. If you let Ruth know you would like to be a permanent member
of the committee, she will check with you before she schedules you.
FINANCIAL REPORTING IN 2009
CIF Loan as of December 31, 2009
Huff's Union Church
Organizations
Beginning Balance 1/1/2009 $188,502.12
Interest Paid - YTD 2009 $6,963.28
Repayments on Principle $33,036.73
Forgive Debt - Park Board $10,000.00
Remaining Balance $145,465.39
Click here to see our January to December 2009 report.
SPECIAL OFFERING OPPORTUNITY
The special offering opportunity for February is the ELCA
World Hunger offering. You may use one of the special offering
envelopes in the pew racks, or send in a contribution marked "ELCA
World Hunger." Below is just one way this offering has helped
someone in need.
A few years ago, Malawi was hit hard by drought. At least
half of the families in the village of Chakwela were facing severe
hunger. But now community members are passing along gifts of
animals and seeds to others in need. How did this happen? It started
with a few "good gifts."
Several years ago, the village of Chakwela received a gift of
12 goats from a neighboring community that benefited from an
ELCA World Hunger partner in Malawi.
The goats provide families with fresh milk and fertilizer for
the land. Extra milk, cheese, butter, or yogurt can be sold for added
income making it easier for families to escape the cycle of hunger
and poverty. As the goats multiply, families often pass the offspring
along to help others.
Gladys received her first goat as a gift. Now that her goat has
given birth, Gladys knows the importance of giving back. She plans
to give her new baby goat to her neighbor and good friend, Vernas.
"Life has really improved for us," Vernas said. "Everyone has their
own goats now."
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
As in previous years, on the first Sunday of February, after
our worship services, our youth will assist us in receiving a monetary
offering, a can of soup, and/or a box of crackers as an offering for our
four agencies which deal with feeding the hungry in our area:
Pennsburg Open Line, Boyertown Multi Service, Friend, Inc.
(Brandywine School District area) and the Allentown Rescue
Mission.
LENTEN COIN FOLDER
We will again offer coin folders as a way of fulfilling the
Lenten spiritual practice of generosity. Please pick up a folder from
the table in the Narthex, just outside our Sanctuary. Please bring
filled folders on Easter Sunday (or the following Sunday). You may
also write a check, if you do not care to save quarters to fill the folder.
HEALING SERVICE
There will be a short service focusing on prayers for healing
and optional anointing with oil on Sunday, February 14, after the
10:30 worship service. Please remain in the Sanctuary, and the pastor
will join you.
250TH ANNIVERSARY NEWS
February 21st will be our Third Sunday celebration for the
month, at 9:15 a.m. All church members are welcome to attend, but
we would especially like to see all those who were confirmed from
the years 2000-2004. That would include the following members:
Jenna & Ryan Brensinger, Felicia Coffield, Drew Diehl,
Bryce Kayhart, Sean McFarland, Matthew Schantz, Lyndsay Trenge,
Aaron Wilson, Stephanie & Thomas Woloszanski, Morgan & Kaitlin
Anderson, Danielle Brensinger, Kevin Buss, Adam Hess, Heather
Hilbert, Lauren Kring, Aleka Liazis, Aaron McFarland, Adrea
Meitzler, Devin Muntz, Marc Reed, Nathan Solt, Justin Thomas,
Shelby Trenge, Marisa Zentner, Phillip Ziegenfuse, Holly & Ryan
Brotzman, Matthew Fronheiser, Dakota Kauffman, Angela Moyer,
Christopher Schmoyer, Zachary Smith, Brian Thomas, Shawn
Tornetta, Katie Welch, Jacob & Samantha Wittman.
PHILIP COOPER RECITAL ON KRAUSS ORGAN
On February 21 (snow date February 28) at 3 p.m. there will
be an organ recital by renowned organist, Philip Cooper, on our
historic Krauss organ. A snack and fellowship hour will follow in the
church (street level). Please come and enjoy this wonderful music!
Mr. Cooper's CD's with organ music from various area churches will
also be available for sale at that time, if you have not already
purchased one. The CD's besides including some musical pieces
played on our own Krauss organ, also contain a beautiful photograph
of the organ.
LENTEN EVENING WORSHIP SCHEDULE (THROUGH MARCH)
Ash Wednesday. February 17. 7 p.m. Huff's worship service
in the sanctuary.
Wednesday, February 24. 6 p.m. Huff's Chapel. Simple
meal. 7 p.m. worship upstairs in Huff's Chapel.
Wednesday, March 3. 6 p.m. St. Peter's Place (across parking
lot from church) Simple meal. 7 p.m. worship in St. Peter's Union
Church.
Wednesday, March 10. 6 p.m. Huff's Chapel. Simple meal.
7 p.m. worship upstairs in Huff's Chapel.
Wednesday, March 17. 6 p.m. St. Peter's Place (across
parking lot from church) Simple meal. 7 p.m. worship in St. Peter's
Union Church.
Wednesday, March 24. 6 p.m. Huff's Chapel. Simple meal.
7 p.m. worship upstairs in Huff's Chapel.
The theme of the Wednesday evening worship services is
ways to experience our connection with God. We will be dealing
with experiencing God through our minds (our head response), our
hearts (emotional response), praying hands (contemplation and
silence) and our feet (active working in the world). We will finish by
talking about Jesus as a model of all four spiritual types.
If you would like to help with meal preparation, or donate
something for one of Huff's Lenten meals, please contact Joyce
Kemp or Pat Crossley.
A-CHOIR
The Upper Perkiomen High School A-Choir will be at our
10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, February 28, providing a
message in music. Please invite your friends to join us in this
wonderful way of worshiping God.
GOOD GIFTS
Thank you to those who contributed to allow others to have a
Merry Christmas through the Good Gifts program. A total of $404
was received which went to the following programs: $62 to World
Hunger: Water, $10 to World Hunger: Agriculture $10. Nurture:
Children $30. Lutheran Malarial Initiative: $10. Goats $50. Pigs
$30, Ducks: $40 and Chicks: $70, Education: $75, International
Disaster Response: $10, and $25 non-designated. The money has
been forwarded to the designated areas through the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2008
The Confirmation class presented statements to Union
Council members explaining why they chose to live out their
baptismal vows at Huff's and what they plan to do to stay connected
to Huff's after Confirmation. As part of their statement, they were
asked to choose a Bible verse. The confirmands have given council
permission to share these statements in the newsletter.
Why I want to be confirmed by Jared Whalen
Religion always came to me as a choice. Growing up I was
placed in a Christian school and attended Huff's. Even though I was
put into these places, my personal faith was still my choice. Though
we can be taught many things about our spiritual walk, we only can
get what we want out of it. At Huff's I always tried to make the best
of my time there. I was involved in many activities, including CKC,
Junior Choir, Christmas pageants, and many others, and even now
I'm involved in Youth Group and the church's teen band, The
Shouting Stones. All these activities have given me leadership skills,
group effort tactics, and most importantly a stronger relationship with
our Heavenly Father.
But why did I find the need to participate in all these different
areas over my eight year span at Huff's? Maybe for the experience
or maybe for the sake of something to do, but either way through it
I found Huff's to be more than a church - Huff's became a family to
me. I have met many long-term friends at Huff's, and have come in
contact with many inspiring spiritual role models. All these people
have become important parts of my life, whether through direct
inspiration or through a distant relation.
I came to Huff's about nine or ten years ago, but was only
active for about eight of those. Our family needing a closer church
found Huff's to be the perfect suit, being my mom grew up and had
her confirmation there. Now that we are there, we have found many
great reasons to stay. Whether it's the feeling of welcome we
received when we first walked in, or the feeling of family that we
have after all this time, Huff's has become not only a house of
worship, but a home of Believers.
Now that I'm reaching the end of my confirmation, I think I
know why I always tried to stay so active in the church. From
Galatians 1:10 we read, "Am I now seeking human approval, or
God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still
pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ." This verse does
sum up why I, or anyone, should try to be constantly looking for new
ways to serve God and others. While I'm at Huff's now, or where I
am fifteen years from now, this verse will still apply. So as I finish
my confirmation training, and become a full pledged member of
Huff's, I pray that my actions will help others, benefit the church, and
most of all, be for God.
THANK YOU NOTE RECEIVED
From Lutheran Campus Ministry at Kutztown University:
Dear Pastor Kropa,
On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Centre
at Kutztown University, I want to take this opportunity to thank
Huff's for its donation of $100.
I apologize for the tardiness of this letter.
Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Dennis S. Ritter, Bd. Mem.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
MITTEN TREE
My granddaughter Hannah and I went up to church after
school on Friday and removed everything from the Mitten Tree. We
returned home whereupon Hannah sorted everything, tabulated items
and boxed everything which was sent by UPS to St. Vincent's
Mission in David, Kentucky. Thanks to everyone for your donations,
the tree truly was beautifully decorated. There were 32 scarfs, 54
gloves, 35 caps and 11 socks for a total of 132 pieces.
Serving Christ, Carl & Hannah Arner
FOOD BANK
On Monday, January 4th, a very cold, windy and wintry
morning, Sue Stockdale helped to package the numerous items in our
food pantry. For the months of October, November and December,
a total of 348 items were donated of which 71 items were distributed
in our community and 277 items were packaged and delivered on the
same day to Open Line in Pennsburg.
All the donated food, etc. remains in our neighborhood to help
the needy that are struggling to maintain a decent standard of living
for their families. Upon arriving at the basement of Open Line, there
were at least 125 large bags of groceries ready for clients to pick up.
Over 150 families are dependent upon Open Line for life support.
Thank you for your sustaining support for this worthy mission
of our church here at Huff's. The church received a check of $200
earmarked for the food bank from an anonymous donor. Therefore
each of the following agencies that receives our quarterly donations
will receive a fifty dollar check from the church for purchasing food
items. Boyertown Multi-Service, Friends, Inc. (Kutztown),
Allentown Rescue Mission and Open Line in Pennsburg thank you
for your donations.
Your donations for January, February & March are earmarked
for Boyertown Multi-Service. Thanks to Sue for her assitance.
Serving Christ, Carl Arner
SUNDAY SCHOOL SPONSORED UPCOMING 2010 EVENTS
Please mark your calendars!!
EASTER EGG HUNT - Saturday, March 27th at 1 p.m. - rain or shine
We will be collecting bags of individually wrapped candies
and/or monetary donations starting Sunday, February 7th through
Sunday, March 14. Adult volunteers are needed, so please consider
signing up for a morning of fun fellowship. See Dale Heffner or
Rachel Welch if you have any questions or are interested in helping.
SUNDAY SCHOOL COVERED DISH MEETING
The next meeting will be Sunday, March 7th after the 10:30
worship service.
RUMMAGE SALE & CHINESE AUCTION
To be held Friday, June 11th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Please note
date & time changes)
Volunteer sign-up sheets and donation drop off dates and
times will be posted in the very near future. Any questions, please
see organizing committee members Minerva Arner, Julie Brought, or
Dale & Donna Heffner.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Week of July 12-16, 2010 in the evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
We would like to invite anyone who is interested in volunteering their
time or talents to please come to our first brunch planning meeting on
Saturday, March 20th from 10 to 12 Noon in the Chapel. More info
to follow and for any questions see Dale or Donna Heffner.
YOUTH AND CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB
CHRISTIAN KIDS CLUB
February 3, 2010 will be the last Christian Kids Club until
after Easter, when we will again meet at church on April 14 at 6 p.m.
On February 3 we have been invited to the home of Joanne Benfield
and Tom Mitchell for a Game Night. Please have your parents drop
you off and pick you up at 1213 Huffs Church Road. It is a ranch
style home on the left hand side of the road if you are driving south
from the church on Huff's Church Road.
YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group Bowling: February 7 (snow date Feb. 14)
(Anyone in grades 6 through 12) Bring a sack lunch and
beverage to the chapel after worship on Feb. 7. We'll eat, then leave
for bowling. You may be picked up at 3:30 p.m. Cost of bowling is
$8. Please have a signed permission slip for the year 2009-2010 for
each person under age 18 that will attend. We need 1-2 more
chaperons (adults over 21 years of age). If you wish to drive, you
must have filled out a church youth worker form. Contact Steve
Arner: if you have questions. Pastor Kropa has church youth worker
forms.
Next youth event will be March 7 (bad weather date March
14) trip to Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Bring a sack
lunch and beverage; leave from church.
CONFIRMATION
February 7. Mentors. 9:15 a.m. "Staying in Touch With God."
February 14. 9:15 a.m. Catch Up day. (Whatever we need to do.)
Pantomimes. Be ready to tell your stories (from memory), then direct
them. Say Apostles Creed, Books of New Testament from memory.
February 28. 6:30-8. Pantomime practice.
CHURCH FAMILY
MEMORIALS
To CIF in memory of Paul Hladchuk
Ernest & Marion Tokay
To CIF in remembrance of parents Ralph & Ella Leh and brother
Robert Leh
Joe & Florence Smoyer
To CIF in memory of Walter W. Gressley
David Wolf
To CIF in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Elvin & Linda Keiser
Marie Bower Ray & Dolores Funk
To Endowment Fund in memory of Sarah H. Bickel
Audrey Weston Russell & Ruth Ann Mest
Dorothy Briner Helen P. Phillips
To CIF in memory of Sarah H. Bickel
Marvin & Audrey Diehl Raymond & Linda Lorish
SENIOR CITIZENS
Look in next month's newsletter for the start of Senior Citizen
Meetings.
LADIES AID SOCIETY
Continue to save your Redner's and Radcliffe's tapes for the
Ladies. All proceeds go to the Capital Improvement Fund.
AREA NEWS
CAMP MENSCH MILL: ADULT CHOICES
Check the listing on the Sunday School bulletin board for
camp listings for children, teenagers, and adults. Some of the adult
listings are for a Quilting Retreat (March 5-7), a Grandparents and
Me summer Camp (July 23-25) the Ventures Retreat for older adults
(Sept. 21-23) and the Walking With God Retreat (October 15-17).
You may always check their website at www.menschmill.org.
CAMP BEAR CREEK: ADULT CHOICES
Check the listing on the Sunday School bulletin board for
camp news. There are three family camp dates in 2010: May 28-31,
Memorial Day Family Camp, Sept. 3-6 Labor Day Family Camp, and
October 8-10 October Outing. There is a Wild Women of Bear Creek
Camp retreat from April 30-May 2. There will be a volunteer work
day (all day) on September 25. You may also check their web site at
www.bearcreekcamp.org.
WOMEN'S WORSHIP AT NEW GOSHENHOPPEN UCC
The women's fellowship of New Goshenhoppen UCC invites
Huff's women to worship with them on Saturday, February 13, 2010
to celebrate women's week with a communion service beginning at
9 a.m. Rev. Rebecca Stephens will bring the message. Following the
worship service there will be a continental breakfast. Please call the
church at 215-679-2041 if you plan to attend. In case of inclement
weather, please call the church to check whether this event will take
place.
DISASTER IN HAITI
Both the ELCA and the UCC national offices have set up
accounts to receive and forward donations to aid in the recovery from
the devastating earthquake in Haiti. You may use a pew envelope or
your regular envelope marked Haitian relief. Please remember all
those affected in prayer. The following prayer comes from the
ELCA: Merciful God, hear our cry for mercy in the wake of the
earthquake. Reveal your presence in the midst of our suffering. Help
us to trust in your promises of hope and life so that desperation and
grief will not overtake us. Come quickly to our aid that we may
know peace and joy again. Strengthen us in this time of trial with the
assurance of hope we know in the death and resurrection of our
Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
