Gleanings

Dear Members and Friends of St. Stephen,

Text Box: Inside This Issue:
Page
From the Pastor 1
May Worship Plans 2
Memorial Day activities 2
Prayer Breakfast 3
Homes of Hope 4
Thank you 4
Thank God for… 5
May Birthdays 5
Mark Your Calendar 6,7
When I’m an Old Lady 8
Penn Central/Hartman Center 9
The Examine of Conscience 10
Consistory Minutes 11
May Worship Participants 12
May Calendar 13

Easter has revealed new life here at St. Stephen. The Community Easter egg Hunt on March 31st saw approximately 75 community children hunting and finding over 1,300 eggs. Door prizes were given away and postcards were sent to participants, inviting them to Sunday School and Worship. There were 118 at Easter morning worship services and the Choir returned, singing “Christ Arose” at both services. The Sanctuary was beautifully decorated and new life is being experienced here at St. Stephen.

The Confirmation class, made up of Dylan Griest, Hayden Laukhuff, Becky Snyder and Logan Weaver should be ready to join the church on Pentecost Sunday, May 27. There will be one service on this special confirmation day at 9:30 am. The choir is preparing an anthem in their honor. Come and support the newest members of St. Stephen.

We will be forming a new member’s class in June. Several people who have been worshiping with us for some time now are interested in becoming members. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the church, please speak with Pastor Goode.

Who knows where the Spirit will blow next. On Pentecost Sunday,

May 27 remember to wear RED. We will be celebrating the day flames rested upon the shoulders of the apostles and the church was born. New life, new Hope and new beginnings.

Peace,

Pastor David Goode

MAY 2012 WORSHIP

ST. STEPHEN UCC – REV. DAVID R. GOODE

May 6^th - Fifth Sunday of Easter
SERMON: "Not Good If Detached"

SCRIPTURE: Epistle Lesson: 1 John 4:7-21

Gospel Lesson: John 15:1-8

The Friendship Community Choir will share with us their joy and their music

at both worship services today

May 13^th - Sixth Sunday of Easter / Mother’s Day
SERMON: “Love and Obey”

SCRIPTURE: New Testament: 1 John 5: 1-6

Gospel Lesson: John 15:9-17

May 20^th - Seventh Sunday of Easter
SERMON: “Revitalizing the Lo-cal Church”

SCRIPTURE: Church History: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Gospel Lesson: John 17:6-19

May 27^th - ONE SERVICE AT 9:30 AM

Pentecost / Confirmation / Communion Sunday
SERMON: “Promises Fulfilled”

SCRIPTURE: Church History: Acts 2:1-21

Gospel Lesson: John 16:13-15

June 3^rd - Trinity Sunday

SERMON: “God Is Still Speaking”

SCRIPTURE: Responsive Psalm 29

New Testament: Romans 8:12-17
Gospel Lesson: John 3:1-17

MEMORIAL DAY

The Ceremonial Units of the United Veterans' Council of New Holland, Pennsylvania will be conducting their Annual Pilgrimage to cemeteries of Eastern Lancaster County on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012. They will be conducting ceremonies at 13 grave sites and will be at St. Stephen graveyard at 11:30 am. The Ceremony at Veterans Memorial will be at noon and the Memorial Day Ceremony at New Holland Community Memorial Park is scheduled for 12:30 pm with Speaker- E. Thomas Kuhn, Brig Gen (ret) PANG, Past Commander, 193rd Special Operations Wing, PA Air National Guard. An event you don’t want to miss.

HARTMAN CENTER is the Outdoor Ministries facility owned and operated by Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ since 1964. Programming includes retreats, conferences, workshops, dinner meetings, summer camps, and other events which, while designed for particular age levels and interests, are open to all persons without regard to race, creed, or ethnic origin, and who accept the guidelines and philosophy of the Center...

Affirming the Lordship of Christ...to provide opportunities for persons of all ages to:

Hartman Center provides a variety of camping experiences. From Family Camps and Grandparent/Grandchild camps to Young Pioneer Adventure Camps and Senior High Sports Camps, Hartman Center has something for everyone.

See http://www.hartmancenter.com/camp-info.html for the 2012 summer camp schedule. Scholarships are available.

Hello youth of Penn Central Conference,

If you have not thought about attending this year's National Youth Event, THINK TWICE! It only happens every four years so do not miss out. It is clique to say I cannot put into words my personal experience at NYE four years ago, but it truly will be something I will never forget. I could speak highly of the workshops offered from national organizations, and speakers who are internationally known; however, the atmosphere surrounding the event speaks for its self. I can remember standing in an elevator with five people from Hawaii, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Massachusetts who had all become best friends in a matter of three days. It will surpass any local or regional event you may have attended in the past when you have the ability to worship and connect with other youth across the nation. So, I ask you to please pay http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/ a visit, and look into an event that is truly worth four days of your summer vacation.

National Youth Event, July 10-13, 2012, Purdue University

Maggie Gassert

Youth Ministry Team Member

Penn Central Conference

Visit the videos about this National Youth Event at http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/media-gallery/

HOMES OF HOPE

The Homes of Hope Transitional Housing Program offers families a minimum 3-month stay in a church-sponsored, fully-furnished home. Once in the home, families are connected to: Church Care Teams offering mentoring and hands-on assistance as well as Professional Case Management Services that continues for an additional 6-12 months. Additionally, families are connected with existing community and church based resources that will further assist them as they work towards self-sufficiency.

Trinity Lutheran Church has graciously offered the use of a house on their property in New Holland, in move-in shape. The next step is to begin collecting furnishings and other items needed for the home, as well as financial support. Other crucial decisions that need to be made include: Identifying a Furniture Bank coordinator who will be the primary contact and arrange for tracking inventory, and identifying a location for the Bank; Identifying those individuals from partnering congregations who will serve on the Steering Committee, the primary place where decisions will be made; Beginning to put together lists of individuals who are willing to serve on the furniture, cleaning, and maintenance teams, and be trained as mentors. Once these committees and teams are identified, you can begin getting your home ready for its first family!

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Church volunteers serve on mentoring, cleaning, maintenance, and inventory teams. Churches also operate furniture banks that are used to inventory the homes between residents and to supply graduate families with items needed in their permanent residence.

The Love INC Clearinghouse serves as the place where needs for transitional housing are referred. The Love INC Program Coordinator interviews prospective residents and selects appropriate families for placement in the program. Love INC also coordinates the overall program. Love INC - Love In the Name of Christ - is an organization that connects churches with the needs in their communities, allowing Christ's love to transform lives and communities. Learn more about Homes of Hope and Love Inc. at www.loveinclancaster.org.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK the St. Stephen family for contributing to my Girl Scout Silver award. (The Ronald McDonald House collection box). The items will help families of seriously ill children in the Hershey Medical Center. I appreciate the gesture and I am sure they will as well. Again, Thanks! Becky Snyder

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who has purchased spring flowers to beautify our

church for Easter Sunday. Altar Committee.

EASTER EGG HUNT: I WANTED TO THANK EVERYONE who helped with this project, those who donated candy, stuffed the eggs or helped to hide them, donned the Easter Bunny suit or led the Easter Egg Hunt prayer, Special thank you to Tom Kopp for the sound system… the list goes on.. forgive me if I left anyone out. While the weather did not cooperate 100%, we were able to complete the egg hunt outside and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We received many compliments, thanks and some interest in St Stephen. Again, many thanks for helping make this a successful St Stephen outreach project.

WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL for the women who quickly arranged the luncheon following my mother’s funeral. It was a nice way for us to gather with family and friends to share conversation and memories. Mark Hoffman

“THANK GOD FOR ...” is a column in our Gleanings. You can contribute to this by advising us of outstanding achievements by our members in AND out of the church.

Thank you God for.....

… All the people who shared their musical talents to bring us special Easter music.

… Joan Jacobs and Charlene Good who coordinated the Easter flower orders.

… Viki Eberly and Connie Gehman who decorated our church so beautifully.

… the empty tomb.

… our Ushers who provide faithful service every Sunday.

… Viki Eberly and Cheryl Weaver for coordinating our wonderful fellowship opportunities.

… AJ for her leadership and the wonderful music she provides each Sunday.

… Dot Koble and the GREAT choir on Easter Sunday.

Best Wishes to the following May Birthdays.

Help us keep our records up to date by notifying the office of any Birthdays listed incorrectly!

PLEASE TAKE NOTE…

It is with much regret that we announce the cancellation of the annual Hartman Center Retreat. The retreat was previously scheduled for May 17^th – 19^th

THE ANNUAL LEE LAWHEAD MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The golf tournament will be held on Saturday, May19, at12:30 pm. Your participation in this event will assist in seeing that the mission of Harman Center continues. You can invite either a twosome or foursome of golfers to participate in the tournament, or have your congregation sponsor a part of the event in memory of Rev. Lee Lawhead. Brochures are available on the bulletin board in the church narthex.

UCC HOMES AUXILIARY FLEA MARKET

Our annual Flea Market/Bake /Sub sale will be held on Friday, May 4, from 9 am till 4 pm and Saturday, May 5, from 8 am till 1 pm. The event will be

held in the Donecker Chapel. Baked goods and good, used household items are needed. Things may be taken to the Manor on Thursday or Friday

AM. You may also bring things to the Jacob’s porch at 411 W. Cedar St. New Holland. Contact person: Joan Jacobs 354-5276.

PARISH RESOURCE CENTER NEWS

Dr. Gary Mcintosh, author of There's Hope For Your Church will conduct a workshop of the same name at the Parish Resource Center on Sat., May 19 from 9 am to 12 Noon. Gary hopes to keep your church from sinking into the 85% of churches in the U.S. whose membership has plateaued or is declining. Call 717-299-9932 to register. Fee is $35

The Parish Resource Center is making a call to local artists for their participation in the Center's third annual Advent Art Show to be held Dec 3-12, 2012. This year's theme is "I Bring You News of Great Joy" from Luke 2:7-15. Professional and amateur artists are invited to submit art in any medium. For more information visit go.prctr.org/Art12 or call 717-299-9932.

GLEANINGS

Some of you will receive the Gleanings long after it is mailed due to the new U. S. Postal system changes. Sorry about any inconvenience. There are copies available in the narthex the day that the Gleanings are mailed if you would like one sooner.

CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES

If you know of any graduates, please share the information in writing with Rev Goode dgoodepastor@yahoo.com. We will be celebrating both members of our church who are graduating and any of your family members who are graduating.

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY

Serving Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Friendship Community is seeking providers for the Lifesharing program. Lifesharing is a program that matches adults with disabilities with people and families willing to open up their home and lives for a long term commitment. Lifesharing providers receive a monthly stipend, 24-hour support and continuous training. For information, call 656-2466, ext. 161. www.friendshipcommunity.net

Friendship Community will hold its 19th Annual FEST and AUCTION, May 11 & 12 at 1149 East Oregon Road in Lititz. Come enjoy our Chicken BBQ meal and a free concert on Friday evening; then stop by Saturday for a pancake & sausage breakfast, all-day auction, children's activities, craft, plant, baked goods and gift certificate sales. Food tent features over 12 stands. Donations and volunteers are now being accepted. For info, call Betty Hess at 656-2466, ext. 165. Free parking & admission. www.friendshipcommunity.net

Friendship Community is looking for a group of 2 to 4 people who would "Adopt a Friendship House" for the purpose of landscape maintenance; from now through the fall - weeding, trimming shrubbery and caring for flowers, etc. Please call the Volunteer Office if interested at 656-2466 ext. 165. www.friendshipcommunity.net

OUR CONGRATULATIONS to Ed and Alice Vidzicki on the birth of their grandson, Bentley Burkholder. Bentley was born Sunday, April 15^th. Both baby and mother are doing well!

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST HOMES BENEVOLENT FUND

The President/CEO of the UCC Homes, Stephen D. Horvath has recently shard with us this report on the 2012 Benevolent Fund. Total receipts to the Benevolent Fund during the first quarter of 2012 amounted to $41,817.30. Our residents' need for benevolent assistance continues to grow. A total of $202,423 had been administered as of March 31, 2012. At this rate, the need for benevolent assistance in 2012 will likely exceed $800,000.

Sincere thanks to the sponsoring churches that have participated to date. Combined Association support totaled $26,946.55. All congregations are urged to give this pressing need thoughtful consideration. Your gifts will make an important difference in the lives of residents who are unable to pay for the cost of their care and who do not have access to governmental assistance programs.

On behalf of those we serve, thank you for your consideration of this opportunity to help UCC Homes meet this human need. www.ucc-homes.org

THE EXAMINE OF CONSCIENCE

During my sermon on April 15, I talked about a prayer structure that was developed by St. Ignatius about 500 years ago. This is a prayer where we try to find the movement of the Spirit in our daily lives as we reflect on our day. There are five simple steps to the Examine which should take 10-15 minutes to complete each day. I try to do this at the beginning of the day or make time in my day for this very important prayer discipline. It is suggested to pray this at the end of the day, but that doesn’t work for me. Before I start, I try to be in a place where I am least likely to be disturbed and where there is the least amount of external noise. Sitting comfortably and still; I become aware of my breathing, my body and how I am feeling.

FIRST, we remember that we are in the presence of God. As we quiet ourselves, we become aware that God is present in us and around us. The Spirit of God, sent by Christ, will remind us that God is with us. Lighting a candle, having a Bible or looking at a cross may help you center and remember that you are in the presence of God.

SECOND, we spend a moment looking over our day or previous day with gratitude. Name the specific things you are grateful for: the smell of your morning coffee, the taste of something good that you ate, the laugh of a child, the fragrance of a flower, the smile brought on by a kind word, a lesson that you learned. This is a time to be thankful for all of God’s blessings.

THIRD, we ask God to send you the Holy Spirit, to help us look at our actions and attitudes and motives with honesty and patience. Remember Jesus said, "When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit helps us to honestly look at ourselves and our life. The Spirit gives a freedom to look upon ourselves without condemnation and without complacency, so we can be open to growth.

FOURTH, we review our day or the day before. This should be the longest of the steps. Recall the things that happened and take a careful look at your thoughts and feelings about those things. “Test yourselves," St. Paul urges, "to see whether you are living in faith; examine yourselves. Perhaps you yourselves do not realize that Christ Jesus is in you."

FIFTH and final step is our heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Here we speak with Jesus about our day. Talk with Jesus about what you did, your thoughts, attitudes, feelings and interactions. Perhaps during this time you may feel led to seek forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern or express gratitude. Having reviewed this day of your life, look upon yourself with compassion and see your need for God and try to realize God's care and love for you.

Concluding with the Lord’s Prayer may be helpful to you. Once you've done the Examine a few times, you will find your own rhythm and method. Cover all five points daily with freedom to dwell more on one than another, as the Spirit moves you.

There is a youtube video which goes through all the steps with music. You may want to start with this 4 minute video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io1w1AWs_Gc&feature=related.

There is also an Examination of Conscience for Teens on youtube done with the music from Casting Crowns "If We Are the Body". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM4elbhoO6o&feature=player_embedded

When I’m an Old Lady

Author Unknown - Taken from the Lancaster County Fish Wrapper

When I’m an old lady I’ll live with my children,

And make their life happy and filled with such fun.

I want to pay back all the joy they’ve provided,

Returning each deed. Oh, they’ll be so excited.