Prayer Ministry: Prayers for the health and healing of others is an important aspect of our ministry.  We sometimes lose the connection between those for whom we offer our prayers and their situation.  We ask that you obtain permission from those you are commending to the prayer list.  Everyone who appears on our prayer list will remain there for two weeks.  If the individual or family would like their name to remain on the prayer list after that, they will need to contact the office to make that request.  Thank you for your assistance.

Dottie Bealer, Lori Beck, Andrea Brunner, Mike Downy, Mildred Gilbert, Joan Hansel, Linda Houser, Dale Laub, Ainsley Long, Carl Maurer, Betty Moll, Harold Reitz, Jr., Roby Reitz, Bruce Ritter, Richard Saffron Sr., Ron Spagnoletti, Roger Steele, Karen Stevens, Virginia Pirrotta, members of our congregation and community who struggle with employment, people affected by the natural disasters and our service people and those serving overseas.  We join members of the Northern Lehigh Mission District in praying for St. John, Bath and their Pastor Jay Wetzel.

Sunday Morning Fellowship – Thank you to today’s Hosts: Tracy & Tom McGowan

An FM sound enhancement system is available for your use.  Please see the head usher for a personal receiver if you need this service.  Please turn off all cell phones.

What is Rejoicing Spirits?  Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative and inclusive ministry which reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of individuals with developmental disabilities along with their families, friends and the local supportive community.  This is done by offering a meaningful and adaptive Christian worship service and fellowship time.  The Rejoicing Spirits worship service includes lots of music and joyous singing; brief, concrete and meaningful messages; and plenty of opportunities to both participate and serve.  The “no shushing policy” gives worshippers the freedom to worship as God has intended for them, without fear of judgment or criticism.  It also has been gaining popularity as a great worship opportunity for all families, especially those with young children, since it has lively music; handheld instruments; and a free, expressive environment.  We are getting organized and working toward beginning the worship services here at ULC.  They will be held the fourth Sunday of every month at 2:30 PM.  The first service will be held on October 24.  For more information, or to find out how you can help, contact the church office at 610-767-6884.

Harvest Home (Sunday, September, 19) – In place of the ushers receiving the offering, everyone will be asked to come forward with their offering (regular and Harvest Home) and gifts of canned goods, boxed food and/or fresh produce for the Food Bank and place them at the altar.

Rhythm Instruments needed – The music committee for Rejoicing Spirits is looking for handheld rhythm instruments (such as wooden blocks, maracas, handheld “clappers” – anything that can be used to “make a joyful noise”) for the participants to use during the worship services.  If you have any instruments, or find any at yard sales, etc., that you would like to donate, please bring them to the church office.

We need Sunday School teachers and a Christmas program coordinator for the 2010-2011 school year.  For more information please contact Cindy Pugh at 610-776-0451 or email at softball8@rcn.com.  All confirmed members are welcomed.

Musicians Wanted – We are looking at possibly forming a “Praise Band” here at ULC and need musicians interested in sharing their talents to the glory of God.  Rehearsals would be held a couple times a month with a goal of providing musical support for worship on occasion, for Rejoicing Spirits worship (held monthly on Sunday afternoon) if requested, and possible concert venue as well.  Guitars, keyboard, percussion and other instruments welcome.  The ability to at least provide some back-up singing is a plus—but not necessary.  Technical support also needed.  Roadies welcome at a later date.  If it sounds like something you’d be interested in, fill out a Ministry Response Card (please check line #1 and include what instrument you play) or contact the church office (office@unionlutheranchurch.org or 610-767-6884).  Hope to form a group by early September to begin rehearsing.

Parish Nurse’s Hours – The parish nurse’s office hours are the second Sunday of the month during the Christian education time slot.  Join a parish nurse in room 208 for a blood pressure screening.  Browse through the educational information.  Look at the two periodicals from the Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Source and Mayo Clinic Health Letter.  These publications offer the most current information on many topics.  The parish nurse is available to assist you with any health issue at this time.  The parish nurse is available anytime by contacting the church office.

Your Help Is Needed – Volunteers are needed to host our new member receptions.  They are held on the 4th Sunday of January, April and September for people attending our new member classes.  You need to provide and serve light refreshments, including coffee, tea and cold drinks.  You would also have to clean up afterwards.  If you are interested in helping, or would like more information, please contact the church office at 610-767-6884.

Addresses of College Students – We would like to send newsletters to our youth who are away at college so they can keep informed as to what is happening at Union Lutheran.  If you have a student in college, please call the church office and give us their address or write it down on the back of a “ministry response card” on a Sunday morning and place it in the offering plate or send us an email.  Please indicate whether or not they are a Freshman.

Weekly Bible Study starting in September – Would you like to know more about the Bible lessons that will be presented during the weekly worship services?  Why not come to our Bible Study held on Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM starting on September 8th in Room 202.  Pastor Moore will lead a discussion/study of the lessons that he will use to preach the upcoming Sunday.  You do not need to come each week – come as you are available.  All you need to bring is a Bible and a desire to learn.

Important!! If you or a member of your family is in the hospital, don’t assume that we will know.  The hospitals no longer notify the church office about admissions.  In order for the pastor to provide the best possible care, please personally contact the pastor or the church office so that the pastor can visit you or your family member.

Prayer Scarves for College Freshmen – We are getting set to send prayer scarves to our youth who are Freshmen in college (or students who have never received one), but we need your help.  We need the addresses of these students – those who are away at school and those who live at home.  If you have a Freshman in college, please call the church office and give us their address or write it down on the back of a “ministry response card” on a Sunday morning and place it in the offer plate or send us an email.

Book Club – Mentors are usually people who are older, patient and wise.  Someone who understands you, helps you see the world, and gives you advice to help you through life.  For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, a college professor who he lost track of and fortunately was able to reconnect with during Morrie’s last months of life.  Tuesdays with Morrie is our next Book Club selection.  We’ll discuss this book as well as compare it to our July selection by Mitch Albom – Have a Little Faith. We’ll discuss this selection on Sunday, September 19 at 9:15 AM in room 107.  Pick up the book in the church office and join us for a lively discussion!

Living with Loss Support Group – When someone we love dies, we often feel overwhelmed, frightened and lonely.  Sharing our thought and feelings with others who have experienced a loss can alleviate our sense of aloneness and can give us needed encouragement.  On Wednesday evenings, September 29 to November 3, from 6:30-8:00 PM, a six-week grief support group will meet here at ULC.  Led by a counseling professional, the group will share experiences and coping strategies.  The group, which is sponsored by Heintzelman Funeral Home, is free but advanced registration is required.  For more information or to register, please call Diakon Family Life Services at 1-888-499-2699.

Bulletin Sponsors – Each week, we ask people to sponsor bulletins for the worship services.  Sign-up lists are on the media center bulletin board.  Please sign up on that list or call Cheryll Kosar for bulletins (610-261-0242).  The cost for worship bulletins is $20.00 and children’s bulletins is $3.00.  Your sponsorship may be paid when you sign up or paid on the Sunday you are sponsoring.  Please use a pew envelope and indicate “bulletin sponsor”.

The Library Committee needs your help. They need someone to staff the library on the 1st and 4th Sundays of the month.  This can be two different people.  The library is staffed during the fellowship hour from 9:00 – 10:30 AM.  To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Jo Anne Creyer at 610-262-3204.

Murder Mystery Theater: The Funsters are inviting you to attend the Murder Mystery Theater at the Cork ‘n Bull Restaurant in Peddlers Village in Lahaska, PA on September 10 at 7:15 PM.  To make a reservation, contact the restaurant at 215-794-4000, and indicate that you are part of the Funsters and want to be seated with the group.  Seating is based on tables of 6, 8 or 10 people.  The cost is $48.95 per person (includes dinner, show, tip and tax) and can be paid by credit card, and picked up at their reception center 15 minutes before show time.  There are no refunds.  If the show is cancelled you can select an alternate date to see the performance.  The dinner theater is not handicapped accessible!!!  The show is entitled ”Lucy, I’m Dead”, a takeoff on Ricky and Lucy.  We understand the actors mingle and audience participation is encouraged.  Dress is casual…it is recommended the ladies bring a light sweater as the room is well air conditioned…men are requested to freeze!  You could consider driving down before the show and enjoying the shops of Peddlers Village or surrounding environs.  We would suggest leaving ample time to arrive at the restaurant to see the show.  Remember tell the reservationist you want to be with the Funsters! Any questions please contact Roy or Carolyn Bottjer…610-395-6867.