office

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.

Trish Adam, Chuck Allison, Dottie Bealer, Leona Beck, Lori Beck, Andrea Brunner, Ashley Dymond, Pam Fischel, Joan Fredericks, Joan Hansel, Dale Laub, Jean Lauchnor, Carl Maurer, Richard Miller, Sharon Missimer, Betty Moll, Bruce Ritter, Richard Saffron, Sr., Craig Snyder, Ron Spagnoletti, Roger Steele, Karen Stevens, Virginia Pirrotta, Pastor Wert, Gregg Zahour, 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, Coplay and their Pastor Timothy Boyer.

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.

On Sunday, November 7^th we will celebrate All Saint’s Sunday. If you would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one, please write your dedication on a pew envelope and include your donation.  We will print all dedications in the worship bulletin that Sunday.  All donations will be added to our Living Legacy Memorial Fund.  The interest from this fund is used to promote the ministries of our congregation.

Thank you to Carl Allio for being our worship assistant this morning.

Reception of New Members – This morning we welcome the following new members into our Parish Family:

We are updating our bakers list. This would involve baking for upcoming events such as our new members’ reception, fellowship events, Sunday School programs and many more.  If you wish to be added to the list, please contact Donna Remaly at 610-799-6320.

Advent Devotional Guide by (and for) ULC Members - Share your faith from the comfort and privacy of your own home!  Discover how rewarding devotion writing can be, by contributing a short devotion (approx. 200 words) to the upcoming ULC Advent Devotional Guide.  Helene Kuoni will be in the Gathering Space between the two worship services this morning with Writer’s Guidelines and to help you select a scripture passage.  Or if you prefer, contact Helene for more information at HelloHeleneK@hotmail.com or 610-398-1892.  Sign up today if you can!  It’s a great opportunity to bless others by sharing from God’s Word and from your life experiences.

Dinner Theatre Show at ULC – Mark your calendar for November 13^th!  The Fellowship Committee will be having a Dinner Theatre Show, “All in the Family” – The Case of the Missing Meat Head performed by White Rose Productions.  Price is $25.00 per person.  Dinner will be your choice of Chicken Marsala or Roast Beef as jus plus all of the trimmings.  Cheese, fruit, crackers and punch will be served at 6:00 PM; dinner served at 6:30 PM; show at 7:30 PM.  Please state chicken or beef when buying tickets either in the church office or between the worship services. Tickets available until November 8^th.  This event will be cooked and served by the Fellowship Committee under the expert help of the Hoffmans.

Thank you to the congregation for the overwhelming response to our email about needing sponsors for bulletins.  All the dates are full.  The sign-up sheets for 2011 sponsors are now on the media center bulletin board in the hallway. 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.  We also need sponsors for the worship flowers.  The cost per vase is $15.00.  Please sign up on the bulletin board or call Linda Houser at 610-799-2396.  (Please note: after the worship services, ALL of the vases of flowers will be delivered to homebound members of our congregation.)  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”.

Weekday Morning Bible Study – We have had some inquiries about holding a Bible Study during the daytime.  We would study, “Jesus The One and Only” by Beth Moore.  If you are interested, or for more information, call Cathy Smith at 570-943-3045

Back, by popular demand, Cafe Karaoke tonight in the FLC from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  Bring a dessert to share and the coffee will be supplied.  Sing until your heart’s content or just sit, listen and enjoy the fellowship.  See the list of artists on the bulletin board or bring your own Karaoke CD.  Hope to see you there!

More Than Enough – On October 24^th you can receive from ULC $100 as an investment in your ability to grow the kingdom.  You can use the money for materials, publicity, or whatever will help you make an investment in the kingdom and make it grow.  And, the growth of the money can be designated by you for a ministry either in the congregation (youth education, building, endowment—to list some) or sponsored by the congregation (mission support, world hunger appeal, disaster response, college/seminary education, food bank—to name a few).  Those members who receive the investment will then return their talents (the seed money) and their harvest on Sunday, January 30, 2011.  A congregation in Michigan invested $5,000 in individuals, families, and small-group leaders.  A flurry of creative investments was soon underway:  1) a fun & games night at a local athletic center raised money to help a family whose son has cancer; a retired painter began painting again and gave all his earnings to the cause 2) a small group set up a doggie spa and donated the proceeds; a Guitar Hero competition reached a younger crowd 3) other included: a candy sale, free throw competition, lawn mower tune-ups, a baked goods sale, pig roast, 5K run, a mega garage sale, craft fair, ebay auction, chili cook-off, gourmet dinner and parents’ night out.  The possibilities are limited only our imaginations and willingness to respond with what we have been given—which is more than enough.

How many more bowls can you fill with one empty bowl? Help us fill empty bowls for World Hunger.  You can help by purchasing clay soup bowls supplied to us by the potters at Stonehedge Gardens in Tamaqua.  You will have the opportunity to purchase your own bowl to hand paint or to purchase a bowl to be hand painted by members of our congregation.  The cost for each bowl will be $10.00 the proceeds will go to World Hunger.  Sign up dates to order your bowls will be October 10, 17 & 24 in the Gathering Space.  Paints will be supplied and painting dates will be scheduled after sign ups are completed.  The bowls will be available for pick up on our own Souper Bowl Sunday, February 6, 2011.  Bring your empty bowl to fill with soup at our Soup Off (watch for more information) following the 10:45 worship service that day.  If you have any questions call Cathy Smith at 570-943-3045.

Soup for Sale – Soup will be sold at the Fall Basket Social on October 29 & 30.  As a way of knowing how much soup to prepare, we are taking orders ahead of time.  The kinds being made are: Cream of Potato-$5.50 quart; Turkey Corn-$5.50 quart; Hearty Vegetable-$5.50 quart; Macaroni and Cheese-$5.50 quart; Halushki (cabbage and noodles) $4.00 quart.  You are asked to pay for it at pickup.  To place your order either call the church office (610-767-6884), send an email to either office@unionlutheranchurch,org or chefhoff@ptd.net or fill out a yellow ministry response card (please check line #1 and include the kind of soup you would like and the number of quarts of each kind you order).

The Women’s Retreat will be held January 14-15, 2011 at the Saint Frances Retreat Center once again.  We will be Exploring the “Wonder Full World – God’s Love and Wonder”.  Mark your calendars ladies, because you won’t want to miss this.  Watch for more information.

2011 Disaster Relief Trip – Are you interested in going to help others rebuild their homes and lives in the wake of a natural disaster?  Would you like to share a great time of fellowship with others both within and outside our Church family?  Then we are look for you!  Please join us for the pre-planning stages of the 2011 Union Lutheran Disaster trip on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00 PM in room 201.  To volunteer for the trip, use the sign up sheet on the bulletin board.  For more information, contact Matt Krapf @ 484-239-7688.

Praise Band Rehearsal will be held on Sunday, October 17 at 9:15 AM in the Nave.

Email Addresses of College Students – Some of you have given us the address of your college students so we can send newsletters to our youth who are away at college and they can keep informed as to what is happening at Union Lutheran.  If your student would prefer receiving the information via email, please give us their email address.

Fall Basket Party will be held to benefit the Youth Mission Projects and the ELCA National Youth Gatherings.  The party will be held on Friday, October 29^th from 5:00-8:00 PM and Saturday, October 30^th from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM where we hope to have over 200 baskets, lots of food to purchase and fun as well.  You can help us make it a success by participating in the event.  The first way is by making a donation of a filled basket, gift certificate and money to purchase items for a basket.  The second way is by buying tickets for the event.  Order and pay for your tickets in advance by contacting the church and get 5 sheets of tickets for $20.00.  Tickets will also be available in the Gathering Space after each worship service on October 17^th and 24^th.  You will pick up your tickets at the door the days of the event.  If you purchase tickets at the door, you get 4 sheets of tickets for $20.00.  You will also get a free sheet of tickets for every grocery bag FULL of nonperishable food items that you bring to the event.  (All groceries will be donated to the Northern Lehigh Food Bank.)  The kitchen will be open to sell food both days.  Takeout will be available.  For questions, contact Patti Hoffman at 610-799-2528 or chefhoff@ptd.net or contact the church office.  P.S. Why not come for dinner Friday night before going trick or treating?  Anyone who comes in costume gets a treat and a chance to win a special basket.

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.

Book Club - Our next selection is “Breakfast with Budda” by Roland Merullo.  Otto a happily married, culinary book editor and skeptic is unwittingly tricked into taking his sister’s guru on a cross-country trip to settle their parents’ estate in North Dakota.  During the trip he attempts to teach him about America and American ways.  The experience allows Otto to see his world and life through someone else’s eyes.  Discussion of this book will take place on Sunday, November 7 at 9:15 AM. Join us!

Last Year, the American Cancer Society’s Lehigh Valley Unit was successful in recruiting over 50 new volunteers to drive cancer patients to treatment.  The program is called Road to Recovery ®, and the number of patients we served doubled as well as the number of ride requests.  Drivers are needed Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons.  All that is required is a good driving record, some free time, and the desire to help cancer patients in the Lehigh Valley.  Drivers may use their own cars or one of two Society vehicles.  Training is provided.  If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact Karen at 610-921-2329 or karen.schiavone@cancer.org.

Funsters – We will be attending the Jazz Cabaret at Symphony Hall on Friday, October 22 from 7:30 -10:00 PM (the doors open at 7:00 PM) in the Rodale Community Room on the 3rd floor of Symphony Hall in downtown Allentown.  The cost is $20 per person.  This includes the concert and light fare.  Interested parties can make reservations by calling the box office directly at 610-432-6715.  Box office is open Monday to Friday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  Let us know if you plan to attend by Monday, October 18 so that we can make table reservations for the group 610-261-0416 or funsters.ulc@verizon.net).

Important!! If you or a member of your family is in the hospital, please let us 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.

The Library Committee needs your help. They need someone to staff the library on the 1^st and 4^th 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.

Jesus Calls Us…to attend the Jesus Calls Us event, on Saturday, Nov 6, at Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham PA.  The keynoter is Pr. Amy Reumann, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, PA.  In addition, 17 workshops and a number of displays are planned to help us learn what it means to walk humbly with God, love kindness and do justice!  For more info, go to www.godslove.org and/or the flyer on ULC bulletin board.

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 4^th 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 8^th 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 1^st and 4^th 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.