ULCLV.org

Bulletin Headlines – January 29th 2012

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:04:12 +0000

Worship Nursery – Attention parents of our youngest members, we are searching to hire staff for the worship nursery. Until a new staff is in place, you are welcome to use the Nursery or the Cry Room with your children. If they play with any of the toys, please leave them on one of the tables so that we may sanitize them for the next week. Thanks for your understanding.

Sunday Morning Fellowship – Thank you to today’s host: Card Ministry & Rejoicing Spirits

Help wanted!

Guitar players for contemporary worship services and/or Rejoicing Spirits worship services
Head Usher (once a month at either service)
New committee members for committees such as Property, G.O.D.’s Team, Fellowship, etc.
Ring handbells
Join Union Chorale

Please share your talents with our church family. For more information or to help, please call the church office.

Spread the News! Our congregation is opening a new preschool for the 2012-13 school year. The Learning Ark Christian Preschool of Union Lutheran Church is committed to providing a Christian education in a safe and loving environment. It is a place where children can develop academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually by experiencing the Gospel in an educational setting. Join us for open houses on February 13 from 6:30-8:00 PM or February 14 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. (Snow dates February 15 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 6:30-8:00 PM). Log on to our website (ulclv.org) and click on the preschool logo to find all the exciting possibilities for your preschoolers. Don’t forget to download a brochure and registration form too! If you have any questions or for more information, please call the church office at 610-767-6884.

The Learning Ark Christian Preschool – We are pleased to announce that registration is open. If you would like to register your child for the 2012/2013 school year, please complete a registration form and return it to the church office along with the registration fee. Checks should be made payable to Union Lutheran Church. Forms will be available in the office and online at www.ulclv.org

Parent and Me Sunday School Class will be held on Sundays, beginning on February 26 and continuing through April 4, at 9:15 AM in room 204. The class is open to all children who have turned three after October 2011 or will be three before September 2012. We ask that a parent remain with their child each week to avoid any separation anxiety. To RSVP, please call the church office or email office@ulclv.org so we can be prepared to welcome your child.

EYG Movie Night/Volleyball has been rescheduled to January 29^th at 6:30 PM. We will not meet on February 5^th, since that is super bowl Sunday. As usual we will show a G rated animated movie with snacks provided for the kids. Volleyball will be held in the Family Life Center for those adults that would like to join in the game. Hope to see you there! David and Kandy Lang

Funsters – Thursday, February 9, Potluck Lunch & Storytelling – All Funsters and other interested parties are invited to gather at 11:30 AM at the church for lunch and a presentation by Kathy Long on the “Memory of Hess’s” (Allentown’s iconic Hess Brothers’ Department Store). Kathy is a well known area storyteller. Please let us know if you plan to attend (in case we need to cancel because of weather, etc.) – Stangle’s 610-261-0416/funsters.ulc@verizon.net. Speaker donations accepted

How many bowls can you fill with one empty bowl? Help us fill empty bowls for World Hunger by joining us at our 2^nd annual Souper Bowl Soup and Dessert contest, Sunday, February 5 following the 10:45 AM service. If you’ve already purchased a bowl you can pick it up then and use it for your admission to the luncheon. If you haven’t purchased a bowl you can still join us. The cost is $12.00 per person or $25.00 per family. If you are interested in coming call Cathy (570-943-3045) or the church office so we are sure to have enough soup, bread and desserts. You can purchase tickets at the door. You can also contribute by making a crock pot of your favorite soup or a tray of your favorite dessert. They will be entered into a contest and prizes will be awarded for the best soup and dessert. So if you have favorite recipes for either soup or dessert for this tasty event or can donate bread, either homemade or bought, call Cathy Smith.

Our next Book Club selection is The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. This book focuses on Alessandra, a young girl of the Renaissance, her relationship with a young painter brought to decorate the chapel walls of the family’s Florentine palazzo, her love of God, and her arranged marriage to a wealthy, much older man. Set against the turbulent fall of the Medici state and the suppression imposed by the fundamentalist monk Savonarola, who seized religious and political control of Florence. Join us Sunday, March 25 @ 9:15 AM to discuss this captivating story of love, art, religion and power.

Scouting Award Program – “God and Church” will be led by our Pastor for Scouts in grades 6-8 this spring. It will be done over three 2½ hour sessions on Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:00 PM.

The dates are April 12^th, April 26^thand May 10^th. Interested Scouts should register by contacting the church office and acquire the Student Book prior to the first session.

Do you have a love for animals? Would you like to help out a homeless pet? The youth of our church will be collecting items needed for the Lehigh County Humane Society and we need your help. There is a box in the Gathering Space to put your items. If you want to donate a monetary gift or gift card you can drop it off or send it to the church office. The items they are requesting are: White and colored 8½x11 in paper, 9×13 in clasp envelopes, expanding file folders, postage stamps, towels, sheets, blankets, paper towels, batteries, wet and dry dog/puppy and cat/kitten food, small litter boxes, non clumping cat litter, Kong toys, cat and dog scoopers, triple antibiotic ointment, dust pans, HE laundry detergent, bleach, heavy duty 33 gallon trash bags and gas gift cards. So please won’t you help us out and make an animal happy.

Nursery Caregiver Positions Open at Union Lutheran – Union Lutheran is looking for a pool of paid Nursery Caregivers to provide childcare during the late worship service from Rally Day through Pentecost. The Nursery Caregivers will work in a team of two from 10:30 AM until approximately noon. Special services or occasions may require additional scheduling of the nursery. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Some key qualifications/skills include: cleared criminal history and child-abuse background check, understanding of basic first aid, current certification in child infancy CPR or willing to obtain certification. Twenty dollars ($20) per week will be given to each attending Nursery Caregiver. The Nursery Caregiver job description is posted in the Gathering Space hallway or can be requested from the church office. If interested, please submit a resume to the church office as soon as possible.

Have you stopped at the Fair Trade Cart lately? It’s stocked with lots of products, some old favorites and some new items — especially milk chocolate bars and dark and milk chocolate hearts.

Inclement Weather Notification – You can check our website (www.ulclv); listen to B104FM or WJCS (89.3 FM); call the church office for a message; or, for severe weather information watch WFMZ Channel 8 on Service Electric Cable. Every attempt is made to hold scheduled events and worship—however, safety must be first

Important!! If you or a member of your family is in the hospital, please let us know. In order for the pastor to provide the best possible care, if you are admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital, please personally contact the pastor or the church office so that the pastor can visit you or your family member. At St Luke’s Hospital, admitted patients will be asked if they belong to a faith community and if they wish to have their clergy notified of their hospital admission. The pastoral care chaplains will make contact with the appropriate clergy member when requested.

Tuesday, April 24, – Jonah at Sight & Sound Theater and dinner at Shady Maple. Carpool or travel on your own to the Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster for Jonah at 1:00 PM. Cost $49. After the show all those interested will meet at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord for dinner. Call 800-377-1277 for theater tickets. Shows fill up quickly. There is also a Back Stage Tour available (10:00 AM for $19). For directions/more information contact Jake Hammond at (610) 799-0192.

We are up and running. Your Stephen Ministry team is very busy. We meet the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month for our supervision meeting and continuing education. If anyone in our congregation is going through a life crisis, you don’t have to walk alone. You may have a Stephen Minister to walk alongside of you. Contact Pastor Moore to make arrangements to receive a Stephen Minister. Also, we are making plans for our Spring Stephen Ministry Class which will begin March 3. If you are interested in joining our ministry, applications may be found on the round table in the Gathering Space. We ask you to fill out the application so we may schedule an interview. Also, materials must be ordered. We invite members of ULC to join us in this vital ministry.

Rejoicing Spirits at KidsPeace Weather Delay

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:16:41 +0000

The Rejoicing Spirits service at KidsPeace scheduled for today, Saturday January 21st 2012, has been postponed to Jan 28th 2012 due to inclement weather.

Bulletin Headlines – January 22nd 2012

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:33:32 +0000

Sign-up now to host Sunday Morning Fellowship. Ask a friend (or two) to partner as host/hostess with you. All you need to do is set up coffee, tea, and cold drinks, and clean up afterwards. The Fellowship Committee will provide cookies. Please help us continue this time of friendship and fellowship.

Help wanted!

Guitar players for contemporary worship services and/or Rejoicing Spirits worship services

Head Usher (once a month at either service)

New committee members for committees such as Property, G.O.D.’s Team, Fellowship, etc.

Ring handbells

Join Union Chorale

Please share your talents with our church family. For more information or to help, please call the church office.

KFC Winter Session I - “God’s Winter Wonderland” – Winter is here…the air is crisp and cold, snowflakes are starting to fall and the stars seem to twinkle brighter than ever! Come celebrate “God’s Winter Wonderland” with us! During our time together we will learn about Epiphany, God’s Season of Light! We have lots of yummy snacks, fun crafts and awesome songs to share! Preschool “Mom and Me” meets Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 AM and Elementary Class (K- 4^th grade) on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM. Registration forms are available at the church office or online at HYPERLINK “http://www.ulclv.org” www.ulclv.org. This session has begun. However, your child can still join the class. The cost is about $4.00 per class.

Did you notice a new offering envelope in your packet? “Future Building Maintenance Projects” – a new offering envelope with a red border. Why did we add a new giving opportunity to this year’s offering envelope packet? Our beautiful worship facility is now over ten years old. As with any property, maintenance is crucial. Our Property Committee and Church Council are being proactive by raising funds for anticipated maintenance. There are four envelopes in your packet, February, May, August and October. If you have any questions about this new fund, please contact Cathy Shaffer.

Reminder – Last year we changed our email address to reflect our website address. Please be sure to use the current address when you send email to the office. The address is HYPERLINK “mailto:office@ulclv.org” office@ulclv.org. Please note also that Pastor Moore’s address is HYPERLINK “mailto:pastor@ulclv.org” pastor@ulclv.org.

Parent and me teachers needed: This is a class held for six Sudays (2/26 to 4/1) for children (who turned three after October 2011 or will be three before September 2012) and their parents. Bible stories, crafts and supplies are all ready. You would just do the presentation. If you would like to help but can’t do all six Sundays, that is fine. Just let us know what Sundays you can be there. Please contact Cindy Pugh at 610-776-0451 or email at HYPERLINK “mailto:softball8@rcn.com” softball8@rcn.com to help.

New members are received three times a year – in February, April, and October. Prior to reception in the congregation, folks are asked to attend two orientation sessions and a reception with church leaders. The sessions offer information about our faith and about our congregation’s ministry base. The next sessions will be held on January 25^th & February 8^th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM with the reception with church leaders on February 12^th from 9:15 – 10:15 AM. New members will be received into our church family on February 19^th at the 8:00 or 10:45 AM worship services. To inquire about membership or to register for the Membership Orientation Sessions, contact the Church Office at 610-767-6884 or HYPERLINK “mailto:office@ulclv.org” office@ulclv.org.

Spread the News! Our congregation is opening a new preschool for the 2012-13 school year. The Learning Ark Christian Preschool of Union Lutheran Church is committed to providing a Christian education in a safe and loving environment. It is a place where children can develop academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually by experiencing the Gospel in an educational setting. Join us for open houses on February 13 from 6:30-8:00 PM or February 14 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. (Snow dates February 15 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 6:30-8:00 PM). Log on to our website (ulclv.org) and click on the preschool logo to find all the exciting possibilities for your preschoolers. Don’t forget to download a brochure and registration form too! If you have any questions or for more information, please call the church office at 610-767-6884.

Bulletin & Flower Sponsors – Each week, we ask people to sponsor bulletins and flowers for the worship services. Sign-up lists for 2012 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. 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 (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 or flower sponsor”

What is Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry is a system through which members of ULC are trained and organized to help provide Christian care giving to members of our congregation and community. This will multiply the amount of caring ministry ULC can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life. We are recruiting both males and females for our 2012 class. We are asking members of ULC to consider becoming part of our Stephen Ministry Team. Please contact Joan Fredericks or Irene Folk and we will be glad to answer any of your questions.

Funsters – Thursday, February 9, Pot luck Lunch & Storytelling – All Funsters and other interested parties are invited to gather at 11:30 AM at the church for lunch and a presentation by Kathy Long on the “Memory of Hess’s” (Allentown’s iconic Hess Brothers’ Department Store). Kathy is a well known area storyteller. Please let us know if you plan to attend (in case we need to cancel because of weather, etc.) – Stangle’s HYPERLINK “mailto:610-261-0416/funsters.ulc@verizon.net” 610-261-0416/funsters.ulc@verizon.net. Speaker donations accepted.

The Fair Trade Cart has been restocked with coffees, teas (including Rooibos) and hot chocolate mix. Check out the milk chocolate bars, and milk and dark chocolate hearts. Hint, hint – February 14 is Valentine’s Day. Be sure to check out the assortment.

Bulletin Headlines – January 15th 2012

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:15:28 +0000

Help wanted!

Guitar players for contemporary worship services and/or Rejoicing Spirits worship services
Head Usher (once a month at either service)
New committee members for committees such as Property, G.O.D.’s Team, Fellowship, etc.
Ring handbells
Join Union Chorale

Please share your talents with our church family. For more information or to help, please call the church office.

Blanket Sunday: January 22^nd- Every year, Church World Service distributes thousands of blankets to the homeless and victims of severe storms in the United States and throughout the world as part of their Blanket Program. You can be a part of this ministry by sponsoring a blanket(s) at a cost of $5.00 each. Please put your donation in an envelope and either bring it to the church office or drop it in the offering plate. If you would like to dedicate your donation in memory of or in honor of someone, please indicate on the back of the envelope. Deadline for donations is today. A list of donors will appear in the January 22^nd bulletin.

How many bowls can you fill with one empty bowl? Help us fill empty bowls for World Hunger by joining us at our 2^nd annual Souper Bowl Soup and Desert contest, Sunday, February 5 following the 10:45 AM service. If you’ve already purchased a bowl you can pick it up that day and use it for your admission and your soup. If you haven’t purchased a bowl you can still join us for the lunch, the cost is $12.00 per person or $25.00 per family. You can also contribute by making a crock pot of your favorite soup or a tray of your favorite desert. The soups and deserts will be entered into a contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best soup and desert. So if you have some favorite recipes for either soup or desert for this tasty event or can donate bread either homemade or bought give Cathy Smith a call at 570-943-3045.

Parent and Me Sunday School Class will be held on Sundays, beginning on February 26 and continuing through April 4, at 9:15 AM in room 204. The class is open to all children who have turned three after October 2011 or will be three before September 2012. We ask that a parent remain with their child each week to avoid any separation anxiety. To RSVP, please call the church office or email the office@ulclv.org so we can be prepared to welcome your child.

Reminder – Last year we changed our email address to reflect our website address. Please be sure to use the current address when you send email to the office. The address is office@ulclv.org. Please note also that Pastor Moore’s address is pastor@ulclv.org.

Bean Bag Players Wanted – The Journeymen are looking for men with a good aim and a good throwing arm. We need participants to join us as we practice and then invite other groups to have a Men’s Bean-Bag Tournament. We will begin our practice sessions Wednesday January 18 at 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center. We will have different guest teams invited for a session February 15, March 20 and April 18 with a playoff on May 16. Join us for some fellowship and fun. We will have refreshments available

KFC Winter Session I - “God’s Winter Wonderland” – This session begins Tuesday, January 24^th. Winter is here…the air is crisp and cold, snowflakes are starting to fall and the stars seem to twinkle brighter than ever! Come celebrate “God’s Winter Wonderland” with us! During our time together we will learn about Epiphany, God’s Season of Light! We have lots of yummy snacks, fun crafts and awesome songs to share! Preschool “Mom and Me” meets Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 AM and Elementary Class (K- 4^th grade) on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM. Registration forms are available at the church office or online at www.ulclv.org

The Fair Trade Cart has been restocked with coffees, teas (including Rooibos) and hot chocolate mix. On order are milk chocolate bars, and milk and dark chocolate hearts. Hint, hint – February 14 is Valentine’s Day. Be sure to check out the assortment.

Bulletin & Flower Sponsors – Each week, we ask people to sponsor bulletins and flowers for the worship services. Sign-up lists for 2012 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. 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 (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 or flower sponsor”.

Stephen Ministry Team will meet Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 PM in room 201. Pastor Moore will conduct the Supervision Session. Following that, the team will continue to study T-19, Ministry to the Dying, Their Family and Friends. Applications for Stephen Ministry, which will be starting a new class, can be found on the round table in the Gathering Space. Prayer: God of mercy, you have blessed us each with unique gifts and called us all to ministry. As we look to train a new class of Stephen Ministers, there are those among us whom you blessed with gifts of compassion, patience, faith, mercy, and encouragement. Work in the hearts of these individuals so that they may know if you are calling them now to Stephen Ministry. We ask this through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen

January 8th Bulletin Headlines

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:28:34 +0000

Bulletin & Flower Sponsors – Each week, we ask people to sponsor bulletins and flowers for the worship services. Sign-up lists for 2012 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. 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 (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 or flower sponsor”.

Help wanted!

Guitar players for contemporary worship services and/or Rejoicing Spirits worship services
Head Usher (once a month at either service)
Run our Power Point presentation, on a rotating basis, during the Contemporary Worship service
New committee members for committees such as Property, G.O.D.’s Team, Fellowship, etc.
Ring handbells
Join Union Chorale

Please share your talents with our church family. For more information or to help, please call the church office.

Blanket Sunday: January 22^nd- Every year, Church World Service distributes thousands of blankets to the homeless and victims of severe storms in the United States and throughout the world as part of their Blanket Program. You can be a part of this ministry by sponsoring a blanket(s) at a cost of $5.00 each. Please put your donation in an envelope and either bring it to the church office or drop it in the offering plate. If you would like to dedicate your donation in memory of or in honor of someone, please indicate on the back of the envelope. Deadline for donations is January 15^th. A list of donors will appear in the January 22^nd bulletin.

2^nd Annual Soup off for World Hunger - Join us for our 2^nd annual soup contest. Due to lots of requests we’re adding a dessert contest. If you’d like to order a hand thrown pottery bowl and haven’t ordered one yet, call Cathy. The bowls will be made by the Baum School of Art. They will be $12.00. Once we know how many bowls need to be glazed (painted) we will schedule times for the glazing (painting). The proceeds from the luncheon will go toward World Hunger. Your bowl can be used as admission to the luncheon. This event is planned for Sun., Feb. 5 following the 10:45 service. Prizes for the best soup and dessert will be awarded. If you’d like to make a crock of soup or a tray of deserts or bring a loaf of bread or have any questions contact Cathy Smith 570-943-3045.

Recycle your Christmas Cards – Do you have cards you do not want to save? Bring them to church for our card ministry to use to make new cards. Put the cards in the box in the Gathering Space.

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner – The Journeymen, the men’s ministry group of Union Lutheran Church, will hold their annual Chicken Pot Pie Dinner in the Family Life Center on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 4:30-7:00 PM. th> Discounted advance tickets can be purchased or in the church office during normal business hours. Cost: adults-$8 advance; $10 at the door; children 12 and under-$5. NO TICKETS WILL BE RESERVED. Takeout will also be available. A limited number of dinners will be sold, so buying tickets in advance is highly recommended or you may miss out! This is the Journeymen’s most popular fundraising event of the year, and all proceeds will be donated to a charitable cause. For more information, contact the church office at: 610-767-6884.

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.

Funsters Activity Planning Meeting on Thursday, January 12. The Funsters, a church sponsored group, focused on activities and fellowship opportunities for “ Senior Adults” within the church and community, will meet to plan events for the Spring following a buffet lunch at LCTI. All “Funsters” interested in helping to plan and coordinate events for the group are welcome. To make a reservation for the lunch, please contact us (610-261-0416/funsters.ulc@verizon.net) no later than Sunday, January 8. If you are interested in helping or just have a suggestion for an activity but cannot make the meeting, please get back to us with your comments and/or suggestions before the meeting.

Parent and Me Sunday School Class will held on Sundays, beginning on February 26 and continuing through April 4, at 9:15 AM in room 204. The class is open to all children who have turned three after October 2011 or will be three before September 2012. We ask that a parent remain with their child each week to avoid any separation anxiety. To RSVP, please call the church office or email the office at ulclv.org so we can be prepared to welcome your child.

January Book Club – Join us today at 9:15 AM to discuss Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, Pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Nebraska. Pastor Burpo’s 4 year old son, Colton, emerged from life-threatening surgery with astounding details about heaven! Colton’s account includes looking down to see the doctor operating, seeing his dad praying in the hospital, and meeting relatives who died before he was born. Hope you can join us!

Stephen Ministry - Have you ever wondered why you had to go through some rough times? Did you deserve this? Was it a punishment? Was it just something that happened? Sometimes that is a difficult question to answer and we never figure it out. Each of us has gone through a time of trial and also a time of learning. You can use those experiences in service to your church, through Stephen Ministry. Learn It From Experience – you have a special gift. If you are looking for a rewarding ministry, consider Stephen Ministry. Applications are in the Gathering Space plus we will be glad to sit down with you to answer any questions you may have. If you want to submit a written question, drop it off at the office, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Bean Bag Players Wanted – The Journeymen are looking for men with a good aim and a good throwing arm. We need participants to join us as we practice and then invite other groups to have a Men’s Bean-Bag Tournament. In 2012 we hope to begin our practice sessions Wednesday January 18 at 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center. We will have different guest teams invited for a session February 15, March 20 and April 18 with a playoff on May 16. Join us for some fellowship and fun. We will have refreshments available.

Council Meeting Minutes – December 2011

Melissa — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:05:36 +0000

Union Evangelical Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

December 19, 2011

Present: Chuck Allison, Brian Bucks, Sinjin Cavosi, Patty Hersh, Patti Hoffman, Karin Jagiela, Jim Mason, Melissa Metzger, Cindy Pugh, Linda Sell, Bill Zwickl, Rev. Dennis Moore

Absent: Joe Burke, Chris Pirrotta, Emily Steward

Visitors: Cathy Shaffer; CAT Students: Chad Cederberg, C.J. Young; Deb Clay-Alston, Jeff Sweigart, Skie Kramp

Opening Activities:

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by President Melissa Metzger

Devotions led by Jim Mason

Approval of Minutes:

Motion made to approve the November 21, 2011 minutes: Bill/2^nd Chuck .

Financial Review:

Comparison of November 2011 year-to-date Income Statement to prior year:

General giving is up +0.40% ($370,355 vs. $368,873) YTD. November general

giving was up +3.28% versus November of last year. Change appears more

due to light November period last year.

Expenses are down by -8.8%, Office Expense up +23.51%, Property up

+13.09%, Benevolence/Programming down -28.10% and Mortgage down

-18.62%.

c. Net unrestricted available cash as of November 30^th is $139,439.80.

Unfinished Business:

Mission Statement – to be brought forward at the February 2012 Congregational Meeting.

Copier Replacement – Advanced Business Equipment has offered a reduced price of $6,970.00 (a savings of $500.00 of original proposal) if we pay and install in 2011. There are two options of payment:

Option 1 Option 2

1500 bazaar fund earmarked for server 1500 office equip. escrow savings

1500 office equip. escrow savings 5470 or balance-current fund

1489.18 Snyder interest fund excess

2480.82 or balance –current fund excess

6970.00 6970.00

Motion made to purchase and install new copier before the end of 2011 by using Option 1 as payment: Brian/2^nd Patti

Server Update – New server has been installed.

New Business:

Bishop Zeiser and Pr. Gene Handwerk, Associate of the Bishop, explained the steps related to formal disciplinary action within a congregation should the Council decide to pursue this avenue, and offered continued support to the Council.

Church Chat cancelled for December 25, 2011.

Council expressed its thanks to Karin Jagiela, Joe Burke, Linda Sell and Bill Zwickl for their faithful service to the congregation as elected members of Council.

Committee Communication – Motions/Actions:

Pastor Moore – Motion made to remove Robert and Jennifer Arciere, Julia and Andrew from the roll due to moving to Virginia and to transfer Richard, Eileen, Stephanie and Samantha Saffron to Hope Lutheran, Cherryville: Pastor/2^nd Bill 10 yes, 2 no .

Motion made to give a cash gift of $200.00 each to our two Financial Secretaries at the end of the year out of the Contingency Fund: Linda/2^nd Jim .

Motion made that council designate that up to $20,000.00 of Pastor Moore’s 2012 compensation be designated as “housing allowance”: Linda/2^nd Bill .

Council would like to express their sincere thanks to Pr. Herb Gifford for completing a second term on the Union Cemetery Board. Motion made that Darryl Geiger be appointed as his replacement: Pastor/2^nd Linda

We received a $200.00 donation from Neff’s Bank for our community involvement. After discussion, motion made to designate the $200.00 donated from Neff’s Bank be used to purchase gift cards during the year for anyone in need. Pastor/2^nd Patty

Property Committee – Chuck Allison: Written report. No action for council.

Youth Ministry – Patti Hoffman: Written report. No action for council.

Christian Stewardship – Jim Mason: Written report. Motion made by the Stewardship committee to dissolve the escrow fund that was being used for the interim associate pastor, and return the funds to the unrestricted Gerneral Fund: Cindy/2^nd Patti

Motion made by Bruce Ritter and seconded by Pastor Moore to recommend to council that we continue to sponsor missionaries via the ELCA Missionary Sponsorship in the amount of $1,000.00 from the mission interest portion of the Living Legacy Fund.

No Committee Meetings:

Staff Support – Bill Zwickl

Social Ministry – Patty Hersh

Worship & Music – Brian Bucks

GOD’s Team – Linda Sell

Communication – Chris Pirrotta

Memorial Gifts – Joe Burke

Union Board – Patty Hersh

Library – Karin Jagiela

Fellowship – Emily Steward/Sinjin Cavosi

Christian Education – Cindy Pugh

Correspondence:

Lutheran Congregational Services sent us a Thank You for our donation of $500.00 (this is a budgeted item).

Look ahead to:

Council Fellowship Gathering – December 28, 2011 – Hoffman Residence

Council Retreat – Saturday, January 7, 2012 – 9:00am.

Regular Council Meeting – January 16, 2012 – 7:00pm

Closing Prayer:

The meeting was adjourned following The Lord’s Prayer

Motion to adjourn: Linda/2^nd Karin

Respectfully Submitted,

Cindy Pugh

Secretary, Church Council

Council Meeting Minutes – November 2011

Melissa — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:04:18 +0000

Union Evangelical Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

November 21, 2011

Present: Brian Bucks, Joe Burke, Sinjin Cavosi, Patty Hersh, Patti Hoffman, Karin Jagiela, Jim Mason, Melissa Metzger, Chris Pirrotta, Cindy Pugh, Emily Steward, Bill Zwickl

Absent: Chuck Allison, Linda Sell, Rev. Dennis Moore

Visitor: Cathy Shaffer

Opening Activities:

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by President Melissa Metzger

Devotions led by Joe Burke

Approval of Minutes:

Motion made to approve the October 17, 2011 minutes: Cindy/2ndPatti

Financial Review:

Comparison of October 2011 year-to-date Income Statement to prior year:

a. General giving is up +0.13% ($337,479 vs. $337,042) YTD. October general

giving was down -16.3% versus October of last year. The fifth Sunday in

October 2011 had snow; attendance and giving down significantly.

b. Expenses are down by -10.09% (Personnel down -5.61% ($171,783 vs.

$181,990), Office Expense down -24.76% ($11,153 vs. $14,823), Property up

+36.28% ($53,963 vs. $39,598), Benevolence/Programming down -28.10%

($14,268 vs. $19,843) and Mortgage down -18.25% ($43,748 vs. $53,516).

c. Net unrestricted available cash as of October 30^th is $129,934.97.

Unfinished Business:

Mission Statement – to be brought forward at the February 2012 Congregational Meeting.

Council Christmas Party – Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 6:00pm to be held at the Hoffman’s House.

Advent/10^th Anniversary Celebration – There will be a preparation day on Saturday, December 3, 2011 starting at 9:00am. Committees have been responding to the request of doing something (song, poem, skit, etc.) or helping to serve food. December 4, 2011 will start after second service in the FLC.

New Business:

2012 Budget – Committed giving line was updated to include additional cards submitted.

Council Nomination Update – There are six seats open and seven nominees. Motion made to accept the seven nominees as recommended by the Nominating Committee: Patti/2^nd Karin

Server Update – Our computer server died in the last snow storm. Replacement of the server is covered under insurance. It was ordered and will be installed in December. Deductible will be covered by last month’s motion to fund server.

Spiritual Gifting – When a new member joins, they are given an Assessment Tool booklet that has questions to see where they may fit to the service of God and our church. Each council member was asked to do one. Cathy Shaffer tallied the booklet and went through and explained what the results meant and how our talents fit the church.

Stephen Ministry Banner location – Stephen Ministry purchased a banner and wanted councils approval to be able to hang it and where. Council chose the Gathering Space to the right of the clock. Motion made to approve the placement of the Stephen Ministry Banner in the Gathering Space to the right of the clock: Patty/2^nd Karin

Committee Communication – Motions/Action:

Pastor Moore – Motion made to transfer Wendy (Geiger) Tolan and daughter Brielle to Nativity Lutheran, Allentown: Patti/2^nd Jim

The revised New Member orientation process was reviewed. No questions or concerns voiced.

Motion made to accept the role status as recommended by God’s Team: Chris/2^nd Bill

Tentative date for Council reorganization is Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Staff Support – Bill Zwickl: Written report. No action for council.

Property – Chuck Allison: Written report. No action for council. Question made as to why Associations were denied usage of the FLC. Zumba wanted every Sunday and Tuesday – our Elementary Youth Group uses the FLC two Sundays out of the month. Property Committee was asked to contact the Zumba group to see if they would like to either use two Sundays or use another date. Schnecksville Playground Assoc wanted to have a soft ball clinic and use the actual softballs which could damage the walls and possibly break windows.

Youth Ministry – Patti Hoffman: Written report. No action for council.

Social Ministry – Patty Hersh: Verbal report. No action for council.

Worship and Music – Brian Bucks: Written report. No action for council.

God’s Team – Linda Sell: Written report. No action for council.

Communication – Chris Pirrotta: Verbal report. No action for council. Discussion of the web site structure and possible updates.

Christian Education – Cindy Pugh: Written report. No action for council. Cindy will take to Committee the possibility of changing the time of Sunday School to 9:30am to 10:30am. If this goes through will discuss with Worship and Music. Cindy will continue as Coordinator of Sunday School with help of a core group.

Library – Karin Jagiela: Written report. No action for council.

Fellowship – Emily Steward/Sinjin Cavosi: Written report. No action for council.

Christian Stewardship – Written report. No action for council.

No Committee Meetings:

Memorial Gifts – Joe Burke

Union Board – Patty Hersh

Correspondence:

Cathy Shaffer – the copier in the office is starting to show its wear and tear. She would like council to consider replacing it. Was decided we would table discussion until December meeting.

Lutheran Congregational Services – They are requesting us to support their efforts by giving a monetary contribution. We do this already and if would like to increase the amount it must be voted on by the Congregation.

Rejoicing Spirits in Exton – This is the main headquarters. They would like us to set aside funds for 2012 to support the large effort of this program. This will be referred to Worship and Music.

Look ahead to:

Church Chat – Sunday, November 27, 2011 – 9:00am

Regular Council Meeting – December 19, 2011 – 7:00pm

Council Fellowship Gathering – December 28, 2011 – Hoffman Residence

Closing Prayer:

The meeting was adjourned following The Lord’s Prayer

Motion to adjourn: Patty/2^nd Patti

Respectfully Submitted,

Cindy Pugh

Secretary, Church Council

Celebrate Christmas 2011!

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:38:38 +0000

On Saturday, December 24th, there will be four Christmas Eve Services.

The 3:00 and 5:00 PM services will not be candlelight service.
The 5:00 PM service will feature our Youth Singers.
The 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM services will be candlelight services.
The 8:00 PM service will feature our Glory Ringers, Union Winds and Praise Band.
The 11:00 PM service will feature our Union Winds and Union Chorale.

Holy Communion will be offered at all services. Please plan to join us at one of these services and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Christmas Day Worship – Join us for worship on Christmas Day at 10:00 AM. Christian Education and Church Chat will not be held on Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas!

Bulletin Headlines – Dec 25th 2011

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:36:05 +0000

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.

Worship Nursery – Attention parents of our youngest members, we are actively searching to hire staff for the worship nursery. Until a new staff is in place, please know that you are welcome to use the Nursery or the Cry Room with your children. If they play with any of the toys, please leave them on one of the tables so that we may sanitize them for the next week. Thanks for your understanding.

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner – The Journeymen, the men’s ministry group of Union Lutheran Church, will hold their annual Chicken Pot Pie Dinner in the Family Life Center on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 4:30-7:00 PM. th> Discounted advance tickets can be purchased in the Gathering Space before and after both services on January 1^st and January 8^th, or in the church office during normal business hours. Cost: adults-$8 advance; $10 at the door; children 12 and under-$5. NO TICKETS WILL BE RESERVED. Takeout will also be available. A limited number of dinners will be sold, so buying tickets in advance is highly recommended or you may miss out! This is the Journeymen’s most popular fundraising event of the year, and all proceeds will be donated to a charitable cause. For more information, contact the church office at: 610-767-6884.

Bean Bag Players Wanted – The Journeymen are looking for men with a good aim and a good throwing arm. We need participants to join us as we practice and then invite other groups to have a Men’s Bean-Bag Tournament. In 2012 we hope to begin our practice sessions Wednesday January 18 at 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center. We will have different guest teams invited for a session February 15, March 20, April 18 with a playoff May 16. Join us for some fellowship and fun. We will have refreshments available.

From Your Stephen Ministry Team – These Gifts We Give-a relationship which is compassionate, faith filled, skilled, trustworthy. If at this time of year, the world seems to be closing in on you and instead of warmth you are greeted with a coolness of the heart with no one to talk to, no one who will listen. ULC has a team of volunteers ready to walk alongside women of the congregation. Contact the Pastor about establishing a relationship with a Stephen Minister. A blessed Christmas to all from your Stephen Minister Team

Women’s Retreat – Wishing you could sneak away for a relaxing time at the beach? We’ve got the perfect plan! SeaSide Escape is a relaxing beach-themed retreat the women of our church are doing together. It includes worship, Bible study, and time for laughter as well as time for quiet reflection. We will begin on the evening of January 13, 2012 at 6:30 PM and will finish by 3:00 PM on January 14. Our retreat will be held at the St. Francis Center for Renewal in Bethlehem, and the cost is only $75.00 per person! This covers a brunch on Saturday, fun and refreshing activities and a private room. Call Lois Steward at 610-767-5808 for more information, or stop by the registration table to register for the retreat following the 8:00 and 10:45 AM services today in the Gathering Space. A limited number of scholarships will be available. (For information on a scholarship, contact Lois.) We will also be selling gift certificates to give to that someone you just have no idea what to get this Christmas. Every woman that registers for the retreat will have her name submitted for a chance at winning a Gift Certificate to cover her cost of the retreat. A Winner will be chosen after the registration deadline of January 2, 2012 and will be notified by phone or e-mail. Take time to relax, to make new friends, to worship, and bask in the warmth of God’s presence. We hope you’ll join us at the SeaSide Escape. It will be a retreat you’re sure to remember!

Inclement Weather Notification – You can check our website (www.ulclv); listen to WAEB, B104FM or WJCS (89.3 FM); call the church office for a message; or, for severe weather information watch WFMZ Channel 8 on Service Electric Cable. Every attempt is made to hold scheduled events and worship—however, safety must be first.

Can you press a button? Then you are the person we need! We are looking for a few people who can run our Power Point presentation on a rotating basis during the monthly Contemporary Worship service. If interested, talk to Cathy in the church office!

January Book Club – Join us Sunday, January 8 at 9:15 AM to discuss Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, Pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Nebraska. Pastor Burpo’s 4 year old son, Colton, emerged from life-threatening surgery with astounding details about heaven! Colton’s account includes looking down to see the doctor operating, seeing his dad praying in the hospital, and meeting relatives who died before he was born. Hope you can join us for what’s sure to be a lively discussion!

Funsters’ Activity Planning Meeting on Thursday, January 12. The Funsters, a church sponsored group, focused on activities and fellowship opportunities for “ Senior Adults” within the church and community, will meet to plan events for the Spring following a buffet lunch at LCTI. All “Funsters” interested in helping to plan and coordinate events for the group are welcome. To make a reservation for the lunch, please contact us (610-261-0416/funsters.ulc@verizon.net) no later than Sunday, January 8. If you are interested in helping or just have a suggestion for an activity but cannot make the meeting, please get back to us with your comments and/or suggestions before the meeting.

The Learning Ark Christian Preschool – We are pleased to announce that registration opened on December 15. If you would like to register your child for the 2012/2013 school year, please complete a registration form and return it to the church office along with the registration fee. Checks should be made payable to Union Lutheran Church. Forms will be available in the office and online at www.ulclv.org

Bulletin Headlines – December 18th 2011

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:26:57 +0000

2^nd Annual Soup off for World Hunger- Join us for our 2^nd annual soup contest. Due to lots of requests we’re adding a desert contest. If you’d like to order a hand thrown pottery bowl and haven’t ordered one yet, call Cathy. The bowls will be made by the Baum School of Art they will be $12.00. Once we know how many bowls need to be glazed (painted) we will schedule times for the glazing (painting). The proceeds from the luncheon will go toward World Hunger. Your bowl can be used as admission to the luncheon. This event is planned for Sun., Feb. 5 following the 10:45. Prizes for the best soup and desert will be awarded. If you’d like to make a crock of soup or a tray of deserts or bring a loaf of bread or have any questions contact Cathy Smith 570-943-3045.

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.

The UELC Advent Devotional Guide for 2011 is available. These daily mediations were written by members of the congregation to enrich our personal and family devotions throughout the Advent-Epiphany season. Please take only one per family.

Christmas Eve Ushers are needed for the 3:00 and 5:00 PM services. Communion Assistants are needed for the 3:00 and 5:00 PM. To sign up, please use the chart on the hallway bulletin board.

Needed: 4-6 persons willing to be procession leaders at the 8:00 and 11:00 PM Christmas Eve services. While experience in dance isn’t necessary, it will require some dance-like steps/movement. One rehearsal will be necessary. If interested, please call the office ASAP.

Christmas Eve Services – On Saturday, December 24^th, there will be four Christmas Eve Services. The 3:00 and 5:00 PM services will not be candlelight service. The 5:00 PM service will feature our Youth Singers. The 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM services will be candlelight services. The 8:00 PM service will feature our Glory Ringers, Union Winds and Praise Band and the 11:00 PM service will feature our Union Winds and Union Chorale. Holy Communion will be offered at all services. Please plan to join us at one of these services and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Christmas Day Worship – Join us for worship on Christmas Day at 10:00 AM.

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner – The Journeymen, the men’s ministry group of Union Lutheran Church, will hold their annual Chicken Pot Pie Dinner in the Family Life Center on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 4:30-7:00 PM. th> Discounted advance tickets can be purchased in the Gathering Space before and after both services on January 1^st and January 8^th, or in the church office during normal business hours. Cost: adults-$8 advance; $10 at the door; children 12 and under-$5. NO TICKETS WILL BE RESERVED. Takeout will also be available. A limited number of dinners will be sold, so buying tickets in advance is highly recommended or you may miss out! This is the Journeymen’s most popular fundraising event of the year, and all proceeds will be donated to a charitable cause. For more information, contact the church office at: 610-767-6884.

Rejoicing Spirits Worship Service will be held Sunday, December 18 at 2:30 PM. The informal service is directed to people with young children, developmental disabilities, etc. We’ve designed an adapted worship service to engage these individuals, along with their caregivers, families and other supportive members in the community. We have created an environment that is accepting and welcoming to all children of God. The service includes lots of music and joyous singing; brief, meaningful messages; love-filled community; fellowship opportunities; light refreshments. Interaction and free expression are welcome during Rejoicing Spirits worship services. We have a “no shushing” policy. Everyone in the community is welcome and all faiths are welcome.

YAMS! Sunday School is having their 2^nd annual Yam contest. ULC needs 300 cans for Thanksgiving and 300 cans for Christmas for the Northern Lehigh Food Bank. The classroom(s) with the most yams will have a party in their classroom on Jan 8^th. There is a bulletin board in the classroom hallway monitoring the race. So tell your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and let’s see how many classrooms will win.

Thank you to everyone who allowed their name to appear on the ballet for election of members to Church Council. The following are the people you elected: Skie Kramp for 1 year; Deb Clay-Alston, Kathy Danish, Deb Geiger, Jim Mason and Jeff Sweigart for 3 years.

Elementary Youth Group (EYG) Christmas Party, today, 6:00 – 7:30 PM – Please join us in the Family Life Center to celebrate the joys of Christmas! Lots of fun will be in store for all of the children. We will have a gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift of $15 value that would be for a boy or a girl. Each child needs one gift and will go home with one gift. We look forward to a wonderful party! Due to the amazing response to our Halloween Party, please RSVP to David and Kandy Lang @ kandykandy033@yahoo.com if you are planning on attending.

Bean Bag Players Wanted – The Journeymen are looking for men with a good aim and a good throwing arm. We need participants to join us as we practice and then invite other groups to have a Men’s Bean-Bag Tournament. In 2012 we hope to begin our practice sessions Wednesday January 18 at 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center. We will have different guest teams invited for a session February 15, March 20, April 18 with a playoff May 16. Join us for some fellowship and fun. We will have refreshments available

Your Stephen Ministries Leaders would like to say, we are so proud of our first Stephen Ministers. They have already put countless hours in their training period and now present themselves for commissioning. Their dedication and participation was evidence of their commitment to this project. Please, as you see your new Stephen Ministers, acknowledge all they have accomplished. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Also, please know, your Stephen Ministry is up and running, walking alongside fellow members of Union Lutheran. A special thank you goes to: Mr. and Mrs. Leon Grim, for our banner, Patti Hoffman for the lettering on our certificates, Shirley and Cathy for coming to our aid, Dale Johnson for the staining of the dowels for our banner. Last but not least thank you to Pastor Moore for his direction. From Joan Fredericks and Irene Folk, “congratulations to the First Stephen Ministers at Union Lutheran. All of you have done an outstanding job and you are a credit to the congregation”.

2^nd Annual Soup off for World Hunger: Join us for our 2^nd annual soup contest. Due to lots of requests, we’re adding a dessert contest. If you’d like to order a hand thrown pottery soup bowl, made by the Baum School of Art, they will be $12.00. We will be taking orders. Once we know how many bowls need to be glazed, we will schedule times for the glazing (when you will be decorating your own bowl). The proceeds from the luncheon will go toward World Hunger. Your bowl can be used as admission to the luncheon. This event is planned for Sunday, February 5 following the 10:45 AM worship service. Prizes for the best soup and dessert will be awarded. If you’d like to make a crock of soup or a tray of desserts or have any questions, contact Cathy Smith 570-943-3045.