Hamilton Park

The Watch                                                                                                                 February, 2012

 

“THINKING OUT LOUD”

 

“That which was old is new again.”  I know there’s a song in there somewhere!  For Hamilton Park Church, however, there’s a bit of excitement and sentimentality, too.  How many of our members and friends realize that the first worship services in our history were held in the space we know as Maugans Chapel, or that “the chapel” was actually the first Hamilton Park Church (E & R), or that, instead of pews, the worshipers sat on wooden folding-chairs?  Someone near and dear to my own heart learned the fine art of “acolyting” in that space, and was also Confirmed there.  He’s not the only one.  An informal survey would give you a feel for how many of our current members have such fond memories.

 

Following a unanimous decision of our Worship Planning Committee, we will again hold our 8 a.m. worship services in Maugans Chapel, beginning on the first Sunday in Lent, February 26^th.  Our sense is that this smaller group of worshipers will experience a deeper feeling of community when meeting in this more intimate setting.  The space does hold sixty people quite comfortably, so don’t hang back, thinking you might be crowded …. not gonna happen!  And those wooden folding-chairs have been replaced by padded chairs ….. softer than the wooden pews in our sanctuary!  There’s a keyboard for hymn-singing and the space can very quickly be converted into Sunday School space following the service.

 

Dick Shiley has made an offer to gather old photos from those first days and create a display to be enjoyed during the first few weeks of this new venture.  If you have photos of events in the chapel – early worship services, meals and other social events, speakers, etc. – that you would be willing to loan, give them to Dick or Cathy Shiley.  Be sure to put your name on the back and they will be returned to you.

 

There will be an exception to this switch to the chapel for the 8 a.m. service – our Easter Sunday 8 and 10:30 a.m. services will both be held in the main sanctuary, with the early morning Easter Vigil in the chapel.

 

Please join us regularly for worship services at Hamilton Park UCC, whether in the chapel or the sanctuary.  You are an important part of our worshiping community!

 

Blessings,

 

FROM THE FRONT OFFICE                                                                                             

 

Donna and I are headed south to Sarasota, Florida for the month.  As I see it, one of the benefits of semi-retirement is joining others of the same age in a warmer climate for an extended period of time.   Last year we located a condo on line and rented it and the land lord must have thought we kept the place in good order because he has permitted us to return.

 

There is something about getting away that rejuvenates and restores the body and soul.  Not only is the setting different, but the pace changes too.  And while we remain in touch through phone and e-mail, we are separated. 

 

One of the things we learned last year was that reducing the size of the living quarters and eliminating the outside work are very attractive alternatives.  While we’re not quite ready to put the For Sale sign on the front lawn of our home, we are very much open to the fact that as we age, our needs change and our surroundings can too.

 

The forecasters are not calling for severe winter weather in the northeast, so I doubt we’re escaping from any major accumulations of snow.  But it is pleasant to enjoy warmer temperatures and exchange coats and gloves for shorts and sandals.

 

All this is to say, that whatever phase of life, whatever age one might be, there are good things to look forward to and good times to be celebrated.  Appreciate the moment and celebrate the One who has given us life itself. 

 

Upon our return we will have entered the season of Lent.  May God bless and keep you until that time when we rejoin the fellowship of Hamilton Park UCC. 

 

Pastor Jack

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A NOTE FROM THE CONSISTORY PRESIDENT

 

There is a lot of work going on in all aspects of church life already this year.  I want to thank all the hard working people on Consistory, the committees, and Pastors Cathy and Jack.  Recently, the Long Range Planning committee formulated a letter and submitted it to the Finance and Personnel committee.  This letter was to request Finance and Personnel to evaluate the current status of the church in regards to aspects of worship and staffing needs.  Their assistance will allow the LRP committee to work on our original plan of visioning for the future.  Please assist us in taking the time to fill out the evaluations, etc., in order to allow us to vision meaningfully for HPUCC.  Special thanks to Pastor Jack who is coordinating this effort with the LRP committee, and to Susan Minasian who has been giving her extra time in documenting our thoughts in the past several meetings.

 

On another note, Pastor Cathy has generously offered to revamp our Wednesday morning prayer sessions. The group felt that the program had become somewhat mundane, so she has taken extra time and now delivers a more meaningful Wednesday morning session of prayers for which I personally thank her. Come join us for a great way to spiritually start your morning!  We have coffee and donuts too!

 

Did you know that Consistory consists currently of 16 members, in addition to Pastors Cathy and Jack?  Our seminarian Jennifer Fair attends also. We do still have one slot available. Our business is guided by the requests of the committees in the church and on behalf of the majority of the congregation.  There are times when the President or Pastors designate a special committee for a special purpose.  For example …. In the past we had a Transition committee to research for the pastor position and an Audit committee to audit the church’s financial books. Currently, we have an Open and Affirming committee for study in that process and the Long Range Planning committee for a visioning plan.  There are numerous people in the congregation representing all of our various committees and I thank them for their ongoing hard work.  If you would like to join in any of the endeavors of the church, please contact me or one of the Pastors.

 

Blessings to All,

 

Cindy Shirk, President of the Consistory

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A REPORT FROM THE OPEN AND AFFIRMING STEERING COMMITTEE
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

The Open and Affirming (ONA) Steering Committee met for the third time on Sunday, December 11, 2011. As we have discussed next steps in the process, we have reflected on the part of our “Mission Statement” that says: “Hamilton Park United Church of Christ is an open faith community of God’s people. . . . . “  The Committee members shared the impression that many in our congregation seem to believe that this statement already expresses our commitment to the dignity and equality of all people in terms of sexual identity and gender diversity and that we are currently and intentionally welcoming them into our fellowship. However, we also sensed that for some members of our congregation the term “affirming” may mean that we are expanding our understanding of who is actively welcomed to join us as full participants in the life of this church.  In order to clarify where we stand as a congregation, we will continue to offer opportunities to educate ourselves in the ONA process as recommended by the United Church of Christ. We will engage in guided conversations to examine how biblical, psychological and cultural sources help us better understand our sexual and spiritual lives. Our hope is that we can come to a consensus on this important issue as we think about the future of Hamilton Park UCC.

Sixty people attended the January 8th showing of the film “For the Bible Tells Me So” and follow-up discussion!  Our next event will take place after church on February 26th. We will host a pizza lunch and a presentation and discussion on the topic, “how we interpret the Bible,” led by Dr. Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary.  Childcare will be provided (as long as people sign up ahead of time to let us know they need it!). On March 25th, we will have a third event after church in which our own Dr. Frank Stalfa, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary, will lead a session on “the church and human sexuality.”  In April, we will bring to our church a panel of folks from churches in the area who have gone through the Open and Affirming Process and declared their churches “Open and Affirming.” We’ll ask them to reflect on what the process was like for them and what difference it has made in the life of their congregation. In May we will take stock of what we have learned and where we are with the process.

We are grateful for our congregation’s willingness to engage in this learning process–learning about ourselves as well as the issue. We look forward to further conversation in the coming months.

In Christ’s peace,
The ONA Steering Committee:
            Frank Stalfa                Carol Gallimore

            Mel Newcomer           Tom Reese

            Renee’ Blankenstein   Marilyn Zwally

            Anabel Proffitt

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BEGINNING FEBRUARY 19 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TO STUDY WHY? 

 

On February 12^th, The Adult Sunday School Class will wrap up its study “Embracing An Adult Faith”  by Marcus Borg.  Having looked at God, Jesus, Salvation and Practice, the final session will examine Community. 

 

The following week, February 19^th, the class will begin a four week course of study entitled “WHY?  Making Sense of God’s Will.”  Written by Adam Hamilton the four sessions will address a WHY question.  Why do innocents suffer?  Why do my prayers go unanswered?  Why can’t I see God’s will for my life?  and Why God’s love prevails? 

 

The class meets at 9:15 a.m. in Maugans Chapel.   Sessions  include viewing a video with time for questions and conversation.

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ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE AT 7 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 22

February 22^nd is Ash Wednesday, the official beginning of Lent.  All are invited to a 7 p.m. Taizé service, which will include the imposition of ashes, in the sanctuary.

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SMALL GROUP LIFE

 

The “Soup and Study” group plans to meet on February 12 and 26. This group meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month. Questions?  Talk with Anne or John Thayer, (293-9660).

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Why let the Women’s Gathering retreat group have all the fun with L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?  The “Book Review” group will discuss the book and its messages at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14^th in the church library.  All are welcome.

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The “Companions in Christ” small group has completed its discussion of Rob Bell’s Love Wins.  The group met on February 6^th and chose Brian Mc Laren’s book, Everything Must Change, as its next study beginning on February 20th.  “Companions” meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month in Maugans Chapel.  Questions, or want to join the group?  Please see Pastor Cathy to get a copy of the book ($10 each)

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The Knit Together” small group will meet on Monday, February 27, at 7 p.m. in Maugans Chapel to make scarves.  Jeanne Patterson (397-1426) is the instructor.  Supplies needed: Catia yarn 100 grams or 3.5 ounces and size 10 or 11 knitting needles. Kitnit Yarn Shop on Old Hickory Road  has the yarn in various colors. The group meets at 7 p.m. in Maugans Chapel on the 4^th Monday of each month. 

 

Needed: Multiple skeins of yarn of the same dye lot to be used for prayer shawls.

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POWER PACK PROJECT

Volunteer Schedule:

February

9 No School

16 Moyra and Gary G.

23 Melissa K. /Anne B.

March

1 Dottie H. / Audrey H.

8 Joanne B. /Phil B.

Update:

In January, Isaac’s Restaurant gave $1 to the local Power Pack Program for every cup or bowl of soup purchased. Just over $17,000 was raised! The money will support and sustain this program which provides healthy food and recipes to feed families of school age children over the weekends. Thanks to all who participated to make this a huge success!

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THE LOAVES AND THE FISHES

 

Recently sixty people met after church to view a video and have a light lunch.  While the video was on the screen, members of the Fellowship Committee were taking a few loaves and a couple of fish and blessing it so that there would be enough to go around.  You see, the committee planned on thirty people attending and they scrambled to divide the food and stretch it so everyone would have something to eat.  It is asking a lot of the Fellowship Committee to plan a meal for the congregation and then discover that there are more people than reservations.

 

Granted it is a sign that things are going well, when a program or dinner is over subscribed.  But we need to be fair to the Fellowship Committee.  They are the people who prepare, serve and clean up a meal.  There can be a great deal of anxiety and unnecessary perspiration, when the number present is twice the number prepared for.

 

So in the future, to be fair to any committee or group sponsoring a function at the church, if a sign up sheet is posted, please use it.  We want all members and guests to be included and to be comfortable at our table.  But we also want to prepare the right amount of food. 

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2009 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, REPAIRS AND DEBT

 

In May, 2003 the heating/air-conditioning units in the building needed to be replaced.   The Consistory responded to the situation and approached the congregation with a request to borrow from the Endowment Fund.  At that time the congregation approved a loan of $56,282.65 from the Endowment Fund to pay for this project.   There was little activity to repay the debt, so in 2009 the Consistory approved a Three Year Capital Campaign with a goal of raising $75,000.00.  ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE AT 7 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 22

 

February 22^nd is Ash Wednesday, the official beginning of Lent.  All are invited to a 7 p.m. Taizé service, which will include the imposition of ashes, in the sanctuary. The sum total of the campaign included repayment of the loan to the Endowment Fund as well as a pledge of $20,000 to The Penn Central Conference Capital Campaign “4 Our Churches.”   Our support of the “4 Our Churches Campaign” was to honor the ministry of Pastor Bushnell.

 

To date, we have repaid $9,280.24 to the Endowment Fund and contributed $8,350.00 to the Penn Central Conference.  The outstanding balance of the Capital Campaign is $58,652.41 [$47,002.41 due to the Endowment Fund and $11,650.00 due to the 4 Our Churches Campaign].  

 

According to the by-laws of the Endowment Fund, loans from the Fund to the congregation may be made to cover capital expenses.  However, such loans are to be repaid within ten years.  And our pledge to Penn Central Conference is a three year commitment coming due the end of this year.

 

The Consistory in conjunction with the Finance and Personnel Committee is working on structuring payments.  Please give serious consideration to this matter.  We have twelve months to meet both of these obligations.  Donations may be designated to either aspect of the Campaign, if you choose.

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CHURCH TRIVIA – [WHAT DO THESE WORDS MEAN OR WHAT DO THESE ACRONYMS STAND FOR?]

 

 

OCWM       Our Churches Wider Mission (This is the title  given to funds raised by congregations for the broader work of the United Church of Christ.)

NIN             Neighbors In Need (An annual all church offering to support ministries of the  church  in this county.  It is usually received in October.)

OGHS        One Great Hour of Sharing  (An annual all church offering to support global ministries.  It is received during Lent – this year March 18^th.)

Intinction      Those who attended worship on January 8 and received communion did so by  intinction.  Congregants receive the bread and then dip it into a cup of  wine/grape juice and partake of both elements at the same time.

 

Vitality        Vitality is a new term used to describe congregational life and evangelism.  It  describes  what it means to be alive with the Good News.

 

ACT            The Action Compassion Team is responsible to provide ways for church members  to translate their faith into deeds/works.  It is this committee that orchestrates  mission trips, community meals and other acts of service.

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WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN STUDY BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 29

 

Following our usual schedule, there will be a Lenten study program beginning on February 29^th and concluding on March 28^th.  Each session (some sessions addressing our long-range planning process, others focusing on spiritual practices of a healthy church) will begin at 7 p.m., in the church social hall.  Please mark your calendars and plan to join us.

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PLEASE RECYCLE!

Beginning February 1^st, Hamilton Park Church will be contracting trash removal service through Lancaster Township.  The new provider will be collecting our recyclable items.  Recyclable items include glass and bottles, cans, and plastics that have a 1 or a 2 recycling code.  They will NOT be collecting any paper.  There are guidelines of what will and will not be collected posted on the bulletin boards throughout the church.

 

We will be using BLUE trash cans with a recycle emblem on them for this effort.  They will be placed in various locations throughout the church.  Please put ONLY the recyclable items mentioned earlier in these containers.  Remember, no paper items or trash should be placed in these containers.  Thank you for your cooperation with the recycling efforts.

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ARTICLE DEADLINE FOR “THE WATCH”

 

All those who wish to include an article in the monthly newsletter should do so by emailing their articles by the 20^th of the month to renee.hpucc@verizon.net.

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NEW ART ALLEY EXHIBIT

 

Prayer Flags, a creative expression from this year’s women’s retreat, make up the newest exhibit in our art gallery.  Please take a few minutes to enjoy the display when you are at the church.

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“FRIENDLY FACES” AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM HAS BEGUN!

 

Sixteen children from Buchanan Elementary School enjoyed the first session of our “Friendly Faces” after school program on Monday, Feb. 6^th.  This program will run through the school year each Monday that school is in session, through June 1^st – the last student day at Buchanan.  If you would like to be involved, please speak with program coordinator, Joanne Blankenstein.

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LOOKING AHEAD …..

 

SPAGHETTI SUPPER & MISSION AUCTION ON MARCH 24

 

More details to follow but mark your calendars now.  This fun-filled evening will help support our adult work camp to St. Louis this spring and youth going to National Youth Event this summer.

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NORTHWEST ECUMENICAL CLUSTER LENTEN LUNCHEONS AND SERVICES

 

See the schedule included in this newsletter for the Friday lenten program of the Northwest Ecumenical Cluster.  All are invited to participate in this cooperative discipline for the season of lent.

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NEWS FROM THE HPUCC PRE-SCHOOL

 

Registration is currently underway for the September 2012 classes at the Hamilton Park Pre-School.  Openings remain in each class.  Please call the church office (397-9791) or Mindy Newcomer, Pre-School Director (394-4026) for information or for registration forms.

 

February brings Valentine’s Day, and the children are anxious for special love-filled activities and parties.  Everyone will be kept busy making bright-colored Valentine’s Day cards and goodies.  We wish you all days with many warm and loving thoughts!

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OUR CHURCH FAMILY

 

THANK YOU NOTES

 

To the Members of Hamilton Park Church,

            I hope you will forgive me for not writing this note sooner.  Thank you for all the beautiful birthday cards for my 90^th birthday.  Thank you all for the Christmas basket and cards.  I have moved to St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia.  I have been sick for awhile but am feeling okay now.

            I thank Pastor Cathy for coming to see me and giving me communion.

            I miss you all.

                        God Bless you All,

                        Mona Yuninger

 

Dear Pastor Cathy, Pastor Jack and Church Members,

            Gordon and I want to thank you for the very special Christmas gift.  We enjoyed the cookies and candy and all the Christmas cards.

            Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

                        Sincerely,

                        Harriet Barr

 

Hello Friends,

            A few days before Christmas a “goodie” bag arrived at my house.  In the bag there were delicious homemade cookies, a box of chocolates and Christmas cards with special notes.  The visit by the Bennawits was an extra gift.

            Thank you friends for your thoughtful gift.  May you all have a healthy, loving 2012.

                        Sincerely,

                        Laura Jean Mullin

 

To our Church Family,