The Watch

NEWSLETTER MAY, 2010

THINKING OUT LOUD

As I write this article I’m aware of how quickly summer is approaching. With summer this year comes the UCC’s National Youth Event at Purdue University in Indiana. NYE is held every four years and includes youth and their advisors, about 3,000 total, from all over the country. The July 10 – 14 event includes uplifting worship services, inspiring speakers, educational workshops, justice-inspired service opportunities, guaranteed new friends, and fun, fun, fun! Hamilton Park UCC is sending seven youth this year: Jonathan Dombach, Noah Frailey, Brian Haflin, Kelly Haflin, Jessica Heberlein, Sean McRoberts, and Anna Stalfa, along with advisor Deb Frailey. The group will travel by bus with the other youth from Penn Central Conference, departing from the Conference office in Harrisburg at 11 p.m. on July 9^th, returning at 10 p.m. on July 14^th.

NYE provides a formative experience – some of our own past attendees have termed it a “life-changing” experience – but it does cost more money than the average church (our own included) has on hand. We’ve paid our bus fare from Mission Auction and Spaghetti Supper proceeds, and about one-third of the balance from those and other funds in our youth accounts. We propose two other ways to help with remaining NYE costs:

1. Chicken and Ribs Contest – Coming Saturday May 12 at 4 p.m. in the Park. Get your grills fired up and your spices and sauces simmering! Enter your favorite BBQ chicken or ribs, and potato salad, too! Everyone will get to taste and cast a vote (each entry will have a jar for donations – you vote with your dollars – the jar with the most dollars wins the contest, while our youth “win” overall). Bring a side dish to share, as well as your lawn chairs and “church picnic” mind-set. Sign up at church to place an entry in the contest, or to bring a side dish to share. Fun and games are on the agenda. Rain will send us indoors, but won’t dampen our enthusiasm.

2. Donations/Sponsorships – You can simply make a donation to the overall cost of National Youth Event to help bring down our balance owed. Write your check to Hamilton Park UCC, with “NYE sponsorship” on the memo line, and hand it to me or mail it to my attention at the church. You will receive credit under the “other gifts” category on your end-of-year giving statement.

I’ve attended National Youth Events since 1996, each time appreciating the experience through the eyes of our HPUCC youth. It’s a little hard not to be going along this time and yet it’s liberating to be handing over the reins for this particular event to a new generation. There’s certainly much else to claim my attention “back here at the ranch,” as we continue to explore the ways we will serve faithfully as the Body of Christ in the coming months and years.

Blessings,

Pastor Cathy

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FROM THE FRONT OFFICE

“Bring your truss and move with us.” That was the phrase I coined whenever I was called upon to help someone move or when I was asking another to lend a hand in the moving process.

I remember one move in particular. Our daughter had graduated from college and her few and meager possessions were carried from a car into the apartment she would be sharing with a co-worker. Unfortunately after a few months, it became evident that things were not working out between the two.

Mom and Dad were called upon to help her move out of one apartment and into another. However, it should be noted, in the short time she had occupied her first apartment she had accumulated a number of possessions. The second move required a truck.

On moving day, Donna and I arrived, ready to load boxes, furniture and clothing into a rented van. Our daughter had been given explicit instructions about the preparations required for a move – sturdy cartons available at the liquor store; newspapers are good for wrapping breakable objects, etc. She was also given notice to be certain to have some, if not all, of this work completed before we arrived.

Much to our chagrin, most of the prep work was not done. There were a few large plastic trash bags filled with items (which stack so neatly and transport so nicely, ha ha). I would like to say, that that was the last move she made without preparation. But that would not be accurate history. When she and her husband moved from New Jersey to Hershey, she gave her beau the instructions she had learned from her Dad – pack cartons, secure breakables, roll up carpets and have things ready to load into the truck. Such was not the case. What should have been a half day job of simply loading a van, ended up taking a full day starting with packing and ending in exhaustion with a loaded truck and a long drive home.

Moving involves preparation and deadlines. Donna purchased a book by Harry Rinker – Sell, Keep or Toss. As an antique appraiser, Rinker wrote the book for people downsizing or settling an estate. It is an instructional guide on how to determine what to keep, what to sell and what to pitch.

The Hebrews are told, “[Eat the lamb] your loins girded, your sandals on your feet and your staff in you hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the Passover of the Lord.” (Ex. 12:11) Even if fleeing oppression, one has to have a plan and make preparation.

All of this is to say that I will be leaving soon. The terms of the agreement we have in place between associate pastor and congregation will be met at the end of June. I have agreed to remain on through July 15, so that Pastor Cathy can take some vacation time. This is simply a way of making preparation for the departure. It’s getting the cartons ready to empty the bookcase and load up the van. We’ll talk more in the coming days.

Pastor Jack

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CALLING ALL GRADUATES!!!

Please, please, please ….. if there is a high school or college graduate in your household (some of our households actually have two graduates this year!) call that information in to the church office so we can include it in the June Watch.

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SEMINARIAN JENNIFER FAIR’S LAST SUNDAY IS MAY 13

It will be hard to say “good-bye” to Jennifer but the time has come and so we will say it in style. Jennifer will preach on Sunday, May 13^th, then we’ll enjoy a special Fellowship Hour in Maugans Chapel following the 10:30 a.m. service. A light luncheon will be served, including a cake with punch and coffee. Come, join the celebration and extend your best wishes to Jennifer as she begins the next leg of her journey.

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MULCH DAY – MAY 19

Our annual mulch day at Hamilton Park Church will be held on Saturday, May 19, beginning at 8 a.m. Please come out and do your part in helping to maintain the beautiful grounds at Hamilton park Church.

Marianna Rasmussen

Grounds Maintenance

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OH NO! – ANOTHER CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY!

The Long Range Planning Committee has been at work diligently striving to gather information about the church. Committees have responded by submitting statements which included their perceived needs, plans to address those needs and goals for the next five years.

In addition, the staff of Hamilton Park Church has been interviewed to learn from them.

Attached to this issue is a survey to learn what church members think and feel about the life and future of Hamilton Park UCC. Please complete the survey and return it to the church by May 20.

The Long Range Planning Committee would like to present a final report to the consistory at its June meeting.

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OPEN AND AFFIRMING ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS – MAY 20

On Sunday, May 20^th, following the 10:30 a.m. service, the congregation is invited to meet in round table discussions with the consistory and the Open and Affirming steering committee to discuss what we have learned so far, what questions remain, and to be sure persons have a chance to air their points of view, questions and concerns. The consistory needs to hear from you, as well as have a chance to engage in conversation and reflection on the questions, “What do we mean by ‘open’ in our mission statement?” and “How wide is our welcome?”

Over the summer we plan to publish (in the newsletter) stories from our congregation about parents’ and LGBT persons’ experiences, to remind us all that this is not just a theoretical issue, but one that touches on the lives and families of members of our own congregation.

In September or early October we will invite a panel of folks from churches that have declared themselves Open and Affirming to come and share their experiences with us.

The next step, we hope, would be to take a congregational vote. This vote would be by secret ballot. Depending on its outcome, the Steering Committee and Consistory would then decide on next steps.

Please sign up to be part of our May roundtable discussion. (We need at least a rough count to order sufficient pizzas to feed the crowd!)

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MAGAZINE RECYCLING FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Don’t throw those ads and magazines in the trash! The Frailey’s Sunday School Class (4-6 grade) has organized a magazine collection drive to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey (RMH). Bring in your used/old magazines, catalogs, annual reports, advertisements – we’ll take it as long as it’s GLOSSY – and place them in the box in the Narthex. The class will collect them and take them to a designated drop off location for recycling to benefit the RMH. The class will take a field trip to RMH sometime in the near future. What a great (and simple) way to be a steward of God’s creation! Please see Deb or Peter if you have any questions. Thanks!

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SMALL GROUP LIFE

The Companions in Christ group will meet on Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. The group is studying Brian McLaren’’s book Everything Must Change.

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The Book Review group will meet on Tuesday, May 8, in the library at 7 p.m. The group will be discussing Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama.

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ROMEOs men’s breakfast group will gather for breakfast and conversation at the Apple Tree Restaurant at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 10.

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4th Friday “Family Movie Night” is May 25, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. Come and

enjoy the movie and refreshments.

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The Soup and Study group will not meet in May. The next meeting is Sunday, June 10 at the Webber’s home.

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The Knit Together small group will not meet in May.

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS JUNE 10-14

“SonRise” is the theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 10-14. Children in kindergarten through grade 4 will enjoy stories, crafts, games, snacks, and songs with a park ranger emphasis. More information will follow; plan to join the fun and learning.

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ALTAR FLOWER DELIVERY

Important changes in altar flower delivery ….. As of July 1^st, if you have signed up to sponsor altar flowers for the week we ask that you be responsible to deliver them, or find a helper to do so. If you are unable to do this, please call Helen Reese at 898-9719. Or, if you are willing to deliver for someone who cannot, call Helen with that information too. Thank you so much!

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Penn Central Conference United Church of Christ

900 S. Arlington Avenue

Harrisburg, PA 17109

[717]652-1560

March 26, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing today to let you know that Harold and Linda Karschner will be retiring from Hartman Center this spring after a considerable number of years with us. Harold tells me that he has been full-time at Hartman Center for 39 years, an impressive record. Linda has been in the kitchen for a shorter time but has also given many years of service.

While Harold and Linda are not officially retired until July 8, 2012, the Board has released them from their responsibilities, in order that they may look for new housing and make the other arrangements that are necessary for their move after such a long time.

Of course the first thing people are asking is “How will Hartman Center get along without Harold and Linda?” While this is a slightly shorter timetable than we originally anticipated, we have been thinking about and working on exactly those issues for some time. Nothing will come to a halt at Hartman Center, especially camp! We anticipate a full schedule of camps just as planned.

Hartman Center will continue to be the safe and beautiful place it has always been. One of our part-time people has agreed to step up to the plate around maintenance issues. One of our assistant cooks will be working with a volunteer chef to plan menus and estimate ordering. Our cabins and lodges will continue to be cleaned on their regular schedule. As always, we depend on volunteers also, so we encourage you to come up to Hartman Center and even to consider bringing a group of folk with various skills from your church to help with our annual work weekends, May 18-19, May 25-26 and June 1-2.

We are planning to say farewell to the Karschners at the conclusion of our Plenary Session at Annual Meeting, on Friday evening, June 8th. At that time, we will present them with a gift. If you or your congregation would like to contribute to that gift, you may send your check [payable to PCC UCC and marked “Karschner gift”] to the Conference Office by June 1, 2012. We’ll also have a cake reception. In addition, you can send a message wishing Harold and Linda well by visiting the Hartman Center website.

Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have.

Many blessings,

Marja Coons-Torn, Conference Minister

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NEWS FROM THE HPUCC PRE-SCHOOL

The Hamilton Park Church Pre-School is ending another fun-filled, activity-packed year. With these warm days, our thoughts turn to flowers, planting, and digging in the dirt – what fun!

Monday, May 7, the Pre-School will hold our Art Show. Please stop by to view all of the colorful pieces our students have created.

Some spaces remain in the pre-school program in our September classes, but spaces are filling very quickly. Please call the church (397-9791) or Mindy Newcomer (394-4926) for more information.

Have a happy, sunshine-filled summer. See you in September.

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OUR CHURCH FAMILY

THANK YOU NOTES

Dear Rev. Catherine Shiley,

Thank you so much for your donation of $66.72 to Church World Service/Lancaster. Church World Service/Lancaster serves the refugee and immigrant communities of Central Pennsylvania. Through hard work and a long-term commitment of support, people who once had no hope are discovering the means of transforming their lives. Your donation has allowed these refugees to receive additional services and support on their path to achieve self-sufficiency.

We are thankful to partner with you in your commitment to refugee resettlement and your efforts to support local families and we look forward to partnering with you again in the future! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or comments

Thank you for your support!

Jackie Sahd

Development Associate

(This donation comes from our March change jar offering)

Dear Cathy,

I would like to thank you and those who provided the prayer shawls for the patients at Lancaster Regional Medical Center. Linda Wittensoldner delivered them to me this week. I am sure they will bring comfort to the patients who receive them.

Bonnie Goloski

Director of Volunteer Services

Dear Members,

On an ordinary cold Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed the visit by the Pattersons who delivered altar flowers. It is always great to see and visit with church members, since we can’t get to church.

Hope you are enjoying early spring and have a great summer.

Thank You and God Bless.

Peg & Bob Chain

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BAPTISM

Quinn Harris Johnson, son of Todd and Tanya (Ament) Johnson, was baptized at Hamilton Park UCC on Sunday, April 29^th during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Quinn is also the little brother of Cole Johnson. Welcome to the Hamilton Park Church family, Quinn!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

The following HPUCC members and friends are celebrating birthdays in May:

May 4 – Nick Koehler
May 9 – Harriet Barr
May 10 – John James
May 10 – Kate Cox
May 11 – Marian Riexinger
May 11 – Magen Shirk
May 12 – Evan Blair
May 15 – Flora Poulos
May 16 – Emily deWet
May 18 – Barbara Lineaweaver
May 19 – Jan Moore
May 19 – Pat Merchant
May 21 – Florence Shimp
May 23 – Jonathan Crothers
May 24 – Mel Newcomer
May 24 – Joshua Cook
May 26 – Evan Hohenwarter
May 26 – Jeffrey Kirchner
May 27 – Shirley Repp
May 28 – Mahlom Lineaweaver
May 29 – Bob Webber
May 29 – Kristina Bennawit
May 29 – Lee Snelbecker
May 30 – Michael Newcomer
May 30 – Martha Weaver
June 7 – Garret Sultzbach

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Hamilton Park United Church of Christ

1210 Maple Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

A Congregational Survey:

to Help us Look at our Ministry and Mission

Your thoughts and ideas are important to evaluate the life of Hamilton Park UCC and the work that we do. Please take some time and prayerful consideration to complete any or all of the statements below. Simply check the box that most closely describes your thoughts on each subject. We appreciate positive and negative feedback and will make a final report to the congregation with recommendations to the Consistory. Thank you, in advance, for your willingness to participate.

I. Worship

Worship at Hamilton Park United Church of Christ (HPUCC) is spiritually enriching.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

The choirs (adult and Eli’s friends) enhance the worship experience for you.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Hymn selections are appropriate to the scripture text for each Sunday.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Different styles of music bring variety and diversity to worship.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Children and Youth enhance worship (Children’s Sermons, Eli’s Friends, Youth Sunday).

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

I find the healing service meaningful and would like to see it continue.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

I find special services meaningful (eg. Pre School, Youth Sunday, Worship in the Park, Blessing the Animals etc.)

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

I am open to experiencing different styles of worship?

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

What kind of feedback would you like to give about the adult sermon?

What kind of feedback would you like to give about “A Child Shall Lead?”

Do you have a preference for the length of the worship service?

My preferred way of receiving communion is: ___pew ___altar rail ___intinction (dip bread into cup) ___individual cup/bread ___ variety of ways

What part(s) of the worship service is most meaningful for you?

Do you have any additional suggestions or comments?

II. Mission, Stewardship and Education

I am sufficiently knowledgeable of the mission work of HPUCC.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

I appreciate that our church is involved in wider mission programs [Mission trips, community meals, Pre-school, After school program, Hartman Center, Food Bank, Power Packs and special offerings of the church].

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

We need to be more involved with local mission work (Lancaster County, Hamilton Park Neighborhood, etc.)

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Small groups are an important part of my connection and involvement with the church.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Sunday School opportunities for all ages meet my/family’s needs.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Do you have any additional suggestions or comments?

III. Church Life & Vitality

HPUCC is a welcoming and caring church.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

There are sufficient opportunities for fellowship outside of Sunday morning.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

HPUCC provides adequate opportunities to participate in the life of the church.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

In what ways do you see the youth involved in the church?

What programs other than worship help you grow spiritually?

Do you have any additional suggestions or comments?

IV. Communication, Lay Leadership and Ministerial Staffing

The laity are actively involved in leadership.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

Communication is effective regarding activities at HPUCC.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

HPUCC expects and encourages active participation of its members in the life and leadership of the congregation.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

When differences arise HPUCC is able to address them openly and resolve them faithfully.

___ Definitely Yes ___ I think So ___I don’t know ___I don’t think so ___Definitely not

In order to fulfill the mission and ministry of HPUCC we need the gifts and graces of:

Pastor ___full-time ___part-time

Associate Pastor (Clergy or Lay) ___ full-time ___ part-time

Director of Music ___full-time ___part-time

Organist ___ full-time ___part-time

Administrative Assistant ___ full-time ___ part-time

Sexton ___full-time ___ part-time

Grounds Keeper ___ full-time ___part-time

Book Keeper ____ full-time ____ part-time

Do you have any additional suggestions or comments?

Background Information

Age: _____12-18 _____19-34 _____35-49 _____50-64 _____65-74 _____75+

Gender: _____ Female _____ Male

Frequency of Worship Attendance: ___Weekly ___Bi-Monthly ___Monthly ___Other

Has this changed over the past few years and why?

Service You Attend: ____ 8:00 a.m. ___ 10:30 a.m. ___ Varies

What influences your choice of service?

Sunday School Attendance: _____ Regularly _____ Occasionally

Number of Children in Sunday School/ by age and gender:

I serve on a committee: ___ yes ___ no

I participate in a small group: ___ yes ___ no

Length of church membership [years]: less than 1__ 1-3 ___ 4-6 ___ 7-10___ 11-15___ 16+___.

Thank you for participating in this survey. Sharing your impressions will help us envision a vital future for HPUCC. God is still speaking to us. May we continue to pray and listen for God’s direction. Completed surveys can be placed in the Church Office or in the folder outside Pastor Esbenshade’s office. Please return completed surveys by May 20.

The Long Range Planning Committee.