CONTACT THE CHURCH
321 South Limerick Rd. Limerick, PA 19468 610-489-0990
www.stjames-ucc.org Pastor Beth Eustis
(610) 457-3603 pastor@stjames-ucc.org Music Director/Organist: Donna Pinto music@stjames-ucc.org (610) 792-1679 Office Assistant: Sandy Chang
Mon. & Thurs. 10am-1pm office@stjames-ucc.org
for Newsletters:
news@stjames-ucc.org
2021 CONSISTORY
Jay Smith, President Rich Fiedler, V. President Kristen Serina, Secretary James Friemann Ken Raspen Laura Walters Donna Earnshaw Michael Turbush Officers:
Tom Mogel, Financial Sec. Margie Schweitzer, Historian
Nancy Ewing, Treasurer
“Like” us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/ stjamesucc As I’m writing this, we are a couple of weeks away
from Holy Week, getting ever closer to Good Friday, and Jesus’ suffering on the cross. One of the hardest questions pastors are often asked is, “Why does God allow us to suffer?” Recently, I remembered a dear pastor friend of mine who died of cancer just as the pandemic was beginning. She had been ordained for less than a year. In January, good friends from my home church lost their daughter in a car accident at age 28. She hadn’t been married for three years yet. And just last week, a friend I used to do theater with died of a heart attack at age 44. He had been married for under a year and a half. Why is life so unfair? Why do innocent people have to die tragically?
Sometimes, people who believe that God “allows” things to happen decide to give up on God when tragedy strikes. At the funeral for my friend who died of the heart attack, even the priest acknowledged that he didn’t know why God would allow such a thing. If anyone asked me, I would say that, because I believe that God created but does not control anything, that God does not “allow” or “not allow.” As human beings, with the gift of free will but also quite fallible,
mistakes happen. Things happen to our bodies that we don’t understand. Our bodies fail us. But one of my core beliefs is that God is with us in everything. When someone dies - especially suddenly, tragically and too young - God is the first to receive them and God’s heart is the first to break. When the worst happens, we need God more than ever. And yet, some people choose to walk away from God just at that moment.
As we’ve been talking about in worship, Jesus is about to go through something brutal, horrible and unfair in his death on the cross. His death, though, has a higher purpose in the resurrection. As Jesus is resurrected, I believe we all are resurrected. Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 15 – “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins…but in fact Christ has been raised from the dead…for as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.” As Jesus is still alive in us, we all have life abundant – in this life and the next. God is with us – in celebration and in tragedy, in our hope and our despair, as we praise God and as we cry out to God – God never, never leaves us alone. Never. This is good news as we prepare for Holy Week, and as we go through the ups and downs of a life that can be joyous one minute and devastating in the next. Jesus shows us the way to light, love, grace, joy and peace and helps us to know how to share it with others. Praise God!
PAGE 2 April 2021 NEWSLETTER
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Although it is but one-week, Holy Week, which, be-gins on Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday, signifies when the biblical prophesies were fulfilled. Jesus walked among men on earth to save all people by dying on the cross on Good Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday. Because of His love for us, Jesus endured the cross making a way for our sins to be for-given.
St. James UCC invites everyone to join us as we set aside time to reflect and remember the crucifixion and the resurrection.
A special Good Friday Service will take place in our sanctuary at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 2nd., 2021. Zoom
worship is also available.
Easter Sunday, in-person and Zoom worship will be at 10:15 a.m. This will be a time of reflection, special music, and communion for all.
We hope you will join us as we share our blessings, peace, and love as the Body of Christ, together during this most sacred Holy Week
n
Midweek Bible Study
The Midweek Bible Study offers an opportunity to break away from everyday routines and join our church family and friends for a refreshing time of fellowship and learning together.
Most sessions revolve around a short video and looking at the many ways we practice our faith and trust in God. The sharing and discussions provide food for personal growth as Christians.
During our current study, which ends on April 7th., we toured the Holy Lands with Kathi Lee Gifford and Rabbi Sobel and discovered many places where Jesus lived and worked. No tickets to purchase, no luggage to carry! From the comfort of our cozy homes and kitchen tables, we traveled and grew together.
If you are interested in joining the Midweek Bible Study, please contact Laura Walters. There is plenty of room in the Zoom Room and hopefully soon, we can gather at the church.
We do not know where our next study will take us but soon, we will begin that new journey. Come along!
MORINGA
We have mailed the seeds to Moringa as of March 2, 2021. There were 379 packs which almost equaled the number we sent last year. What a great job everyone did finding those seeds this year!!! Many places had already run out of seeds because of our own home gardeners wanting to do more this year. Below is a letter we received from Abu when we let him know of the shipment that will be arriving in a couple of weeks. Last year's harvest was a real disappointment because of a lack of rain throughout South Africa.
Thank you very much for the seeds. It is greatly appreciated. Definitely all our focus has been the farming works. We don't do much in classroom these days in order to maintain social distance, but outdoor activities have been primarily focused be-cause of COVID 19 pandemic.
The season has always been the best with the seeds we received from St. James Church. This year has been tough for everyone but we thank God we are safe and alive. My greetings to everyone at the church. Madam Linda and Mr. Jeffry (Lohr) have been very supportive to us during the COVID 19. Especially me and my family. The food we harvested from the farm and canning of the food we have saved on the shelf has been life saving....thanks to you all. Yes, we are expecting a new baby very soon (April). It is a blessing. We keep you posted. (It's another boy...#3)
Congratulations and best wishes from your
church family!
MARCH CONSISTORY MINUTES
Attendees: Jay Smith, Laura Walters, James
Friemann, Ken Raspen, Donna Earnshaw, Rich Fiedler
Devotions-Jay opened the meeting at 7 pm with a
devotion on patience and a prayer.
Financial Reports and Minutes from
February-The Treasurer’s and Financial Reports were accepted as presented. The February 2021 Minutes were approved in a motion made by Laura and second by Donna.
Old Business
Consistory
Status of Activities in Green Phase-We have
started combined in-person and Zoom services since February 21. More people are attending in person worship each week. The Boy Scouts have resumed their Monday meetings. Beth will be on vacation on April 11 and Dave Akers will fill in. Donna Pinto will be having knee surgery so she will record music ahead so that we are prepared for her absence. Missions collected seeds for Moringa and we will hold collections for Undie Sunday Sock It To Me Sunday. There is also a Blood Drive scheduled for July 22.
Outcome of Spiritual Council Meeting-The
meeting was held on February 18. We evaluatd members that haven’t been seen recently and decided if we would send a letter, reach out by phone, or both to encourage their participation. There was also a focus to reorganize a Worship Committee to help support Pastor Beth, and we are reaching out to former members to join the team. Committees
Property-Ken thought that the bills for the previous
HVAC work were high and will review the bills more thoroughly. The boiler was cleaned today. Ken is going to reach out to Nancy to see what the terms of our contract are, and make sure we get back on track for the routine cleanings we usually perform in the fall.
New Business
Status of Search for Interim Pastor-The transition
team continues to work on the securing of an interim
April
Birthday 1….Cody Clarke 2….Bob Walters 8….Kristen Serina 12….Diane Phelen 12….Craig Hillegass 15….Amy Nuccitelli 17….Melissa Moore 18….James Friemann 20….Lisa Myers 29….Stacy Bosi 30….Sarah Alexander Anniversary1….Robert & Lillian Weidner 17….Russell & Barbara
Brightbill 21….Paul & Betty Meyers 34…Jay & Gail Smith 28….Steve & Joy Rubeo Pastor for St. James.
Financial Audit for 2020-Kevin Brightbill and Pete
Cibulsky performed the audit last year. Kevin will perform this year’s audit with Ellie Wellman.
Plans for Holy Week-We will have the Palm
Sunday service with palms available. We will having a Good Friday service this year at 6:00 pm instead of Maundy Thursday. Easter Sunday will only have one service at 10:15 am. Easter flowers will be purchased and used to decorate the
sanctuary.
Chicken BBQ in 2021-We are still thinking about
having it, but are considering different options. We are considering doing drive through only and getting the chicken and sides catered. We are having people do some research into these new ideas.
Adjourn-The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm with
PRAYER CONCERNS
For our friends Betty Wines, Heather Yates, Melissa Moore, Ellie Donofrio, Frank Miller, Joyce Swinehart, Sang Hi Crater and others who are in long term care or
unable to leave their homes. We pray for comfort, peace, healing, and companion-ship for each of them.
For our friends Tabby, Peggy M, Sue, Jessica, Helen M, Irene S, Jay P, Carl, Jean S, Van S, JC, Michelle, Ken, Betsy R, Barry G, Sue J, Mildred, Charlotte F, Bobbie T, Bob M, Bonnie, Paul M and all cancer survivors, we pray for treatment where it is possible and release from suffering where it is needed.
For our friends Taylor, Baby Franklin, Tiffany S, Dorothy, Sharon B, Sue S, Ginger B, Charlie B, David E, Bill H, Gwen H, Austin, Manah, Marie Ann, Judy O, Jim V and others with ongoing health concerns and
challenging life of God's presence through the support of our congregation.
Prayers for all veterans that are still suffering from PTSD and all other side effects from their service in the military.
For the friends and family of Bliss Michelson and for all who grieve at the deaths of those they deeply love
and dearly miss, we ask that they might know the comfort God offers through the community of faith as we surround them with our prayers.
Lord, we thank you for all your blessings you give us each day. There are still so many of your children that are fighting with COVID and we pray that you touch each one with your healing. We also continue to pray for all others that are struggling with health issues that you heal their bodies also. We thank you for the healing that you have given many of your children knowing you are a God of love and mercy. We pray for comfort and peace to those that continue to lose loved ones and friends and ask that you give your peace and comfort. We pray for healing and wholeness of mind, body, and spirit upon us all. We continue to pray for the healing of our country, that we can come together as one, as brothers and sisters showing love, respect and care for one another. We ask for healing of mind, body, and spirit upon us all. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Please note that we will remove names on the prayer list after one month, except for homebound and hospitalized members. Let us know if you would like to add or renew a request by office phone or email.
Initiated by St. James Prayer Team, each Sunday two church families are being included in the Sunday worship prayer time. You are invited to include these members and their families in your prayers throughout that week.
PAGE 4 April 2021 NEWSLETTER
PRAYING FOR ST. JAMES MEMBERS
April
4 Linda and Sarah Alexander Mary Barnaik
11 Ralph and Linda Bevan Gregory Borneman 18 Ruth Borneman
Stacy and Jack Bosi 25 Kevin Brightbill
Poem by Helen Steiner Rice
“Where There Is Love”
Where there is love the heart is light, Where there is love the day is bright, Where there is love there is a song To help when things are going wrong,Where there is love there is a smile To make all things seem more worthwhile,
Where there is love there’s quiet peace, A tranquil place where turmoil's cease-
Love changes darkness into light And makes the heart take “wingless fight”
Oh, blest are they who walk in love, They also walk with God above- And when man walks with God again, There shall be peace on earth for men.
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
The Gift of Everlasting LifeThen he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and for-giveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."
...Luke 24:45-47 (NRSV)
The baby was tiny, dressed in white lace, a little headband with a small silk flower around her bald head. She didn't make a peep when the baptismal water was poured on her forehead, and she kept her eyes focused intently on the pastor who held her tenderly. After introducing her to the congre-gation this Easter morning, he strode over to the large white cross now festooned in flowers with a victorious white sash and raised her dramatically over his head to the cross. Everyone in church gasped for a moment, and then cheered.
What a triumphant way to celebrate the Lord walking out of that cave on that first Easter!
And how very appropriate since the first time Jesus emerged from a cave was as a tiny infant Himself. His birth cave, a stable in Bethlehem, was just a few miles south of His tomb cave in Jerusalem. He emerged from that birth cave as a fragile, vulnerable, hunted refugee met by an adoring audience of shepherds. He emerged from his death cave as the Everlasting Good Shepherd. A bright star led kings to that birth
cave. He was the Morning Star, King of Kings, when He left that death cave.
We give each other temporal gifts to mark His miraculous birth in the first cave. He strode out of that second cave, our ever-living gift of
everlasting Life.
CONFERENCE & LOCAL NEWS
April 15 – Bring me Your Poor,
Your Hungry: Is America Still the
Promised Land?
Bring Me Your Poor, Your Hungry: Is America Still the Promised Land? with Vanessa Stine, Immigrants’ Rights Attorney ACLU
This event is sponsored by Salem Church of Doylestown, and will take place April 15th at 7:00 pm via Zoom. All are welcome.
Vanessa Stine leads the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s immigrants’ rights efforts across the state of PA. She will talk about the immigrants’ rights work that the ACLU is doing on a national level as well as locally. BIOGRAPHY: Vanessa Stine joined the ACLU of Pennsylvania in September 2018 as the immigrants’ rights legal fellow. Prior to joining ACLU-PA, Vanessa was a staff attorney at Justice at Work (former-ly Friends of Farmworkers), where she rep-resented immigrant workers in employment and im-migration matters. Vanessa started her legal career with a two year Equal Justice Works Fellowship to provide free civil legal aid to victims of immigration services fraud through Jus-tice at Work. She graduat-ed Order of the Coif from Villanova University School of Law, where she was a Public Interest Scholar. Vanessa also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociolo-gy/anthropology from Lewis & Clark Col-lege. (Philadelphia)
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87206610504?
pwd=aWV0QzAveVU2ODN0N1dtSGJraTRNZz09
“Growing Through Disaster”
PSEC Disaster Ministries team member, the Rev. Jenny Smith, recommends the new book, Growing Through Disaster: Tools for Financial and Trauma Recovery in Your Faith Community by Clayton L. Smith and Matt Schoenfeld. Smith and Schoenfeld suggest ways for congregations to assist in recovery from disasters and the associated aftermath: business closings, loss of local industry, recession, high un-employment, etc. Church leaders, community members, and volunteers can gather people in their community to participate in the recovery process Smith and Schoenfeld provide. They developed this process through their significant experience in assisting communities recover from disaster and trauma. The process leads to spiritually-rooted recovery for the people and their community. The authors offer five tasks of healing and recovery for those who have experienced trauma:
Begin by taking a few simple steps to immediately cope with your situation.
Accept the reality of your loss and pain.
Find a safe place to express and experience your feelings and lament.
Recognize your need for faith in God’s peace and purpose.
April 2021 NEWSLETTER
Notes & Reminders
Materials for the May Newsletter are due on April 15
th, 2021.
St. James United Church of Christ
321 South Limerick Road
Limerick, PA 19468
RETURN TO COMBINED
IN-PERSON & ZOOM WORSHIP
All Worship services are currently held at 10:15 a.m. combined in-person and Zoom.
The Zoom information for worship is:
Meeting ID: 979 4141 8754 Passcode: 742701 Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799
For Phone Zoom participants * 6 to mute and
unmute yourselves.
THANK YOU
A big shout out of Thanks to my St James Family for the Birthday Wishes. Each One was much
appreciated.
The ones that came via USPS, some were very funny and made me laugh of course.
To All my FB Friends, I loved hearing from you all, reading your Birthday Wishes, seeing the GIF’s you sent.
