United Churches News

 January 2008

COME TO OUR ANNUAL ASSEMBLY*

The 26^th Annual Ecumenical Lenten Service will be held Sun., Feb. 10 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1400 Grampian Boulevard, Williamsport.

Speaker: The Rev. Philip Altivilla

Ecumenism and Interfaith Affairs Officer and
Episcopal Vicar, Northern Pastoral Region of the Diocese of Scranton

      Fr. Phil will Challenge us as we begin the Lenten season, to reflect upon our life together and our journey as disciples of Christ. Sunday, February 10 will be a wonderful opportunity for you to witness to our Lord, Jesus Christ, who calls us to renew our faith and unite as people of God, with one another. Plan to join us for this!

SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WINTER*

There are many highlights that you’ll want to note on your calendar and participate in over the next few weeks. (Details elsewhere in the newsletter)

Several events to honor the life and work of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, January 13 - Worship Service

5-7 p.m. - Freedom House

Monday, January 21 - Day of Observance

Noon - 8 p.m. - The Center

 Week of Prayer For Christian Unity Jan. 18-25

Theme: “Pray without ceasing.”

-Thessalonians 5:12a

Seminar: Ministry to the Military and Families

Jan 29 Register today

Annual Ecumenical Lenten Service

February 10 at 7:30 at St. Luke’s Lutheran 

Campus Ministry Lasagna Dinner Feb. 26

WEEK OF CHRISTIAN UNITY*

The 2008 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity theme is “Pray without ceasing” (Thessalonians 5:12a), which holds much promise for us as we again set aside January 18-25 as a time of prayer and reflection as we celebrate our life together through prayer, faith-sharing and common service. Join in celebrating this 100^th Anniversary year.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Events:

1/18-25 - Special Devotions for each of the days on our Telephone Devotion Line, which is reachable 24 hours a day at 322-5762.

1/23 - Ecumenical Lunch program at Noon at Pine Street United Methodist Church. “Celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”

1/24 - Ecumenical Celebration of God’s Word at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Robert Driesen delivering the message. (Contact our office if you are interested in attending and want to share transportation.)

1/25 - Service of Prayer on Friday evening at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 1725 Holy Cross Lane (Next to St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Northway Road & Sheridan Street.) A fellowship time follows.

FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT*

      This is a time of transition for the United Churches of Lycoming County (UCLC) and we want to invite you to be part of a very important conversation and endeavor for the future of ecumenical ministry in our county. UCLC is a 61 year old ecumenical ministry that celebrates our unity in Christ and impacts nursing homes, prisons, Penn College, the hungry, homeless and poor.

      Much of what we accomplish is organized through the work of our committees. To date, we have found at least one vital committee to be noticeably absent from our organizational structure: finance and development. Our executive board feels very strongly that to ensure the financial health of this ministry we need to create such a committee.

      We are asking that people gifted in this area attend an informational and brainstorming session regarding the formation of a Finance and Development Committee on...

Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.

at New Covenant United Church of Christ

202 East Third Street, Williamsport.

      Please call Rev. Ollie Wagner (368-1595) or MontourPres@aol.com or Rev. Gwen Bernstine (322-1110) or uclc@sunlink.net to let us know if you are willing to take part in this conversation.

SEMINAR: Ministry to Veterans and their Families

Tuesday, January 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

at New Covenant United Church of Christ

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” is a two hour program presented in seminar format. It is designed to train faith community leaders on how to better minister to returning veterans and their families. Though tailored towards faith groups, any individual interested in better understanding the pressures and needs of veterans and their families will find the seminar enlightening.

The facilitator is Chaplain Max Furman, a National Guardsmen who has had two deployments and just returned from Iraq in July. Max is a United Methodist Clergyperson living in Lycoming County who is currently on assignment working as a Chaplain at Fort Indiantown Gap.

The morning presentation is composed of two parts, the emotional cycle that the family and veteran experience during a deployment and the other captures the mind-set of a returning veteran and the readjustment one goes through. This ministry is especially needed since Pennsylvania leads the nation in deployments of Reserve and National Guard service men and women.

             There will be time for discussion over lunch.

Reservists Bearing the Burden of Iraq: Multiple Forms of Soldier Adaptions. Drawing upon the experiences of 46 Army Reserve Military Police Officers who were among the first wave of soldiers to serve multiple deployments following 9/11, both stateside and in Iraq, this talk will focus on the ways these citizen soldiers dealt with the seismic changes in their lives.

Dr. Susan M. Ross is Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of Criminal Justice at Lycoming College. Her co-authored book, Deployed: How Reservists Bear the Burden of Iraq, will be released by the University of Michigan Press in April of 2008. For addition information on the book, see: http://www.press.umich.edu/titleDetailDesc.do?id=262968.

      RESERVATIONS ARE NEEDED!

There is no cost for this day, but reservations are needed in order to prepare handouts and cook lunch. Please call United Churches to make your reservation at 322-1110 or uclc@sunlink.net.

SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS*

                                                                           J. Morris Smith, Th. D.,

                                                                                 Contact at: 322-8568

THE ABIDING THREE

      And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.” (1 Cor. 13:13a) Faith, hope and love are obviously interconnected. Faith is the mystery of divine knowing. Hope is the mystery of divine seeing. Love is the mystery of divine presence.

      “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) St. Paul prays that God will fill the faithful “with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding”. (Col. 1:9b) He writes that they “may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. (2:2) He prays for the Ephesians “that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith”. (Eph. 3:17) There is a knowing of that which cannot be known by empirical observation. That knowing is understood by a unique divine prerogative of the human being ... the capacity to believe.

      Hope becomes a major companion of faith ... the ability to see as God sees. The prophets of old were called “seers”. The hope of Israel grew out of their prophecies. Paul writes, “... the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations is now disclosed to ... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”. (1 Col. 1:26-27) Hope is a confident expectation of what is divinely known. Where faith allows us to participate in divine knowledge, hope allows us to see as God sees.

      Love is called the “greatest of these” because love binds them together ... the divine arch of the gifts of faith, hope and love. When we come to know the love of God in the cross (faith), we see the love of God beyond cross (hope), and partake of the presence of God (love). St. Paul prayed that believers would “be rooted and established in love” in order to have the power to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge ... that they may be filled with the fullness of God ... and be able to do immeasurably more than they could imagine”. (Eph. 3:17b-20) St. John’s great theme of God’s love drums the concept of abiding in God is abiding in His love.

      The Shepherd of the Streets ministry is positioned to “break ground” with so many who need this faith, hope, and love. We encounter daily those who have no faith ... thus, no hope, no love. The opportunity to express the love of God in Christ Jesus daily repeats itself. Jesus did it by teaching the Kingdom, while reaching out to the sick and the poor. The prophets saw it. Jesus did it, the apostles continued it, and we repeat it. It becomes the way of truth and life.

      Thank you for your response to helping us with resources to minister. We are looking forward to a great new year of initiating faith, hope and love through faith, hope, and love ... ours and yours.

      We continue to need your help with offerings of money for our budget and for discretionary funds, as well as the following items...

For Babies:     baby diapers /all sizes    baby powder

                      baby oil                        baby shampoo

Items for Men and/or Women:  All in regular sizes

      deodorant                shampoo           razors 

      shaving cream         toothpaste         toothbrushes

      soap                       Kleenex            feminine products

      toilet tissue              paper towels     bath towels

      wash cloths             sheets/blankets/pillowcases

Many churches have a “Shepherd box” in the foyer to collect such items - - others have special drives through the church or auxiliary groups.

      We also have a Shepherd Kiosk that is available to place in your church for several weeks or a month if you would like to especially focus on the Shepherd ministry.

__________________________

DIAL - A - DEVOTION * 

Have you called yet?

The number is 322-5762.

It's available 24 hours a day.

      Devotions are three minutes or less, change weekdays and once on the weekend, and are designed to lift your spirits and help you to have "A Closer Walk with God." The devotionalists this fall include:  

    1/7-13 Mrs. Nan Porter                 1/14-17 Rev. Velinda Webb

    1/18-25 Rev. Gwen Bernstine        1/26-2/3 Fr. Dan Kovalak

    2/4-10 Rev. Nessie Whaley           2/11-17 Rev. Jeff Zetto

 Listen today and tell others about this ministry!

       FOOD PANTRY *

Gail Burkhart, Coordinator - Contact at: 322-1657

      Our United Churches/Center City Food Pantry provides a three day supply of food to those in need. This December we helped 111 families, including 153 adults, 66 children and 33 elderly for a total of 252 persons. This was a shortened month due to the holidays, one snow day and the serving of Christmas baskets by many service organizations. Those agencies typically include food as well as presents for children in their baskets.

      For information’s sake, be advised that our pantry observes the same policy on weather related closings as the Williamsport Area School District. That makes it clear for all our clients so they don’t make the trip to the pantry in inclement or dangerous weather conditions, when you and I hurry into our warm vehicles for a trip. Remember, many clients come to our pantry on foot, by bus or even via bicycle. Some arrive pulling wagons. It’s not easy for them to transport their food supply, but they are always grateful.

      Know that as we reach out to help people in our community, we connect with the very soul of our hometown. And it is in that vein that we ask for your assistance by way of donations of the following food items:

      Peanut Butter           Saltines                      Coffee

      Cake Mixes              Frosting Mixes          Tuna Helper

      Canned Fruit           Spaghetti Sauce          Tuna

      Chunky Soups         Hamburger Helper     Juices

      Oodles of Noodles   Clean plastic Grocery Bags

Donations, if possible, should be brought in on Monday mornings from 9:30 - Noon. We’re in the Sojourner Truth Ministry building, next door to our Shepherd Ministry on the corner of High & Center Streets.

      Persons needing food should call 322-1657 and leave their name and number on the answering machine to make an appointment to receive food on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 - 3 and at other times by appointment.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

      The “Souper Bowl” is one way to help our United Churches Food Pantry, or another pantry in our area, to have more food to give out to people in need. It is an effort to glorify God and care for “the least of these” by each worshiper giving a can of food or the cost of a can of food or $1.00 on Souper Bowl Sunday (February 3, 2008).

       You call 1-800-358-7687 on the day of the game (between noon and 5 p.m.) to report the amount collected, then you send your funds to the charity of your choice. Your reporting of your collection total enables the full impact of this simple act of caring and unity to be determined and announced. Totals will be released that night with full reports being sent to each church later.

      This past January congregations and schools put God’s love into action, generating $8,239,612.00 to help hungry and hurting people. The Souper Bowl story is still developing, and you can be a part of transforming Super Bowl Sunday into a day of caring and unity.

      Be part of a modern day miracle by getting your church on board! For details go to www.souperbowl.org. This ecumenical effort started by a few churches back in 1990 has collected $41 million for charities over the last 16 years.

WEDNESDAY ECUMENICAL LUNCH *

      Join us from 12 to 1 p.m. for the Wednesday Noon Ecumenical Lunch Program. Enjoy a tasty $4 lunch, warm, ecumenical fellowship and a thoughtful program designed to enrich your life mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. The parking is free in the Pine Street lot north of the church from 11 to 1:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary.

JANUARY:

  9-  Mr. Joshua Trego, Main Street Manager, “Our Plan for Williamsport”

16- Ms. Deb Shivitts and Ms. Tracy Mariano, Wise Options, “Helping Congregations Reach Out to Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault”

23- Rev. Gwen Bernstine, United Churches Staff, “Celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”

30- Mrs. Arline Brown, Founder of the Urukundo Home for Children, “Ministry in Rwanda”

FEBRUARY:

 6 -  “Beginning our Lenten Journey” Speaker to be announced

13- Mrs. Carol Fulmer, Author of Dead Man In My Chair: “Alzheimer’s Disease Brings Strange Visitors”

20- Rev. Andrew France, Chaplain, Lycoming County Prison (Volunteer) “Life in the Lycoming County Prison”

27- Rev. Kraig Faust, Pastor, St. Johns Newberry United Methodist Church, “Who Are the United Methodists” The Third in our Series.

      This is a ministry that everyone in our congregations and community is welcome to participate in. Make plans to join us and you’re welcome to bring a friend!

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND WORK OF

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.*

                   Sunday, January 13 - Worship Service

                          5-7 p.m. - Freedom House

                                (formerly Salem AME Zion Church)

                                1700 Memorial Avenue, Wmspt.

                   Monday, January 21 - Day of Observance

                          Noon - 8 p.m. - The Center

                          Noon - Peace Resolution (at City Hall)

                          Noon - 8 - Voter Registration

                          4-5 p.m. - Workshops for Children/Youth Essay Workshop

                                             Art Workshops

                                             Six Principals of Nonviolence

                                          Gathering for Adults to address

                                             Needs and Challenges in our

                                             Quality of Life in Wmspt.

                          6-8 p.m. - Showcase - Visual Arts, Culture and History

                          8 p.m. - Candlelight Vigil

POVERTY - A FAITH-BASED RESPONSE*

from our Christian Social Concerns Committee

You have been told, O human, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

 Local Poverty: Young Children in Lycoming County: The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified the percentages of children under the age of five who are low-income. These percentages are identified by zip code areas within the county. The communities and their surrounding townships with 10% or more of children under five, who are low-income, are:

      Zip Code    Post Office Area      Percentage

      17774         Unityville                       28.3

      17702         South Williamsport        27.1

      17763         Ralston                           25.0

      17752         Montgomery                  20.9

      17756         Muncy                           17.9

      17701         Williamsport                  12.6

      17737         Hughesville                    11.6

      17728         Cogan Station                11.0

      17771         Trout Run                      10.9

National Poverty: Recent Report on “Food Security”: Just before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report on food security and insecurity for 2006. Food security – access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life—is one requirement for a healthy, well-nourished population. In 2006, 10.9 percent of households were food insecure at least some time during the year. Families experiencing “very low food security” comprised 4.0 percent of households.

Global Poverty: Darfur - The United Nations stated in late December that child malnutrition rates have increased sharply in Darfur. In spite of the presence of large scale aid operations, 16.1 percent of children affected by the conflict are acutely malnourished, compared with 12.9 percent last year. The current figure exceeds the crisis threshold of 15 percent. Technical support including the use of helicopters is critically needed from the industrialized countries including the U.S.

Farm Bill Update – Was Fairness Applied to Meet Needs of the Poor? On December 14, the Senate passed a problematic farm bill that fails to make farm support programs fairer and that proposes increases in trade-distorting commodity programs. The majority of the Senate including Pennsylvania’s two U.S. Senators supported amendments that would have shifted monies going to the wealthiest producers to programs supporting the poor and small-scale farm families. However, Senate leadership facing a filibuster applied the 60 vote rule and tabled these amendments. The best feature of the Senate bill is an increase in food assistance to hungry families and the inclusion of the Hunger-Free Communities Act which requires the next administration to develop a plan for cutting U.S. hunger and strengthen community anti-hunger coalitions across the nation. The Farm Bill will go to a joint House-Senate committee for resolution of differences.

 Micah’s Challenge: To Do “What the LORD Requires of You”

Locally – we can respond to the needs of young children living in poverty by becoming involved with local food pantries and the Shepherd of the Streets. We can also become a volunteer advocate for young children with the county’s Children and Youth office.

Nationally – we can contact our U.S. Senators and House Representative to encourage them to find ways to shift priorities in the Farm Bill toward greater fairness for the poor.

Globally – we can contact the White House to urge commitment of technical support for the aid programs in Darfur and also contact one of the many agencies already providing relief there for additional ways to help.

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES *

A Boundary Training Seminar for Clergy and Others will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 from 9:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Pine Street UMC, Wmspt. Rev. Sally Dries, a UCC Pastor from Sunbury will facilitate this seminar, which will be especially helpful for clergy whose denominations require updates on this issue. Boundary training has three main objectives:

       •     To increase awareness of the need for healthy and appropriate boundaries in the clergy/congregant or spiritual teacher/student relationship;

       •     To illustrate the impact of appropriate vs. inappropriate boundaries, promoting effective ministry, &

       •     To provide clergy & spiritual teachers with guidelines and suggestions for developing appropriate boundaries and necessary self-care strategies.

United Churches’ Family Life Task Force is sponsoring this seminar, which will cost $25. Mark your calendar and watch for the registration material in Lent.

Ready to Grow: Sharing the Sustainable Story” is the theme for the 17^th annual Farming for the Future Conference February 7-9 in State College. For more information and to register go to www.pasafarming.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 2008 MINISTRIES*

      I always find it amazing to watch what we accomplish when we work together. This year, when all is said and done, we, as United Churches, will provide just over 800 worship services to Nursing homes, personal care facilities and prison facilities in Lycoming County. These 804 services will be provided by some 70 individuals and worship teams who all volunteer their time and talent.

      All this being said, there are still 49 slots to be filled. The details follow...

    Nursing Home and Assisted Living Center Worship:

      Sundays at 2 pm weekly -

             Manor Care North Manor Care South

      Sundays at 3 weekly - Williamsport Home (2 services)

           Monthly - The Hillside, RoseView Court

      Wednesdays at 10 weekly - Sycamore Manor

      Thursdays - at 11 weekly - Presbyterian Home

                         at 2:30 weekly - RoseView Center

   Prison Worship Services (Sundays weekly)

      County Jail - 1:45 and 3:15 p.m.

      PreRelease Center for women - 3:30 p.m.

      I want to thank all worship leaders who help, both clergy and laity. It is so important to bring Christ’s message of love and hope to the residents and inmates of these institutions. Please call our office today, 322-1110 or contact us at uclc@sunlink.org..