november 2018 www.cscfamily.org Phone: (610) 584-4480

Dear Church Family,

I wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving! This is a unique time of the year to take stock in what has given, and it is good that we do so.

We live such busy lives in Montgomery County and the greater area. It is enjoyable, but it is fast, frequently too fast. In these past few months, Andrea and I have noticed that here people can enjoy so many things – a variety of vacation spots, sporting activities, school events, and other experiences with friends and family. In this area of the world, it is normal to go from one meeting to another, one experience to another. Unfortunately, it is not easy to savor one experience before the next one comes upon us. This can be a problem.

Much of the world does not live like this, though. This Thanksgiving season, thousands will be living under pressures where they will be wondering where their next meal will come from. In 2017, areas such as north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, and South Sudan suffered greatly with having enough to eat. Nearly 32 million people are still in need of urgent assistance for food. Places in the world such as Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ukraine, and others will be struggling with war. Some 68 million will be displaced from their homes. Needless to say, their lifestyles this November will be very different than ours.

What is surprising, however, is that frequently those with less have time to offer thanks, while we who have so much do not stop to express gratitude. Why is this? Rather than let this Thanksgiving season be one of enjoying one new event after another, let me encourage you to take some time to say thanks to God deeply in your heart. He has given us life, salvation, forgiveness of sin, power for living, and hope for eternity. He has given us friends, family, and our church family. While these are true for us as Christians every day, going from one thing to another so quickly may have prevented you from saying sincerely to God and to others, “Thank you.”

Let’s not have it be this way this year! Psalm 30:4-5 reads, “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” There is much to give thanks for to our God whose favor lasts throughout a lifetime. May God bless you this month as we say “thanks.”

With Christian Greetings,

Rev. Dr. Drake Williams

 #126 – The Sacred Poetry of Rev. George K. Meschter, MD

The Rev. George K. Meschter (1840 – 1910) served the Middle District as a pastor from 1883 – 1908 while also maintaining his work as a physician in general practice. When he preached he was fondly remembered as frequently quoting hymns at the end of his sermons with great feeling and emotion. Not only did he quote hymns, he wrote sacred poetry, as did a number of our Schwenkfelder . Two of his poems, printed in an article in the July 1910 Schwenkfeldian, are presented here with the story of how they came to be written.

The first, I Go to Sleep Now, was written as a hymn and sung at the funeral of Elwood G. Hendricks of Worcester. Rev. Meschter was the physician in attendance at Hendrick’s death and was inspired by his dying words. Rev. Meschter wrote the following words about this hymn:

Elwood Hendricks was a splendid young man, a Christian whose devotion to religious duties was exceptional. He was a druggist and after graduation was employed in a drug store in the northern section of Philadelphia. He came up here to die—was far on with consumption when he came to his parental home [in Worcester]. He died by inches. The time came when he could not lie down—so he sat in bed for the last few days. And the time came too when he was too weak to sit. And he was afraid to lie down. He thought I could lay him down—they sent for me. When I laid him down he said ‘I go to sleep now’ and passed away soon. I came home late the same evening, Mrs. M. [his wife, Mary Ann Kriebel Meschter] had retired, but before I went to bed I wrote the enclosed lines.

Rev. Meschter goes on to say that he shared this poem with Mr. Hendrick’s father who insisted it be printed and sung at his son’s funeral, which it was.

The second hymn presented below, The Call, was written for the farewell service of Schwenkfelder Missionary Flora Heebner on August 19, 1904, as she was preparing to enter the missionary field in China. He writes that at the time Flora was preparing to leave, his wife died: “And thus it was that, weighed down with sorrow but with zeal in the cause of missions unabated, I felt an irresistible impulse to write some lines in praise of my Maker and to commemorate Miss Heebner's response to the missionary call.” A few months later, the Christian Herald printed the hymn in its December 1904 edition. Lester S. Butler of Worcester, Massachusetts, a professor of harmony and musical composition, wrote Rev. Meschter, requesting permission to write special music for it. The request was granted and Professor Butler printed the hymn as a separate piece. Professor Butler writes, “I wrote the music without regard to popular taste and it is, I think, in spirit with the words. I believe the hymn worthy—both in words and music—to fill a prominent position as a missionary hymn.”

I Go To Sleep Now The Missionary Call

I go to sleep, I will not stay, My Savior, Lord of all, I fain my Savior's voice obey— I heard Thy loving call, And go to sleep: O blessed sleep, Thy call for me. From which I wake no more to weep! What wilt Thou have me do, O dearest friend prepare to die, All, all life's journey through? For in thy grave thou too must lie I consecrate anew Prepare for sleep, for sleep thou must My all to Thee. And thy fair form return to dust. "Go, take my bread and feed Be ready then to join my sleep, My brethren—those in need— For now the harvest thou may'st reap; Nor let one die. Thrust in thy sickle—reap today— I am with you alway," Ere harvest time is passed away. I heard Thy dear voice say. I go to sleep, I will not stay, "Thy word I shall obey," My Savior calls, I sleep away Was my reply. Till I awake on Heaven's shore, Hence I shall leave those near, In realms of bliss to sleep no more. My parents, brethren dear, And sail away. Some day I hope to meet, Some day I hope to greet All, at the Master's feet, To stay for aye.

Caspar’s Corner is provided monthly to The by the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center.

Missions Moments

An update from the Sirinidis with Operation Mobilization (formerly with International Teams)

God is sitting on His throne!

When the foundations are being destroyed what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3 Throughout the past 10 years, Greece’s foundations have been shaken. It started in 2008 with the financial crisis: 25% unemployment, pensioners losing 50% of their pension, dreams and hopes dashed.

This past week another devastating fire pushed quickly by - 60MPH winds blew through a pine forest where many tourists and people live. The last official death toll is 86 with dozens unaccounted for. The next day a torrential rain flooded the same area of Athens adding to the misery and fear of Greeks.

Global events make even Christians give up and run to the mountains to get away from the world to find peace. The Psalmist asks a good question “what can the righteous do?” He answered it in the next verse: “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His Heavenly throne…” For the person who has trusted in , he knows Jesus is in his temple, (he is with us) but he is also above us sitting on his throne. He has everything in full control. So what does a righteous man do? He remains and he continues to live in turbulent times righteously. As an evangelical community we are remaining and asking God to use us in the foundation-shaking events to help people find Jesus because he is the only rock!

As an evangelical community we are uniting to help these people who are in shock. We have already provided medicines and cleaning supplies and are seeking how we can help long term in the communities affected.

Lives Transformed by the Power of God

It was a normal day in the church courtyard distributing 130 hot meals, coffee, and tea to the people. As they eat we engage in friendly conversations, many centered on the word of God. While speaking with a couple of men, out of the corner of my eye I noticed Kostas standing a few feet away listening intently. This happened a few days in a row so I approached him and introduced myself, and after the initial niceties I asked him if he had ever read the . It became apparent he had been reading the Bible and had many questions. I invited him to join the Bible study after the meal.

On hearing what God did for him on the cross - paid the ransom to free him from sin and the dark powers of Satan - he cried out, “Why didn’t anyone share this with me when my life was in shambles?!” This is the cry of a that finds the liberty that only Jesus can give, a soul whose thirst is being quenched and its hunger satisfied. With all of the work that we do, this is the result or fruit we want to see, lives transformed by the power of God for His glory alone!

Building Update The “Sfina” youth ministry center is complete and we are moving in as I write! The two other buildings that we purchased are being renovated. One will house the shower, clothing, and laundry ministry and the second will house the Coffee House Ministry, Teaching Ministry, and other events. We trust that they will be ready by September. We continue the search for an apartment for our guest house ministry. Funds are still needed for these projects. We are grateful to all of you who have faithfully prayed and financially partnered with us for many years.

In Christ, Tim and Donna

An update from French Ministries in Labessette – Jared & Rebekah Stevenson

Our summer came and went so quickly and between local activities, family and friends visiting, traveling, and computer problems, and I realize that this news update is way overdue. We are, however, thankful to be able to use our "Stevenson Family & Ministry" FB page to send out more regular "what's happening now" updates.

We are a bit tired, but God is good. Today our children started back to school albeit a few days later than the other students. Rebekah's

(Continued on next page)

youngest brother, Paul, got married this past weekend in Barcelona, Spain, where we traveled back from on Monday. It was a short visit but nice being able to spend time with family as well as the family of our newest sister-in-law. We met several family members who live quite close to us . . . we look forward to the opportunity to be able to develop these new relationships.

This year, Bryce is once again being homeschooled while Rosalyn, Cadyn, and Lydia are attending the same local public school together. Please pray that God would protect our children.

In August, we had the opportunity to once again attend Biblical Ministries Worldwide Leadership conference in Germany. This is our third time being able to participate as a family. It has proven to be spiritually, physically, and relationally refreshing. It has been very good for us as well as our children to be able connect with other missionary families living and ministering in a European context.

One of our biggest highlights took place in July where we had a group of nearly 40 zealous and godly believers mostly from (60% French) to help us with a week of . It was organized through Operation Mobilization France. After an initial weekend with us, the group was split into three teams. One team stayed with us and the other two went to help two other local churches about 2 hours away. Throughout this week, we were able to distribute several thousand pieces of gospel literature as well as flyers for our church. Primarily through the street evangelism and the Friday evening event held at the Lighthouse (our church facilities in town), we made a number of great contacts. Please pray for lasting fruit from these efforts.

We had overall good attendance with our church services during our summer months with an increasing number of visitors (tourists and local contacts). This has been encouraging. The very location of our church facilities in town generates many contacts. Many of these individuals are hurting, lonely, and victims of abuse, substance abuse, etc. It can sometimes wear me (Jared) down, so I would appreciate your for wisdom and strength. It is not uncommon for half of those coming through our doors to not be believers.

For our last English workshop before taking a break for the summer, we organized a time of refreshments with all the participants as well as their families. It turned out to be a fantastic evening with at least one great opportunity for the gospel to be shared with one woman who is open and searching. We have since purchased a Bible for her upon her request.

We appreciate your ongoing prayers for us. A new school year is beginning which means our various activities resuming. We also look forward to participating in a mission's conference in Luxembourg in October.

Love to you all, Jared, Rebekah, and children ______

Tax-Sensible Charitable Giving By the Investment Committee, Board of Trustees

One frequently asked question on charitable giving is, “How can you keep giving, and get a little back on your taxes?” As you consider your year-end giving to Central Schwenkfelder Church, rather than gifting cash, consider the following two tax-maximizing options, among others.

Donate a Highly Appreciated Security If you’re going to be donating anyway, consider doing so with highly appreciated securities like stocks, stock funds, property, or similar holdings that are worth considerably more than when you acquired them. If you sell a highly appreciated holding (outside of a tax-sheltered account such as a traditional IRA) you’ll pay capital gains taxes on the difference between its cost and its sale price. Instead, you can donate the security “in kind” to a non-profit organization and avoid the capital gains tax, subject to IRS rules.

Donate Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) When you reach age 70½ you must begin taking RMDs from your tax-deferred accounts. If you don’t necessarily need your RMD in a given year then consider donating it, as allowed by the IRS, instead of taking it as ordinary income. This is known as a “Qualified Charitable Distribution” and it allows you to avoid extra taxes and higher taxable income. The IRS allows you to donate up to $100,000 annually in this manner.

As with all tax topics, consult your tax professional to better understand if these options are right for your specific situation.

PRAYER VIGIL – Saturday, NOVEMBER 17th You are warmly invited to participate in a Vigil hosted by Central on Saturday, November 17th from 6:00 a.m. to midnight in the Sanctuary. Please set aside an hour or more to join with other family and friends to pray for our church, our community, our nation, and our world as the Advent season approaches. To sign up, leave a prayer request, and for more information, please visit the display in the Fellowship Hall between now and November 11th or call Janet Singer at 610-310-8029.

Prayer for Church Life

In preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, ask God to give us all thankful hearts as we recall His many blessings this past year. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Please pray for those who will be spending the holidays alone or apart from family this year.

Please pray for our Church Council and their Chairperson, Moderator Vernon Seipt. Ask God that He might grant them wisdom as we continue to implement our mission: to love God, serve others, and grow disciples.

Ask the Lord to give wisdom to the Steering Committee of the Implementation Teams in order to evaluate various ideas and coordinate the efforts to implement them.

Missions Prayers (**Our Board of Missions supports these individuals and/or organizations.)

Please pray for Davi Amenudzie & Kwashie from Crossworld**. Davi has been sick for awhile but she is recovering at this time. Please pray for her health. Also pray for energy for Kwashie as he has a lot to do (teaching, counseling, and meetings.)

The Voice of the Martyrs** requests prayer for persecuted Christians on Sunday, November 4th, which has been designated as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Pray that persecuted believers will sense God’s presence, know the greater body of Christ is praying for them, experience God’s comfort when persecuted, see God open doors to evangelism, boldly share the gospel, forgive and love their persecutors, be granted wisdom in covert ministry work, remain joyful amid suffering, mature in their , and be rooted in God’s Word.

The Jankowski’s Campus Crusade** newsletter asks for prayers that their ministry would achieve a goal of seeing 10 million multiplying disciples raised up by the end of 2020; pray that God leads Cru** to those who are seeking to be faithful and be used mightily by Him.

Please pray for Carol & Daryl Van Dyken with TWR** for new relationships among colleagues in the Cyprus office, for wisdom in finding a new church community, for other connections we begin to make in Paphos. New location – one of the first things we will do is have agents show us housing. Please pray that the Lord would lead us quickly and easily to a home where we can settle and have guests. New papers – the Lord provided all of our paperwork to be signed, sealed and delivered in time. We have it packed already! Pray that the work permit would be granted soon, as we can’t buy a car until we show we are permanent residents. New job- already in October, Daryl had to fly back to one of TWR-Europe’s transmitting locations in Central Asia West. Thanks for your prayers!!

LIBRARY NEWS A Book note from our Librarian:

The Tech-Wise Family

“If your family’s devices and gadgets seem to have staged a hostile takeover in your home, Andy Crouch can help. With winsome humor and down-to-earth advice, Andy will show you how to nurture a thriving home life through a wise and balanced use of technology.” - Jim Daly, president, Focus on the Family The good news is that technology is here to stay; the bad news is that technology is here to stay. Technology increasingly seems to rule its masters—you and me. Each new digital gadget and software upgrade holds the elusive promise of simplifying our lives. As useful as it has proven itself at work, technology has become troublesome at home. The real challenge is putting technology in its proper place, especially in those homes where electronic gadgetry has taken center stage and where social media has replaced real people. The last place most Christians expect to find solutions is in the church. Fortunately, that has changed. Andy Crouch is the executive editor of Today as well as a board member of Fuller Theological Seminary and the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. He has authored books including Culture Making, which was named “one of the best books of 2008” by Publishers Weekly, Relevant, Outreach, and Leadership, and has been written up in Time and the Wall Street Journal. Andy has now published a solution that does not demonize technology and does not require an advanced degree to implement. Neither does he use guilt to motivate readers to heed his analyses and suggestions. His book The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in its Proper Place (2017) has been hailed by three New York Times best-selling Christian authors, the executive director of Fuller Youth Institute, and the presidents of Focus on the Family and The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Andy explains in clear terms the Christian principles he and his wife Catherine have tested and developed in their family. He prefaces his book with six principles, each expressed in two sentences: (a) “Technology is in its proper place when it . . . “ and (b) “Technology is not in its proper place when it . . . .“ He precedes Chapter 1 with “Ten Tech-Wise Commitments” that read like proverbs. Consider the first three commitments: (1) “We develop wisdom and courage as a family.” (2) “We want to create more than we consume. So we fill the center of our home with things that reward skill and active engagement.” (3) “We are designed for a rhythm of work and rest. So one hour a day, one day a week, and one week a year, we turn off our devices and , feast, play, and rest together” (pp 20-21). Each commitment is developed into a chapter for a total of ten commitments and ten chapters. Shauna Niequist, a New York Times best-selling author, calls Crouch’s book, “A vision for family life and faith and character so compelling and inspiring that it made me weep, made me reconsider many aspects of our home, made me profoundly thankful for [Andy Crouch’s] beautiful and important book.” Oprah called it a book no family should be without. Crouch rests his message on research conducted by the Barna Group, which since 1984 “has conducted more than one million interviews in the course of hundreds of studies and has become a go-to source for people who want to better understand a complex and changing world from a faith perspective.” Barna’s clients include the Templeton Foundation, Fuller Theological Seminary, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dream Works Animation, Focus Features, Habitat for Humanity, the Navigators, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Salvation Army, Sony, World Vision, and more. Barna’s studies are frequently reported in major media, including BBC, CNN, Fox News, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times” (pp 219-20). Whether married or single, you will find Andy Crouch’s The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in its Proper Place an easy read and a good read. Check it out. Bill Simons, Central’s Librarian is coming! This year we will participate once again in the Angel Tree Project serving community families in need and two areas of Philadelphia – First Church at 30th and Cumberland Streets and our Missionary church. Each child will have two tags – one for a clothing gift and one for a toy &/or book/ personal item. The tags will be in Fellowship Hall on Sundays, November 18th & 25th. Please sign for each tag that you take and follow the instructions on the tag.

Wrapped gifts should be returned to Fellowship Hall by Sunday, December 2nd. We will deliver the gifts to First Church on Saturday, December 8th with a party for the recipients and their families. Rev. Duncan will make arrangements for the delivery of the Missionary Church’s gifts. For more info contact any member of the Bible Study class or Al Koehler at 610-584-5379. Thanks!

Decorating of the Church for Christmas – HELP NEEDED! The decorating of our church Sanctuary for the Christmas holiday season is scheduled for Saturday, st ------December 1 beginning at 8:00 a.m. It is a big task; as the saying goes “many hands make light work” and we’re in great need of some extra HANDS! In addition to decorating with garland, candle tapers, and bows,

there is also some heavy lifting (of the large wreaths) and tasks requiring the climbing of ladders…so if

you’re willing, able, and available on the 1st, please contact Portia Potts at 215-362-7871 or

[email protected]. Alternatively you can sign-up on the decorating sheet in the Narthex.

Holiday Shopping for a Cause Want to get a head start on your Christmas Shopping? Looking for a unique gift? Want to treat yourself? Men, do you need a special something for the woman in your life?

We have the answer! Come to the “Holiday Shopping for a Cause” event, sponsored by the Women’s Christian Fellowship of Central Schwenkfelder Church. The event will be held at the Central Community Center, on Friday, November 30th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 1st, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. There will be many items to purchase, including blown glass ornaments, jewelry, cards, scarves, purses, bookmarks, toys & clothing, in all price ranges. Purchases can be taken home that day. All of the proceeds will go to Women At Risk, International, an organization that rescues women and children from human traffickers here and around the world, providing them with safe shelter. They are trained to work with dignity, while being presented with the hope of Christ. All the items at the fundraiser are made by these women and support the work of Women At Risk, International. The cost is now $300 per month to shelter a person in a safe house. Since 2012, Central has contributed over $42,000 to WAR, supporting 140 at risk individuals in safe houses for one month. If you would like to support WAR but are unable to attend the event, cash or check donations will be accepted by Phyllis Anders or Portia Potts.

The Spirit’s Awakenings: Origins and Growth of Spiritual Movements In Honor of the 500th Anniversary Of the Spiritual Awakening of von Ossig (1489 – 1561) Saturday, November 10th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

You are invited to the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, 105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, for the symposium “The Spirit’s Awakenings: Origins and Growth of Spiritual Movements” on Saturday, November 10th, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. The year 2018 marks the 500th anniversary of the spiritual visitation or awakening of Caspar Schwenckfeld (1489 – 1561) which inspired him to join the movement and ultimately become an independent visionary throughout this tumultuous period of church history. This symposium examines and reflects upon church leaders and movements inspired by spiritual awakenings. Presentations and presenters are: “The Awakening of Caspar Schwenckfeld”, Peter C. Erb, Ph.D., Emeritus, & Culture Department, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ; “The Awakening of ”, Philip Krey, Ph.D., President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Early and Medieval Church History at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia; “The Awakening of John Wesley”, L. Dale Patterson, Ph.D., Archivist Records Administrator, General Commission on Archives and History, The United Methodist Church; “The 1727 Awakening of the ”, Paul Peucker, Ph.D., Director and Archivist, Moravian Archives; “The Awakening of Conrad Beissel”, Jeff Bach, Ph.D., Director, Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietistic Studies and Associate Professor, Department of , Elizabethtown College; “The Awakening of Jemima Wilkinson”, Candace Perry, M.A., Curator of Collections, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center.

Registration required, $75—includes presentations, lunch, arrival, and break snacks—contact Joanne at the Heritage Center to register: 215-679-3103 or [email protected]. ______

Looking for a good Book for Christmas? Here are some!

The Call. Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life by Os Guinness. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2018, $11.49. Are you interested in exploring God’s will for your life? This bestselling book from Guinness explores the concept of “calling.” It is written in a devotional format with short chapters. He challenges each of us to greater focus, gratitude, humility, and vision.

Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005, $8.99. What we believe affects how we live. This short book provides the key teachings of the Christian faith. If you're a relatively new believer in Jesus, or if you're a more mature Christian looking for a quick brush-up on basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you.

How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth by Gordon Fee and Doug Stuart. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014, $9.99. If you are interested in getting more out of your Bible reading, this classic study will help! It examines the different types of literature in the Bible, such as , Gospels, poetry, and history. It is a great guide for reading and teaching.

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2018, $11.99. Many are looking for Jesus but cannot find Him. This book traces Qureshi's journey from to Christianity---and the peace he found in Jesus! Celebrating the anniversary of his conversion and commemorating his untimely death, this expanded volume describes how Qureshi's passionate pursuit of his cultural religion led him to Christ through friendships, investigations, dreams, and visions.

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. San Francisco: Harper One, 2001, $10.49. This is truly one of the great classics of our time. C.S. Lewis sought to explain and defend the beliefs that nearly all Christians have held in common at all times. It is a book to be thoroughly digested by believers and generously shared with skeptics.

Look for these books in the Narthex!

Central’s Children & Youth Programs

For more information about our programs, please see our website at www.cscfamily.org or call the church office to speak with our Youth Pastor.

AWANA is for children age 3 through 5th grade. They meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Community Center.

November Awana Meetings AWANA announcements: CCC 6:30 – 8:00 pm *There is no meeting on November 21st. 7th – Regular Meeting *November 28th is Funny Hat Night! 14th – Regular Meeting 21st – NO MEETING 28th – Regular Meeting (Funny Hat Night)

WIRED is for youth entering 6th – 8th grades. They will begin regular weekly meetings on Sundays on the lower level of the church at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. at the Central Community Center.

CRAVE is for youth entering 9th – 12th grades. They meet at the Central Community Center on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Upcoming Wired & Crave Events:

November Wired and Crave meetings Church/CCC 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 4th – SYLO Pumpkin Bash at Mrs. House’s house (11:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 11th – Wired & Crave “WAVE” (CCC) 18th – Regular Wired & Crave 25th – Regular Wired & Crave

SYLO Pumpkin Bash November 4th 11:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All 6th – 12th graders, come on out to Sally House’s house for lunch, singing, and games! Please bring any un- carved pumpkins that you want to smash! Cost is $0 and friends are welcome!! Dorian choir will be held immediately afterwards and there are no regular Wired or Crave meetings that evening.

WIRED & CRAVE Trip to a 76ers game! Get into the spirit of Philadelphia basketball! We will be traveling by bus down to the Wells Fargo Center on Friday, November 30th as the 76ers take on the Washington Wizards. We will meet in the Church Office parking lot at 4:00 p.m. to arrive in Philadelphia for a close-up view of team warm-ups, get a bite to eat and find our seats. Cost is $45 and includes your ticket and transportation plus snacks on the bus. Seats are limited so sign up early. A non-refundable deposit of $20.00 will reserve your seat!

Looking ahead…. CRAVE CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER Friday, December 14th– Saturday, December 15th 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Mark your calendars now! All teens in 9-12th grades are invited get together for an exciting night of great food, wild antics, games, singing, and more! More details will be in the Connections and next month’s newsletter. 2018 Church Family News

Births, Birthdays, Weddings & Anniversaries Celebrated, Congratulations to: FENNIMORE – Robert C. and Ruth O., who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Sunday, October 7th. KRIEBEL – Everett K. and Mary Jane, who celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Sunday, October 7th. ROTHENBERGER – Brandon and Courtney, on the birth of their daughter, Jordan Elise, on Monday, October 8th. HUNT – Roger C. and Nancy L., who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Friday, October 12th. SCHEID – Margaret (Peg), who celebrated her 101st birthday on Friday, October 12th. SHENKLE – George A., who celebrated his 97th birthday on Saturday, October 13th. BATSON – Frank S.J. and Elmira W., who celebrated their 56th anniversary on Saturday, October 13th. KRIEBEL – H. Glenn, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Thursday, October 25th. BOURNE – William M., who celebrated his 93rd birthday on Friday, October 26th. HEISEY – Philip H. and Noreen E., who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, October 26th.

Weekly Facebook Offerings

A number of excellent video resources exist online. As a means to augmenting (not replacing) the experience that you can have as a Christian studying with fellow believers at Central, we will be placing one web seminar a week online through our Facebook page and our Church Website.

Most of these web seminars are through a group called the Forum of Christian Leaders (FOCL). This ministry exists to unite, equip, and resource global evangelical leaders to the end of world evangelism and the renewal of the biblical church. It has been primarily devoted to the needs of the church in Europe, which is where Dr. Drake Williams became involved with the ministry over five years ago. These prerecorded seminars provide some expert viewpoints from Christian leaders. These sessions are generally forty-five minute presentations. ______CHURCH ROOM RESERVATION GLOSSARY

ACR – Anders Conference Room ANDPAV – Anders Picnic Pavilion AYS – Anders Youth Suite JR – Junior SS Classroom (2nd floor) BALC – Balcony SANC – Sanctuary BARN – Barn (2 Story, White Building) MERE – Al Koehler’s SS Room (2nd Floor) BEG – Beginners/JAM 5-8 (Main Floor) MID – Middlers (Orange Doors, Basement) BETH – Bethel Bible Classroom (Main Floor) NARX – Narthex (Main Lobby Area) BLUE – Blue Lounge (Basement) NEW – New Member’s,(behind Balcony, Right side) CCC – Community Center NURS – Nursery (main floor) CHAP- Chapel POT – Potpourri SS Classroom (2nd Floor) CHH – Central Hospitality House PP – Plaid Pad (Blue Doors, Ground Floor) DUN – Dungeon (Red Door, Basement) PRAY – Prayer Room (2nd Floor,middle) FAMCIR – Family Circle SS (behind Balcony, left) PRIM – Primary SS room (Green Doors, Basement) FH – Fellowship Hall QUILT – Quilters Room (Anders building) GRAN – Granary (Long Red Building) SALF – Salford Meetinghouse T1 – Toddler 1 (Main Floor) T2 – Barn Room/JAM 2-4 (Main Floor)

Office Renovations Demolition and renovations of the church office are well underway. As a result, all meetings

typically scheduled at Anders have been relocated to the church building. Please call Leslie during business hours to schedule your meetings. Thank you!

Pastor David’s sermon manuscripts are posted on a blog entitled

“Central to Life” and found on the church’s website

www.cscfamily.org as well as www.davidmckinley.me NOVEMBER 2018

MONDAY

MONDAY SUNDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 FRIDAY 2 SATURDAY 3

6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 9:00 Happy Days, reserved (FH) 6:30 Bethel Bible (BETH) 7:00 Small Group (CHAP) 7:00 Happy Days Comm. (BLUE) 7:15 Worship Band (STAGE/FH)

( Rev. David preaches) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 All Saints Day 8:30 4 yr conferences, Happy 7:00 General Election (FH) 9:15 Women’s Bible Study (CCC) Days reserved (BLUE,PP) 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 9:45 LAMPS (FH) 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (LIB) 9:00 Happy Days (NARX) 12:00 Reading the Bible w/the Church 2:00 Schwenkfelder Tea @

11:45 SYLO Pumpkin Bash (House’s) 10:00 WCF Attic Treasures (BETH) (FH) Peter Becker with Candace 3:00 Dorian Choir (House’s) 6:30 College Age Men’s Bible 7:00 Deacon’s Prayer (PRAY) Perry (SLHC) Study (JR) 7:00 North Pennsmen (SANC) 5:30 Choir rehearsals (see below) 6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 7:30 United Choir (SANC) 7:00 Schmooze, News, and Views 6:15 Cub Scouts (MID, BLUE, PRIM) 6:30 Bethel Bible (BETH) 6:30 Christianity 101 (BLUE) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) (CCC) 6:30 AWANA (CCC) 7:15 Worship Band (FH) 8:15 Men’s Basketball (CCC) 7:30 Deacons (MERE) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Small Group (CHAP)

(Rev. David preaches) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Community Moment 9:15 Staff Mtg. (BETH) 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 9:15 Women’s Bible Study (CCC) 10:00 Happy Days, reserved (FH) 9:00 Happy Days Thanksgiving 6:00-Midnight Prayer Vigil (SANC) Diacon Lutheran Children & Family 1:00 WCF Bakery and Country 10:30 Schwenkfeld Ministerium 9:45 LAMPS (FH) Feast (FH) 8:30 Safety Committee (BLUE) Services Market (FH) (BETH) 12:00 Reading the Bible w/the Church 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (LIB) (FH) 6:30 College Age Men’s Bible Study (JR) 5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see below) 6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 7:00 Board of Ministries (BLUE) 6:30 AWANA (CCC) 6:30 Bethel Bible (BETH) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:00 Trustees (MERE) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Worship Band (FH) 5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) 7:30 United Choir (SANC) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) 7:00 Peter Wentz Mtg. (BETH) 7:15 Small Group (CHAP) 6:30 Christianity 101 (BLUE) 8:15 Men’s Basketball (CCC) 6:30 Wired + Crave, “WAVE” (CCC)

(Dr. Drake preaches) 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Infant Dedication 9:00 Happy Days Reserved (NARX) 9:00 No Happy Days thru 11/25 9:45 LAMPS (FH) 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (LIB) 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 2:00 Meadowood Service 12:00 Reading the Bible w/the Church (FH) 6:00 MOPS (CCC) 2:00 Dock Fellowship 6:30 College-Age Men’s Bible 5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) Study (JR) 6:30 Christianity 101 (BLUE) 7:00 Church Council (BLUE) 6:30 Wired & Crave (PP, CCC) 7:30 United Choir (SANC) 7:00 Schmooze, News…(CCC) 5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see below) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 8:15 Men’s Basketball (CCC)

(Rev. David preaches) 25 222222229226 27 28 29 30 New Members Join 9:30 MOPS playdate (CCC) 9:45 LAMPS (FH) 12:00 Reading the Bible w/the Church (FH) 4:00 Wired and Crave leave for 6:30 College-Age Men’s Bible Sixers (CCC) Study (JR) 5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see below) 7:00 Brd. CE (BETH) 7:00 Missions Board (BETH) 6:30 AWANA (Funny Hats-CCC) 6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 7:30 United Choir Dress 5:45 Dorian Choir (SANC) 7:30 United Choir (SANC) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Worship Band (FH) Rehearsal (FH) 6:30 Wired & Crave (PP, CCC) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:15 Small Group (CHAP) 8:15 Men’s Basketball (CCC)1 ** WEDS. CHOIR SCHEDULE 82 5:30 – 6:30 Junior Choir (JUNIOR RM.) 8;;;;;; **SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE** 6:30 – 7:00 Celebration Brass (FH) 9:00 Traditional Worship (SANCTUARY)/ Sunday School classes meet 7:00 – 8:00 Brasswind (FH) 10:00 Social Time for all in Fellowship Hall 8:00 – 9:30 Chancel Choir (SANC) 10:35 Contemporary Worship (FELLOWSHIP HALL) / JAM meets & 6th grade – Adult SS

Non-Profit Organization The CENTRAL FOCUS U.S. Postage Paid Central Schwenkfelder Church Permit #465 2111 S. Valley Forge Road Bulk Rate Lansdale, PA 19446 Lansdale, PA 19446 www.cscfamily.org Change Service Requested Ministerial Staff: Rev. Dr. David W. McKinley, Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. H. Drake Williams, III, Associate Minister Julian A. Scavetti, Youth Pastor

The CENTRAL FOCUS is a monthly newsletter published for the members and friends of the Central Schwenkfelder Church.

 If you would prefer not to receive future mailings, call or email us to let us know.

Christmas Memorials Anyone desiring to place a memorial poinsettia in the Sanctuary for the Christmas Holiday season, is requested to complete the form below and place it in the box located in the Narthex office or mail to the church office by Monday, December 10, 2018. The cost of each memorial will be $10.00. Please use the form below to list your memorial(s) as you desire to have them appear in the special insert of our Christmas bulletin. Poinsettias should be picked up after the 7:30 p.m. service on Christmas Eve or between 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26th. If you are unable to pick up your plant, please make arrangements for someone else to collect it for you. Any plants that are not picked up by Tuesday, December 26th at noon, will be delivered to area shut-ins.

 (List as you wish the memorial to appear in the bulletin.) Please use a separate form for each memorial.

In Loving Memory of Given by ______

Signed ______Phone ______

I wish to take my plant(s). YES  NO 

Check enclosed (amount): ______Cash enclosed (amount): ______

Make payable to “Central Schwenkfelder Church” (Please be sure to include $10.00 per listing/memorial.)