December 2019 Peace-Tohickon Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 Old Bethlehem Road, Perkasie, Pa 18944 (215) 257-3294 Website

December 2019 Peace-Tohickon Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 Old Bethlehem Road, Perkasie, Pa 18944 (215) 257-3294 Website: www.peace-tohickon.org

Email: [email protected]

“Jesus…withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” --John 6:15

Dear Members of Peace: December already! Are you and yours back in the swing of holiday plans? Is your calendar full to overflowing with event to attend? Meetings to go to? Social events? Work events? Kid’s events? Are those lazy, hazy days of summer a mere memory? Or, did you even slow down then? My summer and fall/winter clothes have yet to completely switch places since I just returned from two sunny places. But, now I’m back and up to my neck in programs and meetings and (dare I say it?) holiday planning. Wasn’t it just the Fourth of July??? The sanctuary and safety of the shore, or the mountains, or our own backyards seems more like a lifetime ago than just a couple of months. A sanctuary is a place of refuge and protection; it’s a place where we go to leave the world behind and fine peace and strength to go on with our ministries. Sanctuaries are places that most of us spend far too little time in these days. In the Middle Ages, travelers found little shrines set up along the roadways in which a cross and the image of a saint were hung. The traveler could stop at these sanctuaries for rest and prayer, and sometime a cup of cool water. There was no charge, no fee, no expectation of pay-backs. The sanctuary was simply there to help the weary regain strength so that they could continue their journeys. Our contemporary world doesn’t have any places like that for respite. In fact, if you’ve stopped at a turnpike service area lately, you know that they are places of confusion, turmoil and even downright havoc. No rest to be found. Get your gas, your Big Mac, and hit the restroom. That’s it. Back on the road and be quick about it. But, our minds and hearts and souls get weary in our overworked, over-stimulated, over scheduled worlds, and an hour on Sunday morning usually isn’t enough to sustain us through an entire week. We have to devise our own wayside stops, our own rest areas, our own sanctuaries … not on actual roads, but for the road of our daily lives.

As inspiring and wonderful as our Sabbath Day worship might be, the weeks are long and we often need something more to keep us going until the next service. Maybe most especially during these watchful weeks of Advent. We need stopping places during the week, intimate sanctuaries here and there where we can stop and let God refresh our souls with his presence. What are some sanctuaries you might find to get away and find restoration?

• Reading Scripture is a sure and certain way to find solace and peace. There are 24 chapters in the Book of Luke. Try reading one each day until Christmas Eve. • Pick up a little devotional book at your favorite book store and begin or end each day by reading a little from it. Or take it to work and read it during your lunch or coffee break. • Dust off that Advent wreath and be intentional about lighting it and giving thanks before meals. Share your sense of gratitude for all you’ve been given with your family and your friends. • Spend time with your spouse and kids at meals and bedtime talking about God and God’s role in creation. • Weather permitting … Go to a park or take a walk or sit in your own backyard and read or pray or sing. Remember to take time to be quiet, too, and listen for God’s response to your prayers.

Jesus is our example. Let’s take the time to prepare our hearts and minds for his coming. Remember, that he often went away from the crowds and even from his disciples. He sought quiet places where he could talk to his Father and his Father could talk to him. Jesus knew that he needed quiet places and quiet times to refresh himself and restore his faith. The sanctuaries that he went to … the mountain tops, the lakes, the distant towns and villages, were where he went to gain strength from his Heavenly Father. Follow Jesus’ lead, during these crazy December days. Remember that Advent is a time for preparation. Take the time to establish your personal sanctuaries today. Take time for yourself. Take time for your family. Take time for you friends. Make time for the Christ Child to enter into your heart, mind and life.

Christmas Blessings, Pastor Dayle Malloy

REMINDER: Congregational Meeting This Sunday!

A Congregational Budget Approval & Elections Meeting will be held on THIS Sunday, December 8th, 2019, following the late worship service (at approximately 11:30 am).

The purpose of the meeting will be to go over details of the proposed 2020 budget and approve a budget for 2020, as well as to nominate and elect new council members for the upcoming year. Both are important church business necessary to move Peace forward into 2020 and beyond.

Your input is important. Please plan to attend this congregational meeting.

--Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church Council

One of the very best ways to keep in touch with members and friends of Peace who can no longer attend worship on a regular basis is to visit with them. And what better Christian, caring visit could there be than to share the Lord’s Supper with them during a visit? In the past, Peace was blessed to have disciple who were trained to do just that. But those folks are no longer participating in this vital and important ministry. This has left a huge hole in the care of our homebound members.

The Lutheran Church designates these folks as Lay Eucharistic Ministers and encourages congregations to train, equip, and support these folks as part of the called ministry of Christ. This ministry includes a whole lot more than simply bringing the sacrament to the homebound. Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM), become a life-line between the church family and ones who can no longer be active members. Often our homebound folks were deeply involved in the life and ministry of our congregation and due, to their current circumstances, find themselves feeling isolated and missing the companionship as well as the sacrament.

Pastor Malloy will be holding a LEM training session here at Peace sometime in January. This class will include the historical roots of the sacrament, the Biblical significance, our own Lutheran theology of the Lord’s Supper, and some useful hints to make the experience of each visit as meaningful as possible.

Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of this ministry and join your fellow disciples in January for this training class. Your attendance does not commit you to becoming a LEM. If you’re interested in knowing more about the sacrament and how LEMs add to the life of this congregation, come and learn. Please RSVP to the church office to reserve your spot. --Pastor Malloy

Join us at the Perkasie Tree Lighting Ceremony !!! Saturday, December 7 from 5-8 pm Perkasie will be holding its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event downtown, now in its 110th year and the oldest Tree Lighting Ceremony in our nation. Peace Church is sponsoring a table that evening & offering free hot cider, cookies & invitations to our Christmas Eve Services to attendees. The Outreach team needs volunteers to help man the table, sing carols, & greet visitors. Contact Cheryl Saint-Pol at 215-258-7522 to join in the fun. We will also need volunteers to bake Christmas cookies for the event. Please have all cookies at the church by 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 7th. Thank you!

Congratulations to Addelyn Link, Isabella Link, Jordon Ritter, Weston Ritter, Christopher James Thomas and Madison Wilfong who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Christ the King th Sunday, November 24 .

December 2019 Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church (215) 257-3294 [email protected]

SUNDAY MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1st Sunday in Advent 9-12 Office Hours Church Office 9-12 Office Hours 9-12 Office Hours 9-12 Office Hours Perkasie Christmas 8:15 & 10:15am - Worship/ 6:30 pm – Cadet Girl Closed Noon- Tree Lighting Communion: Pastor Paul Beck Scouts Mtg. Senior Lunch Bunch 6:30 pm – GS 3-4 pm - Set-up Troop 21671 Mtg. 5 - 8 pm - Event 9 am – Sunday School 6 pm - GS Daisies

9 am – Adult Bible Study Mtg. 7 pm - Property 7 pm - Bell Choir NO Confirmation Class Committee 8-10 am - Rehearsal 6 pm - Narcotics Anonymous Overeaters 8 pm – Sr. Choir Anonymous Mtg. Rehearsal

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2nd Sunday in Advent 9-12 Office Hours Church Office 9-12 Office hours 9-12 Office Hours 9-12 Office Hours 8 -11:45 am - Men’s 8:15 & 10:15am - Worship/ Closed 7 pm - Exec. B-fast, Bible Study Communion: Pastor Paul Beck 6:45 pm - Youth Council Mtg. & Service Project 9 am - Peace Meals for ALL! Choir Rehearsal (Tentative) 8-10 am - 6:30 pm – GS NO Confirmation Class 7:30 pm - New Spirit Overeaters Troop 2309 Mtg 11:30 am – Congregational Mtg Ensemble Rehearsal Anonymous Mtg. 11:30 am – PYG Babysitting 3:30 – 7 pm - PYG Fund Raiser 7 pm - Worship Peddler’s Village: WELCA to Carol to shut-ins Committee 6 pm - Narcotics Anonymous Shop & Dine 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 3rd Sunday in Advent 9-12 Office hours Church Office 9-12 Office hours 9-12 Office Hours 9-12 Office Hours 8-10 am Overeaters 8:15 am - Worship/ Closed Anonymous Mtg. 1:30 pm – To Live Communion: Pastor D. Malloy 6:30 pm – Cadet Girl 6 pm - GS Daisies 6:30 pm – GS Again Support 10:15 - New Spirit Worship & Scouts Mtg. 7 pm – Church Mtg. Troop 21671 Mtg. Grp. Communion: Pastor Malloy Council Meeting 6:45 - 9 pm – All 9 am – Sunday School 6:30 pm - WELCA Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm – Thirsty NO Confirmation Class Christmas Party: 8 pm - Sr. Choir Thursday at 9 am – Adult Bible Study Bring food & a gift Rehearsal Becker’s Corner 11:30 am – Faith & Fellowship Meeting ???

6:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 4th Sunday in Advent Christmas Eve CHRISTMAS 9-12 Office hours 9-12 Office Hours 8-10 am Overeaters 8:15 & 10:15am - Worship/ 9-12 Office Hours 3 & 8 pm Anonymous Mtg. DAY Communion: Pastor D. Malloy Services Peace 10:15 Service to Include the Church Office NEWSLETTER Kids’ Christmas Pageant Closed DEADLINE 9 am – Sunday School NO Confirmation Class 9 am – Adult Bible Study 11:30 am – History of St. Nick Event for All: Join Us!

6:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous

29 30 31 First Sunday of Christmas 9-12 Office hours NEW YEAR’S Lessons and Carols EVE 9 am? (Time TBD; Traditionally Church Office only 1 Worship Service) Closed NO Sunday School/Conf. Class NO Adult Bible Study 6:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 108 S. Main St., Apt. 130 Floral & Bulletin Sponsor Richlandtown, PA 18955

Needed in 2020 Betty Gabel If you are interested in sponsoring 408 Grandview Ave. altar flowers and church bulletins in Perkasie, PA 18944 honor of a loved one or special celebration date, please sign up on Lois Hafler 1 – Grace Laird the flower chart near the coat room. 1611 Park Ave., #201 – Forrest Ritter Quakertown, PA 18951 4 – Kenneth Miller The cost is $37 for flowers & $15 for – Donald Penn IV bulletins or $52 for both. Checks can Grace Nicolino – Cherie Vieczorek be made out to Peace Lutheran 1611 Park Ave., #112 5 – Frank Stump Church & dropped in the offertory Quakertown, PA 18951 – Gary Grim plates during worship services. 10 – Brandy French Helen Poust th 13 – Gregory Herrmann 200 S 9 Street 14 – Gary Grace Cottage #7 – Marcia Kramer Perkasie, PA 18944 – Tanya Reiss Winter: 4596 CR#305 – Leslie Schenk Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

15 – Carole Brackman – Cheryl Saint-Pol Wanda Renshaw 17 – John Schoch December Bulletin & 1131 Arbour Lane 18 – Joseph Caporaletti Floral Sponsors: Quakertown, PA 18951

19 – Daniel Horning – Elaine Schoen 1 – Herta Altner Jean Scholl 2301 North Fifth Street 20 – Matthew Irwin 8 – Available – Debora Schoch Perkasie, PA 18944 15 – Melissa Yates 21 – Dianne Steiner Gloria Shannon 24 – Tara Kauffman 22 – Grace Grim Rm 57, 108 S. Main St. – Thomas Smith 24 – The Erneys Richlandtown, PA 18955 25 – Carol Correll 29 – John & Ellen Shelly

– Doug Erney Marlene Shilling – Bonnie Price Our Home Bound Members: The Birches

26 – Michael Lutz 691 Main Street, Room 28 Alice Brad – Cole Reiss Harleysville, PA 19438 27 – Robert Strouse, Sr. Meadow Glen at Phoebe 29 – Linda Fretz 108 S. Main St., Apt. 124 Shirley Slozer – Jeffrey Tyburski Richlandtown, PA 18955 Hidden Meadows on the Ridge – Kevin Tyburski The Laurels Room D1A Joyce Burkett 31 – Luke Erney 340 Farmers Lane 1075 Arbour Lane – William Sparango Sellersville, PA 18960 Quakertown, PA 18951

Meadow Glen at Phoebe DECEMBER Mary Dunlap Richland ANNIVERSARIES Cedarbrook Nursing Home c/o Luther Stever 350 S Cedarbrook Rd. 14 – Andres & Lucy Susi 108 S. Main St. Apt. #122 Rm #614A 16 – Gary & Nancy Grace Richlandtown, PA 18955 26 – Michael & Nancy Cygan Allentown, PA 18104

31 – Claude & Susan Barnes Marion Engelmann

Meadow Glen at Phoebe THIS MONTH AT-A-GLANCE …

DATES GREETERS ACOLYTES CRUCIFERS LECTORS ASSISTING MINISTERS

12/1/19 Mary Snyder Paige Pawlowski Maddie Gerth Carole Brackman Chip Kramer

12/8/19 Nancy Frank Cole Reiss Garrett McKenzie Bill Markland Cheryl Saint-Pol

12/15/19 Judy Hamilton New Spirit Service

12/22/19 Linda Gonet Ella Powell Courtney Steiner Nancy Grace Bruce Bachman

3 pm - Ella 3 pm - Garrett 3 pm - Nancy 3 pm - Nancy 12/24/19 3 pm & 8 pm Powell McKenzie Cygan Cygan Nancy Frank 8 pm - Courtney 8 pm - Makenzie 8 pm - Julia 8 pm - Mike Steiner Wilfong Erney Cygan

12/29/19 Kari Beck Maddy Gerth Garrett McKenzie Nancy Grace TBD

DECEMBER HEAD USHER Gary Schott

DECEMBER ALTAR GUILD Nancy Frank and Friends

DECEMBER PARISH NURSE/Blood Pressure Screenings Dianne Steiner

If you are interested in … Contact … Greeting Members Judy Hamilton [email protected] Being an Usher Mike Cygan [email protected] Serving on Altar Guild Elva Groff [email protected] Serving as an Acolyte or Crucifer Carole Brackman [email protected] Serving as a Lector or Assisting Minister Nancy Cygan [email protected] Joining Youth or Bell Choir Jen Bara [email protected] Joining our New Spirit Ensemble Jen Bara [email protected] Joining our Senior Choir Linda Beck [email protected] Joining WELCA Nancy Grace [email protected] Joining the Adult Bible Study Group Randi Schaeffer [email protected] Joining the Men’s Bible Study Group Bruce Bachman [email protected] Joining the Peace Youth Group (PYG) – Heidi Gerth [email protected] 6th Grade through Highschool Joining the Jr. Peace Youth Group Julia Erney [email protected] (PUPs) – 1st through 5th Grades Joining the Senior Lunch Bunch Grace Lloyd [email protected] Promoting Peace Out in the Community Cheryl Saint-Pol [email protected] Joining the Stewardship Committee Mike Cygan [email protected] Teaching/Helping with Sunday School Dottie Ritter [email protected] Joining the Volleyball Team Kristina Doherty [email protected] Meals on Wheels Cheryl Saint-Pol [email protected] Joining the Worship Committee Melissa Yates [email protected] Joining the Finance Committee Garry Engelmann [email protected] Joining the Property Committee Gary Schaeffer [email protected] Joining the Faith & Fellowship Committee Dottie Ritter [email protected] Helping with the Peace Garden Dottie Ritter [email protected] If You Have Something to add here Julia Erney [email protected] Becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister Pastor Malloy [email protected] Helping/Joining the IT Committee Julia Erney [email protected] Volunteering at the Church Julia Erney [email protected]

Peace-Tohickon Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 Old Bethlehem Road, Perkasie, Pa 18944

(215) 257-3294 * Website: www.peace-tohickon.org

Church Staff and Council Members

Staff: Contacts: Phone Numbers: e-mail Addresses: Bridge Pastor Dayle Malloy 215-932-9533 [email protected] Church Admin. Asst. Julia Erney 215-257-3294 [email protected] Bookkeeper Carol Ward 215-257-3294 [email protected] Organist/Sr. Choir Dir. Linda Beck 215-723-5356 [email protected] New Spirit, Bells, Youth Jen Bara 267-307-4061 [email protected] Choir Sexton Chip Kramer 215-872-8257 [email protected] Nursery Elaine Miller 215-536-9271

Council Members: Contacts: Phone Numbers: e-mail Addresses: President Douglas Erney 267-410-7644 [email protected] Vice-President Mike Cygan 215-872-4490 [email protected] Treasurer Ellen Shelly 215-257-9061 [email protected] Secretary Melissa Yates 215-257-6735 [email protected] Financial Secretary Dottie Ritter 215-257-4587 financialsecretary@peace- tohickon.org Council Member Barbara Bachman 267-221-8630 [email protected] Council Member Donna Donelon 908-627-1952 [email protected] Council Member Heidi Gerth 267-424-4893 [email protected] Council Member Bill Groff 215-453-9005 [email protected] Council Member Gary Schaeffer 484-894-3030 [email protected] Council Member - Youth Courtney Steiner Representative Council Member Dianne Steiner 215-453-7917 [email protected] Council Member Available

Thank You For Your Willingness to Serve!

Our Mission @ Peace:

Trusting in God's love, we grow in faith, celebrate His Word, care for His gifts and serve others.

Fa la la la la – la la la la …

WELCA members will be delivering poisettias to our dear shut ins and caroling to spread Christmas cheer after the congregational meeting on Sunday, December 8, 2019. Join us for pizza & then put your Santa hats on & sing with us as we visit friends that can’t make it to church.

Questions? Please contact Nancy Grace at 215-257-4213 or via e-mail at [email protected] .

All are Welcome!! … Join Us!

th Altar Placement Vote on December 15 On Sunday, December 15, 2019, the congregation will be invited to express their thoughts about the placement of the altar. When the altar was moved, in accordance with a decision made by the worship and music committee, we stated that the decision to leave it on its current level or return it to the higher level would be made during Advent.

Two personal family events will take Pastor Malloy out of town for the first two weeks in Advent, so the opportunity for the congregation to make their thoughts known will be on the Third Sunday in Advent by a

ballot vote, as promised.

Peace Youth Group (PYG) Babysitting Fundraiser TODAY !! (During the Congregational Meeting)

Sunday, December 8th, 11:30 am - 4pm The older youth group will once again be holding a babysitting fundraiser. Parents, this is a great time to escape for some holiday shopping or adult time. We'll feed the kids, entertain them with games & a movie. There's a sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you’re interested.

Poinsettia Orders

Thank you to everyone who placed orders for Poinsettias to help us adorn the Sanctuary and Altar this Christmas! If you had wanted to order, but missed the Dec. 1st deadline, contact Elva Groff at [email protected]; we may be able to add a few more plants to our order.

Join Peace’s Altar Guild Altar Guild is looking for some new members to help set up for worship services and join our team. If you have any questions about this ministry or would like to learn more about what altar Guild does for Peace, please see Pastor Malloy or Elva Groff. Elva can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

TLA -- To Live Again Support Group

The TLA group meets monthly at Peace Lutheran Church. We are a group of women and men who have lost their spouse and are ready to return to having a social life. We meet on the third Friday of the month in the fellowship hall at 1:30 pm.

We enjoy a variety of activities, all geared toward having fellowship. We are always open to welcoming new members, so stop in and find out if this group is right for you or call me with any questions you might have at 215-256-8725 or via e-mail at [email protected] .

--Joe LaViola, President of TLA Group

Fellowship at Peddler’s Village

Saturday, December 14th, 3:30 - 7:00 pm the Peace Youth Group is headed to Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA for holiday sights, shopping & dinner. We'll be carpooling from Peace. PYG Friends and family are welcome, but please contact Heidi Gerth at [email protected], so we can arrange transportation and make dinner reservations. And as always, all youth in 6-12th

grades & their friends are welcome to get in on the fun!

Everyone’s Invited to Peace Meals THIS SUNDAY, December 8th! The Sunday School classes would like to invite the members of Peace to join us for our December Peace Meal THIS SUNDAY at 9:00 am in the fellowship hall for a time of food and fellowship. Our menu includes egg casserole, sausages, yogurt parfaits, fruit, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies. We will also have time after breakfast to share some our favorite Christmas memories. Hope to see you there!

Save The Date for Sr. Lunch Bunch Fun

January 8 - Bingo and pizza. The first Wednesday in January is New Year's Day, so we will meet on Second Wednesday that month. Bingo and pizza are on the agenda that day. Each person should bring a white elephant gift for Bingo prizes. Thank you for all your support. See you in church. --Grace Lloyd Questions? Call me at 610-972-3172 or e-mail [email protected].

The Lunch Bunch meets on the first Wednesday of the Month at noon, September through June. Anyone 55 and over is welcome!

December 22nd, 2019 at 11:30 am – History of St. Nicholas Event for All: Join Us in the Fellowship Hall ! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Flower & Bulletin Sponsorships

Many Thanks to all who sponsor our weekly altar flowers and bulletins. The flowers beautify our church services. There is a new flower chart for 2020 outside the coat room. If you are interested in sponsoring bulletins or flowers for a specific date, in honor or memory of a loved one, please see the new flower chart to reserve your requests for 2020.

Please sign the flower chart outside the coat room if you would like to sponsor flowers and bulletins in honor of or in memory of a loved one. You can drop the $52 in the offertory plate during worship services. And thank you for helping to beautify our church.

A Smile Goes A Long Way … PEACE needs Greeters for worship services. If you have a friendly smile & enjoy giving warm welcomes, please contact Judy Hamilton

at [email protected] .

Please Sign The Birthday Cards in the Narthex …

For our member celebrating a milestone birthday over the age of 80 years old …

Elaine Schoen – 89 years young! (December 19th)

SINGERS AND MUSICIANS -- If you would like to sing or play during the musical prelude on Christmas Eve, please contact me ASAP. You can be part of the prelude at 3 pm or 8 pm. If you need ideas about music, I have those too! (Start practicing now; December 23 is too late!) --Linda Beck Text or call 215 692 3101, or email [email protected], or see me in church.

A Message From Betty Gabel … Betty Gabel e-mailed the office and asked that I please Thank everyone for the Advent Calendar she received, and noted that it was ‘such a nice surprise! Thank you all for remembering Clair

and I.’ Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Children’s Christmas Pageant This year, the Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 22nd during the 10:15 worship service, in lieu of the children’s sermon. Join us that day for a festive depiction of the story surrounding the birth of our Savior, Jesus (and some good music, as well).

Peace has a Volleyball Team! If you’d be interested in joining, please e-mail, text or call Kristina Doherty by December 20th at [email protected]/215-285-3121.

Calling All Altar Guild …

On Saturday, December 21 at 8:30 am, Altar Guild will meet to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Please contact Elva Groff at 215-453-9005 or [email protected] if you can help. Many hands are needed!

Adult Bible Study on Sunday Mornings … All Are Welcome!

Over the last year or two, the Adult Discussion Group has been using The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction as a guide as we explore the Bible. We learned about the early stories of God’s people, their trials and triumphs, what the prophets had to tell us, and who Jesus is. We meet on Sundays at 9 a.m. All are welcome. Please join us in the room across from the kitchen. No prior knowledge is needed, just an open mind, as we take a fresh look at the Gospels.

You just might come to see Jesus in a new light! --Randi Schaeffer

Attention All Men: New Format for Men’s Group We welcome all men (confirmation age) & up to gather for breakfast, fellowship, bible study and a service project the second Saturday of every month starting at 8 AM.

Breakfast/Fellowship 8 - 9 AM (at the home or restaurant of the group’s choosing) Bible Study/discussion 9 - 10 AM Service project 10 - 11:45 AM (We will have you out before lunch time!)

The next meeting will be Saturday December 14, 2019. See Gary Schaeffer or Bruce Bachman for details. Looking forward to your participation! --Gary Schaeffer

Christmas Eve Worship & Communion Services At Peace Lutheran Church

will be held on Tuesday, December 24th at 3 pm – Youth Choir, Senior Choir & Traditional Candlelight Service & 8 pm – An Appalachian Christmas with Bell Choir & Senior Choir & Traditional Candlelight Service - Invite your friends & neighbors!

Thank you to those families that are helping us celebrate the Season of Advent, by lighting our Advent candles:

Week 1: The Ritter Family & Paige Pawlowski

Week 2: Grace Grim, Kathy Mitman & The Doherty Family

Week 3: Agnes Allebach & The Wilfong Family

Week 4: The Thomas Family

______

Fall Special Envelope Designations:

Harvest Home - Lutheran Disaster Response Fall Thankoffering - Lutheran Disaster Response (Fall Thankoffering Envelopes are in the pews to support this very necessary ministry.Thanks!) Thanksgiving - Ram Pack Christmas - Peace Lutheran Church ____

What is RamPack & How Can I Help?

RamPack is a local program that provides 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 snacks to children on weekends, who normally receive free or reduced breakfasts & lunches at school during the week. St. Paul’s UCC has begun this program at Sellersville Elementary School and would like to reach other Pennridge Elementary Schools in the same way. With your help, we can support these efforts to feed children in our community through our Thanksgiving Offering! Thank you for your generosity!

Tohickon Union Cemetery News

Tohickon Union Cemetery Board is in need of two members from Peace Lutheran Church to help represent us and make decisions with our UCC Brother Parish. There are five meetings per year that meet on the second Thursday in the months of February, April, June, September & November at 7:30 pm in the Tohickon UCC brick one-room school house.

If you are interested in serving in this capacity or have questions, please contact Barry Grim at 215-536-5129 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Call the Church Office When … What Talents Can You Share?

• A member becomes hospitalized or shut-in, New committees have formed, including a • A member needs prayer, is having a baby, Stewardship committee, an IT Committee, & a getting married or moving. Gardening Club. Our Outreach Committee, Altar Guild, • You have spiritual questions to explore. & Finance Committee are looking for new members. • You are curious about God’s call to you. Call the church office at 215-257-3294 to learn how to get involved at Peace. Peace Church Office: 215-257-3294

Please keep our Prayer List Up-To-Date If you have a friend or relative on our prayer list who has recovered from an illness, please call the Church Office at 215-257-3294, so we can update our weekly prayer list. Our prayers do work! Thank you!

Our Prayer List - Please Pray for … Our Members John Schoch Tom Smith Joyce Burkett Diane Stump Lois Hafler Shirley Slozer Charlene Fisher Grace Nicolino Wanda Renshaw Sherry Dulsky

Our Military Brian Hilinski Kyle Likens Eric French Flint Engelmann

Our Friends George Pester – Assoc. Peace Member & FLA Resident Janice Young – Gary Schaeffer’s Cousin Luke Bender – Dorothy Kasper’s Friend’s Grandson Tracy – Yvonne Leonard’s Cousin Tony Swede – Brother of Ellen Shelly Christopher Malloy – Son of Pastor Malloy Caitlyn – Daughter of Elaine Keckiessen Michael & Angel Miller – Grandson & Daughter of Sue Keen Gloria Anderson – Mother of Peni Bottorf Doris Bohanak – Shelley DePinto’s Mother Winnie Klopper – Friend of Pete Moyer Jamie Kruse – Sister-in-Law of Dawn Lutz Sally Churchman – Friend of Kathy Mitman Neil Rapawy – Friends of Randi & Gary Schaeffer Barbara Sacks – Sister of Robert Beck Lynette Richardson – Cousin of Corinne Penn Susanne Wright – Relative of Pete and Cheryl Moyer Dylan Willis – Dave Thomas’ Cousin Sue Hudson – Dave Thomas’ Aunt Dorothy/Don Armstrong – Sister/Brother-in-Law of Nancy Grace Stephanie Salewski – Julia Erney’s Mother Suzanne Murawski – Julia Erney’s Aunt Fred Heitzenroder – Friend of the Groffs Mike Maurer, Wife & Daughter – Friends of Larry Schenk Nancy Steiner – Mother-in-Law of Dianne Steiner Maureen Gildea – Friend of Jayne Kramer & Beth Kramer Maloney William Umstead – Friend of John & Ellen Shelly Edward Brous – Friend & Arbours Community Neighbor Stacy Block – Brother-in-Law of Peter & Cheryl Moyer Ken & Lynn Swift – Friends of the Groffs Jean Gruen – Friend of the Groffs Barbara Staats - Neighbor of The Erneys & Groffs The Family & Friends of H. Paul Stever

Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church

October 15, 2019

2020 Term 2021 Term 2022 Term Barbara Bachman (2nd)* Doug Erney (1st)* vacant Bill Groff (1st)* Donna Donelon (1st)* Mike Cygan (1st)* Melissa Yates (1st)* Gary Schaeffer (1st)* Dianne Steiner (1st)* vacant Courtney Steiner (1st)* Heidi Gerth (1st)* An * indicates attendance. Pastor Dayle Malloy, Dottie Ritter, financial secretary, and Ellen Shelly, treasurer, also in attendance. Motions are passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated.

I The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. Donna Donelon led us in devotions.

II Old Business 1. Thermostat replacement plans are on hold. 2. We need to form a Stewardship committee. Meetings will start in December. Donna and Gary have agreed to be part of this committee. 3. Staff job descriptions will be reviewed for Carol and Julia before the meeting with Haverford Trust. We plan to review all job descriptions after church on October 27 after church.

II Secretary’s Report. A motion to accept the secretary’s report was made by Donna Donelon, and seconded by Bill Groff.

III Pastor’s Report. A motion to accept the Pastor’s report was made by Courtney Steiner and seconded by Gary Schaeffer.

IV We moved to the consent agenda. 1. Worship committee 2. Faith and Fellowship committee 3. Property committee i. Property would like to move forward with the archiving of records. Toward that end Mike will ask Linda Beck about what should be saved and how to properly dispose of papers that are unwanted. ii. Property would like to post a volunteer opportunity chart. This would identify a job that needs to be done and clarify that supplies will be provided. iii. West Rockhill is collecting Electronics this coming Saturday.

A motion to accept the committee reports was made by Heidi Gerth and seconded by Dianne Steiner.

V Financial Secretary’s report. A motion to accept the Financial Secretary’s report was made by Dianne Steiner and seconded by Courtney Steiner. VI Treasurer’s Report. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Heidi Gerth and seconded by Dianne Steiner.

VI Reminders Our next meeting has been moved to November 12. Devotions: Doug Erney

Counter 1: Barbara Bachman Counter 2: Gary Schaeffer VII New Business 1. There are two congregational meetings coming up.

Part A: Budget and Election of Council Members. Proposed date is December 8, 2019. A motion to schedule a Congregational meeting for the presentation of the budget and the election of council members on December 8, 2019 was made by Bill Groff and seconded by Gary Schaeffer. Part B: Yearly Reports. Proposed date is February 9, 2020. A motion to schedule the Annual Congregational Meeting for yearly reports on February 9, 2020 was made by Dianne Steiner and seconded by Donna Donelon. Julia will send out the necessary notification for both meetings.

2. Nominations for council members. Barb Bachman is the nominating committee, possibly helped by Judy Hamilton.

3. Church credit card. Ellen provided us with information on a credit card that is designed for nonprofits. It is suggested that we have one credit card with Penn Community Bank in the church’s name. The maximum credit line would be $1000.00.This amount could be changed on a month-to-month basis. It would be managed and held by the administrative assistant. Use would require the filling out of a request form. The card would not leave the building.

A motion to activate a church credit card administered by the administrative assistant with a limit of $1000.00 on a month to month basis which would require each use to go through the standard approval process, with the bookkeeper reviewing the bill and matching each transaction with an approved request, was made by Mike Cygan and seconded by Bill Groff.

Doug will write up the standard operating procedures.

4. The IT committee recommends the purchase of a new router. It should cost about $150.00, with an installation charge of $80.00 per hour. A motion to purchase a new router for the church for the approximate cost of $150.00 plus installation charges was made by Gary Schaeffer and seconded by Heidi Gerth.

Since this is not a budgeted item, the money may come from the Buck estate, or from building maintenance. A motion to fund the new router either from the Buck Estate or from building maintenance was made by Dianne Steiner and seconded by Mike Cygan.

5. Doug raised the topic of handicap accessibility in our sanctuary. Currently there is only space for a wheelchair at the very front or the very back of the seating area. It was suggested that a row be dedicated to a wider accessibility where wheelchairs or people with canes and walkers could sit. Council would like to ask the property committee to consider this issue and report back to us with their ideas.

A motion to adjourn was made by Heidi Gerth and seconded by Gary Schaeffer.

Motions

A motion to schedule a Congregational meeting for the presentation of the budget and the election of council members on December 8, 2019 was made by Bill Groff and seconded by Gary Schaeffer. A motion to schedule the Annual Congregational Meeting for yearly reports on February 9, 2020 was made by Dianne Steiner and seconded by Donna Donelon.

A motion to purchase a new router for the church for the approximate cost of $150.00 plus installation charges was made by Gary Schaeffer and seconded by Heidi Gerth.

A motion to fund the new router either from the Buck Estate or from building maintenance was made by Dianne Steiner and seconded by Mike Cygan.

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Wishing you and your family a safe and memorable holiday, full of love, laughter and happiness. Merry Christmas!!!