Palm Leaves December 2020

833 Gravel Pike  P. O. Box 66  Palm PA 18070  215-679-5321  www.palmschwenkfelder.com

PASTOR’S PAUSE – “CHRISTMAS WONDERINGS” In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

(Luke 2:1-7) INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Normally, when I would make a title like “Christmas Wonderi ngs” the PAGE article to follow would deal with childhood memories, thoughts, and Pastor’s Pause 1 reflections from this beautiful season of the church year, all the things I Budget Proposal 2, 3 look forward to experiencing again, fresh and new. Typically at this time Member News 3 of year we are knee deep in rehearsals for United Schwenkfelder Choir and preparing for the Christmas Eve Cantata, as well as the stress of Funeral Policy 4 Caspar’s Corner 5, 6 preparations and planning for our own personal gatherings. Prayerfully though, in the usually common hurriedness, comes a moment which grabs Brown Bag Lecture 6 my attention and reminds me that at the core of all this stuff, is simply a Church News 7 miraculous, and wondrous birth. I long, I hope and I pray for that moment Youth News 8 in 2020. Luminary Order Form 9

Christmas Eve Survey 10 I can already tell you that Christmas this year, and Christmas Eve this year Calendar 11 in the life of Palm , will be different. Currently our leadership is in discussion of how to best approach Christmas Eve during a pandemic. As of the writing of this article the COVID 19 numbers are not moving in a promising direction. While we want to fully celebrate the

birth of our Savior Christ, we also want to continue striving to keep

all those worshipping safe.

Our current plan is to continue evaluating the situation and communicate with the congregation in December the specific opportunities for and meaningful reflection on Christmas Eve. I encourage all of you to remain vigilant in following COVID protocols as you strive to keep yourself and others safe. 1

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHURCH TREASURER

PLEASE REVIEW BEFORE OUR CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH WHERE WE WILL APPROVE THE BUDGET. THANK YOU, ROBERT W. CROLL

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Palm Member News A LITTLE CHRISTIAN HUMOR… A little boy opened the big and old family with We extend our sympathies to fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. the following families of the Then something fell out of the Bible. on their passing of:

He picked it up and looked at it closely. Heinz Herrmann on November 2, 2020 It was an old leaf from a tree that has been pressed in between the pages. 

Paul Boyer on "Mama, look what I found," the boy called out. November 6, 2020 "What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked.

With astonishment in the young boy's voice he answered,

"It's Adam's suit."

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** Please take a moment and review our updated Funeral Policy, we found necessary to revise during these unprecedented times. Thank you. – Church Leadership **

Palm Schwenkfelder Church Associate Member: United Church of Christ P. O. box 66, 833 GRAVEL PIKE, Palm PA 18070-0066 www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

REVISED FUNERAL POLICY – COVID19

Grieving, especially in a time of global pandemic, presents challenges and heartbreak. We, as a family of , strive to offer comfort to those who mourn, as well as to provide for the safety of attendees and staff in honoring a person’s life. With guidance from the CDC, Montgomery County Department of Health, denominational bodies and the United Church Insurance Board, we continue to recommend safe practices, social distancing, and limited group number gatherings. Palm Schwenkfelder Church partners with the funeral home of the family’s choosing to provide as safe an environment as we can. The following policies now apply to all funeral services at Palm Schwenkfelder Church until further notice:

• We continue to recommend graveside services. However, services in the Sanctuary are available.

• If possible, we recommend a celebration of life service be held at a later date, when it is determined safe to do so.

• No more than 100 people may attend a graveside service. Those attending must be standing at least 6 feet apart. As a courtesy to the other attendees we ask those who are able, to wear face masks or face coverings at all times. When approaching the graveside, attendees will be asked to provide contact tracing information.

• No more than 100 people may attend a service in the Sanctuary.

• The church building has been set up to allow for the practice of social distancing. Please respect these guidelines by standing, or sitting, 6 feet apart while in the building. Members of the same household will be allowed to sit or stand together. Please do not congregate in groups before and after the service in the church building. When entering the Sanctuary, attendees will be asked to provide contact tracing information, and then escorted to an available pew. At the conclusion of the service, attendees will be dismissed by rows, beginning at the rear of the Sanctuary.

• We are unable to provide a viewing/calling hour prior to the graveside service.

• We are unable to provide for a funeral luncheon following the graveside service.

• Pastoral participation in funeral services held inside of funeral homes is subject to individual pastoral discretion.

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CASPAR’S CORNER CHRISTMAS MEMORIES FROM 1962 Caspar’s Corner is provided monthly to The Schwenkfelder Church by the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center.

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For the November/December 1962 candy and nuts on the floor for them to Schwenkfeldian, Glenna Kelly interviewed a gather. But, if the children reached for them number of Schwenkfelder “old-timers” and before he left, they felt the switch on their wrote a light-hearted article of their hands. Dr. Elmer E. S. Johnson fondly recalled recollections of Christmas in their younger that on one particularly dark Christmas Eve days. Glenna was the Pastor’s secretary at two men who came to play “Belsnickel” the Lansdale Schwenkfelder Church as well as tripped and fell into an uncovered water being the Schwenkfeldian correspondent, a trough behind the house. Miss Irma Schultz member of the ladies’ quartet and one of the tells about her visit to a Schwenkfelder home, Senior Christian Endeavor youth advisors. She and what did she locate among the eaves — also served The Schwenkfelder Church for where he was resting for lo these past fifty several years as General Conference secretary. years and more —but “Der Belsnickel,” a little This Caspar’s Corner is an excerpt from her gray, perhaps, but in excellent condition, article “Christmas Customs of Early holding Christmas greens instead of the switch. Schwenkfelder Families in .” Although all other Schwenkfelder customs we

While there are not any recorded Christmas have learned about had a religious customs that are singularly Schwenkfelder, we connotation, we are unable, so far, to find one for “Der Belsnickel.” have been fortunate to be able to talk to many of our senior Schwenkfelders and they Breakfast on Christmas morning was an have nostalgically recalled “how it used to be important event. The family gathered around at our house” at Christmas. A lot of these the table and father, after adjusting his customs are familiar to others, too, since it is spectacles, would read from the old German natural for one to adopt a custom which is family Bible the story of the birth of Jesus. pleasant, to make it into a tradition for one's After the Christmas story was read, they own family. enjoyed their breakfast which included the

Der Belsnickel (Pelznickel, Besh Nichel, “Schwenkfelder cake,” or Saffron cake, this Nicholas in Fur) was known to almost every time baked in a Turks Head (like a bundt-cake Schwenkfelder youngster two or three pan), with a candle in the center for the Christ generations ago. On Christmas Eve he would child's birthday. (Schwenkfelder cake also make his appearance, usually dressed in old made its appearance at weddings in addition clothes and wearing a mask or with coal to being popular daily fare and was usually baked in rectangular or square pans). darkening his face. In one hand he carried a bag containing candy and nuts, and in the The Christmas Tree was present in other hand was a long switch. Mrs. Mabel Schwenkfelder homes and it was this that Berky recalls she always kept the dining room attracted the attention of the children for table between herself and “Der Belsnickel.” under the tree they found their gifts—on the When “Der Belsnickel” ascertained that the plate they placed there the night before. The children had been good, he would throw the sometimes ostentatious display of toys found

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CASPAR’S CORNER, CONTINUED… under the birthday of Jesus that it burst into bloom. the tree on Christmas morning today would The Christmas trees were decorated in have left those Schwenkfelder children probably as many ways as there were families. speechless. They found on their plate some Usually the ornaments were made at home— candy (kris kringle, popcorn), an apple, an very often by the children who delighted in orange, (a rather expensive delicacy in those this occupation after their chores were days), a book (Mrs. H. B. Shearer says she completed, and they included paper chains, thinks some of the books were chosen for the stars, strings of cranberries, etc. Also on the beauty of the cover rather than content since tree were little boxes which some families on one occasion she received Jules Verne's filled with a surprise, usually a sweet, to give “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” in the children who came to visit during the which she wasn't the least bit interested at the holiday season —the children being permitted time)—and sometimes there was also a toy or to select their box from the tree.

game for each child. The tree itself was a To the Schwenkfelders, Christmas was a deep local evergreen (often cedar in this section), . They were not prone to which was usually cut on the family property, make a lavish outward display, but it was a was small and placed on a table. With beautiful, happy day for all of them. A day for reference to the decorations on the tree, we thankful worship. learned of one family who decorated a cedar tree with straw flowers. The story goes that

the tree was so proud to be chosen to honor

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), there will be limited seating and masks will be required. Please call ahead to reserve a seat 215-679-3103 A History of the Christmas Putz Presented by Candace Perry Wednesday, December 9th, 12:00 noon What’s a putz? If you’re not from southeastern or central Pennsylvania, you may not know, but it’s very likely you’ve seen one! Join us for an illustrated lecture about this fascinating Christmas tradition that the Moravians brought with them from in the 1770’s and how it has evolved over generations.

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Many thanks to all who contributed to the Diaconate’s Harvest Home Food Drive benefitting The Open Link. On Monday, November 9th, we delivered a total of 1,539 food and personal care items plus $87 in donations to the Pennsburg location.

We are also grateful to the Palm Boy Scout Troop for allowing the use of their trailer and to Andy Kriebel, Ed Bieler, Bob Croll, Ben & Amelia Sensinger, Leslie Reyburn-Shisler, and the Town & Country newspaper for their assistance with this project.

YY SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 11:30 A.M. Palm Church Sanctuary and Via Zoom

You are invited to join the Special Congregational Meeting via Zoom. Be sure to download the app on your iPad or the software on your computer (zoom.us). Then use the link below to view and participate in the meeting on Sunday, December 13th at 11:30 a.m. If you have any questions, or would like the link emailed, please call or email the church office. Nick Pence is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Palm Schwenkfelder Church Special Congregational Meeting Time: Dec 13, 2020 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and ) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85630252337?pwd=b2dwcXdrbW5xOGpOcjJkOG5DSENLQT09 Meeting ID: 856 3025 2337 Passcode: 985188

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YOUTH NEWS

OUR YOUTH DIRECTOR SEARCH BEGINS…

A healthy and active youth program is not only a necessary outreach for a church to provide to its community but vital to create and cultivate within a congregation to keep it healthy and thriving. It also serves to keep its congregation growing strong for generations and generations.

With this in mind, I have hereby appointed a search committee. Working with Pastor Nick these individuals have been tasked to identify and hire our next Youth Director at Palm Schwenkfelder Church. This committee will also explore the viability of combining the position with that of the Director of the Palm Country Day School, as well as folding the operation of the Day School into the existing boards’ structure of the church.

I hope that everyone will join me in thanking the members of the committee (listed below) for their service and dedication to the congregation in this endeavor. May guide their discussions and lead them in finding the “right fit” for Palm Schwenkfelder. – Lawrence Croll, Moderator

Search Committee Members: Phillip Badman, Kirsten Croll, Gene Dolloff, Barb Master, Jackie Tomlin, Matt Tomlin

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PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH SPONSORS

LUMINARIES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Every Sunday from November 22nd through December 13th, you have the opportunity to contribute $5.00 per line for a luminary to decorate the church driveway on Christmas Eve.

Your contribution may be made “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” friends or loved ones. There will then be a special insert in the December 24th worship bulletin acknowledging your tribute.

To order, place your completed form and payment in the office lockbox, or mail to: Palm Schwenkfelder Church, P.O. Box 66, Palm, PA 18070.

All proceeds from this project will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Please make checks payable to: PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH Memo: Christmas Eve Luminaries

PLEASE PRINT

Donor’s Name:______Phone Number:______

“In Honor of”

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

4. ______

5. ______

“In Memory of”

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

4. ______

5. ______

Total Donation $______Check #______Cash______9

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE SURVEY

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND RESPOND TO THE SURVEY BELOW.

YOU CAN: 1. MAIL IT BACK TO THE CHURCH 2. CALL IN YOUR RESPONSE TO THE CHURCH AT 215-679-5321 3. OR EMAIL [email protected]

BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

WE APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE AS WE TRY TO PREPARE SERVICES FOR THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASON OF CHRIST’S BIRTH YET AT THE SAME TIME ATTEMPT TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS YEAR’S SERVICE WILL NOT BE A CANTATA AS IN YEAR’S PAST IN KEEPING AS WE WANT TO CONTINUE FOLLOWING THE CDC’S GUIDELINES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY.

Please check [√ ] only one option below:

I / We would like to attend an In-Person AFTERNOON service

I / We would like to attend an In-Person EVENING service

I / We can attend either an afternoon OR evening service to help alleviate the number of people in attendance.

*** If you chose one of the options above, please indicate the number of people including yourself who are planning to attend the service ______

I / We will not be attending In-Person service. (Please note that the service will also be held virtually.)

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December 2020 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 World AIDS Day 2 3 4 5 12:00 Daily Time of : 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Noon from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are Daily Time of Prayer 1:00 Ladies' Aid Meeting 7:00 Senior Bell Choir 7:00 Diaconate meets from wherever you are (Palm) Rehearsal (Zoom) 6:30 Cub Scout Pack 79 Meeting 7:30 Scouts BSA - Troop Meeting

6 7 8 9 10 Human Rights Day 11 12 No Sunday School 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Noon 10:15 Sunday Worship from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: from wherever you are Daily Time of Prayer: Service from wherever you are 6:30 Cub Scout Pack 79 7:00 Senior Bell Choir from wherever you are 11:30 Board of Music Meeting Rehearsal Ministry Mtg. 7:30 Scouts BSA - Troop 12:00 Daily Time of Meeting Prayer: from wherever you are

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 9:00 Sunday School 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 9:30 Newsletter mailing 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Noon prep (ABC classroom) 10:15 Sunday Worship from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are Daily Time of Prayer: Service 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 6:30 Buildings & Grounds 6:30 Cub Scout Pack 79 7:00 Youth Event: Lights In from wherever you are 11:30 Congregational Committee Meeting from wherever you are the Parkway (meet parking Meeting 7:00 Scouts BSA - Troop 7:30 Scouts BSA - Troop 7:00 Senior Bell Choir lot) 12:00 Daily Time of Committee Meeting Meeting Rehearsal Prayer: from wherever you 7:30 Board of Trustees are

20 Winter Solstice 21 22 23 24 25 Merry Christmas! 26 No Sunday School 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: TBA Christmas Eve Service 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Noon 10:15 Sunday Worship from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are Daily Time of Prayer Service 6:30 Board of Christian 6:30 Cub Scout Pack 79 7:00 Senior Bell Choir from wherever you are 12:00 Daily Time of Education Meeting Meeting Rehearsal Prayer: from wherever you 7p-9p Troop/Pack 79 7:30 Scouts BSA - Troop are Committee Meeting Meeting

27 28 29 30 31 9:00 Sunday School 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: 12:00 Daily Time of Prayer: from wherever you are 10:15 Sunday Worship from wherever you are from wherever you are from wherever you are Service 6:30 Cub Scout Pack 79 7:00 Senior Bell Choir Rehearsal 12:00 Daily Time of Meeting Prayer: from wherever you 7:30 Scouts BSA - Troop are Meeting

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Non-Profit PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH Organization P. O. Box 66 U.S. Postage Paid Permit no. 42 833 Gravel Pike Boyertown, PA 19512 Palm, PA 18070 PHONE: 215-679-5321 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED FAX: 215-679-2650 www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

The PALM LEAVES is a monthly newsletter published for the members and friends of Palm Schwenkfelder Church.

 If you would prefer not to receive future mailings, call or email ([email protected]) us to let us know.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, December 13th – Special Congregational Meeting (See inside for details to attend in-person or virtually)

Thursday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Service (Please fill out survey inside, so planning can begin ASAP.)

Friday, December 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SERVING YOU AT PALM:

Rev. Nicholas L. Pence, Jr., Pastor Leslie J. Reyburn-Shisler, Church Administrator Edward K. Bieler, Director of Music Eric J. K. Muhlenberg, Organist Kevin S. Master, Sexton 12