April “God 2015 Is Still THE GOOD NEWS OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR CHURCH Speaking . . .” Worship Starts at 11AM

724-744-4218 [email protected] Front Cover: denmarkmanorchurch.org April 2 - Simple Meal of Soup and Bread- Worship Schedule 6:30PM - Followed by Commun- Page 2 ion around the tables in the Fellowship Hall with  Pastor’s Report in Sanctuary (about 7:30PM) Page 3

 Our Partner Church April 5 - in the Philippines 8:00AM  Shut-ins Communion Page 4 Scripture-John 20:1-18  BEEF DINNER Sermon: “I Have Seen the Lord”, Mary  Welcome to Our Magdalene’s story, based on John 20:1-18 Worship Breakfast at 9:15AM Page 5 11:00AM with Easter Party to follow for  Hoss’s Day children and youth  Upper Room Communion  Blackburn Center Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 Walk Sermon: “Now What?”  Funeral Lunch Ministry

April 12 - Page 6  Eternal Life - Scripture: John 20:19-31 Richard Martin Sermon: “Is Jesus Unbelievable?”  Hall Rental Info  Photo Policy April 19 -  Eternal Life - Martha Scripture: Luke 24: 36B-48 Kunkle Sermon: “We are Witnesses”  Thank You from the Kistler Family

April 26 - Page 7 Scripture: Psalm 23; John 10:11-18  April Calendar Sermon: “A Shepherd’s Shepherd” Back Cover:  Important Dates 3 - Fifth Sunday of Easter  Contact Communion Information Scripture: John 15:1-8 God is still Sermon: “Abiding in Love” speaking . . . Cover Pastor’s Report to Consistory March 2, 2015

It seemed that this past month all we did was battle the weather. We managed to get all of our Sunday services in, with the faithful remnant that was able to get out to worship. On Feb. 15 we had 24 people, on Feb. 22 the atten- dance was 45 and March 1 we had 40 people-including the entire choir. God bless our choir! We had to cancel the service, but still did ashes the following Sunday. Since the choir had planned to meet after the Ash Wednesday service, they missed this rehearsal, and so practiced after church on Feb. 22. This was a challenge since Ira was ill that Sunday, but Kelly was able to work with the choir using downloaded versions of the songs that they are singing. The name of the game this past month has been flexibility.

The weather did cooperate for the ROC team to attend the Penn West Conference Church Vitality Event on Feb. 6- 7. Robin Brautigam, Sylvia Duncan, Joyfa Kelly, Dave Conner and I participated. We had hoped that Kelly would be able to attend but she was very ill with bronchitis that weekend. Sallie Bradley had also planned to at- tend, but was unable to do so. At the event we got so many wonderful ideas for enhancing our worship from the Graham Standish, who was the presenter. Graham talked about “integrated worship” as opposed to “blended wor- ship”. The group is going to read and discuss Graham’s book, In God’s Presence. We do need to set up a follow- up meeting to the event to include Kelly and Ira.

The Christian Education Committee was able to meet on February 16 and we had a discussion about the purpose of this group. We talked about using technology with our young people, and Meredith has already asked our youth to produce a video for Easter on the theme of “Resurrection.” We are hoping to go to Phipps Conservatory on March 21 to get some pictures. The spring flower show will be in bloom that week. Anyone is invited to attend. We will carpool, leaving at 11:00AM from the church. We also discussed having some input from Chase Simons who teaches Kindergarten and he was delighted to be asked and so will attend our next meeting to talk to us about how technology is used in the Public Schools. Chase also indicated an interest in serving on the committee. I have done some research into online Christian Resources for children and we also can invite the Penn West Conference Part- ners in Faith Formation to come and talk to us. I have contacted David Ackerman in this regard, to see who from this group might be most helpful. At one time David himself was on this team, and came and spoke to the group about curriculum.

I met with the Pastoral Relations Committee on Feb. 23 and Dave Conner volunteered to ask Scott Hartung to chair this committee. Since then Scott has agreed to do this. At the meeting we went over my call agreement and made a few changes to the old agreement on details that were no longer applicable. We also discussed my evalua- tion and the need for a good tool that will help me to grow in competency. At the meeting that I attended in Cleve- land on Feb. 26 and 27, I was introduced to a fabulous resource put out by the UCC, Journaling the Journey. It has materials that can be used for pastoral evaluation. We have moved the evaluation time up to June, so that sal- ary recommendations can be made before the budget committee meets.

I preached at the first Cluster service which was as Hill’s church on Feb. 25. Dorothy Martin has consented to or- ganize the hospitality for March 18 when we host the Cluster. She will need help, as she sings in the choir and will be unable to be in the kitchen to get the food out in a timely manner as people come from the sanctuary into the fellowship hall.

Our sincerest sympathies go out Allen Mattei. I officiated at a brief graveside service for his brother Pete on Feb- ruary 14.

Respectfully submitted,

Meredith Hutchison Page 2 FAITH and PRACTICE: The United Church of Christ in the Philippines is a Trinitarian body of Christians that hold the deity, humanity, and atone- ment of Jesus; that the Bible, in both the Old Testa- ment and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God; and that salvation is through faith, repentance and following after Christ. The UCC in the Philip- pines views the Christian life as one of personal faith and of serious dedication to living according to the highest Christian precepts. Each person is thus to be born again, converted into a new life, and gathered into the church community. For them, the church is essentially the result of conversion and of grace, a gathered community of committed believers. It is not the mother of Christian experience or the source (rather than the effect) of grace, as in the Catholic tradition. The church is, therefore, holy only because the faith and life of its people are holy.

The following distinguish the UCCP from other communions: Their concern for freedom of speech and conscience, and from interference by any civil or ecclesiastical authority The primacy they seek to give to Scripture in matters of faith, doctrine, and morals The authority they give to the congregation in church affairs Their concern for establishing social justice in political, social and economic life Kenton J. Clymer, Protestant Missionar- ies in the Philippines, 1898-1916 (Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1986, 19-21. and Their active involvement and commitment to interdenominational activity as a protest against denominational exclu- siveness. Floyd T. Cunningham, “Diversities Within Post-War Philippine Protestantism,” Mediator 5/1 (October 2003), 50-67. The church believes that every man or woman should be accepted and treated with dignity, grace, and holy love, whatever their sexual orientation (biological sex of person attracted to). However, the church continues to hold the position that the homosexual lifestyle is sinful and is contrary to the Scriptures. The UCCP stands firmly on the belief that the biblical concept of marriage, which they interpret as being between one man and one woman in a committed, lifelong relationship, is the only relationship within which the gift of sexual intimacy is properly ex- pressed.

UCCP local churches typically have worship services 3 weekly: Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. The local congregation has a great deal of freedom in the style and ordering of worship, which varies from congregation to congregation. The order may be traditional and highly liturgical, or very simple and informal.

Music plays a large role in most UCCP worship services and ranges from chant to traditional Protestant hymns, to classical sacred music, to more Please Remember modern music, depending on the preference of the local church and is of- Our Shut-ins . . . fered prayerfully and not for entertainment. Scripture is read and usually  Helen Maynard at William Penn preached upon. An offering is usually taken. Services are often focused to- Care Center ward a time of prayer and commitment at the end of the sermon, with people  Dave Cunningham, Emeritus at finding spiritual help as they gather for corporate praying. Latrobe  Connie Florek, Lee Ridinger, Millie The United Church of Christ in the Philippines has, historically, been a lead- Kane, Ethel Hill, Shirley Weber, ing Protestant denomination in mission work. A vital part of the world mis- Sheila Sharatz, Sallie Bradley, and sion emphasis of the denomination is building and maintaining relationships Craig Anderson at home. with Evangelical, Protestant and other churches around the world.  Virginia Driscoll at Golden Heights Our partner church is Piddig UCCIP and Samuel “Boggs” Bugnosen. Personal Care Home Please include them in your prayers. Page 3 About Our Dinners . . . Our menu includes roast beef, homemade potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, side dishes and a variety of pies for dessert. We’ve been holding this dinner for over 50 years. Tickets are reserved in your name at the door for pickup. Takeouts are available at the pavilion en- trance in the back of the church; just drive around the rear of the education wing. Please do call the Church Office at 724- 744-4218 if you need to make an adjust- ment to your order; it helps us to help you. If you attend with a group, please have your leader fill out the Registration Form or call the Church Office. The voicemail is always on! While Pat Kistler was still able to make the phone calls for our Dinners, she requested a legacy of special invitation be extended to Our Guests when she could no longer do this. We hope this special invitation encourages you to visit with us! Thank you so much for remembering us and visiting our Beef Dinner (April 25, 2015) and Ham Dinner (October 17, 2015). In these days of fast food and hur- ried pace, this is a wonderful family-and- friends event, and an opportunity to get a delicious home cooked meal at a reason- able price. Welcome to our Worship. Denmark Manor is part of the United Church of Christ in which congregations make the deci- sions about the operation and faith stance of the Church. We believe in freedom of conscience, and do not tell others what doctrine they must accept. We affirm the work of the Trinity, the authority of the Bible and that God is still speaking in this world.

Page 4 to help prepare food for Funeral Luncheons Please contact Lynn Zimmerman at 724-523-8909

Thank you for your very generous donation of $425. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and sustains our mission of helping Seniors in your community. Phyllis Morgan, Director

Thanks to our Women’s Fellowship for their donation of The Upper Room Devotional Guides These books span 2 months of devo- tions and are on the table in the back of the Sanctuary. These are for our Congregation Members and guests. Please take one-you’ll be surprised at how the excerpts connect you to every- day situations and prayer needs.

HOSS’S

DAY Sunday, April 26, 2015 Sunday, Murrysville

April 26 Denmark Manor UCC

Bring your friends and family in to Hoss’s 26751 in Murrysville anytime on Sunday, April 26, for a great lunch or dinner, and don’t for- get to clip and use your Denmark Manor HOSS’S CARD here — our Church receives 20% of your check. Thanks for helping! Page 5

Denmark Manor United Church of Christ 2003 Denmark Manor Road, Export, PA 15632 724-744-4218 [email protected]

Non Member Fee Schedule for Use of Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and Pavilion (Rental fee includes a refundable $50 Security Deposit) Our prayers are with the Sanctuary $250 check made out to Denmark Manor UCC family of Richard Martin, Fellowship Hall $250 check made out to Denmark Manor UCC who entered into eternal life on Pavilion $200 check made out to Denmark Manor UCC March 21. Pastor $150 check made out to Rev. Meredith Hutchison (Weddings) Organist $100 check made out to Irina Thomas (Weddings) Sexton $50 check made out to Wade Anderson (Weddings)

Use of all facilities must be approved by the Consistory in advance. Church activities have first priority.

Facilities must be cleaned after use and left in condition they were found. Security deposit of $50 due when scheduled and refunded after inspection of facility.

Full payment is due two weeks prior to event. No alcohol is permitted on church property.

Smoking is prohibited inside church building.

Visit our church website: denmarkmanorchurch.org

To Our Denmark Manor Church Photo Policy - Denmark Manor United Church of Christ will Church Family, Your thoughtfulness be using candid pictures taken at any of our events in our publication, in- and support has given us courage to cluding but not limited to the Denmark Manor Website, brochures and face tomorrow. You all know how newsletters. Names or any other personal information will not accom- much she loved her church. pany any photographs. If you do not want your photos used in our Thank you for all your kindness, church publications, please notify the church office in writing at either: the Family of Pat Kistler Denmark Manor UCC, 2003 Denmark Manor Rd., Export, PA 15632 or [email protected]. Our prayers are with the family of Martha Jane Kunkle, who entered into We are looking for someone interested in doing data entry, preferably in eternal life on March 15. Excel format. Please call the Church Office at 724-744-4218.

Page 6 Page 7 Denmark Manor United Church of Christ 2003 Denmark Manor Road Export, PA 15632 f 724-744-4218 eMail > [email protected] Online > denmarkmanorchurch.org

POSTMASTER: Return Service Requested

Coming in April . . . Coming in May . . . Thursday, April 2 Maundy Thursday Simple Meal Sat., May 2 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville 6:30PM; Choir 7PM Sunday, May 3 Communion Sunday, 11AM Friday, April 3 Faith & Food at 10AM Saturday, April 4 Monday, May 4 Consistory 7PM Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville Thursday, May 7 Choir 7PM Easter Sunday, April 5 Worship 8AM & 11AM with Sat., May 9 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville Breakfast at 9:15 Sunday, May 10 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School Monday, April 6 Consistory 7PM Thursday, April 9 Choir 7PM MOTHER’S DAY Sat., April 11 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville Monday, May 11 Christian Ed 7:30PM Sunday, April 12 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School Wednesday, May 13 Women’s Fellowship 7:30PM in the Monday, April 13 Christian Ed 7:30PM Fellowship Hall Thursday, April 16 Choir 7PM Thursday, May 14 Choir 7PM Sat., April 18 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville Sat., May 16 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville Sunday, April 19 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School (Fellowship Hall in use all day; Baby Shower) Thursday, April 23 Choir 7PM Sunday, May 17 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School Friday, April 24 Preparation for Beef Dinner Thursday, May 21 Choir 7PM Sat., April 25 Potato Peeling 9AM Sat., May 23 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville NO Bible Study Beef Dinner 4-7PM Sunday, May 24 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School Sunday, April 26 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School Strengthen the Church Offering Hoss’s Day All Day, Murrysville Monday, May 25 - Day, office closed Thursday, April 30 Choir 7PM Tuesday, May 26 Office open 9AM-3PM Thursday, May 28 Choir 7PM OFFICE HOURS are Mon. and Thurs., 9AM - 3PM SUNDAY SCHOOL Sundays (Sept. thru June) 9:45AM Sat., May 30 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville WORSHIP SERVICE Sundays (Sept. thru June) 11AM Sunday, May 31 Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School Sunday School Opens with Fellowship & Refreshments St. Paul’s Continuing Care Homes Collection; we are a 1st Sunday each Month, 10AM, September thru June Builder’s Club Church