Palm Schwenkfelder Church Annual Reports 2018

Annual Reports

2018

Contents

Directory for 2019 Page 3, 4 Pastor’s Report Page 5—7 Registrar’s Report Page 8, 9 Moderator’s Report Page 10 Treasurer’s Report Page 11—13 Financial Secretary’s Report Page 14 Diaconate Report Page 15 Custodian of Endowment Report Page 16—18 Cemetery Report Page 19 Board of Music Ministry Report Page 20 Pastoral Relations Committee Report Page 20 Youth Director Report Page 21—23 Board of Christian Education Report Page 23 Mission Board Report Page 24 Mission Board Financial Report Page 25 Ladies’ Aid Society Report Page 26 Ladies’ Aid Benevolent Giving Report Page 27 Ladies’ Aid Financial Report Page 28 Prayer Chain Report Page 29 Sunday School Report Page 29 Custodian of Buildings and Grounds Report Page 30 Men of Palm Report Page 31 Endowment for Continuing Education Report Page 32 Palm Country Day School Report Page 33, 34

We would like to thank all committee members who took time out of their busy schedules to submit articles to the 2018 Annual Report.

In the event of a weekend snow storm, PLEASE BRING THIS ANNUAL please listen to KYW1060 AM, go to our REPORT TO THE ANNUAL website at CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ON www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com, or FEBRUARY 17, 2019. watch WFMZ TV69, regarding cancellations.

2 Palm Schwenkfelder Church P.O. Box 66, 833 Gravel Pike Palm, PA 18070 Phone: 215— 679— 5321 (office) 267 – 374 – 5691 (Pastor Pence) Fax: 215— 679— 2650 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

Pastor: Reverend Nicholas Pence

Committee Members & Staff Directory for 2019

Pastor Reverend Nicholas Pence Church Office Administrator J. Daniel Ferry Custodians Kevin and Barbara Master Organist Director of Music Edward Bieler Youth Director Barbara Master Senior Choir Director Edward Bieler Handbell Choirs David Luz Elizabeth Croll Moderator Lawrence Croll Vice Moderator David Woodward Recording Secretary Financial Secretary Joanne Jalowy Treasurer Robert Croll Custodian of Endowments Gene Dolloff Buildings and Grounds: Walter Master — Chair (One year term) Alexander Jalowy Andrew Kriebel Brian Shelly Richard Kleppinger Registrar: Nancy Hoffman Diaconate: (Three year term) Gregg Hoffman—2019 (Co-Chair) Beth Croll—2020 (Co-Chair) Kathleen Bieler—2019 Gail Brown—2019 Blake Master—2020 Joanne Luz—2021 Katherine Pence—2021 Renee Shelly—2021

______Mission Statement of Palm Schwenkfelder Church: Our task is to proclaim the Living Word of God, which empowers us to care for and share with our community and the world.

3 Directory (cont.)

Christian Education: Lisa Stitt—2020 (Chair) (Three year term) Diana Cleaver—2019 Charlotte Puff —2020 Rosemary Heffner—2021 Corey May—2021

Sunday School Superintendent: Lee Schultz

Board of Music Ministry Marilyn Roznowski—2019 (Three year term) Michelle Badman—2020 Merris Ann Hoffman—2021 Tammy Long—2021 Lillian Master—2021

Mission Board: Nancy Hoffman (One year term) Sarah Linsinbigler Lillian Master Amy Pusey

Ladies’ Aid Society: Carol Carlin-Woodward—President (One year term) Lillian Master—Vice President Kathleen Bieler—Secretary Merris Ann Hoffman—Treasurer

Men of Palm: Craig Kriebel — President and Treasurer (One year term) Gregg Hoffman—Vice President Timothy Hoffman—Secretary

Pastoral Relations Committee: Gail Ferry (One year term) Jean Ross Ray Hausman David Luz Lillian Master Jeffrey Stauffer David Woodward Douglas Wallinger

Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Board: Robert Croll (One year term)

Scholarship Committee: Kathleen Bieler (One year term) Carol Carlin-Woodward Elizabeth Croll Thomas Long Glenn Hoffman Pastor Nicholas Pence

Vision Statement of Palm Schwenkfelder Church: Serving the glorious God, claimed by Jesus, and inspired by scripture, honoring our history, with renewed commitment we will reach out to our community and the world through worship, spirit enriching programs, and outreaching mission.

4 Pastor’s Report 2018 For Such A Time As This

The title for this year’s Pastor Report is taken from the book of Esther. It serves as a reminder from Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, that the circumstances of her life have led her to the exact moment and opportunity before the young queen, that she might be able to stand faithful and save the lives of her people For Such A Time As This. As we reflect back over the completion of 2018, we too are reminded that our journey of faith has led us to this sacred moment, and presents us all with the opportunity to be faithful.

In looking back over the past year there are many familiar pieces of our journey together. I continue to serve as Secretary for the Upper Perk Ministerial Association, and am an active part of the Advisory Board for the Upper Perk YMCA. I stepped into the role of Vice President on the Board of Directors for Upper Perk Manor and convene the Clergy Convocation Team of the Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast Conferences of the United Church of Christ. I regularly attend meetings of the Schwenkfelder Ministerium and preached at the Salford Pilgrimage this past year. I was blessed again to sing with the United Schwenkfelder Choir in its 82nd year of ministry.

We raised $700.00 with our Change Our Hearts Coin collection, designated in 2018 for Schwenkfelder Missionary Church. Palm was lead sponsor for the Upper Bucks Mont Relay for Life. At the Men of Palm Chicken Barbecue a fun time was had by all, the Holiday Bazaar and Election Day Bake sales were all successful. Palm sponsored again the first Monday Meal at Pennsburg in March and celebrated our youth who served all the tables, eliminating the congestion and physical challenges having diners wait in line and receive their meal at the kitchen window.

On Pentecost Sunday we welcomed 6 young people fully into the life of the church with our service of Confirmation, and celebrate the faith and gifts of Andrew, Brent, Bridgette, Josie, Owen, and Shane. The 2018 Class sponsored a pancake and sausage breakfast, raising over $400.00 for The Open Link, and inspiring plans for other breakfasts in the future.

Our Lenten journey made us encounter those Wilderness moments of our lives as we partnered with our area congregations in Wednesday evening services, and we again had a great turnout for the Good Friday walk and community service, with our youth holding a lock-in and a presentation of the Last Supper that evening.

In 2018 we baptized 3 of our six confirmands and also welcomed into the household of faith through the sacrament Colton, Malia, and Olivia. We celebrated as well the baptisms of Naomi Mack, daughter of Brain and Sarah, and Hannah Rowen, daughter of Brandon and Melissa. I give thanks for the opportunity to officiate the weddings of Kasey (Schultz) Fegley, Whitney (Leh) Beshore, and John Ludy.

With the wettest year on record we only held one of our Meetinghouse services this summer. Oddly enough, the weather cooperated for our outdoor service at Washington Cemetery, but the ground was too saturated to be at Hosensack or Kraussdale. I must admit that I missed worshipping in our his- toric meeting houses and will be hoping to be back in 2019. The Deacons again held Laity Sunday in August and Blake Master offered an excellent sermon.

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5 Pastor’s Report (Continued)

We ended 2018 focusing our Advent Wreath Lighting on Transitions for the Sundays of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. Our first candle was lit by Joanne and David Luz upon the completion of their respective positions of Moderator and Treasurer, as well as Joanne’s retirement. Whitney and Brendan Beshore, two of our newlyweds, lit the candle for our second week. We concluded our third Sunday of Advent and the Children’s Christmas Program with the Kinsler family lighting the candle of Love, before moving out of the area. Our final Advent candle was lit by Tom and Diane Dunn as they completed over thirty years of service to the church as Custodian of Endowments and Secretary, respectively. We give our heartfelt thanks to God for all those who offer their gifts in service to Jesus Christ and on behalf of this congregation.

Throughout the fall, we were making preparations for the retirement of our organist Peg Jacob after over 22 years of ministry with Palm Schwenkfelder Church. The remaining months were to be a musical grand finale and we had some wonderful celebrations as we pulled out all the stops for worship. The Farewell Tour, if you will, included playing at the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference meeting in West Chester with an ensemble from Palm, playing her last wedding for Whitney Leh, the Mayflower Society Thanksgiving Service, and a grand celebration to end November on Christ the King Sunday with Dottie Heebner on piano, which was so much fun Peg could barely stand it. I had asked for Peg and Ken to participate in our Transitions Advent Lighting as well in preparation of her retirement.

The original plan was to celebrate January 27th as Peg’s last Sunday with anthems she had selected and several pieces, including duets, that she wanted to play one last time. The secret plan was to invite in Peg’s family and conclude the service as she was escorted to sit with Ken and her grandkids for the debut of a newly commissioned anthem by Joseph Martin in her honor. But sometimes plans change. On December 6th, Ken found Peg at home and unresponsive. A hospitalization revealed a sys- temic infection that had impacted both her vertebrae and her heart, and a transfer to Philadelphia prepared her for a high risk, but needed surgical procedure. After having made it through the surgery, which gave us all a sense of relief, Peg’s blood pressure began dropping and she passed away later in the day. Our Christmas Eve cantata was one that she had selected and we all wish that she could have been able to play the organ with us for that beautiful celebration of Christ’s birth. We were honored, though, to have Ken singing with us and her daughter Katie in worship. We were also delighted to have Peg’s granddaughter, Annabelle LaCosse, led our Advent Wreath and Christ Candle lighting. For the celebration of Peg’s life and faith on December 28th we sang three anthems; two of which Peg had requested for that final service on January 27th. The second anthem, with congregational participation, was “The Family of Faith” by Joseph M. Martin, whose words will conclude this Pastor’s Report for 2018.

The close of 2018 presented this congregation with the greatest time of transition in my history as pastor of Palm Schwenkfelder Church, and times of transition can present many challenges. But transition also brings about change, renewed vision and focus, and calls us to faithfulness, even and especially For Such a Time As This. May we all be faithful and walk worthy in these days of God’s promise.

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6 Pastor’s Report (Continued)

All around us, there are witnesses. We feel their embrace. Their light shines upon us as we gather in this place. The echoes of their voices still resound through these halls. In the music of our memories, we hear their loving call.

Walk worthy, my daughter. Be faithful my son; For this is your moment. There is work to be done. Be true to your calling, Be strong all your days. You are part of the fam -‘ly, the fam -’ly of faith. You are part of the fam -‘ly of faith.

Lord, we offer our thanksgiving for the saints of the faith: those who laid down firm foundations of worship and praise, those who gave us a vision, and stood for the right, those who gave us a mission, and brought us to Christ.

Let us be faithful to finish the work. Follow the Savior. Be grateful to serve; For this is the season, and this is the place To build for the harvest, shine in the darkness, shine as a light to the world!

Faithfully in Christ, The Rev. Nicholas L. Pence, Jr.

7 Registrar’s Report 2018

BAPTISM 1/14/18 Colton James Vernon Stitt son of Justin and Erica (Sabitini) Stitt 11/4/18 Malia Faith Hernandez daughter of Eddie & Brittany (Stitt) Hernandez 11/25/18 Olivia Elle Zaborowski daughter of Kenneth and Kelly (Stauffer) Zaborowski

BIRTHS 3/3/18 Olivia Elle Zaborowski to Kenneth and Kelly (Stauffer) Zaborowski 4/4/18 Josephine Grace Stauffer to Brandon & Clare (Sunquist) Stauffer 8/25/18 Malia Faith Hernandez to Eddie & Brittany (Stitt) Hernandez 9/21/18 Langston Curtis Hickman to Brandon & Kristen (Cleaver) Hickman

DEATHS 1/18/18 James Grier age 86 of Barto 1/29/18 Dora (Yerger) Mohr age 92 of Quakertown 2/20/18 Marguerite (Marks) Fries 88 of Palm. Wife of the late Carl Fries. Services 3/2/18, interment Palm. 3/7/18 Robert Jones age 94 of Palm. Husband of Lucile (Fox) Jones. Services 3/10/18, interment Palm. 5/15/18 Nancy (Schultz) Yoder age 56 of Skippack. Services 5/19/18 in Pottstown. 5/20/18 Richard Jones age 67 of Richland. Husband of Darlene (Parker) Jones. Services 5/25/18, interment Palm. 7/9/18 Mary Irene (Funk) Sutcliffe age 94 of Barto. Wife of Gregory Sutcliffe Jr. Services 7/26/18, interment Palm. 9/7/18 Sarah Gentry age 63 of East Greenville. Services 9/14/18, interment Palm. 10/24/18 Elizabeth (Funk) Pope age 85 of N.Y. Wife of the late Alfred Pope. Services 11/10/18, interment Palm. 11/18/18 Ray Fox age 88 of Massachusetts. Husband of Fun (Ling) Fox. Services 11/28/18, interment Palm. 11/25/18 Carol Shafer age 66 of East Greenville. Wife of James Shafer. 12/31/18 Erma (Fox) Kriebel age 99 of Frederick. Wife of the late Ray Kriebel. Services 1/5/19, interment Palm.

WEDDINGS 3/19/18 James Morrison & Nicole Luz in Arizona 9/1/18 Shawn Scott & Heather Burianek in Allentown 10/13/18 William Fegely & Kasey Schultz in Fogelsville 11/3/18 Brendan Beshore & Whitney Leh at Palm 12/8/18 John Ludy & Krista Keller at Palm

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8 Registrar’s Report 2018 (continued) New Members—Confirmation 5/20/2018 Owen Mark Hoffman Josephine Margaret Kinsler w/ baptism Brent Allen Master Andrew McRae Pence Shane Alexander Raab w/baptism Bridgette Madison Wright w/baptism

Number of members as of 12/31/18: 564 Respectfully submitted, Nancy L. Hoffman

“…proclaim the Living Word of God, which empowers us to care for and share with our community and the world.”

The Palm Schwenkfelder Church Mission Statement

Message from the Moderator:

It is all too easy to get caught up in maintaining the building and managing finances. These are all things that the Trustees of Palm Schwenkfelder Church did, from replacing bulbs to complete the conversion to LED lighting, upgrading the security system, and replacing a galvanized water line. With this year’s record rain there were issues such as roof leak repairs and stone work done to seal out moisture. The Trustees solicited quotes and have voted to begin a capital campaign in 2019 to replace the Sunday School wing roof. Yet looking past the building maintenance and the money, our congregation, boards, committees and groups have all done a lot this past year.

Our diaconate recruited Blake Master who presented a thought provoking sermon during our Laity Sunday. Our Christian Education Committee works hard along with our youth director to meet our congregation’s needs. This year they changed things up and our Vacation Bible School was one evening of leadership skill development for the older youth who then assisted the adult volunteers in running a full Saturday event for the younger children. We added closed circuit television which enables us to broadcast the service in the sanctuary to the monitors in the Adult Sunday School Room and the Nursery. Our choir got new gowns this fall and our old gowns were donated and shipped to Kenya. Another Church cleanup took place when the Trustees provided a dumpster. Additionally, our congregation had the privilege to sponsor a newly organized co-ed Cub Scout pack.

In the spring, Peg, our congregation’s organist for the past 22 years, announced her intention to retire. We convinced her to stay through the year. A search committee formed and has begun the difficult task of finding a new organist. The Music Committee had plans to celebrate her many years of music ministry in January but unexpected health issues forced her off our organ and piano bench early. Peg’s physical body gave out, and we ended 2018 saddened, yet we celebrated Peg’s life along with her family and friends.

It has been nice to start many of our Sunday worship services with a reminder of our church’s mission “Serving the glorious God, claimed by Jesus, and inspired by scripture, honoring our history, with renewed commitment we will reach out to our community and the world through worship, spirit enriching programs, and outreaching mission.” I thank you for the privilege of being your Modera- tor this past year and in this report being able to share just a few of the year’s highlights.

Your Friend and Partner, Joanne M. Luz Palm Schwenkfelder Church Moderator

10 Treasurer’s Report 2018

11 Treasurer’s Report 2018 (cont.)

12 Treasurer’s Report 2018 (cont.)

Submitted by David Luz

13 Submitted by Joanne Jalowy

14 Diaconate 2018

The Diaconate continued to strive to meet the spiritual needs of the Palm Schwenkfelder Church congregation in 2018. We started off the year with a reception in January for new and continuing officers serving Palm Church in leadership.

In February, the Deacons sponsored Valentines for our shut-in members. Church members contributed cards and goodies for the Deacons to deliver or mail.

The Deacons aided other church members with the First Monday Meal at Pennsburg UCC in March. We served a ham dinner and delicious desserts baked by church members. Palm youth provided musical entertainment and were a great help in the dining room. Palm plans to host another meal in 2019. Thank you for your continued support of this worthwhile project.

During Lent, we co-hosted refreshments with the Ladies’ Aid for the community Lenten service held at Palm. For Maundy Thursday we served communion. Palm branches were distributed to the congregation after the service to celebrate Palm Sunday. The Deacons hosted a covered dish breakfast following the Easter Dawn service.

Carnations were distributed in honor of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. On Memorial Day weekend, the congregation walked to the cemetery at the conclusion of the worship service to remember those who had died in the past year and carnations were also handed out. Communion was served in observance of Pentecost.

The Deacons hosted a worship service at only one meetinghouse site, Washington, this past summer. We were not able to hold services at Hosensack and Kraussdale due to heavy rains, but we are planning all three for the Summer of 2019.

Laity Sunday was held in August this year while Pastor Nick was on vacation. Several Deacons took part in this service. A special thank you to Blake Master for presenting the sermon on this day.

This year the Deacons were responsible for Day of Remembrance during the Sunday School hour. We shared bread and apple butter. Special thanks to Alyssa McQuirns for her presentation.

We decorated the front of the sanctuary with food and fruit trays for Harvest Home. The fruit trays were delivered to our shut-ins, while cards were sent to our members who live at a distance.

At the end of the year, Christmas cards were signed and mailed to sick and shut-in members, as well as to the church staff, in appreciation of all their hard work throughout the year.

Respectfully submitted, Kevin Master

15 Endowment Fund Principal Accounts As of 12/31/2018

Kraussdale Endowment $ 49,292.96 Washington Endowment $ 51,446.77 Hosensack Endowment $ 58,601.48 Combined Cemeteries Endowment $ 1,140.00 Palm Cemetery Endowment $ 46,267.00 Palm Church Endowment $288,164.10 Mrs. Lester (Mae) Schultz Endowment $ 40,000.00 Schultz Mausoleum Endowment $ 2,147.12 Kratz Endowment $ 45,288.24

Total $542,347.67

Brokerage Investment Accounts as of December 31, 2018

Market Value Activity + or - Market Value % Change 2018 Income 2018 Investment 1/1/2018 2018 12/31/2018 Account

Brokerage $1,112,301.61 ($157,001.10) $955,300.51 (14.1%) $37,373.42 Account

16 Palm Schwenkfelder Church Endowment Fund 2018 Deposit Accounts Balance 12/31/2017 Brokerage Account $955,300.51 Money Market $12,925.16 Account Checking Account $14,181.59 December Memorials Deposited in January 2019 $550.00

Total $982,957.26

Endowment Funds Fund Balance Brokerage Account A $9,901.99 Kraussdale Fund A $2,097.71 Hosensack Fund A $4,583.00 Washington Fund A $702.00 Combined Cemeteries A $1,855.63 Palm Church Fund A $21,404.10 Palm Cemetery Fund A $7,952.56 Mae Schultz Fund $5,048.03 Claude & Mae Schultz A PGIM Total Return $69,163.75 Fund Bond Fund Mausoleum Fund A $3,075.79 William & Dorothy A $7,408.00 Schultz Fund Kratz Fund A $1,344.06 Special Account A $19,217,80 Music Account A JP Morgan Core $23,092.00 Bond Fund Memorial Fund A $28,154.49 Endowment Principal $582,346.80 Emergency Fund A New Perspective $80,521.30 Discretionary Fund A $31,739.25 Scholarship Fund A JP Morgan Income $81,348.86 Builder Total $982,957.26

A = Available For Use

17 Endowment Fund Receipts and Disbursements 2018

Disbursements

Check # Paid To: Amount Charged To: 1123 Hackman’s $7,883.00 Memorials 1124 General Fund $10,000.00 Budget Reimbursement 1125 General Fund $11,435.36 Budget Reimbursement 1126 Audiobahn $9,051.00 Memorials 1127 General Fund $6,505.00 Budget Reimbursement 1128 General Fund $11,856.00 Budget Reimbursement 1129 General Fund $3,599.00 Budget Reimbursement 1130 Audiobahn $3,879.00 Memorials 1131 General Fund $16,194.49 Budget Reimbursement 1132 General Fund $14,139.95 Budget Reimbursement 1685 Pershing, LLC $32,651.97 Deposit to Brokerage

Total $127,194.77

Receipts

Scholarship $150.00 Bequest—Betty Krauss $5,000.00 Interest—Bank $106.21 Charges—Bank ($14.95) Memorials $ 2,940.00 Graves Purchased $1,200.00 Distribution from Brokerage $106,084.19 Bequest—Connie Marks $32,651.97

Total $148,117.42

Respectfully Submitted by Tom Dunn

18 2018 Cemetery Report Interment

February Renee D. Keyser Marion A. Fox March Margueriete G. Fries May Richard E. Jones June Vera A. Butco James Grier July Robert W. Derr Mary I. Sutcliffe September Sarah Jean Gentry October Elizabeth Ann Pope November Ray Schultz Fox December Peggy Jacob

Transfer

Lot 136 Grave 6. From Nancy Hoffman to Renee Keyser Lot 205.5 & .6 to Lot 210.5 & .6 to Larry Moyer.

Purchases

Lot 212 Graves 3 & 4 to Darlene Jones Lot 202 Grave 1 to Amy and Donald Adams Lot 202 Graves 2 – 4 to Descendants of Amy and Donald Adams Lot 213 Graves 3 & 4 to Kenneth Jacob.

Respectfully submitted by Tom Long

19 Board of Music Ministry—2018

20 Youth Director Annual Report — 2018

To welcome back the youth after the holidays and to begin the new year, Winter Rally was held as a combined Sunday School. At Winter Rally teams answered Bible trivia questions and played “minute-to-win-it” games.

In February we attended Faith Night at the Lehigh Valley Phantom’s ice hockey game. We watched the hockey game along with over 20 different churches. All churches were announced and displayed on the big screen.

Youth Group meetings began for the first time. These meetings are for youth in 5th grade and up. Each meeting was unique in the discussions based on which kids attended. During each meeting we open with a game that introduces the Bible study theme and gets everyone moving. After the Bible study there is a time of discussion and prayer, games are played, and snacks are enjoyed.

The youth group room was re-painted and new furniture was purchased to give the youth a contemporary meeting space and a place that they can gather on Sunday or anytime they are at the church for an event. The Children’s Church classroom was also re-painted to brighten the room and a chalkboard wall was added for the kids to have a creative space.

Lent was a major focus point. We held a Lenten food drive for Open Link. Youth were encouraged to attend Lenten services. Dinner was offered for all youth and their families on Ash Wednesday, Palm’s Wednesday Lenten service, and Maundy Thursday. During the Ash Wednesday dinner, an object lesson and craft was done to help increase the youth under- standing of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten journey. We continued the tradition of partici- pating in the Good Friday Walk beginning at New Goshenhoppen Church, attending the service at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, eating a late lunch at McDonald’s and coming together again at Palm Church for a lock-in. At the lock-in the youth and adults re-enacted the last supper, each person representing a disciple and reading scripture. We ended the evening with Pastor Nick leading a candlelit and guitar devotion in the Sanctuary.

Annual egg hunts were held on Palm Sunday. At 9am during Sunday School our teachers competed against each other to gather the most eggs for their class, winning their class a Dunkin’ Donut party. Munchkins were enjoyed by all! The Confirmation Class won for the first time! After worship, the children and youth egg hunt took place. Eggs were hunted, prizes were given, and refreshments were enjoyed.

The Confirmation Class held a Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Fundraiser for their class project to raise money for Open Link. All profit went to the Open Link. Some members of the Confir- mation class went to Open Link to hand in the check. While they were there, they received a tour of the facility. They learned about the different services provided to qualifying persons and saw first-hand the changes that were being made in the food pantry. The breakfast was such a fun and successful event, the youth decided to do it again in October! October’s breakfast was just as fun and successful. A percentage of the profit was donated to Open Link and the remainder was saved to use for the youth group meetings.

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21 Youth Director Report — 2018 (Cont.)

The Sunday School year came to a close in June with a combined Sunday School class and a church picnic. Many delicious foods were provided by the congregation and a bounce house was rented for the youth to enjoy.

Vacation Bible School took place in July under a new format. God’s Galaxy was a 1-day Sat- urday VBS. Church and community children ages 4 years – 4th grade heard God’s Word and learned of God’s love for them. Friday night was a night for the youth leaders. Palm youth in 5th grade and up were inspired by a Youth Pastor who spoke on leadership, they shared a dinner in fellowship, learned the VBS material and ended the evening with a devotional time in the Sanctuary with Pastor Nick. After VBS, the youth leaders had fun on a slip and slide, slept over at the church, and awoke the next morning to lead worship for our Youth Sunday.

The new Sunday School year began in September with Rally Day and an Open Link food drive for Harvest Home. The youth challenged Palm’s Senior Choir to collect the most items. Pastor Nick was also challenged. The congregation brought in food items and decided who they wanted to win, by placing the items in the designated bins. The youth collected food at Redner’s Warehouse Market in Red Hill which gave them an edge in the competition. The youth won and as their reward Pastor Nick graciously allowed the youth to dump buckets of water on him which happened to take place on one of the coldest days of the fall season!

There were several events in the Fall. In September there was the Back to School Bon-fire with hayrides for all ages followed by a lock-in for the older youth. In October the older youth went to Wilcox Farm for a flashlight corn maze and lock-in. During Children’s church older youth helped children paint pumpkins and bake pumpkin seeds. In November we made our famous chocolate covered pretzels to sell at the Holiday Bazaar. We also donated a bag to each of the college students. At the Holiday Bazaar youth volunteered to sell chocolate covered pretzels. The Kids’ Corner was a place that kids could make a free craft, play with building blocks, color or draw, and watch holiday kids movies while their parents shopped or volunteered.

The Christmas season was a time for serving and for fun:

The youth and congregation adopted a family from Open Link. Gifts were bought for a family with 4 children.

The Advent Dinner was a potluck dinner with many delicious foods. After dinner, each table lit their advent wreath as scripture was read. We competed in a “Nailed It!” gin- gerbread house decorating competition. Blake, Job, and Johanna were voted as most closely matching the model house, which was the criteria for winning. Their house looked great! The Congregation’s Choice Award went to Brian, Kevin and Renee. It was the most imaginative, they went rogue!

We traveled to Allentown to drive through the Lights in the Parkway Christmas light dis- play. Afterwards, the youth and chaperones went to the home of Kevin and Barb Master for a hot chocolate social.

The Sunday School Christmas program wrapped up the 2018 year with an adaptation of the book “Why the Chimes Rang.” The youth reminded us to bring our greatest gifts to God. These gifts we give are of ourselves, using our special God-given gifts to serve in His name.

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22 Youth Director Report — 2018 (Cont.)

Helping Hands is a newer youth ministry which helps members of our congregation perform housework and/or yardwork. This included weeding, trimming, leaf and stick clean up, cleaning out various rooms in the church, and more. The youth could also be seen helping at various church events and projects throughout the year, including the Holiday Bazaar, the Chicken BBQ and packing up vendors at the Penn Dry Goods Market at The Schwenk- felder Library.

I wish the Kinsler family well with their new home and location. I am thankful for their active membership in Palm and in the youth group.

I look forward to God’s plan for our youth in 2019! Serving for Christ, Barbara Master Youth Director

Board of Christian Education Report—2018

The Board of Christian Education had a transitional year in trying new adventures and activities. Along with a confirmation class of 5 and their fun-filled activities with Pastor Nick, we continued to have opening devotions before the start of Sunday School with learning the books of the Bible. Combined Sunday School on the first Sunday each month has been going well and is proving to have a positive impact on our youth of all ages interacting together in group activities.

We tried a new weekend VBS this year with success and positive feedback. It was a fun-filled, ex- hausting weekend starting with an older youth sleepover of the youth leaders (older youth) and then a one day VBS consisting of Bible lessons, crafts, lunch, games and a water slide.

The Contemporary Issues Room upstairs was transformed into a Youth Room. With new paint, furniture, mini fridge and Keurig, and games, the youth room is ready for fellowship and fun for youth of all ages. A big Thank You to Barb Master and her helpers for all thier hard work in this project.

Some Sunday School rooms have been rearranged. Contemporary issues can meet in the down- stairs room, and the 5th and 6th grade room meets in the balcony. The 7UP class was split into two classes due the large number of students, as this is the largest group here at Palm right now. 7th 8th and 9th grades meet in the new youth room and 10th, 11th, and 12th meet in the smaller room across the hall from the Youth Room. A weekly Youth Group meeting has been started by Barb and has provided a lot of fun fellowship and activities for the youth this year.

As we struggle with low youth attendance and less teacher and helper volunteers, we thank God for what we do have and strive to provide the best faith leadership possible. We pray for continued success in our youth program and continued youth leaders. The Board of Christian Education would like to thank everyone in our congregation for their support and assistance to the success of our Youth program. Everyone has truly been a blessing to Palm Schwenkfelder Church.

Many blessings. Lisa Stitt, Chair/ BCE

23 Palm Mission Board Report 2018

The Palm Mission Board meets to educate and encourage participation and support in the mission work of Palm Schwenkfelder Church as called by Christ. We are grateful to our congregation for their continued dedication to the work of Christ in our community and the world.

Some highlights of our 2018 efforts included:

 Support of UCC Special Offerings (One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, Christmas Fund)  Collection for Chester County Migrant Ministries  Blood Donations to Miller Keystone Blood Drive  Annual Sponsorship (Silver Level) of The Open Link  Child Sponsorship of 3 children through Church World Services

A complete listing of the Mission Board Financial Support can be seen in the following Balance Sheet. The Board would like to say “Thank You” for your faithfulness, and we look forward to a continued partnership in sharing God’s Love for the coming year.

Respectfully Submitted, The Mission Board Palm Schwenkfelder Church

24 25 2018 Ladies’ Aid Society Report

The Palm Schwenkfelder Church Ladies’ Aid Society is dedicated to being of service to the church and to our greater community. We also provide support and fellowship among our sisters in Christ. Members invite all the women of our church to business meetings, generally held on the first Tuesday of each month in the church library, beginning at 1:00 p.m. We gather to discuss ongoing and future projects, plan our fundraising events, and report on visitation of ill or home bound congregation members. We also act on agenda items related to our organization’s service to Palm Schwenkfelder Church’s wider mission, and plan our annual monetary support for various community and global ministries.

Our elected officers for 2018 were: President- Carol Carlin Woodward; Vice President- Lillian Master; Secretary- Kathleen Bieler and Treasurer- Merris Ann Hoffman. For 2018 our agenda of projects and activities included:

 The Epiphany Party Luncheon, with collected funds donated to The Open Link  The “Souper Bowl Sunday” soup sale  Participation along with members of our Diaconate in Pennsburg UCC’s “1st Monday Meal”  The Easter flowers and Easter candy making fundraisers  The November Election Day Bake Sale  Help with preparation of the Men of Palm Chicken Barbecue  Chow Chow making  Blanket knotting for Chester County Migrant Ministry and Pennsburg Manor  Participation in Redner’s Market Save-A-Tape program  Christmas candy making  Planning and presenting the Holiday Bazaar fundraiser along with the support of congregation members  Providing volunteers for serving at funeral luncheons throughout the year  Delivering Christmas poinsettia plants and fruit baskets to ill or home bound church members and to the church staff  Sharing through our Christmas Stocking ministry to Norristown State Hospital and Pennsburg Manor  Mailing Christmas greetings to church members and their families living at a distance

Our organization’s monetary support throughout the year has included gifts to the following services and organizations:

The Open Link The Salvation Army One Great Hour of Sharing The American Red Cross The MAMA Project Meals on Wheels Peter Becker Community Auxiliary The ACS Relay for Life The American Heart Association Frederick Living Benevolent Fund Bethany Children’s Home Norristown State Hospital Helping Hands The United Schwenkfelder Choir The Schwenkfelder Missionary Church Community Food Ministry Palm’s Care Package Project for College Students and U.S. Military The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center The Palm Schwenkfelder Church Memorial Fund The Palm Schwenkfelder Church General Fund

Accomplishing these goals has been made possible through the generosity of our church family and the continued support of our community. Blessings to all from your sisters in Christ!

Submitted by Kathleen Bieler, Secretary

26 Ladies’ Aid Benevolent Giving 2018

Submitted by Merris Ann Hoffman

27 Ladies’ Aid Financial Report 2018

Submitted by Merris Ann Hoffman

28 Prayer Chain

The prayer chain is a group of individuals who have committed to praying for individuals with special prayer requests. We are currently in need of new prayer chain members. No meetings are involved just a willingness to pray. If interested or if you have any prayer requests contact Nancy Hoffman. The prayer chain is not the same list as in the church bulletin & can be kept confidential.

Respectfully submitted by Nancy Hoffman

Sunday School Report

September 10, 2017 to September 2, 2018 Superintendent: Lee Schultz Assistant Superintendent: Michelle Badman Curriculum Coordinator: Lisa Stitt

Sunday School Teachers and Helpers: Rosemary Heffner, Corey May, Sandra Chrysczanavicz, Barbara Master, Jean Ross, Liz Kennedy, Sally Muse, Lisa Stitt, David Luz, Ed Bieler, Joan Pusey, Kevin Master, Pastor Nick.

Sunday School Statistics 2017-2018 September 10, 2017 to September 2, 2018 Enrollment

Sunday School 38 Toddlers and Three Year Olds 1 Four and Five Year Olds 3 First and Second Grades 4 Third and Fourth Grades 6 Fifth and Sixth Grades 5 7 Up Class 9 Confirmation Class 7 Library Class 3 Teachers and Helpers Enrolled 13 Special Officers 3

 September 10, 2017 Rally Day  December 17, 2017 Children’s Sunday School Christmas Service 3 crates of oranges Leftover oranges taken to Open Link  December 24, 2017 No Sunday School  December 31, 2017 No Sunday School  May 20, 2018 Confirmation  June 3, 2018 Sunday School Closing and Picnic Submitted by Lee Schultz

Custodians of Buildings and Grounds Report—2018

The following special projects and non-budgeted repairs were completed in 2018

1. Replaced sanctuary lights with new LED energy efficient bulbs The old bulbs were using 960 watts per hanging light. New lights will use less then 70 watts

2. Installed close circuit television in adult Sunday School Room and Nursery.

3. Repaired macadam at rear of Christian Ed building.

4. Removed dead tree from Washington Cemetery.

5. Replaced several sections of fence at Washington Cemetery.

6. Repaired two large tombstones at Washington Cemetery.

7. Replaced lower storm windows in sanctuary with lexon Plexiglas.

8. Installed new sidewalk delineators at Christian Ed building.

9. Trimmed all trees around Christian Education building.

10. Repaired sections of roof on Christian Ed building and overhangs.

11. Installed new building access stations in pastor’s office and kitchen.

12. Removed several trees at Hosensack Grove Bridge.

Respectfully submitted, Trustees of Buildings & Grounds

30 Men of Palm

The Men of Palm were blessed once again with a productive year in 2018. We sponsored the Annual Spring Chicken Barbeque Dinner with great success, allowing us to continue our support to the mission of the church. A grateful “thank you” to all who helped and contributed their time and efforts.

We welcome all who are interested in joining the group and becoming involved in our activities. Thank you again to all for your support in the past year, as we look forward to the new year.

Balance as of 1/1/2018 $3,930.14 Chicken Barbecue Revenue $6,030.00 Chicken Barbecue Expenses $4,326.04 Profit $1,703.96 Donation to General Fund $4,000.00

Balance as of 12/31/2018 $1,634.10

Submitted by Craig Kriebel

Another Year is Dawning Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be, In working or in waiting, another year with Thee; Another year of progress, another year of praise, Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace; Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face; Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast; Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love; Another year of training for Holier work above. Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be, On earth or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

--- Frances Ridley Havergal Hymnwriter of Take My Life and Let It Be and many others

31 Endowment for Continuing Education 2018

Prepared by Kathy Bieler

Palm Schwenkfelder Church’s Endowment for Continuing Education was es- tablished in 1994, for the purpose of making scholarship funds available to members of our church who are seeking to further their education past the high school level. The scholarship may be awarded to one or more high school graduates per year. As a criterion for obtaining financial assistance, students are encouraged to remain active within the church family, and to contribute their time and talent’s to our church’s broader mission.

Each year, graduating high school students are informed by mail of the availability of scholarship applications, which may be obtained by contacting the church office beginning on June 1. Applications must be completed and received (including re- quired references) by the church office no later than August 1, following secondary school graduation. Information submitted with the completed applications remains confidential. A copy of the scholarship guidelines is always available through the church administrator.

This annual scholarship award is made possible through interest earned from in- vested Endowment for Continuing Education funds. Since the church would like to assist in supporting as many students as possible during the coming years, your gifts to this endowment fund are always welcomed. With your generous support, we can leave a lasting legacy through our students.

No applications were received by the scholarship committee in year 2018.

Members of the committee currently include:

Kathy Bieler Carol Carlin Woodward Beth Croll Glenn Hoffman Tom Long Pastor Nicholas Pence (ex officio)

Submitted by Kathy Bieler

32 Palm Country Day School Report 2018—2019 Page 1

As of December 2018, the enrollment for 2018-2019 is as follows:

 8 Children — 2 Day Class (Mon. & Fri., 9am to 11:30am)  14 Children — 3 Day Class (Tues., Wed., &Thurs., 8:45am to 11:15am)  13 Children — Pre K Class (Mon., Tues., Wed., &Thurs., 12:30pm to 3:00pm)

The following field trips/visitors are included to enhance specific units of study:

 East Greenville Fire Co. visits PCDS for Fire Prevention Week  Hausman Fruit Farm, Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patch  Buck Tree Farm Trip  Green Lane Park Field Trip  Pre-K Field Trip to Art on Main

Special Days throughout our school year:

 Halloween Parade and Family Party  Thanksgiving Feast  Santa Visits for Christmas Party  Teddy Bear Picnic  Valentine’s Day Party  St. Patrick’s Day Party  Easter Egg Hunt  Open House/Children’s Performance for Families  Flower Planting  Family End of Year Picnic/ Graduation for Pre-K

33 Palm Country Day School Report 2018—2019 Page 2

Fundraisers:

 Scholastic Book Orders  PCDS T-Shirt Sale  Mum Sale  Poinsettias Sale  Parents night out

The Staff consists of:

 Meredith Reinhart-Director/Head Teacher  Noel Brooks-Assistant Teacher

The PCDS Board of Directors:

 Jackie Tomlin-President/Past Parent  Pam Marshall-Vice President/Parent  Matt Tomlin-Treasurer/Parent  Katie Van Rossum-Secretary/Parent  Kim Gery-Parent  Marian Pike-Grandparent/Past Parent  Pastor Nick Pence & Joan Pusey-Church Liaisons  Noel Brook-Assistant Teacher/Past Parent  Meredith Reinhart-Director/Teacher/Past Parent/Past Student

Report by Meredith Reinhart, PCDS Director