Blog Archives

2020 Faith Fun Events

1/27/2020

Faith Fun Events Calendar for 2020
“The Church that prays and plays together...stays together!”

Sunday, January 19: Annual congregational meeting breakfast
Tuesday, February 25: Fastnacht
Friday, March 13: Pajama Movie Night
Sunday, April 5: Faith Anniversary Luncheon & Easter Egg Hunt
April: Sight and Sound “Jesus” at the Regal Theater (Date TBD)
May: Longwood Gardens (Date TBD)
Sunday, June 7: Faith Family Picnic at Spring Valley Park
Saturday, June 27: Iron Pigs Baseball Game
August: Friday Night Movies in the Parking Lot
Sunday, September 27: Octoberfest at Coffeehour with German themed foods and pumpkin decorating
October: Special Mission Event with Julie Henning
Thursday, November 26: Faith Family Thanksgiving Dinner
November: Electronic Game Night
Saturday, December 12: Advent Celebration Soup Supper with Pollyanna & Crafts

0 Comments

February 2020 Mustard Seed - Announcements

1/27/2020

0 Comments

The 2020 Season of Lent at Faith
Lent is a time when many of us take on devotional and spiritual disciplines.  It is a kind of spiritual reboot as we recall Jesus’ journey to the cross and to resurrection.  In addition to devotional resources for you to use at home here are some ways for us to gather to grow in faith during the season.  All are invited, we hope that you will be part of these offerings.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT FORUM  9am - HOW DO WE WORSHIP?
We will gather at 9am each Sunday to learn the history and biblical background of the parts of our Sunday morning worship. Where can the prayers be found in the Bible?  Why do we use the prayer we use?  What is changeable and what is not?  Why do we use the readings that we use?   As we learn about liturgy, we hope that our experience of liturgy will be enriched. This 5-week series will be co-led by Pastor G and Rich Hollenbach.

WEDNESDAY EVENING DINNER CHURCH  6:30pm
The season of Lent is rich with story and symbols.  Over dinner and in prayer we will reflect on the Crown of Thorns, the 30 pieces of Silver, water, the Lamb and other images and symbols that appear in the Lenten Gospel texts.

Ash Wednesday Service: February 26th at 7:30pm
Worship with Imposition of Ashes and Communion

The Coffeehour Sponsor List
has been revamped for 2020.  The second Sunday of most months has been designated as a Congregational Coffeehour.  This means that anyone who wants to bring in food can do so to share.  Some months will have a specific theme or a sign-up sheet. This way everyone gets a chance to participate.  Look for some different themes this year too.

This month: February 2: Long-Range Planning and Transportation;
February 9: Congregation Soup and Sandwiches for a Winter’s Day (see the sign up sheet on the Foyer bulletin board);
February 16: Long-Range Planning and Transportation and
February 23: Congregational Cookie Cans.

Lord, when did we see you...?
The 2020 social ministry calendar has been set.  Please be encouraged to participate in those projects which touch your heart!
February's Project is: Valentine cards for homebound
Info: Debbie Hollenbach

Also, we are still collecting Hats, Mittens, Gloves & Scarfs for people at Keystone.

2020 Phone Directories will be available this month
Look for them on the desk in the Foyer on February 16, 2020.

Greeters and Lectors Needed
We are in need ofGreeters (standing at the door and welcoming people as they come in) and Lectors(reading the lessons and psalm.) If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please see Anna Friedrich.

0 Comments

February 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

1/27/2020

0 Comments

January 15, 2020
Call to Order: Council was called to order by President Debbie Hollenbach. Devotions were led by Debbie Hollenbach from a reading called “The Quiet Life”.

Present: Lauren Allegrezza, Gary Apgar, Dale Foster, Pastor G, Deb Hollenbach, Sharon Hood, Linda Kratz, Missy Prunkel, and Jack Walls (and Denise Bailey)

Approvals & Decisions

Secretary’s Report was approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: The December (and year end) was reviewed. The endowment funds need to be moved from Operating Income. Denise said that the report will have multiple format changes for 2020.
We reviewed the building use set-up form created by Adam Feldman. Edits were noted by Pastor G and will be forwarded to Adam for changes. This will be added to the “forms” section of our mail slot (when it is created). Janet Hill to forward to all those who use the building.
Church Cancellation Process:
- Council President and Pastor will make decision.
- Debbie will text/call council members, Janet, and Lauren.
  - Council members will then call those on their lists), based on 2019 directory assignments and list provided to council of who wants phone calls.
  - Janet will send out the email to the distribution list.
  - Lauren will post on the Facebook page and website.
- Linda will work with Janet on putting the distribution list in Excel so that others can send out cancellation if necessary.

New Signage for the Church– Dale will work with the Property Team to get quotes, which he will bring to council in February. Must have the sign on order and claim submitted to Selective by March 6 to get balance of insurance claim ($1267.60).
Proposed 2020 Budget – Council reviewed the budget and asked for clarifications as needed.
- Accepted was the proposed addition of $24,170 budget surplus from 2019 in the receipts for 2020.
- The council approved the overall 2020 budget and it will be presented to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
- Pastor G will work with Janet for the minor layout tweaks and edits before copying for Sunday’s meeting, including adding the investment page.
Worship and Music team as requested approval to cancel the 8 AM service between February 2 and April 5 due to low attendance. The motion was approved.
Security and Armed Intruder Information – Debbie to ask Vince Hill to request a meeting with Montgomery Township officials (Police Chief J. Scott Bendig and Officer Rob Johnson) to meet with council and Property chair (as a starting point) to review procedures and make recommendation. This can happen in March, but not at the same time as the council meeting. Then a committee can be formed to propose a policy.
A new small group (an arm of the Deaconship) is being formed by Sharon Hood with the approval of council. This group will keep in touch with members of our congregation that we may not see often. The deacons and Sharon should meet to define roles, tasks, and procedures.

Annual Meeting:

Breakfast set up on Saturday at 9 AM by Sharon. Linda, and Gary. Breakfast will be served buffet style with coffee and juice on the tables. Please arrive around 8:30 so that we can have food all set up when the congregation arrives so that we can begin the meeting promptly at 9 AM.
Nominations for Council. Mary Lou Foster will present the slate for election and open the floor to nominations. There will be 3 people elected to 3-year terms (slate consists of Jack Walls, Rich Hollenbach, and Adam Feldman) and 1 person to a 1-year term (Anne Hutnyk). If there are additional nominations from the floor, tellers (Janet and nominating team) will pass out the ballots and count them.
We will need to elect a new Nominating team at the Annual Meeting. Debbie will lead the team (C13.02) and ask for two other volunteers during the meeting.
Proposal to change the date of the annual meeting. Meeting falls on a Holiday Weekend and there are often several members of the congregation who are not at the meeting. Propose changing the meeting to the following weekend (4thSunday of January) to avoid this conflict in the future. (bylaws C16.05/ quorum of 25 – C16.06). Pastor G to look into requirements for modifying a bylaw.
Election of New Executive Committee will take place immediately following the 10:30 worship service on Sunday. Pastor G asked council members to prayerfully consider officer participation. A review of rules in constitution- C11.01 /c12.02
Announce cancellation of 8 AM service between February 2 and April 5.

Follow-Ups & FYIs:

Job Descriptions for Staff Members – Completed but still awaiting a few signoffs. Lauren to work with Pastor G on the Pastoral description.
Call Committee Update – meeting this week to review roles, process, etc.
Update on Constitution – To be put on hold until new Synod guru is named.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is meeting in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays at 6:30PM.
We will need to have an external audit of our records for 2019. Our MSP information will be noted as contingent upon an External Audit. We will need to budget approx. $2,000 for the audit from our Undesignated Funds. Pastor G to provide CPA contacts recommended by Synod.
Insurance Quote from Church Mutual. Gary, Janet and Adam met with a representative of Church Mutual and walked the property and asked questions. A quote (lower than current policy with Selective), was received, but it is hard to compare the two. Recommend scheduling another meeting with the representative, Pastor G, and other members of the finance team to look at the proposal in detail.

Proposed Acceptable Computer Use Policy -Distributed in November to read. Still pending additions pertaining to PCI Compliant language. Will be ready for February meeting.

Ministry Team Report FYIs:

Christian Education:  Met briefly in December with the current teachers to review the curriculum and the year so far.  Would like to go back to Old Testament after current curriculum is done.

Evangelism:  Met in December 2019 to disperse the funds received from the Korean Church ($3,600). Decided to continue to support our 2 children (Vladimir and Bunga) from Compassion International at $78/month (and to be paid monthly).  Will provide $1,000 to the Penn State Chapter of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) and $1,000 for LAMP – a group that provides spiritual witness and faith nurturing communities in remote areas of northern Canada.  Retained $1,600 to be used for local community outreach.

Finance:  See information in Approvals and Decisions section.

Fundraising:

Cookie Can Sale - $259
Remember to buy your GIANT gift cards!

Social Ministry: January/February Projects are two collections for Keystone Opportunity Century: First - the collection of boxes of Valentine Cards for children to distribute to classmates and, second, the collection of hats, gloves, mittens and scarfs. In February, we will provide cards for members to sign and send to our Homebound Congregational Members.

Worship & Music: Met on January 14.

During Lent, we will hold education/training sessions on the different roles within worship during the 9 AM Sunday School hour. This includes Worship/Communion Assistant, Acolyte, Crucifer, Altar Guild, Usher Team, Greeters, etc.
Also, during Lent, we will resume the Wednesday night Dinner Church with the theme of “Symbols of Lent”.

Hospitality and Fellowship: Coffee Hour schedule was set for 2020 and dispersed. The 2ndSunday of most months has been designated a Congregational Coffee Hour. This means that anyone who wants to bring in food can do so to share. Some months will have a specific theme or a sign-up sheet. Schedule has been placed in everyone’s mailbox.

Fellowship Team: Met on January 12. Nancy Gansner resigned as head of the team and Debbie Hollenbach will now lead the team. A list of monthly fellowship opportunities has been determined. Events were targeted to include activities for members of all ages. A full schedule will be distributed at the February meeting. The February event will be a Fastnacht coffee/tea/cocoa and donut evening with entertainment on Tuesday, February 25, 7-8:30 PM.

Miscellaneous:

Lauren Allegrezza provided council with her resignation letter from council and other team leads effective January 31. She is retaining her role as Communication chair.
Liana Schantz has asked Missy about using the building for a scout project. Pastor G will talk with Liana.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 7:00 PM. Pastor G will have devotions and refreshments.

0 Comments

February 2020 Mustard Seed - Note from Pastor

1/27/2020

0 Comments

Dear people of Faith,
For many years I have participated in programs sponsored by various public libraries like “One City, One Book” or “Everybody Reads”.  The idea is that everyone in a community is invited to read the same book and then meet in groups or on-line forums to discuss the book.   So, I thought, what if we had a “One Congregation, One Book”, but instead of reading a novel we all read the same book of the Bible.   So, here is the plan and the invitation:

Our 2ndreadings for Sunday worship this year include readings from the book of Romans twenty-five times.   So, let’s start there.   For the next 16 weeks (February 2 through May 17) I am inviting everyone to read and reflect on the Book of Romans.  (There are 16 chapters so that is a chapter a week).  As you read, find some folks to talk with about what you have read.  You might create a small group on-line.  Or meet for coffee and talk about what you have read.  Or put something that you are wondering about when you read on our Facebook page so that others can share their thoughts.

I will create a reading guide for each chapter which will be available in the Narthex or it can be emailed to you.

So, people of faith- let’s get reading!   One Congregation, One Book!
What can we learn from Romans?
-Pastor G

0 Comments

January 2020 Mustard Seed - Announcements

1/13/2020

0 Comments

Annual Congregational Meeting & Breakfast - Sunday, January 19 @ 9am

Updated Snow Cancellation Policy:
In order to be more effective at notifying the congregation of cancellations in case of snow, we will be starting a new procedure. A decision will be made by the Pastor
and the Council President regarding any cancellations. In general, the 10:30 Service will not be cancelled prior to Sunday morning but the 8:00AM service may be cancelled as early as Saturday night. The President will send out an email notice of cancellation and initiate a phone call chain with the council members. The Communication Team will also post a notice on our Faith Lutheran Church Website. Currently our Administration Assistant, Janet Hill, is compiling the email addresses of the congregational members who wish to be on the email chain. She is also obtaining phone numbers for people who would prefer a phone call. Please make sure that she has your correct email address and phone number! Just remember, if in doubt, check on the Website!

Social Ministry
Faith has been working with the Keystone Opportunity Center for quite some time, starting
with our participation in the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). The Mission of the organization, which is headquartered in Souderton but serves communities in both Montgomery and Bucks County is “to help community members in need by offering a comprehensive array of social services that educate, encourage and empower them to become self-sufficient.” The Social Ministry Team decided to provide several opportunities in 2020 to support their programs.

In January (January 1-19), we will be collecting boxes of children’s Valentine Cards. These cards will be distributed to children in their programs. This will allow the children to send Valentine’s Cards to their classmates and friends. Who can’t remember the fun of writing out cards for their classmates and receiving some yourself! We want to make sure that everyone can participate!

In addition, we will be collecting warm hats, gloves, mittens and scarfs during both January and February for the Keystone Opportunity Center. Look for great sales after Christmas and help us to make sure that everyone can be warm this winter season!

All items will be collected in the purple bin under the Coat Rack and taken up to the Center during the months of January and February. Look for more information about the Keystone Opportunity Center and their many programs in the Foyer, starting in January. Questions: Contact Debbie Hollenbach

0 Comments

January 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

1/13/2020

0 Comments

Call to Order: Following an amazing dinner at the home of Sharon Hood, Council was called to order at 8:40 PM and the meeting open with prayer.
Present: Lauren Allegrezza, Gary Apgar, Pastor G, Deb Hollenbach, Sharon Hood, Linda Kratz, Missy Prunkel, and Jack Walls

Approvals, Decisions, and Action Items:

Secretary’s Report: The notes were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: The November report has not yet been
submitted. At the end of October, or 85% of the budget year, receipts were at 82% and expenses at 69% with a surplus of $34,642.43. Pastor will reach out to Denise Bailey for various topics to include:
Creating a garden/landscaping account under Property for Marty Boland’s raised funds.
Did funds get dispersed as instructed for the Social Ministry efforts?
Pastor to change % of 2018 housing allowance.
Review employment taxes with Gary.
Christmas bonuses for staff members ($100/staff member)
should be distributed as budgeted.
“Process” – Council reviewed the Process documents
created for new ideas, as well as templates for Team Meetings and Action Requests for Council. Ministry team leads and liaisons will be given the document, which should be used to help create the agenda for the Ministry Team Meetings. It will also be available on the website.
Mail slots for forms: There will be a section of the mail slot designated for forms, to include the Process document, check request form, etc
Snow Cancellation Process:
- Janet Hill will be asked to make sure the directory is updated with emails and phone numbers, in addition to finding out who needs a phone call (that won’t have access to the website or email).
- Starting in January, we will only call those who specifically asked for a phone call – others will receive email or check the website.
- Cancellation of the 8 AM service should be emailed/posted the night before.
- Pastor and council president make the decision to cancel, and the council president will then send out the email and have it posted to the website.
- Debbie will explain the process via the Mustard Seed, bulletin announcements, etc.
The Proposed Acceptable Computer Use Policy needs to have additional security verbiage added to include PCI compliant language. Jack and Rich Hollenbach will work on this.
Linda will send a thank you note to Anna Friedrich and Chris Jones who bought and donated a new microwave oven for the kitchen.
Coffee hour assignments for 2020: Debbie will talk with the Hospitality Team (Anne Hutnyk and Beth Schoening) to get a coffee hour schedule set for 2020. Once established, all team leads and liaisons should be copied, as well as post it in the kitchen.
Sharon will call Doug Renner to set up an Evangelism Team meeting in December to discuss dispersal of funds for 2019. Pastor to see if there is an issue with dispersing the funds collected in 2019 with checks issued in 2020.
Ministry Team leads and liaisons need to provide a brief summary of their team’s efforts in 2019 by January 6 for the annual congregational meeting.

Follow-Ups:

Request from Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous. Approved request in November. Janet is working with them to secure insurance information. They plan to meet Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM for a small group meeting.
PECO/Gas Distribution – Questions were answered, and the contract has been switched to a new distributor, which will be checked regularly.
Sign claim update- Received first check. Remainder will be given to us with the receipt of the new sign. Will set up a team in January to pursue obtaining a new sign. Property Team is attempting to get zoning regulations from the township.
Pastor G and the Council President met with concerned congregation members about the outcome of the ELCA Forum.
MSP and Call Committee – Pastor G met with the new Dean to discuss our congregational needs for a new Pastor. The MSP was updated on-line and will be posted on December 8 for others to read. Note that this is only a small piece if the information that is provided to the Synod. The Call Team will convene in January where their roles and responsibilities will be outlined. A question jar will be made available for the congregation to provide their input to the team. Pastor’s role will be one of procedural guidance.
Staff Job Descriptions have been finalized. All employees will also be receiving instruction on submission of hours for payment.

Ministry Team Report FYIs:

Christian Education: Meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 8, after the service.
Evangelism: In January, the team should meet to discuss any changes that we may want to consider in 2020 (local vs. global ministry, amount of donations, etc.).
Fellowship: Debbie will ask Nancy Gansner to provide any information from her years as the lead of the Fellowship Team. Debbie will call a meeting in January (and request Nancy to call in) so that a new team lead can be named.
Finance: The team will meet on December 16 to finalize the 2020 budget, which will be sent to Council for approval. To date we have 33 pledges totaling $81,320, which is $40,000 under the proposed budget (hoping to receive at least 9 additional pledges based on last year’s pledging.)
Fundraising:
- Cookie Can Sale – Sunday, December 15
- Remember to buy your GIANT gift cards!
Property Team: Met on November 22.
- Discussed the team in overview and the responsibilities of each team member. Will attempt to meet quarterly in the future. Discussed the handling of snow removal for the winter. Have filled in the large potholes and will pay for it out of building repairs in the budget. Furnace Inspection and Fire Alarm Inspections have been performed and have passed. Discussed trying to maintain heat in building at 60 degrees when not in use and will see how that affects the bills this year. Will investigate having a PECO Energy Audit done. Will place blue and white outdoor lights for Advent and add red and green ones for Christmas. Activities in process: Costs for re-keying the doors and distribution of keys, as well as obtaining zoning regulations for the new sign. New – Church offices are without heat; Scattons is coming Friday to assess. Space heaters will be used in the meantime.
Building Use/ Property Management Team:
- This will become its own team (no longer part of Property) and will be the Pastor, Administration Assistant, Council President, and Sexton (pending).

Social Ministry: December Projects

Collection of money to purchase Christmas gifts for 3 students at Martin Luther Silver Springs School. Since church was lightly attended due to weather on the collection day, baskets for donations will be available on December 8 as well. This will also be posted on Facebook and the website.
Angel Tree collection of monies for Giant gift cards to be given to congregational members and others in need. Cards are distributed at the discretion of the Pastor.
Worship & Music: Met on November 12 to plan Advent and Christmas Services. First Sunday of month will be a “High” Service, with Communion at the Rail, and new position of Assisting Minister. Will consolidate the list of worship volunteers into one spreadsheet and provide additional training.
Miscellaneous:
- Be sure to add to the Annual Congregational Meeting agenda the topic of moving the date of the annual meeting, or possibly have two meetings (one for budget and one for the rest.)
- Time and Talents sheets needs to be reviewed and information dispersed to team leads.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 7:00PM.

0 Comments

January 2020 Mustard Seed - Note from Pastor G

1/13/2020

0 Comments

A friend of mine shared that on New Year’s Day his parents had a tradition of sitting together with the past year’s calendars and appointment books and reviewing the year that was ending. Then, they prayed: in thanksgiving for all of the wonderful things, for strength for the challenges that had arisen, for forgiveness to fall on the places of failure, brokenness and regret, and finally, for what would be in the year that was beginning. I love this tradition. I imagined what that might look like if Faith reviewed the past year and prayed for the year to come?

Surely there would be prayers of thanksgiving: for births, and Baptisms, first Communions, engagements. For enduring friendships and continued commitment and joy in ministry.
And prayers for God’s continued strength as we remember those to whom we have said goodbye as we commended them to God’s eternal care.

Add prayers of gratitude for all of the difficult conversations that we have had. And a prayer for God to continue to guide and direct our study of the Word. May our hearts be truly open.
Prayers of forgiveness...
What might you add?
And what might be our prayer for the New Year? Surely for the Spirit to move in our midst and send us new pastoral leadership. Surely that we are guided to those in need of our care and our ministry. For non-anxious hearts as we face challenging financial realities. Surely for continued joy in worship. What else?

My prayer for Faith is that all of our lives are set in prayer as we begin another year in the Lord. Here are a couple of prayers that I found on-line. I offer them to you with all God’s blessings for 2020.

"A new year is unfolding—like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within. Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others. As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance." Amen.
May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead. Amen.
--- Pastor G

0 Comments

2020 Faith Fun Events

February 2020 Mustard Seed - Announcements

February 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

February 2020 Mustard Seed - Note from Pastor

January 2020 Mustard Seed - Announcements

January 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

January 2020 Mustard Seed - Note from Pastor G

Archives

Categories