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May 2020 Mustard Seed - Announcements

5/5/2020

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As we continue to deal with the coronavirus, think about contacting those who usually sit around you at the worship service. Everyone’s name, address and phone number are in the 2020 Faith Directory.  If you don’t have a directory or need somebody’s address or phone number call Janet Hill at 215-285-6428 or email her at janetatfaith@verizon.net.   

During this time of physical isolation we don’t have to be socially isolated.  We all need to know that our church family is thinking about us and that we are all in this together.  And most importantly that God is always in control.
 
 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10 
 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
 
 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
 
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
 
 “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
 
Social Ministry 
Since we are unable to physically go to our church building during this time - stay home, stay healthy - the Social Ministry projects scheduled for the month of May have been postponed.   However, it has been brought to the attention of the team that Manna and Keystone Opportunity Center are in great need of monetary donations at this time.   Below are links to these two organizations.

Manna on Main Street 

Keystone Opportunity Center

Fellowship
Our Fellowship Activities have been put on hold for the month of May.  The Spring Fling scheduled for May 16thhas been postponed to a later date. More information to follow.

Shepherding Ministry 
Hope you all enjoyed receiving your Easter cards. Hope it brought a great big smile to your face.   I know it did me.

A great big thank you to my team…Chris Jones, Nancy Gansner, Anna Friedrich, Beth Schoening, and Debbie Hollenbach.  Though not part of our original team, also to Sharon Diggans and her family, Liana and Joey, for taking my list and making homemade cards.  Thank you, Chris, for making homemade cards as well.  Some of us are just not as talented.  
 
Keep your eyes on the mail.   We’re looking forward to keeping in touch.  We especially want you to know how much we are thinking of you.  
 
Card donations have been very much appreciated from Debbie Hollenbach, Janet Hill from a collection of cards at church, and Linda Kratz.  Thank you to those of the team who purchased their own cards and postage.    
 
We love our “Faith Family” and want you to know that!
In Christ,                                    
Sharon Hood, Leader   
215-822-2579


Faith Family Picnic
As of right now we are still  hoping to have our Annual Church Family Picnic on Sunday, June 7 from 11am to 2pm at Spring Valley Park on Claremont Drive in Montgomery Township. We’ll keep you updated!

Vacation Bible School is August 5-9, 3-7, 2020
The theme is: “Rocky Railway:  Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through.”
We’re considering the possibility of doing something a bit different this year for Vacation Bible School.  If we are still practicing some sort of physical distancing we may be looking at doing some sort of virtual VBS.  If anyone is interested in being part of this (recording skits or songs or lessons to Facebook or Zoom or cutting out crafts to be picked up by families, etc.) please contact Melissa Prunkel at 215-498-4684 or Janet Hill at 215-285-6428.  We are also looking for ideas for a different kind of VBS.  It has always been a great outreach to our community and we do not want lose that.
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May 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

5/5/2020

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Council Notes: April 3, 2019

​Council was called to order by President Gary Apgar. Devotions were led by Pastor G.  The Mission Statement was read.
 
Secretary’s Report:  The minutes of the March council meeting were approved as submitted to the council via email.
 
Treasurer’s Report:  
The Council looked at the updated budget. With year to date income at $58,020.25 (38%) and operating expenses at $27,908.07 (18%) we have a $30,112.18 surplus.
 
Ministry Team Reports
Finance:  We need a Zoom finance meeting.  Members have been mailing their contributions and we have been receiving gifts online via Vanco.
 
Fundraising:  Remember GIANT gift cards!  
 
Shepherding Ministry:  Easter cards have been sent!  Sharon will update.
 
Social Ministry:  There will be no Social Ministry events in April.
 
Stewardship:  We need to encourage e-giving.
 
Transportation:  An email went out to the congregation in March encouraging participation in this team.
 
Worship & Music:  Discussion on the Facebook live and Zoom Virtual Services.  Zoom Pro account has been set up.
Old Business
  • Armed Intruder information– update from Vince Hill concerning the scheduling of a meeting with Montgomery Township Police Chief J. Scott Bendig or Officer Rob Johnson.   We received an email from J. Scott Bendig stating that they are looking to meet with area churches in late May or early June.  From his email: “I have discussed our concept of co-presenting a program with the FBI that will address the management of aggressive behavior and recognizing pre-attack indicators.  The hour and a half program would address many of the concerns raised by many of you at our meeting last year.  We would be willing to conduct a presentation for all groups at our Community Center or individually for your congregations.”
  • Update on Professional Audit. Tracey Beasley, Synod VP, is a CPA and will do this work. Can this be done remotely?
  • Update on constitution?
  • Proposed Acceptable Computer Use Policy -Distributed in November to read.  Still pending additions pertaining to PCI Compliant language.  Rich and Jack to discuss additional wording needed.  
  • Information about Re-keying of Locks? 
  • Update on deacons and new care. 
  • Fellowship: Request for a new projector for outdoor movies. No outdoor movies this month.
 
New Business
  • Linda and Carol Taylor have documented the counting process.
  • Music in virtual Church.
  • Shepherding Ministry, next mission is to send “thinking of you cards”.
 
Next Meeting:  May 6 at 7pm.
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Introduction Letter from Pastor Mary

5/5/2020

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April 13, 2020
 
Dear Friends,
 
Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. In early March, shortly before the corona virus pandemic hit our country in full force, I was asked by our Dean, Pr. Penman, if I would serve as the Bridge Pastor at Faith as Pastor G was slated to move on to her next Interim assignment. In our synod, Bridge Pastors serve part-time between the time when the interim process is completed, and the new pastor is called. I have been a pastor since 1982 and served a congregation in Philadelphia since 1997 until I retired from full time pastoral ministry in 2013. Currently, I serve as the part-time Visitation Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Devon. 

   Normally, this would have meant meeting with the Council, staff and other ministry teams and beginning to conduct worship on the Sunday after Easter. Of course, now everything in church and, indeed, in our lives, has changed and changed in ways that none of us could have ever imagined! Last Wednesday, I sat in (via Zoom) on the Council meeting and agreed to pen this letter of introduction. This coming week, I’ll be meeting with the Finance as well as Worship & Music Teams. 

We are so blessed to have the technology to proceed with worship, Bible study, prayer opportunities and service even in the midst of these extraordinary and difficult times. Yet even as we live through so many dramatic and, for many, fearful times, we can continue to proclaim that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Our relationships can be nurtured and sustained with each other and our neighbors in the community as we live into the promises of our eternal and unchanging God.

We want to make sure that we help anyone in our congregation who might be struggling with loss of employment, reduced employment, having difficulty getting groceries or prescriptions filled, so please call Janet Hill (215-285-6428), Gary Apgar (215-460-0380) or my cell phone (215-285-9106). For those of you who would like to contribute to the food banks (please no food items) both Manna and Keystone are requesting monetary donations at this time. Here are the links if you’d like to help: Keystoneopportunity.org OR https://mannaonmain.org/give-money/donate-now/
    
Finally, we want to encourage you, as you are able at this time, to support the congregation with your tithes and offerings. While so many aspects of daily life have changed, some things have not. Certain fixed costs and utilities still need to be paid! It’s a perfect time to sign up for online givingor continue to send them to the church office. In these unprecedented times, the blessing of your generosity will ensure that the saving grace of our crucified and risen Lord will continue to be proclaimed and shared in word and service through our congregation!

God’s rich blessings on you and yours as we celebrate the Easter season.       
 
Yours in the Risen Christ,       
The Rev. Mary Konopka   (please call me, Pastor Mary!) 
pr.mary.konopka @gmail.com, 215-285-9106
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May 2020 Mustard Seed - Note from Pastor Mary

5/5/2020

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The Risen Lord Goes Out to Meet his Disciples

By now, I hope that you’ve all received the “Introducing Pastor Mary” letter and information about my previous ministry experience.  Even people with the most active imaginations I’m certain would have never imagined meeting under such extraordinary circumstances as we now find ourselves experiencing!  Yet, thanks to the wonders of technology, we are still able to ‘meet,’ for worship, Bible study, prayer and for what Martin Luther called the “mutual conversation and consolation” of the fellowship of God’s people.  Personally, for all the many experiences I’ve had over decades of serving in ordained ministry, did I ever think I’d be conducting a worship service in my living room in front of a computer?

    During these times of ‘social distancing’ and with so many us ‘sheltering in place’ I have been experiencing the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in an entirely different way than ever before.  After the crucifixion, a group of disciples are huddled together in fear and Jesus comes and stands in their midst bestowing on them a message of peace even as he gives them a message to move out in mission. Two disappointed disciples travel the road to Emmaus discussing the awful events that have just transpired in Jerusalem only days before and Jesus joins them on the road, shares a meal with them and is revealed to them ‘in the breaking of the bread,’ and then with images and words, He promises to be with them and in all circumstances give them the gift of abundant life.

    This promise of abiding presence provides a balm for the fearful and hope for His disciples then … and now.  As we seek and find new ways to be Christ’s followers and embody new ways to serve Him and our neighbors during these extraordinary times, we can be assured of the Lord’s presence.  Because no matter what, or come what may, the Risen Lord Jesus will continue to be with us.

I look forward to joining you as we navigate these new ‘post-resurrection’ roads with each other and with the powerful presence of our Risen Lord.
​
 Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
 ---Peace, Pastor Mary
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April 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

3/27/2020

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​Council was called to order by President Gary Apgar.

Present: Gary Apgar, Adam Feldman, Pastor G, Rich Hollenbach, Anne Hutnyk, Linda Kratz, Jack Walls, Denise Bailey (Treasurer’s Report only)
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the February council meeting were approved as submitted to the council as written.

Treasurer’s Report:
After some discussion the follow recommendations were made by council 
  • Need to reconcile the cash on hand balance vs the totals from the Reserve Accounts (last page), separating out funds from memorials
  • Document memorial specified allocations/restrictions
  • Actions needed before our audit for the Synod
  • With year to date income at $49,216.08 (32%) and operating expenses at $18,293.50 (11%) we are $32,813.51 in the black.

Pastor’s Report:
Pastor G needs to identify two members to attend the Synod Assembly on May 1st & 2nd. Rich H volunteered but need a female member. The call committee has been meeting in preparation for calling a new pastor. We also need to have an external audit/review of our finances as part of the call process and need assistance to find a CPA/accounting firm.

Ministry Team Reports:
Christian Education: Old testament stories were purchased and are in use in Sunday school. Last week was the first week with the earlier Sunday School time and the teachers had plenty of time to do the lesson. The VBS kit “Rocky Railway- Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through” is in the office and we will be getting things lined up for VBS (August 3-7, 2020.)

Communications: Need to investigate the use of Instagram to reach out to younger generation.

Finance: Need to meet to address items out linedin Treasurer’s Report above.

Fundraising: Remember GIANT gift cards!

Property Team: The Korean Church put up their own sign under our temporary sign. (They know our sign is temporary.) Note for future reference, council needs to approval such requests so it’s part of the official record.

Marty is trying to get a date in April for the Spring Workday.

Social Ministry: In March we are collecting items for Personal Care Kits to be sent to Lutheran World Relief. There is a poster in the Foyer of what is needed and a sample of a kit. Also, in March, we are encouraging people to shop at Laurel’s Loft to help to support victims of domestic abuse.
Transportation: An email will go out this week to the congregation to encourage participation in this team.

Worship & Music: Wednesday Dinner Church – 6:30-8pm Wednesdays during Lent – Theme is the Symbols of Lent. Adult Forum at 9:00 on Sundays will discuss the components of worship. Easter Sunday, April 12th breakfast coordinated by Council and Worship & Music.

Hospitality and Fellowship: We need a new projector for showing movies on the lawn. There is a handout. Discussed in New Business. March 13th - Pajama Movie Night - “Abominable.” April 5th is the Palm Sunday Anniversary luncheon of soup and sandwiches. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Foyer this coming Sunday, March 8th.

Old Business: Items in Review from February:
  • Armed Intruder information – update from Vince Hill concerning the scheduling of a meeting with Montgomery Township Police Chief J. Scott Bendig or Officer Rob Johnson. No update; need to follow up with Vince.
  • Update on Professional Audit (Funds will come from Undesignated Reserves) See Treasurer’s Report above.
  • Update on constitution – no update
  • Proposed Acceptable Computer Use Policy -
  • Distributed in November to read. Still pending additions pertaining to PCI Compliant language. Rich and Jack will look for a time to work on this wording.
  • Information about Re-keying of Locks? Adam was directed to get quotes for this work.

New Business:
  • Update on deacons and new care mission: Pastor G reported the Synod has a training program for home communion and will investigate the training.
  • Shepherding: A motion was made by Adam to accept this new ministry team and seconded by Ann and council voted to approve. They have a request for $400.00 to pay for postage of the cards they will be sending out. There is no budget line item to cover this but will be added to Social Ministry for the 2021 budget (Adam will notify Denise on this addition). It was suggested to use the Boehmler Memorial to cover the $400 request for 2020 and was approved by council. The team will need to submit receipts for the postage expenditure.
  • Fellowship: The fellowship team has brought forward a request for a new projector for outdoor movies since they had been using Vince’s projector last year (which has since broken). Jack volunteered his personal projector for the March 13th movie night in the Fellowship Hall. There was a single quote for a projector, but Council asked Adam to get multiple quotes and come back to council with multiple options for further discussion.

Next Meeting: April 1 at 8 PM following the Lenten Wednesday service.

Notes from impromptu virtual meeting Faith Lutheran Council March 17, 2020
-- Edna Boehmler memorial scheduled for Saturday, May 23.
-- Rich Hollenbach set up free zoom account as a trial, but it has limits. Council approved getting the Zoom Pro account which costs $15/month. Rich to work with Janet Hill to secure for use by the congregation for meetings. Once set up will share the host information for use at meetings. Pastor G to investigate video options for Sunday services including meetings.
-- For the time being, there will not be any meetings at the church and only Janet (alone) will be there to cover any administrative work needed. We will need to organize a good cleaning of church once we get clearance to return. The building closure and isolation will be at least two more weeks minimum but will probably continue for some time (note May 12th is 8 weeks.) We will need to keep communicating. Officially no church services until we are permitted to by ELCA guidance.
-- All activities have been cancelled including the Longwood Garden trip, “Jesus” movie, Spring workday as well as groups using our building including the Korean congregation and the Food Addicts group. Note that council has approved staff members would be paid their regular salary during this time. An email will be sent out stating that the building is closed, and all events/activities are cancelled.
-- All deacons are not to do any home visits but should call people specially to see if they need anything like food (can drop off outside) to have limited physical contact.
-- We have someone to perform the financial review (audit)
for the call process. Tracy Beasley (who is a CPA) has performed this review for several congregations and will do it for $500. Janet will be the point person and will need to coordinate but after April 15th.
-- Lenten services will continue virtually. Rich to document sharing files via Google Drive. Pastor G to contact Lauren A about getting access to Church Facebook page and live streaming the services. Pastor G will investigate communion options for Easter. Worship and Music will review the options and plan accordingly.
-- The service bulletins will be emailed out to the congregation. We have about ~10 folks who don’t have computer access so they will be printed out and mailed to folks for Sunday.
-- Offerings should continue and can be dropped off at the church (mail slot) and will need to be counted & deposited. Recommend on-line giving. Janet to pick a time to sell Giant gift cards and communicate when they can be purchased.
-- Note that the Synod Assembly has been postponed.
-- Prayer concerns should be emailed to the faithmontpastor@yahoo.com email account. Immediate concerns for: Edna’s family, Gwen & Clarence Harris, Carol and John Jr. Taylor and Emily Henkels.
-- Next Council meeting at regular time but virtual, April 1, 2020 @ 8pm following Virtual Dinner Church.
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April 2020 - A Note from Pastor G

3/27/2020

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Dear Friends,
As I am writing this, we are all in the midst of the coronavirus lock down. It has changed all of our lives in ways we could not have imagined just three weeks ago. I want to use this space to make sure that everyone knows how we are staying connected and caring for one another.

WORSHIP AND MEETINGS- we will be following the recommendations and mandates from the governor, the CDC and the Bishop’s office and cancelling all in person worship and meetings until further notice. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE WILL NOT WORSHIP, PRAY and CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER!

WORSHIP AND PRAYER- WE WILL MEET FOR WORSHIP EVERY Sunday. I am learning about Facetime and other streaming. I will go live via Zoom at 9am with our continuing study of worship and then our service will begin at 10:30am on Facebook live. The bulletin with a sermon reflection will be mailed to those without internet.

WEDNESDAY- beginning this week we will continue midweek prayer and continue through this crisis. This will be via Zoom. For more information contact Rich Hollenbach.

MEETINGS- Council will meet at the regular time and possible at times arranged by email if critical issues arise. We will meet by Zoom as we did last week.

Other ministry teams, if you would like to meet we now have a Zoom platform for the congregation. Please be in touch with Rich Hollenbach who can instruct you on how to set up a meeting. Make sure that all members of your team are aware, make sure that includes council president and me. Don’t forget to keep notes!

A word about the Call process...as you may imagine call and transition activities are on hold for now. I will keep you posted as things emerge.
Please continue to stay in touch with one another. Call, Facetime, email, send a card, pray and pray together! We are in a time of physical isolation, not social or spiritual isolation. STAY CONNECTED!

I will also be posting on our Facebook page. If you aren’t on Facebook and haven’t liked our page, now is a great time!!!! I will open a place on our Facebook page once a week to allow us to share how we are doing and what is giving us strength. Don’t forget to look for beauty and joy!
This is a stressful time...please call, text or email me if you need to chat, pray, or just get a bit of support.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10

I am encouraging you to look up this sermon by Pastor Nadia Boltz-Webber. A Mini-Sermon on Fear, Love, and Kent Brockman.

As a head sup, there is a bit of language that may challenge some of you (only a couple of words) but it is a very helpful reflection on facing fear. I think it is very helpful.

Blessings to all of you.
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March 2020 Mustard Seed - Announcements

2/25/2020

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New small group forming  “SHEPHERDING MINISTRY”
Exciting news… a new small group is forming.  Our “shepherds” will keep connected with all of our church family…members, homebound, students and friends.  Those in our directory.  
We are starting out as a card ministry for those who are homebound or who may have loss connection with their church family.  This will begin with Easter. 
We will also keep in touch with our family who is ill, in the hospital, etc.  Prayers for everyone will be part of our outreach.   
If you would like to join our group, please contact me.  
            --- In Christ, Sharon Hood, Leader   215-822-2579

Request from the “SHEPHERDING MINISTRY”Since we will be sending cards as part of this new small group, if you have any “Easter” or “Thinking of You” cards that you would like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. 
Please give them to anyone on our team.  Thank You. Sharon Hood, Leader   
Our Team:  Chris Jones, Nancy Gansner, Anna Friedrich, Debbie Hollenbach and Beth Schoening 


March social ministry project will be our Lutheran World Relief program -Personal Care Kits.
 Cleanliness may not actually be next to godliness, but it certainly helps a person feel more human. When families find their homes destroyed, or must flee for their safety, soap and a towel rarely make the cut for what they can carry. Arriving in a refugee camp or other place of safety, they are scared, vulnerable and dirty from the travel. The simple items included in a Personal Care Kit provide much-needed self-care, critical germ fighting, and the chance to regain dignity amidst situations of fear and uncertainty.
Each Personal Care Kitwill contain: ONE light-weight bath-size towel (between 20” x 40” and 52” x 27”), dark color recommended; TWO or three bath-size bars of soap equaling 8 to 9 oz., any brand, in original wrapping; ONE adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging (toothbrush multi-packs may be used by sealing an individual toothbrush in a business-size envelope; no plastic bags or wrap); ONE sturdy comb, remove packaging; ONE metal nail clippers (attached file optional) (remove packaging.) 
 
SOME IMPORTANT GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER
• Be sure to shop for light- or medium-weight towels, which are easier for kit recipients to hand wash and air dry, take up less storage space and are considerably less expensive than the fluffier towels we may prefer to use.
• Please give new items only.
• Please do not donate items with any religious symbols, messages or your group’s name.
• Please do not donate any items decorated with a U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols, or references to the armed forces, including camouflage.
• Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed.
• All items should be new and in good condition. 
 
There will be a poster board with colored Post-it notes listing the items needed.  Take a post it and buy that item and put it in the purple bin under the coat rack.  Most items can be purchased at the dollar store making it easy to buy several items.   We can all work together with whatever we have to put together as many kits as possible. Thank you for your generosity.  More information, see Chris Jones.

Also in the month of March we are asking you to support Laurel's Loft.  
This is a thrift shop in Pennwood Plaza at 1801 N. Broad Street, Lansdale (right next to Lansdale Meats.)  They have a wide selection of clothing for the whole family, as well as jewelry and small household items.  They also ask for gently used donations.  They just ask that the donated items are in good condition and that they are dropped off during store hours only.  All proceeds go directly to support Laurel House "Working to end Domestic Violence."  
For more information, see Chris Jones.

Friday, March 13: Pajama Movie Night
On March 13th we’ll be having a Pajama Family Movie Night in the Fellowship Hall at 7pm.  Wear your pajamas and bring some blankets and pillows and get ready for a fun evening.  We’ll be watching the movie “Abominable”and having popcorn and drinks.

SIGHT & SOUND, LANCASTER, PA is bringing “JESUS” TO A LOCAL THEATRE . . .
On Saturday, April 11, at 12:55 p.m.you are invited to join your church family at the Regal Theatre in Warrington to see Sight and Sound’s production of “Jesus” made into a movie.   Filmed directly from their stage production.  
 
If you need a ride or directions, please give Sharon Hood a call. 
 
Was originally told ticket prices:
  •      Adult: $18.00
  •      Child (3-11): $15.00
  •      Senior (60+): $15.00
However, they may vary slightly.  Will confirm once I am able to make all of the reservations.   
 
We are going to go to The Metropolitan in Montgomeryville (across from Costco) afterwards (around 4 p.m.) as one large group to share food and our thoughts on the movie.  
 
It was a magnificent production the two times I saw it at Sight and Sound in Lancaster. Looking forward to seeing the movie version as well!
 
Deadline for ticket sales will be Sunday, March 23. See the sign up on the Foyer desk.
 Thank You.  Your Sister in Christ, Sharon Hood (215) 822-2579


Longwood Gardens Festival of Fountains - Hagey’s Bus Trip
The Fellowship Group has scheduled a trip to Longwood Gardens on Thursday, May 14, 2020.  
Enjoy an evening viewing the illuminated fountains dancing to stirring music and water jets shooting up to 175 feet high. The tour includes: deluxe motor coach transportation via Hagey Tours; admission into Longwood Gardens; and $20 Dining Dollars to use at Terrace Café or the tented Beer Garden within Longwood Gardens. 

The bus will pick us up at the Montgomery Mall at 5:10pm and take up to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square.  From 7-9pm we are on our own to explore the over 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows at our own pace.

At 9:00 pm we’ll enjoy the Festival of Fountains! A spectacle unlike any other with an ever-changing musical program accompanying soaring water in all shapes, sizes, heights, along with infinite color combinations.  The performance lasts 35 minutes.  We’ll leave for home at 10pm and be back at Montgomery Mall between 11:30pm and 12:00am.

The Cost per person is $83.  A $10 deposit is due when you sign up and the balance is due by the end of March. 

There is a sign-up sheet on the Foyer bulletin board.  Contact Marty Boland for any information.  Please let her know if there is any problem with the late hour and travel.
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March 2020 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

2/25/2020

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Council Notes: February 5, 2020
 
      Council was called to order by President Gary Apgar.  Devotions from Psalm 46 were led by Pastor G.
 
  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES –The council approved the minutes of the January council meeting as written.
 
  1. REPORTS TO BE ACCEPTED– The council approved the Treasurer’s and Pastor G’s reports described below.
    • Treasurer’s Report:  Denise Bailey was thanked for all the work done to reformat the financial report. She was also asked to add a column to number the line items to make it easier to reference during discussion. The group was reminded to always ask questions about the financial statement when you have them.  As of the end of January, we are $7043 to the positive.
    • Pastor’s Report:  Pastor G noted that there is a baptism and memorial service coming up.  She reminded the group to turn on the lights when in the building to let those passing by know that there is a lot of activity at our church. Since we still are using our temporary church sign, Pastor G suggested that we add something to announce the Ash Wednesday service.  Adam Feldman agreed to make an additional sign.  Pastor G reminded the council that we are the eyes and ears of the congregation, and as such we need to bring any concerns that we hear to council for action.
 
  1. MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS 
o  Christian Education:  Currently looking for Old Testament curriculum.  Asking Janet Hill to please add the Sunday School teachers to the weekly “Serving our Faith Church Family Today” section of the bulletin and email.
  • Evangelism:  Jack Walls suggested that we do a full “re-engagement” of the church members twice a year.
  • Finance: Thanks to Adam Feldman for going through both insurance policies (current policy with Selective and proposed policy from Church Mutual) to find the differences in coverage.  After getting a quote with like coverages, the difference in cost is only $253.  We will wait until the signage claim is complete and the next payment is due (around June) before deciding if we want to change insurance providers. 
  • Fundraising:    Remember to buy your GIANT gift cards!  Collected $14.00 for pretzels in January.
  • Hospitality and Fellowship:   Soup and Sandwiches for a cold Winter Afternoon coffee Hour on February 9 (Hospitality).  Fastnacht on Tuesday February 25, 7:00- 8:30 – Donuts and Karaoke (Janet and Adam organizing).
  • Property Team: It was noted that our property is zoned as “residential.” The team will check into the possibility of re-zoning or getting a variance if an LED sign is wanted.  A meeting will be scheduled to go over new sign options.
  • Social Ministry: February Projects – The collection of hats, gloves, mittens and scarfs will continue. Sixty-three boxes of Valentines were collected.  During the Soup and Sandwiches for a Cold Winter Afternoon Coffee hour on February 9, cards will be provided for members to sign and send to our Homebound and College Congregational Members.
  • Stewardship:  Jack would like more visual reminders at coffee hours for the GIANT gift cards and e-giving.
  • Transportation:  Suggestion was made to have Janet email all members looking for volunteers to provide transportation (and to reply via email).
  • Worship & Music:  Ash Wednesday Service is at 7:30 on Wednesday, February 26.   Wednesday Dinner Church will begin at 6:30 during Lent – theme is the Symbols of Lent.  Adult Forum at 9:00 on Sundays will discuss the components of worship. W&M is looking for a common e-Calendar to use.  Pastor G will discuss the concerns regarding passing the peace during cold and flu season with the parish nurse, Nancy Allegrezza.
 
  1. OLD BUSINESS
  • Update Snow Cancellation Process –Decisions to cancel services will be made by Pastor G and Gary. Pastor G will contact Janet to send out the information via email.  Gary will contact council members, and they will call the people on their phone call list.  Janet’s email will alert Lauren Allegrezza to put it on the Facebook page and website. 
  • New Signage for the Church – Report from Property Team/Dale Foster about costs and design of sign.  We have received a check for $500 from the Insurance company of the person that hit our sign and that will cover our deductible.  Have $6135.40 already from the Insurance company. Selective will send us a check for $1267.60 when we submit a receipt for replacement of the sign.  Also, the property team is working on the permits, design and getting quotes.
  • Items in Review for February: 
    • Armed Intruder information – Pastor to talk to Vince Hill with regard to an update for the March council meeting.
    • Update on Professional Audit – Pastor is getting contact information and it needs to be done ASAP as part of the call process. (Funds will come from Undesignated Reserves.)
    • Update on constitution – waiting for input from Synod.
  • Proposed Acceptable Computer Use Policy -Distributed in November to read.  Still pending additions pertaining to PCI compliant language.  To be revised and ready for review for the March council meeting.
  • Information about Re-keying of Locks? Getting prices and to be discussed in March.
 
  1. NEW BUSINESS
    • Update on deacons and new care mission:  A meeting is being held on Tuesday, February 11 to make sure the deacons and care mission are working together.
 
Next Meeting:  Wednesday March 4, 2020, at 8:00 PM(after Dinner Church). 
 
+ + + +
 
 
Officers and Members
of Congregation Council for 2020
 
Gary Apgar (President); Jack Walls (Vice President);                            
Rich Hollenbach (Secretary); Denise Bailey (Treasurer);
Janet Hill (Financial Secretary); Carol Taylor (Asst. Financial Secretary); Adam Feldman; Dale Foster; Sharon Hood; 
Anne Hutnyk; Linda Kratz; and Melissa Prunkel
                                             
Ministry Team Chairs & Council Liaisons
Christian Education: Melissa Prunkel            
Communication:  Lauren Allegrezza      Liaison: Linda Kratz              
Evangelism/Missions: Doug Renner     Liaison: Dale Foster
Finance: TBD     Liaison: Adam Feldman
Fundraising:  Linda Kratz        
Health Ministries:  Nancy Allegrezza     Liaison: Pastor G     
Hospitality: Anne Hutnyk
Fellowship:  Debbie Hollenbach     Liaison: Anne Hutnyk
Long-Range Planning:  On Hold                                 
Mutual Ministry: Jack Walls, Teri Apgar and one more
Property: Vince Hill             Liaison: Dale Foster      
Property Management:Pastor G/Gary Apgar/Janet Hill
Social Ministry:Nancy Gansner     Liaison: Sharon Hood
Special Funds: Gary Apgar, Vince Hill, Rich Hollenbach
Stewardship: Jack Walls
Transportation: Dale Foster
Worship & Music:Rich Hollenbach
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March 2020 Mustard Seed - Note from the Pastor

2/25/2020

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Dear friends,
This month we begin our yearly journey through Lent.  As I was beginning to prepare for the season, I started to think, maybe Lent is, or could be, a kind of Spiritual New Year.  It begins on Ash Wednesday with a serious and honest assessment of where we are in our relationship with God.  We can be honest in our assessment because we know God’s unfailing love and mercy.   We allow our confession to move us toward repentance…a turning away from things that separate us from God’s love and rededicate ourselves to following Jesus.   

Then, as on New Year’s we make some resolutions. Lent asks us to commit to new disciplines of prayer and service to others to bring us closer in our relationship with God.  But, as with New Year’s resolutions, in the busy-ness of our lives, sometimes the disciplines we commit to at the start of the season fade away quickly.   Here is the place where being part of a faith community is so important.  During this season we are not on the journey alone.  We gather, in worship, study and fellowship offering encouragement to one another.  Keeping one another focused in our journey with and to Christ!

We receive an invitation to Lenten discipline at Ash Wednesday service.  To assist us in living that discipline we are also invited to make space in our schedules to take part in a Sunday morning study of how and why we worship as we do, and a Wednesday Evening dinner church reflecting on the symbols the church uses through this sacred season. These opportunities for study and fellowship build us up as Christ’s body in this season and throughout the year.

Together, we will make this a meaningful season that will strengthen us in our life in Christ.
Let’s begin a New Year in Spirit and faith.
​
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence 
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
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2020 Faith Fun Events

1/27/2020

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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
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