THIS SUNDAY
Although I am beginning to see Christmas trees at the end of driveways, we are still in the Christmas season! This Sunday is Epiphany, traditionally a day when we celebrate the arrival of the Magi. It is also the first Communion of 2008. The Rev. Ann Devine, a hospital chaplain, will co-celebrate the Sacrament with me. I will focus on Matthew's Gospel which, interestingly, while making reference to the arrival of the kings, makes no mention of how many "kings" there really were. The three gifts may have been a key factor in the popular notion of the three Magi. The role Herod plays in the story is easy not to like. Herod shows us what the combination of power and fear can do to dehumanize life. While fear fueled power is always intimidating, as the Magi were able to, we, too, can find another way. We had a great night at the Shelter last Sunday. The sock tree was a huge success. We all know how cold it has been this week. I know the warm socks were greatly appreciated. Thank you and our Confirmation group for all the support.
Frank Pennington
A REMINDER - CHURCH FINANCIAL BOOKS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY
The Church financial books will close this Sunday, January 6th. Anything to be credited to 2007 must be dated 12/31/07. Contact Sandy McAleer if you have any questions.
CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS
Church School Facilitator - Barbara Guido
Infants/Toddlers - Meg Collins and Frances Chester
Preschool and Kindergarten - Diane Hedrick
Middle School SMBC - Jane Groves
Sr. High SMBC - Sam Collins
SECOND FRIDAYS TO FEATURE GERMANY TRIP
Join us for January Second Fridays on Friday, January 11th, as we hear from Renee Miller about her trip to Germany, sponsored through the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference United Church of Christ. Renee will not only share enthusiastically, her personal experiences, but will have a PowerPoint presentation of photos. Second Fridays will meet at the home of Bill and Joan Walkup on Valley Forge Mountain. Gather around 7:00 for appetizers and a dish-to-pass potluck supper. Directions and further details can be obtained by contacting the church office.
MUSIC OF NOTE CONCERT
Have you noticed the wonderful sign by the street, designed by Kristin Canale, announcing the up-coming "Music of Note" concert? If not, take a good look because the concert is coming up quickly. Next Sunday, Jan. 13th, at 4:00 p.m. the IMAJE TRIO will present a program of wonderful music. Maria Bucco, who teaches piano here at the church, will join Miguel Rojas, who has played at church in the past, on cello, and Luigi Mazzocchi on violin. Tickets are available after church or at the door - $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12. See our website for more information about these musicians - www.uccvf.org .
NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT MEETING -
Sunday, January 13th from 6-8 pm, Fellowship Hall. The meeting will discuss a trip to the National Youth Event - NYE- July 24-28, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, TN. All SMBC who will be 13 and older by July 24 and their parents are encouraged to come together for pizza and ice-cream sundaes and learn about this 4-day gathering. Workshops, worship, great music and fun times make up this pilgrimage that takes place every 4 years. We'll hear from Josh Blakeslee, Penn Southeast Conference minister for youth and young adult discipling, who is on the national planning committee for NYE. Jane Matthews Ferris, who attended NYE as a youth, will share her experience, and others may do the same.
Please RSVP to church or to Frances Chester, FHChester@verizon.net
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH. . .
- Frank received word this week about the death of Elliott Lukens on New Year's Day. Elliott was recuperating from a fall in Florida. A memorial service will be held at the Frank Videon Funeral Home on Rt. 252, near Broomall, this Monday at 1:00 with a calling hour beginning at 12:00. A memorial service will be held at Dock Woods Community near Lansdale on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Elliott's sister-in-law, Erma Christman, returned to Philadelphia, Thursday, January 3rd.
- Diane Allen, who is part of the ministry team at Christian Network Outreach Church, along with her husband, Bruce. In talking with Frank this week, Diane shared the news that her older brother passed away this past Sunday from throat cancer. Diane sang at our 7:30 worship on Christmas Eve.
- Rob Ballard has returned to Bryn Mawr Hospital undergoing treatment for lung related issues. Rob, who has cystic fibrosis, was in the Intensive Care unit at Bryn Mawr. Frank is visiting with Rob and Stacey on a regular basis. Rob and Stacey are facing the prospect of a lung transplant for Rob.
- Amy Cresse's mother, who had a mild stroke on Christmas Eve day, continues to make great progress recuperating at the Shannondell Health Center.
- Mildred Mueller who continues to recuperate at home.
- Mary Lou Canale who continues to recuperate at Devon Manor.
PRAYER REQUEST FROM DON MCKAY
My daughter Tara, a UCLA graduate student, was traveling in Kenya over the holidays. She is with her boyfriend and was visiting his family at their farm outside Kitale in Western Province when the post-election reaction occurred at the end of December. Kitale is further northwest than much of the violence although she is aware of some disturbance in Kitale. The farm compound at which they were staying was 15 minutes outside of Kitale and nearly 100% self-sufficient. This includes electricity generated from solar panels. They were travelling to and through Eldoret today (Friday); Eldoret was the scene of that horrific church burning earlier and significant tribal rioting in previous days. She is traveling with boyfriend, his sister and niece to Nairobi. They are escorting the sister and niece back home to Nairobi and plan to stay with them until departure. Tara's scheduled international flight from Nairobi is Sunday night local Kenya time.
I have been in contact with Tara daily since the 1st; but calls and contact are very limited. Myself, I have been more in 'tactical' mode finding out as much as I can to advise what options are and providing news updates.
Prayers are requested for Tara's and Sammy's safe exit and return to LA; continued safety for the family. For an end to tribal violence and peace for all in Kenya. And, success of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's mission to Kenya.
Thanks,
Don
UPCOMING DATES
Wednesday, January 9th - 7:30 p.m. Board of Elders meeting
Monday, January 14th - 7:30 p.m. Church Council meeting
Sunday, January 20th - Meeting of the congregation to take action on the 2008 Budget.
If you do not wish to be included as a recipient of FORGE PLUS, get back to us: church@uccvf.org
