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-400052540 Zion’s United Church of Christ 209 Chestnut Street Pottstown, PA 19464 (610) 323-3637 Rev. Austin Chinault, II - Pastor Keith Clattenburg - Director of Music Kimberly Kulesa - Office Administrator Frank Moser - Custodian 00 Zion’s United Church of Christ 209 Chestnut Street Pottstown, PA 19464 (610) 323-3637 Rev. Austin Chinault, II - Pastor Keith Clattenburg - Director of Music Kimberly Kulesa - Office Administrator Frank Moser - Custodian 7429516510009689913207224Dear Congregation: “Happy New Year!” seems to take on new meaning this year after all the heartaches, struggles and disruptions of 2020. ?Almost everyone is anxious to turn the page on 2020 and get a new calendar. ?And for good reason with all the economic hardship, school and home life difficulties, COVID disease and death, and political as well as racial conflict we have experienced. ?2020 has brought a lot of sorrows. We have not felt safe to worship in our sanctuary since March 15 and the isolation has been painful for many in our congregation. ?Separation from spiritual fellowship as well as family members has taken a toll on our well being—body mind and soul. ?We are surely ready for a better day. 2021 will not bring instant relief. ?Several promising vaccines are on the horizon, two are being administered as I write. ?This brings us hope for which we thank God. ?We pray for a new day of cooperation, restoration and reconciliation in the social and political spheres of our society. ?We need a time of healing in every aspect of our lives.? Let us pray, and let us work, for regeneration by God’s will in 2021. I say as never before: ?“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Pastor Austin 00Dear Congregation: “Happy New Year!” seems to take on new meaning this year after all the heartaches, struggles and disruptions of 2020. ?Almost everyone is anxious to turn the page on 2020 and get a new calendar. ?And for good reason with all the economic hardship, school and home life difficulties, COVID disease and death, and political as well as racial conflict we have experienced. ?2020 has brought a lot of sorrows. We have not felt safe to worship in our sanctuary since March 15 and the isolation has been painful for many in our congregation. ?Separation from spiritual fellowship as well as family members has taken a toll on our well being—body mind and soul. ?We are surely ready for a better day. 2021 will not bring instant relief. ?Several promising vaccines are on the horizon, two are being administered as I write. ?This brings us hope for which we thank God. ?We pray for a new day of cooperation, restoration and reconciliation in the social and political spheres of our society. ?We need a time of healing in every aspect of our lives.? Let us pray, and let us work, for regeneration by God’s will in 2021. I say as never before: ?“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Pastor Austin -400051755140The Tymes – January 202100The Tymes – January 2021Those serving this month:January 3CommunionLectionary Readings:Jeremiah 31: 7-14Ephesians 1: 3-14John 1: 1-18Sermon: “The Word”January 10Lectionary Readings:Genesis 1: 1-5Acts 19: 1-7Mark 1: 4-11Theme: ?BaptismPastor KimJanuary 17Lectionary Readings:Psalm139: 1-6, 13-18I Corinthians 6: 12-20John 1: 43-51Sermon: ?“To Whom Do You Belong”January 24Lectionary Readings:Jonah 3: 1-5, 10I Corinthians 7: 29-31Mark 1: 14-20Sermon: ?“The Call”January 31Lectionary Readings:Psalm 111I Corinthians 8: 1-13Mark 1: 21-28Sermon: ?“The Christ—The Healer!” Consistory HighlightsConsistory members and Pastor Austin continue meeting via the conference video, Zoom.Some highlights from the December 14th Consistory meeting:The new roof installation for the Chapel Building has been completed.The Pottstown Cluster thanked Zion’s for the $970 donation. (The year-to-date donation documented by the Cluster is $4,522)The Housing Allowance Resolution was approved as follows:Whereas section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code permits a minister of the gospel to exclude from gross income (in computing federal taxes) a church designated allowance paid to him as part of his compensation to the extent used by him for actual expenses in owning or renting a home; andWhereas, Rev. Austin Chinault is compensated by Zion’s United Church of Christ exclusively for services as a minister of the gospel; and Whereas, Zion’s United Church of Christ does not provide Rev. Austin Chinault with a parsonage; therefore, it is herebyResolved that $24,000 of the total compensation paid to Rev. Austin Chinault in the year 2021 to be designated as a housing allowance pursuant to section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code. Pastor Austin shared details about the Christmas Eve program with Trinity- Prelude?at 3PM, Service?at 3:30, outdoors with fire pit in Trinity parking lot. Service will be streamed live and recorded to view later.Due to the ongoing rise in COVID – 19 cases, worship services will continue via Facebook and YouTube with mailings to those without internet access.41 Church members approved the 2019 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes, the 2021 budget, and the slate of Consistory members for 2021, with 1 non-approval of the budget.Pastor Austin will share details regarding how to support the homeless at Al’s’ Warming Home Center in Pottstown.Continued - Consistory Members and Officers for 2021: President - Diane Andres; Vice President - Dusty Rhoads; Treasurer - Connie Griesemer; Financial Secretary - Joan Miller; Secretary - Brenda Ross; Jim Eschbach; Monica Kulp; Elaine Richards; Sandra Strunk; Jim Whisler.Brotherhood Mutual will provide Property insurance and Worker’s Comp coverage for Zion’s, effective January 1, 2021. The annual premium is about $8,000 less than the quote for 2021 from the Insurance Board, which is our current insurance provider.Joan has been holding Sunday School virtually due to the onset of winter weather. The Christmas program “What Do You See in the Manger” is available virtually.The next Consistory meeting will be January 11, 2021. Redner’s Receipts!Please continue to save your Redner’s Save-a-Tape receipt. When church service resumes you can place them in the box in the Sunday School building. We need the entire register tape in order to get credit. Redner’s will donate 1% of sales to our church. These funds are deposited in the General Fund.2020 Offering Information Please note that all 2020 donations received in the office by January 4, 2021 will be recorded in 2020. Any 2020 donations received after January 4, 2021 will be recorded as 2021 donations.ReminderRemember to like “Zion’s UCC, Pottstown” on Facebook for updates and pictures from our services. Also, we have music and message on Zion's UCC Facebook page thanks to the good work of Laura and Keith. If you are not on Facebook you may access these videos on our website under the link “Online Services” or YouTube. Please view as part of your devotional life as you are able and share this information with others who might be interested and benefit. God bless your every need, Pastor Austin Dear Zion’s Members:Many thanks for voting by ballot for the 2019 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes, Consistory members for 2021, and the Church Budget for 2021. 41 approvals were received, with 1 non-approval received regarding the budget. It has been a challenging year in so many ways for so many people, and I am grateful for your support in making important decisions by email, by phone and by post for Zion’s as we move into the new year.Looking forward to the time when we can worship again in our beautiful sanctuary and be together as a church family. Wishing all good health, peace and God’s blessings in 2021,Diane Andres, Consistory PresidentSUNDAY SCHOOL NEWSVirtual Christmas Program—Thank you to The Bartolini family, The Heydt family, Pastor Austin, Diane, Jim, Brian & Keith for being a part of our virtual Christmas program this year. A very special thank you to Laura for compiling all the pieces to make an inspiring program. Christmas Nativity pieces—Thank you to Susan Embody for continuing to provide our youth with the ceramic Nativity pieces for our Sunday School. We are grateful that you continue tracking and preparing these Nativity figures.Christmas Cards—Thank you to our youth in Sunday School who made Christmas cards to send to some of our members to wish them Joy and Christmas love at this special time of year. This year they had to do them at home because we were meeting for Sunday School virtually when we usually prepare them. We appreciate their time and talents!Sunday School for Youth and adults will continue to meet virtually using “Google Meet” until the weather permits us to meet outside again.Joan Miller, SuperintendentNEWSLETTER DEADLINEThe deadline for the February issue of the Tymes is January 20th. Please send articles to: zionsuccoffice@A Time to MeditateThe heart must have its wintertime,A time to meditate…when peace,Like snow, descends with calming graceAnd all the fruitless worries cease.The heart must have its wintertime,A time when dreams, like roots, can sleepAnd gather strength until the dayThey have a rendezvous to keep.The heart must have its wintertime,An interlude when hope sprouts wingsAs bright as any cardinal’s,And newborn courage softly sings.The heart must have its time to snow…To rest in silence and to grow.For Christmas Year RoundLord Jesus, we thank you for the spirit shed abroad in human hearts on Christmas. Even as we invited you on Christmas to be born again in our hearts, so will you go with us throughout the days ahead, to be companion in all that we do. Will you help each of us to keep Christmas alive in our hearts, so it may continue to glow, to shed warmth and to speak its message during all the bleak days of winter.Mau=y we hold on to that spirit, that we may be as kind today as we were on Christmas eve, as generous tomorrow as we were on Christmas morning. If then, with your help, we should live through a whole week in that spirit, may it be we can go another week, and then be encouraged to discover that Christmas can last the year round.So give us joyful, cheerful hearts, to the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.Adapted from a prayer by Peter MarshallJanuary 1 – Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Muth Married 16 yearsJanuary 2 – Scott Schollenberger 5 – Lois Oister 6 – Lynda Wagner Theresa Hardaker Chris Ross 9 – Jim Eschbach 11 – Kendra Rivoli Madison Camacho 17 – Dorcas Kieffer April Yenser 18 – Michael Kehler Katie Scherf 21 – Gary Novack 22 – Ken Shellenberger 24 – Connie GriesemerCluster NewsThe Cluster’s current needs are:a bulk supply of new reusable bags and new unused plastic bags to pack food in for distribution.Also, items to support our housing program:Masks (adult and children sizes) to bring to the families we visit or are housing.Items for Move-in Kits:Disinfectant wipes, dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, bleach surface cleaner, Lysol spray, sponges, cleaning cloths, paper towels, toilet plunger,dust pan and brush, rubber cleaner gloves, mop, broom, laundry DetergentIMPORTANT COVID-19 RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT:At this time we are not accepting in-kind donations of food and we are only accepting the self-care items listed above?from the public as we are limiting all that comes into the building to assure we are taking every precaution we can. We can only accept new and unopened items.To donate the items listed above, please call 610-970-5995.? A Note from the Music DirectorGreetings to all! I hope this letter finds you well.As we roll into the New Year, I'd like to send a big round of THANKS to all who have contributed to the worship music this past year. We’ve all run into many challenging bumps, but we proved that when we work together with God, anything is possible. We are entering an uncertain 2021 so I am asking you to send videos of yourself playing an instrument, singing a song, or reciting a short story or poem to use for Special Music. Your talents add so much meaning to our church celebrations. We can accept YouTube, .mp3, and .mp4 formats. Below are some things you may want included with your submitted piece: - Piano or organ music. Please indicate which song you'd like played and provide music in .pdf format, if possible so Keith can play it. This is specifically for a short story or poem. The music will be played in the background. ·?Words/lyrics in .doc, .docx, or pdf format of your song or poem. ·?Pictures in .jpg or .pdf format to set the tone for your submitted piece. To avoid copyright issues, we prefer that these are your own photos, and not taken from the internet. These photos should be landscape (wide) format, not portrait (tall).Please email to?bsharpprod@.?Please submit by the Wednesday?before the Sunday you wish your piece to be made public to allow time to put it all together.?If you need assistance or ideas, Laura can help. Contact her at 215-880-2839 or send an email to?bsharpprod@.Yours in Christ, Keith S. ClattenburgDirector of Music MinistryHomeless ShelterWe recently received notice that due to Covid-19 we will?not be asked to host the Homeless Shelter this coming 2020/2021 season.?Instead, Main Street Ministries will be housing the homeless in several local Motels as they did at the end of the 2019/2020 season.? They have asked for monetary?donations to help offset the costs.? Continued - If you would like to make personal donations in addition, we are listing their suggestions and locations to do so for your information.Needs for the 2020/2021 Shelter Season: Volunteers to Assemble Food & Grocery Boxes; Volunteer Drivers to Deliver Grocery Boxes; Volunteer Admin Staff to help coordinate the above areas as well. Non-Perishable Groceries: Oatmeal, Boxed Cereal, Pop Tarts, Crackers, Pretzels,Individual Puddings, Packaged Soup, Canned Soup., Non-refrigerated milk,Bottled Fruit Juice Plastic spoons, forks, and napkins. Personal Care Items: Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Mouthwash (no alcohol based mouthwash), Soaps (small & large) Deodorant (men's & women's), Shampoo Conditioner, Disposable Razors, Combs & Brushes Donations can be dropped off, by appointment only by calling 610-455-5333 to schedule a drop-off.Monetary donations can also be made and are tax deductible. For additional information visit their website Another way to help Al’s Heartwarming CenterHere are some suggestions to support the visitors to Al’s HeartWarming Center.Al’s Heart gets its name because we are providing overnight shelter at the old St. Aloysius School on N. Hanover and Beech St. It is a ministry provided by Pottstown LIFT (Living In Faith Together). We are a warming center that provides warmth and safety (following CDC protocols) from 8PM to 8AM. We will limit volunteers to two people during operating hours to keep the center Covid-free. Masks will be worn at all times We can provide shelter for a maximum of twenty people Would you like to volunteer? While we have a paid staff member at all times, we need others to come alongside of them to provide supervision and community. There are three opportunities.Continued – There are 2 volunteer shifts each day:8 PM to 2 AM and 2 AM to 8 AM.7am – 9 am help clean up and organize for the day7pm – 9 pm welcome guests to the warming centerIf you are unfamiliar with shelter life, we will arrange a “Come and See” time with you, before making a commitment.Provide some food?We do not have a kitchen or provide a meal, there are meal opportunities around town, but we could still use, always individually wrapped: Individually wrapped breakfast items, wrapped healthy snacks and fruit Granola bars and individual oatmeal bowls Coffee, we can always use coffee. Buy us a toaster? ?We could use a rugged four slicer, to help folks get going in the morning. Sack lunches and drinks, to send with folks in the morning. These are particularly useful on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.Dinner in a sack on Friday and Sunday. Water bottles.Gift cards for meal locations around town.Five- or ten-dollar denominationsPersonal Care Kits -. Individually wrapped personal care kits in a Ziplock baggie (toothbrush, travel toothpaste, travel deodorant, & travel liquid soap) Uber Cards. -These would be used to provide transportation to work, or medical appts, or some emergency need to travel.Do you love to do laundry?We have an agreement with Pottstown Hospital to launder sheets and blankets, but we still need: Volunteer to wash/bleach towels and wash clothes on hot water once a week.New Winter Gear: Hats, gloves and scarves (water resistant gloves appreciated) What we cannot accept: Casseroles, dish desserts or whole cakes. Clothing. Clothing is gathered at Mission First; they do a great job at it.Got a great idea? Let's talk about it. ?Email Deacon Dennis Money, yes, we need money. AL’s Heart is entirely funded by personal donations. We need money to pay staff, for supplies, oil for heat and electricity. Donations should be sent to TCN Homeless Services, 724 North Adams Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 January 2021SunMonTueWedThuFriSat1 New Year's Day2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Martin Luther King Jr.19 20 Inauguration DayFebruary Tymes Deadline21 22 Community Meal at Emmanuel, 12:00 pm23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Zion’s United Church of Christ209 Chestnut StreetPottstown, PA 19464 Newsletter The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.Exodus 15: 2 ................
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