IN MEMORIAM

Dorothy P. R., York, died January 1, 2012, at the age of 88 years, 10 months and 19 days.  Services were held January 6, 2012, at Faith Church with Pastor Amy Dows officiating.  Interment at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens.

SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED

...to Cindy M. (our church sexton) and family, in the death of her mother, Darlene L. M., on November 27, 2011.

...to Daniel & Jennifer K. and family in the death of Daniel’s father, Fred F. K., Sr., on January 1, 2012.

...to Missy B. and family in the death of her father, Donald E. S., on January 21, 2012.

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Alicia D. was married to David D. on November 26, 2011.  Alicia is the daughter of Becky & Bill D., and the granddaughter of Dorothy E.

BAPTIZED AT FAITH CHURCH

Camden Isaiah R., son of Brian & Natasha (T.) R., was baptized January 15, 2012.  Camden is the great-grandson of Ed & Shirley T.

CARING MINISTRY

HEALTH TIP: Bone Booster ­ Eating about 10 prunes a day could help prevent fractures and osteoporosis.  (Taste for Life, Dec. 2011)

REMEMBER: ASAP = Always Say A Prayer (seen on a sign in York County).

In God’s Love,

­ Linda S.

FEBRUARY IS...

­ Heart Month                                                                                   ­ Low Vision Awareness Month

­ Feb. 3: National Wear Red Day                                                    ­ Feb. 14: National Donor Day

RESULTS OF CONGREGATIONAL VOTE

On December 11 the congregation approved the 2012 Budget by a vote of 116 yes, 3 no, 2 abstentions.  The new Consistory members were approved by a vote of 120 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention.  Elder Dennis F. and Deacons Jennifer D., Allison G. and Barry N. each began a new three-year term on January 1, 2012.

CONSISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

Consistory officers elected Jan. 8:

President ­ Barry N.                                            Vice-President ­ Denny F.

Secretary ­ Tammy H.                                        Treasurer ­ Ed T.

Assistant Treas./Sec. ­ Tom B.

Consistory will host the February 29 Lenten supper; choirs will host March 7.  The last Wednesday Lenten service, March 28, a concert with combined churches participating, will be at Faith this year.

Consistory approved paying $4 toward the cost of attending the York Association Leadership Banquet on February 12.  Attendees pay only $10.  Call the church office (843-8991) before January 31 to make your reservation.  See information elsewhere in this newsletter

The next Consistory meeting is Wednesday, February 8, at 6:30 p.m.  Committee reports and items for the agenda are due at the church office before Thursday, February 2.

2011 MEMBERSHIP REPORT

January 1, 2011                   485

+ new members                   19

+ youths confirmed                 0

- deaths                                  9

- transfers and removals       1

December 31, 2011             494

OUTREACH MINISTRY

THE WELL ­

February ­ Lunch items: hash, beef stew, soup, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni & cheese.

THEY CAME BEARING GIFTS ­

These familiar words also describe the generosity of the congregation sharing during the Advent Season.  Many thanks for:

t            80 filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

t            227 bags of cookies and $100 for Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry

t            gifts for 32 Homewood residents and $70

t            gifts for 15 Headstart children

t            flowers and cards delivered to 32 homebound members

t            $885 for the Christmas Fund, UCC Special Mission Offering

t            $1,915 for our Advent Offering (10% for youth; 20% for Social Action; 70% for “4 Our Churches”

OUTREACH MEETING ­

Wednesday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

REV. DR. LAURENE BOWERS, CONFERENCE ASSOCIATE MINISTER,

PREACHED, GAVE PRESENTATION AT FAITH JANUARY 22

We welcomed at Faith Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers, Conference Associate Minister, as our preacher on Sunday, January 22.  Her message was entitled "When God Works through Us¼"  Laurene also gave a presentation during the Sunday School hour, inspiring us to discover new visions for our church, and preparing us to participate in "cottage meetings" in the homes of several of our members, to further develop our hopes and visions for Faith Church.

WOMEN’S GUILD

At the January meeting of the Women's Guild, we again decided to make fudge for Valentine's Day.  Order forms are on the bulletin board outside of fellowship hall for you to place your orders.  If you are able to take additional orders please take one of the forms on the bulletin board.  We are holding the cost at $3.00 for ½ pound and $6.00 for a pound.  You may order chocolate/peanut butter, peanut butter or assorted.  The Guild appreciates your support of this project.  Deadline to order is Feb. 5.

AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE

               Total**                                  Sunday

November             Worship                 School

2011                      168                        76

2010                      188                        72

2009                      196                        78

December

2011                      134                        80

2010                      145                        101 

2009                      165                        79

               **includes worship and nursery

WEEKLY OFFERINGS

Nov.        6            $5,773.00             J

13           3,428.29

20           5,771.00 J

27           4,214.00

Dec         . 4           4,908.31 J

11           4,010.95

18           4,116.00

25           6,518.68 J

$4,542.60 is needed weekly to keep up with budgeted expenses.

BRIEF YEAR-TO-DATE CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS

Currently we have 408 giving units.

(A giving unit can be one individual, or a married couple sharing an envelope number.)

REGULAR OFFERING (Budget)

209 gave $204,481

% that gave: 51.2%

COMMUNION OPPORTUNITIES

We will share Communion at both the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship times on Sunday, February 5, and on Ash Wednesday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

To Support York Area Food Banks

Chicken Corn Soup & Beef Bar-B-Q

tailgate lunch after worship.

All proceeds benefit local food banks.

Get in the spirit of the day andwear your favorite team colors to church!

Join us for food and fun ­ and help fight hunger right here in York.

Cost is $5 for adults,

$3 for kids 10 and under.

For more information about Souper Bowl of Caring, go to http://www.souperbowl.org/

Also, there will be a table in the hallway outside fellowship hall Sunday mornings so you can “vote” for your favorite team with monetary donations or canned goods.  Monetary donations will go to replenish our Social Action Fund, canned goods will be donated to The WELL.

COTTAGE MEETING SIGN‑UPS CONTINUE THRU FEBRUARY 5

All members and guests of Faith Church are encouraged to sign up now through February 5 for a "cottage meeting" at the home of one our members.  These one‑time meetings will be an informal opportunity for all to share their hopes and visions for our church and to listen as others do the same.  These hopes and visions will be gathered and then explored in greater detail when our Conference Associate Minister, Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers, returns to Faith Church on Sunday, March 4, for an afternoon gathering.

You will find the sign-up sheets for the "cottage meetings" at the church near the corner entrance.  Here are the locations, dates and times of the cottage meetings:

February 7

•              Oelrich's, 1115 Cherimoya Street, at 7:00 p.m. in North York
•              Smith's, 290 Hanover Road, at 7:00 p.m. in West York

February 8

•              Smith's, 290 Hanover Road, at 10:00 a.m. in West York

February 9

•              Trodden's, 2007 Village Circle East, at 7:00 p.m. in North York
•              Trout/Bean, 165 Biglar Court, Windsor, at 7:00 p.m. in South York

February 13

•              Ricchiuto's, 2880 Stillmeadow Lane, at 7:00 p.m. in North York

February 15

•              Doudrick's, 949 Dietz Road, at 7:00 p.m. in South York
•              Fry/Kile, 2656 Fairway Drive, at 7:00 p.m. in East York

February 16

•              Berger's, 1860 Koontz Lane, at 7:00 p.m. in West York
•              Landis's, 3623 Fox Chase Drive, at 7:00 p.m. in Dover Area

WOMEN'S GUILD SELLING FUDGE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Order forms are on the bulletin board outside fellowship hall for you to place orders.  If you are able to take additional orders please take one of the forms from the bulletin board.  You may order chocolate/peanut butter, peanut butter, or assorted.  A half pound is $3 and the pound is only $6.

Fudge orders may be picked up on Friday, February 10, 12:30-1:30 p.m. or on Sunday, February 12, after church services.

The Guild appreciates your support of this project.  Deadline to order is February 5.

BLANKETS+

Our Blankets+ offering will be received February 12.  Your contributions provide the means to transform lives and communities when they are faced with an emergency or simply struggling to put food on the table.  For 65 years, Church World Service has worked in partnership with local communities to identify needs and access the resources needed to build the foundation for a more viable future, including:

•              Blankets, tents, food and other emergency supplies in the wake of a disaster,
•              Tools and seeds for refugees returning home to replant their fields,
•              Wells for families living in drought-prone areas to provide clean, safe water to drink and to irrigate crops and gardens,
•              Literacy training and micro credit for women struggling to realize their potential.

CWS Blankets+  . . .  it’s about blankets and so much more!

We will receive this offering on February 12.  Please use the Blankets+ envelope mailed with this newsletter or write “Blankets+” on a yellow pew envelope.  Make checks payable to Faith UCC.  (Remember to include your name and/or envelope number if you wish to have your gift recorded.)

LENT BEGINS FEBRUARY 22

The Season of Lent, which is the 40‑Day Season (not counting Sundays), leading to the celebration of Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22.  Each Wednesday we will have a Lenten Service at 7:00 p.m., with guest preachers.  Our theme this year is "Letters to the Churches."  On four Wednesdays, beginning February 29, a light supper will be served in the fellowship hall at 6:00 p.m.  A free‑will offering will be taken to cover the cost of the meal.

For each Sunday, a different "prayer focus" is being designated.  Also, "prayer centers" are again being considered for this year.

A worship team, comprised of Kelly Kile, Carolyn McGinnis, Lee Ann Strine and Pastor Ron, has already begun making worship plans.  If you would like to join the worship team, the meetings are on Wednesday, February 1, and Monday, February 20, at 6:30 p.m.  Contact Pastor Ron for more information.

More information about both our Sunday and Wednesday Lenten Services, and about Holy Week will be in the March newsletter.

ASH WEDNESDAY

At Faith Church, our custom is to celebrate the Sacrament of Communion and to have the "imposition of ashes" on Ash Wednesday.  Ashes are placed on the foreheads of those who choose to come forward as a sign of our sinfulness or failings and as a reminder that through Christ Jesus we are forgiven and made whole. 

Pastor Ron will begin our Wednesday Lenten series preaching on the "Letters to the Churches."  The Scripture texts will be taken from the Book of Revelation.  Join us as we learn what these ancient letters addressed to 1st Century Christian churches have to say to our church in the 21st Century.

TIME TO PREPARE FOR SUMMER CHURCH CAMP!

Hartman Center Church Camp brochures are now available!  Please help yourself to one of the brochures (in the bulletin board rack near the elevator).  All registrations from Faith will be collected and sent in, along with payment, in early April.  The church has money to help support the cost for all families.

ANNUAL YORK ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP BANQUET

(All are encouraged to attend)

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Doors Open at 12:30 pm (finish by 3:15 pm)

Valencia Ballroom

142 North George Street, York

Keynote Speaker:

Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers

Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Life and Vitality

Menu:

Sautéed Boneless Chicken Breast with Julienne Vegetables

OR

Pork Loin

OR

Garden Fusilli Pasta (vegetarian)

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Pie and Apple Crisp

Cost: $10.00 per person (everyone)

(make checks payable to Faith UCC)

Registration/Payment Deadline:

Tuesday, January 31

*Contact Jackie Jamison at the church office, 843-8991*

(Please indicate your menu choice.)

NOTES OF THANKS

Dear Faith UCC Family,

Thank you so much for lifting up Norman M. and his family these past months.  Thank you so much for the prayers you sent our way when our Lord called him home.  May God continue to bless your congregation and continue doing the work of God.  Thank you for supporting us during the loss of Norman.

May God’s blessings be upon you always!

­ The Norman H. M., Sr., Family

Friends at Faith UCC,

Thanks for donating both the “Made in York County” basket and the wreath for the silent auction at the Hartman Center Fall Festival.  Your gift supports great programs for children, youth and adults.

Thanks again.

­ The Outdoor Ministries Commission

Thanks to Pastor Amy and Linda S. for the visits and encouragement during my recent surgery.  To my Faith family, thank you for the cards and prayers to help me along.  They are very appreciated.

­ Mary Ann G.

Dear Rev. Oelrich & Members of Faith,

Thank you for your church’s total gift of $320 to Mission:1 ­ $160 designated for East African Famine Relief and $160 designated for Neighbors in Need.

During Mission:1, the United Church of Christ is accomplishing something significant together.  We are testifying to the power and potential of our oneness in Christ.  We are on a shared mission to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice, and we are harnessing our unity ­ God’s gift to us ­ to change lives at home and around the world.

In oneness,

­ Donaldson H.

Financial Development Ministry United Church of Christ

To our friends of Faith Church,

Thank you for the beautiful poinsettia, cards and good wishes for Don and myself.  We missed hearing some wonderful music and meaningful sermons the past weeks.  A thank-you to Pastor Ron for his visit and serving Communion.

God’s blessings to all.

Sincerely,

­ Pauline & Don S.

Dear Friends at Faith UCC,

Thank you so much for your donation of food, baby food and diapers on January 3.  The WELL is so grateful for its many friends and volunteers.  We remember the words in Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you.”

We thank you for your friendship.  We trust that you will be faithful in your prayers for the families served by The WELL.  May you have a Blessed New Year.

Sincerely,

­ The Well Staff

CONGRATULATIONS!

...to all members of Faith Church who support the Weis & Giant food card program.  We have just surpassed the $226,500 mark in sales.  This means that Faith Church earned $11,325 for our Building Maintenance Fund since the inception of this program in October 2004, and it did not cost our members one penny.  Just think what we could do if every one of our members who shop at Weis or Giant would buy food cards to pay for their groceries.  Cards are available in $10, $20, $25 and $50.  See Gary or Doris S.

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER

...worship and/or Sunday School may be canceled.  Listen for cancellations on WSBA (AM 910) and Fox 43.  Cancellations will also be given on our church’s answering machine (843‑8991) and on the church website, www.faithuccyork.org, when possible.

PARKING REMINDER:

On Sunday mornings additional parking is available in our lot on Atlantic Avenue.   As a courtesy to our neighbors, please do not park in front of their homes if there is space in one of our parking lots.

For all church activities throughout the week, if space is available on our main parking lot, please do not park in front of our neighbors’ homes.  Thank you.

MOVING?

Don’t forget to let the church know your new address and phone number.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES

Remember to notify the church office if your e-mail address changes.  Call 843-8991, or just e-mail your address to office@faithuccyork.org.

               NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

               Sunday, February 19

ALTAR FLOWER SPONSORS ARE NEEDED

February 19 & 26                                March 18 & 25

April 8, 15, 22 & 29                             May 13 & 20

The flower chart is posted on the bulletin board next to the elevator.  To sponsor flowers, please sign the chart at the appropriate date.  Also, fill out one of the green “Flower Donor” slips hanging near the chart and drop it in the offering plate or give it to Tina H.  The cost is $25.00.  When paying please include the date you are sponsoring.

BULLETIN SPONSORS ARE NEEDED

March 18 & 25                                     April 1, 5, 8, 15 & 22

May 6

Cost to sponsor bulletins is only $10.  Call the church office (843-8991) or see Jackie Jamison.

DAFFODIL SUNDAY

March 25, 2012

Sponsored by The American Cancer Society

The daffodil represents the “Symbol of Hope,” and hope is a conviction every cancer patient experiences.  By participating, you are making a difference in the fight against cancer.

Tina & Kaitlyn H. will be in the chapel to take orders February 5, 12 & 19  after the 11:00 service.  Please pay when ordering (make checks payable to Faith UCC).  The deadline for orders is February 19.

Daffodils may be picked up after worship Sunday, March 25.  Indicate whether you will pick them up.