Becoming an Apostle
Beginning January 8, we will again begin hosting informational sessions on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm in the Youth Center for those interested in church membership. The purpose of these sessions is to reflect on: “Who are we?” “What do we believe?” and “Where and when are we serving?” These sessions are open to anyone seeking answers to these questions.
Food Bank
Needs: Specifically—cold cereal, rice or rice helpers, pasta, crackers, dry soup, and canned items, including soups, fruits, beans, baked beans, tomatoes, and tuna.
Becoming an Apostle
During the month of January, we will again begin hosting informational sessions on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm in the Youth Center for those interested in church membership. The purpose of these sessions is to reflect on: “Who are we?” “What do we believe?” and “Where and when are we serving?” These sessions are open to anyone seeking answers to these questions.
Acrylic Painting On Canvas
Would you like to paint your own painting with all supplies and instructions provided for you, and enjoy a time of fellowship? Parish Life will be hosting an acrylic painting event on Sunday, January 15 from 3:00-5:00 pm in room 305. Everyone will paint the same seasonal 16 x 20 painting design. The cost is $25 per person. If you are interested in attending, please make your check out to Church of the Apostles and bring it to the church office by Friday, December 30. In the case of inclement weather, the snow date will be Sunday, January 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Clara Kosmela at (717) 392-5718.
Hosts Needed
From March 23 through April 16 (Easter), Church of the Apostles will be hosting Nina Hortig, a theology student studying Christian Education in Cologne, Germany through our Penn Central Conference partnership with the Evangelical Church of the Rhineland. She will be leading and helping with many Christian Education programs throughout our time, as well as seeking unique American church experiences. As her host, we will need to provide a place for her to stay, as well as transportation. So far, we have one family that has volunteered for a week, and, therefore, need two more families to provide a place for her to stay (this will include a bed, meals, and access to laundry). In order to make the burden lighter for families, I am also asking if anyone is interested in helping with transportation (mostly rides to and from the church.) If interested, please email Pastor Heather at heatherg@apostlesucc.org or call the church office at (717) 392-5718 by January 15.
Pictures of Ministry
If you have pictures to share within the congregation of events or announcements to be added to the Announcement slides on a Sunday morning, please email them to soundman@apostlesucc.org. This is our new professional email for Technology Specialist, Anthony Strohm, to separate them from his personal emails. Thank you for the many things you share, as it makes our life together more meaningful!
Opportunity for Service: Power Packs
Now in its 10th year, Power Packs assists those in our community who are food insecure with weekend food and recipes for healthy meals. Distributed through 55 schools in 13 school districts, over 1,700 families receive Power Packs each week! Church of the Apostles has supported Power Packs’ ministry the past seven years by donating money for the purchase of food, donating fresh produce from the garden, and by helping to distribute packs of food each Thursday during the school year. Again this year, we are paired with Martin School where we distribute 36 packs each week. This was a big jump from the 14 we were distributing last year, so we need additional help!
If you have two hours from approximately 1-3 pm on a Thursday during the school year, are able to lift 10-15 pounds, or help someone else lift that same amount, and want to help feed hungry families, let contact Julie Berkow at jberkow6@comcast.net.
Acrylic Painting On Canvas
Would you like to paint your own painting with all supplies and instructions provided for you, and enjoy a time of fellowship? Parish Life will be hosting an acrylic painting event on Sunday, January 15 from 3:00-5:00 pm in room 305. Everyone will paint the same seasonal 16 x 20 painting design. The cost is $25 per person. If you are interested in attending, please make your check out to Church of the Apostles and bring it to the church office by Friday, December 30. In the case of inclement weather, the snow date will be Sunday, January 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm.
Christmas Eve Services
Join us on Saturday, December 24 in celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our services will recall the birth of the Christ Child and provide the opportunity to sing beloved carols. The afternoon service will be a traditional service with candlelight and communion, and will feature solo instrumentalists and vocalists. The evening service will be a traditional service with candlelight, and feature an orchestra, plus our adult and children’s choirs. Come to remember the spirit of Christmas in word and song as we celebrate the gift of our Savior!
Christmas Day Worship Service
Come worship on Christmas with us! Our family-friendly Christmas day service will be held on Sunday, December 25 at 10:45 am.
Food Bank
Needs: Specifically—cold cereal, rice or rice helpers, pasta, crackers, dry soup, and canned items, including soups, fruits, beans, baked beans, tomatoes, and tuna.
Market Basket
Still need a gift? Need to buy more baking supplies? We have extra grocery cards if you haven’t ordered yet. Cards are for Giant, Stauffers, and Weis in denominations of $20, $25, $50, and $100. Pick up your orders and sign up for January—yes, January!
Lancaster County Council of Churches Concert
Lancaster County Council of Churches (LCCC) is holding a Christmas concert to benefit LCCC. The Auscultation Brass Band will be performing today at Lititz Church of the Brethren (300 W. Orange Street, Lititz, PA). Doors open at 3:30 pm, and the concert begins at 4 pm. A free-will offering will be accepted.
Wishing Well
Many thanks to all of you who participated in our holiday ministry for the Wishing Well. It was a huge success! Between the preschool and the congregation, we were able to brighten the holidays for 80 students at Elizabeth Martin Elementary School! Yes, due to your generosity, we gifted 80 students with presents that they wished to have for Christmas. Thank you!
Christmas Eve Services
Join us on Saturday, December 24 in celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our services will recall the birth of the Christ Child and provide the opportunity to sing beloved carols. The afternoon service will be a traditional service with candlelight and communion, and will feature solo instrumentalists and vocalists. The evening service will be a traditional service with candlelight, and feature an orchestra, plus our adult and children’s choirs. Come to remember the spirit of Christmas in word and song as we celebrate the gift of our Savior!
Christmas Day Worship Service
Come worship on Christmas with us! Our family-friendly Christmas day service will be held on Sunday, December 25 at 10:45 am.
Becoming an Apostle
During the month of January, we will again begin hosting informational sessions on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm in the Youth Center for those interested in church membership. The purpose of these sessions is to reflect on: “Who are we?” “What do we believe?” and “Where and when are we serving?” These sessions are open to anyone seeking answers to these questions.
Acrylic Painting On Canvas
Would you like to paint your own painting with all supplies and instructions provided for you, and enjoy a time of fellowship? Parish Life will be hosting an acrylic painting event on Sunday, January 15 from 3:00-5:00 pm in room 305. Everyone will paint the same seasonal 16 x 20 painting design. The cost is $25 per person. If you are interested in attending, please make your check out to Church of the Apostles and bring it to the church office by Friday, December 30. In the case of inclement weather, the snow date will be Sunday, January 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Clara Kosmela.
Apostles Community Preschool would like to invite everyone to join them for a preview of this year’s Christmas program, Joy to the World, following the 9:15 am morning service on Sunday, December 18th. Please join us for fellowship at approximately 10 am in the Narthex for coffee and pastries. At 10:30 am, the Preschool children able to join us will sing several of the songs from their program in the Sanctuary, being sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who join us.
Food Bank
Needs: Specifically—cold cereal, rice or rice helpers, pasta, crackers, dry soup, and canned items, including soups, fruits, beans, baked beans, tomatoes, and tuna.
Market Basket
Still need a gift? Need to buy more baking supplies? We have extra grocery cards if you haven’t ordered yet. Cards are for Giant, Stauffers, and Weis in denominations of $20, $25, $50, and $100. Pick up your orders and sign up for January—yes, January!
Wishing Well
Please remember to place your gift around the tree next to the bulletin board by Sunday, December 18. Please consider making the holiday a bit brighter for a student in our community this year! If you have any questions, please contact Jane McCartney.
Apostles Community Preschool’s Christmas Performance: Joy to the World
Apostles Community Preschool would like to invite everyone to join them for this year’s Christmas program, Joy to the World. Performances will be held on Tuesday, December 20th and Wednesday, December 21st. Doors will open to the Sanctuary at 10:15 am, with performances starting at 10:30 am.
Additionally, they will also have a very special abbreviated preview performance following the 9:15 am morning service on Sunday, December 18th. Please join us for fellowship at approximately 10 am in the Narthex for coffee and pastries. At 10:30 am, the Preschool children able to join us will sing several of the songs from their program in the Sanctuary, being sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who join us.
Lunch with the Pastors
The next lunch and conversation with Rev. Kathy Kuhn and Rev. Heather Giffen will be held in the Parlor following the second service on Sunday, December 18. It is our hope to enhance communication within the congregation, continue to develop our sense of community, and provide time for members to get to know Rev. Giffen on a personal level. Please RSVP to the church office at (717) 392-5718 if you plan to attend.
Christmas Eve Services
Join us on Saturday, December 24 in celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our services will recall the birth of the Christ Child and provide the opportunity to sing beloved carols. The afternoon service will be a traditional service with candlelight and communion, and will feature solo instrumentalists and vocalists. The evening service will be a traditional service with candlelight, and feature an orchestra, plus our adult and children’s choirs. Come to remember the spirit of Christmas in word and song as we celebrate the gift of our Savior!
Christmas Day Worship Service
Come worship on Christmas with us! Our family-friendly Christmas day service will be held on Sunday, December 25 at 10:45 am.
Acrylic Painting On Canvas
Would you like to paint your own painting with all supplies and instructions provided for you, and enjoy a time of fellowship? Parish Life will be hosting an acrylic painting event on Sunday, January 15 from 3:00-5:00 pm in room 305. Everyone will paint the same seasonal 16 x 20 painting design. The cost is $25 per person. If you are interested in attending, please make your check out to Church of the Apostles and bring it to the church office by Friday, December 30. In the case of inclement weather, the snow date will be Sunday, January 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Clara Kosmela.
Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 8:30 am – 10:30 am with story time at 9:30 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and fruit. Adults $6. Kids 2-10 are $3. Bring your camera for a picture with Santa!
Ring in the Christmas season by enjoying some holiday “comfort” food and Christmas carols. This year’s annual Christmas Banquet and Carol Sing will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 9th at 12 pm. Transportation will be provided for Homestead residents. Residents will be picked up at 11:40 am. The cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP to Cathy Bernhardt by December 4th.
Food Bank
Needs: Specifically—cold cereal, rice or rice helpers, pasta, crackers, dry soup, and canned items, including soups, fruits, beans, baked beans, tomatoes, and tuna.
Market Basket
Still need a gift? Need to buy more baking supplies? We have extra grocery cards if you haven’t ordered yet. Cards are for Giant, Stauffers, and Weis in denominations of $20, $25, $50, and $100. Pick up your orders and sign up for January—yes, January!
Blue Christmas Service
A “Blue Christmas” service will be held on Wednesday, December 7 at 7 pm. If Christmas is difficult because of a loss, come to this quieter Christmas service to still remember the wonder of God’s gift in Jesus Christ and acknowledge that Christmas no longer feels the same. Musicians participating in the service are Wade Walburn, cello; Jessica Kashetta, viola; Danielle Polizzi and Josiah Sanger, violin.
New Beginnings
Ring in the Christmas season by enjoying some holiday “comfort” food and Christmas carols. This year’s annual Christmas Banquet and Carol Sing will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 9th at 12 pm. Transportation will be provided for Homestead residents. Residents will be picked up at 11:40 am. The cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP to Cathy Bernhardt by today.
Santa Breakfast and Children’s Christmas Shopping
Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 8:30 am – 10:30 am with story time at 9:30 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and fruit. Adults $6. Kids 2-10 are $3. Bring your camera for a picture with Santa!
Also on Saturday, December 10 from 8:30 am -10:30 am, Apostles Community Preschool’s Parent Council will be sponsoring its Christmas Shopping Room for children. Children will have the opportunity to secretly purchase inexpensive Christmas gifts for their families, with help from a team of preschool parents. Children love to have something special picked personally for family members!
Wishing Well
It is time for our holiday ministry to begin! Once again, we are partnering with the Apostles Community Preschool to gift students at Elizabeth Martin Elementary School. We are going to gift 80 students this year to help them have a merrier Christmas. Please consider participating in this wonderful ministry. There are gift tags on the Outreach bulletin board in the Narthex. Each tag has a child’s name, age or grade, and gender on it. Attached to each gift tag is a gift suggestion for that child. When you take a gift tag, please write your name directly on the poster board by the number that is on that tag. Please place your gift around the tree next to the bulletin board by Sunday, December 18. Please consider making the holiday a bit brighter for a student in our community this year! If you have any questions, please see Jane McCartney.
Christmas in the Country Bazaar
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the Christmas in the Country Bazaar a success. The net profit this year are $14,500. Great job everyone!
Pledge Cards
Just a reminder: There are only a few weeks left in the year, so please bring in or mail in your pledge card to be included in the 2017 pledge drive.
Colleen Gockley—Memorial
You are invited to the Memorial Celebration of Life for Colleen May Eckman Gockley on Saturday, December 10 at 3 pm in our Sanctuary. A time of conversation with the family will follow in the Narthex with snacks and refreshments.