St. James Church

Weekly Bulletin – 9/5/2010

Welcome to St. James Church! We come to call upon the Lord to whom all praise is due. Lift up your hearts. Sing joyfully to God. Reach out your hands to one another in friendship and Christian love.

The Church to pray for this week: Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in West Reading and the Countries to pray for: Afghanistan and the United States of America. The Missionary to pray for this week: Debbie Dower

ATTENTION ALL ADULTS! You, your friends and guests are invited to the Men’s Ministry Fellowship Breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 25th. Following the breakfast (approx. 10 a.m.) Pastor David Ludwig will be speaking to us on the following: JUVENILE JUSTICE. Please come and join us!

2010 Walk for Life – Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center invites you to join them in making a Pro-Life difference in the lives of women and men facing unplanned pregnancies in our community by participation in the 2010 Walk for Life on Saturday, Sept. 11 2010 at Exeter Community Library in Exeter, Dunn Farm Bldg. off Rt. 422 East. If you cannot attend the day of the Walk, walk on your own and send your pledge form to Mercy.

NO B.L.A.S.T. meeting until September 26, 2010.

Fall on the Avenue, Sept. 18, 2010. W.O.E. will have a stand this year for Fall on the Avenue. The theme will be Christmas in September. We will be selling Christmas cookies and handmade Christmas ornaments. If you are able to donate cookies or help staff the stand, please contact Pam Shirk at 610.373.0510.

 Nursery volunteers needed – see Amy Brown.

Rally Day

 Join us as we kick off the new Sunday School year at St. James!

•  September 12, 2010
•  Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
• Program: 9:15 a.m.
• Church Service: 10:40 a.m.
• Bring a friend and win a prize!

The Core-planning meeting of Women of Excellence will be held October 5th at 3:30 p.m. in the Women’s Sunday School Room. Please let Peg Houser or Gail Fenstermacher know if you are planning to attend. The General Meeting will be held October 9th at 9 a.m. We will have a continental breakfast and work on finishing ornaments that we donated to W.O.E. Please plan to attend.

Back to Church Sunday!

St. James is participating in the National Back to Church Sunday on September 12, 2010. This is a national movement of churches to encourage formerly churched people to rediscover church and try it again. Read the following statistics from LifeWay Research:

• 38% of people are receptive or highly receptive to attending church.
• 82% say they would be open to attending church if a friend invited them.
• But, unfortunately only 21% of active church-going Christians invited someone to church last year!

St. James is joining with thousands of churches to help change those statistics. Take the time and encourage a friend to attend church with you on September 12th at 10:40 a.m. We will be having free refreshments, balloons for the kids and also it is a great way to kick-off the fall season of church and Sunday School!

If you have any questions, please call the Church Office at 610.372.2034.

Back to Church Sunday – Invite a Friend to attend!

Weekly Bulletin – 8/28/2010

Greetings and welcome to each of you! We rejoice in your presence here. The Lord promised to be in the midst of those gathered in His name. Let us claim the promise as we share our hearts and voices in worshiping the Lord.

The Church to pray for this week: Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing and the Countries to pray for: China and the United States of America. The Missionary to pray for this week: Dr. Jim & Ellie Jewell

There will be a brief Church Council meeting today following the service.

Beginning next week, September 5, 2010: Sunday School will return to its regular time of 9:15 a.m. and the Worship Service at 10:40 a.m.

A brief meeting will be held TODAY following service for all women going to the Women of Faith Conference. The meeting will be in the Cup of Grace Café.

September 5th – First Sunday . . . a different kind of worship at 10:40 a.m.

ATTENTION ALL ADULTS! You, your friends and guests are invited to the Men’s Ministry Fellowship Breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 25th. Following the breakfast (approx 10 a.m.) Pastor David Ludwig will be speaking to us on the following: JUVENILE JUSTICE. Please come and join us!

Anyone who is interested in participating in the Live Nativity, see Kathleen Weidner.

2010 Walk for Life – Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center invites you to join them in making a Pro-Life difference in the lives of women and men facing unplanned pregnancies in our community by participation in the 2010 Walk for Life on Saturday, Sept. 11 2010 at Exeter Community Library in Exeter, Dunn Farm Bldg. off Rt. 422 East. If you cannot attend the day of the Walk, walk on your own and send your pledge form to Mercy.

NO B.L.A.S.T. meeting until September 26, 2010.

Nursery volunteers needed – see Amy Brown

Back to Church Sunday!

St. James is participating in the National Back to Church Sunday on September 12, 2010. This is a national movement of churches to encourage formerly churched people to rediscover church and try it again. Read the following statistics from LifeWay Research:

• 38% of people are receptive or highly receptive to attending church.
• 82% say they would be open to attending church if a friend invited them.
• But, unfortunately only 21% of active church-going Christians invited someone to church last year!

St. James is joining with thousands of churches to help change those statistics. Take the time and encourage a friend to attend church with you on September 12th at 10:40 a.m. We will be having free refreshments, balloons for the kids and also it is a great way to kick-off the fall season of church and Sunday School!

If you have any questions, please call the Church Office at 610.372.2034.

Greetings and welcome to each of you!  We rejoice in your presence here. The Lord promised to be in the midst of those gathered in His name. Let us claim the promise as we share our hearts and voices in worshiping the Lord.

The Church to pray for this week: Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Reading and the Countries to pray for: Russia and the United States of America. The Local Mission to pray for this week: Reading Berks Conference of Churches.

Please note:  NO B.L.A.S.T. meeting tonight.

Mark your Calendar: Brief meeting on August 29 following the following service for all women going to the Women of Faith Conference. The meeting will be in the Cup of Grace Café.

G.T. Leadership Retreat meeting: August 25 at  7 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Beginning September 5, 2010: Sunday School will return to its regular time of 9:15 a.m. and the Worship Service at 10:40 a.m.

Fifth Sunday Youth Service – August 29 at 9:15 a.m. Come, see and hear all the major changes with the youth group since the last Fifth Sunday. 

September 5^th – First Sunday . . . a different kind of worship

 Anyone who is interested in participating in the Live Nativity, see Kathleen Weidner.

 2010 Walk for Life – Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center invites you to join them in making a Pro-Life difference in the lives of women and men facing unplanned pregnancies in our community by participation in the 2010 Walk for Life on Saturday, Sept. 11 2010 at Exeter Community Library in Exeter, Dunn Farm Bldg. off Rt. 422 East. If you cannot attend the day of the Walk, walk on your own and send your pledge form to Mercy.

 Ladies: Craft books were donated to St. James and are now available in the library for quilting, floral design, weddings, Christmas crafts, and Christmas scrap crafts. If you are planning to make some crafts for the Christmas bazaar, gifts, etc. maybe the books would be helpful to you. As time grows near for the West Reading Elementary School to be using the church, the books will then be stored in the Women of Excellence closet.

Weekly Bulletin – 7/18/2010

How good it is to worship the Lord! We want you to know you are very much welcomed. We encourage everyone to extend the warm hand of Christian fellowship to one another. May we sense Christ’s presence among us as we open our spirits to Him.

The Church to pray for this week: Exeter Bible Church in Birdsboro and the Countries to pray for: Canada and the United States of America. The Local Mission to pray for this week: Child Evangelism Fellowship

Church Picnic – July 25, 2010 at Happy Hollow Playground, Wyomissing. Worship begins at 11 a.m. Picnic will follow. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be provided. Bingo prizes of non-perishable items are needed. Please bring to the Church Office. Do not wrap. People with their last name beginning with A-I bring desserts, J-Z bring salads. Sponsored by the Parish Life Committee.

VBS Pre-Registration on TODAY Sunday, July  18^th at 10:40 a.m. Bring a friend and receive a prize! Register and get a T-Shirt! Come and join us on the HIGH SEAS EXPEDITION Kickoff. One day only to pre-register for this year’s exciting VBS program at St. James. The morning of July 18^th will be filled with songs, a video, games and a hot dog and drink to everyone who registers. Registration is for ages 2 and up to youth who have completed 8^th grade. LET THE VAST VOYAGE BEGIN!

Children need cupcakes! The Good News Day Camp at Camp Rosedale is in need of 12 dozen cupcakes for the children on Friday, July 23^rd. If you would like to donate a dozen or two, please call Pam Shirk at 610.374.0510.

The Truth Project, by Focus on the Family – If you interested in joining this study, please contact David or Kathleen Weidner at 610.779.9359 or email: weidner6@verizon.net. The date and time will be announced. This is a 12-week study course and will be held every other week. Please give the Weidner’s two days and times that best work for you.

Have you ever felt a little lost in life? Have you ever wished that life would go back to normal after a change or a loss? All of us experience these lonely and confusing periods, and we can gain much from talking about them together! Becky Hollenbach and her colleague Connie Glunz will be offering a workshop entitled “The Turn in the Road” where we can learn to effectively navigate some of life’s most difficult losses and changes. The workshop will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 21st 21^st, and Aug. 11^th, 18^th, 25^th at St. James. We will be sharing a simple meal during the class – so please bring a little something to share with the group. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Becky Hollenbach at 724.816.0949. We look forward to learning and growing with you through this life-changing workshop.

Girl’s Night Out – W.O.E. is having a Girl’s Night Out beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Shells on the Fifth Street Highway for supper. Following supper a miniature golf game is on the agenda. Then we will end the evening by having ice cream. It should prove to be a lot of fun, laughs and good fellowship. Please let Kim Coombes know if you will be joining us. Hope to see you there!

Book Club: July 27^th at 7 p.m.

GT Leadership Team Meeting: July 28^th at 7 p.m.

 Outreach Meeting: July 31 at 10 a.m.

Weekly Bulletin – 7/11/2010

Welcome friends! We invite everyone to join in worshiping the Creator of us all. Let us sing for joy, pray with confidence, share with enthusiasm and witness with love. “In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.“

The Church to pray for this week: Alice Focht Methodist Church in Birdsboro and the Countries to pray for: Pakistan and the United States of America. The Local Mission to pray for this week: Reading Berks Conference of Churches

Church Picnic – July 25, 2010 at Happy Hollow Playground, Wyomissing. Worship begins at 11 a.m. Picnic will follow. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be provided. Bingo prizes of non-perishable items are needed. Please bring to the Church Office. Do not wrap. People with their last name beginning with A-I bring desserts, J-Z bring salads. Sponsored by the Parish Life Committee.

Have you ever felt a little lost in life? Have you ever wished that life would go back to normal after a change or a loss? All of us experience these lonely and confusing periods, and we can gain much from talking about them together! Becky Hollenbach and her colleague Connie Glunz will be offering a workshop entitled “The Turn in the Road” where we can learn to effectively navigate some of life’s most difficult losses and changes. The workshop will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st, and Aug. 11^th,  18^th, 25^th at St. James. We will be sharing a simple meal during the class – so please bring a little something to share with the group. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Becky Hollenbach at 724.816.0949. We look forward to learning and growing with you through this life-changing workshop.

Vacation Bible School – August 2 – 6, 6:30 – 8:35 p.m., High Seas Expedition. Ages 3 through 6^th Grade.

VBS Pre-Registration on Sunday, July  18^th at 10:40 a.m. Bring a friend and receive a prize! Register and get a T-Shirt! Come and join us on the HIGH SEAS EXPEDITION Kickoff. One day only to pre-register for this year’s exciting VBS program at St. James. The morning of July 18^th will be filled with songs, a video, games and a hot dog and drink to everyone who registers. Registration is for ages 2 and up to youth who have completed 8^th grade. LET THE VAST VOYAGE BEGIN!

Thank you to all who helped with the Celebrant Singers concert by housing, preparing a meal, refreshments following the concert, inviting others, extending a warm welcome, attending the concert, and giving financially an  offering of $705.47. This will help in their further outreach to Haiti and all parts of the world. May God shower you with His blessings.

VBS Registration forms available at the Welcome Center in the Cup of Grace Café.

The Truth Project, by Focus on the Family – If you interested in joining this study, please contact David or Kathleen Weidner at 610.779.9359 or email: weidner6@verizon.net. The date and time to be announced. This is a 12-week study course and will be held every other week. Please give the Weidner’s two days and times that best work for you. 

Children need cupcakes! The Good News Day Camp at Camp Rosedale is in need of 12 dozen cupcakes for the children on Friday, July 23^rd. If you would like to donate a dozen or two, please call Pam Shirk at 610.374.0510.

Weekly Bulletin – 6/20/2010

Welcome! We come to call upon the Lord to whom all praise is due. Lift up your hearts. Sing joyfully to God. Reach out your hands to one another in friendship and Christian love.

THE CHURCH to pray for this week: Atonement Lutheran  Church in Wyomissing and the Countries to pray for: India and the United States of America. The Missionary to pray for this week:

Don’t Forget Giant shoppers – Women of Excellence gets 5% of every Giant card that is purchased. It is a great and easy fundraiser for this ministry. Purchase the cards from the Church Office during regular hours. Many thanks from the Women of Excellence ministry to everyone who have already purchased cards.

New Members Class will be held one more Sunday. If you are interested in being a member of the St. James church family, please call the Church Office.

Believer’s Baptism – We have some people who would like to be baptized. If you would also like to be baptized, please call the Church Office. The Baptism Service will be held sometime in July.

Housing needed for Celebrant Singers on July 2, 2010 after the concert. Talk to Mark Reppert.

Deadline for newsletter articles: June 20^th

Church Picnic – July 25, 2010 at Happy Hollow Playground, Wyomissing. Worship begins at 11 a.m. Picnic will follow. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be provided. Bingo prizes of non-perishable items are needed. Please bring to the Church Office. Do not wrap. People with their last name beginning with A-I bring desserts, J-Z bring salads. Sponsored by the Parish Life Committee. 

Vacation Bible School – August 2 – 6, 6:30 – 8:35 p.m., High Seas Expedition. Ages 3 through 6^th Grade.

Weekly Bulletin – 6/13/2010

Welcome! We come to call upon the Lord to whom all praise is due. Lift up your hearts. Sing joyfully to God. Reach out your hands to one another in friendship and Christian love.

This is the Pentecost season also referred to as “ordinary time (the time after Pentecost Sunday until Advent). Green is the color of the Pentecost season. Green is the color of growth which symbolizes we mature in our faith which we received through the acceptance of Jesus and receiving of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

THE CHURCH to pray for this week: High Point Bible Church in Geigertown and the Countries to pray for: Turkey and the United States of America. The Missionary to pray for this week: Titus &  Anya Hanham Family

Don’t Forget Giant shoppers – Women of Excellence gets 5% of every Giant card that is purchased. It is a great and easy fundraiser for this ministry. Purchase the cards from the Church Office during regular hours. Many thanks from the Women of Excellence ministry to everyone who have already purchased cards.

New Members Class will be held June 20, and 27. If you are interested in being a member of the St. James church family, please call the Church Office.

Believer’s Baptism – We have some people who would like to be baptized. If you would also like to be baptized, please call the Church Office. The Baptism Service will be held sometime in July.

Blood Pressures will be taken today after worship.

Baked goods are needed to sell at Arts on the Ave. Please contact Pam Shirk with your help.

 Housing needed for Celebrant Singers on July 2, 2010 after the concert. Talk to Mark Reppert.

Weekly Bulletin – 5/30/2010

THE CHURCH to pray for this week: Holy Spirit Lutheran  Church in Reading and the Countries to pray for: Thailand and the United States of America. The Missionary to pray for this week: P. C. Alexander & Family

Attention All Youth – Please notify either Kathleen Weidner or the church office with your graduation date, name of high school and plans for college (i.e. name of college, major, etc.) We will be honoring our graduates on June 13, 2010.

Reminder Giant shoppers – Women of Excellence gets 5% of every Giant card that is purchased. It is a great and easy fundraiser for this ministry. Purchase the cards from the Church Office during regular hours. Many thanks from the Women of Excellence ministry to everyone who have already purchased  cards.

A HUGE THANK YOU to our congregation from Mike & Pam Kaucher for supporting the REACH Youth Group and a very special   thank you for all our helpers.

The Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening Ladies’ Bible Studies are now on summer break. We thank God for exciting and challenging meetings (and very lively discussions)! This year we got to know one another even better as we studied areas where we all desire to grow and become more like our Savior. A few of the topics we covered were patience, surrender, submission, forgiveness, unconditional love, and compassion. In the midst of a busy summer, we all are encouraged to remember to slow down, open our eyes and ears, and listen for God’s voice as He continues to lead us. We look forward to getting together in the fall!

No Hand Bell and Adult Choir rehearsals on June 3.

Weekly Bulletin – 5/23/2010

Today we celebrate “Pentecost,” the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as Christ promised when He ascended into heaven. Red is the color for Pentecost symbolizing power, “tongues of fire” as told in Acts 2. Red also reminds us of the atoning blood of Christ giving us the right to receive, as children of God, the power of the Holy Spirit.

 THE CHURCH to pray for this week: Advent Lutheran  Church in West Lawn and the Countries to pray for: China and the United States of America. The Missionary to pray for this week: Debbie Dower from Teach Beyond in Germany.

 Attention All Youth – Please notify either Kathleen Weidner or the church office with your graduation date, name of high school and plans for college (i.e. name of college, major, etc.) We will be honoring our graduates on June 13, 2010.

 Youth Sunday – May 30^th during the 10:40 worship service. Come out and support our youth and enjoy this very special service.

 Volunteers needed to donate and prepare food for the Youth Group on May 26^th. It will be a great help to Mike and Pam as they will be rehearsing with the youth for the May 30^th Youth Service. If you can help in any way, please contact the Kauchers’ at 610.374.6511 or call the Church Office.

 Reminder Giant shoppers – Women of Excellence gets 5% of every Giant card that is purchased. It is a great and easy fundraiser for this ministry. Purchase the cards from the Church Office during regular hours. Many thanks from the Women of Excellence ministry to everyone who have already purchased the cards.

 In the Hospital: Clayton Fenstermacher, Community Osteopathic Hospital, 4300 Londonderry Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17105 

Weekly Bulletin – 5/16/2010

WELCOME ON THIS DAY to honor not only God but also the nurses, in our congregation and in our community. God has blessed us in so many ways, and as we worship today, let’s give thanks and worship the God who has given the gift of service. May God continue to bless the nurses’ in all they do every day.

 THE CHURCH to pray for this week: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shillington and the Countries to pray for: China and the United States of America. The Missionary Family to pray for this week: James, Tracy & Adam Snyder, Chalk Talk Ministry.

WE ARE HAPPY TO WELCOME Pastor Don Eisenhauer back to St. James this morning. Pastor Don blessed us many times with his teaching and messages during the interim period when we were searching for a pastor. We pray for God’s continued blessing on Pastor Don, Sue and their family.

MILLER-KEYSTONE BLOOD DRIVE – May 17 from 2 to 7 p.m.  All donors must present valid ID with a name printed on it plus a photo and/or signature. Any questions, call Jane Geibel at 610.777.2715.

 ATTENTION GRADUATES – Please notify either Kathleen Weidner or the church office with your graduation date, name of high school and plans for college (i.e. name of college, major, etc.) We will be honoring our graduates on June 13, 2010.

 YOUTH SUNDAY – May 30^th during the 10:40 worship service. Come out and support our youth and enjoy this very special service.

 BLAST will meet next Sunday, May 23 at 6 p.m.

 CAMP SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS next Sunday during the worship service.