THE WATCH

MAY 2008

IN THE MEANTIME

I know this summer will be a special time for me and I want to make the most of it. I can't remember a time when I was around every Sunday of June, July, and August. Well, almost every Sunday, Anne and I return from China on June 2. Pastor Cathy will be on a much deserved time of sabbatical.

I will be spending some of the summer months looking closely at the Book of Acts. In fact, we have a Bible study group meeting twice a month this summer using the study book Acts for Everyone, Part 1 by N.T. Wright. (See the article about the study.) On Friday evening, June 6^th beginning at 6 p.m., we will be showing a very informative film entitled Peter and Paul starring Anthony Hopkins and Robert Foxworth. This three hour film (originally a TV mini-series) is a wonderful picture of the early church as recorded in the Book of Acts. Plan to come to the movie even if you can't be in the Bible Study.

For those who want to go deeper into the book of Acts and its relevance for our own time, I'm recommending Called to Be Church: The Book of Acts for a New Day by Anthony Robinson and Robert Wall. Robinson will be a featured guest at our Penn Central Conference Annual Meeting in June and has been a consultant to UCC congregations in the area of church revitalization.

Robinson ends his introductory chapter with these words?.. "Will we find in the book of Acts ready "answers" to all our questions about being church? Probably not. But we will find the church - as church. We will find the church negotiating a new world, filled with both danger and opportunity, and doing so with a faith that is bold and a witness that is compelling. We can't think of anything more needed by the church and its leaders today than such a story. It may help us reframe our own story in such a way that this story becomes our own; or better, that this story absorbs our story, giving it new context, meaning, hope, and promise. This is our hope." (Called to Be Church page 13)

In the Meantime, join with me in these summer months if you can. We can all benefit by having this amazing book of the Bible have a special place in our own faith journey.

Dave Bushnell

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MISSION AUCTION SUCCESS

The Spaghetti Supper/Mission Auction was a huge success. Special thanks to Mel Newcomer who served as our auctioneer. The Supper/Auction raised more than $6,200. $1,500 has been used for the Mississippi Workcamp. The rest goes to cover expenses for the 13 youth/advisors going to this summer's National Youth Event in Columbia, SC.

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ROBIN'S NEST AWARD SUNDAY

On Sunday morning, May 4th we will be honoring Bridge of Hope as the 2008 Robin's Nest Award recipient. The Bridge of Hope program will be highlighted at both services and the $1,000 award will be presented at the 10:30 a.m. service. A Special Fellowship Time is being planned following the 10:30 a.m. service in the Maugans Chapel.

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CRISPUS ATTUCKS MEAL - MAY 4

Our church is responsible for providing supper at the Crispus Attucks homeless shelter on Sunday, May 4th. Bob Norris is coordinating the meal. Chicken will be served. If you'd like to provide some chicken please get it from the Giant or KFC. Or you can make a donation to help cover some expenses. Sign up if you can help serve.

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MAY 7 - QUARTERLY CAREGIVERS' MEETING

"Journey Toward Forgiveness" is an hour-long documentary from Mennonite Media Productions that powerfully demonstrates that those who are able to embark on a process towards forgiveness - though heartrending and difficult - find it to be the path to inner healing. These seven stories tell of people who have dealt with anger and forgiveness in the face of racial injustice, violent death and terminal illness. Speakers include Lutheran minister and storyteller Walter Wangerin, Jr; Cheyenne peace chief Lawrence Hart; LifePath Hospice; and others.

Hosted by the Caregivers but open to all interested persons, this ABC Network Television Special program will be shown, with follow-up discussion, in Maugans Chapel at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7^th. Please join us for this remarkable storytelling program. Sign up today.

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HARTMAN CENTER GOLF OUTING

It's not too late to sign up to play in the 2nd Annual Lee Lawhead Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 10th (beginning at 1 p.m.) The event will be held at the Deer Valley Golf Course in Hummelstown. $75 per player (a scramble format) includes a BBQ chicken and ribs dinner following the golf. Talk to Pastor Dave if you want to play.

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WOMEN'S GATHERING ON MAY 11

Instead of the 3^rd Sunday evening in May (due to a scheduling conflict), the Women's Gathering will be held on the 2^nd Sunday, May 11^th, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Maugans Chapel. Program for the evening will be a bible study on "God's Invitation." To consider ahead of time: Isaiah 55:1-2; what, in your life, is the food that satisfies? All are welcome to join us for this last "Gathering" before fall; your friends are welcome and refreshments (ice cream sundaes - one "satisfying" food!) will be served. Sign up today at either entrance.

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CHINA TRIP

Dave and Anne Bushnell and David Serfass will be headed for a three week trip to China on Tuesday, May 12th. They return on Monday, June 2. Pastor Dave is happy to report that his visa to enter China finally arrived. Pastor Cathy will be assuming all pastoral duties during that period.

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SMALL GROUP LIFE

The "In Depth" group meets Friday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bushnell home and again on Friday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Pat Merchant's home. The group continues the "Stewards of Life" study.

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The "Companions in Christ" group will meet as follows during the month of May:

* Monday, May 12^th - Chapter 9, "Praying With and For Others"

* Monday, May 19^th - Chapter 10, "Prayer and Social Transformation."

This will conclude the group's study of "The Way of Prayer." Companions in Christ will take a break over the summer and will re-group in September.

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The "Book Review" group will meet on Tuesday, May 27^th at 7 p.m. in the library to discuss Randy Pausch's book, The Last Lecture. "A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave - "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" - wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment. It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living."

All are welcome to join the group's discussion of The Last Lecture; the "Book Review" group will break for the summer - resuming in September. Happy summer reading!

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Acts for Everyone - A new Bible Study on the book of Acts will be meeting this summer. Pastor Bushnell is convening the group which will meet twice a month (June - August). The group will be using the book Acts for Everyone, Part 1 by N.T. Wright covering the first twelve chapters of Acts. The June sessions will be held on Monday evening, June 9th and June 30th beginning at 7 p.m. in the Library.

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COMMUNITY MEAL - MAY 20

The next community meal at First reformed Church will be held on Tuesday, May 20th. Lots of helpers are appreciated as the numbers served at community meals continues to rise. If you can help, please sign up in the Narthex at church.

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"FAMILY FELLOWSHIP & FUN" CRAFTS NIGHT ON MAY 21^ST

The Family Life Ministry will host a Family Fellowship and Fun Event - crafts with a spring theme - on Wednesday, May 21 from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. Three different crafts will be enjoyed, along with cookies and milk! This event will be an opportunity for families to gather and enjoy one another's company in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Sign up today if you will participate.

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PEACE PRAYERS IN THE PARK - MAY 26

The Northwest Ecumenical Cluster will again be sponsoring Peace Prayers in the Park at Buchannan Park on Monday, May 26th beginning at 8 a.m. Look for more details in the church bulletins in May.

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MEN'S GOLF WVA GOLF TRIP

Sixteen members and friends of the church will be headed to the annual Men's Golf Outing at Cacapon State Park in Berkley Springs, WVA on May 27-29. Hit 'em straight fellows and enjoy the fun and fellowship.

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NEWS FROM THE HPUCC PRE-SCHOOL

The Hamilton Park Church Pre-School is ending another fun-filled, activity-packed year. With our Plant Sale and these warm days, our thoughts turn to flowers, planting, and digging in the dirt - what fun!

The Pre-School is pleased to report that the Plant Sale has blossomed into a huge success. We raised more than $1600. Many thanks to everyone who donated and participated, and a very special thanks to Harriette Stoudt and Roxanne Galeschewski for the many hours of hard work!

There are still some spaces left in the Pre-School program in our September classes. Please call the church (397-9791) or Mindy Newcomer (394-4926) for more information. Have a happy, happy summer. See you in September!

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NATHAN'S LAST SUNDAY

Sunday, June 1^st, will be Nathan (and Kara) Druckenmiller's final Sunday with us. Nathan will be preaching that morning at both services. There will be a special Fellowship time following the second service to honor him. Nathan will be graduating from Lancaster Seminary on Saturday, May 17^th.

WELCOME, A NEW SEMINARIAN

At the May Consistory meeting, Seminarian Jim Dwight was approved as our congregation's new seminarian. Jim will be a second-year student at Lancaster Seminary. Jim and his wife Linda (the Principal at Salisbury Elementary School, Pequea Valley District) are members of St. Peter's UCC in Lancaster. Prior to starting seminary, Jim was the chairman of the English Department of Lancaster Catholic High School. He has also been an adjunct professor at Millersville University. He has a BA from the College of William and Mary, an MA and PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Dwights are in the process of adopting a child. Jim will officially begin in the fall but may be helping with worship some this summer.

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OUTSIDE WORKDAY - JUNE 7

Saturday, June 7^th, has been designated an "Outside Workday" to help mulch the flower beds around the church. Please sign up in the narthex if you can help. The mulching begins at 8 a.m. and depending on the number of people helping can take 2-3 hours. Bring wheelbarrows, gloves, and forks to spread the mulch.

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TEAM ELI'S FRIENDS - A WALK FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY - JUNE 7

How would you like to join a walk for a Healthy Community? Actually it is a large walk in which walkers can come and get sponsors for an agency of their choosing. Peter and Deb Frailey are organizing Team Eli's Friends with contributions from sponsors going to the Ronald McDonald House and Make-a-Wish Foundation. There is no cost to register?so the whole family can walk as part of Team Eli's Friends. We do hope you would get some sponsors for the charities. Talk to the Fraileys for more information. The walk will be held at City Island/Harrisburg.

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SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS JUNE 8

On Sunday, June 8th our summer schedule begins with one service only beginning at 9:30 a.m. If you would be willing to provide some special music over the summer, please talk to our Director of Music, Deb Konupka.

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CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING

The Board of Directors of Penn Central Conference issues this call for the 46th Annual Meeting of the Conference. Delegates and visitors from the 206 congregations will gather at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, beginning on Friday, June 13, 2008. The Annual Meeting will end with lunch on Sunday, June 15, 2008."One God, Many Voices: Growing Together in Ministry" is this year's theme. Annette Myers and Pastor Bushnell will represent our church.

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OUR CHURCH FAMILY

THANK YOU NOTES

Dear Hamilton Park Family,

     I can't express how much my family and I appreciate your prayers and cards during the hospitalization and passing of my mother.

     Thanks to Dave and Cathy for visiting my mother in the hospital and especially to Cathy for a beautiful service.

     I am truly blessed to be a member of this wonderful "family".

          May God Bless You,

          Marilyn Hite and Family

BAPTISMS

Joshua Morris Daubert, son of Jeffrey and Sheri (Douts) Daubert and Danica Eve Guydish, daughter of Jason and Acasha (Daubert) Guydish, were baptized at the 10:30 a.m. service on April 20^th, 2008. Pastor Cathy officiated, on behalf of the congregation. Welcome, Danica and Joshua, to the HPUCC family.

IN MEMORIAM

Lynne Bard Snelbecker passed away on Sunday, April 20^th, 2008. A memorial service was conducted by Pastors Bushnell and Shiley, at Hamilton Park Church, on Saturday, April 26^th. Private interment was earlier in the week. Our Christian sympathy is extended to Leek, to Dick Bard and family, and to all Lynne's family and friends.

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COMMITTEE OF THE MONTH - THE FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

Charged with addressing the needs of our church's younger families and helping them become more involved with the fellowship, mission and worship life of the congregation, our newly formed Family Life Ministry team began meeting in January. Our first meetings have resulted in some energetic discussion about the things that drew us to HPUCC, the questions we have about existing opportunities to get involved and the possibility for some exciting additions to the current church offerings. Our meetings have also given us a chance to get to know each other! For now, we hope to coordinate a monthly "Family Fellowship & Fun" activity (look for our first event in May!) and compile information about the various ways that our families with young children can get involved at HPUCC to share with the entire congregation. We will be continuing to define our purpose and goals over the next several months and would welcome anyone interested in joining our discussion or just stopping by to say hello to join us in the library on the last Monday of each month.

Committee Contact - Wendy Laubach (ewrl@comcast.net)

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AED (AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR)

Mike Landis has been working on getting a free refurbished AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for the church. Law enforcement officers as first responders know how critical an AED can be in saving the life of a person experiencing cardiac arrest. In order to receive the AED we must be able to document that there are seven (7) people of the congregation who have had CPR training and are familiar with the AED. If you are such a person please call the church office and add your name to a list. If you would be willing to get training let us know as well.

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PERKS OF PARTNERSHIP

Our congregation has renewed its Partnership in Ministry pledge with the Samaritan Counseling Center for 2008. Our annual contribution to the Samaritan Fund helps subsidize fees for counseling for persons unable to afford the full fee. In turn, Partnership status provides vouchers used at the discretion of our Pastors to help church members receive counseling. The vouchers can also be used toward educational programs offered by the Center and held in a church setting, such as a Caregiver's Quarterly meeting. Partnership also provides no-cost seminars for clergy and discounts for church members for programs held in the community. The Partnership in Ministry Program supports and extends the ministry of congregations by making available the professional counseling, education and consultation services of the Center to church members, clergy and staff. Our church also lends support to the Center's mission through prayer and promotion of its programs. To learn more about the Center, visit www.scclanc.org or call the Center at (717) 560-9969.

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ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES

Angel Food Ministries information for May (brochures with menu and instructions) is available in the Narthex. Place food orders for $30 and get $60-80 worth of food, with the option of adding "specials" to your order once the initial unit is ordered. Last date to order for the month of May is May 19^th by 3:30 p.m. Orders are taken at Covenant United Methodist Church, Corner of Mulberry and Orange St. A NOTE about Angel Food Ministries: This program is for everyone - no "limited income" requirements. It operates as a food co-op and will be more successful if more people participate. You are encouraged to pick up one of the brochures and consider using Angel Food Ministries to help stretch your own food dollar, especially in light of soaring food costs. Questions may be directed to Covenant UMC at 393-1561.

Loryn Jones is willing to make a pickup run for Angel Food Ministries for people who can't go themselves. You can reach Loryn at 293-9398.

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HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Host families are needed for several South Korean students and one student from China who would like to attend Lancaster Catholic High School for the 2008-2009 school year. Students speak English, are fully insured, and have their own pocket money for personal spending. Host families provide room and board and receive a generous monthly hosting stipend. Nacel Open Door program has been around for over 50 years and provides a high-quality experience for students and host families. Can you help? If you have room in your heart and your home for one of these great kids, please contact Donna Sheehan at 293-0729.

MAY USHER TEAM CAPTAINS

May 4 - Dick Gockley

May 11 (Mother's Day & Pentecost) - Jim Fickes

May 18 - Rick Koehler

May 25 - Rob Bard

NURSERY TEAM LEADERS

May 4 - Anne Bushnell

May 11 (Mother's Day) - McRoberts Family

May 18 - Heather Dombach

May 25 - Mindy Newcomer/Margie Koehler

LECTORS FOR MAY

May 4 - Anabel Proffitt

May 11 (Mother's Day) - Joanne Blankenstein

May 18 - Steve Hohenwarter

May 25 - Lector Needed

MAY GREETERS

May 4 - Greeters Needed

May 11 (Mother's Day) - Greeters Needed

May 18 - Greeters Needed

May 25 - Greeters Needed

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 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

The following HPUCC members and friends are celebrating birthdays in May:

May 1 - Tom Dennes

May 2 - John Miller

May 4 - Nick Koehler

May 7 - Betty Wilkinson

May 9 - Harriet Barr

May 10 - John James

May 10 - Kate Cox

May 12 - Evan Blair

May 15 - Flora Poulos

May 16 - Emily deWet

May 18 - Barbara Lineaweaver

May 19 - Jan Moore

May 19 - Pat Merchant

May 21 - Florence Shimp

May 22 - Sarah Kapp

May 22 - Jim Cox

May 23 - Jonathan Crothers

May 24 - Mel Newcomer

May 24 - Joshua Cook

May 26 - Evan Hohenwarter

May 27 - Shirley Repp

May 28 - Mahlom Lineaweaver

May 28 - Becky Grosh

May 28 - Virginia Kloss

May 29 - John Helm

May 29 - Bob Webber

May 29 - Kristina Bennawit

June 2 - Nathan Bushnell

June 7 - Garret Sultzbach