MARCH/APRIL 2010 

"THINKING OUT LOUD"

Looking out the window at all the leftover snow piles on Maple Avenue might lead one to a rather bleak feeling, especially since it is now sleeting on top of the "less than pristine" snow! What a great day for the second packet of Hartman Center camp brochures to arrive in the morning mail! I won¡¯t be directing a camp at the Sonshine Place this summer - just taking one year off until the schedule here settles down a bit - and that¡¯s a little bit sad for me but a whole lot realistic. There are, however, many great summer camp opportunities, with good folk from all over the Conference offering direction. Deb and Peter Frailey, for example, are directing a half-week Family Camp on August 1-4. My thoughts for this column go toward encouraging plenty of HPUCC participation in the summer camping program at Hartman Center.

How to maximize the financial benefits? An early bird discount is offered to all who get their registration forms and payment in to camp by the 15^th of March - a $20 savings for week-long camps, $10 savings for half-week camps. How to register? Choose the camp you want; fill out your registration form (available in the narthex or on the education wing bulletin board, online at www.hartmancenter.com, or typically mailed to those who camped last summer at Hartman Center); write your check for half the cost of camp for children & youth campers (full tuition for adult campers) payable to Hartman Center; give to our Hartman Center liaison, Deb Frailey, or to me so that we can send with the church¡¯s half for children and youth (will be paid from our Camper Stock account); start packing and anticipating a great summer camp experience!

I¡¯m led to make a few observations about our church¡¯s relationship with Hartman Center. We are so lucky to have such a resource available to us, just a two-hour drive away. Many of us are still feeling awfully good about our experience at the Women¡¯s Retreat just a few weeks ago. Even though we were enjoying retreat time in Michaux Lodge, our thoughts were also with those we left behind in Lancaster. One suggestion was that we organize a "whole church" retreat for September, so that everyone can experience something similar to the Women¡¯s Gathering retreat. Similar but, yes, it will be quite different, too, as it takes on its own personality and life.

So, the good news is that we have Michaux Lodge and the B cabins (we can add more facilities if we know soon enough that we need them) for the Labor Day weekend! Our arrival time at camp is 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 4^th, with departure scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, September 6^th. This Labor Day, an all-church retreat promises to be a wonderful opportunity for the whole church family to enjoy one another¡¯s company in a beautiful setting, with hiking (dry land and stream), sports and games for all ages, campfires, swimming, conversations, good food, etc. Sign ups will begin soon and details will be fleshed out over the summer months. Please plan to join us, your church family, at the Sonshine Place this Labor Day weekend.

As the weather (slowly) turns warmer and the snow (finally) melts away, may you take the time to reflect on the meaning of the present Lenten season and the promises of the coming Easter.

Warmly,

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BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION

With this March/April issue, the "Watch" becomes a bi-monthly publication in an effort to save postage, printing, and stationary costs. The May/June issue will be mailed on April 29^th; articles you want included need to be turned in to the church office by Monday, April 26^th.

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TRANSITION NEWS

On Sunday, Feb. 21^st, the Consistory urged the Transition Committee to postpone some of the introspection exercises suggested by the Lancaster Association, and immediately address the task of defining the duties of the Senior Pastor and either a Program Associate or an Associate Pastor. The Consistory expressed their appreciation for all that Pastor Cathy has been doing, and recognizes the need to fill our the professional staff in a timely manner. Committee members are being recruited for this task.

John N. "NED" Kreider, Chairman

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SMALL GROUP LIFE

The "Companions in Christ" small group will continue its discussion of John S. Spong¡¯s book, Why Christianity Must Change or Die, into June. The schedule follows:

*March 1, chapt. 8 ~ "What Think Ye of Christ?"

*March 15, chapt. 9 ~ "The Meaning of Prayer"

*April 5, chapt. 10 ~ "Ethics in a New Age"

*April 19, chapt. 11 ~ "The Emerging Church"

*May 3, chapt. 12 ~ "The Future Church"

*May 17, chapt. 13 ~ "Eternal Life"

*June 7, Epilogue

*June 21, Documentary film, "Jesus in India"

"Companions in Christ" meets the first and third Monday of each month in Maugans Chapel from 7 until 8:30 p.m.

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The next meeting of the "Book Review" group is Tuesday, March 9^th, at 7 p.m. in the church library. The group will review Tracy Kidder¡¯s Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World.

"In medical school, Paul Farmer found his life¡¯s calling: to cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. Kidder¡¯s magnificent account takes us from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia as Farmer changes minds and practices through his dedication to the philosophy that "the only real nation is humanity." At the heart of this book is the example of a life based on hope and on an understanding of the truth of the Haitian proverb "Beyond mountains there are mountains" ¨C as you solve one problem, another problem presents itself, and so you go on and try to solve that one too."

If you need a copy of the book, @$11, see Pastor Cathy.

April 13th's selection for the "Review" will be Martha Manning¡¯s Chasing Grace, to be distributed at the March meeting. "I used to think that grace is what happens when your toast falls butter side up. But that¡¯s not grace, it¡¯s good fortune. Grace is what helps you celebrate the joy of a good landing and tolerate the disappointment of a bad one." Martha Manning

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The Men¡¯s Breakfast group meets every second Thursday at 8 a.m. at the Apple Tree Restaurant at the corner of Columbia Avenue and Centerville Road for food and fellowship. All guys are welcome; sign up or call the church office to have your name added to the reservations. The next two meetings are on March 11 and April 8.

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The next meetings of the "In-Depth" group are:

*Friday, March 12^th at 6:30 p.m. at Pat Merchant¡¯s home

*Friday, March 26^th at 6:30 p.m. at Nancy Bonalumi¡¯s home

*Friday, April 9^th at 6:30 p.m. - Hosted by Jen Hollinger and Marge Mowrer, location to be announced

*Friday, April 23^rd at 6:30 p.m. at Anne Bushnell¡¯s home

The "In-Depth" group is studying "Paul for Everyone." Interested in participating in the discussion? Call one of the group members!

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The next meetings of the Women¡¯s Gathering will be:

* Sunday, March 21^st - program will be a look at the culture and customs of India, with special guest Toya Mahapatra.

* Sunday, April 18^th - program will be a jewelry-making workshop, instructor Loryn Jones.

The "Women¡¯s Gathering" meets on the third Sunday evening of each month, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Maugans Chapel. Friends are always welcome; refreshments served.

Looking ahead, the next "Women¡¯s Gathering" retreat will be the weekend of February 4-6, 2011! Mark your calendars now; the theme will be "God Moments."

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"Knit Together," HPUCC¡¯s small group for the needle arts, meets on the fourth Monday of each month (March 22^nd and April 26^th) at 7 p.m. in Maugans Chapel. Everyone is welcome to participate in a group project (prayer shawls, Eli¡¯s Elves blankets, baptismal cloths and new baby blankets, etc.) or bring your own project to work on during the evening. The fellowship is great!

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WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN STUDY PROGRAM CONTINUES

Four sessions remain in our Wednesday evening Lenten study program, using the NOOMA video series. Pastor Rob Bell offers 11 to 13 minute messages on themes that are central to our walk in life as disciples of Jesus. Each evening consists of viewing the video message, time for discussion and bible study, and a brief worship service to close the evening. The remaining schedule follows:

*March 3 - "You" - theme is "what really matters?"

*March 10 - "Name" - theme is "our true selves"

*March 17 - "Rhythm" - theme is "relationship with God"

*March 24 - "Today" - theme is "our lives, now."

Sessions are held from 7 until 8:30 p.m. in Maugans Chapel. Everyone is welcome to join us.

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NW ECUMENICAL CLUSTER HOSTS FRIDAY LUNCH-TIME PROGRAM

The schedule for the remainder of the Lenten season of the NW Ecumenical Cluster¡¯s Friday program is as follows, with host churches, guest preachers, and texts:

Theme: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.; cost is $4 per person

Worship: 12:15 to 1 p.m.

March 5 - Unitarian Universalist - Joanna Andritz of Christ Lutheran - "the peacemakers"

March 12 - St. John¡¯s Episcopal - Paul Eyer of St. Luke¡¯s UCC - "the meek"

March 19 - Covenant UMC - Cathy Shiley of Hamilton Park UCC - "hunger/thirst for justice"

March 26 - Hamilton Park UCC - Jim Day of Country Meadows - "the merciful"

April 2 - St. Peter¡¯s UCC - Peter Newport of Unitarian Universalist - "persecuted for righteousness sake."

Why not make participation in the Cluster¡¯s Friday Lenten program part of your Lenten discipline? Worship offerings go to Lancaster County Council of Churches to help with costs related to the Temporary Homeless Shelter program.

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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS ON SUNDAY, MARCH 14

Don¡¯t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday night, March 13^th! Mark your calendars now so you don¡¯t come late to church and Sunday School on March 14^th.

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OGHS OFFERING TO BE RECEIVED ON MARCH 14

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

"Do you love me? Feed my sheep," is the directive from the 21^st chapter of John¡¯s Gospel. The call is personal, a reminder that our actions as Christians speak as loudly as our words and worship services. God desires our participation in the lives of others, and expectation made even more pointedly by Jesus when he tells us, his followers, "Feed my sheep." This call to feed reaches everywhere - earthquake ravaged Haiti, the U.S. Gulf Coast still reeling from hurricane Katrina, rural farming communities in Colombia, refugees of the war in the Congo, starving people in Zimbabwe, victims of violence in Sudan, the emotionally devastated Gaza refugees, small business startups in Serbia, child rehabilitation centers in Afghanistan, as well as tsunami survivors in India and Indonesia.

As each of us gives to One Great Hour of Sharing we help families and villages around the world to build lives and communities that are healthy, safe and sustainable. Sharing resources really changes lives!

On March 14, we will dedicate our offerings during worship. Doing good and sharing what we have gladdens the heart of God, who promises that those who respond "will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11, NRSV)

In Christ¡¯s Love,

Dottie Holt, Chair

Action Compassion Team

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SEWING GROUP TO LGH ON MARCH 15

A group from HPUCC will travel to Lancaster General Hospital on Monday, March 15^th to help with simple sewing and laundry projects for the hospital. If you are able to take advantage of this service opportunity, please contact Marianna Rasmussen at 394-7026. Up to eight volunteers are requested. You may use your own transportation or meet at the church for an 8 a.m. carpool departure. You will be picked up at the hospital at the end of the "shift," 2 p.m., and returned to the church.

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COMMUNITY MEAL AT FIRST REFORMED ON MARCH 16

The next date for serving a Community Meal at First Reformed UCC is Tuesday, March 16^th. Helpers are needed for serving the meal - new serving time is 5:30 p.m. - and to provide desserts. See sign up sheets at either entrance.

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HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday (March 28) - Palm Sunday will begin with an 8:30 a.m. pancakes and sausage breakfast served by the Consistory and coordinated by Ted Rasmussen and Mark Wittensoldner. A free-will offering will be received. There will be no 8 a.m. service on Palm Sunday. The 10:30 a.m. service will include a blessing of palm branches.

"A FAMILY PREPARES" PROGRAM ON PALM SUNDAY AT 5:30 p.m.

"A Family Prepares," a program to help families prepare for their child¡¯s first time to receive Holy Communion, will be offered by Pastor Cathy on Palm Sunday evening, March 28^th, from 5:30 until 7:30p.m. The evening begins with a potluck supper of the children¡¯s favorite foods and includes activities that foster an understanding of the community nature of the sacrament. There is plenty of time to sign up for the program, which is geared to children currently in kindergarten/first grade or older. Questions? Please speak with Pastor Cathy.

Maundy Thursday (April 1) - A 7:30 p.m. Communion and Tenebrae Service will be held in the sanctuary. This is one of the most dramatic services of the year as the service moves from light to darkness. Some children of the church will be receiving their first communion.

Good Friday (April 2) - The Youth of Hamilton Park Church will be leading "A Reverse Advent" service at 7 p.m. in Maugans chapel. All are invited to this powerful, annual service, which uses the Advent wreath in a surprising way.

Easter Vigil (April 4) - A special Easter Vigil will be held in Maugans Chapel on Easter Sunday morning beginning at 5:30 a.m. The Vigil begins with a small burning fire outside the Chapel followed by a candlelight processional. The service includes a service of light, of the word, and of water. Finally the sacrament of Holy Communion will be shared outside in the Memorial Garden (weather permitting). Danish, coffee, and juice will be available after the service. Sign up, please, if you plan to attend.

Easter Sunday Services (April 4) - Holy Communion will be celebrated at both Easter morning services in the sanctuary (8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.).

Easter Sunday School Pageant at 9:15 a.m. in Maugans Chapel (April 4) - "Celebrate Easter" is the name of the program to be shared by the children and youth Sunday School classes. All are welcome; refreshments will be served.

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EASTER LILIES - ORDER NOW!

It¡¯s time to place orders for Memorial Lilies for Easter Sunday services. Checks may be made payable to "Hamilton Park Church."

MAIL THIS ORDER FORM TO THE CHURCH OFFICE.

Orders are due by Wednesday, March 10^th.

Hamilton Park Church, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603

ORDER FORM

I would like to order _______ lilies at $8 each.

Given in memory of __________________________________________.

Given by ___________________________________________________.

Your name _________________________________________________.

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HOLEY GROUND BEGINS ON APRIL 7^TH

As the weather begins to improve, it¡¯s impossible to keep the golfers inside! Weekly gatherings for golf, aka Holey Ground, begin on Wednesday, April 7^th. More information will be printed in the church bulletins on a weekly basis; in the meantime, questions may be directed to Holey Ground regulars, such as Dick Gockley, Ned Kreider, Ted Rasmussen, etc. Holey Ground is for both men and women golfers.

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CAREGIVERS¡¯ QUARTERLY MEETING ON APRIL 21

The congregation¡¯s Called-to-Care group will hold its quarterly educational meeting on Wednesday evening, April 21^st at 7 p.m. in Maugans Chapel. The evening¡¯s program will include the video "Reflections on the Lord¡¯s Prayer for People With Cancer," a personal journey presented by Ken Curtis, with follow-up discussion. Everyone is invited.

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SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 24^TH, "GO FLY A KITE!"

Join the whole church family on Saturday morning, April 24^th at 10 a.m. in Maugans Chapel. A light breakfast will be served, prior to a kite-making workshop. Afterwards, we¡¯ll take the kites across the street to the playground and see how many we can get off the ground! Everyone is welcome; have a kite of your own you¡¯re anxious to fly? Bring it along!

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Update: Since the inception and implementation of the Eli¡¯s Elves program last March and April, about 100 fleece comfort blankets have been made by the following groups and people within or related to Hamilton Park Church: Sunday school classes, knit together and other small groups, college students and friends, homebound members, the 3^rd grade classes at Buchanan Elementary School, early service attendees, and others that I may have momentarily forgotten! About 60 comfort bags (a blanket, stuffed animal and card) were delivered to Hershey Medical Center¡¯s Hummingbird Program and Hospice of Lancaster County. Six blankets were donated to children at the Southeast Medical Center, Lancaster, the week before Christmas and several comfort bags were given to children within our church family. The Victim¡¯s Witness Program at the Lancaster County Courthouse was given six comfort bags and hopefully will become a regular recipient.

This amazing first year of success and far-reaching generosity of this project was only possible through the continuous giving of your time, talent, prayers, ideas, and donations.

THANK YOU!

Needed: Periodically, volunteers are needed to sew tote bags together and pack the bags with a blanket, stuffed animal and card. In addition, if you have any 1/8 inch (3mm) wide ribbon lying around at home, please consider donating it to this project. Contact Deb Frailey with questions or if you can help or want to tie knots (make a blanket).

News: An Eli¡¯s Elves fund was started last May with the proceeds from the fundraiser at Isaac¡¯s Restaurant. The fund has been used primarily to purchase the fleece for the blankets and most recently for printing costs and for the bulk purchase of tote bags. The second annual Eli¡¯s Elves fundraiser at Isaac¡¯s Restaurant, at the Downtown location, has been scheduled for Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. Live music is planned. When you dine at Isaac¡¯s on either of these nights, 25% of your bill will go to our program. Flyers will be available in mid-April.

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DID YOU KNOW?

HPUCC is a supporting member-church of the Samaritan Counseling Center. One of the benefits of this membership is that the church has received four vouchers for free counseling sessions at the Center. Each voucher is good for one session, at no charge, with one of the Samaritan Center¡¯s professional counselors. Please speak with Pastor Cathy if you would benefit from using one of the vouchers.

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LOOKING AHEAD ...

Hamilton Park UCC is currently located on the web at www.hamiltonparkucc.com but that will soon change! Jim Stoltzfus has been busy setting up a new, more attractive, user-friendly, and interactive website for the church. Target date for release of www.hpucc.org is Easter Sunday; we¡¯ll officially announce the new site once it¡¯s up and running. At that time, visitors to the old site will be redirected to the new site.

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NEW MEMBERS

We will be receiving new members into the fellowship of the church on Pentecost Sunday, May 23^rd, with Newcomers¡¯ classes to be offered during the 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour on May 9, 16, and 23. If you would like to participate in the Newcomer¡¯s Classes or if you have questions about membership at Hamilton Park UCC, please talk with Pastor Cathy.

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NEWS FROM THE HPUCC PRE-SCHOOL

MARCH & APRIL GREETERS

March 7 - Janet Showalter & Shirley Repp

March 14 - Audrey Hess & Dottie Holt

March 21 - Mark & Linda Wittensoldner

March 28 (Palm Sunday) - Ruth & Ed Snyder

April 4 (Easter) - Dick & Helen Biechler

April 11 - Ed & Joanne Blankenstein

April 18 - Gary & Loryn Jones

April 25 - Marian Riexinger & Mary Mccommon

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ALTAR FLOWER DELIVERY FOR MARCH & APRIL

March 7 - Ted & Marianna Rasmussen

March 14 - Paul & Judy VanAulen

March 21 - Rick & Margie Koehler

March 28 - Mel & Mindy Newcomer

April 4 - Phil & Renee' Blankenstein

April 11 - Chiz & Jeanne Patterson

April 18 - Deb Y Peter Frailey

April 25 - Bill & Barb Ehleiter

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

The following HPUCC members and friends are celebrating birthdays in March & April:

*March 2 - Avery Ann Schreck

*March 12 - Rebekah Petrosky

*March 15 - Kahla McRoberts

*March 15 - Alexa McRoberts

*March 22 - Abigail Laubach

*March 23 - Lucianne Stoltzfus

*March 27 - Olivia Brunner

*April 1 - Madelyn Zwally

*April 4 - Anne Thayer

*April 4 - Keith Shiley

*April 6 - Paul Kilp

*April 7 - Doug Spangler

*April 1 - Madelyn Zwally

*April 4 - Anne Thayer

*April 4 - Keith Shiley

*April 6 - Paul Kilp

*April 7 - Doug Spangler

*April 9 - Moyra Glass

*April 14 - Drew Hohenwarter

*April 14 - Carol deWet

*April 15 - Doris Spangler

*April 17 - Don Bell

*April 18 - Bradley Sultzbach

*April 22 - Audrey Hess

*April 27 - Catharine Doubert

*April 29 - Julianna Cox

*May 2 - John Miller

*May 4 - Nick Koehler

Newer members: Do we have your birthday for "The Watch"? Please call the church office with your information.