Welcome to our website. Our hope is that through it you will come to know what is going on at Millcreek, and will be encouraged to participate as much as you are able in the life of the congregation; whether you are already a member or searching for a church home.
We’re glad you came and trust you will feel the same, not only here, but our worship experience Sunday morning, as well as all of our activities. God’s blessings be with you in the name of Jesus, who invites and accepts all to share in fellowship with him. He is our model and guide in all things at Millcreek Lutheran.
Pastor B. 
The Parish Echo Newsletter - July 2009
Pastor B’s Message:
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, and even if you’re not, the Evangelism/Social Ministry committee encourages your support once again of our In-Gathering projects.
As in the past summers, we are collecting soap and blankets. We are also putting together kits of all three kinds: sewing, school and health. Below you will find instructions for each one. You may demonstrate your versatility, like a good utility man in baseball, and make one or more of each. Or like Ryan Howard of the Phillies, you may narrow your focus to doing just one thing – (Is it homeruns or strike outs?) and work on just one type of kit.
Make as many as you desire and bring them on In-Gathering Sunday, October 4. If you are finished before them you may bring them to church anytime during the summer. There will be boxes for the kits as well as the soap and blankets.
Thank you for this outreach of support for folks whose thanks you will never know, but which will be no less real or heartfelt.
HEALTH KIT
* * One hand towel (dark color recommended)
* * One wash cloth (dark color recommended)
* * One bath size bar of soap, any brand
* * One toothbrush (packaged)
* * One comb, wide-tooth preferred—Remove packaging
* * One metal nail file, or nail clippers with file attached—Remove packaging
* * Six Band-Aids- preferably 112" to 3/4" (secured with rubber band)
Wrap items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarn.
SCHOOL KIT
* * Pads or notebooks of ruled paper approximately 8 ½" X 11 " containing 150-200 sheets of paper.
* * One blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well)
* * One 30 cm ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other side
* * One pencil sharpener
* * Six new unsharpened # 2 pencils with erasers. Secure w/ rubber band.
* * One eraser approximately 2 1/2" long
* * Twelve sheets of construction paper in assorted colors
* * One box of 16 or 24 crayons
* * One cloth bag approximately 12 X 14 with cloth handles. Pack items in the bag, fold the handles over, and secure with two large rubber bands or tie with yarn.
SEWING KIT
Include the following items in each sewing kit:
* * Three yards of 44" wide cotton or cotton-blend fabric; four yards if 36"wide, 2-1/4 yards if 60" wide (no knits or 100%. polyester).
* * One package of about 10-15 needles for hand sewing (needles purchased in larger packages can be divided by inserting 12 needles into a swatch of felt or thick fabric)
* * One spool of matching thread, 250 - 300 yards
* * One card of 6 or more 1/2" to 3/4" matching buttons. Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed.
All items should be new and in good condition. Wrap sewing notions inside fabric and tie with string, yarn, or strip of fabric. Do not enclose the kit or any of its contents in plastic bags!
As we head off to summer traveling – be it weekend getaways or longer vacations, let us keep Millcreek in mind. Church expenses continue, even when we are away, so please set aside your weekly offering for those Sundays you are not her, so you may bring it with you when you return.
This is, in fact, a good approach year round. The work necessities of our modern world does make week attendance impossible for many members. Regular giving is not impossible however. It can be done through the mail, or just bring it whenever you are next able to attend. If we need to get larger offering plates to accommodate larger stacks of envelopes, we will be happy to do so.
We value and encourage your presence whenever you are able to be with us. Your support is invaluable and appreciated as well.
God Bless you and have a wonderful Summer.
Pastor B.
Coming Events!
(Also check events calendar by clicking on "Events")
July/August
• July 4 – Independence Day!
• July 5 – Communion
• July 6-10 – Vacation Bible School
• July 11 – Church Breakfast @ 8 am
• August 2 – Communion Sunday School Meeting after worship
• August 8 – Church Breakfast @ 8 am
• August 19 – Evangelism Committee @ 6:30 pm
• August 30 – Council
Summer Music
We are starting to schedule summer music beginning June 28 thru September 6. The following dates are open: July 12, August 9 and September 6. Please contact Debbie Tice to schedule.
Harvest Home Sunday will be September 27. We are giving early notice, so those with gardens can be prepared for bringing fruits and vegetables for the altar display which will then go to the Food Bank. Please drop your food gifts off at the church the Saturday morning before (26th) between 9-12.
As part of this year’s project we will, as always, be collecting soap throughout the summer months. A collection box will be provided in the Narthex area.
Thanks,
Evangelism Comm.
PLEASE NOTE: Pastor Barry Kendall will be on call while Pastor Beckhardt is on vacation July 25-August 1. He can be contacted at home (717) 272-4222 or at the office (717) 272-2922.
TAIZE WORSHIP (NO WORSHIP IN JULY).
RELAY FOR LIFE and CHURCH CLEAN UP DAY
Please click on "Photos and Stuff" to see our members in action! Photos will be posted July 2nd.
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!"
If you'd like to come to the Reading Phillies game on Sunday, July 19, contact Katie by July 5th or by the 12th, at the latest. Your ticket must be pre-paid to Katie. The R-Phils will be playing at 1:05 vs. the New Britain Rock Cats, farm team for the Minnesota Twins.
The cost is $8.00 per person. We have general admission seats reserved, and they are under cover on the third base side.
We will leave church at about 11:00am in car pools to be determined that day.
Katie’s phone: 717-866-9606, or katieb227@hotmail.com
Vacation Bible School
The date and the theme have been set. July 6-10, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The theme is Son Rock Kids Camp where kids build their lives on the Rock – JESUS! We still need nursery helpers and group leaders. Please see Tammy or Debbie if interested. Dates are July 6-10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
HERSHEY PARK NEWS
Hershey Park – July Dates
Friday, July 3rd, 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (stadium)
Saturday, July 11th, noon - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 17th, 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (stadium)
Saturday, July 18th, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 24th, 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (stadium)
Saturday, July 25th, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 31st, 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (stadium)
For those not familiar with the program, here are the basics:
• You must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Hershey uses volunteers to fill shifts until the High Scholl and college students are available.
• The church receives $5.85 for each hour worked and the volunteer receives a voucher which can be traded in for a park pass this year or held until 2009 (to be traded in by July)
• When a schedule arrives, I’ll get in contact with all volunteers giving those dates and times. They’ll need to respond ASAP to me since shifts fill quickly. I’ll in turn call Hershey with what I’ve got and they’ll tell me if those dates and times are still open. I’ll get back to the volunteer and give you a “yes” or “no” as to what shift you requested and if you’re in.
• Once you commit you shouldn’t cancel unless you’ve found a replacement. They’re counting on you!!!
• There is a dress code – usually black slacks and a white shirt with a collar. No jeans. That will be addressed later since sometimes there’s a change.
• If you are interested, call Rachel Mock at 949-3813 and we’ll add you to our list.
Thanks!!!
DOLLS FOR HAITI CHILDREN
The dolls need hair and clothing. If you are interested in giving them some they are in the social room. Thanks, Betty Templin
Angel Food Ministries
There was training and a meeting for the Angel Food Ministries volunteers on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:00. A film was shown on how the AFM program works and what our duties will be. Jim Sherman and Dave Wolfe from The Lebanon Gospel Center spoke about their experiences and what to expect in the next few months as we offer the service to Eastern Lebanon Co. and Western Berks Co.
The Lebanon Gospel Center has been an Angel Food Ministries site for the last 15 months. It not only offers a service to the area that is needed but has been both rewarding and uplifting for all the volunteers and ministry involved. Please join us or let Eileen Sites know that you want to be added to the list of volunteers. Call 610-589-9401 or contact her at e.sites@comcast.net. Thank you to everyone for your help and support. It is very much appreciated.
NEW INFO:
There are 4 teams needed for the AFM program: Administrative, Transport, Assembly Line and Reception teams. It was a great meeting. Everyone was so anxious to volunteer for the teams and to help whereever needed.
The teams are having meetings next week. They are as follows:
Transport Team - Tuesday, July 7 - 6:30 pm - Millcreek Lutheran
Assembly Line Team - Tuesady, July 7 - 8:15 pm - Millcreek Lutheran (right after the other meeting)
Administrative Team - Wednesday, July 8 - 6:30 pm - Millcreek Lutheran
Reception Team - Thursday, July 9 - 8:15 pm - Millcreek Lutheran
Eileen Sites will be the host site director and oversee all the teams. She will meet with Jim Sherman on Monday, July 6, during the day to get all the materials/forms and to get all of my questions answered so shecan help each of the teams. Mr. Sherman said they will have someone from their group to help with orders on Friday and Saturday and also someone to be with us on Saturday, delivery day. He has been such a great help to us.
Lebanon Area Fair
Catalogs are available. All you great bakers, sewers, and gardeners enter your goodies at the fair. Dates are July 25 - August 1
The Sonnens will show Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Questions, see Debbie Tice.
A Word for Graduates
Class of 2009 – Please get your info to us so you can be recognized. For your convenience, there is a form you can fill out on the table in the narthex.
Congratulations to the young members of our congregation who are graduating! No doubt they look forward to the next phase of their lives with excitement, anticipation and perhaps a little apprehension.
We hope these words, adapted from Phillips Brooks, will serve graduates well as they embark on their journeys:
“Do not pray for an easy life; pray to be a stronger person. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers but for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you will be the miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself and the richness of life which
has come to you by the grace of God.”
2009 Graduates
(Info received thus far)
ELCO
Alissa Capretti – plans to attend cosmetology school
Charles Grove – will attend Lebanon Valley College with a double major in organ performance and chemistry, hoping to finish in 5 years. In September, he will begin as organist at Harrisburg Presbyterian.
Nathan Hepler – will attend Lebanon Valley College, majoring in Biochemistry, premed track, with plans to become a doctor.
Amy Rittle
OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS
Roya Bicher, granddaughter of Mary Moyer, graduated cum laude from Northern Lebanon High School. She will be attending Penn State University.
Joanna Davis, daughter of Mr & Mrs Kerry Strickler and granddaughter of Gerry & Julie Strickler, graduated from Schuylkill Valley High School. She will be attending Elizabethtown College to study physical therapy.
Chelsea Merkel, granddaughter of Ronald & Carol Merkel, graduated magna cum laude from Northern Lebanon High School.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Michael Stoudt graduated April 24, 2009 from Berks Technical Institute with an Associates Degree in Specialized Technology in Internet/Network Engineering. He has joined the US Marine Corps and will be leaving September 8th for boot camp at Parris Island, S C.
Kevin Kahl, son of David and grandson of Pearl Kahl, graduated from Penn State on December 20, 2008. He received a BS in education, has been substituting and is currently looking for a permanent teaching position.
Brent Kahl Jr, son of Brent and grandson of Pearl Kahl, graduated from St Joe’s University in Philadelphia on Sat May 16.
UPDATES
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Stanley Kahl continues in the US Navy. He was recently promoted to Lt Jr Grade and is in flight school at Jacksonville, FL.
Kiya Kahl is teaching speech & reading of English in South Korea. She is on a one-year assignment and will return home sometime in November.
We apologize for any errors or omissions. Please submit any corrections and they will be printed in the next newsletter. Parents - as your graduates go off to college, please let us know their address so we can keep in touch.
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Birthdays in July and August:
JULY
1 Arthur Hepler; Casey Roy; Linda Sheetz
2 Craig Brightbill
4 Jessica Leibig
5 Tammy Hepler
6 Stacey Pennington; Mackenzie Gettle
8 Joan D. Steiner
10 Wendy Ortiz; Linda Zimmerman; Louise Hainley; Aaron Taylor Ciccone; David Madara Jr.
11 Jadyn Kate Baker
13 Ralph Kline; Brenda Long
14 Andrew Sholly; Harry Kahl
15 Betty Schware; Tricia Dunkelberger; Jerry Meyer
16 Solen Layser; Carter Strickler
17 Eugene Brown; Denise Wartluff
18 Raymond Putt; Matthew Lambach
21 Bruce Steiner; Betty Spangler
23 Derek Strickler
25 Bradley Bressler; Curt Grube; Stanley R. Kahl; Jewl Madara
27 John Hartman; Kayla Brown
28 Gerald Strickler
29 Dara Wolfe
30 Jason Gahres
AUGUST
2 John Pennington
4 Geraldine Bucher; Sharon Evans
6 Betty Templin
7 Mitchell Essick; Lane Rudy
8 Kathy Grube
9 Rebecca Griffe
13 Joseph Brightbill
15 Dorthea Pike
16 Jean Witter; Pat Lengle
17 E. Jane Strickler; Dean Griffe; Mary Meyer
18 Edith Eisley; Matthew Steiner
19 Ronald Merkel Sr.
22 Julie Strickler; Linda Derr; Lauren Gahres
23 Erin Kitsch; Kent Hepler; Tyler Griffe
24 Darryl Bentz
25 Rick Garloff
26 Zachary Batdorf
28 Gordon Steiner
31 Matthew Bentz
If you are not included on the birthday list already, please submit your name to me at your earliest convenience. Either put the above slip in the Newsletter mailbox in the church office, or email me at: carolsova@yahoo.com Thanking you in advance, Carol Sova
MLC Treasurer’s Report
Checking:
Balance 4/30/09 119.98
May Receipts 15009.72
March Disburse. -12627.08
Balance 5/31/09 2502.62
Building Fund:
Balance 4/30/09 8389.46
May Receipts 1394.96
May Loan Payment -704.00
April Interest 3.49
Organ Repair bill - 2250.00
Balance 5/31/09 6833.91
As the expenses of the church continue weekly, our ministry together will be greatly enabled by setting aside an offering for those Sundays that you cannot be at worship service. Regular, intentional giving by all of our members will be a blessing to the work we can do in Christ’s name.
Recovering Members & Friends
Mary Andrews, Sandy Bashore, Joan Beaver, Kim Blair, Sandra Brown, Christine Bucks, Jean Capretti, Serenity Cash, Miriam Cole, Dawn Culhane, Bob Derr, Lorrie & Andrew Dunbald, Dan Ebling, Amy Esler, Jennifer Falasca (Strickler), Shirley Fox, Cathy Friede, Mabel Gassert, Julie Gemmel, Michelle Gettle, Marcia Gray, Kathryn Gruber, Mary Hancock, Vi Hepler, Beryl Hoffman, David Horne, Warren Hoover, Shirley Jackson, James Kantner, Mary Keath, Linda Kellenberger, Cheryl Kreiser, Ann Leibig, Elaine Lengel, Robert Lengle, Erin Little, Alec Lloyd, Ed Marinak, Andrew Marshall, Steve McNally, Edna Meyer, Frank Mihalik, Carolyn Miller, Jim Miller, Ray Miller Sr., Richard Miller, Ruth Miller, Aaron Mock, Priscilla Mock, Sharon Mohl, Judy Montgomery, Johnnie Moyer, Kevin Moyer, Melissa Neff, Melvin Noll, Jane North, Len Onkos, Harvey Patches, Mike Patches Jr., Linda Petrys, Brandt Pfleuger, Harold Ream, Harold Romberger, Jim Russell, Barbara Sallese, Betty Schaeffer, Zachary Shade, Ann & Kevin Shallcross, Norm Sharp, Robert Shirk, Betty Singer, Captains David & Neely Joe Sinnk, Bryan Sites, Ruth Smith, Spang Crest Residents, Florence Shirk Spindler, Joe Stevens, Barney Stoudt, Jane Strickler, John Strickler, Laura Sweigart, Nicole Sweigert, the Taylor family, Matthew Urey, Dawn Wagner, Katrina Wagner, Norman Wilson, Ben Witter, Sandy Wolf, Stewart Wolf, Michael, Jr. & Aaron Yiengst
NURSERY SCHEDULE
TBA
ACOLYTES
TBA
As always, if you know in advance that you cannot serve, please try to find a replacement.
To cancel on Sunday AM, call the church at 589-2570.
