JANUARY 2018

Newsletter of The Hill United Presbyterian Church Butler, PA

2 18
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1: 1

Rev. James Steiner

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
10:30 A.M.—Worship Service Elder Louise Evans
11:30 A.M.—Coffee and Fellowship Time in the Fellowship Hall
Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell
Director and Organist

Kathy Davis

Elean Heist, Administrative Assistant

and Financial Secretary
Elean.hillup@zoominternet.net

Lyn Goehring, Treasurer

John D. Whittington

20 Shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse Operation

Christmas Child!

501 Second Street

Butler, Pennsylvania 16001
724-287-5427
E-mail: hillup@zoominternet.net
www.hillup.org
 WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MORNING
WORSHIP SERVICES
10:30 - 11:30 A.M.
SUNDAY
JANUARY 7, 2018
Epiphany Sunday
Lord’s Supper - Traditional

Sermon: “Manifestation Of The Mystery"

Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Matthew 12: 1-2

JANUARY 14, 2018

Baptism Of The Lord

Sermon: “The Dove’s Amazing Descent”

Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Mark 1: 1-11; Acts 19: 1-7

JANUARY 21, 2018

3rd Sunday After Epiphany

Sermon: “This Message Brought To You By...”

Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10; Mark 1: 14-20

JANUARY 28, 2018

4th Sunday After Epiphany

Sermon: “Recognizing Authority”

Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Mark 1: 21-28

Dear Friends in Christ,

Since no one knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? (Ecclesiastes 8:7).

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).

As 2017 comes to a close, it’s a good idea to pause and reflect on how far we have come as a community
of faith. We are moving on with our Christian lives and work. But just as we look back as one year
closes and another begins, it is also good to look forward.

My message is for you to look forward with hope and faith, instead of worry or concern.

The author of Ecclesiastes was worried about the future, and lamented the fact that no one could tell him
how things would turn out! Like some do when reading a murder mystery, we aren’t able to turn to the
last chapter to see who did the deed! We are obliged to let each day come and go, with hope and faith in
the next day.

The writer of Hebrews did just that – of course, he didn’t know what would come tomorrow, but he had
faith that God would bless whatever came along.

A few weeks ago, I was talking to a friend who is an Interim Pastor south of Pittsburgh. She has been
there a while, and their PNC is diligently looking at resumes, just like Hill. Like us, she has built a
wonderful relationship with them, and they would love her to stay. She would love to stay and serve
them for many years.

But even though her church wanted her to stay (sound familiar?), she told them a very simple thing – I
am not the future, I am the present. To echo her comment, let us be realistic and admit that I am not
the pastor to lead this great church into the future. Someone else has been chosen for that task. God
knows who that person is, and we all need to pray that God reveals that person to the PNC in God’s
timing.

Just as we began 2017 (and I hope 2016) with faith and hope (seasoned with stubbornness and
determination!), so we should face 2018 with a bright outlook. God is in charge, and God will lead Hill
into 2018 with hope and encouragement, just as he has led Hill in years past.

I can promise you, things will be different when you read the January 2019 newsletter. Let us have
faith, and remain hopeful that Hill will be in a better place a year from now.

Keep your leaders, staff, and especially the PNC in your prayers.

Blessings for the New Year, and always.

In Christ,

Pastor Jim

The next newsletter deadline is

JANUARY 15, 2018!
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 BIBLE READING S FOR JANUARY

Morning Evening
1 Gen. 1, 2, 3 Matt. 1
2 Gen. 4, 5, 6 Matt. 2
2nd - Carol McKinney 3 Gen. 7, 8, 9 Matt. 3
4 Gen. 10, 11, 12 Matt. 4
5th - Martha Mager, Kaitlyn Nevel, and 5 Gen. 13, 14, 15 Matt. 5: 1 - 26
Kyle Nevel 6 Gen. 16, 17 Matt. 5: 27– 48
7 Gen. 18, 19 Matt. 6: 1 - 18
8th - Ashley Holmes 8 Gen. 20, 21, 22 Matt. 6: 19 - 34
9th - Paige Williams 9 Gen. 23, 24 Matt. 7
10 Gen. 25, 26 Matt. 8: 1 - 17
10th - Jane Weichey 11 Gen. 27, 28 Matt. 8: 18 - 34
12 Gen. 29, 30 Matt. 9: 1 - 17
16th - John Mager 13 Gen. 31, 32 Matt. 9: 18 - 38
17th - Ben Huba 14 Gen. 33, 34, 35 Matt. 10: 1 - 20
15 Gen. 36, 37, 38 Matt. 10: 21 - 42
18th - Mark Hall 16 Gen. 39, 40 Matt. 11
19th - Doug Hall 17 Gen. 41, 42 Matt. 12: 1 - 23
18 Gen. 43, 44, 45 Matt. 12: 24 - 50
21st - Elma Hall and Sophia Provident 19 Gen. 46, 47, 48 Matt. 13: 1 - 30
20 Gen. 49, 50 Matt. 13: 31 - 58
22nd - Barb Graham 21 Ex. 1, 2, 3 Matt. 14: 1 – 21
23rd - Seth Heist 22 Ex. 4, 5, 6 Matt. 14: 22 - 36
23 Ex. 7, 8 Matt. 15: 1 - 20
24th - Gerry Graham 24 Ex. 9, 10, 11 Matt. 15: 21 - 39
25th - Clinton Evans 25
26
Ex. 12, 13
Ex. 14, 15
Matt. 16
Matt. 17
30th - Pam Lentz 27 Ex. 16, 17, 18 Matt. 18: 1 - 20
28 Ex. 19, 20 Matt. 18: 21 – 35
On December 13, Community Dinner 29 Ex. 21, 22 Matt. 19
volunteers served 75 guests a meal of ham 30 Ex. 23, 24 Matt. 20: 1 - 16
loaf, scalloped potatoes, peas, rolls, jello 31 Ex. 25, 26 Matt. 20: 17 - 34
salad, and cherry pie. Because of the
generous support of our congregation and the volunteers who donated the
salads, everyone had plenty to eat. In fact, several guests stopped by the kitchen
to express their thanks for the excellent meal and the committee’s efforts. Their
words of gratitude are much appreciated, although it is we who feel blessed to be
able to serve those in need. Several of our committee members are snowbirds,
or do not drive in the winter months, so if you are able to help serve the meal, WORSHIP
please call Barb or Jim Kamerer at 724.283.2248. ATTENDANCE
IN NOVEMBER
The PNC met November 28th with Tom McMeekin who conducted an interview AND DECEMBER
training session for all members of the committee. At meetings on
December 5th and 12th the committee reviewed 62 resumes. We Sunday
welcome your continued prayers as we search for the person God is 11/5 80
calling to lead this great church.
11/12 95
The Session met for its regular monthly meeting on December 11, 2017.
The following actions were taken: 11/19 70
** Approved the removal of six members from membership rolls due to inactivity.
** Accepted with regret the resignation of Choir Director Paula Floyd Baptiste
11/26 71
effective December 31, 2017. 12/3 116
** Approved the new job description for choir director which opens January 1, 2018.
** Approved the minutes of the November 13, 2017 monthly session meeting. 12/10 120
Louise Evans, Clerk 12/17 100

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 IN
Wow! It sure has been quiet around here with the Wednesday on the Hill crowd in the
winter recess. Thank goodness some were on hand for the Moms’ and Dads’ night out on
December 15 when we shared in an evening of snacks, crafts, a candy cane hunt, and holiday
movies. We even got to decorate our own Snowman Cookies. Still waiting on the
weatherman to determine what our January activity will be. Keep an eye on our Facebook
group page for info.

It’s always sad to think about taking down the Christmas decorations and putting them
away but after they are gone, we’re hijacking a corner of the sanctuary for our FREE book
tables. This is a LAST CHANCE event. You’ll have two weeks to decide if you want to take
home any of these fine resources. You are also welcome to take and share things with
friends from other congregation who may be able to use them.

Another LAST CHANCE happening is for teens in grades 7 and up. We need to know by
January 6 if you’ll be joining those on this year’s confirmation journey. AND the best time for
you to get together. It’s a great chance to explore what confessing Jesus as Lord means in
your life. The group is led by Kathy Davis who herself graduated from a three-year
confirmation class with hardback textbooks. Subsequently, she took a vow to never do that to
another young Christian so you can expect it will be an informative and growing but not painful
process. Slip a note in the Education box, give her a call (724-545-1197 is her land line. She
loses her cell phone regularly) or let Nancy Daugherty know on Sunday if you’re interested.

WEDNESDAYS ON THE HILL resumes on February 21. We’re hoping some ADULTS
would like to join us for a LENTEN BIBLE STUDY. Please let Kathy or Nancy know if you are
interested so we can get leadership and resources in place. Is there a topic of Bible book
you’re been longing to explore in more depth? Mention that too!

As we begin this new year, the Administration Committee wishes each of you a year filled with hope
and joy. We especially want to thank our wonderful dedicated staff who do so much to serve our
church. Thank you Jim, Kathy, Elean, Nancy, Lyn, and John. We wish all the best to Paula as she
begins her new position. We have enjoyed the wonderful music she and the choir have provided this
past year. The strong music tradition of this church is important to all of us and will continue as the
worship and administration committees work to find a new choir director.

The lift project is still in the engineering stage. Architect David Hill and contractor Gary Kleeman
from Standard Insulating have spent countless hours studying our building and are creating a plan to
ensure that the construction is done properly and without impacting the solid structure of our
building. Look for updates on this project in the months ahead.

During the winter months please exercise caution when entering the building. For your safety, if the
staircases are roped off please enter through the ground level doors on Brady Street.

Happy New Year!

The Administration Committee

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 Happy New Year
Word Search
S Z H B A S E V A R B R V Z A ACHIEVE PURSUIT
T N U N P H W X E L F E U C G ACT REACH
E K O I W O V D G A J S H A N AIM RESIST
ATTITUDE SPIRIT
R V R I E G A R U O C I P U I BEHAVIOR SUCCESS
L I O Y T R N C A G E S O A N BRAVE VOW
T I I R O C T P T V Z T S K A CONVICTIONS YEAR
COURAGE
P Q Z L P I I P E A P T S S E DECIDE
K O D D U M V V E I R L I E M DIFFICULT
H O S S E X I D N M R U B N R GOAL
K C R I E C U C N O A C L C K HOPE
IMPROVE
E U A P T T I E L X C I E Y Y MEANING
P L O E I I W D L A A F N L J NEW
C H H T R O V Y E A R F E I T POSITIVE
POSSIBLE
X H T S U C C E S S D I G W J
G A B E H A V I O R E D L P W

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 VOLUNTEERS FOR
JANUARY 2018
USHER GREETERS COUNTING FELLOWSHIP
LITURGIST ACOLYTE
TEAM BEFORE ELDERS HOUR

Deacon Ruth Scott Elder

JANUARY Ladies’
Susan Jami Lyn TBD Ruth Scott
7 Team
Catanzarito Diane Olenic Brady
Alan
JANUARY Ladies’ Milanovich Elder
Bea Welch Seth Heist Pat Brennen
14 Team Jack Barkley
Jack Barkley

Tom Graham Elder

JANUARY Men’s Deacon Deacon
Terre TBD
21 Team Mark Hall Elma Hall
Terre Patterson Patterson

Barb Kamerer
JANUARY Men’s Audrey Elder
Sam Heist Louise Evans
28 Team Nossokoff Nancy Anne Miller
Daugherty
Communion Team – Team A
Newsletter Team in JANUARY (for February) – Team A
(Hoover Family)
Sunday morning ride service driver for JANUARY - Keith Swank (724-282-6546)

PULPIT FLOWERS
JANUARY 7 JANUARY 14 JANUARY 21 JANUARY 28
Donated in with love in Donated in loving
Donated in loving
honor of memory of
memory of
Still Available Sophia’s 1st birthday their parents
Jack Wolfe
by Chad, Kelly, and Lena by
by Janet and family.
Provident. Bob and Jane Kennedy.

PEW GREETERS
Hill Church for many years was known as “The Glad Hand Church.” The Nurture
Committee wants to continue this tradition. Pew Greeters will now welcome visitors,
encourage them to sign the guest registry, and invite them to Fellowship Hour on Sunday.

MIDDLE SECTION—BRADY STREET SECTION PEARL ST. SECTION—OVERFLOW AREA

JANUARY 7 Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231 Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413
JANUARY 14 Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013 Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782
JANUARY 21 Lois Minich, 724-283-1875 Volunteer Needed
JANUARY 28 Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed
 Church Office
Closed
1 2 3 4 5 6
9:30-11am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 9:30am - Willing Workers 9:00am - Hill Quilters 11am - AA Meeting
Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
7:00pm - Deacons’ Mac’s Café
Meeting 1:30pm - Memorial Bells

Epiphany Sunday
Lord’s Supper -
7 Traditional 8 9 10 11 12 13
6:45pm - Session Mtg. 9:30-11am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA Meeting
10:30am - Worship Rev. Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
James Steiner preaching Mac’s Café
11:30am - Fellowship Hour 1:30pm - Memorial Bells
12:15pm - Women’s Book 5:00pm - Community
Club Dinner

Baptism Of
The Lord
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9:30am - Community 9:30-11am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA Meeting
Lunches Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
10:30am - Worship - Rev. 1:00pm - Betsy Mac’s Café
James Steiner preaching McCormick Circle 9:30am - Willing Workers
11:30am - Fellowship Hour 12:30pm - Mary Lou
Boyer Circle
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
“So if anyone is
in Christ, there
3rd Sunday After
is a new The Epiphany
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
10:30am - Worship Rev. 9:30-11am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA Meeting
James Steiner preaching Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
11:30am - Fellowship Hour Mac’s Café
creation:
12:00pm - Yarn Group 1:30pm - Memorial Bells

everything old
has passed away;
see, everything 4th Sunday After
The Epiphany
28 29 30 31
has become new!” 10:30am - Worship Rev. 9:30-11am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s
James Steiner preaching Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
11:30am - Fellowship Hour Mac’s Café
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
2 Corinthians
5: 17
Cut out the picture and Bible verse and use it as your bookmark for your Bible for the month of January!