MARCH 2019

May the love of

God enfold you,
the power of God
protect you, and
the presence of God
watch over you.

www.panoramioireland.com

Rev. Leigh Benish

Pastorleigh.hillup@zoominternet.net
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
Jenny Martin, Choir Director

Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell

Director and Organist

Kathleen Davis

Elean Heist, Administrative Assistant

and Financial Secretary
Elean.hillup@zoominternet.net

Lyn Goehring, Treasurer

John D. Whittington

Our New Prayground!

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.

MARCH 3, 2019
Transfiguration Sunday; Lord’s Supper - Traditional

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Exodus 34: 29-35; Luke 9: 28-36

MARCH 6, 2019
7:30 p.m. AshWednesday Community Service
Covenant Presbyterian Church
MARCH 10, 2019
1st Sunday In Lent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-16; Luke 4: 1-13

MARCH 17, 2019
2nd Sunday In Lent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 27; Luke 13: 31-35

MARCH 24, 2019
3rd Sunday In Lent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13; Luke 13: 1-9

MARCH 31, 2019
4th Sunday In Lent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 32; Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32

 “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your hearts, with fasting,
with weeping, and with sorrow; tear your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, very
patient, full of faithful love, and read to forgive.”
–Joel 12-13 (CEB)

Lent is swiftly approaching, a season in the church year where we take some time to reflect on
our spiritual journeys and prepare for Jesus’ passion and resurrection. Mirroring the 40 years
the Israelites spent in the wilderness and the 40 days Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the
40 days (plus Sundays) of Lent invite us into our own wilderness experiences. Lent is a time of
repentance, facing our temptations, reflection, and self-examination.

Unlike Christmas, which has a fixed date, Easter is determined by the lunar calendar, the same
calendar that is used in the Jewish tradition to determine the date of the Passover. Easter is
relatively late this year, falling on April 21. Lent begins on March 6, which is Ash Wednesday.

Usually, when people think of Lent, they think of giving something up – and often trivial things
like chocolate, caffeine, or soda. But Lent is so much more than that. In the early church, the
season of Lent was spent preparing and instructing catechumens (new converts) for baptism,
which was held on Easter Sunday. Over the years the season has evolved, but its purpose is the
same: instruction and preparation.

To this end, we are offering some special activities this Lenten season to help you grow
spiritually.

Worship: In addition to our regular Sunday worship services, you are invited to these joint
services as we gather with our siblings in faith to grow together:
 Ash Wednesday Service with Communion and Ashes: March 6, 7:30 PM at Covenant
 Maundy Thursday Service with Communion: April 18, 7:30 PM at Hill
 Good Friday Service: April 19, 12:00 PM at St. Andrews
 Easter Sunrise Service: April 21, 6:30 AM at Moraine State Park
The downtown churches in Butler also join together for midweek services on Wednesday
evenings. Be on the lookout for more information about that soon.

Study: I will be leading a book study this Lent on Adam Hamilton’s Half Truths: God Helps
Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say. We will join together on
Sunday mornings, starting March 10, at 9:00 AM to discuss the book and our understanding of
God’s Word in scripture. Books are available for purchase through the church office for $12.25
a piece, or you may order your own.

I encourage you, as we near the season of Lent, to reflect on the ways that you might want to
grow closer to God this season. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know!

Peace-
Rev. Leigh
3
 IN
The Spring Session of Wednesdays on the Hill is off to a great start. On average, thirty-five kids and teens turn up
for study, recreation, music and more. A big thank you to the many substitutes who have helped out. We
welcomed back Mr. Jim, our games expert, and are anxiously awaiting the return of Ms. Louise, our craft expert.
PLEASE help this important community ministry by donating fruit or veggie trays and cookies. We LOVE dinner
and need lots of cookies! The sign-up sheet is on the board across from the library.

A HUGE thank you to all who purchased soup or Gerry Graham’s incredible Groundhog cookies at the recent
sale to benefit our trip to the National Youth Triennium at Purdue University this summer. Because of the
congregation’s amazing generosity, we have accumulated about $3200 in our fund. We will soon be finalizing our
registrations and then moving on to transportation arrangements. Our students are planning on designing their
own group T-shirt to assure we stand out in the crowd.

The Tuesday Morning Bible Study for women continues to read through the latter chapters of Acts
to get acquainted with Paul and his groundbreaking mission. We have discovered some amazing
truths about this oft misunderstood apostle. We meet every Tuesday from 9:30-11 am. A few seats-
and always great coffee and snacks- are still available. Please join us!

Lenten Book Study Rev. Leigh will be leading a book study during lent on Adam
Hamilton's Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible
Doesn't Say. We will gather for discussion in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays at 9:00 AM March
10 through April 14. If you would like to participate, you may purchase the book on your own,
or through the church. If purchasing through the church, please clearly designate $12.25 for each
book. For more information, please speak with Rev. Leigh.
NEWS FROM GHANA
ARE YOU A STAMP COLLECTOR? The committee has dozens of envelopes from Ghana. We have saved the
letters and envelopes over the past ten years. There are many cancelled stamps available. If you or a family member
are a collector, please contact Jim or someone on the committee.

We have not received any letters to post since Christmas. Keep looking. Pray for Bernard and the committee as they
are in the middle of selecting students for the next round of scholarship awards.
YEARLY PER CAPITA
Every year Hill Church is asked to support the work of the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, the Synod of the
Trinity and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. This support is made through a per-
capita assessment of church members. This assessment has been used for over 150 years to fund the
essential work of the Presbyterian Church.

As we have done in past years, we are inviting members to the Hill Church family of faith to contribute to
the support of the shared work of the Presbyterian Church USA. The per-capita assessment for 2019 is
$40.69 per member which includes all those who have been baptized and have made their profession of
faith. For example, a single member would contribute $40.69, a couple who are both members would
contribute $81.38, a couple with one confirmed child would contribute $122.07, and so on.

Hill Church’s total per-capita assessment for 2019 is $10,457.33. The Session has committed to paying
the 2019 assessed amount in full.
For your convenience in making this offering, a special envelope has been included in your regular box of
envelopes, appearing between the January 27th and the February 3rd envelopes. Or you may mark the
memo line of your check “per-capita” and this offering will be properly credited to your giving statement.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

 BIBLE READING S FOR MARCH
Morning Evening
1 Num. 23, 24, 25 Mark 7: 14 - 37
2 Num. 26, 27 Mark 8: 1-21
3 Num. 28, 29, 30 Mark 8: 22-38
4 Num. 31, 32, 33 Mark 9: 1-29
2nd - Tricia McElhaney 5 Num. 34, 35, 36 Mark 9: 30-50
3rd - Shirley Haggart 6 Deut. 1, 2 Mark 10: 1-31
7 Deut. 3, 4 Mark 10: 32-52
6th - James Rogerson 8 Deut. 5, 6, 7 Mark 11: 1-18
8th - Peg Dumbaugh 9 Deut. 8, 9, 10 Mark 11: 19-33
10 Deut. 11, 12, 13 Mark 12: 1-27
12th - Susan Slomer and Taylor Stobert 11 Deut. 14, 15, 16 Mark 12: 28-44
13th - Shae Stobert 12 Deut. 17, 18, 19 Mark 13: 1-20
13 Deut. 20, 21, 22 Mark 13: 21-37
18th - Declan Graham, Cassie Nading, and 14 Deut. 23, 24, 25 Mark 14: 1-26
Anna Wallace 15 Deut. 26, 27 Mark 14: 27-53
16 Deut. 28, 29 Mark 14: 54-72
21st - Daniel McKinley 17 Deut. 30, 31 Mark 15: 1-25
23rd - Erin Stobert 18 Deut. 32, 33, 34 Mark 15: 26-47
24th - Crawford Bolten 19 Josh. 1, 2, 3 Mark 16
20 Josh. 4, 5, 6 Luke 1: 1-20
25th - Kelly Kramlich 21 Josh. 7, 8, 9 Luke 1: 21-38
26th - Brenda Baker 22 Josh. 10, 11, 12 Luke 1: 39-56
23 Josh. 13, 14, 15 Luke 1: 57-80
27th - Dave Olenic 24 Josh. 16, 17, 18 Luke 2: 1-24
30th - Noah Reeger 25 Josh. 19, 20, 21 Luke 2: 25-52
26 Josh. 22, 23, 24 Luke 3
31st - Audrey Nossokoff 27 Judg. 1, 2, 3 Luke 4: 1-30
28 Judg. 4, 5, 6 Luke 4: 31-44
It was pizza night at Community Dinner in 29 Judg. 7, 8 Luke 5: 1-16
February for eleven volunteers and 67 guests. 30 Judg. 9, 10 Luke 5: 17-39
Tossed salad, applesauce, brownies, and Valentine 31 Judg. 11, 12 Luke 6: 1-26
candies completed the menu. Thanks to Judy
Birch, Brenda Jacox, and Sherry Neely for helping with the baking this
month.
Session Notes
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
The Session held its monthly meeting on February 11, 2019 in the Hall Lounge. IN JANUARY AND
FEBRUARY
The following items were addressed:
+++ Motions were approved to accept the minutes of 01-14-19, 02/03/19 Sunday
and the congregational and corporation meeting of 2/03/19.
1/6 86
+++ Approved the 2018 Statistical Report with corrections. Current active
membership is 256. 1/13 72
+++ First reading of updated Building Use Policy and Parking Lot Policy. 1/20 - None due
+++ Representative for Worship Committee will reserve a pavilion at to weather
Alameda Park for annual Worship Without Walls on August 25.
1/27 85
Respectfully submitted,
Louise Evans, Clerk 2/3 84
Our Deacons will not be doing our Spring Forward Soup ministry this
2/10 81
month. Please join us for our 5th Sunday luncheon on March 31st. 2/17 100
5 2/24 67
Our Deacons are hosting a Baked Potato Bar on March 31st during Fellowship Hour. Please join us for fellowship
and a baked potato with your choice of toppings. We’ll provide all the fixins’! Please sign up using the reservation
form below and turn it in to the Church office or put it in the collection plate.

Deacons’ 5th Sunday

Baked Potato Bar!
I / We will attend:
Name(s)_____________________________________
#Adults_______ #Children 10 and under _____
DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: Sunday, March 24th
Senior Night Out will be held on Monday, March 18th at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be catered by Simply
Catered and will be kielbasa, sauerkraut, parsley smashed potatoes, corn, broccoli salad, rolls, and a dessert.
This ministry is for those ages 50 and over to enjoy fellowship, a catered dinner, and a special program. Put
your reservation form (below) in the collection plate or turn it in to Elean in our Church Office on or before
Wednesday, March13th at noon. Please let us know if you have to cancel the day of the dinner.

Reservation form
SENIOR NIGHT OUT
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019 at 5:30 P.M.
I / We will attend Senior Night Out:

Name(s)_______________________________________
#Attending _________ # Gluten Free _________
Ride Needed? _________ # Dairy Free _________
Donations accepted
DEADLINE for RESERVATIONS: Wednesday, March 13th

CARE PACKAGES – Address Form

The Deacons send care packages to members' children, grandchildren or
members themselves who are in college or the military. A new form is
needed each time. Please send a care package to the following:

NAME
(Please print)
ADDRESS

Submitted by Phone
Upon completion, please return to church office
or place in the collection plate by March 24th.
ANIMALS OF THE BIBLE
S W X O S Q N S F L O W Y Y U NIGHTHAWK SPIDER
E C C S B P W E I D N M E C I OSPREY SPONGE
P W O T T A O A V A W E R G O OSTRICH STORK
E S Q R N O N N H A G M P O L OWL SWAN
E W K I P S R M G D R K S K W PARTRIDGE SWINE
H I W C J I X K I E W C O D P PELICAN TURTLE
S N A H E P O R C U P I N E F PORCUPINE VULTURE
T E H F M R T N G D E U L Q C PYGARG WEASEL
U I T L N R U R F S P I D E R QUAIL WOLF
R Y H A A V A T L X C K E D W RAVEN WORM
T Z G P U G I W L A L A D E L SCORPION
L I I S Y J C Z N U L J A S W SHEEP
E J N P L I A U Q T V S F V O SNAIL
A U D H Q M X S F L E D U U L SNAKE
W O R R A P S G P L S N A K E SPARROW
 VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH 2019
USHER COUNTING CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
LITURGIST ACOLYTE OPENER/
TEAM ELDERS HOUR
POWERPOINT
Alan
Elder
Ladies’ Milanovich Caroline Alan Barb
MARCH 3 Bob
Team Leroy Freeze Milanovich Kamerer
Graham
Edinger
Anne
Elder
Ladies’ Miller Bella Anne VOLUNTEER
MARCH 10 Betty
Team Dale Heist Miller NEEDED
Scarnato
Anderson
Tom
Elder Deacon
Men’s Graham Maddy Tom
MARCH 17 Audrey Mark
Team Mike Hall Graham
Nossokoff Hall
Freeze
Barb
Elder
Men’s Kamerer Seth Bob VOLUNTEER
MARCH 24 Becky
Team Steve Heist Kennedy NEEDED
Plymale
Arn
Pete Deacons’
Combined McElhaney Lauren Ben Pete 5th
MARCH 31
Teams Becky McElhaney Huba McElhaney Sunday
Plymale Luncheon
Communion Team – Team C
Newsletter Team in MARCH (for April) – Team C (Bea, Karen, and Shirley)
Sunday morning ride service driver for MARCH - Jim Kamerer (724-724-283-2248)

PULPIT FLOWERS
MARCH 3 MARCH 10 MARCH 17 MARCH 24 MARCH 31
Donated with love in
Donated with love in Donated with love in Donated with love in
honor of
memory of memory of memory of
Erma L. Founty’s
Pam Chaff Catherine Hackenberry LeRoy Daubenspeck Still Available
birthday
by by by
by
Andy Chaff. Barb and Jim Kamerer. Linda Smialowski.
Linda Smialowski.

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

MARCH 3 Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231 Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413
MARCH 10 Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013 Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782
MARCH 17 Lois Minich, 724-283-1875 Volunteer Needed
MARCH 24 Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed
MARCH 31 Anne Miller, 724-282-2072 Volunteer Needed
 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
1 2
9:00am - Hill Quilters 11am - Handbell Ensemble
Practice
11am - AA Meeting

Transfiguration
Sunday
3 Lord’s Supper 4 5 6 7 8 9
Traditional
9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11am - Handbell
10:30am - Worship Rev. Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at Ensemble Practice
Leigh Benish preaching 11:15am - Staff Mtg. Mac’s Café 11:00am - AA Meeting
11:30am - Bell ensemble 7:00pm - Deacons’ Mtg. 9:30am - Willing Workers
11:45am - Memorial Ringers 7:30pm - Ash Wednesday
Practice Community Service at
12:15pm - Women’s Book Covenant Presbyterian
Club

1st Sunday
In Lent
10
9:00am - Lenten Book Study
11 12 13 14 15 16
9:30am - Memorial Ringers 6:45pm - Session Mtg. 9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11am - Handbell
Practice Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at Ensemble Practice
9:30am - Community 11:15am - Staff Mtg. Mac’s Café 11:00am - AA Meeting
Lunches 5-7:00pm - Wednesdays
10:30am - Worship Rev. On The Hill
Leigh Benish Preaching 5:00pm - Community
11:30am - Fellowship Dinner
7:15pm - Choir Practice

2nd Sunday
In Lent
17
9:00am - Lenten Book Study
18 19 20 21 22 23
10:30am - Worship Rev. 5:30pm - Senior Night Out 9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA Meeting
Leigh Benish Preaching Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at 12-4:00pm - Helen Raabe
11:30am - Fellowship Hour 11:15am - Staff Mtg. Mac’s Café Shower
11:45am - Memorial Ringers 11:30am - Betsy 9:30am - Willing Workers
Practice McCormick Circle lunch at 5-7:00pm - Wednesdays
12:00pm - Yarn Group Mac’s Café followed by On The Hill
meeting at 12:30. 7:15pm - Choir Practice
“The Lord bless you
and keep you; 3rd Sunday
In Lent
the Lord make his 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
9:00am - Lenten Book Study 9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA Meeting
face to shine upon 10:30am - Worship Rev. Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
Leigh Benish Preaching 11:15am - Staff Mtg. Mac’s Café
you, and be gracious11:30am - Fellowship Hour 5-7:00pm - Wednesdays
11:45am - Memorial Ringers On The Hill
Practice 7:15pm - Choir Practice
to you; the Lord lift
up his countenance 4th Sunday
In Lent
upon you, 31 Deacons’
5th Sunday
and give you peace.”9:00am - Lenten Book Study
10:30am - Worship Rev.
Leigh Benish Preaching

March 2019
- Numbers 11:30am - Deacons’ 5th
Sunday Luncheon
11:45am - Memorial Ringers
6: 24-26
Practice

Cut out the picture and Bible verse and use it as your bookmark for your Bible for the month of March!