August 2016

Newsletter of The Hill United Presbyterian Church Butler, PA

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13: 16

Rev. James Steiner

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

10:30 A.M.Worship Service
11:30 A.M.Coffee and Fellowship Time in the Fellowship Hall

Elder Louise Evans

David Daugherty, Organist and

Director of Music
Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell
Director and Assistant Organist

Elean Heist, Administrative Assistant

and Financial Secretary
Elean.hillup@zoominternet.net
Lyn Goehring, Treasurer

Pam Lentz, flute, and David Daugherty, piano, duet July 3, 2016

John D. Whittington

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
AUGUST 7, 2016
12th Sunday After Pentecost
Lords Supper - Traditional
Sermon: Even On Those Guys?
Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Acts 10: 28-47

AUGUST 14, 2016
13th Sunday After Pentecost
Sermon: Hindering God?
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Acts 11: 5-17
AUGUST 21, 2016
14th Sunday After Pentecost
Sermon: Saved In The Same Way
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Acts 15: 7-11
AUGUST 28, 2016
15th Sunday After Pentecost
WorshipWithoutWalls
Masonic Shelter, Alameda Park
Sermon: Backwards Thinking?
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Luke 14: 1, 7-14

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that
which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God (Romans
13:1)
Dear Friends in Christ,
This month, I want to talk about Presbyterian Polity, or how we govern ourselves. At Hill
Church, we have two elected bodies the Session (comprised of Ruling Elders) and Deacons.
Here are some definitions, from our Constitution, The Book of Order:
Deacon: The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion,
witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the
hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust
policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute,
exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment
should be chosen for this ministry.
Ruling Elder: Ruling elders are so named not because they lord it over the
congregation (Matthew 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to
discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its
faith and life. Ruling elders, together with [Ministers], exercise leadership, government,
spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a
congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When
elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the Session.
Deacons and Elders are elected by the congregation, but they do not have constituencies.
Our leaders do not represent certain age groups, genders, or geographic areas in their
deliberations, they vote their conscience. On the other hand, as servant leaders, they should
keep their ears open to the opinions and feelings in the congregation. Further, they should be
present and available to those they serve this means participating in the work and worship of
the church.
What about Authority and Responsibility? Our Book of Order is quite clear about who
has, and who does not have authority, and who is responsible for what.

What the Congregation has authority over: Business to be transacted at meetings of the
congregation shall be limited to matters related to the following:
a. electing ruling elders, deacons, and trustees;
b. calling a pastor, co-pastor, or associate pastor;
c. changing existing pastoral relationships, by such means as reviewing the adequacy of and
approving changes to the terms of call of the pastor or pastors, or requesting, consenting to, or
declining to consent to dissolution;
d. buying, mortgaging, or selling real property;
e. requesting the presbytery to grant an exemption as permitted in this Constitution
f. approving a plan for the creation of a joint congregational witness, or amending or
dissolving the joint congregational witness

What about the Pastor? Again, from the Book of Order: The Pastor has certain
responsibilities which are not subject to the authority of the Session. [Regarding] worship, the
pastor is responsible for:
the selection of Scripture lessons to be read
the preparation and preaching of the sermon or exposition of the Word,
the prayers offered on behalf of the people and those prepared for the use of the people in
worship,
the music to be sung (in coordination with the choir director)
the use of drama, dance, and other art forms
Essentially, the Pastor has no authority (or no responsibility) for things outside of worship.
The congregation has limited authority too. So if you add them up, you come to the
conclusion that the Session is responsible for everything else.
So why am I taking the time to go through all this? I hope you are still reading!
As your Pastor, certainly I have opinions, experience, and input, but decisions are made by the
Session, and by the congregation as noted above. And unless the Session specifically decides
to give me authority for something, I dont have it.
Likewise, we are not congregational, nor are we Baptist we are Presbyterian. The
Presbyterian form of government is representative and consultative. Leaders are elected out
of the body, and the membership agrees to submit to the authority of the leaders.
As we move forward through this Interim time, let us be clear regarding who has authority,
and who does NOT. And as Paul reminds us, we are all under the authority of Christ, who is
the Head of the Church.
If we all strive to follow the words of the Apostle, the Body of Christ called Hill Church will
be much healthier.
In Christ,
Pastor Jim

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
IN JUNE AND JULY
Sunday
6/5

73

6/12

85

6/19

92

6/26

81

7/3

91

7/10

85

7/17

64

Come bend, stretch, and build

muscle! At the same time
enjoy the fellowship. Garden
Club will need your help
removing old and tired
shrubbery. Bring your own
work gloves, handsaws, and shovels. The
work date is scheduled for August 18th at
5:00 p.m. The back-up rain date will be
August 25th at 5:00 p.m. Call Pete
McElhaney at 724-282-3509 with any
questions.

Highlights from the 222nd General Assembly (2016), Portland Oregon

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Dear Friends in Christ,
As you know, Hill Church is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We are one of 63 churches
in Beaver-Butler Presbytery. Our Presbytery is one of 16 Presbyteries in the Synod of the
Trinity, which covers Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and a small part of Eastern Ohio. There are
over 9,600 congregations across 171 Presbyteries, and 16 Synods across North America,
including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Every two years, the PC(USA) convenes its General Assembly. This year, it was in Portland,
OR, June 18-15. The General Assembly is made up of commissioners elected by the
Presbyteries half are ministers, half are ruling elders. The General Assembly reviews the work
of the Synods, resolves controversies in the church, is responsible for matters of concern for the
entire church, and serves as a symbol of unity for the church.
Various churches and Presbyteries can submit suggested changes to our Constitution (the Book
of Confessions and The Book of Order) these suggestions are reviewed by Committees at the
General Assembly, and are voted upon by the Commissioners. If they pass, they are sent down
to the 167 Presbyteries for a vote. If a majority agrees, the changes go into our Book of Order.
It takes a 2/3 vote to change a confession.
The General Assembly also will make statements about various challenges facing the nation or
the worldwide Church.
Here are some highlights from Portland, in no particular order:
The Assembly:
Held conversations regarding doing a better job in helping churches find pastors
Continues to help improve relations with the Cuban Church, especially in light of renewed
governmental relations
Officially approved a new Confession, the Belhar Confession
Approved a resolution expressing regret for harm against the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender community, and sorrow to those who have left the church
Approved a new Directory for Worship (part of The Book of Order)
Elected the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson as Stated Clerk, the first black person elected to this
office in a denomination that is 90% white
Defeated a motion directing the Board of Pensions to divest its holdings from companies
involved in fossil fuels
Approved an amendment reversing a 2012 decision, and go back to using the term
Ministers instead of Teaching Elders (must be approved by a majority of the
Presbyteries)
There are probably many more. If you would like more information, let me know.
There is also a letter from our denominational leaders elsewhere in this newsletter.

PC(USA) leaders issue post-General Assembly letter to the church

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under
heaven (Ecclesiastes 3)
JUNE 25, 2016

PORTLAND, OR
Brothers and sisters in Christ, there is a new season in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as
witnessed by the actions of the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The body of 594 commissioners
who gathered June 18-25 in Portland, Oregon, elected Co-Moderators Denise Anderson and Jan
Edmiston, and J. Herbert Nelson as the Stated Clerk. Both were historic, and both signal a new way
forward for our church.
The business decisions made by the body also were transformative for the 1,572,660 members and
9,642 churches of the PC(USA). The work wasnt easy, and involved careful deliberations.
Collectively, the body acted on nearly 100 overtures by discerning the will of Christ.
Among other things, we now have a new addition to our Book of Confessions the Confession of
Belhar. It is the first of our confessions that comes from the global south. And, the PC(USA) has a
new Directory for Worship; and Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures.
God is truly guiding us to be more faithful and just to all of Gods creations.
Much discussion has been taking place around the identity and purpose of the denomination, and this
week the assembly voted to create a 12-member Way Forward Commission to study and identify a
vision for the structure and function of the General Assembly agencies of the PC(USA), and a 15member 2020 Vision Team to develop a guiding statement for the denomination and make a plan
for its implementation.
To quote Stated Clerk-elect J. Herbert Nelson, We are not dead ... we are alive, we are reforming
and we are transforming this world, one person at a time.
Looking outward, the assembly voted to engage in selective, phased divestment from fossil-fuel
companies through the PC(USA)s Mission Responsibility Through Investment committee, and reaffirmed a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine.
Please know this is only a snapshot of the actions taken, and just a glimpse at where God is leading
this denomination. Complete business actions can be viewed at www.pc-biz.org.
We are, brothers and sisters, in a new season. Its exciting, but also a little scary. Yet in the midst of
it all, take comfort that God is still guiding and controlling all and we need not fear. God is calling
us to hope, and to God be the glory!
The Reverend Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
The Reverend Denise Anderson and the Reverend Jan Edmiston, Co-Moderators of the 222nd
General Assembly (2016)
Ruling Elder Tony De La Rosa, Interim Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

BIBLE READING S FOR AUGUST

2nd - David Jacox, Jr.

3rd - Lorri Jacox Sheakley
5th - Nancy Birckbichler and Mason Brewster
6th - Lydia Osniak
7th - Catherine Abel
8th - Nancy Daugherty
9th - Jim Kamerer
10th - Thomas McGrath
11th - Matthew Reimhold
12th - Patricia McCafferty
14th - Brenda Jacox
16th - Ian Thompson
18th - Pam Barkus, Jesse Raabe, and Robert Scott
19th - John Miller, IV
20th - Michael McElhaney
21st - Alan Ruffel and David Jacox, Sr.
22nd - Emily Lyons, Kim Arn, Nick Jacox , and
Nicholas Slomer
23rd - Hallie Fagan and Beth Milanovich
24th - Ruby Waggoner
25th - Beatrice Faux
26th - Robert Cupp, Robert Graham, and Tyler Pesci
29th - Josh Duman
30th - Dawn Hirsch, Benjamin Mikan, and
Jonathon Rogerson
31st - Staci McNeish and Jeffrey Miller

Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Morning
Ps. 57, 58, 59
Ps. 60, 61, 62
Ps. 63, 64, 65
Ps. 66, 67
Ps. 68,69
Ps. 70, 71
Ps. 72, 73
Ps. 74, 75, 76
Ps. 77, 78
Ps. 79, 80
Ps. 81, 82, 83
Ps. 84, 85, 86
Ps. 87, 88
Ps. 89, 90
Ps. 91, 92, 93
Ps. 94, 95, 96
Ps. 97, 98, 99
Ps. 100, 101, 102
Ps. 103, 104
Ps. 105, 106
Ps. 107, 108, 109
Ps. 110, 111, 112
Ps. 113, 114, 115
Ps. 116, 117, 118
Ps. 119: 1-88
Ps. 119: 89-176
Ps. 120, 121, 122
Ps. 123, 124, 125
Ps. 126, 127, 128
Ps. 129, 130, 131
Ps. 132, 133, 134

Evening
Rom. 4
Rom. 5
Rom. 6
Rom. 7
Rom. 8: 1-21
Rom. 8: 22-39
Rom. 9: 1-15
Rom. 9: 16-33
Rom. 10
Rom. 11: 1-18
Rom. 11: 19-36
Rom. 12
Rom. 13
Rom. 14
Rom. 15: 1-13
Rom. 15: 14-33
Rom. 16
I. Co. 1
I. Co. 2
I. Co. 3
I. Co. 4
I. Co. 5
I. Co. 6
I. Co. 7: 1-19
I. Co. 7: 20-40
I. Co. 8
I. Co. 9
I. Co. 10: 1-18
I. Co. 10: 19-33
I. Co. 11: 1-16
I. Co. 11: 17-34

Christian Education Committee

Wednesdays On The Hill Fall Programs

This fall we are trying something new! The Christian Education Committee in an effort to think outside the box, is
busy planning a new schedule. We have been reading articles, speaking with our session, members of our
congregation, resource people at our Presbytery office, and praying for Gods guidance as we go in a new direction.
We have discovered that many churches have seen a serious decline in Sunday School attendance on Sunday
mornings. In order to continue to reach children and adults with Gods word for their lives, we are moving our Sunday
morning programs to Wednesday evenings.
Wednesdays on the Hill will include our Kids Club, David Daugherty will offer Choir and Bells for children,
programs for our youth through senior highs, and Pastor Jim Steiner will be teaching an adult class.
The fall schedule is set to begin on September 7, 2016. We will have more information on each of these programs in
August. If you have questions, please speak with any member of our committee. We ask for the congregations
prayers as we make these changes.
Nancy Daugherty, Laraine McCrea, Marsh Miller, Steve Arn
COME JOIN OUR FAMILY OF FAITH,
invite a guest or two, and give thanks and worship our Lord in the beauty of His creation
during our annual Worship Without Walls service on Sunday, August 28th at the
Masonic Shelter at Alameda Park (the large shelter beside the big, purple playground).
The Praise Team will lead us in song and our annual Church picnic will immediately follow
worship. The Nurture Committee asks that you bring a salad or side dish to serve at least
10 people. The committee will provide hot dogs with a choice of toppings, desserts, and
drinks. Contact the Worship Committee for more information or to volunteer to help.

GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT

We will participate in a church service on September 11, 2016. We will be taking up a special loose
change offering. Please keep saving your small bills and coins in a jar, or a cigar box, or a cool-whip tub
and bring them to church on September 11th so we can all participate in this special offering of
generosity. Our task force is praying to be greatly amazed by your couple of dollars or your hundreds of
dollars.
Again, the following letters represent the main reason our task force works as we do. We cannot do our
work without your heart for mission.
Hi Sir,

Joana Kpelly is my name and am 17 years old. I am a student of Mawuli Senior High School and in
my final year studying business. My family is made up of seven including my parents and I happen to be
the third born of my parents. I stay with my parents at Kasoa in the Greater Accra Region.
The reason for writing this letter is to say thank you for the support you are giving me through your
scholarship, I am very grateful. I also pray for Gods blessing upon the life of every member in support of
the scholarship and pray God strengthen so you will continue to support.
Thank You
Hi Sir,
Abigail Kpelly is my name, a student of Accra Polytechnic and in my second year studying Fashion
Design. My family is made up of seven and I happen to be the first born of my parents. I stay at Kasoa in
the Greater Accra Region with my parents.
I am writing this letter to say thank you for the support you are giving me through your scholarship in
order for me to pay my fees. I pray for the blessing of God for all members in support of the scholarship
and I also pray for long life so you can live long and continue to support me and my other members in the
church.
Thank You.
As a side note, the father is named John. He is a tailor by trade and does excellent work. I have
some shirts he made. Sadly, in March 2013, his shop burned to the ground and now three years later John
still struggles to pay for replaced equipment to continue his business.
PRAYER CONCERNS CONTINUE
Please continue to keep the Bubiashie Church, Bernard Daddy, chairperson of the Bubiashie
Scholarship Committee, as well as the students, and Joshua Heikkila, the West Africa Liaison for the PC
(USA), in your prayers. Also for Dr. McWilson Koku Atakro, the Executive Presbyter for the West Ho
Presbytery. Please keep John Kpelly in your prayers for continuing recovery of his business.

The next newsletter deadline is

AUGUST 15, 2016!

The Presbyterian Womens Fall Retreat will once again be at Camp Kon-O-Kwee, near Zelienople. The
dates are September 16 - 17th. The cost for Friday evening and Saturday is $25 and for Saturday only is
$10. The theme for the retreat is Compassion.
Womens Thank Offering Sunday will be held on September 25th.
The Church World Service Mission Trip will be October 3 - 5th this year. The cost is $225 which includes
the cost of the bus, meals and rooms at New Windsor, and the meal on the way to New Windsor. You dont
need to be active in Presbyterian Womens groups to go on the mission trip. You are welcome to participate!
More information about these events will be included in future bulletins and newsletters. Contact Bea
Welch (724-482-4834) if you have an interest in any of these events.

Docs Clef Notes

I hope everyone has been enjoying their Summer. Its hard to believe that
August is here and in a very short time the new program year will begin.
Im excited about some changes that are coming this fall. Kids Club is going to be extended to twelve weeks with a new format and a new name. The
music sessions available to the children will include a handchime class as
well as a singing choir. Our big music project for the Fall session will be a
Christmas musical Angels, Lambs, Ladybugs & Fireflies with a performance date of December 4, 2016 which is the second Sunday of Advent.

The Chancel Choir is going to try out a new rehearsal time beginning Sunday, September 18, 2016. Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 AM and run till 10:00 AM. Well take a break and have a continental breakfast available (coffee, tea, donuts, etc.) then robe and sing for worship at 10:30 AM.
Memorial Bells directed by Nancy Slezak will begin rehearsal on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM in
the bell room and play for worship on Sunday, September 11, 2016.
Look for more detailed information about the music program in your September newsletter.
Blessings,
David

VOLUNTEERS FOR
AUGUST 2016

AUGUST
7

USHER
TEAM

GREETER
BEFORE

Ladies
Team

Elean Heist

COUNTING
ELDERS

NURSERY

ACOLYTE

COFFEE
HOUR

Carol Gadsby

BriAnna
Reeger

Volunteer
Needed

Pat Brennen

Bryce Hawk

Volunteer
Needed

Jim Kamerer

Emily
Rogers

Deacons

Josh Reeger
Bob Kennedy
Nancy
Daugherty

AUGUST
14

Bob Scotts
Team

Bea Welch

AUGUST
21

Junior
Team

Mary Beth
McQuistion

AUGUST
28

Jack
Montags
Team

Worship
Without Walls

Diane Olenic
Carolyn Street
Janet Edinger
Pat Brennen

Worship Without Walls

Louise Evans

COMMUNION TEAM Team B

NEWSLETTER TEAM in AUGUST (for September Newsletter) Team B
(Willing Workers)
VAN DRIVER for AUGUST - Chad Provident (724-256-5908)
PULPIT FLOWERS
AUGUST 7

AUGUST 14

AUGUST 21

AUGUST 28

Donated in loving
memory of
James Shultz
by Karen Shultz
and family.

Donated in loving
memory of
Jean Anderson
by John Anderson and
family.

Donated in loving memory

of friends and family who
have passed
by Susan Catanzarito.

None Due to Worship

Without Walls

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 welcome visitors,
encourage them to sign the guest registry, and invite them to Fellowship Hour on Sunday.
MIDDLE SECTIONBRADY STREET SECTION

PEARL ST. SECTIONOVERFLOW AREA

AUGUST 7

Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231

Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413

AUGUST 14

Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013

Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782

AUGUST 21

Lois Minich, 724-283-1875

Volunteer Needed

AUGUST 28

Dennis Hawk, 724-285-6355

Peg Dumbaugh, 724-789-7331

12th Sunday
After Pentecost
Lords
Supper - Traditional

14th Sunday
After
Pentecost

29

22

15

6:45pm - Session Mtg.

MON

30

23

16

10:00am - Betsy
McCormick Circle
Cleaning Party followed
by lunch and fellowship

7:00pm - Deacons Mtg

7:00pm - Ghana Task
Force Mtg.

TUES

31

24

17

9:30am - Willing Workers

12:30pm - Mary Lou
Boyer Circle

25
7:00pm - Memorial Bells

18
7:00pm - Memorial Bells

11

9:30am - Willing Workers

THUR
3
4

10

5:00pm - Community
Dinner

WED

26

19

12

9:00am - Hill Quilters

FRI

27
11:00am - AA Meeting

20
11:00am - AA Meeting

13

11:00am - AA Meeting

11am - AA Meeting

SAT

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

15th Sunday
After
Pentecost
10:30am - Worship Without
Walls at Alameda Park,
Masonic Shelter, followed
by Church wide picnic

10:30am - Worship Rev.

James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship

Teacher, which
commandment in the law is
the greatest? He said to
him, You shall love the 21
Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your
soul, and with all your
mind. This is the greatest
and first commandment.
And a second is like it: You
shall love your neighbor as 28
yourself. On these two
commandments hang all the
law and the prophets.
Matthew 22: 36-40

9:15am - Community
Lunches
10:30am - Worship - Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship

14

13th Sunday
After Pentecost

10:30am - Worship Rev.

James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship

SUN