August

September
2016

Celebrating the Ministry of Faith United Presbyterian Church

218 W Pennsylvania Ave, Pen Argyl, PA 18072 ~~ 610 -863-4447
fupcoffice@gmail.com ~~ www.faithupc.net

Well, here we are, inching toward the end of another

summer. Its hard to believe that it is August already!
For most of us, the summer months never seem to last
quite long enough--especially students on break from
classes or those who enjoy long walks on the beach
during vacation.
Of course, life was never meant to be lived in fast
forward without pausing for times of refreshment and
relaxation. And I believe it is important to find a way
somehow to take a break when you can. Even Jesus
himself took time to get away from the people for rest
and fellowship with God. So, it would seem this would
be an example we should follow.

As we enter into a new church year this fall, we are

excited about what God is doing at Faith United this
summer, as well as the things he will be doing in the
months ahead as we become willing vessels in his
hands.
God is faithful! And I believe his faithfulness is not
only for our benefit, but also serves as our witness to
the world concerning the difference faith makes in life.
Through all seasons, Faith Church is here to serve and
meet the needs of our congregation and community.
We trust God will continue to richly bless us as we
work to share Gods blessings with others.
Faithfully,

Rev. Ruth Ann

With that said, I have to tell you that most ministers look
forward to summer being over! You might ask why that
is the case. After all, we are on a more limited schedule
that allows more free time for leisure activities. But the
reality is that many people go away at various times
throughout the summer and that includes Sunday
morning--and we miss seeing our people in Worship.
Not only is their presence missed but finances become a
bit more interesting because people arent there to
contribute in their usual way. So, we would like to
encourage each and every one to continue in faithful
support of our church both prayerfully and financially
during these months.

Worship Service & Church School (Ages 4 - 10) 10:00 am

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Hands of faith

The menu for the August Hospitality Lunch will be

assorted sandwiches: Egg salad, Tuna Salad and Chicken
Salad. The side dishes will be Pickled Beets, Chips and
cut Melon for dessert.
For September the menu is looking like a feast - Pork and
Sauerkraut, Potatoes, Applesauce! When you finish the
feast we will serve you some sweets: Jell-O with
Whipped Cream.

children
of faith
Its hard to believe August is here. September is right
around the corner and the beginning of a new Church
School year is fast approaching. To celebrate the start
this year we are having a hot dog roast for everyone
following the Worship Service on Sept. 11. So mark
your calendars, enjoy the rest of summer and we will
see you in September.

Mark your calendars for these wonderful lunches and

come join Faiths dedicated group of people for our
monthly outreach program.
Remember - there is never a fee and the fellowship is
unbeatable!

blueberry
festival
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for August 20, 4 to 7
p.m., for our 2nd Annual Blueberry Festival.
This year, we will have real Blueberry Pies. Weve also
added Cheesesteaks and Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
to the menu. The popular Chicken & Berry Salad will
return this year as well as a host of yummy Blueberry
Desserts.
So come on out and join us for a delicious treat for your
taste buds!

SEPTEMBER 22, 2016, is

the first day of fall!

apple festival

Its a little early to be talking about the Apple Festival,

but this will be the last newsletter before our Apple
Festival on October 1, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The summer
will be winding down and we will be looking forward
to some fall fun and food in October. Once again we
will be having all the fall favorites. Watch your
bulletins as the time gets closer. As always, we will be
asking for Apple Pies, so please mark your calendar
and make a special note to make your favorite Apple
Pie!
Wednesday, September 14, 2016,
Faith will begin its weekly Bible
Study. Our class will be held from
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Social
Hall. We will be studying the
Books of Jonah and Nahum.
All are welcome! Please let Pastor Ruth Ann know if
you plan to attend so there will materials for everyone.

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MOTHERS DAY/
FATHERS DAY SERVICE
At our Mothers Day service three of our members were
asked to share some of the special memories and good
times they had with their Mother. This may have include
Grandmother, Step-mother, or any other family member
who played a role in their early family life. Their stories
were very touching and full of examples of a Mothers
love for her children. Many thanks to those who shared
parts of their private life with us.

Frank Brooks

Mary Detrick and Jessica Kragh

On Fathers day the drama team presented a story of two

sisters talking to a Carpenter about the fun times they
had with Dad. Their conversation made them realize that
they never thanked their Dad for the times he spent with
them and never told him that they loved him. They
realized it was not too late. They had a little catching up
to do, and would start doing it now. Many thanks to
those who shared in this service.
The message from the pulpit that morning gave a
comparison of our parents to our Father in heaven. Both
fill our needs, both love us, and both will provide a
home for us now and through eternity.
May 29, 2016, we celebrated
the Baptism of Caden Thomas
Weil. Caden is the son of Jodi
Denson and Jeff Weil. Caden
was born September 23, 2015.

WELCOME TO THIS MINISTRY

On May 29, 2016, we
welcomed into our
Family of Faith
Jodi Denson & Jeff Weil.

the HOLY SPIRIT 500!

And the WINNERS are...

The Racers - L to R: Alyson Mucha, Makayla

Pickens, Colby Kiefer, Gavin Kiefer, Ethan Stout,
Megan Kragh and Ainsley Mucha

The Judges - Cindy Smith and Pat Zavacky

The RACE took place in the Social Hall on Sunday,
June 12. All the kids made their own cars that were
powered by wind alone! The cars were unbelievable!
The technology and how they were decorated made it
difficult for the judges to pick the winners!
We would like to thank everyone who participated in
this fun event! Especially the RACERS!
The kids had a great time and the congregation
enjoyed it even more than the kids!

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strawberry
festival
The annual Strawberry Festival was held June 18. The
Festival Committee would like to thank everyone who
helped in any way to make this Festival a great success.
There is a host of folks that did a wonderful job: pickers,
cleaners, servers and, most of all, those who donated
items for sale! The above picture is just an example of the
Strawberry Piesthey were delicious! This pie pictured
was made by our own Cheryl Reesman. This year we hit
our all-time high profit of $1018.00. We topped last
years profit by 25!

FAITHS 2016 GRADuATES

L to R: Alex Tobias, Mark Newman, Dianne Newman and

Katie Shippers. Missing from photo: Gavin DeBoer and
Kelsey DiBilio.
Sunday June 19, 2016, Faith Church recognized this
years graduates. They each received a Book of Faith.
There were graduates from High School, College and
Masters degrees. Job well done!

Congratulations!

Kirkwood Camp News: Faith Church sponsored 3 of

our kids that attended Camp Kirkwood this past
summer. They were Jake Pultz, George Pultz and
Megan Kragh. Below are comments from each of the
campers.
George: The best part of camp was when we
worshiped because it made me feel more connected
with Jesus.
Jake: I thought it was so fun! I love all the activities
and worship services.
Megan: The best thing about camp was the camp out
at night seeing the stars and the campfires. I kept a
journal and took notes on the Bible Lessons.

Left to right: Justin Nixon, George Pultz, Jake Pultz,

Carter DeBoer, Kaitlin Nixon and Alex Lambert.
On July 10, 2016, six
young people received
the Rite of Confirmation.
We welcomed to the
family of Faith: Justin,
George, Jake, Carter,
Kaitlin, and Alex!

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QUILTERS of faith
Faith Quilters once again had great success at the
2016 Plainfield Farmers Fair. Four quilts were
entered a red embroidered quilt, a purple
embroidered quilt, an embroidered carriage robe,
and a pieced carriage robe pieced by Ruth
Breidinger and all four quilts won 1st Place Blue
Ribbons!
Individual members of the group also had great
success: Gail Keyes won a 1st Place Blue Ribbon,
a 2nd Place Ribbon, and a 4th Place Ribbon on quilts
that she entered; Jane Ruggiero won a 3rd Place
Ribbon on a quilt, and a 1st Place Blue Ribbon for a
knitted sweater and hat set; Jerry Roth won a 1st
Place Blue Ribbon for a quilted lap robe, and Gert
Roth won a 1st Place Blue Ribbon and Best-inShow Runner Up for a large counted cross stitch
picture and a 1st Place Blue Ribbon on a counted
cross stitch towel.
Dont forget to check out Faith Quilters Blue
Ribbon winners on display downstairs, all of which
are available for purchase. If you or someone you
know is interested in buying a quilt, contact Gail
Keyes (610-381-5314) or Jerry Roth (610-7595556).
After a few months off, Faith Quilters will resume
meeting on September 6 at 1:00 p.m.

On Sunday, July 24, 2016, we were treated to the

musical talents of Jacob and Mitchell Roth. They are
the grandsons of Gert and Jerry Roth. Jacob played the
organ and Mitchell played the trumpet. They are so
professional you would never think they are young
people. We wish we could have them more often!

The following quote is from Baseball Legend

and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame,
Dizzy Dean:
If you done it, it aint bragging.
But Jesus said, Be Humble.
Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean
also known as Jerome Herman Dean
1910 - 1974

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Seeds of Faith Bible Study

BIBLE STUDY
I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things
which have been secret from the foundation of the
world. Matthew 5:13
THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE
PUBLICAN, LUKE 18: 9-14
Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in
themselves that they were righteous and despised
others: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one
a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee
stood and prayed about himself, God, I thank thee that
I am not like other men robbers, evildoers, adulterers,
or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give
tithes of all that I get., but the tax collector, standing
far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but
beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a
sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts
himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself
will be exalted."
Meditation: What did Jesus wish to tell his hearers in
the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector? Luke
gives us a hint: Jesus warns us about the danger of
despising others. Contempt is more than being meanminded. It springs from the assumption that one is
qualified to sit in the seat of judgment and to ascertain
who is good and just. Jesus' story caused offense for
those who regarded "tax collectors" as unworthy of
God's grace and favor. How could Jesus put down a
"religious leader" and rise up a "public sinner"? Jesus'
parable speaks about the nature of prayer and our

relationship with God. It does this by contrasting two

very different attitudes towards prayer. The Pharisee,
who represented those who take pride in their religious
practices, exalted himself at the expense of others, he
mainly prayed with himself. His prayer consisted of
prideful boasts of what he did and of disdain for those
he despised. The Pharisee tried to justify himself; but
only God can justify. The tax collector, who
represented those despised by religious people,
humbled himself before God and begged for
mercy. His prayer was heard by God because he had
remorse for his sins. He sought God with humility
rather than with pride. This parable presents both an
opportunity and a warning. Pride leads to illusion and
self-deception. Humility helps us to see ourselves as we
really are and it inclines us to God's grace and
mercy. God dwells with the humble of heart who
recognize their own sinfulness and who acknowledge
God's mercy and saving grace. God cannot hear us if
we despise others.

Awesome Bible Passage

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things
to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any
other created thing, will be able to separate us from the
love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

SEEDS OF FAITH PRAYER

Lord, may your love control my thoughts and actions
that I may do what is pleasing to you. Show me where
I lack charity, mercy, and forgiveness toward my
neighbor. And help me to be generous in giving to
others what you have so generously given to me.

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August
02 Kelly DeBoer
07 Sandy Gerstenberg
08 Robert Pickens
09 Cheryl Reesman
10 Brody Riback
11 Betty Powell
15 Megan Pultz
17 Marilee Kresge
20 Benjamin Schiable
27 Rosemary Sentelik
29 Willis Brown
Angela Brooks
31 Jessica Campbell

September
03 Susan Antonioli
05 Patricia Shafer
06 Kayla Pickens
08 Debbie Leh
09 Beverly Valletta
10 Janet Dietrich
Rachel Lee Danner
Richard Salch
12 Peter Gheller
13 Frank Brooks
14 Garrett DeBoer
15 George Pultz
16 Georgie Pultz
17 Harrison Buchanan
20 Nona Wilson
Makayla Pickens
21 Joyce Lambert
Charles Spink
23 Caden Thomas Weil
June Wismer
24 Emily Arner
29 Lauvon Pensyl
30 Cindy Smith

Agnes Anderson
Anita Amy
Ruth Breidinger
Willis Brown
Mary Hontz
Helen Potts

Betty Powell
Richard (Dick) Snyder
Marjorie Williams
June Wismer
Our Country
Our Troops

FAITHS KITCHEn COunTER

MInI SMORES
2 cups dark or milk chocolate chips
cup heavy whipping cream
1 pkg. (14.4 oz.) whole graham crackers, quartered
1 cup marshmallow crme
2 cartons (7 oz. each) milk chocolate for dipping
(found in the candy making section of store)
4 oz. white candy coating, melted, optional
1. Place chocolate chips in a bowl. In a saucepan,
bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate;
whisk until smooth. Cool to room temperature or
until mixture reaches a spreading consistency,
about 10 minutes.
2. Spread chocolate mixture over half of the graham crackers. Spread marshmallow crme over
remaining crackers; place over chocolate-covered
crackers, pressing to adhere.
3. Melt dipping chocolate according to package
directions. Dip each smore halfway; allow excess
to drip off. Place on wax paper-lined baking
sheets; let stand until dipping chocolate is set.
4. If desired, drizzle tops with melted candy coating; let stand to set. Store in an airtight container
in the refrigerator.
Shared by Pat Zavacky

Page 8

Faith Family News

Kelsey DiBilio, daughter of Jessica
Kragh and granddaughter of Leo
and Susan Antonioli, was very
beautiful in her pretty red dress
going to her Senior Prom. Kelsey
graduated from Easton High School
in June 2016.
After 3 years of living in North Pole, Alaska, Alison
Reesman-Brown and her husband Captain Kyle Brown
are returning to the lower 48 states. They will be
touring parts of Western Canada and the Western
United States on their way to their new assignment in
Fort Knox, KY. They plan to be in Kentucky by the
beginning of August. We will include their new address
in the next newsletter.
We are saddened by the death of Arthur (Pete) Frey.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
We are also saddened by the death of Gail Long. Gail
passed away on July 21, 2016. Our prayers go out to
her family, especially to Jim, her loving husband. Gail
will be missed at Faith Church; she was very faithful
helping Jim keep the lawns well kept.
Jacob Roth, son of Michael and Jennifer Roth and
grandson of Jerry and Gert Roth, and the late Catharine
Roth, had another successful year at the 2016 Plainfield
Farmers Fair. He won a 1st Place Blue Ribbon on a
Chinese Checkers Game Board and 2nd Place Ribbon
for a Back Pack that was a sewing project.
Mitchell Roth, son of Michael and Jennifer Roth and
grandson of Jerry and Gert Roth, and the late Catharine
Roth, also had success at the 2016 Plainfield Farmers
Fair. He won his first Blue Ribbon on a pen and ink
drawing, a 2nd Place Ribbon for a colored pencil
drawing, and a 3rd Place Ribbon for a Lego item.
Richard (Dick) Snyder is now residing at East Allen
Manor Care Room #305, North 17th Street, Allentown,
PA

OUR GIFTS ARE FOR ENCOURAGING

Help us, Lord, to see ourselves
Through your loving eyes,
To see what you see in us
And to come to realize
That everything that we possess
Comes directly from you.
The gifts, the talents you've placed within
Are there for us to use
To reach with hope to those that hurt,
To those who've lost their way.
It's your gifts, Lord, they're not our own,
So take them, Lord, we pray
And use them for your glory,
So others may be blessed
And have their spirits lifted
And their souls also refreshed
So they can then be challenged
To seek more after you,
To be much more empowered
For whatever they may do.
For each of us have talents
That God has placed within
So we can encourage others
To have a closer walk with Him.
And as we encourage another,
We can be encouraged ourselves,
For there needs to be a continual flow
And a continual pouring out,
And as we do this, we will find
Insecurities will disappear
And well be strengthened in His love
To overcome our fears.
By M.S.Lowndes