January 2017

Newsletter of The Hill United Presbyterian Church Butler, PA

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
2 Corinthians 5: 17

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

Paula Baptiste, Choir Director

Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell
Director and Organist

Elean Heist, Administrative Assistant

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

30 Shoeboxes for Samaritan Purse Operation Christmas Child!

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.
JANUARY 1, 2017
1st Sunday in Christmastide
Lords Supper - Traditional
Sermon: Overcoming The Letdown
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Isaiah 63: 7-9; Hebrews 2: 9-18
JANUARY 8, 2017
Epiphany Sunday
Sermon: Now That Youve Found Him
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12
JANUARY 15, 2017
Baptism Of The Lord
Sermon: My Chosen One

Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Isaiah 42: 1-9; Matthew 3: 13-17
JANUARY 22, 2017
3rd Sunday After The Epiphany
Sermon: United In Mind And Thought
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31

JANUARY 29, 2017

4th Sunday After The Epiphany
Sermon: Beatitudes I: Blessed? Rejoice? Really?
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Matthew 5: 1-12

Dear Friends in Christ,

To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill
by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified
in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians
1:11-12).
By the time you receive this, no doubt you are thinking about New Years resolutions. When we think
of resolutions, they are usually about our own personal behaviors or habits. Are we watching too much
TV? Eating between meals? Not walking enough? Should we be calling our families more often?
Folks who are employed in the diet or exercise business will tell you January is their busiest month!
(Too bad clergy cant say the same thing)
As Paul opens his second letter to the church at Thessalonica, he is praying that God will help them
fulfill every good resolve and work of faith, so Jesus name will be glorified. We must ask ourselves
have we made resolutions so Jesus name might be glorified? I need to resolve to do better in 2017!
As we close out 2016 and move into the New Year, we can say with confidence that 2017 will be
exciting in the life of our great church. Many issues are before us, and our leadership needs your
prayers and support.
As you know, the Transition Team continues to meet, facilitating the Interim Process. They will be
working with you to hear Gods answer to the following questions:
1. Who has Hill been in this community and the world?
2. What aspects of our past do we want to keep?
3. What might God be calling us to leave behind?
4. Who is God calling us to be in the future?
Part of the Interim process is to consider everything we do, look at it, discuss it, and decide if we need
to change anything. We want to be sure that everything has been addressed before the next pastor
arrives.
If you decide to make any resolutions for 2017, please make two more resolve to be more active in
the life of our church, and resolve that the name of Jesus will be glorified both in your heart and here
at the corner of Second & Brady. Continue to pray for our church, and our leaders. Pray that Gods
will be done here. 2017 stands to be an exciting year for us, as we await Gods intervention in our
lives.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to all the folks who make Hill Church GO. Because of you, the
Body of Christ called Hill Church is alive and well! I praise God for their work, and their ministry,
both to Hill and to me. Keep your leaders in your prayers, as the demands of 2017 will be high!
Finally, my sincere thanks for your continuing support and encouragement. I am honored to serve as
your pastor.
Blessings for the New Year, and always.
In Christ,
Pastor Jim

Session Summary
The following actions were taken at the December 12, 2016 Session meeting.
** Accepted with regret the resignation from Session of Elders Denny
Hawk and Josh Reeger.

WORSHIP
ATTENDANCE
IN NOVEMBER
AND DECEMBER
Sunday
11/6

84

** Approved with regret the removal of Laraine and David McCrea from our
membership rolls per their request.

11/13

93

11/20

91

** Action was taken to remove an additional forty-nine names from the rolls
due to inactivity.
Louise Evans
Clerk of Session

11/27

72

12/4

91

12/11

72

12/18

104

2017 Stewardship Campaign

The Stewardship and Mission Support Committee would like to thank the members of the Hill Church
family of faith for their generous response to our 2017 Stewardship Campaign. A total of 56 Estimate of
Giving Cards were consecrated during our November 13, 2016 Worship service. Since that time an
additional 20 cards have been received bringing the total amount pledged to date to $171,592.50. This
response compares to prior years as follows:
Pledge Year
Number of Pledges
Total Amount Pledged
2017
76
$171,592.50
2016
84
$149,696
2015
98
$180,835
2014
101
$200,624
2013
100
$191,913
It is not too late to participate in our 2017 Stewardship Campaign. A Estimate of Giving Card is
included in this newsletter below. It can be returned in the offering plate or mailed to the church office.
Thank you for honoring God through your support of the ministries and mission of Hill Church. Your
generosity and commitment is deeply appreciated.
The Stewardship and Mission Support Committee

BIBLE READING S FOR JANUARY

2nd - Carol McKinney and Kristi Suchonic

3rd - Danielle Dickey
4th - Amy Muisiner and Herman Bauer
5th - Martha Mager, Kaitlyn Nevel, and Kyle Nevel
7th - Brea Suchonic
8th - Ashley Holmes
9th - Paige Williams
10th - Jane Weichey and Jane Resnick
12th - Shirley Winship
14th - A.J. Pagano
16th - John Mager
17th - Ben Huba, John Sandora, and Timothy Porter
18th - John Minich and Mark Hall,
19th - Doug Hall
21st - Elma Hall
22nd - Barb Graham and Rylie Milanovich
23rd - Seth Heist
24th - Gerry Graham
25th - Clinton Evans and Scott Milanovich
26th - Lori Williams
27th - Piper Wentling
29th - John Gilliland, Jr. and Ryan Meyer
30th - Pam Lentz

Susan (Barber) Catanzarito

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Morning

Evening

Gen. 1, 2, 3
Gen. 4, 5, 6
Gen. 7, 8, 9
Gen. 10, 11, 12
Gen. 13, 14, 15
Gen. 16, 17
Gen. 18, 19
Gen. 20, 21, 22
Gen. 23, 24
Gen. 25, 26
Gen. 27, 28
Gen. 29, 30
Gen. 31, 32
Gen. 33, 34, 35
Gen. 36, 37, 38
Gen. 39, 40
Gen. 41, 42
Gen. 43, 44, 45
Gen. 46, 47, 48
Gen. 49, 50
Ex. 1, 2, 3
Ex. 4, 5, 6
Ex. 7, 8
Ex. 9, 10, 11
Ex. 12, 13
Ex. 14, 15
Ex. 16, 17, 18
Ex. 19, 20
Ex. 21, 22
Ex. 23, 24
Ex. 25, 26

Matt. 1
Matt. 2
Matt. 3
Matt. 4
Matt. 5: 1 - 26
Matt. 5: 27 48
Matt. 6: 1 - 18
Matt. 6: 19 - 34
Matt. 7
Matt. 8: 1 - 17
Matt. 8: 18 - 34
Matt. 9: 1 - 17
Matt. 9: 18 - 38
Matt. 10: 1 - 20
Matt. 10: 21 - 42
Matt. 11
Matt. 12: 1 - 23
Matt. 12: 24 - 50
Matt. 13: 1 - 30
Matt. 13: 31 - 58
Matt. 14: 1 21
Matt. 14: 22 - 36
Matt. 15: 1 - 20
Matt. 15: 21 - 39
Matt. 16
Matt. 17
Matt. 18: 1 - 20
Matt. 18: 21 35
Matt. 19
Matt. 20: 1 - 16
Matt. 20: 17 - 34

Marshall A. Miller

Susan is the moderator of our Board of Deacons.

Marsh is a member of our Christian Education
Susan was born on October 12th here in Butler. She has Committee. He was born on February 2nd (Groundhog
been blessed with one son, Jason, who is 37.
Day) here in Butler. Marsh married Sharon Heist Miller on
Susans favorite memories of Hill Church are the
October 28, 2000.
Christmas dinners and the mother/daughter banquets.
Marsh has been blessed with 5 children, Aaron,
Susan loved the Church being filled with the long tables
Christine, Noelle, Robin, and Glen (who is with our Lord
and the most delicious homemade casseroles and desserts. and Savior in heaven), and 6 grandchildren, Grant, Reese,
Susan is so proud of how the people of our Church
Tucker, Isabella, Julia, and Oliver.
have banded together over the past year to keep our
Marshs favorite memories of Hill Church are walking
Church alive. So many decided to leave but the faithful
his mom, Ida (who celebrated her 99th birthday on June 21st
have remained and continue to work.
this year), home from Church and having her tell him how
Susan has been both an elder and a deacon but likes
many nice and wonderful people go to Hill Church.
being a deacon best. She feels it is very rewarding seeing
The Hill Church ministries that have touched Marshs
the smiles on the faces of our members at home when they heart the most have been going with Pastor Clark and
are visited. The little things we do mean so much for
serving communion to shut-ins, directly helping others
others.
through work camps, community dinners, and the work of
Whats Susans advice for future deacons? Three
the deacons.
years may seem like a long commitment but the rewards
Whats Marshs advice for future elders? Dont be
are worth it. Just jump in and become involved in all our afraid to ask questions and dont hesitate to become an
activities. We need men as well as women, new blood and active member of our Session or our Board of Deacons!
new ideas. You will love it!
5

GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT

Our Task Force recently(11/8/16) sent Christmas cards to the current students and
Catechists in the Bubiashie District. It takes about three weeks to receive.
Some of your recent contributions to the scholarship fund have already been distributed.
I humbly write to acknowledge the receipt of an amount Two Hundred Ghana Cedis from your outfit as a
scholarship beneficiary. I am a second year student of Mepe St. Kizito Senior High Technical School in the Volta
region.
Good bless you.
Attie Hellen
The following e-mail from Catechist Joseph K. Afenya was received on November 30th. He is truly a servant of
God and his Lord, Jesus Christ. Please enjoy his words.
Dear Presbyter Ihlenfeld,
Im most delighted to reach you once again through this medium. Special greetings from the entire congregation of
the E. P. Church, Bubiashie here in Ghana to you and the Hill Presbyterian Church as a whole.
It is undeniable fact that we serve a living God who cares and protects us at all times. Guess what, Ive come to
the end of my active ministry work as a catechist after thirty-two years. Now I had retired on 2nd Oct. 2016. Im
thankful to God for His endless mercy and blessings over my family and the congregation of the E. P. Church
Bubiashie where I served for the past thirty-two years.
Beloved in Christ, another good news is that my grand-daughter Emelia who is one of the beneficiaries of your
educational scholarship scheme has also gained admission to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology which is one of the state universities in Ghana.
Emelia is very grateful to your outfit for seeing her through her secondary education. She promised to work
harder in the university to justify your investment made in her schooling. Myself and my entire household will like to
say more grease to your elbows for the financial assistance being extended to Emelia in particular.
Moreso, ministry work in the Bubiashie E. P. Church is on going without any hindrance. Praise be to God that He
is using church leadership to transform and save many souls for Christ. Our chapel building project is seriously
going on. Currently, we have roofed the building and we are undertaking ceilings and other finishing touches. We hope
to dedicate it to God in the shortest possible months to come.
Please, remember me in prayers for continuous grace from Christ as I sit back and enjoy my retirement. God
bless you all and the entire congregation of the Hill Presbyterian Church. Till I read from you soon. Have a fruitful
Christmas season.

Yours in Christ,
Joseph K. Afenya
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.
In particular Josh has been having difficulty raising money for his position (only $53K of the $83K needed for
2016 and then the same begins again for 2017 if he is to stay in the field). Also for Dr. McWilson Koku Atakro,
the Executive Presbyter for the West Ho Presbytery.

Beginning New Years day, the downstairs nursery will not be staffed. Please use the newly
refurbished Family Room located on the balcony or the nursery for your childcare needs.

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Happy New Year

Word Search

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CONVICTIONS
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DECIDE
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GOAL
HOPE
IMPROVE
MEANING
NEW
POSITIVE
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PURSUIT
REACH
RESIST
SPIRIT
SUCCESS
VOW
YEAR

VOLUNTEERS FOR
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY
1

USHER
TEAM

GREETERS
BEFORE

COUNTING
ELDERS

Ladies Team

Deacon
Gregory Heist

Louise Evans
Janet Edinger

ACOLYTE

FELLOWSHIP
HOUR

Bella Heist

None due to the

New Year holiday

Ben Huba

Anne Miller

BriAnna Reeger

Deacon
Elma Hall

Bryce Hawk

Volunteer Needed

Emily Rogers

Deacons
Fifth Sunday

Tim Moses

JANUARY
8

Ladies Team

Bea Welch
Marsh Miller

JANUARY
15

Mens Team

JANUARY
22

Mens Team

JANUARY
29

Combined
Teams

Pat Brennen

Deacon
Patti
Donaldson
Audrey
Nossokoff

Tom Graham
Alan Milanovich
Diane Olenic
Jack Barkley

Deacon
Elean Heist

Becky Plymale

COMMUNION TEAM Team A

NEWSLETTER TEAM in JANUARY (for February) Team A (The Hoover Family)
VAN DRIVER for JANUARY - Keith Swank (724-282-6546)
PULPIT FLOWERS
JANUARY 1
Donated with love in
memory of
Ruth Cupp
by her family.

JANUARY 8

JANUARY 15

JANUARY 22

JANUARY 29

Available

Donated with love in

memory of
John Mager
by Mr. and Mrs. John
Mager and family.

Available

Available

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 SECTIONBRADY STREET SECTION

PEARL ST. SECTIONOVERFLOW AREA

JANUARY 1

Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231

Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413

JANUARY 8

Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013

Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782

JANUARY 15

Lois Minich, 724-283-1875

Volunteer Needed

JANUARY 22

Dennis Hawk, 724-285-6355

Peg Dumbaugh, 724-789-7331

JANUARY 29

Anne Miller, 724-282-2072

Kim Selfridge, 724-285-9017

Epiphany Sunday

30

23

16

6:45pm - Session Mtg.

Church
Office
Closed

9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

31

9:30-11:00am - Womens
Bible Study

24

9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

12:00pm - Betsy
McCormick Circle at
Macs Caf

17

PWCT Meeting
9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

10

7:00pm - Deacons Mtg.

8:00am - Womens
Fellowship Breakfast at
Macs Caf
1:30pm - Memorial Bells

25

8:00am - Womens
Fellowship Breakfast at
Macs Caf
9:30am - Willing Workers
1:30am - Mary Lou Boyer
Circle
12:30pm - Memorial Bells

18

8:00am - Womens
Fellowship Breakfast at
Macs Caf
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
5:00pm - Community
Dinner

11

8:00am - Womens
Fellowship Breakfast at
Macs Caf

26

19

12

9:30am - Willing Workers

27

20

13

9:00am - Hill Quilters

11:00am - AA Meeting

28

11:00am - AA Meeting

21

11:00am - AA Meeting

14

11am - AA Meeting

MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT

6
7
2
3
4
5

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

9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Deacons 5th
Sunday Fellowship Hour

4th Sunday
After
The Epiphany

29

9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship

22

3rd Sunday
After
The Epiphany

9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship - Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
12:15pm - Yarn Group

15

Baptism Of The
Lord

9:30am - Community
Lunches
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
12:15pm - Womens Book
Club

10:30am - Worship Rev.

James Steiner preaching

New Years Day

1st Sunday in
Christmastide
Lords Supper - by Intinction

SUN