December 2018

Newsletter of The Hill United Presbyterian Church Butler, PA

She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21

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

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

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.
DECEMBER 2, 2018
1st Sunday of Advent; Lord’s Supper - Traditional

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 65: 1-8; Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11

DECEMBER 9, 2018
2nd Sunday of Advent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 42: 1-8; Isaiah 40: 1-8

DECEMBER 16, 2018
3rd Sunday of Advent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Isaiah 12: 2-6; Isaiah 51: 4-11

DECEMBER 23, 2018
4th Sunday of Advent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Luke 1: 46-55; Isaiah 11: 1-10

DECEMBER 24, 2018
Christmas Eve

Rev. Leigh Benish

4:00 P.M. - “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” Party - Family Friendly in the Fellowship Hall with carol singing,
a Christmas story, candle lighting, and birthday cake.

7:30 P.M. - Musical Preludes

8:00 P.M. - Traditional Candle-Lighting Service with Chancel Choir singing, a time with the children,
and the Word proclaimed.
DECEMBER 30, 2018
1st Sunday After Christmas

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 148; Luke 2: 22-40

 When God began to create the heavens and the earth…..God saw
everything he had made: it was supremely good. – Genesis 1:1, 31, CEB

The Rev. Katie Z. Dawson, lead pastor at Immanuel United Methodist

Church in Des Moines, Iowa, wrote a wonderful Advent devotional last
year. “All Earth is Waiting: Devotions for the Season” looks at Advent
through the lens of creation care, and explores the reconciliation of heaven and earth in the
coming of Christ.

Katie grew up on a farm in Eastern Iowa. Her father is still a farmer. (Her father also
happens to be my mom’s cousin, but that’s neither here nor there). Katie has a deep love
for the earth. Although she now lives in an urban area, she still takes the time to tend a
beautiful garden. She shares a bit about how her gardening knowledge has grown:

A garden doesn’t thrive just because you fill it with good things. You have to
carefully plan the role every fruit, vegetable, and herb has in the space. Not
every plant is a good neighbor, and sometimes their interactions can be harmful.
I have to consider carefully how those many good things can benefit one
another. Last season, I planted pumpkins in the middle of my summer squash
and zucchini. But they competed too much for the same resources, and the
pumpkins won. I created a large border of marigolds, both for the visual impact
and to keep the bugs and rabbit away. But I learned, too late, that beans do not
make good companions for marigolds and despite being protected from the
rabbits, they failed to grow.

When God created the world, everything was created with intention. From the smallest
atom to the largest sea, each thing was planned. The intricacy of each living organism is
proof enough for me; none of this could happen by accident.

The incarnation, too, was carried out with a plan. God chose to come to us, as one of us, to
save us. Mary was deliberately chosen to be a holy vessel, a devoted mother. Joseph was
chosen to be a caring father. The date, the location, the situation – all happened according
to God’s plan. And what a fantastic plan that was.

In the same way, we were each created with and for a purpose. When God made each one
of us, once again it was said, “it is supremely good.” You are supremely good.

As you celebrate this Advent season – the anticipation, the preparation, and the celebration
– remember this: you are God’s good creation. Not only do we commemorate the first
coming of Christ and look forward to the second, but we also take a moment to appreciate
God’s good creation. I’d encourage you to take some quiet time and be mindful. Look at
the lights. Feel the breeze. Watch the clouds move through the sky. Enjoy delicious food.
Laugh with friends. Give thanks for God’s creation. For it is supremely good.

Peace-
Pastor Leigh 3
 FULL DREAM AHEAD IN FAITH!
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank the members of
the Hill Church family of faith for their generous response to our
Stewardship Campaign. As of November 28, 2018 a total of 56
Estimate of Giving Cards, pledging $154,558 have been received.
This puts us at about 89.16% of last year’s total of $173,356.

It is not too late to participate in the current Stewardship Campaign. An Estimate of

Giving Card is included in this newsletter. 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.

E S T I M AT E O F G I V I N G C A R D
Because of God’s great love and grace for me/us, I/we wish to help share Name _____________________________________________________
his love throughout the year with my/our ongoing financial support of
the mission and ministries of Hill Church. To help fulfill our ministry Address ___________________________________________________
opportunities in the coming year (2019), I/we hope to give:
City ____________________________________ Zip_______________
$ _________ per WEEK, totaling $___________ for the Year
Telephone
$ _________ per MONTH, totaling $___________ for the Year
__________________________________________________
$ _________ per _______, totaling $___________ for the Year
Signature _________________________________Date _____________
In addition, to personally serve God through the ministry opportunities
Note: Please remember that you may change your estimate of giving at
of the church in the coming year, I/we hope to give ______ hours of my/
any time by notifying the Financial Secretary.
our time ___ weekly or ___ monthly in support of the following
ministries __________________________________________________
Directions: Please complete this Estimate of Giving Card, and bring it
with you to worship and place it in the offering plate or turn it in to the
_____ I/we commit to support the church in prayer; however, at the church office.
present time, I/we cannot commit to give financially or of my/our time
on a regular basis.

NEWS FROM GHANA

In early November, our treasurer, Lyn, transferred just less than $6,400 to the Bubiashie
scholarship committee. Bernard Daddy and his committee are in the process of distributing
applications for the next batch of awards. Thank you to each person who designated some extra
giving for this mission project. Our Ghana committee also sent Christmas cards to 70 students who had received
awards this past year just as a way of keeping in touch.

The scholarship awardees have their sights set on some interesting and promising careers all for a better future for
themselves and for Ghana. Ten of these girls are in science and technology, three are in the medical field, and one
student is studying theology. The others are in liberal education fields or undecided at this point. Education is the
keystone to moving their lives forward. Thanks be to God for their recognition and motivation to seek a better life.

PRAYER CONCERNS CONTINUE

Please continue to keep the Bubiashie District Churchs, 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 and Moderator for the West Volta
Presbytery.

The next newsletter deadline is

DECEMBER 15, 2018!
6
 BIBLE READING S
FOR DECEMBER
Morning Evening
1 Ezek. 40, 41 II Pet. 3
2 Ezek. 42, 43, 44 I John 1
3 Ezek. 45, 46 I John 2
4 Ezek. 47, 48 I John 3
1st - Violet Miller, Joan Gregg and 5 Dan. 1, 2 I John 4
6 Dan. 3, 4 I John 5
Cheryl King 7 Dan. 5, 6, 7 II John
8 Dan. 8, 9, 10 III John
2nd - Shirley Brown 9 Dan. 11, 12 Jude
4th - Becky Bayne 10 Hos. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 1
11 Hos. 5, 6, 7, 8 Rev. 2
5th - Ashley Jacox 12 Hos. 9, 10, 11 Rev. 3
8th - Judy Birch 13
14
Hos. 12, 13, 14
Joel 1, 2, 3
Rev. 4
Rev. 5
9th - Elizabeth Graham 15 Amos 1, 2, 3 Rev. 6
16 Amos 4, 5, 6 Rev. 7
10th - Bea Welch 17 Amos 7, 8, 9 Rev. 8
11th - Helen Raabe 18
19
Obadiah
Jon. 1, 2, 3, 4
Rev. 9
Rev. 10
12th - Landon Kretzer 20 Mic. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 11
21 Mic. 4, 5 Rev. 12
14th - Bryce Hawk and Lane Hawk 22 Mic. 6, 7 Rev. 13
21st - Sharon Montag and 23 Nah. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 14
24 Hab. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 15
Maxine Beisheim 25 Zeph. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 16
26 Hag. 1, 2 Rev. 17
22nd - Mark Huba 27 Zec. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 18
26th - Anne Miller 28 Zec. 5, 6, 7, 8 Rev. 19
29 Zec. 9, 10, 11, 12, Rev. 20
30th - Maryanne Puente 30 Zec. 13, 14 Rev. 21
31 Mal. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 22
On a chilly November evening, the Community Dinner volunteers appropriately
served chili to 92 guests. Rounding out the meal were rolls and crackers, applesauce,
cheese sticks, and pumpkin roll. Thanks go out to the Deacons for the donation of
crackers and to Gerry Graham for the donation of tomatoes for the chili. To find out
how you can help, contact Barb or Jim Kamerer at 724.283.2248.
WORSHIP
Session Notes
The Session held its regular monthly meeting on November 12, 2018. ATTENDANCE
IN OCTOBER AND
The following actions were taken: NOVEMBER
++ To receive David Benish into full membership of Hill Church by transfer
letter of transfer from Grace Presbyterian Church, Temple TX. Sunday
++ Approved the mission project called Sunnyview Santas with the 10/7 82
congregation to provide small items and toiletries for Sunnyview residents at
Christmas. 10/14 53
++ To take $1000 from the Ruth Bauer for use in providing scholarship 10/21 85
assistance to young women in Ghana. 10/28 77
++ Added the name of Michael Freeze as an authorized signer for the church's 11/4 92
PNC checking and money market accounts.
11/11 85
++ To approve the October 8, 2018 Session minutes as written.
11/18 86
Respectfully submitted,
Louise Evans, Clerk 11/25 85
7
 IN
Another session of Wednesdays on the Hill ended with a short but notable performance by
our kids. Grades 1-3 and their teen mentors kicked off the evening singing and dancing to our
theme song for the season- Siyahamba (We Are Marching.) Grades 4-7 presented a very
enjoyable play on the Ten Commandments and how they can improve your relationship with
God and others. The big finish was our Preschool class singing a medley of songs they
learned with Ms. Jenny. A big thank you to all who brought desserts. And a very big thank
you to all the leaders, kitchen crew, and other helpers who make WOTH so special.

The youth group met to prepare cupcakes, mini loaf cakes and gluten free brownies for the
election day bake sale. What great products they turned out! The bake sale was a huge
success thanks to the efforts of many and we are well on the way to earning funds for the
summer trip to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. We hope to send seven kids this year to
join the 5000 other young people who will spend the week in large and small group studies,
recreation and worship. Watch your bulletin for info about our next fundraising project.

A special word of thanks to Karen Bryson and Nancy Daugherty for joining Kathleen Davis on
Halloween night to pass out candy to the kids who came by for Trick or Treat. What pleasure
to hear that some deliberately chose their route to include a stop at their church! About 60
kids came by during the allotted time even after the rain started.

The Tuesday Morning Bible Study for Women welcomes newcomers. Meeting from 9:30-
11:00 am each week, they share joys and concerns, Biblical insights, and great snacks. For
the next four weeks the topic is “The Women in Jesus’ Past” - the stories of the women
mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1. Please join us!

THE FOOTPRINT PUZZLE. Did you find all the green footprints around the building with
important words that we learned on our WOTH Journey with God? Here are some clues to
the words. Make a word list then find them in the puzzle.

The Israelite had to _ _ _ _ _ God to lead them out

of Egypt.
In the desert, the Israelites were in _ _ _ _ of food
to eat.
When the Israelites complained, God showed
great _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
The first four commandments teach us to _ _ _ _ _
God.
The other six teach us to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ others.
The story of the Golden Calf taught us to _ _ _ _ _
only God.
The Israelites were so _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when they
crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
When the walls of Jericho fell down, everyone knew
the Israelites’ God had great _ _ _ _ _

8
 Christmas Luncheon Reservation
Sunday, December 16th at 11:30 a.m.

Name(s)_____________________________
# Adults Attending ____
# Children (under 12) Attending ____
# Gluten Free _____ # Dairy Free ______
Must be returned to the office by Monday,
December 10th

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY

Please join your Church family at our Christmas luncheon on December 16th at 11:30 a.m. in the
Fellowship Hall (immediately following our worship service). We will be enjoying orange glazed
ham, cheesy potatoes, candied mini carrots, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Please use the
reservation form above or in your bulletin to sign up.

Shop Through Amazon.com!

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, we would like to remind you all to consider shopping through
Amazon.com where a percentage of your purchases will go to OUR church! Simply visit our website at hillup.org and
click on the Amazon icon, which can be seen at the right hand side of the page when you click on the “Church News”
tab at the top of the page. No other action is needed on your part. If you are planning on shopping on Amazon this
holiday season or anytime at all, please remember to do this, and tell your family and friends too!

Sunnyview Santas
This holiday season the Mission Support Committee has partnered with the Deacons and the Hill Quilters to sponsor and to provide
for Sunnyview residents in need. This is an often over-looked and underserved segment of our local community.
The committee has already purchased 12 pairs of men’s flannel pants and 12 women’s cardigan sweatshirts. Deacons have bought 10
Listenup devices so that residents can hear church services, and 5 dozen pairs of diabetic socks. Quilters are donating 10 lap quilts.
Will you help? Below is a list of items that Sunnyview staff has said that residents need or would enjoy.
Lotions Scented bar soaps (such as Dove or Jergens) Adult coloring books
Colored pencils Fine tipped magic markers Large print word search books
Toothbrushes Toothpaste AAA batteries for Listenup devices
Socks with treads, size medium, large, or extra large
There will be a collection box for these items in the Overflow Room on December 2nd, 9th, and 16th. The Mission Support Committee,
the Deacons, and the Quilters thank you for your help with this project.

Kendall Nace is a Kindergartner at Penn Christian Academy and is collecting Box Tops for Education during the entire
school year. Box Tops for Education™ is a school earnings program that helps schools earn cash to buy the things they
need. Box Tops are each worth 10¢ for schools and are found on hundreds of products. When students, families, schools
and communities work together to collect Box Tops, the money adds up fast. If you do not have a school to donate your Box Tops too, please consider
donating them to Penn Christian Academy. A collection bin will be placed on the table in the overflow room. Thank you in advance for your support!
 “Keep Me Warm Trees”
Once again we are asking the congregation to help to decorate our “Keep Me Warm Trees”.
Beginning November 11th we will have a tree set up in the Overflow Area and also one in the
Fellowship Hall to receive your contributions through December 16th. Warm clothing, new or
gently used, such as mittens, caps, jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks, etc. will be
greatly appreciated. We thank you for all your beautiful items in the past and in
advance for your help this year. There seems to be a great need this year as in the
past. These items will be delivered to Center Avenue School and some of the coats
may go to Bundle Up.
- Bea Welch, P.W. Moderator

oinsettias
$6.50 each

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY THE WAY YOU WISH NAMES TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE BULLETIN
USE A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH PLANT ORDERED

In memory of: _____________________________________________________________________________

OR

In honor of: _____________________________________________________________________________

Given by: _____________________________________________________________________________

Payment enclosed: Check #________ Cash Total Amount: __________________

Will pick up Deacons can take

Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 2, 2018

10
MeRrY
P
ChRiStMaS WoRd
P T C I L U N M P Y S H O H Z B D E A ADVENT
SeArCh
MARY
T S L L E B M E O E I U D O I M Z E P D ANGEL MIRACLE
J S G G G A H I V E Y R L R U Q M T I K BELLS MISTLETOE
O O N A N E N O J F L Y A E A Q L I P H BETHLEHEM NOEL
S A Y G L S L V E A W H C T T C O C H S CANDLES PEACE
E I E H E T A R B E L E C H S I R X A U CARDS POINSETTIA
P R T T E L C A R I M A O N R H D E N S CELEBRATE SNOW
H E T Y R A M N Y O R H I V X I N E Y E CHRIST STAR
B I G P H W Z G E U N P K Y Q T S Y X J EPIPHANY TRADITION
A A E E B E D E F I O O L N V Y B T V V EXCITED WISEMEN
X R P V F Y L O S R N I I D E C P E U H FAMILY YULETIDE
K H B X M G S T Q Q M B W T A M W G U F HOLY
J E R U S A L E M A G U J N I P E A C E HOPE
A D V E N T W L F E O M D J A D S S I F JERUSALEM
P X G M E F O T L Q L L J J X W A U I K JESUS
I H S F G S N S Y D E Y M J Y M L R E W JOSEPH
S V R Z C I S I F S L V H F X F X F T P JOY
I I T R C E E M Z T Z T O N I W W R V V LORD
Z Q M H O P E N A K N N C L B K D J J L LOVE
H J H H J O S D P S S Z U F L I I F T V MANGER

11
 VOLUNTEERS FOR DECEMBER 2018
USHER COUNTING CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
LITURGIST ACOLYTE OPENER/
TEAM ELDERS HOUR
POWERPOINT
Barb Deacon Elder None - due to
Ladies’ Kamerer
DECEMBER 2 Barb Seth Heist Pete Benish
Team
Steve Arn Graham McElhaney Installation
Pat Brennen Deacon Elder
Ladies’ Volunteer
DECEMBER 9 Patti Maddy Hall Anne
Team Marcia McCaw Needed
Donaldson Miller
Alan Elder Elder
Men’s Milanovich Christmas
DECEMBER 16 Becky Bella Heist Alan
Team Luncheon
Becky Plymale Plymale Milanovich
Tom Graham Elder None - due to
Men’s Elder Tom
DECEMBER 23 Diane Ben Huba Christmas
Team Leroy Edinger Graham
Olenic holiday
DECEMBER 24 None - due to
Combined Caroline Elder
Candlelight None None Christmas
Service
Teams Freeze Louise Evans
holiday
Pete
Elder Elder None - due to
Combined McElhaney
DECEMBER 30 Louise Seth Heist Pete New Year
Teams Terre
Evans McEhlaney holiday
Patterson
Communion Team – Team A
Newsletter Team in DECEMBER (for January) – Team A (The Hoover Family)
Sunday morning ride service driver for DECEMBER - Marsh Miller (724-287-5444)

PULPIT FLOWERS
DECEMBER 2 DECEMBER 9 DECEMBER 16 DECEMBER 23 DECEMBER 30
Donated with love in
Donated with love in
Donated with love in Donated with love in Donated with honor of Hill U.P.
honor and thanks to
memory of friends memory of love in honor of Church's wonderful his-
all volunteers with
and family who have Ada M. and Robert V. family members tory and commitment to
the Christian
passed Scott near and far the word of God by the
Education Committee
by Ruth Scott. by their family. by Carolyn Street. Reimold & Freeze
by Louise Evans.
families.
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

DECEMBER 2 Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231 Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413
DECEMBER 9 Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013 Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782
DECEMBER 16 Lois Minich, 724-283-1875 Volunteer Needed
DECEMBER 23 Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed
DECEMBER 30 Anne Miller, 724-282-2072 Volunteer Needed
 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
1
11am - AA Meeting

1st Sunday of Advent

Lord’s Supper
2 Traditional 3 4 5 6 7 8
9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 6:00pm - Handbell practice 9:00am - Hill Quilters 11:00am - AA Meeting
Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
11:15am - Staff Mtg. Mac’s Café
10:30am - Worship Rev. 6:00pm - Deacons’ Mtg. 5:00pm - Choir
Leigh Benish preaching and Dinner at
11:30am - Bell ensemble Milanovich’s
4:00pm - Rev. Benish
installation service with
fellowship time following

2nd Sunday
of Advent
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
6:45pm - Session Mtg. 9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 6:00pm - Handbell practice 11:00am - AA Meeting
Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
11:15am - Staff Mtg. Mac’s Café
9:30am - Community 5:00pm - Community
Lunches Dinner
10:30am - Worship Rev.
Leigh Benish Preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
11:30am - Bell ensemble

3rd Sunday
of Advent
16 17 18 8:00am - Women’s
19 20 21 22
9:30-11:00am - Women’s Fellowship Breakfast at 6:00pm - Handbell practice 11:00am - AA Meeting
Bible Study followed by Mac’s Café
their Christmas luncheon 9:30am - Willing Workers
6:00pm - Betsy 10:15am - Staff Mtg.
10:30am - Worship Rev. McCormick Circle
Leigh Benish Preaching Christmas dinner at
11:30am - Christmas Butler Country Club
Luncheon
11:30am - Bell ensemble
“to you is born 4th Sunday Church
of Advent Office
Closes at 24 25 26 27 28 29
this day in the 23 11:45
8:00am - Women’s 6:00pm - Handbell practice 11:00am - AA Meeting
Fellowship Breakfast at
Mac’s Café
city of David a 4:00pm - Happy Birthday,
10:30am - Worship Rev. Jesus! In Fellowship Hall
Savior, Leigh Benish Preaching 7:30pm - Preludes
11:30am - Bell ensemble 8:00pm - Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service Church Office Closed For The Remainder Of The Week
who is the 1st Sunday Church
After Office
Christmas Closes at 31
Messiah, the 30 Deacons’ Fifth Sunday 12:00

10:30am - Worship Rev.

Lord.” Leigh Benish Preaching

December 2018
Luke 2:11
Cut out the picture and Bible verse and use it as your bookmark for your Bible for the month of December!