Inside this issue:

- Deacons news and notes

- Newsletter submission info

- Bible study group

- Chancel Flowers

2

- “From the Pastor’s Desk…” 3

- Parish Nurse article:

“Sun Safety” 4-5

- God’s Clothes Closet

- Birthdays and anniversaries 6

- Mary’s Circle News

- Care-a-van Drivers Needed

- “Thank You” From Pastor

Bruce and Kate

7

- July church calendar 8

- August church calendar 9

WORSHIP SERVICE Sundays at 10:30am

A Publication of

The Presbyterian Congregation 290 North Union Street Middletown, PA 17057

Nursery Duty July 1 Alison Dixon & Linda Hickoff July 8 Tamie & Warren Dodson July 15 Jane Neff & Erika Lauffer July 22 Brenda & Jim Fry July 29 Suson Akakpo-Martin & Judy Packheiser August 5 John & Stephany Davidson August 12 Rose Ann Yeich & Brian Yeich August 19 Lindsey & Brandon Bennett August 26 Joanne Harter & Bernice Harter

Ushers July - Gary and Nancy Shank, Charlie Wynn, Rose Ann Yeich

(Marilyn Pierce on July 15) August - Charlie Wynn, Jane Neff, Jim and Brenda Fry

Bulletin Dedications July 1 In honor of our son Nathan’s 3rd birthday, by Michael & Michele Harter July 8 In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Shank, Kenneth Shank, Mr. and Mrs. Russell K. Patterson, and Russ K. Patterson, III, by Gary & Nancy Shank July 15 In loving memory of our parents, Dale & Freada Biesecker and Norman & Virginia Mechley, by Marlin & Judy Biesecker July 22 OPEN July 29 OPEN August 5 In loving memory of my husband, Max, by Erika Lauffer August 12 In honor of our daughter Elizabeth’s 8th birthday, by Michael & Michele Harter August 19 In loving memory of Phyllis Schneider, by the Harter and Hickoff families August 26 In loving memory of our beloved Echo, by Frank & Sherry Waple

July/August 2018

Contact us phone:

(717) 944-4322 e-mail:

office@pcmdt.org website:

www.pcmdt.org

Rev. Christian Neubaum

You have fixed all the bounds

of the earth; you made

summer and winter

Psalm 74:17

2

Deacons are in need of 18 juice cans for Chancel Flower delivery.

The chancel flowers are enjoyed every Sunday, not only by the congregation in attendance , but also our homebound members. If you would like to order chancel flowers in memory of or in honor of a loved one, you may contact a Deacon or the church office.

Please place newsletter articles/info in :

the offering plate (marked “newsletter”) the church office mailbox an e-mail to the church

office@pcmdt.org

Newsletter Deadlines

Month Deadline

September 8/21/18

October 9/20/18

November 10/18/18

December 11/15/18

January 12/13/18

February 1/23/19

March 2/20/19

April 3/20/19

Chancel Flowers Chancel Flowers cost $22.50 per order. Please make checks payable to Presbyterian Congregation with “Chancel Flowers” and the date of the Sunday sponsored in the memo section of the check to assist the secretary with recording the payment. Checks can be mailed to the church or placed in the offering plate. If you would like to add a Centerpiece or have

any questions, please call the office.

Chancel Flowers July 1 In celebration of our son, Nathan

by Michele & Mike Harter

July 8 In loving memory of my parents, Dale & Edith Drake

by Fae Mower

July 15 To all Deacons & Elders past & present

By Marilyn Pearce

CENTERPIECE: In honor of our 55th anniversary,

by Marlin & Judy Biesecker

July 22 OPEN

July 29 In loving memory of my husband, Max

by Erika Lauffer

August 5 In celebration of our daughter, Elizabeth

by Michele & Mike Harter

August 12 In honor of our grandchildren

by John & Stephany Davidson

August 19 In celebration of birthdays this month: Gloria Elberti, Jay Pearce & Alexandra Pearce,

by Marilyn Pearce

August 26 In memory of my dear husband, John T. McDonald

By Anna McDonald

3

To the members of the Presbyterian Congregation who are in Middletown, “and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:1-2).

I am greatly honored, humbled, and thankful to write my first newsletter article to you from my pastor’s desk. It is

amazing how quickly seven Sundays have come and gone in our time together so far. All of those weeks have provided

many new and wonderful opportunities in pastoring beginning with my ordination and installation. Since then I have

met almost all of our members, officiated a wedding, attended a Presbytery meeting, learned about our congregation

from many of you, met other pastors of the community at the Interfaith Council, participated with VBS, celebrated com-

munion, sat in on many committee meetings, and prepared worship services. Of course, all of these things would not be

possible without your grace, understanding, and generosity.

My family and I are very thankful especially for they ways we feel welcomed to this congregation including food for

our food pantry, cards and the many conversations. We are very much relationship-oriented people and so we value the

ways you seek to welcome us as members of your family and build those relationships. Thank you!

Summers are usually quiet in the life of church, which as a new pastor I welcome. It gives me space and opportunity to

grow with you. One of the ways I am seeking for us to grow together is by preaching through the Gospel of Luke. The

intent is to journey with Jesus and his Disciples through the Gospel Luke coinciding the end of the book with Easter

next year and then we will begin the book of Acts. It may seem unusual to spend a lengthy amount of time in these

books. When I studied abroad in Europe for a semester in college, I did not see many places, but learned so much about

the few places I visited. Many of my peers traveled to a new city almost every weekend in attempts to see everything,

however, I desired to really understand a city and a people for who they are. In the same way, I believe if we spend

quality time in these two books, we will journey with Jesus through his ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem learning

about the meaning of the “Good News” of the Gospel. Then in Acts we will journey with Paul and the early Christian

church in living out the Gospel in their world. All of this I hope grows us together as we seek the Gospel of the King-

dom of God in our own world and our own town.

As I mentioned before, relationships are important to me, so my goal through the summer is begin pastoral visitations.

Finally, many of you have expressed interest in lay reading the scriptures for Sunday morning worship. If you are inter-

ested there is a sign-up sheet beside the communion schedule on the bulletin board between the sanctuary and confer-

ence room. It is first come first serve. Thank you again for your warm welcome to me and my family. We are very excit-

ed for what the future holds for us as we grow together in ministry!

4

Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun is a year-round responsibility. Protect yourself and others

from the sun with shade, a shirt, or sunblock (SPF 15+) all year long.

Our natural source of UV radiation is the sun. Artificial sources of UV radia-

tion include: tanning beds, mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums

and school gyms), some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights, and

some types of lasers. All of the UVC and most of the UVB radiation is ab-

sorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, so nearly all of the ultraviolet radiation received on Earth is UVA. UVA and UVB

radiation can both affect health. Even though UVA radiation is weaker than UVB, it penetrates deeper into the skin

and is more constant throughout the year. Since UVC radiation is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, it does not

pose as much of a risk. Beneficial effects of UV radiation include the production of vitamin D, a vitamin essential to

human health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and assists bone development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure 2 to 3 times a week. Risks

include: sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer, increased risk of potentially blinding eye diseases (if eye pro-

tection is not used), and skin cancer (the most common cancer in the United States). The two most common types

of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Typically, they form on the head, face, neck, hands,

and arms because these body parts are the most exposed to UV radiation. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest

kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to UV radiation.

To protect yourself from UV radiation: Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours, Wear clothes that

cover your arms and legs, wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck. Wear wraparound

sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for

both UVA and UVB protection, indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; peo-

ple who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of de-

veloping melanoma.

How Can I Protect My Children from the Sun?

Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Kids don’t

have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection

from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

(continued on page 5)

From the Parish Nurse…

Summer Sun Safety: Protect Yourself from UV Radiation

5

Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then. If

this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn,

not to seek relief after it’s happened.

Cover up. When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays.

Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a

dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing certified under international

standards comes with information on its ultraviolet protection factor.

Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps

are popular among kids, but they don’t protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect

exposed areas with sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses. They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for

sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection every time

your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors.

Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or exercises. This applies to

waterproof and water-resistant products as well.

Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old. All products

do not have the same ingredients; if your or your child’s skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a

doctor. Your baby’s best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.

Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise. Try

combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.

Too Much Sun Hurts

Turning pink? Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up

to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure. So, if your child’s skin looks “a little pink” today, it may

be burned tomorrow morning. To prevent further burning, get your child out of the sun.

Tan? There’s no other way to say it—tanning your skin is damaging skin. Any change in the color of your child’s

skin after time outside—whether sunburn or suntan—indicates damage from UV rays.

Cool and cloudy? Children still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not

block UV rays, they filter them—and sometimes only slightly.

Oops! Kids often get sunburned when they are outdoors unprotected for longer than expected. Remember to plan

ahead, and keep sun protection handy—in your car, bag, or child’s backpack.

From the Parish Nurse… Summer Sun Safety: Protect Yourself from UV Radiation (cont. from page 4)

6

A very Happy Birthday to these members and friends July

Keith Eppley 7/2

Nathan Harter 7/4

Francis Yeich 7/6

Marcus Mateer 7/6

Michael Heindel 7/9

Ruth Dodson 7/9

Brandon Coble 7/11

Jody Coble 7/12

Harrold Bretz 7/14

Kara Dixon 7/19

Michael Dodson 7/23

Al Reinhart 7/24

Hannah Sours 7/25

James Forrester 7/25

Melanie Luther 7/26

Daniel Heiser 7/27

David Heiser 7/28

Zander Mumma 7/29

Marlin Biesecker 7/31

August

Margo Mathias 8/3

Lauren Eppley 8/3

Carol Treaster 8/3

Gloria Elberti 8/13

Caylin Jo Rotondo 8/13

Elizabeth Lee Harter 8/13

Jenn Schick 8/13

Judy Biesecker 8/15

David Clouser 8/18

Macy Bennett 8/20

Joseph Forrester 8/20

Anniversary

July

Norma and Joe Mateer 7/4

Joanne and Bruce Harter 7/15

Judy and Marlin Biesecker 7/20

Melanie and Harold Luther 7/27

David and Hermine Clouser 7/28

August

Sandra and James Snook 8/2

Heidi and Robert Appleby 8/2

Alexis and Jason Forrester 8/4

Brenda and Jim Fry 8/6

Michelle and John Wilsbach 8/14

Stephany and John Davidson 8/17

Beth and Greg Wilsbach 8/17

Mary and Richard Leisey 8/22

God's Clothes Closet will open its doors this year on August 44h

from 8am until 12:30pm at Evangelical United Methodist

Church (157 E. Water Street, Middletown). Everyone is welcome

to SHOP FOR FREE - clothing for men, women, teens, and

children (slacks, jeans, shirts, sweaters, skirts, dresses), shoes,

belts, hats, coats, linens and blankets. Donations of gently used

clothing (clean, no rips, stains, or missing buttons) will be accepted July 8 through

August 2nd during morning office hours and after church on Sundays. They can

be placed in the first room on your left as you enter the social hall downstairs.

For more information, call 717-944-6181.

7

Mary's Circle/Presbyterian Women News

Important Notice: No Circle meeting in July and August.

Circle meetings will resume Wednesday, September 12, 2018 @ 10AM in the Memorial Lounge,

then October 8 and November 14, always @ 10AM. No meeting in busy December.

Thank goodness for all the church members who help with the twice a year Indoor Yard &

Bake Sales because Circle was able to contribute $1500 towards the cost of the excellent catered

meal, which all could enjoy after the Ordination/Installation of our new Pastor Christian

Neubaum!! We are so happy to be Christian’s first call along with his wife, Susan, and their son,

Lewis!

Circle also continues to pay for our church ad in the Press & Journal monthly.

Mark your calendars the Fall Indoor Yard & Bake Sale is now

scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2018, hours 9AM-1PM. All

donations are now being accepted and may be placed on the stage in

Fellowship Hall. Remember no TVs or Computers. Reminder-bake

sale items will be needed and can be placed in the kitchen Friday, Oc-

tober 19, or deliver Saturday Morning prior to the doors opening at

9AM. Many thanks once again for everyone’s help!

Thank you so much for the farewell party and retirement gift. We laughed and enjoyed the

celebration lunch. As we announced in worship on Sunday, May 6, we are using it to buy an-

nual passes to Hershey Theater.

We love you and miss you.

Pastor Bruce and Kate

CARE-A-VAN DRIVERS NEEDED:

The Middletown Area Cares committee is seeking volunteer drivers, 75-years of age and younger, for the Care-A-Van. The Care-A-Van is a community ministry that pro-vides for the transportation needs for those who are not able to drive themselves to doctors and related medical appointments, as well as to area grocery and retail stores for household needs. The Care-A-Van operates Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm, and provides transportation to the Middletown Food Pantry on Fridays. Drivers can volunteer, according to their availability, either mornings or afternoons of the Care-A-Van's operational hours. Schedules are provided for volunteered shifts.

If interested, please call (717) 743-0788.

8

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