PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH Associate Member: United Church of Christ

833 Gravel Pike PO Box 66

Palm PA 18070 215-679-5321

PalmSchwenkfelder@comcast.net www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

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PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Chimes Welcome and Announcements Prayer Prelude “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” Lynn Petersen *Call to Worship

I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters, and lead them in

praise.

You did not despise the afflicted nor turn a deaf ear when

they cried to you.

All the ends of the earth shall turn to you, O God; all families shall

worship the Lord.

We will tell of your deeds to those who follow, and proclaim

your deliverance to all.

Let us worship God!

*Hymn #213 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Call to Confession Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we confess that we have not been sincere

Christians. We claim to follow Jesus but have not taken his

path of sacrificial love. We profess to be disciples, but we are

not willing to bear the cost of discipleship. We affirm the

virtue of self-denial, but we indulge our selfish desires and

seek earthly gain. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for sincere

repentance through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Time of Personal Confession Senior Choir Anthem “Lonesome Valley” Brad Nix & Joseph Graham Assurance of Pardon Scripture Mark 8:31 – 38 (NRSV p. 820; LP p. 1577) Children’s Sermon

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Children’s Church No Children’s Church Today *Hymn #484 “The Old Rugged Cross” Senior Bell Choir “Purple Robe” David Wilson

arr. Kevin Mazimas Ko Sermon “Taking Up the Cross” Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Call to Offering Offertory “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” David Maxwell *Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication

Source of all goodness, what can we give that has not been

given to us? Surely no gift of ours can repay Christ’s gift of love.

Therefore we offer ourselves, with thanksgiving for new life in

the Spirit, and place before you what we have in response to

your love. Use us in ways that fulfill your plan for creation,

and bless what we give, so that others may learn your ways.

Amen.

*Hymn #209 “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” *Benediction

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Postlude “The Old Rugged Cross” arr. Harold DeCou *All who are able, please stand. The Renninger family is sponsoring both bouquets of flowers today; one in loving memory of Ben Brensinger, and one in honor of Brent Renninger’s birthday. Mission Statement of PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH: Our task is to proclaim the Living Word of God, which empowers us to care for and share with our community and the world. Vision Statement of PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH: Serving the glorious God, claimed by Jesus, and inspired by scripture, honoring our history, with renewed commitment we will reach out to our community and the world through worship, spirit enriching programs, and outreaching mission.

…Things of Interest to Our Palm Schwenkfelder Family…

This week, please keep in your daily prayers: Michelle Yoder, Walt and Lil Master, Liz Snook, Bill Wright, Eric Shelley, Liem Zbyszinski, Barry Slemmer, Jean Boreman, Leon Wohlbach, Bryan Schwoyer, Renée Shelly, Lena Johnson, Marvin Zeisloft Jr., Evelyn Bold, Ruth Adams, Darlene and Rick Jones, Judy Yerger, Jacki Hensler, Rochelle Ginder Manuel, Deena Updegrove, Rebecca Himmelwright, Joe and Sue Cooper, Jeff Treichler, Ernie Guldin, Meg Lester, Willard Long, Samantha Hossler and Ryan Woods, Lucile and Bob Jones, Sheryl Tomlin, Mae Gerhart, Goldie Graber, Kylene Bertoia Hart, Mary and Heinz Herrmann, Martha Wolford, Devon Hawkins, Kerm Goda, Vern Weller, Donna Weller, Mary Hartman, Jen Fries, Mary Jane Burianek, Dave Jaeger, Betty Pope. Please also keep in your prayers the men and women serving in the United States Military. This month from our Schwenkfelder Prayer List we uplift Central Schwenkfelder Church, and all those still being affected by the most recent natural disasters. February Youth Birthdays Happy Birthday to… Andrew Pence (2/4), Stacey May (2/6), Sam Pusey (2/26) VBS Leadership Meeting Join us TODAY after worship to see how you can volunteer at weekend VBS, July 20th – 22nd. Youth Group Leadership Join us on March 18th after worship to hear about plans for a middle school and high school youth group. Come with ideas or just to hear about it. This is not a year-long commitment. We are excited to begin this for our active older youth and pray that you will help to make this a success.

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Lenten Food Drive During this Lenten time, consider donating to Open Link each Sunday by bringing in non-perishable food items and/or toiletries. You may see the table for top need items, but whatever you decide to donate will be appreciated. Please no expired items. Egg Hunt Egg-Filling Time There are bags of one-dozen and two-dozen plastic eggs to fill and bring back for our annual youth egg hunt on Palm Sunday. You may fill them with trinkets, candies, or coins. Candy should be individually wrapped; no loose candies. Please do not tape the eggs closed. Return them in their original brown/white bags to the narthex by Sunday, March 18th. Thank you. Palm Youth Pizza All Palm youth and parents of Palm youth that are attending our mid-week Lenten service this Wednesday, February 28th, join us at 6:00 pm for pizza and fellowship before the service. If you are able, bring an item for Open Link. Childrens’ Church We are looking for volunteers to sign up for Childrens’ Church. No need to do anything fancy with the kids. Just a short Bible story, lesson, or craft followed by a snack. Please see anyone from the Board of Christian Education if you have any questions. In addition to volunteers, we are looking for snack donations (please put any donations in a bag labeled “Children's Church” and place them in the office). One Great Hour of Sharing People who have been helped by the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering frequently comment that “you were here” after the flood, the earthquake, or the fire, or “I can’t believe the church showed up for me during my time of need.” Some even say, “I have given to this offering, but never thought it would help me.” Our gifts through this offering allow the church to show up and be here when people need it most. What’s more, OGHS works with congregations and organizations locally, those vested in the affected communities, so we can be present quickly, and help the people living in those communities rebuild their lives. On Sunday, March 11th, Palm Schwenkfelder Church will participate in the special gift collection for One Great Hour of Sharing, for which this year’s theme is, “More than we can imagine.” As the Apostle Paul writes, “by the power at work within us,” God is able to “accomplish abundantly more than we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). The Mission Board requests your prayerful consideration to continued support of this far reaching Mission again this year. Thank You Sincere thanks to my Palm Schwenkfelder family for the bag of Valentine’s cards and goodies. Thanks also to Tom and Tammy for brightening my Sunday afternoon with their visit. Life is good! Grace Kuhns

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Thank You To the people who gave the Valentine’s cards, thank you for your thoughtfulness. We really appreciated the cards. Evelyn & John Bold Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce You may have noticed that the UPV Gateway & Wayfinding Sign program is being implemented through the area. In addition to creating a sense of community, the signs will improve our economic profile by visually linking existing communities, improving streetscapes, marketing amenities, expanding connectivity and promoting economic development. The program includes removing old, faded and mismatched signs to eliminate roadside clutter. Adding new signs will enhance opportunities for local residents to enjoy the hidden cultural and natural resources in our own backyard and improve the visibility of our libraries, museums, parks, nature preserves and playing fields. The program involves all municipalities in the Upper Perkiomen Valley and includes 79 new signs. For more detailed information, visit www.upvchamber.org. Recycling As you may have seen in recent news, many organizations in the Valley have had difficulty with the collection of recycling material. Unfortunately, we are one of those organizations. We are now in the process of dealing with the situation; however, until we are able to find a solution, please do not bring any paper recycling to the church. Thank you. Don’t Miss Out!!! Today Palm’s Relay for Life Committee will be selling our popular “Ham ’n Cheese Quarterpounders.” At $3.50 each, our delicious sandwiches feature 1/4 pound of Waterman’s chipped ham piled high on a roll and topped with American cheese. Mustard and mayo packets are included. No advance orders will be taken, so mark your calendar and be sure to visit our table in the narthex following worship. A full 100% of all proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s research and patient outreach projects. Many thanks to sale sponsors Tom & Tammy Long, Ed & Kathy Bieler, and Master Supply. Donation of Flower Vases The Deacons are looking for donations of flower vases. They are needed for altar flowers, for when they are delivered to someone who is sick or shut-in. You can give your donated vase to one of the Deacons, or you can drop it off in the office. Progressive Dinner for Confirmands and Mentors Next Sunday, March 4th (snow date March 18th), the confirmation class students and their mentors, along with Pastor Nick, will enjoy a Progressive Dinner. The class will meet at the church for appetizers at 4:30 p.m. Then they will travel to the home of Beth and Bob Croll for soup and salad. The main course will be at the home of Luanne and Jeff Stauffer. After dinner, the students and mentors will travel to the final location to enjoy dessert at the home of Lisa Stitt. They will then carpool back to the church, to be met by their parents at approximately 8:15 pm, unless other arrangements are made. Thanks to our mentors and parents for their donations of food for this special evening.

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Thank You My sincere thanks to the members of the “newsletter gang” who stayed and re-sealed the Palm Leaves three times in an effort to deal with some faulty stickers. Donations of Finger Foods After the Community Lenten Service held at Palm Schwenkfelder Church this Wednesday, February 28th, we will be serving refreshments. If you would like to contribute to the selection of delicious treats, please bring your food donations to the kitchen before the church service. Thank you. First Monday Meal The Deacons at Palm Church are sponsoring a free community meal at Pennsburg UCC on Monday, March 5th. We will provide, prepare and serve dinner. Volunteers are needed: 6 people to cook and prepare the meal between 3:00 – 6:00pm, and 8 – 10 people to help serve, box up leftovers and cleanup from 5:45 – 7:45pm. Monetary donations and food donations will be needed. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex at a later date. If you would like to help cook or serve the meal on March 5th, or make a monetary or food donation, please see Kevin or Barb Master. Youth are welcome to help! Treasurer Report – January, 2018 January Year to Date Operating Cash On Hand – 1/1/2018 $64,361.86 $64,361.86 Operating Income Received $13,577.00 $13,397.00 Operating Expenses $42,796.05 $42,796.05 Operating Cash On Hand - 1/31/2018 $35,142.81 $35,142.81

Redner’s 1% Save-A-Tape Rebate Program

Recently we have been notified by Redner’s that they will no longer honor register receipts that have the bottom part cut off. To qualify for the 1% Save-A-Tape Refund Program, the register tape must be the entire tape. Also, they want no magic marker used on the tapes. Entire tapes dated within the last three years will qualify for the rebate. Thank you for your cooperation. Altar Flowers and Bulletins The Deacons would like to thank the members of Palm for sponsoring bulletins and real flowers throughout 2017! Everyone who did sponsor, please remember that bulletin sponsorships are $15, flower sponsorships for 2017 were $50, and the flowers are yours to keep after the service. The new 2018 charts are in the hallway outside of the office, and for this year the Deacons are giving people a new opportunity for sponsorship. In 2018, you will have the option of sponsoring one arrangement, or both arrangements. The cost of one arrangement is $25, and the cost of sponsoring both arrangements is $50. So if you would like to sponsor one arrangement, you need only sign up on one chart, but if you’d like to sponsor both arrangements, you will need to sign up on both charts for that particular Sunday. Or if you choose, you may sponsor one arrangement on one Sunday by signing up on one chart, and sponsor a separate arrangement on a completely different Sunday by signing up on the other chart. If you have any questions, please speak to one of the Deacons. Thanks!

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Did You Know…? This is where we list items of interest to members and visitors. If you have any items to add, please call or email Dan Ferry in the church office. Thank you.

Did You Know…?

LARGE PRINT bulletins are available from an usher. LARGE PRINT Bibles are also available for use during worship services, located on the table to the left between the front and back sections of pews.

Listening devices are available for those who would like them. Please see an usher to assist you.

A fully accessible restroom is located in the hallway, across from the office. A baby changing table is there, also.

There are greeting cards on the podium as you enter the sanctuary. Anyone is invited to sign – you don’t need to be a member of the congregation to add your name to the well wishes.

Donations of greeting cards to this project are welcomed and needed, especially Get Well and Sympathy cards. Please see Nancy Hoffman with your donations, or place them on the podium shelf.

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Lenten and Holy Week Schedule

Wednesday, February 28th

Palm Schwenkfelder Church at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7th Pennsburg UCC at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14th

New Goshenhoppen UCC at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 21st

St. Paul’s Lutheran – Red Hill at 7:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday, March 25th Palm Schwenkfelder Church at 10:15 a.m.

Youth Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday, March 29th

Palm Schwenkfelder Church at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday, March 30th Walk begins at New Goshenhoppen at 12:00 p.m.

Worship Service at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. Fellowship at McDonald’s Following the Worship Service

Youth Lock-In (5th grade and up)

Easter Sunday Sunrise Worship, April 1st Palm Schwenkfelder Church at 7:00 a.m.

Covered-Dish Breakfast

Following the Service

9:00 a.m. Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Easter Sunday Communion Worship Service

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This Week at PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH

Sunday, February 25 9:00am Sunday School 10:15am Sunday Worship Service 11:30am Relay for Life Fundraiser “Ham ‘n Cheese

Quarterpounder” Sale Following Worship 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 12–14; Mark 5:21–43 Monday, February 26 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 15–16; Mark 6:1–29 Tuesday, February 27 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 17–19; Mark 6:30–56 6:00pm Junior Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Senior Bell Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Boy Scouts - Troop Meeting 7:30pm Senior Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, February 28 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 20–22; Mark 7:1–13 7:00pm Community Lenten Service

@ Palm Schwenkfelder Church Thursday, March 1 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 23–25; Mark 7:14–37 7:00pm Deacon's Meeting Friday, March 2 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 26–27; Mark 8:1–21 Saturday, March 3 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 28–30; Mark 8:22–38

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Sunday, March 4 9:00am Combined Youth Sunday School 10:15am Sunday Worship Service 12:00pm Daily Time of Prayer Wherever You Are

Numbers 31–33; Mark 9:1–29 4:30pm Confirmands and Mentors Progressive Dinner

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PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH 833 Gravel Pike

PO Box 66 Palm PA 18070

Office Phone: 215 – 679 – 5321 Fax: 215 – 679 – 2650

Pastor Nick’s Cell Phone: (267) 374 – 5691

Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m.

www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

Church Administrator E-mail: palmadministrator@comcast.net

Church Office Email: palmschwenkfelder@comcast.net

Pastor’s E-mail: palmpastor@comcast.net

Copyright License Number: 1433223

Serving You at PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH Ministers: All Church Members Pastor: Rev. Nicholas Pence Director of Music: Ed Bieler Junior Bells: Beth Croll Senior Bells: Joanne and David Luz Organist: Peg Jacob Church Administrator: J. Daniel Ferry Youth Director: Barbara Master Sexton: Kevin Master 484 – 358 – 1684 Greeter: Job Kinsler Ushers: Tammy Long, Tom Long, Blake Master, Nicholas Pence Prayer Chain: Nancy Hoffman The Prayer of Confession, is reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2014. The Call to Worship and the Prayer of Dedication are both reprinted by permission of United Church Press from When We Gather by James G. Kirk. Copyright 2001 by Geneva Press.