NEWSLETTER

From the Pastor Jim Latimer

Thank You

I have been deeply touched by the expressions of gratitude and well wishes many of you have extended to me in recent weeks. A wise person once said that a person’s character is most truly revealed in times of parting. Your loving character as a congregation has again been confirmed by your many sincere well wishes for my future.

Saying “Goodbye” is really hard, especially to those you’ve grown fond of, as I have of you. I have come to deeply love and respect you in our three years of Christian ministry together. You are generous and compassionate, consistently demonstrating that desire to help those who are disadvantaged or oppressed, a practice that lies at the heart of the Gospel. You are creative and courageous, and aren’t afraid to start a new ministry when called for. You are resilient. You are faithful. You love God. No wonder I feel blessed to have served as your pastor!

But actually saying “Goodbye” is very important. It signals that our ministry together will be over at the end of this month – September 2011. My last day leading worship will be Sunday September 25. There will be a single worship service that day at 10:15 a.m.

Rest assured that your next pastor will be a good one! I pray that you will accept and embrace both your interim pastor and your next settled pastor with the same acceptance that you have given me so that your faithful ministry as a congregation will continue uninterrupted.

Community UCC, you have given me much. You have blessed me much. And I will miss you much. Know that I will daily keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you make this transition - opening yourself to a new chapter of service to God. In the larger scheme of things, our ministry really is about God.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by the water, sending out its roots to the stream. It shall not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

With a grateful heart,

Rev. Jim

God is good, all the time!

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The CommunicatorCommunity United Church of Christ

September 2011 September 2011 Volume 3, Issue 5

Inside this Issue

1 From the Pastor

2 Fellowship Opportunities

3 Church in Society

4 Music & Worship

5 Stewardship

6 Kids Page

7 Preschool News

8 Christian Symbols

9 Lay Ministry Schedule

10 Worship Service UpdatesInsertsCalendarFall Chicken BBQ

Church Office Hours:Tues – Fri. 9:00 am- 2:30 pm email us at:office@communityucc.net

3330 St. Lawrence AveReading, PA, 19606610-779-3955

www.communityucc.net

NEWSLETTER

Your Church StaffRev. Jim Latimer

Pastor610-568-2480 (cell)

Rev.Jim@communityucc.net

Regina Floyd Church Administrative Asst.

610-779-3955

Sam DeWaldConsistory President

610-779-1890

Robin & Dustin BennettSextons

610-401-0265

Dan SmithDirector of Music

610-779-3955

Marti SmithPraise Band

610-779-9410

Amy DaweBell Choir

610-779-7063

Barry FehnelChildren’s Choir

610-823-4390

Christine MillerPreschool Director

610-779-7086

Warren LubenowTreasurer

610-779-3632

Don DickersonFinancial Secretary

610*-582-3177

Jack McGuireAsst. Financial Secretary

610-779-1092

Regina FloydFinancial Recording Secretary

610-779-3955

Fellowship Opportunities

Retirees’ Breakfast Thursday, September 15@ 8:30 a.m.You need not be retired to join in the fellowship! If you can break away or start the day with us, please do so. We meet at The Breakfast Hut for a scrumptious meal and wonderful conversation. For more information contact Betty Houck (610.779.2962) or Ethel Adams (610.779.2164).

Join the Men’s Breakfast Saturday, September 10 @ 8:00 a.m.The 2nd Saturday of each month the men of congregation meet for breakfast at Boscov’s East, to discuss timely topics concerning the church and our community.

Just as important the Property Committee meets at 9:30 following the breakfast to address the maintenance of the church. All are invited

Fellowship Receptions

Receptions are held the first Sunday of each month and on special occasions. Each month is assigned 4-5 persons to host the set-up.

Committee members are asked to contribute “goodies”, (baked goods, sandwiches, fruit, chips, dips, cheese trays, pretzels, etc).

Receptions are hosted September thru December, and February thru May. If you would like to be a member or make contributions to the receptions contact Jolene Miller at 610-779-3272.

Guess Who’s Turning 60?

Mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, September 18th at 11:00 a.m. for a special anniversary worship service and at 1:00 p.m. for a buffet fellowship dinner.

Be on the look-out for the postcard you should receive next week! Please RSVP no later than September 11th. Please put the number of attendees from your household on the postcard, and put it in the offering plate, or mail it back to the church.

Help Community UCC celebrate its 60th birthday by sending a card and donation. Donations collected will go towards the fees to complete the installation of the new church sign. For more info contact the church office.

Book Groups The Book Group returns from its summer vacation with new monthly selections. We welcome new members at any time. We meet at 12:30 to share a light snack and a book discussion.  Simply call the hostess for additional details and directions to her house.  September 14 - Cutting for Stone - Abraham VergheseHostess - Lynn Ramsey (779-7771) October 12 - The Yellow House - Patricia FalveyHostess - Barb Taglang (779-2649) November 9 - Physics Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine HoweHostess - Marianne Lubenow (779-3632) December 14 - A Day No Pigs Would Die - Robert PeckHostess - Louise Jones (370-5108)

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Our Mission Statement

We are a community of people growing spiritually, sharing God’s love and serving others.

NEWSLETTER

Church in Society

The Church in Society Committee met in mid June and following a suggestion made by Consistory, the various church committees will be highlighted in The Communicator. Committees are only successful when individuals are involved and work together to make things happen. The joy you feel when helping others is wonderful and there are many ways within the church that all can volunteer their talents and time.

Following is a brief outline of the purpose and some activities in which the Church in Society team are involved. The congregation’s support has been wonderful, but we encourage everyone to learn more and participate. The Committee’s mission statement reads, “We serve our local and worldwide communities by providing our congregation with opportunities to help others.”

Through the Family Promise initiative the church has helped a number of families who are homeless. For one week, safe shelter, good food, and faith-based conversations have been provided to these families by our congregation and sincerely appreciated by the adults and children involved.

With Doug Werner in charge of a small church group, Habitat for Humanity has continued to use the talents of volunteers to make home ownership possible for families in need.

Our monthly donations to In His Name Food Pantry benefit many local families. We feature special collection needs each month, but appreciate donations of nonperishable items at any time.

The Church in Society’s annual Pet Food Drive is much appreciated by

local animal shelters, and the November and December Holiday Food Collection and Angel and Mitten Tree projects provide families and children with food and gifts. These are opportunities for the congregation to participate and enjoy the spirit of giving.

The recent June Clothing Drive donations filled five cars. Volunteers traveled to the Mennonite Relief Central Committee site in Ephrata and toured the amazing facility. It is an eye-opening experience to think about worldwide needs and how we as a congregation can make a difference by taking time to volunteer and become involved.

We have highlighted some of the projects that the Church in Society Committee have undertaken and want to thank all who have helped to make them successful. Our goal is to continue to fulfill our mission and encourage everyone to become involved. You may contact Marianne Lubenow or Diane Schaeffer if you have questions or suggestions. You may also leave your name with Gina in the church office and we’ll be glad to provide more information. Only a little time is required to make a big difference.

GROW AND SHARE

Through Sunday 8/14/11, the Grow & Share ministry has collected over 1,100 lbs. of fresh produce for those less fortunate in Berks County. All donated food was transported weekly to the Greater Berks Food Bank (GBFB) for distribution to soup kitchens, shelters, and group homes that qualify for assistance. With the growing season still in high gear, we continue to actively solicit donations of usable produce. Just bring your fresh produce to the church on Sunday morning or place it in one of the coolers at the back door later in the day for transport to GBFB

Monday morning. No donation is too small.

One measure of the food assistance need in Berks County is the 20% increase in families being served by food pantries in 2011 compared to 2010. Although the produce generated through Grow & Share does not go to food pantries, it is reasonable to conclude that shelters & soup kitchens have also seen an increase in those coming to them for meals.

The last two words of the CUCC Mission Statement are “…serving others.” There are many ways to help others; certainly Grow & Share is one of them. Your help is encouraged and truly appreciated.

Exeter Food Bank

There is a new food pantry right here in Exeter Township! It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month, starting on Friday, Sept. 16th from 3-6pm. The Exeter Area Food Pantry will be located at Reformation Lutheran Church, 3670 Perkiomen Avenue and will provide food to families in need. We need you! Would you be interested in serving as a volunteer coordinator, or could you help with the pantry perhaps once or twice a year? Maybe you would like to help with set up on Thursday evening, Sept. 15th. Volunteers will also be needed on the day of the food distribution, Friday, Sept. 16th, both to complete set-up in the morning from 10-12 and to help with food distribution in the afternoon from 2-6. If you can help, even if only for a few hours, please call Cathy Weaver 610-779-7030 or email me at cweaver8@ptd.net. If you wish to make a financial contribution, please make checks payable to Reformation Lutheran Church with a notation that it is to be used for the Exeter Food Pantry. “You have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for

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NEWSLETTER

someone who will never be able to repay you.”

Ruth Smeltzer in the book Timeless WisdomIN HIS NAME FOOD PANTRY Thank you so much for your weekly contributions to the In His Name Food Pantry. Your donations enable local families to supplement their monthly food supply. During the month of September we encourage you to contribute paper supplies such as; tissues, single rolls of toilet paper, napkins and single rolls of paper towels. Thank you!

Music & Worship

Spiritual Maturity Discussions Continue I would like to paraphrase a recent devotion by Ron Buford. The text is Mark 4:30-32. Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seed on the earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

Jesus, the master teacher, teaches us that prayer, Bible study, fellowship, work for justice, forgiveness, combined with hopeful expectation, persistence, and love, brings forth the Realm of God into our lives. With it, God transforms our weaknesses, failures, loneliness, disappointment, battles with illness, addiction and grief that seem too hard to bear…into life’s greatest masterpieces.

From tiny seeds of hope, patience, persistence, love and faith come great trees that when fully grown serve as a perch for others to come, sit, observe, and find the lessons they also need to thrive. For me, this process describes spiritual maturity. Please join the Spiritual Needs

Group for these discussions after worship:

How does Bible study help us to mature spiritually? Sun. Sept. 11 from 11:30am-12:30pm in the upstairs, middle classroom. Led by Rev. Jim.

How does attending worship lead to spiritual maturity? Sun. Oct. 16 at 11:30am. in the upstairs, middle classroom. Led by Todd Dierksheide

The Church Nursery Needs VolunteersOur church nursery will be staffed by two adults beginning September 11, during the 10:15am service. The nursery serves children aged 2 to 4 years old and is located in fellowship hall near the stage. Holly Vazquez (610) 370-1402 will be coordinating this volunteer effort. She and Tania Dierksheide were in the nursery most of the Sundays last year. It would be great if others would volunteer. One volunteer each Sunday is all that is needed. We all like that personal phone call, but realistically, it is hard to find the time to call. If you are willing to serve in the nursery, please take the initiative to sign up on the downstairs bulletin board. We thank you in advance for helping to care for our children.

Bible StudyBible study will continue for this year on Thursday evenings. We will move to our fall schedule, meeting at 6:30pm on September 8, 2011. If you seek a closer relationship with God, scripture is a good place to start. Please join us to get a deeper understanding of the scripture text that will be used for the following Sunday’s message.

Prayer Group BeginsPrayer or conversation with God is important for the spiritual growth of our church members. The Spiritual

Needs Team has made a commitment to lead an hour of prayer once a month. Contact Mim, Marti or Jolene for more information. We will meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month to offer individual prayers, prayers for our church, community, country and world. We will also discuss suggestions on how to cultivate the habit of prayer and other topics related to prayer. Our first Prayer Group meeting will be the evening of Wednesday, October 12, 2011.

Spiritual Needs Team (Group)

Who are we? The Spiritual Needs group was one of three groups formed from the original Revitalization Team. Our task was and is to provide for the spiritual needs of our congregation. Anyone who has an interest in programming that meets the spiritual needs of our congregation is welcome to join the group. This Team is facilitated by Marti Smith and includes Mim Nonnon, Jolene Miller, Jack McGuire, Todd Dierksheide and Judy Rogers.

What do we do? This team plans and implements suggestions related to the spiritual needs and growth of our congregation. Past programs included: Two member discussion series: How Can Faith Be More Relevant in Our Daily Life and Spiritual Maturity, the Peace and Healing Service, suggestions for worship, leading some worship services while Rev. Jim was away. Ongoing discussions include starting small groups at CUCC. We are committed to continuing a weekly Bible Study and have added a monthly prayer group.

When do we meet? We meet after worship or after a scheduled program, on an “as needed” basis.

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Children’s Choir: Start date 0ct. 2, 2011: Look for information in Sunday School - September 11, 18, 25. Any questions contact Barry J. Fehnel 610-370-0674 (Home), 610-334-7103 (Cell).

NEWSLETTER

Stewardship

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Budget as of July 31, 2011

Income June YTD Budget % Rec'd         Envelopes 12,064.00 87,167.00 165,000.00 52.83%Plate 266.00 2,373.35 5,000.00 47.47%Church School 0.00 245.33 600.00 40.89%Interest 47.48 338.21 1,400.00 24.16%BBQ/Spag -103.73 1,782.90 6,000.00 29.72%Preschool 2,038.07 7,649.26 10,200.00 74.99%Sowers of God 350.00 2,400.00 3,600.00 66.67%Miscellaneous 0.00 261.97 2,000.00 13.1%Mission 0.00 585.05 3,000.00 19.5%Total Income 14,661.82 102,803.07 196,800 52.24%

Expenses June YTD Budget % Exp'd         Prof Staff 11,380.82 64,891.39 113,831.00 57.01%Office Op 457.35 5,652.92 9,100.00 62.12%Christian Ed 0.00 363.84 800.00 45.48%Prop & Mnt. 4,766.32 39,819.71 65,498.00 60.8%OCWM / CIS 510.00 4,113.05 9,000.00 45.7%Other Comm. 325.00 822.49 2931.00 28.06%Misc 0.00 324.00 500.00 64.8%Total Expense 17,439.49 115,987.40 201,660.00 57.52%Net Ordinary Inc -2,777.57 -13,184.33 -4,860.00 271.28%

Other IncomeJingle Fund 50.10 50.10Christian Ed 0.00 169.50Family Promise 0.00 610.00Mission Trip 1,088.00 5,420.00Flow & Bulletin 100.00 1,0650Memorial 0.00 8,407.20Reimbursement 339.73 7,238.57Tot Othr Income 1,677.83 23,360.37

Other ExpenseFamily Promise 0.00 67.88Christian Ed 160.00 160.00Revitalization 0.00 825.08Mission Trip 1,406.33 5,470.00Caring Connect 0.00 9,572.20Flowers & Bulletins 175.00 1,251.97Memorials 0.00 589.61Reimburse Outflow 103.73 5,415.37Preschool Payroll -189.37 895.71Tot Othr Expense 1,655.69 24,248.15Net othr Income 22.14 -887.78Net Income -2,755.53 -14,072.11 -4,860.00 289.55%

Christian Education Team

Christian Ed Calendar Events 2011-2012

September9/11-Sunday- 8:45 AM -First Day of Sunday School

9/18-Sunday-No Sunday School- Anniversary Dinner

October10/07-Friday- 6:15 PM -Candy Bar Bingo

November11/6-Sunday-Preschool Sunday- Honoring all Preschool Families

December12/9-Friday-Live Nativity

Christian Ed Team Meeting Schedule- 2011-2012

Meetings will be held on: 10/9 -11/13 – 12/11 -1/8- 2/12 – 3/11 – 4/22 – 5/13. All meetings are held right after church at 11:30.

If you have any thoughts or ideas, please join us. All are welcomed.

Look for more to come on this Year’s Project - Holy Cow Project

Christian Ed Teachers for 2011-2012

Preschool and Kindergarten: Tania Dierksheide and Beth Kistler1st, 2nd, 3rd:

Marianne Lubenow and Beth Scull4th and 5th:

Christine Miller and Sandy Fehnel6th, 7th, 8th : Marti SmithSr. High and Young Adults up to 30 – Todd Dierksheide and Jodi Bixler

Adults – Bruce May

NEWSLETTER

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NEWSLETTER

Kid’s Page

CUCC Preschool News

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NEWSLETTER

As the staff prepares and looks forward to another rewarding school year, I ask that you pray for our preschool. It is my prayer that God’s continued blessings be upon us and for our church family as we are committed to providing a Christian learning environment for all of God’s children. It is with great excitement that we begin another fun filled year. At this time we have 190 children enrolled and 14 staff members, our preschool ministry continues to grow each year. Indeed the Lord has blessed us!

We are hard at work preparing friendly and inviting classrooms. The teachers are also planning great units for this month, some include, Welcome to Preschool, I Am Special, Friends & Family, Amazing Apples, and of course Fabulous Fall! It is sure to be another wonderful year for all!

This month’s my preschool bible lesson will tell children God made each one of us and how special he or she is to God. Each bible lesson consists of a special story, music, craft and prayer. There will be two bible verses for this month:

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

Preschool will begin on Tuesday, September 6th

Morning classes 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Afternoon classes 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Preschool Staff for the 2011-2012 School YearDawn Barzd- Administrative AssistantJen Barwis- Three Year Old Teacher Shannon Belletiere- Four and Five year Old Teacher Becky Bernas-Three Year Old Assistant Teacher Barb Cronan- Four Year Old TeacherJenny DeVage - Mommy & Me TeacherTania Dierksheide- Four Year Old Teacher Assistant Amy Hall- LEAP Program TeacherKathleen Heiselmeyer- Three Year Old Teacher and Four Year Old Assistant TeacherBeth Kistler- Three, Four, and Five Year Old Assistant TeacherChevelle Klee- Four Year Old Teacher AssistantTracey Kolb- Four Year Old TeacherKari Kuczynski- Four and Five year Old Teacher AssistantChristine Miller- Director

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NEWSLETTER

Christian Symbols

Bible Quiz

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At the outset of his reign as Israel’s third king, Solomon saw the Lord in a dream. God invited Solomon to request anything he wanted. What did Solomon ask for?

A. The ability to discern between good and evil B. Long life C. Riches D. Conquest over his enemies

Robe A robe, specifically one that’s new and white, symbolizes the righteousness we receive through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Isaiah 61:10 speaks of “the garments of salvation” and “the robe of righteousness.” In Revelation 6:11, faithful martyrs each received a white robe. People who are being baptized or confirmed often wear white robes as a sign of purity.

Submitted By Deborah Leinbach,Reading Eagle, Parade , December 1971

Gifts to Spare

Do you want to tithe to the church but think you really can’t spare the money? Try this experiment: At the beginning of the month, write a check and deduct the amount from your checkbook. Hold on to the check until the end of the month. By then, you’ll likely discover you really can spare that money. Then you can place the check in the offering plate as a cheerful giver. —Dorothy Derrigan-DeLuyck

NEWSLETTER

Lay Ministry for September 2011

 

 

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September 4

Lay Leader Judy RogersUshers Bob & Mim Nonnon, Pam & Jerry ColemanBulletin Sponsors Rick & Donna Hartman

September 11Lay Leader Marianne Lubenow Ushers Barbara Ash, Gary & Etta ShaneBulletin Sponsor Louise Heilman

September 18Lay Leader Sam DeWaldUshers Ron & Jean Yerger September 25Lay Leader Don DickersonUshers Kay Miller, Jodi Bixler, Leila Escavacini,

Bill & Linda Dawe

Follow God’s Lead

Have you ever watched a well-trained dog walk with its master? On or off a leash, the dog will slow or quicken its pace, turn left or right, or immediately stop at the soft command of his master’s voice.

Such isn’t the case with my pooch. Either he’s straining ahead or lagging behind, darting after a bird or stubbornly lingering over an interesting scent. He isn’t content to follow my lead.

Sometimes that latter scene resembles my own walk with God. At times, I rush ahead or lag behind, veer to the right or stumble to the left, oblivious of my Master’s pace and direction. How much better to walk closely with God and let him lead!

“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart” (1 Kings 8:23, NRSV).

Terror No More

“O LORD, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more” (Psalm 10:17-18, NRSV).

Ten years have passed since that tragic September morning in 2001, when terrorists took thousands of innocent lives and shattered America’s sense of security. As we reflect on this anniversary, Psalm 10 reminds us that God is on the side of the victim, the weak and the helpless. He won’t ignore the cries of people in need, and he always ensures that justice is ultimately done.

Our One-Year Bible

In August last year our website introduced a new idea in Bible reading. This program allowed users to visit each day and find and read the daily texts that carried the reader completely through the Bible in one year. Those who took advantage from the beginning have now read the whole Bible from Genesis through Revelation.

Some of this offering is unique to our CUCC website but use is not limited to our members. It is a continuing program and some elected to address the task over a two year period and now begin the 2nd phase of the reading.

A nice part of Our One-Year Bible is that folks can start at any time but still will cycle through the Bible in a year, if desired. An open invitation exists to all to take part in this ministry and revitalize your knowledge of the fundamental text of all Christianity. Explore the Word in the way we do so many things in the 21st century.

NEWSLETTER

Worship Service Update

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Shared Prayers Miriam Nonnon

Dear Lord, As I awake this morning, I thank you for giving me another day, and I pray you will keep me free from sin as the day goes by.Let this day add some knowledge or good deed to yesterday. Help me to improve where I made mistakes.

In the past, so I do better the next time. Help me to be cheerful even when things go wrong, persevering when things are difficult.  Enable me to be helpful and kind to those who are in need, and try to be sympathetic to those whose hearts are sad and need comforting.

Grant that nothing may make me lose my temper, take away my joy, spoil my peace, or make me bitter towards my friends or neighbors.

Help me through this day, to please all those I work with, or meet with, and they shall see in me, what I have learned so well having served you, O Lord, whatever this day  may bring, may your name be praised! Amen.

Due to a number of special Sundays this fall, our regular two-service worship schedule (8:00 & 10:15) will begin October 9. Below is the schedule:

Sept 4    Single  worship service at 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion

Sept 11 Single worship service at 10:15 a.m. (no 8:00 a.m. service)

                     Beginning of Sunday School for  children and Christian Education for adults

Sept 18 Single worship service at 11:00 a.m.(no 8:00 a.m. service)

                      Community UCC 60th anniversary celebration Sunday

Sept 25 Single  worship service at 10:15 a.m .(no 8:00 a.m. service)

                     Celebration of our ministry with Rev. Jim on his final Sunday

                    Oct 2         Single worship service at 10:15 (no

8:00 a.m. service)                  Holy Communion

Oct 9 Resume regular two-service schedule: 8:00 and 10:15

              

Consistory Notice

The Consistory is now accepting applications for the positions of deacon and elder. For a complete job description, please see the church website or contact the church office.

Help Wanted

Community Church is in need for someone to audit our financial records. If you are knowledgeable of accounting practices and willing to help please contact Sam DeWald at 610-779-1890.