December 2016

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

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

10:30 A.M.Worship Service
11:30 A.M.Coffee and Fellowship Time in the Fellowship Hall

Rev. James Steiner

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

John D. Whittington

to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11

The true gift of Christmas

is in His presence,
not the presents.

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.

SUNDAY
DECEMBER 4, 2016
2nd Sunday of Advent
Lords Supper - Traditional
Sermon: Getting Ready
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Matthew 3: 1-12

DECEMBER 11, 2016

3rd Sunday of Advent
Sermon: Are You The One?
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Matthew 11: 2-12
DECEMBER 18, 2016
4th Sunday of Advent
Sermon: Genuine Obedience

Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Matthew 1: 18-25
DECEMBER 24, 2016
Christmas Eve
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.
Sermon: Lets Go And See
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Luke 2: 1-20
DECEMBER 25, 2016
Christmas Day
Sermon: Thank You God, Its Just What I Needed!
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Hebrews 1: 1-4

Dear Friends in Christ,

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give
birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
Happy New Year! By the time you read this, we will have begun the season of Advent.
Advent is the first season in the church calendar it comes from the Latin A dventus, which
means coming. Advent is a time of preparation in the life of the church, when all
Christians are to prepare for the coming of Christ. The Christian Church has been
celebrating Advent since the middle of the sixth century.
As you make your preparations this year, I encourage you to refer to the Scripture passages
that are listed elsewhere in this issue of Up On The Hill. As you read each day, pray that
God will reveal a message of anticipation and hope. Perhaps as you have a morning cup of
coffee, or before you turn off your light each evening. In any case, this is a great time of
the year to come closer to God in Christ.
I am planning my sermons for Advent this season, we will consider the anticipation of the
Messiah:

November 27: Keeping Watch

December 4: Getting Ready
December 11: Are You the One?
December 18: Genuine Obedience

This is an exciting time in the life of our church. The Transition Team has begun to meet in
earnest; we hope to conduct a brief survey after worship in January, followed by a special
Table Talk event.
More important, we are anticipating the arrival of our Savior and Lord I certainly am not
comparing the arrival of Christ with the arrival of a pastor, but God is at work in both cases!
Continue to be in prayer as we all prepare for the coming of Christ, and for a bright future
at Hill Church. I continue to hold this great church, and all of you, in my prayers.
May God shower you with abundant blessings this Christmas, and in the New Year.
In Christ,
Pastor Jim

The next newsletter deadline is

DECEMBER 15, 2015!
3

Bible Readings
For December

1st - Joan Gregg and Cheryl King

2nd - Shirley Brown and Carol Faust
5th - Betsy Cupp and Ashley Jacox
6th - Jona Brown
8th - Judy Birch
9th - Elizabeth Graham
10th - Bea Welch
11th - Helen Raabe
12th - Landon Kretzer
14th - Bryce Hawk and Lane Hawk
17th - Charles Miller and Karin Miller
18th - Sarah Hawk
20th - Susan Kamerer and Matthew Milanovich
21st - Sharon Montag and Maxine Beisheim
22nd - Mark Huba
26th - Anne Miller
27th - Gary Carlson and Matthew Luchkiw
29th - Jennifer Sandora
30th - Maryanne Puente

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Morning

Evening

Ezek. 40, 41
Ezek. 42, 43, 44
Ezek. 45, 46
Ezek. 47, 48
Dan. 1, 2
Dan. 3, 4
Dan. 5, 6, 7
Dan. 8, 9, 10
Dan. 11, 12
Hos. 1, 2, 3, 4
Hos. 5, 6, 7, 8
Hos. 9, 10, 11
Hos. 12, 13, 14
Joel 1, 2, 3
Amos 1, 2, 3
Amos 4, 5, 6
Amos 7, 8, 9
Obadiah
Jon. 1, 2, 3, 4
Mic. 1, 2, 3
Mic. 4, 5
Mic. 6, 7
Nah. 1, 2, 3
Hab. 1, 2, 3
Zeph. 1, 2, 3
Hag. 1, 2
Zec. 1, 2, 3, 4
Zec. 5, 6, 7, 8
Zec. 9, 10, 11, 12,
Zec. 13, 14
Mal. 1, 2, 3, 4

II Pet. 3
I John 1
I John 2
I John 3
I John 4
I John 5
II John
III John
Jude
Rev. 1
Rev. 2
Rev. 3
Rev. 4
Rev. 5
Rev. 6
Rev. 7
Rev. 8
Rev. 9
Rev. 10
Rev. 11
Rev. 12
Rev. 13
Rev. 14
Rev. 15
Rev. 16
Rev. 17
Rev. 18
Rev. 19
Rev. 20
Rev. 21
Rev. 22

Sharon Louise (Patten) Montag

Robert K. Kennedy

Sharon was born on December 21st here in Butler.

She married Jack Montag on August 20, 1965 and have
celebrated 51 years of marriage. Together Sharon and
Jack have had two daughters, Tammy Brenenborg - 48
and Kelly Kramlich - 44, and one son, Dale - 46. They
have been further blessed with 5 grandchildren, Lorraine
Kelly - 28, Chris Heasley - 20, Ashley Heasley - 18, Luke
Montag - 18, and Mason Montag - 15.

Bob is on our Administration Committee. Bob was

born on July 12th in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He
married Jane on November 23, 1966 and they have just
celebrated their golden 50th wedding anniversary!
Together Bob and Jane have had four children, Kelly,
Timothy, Matthew, and Mark. They have been blessed to
have four grandchildren, Ryan, Joseph, Alexander, and
Samuel.

Sharons favorite memory of Hill Church is her

wedding day! The Hill Ministry that has touched
Sharons heart the most are all the ministries that are able
to benefit and bring children into our Church.

Bobs favorite memories of Hill Church are the

Christmas Eve services with Rev. Kenneth Hall.

Bobs favorite thing about being an elder has been

working with and getting to know other members of our
Sharons favorite thing about being a deacon is being Session.
able to help others. Sharons future hopes for our Church
is that we become whole again and we are able to get back
Bobs advice for future elders is to enjoy your time as
into our outreach. Sharons advice for future deacons is
an elder, there are stressful times, but as you look back the
to listen to our Church members and help as much as you good times are what you will remember.
are able.

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
December 4: Second Sunday of Advent. Lords Supper, of 56 Estimate of Giving Cards were consecrated
Traditional celebrated. Christmas poinsettia orders are due. during our November 13, 2016 Worship service.
Since that time an additional 17 cards have been
December 5: Christmas Dinner Reservations are due.
received bringing the total amount pledged to date to
$171,182.50. This response compares to prior years
December 6: Womens Bible study luncheon following as follows:
meeting.

December 7: Willing Workers and Mary Lou Boyer Circle

Pledge Year
Christmas Party following their meetings.
December 11: Third Sunday of Advent.
Christmas Dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

6:00 p.m.

December 13: Last Womens Bible Study until January 3rd.

6:00 p.m. Betsy McCormick Christmas Party at the Butler
Country Club.
December 14:
Rehearsal.

6:00-7:00 p.m. Christmas Nativity

Number of
Pledges

Total Amount
Pledged

2017

73

$171,182.50

2016

84

$149,696

2015

98

$180,835

2014

101

$200,624

2013

100

$191,913

December 18: Fourth Sunday of Advent. 9:45 a.m.

Children report for Christmas Nativity practice. Christmas
It is not too late to participate in our 2017
Nativity to be featured in our worship service.
Stewardship Campaign. A Estimate of Giving Card
December 23: Church office closes at noon and will reopen is included in this newsletter. It can be returned in
the offering plate or mailed to the church office.
at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3rd.

December 24:
Happy Birthday, Jesus! Party in the
Thank you for honoring God through your
Fellowship Hall at 4:00 p.m. The Christmas Eve service will support of the ministries and mission of Hill Church.
begin at 8:00 p.m. with musical preludes beginning at 7:30 Your generosity and commitment is deeply
p.m.
appreciated.
December 25: Merry Christmas! Worship service begins at
The Stewardship and Mission Support Committee
10:30 a.m.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY

Christmas Dinner Reservation Form

Sunday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m.
Name(s)_____________________________
# Adults Attending ____
# Children (under 12) Attending ____
Phone Number: _____________________
I need a ride: Yes
No
Must be returned to the office by Monday,
December 5th

Keep Me Warm Trees

Once again we are asking the congregation to help to decorate our Keep Me Warm Trees.
Beginning November 20th we will have a tree set up in the Overflow Area and also one in the
Fellowship Hall to receive your contributions. Warm clothing, new or gently
used, such as mittens, caps, jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks, etc. will be
greatly appreciated. We expect to deliver them to V.O.I.C.E. the week of
December 11-17th. 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.
- 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:
Will pick up

Check #________ Cash

Total Amount: __________________

Deacons can take

Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 4, 2016

6

GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT

Our Task Force recently sent $6,090 to the Bubiashie District scholarship committee for distribution to young
Christian women of these congregations. Your generosity is well appreciated. We anticipate hearing from many
young scholars in the coming months.
We were pleased to be the beneficiaries of the election day bake sale held right here in the church basement, a polling
precinct. We extend grateful thanks to Barb Graham for organizing this event and to the many, many folks of this
loving and generous congregation who provided the scrumptious array of pies, cakes, cookies, candy, and breads. The
income from your efforts raised $779 for the scholarship fund. Thanks be to God.
Again, the following e-mail received October 29, 2016 represents the main reason our task force works as we do. We
cannot do our work without your heart for mission.
My name is Delphina, sister of the twins, Rosemond and Rosemary. I'm in my 5th year of Medical School at the
moment. Currently, Im doing my Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation. Its interesting, especially when you have to
deliver babies. Babies are so cute.
I want to thank you as well for all the help. My sisters and I really appreciate it. God will definitely preserve and
bless you all. He is a faithful God. God has kept me through all the changing scenes in my life, and He will definitely
glorify Himself in my life. Once again, thanks for all the help.
This student, Delphina Obuor Stone, wrote the poem, Why He Came, which was in the February newsletter. Here is a
picture of Delphina (left) and her family.

Cant think of a proper Christmas present for a family member? Consider a gift to the Ghana scholarship fund to
honor that person.
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. Also for Dr.
McWilson Koku Atakro, the Executive Presbyter for the West Ho Presbytery.

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!

MeRrY
ChRiStMaS WoRd
SeArCh
P T C I L U N M P Y S H O H Z B D E A
ADVENT
MARY

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ANGEL
BELLS
BETHLEHEM
CANDLES
CARDS
CELEBRATE
CHRIST
EPIPHANY
EXCITED
FAMILY
HOLY
HOPE
JERUSALEM
JESUS
JOSEPH
JOY
LORD
LOVE
MANGER

MIRACLE
MISTLETOE
NOEL
PEACE
POINSETTIA
SNOW
STAR
TRADITION
WISEMEN
YULETIDE

VOLUNTEERS FOR
DECEMBER 2016
USHER
TEAM

GREETER
BEFORE

DECEMBER
4

Ladies
Team

Deacon
Lynda
Lavorini

DECEMBER
11

Ladies
Team

Bea Welch

DECEMBER
18

Mens
Team

Deacon
Sharon
Montag

DECEMBER
25

Mens
Team

COUNTING
ELDERS
Alan
Milanovich

NURSERY

ACOLYTE

COFFEE
HOUR

Carol Gadsby

Sam Heist

Bob and Gerry

Graham

Pat Brennen

Noah
Reeger

Volunteer
Needed

Seth Heist

Deacon
Susan
Catanzarito

TBD

None Due To
The
Christmas
Holiday

Diane Olenic
Steve Arn
Nancy
Daugherty
Ruth Scott

Jim Kamerer

Bob Kennedy
Terre
Patterson

Audrey
Nossokoff

Kerry
McElhaney

Josh Reeger

COMMUNION TEAM Team C

NEWSLETTER TEAM in DECEMBER (for January Newsletter) Team C
(Audrey, Bea, Karen, and Shirley)
VAN DRIVER for DECEMBER - Keith Swank (724-282-6546)
PULPIT FLOWERS
DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 11

Donated in loving
memory of
Ada M. and Robert V.
Scott
by their children and
grandchildren.

Donated in loving
memory of
Jean Anderson
by Community Dinner
Volunteers.

DECEMBER 18

DECEMBER 25

Donated in loving
memory of our parents
by
Jack and Judy Barkley.

Donated in loving
memory of
Wilbur Dumbaugh and
Tracey Dumbaugh
Schlicht by Peg and Kerry
Dumbaugh.

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 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

DECEMBER 4

Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231

Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413

DECEMBER 11

Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013

Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782

DECEMBER 18

Lois Minich, 724-283-1875

Volunteer Needed

DECEMBER 25

Dennis Hawk, 724-285-6355

Peg Dumbaugh, 724-789-7331

3rd Sunday
of Advent

4th Sunday
of Advent

27

20

9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

6:00pm - Betsy
McCormick Christmas
Party at Country Club

13

9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

followed by their
Christmas luncheon
7:00pm - Deacons Mtg.

TUE

28

21

5:00pm - Community
Dinner
6-7:00pm - Christmas
Nativity Rehearsal

14

9:30am Willing Workers

and MLB Circle followed
by their Christmas party

29

22

6:30pm - Memorial Bells

15

6:30pm - Memorial Bells

9:30am - Willing Workers

6:30pm - Memorial Bells

WED THUR

Church
Office
Closes
at Noon

30

23

31

11:00am - AA Meeting
4:00pm - Happy
Birthday, Jesus! Party in
Fellowship Hall
7:30pm - Musical
Preludes begin in
Sanctuary
8:00pm - Candlelight
Service

24

11:00am - AA Meeting

17

10
11:00am - AA Meeting

11am - AA Meeting

SAT
2
3

16

9:00am - Hill Quilters

FRI

The Church Office is closed this week and will re-open Tuesday, January 3rd at 8:30 a.m.

26

19

6:45pm - Session Mtg.

12

MON

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

10:30am - Worship Rev.

James Steiner preaching
No Fellowship Hour Due To
The Christmas Holiday

9:00am - Choir
9:45am - Children report to
practice Christmas Nativity
10:30am - Worship with
Christmas Nativity, Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
12:15pm - Yarn Group

Again Jesus
spoke to them, 18
saying I am the
light of the
world.
Whoever follows
me will never
walk in darkness 25
but will have
the light of life.
John 8: 12

9:15am - Community
Lunches
10:30am - Worship - Rev.
James Steiner preaching
6:00pm - Christmas Dinner

11

9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
12:15pm - Womens Book
Club

2nd Sunday of Advent

Supper - Traditional

SUN