February 2017

Newsletter of The Hill United Presbyterian Church Butler, PA

For God so LOVED the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3: 16

Rev. James Steiner

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

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

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

Chancel adorned with Christmas poinsettias

given in memory of or in honor of a loved one.

John D. Whittington

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
FEBRUARY 5, 2017
5th Sunday After The Epiphany
Lords Supper - Traditional
Sermon: Beatitudes II: "Salt, Light, Fulfillment"
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Matthew 5: 13-20
FEBRUARY 12, 2017
6th Sunday After The Epiphany
Congregational Meeting
Sermon: Beatitudes III: "Do You Really Mean It?"
Rev. James Steiner

Scripture: Matthew 5: 21-37

FEBRUARY 19, 2017
7th Sunday After The Epiphany
Sermon: Beatitudes IV: "Becoming Perfect"
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Matthew 5: 38-48

FEBRUARY 26, 2017

Transfiguration Of The Lord
Sermon: Which Messiah?
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9

Dear Friends in Christ,

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:12-13).
Let me be perfectly clear one of the reasons the Presbytery wanted me to come to Hill was because I
am able to deal with conflict; I actually left my previous Interim early to come here. I believe things
have settled down, but I am still obliged to write these words.
Have the wounds of conflict healed? To continue the analogy, has the scab fallen off and is the skin
getting stronger? Or might the wound still be infected, and is it threatening to act up again? Does
conflict remain? Is it visible, or hidden? What are we doing to address it?

In the early church, the Apostle Paul faced many challenges, including conflict among members. These
challenges were not new or unusual, and (imagine!) confront us today. Certainly, disagreements will
come they are part of any human community. But as Paul admonished the Colossians, we are to be
mature and cooperative Christian brothers and sisters. There must be trust, respect, and openness.
Gossiping or complaining are not productive ways to resolve differences. Experience tells us silence
doesnt work either. In rare past instances, someone would contact our pastors or elders using
anonymous letters. These letters were very negative, expressing the writers displeasure with particular
actions or decisions made by the pastor or church leader of course, the writer demanded the pastor or
leader resign immediately.
Do these things build up the Body of Christ? Is the Kingdom made stronger? Is Jesus Christ glorified?
Is there reconciliation? Is Hill healthier? I hope you know the answer to these questions.
Regarding future anonymous letters, Session has developed a policy to handle such things.
If you disagree with, or are offended by my actions, the actions of our staff, leaders, or a fellow
member, I encourage you to speak privately and honestly with the person about your concern. As Jesus
instructs in Matthew 18, speak to the person who offended, one on one, to resolve the issue.
If after open and respectful conversation, your concern or disagreement is not resolved, please bring it to
our Session ask Louise Evans to speak at the next meeting. The Session will listen in confidence to
your concern, do additional research, talk with the other party, and attempt to bring discussion and
resolution.
The Session is not a Board of Directors, but Christian men and women who have vowed to further
the peace, unity, and purity of the church. They are committed to healing and reconciliation at Hill.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
In Christ,
Pastor Jim

The Session held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 9th.
The following actions were approved:
** To use money from the church's general fund to supplement money received from the
congregation so that the total amount paid to the Beaver Butler Presbytery for the 2017 per capita
assessment totals at least $7,000.
** Authorized the use of investment funds in the 2017 Hill Church budget (if needed) as follows:
Housing Allowance Fund - $6,000, McKee Estate Fund - $6,000, Faux Estate Fund - $5,500.
** Approved the 2017 Hill Church budget in the amount of $236,594.
The annual congregational meeting will be held Sunday, February 12, 2017 following worship.
Submitted by Louise Evans
Clerk of Session
Transition Team Update, LUNCH February 12
The Hill Transition Team (Barb Graham, Barb Kamerer, Lauren McElhaney, Marsh Miller, Diane
Olenic, Chad Provident, and Maryanne Puente) continues to work on the Self-Study, describing Hill.
This document will be approved at a future congregational meeting, and will be passed on to the yet-tobe-elected Pastor Nominating Committee, who will begin the search for our next pastor.
As part of the Study, several things are planned:
1. A Timeline of key historical events over the last twenty-five years will be posted in Fellowship
Hall. Members will be asked to look it over, and write their comments about the events.
2. Elsewhere in this newsletter, you will find a 10-question survey about Hill, our leaders, the
process, etc. Please take a moment and give us your thoughts. Bring it to the office, and place it
in the box marked, Transition Team Survey.
3. Plan on coming downstairs for lunch on Sunday, February 12 the Team will host a light
lunch, and we will have our Annual Congregational Meeting. After the meeting, Transition Team
members will host Table Talk discussions about the future of Hill Church.
Please join us in this important process, and help us discern who God is calling to be the next pastor.
Contact any Team member or Pastor Jim with questions.

Transition Team Luncheon Reservation Form

Sunday, February 12th
I / We will attend:
Name(s)_______________________________________
#Adults_______

#Children 10 and under _______

DEADLINE for RESERVATIONS: Sunday, February 5th

Every year Hill Church is asked to support the work of the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, the Synod of the
Trinity and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. This support is made through a per-capita
assessment of church members. This assessment has been used for over 150 years to fund the essential work of
the Presbyterian Church.
As we have done in past years, we are inviting members to the Hill Church family of faith to contribute to
the support of the shared work of the Presbyterian Church USA. The per-capita assessment for 2017 is $43.34
per member which includes all those who have been baptized and have made their profession of faith. For
example, a single member would contribute $43.34, a couple who are both members would contribute $86.68, a
couple with one confirmed child would contribute $130.02 and so on.
For your convenience in making this offering, a special envelope has been included in your regular box of
envelopes, appearing between the January 29th and the February 5th envelopes. Or you may mark the memo
line of your check per-capita and this offering will be properly credited to your giving statement.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

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 of 56 Estimate of
Giving Cards were consecrated during our November 13, 2016 Worship service. Since that time an
additional 20 cards have been received bringing the total amount pledged to date to $175,692.50. This
response compares to prior years as follows:
Pledge Year
Number of Pledges
Total Amount Pledged
2017
76
$175,692.50
2016
84
$149,696
2015
98
$180,835
2014
101
$200,624
2013
100
$191,913
It is not too late to participate in our 2017 Stewardship Campaign. A Estimate of Giving Card is
included in this newsletter below. 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.
The Stewardship and Mission Support Committee

We want to thank each of you who contributed so many

lovely winter things to our Keep Me Warm Trees. There
were 120 childrens items, including caps, gloves, jackets,
scarves, slipper socks, socks, etc. There were 60 womens
items, including jackets, gloves, sweaters, scarves, pajamas, etc.
We received 26 mens items, including scarves, caps, sweaters,
gloves, and a bathrobe. We also received a beautiful throw.
In mid-December, we delivered them to V.O.I.C.E. They
were graciously received there. A few items that were
remaining on the trees on January 5th will be taken to
V.O.I.C.E. in January. Again, we thank you for your generosity.
Bea Welch
Moderator

WORSHIP
ATTENDANCE
IN DECEMBER
AND JANUARY
Sunday
12/4

91

12/11

72

12/18

104

12/24
Happy Birthday Jesus

34

12/24
Candlelight Service

238

12/25

66

1/1

66

1/8

100

1/15

102

1/22

82

Community dinner on January 11th

was served to 110 guests. The menu
was pizza, salad, fruit, and various
donated desserts. Thirteen volunteers
came out to prepare and serve the
meal.
For information about how you can get
involved, contact Barb or Jim Kamerer, 724-2832248.

Wednesdays
On
The Hill programs
are returning! This
amazing program is
beginning February
1st and continuing
for 9 consecutive
Wednesdays with
the exception of
March 1st - Ash Wednesday, ending on Apr il 5th. Youth handbells begin at
4:30. Youth music begins at 5. Kids Club, Club 56, JumpStart 78, and Delve
912 runs from 5:30-7. Beginning February 15th there will be a time of prayer
and musical praise in the Sanctuary from 6:40-7:00 and Adult Bible Study
is from 7-7:45. There tr uly is something for ever yone! There are sign -up
sheets on the bulletin board beside acolyte alley for those who would like to
donate food. Volunteers are ALWAYS welcome and appreciated. Please see
Nancy Daugherty or any other member of our Christian Education team to help
or with any questions.

BIBLE READING S FOR FEBRUARY

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

1st - Miranda Brady, Jordan Davis,

and Nathan Karwoski
2nd - Jennifer Gilliland and Marsh Miller
8th - Kathy Nevel and Kirkland Porter
9th - John Anderson
10th - Daniel Miller
11th - Lydia Reeger
12th - Michael McNeish
15th - Macall Milanovich
17th - Andy Weiland
18th - Ashley Holmes and Kimberly Shultz
19th - Norbert Slezak
20th - Dan McKnight
23rd - Brittany Freehling
25th - Thomas Walters
26th - Bill Ellis

Patti Jean (Cavalero) Donaldson

Patti is the treasurer of our Board of Deacons. Patti

was born on July 30th here in Butler and married Mark
Donaldson on May 27.
Patti and Mark have been blessed with three children,
Michael (42), Megan (31), and Nick (29) and three
grandchildren, Connor (12), Aubrey (9), and Brooke (6).
Pattis favorite memories of Hill Church are the
candlelight Christmas eve services. It would be so
crowded that unless you arrived an hour before the service
you wouldnt find a seat. It was breathtakingly beautiful
when the Church was ablaze with candlelight.
Pattis favorite thing about being a deacon is helping
members, getting to know members better, and having a
small impact on members lives. People are always
thanking us for our work. It is very gratifying.
Pattis future hopes and prayers for Hill Church is that
our Church will survive and thrive. Patti says I was
baptized in the Hill Church and a member for more than
50 years. It saddens me to see how our membership has
diminished but I have faith we will come out stronger than
ever.

Morning

Evening

Ex. 27, 28
Ex. 29, 30
Ex. 31, 32, 33
Ex. 34, 35
Ex. 36, 37, 38
Ex. 39, 40
Lev. 1, 2, 3
Lev. 4, 5
Lev. 6, 7
Lev. 8, 9, 10
Lev. 11, 12
Lev. 13
Lev. 14
Lev. 15, 16
Lev. 17, 18
Lev. 19, 20
Lev. 21, 22
Lev. 23, 24
Lev. 25
Lev. 26, 27
Num. 1, 2
Num. 3, 4
Num. 5, 6, 7
Num. 8, 9, 10
Num. 11, 12, 13
Num. 14, 15, 16
Num. 17, 18, 19
Num. 20, 21, 22

Matt. 21: 1-22

Matt. 21: 23-46
Matt. 22: 1-22
Matt. 22: 23-46
Matt. 23: 1-22
Matt. 23: 23 39
Matt. 24: 1 - 28
Matt. 24: 29 - 51
Matt. 25: 1 - 30
Matt. 25: 31 - 46
Matt. 26: 1 - 25
Matt. 26: 26 - 50
Matt. 26: 51 - 75
Matt. 27: 1 - 26
Matt. 27: 27 - 50
Matt. 27: 51-66
Matt. 28
Mark 1: 1 - 22
Mark 1: 23 - 45
Mark 2
Mark 3: 1 - 19
Mark 3: 20 - 35
Mark 4: 1 - 20
Mark 4: 21 - 41
Mark 5
Mark 6: 1 - 29
Mark 6: 30 - 56
Mark 7: 1 - 13

Jack Barkley

Jack is a member of our Stewardship and Mission

Support Committee. He was born on April 12th here in
Butler and married Judy Brown Barkley on June 8, 1968.
Jack and Judy have been blessed with two children,
Jennifer Ivory and Jay, and four grandchildren, Andrew
(17), Emily (14), Ella (10), and Mia (5).
Jacks favorite memories of Hill Church are the
Christmas eve services, Dick Young, our new, young
associate, arriving on a motorcycle, Judy beating all the
Institute Hill boys at ping-pong during Drop-In, an
evening neighborhood outreach program started by Dorothy
Kirkpatrick.
Jack has been touched by witnessing the emotional and
spiritual support our members give each other in times of
need through our memorial services and luncheons and also
by all of the work of our board of deacons.
Jacks future hopes and prayers for Hill Church are that
we continue to pray for wisdom, listen, and follow Gods
will.

11

GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT

Following last Novembers sending of our Christmas cards and enclosed
letter to the students, we have received many e-mails thanking you for the
greetings and in turn wishing the Hill UP congregation a happy and
prosperous new year, while also offering gratitude for your gifts of money for their scholarships.
The following e-mail is from the new Catechist, Gladys Aboagye, of the Tettegu congregation.
Read what this small church is doing for us. WOW
Happy new year.
This is to inform you that catechist Tsordu is gone on transfer to Ho. The current catechist now is
catechist Aboagye Gladys.
How is the hill Church? We at Tettegu are fine by his grace.
I hope you at the hill church are fine as we are doing here.
I hope you are increasing in number day by day.
I pray things will go on very well with you by having a very vibrant pastor who can move the Church
forward.
I have announced what you sent to the congregation and we have fasted and prayed for you.
We will still pray any fast for seven days on your behalf for God to intervene and increase your
numbers as well as your finances for the good work and supporting Ghanaian young women in their
education.
We pray that in some few years to come, you will support our young men as well.
I wish you all of the hill church peace, joy and abundant grace in Jesus name. Thank you very
much.
Yours faithfuly,
Catechist Gladys Aboagye.
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 for the West Volta Presbytery.

12

13

VOLUNTEERS FOR
FEBRUARY 2017

FEBRUARY
5

USHER
TEAM

GREETERS
BEFORE

Ladies Team

Deacon
Gregory Heist

COUNTING
ELDERS
Bob Kennedy

ACOLYTE

COFFEE
HOUR

Lane Hawk

Jack and Judy

Barkley

Sam Heist

Transition
Team
Luncheon

Lydia Reeger

Deacon
John Anderson

Seth Heist

The
Heist Family

Louise Evans
Nancy Daugherty

FEBRUARY
12

Ladies Team

FEBRUARY
19

Mens
Team

Deacon
Gregory Heist

FEBRUARY
26

Mens
Team

Audrey
Nossokoff

Bea Welch
Becky Plymale
Ruth Scott
Steve Arn
Diane Olenic
Tim Moses

Communion Team Team B

Newsletter Team in February (for March) Team B
(The Willing Workers)
Sunday morning ride service driver for February - Jim Kamerer (724-283-2248)
PULPIT FLOWERS
FEBRUARY 5
Donated in loving
memory of
Ada M. and
Robert V. Scott
by their children
and grandchildren.

FEBRUARY 12
Donated with love in
honor of our
valentines,
Sam, Seth, and Bella
Heist,
by Daddy and Ema.

FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 26

Still
Available

Still
Available

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 SECTIONBRADY STREET SECTION

PEARL ST. SECTIONOVERFLOW AREA

FEBRUARY 5

Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231

Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413

FEBRUARY 12

Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013

Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782

FEBRUARY 19

Lois Minich, 724-283-1875

Volunteer Needed

FEBRUARY 26

Volunteer Needed

Peg Dumbaugh, 724-789-7331

2017

20

7th Sunday
After
The Epiphany

27

15

28
9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

21
9:30-11:00am - Womens
Bible Study
12:00pm - Betsy
McCormick Circle at
Macs Caf

22
8:00am - Breakfast at
Macs Caf
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
4:30-7:00pm Wednesdays On The Hill

8:00am - Breakfast at
Macs Caf
9:30am - Willing Workers
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
4:30-7:00pm Wednesdays On The Hill

14

9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

8:00am - Breakfast at
Macs Caf
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
4:30-7:00pm Wednesdays On The Hill
5:00pm - Community
Dinner

9:30-11:00am Womens Bible Study

7:00pm - Deacons Mtg.

23

16

9:30am - Willing Workers

Groundhog Day

24

17

10

9:00am - Hill Quilters

FRI

25
11:00am - AA Meeting

18
11:00am - AA Meeting

11
11:00am - AA
Meeting

11am - AA Meeting

SAT

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

9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner Preaching
11:30am - Fellowship

Transfiguration
Of The
Lord

9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner Preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
12:15pm - Yarn Group

5:30-7:00pm - Senior
Night Out

13

Beloved, let us
love one another,
because love is
from God; 19
everyone who loves
is born of God
and knows God. 26
1 John 4: 7
6:45pm - Session Mtg.

8:00am - Breakfast at
Macs Caf
1:30pm - Memorial Bells
4:30-7:00pm Wednesdays On The Hill

MON TUES WED THUR

6th Sunday
After
The Epiphany
9:30am - Community
Lunches
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner Preaching
11:30am - Transition Team
luncheon and Annual
Congregational Meeting

12

5th Sunday
After The Epiphany
Lords Supper,
Traditional
9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
James Steiner Preaching
11:30am - Fellowship
12:15pm - Womens Book
Club

SUN