December 2017

Newsletter of The Hill United Presbyterian Church Butler, PA

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. John 8: 12

Rev. James Steiner

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
10:30 A.M.Worship Service Elder Louise Evans
11:30 A.M.Coffee and Fellowship Time in the Fellowship Hall
Paula Baptiste Floyd, Choir Director

Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell

Director and Organist

Kathy Davis

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

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 3, 2017
1st Sunday of Advent
Lords Supper - Traditional

Sermon: Mixed Message?

Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Jeremiah 33: 14-16; Luke 21: 25-36
DECEMBER 10, 2017
2nd Sunday of Advent

Sermon: Sending The Messenger

Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Luke 3: 1-6; Malachi 2: 17-3: 1-4
DECEMBER 17, 2017
3rd Sunday of Advent

Sermon: The Messenger Speaks

Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Luke 3: 7-18
DECEMBER 24, 2017
Christmas Eve
10:30 A.M. - Worship Service
Sermon: Message Received
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Micah 5: 2-5a; Luke 1:31-55
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: Missing Something?
Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Luke 2: 1-20

DECEMBER 31, 2017

1st Sunday After Christmas

Sermon: The Promise Fulfilled

Rev. James Steiner
Scripture: Isaiah 61: 10-62: 3; Galatians 4: 1-7
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).

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 Adventus, which means coming. Advent is
a time of preparation in the life of the church, when Christians are to prepare for the coming of
Christ. The Christian Church has been celebrating Advent since the sixth century.

As you make your preparations, I encourage you to refer to the Scripture passages 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. Advent 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 idea of a messenger
and the message, revealed over hundreds of years. We will spend time looking at both the Old
and New Testaments. Because of the resurrection and almost 2,000 years of witness, we know
Jesus is the Messiah. But for a Jew living 800 years before Christ, the Messiah was presented
in messages sent by messengers. For us today, as we anticipate the return of Christ, we need
to hear (again!) the message of the arrival of the Son of God.

Several activities are planned for the season:

Friday, December 1, 7:00 PM: Family Movie Night. We will watch The Nativity
Story, a 2006 film about the birth of Jesus. Snacks will be served in the lounge
Sunday, December 10, 6:00 PM: Christmas Dinner. We had a great time last year,
lets do it again! (Tune up your singing voices!)
Friday, December 15, 6:00 PM: Moms (and Dads) Night Out: Drop the kids off at
Hill for an evening of snacks, crafts and movies.
Christmas Eve:
Morning Worship @ 10:30
Happy Birthday Jesus Party @ 4:00 PM
Christmas Music @ 7:30 PM
Candlelight Service @ 8:00 PM

This is an exciting time in the life of our church. The Hill Ministry Information Form is on
the web, and our Pastor Nominating Committee is reading resumes. 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. And may God shower you with abundant blessings this Christmas, and in the New Year.

In Christ,

Pastor Jim

3
 Bible Readings
For December
Morning Evening
1 Ezek. 40, 41 II Pet. 3
2 Ezek. 42, 43, 44 I John 1
3 Ezek. 45, 46 I John 2
4 Ezek. 47, 48 I John 3
5 Dan. 1, 2 I John 4
1st - Joan Gregg and Cheryl King 6 Dan. 3, 4 I John 5
2nd - Shirley Brown 7 Dan. 5, 6, 7 II John
8 Dan. 8, 9, 10 III John
5th - Ashley Jacox 9 Dan. 11, 12 Jude
10 Hos. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 1
8th - Judy Birch 11 Hos. 5, 6, 7, 8 Rev. 2
9th - Elizabeth Graham 12
13
Hos. 9, 10, 11
Hos. 12, 13, 14
Rev. 3
Rev. 4
10th - Bea Welch 14 Joel 1, 2, 3 Rev. 5
15 Amos 1, 2, 3 Rev. 6
11th - Helen Raabe 16 Amos 4, 5, 6 Rev. 7
17 Amos 7, 8, 9 Rev. 8
12th - Landon Kretzer 18 Obadiah Rev. 9
14th - Bryce Hawk and Lane Hawk 19 Jon. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 10
20 Mic. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 11
18th - Sarah Hawk 21 Mic. 4, 5 Rev. 12
22 Mic. 6, 7 Rev. 13
21st - Sharon Montag and 23 Nah. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 14
Maxine Beisheim 24
25
Hab. 1, 2, 3
Zeph. 1, 2, 3
Rev. 15
Rev. 16
22nd - Mark Huba 26 Hag. 1, 2 Rev. 17
27 Zec. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 18
26th - Anne Miller 28 Zec. 5, 6, 7, 8 Rev. 19
29 Zec. 9, 10, 11, 12, Rev. 20
30th - Maryanne Puente 30 Zec. 13, 14 Rev. 21
31 Mal. 1, 2, 3, 4 Rev. 22
On November 8, Community Dinner was served to 111
guests. The menu was chili, corn muffins, fruit salad, pickles,
and cookies. The weather was cool, but the fellowship among
volunteers is always warm. And those we serve are so
appreciative! To find out how you can get involved, contact
Barb or Jim Kamerer at 724.283.2248. WORSHIP
The PNC continues to meet and prepare for the processes of reading resumes and ATTENDANCE
interviewing candidates. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Tom McMeekin was IN OCTOBER
not present at our last meeting on Nov. 7th when we were to AND NOVEMBER
receive interview training. However, this meeting has been
rescheduled for Nov. 28th. After training is completed, the Sunday
Committee will begin to receive resumes from potential
matches and interview those who appear promising until we 10/1 75
find the one person whom God has called to lead our church. 10/8 76
The Session met on October 23, 2017. The following actions were taken: 10/15 58
++ Approved the schedule of 2018 Communion dates.
++ Approved the Election Day bake sale to benefit the Ghana Mission scholarships. 10/22 84
++ Approved participation in the Bike MS Christmas gift wrapping project. 10/29 77
++ Approved the Ministry Information Form (MIF) submitted by the Pastor
Nominating Committee. 11/5 80
The Session met on November 13, 2017. The following actions were taken:
++ Approved Administration's request for Christmas gift cards for the staff. 11/12 95
Louise Evans, Clerk
11/19 70
4

Keep Me Warm Trees
Once again we are asking the congregation to help to decorate our Keep
Me Warm Trees. A tree is set up in the Overflow Area and also one in
the Fellowship Hall to receive your contributions through December
20th. Warm clothing, new or gently used, such as mittens, caps, jackets,
sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks, etc. will be greatly appreciated. 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
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!

Christmas Dinner Reservation Form

Sunday, December 10th 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 4th

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: Check #________ Cash Total Amount: __________________
Will pick up Deacons can take
Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 3, 2017
5
 DECEMBER NEWS FROM OUR
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TEAM
A big, big thank you to all who contributed to make the fall session of Wednesdays on
the Hill such a wonderful experience for all. Each night about thirty-five children and
young people shared music, food, games and Gods Word. They also received the
amazing love and attention provided by our grown-ups. No wonder one of them said, I
love coming here, I will never stop coming. A big thank you to the many who provide
fruit, veggies, drinks and cookies as well. The synergy that produced our first ever Fall
Indoor Picnic and the subsequent program was remarkable. The closing program, and
all the effort the Wednesday experience takes, was very much appreciated by the parents
of the Hill children. A special thanks to: Becky Plymale for coming in to direct the
signing in her post surgery state, Greg and Elean Heist for the videos, and Frank Davis
and Jon Smail for grilling eighty hamburgers and delivering seventy-nine. We suspect
we know where the last one went.

Our next children/youth event will be a Moms and Dads night out. Parents can drop
the kids off at the Hill at 6:00 PM on Friday, December 15 for an evening of snacks,
crafts and movies. Younger kids are watching Mickeys Magical Christmas. Older
kids/teens will see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Pick up time is 8 pm.

CAN YOU LEND A HAND? Our special events that occur in months when
Wednesdays on the Hill is in recess, could use some volunteers to give the amazing
WOTH crew a break. Sometimes we need help with crafts or games, sometimes an
extra grown up or two serve snacks and just be a friend to the kids and youth who
attend. Special skills are not required- just a love for Jesus and kids. Let Kathy Davis
know if you can help out on December 15 with a craft or snacks.

JANUARY EVENT FOR KIDS HAS SNOW THEME. We havent scheduled a day
and time yet so watch this space for when the first event of the year will take place. If
the Weatherman cooperates, we may don our boots and gloves for a day of sledding. If
not, well meet at the church for Winter Olympic theme games. Either way, the cost of
admission will be one pair of warm socks that will be donated to the homeless.

With the Fall session of WOTH wrapped up, attention returns to the great Resource
Recycling in the Education Office. Kathy Davis is in the office on Tuesday and
Wednesday from 10-2 so please stop by if your book club is looking for a resource or if
you think you can use some the study materials we are eliminating from the collection.

The Education Committee seeks input from adults about Bible studies, speakers or
retreats that sound good to you. If there is a topic that interests you, please let Kathy or
Nancy know.

6
 GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT

On November 7th, contact was made with Bernard Daddy via face time. There
is a five hour differential with Accra, Ghana. He was still at the church as their
monthly Session meeting had just concluded. Bernard asked the Catechist to step over.
He offered his greetings to the Hill congregation and thanked all for their assistance for
the women scholars. Another Presbyter also sent her greetings to us. The Bubiashie
committee is working on applications from the next batch of scholars, with awards to
be presented in January or February.

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, pray for Dr. McWilson
Koku Atakro, the Executive Presbyter and Moderator for the West Volta Presbytery.

Mission co-workers Barry & Shelly Dawson

As you may recall, Shelly Dawson had some serious medical issues and had to come
back to the USA following her return to Thailand in July. The Dawsons ended up
staying in New York until October 8th.

During this stay, Shelly had to undergo medical testing and surgical procedures. There
was no cancer. The pathology report did indicate that the left lung did show evidence
of the same IgG4-related autoimmune disease as was discovered in Shelly's right lung
when she had surgery on that lung on August 30th. The report also indicated that in
the left lung there was some "old inflammation."

With regard to what treatment Shelly will need in the future, the good news is that the
doctors prescribed no medications for her at that time. At least for the next year, she
will need to have CT scans of her lungs and also special blood work every 3 months.

Shelly will be back in New York for an early January medical appointment at
Memorial Sloan Kettering in order to have the required CT scan, blood work, and
consultations with doctors in the pulmonology department. The Dawsons are hopeful
that she will be able to have her spring 2018 CT scan and blood work done at an
international hospital in Bangkok that specializes in medical tourism.

Request: The Dawsons ask for your continuing prayers for Shelly throughout the
coming months, as the doctors do quarterly medical testing and track her medical
condition. Barry writes, We believe that your prayers have been heard by our loving
God who has responded to Shelly and us with grace beyond measure.

7
MeRrY
P
ChRiStMaS WoRd
P T C I L U N M P Y S H O H Z B D E A ADVENT
SeArCh
MARY
T S L L E B M E O E I U D O I M Z E P D ANGEL MIRACLE
J S G G G A H I V E Y R L R U Q M T I K BELLS MISTLETOE
O O N A N E N O J F L Y A E A Q L I P H BETHLEHEM NOEL
S A Y G L S L V E A W H C T T C O C H S CANDLES PEACE
E I E H E T A R B E L E C H S I R X A U CARDS POINSETTIA
P R T T E L C A R I M A O N R H D E N S CELEBRATE SNOW
H E T Y R A M N Y O R H I V X I N E Y E CHRIST STAR
B I G P H W Z G E U N P K Y Q T S Y X J EPIPHANY TRADITION
A A E E B E D E F I O O L N V Y B T V V EXCITED WISEMEN
X R P V F Y L O S R N I I D E C P E U H FAMILY YULETIDE
K H B X M G S T Q Q M B W T A M W G U F HOLY
J E R U S A L E M A G U J N I P E A C E HOPE
A D V E N T W L F E O M D J A D S S I F JERUSALEM
P X G M E F O T L Q L L J J X W A U I K JESUS
I H S F G S N S Y D E Y M J Y M L R E W JOSEPH
S V R Z C I S I F S L V H F X F X F T P JOY
I I T R C E E M Z T Z T O N I W W R V V LORD
Z Q M H O P E N A K N N C L B K D J J L LOVE
H J H H J O S D P S S Z U F L I I F T V MANGER

8
 VOLUNTEERS FOR
DECEMBER 2017
USHER GREETERS COUNTING COFFEE
LITURGIST ACOLYTE
TEAM BEFORE ELDERS HOUR
Deacon Tim Moses
DECEMBER Ladies Elder Diane and
Miranda Seth Heist
3 Team Bob Kennedy Dave Olenic
Brady Janet Edinger
Pam Lentz Elder None due to
DECEMBER Ladies
Bea Welch Terre Noah Reeger Christmas
10 Team Pat Brennen Patterson Dinner

Diane Olenic Deacon

DECEMBER Mens Deacon Elder
Sam Heist Susan
17 Team Elean Heist Dick Beisheim
Marcia McCaw Catanzarito

10:30:
Steve Arn Elder BriAnna None due to
DECEMBER Mens Audrey
Audrey Reeger Christmas
24 Team Nossokoff
Anne Miller Nossokoff 8:00: Holiday
Bella Heist
Deacon Dale Anderson None due to
DECEMBER Combined Elder
Lynda Ben Huba New Years
31 Teams Becky Plymale Jim Ihlenfeld
Lavorini Eve Holiday

Communion Team Team C

Newsletter Team in DECEMBER (for January) Team C (Audrey, Bea, and Shirley)
Sunday morning ride service driver for DECEMBER - Keith Swank (724-287-5444)
PULPIT FLOWERS
DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER 10 DECEMBER 17 DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER 31
Donated with love in
Donated with love in Donated with love Donated with love in
honor of their Donated with hope
memory of Ada M. in memory of honor of all those
grandchildren and for a wonderful
and Robert V. Scott Martha Barber who have provided
Morgans graduation 2018
by their children and by music at Hill Church
from R.M.U. by Norbert by Becky Plymale.
grandchildren. Susan Catanzarito. by Nancy Slezak.
and Nancy Slezak.
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

DECEMBER 3 Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231 Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413
DECEMBER 10 Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013 Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782
DECEMBER 17 Lois Minich, 724-283-1875 Volunteer Needed
DECEMBER 24 Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed
DECEMBER 31 Anne Miller, 724-282-2072 Kim Selfridge, 724-285-9017
 MON WED FRI
1 2
9:00am - Hill Quilters 11am - AA Meeting

1st Sunday of Advent

Lords Supper,
3 Traditional 4 5 6 7 8 9
9:00am - Choir 9:30-11:00am - Womens 8:00am - Womens 11:00am - AA Meeting
10:30am - Worship Rev. Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
James Steiner Preaching 7:00pm - Deacons Mtg. Macs Caf
11:30am - Fellowship 1:30pm - Memorial Bells
12:15pm - Womens Book
Club

2nd Sunday
of Advent
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
9:30am - Community 6:45pm - Session Mtg. 9:30-11:00am - Womens 8:00am - Womens 11:00am - AA Meeting
Lunches Bible Study Fellowship
10:30am - Worship Rev. Breakfast at Macs
James Steiner Preaching Caf
6:00pm - Christmas Dinner 1:30pm - Memorial Bells
5:00pm - Community
Dinner

3rd Sunday Church

of Advent Office
Closes
She will bear a 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
At Noon
9:00am - Choir 9:30-11:00am - Womens 8:00am - Womens 11:00am - AA Meeting
10:30am - Worship Rev. Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
son, and you James Steiner Preaching 6:00pm - Betsy Macs Caf
11:30am - Fellowship McCormick Circle 9:30am - Willing
12:00pm - Yarn Group Christmas Party at Butler Workers
Country Club 1:30pm - Memorial Bells
are to name
him Jesus, for 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
9:00am - Choir 8:00am - Womens 11:00am - AA Meeting
10:30am - Worship Rev. Fellowship
James Steiner Preaching Breakfast at Macs
4:00pm - Happy Birthday, 1:30pm - Memorial Bells
Jesus!
he will save his
7:30pm - Musical Preludes
8:00pm - Candlelight
Service The Church Office is closed this week and will re-open Tuesday, January 2nd at 8:30 a.m.
1st Sunday After
people from
Christmas
31
9:00am - Choir
10:30am - Worship Rev.
their sins.
James Steiner Preaching

Matthew 1: 21
Cut out the picture and Bible verse and use it as your bookmark for your Bible for the month of December!