Hill United Presbyterian Church 501 Second Street Butler, PA 16001 Phone: 724-287-5427 FAX: 724-287-7468 E-mail: hillup@zoominternet.

net Website: www.hillup.org

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Butler, PA Permit No. 114

January

2013
Hill united Presbyterian church

Newsletter
WORSHIP WITH US
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

9:15 A.M.JAM SESSIONS, ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL, CONFIRMATION CLASS 9:30 A.M.30 MINUTES! FOR YOUTH 10:30 A.M.WORSHIP SERVICE 11:30 A.M.COFFEE / FELLOWSHIP TIME IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL
SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP

6:00 P.M.SATURDAY@HILL WORSHIP WITH A DIFFERENCE (FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH ONLY)

Come and Join Us!

SEE COMPLETE WEEKLY SCHEDULE ON THE OTHER SIDE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HILLUP.ORG FOR THE CHURCH CALENDER AND OTHER NEWS

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SATURDAY EVENING (6:00-7:00 P.M.) & SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES 10:3011:30 A.M.

JANUARY 6, 2013
Epiphany of the Lord Lords SupperTraditional

JANUARY 5, 2013
Lords Supper by Intinction

Sermon: Nations Shall Come to Your Light Rev. Clark Sawyer Scripture: Isaiah 60: 1- 6; Matthew 2: 1-12

Sermon: Nations Shall Come to Your Light Rev. Clark Sawyer Scripture: Isaiah 60: 1- 6; Matthew 2: 1-12 JANUARY 12, 2013 No Worship Service JANUARY 13, 2013
Baptism of the Lord

Sermon: Baptism, The Holy Spirit and Fire Rev. Clark Sawyer Scripture: Isaiah 43: 1-7; Luke 3: 1-3, 15-17, 21-22

JANUARY 19, 2013 No Worship Service

JANUARY 20, 2013

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Sermon: The New Wine Rev. Clark Sawyer Scripture: Isaiah 62: 1-5; John 2: 1-11

JANUARY 26, 2013 No Worship Service

JANUARY 27, 2013

3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Sermon: The Ministry of Jesus Rev. Clark Sawyer Scripture: Isaiah 61: 1-4; Luke 4: 14-21

January 2013
FROM THE PASTORS DESK Dear Brothers and Sisters, Members and Friends of the Hill United Presbyterian Church: We mark time by days, weeks, months and years! So we have marked the passage from the year 2012 to 2013. I often say that in season and out of season, throughout all the seasons and years of our lives, God is with us, leading us into the future. God assures us that we do not have to repeat the past. In fact, in Revelation, after John has seen a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, John records that God Who sits on the throne says Behold, I make all things new! Paul says this about us in II Corinthians: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. The grace of God in Jesus Christ brings us the possibility of new beginnings on a continuing basis, spiritually, in body, soul and spirit. Blessings to you in the newness of Christ Jesus in this new year! Pastor Clark Rev. Clark Sawyer God is gracious to us, continuing to sustain and lead us in Jesus Christ through the outworking of His Holy Spirit. That is always Gods resolution. What about our resolution to be more regularly in touch with God through prayer, Bible reading, and gatherings at Church for worship, study, fellowship, outreach and service? Be in touch with God and with His Church in the new year of 2013! Blessings! See you! WORSHIP ATTENDANCE IN NOVEMBER and DECEMBER 2013
Saturday 11/03 11/10 11/17 11/24 12/01 12/08 12/15 12/22
No worship 06 No worship No worship

Sunday 11/04 11/11 11/18 11/25 12/02 12/09 12/16 12/23 12/16 12/24 12/24 12/30 139 100 122 90 134 164 291 138 250 47 257 113

13
No worship No worship No worship

Christmas Musical Christmas Eve 4:00pm Christmas Eve 8:00pm 12/29

No worship

BIBLE READING FOR JANUARY

Morning
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 29 30 31 Gen. 1, 2, 3 Gen. 4, 5, 6 Gen. 7, 8, 9 Gen. 10, 11, 12 Gen. 13, 14, 15 Gen. 16, 17 Gen. 18, 19 Gen. 20, 21, 22 Gen. 23, 24 Gen. 25, 26 Gen. 27, 28 Gen. 29, 30 Gen. 31, 32 Gen. 33, 34, 35 Gen. 36, 37, 38 Gen. 39, 40 Gen. 41, 42 Gen. 43, 44, 45 Gen. 46, 47, 48 Gen. 49, 50 Ex. 1, 2, 3 Ex. 4, 5, 6 Ex. 7, 8 Ex. 9, 10, 11 Ex. 12, 13 Ex. 14, 15 Ex. 16, 17, 18 Ex. 19, 20 Ex. 21, 22 Ex. 23, 24 Ex. 25, 26

Evening
Matt. 1 Matt. 2 Matt. 3 Matt. 4 Matt. 5: 1 - 26 Matt. 5: 27 48 Matt. 6: 1 - 18 Matt. 6: 19 - 34 Matt. 7 Matt. 8: 1 - 17 Matt. 8: 18 - 34 Matt. 9: 1 - 17 Matt. 9: 18 - 38 Matt. 10: 1 - 20 Matt. 10: 21 - 42 Matt. 11 Matt. 12: 1 - 23 Matt. 12: 24 - 50 Matt. 13: 1 - 30 Matt. 13: 31 - 58 Matt. 14: 1 21 Matt. 14: 22 - 36 Matt. 15: 1 - 20 Matt. 15: 21 - 39 Matt. 16 Matt. 17 Matt. 18: 1 - 20 Matt. 18: 21 35 Matt. 19 Matt. 20: 1 - 16 Matt. 20: 17 - 34

OFFERING ENVELOPES
Offering envelopes will be mailed to those people who were unable to pick them up in the sanctuary after Dec 30, 2012. Please start using these new envelopes the first weekend in 2013. Please contact Jennifer in the church office if you have not received a box of offering envelopes, either in the church or by mail, by January 15, 2013. If you have already picked up your box, thank you for helping the Church save postage money. Postal rates to mail the boxes are high and increased again this year.

HILL YOUTH CHORALE CABARET On Friday evening, January 25 at 7:00pm our own Hill Youth Chorale will be presenting an evening of Broadway songs and deluxe desserts in our church dining room. Also, there will be another performance at noon on Sunday, January 27th, which includes a spaghetti luncheon. This is the groups main fundraiser for their ministry tour. Tickets are $10.00 and include admission, an evening or afternoon of top-rate entertainment, and all the decadent desserts (or spaghetti and salad) and coffee or tea you wish. Tickets are available from Chorale members or in the Church office. If you want to attend, plan on picking your tickets up early this month, as they do sell out!! We are also in need of dessert donations for Friday nightpreferably decadent cakes, cheesecakes, etc. If you would like to donate an item, please let us know by filling out the form inserted in your bulletin in January.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS December 10, 2012

The following Motions were approved from Stewardship and Mission Support and Worship and Discipleship respectively: Motions: 1. To utilize up to $25,000 from the Huselton Fund and up to $6,240 from the Beck Estate Fund to pay the balance on the bill for sanctuary and other lighting upgrades and repairs provided by Bronder services. 2. To adopt a 2013 budget in the amount of $340, 760.00 Motions: 1. To approve the baptism on December 30, 2012 of Grier Lamont Lyons, son of Michael and Emily Lyons, born November 15, 2012 in Herndon, VA. 2. To approve the 2013 Communion dates. Clark Sawyer, Moderator

SUMMER, 2013 SENIOR HIGH MISSION TRIP INFORMATION WHO: Anyone currently in grades 8-12 WHEN: Sunday, June 30 Friday, July 5 WHERE: Eastern Shore Summer 2013 A visit to the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the town of Onancock offers a historic setting, serene lifestyle and abundant outdoor recreation. Fishing and bird-watching are popular pastimes for both residents and visitors. Despite the natural beauty of the area, typical rural struggles, such as unemployment, exist. A large number of retirees moving to the area also have driven up home prices, causing affordable housing challenges. Your group will have an opportunity to complete home improvement projects and serve local children while you enjoy the simple pleasures of Gods creation. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?: We have 15 spots reserved - 3 for adult leaders and 12 for students. To claim a spot, you must send a check for $25.00 made out to Hill Church to the church office by Feb. 1st. You will then be sent a reservation form. Additional payments of $50 are due on April 1st and June 1st. (Total cost not covered by the church is $125.00. ) There will be a meeting for trip participants on Sunday, April 28 immediately following worship (approx. 11:45am) in the youth room. We are in need of one additional adult chaperone who has a vehicle to drive on the trip - please let the church office know if you would like to participate! 5

GIFT FROM THE ESTATE OF HELEN BECK The Stewardship and Mission Support Committee would like to share news about a special gift that has been made to our church. As you know one of the members of our Hill Church family of faith, Helen Beck went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2011. Helen was an active member of Hill Church, believing in its mission and ministries. She wanted to ensure that the good work of our church continued, even after her passing. Helen included Hill Church in her will, making the church a beneficiary of her estate. Because of her love and generosity Hill Church has received a gift from Helens estate in the amount of $84,430. Helen placed no restrictions on this gift but rather wanted it to be managed by our Session to meet current and future needs. By including Hill Church in her will, Helen joins the ranks of other members of the Hill Church family of faith who have gone before her, in providing a legacy of love and support for the current and future generations of our church. Her commitment to sharing the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through support of the ministries of Hill Church is a true gift and blessing to us all.
Mr. Barkley Thank you and Hill United Presbyterian Church for your donation. The monies will be put to good use helping the Vets in need in our area. Thank you The Butler County Legion Riders

WINTER / SPRING PROGRAM NEWS

Here is a list of some of our busiest Fall ministries and their 2013 start-up dates: JAM (Jesus and Me) Sessions resumes Sunday, 1/20/13 at 9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School resumes Sunday, 1/20/13 at 9:15 a.m. DELVE 912 resumes Wednesday, 2/6/13 at 7:00 p.m. Jump Start 78 resumes Friday 2/1/13 at 7:00 p.m. Club 56 resumes Sunday 2/10/13 at 6:30 p.m. Kids Club meets on Wednesdays resuming on 2/6/13 at 5:30 p.m. Mens Lunch resumes on Monday, 2/25/13 at noon. Womens Breakfast meets at Panera Bread on Wednesdays, resumes 1/16/13 at 8:00 a.m. Womens Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, 1/8/13 at 9:30 a.m. Chancel Choir resumes on Thursday, 1/17/13 at 7:30 p.m. Memorial Handbellsresumes Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Womens Book ClubThe Hill Readers resumes Sunday, January 6th at 12:15 p.m. with Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark. To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, MD is our February 3rd selection. For other choirs and small group ministries, check with your groups leader.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Receipts and Disbursements

FOR MONTH ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Actual Envelope Offerings Other Offerings & Receipts Total Receipts

Budget

Variance Favorable (Unfavorable)

Receipts
$213,210 $190,587 $22,623

98,857 312,067

117,329 307,916

(18,472) 4,151

Disbursements
Personnel Buildings & Grounds Capital Improvements Office Operations Stewardship Mission Support Christian Education Nurture Worship Discipleship Total Disbursements Net of Receipts over Disbursements 184,306 31,229 0 8,889 14,314 21,956 13,095 2,415 10,736 26,903 313,843 186,302 36,511 0 9,396 11,377 19,002 20,212 5,317 9,441 10,358 307,916 1,996 5,282 0 507 (2,937) (2,954) 7,117 2,902 (1,295) (16,545) (5,927)

(1,776)

(1,776)

Fund Balance
Unrestricted (Deficit) Designated Total General Fund ($36,086) 21,147 (14,939)

Next Newsletter Deadline is January 15th

2013 PER CAPITA ASSESSMENT

Every year Hill Church is asked to support the work of the Beaver-Butler Presbytery which is our local governing body, the Synod of the Trinity which is our regional governing body, and the General Assemble which is our general governing body. 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 did in 2012, we are asking members of the Hill Church family of faith to contribute to the funding of the shared work of the Presbyterian Church USA. The per capita assessment for 2013 is $30.07 per member and includes all those who have been baptized and have made a profession of faith. For example, a single member would contribute $30.07, a couple who are both members would contribute $60.14 and a couple with one confirmed child would contribute $90.21, and so on. In 2013, the total per capita apportionment that will be paid by Hill Church is $10,620. In 2012 Hill Church members contributed $3,910 toward Hill Churchs per capita assessment total of $10,206, with the remaining balance being paid for from the churchs general operating fund. We are grateful to those who have supported the work of our churchs governing bodies in past years and ask you to prayerfully consider doing so again in 2013. For your convenience in making this offering, a special envelope has been included in your regular box of envelopes, appearing between the January 27th and February 3rd envelopes. Or you may mark the memo line of your check per capita and this offering will be properly credited to your giving statement. (cont) If you have any questions about the per capita assessment for 2013 or about the churchs 2013 budget please contact any member of the Stewardship and Mission Support Committee. Our committee thanks you for your ongoing generosity.

GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT

As you know, Christmas greetings were again sent to the Bubiashie District. We thank all of you who signed these cards. They represent an extension of our love to our Ghanaian friends in the Bubiashie District. On December 14th, McWilson Atakro sent his greetings back to all Hill Church members via e-mail. He had received a Christmas card that took about 19 days to arrive in Ghana. We will keep you posted as other greetings come to us. Elections for president of Ghana were held on December 7th. This was their 6th successful election since 1992. About 80% of the electorate voted. Current president, John Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress won something just over 50% of the vote to about 47.5 % of the vote for the New Patriotic Party. The rest of the votes were split among a dozen other candidates. The NPP is claiming voter fraud, so we must wait and see what happens. Please keep the Bubiashie District churches in your prayers.

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FEB. 22-MAR. 1, 2013

The Church secretary will be on vacation from Friday, February 22 Friday, March 1, 2013, and volunteers are needed in the office at this time to sort mail, answer the phone, etc. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer in the office.

KIDS CLUB
Kids Club will resume on Wed., February 6th at 5:30 P.M. Invite kids you know to be part of a fun way to learn about the love of Christ in their lives. If youd like to help in any way, contact Kathy Sawyer.

Thanks to all the men and women who volunteered to wrap packages for Habitat for Humanity at the Clearview Mall in December. As soon as we find out the total amount of money that was contributed, well let you all know. Its gratifying to know that at such a busy time of the year our members are willing to give time for such a worthy cause. Thanks again!

KIDS CORNER BIBLE MATCHING PUZZLES

From Mightymag.org by Richard Gunther

The following was received in December via email to Nancy Slezak of the Ghana Mission Task Force:

Hi Nancy, Seasons greetings to you in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. How are you, your family and everyone in Hale UP Church and America in general? We are doing well. It has been a while since we communicated. My condolence to you on the tragic incident that occurred recently at Connecticut. God knows best! Congratulations on your peaceful elections. We had our general elections on 7th December and our current President came out victorious but some aggrieved members of the opposition parties do not want to concede defeat and are accusing the Electoral Commission of rigging the figures in favour of the ruling party. They then started protesting violently and attacking supporters of the ruling party which has brought a lot of tension and chaos in the country. Currently, we have lost close to ten people as a result of these protests. Please pray with us for God's intervention and peace. Nonetheless, I have started my National Service with a Municipal Assembly as a Personal Assistant to the Human Resource Manager. I began the Service in September and would end in August 2013. It is quite interesting working here. Unfortunately, I live two hours away from work and often get to work tired. I am enduring it till I move closer to the workplace. I am out of school now but could not graduate due to some problems I have with my grades. However, by God's Grace I would graduate next year and would send you my transcript as soon as my results are complete. Please remember me in your prayers. Kindly update me on happenings at your end. God be with you. My love to all. Merry Christmas and a fulfilling New Year to you all. Please stay in touch. Priscilla Ivy Ahudenu Bubiashie E. P. Church, Ghana (Beneficiary of the Scholarship Scheme)
I (Nancy) responded to Pricilla's letter and this is her response to that. Obama and Romney had lunch and talked. (continued on reverse side) I mentioned how

HI Nancy, Greetings from everyone especially my family. I received your reply with joy. I am glad to know you are all doing well and I thank God for that. I really liked your letter especially the part about Obama dining with Romney. That is true democracy, and I pray we get there soon. I live at Bubiashie, a suburb of Accra,the capital of Greater Accra Region (the smallest region in Ghana though it has the capital of Ghana, Accra and it is where the seat of government is). My workplace is at Ashaiman, two or more hours drive from where I live with my family (my parents and siblings). We have ten regions (they are similar to states but are much smaller than states). I appreciate your good thoughts and wishes for me. God bless you! Congratulations to your sister! May God bless her more to shine and help others to His Glory. I am anxious to see your pictures but unfortunately, I cannot see them on my phone. However, I will check them out on Monday. Attached are pictures of my sister and another of me. I would try and send you full pictures of my family and I in my next letter. Merry Christmas and a fruitful new year to you once again. Stay blessed and seasons greetings to everyone. Love, Priscilla Ivy Ahudenu (Scholarship beneficiary) Bubiashie E. P. Church, Ghana

Me, Priscilla, at a friends marriage

Cassandra, my sister

10

VOLUNTEERS for JANUARY 2013 SUNDAY

USHER TEAM GREETERS BEFORE GREETERS AFTER (DEACONS) COUNTING ELDERS NURSERY ACOLYTE COFFEE HOUR

JAN 6

Ladies Team

Volunteer Needed

Cheryl Milanovich Morgan Miller Jack Montag Sharon Montag Chad Provident Keith Swank Karen Shultz Judy Birch

Bob Kennedy Pete McElhaney Anne Miller Diane Olenic Marsh Miller Kelly Provident Carolyn Street Ruth Scott

Carol Gadsby

Aiden Wach

Barb Bishop

JAN 13

Bob Scotts Team

Bea Welch

Lois Minich

Corah Hawk

Volunteer Needed

JAN 20

Junior Team

Anne McCaw

Jim Kamerer

Ruby Waggoner

DeaconsJudy Birch HYC Cabaret (tickets available)

JAN 27

Don Lanes Team

Audrey Nossokoff

Volunteer Needed

Austin McElhaney

COMMUNION TEAM Team B NEWSLETTER TEAM in January (for February) Team A (The Hoovers and Family) VAN DRIVER for January ~ GWIL PRICE 724-282-4941

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Can you help? Volunteers are needed to host the Sunday morning coffee hour. There are many available openings for the coming months. A light snack is all that needs to be provided. If you are willing to host, please sign your name on the coffee hour sign-up sheet on the Deacons table.

PULPIT FLOWERS

JANUARY 6 Donated in memory of Joseph Bishop by Mary and Barbara Bishop

JANUARY 13 Donated in memory of son John Mager by John and Martha Mager and family

JANUARY 20 Donated in memory of Bettie Patton by the Montag family

JANUARY 27 Donated in loving memory of Ruth Cupp by her family

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 JAN 6 JAN 13 JAN 20 JAN 27 Sharon Montag 724-285-3231 Nancy Daugherty 724-285-1013 Lois Minich 724-283-1875 Dennis Hawk 724-285-6355 PEARL ST. SECTIONOVERFLOW AREA Karen Shultz 724-283-2413 Janet Edinger 724-282-7782 Barb Bishop 724-282-2737 Peg Dumbaugh 724-789-7331

Sun
Happy

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat
Communion 11am - AA Meeting

2013
6
Communion 10:00am Administration Committee Meeting 10:30am - Worship 11:30am - Coffee Hour 12:15pm - HYC 12:15pm - Womens Book Club (Silent Night) 7:00pm - Deacons Mtg. 5pm - Community Dinner at St. Andrews 6:30pm - Memorial Ringers 9:30am - Women's Bible Study

1
9:30am - Willing Workers 3:30pm - New Haven Service 6:30pm - Memorial Ringers 9:30am - Hill Quilters

2 9 10 11

5
5pm - Praise Team Rehearsal 6pm - Worship With a Difference

12
11am - AA Meeting

13
8am - Women @ Panera Bread 9:15am - Conf. Class Meeting 10:30am - Worship 11:30am - Coffee Hour 6:45pm - Session Meeting 1pm - Betsy McCormick Circle 7pm - Lupus Support 12:00pm - Senior Night Out Luncheon 9:30am - Women's Bible Study

14

15

16

17
9:30am - Willing Workers 6:30pm - Memorial Ringers 7:30pm - Chancel Choir

18

19
11am - AA Meeting

20
4:30pm - CE Meeting

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

21

22
9:30am - Women's Bible Study 8am - Women @ Panera

23
1pm - M. L. Boyer Circle

9:15am - Adult Sun. Sch. 9:15am - JAM Sessions 9:15am - Conf. Class 9:30am - 30 Minutes! 10:30am - Worship 11:30am - Coffee Hour 12:15pm - HYC Fellowship Hall closed all week

7:00am - Ghana Task Force Eat nPark

24
6:30pm - Memorial Ringers 7:30pm - Chancel Choir

25
5pm - HYC Reports 7pm - HYC Cabaret

11am - AA @ Hill UP

26

January 2013

27
9:15am - Adult Sunday Sch. / Conf. Class 9:15am - JAM Sessions 9:30am - 30 Minutes! 10:30am - Worship 11:30am - Coffee Hour 12:00pm - HYC Cabaret

28

9:30am - Women's Bible Study

29

8am - Women @ Panera Bread

30

31
6:30pm - Memorial Ringers 7:30pm - Chancel Choir
Photo Courtesy of Fred Young. Used by permission.