January 2025 Newsletter

Worship Schedule this Month

January 5th – 2nd Sunday after Christmas - “A God Who Walks and Talks. A God Who Shines and

Dines.”, Isaiah 42:1=9; Psalm 147:1-11; John 1:1-18. 1st Sunday Fellowship

January 12th – Baptism of the Lord - “Wet, Wild and Wonderful. Stirred in the Waters of

Baptism”, Isaiah 43:1-7; 1st Psalm 40:1-5; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

January 19th – Second Sunday after Epiphany - “Spiritual Gifts and Righteous Actions”, Isaiah

61:8-11; 1st Corinthians 12:1-11 ; John 2:1-11.

January 26th – Third Sunday after Epiphany- “The Body of Christ and the New Life in the Spirit”,

Isaiah 65:17-25; 1st Corinthians 12:12-27; Luke 4:14-21. Annual Congregational Meeting

December Consistory Meeting Highlights

· 2025 Budget was approved and will be presented for Congregational approval on January 26, 2025. Copies will be available in the back of the church in the weeks to come.

· January 5, 2025 1st Sunday Fellowship discussion will include plans for the upcoming season of Lent that begins March 5, 2025. We plan to partner with St. Paul’s UCC at the Farm for Wednesday night gatherings beginning March 12 and alternate locations each week.

· Discussions continue with St. John’s UCC in Mifflinburg to explore the idea of Blessing Boxes to house needed items.

· The organ maintenance contract expires soon and the renewal quote went up with only one scheduled visit per year, down from two visits currently. We plan to reach out to other companies to see what they might offer.

· Comfort Specialist will be contacted to check out the HVAC unit in the overflow room.

· We plan to update the Use of the Church and Wedding Policies in the months ahead.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study, 6:30-8:00 PM

January 8

John 1:1-2:12 - God in the Flesh

January 15

John 2:14-3:21 - For God So Loved the World

January 22

John 3:22-4:42 - Eternal Life and the Living Temple of God

January 29

John 4:43-5:45 - The Son, the Father, and the Works

Childcare/Youth Sunday School

Volunteers are available to care for your child in the nursery every Sunday after the Children’s Time until the end of the service. Parents and caretakers are welcome to send their children to the nursery during that time. Older children ages 3-10 are invited to join Bonnie Dodge downstairs for Sunday School at this time. All volunteers have appropriate clearances. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please contact Diane Hackenberg.

The volunteers for January are: January 5 – Diane Hackenberg; January 12 – Lori Leitzel; January 19 – Pam Eberhart; January 26 – Sharon Rein.

Upcoming Meetings

· The Prayer Shawl group will meet on Tuesday, January 14th at the church at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

· Prime timers for January will be on the 23rd at East Side Diner at 12:30 pm.

· Lattes & Laughs will meet Thursday mornings at 10:00 am downstairs in the social hall.

Devitt House Thank You

The Annual Christmas Gifts to the Devitt House residents have been delivered and received with grateful appreciation. Thank You to each of you who donated so generously. Our thanks for your outpouring of kindness and caring.

Carol and Larry Snook

Parent’s Night Out

Dreisbach will be having their first “Parent’s Night Out” on January 11th from 5-8 in the evening. Sign your kids up for a night of pizza and fun at the church while you enjoy a night off. All volunteers will have current PA Child Abuse Clearances on file with the church.

2025 ALL CHURCH RETREAT

(An Uplifting & Spiritually Fulfilling Weekend)

Friday February 28, 6:30 PM - Sunday March 2, noon

Crystal Springs Retreat Center

North of Mifflinburg

The weekend includes sessions with our speaker Rev. Rachel Hackenberg, 5 meals, kids’ program, singing, games and lots of fun!

( Rachel grew up in Dreisbach and is currently the publisher of Pilgrim Press, the publishing branch of the United Church of Christ.)

Please fill out the registration form below, detach it, and return it along with your payment to Scott Sanders 221 Pine St. Mifflinburg, PA 17844 or see him during worship no later than February 16. Checks should be made payable to Dreisbach UCC. Payment is due before the start of the retreat.

If you have any questions please contact one of the committee members - Sharon Magyar, Sue Leitzel, Mallory Leitzel or Scott Sanders

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Dreisbach 2025 All Church Retreat

Name of all family members attending:

Please include age and grade level for all children.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Phone #__________________________________________________________

Email address____________________________________________________

Check One: We will be commuting. _____________

We would like to stay overnight. ____________

Cost: $40.00 per person age 6 and older, $ 20.00 per child age 5 and under

Total Amount Paid: ___________ Cash or Check #__________