NOVEMBER 2019

“You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;” Psalm 118: 28
Rev. Leigh Benish
[email protected]
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
10:30 A.M.—Worship Service Elder Louise Evans
11:30 A.M.—Coffee, Snacks, and Fellowship Time in the Fellowship Hall
Jenny Martin, Choir Director

Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell

Director and Organist

Kathleen Davis

Elean Heist, Administrative Assistant

and Financial Secretary
[email protected]

Lyn Goehring, Treasurer

John D. Whittington

Our New Prayground Quilt

501 Second Street
Butler, Pennsylvania 16001
724-287-5427
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hillup.org
 WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MORNING
WORSHIP SERVICES
10:30 - 11:30 A.M.

SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 3, 2019
21st Sunday After Pentecost
Lord’s Supper - Traditional
Stewardship Campaign

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3: 10-17; Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18

NOVEMBER 10, 2019

22nd Sunday After Pentecost
Consecration Sunday

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Mark 12: 28-31; Ephesians 4: 1-16

NOVEMBER 17, 2019

23rd Sunday After Pentecost

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Psalm 98; Luke 21: 5-19

NOVEMBER 24, 2019
Reign Of Christ Sunday

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Luke 23: 33-43

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be
known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever
is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things. –Philippians 4:4-8

This passage from Paul is a favorite for many. I’ve heard it used in a variety of circumstances to
help people get through difficult times, including by a friend of ours who was giving the eulogy for
his 13 year old son. For many, it gives hope, encouragement, and peace in the midst of life’s
challenges.

I personally find this one a little more difficult. There are times where I just don’t feel like rejoicing.
There are times where it is difficult for me to focus on all of the positive things around me. There
are times where I can’t help but worry.

I live with chronic, genetic clinical depression.

Notice I said “live with,” not “struggle with.” Because, truly, most of the time it’s not a struggle.
Like anyone born with a chronic illness – such as type 1 diabetes or cystic fibrosis – it’s just how my
body works. I’m not ashamed of it. It’s simply part of who I am.

Research suggests that at least 1 in 4 people will experience some sort of depression in their lifetime,
and that number is much higher among clergy. There are various kinds: postpartum, seasonal,
circumstantial, bipolar, chronic, and more. Chances are that you, or someone you love, has
experienced depression firsthand.

Over the past month I have been in the process of changing my depression and anxiety medication.
Not because anything is wrong, mind you, but because my anxiety has been decreased since coming
to Hill and because I knew that I would be supported as I’ve made this change. It’s been a difficult
transition; removing my previous medication resulted in some nasty withdrawal symptoms that are
just now finally going away. But I’m feeling much better, and am so appreciative of the support I
have received from many of you along the way.

I tell you this, not to gain pity or to play the victim, because I don’t need that attention. I tell you
this because the Church universal, historically, has done a terrible job of addressing mental health
issues. It is time to change that. It’s time that we talk about mental health, open and honestly,
removing the shame and stigma that are so often attached.

If you are struggling with mental health issues, please know you’re not alone. I’m always available
to chat. And if you’d like to learn more, I highly recommend Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the
Silence about Mental Illness, Family and Church by Rev. Sarah Lund. As we continue to journey
through this life together as a community of faith, may we be increasingly supportive of our siblings
facing mental health challenges. It’s what Jesus would do.

Peace-
Rev. Leigh

3
 BIBLE READING S
FOR NOVEMBER

Morning Evening
1 Jer. 24, 25, 26 Titus 2
2 Jer. 27, 28, 29 Titus 3
4th - Cathy Zarnick 3 Jer. 30, 31 Philemon
4 Jer. 32, 33 Heb. 1
5th - William Leroy 5 Jer. 34, 35, 36 Heb. 2
6th - Heather Kretzer and Raymond 6 Jer. 37, 38, 39 Heb. 3
7 Jer. 40, 41, 42 Heb. 4
Dougherty 8 Jer. 43, 44, 45 Heb. 5
9 Jer. 46, 47 Heb. 6
9th - Kendall Nace and Amber Selfridge 10 Jer. 48, 49 Heb. 7
10th - Louise Evans 11 Jer. 50 Heb. 8
12 Jer. 51, 52 Heb. 9
11th - Lin Ellis 13 Lam. 1, 2 Heb. 10: 1-18
14 Lam. 3, 4, 5 Heb. 10: 19-39
12th - Emily Selfridge 15 Ezek. 1, 2 Heb. 11: 1-19
15th - Casey Arn 16 Ezek. 3, 4 Heb. 11: 20-40
17 Ezek. 5, 6, 7 Heb. 12
16th - Timothy Kennedy 18 Ezek. 8, 9, 10 Heb. 13
18th - Christopher Wandell 19
20
Ezek. 11, 12, 13
Ezek. 14, 15
Jas. 1
Jas. 2
21st - Cara Moses and David Dougherty 21 Ezek. 16, 17 Jas. 3
22 Ezek. 18, 19 Jas. 4
22nd - Steve Arn 23 Ezek. 20, 21 Jas. 5
25th - Caroline Freeze 24
25
Ezek. 22, 23
Ezek. 24, 25, 26
I. Pet. 1
I. Pet. 2
26th - April Miller 26 Ezek. 27, 28, 29 I. Pet. 3
27 Ezek. 30, 31, 32 I. Pet. 4
27th - Simon Brown 28 Ezek. 33, 34 I. Pet. 5
30th - Edna Mae Knauer 29
30
Ezek. 35, 36
Ezek. 37, 37, 39
II. Pet. 1
II. Pet. 2

Session Notes
The Session held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 14, 2019. Actions
taken included:
++ To provide a basket from Hill Church to be included in the final
fundraiser for Jenny and Zach Martin with items to be requested from the
congregation. WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
++ Approved payment to Standard Insulating for slate roof inspection and IN SEPTEMBER AND
repair, replacement of chancel lights, installation of two 'chases' around OCTOBER
the exposed steam pipes in the overflow room, and several addition small
jobs. Sunday
++ To continue payment of salary to Jenny Martin through December.
++ Approved hiring of Christina Savannah as interim Choir Director 9/1 74
through December 31, 2019.
++ To donate 25% (local portion) of the Peace and Global Witness 9/8 77
offering to Fishbone Ministries in Butler.
++ To sponsor a coat drive to benefit Bundle Up Butler. 9/15 81
++ To participate in the Christmas gift ministry of The Lighthouse by
providing donations of items from the congregation. 9/22 83
Respectfully,
Louise Evans, Clerk 10/6 80
Approximately 85 guests were served Community Dinner in October. The menu was 10/13 78
macaroni and cheese, bread and butter, green beans, pudding cups and mini cupcakes, and
applesauce. To find out how you can help, call or text Barb Kamerer at 724.487.3675. 10/20 80
4 10/27 78
 Reservation form
SENIOR NIGHT OUT
MONDAY, November 18, 2019 at 5:30 P.M.

I / We will attend Senior Night Out:

Name(s)_______________________________________
#Attending _________ # Gluten Free _________
Ride Needed? _________ # Dairy Free _________
Donations accepted
DEADLINE for RESERVATIONS: Wednesday, November 13th

Senior Night Out will be held on November 18th at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be catered by
Simply Catered and will be stuffed pork chops, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables,
fruit salad, and a dessert. This ministry is for those ages 50 and over to enjoy fellowship, a
catered dinner, and a special program. Please mark your calendars and use the reservation
form in your bulletin or the one above. Put your reservation form in the collection plate or
turn it in to Elean in our Church Office on or before Wednesday, November 13th.

HARVEST HOME 2019

It is that time of year when our Deacons will be collecting food for the
community for the Thanksgiving season. The food will be distributed through St.
Vincent de Paul in time for the November holiday. For three weeks food will be
collected in the southeast corner of the sanctuary near the organ console. The
following are suggestions of food items by weeks—though it's not a strict
guideline, just a suggestion.

It is the Deacons’ hope that our congregation will continue to be generous in

bringing in food items and/or money donations to support our Harvest Home Project, and as a
result, benefit St. Vincent de Paul.

October 27: Canned and jarred foods; vegetables, fruits, soup, jelly, spaghetti sauce, tuna,
salmon, peanut butter, beef stew, pumpkin.

November 3: Boxed and bagged food; flour, sugar, macaroni and cheese, pancake mix, cereals,
rice, cake mixes, pie mixes, crackers.

November 10: Three-pound bags of apples and five pound bags of

potatoes which require the least cold storage time. Other fresh
vegetables and fruits cannot be collected due to the lack of cold
storage areas.
5
 GHANA MISSION TASK FORCE REPORT
As promised last month here are more letters from two sisters, student recipients of our
funds. The following notes were received around August 20th. Dated last December, they
had been sent via e-mail to the Darkuman Catechist instead of to us. Notice the forward
thinking. We are making a difference. Thanks be to God and to you.

I am Rosemond Dzidzorm Obuor, a graduate of the University of Ghana with a Bachelor’s degree in Food
Processing Engineering. I am a benefactor of the scholarship for females at the Evangelical Presbyterian
Church. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the foundation for seeing me through my tertiary
education. I did my national service at the Ghana Standards Authority. Currently I am a Food Process
Engineer at Kawukudi Economy Limited, a company that deals with on-line marketing and the production of
food products. I had the opportunity to work right after my national service. I have been working there for
the past four months. Thanks for your help and I hope that I would be able to help others as you have helped
me.
Kind Regards,
Rosemond Obuor

I am Rosemary Dzidzor Obuor, a beneficiary of your scholarship. I graduated last year, 2017, and I am
currently working with GLICO Capital Limited, an asset management firm. I want to express my utmost
gratitude for the help and support given to me throughout my tertiary education. I also intend to extend a
helping hand to others as well. May God richly bless you for everything you have done for me. Indeed, your
labour in the Lord would not be in vain.
Yours faithfully,
Rosemary Obour

PRAYER CONCERNS CONTINUE

Please continue to keep the Bubiashie District Churches, 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 and Moderator for the West
Volta Presbytery.
“How Do You Love?”
Dear Friends in Christ,

By now you should have received the 2019 stewardship letter and pledge form. Our
stewardship message comes from Mark 12:30-31a and reads: “‘You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your
strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

If you have not already done so, please prayerfully consider how you can support the mission
and ministries of Hill Church. Please complete the pledge form that came with your
stewardship letter and return it to the church office in the envelope provided. If you have
misplaced your pledge form you may use the form included with this newsletter article. You
may return your pledge form by mailing it to the church office or placing it in the offering
plate during worship. Pledges will be consecrated to the glory and honor of God on Sunday,
November 10, 2019.

Thank you for honoring God through your support of the ministries and
mission of Hill Church. Your generosity and support will help Hill Church
fulfill God’s plan for our future.

In Faith and Service,

The Stewardship Committee
6
 E S T I M AT E O F G I V I N G C A R D
Because of God’s great love and grace for me/us, I/we wish to help share his
love throughout the year with my/our ongoing financial support of the mis-
sion and ministries of Hill Church. To help fulfill our ministry opportunities
in the coming year (2020), I/we hope to give: Name _____________________________________________________

$ _________ per WEEK, totaling $___________ for the Year Address ___________________________________________________
$ _________ per MONTH, totaling $___________ for the Year
City ____________________________________ Zip_______________
$ _________ per _______, totaling $___________ for the Year
Telephone __________________________________________________
In addition, to personally serve God through the ministry opportunities of the
Signature _________________________________Date _____________
church in the coming year, I/we hope to give ______ hours of my/our time
___ weekly or ___ monthly in support of the following ministries
Note: Please remember that you may change your estimate of giving at any
_____________________________________________________________
time by notifying the Financial Secretary.
____I/we commit to support the church in prayer; however, at the present
Directions: Please complete this Estimate of Giving Card, and bring it with
time, I/we cannot commit to give financially or of my/our time on a regular you to worship November 10. All the cards will be consecrated during wor-
basis. ship. Thank you for your participation

Please join us for Monday Night Football

on November 4th at 8:00 p.m. for
Food, Fun, and Fellowship!
Bring a friend!!!
I / We will attend:

Name(s)_______________________________________
#Attending _________

Christian Education News

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN has one or two seats left for our study of Revelation. We are
beginning to explore the effects of the political, economic, military, and environmental misuses of power that precede
the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. The present readings have a sad ring of current events. Join us and find the
notes of hope the text sounds.
WEDNESDAYS ON THE HILL is moving right along with over 30 kids. So many grown ups turn out to volunteer
too! We are moving into our second unit of study- Great Women of Faith. Our senior high students, The Jesus Gang,
are assisting Ms. Ruth and Ms. Becky with music time for grades 1-2. Not to be outdone, the Blaze Middle School
group has been teaching the first and second graders some games on several nights when Mr. Jim was traveling. Bolt
2 is moving on to art class and the Blaze kids are starting a special project for our show on November 13. On that
night, the Grill Guys are staging a come back and we’ll have our second annual indoor picnic for parents, friends, and
interested church members.
The JESUS GANG has been busy! On Sunday, October 13 they met in the church kitchen and prepared a delicious
dinner for Jenny and Zach Martin. They delivered it and spent some time with the Martins having appetizers and
conversation. The menu was meatloaf, roasted potatoes, green beans with fried onions and bacon, cheddar biscuits,
and a dessert buffet with cookies, apple dumplings, and brookies. The next day, a school holiday, the JG gathered in
the youth room for pizza and movies. What an amazing group of students!
7
 The dowel stick can be from 3/4” to 1 1/2” in width. We first purchased two wands and then made
type of bell that vibrates and produces a rich, deep tone when played. Singing bowls or Himalayan
bowls are said to promote relaxation and offer powerful healing properties. Buddhist monks have

This technique is still a new technique to the handbell world and is used to create an ethereal sound.

Recently the Hill Memorial Ringers introduced the Singing Bell to worship in a piece entitled

bell vibration begins and the sound is created. We find that the bass bells produce a very pleasing
rim uppermost, and struck on the outside with a mallet. Originally Tibetan singing bowls were a
The Singing Bell has its origin in China. The early form used a stemmed goblet. Mounted with the

the rest from two sizes of dowel rod. Using a stirring motion around the outer rim of the upright
Martin
Benefit Dinner
The Hill Session has agreed to support a Fundraising basket for the
Martin fundraiser on Nov. 17. We are asking members of the congre-

Listen for the Singing Bell in the months to come. We hope that our
gation to provide items that would be good for a Family Fun Basket
such as:
 playdough or gift certificates to places such as
 board games
 adult/teen coloring books &  bowling
colored pencils/markers  movies
 outdoor games- Bocce, Twister,  trampoline park
etc  Playthings Etc.

There are now many pieces which feature this technique.

 Eat n Park cookies  children's museum
 boxes of "movie" candy  zoo

8
These are just suggestions. Use your imagination!!

offerings contribute to your worship experience.

long used Tibetan Singing Bowls in meditation.
Our congregation has been very supportive of the Martins, and that

“Behold the Heavens” by Kathleen Wissinger.

support continues to be greatly appreciated. However, the financial im-
plications of the accident are becoming more evident now. Insurance
settlements are being delayed, and financial concerns remain a worry
for Jenny and Zach. We are hoping to provide a nice basket that will be
a part of the raffle at the fundraiser at Butler Vagabonds, 138
Whitestown Road, Lyndora on November 17th. Tickets are available in
our Church office.
Our collection will be Sunday, Oct. 27 as well as Nov. 3 and 10. If you
would prefer not to shop, but want to help, cash donations can be given

Hill Memorial Ringers

to Becky Plymale, who will shop for items to complete the basket.
Once again, many thanks to our congregation for your
incredible support of this couple. (Additionally, please
note that no money from the budget will be used to pur-
chase things for this basket, only donations from the
congregation.)

sound.
Thank you, The Worship committee
 N D H A E C Y L I M A F T K W C S P H P
Q A L A O I W R D K Z U H O T U T D M U
H K T L R N P W V A M G A O D B U P J M
Q E O I R V Y S E B F K N C M M F Q O P
A N W O V E E E F E F A K T D V F Q E K
Y C C C K E M S L P I H S D N E I R F I
E I I R O O A L T F O J G K A C N C P N
N C U R D R O M W C H Z I W L Z G B J W
R T A E E W M X E T Z Y V S G S E G Y T
J E E E S M F Q U R C I I Q N M X X H Z
S R W H P L A O Z R I E N V E I K Q Z R
F I I O Q B M K P M E C G Z Q R E P O H
Y P C G L Y V O C A B Y A W A G J V F H
R W H K L F T E Z I A M A N D L W M E Y
F Z Q P N A Y S E T T L E R S I M H A A
F A L L T E G A W O R S H I P P F S S M
S I I O V R S L M S S E N D N I K A T S
S A E T A G M S G I V I N G S G Z U N P
M S I V H Z S P R U B J L H Q Q S Q J I
K H Y L N O V T Y B K F L C U T U S G U
AMERICA FISH NATIVE AMERICANS SICKNESS
COLONY FREEDOM PEACE SQUASH
COOK FRIENDSHIP PIE STUFFING
CORN GIVING PILGRIMS THANKSGIVING
ENGLAND GRAVY PLYMOUTH TURKEY
FAITH HARVEST POTATOES WORSHIP
FALL HOPE PRAYER YAMS
FAMILY KINDNESS PUMPKIN
FEAST MAIZE SAIL
FELLOWSHIP MAYFLOWER SETTLERS
 VOLUNTEERS FOR NOVEMBER 2019
USHER COUNTING CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
LITURGIST ACOLYTE OPENER/
TEAM ELDERS HOUR
POWERPOINT

Maryanne
Puente Elder
Ladies’ Kendall Pete Volunteer
NOVEMBER 3 Maryanne
Team Pete Nace McElhaney Needed
Puente
McElhaney
Anne
Miller Elder
Ladies’ Lena Anne Stewardship
NOVEMBER 10 Steve
Team Barb Provident Miller Committee
Arn
Kamerer
Alan
Milanovich Deacon
Men’s Lauren Caroline Alan
NOVEMBER 17 Jim
Team Tim McElhaney Freeze Milanovich
Kamerer
Kennedy
Gerry
Graham Elder None
Men’s Maddy Louise
NOVEMBER 24 Jack Thanksgiving
Team Leroy Hall Evans
Barkley Holiday
Edinger

Communion Team – Team B

Newsletter Team in November (for December) – Team B (Willing Workers)
For Sunday morning ride service call Gregory Heist (724-996-6050)

PULPIT FLOWERS
NOVEMBER 3 NOVEMBER 10 NOVEMBER 17 NOVEMBER 24
Donated with love in Donated with love Donated with love in honor
Donated with love in
memory of in memory of of Caroline Barbara Freeze,
memory of
Rachel Plymale in Elroy and Crystal Besheim our gift from God, and the
Craig Daugherty
honor of her and Richard “RB” Beisheim, hope and promise we see in
by Nancy, Stacie, and
birthday by Jr. by Dick and Maxine all our children by Michael
Sue.
Becky Plymale. Beisheim. and Suzzanne Freeze.

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 SECTION—BRADY STREET SECTION PEARL ST. SECTION—OVERFLOW AREA
NOVEMBER 3 Sharon Montag, 724-285-3231 Karen Shultz, 724-283-2413
NOVEMBER 10 Nancy Daugherty, 724-285-1013 Janet Edinger, 724-282-7782
NOVEMBER 17 Lois Minich, 724-283-1875 Volunteer Needed
NOVEMBER 24 Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed
 SUN MON TUE WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2
9:00am - Hill Quilters 11:00am - AA

21st Sunday
After Pentecost
3 Stewardship Campaign 4 5 6 7 8 9
Lord’s Supper -
Traditional 7:00pm - Men’s Monday 8:00am - Administration 8:00am - Women’s 1:00pm - Stewardship 11:00am - AA
10:30am - Worship - Rev. Night Football Gathering Meeting Fellowship Breakfast at Committee Meeting
Leigh Benish preaching 9:30-11:00am - Women’s Mac’s Café
11:30am - Fellowship Hour Bible Study 9:30am - Willing Workers
11:45am - Handbell Practice 11:15am - Staff Meeting 5-7:00pm - Wednesdays
7:00pm - Deacons’ On The Hill
Meeting

22nd Sunday Church Office Closed

After Pentecost
10 Consecration 11 12 13 14 15 16
Sunday
6:45pm - Session Meeting 9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA
9:30am - Community Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
Lunches 11:15am - Staff Meeting Mac’s Café
10:30am - Worship - Rev. 5:00pm - Community
Leigh Benish preaching Dinner
11:30am - Fellowship Hour 5-7:00pm - Wednesdays
12:15pm - Women’s Book On The Hill
Club

“O give thanks
23rd Sunday
After Pentecost
to the Lord, for 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA
10:30am - Worship - Rev. 5:30pm - Senior Night Out Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
Leigh Benish preaching 7:30pm - BAP meeting at 11:15am - Staff Meeting Mac’s Café
11:30am - Fellowship Hour St. Andrews 1:00pm - Betsy McCormick
11:45am - Handbell Practice Circle
He is good, for
12:00pm - Yarn Group

His steadfast
Christ The King Church Office Church Office
love endures 24 Sunday Closed Closed
25 26 27 28 29 30
10:30am - Worship - Rev. 9:30-11:00am - Women’s 8:00am - Women’s 11:00am - AA
Leigh Benish preaching Bible Study Fellowship Breakfast at
forever.” 11:45am - Handbell Practice Mac’s Café

Psalm 118: 29
Pastor Leigh will be on vacation from November 25th through December 2nd for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

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