Ministries of the Congregation
Adopt-a-Highway
Volunteers meet to beautify highway 901 by picking up trash twice a year as scheduled. This is part of the Pennsylvania Highway beautification program.
Contact: Kay Berner
Volunteers meet to beautify highway 901 by picking up trash twice a year as scheduled. This is part of the Pennsylvania Highway beautification program.
Contact: Kay Berner
Bear Creek Camp
Christ’s United supports Bear Creek Camp, a Lutheran outdoor retreat center for both youth and adults. LCM provides a scholarship each year for young campers to attend a program.
Contact: Jim Chappell
Christ’s United supports Bear Creek Camp, a Lutheran outdoor retreat center for both youth and adults. LCM provides a scholarship each year for young campers to attend a program.
Contact: Jim Chappell
Blessing of First Responders
The day of Michael and All Angels is celebrated each year at the end of September. This yearly service is held to honor and bless first responders, including fire, police, and ambulance, when they are recognized and presented with a medallion of St. Michael in appreciation for the protection they provide.
Contact:
The day of Michael and All Angels is celebrated each year at the end of September. This yearly service is held to honor and bless first responders, including fire, police, and ambulance, when they are recognized and presented with a medallion of St. Michael in appreciation for the protection they provide.
Contact:
Buck-A-Chick
Buck – A – Chick is an emphasis of the ELCA World Hunger appeal. A dollar is all it takes to provide a family living in poverty with a little chick. Soon enough, the chick begins producing eggs. Its eggs make nutritious, protein-rich meals, and can be sold at the marketplace for income – helping a family escape hunger for good.
Contact: Beth Andrews
Buck – A – Chick is an emphasis of the ELCA World Hunger appeal. A dollar is all it takes to provide a family living in poverty with a little chick. Soon enough, the chick begins producing eggs. Its eggs make nutritious, protein-rich meals, and can be sold at the marketplace for income – helping a family escape hunger for good.
Contact: Beth Andrews
Caroling
Caroling is done at local nursing homes and extended care facilities during the holidays. Church members, particularly the choir, go to the homes of shut-ins and those who need to be lifted in prayer and spirit. Moods are lightened and cheered with the singing of favorite, requested hymns. Confirmation students have also helped spread Christmas cheer with their time and voices in visiting the homebound. A time of fellowship and hospitality give joy to those who cannot join us in church for worship.
Contact: Darcie Gruber
Caroling is done at local nursing homes and extended care facilities during the holidays. Church members, particularly the choir, go to the homes of shut-ins and those who need to be lifted in prayer and spirit. Moods are lightened and cheered with the singing of favorite, requested hymns. Confirmation students have also helped spread Christmas cheer with their time and voices in visiting the homebound. A time of fellowship and hospitality give joy to those who cannot join us in church for worship.
Contact: Darcie Gruber
Christmas Tree of Sharing:
Each season of Advent a tree is placed in the narthex. People may choose a “ornament” with a specific gift request and place it onto the tree. Then they purchase the gift and place it under the tree. Items for needy families, ELCA good gifts, and the food pantry “Christ’s Cupboard” are causes that have been purchased for in the past. We watch, in anticipation of Christmas, as the tree becomes decorated as all the gifts are purchased.
Contact: Erik Tice
Each season of Advent a tree is placed in the narthex. People may choose a “ornament” with a specific gift request and place it onto the tree. Then they purchase the gift and place it under the tree. Items for needy families, ELCA good gifts, and the food pantry “Christ’s Cupboard” are causes that have been purchased for in the past. We watch, in anticipation of Christmas, as the tree becomes decorated as all the gifts are purchased.
Contact: Erik Tice
Christ’s Cupboard:
What started as an idea to help families not receiving enough food at their local pantry has blossomed into a fully stocked pantry that distributes food on a monthly basis. This ministry helps many families struggling to put food on the table. Encompassing the Ashland, Girardville, Gordon, and Tri-Valley areas many have come to us for assistance. Distribution is on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00—Noon, and people may choose the items that they will use. Volunteers gather the Tuesday before distribution to unload a truck of food from Berks food bank and then the senior youth gathers the day before to organize and set up the pantry. Each month we collect different items to stock the pantry. There is a shopping cart in the Narthex for donations.
Contact: Erik Tice
What started as an idea to help families not receiving enough food at their local pantry has blossomed into a fully stocked pantry that distributes food on a monthly basis. This ministry helps many families struggling to put food on the table. Encompassing the Ashland, Girardville, Gordon, and Tri-Valley areas many have come to us for assistance. Distribution is on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00—Noon, and people may choose the items that they will use. Volunteers gather the Tuesday before distribution to unload a truck of food from Berks food bank and then the senior youth gathers the day before to organize and set up the pantry. Each month we collect different items to stock the pantry. There is a shopping cart in the Narthex for donations.
Contact: Erik Tice
Choir
All are invited to lift their voices in song with the choir. The choir provides musical leadership to the congregation during worship. Practices are held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., September—May.
All are invited to lift their voices in song with the choir. The choir provides musical leadership to the congregation during worship. Practices are held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., September—May.
Coupon Collection
People deposit coupons clipped from local papers for food and household supplies in a box located in the narthex. Coupons are sorted and available for use by anyone.
Contact: Tammy Lesher
People deposit coupons clipped from local papers for food and household supplies in a box located in the narthex. Coupons are sorted and available for use by anyone.
Contact: Tammy Lesher
Confirmation
Confirmation is an opportunity for 7th and 8th graders to understand the meaning of their Baptism and daily living in faith. Participants meet each week for Journey and at scheduled times for a retreat and service projects.
Contact: Mark Varndell
Confirmation is an opportunity for 7th and 8th graders to understand the meaning of their Baptism and daily living in faith. Participants meet each week for Journey and at scheduled times for a retreat and service projects.
Contact: Mark Varndell
Devotional Booklets
Our understanding of God's love for us is strengthened by daily prayer and reading of the Bible. To help each of us grow in our relationship with God, daily devotional booklets are available on the information rack in the entrance hall. Seasonal devotionals authored by members of Christ's United are available by the guest book.
Contact: Cheryl Varndell
Our understanding of God's love for us is strengthened by daily prayer and reading of the Bible. To help each of us grow in our relationship with God, daily devotional booklets are available on the information rack in the entrance hall. Seasonal devotionals authored by members of Christ's United are available by the guest book.
Contact: Cheryl Varndell
Easter Candy
Led by WELCA, members of Christ’s United gather several times a week during Lent to make chocolate candy. WELCA uses proceeds from the candy sale for various needs of the church and greater community.
Contact: Jo-Ann Young
Led by WELCA, members of Christ’s United gather several times a week during Lent to make chocolate candy. WELCA uses proceeds from the candy sale for various needs of the church and greater community.
Contact: Jo-Ann Young
Egg Hunt
Enjoy working with children but don't have much time to give? Our annual Egg Hunt may be for you! You can help shop for treats, dye eggs, pack bags, fill plastic eggs or organize this event. Any way you can help will be appreciated by approximately 100 children from the surrounding communities.
Contact: Barb Stepanchick
Enjoy working with children but don't have much time to give? Our annual Egg Hunt may be for you! You can help shop for treats, dye eggs, pack bags, fill plastic eggs or organize this event. Any way you can help will be appreciated by approximately 100 children from the surrounding communities.
Contact: Barb Stepanchick
Eucharistic Ministers
Members of Christ's United who feel called to share the gift of Christ's Body and Blood with those who are sick or shut-in participate in Eucharistic Minister training. Eucharistic Ministers then share a schedule by which all members of the congregation are able to participate in Holy Communion regardless of their ability to attend services.
Contact: Donna Wallace
Members of Christ's United who feel called to share the gift of Christ's Body and Blood with those who are sick or shut-in participate in Eucharistic Minister training. Eucharistic Ministers then share a schedule by which all members of the congregation are able to participate in Holy Communion regardless of their ability to attend services.
Contact: Donna Wallace
First Holy Communion
Children in First grade and above gather to learn the meaning and methods of Holy Communion with their parents at a one day special event prior to their first sharing of Holy Communion during worship. Contact:
Children in First grade and above gather to learn the meaning and methods of Holy Communion with their parents at a one day special event prior to their first sharing of Holy Communion during worship. Contact:
Fellowship Hour
Following worship each Sunday all are invited to join in coffee, tea, juice and baked goods over conversation in the fellowship hall. The coffee and snacks are provided by the committees and ministry teams of the congregation, as scheduled by the Christian Education Ministry Team.
Contact: Cheryl Varndell
Following worship each Sunday all are invited to join in coffee, tea, juice and baked goods over conversation in the fellowship hall. The coffee and snacks are provided by the committees and ministry teams of the congregation, as scheduled by the Christian Education Ministry Team.
Contact: Cheryl Varndell
Food Pantry (Ashland Area):
Christ’s United supports the Ashland Area Food Pantry by volunteering time at their distribution site. The pantry is at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and distributes food on the 4th Thursday of each month (3rd in November) with set-up at 10 am and distribution from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Emergency distribution is on an as needed basis.
Contact: Jim Gruber
Christ’s United supports the Ashland Area Food Pantry by volunteering time at their distribution site. The pantry is at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and distributes food on the 4th Thursday of each month (3rd in November) with set-up at 10 am and distribution from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Emergency distribution is on an as needed basis.
Contact: Jim Gruber
Good Samaritan Fund
Funded by donations, this fund is used to assist those in crisis by providing pastoral and financial support. All requests are confidential.Special offerings throughout the year help to fund this ministry.
Harvest Home
Harvest Home is held each year in the fall. Tables are set up in the Narthex & Sanctuary displaying a plentiful harvest. A collection of food products and funds, donated by members of the congregation, is received. Monetary donations are used to purchase more food through the Berks Food Bank, and the food is shared with our entire community through distribution at “Christ’s Cupboard” each month.
Contact: Donna Wallace
Harvest Home is held each year in the fall. Tables are set up in the Narthex & Sanctuary displaying a plentiful harvest. A collection of food products and funds, donated by members of the congregation, is received. Monetary donations are used to purchase more food through the Berks Food Bank, and the food is shared with our entire community through distribution at “Christ’s Cupboard” each month.
Contact: Donna Wallace
Kid’s Bags
Hanging on the rack in the Narthex, “Kid’s” or “Busy” bags are available for children. Grab a bag to keep young ones busy during worship. Filled with games, books, and crayons there are many activities to keep children occupied. After worship place the bag in the large basket next to the stand and it will be refilled for the next time.
Hanging on the rack in the Narthex, “Kid’s” or “Busy” bags are available for children. Grab a bag to keep young ones busy during worship. Filled with games, books, and crayons there are many activities to keep children occupied. After worship place the bag in the large basket next to the stand and it will be refilled for the next time.
Knaughty Knotters:
The Knaughty Knotters took the challenge of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to Lutherans across the US to donate 500,000 quilts. The quilts serve as a cozy bed cover, a baby back carrier, a market products carrier/display spread, or shelter from sun or wind. Donations of usable sheets, blankets, quilts, mattress protectors, fabric, and thread/yarn are appreciated. Join with us to "Tie in faith, sent in hope, wrapped in love". Check out LWR Quilts for more information.
Contact: Donna Wallace
The Knaughty Knotters took the challenge of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to Lutherans across the US to donate 500,000 quilts. The quilts serve as a cozy bed cover, a baby back carrier, a market products carrier/display spread, or shelter from sun or wind. Donations of usable sheets, blankets, quilts, mattress protectors, fabric, and thread/yarn are appreciated. Join with us to "Tie in faith, sent in hope, wrapped in love". Check out LWR Quilts for more information.
Contact: Donna Wallace
Lutheran World Relief
Christ’s United supports this international effort to assist those in poverty through donations and the Coffee Project. Coffee, teas, almonds and chocolates are available. All products are produced by and benefit third world farmers so they may have a sustainable income and community.
Contact: Erik Tice
Christ’s United supports this international effort to assist those in poverty through donations and the Coffee Project. Coffee, teas, almonds and chocolates are available. All products are produced by and benefit third world farmers so they may have a sustainable income and community.
Contact: Erik Tice
Ladies Night Out
What began as a way for some of the women to get out and support each other has blossomed into a novel kind of support ministry filled with food and fellowship. Sponsored by WELCA, women – both members and friends of Christ’s United – gather on the first Sunday of every other month at the church and then carpool to a restaurant either near or far. Conversations are both serious and light, but the time together is always treasured. Our next trip will be soon, so ladies sign up on the bulletin board and come on out!
Contact: Jo-Ann Young
What began as a way for some of the women to get out and support each other has blossomed into a novel kind of support ministry filled with food and fellowship. Sponsored by WELCA, women – both members and friends of Christ’s United – gather on the first Sunday of every other month at the church and then carpool to a restaurant either near or far. Conversations are both serious and light, but the time together is always treasured. Our next trip will be soon, so ladies sign up on the bulletin board and come on out!
Contact: Jo-Ann Young
Prayer Circles
Names of those in need of prayer are listed each week and distributed to members of the Prayer Circles, a group of members who have committed themselves to praying for the needs of others. Persons may be added to the Prayer list by contacting the church office.
Contact: Deb Hall
Names of those in need of prayer are listed each week and distributed to members of the Prayer Circles, a group of members who have committed themselves to praying for the needs of others. Persons may be added to the Prayer list by contacting the church office.
Contact: Deb Hall
Soup Suppers
Each year during Lent the social ministry team hosts a soup supper before our weekly Lenten services. Held on a Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., members of the congregation volunteer to provide a homemade soup or bread for the meal. Then before we have soup, members of the social ministry team lead us in a short presentation on world hunger, each week focusing on a different part of the world.
Contact: Erik Tice
Each year during Lent the social ministry team hosts a soup supper before our weekly Lenten services. Held on a Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., members of the congregation volunteer to provide a homemade soup or bread for the meal. Then before we have soup, members of the social ministry team lead us in a short presentation on world hunger, each week focusing on a different part of the world.
Contact: Erik Tice
Sunday School - Journey
Christian education occurs each Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Age appropriate classes are held for all the children of God. Won’t you join us on the Journey?
Contact: Jim Gruber
Christian education occurs each Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Age appropriate classes are held for all the children of God. Won’t you join us on the Journey?
Contact: Jim Gruber
Tabs for Labs
This ministry is simple—break off the aluminum tabs on soda or other cans and drop them in the collection containers in the social hall. These tabs are sent to Susquehanna Service Dogs where they use the proceeds from cashing in the tabs to train service dogs. These dogs are then placed with people who have disabilities so they may lead a more independent life. You can learn more about their program by visiting Keystone Human Services
Contact:Vivian Brown
This ministry is simple—break off the aluminum tabs on soda or other cans and drop them in the collection containers in the social hall. These tabs are sent to Susquehanna Service Dogs where they use the proceeds from cashing in the tabs to train service dogs. These dogs are then placed with people who have disabilities so they may lead a more independent life. You can learn more about their program by visiting Keystone Human Services
Contact:Vivian Brown
Vacation Bible School
Each Summer the church building is transformed into a place where children actually become a part of the Bible lesson through costumed leaders, creative crafts, and scenery.
Contact: Morgen Sweitzer
Each Summer the church building is transformed into a place where children actually become a part of the Bible lesson through costumed leaders, creative crafts, and scenery.
Contact: Morgen Sweitzer
World Hunger
Donated items fill a table in the narthex at set months during the year and are available to anyone who wants them. Cash donations are placed in a world globe. All donations are forwarded to World Hunger to assist people suffering from poverty.
Contact: Barbara Stepanchick
Donated items fill a table in the narthex at set months during the year and are available to anyone who wants them. Cash donations are placed in a world globe. All donations are forwarded to World Hunger to assist people suffering from poverty.
Contact: Barbara Stepanchick