from the December 2007 issue of The Spire

InSPIREd

Dear Friends,

The physical structure of our church is magnificent. Designed by the acclaimed architect, Henry Hornbostel, it was completed in 1926. It continues to this day to bring forth awe and inspiration from every person who comes through these doors. My comment to many first-time visitors is "They don't make them like this anymore."

Who did "make" this church? I want you to think for a moment about the hundreds of craftsmen, artisans, engineers, and laborers who built this beautiful edifice nearly a hundred years ago. What were their skin colors? Were they Christians, Jews, Mormons, atheists, or Buddhists? Were they married, single, gay, straight, or divorced? I don't know. I don't care. I'm just incredibly appreciative of what they accomplished. They obviously had great talents and skills, brought together in a coordinated way to "make" a church that not only glorifies God, but inspires people to lead deeply spiritual lives.

We are constantly about the business of "making" church. We are an increasingly diverse community of people, in many different ways. Our common thrusts in ministry are extravagant welcome and radical hospitality. Appearance, personality, preference – none of these are important to us. What matters is that we recognize the God-given talents and gifts of each individual and encourage their use. Poured and blended together, Smithfield United Church of Christ continues to grow. That's the way God "makes" the church. And we are grateful.

I look forward to worshiping with you during this holy season of Advent. May our gifts and talents meld together with those of Christ to craft a shining beacon of hope, peace, and love. And may this divine shaft of light illuminate our homes, city, and world.

Sincerely,
J. Douglas Patterson

On Sunday, December 23, we will be donning costumes, belting our carols, and presenting the Christmas story in dramatic form. Everyone from pre-schoolers to elders are participating. Rehearsals are taking place during the Smithfield School hour prior to the service of worship, and regular classes will not begin again until January 6, the first Sunday in the new year. See photos here.

"Still Speaking Money" allows for electronic giving

We are in the midst of the Fall stewardship campaign, and I know that many of us are reflecting and praying about the time, talents, and gifts we will be giving back to God. I got to thinking that we can use technology to help give to the mission of the Church.

I counted how few checks I write these days to pay my bills: phone, call phone, electric bill, and so forth. I no longer write checks to these companies because I use electronic bank transfers. I thought to myself, "Why can't I also support Smithfield the same way I pay these companies?"

In fact, I can. One way is through a UCC program that allows you to support the church by authorizing your bank to submit your offering electronically. It's called "Still Speaking Money." Information about this program is available on-line, and flyers at the church explain the process in detail.

If you would like to sign up or if you have questions, please contact either John Titus or Rena Thomas, Smithfield's Business Manager.

– John Titus for the Stewardship Ministry Team

Note: The sign-up form (.pdf format) is available here

The Giving Tree makes it annual appearance

Once again the Giving Tree is up in the Social Hall and decorated with stars and candy canes. This is the sixth year that Smithfield folks have made Christmas a bit happier for some of the children in the McKeesport area. Touching Families is the agency we have partnered with over these years. Last January, after all the publicity we had from the fire, we received a check for $500 from Touching Families to help us rebuild. We used that gift to support this past summers' camping program for our youngsters.

Last year we sent over 35 gifts from our congregation to the children. This year we are hoping to top that number. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this wonderful program that helps spread the joy of Christmas.

Click on this link for information on how to participate in the Giving Tree program.

– John Canning

Want to add more prayer and worship to your life?

Check out the United Church of Christ Prayer Chapel at http://i.ucc.org. On-line worship services are offered every evening at 9:00 p.m. Join with UCC members from across the country for a time of prayer.

  – through you and me!

12/10/07
Copyright © 2006-2008, Smithfield United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.