Year: 2024

Our Thrift Shop kicked off their 35th season with a delicious luncheon for their many dedicated volunteers! Over those years our thrift shop has donated over $300,000. Visit the thrift shop 10 am–3 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays or 9 am-12 pm on Saturdays. They always are looking for donations. Click here for a donation guide.

The Visioning Team wants to thank everyone who participated in our information gatherings over the last six weeks. You provided thoughtful observations and ideas. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable insights you provided us! 
 
In total, 114 individuals participated in the process! 89 individuals attended 11 focus groups. In addition, there were 25 individual conversations with online worshipers, individuals who are former worshipers and outside community members. 
 
The second phase of our process began on September 24 which will continue through November. This includes reviewing all the information collected, identify common themes, and begin developing plans to address the future of our church. In the upcoming weeks you will have opportunity to hear and react to what we discern.

Are you currently NOT using giving envelopes but would like to receive them in 2025? Contact Parker Hendrix to order them. We will NOT order envelopes for you if you give online, have ACH/bank check giving, or Donor Advised Charitable/IRA giving. Thank you for helping us live our Care of Creation mission by reducing print and paper use.

Ever wonder what we are going to sing at the 11am service? Add this playlist to your Spotify rotation and wonder no more! This is a great way to hear the songs in advance so you are prepared to worship on Sunday. Playlist is updated by Thursday each week.

• NEW! Cherub Choir (Grades K & 1)
  4:15-5:00 pm Wednesdays starting September 11 (Sept.-May) 
  The Cherub Choir is newly restarting this fall. Young children will sing & play with rhythms and instruments. Cherubs sing occasionally in worship and other church events, including a short Christmas program and Christmas Eve. Register your child. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman.
• Children’s Choir (Grades 2-5)
  4:45-6:00 pm Wednesdays starting September 11 (Sept.-May) 
  In Children’s Choir, older elementary-schoolers sing, pray, play music games, play percussion and other instruments, and learn the basics of how to read music. The Children’s Choir sings in worship about once a month and occasionally at other church events, including a short Christmas program and Christmas Eve. Stay tuned for a musical in the spring! Register your child. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman.
• Youth Choir (Grades 6-12)
  5:00-6:00 pm Sundays starting September 8 (Sept.-May) 
  In Youth Choir, middle- and high-schoolers sing music in a variety of styles. Whether you’re a beginner, or you sing in a choir at school, or you take voice lessons, there’s a place for you here. The Youth Choir sings in worship about once a month and sometimes on other occasions, including a concert at Maris Grove in December.  Click here to register. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman. 
• Chancel Choir (Adult)
  7:00-9:00 pm Thursdays starting September 5
  The Chancel Choir provides choral music in the Traditional service throughout the year. Larger projects include Christmas Concerts in December and a Requiem concert in the spring. During Summer 2025, the choir will perform on tour in Scotland. During the summer months, feel free to drop in for Summer Choir on any or all Sundays as your schedule permits, without the commitment of regular Thursday night rehearsals. Questions? Contact Tim Evers.
• Chancel Ringers (Youth & Adult)
  7:00-8:30 pm Wednesdays starting September 4
  Handbells is a wonderful ensemble that builds community spirit. Each person contributes a few notes towards creating beautiful, full-sounding music. Chancel Ringers ring about once a month in worship, as well as occasional other events. Experience reading rhythms and/or pitches is helpful, but not required; reach out if you are interested, and opportunities for beginners will be forthcoming. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman.

Throughout September, support The Peace & Global Witness Offering which is used to promote peacemaking efforts throughout the world. Your financial support can provide the resources needed to transform areas of desperate need into communities of peace and healing. Click here to donate

Our annual Sock drive is in full swing and runs throughout September. Our goal is to gather 2,000 socks this year! We will distribute donations of NEW socks (sizes from infants to adults of any size and style) to Tick Tock Early Learning Center, St. Agnes Day Room, CYWA Gateway Shelter, Chester County Migrant Ministries, Atkinson Men’s Shelter, City Gates Men’s Shelter, and Broad Street Ministries. Please bring your sock donations to the bins located in Café 10 West. You can also order online, and have them shipped directly to the church, care of Ann Hatfield. Questions? Contact Laureen Smith.