January 31, 2019
        
Dear Congregation:
  
We often wonder what difference one person can make in the world. And we’re overwhelmed with the challenges of life and the issues that loom over us in the world, we may wonder if there’s anything we can do.
           
Two weeks ago at our Tuesday with Ted gathering, we watched the Ted Talk by Cleo Wade. Her soft and gentle, yet firm, voice and her poetic words urged us to just do one thing. One action can make a difference. One word of hope can make a difference. Her book, Heart Talks, is filled with original poems, mantras, and affirmations such as "Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care."

On January 12, at the service of thanksgiving for the life of Allen Routzahn, we were reminded that one of Allen’s mantras was, “Do it anyway.” This was inspired by words credited to Mother Teresa:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.                     
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.            
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.           
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.                 
 If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.           
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.          
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

We may not feel like we’re making a difference but does it mean something isn’t changing in our life or someone else’s life? So, let’s continue to spread love and hope and peace in acts of kindness, one act, and one word at a time. God will bless those acts and words and multiply them in ways we cannot even imagine.
Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762 e-mail: bkdaniel@erucc.org

Food for Thought    
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
~Edmund Burke
Sunday Worship
Fourth Sunday After Ephiphany
This week’s gospel, Luke 4: 21-30, continues directly from the one read last week. Jesus visits his hometown synagogue where he takes leadership in reading and discussion of the meaning of the message from the prophet, Isaiah. Jesus was met with open arms until his commentary challenged the status quo. His statement that the prophecies had been fulfilled, today, and in their hearing challenged their traditional beliefs. It takes multiple visions to see life’s paths, to understand its wisdom and to recognize our own calls. In Jeremiah 1:4–10, the prophet is called to ministry with the comforting recognition that he was always known by the Creator. 
                                                                                                                                            
This morning communion will be served to you as you are seated in the pews. The Senior Choir will be leading us in singing.             
Adult Education
 
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.      
Let’ s Talk              9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Meets in the North Room of the Parish House
Through March 3
Exploring the Concept of Gratitude through Diana Butler Bass’s book, Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks . Led by Rev. Richard Leslie. This class is also being presented on Tuesday evenings.  Copies of the book are available for $10 each.
Souper Bowl of Caring –
Sunday, February 3
Join us as we help tackle hunger. Place your extra $1 in the soup pots that our children and youth are holding at the doors as you leave. All donations will go to the Frederick Food Bank.
YOUTH SUB SALE
italian_sub_sandwich.jpg
DEADLINE APPROACHING
ERUCC youth will be making delicious submarine sandwiches again this year! For only $7.00 you can get a submarine sandwich of your choice of turkey, ham or Italian cold cut with your favorite toppings. This is a major fundraiser for the youth as they work to raise money for their trip to the National Youth Event in Wisconsin and their trip to Germany to continue our partnership with our friends there. The youth are thankful for the continued support of the congregation that enables them to pursue these wonderful experiences. You may complete the order form electronically and email it to erucc@erucc.org ; fax it to 301-695-2578 ; or turn it in to one of the youth or the church office. All orders are due by February 4th. The sandwiches will be available for pick up on Saturday, February 9th beginning at 5:30 pm or on Sunday, February 10th. Thanks again for your support! CLICK HERE for the form.
God's Kids Club - Tubing at Liberty Mountain –
Friday, February 8  –  7-9 p.m.
This is for those 5 years and up. The cost is $25.00 a person. Please RSVP with payment by today, February 3rd to Kim Sexton. Each person will need a completed release form: CLICK HERE to get the form. For questions, contact Kim at ksexton@erucc.org .
SING-A-LONG WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Saturday, February 9
6-9 pm
ERUCC Community Room
Pot luck supper – bring a dish to share
(Beverages and popcorn will be
provided by the church)

Let’s start at the very beginning.  This is your chance to sing-a-long to the most successful movie musical of all time.  We’ll watch the movie on the “big” screens in the Community Room and sing along with cast.
                                                                                           
This is a fellowship event for the whole family. Invite your family and friends to join us.
Everybody's Birthday Party
Saturday, February 23rd
5 to 7 p.m.
Downtown Community Room at ERUCC
Everybody has a birthday so this party is for you!

The Community Room will be decked out for a birthday party complete with party hats and birthday cake.  We will have 12 separate party tables, (one for each birth month) each decorated in its own unique party theme. You’ll be invited to sit at the table of your birthday month.
 
Please bring a main dish, side dish or salad to share. 

After supper we will play some games. The evening will end as we sing Happy Birthday to one another and then cut into the birthday cake!
We hope to see you there!

If you are interested in decorating a table for your birthday month, please contact Starr Schaeberle or Pastor Daniel.  
ERUCC GAME NIGHT
MARCH 2, 2019
We had so much fun playing games at our Rehoboth Beach Retreat that we would like to continue the fun at Church Game Night. So come by the Community Room at 7 p.m. with your favorite games, a snack and or drink to share, and your smiles. This event is for all ages!
Yellow Rose Sponsors for 2019
Now seeking sponsors for the yellow rose placed on the altar each Sunday in honor of those who are serving or have served in the military. Sponsorship is $6 per week. Contact Amy at aaguilar@erucc.org or drop a check in the offering. Please indicate that it is for yellow roses on the memo line!
Gift Cards Make Great Thank You's!
Consider giving a gift card that will also support the building project. For several years, ERUCC has offered this opportunity. Shop with gift cards in everyday categories including groceries, gas , restaurants and more . A percentage of each gift card purchased goes directly to ERUCC. Maybe you can even purchase these cards for yourself!
A complete list of available gift cards is found on the church website. Alert Barbara Barry [ ebbarry1@gmail.com ] or call the church office to indicate exactly what gift cards you want.  Buy your gift cards from us by writing a check to the church and writing Scrip in the memo line. 
Winter Weather
When winter weather hits, we may be uncertain about what will take place at church and what won’t. To take some of the uncertainty out of the quandary, here’s our winter weather policy:

You decide whether a drive or walk to the church is safe enough. We do not encourage you to risk life and limb to get to church at all costs, but we expect to hold services for those who can plan to arrive safely, unless the Frederick roads are closed. Our Pastors and Organist can walk to the church, so they will always be present for Sunday morning services.

Evening activities are generally governed by the public school schedule; for instance, if schools are closed on a Monday, there will be no Monday Mess Hall, Children’s Choir, or bell choir rehearsal. The same policy applies to committee meetings and any other regularly scheduled church activities.
Just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in ERUCC. Don't forget to add bkdaniel@erucc.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762