Author: Donna Lechleitner

The Benton Christian
July / August 2019 Newsletter

Again

As I am writing this article guess what it is doing outside? Your right it is raining! I think I understanding how Noah must have felt mid- way through his 40 days of rain. “This is getting boring!” Rain has become a new four letter word. Rain seems to be the new normal for us. Questions arise as to how to make sense of it so here are a few thoughts to share with you.
First think of how Joseph was told in a dream that there would be seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. So Joseph took advantage of the prosperous years to prepare for the years of scarcity. I can recall some summers that were so dry people worried that their wells would dry up. What if God is giving us wet years in preparation for dry ones?

BENTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
Third & Church Streets ▪ Benton, PA 17814

Some have wondered if this is not a ‘Sign of the End Times.” Certainly it could be, as Jesus predicted, “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places all of these are the beginning of the birth pangs” (Matthew 24: 8) Yes we are living in the last days and the storms and severe weather patterns may indeed increase. As God’s children we can rest in God’s care all the while we prepare for changing and violent weather.
Paul tells us in Romans, “We know that creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to this present moment.” Ever since the fall of man creation has been suffering and part of creation’s suffering is due to our sinful greed and ways in which we have not been good stewards of creation. It is time to wise up and be better stewards of creation. Global warming is not a warning anymore; it is a fact we must face and do what we can to prevent it.
I don’t know what the answer is, but I have decided that rain is the new normal so it’s time to adapt to wet weather, higher stream levels and flooding. So keep the umbrella handy, buy rubber boots and try singing in the rain: it beats complaining!

Pastor Dave

- Vacation Bible School -

Benton Christian Church will host this years VBS beginning Sunday, July 28 thru Thursday, August 1; 6:00 - 8:15 pm each night, with closing ceremony Thursday night starting at 8pm. Our theme is ROAR (African Safari) - "Life is Wild...God is good".

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND UPDATE

Capital Campaign Fund Monthly Report ~ April 2019
Checking $194.42
Date Check # Paid to: Deposit Amount Balance
Savings $29,716.21
Withdrawls Deposits
5-Apr $507.00
8-Apr $374.00
17-Apr $1,232.00
17-Apr $285.00
19-Apr $2,752.07
22-Apr $855.00
30-Apr $825.00
30-Apr $0.75 $31,042.89

Capital Campaign Fund Monthly Report ~ May 2019
Checking $194.42
Date Check # Paid to: Deposit Amount Balance
Savings $31,042.89
Withdrawls Deposits
7-May $695.00
14-May $444.00
20-May $459.00
20-May $2,752.07
30-May $660.00
31-May $0.79 $30,549.61

Elder's Note

~ Change ~

As I sit at the desk in our office writing this letter I can see rabbits feeding out in the lawn, birds flying by the window and even a deer slowly walking out of the woods across the distant lawn. It’s raining – a gentle rain to water the garden and flowers and fields. It’s a change from yesterday when the sun was shining so beautifully and I sat marveling at all the flowers blooming, a chipmunk scurrying across the lawn and seeing blueberries starting to mature so we can enjoy them even through the winter months. Things are always changing, different and unknowing. We never know what will surprise us in the days to come.
But as I reflect on all these things, the one thing that has not and will not change is our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:8 says, “He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” We serve a wonderful God who is faithful, a wonderful God who will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He left His word for us, the Bible, to guide us and encourage us. God and His Word never changes. In the Bible He is described as our rock and our fortress. We can rely on His strength and as believers, we are called to trust in Him and not ourselves. Seeing how so many things change in our world, it’s encouraging to know that God is not different, changing or unknowing. Everything in the world may change, but my God will remain faithful. The same yesterday, today and forever! Praise be to God!!!
Elder, Janet Kriebel

Sign-Up Sheet is in the New Lobby

Worship Service Participants Schedule for
July*10:00 A M Service

~ July Diaconate ~
Derl Remphrey, Kevin Zimmerman, Gerald McMichael, Carol Remphrey

Elders ~ Gloria Kremer & Kevin Schlichter
Greeters ~ Service in the Park
Children's Sermonette ~ Service in the Park
Nursery Attendant ~ Service in the Park

July 7

Elders ~ Cathy Mansfield & Sandy Hess
Greeters ~ Kim, Rachel & Emily Notestine
Children's Sermonette ~ Kevin Schlichter
Nursery Attendant ~ Kevin & Heather
Zimmerman

July 14

July 21

Elders ~ Garry Ritter & Janet Kriebel
Greeters ~ Grace Swigart
Children's Sermonette ~ Sandy Hess
Nursery Attendant ~ Bob & Sandy Hess

Elders ~ Kevin Schlichter & Gloria Kremer
Greeters ~ Shirley McHenry
Children's Sermonette ~ Cathy Mansfield
Nursery Attendant ~ Kim Notestine

July 28

Worship Service Participants Schedule for
August*10:00 A M Service

~ August Diaconate ~
Dan Conner, Mary Ann Bankes, Gayle Boudman, John McMichael

Elders ~ Janet Kriebel & Cathy Mansfield
Greeters ~ Gloria Kremer
Children's Sermonette ~ Heather Zimmerman
Nursery Attendant ~ Grace Swigart

August 4

Elders ~ Sandy Hess & Kevin Schlichter
Greeters ~ Judy Bankert
Children's Sermonette ~ Yvonne Grose
Nursery Attendant ~ Faith Schlichter

August 11

Elders ~ Cathy Mansfield & Garry Ritter
Greeters ~ Bob & Betty Lewis
Children's Sermonette ~ Puppets
Nursery Attendant ~ Natalie Wilson

August 18

Elders ~ Gloria Kremer & Janet Kriebel
Greeters ~ Kevin & Faith Schlichter
Children's Sermonette ~ Linda Campbell
Nursery Attendant ~ Kevin & Heather Zimmerman

August 25

Announcements

Food Bank: The date for July is Tuesday, the 16th at 7:30 A.M. and in August, Tuesday the 20th at 7:30 A.M. at N4C’s.
Church Picnic and Worship Service in the Park: On July 7th we will hold our Sunday morning worship service in the town park followed by a picnic. The worship service will be at 10:00 AM (There will be no 8:00 AM service). The picnic is covered dish so bring something to share. The church will provide the meats. Bring a friend and make it a special day in Benton Park.
Annual Chicken BBQ: is Saturday, July 27th from 4:00 to 5:30. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. The event will be take-out only. Advance tickets are required so please see Gayle Boudman for tickets. Please note: All Chicken BBQ monies and unsold tickets are due back on Sunday, July 21st.
All Faiths Night: for the Williamsport Crosscutters is set for Sunday, August 4th at 4:00PM. See flyer for further info.
Hoagie sale: will begin on August 18th and run through September 1st. Hoagies will be made on Wednesday, September 18th at 2:30. Hoagies will need to be picked up by 5:30 P.M.
Concert in the Park: This annual event will be held on Sunday, August 18th 2019 at 4:00 p.m. We will have a church wide picnic (please bring large covered dish to share); hot dogs, sweet corn, and desert and drink will be provided. Please bring lawn chairs to enjoy the concert. A concert featuring RAVEN CREEK will begin at 4:30 p.m., Followed by the Lore Family concert at 5:30 p.m. EVERYONE is welcome!!!
CWM: is having a "Name Your Price" inside yard sale on August 10th from 8:30 - 2:00 P.M. All proceeds to the Capital Campaign. Donate your unwanted items. Contact any CWM member for questions or to donate items for the sale.
Bake sale: will be held on Friday, August 2nd at 8:30 A.M. at the Benton Bank . If you would like to donate bake goods to sell please drop them off at the church before Friday, or at the Bank Friday morning by 8:30.

Christian Women’s Ministry
May 9 ,2019 -
We met on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 12 noon at the church. There were 7 ladies present, Gloria, Nancy, Shirley, Nancy, Peggy, Betty & Mary. Meeting was opened by Peggy Follmer. Betty Lewis gave the blessing and a prayer. Secretary and treasurer reports were given. It was decided to go to Brass Pelican in June with Gloria Kremer as hostess.
Old Business: still selling cook books, looking for new ideas for fund raisers
New Business: Wendy's night May 6th was very good $142.98.
We are collecting paper items for the food bank
each month. We decided on officers staying the same. Our scholarship for this year goes to Rachel Notestine who is going to Messiah. Bake sale Friday, August 2nd at the Benton Bank.
Next meeting Thursday, June 13tth. Meet at the church at 11:00 A.M. and go to Brass Pelican.
June 13, 2019 -
We enjoyed a trip to Brass Pelican before it closes. We picked up our cook books and money for those sold. There were 7 present for lunch and meeting. Gloria, Nancy, Jessie, Shirley, Nancy, Betty and Mary. Betty gave the blessing and prayed with us and did a study on Your Days are Numbered.
We discussed fund raisers. Shirley got Rada Knives and some are sold already. We are discussing yard sale possibility Saturday, August 10th in the church hall with refreshments.
Our next meeting is Thursday, July 11th, noon at the church with Betty as hostess.
Respectfully yours, Mary Travelpiece

Community Food Bank Project
The CWM is collecting PAPER TOWELS for the month of JULY and TOILET PAPER for the month of AUGUST for the Benton Community Food Bank. There is a collection box in the new lobby if you would like to donate

Happy Birthday

July

August

1 - Kevin Zimmerman
2 - Dennis Threlkeld
3 - Sandra Kelsey
5 - Jessie Whitenight
- Michael Gordon
6 - Michael Gordon II
7 - Kristen Kriebel
13 - Phil Edson
15 - Mary Travelpiece,
- Pat Threlkeld,
- Carolyn Diehl
19 - Bob Hess
24 - Austin Kelsey
26 - Grace Swigart
27 - Hunter Edson

5 - Joan Jones
6 - Joyce Keller
15 - Arden Diltz
19 - Betty McCahan
- Joann Heimbach
- Elisabeth Schaffer
- Beverly Stackhouse
22 - Lindsey Keller
25 - Brandy McHenry
26 - Barbara McHenry
27 - Faith Schlichter
Regina Schlichter
28 - Sylvia Souder
29 - Susan McHenry

Happy Anniversary

August

July

4 - Donald & Louraine Foote
14 - Bob & Betty Lewis
24 - Kevin & Faith Schlichter

3 - Rick & Maryann Bardo
11 - Jay & Susan McHenry
- Harry & Jessica Schlichter
13 - Bob & Sandy Hess
14 - Paul & Heather Sellers
17 - John & Beth McMichael
18 - Kevin & Heather Zimmerman

Coming Soon . . . . . .

Ten years ago we offered the Financial Peace University to our church and community. “It was a life changing experience” say Ron and Cheryl Kelsey who took the course back in 2009. We are going to be offering this course again starting September 10th.
Are you tired of money stress? Then you’re ready to join more than five million people whose lives have been changed by Financial Peace University (FPU)! This nine-lesson course taught by Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan and Rachel Cruze helps you work a plan to nail a budget, defeat debt, and free yourself from money worries! You’ll join a small group for discussions and lessons—all rooted in biblical wisdom and common sense. FPU includes your member workbook and a free year of Financial Peace Membership, with online tools created to support your journey. For more info, contact Ron Kelsey or Pastor Dave at 570 506-4452 or 570 336-4934

Our Service Schedule:
Worship Services Sunday School
8:00 AM & 10:00 AM 9:00 AM
Men's Prayer Meeting – Wednesday @ 7:00 PM

Like us on Facebook
Come check out our brand new facebook Page, listen to Pastor Dave's sermons, and get updates instantly on everything at Benton Christian Church. Search Benton Christian Church on www.facebook.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benton-Christian-Church/371046732957622

Staff and Office Information:
Pastor: Rev. Dr. David Mansfield
Residence Phone: 570-336-4934
Office Hours – 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Ministerial Assistant, Gloria Kremer (570) 925-1056
Board Moderator, Allen Turner (570) 925-6052
Church Secretary - Donna Lechleitner
Office Hours — Wednesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday & Friday afternoons
Office Phone: (570) 925-2266
Email: bentoncc@epix.net
Web site: www.bentonchristianchurch.com

If you wish to be removed from the newsletter mailing list please call the Church @ 570-925-2266 or send an email to: bentoncc@epix.net

O.A.S.I.S. Ministry
Older Adults Sharing in Service

This is a summary of Benton Christian Church's contributions to the Disciples Mission Fund for 2018. It reflects where the funds were distributed. This summary does not reflect the contributions to the church made to local charities.

Fund Total Giving

Disciples Mission Fund	$10,692.43
Easter	359.00
Pentecost	227.00
Thanksgiving	742.00
Christmas	819.00

Who Your Giving Supports Amount %

Pennsylvania	$7,892.20	61.47%
Office of General Minister and Pres,	790.28	6.16
Treasury Services	170.50	1.33
Promotion	85.01	0.66
Center for Faith & Giving	73.80	0.57
Communication Ministries	21.99	0.17
Council on Christian Unity	89.92	0.70
Church Extension	156.62	1.22
Disciples Home Missions	573.48	4.47

June 30

(cont. ) Who Your Giving Supports Amount %

Division of Overseas Ministries	812.75	6.33
Disciples of Christ Historical Society	60.48	0.47
Higher Education & Leadership	103.97	0.81
Common project fund	5.13	0.04
National Benevolent Assoc	161.14	1.26
Pension Fund	118.47	0.92
National Convocation	264.43	2.06
Ecumenical Ministries	2.99	0.02
Christmount, National city, World Convention	136.76	1.07
Disciples Colleges	686.33	5.35
Disciples Seminaries	633.17	4.93

Elders ~ Sandy Hess & Garry Ritter
Greeters ~ Dick & Cindy Opdyke
Children's Sermonette ~ Yvonne Grose
Nursery Attendant ~ Natalie Wilson

A Look Ahead . . . . . .
July -
7th - Sunday Service in the Park
with Picnic following
16th - Rodeo begins - Milkshake Stand
27th - Chicken BBQ Take- Out Dinner
28th thru August 1st - VBS
August -
18th - Concert in the Park

Benton Community & School District Happenings:
May 18th - Prom June 5th - Last day of school
May 22nd - May Day June 7th - Graduation
May 25th - Community Yard Sale June 22nd - Fireman's Parade
May 26th - Memorial Day Parade
May 31st - Sundae Pops