Lamplighter

The Cost of Freedom

When members of the 2^nd Continental Congress approved the remarkable document known as The Declaration of Independence, they plainly declared their belief in God. The drafters of this noble proclamation knew that the sweeping freedoms they were proposing could work well only in a society where the Creator is acknowledged. They affirmed that God has ‘endowed’ all people with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” because he values each of us.

Our gratitude is deepened when we remember the price others paid to help obtain freedoms we have in this country. One such person is Richard Stockton, one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence. He was a prominent lawyer and a wealthy landowner. Because he supported the war efforts, he and his family were driven from their home. That home was sacked and burned. Stockton was imprisoned for several years and subjected to harsh treatment that broke his health. He died a pauper at the age of 51. Yet few Americans remember this hero who paid such a high price for the cause of liberty. His sacrifice is largely forgotten.

This upcoming holiday, at all the gatherings, picnics and celebrations, ask this question – Have I become so familiar with the Gospel that I fail to appreciate what my salvation cost Jesus Christ, the Savior? We rejoice in the spiritual freedom we enjoy by faith in the sin-canceling death of Jesus, but do we realize at least to some degree the price he paid?

Are we truly grateful to Jesus for all He sacrificed to set us free spiritually? If so, we are to “stand fast … in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” (Galatians 5:1) No matter what else may be demanding our attention, let us take time to remember, the unpayable debt we owe Him.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay

The debt of love I owe:

Here, Lord, I give myself away –

‘Tis all that I can do!

-- Watts –

Thought: Salvation is infinitely costly, but absolutely free!!

Pastor Susan

Christmas is coming – we extend an invitation to all committees to donate a gift basket for our annual holiday bazaar. It’s not too early to start thinking about your basket selection.

In addition to our varied basket selections, we will also be trying something new this year. We are calling it a “Methodist Auction,” which will be run the same as a Chinese auction.

Small gifts and/or gift cards to stores and restaurants will be featured. Individuals and/or committees are invited to contribute to this new enterprise.

Thanks to all of you who helped to make this first time venture a huge success! From book donations to sorting and staging, set-up and tear-down, not to mention great publicity and helpful workers at the sale itself. It took a lot of hands to get it done. The sale garnered $575 for our general fund! We have also donated seven boxes of books to Pastor Susan’s military support group and another twelve boxes of books to EUMC, which will take them to a burned out library on Swan Island, ME. Children’s books will be donated to the St. Stephen’s Back-to-School Fair later this summer. Some books will be reserved for the bazaar.

We had very positive feedback from our customers and members of the congregation, encouraging us to do this event again, so the remainder will be saved for next summer’s book sale. So start saving your gently-read books and watch for the announcement of our next book drive in 2010. Your good works keep giving throughout our community and beyond. Ignite the Light!

The Crocodile Dock program is now underway as the Vacation Bible School this summer. VBS is being held during the Sunday School hour (10:15 a.m.) until August 16, with a closing program on August 23 during the worship service at 9:00 a.m. Crocodile Dock centers around “looking for God” and “looking for God events.”

Jacque the Croc is the program’s mascot, so be on the lookout for him in the coming months while he endeavors to evoke your interest. Bring your friends to this fun filled program! – Christian Ed

Thanks to a generous donor, Vanity Fair, NHUMC has 50 brand new backpacks for the 2009 “Backpacks for New Holland Students” challenge.

Remember your first day of school with your new pencil box or notebook? Well, let’s give local children that same great feeling by filling the 50 donated backpacks. Each week in July we will feature collection of a specific school items: July 5 – pencils and erasers; July 12 – plastic 12-inch ruler; July 19 – small pencil sharpeners; and July 26 - notebook paper. You may also donate financially to help us fill the backpacks.

One small item a week added to your shopping list will make this possible. Filled backpacks will be distributed at the Back-to-School Carnival held at St. Stephen’s UCC on August 15. If you would like to help with this activity, please contact Betty Hostetter (354-8014).

Here are some very brief comments on the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference held at Valley Forge on June 16 through June 18. It was a new and excellent experience for me. The music and singing were great, as were the worship services. Sure, there were some political ramifications, but that is to be expected with the wide diversity of people and church locations from rural to urban.

Overall, it is an experience that you should all have the opportunity to experience. Anyone can attend; however, only the lay delegates and clergy can vote on issues. It certainly gave me a better perspective of our Connectional Ministries and the efforts that are being made worldwide to improve living conditions.

Some of you will remember Tim Patterson, a former member, and his family. He has been appointed to Wesley UMC, Strasburg, as the pastor. I will be sharing more in the next few weeks at a worship service.

To make this year’s bazaar a success we need more large crafts. In the past we have had a large variety of wood crafts, wreaths, aprons, ironing board covers, and baby items. A group of ladies have been meeting twice a month making items, but we need more. If you cannot attend these monthly meetings, but have some craft project, please let us know.

Craft workshops with Jane Frybarger (656-2959) and Judy Trost will be held on July 14 and July 28 at 1:00 p.m. in Chapel Hall to prepare for the Bazaar on November 8. -- NOW

< I would like to thank everyone for thinking of and praying for my family over the past few weeks. I started a new job at a very small cabinetry and furniture company close to Dutch Wonderland. It’s a little less money, but far less headaches; and it’s fulltime. Thanks again. -- Tim Arment

< Thank you so much for the graduate recognition service as well as the book and keychain I received. I am so thankful for the church’s support and encouragement throughout the years I have been a member of this church. Thanks! --Megan Riehl

< Thank you so much for the graduation gift. It is very much appreciated. The presentation was also very wonderful. Thanks for all the support over the past 13 years. Thanks again --Lindsey Riehl

< John and I would like to thank our church family for all the delicious meals they prepared for us. Your prayers and cards were appreciated very much. God bless each and every one of you.

< We are again overwhelmed by the congregational response to our Father’s Day Tools project. To date, we’ve collected $555.00. The final total for the Mother’s Day Blankets project was $470.00 for a total of 94 blankets. That was just great! We are so pleased at your response to these projects and hope to continue it in the future. Thank you all so very much. -- NOW

< Thanks also to all who came out to our CAN picnic for AA and Al/Anon. It was a great success. Our guests are looking forward to the CAN Christmas party in December. – NOW

on our sign-up sheets. Summer is a busy time, with lots of vacations planned; but consider how you could serve your church.

Each month we feature a recipe of the month. If you would like to share a recipe not in the current cookbook, please submit it by placing it in the newsletter article mailbox on the top, left-side row. -- Pastor Susan