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Bradford Woods Community Church

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

August
2015
Issue

An Epistle from Ed
By Ed Cadwallader, Pastor
The Christian life is as much about becoming Christian as it is about being Christian. The life of faith
involves constant movement towards God. We are constantly called to grow in grace, to move towards
Jesus, and to become more of what we have always been intended to be; a people who reflect the
image of our crucified and resurrected Lord. This side of the resurrection, we are always in need of
further growth. Even in the end, when God raises us and renews all things, our lives will still involve
movement toward knowledge of God and growth in the same, because God is infinite, which means
there will always be more for us to learn about God and more space for us to grow into those who
reflect Gods love in all we do and say.
Because the Christian life is about growth, we here in Bradford Woods take growth seriously, offering
all sorts of opportunities for it. I like to think of these various opportunities for growth in faith as
opportunities for conversion. Many Christians like to talk about their moment of conversion as the
first time they committed themselves to following Jesus, and that is certainly an important moment.
But in my life, there have been many moments of conversion, that is, moments when I was called to
deeper faith. God constantly wants us to follow more faithfully. The moment when I officially
committed to follow Jesus was a really important one, but so were all the moments before that one
when people at church taught me the faith and showed me how to live it. Those moments laid the
groundwork for the moment, at my confirmation, when I claimed faith in Jesus for myself. There have
also been all sorts of moments since then, moments when I have encountered God powerfully through
Scripture, worship, the sacraments, prayer, or the challenging words of a fellow Christian through
which I have found myself being re-converted, called and equipped to take my faith more seriously
and follow Jesus more faithfully.
A significant part of what we do as a Church is about training us to become more faithful and making
space for those moments of conversion. Our coming to church stuff, going to worship, attending
class and studies, meetings, gathering together around tables is an essential part of our growth in
faith, because it is in being together that we learn to love each other. Of course, it is only by learning
to love each other (especially when such love is difficult) that we can learn to love our neighbors as
Christ loves us. After all, if we Christians cant love each other, what hope do we have for loving
anyone else and spreading those conversion moments?
So, I challenge all of you to take some time this summer to grow in faith. Find a way to turn toward
our God and become even more faithful. Worship weekly, gather with other Christians regularly,
study the Scriptures carefully, pray daily, love abundantly. Find a way to grow in faith, and pray that
God will convert you over and over again to the way of Jesus. Its a change that is worth pursuing,
because as we continue to grow in faith, we continue to grow into the people that our God wants us to
be and, in doing so, discover more and more of the joy that Jesus has in store for us. That kind of
growth is absolutely worth the time it takes.
Think about it...

Faith Night
By Cait Kowal, Outreach
It wouldnt be summer without a Pittsburgh Pirates game. So come on out to
Faith Night! BWCC will attend a Pirates game on Thursday, Aug. 20 at
7:05pm. Those who sign up will receive a Pirates ticket, a Pirates ball cap and a
chance to hear players and coaches talk about what their faith means to them after the game! Cost is
only $22 per ticket, and tickets are limited so sign up soon before theyre gone! This event is open to
everyone, so feel free to invite friends and neighbors. Sign-up sheets are available in the church
library and online or you may email us at bwcc@consolidated.net. See you at the game!
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Park n Eat
By Jane Siefers, Hospitality
For everyone who likes to drop by a local restaurant for an after-church lunch,
were offering an alternative that you dont even have to move your car for!
Sunday, August 9 there will be a soup & salad bar set up in Kehew Hall. And,
yes, there will be a choice of pies for dessert! Fresher, home-made-er, and with a
built-in guarantee of great lunch companions, you wont want to miss it! Feel free
to bring some friends. This event is free to all, but we will have out a basket for donations.
Since the choir picnic will be held on the first Sunday of August, were moving our First Sunday Lunch to the second
Sunday of August. Just another bonus for our singers no cooking two Sundays in a row!

The Choir Picnic


By Cait Kowal, Outreach
Attention choir: there will be a choir picnic held after church on August 2. The picnic
will be at the Muhlenkamps house, so come by for some delicious food! Feel free to
bring family and guest friends along with any side dishes or desserts to share.
The choir has the summer off and will resume singing on Rally Day, Sept. 20. If you
are interested in singing, please see Cindy Snyder or contact the church office at (724) 935-3135.

Vacation Bible School


By Carla Porterfield, Christian Education
Unfortunately, due to low enrollment, it was necessary to cancel Vacation Bible School.
Thank you to those who had volunteered their time, talents and funds. We plan to launch
the program next year.

Wanted: Sunday School Teachers


By Norma Liebenguth, Sunday School Superintendent
Sunday School will be starting up again on September 20th. Im looking for people to help
teach the childrens classes. If you would like to take part in this rewarding experience,
please let me know how often you would like to teach. Subs are needed, too. Thanks!

Treasurer's Report as of 7/19/15


By Pam Hendrickson, Treasurer

Church Directory
By Joe Bayer, Outreach
Its time to update our church directory! Please send us your current information: address,
phone numbers including cell phone, email addresses and birthdates of everyone in your
household so we can better serve you. Even if you think we may already have your
information, go ahead and send in your current information anyway to
bwcc@consolidated.net or call (724) 935-3135. Please indicate if you are a current member,
former member (friend of the church) and if there is any change to your status. Thank you in
advance for your help and participation, and we will get the new directory out as soon as possible!

We Need Muffins!
By Cait Kowal, Outreach
The church will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Bradford Woods on
Saturday, Sept.12. Please bring us your home baked muffins so we can freeze them and later
distribute them to parade participants. And feel free to join our centennial committee, its
great way to meet new people and have them get a feel for our community church! Also,
helpers are needed to help put up the large tent on Friday, Sept. 11. A sign-up sheet is the church library or feel free to
contact the church office.

Missions
By Jean Hipwell, Missions
North Hills Community Outreach is seeking donations of nonperishable, non-expired
food as well as fresh garden produce for its food pantries. Time is running out for
donating new backpacks and school supplies. Last year NHCO distributed 1,240
backpacks to children in need. Larger backpacks for teens are a particular need.
Collection boxes are in the library and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Softball
By Bob Doak, Coach
Our softball season ended this past Saturday with us being eliminated on the first day of
the Tournament. After winning it all last year, we finished in 6th Place this year
struggling with season ending injuries in our first game of the year to a couple of our
starters. Constantly changing line-ups from one week to the next made for a challenging
season. Missing starters every week and putting new people in new positions every week
put us in a hole early, 0-6, but we managed to finish 5-8. St. Kilian's Green, who we
defeated last year in our Championship game, actually won it all this year. Now it's time for off-season shoulder surgery
for me to repair my torn rotator cuff and SLAP tear in my right arm (Sept. 25th).

Flea Market/Rummage Sale


By Cait Kowal, Outreach
If anyone is interested in helping to organize a flea market or rummage sale to be held in the fall then please contact the
church office. Join me and Diana Greenberg to help put together this fun fall event!
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Worship Leaders and Acolytes


If you would like to volunteer to be a worship leader, please contact
Pastor Ed. Thank you for your service.
Aug. 2
Aug. 9
Aug. 16
Aug. 23
Aug. 30

Melanie Verbaarschott, Chloe Coltharp, acolyte


Chuck Brehm, Vanessa Verbaarschott, acolyte
John Liebenguth, Ben Cadwallader, acolyte
Jenn Hudak, Amber Swann, acolyte
Melanie Verbaarschott, Mac Coltharp, acolyte

July Happenings

Festive Decorations!

Our Salad Lunch was a hit!

This is what the Lord God showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. ~Amos 8:1
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4836 Wexford Run Road | P.O. Box 421


Bradford Woods, PA 15015
(724) 935-3135

Serving Bradford Woods and surrounding North Hills communities.


Visit our website: www.bradfordwoodschurch.org | Contact us: bwcc@consolidated.net

ICCC Mission Statement


Bradford Woods Community Church is a member of the ICCC (International Council of Community Churches) whose
mission statement is: As people devoted to following Christ we are committed to community, to treasuring diversity, to
living our faith in service and love.

Events for the Month of August:


August Birthdays

August

1 Art Kasson; 4 Zachary Brehm;


7 Jeff Ptak; 10 Bettie Uhland;
11 Shari Kurz; 14 Garrett Liebenguth;
15 Gayle Bacquet; 18 John Baun;
27 Rayanne Hayhurst; 28 Amber Swann;
29 Betsy Baun and Corinne Swann; 30 Lois Fawcett

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12
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Prayer Concerns and Praise


Joel Bonzer, Joseph Bossman,
Cathy Carter, Kevin Croney and family,
the Davenport family, Jody Dentici,
Diane Dilanni, Christine Feagin,
Martha Finley, Kevin Frederick,
Katherine Gardner, Laurie & Joe Gillespie,
Doug Ice, Karen Kimberly, Ron Liguori,
Bob Long, the family of Ann Mackey,
Denise Massaro, Carol OBrien, Jeff Prady,
Jennifer Rihtarchick, Jared Riley, Myleigh Smith,
Doris Stokes, Linda Tessmer, John Valley,
the Waldron family and the family of Kyle Walkins

Communion, 10:00 a.m.


Choir Picnic, 11:00 a.m. (at Shellys house)
Soup & Salad Bar, 11:00 a.m.
Trustees Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Church Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Faith Night, 7:05 p.m. (at PNC Park)

Ongoing:
Morning Worship: Every Sunday, 10 a.m.
AA/NA: Every Thursday, 7:00 p.m.

Coffee Hour
Please sign up to handle the duties of
coffee hour any Sunday. Preparing coffee,
a cold drink and an (optional) refreshment
is all thats needed. And, its appreciated!

Ushers Needed
Please volunteer to handle the duties of ushering any
Sunday. Greeting new guests, handing out bulletins, and
collecting contributions in the collection plates during
service is all thats needed. And, its appreciated!

If you are new to our congregation, please pass your information to Caitalyn Kowal in the church office, regarding your
address, phone number, email address, etc. so we can keep our records up to date and keep you up to date. Thank you.
Please help us with our mailing list costs. If you could view this newsletter via email or online, please
contact us at 724.935.3135 or bwcc@consolidated.net.
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