.                     ANNOUNCEMENTS

​BLESSED:
  • Old Union is blessed with a wonderful treasurer in Dick Currie, and the session is looking for someone to help him with his work as an assistant treasurer. Speak with Dick to learn more about what this might look like, and speak with the pastor or a session member if you’re interested.
JUNIOR CHURCH:
  • Please sign up in the lobby if you’d like to help with Junior Church. We are looking for people willing to take turns to go downstairs with our youngsters during sermon time. Speak with Jess Semler for more information.
OUR CHURCH OFFICERS FOR 2026:
  • (Newly elected or re-elected officers are in italics)
SESSION:                            
  • David Davidson                   
  • John Davidson                   
  • Marcy Eichenauer               
  • Sally Pavlina                       
  • Mike Semler                        
  • Mary Rae Thompson             
  • Carl Wagner Gloria Utz
  • Ronald Weaver
  • ONE VACANCY
DEACONS:
  • Annette Baldt
  • Ashley Brink
  • Sherry Cashdollar
  • Cheryl Davidson
  • Bonnie Everly
  • Mary McElhinny
  • Gloria Utz
AUDITORS
  • Dave Davidson
  • Sally Pavlina
NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
  • Teresa Kissane (Congregation)
  • Jill McDonald (Congregation) 
  • Mary McElhinny (Congregation) 
  • Becky McMaster (Congregation) 
  • Sally Pavlina (Session) 
  • John Davidson (Session) 
  • One more to be appointed by deacons
MANSE COMMITTEE:
  • Ralph Jockel
  • Jill McDonald
  • Marcus Sanata
  • Sally Pavlina
PRESBYTERY COMMISSIONERS:
  • Jill McDonald
  • Teresa Kissane
  • Alternate: Becky Gannon
​​SUPPORT FOR JOSH HEIKKILA:
  • Rev. Josh Heikkila, our mission co-worker in Ghana, lost his position when the denomination chose to end international mission work. However, he is seeking funding to continue his work with our church partners. The session has decided to provide $4,000 from the Mission Endowment Fund for his support; this is in addition to the money given for Josh as one of our church mission projects. This grant will be annually and is renewable for up to three years (assuming that Josh continues to serve in Ghana and provides appropriate reporting).
AUTOMATIC OFFERING:
  • Old Union Church is equipped to accept contributions as automatic deductions from your bank account. Avoid the hassle of writing checks and remembering to bring them to worship. Remain consistent in your giving when you miss a Sunday or live out of the area. You can find the form to fill out, and instructions to assist you, on the church’s website or in the church lobby.
  • ​Support Old Union through on-line donations by going to our website and clicking on the “Give Now” button. Online donations are directed our General Fund, which supports our church’s budget expenses.
FREE COMMUNITY DINNER?
  • Old Union is known for its food, which we normally serve to the community in fund-raising events. The session is considering offering a free meal for the community, to serve people who are lonely or food-insecure, or who simply want a nice evening out. Dave Davidson, Marcy Eichenauer, and Mary Rae Thompson have already volunteered to work on this project. Please speak with one of them if you’d like to pitch in as well.
"LISTSERV":
  • Join our church’s email “listserv” group to be included in regular updates about life in our congregation. Instructions are provided at the bottom of the homepage on the church’s website, or go to www.freelists.org/list/oldunionchurch.
​FYI:
  • We are investigating the subsidence of the lobby foundation, which has broken the seals on two of our windows. A memorial gift will purchase new windows, but the foundation issue must be identified and addressed first. This has the potential to be a major expense for our church.
​​CEMETERY POLICY:
  • The session has updated the cemetery policy to include a $650 grave-opening fee at the time of burial, to help pay for perpetual care. This fee will apply to both cremation and casket burials. Speak with Ruth Geller for more information and if you’d like to purchase a plot
                         ANNOUNCEMENTS

OLD UNION CHURCH: ​LIVESTREAM:
  • We only have one person who is able to run our livestream worship services.  When Heather can't be in church, all of our internet-based worshipers aren't able to join us.  Please speak with Heather if you would like to learn how to run the livestream when she is gone.
CHRISMON SERVICE:
  • November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent, and we will begin the season with a special Chrismon Service. Chrismons are sacred Christian symbols which we will hang on the Christmas tree in the sanctuary. Join us to learn how these symbols can help us understand our faith in new ways.
SUPPORTING OUR MISSION PROJECTS:
  • Each year, when families or groups in our church “adopt” our ten mission projects, they agree to provide at least $350 in support for that project. Others give to general missions, and the session decides how to allocate these funds. This year, the session has decided to distribute the general mission giving equally across the ten projects.
  • This will add an additional $250 of support, for a total of at least $600 for each project. If there is not enough money from general mission giving, the remainder will come from the Mission Endowment Fund. Thanks to everyone whose generosity enables our church to advance Christ’s mission in many ways
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!:
  • In May, we will have a work day in cemetery to clear the tree line. We look forward to working together on this project.​
​REV. DR. DE VRIES:
  • is putting his name in for consideration to be a commissioner for the 2026 General Assembly, to be held in Madison, Wisconsin. If selected, he will be one of three representatives from our presbytery to our denomination’s national decision-making body.
​FYI:
  • Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2:00, our pastor posts video devotions to our church’s Facebook group and YouTube channel. The devotions, typically about seven minutes long, are opportunities to reflect on and grow in your faith.
  • If you’re not able to attend worship in person, please join us either by livestream through the church’s Facebook group, or by telephone: dial 605-468-8003 and enter access code 627725#.
  • Missed worship? You can watch a recording of Sunday worship on our Facebook group, or you can watch the sermon on our YouTube channel.
  • Join our church’s email “listserv” group to be included in regular updates about life in our congregation. Instructions are provided at the bottom of the homepage on the church’s website, or go to www.freelists.org/list/oldunionchurch.
MISSION ENDOWMENT FUND:
  • In 2025, we had $11,000 available to use for missions from our Mission Endowment Fund. The money has been used for the following purposes:
  • $6,000 to fund Josh Heikkila’s mission co-worker position
  • $3,000 to New Salem Presbyterian Church, after their building was destroyed by fire
  • $700 to the Lighthouse
  • $700 to Sleep in Heavenly Peace
  • $600 for our mission trip
DONATION BINS IN LOBBY:
  • Evans City Food Cupboard: food items
  • Lighthouse: food items and shopping bags
  • Butler High School: hygiene products
  • Longmore Academy: snacks for during class

FUN NIGHT:
  • Watch for a “Fun Night” to come some Saturday evening in January or February.
CHRISTMAS PARTY:
  • Join us for a merry celebration on December 7 at our church Christmas party! Please bring a wrapped gift ($5 maximum) for the exchange game, and a dish to share if you’re able. Be prepared for a fun time!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING:
  • Help us spread the Christmas cheer on Saturday December 13 at 4:00, when we will go Christmas caroling to our homebound members.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA:
  • The choir will present the Christmas cantata “Come Worship the King” during worship on December 21.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE:
  • Make our church’s Christmas Eve service part of your family’s holiday celebration! The service will begin at 7:30 and will include carols, communion, candle-lighting, and an original Christmas tale.
FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE:
  • After serving faithfully for many years, Julie Meeder, Linda Millson, and Lorene Winner are stepping down from the Fund-Raising Committee. If we want to continue activities such as the Strawberry Festival, apple dumplings, and the Christmas cookie sale (or something new and different), we will need new people to join the committee. Our veterans will be happy to show you the ropes. Speak with the pastor or a session member if you’d like to be part of the new Fund-Raising Committee!
Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
​724-538-8672 | [email protected]
200 Union Church Road, Mars PA 16046