June 2025 Hilltop Highlights

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LPPC’s “float” in the Collegeville Memorial Day Parade

Upcoming Monthly Events

NAMI’S Family Support Group: Monday, June 2 from 7:00-8:30pm in Rowland Parlor - This is a confidential support group for loved ones of people living with mental illness and is led by trained family members Contact: Ann McFalls (ibike38@comcast net)

Caregiver Support Group: Tuesday, June 3, from 1:00-2:00pm in Rowland Parlor - Come join other caregivers in a warm and welcoming space for sharing, support, and ongoing caregiver resources. Contact: Nancy Care (ncare@lppcmin.org) **New Group**

Men’s Lunch Small Group: Thursday, June 12, from 12:00-1:00pm in the Library - Bring a lunch and come for a time of Bible study. Contact: Ron Jobson (jobson.ron@gmail.com)

Women’s Lunch Bunch - Monday, June 16 at 11:30am, offsite - This small group is for women who have experienced a loss Contact: Ellen Beswick (abeellen630@aol com)

Mosaic Friends - Sunday, June 22 from 4:00-6:00pm, offsite - This is a small group for adults with disabilities and their friends. This month Mosaic Friends will go bowling! Contact: Nancy Care (ncare@lppcmin.org)

Days for Girls - June 8, 10, 11, 17, & 18, July 1 & 2 at 11:00am. Come help to prepare washable period supplies for women and girls around the world. Contact: Bobbie Monaco (bobbiemonaco@gmail.com).

Women’s Circles

Circle #2: June 12 at 1:30pm - Coordinators: Vicki Rahmer, Janet Azzara

Circle #3: June 17 at 10:30am - Coordinators: Debbie Heckman, Pat Reiche

Circle #5: June 13 at 12:00pm - Coordinators: Linda Horoho, Bev Shaeff

Circle #6: June 9 at 7:00pm - Coordinators: Jill Rule, Tina Sawyer

Upcoming Weekly Events

Prayer Ministry - Tuesdays @ 10:00am in the Library

Men's Basketball - Wednesdays @ 7:30pm and Saturdays at 10:30am in the Gym

Zumba - Mondays and Wednesdays @ 7:00pm (Williams Hall), Saturdays @ 8:30am (Gym)

Pickleball - Schedule varies - go to lppcmin org, click on “ministries” then “recreation” to find the sign up/schedule link

Upcoming Special Events

Sunday School at LPPC: A Year of Growth and Joy

Building Faith Foundations for All Ages

Programs for Kids and Youth

Sunday School for children and youth at LPPC provides a safe and fun environment where kids can learn Bible stories, build relationships with peers, ask questions, and connect with caring adult leaders. Each Sunday, an average of 30 kids fill our classrooms with energy and joy, and over 60 children from birth through 7th grade participate throughout the year. It’s a vibrant ministry full of laughter, learning, and growth!

In the PreK/Kindergarten class, children play games and make crafts that reinforce the day’s Bible story. The leaders in this room are especially patient and supportive, helping our youngest learners adjust to their first Sunday School experience. Children’s Ministry Director MaryAnn Alderfer reminds her volunteers, “A four year old may not remember your Bible lesson, but they will remember how they felt when they came to church You get to help build a foundation of love and acceptance ”

In the 1st–4th grade and 5th–7th grade classes, kids begin with a large group time filled with engaging games, Bible lessons, music, and videos. They then break into smaller groups for discussion and activities that help them apply what they’ve learned. Consistent leadership in these small groups

helps kids develop strong relationships with adults they can trust.

It’s a joy to see kids inviting their friends and hear parents like Jennifer Cohle sharing stories such as this one:

“We couldn’t quite decide where we wanted to go to church, but when I picked my daughter up from Sunday School and she immediately asked, ‘Mommy when can come we come back?’ the decision was made ”

A Dedicated Team

When volunteer Jen O’Donnell was asked why she enjoys volunteering as a small group leader for first and second graders she replied,

“I enjoy serving as a small group leader for one big reason: I love smiles on children's faces!! The joy that the kids bring every week to Sunday school is endearing and teaches me that rejoicing in the Lord is something we parents can learn from the kids.”

It takes around thirteen volunteers each Sunday to keep our programs running smoothly, and youth helpers (teens in grades 8-12), make up a key part of LPPC’s volunteer team. It’s inspiring to see these teens stepping up, building leadership skills, and making a real difference in their church community - and the kids totally love them!

SundaySchoolisforAdultsToo!

Andlet’snotforgetourthrivingAdultSundaySchool class,whichmeetsseasonallyat11:00am,followingthe worshipservice.Coveringtopicssuchasprayeranda verypopularseriesfeaturingclipsfromTheChosen,adult SundaySchoolprovidesameaningfulplaceforpeopleto deepentheirfaithandgrowinrelationshipwithothers.

Thank you to everyone who supports LPPC’s Sunday School ministry by volunteering, prioritizing church involvement as a family, and giving financially. Your investment is helping kids and adults alike grow in faith, feel God’s love, and find their place in our church community.

Confirmation & Youth Sunday

This year at Confirmation, we had the joy of recognizing our seniors as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives. Whether they're heading into the military, firefighting, technology fields, or other exciting paths, we trust that God has a unique and wonderful plan for each of them—one filled with faith, purpose, and growth It has been a true blessing to pour into these students over the years, and we remain committed to supporting them as they journey forward. Peace, love, and blessings to our graduates!

We also celebrated the spiritual growth of our confirmands, who made the heartfelt decision to dive deeper into their faith and become part of the church family here at LPPC. We welcomed them with the presentation of a cross necklace, a certificate of class completion, and a meaningful charge and benediction from our own Pastor Ted Mingle. We are proud of each of

This year the Middle School Youth Program grew by 7 students, thanks to our students inviting their friends! these confirmands and excited to walk alongside them in their continued journey of faith as their family of fellow believers.

Minnich Scholarship Award

The 49th annual LCDR Richard W. Minnich Jr. Scholarship Award was presented on Sunday, May 18, 2025. This award honors and memorializes Rich Minnich, a naval pilot in Vietnam, who was killed in action in 1968 The award is based on the firm foundations that Rich exemplified including: significant character growth, self-reliance, an awareness of the needs of others and responsiveness to them, and belief and love for God, family, and country. This year’s recipient was Julianna Smull. She will be attending Bucks County Community College in the fall and studying Emergency Management and Planning, and plans to one day become a Police Officer

Julianna serves locally as a volunteer firefighter and has been involved in Children’s Ministry at LPPC

Parents praying with their graduating seniors
Julianna helped to raise money for the American Lunch Association

From Ashes to Easter Lilies

The season of Lent began in March with our Ash Wednesday service, where Youth Director Tim Eisemann shared an encouraging message from the story of Namaan. Following Ash Wednesday, members of the church gathered each Wednesday afternoon to spend some time in God’s creation The locations of these “Sacred Trails” changed each week, and it was fun to watch spring’s arrival over the course of six weeks

On Palm Sunday we celebrated with the waving of palms and Pastor Cara shared a message reminding us that with Jesus, we must get used to different.

Over 50 people took part in the Good Friday Prayer Stations Each station encouraged people to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and had an opportunity for active participation and prayer

LPPC’s Easter service was a meaningful time of worship that celebrated the resurrection of Jesus.

A few days later on Maundy Thursday Pastor Ted reminded the congregation of Jesus’ act of service as he washed his disciple’s feet.

People young and old enjoyed the “magic” of the children’s sermon, which brought just a taste of the surprise felt by Jesus’ followers to life.

Sailing Down Main Street

One of the Welcoming Team’s goals this year is to be more involved in community events that take place in the neighborhoods around LPPC, and the Collegeville-Trappe Memorial Day Parade provided the perfect opportunity. Volunteers threw candy from the decorated boat as the parade headed down Main Street, while others passed out invitations to this summer’s sailing themed Family Vacation Bible School

At the end of the parade route there were many activities for kids, food trucks, and tables representing different community organizations. LPPC’s table included information about the church, some tempting freebies, and a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. It was a beautiful day and we’re thankful we could connect with community members and let them know they would be welcomed at Lower Providence Presbyterian Church!

Welcome

Ambassador’s Lunch

In March the Welcoming Team hosted an appreciation lunch for the current Welcome Ambassadors, and invited people who were interested in joining this ministry to attend Over 30 people enjoyed lunch together and several new volunteers participated.

Senior Fellowship

Over 50 LPPC Seniors and 14 musicians from the Quadas Dulcimer Club gathered for an afternoon of fun and music Attendees enjoyed learning about the music and instruments, and appreciated a time of spiritual reflection from Nancy Care.

The Church has Left the Building

Over 100 people volunteered for service projects on April 26-27

Coalition to Save Lives Days for Girls

Bonding squares for NICU babies

Daily Bread Food Pantry

Martha’s Community Farm

Evansburg Park Trail Maintenance

Old Norriton Cleanup

Shed Roofing Project

Visitation

Honoring the Past, Preparing for the Future

On Saturday, May 17 a team of volunteers spent the morning in LPPC’s cemetery, replacing the flags that mark the graves of the 245 veterans buried in our cemetery Each veteran’s grave is marked with a medallion indicating when they served in the military. It’s amazing to see that LPPC’s cemetery contains the graves of military service members dating back to the Revolutionary War.

We are still waiting for the delivery of the columbarium, which should be happening sometime this summer. Benches will be installed after the columbarium is finished.

LPPC’s Deacons: The Ministry of Serving Home Communion

One of the ministries of our Deacons is to serve communion to our homebound members twice a year The dates coincide with World Communion Sunday in the Fall and the start of Lent in the Spring. This March, the Deacons served communion to 20 of our homebound members. In addition to receiving communion, this service provides a reminder to our homebound that they haven’t been forgotten, and we continue to pray for them at LPPC.

Not only do the homebound benefit from this experience but the Deacons themselves leave having had a positive experience.

Deacon Sue Norris stated,

“"My first home communion as a new Deacon, I felt hesitant and insecure since I'd never done this before. Afterward, I experienced the fulfillment seeing the gratefulness of our homebound members from our fellowship and delivering the sacrament of communion to them."

Deacon Phil Delong remarked,

“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve and bring our church members communion. It’s always a pleasant experience visiting with church families and sharing the sacrament.”

Please continue to keep our homebound members of the LPPC in your thoughts and prayers.

Deacon Lynn Patterson & Joyce Hoke
Deacons Jon and Caroline Deininger & Janet Azzara Deacon Carla Skuchas & Louise Molke
The site for the columbarium is ready
Volunteers help to replace flags
Markers indicate when each veteran served

Thank You Notes

Thank you to our Church friends who have sent cards, said a lot of prayers and delivered flowers through Cameron's illnesses and my most recent eye surgery. We are grateful for the support of so many thoughtful friends. --The Ponticello and Sawyer families.

Dear Church Family,

What a blessing it has been to receive your kindness and caring to me following my 90 birthday and unfortunate fall. You have blessed me with many, many cards, flowers, visits, delicious meals and transportation to my many therapy appointments. It has warmed my heart and I appreciate and thank you for everything you have done for me God bless you With the Lord’s blessing and my love, Jeanette Granger th

JuneBirthdays

June 1

Logan Cohle

June 2

Ed Hine

Tina Lenzi

Brian Rambo

June 4

Ted Mingle

June 7

Kara Freisher

Katie Wittenberg

June 8

Kathy Huber

Ethan Rodriguez

June 9

Evan Schnelzer

Catherine Stogdale

June 10

Jeff Lobb

June 11

Howie Benensky

Stephanie Sawyer

June 13

Devin Cohle

Kasey Moser

June 14

Sue Berg

Jim Creighton

June 15

Beth Hill

June 15

Liz Rothman

Mamta Shankar

June 16

Jennifer O'Donnell

June 17

Norm Grant

Ted Hendricks

June 19

Brandi Lenzi

June 20

Robin Doyle

Raina Shankar

June 22

Paul Benensky

Pat Kauffman

June 23

Bill London

June 24

Wendy Benensky

Jean Brinton

June 26

Julie Clark

Susan Creighton

Cathy Kammler

Bruce Wintersteen

June 27

Roger Crane

Lynn Patterson

June 28

Nathaniel Rodriguez

June 29

Lynda Fisher

Matthew Heck

Christen Wudarski

June 30

Joan Rung

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