Katie Stauter has joined the staff of Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, as assistant office administrator.

A Parkland graduate, Stauter has been a lifelong member of Union Lutheran and has been involved in many church activities.

Since the pandemic halted in-person worship, Stauter has been producing YouTube services and devotional videos for the church.

Stauter has had experience as a professional photographer taking shots of the IronPigs, senior class pictures for Northwestern and Parkland high schools, and many portraits of families and children.

At Union Lutheran, Stauter taught Sunday School, worked in the kitchen and took pictures at Vacation Bible School.

Assistant to the Pastor Cathy Shaffer commented on Stauter’s new position.

“With her servant heart and her many skills and talents, Katie will be keeping our communications moving into the future,” Shaffer said.

Union Lutheran is offering the opportunity for anyone to listen to Pastor Gordon Camp’s weekly sermon and scripture readings by calling 610-885-8237.

The free phone call is available 24 hours a day. The recorded program is changed every Monday.

Inspired by the writings of the Corrymeela Community in Ireland, Pastor Camp offers this prayer:

“In these moments, the inner life can help us reach out for the life of reconciliation.

“We turn to each other. We ask the difficult questions. We hear the difficult answers.

“It changes us. We turn to each other. We have the possibility of making something new together.

“Our prayer deepens our action. May we all be reconciled, living in the unity for which all were created.”

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At Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, the popular Blessing of the Animals service will move online this year.

Typically held in the church grove with pets present to be blessed, the event had to be changed as in-person services have not yet resumed.

To have your pet blessed, send a photo along with the pet’s name and your name to Associate Pastor Kayli Freeman at the Union UCC website.

The online Blessing of the Animals will take place at the 10:30 a.m. July 19 worship service.