A marriage enrichment evening will be held on February 22nd beginning at 6:00 pm.

Transcription

1 TRUCKSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M aking Disciples and Making a Difference Volume 129 Issue 1 A marriage enrichment evening will be held on February 22nd beginning at 6:00 pm. This couples event will look at ways on how to make your good marriage even better. Topics will include: expressing love, communication, finance, and spirituality. Please watch your church bulletin for more information. begin Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Noon! Inside this issue: Project DJ 2 The Choir Room 2 Care Team 3 Just Us Girls 3 Bible Study 4 Back Mountain Food Pantry 4 Sunday School 5 Turkey Dinner 6 Tree of Life 6 Lenten Devotional 7-8 Archives 8 Information Sheet 9 Cemetery Assoc. 10 Mission Giving 10

2 Project DJ DJ is busily working on children's quilts in order to distribute them to various institutions in the near future. We are always looking for new sewers who will help us. We provide all instruction needed to create children's quilts, along with all equipment and materials. Consider joining us. Our Thursday evening group will resume on Thursday, March 12, During the winter months, DJ will not meet if the Dallas School District is closed for inclement weather. Mary The Choir Room with Dr. Steve Happy new year! So many of us celebrate the start of the new calendar year by sharing time with family, watching the celebrations in Times Square, reminiscing and evaluating what we accomplished over the past year, and looking ahead with hope to what we might do differently during the new year. One of the great newer hymns of our hymnal begins by declaring: This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on. It then prompts us to focus on God and the new beginning that He offers us: For by the life and death of Jesus, love s mighty Spirit, now as then, can make for us a world of difference, as faith and hope are born again. As we consider making and keeping our new year's resolutions, ways in which we can follow new opportunities and make improvements in our lives, let us not miss the new beginning that Jesus offers us. His offer is not just for the new year, but for every day of our lives. Thinking of the new year and new beginnings, I ran across this beautiful verse: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV) What a great thought! Our God takes what we do and what we offer to Him and He makes it beautiful. And then He places hope in our hearts, the hope of eternity spent with Him. Thank you, Jesus, for offering us new life through Your sacrifice. That is hope for a new year and a whole new life! The hymn concludes by saying: Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; Our God is making all things new. Blessings for a great and happy new year!

3 The Care Team will meet on Saturday January 24, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. in our Educational Facility conference room to review the following ministries: Cards Flowers Visits Meals Visitor bags & Our Flea market Fundraiser If you would like to join the Care Team to help in any of our ministries or just to offer new ideas for consideration please join us. And know this: The few minutes that you spend sending a card, delivering a meal or visiting a friend may bring that recipient the most joy they feel all week! We know it will for you! We are excited to begin our 2015 confirmation with 14 Youth. WOW! Confirmation class meets each Sunday at noon. We begin with lunch provided by our church s different ministry teams. We then have 1/2 hour of class time where we learn about our faith in Christ. Following class time the students have a 1/2 hour Bible Study with their mentor. Please pray for the confirmands as they claim for themselves the promise made for them by their parents at their baptism. Recent Gifts to our Memorial Fund Ann Metzgar Linda & John Wardell Jack Evans & All World War II Veterans Morag & Clarence Michael Thank You Gift Mr. & Mrs. Keith Roberts & Family United Methodist Children s Home Mission Gift In Honor of Donna Wing by Debbie Shilanski In Honor of our Sunday School Class by Vi & Chuck Gommer Communion Challis GYTTE Missionaries Carmen A. Melendez & Family is Back on Tuesday, January 20, 2015! We are starting the New Year with a continuation of our study of The Wizard of Us. We will discuss the good and bad witches: the choices we make, green with envy, anger, positive thinking, and setting healthy goals. Please tell all your friends that Just Us Girls is a free non-denominational girl s group for first through sixth graders, grouped first through third grades, and fourth through sixth grades. We meet monthly and students learn about themselves, their social environment, bullying, self-esteem and so much more. Join us at our Educational Building January 20th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.!

4 Back Mountain Food Pantry It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. The food pantry is starting the New Year in great shape. We have had a large number of donations during November and December so our shelves are well stocked. In January, for Martin Luther King Day, students from Penn State will be coming to the food pantry to help sort the food that was donated. The pantry could use help on Tuesday mornings to help stock shelves and sort food donated during that week. If you are interested please call the food pantry at and leave your name and phone number or come to the pantry at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning. I would like to thank everyone who donated to the food pantry during 2014 and the many volunteers that help keep the pantry going. Carol A. Eyet, Manager Back Mountain Food Pantry CONGREGATE Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer. Hebrews 10:25

5 Sunday School Ministry Although the celebration of our Lord and Savior s birth is over, we would like to go back and share with you some of the important events of the past month and a half. We had a very successful Fall Mission Sunday and we cannot thank the congregation enough for their unending support. The initial part of our Sunday School year was focused on supporting the United Methodist Children s Home. The teachers and children embraced the opportunity to help these children by making beautiful worship bracelets; touching Christmas cards and overall raised $ to provide special opportunities for the children over their Christmas breaks. In addition, we were blessed by a beautiful Christmas Pageant the first week of December. Many thanks go out to Kristyn Ecenrode, Melissa Spaciano, Dr. Steve and Nancy for their time, love and dedication in making the entire presentation a great success. A special thanks also to the parents who made their angels truly look the part and those who diligently worked with their children to learn their parts. It was amazing an amazing start to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. It provided new discoveries for some and rediscoveries for others as to what the Advent season is all about. It is now time to put that knowledge into action throughout the New Year. We want the children to know there is always hope in their lives, as long as they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; they are the true beacons of peace for all of our futures with how they naturally treat others in day to day life with utmost respect and the love which beams in all of their innocence is a gift we pray continues to be opened each day throughout their incredible lives; and finally the joy and promise they offer to the world with Jesus right by their side. These are the parts of Christmas we hope continue within each fiber of our children throughout the New Year and it is also our hope we realize how much we can learn from our children who are truly God s most precious gift to us all. Here are some upcoming events to mark on your calendars: February 15 th Winter Mission Sunday (Supporting Stop Hunger Now ) June 7 th Children s Day (Supporting our Youth s Campership Program) Our Sunday School Ministry is now through March 15 th using their offerings and the proceeds from Winter Mission Sunday to support the Stop Hunger Now Program. The last third of our school year will be focused on raising money to support our Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Program. Without the incredible support of our precious church congregation the children would not be able to meet their initial goal of $ for each Mission throughout the Sunday School year. We are teaching the children that God does provide and with your loving support we are teaching our children the greatest lesson of all to have a growing relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because he will change our lives forever! Debbie Shilanski SS Superintendent

6 TUMC Turkey Dinner for Missions Save the Date! Saturday, March 7, 2015! Our Goal is to sell 450 Tickets for Stop Hunger Now Tickets on Sale Soon! Adults $8.75 Children $4.75 Take Outs 4:30-6:00 p.m. Dining Room 5:00-7:00 p.m. On The Menu Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Homemade Stuffing Corn & Cole Slaw Cranberry Sauce Rolls Homemade Cake for Dessert Church Fellowship & Game Night Sunday, February 8, 2015, 4:30 PM Mission Sunday February 15, 2015 Between Worship Services Attention Turkey Roasters & Bakers We need cakes lots of them! Turkey Pick Up is Saturday, February 28th between 8:30-10:00 a.m. Don t forget to pick up your mason jar for turkey drippings to make gravy. Turkey & Dripping Drop Off is March 7th by 10:00 a.m. please! If you would like to donate $20.00 for the cost of a turkey, you may do so on 2/28! Thank you, Mark & Linda Rossick If you can help us out please give us a call at Are you looking for a way to honor a loved one and give to the ministry of Christ. The Tree of Life, our giving tree, (located in the Educational Building lobby), is a great way to remember a loved one and share the love of Christ through the ministry of our church. For more information about the Tree of Life contact a member of the Church trustees or the Church office at

7 I Am the Light of the World Turn from the darkness of sin Ash Wednesday... John 8:12, 16 Jesus is the Light of the world Thursday... John 1:1, 13 The light shines in the darkness Friday... John 3:19, 21 Come to the light Saturday... 1 Thessalonians 5:1, 5 We are children of light I Am the Bread of Life Hunger and thirst for the Word Sunday, February John 6:35-40 Jesus is the Bread of life Monday... Matthew 6:9, 13 Our daily bread Tuesday... Matthew 5:1, 6 Hunger for righteousness Wednesday... Deuteronomy 8:1, 3 Not by bread alone Thursday... John 6:47, 51 Jesus is the living Bread Friday... 1 Corinthians 11:23, 26 Eat this bread Saturday... Revelation 7:13, 16 Hunger is satisfied I Am the Way The Way to the Father Sunday, March 1... John 14:1, 7 Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life Monday... Isaiah 35:1, 9 The Way of holiness Tuesday... Acts 24:14, 15 Followers of the Way Wednesday... Psalm 27 Teach me your way, Lord Thursday...Ephesians 5:1, 2 Walk in the way of love Friday... Matthew 16:24, 28 'The way of the cross Saturday... Acts 4:5, 12 No other way I Am the Door The Door for the sheep Sunday, March 8... John 10:7, 9 Jesus is the Door Monday... Isaiah 26:1, 3 A gate for the righteous Tuesday... Revelation 3:7, 8 The Open door Wednesday... Psalm 118:19, 24 The gate of the Lord Thursday... Matthew 7:13, 14 Through the narrow gate Friday... Psalm 100 Enter with thanksgiving Saturday... Revelation 21: 22, 27 The city's open gates I Am the True Vine Be rooted in Christ Sunday, March John 15:1, 5 Jesus is the 'True Vine Monday... Psalm 80 The Lord's vine Tuesday...Galatians 5:22, 24 The fruit of the Spirit Wednesday... Matthew 3:7, 10 Bear the fruit of repentance Thursday... Matthew 26:26, 29 The fruit of the vine Friday... I Peter 2:21, 25 The Vine and the tree Saturday... Revelation 22:1, 5 The tree of life

8 The Good Shepherd Jesus seeks and saves the lost Sunday, March John 10:11-15 Jesus is the good Shepherd Monday... Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd Tuesday....Isaiah 40:10, 11 He tends his flock Wednesday... Psalm 95 We are his sheep Thursday... John 10:27, 30 Safe in the Shepherd's hand Friday... Luke 15:1, 7 Finding the lost sheep Saturday...Revelation 7:17 The Lamb is the Shepherd. I Am the Resurrection Jesus died and rose to defeat death Palm Sunday, March John 11:21, 27 Jesus is the Resurrection Monday... John 14:18, 24 We live because Jesus lives Tuesday... 2 Timothy 1:8, 14 Jesus abolished death Wednesday... John 13:31, 35 Jesus gives a new command Maundy Thursday... Mark 14:22, 25 The Lord s Supper Good Friday... John 19:28, 30 It is finished Holy Saturday... John 19:38-42 Jesus' body is placed in the tomb Who Do You Say I Am? Jesus is the Savior Easter Sunday... Matthew 16:13, 18 Jesus is the Son of God Message from the Archives/ Record Committee The small room at the end of the hall adjacent to the South Wing of the Educational Facility was established in 2003 for the purpose of storing relevant archival material and permanent records of The Trucksville United Methodist Church. The room is furnished with special fire proof equipment. Over the last two years there has been a tendency to utilize the Archives Room as a storage room housing items no one wants. We realize there is truth in the adage, One man s trash is another man s treasures ; however, because of limited space it is important for the Committee to evaluate whether materials left in the room meet the criteria relevant to the room purpose. Keeping this in mind, we are asking that you contact a member of the Committee if you have items you wish to donate to The Trucksville United Methodist Church Archives & Records. All potential donations will be reviewed by the Committee before accepting them. We ask that you include your name, address, phone number and/or address on any items you would like the Committee to consider. Pictures must be labeled with the organization, dates, names of persons pictured, and the picture location. Booklets must be dated. Old Meeting Minutes must be dated with the name of the organization. If your donation meets the necessary requirements for TUMC Archives and Records, an Acquisition Form must be completed by the donor before the item is accepted into Archives/Records. The Committee would be pleased to provide guidance in disposition of items we already possess or are not relevant for storage at the TUMC Archives. Finally, we no longer accept old Bibles or Hymnals unless the publication relates to the history of our Church.

9 Gathering Information Sheet

10 On behalf of our Mission Ministry we have great news to report surrounding our 2014 Mission Giving! On our Mission for Jesus Christ our Church Family donated over $25, to help those in need both in the United States and around the world! Our 2015 Mission Projects include St Vincent s Kitchen, Stop Hunger Now, UMCOR, Nothing But Nets and Habitat for Humanity. Thank you for giving for Christ! News from Cedar Crest Cemetery Association The Annual Meeting of the Cedar Crest Cemetery Association, Inc. was held on November 1, The Officers of the Board of Directors were elected for 2015: President, Richard Harrison Vice-President, Robert Law Secretary, Louise Hazeltine Treasurer, Dr. Mark Law. The Board Officers noted that all plots are sold; burials will continue for all persons owning plots. Anyone requesting interment at Cedar Crest is required to present their Plot Deed. If a Deed has been lost over time, a Board Member must be contacted to validate plot ownership. Please call for assistance with plot validation. Primary Board Responsibilities: Maintain burial grounds Employ individual for seasonal mowing and clean up Administer the Fund for Annual Giving established to cover expenses At the present time we are searching for three people to serve on the Board. The bylaws call for the Board to meet two times each year and for an Annual Meeting to be held in the fall. Anyone interested in serving on the Board should call Please send written communication to: Cedar Crest Cemetery Association, Inc. 40 Knob Hill Road Trucksville, PA was a busy year for those who manage the burial grounds surrounding the Church. After five years Lee Baker found it necessary to give up the position as President of the Board of Cedar Crest and relinquished his responsibilities as the Interment Assistant. We thank Richard Harrison for assuming responsibility for supervising one urn cremains and two caskets and Ray Metzgar who was responsible for supervising the interment of one urn cremains and one casket. For the first time in over fifteen years there were two interments on the Church section of the burial grounds. We must maintain the burial grounds for at least 50 years after the last interment. In reviewing the records this will likely be the year 2075! Additional thanks got to Madelyn Roote, Jeanne Thomas, and Gail Kistler for checking the mail and other clerical work especially May to November when the Annual Giving Campaign requires the most attention. And to those persons who in any way volunteered their services or who contributed to the Annual Giving Campaign 2014, we express a most grateful thank you.