POLLS OPEN NEXT SUNDAY! Dennis L. Otto, pastor

Transcription

1 The Shepherd s Voice The Weekly Church Newsletter of Shepherdstown United Methodist Church 1934 South York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA Church Office Hours (Mon. Fri. 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Dennis L. Otto pastor.sumc@comcast.net Directors of Children s Ministries: Janice Deveney & Charlene Kapp childrens.sumc@comcast.net Director of Youth Ministries: Shawn Gray youth@shepherdstownumc.org Administrative Asst.: Debra Buterbaugh admin.sumc@comcast.net Custodian: Jeffery Forester custodian.sumc@comcast.net Church Office: or Fax November 18, 2018 POLLS OPEN NEXT SUNDAY! You probably thought that was all past with the election last week. This one may be more fun. No commercials, phone calls or name calling. I want to know your favorite Christmas carols so that I can use them in a rather different and hopefully special worship service on December 30. Next Sunday, there will be cards available in the lobby and you can place your vote in the response box outside the office door. I also want to invite all children to vote. There will be white 3/5 cards for adults and colored cards for the kids. Top five will be sung in the service that day. Have you ever wished you could pick the hymns we sing? Well, on December 2 you can pick the carols for December 30. In Christ s service, Dennis L. Otto, pastor

2 STAFFED TO SERVE Pastor Directors of Children s Ministries Rev. Dr. Dennis L. Otto Janice Deveney Charlene Kapp Director of Youth Ministries Shawn Gray Organists Cathy Fauber (8:15) Mindy Martz (10:45) Hand Bell Choir Director Junior Choir Director Chancel Choir Director Kitchen Coordinator Administrative Assistant Custodian Rita Spicher Periann Smith Mindy Martz Jeanie Hershey Debra Buterbaugh Jeffery Forester SICK OR RECUPERATING AT HOME THIS WEEK Vivian Weakland, Frank DeStefano, Janet Shoop, Betty Richards CHURCH FAMILIES TO PRAY FOR THIS WEEK Monday Gordon Cullings Tuesday Marlin and Kathy Darr Wednesday Richard and June Davis Thursday Peggy Denison Friday Sylvia Derr Saturday Frank and Ellen DeStefano OUR CONDOLENCES: Our community of faith mourns with Ted Furry, Nathan and Lynne Douty and family in the recent death of Ted s wife, and Lynne s mother, Helen Furry. During this time of grief, we remember the sure hope we have as Christians: Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10, NRSV)

3 JOIN THE CHAOS TONIGHT! It s already time for the third practice. We are going to split up again this week as we did last week but hopefully we now know what we are doing. 4-4:30 Sanctuary: choir & transfortnite practice Life Center: youth skit 4:30-5 Choir room: choir parts Sanctuary: dancers Children's Center or room 9: Adult skit 5-5:30 Sanctuary: everyone for finale practice followed by individual music performances 4-5:30 Service projects Hallway outside nursery - No sew blankets and plarn/hat making for Operation Warm Hearts - decorating cupcakes for Meals on Wheels/supper Feel free to join us for the meal and/or help with our service projects! This week's menu is tacos. We will have chicken nuggets next week and be make favors for the program dinner. There will always be peanut butter and jelly, veggies and applesauce and dessert. If you are planning to come and have special dietary needs or you would like to be involved but have questions, please call the office, jsdeveney@gmail.com or let Janice or Charlene know. We will continue practicing every Sunday evening in November at 4pm with supper at 5:30. Save the date for the Christmas program - 4 pm on December 2nd followed by a Fellowship Meal! CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED: The church office will be closed Wednesday through Friday November HARVEST HOME SUNDAY is today. The food items given today for our Harvest Home Cornucopia Table will be given to New Hope Ministries to help others have a Happy Thanksgiving. The Mission Basket collection goes to World Hunger through the Susquehanna Conference. Thank you for your generosity! INSTRUMENTALISTS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE: We would like to have instrumental music between the 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 Christmas Eve services. All instruments/skill levels are welcome. We will have at least one practice on a weekday evening. If you are interested in either playing a solo instrument; in a group of instrumentalists; or playing piano/organ music, contact the church office ASAP.

4 SOS CHRISTMAS PARTY: On Wednesday, December 5 th, at 12:00 the Seniors of Shepherdstown will hold their annual Christmas Party in Fellowship Hall. The program will be This Way Up, a local family group who performs percussion. The menu is boneless chicken breast and all the trimmings. Cost for dinner is $12.00 per person. A Sign-Up sheet is on the SOS bulletin board in the upper rear hallway. Deadline to sign up is November 30 th. How Do I Get in Contact with the Pastor? Actually it is easier now to get in contact with the pastor than ever before! If there is an emergency call It rings to my cell unless I am out of town at some distance or for an extended time. If you need information, a question answered or need a quick check, an is a very good way to reach me pastor.sumc@comcast.net or dotto@susumc.org. I check my probably 4 times a day. Even if you want a conversation you may reach me most quickly by sending a quick asking me to call you. On days off I may not be in cell range and may not respond unless you state that it is urgent. You may also call the church office when it is open currently 10-2 Monday Fridays most weeks. I typically am off on Friday (which means I work about one Friday each month.) Remember even when the office is open, Deb, our Administrative Assistant may be on another line or in another part of the church. If you can t call in those hours or reach us during them, leave a message and we ll get back with you. If you want to see me in person, it is best to call to set an appointment. While I am in the church much of the time during the day Monday Thursday, I also go to meetings, visit hospitals or those who are shut in and may not be there for a host of other possible reasons. Deb has my electronic calendar so she can make appointments for me. You can me to make an appointment. As a general rule I do not meet people when the church is empty, but there are activities most Sunday and Wednesday nights, from 10 2 Monday through Thursday. We can also schedule to meet in a public venue. So you can walk in and hope I am there and available when you do, but if you really want/need to connect call the church, the emergency number or me. Pastor Dennis

5 Our Financial Support of Christ s Ministry Through Shepherdstown Church: Beginning January 2018 Last Sunday YTD Actual YTD Budgeted + or (-) $9,741 $450,790 $415,964 $34,826 Pink Hands of Hope - Mission Offering- $ Capital/Special Projects & Related Expenses Current Balance - $48, CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES UPDATE: The Elective class thanks all of you who helped us pack 125 shoe boxes for the Samaritan s Purse Christmas Child Ministry. They were delivered to the collection location Tuesday the 13 th. This means that 125 children from various parts of the world will experience the love of Christ and learn of Him through the booklet that is included in each box. We couldn t continue with this ministry without the help of this congregation with your donation of the items needed and the donations for the postage. A special thank you goes out to those who crafted hats. They are a wonderful gift of love to these children. Thank you again for your love and support of these children! MISSION BASKETS IN THE COMING WEEKS November 11.Pink Hands of Hope November 18.Harvest Home World Hunger November 25.United Methodist Student Day December 2.Ecumenical Food Pantry December 9.Benevolent Homes SUNDAY SCHOOL GREETERS November 18..Elective Class November 25..Bible Explorers Class December 2..LIFE Class December 9..Helping Hands Class BREWERS AND BAKERS FOR GATHERING GROUND November 18 Jason and Robin Hall November 25 Volunteer Needed December 2.Pastor Parish Relations Committee December 9 Volunteer Needed GIANT CARD FUND RAISER UPDATE: Since October of 2001, we have sold $1,117, worth of Giant cards with a profit to the church of $55, Purchase your cards immediately following the worship service or on weekdays from 10 am 12 pm in the church office.

6 GATHERING GROUND Come Early Stay Late : Don t forget to join us Sundays between the 8:15 service and Sunday School for a time of fellowship and light refreshment at Gathering Ground located in the Life Center. LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE Early Service 64 Sunday School 127 Late Worship 162 Membership 513 BEREAVEMENT RESOURCES PROVIDED AT SUMC: The Cultivate and Nurture Team provides a resource for those who have lost a loved one. It is a set of four booklets in the series Journeying through Grief that will be sent over an 11 month period following the death. If you have suffered a loss and feel these booklets would help your journey through grief, please contact the church office. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES: BIBLE EXPLORER CLASS: This group is led by Pastor Otto and various volunteers. They meet in the Fellowship Hall in front of the church kitchen. Tidbit: This group loves to share personal stories that will encourage your spiritual growth. They will be studying the Gospel according to Mark. LIFE CLASS: Led by Keith Kapp and Dave Schade, this class meets in Room 9 (upper rear hallway) and is currently studying the book of Psalms. THE ELECTIVE CLASS: Led by Kim Simington and Rich Dixon, in the Fellowship Hall, this class uses materials that provide a forum for insightful and thoughtful discussion of relevant Christian topics using contemporary Christian materials. We view each other s positions with respect and grace. All adult age people are welcome as we have a diverse group. They are currently using Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today by Adam Hamilton. Next up in October: If You Want to Walk on Water, You ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. HELPING HANDS: Meeting in Room 11 (upper rear hallway), this class is led by Darryl Kenes, Tom Mann and Janeann Runkle on a rotating basis. It follows the International Lesson Series. The class is a very welcoming group of mature adults. HELP NEEDED DECORATING FOR ADVENT: The Worship Team is asking the congregation for HELP in decorating for Advent on Saturday, December 1 st at 9:00A. Here is an opportunity to spend some time with friends who love Christ AND help dress the church. It is a time consuming job but it is also one that brings a lot of joy. Spend an hour thinking about the coming birth as you hang wreaths. Ponder what Mary and Joseph were thinking as they traveled to Jerusalem for the census as you decorate the tree. What was the weather like that night as you help set up the outside (or inside) nativity? We are especially looking for those who might not mind being on a ladder. The Mission Team and the Youth will be doing their cookie walk the same day so you will also have the opportunity to snag some great cookies! Sounds like fun, right!!!!

7 NOTES OF THANKS: Thank you so much for the beautiful shawl! It is very warm and I love the color! Love, Eleanor I would like to thank everyone for the beautiful cards, prayers and phone calls, also the beautiful flowers that were left for me on my porch. I enjoyed them for two weeks! Sorry I was away when they were delivered. In Christian Love, Dottie Hopple. Thank you to the Youth and the Flock for sending me a care package while I am away at college this semester. The personal notes helped to ease all of the stress that is associated with final tests and projects near the end of the semester. The care package was very thoughtful and much appreciated. Thank you very much, Bryson Herb Thanks to the Youth and the Flock for sending me the great care package. I loved the personal notes from you all. The fresh baked cookies were delicious! I ll use the hot chocolate soon while I m doing my homework on a cold study night! I also appreciate those who have sent me cards and gift cards while I am in college. Thanks again, Jake Buterbaugh COOKIE BAKERS WANTED! Do you love to bake? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Sign up to donate cookies for our Youth Mission Cookie Walk which will be held on Saturday, December 1 st from 9 am -12 pm. A Cookie Walk is where we collect donated cookies and give the congregation and the community an opportunity to purchase Christmas cookies. The cookies will be sold by the pound. We are in need of cookie donations! The suggested donation guidelines are as follows: We ask that you sign up to donate between 4 and 5 dozen of the same kind of cookie (you are welcome to donate more than one kind) Be creative! You can donate traditional Christmas Cookies (Snickerdoodles, Sand tarts, Sugar Cutouts, Gingerbread men, etc.) Or you can donate cookie bars, fudge or candy. The possibilities are endless. Variety is good! Sign up at the cookie display in the Lobby. When you bring your cookies to the church, you will fill out an index card with specific information about the kind of cookie. Cookie Donations can be dropped off at the church office on Friday, November 30 th (10 am 2 pm or 5 pm -7pm). All proceeds will benefit the Youth Mission Trips. For questions or details, talk to Shawn Gray,

8 2018 SUMC WHITE ELEPHANT SALE: A special thank you to all the many volunteers who helped to make this sale such a success. We could not have done this without your donations, muscles, creative arranging of Christmas Trees, laughter and fellowship. We profited a total of $1, at the White Elephant, the kitchen made $ and the Bake Sale table made $354.40! Hersh and Annetta Simington and Jeanie Hershey. ADVENT ALL CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDY: If the ordered books, All I Want for Christmas, are in this week they will be distributed to the classrooms and collection of the $5.00 donations will be accomplished at that time. Those not currently in a class, Rich Dixon will seek to find you to get you your book. If the books do not arrive by Sunday, Nov. 18 th then they will be distributed on the Nov. 25 th. Anyone who is not available to get one this week can get one next week. Please read and review pages 7 19 prior to the first class on Dec. 2 nd. Thanks for your participation. VAN DRIVER NEEDED FOR 2019: Please contact Don Holtzman if you would like to volunteer to drive the church van to pick up Messiah College students for a few Sundays in donaldjholtzman@gmail.com MECHANICSBURG AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE PLANNED: You are invited to the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service planned, for the Sunday before Thanksgiving November 18 th, at 6pm, to be held in the fellowship hall of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church. The service is being prepared by Temple Beth Shalom, B&H Islamic Center, and Messiah College. Share in this opportunity for our community to come together and give thanks. A Love Offering will be taken for New Hope Ministries. Fellowship Time will follow the approximate one-hour service. CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS COLLECTION: Share Christ s love for those in need. The Mission Committee is collecting $20 Gift cards to Walmart or Target. ALL DONATED GIFT CARDS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A RECEIPT. This enables replacement of the card if it fails to work when used. All donated gift cards will be divided between New Hope Ministries and The United Methodist Home for Children. Please place your purchased gift cards in the Sunday Mission Basket during the mission collections or drop your cards off at the church office by Sunday, November 25,2018. Any questions should be directed to Kathy Ries

9 CHURCH CONFERENCE IS November 29 th : Our annual Church Conference will be held here at Shepherdstown at 7:00. Every member is encouraged to be present as we care for the annual business of receiving reports, approving pastoral compensation, electing our leadership for the coming year, etc.

10 November 18 th, 2018 Fusion Youth Ministries Shawn Gray Director / We will conclude our series on decision making tonight. This video series has left a lot of cliff hangers and it will be good to see how it concludes. It has led to many good decisions trying to capture Godly wisdom. Cookie Walk is coming. This is a fundraiser that helps to fund Youth activities like the Mission Trip or Impact. Unless youth have a commitment that they are unable to get rescheduled all are asked to participate in this Fundraiser. This will require Friday from 7p-8p and then again on Saturday from 8:45am 12:15pm. Thank you. Fusion Toinght Tonight we are going to have Christmas Program Practice before youth. The youth are planning on doing a collective skit that will involve the elves from previous years. No parts are picked yet and we will flush out the content during these practices. We can make sure that we have space for all that want to participate. Meet at the church at 4:00pm and dinner will be provided. We will have youth as normal beginning at 6pm and ending at 8pm. Upcoming Dates/Events: November 18 Christmas Practice/Fusion November 25 No Fusion November 25 Christmas Practice (No Fusion) November 30 Cookie Walk Setup December 1- Cookie Walk December 2 The Christmas Program (No Fusion)

11 THE FLOCK Children s Ministries Janice Deveney and Charlene Kapp (Directors of Children s Ministries) childrens.sumc@comcast.net LITTLE LAMBS NURSERY 9:30AM Sunday School 8:15 & 10:45AM Worship LIFETIME(Sunday School) FOR KIDS 9:30-10:30AM for Age 3 5 th Grade Today(11/18/18)-Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel (Joshua 2:1-24) Last week we celebrated the Sunday School teachers and helpers for their dedication to serving God through teaching. What talent did you use this week to serve God? Today is there will be Children s Church for ages 3yrs-5 th grade. These kids will be dismissed after the Children s sermon in the 10:45am service. Please fill out a GREEN Children s Church consent form found in the pew.! Christmas Program Practice Today from 4pm-5:30pm! Remember a light meal is provided for no cost after the practice. We hope to see you! FLOCK NEWS: Upcoming Events: Being a Light! Love God, Love Others, Serve All! 1. 11/18/, 11/25- Christmas Program practice- 4pm-6pm. A light meal will be provided around 5:30pm. Come and share a talent or act you would like to do. Encourage friends to join the fun! 3. 11/25- Truck Stop Ministries Cookie baking, and decorating the Flock Christmas tree-9:30am- 10:30am 4. 12/1- Possible Christmas Program Rehearsal-4pm-no dinner after /2-Christmas Program-4pm. Dinner served afterwards for everyone.