the NEWSREEL from the pastor s pen... Contact Information Sunday Services OCTOBER 2017 Volume 23, Issue 9 Bringing in the Sheaves

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1 the NEWSREEL McConnellsburg United Methodist Church, McConnellsburg, PA OCTOBER 2017 Volume 23, Issue 9 from the pastor s pen... Bringing in the Sheaves Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Knowles Shaw penned the lyrics above in 1874 after reading Psalm 126:6, Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Mr. Shaw was inspired by the faith and hope proclaimed by the Psalmist, who recounted the restoration of Israel from their Babylonian time in exile. This whole psalm of thanksgiving expresses a trust that God will deliver His people from drought and lead them to an exuberant harvest joy. How appropriate is this Word for us today! Droughts threaten the livelihood of God s people. Droughts rob us of the bounty that God wishes to bestow on us. There are various kinds of droughts that plague humanity. Of course, the most obvious is the one farmers dread, the lack of rain. When that drought occurs, crops will not produce. Soil loses valuable nutrients. People and animals, who rely on the crops for food, suffer. A lack of rain affects the physical well-being of all living things. Yet, we know that humans are more than just physical beings. We have minds, and minds are a terrible thing to waste! God chose to gift human beings with a brain that can think and reason. God wants us to exercise the muscle He put between our ears. But if you are like me and hate exercise, then perhaps you struggle with working out your brain as well as your body. The best antidote for mental drought is reading and contemplation. A steady diet of devouring challenging material, including the toughest passages in Scripture, is key to keeping your mind sharp. And don t just read authors that 1 (continued on page 2) Contact Information Pastor: Robin Baer Parsonage: Church Office: mcumc@comcast.net Youth Director: Kelli Miller Facility Coordinator: Reta Chamberlin Alternate: Sue Nesbitt Website: Sunday Services Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am (for all ages)

2 (continued from page 1) think like you do. Study the works of those persons who ideas make you want to scream! Not only will that help you clarify your own position on things, but it will also open you up to the possibility that there might be some truth God wants you to discover in their words. Spiritual droughts are far more subtle and insidious than physical or mental droughts because they often do not manifest in ways that are easy to see until it s almost too late. As Christians, we are susceptible to getting lulled into a complacent pattern that kills our spiritual life. We practice our faith the same way every day. We pray at the same time and in the same way we always have prayed. We sing the oh-too familiar songs we love. We go through our Sunday morning motions as if on auto pilot while our faith loses the vitality and passion necessary for harvest joy. All the while, our souls are drying up inside. Be encouraged! There is a remedy for spiritual drought. It seems almost silly to suggest it, but here goes try something new! If you are having trouble praying in your prayer chair at night then do a prayer walk before work in the morning. If you listen to contemporary Christian music, revisit the beauty of the timetested hymns of faith. If you go to the 11am worship service, try the 8:30am service. The answer is not so much what you try as it just committing to try something different. You might be surprised at how much a little change can make your faith bigger. Our God is in the drought killing business. He desires a harvest of righteousness and joy. He wants His people to grow and be fruitful so that the Kingdom yield will be abundant. As your Pastor, I want that too. If you are struggling with drought, come to me. I want to pray for you and direct you to resources that hopefully will rekindle your faith. Together, we will bring in the sheaves for Christ s glory. Waiting for the harvest, Pastor Robin The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV WATCH THE BULLETIN for dates and times of Fulton Fall Folk Festival fundraiser happenings! Help will be needed for soup making and also on Friday and Saturday of the festival weekend. Many hands make light work! 2

3 Church Council Meeting Minutes To keep the congregation updated on happenings at the Church Council Meetings the following information was taken from their meeting minutes. September - The regular meeting of the Church Council was held on September 19, 2017 with twelve people in attendance. Finance: Balance is less than previous month. Special reserve, gym rental will move to General Fund Account. Several memorial donations remain, await recommendation by donors. Offering from VBS of $350.10, will be sent to World Vision for Clean Water Project. Several checks #8038, 8039 and 8043 break up to separate individuals to capture the availability of the coupons at Giant. Right Now Media, a charge of $99.00, which is an on line service for the church, checking further into the service fee. Conference: The Church Conference Packet was reviewed by the committee and was agreed on. Trustee's Report: Gene Stenger reported that weeds along the property line will be cleaned up. A question of water bill of $145.00, but was for two quarters, the first check was lost; so payment was made for two quarters. SPRC: George Heacock reported the committee is reviewing all positions. Youth: Kelli Miller reported all bills from HFOH are paid. Working on dry wall at the Speigle house. VBS was very successful with approximately 30 children attending each evening. See you at the Pole is September 27, 2017 at McConnellsburg High School; anyone is welcome, meet at 7:00 A.M., at the flagpole. Middle and High School students are welcome to attend confirmation classes during Sunday school hour starting Sunday, September 24, Planning on a trip to Mission Central on October 9, Kelli will be offering a training class on the visual screen. New Business: Reta Chamberlain reported planning a Retreat Workshop in the upcoming year. A thank you to Reta for her service with Children s Church for the past five years. Sue attended a seminar at Camp Joy-El and in conjunction with the Bible Release Program. Jim DeShong reported that volunteers are needed with the sound system at 11:00 A.M. service. Leanne Pollock reported the following children were promoted at Sunday school: Mikaela Wilson, Allie Peck, Arianna Tragesor and Alyvia Newman to Primary Class; and Gracie Shives and Deacon Garland to Middler Class. The Worship Committee Meeting was held on Monday, August 28, 2017, with planning of worship services for the remainder of the year. Old Business: Nancy Cordell reported that the Faith and Life Center Brochures have been updated and completed. 3

4 Finance Team Meeting The regular meeting of the Finance Team was held on September 14, 2017 with six people in attendance. Minutes reviewed and a note on the water bill of $145 on previous journal this was for two months. Original check was lost in mail. New Business: Reviewed the recommended 2018 Pastoral Compensation presented to Finance Team from SPRC Team. It is noted that Conference builds in a 2% increase each year. The 2018 Shares of Ministry based on staff cost, utilities to run the church, etc. will be $39,852, which is at 64% of the shares of $44,533. Reviewed 2017 Budget to start planning for 2018 Budget. Under Other Reimbursable Expense on Budget only used one half in Pastor was able to get accommodations for Annual Conference and the Lay Leader stayed on site. Her cost covered under Lay Leadership on Budget. The line item of Other Reimbursement will need to be increased in 2018 due to change to lodging at Hershey. The General Fund balance is low for August. There was a $6, drop from July. The amount of $ was to be moved from First Friday balance to General Fund in August. Pastor to check with Sheila to see if this was done. Gym Rental of $425 will be moved to General Fund. There was $2,000 for a special donation and this was put in under Restricted until the family advises where this is to be applied. Journal Review: Check # 8022 Hard drive for Pastor s computer. Check # New Life Center Comcast Internet, modems, etc. Right Now Video Pastor says used in some Sunday School classes. This should be eliminated since the cost is $1,200 annually. There are other resources we could use. Pastor to check with Jeremy Fletcher to contact company to cancel this contract. Check # $30 Blessings Fund - Purchased two one-way rides on CART for two individuals to get to Breezewood. Check # $30 - Bishops Day Apart - Church Elders required to attend this once a year. This was the cost for the book and lunch. Love s Closet Inquiry on why so many different people submitting for reimbursement of supplies purchased. Coupons are used and there is a limit per person so different persons use them to purchase items needed, such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, etc. Kid s Choir will typically sing on the 2 nd and 4 th Sundays of each month, alternating between the 8:30 and 11:00 services. And will practice at 5:30 pm the Wednesdays prior to those Sundays. Adult Choir has starting looking ahead to Christmas after all there are only ten rehearsals before presenting the cantata on Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 pm! If you re interested in joining the choir (for the cantata only or fulltime) see Denny Benedick. 4

5 2017 October SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY A Choir-11a Church Conference 1:30pm (Knobsville) World Communion Sunday SPRC Mtg-6p A Choir-6p Bible Study-10a K Choir-5:30p Youth Group-6p Bible Study-6:30p First Friday Lunch 11a-1p A Choir-8:30a K Choir-8:30a Columbus Day A Choir-6p Bible Study-10a Youth Group-6p Bible Study-6:30p Finance Mtg-6:30p Prayers for Peace-2p A Choir-6p Council Mtg-7p Bible Study-10a K Choir-5:30p Youth Group-6p Bible Study-6:30p Fulton Fall Folk Festival Soup & Sandwich Sale A Choir-8:30a K Choir-11a A Choir-6p Trustee Mtg-7p Bible Study-10a Youth Group-6p Bible Study-6:30p Trunk or Treat 5-7p WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM POT-LUCK LUNCH A Choir-11a A Choir-6p Notes: A Choir - Adult Choir K Choir - Kids Choir Love's Closet 12-2p Fulton Fall Folk Festival Breakfast (6-10a) Soup & Sandwich Sale 05 - Jeff & Kate Mellott 07 - Cindel Hollenshead 09 - Denny Benedick 13 - Steve & Tammy Young 15 - Sherri McClain 15 - Tom & Melinda Howells October Birthdays & Anniversaries 17 - Marilyn Mellott 18 - Mont & Reta Chamberlain 18 - Mont Chamberlain 19 - Steve Weller 21 - Brad & Sherri McClain 22 - Victor Gobin 25 - Justin & Kelli Miller 25 - Cindy Glessner 26 - Joyce Cover 31 - Alex McClain 31 - Greg Gress (for additions/corrections use Newsreel suggestion box at back of sanctuary or the church office, address on page 1) CHILDREN'S CHURCH 8:30 11:00 Dave & Yvonne Garland Reta Chamberlain Brady Seiders Cindy Glessner Lindsay Newman Jamie Schetrompf Penny Shives Brandon Fletcher Tracey Fletcher Holly Stambaugh Vicki Gordon Heather Will Dixie Heacock Nicole Fletcher Jody Hann NEEDED NONE (Combined Worship Service at 10 am) NURSERY 8:30 11: NEEDED Bryan & Debbie Fletcher NEEDED NEEDED NEEDED Sherri McClain NEEDED Leanne Pollock NONE (Combined Worship Service at 10 am) If you can help, please contact Reta Chamberlain 5

6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2017 BERLIN, Germany The Commission on a Way Forward has started sketching models to share with the Council of Bishops as options for finding a way forward for The United Methodist Church (UMC) regarding human sexuality. During the meeting in Berlin, Germany (Sept ), members of the Commission expressed the need for the unity of the UMC, yet recognizing the different theological understandings and expressions on human sexuality. From spirit-led devotions through heartfelt discussions to one-on-one dialogues, the members of the Commission delved deeper into the LGBTQ identity, guided by the values of multiplying our Wesleyan witness, fruitfulness, a heart at peace, de-centralization and simplicity. I am totally convinced that together we can get through this and with the hope we have, we can get through this together, Dr. Hortense Aka from Ivory Coast said in the Monday morning devotion at the start of the Berlin meeting. She noted that her own personal journey was continuing with faith, I can listen and see what God wants us to do. Dr. Aka, who is a lay leader and psychology professor, urged fellow members to be open as I offer you my hospitality, my friendship, and my fellowship, using the statue in her country as a symbol of welcoming to all of God s children. Reflecting on Ephesians 4:4-6, she noted that there is hope of unity in diversity. Recognizing that the UMC is a global church that is present in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States, the Commission held the meeting in Berlin to help members see the implications of their work in a non-u.s. context. It was also an opportunity for members from Africa and Europe to travel for shorter distances since all the previous meetings have been held in the United States. During its work in Berlin, the Commission started looking at missional and institutional models for a way forward. Those models are connected through resources of unity that were listed in the status report made available to the church in August. The Commission s moderators Bishops David Yemba, Sandra Steiner Ball and Ken Carter expressed optimism at the work done during the Berlin meeting and are hopeful that the members will offer useful models for the way forward. Our commission members moved more deeply into their convictions that lead them to love God and envision the future of our denomination. While we are exploring models of a way forward, we are sketching them, with a pencil in one hand and an eraser in the other, said Bishop Carter, who is the Florida Area resident Bishop. This is the work of conciliar discernment we know that the Holy Spirit is not the possession of any one of us, but is in the midst of us. We know that members of our denomination want space from each other because of theological differences from each other and the harm we have done to each other and at the same time connection because this is in our DNA. We are the one Body of Christ with many members, and God uses this diversity to offer grace and healing to the world, he said. In her devotion on Tuesday, Rev. Casey Orr, a full deacon from Central Texas Conference, noted that it was in tense moments that healing and new birth can come. I grieve the brokenness of our beloved church and those hurting in this most profoundly. It does not scare me, however, because with great courage and vulnerability, we have named the brokenness we all shared. She told her fellow Commission members that the hope was in naming the things that do not own us or define us. The brokenness of our church does not own us. The hateful rhetoric does not own us. The fear does not own us. The uncertainty of what will happen does not own us. 6

7 As United Methodists and as Christians, we are redefined by Jesus Christ, she explained. We are defined by his gospel, his love. We are defined by the promise that God is making all things new. We are defined by the mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. Reflecting on the meeting, Commission member Rev. Thomas Lambrecht said he was impressed by the fact that we engaged ever more deeply around the issues that divide us as well as those that unite us. We gained greater clarity about the direction in which the Commission wants to move. Rev. Lambrecht, who is the vice-president & general manager of Good News organization, noted that there was still a lot of work the Commission has to do to develop proposals and I look forward to continuing that defining work. Emphasizing the need to keep the discussion in the global context, Dr. David Field, a lay member from Switzerland, talked about the differences that abound in the Central Conferences and encouraged the members to view the proposals from the perspective of people outside the United States as well. He also challenged the members to think of the gospel from the perspectives of those marginalized. During this period of constant struggle, is the gospel good news to the LGBTQ community? The gospel could only be good news if it is good news for the LGBTQ community, he said. Another lay member, Dr. Mazvita Machinga from Zimbabwe, emphasized the need for the work of the Commission to be sensitive to the context in which United Methodists outside the U.S. operate. The meeting sees us going deeper into our mandate for finding a way forward and I am quite optimistic that a way forward that will keep our church together is on the way. She urged the UMC to take the Psalm 46:10 advice to be still and know that God is in charge and that God is working through people on the Commission. She also called on the church to be prepared to be available for all the people. It was on the similar note that Bishop Grant Hagiya, a member of the Commission, offered his devotion on Wednesday morning, calling on the UMC to be the church that it was for his family when he lost his mother during his teen years. Although his mother was the rock of the family, the church helped his family to carry on without her. All these people were there to care for us and support us, how could we not survive?... That is an example of a high touch experience that transformed my life. I stand here because of that event, dozens of those events. He said he would not have made it if he did not have the support of the church, for me it was that 14-year-old who did not know he had a future without the church. He said the church has to be there for such vulnerable people. The Commission, whose work is at the mid-point of service to the Council of Bishops, plans to issue an interim report to the bishops at their November 2017 meeting. The Commission will continue to work on the interim report at its next meeting in October in Nashville. The Commission will meet in Nashville October 30-November 1. About the Commission: The 32-member Commission on a Way Forward was appointed by the Council of Bishops to assist the bishops in their charge from the 2016 General Conference to lead the church forward amid the present impasse related to human sexuality and resulting questions about the unity of the church. For more information on the Commission on a Way Forward, visit umc.org/wayforward Facebook: Instagram: ### CONTACT: Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications Council of Bishops mmulenga@umc-cob.org (office) (cell) 7

8 This & That media We will be having our annual Trunk or Treat night on Thursday, October 26 from 5-7 pm in front of the church. We are looking for people to decorate their car trunks, van, or trucks and pass out candy to all our little trick-or-treaters. We will also be giving out drinks and popcorn. Anyone who would like to donate juice boxes, small bottles of water, or candy may leave them in the back of the church. In the September issue of the Newsreel there was a name inadvertently missed in the list of Sunday School promotions. Allie Peck should have been listed as being promoted from Nursery to Primary. We are in need of people to run the media screen and video recording equipment at both worship services! If you think you might be able to help please consider coming to a demonstration/training session on October 14 at 9 am in the sanctuary and see just how easy it is. (You do NOT have to be a computer whiz!) The goal would be to have enough volunteers that no one would be scheduled more than once a month at the most. If you have any questions or if you re interested but can t make it on the 14 th please see Kelli Miller. There s also a need for help to run the sound system at the 11:00 service. For more information on how you can help with this and what s involved please talk to Jim DeShong. PRAYERS FOR PEACE OCTOBER 15, 2:00 PM STREETS OF McCONNELLSBURG Please join churches in McConnellsburg as we line the streets with praying Christians to set an example of Christ s actions. If not us, then who? If not now, then when? -Matthew West For more details, please see Ebenezer United Methodist Facebook page. Also on this day, from 1-4 pm, FC Food Basket and Mission Central will be accepting donations at the Penn s Village Shopping Center. Some may remember Rev. Dr. Timothy (Tim) Baer who, for a number of years was our district superintendent when we were part of the Chambersburg district. In May, during Wesley Theological Seminary s commencement exercises, he was presented the 2017 Society of John Wesley Award of Merit the highest recognition afforded a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, for service to God, service to the Church, and service to the Seminary. He is currently pastor of Shepherdstown UMC in Mechanicsburg, PA. A young man took his date to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team s bench. After the final quarter, he asked if she enjoyed the game. She replied, Oh, I liked it but I can t understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents! Dumbfounded, he asked her, What do you mean? Well, the flipped a coin and one team got it, then for the rest of the game all they kept screaming was- GET THE QUARTERBACK!, and I m like, HELLO, it s ONLY 25 cents!!! 8

9 FROM THE BIBLE OR NOT Do you know if these quotes are from the Bible? (For an extra challenge, if it is from the Bible see if you know which book) 1. Is a drop in the bucket from... Genesis Acts Isaiah or Not from the Bible 2. Is give up the ghost from... Proverbs Job Mark or Not from the Bible 3. Is the milk of human kindness from... Exodus Psalms Daniel or Not from the Bible 4. Is the salt of the earth from... Romans Matthew John or Not from the Bible 5. Is the skin of my teeth from... Job Exodus Galatians or Not from the Bible 6. Is tell truth, and shame the devil from... Acts Judges Luke or Not from the Bible 7. Is woe is me! from... Isaiah Ephesians Acts or Not from the Bible 8. Is wolf in sheep s clothing from... Matthew Ezekiel Proverbs or Not from the Bible 9. Is beat around the bush from... Moses Abraham Colossians or Not form the Bible 10. Is can a leopard change his spots? from... Luke Jeremiah Joshua or Not form the Bible 11. Is "and though in all lands, love is now mingled with grief, it still grows" from... Exodus Romans Ezekiel or Not from the Bible 12. Is "We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God." from... Matthew Jonah Exodus or Not from the Bible 13. Is a man after his own heart from... Genesis Job 1 Samuel or Not from the Bible 14. Is "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform" from.. John 1 Corinthians Ruth or Not from the Bible 15. Is "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" from... Matthew Mark Luke or Not from the Bible At a recent Church Council meeting we were discussing the fact that giving and attendance has been down over the summer months. It appears that, to some, if you don t come to Church on a given Sunday that you also feel you don t have to support the Church. Now I know we do not have a pledge system in our Church but we all have an amount that we give weekly or when we decide to go to Church. I would like to challenge all of us who miss a Sunday to double our offering the next week, or if you miss three or four, to make up for the weeks that have been missed based on what you would typically give. It s important because the work of the Church continues and does not take a week off; and God continues working in the Church, and in us, and never takes a week off. The bills do not stop, the missions of the Church do not stop, but our ability as a Church to function and help the needy is hurt when the funds stop. So, I ask you to please consider to be a Faithful Giver. It really does feel good to give for the sake of the Church and for those in need. May God bless your receiving and consideration of this request. Blessings to all! George R. Heacock Chairman-SPRC Committee 9

10 October s ANSWERS to FROM THE BIBLE OR NOT 1. Bible - Isaiah 40:15 2. Bible - Job 3:11 3. Not from the Bible - Macbeth 4. Bible - Matthew 5:13 5. Bible - Job 19:20 6. Not from the Bible - King Henry IV 7. Bible - Isaiah 6:5 8. Bible - Matthew 7:15 9. Not from the Bible (one early use is recorded in a 1572 poem) 10. Bible - Jeremiah 13: Not from the Bible - J.R.R. Tolkien 12. Not from the Bible - Rev. Dwight L. Moody 13. Bible - 1 Samuel 13: Not from the Bible - William Cowper, poet 15. Bible - Luke 12:34 CORN CHOWDER 1 cup bacon, cubed 2 cups potatoes, cubed 1 medium onion, diced 1 pt. corn 4 T flour 3 cups milk 2 chicken bouillon cubes ½ tsp. pepper 2 cups boiling water salt, to taste Saute bacon until crisp. Remove from pan. Fry onion in bacon fat until soft. Stir in flour. Add milk slowly, stirring until thick. Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water. Cook potatoes and corn in chicken bouillon until potatoes are tender. Add onion gravy to potato mixture. Add bacon and seasonings. Stir over heat until well mixed and mixture boils. Serves 6 to 8. McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Tina A. Washabaugh APPLE SPINACH SALAD 1-10 oz. pkg. fresh spinach, torn ¼ cup sugar 2 Granny Smith apples, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar chopped ¼ cup vegetable oil ½ cup cashews ¼ cup garlic salt ¼ cup golden raisins ¼ cup celery salt Toss together spinach, apples, cashews and raisins. Combine sugar, vinegar, oil and seasonings in a jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Pour over spinach mixture. Toss ingredients gently. Yield: 6 servings McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Mary Culler 10