PO Box 470 Millville, Pa JULY/AUGUST 2015

Transcription

1 PO Box 470 Millville, Pa JULY/AUGUST 2015

2 2 Mill-Green United Methodist Church PO Box 470 Millville, PA Phone: Fax: Pastor: Robert W. Strozyk Cell: (570) Administrative Assistant: Louise Strozyk Pianist: Laurie Glidewell/Janet Grecsek/Louise Strozyk Director of Music: Saundra Lewis Director of Youth Ministries: Transition Team Director of Children's Ministries: Louise Strozyk Praise Team Leader: Tara Holdren Mill-Green Preschool Directors: Sue Burns & Barb Leighow (570) ext. 225 Mon. Wed. and Fri. 9-11:30am. Custodian: Nancy Ruckle You are warmly invited to join us at one of our services! Millville Building Greenwood Building 8:00 AM Contemporary Service 9:00AM Traditional Service 9:15 AM Sunday School for all ages 10:30 AM Traditional Service Youth Group-Sundays 6:30-8PM And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-26

3 3 Living Outside the Box Summertime is a time to relax, recoup, and recover from a long year of work and activity. Many of us will find ourselves taking time off from work, going on family vacations, or staying home and vacationing from the normal schedule of life. We slow down a little (I think) but we definitely do things differently than the rest of the year! As we do in our homes, the church also finds itself with downtime as many members are away. The choirs aren t active, the youth program shifts focus a bit, we greet many visitors who typically attend their own churches, and things are generally done differently. I want to challenge us as we move through July and August to begin thinking how we can live outside the box when we gear up for our fall and winter schedules. A box is defined as, a container for objects or dry goods, often with a removable or hinged lid, and usually square or rectangular. Let s think about this definition for a moment. The idea of a box is for storage, protection, or carrying things around. The object placed inside a box remains inside the box until it needs to be removed or unpacked. The object is limited to the storage area and is held securely in place. The four sides and the bottom and lid are barriers for the object and once inside it remains in a static state. Nothing productive happens while the object is in the box. If the object is a computer it is unusable for , data processing, or any other use until it is removed. We may say we own a computer, we enjoy computers, or we have fun ing and surfing the net, but we cannot accomplish any of these task while the computer is confined in the box. Things kept inside boxes are of no value and remain unseen, unused, and undervalued. As the church of Jesus Christ living to Be the Change we are called to live outside the proverbial box. While contained within the box we cannot live victoriously for the kingdom. Inside the box there is a level of protection, we function at a nominal level, and we maintain our environment in a static state. The theme for the year doesn t call for us to live inside the box Outside Living Prayer Attentiveness Commitment Boldness O U T S I D E either, yet to be the change that is needed for a church to move from one place to another; we want to be actively connected with one another, with those outside our present church family, and to make an impact on the area for Jesus Christ! We must all realize that the times we live in are very different than even 10 years ago so the plans we once found successful may need new and fresh life breathed into them. Some things may simply not work anymore and need to be replaced. I guess what I am trying to communicate is for all of us to use the summer months to think outside the box and to come up with new and fresh perspectives on ministry and outreach. This may simply be a tweaking of what we are presently doing as shared earlier, but it may also mean much more. The vital church is not content living in the box. Individuals who desire to live outside the box could become discouraged by remaining static, and feel as if we are not doing our best in carrying out the Great Commission. Jesus says, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Matthew 28: To go is a call to move. To live outside the box is to live by the leading of the Holy Spirit who is not content with the status quo. He will call us to depart from the places we find ourselves and to move to a place of radical relationship with Him. A church that is desirous of making disciples for Jesus Christ is a church that will move into action and not be hemmed in by human boundaries. (continued on page 3)

4 4 (Pastor s Page continued from page 3) Living outside the box is an exciting call to faith, sacrifice, commitment and love. We are called to live in the world and to flavor it with the gospel we carry. Although there is a level of protection within a current venue, we will remain nominal unless we break out. Jesus tells us, You are the salt of the earth One use of salt is to flavor food. The world we live in needs to be flavored by believers who are called to be passionate about living for Jesus. Our witness will be lived outside the walls of the church. The message of faith is a message that will add flavor to the world. We know the message and the transformative power of the message. When we keep it to ourselves we are not living as salt in our world. There may be objections to this message as some will say, we do a lot as the church. I am very thankful for the things we do as the church in this area, and I also am convinced there are areas that we still want to revert to living in the box we learned to live in (I can easily live inside the box if not careful it s comfortable and known). Living outside the box will call us to think in ways that are different and will stretch us in our lives. The world we live in is not prompted to think about Jesus just because the church is in the community. It is our privilege to take the gospel to people who need to hear the good news. Living outside the box is a bold effort to live courageously for Jesus every day. There is risk involved in this lifestyle because we will be challenged. Joshua was commanded to take the Israelites into the promised land and the instructions given by the Lord were, 7 Be strong and very courageous Joshua 1:7. Living outside the box takes strong and courageous people to stand up for our faith, to sacrifice as we live in the community, to be committed to the message we live and proclaim, and finally to love others. If we live this way we will see ourselves and our church elevated in our journey with Christ. Living outside the box will call each of us to 1) Prayer asking the Holy Spirit to lead us, 2) Attentiveness as we pray and expect answers, 3) Commitment to living for Jesus and not for our comforts or what is easy, and 4) Boldness to face the unknowns and criticisms as we do something different. Let s Be the Change and live outside the box and be salt in our world as we flavor people s lives with the richness of the message. I promise that life outside the box, (church doors) will be exhilarating, challenging, and new every day. This is an exciting prospect, but not a new idea. Let s Be the Change that is needed to bring the gospel message of Jesus Christ and His unconditional love to the places we live. JULY MISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS A huge thank you for all the help at the Millville Carnival! Please keep Steve and Debbie Michael in prayer as they prepare and travel to Honduras to minister to the needs of many people!

5 5 WOMEN OF FAITH tickets available: Bus trip to Philadelphia for Women of Faith, Aug only a couple tickets left!!! Cost starts at $193 (if 4 in a room) and includes: bus, hotel with breakfast and event ticket with premium seating. Contact Trinity UMC church office if (570) or trinity.secretary@verizon.net MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 8-HOUR COURSES Adult Mental Health First Aid 8-hour Course Wesley UMC, 300 Rhoads Ave., Selinsgrove Saturday, September 12, a.m. - 5 p.m. CLICK HERE for information and registration. Youth Mental Health First Aid 8-hour Course Wolfsburg UMC, 180 Wolfsburg Rd., Bedford Saturday, September 12, a.m. - 5 p.m. CLICK HERE for information and registration. Sharon Engdahl President Mental Wellness Awareness Association, Inc office cell MWAA@mentalwellnessawareness.org You are invited! Join us for a Progressive Dinner Saturday evening August 15th beginning at 5pm. Please sign up on the clipboard that is passed around each Sunday. The Church Life Committee will assign groups of 7-8 people to begin the meal with a salad at a specified host home. Each group will then move to the next host home for the main course. All the groups will meet at the Greenwood Building for desserts of home made pie and ice cream! Once you have been notified of your group feel free to car pool. Sign up for a fun evening of fellowship and a free meal! Another year of the Mill-Green Preschool ended on June 5th and through God s grace we touched the lives of 15 children. May and June were busy months for us with two field trips; one to the Millville Post Office and one to the Millville Fire Station with Pastor Bob and Alice Ringer. We watched the life cycle of a butterfly beginning with the eggs, then changing to caterpillars, chrysalides, and then becoming butterflies five in all. Then we set them free and watched them fly away to the applause and laughter of the children. How great God is! We also went over the life cycles of the fish, chicken, frog, hermit crab, ant, guinea pig, and snake. We talked about fruits, vegetables, flowers, sea animals, rhymes and feelings. On nice days we walked to the Millville Park, or played games outside, or did chalk art. Our crafts were centered around butterflies, flowers, and Mother s Day and Father s Day. Our songs for May/June were Lord s Army and Jesus Loves Me. The memory verse was from Colossians 3:20, Children obey your parents in all things. God had blessed us with another good year and we are looking forward to another great experience next year. Barb and Sue

6 6 An open letter to: United Methodist Sisters and Brothers of the Lewisburg District Today the United States Supreme Court made an historic ruling regarding equality of marriage. The ruling, as you are well aware, now makes it legal in all 50 states for same gender persons to marry. This ruling is historic no matter what side of the issue you are on. I m writing you to hopefully clarify the ruling and our current stand on same gender marriage. The ruling of the Court has ramifications for all 50 states, counties and towns within the United States. The law is that same gender persons cannot be denied a marriage license. In addition, there are other rights that are protected including wills, inheritances, and same gender couples with children. What is important for us as pastors and congregations of the United Methodist Church is that it appears that this ruling does not change the United Methodist law that clergy in the United Methodist Church shall not marry same gender couples. The ruling also does not affect The Book of Discipline s policy against having a same gender wedding in any of our United Methodist Churches. On page 27 of the Supreme Court s opinion are found these words It must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organization and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspiration to continue the family structure they have long revered.th Constitution, however, does not permit the State to bar same-sex couples from marriage on the same terms as accorded to couples of the opposite sex. While I m no attorney, what the ruling does mean is that states that have not allowed same gender couples to marry, must now allow it. However, it does not mean that churches that have not allowed same gender marriage must change. This ruling is only about the law of who can and cannot marry. I wanted you to know about this. I am sure there will be many questions and concerns. I hope that no matter where you fall on this issue, you will be able to answer their questions about the concern of pastors being forced to marry same gender couples. I would also remind you that the only body that can change our stand on performing same gender couples, and any other church law, is the General Conference. That conference will be held in May, 2016 I am absolutely sure that there will be vigorous debate on the issue. But for now, the UM law stands. No matter whether you are for or against same gender marriage, my prayer is that as Christians, we are open to all people. As Christians we must show love and compassion to all of God s children. And, our churches are always open to all! That is not debatable. God s Peace, Thomas L. Salsgiver Lewisburg District Superintendent

7 7 Congratulations On behalf of my sister and all of our children, we would like to thank you for your love and support these last four months. Your cards (get well and birthday) to Mom, your calls, texts, and most importantly prayers mean more than these words can convey!! Through you we were richly blessed by God's love, understanding, and grace. Pastor Bob, your visits and prayer time meant so much. Louise thank you for playing for the service; you are a blessing to Mill-Green. Thanks to the kitchen crew for planning and preparing the delicious lunch. My dear friend, Susan Laubach, for the amazing desserts and beautiful flowers on the tables. Lastly, a special thanks to Sue Burns and Barb Leighow for giving up their time and using their expertise to watch our grandchildren during the memorial service. We feel so blessed and proud to be a part of this amazing and supportive church family. to Eric and Laura (Leighow) Masters on the birth of Jacob Myron Masters June 11th, lbs. 3oz 19 inches long Thank you to everyone for your prayers! With great appreciation, Phyllis and Steve Smith BLOOD DRIVE Monday July 29, pm PA Dept. of Health Immunization Clinic Friday, July 17, 2015 Friday, August 21, am -12noon Held at the Millville Building Social Hall for anyone without medical insurance, or if your insurance does not cover the immunization. Please call ahead for the immunization you will be needing: Shingles, Flu, HIV, STD s or children s immunizations. Mill-Green UMC 75 S. State Street Millville

8 8 New Christmas Eve Service! Mill-Green UMC will be providing a 4:00pm Family Christmas Eve Service as well as the regular 7:00pm and 11:00pm services. The Family Service will be geared towards our children and will involve the children and youth of our church. There will be Communion at this service. Chris Bardo Dylan Boone Kurt Ringer Derek Shultz Jared Solomon A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PARK O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. (Psalm 7:9) Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Susquehanna Conference, Grace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our Brokenness, and Hope of the World! My United Methodist Episcopal colleague from South Carolina, Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, spoke about the recent tragedy at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.: The reality is that no one is unaffected. We are all impacted by the horror that occurred in this place of worship. Indeed, we are. We have seen the evidence of evil and felt its extreme pain. We wonder how many more horrendous acts of hatred and racism will happen before they are stopped in our country. We know that such acts are a deliberate violation of the teachings of Jesus and bring deep grief to the heart of God. We are partners in the gospel with Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church within our larger Methodist connection. They too, like us, trace their history to the Methodist movement and John Wesley. Regrettably, it was because of racial attitudes and tensions in the past that many early African-Americans felt led to establish their own denominations and churches. Despite the years of progress that our nation has made in regards to racial relations, we still have a long journey to make. I would ask that we all take a time to be in prayer and silence in our worship services this Sunday to invite God s comforting and caring presence to surround the families directly affected by the senseless act, their congregation, and their communities. We have seen once again the evidence of evil in the tragedy at this historic church. Yet we are called to be a church in witness that demonstrates to the world that there is another force that is greater than evil. Now is the time for prayer and healing. This is also the time to seek what we can do to overcome the evil of racism and hatred. We must continue to preach in words and acts a gospel of love and forgiveness, justice and reconciliation, and the vision of the beloved community that can bring hope and peace to this broken world. I know that you want to be the best that you can be as a child of God. So I know that I can count on you to be that witness that enhances God s intention for the world where everyone is embraced as God s beloved of one family. Let our commitment to be instruments of God s future grow stronger for such a time as this. Grace and Peace, Jeremiah J. Park

9 9 HONDURAS 2015 NEEDS LIST MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Vacation Bible School Sundays July 19th, 26th, August 2nd, 9th. 9:15am-10:25am in the Millville Building. Goals For Christ Saturdays 9:00am July 25th and August 1st at the Millville Elementary Field. Grades 1-6 Progressive Dinner Saturday, August 15th beginning at 5:00pm. A fun evening of progressing with your church family. The dinner will conclude with home made pie and ice cream at the Greenwood Building Social Hall. Kids For Christ Thursdays after school beginning September 10th. Grades K-6th. Block Party at the Millville Building parking lot! Save September 12th for our annual evening of free food including ice cream, free games with prizes, free school supplies, BINGO, Chinese auction for adults and children and special music. Invite your family, friends and neighbors. Children s Vitamins (chewable) Adult Vitamins (no expired meds) Prenatal Vitamins Infant Tylenol Adult Tylenol 500 mg Ibuprofen 200 mg Laratadine 10 mg Antacid tablets (Tums) Zantac or Pepcid Naproxen Lice killing shampoo (8 oz. bottles) Detangling spray Travel size toothpaste Toothbrushes Children s hair pretties Small cars for boys (dollar store has in a pack) Hand sanitizer Children s stickers, pencils, sharpeners Monetary donations to purchase supplies: (eyeglasses, medicines, Bibles) Most important need!!! YOUR PRAYERS! A collection box is in the lobby. Thank you! To our awesome church family, Thank you so much for all the prayers, cards, visits, people who provided rides to doctor appointments, and the delicious meals that were received. Also a special thank you to Pastor Bob for his prayers and visits before and after my surgery. Thank you to Cheryl V. for arranging the meals. We truly are grateful. God Bless, Mary and Derl

10 10 SUMMER SUNDAY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! Ages Preschool 6th Grade When: 9:15AM 10:30AM Sundays -July 19th and 26th Sundays -August 2nd and 9th Where: Mill-Green UMC (State Street, Millville) Social Hall Theme: Animals of the Bible Bible skits, puppet shows, crafts, games, music and snacks! Parents, you are invited to a movie during VBS and then join the kids for refreshments! Kids and families are invited to the 8:00 Daybreak Service prior to VBS or the 10:30 Sunday service following VBS. Please call Louise at or office@millgreenumc.org with any questions. LAY WITNESS MISSION (LWM) WEEKEND When: Friday, Nov. 13th-Sunday, Nov. 15th. What: Small groups for all ages led by people sharing their faith story. Children and youth are included. Meals will be served! Where: Millville Building and concluding at all three services on Sunday Host families and other volunteers needed! KIDS GRADES 1-6 Join us Saturday, July 25th and Saturday, August 1st from 9am-1pm for a great time of learning or improving your soccer skills! Millville Elementary School Practice Field Mission: To utilize Scripture and soccer to introduce kids to Christ Mental Illness Spiritual Support Twelve Principles of Support with NIV Bible Applications God is Our Refuge and Strength! Helpline Facebook Twitter NAMICommunicate

11 11 Tentative Summer Schedule: Movie Night-Sunday, July 19th at Joe Johnson s house, 49 Walnut St, Millville. Spaghetti Supper Friday, July 31st, Millville Building. Swimming Party/Picnic Sunday, August 16th at Gordners, 18 Locust Lane, Millville. For More information on Mill-Green s Youth Fellowship, contact Sue Kindt at or susan.kindt@gmail.com CREATION SABBATH Spiritual Refreshment in the Natural World With Jean Blackie Wednesday, July 22 nd at 6:30PM till Thursday, July 23 rd at 3PM Orchard Hill, Millerstown $100 includes breakfast, lunch, overnight accommodation & 1 CEU This retreat will send you out renewed & refreshed! We ll look at creation in Psalms, share Bible study & reflections as we consider simplicity, mind-body-spirit wellness, beauty & joy, compassion & love, resurrection & new life. From campfire to labyrinth, with private time for prayer, journaling, photography, walking, and listening you ll be made new in Him. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ CREATION SABBATH $100/ 1 CEU Name: Phone: [ ] Address: Zip: Send Registration & check payable to: The Center For Spiritual Formation 45 South West Street, Carlisle, PA The Center is affiliated with the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA

12 12 JUST FOR YOU KIDS!

13 13 VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION (VIM) MISSION INSURANCE AND TEAM OPENINGS Sept 8- October 3- Weekly / daily at the United Methodist Home for Children- boys dorm remodel-pastor Jan Hughesjhughes@susumc.org Sept Sweeden Valley- social hall construction-pastor Steven Small- ssmall@susumc.org Sept North Carolina-(assist storm victims) Ron Hoover-bandrhoover@gmail.com $250 Oct Beverly KY- Red Bird Mission-Ron Hoover bandrhoover@gmail.com $275 ***See the complete list at: In His service, Curt Knouse Director of Volunteers in Mission and Outreach Susquehanna Conference UMC susquehanna conference umc - vim (facebook) vimsusumc - twitter MISSION OPPORTUNITY AT THE UNITED METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN IN MECHANICSBURG: Have you ever wanted to be involved in mission work but could not get the time off or travel to some distant place to volunteer? Well, we have an awesome opportunity for you to volunteer your time and make a difference in the lives of youth in our own community. The United Methodist Home for Children's residential cottages are in desperate need of remodeling and upgrades. A mission team is being formed for a two-phase project. Phase one nearly completed: The second phase begins Monday, September 14 th, and will last most of September, involving removal of walls and major renovations. Again, training will be available as needed. We are looking for folks with various skill levels to complete this worthwhile project. A hearty lunch is provided each day. You may sign-up to work a weekend or weekdays as your schedule permits. Please register as soon as possible so the work can be planned and scheduled. Questions can be directed to Pastor Jan Hughes at jhughes@middlesexumc.com or by calling You can find registration materials at our website at middlesexumc.com. you will find the waiver form and assessment form Send completed paper work to jhughes@middlesexumc.com or same at 118 N. Middlesex Rd., Carlisle, PA, Begin to pray for this project as we impact our community with God's love and grace as we work together. Pastor Jan Hughes

14 14 BIRTHDAYS AND *ANNIVERSARIES 2 Kurt Ringer 3 Nancy Diehl, David Dryer JULY 4 Rachel Kindt, Bieonkia Lesho, Bob Strozyk 6 Grace Kindt 7 Jared Bangs, Brian Morris, Holly Weaver 8 Abigael Arner 9 Jessica Whitmoyer 11 Nathan Anderson, Peggy Kelchner, Danielle Rodriguez, Bill Sevisonm, Deanne Shoemaker, Nancy Walker 12 Diane Palmer 13 Greg Lyons 14 Sarah Shultz 16 *Jeff & Lonna Hess 17 Michelle Reichner, Michael Renner, KayTemple 19 Bonnie Reed 20 Helena Bower, Tiffany Straub 21 Mary Anderson, Helen Crawford, Bill Smith, *Dick & Ginny Bower 23 Ross Crawford, Mark Smith 24 Bob Burns, Ginny Bower, Derl Crawford, Shannon Temple, Pat Woolcock, *Paul & Faye Vandine 25 Gale Dryer, 26 Rachel Hayes 27 Frank Jurbala, Ron Temple, Bryce Kolk, *James & Maria Hayes 29 Rees Ludwig 30 Wendy Utt 31 Jennifer Anderson, Bryan Renner, Diane Rider AUGUST 1 Chuck Johnson, Richard Temple, Dottie Steves, Debbie Michael 2 Alice Ringer, Isaac Thomas, Levi Roeder, *Steve & Beth Smith 3 Jay Bangs, Mary Eves 4 Janet Watts, *Chuck & Becky Johnson, *Frans & Cheryl Verstraeten 5 Brynn Clark, Missy Crawford, Amanda Johnson, Brent Smith *Bob & Kathy Else 6 Jon Thomas, Clay DeWald 7 David Moser 8 Jeanne Crawford, Kay Wallis, Justin Strozyk 9 Ken Kessler, Charles Morris, *Don & Diane Rider 10 Grace Boone, David Slater, *Jack & Saundra Lewis 11 Tim Kelchner, *Dick & Shirley Leonard, *Josh & Amanda Bangs 12 Lea Beishline, *Don & Joyce Harding 13 Jim Blagrave, Olivia Gaito 14 Priscilla Dunn 15 Kim Mengle 16 Bill Berger, *Steve & Phyllis Smith 17 Caden Temple, *Skip & Cindy Morgan 18 Steve Mengle, *Keith & Diane Bangs, *Karl & Felicia Girton 19 Lise Lund 21 Wade Bower, Kelley DeWald 22 HJ Crawford 23 Brandon Frey, Ron Smith, *Jeff & Brenda Craig, *Lance & Aimee Diehl, *Bill & Barbara Van Horn 24 Dan Faatz, Amy Slater, *Bob & Louise Strozyk 25 Brad Johnson, *Loren & Lilli Mae Johnson 28. Anna Horner, *Greg & Sue Laubach 29 Greg Gordner 30 Neil Garner, Denise Poisson 31 Renee Holdren, Katie Mengle, *Dean & Barb Evans