Lewisburg, PA South 4th Street. St. Paul s United Methodist Church

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1 St. Paul s United Methodist Church 42 South 4th Street Lewisburg, PA Address Service Requested St. Paul s UMC 42 South 4th Street Lewisburg, PA Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9:00AM-1:30PM Phone (570) spumc@dejazzd.com Loving, Serving, Living like Jesus. St. Paul s Grapevine Jan/Feb TAKING INVENTORY With the increasing use of computer and cell phone technology, my calendar is an ever changing work in progress, with what seems to be no beginning and no end. Yet, I still look forward to the time I will sit with a brand new printed calendar for 2017 which will eventually be hung on our refrigerator. This calendar serves as a connecting network between 3 adults who manage their own day-to-day schedules of work, play, relationship and rest. When I unwrap the plastic wrap which has kept the new calendar pristine, I will begin to take inventory by writing (in pen) occasions and events which effect all three of us. At a minimum, it will include birthdays, anniversaries, medical appointments, family gatherings, trips and vacations. As I do this, I use last year s calendar as my template, noting the occasions which remain valuable and will be repeated, as well as what has changed. Some birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated with a memory instead of a card or party in the coming year. Some new events will be scheduled. With the coming of this new year, I invite you to join me in taking inventory. In J anuar y, we can take inventor y with our new calendars. In the next couple months, we will take inventory in income tax preparation. In addition, I encourage you to also take inventory on a daily basis with a spiritual practice each night. Before going to bed, review your day and the things you did or did not do. Give God thanks for being with you throughout the day as you navigated expected and unexpected events. Search your heart to see if you are harboring hatred or ill will toward anyone. Ask God to show you where you have fallen short, and ask for God s forgiveness. Pray through incomplete elements of your day. Put that day to rest, and look forward to God s direction for tomorrow. This type of Examen is an ancient prayer practice of St. Ignatius which can help us take inventory of God s hand at work in our lives. With you on the journey, Pastor Judi 1

2 2 LOVING LIKE JESUS LEWISBURG S REJOICING SPIRITS: JANUARY 12 The ministry of REJOICING SPIRITS continues to spark joy in the lives of worshipers. Each month, as we gather on the 2nd Thursday at 6:30PM, many familiar faces appear and also some new ones! It doesn t take long for the fun to begin. Rhythm instruments are chosen and names exchanged. Familiar friendships are renewed and new ones are begun. The blend of worshipers of all ages - from preschool through senior adults - with varying abilities and creative talents - offer their gifts to God and inspiration to those in attendance! While this time of worship is hosted by St. Paul s, it is a community ministry for our neighbors! In the coming months, First Presbyterian Church and Christ s Lutheran Church will be providing leadership. Each month, volunteers are needed to greet worshipers, assist with the sound system, contribute snacks and drinks for refreshments and host the fellowship time. Michelle Walter or Pastor Judi welcome your interest or questions. BLANKET SUNDAY: JANUARY 15 St. Paul s will be celebrating Blanket Sunday on January 15. Through Church World Service (CWS), every $10 donation will purchase one wool blanket which will be distributed throughout the world to those in need. Blankets may be used for warmth in cold weather, shade from the sun, defense from the elements, shelter when lacking protection and even a means to carry personal belongings. Contributions will be received through the end of January. Checks may be written to St. Paul s and labeled Blankets. HUMAN RELATIONS SUNDAY: JANUARY 15 Annually, the entire United Methodist Church invites its worshipers and members to financially support six efforts through offerings scheduled throughout the year. The first of these six offerings in 2017 will be provided at St. Paul s on January 15 and is called Human Relations Sunday. This offering focuses on churches which are developing ministries to strengthen the human family. An insert and offering envelope will be included in each bulletin. Your entire contribution will be forwarded to the national UM office and then distributed as investments in growing ministries. February 5-11 February West Burlington UMC Ulster UMC, Ulster West Burlington 29th Street UMC, Harrisburg Bethany UMC, Bethany First UMC, McClure Russell Hill UMC, Witmer s UMC, Port Trevorton Tunkhannock Atkinson Mills UMC, McVeytown First UMC, Mansfield Buckhorn UMC, Bloomsburg Emmanuel UMC, Fremont Wesley UMC, Bloomsburg Shrader UMC, Reedsville St. Paul s, Dushore LaAnna UMC, Cresco Flemington UMC, Flemington Christ UMC, Clearfield Mapleton Grace UMC, Baker s UMC, McClure Mapleton Depot St. Luke s UMC, Shade Gap February February 26 - March 4 Beaver UMC, Laceyville Young s UMC, Shermans Dale Cornelius Chapel UMC, Center Moreland UMC, Mapleton Depot Center Moreland Highspire UMC, Highspire Palestine UMC, Morrisdale Community UMC, New Albany UMC, New Albany New Cumberland Walnut St. UMC, Burnham Madera UMC, Madera Starview UMC, Mount Wolf First UMC, New Milford McConnellstown UMC, Beach Haven UMC, McConnellstown Beach Haven Mines UMC, Williamsburg Court Street UMC, Scranton Pine Wesley UMC, Millville East Benton UMC, Dalton Lookout UMC, Honesdale Shawville UMC, Shawville IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF PRAYER, please call Clara Ellen Kemmerer, , or Jean Johnson, If you are willing to be part of the Prayer Chain Ministry, please notify Clara Ellen or the church office,

3 CIRCLE OF PRAYER As the new year begins, the Circle of Prayer continues. Below are listed the upcoming weeks and those congregations assigned to each week. Please include our brothers and sisters in the Susquehanna Conference in your devotions. January 1-7 January 8-14 Shope s UMC, Hummelstown Hummel s UMC, Middleburg Llyswen UMC, Altoona Mont Alto UMC, Mont Alto Allemansville UMC, Fallentimber Stone Church UMC, Berwick Fairview UMC, Harrisonville Wesley Chapel, Huntingdon Cowanesque UMC, Cowanesque St. John s UMC, Chambersburg Mt. Olivet UMC, Mechanicsburg Bryansville UMC, Delta Amberson UMC, Spring Run Emmanuel UMC, Windsor McKee UMC, East Freedom North Towanda UMC, Towanda Zion Stone UMC, Halifax Scotland UMC, Scotland Bethany UMC, Milton Meshoppen UMC, Meshoppen January January Mt. Zion UMC, Carlisle First UMC, Harrisburg Dunnstown UMC, Lock Haven Christ UMC, Jacobus Pine Mill UMC, Equinunk South Auburn UMC, S. Auburn Hopewell UMC, Hopewell Roaring Creek UMC, Catawissa Reedsville UMC, Reedsville Faith UMC, Bellefonte Mt. Carmel UMC, Orrtanna Salem UMC, Marysville Bethel UMC, Williamsport Mt. Royal UMC, Dover Trinity UMC, Bloomsburg Big Spring UMC, Newville Shiloh UMC, Woodland Grace UMC, Hummelstown Barnitz UMC, Carlisle Calvary UMC, W. Nanticoke January 29 - February 4 Bethel UMC, Catawissa Jackson Center UMC, Jackson Center Hetlerville UNC, Nescopeck Stewartstown UMC, Stewartstown Vira UMC, Lewistown Faith UMC, Wapwallopen Canoe Creek UMC, Canoe Creek Trinity UMC, White Deer Weyant UMC, Osterburg Loysburg UMC, Loysburg OUTREACH NEWS Breakfast with Santa spreads Ho-Ho-Holiday Spirit! On Saturday, December 17, Fellowship Hall was filled with Christmas cheer as children of all ages enjoyed a hearty breakfast, as well as photos with Jolly Ol Saint Nick himself! The free community breakfast was made possible by generous donations from local businesses, including Ard s Farm Market, Byerly s Meats, Dunkin Donuts, GIANT Foods, Weis Markets and Wal-mart. Many thanks to our St. Paul s members who gave their time and dazzled us with their culinary talents! In addition to full bellies, every child left with early Christmas gifts: a copy of the Scholastic favorite Snowman Magic and a manger scene ornament. One young guest was overheard saying that he had so much fun and he hopes we do it again next year! What a magical morning! MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE Dear St. Paul s Church Family, Thank you so much for the generous donations you provided for Operation Christmas Child! We were able to complete 61 shoe boxes! I can only imagine the impact that your love will have on each child who receives these wonderful gifts! As we continue through the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, may we be reminded of the tremendous opportunity we have to bless others through our personal efforts. In Acts 20:35, Paul describes his dedication to serve the poor through the effort of his own hands using Jesus own teaching: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Ann Murphy, OCC Coordinator 14 3

4 4 SERVING LIKE JESUS... ST. PAUL S CHURCH COUNCIL 2017 With the beginning of the new year, St. Paul s begins our third year under the supervision and wisdom of the Church Council. With grateful hearts, we express our thanks to our leaders who have served through 2016 and to all who will continue the task into The hours of dedication you have given to God through serving St. Paul s are a testimony of your faith! We are deeply grateful for your service. At all times council members welcome questions, concerns and/or input from all those who attend St. Paul s. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts with them. Chris Barker Dave Bostian Janice Dreese Judi Herrold Nate Hosterman Cindy Needham Brad Newlin Jessica Olenginski Kim Ranck Kevin Welch Please be prayerfully supportive of each of these leaders! MINISTRY HAPPENS EVERY DAY HERE! While the coming months may include weather which makes weekly attendance in worship difficult, please keep in mind that MINISTRY IS AN EVERY DAY OCCURRENCE HERE AT ST. PAUL S! Even when you are away from this church, St. Paul s continues to be engaged in daily ministry, striving to be faithfully Loving, Serving, Living like Jesus! Weekly tithes and offerings enable this daily ministry to continue! If you would like to make your contributions through ELEC- TRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER on a regular basis, please contact the church office. Thank you for supporting Christ s ministry through St. Paul s! SERVING SENIORS RiverWoods Senior Living Community is in need of volunteers! There are two ongoing opportunities to serve: - Greeters in the newly opened Adams Center for Rehabilitation and Transitional Care - Staffing the Auxiliary Gift Shop in the Nursing Care Center Please share your interest in these opportunities with Pastor Judi or the church office. GIRLS GATHERING FOR GOD RETREAT Girls, grades 7-12, are welcome to the fun of an overnight retreat at Baughman Memorial UMC, New Cumberland, PA, on February 3 and 4. There is JOY in the Lord begins at 6:45PM Friday and continues through 3PM Saturday. Workshops, worship, Bible study, crafts and a live concert by Riser Crew are all included! Our bulletin boards have complete information and forms for registration. TAKE NOTE! This is St. Paul s January/February newsletter! The next newsletter will be processed and available on February 19. This newsletter includes a calendar for both January and February. The March/April newsletter will be available via (with the option of the recipient printing it, in part or whole). In addition, the printed newsletter will be available on Sunday, February 19, and following. If you would like a printed copy mailed to you, please contact the church office by phone at or by at spumc@dejazzd.com. St. Paul s Facebook page and website, include ongoing updates for both church and community members. INCLEMENT WEATHER As winter continues, if you are wondering about any change to St. Paul s schedule, please listen to WGRC (91.3 FM) or WKOK (1070 AM). Delays and cancellations will also be posted on and St. Paul s Website and Facebook page. You may also contact Pastor Judi at the parsonage, In every case, please be safe, and make wise decisions for yourself, based on weather conditions. 13

5 12 LIVING LIKE JESUS CELEBRATING ETERNAL LIFE It is with great sympathy that we note the passing of Charles G. Cole, husband of Geraldine, father of Christal and grandfather of Aaron, Samuel and Rachel. Charlie entered the church eternal on Saturday, December 3. A worship service in celebration of his life was held at St. Paul s on December 10, followed by a fellowship meal. Thanks be to God for the life of Charlie Cole! May God grant us, and all those who grieve, grace to honor his legacy. STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS IN COMMUNITY While each one of us can make a difference, together we can make true and lasting change. This statement is the focus of Lewisburg s CommUnity Zone, located at 417 Market Street. The Zone encourages cooperation and collaboration, especially with non-profit groups. One of the newest initiatives supported by the CommUnity Zone is the Susquehanna Valley Time Bank, creating a network of neighborly service exchanges. For additional information on how to give an hour and get an hour in return, visit or our bulletin boards. LOOKING AHEAD TO LENT! Please note that Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season, falls on March 1. When plans are finalized for worship, study and ministry opportunities during the 40 days of Lent, the details will be announced in worship, listed on St. Paul s website and posted on St. Paul s Facebook page. Throughout the season of Lent, the Lewisburg Council of Churches will be hosting the 40th Annual Soup and Scripture ministry. Plan to attend any or every one of these six Wednesday gatherings, beginning March 1, Ash Wednesday. Additional details will be available in February for this community ministry. A team of about 20 people gathered to celebrate the Hanging of the Greens and prepare the church, both inside and outside, for Christmas. Delicious pizza, delightful fellowship and creative decorating were the blessings of the evening! Thank you to all who shared in this gathering! Thank you to Cathy Hause and her team of volunteers who orchestrated a wonderful Christmas Dinner celebration for the St. Paul s Church family! Many offered their time and talents to the preparations, event and clean up. We are grateful for everyone s service! A wonderful nativity story was portrayed with The Star Who Couldn t Twinkle in worship on Sunday, December 11. Sixteen children and youth of all ages portrayed their roles and many more served behind the scenes. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Jess Newlin, Jessica Olenginski, Tiffany Ranck and Michelle Walter who led this creative effort. Appreciation is also extended to parents and families who provided transportation and assistance. Thanks also to those who contributed to the Pageant Reception, which followed wor ship in celebr ation of a wonderful day and God s life-changing story. With the assistance of children and adults alike, lighting the luminaries at RiverWoods for the Grande Illumination on Tuesday, December 13, was a wonderful adventure! St. Paul s team of volunteers joined volunteers from Mifflinburg UM Church, as well as RiverWoods residents and staff in this fundraiser for the Benevolent Care Fund. Thank you! FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS Your love, cards and gifts shared with us throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons have been extremely generous! We have been blessed to be part of the St. Paul s Church family. We look ahead to Loving, serving, living like Jesus with you in the new year! With our love and gratitude, Pastor Judi, Chad and Bekah 5

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8 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Happy New Year! 10:00AM Worship No Fellowship No Church School No Children s Church :30AM Adult Bible 6 1:30PM Supplemental Food Program 7 8 Epiphany 9:15AM Worship with Holy Communion 10:30AM Church School 9 7:00PM Women s Bible 10 7:00PM Church Council Meeting :30AM Adult Bible 6:30PM Rejoicing Spirits Worship :00AM Girl Scout Meeting 15 Blanket Sunday Human Relations Day 9:15AM Worship 10:30AM Church School 16 Martin Luther King Day 7:00PM Women s Bible :30AM Adult Bible 20 1:30PM Supplemental Food Program :15AM Worship 10:30AM Church School 23 7:00PM Women s Bible :30PM Worship Team Meeting 26 10:30AM Adult Bible :00AM Girl Scout Meeting 29 9:15AM Worship 10:30AM Church School 30 7:00PM Women s Bible