The Scottsville. Spirit. A Word from the Pastor. February 2018 S C O T T S V I L L E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

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1 S C O T T S V I L L E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H The Scottsville Spirit Page 1 February 2018 A Word from the Pastor As I am writing this, the Eagles have just won their Conference Championship game and secured their spot in the Super Bowl. I realize that by the time many of you read these words the Super Bowl will be history. That s okay, because it is not what happened in the games that I want to talk about. What happened immediately after the Vikings game got my attention. Players were still on the field congratulating one another. The officials were making their way to the locker room. I m not altogether certain the game clock had completely run out yet when one of the TV broadcasters cornered Nick Foles for his first post-game national television interview. The question was the expected How do you feel? type. But the very first words he spoke to this national audience were, All the glory belongs to God. A few minutes later, during the presentation of the trophy, there were quick in-stadium interviews, first with the owner, then with the head coach, then with the quarterback. Again, Foles first words were, First and foremost, all glory belongs to God. I wouldn t be here without him. A third time, at the post-game press conference, Foles response to the first question was, As I said out there, all the glory belongs to God. Here is a man, a star (for now) in a field that has nothing to do with religion or faith, who took the opportunity he had on the stage he was given to share his faith, give glory to God, and inspire us to do the same. He did not preach a 20-minute sermon. He did not engage in any deep theological discussion. He did not pressure anyone. He did not embarrass himself. He simply shared who he is and the importance of his faith with a few simple words. Faith Sharing is the discipline most people said they have trouble with. I wonder if part of the reason for this is because we see faith sharing as going door to door, interrupting strangers lives with a lesson on eternal punishment. Fortunately for everyone, not many of us are called to that ministry. But we are called to take the opportunities we have on the stage we are given to share ourselves, our faith, and our relationship with God. Some people I know end every encounter not with the words Good Bye but rather with God Bless. Others, knowing the joy and comfort they get from being part of a Church family, make it a point to invite others to join them. One friend takes the extra discussion sheets from a weekly Bible study we attend and puts them on a table in the facility where he lives. His neighbors have come to appreciate the devotional time and sometimes come to him for prayer. How are you sharing your faith? It doesn t have to be difficult. But it has to be done. With you on the faith journey, Pastor Don 1

2 Our church is extremely fortunate to have so many talented individuals in the music field. During the month of December, we had solo and choir participation on Sunday mornings, as well as the Christmas Cantata, Come, Let Us Worship the King on December 17 (including a beautiful solo performance by Kelli Irwin). The United Methodist Women hosted their annual Christmas Tea the night before. Our choir performed and led us in song, and we were treated to some unexpended solos by Pastor Don, Erin Noland, Bonnie Ott, Memphis Hanson, and Luke Italia. It was a very enjoyable evening. 2

3 Kids Christmas Program December 10, 2017 Pictured below is the entire cast of our talented performers from the off-broadway musical, It All Happened in the Country. Shouts of praise emerged from the crowd throughout the performance. These kids are awesome!! Stay tuned for part II on Sunday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. Radio Station More FM held its annual Christmas choir competition. Drum roll please Coming in first place for the top prize of $5,000 in the 9th - 12th grade division was the Neshaminy High School choir. They performed Text Me Merry Christmas. They also had the opportunity to perform with the Philly Pops at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. The Poquessing Middle School choir took 2nd prize in the K-8th grade division. They won $2,000 for their performance of Auld Lang Syne. How exciting!!! Way to go moms and dads for encouraging your children to be involved with music. It is a universal language of all ages. Congratulations to all involved. 3

4 The United Methodist Women s Installation of Officers for 2018 took place on January 14. Reverend Lorelei Bach introduced the officers, and they are (from left to right): Marti Stevens, Joy Frazier, Kathy Mininger, Patrice Matthews, Georgeanne Toner, Sue Britsch, Dolly Schaffer, and Joan Turner. Unfortunately, Phyllis Morgan was under the weather and couldn t join them. Thank you ladies for all you do! Barb Gummo was also recognized for her contributions to the church, community, and United Methodist Women. Barb organizes and is actively involved in the Merry Heart Pillow Ministry and Aid For Friends. and Scottsville s Family Christmas Mailboxes Betti Carboni would like to thank everyone for their donations. A total of $259 will be forwarded to St. Jude s Research Hospital for Children. This money is donated yearly to a good cause by those in our congregation who prefer to circulate their Christmas Cards with their church family by using our internal Christmas Card boxes rather than the USPS. The money saved on stamps is then offered to that year s recipient. Thank you Betti for taking care of this. 4

5 MUSIC NOTE - FEBRUARY 2018 To my Church Family: A special thank you for the kind and generous Christmas gift. It is so appreciated. Thank you again for remembering me! CHANCEL CHOIR: We had such a beautiful and joyous Advent/Christmas Season. Thank you to each one in our Chancel Choir... your program for the UMW Tea was wonderful! Bonnie Ott, Erin Noland, and Pastor Don - your solos touched the hearts of all of us... simply beautiful. The Christmas Cantata was superb! Kelli Irwin...your solo transported us back to the manger scene beautifully. CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: The Children's Program, "It Happened in the Country" was a dynamite hit! A special thanks to June Hull, Laura Bittner and Pastor Don for all your help. To all the kids who participated... I am so proud of all of you! It is truly a privilege for me to work with each of you! This would be a good time to tell you about an UPCOMING EVENT...our Easter Program...Part Two... "It Happened in the City"! We will be presenting this play on Sunday, April 8th. Mark your calendars! BELL CHOIR: We will be starting our Bell Choir to play on Palm Sunday. Clarke Stoneback has graciously agreed to be our Director. No experience needed... all ages welcome!! SCHEDULES: CHANCEL CHOIR: we will be rehearsing on Sunday mornings, following worship for the month of February. NO TUESDAY REHEARSALS. Hopefully, we can return to our regular rehearsal time in March, weather permitting. CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Rehearsal times to be announced at a later date. Note to be sent home through Sunday School. BELL CHOIR: Practices will begin in late February and March, on Sunday at 5:30pm, before Youth Group. More information to come. Thank you again for all your support and dedication to our Music Program. It is my honor to serve with you as we praise our Lord through song in the New Year 2018! Keep Singing! Patsy Keller It seems like a long time in coming, but this is the first opportunity I have had to say, Thank You to everyone for your generous Christmas gift. You make your love for me and my family shown in so many wonderful ways throughout the year. Please know that all of those acts are greatly appreciated. All of you are appreciated and loved. Thank you again. Don Keller 5

6 February 2018 To my Brothers and Sisters of Scottsville United Methodist Church - I find myself asking, What does it mean to be a United Methodist beyond the walls of Scottsville? As I continue my committee work at SUMC, my knowledge of The United Methodist Church continues to expand from nearly next to nothing to an admittedly modest level only. I have a long way to go in my journey! What has grown exponentially is my appreciation for the scope and magnitude of the good works that our church, The United Methodist Church, engages in locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. United Methodists are a Connected Church for this reason. As a Connected Church, we support these good works through our Connectional Giving (Apportionments) to our Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Let us journey together in developing a greater appreciation and support for our mission as a church as we learn how our church succeeds in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our strategy is called The Four Areas of Focus. The Four Areas of Focus align and unite us in the common mission of The United Methodist Church. The four focus areas are: Developing principled Christian leaders Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations Engaging in ministry with the poor Improving health globally (remember those mosquito nets?) A Mission Moment explaining each of these topics will be presented at both services on the first Sunday of those months dedicating the Mission Offering to that Area. The first one for 2018, the Mission Moment for Developing Principled Christian Leaders, is scheduled for February 4. Also on Sunday, February 4, copies of The United Methodist Church Handbook will be offered along with the church bulletin as you enter for Service. The United Methodist Church Handbook is a wonderful source of information on who we are, where we ve been, and most excitedly, where we are going! If you wish to learn more about our Mission as United Methodists and the church s four areas of ministry focus, please visit Respectfully, Bob Robert Norum Finance Committee Chair Our prayer is that The United Methodist Church be a community where you find peace, meaning and a future with hope. Bishop Bruce R. Ough 6

7 Dear Scottsville Family, thank you ever so much for your thoughtful and generous Christmas gifts. We are very grateful. This may sound repetitious, but it comes from the heart It is a pleasure to work for such a wonderful church. SUMC Staff - Karen, Marilyn, Patsy, Joe, Erin, and J.T. By the Numbers Here are some facts about your church which you may find interesting: (All figures are Year-to-Date) Year End 2017 Year End 2016 Average Worship Attendance Offerings and Other Budget Income $239, $222, Mission Giving $28, $23, I don t usually make comment on this monthly report of the numbers, but.... It is with great pleasure that we are able to report to you that the Scottsville church family finished 2017 with all our financial commitments paid, including all our commitments to the Annual Conference, and even a little left in the checkbook. Four important things worked together to make this happen. First, and no doubt the power behind the other three, God takes care of us. My experience has always been, when you are doing what God is calling you to do, the resources to make it happen are always there. This has happened to me countless times. I can t explain how it works. I wish God s plan was more clear further in advance. All I know is, walking with God is a miraculous journey. The other three are the tools God used this time to make our ministry happen. One is the generous giving of the congregation reflected in the numbers above. The second is the responsible use of our resources by our leaders demonstrated by the fact that our actual expenses were about $12,000 less than anticipated when the budget was made. The third tool was a substantial, unexpected anonymous gift we received at the end of the year. Thank you to everyone who shares. Thank you to all our leaders. Thank you to our generous benefactor. Thank you to God -- Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer in whose caring love we grow. Pastor Don 7

8 Scottsville s February/March Food Drive Our winter food drive began in Initially, it began as a fun/productive competition for the Sunday school classes to see which class could bring in the most food. It has now grown into an activity in which the entire church family participates. The food pantries here in Bucks County depend on our much needed donations. Monetary donations are also accepted. Drop off bins are located around the church. Our collection will run through Sunday, March 18. Volunteers are needed to help collect food at SAMS Club (on Route 1) on Sunday, February 25 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and ACME in Feasterville on Sunday, March 18 between noon and 4:00 p.m. Joyful Noise Offering The Joyful Noise Offering for February will support Summer Camp Scholarships for Scottsville s children and youth. This is an opportunity for our young people to put down their laptops and tablets, turn off their cell phones, and unplug for a week of Christian learning through fun and fellowship while experiencing life changing adventures in the outdoors. The children and youth can apply to one of four Camp and Retreat Centers: Innabah, Gretna Glen, Pocono Plateau or Carson Simpson Farm. These scholarships will help provide financial support for the cost of one week at camp and a lifetime of memories. Dear Ladies, Thank you so much for the hats, scarves and gloves for the Veterans. Wish you could see the smiles on their faces when we tell them they are handmade for them. 441 Veterans came to the Stand Down. So ladies needles ready for 2018! Barbara E., Daughters of the American Revolution Happy Birthday! Scott Hoffner - 2/2 Charlie Carter - 2/3 Karen Pawlowski - 2/4 Al Yerkes - 2/6 Bob Springer - 2/6 Patrice Matthews - 2/9 Matthew Carboni - 2/11 Haley Fatula - 2/12 David Britsch Jr. - 2/12 Jacqueline Morell - 2/13 Chuck Bye - 2/16 Virginia Smith - 2/16 Jack McKinley - 2/16 Bob Walker Jr. - 2/17 Lauren Morell - 2/18 Gene Fatula - 2/21 Linda Morgan - 2/22 Shane Santone - 2/26 Laura Russo - 2/27 Jonathan Martin - 2/27 Robbie Reina - 2/27 Eileen Adams - 2/28 Mike and Willa Hayes are celebrating their anniversary on February 21. Congrats! 8

9 Secret Sisters Would you like to make a difference? Would you like to be the bright ray of light in someone s day? Being a Secret Sister gives you that opportunity. It is a program in which women of all ages encourage each other, pray for each other, and keep in touch with each other. They do this by sending notes and cards, and doing little things throughout the year for their Secret Sister anonymously! To participate, fill out this short statistics sheet and return it to Kathy Mininger or Phyllis Morgan by February 19. Your Secret Sister information will be mailed or hand-delivered. Remember this program runs the entire year. Your Secret Sister will be revealed at the Women s Fellowship Breakfast on February 24. God Bless you as you reach out to your fellow sisters in love. Contact Phyllis Morgan (215) or Kathy Mininger (215) with any questions. We invite and encourage all women of the church to participate. Secret Sister (Participation Form) Name: Address: Date of Birth: Anniversary: Favorites: Color Music Recording Artist Hobbies Sports Author Things I enjoy (people, places, things): I love (have a passion for): 9

10 SOUP AND SALAD NIGHT Bring your sweetheart! Sunday, February 11, :30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Only $10 per person Enjoy an early Valentine s Day celebration! Come out for great food and fellowship. All proceeds will support the Confirmation Class. Tuesday, February 13, 7:00 a.m. Noon The Scottsville Coffee House will be celebrating Fausnacht (doughnut) Day. Stop by Fellowship Hall and enjoy some morning refreshments with us. As always, our hosts Phyllis and John Morgan welcome and invite all! A good will offering will be gladly accepted. Ash Wednesday Worship - February 14 at 7:00 p.m. - Ashes will be offered. Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God. We send out a warm invitation to all women of the church to attend our Women s Fellowship Breakfast held on Saturday, February 24 at 9:00 a.m. If you are unable to attend the Women s Breakfast, and have not contacted your secret sister to reveal who you are, please do so as soon as possible. Thank you. Also, all ladies are invited to join us for breakfast on Wednesday, February 7 at 9:00 a.m. at Cracker Barrel in Bensalem. Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, April 7, 8:00am - 1:00pm Did you know that someone in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds? There is no artificial substitute for blood and blood donations are the only source of our blood supply? Also, approximately 41,000 blood donations are needed daily? Please consider donating. Mark your calendars now. 10

11 All U Can Eat Pancake Breakfast Sunday, March 4, 8:00am 1:00pm All U Can Eat pancakes and sausage for one low price of $7, including beverages. Children three and under are free. Invite family and friends to enjoy the best pancakes in Bucks!!! The Adult Fellowship Retreat will be held in Ocean City, NJ the second weekend of March (9-11). All adults age 21 and over should plan on joining this lively bunch for some good old fashion fun, fellowship, and spiritual refreshing. Have questions? Give John Morgan a call (215) Dear Scottsville Family, We would first like to thank everyone for the generous Christmas gift we received from the Church. It really means the world to have all of your love and support. We are very thankful to be surrounded by such a great church family! As many of you know, we participated in the Youth Retreat in Ocean City, Maryland in January. We all had an amazing time, and were able to grow in our love for God and one another. Coming up, the youth are going to be selling candy grams in February as a fundraiser. We will begin selling the candy grams, for a freewill donation, the first weekend in February. We will continue to sell through February 17th. The youth will deliver them on Sunday, February 18th before each service. If you have any questions or would like to place an order please us at: scottsvilleumcyouthgroup@gmail.com Thank you and God Bless! Erin and JT Please make the following address change in your pictorial: Charlie and Doris Carter, 35 Hill Rd., Ivyland, PA (215) In December, many of you helped the Trustees gather leaves and put them in piles around the church for pick-up. The following week a company called Evergreen Landscape Management brought their trucks and manpower, and removed these piles free of charge. They offer year round services: (215) , EvergreenLMI.com 11

12 Stewardship 2018 As we enter the new year here at Scottsville, we will once again explore how we can grow in our faith and our Commitment to Christ. We continue the theme of examining stewardship through the lens of our time, our touch, our talents, and our treasure. On our journey, we will visit each of our 7 Disciplines: Prayer, Discipleship, Worship, Faith Sharing, Service, Stewardship, and Fellowship. We will examine where we are in our journey and, each week, choose a phrase (or phrases!) that best exemplifies how we would like to grow in the coming year. When the Stewardship team first met to discuss the program for 2018, one of the options we considered was not to pursue a Stewardship campaign at all this year. Although that would have been an easy path to follow, we quickly dismissed this idea. Instead, we felt that we all need road signs to help us on our journey of faith. We hope you will find the themes we explore this year will help you continue on your personal road to your Commitment to Christ. Helen Robinson, Stewardship Chair Advent Season and Beyond! Cheryl Errico and Karen Pawlowski - Poinsettias Our behind the scenes silent organizers who bring everything together in a very special way are: Bob Walker, Joe Toner, and Bill Pawlowski - Christmas decorations and Nativity set-up and dismantling. Bob Walker - Changing of the paraments and Communion Steward Ruth Irwin and Santa Claus - Lunch with Santa Ruth Gaal - Progressive Dinner Organizer and Master of Ceremony. This year s hosts: The Morgans, Dolly Schaffer, the Toners, and the Gehrkes. Georgeanne Toner and the United Methodist Women - Hosts of the Christmas Dessert Theater. Our fabulous choir under the leadership of Patsy Keller performed and led us in song. Patsy Keller, June Hull, Laura Bittner, and Pastor Don were in charge of the Sunday School Christmas Pageant, It All Happened in the Country. This program is exceptional every year. Scottsville s kids have so much talent. Let s not forget our faithful ushers (Steve Zaro, Deanna Zaro, Chick Frazier, and John Morgan) liturgists (Jean Mager, Bill Kent, Helen Robinson, Donnalee Charlton, Sue Britsch, Mike Bittner, Patrice Matthews, Cheryl Errico, Georgeanne Toner, Jeff Smith, and Shellyanne Mitchell) and sound system operators (Chuck Bye and Karen Kurtz) who assist with worship on a weekly basis. And then, of course, we have Pastor Don, who pulls everything together. Our leaders and organizers were blessed with the help of many in our congregation. A special thank you goes out to you as well. 12