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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. 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Baer 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 March 5, 2017 Good Morning Everyone! Four days ago we began the season of Lent with a community Ash Wednesday worship service. This was the point at which we started our journey to deepen our faith on our way to celebrate Easter. These forty days (not counting Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter, are marked by intentional acts that remind us of Jesus sacrifice. Three traditional practices often taken up during Lent are: prayer (justice toward God), fasting (justice toward self), and almsgiving (justice toward neighbors). In addition, some believers add a regular spiritual discipline, to bring them closer to God, such as a Lenten daily devotional. What will you do, by giving up something for Lent or by taking on something for Lent to remind you of and deepen your connection with, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? If you are not sure of what you might do, let me suggest this. Why not simplify something in your life. Our lives are way too complicated more so than really necessary. As an act of devotion, why not identify some part of your life and simplify it. Simplify your schedule, simplify your house, simplify your commitments, simplify your routines, simplify your stuff. Each time you encounter the part of your life that you just simplified, take that moment to remember Jesus and offer (on the spot) a prayer of thanksgiving for what Jesus has done for you. Simplify for the health of our souls. Pastor Tim

2 STAFFED TO SERVE Pastor Directors of Children s Ministries Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Baer Mrs. Janice Deveney Mrs. Charlene Kapp Director of Youth Ministries Mr. Shawn Gray Organists Mrs. Cathy Fauber (8:15) Mrs. Mindy Martz (10:45) Hand Bell Choir Director Junior Choir Director Chancel Choir Director Administrative Assistant Custodian Ms. Rita Spicher Mrs. Periann Smith Ms. Mindy Kitzig Mrs. Debra Buterbaugh Mr. Jeffery Forester SICK OR RECUPERATING AT HOME THIS WEEK Sarah Bartlett, Lori Stubbs, Larry Shoop, Jenine Lane, Tom Walker, Dick Rhoads, OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES Are extended to Jim and GraceAnn Steckbeck and family as recently, their daughter, Vicki Lee Bello entered into the Church Triumphant. Her memorial service was, Friday, March 3, in the Rife Center at Bethany Village. The family expresses their sincere thanks for the many, many prayers that were offered on Vicki s behalf as she fought cancer. They so appreciate their church family and the love expressed to them all during Vicki s illness. May God s peace and blessings be with the family. TODAY WE CELEBRATE the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Please know that the bread tray contains regular bread with gluten free bread located in the small dish in the middle of bread plate. The communion cups contain grape juice. NOTES OF THANKS: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind thoughts, cards and Birthday wishes along with checking on me to see if I am ok. Without all your Christian love and prayers, I could not have made it alone. Mary Rowland Thank you to Pastor Baer and the congregation for all of your prayers and kind words during my surgery and recovery. My family and I appreciate the offers of assistance we received. Angela Rainey Thank you Pastor Tim for your visits and thanks to my church family for your prayers, cards, flowers, visits and phone calls due to my bypass surgery. God has blessed me with family, a church family and great neighbors. Dick Eckman

3 John, The Gospel of Light and Life John s Portrayal of Jesus Dinner and Devotions for Lent 2017 WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER AND DEVOTIONS FOR LENT: Beginning, this Wednesday, March 8 th everyone is invited for Dinner and Devotions in Fellowship Hall. We will be journeying through the season of Lent by focusing on John, The Gospel of Light and Life., by Adam Hamilton. This Lenten study series invites readers to find their own place in the Gospel story and to follow a fresh path to God. Weekly topics following the Gospel of John will be, The Word Made Flesh, The Miraculous Signs of Jesus, The I AM Sayings of Jesus, The Farewell Discourse, and Eternal Life. We will begin at 5:45 with a light dinner, then share in a devotional and be on our way by 7:00. Plan to be present for the entire series (March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5). Sign up inserts will be provided in the newsletter beginning March 5 th. PLAN TO BE PRESENT THROUGH LENT: Lent is a time of preparing for the celebration of Easter. In life, great celebrations do not just happen. Foundations have to be laid and preparations must be made. The same is true as we spiritually approach Easter. How will you prepare your heart now, to celebrate in a few weeks the great Resurrection? Plan to take part during weeks of Lent as we study and worship on Sunday mornings and spiritually grow during Dinner and Devotions on Wednesday evenings. Gather yourself and your family. Invite a friend. Make the commitment to be faithful and not miss a single opportunity. Your spiritual life will deepen absolutely! MECHANICSBURG AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES LENTEN LUNCHES: This year MACC (Mechanicsburg Area Council of Churches) is sponsoring Wednesday Lenten Lunches. All lunches beginning at 12 noon will include a light meal and devotions led by the pastor of that day s host church. Each week, if you plan to attend, please use the sign-up sheet posted on the Shepherdstown office bulletin board in the Narthex. Your reservation will be called in. Locations for the lunches are as follows: March 8 St. Luke s Episcopal Church March 15.Shepherdstown UMC March 22.Hope United Methodist March 29.Shiremanstown UMC April 5...Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren FOOD PANTRY FOR NEW HOPE MINISTRIES: This month s Food Pantry Collection is for New Hope Ministries. The following staple items are currently needed: Canned vegetables, fruit or meat, peanut butter, cooking oil, salt and pepper, powdered milk, catsup, pancake mix and syrup, dishwashing liquid and clothes washing detergent. These items may be brought to the Food Pantry table in the narthex. Please keep in mind, any opened containers or expired items cannot be used.

4 CHURCH MEN S SOFTBALL TEAM: We are trying to determine if we have the numbers to sponsor a men s softball team this spring. Are you looking for a way to get some exercise, meet new people and reconnect with old friends? If you are male and at least 14 years old, you are welcome to join the Men s Softball team at Shepherdstown. If you are interested in playing, please see Janice Deveney or leave contact information on sign up sheets posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex and at the side entrance. We need to let the league know by March 12 if we are planning to have a team. HOW DO I GET EASTER EGGS? Yellow egg order forms are available in the Narthex or from the church office. It is helpful that you use an order form each time you need eggs. Ordering ahead ensures that you get exactly what you want because the different varieties go fast! You can pick up your eggs three different ways: 1. Thursday nights from 6:00-8:00 in Fellowship Hall (beginning 2-16) 2. Friday mornings from 9:00-noon in the Narthex (beginning 2-17) 3. Sunday mornings outside the kitchen immediately following the first or second service. (beginning 2-19) MISSION BASKETS IN THE COMING WEEKS Today..One Great Hour of Sharing UMCOR March 12 Bishop s Partners in Mission March 19 North Star Initiative March 26 HUUMM Harrisburg Uptown UM Min. SUNDAY SCHOOL GREETERS Today. Helping Hands March 12. Elective Class March 19.Bible Explorers March 26.LIFE CLass BREWERS AND BAKERS FOR GATHERING GROUND Today Lori Weicht March 12 Keith and Charlene Kapp March 19 Hersh and Annetta Simington March 26 Jason and Robin Hall 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. GIANT CARD FUND RAISER UPDATE: Since October of 2001, we have sold $993, worth of Giant cards with a profit to the church of $49, Purchase your cards immediately following the worship service or on weekdays from 9 am 12 noon in the church office. LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE Early Service 76 Sunday School 102 Late Worship 180 Membership 505

5 ATTENTION MEN DUDE S WEEKEND RETREAT SLATED: Do you need a getaway in the woods? Join the Dude s Weekend on April at Wesley Forest! A weekend in the woods for friends, fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, and neighbors. Hike, fish, cook a meal around the campfire, and celebrate God s creation and our inherent connection to it. Open to campers age 15+ (under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Cost for the weekend is $ Sign up on the Susquehanna Conference Camps website: Send a note to Doug Brown (dlbrown042@gmail.com) so we have a count of people planning on attending. SPECIAL DAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY OF FAITH THIS WEEK (*child; **youth; ***adult; A=Anniversary; SI=shut-in; CS=College Student; MI=Missionary) [All Mechanicsburg addresses, unless otherwise noted.] *** 5 Carol Beitzel, *** 5 Kevin Nutt, *** 7 Matthew Crownover, *** 7 Joe Butera, *** 7 Mary Trimmer, *** 8 Mary Boyer, *** 8 Megan Prettyman, *** 8 Wesley Reohr, ** 9 Nathaniel Reed, * 9 Ryan Wagner, *** 9 Mattison Waltz, *** 10 Dennis Tewell, *** 11 Kevin Morrison *** 12 Janice Barry, *** 12 Kris Langer CHURCH FAMILIES TO PRAY FOR THIS WEEK Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wes and Laura Reohr Dick and Ada Rhoads Betty Richards Ken Rider Paul and Kathy Ries and family Glenn and Pearl Rinehart SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION/REGISTRATION: The Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministry has opened the registration for summer camps and retreats for The 2017 Camp Brochure and the link for online registration can be located on the following webpage. You can also pick up a copy of the Camp and Retreats information booklet at the table in the Narthex. CPR CLASS UPDATE: On Saturday, , the Cumberland Perry Education Center provided a CPR Class to members of Shepherdstown UMC. Eleven people took advantage of this opportunity. Ann Baer, Deb Buterbaugh, Janice Deveney, Jeff Forester, Dale Glacken, Jan James, Charlene Kapp, Rachel Kapp, Caitlyn Lauver, Maggie Stolar Martz and Sara Trimmer. We are especially pleased to note that 2 of the class members were youth.

6 FUNDRAISING AUCTION PLANNED MARCH 11 YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! The church Fellowship Hall will be the site of an auction this coming Saturday, March 11 th. SUMC again will be selling food and staffing the kitchen from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm. Profits will be used for the greatest needs of the church. Donations of needed food items and a sign-up sheet for help is on the board in the Narthex. Take a gavel off the board and bring the item listed to the church before March 10. Hours for working in 2 hour shifts starting at 7:00 am will also be on the board. Thank you for your help! KIDS KLUB CANDY MAKING TODAY The annual chocolate making with the McFadden s is scheduled for TODAY at 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall for elementary age children. Preschool children are welcome with an adult. Practice the fine art of dipping a variety of yummy goodies in chocolate and eat your artwork (though not all at once ). Sign up in the Children s Center or online so we have enough supplies and help. Visiting grandkids are welcome too. The Klub lasts an hour. There is a VBS decorating meeting conveniently held at the same time if parents need something to do for that hour. We hope to see you there! TODAY S MISSION BASKET - One Great Hour of Sharing: For more than 50 years, United Methodist congregations have been taking part in a special One Great Hour of Sharing offering, laying the foundation for UMCOR s ministry of relief and hope. 100% of donations UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) receives are used towards responding to disasters immediately after an event. UMCOR does not receive United Methodist World Service or apportionment funds, so without your offerings, UMCOR would not exist. LENTEN DISPLAYS FROM THE HOLY LAND For those willing to display articles in the Sanctuary from the Holy Land we will be meeting on Saturday, March 11 th from 9 to 11 AM to set up the displays. If you can have a write up of your trip indicating when it occurred, who it was with, where you traveled, and any other interesting or informative information about the trip that would be great. If you can highlight any of the areas in The Way, Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus (Jordan River and the Wilderness, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, or Jerusalem) that would be great. Please contact Rich Dixon at or dixon7595@gmail.com if you have any questions. The displays will only be for the Sundays of March 12 th, March 19 th, and March 26 th. Thank you. NOTE OF THANKS: Our thanks to the Board of Trustees for caring for the ordering and installation of the new carpet in the Narthex and adjacent hallway and stairwells. This project was funded through your contributions to the Capital/Special Projects and Related Expenses.

7 JOIN THE PRAYER TEAM STAY STRONG WITH PRAYER! As I write this, my niece s little guy, Austin, is undergoing surgery for a lesion on his lung. He is four years old. His parents are, of course, nervous and scared. As I think about him and pray for him, I think of God sending his Son to save us. He knew that his Son would experience pain and torment at the end of his earthly life. He knew, as recorded in Matthew, that Jesus would fall on his face, and pray, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. I am sure that Austin s parents would rather be undergoing this surgery than having Austin endure it. We often want to absorb and protect our children from the worse of what life throws their way. God, too, wants to protect us, his people, from the evils of the world. We can help him by reading his word, surrounding ourselves with Christian brothers and sisters, attending church, joining a bible study, serving others and praying. Jesus found solace in talking to His father during his days of testing. We can too! Stay strong with prayer! The prayer team meets the third Thursday of each month in the Parlor at 6:30P. You are also welcome to join us at the altar each Sunday after services to pray for concerns mentioned that day. Deb Kenes Our Financial Support of Christ s Ministry through Shepherdstown Church: Beginning January 2017 Last Sunday YTD Actual YTD Budgeted + or (-) $8,684 $88,435 $81,177 $7,258 Mission Central Mission Offering - $ Capital/Special Projects & Related Expenses Current Balance - $45,516.44* *Note: $8, has been earmarked for additional carpet RENTAL PROPERTY SALE STATUS: Last September, the Church Council approved by a vote of 13-2, a motion from the Board of Trustees to sell the property at 1939 South York Street. As you know, this property, across the street from the church, was the church parsonage until March of 2012, at which time the existing parsonage was purchased. A white paper that describes the property and what has transpired since March of 2012 is available at the Distribution Center in the Narthex. Following the Council vote, the church forwarded a copy of the approved Council vote and supporting documents to the District Office for review. We have received approval to move ahead and we will have a Church Conference (a meeting of the members of the congregation) on April 2 to take action on the sale. We will have an informal Q&A meeting for the congregation on March 19 th, 2 weeks prior to the Church Conference. Both sessions will be in the Sanctuary after the second service.

8 March 5th, 2017 "Fusion" Youth Ministries Shawn Gray - Director youth@shepherdstownumc.org / The Youth made it all the way to the Semi Finals last week. They had an awesome showing of competiveness while exhibiting great sportsmanship. I just posted details about this summers mission trip. If you did not get them come see me and I will give them to you and put you on the mailing list. Fusion Tonight!! Wing night is coming up. We will go to Quaker Steak and Lube for all you can eat wings and nachos. The cost is $10. There are more details on the monthly Fusion Newsletter that is ed out. If you do not get this newsletter and would like to, let me know and I will put you on the list. Upcoming Dates/Events: March 5 Fusion Youth Group / Confirmation Class March 12 - Fusion Youth Group / Confirmation Class March 14 - Wing Night March 19 - Fusion Youth Group / Confirmation Class March 26 - Fusion Youth Group / Confirmation Class April 2 - Fusion Youth Group / Confirmation Class 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(3/5/17)-Jesus is Baptized by John (Mark 1:9-11)

9 There will be Children s Church for ages 3yrs-5 th grade.these children will be dismissed after the Children s sermon in the 10:45am service. Please make sure ALL kids have a Children s Church Consent Form found in the pew. VBS June 25 th -29 th, 6pm-8:30pm Materials have been ordered, decorating projects have begun, and the excitement is beginning to build for VBS One thing we could really use though is your help. Please consider volunteering that week to lend a helping hand. There are so many opportunities for people of ALL ages to get involved. Just see Charlene or Janice for more information. FLOCK NEWS: Upcoming Events: Being a Light! Love God, Love Others, Serve All! 1. 3/5/17- TODAY! Kids Club- Chocolate Making Fun with the McFaddens-2pm-3pmish. Please sign up today in Children s Center if interested. 2. 3/5/17- TODAY! VBS decorating meeting- runs during the time of the Kids Club above.