The Shepherd s Voice The Weekly Church Newsletter of

Transcription

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. 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Dennis L. Otto 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 24, 2019 SILENCE AND SOLITUDE Compared to prayer and scripture reading silence and solitude may not sound like spiritual practices but they are. They are both ancient and modern, practiced by some of the early monastic Christians and by some of the younger adult Christians now exploring the depth of faith. One person writing about silence and solitude entitled her article, How to escape the chaos. Most days don t feel like chaos to me but I think I know what she meant. Ever feel like you aren t really in control of your schedule? Or perhaps you know what it means to have twelve hours of work that needs to be done in eight hours? Maybe you have three places where you need to be at the same time or three kids that need to go in four directions. Do you ever have the sense that time is going fast but you aren t? If you fit any of these, it may be that Silence and/or Solitude may be a spiritual practice that is just right for you. At its simplest it begins with time that is completely unfilled. No bible reading, scripture, active pondering is to be pursued during this time. It is time to be alone with God inside and outside to the extent possible without having to speak or think. You may know the joy of simply being with someone, a spouse, sibling, or child with whom you can share time and presence with not agenda or words. That is the beginning of this practice of silence and solitude. Perhaps its daily practice will help you find more joy in the day and God in all of it. In Christ s Service, Dennis L. Otto, pastor

2 STAFFED TO SERVE Pastor Directors of Children s Ministries Rev. Dr. Dennis L. Otto Janice Deveney Charlene Kapp Director of Youth Ministries Shawn Gray Organists Cathy Fauber (8:15) Mindy Martz (10:45) Hand Bell Choir Director Junior Choir Director Chancel Choir Director Kitchen Coordinator Administrative Assistant Custodian Rita Spicher Periann Smith Mindy Martz Jeanie Hershey Debra Buterbaugh Jeffery Forester SICK OR RECUPERATING AT HOME THIS WEEK Paul Klase, JoAnn Kyper, Phyllis Dromgold, Dolores Walker

3 JOINING TODAY AT THE 10:45 SERVICE: Maxine Hendricks: Maxine is a retired Elementary teacher. She taught for 32 years. She has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Maxine loves reading, shopping, traveling, bird watching and she is an avid Silver Sneakers exercise class attendee. Mona Otto: Mona is married to our pastor, Dennis Otto. They have 2 children, Andrew and Katie who are both married with children of their own. Mona loves reading, travel and spending time with family and friends. She works part time as an administrative assistant at the Center for Spiritual Formation in Carlisle. Staria Reisinger: Staria is currently retired after 40 years as a customer service rep. She has 2 daughters, 1 son and 8 grandchildren. Being a transplant from Perry County, she is a true tree hugger, loves the outdoors, gardening and antiquing. PICK UP YOUR DAFFODILS TODAY! Thank you to all who participated in Daffodil Days. The beautiful daffodils brighten our worship services today! Thanks to Jan James- 1 bunch of daffodils, 1 tulip bunch, and 1 mini potted daffodil. Rita Spicher- 1 bunch of daffodils. Lori Weicht- 1 bunch of daffodils, 1 tulip bunch. Joann Ivey- 2 bunches of daffodils. Sandra Loyer- 1 mini potted daffodil. LaDonna Tarpley - 1 bunch of daffodils. Jo Smeal- 1 bunch of daffodils, 1 mini potted daffodil. GraceAnn Steckbeck- 1 bunch of daffodils, 1 tulip bunch. Staria Reisinger- 1 mini potted daffodil. You may pick up your daffodils after the service. Your support of the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life Team is greatly appreciated. Sara Trimmer, Relay for Life Representative Like and Follow Us! Are you a facebook user? Do you want to stay up to date with any events and posts from Shepherdstown? Like our page! Search for Shepherdstown United Methodist Church on facebook and click on the Like option under the church photo. You can also reach this page from the church website home page. By liking the page, you will automatically be set up to follow the page and any updates to the church website will appear in your feed notifying you immediately. This is different than just liking an event or a post that you happen to see (but that is good too!) We hope you take a moment to like our page and our events and positive reviews are welcome too!

4 TODAY S MISSION BASKET Harrisburg Uptown United Methodist Ministry The Uptown Soup Kitchen opened in February 1988 and continues to operate in the lower level of Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell UMC, located at 2221 N. Sixth Street, Harrisburg. The Soup Kitchen serves a hot meal each weekday to between 40 and 100 persons, between 12 noon and 1 PM, Monday through Friday. Most of the patrons are unemployed, under employed, homeless, disabled, single parents or elderly. The Uptown Soup Kitchen has served over 20,000 meals since MISSION BASKETS IN THE COMING WEEKS March 24.Harrisburg Uptown UM Ministries March 31.UMCOR April 7 The Seminary Debt Fund April 14.Native American Ministries SUNDAY SCHOOL GREETERS March 24..LIFE Class March 31..Helping Hands Class April 7.The Elective Class April 14..Bible Explorers BREWERS AND BAKERS FOR GATHERING GROUND March 24 Lori Weicht March 31 Cultivate & Nurture Team April 7..Volunteer Needed April 14 Volunteer Needed GIANT CARD FUND RAISER UPDATE: Since October of 2001, we have sold $1,140, worth of Giant cards with a profit to the church of $57, Purchase your cards immediately following the worship service or on weekdays from 10 am 12 pm in the church office. 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.

5 LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE Early Worship at 8:15-71 Late Morning Worship at 10: Sunday School 81 Membership 509 Our Financial Support of Christ s Ministry Through Shepherdstown Church: Beginning January 1, 2019 Last Sunday YTD Actual YTD Budgeted + or (-) $12,420 $116,728 $107,208 $9,520 North Star Initiative Mission Basket- $ Capital/Special Projects & Related Expenses Current Balance - $32, CUMBERLAND SINGERS CONCERT: The Cumberland Singers are celebrating their 43rd anniversary this year and will present their 2019 spring concert here at Shepherdstown UMC on Sunday, April 14 th at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The program, entitled Seasons of Love will feature the premiere of a new choral piece entitled To Everything There is A Season with iconic text from Ecclesiastes in an original work for choir, piano and bassoon. Also enjoy love songs and songs about the four seasons, Daniel Pinkham s beautiful Wedding Cantata, along with folk songs, Broadway favorites and jazz. A free-will offering will be taken at intermission. For more information about Cumberland Singers see their website at

6 SOME FOLKS WHO LIKE TO SING NEEDED On March 31, Family Sunday, we will be celebrating the accomplishment of some of our congregation who have been married 50 years or more. Of those some will be asked to share favorite hymns that we will sing in a hymn sing style. I will be glad to direct that hymn singing part, i.e. tell you the hymns, hymnal numbers, and maybe some background on the hymn. I am not able to make a big contribution with my singing voice. I have felt for a long time that a few voices of people who like to sing hymns at the front of the sanctuary would greatly help the 8:15 service hymn singing. We are not looking for a performance group; no anthems, solos, etc; just a group of four to six people who will sing the hymns which they will have ahead of time and help the congregation sing in that way. , phone or mention to me your willingness to help by singing with a few others on March 31. Thanks, Pastor Dennis 50 + WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Join us next Sunday, March 31 st for a time to celebrate the many couples attending here who have been married for 50 or more years. Join us in the Life Center after either worship service to meet some of the happy couples and hear their stories and of course eat some cake. If you have been married more than 50 years and have not been contacted, please see Janice Deveney or call the office with your information. We d love to hear from you and update our records. EASTER EGG REMINDER!! Our last day to take Easter Egg orders is Sunday, April 7 th. Please have your orders in by that date to insure that you will get your eggs! SPRING CLEAN UP DAY APRIL 13 th : The annual Spring Clean-up will be Saturday, April 13 th, starting at 8:30. As in the past, we will spruce up the flower beds and put down mulch. We need all the volunteer help we can get and don t forget to bring wheel barrels, shovels and gloves! CHURCH FAMILIES TO PRAY FOR THIS WEEK Monday David and Lori Livingston and family Tuesday Gina London Wednesday Ken and Helen Love Thursday Milton and Sandra Loyer Friday Clair and Gloria Lutz Saturday Brandon and Jill Madara and family

7 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.] MARCH *** 24 René Murray, *** 24 Tim Ries, *** 24 Clay McAllister, *** 25 Richard Davis *** 25 Emily Vance, ** 25 Elliot Bashore, *** 26 Charlene Kapp, *** 27 Chandler Wells, *** 27 Larry Peck *** 27 Lester Weber, *** 28 Jimmy McGill, ** 28 Sam Bashore, *** 28 Raymond Myers * 29 Kolton Kramer *** 29 Barbara Weaver *** 30 Tom Mann, *** 31 Sandra Weber, SAMARITAN S PURSE SHOEBOX DONATIONS: As in previous years the Elective Class will publish the suggested items for donation each month. These items can then be placed in the box at the poster board informational display in the Lobby. Items for the month of March are Accessories: hair items, necklaces, bracelets, hair bows, watches. Just as a reminder the age categories are 2-4, 5-9, for both sexes. Thanks for your help in this endeavor. EASTER EGG HUNT TIME AGAIN Shepherdstown will host it s annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 20th, starting at 1pm. Kids from age 1 to 5 th grade are invited to attend. There will be crafts and ice cream offered after the egg hunt. We are in need of candy donations for the event. Any bite-size wrapped candy that the congregation can help supply us with will be greatly appreciated. Look for the basket in the narthex to place your donations in the next few weeks. Thanks again for your support!

8 BEREAVEMENT RESOURCES PROVIDED AT SUMC: The Cultivate and Nurture Team provides a resource for those who have lost a loved one. It is a set of four booklets in the series Journeying through Grief that will be sent over an 11 month period following the death. If you have suffered a loss and feel these booklets would help your journey through grief, please contact the church office. JOIN THE PRAYER TEAM Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 I shared with the Prayer Team this week that now three of my childhood neighborhood parents have passed within the last six months. I just attended another memorial service on Saturday. It seems like a season of sorrow. This last one should not have been a surprise since he was 87 but I had just visited him and he had seemed to be in good health. I lament that another piece of my life quilt has an end date. But I also praise the Lord for giving me a childhood surrounded by good people. People who cared about me, admonished me when needed and shared their homes, their kids, their kindness. I want to be mad about this but how can I be? God gifts us many times with things that we take for granted until they are gone. Still our grief at their going home has to be tempered with the joy of knowing that we were granted a piece of their time and we will see them again. This bit of sorrow has led me to think about my own neighborhood. Am I doing a good job being a mentor to those around me? Have I given up too easy when some have turned my faith talk down? Have I loved well enough? I want to do better. How about you? Father God, help me to be present in the moment not just when it is convenient. Remind me of the gifts received from old friends that I might share them with future generations. There is a reason you tell us to love our neighbors. Practice makes perfect and You are perfect! Help us to be not playdough gods but images of what is real and righteous. Amen. Deb Kenes

9 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 phone numbers provided below to call in your reservation by the Monday prior. Thank you. Locations for the lunches are as follows: March 20.Mechanicsburg Brethren March 27. Shepherdstown UMC April 3 St. Luke Episcopal Church April 10.Shiremanstown UMC SENIORS OF SHEPHERDSTOWN APRIL MEETING: On Thursday April 4 th at 1 pm, the SOS will meet in Fellowship Hall for the program to be presented by Steve Runkle. The title of the presentation will be Lumbering and Timber Rafting in the Susquehanna River Basin. The presentation chronicles logging, river transportation of logs and cut lumber, and lumber milling from colonial times through the 19th Century. Take an imaginary 346 mile trip on a timber raft from Cherry Tree down the Susquehanna River all the way to tidewater at Port Deposit, Maryland. The last part of this voyage is on the historically treacherous lower Susquehanna River. The logging, log boom and drives, logging railroad, lumber milling, and tanning industry portion of the presentation focuses on the West Branch Susquehanna River watershed above Williamsport. The wanton harvest of these virgin timberlands made Williamsport the "Lumber Capital of the World" during the middle of the 19th Century. It also brought with it labor exploitation, environmental devastation, and catastrophic flooding. In this presentation, get to know the "wood hicks", rivermen, log drivers, boom rats, and industrialists that made the early "lumber boom" happen. Come and enjoy this program. No sign up is necessary and refreshments will follow the presentation. EGG INFO FOR 2019 We are asking all Egg Makers (Tuesday and Thursday) and Thursday Night Pickups, to enter the church at the Fellowship Hall back door, as the side door will now be kept locked for security reasons. We appreciate your cooperation. In addition, you may place egg orders two ways, by using an order form found in newsletters or at the lobby Distribution Center (place in Response Box) or by calling the church office

10 HOW DO I GET EASTER EGGS? Yellow egg order forms are available in today s newsletter, in the lobby or from the church office. It is helpful that you use an order form each time you order 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 (Please use back Fellowship Hall entrance) 2. Friday mornings beginning 2/22 from 10 1 in the church lobby 3. Sunday mornings outside the kitchen immediately following the first or second service. 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 chicken, tuna or beef stew, canned vegetables, fruit or soup, peanut butter. Laundry detergent, shampoo, toilet paper. These item s may be brought to the Food Pantry table in the Lobby. Please keep in mind, any opened containers or expired items cannot be used. CALLING ALL ELEMENTARY CAMPERS: Kids that have completed grades 3 6 this school year are old enough to go to church camp for a week of fun and friendship. Some fellow Shepherdstown UMC campers are already signed up for Wesley Forest s Camp Splash during the week of July 7 12, We would love to have you join us for the week. Remember the church will pay ½ of the registration fee for campers and if you register before 5/1/19 you can get an early bird discount! Camp booklets are available in the Children s Center or in the Lobby. Feel free to send any questions to the church office. Those with additional need should contact Pastor Otto.

11 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(3/24/19)-Jesus Teaches About Good Fruit (Luke 6:43-45) Today there will be Children s Church for ages 3yrs.-5 th grade. These kids will be dismissed after the Children s sermon in the 10:45am service. Please fill out a GREEN Children s Church consent form found in the pew. EGG HUNT FUN! This year our annual Easter egg hunt will be held on April 20 th at 1pm. Please bring along your favorite basket, and be ready to enjoy finding eggs, doing crafts, and eating ice cream. Signup sheets will be coming soon! INVITE A FRIEND TO ENJOY IN THE FUN TOO! VBS /23-6/27-Where Can You help? So many opportunities are available to help with VBS. We are in need of Crew Leaders and helpers, Station leaders and helpers, Registration help, snack help, prep for VBS, etc. Where can you give of your time to spread the word of God to our community? See Janice or Charlene for more info. VBS will run from Sunday, June23rd-Thursday, June 27 th from 6pm-8:30pm. FLOCK NEWS: Upcoming Events: Love God, Love Others, Serve All! 1. 3/31, 4/14, 4/28- VBS Decorating/Prep-6pm (Note time change) 2. 4/20- Egg Hunt and Ice cream Social- 1pm 3. 4/21- Easter Celebration- 9:30am-10:30am in Children s Center

12 March 24, 2019 "Fusion" Youth Ministries Shawn Gray - Director youth@shepherdstownumc.org / Easter is coming and that means that we have a Sunrise Service to plan. We will begin using the Sunday School hour to plan for this year s Sunrise Service. All youth are encouraged to come be a part of the service. Even if you miss a week you will be able to make this service awesome. Fusion Tonight The weeks for the upcoming Mission Trip to Gary West Virginia are June Mark your calendars. We are also in charge of Kids Club this year. Outpost the all day capture the flag event is coming. Check your s for permission slips and information. Permission forms were ed out. The due date for the forms is April 7. Upcoming Dates/Events: March 24- Fusion March 31 - Fusion April 7- Fusion/Due Date for Outpost April 13 Outpost April 14 No Fusion