the NEWSREEL from the pastor s pen... Contact Information Sunday Services May 2018 Volume 24, Issue 5

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1 the NEWSREEL McConnellsburg United Methodist Church, McConnellsburg, PA May 2018 Volume 24, Issue 5 from the pastor s pen... In light of the fact that April 23, 2018 is the 50th birthday of the United Methodist Church, I think it appropriate to share this article by Fran Coode Walsh (source: umc.org) in lieu of my regular letter. Pastor Robin 50 REASONS TO CELEBRATE Five decades is always an important milestone, and 2018 marks the Big 5-0 for The United Methodist Church. That s the reason we ve compiled a quick list of 50 reasons the world is a better place thanks to the witness and work of the people of the UMC. There are so many more we could list and you surely have your own reasons. We encourage you to share them. Our people 1. John Wesley, who was called to create a movement, that grew into a church. He could ve been a Jedi, really. 2. Susanna Wesley, whose steadfast faith and bold witness inspired her children and made her the true Mother of Methodism. 3. The 750,000 members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and 10.3 million members of the Methodist Church who came together in the tumultuous year of 1968 and created a new church. 4. More than 300 missionaries who serve across the world. 5. So many amazing kids, doing so many acts of kindness for their neighbors. 6. Leaders and trailblazers like Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala of Mozambique, who is the first female United Methodist bishop in Africa. 7. Young adults sharing their gifts, like blind artist Jeff Hanson who has raised millions for charity. 8. Our bishops, past and present. You can get to know more about their personal faith journeys in podcasts, like the one with Bishop Harald Rückert of Germany who had a previous career in food technology. 9. The Methodist mother-daughter team who created a holiday for moms. 10. Members of the two United Methodist churches that were the first to host Father s Day celebrations. (continued on page 2) Contact Information Pastor: Robin Baer Parsonage: Church Office: mcumc@comcast.net Youth Director: Kelli Miller Facility Coordinator: Reta Chamberlain Alternate: Sue Nesbitt Website: Sunday Services Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am (for all ages) 1

2 (continued from page 1) Our places 11. The Philippines, where United Methodists care deeply about climate change and planted more than 3,000 trees on Mindanao. 12. Washington, DC, where we have the only non-governmental bldg. on Capitol Hill and it has a green roof! 13. Honduras, where the only United Methodist church in Latin America is found. 14. Kansas, where a United Methodist Church houses the world s largest stained glass window. 15. Congo, where ministries like the Goma Orphanage offer job skills and education to those struggling after wars.: 16. China, where United Methodists continue to support Chinese Christians and promote ecumenical dialogue. 17. Côte d Ivoire, where The Voice of Hope radio station transmits to more than 1 million people in 18 languages daily. 18. Alaska, where United Methodists preserve Native culture and share God s message no matter the weather. 19. New Jersey, where God s Square Mile can be found on the beach at Ocean Grove. 20. Sierra Leone, where the United Methodist University of Sierra Leone opened in Freetown in Our musicians 21. Charles Wesley, whose hymns were considered as influential in the Methodist movement as his brother John s sermons. 22. Fanny Crosby, a blind, musical visionary who penned "Blessed Assurance" and more than 8,000 songs in her lifetime. 23. Choir members the world over, who use their talents to praise God and grow their own faith while inspiring others with their music. 24. The Amazing Grace Guitar Ministry in Dallas, that offers young people lessons and rewards them with a guitar as part of a mentorship program. 25. The Africa University Choir, who sang for South Carolina United Methodists in the wake of the 2015 shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. 26. Composer, conductor and teacher Jane Marshall who debuted in a big way with the anthem "My Eternal King." 27. Ukulele choirs like the one from Frisco, Texas with musicians aged 8 to 60, who performed at the 2016 General Conference. 28. Betty Trotter, who has played the piano for Spring Creek United Methodist Church in Tennessee for more than 70 years. 29. Beyoncé, who sang her first solo at her home church, St. John s UMC in Houston. In 2017, she teamed with her pastor Rudy Rasmus and the congregation to help survivors of Hurricane Harvey. 30. The Steel Pan Ministry at Westchester UMC in the Bronx, which combines the influences of many cultures to create a unique orchestra that serves the church and the community. Our mission 31. To alleviate human suffering and advance hope and healing. Since 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has been providing aid to families like those hurt by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. 32. To focus on ministries with women, children and youth. 800,00 United Methodist Women work across the globe, including in Liberia where UMW offered meals and lifesaving information during the Ebola outbreak of To empower the ministry of Jesus Christ through men within the congregations of the UMC. United Methodist Men offers spiritual resources, like Strength for Service devotionals for the U.S. military. 34. To volunteer in relief efforts around the world. Volunteers in Mission do construction, teach, conduct medical clinics, lead Bible study, and more. 35. To plant new churches and encourage congregations to see all the people. One vibrant example is Embrace Church in northern California, which launched in July To discern God s call in our lives and use our spiritual gifts. 37. To address the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of all. The church s Abundant Health initiative encourages members to embrace healthy living and hula-hoops. 38. To support the rights of workers and fight for a living wage. Learn ways you can support worker justice. 39. To remember our role as stewards of God s earth and care for Creation. 40. To recognize the sin of racism and seek racial justice. Learn ways you can take a stand against racism. Our method 41. Core spiritual practices, which led to the nicknames for early Methodists. 42. Our Wesleyan heritage, which put an emphasis on practical divinity. 43. A history of disciple-shaping groups, the foundation of the movement. 44. The Articles of Religion and other foundational documents. 45. Four theological guidelines. 46. Sacraments and sacramental acts, which are part of our life s journey. 47. Prayer, which comforts and connects us. 48. Our Social Principles and Social Creed, which guide our thinking and acting. 49. General Conference, which is the only body that speaks officially for the church. 50. Our history, which gives us roots and can inspire us today. 2

3 3 Church Council Meeting Minutes To keep the congregation updated on happenings at the Church Council Meetings the following information was taken from their meeting minutes. April - The regular meeting of the Church Council was held on April 17, 2018 with nine people in attendance. Minutes: Nancy Cordell asked for an amendment to the March minutes stating that Hands and Feet of Hope was not a factor in our Shares of Ministry. Finance: Under the special reserve the gym rental has been moved to the general fund and $ with funerals moved to the general fund. A late bill from December with the church fundraiser. New batteries and pads were purchased for the AED and a new fire extinguished for the kitchen. SPRC: George Heacock reported that the next SPRC meeting is Monday, May 7, Trustee's Report: Mont Chamberlain reported that three additional receptacles have been added to the Faith & Life Center. Youth: Kelli Miller reported preparing for Hands and Feet of Hope. Outreach Team: Sue Nesbitt reported that Love s Closet is in its seventh year. This past year over 280 families have been served and overall total since the beginning of Love s Closet, have been able to help over 600 families. The donations have been amazing! Violet Culler asked for more help especially on Monday with sorting and marking of clothing and items. The summer hours will start in May from 9-11 A.M. Old Business: Pastor Robin reported that the Bishop Fun/Run Walk has been rescheduled for May 20, 2018 from 3-5 P.M. The Suicide Prevention workshop had a small crowd but very well done with songs, statistics and testimonies. Congratulations to Madisyn Culler and Bryce Garland on their Confirmation on Sunday, April 8, New Business: Pastor Robin reported on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 7:00 P.M., the program Shifting a Generation featuring Eddie James Ministries will be presented at the McConnellsburg High School. On Saturday, April 28, 2018 a Navigate Event will be presented at Lewisburg High School from 9 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Leanne Pollock reported the annual Mother Daughter Banquet is May 10, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the Faith & Life Center. Finance Team Meeting The regular meeting of the Finance Team was held on April 12, 2018 with seven people in attendance. Old Business: The annual audit was reviewed and a copy of this budget will become a permanent record with minutes. New signatures are still needed on accounts at Community State Bank. New Business: Community State Bank has contacted us concerning the need for a detail of money going in and out. This is required of anyone having a loan through their bank. This will be provided for the General Account and Trustees accounts. This has been done or is in progress. Reviewed General Account available balance and it is down about $2,400. It was approved for $ from Gym Rental to be transferred to General Fund. Under the Youth/Impact on Restricted it is in minus balance. After conferring with Kelli Miller, $ will be applied from the Youth Ministry under the Budget. It was approved for $200 from the Funeral Fund to be transferred to the General Fund. Pastor Robin and Penny Shives have requested meal tickets only for Annual Conference. Penny will be staying with a friend and Pastor Robin will be staying at another hotel at a reduced rated. This will be under budget by approximately $200. Under Equipment expense, $ was used this month. New AED pads and equipment were purchased as well as a new fire extinguisher for the kitchen. Also, the AED will be relocated to outside the elevator so it is easily accessible to all levels of the church. Check # Cost of fire extinguisher questioned. The deposit for Love s Deposit of $1,000 was questioned. Was this a donation?

4 ~ Servant of the Month ~ by Reta Chamberlain The Servant of the Month for May is Helen Overly. Helen has attended church here for about 10 years and within the past year has become a member. She serves as a Trustee and has been very active in the fundraising for the Faith and Life Center before it was built and has also been helping in raising money for the new carpet that was just recently installed. When asked what her favorite verse in the Bible is she said Galatians 2:20. This verse let s her know that I have been crucified with Christ and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is the result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. He lives in me and He does the work in me therefore He gets all the glory. Helen s hobbies and some things she s involved in are: she likes to entertain people and visit with family and friends, she chairs several committees on the FCMC Foundation Board and Scholarship Committee as well as her project of the FCMC gift shop. Helen has for many years also helped in celebrating birthdays with the long-term care center each month and does some entertaining when called upon to do so. Some things she will be involved in for the month of May is Helen will be having the opportunity to sing for children at daycare and playing her ukulele with school students who are learning to play. She will also be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky and Scranton, Pa. to lead music at Bible conferences there which she has done for the past several years. In her spare time (if she ever has any) she says she likes to watch a little tv, read and catch up with family and friends whenever possible. This is a woman who is admired so very much. She is truly a devoted Woman of God and she brightens up your day just by being near you. Helen is such a blessing to us all and we are so very thankful to have her in our church family. We are still looking for someone willing to learn to prepare meals for various sized groups. Deb McGarvey is willing to train someone to work with her in the kitchen to plan meals and supervise when Deb is unavailable. Twice in the past year we had been asked to prepare meals for funerals and Deb was out of town both times. There was no one prepared to take on the task in Debs absence and the families had to purchase their own food. This should not happen in our Church and we are asking for support in this ministry. Female or male are welcome and more than one can apply. The more people who are available the better it would be. This is an un-paid position but your reward is knowing that you helped families in their time of need. Please prayerfully consider and call Deb McGarvey or George Heacock for more information. Your consideration will be appreciated. Blessing to all. George R. Heacock, Chairman, SPRC Committee 4

5 2018 May SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY A Choir-6p Youth Mtg-6p Bible Study-6:30p National Day of Prayer First Friday Lunch CANCELLED Love's Closet 9-11a A Choir-11a SPRC Mtg-6pm A Choir-6p K Choir-5:30p Youth Mtg-6p Bible Study-10a & 6:30p ASCENSION DAY Mom/Daug Banquet- 6p Finance Mtg-6:30p MOTHER'S DAY A Choir-8:30a K Choir-8:30a A Choir-6p Council Mtg-7p Youth Mtg-6p Bible Study-10a & 6:30p PENTECOST HFOH Mtg-7p A Choir-11a Bishops Walk/Run-a-Thon- 3-5pm Memorial Music Tribute-6p A Choir-6p Trustee Mtg-7p K Choir-5:30p Youth Mtg-6p Bible Study-10a & 6:30p VBS Mtg-6:30p A Choir-8:30 & 11a K Choir-11a Blanket project-10a Memorial Day Youth Mtg-6p Annual Conference Annual Conference Annual Conference Notes: A Choir - Adult Choir K Choir - Kids Choir HFOH - Hands and Feet of Hope 03 Tom Howells 06 Steve Young 08 Dinah Chamberlain 11 Reta Chamberlain 11 Dennis Richards May Birthdays and Anniversaries 14 Denny & Leanne Pollock 25 Betty McClain 25 Doug & Deb Seiders 25 Jeremy Fletcher 28 Lucas McClain 28 Craig & Jen Knepper 29 Kendra Keebaugh 29 Jorja Fletcher 30 Greg Garland REMINDER For additions or corrections to the birthday & anniversary list use the Newsreel Suggestion Box at the back of the sanctuary or the church office (address on page 1) CHILDREN'S CHURCH :30 11:00 Nicole Wilson NEEDED Brady Seiders Cindy Glessner Penny Shives Jody Hann Holly Stambaugh Vicki Gordon NONE - Mother's Day NEEDED Dixie Heacock Brandon Fletcher Tracey Fletcher 8:30 11: NEEDED Sherri McClain NURSERY NONE - Mother's Day NEEDED Joy Minnier NEEDED Debbie & Bryan Fletcher Please see Kelli Miller if you can fill any of the vacancies shown for this month or if you have questions about what is required to be a helper, teacher, or nursery volunteer 5

6 Bible Verses For When You Feel Empty Psalm 81:10 2 Corinthians 12:10 Ephesians 3:17-19 Philippians 1:9-11 Romans 15:13 1 Peter 1:8 Psalm 126:2 Colossians 2:9-10 MAY SCREEN SCHEDULE DATE 8:30 SERVICE 11:00 SERVICE Jen Knepper NEEDED NEEDED Josh Booth Kelli Miller Jeron Fletcher Dave Gourley Dave Keaton Jen Knepper NEEDED Make plans to attend a special evening of music a memorial tribute to Mike and Fred Stenger to be held Sunday, May 20 at 6 pm, in the Faith & Life Center. The choir will be presenting the worship musical, The Only Name; HIS will be sharing music written by Mike; along with others presenting special music. The choir will be singing at both worship services on May 27 and then begin their summer break. If you would like to share your musical talents during the summer months there will soon be a signup sheet on the memorial case. May 28, Why was the end of May chosen for this holiday? 2. What war was Memorial Day started to commemorate? 3. What year was the first Memorial Day observed (according to many experts)? 4. What city is the official birthplace of Memorial Day? 5. What sporting event is always held on Memorial Day? ANSWERS 1. flowers are blooming, 2. Civil War, , 4. Waterloo, NY, 5. Indianapolis 500 6

7 This & That VBS Planning Meeting May 24, 6:30 pm We will be coming together on Saturday, May 26, at 10 am, to make prayer blankets. All ages are welcome. If you can tie a knot you can help! We re making fleece blankets with fringed edges. If you have a pair of fabric scissors please bring them along. Hope to see you there! A superhero theme has been selected for this years VBS, now we just need some superheroes to help put it all together for our kids! You CAN be a superhero! Come to the meeting and see how. Mission Central is teaming up with the Harrisburg Senators for FAITH DAY on Sunday, June 3. When you buy a ticket for an $11 box seat, Mission Central will receive $4 of your ticket purchase. Choirs from area churches will be singing the National Anthem and a praise band will play a pregame concert. Bishop Jeremiah Park will throw out the first pitch. Game time is 3:30 pm, gates open at 2:15 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at vent/missioncentral Consider yourself invited to be a part of 2018 Hands and Feet of Hope! This will be the fifth year for this local mission work camp and our church will be used as home base again this year. It s so great to see the teen campers and adult volunteers working and worshiping side-by-side. Days are filled with building and remodeling projects, lunchtime devotions, and showing others Jesus love. Evenings include dinners, a time of worship, and hopefully one evening of swimming (if we re blessed with good weather). If you have any building/handyman skills we d love to have you join us. Or perhaps you can help with meals, chaperoning, or transportation? Or a monetary donation? And, everyone, please keep this event covered in prayer! Contact Jeremy Fletcher or Kelli Miller if you have questions or to let them know where you d like to help one day or all week, God will bless your efforts! 7

8 What is Annual Conference? Each year an equal number of clergy members and lay members attend their conference's annual conference session for worship, fellowship, and to conduct the business of the conference, which may last 3-5 days. These sessions include reports of past and ongoing work; adoption of future goals, programs and budgets; ordination of clergy members as deacons and elders; and election of delegates to Jurisdictional and General Conferences (every 4 years). The bishop presides over these meetings. The McConnellsburg UMC is in the Altoona District, which is part of the Susquehanna Conference and our 2018 Annual Conference will be held May 31 - June 2, 2018, at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. Pastor Robin and Penny Shives will be representing our church at this conference. Last year much of the conference was livestreamed on the conference s website. If/when a live-stream link is provided for this year s sessions it will be posted on the McConnellsburg UMC Facebook page - While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust." 8

9 HUMMINGBIRD CAKE 2 cups sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 cups flour 8 oz. pineapple, drained 1 cup oil 2 large bananas, smashed 1 tsp. baking soda 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 3/4 cup walnuts (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Pour batter into a greased bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. Cheryl Cutshall, 2009 McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook POOR MAN S STEAK 11/2 lb. ground beef Sauce: 11/2 cups saltine cracker or 1 can cream of mushroom soup & 1/3 cup milk bread crumbs OR combine together 1 small onion 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup milk 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 tsp. salt 11/2 T Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 cup water 1 T vinegar 1/4 tsp. dry mustard Mix together ground beef, cracker crumbs, onion, milk, salt and pepper. Press onto cookie sheet to desire thickness, cover and refrigerate overnight. Cut into serving sized pieces, flour, and brown in skillet. Place in baking dish and cover with desired sauce. You can either use soup mixed with 1/3 cup milk or blend together other seven sauce ingredients for a spicier sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until done. Kate Mellott, 2009 McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Did you ever know what the cloths that hang from the pulpit and the alter are called? They re paraments. Webster defines a parament as a decoration for a room or an ecclesiastical vestment, in other words a tapestry relating to the church. One that you ve probably seen in our church around the time of Advent or Lent looks like this Do you know what the symbols on this parament represent? The center PX is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ Chi (X) and Rho (P). It s referred to as the chi-rho monogram. The A on the left side is alpha and the on the right is omega, which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In the book of Revelation God says I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End..... and now you know. 9

10 We will be celebrating Pentecost this month (May 20). Take this quiz and see how much you know about Pentecost. 1. According to Acts 2 the disciples were all gathered in one place on the day of Pentecost? True or False 2. While everyone was gathered together celebrating the feast, what sound was heard all around them? trumpets playing or angels singing or rushing wind 3. What feast were they celebrating? Feast of Weeks or Feast of Unleavened Bread or Feast of Tabernacles 4. The scriptures declare they were all given what miraculous gift that day? a vision of Jesus or strength like Sampson or the Holy Spirit 5. After receiving this gift what special thing could the disciples do? speak in other languages or see visions of God or sing like angles 6. Who were the devout people gathered in Jerusalem that heard the disciples speaking? Jews from Jerusalem or Jews from every nation or Gentiles from every nation 7. People from all different countries were in Jerusalem that day because it was the time of a pilgrimage feasts and all Jewish males were required to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. True or False 8. What was so confusing to the people that were watching and listening to the disciples that day? they all understood what was being said in their own language or that none of them could understand what was being said 9. What were all the disciples speaking about? the wonders of God or the joy in their hearts or the power they were feeling 10. Some who were watching thought the disciples were drunk? True or False 11. What is the meaning of the word pentecost (which come from the Greek pentekoste)? fifty or fire or day of miracles 12. In order to explain what was happening Peter quoted prophecy recorded in what Old Testament book of the Bible? Deuteronomy or Joel or Malachi Answers: 1. True, 2. rushing wind, 3. Feast of Weeks (also known as Shavout), 4. The Holy Spirit, 5. speak in other languages, 6. Jews from every nation, 7. True, 8. they all understood what was being said in their own language, 9. the wonders of God, 10. True, 11. fifty, 12. Joel. 10