Blessed to be a Blessing!

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. 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Baer pastor.sumc@comcast.net Director of Youth Ministries: youth.sumc@comcast.net Directors of Children s Ministries: Janice Deveney & Charlene Kapp childrens.sumc@comcast.net Administrative Asst.: Deb Buterbaugh E mail: admin.sumc@comcast.net Custodian: Wayne McFadden custodian.sumc@comcast.net Church Office: or Fax November 10, 2013 Greetings to Everyone! Blessed to be a Blessing! Have you noticed a fundamental difference in the way people approach life? Some always seem to focus on the negative. No matter what, they can usually find something wrong. Even in circumstances where many would find joy, they deflate the air in the room by making a comment indicating something does not suit them or something is amiss. Others always seem to be so positive. They look at the world as a place of possibility. They can always find the good even if the circumstances are dire. It really does make a difference whether you approach life with a cup half full rather than a cup half empty attitude. The Bible through and through tells us that God is a God of possibility and hope. Indeed, God has blessed us in many rich ways. Even when we struggle, God places blessings in our lives. The question is whether we will drain the life out of life by focusing on the negative and what we see as not right, or whether we will put life into life by appreciating and thanking God for how we have been blessed by an awesome God. Friends, take some time to really take stock of how God has blessed you. You may discover you are blessed more than you sometimes think!!! You may discover that you have been blessed to be a blessing!!! 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 Organists Mrs. Cathy Fauber (8:15) Ms. Mindy Kitzig (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. Wayne McFadden SICK OR RECUPERATING AT HOME THIS WEEK Tom Adams, Ken Eaves, Collin Hepford, Lena Goshorn Ed Hopple, Luann Mannion, Pat Mayberry, Phyllis Dromgold Merv Shields, NEW MEMBERS JOINING TODAY We welcome the latest members to our community of faith. They are: Bob Carr, Sue Carr, Cathy Hought, Erin Hought, Darryl Kenes, Deb Kenes.

3 CHILDREN S CHURCH TIDBIT: Each Sunday during the 10:45 service, if you do not accompany your child downstairs for Children s Church, you must complete a Children s Church Consent Form (requests simple contact information) found in the pews. Please have your child bring the completed card with them during the children s sermon and the card will be collected by the teacher downstairs. CUSTODIAN POSITION OPEN: Shepherdstown United Methodist Church with 500+ members, is seeking to fill the position for Custodian. The Custodian performs a full range of custodial work in order to maintain all church facilities in a clean and presentable condition for church and community functions. Previous custodial and maintenance experience is preferred. The complete description and qualifications are available at Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to sprc@shepherdstownumc.org or mail to: Shepherdstown United Methodist Church c/o SPRC 1934 S. York St. Mechanicsburg, PA Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CHURCH CONFERENCE is November 17: Our annual Church Conference will be held on November 17 th. The location is First UMC (135 W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg 17055). We will join with the other United Methodist Churches of the Mechanicsburg Cluster beginning with a time of worship at 2 p.m. After worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, each church will gather in separate rooms for the actual annual business (election of next year s leadership, etc.) CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE/ SEWING HELP NEEDED We had a great turnout for the first Christmas Play Practice and are looking forward to the second one tonight. Meet in the sanctuary at 4:00. We will serve a light dinner before youth group starts at 6 pm. The actual program will be performed December 8th at 4 pm followed by a fellowship meal. Any questions, please see Janice Deveney or Charlene Kapp. We could use some help sewing additional angel gowns. Material and pattern provided. If you are able to help, please see Janice Deveney. HARVEST HOME FOOD COLLECTION: Sunday, November 24th we will be collecting non perishable foods to deliver to New Hope Ministries for Thanksgiving dinners. Please bring your items to the collection basket in the narthex. Items will be brought to the altar cornucopia display during the service by the FLOCK children.

4 SHUT IN BIRTHDAYS Take a minute this morning and stop by the narthex table to sign the birthday card for shut-in, Janet Shoop. Her birthday is coming up on November 19 and the card will be sent soon. Also, don t forget to sign our Shut-in Thanksgiving Cards while you re there! Thanks to our Outreach Committee for providing this ministry. CHURCH FAMILIES TO PRAY FOR THIS WEEK Monday Lash and Millie Lerew Tuesday Lonnie Lerew, Hannah and Zachary Wednesday Pat Lippert Thursday Scott and Darlene Lippert and family Friday David and Lori Livingston and family Saturday Shannon and Gina Buterbaugh-London SPECIAL DAYS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY THIS WEEK (*child; **youth; ***adult; A=Anniversary; SI=shut-in; CS=College Student; MI=Missionary) [All Mechanicsburg addresses, unless otherwise noted.] *** 10 Melvalene King, *** 11 Jan James, *** 11 Carl Courtney, *** 11 Eleanor Parks, *** 12 Bob Steps, * 12 Aleeha Donicker, A 13 Vance & Karen Scout, * 13 Gabriela Shute, A 13 Bruce and Connie Smith, *** 13 Rosemary Courtney A 14 Bill and Jean Adair Hughes, * 15 Thomas Murray * 15 Lauryn Trimmer A 15 R.J. and Kerry Finley, *** 15 Jane Mann, A 16 Len and Sarah Crone, *** 16 Jean Adair Hughes, *** 16 Bill Gaydosh, 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. CHURCH CLEAN-UP: We will be cleaning up and putting away, after the Craft Fair on Monday starting at 9:00 am. If you have an hour or two to spare, please stop by the church and help us re-set the church.

5 CHRISTMAS BLESSING COLLECTION FOR NEW HOPE MINISTRIES: The Missions Committee is sponsoring a Christmas Blessing collection for New Hope Ministries in Mechanicsburg. Look for the display in the narthex or in the hallway by the Children s Center. Take a card and purchase a $20 gift card to either Target or Wal-Mart. ALL CARDS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE RECEIPT. This will enable New Hope to have the card replaced in case it fails to work when used. Returned gift cards should be placed each Sunday in the Mission Basket during collection or dropped off during the week in the church office by December 1, Any questions call the church office. MISSION BASKETS IN THE COMING WEEKS November 10.. Bingman Scholarship Fund November 17...Harvest Home World Hunger November 24 United Methodist Student Day December 1.New Hope Ministries SUNDAY SCHOOL GREETERS November 10..Good News November 17..Bible Explorers November 24.. Elective Class December 1..Life Class BREWERS AND BAKERS FOR GATHERING GROUND November 10 No Gathering Ground (Teacher Appreciation Breakfast) November 17 Dennis and Brenda Tewell November 24 Robin Hall December 1 R.J. and Kerry Finley 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 $751, worth of certificates with a profit to the church of $37, Proceeds benefit the church s Improvement Fund. Purchase your cards immediately following the worship service or on weekdays from 9 am 12 noon in the church office.

6 LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE Early Service 71 Sunday School 105 Late Worship 193 Church Membership 530 ILLUSTRATED CHRISTMAS STORY BOOKS AVAILABLE: Bethany Village is currently conducting a fundraiser to achieve new building plans. Since Bethany Village is supported as one of the Benevolent Homes affiliated with the Susquehanna Conference through the United Methodist Church, we are offering you an opportunity to support their endeavors. During the upcoming Holiday Season, a 70 page book of Christmas stories and an Advent Calendar, written and created by residents of Bethany Village. The book contains captivating Christmas stories covering the first Christmas, the Holy Lands, Christmas traditions and Santa Claus. It will be made available in two ways. You will have an opportunity to review the book and calendar and place your order at the Fall Craft Show this week, or see a display and order form in the Narthex in the coming weeks. The book sells for $15.00 and the Advent Calendar for $5.00. Contact the church office with questions. HOW S YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL LIFE?: Copies of The Upper Room & The Daily Bread are available on the table in the narthex to assist you in your personal devotional life. A link to the Upper Room is also posted on the home page of our website at Shepherdstownumc.org. There are also many good books available for you to use in our church library, located off the hallway between the Life Center and the side door stairwell. FOOD PANTRY FOR NEW HOPE MINISTRIES: The basket located on the narthex table is for our Food Pantry Collection which goes to New Hope Ministries. The following items are needed: 100% juice and juice boxes, dry milk, vegetable oil, cereal, canned pasta meals, raisins, canned meats (chicken, tuna, beef), canned vegetables and fruits, muffin and bread mixes, applesauce, ground coffee, flour, sugar, brown sugar, pasta, saltines, salt and pepper, dish and laundry detergent. Please keep in mind, any opened containers or expired items cannot be used. STEWARDSHIP REPORT GIVING LAST SUNDAY Last Sunday YTD Actual YTD Budgeted + or (-) $ 9,036 $365,013 $382,727 $(17,714) Family Promise - $ Capital Campaign $126, received $ 65, Used (Mortgage principle) $ 21, Used (Parking lot repair and sealing) $2, Used (Capital Improvements) Parsonage Mortgage balance - $129, (30% paid)

7 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 11/10/2013- Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Today there will be Children s Church for ages 3yrs-5 th grade. Please make sure all kids have their Children s Church Consent form found in the pew. The kids will be dismissed after the Children s sermon in the 10:45am service. It s still not too late if you couldn t make it to program practice last week, we d love to have you come and be part of it today at 4pm. During that time, we ll be discussing more about the play, start acting out the parts, and do a few crafts for the program. Practice is scheduled until about 6pm, but there will be a light dinner provided during that time as well. Hope to see you there! Upcoming events: 1. November 10 th - 9:30-10:30am- Sunday School Teacher/Helper Appreciation breakfast. This is an event for the whole congregation to attend. There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES TODAY! Look in the newsletter for more info. 2. November 10 th /December 1st-4pm-Christmas Program practice. 3. December 1 st - 9:30-10:30am-Baking cookies for Truck Stop Ministries 4. December 8 th - 4pm- Christmas Program- Invite your family and friends to come and enjoy the show, and stay for the meal afterwards.