the NEWSREEL from the pastor s pen... God Weeps with Us Contact Information Sunday Services

Transcription

1 the NEWSREEL McConnellsburg United Methodist Church, McConnellsburg, PA APRIL 2017 Volume 23, Issue 3 from the pastor s pen... God Weeps with Us Our collective hearts are heavy with the recent tragic events suffered by those throughout our world. Our prayers surround the families of those who lost their lives in the senseless violence perpetuated by a man who plowed his vehicle into a crowd of people outside the British Parliament building. Our hopes for rebuilt lives also rest upon the many wounded and their caregivers. How much emotional and physical pain they must be suffering! Our tears fall as we continue to watch newscaster after newscaster report incidences of domestic violence, seemingly more disturbing and twisted with each tragedy. People s lives brutally ended and we wonder why. Why doesn t God step in when evil is plotted against others? Why does God let these horrible things happen? 1 The answer, of course, is free will. God gives humanity the gift to make choices, hoping that we would choose goodness and righteousness over evil and selfish gain. Some folks choose to exercise their desire however, without regarding how their choices will affect the lives and families of others. This does not mean that God doesn t care about the damage our free will makes. In fact, God is profoundly moved when humanity grieves (John 11:33-35). We take solace in knowing that God mourns with us, and that this unifying act heals our brokenness. (continued on page 2) Contact Information Pastor: Robin Baer Parsonage: Church Office: mcumc@comcast.net Youth Director: Kelli Miller Facility Coordinator: Reta Chamberlin Alternate: Sue Nesbitt Website: Sunday Services Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am (for all ages)

2 (continued from page 1) In closing, I share with you the words from lyricist Shirley Erena Murray in a relatively new song entitled, God Weeps. I pray that it will help you know that you are not alone in your sorrow. GOD WEEPS In the shelter of God s grace, Pastor Robin God weeps at love withheld, at strength misused, at children s innocence abused, and till we change the way we love, God weeps. God bleeds at anger s fist, at trust betrayed, at women battered and afraid, and till we change the way we win, God bleeds. God cries at hungry mouths, at running sores, at creatures dying without cause, and till we change the way we care, God cries. God waits for stones to melt, for peace to seed, for hearts to hold each other s need, and till we understand the Christ, God waits. 2 The Prayer of Saint Francis Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life

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. March - The regular meeting of the Church Council was held on March 21, 2017 with 12 people in attendance. Finance: Pastor Robin went over the financial report with balance of $23, Funds for Impact have been deposited. Check # Poster/Labor Law which is posted in church office. Check #7754 issue with router and new router has been installed. Check #7762 reserved pavilion at Cowan s Gap for church picnic on August 27, A telecommunication issue of $35.00, which Sheila is monitoring, have not used service for three years, and will not return telephone calls. It was suggested to send a registered letter. A very thorough audit by Gary Shives and Greg Gordon. It was recommended by the audit committee of completing the Reimbursement Form with receipt attached to the form, what reimbursement is for, date, amount and signature. A policy should be created by the finance team and with turnovers in committees, can reference to the policy. Trustees: Gene Stenger reported nothing new. Pastor Robin mentioned about signage regarding the fire alarm and panic button. Youth: Kelli Miller reported that the Ham Pot Pie Dinner and Silent Auction had a profit of $2, The youth gathering at Needmore Bible Church was well attended. The trip to Impact in Ocean City, Maryland with the youth/adults will be leaving by noontime on Friday, March 24, New Business: Leanne Pollock reported of planning stages for the annual Mother/Daughter Banquet in May. The worship surveys have been completed by the congregation the last two Sundays, if anyone has not completed one they are still available. The Worship Committee will be meeting soon to review the surveys and report to the congregation. Gene Stenger asked if anyone has asked some of the families why they have left the church? Pastor Robin reported that she has made an attempt to reach out to these families. Pastor Robin asked about VBS this summer, need an organizer to start and funding is available in the budget. Kelli Miller will be the organizer and will plan a VBS meeting. We have received a donation on the Guideline Booklets for the church. This set describes the ministry and are issued every four years. Pastor Robin stated that she would be more than willing to write a letter to a graduating senior or anyone who is attending college for any scholarships. Pastor Robin inquired as to a new church directory, the telephone numbers need updated and our congregation has changed. Life Touch Studios are interested, the directory and 8x10 photo are free. Will also check with Lisa Clevenger, a local photographer. Maundy Thursday Service at MUMC is at 7:00 P.M., Easter Sunrise Service at Union Cemetery at 6:00 A.M., followed by light breakfast at the church, and the Sunday School Children will be having an egg hunt on courthouse lawn, weather permitting. Jim DeShong reported that there are two portable microphones down and on a good note the Adult Sunday School Class is really growing. Nancy Cordell inquired as to accepting offering and tithes electronically. This will be referred to the finance committee. 3

4 Finance Team Meeting March - The regular meeting of the Finance Team was held on March 9, 2017 with five people in attendance. New Business: General Fund Balance down approximately $3,000. Bob Vores suggested moving First Friday and Gym funds from Restricted to General Fund. No action taken and will make decision in April. Reviewed Ledger Electric charge up over prior months. Will look at it later. Check # 7761 Comcast - $ What is under this and is it annual, monthly? Check # 7756 Shares of Ministry. Trailer Insurance - $175, why so high and under Shares of Ministry? Happy Spring!! As spring begins, I always find myself thinking of the beautiful trees and plants that we will soon be seeing everywhere and I am reminded of Jesus words in the book of John. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5. We cannot grow if we are not attached to Jesus. Meaning that we cannot grow in our own relationship with Christ and we also are unable to effectively help others grow in their relationship with Christ! Some of our awesome youth had a great opportunity to grow and become more attached to Jesus when we attended Impact Conference in Ocean City, Maryland! God is doing mighty things in and through our youth! I am very much looking forward to watching them continue to grow and see what fruit they bear! I encourage you to join me in prayer for all of our students, especially the ones who have recommitted their life to Christ; that they continue to grow and become more attached to Jesus and that they remain strong in their faith, as we all know it is not always easy to be a follower of Christ in today s world. We are now gearing up for our next big event which is Hands and Feet of Hope! This will be our fourth summer doing this local mission. We welcome all students (6th grade - college age) and adults (with proper clearances) to join us June 11th-17th! For more information or to register for work camp, please see Kelli Miller or Jeremy Fletcher. We would be happy to talk with you about how you can be involved! Please lift this event and all those involved in prayer! In His Service, Kelli Miller Hands and Feet of Hope (HFOH) ---- June 11-17,

5 2017 April SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY A Choir - 8:30 & 11:00 K Choir - 11:00 SPRC Mtg-6:30p A Choir-6:00p K Choir - 5:45 Youth Mtg-6:30p Bible Study-10a&6:30p PALM SUNDAY A Choir - 8:30 K Choir - 11:00 A Choir-6:00p Youth Mtg-6:30p Bible Study-10a&6:30p MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE - 7:00p GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - 7:00p EASTER Sunrise Service-6:00a A Choir - 11:00 A Choir-6:00p Council Mtg-7:00p Youth Mtg-6:30p Finance Mtg-6:30p A Choir - 8:30 A Choir-6:00p Trustee Mtg-7:00p K Choir - 5:45 Youth Mtg-6:30p Bible Study-10a&6:30p Notes: K Choir - 8:30 A Choir = Adult Choir Wednesday Studies - "Facing the Giants in Our LIves", held in the K Choir = Kids Choir Friendship Class Sunday School room Weekly Sunday Services at 8:30 am and 11:00 am April 13 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Service, MUMC April 14 Noon-1 PM Community Good Friday Service, St. Paul s United Church of Christ (228 E North 2nd Street, McConnellsburg) April 14 7:00 PM Good Friday Service, MUMC EASTER SUNDAY April 16 6:00 AM Sunrise Service, Union Cemetery (outdoor service followed by light breakfast at the church) April 16 8:30 AM Worship Service, MUMC April 16 11:00 AM Worship Service, MUMC 5

6 CHILDREN S CHURCH 8:30 11: Reta Chamberlin Reta Chamberlin HELPER NEEDED HELPER NEEDED Brady Seiders Holly Stambaugh Cindy Glessner Vicki Gordon ~ ~ NONE HAPPY EASTER! ~ ~ Lindsay Newman Heather Will Jamie Schetrompf Dixie Heacock Penny Shives Brandon Fletcher Jody Hann Tracey Fletcher NURSERY Betsy Ray Betsy Ray NEEDED Angie Marshall ~ ~ NONE HAPPY EASTER! ~ ~ NEEDED Sherri McClain NEEDED Bryan & Deb Fletcher [point of contact - Reta Chamberlin] As we celebrate Music Appreciation Sunday this first Sunday in April, it seems fitting to take a quick look at the history of music in the Methodist church. Did you know that John Wesley actually wrote for his congregation a list of seven directions for singing? The final one seems the most important. He writes, Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. From our beginning, we have been a singing people. Thank you to all who make our music ministry possible! 6 1. JESUS TRIMPHANT ENTRY LUKE 19: JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH JOHN 12: THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS MATTHEW 26: JUDAS AGREES TO BETRAY JESUS LUKE 22: THE LAST SUPPER LUKE 22: JESUS WASHES THE DICIPLE S FEET JOHN 13: JESUS PREDICTS PETER S DENIAL MATTHEW 26: GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE MATTHEW 26: JESUS ARRESTED MATTHES 26: PETER DISOWNS JESUS LUKE 22:54:62 Easter Bible Reading Plan 11. JESUS BEFORE PILATE MATTHEW 27: SOLDIERS MOCK JESUS MATTHEW 27: THE CRUCIFIXTION LUKE 23: JESUS DEATH LUKE 23: BURIAL OF JESUS MATTHEW 27: THE RESURRECTION MATTHEW 28: ROAD TO EMMAUS LUKE 24: JESUS APPEARS TO THE DICIPLES LUKE 24: THE ASCENSION LUKE 24:50-53

7 Did you ever know what the Thursday before Easter is called? Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means commandment. On the night before Jesus betrayal and arrest, John records that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and gave them a new commandment A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 While John's gospel does not record the institution of the Lord's Supper among the events of that night, the other gospels do. It was during this meal Jesus revealed two significant symbols: bread and wine; representing His body and blood that He was about to sacrifice for each of us. In many churches the ceremony of foot washing is observed along with Holy Communion at Maundy Thursday services there is a Christian flag? It was born on September 26, 1897 at the Brighton Chapel Sunday School Rally in Coney Island, NY. The scheduled main speaker did not arrive so it left the Sunday school superintendent, Charles Overton, to fill-in with an impromptu presentation. As an American flag lay across the pulpit, he painted a verbal picture of the symbols a Christian flag would include the red cross representing Christ s blood sacrifice, the blue standing for faithfulness and truth, and the white representing purity and peace. The following Sunday a finished flag was presented and it s one of the oldest unchanged flags in the world. It is also reported to be the only free flag in the world it cannot be restricted by any nation or denomination. It belongs only to Christ and it, like the air we breathe, is owned by none and belongs to all..... and now you know. The Pledge to the Christian Flag I pledge Allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands, one brotherhood uniting all mankind in service and love. written by Methodist pastor Lynn Harold Hough 7

8 HAM LOAF Loaf Syrup 3 lb. ham loaf mix 1½ cups brown sugar 1 cup cracker crumbs ½ cup vinegar 1 cup milk ½ cup water 2 eggs, beaten 1 T. mustard Salt and pepper, to taste Combine loaf ingredients, form into loaf shape and place in pan. Combine syrup ingredients and cook for five minutes. Pour over loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 1½ hours; possibly with reduced heat the last half hour. Baste occasionally with syrup (syrup will be thick when done). This recipe from the Butcher Shoppe. McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Erma Chamberlain COCONUT CREAM PIE Filling 1 tsp. vanilla 2 T. butter 1 cup coconut 3 T. cornstarch 1 graham cracker pie crust ½ cup sugar Meringue ¼ tsp. salt 3 egg whites 2 cups milk ¼ tsp. cream of tartar 3 egg yolks, slightly beaten 6 T. sugar Melt butter over medium heat, blend in cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Gradually add milk and egg yolks. Cook and stir two minutes until thick. Add vanilla and coconut. Put into pie shell. Set aside. Prepare meringue by beating egg whites with cream of tartar. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Top pie filling with meringue. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Helen Hann It was Palm Sunday but because of a sore throat, 5-year-old Johnny stayed home from church with a sitter. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm fronds and Johnny asked them what they were for. "People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by," his father told him. "Wouldn't you know it," Johnny fumed, "the one Sunday I don't go and he shows up." 8

9 1. Which holiday does not take place before Easter - Good Friday, Eastertide or Palm Sunday? 2. What event happened on Good Friday? 3. How is the date of Easter calculated? 4. Jesus had gone Jerusalem to celebrate what holiday? 5. The 50-day period following Easter Sunday is known as what? 6. Holy Week refers to what? 7. For many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is often referred to by what other name? 8. Lent recognizes the 40 days that Jesus spent in a forest before returning to Jerusalem. What was he doing while in the forest? 9. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of? 10. Easter always falls between March 22nd and what date? ANSWERS 1. Eastertide - Palm Sunday takes place one week before Easter Sunday. 2. Jesus was crucified - Jesus was crucified on Friday and rose on Easter. 3. First Sunday following the full moon after the Vernal Equinox. 4. Passover - Passover is Pesach in Hebrew. 5. Eastertide - The Eastertide includes a celebration of Jesus' ascension into heaven. 6. The week leading up to Easter - Shortly after Jesus ate a Passover meal with his disciples, he was arrested for professing to be the Son of God. 7. Passion Sunday - Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus' return to Jerusalem, the week before his arrest and death. 8. Resisting temptation from Satan - Lent occurs 40 days before Palm Sunday. 9. Lent - Ash Wednesday marks a day of repentance for one's sins. 10. April 25th - The date of Easter is based on the phases of the moon. 9

10 Want to help your children or grandchildren memorize the books of the Old Testament? Or maybe you need some help remembering them? Sing them! You can put them to the tune of Ten Little Indians. Listen on YouTube