Tidbits. A Common Vision for Ministry

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1 Sunday Schedule: 8:45 AM Small Groups 9:30 AM Fellowship Time 10:00 AM Worship Tidbits April 1: Easter Morning Sunrise Service 7 AM, Frick Park Breakfast 8:15 AM Fellowship Hall Worship 10:00 AM April 2: SPPRC 6 PM April 4: UMW 10 AM April 7: UMW Vender Event April 8: Communion Sunday April 20: Ignite Ministry Event My Body, His Temple in the Fellowship Café 7 to 9 PM April 22: Luncheon Birthday Celebration following the morning Worship Service April 24: Food Delivery April 25: Mission & Outreach 10 AM April 30: Trustee Meeting 7:30 PM A Common Vision for Ministry As I wrote about in our last newsletter, and as we have announced during recent worship services, we are moving forward with our plans to hold small group get-togethers to discuss the ongoing mission and facility needs of the church. There are still a number of opportunities to meet in April and I would encourage everyone to participate in this open dialog. I am grateful to those who have opened their homes to these gatherings. If you have not already signed up for one of these discussion groups please do so as soon as possible so that he can provide our hosts with an idea as to the number who will attend. It is important that we remain in dialog with each other and that we come together under a common vision for the ministries and facilities of our church. Please don t miss the opportunity to be a part of this conversation. Your voice is important! Pastor Bob The following list depicts the various meeting places and dates. Please fill out the form in today s bulletin or on the table in the back of the church and place in the offering plate or give to Pastor Bob. You may also call the church office. Tuesday April 3 rd (7PM-8:30PM) Jane Layman 680 N. Geary St. Thursday April 5 th (7PM-8:30PM) Cheryl Clausner 668 Buckeye Tram Rd. Monday April 16 th (7PM-8:30PM) Colleen Kalp 714 W. Walnut St. Tuesday April 17 th (7PM-8:30PM) Jo Armor 131 Deer Creek Dr. Sunday April 22 nd (11:30AM-1PM) Church

2 Page 2 Missions & Outreach Wow! So many opportunities are before us to reach out to others in our community and around the world. From filling Good Samaritan Christmas Shoe boxes to assembling Angel Bags for those undergoing chemotherapy, we are coming together to send gifts of God s love to others in very difficult situations. Thank you always for supporting missions in our church! Help Your Neighbor Sunday is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. As you bring in nonperishable food items each month, many families are blessed at the Good Samaritan Center by your generosity. Never Spend 1 on Yourself: The idea of this ongoing ministry is for you to save your pennies (and other coins) to help support youth and children who would like to go to Church Camp. Town Clock Church Times There is a log cabin in the Narthex for your donations. Periodically throughout the year, the coins are gathered and deposited into the camp fund for those who would like to go to camp. Thank you for your faithful giving! Pastor s Discretionary Fund: Offerings can be given in the Sunday offering and marked for this fund. The money is used for members of our congregation who are in need. UMW News The United Methodist Women will meet on Wednesday, April 4, at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Café. We will have a guest speaker. Denise Pritts will give us further information on Samaritan s Purse Christmas Shoe Boxes. She has amazing stories to share. We will be collecting items from June throughout October. Please join us as we hear about this wonderful mission to support children around the world in love. Annual Quilt Show Walnut Hill UMC 132 Collier Road, Uniontown Saturday April AM to 3 PM Quilts and Needlework will be judged and displayed Craft and Bake Sale To enter quilts or needlework call Answers to Easter Bible Trivia! 1. Thorns 2. Clothes Annas 5. 3 Hours 6. Joseph 7. Spear 8. Thomas The Little Library The Little Library will be up-and-running very soon. I am grateful for Deb Fritzley s vision for this ministry and George Hockenberry s talent in the construction of the library. These seemingly small efforts can have a huge impact for the community and for the Kingdom of God. Imagine the influence that even one book could have on someone who is struggling but does not know where to turn. Please pray that the materials are used to God s glory. Please also consider making book donations for the library. We ll need to keep it stocked! If you have any Christian books that you wish to share, no matter the condition, please let Deb Fritzley know. Your support of this ministry will be greatly appreciated. During Holy Week, there are many opportunities for you to gather with your church family to participate in meaningful worship. You will a blessing to others and in turn...be wonderfully blessed! March 29 Maundy Thursday Service at 7 PM March 30 Good Friday Service at 7 PM Easter Morning April 1 Sunrise Service at Frick Park 7 AM Breakfast in Fellowship Hall 8:15 AM Worship and Celebration 10 AM

3 Our Common Purpose Having a common purpose is what made the first-century church in Jerusalem so dynamic. Luke records in Acts, All the believers were together, but they all had their own ideas as to why they were there. Wait a minute. That s not what it says. The verse reads, All the believers were together and had everything in common. Do you wonder what that means? Just two verses before, Luke says that the believers, Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer in other words, to a distinct set of beliefs and practices. They did this together. They were all on the same page; they had a common purpose. Later, Luke tells us that all believers were one in heart and mind. Notice that the Bible says all, not just some, came together in Christian community around one set of beliefs and convictions that were leading to a distinct set of actions and behaviors. Most churches today have not been able to rally around a common purpose, a common mission. Yet Jesus himself has declared our mission as making disciples and obeying the entire Word of God. What the church urgently needs is to reconnect to its core mission of making disciples. We need to get back to the basics: Why did God create the church? Why does the church even exist? As a community of Jesus followers, we must learn to see that our corporate mandate is to be Jesus to each other and to the world. C.S. Lewis summarizes it this way The church exists for no other purpose but to draw people into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose. As the one body of Christ, we await the second coming of Jesus himself, but until that day we are called to represent his presence, his purposes, and fulfill his plans in the power of the Holy Spirit. Blessings All, Pastor Bob

4 Page 4 Just for Kids...and Town Clock Church Times Easter Bible Trivia! (Answers on page 2.) 1. A crown of was placed on Jesus head. Nettles Thorns Jewels Thistles 2. The soldiers cast lots for the of Jesus. Clothes Donkey Cross Jewels 3. Judas betrayed Christ for how pieces of silver? Christ was led away to which high priest first? Annas Caiaphas Josephus Herod 5. When Jesus died, how long did darkness over the land? 3 days 3 minutes 3 Hours Weeks 6. Who requested Jesus body for burial? Nicodemus Philip Jonathan Joseph 7. With what was Jesus side pierced? Sword Knife Spear Axe 8. needed to see the imprint of the nails in the hands of Jesus. Joseph Thomas Andrew 9. How many days did Jesus remain after his resurrection before ascending into heaven?

5 Page 5 Town Clock Church Times Our Church Family Our deepest sympathies are extended to Marcella Kattera on the passing of her husband, Richard Kattera on Friday, March 16, Richard was also an uncle to Frank and Doris Bowman, great uncle to Jennifer and Heath Wadsworth, and great-great uncle to Julia. Please keep Marchella and other loved ones in your prayers. Dear Church Family: Thank you so much for the cards, prayers, notes and prayer shawl during Bob s hospitalization. Cards, prayers and notes of condolences after his passing. Bob didn t see the prayer shawl, but he knew it was coming and when I told him about it, he smiled. A special thank you to Diane for knowing what I needed most was a prayer. God bless you all. Ginger Covert Dear Church Family: I would like you to know how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness and all the gifts I have received over the holidays. Miss seeing all of you. Thank you. Anna Mae Gearhart I would like to thank all of you for the cards and gift bags through the holidays. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated. Thank you! Ken Firmstone Dear Friends: I wan to thank you all for your prayers and the prayer shawl that my cousin, Deb Friztley, brought to me. It meant so much to me! May God bless you all for this wonderful ministry. Lonnie Vieceli To our Methodist Church Family: Ralph and I want to thank you so much for your love, prayers, cards and the lovely Valentine Bag with all the goodies. God bless and thanks to everyone. The cards were beautiful and we read every one. Ralph and Mary Baumann. We need your help!! Sunday mornings are such a wonderful time for fellowship around the tables in the Fellowship Café before the start of church. We need people willing to sign up for a Sunday to bring in breakfast treats. These treats can either be homemade or purchased, nothing fancy. Just a little something to go with a cup of coffee, tea or juice. There is a calendar on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Café where you can sign up or you can talk to VBS 2018 Spring has sprung and Vacation Bible School is coming up! Our leadership team is busy making plans for the weekend VBS called Pets Unleashed. We will hold our VBS on Friday evening, June 22 nd, Saturday morning, June 23 rd and have a closing celebration during worship on Sunday June 24 th. Some of you have already offered to help with VBS and we are so grateful! Members of the leadership team will be talking to some of you personally to see how you might be able to be part of this exciting event. If anyone is interested in helping, in any way, please talk to Jill Ellson ( jilli_109@hotmail.com) or call the church office. You will be hearing more about VBS in the weeks to come and some ways that you all can help. Right now we would covet your prayers as we get materials prepared, make plans for the space we will use and get people to help lead. This will be an exciting outreach into our community and a great way to introduce Jesus to lots of children. Please pray for God to stir the hearts of the families in our community so that they will respond to our invitation. When the weekend is over they will each truly know that Jesus Cares Fur them!

6 Mother/Daughter Tea Saturday, May 12 At the UMC Fellowship Café From 10 AM to 12 Noon Please join us in a morning of Tea/Coffee & Crumpets and some good fellowship in honor of Mothers, Grandmothers & Daughters. Wear your favorite Tea Hat as a prize will be awarded to the most Original. Please sign up to attend on the sheet in the church narthex by May 6. If anyone would like to share any Mother/Daughter Poems or Readings please contact Jodi Evans. Camp Allegheny Celebration of Ministry Camp Allegheny s Annual Celebration of Ministry and Booster Dinner on April 15 at 5:00 PM will be a wonderful opportunity for current and potential supporters of this wonderful ministry to hear about the amazing work that God has done in the past year and also to hear some of the improvement planned for 2018! Enjoy entertainment by Somerset s own Apostle s Creed. The night will Hospice Volunteers Needed If you have an interest in being a volunteer visitor for Hospice patients, please call Becky Cook ( ). We will meet with someone from the agency which provides Hospice care to learn more about volunteering. include recognition of our Volunteer of the Year and will be highlighted by our guest speaker, Bishop Koikoi. The evening begins with appetizers at 5:00, with dinner and program at 5:30. Contact camp for more information or RSVP to info@campallegheny.org Ignite Ministries... Would like to invite you to their next event My Body, His Temple On Friday, April 20 from 7-9 pm. We will be exploring taking care of our mind, body, and soul through a yoga/meditation session, discovering healthy life tips, and fellowship. A Special Birthday Celebration Luncheon Our Care Committee is planning a light luncheon on Sunday, April 22, to recognize those who celebrate birthdays during the months of January, February and March. In addition, we will recognize our members who will be celebrate being at least 80 years of age!! This luncheon will be held on April 22 immediately following the 10:00 morning worship service. We are asking you to please If you have any questions please see Ellie Evans or Colleen Kalp. We hope to see you there!!! bring either a 1/2 dozen or one dozen finger sandwiches OR a salad of your choice (potato, macaroni, tossed, etc.). There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex for you to indicate what you would like to bring to the luncheon and how many people will attend with you. This is always a great time of fellowship as we gather around the table and share in celebration with our church family. Please talk with Denise LaMantia if you have any questions.

7 Page 7 Town Clock Church Times Look who s having a birthday! 4/02 Wayne Wadsworth 4/06 Carole Malone 4/08 Ally Kaputa 4/10 Frank Bowman 4/11 Jerry Copeland Jennifer Vance 4/14 Bea Funk 4/15 Jackie Bungard 4/16 James Malone 4/18 Alice McCloy 4/21 Becky Cook 4/23 Rose Marie Bungard 4/28 Drake Clausner Robert Kalp, Jr. 4/29 Harry Morgan Angel Bags An Ongoing Mission Project This project is going very well and many of you have already contributed to this cause. Every family has been affected by the ordeal of a loved one going through treatment for cancer. It is the mission of the UMW to make this journey a little more pleasant with the gift of Angel Bags. Here is a reminder of what items are needed for this next round of bags. A box is in the back of the church for your donations. May God bless you for the generosity you share with others. April & May: Return bags by May 20 Bag 3: Edible Items Lozenges/Candy Ginger Chews Lemon Drops Gum Snacks Bottled Water Bag 4: Stylish Wearables Head Wrap Soft Knit Caps Ball-cap man Fuzzy Socks Blanket April Schedules: Saturday April 7 9 AM to 2 PM UMC of Mt. Pleasant The UMW sponsored Spring Fling is coming soon and you will want to be sure to attend! The following is the updated list of vendors planning on setting up for the event: Pink Zebra, LuLaRoe, Tastefully Simple, DoTerra Oils, Ninny Knows Bows, Creation by Shelly, Wood Works by George, Lip Sense, Candices Custom Tees, Meow Meow Besitos Jewelry, Great Gems & More, Lillyanns Lights Candles, Making Life Sweet, Paparazzi Jewelry, Hometown Pride & Family Love, Avon. Greeters: 1 Ellie Evans & Beth Shaw 8 Greg & Tina Harbaugh 15 Carol Strother & Ava Siesky 22 Bruce & Maxine Blystone 29 Bill & Denise LaMantia Ushers: *Jim Ohler, Delphine Hagerman, Rodger Shupe, Kayla Malone, Bruce Blystone

8 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Easter 7 AM Sunrise Service 8:15 Breakfast 10:00 Worship 2 SPPRC--6 PM AM Communion Choirs Practice 6 & 7:15 Bell Choir 6 PM Bell Choir 6 PM Spring Fling Vendor & Craft Event 9 AM to 2 PM Girl Scouts Chancel Choir 7:15 Chancel Choir 7: Bell Choir 6 PM Chancel Choir 7:15 Ignite Ministry 7 to 9 PM Missions 10 AM Girl Scouts Bell Choir 6 PM Chancel Choir 7:15 PM :30 PM The United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant 645 West Main Street Mt. Pleasant, PA umcofmtpleasant@verizon.net Phone Numbers: Church Office: Pastor Bob Cell:

9 The Paradox of Our Age Dr. Robert Moorehead We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, but more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, pray too seldom, and watch too much TV. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life, we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space, we've done larger things, but not better things, we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've split the atom, but not our prejudice, We write more, but learn less, plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not wait, we have higher incomes, but lower morals, more food, but less appeasement, more acquaintances, but fewer friends, more effort, but less success. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, tall men, and short character, steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare, more leisure and less fun, more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce, of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom. Today, many want to gain the world at the "mere" expense of their souls. Evil is contemplated and performed with both hands, yet we cannot lift a finger for our fellow man. May God have mercy on our souls. Pray without ceasing. Let each of us examine our own ways.