A new year... a new look

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1 the NEWSREEL FEBRUARY 2017 Volume 23, Issue 1 A new year.... a new look As the new year begins a new team is trying it s hand at putting this newsletter together. Our desire is to keep you informed of our church s happenings, give you some additional information about some of the behind the scenes workings (and people) that keep our church going, and perhaps in some way encourage you to walk closer to God and live the life He has planned for you. For the next several months you may continue to see changes as we make adjustments and grow into our new task. If you have comments or suggestions you d like to share with the team there is a box located in the back of the sanctuary where you can deposit your input. from the pastor s pen... Nuisance or Blessing? I was awakened at 3am this morning by the annoying sound of a snowplow scraping the seemingly bare road. Does this sound bother anyone else? It drives me nuts! Anyway, I was awake and decided to look outside to see the reason for all the racket. A fresh layer of snow, approximately 1 inch in depth, had recently settled onto the landscape and everything looked pristine and clear. After a trip to the bathroom, I turned on the television and heard the all too familiar phrase, nuisance snow. What the weather folks mean is that this recent snowfall is almost too insignificant to talk Church about, but Council since there Meeting isn t much Minutes else going on in our neck of the woods, they d mention it. I will (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 (pastor s pen continued) admit that for early morning commuters, nuisance snows can be a challenge. For example, most accidents occur when there is only an inch or two of snow on the ground. Just yesterday, forty cars and trucks on I-83 were involved in a traffic accident in which someone lost their life, and all of it was due to a nuisance snow. Travel conditions aside, what are the other inconveniences to having a nuisance snow? I suppose one could argue that it forces people to get up and deal with the miniscule precipitation in some way. Someone going to work might have to add a few more minutes to their commute because they must clean off their windshield. A business owner might have to sweep their sidewalks or put some ice melt down. The school district might be forced to delay their opening by an hour or two so that the bus drivers can safely transport their students to school. All these things are valid and appropriate responses to a nuisance snow. One could make a point that there is enough evidence supplied here to label all tiny amounts of snowfall, a nuisance. Yet, I wonder if we took the opportunity to look at nuisance snows differently, we might discover some hidden benefits. For example, a light dusting of new snow is beautiful. The ugly brown and dreary winter landscape becomes a diamondencrusted white blanket of glistening gems reflecting the light. If only for a moment, the world seems at peace and free from all soiled human activity. We appear pure again. Even though a trace of snow does require some attention, it doesn t require too much effort. Even the most out of shape person can easily sweep the sidewalks. Everyone gets the exercise that our bodies need during these long winter months of hibernation. A nuisance snow also causes us to slow down a little and appreciate the value of a simple, purposeful life. We have gotten swept up into the whirlwind of modern life which sucks the breath out of all who run the rat race. A little bit of snow helps us put the brakes on and re-evaluate the what and whys of our activities. Call it a time out from God. Finally, all snow helps our water table so any amount is a gift from our loving Creator. Snow has both challenges and blessings. How we look at the smaller snow events decides the kind of day we have. Will it be a nuisance? Or a blessing? You make the call. Easing into this new day with you, Pastor Robin

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4 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. January - The regular meeting of the Church Council was held on January 17, 2017 with 13 people in attendance. Trustee's Report: Hand rails are now installed on the left sidewalk of the entrance to the Faith & Life Center. Youth: Kelli Miller reported that youth will be attending IMPACT at Ocean City, MD on March 24, 2017 through March 26, 2017 for approximately 25 youth. The youth are currently having a ham sandwich fundraiser and possibly two more fundraisers to help with the cost of the trip. New Business: Pastor Robin is attending the Bishop s Retreat this week. George Heacock reported the next SPRC Meeting will be February 6, It was also noted that at the last First Friday Meal there was some difficulty with the hot water. Gene Stenger stated with any issues please call Rick Marshall, who is the point of contact for the Trustees. He will check the outlets and breakers in the Faith & Life Center. A new trustee has been nominated for 2017, Greg Gordon, and was approved by the committee. Mike Glessner has filled his term as Trustees with sincere thanks to Mike. The Unity Dinner is January 29, 2017 at the Fulton Theater, everyone is welcome. Reta Chamberlain may not be able to continue Children s Church and has made Pastor Robin aware. Nancy Cordell stated the Newsletter Committee is looking at making the newsletter more informative and useful to the church. The committee consists of Nancy Cordell, Kelli Miller, Pam Ott and Tina Gress. Old Business: Welcome to two new members to the committee: Viola Culler and Dave Garland. Sue Nesbitt discussed concern with Children s Church, Sunday School, Wednesday evening gathering and Children s Choir. Also, a concern with families leaving, going elsewhere and lengthy worship services. Children are the future of our church. Leanne Pollock stated that it is time for the Worship Committee to meet and will coordinate a meeting date with Pastor Robin and the committee. Finance: Tim McGarvey was able to present the budget for 2017: Beginning balance of $41,223.35, up $21, which included two $5, donations at the end of the year. This was applied to the principle. We are at budget and under budget, did have a water leak, which was repaired. First Friday is doing well. Advent Fund was $1, and Nancy Shafer will provide list for distribution of funds. An update on the balance of mortgage will be available at next Financial Meeting. Ending Balance is $45, The 2017 was approved by the committee. Finance Team Meeting The regular meeting of the Finance Team was held on January 12, 2017 with eight people in attendance. Old Business: Folding machine still broken. Special giving offering was the laptop computer gift for Pastor Robin. General Fund is up from November to December by + $5,000. Restricted Funds were down $3,100 due to funds moved to General Fund. $10,000 two (2) $5,000 donations that was applied directly on the loan principal. On Restricted Fund Fundraiser $933 - this was raised by youth and funds were sent 01/12/17 to Compassionate Intl. Advent In December funds $ from quarter envelopes plus another $230 that can in November. It was agreed to donate $500 to Ashlyn s Angels and $500 to the United Methodist Children s Home. The balance to Blessings Fund. Inquiry was made on the extra money given towards computer where should it be applied. Check with Lisa McConahy and Penny Shives. First Friday - profits will be applied by tithing 10% to Missions and the balance to go to General Fund Budget Water and extra staff salary over. Heating issue Auxiliary was turned off in error. Check # 7653 Payment of $1,585 onto principal of add l $200K loan. Special Giving Deposits - When special giving comes in they need to be applied to loan principal as soon as possible. Jen Knepper will get the Loan balances and have available at next Finance Meeting.

5 2017 February SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Youth Mtg-6:00p A Choir-11:00a SPRC Mtg A Choir-6:00p K Choir-5:45p Youth Mtg-6:30P Finance Mtg-6:30p A Choir-8:30a K Choir-11:00a A Choir-6:00p Youth Mtg-6:30p Chili Cookoff-4:00pm to 7:00pm A Choir-11:00a A Choir-6:00p Council Mtg-7:00p K Choir-5:45p Youth Mtg-6:30P K Choir-8:30a A Choir-6:00p Trustee Mtg-7:00p Notes: A Choir = Adult Choir K Choir = Kids Choir LENT BEGINS ASH WEDNESDAY World Day of Prayer Ham Pot Pie Dinner & Silent Auction-4:00pm to 7:00pm ~ ~KID S CHOIR IS BACK ~ ~ This choir is for kids through elementary age. Practice will be two Wednesdays each month; for February that s the 8 th and 22 nd. We will practice from 5:45pm to 6:30pm in the sanctuary. We plan to sing the 2 nd and 4 th Sunday of each month! For more information please see Kelli Miller or join us for our practices this month! CHILDREN S CHURCH 8:30 11: Reta Chamberlin Reta Chamberlin HELPER NEEDED HELPER NEEDED Brady Seiders Holly Stambaugh Cindy Glessner Vicki Gordon Lindsay Newman Heather Will Jamie Schetrompf Dixie Heacock Penny Shives Tracey Fletcher Jody Hann Brandon Fletcher NURSERY Betsy Ray Betsy Ray NEEDED Angie Marshall NEEDED Sherry McClain NEEDED Debbie & Bryan Fletcher [point of contact - Reta Chamberlin]

6 Lesson Update by Kelli Miller A new year often leads to new goals. One such goal of mine was to create a curriculum for our youth that brought scripture alive through the use of music! It has been a great success so far and has been a great way for us to touch on a lot of issues that our teens face on a daily basis. I encourage you to lift up our teens and this series in prayer, as we continue to talk about the tough stuff and learn what the bible has to say. & Did you know that the symbol of the cross and flame is a registered trademark and is to be used only by official United Methodist agencies? It was designed and first used shortly after The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church combined in 1968, becoming The United Methodist Church. The cross, a traditional Christian symbol was joined by the single flame with dual tongues of fire. The flame is a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them (Acts 2:3). The two tongues of a single flame may also be understood to represent the union of the two denominations..... why we use microphones during the moments of sharing in our worship service? It s not only to help those on the other side of the church to hear the speaker but it s also because the service is being recorded. Many years ago, a ministry was started where the service would be recorded each week on a VHS tape, duplicated, and then distributed to members who were physically unable to attend. We ve since upgraded to DVD s but the service is still recorded and distributed. BUT, if a microphone isn t used when speaking it is not recorded on the DVD; so for the benefit of those listening in their homes and those in the other side of the church, please use the microphones and now you know.

7 A daily reading plan for the month of February. & See how many biblical couples you can match. Answers: i, d, f, h, a, b, j, e, c, g Biblical Couples Match the husbands and wives Adam & a. Ruth Jacob & b. Sarah Moses & c. Elisabeth Isaac & d. Leah & Rachel Boaz & e. Priscilla Abraham & f. Zipporah Joseph & g. Sapphira Aquila & h. Rebekah Zacharias & i. Eve Ananias & j. Mary Recipe CROCKPOT CHILI 2 lbs. ground chuck 2-16 oz. cans kidney beans, drained 6 whole tomatoes, chopped OR 1-15 oz. can of tomatoes 1 red pepper, chopped 1/4 to 2/3 cup jalapeno slices, chopped/diced 4 T. chili powder 1-8 oz. jar chili sauce 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 T. Italian seasoning 1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. black pepper 1 T. olive oil 1 large onion, chopped coarsely Brown and drain ground chuck. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cook in slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Just before serving, top with grated cheese and sour cream. Note: If using canned tomatoes, do not drain. McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Mike and Susan Glessner, Jr.

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9 WHO anyone with a favorite chili recipe and anyone who eats chili WHEN Saturday, February 18, 4 to 7 pm WHERE Faith and Life Center, MUMC Get out your favorite chili recipe and get ready for an evening of chili-eating fellowship and friendly competition. Listen for details during church announcements or check the church s Facebook page (McConnellsburg UMC).