Somerset Crossroads. Church of the Brethren. From the Pastor s Desk. Blessings and love, Pastor Martha

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1 Somerset Crossroads PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED Church of the Brethren From the Pastor s Desk Sometimes I think that God sees a need for us to slow down and listen to what He is trying to tell us. I think that perhaps we are laid low for a while so that we can stop feeling guilty for taking time out for Spiritual renewal and rest. It is odd for me to sit in my recliner to read and then just nod off for a while. In looking ahead to the sermons for August, I read again, the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the yeast. Just as we are unable to undo the intermingling of the yeast with all the other ingredients, we need to remember that once words leave our lips, they can never be fully recovered. They reside there working in other people s minds either for the good that they can do for that person, or for causing hurt and distrust, that was never intended. We become careless when we don t ask God to give us the wisdom to be understood. And just as a tiny mustard seed can become a gigantic tree, a tiny grain of faith can build us up for the working of the Kingdom. When we believe that God is giving us the words to talk to someone who is hurting or going through a time of hardship, or nudging us to take some uncomfortable action, then we are letting our faith out of the box. As I am enjoying the songs of the birds and the cooling breeze from the ceiling fans, may you also enjoy the rest of the Summer. May God watch over us and keep us in His Care. Blessings and love, Pastor Martha INSIDE THIS ISSUE Biggest Loser Results Kids Activity Page Summer Music Schedule Sunday School Outreach Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center

2 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 2 1 Quilters & Knotters, 9am Wheelers & Dealers, 7:30-9:30pm 2 Faith Community Nursing, 5-7pm Ministry & Evangelism meeting, 6:30pm 3 Christian Education meeting, 6:30pm 6 Fellowship & Service meeting, 8:30am Women s Fellowship meeting after worship 8 Quilters & Knotters, 9am 10 Stewardship & Finance meeting, 6:30pm 11 Social Hall rental, 12pm Women s Ministry-library, 7pm 12 Sanc/Kitchen/SocHall rental, 8am Women s Ministry-library, 9am-3pm 15 Quilters & Knotters, 9am Wheelers & Dealers, 7:30-9:30pm Newsletter articles due to church office 17 Social Hall & Kitchen rental, 10am Proposed Property & Trustee and Stewardship & Finance meeting, 6:30pm 18 Sanc/Kitchen/SocHall rental, 8am 19 District Women s Summer Indiana COB 20 Praise & Worship Service, 10am Board items due to Bob Hart, Boardchair All Commission Budget sheets due 21 Administrative Board meeting, 7pm 22 Quilters & Knotters, 9am 25 Senior Food Box distribution, 8-10am Women s Ministry-library, 7pm 27 Men s Fellowship meeting at Mostollers, 7am 28-Sept. 1 SCOB desserts for Meals on Wheels 29 Quilters & Knotters, 9am AUGUST 2017 COMMISSION CHAIRS: The 2018 Budget Packets were put in each commission s mail bin in the workroom. Please have them completed and returned to Kimmy s bin in the Church office by August 20, Thank you. AUGUST OUTREACH The 2018 Kids Camp for Camp Harmony ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ KNOW YOUR TARGET A college religion teacher set up a cardboard target in his classroom. Draw someone who has upset you, he instructed. Students sketched exboyfriends or girlfriends, coworkers who d mistreated them, childhood bullies. Each, in turn, then placed their drawing over the bull s-eye and took aim with a bow and arrow. Afterward, the bull s-eye was riddled with holes. The students congratulated one another until the teacher pulled back the target, revealing Jesus scarred, torn face. Silence fell as he read: Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me (Matthew 25:40, NRSV). In choosing actions not matter the human target remember who else will be struck by your arrows. Let s take aim with love, not hurt. -The Newsletternewsletter

3 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 3 Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center Their Mission Statement: To equip leaders for ministry in a regionally based, Christ centered, culturally relevant context in ways that bear witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren. Developed in 1993, the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) is a ministry partner with the Atlantic Northeast, Mid- Atlantic, Middle PA, Southern PA, and Western PA districts along with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and Bethany Theological Seminary. SVMC provides training in regionally based settings for persons exploring the call to ministry and/or lay leadership. Working from a solid commitment to core Anabaptist and Pietist understandings within the Church of the Brethren heritage, we provide training in biblical studies, ministry skills, peace and justice perspectives, theology, church vitality, and other subjects that help students prepare for ministry. We make classes available at both the graduate and academy levels. SVMC hosts graduate courses offered through Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana.* These courses are taught by Bethany professors, but held on the campuses of Elizabethtown and Juniata Colleges. Such courses afford students in the Northeast an opportunity to take graduate-level ministry courses in a Brethren context. Credits can be used toward a degree at Bethany or at another seminary. A limited number of seats in graduate courses are also available to certificate students and auditors. Pastors may audit Bethany courses for 3.0 CEUs. SVMC partners with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership to offer both face-to -face and online courses in the TRIM certificate program. SVMC also organizes classes in its five partner districts for the ACTS certificate program. Curriculum and courses are certified by Brethren Academy. ACTS is open to students without college degrees. Certificate students may cross register for courses in another certificate program with prior approval from the SVMC Executive Director. Enrollment for ACTS and TRIM courses is processed at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center office in coordination with the Brethren Academy for Ministry Leadership. Local Access: ACTS courses are offered at Church of the Brethren congregations in

4 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 4 the five partnering districts. TRIM and Graduate courses are taught at either Elizabethtown or Juniata College. ACTS The Brethren Academy offers a variety of certificate and continuing education programs. Certificate programs are intended for lay people who want to learn more about the faith and calling of Christian community; licensed ministers who are part of the certificate training program to fulfill minimal educational requirements for ordination; and ministers seeking continuing education. SVMC offers ACTS courses concurrently in the five partnering districts. Students may cross register for the courses. Districts may provide some financial assistance according to district policy. ACTS Instructors are qualified ministers and scholars, chosen by the Executive Director of SVMC in consultation with the partnering district executives. Students are encouraged to take all 13 academic courses, but a minimum of 12 are required to complete the program: 3 Biblical (Intro to Old Testament, Intro to New Testament, Interpreting the Bible) 3 Historical/ Theological (History of the Church, Brethren Life & Thought, Intro to Theology) 6 Ministry Skills (Church Leadership & Administration and 5 of the following: Intro to Pastoral Care, Teaching & Learning in the Church, Preaching, Worship, Evangelism & Church Growth, Communication Skills for Pastoral Ministry, 1 approved elective). Beginning Fall 2016, cost per course is $225 It is the Ministry & Evangelism s honor to announce that John & Vickie Watkins are enrolled in the ACT Course. They are working under the guidelines of the Western PA District s requirements. Keep them and their education program in your prayers as we support them in their efforts to complete the program. The ACTS certificate program is a carefully designed program of 13 courses plus a series of ministry formation experiences that are repeated approximately every four years. Training experiences: Ministry Formation Supervised Ministry Annual Conference District Conference Faith is having the courage to let God have control An ecumenical, interfaith, or intercultural experience

5 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 5 The Biggest Loser Contest wrapped up June 25th with a meal served to the winning team by the losing team. The Biggest Loser winners were James T. Yoder losing the most pounds and Julie Stanton losing the most percent of body weight. A combined total of 115 lbs. was lost during the three month contest. Thanks to all who participated in this fundraiser. $366 was raised for the 2018 National Youth Conference Fund. WINNING TEAM MEMBERS; Clara Yoder, Julie Stanton, and James T. Yoder. Absent from picture are Melissa Smith, Barbara Black, Hannah Rohrer, Breann Rohrer, Trish Schropp and DeAnn McCoy LOSING TEAM MEMBERS: Janice Barclay, Sharon Hahn, April Hahn, Michael Saylor and Ginger Rohrer. Absent from picture are Terry Shaffer, Liz Kovach, Sid Haines and Kate Shaffer

6 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 6 SUMMER MUSIC SCHEDULE Aug. 6 Anthem Danny Conner Organ Pam Schrock 13 Anthem Trisha Diamond Piano Trisha Diamond 20 Anthem Praise Team Video Led by Praise Team 27 Anthem Regine Smith Piano Cindy Hoover Sep. 3 Anthem Raymond Christianson Organ/Piano 10 Anthem Rob Stemple Piano Rob Stemple 2 Jeff & Patty Tomko 3 Joe & Faye Grew 7 Fred & Kim Huet 9 Mike & Rachel Calabrase William & Gaye Barron Michael & Julie Thompson 10 Lucas & Kelley Kirschman 17 Gary & Joyce Gardner Brad & DeAnn McCoy 18 Adam & Kate Shaffer 21 Bob & Pam Schrock 29 Jim & Hazel Canavan Jim & Wendy Long John & Vickie Watkins 31 Corey & Barb Muro 2 Aaron Deffenbaugh 4 John Watkins, Emily Saylor 5 Jennifer Walker, Tate Caralipio 6 Jason Custer, Allen Hall 7 Wesley Sechler, Alexander Flick 8 Jennifer Mosholder 9 Brandon Darr, Greg Walker, Barbara Yost 12 Brad McCoy 13 George Gary 14 Ava Baumgardner, Janice Forry 15 Ondrea Tomko 17 Kathie Shaffer 20 Betty Dull, Helen M. Hay, Fern Whipkey, Mattylyn Yost 22 Adam Shaffer 26 Tim Resh 27 Andrew Beeghly 28 Sara Berkey, Jeffrey Canavan, Haylee Rohrer 30 Scott Moon 31 Cynthia Lambert, Hannah Watkins SENIOR FOOD BOX DISTRIBUTION The next Sr. Food Box Distribution is set for Friday, August 25th from 8-10am. Come share in the merry fellowship that goes along with helping the community.

7 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 7 Western Pennsylvania District Highlights Books and CD s! Free to a Good Home! Stop in the District Office and check out this interesting collection of books generously donated by Elva Jean Westlake and the family of Terry Gindlesperger. A list of books is available, contact us for more information. For Denominational News go to for the most complete and up to date news from the Church of the Brethren Job Openings: If you are interested in job opportunities through the Church of the Brethren, open positions can be found at employment.html There are many ways to volunteer in the District, whether in be through Camp Harmony or the Brethren Home Community Windber; at events such as the District Auction; or even happenings in your own congregation. The Outreach and Service Team of the District Leadership Team is still looking for volunteers to be the Western PA District Brethren Heritage and Peace Representative. As the Heritage and Peace Representative you would be asked to do the following: 1. Help promote peace education by interacting with individuals, pastors, and congregations. 2. Share peace education materials and instruction with the youth in our District by meeting with youth groups, camp groups at Camp Harmony, and other group settings arranged by the District Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. 3. Work with the District Outreach and Service Team in any way that the Team can help the representative with the above responsibilities. 4. Report annually to the District Outreach and Service Team as to the work that has been accomplished in a given year. DISTRICT WOMEN S MINISTRY CALENDAR August 19: Summer Tea at Indiana COB September 15-16: Retreat at Camp Harmony October 5: Brethren Home Day Mark your calendars now! Please contact Marsha Smith at or charmar467@atlanticbb.net if you are interested in serving. B-D-M Needs Your Help! Brethren Disaster Ministries needs your help. If you are interested in being a part of future mission trips please contact Herb Ewald for more information at or hjewald@atlanticbb.net ***Be on the lookout for all the information for the Harmony Fest on September 23, 24. Be part of a celebration weekend and enjoy your camp. We welcome all congregations and individual vendors.

8 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 8 KidsPage

9 SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN PAGE 9 LOVE S LESSON A new school year promises new adventures, challenges and friends as well as new classes, homework and lessons. But the most important (and simplest) lesson we can learn is summed up by 19th-century hymn writer Jane Eliza Leeson: STAFF INFORMATION Pastor Martha Beach (Short-term Pastor) mbeach1215@aol.com Kimmy Hixson (Secretary) kimmyscob@hotmail.com Regular church office hours are: 8:30am-12:30pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Fridays and 8:30am-3pm on Mondays & Thursdays. HOSPITALITY: Savior, teach me day by day love s sweet lesson to obey, sweeter lesson cannot be, loving him who first loved me. AUGUST SCHEDULES: 6 Music & Worship: Pam & Stan 13 Deacons: Team B 20 Finance Commission 27 Men s Fellowship EARLY GREETERS: FBI Class WORSHIP HOSTS: 6 Cyndi Johnston & Ginger Rohrer 13 Ken & Debbie Baker 20 Sharon Alexander & Myrna Burkholder 27 Judy & Michelle Custer ACOLYTE: Mitchel Hoffman WORSHIP LEADERS: 6 Virginia Hay 13 Barb Yost 20 Praise Team 27 Debbie Baker STORYTELLERS: 6 Jessica Schomer 13 Michelle Custer 20 Melissa Smith 27 Julie Stanton USHERS: Jeff Berkey (Lead), Jason Custer, Joe Grew, Allan Shaffer, Max Mosholder, Ellis Nair, Charlie Rhodamer and Gary Gardner NURSERY ATTENDANTS: 6 Adam & Kate Shaffer 13 Ginger & Breann Rohrer 20 Craig & Regine Smith 27 Jackie St.Clair & DeAnn McCoy DEACONS OF THE MONTH: Judy Custer, Pam Schrock, Mindy Forry, and Dave & Virginia

10 AUGUST SERMON/SCRIPTURES 6 The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 113:31-32 & Jesus the Host Matthew 114: The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 15: Semper Fidelis Ruth 1:1-22