Our Mission Statement First United Methodist Church of Saint

Marys is Christ-centered with open doors.

We extend our hands and hearts into the

world to alter lives for God’s Kingdom.

March 2018, Volume 43 Issue 3

First Family News

Join Us for Holy Week Services

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 25

9:30 AM Worship Service! An Easter Cantata will be performed by our Chancel Choir along with

the Presbyterian Choir entitled "Behold the Lamb”

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 PM

The Sanctuary will be open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM

on Good Friday for Prayer

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

Friday, March 30 at 7:00 PM

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE APRIL 1 at the Pavilion

6:30 AM (Dress for outdoors)

EASTER SERVICE APRIL 1 at the Church

10:15 AM (Traditional)

A Message From Pastor Tim March 2018

ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER

Our nation felt the sting of another school shooting in Parkland, FL. Immediately the social media accounts lit up with political statements on all sides of the issue. I felt that nobody really cared about the dead or injured, but found themselves more interested in getting their view point out there the fastest. I know we struggle with the issue surrounding gun violence, but gun violence remains only a symptom of a much larger issue. Sometime in the 80’s or 90’s we began a philosophy that declared each child needed to choose for themselves how they behaved and who they respected. I do not remember having that option as a child. You respected every adult and especially teachers and clergy; and we did not make up the rules; the rules were imposed upon us and strictly enforced. Along with that our parents made sure our moral compass pointed in the right direction. I choose to address the moral compass aspect of this debate. God, Jesus, and faith were not voluntary actions when I was growing up. We knew without question that on Sunday morning, we were going to Sunday School and Church. No questions, no argument, and no excuses. Some may argue that that was not faith, but forced indoctrination. But I will tell you out of that discipline came: faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. And through that faith we knew right from wrong and the value of human life. Hebrews 10:24-25 states; “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV). The author of Hebrews writing to the Jewish converts at the time, exhorted them to meet together, to lift each other up, care for one another, and rebuke each other when they acted wrongly. When we fail to be together to share, encourage and lift each other up, we find ourselves acting in very selfish ways to satisfy our own desires and not the desires of God. We worship collectively to hear the word, participate in the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, and to encourage each other to live according to the will of the Father. Our church also provides several small groups open to everyone that include Bible Studies, Sunday School, a men’s group, and two women’s groups, all to encourage, teach and help each of us grow stronger in our faith. If we fail to make use of these opportunities, and allow our children to be excused from them in order to learn and grow closer to God, we can expect more school and street violence to continue, and get worse until the Day of the Lord’s return.

May God bless each of you, Pastor Tim, Nancy, Ashley and Ian

Send a Card to Our Shut-Ins

Active Duty Service Military

Send a Note of Appreciation

Ian Hoover

A CO, 1-63 AR, 2 ABCT, 1ID

UNIT 93105

APO, AE 09016

Brittany A. Bosier Nolan Sorg

SPC 600 Taylor Rd.

Theater Gateway Apt. 37

APO-AG Hinesville, GA

09366 31313

2018 CHURCH

OFFERING ENVELOPES Are available in the

Old Kitchen

Please stop by the Old Kitchen

to pick up your2018

Offering Envelopes.

Thank You!

Jeremiah 31:31

“The time is coming,” declares the LORD,

“when I will make a new covenant

with the house of Israel and

with the house of Judah.”

Bertie Baughman 763 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Pinecrest Manor

Percy Buttery 785 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Elk Haven

Gerry Ames 185 Center Street St. Marys PA 15857 Elk Towers, Apt. 712

Cal Gardner Box 2, 1175 Professional Ct Hagerstown MD 21740

Robert Green 785 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Elk Haven, Room 209

Chuck Patterson 791 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Silver Creek Terrace

Barb Patterson 785 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Elk Haven

Don Kunkel 30th Fourth Avenue Curwensville PA 16833 Ridgeview Health Care

Center, West Wing, Rm 2

Ted Hoehn 801 Birch Road St. Marys PA 15857

Thressa Brock 185 Center Street St. Marys PA 15857 Elk Towers, Apt. 404

SCRIPTURE READERS NEEDED

during Church Service Youth and Adults are welcome.

See the sign-up sheet in the

Welcome Center.

Saturday

March 17

CHRISTIAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Christian Counseling, in a basic sense, acknowledges that a person’s faith plays a vital role in the healing of emotional or behavioral problems. Therefore, this type of counseling intentionally seeks to make faith a significant part of the “treatment” process.

In whatever problem is faced, Christian Counseling acknowledges that Jesus Christ can powerfully work in our lives to bring about healing and relief. We provide a full range of services to those who need counseling for any individual, marital, or family concern. When desired, psychiatric referrals for medication management are available for those who struggle with more serious emotional problems. Ready to make an appointment? Call: 724-396-1510 or CAWPA@gmail.com

Community Opportunity

Here is an opportunity to step out into the

community and share God’s love. With enough

volunteers we can staff the “Resale Shop” on

Thursdays (10 am - 4 pm) to:

1) Raise money for the New Church

2) Interact with the public, outside of the Church

(but we can invite them in.)

(3) Show God’s love and caring ways.

(4) Our responsibilities will mainly be to collect

money — of which we will be splitting the profits;

also to try to help customers feel welcome,

and to find what they might be looking for.

The pricing and arranging will be

taken care of by others.

We need at least two people at the Shop while

open. Hours for Volunteers can be flexible.

Please call Priscilla @ 834-3189 for

more information and / or to volunteer.

Let’s take this opportunity to step forward

to serve our Community and our Church

in several ways! Thank You!

Bible Study / Asbury Hall

A FIRM FOUNDATION Facilitator ~ Pastor Tim

Wednesdays 9 am or Thursdays 7 pm

Continues 7 more weeks except Holy Week

The cost of the study is $13

Topics to be covered:

1. The Lordship of Jesus Christ

2 Engaging scripture meaningfully

3. The power of the Holy Spirit

4. The promise of sanctification

5. Living with undivided purpose

6. Fostering dynamic discipleship

7. The gift of the global church.

Sign-Up Sheet in the Old Kitchen

NEEDED: PRAYER SHAWLS

If you can knit or crochet and would

like a winter project, we need

more prayer shawls.

Please see Carol or call her at

781-7401 for more information.

HEART TO HEART

Mon., March 5th

@ 6:30 PM

Hostess: Joyce Kneidel

Devotion: Karen Lewis

MAN TO MAN MEETING

Every Wednesday

7 PM @ the Church Man to Man is a Men’s prayer

and worship group.

All men of the Church are invited.

ESTHER CIRCLE Our March Meeting

will be held on

Monday, March 12

@ 7 pm @ the Church.

Read Hebrews 4:5-10

Our lesson will be

“Jesus Intercedes For Us”

‘No one understands us

And intercedes for us like Jesus.’

Bring 10 bites to share.

~ MARCH MEETINGS ~

Pastor Parish Relation’s

Tuesday, March 6th @ 7 PM

Trustee Meeting

Tuesday, March 13th @ 7 PM

Finance Meeting

Tuesday, March 20th @ 6 PM

Ad Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 20th @ 7 PM

PROTESTANT CEMETERY

ASSOCIATION MEETING

Wed., March 21 @ 6 PM; Saint Marys

Monuments; 148 Timberline Rd.

PALM SUNDAY March 25

9:30 am

Sunday

Worship

Service

MEMORIALS GIVEN BY

The Chancel Choir

Stephen & Susan Shaffer

In Memory of Kerry Nelson

OBITUARY Ann Hansen passed away

Sunday, January 28, 2018.

She is survived by her son

Dean Hansen (Paula)

MEMORIAL GIVEN BY

Joyce Meloni

WITH THANKS

FOR YOUR KINDNESS It is so nice to know we have a place

to meet, to laugh, to have fun, to

just enjoy one another and to sew.

Thanks Big Bunches

The Froggy Stitchers, Teen Lewis

Janet McCoy, Faye Witmer

Mary Ann Mello, Sarah Samick

Betty Neizmik, Jean Dodrilll

Janet Pesce, Sallie Cook

JoAnn Mohney, Eppie Herzing

Linda Emmert, Beverly Pane

OBITUARY John Lindenmuth passed away

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.

He is survived by a daughter,

Margie Palmer and two Sons,

John & Danny Lindenmuth

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON This month we will meet at noon for the monthly Fellowship Luncheon on Tuesday, March 13th. Plan to join

us for good friends and good conversation. Bring a hot or cold dish to share; come on your lunch hour. We will love to see you. Come meet and greet your church family. Host and hostesses are YOU!!

OBITUARY

Carolyn Saline passed away

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.

She is survived by her

husband, Ed Saline

Thank You to our Dear Church Family

for Your Cards, Prayers, and Memorial

Gifts for our brother Kerry,

We appreciate it so much.

Cheryl Schwentner & Darcy Wilson

I would like to thank everyone who attended or partici-

pated in the benefit spaghetti

dinner on Feb 24, that was held for

my daughter, Sara (Geer) Resh and

her husband Tony. The $3,300 that

was raised will be helpful to them

for the expenses of traveling to

and staying at Baltimore while he

is receiving treatments at Johns

Hopkins. Thank you also for your

continued prayers. We have an awe-

some church family. ....Norma Geer

2018 United Methodist Women Schedule

NO REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING UNTIL JUNE

May ~~ Collection for Camp Penuel

June ~~ Ladies’ Rummage Sale with the City Wide Yard Sale

June ~~ Annual Picnic

September ~~ Tureen Dinner

September ~~ Bavarian Fall Fest Pie Booth

October ~~ Meeting

November ~~ Bazaar

December ~~ Christmas Party

More Info will be forthcoming.

The annual UM Women’s Program Book will be available in March.

VACATON BIBLE SCHOOL

COORDINATOR NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

We are in a serious need of a person or people who may be interested in organizing VBS this year. We do not have a coordinator at this time and want to offer VBS this year for the 60 - 70 kids who attend. We minister to many children through VBS, who do not regularly attend church. There is a solid core of teachers and helpers available to provide support for the delivery of VBS, so the position mostly requires organizing and executing the program. If you think you may be interested, please see Shawna Grim or Pastor Tim as soon as possible. Planning for VBS begins NOW, so we thank you for your prayerful consideration of this important need.

Day Light Saving’s

Time Begins

Sunday, March 11

12– Hour

Prayer Vigil

Good Friday March 30

6:30 am—6:30 pm

Sign-Up Old Kitchen

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ASBURY HALL

MARCH 2018 LEADER: SHAWNA GRIM

Please sign up for the class & order your books (if desired) in the Old Kitchen.

March Adult Sunday

School Class THE PRESENCE

On a dark night in a small South African church, Alec Rowlands

encountered God in a staggering, powerful, and unmistakable

way. Though he was only eleven years old at the time, he knew

that nothing would ever be the same. Yet as Alec’s journey con-

tinued — he grew up, moved to America, and became a pastor

— he began to wonder why his spiritual life hadn’t kept pace

with his boyhood experience. Why did he so often feel God’s

absence more than his presence? Where was the passion he

had once felt? Compelled by his questions, Alec began to study

historic revivals and transforming movements of God. What he

discovered altered his perspective forever.

In The Presence, Alec shares what he has learned about the

God who invites us into an encounter that C. S. Lewis likened

to meeting an untamed lion. Whose very presence overwhelms

our senses and transforms our lives. Who draws near and

changes everything, including the way we think about God.

Pastor Rowlands helps you embrace the Lord's presence,

revealing how God manifests his companionship, the signs of

his presence, and the necessary preparation for welcoming him.

Discover that God is good, powerful, and here! Dive into this

study and savor The Presence. You’ll realize anew that God is

good. He is powerful. He is here.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & KEEP UP WITH CURRENT EVENTS

https://www.facebook.com/FUMC15857/

To Post anything on the Church’s Facebook page, please contact Ashley Steele or

e-mail her at ashleysteelefacebook@gmail.com

GUARDIAN ANGEL CENTER 364 MAIN STREET, KERSEY, PA 15846

OPEN EVERY 1ST & 3RD TUESDAY

MARCH, APRIL, & MAY “THE GUARDIAN ANGEL CENTER SEEKS TO SUPPLEMENT CLOTHING NEEDS

OF CHILDREN WHOSE FAMILIES QUALIFY FINANCIALLY. THESE NEEDS ARE MET THROUGH

THE RECYCLING OF GENTLY USED ARTICLES AND THE PURCHASE OF NEW CLOTHING ITEMS

WHICH ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE CHILDREN AT NO COST. THE GOAL IS TO SUPPORT

ELIGIBLE FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY RELATED TO CLOTHING FOR SCHOOL-AGE STUDENTS.”

Documentation of financial need is required.

Typical documentation would be Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP) or EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)

(food stamp) card or WIC registration.

Call 594-0815 for additional qualification information.

Sunday School Teachers Needed Teachers & Helpers are needed for our

Children’s Sunday School Program along

with Subs for all classes.

Our Children are precious and they are our future.

We need folks from our Church Family to step up and take a

vital role in this very important ministry of our Church.

Please see Pastor Tim or Shawna Grim

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

@ First United Methodist Church

Sunday School Hour: 9 am — 10 am

Sunday Worship Hour: 10:15 am — 11:15 am (one service)

ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES DURING HOLY WEEK

TO BE CANCELED ON:

Sunday, March 25 Palm Sunday &

Sunday, April 1 Easter Sunday

Classes will resume the following Sunday, April 8. Have a Blessed Easter!

Inspiration Soup Station, March 2018

Bowls of Love Menu and Servers

Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Menu: Beef Vegetable Soup, Egg Sandwich, Dessert

Servers: Joe Salvatore, Rick Kneidel, Shawna Grim, Norm & Jan McCoy

Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Menu: Chili, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dessert

Servers: Faye Witmer, Mary Ann Glover, Joe & Mindy Gasbarre

Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Menu: Chicken Noodle Soup, Ham Salad Sandwich, Dessert

Servers: Connie Amendola, Patty Hasselman, Diane Kerchinski, Char Carr

Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Menu: Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert

Servers: Ron & Mary Frost, Bob & Betty Walker

If you are unable to serve, please contact:

Pat Johnson 834.3184 or Vada Liptak 834.2230

We need Volunteers to serve and clean up on Wednesdays with Bowls of Love.

A sign-up sheet is located in the Old Kitchen and in the Welcome Center of the

Church. For more info, please contact Vada Liptak at 834.2230.

Dessert Donations Needed and Appreciated

Sharing Our Gifts By Vada Liptak

ON LINE GIVING First United Methodist Church St Marys provides an easy way for you to give to your church. Through VANCO Giving Services you are able to make on-line donations to your weekly giving, and special offerings throughout the year.

By using on-line giving through your home computer, laptop or mobile device APP you have the freedom to set up continuous or one time only giving at your fingertips. By giving on-line your giving will remain constant throughout the year, even when you are away or unable to be in church to give as you normally would. In turn the church benefits through knowing that the ministries of the church will be adequately funded at all times.

So we encourage each of you to check out our website at www.fumcstmarys.com and click on the Giving tab at the top of the page. You will be directed to the giving page. The first time you go you will need to fill out your profile information located on the right side of the page. Once you have completed that you are able to set up your giving and support of our ministries here at First United Methodist Church.

Easter Cantata

BEHOLD THE LAMB!

Palm Sunday, March 25 @ 9:30 am

During Sunday Worship Service

First United Methodist Church

Chancel Choir & Presbyterian Choir

We will be taking a special collection for UMCOR Sunday March 11, 2018.

As we enter into the flooding and storm season of spring and early

summer, UMCOR is preparing to respond to any and all emergencies.

One hundred percent (100%) of your donation will go to any and all relief

efforts. We may not be able to physically go and rebuild or provide

assistance, but we can always provide resources to aid in that process.

SUMMER CAMP

Even though there is snow still flying, it is not too early to think about

going to summer camp! Before your calendars fill up with sports,

vacations, and other activities, look at the summer camp brochures and find a week

(or a three-day camp for younger children) that works for you.

Please check out the camps on-line or take a brochure from the Church (when available).

To check out the camps on-line go to:

wesleywoods.com (Warren County) (1 hr 45 min away)

campallegheny.org (Allegheny County) (2 hr 40 min away)

jumonville.org (Fayette County) (3 hr 15 min away)

From there, you can print an application or enroll on-line. (Enrolling on-line seems to

be the easier way and will only require a deposit which is usually $50.)

Here are some guidelines for parishioners who would like some financial assistance:

If the camp costs $150-$250, campers are responsible for $50.

If the camp costs $250-350, campers are responsible for $75.

If the camp costs $350+, campers are responsible for $100.

Non-parishioners who need assistance are responsible for the registration fee plus 50% of

the camp.

If you pay the $50 registration fee online, but still owe money to meet the $75 or $100 mark,

please write a check to FUMC and write campership fund in the memo line. You can drop

that check off at the church during office hours.

I will need to hear from every camper’s family who is requesting financial assistance from

the Church after registering for camp so our Church can send in our portion of the cost.

I am happy to help in any way I can. Please call me at 814.781.3148 or call/text at 335.5548.

Campership Steward,

Laura Smith

Easter Flowers 2018

ORDER FORM

The Worship Committee is taking orders for Easter flowers to be placed in the Sanctuary for

Easter Sunday service. If you would like to help us make the church look beautiful, please

submit your order and payment by March 18th. Orders may be given to Sandy Buerk, or

mailed to Sandy Buerk, 1021 Trout Run Road, St. Marys, PA or the church office.

To assist us with this project, please place your order as soon as possible.

Please print clearly

Given by __________________________________________ Phone ____________________

I am NOT taking my plant(s) after Easter Sunday service _________

Given in Memory of ____________________________________________________________

Given in Honor of ______________________________________________________________

Given to the Glory of God ________

Quantity Total

Lily 6” Pot $11.00 __________ _________

Oriental Lily 6” Pot $11.00 __________ _________

Mum 6” Pot $10.00 __________ _________

Azalea 6” Pot $13.00 __________ _________

Hyacinth 6”Pot $10.00 __________ _________

Tulips 6” Pot $10.00 __________ _________

Daffodil 6” Pot $ 9.00 __________ _________

Hydrangea 6” Pot $13.00 __________ _________

Regal Geranium 6.5” Pot $ 8.00 __________ _________

Total Amt Due _________

Please make checks payable to First United Methodist Church

and write “Easter Flowers” in the memo.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

When….

You are sad — phone John 14

You have sinned — Psalm 51

You are facing danger — Psalm 91

People have failed you — Psalm 27

It feels as though God is far from you — Psalm 139

Your faith needs stimulation — Hebrews 11

You are alone and scared — Psalm 23

You are worried — Matthew 8:19–34

You are hurt and critical — 1 Corinthians 13

You wonder about Christianity —2 Corinthians 5:15-18

Your feel like an outcast — Romans 8:31-39

You are seeking peace — Matthew 11:25-30

It feels as if the world is bigger than God — Psalm 90

You need Christ like insurance — Romans 8:1-30

Alternate Numbers

For dealing with fear — phone Psalm 47

For Security — Psalm 121:3

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

ST. MARYS, PA 15857

PERMIT NO. 38

Change Service Requested

Contact Information Telephone: 814.834.3016

Fax: 814.834.0035

Email: stmarysumc@windstream.net

Web: www.fumcstmarys.com

At Your Service

The Reverend J. Tim Hoover

“PASTOR TIM”

revthoover@zitomedia.net

Joyce Sorg, Church Secretary

stmarysumc@windstream.net

Office Hours

Monday through Friday

9 AM to 5 PM

First United Methodist Church

140 N. Saint Marys Street

Saint Marys, PA 15857-1236

Monthly Deadline for Articles 15th of each month @ 12:00 NOON

You can submit your articles several ways:

Email: stmarysumc@windstream.net

In-Person: Editor’s Box in the hall by

the Church Office

Your timeliness is greatly appreciated.

Thank You, The Editor

Please let us know if your address changes.

CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL at the church is held on

Sunday mornings at 8:30 am. We need some new voices.

You are sure to find that it will be a blessing to yourself and others.

BELL REHEARSAL is held on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm.

If you are interested in joining either choir, please contact

Thom Hoffman or any choir member or just come to rehearsal.

Psalm 7:9 NIV

O righteous God, who searches

minds and hearts, bring to an end

the violence of the wicked and

make the righteous secure.