Pastor’s Message2015/08/07 · Newsletter Pastor’s Message where youth are prayed for as they...

August 2015

Don’t Forget About our Website (1) www.grovechurch.org

The Grove Newsletter

Pastor’s Message

“I am reminded of your

sincere faith, a faith that

lived first in your

grandmother Lois and

your mother Eunice and

now, I am sure, lives in

you.”

2 Timothy 1:5

On July 30th the new Fantastic Four movie

will be released - the same characters from Marvel

Comics and the first Fantastic Four movie, but with a

new generation of actors, four young people I confess

I don’t know. I guess the 2005 cast grew too old for

a new generation of movie ticket buyers, so a major

overhaul was ordered. The characters are the same –

the Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, Susan Storm and

the Thing. And of course, the villain, Doctor Doom,

but with new actors, new faces, young faces.

In a way, that is the story of our faith. The

story goes on, generation after generation, with new

faces, new people playing their roles living the life of

faith. The Gospel story goes on, but the faces change

with new and often younger faces appearing in the

story. It is our privilege to pass on that story from

one generation to the next, to teach our children about

the wonderful love of God shown in the sacrifice of

Jesus Christ. Although Sunday School continues

through the summer, the fall will see the return to the

full Sunday morning schedule as well as weekly

children’s sermons in worship as we look to pass on

the faith to a new generation.

But passing on the faith can't happen in one

hour a week of Sunday School. That one hour is just

a fraction of the teaching that needs to occur in order

to raise a disciple of Jesus Christ. All of us need to

be teachers, every minute of every day, to help shape

a new generation of followers of Christ. We need to

be a church where children are known by name,

~ Page 2 — Upcoming Events

~ Page 8 — Meet the Gilmores

~ 0— Additions to Heck Library

~ Page 11 — Your Money, Your Story, Your Life

...and much more

In This Issue...

where youth are prayed for as they face challenges

of adolescence. We need to be a church where

people with no familial relationship jump at the

chance to attend a high school play or football game

to cheer on our young people. The charge to raise a

new generation of believers is not given only to

parents of young people, but to the entire church.

Become a Sunday School teacher for children or

youth, help lead monthly meetings of Kids in Christ

Fellowship for 5th and 6th grade kids, volunteer as a

youth group leader or simply offer to bring dinner

for the youth choir one Sunday afternoon. There are

many ways we can support our young people and

help pass on the faith to them.

The actors in the 2005 version of Fantastic

Four have all gone on to major acting careers, some

on TV, some in the movies. Having a new

generation of actors in the leads does nothing to

undermine what has gone before. If anything, the

new performances build on what has gone before. I

remember Hugh Jackman, the star of Les

Miserables, explaining in an interview how the

original star of the show was generous with his help,

even though he now had only a small part, as the

priest, in the big screen version. So let's all consider

how we, too, can pass on the faith that first lived in

us and ensure that the story goes on and on.

Pastor Bron

August 2015




Grove United Methodist Church’s

Upcoming Events

Evening Bible Study of

Romans Coming Soon

This fall, Blake Nicholson will again lead a Bible

study on Sunday evenings, using the 8 session

"Invitation to Romans" from the Disciple Bible

Study program. This study is designed to explore

Paul's letter to the Romans in greater depth. The

class will run on Sunday evenings at 6 pm, from

Sept. 20 through November 15. To register, sign up

at the tables in the elevator lobby, or notify the

office. A second study is planned for the spring.

Questions? Contact Blake Nicholson at

[email protected].

All Church Ice Cream Fest

All are welcome to Grove United Methodist

Church’s FREE Ice Cream Fest, Sunday August

30th from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Moonbounce, face

painting, live music and ice cream with toppings!

There will also be a Ministry Fair with display

presentations of many of the ministry and outreach

programs of the church. Our own Pieces of One will

provide music for much of the afternoon, and the

Youth Choir will kick off the new program year

with several numbers for us as well. There will be

lots of activities for children, and a chance to

explore ministry opportunities at Grove. Thinking

about looking for a new way to use your gifts? Stop

by the Ministry Fair tables to see what opportunities

are available in missions, local outreach, worship,

education and other ministry areas. For questions,

email [email protected].

This an open house for the community as

well! What a great chance for members of the

congregation to introduce friends and neighbors to

Grove Church. Bring them for free ice cream and, if

they’re interested, help them find a place to connect

and make a difference in the world through the

ministries of Grove Church.

Blessing of the Backpacks

and Lunch Boxes

Children and youth are invited to bring their

backpacks and lunch boxes to church on Sunday,

August 30, for the annual blessing of the backpacks.

We will be resuming the children’s sermon this fall

in the service, and on this Sunday we’ll begin by

inviting young people forward with their school

supplies to receive a blessing as they prepare to

begin the school year. We are fortunate to have

such a wonderful group of young people at Grove,

and it is our privilege every fall to stretch out our

hands to bless them, to pray God’s protection and

wisdom for them as they begin their classes. Each

week following, children will be invited to attend

the beginning of the worship service. They will be

dismissed after a children’s message offered by the

pastors and staff.

mailto:[email protected]

August 2015



Many Ministries at Grove to Celebrate

We are blessed at Grove to have such an active, committed congregation. So much is done that could go

unnoticed, so this is a “Name-Dropping” column for the Program Team, to celebrate the many individuals in

our congregation who are in active ministry. We know we will never manage to acknowledge everyone, but

this is a start. If you have ideas for entries in the column in future months, email [email protected]

The Grove Community Garden is off to a great start! On the evening of June 25th, seventeen volunteers

worked together to construct four, (3’x 10’), raised beds behind the current office building, (former

parsonage). Then with a gentle rain falling, they filled each bed with soil. Upon completion they were

wet, tired, but happy. What a successful beginning to our new Grove ministry! Thanks for organizers Donna

Koch, Syd Raihall and Faith Sipe. The following people were a tremendous help making the raised beds, and

shoveling the soil into the beds: Bob Moore, Syd Raihall, Faith Sype, Gordon Yocum, Elaine Vincent,

Daniel Vincent, Patrick Vincent, Fred Struckmeyer, Chris Tollefson, Scott Byerly, Jalyn Byerly, Shawn

Bergman, Kimi Jo Bergman, Kirtan Shah, and Akshay Shan.

The Grove Youth Choir Tour 2015 was awesome! Thanks to Mike Hardie, Director of Youth Choir and Keri

McMullin, Director of Youth Ministries, and the wonderful youth in the choir! Also, the tour leaders and

organizers Amy Luckowski, Lori Plunkett, Jeff Popyack, Kenny Johnson, Mark Sitler, Blake and

Debbie Nicholson and Kelly Schiavino.

The Grow Team - especially Louanne James, and Alicia Townsend - worked with the design firm to

complete the beautiful Welcome Center and Sign Up Table!

Linda Schneider is making improvements to our Grove landscape with flowers and plantings, as well as

organizing the helpers who keep the gardens weeded and watered. Notice the beautiful Bakeri Spruces which

are now plated at either side of the main entrance! The holly bushes that were there had become overgrown

and were blocking the security lights.

Grove’s halls were filled with happy children for the week of Bible School! Thanks to Scott Byerly’s amazing

leadership, the week was a great success. There were 47 preschool children, 65 grade school children, 27 adult

volunteers and 25 youth volunteers. Patti Klotz, Education Director, facilitated everything and Denise

Shelton was the great decorator and leader of assemblies.

The Hardie family was totally involved in Bible School - Jen was in charge of snacks and the kitchen, Tyler

was in Preschool Music and Mikala was leading the elementary age Music center. Also, Mikala sorted 6 big

bags of M&M’s to separate the green, orange and yellow ones from the other colors in preparation for a

special snack activity!

Home Communion was organized by Pastor Lin and Linda Seybold. Sue Kirkpatrick, Kathy Parker, Joan

Cross, Phil Mayer, Dan Wiant, Frank Pullia, Syd Raihall, Carol Moore and Linda Seybold served

communion to homebound members of our congregation after our communion service on July 5th.


August 2015



Church & Society

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute, rescue the weak

and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82: 3-4

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) When local farmers improve their yields, they can improve the nutrition and health of their families.

It also means they can afford to send their children to school, build a roof over their home, access needed

medical care, and purchase livestock, thereby helping to break the cycle of poverty.

For 10 years, UMCOR, through its, Sustainable Agriculture and Development (SA&D) program has

been improving the health and well-being of farming communities across Africa through trainings in the

cultivation and utilization of Moringa and soy, integrated crop and pest management, and beekeeping. By

equipping farmers with relevant knowledge and technical skills, farmers are able to increase their yields,

diversify their production, and improve their livelihoods and nutrition.

A grant from UMCOR, Global Ministries missionary, Mozart Adevu, who is also the Africa regional

coordinator for the SA&D program, to further the effectiveness of this work by implementing a monitoring

and evaluation process for previously trained communities in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of

Congo, and Malawi.

This process will assess the successes and challenges the communities experienced during the

implementation of the sustainable agriculture program, while also demonstrating the effectiveness of the

SA&D model — a unique community-centered model that builds upon the skills and knowledge gained

within local communities. Overall, the goal of this work is to improve the nutritional status of 5,000

households by 15 percent over a one-year period.

Circle of Giving In August, we suggest that you consider donating canned meats, tuna, sardines, etc. You may

place your contributions in the beautiful wooden box inside the church entrance on Sunday or anytime that

you happen to be at the church. All contributions are delivered to the West Chester Food Cupboard each

week where they help to meet the increasing need. The all-volunteer staff at the Cupboard thanks all

churches, schools and agencies that are such faithful providers!

Paper For People On Sunday, August 2, we will be accepting your donations of a variety of paper products. Suggested

donations include paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, diapers, napkins, paper cups and plates, etc. Collection

tubs are to be found inside the church entrance on that Sunday. Your contributions will be delivered to the

Bridge of Hope of Lancaster and Chester Counties, an organization that provides assistance to families

through its mentoring program. The mentoring churches provide case managment in the form of supplying

food and medical assistance, job placement and services that help a given family be mainstreamed into

society. Bridge of Hope is a line item in Church & Society’s 2015 budget; gets deliveries of paper

products; and, has been the benefactor of Grove’s Mission Blitz program.

Stewards of God’s Creation – Bags: Use and Misuse It is impossible in this limited space to summarize “solutions“ to the plastic bag problem. Consider the

following regarding the banning/discouraging the use of plastic bags:

In August 2014, California became the first state to impose a state-wide ban on plastic bags.

More than 190 cities and towns across the nation have laws regulating single-use shopping bags,

often exempting restaurants and independent stores.

Chicago’s plastic bag ban will take effect on August 1.

An effort to charge Philadelphis shoppers a nickel each for plastic bags couldn’t even get a hearing

August 2015



before City Council.

In 2001, Ireland implemented a plastic tax. This market-based solution charges a nominal fee per bag

at checkout. A study by the Irish Dept. Of the Environment found that plastic bag usage had dropped

by 93.5%.

Some say that a plastic bag ban is an emotional response which fails to strike at the heart of the issue;

instead of a market-based solution, a ban shifts production to paper bags and compostable bags, both of

which have heavy environmental consequences.

Reuseit.com supports an approach that discourages the distribution of plastic bags with a tax and a

cultural shift away from the use-and-toss bags.

And what say you as you consider what others are doing? Would you advocate for a ban or a tax on

plastic bags? Or would you prefer to use your plastic and recycle it? In the next monthly newsletter we will

look at the recycling of plastic bags and its consequences. Meanwhile, don’t be one of the use-and-toss crowd.

There are alternatives that benefit the environment.

Please Save The Date

The Lord’s Pantry will be celebrating its 50 years of service (1965-2015) to the community on

Saturday, September 19, 2015. This big gala event will be held at the Theatre at Yellow Springs. More

information will appear in the September Newsletter. Grove continues to support The Lord’s Pantry financially

as a line item in the Church & Society budget, in addition to having Bill Seybold serve as one of the client

counselors in their social service program.

Prevention of Gun Violence

For those who would claim that this topic is purely political I would argue that Prevention of Gun

Violence is a moral issue. Indeed, if we are to be stewards of God’s creation, can we not take steps to protect

what God has created, namely, us? Locally, (Chester and Delaware Counties) there are organized groups that

are dedicated to keeping guns out of the hands of persons who have criminal records and/or mental health

issues. This in no way impinges upon the rights of hunters or those who value protection of their home.

Unfortunately, “gun rights” advocates have been taught to portray, erroneously, any who seek restrictions, as

mentioned above, as those who would take away all guns.

Recently, there have been encouraging signs pertaining the “background checks.” Several states have

passed such laws; others are promoting gun safety courses. If you are interested in learning of current actions

being taken through local prevention of gun violence groups, contact Bill (610-696-3699).

Produce For People

You may have noticed in recent Sunday Newsletters that we are encouraging people who have their own

vegetable gardens to share any surplus with clients who populate local food cupboards. Such produce should

be placed in bags, marked “Cupboard,” and brought to the church kitchen on Sunday mornings. Your

donations will be delivered promptly to either the West Chester Food Cupboard or the Lord’s Pantry of

Downingtown. Both of these pantries have sufficient storage to prevent spoilage. Given the vacation schedules

of our volunteers we can always welcome a person or two who would be willing to help with the pick-up and

delivery of the surplus produce. If you might be such a person, please call Bill (610-696-3699).

New Website

Have you looked at the new configuration of Grove’s website? If not, go to www.grovechurch.org and behold

the wealth of information contained therein. In particular, click on “outreach” and find a description of the

many ministries serviced under “Church & Society.” All of this information is provided not just for people

who might be looking for a place to worship, but, also, for we “in church” people who might be looking for a

place to serve.

http://www.grovechurch.org

August 2015



Peace Advocacy: The Price of War: Does Anybody Care?

A political science professor at Boston University, together with a Brown professor, has produced a

"far reaching study that pegs the cost of these wars [Iraq and Afghanistan] at $4 trillion (Bostonia magazine,

Fall 2011). Some facts disclosed in the study: at least 137,000 civilians have been killed in the two countries,

with thousands of additional deaths in Pakistan; more than 550,000 veterans of the two wars have filed

disability claims; and (citing a Rand Corporation report comparing 268 groups using terror tactics worldwide

from 1968 to 2006) "only 7 percent of the groups were defeated militarily (40% were eliminated through

intelligence and policing methods, 43 percent reached political accommodation and 10 per cent "ceased violent

activities because they had achieved their objectives."

The study produced by the professors reinforces what many have been saying for years, not just about

these wars but about war generally: it is colossally expensive in many ways, does not reliably achieve its

announced objectives, and probably should be considered obsolete. This was Martin Luther King's judgment,

made during the Vietnam war, and it seems even more true today. The men and women who put their lives on

the line for this country of course deserve our thanks and praise for their sacrificial service. But the goal of

any rational person must be a war-less world where nations do not spend themselves into penury and do not go

on deluding themselves about what can be achieved through war.

Since the figures cited in the first paragraph were produced close to four years ago, and since the Iraq

bloodshed (along with that in Afghanistan, and, since 2011, Syria, with the more recent appearance of ISIS)

has in some form gone on until the present day, the total casualties are vastly larger now than they were four

years ago. And what are Christians to think about these wars or any others? I would maintain that the

Quakers and Mennonites are closer to the New Testament view than are the Methodists. Many in our own

denomination seem not to share the official church stance on war, which certainly approaches pacifism though

it does not embrace it. We seem too fond of at least some wars to want to give up on war altogether. Perhaps

we need to re-read the Sermon on the Mount. ~ Fred Struckmeyer Grove’s Peace Advocate

Grove Workdays for Good Works

In late June and early July several damaging storms tore

through Chester County bringing high winds and torrential

downpours. Many of us experienced the results of these storms

firsthand as we suffered through hours or days without power

and labored to clear fallen trees and branches from our streets

and yards.

For people living in poverty, getting by under the best of

circumstances is still a struggle. Where do they turn when

Mother Nature drops a tree on their home, rips the shingles off their roof, or floods their living space? Some of

them turn to Good Works. For over 26 years Good Works has been repairing homes in Chester County,

making them warmer, safer and drier. Upon completing repairs on a home, Good Works holds a dedication to

pray with and for the homeowner and their family. Good Works also presents the homeowner with a certificate

that says they can call on Good Works for a future repair if they need such help. The weather we’ve been

having has generated a lot of those calls.

In 2014, Good Works started the Handyman Network program to help handle weekday repair requests.

This supplements the Saturday program that we at Grove participate in. The Handyman Network consists of a

number of skilled volunteers who have agreed to respond, as needed, to calls for specific repairs. This

program enables Good Works to aid many additional families without taking time away from the homes we

work on during Saturday workdays. Grove’s next Workday is Saturday, August 8. All senior high youth and

adults are welcome and no special skills are required. Please mark your calendars for all of our remaining 2015

workdays on the 2nd Saturday of each month, i.e., August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, and

December 12. For more information or to sign up for a workday, contact [email protected]. You

can also sign up at the table outside Fellowship Hall.


August 2015



Invite a Friend to Grove

It’s not too early to begin to think about the fall, about returning to school, getting back to school-year

schedules, moving out of vacation season. I know, it seems like summer just started and already I’m talking

about it ending, but the stores are full of fall clothes, and Staples is advertising back to school supplies! Just

when you’re finally beginning to relax, WHAM! Summer’s almost over and it’s time to think about going

back to the grind.

Well, that may be a little dramatic, but it isn’t too early to think about who you might invite to Grove

Church this fall. Too often, we are hesitant to ask a new neighbor about church or suggest joining us at church

to a new friend. We’re like the women at the end of the Gospel of Mark – amazed by the news of the

resurrection but afraid to tell anyone what we know. But God invites us again and again to share good news

with the world, to tell people about this wonderful place we call Grove Church, a place to belong, a place to

make a difference in the world, a place to enjoy fellowship, learning, service and worship.

The early fall is filled with opportunities to share the news about Grove Church. There’s the All

Church Ice Cream Fest on Sunday afternoon, August 30th. Come for free ice cream, kids’ activities, and

music by the Pieces of One and the Youth Choir as well as a Ministry Fair. Invite new neighbors to church

that morning for the blessing of the backpacks or on September 13 for Rally Day and the start of the fall

Christian Education season. Heard your new neighbor singing in the shower through the bathroom window?

Invite them to join the choir as they begin their new year singing. There are many easy ways to invite

someone to experience life at Grove.

So take advantage of the dog days of August to begin thinking about who you might invite. Tape their

name to your bathroom mirror and say a quick prayer each morning that God will provide you with the right

opportunity to extend that invitation. If you’re praying for it and thinking about it, odds are that chance will

arise. Life at Grove is too good to keep a secret. Let’s spread the word.

Bethany Morley Joins Grove Staff

After an exhaustive search we are delighted to introduce

Bethany Morley as Grove’s new office manager. Bethany joined the

staff in mid-June, and can be found in the office daily from 8:30 am to

2:30 pm.

Bethany and her husband, Matthew, an attorney in West

Chester, live in the Grove neighborhood and are members of the

church. They are the parents of Isabelle, born last September and baptized this year at Grove. Both Bethany

and Matthew hail from Michigan. Prior to coming to Grove, Bethany served as Director of Development for

Barclay Friends, where she was responsible for annual giving campaigns, donor communication and several

major special events. She brings great experience with data base management, written communication and

relational skills. The office manager position allows Bethany more time with Isabelle while also putting her

skills to good use. Please be sure to welcome Bethany if you have opportunity to stop by the office or call.

August 2015



Coming soon! Set up will begin Sunday, September 27th

and we can use your helping hands through Friday,

October 2nd. Start saving your gently used and clean

donations of clothing (kids through adults) and toys,

children’s books, baby equipment, etc. Watch for more

detailed information coming in the September newsletter.

A special request for this time around – We need

hands on Monday, September 14th to unload the

donations from the Owen J Roberts consignment sale. At

10am the truck will arrive, and we will unload into the

garage to store until the 27th when we will need help

moving them to Asbury Hall following the Arise Service.

Please contact Rachel Byerly – [email protected] – with any questions or to volunteer!

Clothing and Toy Ministry

Meet the Gilmores

The Gilmores (Alison is Grove’s missionary in

Ireland) are still in the midst of moving to a new home

and making other changes to their lives. Britt will

pastor at Knock Methodist Church in East Belfast.

Alison will continue using her counseling gifts at the

East Belfast Mission. Due to the trauma that Northern

Ireland has endured in the past, there are still many

people with severe depression, along with many other

mental health issues. Alison offers hope and perspective

to these people. She will be increasing her hours in the

upcoming months with the support of Global Ministries

of the UMC.

Over Easter, Alison says, she was able to find a

quiet place and think about the woman who went to the

tomb and couldn’t find Jesus. She loved the thought of searching for Jesus and then realizing he is right beside

us – walking our path and tenderly lifting us up and filling us with His love. When Alison is counseling she

feels that God is there opening up the darkness of those she serves and using her in their journey.

Pray for Alison as she continues and increases her work for the Lord. Pray for Britt that his work will

be fulfilling to him and those he serves.

The Gilmores (from left): Alison, Ellie, Emily, Jake, and Britt.


August 2015



United Methodist Woman and Ice Cream

2015 Operation Christmas Child Grove is Packing Boxes for Boys & Girls Ages 10-14

Please place all donations in the bin on the floor in the coat room.

August Donations: We need more 6 - 6 1/2 quart shoebox size plastic

totes! (Rubbermaid and Sterilite work well)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!!

While you’re shopping for school supplies this summer, grab a couple of

extras!!

Pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners

Markers

Post-its

Small journals or notebooks

Paper

Scissors

Glue sticks

Solar calculators

Tape

Our packing party is scheduled for Sunday,

November 8th at 6:30. Come out, pack your donations

and witness the success. For more information please

contact Denny Scheffler at [email protected] or

610-458-0421 or Ellen Pickell: [email protected]

For details, videos and fun information about

Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan’s Purse, visit

the website at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child.

A winning combination!! All women of Grove and friends are invited to join us Monday, August 17th at

7pm for an Ice Cream Social. Once again, Ruth Ann Davis has graciously offered to hostess this annual event

at her home. Plenty of ice cream will be provided and we'll leave it up to you to bring your favorite

topping. Please add your name to the sign-up table in the hall so Ruth Ann will know how many of us to

expect and arrange carpooling. Be prepared to share your ideas for future UMW programs and projects!

Last season found our women firmly committed in mission to human trafficking awareness, the work of the

Methodist Home for Children, the Alliance Stamp Mission, Red Bird Mission, the Mission of Peace trip to

India, the Domestic Violence Center and so much more! As you can see, we are NOT a social "club." It's

amazing to see what women united in holy purpose can do to make positive changes in the lives of women and

children here and around the world! We hope to see new faces along with our familiar faithfuls in the coming

season, and August 17th is a great time to kick it off...please join us!



http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child

http://rss-insurance.com/rss/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/operation_christmas_child.jpg

August 2015



Additions to Heck Library

Fiction

32 HAK Hake, Cathy Marie. Whirlwind. Bethany House, 2008.

32 SAM Samson, Lisa. Quaker summer. Thomas Nelson, 2007.

Non-Fiction

9 WIE Wier, Kim. Halloween: celebrating without selling out. Tyndale

House Publishers, 2004.

11 LIN Linamen, Karen Sealf. Sometimes I wake up grumpy …and sometimes I

let him sleep. Fleming H. Revel, 2001.

22 YOC Yocum, Bronwyn E. A calling confirmed: exploring the spiritual impact

of ordination in the United Methodist church. ProQuest LLC, 2015.

Rebekah Circle Resumes

Rebekah Circle will resume on the second Friday in September,

which will be September 11, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. It came to our attention

that some folks at Grove have their smiles upside down. Therefore, we

chose to read and study “Laugh Your Way to Grace” by Rev. Susan

Sparks.

We would enjoy welcoming any woman available one Friday

morning per month. Childcare is available upon request. Any questions,

please call Jo Lewis at (610) 269-0747.

Youth Choir Kick Off

Calling all youth in Graces 7 through 12—

Love to sing? Enjoy helping others? Like to

travel? Then consider joining the Grove Youth

Choir! Members of the Youth Choir serve as

the choir for the 11:00 Arise service through

the school year, but choir is much more than

that. The annual spring tour (next year we’re

headed west), singing at nursing homes and

special concerts like Christmas at Barnes and

Noble, and the fellowship with other youth is

great. Mike Hardie and Blake Nicholson provide adult leadership. And rehearsals are just plain fun! So

consider coming out for the Friday, August 28 kick off and first rehearsal. Talk to Mike Hardie for more

information or with questions.

August 2015



Your Money, Your Story, Your Life

This Fall, Grove will offer the 9 week Financial Peace University course from Dave Ramsey. This

class provides guidance in gaining control over your finances, eliminating debt and learning to spend and save

wisely. The class, taught by Pastor Yocum and her husband Gordon, who holds an

MBA, combines teaching of the best ways to manage your money with an under-

standing of God’s way of handling money.

Dave Ramsey’s story is a cautionary tale. A real-estate millionaire by his

mid-twenties, he and his wife Sharon then lost everything due to runaway debt. He

set out to learn the truth about money - how to earn it, how to spend it wisely, and

how to keep what he needed to be secure. After reestablishing himself, he set about

helping others learn how to handle their money more wisely then he had the first

time around. He now hosts a nationally syndicated radio show on financial man-

agement and has published 6 best selling books on the subject.

The class will be offered on Wednesday nights in the fall at 7 pm. A class

preview will be offered on Wednesday night, September 9, and the class will begin the following week, Sep-

tember 16. Course materials cost $100. The one-time charge provides workbook, a CD of the audio of all

class presentations, money management materials, and the right to repeat the entire course or any class at any

time in any location. That way if you take the course and later want a refresher, you can sign up to repeat any

portion of the class at no further cost. Scholarship help is available from Pastor Yocum.

Participants can register by signing up in the elevator lobby and submitting a check for the materials

made payable to Grove Church with “Dave Ramsey” in the memo line. The class is open to the public, so

share this information with anyone you know who might benefit from it.

Our New Ministry- Grove's Community Garden

Good News! The Grove Community Garden is off to a great start! On the evening of June 25th, seventeen

volunteers worked together to construct four, (3’x 10’), raised beds behind the current office building, (former

parsonage). Then with a gentle rain falling, we filled each bed with soil. Upon completion we were wet, tired,

but happy. What a successful beginning to our new Grove ministry! Please prayerfully consider joining

Grove’s new ministry to help us fence in our garden, and plant the seedlings. The sign-up sheet is near the

Welcome Center.

Sunday School Changes

Beginning on Sunday, August 30th, children in the preschool classes through 5th grade will go to the sanctuary

with their parents for the beginning of the service. Children will remain in the service until the "Children's

Moment" and will then be escorted to their Sunday School classes.

August 2015



GriefShare at Grove — A Grief Recovery Ministry

It hurts to lose someone…find help at GriefShare. If you or

someone you know has lost a loved one to death please come

to GriefShare. Church members and the community at large are

invited to participate in GriefShare, an educational and support

group for those who have lost a loved one due to death.

Participants will find encouragement and practical help as we

consider the following topics: Is This Normal?, Challenges of

Grief, The Journey of Grief – Part 1, The Journey of Grief –

Part 2, Grief & Your Relationships, Why?, Guilt & Anger, Complicating Factors, Stuck, Lessons of Grief –

Part 1, Lessons of Grief – Part 2, Heaven, and What Do I Live For Now?

The next GriefShare at Grove Group will begin on September 9th and conclude on December 9th. The

13 sessions are on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We will not meet the week of Thanksgiving. Free child

care is provided. Registration is requested. The $20 fee covers the book and materials. Scholarships are

available. Contact Rev. Lin Georrge, [email protected] or 610.350.9372 or make a contact request

online at: http://www.griefshare.org/ .

This fall we will explore the parables of Jesus in a sermon series designed to help us understand the

teachings of Jesus. From the Good Samaritan to the Unjust Judge, from the Prodigal Son to Wise and Foolish

Maidens, the parables of Jesus present unforgettable characters and teachings that often end up going in a very

different direction than we originally anticipated. Beginning on August 30th, Pastor Yocum will explore a

different parable each week, beginning with the Prodigal Son. Labor Day weekend we’ll look at the Parable of

the Sower, the parable Jesus carefully explained to his disciples. We’ll continue the series through mid-

October as we look for the twists and surprises in Jesus’ teachings. Come and listen to the parables of Jesus

with fresh ears.

Tell Me a Story — Fall Sermon Series

Companions in Christ Year Long Study

On Wednesday mornings this fall, a group of women and men will begin a journey together exploring

the way that our faith can transform our lives through reflecting on Scripture, learning about prayer, service

and spiritual discernment. Using the Companions in Christ material, participants will read and reflect on

Scripture each day, and at weekly meetings, discover how our lives are changed by the power of God’s Word

at work in our lives. This small group experience is divided into five segments that explore the meaning of

spiritual formation, ways of relating to Scripture, methods of prayer, committing to service in the name of

Christ and continuing the journey beyond the year.

Materials cost $15 per person, plus it is recommended that participants purchase some form of journal

to keep their daily notes in - anything from a school notebook to a nice journal is fine. Classes will meet

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:15 in Z Lounge, beginning September 16th. Sign up on the sign-up

table in the elevator lobby. Books can be purchased from Pastor Bron in advance or at the first class.


tel:610.350.9372

http://www.griefshare.org/

August 2015



Thank Yous

Dear Pastor Bronwyn,

Because you and our friends at Grove United Methodist Church recognized that every family needs a home,

we [at Friends Association] were able to provide warmth, care and housing for families … Your donation of

$500 is already changing lives, as we work to prevent and end family homelessness in Chester County …

Thank you so much for your generosity.

Catherine Friedman

Executive Director

Dear Reverend Yocum,

On behalf of our patients, volunteers and staff, I thank you and your con-

gregation for your generous support of CVIM’s mission. Your gift helps

to provide our hardworking patients and families with the free healthcare

services and programs they need to regain and maintain their health. WE

know how hard they work to overcome life’s challenges and we believe

that ill health should not be another hardship they need to endure … We

are so grateful of your support and belief in CVIM, thank you for being

at the core of all we do.

Denise Mahal

Vice President of Development

Applying Bible Principles in Your Life

“God Owns It All” is the chapter heading in a book by a Christian author who presents this chapter first as the

foundation for money management and giving.

God does own it all! That is the teaching of Psalm 24:1 which says, “The earth is the Lord’s.” Psalm 50:10

says that all of the beasts of the field belong to God, and that the cattle on a thousand hills are His. Haggai 2:8

says that God even owns the silver and gold in all the mines.

Now, He allows us to use what rightfully belongs to Him, but God continues to retain the ownership. We are

managers and stewards of what He has entrusted to us. Someday, when we stand before Him, we shall give an

account of what kind of job we have done in managing the resources which He has allowed us to use.

That’s why every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision. Every time we use some of God’s money,

we are making a decision which has eternal ramifications.

Are you using money and possessions as if they belong to you, or are you making spending decisions with the

full realization that “God owns it all?”

© Kenneth L. Williams

August 2015



Dear Friends at Grove,

Thank you for your recent gift. I am especially grateful that you are thinking of our Bridge of Hope moms and

children now as you look forward to your own summer plans. It is always a challenging time of year for our

finances … It is a joy to partner with you on the road to discovering hope.

Francesca J. Crane

Executive Director

Dear Church Treasurer,

We are so grateful for your recent gift, given to further the work of Good Works. Your practical help enables

us to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged homeowners whom we have the privilege of serving. We

truly appreciate your willingness to partner with us in such a meaningful manner … You are a vital link in the

Good Works operation. WE thank God for your involvement in this ministry – not only in repairing homes,

but also in restoring hope and building relationships. May He be glorified in all that we do.

Robert Beggs

Executive Director

Dear Friends of Grove United Methodist Church,

It is truly a privilege for The Salvation Army to be able to have such a wonderful helping ministry. What a

blessing it is for us to have such gracious and giving followers who enable us to have the resources to accom-

plish all that we do — for the glory of God and for the meeting of basic human needs. Your contribution will

help provide others in our community with food, shelter, clothing and so much more.

Lieutenants Jesus and Maria Corraliza

Commanding Officers/Pastors

August 2015



Help Us Keep

Our

Records

Current

In an effort to keep church

records current, please be

kind enough to notify the

church office about

changes to your address,

phone number, email

address, births,

graduations, etc. You can

do this by calling the

office at

(610) 696-2663 or send an

email to

[email protected].

NOTICE

If you have any changes to the church

calendar for meetings or cancellations,

please notify the church office as soon

as possible.

Saturday, August 1

Sunday, August 2

Monday, August 3

3:00 Mission Blitz

7:00 OA

Tuesday, August 4

1:15 Library Committee

3:00 Mission Blitz

7:00 Pieces of One Rehearsal

7:00 Steering Team

7:30 AA

Wednesday, August 5

1:00 Prayer Shawl

3:00 Mission Blitz

6:30 Web Team Meeting

Thursday, August 6

3:00 Mission Blitz

7:30 Board of Trustees

Friday, August 7

3:00 Mission Blitz

Saturday, August 8

Good Works Work Day

Sunday, August 9

12:15 Nurture Ministries

Monday, August 10

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

7:00 OA

7:00 CHADD/PADD

Tuesday, August 11

6:30 Craft Group


7:30 AA

Wednesday, August 12

Thursday, August 13

Friday, August 14

Saturday, August 15

9:00 P.A.CK

Sunday, August 16

Monday, August 17

7:00 OA

Tuesday, August 18


7:15 Staff/Parish Relations

7:30 AA


Thursday, August 20

Friday, August 21

Saturday, August 22

Sunday, August 23

Monday, August 24

6:30 Brownie Troop #4108

7:00 OA

Tuesday, August 25

7:00 Program Team Meeting


7:30 AA


5:30 Girl Scout Troup #4053

6:30 Web Team Meeting

Thursday, August 27

2:30 AAUW

6:30 Girl Scout Council Training

Friday, August 28

6:00 Youth Choir Kick-Off

Saturday, August 29

Sunday, August 30

Blessing of the Backpacks

3:00 All Church Ice Cream Fest

Monday, August 31

3:30 Office Staff Meeting

7:00 OA

Please notify the church office when

you or a loved one goes into the hos-

pital and would desire a visit.

August 2015



Grove UMC Newsletter

490 W. Boot Road

West Chester, PA 19380-1112

Address Service Requested

August 2015 Newsletter Grove United Methodist Church

490 West Boot Road West Chester, PA 19380

Church Office: (610) 696-2663 Church Fax: (610) 450-6775

The Rev. Dr. Bron Yocum, Senior Pastor The Rev. Lin George, Assistant Pastor

Patti Klotz, Director of Christian Education Keri McMullin, Director of Youth Ministries

Michael Shoremount, Director Traditional Music Robert W. Johns, Organist

Mike Hardie, Director, Youth Choir Melissa Bechtel, Director, Preschool

Ken Johnson & Keri McMullin, Directors of Contemporary Worship Bethany Morley, Office Manager

Barbara Thornton, Assistant Office Manager

Sunday Service: 8, 9:30, 11am * www.grovechurch.org * West Chester, PA * Office: (610) 696-2663

Non Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

WEST CHESTER, PA Permit No. 284

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