St. PaulSUnited Methodist Church

St. Paul’s EpistleSUMMER 2013

Leadership Teamron hoeLLeinPastor

Bruce GascoinePastor

hyunG-suk JoePastor

karen sLusserPastor

FaiTh Geer Administrative Director

Tom TayLor Director of Music and Worship Ministries

Tami WeisnerDirector of Youth Ministries

erin sozaDirector of Children’s Ministries

sT. pauL’s uniTed meThodisT church

1965 Ferguson RoadAllison Park, PA 15101412.486.7006www.stpaulsumc.com

our VisionConvinced the future is iChrist, we will become a broad-based community of faith ministering to all persons.

our purposeTo make disciples of Jesus Christ.

St. PaulSUnited Methodist Church

our missionWe are a welcoming community of faith where all are invited to discover, discern, and use their spiritual gifts to transform the world through Jesus Christ.

Sing the Song of Summer

American culture loves summer. In our most nostalgic moments we can think of the past and the hot, dog days of August. Things seem to be simpler and easier then. We get some of these images from a country song like, “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney:

School’s out and the nights roll inMan, just like a long lost friendYou ain’t seen in a whileAnd can’t help but smilePerfect song on the radioSing along ‘cause it’s one we knowIt’s a smile, it’s a kissIt’s a sip of bliss, it’s summertimeSweet summertime.

For those who are older, we get a similar dream of summers past from George Gershwin:

Summertime, And the livin’ is easyFish are jumpin’And the cotton is highOne of these morningsYou’re going to rise up singingThen you’ll spread your wingsAnd you’ll take to the sky.

Even for the rap devotees among us there is a classic from Will Smith:

And think of the summers of the past Adjust the base and let the alpine blast Pop in my cd and let me run a rhyme And put your car on cruise and lay back cause this is summertime Summer, summer, summertime Time to sit back and unwind.

to making summer memories, having a vacation from the norm, and feeling the joy of a re-created morning in our faith journey.

This summer we will be sending Bruce off to his new ministry and pastorate. We will be welcoming Karen and family to St. Paul’s in her new role as pastor. I will do my preaching best to remind, inspire, invite, and challenge us to find life, grace, and hope amidst all we do as individuals and as the body of Christ named St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. When we recharge our spiritual batteries we then can sing our favorite songs with the car radio, spread our wings to the sky, and use summer as a meaningful time of experiencing more deeply and profoundly God’s love in our life. This is what makes for a meaningful summer. We will always remember a summer such as this!

See you in worship this week.

Ron

We would love to have a lifestyle where summer is easy and a time to make meaningful memories. Even as we hear these songs or read these lyrics we know that in our current reality summer is rarely bliss, easy, or even relaxing. For many an individual or family, school may be out and vacations are scheduled but there is no rest, renewal, or re-creation. Our schedules are just as busy doing other things.

I want to offer you a respite; a kiss of bliss, a joy of summer morning, and a time to renew depleted emotional batteries. I invite you to be intentional about summer worship at St. Paul’s. The worship services are less formal. They range from an air-conditioned Saturday night (to get the jump on Sunday’s activities) to being in an outdoor cathedral (Chapel in the Woods), to a weekly focus on encountering Christ in Holy Communion (Methodist Mass) or to the congregation gathering in a quieter, congenial, setting of our beautiful Sanctuary.

One of the most significant ways we can recapture a sense of balance and perspective is when we take time and opportunity to worship within the community of faith. This spiritual grounding is one of the greatest assists

goodbye and god bleSS

Bruce Gascoine has been our pastor and friend for eight years. His inspiring teaching and thought-provoking sermons will be missed. His compassionate hospital visits and encouragement to slow down and pray will be remembered.

As a United Methodist pastor Bruce vowed to be “itinerate,” meaning he goes where the Bishop appoints him. The Bishop has appointed Bruce to Christ UM Church in Butler. He will be loved and challenged there as he continues to grow a dynamic community ministry.

On Sunday, June 23 at 11:30 a.m. we will have a reception to honor Bruce. Please come and enjoy a time of fellowship and remembering the ministry and times Bruce has shared with us.

Seeing god

Here’s a summer challenge for you: Where have you seen God? As you work, play, and visit new places this summer, be aware of all the times you see God. It may be in the eyes of a child or a “coincidence” that helps a friend. Keep your heart open to the spirit’s promptings in your life. May God’s loving hand continue to guide you throughout the warm summer days!

Karen’s call to pastoral ministry evolved from her work at Perry Highway Lutheran Church. After much discernment and prayer, Karen began the process of becoming a United Methodist licensed local pastor. The Trinity UM Church and the Washington District Committee on Ministry approved and certified Karen’s ministry in 2011. She completed Licensing School in August of 2011 and Bishop Bickerton appointed her to an extension ministry at Perry Highway Lutheran Church since there were no places for her in the UMC. She continues to work her way through the five-year Course of Study for local pastors.

After several interviews this spring, the Bishop appointed Karen to St. Paul’s as a full-time local pastor. She writes, “I am overwhelmed by the grace of God in calling me to minister with you at St. Paul’s UMC. While my family is sad to leave the PHLC community we are thrilled and excited about becoming a part of the St. Paul’s family! I am sure you understand the mix of emotions, as you must be sad about Bruce moving to another congregation, and at the same time, hopefully, are as excited to meet me and my family as we are to meet you. My heart overflows with love and joy for you already, and I pray for you every day.”

Plan to come July 7 to greet Karen and her family: Craig, a senior accountant at Mercy Behavioral Health on the North Side, and their three children: Bryan (13/going into 8th grade), Amanda (11/going into 6th grade) and Jonathan ( 9/going into 4th grade). The leadership team has planned with Karen many opportunities for us to get to know her better. She will be the primary preacher for Methodist Mass and focus on pastoral care. We are truly blessed to have Karen join us in creating a ministry for all!

Welcome, Karen!

On Sunday, July 7 we will welcome Karen Slusser, our new Associate Pastor. A life-long United Methodist, Karen grew up as the daughter of a United Methodist pastor. She was confirmed at First Bethel UM Church and still wears a cross her grandparents gave her on that day as a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s role in her life.

Her call to ministry began as a young teenager leading and participating in music. She graduated from Grove City College in 1997 with a degree in organ and piano performance. Craig, her husband, and she began several “contemporary style” worship services as volunteers. Her work experience has been at Perry Highway Lutheran Church, most recently as the Director of Music Ministries and as the preschool music teacher. She always kept her membership in the United Methodist Church.

Summer WorShip Schedule

June 9 “Seizing Fear”Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

ron hoellein: Saturday at 6 p.m. & Chapel in the Woods,

bruce gascoine: Mass10:30 a.m. Hymn Sing June 16 “Welcome and Included”Luke 7:36-8:3

bruce gascoine:Saturday at 6 p.m. , Mass, & 10:30 a.m.

Chapel in the Woods (TBD) June 23 “Do We Really Believe This?”Matthew 20:1-16

bruce gascoine: Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30

ron hoellein: Mass

June 30 ron hoellein: Saturday at 6 p.m., Mass, & 10:30 a.m.

Chapel in the Woods (TBD)

auguSt 4 “Cheering for the Ravens”Acts 9:1-22

ron hoellein:Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.

“Baby Steps”Hosea 11:1-11

Karen Slusser: Mass

auguSt 11 “Miracles: After 19 Losing Seasons”Mark 4:35-41

ron hoellein:Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.

“The Eye of the Storm”

Karen Slusser:Mass

auguSt 18 “God’s Cross Country Team”Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Karen Slusser:Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.

“Doubt: Congress Agreeing on Anything”John 21:19-31

ron hoellein:Mass

auguSt 25 “Bless the Lord My Soul”Psalm 103

ron hoellein:Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.

Karen Slusser: Mass

July 7 “Stepping on Serpents, Scorpions, and Stinkbugs”Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

ron hoellein: Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.,

myles bradley: Mass

Karen Slusser will be introduced at all services

July 14 “Daring to Dance in the Fountain”

Karen Slusser/ron hoellein:Saturday 6 p.m. and Mass

Joe Slaughbaugh (guest preacher): Chapel in the Woods and 10:30 a.m. July 21 “Laughing with God”Genesis 18:1-15

Karen Slusser:Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.

Steve tuell: Mass

July 28 “Tugging on God’s Shirtsleeves”Luke 11:1-13

Karen Slusser: Saturday at 6 p.m., Mass, & 10:30 a.m.

Chapel in the Woods (TBD)

September 1 “Building from the Top Down” Luke 14:25-33

ron hoellein:Saturday at 6 p.m., Chapel in the Woods, & 10:30 a.m.

“Letting Lazarus Loose”John 11:17-44

Karen Slusser: Mass

Masterworks” with Grammy award-winning trumpet player, George Vosburgh. Alaine graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Performance from Duquesne University and has furthered her studies in Collaborative Piano at Cleveland Institute of Music.

Violinist Juan Jaramillo, a native of Venezuela, has played with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, and Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. He is currently a principal second of the Wheeling Symphony and first violinist for the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestras, as well as the Sarasota Opera.

Congratulations, Alaine, on this accomplishment! We are proud of you!

If you’d like to experience “The Kreutzer Sonata,” please visit the PICT website atwww.picttheater.org.

Summer muSic opportunitieS

During the summer months, our many singing and ringing choirs take a well-deserved break from worship leadership. The summer provides wonderful opportunities for individuals and groups to offer their musical talents to praise God and to lead our congregation in worship

Song leaders are needed for the 9:15 a.m. Chapel in the Woods services, while music solos, duets, and ensembles enhance our 10:30 a.m. services in the Sanctuary.

Vocalists and instrumentalists are encouraged to contact Tom Taylor (412.486.7006 or ttaylor@stpaulsumc.com) to learn more or to sign up for a specific Sunday.

alaine finK featured in “the KreutZer Sonata”

“The Kruetzer Sonata” tells the story of Pozdynyshev who weaves a tale of love, loss, and betrayal featuring Beethoven’s masterpiece as performed by violinist Juan Jaramillo and pianist Alaine Fink.

This play by Nancy Harris, based on the Tolstoy novella, will be presented by the Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theater from May 30 – June 22. It blends song and drama and stars Martin Giles as Pozdynshev.

Alaine Fink, organist at St. Paul’s, is currently on the faculty at the Pittsburgh 6-12 School for Creative and Performing Arts and Duquesne University, where she serves as Coordinator of Accompanying Services and as a performance coach. Alaine is an active chamber musician and accompanist, having collaborated in recital with principal members of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, and vocalists from the Metropolitan Opera. She is featured on the CD “Trumpet

Juan Jaramillo

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felloWShip conVocation in pittSburgh

The national convocation of the UMC Fellowship will be held here in Pittsburgh this summer. Tom Taylor, Director of Music and Worship Ministries at St. Paul’s and Immediate Past President of this national organization, is the local arrangements chairperson on the convocation Design Team. Ron, Karen, Faith, Alaine, and Tom will be participating in this exciting event. All worship services are open to the public. Daily rates are available for those wishing to attend plenary and seminar sessions. Visit the Fellowship website for more information or talk with Tom Taylor if interested.

microsoft powerpoint: Learn to create slideshows for special events, speeches, or presentations.

the internet: Learn web basics, like how to do Google searches and use email.

north hillS community outreach offerS free baSic computer claSSeS. no preViouS experience neceSSary!

topics include:intro to computers: Learn the very basics – how to turn the computer on, open and close programs, and move between windows.

microsoft Word: Learn how to type and format letters, resumes and other documents.

microsoft excel: Learn how to use spreadsheets to make budgets and lusts and to record and analyze data.

Choose between two locations:

NHCO Millbale Satellite416 Lincoln AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15209

Avalon Public Library317 South Home AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15202

For more information or to register, please contact Lea Bridi, Computer Connection Coordinator, 412.487.6316, option 2, ext. 3225, lbridi@nhco.org.

neW poSition created

In response to many parents’ requests, beginning in September there will be a Children’s Church experience for first and second graders during Sunday morning worship services. Children will be dismissed from worship following the Children’s Time to go to a special class.

A teacher will be hired for this new class. The person will plan and teach the classes for the 8:15 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. worship services, and be available to teach or assist classes at 9:15 a.m. children’s classes. Please see Erin Soza or Faith Geer for complete details or send your resume and letter of interest to fgeer@stpaulsumc.com.

children’S miniStrieS Erin Soza, Director of Children’s

Ministriesesoza@stpaulsumc.com

412-486-7006 x17www.stpaulsumc.com

Children’s Ministry Mission Statement:

St. Paul’s Children’s Ministry calls, equips, and deploys adults with a passion for Children’s ministries

to connect with children in diverse situations, nurturing the spirit within

children so that the awareness of God in their lives will lead them to

faithful service as disciples of Jesus Christ.

thanK you VolunteerS!

On behalf of the many families that have children attending Spiritual Enrichment Classes and Programming at St. Paul’s, I ‘d like to extend a huge thank you to our volunteers who have given time and love to support the mission and vision of St. Paul’s. Without the countless hours of time our volunteers give, we wouldn’t have the strength or opportunity to serve all the children that visit St. Paul’s throughout the year. Thank you volunteers!

Summer miSSion and outreach

cat camp is June 17-21 and is the first of our two summer outreach camps at St. Paul’s. The theme for the week is based on the musical Under the Sea in 3D. CAT Camp Registration is full at this time but youth and adult volunteers are always welcome. Please attend Training if you are planning on volunteering for CAT Camp or VBS. (See other article for dates.)

Everybody is invited to the Friday evening Art Gallery and Musical performance. Doors open to the gallery at 6:00 p.m. and the musical starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Come be inspired and see what talented children we have attending CAT Camp. We hope you can attend!

Vacation bible School

VbS is scheduled for July 22-26. This weeklong camp meets every day from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The theme for this year is Everyday Fun Fair. VBS hosts children who are 3 years old by July 1 thru children who are entering 5th grade. Each day is filled with fun activities including story time, science, crafts, recreation, snack, and reflection time. There is also a Scripture and Bible theme that leads each activity daily. A free-will offering is accepted each day and school supplies are gathered to donate to North Hills Community Outreach. Please register ASAP as space is limited. If you have questions about VBS or are an adult who would like to volunteer, please contact Cindy Kelly at cindyk3@gmail.com.

no miSSion impoSSible club - miSSion accompliShed!

NoMIC launched 2013 with a multitude of missions to accomplish. They ended the year with their yearly retreat to Jumonville and a Spring Luncheon. The leaders and all those who participated in the 2012-2013 missions can rest assured that the missions were accomplished. All 3rd-5th graders should be looking forward to many more missions posted in the NoMIC calendar next fall. Special thanks are sent to the NoMIC leaders for directing these missions!

VolunteerS

Adult volunteers are always needed in the summer ministry camps and throughout the year. Volunteers will be needed for Sunday Morning Classes, Bridge Builders, Sports Spark, Children’s Church, as well as in a variety of other areas this coming fall. Please consider offering your time to be a part of building a child’s faith formation. As a congregation, we vow to support all children who are baptized at St. Paul’s. We baptize a lot of children! Please consider helping if you can.

In order to prepare adults for volunteering, there is training and a Safe Sanctuary Class that must be attended. We also need to have Act 33/34 Clearances from all volunteers. Please contact Faith, fgeer@stpaulsumc.com to reserve a time for training. If you are considering volunteering or even if you plan to volunteer sporadically throughout the year this training is necessary. It is very practical and will strengthen your comfort and knowledge as a volunteer.

training timeS and dateS for adultS and youth Volunteering at cat camp and/or VbS

Adults and teens volunteering at CAT Camp and VBS should attend a training time prior to the start of the camp. Safety is paramount when volunteering with kids, and we want all the volunteers to be confident and equipped to provide safe care in any situation. Training times are available Sunday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. Thursday June 13 at 7:00 p.m.

In July VBS Training is available July 7 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Erin Soza to schedule a different time if these are not convenient options.

Summer play group

Families are invited to join together Thursday mornings from 10:00-? to form a summer playgroup. Meet at the black and gold playground in North Park, next to the swimming pool on Thursday mornings that work with your schedule. Pack a lunch, bring a blanket. Sign up on the e-mail list in the communication centers or e-mail Erin Soza, esoza@stpaulsumc.om. With vacations and other summer obligations we’ll put together an e-mail list and then you can send an email each week you are able to attend to see who else will be at the playground. As we gather participants I’ll keep updating the e-mail list and start the e-mails. The first playgroup will meet June 13. See you at the park!

Sunday morningchildren’S church

Children’s Church is available for 3-year-olds thru Kindergarteners at each of the worship services this summer. For those attending the 9:15 a.m. Chapel in the Woods or the Methodist Mass, families should drop children off at the New Covenant Room. At the 10:30 a.m. service children are dismissed from the Sanctuary after the Children’s Message. Youth volunteers are always welcome to help Mrs. Sullivan lead Children’s Church.

nurSery

The nursery will be staffed during each worship service this summer. Don’t forget to sign the registration and leave an emergency contact number when dropping off your child/ren.

haiti: youth international miSSion – July 16-25

A team of high school, college and adult women are embarking on our first International Youth Mission to the rural, mountainous community of Plain Matin, Haiti. We will par-ticipate in a strategic model that promotes grassroots leadership and empowerment of people from the poorest, most forgotten areas of Haiti. Our work projects may include a medical clinic, with possible home visits to aide families in need of care, as well as assisting in work projects like building schools, churches, clean water systems, community gardens and bread ovens. Our projects are decided upon and organized by the local leadership, a United Methodist Haitian pastor in consultation with the Haiti:H2O staff. Please pray for safe travels for our team. The people of Haiti primarily speak Creole and French, pray that we might commu-nicate best through living a Christ-like example.

haiti team: Tami Weisner, Susan Guido, Leigh Spudich, Lizzy Guido, Alli Lenz, Natalie Geer, Calene Dougherty, Erin Bishop and Olivia Harris.

haiti:h2o Staff: Jeff VanderMolen.

anchor neWSIt if didn’t feel like summer before, surely it does now as I sit on the side of I-70 waiting for a tow truck. Virginia is patiently knitting a new pair of socks for Scott, Mr. Mo is checking email, Ron is adjusting to the whine of the big trucks that rock our car as they fly by and me, well I’m typing my Epistle articles that were probably due yesterday. So yep, it’s summer and Workcamp is just around the corner.

WorKcamp: Spencer, WV – June 23-29Today’s adventure began with a 4-hour drive to Spring Heights Education Center located in rural Spencer, WV where our team of 46 youth & adults will be lodging during this year’s workcamp experience. The camp is beautiful. Our accommodations will be above average for a typical workcamp experience. Our work projects will be to serve the residents in the surrounding area with home repairs. The need is great in this community; over 30% of its residents live in absolute poverty. Restoration Generation, part of the northeast jurisdiction of the UMC, is helping to make connections with the locals so that we will be able to best serve the community with our skills and resources. Workcamps are the highlight of our year and we could not do them without your support. Thank you, and please continue to pray for our team!

Students: Brian Venturella, Brooke Venturella, Casey Cardone, Chris Geraud, Chris Ruprecht, Christine Bergeron, Eleanor Yaruss, Emily D’Amico, Emily Yaruss, Gary Blough, Haylee Flory, Jay English, Jessica Hunter, Jillian Schmidt, Katie Schuetz, Kristen McKnight, Mackenzie Martin, Matt Pontzloff, Matthew Schuetz, Olivia Harris, Paige Milavec, Paul Zalakar, Peter Wyeth, Ryan Pontzloff, Spenser Flowers, Sydney Wagner, Trevor Culley and Walt Newby IV.

adults: Barb Flory, Dave Milavec, Edith D’Amico, Faith Geer, Frank D’Amico, Heather Culley, Jennifer Schmidt, John Roth, Karen Spudich, Robb Montgomery, Ron Hoellein, Shirley Zalakar, Sybil Geraud, Tami Weisner, Virginia Yaruss and Walt Newby III.

WORK CAMPSPENCER, WV

Surf city: mearS, mi July 28 - auguSt 2Each summer, Surf City offers 1,000 middle school students the opportunity to get out of the city, make new friends, swim, wave run, tube, climb sand dunes, enjoy a really big lake, and most importantly, examine faith in Jesus Christ. These are high-energy experiences at Grace Adventures Camp in Mears, Michigan. Thousands of kids from across the country have experienced the most significant week of their lives at Surf City. Please pray for safe travels and an amazing Christ-centered experience for our St. Paul’s MIDHI students as they will be a part of this awesome ministry July 28-August 2.

midhi Students: Allison Bergeron, Brian Venturella, Bella Patterson, Chris Suddeth, Collin Milavec, Eleanor Yaruss, Evan Culley, Kelsey Davis, Kristy Smith, Matt Venturella, Michael Schuetz and Taylor Atkins.

Srhi leaders: Brooke Venturella, Christine Bergeron, Emily Yaruss, Spenser Flowers and Trevor Culley

adults: Kathy Davis, Scott Yaruss, Dave Milavec and Tom Culley.

Summer youth calendar* Watch for texts about SRHI Wing Nights & Other Special Summer EventsJune 1: Car WashJune 1: HAITI Team Training at 5pmJune 2: Graduate Recognition & CookoutJune 9: WORKCAMP Meeting at 7pmJune 23-29: SRHI WORKCAMP – West VirginiaJuly 3: Breakfast Club starts 9:30am at Eat-n-Park (Big One) on McKnight Rd.July 7: VBS TrainingJuly 16-25: Youth International Mission – HAITI:H2OJuly 28-August 2: SURF CITYAugust 14: SANDCASTLEAugust 25: YOUTH WELCOME BACK PARTY

looKing ahead to fallSeptember 4: MIDHI CREW StartsSeptember 8: ANCHOR STARTSSeptember 8: SRHI CREW StartsOctober 5: Car Cruise & French Toast Breakfast

fund a farm SeaSon three – final report Thank you St. Paul’s! The collection cans have been opened, the coins have been counted, the checks have been deposited. The final total of the donations was $2974.37. This was a very generous response to our Mission Committee’s 2013 Lenten Initiative.

Our challenge at the start of Lent was, in the words of farm manager Esnath Arichara, to “give us (the farm) a chance and we will succeed.” Well, St. Paul’s is continuing to give them a chance. The number one priority for the farm in 2013 was to build a poultry house. The house would enable the farm to raise thousands of chickens, both “roasters” for eating, and “layers” for eggs. The cost of building the house was estimated to be $6125. By combining the $2974.37 with $3500 from a recent Conaway-Munden Grant, the farm will be able to proceed with the construction.

Our Lenten Initiatives together with grants from the Conaway-Munden Fund have enabled the farm to take huge steps toward its rehabilitation on the Nyadire UM Mission in Zimbabwe. A future Epistle article will describe these initial successes.

Our support of the farm has been in the spirit of Chabadza, a Shona word that describes a partnership in which a passerby stops to help one already at work. We here in Allison Park are the passersby. We did not decide that it would be wise to make the rehabilitation of the farm a priority. That decision was made by the Zimbabweans who were already at work. We are helping them but we are not using our money to send food to Nyadire for the people to eat. Rather, we are using our resources to help the Zimbabweans develop the means to become food self-sufficient.

And so, on behalf of our brothers and sisters at Nyadire, TATENDA! (that’s the Shona word for thank you)

a Word about St. paul’S financeSBy Bob Milavec

Your financial gifts and offerings to St. Paul’s touch so many lives week in and week out. Your financial offerings allow our shared ministry to witness, proclaim, and share God’s love through the work of our staff, the use of our facility, in channels of outreach and service, and in gifts that go, (as Ron says) in offering prayers, from our altar to the rest of the world. Thank you for your gifts.

As we approach this summer season, be reminded that even as you travel, your regular financial support is needed to fulfill all of our obligations. We not only appreciate your offerings, we need your financial gifts. Thanks for remembering St. Paul’s even during the summer. If you ever have any questions about your giving account, please contact Bob Milavec in our Finance Office 412.486.7006.

On another matter, St. Paul’s has an increasing number of persons who have chosen to use the automatic deduction service. If you are interested in this form of sharing your gifts on a monthly or bi-weekly basis please contact Donna Barto in our Finance Office and she will provide you with the proper forms and documentation. There is also a growing number of families that are choosing to contribute their offerings through their credit card. If you have the appropriate cards you can double miles and earn extra points from the various companies. All of these options are available to you for supporting our shared ministry. Giving through automatic deduct or credit cards help us through slow cash flow weeks and months. They are easy stewardship options for expressing your love and gratitude for all that God is doing in your life.

the 2013 Summer retreatled by: paStor ron hoellein

"Opening the Eyes of Our Hearts”A study of Paul's prayers in Ephesians.

Saturday - July 139:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.George Crooks Dining Area

No Cost Bring your BibleLight breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Please sign up at the Communication CentersAny questions? Call Mary Ellen Dickson at 412-486-0625

ideaS are needed

Three new ad hoc teams are being formed this summer: Safety and Security, Hospitality, and Communications. If you have an interest or expertise in any of these areas, please contact Faith Geer (fgeer@stpaulsumc.com.) We will meet several times to access where we are and to make recommendations for ways to improve.

food co-op

The One Woman Farm Food Co-Op will be using St. Paul’s as a distribution site for fresh vegetables on Mondays from 3-6:30 p.m. You can sign up to become part of the co-op by going to www.onewomanfarm.com . Once you register, then you can begin coming to get your produce. A few more persons are needed to help distribute the week’s selections. Please let Faith know if you are interested in helping. Deliveries begin on Monday, June 10, and will continue through mid-November.

rita berg aWard Shared

Congratulations to Dick Rishel and Dave Mitchell upon receiving the Rita Berg award for their work with the adult Volunteers in Mission (VIM). The award honors individuals who demonstrate ways to help others find peace. Dick and Dave model teamwork and offer peace to the various homeowners who benefit from their work. They encourage team members to work together and share their time and talents with others. Congratulations!

Kitchen uSage guidelineS

If you plan to use the kitchen, please contact Ronna Cullen-Doyle (412-657-7316). There are several Allegheny County Board of Health rules that we are required to follow as well as several things that we ask you to do so that the next person has a clean, neat kitchen to use! There are signs to help you, too. Our kitchen is a great place to make things…please help us to keep it up to code!

neWbornS in need of comfort and Warmth…can you help?

Last year, 496 babies were delivered at the Nyadire UM Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe. The surrounding six clinics that the hospital is also responsible for delivered an additional 690 babies. St. Paul’s Creative Hands Ministry has a vision of providing a hand knitted or crocheted baby blanket and hat for each newborn baby in the hospital and clinics. So, whether or not you have participated in the Creative Hands Ministry in the past, you are invited to participate in this project. Any baby hat pattern will work as long as it stretches and fits over a grapefruit. A few sample patterns for baby hats have been placed in the Ministry Center. So, ladies and gentlemen, get those knitting and crocheting fingers moving! Completed blankets and hats can either be turned in during the monthly Creative Hands meetings, or placed in the collection baskets located in the Ministry Center. For more information or questions, please contact Barb Greway at ripnfix@aol.com.

Volunteer Safety training

On Saturday, August 25, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. we will have a safety and security training event for children and youth leaders, teachers, and advisors. We want to begin the school year with a fresh update of ways to keep our children and youth safe. Please “save the date” now!

ricK SanderSon becomeS a clm

Rick Sanderson was approved by the SPRC as well as the Church Council to move forward with his certification as a Certified Lay Minister or CLM. This classification requires several steps to complete, including five weekends of course work and a review by the District Committee on Ministry. The Bishop has assigned him to the Blackburn-Little Hill Charge. He will help lead this small charge and be mentored by an Elder, Rev. Brenda Walker. May God bless your ministry, Rick!

eSl teacher needed

Do you know of an ESL teacher who may be looking for a ministry? We have one! Hyung-Suk Joe would like to begin an English Second Language program for Koreans. Please contact Faith to let her know the name of a teacher!

fall WorShip KicK-off

Summer has hardly begun; however, we want you to know about a change in a fall tradition: our Fall BBQ will be on Sunday, August 25. Our worship service will be held outside in the volleyball court area followed by a picnic for everyone. Chairs will be set up outside and tables for eating will be available inside and out!

We extend our Sympathy to:

The family of lois houck in her death on March 22.

Sue rush (Preschool’s Admin. Asst.) and family in the death of her mother,

elizabeth Wojton, on March 28.marion francis and family in the death of her mother, norene isacco, on April 3.

debbie mccoy and family in the death of her mother, marian mccoy, on April 8.

cathy clarke and family in the death of her brother, michael Wells, on April 10.

cathy Smallwood and family in the death of her mother, Jane crissman, on April 19.

Sue and matt carl and family in the death of their nephew, martin hansen, on April 21.

george Wolford and family in the death of their dear friend, Jean bowman, on April 22.

mary george and family in the death of her mother, alice hutter, on May 28.

medical equipment aVailable

We hope everyone has a safe and healthy summer. However, if the need shoul arise for crutches, a potty chair, a walker or even a wheel chair, please call the Church Office and ask for one of ours! The Parish Nurse Ministry collects extra items and loves to provide that extra care!

birthS ryan erik Vollbrecht on May 1, son of tori and erik Vollbrecht.

annabelle Jade barna on May 9, daughter of Jennifer and brian barna.

WorShip timeS Saturday eVening 6:00 p.m. George Crooks Dining Hall

SummerSunday morning9:15 a.m. Methodist Mass Chapel in the Woods

10:30 a.m. Worship

church office: 412.486.7006

fax: 412.486.8801

preSchool: 412.486.5591

drop-in child care: 412.486.4595

KidZ Korner: 412.334.8193

outreach center: 412.487.6316

communicationSAll are encouraged to use their God-given gifts in ministry. When you have an idea for a new ministry, please contact Faith Geer. Together we can plan the best way to get your idea off the paper and into action.

communication center It is located in the Wesley Hall and CLC Entranceway. It’s a place to hang 8 1/2” x 11” posters, find out about events, and sign up for activities. Maps of the building are also available in the Communication Centers.

miniStry center It is located inside the Worship Center door. There you can give items for collections, share Foodbank donations, buy FACE Certificates, and purchase items sold by groups; tickets, cookies, etc.

Welcome centerIt is located in Wesley Hall. First time guests can find a host to answer questions, give information about St. Paul’s, find Care Notes, and get worship guides for children.

planning a perSonal eVent? Contact Penny for a date!

Articles for the next Epistle are due on August 12 and copies will be mailed on August 20. Be sure to watch for weekly updates in your Friday email.

need more information?Call the church office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We’ll be glad to share the details!

You can also visit our website for more information,www.stpaulsumc.com.

fridaY emailSEvery Friday an up-to-date email is sent through our Constant Contact connection. Please sign-up! We can keep you informed of many new ministries! Go to our website,www.stpaulsumc.com, and look forthe Constant Contact box.

St. PaulSUnited Methodist Church1965 Ferguson Road | Allison Park, PA 15101