Editor Sarah Proctor St. Matthew’s United Methodist...
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From the Pastor’s Pen: St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church of Valley Forge March 2017 Editor Laura Bonstingl Associate Editor Sarah Proctor “...run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1) For the past couple of months, the adult Sunday school class has been studying 1 Corinthians on a verse by verse basis. As a runner, one passage has stuck with me since then. It was 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and in it Paul advises the Corinthian church to discipline their spiritual lives in the manner of an athlete. They should pursue a deeper relationship with God as an athlete would compete for a prize in a contest where the goal is to win. Applying the image to himself, Paul says, "I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." (1 Cor. 9:26-27) He is making the case that a Christian's spiritual life should be disciplined, deliberate and intense. This should resonate deeply with our exercise obsessed culture. These days people take exercise and ath- letics very seriously. Pause for a moment and think about how much money people spend on athletic attire, sporting equipment, exercise machines and gym/club memberships. Consider how much time people spend at the club, pool, track, court, or gym. People will rearrange their schedules to make room for an exercise class, run/ride or game. They'll even get out of bed extra early to get in their exercise. And to top it off, they'll spend some of their discretionary time reading about or watching sports. We laud and admire outstanding athletes, wearing shirts with their names on them and hanging their posters on our walls be- cause we know that their athletic prowess is the result of natural talent welded to hard work and discipline. It would be tempting to think that such an athletically focused people would read Paul's words too and easily apply the same mindset to their spiritual lives. But the truth is, this is not often the case. People seem to expect a great spiritual life and deep relationship with God to materialize out of a mere desire for them. People will eagerly adopt the old adage "no pain, no gain" when it comes to their physical exercise but shrink from the slightest inconvenience in the name of developing their spiritual lives. In the 1 Corinthians 9 passage, Paul makes an interesting point: athletes exert intense effort to achieve a temporary victory (v.25) but Christians pursue something eternal. While it is important to be good stewards of our bodies and take care of them, we are also stewards of something far more precious - our souls. Should we not be as intense and deliberate with their care as we are with our bodies? Hopefully we will do so with the same intensity and vigor of an athlete. After all, the stakes are far higher than in any race, game or tournament. This month we begin the holy season of Lent and it is the perfect time to adopt one of the classic spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading or fasting and allow it to help you strength- en your spiritual life. You will also find Lenten devotional resources at the church that can be of help. My hope is that you will invest some time and effort this Lent to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And ... run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1). In Christ, John
Transcript of Editor Sarah Proctor St. Matthew’s United Methodist...
From the Pastor’s Pen:
St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church of Valley Forge
March 2017
Editor Laura Bonstingl Associate Editor Sarah Proctor
“...run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
For the past couple of months, the adult Sunday school class has been studying 1 Corinthians on a verse by verse basis. As a runner, one passage has stuck with me since then. It was 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and in it Paul advises the Corinthian church to discipline their spiritual lives in the manner of an athlete. They should pursue a deeper relationship with God as an athlete would compete for a prize in a contest where the goal is to win. Applying the image to himself, Paul says, "I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." (1 Cor. 9:26-27) He is making the case that a Christian's spiritual life should be disciplined, deliberate and intense. This should resonate deeply with our exercise obsessed culture. These days people take exercise and ath-letics very seriously. Pause for a moment and think about how much money people spend on athletic attire, sporting equipment, exercise machines and gym/club memberships. Consider how much time people spend at the club, pool, track, court, or gym. People will rearrange their schedules to make room for an exercise class, run/ride or game. They'll even get out of bed extra early to get in their exercise. And to top it off, they'll spend some of their discretionary time reading about or watching sports. We laud and admire outstanding athletes, wearing shirts with their names on them and hanging their posters on our walls be-cause we know that their athletic prowess is the result of natural talent welded to hard work and discipline. It would be tempting to think that such an athletically focused people would read Paul's words too and easily apply the same mindset to their spiritual lives. But the truth is, this is not often the case. People seem to expect a great spiritual life and deep relationship with God to materialize out of a mere desire for them. People will eagerly adopt the old adage "no pain, no gain" when it comes to their physical exercise but shrink from the slightest inconvenience in the name of developing their spiritual lives. In the 1 Corinthians 9 passage, Paul makes an interesting point: athletes exert intense effort to achieve a temporary victory (v.25) but Christians pursue something eternal. While it is important to be good stewards of our bodies and take care of them, we are also stewards of something far more precious - our souls. Should we not be as intense and deliberate with their care as we are with our bodies? Hopefully we will do so with the same intensity and vigor of an athlete. After all, the stakes are far higher than in any race, game or tournament. This month we begin the holy season of Lent and it is the perfect time to adopt one of the classic spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading or fasting and allow it to help you strength-en your spiritual life. You will also find Lenten devotional resources at the church that can be of help. My hope is that you will invest some time and effort this Lent to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And ... run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1). In Christ, John
ST. MATTHEW’S BOOK GROUP Fri, March 10 – “The Rebirthing of God” by John Philip Newel It is a short book about “Eight major features of a new birthing of Christianity”. Hosts : Eleanor and Don Carroll 670 Thomas Jefferson Rd, Wayne PA 19087
XTREME XPLORERS: "FAMILY GAME NIGHT" St. Matthew's UMC of Valley Forge, Friday, March 17, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm A favorite evening of sharing favorite board games, card games, etc. together as a family. This event is intergenerational and is more fun with a wide array of ages and generations. Bring out your favorite game to share, come to learn a new game, or just come out for a fun evening of fel-lowship and laughter. If you are so inclined, you can bring your favorite game snack to share as well!
PLEASE no nuts or nut products SAVE THE DATE: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL "HERO CENTRAL" St. Matthew's UMC of Valley Forge Monday July 10 - Thursday July 13, 9:00 am - Noon Discover your strength in God this summer when we blast off into Cokes-bury's "Hero Central". Explore your inner superhero with this fast paced, interactive, and fun curriculum. Open for ages 3 (must be potty trained) - 5th Grade.
Registration is Live NOW! Go to: http://2017.cokesburyvbs.com/stmatthewsvf/
NEWSLETTER THE VALLEY LIGHT UPCOMING DEADLINES: April Newsletter Deadline: Sunday, March 19th May Newsletter Deadline: Wednesday, April 19 Welcome Sarah Proctor as our new Valley Light editor. Please send articles and events to: [email protected]
ONLINE GIVING Did you know that our church website supports online giving? Just visit http://www.stmatthewsvf.org and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link to our secure online giving portal. This is a great way to catch up with your giving if you've missed a Sunday or if you'd like to set up recurring gifts to han-dle your church pledge. Please know that no matter how you choose to give, the church appreciates your faithful stewardship and support of our ministries and mission work.
59ER’S PROGRAM “EVOLUTION OF THE WRITTEN WORD” On April 6 the 59ers program will feature Roman Townsend of Colonial Bindry. He will speak on “The Evolution of the Written Word” and will highlight his career as a bookbinder beginning with his apprenticeship at Colonial Williamsburg. All are welcome to bring brooks of interest to share and discuss. Pizza will be served at 11:30 with the program
CONGRATULATIONS! Vica & Kyle Jones are the Proud Parents of Baby Ellie, aka, Eleanor Katherine Sadie Jones, who was born Tuesday, February 21, At Phoenixville Hospital. Ellie was 6lbs, 6 oz. and 20 inches long by caesarean. Mom and baby are doing well! Daddy too!
ALTAR FLOWERS
You may order flowers in honor or memory of loved ones for the church altar then take home to enjoy. (Please return the base to St. Matthew’s box in the foyer.) Cost is $23. Sign up in the foyer or online [email protected]. Payment can be sent by self-addressed prestamped envelopes which are under the flower chart, placed in Diana How-ard’s mailbox in the office or electronic payment on St. Matthew’s website http://www.stmatthewsvf.org. Altar Flowers are a tribute to God and look beautiful on the Altar. We need someone to help with the Altar Flowers. Please contact Diana Howard [email protected].
MARCH 2017 CALENDAR 8:30 & 10:45 AM WORSHIP/ 9:30 AM Student & Adult Sunday School Jr. Church (No Jr Church the 1st Sunday)/7-8 pm Youth Group Wed, Mar 1 11 am Staff Meeting, Activities Room
7:30 pm Ash Wednesday Taize Service/Communion, Sanctuary Thur, Mar 2 All Day Pastor’s Day Off 9 am Valley Forge Investors, Activities Room 11:30 59er’s, Fellowship Hall 7-8 pm Dens 8 & 9, Fellowship Hall Fri, Mar 3 6-8:30pm Tiger Cubs, Fellowship Hall Sun, Mar 5 8:30 & 10:45 First Sunday Lent/Holy Communion
9:30 am Sunday School/NO JR CHURCH/NO YOUTH GROUP 1pm Strategic Planning Meeting, Activities Room
Mon, Mar 6 10 am Bulletin Service Deadline for Sunday, March 12 6:30-8pm Daisies, Fellowship Hall 7 pm Worship Committee Meeting, Library Tues, Mar 7 10 am Announcement Deadline for March 12 10 am Women’s Bible Study, Library 7 pm Noteables, Fellowship Hall Wed, Mar 8 6 pm Daniel Plan, Fellowship Hall 7 pm Discipleship Study, Fellowship Hall
Thurs, Mar 9 All Day Pastor John’s Day Off 6:30-8pm Girl Scouts, Fellowship Hall Fri, Mar 10 6:30-7:30 Den 13, Fellowship Hall
7 pm Book Group, at the Carroll’s Sat, Mar 11 9 am Men’s Breakfast, Michael’s Deli Sun, Mar 12 Daylight Saving Time Begins 8:30 & 10:45 Second Sunday in Lent
11-4 am Haws Ave Mon, Mar 13 10 am Bulletin Service Deadline for March 19
1 pm T & E Cares, Library 5 pm Methodist Night at Shannondell 6:30-7:30 pm Den 10, Fellowship Hall 7 pm Outreach, Activities Room
Tues, Mar 14 10 am Announcement Deadline for March 19 10 am Women’s Bible Study, Library 7-8 pm Den Leaders Meeting, Activities Room 7 pm Noteables, Fellowship Hall Wed, Mar 15 6 pm Daniel Plan, Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm Den 11, Fellowship Hall 7 pm Discipleship Study, Fellowship Hall Thurs, Mar 16 All Day Pastor John’s Day Off 11:30 am 59er’s, Fellowship Hall Fri, Mar 17 6:30–8:30 Xtreme Xplorers Family Game Night, Fellowship Hall 7pm United Methodist Night at the 76er’s Sat, Mar 18 9-5pm Conference Pastoral Testing & Interviews, Library, Activities Room
10-11 am Central District Information Session, Choir Room
(CALENDAR CONTINUED)
Sun, Mar 19 9:30 am Faith & Politics, Library April Newsletter Deadline Mon, Mar 20 10 am Bulletin Service Worship Deadline, Mar 26 7 pm Finance Committee, Activities Room Tues, Mar 21 10 am Bulletin Announcements Deadline, Mar 26
10 am Women’s Bible Study, Library 7 pm Trustees, Activities Room
7 pm Noteables, Fellowship Hall Wed, Mar 22 6 pm Daniel Plan Exercise Program, Fellowship Hall 7 pm Discipleship Bible Study, Activities Room Thurs, Mar 23 All Day Pastor John’s Day Off 7 pm Communications Committee, Activities Room Sat, Mar 25 8-3 pm Trustee Workday, St. Matthew’s Sun, Mar 26 1:30 pm T & E Cares Sorting, Fellowship Hall
Mon, Mar 27 10 am Bulletin Service Worship Deadline, April 2 7:30 pm Administrative Council, Activities Room Tues, Mar 28 10 am Bulletin Announcements Deadline, April 2 10 am Women’s Bible Study, Library 7 pm Noteables, Fellowship Hall
Wed, Mar 29 T & E Cares Set Up Begins for Sale 6 pm Daniel Plan Exercise Program, Fellowship Hall 7 pm Discipleship Bible Study, Activities Room Thurs, Mar 30 T & E Cares Set Up Fri, Mar 31 T& E Cares Set Up & Sale
Sat, April 1 T& E Cares Sale
EVERY SUNDAY 8:30 & 10:45 Worship 9:30 am Sunday School 7-8:30 pm Youth Group Jr. Church during Worship (except the first Sunday)
Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 8 10-11 am
Palm Sunday Worship Sunday, April 9 8:30 & 10:45 am
Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 13 7:30 pm Upper Room Communion
Good Friday Friday, April 14 Church Open for Prayer 12-3 pm
Good Friday Tenebrae Service
7:30 pm
Easter Sunday, April 16
Sunrise Service Gather at 6:15 am at Valley Forge Park
with Valley Forge UMC
Easter Communion Worship 8:30 & 10:45 am At St. Matthew’s
Phone: 610-688-7055
Fax: 610-687-1413
E-mail: [email protected]
St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge:
Growing in Faith;
Growing in Fellowship;
Growing in Service to the World.
March
St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church of Valley Forge 600 Walker Road Wayne, PA 19087
Return Service Requested
VALLEY LIGHT
March 2017
Key Contact Information for St. Matthew’s Our Pastor: Rev. John Bletsch – [email protected] Our Office Manager: Laura Bonstingl -- [email protected] Our Music Director & Organist: Martha Koeneman -- [email protected] Our Financial Administrator: Linda Guzzardo -- [email protected] Our Director of Children, Youth & Family Services: Vica Jones -- [email protected] Telephone: 610-688-7055 Fax: 610-687-1413 Website: www.stmatthewsvf.org Address: St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church of Valley Forge, 600 Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087 PASTORAL CARE EMERGENCIES: If you have a Pastoral Care emergency call Pastor John at 610-714-7008
