Our Mission Statement First United Methodist Church of Saint Marys is Christ-centered with open doors.

We extend our hands and hearts into the world to alter lives for God’s Kingdom.

January 2017, Volume 42 Issue 1

First Family News

THE GOSPEL

OF

MARK

BIBLE STUDY

BEGINS

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

6:30 PM

Sign-up in Welcome Center. Everyone is welcome — Men and Women.

The Gospel of the Good News in a world of Bad News. Facilitator: Missy Smith

Immediately. Let’s go. Right away. Now. Get up. Then … Mark’s narrative moves

quickly and you sense the action in the story of Jesus’ life. It’s teaching presented as

the gospel – good news powerfully announced in a world of bad news. This gospel

emphasizes not only that Jesus is “the Son of God” (1:1; 15:39) but also that this fact

demands a response. The Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus’ unparalleled spiritual

power and authority, leading us to consider for ourselves the question,

“Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29) The Gospel of Mark: the Jesus we’re

aching for partners the compassion of Jesus with the passion of Christ.

We see how the heart of God is moved by the heart of humanity and His

response to our loud cry for help. We discover the world-changing result of

being recipients of His compassion and the reason for His passion, all the way

to the cross. Ultimately, Mark intends for the action-packed presentation of

who Jesus is to lead us to acknowledge Jesus, find salvation in Him, and follow Him.

A Message From Pastor Tim January 2017

WELCOME 2017

Welcome to 2017. In a few days we will inaugurate a newly elected president. A new cabinet will be sworn in and America will go on as if nothing happened. I wonder if this is how we treat Christianity. Do we come to church on Sunday and say our prayers, sing our songs, and greet each other with smiles and a handshake; and then return to our homes angry and bitter about something someone has done. Do we worship our other idols during the week? Do we even remember God, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit the other six days of the week? I will not pretend that I don’t fall into this trap from time to time. There are days when I fail to pray or read my scriptures. I blame it on time or distractions at the church or from family. But is that really a valid excuse? I know none of us want to disappoint God. I know that you believe and in your heart want a close and personal relationship with our creator. But we still find all kinds of excuses to find other things more important to do than to be with God. My prayer for all of us; is that we have the most blessed New Year in 2017. I don’t mean just plain riches, or good fortune, but that we experience the joy, peace, love and hope of Jesus Christ every moment of everyday of this year. I know along the way individuals will pass away, and some may die due to extreme and unforeseen circumstances. I know there will be issues in families that cause us grief and heartache from time to time. My prayer does not dismiss the normal trouble we experience but embraces Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior who we trust completely to get us through those difficult times. And through complete faith in Him as our Savior the good times will be that much greater. This is my prayer for everyone this year. So pay attention to the events around you. Listen to what our politicians say. But above all, give your time and energy to Jesus Christ, so you will be blessed everyday of not only this year, but everyday of every year.

God Bless, and Happy New Year, Pastor Tim, Nancy, Ashley and Ian

2 Timothy 2:16 Keep away from worthless and useless talk, it only leads you further away from God.

Obituaries & Memorials & Prayer

PRAYER: News from Pastor Pat Lenox,

District Superintendent. Calling on our

Congregations to become better linked in

prayer. Each Church in our district has

been paired with another Church in the

district. We are to be praying for one

another and ‘our’ linked sister church will

be Grand Valley United Methodist Church.

What a great way to begin the new year

by praying for one another.

Also, be in prayer for the Church

“The body of Christ” in the world.

MEMORIAL

GIVEN BY

The Brennen Children

The Schaut Children

In memory of Anna June Ford

MEMORIALS GIVEN BY

Jim & Teen Lewis

Doug & Linda Smith

Tony & Joyce Sorg

In memory of Lloyd Nelson.

MEMORIAL

GIVEN BY

Carol Cunningham

In memory of Thomas Cunningham.

BAPTISM Mitchell Robert Bennett

Baptized on Sunday, Dec. 22

Son to Rob & Sarah Bennett.

Grandson to Renee Wilson.

BAPTISM Allie Opal-Rose Schatz

Baptized on Sunday, Dec. 22

Daughter to

Shawna Murray & Corry Schatz

CHOIR REHEARSAL The Chancel Choir rehearsal is on

Tuesdays at 6 pm. We encourage

anyone interested in singing to

join. Please contact Thom or

just show up at rehearsal.

BELL CHOIR The Bell choir rehearses

Tuesdays at 7:30 pm —

following Chancel Choir rehearsal.

We could use some more ringers.

Give it a try—you might find

that you enjoy it!

PRAISE BAND

PRACTICE

The Praise Team

Practice is on

Wednesdays at 6 pm

in the Sanctuary.

Mary Latona contact person.

Volunteers Needed to help out with the

Soup Kitchen. Sign-up Sheet

in the Old Kitchen.

Please leave

Desserts in the New Kitchen.

Thank You, Vada

Protestant Cemetery

Association Meeting Wednesday, Jan. 18, @ 6 PM

Saint Marys Monuments,

148 Timberline Road

Everyone is welcome to attend these

meetings. We are always looking for

more people to come on board. Dona-

tions are appreciated and should be

sent to the above address.

For more information, please

contact us at 814.781.6160.

2017 CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE…... If you are not currently receiving church offering envelopes and you would like to,

please contact Alice Steis at 834-2787 or the Church Office at 834-3016.

Announcements

HEART TO HEART

Mon., Jan. 2nd @ 6:30 pm

To be held at Cyndi Rippy’s

home. Devotion Candy Frey.

MAN TO MAN MEETING

Every Wednesday

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

and worship group.

All men of the Church are invited and

encouraged to attend.

Church Meetings

ESTHER CIRCLE MEETING Monday, January 9 at 7 pm at

the Church and bring ten Bites. We will be

starting a new study on Acts of Worship as

our human response to God. Our study will

be on the Book of Hebrews.

We worship Christ because of who He is.

Express your praise to God!

See, celebrate, and share Jesus.

Courageous worship gets us out of the boat.

Understand how Jesus prayed, and pray boldly.

Pray for God’s protection, holiness, and unity.

No one understands us and intercedes

for us like Jesus.

Pray in all situations.

Being faithful requires discipline and devotion.

Cross any barrier to love your neighbor.

Recognize and serve those in need.

Suit up and pray to be ready for the battle.

Tell others what Jesus has done for you.

~ MEETINGS ~

Pastor Parish Relation’s

Tuesday, Jan. 10th

7 PM

Trustee Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 17th

7 PM

Finance Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 24th

7 PM

Ad Council Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 31st

7 PM

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Send a Note to Our Shut-Ins

Active Duty Service Military

Send a Note of Appreciation

James Nussbaum Ian Hoover SPC Logan Wickett

Dorm 214 PO Box 10307 A Co. 1/110th INF

Unit 2581 Fort Irwin Camp Red Leg.

Minot, ND CA 92320 Al-Minhad Air Base

58705 UAE APO AE09304

Brittany A. Bosier PVT Sorg, Nolan P.

SPC 13F, 2nd Platoon. B-Btry

Theater Gateway 1-28 FA BN

APO-AG 4404 Blair Street

09366 Fort Sill OK 73503

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

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

Ann Facchine 763 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 1585a7 Pinecrest Manor

Gerry Ames 185 Center Street St. Marys PA 15857

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

Cal Gardner

Box 2, 1175

Professional Ct.. Hagerstown MD 21740 Broadmore Senior Living

The Guardian Angel Center The Center is located at 364 Main St., Kersey and

it will be open from 10 am - 5 pm on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays in March, April, and May. The

Guardian Angel Center seeks to supplement the clothing needs of children whose families

qualify financially. These needs are met through the recycling are made available at no cost.

Gospel of Mark / BIBLE STUDY by Lisa Harper This Bible Study will begin on Thurs., Jan. 12 @ 6:30 pm in Asbury Hall. Sign-up Sheet in

Welcome Center. Mark’s narrative moves quickly and you sense the action in the story of

Jesus’ life. The Gospel of the Good News in a world of Bad News. Facilitator: Missy Smith

THANK YOU

To the United Methodist Women

My sincere thanks for the wonderful Amaryllis Plant! It is a joy to watch it

from a strange looking bulb to sometimes 4 or 5 blooms.

Thank You again. Love and Blessings, Gerry Ames

Also, my thanks for the lovely cards from friends and especially

“The Loving Hearts Ministry”

TO THE FAMILY NEWS STAFF & THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST FAMILY!

Season’s greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Thank You, Gerry Ames

THANK YOU

You are just TOO Kind and it is just SO appreciated!

Thanks to all for the prayers and cards while I was and am recuperating from

my knee replacement.

Also, a special thanks to Betty, Janet, Carol, Jim, and Ray for decorating the

Church. Lesa too! Thank You, Gerry Frey

IN GRATITUDE / LIVING GIFTS THAT MEAN THE WORLD

Dear Saint Marys United Methodist Church,

Thank You for giving joy and hope to Families in need!

In Gratitude, Valerie Darzey, Community Coordinator for N.J. and PA

Heifer International

DEAR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MEMBERS;

We thank you, for your very generous Christmas donation to the Christian Food Bank. Your contribution

helps us fulfill our Christian mission of providing food to those needy individuals and families residing

within the St. Marys area School District. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and welcome your

continued support. We wish you a Very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely, Betsy Roberts, Board of Directors, Christian Food Bank

DEAR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,

As the relay center coordinator, I want to thank you for your generous participation in the

Operation Christmas Child shoe box ministry. With your contributions, 540 shoe boxes

were delivered to the collection center in Warren, PA. That is 78 more than last year!

Thank you and may God richly bless Your Christmas Celebration of our Savior.

David Catalano, Faith Baptist Church, West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA

Inspiration Soup Station, January 2017

Bowls of Love Menu and Servers

Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Menu: Turkey Casserole, Corn, Roll, Dessert

Servers: Denise Chicola, Faye Witmer, Shawna Grim, Norm & Jan McCoy

Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Menu: Pork & Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Roll, Dessert

Servers: Dixie Himes, Connie Amendola, Patty Hasselman, Mary Ann Glover

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Menu: Beef Vegetable Soup, Egg Salad Sandwich, Dessert

Servers: Diane Kerchinski, Lori Burke, Bill O’Dell, Richie Lewis

Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Menu: Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert

Servers: Ron & Mary Frost, Bob & Betty Walker

If you are unable to serve, please contact:

Pat Johnson (814.834.3184) or Vada Liptak (814.834.2230).

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

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

Church. For more info, please contact Vada Liptak at 814.834.2230.

Dessert Donations Needed and Appreciated

Have a Blessed New Year!

Sharing Our Gifts By Vada Liptak

Sunday School

Teachers Needed Teachers & Helpers are needed for all

grade levels. Please see Pastor Tim or

Shawna Grim to Volunteer for this

Ministry at the Church.

Sunday School Class to Begin on Sunday, January 15, 2017

HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE

Have you ever wondered who wrote the books in your

Bible and how they ended up together? Has anyone

ever told you that some books were cut out of the

Bible or that the stories of Jesus in the Gospels can't

be trusted?

Through these six sessions, Dr. Timothy Paul Jones will

answer your questions about how we got the Bible.

January 2017

Adult Sunday School Teacher/Facilitator: Shawna Grim

Asbury Hall, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Please join us for Sunday School.

Sign-up Sheet in Old Kitchen.

FEASTS OF THE BIBLE Enrich your worship of God by learning about the origin and

symbolism of the Old Testament feasts and holidays given

by God to his people with a six-session DVD-based study

featuring Dr. Sam Nadler as your guide. Brought up in a

traditional Jewish home, Sam came to believe in Jesus as

Messiah. He served with Jews for Jesus, Chosen People

Ministries, and is now president of Word of Messiah

Ministries. You will learn how the feasts are still relevant

for our lives today, how God's redemptive plan is unveiled

through the feasts, how Messiah Jesus is the fulfillment

of the feasts and The sessions: (1) God's Redemptive Plan,

Sabbath (2) Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits,

(3) Pentecost, (4) Feast of Trumpets, (5) Day of Atonement,

(6) Feast of Tabernacles, and other exciting revelations.

Youth Group Gatherings All Youth ages 11 years old and up are invited to attend.

Our next meetings will be on Sunday, January, 8 & 22.

We meet at the Church.

Winter Camp will be in February 2017 !!

A CONFIRMATION CLASS TO BEGIN ON SUN., JAN. 15, 2017

Anyone wishing to attend confirmation 12 years of age or older or if you are an adult

and have never been a member of another Church and would like to become

a member of the First United Methodist Church, please contact Pastor Tim or

see the sign-up sheet located in the Welcome Center. The class will

continue for approximately 13 weeks. The class focuses on the rituals of the

church, church sacraments, church history, and what it means to be a Christian.

I look forward to this year’s class. Sincerely, Rev. J. Tim Hoover

2017 United Methodist Women Schedule

NO REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING UNTIL JUNE

June ~~ Annual Picnic

September ~~ Tureen Dinner

October ~~ Meeting

November ~~ Bazaar

December ~~ Christmas Party

Events: Ladies Tea, collection for Camp Penuel, Rummage Sale

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

CHRISTIAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

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

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

Romans 8:2 The law and life of Jesus has set us free from sin and death.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS This is a 9-week course that teaches you God’s way of handling your

finances. You will learn how use biblical, practical steps to take you

from where you are to where you want to be with your finances.

The class is taught on DVD by Dave Ramsey.

Preview & Sign-Up will be Monday, Jan. 9 in Asbury Hall at 7 pm as

we need a count on how many kits to order.

The 9-week class will start on Monday, Jan. 16 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.

Sign-up Sheet is located in the Welcome Center.

Facilitators: Joe and Bonnie Salvatore / 814-834-3016

Merry Christmas! We are in search of Hospice Volunteers.

The holidays are the time of year when we are the most giving. Traditionally the “giving” dur-

ing the holiday season takes the form of gifts for friends and family. But there is another way

that you can “give” and it doesn’t cost a dime..volunteer.

Community Nurses, Inc. is in search of caring men and women over the age of 18 to become

Hospice Volunteers. If you are a person who is looking to give back all year long, enjoys being

with people, and has some available time, consider becoming a Community Nurses Hospice

Volunteer.

Hospice is a very special program of services designed to serve patients who have been diag-

nosed with a life threatening illness. As a volunteer you may be asked to sit with the patient to

provide respite for the caregiver while he or she runs short errands for the family. You may

drop in to visit a patient who does not have contact with outside people. Some volunteers also

enjoy helping in the office by assisting with clerical duties and helping with events such as;

Camp Flutterbye, ABATE Benefit Run, Butterfly Release or our Annual Book Sale.

For more information please call Katie Hoy, Volunteer Coordinator at 814-781-4722.

Have a Blessed New Year!

Psalm 19:7-11

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is

pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They

are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey

from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

ST. MARYS, PA 15857

PERMIT NO. 38

Change Service Requested

Contact Information Telephone: 814.834.3016

Fax: 814.834.0035

Email: stmarysumc@windstream.net

Web: www.fumcstmarys.com

At Your Service

The Reverend J. Tim Hoover

“Pastor Tim”

revthoover@zitomedia.net

Joyce Sorg, Church Secretary

stmarysumc@windstream.net

Office Hours

Monday through Friday

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

First United Methodist Church

140 N. Saint Marys Street

Saint Marys, PA 15857-1236

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

You can submit your articles several ways:

Email: stmarysumc@windstream.net

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

the Church Office

Your timeliness is greatly appreciated.

Thank You, The Editor

Please let us know if your address changes.

PRAYER TIME / TUESDAY @ 6:30 PM / COME & PRAY The Group meets every 2

nd & 4

th Tuesday of the month in the Youth Room

located downstairs in the Church. The group is in prayer for our Church,

community, country. They follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Life without God is like an unsharp-

ened pencil-- it has no point