March 2020, Volume 45 Issue 3

First Family News

Date Church Pastor

March 5 Faith Baptist Pastor Scott Wiest

March 12 Shiloh Presbyterian Pastor Tim Hoover

March 19 First UMC Fr. Jeff Noble

March 26 Shiloh Presbyterian Fr. Ross Miceli

April 2 First UMC Pastor Bruce Burkness

Noon Lunch With The Lord

“The Easter Story” An Easter Cantata

An Easter Cantata will be performed by our Chancel Choir along with the Shiloh Presbyterian Choir on Palm Sunday; April 5 @ 8:30 am The cantata is "The Easter Story" by Tom Fettke and Thomas Grassi. The cantata retells Jesus' suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation to the right hand of the Father in a simple yet profound story that engages the heart, mind, and imagination. The musical score draws upon folk sources, including "The Sacred Harp" & "The Columbian Harmony," spirituals, carols, & songs from English, Irish, & Hebrew traditions.

March Message From Pastor Tim

“Beyond the Fast”

What makes you act or react to a circumstance or situation? Does the circumstance affect you personally, or strike directly at a family member or friend? Does a situation affect the bottom line before you decide to act positively or negatively to it? Every one of us acts or reacts for our own reasons that vary from individual to individual. The end of February and beginning of March signifies the start of Lent this year. Many observe this period of the Christian Calendar by fasting something they love. Giving up something that demands some thought or personal sacrifice for the sake of giving something up. This seems like a very noble thing to do. Maybe we give up alcohol, cigarettes or some other food or beverage for six weeks until Easter. At the end of Lent we proclaim satisfaction of going six weeks without one of our vices. For some this accomplishment truly exemplifies a sacrifice and a struggle with personal demons, and may lead to changes in personal behaviors. But for most of us the giving up of a vice for Lent fails to cause us to change or grow closer to Jesus Christ. Fasting must lead us to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If the act of fasting fails in this endeavor, we wasted six weeks of our life for nothing. We accomplished nothing of any lasting significance. And worst of all we failed to fast as God called us to fast. We constantly strive to become holy in our lives. The Book of James clearly states in chapter 2:17; “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.” Our faith calls us to act. Our faith compels us to reach out to others. As we proclaim faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, Christ calls us to be like Him; to love God and to love our neighbor. This calling does not ask us to give up personal vices. Instead we are called to give up resources and time for others. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and shared the Gospel of new life through His death and resurrection. God speaking to Isaiah, outlines the correct type of fast beginning in 58:6 and continuing through verse 12. This fast requires us to provide shelter, clothe the naked, do away with oppression and finger pointing. By following God’s call, Isaiah tells us, “the Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land, and will strengthen your frame.” In other words, the Lord will bless us.

Perhaps we need to rethink what fasting really means. When we give up something, we need to ask ourselves, how do others benefit by giving this thing up? If we cannot answer in a positive way, if we cannot provide an example of how giving up a particular food or drink will benefit those around us, we missed the whole purpose of fasting in the first place. But if we give something up, and take the money, time, or resources saved by giving something up, and use those funds, time, and resources to benefit others who struggle with day to day living, than we accomplish God’s plan for our fast. In the process we share with others God’s love for them and thus fulfill the command-ment to love one another as Christ loves us.

At the beginning of this letter I asked you what makes you react to a situation. For most of us our reaction stems from something affecting us personally. As we enter into this time of Lent, may we react to the needs of others through our fasting. Then we live out our Christian calling - and in the process - spread the Good News that Jesus Christ died for us and was resurrected for us, that we may have forgiveness of sins and life eternal through faith.

God bless, Pastor Tim, Nancy, Ashley, and Ian

SCRIPTURE TEXTS FOR THE MONTH of March to prepare for each week of sermons.

2020 March 1 Hosea 3:1-5 Hebrews 1:1-9

2020 March 8 Zechariah 3:1-10 Revelation 19:1-10

2020 March 15 Genesis 14:1-16 Mark 5:35-43

2020 March 22 Exodus 12:1-13 Hebrews 11:23-31 2020 March 29 Ruth 4:13-17 Luke 1:57-66

Scripture Readers Needed During Church Service

Youth & Adults are welcome. Sign-up sheet Welcome Center.

Christian Food Bank

A Collection Box is located in the Old Kitchen for all food Donations.

Please consider donating regularly to this worthy cause.

OBITUARY Marjorie Ann Tuite

Passed away on Wed., November 27, 2019. She is a sister to Janet McCoy.

Memorial Given By: Norman & Janet McCoy

Friday

March 6, 2020

Baptism Clint Michael Fledderman

Baptized on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 Parents:

Steve & Rachel Fledderman

Send a Note to Our Shut-Ins

Active Duty Service Military Send a Note of Appreciation

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

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

Gerry Ames 791 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Silver Creek Terrace

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

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

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

Gary Wonderly 185 Center Street St. Marys PA 15857 Elk Towers, Apt. 608

Milton Hagg 763 Johnsonburg Rd. St. Marys PA 15857 Pinecrest Manor

Ian Hoover PO Box 2051 Fort Riley Kansas 66442

If you have a family member that

you would like mentioned in this

section of the Monthly Newsletter

please contact the Church Office

along with their mailing address.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE HOUR Sunday School Hour is at 9 am Sunday Worship Hour is at 10:15 am — 11:15 am

Note of Thanks

The giving nature and the unselfish ways of this Church are a real blessing to our Club.

We will always be grateful. The Froggy Stitchers

Beula Kestler, Faye Witmer, Mary Ann Mello, Teen Lewis,

Sarah Samick, Bev Pane, Linda Emmert, Jean Dodrill, Florence Haag, Janet McCoy

Heart to Heart Monthly Meeting

Monday, March 2nd @ 6:30 PM At Karen Lewis’ Residence

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.

CHRISTIAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Christian Counseling, in a basic sense, acknowledges that a person’s faith plays a vital

role in the healing of emotional or behavioral problems. Therefore, this type of

counseling intentionally seeks to make faith a significant part of the “treatment”

process. In whatever problem is faced, Christian Counseling acknowledges that

Jesus Christ can powerfully work in our lives to bring about healing and relief.

We provide a full range of services to those who need counseling for any individual,

marital, or family concern. When desired, psychiatric referrals for medication

management are available for those who struggle with more serious emotional problems.

Ready to make an appointment? Call 724-396-1510 or CCAWPA@gmail.com

March Meetings

Vacation Bible School Meeting

Tuesday, March 3 @ 7 PM

Pastor Parish Relation’s Meeting

Thursday, March 5 @ 7 PM

Trustee Meeting Tuesday, March 10 @ 7 PM

Finance Meeting Tuesday, March 17 @ 7 PM

Ad Council Meeting Tuesday, March 31 @ 7 PM

Tuesday, March 17

First United Methodist Church Inspiration Soup Station

March 2020 ~ Wednesdays from 4 ~ 5 pm

Bowls of Love Menu and Servers (This Menu is Subject to Change)

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Menu: BBQ Sandwich, Cole Slaw, Dessert Servers: Mary Ann Glover, Connie Amendola, Shawna Grim, Diane Kerchinski

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Menu: Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Dessert Servers: Faye Witmer, Rick Kneidel, Charlene Carr, Connie Amendola

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Menu: Turkey Tetrazzini, Vegetable, Dessert Servers: Shawna Grim, Tom & Jean Price, Paula Mertel, Kris Kronenwetter

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Menu: Spaghetti, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert Servers: Ron & Mary Frost, Bob & Betty Walker

If you are unable to serve, please contact Pat Johnson 834-3184 or Carol Cunningham 781-7401

.

We need Volunteers to serve and clean up on Wednesdays with Bowls of Love. A sign-up sheet is located in the Old Kitchen

and in the Welcome Center of the Church.

Dessert Donations Needed and Appreciated

Sharing Our Gifts

Day Light Saving’s

Time Begins

Sunday, March 8

FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR THE NEW ROOF:

Saturday, March 14 – from 9 AM – 12 PM

SOUP SALE: LIVER DUMPLINGS/CHICKEN RIVOLI/ BAKE SALE

We are asking members of our church to not only support this sale, but also requesting

baked goods. Please drop off the baked goods at the church either Friday, March 13 or

early Saturday, March 14. Preorders for the Chicken Rivoli Soup / Liver Dumplings

($6 per quart) can be made by calling Alice Steis at 834-2787.

March 28 and 29 – Hoss’s Family Restaurant has agreed to identify the church as the

fundraiser for the weekend. Please plan on having a meal during this time, so 20% of

your order will be given to the church - if our total meals are over $1,200, we will

receive a 25% donation. Invitations will be forthcoming.

Ongoing – We will be selling Dan Smith’s candy bars for $1.25 each – the boxes of

candy bars are located in the old kitchen.

The women will also be having three (3) Lunch with the Lord meals throughout the

Lenten Season. All proceeds will benefit the Roof Fund as well. Please plan to attend

these luncheons – not only are you receiving a great meal, but also hearing a message

from one of the pastors of the local churches.

Sunday, April 26 – We will be having a beef brisket dinner at Just Ben’s Catering on

South Michael Road. This will be a “to-go” meal. Further details will be available soon,

and we will be requesting food donations for the side dishes and homemade brownies.

Saturday, May 2 – Duke and Kathy Nesbitt have graciously agreed to put on their

famous spaghetti and meatball dinner at the pavilion. Again – we will be asking for

food/monetary donations and I would love to see a spectacular dessert table provided

by the great Methodist women bakers!!!

Wednesday, May 20 – Bus Trip to Sight and Sound Theater to see Queen Esther.

June – annual St. Marys City Wide garage sale – at our pavilion – all proceeds will be

donated to the Roof Fund. The women will be providing lunch and donated baked

goods.

July – Fourth of July Celebration at SMAHS – plans are being made to have a food

booth at this city-wide celebration.

August – looking into having a 3D Archery Shoot at the pavilion.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS March 2020

ASBURY HALL LEADER: SHAWNA GRIM

Current Class “Spirit Wars” by Kris Vallotton

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.

SUMMER CAMP Even though it is early spring, it is not too early to think about going to summer camp! Before your calendars fill up with sports, vacations, and other activities, look at the summer camp bro-chures and find a week or a three-day camp for younger children that works for you.

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

To check out the camps on-line go to:

wesleywoods.com (Warren County) (1 hr 45 min away) campallegheny.org (Allegheny County) (2 hr 40 min away) jumonville.org (Fayette County) (3 hr 15 min away)

From there, you can print an application or enroll on-line. (Enrolling on-line seems to be the easier way and will only require a deposit which is usually $50.)

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

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

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

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

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

If you pay the $50 registration fee online, but still owe money to meet the $75 or $100 mark, please write a check to FUMC and write campership fund in the memo line. You can drop that check off at the church during office hours.

I will need to hear from every camper’s family who is requesting financial assistance from the Church after registering for camp so our Church can send in our portion of the cost.

I am happy to help in any way I can. Please call me at 781-3148 or call/text at 335-5548.

Campership Steward,

Laura Smith

On Line Giving First United Methodist Church St Marys provides an easy way

for you to give to your church. Through VANCO Giving Services you are able to make

on-line donations to your weekly giving, and special offerings throughout the year.

By using on-line giving through your home computer, laptop or mobile device APP

you have the freedom to set up continuous or one time only giving at your fingertips.

By giving on-line your giving will remain constant throughout the year, even when you are

away or unable to be in church to give as you normally would. In turn the church benefits

through knowing that the ministries of the church will be adequately funded.

So we encourage each of you to check out our website at www.fumcstmarys.com

and click on the Giving tab at the top of the page. You will be directed to the giving

page. The first time you go you will need to fill out your profile information located

on the right side of the page. Once you have completed that you are able to set up

your giving and support of our ministries here at First United Methodist Church.

The Finance Committee

Resale Shop Update / Volunteers Needed

Since we began at the ReSale Shop nearly two years ago, we have had several

faithful volunteers. Some come every once in awhile, others come almost

every week. We have added $4,319.26 to the New Church Building Fund.

We’ve donated to: CAPSEA, PA Homeless Vets, Guardian Angel, Homeless People,

Fire Victims, Jobless Folks having hard times, and also some “up-scaled”

trend-setters looking for the unique and/or unusual item!

Unfortunately this might all end, unless we can find other volunteers, and/or other

non-profit organizations that will help keep the Shop open.

Volunteering at the ReSale Shop has been rewarding — as an outreach from

The First United Methodist Church — and the feeling of helping others.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2020

Sunday, June 21st thru Thursday, June 25th

Come join us and the valiant "Knights of North Castle" on a quest to find

the King's Armor. Here we will learn how to be strong in the Lord by

exploring how we put on the Armor of God.

The next VBS meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. We have group leaders,

but still need many volunteers. Please contact Sherri Cunningham for more information or to

volunteer at 814-541-8939 or djc_home@windstream.net.

Q U E E N E S T H E R Everyone has a story.

Set in the opulent yet perilous Persian Empire, QUEEN ESTHER is a captivating tale of

beauty and bravery. Esther’s ordinary life changed forever when she was taken through

the palace doors, entering a new world of royalty and risk. With a crown on her head and

a secret in her heart, can she find the courage to trust in God’s plan and believe that she

was made for such a time as this? Experience one of the most riveting Bible stories of the

Old Testament as it comes to life with magnificent sets, special effects and live animals in

this brand-new, original stage production!

Come join us on a Bus Trip to Sight and Sound

to experience Queen esther’s story!! When: Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Cost: $165.00 per adult – Reserved seats on Center Section on Floor. Cost covers Coach

Bus, Queen Esther ticket and dinner at Hershey Farms after the performance.

(We will also be stopping for lunch at the Capitol Diner prior to the performance – cost

of lunch is not included in ticket price.)

Departure Time: 9:00 AM from St. Marys Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Fullington Coach Bus.

Bus seating is limited to 55; please place your reservation by calling Sandy Hoffman at

814-781-3722. Your reservation is pending until payment is received.

Please make check payable to FUMC with “Bus Trip” memo on check.

Reservations/payments are due by April 20, 2020 latest.

Proceeds of Bus Trip will be donated to FUMC New Roof Fund.

2020 United Methodist Women’s Schedule

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

June 29 ~~ Annual Picnic

September ~~ Tureen Dinner

September ~~ Bavarian Fall Fest Pie Booth

October ~~ Meeting

November ~~ Bazaar

December ~~ Christmas Party / More Info will be forthcoming.

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

ST. MARYS, PA 15857

PERMIT NO. 38

Change Service Requested

Contact Information Phone: 814.834.3016 Fax: 814.834.0035 Email: fumchurchstmarys@gmail.com Web: www.fumcstmarys.com

At Your Service

The Reverend J. Tim Hoover

“Pastor Tim”

revthoover@zitomedia.net

Office Hours Monday through Friday

9 AM to 5 PM

fumchurchstmarys@gmail.com

First United Methodist Church 140 N. Saint Marys Street Saint Marys, PA 15857-1236

Please let us know if your address changes.

CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL

Is held on Sunday Mornings at 8:30 am

BELL REHEARSAL is held on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & KEEP UP

WITH CURRENT EVENTS

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

To Post anything on the Church’s Facebook

page, please contact Ashley Steele

or e-mail her at

ashleysteelefacebook@gmail.com