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South Montrose Community Church

March 2020 Newsletter ************************************

Dear Family and Friends: We are now in the season of Lent. “Lent” is derived from the Middle English “Lente” which means “springtime”. Lent is a 40-day period of repentance and renewal preceding Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the Easter Sunrise Service. This Lenten period in our Christian walk allows us time to recall the Easter story and absorb its meaning for us today. At the heart of this season is inner penitence and reconciliation with God. I usually begin with self-examination and inner healing. I try to set aside time to examine and evaluate my life as a Christian. Spiritual renewal is only possible if I am willing to repent of my sins and change my life for God. Penitential practices also encourage inner change in one’s life. Some of my traditions include fasting, special commitments, good deeds, prayer and reflection, loving others, studying scripture and thoughtful worship. During this season of Lent, let’s go on a spiritual adventure: Week 1: Be the hands of love---Write letters, text, send cards, speak about Lent on your facebook page and send emails to family, relatives, far away friends, church family members, missionaries. Let these folks know that you are thinking of them and praying for them. Week 2: Be the voice of love—Telephone 2 or 3 people each day and have a friendly chat together. Send a live video to someone telling them how much you love them. Take some time to really

listen to the other person. Be understanding and compassionate. Week 3: Do a deed of love--- Take something you have made or bought to two or three family or friends that are special to you. Use your God-given imagination to do something specific for someone you love. It could be a pie, a craft, a meal, a hug and kiss, an invitation to worship, the possibilities are limitless. Week 4: Be the heart of love---Make a list of several people for whom you will pray daily. Your list may include friends, family, enemies, new neighbors, community leaders, church family, or that certain person or persons you have problems with. Week 5: Be the mind of love---Examine your own life this week and pray for yourself. Come to worship on Wednesdays and Sundays for Lenten Worship, Meditation and Fellowship. Take some time to read the Bible and ask God for direction for your spiritual life. Join a Bible study group in your church or community. Be pro-active when it comes to your spiritual life. Learn and grow this Lent. Week 6: Celebrate love---Invite a family member or a friend over to your house for dinner or make a date to go out and eat together. Bring a meal to a family member or a friend. Reflect on your spiritual experience these past few weeks. How have they impacted your life these 40 days? What have you learned about God and yourself? Let us pray for one another as we journey

together this Lenten season.

Pastor Jane

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Ash Wednesday and Lenten Sundays: 2020

Adapted from “On the Road to the Cross” by

Rob Burkhart

Ash Wednesday, February 26th: 7 p.m. at New

Milford.

Theme: The Leper and the Prostitute

Pastor’s

Message

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Matthew 26:6-15, Mark 14:1-11, Luke 7:36-50,

John 12:1-11

The True Christian Life. Easter belongs to

everyone. It belongs to outcasts and sinners, to

the self-righteous and the religious, to the

disinterested and the disheartened. Easter

belongs to all of us because Jesus welcomes all

of us to come and experience faith. We are all

welcomed in the life of the church just like the

Leper and the Prostitute.

First Sunday in Lent, March 1st:

Theme: Malchus the High Priest’s Servant. The

walking wounded. Experience the healing

power of Christ in hurting lives.

Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:50, Luke 22:50-51,

John 18:1-10

All of us have been harmed in some way and all

of us need healing. Any person standing in the

garden that night could have reached out to

comfort Malchus and maybe some of them did.

But none of them had the power to truly heal

him. Only God could do that. So it is with us.

Second Sunday in Lent, March 8th:

Theme: The Centurion at the Cross. We have

an internal struggle when we are at odds with

the truth we know and the life we live.

Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47

Every person has the same choice the

Centurion had. We can live differently as a

Christian if we choose to. Let us live spiritually

every day.

Third Sunday in Lent, March 15th:

Theme: The Two on the Road to Emmaus.

Discovering greater truth and integrity in our

lives.

Luke 24:13-35, Mark 16:12-13

We are created in the image of God. Our

identity is revealed in the light of Jesus’

presence. We cannot know who we are until

we know why we are here. We have a purpose.

We belong to Christ.

Fourth Sunday in Lent: March 22nd:

Theme: Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.

To really believe and achieve it in our lives.

Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-

56, John 19:38-42

All of us who pursue an authentic life of faith

face great challenges and sacrifice. What are

we willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ?

How do we minister to those who do not yet

know the God we love and serve?

Fifth Sunday in Lent: March 29th:

Theme: Barabbas. Freedom found in Christ.

Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:18-

24, John 18:38-40

When we truly know ourselves, we have

freedom. We are truly free when we have a

relationship with the One who created us. Our

struggle ends when we know without a doubt

that we belong to God and always will. Nothing

and no one can separate us from Jesus and his

love, except us.

Palm/Passion Sunday: April 5th:

Theme: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The Palm

Liturgy/The Passion Liturgy. I might do Simon

of Cyrene to continue with the Lenten Theme.

Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66 or

27:11-54

Matthew 27:30-32, Mark 15:19-21, Luke 23:24-

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If I do Simon, we will focus the last half of the

service on the importance of fully engaging in

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our life and calling. What was it like for Simon

to carry Christ’s cross? Simon of Cyrene was an

outsider, a mere bystander who moved from

the nameless, faceless crowd to become an

active participant in the greatest story ever

told. We, too, can make a real difference in the

world because God has called us and gifted us.

All we need to do is step into the story as

Simon did.

Easter Sunday, April 12th:

Theme: Mary Magdalene. To build a life with

God’s help even in the midst of disappointment

or failure.

Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-12,

John 20:1-18

Mary Magdalene disappears from

scripture after she carried the good

news of Christ’s resurrection to his

doubting, frightened, and desperate

disciples. We don’t know what

happened to her. We do know that

Mary lived her faith until the day she

died. The question for us is, “Will We?”

********************************** Ecumenical Lenten Services Theme: The Voice from the Cross First Wednesday in Lent: March 4th: The Prayer of Forgiveness Host Church: First Harford Congregational Special Music: Great Bend Choir Preacher: Lynn Wilcox Children's Message: Luke Taylor Refreshments provided by the Host Church Second Wednesday in Lent: March 11th: The Promise of Life Host Church: UM Community, Great Bend

Special Music: South Gibson Choir Preacher: Will Hagenbuch Children's Message: Lynn Wilcox Refreshments provided by the Host Church Third Wednesday in Lent: March 18th: The Word of Kindness Host Church: First UMC, New Milford Special Music: Luke Taylor Preacher: Ho Shik Kang Children's Message: Will Hagenbuch Refreshments provided by Host Church Fourth Wednesday in Lent: March 25th: The Cry of Dereliction Host Church: First Universalist, Brooklyn Special Music: First UMC Choir, New Milford Preacher: Margie McCarty Children's Message: Jane Pykus Refreshments provided by the Host Church Fifth Wednesday in Lent: April 1st: The Call for Help Host Church: South Gibson UMC Special Music: First Harford Congregational Preacher: Jane Pykus Children's Message: Will Hagenbuch Refreshments provided by the Host Church ************************************ Lenten Bible Study Come WALK with us for 6 weeks during the Lenten season. Our study will be The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life by Adam Hamilton. Each of these practices are rooted in Jesus' own walk with God. Each week we will look at one practice including Worship and Prayer, Study, Service, Giving, Sharing, and we will conclude with the 5 practices from the cross.

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We will be gathering together on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in our social hall. March 4th, March 11th, March 18th and March 25th if we need a make up day because of weather. Books are $10. There will be a sign up sheet in worship or you can give a call or email Pastor Jane to let her know of your interest in joining our group. ************************************ Prayers for this month: Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down; Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown! Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in mouth of friend or stranger. Patrick Of Ireland (389-461) *********************************

Annual Chicken Bar-B-Q

Saturday, March 28th 2020

Please mark your calendars and help make it another successful fundraiser for our church. Volunteers are needed so let Kelly or Sue Pratt know you are willing to help!

*************************************** UMCOR Sunday On March 22, 2020, we will recognize UMCOR Sunday. It is one of only six special Sundays designated by the United Methodist Church. And, according to The Book of Discipline, this recognition is meant to "illustrate the nature and calling of the Church." For the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) that means providing a ministry of presence and hope to victims of disasters. When a humanitarian crisis arises, UMCOR lives out signs of Christ's extravagant grace in the world by prayerfully working with communities to address their needs. But who is UMCOR? We are UMCOR. You, your congregations, and your communities. Through our connectional relationships, we make up the backbone of UMCOR to provide for the needs of those who are overwhelmed. We build on the strengths of our people and our communities by becoming actively involved. And, yes, we also give financially. Our gifts enable UMCOR to carry out the calling of Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." while providing food, shelter, health, peace and hope. Your giving on UMCOR Sunday in the past and United Methodist giving worldwide has enabled UMCOR to respond when and where it is needed most, both nationally and internationally. Your gifts give hope during re-building in Puerto Rico, build resilience in the Bahamas, and provide healing in Oklahoma and

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South Dakota. Your giving makes hurricane recovery possible in Nebraska, Florida, and North Carolina. In 2019, an UMCOR grant made flood recovery in our own Conference a reality. As you prepare to give on March 22nd, imagine the value of your gift, given in love. Ponder the impact it could have in our nation and beyond. --Adapted from Doug Hoy's email of February 19th. Doug is our Susquehanna Conference Disaster Coordinator. *************************************** General Conference Prayer and Information

Session

Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 3 p.m.

Clarks Summit UMC

1310 Morgan Hwy.

South Abington Township, PA 18411

This session is designed to equip clergy and

laity with the resources to respond to their

congregations on some of the issues being

discussed at General Conference. Prayer will

be a central part of our gathering. We will

intentionally pray for our church, our delegates,

and to seek God's yearning for the United

Methodist Church. Please register at

susumc.org/gc

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Soup Night

2/18 Soup Night served 67 people. Donation to Trehab was $107. Many thanks to everyone who donates food and time and love to this amazing ministry. Please note that March’s soup night will be on the 4th Monday, March 23rd. Ed and Jean

*************************************** Contest Winning Braised Short Ribs By Taste of Home Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cook Time: 6 hours. Makes 7 servings Ingredients: 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard 4 pounds bone in beef short ribs 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 medium onions sliced 1 cup beef broth 1 garlic clove, minced

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Gravy: 2 teaspoons all purpose flour 1 tablespoon cold water Directions: 1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, paprika, and mustard. Add ribs in batches and turn to coat. In a large skillet, brown ribs in oil; drain. 2. Place onions in a 5 quart slow cooker; add ribs. Top with beef broth and garlic. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender. 3. Remove ribs and onions to a serving platter; Keep warm. Skim fat from cooking juices; transfer to a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Combine flour and water until smooth; gradually stir into the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with ribs.

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Christmas Bureau 2019

Together We Make Our Community Stronger!

Over 163 organizations, churches, businesses,

and many, many, many individuals worked

together to make Christmas brighter for:

902 Children

601 Families

1842 Individuals

A message from Cindy Beeman, Executive

Director, Susquehanna County Interfaith

"Thank you for being part of Christmas Bureau

and standing united in our county as change

makers. No one can truly know the

implications of one act of generosity. But the

ripples from that act may make all the

difference in the world. If you are excited

about the unity and the prospects of other

programs and new opportunities, our door is

always open, we would love to answer your

questions and work together. You can call 570-

278-1776, email director@interfaithsc.org, or

check out our website

www.interfaithsc.org. The hope for a brighter

future for all is beckoning, together we can

make a difference. Together we serve."

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Message from Interfaith…. Spring is just around the corner, and we want to let you know of some of the great programs that are coming up... Camp Ladore: want your child to experience summer overnight camp FREE of charge? Camp Ladore is your answer! Camp Ladore is a summer camp for kids 8-12 located in Waymart, PA. We partner with Salvation Army--we have 15 slots available! So call us today for all the details, 570-278-1776 Change Makers: Is for Sr. High teens that are tired of being bulled, and want to be an influencer. Interfaith will host 4 sessions to help develop personal skills--it is a fun, interactive opportunity to learn skills that will help you now and in the future. Call 570-278-1776 or text 570-396-0642 for more details. Dream Camp: Is for Jr. High Students during the week of July 20 - 24, 2020. This is a free camp that is geared to help students figure out ways to make their future dreams come true! It is a fun, hands on week of exploring, engaging and helping AND at the end of the week these students will be able to pick out their Back to School Shoes FIRST! You can call to make your families appointment for the Back To School Shoe program in July.

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We love your kids and hope that you will consider allowing them to be involved in one of these programs! Let us know if you have any questions. Cindy Beeman, Executive Director Susquehanna County Interfaith

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************************************* As a child, Robert Louis Stevenson was in very poor health. And one night, when he was quite sick, his nurse found him with his nose pressed against the frosty pane of his bedroom window. "Child, come away from there. You'll catch your death of cold." she fussed, but

young Robert wouldn't budge. He sat mesmerized as he watched an old lamplighter slowly work his way through the black night lighting each street lamp along his route. "See, look there," Robert pointed. "There's a man poking holes in the darkness." That is what we are called to do as God's people, poke holes in the darkness. Jesus is calling us to be visual Christians. The Christians' seasoning is something to be tasted. The Christians' light is something to be seen. Our faith should be vibrant and visible. Salt in a saltshaker and light under a bushel basket makes no impact. But a Christian who is salt and light in the world influences many lives. ***************************************

You are invited

to a

Ladies Tea

at

South Montrose Community Church

Saturday April 4th, 2020

1:00 P.M.

Tea and refreshments followed by music

provided by

Saving Graces

RSVP to Mary Hinds at 570-278-9403

no later than March 22, 2020

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Easter Card Making Day!

On March 21st, Mary Hinds will be leading an

Easter card making craft time at 10:00 AM. All

supplies will be provided, and we will have

some refreshments after. Join us for some fun

and fellowship! Please RSVP to Mary Hinds by

March 15th.

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Happy Birthday!!!

LeJune (Junie) Ely will be turning 95 on March 5th! Cards can be sent to her at 7828 S. R. 29, Montrose, PA 18801 ***************************************

Friends who would love a card:

Craig Estelle PO Box 181 South Montrose, PA 18843 Aggie Holbert Gracious Living Estates 10543 SR 29 Montrose, PA 18801 Vicki Mase (surgery) 840 Klimas Road Montrose, PA 18801 Jean Weaver Fair Hill Personal Care Home 272 Lamphere Road Montrose, PA 18801

Altar Flowers: March Paula Remington April Diane Linaberry May Nancy Jerauld

Greeters: March 1 & 8 Alan and Peggy Jerauld March 15 & 22 Sharon Newhart and Gigi Salsman March 29 & Maxine Fox and April 5 Phyllis Valenza April 12 & 19 Ben Owen and Rich Lee April 26 Rob and Phyllis Myers May 3 Rob and Phyllis Myers May 10 & 17 Farnham and Connie

Hoppe May 24 & 31 Bud and Bernadette

Beamer

Acolytes: March 1 Emma Bisel March 8 Hailyn Campbell March 15 Abigail Rozell March 22 Alexis Rozell March 29 Matthew Hinds April 5 Kohen Kraynak April 12 Emma Bisel April 19 Hailyn Campbell April 26 Abigail Rozell May 3 Alexis Rozell May 10 Matthew Hinds May 17 Kohen Kraynak May 24 Emma Bisel May 31 Hailyn Campbell

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Please keep the following people in your

prayers:

In the Church: Mary Jane Long, Phyllis Myers, Vicki Mase, Jesse Frystak, Charlie Valenza, Glenn Vandermark, Marion Arnold, Mickey Fox, Ida Rhodes, David Myers, Brenda, Clay & Cole, Ruth Vandermark, Guy Vandermark, Wayne Vandermark, Jean Weaver, Harriet Snell, Aggie Holbert, Nic Remington, Ben Owen, Craig Estelle, Nate Seymour In Our Community: Victims of the Coronavirus around the world, Family of Pat Amendolia, Steve, Dave Hibbard, Jim Hogg, Bishop Park and cabinet, The UMC General Conference 2020 and our Delgates, Janet Birchard, Tom, People ill with the flu other health issues, Hunter Wilcox, Brendan Kelly, Chandler Brown, Tracey Cunningham, Dennis, Luke, Deb Sherman, Pat, Sarah, Zion Emmanuel Nye, Jerry Townes, Ron Baker, Jeff Posten, Hayden Brunges, Dylan Blaisure, Norma Babcock, Sandy Gardner, John Clough, Amy Robinson, Frog Very, Robert Smith, Phil Reimel, Bill Wilber, Stephen VanKuren, Kenny Rauch, Nancy Coy, Damon Johnson, David Daniels, Darlene Pacihlock, Dot Owen, Bridget Cooke, Dawn Arnold, Lorna Jones, Jim Snell, Chuck Peters, John Henry, Debbie Smales, Elijah Sabo, Jim Phillips, Justin Guyrs, Karen Cox, Misty Hitchcock, Dennis Carey, Jeanette Smith, Betty Pykus, Tony Susi, John Capoccia, Jose Roe, John Breen, Monica Anderson, Audrey Cady, Gary Baker, Bill Copley, Margie Green, Jim Taylor, Bernie Boyer, Jim & June Ochse, Joyce Millard, James Walters, Catalina, Sandra Lathrop, Helen Crotta, Lisa Steele, Dee Pierson, Duane Snell, Dennis Snell, Helen Peterson, Jonathan & Daniel Snell, those struggling with addictions, teenagers, teachers and students, military personnel, those unemployed and those under employed, those in nursing homes, people in prison, our country, our world, our church, and each other.

If you know of someone who needs to be added to the prayer list, or if someone is on there that can be taken off, please contact Pastor Jane

CHURCH INFORMATION

Reverend Jane M. Pykus, Pastor

PO Box 577

New Milford, PA 18834

Church Address:

PO Box 86

South Montrose, PA 18843

Pastor Jane’s phone: 570-465-2318

Cell: 570-396-5883

Church phone: 570-278-3019

Jpykus65@gmail.com

Church Website: http://southmontrose.umcchurches.org

Facebook address: https://www.facebook.com/South-Montrose-Community-Church-220670034624804/

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