March 2017

The Mustard Seed The Monthly Newsletter for Christ United Methodist Church of North Huntingdon

Mission: “To know Christ and to make Him known - Disciple-Making Church” Vision: “To become a mission-focused church to meet the needs of our church members, the community, and the world while spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Core Values: Love, Prayer, the Power of the Holy Spirit

2017 CONNECTIONAL APPORTIONMENT

Greensburg District Connectional Apportionment Giving information has been compiled and is

on the conference website. Here is some interesting information for you to share with others as

you plan your monthly connectional apportionment giving for 2017.

2014: GB District Churches paid 91% of our connectional apportionment giving. The WPAUMC

paid 89.3% of our connectional apportionment to the denomination.

2015: GB District Churches paid 90.3% of our connectional apportionment giving. The

WPAUMC also paid 90.3% of our connectional apportionment to the denomination.

2016: GB District Churches paid 90.8% of our connectional apportionment giving. The

WPAUMC paid 89.8% of our connectional apportionment to the denomination. There

were five districts who contributed at levels higher than Greensburg. However, we can

celebrate: All of the churches on the GB district contributed at least some percentage

toward the connectional apportionment. There were 42 churches who contributed at

least 100% of their giving. Plus, there were a number of churches who dramatically

increased your giving from last year! Thank you, and thank God. You are truly putting

forth your best effort.

As you plan your 2017 budgets for mission and ministry, take a look at the finance section of the

conference website. They provide a great many resources to help you communicate the

importance and vital ministries that the connectional apportioned giving supports both here in

the district, in the conference, and throughout the denomination. Just as local churches depend

on regular tithes and offerings to support your ministries, so does the greater church depend on

individual churches contributing the full amount of their connectional apportionment.

As a district, we are strong in the areas of outreach! Thank God and thank you! As United

Methodists, our first outreach offering is to be in support of the connectional giving through

apportionments. We can all look forward to even higher levels of commitment and giving

through the year 2017 as we celebrate God's amazing provision for each of us and our

churches. (020117)

Rev. Pat Nelson, Greensburg District Superintendent, WPA Conference

BIBLICAL ROOTS

The Bible is full of stories and passages

about generosity and giving. “Those who are

generous are blessed,” says Proverbs 22:9,

NRSV. Acts 20:35b continues the theme, “It

is more blessed to give than to receive.”

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, the apostle Paul

challenges the church in Corinth to give

generously to mission work. Paul writes that

even amid their extreme poverty, the

Macedonians give “even beyond their

means.” He encourages the Corinthians to

give out of their abundance.

JoAnn Lamberg of Cranford United

Methodist Church in New Jersey shares her

story. “During a difficult time in my life,” she

recalls, “when I did not have very much to

give, a member of a Bible study in which I

was participating shared something. She

said, ‘You cannot outgive God. Whatever

you give to God, he will return in abundance.’

I decided to trust these words. I subtly

suggested to my family that we tithe, and we

did. Miracles - particularly financial -

occurred. I have no way to explain except I

believe that messenger’s words and live it

today. You can never outgive God.”

“Giving,” says the Rev. Eunice Nusa Iliya of

Nigeria, “goes along with the teaching and

preaching. Our congregations know the

importance of giving what we have back to

God.”

Giving is celebrating and showing how

grateful you are for what God has given you

or what God is doing in your life. It is out of

that joy when you reflect on how God has

graciously pulled you through, how God has

been so faithful to you, and how God has

been there for you. “So what do you give to

God that God has not given to you? The joy

of showing gratefulness, showing thankful-

ness to God. That is the secret of the joy of

giving.”

HOW WE GIVE TODAY

“We give because we want to,” says Jim

Ernst of Will Rogers United Methodist

Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. “God does not

need our money. Our giving is an act of

worship, supporting the ministries of our local

church and the ministries of The United

Methodist Church through apportionments.

“It is an act of faith and love that by giving,

we are putting our faith in God. God always

provides, and we cannot outgive God, no

matter how much we give.”

All United Methodist Churches are

connected. That connection comes to life

when we share our resources with our sisters

and brothers in the Philippines, Africa,

Europe and the United States. Working

together with other congregations, every

church - regardless of size and location - can

do much more than it could on its own.

Together, We Do More.

The “official” name for our giving

methodology is “connectional giving.”

Connectional giving goes beyond your local

church. One form of connectional giving is

apportionments. United Methodists know

“apportionments” by many other names such

as “a portion for others” or various types of

covenants - connectional, ministry share,

missional giving, shared ministry and tithe.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

ABOUT APPORTIONMENT

Q: What are apportionments?

A: We stretch our resources through our

distinctly United Methodist apportionment

system of giving that financially underwrites

United Methodist ministry and mission

beyond the local church.

Apportionments is the term we use to

describe the portion that each congregation

contributes to the annual conference and

general church operating budgets.

Apportionments are one outward and visible

sign of the connection within The United

Methodist Church. This type of giving allows

us to work toward our goal of making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world and, like all giving

to the church, is a way of sharing our

blessings.

The 2012 United Methodist Book of

Discipline talks about the World Service Fund

and conference benevolences as being

“basic in the financial program of The United

Methodist Church.” Conference bene-

volences “represent the minimum needs for

mission and ministry in the annual

conference.” (Pars. 247:14 and 812)

Q. What does it mean to “tithe”? A: The Bible talks about giving a “tithe,” or

10 percent. Proverbs 3:9-10a encourages us

to “Honor the Lord with your substance and

with the first fruits of all your produce; then

your barns will be filled with plenty.”

And in Malachi 3:10, we read, “Bring the full

tithe into the storehouse, so that there may

be food in my house, and thus put me to the

test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not

open the windows of heaven for you and

pour down for you an overflowing blessing.”

Q: Who determines apportionment

amounts?

A: The General Conference establishes

budgets for the denomination’s general funds.

These are divided among annual conferences,

based on a specific formula. Each conference,

using its own approved formula, divides these

fund requests, along with conference

administrative and benevolence fund

requests, among local churches. Contact your

annual conference for specific details.

Q. What happens if our church cannot

contribute that amount of money?

A: When we pay our apportionments, we

affirm that we are part of a connectional

church. Any church that cannot pay their

apportionments in full - and it does happen -

will often have a follow-up conversation with

their district superintendent or bishop to see

what issues may have caused the shortfall,

and what steps, if any, may be taken to

remedy the situation in the future.

Sometimes, congregations who have paid

their apportionment volunteer to help other

churches who, for one reason or another,

cannot pay.

Q: Why does the money go through the

annual conference treasurer?

A: In order for your local church to receive

“credit” for remitting its apportionments or

other giving opportunities, the money must

flow through the annual conference office.

From there, the annual conference treasurer

submits the funds to the General Council on

Finance and Administration, where the annual

conference gets “credit” for its contribution.

Q: Where can I learn how the conference

and wider church use my church’s

apportionment payments?

A: To learn how annual conferences use

apportionment dollars, simply look at the

conference budget. Delegates vote on and

approve annual conference budgets at annual

conference sessions, so detailed reports

should be easy to find. For impact stories,

information and resources, visit www.

umcgiving.org/why-we-give.

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CHRIST CHURCH AT WORK, PLAY, AND WORSHIP

Pastor Sang celebrates his birthday at lunch with Grace, a surprise visit from his daughters, and District Superintendent Pat Nelson and her husband, Paul...

Two beautiful new Communion banners in memory of Kelly’s mother, Tina.

Children’s Message at the 11:00am service on Sunday, February 5.

...and a slightly off-key but very boisterous version of “Happy Birthday” as sung by Sonbeam Preschoolers during their Valentine’s Day celebration on Monday, February 13th.

Bob and Dean prove just how many Methodists it takes

to change a light bulb!

Remarkable artistic talent in this detailed sketch of Christ Church drawn by Nathan!

UMCOR HEALTH KITS

Health Kit Materials (value: $12.00 per kit)

1 Hand towel - 15x25 inches to 17x27 inches (kitchen, cleaning, and microfiber towels are not acceptable) 1 Washcloth 1 Toothbrush - Adult size only (do not remove from original packaging) 6 adhesive bandages - ¾ inch to 1 inch size (common household Band-Aids) 1 Bath-size bar of soap - 3 oz. and larger sizes only (no Ivory or Jergens brand soap due to moisture content; and do not remove from original packaging) 1 Comb - must be sturdy and longer than 6 inches (no pocket combs or picks please) (rattail combs and combs without a handle are acceptable with a minimum of 6” of teeth) 1 Metal nail file or nail clippers (no emery boards please) 1 Plastic Zip-Loc type sealable bag - one-gallon size $1.00 to purchase toothpaste

Assembly Directions Set the $1.00 for toothpaste aside to be included in a separate envelope. Lay out the hand towel flat on a table. Lay the washcloth flat in the center of the hand towel. Place all remaining items on top of the washcloth. Fold over the sides of the hand towel to cover all of the items. Fold over one end of the hand towel so that it covers all of the items. Grasp the bundle of items tightly and roll over the remainder of the hand towel tightly. Place the tightly rolled bundle in the plastic bag. Remove as much of the air as possible and seal the bag.

Important notice All items must be new. Do not wash any of the items as they will then be considered “used”. Please remove all packaging except where otherwise instructed. All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of

situations. Due to the fact that strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items - NOTHING MORE.

DO NOT include any personal notes, money, or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.

UMCOR is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to the health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent. Do not put single dollar bills in the kits. Collect all monies for toothpaste and shipping, place it in a separate envelope and send along with the kit donations.

UMCOR does not require that the source of manufacturing be removed from the kit contents. If an item in the kit has a stamp that says, “Made in USA,” or “Made in China,” that stamp does not need to be removed.

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MEALS ON WHEELS

We had a new baker this month: Doe… Yea! AND we had a new wrapper: Pastor Sang! He saw we were only 4 ladies so he joined in packaging cookies and then tying on tags with bows. He did a Super Job. Many thanks to both of these wonderful, giving persons! We delivered 186 cookie packages as Joann, Deloris, Eunice, Lettie, Mary Lou and myself also baked great Valentine treats.

MARCH FOOD PANTRY

Thank you for the jars and jars of Peanut Butter and Jelly. It is so appreciated by the Pantry and all the recipients.

March Item is Pasta Sauce.

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March 2017

International Village @ Renzie Park

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 9am Preschool

ASH WEDNESDAY

12:30 “Happy Hearts” Senior Group gathering in Fellowship Hall

No GS tonight 7pm Worship svc.

2

7pm Bible Study

3 9:00am-noon Preschool

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

4 7:30am Men’s Prayer Breakfast

11am Memorial Service and Luncheon

5

8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School 11:00am Worship with

Communion

6 9:00am-noon Preschool

7:00pm Dartball vs. Grace (H) 7:00pm Hedge Breakers

7

6:30-7:30 Zumba

8 9:00am-noon Preschool

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7pm Bible Study

10 9:00am-noon Preschool

11

12 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School: 11:00am Worship

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS

7:00pm Youth Group

13 9am Preschool 10am Meals on Wheels cookie wrapping

7pm Dartball vs. Wesley (H) 7:00pm Hedge Breakers

14

6:30-7:30 Zumba

15 9:00am-noon Preschool

6-8pm GS mtg/FH

16

7pm Bible Study

17 9:00am-noon Preschool 12:30-6pm Red Cross Blood Drive @ NHT Town House (see p. 9)

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19 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School 11:00am Worship

7:00pm Youth Group

20 9am Preschool

7pm Dartball makeup/playoffs

7pm Hedge Breakers 7pm BS Cmte mtg

21 6:30-7:30 Zumba 7pm Church Council meeting

22 9:00am-noon Preschool

23

7pm Bible Study

24 9:00am-noon Preschool

25

26 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School 11:00am Worship

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

7:00pm Youth Group

27 9:00am-noon Preschool

7:00pm Dartball makeup/playoffs

7pm Hedge Breakers

28

6:30-7:30 Zumba

29 9:00am-noon Preschool

7pm First meeting of newly- formed United Methodist Women/FH (p. 8)

30

7pm Bible Study

31 9:00am-noon Preschool

1 7:30am Men’s Prayer Breakfast

April

Youth Retreat to Camp Allegheny Friday-Sunday, March 3-5

Youth Retreat ends

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling together;

and a little child will lead them.

Isaiah 11:6

1st Sunday in Lent

2nd Sunday in Lent

4th Sunday in Lent

3rd Sunday in Lent

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

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WISE WORDS OF JOHN WESLEY

"I cannot think that when God sent us into the

world, he had irreversibly decreed that we

should be perpetually miserable in it. If our

taking up the Cross imply our bidding adieu to

all joy and satisfaction, how is it reconcilable

with what Solomon expressly affirms of reli-

gion, that her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace?" by Patty

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SOUP SALE

The Soup Sale on Sunday, February 5, was a great success, bringing in $357 for our Worship Committee! Many thanks to everyone who bought a quart, and a special thank you to Saunne and Barb for their hard work in making all our favorite kinds!

HOAGIE SALE

Thanks to all who support the recent hoagie and pepperoni roll sale, and to Rick & Jan of Lam-pert’s for providing the food for this popular fund-raiser. Look for another sale coming up in March! Roast beef, turkey, and Italian hoagies, and pepperoni rolls will be available after both services. We appreciate your support!

ZUMBA!

Zumba meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. Anyone is welcome to attend!

There is no fee for the class, but any voluntary donations will be given to the church. Please bring a yoga mat for occasional floor exercises, a water bottle, and some light weights.

For questions, send an email to bache3dle@ msn.com.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

by Jan and Barb

Spring into fun at a “getting to know you” meeting of the newly formed United Methodist Women’s group, or “UMW”.

Please join us at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 29, to talk about our upcoming outreach/mission ideas, and enjoy refreshments, games, and devotions!

Babysitting will be provided by Youth members.

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MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP

We invite all men of the church to join us on Saturday, March 4, for a hearty and delicious home-cooked breakfast.

This is a nice way for the men of the church to get to know each other in Christian fellowship while hearing a devotional and having some great food.

We meet the first Saturday of each month at 7:30am - hope to see you there!

“HAPPY HEARTS”

The “Happy Hearts” Senior Group will meet at 12:30pm on Wednesday, March 1, and will feature a guest speaker from the Department of Aging, Norma. Because the meeting falls on Ash Wednesday, fish will be served for lunch. Bring a side dish or dessert to share!

In April, we will meet on Wednesday the 5th with a catered meal and entertainment provided by magician Jeff . Cost for the meal is $5/person.

This group is open to all those age 55 and over, and spouses. Please join us, and bring a friend!

ROAST BEEF DINNER ANNOUNCED

Save the date for the Roast Beef Dinner to be held here on Saturday, April 29! On the menu will be roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls with butter, beverage, and dessert. The cost is only $8.00/person for adults; and $5.00/person for children 12 and under. Don’t miss this delicious meal!

SONBEAM PRESCHOOL

Sonbeam Preschool is having a great year so far! Kids love painting and learning their shapes, colors, numbers, and letters, and singing (they sang “Happy Birthday” to Pastor sang in February - see photo on page 4)!

We would love to be full so if you know anyone with 3 or 4 year olds who is looking for a M-W-F 9:00am to noon schedule, we still have spaces left!

It's never too late to register! It is $20 to regis-ter and $85 a month for enrollment! Just leave a voicemail at 412-751-8219 x12, or email me at beejay1970@aol.com.

Thank You! Barbara, Director

FRIENDLY GREETING

The next time you’re out shopping, why not pick up an extra or two to send to one of our shut-ins or elderly friends, any of whom would be happy to receive a thoughtful greeting from a member of their church family. Please contact the office for names and addresses.

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INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

The AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help to people who cannot afford professional assistance.

Volunteers from the Retired and Senior Vol-unteer Program (RSVP) help prepare simple tax returns for lower-income, elderly, and per-sons with disabilities.

Taxpayers are reminded to bring their accu-rate records, income, interest and dividend statements, and copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns when they seek help.

Those individuals who do not have the re-quired documents or show up past the cut-off time will be asked to return at a later date.

Assistance will be offered from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the North Huntingdon Townhouse on Center Highway beginning on February 1.

No appointment is needed.

OPEN HOUSE AT CAMP ALLEGHENY

Everyone is invited to Camp Allegheny for a n Open House from 2:00-6:00pm on Sun-day, May 21.

Parents and campers will have the oppor-tunity to meet some of the staff, participate in some of the activities available, take a tour, and enjoy some camp food. This fun-filled day is for everyone, and is free of charge!

For more information about Camp Allegheny and to view the 2017 Calendar of Events, please visit www.campallegheny.org.

May 21

2-6 pm

BLOOD DRIVE

North Huntingdon Town House Friday, March 17, 2017

12:30pm - 6:00pm

11279 Center Highway, Irwin, PA 15642

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your appointment or search

online for sponsor code: NHTH

Open to the public from 12:30pm - 6:00pm.

BOY SCOUTS PINEWOOD DERBY

The Pinewood Derby is an annual event-where Cub Scouts and family members get to race personally de- signed cars. We have so much fun seeing all the crea tive designs, and our family helps us with the hard stuff. We had our derby qualifying round on Saturday, January 28 here at Christ United Methodist Church.

We thank you from all of Pack 270 for allowing

us the use of your amazing church!

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