Highlights of Upcoming Events

Life Line
JUNE 2015 Newsletter of
Faith United Methodist Church
The View from Here
At a recent Church Council meeting, I shared two parts of the vision that
God has given me as we move forward together in the coming year. This is
in addition to those things already in place, from our ongoing ministries to
our Capital Campaign and Facilities Design Process. These flow out of God’s
work in my life, what I’ve heard in conversations with you, and where our
Leadership Team has been praying – and I’m excited to share my early
thoughts with you.
Leadership Development
 Prompting Question: How do we raise up, resource, equip and support
leaders among those who are already part of the congregation?
 Leading Thought: There are folks at Faith Church who are already
leading in their homes, careers and communities, but haven’t been
given the chance or invitation to lead in ministry (either internally or
through outreach). There are others who may not even see themselves
as leaders, but have skills, personalities and passion that God could use
in either ongoing ministry areas or in developing new ministries. Our
job as a church is to call those leadership gifts forth, equip people with
skills, and set them free to fulfill their God-given potential.
 Coming Soon: I am looking to pull together a group of 12-15 current
and potential leaders to meet once per month over a nine-month
period. In addition to reading several books together, we will explore
individual gifts, passions and calling with the hope of releasing those 12
-15 folks into ministry leadership roles as God leads.
Strengthening Marriage
 Prompting Question: How are we as a church being called to disciple
people in the area of relationships in general, and marriage specifically?
 Leading Thought: Five areas of relational discipleship come to mind,
and the church is called to look for ways to care for each.
 Helping Engaged Couples Prepare for Marriage Well
 Helping Struggling Couples Find Healing and Hope
 Helping All Couples Grow in Strength and Intimacy
 Helping Divorced and Widowed Persons Find Healing
 Helping Single Persons Find Satisfaction, Strength and Faithfulness
 Coming Soon: Faith Church is working with Crossroads Counseling in
Williamsport to underwrite and present a workshop with Leslie Vernick,
well-known counselor and author, which will equip both pastors in the
community, and strengthen couples who come and participate. In
addition, we are looking at the possibility of things like marriage
retreats, mentoring relationships for engaged and newly married
couples, groups such as DivorceCare and GriefShare, and focusing on
some of these most important relationships in worship themes and
messages.
I share all of this seeking two things from you as a church. First, I covet
your prayers, as God leads me in leading us together in these endeavors.
Second, share with me what you need from God and from us specifically in
the areas of leadership and relationship development. Your thoughts are
often God’s voice to me, and I appreciate your insights.
Following Jesus’ lead together,
PL
Highlights of
Upcoming Events
6/02 - Worship Design Team Annual
Planning Day at Wolfinger’s
6/05 - Men’s Hoagie Night
6/06 - Taste of the Summit
Notary Available after Worship
6/07 - Notary Available after Worship
6/14 - FSM Mission Trip Meeting
6/14-21 - Family Promise Host Week
6/15-19 - Vacation Bible School
6/20 - Baptism Meeting
6/21 - Baptism Meeting
Happy Father’s Day!
Worship Services @ Faith
Sunday Mornings
Traditional Worship @ 8:30 am
Contemporary Worship @ 9:45 am
with Faith Café
&
Hands On Bible Club
For all children ages 2 - Grade 7
Saturday Evenings
Contemporary Worship @ 5:30 pm
&
Hands On Bible Club
For all children ages 2 - Grade 4
Nursery available at all services
Welcome to Our New Members of Staff
Jared Hetherington will begin serving as our Director of Student Ministries on June 1. Jared, and his wife Nikki, currently live
in Aliquippa, PA, where Jared has been serving as Youth and Worship Director at Christ Alliance Church. Prior to that, Jared
served at Chippewa UMC in Beaver Falls. A native of Ohio, Jared received his B.A. in Youth Ministry/Bible & Theology from
Malone University. His wife, Nikki, is a native of Hughesville, and has her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Geneva
College. The couple also has a kitten named Izzy. We are excited to have Jared join the Leadership Team God is building here
at Faith Church, and looking forward to working with him as he leads our ministries with students and their families.
David Miller began serving as our Facilities Manager on May 26. Dave and his wife, Crystal, are long-time members of Faith
Church. Their sons, Levi and Isaac, attend Montoursville schools, and Crystal is a 3rd grade teacher at Lyter Elementary. Dave
has been part of the facilities maintenance staff at Susquehanna Health, and has long been a servant here at Faith Church. He
brings skills learned on the job and at home, as well as a team-building spirit that will continue to help lead our faithful
servants in caring for our facilities and grounds, and we are so looking forward to Dave joining our staff.
Join in praying for these newest members of our staff at Faith Church – and pray about how God might be calling you to
partner with them in the areas of ministry under their leadership!
JOURNEY Update
Family Promise Host Week: June 14-21

Our next Family Promise Host Week is coming up quickly!
We will be hosting at, and partnering with, Bethel UMC
Montoursville. Many servant opportunities are available. If
you would like to serve families in our community that need
a hand up, or would like more information about this
servant opportunity, please contact Paula Robinson at 570244-6505, or email [email protected].


(as of 5/22/2015)
Number of families that have made a pledge to
JOURNEY:
177
Total amount pledged to JOURNEY:
$2,168,663.20
Amount received for JOURNEY:
$ 793,568.31
Commitments to JOURNEY can still be made by contacting
me via email at [email protected], phone 570-3682459, or mail 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville, PA 17754.
Thank you for your continued generosity to Faith Church
and to JOURNEY!
Linda Michael, Business Manager
Got Talent?
Our Pot-luck Dinners are on hiatus for the
summer. They will resume on September 12.
If any of our church family are interested in doing special
music (singing, playing instrument, etc.) this summer,
please contact Lisa Konkle at [email protected] or 570368-8434. Thank you.
Summer Giving Options
As summer approaches, we understand that individuals and
families are busy with graduations, vacations, sports
tournaments, summer camps, etc. and may be away during
weekend services. To continue your giving while you’re
away or unable to attend, here are a few options:
Faithum.net/live
Even if you aren’t able to attend Faith services, but would
like to watch it live, go to Faithum.net/live. There will be a
“Give” button at the top of that page and will redirect you
to our Giving Options page.
Online Giving – One Time & Recurring
We offer safe and secure online giving at our website:
www.Faithum.net.
Please click the “Giving Options” button on our homepage.
Through our website, we accept donations that draft
directly from a checking or savings account, debit cards and
most major credit cards. You may schedule a one-time
donation, or set up recurring donations.
ACH Transactions (Initiated from Faith Church)
If you would like Faith Church to process your giving for
you, we can set up ACH Transactions (Automated Clearing
House) on a recurring basis. ACH is an electronic network
for financial transactions in the US. ACH Transactions are
processed electronically, where funds are transferred from the
bank account of your choosing to Faith Church. Faith Church
will provide you with a form to complete, sign and return. The
information needed includes banking information, giving
amount, frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.). You may change
or terminate the agreement at any time.
Online Banking (Initiated from Giver)
Most banks offer their account holders the option of Online
Banking/Billpay. To process giving from your bank, log onto
your online banking account and initiate payments to Faith
Church. Your bank will either process and mail a check directly
to Faith Church, or they will process the payment
electronically. Most banks also offer the ability to set up
recurring payments.
Mail
You may mail your offering directly to the Church Office at:
Faith Church
Attn: Business Manager
700 Fairview Drive
Montoursville, PA 17754
If you have questions, or need more information about any of
these options, please call the Business Manager, Linda Michael
at 570-368-2459.
Nursery & Hands On
Bible Club
Weekly servant opportunities
available! Please consider
helping out - even if you don’t
currently have school-aged
children. We promise, you will
be blessed. Sign up on the
clipboards
beside
each
classroom or contact Marion.
Marion Handley
Director of Children’s Ministries
[email protected]
570-368-2459
Just click on the link at www.faithum.net
Vacation Bible School 2015 - Everest!
Would you like to help with this icy adventure? We are looking for help in the following areas: Set design, Bible Expeditions
(new), Imagination Station (new), Crafts, Snacks, Games, Registration, Crew leaders for each class, Prep work/tear down.
Children ages 4 through 6th grade are invited to embark on an icy adventure where kids overcome obstacles with God’s
awesome power! VBS Everest will take place Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 19 from 6-8:30 pm, so please save this important
information! To help plan this fun and icy experience, please contact Marion.
We Need Your Help!
As we prepare for VBS we are seeking donations of blue and white plastic tablecloths, blue and
white crepe paper, 1/2" or 1/4" round pvc pipes, and camping/hiking gear! We also hope you will donate your time by serving
as we decorate and prepare or by signing up to be a Crew Leader guiding our adventurers through their activities!
Parents and Teachers Take Note!
Important Upcoming Dates:
The state of Pennsylvania has changed the laws for
background checks required for all paid staff and unpaid
volunteers working with children. As a result, all HOBC
teachers and those who may wish to become teachers
MUST submit state background checks and either FBI
fingerprints or a notarized affidavit in order to serve with
our kids. This new legal requirement means that even if you
recently obtained a Track1 clearance you must request new
clearances. Bring them in for Marion to copy for our church
records. There will be a notary available to assist, free of
charge, following weekend services in May and June.
June 6 & 7
2015 Summer
Online!
Camps
&
Retreats-Listed
The Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries
provides opportunities for authentic relationships with
Jesus, experienced in community, and in the beauty of
God's creation. Register your child(ren) before May 1 for
the
early
bird
discount
and
check
out
www.susumcamps.org to see a list of all the opportunities!
To inquire about what scholarships may be available
through Faith UMC, please contact Marion to learn more.
June 15-19
June 27
July 4 /5
Notary Available to Sign Volunteer
Affidavits after services
Vacation Bible School
6:00-8:30 pm
Safe Sanctuaries Training
3:30-4:30 pm
If you are in town, consider signing up to
serve in HOBC!
Thank You
Thank you to all who participated in the
Food Packing Event on May 3! It was a joy
and privilege to see so many children
working alongside the adults of Faith
Church. During VBS this year the children will have the
opportunity to participate in Operation Kid-to-Kid, raising
money for Bibles for children in Thailand. Just $4 will give a
child a colorful, kid friendly New Testament!
Parent Connection
Children in Hands On Bible Club receive the Parent
Connection the first two weekends of the month. Please
help your children learn their verses so they can put their
faith into action.
GROW
Deb Ottenmiller
Dir. of Group Life/Assimilation
[email protected]
570-368-2459
Baptism Information Meetings
Pastor Larry will be meeting with anyone interested in
receiving the sacrament of Baptism for themselves or for
their children. The meeting times are Saturday, June 20 at
6:45 pm or Sunday, June 21 at 11:00 am in Room 10.
Baptism will take place the weekend of June 27/28. Please
call the church office at 570-368-2459 to let us know the
meeting you will be attending .
Saturday Night Hospitality Team Serving
Opportunities
Greeters and ushers are needed for all Saturdays of the
month. Please contact team leader Dorothy Thomas (570494-3298 or [email protected]) with questions
or your commitment to serve!
Snacks Needed for Fellowship Time
Donations of snack foods are needed-pretzels, chips, veggies, fruit, cookies, cake, pies, etc. If you
are able to help out, please sign the clipboard in Faith Café or call the church office. Thank you for
helping us make our guests feel welcome!
Are You Looking for a Community Group?
On Monday, June 8 at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall, Merge will start a new study by Andy
Stanley entitled, “Follow”. This group is open to anyone. Please join us Monday, June 1
for coffee and dessert and invite your friends! Childcare is provided. Questions?
Contact Tony and Rebecca Sharp at 334-803-4444.
Men of Faith Church
We are going to have a Men’s Hoagie Night on June 5 from 6-8:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. We will
have food, fellowship and fun along with a brief devotional. If you would like more information on
this, contact Tony Sharp at 570-368-2459 or [email protected].
The 2015 Global Leadership Summit will be simulcast at Faith Church this year on August 6-7. Summit is an event designed to
improve leadership skills in the workplace, in the home, and in society. During the two day event, a number of world-class
leaders in business, education, entertainment, and Christianity discuss aspects of their leadership that they have found crucial
to their success. The event consists of a series of lectures, skits, musical numbers, and interviews that help to provide each
attendee with the tools to improve their ability to lead. If you would like more information, please go to our website
www.faithum.net and click on “News & Events”; then “Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit 2015”. A general overview is
on that page. If you wish to register, enter the password for the Faith Church Host Site: GLS15HOST. This password is our
priority code for the discounted registration fee of $89.00, for members/attenders of Faith Church, good until Tuesday, July 7.
After Tuesday, July 7, the registration fee will be $119.00. For questions, contact Jeremy Ramsey ([email protected]).
If you would like to see firsthand what it is like to experience the event, we will be holding a Taste of the Summit event on
Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Over breakfast, we will have the opportunity to experience one of the sessions
from a previous Summit as well as to hear why this event has had such an impact on previous attendees. There is no cost for
the event, but pre-registration is a must! Please contact Jeremy Ramsey at [email protected].
SERVE AND GO
Thank You for Your Generosity!!!
A final thank you to all who helped make our Food
Packing II event a blessed one! 92,190 meals were
delivered to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Pastor Rusty Wolfinger
Associate Pastor
[email protected]
570-368-2459
on May 4.
Oak Hill, West Virginia . . . Here We Come!!!
The FIRST Volunteers in Mission (VIM) trip that Faith Church has sponsored will
take place this October. On October 4-10, 2015 we will be traveling to Oak Hill,
West Virginia. We’ll be partnering with the Oak Hill United Methodist Church and
will be working on a variety of work projects for senior citizens and others in
need. An informational meeting will be held immediately following the 9:45
worship service on Sunday, July 12 at 11:00 am in Room 10. This meeting is for
those who have already expressed an interest in going on the trip as well as for
those who might want to find out more about the trip. If you are interested in
attending, mark your Connect Card or contact Pastor Rusty.
Coming in July . . . Feed the 5,000
The summer is often a slower time for donations at the United Churches of Lycoming County’s
Food Pantry. With that in mind, let’s mobilize to restock their shelves this July. We’ll have Feed
the 5,000 bags available in the Narthex beginning in July (although, any bag will do!) We will be
collecting these food items on the weekends of July 11/12 and 18/19. These are the items that
they have a continual need for: spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, pasta (any shape), powdered
drink mixes, hamburger helper, oodles of noodles, saltine crackers, canned vegetables, cereal,
pop tarts, and soups. Start collecting now!!!
Go . . . Go . . . Go in 2015
1. Feed the 5,000: Bring in your non-perishable items on the weekends of July 11/12 and
18/19
2. Transform Lycoming County (partnership with First UMC): August 10-14 (registration
details in July newsletter)
3. Fall Festival (Children’s Activity Area): September 25-26
4. Volunteers in Mission Trip: Oak Hill, WV (October 4-10) Interest meeting on July 12 at
11:00 am in Room 10
5. Trunk or Treat: October 31 (or the date set by the borough)
6. Operation Christmas Child: November
7. Thanksgiving Baskets: in association with McCall Middle School
8. 2015 Christmas Offering: supported ministries/organizations TBA
COMING IN JULY
PRAISE KIDS
Conklin’s Pool
15 Cedarwood Lane, Montoursville
Monday, July 13, 6-9 pm
Rain Date - Tuesday, July 14
Lisa Konkle - 570-368-8434
Farewell from Phillip
To My Church Family,
Following Jesus is the most rewarding yet most challenging thing you can do.
When Jesus first called me to follow Him it was an easy call – I was going off to
college to pursue training for ministry. The next several times Jesus called me it
was also easy to respond. Eventually the call came for me to move to
Montoursville in July of 2008. This call was easier too, as I was living in Taiwan
while my wife taught and I finished my degree online (and volunteered at a
church).
Fast forward almost seven years.
Leaving Faith Church has been the hardest call that Jesus has placed on my life
because you truly have become my family. So with that in mind – thank you!
Thank you for the support and love you have shown to me and my family. Thank
you for the support you have given our ministry over the years. You, Faith
Church, have been the hands and feet of Jesus in many ways in and around our lives as a family. God has been at work through
you and He will continue to work through you!
A special thanks to the many leaders, students and parents who have supported our student ministries over the past several
years! I trust that God will continue to work through you and Faith Church as we help more and more people Connect, Grow,
Serve & Go in their faith!
Phillip Allen
Your Former Director of Student Ministries
P.S. - Shout out to Jared and Nikki! I trust God will move in big ways through your ministry!
FSM Mission Trip
There will be a meeting for all students and their parents/guardians who are
going on the FSM Mission trip in Room 10 on Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 pm.
Faith Church Council
Faith Church Leadership Team
Ryan Tira, Chairperson
Emily Miller - Recorder
Ron Gearhart
Michael Kinsey
Carol Larson
Ben Meckbach
Crystal Miller
Jeremy Ramsey
Larry Leland, Lead Pastor......................................................lleland@faithum.net
Rusty Wolfinger, Associate [email protected]
Diane Dunlap, Office Administrator.......................................office@faithum.net
Marion Handley, Director of Children’s Ministries …[email protected]
Jared Hetherington, Dir. of Student Ministries ……[email protected]
Linda Michael, Business Manager/Nursery [email protected]
Deb Ottenmiller, Director of Group [email protected]
Tony Sharp, Director of Worship...........................................tsharp@faithum.net
Faith United Methodist Church
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Phone #: 570-368-2459
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.faithum.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/faithmontoursville
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700 Fairview Drive
Montoursville PA 17754
Life Line
JUNE 2015
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