File - Trucksville United Methodist Church
Transcription
File - Trucksville United Methodist Church
TRUCKSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “ M aking Disciples and Making a Difference” Volume 128 Issue 2 Inside this issue: Flea Market 2 TUMC Youth 2 Project D. J. 2 Back Mountain Food Pantry 3 Chicken BBQ 3 Missions 4-5 Vacation Bible School 6 Summer Camp 7 Bishop’s Visit 8 Confirmation 8 Mission Opportunity 8 Stewardship 9-10 Flowers for Missions 11-12 Cemetery Board 13 TECEC 14 TUMC Youth Calling all Youth & Church Family Members to meet at Fern Knoll Cemetery located at the end of Midland Drive in Dallas on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. for Spring Clean Up! Stay as long as you are willing and able! A few rakes are available, but if you have one please bring it. There are many branches to pick up, so there is plenty of work to do even if you don't bring any tools with you. Meeting Change: Our Youth Group will meet in April, but NOT on the 3rd Sunday. The third Sunday in April is Easter, so we will meet on Palm Sunday, 4/13/14 at 6:30 pm instead. In early March several members of DJ enjoyed a field trip to a quilt show at Somerset, NJ. Quilt shows offer many different examples of quilting, giving us many new ideas. Recently our Thursday night group undertook to provide training in the art of quilt making to two Girl Scouts who are in the process of earning their Silver Award. In a few more weeks, these Girl Scouts will have finished their quilts and will be eligible for their Awards. Another distribution to institutions is being readied for shipment in the next few weeks. Everyone in the group has worked hard during the long winter. There have also been several gifts of quilts made to individuals who were in need. We invite you to join us. All materials, equipment and training are supplied. We work through the summer - we meet on Monday mornings and some Thursday evenings. 2 The shelves of the Back Mountain Food Pantry are full due to the hard work of the Boy Scouts in the Back Mountain. Troop 231 of Dallas brought in 2,508.5 pounds of food and Troop 241 from Lehman brought in 641 pounds. The Scouts sorted and boxed all the food they brought in which is a big help for the workers at the food pantry. Super Bowl Sunday has become a "Souper" fund raising day for the Food Pantry. Many churches and schools in the area did special fund raising for the pantry. There are many creative people coming up with ideas to promote fund raising for this occasion. Recent Gifts to our Memorial Fund In Memory of James Mission Lorraine Jolley In Memory of Joe Casey Mike & Kathy Barlow We are closing in on our Easter distribution, which will be held on Tuesday April 15. This year we have two hundred or more families receiving this distribution. All volunteers are asked to help with this project. The Postman's Food Drive will be held in May and this always brings in many pounds of food. Joe Hardisky will head this project. In Memory of June Bennett The Family of Melba Dickson Dorothy Pierce Beverly & Perry Berger Thomas & Kathryn Peirce Mike & Kathy Barlow The Back Mountain Food Pantry is very appreciative of all the food and monetary contributions that we receive from the community. We are an all-volunteer organization and do not do fundraising so we rely on these contributions. In Memory of Claire Meyers Mike & Kathy Barlow A generous donation was made in honor of Wayne & Diane Long Thanking God for the kindness of Wayne & Diane Long, Ron & Betsy Balonis 3 Thanks to everyone who supports all of our efforts. Carol A. Eyet, Manager Dear Friends in Mission, Dear Friends, Thank you for your support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Your gift received on 03/10/14 of$945.81 for Typhoon Haiyan is quick response to meet emergency needs around the world. Giving through The Advance enables United Methodists to partner with one another in mission and ministry around the world. Thank you for joining with us to "Be Hope" to those who desperately need it. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Back Mountain Food Pantry, I wish to acknowledge receipt of your donation of $472.00 from your “Souper Bowl Sunday” proceeds. Through The Advance, the designated giving channel of The United Methodist Church, 100 percent of your contribution will go to Disaster Response bringing hope to those who need it most. Lena M. Baur Volunteer Your generosity enables us to continue providing quality food to an ever increasing list of low income families affected by today’s troublesome economy. Again, thank you! Sincerely, Grace and Peace, Roland Fernandes, General Treasurer United Methodist Committee on Relief General Board of Global Ministries Dear Friends at TUMC Ruth’s Place, a program of Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania was honored to accept your generous donation of blankets, towels and clothing on 2/27/14. Thank you for your ongoing support of our mission. Sincerely, Kristen Topolski, Director, Ruth’s Place Food Pantry Donations by the Pound! In addition to our monetary donations to our Food Pantry, our three month report indicates 709.5 pounds of food donatedso far this year! Way to go Church Familythat’s a heavy weight contribution! When you see a special offer at the grocery store, consider picking up one for our Food Pantry! 4 Bravehearts - AN ONCOLOGY CAMP FOR WOMEN Kingston, PA March 6,2014 Dear Friends of Bravehearts at Trucksville United Methodist Church It is with heartfelt gratitude that we write to thank you for your generous donation of $140.00 to Camp Bravehearts. Your donation will help us to provide future weekend retreats of inspiration, learning, sharing and fun for the cancer community. Here are just a few words from our campers, "I will always have the Braveheart staff and Camp to thank for helping me to live again and live better!" "Our doctor's deal with their specific area of expertise, however, none of them deal with the emotional side of having cancer. Braveheart has helped me to better understand and deal with my emotions, feelings of loss, and new found Joy and happiness in living after a cancer diagnosis." Since its inception 14 years ago, Camp Bravehearts has provided more than 2500 cancer patients and survivors with unforgettable weekend retreats and we look forward to continuing to serve the cancer community in a meaningful way. Your gift helps Bravehearts bring these weekends to the women for a mere fraction of the actual cost of such a retreat, and will also help us to achieve our goal of providing 1 day programs for cancer patients and survivors. When we talk about cancer bringing gifts with its trials, we are referring to the opportunities that Bravehearts has given so many women to meet and share love, laughter and hope with other cancer patients and survivors. Our campers look forward to continued friendship and support through this camp season, and many more to come. On behalf of all the women who have benefited from their Bravehearts experience, we offer a sincere thank you! Stay Brave, Karen Haag Co- Founder Our goal is to provide women who are dealing with cancer an opportunity to share life experiences. Through the exercise, crafts, wellness, outdoor, educational and social activities offered at Camp Bravehearts, we will provide participants an opportunity to learn new skills, increase self-esteem and confidence, and help address the risks and fears that many face during and after treatment. 5 WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE VBS 2014 A SUCCESS! TUMC Vacation Bible School SAVE THE DATE JULY 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 6:15 to 8:30 pm Dinner 5:30 to 6:15 pm Name ______________________________________________________________ Phone Number _____________________ Email Address ______________________ I am willing to help in the following ways: _____TEACHER *Please note your preferred grade level ________ _____ TEACHER’S HELPER *Please note your preferred grade level______ _____ DINNER (Prepare @ 4:30 serve 5:30-6:15 clean up @ 6:15) _____ MISSIONS _____ I AM WILLING TO HELP HOWEVER I CAN April Mission Focus Wyoming Valley Together we can make the dream of many to own their own home become a reality. A Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity Home is a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat families are selected based on level of need, willingness to become partners in the Habitat Program, and ability to repay a nointerest, 20-year mortgage. Together we raised $244.00 so far with three Sundays remaining and our Loose Change Offering on Sunday, April 27, 2014! Together we can help build homes and lives! TUMC No Longer Collects Can Tabs We had a tip from a very reliable source that Fresenius Medical Care Wilkes-BarreDialysis Clinic in collects soda can tabs and the like to help kidney dialysis patients with theirtreatment. Finally, a home for our three gigantic, plastic jugs of tabs donated by our extremely diligent Sunday School children and countless Church Family Members! That said, a volunteer graciously signed on to deliver the tabs only to find the Clinic does not have a formal program for the can tabs. We did find out that aGoodSamaritan does stop by the clinic now and again to pick up the tabs and most likely exchangesthem for cash which he/she may donate to the Kidney Dialysis Foundation; however, we do not know all of the details. Sadly, can tab collection is an urban legend reports the Foundation’s website. 6 Sky Lake Happenings SKY LAKE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MAY 18TH FROM 1:30-5:00PM Volunteer Work Day @ Sky Lake Saturday, May 3, 2014 Beginning @ 8:30am in Founders' Lodge If you've always wondered what summer camp is like at Sky Lake, come to our Open House and sample some of our favorite activities for yourself! In addition to taking a boat out for a row, completing a make-and-take craftand hiking some of our favorite trails, you'll also be able to register for camp, go on a hayride, sample our yummy s’mores trail mix, make ice cream the old-fashioned way, and play GaGa Ball and 9 Square in the Air! This is an excellent opportunity for individuals, adult groups, families, and youth groups to help Sky Lake get ready for the summer. There are projects for all abilities: Planting flowers Painting cabins Cleaning trails Making benches And a whole lot more. The only thing that isn't free is our delicious Chicken BBQ, which comes complete with all the fixings'. Tickets are $8.00 in advance (through the Sky Lake Office); $9.50 at the tent. If you aren't an early bird, feel free to arrive any time after 8:30am. There is no set ending time, although most depart an hour or two after the' complimentary lunch. SKY LAKE IS A MINISTRY OFTHE UPPER NEW YORK ANNUAL Conference OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH So we have enough food for lunch, RSVP by Tuesday, April 29by calling us or sending an email to: [email protected] Sky Lake Camp Discount Registration ends May 1! Calling all Camp Counselors in Training Ages 16-18! TUMC Church Camp Scholarship Deadline Wednesday, April 24, 2014 TUMC has been selected to host our Susquehanna Conference Day Camp Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8, 2014 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 2nd through 6th Grades $50.00 for the Week Please submit requests to the Office including the completed camp registration form and the requested assistance amount. Bring a sack lunch, your creativity and your imagination; the rest is up to us! Conference Camp Counselors will be on hand to facilitate the event and we need volunteers, sixteen through eighteen years old, to help out! If you are interested in joining this pilot program please email us at [email protected] or call the Office at 570-696-3897! TUMC Day Camp; one more way to introduce our community to Jesus! Additional details after Easter! 7 Laity Day with Bishop Park! May 3rd! Good news! Bishop Park is coming to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre District Everyone is invited! May 3rd from 3-5 pm Shavertown UM Church 163 Pioneer Ave Shavertown PA Parking is across the street VIM INFORMATION 2014 Confirmation Class Although our official Confirmation Classes ended our Confirmands have not taken a break! Our Youth rolled up their sleeves and worked the dining room and the dish washer at our Turkey Supper for Missions. Many youth continue to meet with their Mentors to study the Gospel of Luke and continue to serve on our Sunday WorshipTeam running the projector, reading, serving at Acolyte, Crucifer and much, much more! On Saturday, March 29, 2014, our class attended a contemporary worship service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and couldn’t stop talking to Pastor Dick after the service about bringing Contemporary Worship to TUMC. Dick let our youth know that as upcoming members of our church they have a stake in next steps for our church. Who knows what this energetic group of young adults has in store for us! Upcoming plans for our class include a Contemporary Service at Shavertown UMC on Monday, April 14, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Worship as well as our Confirmation Retreat in May and our Banquet in May. As a Church Family let’s continue to pray for our Confirmands as they prayerfully consider officially becoming members of Trucksville United Methodist Church! Are you interested in mission work? Are you interested in a life changing event? The Haiti Partnership has information for you! The next Volunteer In Mission trip will be Oct 16 thru 25. Please check out the website of www.haitipartnership.com for more information. No experience in construction necessary. We’ll help you learn. The newly formed District VIM team is scheduling a local mission trip to Shamokin, Pa. This will be recovery from “Sandy”. That’s right, Sandy, she has been here and long gone, however, her destruction lasts for many years. There are people in the Shamokin area that still need help. Location: Shamokin, Pa. Date: Sunday, May 4 to Saturday May 11 Lodging: First United Methodist Church Shamokin Cost: $230. Contact: Ron Lucas [email protected] (place vim in subject line) or call 570-406-8409. 8 Actual 1/1-3/31/2014 Income (Pledges, non-pledged, Location Expenses, Loose Plate) General Expenses (Staff Support, Physical Plant, Nurturing, Shares of Ministry and Administrative Expenses) Net Income (Loss) Budget 1/1-3/31/2014 Actual 1/1-3/31/2013 $70,178.91 $69,620.00 $69,031.37 80,889.13 $(10,710.22) 86,583.01 $(16,963.01) 79,336.41 $(10,305.04) Total Attendance Average Attendance Each Week 2,599 185.64 2,683 167.68 Up from the grave he arose, he arose, he arose. Last week the Sunday School children were singing this joyous song with Dr. Steve and their enthusiasm was purely infectious. They were jumping as they rose to embrace the joy of Jesus’ new life. Even though it has been a long, hard winter, we are now able to celebrate the new life which Spring graciously brings to us. It has been a long time since we celebrated the incredible resurrection of our Lord and Savior; you might remember Easter was in March last year. There is nothing more empowering than when we sing this song and embrace the return of Jesus Christ. Allow Jesus to enter your heart not only at Easter but every minute of every day. He is there for you and it is obvious he has been here for our church family. Although our winter has been a long and hard one, we are still beating our budgeted numbers and holding quite closely to last year’s figures, so truly we have much to celebrate. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the ministry of our church family. During this “Spiritual New Year” we embrace each dollar which is given as did Jesus when the widow gave her last two coins. Remember it is not only your monetary gifts we embrace but your never ending prayers for those in need; your witness and service to those in need and your presence to all in need. In return, we promise to be good stewards of what you so graciously have given. We wish each of you a Blessed and Joyful Easter Season, The Stewardship Committee **Please check our the next page and see the incredible giving which has already taken place this year! 9 Telling Universally the Ministry of Christ …here is how Jesus has spoken to the hearts of this Congregation so far this year! Monthly Missions: January – UMCOR (Helping those victims of catastrophic events In the Philippines and Indiana) February – Shoemaker Hub March– TUMC Campership (In House) Total to Date for Monthly Missions $895.81 861.07 1378.09 $3134.97 Special Ministry Events: Souper Bowl Sunday sponsored by our Youth Ministry – World Hunger Turkey Dinner Proceeds (to be used for Missions this year) St. Joseph’s Center (Easter Flower Mission) – to date Compassion (Easter Flower Mission) – to date One Great Hour of Sharing – to date $944.00 2803.25 162.00 144.00 139.00 Total Special Ministry Events $4192.25 Benevolence Giving to our Conference $2290.77 Distribution from Mission Dollars in House: Camp Braveheart (Audrey Billings Mission Fund) $140.00 Total to Date $9757.99 Did you know our Nurture and Care Committee has sent 148 cards to those in need over the past three months? The ministry of God is transmitted in so many forms. We are truly blessed with a congregation who loves to share his love…and it shows! These are things we cannot put a valuation on because they truly are priceless! The proceeds from the Turkey Dinner are in a “Mission Holding Account” waiting for direction as to where those monies are needed after we are sure all the needs of our future campers have been satisfied. This is an incredible gift to be able to have additional money to distribute to those in need when the occasion arises. We won’t let the moths or the rust collect…these dollars will be used as God directs us in the future months. This month we are supporting Habitat for Humanity. Have you ever been without shelter? These special individuals are truly in need of a safe and well built “Habitat”. What a blessing we have a ministry in our area which addresses this need. If you are unable to contribute financially, they are always looking for volunteers to help in any way to the building of these incredible homes. How important a strong foundation is not only in terms of the homes they build but the spiritual foundation these individuals must feel when they enter their new home built with “real love”. Yes…we have much to celebrate and the best news of all is…God is with us through it all! 10 SIZE FLOWER COLOR 3” SPIKE GREEN 3” VINCA VINE GR/WH GERANIUM PRICE $2.25 RED DOZEN (4.5” POTS) QUANTITY $30.00 WHITE PINK TOTAL Trucksville United Methodist Church Summer Flower Sale for Missions VIOLET NONSTOP RED BEGONIA PINK $5.50 YELLOW WHITE Please submit payment with orders (checks to TUMC) by April 28, 2014. ORANGE NEW RED GUINEA PINK IMPATIENTS WHITE $5.50 PURPLE Colors may be selected, but are not guaranteed. ORANGE GERBERA RED DAISIES PINK $5.50 YELLOW ORANGE 6” POTS MILLION PINK BELLS YELLOW $5.50 WHITE PURPLE RED DAHLIA $5.50 PINK YELLOW PINK PETUNIA Flats cannot be divided, but you can share with a friend. Flower pick-up behind TUMC Dickson Education Building on Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM or after worship services Sunday, May 18, 2014. Questions? Need more information? Please call Kim Reinert @ 570-417-6435. $5.50 WHITE Name_________________ PURPLE BACOPA GERANIUM WHITE $5.50 RED $5.50 WHITE PINK VIOLET 10” HANGERS BEGONIA ASSORTED MILLION BELL ASSORTED FUCHSIA ASSORTED IVY GERANIUM ASSORTED PETUNIA ASSORTED IMPATIENTS ASSORTED $15.50 GERANIUM W/ VINCA VINE ASSORTED 11 ______________________ Phone ______________________ 12” PORCH POTS GERANIUM RED W/ VINCA PINK VINE VIOLET $20.00 WHITE RED $15.25 PINK IMPATIENTS ORANGE MIXED RED $15.25 ALYSSUM PINK $15.25 ORANGE WHITE $15.25 PURPLE PINK PETUNIA FLATS PURPLE MIXED ORANGE $15.25 MIXED LARGE YELLOW MARIGOLD ORANGE SMALL YELLOW MARIGOLD ORANGE Flats cannot be divided, but you can share with a friend. Colors may be selected, but are not guaranteed. $15.25 DOUBLE GAZANIA Please submit payment with orders (checks to TUMC) by April 28, 2014. PINK WHITE ZINNIA Summer Flower Sale for Missions WHITE PURPLE BEGONIA Trucksville United Methodist Church $15.25 Flower pick-up behind TUMC Dickson Education Building on Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM or after worship services Sunday, May 18, 2014. Questions? Need more information? Please call Kim Reinert @ 570-417-6435. BRONZE MIXED SNAP DRAGON MIXED $15.25 PANSIES MIXED $15.25 SCARLET SAGE RED $15.25 ______________________ DIANTHUS MIXED $15.25 AGERATUM PURPLE $15.25 Phone ______________________ LOBELIA BLUE $15.25 DAHLIA MIXED $15.25 CELOSIA MIXED $15.25 NICOTIANA MIXED $15.25 FLOWER VINCA MIXED $15.25 COLEUS MIXED $15.25 DUSTY MILLER SILVER $15.25 (Color may be substituted if growing problem occurs) TOTAL 12 Name_________________ We often forget that the burial grounds surrounding the Church must be maintained and open to plot owners twelve months of the year. We tend to think that maintenance is required only from April until the end of September when the grass grows! This has been a very harsh winter to say the least. Fortunately we have not had any requests to open graves. There are plans to inter two cremains after May 1. Otherwise it would have been costly for both the plot owners and the Cemetery Association to make the drives passable for hearses and cars to enter the Cemetery. In early February one long standing donor from another state sent a donation with a message, “Your weather is so bad up there we felt you must need money to help with winter maintenance.” We appreciate the concerns of our donors. We are glad to see winter go! Clean up of the burial grounds, weather permitting, should be completed by April 30. If you have decorations left from last year, please remove them as quickly as possible. Any decorations remaining after April 23, 2014 will be discarded. The agreement for mowing and trimming of the entire cemetery has been renewed for 2014 with Brad Zaboski of Just Us Lawns. The Annual Giving Drive for Cedar Crest Cemetery Association begins officially on May 1. The budget for its section, (80 %) of the burial grounds, is $9,900.00 for 2014 which includes: Mowing & Trimming Insurance Annual Giving Expenses Incidental Expenses which may occur The remaining 20 % of maintenance is paid by the Trustees of the Church as they are responsible for the section adjacent to the right side of the church. We are pleased that Gail Kistler and Jeanne Thomas will assist us with our Annual Giving Drive this year; many thanks to them for their time and effort with this important project. The Board of Cedar Crest continues their efforts to stabilize the very fragile financial position they found the cemetery in five years ago. We appreciate the continued support of everyone. Misplaced Ladder! Our 12-Foot Fiber Glass Step Ladder is not in its usual spot in our Sanctuary. The ladder was a gift to our Church given by a special man who saw a need and filled it! We have a big Campus and it could be anywhere! If you have any information as to where the ladder was moved, please call or e-mail the Office. That ladder provides a solid foundation for all those hard to reach spots in our Sanctuary and we revel in the love in which it was given; sure would be nice to locate it! 13 Trucksville Early Childhood Education Center The school year has flown by here at the Education Center. As I write this, we are preparing for our Art Show and Ice Cream Social, we hope you were able to visit the Art Show and see the talented work of our children and staff! The end of the school year is a very busy time for us. The 4/5 year old classes enjoyed a wonderful hands on field trip to Weis Market where they learned about what goes on behind the scenes in the grocery store. In may our 3 year olds will visit Hillside Farms where they will be treated to a tour of the farm, hayride and ice cream. The 4/5 year olds will have a fun morning at Back Mountain Bowl and enjoy one last outing with their classroom friends before moving on to Kindergarten. There has been so much activity in the classrooms as we finish up our curriculum with themes like Spring (finally!), Easter, Birds, Vocations, Conservation, “I Have Grown”, Farm Animals, Rain Forest, Ocean, Sun and Water, and Summer Safety. Seeing how the children have blossomed throughout the year is such a joy. Our younger ones, some who came to us in tears back in September, are now confident and active participants in their class families. The older ones who have been with us for awhile are now ready to move on as independent learners. Our staff has done a wonderful job preparing these children for a “lifetime of love for learning”! Our summer camps will take place in June. The first camp theme will be “I Spy A Mystery” from June 2nd to June 6th. Week 2 will be “Under The Sea” from June 16th to June 20th. I would like to thank you all for your support to the school throughout the year. Several church members have stopped by to drop off donated items, we truly appreciate it. Our Parent Enrichment Group once again held a very successful Vendor/Craft Fair to help us continue to raise funds for our parking lot paver walkway, and central AC in in the school. We are thrilled that these projects not only benefit our school, but the church as well! A huge thank you to Debbie Shilanski, who takes care of the business end of things for us so that we can focus on what we do best, nurturing and teaching the children. Thanks to Dan Sekel who never hears the wonderful comments I hear almost daily on how clean our school is! Thank you Madelyn Roote for keeping communications and sharing of facilities with the many events taking place here organized, all with a smile, no small task! Thank you to our Board of Directors for the constant support you have been, and the work you continue to do on behalf of the Education Center. Thank you to the Board of Trustee’s for your help with anything we ask! And finally, thank you to Pastor Dick Williams who in the short time he has been here has shown us his special spirit and love for our staff and children. May you all have a wonderful and blessed summer! Sincerely, Marjorie Adams, Director 14 Sunday Worship Services 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. with Nursery for very young children Church School Classes September through May 9:45—10:45 a.m. 15