CUMC July 2016 Newsletter - Calvary United Methodist Church
Transcription
CUMC July 2016 Newsletter - Calvary United Methodist Church
July 2016 Newsletter Sunday, June 5, 2016 Calvary United Methodist Church PO Box 237, 6 Franklin Street Lawrenceville, Pa 16929 570-827-2627 Email: (Church) [email protected] or (Pastor) [email protected] Website: www.calvaryumcpa.org Pastor Mary’s Musing If you’re on Facebook, you have seen your share of memes. Those of you not following Facebook are probably wondering, “Just what is a meme?” A general definition is “an activity, concept, catchphrase or piece of media that spreads from person to person often through the internet.” A meme often is a caricature of something we hold dear. Online, a meme is a humorous image, a video – sometimes it is not a sarcastic remark, but a helpful saying. Over the years I have seen my share of memes that attempt to be encouraging and biblical, yet come up short. The disconcerting part for me is these half-truths often become ‘gospel truth’ for many who see them. During the month of July, I’ve decided to move away from the lectionary, and with the help of Adam Hamilton, look at some “Half Truths”-- exploring what the bible really says. Beginning July 10, 2016 we will look at the saying: “God helps those who help themselves!” We will consider what people are trying to convey when they say this phrase and examine the ways this half-truth does not portray the whole truth of the Bible. We will take an in-depth look at grace and how we receive blessings from God even though we cannot earn them nor deserve them. In preparation for this message, I invite you to read and meditate on Psalm 10:14b, 17-18a, Psalm 18:6, 16 and Psalm 121:1-2. and how we interpret it. We will see how this saying oversimplifies scripture. Check out Deuteronomy 23:12-14 in preparation for this message. In addition, we will consider how Jesus and his disciples looked at scripture in new ways (“you’ve heard it said… but I say”). It will be a couple of weeks before I get to this saying, you may have time to read A.J. Jacobs book, The Year of Living Biblically or Rachel Held Evans book, A Year of Biblical Womanhood. It’s easy reading and gets to the point of a literal interpretation of scripture. As always, I pray that each of us is continuing to be doing what we can to live in the Spirit! Two of my favorite memes: Other half-truths we will look at: “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” Scripture for preparation: 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Psalm 46: 1-2. “Everything happens for a reason”, Scripture for preparation: Deuteronomy 30:19-20a. We’ll look at the implications of fatalism and our Wesleyan theology of freedom to choose versus a traditional Calvinistic look at scripture. “Love the sinner, hate the sin” in preparation for this message, read and reflect on Matthew 7:1-5. We will explore the definition of sin and look at the so called 7 deadly sins and how “love the sinner does not quite go far enough. Finally, we will explore the saying, “God said it I believe it, that settles it!” During this sermon, we will explore how we approach the origin of the Bible Because of Jesus, Pastor Mary United Methodist Women (UMW) Calvary’s Sewing Ministry Annual Rummage Sale Update We will be sewing Saturday, July 16, 2016, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Join us for a day of fun and laughter as well as maybe learning something new and different! We hope to finish our emergency totes, but we still need more tooth brushes and combs and files, etc. to put in them. Our quilts are slowly getting done and should be ready to give by fall. So, come and join us, bring your sewing machine or use one of ours. Bring a project to work on or help with something we have. Lunch is always the best part…we all bring a dish and Wow! Are these folks are great cooks! Hope to see many of you join us come anytime and stay as long as you like, we have a lot of fun. For some time, you have been hearing about the “Mile-Long-Sale” in Lawrenceville on July 8th and 9th. The UMW folks, along with anyone who is willing to help, will be sorting and pricing items on July 6th and 7th. You may start bringing in your donations for this sale on Sunday, July 3rd – not before please – and on through the week, as it convenient for you. We will have lots of tables set up in the Fellowship Hall and you may place your bags, boxes, or other containers on any of the tables, and we will work with them from there. Larger items may be left on the floor in the area under the basketball hoop. This is a labor intensive effort on our part but your clean, saleable donated goods are very much appreciated and what makes the sale a success. If you have any questions, you may call Kay Hoag at 570-916-4397 or 570-835-5095. Linda Kilborn (607) 368 2849 *************** In the month of June: 75 households were served by the Strait from the Heart Food Pantry 6 households were served by the Lawrenceville/Tioga-Millerton Salvation Army Service Unit 3 households were served by Calvary’s Friends in Deed (FID) ministry THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THESE MINISTRIES!!! THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP… From your Finance Committee THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD! THERE ARE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED. *********************** To send a card…. Are you familiar with the Ray Boltz song, “Thank You for Giving to the Lord”? Read through the lyrics to the verses, each followed by the chorus: I dreamed I went to heaven and you were there with me; We walked upon the streets of gold beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name. We turned and saw a young man running and he was smiling as he came. And he said, "Friend you may not know me now." And then he said, "But wait, You used to teach my Sunday School when I was only eight. And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start. And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart." Then another man stood before you and said, "Remember the time a missionary came to your church and his pictures made you cry. You didn't have much money, but you gave it anyway. Jesus took the gift you gave and that's why I'm here today." One by one they came far as the eye could see. Each life somehow touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made, unnoticed on the earth In heaven, now proclaimed. And I know up in heaven you're not supposed to cry But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes. As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord. He said, "My child, look around you, great is your reward." CHORUS: Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave. As we begin July at Calvary, half of the year is behind us. Your giving has supported Sunday School and missions and Boy Scouts and AA and a food pantry and worship and fellowship and space for all of that to take place and much more. Pauline Castle, 578 Hunters Drive, Unit C, Carmel, IN 46032-2829 (one of Calvary’s parishioners); Jane Kilbourne, 80 Station Road, Lawrenceville, PA 16929 (one of Calvary’s parishioners); Kathleen (Condict) Hayes, 117 Guthrie Street, Waynesfield, OH 45896 (one of Calvary’s parishioners); Donald Howe, Emeritus Adult Care Home, Room #44, 120 Creekside Drive, Painted Post, NY 14870 (one of Calvary’s parishioners); Donald & Roberta Stratton, 19427 Route 287 Lawrenceville, PA 16929; Caroline Newcomb, 1662 Tioga River Road, Tioga, PA 16946; Donald Burnside, PO Box 476, Lawrenceville, PA 16929 (one of Calvary’s parishioners); Shirley Bailey, 75 East Main Street, Mansfield, PA 16933; Donald Stewart, 88 Mechanic Street, Lawrenceville, PA 16929; Virginia Stephens, 939 Park Hill Road, Tioga, PA 16929 (one of Calvary’s parishioners) *************** We are continuing to collect your unusable copper, aluminum, metal or other recyclable items that can be turned into scrap along with collecting your returnable 5¢ soda cans and water bottles. Please be aware that tin cans are no longer accepted. Contact Rob Abel (570) 418-2669 to pick them up or you can deliver your recycling/returnable items to Rob Abel at 12 Ryon Circle, Lawrenceville, PA. The proceeds from the recyclable/returnable items benefit the building debt retirement. The Isaacs The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 35 years ago are based out of Hendersonville, TN. The vocalists are mother Lily Isaacs, and siblings Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical style has been influenced by many genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary, acoustic and southern gospel. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series, and travel internationally throughout the year to perform to welcoming fans in countries such as South Africa, Norway, Holland, Scotland, Ireland, Israel, Canada and many more. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have been nominated at and performed on the Dove Awards, IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) and NQC (National Quartet Convention) Awards, the ICMA Awards (Inspirational Christian Country). Other notable performances include CMA Fan Fest (Country Music Fan Fest), Carnegie Hall, and many professional sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal's football game, Nashville Predators Hockey games, and an Astros/ Braves baseball game. The Isaacs have won over 7 Doves in various categories and have had several Grammy nominations in their career. They feel blessed to be able to travel and spread the message of hope and grace through song and story. Lily Isaacs Lily Isaacs is a vocalist and matriarch of the group. She was born in Germany after World War II to two Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors and moved to the United States when she was 2 years old. She grew up in the Bronx, NY studying theatre and performing on Off Broadway and in 1968 recorded a folk album on Columbia Records with her friend as "Lily and Maria." She became a Christian in 1971 when a death in the family brought her and patriarch Joe Isaacs to church for the first time. Soon after, they began singing Christian music and laid the foundation upon which the Isaacs ministry has been built. Also a 30-year breast cancer survivor, she was the inspiration for a hit country song called “I'm Gonna Love You Through It”, co-written by Sonya and Jimmy Yeary, recorded by Martina McBride. Lily's testimony has been an inspiration to people around the world, so much that she has written an autobiography about her life's story. Her love for Jesus has brought her through every chapter of her life and she loves to sing and share about His love. Ben Isaacs Ben Isaacs is the bass player and vocalist for the Isaacs. He and his wife Mindy have three children: Jacob, Kyra and Cameron. He spends much of his time off the road in the studio producing not only The Isaacs, but also many well-known artists including, The Gaither Vocal Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Karen Peck, and Cherryholmes, to name a few. He has been nominated for over six Grammys and has been voted Producer of the Year several times in the Absolutely Gospel Awards. He also has produced several Dove award winning albums. He has played bass and sang on numerous artists projects including Don Williams, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Trace Adkins, Doyle Lawson, JD Crowe and Paul WIlliams. He has been voted Male Vocalist of the Year and Musician of the Year in several prominent award shows. Ben accepted Christ as a young boy and has always had a heart for ministry and helping people. Sonya Isaacs Yeary Sonya Isaacs Yeary is the mandolin player and vocalist for the Isaacs. She is married to singer/songwriter, Jimmy Yeary, and they have one son, Ayden. After her solo adventure with country label Lyric Street Records, she began writing songs professionally and has had songs recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Leann Rimes, Martina McBride, Vince Gill and many more. Many gospel artists have also recorded songs she and Becky have written, and she has won several Doves for her songs. She also enjoys singing background vocals for such artists as, Reba, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill to name a few. Many kids will recognize her as a background singer for Miley Cyrus in the Hannah Montana movie and on soundtrack performances on Disney Films Geppetto and My Neighbor Totoro. IBMA, SGMA, CCMA have nominated Sonya for Female Vocalist many years running and she has won various awards in all these genres. Sonya believed on Christ at 6 years old. She has dedicated her life to spreading the gospel and shining God's light wherever she goes. Becky Isaacs Bowman Becky Isaacs Bowman is the guitar player and vocalist for the Isaacs. She is married to singer/musician/minister, John Bowman. They have two children, Levi and Jakobi. Becky started writing songs as a teenager and has written songs that many artists have recorded. Her first number one song was “Stand Still” and she has since had charting songs recorded by many artists. Some other songs you may recognize written by Sonya and Becky are Heroes, winning Bluegrass Song of the Year from the Dove Awards, and Waiting in the Water, Your Cries Have Awoken, The Master, and a Miracle Today. She has sang background vocals on a variety of artists projects including, Paul Simon, Alabama, Dolly Parton, Don Williams, Merle Haggard, Trace Adkins, Russ Taff, and Jason Crabb, to name a few. She has been nominated and awarded Female Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year in several awards programs. Becky has a passion for the Lord and loves to minister through song and testimony. CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LAWRENCEVILLE PA July 2016 ◄ June 2016 Sun Mon Tue August 2016 ► Wed Thu Fri 1 VBS CONCLUDES 3 8:30 & 11 am Worship Services Greet: R/J Abel Liturgist: Chris Y 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY (Calvary office closed) 7 pm AA 5 6 7 UMW RUMMAGE SALE SET-UP / HALL IN USE UMW RUMMAGE SALE SET-UP / HALL IN USE 1-5pm Pastor’s Office hrs. 4 PM CALVARY CHILDCARE 6 PM TRUSTEES 6:30 Scouts 6:30 Scouts 6:30 pm Praise Team 7 pm AA 13 14 10 11 12 7 pm AA 6 PM MISSIONS 7 PM FINANCE 1-5pm Pastor’s Office hrs. 6:30 Scouts 7 pm Adult VBall 6:30 Scouts 6:30 pm Praise Team (Sanc.) 7 pm AA 17 18 19 20 21 6:30 Scouts 6:30 pm Praise Team 7 pm AA 8:30 & 11 am Worship Services w/Communion Greet: I Burnside Liturgist: Larry B 8:30 & 11 am Worship Services Greet: E/L Huels Liturgist: Carl M NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 7 pm AA FOOD DELIVERY 1-5pm Pastor’s Office hrs. 6:30 Scouts 7 pm Adult VBall 2-6 PM STRAIT FOOD PANTRY & CLOSET Sat 2 10 am-Noon Addiction Support Group 8 L’VILLE MILE LONG SALE UMW RUMMAGE SALE IN FRIENDSHIP HALL 9 15 16 L’VILLE MILE LONG SALE UMW RUMMAGE SALE IN FRIENDSHIP HALL 10 am-Noon Addiction Support Group 10am-2pm Sewing Ministry Group 22 23 CALVARY UMC→→ HOSTING TIOGA CO. HOMELESS INIT. → →→→→→→→→ →→→→→→→→ →→→→→→→→ →→→→→→→→ 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6 PM LEADERSHIP 1-5pm Pastor’s Office hrs. 6:30 Scouts 7 pm Adult VBall 6pm Bible Study 6:30 Scouts 6:30 pm Praise Team (Sanc.) 7 pm AA 8:30 & 11 am Worship Services Greet: L Stermer Liturgist: Nancy T 7 pm AA 31 8:30 & 11 am Worship Services Greet: M/P Casbeer Liturgist: Greg C BP check & Coin Notes: Pastor’s Office Hrs: Tues. 1-5pm & by appt. Pastor’s Community Hrs: 7:30-9am, 1st/3rd Wed.:Rotsell’s, 2nd/4th Wed.: Dana’s Parish Nurse Office Hrs: Tues./Thurs., 9:30am-Noon Mission Items: Pizza mix , Hamburger or Tuna Helper, Toilet paper, Adult Toothbrush Collection 7 pm AA BEGINNING SUNDAY, JULY 3, ITEMS DONATED FOR THE UMW RUMMAGE SALE MAY BE BROUGHT TO THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER