February - Denmark Manor United Church of Christ Home

“God
Is Still
Speaking . . .”
724-744-4218
[email protected]
denmarkmanorchurch.org
February
2015
THE GOOD NEWS OF WHAT IS
HAPPENING IN OUR CHURCH
Worship Starts at 11AM
February 1 “Food and Faith”
(Opening) at 10AM
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Communion
Mission Moment-Global Missions
Scripture-Mark 1:21-28
Sermon-“Authority!”
February 8 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Scripture-Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon-“Renew Your Strength”
February 15 - Transfiguration Sunday
Scripture-Mark 9:2-9
Sermon-“When the Going Gets Tough, Will the
Tough Get Going?”
February 18 - Ash Wednesday7:30PM - Service of Penitence,
Ashes and Communion
February 22 First Sunday in Lent
Scripture-Psalm 25:1-10
Sermon-“Pardon for Sin and a Peace So Enduring”
February 25 - Lenten Cluster Service
at Hill’s Church
(Emmanuel Reformed, 3618 Hills Church Road,
Export)
7:30PM
“The Way of the Cross-Jesus Condemned”
Pastor Meredith Preaching
See inside for full schedule of Lenten Cluster Services >
Front Cover:
Worship Schedule
Page 2
 Pastor’s Report
Page 3
 Lent 101
Page 4
 Lenten Cluster
Service Schedule
 Beef Dinner
Page 5
 One Great Hour
Of Sharing
Page 6
 Welcome to Our
Worship
 Funeral Lunch
Ministry
 Easter Flower
Ordering
 Shut-ins
 Eternal Life Grace Long


Page 7
February Calendar
Back Cover:
 Important Dates
 Contact
Information
“God is still
speaking . . .
Cover
From the Pastor’s Pen
Pastor’s Report to Consistory - January 5, 2015
First, I would like to thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy at the passing of my
oldest brother and for the family leave time that I was granted to travel to Kentucky from December
26 until December 31. I am also grateful to Bob McKie who filled in for me while I was away.
It was wonderful to have our usual traditions of the holidays, including the Christmas play on December 14 followed by a finger food feast and I thank Barb and R.J. Miller for all of their work on
that project. Of course the Christmas Eve Service was another highlight of the month and in fact
of the year. The choir and all of the musicians including Ira Thomas, Kelly Millar, Dave Conner,
Andrew Hayes and Fred Hayes did a wonderful job, and I thank all of the people who helped with
the decorations and Don McIlvaine, our “lighting engineer”. If anyone would like copies of this
service it was recorded. And behind the scenes, Rheba, our Administrative Assistant worked with
careful attention to the details of all of the bulletins. Our Help Fund Christmas Card that was inserted in the Christmas Eve bulletin netted $1,816.
Along with all of our celebrations we did have two losses in the past month. Mark Walker died on
December 8 and his funeral was December 12, and Patricia Kistler passed on December 17, with
her funeral on December 22. I thank the Women’s Fellowship under the guidance of Lynn Zimmerman for being my partners in ministry in providing funeral luncheons. Though Mark’s luncheon was catered, still there was a need to have things set up and then take care of the leftovers. I
took quite a bit of food over to the Welcome Home Shelter and they were very grateful for it.
Mark’s funeral service was at Lindsay-Jobe Funeral Home and Patty’s was at the church.
Due to the weather, we had to cancel our Saturday morning Bible Study on December 3, but the
group is still going strong and studying Revelation. We had another superb “Faith and Food” gathering at 10:00AM on January 4, and I thank Joni Mattei for her inspirational messages and Doris
Walk for the delicious sweet rolls.
We have several people in the hospital or rehab as of this date, and our prayers are with them and
their families.
I would like to thank these people who are going off of consistory: Scott Hartung for his balanced
and steady leadership as Elder and President, Fred Hayes who filled in the post of Deacon midyear, and Glenn Galko for his devoted service to the church as a Trustee. I welcome our these new
officers: Don McIlvaine and Evelyn Valesky as Elders, Trude Hayes, taking a second term as
Deacon with Deacon Maureen Dumbaugh returning to the consistory after a brief hiatus, and Mike
DiFranco, our newest Trustee. I really look forward to working with a new team in 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Hutchison
Page 2
Lent 101
Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and
fasting in order to grow closer to God. It's the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays because every Sunday is like a little Easter. Basically, it's about one-tenth of a year
(like a tithe of time). Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which this year is February 18. We
begin Lent with a service where we recognize our mortality, repent of our sins, and return
to our loving God. We recognize life as a precious gift from God, and re-turn our lives towards Jesus Christ. We
may make resolutions and commit to change our lives over the next forty days so that we might be more like
Christ. We call this service Ash Wednesday because not only do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (Communion ),
Pastor Meredith also marks the sign of the cross on each person's forehead with ashes.
In Jewish and Christian history, ashes are a sign of mortality and repentance. Mortality, because when we
die, our bodies eventually decompose and we become dust/ dirt/ash/whatever. Repentance, because long ago, when
people felt remorse for something they did, they would put ashes on their head and wear "sackcloth" (scratchy
clothing) to remind them that sin is pretty uncomfortable and leads to a sort of death of the spirit. This was their
way of confessing their sins and asking for forgiveness. We get ashes for Ash Wednesday by saving the palms
from Palm Sunday, burning them, and mixing them with a little water (like tears) or oil. It's symbolic.
So what is LENT? At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended
and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit. Where he fasted and prayed
for 40 days. During his time there he was tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry.
Maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he
needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God (and himself) more clearly.
Perhaps he wanted some intentional time with God as he searched for direction and answers like you. Like Jesus,
we may need to take some serious time to pray and listen for God.
Why "DO" Lent? How do I start? Are you searching for something more? Tired of running in circles, but not
really living life with direction, purpose or passion? It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of classes, relationships, family, and work. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ.
We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol, too many activities or other irrelevant stuff. We run away from life and from God. Lent is a great time to "repent" -- to return to
God and re-focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. It's a 40 day trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting
God change your heart.
Here’s An Opportunity . . . During Lent, the United Church of Christ Churches in our area or “cluster” join to
practice prayerfulness and worship together on Wednesday evenings. This year our theme will be “The Way of the
Cross." Each church has their own Ash Wednesday service with all services beginning at 7:30PM—see the
schedule on the next page. It is our custom to have a time of food and fellowship after each service. Also, at the
last service, Denmark Manor’s choir director, Kelly Millar and keyboard player, Irina Thomas will lead a choir
with representatives from all of the churches.
Rev. Meredith Hutchison
Parts of this article adapted from www.upperroom.org, Lent 101 by the Rev. Penny Ford. Penny is the pastor of a small United Methodist Church in Carrollton, Alabama.
For more ideas on what spiritual disciplines you can practice during Lent, go to this website and look for "Lent 101".
LENT BEGINS
Our Annual
BEEF
DINNER
Our Ash Wednesday service
of penitence, ashes, and
communion is February 18 at 7:30PM.
is coming
Once again we will join our sisters and brothers in Christ
from the Northern Westmoreland Association Cluster for
Wednesday Night Lenten Services. All services begin at
7:30PM. If you would like to attend any of these services
and need a ride, please speak with Pastor Meredith.
February 25
Hill’s Church, 7:30PM
(Emmanuel Reformed UCC)
3618 Hills Church Road, Export
“The Way of the Cross-Jesus Condemned”
Pastor Meredith Hutchison, Preaching
March 4
Trinity UCC, 7:30PM
39 East Pittsburgh St, Delmont
“The Way of the Cross-Carrying the Cross”
Pastor John Titus, Preaching
March 11
First UCC-Harrison City
1008 Harrison City-Export Rd., Harrison City,
7:30PM
“The Way of the Cross-Servant Leadership”
Pastor Joseph Hedden, Preaching
Saturday,
April 25
(4th Saturday in April)
Please mark your
calendar and tell your
friends and
family members.
March 25
First UCC Apollo
212 South Second St., Apollo
7:30PM
The Celebration of Holy Communion
“The Way of the Cross-Jesus Has Risen”
Combined Choir led by Kelly Millar and Irina
Thomas
Conference Minister, the Rev. David Ackerman, Preaching and officiating at communion.
March 18
Denmark Manor
7:30PM
“The Way of the Cross-Nailed to the Cross”
Pastor Ryan Lucas, Preaching
Visit our church website:
denmarkmanorchurch.org
Page 4
from the 2015 OGHS, United Church of Christ
Our abundance becomes their
need and their need become
our abundance. We would
change the world. Will you
give to One Great Hour?
OGHS Responds to
Disasters Near and Far
Conrado Rivas, a farmer in Leyte,
Philippines, lost his crops and
other means of livelihood during
Typhoon Haiyan in the fall of
2013. The Typhoon inflicted
widespread damage in the Philippines - from Cebu to Manilla.
As part of their recovery
Farmer Conrado Rivas
efforts, the UCC Philippines
(UCCP) provides training to farmers who lost their crops in the storms.
They receive seeds and learn new methods of growing food, including organic farming. Farmer Rivas now has a crop that provides food for his
family and brings in income year ’round.
The UCCP is a partner church of the UCC through Global Ministries. This disaster recovery is supported by gifts from One Great Hour of
Sharing and special funds designated for Typhoon Haiyan Relief. In 2013,
the UCC received more than $2.5 million through the offering and an additional $1.8 million for specific relief efforts such as the Typhoon. Thank
you for your generous support! We will accept the OGHS Offering on
March 15.
When the early followers of Jesus suffered a famine in Jerusalem,
the Apostle Paul organized an appeal for their needs. Christian communities in distant places contributed to this ecumenical offering, just as we do
all these centuries later. What if we all lived as if this were our call?
Page 5
Welcome to our
Worship.
Last Day to order is Sunday, March 22.
Denmark Manor is part of the United
Church of Christ in which congregations make the decisions about the
operation and faith stance of the
Church. We believe in freedom of
conscience, and do not tell others
what doctrine they must accept. We
affirm the work of the Trinity, the
authority of the Bible and that God is
still speaking in this world.
Elaine DiFranco by Sunday, March 22.
to help prepare food for
Funeral
Luncheons
Please contact
Lynn Zimmerman
at 724-523-8909
Our prayers are
with the family of
Grace Long, who
entered into eternal
life on January 16.
We celebrated Grace’s life
on January 19.
Please Remember
Our Shut-ins . . .






Helen Maynard at William Penn
Care Center
Dave Cunningham, Emeritus at Latrobe
Claudia McLarty at home
Lee Ridinger at home
Millie Kane at home
Virginia Driscoll at Golden Heights
PCH
Page 6
Ash Wednesday
Lenten Service
7:30PM at
Denmark Manor UCC
Choir Rehearsal
following
Women’s
Fellowship 7:30PM
All Women
are welcome!!
Denmark Manor
United Church of Christ
2003 Denmark Manor Road
Export, PA 15632
f
724-744-4218
eMail > [email protected]
Online > denmarkmanorchurch.org
POSTMASTER:
Return Service Requested
Coming in February . . .
Coming in March . . .
Sunday, February 1
Sunday, March 1
Communion Sunday, 11AM
Faith & Food at 10AM
Monday, February 2
Consistory 7PM
Thursday, February 5 Choir 7PM
Sat., February 7, NO Bible Study, Church Vitality Event
Sunday, February 8
Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School
Monday, February 9
Christian Ed 7:30PM
Wednesday, February 11, Women’s Fellowship 7:30PM
Thursday, February 12 Choir 7PM
Sat., February 14 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville
Sunday, February 15
Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School
Monday, February 16 Pastoral Relations 7PM
ASH WEDNESDAY Lenten Service 7:30PM;
Choir Rehearsal following
Thursday, February 19 NO Choir
Sat., February 21 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville
Sunday, February 22
Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School
Wednesday, February 25, Lenten Cluster Service 7:30PM,
Hills Church, Export, Pastor Meredith preaching
Thursday, February 26 Choir 7PM
UCC Polity Seminar February 26 & 27,
Pastor Meredith attending
Sat., February 28 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville
OFFICE HOURS are Mon. and Thurs., 9AM - 3PM
SUNDAY SCHOOL Sundays (Sept. thru June) 9:45AM
WORSHIP SERVICE Sundays (Sept. thru June) 11AM
Sunday School Opens with Fellowship & Refreshments
1st Sunday each Month, 10AM, September thru June
Communion Sunday, 11AM
Faith & Food at 10AM
Monday, March 2
Consistory 7PM
Wednesday, March 4, Lenten Cluster Service, Trinity UCC,
Delmont, 7:30PM
Thursday, March 5
Choir 7PM
Sat., March 21 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville
Sunday, March 8
Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School
Monday, March 9
Christian Ed 7:30PM
Wednesday, March 11, Lenten Cluster Service, 1st UCC in
Harrison City, 7:30PM
Thursday, March 12
Choir 7PM
Sat., March 14
NO Bible Study
Sunday, March 15
Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School
Wednesday, March 18, Lenten Cluster Service, DMUCC,
7:30PM
Thursday, March 19
Choir 7PM
Sat., March 21 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville
Sunday, March 22
Worship 11AM, 10AM Sun. School
Wednesday, March 25, Lenten Cluster Service 7:30PM, 1st
UCC, Apollo, PWC Minister David Ackerman
preaching & officiating, Combined Choir led by
Kelly Millar and Irina Thomas
Thursday, March 26
Choir 7PM
Sat., March 28 - Bible Study 9AM, Panera’s Murrysville
PALM SUNDAY, March 29, Worship at 11AM