March 2016 - West Lawn United Methodist Church

Transcription

March 2016 - West Lawn United Methodist Church
C ROSSROADS
2 0 1 6
W EST L AWN U NITED M ETHODIST C HURCH
Good
Friday
March 25th
March
27th
is Easter Day!
It’s not too late to order your Easter Flowers! We have tulips and lilies available, for
$7 each. If you would like to order flowers to
adorn our sanctuary on Easter, pick up one
of the envelopes in the narthex of the
church, fill it out and return it to the office
by March 14th. Flowers may be picked up
at Easter services.
See page 7 for details!
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INVITE, EMBRACE, EMPOWER
God’s Invitation to Eternal Hope!
By Pastor Andrea Haldeman
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed
day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all
measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is
temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18
We are in the midst of Lent and continue to find ourselves in The Dark Woods. We are looking ahead to the
promises beyond…more sun, warmth, green, flowers…the earth coming to life in full again. We know that Easter is soon going to dawn once more. But first we must plunge into the depths of Holy Week and travel with Jesus to the cross. We are blessed with the knowledge that death was not the final answer for Jesus, nor for those
who believe in Him.
We pray that you will continue to walk this path with us on Sundays and during Holy Week, and invite others
along for the journey to the cross and then beyond to the empty tomb—to resurrection, to new life, to eternal
hope.
Barrenness
Life within
See Me in a new way.
I Am here.
You are NOT abandoned.
Life grows - deep and wide.
Set apart
you are called
to be with Me.
See the bones, the bud, the root,
Grows deeper still.
In silence be with Me.
For I Am calling.
An awakening, a renewal,
a closeness never known Discover.
Stillness . . . Quiet
I Am working even though you cannot see.
I offer rest - restoration.
Things are not always as they seem –
Look deeper - with your heart.
Life among the thorns
Be gentle with others and yourself.
Linger - do not rush - enjoy each step.
The journey has no end - wherever you
are,
I Am there also.
You cannot go too far - always
deeper, broader, wider, higher –
ever closer to Me.
I will give you breath - breath of life.
A life lived with, in, and through Me.
Just as I give wind to make the leaves
dance and run, skip and twirl.
You've been inside far too long...
Come away with Me.
Love,
~ God *
May our perfectly faithful God continue to shower you with God’s hope, love, strength and peace,
~
Pastor Andrea
*Poem written by Pastor Andrea during a Mindfullness Retreat at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville in March, 2009.
C ROSSROADS
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Our next Inquirers’ Class will be on
Sunday, March 6, at 12:30 pm in
Room 109 of the Education Bldg.
This class is for anyone who would
like to learn more about the Christian
faith, The United Methodist
Church, or making West Lawn
your
church
home.
Baptism and reception of new members will be offered on March 20 at
all four services. If you have any
questions or desire to schedule a
baptism, please contact the office at 610678-5611.
(Next opportunity will be
April 17, 2016.)
Over the Christmas and New Year’s week, severe storms caused major flooding that inundated parts of the South and Midwest and also
spawned powerful, deadly tornados.
According to the National Weather Service, tornados devastated the
Dallas, TX area. Nine twisters, including an EF4 tornado in nearby
Garland, with wind gusts up to 200 miles per hour, were recorded.
Flash floods due to record rainfall in Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi,
Alabama, Kansas, Arkansas and Tennessee caused additional fatalities
and damage in what became a weeklong outbreak of severe weather.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responded to the flood and tornado outbreak with emergency
funding to the Central Texas, Mississippi, North Texas and Tennessee Annual Conferences. The agency is in contact
with the Missouri and Great Plains conferences to provide aid for disaster recovery in those areas. UMCOR is also
working with national partners in planning for additional flood response along the Mississippi River, where floodwaters
are moving downstream.
According to Greg Forrester, UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response executive, Early Response Teams have been deployed
to assess damages and provide recovery assistance in eight conferences, including the Oklahoma Conference, which in
addition to flooding, was shaken, without damages or casualties, by an earthquake.
More than 2,500 cleanup buckets were shipped from UMCOR’s Relief-Supply Network for distribution in the areas of
need; another 720 cleanup buckets, plus 1,400 health kits, were delivered to flood-affected residents in Missouri.
Dear Friends of West Lawn UMC: These are just some of the many ways UMCOR responds in times of
emergency and crisis on your behalf and in the name of Jesus Christ. We support the ongoing work of
UMCOR through our annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering, to be received this year on March 6.
Thank you for your continued and generous support!
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by Jean Howe
It’s not too late! (Excerpted from an article UMC. Org-Author Rev. Penny Ford)
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 trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change your heart. It is not too late to
start! God is ready for you, so you might try one of these practices for Lent:
FASTING: What do you need to let go of or “fast” from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and
life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do? SERVICE: You can commit to help a different stranger, co-worker or friend everyday. Serving others is one way we serve God. PRAYER: Christians also use
Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art as a prayer
to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.
Christians from many different traditions celebrate Lent. How will you use the time to grow
closer God? Try one of the many activities we offer at West Lawn UMC to help guide you
through this special time. A Community Group, Bible Study, Sunday School? Say “yes” to the
opportunity to grow closer to your Lord. He wants your company!
Jean Howe, Coordinator of Adult Discipleship
Christ Servant Minister-West Lawn UMC
United Methodist Women
The United Methodist Women will gather on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in the Hebrews Café at noon. Pastor Andrea
Haldeman will present “A Celebration of Women in Ministry”. You are reminded to bring the HEALTH KITS that
were made during the months of January and February. Bring your lunch; beverage and dessert are provided. All
women are invited to join this fellowship of women growing in their faith. Call Harriett Ziegenfuss (610-678-3107) or
Anna Bickhart (610-670-1671) for more information or with questions.
Blood Drive Coming...
On Thursday, March 3, West Lawn will offer a
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (FPU)
“Refresher and Reunion” class for any Dave Ramsey FPU graduate. This session will take place at
7:00 PM, in the HeBrews Café. Here, most recent
FPU leaders, Rick Fehling and Chris Pruitt, will answer questions any FPU graduate may have, go over
major FPU practices, forms and strategies, and elaborate on ways to improve one’s finances in this New
Year. If you have ever taken the Dave Ramsey FPU
course, either at West Lawn or somewhere else, we
invite you to return to our campus for this special
Ramsey session on March 3.
Our next Blood Drive is scheduled for
Tuesday, March 29th, from 3-7 pm in
the Community Center. Please call Eileen
Williams at 610-670-0591 to schedule
your appointment today and receive a free
WLW dinner ticket!
We s t L a w n We d n e s d a y C a n c e l l e d
Due to the growth of the Consignment Sale, there will be no
West Lawn Wednesday dinner served on March 9th. All
other WLW activities will take place as usual, and dinner will
return to the Community Center on Wednesday, March 16th.
For more information on the sale, go to
CROSSROADS
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by Carolann Schneiderhan
Throughout the Bible we are taught the importance of supporting those who are in mission around the world as they
reach out with expressions of love to strangers in need. We are thankful to be part of a church that supports missions
both in our budget, through our Christmas offering and most importantly, through the many individuals who serve at
home and abroad in missions. Already in 2016, we have sent two teams to Haiti where members of our congregation
helped to provide food and belated Christmas gifts to children in orphanages in Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes and also
worked together with The Fuller Center for Housing to build homes in Pignon.
One of our largest endeavors as a church, other than our Sunday services and classes, is our mid-week West Lawn
Wednesday (WLW) meals. Each Wednesday from the Labor Day to Memorial Day (with few exceptions such as
March 9th and March 23rd) WLUMC opens its doors, our home, to the community, first offering “Food for the Body”
and then “Food for the Soul.” We gather to fill our bodies with a delicious home cooked meal prepared by our dedicated kitchen ministry team and then transitions into our mid-week worship and small group programs to then fill our
souls. All of the proceeds from our WLW meals are returned into missions in the city of Reading and our national and
international mission fund. And if that wasn’t amazing enough, every week countless numbers of brothers and sisters in
Reading are fed because of the meals we provide through the following local organizations – New Journey Community
Outreach, Opportunity House and HOPE Rescue Mission.
Opening our home to invite, embrace and empower those who may not yet know the saving love of our Lord and Savior continues to be West Lawn UMC’s vision. What a powerful and wonderful opportunity it is to be a part of this
team who fills the bellies, warms the hearts, and nurtures the souls of so many. What a mission we have!
Thank you to those who serve on our mission teams. Thank you to those who serve in our kitchen ministry.
Most importantly, thank you to those who join us at the meal each week. Spread the word and join us. Everyone can participate in some way in this very important West Lawn UMC mission, even if it is simply eating
the wonderful meal. Everyone has to eat! What a great way for you and your family to support our West
Lawn mission, to “Invite, Embrace and Empower all to be the family of God in Christ.”
Matthew 25:35-36, 40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a
stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to
visit me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
by Carolann Schneiderhan
Worship in our church is an experience of joy and praise. Every element of the service— the music, the scripture and
message, the people in the pews, and more—draws us closer to God by inviting us to bring our very best and laying it
upon the altar. The flowers that adorn the altar are an important and beautiful symbol of what we offer to God in our
worship. The placement of flowers on the alter reminds us of God’s amazing creation and His awesome power. He
created beautiful objects for us to enjoy, reminding us daily of His presence in our lives.
Every person who attends West Lawn UMC is invited to contribute to the beauty of our worship by giving the altar
flowers on a particular Sunday to the glory of God and in memory, thanksgiving, or celebration of loved ones or special events.
If you would like to make such a gift, it is as easy as a phone call to Acacia Flower Shop at 610-376-8767 or on line at
[email protected]. Acacia will then send an email to the church office with the information that you would
like to have printed in the bulletin.
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies.
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild;
Christ, our God, to thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
~(United Methodist Hymnal)
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for contributing to the beauty of our worship.
I NVITE , E MBRACE , E MPOWER
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DATE:
Saturday, March 5, 2016
6:00 PM
PLACE Community Center
SPEAKER: David Endy
TIME:
West Lawn Missions Coordinator and Leadership Team member, Dave Endy, will share how
God used his upbringing, personal experiences, and even his business, to lead him into missions.
Learn how God turned his sense of community service into real Christian action,
and how this led West Lawn UMC to Mississippi.
Join us for music, testimony, fellowship, and Holy Communion with Pastor Terry!
(See below for more information and upcoming mission trips.)
This is a meeting for anyone interested in mission trips in 2016. If you already attended one of the informational
meetings, there is no need to attend again unless you want the latest information on the South Carolina trip and Pignon
Haiti updates. Some of the trips are very close to being filled and are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
NEW: this year has been an intentional scheduling of mission opportunities during summer break for young adults
and teachers that typically do not have time to go on trips in the spring or fall.
Here are the trips and latest updates:
 South Carolina
April 17-23
 Henderson, KY
June 26– July 2
 Pignon, Haiti
July (TBD)
 Atlantic City, NJ September 18-24
 Pignon, Haiti
October 8 - 15
Only a few spots left (trip meeting March 8th)
Filling up fast
Register by MAY 1st
Open registration
Register by Aug 1
This will be a planning meeting for anyone that has attended the informational meeting and has expressed interest in the
trip. All registration paperwork will be distributed during this meeting and registration money will be due to secure your
spot. Location and work information will be presented as available. Trip contact is Brian Hibshman, (484) 650-1141
West Lawn is currently testing a new phone, email and text notification system, called “One Call.” This system, which
works much like the public school notification systems (i.e.: Connect Ed), allows us to contact every church member
within minutes with a voice or text message. During this free trial period, we plan to send out a few reminders and notices to see if this system is something we would want to consider purchasing and using more often in the future. The intent of One Call is not to bombard our congregation with communications, but rather to help quickly communicate any
major changes in schedule (such as weather-related cancelations), be reminded of special programs and upcoming
events, and ensure everyone gets the correct information. This system does allow us to call and message unique subgroups, such as just parents of youth, members of a particular ministry, families with children in specific grades, etc. We
can, therefore, target messages for just select people when necessary.
To OPT IN for text alerts, type 22300 in your TO or SEND textbox. Then, in the message, type ALERT. Click Send.
In the near future, if you hear your phone ring, your email beep, or your text messaging whistle, look to see if it’s a One
Call notice from West Lawn!
CROSSROADS
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As we draw closer to Holy Week and the celebration
of Easter, we want to invite you to our annual Easter
Egg Hunt! This family-fun event will take place at the
West Lawn playground, as well as in our Community
Center, on Saturday, March 19 beginning at 1:00 PM.
Right now, we welcome donations of small toys and
candy to fill the 1000’s of eggs we will prepare for the
kids! Please drop off any donations at the Welcome
Center or church office.
Also, if you’ve ever attended our children’s events at
West Lawn, you know how exciting and popular they
quickly become! Our Easter Egg Hunt is no exception. If you have not served recently at a West
Lawn event, please consider joining this Easter
Egg Hunt team to help hand out prizes, facilitate
a family craft, and distribute snacks. We can always use additional helping hands to greet our guests
and make the children feel at home! To sign up to
serve, contact Kelly Rismiller at
[email protected]; 610-507-9141.
The West Lawn UMC prayer team invites you
to “Come Away With God” as we continue
our Lenten journey to the cross and beyond
to the empty tomb. On March 12th from 9:00
a.m. – 1:00 p.m., you are invited to enter into
sacred space of the Sanctuary through a Prayer Vigil. “Vigil” refers to a time of close attention or watchfulness. Our prayer vigil is rooted in Scripture. On the night
he was betrayed, Jesus asked his disciples to watch and pray
with him. (Matt. 26:39-41).
As 21st Century Disciples, this morning will be set aside for
us to enter into prayer. We will provide guidelines, journals,
worship centers, and suggestions. This self-guided vigil will
consist of different prayer stations. You may stay for as long
as you feel comfortable, whether that is 15 minutes or an
hour. However, you may prefer to stay in one place to
pray. That is fine, as well. The different stations will consist
of the following: Be Still…Centering; Thankfulness & Praise;
Confession & Self-Examination; Blessing Enemies/
Forgiveness; Refreshment; Prayers for Church & Community. Our prayer is that you would be blessed by this time for
prayer and then find time and strength to bless others as you
enter the world.
Should you have any questions, please direct them to Pastor
Andrea or Jean Howe.
New Journey Clothing Closet is currently in desperate
need of men’s jeans and casual pants, especially sizes 2836, and bath towels. As always, men’s women’s and children’s clothing, as well as bedding, other linens, and
small household items are also welcome
Food Pantry Needs: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Cereal,
Canned Fruits, Vegetables & Pasta. Please drop donations at the church office. Thank you!
Looking for Instrumentalists! We are considering
forming an orchestra to participate in special services and
events. This would NOT be an every-Sunday commitment, but we would see the orchestra enhancing our music program, sometimes alone and sometimes in accompaniment to choirs, adding to the effectiveness of our
worship. So, whatever instrument you play— stringed,
woodwind, brass, percussion—consider joining us!
Please contact Dick Becker ([email protected] or
610-678-5611, Ext. 17) with your interest. Thank you for
your consideration.
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I NVITE , E MBRACE , E MPOWER
Our 2016 West Lawn UMC Relay for Life team is busy getting ready for this year’s relay. We are meeting monthly to plan our fundraising activities as well as preparing for the big event which takes place
June 17th & 18th from 2 p.m. Friday thru 2 p.m. on Saturday. We need you!!! Please go to our website
and sign up on line at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/wlumc. If you have any questions please
contact Barb Piscitello or Jayme Raffauf. Watch the bulletin for our meeting dates and times and watch the monthly
newsletters for updates regarding fundraisers and other activities.
Speaking of activities we have a big relay-wide fundraiser coming up April 30th – BARK FOR LIFE!!!! We are looking
for dog owners and dog lovers to come out and support this fun activity. The American Cancer Society Bark for LifeTM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and
their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight
against cancer. Bark for Life takes place at the Ridgewood Winery, LLD, 2039 Philadelphia Ave, Birdsboro, PA for 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and
that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more
birthdays. So bring your best canine friend and join us for a fun-filled day starting
with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games. If you
have any questions, please contact Barb Piscitello or Stephanie Mays.
Attention all West Lawn UMC parents!
Special Events
The Easter Egg Hunt Family Event will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 1:00PM. A great time for family fun
and fellowship!
Kids Club
Kids Club is an exciting opportunity for children to learn and grow through God’s word. Children are given time for
book selection from the Children’s Library, then a time for silent reading. The children are enjoying the teacher read
aloud of the book, The Mouse and The Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. The children are also exploring their emotions
through the Disney movie “Inside Out”. They are discussing their feelings of anger, fear, disgust, sadness and joy.
All children from Kindergarten to fifth grade are welcome to join us on Wednesday nights from 6:30PM to 7:45PM.
We are in serious need of help on Wednesday nights in Kids Club, anyone interested please contact Allison
Piscitelli.
Sunday school
Please join us on Sunday morning from 9:30AM- 10:30AM for Sunday school. The children are learning about God in
fun and interactive ways. Children enjoy learning their weekly lessons through bible stories, crafts, and games.
The children are enjoying music class in Sunday school. Miss Helen is visiting the classrooms and teaching the children
new songs.
Anyone interested in serving as a Sunday school teacher or assistant, please contact Allison Piscitelli, we
would LOVE to have your help!!!!
Cold and Flu season is here!!!!!!- For the safety of all the children and teachers at West Lawn, children who
have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, stomachache, or pink eye should not attend Nursery, Kids Club,
Sunday School, Children’s Church or any other Children’s Special Event.
CROSSROADS
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Thank You For The Feedback!
For most of the last month we asked anyone and everyone from the church to fill out a survey about the
Youth Ministry program here at West Lawn. We got a good mix of results from students, parents in the
group, parents of students about to be in the group and members of the congregation who have a heart for
students. We are still processing through the results, but the information provided will help inform
things like our summer schedule, our messaging around what the youth are doing and help us to improve
communications. The survey may be completed, but I am always open to hearing about ways the youth
ministry at West Lawn can better serve the students, parents and larger church community.
DID YOU KNOW…..
That a lot of time, prayer, planning conversation
and preparation went into creating our current
format for youth ministry. The students meet three
times a week and each meeting has a specific
purpose, strategy and desired outcome that is
different from the other two weekly meetings. In
trying to continue to align the youth ministry with
the larger church vision our youth ministry model
follows the Three key priorities of West Lawn
UMC. To Invite, Embrace and Empower. As a
result Sunday Night is our Invite night. Its purpose
is to be the soft entry into the Church and youth
ministry program and to be a place that is easy to
INVITE friends. The strategy is to have fun, play
games, sing worship, generate conversations and
hear practical messages that can be applied to their
life right away. The desired outcome is that
students would learn to see Church as a positive
place in their life. That gathering together as a body
of Christ would become a regular part of their
weekly routine. That they would see that the
message the Church has to offer is relevant to their
daily life and that they would be so positively
impacted by their experience in the group that they
would naturally want to invite others to share in that
same experience. By the grace of God this appears
to be working and we have seen a great number of
new students come to our Sunday night Youth
Group Meetings. CHECK THIS SPOT NEXT
MONTH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EMBRACE.
Please cut out the below schedule
and stick it to your fridge to make
sure you don’t miss anything!!!
UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS!!!
3/5:
3/9:
3/9:
3/19:
3/23:
3/24:
3/25:
3/27:
Bowling @ Berks Lane 2:30-5:30PM ($10)
Pizza Dinner in youth room before WLW
Megan and Isaac welcome a New Baby!!!
WLUMC Led Community Easter Egg Hunt
—Students encouraged to help Serve
No West Lawn Wednesday (Holy Week)
Living Last Supper @ 7:30 in the sanctuary
(All youth invited!)
Good Friday Worship Service
@ 7:30 In the Sanctuary (All youth invited)
EASTER Sunday!!! Christ is Risen!!!
No Middle School, High School, or
Confirmation Class on Easter Morning, please
attend service as a family! Youth Group is also
cancelled for the evening. Isaac will see you all
on March 30th!
IMPORTANT!!!!
Remember to check the weekly bulletin
for more info about upcoming events,
weekly meeting times and how to get
involved as a leader or a student!!!
AGE 10
10
PPAGE
INVITE, EMBRACE, EMPOWER
Annual
Hain’s Church Dinner
DATE/TIME: Saturday, March 12th at 6:30 PM
PLACE: Hain’s Church, Wernersville
MENU: Baked Chicken Entrée
ENTERTAINMENT:
Rev. & Mrs. David Reinwald
COST: $16 Per Person
Please make checks payable to Circle of Friends
and mail to Harriett Ziegenfuss, 420 Weidman
Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608 or drop in the
COF drop box in the Education Bldg. Deadline
for reservations is March 4th.
The March selection for Women’s Book
Club will be “The Girl on the Train by Paula
Hawkins,” a debut psychological thriller that
will change the way you look at other people's
lives. Rachel takes the same commuter train
every morning rattling down the tracks stopping at the signal near where she used to live.
She sees the same couple in their daily life to
the point she feels like she knows them from
these small routine observations. When she
sees something shocking and shortly after the
wife disappears, everything changed and she
is inextricably entwined in the lives of all involved. The filming of this movie began this
past fall. Join us on March 2 at 7:00 pm in
Room 102 of the Community Center for
book discussion and fellowship.
Wernersville State Hospital is currently seeking individuals age 18 or older willing to donate their time
by playing instruments, singing hymns or performing
a concert to our consumers. Music is a universal language and our consumers are so appreciative when
members of the community make them feel wanted
and cared for. Bingo, fellowship and Bible classes
would also be most welcomed.
Our consumers are the forgotten population, and
contact with the community is an important step in
their recovery.
~Kathleen Ellett, Volunteer Resource Coordinator
[If anyone is interested in visiting the hospital, please contact the church office for more information]
Dear Friends,
Your gracious gift of $5,000 is a blessing to the men seeking refuge and life restoration at Hope Rescue
Mission. In 2015, over 700 individuals made the journey up our front steps for help. Through your generosity, you are a valued partner in this ministry, and we could not manage all we do without your faithful financial
and prayer support. We receive zero funding from the government.
Our Discipleship, Safe Haven, Code Blue and Transitional Housing programs feed, house and guide these men,
with the goal of restoring them to productive lives. Since the costs needed to minister to these men continue to grow, your on-going contributions are necessary to allow this great work to carry on.
As we celebrate 122 years of service to the homeless of Berks County, we praise the Lord for our faithful
partners who give sacrificially!
May the Lord continue to richly bless your church family and ministries! We thank Him for your generous
partnership, and we’re praying for your upcoming trips to Haiti.
Sincerely, Robert Turchi, Executive Director
CROSSROADS
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Scott Ballantyne (8:00 Service)
Scott was raised a Methodist, and enjoyed the flexibility of service times at West Lawn. He is married to his
high school sweetheart, who is a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Kutztown (so that makes him a
“Cathodist” ??). They have two grown children, one of which is getting married this year. He enjoys fishing,
boating, motorcycling and flying.
Jeanne Boyer & Muriel Boyer (9:30 Service)
Jeanne wanted to be part of a church that was doing a lot to help others, and knew that WLUMC was very active in that respect. She also had met Pastor Jeff, his sister Helen and husband Dale, and friends Dan & Sue
Allan who attend here. She decided she really liked the church after attending here herself. She is a Registered Nurse at Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville, and is also a volunteer tutor at Reading Area Community College. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and very much enjoyed going on the mission trip to Haiti this past January. She likes to read, travel, take walks, Reading Phillies games and Reading
Royals games. Jeanne’s mother, Muriel, also began attending West Lawn to see if she would enjoy the services, and found she did. She likes to paint, crochet and spend time with family.
OUR SNOW POLICY
Allison & Chad Hoofnagle (9:30 Service)During the week, when inclement
Allison and Chad were invited to attend
services atstrikes,
West Lawnwe
by take
a friend.
After
attending WLUMC regularly
weather
our
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for the past 3½ years, they have finally decided to make it their church home. They have been married for 10
the who
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Chad works
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mance Coach at the Sinking Spring YMCA. Together, they enjoy being outdoors: playing sports, bike riding,
due to inclement weather, all events at
and walking their dog, Barkely.
the church for that day/evening will
To WLUMC and Staff,
also be postponed.
Thank you all very much for the kind words, prayers, and the beautiful planter.
On Sundays, if you can safely get
When my dad passed away, it was very comforting for us to have so many people
from the
churchthere
offer their
encouragement.
My dad was a life-long
here,
willwords
be aofworship
service.
Methodist, and he really enjoyed West Lawn when he would come to church
WE GO IN SNOW!
with us. Sincerely, Jeff, Lisa & Preston
Dear WLUMC, Pastors, and all my church
family,
I am humbled, grateful and very blessed for
the outpouring of love and support I have
received from all. I am grateful for the donations you sent to help cover some of my
treatments, and also for all who helped make
the pancake fundraiser a success. This
church is so warm, welcoming and has made
me feel so much love. I am so lucky to belong to a church and so very glad Harriett
Ziegenfuss mentored me to WLUMC.
Love and gratitude,
Tammy Keener
Braden Alexander Miller
son of John & Lori Miller
February 21, 2016
Merlin C. Fisher
November 10, 1927—
February 5, 2016
15 Woodside Avenue
West Lawn, PA 19609
www.westlawnumc.org
Phone: 610-678-5611
Pastor Jeff Raffauf
Pastor Andrea Haldeman
Pastor Nick Camacho
Pastor Terry Cooney
Every Sunday: Worship
8:00 am Traditional Worship
9:00 am Fellowship Time
9:30 am Praise Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Fellowship Time
11:00 am Celebration Worship
11:00 am Table Talk 11
11:10 am Community Worship
11:30 am Children’s Church
OUR SNOW POLICY
During the week, when inclement weather
strikes, we take our direction from the
Wilson School District. If Wilson schools
close or dismiss early due to inclement
weather, all events at the church for that
day/evening will also be postponed.
On Sundays, if you can safely get here,
there will be a worship service.
WE GO IN SNOW!
Every Sunday:
13
Sun
Meetings at Various Locations
8:00 pm Chancel Choir
7:00 pm Community Groups
7:00 pm Women at the Well
7:00 pm Festival Choir
7:00 pm Goody’s Group
7:00 pm Lenten Study
6:30 pm Kid’s Club
6:30 pm Jr./Sr. Youth Group
6:15 pm Rabold s Small Group
4:30 pm WLW Dinner
3:30 pm Safe Haven
9:30 am Islam Study
7:14 am Prayer Service
Every Wednesday:
See Sunday
Worship @ Left
7
FAMILY PROMISE
1
FAMILY PROMISE
OFFICE CLOSED
29
9:00 am F Friends
9:30 am Women of the Bible
9:30 am Romans Bible Study
9:30 am Ephesians
3:00 pm Blood Drive
6:30 pm IGNITE
7:00 pm NA
22
9:00 am F Friends
9:30 am Women of the Bible
9:30 am Romans Bible Study
9:30 am Ephesians
6:30 pm IGNITE
7:00 pm Leadership Team
7:00 pm NA
9:00 am F Friends
9:30 am Women of the Bible
9:30 am Romans Bible Study
9:30 am Ephesians
12:00 pm UMW Luncheon
6:00 pm Bridge of Hope
6:30 pm IGNITE
7:00 pm NA
15
21
28
See Every
Wednesday @ Left
7:00 pm Women’s Book Club
2
Wed
FAMILY PROMISE
17
FAMILY PROMISE
11:00 am Crafters
4:30 pm Bell Choir
6:30 pm Griefshare
6:30 pm Exercise Class
7:00 pm Little Acts of Love
10
1:00 pm Needlework
4:30 pm Bell Choir
4:30 pm Relay For Life
6:30 pm Griefshare
6:30 pm Exercise Class
7:00 pm Financial Peace
3
Thu
See Every
Wednesday @ Left
6:30 pm Parenting Class
30
4:30 pm Bell Choir
6:30 pm Griefshare
6:30 pm Exercise Class
31
24
12:00 pm Embrace the Journey 4:30 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm A Living Portrayal
NO WLW Activities for
Holy Week except
Lenten Study at 7:00 pm
23
See Every
Wednesday @ Left
1:00 pm Needlework
7:00 Veterans Affairs Orientation 2:30 pm Food Pantry
Set-Up
4:30 pm Bell Choir
6:30 pm Griefshare
6:30 pm Exercise Class
16
8
9
See Every
9:00 am F Friends
Wednesday @ Left
9:30 am Women of the Bible 6:30 pm Parenting Class
9:30 am Romans Bible Study
9:30 am Ephesians
6:30 pm IGNITE
7:00 pm Mission Trip Meeting
7:00 pm NA
9:00 am F Friends
9:30 am Women of the Bible
9:30 am Romans Bible Study
9:30 am Ephesians
6:30 pm IGNITE
7:00 pm Diabetes Support
7:00 pm NA
Tue
6:30 pm Prayer Team
6:30 pm Courage to Change
6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study
6:45 pm Hoofcamp Exercise
7:00 pm Book of Acts B.S.
7:00 pm Reformation Study
7:30 pm Overeaters Anon.
6:30 pm Stephen Ministry
6:30 pm Courage to Change
6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study
6:45 pm Hoofcamp Exercise
7:00 pm Book of Acts B.S.
7:00 pm Reformation Study
7:30 pm Overeaters Anon.
14
6:30 pm Prayer Team
6:30 pm Courage to Change
6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study
6:45 pm Hoofcamp Exercise
7:00 pm Reformation Study
7:00 pm Book of Acts B.S.
7:30 pm Overeaters Anon.
7:30 pm Prayer Vigil Mtg.
Mon
6:30 pm Courage to Change
6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study
7:00 pm Celebración Latina 6:45 pm Hoofcamp Exercise
7:00 pm Book of Acts B.S.
7:00 pm Reformation Study
7:30 pm Overeaters Anon.
27
See Sunday
Worship @ Left
PALM SUNDAY
Baptisms/New Members
@ all services
20
Daylight Savings Time
5:30 pm Kids Choir 4-6
6:00 pm Chimers
6:00 pm Tween Group
FAMILY PROMISE
See Sunday
Worship @ Left
8:00 am Traditional Worship
9:00 am Fellowship Time
9:00 am Kid’s Choir K-3
9:10 am Choral Ensemble
9:30 am Praise Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Fellowship Time
See Sunday
10:30 am Kid’s Choir 4-6
6 Worship
@ Left
10:45 am Young Adult SS
12:30 pm Inquirer’s Class
11:00 am Celebration Worship 4:00 pm Missions Meeting
7:00 pm Choral Ensemble
11:00 am Table Talk 11
11:10 am Community Worship
11:30 am Children’s Church
6:00 pm Youth Group
FAMILY PROMISE
19
FAMILY PROMISE
8:00 am Exercise Group
8:00 am FF Consignment
Sale
9:00 am Shame For
Grace Comm. Group
9:00 am Prayer Vigil
6:30 pm COF @ Hain’s
12
8:00 am Exercise Group
9:00 am Shame For
Grace Comm. Group
9:00 am Friends of God
6:00 pm 1st Sat. Worship
5
Sat
GOOD
FRIDAY
26
12:15 pm Contempla- 8:00 am Exercise Group
tive Service
7:30 pm Service of
Darkness
25
10:00 Newsletter
Assembly
8:00 am Exercise Group
2:30 pm Food Pantry 1:00 pm Egg Hunt
18
9:00 am FF
Consignment Sale
11
4
Fri
MARCH 1
Bella Davis
Bianca Gandi
Chad Hoofnagle
Ella Kahn
MARCH 2
Todd Daniels
Diana Gaenzle
James Kieffer
MARCH 3
Joann Brendel
Scott Heim
Nathan Johnson
Charlie Schucker
Rory Sellgren
Spencer Thenga
MARCH 4
Ruth Coleman
Sean Devine
Diane Marabella
Linda Myers
David Reinert
John Seifert
Stacy Skokowski
James Hetrich
Betty . Lehman
Micheal O'Leary
Abby Warren
MARCH 9
Samantha Scholar
Holly Rhodes
MARCH 10
Aidan Austin
Robert Calkins
Bradley Lacey
Mark Weitzel
MARCH 11
Ryan Bohn
J. Michael Eager
Mary Hahn
Colin McLean
Judith O'Connor
Dawson Rath
Shirley Wealand
MARCH 12
Tyler Foster
Robert Moorhatch
Asa Wilson
Doreen Adams
Logan Bryan
Aiden Gerhart
Rachael Hague
Cynthia Kohl
Kristen Swavely
Trevor Woolwine
MARCH 6
MARCH 13
MARCH 5
Lori Hills
Justin Keel
Elaina McGarrigle
Melissa Rothenberger
Dennis Smith
Christopher VanCampen
MARCH 7
Michele Frear
Kirk Greninger
Dennis Mays
Daniel McGuire
Michelle Miller
Noah Pasquale
Conner Schaner
Debra Schneck
Jean Snook
Johanna Steudel
Megan Wolf
MARCH 8
Brian Beddow
Ron Eby
Scott Fisher
Chris Farrell
Donna Ulrich
Donald Whitney
MARCH 14
Amandon Carles
Malcolm Mathies
Kelly Pruitt
Beth Stout
Lisa Van Winkle
MARCH 15
Talen Brown
Karen Hauck
Daniel Hetrich
Matthew Koehler
Sam Kuznet
Chloe Marturano
Susie Standefer
Susan Swavely
Gary West
MARCH 16
Bobbi Jo Bentz
Charles Chubb
Linda Donovan
Suzanne Gosch
Billy Hetrich
Jeff Hills
Lisa Klee
Lisa McGarrigle
Michael Nigrelli
Alice Petersheim
Gavin Petersheim
Debra Reaser
Andrew Vicari
Allie Wildman
MARCH 17
Gavin Kirlin
William Moser
Shannarose Nigrelli
Trisha Rabold
Jason Mellinger
Lizzie Newton
Scott Speece
Sandy Sublette
MARCH 23
Brian Bucher
Amy Dallas
Michael Grace
Jordan Klee
Donna Knauth
Justin McGarrigle
Christine Meister
Amanda Mellinger
Bob Myer
Robert Rio
Michael Romberger
MARCH 24
Amy Barnett
Les Goss
Nancy Gruber
Rick Lapi
Deborah Larkin
Lucy Riegel
Kathy Wolf
Irene Zuber
Jodi Detwiler
Lois Drumheller
Allison Hayick
Brenda Mack
Myah Marturano
Todd Mays
Ian Quillman
Robert Stiefel
Betsy Woodall
Robin Zell
MARCH 19
MARCH 25
Andrew Johns
Jennifer Kofke
Kandis Moser
Michael Paolini
Becca Schweitzer
Tom Wertz
MARCH 18
MARCH 20
Nolan Babb
Kathryn Fleming
Greg Hill
Maryann Long
Ker Massengale
Nicole Mathis
Carter Young
MARCH 21
Morgan Baldwin
Laura Hoag
Ashleigh . Kochel
Darla Sachetta
Beverly Snyder
MARCH 22
Bernard Behrenshausen, Jr
Olivia Conrow
John Drumheller
Luke Heilmann
Ronald Lubas
Emily Witman
Debbie Wyrick
MARCH 29
Karl Eisele *
Joyce Mays
Christine Orzechowski
Larry Thomas
MARCH 30
Mary Clark
Fred Cutts
John Donovan
Cullin McGrath
Grace Piscitelli
Gabe Prutzer
Jaylinn Rivera
Ruth Stephens
Jan Stetzler
Lorene Szoke
Anna Thomas
Allison Westbrook
MARCH 31
Jason Dutt
Abby Kaikai
Jean Matz
Valerie Warmkessel
MARCH 26
Kay Hawk
Ian Metzgar
Cris Webb
Hilda Weller *
Jane White
MARCH 27
Beverly Connor
Bill King
Emily McGarrigle
Theodore Ruth
Valerie Schell
David Weaver
Joshua Weber
Trey Yetter
*Hilda Weller
1011 Berks Road, Rm 314
Leesport, PA 19533
*Karl & Jean Eisele
The Highlands, Apt. 302
2000 Cambridge Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
MARCH 28
Madeline DeJesus
Jean Eisele *
Konnor Farr
Brian Gall
Bryce Hall
Rod Hannahoe
Joan Happel
Darryl McDonough
If we have inadvertently
forgotten your birthday,
please contact the church
@ 610-678-5611