“Winners never quit, and quitters never win!”

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…
…GIVING UP!
“Winners
never quit, and quitters never win!” -Vince Lombardi
Stirring words, for sure. But wrong.
All through history, especially Biblical history, winners have quit one thing and
moved on to another. Matthew tells us that Jesus left Nazareth and made his home in
Capernaum by the sea where he began his ministry (4:13). Simon Peter and Andrew
quit fishing and followed Jesus (4:20). Saul quit breathing threats and murder against
the disciples of the Lord and became an apostle (Acts 9:1-22).
And the quitting has continued, right up to the present day. Abraham Lincoln
quit being the owner of a general store and entered politics. Julia Childs quit the CIA
(that’s right!—who wouldn’t confess if questioned by that voice?) and became a worldfamous cook. Harrison Ford quit being a carpenter when he was offered a part in a
little movie called “Star Wars.”
Clearly, quitters sometimes win, when they discover the upside of giving up.
In the parable of the two sons, Jesus tells a story to the chief priests and elders—
a tale of a man with a couple of sons who are needed in his vineyard. The father asks
the first to go into the field to work. The son doesn’t want to alter his own plans so he
says he won’t. But later he changes his mind and does the work his father asked him
to do. The father went to the second son and made the same request. This son said,
“Sure, Dad. Right away.” But he didn’t go. So Jesus asks, “Which of the two did the
will of his father?” Which one was the real winner?
The priests and elders quickly responded that the first son was faithful. They
grasped that the son who quit what he was doing to do his father’s bidding was the real
winner. Discovering exactly what you need to do is the upside of giving up. Jesus
then told the chief priests and elders that tax collectors and prostitutes would get into
heaven before them. I can imagine the chief priests and elders snorting at Jesus,
“People like that can’t be winners.”
Often it is the quitters, the ones willing to change, who lead the way into the
kingdom of God. So when do we know when it is time to give up?
Hint #1 - Your heart is not in it. When my children were little and wanted to
quit something, I wouldn’t allow them during the season or time period that we were
in, but I would support them when it was appropriate afterwards. If we are going to
change our lives, if we’re going to try something else, we have to be ready to quit
whatever it was we were doing before that something showed up.
Hint #2 - You cannot see the path forward. When Jesus enters the Temple, the
chief priests and elders come to him as he is teaching and ask him where he gets his
authority. Jesus knew it was a trap, so he answers their question with a question,
thereby trapping them. The religious leaders didn’t see a good path forward. They
were left with considering the truth of what Jesus was teaching. But they didn’t. They
remained stuck on the path they were on, instead of listening to what Jesus had to say.
Hint #3 - You’ve been avoiding what God wants you to do. The first son in the
parable was avoiding what his father wanted him to do, but changed his mind and
went to work. We face that same challenge. And fortunately, Christians throughout
time have wrestled with the question of what God wants them to do. How do we get
there?
Clarify the goal of our life - to have a loving relationship with God. This helps in
making the choices we need to make. Maybe it’s starting a new business, going back to
school, getting married, or changing jobs. The goal is to follow Christ.
Once the goal is clarified, we can tackle the complexities of decision-making.
This is when we figure out how to stop avoiding what God wants and how to work in
God’s vineyard. And our decisions need to continue to be examined.
The upside of giving up is that it puts us in a position to change our lives for the
better. If we feel that we’re avoiding what God wants us to do, we need to stop what
we’re doing, clarify goals and define what it means to have a loving relationship with
God. We should figure out what changes need to be made in order to start using our
time and talents as workers in God’s vineyard. The good news is that by quitting, we
might, in fact, be winners. Certainly, it’s a win-win when we choose to follow Jesus
and move into a more loving relationship with God.
Blessings,
Bill
The men of CHCUMC meet on a monthly basis at the Central Highlands Church for
breakfast, study, and fellowship. These meetings begin at 6:30 am to accommodate
work schedules and will occur on Wednesday, October 1, 2014.
SLIME TIME AT
CHCUMC
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23RD
AT
7:30 PM
IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
DiscipleLand Bible Curriculum
Children Today:
…Know more about video games than they know about GOD
…Love peer approval more than they love JESUS
…Serve themselves before they consider the needs of others
It has been said the vast majority of Christian kids today are spiritually
malnourished.
Over the years I have been overwhelmed with the curriculum choices that come
across my desk. When one tries to compare any curriculum theme and content to
another, it’s difficult to say which the best is. They all have excellent materials.
The BIG question is which satisfies the Christian education goals of CHCUMC,
teaches sound Biblical lessons and are presented in ways that reach our “Tech
Savvy” kids of today. Working with Eric Wilkins, we established Christian
Education objectives/outcomes for preschool through high school seniors. These
objectives made it helpful to identify which curriculum meets the needs of our
Christian Education Program for our children and youth, preschool through 5th/6th
grade.
As a result, Disciple Land Bible Curriculum was my choice to use for our Sunday
school, preschool through 5th grade students. DiscipleLand Bible Curriculum
follows a plan for preschool, thru 5th grade to ensure that “children will achieve a
balanced growth in Bible knowledge, Christ like character and faithful conduct to
live and serve as devoted followers of Jesus”. Children need to build a firm
foundation in God’s Word and grow into solid disciples of Jesus Christ with our
help through essential Bible training.
DiscipleLand for Preschool is divided into the Old and New Testament. The
children are starting this fall with the Old Testament sequence; Discover God
where they are introduced to God’s greatness and plan. The first of the 8 Old
Testament sequences is titled God Made Us (Genesis 1-13) and is followed by God
Knows Us (Genesis 18-50). The student book includes beautiful, realistic artist
pictures of the Bible Story and a life lesson in addition to learning activities.
However, the feature for parents and their child to do together called Parent
Partner is especially nice.
DiscipleLand COREBIBLE is for grades 1st through 5th/6th. It consists of 24
sequential quarters of curriculum divided into 6 learning levels according to age at
the elementary level. In addition to classroom materials this curriculum comes
with its own online content for each weeks lessons. Students can visit 5 different
pages of resources to explore and enrich weekly lessons. Students simply use the
link: http://www.disciplezone.com. There are 3 dials. No code is needed. The
first dial is set to the level and the second dial is set to the unit quarter. Eric
Wilkins, 3rd, 4th, 5th grade class, is level 3 and quarter unit A. Debbie Walter’s 1st
and 2nd grade class level is level 1 and quarter unit A. This is a great feature for
children and their families to experience and learn together. This curriculum also
offers a wealth of downloadable resources for teachers. I hope that students and
parents make us of the resources. I pray through classroom lessons and
involvement of our children with their families, they learn to know, love and serve
God.
Heroes & Heroines of the Bible
Bulletin Board
Stop by Fellowship Hall each Sunday and see the Bible characters that we
are learning about as part of our Sunday school opening time. We will be
learning about each of these individuals and their godly virtues.
Our bulletin board lets us know:
 Adam & Eve sinned.
 God promised to send a hero to save the world from sin.
 Bible heroes and heroines each reflect godly attributes.
 Jesus is the hero who came and has all these characteristics.
Thanks to Debbie Zora for her creativity and devotion to the
children’s choir. They will perform at least once a month at the
worship service. Debbie will also be working on a
Christmas program with the children.
HIGH SCHOOL
POST HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
SUNDAY GROUP STUDY
The uncommon high school group study series
By Jim Burns
CHCUMC is offering a unique Sunday group study series for high
school (9th-12th) and post high school youths. This is a 5-book series
for studies that provide Biblical perspective with topics of interest to
youth that are straight forward, relevant and relatable to young
people’s lives. It provides them with needed information necessary to
make wise, faith based decisions related to their everyday life, chores
and problems.
The uncommon series provides the types of experiences and content
that will capture young people’s attention.
The series of 5 books in the study are:
Winning Spiritual Battles
The Christian Life
Resisting Temptation
Parents and Family
Dealing With Stress and Crisis
Each uncommon group Bible study contains 12 sessions which are
divided into 3 stand-alone units of 4 sessions each.
The author, Dr. Jim Burns, is a three time Gold Medallion Award
winning author of books for church leaders, children and youth
ministry, parents, students and children. The uncommon high school
group study is endorsed by such individuals as Doug Field, Simply
Youth Ministry, and Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life.
SUNDAY GROUP STUDY
9:40 – 10:40
SENIOR HIGH AND POST HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
Lead by: Jonathan Zora, Mark McCall, Brian Chorba and
Jason Kracun
**HELPER (S) WANTED**
FRIEND’S CLASS (3rd, 4th, 5th )
Looking for committed helper (s) to work with Debbie Walter,
starting in November with the Friend’s Class. Call Debbie at
412-751-0511 or email [email protected] with questions.
Woodland Fairies
Deep in the woods, beneath the trees
The forest creatures call to me
They call my name even knowing not
How my name to them was taught.
The dappled sun rays catch my eye
As leaves filter sun beams from a cloudless sky
Quietly I step on dew covered moss
Making no sound so the moment’s not lost
And there they dance in a circle so bright
The woodland fairies with their wings of light
This is how I found them when I was a child
My family of fairies in the forest wild
I tried again as an adult to see
These tiny creatures beneath that tree
But they would not appear to this woman now grown
I guess they’re reserved for a child’s eyes alone.
Louise Patterson
It's that time of year again when everyone begins to think about getting their
home ready for winter. There are always rain gutters to clean, painting to do,
shrubs to trim and all sorts of odd jobs to do before cold weather sets in for
another year. So this might be the time when you could use a hand -- or two.
Why not contact the Hands of the Carpenter for some assistance?
If you would like some help, just contact Carol at the church office (412-751-0511)
or Nevin Ulery (412-384-3574). You will be put on the "to do list" and can expect a
call in the near future to check on the type of assistance you may need.
From January through August of this year the men and women of the Hands of the
Carpenter have assisted with projects for 16 "clients" from throughout our
community. Will you be next? Or will you volunteer to be part of the Hands of the
Carpenter team serving our community? At least twelve folks have already helped
so far this year. We would really appreciate having some new faces on our
community outreach team.
CHICKEN AND BISCUIT
DINNER fundraiser
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2014
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
100 timothy drive, Elizabeth, pa 15037
3:00 – 7:00 pm
ADULTS $9
CHILDREN $5 (12 years and under)
Benefits chcumc ministries
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 11:00 AM, the sanctuary will be open for a
time of prayer. It is important to set aside time for prayer and just quiet time to listen
for God’s voice. I would encourage you to consider praying at this time of the week
with us at the church; however, if it is not convenient for you to come to church to
pray, perhaps you could set aside that time to pray at home.
WOW (Women of the Word) Come, search the scriptures and enjoy the fellowship.
The new study is “Broken and Blessed”. They will meet again on Monday, October 20,
2014 at 7:00 pm at the parsonage. For more information call Nancy at
412-751-6143.
MEALS ON WHEELS OF ELIZABETH FORWARD
How can you offer YOUR help and support?
As a kitchen aide…
One day a week (Monday thru Friday) for about an hour to an hour and a half to help
package the food.
As a driver or runner…
One day a week (Monday thru Friday) for about two hours (starting around 9:15 am).
People who are willing to use their vehicle/gas to deliver the meal to each address and
those willing to take the meal into each home. Some acquainted with each route would
ride with you until you become familiar with it yourself. Then you can choose to be a
runner for that route or have a runner accompany you. If you become ill or have a
doctor’s appointment or are taking a trip on your “scheduled” day, no problem;
another volunteer fills in for you.
Adopt a Senior…
If you or an organization you may be associated with would like to adopt a senior who
currently is a recipient of Meals on Wheels, all you have to do is get in touch with
Josette at (412)-751-2230. The seniors pay $5 a day for their meals. Even though this
seems like a small amount of money, sometimes a senior might be bogged down with
utilities, taxes, and medications.
SPAGHETTI DINNER
SPONSORED BY ELIZABETH FORWARD
BAND BOOSTERS
at
CENTRAL HIGHLAND COMMUNITY
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth
OCTOBER 25, 2014
FROM 4PM TILL 7:00 PM
BUY YOUR TICKET AT THE DOOR
$8 FOR ADULTS
$5 CHILDREN 6 YEARS AND UNDER
CARRY-OUT AVAILABLE!
Oglebay Festival of Lights
Friday, November 14, 2014
This annual holiday light show is one of the nation's largest, covering more than
300 acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort.
Friday, November 14
12:00
- Depart
by bus from Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church
2:30-3:45 Tour the Zoo/Train Exhibit/Laser Show - The zoo features its
annual model train display at the O-Gauge Model Train Exhibit and the entertaining
holiday laser show is at the zoo's Benedum Theater . Walk the outdoor path to see
many animals or view the ones at the indoor exhibit.
4:00-4:45 – Visit the Hilltop Gift Shops and Gardens – Enjoy shopping and stroll
the Christmas Tree Garden. Introduced in 2003, the Christmas Tree Garden consists
of 30 live trees decorated with various colored lights. Nestled amid the Christmas Tree
Garden is the Nativity Display. The life-size Nativity was designed and created by a
local artist, and has been a much-loved display at the Winter Festival of Lights since
1985
5:00-6:00 – Dinner at Wilson Lodge – Enjoy a delightful dinner Bufftet including a
salad bar, hot food bar with veggies and pasta, dessert bar, and carving stations
featuring roast turkey and tenderloin of beef.
Adults
$56.00
Child (12 and under)
$17.00
Sign up in the Narthex or Contact Lois Leggett for more information 412-310-6155
POINSETTIA TIME
Fashion Show
By Phyllis’ Fashions
Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Central Highlands Community
United Methodist Church
Donation: $10.00 (lunch included)
Sponsored by Central Highlands United Methodist Women.
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER
OCTOBER 14TH UMW MEETING
Preschool Happenings
Well we have completed one month of preschool and I am so pleased with
how well everyone is adjusting. In a short time we have already
accomplished so much. Both classes have had fun learning their colors;
and the 4 year olds have learned their shapes as well. Now we will jump
right into fall celebrating all things fall at the beginning of the month then
finishing October by learning about all the fun aspects of Halloween. The 4
year olds will enjoy their Fall Festival, a day full of fun, games, and crafts.
Both classes will celebrate Halloween with a parade, songs, and a party.
Until next month,
Tracy Thornton
Can you knit or crochet? Would you like to make a shawl, which the Shepherds
distribute to persons that need the comfort of a warm shawl to help them through a
recent hospitalization or sick spell?
If you would like to knit or crochet a shawl for the Shepherds, please let Lynda (412751-5493), Judy (412-384-3574), or Millie (412-751-7031) know. They will see that you
get the yarn and a pattern (or use your own pattern).
The congregation has been very supportive of the Shepherds, by donations that are
used to buy yarn, stamps, and plastic food containers to deliver the hot food to
members of the church.
There has been three or four persons that have been doing all of the knitting and/or
crocheting. More help would lighten the load.
Thank you in advance!
The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 pm in Pastor’s
Lounge.
Lynda Krol and Darlene Basic (co-chairs)
Central Highlands United Methodist Women
is for all women of the congregation.
Our Purpose: “The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose
is to know God and to experience freedom as a whole person through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive
fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”
We will have our next meeting on Tuesday, October 14th at 12:00 noon. Bring a
brown bag lunch and enjoy dessert served by the hostesses. The meeting will follow
lunch with Carol presiding. Phyllis will have devotions. Mina will have an interesting
program.
We have several events planned for the fall. We have been asked to serve dinner to
the Washington District Minister’s Chorus. The chorus will be in concert at our
church on Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 pm. We will be serving the member of the
chorus dinner at 5:30 pm. Mark the date on your calendar for an evening of great
music.
We will have our annual Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, November
th
9 at 1:00 pm in the activity center. “Fashions by Phyllis” will be showing new
fashions for the fall and holidays. The theme will be “Poinsettia Time”. The cost of
the tickets will be $10.00 for adults and $4.00 for children (10 years or under). Tickets
will be available after our October 14th meeting. No tickets will be sold at the door so
we can plan accordingly. Deadline for the tickets will be our Wednesday, November
5th meeting. Again we ar4e asking for your donations of salads and dessert. There will
be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Mark the date on your calendar for a “Ladies Day
Out”. Call Carol Barr (412-751-7648) if you have any questions.
Looking ahead to the holidays our Christmas Luncheon will be Saturday, December
th
13 at the Youghiogheny Country Club. It will be a lunch menu and we will be
entertained by Rev. Janet Lord and Rev. Arnie McFarland. There will be menus to
choose from and more information in the November Highlander. Keep the date in
mind and start the holiday with us.
We had a nice fall day for our September meeting. Reports were given by the
officers. Elaine Ross is now our Secretary-Treasurer. Mina Burkett is filling in for
Cheryl Copeland as program coordinator. Millie gave her report on the shut-ins. She
asked that we keep them in our prayers and send cards to them. Our shepherds are
doing a good job helping those in need.
Since this was our first meeting of the year, we had a fun program. Mina and
Phyllis had us making bead bracelets. There were a few beads rolling on the floor, but
we did really well with them. It was nice seeing our friends again. Come and join us
for an afternoon of good fellowship.
If you need a shower or wedding gift, keep our RADA knives and utensils in mind.
Our box sets would make a nice gift. Judy Yuhas (412-751-7019) will be happy to help
you with any item as will any UMW officer. Just takes a phone call.
The cooler weather is making it feel like soup and sandwich for lunch. Please keep
saving the Campbell Food labels. The Ruth M. Smith Center is one of our missions
and they appreciate your help. Thank you for your support.
We hope you’ll join us for our fall events. Also mark the date of our Tuesday,
October 14th meeting on your calendar. Bring a friend and lunch for two.
See you there,
Publicity,
Sandy Franks
**THERE IS A BOX IN THE NARTHEX FOR THESE ITEMS**
This is a list of infant items that will be taken to Magee Hospital by B. J. Berich.
BABY LOVE LAYETTES
Items Needed:
Sleepers with feet
Any warm wear for winter
Onesies – Long sleeve and short sleeve
Hooded bath towels
Baby wash cloths
Fitted crib sheets
Pack and play sheets
Comb and brush sets
Socks
Bibs
Burp Cloths
Plastic bottles
Sizes for Clothing:
0-3 months
0-6months
Newborn size is needed occasionally
NO Diapers, please
NO oils, creams, lotions or powders
Any questions, please call B.J. Berich at 412-384-9114. If cash donations are received, they are
used to purchase anything that is needed before she delivers the items to Magee Hospital.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE……………THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Shakespeare surely knew how to get to the heart of a matter…..TO BE OR NOT TO BE, he says,
THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Every day, I am faced with a similar question….to DO or NOT TO DO, THAT IS THE
QUESTION!
TO BE OR NOT TO BE A UNITED METHODIST WOMAN…THAT IS THE QUESTION
OF THE MOMENT.
YES OR NO!
NO…Already involved in too many things, I don’t need another meeting to go to!
YES…But, here is a group that is focused on things that really matte to me..A chance to grow
spiritually and become involved in a ministry of caring.
NO…I’ve heard the meetings are boring..and I have plenty of that in other places, don’t need more
of that.
YES…Well ok, maybe there ARE times when the programs don’t seem interesting, but I’ve heard
the UMW allows freedom for everyone to be involved in helping to bring about change and after
all, maybe I need to expand my own interests.
NO…I don’t have to belong to a group to become involved in helping and supporting other
people…I can find enough to do right in my own neighborhood.
YES…You’re right about that..There is need all around us and more to be done than there is time
(or will) to do it. But there is something to be said for the support and strength that comes from
doing things together..with other people.
NO…But I need time for ME..I find myself getting so involved I don’t have time to just ENJOY
LIFE and have some plain fun!
YES…United Methodist Women allow for that kind of creative, supportive fellowship. We would
become burdened and guilt ridden if we did not give attention to lighter moments and fun
experiences...a prime example is the retreats..Christmas gatherings…School of Christian
Mission..and simply getting together for sheer pleasure.
NO…I understand you have to make a pledge to belong to United Methodist Women..sounds like
that might just be another way the church is “trying to zap you”!
YES…Although the support of mission and ministries throughout the world is a major part of
belonging to United Methodist Women and such support does take money..the major emphasis is
not on the pledge. If one is able, she makes a pledge, according to her own ability as she
determines. If she is not able to make a pledge, she is welcome as a member of the local UMW
unit.
LEADER..My..My..My..so many things to consider…while one part of me says NO..the other part
of me says YES..this can be an opportunity to expand my own understandings about the ministry
of our church…an opportunity to know more about member of my own church family and
broaden the fellowship which we already enjoy!
Maybe, I just better go ahead and say it:
YES! COUNT ME IN!
“Thank you” to Rev. Starr and all of you for your prayers and cards of comfort.
The Hobaugh, Hanzes and Wandell Families.
Thank you so much for all of the love and support when my mother died. The food,
cards & visits were very much appreciated. Our church family is very dear to us.
Judy & Nevin Ulery
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
October
1
4
5
6
10
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Sandy Wrona
John Wall
Christina Nock
Ben Durant
Terri Worrall
Ralph Gronlund
Patrice DeMarco
Josh Jordan
Art Gronlund
Sue Ann Semich
Grace Hemminger
Ron Ziegler
Bill Ullom
Gene Heintz
Christopher Ianuale
Courtney Duffy
Albigail Evans
Lynann Falosk
Darene Trickett
Kathleen Veres
Eric Kettering
Shawn Laney
Laci Schwirian
Grayson Thomas
21
22
24
25
26
28
30
31
Don Ulbrich
John Veres
Damian Painter
John Villella
Chase Parker
Brookelynn McPherson
John Walker
Ryan Hemminger
Kamerin Krise
Ella Heaton
Ruth Krise
Allene McCall
MON YOUGH CHURCH DARTBALL LEAGUE
Oct. 6
13
20
27
Highlanders
Christ
Dravosburg
Port Vue
West Side
Central Highlanders
Wesley
Port Vue
West Side
Christy Park
OCTOBER
The Ministry of Serving
Greeters:
8:30
10:00
Judy Yuhas
Ellen Gainer
412-751-7019
412-881-3697
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5
12
19
26
Hospitality:
8:30
11:00
8:30
11:00
8:30
11:00
8:30
11:00
Tom & Joyce Gallagher
Patrice DeMarco
Helen McConnell
Bill & Donna Firczak
Bill & Elaine Ross
Bill Ullom
Joe & Joyce Newmeyer
Youth
Millie Ulbrich
412-751-7031
………………………………………………………………………………………
8:30
11:00
Judy Ulery
Buddy Lepley
Head Ushers:
Carol School
412-751-0511
………………………………………………………………………………..……
8:30
5
12
19
26
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:00
Don Ulbrich, Ralph Gronlund, Nevin Ulery
and Art Gronlund
Scott Biddle
Fred Brassart
Dave Copeland
Tim Durant, Madison Messina, David Smith,
Sara Beatty, and Ben Durant
Liturgists
Carol School
412-751-0511
…………………………………………………………………………….
12
8:30
Lizy Ashton
11:00
Eric Wilkins
19
8:30
Louise Patterson
11:00
Buddy Lepley
26
8:30
Linda Schneider
11:00
David Smith
Acolytes
Carol School
412-751-0511
………………………………………………………………………………
5
11:00
David Smith
12
11:00
Sami Kracun
19
11:00
Madison Messina
26
11:00
Lizy Ashton
Millie Ulbrich’s team will audit in October.
Bill Elaine Ross
302 Covy Court
Elizabeth, PA 15037
ARTICLES FOR THE NOVEMBER HIGHLANDER MUST BE IN THE OFFICE BY
OCTOBER 15TH.