Getting Back to "Normal"...

Sunday, December 30, 2012 - Back to Normal Service Times:

8:30 a.m. - Traditional Worship
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School (all ages)
11:00 a.m. - Contemporary Worship

Monday, December 31, 2012 - Last day of the Year!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 - Happy New Year!












Wednesday, January 2, 2013 - 9 a.m. - Disciple Bible Study*
Thursday, January 3, 2013 - 7 p.m. - Disciple Bible Study*
           *Have Lesson 12 done and ready for discussion!*

Celebrate Our Savior's Birth this Christmas!

First United Methodist Church of St. Marys - Services:
6:00 p.m. - Contemporary (childcare available)
8:30 p.m. - Traditional (childcare available)
11:00 p.m. - Traditional

Countdown to Christmas

December 14, 15, 16  /  6pm – 8pm    Live Nativity @ the Pavilion.

December 23  /  10am  We are having ONE SERVICE for the welcoming of our Confirmands into membership of the church. There is a cake and punch reception following the service for everyone. No Sunday School Dec. 23.

December 24  /  6pm  Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with childcare  (Contemporary)

December 24  /  8:30pm  Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with childcare (Traditional)

December 24  /  11:00pm  Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
 Traditional)

December 25  /  12:00pm  Christmas Day Happenings (see bulletin for more information)

December 30  Regular Schedule of Traditional worship, Sunday School and Contemporary worship.

A LIVING NATIVITY!!!!

THIS WEEKEND... 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 

from 6-8 P.M. each night

at the SOUTH MICHAEL Road PROPERTY 

DON'T MISS IT! 

Meeting Reminder...

Administrative Meeting is set for Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m.

Youth Group Schedule

Sunday, December 9 at 6 p.m. is a regular meeting at FUMC

Sunday, December 16 at 6 p.m. participate in the live nativity at the pavilion!

December 23 & 30 - NO youth group.

Sunday, January 6 - Resume regular meeting at 6 p.m. at FUMC.

UMW Christmas Party

Reminder to all who made reservations...
The Party Details
Monday, December 10
Social time at 5:30 p.m. with punch, cheese, and crackers.
Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

No gift exchange... rather bring monetary donation for area missions.

Bowls of Love (Soup Kitchen) Menu

Every Wednesday at 4 p.m. at FUMC there is a bowl of love to be served, come join us!

December 5 - Chili, hot dogs, dessert

December 12 - Goulash, Salad, roll, dessert

December 19 - Chicken Noodle Soup, Ham Salad Sandwich, dessert

December 26 - Vegetable Soup, Egg Salad Sandwich, dessert

Katelyn Smith's Blog

Our own Katelyn's all grown up and gone to the MISSION FIELD!!! She is with YWAM and this is her blog, Glory to God, which chronicles her experience. God Bless You Katelyn!!! 

Esther Circle

Meeting is Tuesday, December 4th at Gunner's Restaurant for a Christmas dinner at 5:30. 

January meeting E.C. will begin a new course of study. 

Christmas Day Happenings

This is the 18th Annual Christmas Day Dinner for the St. Marys area and it is held at First U.M.C. at 12:30 p.m. on December 25th.

Call the church office 814-834-3016 for more information about reservations or if you would like to volunteer!

*Volunteers can help prepare food, deliver meals, set up, or clean up. Also, we are looking for someone to "head-up" this mission and it would be great to "shadow" the current directors so  you know how to lead it next year!*

Please... don't be alone at Christmas... we would LOVE to have you attend and enjoy the festivities!

Christmas Eve Service Schedule

All are welcome to attend Christmas Eve services at FUMC!!!

6:00 p.m. - Contemporary

8:30 p.m. - Traditional

11:00 - Traditional

December Scripture Focus

Fasting Focus: - God With Us - Read: Luke 2:1-20

Memory Verse: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

More Great Stuff Happening...

SIGN UP TO BE A PART OF THE LIVE NATIVITY ON DECEMBER 14, 15, 16 at THE new PROPERTY!!! (We need silent actors, live animals, and much more.)

Monday - 11-26-12, this is the deadline to sign up for the United Methodist Women's Christmas Party...

The UMW party is being held Monday, December 10th at 5:30 p.m. and it is only $5.00 for a catered buffet dinner & loads of fellowship and fun!! The menu: chicken cordon bleu, swiss steak, potatoes, veggie, German apple cake and even punch cheese and crackers when you arrive! (Bring a monetary donation for Guardian Angel in Kersey and Wesbury Home instead of a gift exchange.)

Tuesday, 11-27-12 ---- Choir Practice at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, 11-28-12 ---- Disciple Bible Study resumes 9 a.m., Bowls of Love at 4 p.m. and Man to Man (Men's prayer group) at (note the new time) 7 p.m.

Thursday, 11-29-12 ---- Disciple Bible Study at 7 p.m.

Friday, 11-30-12 ---- Youth Lock-In (Friday at 7 p.m. - Saturday morning at 9 a.m.)

Saturday, 12-1-12 --- Wesley Woods "Christmas on the Mountain" (Dinner and Drama), CLICK HERE for more INFO

Sunday, 12-2-12---- First Sunday of Advent!! (Services are at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with Sunday School in between at 9:45 a.m.)

***Administrative Council Meeting was re-scheduled for NEXT Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 7 p.m.***

What's Up this Week?

Monday, November 19, 6 p.m. - Prayer Meeting (in Sanctuary).

Tuesday, November 20, 7 p.m. - Finance Meeting and Choir Practice.

Wednesday, November 21, 4 p.m. - Bowls of Love (Soup Kitchen), 6 p.m. - Protestant Cemetery Meeting (held at: Shiloh Presbyterian Church)

Thursday, November 22 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Saturday, November 24, 4-7 p.m. - Hanging of the Greens (dinner provided too).

Sunday, November 25, 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services - Sue Kolljeski (Missionary to Ghana)

***Please note: NO Evening YOUTH Group on Sunday, November 25.***

Help Needed...

This Wednesday, November 14 from 6-8 p.m. is a WORK NIGHT at church. The special project to be worked on is the youth room (in the basement)... it is getting a much needed renovation. Come out and help make it an awesome place for our youth to meet! Thanks!!

This Week's Reminders...

Monday, November 12 at 7 p.m. is the Esther Circle Meeting

Tuesday, November 13 at 6 p.m. is the Live Nativity Planning Meeting and at 7 p.m. is a Christian Education Meeting.

Wednesday, November 14 at 9 a.m. is Bazaar Prep: Cutting Vegetables and Hot Dog Sauce and at 6 p.m. help is needed to tear down/set up for Bazaar.

Thursday, November 15 at 9 a..m. is Bazaar Prep: Make Vegetable Soup and Icing Cookies and at NOON Make Rivoli Soup

Friday, November 16 at 9 a.m. is Bazaar Prep: Bake breads, sticky rolls, and pies and at 11 a.m. Rivoli soup. At 5 p.m. help is needed for packaging and pricing.

Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the BAZAAR!! 
Help is needed at 2 p.m. to tear down.

Sunday, November 18: Traditional Service at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., and Contemporary Service at 11:00 a.m. Community Thanksgiving Service - 6 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church on West Creek Road in St. Marys, PA.

A Living Nativity Coming this Christmas!!!

Follow the Star:   A Living Nativity

December 14, 15, 16 from 6-8 pm

at the First UMC Pavilion on South Michael Rd.

While Mary and Joseph were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

We need your help to tell the story of Jesus' birth this Christmas season through a living nativity. 
From live animals (like sheep, donkeys, and goats) to live actors (like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds,
and the wisemen), our living nativity is sure to be fun for the family and touching to the soul.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

A planning meeting will take place on

Tuesday, November 13 at 6pm @ FUMC 

We need help with:       - Hospitality

- Set design    - Costumes

- Animals        - Actors and Actresses

- Publicity       - Traffic and Parking

Imagine our community experiencing Jesus’ birth
in a new and exciting way!

Prayer Article Link

HERE is a good little article on prayer.

Special Missionary Speaker Coming Soon!!!

SUE KOLLJESKI WILL BE AT OUR CHURCH

NOVEMBER 25, 2012... DON'T MISS IT!

Sue Kolljeski is a missionary with The Mission Society (a Methodist organization) in Lawra, Ghana in Africa. 

Also, I hope you check out her blog and comment to encourage her... if you are so led. Perhaps you can put her on your prayer list.

Check out Sue's Blog "The Great Adventure".

This Week's Reminders...

Sunday, November 4, turn your clock back one hour ("fall back") (night of November 3rd). Don't forget church and Sunday School tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. We are having communion together (it is always the first Sunday of the month). 

Also... Youth "Operation Christmas Child" Shoebox assembly is Sunday, November 4 at 6 p.m. at church.

Monday, November 5 at 9 a.m. is peanut brittle making for the UMW bazaar. At 6:30 p.m. is "Heart to Heart" and at 7 p.m. is Charge Conference in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, November 6 at 7 a.m. is noodle making for bazaar. At 7 p.m. is trustees meeting. And at 7 p.m. is choir practice.

Wednesday, November 7 at 9 a.m. is Disciple Bible Study. At 4 p.m. is Bowls of love. At 6 p.m. is pumpkin roll making for bazaar. At 6:30 p.m. is praise band practice. At 8 p.m. is Man to Man.

Thursday, November 8 at 7 p.m. is Disciple Bible study. 

November Menu for Bowls of Love...

Every Wednesday -  4:00 - 5:30 p.m. 

November 7: Potato Soup, grilled cheese sandwich, dessert

November 14: Beef Vegetable Soup, egg salad sandwich, dessert

November 21: Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings

November 28: Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and dessert

November "Brain Power" Meetings...

Monday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. - Charge Conference

Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 7:00 p.m. - Trustees

Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m. - Christian Education

Tuesday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. - Finance 

Tuesday, November 27 at 7:00 p.m. - Administrative Council

November Devotional Focus...

Fasting Focus: What does it mean for me to follow God?

Fasting Scripture: Matthew 16: 21-28

Memory Verse: Matthew 16: 24-25 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.'" - Matthew 16: 24-25

Youth Dinner this Saturday!

Saturday, November 3rd is the FUMC Youth Spaghetti Dinner 

(all you can eat!)

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

(eat in or take out)

Come on out and support our youth!

Post from Mary...

HERE is a LINK to Mary's blog to read her latest post, "Are you ready for the storm?".

A Way to Help Impoverished People...

Click HERE to learn more about SERRV.

CLICK HERE to see EVEN more.

Handmade With A Story  ~~  SERRV

On Sunday, Nov. 4 the United Methodist Women will be setting up a display in the Old Kitchen consisting of items hand crafted by impoverished and disadvantaged people around the world.  Your purchase can help change lives.  Monies directly support poor artisans in building businesses that, in turn, benefit communities and empower women.  SERRV is a partner with UMCOR.  For more info or to see the full catalog, please contact the church office.  Sales through Christmas.

New Song from Mary

Click HERE to read her post, "There is Hope" and hear her new song, "Welcome Home". 

Aldersgate Renewal Ministry

Lord, Teach Us to Pray! 
This wonderful seminar is coming up SOON! 
Click HERE to learn more about this weekend.
Friday, October 26 from 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m. -noon, 1-4 p.m., 7-9 p.m.
Sunday, October 28 during church services and Sunday School
Cost: $15
Please call the church office at 814-834-3016 to register TODAY! 

Spaghetti Dinner

Youth Fundraiser is Saturday, November 3 from 4-7 p.m.

Youth will be having their annual spaghetti dinner with meatballs, salad, bread, and dessert. 

Take outs are available - call ahead and they will have them ready for you to pick up. 

Charge Conference

Mark you calendars: Monday, November 5 from 7:30-8:30 pm.

**Everyone is invited and welcome to attend the conference, only members have a vote however.

Youth Collecting for Operation Christmas Child

Items Needed: listed below, also: shoe-boxes, money for shipping costs ($7 per box and our goal is 100 boxes).

Items due: November 4 (6-8 p.m. is when they pack and wrap)

The entire Congregation can be involved!

Toys: SMALL: cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, etc...
School Supplies: pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, markers, stamps, ink pad sets, writing pads of paper, solar calculators, coloring books, and picture books.
Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, washcloth
Other: hard candy and lollipops, mints, gum, t-shirt, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).

DO NOT include: war-related items like toy guns, knives, or military figures, chocolate, food, liquids or lotions, breakable items (like snow globes or any glass containers).

UMW

Regular Meeting scheduled for Monday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
Program: World Thank Offering

Bowls of Love Menu

Free Meal and All are Welcome, Every Wednesday 4-5:30 p.m.

October 10 - Goulash, Salad, Garlic Bread and Dessert

October 17 - Chicken Noodle Soup, Ham Salad Sandwich, and
                     Dessert

October 24 - Ham and Cabbage, Roll and Dessert

October 31 - Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread and Dessert

Esther Circle

Meeting Monday, October 8, 2012 at 7 p.m. 

They will be working on another banner. 

The fall banner in the sanctuary looks lovely by the way!!!

October Focus

Fasting Focus: Where our eternal life comes from?

Fasting Scripture: 1 John 5:1-12

Memory Verse: 1 John 5:12 "He who has the Son has (eternal) life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have (eternal) life."

UMW Event...

Kane District Annual Day to be held at FUMC 

The United Methodist Women are hosting this event on Sunday October 7th.

Registration begins at 2:20 and the meeting starts at 3:00.

     The presenter is Mary Schall, whose program will focus on Poverty.   Music will be presented by the Barr Family. Offering goes to the 2012 District Pledge to Mission.

     This gathering is also the annual business meeting and election of District Officers.  All UMWomen in the Kane District are invited to attend.  Cost is donation.

We need help with two activities: (a) providing refreshments during registration, and

(b) serving a light meal following the meeting.

A Word from Mary...

Check out Mary's latest post, "The Monuments of our Lives" at her blog.

Grace

Chris and I lived in Kentucky the first five years of our marriage (from 1995-2000) because Chris was attending Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. He worked hard to earn his "M. Div." (Master of Divinity) degree and I worked hard to earn my "P.W.D." (Pastor's Wife Degree... haha...  I wish there was a degree for this job!). It was a wonderful time at ATS, that we look back upon fondly. One of the pleasures we had while at ATS was sitting under the teaching of a spiritual giant, Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas. He is currently the Senior Professor of Homiletics and was formerly the President of ATS. Occasionally we get an alumni newsletter by e-mail with his letter included. This post was one I thought was SO great... and it is about the goodness of GRACE. I hope you find it as wonderful as I did today. Why just today, I was shown much grace from God through His people. I know a lot of people show me a lot of grace and that convicts me to do the same. CLICK HERE to read it. - Blessings, Jan

A Good Word...

New post, "No Ordinary Meeting" by Mary.

Calling All Disciples!

Today, Wednesday, September 26, at 9 a.m. 

and 

Tomorrow night, Thursday, September 27, at 7 p.m. 

is the start of the 34 week Bible Study Adventure called,
DISCIPLE!

Led by Pastor Chris Kindle

You will not want to miss this opportunity to 

grow in your Walk with God 

while going... 

deeper into the Word of God! 

This week... don't forget... these meetings...

Tonight, Monday September 24 at 7 p.m. is the Aldersgate Renewal Meeting!

Also at 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, September 24 is the UMW Tureen Dinner and Talk.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 25 at 7 p.m. is the Pastor Parish Relations/Nominating Committee Meeting.

Saturday morning, September 29 at St. Marys Auto Body from 9 a.m. to Noon is the Leadership Meeting.

Leadership Meeting Coming Soon...

LEADERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULED

pLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND

This meeting is FOR:  ALL AD COUNCIL MEMBERS, ALL MINISTRY LEADERS, ALL COMMITTEE LEADERS, IF YOU HEAD A SMALL GROUP OR A COMMITTEE

tHERE WILL BE A LEADERSHIP  MEETING ON:

            sATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

            FROM:    9:00 AM TO NOON

           At ST. MARYS AUTOBODY 
                 LOCATED OUT ON TROUT RUN ROAD

        IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE 

An Excellent Word from Mary

"There is still time..." this is her latest post... 
CLICK HERE to read.

Bowls of Love

Wednesdays at 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall.

MENU:
September 19 - Wacky Bean Salad, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dessert

September 26 - Turkey Tetrazzini, Roll, Dessert

United Methodist Women Meeting

Monthly meeting scheduled for...
Monday, September 24, 2012 at 6 p.m. 

This is a tureen dinner in Asbury Hall (please bring your own table service and a covered dish to share).

Meat-loaf, rolls, and a drink will be provided.

Hostess: Executive Committee

Devotions and Program: Sharon Herzing

Topic: "Green Cleaning"

Anyone who is interested in the program is welcome to attend!

WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!

Sunday School Starts Tomorrow!!!

There is a place for everyone (yep... truly all ages)! 

Come join us in Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. 

beginning Sunday September 16th! 

We can't wait to see you there!

Youth of FUMC

Reminder: 

Confirmation Class will begin this Sunday during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 – 10:45 am. 

The Confirmation Class will be meeting in the downstairs classroom.

Facilitators will be:  Beth Gornati, Jenny Schaut, and Pastor Chris.

This Class is for age levels ~~  6^th Grade on up.

Regular attendance for the Class will be required.

Should you have any questions please contact:  Pastor Chris at the Church Office 834-3016

Who do you need?

Jump on over to this post at Mary's blog... He is All You Need.

This Sunday...

We will be resuming (2) services beginning 

Sunday, Sept. 9   

8:30 am ~ Traditional Service 

9:45 am ~ Sunday School  

11:00 am ~ Contemporary Service

         

This Sunday... a Reception will be held during the Sunday School Hour with cookies and cake being served.  All are invited to attend the Reception.  Come and enjoy the social, some goodies, meet the teachers, and look over the Sunday School Classes being offered this Fall.

FUMC Preschool

Today was our first day back to preschool... can you believe it is the start of our 4th year already! God is good! We have a great little group of children and are excited about our year together. Thank you for your support and prayers for this ministry. - Jan, Christy, and Dan

Help Wanted (You are needed in this church!)

- People interested in drama to take parts in plays/skits/monologues. 

- Someone to take over the monthly newsletter. 

- Pianist to play traditional service prelude music.

- Givers to give to the pavilion "shower".

- Overhead screen technicians (we will train you!)

- Singers to sing in the traditional service choir.

- Servers to help with Bowls of Love ministry.


See the church office if you are interested in helping out! Thanks!

September Focus

Fasting Focus: Renewing our Covenant with the Lord.

Fasting Scripture: Joshua 24

Memory Verse: Joshua 24:15b "... As for me and my household,
                                                    we will serve the Lord."

It's... "Open House" at F.U.M.C.

Simply... INVITE a FRIEND to church this month! 

A Change is a Comin'...

This coming Sunday, September 2, is the last Summer Celebration Service (combined service at 10 a.m.) for this year. 

Then on September 9, we begin the 2 service schedule: Traditional at 8:30, Sunday School at 9:45, and Contemporary at 11:00. 

(On the 9th meet in Asbury Hall at the Sunday School hour for some fellowship & learn about classes available. Then on Sept. 16 we begin Sunday School classes in our designated meeting rooms.)

Looking for a Good Read?

Here is a really good book on PRAYER... "Intercessors - Discover your Prayer Power"... CLICK HERE to LINK.