SUMC Announcements

Please join us for Christmas Caroling for Shut-Ins on Sunday, December 11, 2011. We will meet in the Church Parking Lot at 2:45 pm. For more information , call Pam Mayo at 412-749-0760 or email Pam at pemayo@verizon.net.

Reminder to all who took Bethany House gift tags, we are wrapping the gifts this Sunday (12/11), so please be sure to bring in your gift. Everyone is invited to join the gift wrapping party in the Simpson Room beginning at 9 am.

Please also think of bringing something warm (socks, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves) to decorate the mitten tree, which is in the back of the sanctuary. All of the warm items will be given to the Bethany House to help keep the children warm during the cold months.

Blessings,
Pam Hess

UMCOR is working with global partners to aid earthquake victims in Turkey and flood victims in India and Pakistan. Donations to assist in these efforts may be made with your regular offering – mark ‘int’l relief”. If you wish to donate on-line, please visit umcor.org. It is only through our help that UMCOR is able to reach out to those in need.

Your generosity provided:

• Over 24 Thanksgiving Bags for Sewickley Community Center Food Pantry
• 15 Thanksgiving turkeys for needy families from sister church Fellowship UMC
• 11 pounds of treats for SUMC’s Captain James Mills, serving in Bahrain
• 20 pounds of treats for other service men and women
• 4 complete cleaning kits for UMCOR, with funds for 2-3 more

Offering will be divided between Doors to Hope and Red Stockings. Doors to Hope at Home supports six Western PA Conference agencies: Pittsburgh Northside Ministries (including Bethany House Academy); Prison Outreach Ministries (provides Bible studies); and Erie UM Alliance, Connellsville Area Community Ministries and UM Human Services of Johnstown (all of which provide various services to low income and homeless persons). Red Stockings supports the Health and Welfare Ministries of the Conference. Funds are given to: Wesbury Community, Arbutus Park Manor, and UM Services for the Aging in Mt. Lebanon. You may include this offering with your regular offering or use “blue” envelope found in pews or at back of sanctuary. Please designate “Doors to Hope” on your envelope or check.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! 24 Thanksgiving Bags were delivered to the Sewickley Community Food Bank – enough for each family normally served each week! Your quick response to the appeal for funds for the turkeys was awesome! Leetsdale Giant Eagle extended the sale price to the purchase of all 15 turkeys, which were delivered on November 17th.

A care package has been sent to James Mills – Sue’s husband and Olivia and Ethan’s father, who is serving overseas. The remainder of the candy has been given to a charity that sends care packages.

SUMC will show the newly released The Little Drummer Boy following a light lunch. Children ages 5 and up are welcome at this event - SUMC children under age 5 are welcome with an adult. A free will offering will be taken with the offering going to World Vision, a VeggieTales partner. Hopefully, we can fund the purchase of a goat. The event is open to the community, so extend an invitation to your neighbors. Registration requested by email at veggietalessumc@yahoo.com.

Through the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry (GBHEM), United Methodist college students receive in scholarships and loans. The United Methodist Student Day offering may assist a seminary student called to be a pastor or a missionary. Maybe it will enable a student to complete nursing school or get an education degree. Each year, 10 percent of the contributions also are returned to the annual conferences for merit scholarships. If you would like to make a special offering to support this ministry, please use the envelope included in your bulletin. Mark your check or envelope “Student Day”.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

From just the first few responses,
the $200 has been pledged to purchase the turkeys!

Thank you so very much for your response.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.


In His Service,
Martha Boward

Fellowship UMC has once again asked for assistance in providing Thanksgiving turkeys to some needy families of their congregation. I am hoping that Giant Eagle will extend the sale price to the purchase of the requested 15 turkeys. Total cost will be between $150 to $200, depending on the price that I can negotiate.

If you are willing to provide funds to help with the purchase the turkeys, please email Martha Boward at maboward1@aol or leave a message at 724-457-0708.

I will be arranging delivery of the turkeys later this week.

Thank you for your generous responses to all of the Outreach efforts of Sewickley UMC.

Martha Boward
Outreach

We will once again provide gifts to the children of Bethany House. Please watch for details in mid- to late-November.

We are doing very well with supplies for the first two cleaning kits that we are assembling. Thank you for your support. If you would like to contribute items, please see the poster at the back of the sanctuary

Through the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry (GBHEM), United Methodist college students receive in scholarships and loans. The United Methodist Student Day offering may assist a seminary student called to be a pastor or a missionary. Maybe it will enable a student to complete nursing school or get an education degree. Each year, 10 percent of the contributions also are returned to the annual conferences for merit scholarships. If you would like to make a special offering to support this ministry, please use the envelope included in your bulletin. Mark your check or envelope “Student Day”.

To help patrons of the food pantry prepare Thanksgiving dinner, Outreach is asking that you fill a grocery bag with the non-perishable items that are traditionally used at Thanksgiving. Please take a bag with “grocery list” attached (see display table in sanctuary) – some are for small families, some for larger families. Purchase the items listed and return the filled bag to church. Thanksgiving Bags must be returned no later than November 15th.

Leftover Halloween candy? Kids have way too much Halloween candy? Have a stash of unused small size toiletries? Let Outreach take those extras off your hands! Look for the bin in the back of the sanctuary. Your excess will be sent to an organization that sends care packages to our soldiers.

The UMW is looking for gently used household and clothing items to be donated for the upcoming Rummage Sale, which will be held on November 11 & 12. Please bring your donations to the church and place them in the “potato room” in the church basement.

The children will be collecting from the congregation this Sunday. Now is a good time to clean out your spare change! Check the car, check the couch, check the bottom of your purse. All donations (noisy or not) are welcome! Following the Traditional service, the children will be Trick or Treating for UNICEF at residences near the church.

Please try to keep your calendar free during the month of October to work the pumpkin patch. The sign-up sheet is in the back of the sanctuary.

Shift hours are:

• 10:00 am—12:00 pm
• 12:00 pm—2:00 pm
• 2:00 pm—4:00 pm
• 4:00 pm—DUSK

Also, the pumpkins need to be rolled every other day and we will need some help with this. We will be open daily from 10 a.m. to dusk - Monday through Saturday, and after church on Sundays until dusk.

We need all the volunteers we can get, rain or shine, for this wonderful mission project/fundraiser. For more information, please contact: Stephanie Ackerman (412-445-0321) or Lou Ann Scott (724-934-2967).

Church Conference was held on October 18. Copies of the Church Conference report are available in the back of the sanctuary.

Looking for a Handy Man? Our custodian, Bill Nail, is looking for extra work! Bill is an excellent woodworker and painter. In addition, he will do yard work, maintenance, and cleaning, and cleaning out garages and basements. Bill is a very hard worker and gives attention to detail. You may contact Bill at 724•714•9130 (cell) or 724•891•4449 (home).

Need to reserve a room in the church for a meeting or event? You must complete a Facilities Request Form (found in the church office) and submit it at least 5 weeks before the date of your activity for the Trustees to approve during their monthly meeting. Contact Greg Lane (412-741-6724) with any questions.

During October we are stocking the pantry for the children of Bethany House. Food items, paper products and other items are needed. Please see the display table for a “grocery list.” Please place your contributions in the appropriate container in the rear of the sanctuary. If you would like to donate funds toward shopping, please mark your contribution “BHA Pantry.” Your support of the children and programs of Bethany House is greatly appreciated.

See Sandra Lane or call 412-741-6724 to place your order for your fresh Christmas wreath or centerpiece. We have our Classic Wreath for $25; Victorian wreath for $30; and Candlelit Centerpiece for $30. All items can be shipped anywhere in the US with a personalized card for an additional $5. Last day to order is October 30, and the wreaths will be ready for pickup by December 1. We are also looking for someone to chair this fundraiser for 2012—please speak to Sandra if you’re interested.

HAUNTED HOUSE is creeping along!!! - Calling all ghosts and goblins. Haunted House tour days will be October 21, 22, 28, and 29 from 7:00—9:00 pm. Reach out to Diane or Hurst Bartley or Susie or Jack Moffett.

For the next several months, SUMC will collect items to assemble cleaning kits. There is a poster in the back of the sanctuary that shows the needed items. Outreach is asking that you pull off the tab of what you will supply and print your name on the chart. Return your items to the collection bin in the back of the sanctuary. Outreach will shop for you, if you would prefer - just mark funds “Cleaning Kits.” Thank you for your continued support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief ’s disaster efforts.

The Biggest Loser Challenge is off and running. Please keep our 22 participants in your prayers as they take this journey toward optimum health. If you didn’t sign up officially, you can be a tag-along (see Sandra Lane). Get the support you need to help meet your weight and exercise goals while being in the company of others.

We’ve selected the 1943 Betty Smith classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, as our book for October 24th and the popular Laura Hillenbrand book, Unbroken, for November 28th. All of our meetings are in the church parlor and begin at 7:00 pm. We enjoy a little light dessert—usually something inspired by the book—and great conversation and fellowship. We hope you are able to join us!

There will NOT be a UMW meeting during October.

The Outreach Committee will be conducting the “Trick or Treat for UNICEF" walk again this year.  After the second service on October 30th, we will have some refreshments for the kids before we walk in the village.  They can come dressed in their costumes to church that day and help collect from the congregation during the children’s moments.  Adult volunteers are needed to walk with the kids.  The kids who volunteer to collect change will receive a treat bag, too.  If you want to donate some refreshments, or goodies for treat bags, or can walk with the kids, please contact Alisa Lenhardt or Laura Hess.  Thank you.

The Chancel Choir is in great need of new members!  We are praying to increase all four sections; Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass.  Having a full choir is necessary to fill out the sound needed to carry the service.  We could use at least 4 or more people for each section.  You do not need to be able to read music, just love to sing.  It’s a great way to use your gift to serve the Lord.  Practices are on Thursday nights at 7:30.

What does it mean to live the lifestyle of a Christian disciple?  How do we understand grace and generosity in today’s culture?  Everyone is invited, through November 20, to a special 4-part Cycles of Discipleship series based on II Corinthians 8 & 9.  Please join one of our Wednesday Bible studies (9:30 am or 7 pm in the church library) or one of our Sunday school classes.

Fellowship of the Cross, a service-oriented, small group ministry, is being offered to our children (4th grade and up). This group meets immediately following Sunday School and during the Traditional Worship Service in the Simpson Room. If you have any questions, please see Pam Mayo or Bill Utterback.

Another truckload of pumpkins will be arriving on Saturday, October 15 at 3 pm, and we can use all the help we can get to unload it. Come at 2 pm for refreshments in the Simpson Room.

Please let Lou Ann Scott (lascott518@hotmail.com) know if you are coming so the right amount of food is prepared.

Thanks!

Another truckload of pumpkins will be arriving on Saturday, October 15 at 1 pm, and we can use all the help we can get to unload it. Come at noon for refreshments in the Simpson Room.

Please let Lou Ann Scott (lascott518@hotmail.com) know if you are coming so the right amount of food is prepared.

Thanks!

For Ladies Only - Sorry Guys -

Several of my sisters and I plus some friends of one sister are attending the Women of Faith Conference this Friday and Saturday. You can read about it below and at www.womenoffaith.com. The sisters attended WOF in Cleveland a few years ago and it was wonderful. Time to relax, reflect, re-energize. Music, comedy, scripture, inspiring presentations.

We have had two ladies cancel, which means that we have two tickets available - FREE TO THE FIRST TO RESPOND.

We will be going to Friday daytime program, as well as the evening program.
We will go to dinner on the South Side between the Friday events.
We will also be attending the Saturday event.
I will then join SUMC at Reillys for the hayride.
Carpooling is most desirable. Time for departure is not set yet.

If you cannot attend Friday (one or both parts), but want to go on Saturday, that would be fine. It is at Consol Energy Center; you will walk up and down numerous steps a number of times; the music might get loud at times; temperature may fluctuate.

Did I mention that you can go for FREE? We don’t want the tickets to go unused.

Give me (Martha Boward) a call - 412-337-6503 (cell) to let me know if you are one of two lucky ladies.

Pittsburgh, PA

October 7 - 8, 2011
CONSOL Energy Center

Once a month, Sewickley UMC takes a turn preparing and serving lunch to homeless and other needy persons on Pittsburgh’s Northside. Servers leave from the church at 10:45 am to travel to New Hope UMC. Meals are then served from 11:30 to 12:30; clean-up follows. Usually arrive back at the church by 1:00 pm. Pam Hess will be driving this month.

Please contact Donna Bell (412-264-6652) or Martha Boward (724-457-0708) if able to serve.

For the next several months, SUMC will collect items to assemble cleaning kits. Look for a poster that will show the
needed items. Outreach is asking that you pull off the tab of what you will supply and print your name on the chart. A bin will be in the back of the sanctuary for your donations. Outreach will shop for you, if you would prefer – just mark funds “Cleaning Kits”. Thank you for your continued support of UMCOR’s disaster relief efforts.

October 9Th – Live It!

Finding God in the everyday! Meeting new friends and learning about faith, courage and love are all blessings that come to the youth and adults that experience our camps!

Camp Allegheny
Jumonville
Wesley Woods

All donations from the special offering on Camping Sunday will go directly to the Campership Fund that helps those in need experience Christ through the summer camping program. Please use the “blue” envelopes found in the pews and at the back of the church, or mark your special offering “camping” and include with your regular offering.

The pumpkins are arriving at 9:00 am on Saturday morning, October 1, 2011 and the truck tends to be early!
Also, volunteers are needed to man the pumpkin patch from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Volunteer shifts as follows:
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Please let Lou Ann Scott know which shift would fit your schedule.

Thanks!

See Sandra Lane or call 412-741-6724 to place your order for your fresh Christmas wreath or centerpiece. We have our Classic wreath for $25, Victorian wreath for $30, and Candlelit centerpiece for $30. All items can be shipped anywhere in the US with a personalized card for $5 more. Last day to place your order is October 30 and the wreaths will be ready for pickup by December 1.

We are also looking for someone to chair this fundraiser for 2012; please speak to Sandra if you’re interested.

Calling all ghosts and goblins… please join in for decorating and scare time. Let’s keep this tradition alive (and dead).
Decorating days will be October 15-21 (afternoons on weekends and evenings during the week). Haunted House tour days will be October 21, 22, 28, 29 from 7-9:00pm

We all know how much fun it is to scare, but we’d appreciate it if you can come decorate as well. Reach out to Diane or Hurst Bartley or Susie or Jack Moffett.

Saturday, October 8, 9am
Fitness trainer, Marianne King, will lead this all-levels class that will help balance strength and stability of muscle groups and connective tissue, strengthen your body from the core out, and improve stability and mobility of joints. The class will blend resistance bands, tubing, and your own body weight with Pilates techniques. You will also receive take-home pictures of the exercises, so you can perform at home.

This class will have a $10 charge to attend and a one time charge for bands or tubes of $3 or $6 respectively.

Saturdays, October 1, 8 and 15 , 11:30-12:30. Boys and girls ages 7-12 are encouraged to come and take part in this class that will explore various yoga postures and breathing techniques for focus and relaxation. $5 donation is suggested for each class and will go towards Bethany House. Class will meet in the Simpson Room or lower level of church depending on room availability. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or beach towel.

The Biggest Loser Challenge is off and running. Please keep our 22 participants in your prayers as they take this journey towards optimum health. If you didn’t sign up officially you can be a tag-along (see Sandra Lane). Get the support you need to help meet your weight and exercise goals while being in the company of others.

B.L. support meetings for October will be October 1 and 15—time TBD, as these are also pumpkin delivery dates.

The Library Committee congratulates the Third Grade Class on receiving their Bibles on September 18th during the traditional worship service. The following seven students received Bibles: Hadley Elizabeth Boyle, Caitlin Elizabeth Steele, Paige Genevieve Geason, Genevieve Carol Moffett, Benjamin Henry Thurkow-Schlund, Alexander John Clifford, and Matthew Alexander Hicks. On behalf of the Library and our church family, we hope each student will enjoy reading the stories about our Christian heritage. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

The World Communion Sunday offering provides scholarships and training for people throughout the world. Half of the money goes to specific World Communion Scholarships for students from all over the world, working toward careers in ministry with the poor, global health, leadership development, and congregational development and revitalization. Indeed, World Communion Scholars study and serve throughout the world. Half of them must come from outside the United States. The rest of the special offering supports Ethnic Minority Scholarships and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program.

One World Communion Scholar is Tinka Krsteva. She is from Macedonia, one of the three poorest countries in Europe. In Macedonia, most people cannot afford to pay for advanced studies. Pastoral training requires the sponsorship of a church or other organization. Because of her scholarships, Krsteva can study theology, with a specialization in ethics and social concerns, at Martin Luther College in Graz, Austria. When she completes her studies, she plans to return home to be a United Methodist pastor.

Please use envelopes provided or include with your regular offering, marking the amount for “World Communion".

UMCOR, the relief agency of our denomination, is in desperate need of funds and cleaning kits. The many storms of the spring and summer have greatly depleted both funds and relief kits. Without our assistance, UMCOR’s ability to respond to disasters and other global needs will be hampered. UMCOR is frequently one of the first agencies to respond. SUMC is not planning to assemble cleaning kits, but UMCOR will use funds donated for cleaning kits to purchase those necessary supplies. Funds donated to “Summer Storms” will enable UMCOR to not only be a first responder, but will enable the agency to continue long-term recovery efforts in the many areas struggling to clean up and restore. It is only through the generosity of United Methodists that UMCOR continues to be our hands around the world. Please mark your donation “Summer Storms” and include it with your regular offering.

Special Offering goes to supporting the educational ministries of the Western PA Conference which include Training and Resources and Laity Scholarships. Please use the “blue” envelopes found in the pews or in the back of the church, or include with your regular offering (mark “Christian Edcuation").

On Monday, November 28 (7 PM), we will discuss the book Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, who also wrote the book Seabiscuit. Unbroken is the biography of world War II veteran Louis Zamperini who was an Olympic athlete in the 1936 Berlin games and was training to go to the 1940 games when the war broke out. While enroute to Japan as an Air Force Lieutenant, he was captured and interred as a POW. This is a powerful and triumphant story, beautifully written by Ms. Hillenbrand.

Our very own praise band, Leap of Faith, has been invited to perform at the 10th annual Fern Hollow Fall Music Festival on September 17th. Food and drink will be available, or you can bring a picnic for your family to enjoy on the lawn. There are lots of activities for the kids, and all proceeds go directly to fund environmental education programs in our area. Anyone interested in attending the festival should see Susie Moffett to reserve a ticket at the members’ price ($20/adult and $5/child ages 5-15). You can also contact Susie at mommafett@gmail.com or 412-741-5137. Let’s go show our support for Leap of Faith and have a fun evening of fellowship together!

Kids’ Yard Sale, this Saturday, September 9th, from 9 am to 2 pm, on the front lawn of the church. All funds raised will go towards the SUMC Campership fund.

The “Wings Over Pittsburgh” air show will be held 10 & 11 September at the Air Reserve base in Moon Township. We have the opportunity to raise a minimum of $800 for the church’s general fund and perhaps more. We will run a food concession booth. Our booth requires 12 adults each day (16 years & older) from approximately 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We provide the workers and the air show concession company provides everything else. This is a fun time, and I hope you will consider volunteering. If you have any questions or would like to let me know which day you can help, please let me know at pamela.hess@gmail.com or 412-749-9702.

Sunday school classes will will begin on September 11. Sunday school meets 10:00 - 10:45, September thru May. We have classes for all ages—both adults and children. We have two adult classes: one that focuses on the Bible, and one that discusses contemporary Christian issues. Our elementary children’s classes include a Bible story with related activities. Middle and high school classes discuss Christian ways to deal with issues teens face today. For the first Sunday - September 11, we will all meet in the Simpson room at 10:00. Then everyone can meet their teacher and go to the classroom together.

Anyone who wants to participate in the Biggest Loser Challenge should be signed up by now.
If you are not and want to participate, email Sandra immediately.
Please check the H&W blog or August newsletter for full details of the challenge.
Final cutoff is August 30.

We have a new kickoff date for the challenge of Tuesday, September 6.
Details will be sent directly to all registered participants.

P.S. We will not have a competition between the men and women but the challenge still goes on with all of us working towards one final winner. Keep in mind that in the end, you will all be winners. Right?

The United Methodist Women will kick off the fall season with a covered dish dinner on Monday, September 19 at 6 p.m. in the Simpson Room. Please bring a salad, vegetable or casserole. The main course and dessert will be provided. Following the dinner and meeting, the program will be presented by the Red Bird Mission Team.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up the Rummage Sale and price items the week of September 5th. Please contact Pat Grossarth at 412-741-6208 if you can help. The Rummage Sale will be September 9 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m both days. The proceeds from the sale support programs for women, children and youth, including the Ruth M. Smith Center (Smethfield, PA) and Red Bird Mission (Beverly, KY). Both are UMW national missions.

The after school program will resume shortly. Education is essential for these children’s future, but it is difficult to go to school without the necessary supplies. Notebooks, binders, pencils, colored pencils, notebook paper, calculators, rulers, backpacks, scissors, crayons, etc. are all needed. You may place your donations in the box at the back of the church. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Donations will be delivered in late September.

Third graders and older are welcome to train as an acolyte for the traditional service. Scheduling is being set up through January 1, 2012. If you have not been contacted and have a child that would like to be an acolyte, please contact Martha Boward or Pastor Russel.

Even as the United States’ Eastern Seaboard continued to brace for Irene’s impact, UMCOR was on-site in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas assessing the needs. Donations to assist in the clean-up efforts may be included with your regular offering; please mark them “UMCOR Summer Storms".

October 23, 2011
Start your training now for this 10k walk!! Begin with one mile and then gradually increase with 1/2 mile increments each week. The walk begins at 2pm at the Osborne Elementary school and ends at the Center for Hope in Ambridge. If you are looking to make a difference in these trying times, the CROP Hunger Walk raises money to help stop hunger and poverty here in our community and around the world. Please consider participating. Barry and Rebecca Lewis are our CROP coordinators if you have any questions.

Saturday, September 24, 2011, 11:30-12:30
This class is designed for boys and girls, ages 7 to 12. Terri Neese, CYT will introduce basic yoga positions and breathing techniques. Students should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. A donation of $5 per student is suggested and will benefit Bethany House.

The church library will resume Fall hours after the Labor Day weekend. The library will be open on Sunday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm; Thursday evenings, during choir practice, 6 pm to 7:30 pm; and Wednesday morning and evening, during Bible Study. The church secretary can open the library during her office hours as well (T, Th, F 9-2pm).

Did you Know? The library has a plethora of magazines with something for everyone. Sports, teen interests, youth group leaders, Sunday School teachers, kids and much more. Stop by, pull up a chair and stay awhile. You are always welcome in the Patton Library.

We are blessed to have seven third-graders that will receive their Bibles during morning worship service on September 18th. If your student is not listed, please let Sandra Lane know immediately, so they too may be honored at the presentation.

Our current list includes: Hadley Boyle, Caitlin Steele, Paige Geason, Genevieve Moffett, Benjamin Thurkow-Schlund, Alexander Clifford, and Matthew Hicks.

Our Carnival was a huge success thanks to you!

We provided a great day of enjoyment for families in the community and the BHA kids and it was a nice time for fellowship for all of us.

Many thanks to everyone who donated money, cakes, tents and time to the event. We appreciate you so much! If you have any feedback to share about the area you worked in - please talk with Diane or Sandra - we are looking forward to seeing this event grow and improve over the years- so your input is important to us. We had a record total that will go into our general fund.

Warm blessings,
The Bartley’s and the Lane’s
Carnival Chairs

My carnival photos are up on the website, but because Leap of Faith played four sets, and I helped run sound for other groups, I wasn’t able to take very many pictures. I hope everyone will add their own shots to our gallery. You can upload them on the gallery page or email them to: jackmoffett-j3mb@post.me.com

Here are the directions to the Kuriger’s picnic.

Take Route 65 South toward Pittsburgh or From Robinson on Interstate 79 take Rt. 65 South toward Pittsburgh exit.

Approximately 1/4 Mile past I 79 Interchange – turn left onto Toms Run Road
Be careful, you will have to cross over a lane with oncoming traffic. If you are coming from Pittsburgh make a right turn onto Toms Run Road

Follow Toms Run approximately 3/4 Mile and make a sharp left onto Duff Road.
This will be the first left turn.

Follow Duff Road for approximately 3/4 Mile and make the first left hand turn onto Hill Road.

Follow Hill Road for approximately 1 Mile to Kurigers’. There is a “DO NOT
ENTER” sign. Continue past the sign and you will see a view of Pittsburgh. Our
House is the last house on the left hand side. The road DEAD ENDS at our house.

Remember the Pigeon Loft? Well, our pigeon took a lengthy vacation down south, but it’s back, and it has gone high-tech. The pigeon is tweeting! That’s right, you can now find Sewickley UMC on Twitter.

http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=SewickleyUMC

SUMC Health and Wellness Ministry presents:

Biggest Loser Challenge
Men vs. Women

Challenge Details and Rules:

• Challenge start date : September 18, End date: November 20
• There will be 4 separate, private weigh-ins (September 18, October 16, November 6 and November 20)
• Before and after pictures will be taken at the start and end of the Challenge. (fully dressed)
• There will be no voting off of contestants.
• The Challenge will be men verses women with only one overall winner but also recognize which group won as a team, men or women.
• The overall winner will be based on the percentage of weight loss that takes place during the designated Challenge time frame.
• Contestants do not have to be church members.
• There is an entry fee of $10 to participate, which in turn, will be the winning pot for our Biggest Loser or Winner depending on how you look at it.
• Weight loss must not be the result of any plastic surgery or unsafe weight loss methods.
• On the kick off date (September 18) we will have available to you – a free consultation with either or both a nutritionist and personal fitness trainer. These professionals will help get you on your way to achieving your goal. When you sign up, please indicate with a check mark if you would like a consult with either of these professionals. If we have a larger turn out than expected, we will have a group presentation rather than individual consults.
• Whether you want to lose those last stubborn 5 pounds or 50 pounds, this is your chance to do it in a fun, (slightly) competitive, and yet supportive environment.
• To be fair, we must have an equal number of men and women competing and need to know if you are participating so you must sign up. The sheet is located in the back of the sanctuary, or let Sandra Lane know by e-mail. Must sign up by August 28.

For any questions, please contact Sandra Lane at 412-741-6724.

This morning, at 12:00 am, Sewickley UMC’s new website went live. Jack Moffett, Sandra Lane, and Jim Canfield have been working on the redesign for well over a year. The new site brings a vitality to our online presence that matches our active, embracing church family. Check it out at sewickleyumc.org.

Hello SUMC family,

August 13th is coming….We have 19 days and counting till Carnival day!
We are gearing up for a great day to bring to the community.

We will have outside entertainment joining the lineup this year, so we anticipate an increase in Carnival guests.

We are still looking to fill openings for all shifts, set up(8a-11a), 10a-2p, 2p-6p and cleanup (6p-8p). Please e-mail me and let me know how you can help. If you have already told Diane or myself that you’d help we now need to know what time- so we can plot out where you will be during your shift. Thank you, thank you, thank you -we realize this event cannot happen without your generous help and we appreciate it.

Please let Kelly Herman know if you’d like to make a cake for the cake walk. kkjjherman@yahoo.com
Please let LouAnn know if you want advance Carnival tickets at a discount. lascott518@hotmail.com

Blessings,
Sandra

It is open to the public for children ages 5 and up. However, children from our congregation who are younger than 5 years old may attend with an adult. The children will watch the movie, enjoy some light refreshments, and join in some activities following the movie. The free event will wrap up by 9:00 p.m. Please email the name and ages of children wishing to attend. Our special email address is: veggietalessumc@yahoo.com.

I am looking for teen and adult volunteers to help set up for the event and to help during the event. We will set up around 5:00 p.m. Clean up should be done by 9:30 p.m. If you can help with the event, please call Martha Boward at 724-457-0708.

Please invite other children who you know to our event - age 5 and older only (please). I would ask for registration at the email address so that we can prepare properly.

Check the Back-to-School sales for the following, which will be distributed through Bethany House Academy and UMCOR:

• Blunt scissors - rounded tip only - no plastic please
• Spiral or top-bound pads of paper
• Looseleaf notebook paper
• Handheld pencil sharpeners - at least one inch long
• 30-centimeter rulers (12-inch, but must have metric markings) – no advertising
• Unsharpened #2 pencils
• 2 1/2 inch erasers (e.g. Pink Pearl)
• 24-count box of crayons


The following items are needed by JULY 31ST:

• 1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz or more

• 1 washcloth

• 1 toothbrush in original, unopened package
• 
1 bath-size soap
• 
1 deodorant
• 
1 bottle skin lotion - 11 to 14 oz
• 
1 hand towel

• 1 bottle shampoo - 11 to 14 oz
• 
2 disposable razors
• 
1 comb or brush

Church Union is arranging reading mentors at Manchester Elementary and Martin Luther King Elementary (North Side) for the upcoming school year. Volunteers spend 30 to 60 minutes with one or two students who need extra help with reading and comprehension. Sessions are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. If interested, please email Martha Boward.

From Sunday August 7 to Sunday August 14th, a UMC team from this area will travel to Joplin to aid in disaster relief efforts. Volunteers are needed for the team, which will most likely clean out homes, but some data entry is also needed. If you have an interest in going with the team, please see Martha Boward. The Joplin team will also be taking supplies - Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits. SUMC Outreach is going to coordinate collection of items for Hygiene Kits - look for details in the bulletin. 1st UMC Joplin sent a mission team to our backyard (the Northside) last summer - 1/3 of those who came lost everything in the tornado. It is our turn to help our brothers and sisters in Christ in their time of need. Please be in prayer for Joplin and the mission team.

As the Apostle Paul traveled across the rural landscape of northern Greece, he found partners for his ministry in both the scattered villages, as well as in major urban centers, such as Philippi. Paul’s letters reveal his earnest desire to build relationships between the diverse people of these scattered congregations so that their leaders would not feel isolated. Through the proceeds of the Rural Life Sunday Offering, the Small Church Task Force of the Western Pennsylvania Conference has been able to form new partnerships, enhance vitality among our town and country congregations, and provide training for those in leadership in small membership churches. One of our major goals has been to train Partnerstep coaches to help congregations form stronger shared ministries. By developing new relationships based upon shared identity and missional vision, Western Pennsylvanian congregations can be joined into healthier cooperative ministries and more active cluster units. Please use the “blue” envelopes or mark a check or envelope “Rural Life".

It seems too early to think about school, but the best sales on school supplies seem to be in July and early August. We will again collect school supplies of all sorts - notebooks, binders, backpacks, calculators, construction paper, pencil sharpeners, rulers, book covers, markers, colored pencils, etc. Many children in the local and surrounding areas need help in order to have these necessary items. Look for a bin in the back of the sanctuary starting in mid-July.

As summer continues and you find items that you haven’t used for months or years, put them in the potato room in the church basement. The United Methodist Women’s fall rummage sale will be September 9 & 10 and the money earned will improve the lives of women, children and youth in the local area and around the world. Please remember we cannot sell large pieces of furniture, television sets, computers or other electronics.

On September 19th our local unit will meet at 6 p.m. in the Simpson room for a covered dish dinner prior to the meeting and program. All women are welcome to attend.

Singles from all around Western Pennsylvania will gather at Jumonville for their annual retreat. It begins on Friday evening, September 2 and ends on Monday the 5th. The Sunday evening worship and communion experience is very moving and the evening walk to the top of the hill to the cross which is a breath-taking adventure. They have a time for study and time for some great recreational activities. The best part is the friendships you develop and the sharing with folks that have the same joys and hurts you have in your lives.

In September we will be recognizing our new third graders and giving them their Bibles. If your child is entering third grade this fall please let the church office know or contact Sandra Lane, the Church’s Librarian.

The church picnic was a wonderful event with over 85 people in attendance. There was good food and great fellowship with both church families. It was a sunny day with a nice comfortable breeze. A GREAT day to be outdoors. Thanks to the Library Committee, Sandra Lane and Jenine Furry for all their great efforts with the games in making the day a wonderful experience. Big thanks to Kristine and Hannah Leonberg for bringing their horses and sharing rides with young and old alike. Most of all, thanks to all the folks who came out, for it was a nice crowd. See you all next year. Return of the EGGs and water balloons.

The church library is now on the summer schedule. The Library will be open for use during the normal church office hours weekdays and on Sunday morning from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.
Summer time is a great time to read a good book. We do offer some wonderful books for your reading pleasure. Stop in and visit us.

Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2011. On June 19 during the traditional morning worship service we recognized our High School graduate James Burnett. We also had five graduates from college: Diane Lally, Meagan Grau, Amy and Mark Gonnella and Melanie Gaebel. Best wishes to all.

Clean out those out-of-fashion, rarely worn, or downright ugly ties. Ties will be sent to “Ties that Matter” for recycling into purses, totes and other useful items. “Ties that Matter” uses unemployed persons to sew the items plus donates funds raised to charity. Look for the box in the back of the sanctuary. Ties will be sent in mid-July.

Forgot to bring something this week? Donations welcome anytime! The cart stays in the hallway between the sanctuary and the Simpson Room. Help fill it up. Children are out of school for the summer – consider purchasing peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, and other nutritious kid-friendly foods.

It is not too late to make an offering to Peace with Justice. Contributions enable United Methodists to work for peace, love and compassion for God‘s children everywhere. 50% of the funds from this special offering stay within our annual conference to support its peace with justice efforts. Please use the blue envelope located in the pews or the back of the church or mark “Peace with Justice” on your check or envelope.

Church received a thank you from Sister Rene, who runs the afterschool and summer program at the Mooncrest Community Center in Moon Township. Sister Rene was amazed by the 115 snack kits that were packed and delivered in May. 27 of them were distributed immediately, the rest will be given to the children following noontime lunches, which the center provides during the summer to the 40-50 served in the Mooncrest neighborhood.