SUMC Announcements

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.

Carnival Sponsorship is needed for 30 of the Bethany House children. Just $20 will provide the children with tickets to the Carnival activities. If you are able to sponsor a child or provide part of a sponsorship, please see the display in the sanctuary or see Martha Boward. Checks may be made payable to SUMC and marked BHA Carnival. Thank you for helping to brighten the summer for these children.

Look for the cart on June 26th. Children are out of school for the summer – consider purchasing peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, and other nutritious kid-friendly foods for June’s collection.

Just in time for Father’s Day! 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 beginning in mid-June.

The team will leaving on June 24th - please continue to show your support for the important work they have planned. Funds are still needed in order for their goals to be met. Keep the team in your prayers as they finish preparations, as they travel to and from San Jose, and for their work while in San Jose.

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.

Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit calling for God’s shalom. Peace with justice witnesses to God’s demand for a faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world. (Par. 263.5, The Book of Discipline 2008)

To offer your support, please use the special envelope on June 19th or mark your “Peace with Justice” on your check or envelope.