SUMC is an active church in our local community and in missions around the world. Here’s what’s going on.
Brrrr! The weather has turned cold, so consider cold weather foods for January 27th. Soup, stews, chili, etc. would all be welcome on a cold day. Muffin, bread, or biscuit mixes would make a nice addition to those items. The grocery cart will be in the sanctuary on January 27th, but your contributions are welcome anytime.
Volunteers are needed to wait tables during the 71st Annual Turkey Dinner on February 14. The dinner runs from 5 pm until 7ish. If you can wait tables for all or part of the evening, please reply or let Lou Ann Scott know. There will be childcare in the nursery for volunteers working at the dinner.
Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God’s children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with one another. The special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services, and work with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
Everyone is welcome as we gather in the church parlor to watch and discuss “Breaking Away” on Saturday, January 12, at 6 pm. The 1979 American coming of age comedy-drama film is in the top 10 on List of America's 100 Most Inspiring Movies compiled by the American Film Institute.
Don Thomas passed away on December 29. A funeral service and luncheon will be held here at the church tomorrow, Saturday, January 5. Don’s obituary follows.
Our community luncheon is Thursday, January 3, from 11 am to 1 pm. Proceeds support the General Fund. Please consider donating your homemade salads for the luncheons.
If you have interest in mentoring children through Jewish Family and Children Services (JFCS), training will be held on January 19th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Mentoring is provided January through May, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, in Crafton Heights (West End) to children, including refugees from Syria, Congo, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Those interested in mentoring, please contact Andrew VanTreeck by email or at 412-904-5970 with questions or to apply.
Sunday, December 30, is a 5th Sunday. When there is a 5th Sunday in a month, it is our chance to give extra to help pay down the principal on the sanctuary loan, which is currently at $182,336.44.
Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to Bethany House Academy (BHA) before the end of the year, and see your gift triple.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy our annual covered dish Birthday Breakfast for Jesus between the services, beginning at 9:45 am, this Sunday, December 23rd, in the Simpson Room. Hot beverages and breakfast meat will be provided. Please bring hot dishes, sweets, fruit, juices, and goodies for the table. The Library will provide gifts for everyone. Contact Donna Sawhill if you have questions.
Everyone is invited to the adult christmas party, today, Saturday, December 15, 5 pm, at the home of Belinda and Doug Resler (1300 Beaver Rd, Sewickley). Bring a dish for the buffet. Also bring a white elephant gift (something you already have or costing about $5) for the exchange.
Last call for donations to the Bethany House mitten tree and the shut-in gift bags. Please bring your donations to church Sunday, December 16th.
Thank you to everyone who is providing a Christmas gift for a child who attends the Bethany House. Your love and generosity will certainly touch the children and youth and let them know they are special and loved. If you haven’t yet brought in your gift, please bring it by Sunday at 10 am.
Everyone, middle-school aged through adult, please come to the “wrapping party” this Sunday between the services as we wrap the gifts for the Bethany House in the Simpson Room.
The children’s christmas pageant is this Sunday, December 16, during both services. Come enjoy an “Incredible Christmas” starring the children in our church family.
Brrrr! The weather has turned cold, so consider cold weather foods for December 23rd. Soup, stews, chili, etc. would all be welcome on a cold day. Muffin, bread, or biscuit mixes would make a nice addition to those items. The grocery cart will be in the sanctuary on December 23rd, but your contributions are welcome anytime.
Our Cookie Walk will soon be here. It’s time to break out those recipes! Please donate as many cookies as you can. There’s a sign-up sheet in the sanctuary. There are lots of volunteer positions this coming Wednesday through Saturday (December 12 – 15) for decorating, setting up, and selling. Donna Sawhill and Sandy Kuriger have details.
Pastor Russel has members of our church family who are in financial need this Christmas season. If you are able, please give cash donations to Pastor Russel for him to share with these families and help make their Christmas a little brighter.
Everyone is welcome as we gather in the church parlor to watch & discuss “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” on December 8th at 6 pm. The 2018 documentary is about the life and guiding philosophy of Fred Rogers, host and creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
FOTC is collecting items to go into gift bags for our shut ins, which will be delivered when we go caroling on Sunday, December 16th. We have already received generous donations of crackers, hot chocolate, and candy, but are still looking for little gift items, particularly for the men.
