SUMC is an active church in our local community and in missions around the world. Here’s what’s going on.
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.
Kids 5th grade and younger! Join us to be a part of An Incredible Christmas for our kids pageant this year. We will be practicing on Sundays, 1-2 pm on December 2 & 9.
If you would like to order any poinsettias to adorn the chancel for Christmas, orders are due THIS SUNDAY. You may order by completing this form or the form found in the back of the sanctuary. If you purchase a poinsettia, you will be able to take it home after the Traditional Service on Christmas Eve.
Thank you to everyone who is providing a Christmas gift for a child who attends the Bethany House. There are still 12 kids who need a sponsor; please see Pam Honeychurch to claim one!!
Pastor Russel and Nancy are hosting two open houses this Christmas season: This Sunday, December 2, and Sunday, December 16, from 12:30 to 3 pm, and everyone is invited.
An offering will be divided between Doors to Hope and Red Stockings. Doors to Hope at Home supports six Western PA Conference agencies. Red Stocking supports the Health and Welfare Ministries of the Conference.
We had a great time at the West Hills Escape Room for our first big outing of the year, and we’ve got lots more planned in the coming months.
