Should the federal government shutdown continue, please share with those federal employees affected that there is assistance available. In particular, there are resources listed on the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank (GPFB) website and Facebook page. Additional volunteers are also needed to help with the extra packing and distributions needed to serve the over 18,000 federal workers in the area served by the GPFB. Visit this webpage for details on the available assistance and the opportunities to help.
SUMC is teaming up with the American Cancer Society and Sewickley Relay for Life to raise funds through daffodil sales. Until February 17th, you may place your order via the sign-up sheets in the back of the sanctuary and in the Simpson Room or by emailing Martha Boward (maboward@yahoo.com). Payment must be made prior to February 17th, as well.
Thank you for helping to pay down the principal on our sanctuary renovation loan through our sale. Chicken Tortilla Soup, Ham and Potato Soup, Chili with Kidney & Black Beans, and Sandra’s Hummus are on the menu for our January sale. Order forms are on the posters in the Simpson Room and Sanctuary and are due by this Sunday, January 27.
On Thursday, January 31, 4—6:30 pm, SUMC will serve a hot meal at CFH in Ambridge to over 100 men, women, and children. Please volunteer to serve or to provide fruit, milk, or juice. Contact Donna Sawhill at 412-916-0854.
There will be a quick meeting for all committee members on Sunday after the Traditional Service at 12:30 pm in the Simpson Room.
There will be a continental breakfast on Sunday, 9:45 to noon in the Simpson Room. If you’re participating in Secret Pals, you will receive your Pal’s name at that time.
In an attempt at becoming accessible to more families, we are moving Kid’s Night Out to 6 pm on Sunday (January 27) THIS WEEK ONLY. No decisions have been made beyond this week. All kids up through 5th grade are invited, welcome, and encouraged to attend.
The youth group will meet this Sunday night, January 27th, from 6-9 pm and there will be pizza. All middle and high schoolers are invited, encouraged, and welcome to attend!
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.
