SUMC is an active church in our local community and in missions around the world. Here’s what’s going on.
The Staff Pastor/Parish Relations Committee (SPPRC or SPRC) is collecting for the Staff Christmas Purse. SPRC performs a similar role to the Human Relations (HR) department in a company. The Christmas Purse is our chance, as a congregation, to provide the staff with a Christmas bonus as a show of appreciation for their hard work. If you wish to donate, please give your contribution to an SPRC member by Sunday, December 15.
If you would like to order any poinsettia plants to adorn the chancel for Christmas, please complete an order form found in the rear of the sanctuary, and return it to the office or place in the offering plate with your payment. You may also call the office. Orders are due by noon on Sunday, December 8. Dedications will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin and in the January Newsletter. If you purchase a poinsettia, you will be able to take it home after the Traditional Service on Christmas Eve.
From December through June, there are a lot of exciting events happening for our youth! Join us for Winterjam, SPARK, Creation Fest, and other fun, spiritual activities.
You may include this offering with your regular offering, or use the special offerings envelope found in the pews or at the back of the sanctuary. Please designate “Doors to Hope” on your envelope or check. You may also donate via EasyTithe.
Annually, there are over 2,000 students, including a number from WPA, who receive millions of dollars in financial assistance through the UMC Office of Scholarships and Loans! These scholarships and student loans are available to students who are members of the United Methodist Church.
UMCOR and its partners are responding to disasters both in the United States and around the world. Please join in prayer for the areas affected, and consider a gift to UMCOR Disaster Response (which you may do with your regular offering or via EasyTithe, marking “UMCOR”. If you wish to specify “domestic” or “international”, please do so).
25 people registered to donate at the November blood drive; 18 units were collected. Thank you to all who attended.
Pam Honeychurch and I visited the Bethany House Academy Pre-school on November 14th to continue interviewing the children for SUMC’s Christmas gift outreach. Miss M, who oversees the preschool, was trying to fix the zipper of a little girl’s coat. I then tried to fix it. It became evident that the extremely worn coat could not be repaired.
Thank you for providing 23 Thanksgiving bags—21 were sent to the Sewickley Community Center Food Panty, and 2 will be kept for distribution by Pastor Russel. Donations and Outreach Designated Funds provided funding for $15 Giant Eagle gift cards for each bag recipient. Thank you for helping the Sewickley Community Center Food Pantry patrons have complete Thanksgiving dinners.
An ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service will be held here at SUMC on Sunday evening at 6 pm with Rev. Ryan Kovert from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church bringing the message. A free will offering will be received to benefit the Sewickley Community Center Foodbank.
You may give to this special offering through the special envelopes available on November 24th or indicate “UM Student Day” on your gift or through EasyTithe.
To help us get ready for Miracle Sunday, there will be 2 educational sessions led by church member Travis Sollinger, Certified Financial Planner™. The sessions will explain Miracle Sunday and discuss how you can give, including how you can give non-cash gifts, tax benefits of giving, and other financial matters. We hope you will join us for a luncheon on Sunday, November 17th at 12:30 pm, or for dessert on Monday, November 18th beginning at 7 pm.
Fellowship of the Cross (FOTC) is collecting names and addresses of college students from our church family and extended families, including graduate and commuter students. Please share your college student’s address with FOTC at fotc@sewickleyumc.org or the office at secretary@sewickleyumc.org.
There will be a gathering of all children 5th grade and younger who are interested in participating in this year’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday following the 11:00 service in the sanctuary. Those children who are unable to attend but interested in participating, please see Pastor Russel.
Our monthly Salad Luncheon is 11 am to 1 pm today, Thursday, November 7. Proceeds from our community luncheons support the General Fund. Please consider donating your homemade salads for the luncheons.
Pastor Russel is hosting the 14th Annual Church Family Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, November 16 at 6 pm. Go here to RSVP online (be sure to click the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the RSVP form) or complete the form in the back of the sanctuary. RSVPs are due by Sunday, November 10. A free will offering will be accepted at the dinner to help offset the cost of the dinner.
The YSF is a unique ministry, because it is run completely by, with, and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive money, and the projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and youth benefited. If you would like to support youth missions through this special offering, please use one of the special envelopes located in the pews and at the back of the sanctuary. Indicate “YSF” on your gift or through EasyTithe.
Drop it in FOTC’s box in the narthex. The FOTC will include it in the care packages they will send to college students just in time for finals.
All Saints’ Day is a day of remembrance for the saints. During both services this Sunday, November 3, we will celebrate the communion of saints, as we remember those who transitioned to life eternal, both from the Church universal and our local congregation. Following the 11 am service, a luncheon will be held in the Simpson Room. Donations are needed of side dishes and salads. Main course and dessert will be provided. Help with cleanup is also needed. Contact Sandy Kuriger or Belinda Resler. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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 17th.
