We will get to the other side of this pandemic, but until then, we need your help. We need you to do your part.
With us not physically meeting for the next couple of weeks, I’m providing online options for ordering Pastor Russel’s Easter Bread and Soup & Hummus.
Hello Church Family,
We are following guidelines from authorities, and no services, Sunday School classes, or meetings will be physically held in the church building through the end of March, at least. We are working on plans for online worship and will send details as soon as they are worked out.
We realize there are those who are unable to leave their homes and need someone to shop for them. If you need assistance, please let your church know. We are also looking for volunteers who will be able to shop for those who need to stay secluded. Likewise, please let us know if you can volunteer to help those who are in need of help.
Please continue to lift everyone in prayer!
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, the church building will be closed for at least the next two Sundays (March 22 & 29). But the church is not a building; the church is not a steeple or a clocktower. No, the church is the people, and the people of Sewickley UMC will be providing a service online. Please watch our homepage Sunday morning.
Announced yesterday morning during our services, Rev. Hannah Loughman has been appointed as our new pastor, once Pastor Russel retires in June. Mark Benjamin, chair of SPRC, stated, “I feel that the Bishop and DS did hear what our congregation was expressing and through the discernment process have made an excellent appointment to Sewickley UMC.“
In order to facilitate the Easter Bags collection for the Sewickley Community Food Pantry, the Fourth Sunday collection will be suspended for March. You may always place non-perishable food donations in the grocery carts located outside the Simpson Room. If you need food assistance, the Sewickley Community Food Pantry is open from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
Life sometimes can be overwhelming—for many in the midst of humanitarian crises, UMCOR is there. The United Methodist Committee on Relief stands ready to respond when the needs arise, and works continuously to improve conditions for people the world over.
Unprecedented circumstances suggest unprecedented prayer, so I am suggesting a mid-week sunset prayer from wherever you are, or whenever you find this note and feel moved.
Sewickley UMC is collecting Easter Bags for the food pantry. You are asked to take a bag with the grocery list attached, purchase the non-perishable items, and return the filled bag with the list attached.
FOTC is collecting new underwear for girls in Africa (girls sizes 10-16 & women’s sizes 5-7) to accompany feminine hygiene kits they will also receive so they can continue to go to school. The collection basket is in the back of the sanctuary. Financial donations are also welcome for FOTC to purchase for you. Thanks for your help!
Each spring, we offer our church family and friends an opportunity to purchase an engraved playground fence picket. Pickets are $50 each and are tax deductible. Order forms are in the back of the sanctuary; deadline is March 9. Any questions, call Sandra Lane @ 412-741-6724.
On Tuesday, March 10, we are hosting the Sewickley Music Club for their monthly program beginning at 1:30 pm, followed by a Saint Patrick’s Day themed reception. We will need help with set up, food donations, and clean up. Set up will be Monday, March 9 at 10 am. If you can help in any way, including donating tea sandwiches, finger food, or cookies, please contact Sandy Kuriger.
You are invited to join members of the Sewickley United Methodist Women on Sunday for a “Lunch and Learn” event at 12:30. We will learn about mission work on our southern border from Mission Ambassadors Lynn Sibley and Sandy McKee. We meet in the Simpson Room across the hall from the sanctuary. We look forward to seeing you.
Our church family is joining with St. Matthews AME Zion, St. Paul’s Lutheran, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, and Emsworth United Presbyterian Churches for dinner, fellowship, and services on Sunday evenings during Lent. Sunday’s potluck dinner (6 pm) and service (7 pm) are at SUMC.
Be prepared to lose an hour of sleep this Saturday night as we spring forward and start Daylight Savings Time.
In February, SUMC accepted orders for American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. Those who ordered will be notified of delivery day/time. You may follow Relay for Life of Sewickley Valley on Facebook for future events.
To help combat hunger, our partners at the Nyadire Connection are constructing fish farming ponds! Pick up a Lenten Fines Calendar from the back of the sanctuary to read more about this project and to participate in the Lenten Fines collection.
Teams are still forming for many volunteer opportunities; storm clean up continues in Puerto Rico and mainland USA. Links to these opportunities are through https://www.wpaumc.org/VIMsites and https://www.wpaumc.org/Opportunities. Some VIM Scholarships are available to help with expenses.
Our monthly Salad Luncheon is 11 am to 1 pm this coming Thursday, March 5. Proceeds from our community luncheons support the General Fund. We need donations of salads!! Please consider donating your homemade salads for the luncheons.
Ash Wednesday dinner and worship will be observed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 26, at Sewickley UMC, when we come together with St. Matthews AME Zion, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, and Emsworth Presbyterian Churches. The evening will begin with our traditional meatless meal at 6 pm; please bring a meatless side dish or salad to share. Fish and macaroni and cheese will be provided. The service will begin at 7 pm.