SUMC is an active church in our local community and in missions around the world. Here’s what’s going on.
Human Relations Day is a powerful avenue to extend help and service to our local communities. It is about getting out of our comfortable social circles and offering love and care to those who need help in our neighborhoods and cities. It’s about walking with those who feel like everything in life is stacked against them.
All are invited to join us for the livestream lessons Sundays at 11:30, or for the recordings Sunday afternoons, right here.
The church has received many messages of thanks due to our efforts to nurture our congregation and reach out to our community.
This months selections are Hearty Bean and Barley, Chili with Kidney & Black Beans, Sweet Sausage & Totellini, and of course, Sandra’s Hummus.
Since we can’t host our Monthly Salad Luncheon due to the coronavirus, the Luncheon Committee is offering takeout meals the first Thursday of the month when the salad luncheon would have been.
If you have not made a resolution yet, I have a suggestion: Be more joyful! What do you have to be joyful about as we start a new year? What is bringing you joy right now?
Because of Covid restrictions, the Turkey Dinner coordinators have changed the traditional turkey dinner that is held in February to two new meals for 2021. We hope you will enjoy one or both of them.
The SUMC congregation, with help from some community members, provided 78 coats, along with some cold weather accessories, for the City of Pittsburgh Police distribution in Northview Heights Housing. Additionally, gifts were purchased for 20 residents of The Bradley Center. Lastly, SUMC, along with community partners, provided bagged meals on December 21st and 23rd to the nurses of the Heritage Valley Sewickley COVID and ICU units.
I share the sad news of the passing of Dixie Lemasters, Debbie Chesney's beloved mother. Condolence cards and notes may be sent to Debbie and Gordon Chesney, 111 Tory Rd, Moon Township, PA 15108. The obituary follows.
Since we can't host our Monthly Salad Luncheon due to the coronavirus, the Sewickley UM Church Luncheon Committee is offering takeout meals the first Thursday of the month when the salad luncheon would have been.
The SUMC Education team would like to thank everyone who approved, enabled, encouraged, promoted, and visited our first drive-thru Live Nativity on the church campus in December.
As I write this, I am reminded of watching Linus this past Sunday, at the end of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," repeating the Christmas story from Luke when asked what Christmas is about. Although we will not be gathering together in person this year for our Christmas Eve Services, we still have an opportunity to make a gift to strengthen our Church and its ministries.
For December’s 4th Sunday Collection, the suggested items are pasta sauces and pasta (or canned items like ravioli). The grocery carts are in the hallway so that you can conveniently drop off your donations when the church is open.
Last Sunday, the Chancel Choir and Leap of Faith streamed a live carol sing for our congregation. If you missed it or want to sing along some more, you can catch the video right here!
On behalf of SUMC’s Nurture Committee, we are starting a new program called the “Senior Program.” The program’s goal is to improve the quality of life for the senior members of our congregation.
The cookie walk sale has added to the General Fund support in the amount of $1,590. We were sold out of all cookies and candy in one and a half hours.
Boxes of weekly offering envelopes are available in the office for those who had envelopes in 2020. If you are able, please pick yours up during office hours. If you would like to begin using envelopes, please let Kim Benjamin or Pam Honeychurch know.
The Christmas Eve service will be online at 4 pm on December 24. The current restrictions don’t allow us to gather to worship in person. However, you may join your church family as we carol for the community from the church lawn at 6 pm on Christmas Eve. Dress festively, and wear a mask. We will socially distance and sing for about 20 minutes.
During Christmas Week, on 2 separate days, as a small token of appreciation, SUMC will be providing meals for the nursing staff treating COVID patients at Sewickley Valley Hospital, which like many hospitals is overwhelmed with COVID patients. THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP!!
On Sunday, December 20, from 1-3 pm, there will be a drive-through, Live Nativity. The path begins at the intersection of Thorn and Broad, continues to the church parking lot through the driveway on Thorn, and exits from the parking lot to Broad. Experience shepherds, angels, wisemen, and the holy family. Everyone is welcome, and vehicles with children will be provided with a COVID-safe gift of ornaments, crafts, and wrapped candy. Come hear the music, and experience the Live Nativity Scene.
