“Light from Light”

Psalm 36:5-10, NRSV

5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the

upright in heart.

ight was critical to life back in Bible Days. The only night light they

had was from candles, oil lamps or open fires. Keeping some small light burning was a routine task every night. Light seen at night was a sure sign that humans were keeping their watch. As a Boy Scout I learned to keep a fire at night. Of course we all learned to be

prepared if the fire went out by keeping our battery powered flashlight attached to our belt. I still keep a trusty flashlight next to our bed every night: Just in case I wake up and the electricity has gone off. Don't we all carry flashlights in our cars in case we have an emergency on a dark country road at night? Television screens and computer monitors are another source of light, entertainment and of learning. When we think of it artificial light is important to all of us.

Spiritual light is the main symbol of God’s presence in both the Old and New Testaments. God’s Spiritual Light came to enlighten us in the midst of a world of spiritual darkness. God’s Light in our hearts is also associated with God’s “Inner Light,” or the comforting nearness, and assurance of our Heavenly Father.

One of the corny jokes told around churches is, “Where was Moses when the lights went out?” The brunt of the joke would guess, “In the Tabernacle, or in the bed.” And the punch line is, “In the dark!”

Several asked during our pre-Christmas “Walk Through Bethlehem” Nativity Scene and Re-Building of the Old City, “Why are all of the electric lights turned off? Or, “What is the purpose of

A Newsletter for the Willistown United Methodist

Church January 2015

6051 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, Pa. 19073

610-644-2227

Mission Statement: To welcome all people,

share Christ's love, and be disciples who make

disciples.

Inside this Issue

1

Guest Column

2

New Members: The Wrights

3

Composer Bio: Joseph Martin

4

Hilltoppers

5

Methodist Breakfast Bell Ringers

6

SERVING IN WORSHIP

PRAYER LIST 7

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Souper Bowl Soup Sale

8

Picture Gallery

Newsletter Guest Column

Dr. C. Robert Allred, Th.D., Pastor

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JANUARY 2015 the candle lighting, torches and spot lights, with other normal lights around the church turned off?” Several thousand visitors stumbled around our church in relative darkness to emphasize the Spiritual Light that the Babe of Bethlehem brought as He became, “Jesus, the Light of the World.” Every time we worship in the Sanctuary we have candles burning bright on our Altar Sunday as a reminder that Jesus Himself is present in our worship, and through Him we are sometimes called, “The People of Light.”

To know Jesus is to allow Him to light up your life. We do not just want to know about the Light, we want to have His Light burning in our hearts. It is how we most often describe our personal relationship with Him.

One of the best things that anyone can say about us is that we seem to be “enlightened.” The light of our founder John Wesley, an Oxford Don, and supporter of logic, led American Methodism to found hundreds of colleges, regional universities and world class universities, such as Emory, Duke and SMU. We attempt to be a thinking people and avoid narrow and provincial views.

In our text today from Psalm 36 we hear the expression that light has come to us from the Divine Light: “Light from Light.” (v.9) In

the New Testament John the Baptist spoke of the coming Messiah as the light that would enlighten everyone. (John 1:4) And Jesus spoke of himself as the light of the world. (Jn. 3: 19-32) Matthew records that Jesus called his followers the light of the world and warned them not to lose their inner light. (Mt. 5:14-16) And in our modern world, candles still burn on Christian Altars as a symbol of God’s presence. We can say that our personal light, and the light of the Church Ecumenical has received “Light from Light.”

What are we do with this wonderful spiritual light? Obviously we are to “let our light shine.” Light put under a basket does not shine, but we are to hold our light high so that others will see Jesus shining in us.

Also, we are to proclaim the Light of Salvation that is available to everybody. We receive folks into the Family of Believers with great joy, for God has called us to share the light.

Our Light also calls us to make the world a better place. Just like Sunlight kills bacteria and dries up refuge and at the same time causes crops to grow and feed the world. Similarly, Christ’s Light is the sustainer of the Christian life.

Our calling is to let our light shine before the world so that they

may see Christ’s Light through even us. “This little Light of ours we're goanna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

A sermon synopsis by C. Robert Allred, Th.D., Pastor 1/14/07, Epiphany 2-CDr. / Bob

Allred's United Methodist Sermon Archive

New Members: The Wrights

Nancy and Richard Wright come to us by transfer of letter from the Union United Methodist Church in Brookline, Havertown, PA. They are the proud parents of three sons. Both have jumped right into the activities of our church helping us as ushers, greeters, lighting of the Advent Candles, and Dick was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army in our effort of last week to help the needs of those less fortunate. They have joined the Hilltoppers and also were a big help in decorating our Christmas tree this year. Dick also volunteered to help with the ordering of supplies for our office needs and did a smashing job greeting the guests and taking the money for our last Spaghetti Dinner. Dick served in the U.S. Army and married Nancy while she was working for the railroad. In their younger days,

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JANUARY 2015 Nancy was a cheerleader at Haverford High School, in Havertown, and Dick played basketball for the Sharon Hill High School team in Folsom, PA. Dick had a long career with the Philadelphia Electric Company before retiring. I might add that Dick is also an avid bicyclist, riding most every day. They have their favorite seats in our church along the wall on the left side of the church, but you will get a better idea of how Dick looks as he will be our liturgist in the month of January. Both are smashing dressers as noted by the beautiful red sport coat that Dick wore this past Sunday. They both also love to dine with the "Lunch Bunch", following church, at Duffers. They have really made themselves at home in our church and often have mentioned to me how friendly our members are. They are living in Hershey Mill and their address is: 1566 Vassar Ct. Their phone number is 484-266-0686. Welcome, Nancy and Dick. We are so happy that you have joined our "Church on the Hill". Alan Clark

Biography of Joseph Martin. He is one of my favorite composers of both choral and piano music. The choir has sung 5 of his cantatas. The most recent was last year's presentation of "Appalachian Winter". The choir also has a number of his other anthem compositions that are favorites. His "American Tapestry" is a favorite collection of piano arrangements for me personally. It is also available on CD. Sarah Cass

(b. 1959)

Joseph Martin, a native of North Carolina, earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Subsequently he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Texas, Austin. Joseph taught for five years in the Piano Pedagogy Department of the University of Texas. His piano teachers include Jimmy Woodle, David Gibson, Amanda Vick Lethco, Martha Hilley, and

Danielle Martin. While at Furman University, he was accompanist for choral director and composer Milburn Price and, inspired by his teaching, Martin began to compose.

He is a member of the staff of Shawnee Press, Inc. as Director of Sacred Publications, with responsibilities for overseeing the editorial and creative direction of the company and also coordinating the recording and production aspects of future sacred publishing efforts.

Joseph has performed solo piano recitals and has been the featured artist with symphony orchestras in the United States and Mexico. As winner of the Nina Plant Wideman Competition, he performed with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. His solo recital in Ex-convento del Carmen was broadcast nationally throughout the country. Though he continues to perform in concert, he now devotes his efforts to playing in churches and for conferences of church musicians.

His first solo piano recording, American Tapestry, was nominated for a Dove Award. This album, along with his other recordings (Songs of the Journey, Celtic Tapestry, and A Christmas Tapestry) has been enormously popular in the sacred and secular markets. He has recorded for Yamaha's Disklavier series and

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JANUARY 2015 has composed hundreds of commissioned works.

Recognized throughout the United States for his many choral compositions, both sacred and secular, Joseph's music is published by numerous publishing houses. Over a thousand compositions are currently in print and the list continues to grow. His composition Pieta was recently honored with an award from the John Ness Beck Foundation.

In 2008, he was inducted as a National Patron of the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. Along with Mark Hayes and David Angerman, Joseph has co-authored a fully graded, progressive piano method for the Christian student called Keys for the Kingdom. His major works include 27 choral cantatas and Song of Wisdom, a choral tone poem based on the best-selling children's book Old Turtle.

His music can be heard in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall in New York City; the Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson, Missouri; and in hundreds of worship services in churches across the United States and Canada. He continues to surprise audiences with the variety and scope of his compositions and arrangements.

Joseph lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Sue and his children Jonathan and Aubrey.

© The Lorenz Corporation, music

publishing company.

HILLTOPPERS A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!! Our current officers were re-elected for 2015. A REMINDER THAT THERE ARE NOT ANY MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY, FEBRUARY OR MARCH. We have some tentative plans for 2015 and hope there will be volunteers to fill the OPEN months as indicated below: APRIL – Thanks to Barbara Fell for arranging our trip to Sight & Sound in Lancaster to see the production MOSES. She will be in touch soon with everyone who has made reservations for their ticket payment. MAY – ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE – Set-Up on Monday and Sale on Tuesday JUNE – OPEN JULY – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER – Usually there are no meetings scheduled for these months. However, if gas prices remain low and anyone has a suggestion please contact me with the information. OCTOBER – OPEN

NOVEMBER – ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE – Set-Up on Monday and Sale on Tuesday DECEMBER - TRIM THE TREE PARTY AND LUNCH (If desired) We thank all who have been faithful participants in all our activities this past year. We have given the following donations to the church and other community organizations over the past year: CHURCH – $100 early last year for snow removal and currently $500 to Trustees for unexpected expenses; $50 to a Food Pantry as an honorarium for our speaker Bruce Mowday; $75 each to Safe Harbor, Salvation Army, Spanish Ministries in Kennett Square, and to Bill Snyder Fund in addition to $140 from Donation Jars from 2 Bake Sales. You are all to be congratulated for what we have accomplished this year. Betty Barlow

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JANUARY 2015 METHODIST BREAKFAST

On December the 7th, we had over fifty in attendance for a wonderful breakfast prepared by Ann Clark, Kim Pierce, Beth Southern, Betty Barlow, Barbara Siedel, and Lance Siedel. Our program consisted of sixteen young ladies from West Chester University under the guidance of Amada Dekmar. They have a singing group named the

GraceNotes, which was just wonderful. During their performance they took the time to introduce themselves individually and tell what their major was and what year they were in. The singing was absolutely beautiful and was enjoyed by all in attendance. Thank you, Sara Cass, for

suggesting this group. Also a thank you for all of those who help set up the tables, and for those who helped clean up. Wonderful way to start the holiday season for so many of us. Also, a thank you to the Praise Team for allowing us to use the "Great Room" for our setting. (They practiced that morning,

back in the Sunday school rooms). The performance would not have been nearly as effective if we had to put everyone back in the rooms where we usually hold our Sunday Breakfasts. Our next Methodist Breakfast will be on February 8, 2015. Please plan to attend.

Alan Clark

Bell-Ringing 2014 We had another time of helping a wonderful, dedicated group, located in West Chester, who do so much in our community and throughout the world. I refer to the Salvation Army. Our task was to supply a man and a women at two different locations, on Friday, December 19th. . (Kmart and Shoprite) and "Ring the Bells" to collect money to help those who are in need. Being a long time member of the Board of Directors in the past, I know the good that the “Army" does with little fanfare.

It was rather chilly day but I did not hear any complaints. (Well maybe a few) Thank you to: Ann Clark, Beth Southern, Barbara Fell, Gil Fell, Barbara Olsen, Dick Olsen, Bonnie Boyer, Jack Boyer, Grace Miller, Leonard Eads, Debbie Malfara, Lou Malfara, Parky Johnson, David Michael, Mary Ellen Brown, Mitzi Schmidt, (Alan pinch "rang" for Mitzi because she did not feel well), Carol Bowers, Bill Bowers, Richard Wright, (our newest member of the church along with his lovely wife, Nancy), Curt Wise, Emma Southern, Beth Southern, Don Stapleton, and Bill Keating. Many of our group that I talked to had some interesting comments that came from the people giving. There was such generosity from many that seemed to need the money more themselves. One person wrote out a fifty dollar check and all exchanged good wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with our members. I am certain that all who rang received a blessing and I know that I can count on them for next year. This ministry of our church goes back over twenty five years. Thank you, good people, and I, too, wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Alan Clark

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JANUARY 2015

Our Prayer List for Members, their families, Regular Attendees, and Friends of our Congregation

If you would like a note of encouragement sent to a member or friend of the church, please contact Carol Rice (610) 793-0325.

Serving in Worship

Date Greeters Ushers Liturgist

4 11 18 25

Marge McKee and Ann Antich Barbara and Lance Seidel Betty Byar and Nancy Barr Parky Johnson and David Michael

Don Stapleton and Bill Keating Ruth and Jim McNamara Jane and Jim Van Zandt June DiRomualdo and Kim Pierce

Bonnie Boyer Richard Wright Leonard Eads Lance Seidel

Greeters: Please be in place by 10:00 A.M. Wear your greeter tag and if we have a visitor, please give them the little identification lapel sticker to identify themselves as visitors. Also, please have them sign the guest register. Ushers: Please be in place by 10:05. Give out the bulletins and ask if anyone has a special need. (hearing or seeing) Take up the offering when called upon by the Pastor. Liturgist: Make certain that the Pastor has the purple sheet that lists "Joys and Concerns" found on the little shelf just before entering the hallway of the church. Be available for the Pastor to have a short moment of prayer and then walk down the aisle with the Pastor, pause for a moment at the altar and then proceed to your podium. Your readings will be emailed to you prior to your Sunday. I would appreciate it if you would let me know when you will not be able to make the Sunday I have chosen for you. You can reach me at 610-399-1248. It has even been suggested that you let me know that you will be available for your slot on the Sunday, again, that I have chosen for you. Thank you for all of your help each Sunday. You are appreciated. Alan Clark

Congregation

Bill Bowers

Tara Bennett

Rose Campbell

Ginny Coleman

Jean Conover

Betty Cox

Kristy Dehart

Barbara and Gil Fell

Roy Kleinfelter

Vivian Leknes

Melissa

Jen McAlary

Lowell (Curt Wise’s brother)

Kim Pierce

Mitzi Schmidt

Bill Snyder

Jane Webster

Friends

Amber Allen

James Barnes

Norman Beck

Baby Benjamin

Marty Cox

Mary Craton

Judy Davis

Rosemary Durling

Nicole Gilette and baby

Dave Hickman

Joe Lewis

Will Meeb

Rita Metz

Paul Magoon

Melissa and Matt Pici

Carol Pratt

Jim Pritchard

Felix Presto

Jeff Rocco

Dan Seidel

Mary Ann Steel

Jim Stevenson

Dan Troxel

Baby Victoria

Dana Vink

Rob Wharton

General Concerns:

Bereavement:

All our Armed Services Personnel.

Sympathy to the families of Pam Petrella Winning, Audrey Brown, Dr. Jay

Desjardins, John Crawford.

If you would like a note sent to someone that needs our prayers, please call Carol Rice at 610-793-0325.

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JANUARY 2015

UPCOMING EVENT

SOUPER BOWL SOUP SALE

Sunday, February 1st

Details in next month's

newsletter

3 Angie Visnyczke

8 Jennifer Malfara

9 Beth Hutchinson

11 Gail Southern

20 Pat Towne

21 Ashley Clark

25 Bonnie Boyer

ANNUAL

Souper Bowl Soup Sale Sunday, February 1st

Here is your chance to utilize your soup-making skills and raise money for the programs and ministries of Willistown Church! You can participate by making your favorite soups at home, and putting them in convenient, 1-quart containers (available at your grocery store). Please label the containers with the name of the soup and your name. The soups should be freshly made so that any unsold can be frozen and sold the following week. The selling price will be $5.00. Please contact Barbara Fell at blfell@aol.com or Kimberly Pierce at kimberlytpierce@comcast.net with how many quarts you will be making. A word to the wise: Don’t dawdle in purchasing your soup because it goes quickly! Oh, there’s nothing like soup in the winter time!

Due to a temporary web site problem,

there will be no Calendar this month!

Let me know about any activities for

February and we will post them on the

web site and calendar.

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JANUARY 2015

Picture Gallery

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JANUARY 2015

Willistown United Methodist Church 6051 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Willistown United Methodist Church Pastor: Coryn Peña Pastor’s email: Ps139CPena@gmail.com Pastor’s Cell Phone: 215 266-7580 Office Phone: 610 644-2227 Office email: willistownumc@comcast.net Lay Leader: Grace Miller Lay Leader’s Phone: 610 353-6479 Lay Leader’s email: gracewmiller@yahoo.com Newsletter Editor: Sara Beam Phone: 610-812-6826 Email address: sarabeamart1@verizon.net WUMC web page: www.Willistownumc.org

February Newsletter Deadline: February 13, 2015.

Winter

“Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!… He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments, Who can stand before His cold? He sends forth His word and melts them He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow.”

~Psalm 147:12-18