The Mustard Seed · The Bible is full of stories and passages about generosity and giving. “Those...
Transcript of The Mustard Seed · The Bible is full of stories and passages about generosity and giving. “Those...
March 2017
The Mustard Seed The Monthly Newsletter for Christ United Methodist Church of North Huntingdon
Mission: “To know Christ and to make Him known - Disciple-Making Church” Vision: “To become a mission-focused church to meet the needs of our church members, the community, and the world while spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Core Values: Love, Prayer, the Power of the Holy Spirit
2017 CONNECTIONAL APPORTIONMENT
Greensburg District Connectional Apportionment Giving information has been compiled and is
on the conference website. Here is some interesting information for you to share with others as
you plan your monthly connectional apportionment giving for 2017.
2014: GB District Churches paid 91% of our connectional apportionment giving. The WPAUMC
paid 89.3% of our connectional apportionment to the denomination.
2015: GB District Churches paid 90.3% of our connectional apportionment giving. The
WPAUMC also paid 90.3% of our connectional apportionment to the denomination.
2016: GB District Churches paid 90.8% of our connectional apportionment giving. The
WPAUMC paid 89.8% of our connectional apportionment to the denomination. There
were five districts who contributed at levels higher than Greensburg. However, we can
celebrate: All of the churches on the GB district contributed at least some percentage
toward the connectional apportionment. There were 42 churches who contributed at
least 100% of their giving. Plus, there were a number of churches who dramatically
increased your giving from last year! Thank you, and thank God. You are truly putting
forth your best effort.
As you plan your 2017 budgets for mission and ministry, take a look at the finance section of the
conference website. They provide a great many resources to help you communicate the
importance and vital ministries that the connectional apportioned giving supports both here in
the district, in the conference, and throughout the denomination. Just as local churches depend
on regular tithes and offerings to support your ministries, so does the greater church depend on
individual churches contributing the full amount of their connectional apportionment.
As a district, we are strong in the areas of outreach! Thank God and thank you! As United
Methodists, our first outreach offering is to be in support of the connectional giving through
apportionments. We can all look forward to even higher levels of commitment and giving
through the year 2017 as we celebrate God's amazing provision for each of us and our
churches. (020117)
Rev. Pat Nelson, Greensburg District Superintendent, WPA Conference
BIBLICAL ROOTS
The Bible is full of stories and passages
about generosity and giving. “Those who are
generous are blessed,” says Proverbs 22:9,
NRSV. Acts 20:35b continues the theme, “It
is more blessed to give than to receive.”
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, the apostle Paul
challenges the church in Corinth to give
generously to mission work. Paul writes that
even amid their extreme poverty, the
Macedonians give “even beyond their
means.” He encourages the Corinthians to
give out of their abundance.
JoAnn Lamberg of Cranford United
Methodist Church in New Jersey shares her
story. “During a difficult time in my life,” she
recalls, “when I did not have very much to
give, a member of a Bible study in which I
was participating shared something. She
said, ‘You cannot outgive God. Whatever
you give to God, he will return in abundance.’
I decided to trust these words. I subtly
suggested to my family that we tithe, and we
did. Miracles - particularly financial -
occurred. I have no way to explain except I
believe that messenger’s words and live it
today. You can never outgive God.”
“Giving,” says the Rev. Eunice Nusa Iliya of
Nigeria, “goes along with the teaching and
preaching. Our congregations know the
importance of giving what we have back to
God.”
Giving is celebrating and showing how
grateful you are for what God has given you
or what God is doing in your life. It is out of
that joy when you reflect on how God has
graciously pulled you through, how God has
been so faithful to you, and how God has
been there for you. “So what do you give to
God that God has not given to you? The joy
of showing gratefulness, showing thankful-
ness to God. That is the secret of the joy of
giving.”
HOW WE GIVE TODAY
“We give because we want to,” says Jim
Ernst of Will Rogers United Methodist
Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. “God does not
need our money. Our giving is an act of
worship, supporting the ministries of our local
church and the ministries of The United
Methodist Church through apportionments.
“It is an act of faith and love that by giving,
we are putting our faith in God. God always
provides, and we cannot outgive God, no
matter how much we give.”
All United Methodist Churches are
connected. That connection comes to life
when we share our resources with our sisters
and brothers in the Philippines, Africa,
Europe and the United States. Working
together with other congregations, every
church - regardless of size and location - can
do much more than it could on its own.
Together, We Do More.
The “official” name for our giving
methodology is “connectional giving.”
Connectional giving goes beyond your local
church. One form of connectional giving is
apportionments. United Methodists know
“apportionments” by many other names such
as “a portion for others” or various types of
covenants - connectional, ministry share,
missional giving, shared ministry and tithe.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
ABOUT APPORTIONMENT
Q: What are apportionments?
A: We stretch our resources through our
distinctly United Methodist apportionment
system of giving that financially underwrites
United Methodist ministry and mission
beyond the local church.
Apportionments is the term we use to
describe the portion that each congregation
contributes to the annual conference and
general church operating budgets.
Apportionments are one outward and visible
sign of the connection within The United
Methodist Church. This type of giving allows
us to work toward our goal of making
disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world and, like all giving
to the church, is a way of sharing our
blessings.
The 2012 United Methodist Book of
Discipline talks about the World Service Fund
and conference benevolences as being
“basic in the financial program of The United
Methodist Church.” Conference bene-
volences “represent the minimum needs for
mission and ministry in the annual
conference.” (Pars. 247:14 and 812)
Q. What does it mean to “tithe”? A: The Bible talks about giving a “tithe,” or
10 percent. Proverbs 3:9-10a encourages us
to “Honor the Lord with your substance and
with the first fruits of all your produce; then
your barns will be filled with plenty.”
And in Malachi 3:10, we read, “Bring the full
tithe into the storehouse, so that there may
be food in my house, and thus put me to the
test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not
open the windows of heaven for you and
pour down for you an overflowing blessing.”
Q: Who determines apportionment
amounts?
A: The General Conference establishes
budgets for the denomination’s general funds.
These are divided among annual conferences,
based on a specific formula. Each conference,
using its own approved formula, divides these
fund requests, along with conference
administrative and benevolence fund
requests, among local churches. Contact your
annual conference for specific details.
Q. What happens if our church cannot
contribute that amount of money?
A: When we pay our apportionments, we
affirm that we are part of a connectional
church. Any church that cannot pay their
apportionments in full - and it does happen -
will often have a follow-up conversation with
their district superintendent or bishop to see
what issues may have caused the shortfall,
and what steps, if any, may be taken to
remedy the situation in the future.
Sometimes, congregations who have paid
their apportionment volunteer to help other
churches who, for one reason or another,
cannot pay.
Q: Why does the money go through the
annual conference treasurer?
A: In order for your local church to receive
“credit” for remitting its apportionments or
other giving opportunities, the money must
flow through the annual conference office.
From there, the annual conference treasurer
submits the funds to the General Council on
Finance and Administration, where the annual
conference gets “credit” for its contribution.
Q: Where can I learn how the conference
and wider church use my church’s
apportionment payments?
A: To learn how annual conferences use
apportionment dollars, simply look at the
conference budget. Delegates vote on and
approve annual conference budgets at annual
conference sessions, so detailed reports
should be easy to find. For impact stories,
information and resources, visit www.
umcgiving.org/why-we-give.
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CHRIST CHURCH AT WORK, PLAY, AND WORSHIP
Pastor Sang celebrates his birthday at lunch with Grace, a surprise visit from his daughters, and District Superintendent Pat Nelson and her husband, Paul...
Two beautiful new Communion banners in memory of Kelly’s mother, Tina.
Children’s Message at the 11:00am service on Sunday, February 5.
...and a slightly off-key but very boisterous version of “Happy Birthday” as sung by Sonbeam Preschoolers during their Valentine’s Day celebration on Monday, February 13th.
Bob and Dean prove just how many Methodists it takes
to change a light bulb!
Remarkable artistic talent in this detailed sketch of Christ Church drawn by Nathan!
UMCOR HEALTH KITS
Health Kit Materials (value: $12.00 per kit)
1 Hand towel - 15x25 inches to 17x27 inches (kitchen, cleaning, and microfiber towels are not acceptable) 1 Washcloth 1 Toothbrush - Adult size only (do not remove from original packaging) 6 adhesive bandages - ¾ inch to 1 inch size (common household Band-Aids) 1 Bath-size bar of soap - 3 oz. and larger sizes only (no Ivory or Jergens brand soap due to moisture content; and do not remove from original packaging) 1 Comb - must be sturdy and longer than 6 inches (no pocket combs or picks please) (rattail combs and combs without a handle are acceptable with a minimum of 6” of teeth) 1 Metal nail file or nail clippers (no emery boards please) 1 Plastic Zip-Loc type sealable bag - one-gallon size $1.00 to purchase toothpaste
Assembly Directions Set the $1.00 for toothpaste aside to be included in a separate envelope. Lay out the hand towel flat on a table. Lay the washcloth flat in the center of the hand towel. Place all remaining items on top of the washcloth. Fold over the sides of the hand towel to cover all of the items. Fold over one end of the hand towel so that it covers all of the items. Grasp the bundle of items tightly and roll over the remainder of the hand towel tightly. Place the tightly rolled bundle in the plastic bag. Remove as much of the air as possible and seal the bag.
Important notice All items must be new. Do not wash any of the items as they will then be considered “used”. Please remove all packaging except where otherwise instructed. All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of
situations. Due to the fact that strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items - NOTHING MORE.
DO NOT include any personal notes, money, or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.
UMCOR is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to the health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent. Do not put single dollar bills in the kits. Collect all monies for toothpaste and shipping, place it in a separate envelope and send along with the kit donations.
UMCOR does not require that the source of manufacturing be removed from the kit contents. If an item in the kit has a stamp that says, “Made in USA,” or “Made in China,” that stamp does not need to be removed.
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MEALS ON WHEELS
We had a new baker this month: Doe… Yea! AND we had a new wrapper: Pastor Sang! He saw we were only 4 ladies so he joined in packaging cookies and then tying on tags with bows. He did a Super Job. Many thanks to both of these wonderful, giving persons! We delivered 186 cookie packages as Joann, Deloris, Eunice, Lettie, Mary Lou and myself also baked great Valentine treats.
MARCH FOOD PANTRY
Thank you for the jars and jars of Peanut Butter and Jelly. It is so appreciated by the Pantry and all the recipients.
March Item is Pasta Sauce.
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March 2017
International Village @ Renzie Park
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 9am Preschool
ASH WEDNESDAY
12:30 “Happy Hearts” Senior Group gathering in Fellowship Hall
No GS tonight 7pm Worship svc.
2
7pm Bible Study
3 9:00am-noon Preschool
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
4 7:30am Men’s Prayer Breakfast
11am Memorial Service and Luncheon
5
8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School 11:00am Worship with
Communion
6 9:00am-noon Preschool
7:00pm Dartball vs. Grace (H) 7:00pm Hedge Breakers
7
6:30-7:30 Zumba
8 9:00am-noon Preschool
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7pm Bible Study
10 9:00am-noon Preschool
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12 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School: 11:00am Worship
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS
7:00pm Youth Group
13 9am Preschool 10am Meals on Wheels cookie wrapping
7pm Dartball vs. Wesley (H) 7:00pm Hedge Breakers
14
6:30-7:30 Zumba
15 9:00am-noon Preschool
6-8pm GS mtg/FH
16
7pm Bible Study
17 9:00am-noon Preschool 12:30-6pm Red Cross Blood Drive @ NHT Town House (see p. 9)
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19 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School 11:00am Worship
7:00pm Youth Group
20 9am Preschool
7pm Dartball makeup/playoffs
7pm Hedge Breakers 7pm BS Cmte mtg
21 6:30-7:30 Zumba 7pm Church Council meeting
22 9:00am-noon Preschool
23
7pm Bible Study
24 9:00am-noon Preschool
25
26 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:40am Sunday School 11:00am Worship
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
7:00pm Youth Group
27 9:00am-noon Preschool
7:00pm Dartball makeup/playoffs
7pm Hedge Breakers
28
6:30-7:30 Zumba
29 9:00am-noon Preschool
7pm First meeting of newly- formed United Methodist Women/FH (p. 8)
30
7pm Bible Study
31 9:00am-noon Preschool
1 7:30am Men’s Prayer Breakfast
April
Youth Retreat to Camp Allegheny Friday-Sunday, March 3-5
Youth Retreat ends
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
Isaiah 11:6
1st Sunday in Lent
2nd Sunday in Lent
4th Sunday in Lent
3rd Sunday in Lent
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
MARCH ANNIVERSARIES
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
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WISE WORDS OF JOHN WESLEY
"I cannot think that when God sent us into the
world, he had irreversibly decreed that we
should be perpetually miserable in it. If our
taking up the Cross imply our bidding adieu to
all joy and satisfaction, how is it reconcilable
with what Solomon expressly affirms of reli-
gion, that her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace?" by Patty
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SOUP SALE
The Soup Sale on Sunday, February 5, was a great success, bringing in $357 for our Worship Committee! Many thanks to everyone who bought a quart, and a special thank you to Saunne and Barb for their hard work in making all our favorite kinds!
HOAGIE SALE
Thanks to all who support the recent hoagie and pepperoni roll sale, and to Rick & Jan of Lam-pert’s for providing the food for this popular fund-raiser. Look for another sale coming up in March! Roast beef, turkey, and Italian hoagies, and pepperoni rolls will be available after both services. We appreciate your support!
ZUMBA!
Zumba meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. Anyone is welcome to attend!
There is no fee for the class, but any voluntary donations will be given to the church. Please bring a yoga mat for occasional floor exercises, a water bottle, and some light weights.
For questions, send an email to bache3dle@ msn.com.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
by Jan and Barb
Spring into fun at a “getting to know you” meeting of the newly formed United Methodist Women’s group, or “UMW”.
Please join us at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 29, to talk about our upcoming outreach/mission ideas, and enjoy refreshments, games, and devotions!
Babysitting will be provided by Youth members.
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MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP
We invite all men of the church to join us on Saturday, March 4, for a hearty and delicious home-cooked breakfast.
This is a nice way for the men of the church to get to know each other in Christian fellowship while hearing a devotional and having some great food.
We meet the first Saturday of each month at 7:30am - hope to see you there!
“HAPPY HEARTS”
The “Happy Hearts” Senior Group will meet at 12:30pm on Wednesday, March 1, and will feature a guest speaker from the Department of Aging, Norma. Because the meeting falls on Ash Wednesday, fish will be served for lunch. Bring a side dish or dessert to share!
In April, we will meet on Wednesday the 5th with a catered meal and entertainment provided by magician Jeff . Cost for the meal is $5/person.
This group is open to all those age 55 and over, and spouses. Please join us, and bring a friend!
ROAST BEEF DINNER ANNOUNCED
Save the date for the Roast Beef Dinner to be held here on Saturday, April 29! On the menu will be roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls with butter, beverage, and dessert. The cost is only $8.00/person for adults; and $5.00/person for children 12 and under. Don’t miss this delicious meal!
SONBEAM PRESCHOOL
Sonbeam Preschool is having a great year so far! Kids love painting and learning their shapes, colors, numbers, and letters, and singing (they sang “Happy Birthday” to Pastor sang in February - see photo on page 4)!
We would love to be full so if you know anyone with 3 or 4 year olds who is looking for a M-W-F 9:00am to noon schedule, we still have spaces left!
It's never too late to register! It is $20 to regis-ter and $85 a month for enrollment! Just leave a voicemail at 412-751-8219 x12, or email me at [email protected].
Thank You! Barbara, Director
FRIENDLY GREETING
The next time you’re out shopping, why not pick up an extra or two to send to one of our shut-ins or elderly friends, any of whom would be happy to receive a thoughtful greeting from a member of their church family. Please contact the office for names and addresses.
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INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
The AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help to people who cannot afford professional assistance.
Volunteers from the Retired and Senior Vol-unteer Program (RSVP) help prepare simple tax returns for lower-income, elderly, and per-sons with disabilities.
Taxpayers are reminded to bring their accu-rate records, income, interest and dividend statements, and copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns when they seek help.
Those individuals who do not have the re-quired documents or show up past the cut-off time will be asked to return at a later date.
Assistance will be offered from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the North Huntingdon Townhouse on Center Highway beginning on February 1.
No appointment is needed.
OPEN HOUSE AT CAMP ALLEGHENY
Everyone is invited to Camp Allegheny for a n Open House from 2:00-6:00pm on Sun-day, May 21.
Parents and campers will have the oppor-tunity to meet some of the staff, participate in some of the activities available, take a tour, and enjoy some camp food. This fun-filled day is for everyone, and is free of charge!
For more information about Camp Allegheny and to view the 2017 Calendar of Events, please visit www.campallegheny.org.
May 21
2-6 pm
BLOOD DRIVE
North Huntingdon Town House Friday, March 17, 2017
12:30pm - 6:00pm
11279 Center Highway, Irwin, PA 15642
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your appointment or search
online for sponsor code: NHTH
Open to the public from 12:30pm - 6:00pm.
BOY SCOUTS PINEWOOD DERBY
The Pinewood Derby is an annual event-where Cub Scouts and family members get to race personally de- signed cars. We have so much fun seeing all the crea tive designs, and our family helps us with the hard stuff. We had our derby qualifying round on Saturday, January 28 here at Christ United Methodist Church.
We thank you from all of Pack 270 for allowing
us the use of your amazing church!
IN
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17 C
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“T
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Appo
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Church Fam
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Pho
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UM
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March C
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March B
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Wis
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Happy H
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Men’s Prayer B
reakfast 8
So
nbeam
Prescho
ol 8
United
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Zum
ba! 8
General Interest 9
[Return Service Requested]
DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE DO NOT DELAY
Christ U
nited
M
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280
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oulterville
R
oad
McK
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15131
Church O
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e 412-751-8219
Church Fax 412-751-5989
Pasto
r’s C
ell:
412-977-1538
Chris
tC
hurchN
HT
@co
mcast.net
Web: w
ww
.chris
tum
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U.S. Postage
P A I D
Irwin, PA 15642
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Pastor
Office H
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Monday-F
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8:00-12
Noon