The Messenger August - 2011
During a worship service in July, Susan Hill, our SPRC chairperson, led the congregation in celebrating my first year as pastor at PLUMC. I am grateful to Susan and to our congregation for the kind gesture and the thoughtful sentiments expressed.
The life of an itinerant pastor and his or her family is not easy.The clergyfamily is required topull up roots in a familiar setting and then re-adjust to new people, surroundings, and practices.
It is equally hard for the receiving church as they have to adjust to the new clergy family and new styles of preaching, teaching, etc.
Yet this system can, and does work. In fact, you might find it hard to believe that I would also say that since my first appointment from seminary to the Wesley Circuit in Belize in 1984, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of being sent to new places to do God's work. Make no mistake, the packing, un-packing,and the setting up of a new house is always hard work. Having to learn new names and faces is a major undertaking. But it is always helpful when you have folk who will receive you as you are and have the willingness and patience to get to know you.
I thank God thatI have found here at PLUMC many, many persons who have been accepting, patient, willing, and eager to hold my hands and allow God to work in and through us in this phase of the congregation's life. This has meant so much to me, Claudia, and Sheriece. Thank you for your love and support.
After only one year at PLUMC I can't claim to be an authority on either our local church or ministry environment. I have kept my eyes and ears and mind and heart open to what is going on in around our church and most importantly to what God is calling us to be and do. I will continue to do this as long as I serve as your pastor. I won't and can't please every single person. What I will do is give my very best to the work of ministry. Like those who have gone before me, I will plant seeds and tend to the lambs and the flock. I will take evangelism seriously and labor to build people up in their relationship with Jesus Christ. I will call attention to human needs locally and globally and challenge us to respond with Christ-like love and compassion.
There are exciting opportunities before us. I enter this second year of my appointment ready to continueto fulfill my callingin ministry withyou my sisters and brothers in Christ, to God's people here in the Pocono's and beyond.
In Cesareo Gabarain's words (UMH # 583)
may we hear afresh God'scall to ministry:
"You are the seed that will grow a new sprout...
You are a star that will shine in the night...
You are the yeast a small grain of salt,
a beacon to glow in the dark...
You are the life that nurture the plant...
You are the flame that will lighten the dark,
sending sparkles of hope, faith, and love.
You are the shepherds to lead the whole world
through valleys and pastures of peace.
You are the dawn that will bring a new day...
You are a sting and a soft gentle touch,
my witnesses where'er you go.
You are the friends that I chose for myself,
the word that I want to proclaim...
May your good deeds show a world in despair
a path that will lead all to God."
Pastor John.
What Do You Think????
There is still time to give your feedback on our church's Vision & Mission statements. Please send your comments to the pastor, any memebr of the Church Council, or to the church office.
VisionStatement:
We exist to transform lives here in the Pocono's and wherever wego by being a people blessing people with the love and grace of God.
Mission Statement:
Pocono LakeUMC is committed to the pursuit ofministries to help people:
CONNECT to God and one another through evangelism, worship and fellowship;
GROW in their knowledge and love of God through programs of Christian education and nurture;
SERVE God through active involvement in local and global missions.
The United Methodist committee on Relief (UMCOR) is planning a regional response to the growing hunger crisis in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti due to a severe drought. In Somalia, where relief efforts have been hampered by ongoing violence and war, has seen thousands of its citizens fleeing to neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia. It has been estimated that there are 400,000 people in refugee camps there. There are an estimated 3.7 million people in crisis.
Please Help Save Starving People in the Horn of Africa - earmark your gift to the “Horn of Africa Crisis,” Advance Special #982450.
Bible Study at PLUMC
August 17, 24, 31
& September 7, 14 & 21
Change the World
by Mike Slaughter
Jesus called us to follow him, to live a life of active faith, feeding the poor, healing the sick, welcoming the alien, and rescuing the desperate. It’s easy to get stuck in our religious habits of just going to church, tossing a few bucks in the offering plate, and occasionally reading our Bible—but Jesus has bigger plans for us. We are called to be his hands and feet in the world. He wants to use us to change the world.
Change the World: A Study for Small Groups links Bible study to global mission and local service project. This six-session small group resource enables congregations to discuss and act on the imperatives of scripture.
Each week, participants will read and discuss a gospel story, watch a video profiling an inspiring, world-changing mission effort, and envision together how they can change the world locally and globally. Participants won’t just read about Jesus feeding the 5000 or healing the lepers, but will be inspired by contemporary hunger-relief and medical missions. Participants will be challenged to take a leading role in the congregation’s missional efforts, serving in a homeless shelter as a group, raising funds for disaster relief, or planning a church-wide day of service We look forward to your studying and participating in Bible Study with us at Pocono Lake UMC on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.
New physical addresses – as you receive your new address from the post office – please send any changes to the office for mailing address corrections.
Email to or send it to the church address.
Fair Trade Coffee:
The United Methodist Women
sponsor the UMCOR
Coffee Project.
Fair Trade Coffee is available at the church to purchase.
Dates to Remember
August
1-UMW7:00 pm
2 - Trustee Meeting 7:00 pm
3 - Bible Study 7:00 pm
9 -Finance Committee7:00 pm
10 - Bible Study 7:00 pm
14 - Anniversary Month
Celebration
Sunday Service 10:00 am
17 - Bible Study 7:00 pm
20 - End of Summer -
Back to School Bash
12:00 to 3:00 pm
24 - Bible Study 7:00 pm
27 - Men's Breakfast
at Moyers Country Kitchen
31 - Bible Study 7:00 pm
Once-a-Month Community Kids' Club
At PoconoLake United MethodistChurch
Invites you to an
End of Summer: Back-to-School Bash
August 20, 12:00 - 3:00 pm.
Venue: Church grounds.
You are invited for food (hot dogs/burgers, chips, fruit, drink, popsicles) games and an indoor session with presentations on study habits and good school attitudes. The fun includes some water sports if you wear or bring a bathing suit, towel and a change of dry clothes. There will be gifts/school suppliesfor each child attending.
Future Kids' Club programs and dates: (third Saturday of each month)
September17-Bowling.
October15 - Fall Festival with hay ride, exhibitions, etc.
November 19-Movie & Popcorn in Fellowship Hall.
December17-Christmas Breakfast with Santa& Cookie making/decorating.
Call the church office 570-646-2650
or stop in to register for the Back-to-School Bash
VacationBibleSchool "2011"
We collected $485.00 in offerings to support our Vacation Bible School Program this summer. This covered our study material, crafts, t-shirts, food, a DVD keepsake handout and a wonderful Music DVD that the children loved and learned the music from.
Chef Smith at VacationBibleSchool
Many thanks to Ann Tinner and the team of volunteers who helped to offer a very successful VBS to a group of seventeen children. This year the children had a tasty adventure with the “Shake it Up Café.” During VacationBibleSchoolon Wednesday, June 29, Rabbi Kershenbaum presented an introduction to the Jewish holidays with food samplings.
Thank you SO much for the lovely card and for the copy of the Summer Bible School DVD. I enjoyed seeing your wonderful students in their many activities and (for the first time!) was able to watch myself in a video without flinching! I had such a good time presenting a Jewish holiday tour to one and all.
You are to be congratulated and commended for running such a terrific intergenerational program. It was delightful to get a glimpse of a congregation that worked, prayed and PLAYed together!! You are an inspiration!
Thank you for the opportunity,
Peg
On Thursday, June 30, Carol Schreck presented God's Recipe for Healthy Families: What are God's principles that make for family health and good functioning.
OnFriday night the children presented a short program featuring the music and crafts of VBS followed by an ice cream social. There is a photo album on the table in the Church Narthex with wonderful VBS pictures by Gloria Phillips for everyone to look at. If there is a photo you would like to have let us know. The children all were given a Vacation Bible School DVD for a keepsake of their fun at Pocono Lake UMC summer of "2011".Thank you for helping to spread the Gospel to children right here on the Mountain.
The PLUMC
Janine Quilters
The quilters meet and work in the church basement once a month. Check the bulletin for the date of the next meeting or call Shirley Fratta at 443-8731.
The PLUMC Knitters
The UMW circles continue to do amazing work, the Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle and Janine’s Quilting Circle. Recently, the Knitting Circle has adopted a local Nursing Home to bring their beautiful prayer shawls to. Both the recipients of the prayer shawls and the members in the circle feel blessed and rewarded.
The next meeting will be September 23rd, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Check the bulletin or call Judi Rarig 643-0287 to find out where the next meeting is.
Would you like to volunteer to handle coffee hour on Sunday’s after service, or volunteer to be greeters, ushers, scripture readers or Lay Liturgists? The chart is on the door to the parlor, if you would like to sign your name as a volunteer. (Thank You to all our volunteers - from Elaine at the office)
You can have flowers for Sunday service in honor or in memory of a loved one for $30. Let us know ahead of time so it can be announced in the Sunday bulletin!
Prayer Requests
Please remember these persons and their needs in your prayers:
Armed forces personnel at home and abroad, Joshua Clark, Viola Beaumont, Morgan Gantt, Mary Hamill,Tara Potter, Toby Hogan, Adam Green, Nancy Rowlands, Joan Stanisci, Elisabeth Campanelli, Lola Rocks, Barbara Kalins, Peggy Summers, Harold Carter, Carol Sonzogni, Alexis Altemose, Marge Werme, Nancy Werkeiser, Kenneth Emswiler, Florence Plassmeyer, Chris Barbieri, Grace McGarth, Rich Roque, John Noga, Kate Hageman Dunham, Mary Ann Caroleo, Genie Watson, Mary Kerrick, Marie Louise Rice, Siobhan McAfee, Laurie Steed, Kyla Bradley, Bernard Martin, Joyce Mullin, Danielle Argot, Sue Williams, John Carson, Kitty Clarke, Katie Vlachos, Mary Vlachos, Emma Curtis, Linda Uhas, the family of Tyler James Higbie, John Granahan, Penny Brown, Samantha, Susan Ponce, Brayden Walsh, Marie Kuczynski (death of grandson, Bradley by drowning), the Ciafrei family, Meredith Ashton, Carl Hughes, Ted Suttmeier, Blaine Purnell Jr., Ruth Ginn, Kaki Wilcox, Ed Clarke, George Bell.
Visitations: Please remember to call the church office when a friend or family member goes into the hospital. We have no other way to find out who needs a visit. You may leave a message at any time of the day or night. For emergencies, you may call the pastor directly.
Reminder......
Don't forget to save yourWeiss register tapes for a donation voucher from Weis Markets Inc.
We are collecting canceled stamps for the benefit of The Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia. Thank you for your donation of stamps for this mission. You may place your canceled stamps in the same drawer as the Weiss register tapes.
Also, save your tabs from soda and can goods, Campbell soup labels and educational coupons found on some cereal boxes. Please place your items in the labeled drawers in the foyer so that we can continue to submit them from the church.
August
Birthdays
Rod Blose 8/1
Tom Dunham 8/7
Chelsea Long 8/7
Kaitlin Miller 8/9
Lindsay Miller8/9
Joe Bongard 8/15
John Kaltenthaler 8/24
Sheriece Smith 8/26
Karen Yaneka 8/27
Zachary Blose8/29
Dennis Wolfrom8/29
August
Anniversaries
Tom & Julie Dunham 8/12
Lew & Judi Rarig 8/31
UMW’s School of Mission Thoughts,
July 21 – 23, 2011
Although highly recommended by our UMW sisters, I was not prepared for the profound impact the UMW School of Mission would have on me. To spend time with, hear the stories of, laugh with, sing and worship with the many incredible women of the UMW “conference” was inspirational and awe-inspiring. All ages, many races, inner city church members of Philadelphia and Reading to the rural areas of Lancaster to the mountains of the Poconos, we were one in the spirit. An incredible calliope of gifted Christian women!
Susan and I took the study course titled “Joy to the World”, and it was led by the Rev. James Fox. He brought several books for us to peruse, one of which particularly struck ‘home’ with me. It was a book of a speech U2’s Bono gave after returning from one his outreach missions to Africa. It had pictures of the adults and children whom he touched and who touched him during the trip. Under a picture of several Africa children receiving food bowls was his quote: “It’s not about charity, it’s about justice for all.” That set off a light bulb in me, and I understood ‘mission’ in a much wider sense.
On Friday evening five people from Germantown highlighted our evening service. We had been on the go since 7:00 that morning, and we were all a little dragging from the record setting heat that day. But they rejuvenated the spark in us of what it means to be on mission in Haiti. They each spoke regarding their honest personal experiences of their mission trip to Haiti. To hear first hand of their dire impressions upon arrival, their subsequent work and altered work plans, their playing and singing with the children, the friendships built, the extreme poverty the witnessed, but the incredible hope and beauty of the country too. Wow!
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this year’s School of Mission, and on scholarship too. Thought provoking, life changing, rich fellowship. We are so blessed.
Judie Timm
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
– Mark Twain
(outdoor chapel at CampAcahela,
the Boy Scout Camp onRt. 115 North)
Pastor Shares in Scout's Own Services
At the invitation of Ranger Tim Bongard, our Pastor recentlyparticipated in two Scout's Own Services at the outdoor chapel at CampAcahela, the Boy Scout Camp onRt. 115 North.
At both services in July he gave the message toan audience ofscouts, their parents, and the camp staff. Pastor Smithalso interacted with the campers and staff at the ice-cream socials which followed both services.
Pastor Smith was delighted to spend the time with the scouts, given his own life-long involvement in the scout movement in the Caribbean and Central America. The special badge which celebrated the NEPA Council's 2011 Scouting 'Around the World' camping focus, along with the staff T-shirt he received from the Camp Director, have been added with pride to his scouting memorabilia.
Pastor Smithlooks forward to continuing to serve as an occasional scout chaplain at CampAcahela.
Announcements
At PLUMC we have started an Anniversary Month Celebration Sunday Service. August 14th will be the date for the next celebration service. We would love to have as many of the celebrants as we can share in some aspect of the worship. We are asking celebrants to volunteer to serve as ushers, worship leader, readers of the Scripture lessons, or if so led, to give a brief testimony or musical item. Additionally, we are asking our celebrants to bring a treat (cake, pastries, fruit, etc) for the after worship fellowship. Call the church office or Pastor John to let us know if you would like to participate in the service in any way.