. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Looking for things to read this summer? I wanted to recommend some things that might help you think theologically and deepen your relationship with God. Life of Pi by Yann Martel: Not a traditional theological book. However it is a thought provoking book that gets one to think about faith. The son of a zookeeper, Pi Patel has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes. The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, and Richard Parker, a wounded, 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow

him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them "the truth." After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional--but is it more true? Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell: While you may or may not agree with what this author has to say, what he says gives us another way to think about something that has also been assumed to be one way. In Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, Bell addresses one of the most controversial issues of faith—the afterlife—arguing, would a loving God send people to eternal torment forever?” With searing insight, Bell puts hell on trial, and his message is decidedly hopeful—eternal life doesn’t start when we die; it starts right now. And ultimately, Love Wins. 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life by Don

A Newsletter for the Willistown United Methodist Church

June 2013

Mission Statement: To welcome all

people, share Christ's love, and be

disciples who make disciples.

Inside this Issue

1

Pastor’s Letter

2 NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR

Methodist Breakfast

3 Membership

Hymn History

Brick Man

4 Ingathering

HILLTOPPERS

ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE

5 PRAYER LIST

SERVING IN WORSHIP

6

Birthdays and Anniversaries

WUMC’S 50th

ANNIVERSARY! Blood Drive

July 4th

Parade

7

CALENDAR

Willistown United Methodist Church

6051 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073

willistownumc@comcast.net Office: 610-644-2227

www.willistownumc.org

Hilltop Herald

Newsletter

June 2013

2

Piper: As he is driving home from a minister's conference, Baptist minister Don Piper collides with a semi-truck that crosses into his lane. He is pronounced dead at the scene. For the next 90 minutes, Piper experiences heaven where he is greeted by those who had influenced him spiritually. He hears beautiful music and feels true peace. Back on earth, a passing minister who had also been at the conference is led to pray for Don, even though he knows the man is dead. Piper miraculously comes back to life and the bliss of heaven is replaced by a long and painful recovery. For years Piper kept his heavenly experience to himself. Finally, however, friends and family convinced him to share his remarkable story. Happy reading! Peace, Pastor Coryn

Note from Your Editor Thanks so much for your feedback! Keep the ideas and event information coming! It is exciting to have our events on the web and Facebook, then anyone who “surfs” our page will see how active we are! Solana Willistown is Opening soon! Pastor Coryn and I met with the representative from the new assisted-living facility on West Chester Pike near us. They are very excited to establish a mutual relationship. We hope to

have activities to meet their residents and have them visit with us at Willistown UMC. Sara Beam

METHODIST BREAKFAST

Thirty one members and friends of our church (and two dogs) attended our May METHODIST BREAKFAST. Our co speakers were Sheriff Bunny Welsh and her deputy Harry McKinney, one of the sheriff’s K-9 corp troopers. They had two of Chester County's K9 corp dogs with them. There are 6 dogs in the K9 corp. Trained in Ohio they are certified annually. The dogs are individually trained for specific duties such as drugs and explosives. Demonstrations were done and we saw how the dogs find what they are trained to do and then sit. They never touch or pick up the evidence. Bunny noted that

dogs have poor vision but have a keen sense of smell and hearing. The K9 corps is also used in court for cases where there are volatile possibilities, such as murder cases. As Bunny noted, a defendant may want to take on a deputy but have second thoughts when a dog is there. They are also used as security for special events ~ as an example when presidential candidate Romney spoke in our county. Our wonderful breakfast was prepared by co chefs Ann Clark and Kim Pierce helped by their mighty crew, Grace Miller, Beth Southern and Jane Van Zandt Our next METHODIST BREAKFAST is this fall on September 8th. Gil Fell, Prez

June 2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Membership News

We have the following transfers: Ed and Judy Davis have transferred to Grace United Methodist in Hanover, Pa. Bill Thresher has transferred to Salem United Methodist Church in Allentown, Pa. We wish them well!

Hymn History

“God of Grace and God of Glory “ Harry Emerson Fosdick was the author of this hymn. Fosdick was ordained in 1903 as a Baptist minister. He was obviously a man of great talent, but controversial. He wrote "God of Grace and God of Glory" to be sung at the opening service of the great Riverside Church in Harlem, where he was pastor. This hymn is a prayer -- a prayer for God to bestow power upon the church -- and wisdom -- and courage "for the facing of this hour." The hour that they were facing at that time was the Great Depression -- an economic disaster that drained the nation of life and hope. "For the facing of this hour," however, is a timeless phrase, because there is never a time when we do not need God's help "for the facing of this hour." "Save us from weak resignation" is an important part of the

prayer. "Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore." We are always tempted to believe that the evils that we face far outstrip our resources to deal with them -- tempted to retreat into a safe place and wait for the storm to blow over -- but evil unopposed doesn't blow over. It takes the sacrifices of dedicated men and women to build a better world. "Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, for the facing of this hour." That was a good prayer when Fosdick first wrote this hymn in 1930. It is a good prayer today. –– Copyright 2006, Richard Niell Donovan

The Brick Man Cometh Back in 2004, when we celebrated our 40thAnniversary as a church, it was decided by the planning committee for our big event that we should have a "Memorial Garden" in the front of the church. Bill Rice eagerly agreed to take charge of the

project. To date, we have 98 bricks in our "Garden", and with the addition of the cross from our old steeple, we now have a lovely spot to spend a few moments and look at some of the thoughtful and loving inscriptions on the bricks. For myself, I cherish going there every Sunday and look over the names of loved ones, friends, and past departed wonderful church members. Bill is still taking orders for new bricks. The cost is $50 per brick with approximately half of that cost going directly to our treasury. You see, it was also intended to be an ongoing fund raiser for our church. If you have any questions about this wonderful project, be sure to call Bill. In the meantime, Bill, we send you a big "thank you" with sincere appreciation for your tenacity and commitment to this project that started over nine years ago. You have done well, “Good and Faithful Brick Man”! Alan Clark

June 2013

4

Ingathering The next Ingathering will be in the fall. Keep the coupons and cancelled stamps coming as they are greatly appreciated. Bless the hands that do His work. Ann Antich.

HILLTOPPERS Election Day Bake Sale

We extend many thanks to those who sent monetary donations and those who made the great variety of “goodies” for our Election Day Bake Sale. We had lots and lots of things and those working the polls and voters who passed through were greatly impressed with the variety that we provided. Many said they can’t wait for November Election to come. Also had one gentleman ask about when we held services and I told him we would be most happy to see him on Sunday. I can’t be there, so if you see a stranger, please go up and make them welcome.

Even though the voter presence was low, the Bake Sale made a profit of $410.25 and the Donation Jar had $23.50. Hilltoppers thank everyone for their time baking or preparing sweets for the table – for those who worked so diligently to package and price the items and those who worked 3 hour shifts on Tuesday to man the booth. We may be a small group– but we are mighty when we are joined by members of our congregation!

Hilltopper Meetings There will not be meetings for June, July, and August. Unless someone comes up with a suggestion for September, our first meeting will be first Tuesday in October

Betty Barlow stands at the Bake Sale with a poster and handouts to bring attention to Kim Pierce’s need for a

kidney.

Doug Clark shows off his baked goods!

June 2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Mary Bachman Tara Bennett Betty Byar Marie (Sarah Cass’s Mother) Lou Connor Jean Conover Mel and Betty Cox Bryan Daly Paul Eads Robin Eufrasio Bea Hemphill Megan Jacko and baby Austin Stacy Johnson Libby Krausser Fred Lehman Vivian Leknes Michele Debbie McGuire Lynneanne W Tomie Martin

David Michael and granddaughter Marjorie McKee Kim Pierce and her Mother Tommy Rohrer Bobbi Summers Karen Slomka Mitzi Schmidt Bill Snyder Janet Swift Teresa (Townes’s daughter) Bruce Waddell (Grace Miller’s brother) Lowell (Curt Wise’s brother) Walt Visnyczke

Beth Mary Anne Sam Leonard Frame Fred Gillette Carol Guthrie Pete Guinta Rich Hannum George Huey Priscilla Kelly Richard Kasch Jackie Kurtz Paul Magoon Lois Matthews Dawn Stevens Jim Stevenson Pat Vesely Rices’ friend Sandy Walls Rosemary Wood George Zampetti

General Concerns:

All our Armed Services Personnel and all those affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes.

Serving in Worship

Date Greeters Ushers Liturgist

2 9 16 23 30

Nancy Barr, Carol Rice June DiRomualdo, Pat Roloefs Reida Tramsen, Bob Tramsen Jane VanZandt, Jim Van Zandt Fred Eufrasio, David Michael

Don Stapleton, Bill Keating Barbara Gorham, Barbara Fell Barbara Olsen, Richard Olsen Betty Barlow, Grace Miller Marge McKee, Betty Barlow

Lance Seidel Alan Clark Ben Summers William Rice Bud Howard

I have taken the liberty of assigning people for the Ushering and Greeting duties of our Church. If, upon reviewing the Newsletter and finding your assignment does not suit your schedule, please let me know as soon as possible so that a change can be made. Thank you for your willingness to serve. You are appreciated. Greeters should be in place by 10:00 AM and Ushers by 10:15. Thank you! Alan Clark

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.

Libby Krausser would like to thank everyone for their many prayers, cards and calls during her recent health challenges. She is so grateful for your love!

June 2013

6

Willistown UMC’s 50th Anniversary

Next year will be the 50th Anniversary of our church's founding. If you recall we had a wonderful evening nine years ago as we celebrated our 40th Anniversary. Remember that "donated" dinner that Lee and Rick Taub got for us and seeing so many of our former members, their families, and even some of our past Pastors. If you would be interested in doing something like this next year, for our 50th Anniversary, please let me know. If we can come up with a thought or two, and a "game plan" we could then go to the Administrative Board for guidance, help, and encouragement. Alan Clark

5 Mark Camlin 9 Reida Tramsen 14 Byung Choi 16 Lou Conner and Gene Roelofs 20 Mitzi Schmidt 22 Ruth McNamara 23 Joshua Thresher 24 Larry Towne 30 June Di Romualdo

10 Bill & Sarah Cass 12 Bob & Reida Tramsen 18 James & Jane Van Zandt 23 Larry & Pat Towne 23 Charlie & Karen Oas

BLOOD DRIVE Our semiannual BLOOD

DRIVE is

Friday, July 12th

Please plan to be a donor

Special Note: We need two

volunteers to make phone calls in support of our blood drive. This involves calling previous donors from our lists and lists provided by the RED CROSS

Please contact: Gil Fell 610-692-2123/fellga@aol.com

July 4th

Parade For the past several years we have had our church participate in the annual 4th of July parade in Newtown Square. It is a little over a two hour walk or ride with lots of enthusiastic onlookers. Please see Kim Pierce or Alan Clark if interested in being a part of this fun event.

June 2013

This Month’s Event Highlights

June 5th

Boy Scout Troop 66 Court

of Honor

June 16th

Father’s Day

July

Newsletter

Deadline!

June 2013

8

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: gracemiller@yahoo.net Newsletter Editor: Sara Beam Phone: 610-812-6826 Email address: willistownumc@comcast.net WUMC web page: www.Willistownumc.org July Newsletter deadline: June 19, 2013.

SPRING My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the

beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is

mine: he feedeth among the lilies. Song of Solomon 6:2-3

Our friend, Roy Kleinfelter came to visit at church and lunch!