good news from canonsburg first umc, fall 2014
TRANSCRIPT
saying this out of a sense of
pride, but obligation to you. I
want you all to know I
support you and your
ministries. Here is my
challenge. If you tithe your
salary I would like your giving
to remain as it is. If you are
not a tithing person, could
you see your way clear to
increase your giving by 1%? If
you tithe and are able to
make the 1% increase, please
do so. If we cannot make up
our deficit we will need
everyone to engage in some
fundraising activities. Our
church has a long history here
in Canonsburg. I think God
wants us to keep serving Him
here. Let us take up the
challenge so that we can
support our Sunday school,
for both children and adults,
continue our movie nights
and develop new programs
for our church to enjoy and to
increase our discipleship! Let
us be obedient to God and
bring His kingdom to our fair
city.
In Jesus’ love and service,
Pastor Deb
independent. Thanks to
Roselle Ealy and her team for
helping us out. Our snacks
were superb with special
thanks to Barb and Maddie.
Carol welcomed us to be
messy as we did science
experiments that were fizzy
and explosive! Thanks Carol.
Dee and Marcy had awesome
crafts to be done and taken
home! Thanks for your crafty
ideas. Leslie and Ann were
our game gurus. They had
hula hoops, parachutes, and
let us have a fun time during
rec! Thanks Ann and Leslie!
Registration was handled by
Rhea and Pat! Thanks for
welcoming the children. You
set the tone for their time
with us. Aaron and Jan did a
little of everything. They sang
and danced with the children
and lent hands when neces-
sary. Matt was our photogra-
pher and made individual
pictures for each child to take
home and have a memory.
Debbie Booth, even though
she is still not well, helped by
cutting out crosses for our
after worship craft. Thanks to
you all for making this VBS a
special time for all.
We are now well into August.
School has begun. We will
begin other programs too.
Sunday school will begin in
September. Please watch for
that announcement. We
need teachers as well so if
you are called to this let me
or Matt know. Bible Study
will be offered as well. There
will be one during the day on
Monday morning at 11. We
will study Paul’s first letter to
the Corinthians. The date is
not yet firm, but look in the
bulletin the first part of
September for the announce-
ment. Also we are hoping to
get the Silver Ring Thing
curriculum, again, for our pre-
teens and teens. We hope
our new programs will be well
received.
In all our business, I am very
concerned about
stewardship. I know this is a
touchy subject. Any time
anyone talks about money,
people get nervous. I get
nervous too! Our congrega-
tion is not what you all re-
member and neither is our
giving. However, what we
must pay in utility costs, sala-
ries and programs has not
decreased. I am going to
challenge you all. I tithe my
salary to the charge. I am not
doodles from pastor deb’s desk
Good News from Canonsburg First UMC,
Fall 2014
Our summer is quickly
passing. It seemed that it
was so busy, that we
never really had a
summer. So many things
happened. Annual Con-
ference came and went.
Thanks Chuck for going
and making the report
during worship. We had a
great time at the Fourth
of July parade selling hot
dogs, baked goods, and
refreshments while enjoy-
ing the parade. Vacation
Bible School was a blast.
We met Rivet: Thanks
Evan and Leslie for bring
him to life! A robot
welcomed us to VBS, so
thanks, Chuck, for our
robot greeter and all your
decorations that helped
turn our church into a
Bible workshop! We
heard and watched sto-
ries: Thanks Rick and Lisa
for bringing our Bible
stories to life and to Pat
and Marlene for helping
with the characters. We
built ramp modules that
were used for a man’s
home. He hasn’t been
able to leave his home by
himself for such a very
long time. Now he is more
CELEBRATING YOU!!
Best wishes to all! If you don’t see your name here, please fill out an information form and drop it into the collec-
tion plate. If you see a name that is not familiar, please let us know! We are continuing to update our database
with current information! Thanks!
Page 2
AUGUST 5—Jessica Kohlhepp BD 6—Johnathan Kohlhepp & David Sphar BDs 10—Bliss & Scott McClain Anniv. 11—Brandon Danser & John Cokely BDs 12—Jennifer Boyer/Lisa Boyer BD 14—Zachary Pifer/Mary Anne Wolfe BD 15—Rhea & Doug Weese Anniv. & Gillian Danser BDs 17—Michael Pantely BD 21—Jenn Scears BD 22—Kim/Ed Connelly Anniv. 24—Sally Wherry BD 26—Betty & Mario Sacco Anniv. 27—Virginia Fife BD 29—Melissa Dodd BD 30—Betty Sharp BD
SEPTEMBER 2—Meghin McCartney BD 5—Jeff Allison BD 6—Rick Marlowe/T. Popeck/Linsey Baker BDs 7—Lorna Turon BD 9—Nathaniel Cregut BD 11—Margaret Weise BD 18—Kathy & Rod Albright Anniv.; Andrew Danser BD 20—Phyllis Pirnik/Jason Albright BDs 21—Pat Tonsetic BD 22—Jon Tennant/Dylan Connelly BDs 26—Pastor Deb’s BD; Samantha Nocki BD 30—Betty Sacco BD
OCTOBER 7—Caron Boyer/Leslie Lockoski BDs Debbie & Bill Booth Anniv. 12—Verna Guzel BD 14—Larry Garner BD 18—Rhea Weese BD 21—Meagan Worstell BD 22—Katie Adams BD 26—Dee Stegman BD 28—Dorothy Ealy BD
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
The Adult Sunday School class will begin meeting on September 14 in the Social Hall at 7:57 AM. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Initially, we will do a Bible study, and then collectively decide as a group which direction we will go. Thank you to Rick Marlowe for helping to facilitate the group, but everyone will be a teacher as we share our thoughts and experiences to grow together in Christ.
Pastor Deb will also be offering a Monday morning Bible study of 1 Corin-thians in the near future. Time will be 10:30 A.M. for approximately one hour. Start date will be announced soon!
“BACK TO SUNDAY SCHOOL”
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Come One, Come All! To celebrate our return to Sunday
School, we will be holding a free pancake breakfast on
September 21, following the morning worship service.
Pancakes, sausage, juice & coffee will be served!
Page 3
"Even if something is left
undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
-Elizabeth Lawrence
Notes of Praise
The total amount raised for our children’s summer
mission, “Loose Change: Camp Scholarships Pro-
gram” was $1316.30. With your help, two of our
children were able to attend summer camp with
funds rolled into next year.
From Ray Surman, an out-of-state member:
“Thanks for the e-mail updates. I am glad to see
that a core membership is making the church mean-
ingful. I note too the interaction of the churches.
Good going!”
“Thank you for collecting all the donations at church
to send me to Camp Jumonville!” - Ainsley Scears
Dear Church Family, Thank you for your love
through the years and all the support. It’s an honor
to receive the Good Shepherd Award! “ - Nate
DON’T FORGET OUR CLOTHING BINS
FOR ALL YOUR DISCARDS
With back-so-school season upon us, please don’t
forget the clothing bins situated behind the church
for all your discards! Remember, the church re-
ceives money for each bag of clothing/shoes donat-
ed. Thank you!
Workshop of WONDERS VBS
It takes a village! And that is JUST what we had at this summer’s VBS, “Workshop of Wonders”. Thank you to all of our leaders and the many of you wo donated to make our vbs successful! We had 20 beau-tiful kids and had a great time learning about god in a variety of wonderful and imaginative ways!
UMCMARKET.NET
Shop online? Now when you do, you can register First UMC
and start making micro-donations every time you shop
online! It’s free! The UMC has partnered with hundreds of
online stores who donate a portion of your purchase back!
The Church is in need of Readers, Counters
and Greeters. These are ministry opportuni-
ties that really do not take much time at all!
For more information, or to sign up, please
let Pastor Deb know, sign up on the sheet in
the Foyer, or contact the office! We’d
love to have you!!
MERPS MANIA BOWLING FUNDRAISER
Benefits Washington Area Humane Society
Tuesday, September 16th—6:00-9:00 PM
Meadows Lanes
Cost $10/pp includes 2 games of bowling, shows, fun
games, prizes, shopping and auctions
For tickets, see Pat Tonsetic or contact Sharon Oliver
at 412-310-1018 or [email protected]
Back to School for the Christian
(Adapted from juliabettencourt.com)
Recently I was reading through some back to school tips. It struck me that we as Christians could take some of those tips and
get ourselves geared up to serving the Lord. We need to get back to the school of life for Christ.
Christian Back To School Tips:
Get Enough Sleep (Rest in the Lord)
As parents, we all know the benefits of getting our children to bed early on a school night. They need that added rest in order to get
up early in the morning. A good night’s sleep will work wonders on your attitude the next day and it will help your whole disposition.
Resting in the Lord will also make you fit and ready for the day. It will recharge you.
“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him …” Psalm 37:7
Get a Healthy Breakfast (Have Prayer and Bible Study)
The experts agree that giving a child breakfast before school helps in knowledge retention, test scores and overall learning. As Chris-
tians we need to get a healthy breakfast of Bible study and prayer. Having some type of personal devotions will fuel you for the day.
“Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly...” Psalm 5:3
Follow the Rules (Use the Bible as Your Guide)
School couldn’t’ be productive if it weren’t for the rules. We can all remember some of the basics. No fighting. No talking during
class. No chewing gum. As Christians we have the best rule book of all. It covers the basics. We need to use it as a guide on a
daily basis. All of those do’s and don’ts in God’s Word are there to help us live productive lives.
““He replied, “Yes, but even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28
Develop Good Work and Study Habits (Develop Good Bible Study Habits)
Children that develop good study habits are the ones who sail through school without major problems. We as Christians need to
develop good study habits when it comes to God’s Word. Knowing the Word is what is going to make or break us. We’ve got to
know the Word of God in order to live it.
“Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines
your work. Know what his Word says and means.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Try Your Best (Do Your Best for Christ)
Teaching our children to do their best will bring results and they can be proud of themselves. It’s rewarding to do your best. As
Christians we need to strive to do our best in whatever we do. After all, we are doing it to honor God. 23 Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, 24 remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are
really working for.” Colossians 3:23, 24
Get Along With Your Classmates (Fellowship with Other Christians)
When children are taught to get along together at school it causes such a good atmosphere for learning. When we as Christians get
along with each other and fellowship with one another, it causes more productive lives, which helps further the cause of Christ.
“But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and
the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin.” 1 John 1:7
Get To Know Your Teacher (Know Christ More)
one of the first things a student needs to learn is what is expected of him from his teacher. How does that teacher deal with home-
work? With classroom policies? With grades? We need to know what Christ expects of us. Getting to know God will help us serve
Him better.
“Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your fathers. Worship and serve him with a clean heart and a willing mind, for the Lord
sees every heart and understands and knows every thought. If you seek him, you will find him; but if you forsake him, he will perma-
nently throw you aside.1 Chronicles 28:9
Conclusion:
I hope I can remember to follow these tips. I want to be a prepared and productive student of the Lord. So, are YOU ready for the school of
life?
Copyright © 2001-2013 Julia Bettencourt. Scripture references originally from KJV switched to TLB
Remember Our Shut-Ins
Please remember our shut-ins with your prayers and maybe a card or two.
Below is a list of our current shut-ins. If there is someone who should be
added to our list, please call Jan in the office and let her know.
Betty Sharp, c/o William Sharp, 461 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903
Emma Jean Freil, 700 Bower Hill Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Mario & Betty Sacco, 649 Alpine Dr., Canonsburg, PA 15317
Mary Anne Wolfe, 800 E. Beau St., #B-5, Washington, PA 15301
Henry & Mary Lawton, 880 S. Main St., Apt. #302, Washington, PA 15301
A variety of exercise
classes are offered here
monthly by Cheryl Cokely.
For more
information, you may con-
tact the Church Office or
Cheryl at 724-554-2537.
CHURCH FUNDRAISER
The Leadership Team has chosen beautiful, faith-building calendars as our
fundraiser. These make great gifts for the upcoming holidays! Cost is $7.
Each member is asked to take a few to sell.
Contact the office and arrange for distribution. The calendars will be
available in the Narthex soon for perusal. Thank you!! TRUSTEE WORK DAY
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
9 AM—12 PM
We will be working to
improve areas within the
church and need any and all
hands on deck. Please come
for a little while, or stay the
entire time if you are able.
Contact Pastor Deb or
Rick Marlowe for more
information. 724-745-5771.
First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg
161 West Pike St.
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Phone: 724-745-5771
E-mail: [email protected]
New Website: www.cbgumc.org
Page 4
Our Mission is to provide a relaxed, casual atmosphere that welcomes all
to gather as friends to worship so that by the power and grace of Jesus Christ
we may gain strength, wisdom and knowledge to be a visible outreach
of God’s love to our community.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Praise Band Practice—Tuesdays, 6 PM
Trustees Meetings—1st Thursdays of the Month, 7:00 PM (9/4, 10/2)
Leadership Team Meetings—2nd Thursdays of the Month, 7:00 PM (9/11, 10/9)
Spaghetti Dinners—3rd Fridays of the Month, 4-6 PM (9/19, 10/17)
Domestic Outreach Classes, 5:30 PM—Every Thursday
Narcotics Anonymous, 7:00 PM—Every Sunday
Trustee Work Day, September 13, 9-12 PM
Weekly Adult Sunday School, 7:57 AM, Fellowship Hall (begins 9/14)
September 21—”Welcome Back to Sunday School!” Pancake Breakfast