April 1, 2020

Mini Gleam

Baden United Methodist Church

Pastor’s PonderingsIn the last couple of weeks several folks from our church family mentioned to me Psalm 91. Take a moment to consider these encouraging words:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Psalms 91:1-6 ESV

If you’re like me, the feelings of isolation and loneliness due to “social distancing” are definitely taking a toll. Even though I tend to be an introvert and usually don’t mind quiet and being alone, after a while not seeing friends and family face-to-face is making me feel discouraged and “blasé”.

Perhaps more serious though, is the increasing level of fear and anxiety that we are experiencing in our “shut-down” status. The predictions of 100,000-plus deaths, over-crowded ICU’s, and images of “field” hospitals popping up all over the country are unnerving. People wearing gloves and face masks in the stores causes us to realize how close our unseen enemy really is.

It is during times like these, especially when we’re forced to retreat into our homes, that our personal relationship with the Lord must fill the gap. And fill that gap God can and will! The Lord has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. The Holy Spirit has been poured into our hearts and will lead us into all truth. And, as the Psalmist proclaims, “he will deliver you … from the deadly pestilence.”

May these words bring you comfort and hope. May you experience God’s presence; may His perfect love cast out all fear. May God’s joy be your strength. May your conversations with the Lord bring you peace. And may our community, country and world see the healing hand of God at work!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PALM SUNDAYapril 5

Baden United Methodist ChurchBuilding Hearts and Changing Lives

Through the Love of Jesus Christ420 Dippold Avenue

Baden, Pennsylvania 15005724-869-2720

badenumc@comcast.netwww.badenumc.org

Church Officers:Pastor .................................................... Rev. James YoungLay Leader .................................................... Sally BrambleAdministrative Board Chair .............. Nemorio RamirezBoard Secretary............................................Josh RamirezBoard of Trustees Chair ........................Alan HazelwoodBoard of Trustees Co Chair .................Bill BerkhammerS. P. R. C. Chair ..............................................Dian SherinSunday School Superintendent .................Patty MeehanFinance Chair ...............................................Carol WalkerFinance Secretary ..............................Joanne McCartneyChurch Administrator & Treasurer ............Chris PoseyLay Delegate .......................................... Donna BrynczakEndowment Com. Chair ...........................Joyce HudsonWe Care Directors .............................Esther & Ed HallasMission Chair .........................................Rhonda ChioccaYouth Ministry ...............................................Tom Verner

Paula Hazelwood, Lisa McCutcheon, Nemorio Ramirez, Michelle Sovich & Pastor Young

Adult Disciple Coordinator ...Peggy Evanko & Bob Blanarik Busy Bees Coordinator ...................... Suzanne Schaeffer GIFT Chair .............................................Alan Hazelwood Special Needs Advocate ............................ Peggy EvankoUrgent Prayer Chain Requests ......................................... Marilyn Dobich -724-869-7896 (H)...724-494-3800 (C) Sue Meade - 724-775-6796 (H)...724-513-1388 (C)Worship Team .........................................Donna Brynczak,

Laurie Braner, Scott Dawson, Hannah Heilig, Faith Holcomb, Tom Holcomb, John Dean Krepps, Tracy Krepps, Allison Ramirez, Angela Ramirez, Colby Ramirez, Josue Ramirez, Brian Roppa, Ray Smith, Tim Smith, & Kathy Young

Videographer .................................................. Alan Freed

Pastor’s Pondering Continued

Church OfficeDuring this time of “social distancing” the Administrative Board has approved the shortening of the church office hours. The office is open for you to conduct any necessary business on Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You can also call or email the office to get or give information.

Holy Week VigilWe are quickly approaching the most dramatic week of the Christian calendar: Holy Week. During these eight days, starting with the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sun-day, we are reminded of Jesus’ journey that culminates on Resurrection Sunday. This is by far the most intense and emotionally stirring time of the year for the Christian. We are once again invited to remember the incalculable cost of the salvation God offers to each one of us as a gift. May we never take what Jesus did on our behalf for granted.

Let me encourage you to commit about an hour each day reading the biblical accounts of this week. I believe you will find yourself profoundly moved and transformed by God’s Word as you ponder Jesus’ love for you and the world.

Palm Sunday:Jesus’ Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem

Mat. 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44Jesus Clears the Temple

Mat. 21:12- 13, Mark 11:12-19, Luke 19:45-46 (this may have happened on Monday)

Monday:Clashes with Pharisees and Priests

Mark 11:27 – 12:44, Luke 20: 1-19

Tuesday:More Clashes with Pharisees and Priests:

Mat. 21:23 – 23:39

Wednesday: Jesus’ last public teaching:

Mat. 24:1 - 25:46Judas agrees to betray Jesus

Mat. 26:1-5, 26:14-16, Luke 22:1-6

Maundy Thursday:The Last Supper:

Luke 22:7-38Jesus washes the Disciples’ feet

John 13:1-17Jesus teaches His Disciples

John 14:1 – 17:26Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Mat. 26: 36-46, Luke 22:39-46

P R AY E R R E Q U E S T S

Being mindful of our friends’ and loved ones’ privacy and personal choices, the church can only publish Prayer Requests when permission has been granted by the person. Urgent prayer requests will remain on the list for 4 weeks.

Those in the militaryKyle MackeyLt. John ToolisMickey FutatoLuke Heilig

Those who lost loved ones in the last 6 monthsFamilies of :

Joseph YoungbloodBill NiesenChuck HudsonBrian StorarHarry “Buz” Mahr Walt KingLynn BogatiWalter SzymoniakGarnet Mazur John KowalMary Ellen ArnoldPete ZimmermanCharles Mowry

Those in collegeCarrie FreedJesse DiCiccoAllison RamirezJosh RamirezTommy HolcombSierra Woelfel

Special requestsHealth Care WorkersThe Way Forward Homeless & LostGIFT Campaign

Those in need of urgent prayer

Those with the Carona Virus

Those in need of continued prayer

Jason HazelwoodFed Dominic Krista MoyerFrank McCartneyCole MooreChris GlattRay VogelJim GilesBetty HolcombJoAnn ShanerSue RamseyFred ZajacFran Zimmerman

Those in assisted livingAnna-Margaret DeckerMiriam BennettMaggie GallHelen RobbinsHazel WozniakJean MillerFred Ramsey

Celebrate Palm Sunday, April 5,with us online.

Palm branches and palm crosses will be available for you to pick up from the church porch

beginning Friday morning.

Check out our Facebook page and website (badenumc.org) for links to the video recorded

messages and an online Bible Study.

During this crisis, the We Care Food Pantry will continue to be open for those in need in the Baden and Economy areas. Your food donation are always needed, appreciated &accepted

at any time. Feel free to drop food items by the church during regular office hours or by calling Ed & Esther Hallas (724-869-4739).

Pastor’s Pondering Continued

Good FridayJesus arrested

Mat. 26:47-56, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:3-11Peter Denies Jesus

Luke 22:54-62Jesus faces trials

Mat. 26:57 – 27:31, John 18:12-19:16Jesus is crucified and dies

Luke 23:26-49, John 19:17-37Jesus is buried

Mark 15:42-47, John 19:38-42

Holy Saturday Guards placed at Jesus’ tomb

Mat. 27:62-66The meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice

Isaiah 52:13- 53:12, Hebrews 10:5-22

Resurrection SundayEmpty Tomb

Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18Guards report

Mat. 28:11-15Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35Jesus’ first appearance to the Disciples

Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23

I pray that the Holy Spirit touches you deeply as the Lord speaks of the mighty acts of salvation we commemorate on these days.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Jim

While we are apart . . .The work of the church continues. Baden UMC is a

strong community. We will weather this together, even if we’re not physically in worship and activities together. Our work supporting members and our community will not stop because of this public

health challenge. We also know that supporting your church is important to you. We appreciate your generous giving. To help the church meet its financial obligations at this time please consider E-giving. With electronic giving, you can give anywhere or any time. E-giving is fast and secure. If you would like to give electronically, visit our website badenumc.org, click on the donate tab on the home page and follow the instructions. The process is easy. If you have a smart phone, you can scan this QR code image. Boxed and pew envelopes are available for more traditional giving. Those donations can be mailed directly to the church office or left in the offering plate in the entryway.Talk to Joanne McCartney (724-869-2536) if you have any questions. .

Easter Services CancelledFollow the guidelines set by the government and keeping the safety of everyone in mind, the Administrative Board of the church has painfully decided to cancel all Easter services and activities. That will include the Community

Easter Egg Hunt, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These yearly, holy events will happen whether we are physically together or not. Here is an opportunity to create new worship experiences with your own family to remember and honor these special days of our faith.Online videos will be available for most services. Watch your email and weekly Mini Gleams for more information.

Special NotesThe Carona Virus can’t stop fundraising for the Capital campaign at Baden UMC! Another $28.02 was added to the profit of the candy sale bring the total to $289.46. Once again thank you to all who purchased Holman’s Easter candy and to Bill Alberts for his faithful service.

Those serving on church committees and boards should watch their emails and text for instructions and information about meeting arrangements for the next month.

UMCOR Sunday is postponed until a later date when we are back worshipping together.

While you are at home, doing more cooking, you might need some new

interesting recipes. . .Church Cookbooks are still available.

Cost is only $15!Contact the Church Office

Small Groups Online Meeting This Week

Zoom MeetingsMonday, April 6- 2:00 PM (From Your Home) (Sherin’s Home Group) Monday, April 6- 7:30 PM (From Your Home) (Braner’s Home Group)Thursday, April 9 - 7:00 PM (From Your Home) (VanDeCar’s Home)

Facebook MeetingDaily - Monday - Saturday on the church Facebook page

Help for the HomelessBring your new or gently used clothing, coats, jackets, blankets, shoes and placing them in the bin in the entryway. Toiletries are also needed. Cash donations are accepted and used to purchase specific needs of the shelters. If you have any questions or would like to help, contact Nemorio Ramirez at 724-709-3177.

Word for the Day: Please take time to ponder the Word of God each day. Here are the Lenten Scriptures we will be considering. If you are a Facebook member join us at our BUMC Small Group Bible Study. You’ll have the opportunity to see how your brothers and sisters in Christ are touched by God’s truth and you can add your thoughts as well. If you are not on Facebook discuss the scriptures with your family and friends or form a phone study buddy with a fellow church member.

(To reach the online study go to the church Facebook page. Click the groups tab on the left hand side and join the small group study.)

Thursday, April 2: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Friday, April 3: And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Saturday, April 4: The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. James 5:15

Sunday, April 5: Palm Sunday. Worship with us online. Find our weekly video service at Badenumc.org or on our Baden United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Monday, April 6: But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Tuesday, April 7: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

Wednesday, April 8: Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the LORD shall prosper. Isaiah 53:10

Thursday, April 9: Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, Hebrews 5:8-9

Friday, April 10: But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Saturday, April 11: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Save the Date for This Year’s VBS July 13 -17

Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky Railway!On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. Each day at Rocky Railway VBS, kids will track through field-tested activities that will reinforce relevant Bible Points and immerse the children in new adventures.

Everyone’s help will be needed to make this VBS a huge success. Mark your calendars now and set these days aside for volunteering. Lisa McCutcheon will head up this year’s program for the children.

This summer Baden UMC will once again team up with the YMCA to provide a free hot lunch for the children of the area. The program will run from June 8 through August 21. All children and youth under the age of 19 are welcome to attend. Any child under the age of 5 years must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. The food will be prepared at a local school and delivered to the church by the YMCA.

At least 3 volunteers are needed each week day from 12:00, noon, until 1:00 p.m. A mandatory training meeting will take place in May. All volunteers need to attend the training class and have current child abuse clearances on file in the church office. Contact Esther Hallas (724-869-4739) if you are interested in helping.

LO OK I NG A H E A D

2020 Church Photo Directory Photo Make up Day Thursday, May 14

We want everyone to be included in our new directory! If you were unable to make the last photo day see Esther Hallas today to make your appointment. The make up day has been set for May 14, and appointments are available from noon until 9:00PM. If you have questions contact Esther (724-869-2536).

Rockin’Rachel’s Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Postponed until further notice Contact Ray or Chrissy Smith 724-869-2647

Annual Church PicnicJune 14

Everyone is Welcome!

Summer Lunch Program

Volunteers Needed

Information about summer camp is now available! Go to the camp web sites and see what exciting adventures are waiting for your children this summer.

Jumonville.org, Wesley Woods.com & Camp Allegheny.orgCamperships are available through the Endowment fund to help defray the cost.