On Saturday March 31, at 7:30 PM,

FUMC will present the 3rd Annual Easter

Eve Concert! This year’s event will

feature Gustav Mahler’s epic

Symphony No. 2, “The Resurrection.”

The full orchestra, under the direction of

Brian Norcross, will include members of

the Allegro Orchestra of Lancaster,

students from the Allegretto Youth

Orchestra, members of FUMC, and

members of the F&M Orchestra. In

addition, the FUMC Chancel Choir will

be singing, along with soloists Amy

Yovanovich, mezzo soprano;

and Kristin Sims, soprano.

As in the past, while the music is being

performed, a team of artists led by

Brian Lehman will create an Easter

painting. The team of artists will include

Joanne Stephan, Cherie Sikking, Erica

Kabbeko, and Brian Lehman.

This is an Easter worship/artistic

experience like none other! This is a

perfect time to invite family and friends

to experience the miracle of the

resurrection through the powerful music

of Gustav Mahler and the talented

hands of our visual artists!

2

Traditional Worship 8:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.

Contemporary

Worship 9:30 a.m.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

3

Bishop Peggy Johnson and District Superintendent B.K. Chung have appointed the Rev. Janet L. Saddel

to become the new associate pastor of First United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2018.

Rev. Saddel was ordained an elder in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 2004, and has served in three

congregations in our conference since 2001. For the last seven years, she has been senior pastor of St. Paul’s

UMC in Warrington, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A graduate of West Chester University (BA in

Philosophy) and Asbury Seminary in Kentucky (M.Div.), Janet has a strong track record as a pastor, Bible

study teacher and missionary. She served for a year as missionary in Siberia, Russia in the 1990s, where she

heard God’s call to ordained pastoral ministry. Her gifts for ministry include preaching, teaching, worship

leadership and administration.

“The appointment is a little out of the box,” Pastor Joe DiPaolo commented.

“We were expecting someone fresh out of seminary whom we would have to

train. But Janet comes with years of experience and can hit the ground running.

I am especially excited about her passion for mission, which is very much in sync

with First Church’s DNA.”

The appointment was a surprise to Rev. Saddel, who was not looking to

move, but was attracted to the many ministries of outreach and mission here at

First UMC. “With each passing day I become more excited about this new

venture,” she said, and after a warm embrace by the members of our SPRC,

wrote, “I am looking forward to coming onboard and working alongside these

wonderful people.”

We also look forward to getting to know Janet, and having her share in the

leadership of First Church!

Welcome our New Associate Pastor

Rev. Janet L. Saddel

CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT are a definite day brightener for those who are incarcerated and

away from their family and friends. A note from "church folks" could help provide a connection to

their home community. If you would like to send a card to two of our church family, we're sure they

would appreciate it! You must use only white envelopes with handwritten addresses- no sticky labels!

BEN FOWLER NA4780 301 Morea Rd., Frackville, PA 17932

FELINA BILLETDEAUX 0M9919 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238

Friends and

Family Update

On January 7th,

the Sacrament of

Baptism was

experienced by

Beau Hiroshi

Marchessault and

Ellie Kohana

Marchessault,

twin children of

Steven & Heather

Marchessault

Baptism

Barbara Buchholtz

January 24, 2018 ~ ~ ~ ~

Thomas Leeper

January 25, 2018 ~ ~ ~ ~

Margaret Alexander

January 29, 2018 ~ ~ ~ ~

Shirley McCreary

February 2, 2018

Gone to Heaven Audrey Brinton

8 Conestoga Dr

Apt 220

Lititz, PA 17543

~ ~ ~ ~

Matthew &

Stephanie Klein

250 Elm Street

Lancaster, PA

17603-3413

New Address

4

“Discovery Corner Preschool” Happenings

Love was in the air at DCP during the month of February! Stories of sharing, caring and

being kind to others was the theme. Valentine’s Day brought cards and candies to friends and

teachers. The happy faces of the children gave the day a special glow!

The annual Super Bowl sub sale was a great success thanks to our church family, friends

and preschool families. The preschool families sold more than 124 subs and purchased over 25

vouchers! This sub sale is a wonderful way for the families to take part in helping to earn money

for DCP. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

The children are once again able to exchange books in the library each week. Library time

is a time for a read-aloud story and to select a book to take home and share with their families.

At least once a month, Miss Marty, lead teacher in the three year old class, arranges for a

guest reader to come and share a story with the children. In February, Maylene Garret read a

story and shared with the students her many marathon medals she has won! It was a wonderful

way to introduce the idea of the Olympics to young learners. The three’s class also made

cardboard torches, and they held “bobsled” races down a sliding board with stuffed animals.

The two year old class, led by Miss Alice, has been busy learning about love, the color pink,

the number 6 and all about Valentine’s Day. Our Pre-K class, taught by Miss Mandee, has been

busy learning sight words, letters, numbers, and learning about the fruits of the spirit.

Discovery Corner Preschool is a great place to learn and to be with friends!

NEWS OF THE WORLD by Paulette Jiles (National Book Award Finalist—Fiction)

In the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant

news reader agrees to transport a young captive of

the Kiowa back to her people in this exquisitely

rendered, morally complex, multilayered novel of

historical fiction that explores the boundaries of

family, responsibility, honor, and trust.

In the wake of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle

Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live

readings from newspapers to paying audiences

hungry for news of the world. An elderly widower who

has lived through three wars and fought in two of

them, the Captain enjoys his rootless, solitary

existence.

In Wichita Falls, he is offered a $50 gold piece to

deliver a young orphan to her relatives in San

Antonio. Four years earlier, a band of Kiowa raiders

killed the child's parents; sparing the little girl, they

raised her as one of their own. Recently rescued by

the U.S. army, the ten-year-old has once again been

torn away from the only home she knows.

Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled

territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at

times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English

language, tries to escape at every opportunity,

throws away her shoes, and refuses to act “civilized.”

Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors

tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond

that marks the difference between life and death in

this treacherous land.

Arriving in San Antonio, the reunion is neither happy

nor welcome. The captain must hand Johanna over

to an aunt and uncle she does not remember and

who regard her as an unwanted burden. A

respectable man, Captain Kidd is faced with a

terrible choice: abandon the girl to her fate or

become—in the eyes of

the law—a kidnapper

himself.

Come join the

conversation in the

Appenzeller Chapel

on Friday, March 16

at 9:30 AM!

Printed copies of our 2017 Annual Report are available at the

Welcome Center or you may access it online

at our website: www.engagegodfirst.org

5

PRAYER CIRCLES

Embracing Prayer Visually

Come join Brian Lehman in the art studio

on Sunday morning, March 11th during the

Sunday school hour (9:30-10:30) to extend your

prayer experience into a visual circle. No skills are

needed as the experience will involve nothing more

than cutting and pasting and a little thought about

the abstract elements of select scriptural references to

prayer. Participants can work in groups or

independently. While the session is an extension of

our 40 Days of Prayer, all adults are welcome to

participate. Bring your 40 Days of Prayer text to

reference. Email Brian Lehman at

brian_lehman@hempfieldsd.org

to reserve a spot.

The first New Member Class for

2018, beginning Sunday,

April 8th from 9:30-10:30 a.m.,

is an Introduction to First

Church staff, members and

programs. On Saturday,

April 14th from 9 a.m. - noon,

Pastor Joe shares the Story of

Salvation and Understanding

the United Methodist Church.

The next day, Sunday April 15th

from 9:30 -10:30 a.m., Pastor

Eddie presents the Means of

Grace. The Ritual of

Membership will be

celebrated on Sunday,

April 22nd at the worship

service of your choice.

If you feel God leading you

to membership at First

Church, or if you have any

questions, feel free to contact

Pastor Joe or Katherine Spear

at 717-394-7231.

April 8 - April 14 - April 15

We can think of Lent as a time to eradicate evil or cultivate virtue, a time to pull up weeds or plant good seeds. Which is better is

clear, for the Christian ideal is always positive rather than negative. - Ven. Fulton J. Sheen

The Holy Land Pilgrimage January 2018

Bricks of mud and straw

In Cana, we saw a stone jar similar to

the ones where Jesus turned water

into wine at the wedding feast.

In Galilee, we visited Capharnrum

(Capernaum), the town from

which Jesus traveled, taught and

healed around the Sea of Galilee.

The apostle Peter lived in this

fishing town with his wife. Jesus

healed Peter’s mother-in-law here.

In Bethlehem we were dinner

guests in the homes of Palestinian

Christians who shared the

sufferings they are experiencing at

the hands of Israeli government. Touching the ancient stones at the Wailing

Wall, which supports the Western Wall of

the Temple Mount, energized our prayers.

The first stop was the UNESCO

wonder at Petra. Val Cifuni walks the path

leading to the spectacular Treasury.

In Jerusalem we walked the Via Dolorosa. On the crowded street, similar to the

packed streets during Passover in Jesus’ time, we prayed at the stations of the

cross amidst the merchant stands of the day. 6

Grateful for the

enriching pilgrimage:

(right to left)

Front- Pastor Joe,

Sue DiPaolo, Renee

Dolly, Delores Gareis,

Katherine Spear, Sandy

McCann, Barb Greiner,

Kate Beiler Toner,

Correen Russo, Anne

Griswold, Valerie Cifuni

Back– Sarah Young

Fisher, Danie Diehl, John

Gareis, Tim DiPaolo,

Rick McCann, Jeff

Greiner, Don Griswold,

Marc Russo

Talking with new friends who

left us with a hug and kiss.

Kate Beiler Toner and

Renee Dolly at the

Mediterranean Sea

Dramatically reading the story of Cornelius’

Christian conversion (Acts 10) on the

ancient & still used stage at Caesarea

Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee

Valerie Cifuni, Sarah Fisher and

Katherine Spear on camelback.

InsideOut Youth

30-Hour Fast

“Hunger Olympics” April 20 - 21

InsideOut Youth 30-Hour Fast is approaching! Our goal is to

raise awareness of hunger both outside our doorsteps and

worldwide. This year’s theme is “Hunger Olympics” in honor

of our recent Winter Olympics! Information about how

youth register and to volunteer will be on the church

website by mid-March and on the “Fast Table” in the

Gathering Place during April. Youth in 6th-12th grades may

participate! Youth are encouraged to pick a country to

represent and form a team of 4-6 participants. Or they can

wait to be assigned a country to represent on April 20.

Congregation involvement is encouraged in many ways!

Everyone is invited to join the “Break the Fast” Meal and

worship on Saturday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. The Fast event

needs volunteers to help with set up and preparation

during the week prior and on Friday April 20; preparing

and serving the “break the fast” meal on April 21; and help

with clean up. As in the past, participants will seek

sponsors to raise funds for their fast. We will strive to reach

fun goals like last year, which will be announced in March!

On Sunday, April 22 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm, the groups will

be doing various service projects. Some ways we want to

serve include helping you to clean, assisting with yard or

house projects, or helping you with projects for your business

or organization. If a group comes out to help, you can

make a donation towards their fast! Donations raised this

year will support our Compassion Child, Iggy, from Rwanda

and another local non-profit. Contact Fast Coordinator

Kate Beiler Toner at 717-394-7231 ex 307 or

youth@engagegodfirst.org if you are available to

help volunteer, donate, or with potential service projects.

Thank you for your support!

8

Youth Minister Kate Beiler Toner and some of the Youth Leadership will

attend “An Evening with Nadia Boltz- Weber” on Saturday, April 28 at

7:00 p.m. at Lampeter-Strasburg School's Performing Arts Center.

Nadia is a Lutheran pastor; a New York Times bestselling author; and

founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints, an Evangelical

Lutheran Church of America congregation in Denver, Colorado.

Heavily tattooed and often profane, she is someone who takes an unusual approach to church. She herself is

a recovering addict who has created a congregation that is open to those struggling with addiction, as well

as persons who are uncomfortable in traditional churches. Nadia will speak about her own faith journey and

her vision for the changing church. If you would like to go with the group, Kate will purchase tickets on

MARCH 11. Cost is $29/ticket. Please email Kate at youth@engagegodfirst.org to reserve your ticket!

Future trip to think about... Bluefields, Nicaragua which will be a “Youth & Arts”

centered mission trip happening in early 2019!

More information will be released about the

trip and registration in the fall.

Our Youth Leadership has organized a mission trip

to Houston, Texas for Hurricane Harvey Relief with

the organization Praying Pelican Missions.

Thousands of homes had significant water

damage, displacing over 30,000 people. Not only

were homes damaged, but also businesses,

schools and more. Praying Pelican Missions has

worked hard to find church partners within the

Houston area to support them in long-term

efforts. They have opened multiple trip dates for

teams to come alongside these churches as they

serve their communities. First Church Youth has

reserved 10 youth spots and 4 adult spots for the

week of July 14-21! Teams will assist with cleanup,

clear out, and repair of water damaged homes,

as well as other projects identified by our partner

churches, and connecting and

caring for the people of the

community. Our group will do

fund raising for this trip; spots will

be first come, first serve with a

commitment by March 11.

Contact Trip Coordinator and

Youth Minister, Kate Beiler Toner

with questions at

youth@engagegodfirst.org

or 717-394-7231.

9

11

In our previous articles we

reviewed the quest of the United

Methodist Church to create a

coherent identity since its creation

in 1968; we considered

demographic changes which have

transformed the UMC into a global

body; and we examined the

deepening divide between

traditionalists and progressives, over

the flashpoint issue of sexuality, and

the threat of schism. During the

2016 General Conference, schism

was averted by empowering our

bishops to find a way for the church

to retain its unity amid deep

disagreement. They appointed a

“Commission on a Way Forward,”

consisting of leaders from across

theological spectrum. This body has

recently completed its work, and its

final recommendations now reside

with the Council of Bishops. The

Bishops will decide by early May

what they will propose to the

special session of General

Conference, in February 2019. Their

proposal(s) must be formally

presented by July 8, but we may

know well before then.

So what may the future hold? Is

there a “Way Forward” for the

UMC? According to information

made public by the Way Forward

body, there are three possible

scenarios that could be proposed

by the bishops for adoption by the

2019 General Conference.

1) The Traditionalist Model

This plan would retain traditional

language and rules about marriage

and sexuality, and strengthen

measures to hold clergy and

congregations accountable to the

Book of Discipline. Individuals,

clergy, and congregations

(perhaps whole Annual

Conferences) could be allowed to

leave the denomination with their

property if they are unwilling to

abide by church teaching and

church law.

2) The Centrist (or “Local Option”)

Model

This plan would allow local

churches and clergy to decide

where they stood on human

sexuality. It would remove

traditional language and

disciplinary rules about marriage

and ordination, while also

incorporating protections for clergy

whose conscience would not

permit them to perform same-sex

weddings, or participate in

ordaining “self-avowed, practicing

homosexuals.”

3) The Multi Branch Model

This plan would restructure the

denomination to create two (or

more) “branches” within United

Methodism, along theological lines.

These would function separately

regarding conferences, episcopal

elections, appointments and

ordination, but still relate to each

other under a common umbrella of

bodies like UMCOR, the publishing

house, or the pension board.

There are problems with each.

Model 1 is essentially a continuation

of current policy, and has the votes;

but will it be enforced, as it has not

heretofore? Model 2 has been

proposed before with little support,

and appears (to many) to be a

recipe for chaos and conflict at the

local level. Model 3 requires a two-

thirds majority vote by the

delegates in 2019 AND by all

Annual Conferences afterward,

which is very hard to get. Add to

that the fact that the 2019

delegates could modify or even

reject all three options in favor of

something else. It is possible that no

consensus will be reached, and

nothing will be done.

So where does this leave us? Very

uncertain indeed! Now is the time

to pray for God to do something

unexpected, and to show us the

way forward.

THE DIS-UNITED METHODIST CHURCH? Part 5: Is There a Way Forward?

By Pastor Joe DiPaolo

United First

29 East Walnut Street

Lancaster PA 17602

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LANCASTER PA PERMIT NO. 1223

Registration: 12:00 PM Egg Hunt: 1:00 PM

@ Musser Park 135 N Lime St, Lancaster

In case of rain, the Egg Hunt

will move indoors to First UMC

For children ages 3 - 5th grade