Mt. Olivet UMC

315 High Street

Seaford, DE 19973

302-629-4458

FAX: 302-629-4452

Email: secretary.mtolivet@gmail.com

Web Site:

www.mountolivetseaford.org

Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 9a.m. – 1 p.m.

The LORD has told you

what is good, and this is what

he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Mt. Olivet Preschool will be starting a new year in just a few days, then Sunday School begins on September 10th. That’s the cue that summer is over and we are beginning a new season. At church, this new sea-son is already full of plans, we are preparing for World Communion Sunday, Homecoming, All Saints’ Sunday and Thanksgiving, and many more projects and celebrations. Most of us already have lots of personal and family plans as well, and a busy calendar for the Fall. Here’s the way my personal calendar fills up: whenever I agree to meet someone, I put it in my calendar, whenever I agree to do something, I put it in my calendar, whenever I have a regularly scheduled meeting, I put it in my calendar. It’s a pretty straightforward pro-cess, as long as I remember to put it in my calendar. And eventually, my cal-endar gets full, and I have to start declining invitations and meetings and other opportunities. Here what I don’t do. I don’t schedule time off in my calen-dar. I don’t evaluate any appointments, except to check and see whether or not I have the time available. I don’t ask if an event is important, I don’t ask if it gets me any closer to the things that are important to me. I don’t ask, “Why?”. It wouldn’t be difficult to change that pattern. I could schedule my time off in the same way as I do every other meeting and appointment. I could give priority to scheduling opportunities that actively develop my faith, strengthen my family, and enhance my work. This verse, Micah 6:8, helps me to remember quite simply where I need to focus my attention every day.

Grace & Peace, Pastor Christine

1 Pastor Christine

2 Attendance/Misc.

3 Bulletin Board

4 Sept. Bdays &

Anniversaries

5 Misc.

6 Conference/Misc.

7 Harvest Article

8 Roof

9 Misc.

10 Stewardship Perspective

11 Stewardship/

Homecoming

12 Unplugged Article

13 Article Writers/Online

Giving

14&15 Youth Ministry

16 Preschool

17 Education

18 Autumn Reflections Art.

19 Recipe Corner

20 Blog/Random Thoughts

21 Graduates

22 Choir/Rules to live by

23 Love Inc

24 Calendar

What’s INSIDE

September 2017

The MESSENGER

A Publication of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church

2

September 2017 The Messenger

August ATTENDANCE

Worship

8:30 11:00 Total Aug. 6 27 53 80 Aug. 13 52 99 151 Aug. 20 25 53 78 Aug. 27 34 63 97

Altar Flower Coordinator & Sign-ups Needed!

Please sign up on the sheet on the Church Bulletin Board. If

the Sunday you want is already taken, just add your name, too.

We can have more than one arrangement. Write the exact

wording you wish to be in the bulletin and please “PRINT”.

The cost of flowers is $15.00. Please note Flowers on the

Memo Line of your check.You may take your flowers home with

you after the last service or you may pick them up on Monday.

Our Altar Flower Calendar is full. Thank you so much!

secretary.mtolivet

@gmail.com

Our Mission and Vision

B.L.E.S.S.

We exist as a people together to... BRING people into a relationship with Jesus Christ; LEAD people into commitment to God; ENABLE people to grow in Chris tian living, unity & worship SEND people into the world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ; SO that God is glorified.

Regular Services

Sunday 8:30 AM: Informal Service

in our Chapel

9:45 AM: Sunday School

11:00 AM: Traditional

Service in our Sanctuary

We have child care available

from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

every Sunday.

NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.mountolivetseaford.org

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SAVE THE DATES See Calendar for complete list

Sept. 4 Labor Day–Ofc. Closed Sept. 5 5 p. Teen Challenge Dinner 7 p. SPRC, Lounge Sept. 10 12:15 p. Preschool Bd. Meeting, Choir Rm Sept. 11 7 p. Finance, Lounge Sept 12 6:30, Prayer Shawl, Lounge Sept. 17 NOON, Youth Lunch 1 p. Council, Lounge Sept. 18 7 p. Bd. of Trustees Mtg., Lounge Sept. 19 6 p. UMM Dinner, Fel lowship Hall Sept. 20 NOON, Lunch Bunch Fellowship Hall Sept. 26 6 p., Lydia Circle, Lounge

The next MESSENGER will be the

October Issue

Articles are due Sept 15th or before!

If you serve as a chair of a committee,

please submit an article. If you have a

praise, blessing or testimony you want to

share, please do so. Pictures are

requested of everything that happens so

please send me pictures!!!!!

LUNCH BUNCH

Wednesday

September 20th!

It is the place to be!

Thank you to everyone that donated

school supplies again this year. The

need is greater than ever and your do-

nations were so appreciated. Thank

you so much. Al Hastings delivered

everything to St. John’s.

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2 Garrett & Christy Sammons 16 Jerry & Suzanne Barnes

8 Bill & Bev Roupp (55 Years) 22 Mike & Suzette Kraft

Scott & Debbie Morgan 29 Randy & Ann Sammons

1 Richard W. Taylor 11 Curtis Carneal 20 Gracyn Harrison

Terri Roscoe 12 Teresa Lindell 21 Karen Owens

2 Lauren Harrison 15 Cason Willey Kris Mitchell

4 Bill Zemitis 16 Katherine Livingston 22 Chris Milligan

5 Luther Lee, Jr. Kim Marine Bill Roupp

6 Kathryn Andersen Matthew Wasson Shannon Bradley

8 April Cheesman 17 Lois Ewing (91) 23 Alan Longstreet

9 Judy Evans Kevin Beard Ben Cole

10 Eleanor Hickey (91) Kyle Shockley Emily Genshaw

Dorothy Bongard Max Massey-Johnson 24 Trevor Whaley

Ann Covey 19 Rachel Fry 25 Leigha Fry

11 Connie Chapman 20 Kelly Sellers 26 Jason Genshaw

27 Bruce Vincent

31 Pam Stroud

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Notes from Home: by Davena Hardy

Please contact the office if you know of anyone we should add to this ministry.

Seaford School District Summer Food

Service Program The congregation of Mount Olivet is working to build

relationships with all of our neighbors. So, we were excited

to receive an invitation from the Seaford School District to

participate in their Summer Food Program this year.

A free lunch was available for every child, 18 years

and under, who came to our door. The food was provided by

the Nutrition Services Department of the Seaford School Dis-

trict.

Thanks to our Site Coordinators; Alisha Carneal, Virginia

Lankford, Linda Rose, and David Tull for sharing so much

of your time to make this possible. And thanks as well to

every one of our daily volunteers.

‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been

faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give

you many more responsibilities. Matthew 25:21

Labor Day, like many of our other National Holidays, honors a time of great struggle, and people of great commitment and courage. After the sales and the picnics and the parades, we often neglect the history which the day commemorates. Memorial Day, The 4th of July, and Veteran’s Day all ask us to recall the sacrifices which gave us our freedom. Labor Day recalls the sacrifices of the men and women who did not wear military uniforms, but built the country which our founders envisioned and our military secured. Pastor Christine

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Mt. Olivet U.M.C. Church Conference 2017 will be held

October 18, 2017 @ 6:30 p.m.

in the Chapel

Please consider attending our Church Conference this year. We will re-

view the past year, discuss our goals for 2018, and elect the new class

of officers for 2018-2020. (full members may vote.)

‘4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with

Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

(Romans 12:4-5, NLT)

September 2017

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The Messenger

By Chris Milligan

When you are riding down all the country roads this time of year and you see vegetable stands, workers in the fields loading buses with watermelons and combines and tractors everywhere, doesn’t it just warm your heart and give you cold chills to think about what a miracle the growing and harvest seasons are. What a gift from God! My daughter and son-in-law are farmers. Their 4 kids are learning all about it, too. This is how they make their living and what trust that takes, not just in their ability to do the hard work, but true faith in God to provide for their family and also countless others. They did the work. They had the faith. They watched the seed grow. They har-vest the crops. They are thankful to God for his blessings. I am thankful to God that He is bless-ing them. We are all thankful that the fruits of a farmer’s labor will mean so much to others. If you ate anything today, thank God for the farmers and their families for the bounty we take for grant-ed.

Do you need a miracle harvest in your life today? A harvest of healing, a breakthrough of sorts, a financial increase, or favor? That's what this season is all about! When God gave us Jesus, He gave us the His most precious seed. Then He demonstrated His in-credible power when He raised Jesus from the dead. Notice--it was God's seed that met His need. He needed to save mankind, so He sowed the seed of His son. Jesus compared His death on the cross to the planting of a seed: "Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:24). If we need a miracle harvest in our lives, we need to plant a seed. First, we must plant the seed of God's Word. Jesus said, "the sower sows the Word". The Word of God has the power to bring the harvest we need. When we hide the Word in the soil of our heart, the Bible says, "Everything hid-den is going to be revealed." In other words, when we hide God's Word in our heart, the harvest of healing or wisdom or favor, etc., is going to manifest in our lives. Then we need to thank God for what He has already done. Whenever we see believers praising God in the scriptures, we always see miracles, signs and wonders, and the power of God. 2 Corinthians 9 says, He multiplies the seeds we sow, so we will always have full sufficiency in eve-rything. This cycle of planting and harvesting is a miracle. Try to stop and notice the miracle of everyday things. Most importantly we should plant the seed of God’s word in our hearts and we will see what we sow.

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The Messenger

U

UPDATED SPECIAL DONATION REQUEST

One year ago, Mt. Olivet was faced with a very difficult financial situa-tion. Our cash flow to pay for rou-tine church expenses was negative

yet our roof was leaking and the shingles were coming apart. There was no option but to re-place and install a new roof. The cost of the roof turned out to be $98,544. To deal with the situation, we were able to apply $50,000 from the Daudt Fund and use our line of credit to fi-nance the remainder. Since that time, we have installed the new roof and financially have been unbelievably blessed! Here are the details:

Total Cost of Roof $ 98,544.00

Daudt Fund ( 50,000.00)

Development District Grant #1 ( 19,709.00)

Development District Grant #2 ( 9,854.00)

2016 Congregation Donations ( 11,325.00)

2017 Congregation Donations as of 7/1 ( 3,724.00)

Interest on Loan ( 1,692.00)

Net Balance $ 5,603.00

Clearly, the Lord has provided each of us a church, protected from the elements and we are very thankful!

Our cash flow situation is still an issue. The Church Council, Finance Committee, and the Trustees have approved an approach to deal with our challenge as follows:

1. Clear our loan debt. 2. Focus on costs/donations for cash flow once the debt is eliminated.

On strategy #1, we are asking each member of the congregation for a special donation. If each donor gave an additional $75-$100 over their current donation level, the debt would be elimi-nated. Some may be able to do more. Let us all do what we are able and eliminate the debt. We can do it together!.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Betty Wilbanks, Church Council Chairperson Bev Vollmer, Trustees Chairperson Bill Slack, Finance Committee Chairperson

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Prayer Shawl will resume meetings the second Tuesday in Sep-tember. We are excited to have a few new members.

Recently there has been an increased call for our prayer shawls

and mini shawls. It is a blessing to be contacted by church mem-

bers who are ministering to friends and neighbors who could use

encouragement when dealing with a challenging life situation.

Though we have a group who make the shawls we rely on the

church membership to identify and distribute the shawls. You too

can be part of the Special Delivery Team!

Just a Head’s Up Church Family!

It is getting close to the time to be thinking about Operation Christmas Child. Let’s have one explosive year with our box-

es! So many children are blessed by this ministry. Pick up items when school supplies go on sale. I will let you know

when you can get boxes but please start shopping the sales as they come up. If you have any questions, please contact Pau-

la Wells. As always, thank you for your support.

Paula Wells

You heard it here ….. Sunday School

starts on September 10th from 9:45 a.m. –

10:45 a.m. We have classes for everyone

so please join us for the fellowship, learn-

ing and the blessings.

September 2017

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The Messenger

THE STEWARDSHIP PERSPECTIVE

Year-to-Date

CURRENT STEWARDSHIP PERSPECTIVE

“. . .the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Giving Summary Average

prev. 3 yrs. 2016 2017

to-date

Year to date (Jan-Jul) $119,320 $123,094 $116,559 July $15,140 $16,222 $15,606 Expense Summary Total income: $15,606.55 Total expenses: $16,715.65 Deficit for the month of July $1,109.10 Largest operating expense category: Payroll Expenses Largest ministry expense category: Missions/Outreach Our largest overall Ministry Outreach expense was our own time, running the Summer Food Program. (Ap-prox. 240 hours) We did not have any direct financial expense for this Outreach. Please keep the roof fund in your prayers. We are so close to clearing it completely! With your help, we can fin-ish before the end of August.

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Does God need our offerings?

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be

food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty,

“and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven

and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room

enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:8)

No, God doesn’t need our offerings. Think about it, is it possible that the almighty, eternal, creating

God could need anything that we have to bring? Could anything that we offer add anything to God, could

anything we keep to ourselves diminish God? No, God doesn’t need our gifts. Still, God insists throughout

scripture that we bring our tithes and offerings to God’s treasury. Why then? The only alternative must be

that, for some reason, we need to give to God. Not that we can give, not that we should give, but that we

need to give to God. When we understand this, stewardship becomes an opportunity and not a chore.

Look and listen for more about our stewardship opportunities throughout the month of September.

Homecoming 2017

All Day Sunday October 15th

Put this date on your calendar now! Celebrate God’s work through Mt. Olivet,

past, present and future

Here’s what to expect: Early Service 8:30-9:30 Fellowship Breakfast 9:30-10:45 Service in the Sanctuary 11:00-12:30 Lunch & other activities 12:20-2:00 Celebration: Music and Memories 2:30-4:00

You can come when you want to and leave when you want to, or come and go all day! We are invit-ing everyone we can find who has ever gone to church here, previous pastors And musicians who have played or sung here over the years. (Kevin Chamberlin has confirmed for the afternoon) We want to in-clude everyone who has contributed to the legacy of Mt. Olivet in service of God here in this community. Look for more details in the bulletin and on the website between now and then, and plan to come out and enjoy the day.

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Do you ever come uplugged? By Chris Milligan

I surely do. Sometimes it is by accident, sometimes I pull the plug and sometimes Sa-tan pulls the plug or I am influenced to pull the plug. My head tells me I know everything sometimes. Do you think the religious people in Jesus’ time thought they had everything figured out? They were good at making rules and then more rules for the rules that already existed not to even mention the people of

the Old Testament. Kind of what lawmakers do today. We have laws about everything but the law sometimes isn’t enforced so we make new laws to clarify the laws that already exist. Many people, including myself, miss the point about religion because they think that the Bible is a conduct code they must live by. The Bible is about the opportunity to know Jesus. It tells us about God who made everything and how God was part of the world. It is about how we drifted away from God and how God created a way back to Himself through Jesus Christ. What it isn’t is a code of conduct, at least not to me.

I feel like we are born with a certain amount of hardwiring and that everyone is wired differently. I think God gave us free will but He also installed some hard-wiring as to what our gifts, talents, and even weaknesses would be. Figuring out how one is wired can be a steep hill to climb sometimes. I think I have sometimes tried to live by someone else’s hardwiring and it just didn’t work. I forgot to live the full adventure of my life, my wiring, my crea-tivity because I was so influenced or controlled by others. I wasn’t fully engaged in my own life or looking to live out God’s plan for my life. During some periods of my life, I didn’t even want God in it at all. I just pulled the plug and it generally took something major to plug in again.

I have allowed my wiring to become entangled with other’s wiring and it usually turns out badly. I can’t carry on a new attitude, service to God’s Kingdom, love for my fellow man and so forth on internal wiring that has not been updated and kept fresh. Old wiring just doesn’t jive with creativity and new ideas. And then there is Satan waiting around every corner to unplug me. Satan doesn’t want me feeling fresh and renewed and ready to do God’s busi-ness here on this earth. My internal wiring was like spaghetti and I am just now getting some of it sorted out and cleaned up. I don’t know about you but I need internal maintenance quite often.

I try to pay attention to how something feels in my heart, not so much in my head. There are certainly times when it is nice if the two work together but they usually don’t in my case. My heart tells me one thing and my head tells me something else. It makes it hard, at least for me, to determine what God wants for me. Most of the time I ei-ther get it wrong or take it right out of God’s hands because I am not patient enough to wait for an answer. Are any of you like that? I also think that in many cases, God leads me to the answer but I just ignore it or don’t want to see it and just go about it all wrong. If I am doing my daily maintenance in reading the Bible and praying, the answer is often staring me right in the face but then sometimes Satan unplugs me and I miss it. I think the way one keeps their hardwiring updated is that daily time with God. If you are coming unplugged ask yourself if you are taking time for that daily God fix. If not, make time for it. It is really the best way to stay plugged in to God so when you need an answer, you recognize what God is saying to you. Take 15 minutes. It makes all the difference.

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SEARCHING………….

I still am looking for some stories of faith from this wonder-ful congregation. I want to put your stories in the Messen-ger instead of mine. Come on now….contact Chris so I have a couple at least for the October Messenger. You may think what you have to say is silly or unimportant or doesn’t need to be said but someone may be helped by how you dealt with an issue in your life or get so much from a blessing or an answer to prayer that you have received. If what you write touches one heart, it was important to tell it. I am waiting patiently…..actually I don’t have a patient bone in my body so let’s get moving here….ok????? I will be happy to help you with it. I am waiting……..Don’t be chicken.

Share……..(Yes I know this isn’t a chicken because he is providing me an article. haha)

Online giving is available for most of the common types of giving. you may designate money to go to the operating budget or roof fund. You may pay for bulletin covers or flowers just to name a few. It is easy to use and it is safe. Instructions on how to set up an account can be found at Mt Olivet’s web site :www.mountolivetseaford.org. Click on Online Giving, click on

HERE in step 1.

Your e-mail account is used as your online giving username. Don’t want to set up an account; you can do Quick Give which takes you directly to a one time giving form. Online giving accepts debit cards, check cards, Visa, or Master Card. Why use online giving? Maybe all your other giving is done online. You can set up recurring amounts so that your contribution is given on the frequency that you want. Maybe you are going on vacation or unable to attend. An easy way to make sure your tithe still gets to Mount Olivet is to use online giving.

The options are very flexible. Let’s say you want to give $200 to the roof fund. You can set up a recurring amount of $20 per month for 10 months to happen on the 5th of the month.

Donations given online will be noted on your quarterly statements the same as donations given in the offering. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Sally Andersen or Scott Bagshaw.

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Cherokee Mission 2017

.

What an amazing God we serve! Cherokee mission trip 2017 was an absolute blessing. Our team

was the largest we have had in many years, there were 39 of us. God blessed us with the addition of

the team members from Union UMC in Bridgeville. It can sometimes be a challenge when you

bring so many new people at one time but I can say without a doubt that the two churches meshed

so well, we weren't the Mt. Olivet group and the Union group we were the Cherokee Mission

team/family from the moment we arrived in Cherokee.

We spent the week in service, fellowship and worship. There were four construction crews, a VBS

crew and the kitchen crew. The construction crews were busy putting on new roofs, building decks,

replacing decks and digging a lot of rocks, both big and small. The VBS crew were sharing the love

of Christ with some of the children of Cherokee. The kitchen team was shopping daily, prepping

and preparing meals for 40 plus each day.

The team got to spend Sunday af-

ternoon tubing down the French

Broad River in Asheville. We

went to the “Unto these Hills”

drama on Monday evening, this

isa great way to learn about the

history of the people we serve in

Cherokee. On Tuesday evening,

local artists came in to demon-

strate their crafts. There were

women that did beadwork, wove

baskets and made dreamcatchers.

On Wednesday night we were

blessed to hear stories from the

Beloved man of the tribe, Jerry

Wolf.

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We worshipped with our Cherokee friends

on Sunday morning, they always are so wel-

coming and happy to have us come "home".

We also held our own worship services on

Sunday, Wednesday and Friday nights.

Morning devotions were held at 7:00 am

every day, this is a great way to find our fo-

cus for the day of work ahead. Both the ser-

vices and devotions were led by team mem-

bers, some youth and adults.

Our theme verse was definitely lived out- as

we worked with enthusiasm for the Lord

throughout our time in Cherokee.

Thank you all for your prayers and your fin-

ical support of our trip, we couldn't

do it without you!

Hey guys, it's September so you know what

that means??? It's not just back to school- it's

back to youth group! We will have our kick off

meeting on September 10. We will meet right

after the late service up in fellowship hall.

Youth group is for youth that are in 6th grade

and up. This first meeting will be a time of

food, fun and fellowship, so both senior high

and junior high will meet together. Please in-

vite a friend to join you! I'm looking forward to

a great year. If you have any questions please

contact me- Kathy Whitaker at 841-8925 or

servehimincherokee@gmail.com

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Fall at Mt. Olivet Preschool

Getting Ready Once Again!

Planning sessions – check Staff in place - check Calendar set – check

Rooms set-up – check Student enrollment – looking good

Playground ready – progressing Parent Meeting – done

Student assessments - progressing Linda’s office – one can dream

Excitement, anticipation and wonder – every fall there is something new to think about as we pre-pare for another year of working with our preschool population. Our staff of five are all returning this year and we are delighted to be working together once again.

Our year begins in August with an evening Parent Meeting in the chapel with student assess-ments following later in the week. School opens Tuesday, September 5th as staff, students, and student transport providers begin a 9 month relationship. The short term plan has us making school t-shirts, visiting the Seaford Library, checking out the Jay’s Nest and that’s after everyone has gotten comfortable with our school space. Will keep you posted on our adventures as the year unfolds.

Please pray that God will continue to bless the preschool mission of Mt. Olivet as it serves the children of the community.

Linda

ATTENTION: The Preschool is in need of a cassette player that

works for our story telling time. If anyone has one they don’t

use or would like to donate one, either used or new, please see

Linda Stephenson! Thanks so much!

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EDUCATION AT MT OLIVET from Pastor Christine

• Wanted/needed – A teacher for our 4th & 5th grade

class!! This is a great group of young people & …..

We know it will be a fulfilling adventure. See Melissa Bagshaw or Val

Lejman.

• Sunday School will begin on September 10th with a

short (9:30 to 9:45) reception in the Lounge and

Adjacent hallway. There will be light refreshments .. Our

teachers and S.S. superintendent will be In the hallway to

meet and greet you and help you pick or find a class if

you are looking to join this year..

Do join!!! We have several adult classes and you will soon find it such a joy to be with your class!

If you have any questions, see either Melissa Bagshaw or Val Lejman - we would love to share

Information about our outstanding classes. All classes begin at 9:45 and our teachers would love

to Get started right on time – since there is always a lot of material to cover.

Well, just one teacher is needed for our 4th and 5th Grade Class

beginning September 10th. Please see Val Lejman or Melissa

Bagshaw for details. This will be such a fulfilling adventure for

you. We have a great group of kids in this class. Help us out!

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The Messenger

by Chris Milligan

Is everyone ready for school? Can you believe how quickly the summer went by? My favorite season is right around the cor-ner…..well Fall and then Christmas which I also love. Thanksgiv-ing is coming up in November. Fall colors will be everywhere and I like to cook so there will be turkey and cranberries, cookies and pies. It is way too hot in the summer for me. Spring is nice but I am not in love with pollen. I even like winter as I would rather be cold than hot!. So it is fall for me. The first day of Fall falls on my birthday, September 22nd so what is your favorite season?

Fall is beautiful. Everything that was thriving during the summer is now saying a gracious good-bye until next spring. The leaves just don’t fall off the trees just like that, they seem to go out in a magnificent dis-play of color little by little so we can enjoy the beauty. I feel like fall is a passing away of what was and saying Hello to a new season in my life. My soul gets cleared out and it allows me to renew myself.

I think I am in the autumn of my life as well and at times I am not real crazy over that. The autumn of life is a mix of memories, blessings, and potential. When life’s autumn arrived, I was able to look back and better understand the way God led me after I got over the fact that these may not just be the best days of my life but also the last days of it. Ha Ha!

The seasons come and go, so I must focus on the God who remains unchanging. I am painfully aware that kids no longer grow up like I did, in a world without a whole lot of fear. The nest is empty, friends have passed on, no more parents or grandparents to call or visit, and now I go to this doctor and that doc-tor to try to hold onto my vitality and health, but it is like I feel it slip away a little each day. Everything changes but God does not change. His character is always dependable. His truth, ways, and purposes do not change. His Son does not change. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. His children will en-joy His fellowship a million years from now. The world may fade, the stars may fall, the seasons may change, and winter may come but the God who has been my help in the past is my hope. In Him I have permanence, stability, joy, and life unending.

The autumn of life is a great time to focus on God’s wonderful blessings—family, friends, strength, shel-ter, provision, guidance, care, ministry, opportunities to serve, more time to pray and study His Word, and eternal life is still to come. During life’s autumn, I find I have a richer perspective and can count more blessings than ever before. Autumn is a good time to focus on my commitment to God. Some of the sad-dest words in the Bible are in Jeremiah 8:20, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Share the good news of Jesus Christ. Don’t let the summer pass in sadness. Rejoice!

I try to remain close to Him during the shifting seasons of life and I need His comfort and reassurance now more than ever. The autumn of life is a wonderful time of life that God has given me to enjoy and grow my faith and commitment. Many are taken before the autumn of their lives for one reason or anoth-er so I am grateful and blessed to have this time and I intend to make the best of it. The autumn of my life can be just as fulfilling as any other time of my life. Actually, it is proving to be more so as God has taught me so much over the years and blessed me abundantly. I still mess things up but now I give it more thought, you know so I don’t mess it up as bad as I would have.

Yes, I think the autumn of my life is proving to be the best time in my life, not the end of anything but a new beginning. Start fresh this fall. Let the bad fade away and begin anew.

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The Messenger

Recipe Corner. . . . . . by Chris Milligan

How much do you hate peeling hard boiled eggs? Well, it is right up there in my top

ten list of things I hate doing. Here is a way to do this that will be done so fast. It is

a must try. Put your eggs in a pan and enough cold water to cover them. When the

water comes to a full boil, take off the heat, put the lid on the pan and wait 15

minutes. When time is up, pour off the hot water and rinse eggs in cool water until

lukewarm. Pour off all but just a little of that water and add a little drizzle of vegeta-

ble oil. Put the lid on the pan and gently shake a few times. The egg shells will look

cracked and they slip right off in nothing flat. It works and now I boil eggs all the time. I used to avoid it

and just leave them out of recipes when I didn’t want to bother with peeling them but no hassle now!

Now who is ready for some Fall Harvest Apple Pie Muffins?

Yields 12 muffins

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice • 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup buttermilk • 1 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1 large egg • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples

For the crumb topping:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup rolled oats • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners; set aside. 1. To make the crumb topping, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and

butter in a small bowl; set aside. 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. 3. In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together the butter, buttermilk,

brown sugar, egg and vanilla. 4. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist. 5. Add the apples and gently toss to combine. (You don’t even have to peel them.) 6. Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin tray. Sprinkle with reserved topping, using

your fingertips to gently press the crumbs into the batter. 7. Place into oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center

comes out clean. 8. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. (Note: Add nuts if you like.)

September 2017

- 20 -

The Messenger

by Chris Milligan

Again this month I get to share some of my very random thoughts that went through

my head, most of which was when I was overheated. I will throw in

some useless tidbits of my life that may or may not interest you as

well. So here you go….Max, you know the dog that I own and now

love, who is some days a royal pain and other days is very coop-

erative, now will go into his kennel when told to do so. A major accomplishment for him and me. Of

course, his ears are dragging the floor as he slowly (and I do mean slowly) follows directions.

I made a whole bunch of zucchini bread, even a chocolate one. It was the best. I love lima beans but

they are so expensive. They are shelled but a quart of Martins is $12.50. Seems a little high to me so on-

ly 3 quarts made it to the freezer. Louis brought me some tomatoes, yum and I have enjoyed squash

etc. this summer. I hate it when the fresh veggies end but I do love the fall of the year.

My yard has never looked fabulous but this year it is pitiful. I am thinking to myself that I need to fix it but

I don’t know where to even start. The “grass” and I use that word loosely is mostly weeds. What few

shrubs I have are in need of a trim and trust me when I say I can’t seem to stop trimming once I start.

First thing you know the shrub is a couple of sticks. I need to treat the lawn. I have mushrooms every-

where I look. I live in town but it’s a jungle at my house. I am praying that God will give me the energy

and resources to fix this lawn. Who am I kidding here? .I am praying I get up one morning and my yard

looks good. Wishful thinking….No green thumb what-so-ever.

I have noticed that hardly anyone looks to be my age anymore. They don’t have any wrinkles or any-

thing. Strikes me as very unnatural. I see 65 year olds with piercings and tattoos. I wonder if they will be

able to find the hole to put the earring in or what that dolphin or butterfly will look like through the wrinkles

or sagging skin; or maybe they don’t plan on having those issues. New grandmothers are named names

like Tiffany and they hardly reflect what my grandmother (father’s mother) looked and dressed like and

her name was Celia. She surely didn’t have piercings or tattoos, was softly wrinkled with a touch of rouge

on her cheeks, never owned a tank top, always wore dresses and a little box heel and nylons. Oh, and

little hats and smelled like roses. She never went to the gym. I don’t think there was one. She just

worked really hard. She had a wood cookstove and the food that came out of there was

beyond description. Who still bakes from scratch? From scratch doesn’t mean a box

cake mix though I do think it is the norm for kids now and that is okay. I wonder what to-

day’s kids growing up will remember about their grandmothers. And then I think what

does it matter as long as they remember them fondly and that she was loving to them

and them to her. Grandmothers today look a little different than those of yesterday.

Some have pink hair but back then I remember blue hair. Well, it was bluish gray. Fun-

ny, thinking back isn’t it? I sat and remembered my grandmothers this week and wondered what they

would think of me as a grandmother today. I miss them and wish I could see them again and one day I

will. So much has changed. Take a few minutes for a good memory or two of your own this month. If you

are fortunate enough to still have a living grandparent, make some memories with them. Hug her and

remember what she smells like. I got my love of cooking from my grandmother Celia. I called her Nana

just like my grandchildren do me. Fun looking back sometimes. Don’t forget to increase your daily time

with God just a little each week. Food for your soul! We just can’t live on cake though I think that is very

unfortunate.

September 2017

- 21 -

The Messenger

Morgan Carey

West Virginia University

616 Seneca Hall

2151 University Ave

Morgantown, WV 26506

Mac0066@mix.wvu.edu

Abby Pearson

James Madison University

JMU Box 699

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

pearsoam@dukes.jmu.edu

Kate Bagshaw

University of Delaware

202 David Hollowell Drive

James Smith Hall 0107A

Newark, DE 19717-7823

kbaghaw@udel.edu

Noah Webster

Messiah College

1 College Ave Unit 6605

Mechanicsburg PA 17055

Shannon Bradley

Lynchburg College

P.O. Box 0989

501 Lakeside Drive

Lynchburg, VA 24501

Let us show our graduates

our support. This is the

information we have available for

our graduates. Please drop them a

card, a note, send an email now

and then just to let them know

their church family misses them,

prays for them, loves them, and

supports them. Sometimes it is

hard to be away from home. Send

some love!

September 2017

- 22 -

The Messenger

We will be resuming our practices on Thursdays

at 5:15 p.m. The first one is on September 7th.

Practices last about an hour. We are always

happy to have new ringers. The ability to count

to 4 is the main talent and you don’t have to read

music, although a little rhythm doesn’t hurt. Call

Sally for more information at 629-2571.

Author Unknown, contributed by Linda Stephenson

If you open it, close it.

If you turn it on, turn it off.

If you unlock it, lock it.

If you break it, admit it.

If you can’t fix it, call someone who can.

If you borrow it, return it.

If you value it, take care of it.

If you make a mess, clean it up.

If you move it, put it back.

If it belongs to someone else & you want to use it, get permission.

If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.

If it is none of your business, don’t ask questions.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If it will brighten someone’s day, say it.

If it will tarnish someone’s reputation, keep it to yourself!

September 2017

- 23 -

The Messenger

Love INC Clearinghouse Training For NEW VOLUNTEERS interested in becoming a Love INC Clearinghouse Intake Worker!

Sussex County Christian church members called to serve the most vulnerable in our community through

volunteerism. Volunteer must have excellent communication skills, be compassionate to work with vul-

nerable populations. Training for volunteers interested in becoming a Clearinghouse Intake Worker. In-

take workers are trained volunteers who answer the call of the local neighbor reaching out to for help. At-

tendees will be learning What Love INC is, what Love INC isn’t, Love INC Best Practices and the Clear-

inghouse Process. Limited seating.

Wednesday Sept. 6th 10 AM until 2 PM - RSVP: 302-629-7050/loveincofmiddelmarva@gmail.com

July/August 2017

- 24 -

The Messenger

September 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 8:30a. Chapel Service

11:00a. Worship, Sanc-

tuary

4

Labor Day

(Office Closed)

5 9:00a. First Day of Pre-

school

5:00p. Teen Challenge

Dinner

5:30p. Praise Team

7:00p. SPRC, Lounge

6

7 5:30p. Bells Rehearsal,

Sanctuary

8 9

10 8:30a. Chapel Service

9:30a. Sunday School

Welcome Time

9:45a. Sunday School

11:00a. Worship, Sanc-

tuary

12:15p. Preschool

Board Mtg, Choir Rm

2:00p. Girls Chrysalis

Team Mtg, F. Hall

11 7:00p. Finance Mtg,

Lounge

12 5:30p. Praise Team

6:00p. Blue Jays 4-H

Mtg, F.Hall

6:30p. Prayer Shawl

Team, Lounge

13

14 5:30p. Bells Rehearsal,

Sanctuary

15

Messenger Pics

and Articles Due

for October !!!

16

17

8:30a. Chapel Service

9:40a. Sunday School

11:00a. Worship, Sanc-

tuary

NOON-Youth Luncheon

1:00p. Chruch Council

2:00p. Chrysalis Girls

Team Mtg, F.Hall

18 7:00p. Board of Trus-

tees, Lounge

19 5:30p. Praise Team

6:00p. UMM Dinner Mtg

20 NOON – Lunch Bunch,

Fellowship Hall

1:00p. Lois Circle,

Lounge

21 9:00a. Shift Destiny,

Sanctuary and Fellow-

ship Hall

5:30p. Bells Rehearsal,

Sanctuary

22 6:30a Girls Chrysalis

Send Off, Sanctuary

(until 8:00a)

23

24 8:30a. Chapel Serv.

9:45a. Sunday School

11:00a Worship, Sanct.

4:00p. Girls Chrysalis

Homecoming, Sanct.

25 6:30p. Chrysalis Board

Mtg, Chapel

7:00p. Nominations

Mtg, Lounge

26 5:30p. Praise Team,

Sanctuary

6:00p.m. Lydia Circle,

Lounge

27

28 5:30p. Bells Rehearsal,

Sanctuary

29

30