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South Montrose Community Church

July 2018 Newsletter ************************************ Pastor Jane celebrates her 25th Anniversary of her ordination as Elder in the United Methodist Church this year. Congratulations Pastor Jane!!

Summertime is here! Time to relax and renew

ourselves both physically and spiritually. Time

for vacation, graduation parties, family

reunions, porch sitting and swimming.

In Mark 6:30-34 it reads, "The apostles then

rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that

they had done and taught. Jesus said, "Come off

by yourselves; let's take a break and get a little

rest." For there was constant coming and

going. They didn't even have time to eat. So

they got in the boat and went off to a remote

place by themselves. Someone saw them going

and the word got around. From the surrounding

towns people went out on foot, running, and got

there ahead of them. When Jesus arrived, he

saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his

heart broke--like sheep without a shepherd they

were. He went right to work teaching

them." One of the things that I believe we all

need to do is move into the presence of God

from the busyness of our lives. And then after

some spiritual renewal, go back to the people

and serve. We can't do God's work properly

without our souls being renewed.

The disciples had a great time ministering to the

people of Galilee. They prayed, talked, shared

God's message, anointed the sick, and called

people to change their lives for the sake of Jesus

Christ. As Jesus listened to the disciples tell

their stories, he must have seen fatigue in their

faces. So, Jesus says to them, "Come away for a

while and rest." I know a place just across the

lake. It is a deserted place. And so an

invitation was offered to the disciples to step out

of all the hustle and bustle of life. Jesus offered

them a chance to slow down and to change the

pace of their lives.

We all need a time of mental, spiritual and

physical renewal on a regular basis in our life's

journey. In this day of abundant technology, it

is so easy to never leave work and get away

from it all. We have to make a point to get

away from it all.

This month, I believe our Lord is calling us to

join him in a deserted place, a place where we

can be alone, not forever, but for a while. Jesus

calls us to find such a place at least once a

week. A place where there is no Wi-Fi, 4G,

email or voice mail, no facebook or twitter. In

these few short verses in Mark, Jesus is asking

us to recharge our batteries...with him and no

one else. Jesus invites us to Sabbath rest. We

all need to rest or we will be no good to anyone,

especially God.

I believe that rest, relaxation, and vacation are

not only God-given gifts; they are God-directed

necessities. Hear the words of the hymn in the

Faith We Sing, "Come and Find the Quiet

Center". This is verse one..."Come and find the

quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the

room for hope to enter, find the frame where we

are freed; Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear

our eyes that we can see all the things that really

matter, be at peace and simply be."

May we find the peace of God that passes all

understanding this month. May God in his

mercy give us safe lodging, a holy rest and a

peace that only God supplies.

Pastor Jane

Pastor’s

Perspective

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Here are the pictures from last month that

didn’t show up very well. Baptisms of Emma

Bisel and Elise Elko; and our confirmands,

Emma Bisel, Levi Smith, and Chloe Smith, with

Pastor Jane Pykus.

Rolling River Rampage Experience the Rid of a Lifetime with God! Join us for Vacation Bible School Where: First United Methodist Church 69 Pratt Street, New Milford When: Sunday, August 5th through Thursday, August 9th Time: 6 p.m. till 8:15 p.m. For Who? Children Pre-K through 5th Grade Featuring Bible Stories, Music, Crafts, Science and Refreshments. For more information, please call 570-465-3500.

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Women's Resource Center Wish List

The Women's Resource Center is in need of the

following items:

Reusable Grocery Bags, Gift Cards to Pump and

Pantry, Price Chopper, and Ray's

ShurSave. They are in need of Full Sized Hair

Conditioner, Feminine Care Products, Tampons,

Laundry Baskets, Journals, Pens, Stationery,

New Towels. Please only donate New and Full-

Sized items. Travel or sample sized items are

appreciated but are too small for the families we

serve. Please put your donations in the

basket/box in the back of our congregation. Thank you!

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More from the Women's Resource Center...

"Our staff picked up the line to hear a story of a

young woman desperate to save her two young

children and herself. Over time, her abuser had

broken her arm, her leg, and sent her to the

emergency room numerous times with injuries

from "falls", including one that left a large scar

on her cheek. Now, the beating were escalating,

and she knew she needed to get to safety with

her children. WRC counselor advocates worked

with her confidentially, giving her information

to assist with her decision to leave the abusive

relationship and to develop a plan for the rest of

her life.

That call is like so many others we receive each

day at WRC. Last year, we provided over

21,000 nights of safe shelter to women and

children, thanks to the generosity of people like

you. WRC provides that safety net. In fact, if a

participant stay in the safe shelter WRC

provides she is 75% more likely to remain free

from the abuser and to go on to reinvent her life

and the life of her family.

The work of WRC is not easy. It is costly. But,

it is necessary. This type of violence affects us

all. For example, if you look at the number of

mass shooters in this country, the vast majority

were abusers who were never held accountable

for their actions of violence. If you look at the

local news, "Me Too" has many faces in

Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties and the

violence doesn't discriminate by race, income

level, or neighborhood."

Make a difference right here in your

hometown. Give to WRC today. Give your

neighbors a safe night of shelter, economic

resources, and the path to a new life.

Patrick Fricchione, Jr. WRC Board President

Gina Pitoniak WRC Association President

A donation can be sent to WRC at P.O. Box

202, Montrose, PA 18801

Dimock Camp Meeting

2018 Dimock Schedule, 141st Season

---> All Services begin at 6:30 pm <---

Sunday, August 5 - The Rev. Will Haggenbuch Pastor, First Congregational Church, UC, Harford, PA

August 12 - The Tri-State Gospel Choir Founded in 2014, the group has performed in many parades, fairs, festivals and held concerts. They bring a new and innovative musical presentation that will touch lives of people for our Lord and Savior. They perform a wide variety of gospel/Christian music styles as well as Patriotic.

August 19 - Woodbourne Wildlife Sanctuary Dr. Jerry Skinner, Resident Naturalist

August 26 - Michelle Bogue-Trost Pastor, Endicott Central United Methodist Church

September 2 - Communion and Historical Character Interpretation by Patti Yoder, Music by Gary & Gena McMyne Ministries

All Services begin at 6:30 p.m.

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Introducing...

TREHAB (A Community Action Agency)

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

Help, Support, Advice, Guidance, Assistance

14 Public Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801

570-647-4907 or 570-232-4728

There is a new resource in town. Your wellness

journey begins here. Within the walls of our

recovery support center you will find:

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WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT/LITERACY

*Employment Skills and Preparation Training

*Career Counseling

*High School Equivalency Assistance/High

School Equivalency Credentials

*Workforce Workshops including Resume

Assistance, Joy Search, Interviewing Skills,

Reentry/Transitional Employment

FOCUS ON WELLNESS

*Physical (Yoga, Nutrition)

*Spiritual (Meditation)

*Emotional (Coping Skills)

*Financial (Budgeting, Life Skills)

*Environmental (Availability of Resources)

SUPPORT AND AWARENESS

*Peer-Based Recovery Support Services--

Certified Recovery Specialists

*Area Resources and Recommendations.

*Community-Based Self-Help Programming

and Support for Families Impacted by Substance

Use Disorder.

*Fellowship--Recovery Cafe--a safe, sober

place to socialize

Alone we can do so little...together, we can do

so much!!

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It Goes By Fast

By Chris Smith

As some of you may have heard, I have decided

to take a break from doing Soup Night. This was

not a quick or easy decision for me. I actually

probably started praying about it last year at the

February Soup Night. Since I have the privilege

of being full time now at the high school, I was

having to come to the church Sunday afternoons

to make the soup & set up. Then of course, go to

school Monday and come straight from there at

3:00 for soup night. My mom would bring me

the kids, from Choconut, after school most

months. But here’s what was happening...every

Sunday that I prepared the soup I missed a

hockey game of Levi’s or a basketball game of

Chloe’s. Then a lot of times on Mondays I was

trying to figure out who would take the kids to

their practices or even another game. I realized

my kids maybe would not have this wonderful,

hallmark channel memory of Soup Night.

Maybe they’d remember me being stressed,

hurrying everyone out the door, missing their

events & then being too tired Monday night to

help with homework. I then started to pray &

ask God His opinion. I also asked Tommy & the

kids their opinion.

I have been doing Soup Night since Chloe was 2

years old. She is now 11. They don’t remember

not going to Soup Night. And while I do believe

that it blessed their lives (and mine) that maybe

it was time to shift my focus. Teenagers have

much more challenging days than preschoolers.

I’m not Levi & Chloe’s whole world like I was

back then. And that’s ok! That’s normal. But,

they still are my world.

I will not be able to get these years back. Their

childhood is going by fast. Thank goodness

Soup Night was a part of it. I believe they

learned a lot about the struggles of others with

our talks about soup night & who it helped. I

made sure they knew it wasn’t just about food.

Not everyone’s need is hunger. Some need

someone to hang out with, laugh with, cry with

or be prayed for. Also by being at almost every

Soup Night they’ve helped set up, serve and

clean up many times. I have received several

compliments about how my children can talk to

so many people. My kids do not seem to notice

gender, age, race or status. I am quite sure they

got a lot of that from being at Soup Night &

delivering to the food bank.

So while I sure will miss Soup Night & miss

helping others, I am thankful for what my kids

& I learned while serving our community.

Before I sent Pastor Jane the first email about

giving it up, I heard a sermon about protecting

your legacy. The speaker talked about how

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Samuel was an awesome man of God but

sometimes cared about “others” more than his

own. I want to make sure my kids have me

wherever & whenever they need me. I’ll do my

best to make them people who remember to

serve their family & others.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who

supported me in all kinds of ways with Soup

Night. I love to feed people. I loved hearing the

singing & seeing the smiles. Soup Night blessed

my life & opened doors for me as a Christian &

as a mom.

****************************************** Our monthly soup night is a wonderful ministry that Chris has grown each year. Please pray that someone comes forward to take on this ministry. There are church members who are willing to help each month, we just need a new “head chef”. If this is something that you feel led to do, please contact Pastor Jane. Thank you. ******************************************

Exercise Class Sherry is taking a break from her exercise classes this summer. Take some time to get outside, take a walk, do some gardening, and enjoy God’s creation! ****************************************** Church family picnic at Janet Small’s house!

On August 12, 2018 we will have a picnic at

the home of Janet Small (360 Road 2 in

Forest Lake). Arrive around 3:00 to visit on

the porch, swim, paddle boat, or kayak.

Supper will be served around 5:00. Please

bring a favorite dish to pass. Drinks, meat,

condiments and paper products will be

supplied. Directions: Take the Ridge Road

from South Montrose to Fairdale. Go

straight across 706 toward Forest Lake. In

about 5 miles you will see the lake. When

you see a row of mailboxes, just as the

paved road makes a slight left, stay to the

right on Road 2. The house is on the right.

Please try to carpool, as parking is limited.

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Friends who would love a friendly card: Craig Estelle PO Box 181 South Montrose, PA 18843 Gussie Fritz Gracious Living Estates 10543 SR 29 Montrose, PA 18801 Aggie Holbert Gracious Living Estates 10543 SR 29 Montrose, PA 18801 Alice Porter Gracious Living Estates 10543 SR 29 Montrose, PA 18801 Harry Snell Fair Hill Personal Care Home 272 Lamphere Road Montrose, PA 18801 Jean Weaver Fair Hill Personal Care Home 272 Lamphere Road Montrose, PA 18801 Peggy Wood Meadowview Senior Living Center 225 Park St. Montrose, PA 18801

There are large print hymnals and Faith we Sing books on the coat rack in the Narthex. There are alo activity bags for the youth to keep them occupied if needed.

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Who’s doing what?? Greeters: August 5 & 12 Susan and Kelly Pratt August 19 & 26 Martha and Charlie

Denkenberger Sept. 2 & 9 Janet Small and MaryJane

Long Sept. 16 & 23 Shelby and Ray Riker Sept. 30 Dawn Arnold Oct. 7 & 14 Linda and Ken Matthews Oct. 21 & 28 Beverly Way Altar Flowers: August Martha Denkenberger September Mary Torney October Peggy Jerauld and Diane

Myers Acolyte: August 5 Elizabeth Stone August 12 Chloe Smith August 19 Matthew Hinds August 26 Kohen Kraynak September 2 Elizabeth Stone September 9 Chloe Smith September 16 Matthew Hinds September 23 Kohen Kraynak September 30 Elizabeth Stone October 7 Chloe Smith October 14 Matthew Hinds October 21 Kohen Kraynak October 28 Elizabeth Stone

"Ice Cream Is Sometimes Good For The Soul"

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would thank you even more if Mom gets us Ice Cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for Ice Cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart." Then in theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "too bad she never asks God for Ice Cream. A little Ice Cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kid Ice Cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his Sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice Cream is good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good already!"

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Please keep the following people in your prayers:

In the Church: Mickey Fox, Quentin Kraynak, Mike Kerr, Kermit Ayres, Jean Weaver, Grace Harvey, Harry & Harriet Snell, Aggie Holbert, Nic Remington, Theresa Owen, Ben Owen, Craig Estelle, Marian Nye, Alice Porter, Gladys Barber, Peggy Wood, Wink Frystak, Gussie Fritz, Matt Hinds, Cambria, Mike Hinds In Our Community: Damon Johnson, Holden Lunger, Paul, Josh, David Daniels, Darlene Pacihlock, Dot Owen, Marsha Pasmore, Bridget Cooke, Nancy Taylor Blaisure, Haverly Family, Dawn Arnold, Lorna Jones, Jim Snell, Chuck Peters, John Henry, Kim & Titus, Merrill Ruth, Debbie Smales, Mike Hornak, Elijah Sabo, Jim Phillips, Justin Guyrs, Karen Cox, Will and Sarah, Mary Alice Hawley, Misty Hitchcock, Dennis Carey, Jeanette Smith, Vanesia West, Betty Pykus, Raymond Arnold, Pat Amiondolia, Tony Susi, John Capoccia, Shelly Shepherd, Jose Roe, Bill Lawyer, John Breen, RaeBelle Albeck, Bill Robinson, Monica Anderson, Audrey Cady, Gary Baker, Bill Copley, Margie Green, Jim Taylor, Bernie Boyer, Carol Jones, Jim & June Ochse, Ann Smith, Jane Perry, Joyce Millard, James Walters, Dottie Henry, Catalina, Sandra Lathrop, Helen Crotta, Lisa Steele, Dee Pierson, Duane Snell, Dennis Snell, Helen Peterson, Jonathan & Daniel Snell, Those struggling with addictions, Our Teenagers, Teachers and Students, Military personnel, those unemployed, those in nursing homes, people in prison, our country, our world, our church and each other.

CHURCH INFORMATION

Reverend Jane M. Pykus, Pastor

PO Box 577

New Milford, PA 18834

Church Address:

PO Box 86

South Montrose, PA 18843

Pastor Jane’s phone: 570-465-2318

Cell: 570-396-5883

Church phone: 570-278-3019

Jpykus65@gmail.com

Church Website: http://southmontrose.umcchurches.org

Facebook address: https://www.facebook.com/South-Montrose-Community-Church-220670034624804/

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