The Herald St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

2131 Palomino Drive, Warrington, PA

215.343.0230 ▪ stpaulsumcwarrington.org

September 2014

Pastor’s Ponderings… I have just returned from my vacation and many people have been asking me what I did with my time off from work. I spent some time at the shore and some quality time with family, but I also did a lot of ‘spring’ cleaning and weeding. I may not have a green thumb when it comes to identifying weeds versus plants, nor am I successful in producing a green lawn, even though I’ve spent plenty of time trying to create a lush lawn. However, I do love to grow my tomato plants. As August approached, I found myself spending quite a bit of time in my little garden. When as the plants begin to grow, the branches grow quite heavy and it becomes necessary to prop up the branches with stakes. The last weekend in August we received a lot of heavy rains. This created quite a mess. The ground was so wet that the plants had sagged from the weight of the plants and the tomatoes. It had received so much water that a few branches had started to rot. I had to cut away many branches so that the good branches could survive. Many of the leaves had died and they had to be removed so that the sunlight could make it to the living leaves. As I was tending to my tomato plants, I began to realize some of the truths behind John 15, where Jesus speaks of himself as the true vine, we are the branches and the Father is the gardener who cares for us. Now although this is a parable about a vineyard, rather than tomato plants, there are some truths that apply. I had to lift up the branches and prop them on stakes, otherwise they would remain in the dirt and rot from all the moisture. The rotting fruit would stink and be useless. In the same way, we must not remain in the sin of our lives or we will produce rotting fruit. Sometimes we need to be propped up; we need help to hold ourselves up. If you need help, find a friend in Christ, a brother or sister who will help you walk the journey of faith. Get involved in one of our Bible studies and come to church where you can lean on the family of Christ until you are strong enough to grow on your own, and then you can help someone else who needs your strength in Christ. Just as I lifted up some of the branches off of the ground and brushed the dirt off of them, so the Father tenderly lifts us from our mud and misery, cleans us of our sin and helps us grow to become strong and healthy. At times it was difficult for me to trim off branches from this plant, but I knew that it would ultimately help the plant. In much the same way, sometimes the Father must use painful measures to bring us to the point of repentance, so that we will cut those things out of our lives that are rotting and not producing fruit. I had to remove some of the dead branches and leaves from the plant so that the light could shine through to the branches that were living. We too, must remove the dead things from our lives, the things that prevent the Light of Christ from shining on us. Ask yourself, “What do I need to cut out of my life in order to let the light of Christ shine through?” Just as the plant needs the light to survive, so we need the Light of Christ to shine on us, so that we can be healthy, strong and fruitful in our life with Christ.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world…Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In God’s Great Grace,

Janet L. Saddel, Pastor

Nancy Mongelli, Admin. Assistant

Doug Tester, Organist

Ray Washam, Handbell Choir Director

Sunday Schedule 9 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 10:40 am Children’s Sunday School After service Fellowship We all enjoy our coffee and fellowship time after Church, so we need some volunteers to help keep this wonderful fellowship time going. Help is needed even if you can only do this once in a while. I’d be happy to answer questions and help in any way I can, Sharon Crawford 215.343.1735

Study Groups Youth Café – 6th to 12th grade Following service on the 1st Sunday of each month...will resume in October Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast 8–10 am 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturday/Cozens Women’s Bible Study resumes September 17 10 am every Wednesday/Cozens Leadership Study 7:30–9 pm 1st Tuesday of the month/Cozens (September’s will be on September 9)

A Study Group based on the book, “Why Nobody Wants To Go To Church Anymore” started in March and is open to everyone. Our Church Council is sponsoring this education/discussion group to explore who we are, how we fit into our community, and the expectation others have of a church or a meaningful relationship with God. Please come join us – we need your experiences – we need your insight!

Music Program Handbell Rehearsal 6:30–7:30 pm every Thursday/Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:30–9 pm every Thursday/Sanctuary

Standing Meetings Finance/Church Council 6:30–7:30 pm 1st Tuesday of the month/Cozens (September’s Meeting will be held on September 9) Trustees 7–9 pm 3rd Monday of the month/Pastor’s office

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Address or Email Changes Please contact Nancy Mongelli,

Admin. Assistant at stpaulsumcwarrington@aol.com

with any changes of address, phone numbers or new email

Endowment Fund Thank you for sharing in the future of St. Paul's by contributing to the Endowment Fund.

Many donate in honor of or in memory of a loved one on a special date. Some give to build the fund to be used for large projects to keep our building kept in good condition since any excess over $25,000 can

be designated by the Board of Trustees for this purpose. Won't you think about sharing in this legacy for our Church? Always remember to write Endowment on your check.

Women’s Bible Study We are going through the book of Genesis, verse by verse. We meet

each Wednesday at 10 am in the back of Cozens Hall. All women are welcome! Will resume September 17, please join us.

St. Paul’s Handy Helper If you are selling items or services, giving items away or in need of purchasing used items, think about putting the items in our own "IN-HOUSE" advertising! Many of us are sorting and cleaning out and have items that others might want to use. Send to Judy Snyder at: smoothsail@aol.com or 215.343.2676.

St. Paul’s Book Club The next meeting is September 15 at 7:30 pm in the Library! We will

be discussing the book, “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. Even if you haven't read the book, please join us and learn about the story to

see if you might want to read it! All are welcome on the third

Monday of each month!!

Keeping Us In Stitches Mark your calendar and plan to join this needlework group on the fourth Saturday of each month! You can bring your own needlework or join others in making Prayer Shawls for our ministry to others who are hurting! If you'd like to learn to knit or crochet, we'll be happy to help you

Hope

Hope is alive when someone dares to dream Believing that the impossible will soon be seen Hope lives on in the heart And from it, one must never depart Like flowers that flourish from the deep soil So hope blossoms to those who are true and never yield.

Rosanne Vassalotti August 2014

ATTENTION LADIES OF ST. PAUL’S... Do you believe in planning ahead? Christmas is only 4 months away! This will be the

fourth year for those who are interested in knitting or crocheting hats, scarves and mittens

for children who are in need of such a small item. Now is the time to start working on what

we can put on a tree for that special time of the year. Those little heads

and hands are so grateful to receive these items, made out of love and

caring. So from the ladies, who have started a yearly tradition, now is the

time to pull those needles out and start working on what will be needed. If

you prefer to purchase these items, that is also acceptable. We look

forward to having a full tree come December. Any questions, please

contact Louise Zalucki or Joan Medd.

Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child will again be our Mission Project during October. Plan to fill a shoebox with personal/school items for a girl or boy. You can use your own shoebox or one provided by the project. Look for more information during October!

Trustee’s

Corner

Here we are again another seasonal transition from Summer to Fall. Children have begun their new school year. The Trustees are continuing to maintain and even improve. I am pleased to report that the summer was rather quiet this year. Although there was the occasional mouse, and air conditioning issue. Weeding seemed to be our biggest issue, and with the help of our members that seems to have gotten attention. First let me thank all that commented on the new windows. We still have more to go, but the worst is behind us with getting the large Narthex window replaced. Other work that was accomplished this summer includes: The winter’s damage to our Church roof was repaired this last week along with some gutter issues. Thankfully our building insurance paid for the work to be accomplished. We are praying that not only do the fixes eliminate the known leaks, but that the damage does not reoccur. Some of the upcoming work that is on the agenda for Trustees: 1. The next round of window replacements may be coming in October 2. Finalizing the lease of new copiers for our office and pre-school 3. Updated window shades in the sanctuary 4. Continued Maintenance concerns The Trustees appreciate the input and comments that have been shared regarding the appearance of our facility. But more importantly we appreciate all the help from others. Being a trustee is rewarding, and can be a lot of work, but we do have a wonderful team keeping us in service to the Lord, and to each other. Each member brings expertise to the group that encourages us to continue moving forward. We still have many concerns regarding the maintenance of our buildings for the coming years. What I have found is that with Prayer, everyone’s support, lots of bubble gum, and baling wire this group of Trustees can make great things happen. Have an idea pass it on, Have a concern tell us, Pray for us, And most of all enjoy our wonderful place of worship, a place that we should all be proud of. In your service and HIS service The Trustee’s

A big Thank You goes out to everyone who contributes to the noisy can collection on the second Sunday of

every month. The proceeds go to the Trusteees Fund to be used towards the many projects they have going on.

August was our sixth month and to date we have collected $1,647.82. PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Our next collection will be on September 14th. There are jars on the table in the Narthex if you need one. If you forgot your jar on the second

Sunday or will not be in Church you can drop it off at the Church Office. All donations are gratefully

accepted even bills and checks.

Summer has sped past and it is almost time for school to begin again. It seemed to get quiet

around here at the beginning of August. Preschool camp was over and many of my friends were on vacation. However, my Extended Care friends had lots of fun this month with different summer

themes including time spent cooking, doing science experiments and playing sports. They had so much fun playing in the sprinkler and water tables and have enjoyed the lazy end of the summer

days. All of a sudden this week things started happening to get the school ready for fall. Some of the

floors have be cleaned and waxed and new area rugs have been ordered. My adult friends work very hard moving furniture and cleaning toys and equipment in preparation for the new school

year. All is ready (almost). I can’t wait for the new school year to begin! There were new friends to meet as Extended Care officially started the day after Labor Day.

While they get acclimated to their new classes, the Preschool teachers met and are preparing their rooms for the start of Preschool on the 8th. The halls will look spiffy with new bulletin

boards in place. It will be great to have all my old and new friends here again. I’m sure there will be a few tears…mostly from the moms as the kids have too much fun to be upset for long. September will bring Back-to-School Nights on September 22 and 23. The Mom’s Group will

begin again and we will have our first “out to dinner” fundraiser at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday, September 16 from 4 – 8. We will look forward to the second annual Fall Festival and

Consignment Sale on October 11. Please join us for these special activities. We have limited availability for the fall but call the Preschool Office at 215-343-1563 if you know of a child who

would like to join in the excitement here at St. Paul’s Preschool.

Hugs and kisses from

Paul E. Bear

St. Paul’s Preschool News… September 2014

Save the Date... Fall Fair & Consignment Sale:

October 11th

Raffle Baskets will be part of Boutique Row on November 8th. In order to make this basket raffle successful we will need donations toward the baskets. Cash donations would also be welcome instead of donating an item(s) if you prefer. Please give your donations directly to Betsy McCormick 215.206.4404, or Gwynne Bee 215.771.5957 or Maggie McCormick. Call one of us to pick up your donation if you are unable to give us the donation on Sundays. We ask that donations ARE NOT LEFT at the CHURCH. There will not be a donation box at church. We have chosen the following themes for the baskets and offered some suggestions. Please feel free to be creative with your donations. We are looking for good quality items (no dollar store). Dog Basket dog toys, “poop” bags, biscuits, etc. Italian Basket bottle of wine, packages of pasta, napkins, biscotti, expresso/coffee, espresso cups, etc Kids Basket Preschool age: books, puzzles, markers, playdough Movie Basket movie tickets/DVDs Antique Basket glassware, vases, jewelry, plates, etc Coffee/Tea Basket Starbucks gift certificate, teas, coffees, etc Bath/Spa Basket soaps, toiletries, gift certificates, etc. Baking Basket cookie cutters, specialty baking items, etc. Holiday Basket box Christmas cards, candles, Christmas tree ornaments Please see Betsy McCormick or Gwynne Bee with any questions.

THE WOMEN OF ST. PAUL’S are excited to announce our fall event! We will be having an artisan fair entitled: SHOPPING ON BOUTIQUE ROW Mark the date on your calendar…SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th We hope all the women of St. Paul’s will volunteer to help in some way. We are looking for crafters, help in the kitchen for lunch, bakers for a sweets table, donations for raffle baskets, setup and cleanup, hosts to assist the vendors. The funds we get from the day will benefit the Church. We are also searching for vendors/artisans now, so if you know of anyone with quality items for sale, please let us know. We will also have a table from St. Paul’s on which we’ll have baked goods and crafts. We will hold additional craft workshops on September 16 & 17 from 10-7 and October 22 & 30...you can appear for a short or long time anytime any of these days to help assemble a few items…even an hour is great! There will be someone to direct you with simple tasks….no expertise needed!

Women of St. Paul’s Organizing Committee: Sharon Crawford and Stephanie Crawford, Co-Chairs; Joan Bowen, Georgia Ford,

Betsy McCormick, Judy Snyder, Diana Wrisley