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ER

THE THRIVE CHALLENGE

By: Mark Hall (Youth Leader & Lead Singer of Casting Crowns)

DIGGING IN

I will dig in to my root system by seeking to strengthen my relationship with

God.

This means growing in your faith. This means going to church and diving

in to worship time. Take your Bible. Take notes. Stay engaged. Review the

notes and Scripture references afterward. Pray all week about the points

you learned. Pore over scripture every day, including weekends, and ask

God to speak to you through his Word and his Holy Spirit.

I will get involved in a small group.

Community is key. You don’t need to be an attender. You need to be an

engager, a builder. You need to become an integral part of the class and,

therefore, a kingdom builder. If you attend worship and nothing else, your

only fellowship is to wait for someone to talk to you during greeting time.

You won’t grow as much as you would in the safety of those like yourself.

You have to be in a small group of like-minded believers who realize they

can’t do life alone.

REACHING OUT

I will find a regular service opportunity I’m passionate about and do it.

The only way to be the hands and feet of Jesus is to obey him and serve

others. If our Creator God can wash the sweaty, filthy feet of men who

wore sandals, we can humble ourselves and put others ahead of ourselves.

I will commit to share Jesus with people I know who need him.

How much do we have to hate someone to know the only way that leads to

eternal life and not share it with that person? Know Jesus. Love your

friend. Be a listener. Pray for your friend. Follow up.

I will go on a mission.

When you plug into a small group, more than likely at some point you’ll

have an opportunity to work on a short-term mission project either locally

or abroad. Even if your small group doesn’t pursue a mission emphasis,

you can seek one through your church.

I will live on purpose.

Your purpose is to know God and make him known. Your purpose is to point

to the one true God, Jesus Christ. All believers should commit to being

purposeful in their relationships and in living out the gospel. Share your

story. Show your scars. Tell people about Jesus and the hope found only in

him. Always be ready to give the reason for that hope. (1 Peter 3:15)

DIGGING IN AND REACHING OUT

In both digging in and reaching out, I will ask God to help me thrive.

In your own words, ask God every day to make you look more like Jesus

and less like yourself. Your prayer might sound something like this:

God, I’m going to dive into spending daily time in your Word. I want to pour into

the root system of my faith. Instead of just trying to be better, I ask you to grow me

into a thriving believer. I don’t want to survive this year. I want to thrive. Amen.

2

Note:

The deadline for the

next newsletter

information is

Following is a list of birthdays and

anniversaries that we are aware of for

August. If we have not listed your

birthday or anniversary, please notify

us so we can update our

records.

August Birthdays

1 Michael Orbinpost

4 Kaye Maue

10 Brian Lawfer

14 Joe Habel II

15 Bryce Torstrup

17 Rachel Fellin

18 Joan Atkins

August Anniversaries

11 Ron & Barbara Kutchmarick

15 Isabel Mickle

20 Dr. David & Kathy Orbin

22 James & Nancy Watkins

Notice- Flower & Bulletin Sponsors

If you sponsor the flowers on the altar, we ask

that you place it in the collection plate for $25.00

marked Flowers or place it in the collection plate.

The weeks of August 17th & August 31st are

open. If you are sponsoring bulletins, at a cost of

$15.00 per week, you can place it in an envelope

marked Bulletins and put it in the collection plate

or mail it to the church. The weeks of August

10th and August 31st are open. Please call Kaye

Maue at 570-454-3767 if you want to sponsor

any available weeks. You may leave a message

on her answering machine.

* Please watch your bulletins for the

sponsorship of bulletins and flowers

in August.

You can find

Diamond

On Facebook!

Check us out!

3

August Lectionary Readings

3 Genesis 32:22-31

Psalm 17:1-7, 15 (UMH 749)

Romans 9:1-5

Matthew 14:13-21

10 Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33

17 Genesis 45:1-15

Psalm 133 (UMH 850)

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Matthew 15: (10-20) 21-28

24 Exodus 1:8– 2:10

Psalm 124 (UMH 846)

Romans 12: 1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

31 Exodus 3:1-15

Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c

Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 16:21-28

August

3 Logan Buglio & Layla Buglio

10 Richard Kott & Zachary Kott

17 Sarah Habel & Logan Buglio

24 Logan Buglio & Layla Buglio

31 Richard Kott & Zachary Kott

Children’s Worship Leaders

Our Church Picnic will be at Knoebel’s

this year.

Last year a great time was had by all.

There is a signup sheet in the Narthex.

More details will also be in your bulletin. Date: August 10th

Time: Meet after church all day

Place: Tent #6

Welcome to God’s World!

Jackson Gregory Atkins

Son of Kimberly Kaye Atkins

Jessie and Jeffrey-Godparents

Peyton Alexander Ream

Macie Leigh Watkins

Son & Daughter of

Joshua Watkins

& Crystal Swain

Jason Diehl-Godparent

Kristen Davis-Godparent

4

“Reflection” of the Month

AT SUMMER’S END

The muffled-knock of high blown summer,

upon the leaves and grasses August since June,

wrap tightly like bundled flowers,

around the jaundiced seasoned air.

Shaken and solemn the church bells,

under a single sky of coming morn

lonesome, turn the clay-dark hands of time,

while ill-winds blow in gathering storm.

Then in some faraway land, a shot,

far from England’s shore,

under a red scorched earth and bitter sun

an August summer forever gone.

John Scully– August 1914

METHODIST MERRIMENT FOR KIDS

SUMMERTIME JOKES Joke: What's black and white and red all over? Answer: A sunburned zebra. Joke: Which letter is the coolest? Answer: Iced t. Joke: What do frogs like to drink on a hot summer day? Answer: Croak-o-cola. Joke: What do you call a cat at the beach? Answer: Sandy claws. Joke: What does the sun drink out of? Answer: Sunglasses.

5

DIAMOND KIDZ

FUNPAGE

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DIAMOND’S RECIPE OF THE MONTH

*Please feel free to share a recipe for our monthly newsletter

HISTORY OF A HYMN

“Love Devine, All Love’s Excelling”

Charles Wesley wrote something like six thousand hymns during his lifetime. He spent

much of his life on horseback traveling from church to church, so you might wonder how

he accomplished this. A part of the answer is found in the fact that he was naturally

gifted -- poetry welled up in him, allowing him to express his deep faith through

hymns. Another part of the answer is that he organized himself for his task.

He developed a kind of shorthand so that he could quickly jot down ideas as they came to

him. He carried note cards in his pocket so that he could record his thoughts even while

riding a horse. When he reached his destination, he would transform his rough notes into

finished verse.

"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is one of Wesley's greatest hymns. The hymn is

really a prayer -- a prayer to Jesus, who is "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling." It invites

Jesus to make his dwelling in us -- to visit us with his salvation -- to enter our hearts. It

invites him to take away our love of sinning -- to set our hearts at liberty. It concludes by

asking Jesus to finish his new creation (we are his new creation) so that we might be pure

and spotless -- perfectly restored -- ready for heaven.

As you sing this hymn, keep in mind that it is a prayer -- that you are asking God to

dwell in you -- to visit you with his salvation -- to enter your heart.

PORK CHOP APPLE-BEAN POCKETS Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) Van Camp's® Pork and Beans, drained

1-1/2 cups sliced, quartered red skin apples

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup Hunt's® Original Barbecue Sauce

PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat according to manufacturer's directions.

Stir together drained beans, apple, onion and barbecue sauce in medium bowl. Place four

18x12-inch pieces of heavy foil on counter. Spray each with cooking spray. Place 1 pork chop

in center on each piece of foil; sprinkle with salt. Spoon 1/4th bean mixture over pork for each

packet. Bring up short sides of each foil packet and double fold top. Double fold both ends to

seal each packet, leaving space for steam to gather. Place packets on grate of covered grill.

Grill 15 to 20 minutes or until pork is cooked through (160°F) and apples are tender.

Carefully open packets. Serving Size: 4

7

Diamond

Attention All Women & Girls: There will be a picnic just for you!.

On August. 9th at 11:30 AM located at St. Paul's UMC Church in Drums.

Bring a covered dish to share- paper supplies and beverage will be

provided. Women from the other area UM Churches are also

invited, so we can meet with each other for fellowship and sharing.

Sponsored by Cluster 7 of Northeast district UMW.

Answers from Diamond Trivia : 1. D 2. D 3. A 4. B 5. C

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Hello Diamond friends! We would sure love for you to

be a part of our monthly newsletter here at Diamond.

Please feel free to share any Thanks, Good News, Recipes,

Announcements, Congratulations, Favorite Scriptures,

Cartoons, Jokes, or Pictures with your Diamond Family. All you need to do is

send your information or pictures to torstrupmom@verizon.net

(Attention: Lori) or drop it in my mailbox at church marked “Secretary”.

I will be sure to include it for you. Please be sure to have it submitted by the

monthly newsletter deadline. Blessings to you All! Lori

8

Please Pray for: Requested by:

Gary Fisher Marilyn Stanton

Clara Gardy Jim & Nancy Watkins

Kaya Amy Jazowski

Leah Reihmiller Nancy Roth

Aggi & Caroline Lori Torstrup

Rev. Michael Gardy Jacqui Quiroz

Rodman Hess Sr. Earl & Kay Swinehart

Evan Greg & Sue Atkins

Anna/Dave Wanser Chris & Lori Torstrup

Paul Ladd Anna Wanser & Caroline M.

For Diamond & Pastor Debra Diamond Church Family

Our Elders in the Church Diamond Church Family

Edythe Abel Lois McBride

Teddy Telatovich Wayne Funk

Joe & Shirley Habel The Habel Family

Lt. Andrew Long Frank Dametz

Sgt. Jay Livziey James Quiroz

Mabel Morton Joyce Blyler

All Military Personnel Diamond Church Family

Sarah Habel Diamond Church Family

Lucy Mikula Kaye Maue

Mary DeBoer Margie Steinmetz

Larry Fink David Fink

Betty Jones DeeAnn, Jim, & Josh Watkins

Ed Babbish Tom & Barbara Major

Margie Dave & Kathy Orbin

The Stewart Family Lois McBride

Robert Houseknecht Lois Houseknecht

Francine Post Dave & Kathy Orbin

JoAnne Pesock Chris & Lori Torstrup

Family & Friends of Linda Gronski Diamond Church Family

The Wanser Family Diamond Church Family

9

Also Please Pray for:

Elma Bast Dorothy Quinn

Jason Billy Houseknecht

Betty Ann Nicholas Marge Bakich

Gloria Johnson Midge Isaacs

Christine Karen

Isabel Mickel Donald’s sister, Dorothy Hunsinger

Francis Kimock Nancy Robert

Irene & Rich Dvorshak Fran Wisniewski

Prayers for the Congregation Prayers for our Military Personnel

Karen Moyer Matthew Kaschack

Lorraine Roth Ed Sunder

Our Government & World Leaders For the sick, hospitalized, or recovering

Fern Ray

Dear Friend on our Prayer List,

Your name was listed among those who

need the prayers of others. The congregation

of Diamond United Methodist Church prayed

for you specifically and will continue to pray

for you and/or your family in the days ahead.

Please know that the person who lifted up

your name believes in the power of prayer,

as we do.

May God bless you in a very special way,

and may his love surround you with warmth

and healing.

Diamond United Methodist Church Family

PRAYER LIST REQUEST CARD

Name ______________________________

Prayer Needed ______________________

Requested By _______________________ Address/City/State/Zip _______________

___________________________________

Return to: Diamond United Methodist

519 N. Locust Street

Hazleton, PA 18201

Yes, I would like this verbally included

in a Sunday Service of Prayer .Thanks!

Important Prayer List Information

If you are aware that someone could be removed from the list, please let Lori Torstrup know.

Also, If someone is removed, and you would like the name placed back on the list, please send

and email to her to resubmit them.

GENERAL REMINDERS FOR SUBMITTING REQUESTS:

Please be sure to have the person's permission to print in the bulletin for confidentiality

reasons. *Please keep the reason for the request in general terms.

(IE: Prayers for healing, comfort, strength, support, etc.)

Thank you for your cooperation!

10

We would like to take a moment to express our thanks to

Joe Habel, Anthony Jackubowski, and Kim Houser for their

hard work recently in helping to make Diamond more

beautiful! They successfully had our shrubs removed from the

front of our building. This certainly wasn’t an easy job!

Your dedication and contribution is greatly appreciated!

DIAMOND “TRIVIA” TIME

“How much do you really know from the Bible?”

1. Who is known for his patience and unshakable faith in God?

A. Hosea

B. Abraham

C. Noah

D. Job

2. How many miracles are narrated in the Gospel of Matthew?

A. 13

B. 14

C. 15

D. 17

3. Who was the last human prophet?

A. John the Baptist

B. Elijah

C. Elisha

D. Amos

4. Who was the weeping prophet?

A. Elija

B. Jeremiah

C. Elisha

D. Samuel

5. How many books are there in the Bible?

A. 27

B. 43

C. 66

D. 52

Look for Answers on Page #7

11

MISSIONS “NEWS”

The church needs your help.

Our building is big and needs

to be kept clean. Can you

donate time to help keep it

clean? We are looking for

people to commit to cleaning

one area, the Kitchen,

Memorial Hall, and the

Sanctuary. It can be one person or a

small group. If you are interested, please

see a member of Trustees and they will let

you know what has to be done. This

commitment would begin in September.

From The Prayer Calendar: I am repeatedly overwhelmed by the hospitality the poor offer. That's true in many violence-

ridden corners of our planet. Those who have literally nothing are quick to offer what little

they have - a cup of tea or a meager patch of shade, to a pale and sweaty stranger with a

camera. Their dignity is a strong dissuasion to think of such people as mere victims and

challenge to me as a photographer to portray them in a way that accurately reflects their dig-

nity. Paul Jeffrey, General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church

How about a memento of your church-

There are the letters that are being replaced on the front of the

church, and all of the proceeds will be used to improve the front

of the church. Cost is $25 per letter. See a member of Tustees if

you’re interested.

HELP WANTED

NEEDED: SUNDAY SCHOOL

TEACHERS

REQUIREMENTS: A LOVE OF

CHRIST, ONE SUNDAY A MONTH

DURING CHURCH. *TRAINING

WILL BE PROVIDED

CONTACT: LYNDA HABEL

jlhabel@verizon.net 570-459-1115

12

Worship Leaders: August 2014

Important Worship Leader Information

If for any reason you cannot be a part of the Worship Leader team on any Sunday,

please make Lori Torstrup aware, no later than the Monthly Newsletter Deadline, so

she can make the necessary changes/additions to the schedule. Also, if you are already

scheduled for a Sunday, and a scheduling conflict arises, where you are not able to

commit, we ask that you find someone to cover for you on that Sunday. Lastly, if you

would like to be removed from the Worship Leader Team or placed on something else,

please let Lori Torstrup know as soon as possible.

If you are a Diamond Member, and would like to take part in our Worship Leader

Team for any of these volunteer positions: Liturgist, Greeter, Head Usher, Children’s

Time, Counter, or Acolyte, please make Pastor Debra or Lori Torstrup aware. They

would be happy to put you in touch with someone that can answer your questions.

Thanks so much!

Date Liturgist Greeters Head Usher Counters

08/03 Lorraine

Nicholas

Earl & Kay Swinehart Kathy Orbin Dave & Kathy

08/10 Wayne Funk Greg Atkins Lorraine

Nicholas

Joyce & Joe

08/17 David Orbin Lorraine Nicholas

& JoAnne Burchard

Jim Watkins

Greg & Sue

08/24 Marilyn

Stanton

Sherri Klingle

Sue Atkins

Wayne &

Laurel

08/31 Sue Atkins Wayne Funk & Laurel Kathy Orbin Dave & Kathy

09/07 Lynda Habel Dave & Kathy Orbin Greg Atkins Joyce

13

AUGUST 2014

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

Diamond

Bread

Basket

Noon-1:00pm

3 9:30AM

Worship

5:00PM

Servicio De

Celebracion

4

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

5

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

6

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

7

8

9

10 9:30AM

Worship

All-Church

Picnic

5:00PM

Servicio De

Celebracion

11

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

12

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

13

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

14

15

16

17 9:30AM

Worship

5:00PM

Servicio De

Celebracion

NEWS-

LETTER

DEADLINE

18

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

19

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

20

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

Church

Council

7:00PM

21

22

23

24 9:30AM

Worship

5:00PM

Servicio De

Celebracion

25

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

26

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

27

ESL

Classes

7:00PM-

8:30PM

28 29 30

31 9:30AM

Worship

5:00PM

Servicio De

Celebracion

14

August Flower Sponsors

3 In Memory of Our Loved Ones by Tom & Barbara Major

10 In Honor of Our Mothers’ Birthdays, Joan & Kaye, by Greg & Sue Atkins

17 OPEN

24 In Honor of Jim & Nancy’s 50th Wedding Anniversary

31 OPEN

August Bulletin Sponsors

3 In Memory of Our Parents by Tom & Barbara Major

10 OPEN

17 In Honor of Bryce’s 11th Birthday with love from Dad, Mom, Ariel, & Ivy

24 In Honor of Jim & Nancy’s 50th Wedding Anniversary

31 OPEN

* Look for August Flower & Bulletin Sponsors in weekly bulletins.

Diamond Church- Making a Difference:

Changing Lives through Jesus Christ

Diamond United Methodist Church

519 North Locust Street; Hazleton, PA 18201

Phone: 570-454-0992; 1-800-936-6895

www.diamondchurch.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED