June 20, 2019

            The general assumption is that people want lots and lots of choices these days. And I do believe that's accurate - up to a point. I have to admit that I often feel I've reached my saturation point when it comes to too many choices.

            I often tell people I am not a TV watcher. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. But I often think that part of the reason I don't watch TV very often is because there are simply too many choices and it causes me to spend far too much time trying to make a decision. Restaurant menus are another big problem for me. I recently went to a diner with my grandson and there were literally hundreds of choices, not to mention at about two dozen "specials." It was mind-boggling. It seems that I often make the choice one time - in other words, I end up with one or two items that I decide I like on a menu, and then I continue to order the same item every time I am there. Why is that? It could very possibly be because it saves me from having to choose over and over again.

            On the other hand, I think that having a limited number of choices is a good thing. If the only choice I have to make, for instance, is between traditional worship or contemporary worship, or between an 8 am, 9:15, or 10:30 service, I can easily do that. And I prefer having those choices; in fact, I like having those choices. But on the other hand, I was in the Las Vegas area once, and I had a really tough time deciding which service and even which location to go to for worship. After we decided on Central Christian Church, the next decision was between about 30 different options for weekend worship.

            So, speaking for myself, having choices is a good thing, but there comes a point when the choices become overwhelming, and I just want to go back to a more "simple" time - i.e, when the TV choices involved Channel 3, 6 or 10 (yes, I admit I'm OLD). But on the other hand, I want to give thanks for a simple choice I made a long time ago. I chose to follow Christ and to serve Him. And so did you.

   

Pastor Janice

Annual Conference Report  

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church was held this past July 13th, 14th, and 15th at the Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.  It was attended by over 800 clergy and laity.  The theme for this year's conference was "Tell to the Coming Generations."  The purpose of the theme was to address declining church attendance by addressing how to increase the attendance of all generations.  Multiple clergy and laity, who were truly filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke at the conference.  As they spoke, it became abundantly clear that intergenerational, normal everyday conversation, in simple 1 on 1 settings are very important to establishing relationships.  After a relationship has been established, then the conversation about God will begin quite naturally; mostly without your effort and as the Holy Spirit directs.  This can be easy to do.  Just be out in the community as you normally would.  The simplest way to start can be by just saying to someone, "Hello, how are you doing today?" It's remarkable to see the look on some people's faces when it occurs to them that someone has taken a moment to genuinely express such a simple concern for their well-being.  At that point, circumstances permitting, either there will be a brief bit of conversation or it will be done. Either way, you have just given some of God's love to that person.  It's a great place to start.  That's all God needs.

Other business conducted at the conference included: clergy and laity delegates voting for the 2020 General and Jurisdictional delegates, various committee reports, voting on numerous resolutions and several worship services which included ones for: retiree recognition of clergy and laity, commissioning new clergy and laity and to remember clergy and laity "who have entered the church triumphant."

 

 

Kids Church News......

For children ages 4 years thru 6th grade

For more information, please contact David Bigam

215-357-6998 or dbigam@gmail.com

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 22-26       9 am - NOON

HELP NEEDED

 

FOOD ITEMS ARE NEEDED FOR VBS

Please sign up at bulletin board outside of Grace Cafe.

See sign-up sheet in the Sunday's bulletin or contact

David Bigam 215-357-6998  dbigam@gmail.com

 

30 Volunteers will be going to  

Guyan Valley, WV for this year's mission trip! July 6-13, 2019

2019 ASP STOCK SALE 

$25.00 per share

The purchase of your share entitles you to our annual stockholder's luncheon held in early fall.  

 

Or if you would like, you can purchase "David Dollars" for just $5.00. 

 

All proceeds help to fund the cost of van rentals and gasoline to Wyoming County, W.V.

Please see our stock advisers after each service in Narthex.

 

Thank you!

SUMMER SUNDAES & STUDY

Wednesday evenings

June 26, July 10 & 17

7 PM in Fellowship Hall

 

Join us for a unique study ("Nooma" videos) that touches on issues we care about and that we want to talk about!

We'll be gathering for a light study & discussion along with great fellowship and a make-your-own-sundae party!

Come when you can! Each study stands alone!

Sign up on the table in the narthex so we have enough ice cream!!

ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, July 2

10:00 AM and 7:00 PM in the Parlor.  Please join us, all are welcome. 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

by: Heather Morris

 This beautiful illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Aschweitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov - an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.

Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell.   

All are welcome.

GriefShare Monday Nights

Sessions are held on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 in

Grace Café until June 24th.

Sessions will begin again in August. (see schedule below)
 

GriefShare is a thirteen week, faith-based program for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. 

A combination of socialization/support, video, workbook, and discussion, each two hour session is designed to help those who are mourning to process their grief with others who share the burden of loss. 

There can be companionship on the journey through the wilderness of grief; no one has to grieve alone.

 

2019-2020 GriefShare Schedule:

You may register online at griefshare.org.  There is a $15 fee for the workbook payable at the first meeting of each 13 week session.  For further information, contact Pastor Janice, Ruth Portzline, or Chaplain Erin Maurer or go to griefshare.org.

    

SHEETS FOR RED BIRD 

Naomi Circle is collecting sheets for Red Bird Mission during the month of June. They will be included in the Christmas Boxes that each family receives.  Because of your generosity, last year each child received their own set of sheets.  Many received their own set for the first time.  All sizes are requested, juvenile twins would be great.  Containers may be found throughout the church for your donations.  Any questions please contact Linda Barr, 215-773-9865 or  

Carol Campbell, 215-364-0942.   

Thank you.

Our Missions Team met and identified some hands-on mission projects you may want to be a part of.

• Backpack Mission Project - later this summer.
• Habitat for Humanity - working on construction/finishing of four homes in the Morrisville Area - this fall
• Third annual R.I.S.E. Sunday, October 6, 2019.
• Compassion Sunday - October 27
• One Great Day of Service - Spring 2020