1. education
2. school

First Family News
Our Mission Statement
First United Methodist Church of Saint Marys is
Christ-centered with open doors. We extend our
May 2015
Volume 40
hands and hearts into the world to alter lives for
God’s Kingdom.
Honor Our Graduates
GRADUATION SUNDAY
Sunday, June 7, 2015
9:30 AM
COMBINED SUNDAY SERVICE
Cake and Fellowship to Follow Service
Issue 5
A Message From Pastor Tim
May 2015
With the arrival of spring plenty of activities from gardening, cleaning, attending
spring sporting events that our youth participate in, golf, tennis, exercising fill our days.
And of course we enjoy the warmer weather and flowers as they emerge from the long
winters hibernation. We open doors and windows and allow the fresh air to fill our homes.
During the Spring of the year in ancient times, armies went off to war. Since oxen
and men pushed or pulled carts and supplies, winter battles were not possible. The carts
stuck in the mud making them useless. King David sent his armies to fight in the
springtime according to 2 Samuel 11. However, David remained behind. The Scriptures
do not tell us why he remained in Jerusalem, but we know the consequences of his lack of
participation in the battle. Not long after the armies leave Jerusalem, David spies
Bathsheba across the rooftops bathing. He lusts after her and takes her into his chamber.
Because of this action a son is conceived, and in order to cover up his sin, David sends for
Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. Uriah will not go to his wife as long as his soldiers remain
in battle, and petitions David to be sent back to the battle. David agrees, but sends
instructions that Uriah is positioned close to the front where he will likely be killed.
This story blemishes a rather good life David lived to this point. At this point, we
either talk about the sin of David or we move forward to the grace God offers David and
offers to us as well. I would like to address idleness.
David should have been at the battles, but instead he remained back and this left
him time to allow his thoughts and convictions to run away from him. I have noticed in my
own life, when I have free time, it can be used for good or evil, and to many times evil
wins. If David went off to war, he never would have fathered a child who dies, and Uriah
would not have died. Because of a single sin, many unintended consequences happened.
A time of rest is needed but be aware of idle time. I know we live busy lives and the
springtime may be the busiest, but even during this active time in the year, we must always
be on guard and protect our faith.
Stay active not only in your daily lives, but stay active in your prayer and spiritual
life as well. Make time for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. By making time for them, we
prevent the Devil from making time for us.
God bless,
Pastor Tim, Nancy, Ashley, and Ian
Day of Pentecost
Day of Pentecost
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And
suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it
filled the entire house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2).
Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival, also known as
the Festival of Weeks or Shavuot. It is celebrated 50 days
(hence the name Pentecost) after the Passover. It served
as a celebration of the grain harvest as well as a celebration
of the Torah (Law), which was received by Moses on Mount
Sinai 50 days after the Hebrew people were delivered from
slavery in Egypt. It is also known as the Festival of Weeks
because one counts a week’s worth of weeks (7×7=49 days)
after the Passover (+1=50 days) to arrive at the date. The
Old Testament book of Ruth is often associated with
Pentecost because the barley and wheat harvest plays an
important role in the story.
For Christians, Pentecost is when we remember and celebrate the gift of the
Holy Spirit and the Church. Following Jesus’ ascension, the disciples met
together, prayed, and waited. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit
empowered them to spread the Good News about Jesus Christ, and thus the
church was born. We are especially mindful of this event on
the Day of Pentecost, but throughout the season of Pentecost,
we seek to celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in our
lives and the world and to remember the role of the Church
in God’s work in the world to bring about the reign of God.
The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, and prominent
symbols include fire and a dove (both representing the
Holy Spirit). Pentecost Sunday this year is May 24, 2015.
There is no firm transition from the Season of Pentecost (red)
to Ordinary Time (green), but we typically make the change
in early Fall.
Church Meetings
Finance Meeting
Tuesday, May 19th
7:00 PM
Pastor Parish Relation’s Mtg
FUMC
Tuesday, May 5th
7:00 PM
FUMC
Ad Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 26th
7:00 PM
FUMC
Trustee Meeting
Tuesday, May 12th
7:00 PM
FUMC
Protestant Cemetery Association Meeting
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015
6:00 PM
Saint Mary’s Monuments,148 Timberline Road
Join
Us
New committee members welcome. For more information, please
contact us at 814.781.6160.
Church Meetings
Work Night
Heart to Heart Meeting
Wednesdays
Monday, May 4th
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
Contact Fred Krug
814.594.9288
All help is appreciated.
Man to Man Meeting
Every Wednesday
8:00 PM
Conference Room
Man to Man is a Men’s
The next Heart-to-Heart
meeting will be Monday,
May 4th at 6:30 PM.
The hostess will be
Sally Novosat. The
devotion will be provided
by Cindy Schloder.
Esther Circle
Monday, May 11th
7:00 PM
prayer and worship
group that meets
every Wednesday
evening at the Church.
All men of the Church
are invited and encouraged to attend.
Praise Band Practice
Wednesdays
6:00 PM
In The Church Sanctuary
♥ TO ♥
MEETING
FUMC
The next Esther Circle meeting will take
place on Monday, May 11th at 7:00 PM at
the Church. We are
currently studying books
1 and 2 Corinthians,
Galatians and Ephesians
of the Bible.
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, May 5th & 12th
7:00 PM
Regular Choir Rehearsal for the
Chancel Choir is from
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Church.
Church Announcements
Dessert Donations Needed
Welcome
for Bowls of Love
New Members
Wednesdays
to the FUMC
We need your help…
Cupcakes, cookies and brownies needed
for the Wednesday
Soup Kitchen. Drop off
items in the Kitchen of
the FUMC on Tuesdays
or Wednesdays.
Thank you.
Vada Liptak
Welcome Ron and Mary Frost as
new members of the First United
Methodist Church.
Active Duty Service Military
Send a Card or Note of Appreciation
to our Military Service Members
PV2 Hoover
Brittany A. Bosier
James Nussbaum
D Co TF 2-9
SPC
Dorm 214
Unit 15098
Theater Gateway
Unit 2581
APO-AP
APO-AG
Minot, ND 58705
96224-5098
09366
Victoria & Scott Nemmers
Lieutenant Colonel
USAF
Wright Patterson AF Base
Dayton, OH 45433
Church Announcements
Pre-School Enrollment ~ Accepting Applications
2015-2016
At the First United Methodist Church
The First United Methodist Church, located at 140 North
St. Marys Street in St. Marys, is accepting applications
for enrollment for Pre-School for the 2015-2016 school
year. Our highly qualified Staff includes a Teacher who is
certified in Early Childhood Education and a Teacher’s Aide
with a 4-year degree in Fine Arts. Packets are available
now in the Church office.
Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM—11:30 AM. Children must be
at least 3 years old and potty-trained by August 15, 2015. Enrollment is
limited to 10 students and is on a first come, first served basis.
Deadline to enroll students is May 15, 2015.
Please contact the Church Office at
814.834.3016.
College Students
Drop a Card to Our College Students
Larissa Chicola
Ashley Hoover
Sean Gray
Slippery Rock University
11 College Drive
Lycoming College
255 Building D
Box MCA 213
700 College Place
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Cresson, PA 16630
Campus Box 823
Williamsport, PA 17701
Church Announcements
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
BEGAN IN APRIL, 2015:
Facilitator: Shawna Grim
God's At War
Kyle Idleman's riveting new study, gods at war properly notes that Christians
and the church correctly emphasize the need to identify and eradicate sin. But
what if we're actually missing the point? What if all sin has a common root? Is
there a core issue that we failing to address?
In this new series, Kyle Idleman challenges our presumptions about sin by
suggesting that all sin derives from the same source—idolatry. While we don't
see many "graven images" around today, Kyle argues that there are still
countless gods passionately at war for the throne of our hearts. If we put the
wrong god on the throne, our lives will be thrown into chaos, and all of the
effort we put into fighting sin and overcoming it will be futile.
While there are many gods at war for our hearts, this study focuses on four in
particular: the gods of love, money, pleasure, and power. This series is filmed
in a docudrama style—and features real people telling real stories. These
stories are compelling, and in them everyone will see some reflection of
themselves, and recognize the true battle that lies at the heart of all of our sin
struggles.
These stories also point the way to victory, as we see the kind of lifetransforming power that Christ is ready to pour out in our lives as well. As a
result, seekers, non-Christians and life-long Christians alike will all be moved to
grow their relationship with Christ.
UM Women’s Monthly Meeting
Monday, May 18
th
Tuesday, March 10th
Tuesday, March 24th
7:00 PM
6:00 PM
The next UMW monthly meeting
will be held on Monday, May 18
Adult Fellowship
th
at 7:00 PM at the Church. The
speaker is to be announced.
The hostess for
the meeting is Theresa Pfaff.
Elco Glen
Adult Fellowship, Games, and Fun at
Cyndi Scholder’s residence at
Elco Glen in Saint Marys on
Tuesday, May 5 & 19 & on Friday, May 15
at 6:00 PM. Please call 814.335.4729
for more information. Thank you.
Church News
CAMP PENUEL
A reminder that the collection
of clean plush animals for Camp
Penuel located near Eldred will
start the last week in May. This
is a Christian Camp for children
ages 7 to 11 years of age that are
bussed in from the inner large
cities. Collecting puzzles and
coloring books for rainy
days. This will be the 7th year
our church has been doing
this! Delivered thousands of
items. Thank You! Alice
“Youth Turkey Dinner”
Saturday, May 16
4 PM ~ Sold Out!
Everyone is Invited….
Bring a Friend
Desserts are needed
for the Dinner.
There is a
Sign-up Sheet in the
Old Kitchen for
Dessert Donations.
Thank You
Proceeds Supports Missions
ONE-COMBINED
SUNDAY SERVICE ON
MAY 3 AT 10 AM
In Recognition of our
Sunday School Classes there
will be one-combined
Sunday Service at 10 am
on Sunday, May 3.
Cake and Coffee will
follow the Service.
Mark your calendars!
SUMMER
CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
WILL BEGIN
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Sunday, May 24 begins
Our Summer Service
Schedule at FUMC.
There will be
One-Combined 9:30 AM
Service on Sunday
mornings through
Labor Day weekend.
Mark Your Calendars!
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Inspiration Soup Station
Bowls of Love
We need people to serve and clean up on Wednesdays with Bowls of Love.
For more info, please contact Vada Liptak at 814.834.2230.
Overhead Screen Helpers Needed
Sunday Church Services
We are in need of overhead screen volunteers for Sunday Church Services. If you are interested, please feel free to sit and observe the screen presentation on a Sunday morning
to see if this is a Ministry for you; or, you may contact the Church Office at 814.834.3016.
Develop a new skill or sharpen one that you already have.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of gifts,
but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of
working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
As God’s fellow workers
we urge you not to receive
God’s grace in vain.
For he says,
“In the time of my favor
I heard you, and in the day
of salvation I helped you.”
I tell you, now is the time
of God’s favor, now is the
day of salvation.
Scripture Readers Needed
Sunday Church Services
Volunteers needed for
Scripture Reading
during Sunday Church
Services. Youth and Adults
are welcome.
Please see sign-up sheet
in Welcome Center
of the Church.
Volunteers Needed
We Need Your Help
Teachers and Helpers Needed
Summer Children’s Church
June—August 2015
We are looking for volunteers to teach and assist with Children’s Church this
summer, June 7 through August 23, 2015. Sign up to help for one Sunday or
as many as you would like! Teachers would be responsible for planning a short
Bible lesson and activity from Gospel Light’s curriculum. The curriculum will
be available to you as soon as you sign up so you can plan the lesson at your
convenience. Assistants would help the teacher during class but would not
need to do and preparation ahead of time. If you have been unsure about
committing to a teaching position in the past, this is a great opportunity to
try it out and serve the children of our Church with only a small time commitment. Please prayerfully consider joining us in showing the love of Jesus to
our children this summer!
We would like to have the schedule completed by Sunday, May 24, 2015. so
please sign up soon! There is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center
of the Church. Clearances are required (the Church will submit
them for you and cover the cost of the clearances). If you need
Clearances, please see a member of the Safety Committee or stop in at the
Church Office as soon as possible.
For more information, please contact Christy Keiper at 814-571-0309 or email
Christy at [email protected] or see Beth Gornati
Your Friend in Christ,
Christy Keiper
Special Calendar Days
Celebrate Mothers
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10th
Thursday, May 7th
The National Day of Prayer
“Donations Make a Difference”
A special note sent to the Trinity United Methodist Church in
Ridgway, PA from an Operation Christmas Child Volunteer:
Dear Friends at Trinity United Methodist Church,
We are praising God for your generous gifts to Operation
Christmas Child. With your help, God blessed us with 44,419
boxes collected in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Please continue
to pray for the children around the world who will receive these
boxes.
Gratefully,
Heather Rogers
Summer Camps 2015
Even though there is snow still flying, it is not too early to think about
going to summer camp! Before your calendars fill up with sports,
vacations and other activities, look at the summer camp brochures and
find a week (or a three-day camp for younger children) that works for you.
Please check out the camps on-line or take a brochure from the front of the Church
(when available).
To check out the camps on-line go to:
wesleywoods.com
campallegheny.org
jumonville.org
(Warren County)
(1hr 45 min away)
(Allegheny County) (2 hr 40 min away)
(Fayette County)
(3 hr 15 min away)
From there, you can print an application or enroll on-line. (Enrolling on-line seems to
be the easier way and will only require a deposit.)
Here are some guidelines for parishioners who would like some financial assistance:
If the camp costs $150-$250, campers are responsible for $50.
If the camp costs $250-350, campers are responsible for $75.
If the camp costs $350+, campers are responsible for $100.
Non-parishioners who need assistance are responsible for the registration fee plus 50%
of the camp.
I will need to hear from every camper’s family who is requesting financial assistance
from the Church before or after registering for camp so our Church can send in our portion
of the cost.
I am happy to help in any way I can. Please call me at 814.781.3148.
Campership Steward, Laura Smith

CHURCH LOGO WEAR FOR SALE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE *
All proceeds going toward the Campership fund!
Short Sleeve T-Shirt - $20, Long Sleeve Shirt - $25, Hat - $20
Items are in stock at the Church Office ~~ stop by or call 834-3016.
Vacation Bible School at the FUMC
VBS 2015 is looking for Volunteers
Please consider helping us July 12-16 as we Journey off the Map at
Vacation Bible School at the FUMC in St. Mary’s this year. Any and all help
will be appreciated as we teach the children of our community about the
love of Jesus and the awesome God we serve!
Please call the Church Office at 814.834.3016 or Missy Smith at
814.594.8723 with any questions or to volunteer. We would love to have you
on the team as we sow seeds in the future generation for Jesus Christ!
Journey to the Unknown With Us!
Vacation Bible School at the FUMC
Children 4 Years Old to Entering 5th Grade
Please join us
Sunday, July 12th through Thursday, July 16th
from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
at the FUMC Pavilion on South Michael Street
for Vacation Bible School
Journey off the Map takes your kids to uncharted territory where they
will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond
the expected. So, toss the map, stick close to your guide, and prepare to listen
for God’s direction in this journey that is unknown to us, but known by Him.
Mark your calendars, invite a friend and come Journey off the Map with the
First United Methodist Church’s VBS Team! VBS Registration Forms are available
on the Church’s website: www.fumcstmarys.com or call 814-834-3016.
Take the Journey With Us!
Song of Remembrance
I shared this during the night of Prayer and Healing on April 10, 2015
and wanted to share it with you as well. It is something that God put in
my heart during a time of prayer in preparation for the night of prayer.
Sometimes we forget to thank God for being there for us. Perhaps we
fail to recognize when He is standing right next to us in a situation.
Take time to think back and reflect on those times when He has been
there for you. Take time to remember and give thanks.
Candy Frey
Song of Remembrance
Remember the day, you cried out to me?
Remember the day, you thought I was gone?
Remember the day, you sat with tear stained checks?
Remember the day, you felt so wronged?
I was there, I was there listening to your cries.
I was there, I was there holding you close.
I was there, I was there wiping the tears from your face.
I was there; I was there to come to your aid.
I was there; I was there to help you forgive.
I was there; I was there when all seemed lost.
I was there; I was there the day you were judged.
I was there; I was there when the decision was rendered.
I was there; I was there when you breathed a sigh of relief.
I was there, I was there when you stood and walked out the door.
I remember you held me close.
I remember you holding my hand.
I remember feeling peace and victory.
I remember the final outcome.
I remember you being there.
I remember……………………………..
Celebrate Memorial Day
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who
died while serving in the country’s armed forces. This memorial, which is observed every
year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated
after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who
died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all
Americans who died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the
summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in
military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national
cemeteries.
Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held on
a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of
the American South, notably in the mountain areas. In cases
involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors as well
as those who were deceased more recently are buried, this
may take on the character of an extended family reunion to
which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather
on the designated day and put flowers on graves and renew
contacts with relatives and others. There often is a religious
service and a picnic-like "dinner on the ground," the
traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to
spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass. It
is believed that this practice began before the American Civil
War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.
Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of
remembering the men and women who died while serving while Veterans Day celebrates
the service of all U.S. military veterans.
Sharing Our Gifts
By Vada Liptak
Inspiration Soup Station
May 2015
Bowls of Love Menu and Servers
Date:
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Menu:
Ham and scalloped potatoes, roll, green beans, dessert
Servers:
Praise Band
Date:
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Menu:
Beef stroganoff, corn, roll, dessert
Servers:
Gerry Frey, Connie Amendola, Patty Hasselman and
Rosemary Gray
Date:
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Menu:
Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, dessert
Servers:
Chancel Choir
Date:
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Menu:
Baked beans, hot dogs, dessert
Servers:
Jean and Tom Price, Paula Mertel and Tom Heindl
If you are unable to serve, please contact:
Pat Johnson (814.834.3184) or Vada Liptak (814.834.2230).
Graduation Sunday
Sunday, June 7, 2015
All Are Welcome to Attend
Refreshments & Fellowship to Follow 9:30 AM Service
Come and celebrate with our graduates and their families on Sunday, June 7,
at 9:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church. There will be a Combined
Service at the Church with Refreshments to follow. If you have or know of
a High School or College graduate or Any graduate in our Church family, please
complete the form below and return it to the Church office before May 17.
We will have a special gift for each graduate. If you have any questions,
please contact the Church Office at 814.834.3016.
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
ST. MARYS, PA 15857
PERMIT NO. 38
First United Methodist Church
140 N. Saint Marys Street
Saint Marys, PA 15857-1236
Change Service Requested
Contact Information
Telephone: 814.834.3016
Fax:
814.834.0035
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.fumcstmarys.com
Please let us know if your address changes.
At Your Service
The Reverend J. Tim Hoover
“Pastor Tim”
[email protected]
Joyce Sorg, Church Secretary
[email protected]
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monthly Deadline for Articles
15th of each month,
12:00 NOON
You can submit your
articles several ways:
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
In-Person:
Editor’s Box in the hall by
the Church Office
Your timeliness is greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
The Editor
All Sidestream Clip Art © Mike Purcell.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
All God’s Graffiti Clip Art © Tim Bertram.
All right reserved. Used with permission.