June2015
“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar… “I – I hardly know, Sir, just at present,” Alice replied rather shyly, “at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then” (Lewis Carroll).
Last month we started looking at three questions that are part of the second developmental task of the interim time – Renewingthe Congregational Identity. We asked the question “Who are we?” This month I want us to think about the second question:“Why are we?” What are we here for? What is our purpose, our mission?
TheSession has been working on this and is close to developing a mission statement. You will hear more about that in the coming months. In developing this mission statement we have looked at four aspects that need to be part of every church:
1)Worship – The church exists to worship God. This is one of the central aspects of being the church. Weekly worship is essential for spiritual growth. “Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom” (Luke 4:16; see also Exodus 20:8-11, Hebrews 10:25). David loved to go to the Temple to worship. “O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides” (Psalm 26:8, see also Psalm 84:1-2). Worship is paying attention to God, acknowledging who God is and listening to God. Worship is the way we show our love to God and commit our lives anew to God.
Summer is often a time that church attendance drops. Part of that is due to vacations (why not go to church wherever you are visiting), but we also tend to fill our lives with many other activities, good and fun activities, so that worship drops down our priority level. Worshipping weekly takes a commitment, but is an act that deepens our faith and centers our lives in Jesus. I encourage you to keep worship as a central commitment in your life.
2)Care – Fellowship is a second central part of being the church. Fellowship goes beyond having donuts and coffee after church. It is more than smiling and saying “Hi” during the passing of the peace. Fellowship means being the body of Christ, the family ofGod.
Martin Marty describes how in some primitive tribes a member of the tribe is “boned.” If a member of the tribe acts outside the norms of the tribes the shaman of the tribe will lead a ritual in which a boneis pointed at the offending party. The boned person becomes an outcast, and very quickly dies. Nothing is physically done to the person, other than excluding him/her from thefellowship. Somehow, the attitudes of the rest of the tribe have an impact on the person, leading to death. That ishow important fellowship is for our lives.
Fellowship is the sharing of our lives, our faith and our struggles, our joys and our needs. The early church experienced this in a way that transformed lives and changedthe world. (See Acts 2:42-47;Acts 4:32-35). What is the closest you have ever come to experiencing something like what happened in the early church? What do we need to do for thistype of fellowship to become a reality at Sharon?
Next month I’ll talk about the next two aspects of a healthy mission statement: Growing & Sharing.
In Christ,
Doug
MUSIC NOTES
As summer quickly approaches it brings about the anticipation of summer concerts. In my hometown, there are weekly concerts in the park that range from classical ensembles to barbershop quartets to jazz bands. It’s easy to see a love for music resonating from the musicians and vocalists. I’ve seen the same spirit here at Sharon Church in our chancel choir, chancel ringers, children’s ensembles, special music offerings and through the voices of the congregation singing praise each and every week. It is a joy to serve in a church that has a great love and appreciation for lifting up our songs and praises to God.
Sharing music as a community has drawn people together for centuries. As Christians, whether we are in small groups, choirs or a congregation, bringing praise to God is one of the key elements in our own expression of faith. And one day we’ll be singing in a concert that defies imagination. When you think about it, the only specific activity that we know we can do here that we will do in heaven is to worship in song. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5.13)
This summer we have a great opportunity to offer our music to God through special music. I encourage you to participate either as a soloist (instrument or voice) or as a part of a small ensemble. Let’s praise God together with our music!
If you are interested in offering your musical talents to God this summer, please contact me via email () or by calling the office (412-264-7400.)
Many blessings,
RonBernhardy
Session Highlights
2015 SESSION MEMBERS OF SHARON CHURCH
Melissa Bigelow, Doug Busch, Chris Cratsley, John Devey, Dave Doughty, Robert Jackson, Mark Killmeyer, Lucie Lenz, Grace Peters, Barbara Ploy, Debbie Prostko, Jeanne Sergi, Susanne Udvari, and Debbie Williams.
Session met May 12, 2015 at 7:00pm with the Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Doug Marshall. Ten (10) session members were present. Deacon Terry Doughty conducted devotions and led the opening prayer.
The Clerk’s report was submitted and approved. The rolls currently show 277 members. Average attendance was 159 for the month of March. Average weekly attendance for Sunday School was 13, Children’s Music was 12, and Adult Education was 14. This was based on only three, two, and one week, respectively, due to other church activities. The next Session meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2015 at 7pm in room 202.
Rev. Marshall led us in a discussion regarding a church mission statement and vision statement. Session has reviewed this topic during the last few meetings and is getting closer to determining statements that accurately reflect our church. The Presbytery meeting for May 14, 2015 was also addressed. Elder Lucie Lenz was approved as a representative from SCPC.
Other items of discussion were: Dates for the Fall Stewardship Campaign have been set and details are being worked on. Electrical repairs have begun. We will be gathering advice as to the life expectancy of the parking lot, what repairs may be needed, and the costs involved. As of the end of April, expenses exceeded income by approximately $4,270.00, which is better than our year-to-date budget. A reception will be held June 7 to honor the participants in the music curriculum. The church picnic will be August 2 and will be on the church grounds. The Christian Education Committee is gearing up for Vacation Bible School and is looking for volunteers.
The meeting concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. Doug Marshall at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie Lenz, Clerk of Session
ADOPT A FLOWER BED!
Spring has arrived, and now’s your chance to exercise that green thumb,
have some fun, and add some color to the Church grounds all at the same time.
Adopt one of our flower beds! We’ll supply the space and you supply
the ideas and flowers, and maintain it until fall. This is a great opportunity
for a family, organization, group of friends, Small Group or whatever to
gather for some fellowship and beautify our Church grounds.
A list of flower beds available for adoption will be posted in the Narthex
. You can also contact Dave Doughty ()
or call the church office to arrange an adoption.
First come, first served!
May 25 - June 29Grief Support Group
We Know It Hurts. We Can Help.
The Samaritan Counseling Center respects the unique challenges experienced by each person grieving the loss of a loved one. Led by an accomplished grief counselor, our Grief Group offers supportive, faith-based care. Call Samaritan today at 412.741.7430 to sign up. NO CHARGE.
(The Group is recommended for those experiencing a loss approx. three months prior to the start date.)
New Wilmington Mission Conference
The New Wilmington Mission Conference (NWMC), which began over 100 years ago, will be held July 18-25 at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. Its purpose is “to deepen the missionary spirit, seeking fulfillment of the Great Commission… to encourage a deep spiritual life of fellowship with God by promoting service and witness for Jesus Christ” (from
Interim Pastor Doug Marshall is going this summer for the first time. All of you are invited to join Doug at the conference, for a whole week, or even for just a day. There will be Mission Speakers and Bible Teachers (including Ken Bailey – a Western PA favorite). If you are interested in joining Doug please contact him.
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Walk a little slower, Daddy, said a little child so small.
I’m following in your footsteps and I don’t want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast;
sometimes they’re hard to see.
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.
Someday when I’m all grown up, you’re what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child who’ll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;
So walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you.
-Author Unknown
FROM THE DEACONS
2015 DEACON MEMBERS OF SHARON CHURCH
Richard Bigelow, Ryan Busch, Sherri Busch, Terry Doughty, Kathy Hamsher, Megan Hamsher, Nancy Handerhan, Jan Gorr, Lorraine Keith, Janet Loadman, Kathy Nicastro,LaVerne Petrie, Lori Painter, Gladys Sanderbeck, Joe Sharkey and Jan Weber.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !!
Some members of our congregation have no means of transportation to doctors,hospitals, grocery stores etc. The deacons are compiling a list of volunteers interested in helping out as drivers.
If you don’t want to be a driver, are you interested in doing minor handyman work at people’s homes. (inside or out )?
Anyone interested please call the church office at 412-264-7400 between 9AM & 2 PM or Jan Gorr at 412-262-5618.
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Worship will begin at 10:00am each Sunday through the summer. Sunday School, Adult Education and Kids’ Praise, Worship and Music will resume in the Fall.
Thank you for the cards, prayers and concerns for the loss of my brother.
Gladys Sanderbeck
Dear Sharon Church Members,
I want to thank you all for your Easter cards and notes and for the beautiful Easter lily. It is so very thoughtful of all you and I truly appreciate your kindness. If you are out my way, please stop in and visit with me.
I’m doing fine and my children are taking care of me. I’m truly blessed.
Thank you again,
Sincerely, Jo Anna Mosca
Sharon Church Family,
Bill & I would like to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness during Bill’s long illness. We appreciated and are grateful for all of your prayers, phone calls, cards, visits and meals delivered. It meant so much to both of us.
All of these thoughtful acts of kindness helped so much during Bill’s recover.
Thankfully yours, Bill and Colleen Cook
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Let’s keep in Cards and
touch with our address labels are
shut-ins and available in the
at-home members Narthex.
during the summer.
HELP WANTED!
We are blessed with a wonderful church facility. But just like your own house, our Church buildings and grounds require some care and periodic maintenance to keep things nice, safe, and so the little problems don’t grow into big ones. The Property and Maintenance committee has compiled a list of things around the church that need attention, and we’re asking for your help in taking on some of these projects.
Some of these are relatively small projects that an individual or a couple of friends with minimal skills could manage in an afternoon or two. Others might require a small team and a bit of coordination. We’ll supply the materials and some guidance. We’re asking you to contribute some of your time, on your schedule.
Someone from the P&M committee will be available in the Narthex to review theprojects on our list, and answer any questions you may have.
Please consider donating some of your time to help with the upkeep of OUR church campus.
ONE CAN MINISTRY
The congregation is continually challenged to remember this ministry bybringing one can for each person each week to donate to the Food Pantry. A tip for remembering is to store the cans in your car after shopping. We are striving to double our contributions in 2015.
We are excited to announce this year’s Vacation Bible School program "Hometown Nazareth, Where Jesus was a Kid." This year’sprogram will feature a "village" where the children will get to explore a small town and experience what it was like for Jesus growing up. The program will be from Sunday, July 12th through Thursday, July 16th in the evenings from 6pm to 8:30pm.
Register your children today for free. We also encourage parents to volunteer or if not volunteer, to stay through the program and explore the village with their children. VBS is a great way for families to grow closer to God together!!
Please register online orcomplete this form and return it to the Church office. If you have any questions please call 412-264-7400.
Registration Form
Name(s) and age(s):
______
______
______
______
Home email address:
______
Street address:
______
City:______
State:______ZIP:______
Home telephone: (_____) ______
Cell phone: (_____) ______
Number of family members participating in Hometown Nazareth: ______
Will parents be helping in other areas of Hometown Nazareth?______
Where? ______
In case of emergency, contact:
______
Allergies or other medical conditions:
______
Home church:
______
Name (and phone number) of a special friend your child might like to be with:
______
CHURCH CALENDAR – JUNE2015Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
May 31
Trinity Sunday
10am –Worship with
Communion
11am - Coffee Cafe / June 2
9am–Food Pantry
6:30pm – Christian Ed
Committee Mtg
7:00pm – Membership
Committee Mtg
7:30pm – Finance
Committee Mtg / June 3 / June 4 / June 5 / June 6
June 7
Music Appreciation Sunday
10am –Worship
11am – Reception
on the Portico / June 8
8am- Food
Pantry Truck / June 9
Deacons’ Feeding the Homeless Day
9am–FoodPantry
7pm – Session Mtg / June 10
12:30pm – Quilting
Club / June 11 / June 12 / June 13
June 14
10am-Worship
11am - Coffee Cafe / June 15 / June 16
9am–FoodPantry / June 17 / June 18 / June 19 / June 20
June 21
10am-Worship
11am - Coffee Café
/ June 22 / June 23
9am–FoodPantry / June 24 / June 25 / June 26 / June 27
June 28
10am -Worship
11am - Coffee Café
11:15am – Property
& Maintenance
Committee Mtg.
12:30pm – Quilting
Club / June 29 / June 30
9am–Food Pantry / July 1 / July 2 / July 3 / July 4
COMMUNITY CALENDAR - JUNE 2015
Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
May 31 / June 1
7pm -Boy Scouts
8:30pm – MonVB
9pm - AA / June 2
9am–FoodPantry
11am –Storkbites
6pm- Cub Scout Den
Meeting
7:30pm -Tues VB / June 3
6pm- Futsol
6pm-Moon Area
Dupl. Bridge
8pm–St. Phillips BB / June 4
7pm–AA
8pm–Mens BB
10pm–10 Dads BB / June 5
7pm – TGIF
A.S. Group / June 6
2pm-St Philips
June 7 / June 8
8am- Food Pantry
Truck
7pm -Boy Scouts
8:30pm – MonVB
9pm - AA / June 9
9am–FoodPantry
11am –Storkbites
6pm- Cub Scout Den
Meeting
7:30pm -Tues VB / June 10
6pm- Futsol
6pm-Moon Area
Dupl. Bridge
8pm–St. Phillips BB / June 11
1pm-AARP Bd Mtg
7pm–AA
8pm–Mens BB
10pm–10 Dads BB / June 12
7pm – TGIF
A.S. Group / June 13
2pm-St Philips
June 14 / June15
7pm - Boy Scouts
8:30pm –Mon VB
9pm - AA / June 16
9am–FoodPantry
6pm- Cub Scout Den
Meeting
7:30pm -Tues VB / June17
6pm- Futsol
6pm-Moon Area
Dupl. Bridge
8pm–St. Phillips BB / June 18
1pm-Food Pantry
Mtg
7pm–AA
8pm–Mens BB
10pm–10 Dads BB / June 19
7pm – TGIF
A.S. Group / June 20
2pm-St Philips
June 21 / June 22
7pm - Boy Scouts
8:30pm – MonVB
9pm – AA / June 23
9am–FoodPantry
6pm- Cub Scout Den
Meeting
7:30pm -Tues VB / June 24
6pm- Futsol
6pm-Moon Area
Dupl. Bridge
8pm–St. Phillips BB / June 25
1pm – AARP Mtg
7pm–AA
8pm–Mens BB
10pm -10 Dads BB / June 26
7pm – TGIF
A.S. Group / June 27
2pm-St Philips
June 28 / June 29
7pm - Boy Scouts
8:30pm –Mon VB
9pm - AA / June 30
9am–Food Pantry
6pm- Cub Scout
Mtg
7:30pm Tues VB / July 1
6pm- Futsol
6pm-Moon Area
Dupl. Bridge
8pm–St. Phillips BB / July 2
7pm–AA
8pm–Mens BB
10pm -10 Dads BB / July 3
7pm – TGIF A.S. Group / July 4
We aredelighted towelcome a new babyto our congregation.A daughter was born to Shanna Ley and Joe Roberts on May 13th, named Adaline Rose. May God bless them as they begin life together as a family.
Rev. Ed Bowen, who has been fighting cancer for quite a while, had a recent CT scan which showed that the small intestine tumor is gone, seven lymph nodes that were involved aredown tozero, and tumors in the lungs that were once too numerous to count are now tiny and insignificant. He will continue to receive chemo every other week indefinitely to keep the cancer from regrowing. He thanks everyone who has been praying for him.
Gail Zalucky
Glenn Baird
Marjorie Johnson
Tom and Barbara Cain
Donald Scott
Patricia Strupp (friend of George Hollis)
John Ralston, brother of Ruth Ralston
Virginia Taylor (Sally Shirra's aunt)
Krissy (friend of Shanna Ley)
Bob Bordick (friend of Al Zalucky)
Joan Behm
Mary Kalman
Pat Reed (Judy Yeck’s Daughter in law’s mother)
Beth (Lori Painter’s daughter-in-law)
Thomas Champ (friend of George Hollis)
Claudette (friend of Barbara Ploy)
Anneliese Endress
Joanne Hagar
Ruth Ralston
Dale Gass
Pat Hersh
“Hank” Erskine
Mary Ann Sirney
Paul Von Stein
Joe (friend of Judy Yeck)
Mary Ann Fuller (Food Pantry patron)
Lauren and Ralph Hogsett (Kathy Hamsher's niece
on mission in Honduras, and father)
Ian and Mimi Cain and her father Bud
(son,daughter-in-law to Tom &Barbara Cain)
Michael Ritter (working in Haiti)
THOSE SERVING IN THE ARMED SERVICES
Donnie and Brett (brothers of Holly Henry)
Jarod Oliver (Barbara Ploy’s nephew)
SHARON PRAYER CHAIN – Prayer requests may be submitted on the church website at emailed to , by contacting the church office at 412-264-7400, or by mailing in the following notice. Prayer concerns will be listed for two months, at which time you will be contacted by the church office to see if there is still a need for prayer.