First United Methodistchurch
First united Methodistchurch
310 Oak Street
Irwin, PA15642
Phone No. 724-863-6858
Website:
Email:
Rev. David S. Lake – Pastor
Jack L. Tickle – Youth Minister
Wendell Campbell –Lay Minister of Visitation
Dianne Runser – Director of Music Ministry
“The First United Methodist Church of Irwin exists
to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We are a community of Believers,
centered on Christ, united by God’s love, and
empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
From our pastor …
Dear Friends,
When you receive this newsletter, Holy Week will be upon us. It is such a busy time of year with all the services. We will have five services in six days…this sure keeps people hopping! For all of you who had a hand in these services…Thank you! These services could never have been carried out at FirstChurch without your time and effort. I pray that everyone received a blessing and is closer to Jesus Christ as we pass through this Lenten Season and Holy Week.
As I woke up this morning, thinking about this letter, I had a picture of the communion table piled high with pieces of bread. Bread enough for everyone. So many people need to receive the body of Christ.
Very few are called to be an evangelist like Billy Graham. All of us are called to share Christ; called to share our faith. All of us are to live lives that through our actions and words, through our everyday living we share Christ. This is what we call relational evangelism. We are with people we know everyday. How do we relate to them? Do they know that you are a Christian? How do you relate to those people you do not know and just happen to meet on the street? Will they know that you are a Christian by your actions?
There is a song: “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, we are one in the Spirit we are one in the Lord. And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. And they’ll know we are Christian by our love, by our love. Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
Through the events of Holy Week, we are one in the Spirit and we are one in the Lord. Jesus Christ is the bread piled high on the table…the Bread of Life for the world. Are we willing to share this Good News with those people around us that we relate to everyday? Are we willing to pray that all unity may one day be restored?
May we live everyday, as Jesus Christ would have us live!
In His Service,
Rev. David S. Lake
FISH -N-CHIPS
April 2012
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OUTREACH COMMITTEE NEWS
The Outreach Committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM.
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CARDS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL: The Outreach Committee is starting a new project to keep in touch with military personnel from our church to let them know we are thinking of them & praying for them. There are Easter cards in the narthex. Please stop on your way out to sign those. If there are others who a have a family member in the military, please contact the office.
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LOOKING FOR OUR GRADUATES! If you or a family member will have graduated high school or college since our last recognition Sunday in May 2011, contact the church office with name, school/college, degree, and future plans. Watch for details about Graduate Sunday. Thank you.
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RICK SIMMS ANNUAL WORK TRIP
Dates for this year are June 24th- 27th
Watch your upcoming newsletters and bulletins for more information.
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THANK YOU NOTES
A sincere thank you for your very generous gift of $751.32 for the Greensburg District Happy Feet Project. Your 2012 Contribution will help provide shoes for children of needy families in the district.
Sincerely, Holly Sawyer, Greensburg District Administrative Assistant
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On behalf of Hunter and our family, we would like to thank those of you that were able to come andsupport the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser hosted by The Irwin Business and Professionals Association at the Irwin Moose Lodge benefiting Hunter. The turnout was amazing and it truly was the most humbling experience for our entire family. There are no words that can truly express our gratitude toward our church family, the community, and all those involved. We will forever be grateful for your prayers, kindness and support.
Thank you,Mike, Patti, Hunter, Connor and Paige McGowan
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Our Christian sympathy is extended to the families of:
Scott Vargo who passed away on March 16th
Robert Jessop who passed away on March 22nd
May God comfort and bless these families.
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GOOD GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: The Good Grief Support Group continues to meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. If you are planning to attending for the first time, please call 412-224-4700 to let them know you will be coming. There is no fee and the support group is open to anyone in our church or community who has experienced the pain of death and needs help working through their loss and managing their grief.
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CONGRATULATIONS to Nicole Metz for earning the title of State Champ on the Rifle Team. Nicole is a senior at HempfieldHigh School. She is the daughter of Dan & Sally Metz and the grand daughter of Sally Hildbold.
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OFFICE NEWS
OFFICE HOURS
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM until 3:00PM.
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NEWSLETTER ARTICLES: All articles for the May 2012 Newsletter are due in the office by Sunday, April 22, 2012.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
(as of 2/28/2012)
PDF - $132.00Work Trip - $50.00
Project Happy Feet (Kids special collection) - $751.32
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Congratulations to Josh & Rose Rosenburg on the birth of their son, Daren Lewis. Daren was born on March 14th. He is the grandson of Bill & Ethel Rosenburg.
Congratulations also to Rocky & Barbara Saparito on the birth of their son Logan Robert. Logan was born on March 15th. Logan’s grandparents are Tim & Laurie Saporito.
May God bless both of these little ones and their families.
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OUR COMMUNITY
INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE: Free Income Tax Service will again be offered for taxpayers in this area who have low and moderate incomes. This assistance will come from IRS trained volunteer tax councilors who will help in the preparation of Federal and State income tax returns, and for those who qualify, PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms. Tax payers are asked to bring a copy of 2010’s Federal and State returns along with all of their 2011 tax records and property tax receipts. This service will be offered from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at:
North Huntingdon Townhouse
Tuesday & Thursday, February 2 – April 17
St. Regis RC Church, Trafford
Alternating Mondays, beginning February 6
JeannetteSeniorCenter (by appointment 724-527-3200)
Wednesdays, February 1 – April 11
Penn Township Library (by appointment 724-744-4414 ext 0)
Every other Friday, beginning February 3
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COMMUNITY GOOD FRIDAY BREAKFAST
Friday, April 7th, 7:30 AM
at Pluma’s Restaurant
The guest speaker this year
will be Wade Nolan.
Nolan's productions have been broadcast worldwide on ABC, CBS, NBC and the BBC. He has sold an unprecedented and unparalleled 4 million videos/DVD’s that bear his mark and has won both national and international awards for his work.
Tickets are available through the Church office, the Irwin Chamber of Commerce or from the Ministerium members.
For more information on Wade Nolan you may go to on the internet.
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WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUP
The Women’s Bible Study Group will meet on Wednesday, April 11th at 10:00 AM. In learning about the Bible through the lives of its women, we are currently studying those who lived in the age of the Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At our April 11th class we will review the stories of Leah, Rachel, and the other women of Jacob’s family, as well as those of Esau’s family. Any woman who is interested in joining us on the 2nd. Wednesday of each month (September thru May) is welcome to attend our informal class.
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Love, Hope, & Grace,
One Amazing Story…
Celebrate & join us …
All ages are invited to our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday, April 1st, 9:30 to 10:30 am, starting in the Elementary Dept. Hear the amazing story of Holy Week & Easter and learn Lenten & Christian symbols. An egg hunt follows in the gym with some terrific candy & treasures that relate to the story. Adults are welcome! Teens/preteens, we need your help hiding the eggs! As always, you will receive the same treats for helping! Just meet at 9:30 in the elementary room. Friends welcome!
Kick off Holy Week by hearing the story of our Christian faith, from Palm Sunday to Pentecost, in one short, exciting session!
Hope to see you on April 1st!
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UNITED METHODIST MEN
The United Methodist Men meet the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.
Some of the men meet almost every Tuesday morning to do various maintenance jobs around the church. If you have some free time why not stop in and help them? There’s always something to do and when the work is done, they serve a great lunch to the helpers!
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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
The United Methodist Women meet the second Monday of each month at 10:00 AM. The Executive board meets the first Monday of the month at 10:00 AM
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Ladies ...Mark your calendar...Our Mothers Day Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 12th at 6:00 PM.
The dinnerwill be catered by the Colonial Grille.
Entertainment will beChris"Doc" Dixon, a magician/comedian.
Keep in mind that you do not need to bring your mother or daughter to this banquet. You may bring your sister, aunt, friend, or neighbor. Watch for further details.
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INK JET RECYCLING: Don’t forget to donate your empty ink jet cartridges to our church. The cartridges are sent to be recycled and our church receives funds for our ministries.
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NEWS FROM THE LOFT
(CHOIR LOFT, THAT IS…..)
THE LIVING LAST SUPPER
One of Christianity's most significant events was brilliantly portrayed by Leonardo Da Vinci: The Last Supper. This Renaissance masterpiece is brought to life in Ruth Elaine Schram's remarkable new work, "The Living Last Supper." The music passionately captures the pathos of the event while the disciples speak, expressing their innermost thoughts with brief but poignant monologues. The congregation will participate in the special seder meal which Christians call “the Last Supper” by sharing communion with one another and with Christ and His disciples.
On April 3 (Tuesday) and 5 (Holy Thursday), the Drama Team and special event choir (composed of members of the Chancel Choir and other community singers) will be presenting “The Living Last Supper”. Many hands are busy gathering props, altering costumes, rehearsing lines, rehearsing songs, etc. Thanks to Donna and Debbie Kocevar and their team for gathering and preparing props; to Nancy Wallace and her team for sewing, altering and ironing costumes; to all of the actors for hours of rehearsals; to the members of the choirs for many hours of extra rehearsal.
Thanks, also, to all of those who have volunteered as ushers and greeters. As we host visitors from our community, you are the “front line” of our “welcoming church”.
Please plan to attend the service. It will be a memorable experience for all. The Tuesday night performance has become a popular time for members of other churches to attend, since many will have services in their own churches on Thursday night. Please help us spread the word that all are welcome. We hope for a real crowd both nights. Your personal involvement in The Living Last Supper as a member of the congregation will make this Lent/Easter season one you will not forget!
Building set: Immediately after second service on April 1.
Dress rehearsal (cast, crew and choir): Sunday April 1 at 6:00 PM
CHANCEL CHOIR: Returning members and new members are always needed. Our rehearsals are on Thursdays, 7:15 PM, in the sanctuary (April 12, 19, and 26). There will be no rehearsal on April 5 because of the Holy Week activities. We rehearse several weeks ahead, so if you have to miss a rehearsal, that’s OK. We will sing at both services on April 1 and 8, and at both services on April 15, 22 and 29. Don’t forget your breakfast item to share on Palm Sunday and Easter!
CATHEDRAL BELLS: We have openings for more ringers. If you know your left hand from your right, and can count to at least 6, we NEED you! Reading music is a definite plus, but not an absolute requirement. Cathedral Bells rehearse on Thursdays, 6:15 PM, in the sanctuary (April 12, 19, and 26). There will be no rehearsal on April 5 because of the Holy Week activities. We will ring at both services on April 15 and at the 10:45 AM service on April 22.
Contact Dianne if you might be interested.
TEMPLEBELLS and TEMPLECHIMES: If you are a beginning or slightly experienced ringer of any age, we welcome you to become a member of TempleBells or TempleChimes. Our regular rehearsals are Sundays, 2:00 – 2:45 (Bells) and 2:45 – 3:30 PM (Chimes) in the sanctuary (April 15, 22 and 29). There will be no rehearsals on April 1 and 8 because of the holidays.
TempleChimes will play for the final time this year at the 10:45 AM service on April 29. TempleBells will next play at both services on May 20.
SONSHINERS: Even though our year is winding down, if you are in grades 1- 6, you are welcome to give choir a try for this short time to see if you would like to come again in the fall! Normal rehearsals are on Sundays, 3:30 – 4:15 PM in the choir room (April 15, 22 and 29). There will be no rehearsals on April 1 and 8.
SonShiners will sing at both services on April 1, at the 10:45 AM service on April 15 and April 29.
MEDIA TEAM: We are in GREAT need of volunteers to staff the sound desk during Sunday morning services, funerals, weddings and other events in the sanctuary. It is truly not as difficult as it looks. If you have an attention to detail and wish to serve “behind the scenes”, please contact Josh Burger, Dianne Runser or any member of the sound team if you would like to start your training. We especially need people who are available to work during the 8:15 AM service.
DRAMA MINISTRY TEAM (WESLEY PLAYERS): After we recover from The Living Last Supper, we would like to continue presenting other productions. If you are interested in acting in anything from small skits to full-scale productions (like The Living Last Supper), please contact Dianne. We will also need people to work on costumes and props, to be directors, assistant directors and stage managers. Once we have a group of volunteers ready to do SOMETHING, we can select material to use just a few people at a time. No one would be making a long term commitment. Just help when you can.
DANCE MINISTRY TEAM: Our Dance Team rehearses on Tuesdays at 3:30 PM under the direction on Val Caswell. They will be performing at both services on Palm Sunday, April 1. Any dancers (student or adult) who would like to offer their special talents should contact Dianne Runser or the church office.
Choir, cont’d
REVIVAL PRAISE BAND: We are looking for musicians (guitar, bass, keyboard and vocalists) to re-form the band. The practice time and day can be flexible according to the schedules of the musicians. Please contact Dianne if you can be a part of this band.
RECORDINGS OF OUR WORSHIP SERVICES AVAILABLE: A recording is made of each 10:45 AM worship service and special services. You may request a CD or tape copy of any service, either for yourself or to mail to someone else. We ask for a $1.00 donation if you are picking up the tape or CD at the church, or a $2.00 donation if you would like it to be mailed. This helps to defray the cost of the service. Envelopes for ordering are available on the table in the narthex. A full recording of each service may be downloaded from the church website.
CHURCH WEBSITE: Have you visited the church website yet? You will find a lot of information about the activities of our church. Drama team, media team and music department members may now access performance and rehearsal schedules on the website. Church members may also access the church event calendar and may download a copy of the weekly bulletin and an audio version of either the entire worship service or only the pastor’s sermons. Committees may communicate with their members by posting announcements and minutes, which are view-able only by the committee members. To access these special features, you just have to create a log-in and indicate where you serve in the church.
More still has to be added. If you have a request for something to be added to the website (special announcements, pictures, things you would like to see, etc.), please let us know.
Our Music Director, Dianne Runser may be contacted through a note in the church office, by phone (412-372-5290) or email (), or by just coming to the organ bench on Sunday morning!
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