WE DID IT!!!
This week, we sent checks totaling more than $1,200 to “take care of our own” – Bethany Congregational United Church of Christ in East Rockaway, N.Y. The funds will help them continue ministering to members and neighbors in need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy last fall.
Damage to homes, businesses, and other property on Long Island was extensive. While many folks are “back to normal,” a significant number of people are still awaiting financial assistance from their insurance companies and government agencies. In the meantime, they’re depending on the help of folks like us.
Bethany Church is like ours in many ways. Founded in 1885, their U.C.C. congregation’s average attendance is just slightly less than ours, their “meetinghouse” (remember: “the church is not a building … the church is the people!”) is in the midst of a residential neighborhood like ours, and their pastor is the town’s fire chaplain. And like us, they are dedicated to serving their neighbors in need.
During the Lenten season, you collected over $900 to help the people of Bethany U.C.C. And you inspired others – the people at Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church (where the Rev. Julia Williamson is pastor) read about our efforts in The Voice and provided an additional $300. We also mailed them a copy of the photo of the congregation we took on April 21st. Pastor Williamson hopes to visit them when he picks up his son from college later this month.
PENTECOST PARTY MAY 19
Pentecost – the day when God’s Holy Spirit came to the disciples (Acts 2:4) and they began preaching the Gospel – is the birthday of the church, and you’re invited to the party! We encourage everyone to wear red on Sunday, May 19, in honor of the Spirit’s appearance in the form of tongues of flame (Acts 2:3).
During our worship service, we’ll honor Ralph Fisher for 75 years of active participation in Sunday School! And we’ll salute others who are on their way to that milestone!
Then at noon, we’ll have a salad smorgasbord – bring your favorite kind of salad to share with the rest of the congregation! Sign up in the Narthex so we have an idea who’s coming and what you’re bringing.
SUMMER SERVICES START MAY 26
Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, we’re moving our worship service to 10 a.m., with refreshments and fellowship at 11. Sign up in the Narthex to provide your favorite goodies and beverages at least once during the summer (and come enjoy what others share with us).
SHIRTS AVAILABLE AGAIN
Would you like a St. Paul’s polo shirt to wear while you’re golfing, shopping, or gardening this summer? Visit the Narthex and look for a clipboard where you can sign up to order yours.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
Yes, it’s baseball season, and it’s time for another St. Paul’s night at the Scrappers. We’re going – with folks from our Cub Scouts pack and our WeeWisdom Preschool – on Friday night, July 26th. Tickets will again be just $13 and include great seats near third base plus a hot dog, chips, and pop. There’s a fireworks show after the game. And if all that wasn’t enough, $1 of your ticket price goes to feed the hungry in the Mahoning Valley!
Pastor Williamson isn’t headed to the box office just yet, but now’s the time to invite your kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends to join you for an evening of all-American Christian fun.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for all of the love and support while we struggled with the health and complications of my step-dad Tony’s surgery. I am relieved to say that he is finally home.
-Stacy Gongloff
Thank you for all of the cards and prayers during my recent illness.
-Dorothy Mistretta
Thanks to all of you for the cards and gifts for Secretary’s Day.
-Stacy Gongloff
HELP WANTED
The Lake Erie Association of the United Church of Christ is seeking people to serve on the Committee on Ministry. You’ll meet 5-6 times a year (normally in or near Meadville) to review the qualifications and fitness of candidates for the ministry in and among the U.C.C. churches of northwest Pennsylvania. Please see Pastor Williamson if you’d like to be considered for such a post.
MAY’S ITEMS for the Community Food Warehouse are sandwich supplies: peanut butter, jelly, apple butter, Nutella, etc. Please place your donations on the table in front of the pulpit. Thank you for your generosity to our neighbors in need!
Altar flowers are $20 for the center arrangement (not available on the first Sunday of the month), and $40 for the two vases. Why not donate some and beautify our worship!
MAY WORSHIP LEADERS
Acolytes: Pentecost Adam Krieder, May 26 - Alana Wherry
Altar Guild: Betty Layman and Cindy Mitcheltree
Greeters: (Nametags are in the Narthex) Pentecost - Mary Holzshu and Donna Lang, May 26 - Mary Kay Valenly and Sally Marrie
Lay Readers: Pentecost – Ralph Fisher, May 26 – Betty Bennett
Ushers: (Nametags are in the Narthex) Pentecost - Betty Boyer, Linda Behary, Mary Holzshu, and Donna Lang; May 26 - Ruth Kloss, Barbara Wolf, Mary Kay Valenly, and Sally Marrie.
