Dear Members and Friends s2

Dear Members and Friends,

I once heard the following story about a Jewish ghetto in east Europe. It seems that the people had available to them all of the business and crafts customary for that day. That is, everything except a watchmaker. People’s clocks and watches played out for want of attention. The rabbi kept insisting that the members of his congregation wind their watches and keep them running, even thought they were frequently inaccurate. One day a watchmaker arrived from another community. Everyone rushed to him to get their respective timepieces repaired. Alas, the only ones he could repair were those which had been kept running. The abandoned clocks and watches had grown too rusty to be saved.

Whether the preceding story is fictional or non-fictional is not information to which I am privy. Nevertheless, within the story we find an important metaphor of truth in regard to our Christian faith and discipleship. Here is that element of truth spelled out: To neglect consideration of the passion of Christ is to collect rust in our own Christian works!

Living a Christian life is certainly not as easy as winding one’s timepiece. By all means, a Christian lifestyle is something which we cannot take lightly. Lent is something of a blessing then, because we are called to focus upon the passion of Christ and the ramifications of what it means to accept Christ as Lord and Master: Savior. Receive Lent as a gift through which we remember and once more prepare ourselves for God’s might acts of salvation.

Your Pastor,

Timothy J. Allen LENT

Lent is the period of forty days which precedes Easter. This period of forty days was originally a time of preparation for those to be baptized at Easter. Later it would become a time of penitence for all Christians. Hence, Christians often fast or give up various things during Lent to remind themselves of Christ’s sacrifice and to overcome destructive habits. Lent begins every year on Ash Wednesday, The liturgical color for Lent is purple.

SHROVE TUESDAY

Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, has been observed with much celebration and feasting – the “last hurrah” before the beginning Lenten fast. In keeping with this tradition, you are invited to join the church for a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner on Tuesday, 4 March, from 5:0 to 7:00 p.m. We will be serving pancakes accompanied by bacon and/or sausage. A freewill offering will be accepted to help defray expenses. Please make plans not to join us as we begin our special journey through the Lenten season.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday opens the forty day period of Lent which immediately precedes Easter. The name is derived from the imposition of ashes as a Christian act of penitence. This practice was common among the ancient Hebrews (see Jonah 3:6, for example) and also in the New Testament times (Saint Matthew 11:21). The use of ashes as a symbol by Christians as a symbol of penitence dates back to at least the second century. The ashes remind us of our own mortality and set the believer on a sobering time of self examination and repentance. The more traditional source of the ashes involves burning the leftover palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. First Church will observe a service of the Imposition of Ashes at 7:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, 5 March.

The Saints Go ‘MARCH’ ing In The month of March boasts several ‘saint days,’ but two of particular note: Saint David (2 March), patron saint of Wales and Saint Patrick (17 March), patron saint of Ireland. Much of Patrick’s life is shrouded in history. He was probably born around 380 in Scotland or Wales. His real name was believed to be Maeywn Succat and his parents were Romans living in Britain, in charge of the colonies. He took the name of Patrick after he became a priest. After being kidnapped as a child, spending six years as a slave, a dream from God and a daring escape; he went to France where he studied for the priesthood. It is believed Patrick was sent to Ireland as a bishop to replace saint Pallidius who died in 431. Despite constant threats to his life, Patrick traveled widely through Ireland, baptizing, confirming, and preaching. He converted thousands and began building churches, monasteries, and schools all over the country. It is said that he and his disciples converted almost all the population of Ireland. Many mystical tales and legends are attributed to Patrick. For example, Patrick is credited with banishing all the snakes from Ireland. This is probably a metaphor for his driving the pagans from Ireland, as snakes were often associated with pagan worship. Another well known legend has Patrick using the shamrock to explain the Trinity as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering, he died 17 March 461. He died at Saul, where he built the first church and is reputedly buried at nearby Downpatrick.

Few details of David’s life can be asserted with certainty. He was probably born early in the sixth century, and was the son of a Welsh chieftain named Sant. David studied under Saint Illtyd, was ordained, and the spent ten years with a Welsh saint named Paulinus. It is said that Paulinus became blind, and that David touched him and restored his sight. Eventually, following the guidance of an angel, David founded a monastery at Mynyw (now Saint David’s) in south-west Wales. In another legend David splashed water at his baptism, curing a bishop’s blindness. David was consecrated a bishop, one legend suggesting this occurred during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He is credited with founding ten monasteries, among them Glastonbury. David’s eloquence was such that he was pressed to become primate of the Welsh Church. There are many other legends about David. One is that an angel appeared to his father, foretelling the saint’s birth and instructing Sant to prepare gifts of a stag, a fish and a honeycomb. The honeycomb symbolized his honeyed wisdom, the fish his simple life of bread and water, and the stag his power to stamp on “serpents” such as the Pelegian heresy. It is even said that Saint Patrick thought of settling near Mynyw, until a voice told him the valley was reserved for a child yet unborn (David). When David died at Mynyw in 589, it is said that Saint Kentigern was at Llanelwy and saw his soul being borne to Heaven by angels.

HYMN OF SAINT PATRICK

Christ, as a light, Illumine and guide me! Christ as a shield, O’ershadow and cover me! Christ, be under me! Christ, be over me! Christ, be beside me, on my left hand and right! Christ, this day be within and without me! Christ, the lowly and meek, Christ, the all powerful, be in the heart of each to whom I speak, in the mouth of each who speaks to me. In all who draw near me, or see me, or hear me!

BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH 19 - Bette Compton, Christopher Veltri 21 - Lori Veltri 2 - Amy Dalton 24 - Ketina Montgomery, Nancy Edwards 3 - Sean Clifton 25 - Frank Goresh 4 - Michael Dalton 26 - Anthony Starko 6 - Carla Glover 29 - Robert Conrad, Anthony Laurine 7 - Richard Holdsworth, Ricky Everhart, Michael Glover II 9 - Richard Riopelle 10 - Barbara Lewark, Amanda Miller 11 - Michele Dennis, Cory Moore UNITED METHODIST WOMEN 14 - Thomas Banketas NEWS 16 - David Nixon, Bill Shipe 18 - Francesca Clements Our United Methodist Women was hostess to the Church Women United Executive Board Eva Smearman in the death of her sister, Mary meeting on February 7th. Our next meeting will Alvey. be on February 25 at 1 PM. The program will be on Prayer and Self Denial.

The United Methodist Women and church members will be making homemade Easter Eggs. Price of the eggs:

 Fruit & Nut $ 8.95  Maple Nut $ 8.95 Music News  Cherry Nut $ 8.95 On Sunday, May 4, at 6:00 PM, the Chancel  Peanut Butter $ 9.50 Choir will present Bill and Gloria Gaither’s “Then  Solid Chocolate Pecan $10.50 Came the Morning”, a resurrection musical of  Coconut Cream $ 8.50 hope for believers and doubters. All singers in the congregation are invited to join the choir for There will be order forms available in the church this presentation. Regular choir practice is office and narthex. Order deadline is April 2, Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM. Cantata practice 2003. begins at 8:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you then. -Carol Kennedy, UMW President Speaking of special music, don’t forget to mark Mother’s Day, May 11 on your calendars. The Youth Chorale will be presenting a “Salute to OUR SYMPATHY America.” Younger singers – we would like you to join us. We meet Sunday evenings at 6:00 We extend our sympathy and prayers for our PM. members and their families in the death of their loved ones: And, as Columbo would say, “one more thing.” Spaghetti and Song II. Coming, Monday, May Delores Wolfe in the death of her husband and 19th. This will be the choir’s annual fundraiser Mary Hannah Finton in the death of her father, for Conference Apportionment. Harold Wolfe. -Lucille Gress, Music Director Rhonda Banfield in the death of her mother, Barbara Bryan. NURTURE MINISTRY NEWS

The Nurture Ministry is alive and doing well at First United Methodist Church. At a recent meeting with committee chairpersons, new ideas and ongoing projects were discussed.

SHUT-IN MINISTRY – is an updated and expanded ministry from what First Church has been using. Sally Starko, chairperson, reported that a workshop held in February was well attended and good ideas abounded. Dr. Allen gave the group an outline of the criteria to be used when visiting the shut-ins and hospitalized members. He gave ideas on ways to contact the hospitalized and shut-in members, being aware of their concerns, and bringing back a report to the office for the minister’s review. All church family members are asked to keep the office informed as to hospitalized members, and shut-in members. New ideas were presented on how to stay in contact with our hospitalized and shut in members through personal contact, telephone calls, cards and visits.

ACOLYTE/CROSS BEARER MINISTRY – Bringing God’s light into the sanctuary and the cross of Jesus is a most important part of our worship service. God comes into our midst through these symbols. Perhaps you have noticed that during the month of February the Fields family has served as acolytes and cross bearer. We are encouraging families, youth, and Sunday School classes to take a month to serve in this ministry. Contact Carolyn if you are interested and please say yes when she calls you.

USHER/GREETER MINISTRY – We would like to remind all volunteers in this area to remember if you cannot serve on a given Sunday during your month of service, you are responsible for getting a replacement. Inez Manini will remind you of this when she calls you to serve, but it is your responsibility to remember to get your substitute. There will be a workshop in the near future for this area of ministry. When Inez contacts you to be a “First Church Ambassador”, please be willing to serve. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, contact Inez, Jackie Nixon or the minister.

WORSHIP – Lucille Gress has the music organized through May. She and Tom Dohnal work hand in hand with the minister to keep the continuity working. There are special events scheduled for the Lenten Season. It will be an exciting time at First Church.

COMMUNION – Bertha Zerkle has this ministry well in hand. If you have noticed members of the congregation are assisting with communion each Sunday. When you are asked to participate, give Bertha your enthusiastic yes and serve.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY – This is a new ministry in the baby stages. It is such a worthwhile ministry, we are making sure we have all our T’s crossed and our I’s dotted before we present it to the church family. If you have any suggestions or would like to help in this area, please let the minister or me know of your wishes.

BANNERS – I asked for ideas and help with the Banner Ministry in last month’s LINK. A new idea for Lent has been brought to my attention and as we speak it is in the planning stages. Thanks for the response. Your creativity will keep this ministry alive.

I want to thank first Church for being receptive to this new ministry and our new way of keeping the church running smoothly. With this new concept we will try to keep the congregation focused on our forward progress. That forward progress can only happen if we work together. GOD…..YOU…..AND ME!

Respectfully submitted, Jackie Nixon, Nurture Chairperson

First UMC of Weirton is on Watch for updates as the site is still undergoing changes. the World Wide Web! Three cheers for our Webmaster, Angie Check out the revised website at Underwood. www.firstumcweirton.org . If you have any suggestions for information to be If you have access to the Internet, we are now listed on the website, please contact Angie only a click (or two) away. You can see pictures through the website or by phone at 748-4560 or of past events and see what you missed. You KellyAnn Allen by phone 723-2189 or by e-mail can keep updated on coming events so you [email protected] . don’t miss them. You can read the Newsletter or Articles from the Pastor. You can also visit the sites under “Links of Interest” and explore some of the many facets or the United Methodist Connection.  March 26 – Dr. Thomas Bickerton, Northern “WEDDING GOWN ALERT!!!” District Superintendent  April 2 – Rev. Patty Beagle, Pastor of Pleasant Valley UMC In June, ALF (Age Level/Family) will be  April 9 – Rev. Carl Tribbet, Pastor of Colliers sponsoring a Bridal Tea. We will invite our UMC congregation, Christ United and Pleasant Valley to join us. This Bridal Tea will be a fashion show  April 16 – Dr. Frank Shaffer, Retired of bridal dresses down thru our church lifetime. If you have your wedding gown, your Mother’s Jane McCoy and Bertha Zerkle are in charge of wedding gown, your daughter’s wedding gown, the lunch preparations. These sessions are open or a relative’s, would you let us borrow them for to everyone. This is a wonderful way to prepare a few days for our “Brides thru the Ages” fashion for Easter. show. Please let Jackie Nixon or Susie Dalrymple know.

This should be a lot of fun but we need your help. This is a gathering mission to get as many gowns as possible. If you can still get into your wedding gown you can model it for us, if you can’t maybe your daughter or niece would like to help out. We’ll find a model to wear it if you just get us the gown. So go up into the attic and dig out that treasure and share it with us. If it needs cleaning, we would ask that you get it cleaned for us so it will make a spectacular showing. This could be a great time and good fellowship. If you have any ideas for the tea, let Jackie or Susie know. We have three months to get ready for our “Brides thru the Ages.” Thank for any help you can give us.

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL LUNCHEONS TO BE HELD

Ash Wednesday, March 5, is the start of a series of Lenten Devotional Luncheons to be held every Wednesday until April 16 from 12:10 PM until 12:50 PM. The following ministers will be the speakers for the various dates:

 March 5 – Rev. Bill Brown, Pastor of Follansbee UMC  March 12 – Rev. Timothy Allen, Pastor of First UMC  March 19 – Rev. Julia Morrison, Pastor of Christ UMC