St. Paul’s Epistle , 2016

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, let me sow faith; where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, let me sow light, and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, in pardoning that we are pardoned, and in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. OUR PURPOSE To make disciples of Christ. Fresh Eyes St. Paul’s will celebrate its 50th OUR MISSION anniversary in 2017—September We are a welcoming community of 10, 2017, specifically. We expect faith where all are invited to discover, that it will be a year of reflection, discern, and use their spiritual gifts reunion, and celebration, as befits to transform the world through Jesus such a significant event. In the run-up Christ. to it, however, we have some very OUR VISION important work to do. Convinced the future is in Christ, we A Vision Team, made up of a diverse will become a broad-based commu- group of members and staff, has nity of faith ministering to all persons. been formed. The team is facilitated by Frank Falcione, a new member OUR WELCOMING STATEMENT who has worked with companies St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and churches on forming and writing celebrates the sacred worth and vision statements, and by Faith Geer, value of all individuals. We welcome our own Administrative Director, who all who seek a home in this house of likewise has extensive experience God with open hearts, open minds, helping churches in this process. and open doors. We invite people of every age, race, ethnicity, economic I want to briefly address why a vision reality, family status, sexual is important to a church. Our Mission orientation, gender identity, diverse describes what we ARE and what ability, or legal status to join us on a we DO. At St. Paul’s, that is: We are journey toward full participation and a welcoming community of faith service in Christ’s church. where all are invited to discover, discern, and use their spiritual gifts to transform the world through Jesus LEADERSHIP TEAM Christ. This mission statement actually JEFF STERLING gathers several denominational Pastor objectives and biblical teachings into something we carry out as our primary task KAREN SLUSSER as a church. Pastor A vision statement, on the other hand, expresses what we WILL BECOME. It RON HOELLEIN is designed to lure us toward a new or next reality. Our current Vision states: Pastor Emeritus Convinced the future is in Christ, we will become a broad-based community of faith ministering to all persons. As the kids say on a long car trip, “Are we there FAITH GEER yet?” Actually, when it comes to a good vision statement, we may never “arrive” Administrative Director fully where it leads us. I would say that St. Paul’s has come a long way toward fulfilling its current vision; yet it still has the power to motivate us toward the dual TOM TAYLOR goals of becoming a broad-based community and one that ministers to all. Director of Music and Worship Ministries The task of the Vision Team initially is to talk to as many persons and groups in the life of our church as they can. Some of this has already happened through the TAMI WEISNER Appreciative Inquiry stories that members of the Church Council heard during Director of Youth Ministries interviews conducted last year. Many more opportunities will be offered for all of ERIN SOZA us to talk about our hopes and dreams for St. Paul’s, especially thinking about the Director of Children’s Ministries NEXT 50 years. We hope you will be involved in sharing your heart and faith with us in this process.

ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST Proverbs 29:18 tells us, Where there is no vision, the people perish. A positive 1965 Ferguson Road vision of the future is essential to the continued growth and vitality of any Allison Park, PA 15101 organization—or even any individual! The RSV (Revised Sterling Version) might 412.486.7006 say: A church without a vision actually has 1,000 separate visions, thus fulfilling WWW.STPAULSUMC.COM the warning of what another Bible translation states: [Without a shared vision] the people stumble all over themselves. Pray the St. Francis Peace We look forward to Christ’s peace Without a shared, energizing vision, 2 Prayer daily. You will find the breaking into the world right here in everyone goes in their own direction, scriptural stories and songs and this community! and the “stumbling” begins! We have insights from worship echoing in Show the dove! been fortunate at St. Paul’s that we these words as we pray our way have had such a vision, and it has through Lent: produced a vital church that isn’t afraid to take the necessary risks to Lord, make me an instrument of Thy go, grow, and serve. Please keep peace. our St. Paul’s Vision Team in prayer Where there is hatred, let me sow love; as they help us in this process of where there is injury, pardon. STORIES OF PEACE “re-visioning” our future as a church. Where there is doubt, let me sow faith; Using our Lenten theme of peace, we Shalom, Beloved! where there is despair, hope. are asking individuals to share stories about peace. It may be retelling an Where there is darkness, let me sow light, event that was peaceful. Perhaps and where there is sadness, joy. relaying a time of peace in your life. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so Describe a place that is peaceful to much seek to be consoled as to console; you. These can be shared in several To be understood, as to understand; to be ways. For those who blog, our loved, as to love. website will have a special tab for SHOW THE DOVE! blogging. If you prefer, you can email For it is in giving that we receive, your story to Robb Montgomery at Henri Nouwen once prayed, “Do in pardoning that we are pardoned, [email protected]. not allow evil powers to seduce me and in dying that we are born to with the complexities of the world’s eternal life. Our peace stories will be used in problems, but give me strength to Amen. several ways. During the weekend think clearly, speak freely, and act worship services on February 27 and boldly in your service. Give me the Write your prayers for peace 28, they will be displayed. The blog courage to show the dove in a world 3on the giant peace dove in the will be available at all times. so full of serpents.” Our Lenten grassy area near Ferguson Road or on theme is peace. Empowered by the the one inside Wesley Hall. All are Holy Spirit, we will resist the serpents welcome to write their prayers on the of fear and hatred and violence that peace doves, so please help spread are slithering through the world the word to the community. You can today. We will explore what it means even take a selfie with a peace dove to “show the dove,” and we will be to share on social media. challenged to boldly choose a Christ- like pursuit of peace in our time. You’re invited to make “showing Doves of Peace the dove” your Lenten discipline in several ways: Our Lenten theme of becoming instruments of peace is being Come to worship! We’re going captured visually in the form of a 1 to explore Christ’s peace dove. We are using the doves from process and pray for God to make the Palestine Peace Project, like us instruments of God’s peace. We the one that is lighted on the altar The second one will be a huge prayer will leave worship each week with during worship services. (Some of the dove erected in our front yard. We ideas for how we can “show the ceramic doves, shown here, are still want people to stop and write prayers dove” in our lives; those practical available for purchase.) Each week for peace on the board. We hope peacemaking steps will become during Lent, three doves will be that people will even stop and take a part of our Lenten discipline. The hidden in the building for children “selfie” with the dove and then post St. Francis Peace Prayer will be our to find. In addition, two prayer-board it to our facebook page. There are so frame for preaching. This leads to the doves are being created. One will many ways to think about peace… second opportunity: be stationed inside, where all are How will you be an instrument of encouraged to write prayer requests. peace this year? Lenten Worship: Show the Dove! PANCAKE BREAKFAST During Lent, our weekly worship theme will follow the text of the St. Francis The Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Peace Prayer, looking at ways we can “Show the Dove!” Team will be making delicious Where there is hatred, let me sow love… Februray 13 & 14 pancakes on Sunday morning, March Luke 10:25-37 – God’s peace instrument of STORY 20, from 8:30-10:30 am. Come and enjoy a hardy breakfast of pancakes, February 20 & 21 Where there is doubt, let me sow faith… sausage, juice and coffee. Show your John 16:16-24 – God’s peace instrument of ENCOURAGEMENT appreciation for their good work and Where there is darkness, let me sow light… February 27 & 28 yummy food with a freewill offering. Luke 11:33-36 – God’s peace instrument of AWARENESS-BUILDING

Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console… March 5 & 6 HOLY THURSDAY Mark 10:46-52 – God’s peace instrument of PARTNERSHIP March 24

Grant that I may not so much seek to be loved, as to love… March 12 & 13 On the night before Jesus went to the Luke 18:9-14 – God’s peace instrument of CONFESSION cross, he had a Seder supper with his disciples. When dinner was finished, PALM / PASSION: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned… March 19 & 20 he taught them a ritual using the Luke 23:32-43 – God’s peace instrument of FORGIVENESS bread and wine from dinner. This was : Just Peace March 26 & 27 the first communion. Luke 24:1-12 – God’s peace instrument of JUSTICE On Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 pm we will have a symbolic Seder dinner, followed by a soup and LENT BEGINS ON ASH salad supper and conclude with WEDNESDAY communion celebration. All of this February 10 will take place in George Crooks One of the most sacred times in the dining Area ( GCDA) and give us church year is Lent. Beginning on the opportunity to appreciate the Ash Wednesday and continuing for a Jewish customs upon which our faith period of forty days and six Sundays, is built. Plan to stay about 75-90 Lent is a time for reflection, prayer, minutes for worship and dinner. and contemplation. Some individuals There will be no regular Thursday choose to fast or eliminate a certain night dinner that evening. habit, food, or activity as an act of Please plan to bring the entire family. obedience and submission. Children will especially enjoy the Ash Wednesday services will be held opening section when the various February 10 at Noon and 7:30 pm in parts of the Seder dinner is explained the Sanctuary. and they discover some of our Easter customs are linked to the Seder! The matzo ball soup and salad will give us time to enjoy the food and conversations with the folks at our table. The evening will close with a worshipful setting of Communion as we serve each other around the table. This is a great way to share the traditions of our faith as well as deepen our relationship with God. and Easter Services Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday when we celebrate the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, we remember the with Jesus and his disciples when Jesus establishes the practice of Communion. , when we reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made when he died to save us from sin, is a quiet meditative service. During this solemn time we can have the opportunity to draw closer to God and prepare our hearts for the joy of GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES EASTER WORSHIP Easter morning. March 25 March 27 HOLY THURSDAY One of the holiest days of the Come and celebrate the risen Lord! 6:30 pm Symbolic Seder and liturgical year, Good Friday The morning begins with a sunrise Worship with Holy recognizes the anguish and pain service at Mt. Royal Cemetery. We Communion in George Christ suffered when he was crucified worship on the hillside near the Crooks Dining Area on the cross. The Sanctuary is communication tower beginning stripped of all decorations, reminding at 6:30 am. Our next service, at GOOD FRIDAY us of the dark time when Christ gave 8:15 am, will feature gospel music, Noon Worship in Sanctuary his life for us. Our services will be at brass, and holy communion. The with Children’s Special pm Noon and 7:30 pm, Friday, March 25. 9:15 am Family Easter worship will 7:30 Service feature children and youth sharing Many people find that worship on the message of Easter. The choirs SATURDAY EVENING Good Friday, sad and hopeless as it and brass will highlight our Easter 6:00 pm Casual Worship in is, gives their hearts a more glorious Celebration at 10:30 am with special Wesley Hall reaction to Easter morning. Somehow, music. All are welcome to come and skipping from Palm Sunday to Easter worship! EASTER MORNING Sunday leaves something missing. 6:30 am Sunrise Service Why not come to one of the Holy at Mt. Royal Cemetery, Week services this year and find a Karen Slusser preaching new way to open your heart to God? 8:15 am Worship & Holy Communion with Gospel Music and Brass, Jeff Sterling preaching 9:15 am Family Worship with Children’s Choirs and LIfeboat Praise Band, Karen Slusser preaching 10:30 am Traditional Worship with Brass, Chapel Ringers, and Wesleyan Choir Jeff Sterling preaching Please note the time adjustments. This will help the flow of traffic in the parking lots as people come and go from the Sanctuary. Lenten Music Opportunities HOSPITALITY AS PEACE-MAKING Did you know that a warm welcome All of our singing choirs and LENTEN COMMUNION & SONG can be the first step toward erasing instrumental groups warmly March 6 hostility and pain? We can never welcome anyone who would like to The Wesleyan Choir, accompanied tell, but sometimes, the visitor in join us! We are currently working by a chamber orchestra, will present our midst has been hurt, ignored, or on beautiful worship music for Lent John Leavitt’s REQUIEM as part of turned away by others. and Easter. Come join us at rehearsal our Lenten communion service. This for fellowship and the joy of When you make room in the pew, beautiful work includes settings of making music for our Lord! Contact help someone find the In Faith We Psalm 23, How Can I Keep From Tom Taylor or a director for more Sing hymnal, or direct a family to the Singing, The Prayer of St. Francis, information. children’s classrooms downstairs, and a Gaelic Blessing which will you let them know that you’re glad Children’s Choirs be integrated with our worship of they’ve come to worship at St. Paul’s. Ages 4–grade 5 scripture, music, preaching, and Holy Helping a stranger feel included can Rehearsals Wednesdays at 6:00 pm at Communion. will Connect@8:30 be a healing gift! Kids Give Glory Choir (KG2) include seasonal instrumental music. Contact Director Ann Montgomery Special events during the season ([email protected]) or Mary Polley of Lent and Easter often attract ([email protected]) newcomers, or even old friends who haven’t joined us in a while. Do you Wesleyan Choir remember the last time you went High School and Adults church-shopping? As people Rehearsals Wednesdays at 7:00 pm walk through our doors, they Sing at Inspire@10:30 may be feeling nervous, Chapel Ringers Handbell Choir wondering to themselves, High School and Adults “Will I be comfortable Rehearsals Thursdays at 6:30 pm here?” “Do they want me here?” “Am I Aldersgate Ensemble dressed okay?” or Rehearsals Sunday at 8:00 am even “Is it alright on February 21, March 20, that I haven’t April 10, May 1, and May 22 been to church Sing at Connect@8:30 in years?” Let’s MIDHI and SRHI 619 give our guests Music & Worship Arts a resounding Sundays at 6:00 pm “YES!”

Lifeboat Praise Band Offering a warm prepares music for welcome is Wednesday@7:30 and another way we occasional Sunday Mornings. can be instruments Please contact Craig Slusser of God’s peace. ([email protected]) if you are interested in playing or singing with the band.

Pianists are needed for ALAINE FINK Saturday@6:00 and Grace Organist Cafe@9:30 worship services. Please J. THOMAS TAYLOR contact Tom if you are interested in Director of Music and Worship helping with this important ministry. 412.486.7006 x20 412.417.8283 [email protected] www.stpaulsumc.com The Stew on Stewardship… Vision Team Congratulations, St. Paul’s. We ended Just a quick reminder Update 2015 with all of our regular bills paid of some of the and our full Mission Share covered! ways you can Members of the Vision Team are We still ended the year with a deficit, support St. Paul’s collecting information about various but we reduced it by over $10,000 with online giving: groups and ministries at St. Paul’s. from last year. And if we hadn’t had Over the next nine weeks, they 1. Our website home page, www. some necessary “extra” expenses will meet with groups asking four stpaulsumc.com, has a drop- such as the new air handler out questions: down link to giving. Alternately, back (it’s about the size of a Chevy you can scan the QR code • What does the church do to help Malibu), we could have done even below or go directly to http:// you in ministry? better than that! www.stpaulsumc.com/st-pauls- • What does your ministry do well? We came very close to our goal for giving/. After recording your • What are your dreams? the mid-year deficit reduction appeal credit/debit card information (including a special gift from St. securely, you can give regularly. • What do you need to help you Paul’s Preschool), and overall, weekly make your dreams a reality? 2. Do you shop on Amazon? Now giving was up slightly beyond that. you can switch to Amazon The goal of these meetings is to find In addition, our staff did a great job Smile! Simply sign up and list the common values we share and to of keeping costs in line and saving St. Paul’s UMC, Allison Park, PA discern what dreams are inspiring where possible. Again, if only it as the charity. This program has our people. The team’s goal is to talk weren’t for those pesky unexpected no cost or price increase to you, to at least 750 people about the way expenses… but isn’t it always that and a portion of every purchase we do ministry as we gather ideas way, even on the home front? will be given to the church. about what is important to us as a Simply go to www.amazonsmile. community of faith. Another huge word of appreciation com when you shop. from your Finance and Stewardship Once the values are acknowledged, Teams and your church staff 3. An third way to shop online is we will use those to build our next regarding pledges turned in for 2016. through the UMCMarket https:// vision of ministry. Does this sound So many of you “stepped up” in your umcmarket.org/dn-umc/. This exciting to you? If so, please plan pledged giving to help us reduce our is a portal that has hundreds of to come to the Vision Retreat on deficit, that we expect to make good shopping sites that will send a Saturday, April 9, 8:30 am-2:00 pm. on our pledge of not asking for any portion of your purchase total to We will review all the data that special “gap filler” appeals, going the church if you access them has been gathered, reflect on the forward. starting here. Your percentage, scripture John 15:1-5, 12-17, and added to another’s and another’s, then build Mission and Vision St. Paul’s still has a “financial quickly add up! Thanks for statements to guide our future challenge” agenda: caring! ministries. Please let Faith know 1. Increasing revenues through you are interested in attending this giving and other sources to fully retreat. You will join members of the fund the ministries that we are so Church Council, the Vision Team, proud of. and other interested leaders as we take time to discern our future as a 2. Controlling costs as much as congregation. Hope you can join in possible without strangling our the process and share your dreams vision for mission and ministry. for the future! Join us in prayer and sacrificial giving to meet the challenge of funding our ministry fully in the months ahead. Again, thank you for your generous giving and for all you do to make St. Paul’s such a special place to worship, grow, and serve together! this screening, we require a one-hour Children’s Ministries training class on reducing the risk of SUMMER MINISTRIES VOLUNTEERS MAKE OUR child abuse and improving safety at MINISTRY POSSIBLE St. Paul’s. Please contact Faith Geer Think spring and start planning to arrange for a training class (fgeer@ for summer! There are many ways Adult Volunteers are always needed stpaulsumc.com). to participate in the Children’s to support and lead Children’s Ministries at St. Paul’s over the Ministries including Sunday summer. Mark your calendars now. Morning Classes, Bridge Builders, SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES Full details will be available along Spark Sports, Children’s Church, with online registration beginning CAT Camp, VBS, as well as a variety Children age 2 through 5th grade March 1. Go to www.stpaulsumc. of other ongoing and occasional meet from 9:15–10:15 am. Classes com/summer. Space in each of our ministries. Please consider offering have a full curriculum and are summer programs is limited, so your time to be a part of your child’s divided by age/grade. Classes are please register early. faith formation at St. Paul’s—families open to all children. If your schedule have the greatest impact on their is hectic, come as often as possible. • CAT Camp: Creative Arts & Things It’s never too late to join a class. June 20-24 children’s spiritual development. As a congregation, we vow to support Please register at www.stpaulsumc. • VBS: Vacation Bible School all children who are baptized at com/children. Admission is free! July 18-22 St. Paul’s, and we baptize a lot of A professionally staffed Nursery is • Preschool Summer Camp children! Please consider helping available for infants though three- Weekly, June 27–July 15 the Children’s Ministry if you can. year-olds during all church services • Drop-in Child Care and classes on Sunday morning. Mondy–Friday through July 29 SAFE SANCTUARY RECORDS • Kids Korner: Summer Venture Do you work with children and WORSHIP EXPLORERS Weekly June 13–August 12 youth? Are your Act 33/34 records February 28, April 24, and May 22 up to date? If you are considering Once a month, all children age CALLING SUMMER VOLUNTEERS! volunteering or even if you plan to 4 through 5th grade are invited volunteer sporadically throughout to attend Pastor Karen’s Worship We are moving toward another great the year, the new Child Abuse Act Explorers, when children are summer with fun-filled camp options requires that your credentials be invited to leave the sanctuary at the for children. In order to have these less than five years old. If you need service to learn about amazing ministries, we Ispire@10:30 to get yours renewed, please see worship in a specially-designed need lots of adult and Jacque Lang. The paper work can be service. During this time, Pastor youth volunteers. If completed and returned to her, and Karen educates and engages the you have a heart for she will do all the rest. The process children in a scripture-based theme children and some is free for volunteers. In addition to that changes monthly. time to offer, please contact Erin. Holy Week Worship for Children Good Friday and Easter Sunday offer unique opportunities for Children to Worship during Holy Week. At noon on Good Friday March 25, St. Paul’s will offer a special Prayer Walk for Kids. The Children along with the Youth at St. Paul’s will help lead Easter Worship on March 27 at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. All Families are invited to this special Easter Worship Service designed to span the generations.

Beginning February 10, Ash Wednesday, the children attending Wednesday evening programming will start preparing for our special Holy Week Worship Services. All children 4 years old through 5th grade are welcome to participate. The children will be engaged in Worship that will answer the question, “What is Peace?” Children will be preparing to be actively involved in the Easter Family Worship through song, art and prayer. UPCOMING WEDNESDAY NOMIC: NO MISSION EVENING EVENTS IMPOSSIBLE CLUB

Family Friendly Dinners are NoMIC is a mission and service served beginning at 5:30 pm each club for all 3rd–5th graders. Wednesday night. Children are welcome to join any mission anytime. All the Kids Grow and Go with God (KG3) mission projects are designed and Kids Give Glory Children’s for elementary-aged children. Choirs are the Wednesday Evening Parents, family, and friends Children’s Ministries for 4 year-olds are also invited to take part in through 5th graders. Children are these missions. Children will divided by age and participate in find out that giving to others a rotating schedule of activities. becomes a reward to themselves. A professionally staffed nursery is Furthermore, they have a available for infants through 4 year- chance to share Jesus’ words olds each Wednesday Evening. through their actions. To see the Family First Night: The first NoMIC calendar please visit www. Wednesday of each month is stpaulsumc.com. To join the NoMIC dedicated to Family Ministry. Families email list, please contact Bob White, ONLINE REGISTRATION at [email protected]. are invited to stay and participate in Please register children for all activities and events that build family Upcoming NoMIC Events: programming they plan to attend relations and build relationships at St. Paul’s. Registration is always Feb. 6: Mission Barn Project, amongst different families. available at www.stpaulsumc.com/ Building Ramps February 3, Sock Hop: Bring a pair childrens-ministries. Downloadable Feb. 21: Ronald McDonald of socks as your admission. We’ll files are available on the website House donate the socks to those in need and paper copies are at each of the and enjoy a 50’s dance party, with March 6: Easter Eggstravaganza communication centers. root beer floats and fun music. We’ll Event Meeting also have opportunities to make March 10: Prepare lunches for Valentine crafts for the Love Baskets men’s shelter ministry. Wear your poodle skirts and t-shirts. Prizes will be given in several March 11: Prepare for Easter categories! Meet in Fellowship Hall Eggstravaganza (gym) at 6:00 pm. March 13: Prepare for Easter Eggstravaganza March 2, Scavenger Hunt: Come prepared to think March 20: Easter Eggstravaganza about the Easter story and to solve Event for NHCO and the mystery riddle. Meet in the Community Families Sanctuary at 6:00 pm. April 8-10: Jumonville Retreat April 17: Spring Social KIDS GIVE GLORY May 1: NoMIC Alumni Picnic CHILDREN’S CHOIR SCHEDULE Children’s Ministry February 14: All Children @ 8:30 Mission Statement: St. Paul’s February 21: 4 yr-1st grade @ 8:30 Children’s Ministry calls, equips, February 28: 2nd-5th grade @ 10:30 and deploys adults with a passion for Children’s ministries to connect EASTER March 27: All Children’s ERIN SOZA with children in diverse situations, Choirs @ 9:15 Director of Children’s Ministries nurturing the spirit within children 412.486.7006 x17 so that the awareness of God in their [email protected] lives will lead them to faithful service www.stpaulsumc.com as disciples of Jesus Christ. SRHI WORKCAMP MIDHI PITTSBURGH PROJECT, Youth Ministries (FINISHING GRADES 8-12) (FINISHING GRADES 6-8) ANCHOR NEWS June 19-25 July 18-22

Winter has finally It’s hard to imagine that summer Our MIDHI students will serve arrived and we are is just around the corner, but our here in our own city, Pittsburgh, about to finish our SRHI teens are already preparing for PA. This urban mission trip will latest ANCHOR their summer workcamp. We are in challenge our team to take on a series, DRIVE, The the process of deciding where we worldview that is underpinned Nature of God’s Love. are going for SRHI WORKCAMP; by Christlike servant leadership. For Lent, we will start a new study right now the search is focused on We will spend our week serving by Adam Hamilton, 24 Hours That possibly Long Island, NY or maybe the city’s elderly, poor, shut-in, Changed the World. Our students South Carolina. We are doing some widowed, and disabled, addressing will experience the anticipation research on a mission organization home repair needs. Projects may surrounding the Last Supper, the called NextSteps Ministries. They are include painting, wheelchair ramps, shock of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, new to us, but from what we’ve seen carpentry, fortifying retaining walls, the anxiety surrounding his trial, the so far, they are doing great ministry replacing doors, floors and windows. anguish of his suffering and death, all over the U.S. and internationally. Most projects also include a bit of and the glory of the empty tomb; yardwork to freshen up the curb all in preparation for our Easter appeal of the residents home. We celebration. will build relationships and see how God worked through us in our very MIDHI is beginning our popular own community. discussions on relationships, dating, sexuality, and intimacy. All of this is Interested in joining one of our in preparation for the Confirmation youth mission teams? Sign Up Today! Sexuality & Intimacy Retreat on Contact Tami at 412-486-7006 or February 20—with Ron Hoellein [email protected] coming back to teach and discuss with our class and their parents.

Youth Calendar & Weekly Schedule Sundays: ANCHOR at 9:15 am (Grades 6–12) 619 at 6:00 pm (Grades 6–12) SRHI Crew at 7:00–9:00 pm (Grades 9–12) Wednesdays: MIDHI Crew at 6:00–8:00 pm (Grades 6–8) Thursdays: Coffee Hour at 4:00 pm in the Youth Room Café (All Youth)

TAMI WEISNER February 9 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner Fundraiser, 5:00–7:30 pm Director of Youth Ministries February 20 Confirmation Sexuality & Intimacy Retreat 412.486.7006 ofc. February 26-28 SRHI Winter Retreat, Location TBA 412.760.9989 text March 12 March Mad Dash [email protected] March 24 Confirmation Class at 6:00 pm—Celebration of the Seder Meal www.stpaulsumc.com March 27 Easter Sunday SPUMCanchor on facebook SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER February 9, 5:00-7:30 pm Celebrate Fat Tuesday by indulging with us! Tickets are on sale after worship services for $5.00. Tickets will be $7.00 at the door, so buy tickets early!

FUNDRAISING FOR MISSIONS

We started our fundraising in the fall with our Car Cruise & French Toast Breakfast and Hoagie Sale. Our Recipes in a Jar were again a nice holiday hit. In order for these life- changing trips to happen, we need your support both financially and Saturday prayerfully and absolutely thank you for always giving so generously to March 12, 2016 our youth ministry. North Park Boathouse Here are just a couple more Allison Park, PA 15101 fundraiser events that we hope you’ll be a part of…

Start Time: 9:00 am 10 Mile, 5 Mile & 5K Register Online Today at www.marchmaddash.org

VOLUNTEER for RACE DAY! We need lots of help! Please contact Lora Venturella at [email protected]. Adult Ministries LIFEGROUPS DISCOVER ST. PAUL’S Our second 8-week session of Individuals interested in learning STEPHEN MINISTRIES UPDATE LifeGroups is underway! Small more about St. Paul’s are invited We are pleased groups are meeting at St. Paul’s on to come on Sunday, March 6 at to announce Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, 4:30-7 pm to the Discover St. Paul’s that we have Monday mornings, and Wednesday class. We will discuss our purpose, begun training evenings to talk about our life in God mission and vision and the history our first class of together. Each meeting includes a of the United Methodist Church. A Stephen Ministers! simple devotional, questions to focus SpiritGifts inventory will be given to Stephen Ministers the conversation, and prayer. All help find a place to be in ministry. receive 50 hours are welcome! Please contact Karen A simple soup and salad dinner is of training in Slusser if you would like to join a provided. Please let us know if you preparation for LifeGroup. are interested by contacting a pastor providing one-to-one Christian or Rachel in the Church Office. Also, care for persons experiencing life’s let us know if you need a baby sitter, challenges. CARD MINISTRY too!

Please pray for our Stephen St. Paul’s Care Team coordinates Ministers-in-training, that God will a ministry of sending cards of work graciously in their lives to encouragement, sympathy, and prepare them for compassionate, celebration to people in our St. Paul’s faithful service as lay caregivers. St. community. We pray together for the Paul’s Stephen Ministers-in-training people on our various prayer and are: Pat Cook, Joyce Hoellein, Tom care lists, and we pray for them in our Kinney, Terri McDermott, Lora personal prayers as well. If you would Venturella, and Mary Lou Walter. like to join this caring ministry, we Please pray for our Stephen Leaders welcome you to our monthly meeting as well, that God will guide us and which is usually the last Friday of the give us the grace we need as we month at 10:00 am. Please contact shepherd this ministry. St. Paul’s Karen Slusser for details. Stephen Leaders are: Mary Rishel, Melissa (Paul) Tabbarah, and Karen Slusser. We all appreciate your prayer support!

YARD SALE UPDATE

This year’s Yard Sale will be on Saturday, June 4. Start saving your items now! Volunteers are needed to set up, price, and pick-up items. Please contact Carol Radi at 412-327-8444 to volunteer. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: Ben Greenwood and family in the 2016 Church death of his grandmother, Mary Wilma Dalrymple and family in Weber, on December 31. Council Members the death of her brother-in-law, Earl Our Church Council is the main Winters, on November 4. The family of Lib Hunter in her death on January 21. governing body of the church. It Maddie and Nikki Sarria and family meets on the fourth Tuesday of the in the death of their grandfather, Keith Oesterle and family in the month and looks at the big picture of Joseph Sarria, on November 6. death of his mother on January 25. ministry. Using the Purpose, Mission and Vision as a guide, elected The Sarria and Matthews Families in Barbara Anderson and family in the members discern the best ways to the death of Victor Sarria, father of death of her niece, Pam Waggener. encourage ministry for all ages. Maddie and Nikki. Setting goals, establishing the budget The Shuty Family in the death of priorities, shaping the Vision, and Robert Shuty on November 23, encouraging new ministries keeps father of Susan Shuty, cousin of Bill the Church Council an effective Shuty. team. Our 2016 Church Council members are listed below; please Rod Francis and family in the feel free to share your dreams with death of his father, John Francis, on them! November 25. • Rob Campbell, Chairperson Michelle Shaffer and family in • Yaruss, Secretary the death of her father, Michael Kiminsky, on November 30. • Mike Cooknick, Trustees Day Werts and family in the death • Bjorn Dakin, Staff-Parish Relations of his father, Ernest Werts, on • Nate Suddeth, Finance December 2. • Lamar Oliver, Stewardship Mary Harris, Kathy Davis and • John Zotis, Lay Member to Annual families in the death of their uncle, Conference Wayne Fuller, on December 3.

• Tom Greway, Lay Leader Allyson Syglowski and Family in the • Teresa Shepard, Worship death of her father, Thomas Enscoe, • Avery Deeds Adult Ministries on December 5. • Amanda Greenland, Children’s Cara Clarke and family in the death Ministries of her uncle, Edwin Clarke, on December 14. • Liberty Weyandt , Weekday Children’s Ministries Kathy Grajcar and family in the • Patty Cooknick, United Methodist death of her aunt, Kay Maloy, on Women December 16. • Brian Venturella, Youth Ministries Sharon Volpe and family in the death of her sister, Staceyanne Cawley, on • At Large members: Doug Cousins, December 18. Roger Dubois, Dave Rosso, Lisa Falcione, Sherry Shu, David Atkins, Aaron McKissick and family in the Carolyn Evans, and death of his grandmother, Doris S. Drew Miller. McKissick, on December 22.

Joel Hurt and family in the death of his mother, Nancy Hurt, on December 25. CONAWAY MUNDEN UPDATE • Approval will be based on Mission & Outreach the thoroughness of planning, The Conaway Munden Fund was NYADIRE TRIPS PLANNED sustainability, expected impact, created in 2012 when Hester availability of funds, and the extent Have you thought of visiting Munden and James Conaway gave to which the idea reflects the Zimbabwe? The Nyadire Connection bequests that enabled us to pay off Purpose, Mission, and Vision of St. ( TNC) is planning at least two trips, our mortgage. To honor their wishes Paul’s as seen by the benefactors. and possibly three, this year. One we established a fund to support will leave on May 5, another on June mission, activities with youth and • Recipients of the funds will be 23, and a third in July or October. If children, and support the building expected to communicate progress you’d like to learn more about the upkeep. An application with specific and evaluate the results. specifics of the trips, please contact criteria has been established. Various All requests will be considered. Tom Greway or Faith Geer. groups and agencies have applied Application deadlines are April 1 and for grants from this fund. To date we The chance to see the mission, visit October 1. A complete application have given $185,486. our orphans, and worship with is available online at http://www. hundreds of loving people make this Interested in applying for a grant? stpaulsumc.com/our-ministries/ an opportunity you don’t want to Here are the criteria: missions/. miss! • Individuals or groups in the Tatenda! (Thanks!) congregation, as well as outside agencies/groups that relate to our congregation and/or the United Methodist Church, may request funds. ADULT VIM WORK CAMP • Proposals may include ideas for new or expanding ministries, Our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) as well as matching funds Team will be going on a work camp for educational or mission this spring. Dedicated to helping opportunities families who have suffered a natural disaster, our adults reach out with home repairs, special conversations, amazing food, and great fellowship with the home owners as well as members of the team. This year’s site and dates have not been finalized as of this printing. Watch for specifics in the Epistle II. Interested in going? Share your name with Dick Rishel or Glenn Smith. COLUMBARIUM EXPANDED IN CHAPEL Our beautiful columbarium is about to get larger. The additional 80 niches will be placed along the parking lot wall of the Chapel. The Trustees will build a matching frame for the new niches. If you are interested in purchasing a niche, please contact Rachel in the Church Office or pick up a brochure in the Communication Center. Niches cost $1000. Selection of a specific niche is available and will THEOLOGY AND FILM be recorded on the contract you FOR LENT receive. Pastor Jeff is offering two nights of Want to know more about the “Theology and Film” during Lent, cremation process and our on Thursday, February 25, and columbarium? Kathy Belcastro, Thursday, March 3, at 7:00 pm in the our Wellness Coordinator, and Youth Room. We will watch a full- United Faith Geer will host a discussion in length movie and then discuss the March. We will discuss the various theological and ethical dimensions Methodist aspects of what to expect when of it afterward. Women cremation is chosen. Please let On February 25, we will view the Rachel in the church office know if Hal Ashby dark comedy, “Harold you are interested in attending. and Maude,” and on March 3, our SAVE THE DATE fare will be Terry Gilliam’s “The The United Methodist Women are Fisher King,” staring Jeff Bridges and hosting their General Meeting on the late Robin Williams. April 30 from 9:00 am to Noon. Registration is NOT necessary, but We are grateful to have Julie Hera if you let Pastor Jeff know you’re Destefano as our speaker. Her coming, it will help us have the presentation is entitled: Journey room set up and ready to go! to Normal: Women of War Come See you at the movies… Home. All church members and friends are welcome! Childcare will be available if needed. More information about this event will be coming. Look for sign-up sheets in the Communication Centers next month. Calendar Highlights MINISTRY PLANNING WORSHIP TIMES: All are encouraged to use February 10 Ash Wednesday Worship, Noon & 7:30 pm their God-given gifts in SATURDAY EVENING February 13 Love Baskets: 9 am Create; 11:30 am Deliver ministry. When you have Saturday@6:00 February 20 Confirmation Sexuality & Intimacy Retreat an idea for a new ministry, Wesley Hall March 6 Discover St. Paul’s Class, 4:30 pm please contact Faith Geer. March 12 March Mad Dash, 9 am North Park Boat House Together we can plan the SUNDAY MORNING best way to get your idea off March 20 VIM Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 am Connect@8:30 Sanctuary the paper and into action. NoMIC Easter Spectacular, 3:30 pm Grace Cafe@9:30 George March 24 Holy Thursday Sedar Dinner, 6:30 pm Crooks Dining Area COMMUNICATION March 25 Good Friday Worship, Noon & 7:30 pm CENTERS Inspire@10:30 Sanctuary March 27 6:30 am Easter Sunrise Service These are located in the 8:15 am Communion Service MID-WEEK 9:15 am Family Worship Wesley Hall and CLC 10:30 am Traditional Worship Entranceways. They are Wednesday@7:30 places to hang 8½” x 11” Wesley Hall posters, find out about events, and sign up for activities. Building maps are SUNDAY MORNING also available here. CLASSES 9:15 am, All Ages MINISTRY CENTER It is located inside the Worship Center door. There CHURCH OFFICE you can give items for 412.486.7006 collections, share foodbank FAX donations, buy FACE 412.486.8801 Certificates, and purchase items sold by groups: tickets, PRESCHOOL cookies, etc. 412.486.5591

DROP-IN CHILD CARE WELCOME CENTER 412.486.4595 It is located in Wesley Hall. KIDZ KORNER Guests can find a host to 412.334.8193 answer questions, give information about St. Paul’s, NORTH HILLS find Care Notes, and get COMMUNITY OUTREACH worship guides for children. CENTER 412.487.6316 PLANNING A PERSONAL EVENT? Contact Rachel in the NEED MORE church office to schedule INFORMATION? your date! Call the church office between 8:00 am and EPISTLE ARTICLES 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. We’ll be glad to Articles for the next Epistle share the details! are due March 30. Copies will be mailed April 12. Be Visit our website sure to watch for weekly for more information: updates in the Friday emails. www.stpaulsumc.com. ST PAULS Register at www.stpaulsumc. United Methodist Church com/news.