St. Paul’s Epistle , 2014

ST PAULS United Methodist Church OUR PURPOSE To make disciples of Christ.

OUR MISSION We are a welcoming community of faith where all are invited to discover, discern, and use their spiritual gifts to transform the world through Jesus Christ.

OUR VISION Convinced the future is in Christ, we will become a broad-based commu- nity of faith ministering to all persons.

OUR WELCOMING STATEMENT St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Deck the Halls… celebrates the sacred worth and I’m a Christmas kind of guy. It’s my favorite season of the year. Don’t you just value of all individuals. We welcome love the sights and sounds of Christmas? The carols and shopping and children all who seek a home in this house of getting whipped into a frenzy of excitement? I’ve never gotten over this stuff. We God with open hearts, open minds, can lament the exploitation and “commercialism” of Christmas, but even that and open doors. We invite people of doesn’t have to rob it of its joy and true meaning. Someone posted on Facebook every age, race, ethnicity, economic the other day this thought: “As I grow older, I realize that what I really want for reality, family status, sexual orienta- Christmas can’t be bought.” I like that. What do you really want for Christmas? tion, gender identity, diverse ability, Peace? Forgiveness? Richer, fuller relationships with your partner, your family, or legal status to join us on a journey and God? Or, if this Christmas will be a “blue” one for you because of a recent toward full participation and service loss, maybe you would be happy to find comfort and the soothing presence in Christ’s church. of good, good friends. For you, may you unwrap a huge bundle of grace on Christmas morning. LEADERSHIP TEAM The church would do well to cease harping about people taking the “Christ JEFF STERLING out of Christmas.” I don’t believe it is possible to do that. I believe that Jesus is Pastor so invested in the season that nothing can scrub it clean of his love. There’s a KAREN SLUSSER reason people “soften up” around the holiday, a reason why they become more Pastor generous and say “Merry Christmas” to strangers in elevators and grocery stores. Christ is behind it, my friends, and the is using even the merchants HYUNG-SUK JOE and the merriment to touch lives. Church people: Lighten up and celebrate! Pastor Christmas is a home game for us! People will pour into our churches—some because of tradition, and many won’t even know why they come. But WE FAITH GEER know why! God is afoot, and humanity and the Divine come so very close Administrative Director at Christmas. The word we offer to our guests at Christmas worship is TOM TAYLOR WELCOME. There is room at the inn! Director of Music and Worship The journey toward this glorious season takes us through a national day of Ministries Thanksgiving and the mysterious “promise walk” of Advent, when we will ask the TAMI WEISNER question, “Are we there yet?” We’ll climb the Tree together as we explore Director of Youth Ministries the legacy-lineage of the Christ. Don’t miss the exciting reinstitution of the Boar’s Head Festival Celebration (also known as the Madrigal Dinner) where, through ERIN SOZA medieval story and legend, we experience the Savior’s vanquishing of evil. Director of Children’s Ministries And then, in four diverse and powerful services of Christian worship on ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST , we will join our hearts and voices in the timeless words of 1965 Ferguson Road Charles Wesley: Hark! The herald angels sing! Glory to the newborn King! Allison Park, PA 15101 412.486.7006 WWW.STPAULSUMC.COM SPIRITUAL FORMATION: they are the realization of the dream realize God’s dreams in our current FAMILY TREES in a young peasant girl’s heart that generations. pushed her to bravely venture onto This fall, one of my kids had Social In each week’s Advent worship the S.S. George Washington and sail Studies homework to research our services, we will focus on one of into her future. family’s ethnic heritage, make a the “big branches” of the Jesse Tree, traditional food, and give a talk in As the family of God, this Advent but there is so much more to be class about his findings. This project we are invited to discover or renew discovered. The Advent Devotional turned out to be so meaningful our connection with our ancestors Guide included with this mailing and enjoyable that I sought out the in faith. We will explore the Jesse invites all of us children of God to teacher at curriculum night to thank Tree—the of Jesse, the climb around our family tree and him for assigning it! father of King . We will come explore our faith ancestry. Each day’s to understand a little more of what it devotion includes a brief scripture, We invited my parents and my means to acclaim Jesus as the “Son reflection, and prayer that could maternal grandmother (“Baba”) over of David.” We will discover together readily be shared around the dinner to teach us to make from-scratch our common heritage and realize table or read individually. This pierogies, as her mother-in-law had that we are people who have come Advent, let us set aside a few minutes taught her. As we rolled dough and from somewhere, accompanied, each day to look back at our roots, stuffed the pierogies, Baba told us supported, and faithfully encouraged then look forward to our future, as old family stories—she even remem- in every generation by God. As we we invite Christ to be born anew in bered the name of the boat that my encounter the depth of our roots as our life together. great-grandmother came to Ellis God’s children, we will come to Island on in 1912. My mom talked a fuller sense of what it means to about how, as a teen, she would put great-Baba’s hair up in pin curls on Fridays and listen to her stories of potato farming in the “old country.” Joshua Tree Later that evening, we delved into ancestry.com and traced our family Celebrating the family of God roots way, way back. I had always We are looking forward to an exciting new Advent thought my great-grandmother journey together beginning the weekend of came from Russia, but she actually November 29 and 30. Advent is a time when the came from . It was my great- church historically longed for the coming grandfather, who came to the U.S. a of the fullness of the Kingdom of God on year later, who was from Russia. As earth. For some, this meant the return we unraveled the details—names,­ of Jesus himself. United Methodist places, dates of birth and death—we are reminded of our part pieced together our heritage, and in partnering with Christ to bring the the stories we heard suddenly Kingdom to a reality through acts of came newly alive in the context of love, mercy, and justice. Our theme concrete history. is “Are we there yet?” Our “road map” We emerged from this profound on the journey will be the Jesse Tree, experience feeling like we really a traditional symbol of the histori- came from somewhere; I think we cal lineage of Jesus Christ from the sensed something like the commu- creation of the universe to Mary, his nion of the saints—our connection humble earthly mother. Our four to our ancestors began to have Sundays will be symbolized by: new significance for who we are and shoots, stars, light, and the lily, with who we understand ourselves to be Christmas represented by the manger. as a family now, in 2014. As I think Why not use these special seasons of the church through my mom’s generation (the to invite someone you know to join us for worship at grandchildren of great-Baba) and St. Paul’s? what they have become—doctors, teachers, university professors, clergy, an NFL coach—I see that ADVENT 3: LIGHTS Advent Worship—Are We There Yet? December 13, 14, 17 ADVENT 1: NEW SHOOTS ADVENT 2: STARS Jesse Tree Ancestor: John the November 29, 30, December 3 December 6, 7, 10 Baptist Jesse Tree Ancestor: Joseph Jesse Tree Ancestor: He came as a witness to testify COMMUNION AT ALL SERVICES “A shoot shall come out from the stump to the light, so that all might believe of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of Look toward heaven and count the through him… his roots… stars… so shall your descendants be. :7 11:1 Genesis 15:5 • Saturday@6:00 • Saturday@6:00 • Saturday@6:00 Boar’s Head Festival Celebration Jeff Sterling preaching Karen Slusser preaching • Connect@8:30 • Connect@8:30 • Connect@8:30 Karen Slusser preaching Karen Slusser preaching Jeff Sterling preaching • Discovery Track: Church Tour and Music: Soloist Cantor: Mary Lou Walter Reception of New Members • Discovery Track Week D: • Discovery Track Week A: • Grace Café@9:30 Connection United Methodism 101 Jeff Sterling & Karen Slusser • Grace Café@9:30 • Grace Café@9:30 dialogue Jeff Sterling preaching Karen Slusser preaching • Inspire@10:30 • Inspire@10:30 • Inspire@10:30 Jeff Sterling & Karen Slusser Jeff Sterling preaching Karen Slusser preaching dialogue Music: Wesleyan Choir Music: Wesleyan Choir Music: Wesleyan Choir

• Wednesday@6:45, Off site at • Wednesday@6:45 • Wednesday@6:45 Victory Church in Cranberry for the Karen Slusser preaching Karen Slusser preaching K-LOVE Christmas Concert. (Tickets required.)

BLUE CHRISTMAS HEALING SERVICE 7:00 pm, December 14 On this Sunday evening, the monthly Healing and Wholeness Service will observe a Blue Christmas, led by Pastor Jeff in the main Sanctuary. This service is a quiet, reflective time of worship that acknowledges that many among us are not predisposed to a “merry” season, either because of recent grief or loss, or because of life challenges that have resulted in great stress, especially around the Christmas season. Meditative readings of Scripture and words and prayers of comfort are combined with the lighting of candles and a Advent Readers peaceful ambience. During Advent worship, a special reading will be shared before we light the This is a wonderful service to invite each week. If you and some family or friends would like to be friends or family members who reader(s), please sign up in the Wesley Hall Communication Center. Scripts will could be comforted and touched by be emailed to you. this observance. ADVENT 4: LILY December 20, 21 Christmas Eve Worship Jesse Tree Ancestor: Mary Christmas Eve will have a new look MUSIC SUNDAY this year with new worship times and a Community Meal with special Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it music provided by the Slusser Family. be with me according to your word… Worship services will be as follows: Luke 1:38 • 4:00 pm Family Worship featuring • Saturday@6:00 Camel Lot children’s musical Karen Slusser preaching Jeff Sterling welcoming • Connect@8:30 • 5:30 pm Modern Worship featuring the youth and our praise band Karen Slusser preaching Karen Slusser preaching Music: Carols with instruments • 9:00 pm Traditional Worship featuring Wesleyan Choir, Chapel Ringers, • Grace Café@9:30 and Soloists; Jeff Sterling preaching Jeff Sterling preaching • 11:00 pm Worship with Holy Communion featuring musical soloists • Discovery Track Week B: Jeff Sterling preaching The Purpose, Mission, and Vision of St. Paul’s United Methodist All services will include candle lighting (glow sticks for 4:00), scriptures, prayers, and preached word. Babysitting will be provided at all services except 11:00 pm. • Inspire@10:30 Jeff Sterling preaching The Community Meal will be served from 6:30-8:00 pm as a simple smorgas- Music: Wesleyan Choir, Children’s bord with ham, potatoes, veggies and salad. All are welcome! Who is expected? Choirs, Chapel Ringers, Orchestra Folks with families who are out of town, people who are helping with worship services throughout the night, and people who just don’t want to eat alone! Reservations are requested, but not required; please call the Church Office or sign up in the Communication Centers. A donation basket will be out to help cover costs.

Looking Ahead. . .

EPIPHANY BAPTISM OF THE LORD January 3, 4, 7 January 10, 11, 14 COMMUNION AT ALL SERVICES God said, ‘Let there be light’…. Arise! Shine! Your light has come… Genesis 1:3 Isaiah 60:1 Karen Slusser preaching at all • Saturday@6:00 services. Jeff Sterling preaching • WRAPPING PAPER Connect@8:30 Jeff Sterling preaching WELCOME A FAMILIAR FACE! December 27, 28 MODIFIED SCHEDULE • Grace Café@9:30 Pastor Ron Hoellein will be guest Karen Slusser preaching preaching at Saturday@6:00 You shall be a crown of beauty in the and on the • Inspire@10:30 hand of the Lord Inspire@10:30 weekend of January 24 & 25. Jeff Sterling preaching Isaiah 62:3 • • Wednesday@6:45 Saturday@6:00 Karen Slusser preaching Jeff Sterling preaching • NO Sunday Morning classes or Discovery Track

• Inspire@10:30 Jeff Sterling preaching THREE RIVERS RINGERS Advent Music Ministries CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. Paul’s Music Ministry and St. Paul’s Players proudly present several Saturday, December 20, 7:30 pm wonderful events to enhance your Christmas celebration. Come and enjoy with your church family! These events are sure to help you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into our world through music and entertainment. Noël Experience the beauty of the holiday season at Noël, Three Rivers Ringers’ Winter Concert here at St. Paul’s. The virtuosity of Pittsburgh’s premier handbell ensemble will be on display in four delightful selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” Joel Raney’s exotic “We Three Kings,” and timeless favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Stille Nacht,” and more. The Three Rivers Ringers are taking the magical sound of handbells to new heights this season with a concert perfect for all ages— The Boar’s Head Christmas come join us! St. Paul’s member Beth Dakin is a member of this wonderful Festival& Madrigal Dinner handbell ensemble. Freewill offering 6:00 pm, Saturday, December 13 will be taken. Fun for the whole family! Featuring: • Brief worship service with carols and candlelight • King Harry and Queen Harriet • The Court Herald and Lady of Misrule • The Madrigal Singers • Court entertainment • A Mummers Play with knights, princesses, ladies in waiting, and a dragon • Boar’s Head Processional • Festive dinner with flaming pudding and other desserts • Nativity reenactment • Childcare available ALAINE FINK Tickets: Adults, $15 Organist Children 10 & under, $5 J. THOMAS TAYLOR Director of Music and Worship 412.486.7006 x20 Tickets on sale after services, in the church office during the week, [email protected] or at www.stpaulsumc.com/events. Limited seating! www.stpaulsumc.com ADVENT MUSIC SUNDAY December 21 Stewardship Campaign Inspire@10:30 KEEP THOSE CARDS AND essential to help our church continue LETTERS COMING IN! to be a leader in our District and Conference in meeting needs, The weekend of November 22-23 making disciples of Jesus Christ, and marks the conclusion of St. Paul’s Holy Light nurturing Christian faith develop- 2015 Stewardship and Pledge A Service of Music and Carols ment for all who worship, serve, and Campaign under the theme, “What witness here. We will celebrate the fourth Sunday Can I Bring?” Members and regular of Advent with “Holy Light, A attendees received a stewardship When you have discerned what you Service of Music and Carols” by packet in the mail within the past will pledge to support these efforts Robert Hobby, with readings by two weeks. Enclosed were a letter in 2015, please fill out both pledge Susan Palo Cherwien and featur- from Pastor Jeff and Nate Suddeth, cards. Return one to the church in ing performances by all Children’s our Stewardship Chairperson; a the enclosed envelope on Sunday, Choirs, Wesleyan Choir, Chapel FAQ sheet; information about our November 23, and keep the other Ringers, and St. Paul’s Orchestra. automatic deduction and electronic pledge card as your reminder and This service offers many beautiful giving options at St. Paul’s; and two “prayer card.” Additional cards will carols intertwined with Christmas pledge cards with a return envelope. be in the pews if you forget yours, or you can mail it to the Church Office. scriptures and other readings, all Each of us is challenged to pray accompanied by a full orchestra, about our financial faith commitment As the 2015 “What Can I Bring?” handbells, and organ. Come enjoy to support the ministry and mission pledge campaign concludes, your the beauty of St. Paul’s sanctuary as of St. Paul’s United Methodist Finance Team, Church Council, we celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ Church for the coming year. We are Stewardship Team, and Leadership to our world. at an important time in the life of our Team want to encourage you also This annual Christmas music service church. With Ron’s retirement and to consider giving generously in has become a highlight of the season Jeff’s appointment as our new lead these final weeks of 2014. While our for many St. Paul’s members and pastor, the leadership of St. Paul’s giving is a bit behind where we need friends, so early seating is advised. encourages us all to step up in our to be to finish the year “in the black” gifts of time, talents, and treasures and pay our full United Methodist to help our church move into the Connectional Apportionments, next phase of its unfolding future. we are assured of the extravagant Your financial pledges and gifts are generosity and commitment of this community of faith and believe we will accomplish this goal before year’s end. Thank you for doing your part, and for all you do to make St. Christmas Eve Children’s Musical Paul’s such a special place! Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 pm, St. Paul’s Sanctuary Camel Lot: Don’t Miss the Manger Come back in time with our children to at the time of Jesus’ birth! This lively family Christmas Eve service will feature the joy and enthusiasm of all of our children’s choirs and Bridge Builders children as they lead worship and present a new take on the “greatest story ever told.” Liberty Weyandt, Director Mary Polley, Ann Montgomery, Tom Taylor, Children’s Choir Directors ONGOING SUNDAY MORNING Children’s Ministries PROGRAMS MAKING CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE Children’s Church is offered weekly AND LUNCHEON PREVIEW AND DRESS REHEARSAL during Connect@8:30 and Advent starts November 30 with All are invited to preview the Inspire@10:30. Following the our annual Advent wreath making Christmas Eve musical, Camel Lot, Children’s Time in the Sanctuary, and luncheon. Take time with your during the final dress rehearsal. children ages 4 through 2nd grade family to enjoy the anticipation of This is a great night to invite family, are escorted to the lower level class- Christ’s birth using a live Advent friends, and neighbors who aren’t rooms for an age-appropriate Bible Wreath to focus on the gift of Jesus. able to attend church on Christmas lesson and craft. If you haven’t attended this great Eve. For families with children Worship Explorers: Once a month, afternoon event in the past, come performing in Camel Lot, an optional Pastor Karen leads a special chil- and enjoy! Fresh pine cuttings dinner will be served at 5:30 pm in dren’s worship time called Worship and all the materials and supplies George Crooks Dining Area. The Explorers. The children learn details to make a wreath will be avail- children will then be dismissed to about how and why we worship in able for a small fee (wreath only, dress at 6:00 pm. Finally, Camel Lot a mini-service designed by Pastor $10; lunch only, $5 adult and $3 will begin at 6:30 pm. Karen for elementary-aged children. children; family price, $25 for 1 Please bring Christmas cookies Children age 4 through 5th grade are wreath and lunch). There will also to share afterwards at our Cookie invited to attend. Our next Worship be crafts, games, and the famous Reception! Explorers will be January 25. candy-guessing table with lots of prizes. All proceeds from the event Sunday Morning Classes meet from will go towards the Sawyer Rebholz SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING 9:15-10:15 am. Children 2 and 3 Memorial Fund which provides help years old, along with 2nd-5th graders through St. Paul’s UMC to children All persons planning on volunteering should go directly to their classrooms with serious or unexpected medical with children or youth need to attend and sign in with the class leader. diagnoses causing financial hardship. a one-hour Safe Sanctuary Training. Children 4 years old thru 1st grade You’ll learn helpful information should meet in the Red 1 Room about keeping your own children for a time of music before they are A VISIT TO BETHLEHEM safe as well as those you support dismissed to class at 9:30 am. Be FIELDTRIP with your volunteer time. The sure to sign in and leave a contact Sunday, December 7 next trainings will be Wednesday, number every time you drop off On December 7, families are invited December 10, at 6:15 pm and children. Never leave a child in a to meet in George Crooks Dining Sunday, January 11, at 8:30 am. classroom without a leader. Please contact Faith Geer, fgeer@ Area at 11:45 am for pasta and Sunday Morning Nursery: Our salad. Lunch prices are $5 for adults stpaulsumc.com, to arrange your Nursery is professionally staffed each and $3 for children. (RSVP needed!) Safe Sanctuary Training time. Sunday from 8:15 -11:45 am. Infants At 12:45 pm, children ages 4 thru through 4-year-olds are invited to the 5th grade will ride a bus from St. nursery during worship and Sunday Paul’s to St. John’s Lutheran Church Morning class times. Please sign in of Highland on Cumberland Road to and review the Nursery Guidelines participate in their interactive Visit to before dropping off your child. Bethlehem. Chaperones are needed!

Registration and permission forms must be completed and returned before December 5 to participate. Registration is available Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, or at the Communication Centers. Bus space is limited. Children younger than 4 are welcome but must be transported and accompanied by a family member. ONGOING WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Children’s Ministry Calendar November 23 8:30 & 10:30 am, Worship Explorers Dinner: For a minimal fee, enjoy an November 30 Advent Wreath Making and Luncheon evening without cooking and share December 6 Santa Express (tickets required) fellowship before the Wednesday December 7 11:45 am, Lunch & Field Trip: A Visit to Bethlehem Ministries begin. Menus include kid- December 11 NoMIC Mission: Prepare & pack lunches for local shelter friendly meals, salad, and dessert. December 20 NoMIC Mission: Secret Santa Shop at Lincoln Community Center Children’s Choirs meet in rotation December 21 Music Sunday: All Children’s Choirs sing at Inspire@10:30 with the other Wednesday night December 23 6:30 pm, Children’s Musical Camel Lot Preview/Dress Rehearsal programming. December 24 4:00 pm, Christmas Eve Family Worship & Children’s Musical 6:30-8:00 pm, Christmas Eve Community Dinner and Music • Cherub Choir, ages 4-K December 28 No Sunday Morning Classes. One Worship Service at 10:30 am. Mrs. Mary Polley, Director January 7 6:00 pm, Josh and Gab Show Family Event. No Charge. • Jubilee Choir, grades 1 & 2 Mr. Tom Taylor, Director • Gloria Choir, grades 3-5 Mrs. Ann Montgomery, Director WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY NOMIC NEWS Bridge Builders is our weekday Kick off the New Year by bringing Thanks to all who contributed to our Bible program for children. In this your children and attending the Josh Military Stockings Mission. We deliv- year’s “Survivor” theme, the children and Gab Show. This duo incorpo- ered over 100 stockings stuffed to the are given weekly challenges and rates song and dance into a highly brim with gift items for our soldiers participate in many group activities. interactive show addressing bullying overseas. Along with those stock- th Children ages 4 through 5 grade and being uniquely yourself. The ings, we dropped off enough leftover have a gathering activity from 6:00- free show starts at 6:00 pm and is items to pack about 30 more. Your 6:15 pm, when they are escorted open to all. Invite your friends! generosity will brighten many lives to Children’s Choir rehearsals. At this Christmas. 6:45, they watch a brief video, hear Continuing every Wednesday in or read their Bible lesson, create a January, we will highlight topics The collection for the Secret craft, and enjoy time in the gym. of special interests to families from Santa Mission for the Lincoln Park Adult volunteers are needed weekly. 6:15-7:30 pm. Keeping our kids Community Center will continue Please contact Erin Soza if you are safe and secure is a top priority! until December 14. We have interested in supporting this ministry. Presenters will give time for discus- received many great gifts for the sion and Q & A, too. Please mark program. Thanks for all that you Spark Sports: Third, fourth, and you calendars now! have donated to date. fifth graders have some time for fellowship after they finish choir and • January 7: Bullying and Being You by Josh and Gab handbell practice. At 6:50 pm, upper elementary children participate in • January 14: Our Kids’ Future: Wills the same Bible lesson and “Survivor & Power of Attorney by Liberty Challenges” that the younger children Weyandt enjoy, just kicked up a notch! They • January 21: Keeping Our Kids Safe then release their energies in the gym by Faith Geer and have a short devotional time. • January 28: Computer Safety for Parents and Kids by Sgt. Vulakovich, Hampton Police

ERIN SOZA Director of Children’s Ministries 412.486.7006 x17 [email protected] www.stpaulsumc.com Weekday Children’s Ministries Youth Ministries SPECIAL PEOPLE DESERVE ANCHOR NEWS SPECIAL THANKS! Mary Polley, Director, St. Paul’s Fall has kicked off with energy and Drop-In Child Care excitement. During ANCHOR, we have been studying The Story: This marks my fifth year as director Finding Your Story in the Story of the Drop-In Child Care program of God. We’ve also been worship- at St. Paul’s. There have been many ing every Wednesday night at changes to the program during those Wednesday@6:45 with great years. This holiday season, we are music, fellowship, teaching and SANTA EXPRESS thankful for the many who have discussion. If you’re in grades 6-12, Saturday, December 6 helped Drop-in Child Care become please join us during this Advent what it is: a safe, happy, energetic Season. Anytime is the right time to St. Paul’s Preschool will host its place to grow and to learn. get involved with Youth Ministry at second annual Santa Express, a Polar St. Paul’s, so prepare your heart for Express-themed event, on Saturday, First, I would like to thank the Board Christmas with us as we celebrate December 6. Ticket proceeds help of Trustees. This committee has this sacred time of the year! fund educational programs and helped us in so many ways, from scholarships for families in need of cutting up various trees that have tuition assistance. fallen in the playground to installing the awning that provides much- The event will feature indoor train needed shade during the summer rides, a hot cocoa bar, a bounce months! Most recently, they installed house, crafts, a miniature train the funnel ball that provides hours of display, Frozen Princess meet-and- fun for the children. greet, a silent auction, and Santa himself. Sessions begin at 10:00 am Rick Sanderson, with the help of and 12:30 pm. custodian Rich McClure, stretched the fence to connect it to the post. We also thank Rick for removing some of the exposed roots that are a tripping hazard in the yard. Rick has also weeded our hillside garden and removed the landscape fabric. (Isn’t it amazing how weeds like to COFFEE HOUR grow on top of the fabric!) With the Thursdays at 4:00 pm landscaping fabric removed, this All youth are welcome… It’s start- made it perfect for John and Kathy ing to snow, so come warm up Grajcar to plant safe flowers for the with us in the Youth Room Café on children to enjoy. John and Kathy Thursdays from 4:00-5:30. Drinks received donations of plants: Carol are $1. Smoothies are $2. We’ll Radi shared the day lilies, and the chat, play games, listen to music, Native Plant Center at Beechwood and just hang out with great people. donated violets. These flowers will We do have cold drinks available, grace the gardens beautifully in the too, in case hot beverages are not spring and summer. John and Kathy really your thing! also mulched and watered the plants all summer long. TAMI WEISNER Director of Youth Ministries Thank you all for your love and 412.486.7006 ofc. support. 412.760.9989 text [email protected] www.stpaulsumc.com SPUMCanchor on facebook MISSION FUNDRAISER: Youth Calendar & Weekly Schedule RECIPES IN A JAR - $10 • Sundays: ANCHOR at 9:15 am (Grades 6-12) The youth made their popular 619 at 6:00 pm (Grades 6-12) “Recipes in a Jar” again this year as a SRHI Crew at 7:00 pm (Grades 9-12) mission fundraiser. • Wednesdays: MIDHI Crew at 6:00 pm (Grades 6-8) • Thursdays: Coffee Hour at 4:00 pm in the Youth Room Café (All Youth) These are perfect gifts for teachers, December 3 7:00-9:30 pm K-LOVE Christmas Concert (instead of regular friends, co-workers, etc. They are Wednesday@6:45 service) beautiful, fun, and simple to use. All December 7 5:00-7:00 pm Christmas Eve Rehearsal proceeds from the sales with support December 14 4:00-6:00 pm Christmas Eve Rehearsal youth ministry at St. Paul’s. December 21 4:00-6:00 pm Christmas Eve Rehearsal Your first chance to buy them will January 23-24 Jumonville Confirmation Retreat be at the Mission Mall on November 22. We will continue to sell on Saturday nights & Sunday mornings K-LOVE CHRISTMAS CONCERT CHRISTMAS EVE YOUTH-LED after services, while supplies last. 7:00-9:30 pm, Weds. December 3 WORSHIP AT 5:30 This year we added a Christmas Wednesday night worship will be SRHI Youth will be designing and Cocoa (peppermint hot chocolate) off site on December 3 because leading this Christmas Eve worship and brought back the Beef Barley students, friends, and family will service. All youth, including MIDHI, Soup favorite, so come check out be worshipping at the K-LOVE are invited to participate. We will what we have for sale. Christmas Concert held at Victory need youth for reading, singing, Family Church in Cranberry. Come drama, etc. so please let Tami or CONFIRMATION RETREAT with us for an energetic and inspiring Beth know if you are interested in Jumonville, January 23-25 worship concert! participating. December 21 will be the dress rehearsal for this service. Mark your calendars for this EVERYONE who wants to participate awesome adventure in your faith in this service needs to be at the journey. We will intentionally DRESS REHEARSAL. Mark your focus on prayer and your individual calendar now for December 21 at relationship with Jesus. More infor- 4:00 pm. mation to come in Confirmation Class. Please make sure it’s on your Christmas Eve Worship Rehearsals calendar! • Sunday, Dec. 7 5:00-7:00 pm

• Sunday, Dec. 14 4:00-6:00 pm

• Sunday, Dec. 21 4:00-6:00 pm

BETH KYTE Youth Worship Arts Specialist 412.486.7006 ofc. 412.508.7879 cell [email protected] www.stpaulsumc.com KITCHEN HELP! BIBLE STUDIES—ALL ARE Adult Ministries WELCOME!! Do you like to watch cooking ADVENT STUDY shows? Why not come and help us Jeff’s Wednesday Bible Studay at A new book by Hamilton, Not cook? Our commercial kitchen offers 9:00 am and 7:30 pm will continue to a Silent Night, will be the focus of a many opportunities to help you study James and then begin the study daytime study taught by Faith Geer practice! of 1 Peter. at 10:00 am on Thursdays, from Sunday mornings we need someone Karen’s Wednesday Group will study November 20 to January 8. (No class to make coffee and set out food for The Highways of Advent by Stan on Christmas or New Year’s Day.) ; it takes about Purdum on November 19, December Looking at Jesus from his mother’s Grace Café@9:30 an hour. A person to help set up and 2, 10, and 14. Our winter recess perspective may reveal a new way clean up on Sunday for about 45 will be from December 24 through of seeing the Christ. Take a break minutes is needed, too. Several times January 7, and we will resume meet- from the hectic pace and enjoy a few a year, we prepare special meals. ing January 14 to study The Church moments of reflection! Could you help with those? We and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus are blessed to have a great facility. by Amy-Jill Levine. Please help us use it! Contact Ronna The St. Barnabas Bible Study meets Cullen Doyle at 412.657.7316 to on the first and third Wednesdays volunteer. each month at 2:00 pm in the 5th floor lounge of building A in the retire- MANY THANKS TO OUR ment community on Meridian Road. VOLUNTEERS Our study of Strong Was Her Faith: Women of the by J. Volunteers enhance our ministry Ellsworth Kalas continues, and we everyday. As a staff, our goal is have enjoyed his book so much that to empower you to do ministry… we are going to tackle The Thirteen what a year we have had! Thanks Apostles by the same author, next! to everyone who makes St. Paul’s a special place to worship and grow Bible Study and Communion at the closer to God. From those who Arbors in Valencia continues to meet prepare the Communion elements to in the Garden Level Chapel, on the running our sound system to making fourth Wednesday of each month at coffee on Sunday mornings to water- 2:00 pm. Please note, our December ing the plants to ordering the flowers gathering will be on December 10 to teaching a Sunday morning class instead of December 24. to volunteering in the Church Office YOUNG ADULT GAME NIGHT to helping with mailings to making GET YOUR YEAR-END TAX Friday, December 19 a prayer quilt to calling those on our DEDUCTION BY DONATING A prayer list to cooking Thursday night Bring some friends and plan to meet VEHICLE! meals to helping with the Yard Sale new ones as young adults meet on to painting the Kids Korner room Do you or a family member have Friday, December 19 at 7 pm when a to supervising the youth to buying a vehicle you don’t want anymore? new group gathers for a game night. supplies to helping with March Mad Perhaps it’s not worth the cost of The Corn Hole Tournament will Dash to chaperoning a youth retreat repairs or it sits unused? Year-end is begin at 7:00 pm, as well as various to setting the tables for a funeral… the time to think about tax deduc- table games. Snacks and beverages the list goes on and on! Thank you tions! Community Auto, a program will be provided. Need baby-sitting? for sharing your gifts and talents with of NHCO, accepts vehicles in any Please call the Church Office no your St. Paul’s family! condition, has them repaired, and later than Wednesday, December sells them below market value to 17, by 5:00 pm to let us know! families who need them to get to work. You could change a life and get a tax deduction. FREE pickup, towing, and notary! Call 724-443-8300 or visit www.communityauto.org. SEEKING TAX PREPARERS TO BIRTHS WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: HELP LOW-WAGE FAMILIES: Keegan James Francis on September Fred Cardone and family in the death Many of our neighbors don’t have 5, son of Timothy and Nicole of his father, Fred Cardone, Sr., on access to affordable tax help, fall Francis; grandson of Marion and August 31. victim to “rapid refund” loans, or Rod Francis. Mark Wilkins and family in the death are unaware of state and federal tax Lucian Godrik Schramm on of his father, Donald Wilkins, on credits like the Earned Income Tax October 6, son of Heather and Alan September 1. Credit (EITC) that can put money Schramm; grandson of Tee & Brad into their pockets for food, utility Sarah and George Spilka and Davic; great-grandson of Eleanor & bills, gasoline or bus passes, rent Carolyn Bergeron and family in the Walt Davic. payments, or to eliminate personal death of their son/brother, Michael debt. If you have experience doing Jillian Elizabeth DeFreitas on Kearns, on September 3. your own taxes, we need you! October 8, daughter of Jacqueline Rachel Couse, Becky Becker and North Hills Community Outreach is & Matt DeFreitas; granddaughter of family in the death of their grandfa- an official partner of United Way’s Susan & Matt Carl. ther, James Couse, on September 8. Money in Your Pocket Coalition for Free Tax Preparation 2015. NHCO Jericho Patrick Becker on October The family of Anna Kuhn in her is recruiting volunteer tax preparers 21, son of Becky and Jon Becker, death on September 13. for NHCO Millvale (Saturday morn- nephew of Rachel Couse. The family of B.J. Lynch in her death ings) and NHCO North Boroughs on September 14. (Monday or Tuesday evenings in Walter Horner and family in the Bellevue). Training is provided and NHCO HOLIDAY TOY death of his son-in-law, Dr. John is required for all volunteers. All COLLECTION volunteers must register through Kern, Jr., on September 15. the United Way by email at www. North Hills Community Outreach is Robb Montgomery and family in swpafreetaxes.org. Registration for collecting new toys, puzzles, games, the death of his mother, Elizabeth new volunteers is now open. sporting equipment and gift cards for Montgomery, on September 16. children ages birth through 18 until December 12; earlier donations are Mark Cottrill and family in the death especially needed! Gifts appropri- of his brother Alan on September 16. ate for teens are especially needed. Donna Fogle and family in the death Donations can be dropped off in our of her mother, Leona Runkle, on Ministry Center. September18. Lora Venturella and family in the death of her father, William Lewis, on September 22. Roy Marburger and family in the death of his niece, Sharon Pell, on October 4. Linda O’Toole and family in the death of her great-nephew, Preston Streiff, on October 7. John Brinkley and family in the death of his wife, Mary Lou, on October 15. Amy Austin-Taggart and family in the death of her aunt, Lillian M. Hodgson, on November 4. The Wolford Family in the death of George Wolford, on November 11. MISSION & OUTREACH Missions and Outreach Opportunities CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST COOKIE WALK & MISSION MALL JAIL MINISTRY Consider alternative gift giving for Saturday, November 22 Remember those in prison as if you were the person who has everything— These are two events you don’t want their fellow prisoner. a gift that never needs to be to miss! Come and pick out your Hebrews 13:3 exchanged! favorite cookies for the holidays and The St. Paul’s Jail Ministry Team was Look for the Mission Christmas then go shop for beautiful items that organized two years ago to help the display and donation baskets in the support global missions. All of it Chaplains at the Allegheny County Ministry Center in Wesley Hall. The begins on Saturday, November 22, Jail provide Sunday worship services Mission and Outreach Ministries at 9:00 am. Cookies go fast, so come for the 2,600 inmates. The fourteen Team has also provided gift cards early! The Mission Mall will be open members of the St. Paul’s team have so you can personalize and present until 2:00 pm. been active this year—our ministry your gift to a recipient. Please note has included: that some of the ministries have UM MISSION GIVING TUESDAY • Conducting worship services on specific deadlines for donations. Tuesday, December 2 nine Sundays and Thanksgiving When writing a check, please make and Christmas mornings. out to St. Paul’s UMC and memo You can extend the spirit of the gift of your choice. Thank you giving thanks into the Advent • Assisting with an evening Advent and Merry Christmas! season by participating in UMC Service of Lessons and Carols Christmas Gifts for Bethlehem #GivingTuesday. Every gift made • Helping to package and person- Haven: Bethlehem Haven is a online through The Advance at ally distribute Christmas gifts from women’s shelter in downtown www.umcmission.org/give on the Chaplains to all of the 2,600 Pittsburgh. The residents particu- December 2 will be matched up inmates. The packages contained larly appreciate gifts of women’s to $1 million. Missions supporting items such as a thermal shirt to go nightgowns, pajamas, sweaters, children, youth, and adults abound! under the short-sleeved jail-issued Thanks for your support! jumpsuit, personal hygiene items, sweatshirts, gloves, hats, socks, a small writing pad and pencil, a body spray, and lotions. Items drinking cup, and a few pieces of should be new. LARGE sizes are candy. According to the chaplains, especially needed. Donations are “Receiving a remembrance from being accepted through Sunday, caring volunteers can make a huge December 7. Please do not wrap difference to the inmates.” your gifts. CONTACT, Sue English

The St. Paul’s congregation also Angel Tree: You can help fill a responded to an appeal for unused variety of needs by selecting an Christmas cards so that each inmate ornament from the angel tree located could receive two cards and two outside the Sanctuary. Your gifts stamps to send to his/her family. are due by Sunday, December 7. Christmas is an especially difficult CONTACT, Cindy and Bob White time for inmates and their families. Mitten Tree: Mittens, gloves, hats, This simple gesture enables them to and scarves for children and adults experience in a small way the love will be delivered to New Hope of Christ at Christmas. UMC on the North Side. Your gifts Unsold paperback books from can be placed on the Christmas the yard sale were donated to the tree in the CLC Entranceway until Chaplains’ Office for distribution to Monday, December 15. CONTACT, the inmates. At this time, paperback Jacque Lang Bibles are sorely needed. (See alter- Postage for Prisoners: The native Christmas gift article) Chaplain’s Office at the Allegheny If you would like more information, County Jail seeks to impact those please contact Tom Greway at St. in prison with a generous dose of Paul’s or at [email protected]. God’s love. If you can help, place your pocket change in the jar located in the Ministry Center. CONTACT, Meet the Missionaries Barbara and Tom Greway On November 23 at 9:15 am, United Methodist Global Board of two United Methodist missionar- Missions has not permitted them to Bibles for Jail Ministry: Your $5 ies from Sierra Leone, Nancy and return to Sierra Leone just yet. They donation will provide a new soft- Clifford Robinson will be coming are traveling the U.S. educating, cover Bible for an inmate at the to share their stories and pictures, engaging, and speaking; they will be Allegheny Country jail. CONTACT, update us on the Ebola situation, part of the Global Health Education Mary Ellen Dickson educate us about West African Outreach event at the Convention Share the Winter Warmth: Gifts of culture, and facilitate conversation Center on Friday, November 21, and fuel, food, and light can be given to about missionary work. Nancy have graciously agreed to stay the our North Hills neighbors through is the Coordinator of Continuing weekend and share their stories with donations to North Hills Community Education for the Sierra Leone St. Paul’s! Outreach. Select an ornament from Annual Conference. Her parents Besides the Sunday morning hour, the tree and place the ornament were also missionaries and she grew Nancy and Clifford will also be avail- on your family’s . up in Nyadire, Zimbabwe. Clifford able at the Mission Mall on Saturday, Donations are due by January 31, is the Coordinator of Congregational November 22 for conversation and 2015. CONTACT, NHCO Development and Education will give 20-minute presentations in for the Sierra Leone Annual Blankets: The need for blankets is the Kidz Korner Room at 10:30 am, Conference. You can check out never-ending. Your $5.00 donation 12:00, and 1:00 pm. their bios on www.umcmission.org. will provide warmth to someone in They returned to the United States Please spread the word and plan to our world who is a victim of war, this past summer (before the Ebola be blessed by the stories of these catastrophic weather, or related outbreak) for a family event, and the wonderful missionaries! losses. CONTACT, Jacque Lang

Nyadire United Methodist Hospital (NUMH) & Orphanage, Zimbabwe: CHRISTMAS IDEA—SPONSOR AN on the children at Nyadire, talk to Part of the larger Nyadire Mission, ORPHAN’S EDUCATION! church members Sandy McKnight, NUMH strives to improve the quality Faith Geer, Natalie Geer, Pat Cook, As you prepare your Christmas list of life in the community while facing Erin Bishop, or Tom Greway. this year, why not consider sponsor- serious social and political pressures, ing an orphan’s education at the Enrollment forms are in the “Home and severely limited resources. Nyadire UM Mission in Zimbabwe? of Hope Outreach” brochure in the CONTACT, Tom Greway Through the Nyadire Home of Communications Center or Ministry Hope Outreach (HOHO) program, Center in Wesley Hall or by the hundreds of vulnerable orphans are NoMIC Christmas tree. To ensure NEW NAME, SAME MISSION able to attend school. Each sponsor enrollment at the start of school in The North Side Meal Ministry provides $75 annually to cover an January, please submit your form has been renamed Daily Bread. orphan’s school fees for an entire and your check for either $75 or Churches in the Pittsburgh District year. Additionally, each sponsor $100 by Monday, December 15. volunteer to make meals and provides a backpack filled with For additional information, please distribute to the homeless through school supplies for their child or an contact Tom Greway at 724-444- New Hope UMC. Perhaps you have additional $25 so that a backpack 3070 or [email protected]. helped with one of the meals we can be given in their name. serve on the fourth Thursday of each Sponsors receive the name, month. Please contact Shelia Hanley age, and a picture of “their” (412.367.0816) for dates to serve. orphan and are encouraged ** During the holiday season, we to write letters. Responses are collecting travel-sized toiletries from the orphans are usually (unopened) and new socks for the hand-carried by returning clients. Look for the basket in the mission trip members. For Ministry Center. a firsthand, eye-witness testimony of the impact that these sponsorships have Calendar Highlights: MINISTRY PLANNING WORSHIP TIMES All are encouraged to use November 22-23 St. Paul’s 2015 Stewardship weekend their God-given gifts in SATURDAY EVENING November 23 8:30 & 10:30 am, Worship Explorers ministry. When you have Saturday@6:00 November 30 Advent Begins an idea for a new ministry, Wesley Hall November 30 Advent Wreath Making and Luncheon please contact Faith Geer. December 3 7:00-9:30 pm, K-LOVE Christmas Concert Together we can plan the SUNDAY MORNING (no ) best way to get your idea off Wednesday@6:45 December 6 St. Paul’s Preschool Santa Express the paper and into action. Connect@8:30 Sanctuary (Tickets required.) December 7 11:45 am, Children Lunch & Field Trip: Grace Café@9:30 COMMUNICATION A Visit to Bethlehem George Crooks Dining Area CENTERS December 13 6:00 pm, Boar’s Head Festival & Madrigal Dinner

December 14 7:00 PM, Blue Christmas Healing Service These are located in the Inspire@10:30 Sanctuary December 11 NoMIC Mission: Pack lunches for local shelter Wesley Hall and CLC December 20 NoMIC Mission: Secret Santa Shop Entranceways. They are MID-WEEK December 20 7:30 pm, Three Rivers Ringers Christmas Concert places to hang 8½” x 11” December 21 Advent Music Sunday posters, find out about Wednesday@6:45 All Choirs sing at 10:30 am events, and sign up for Wesley Hall December 23 5:30 pm, Dinner & Children’s Musical Preview/ activities. Building maps are Dress Rehearsal also available here. December 24 Christmas Eve SUNDAY MORNING 4:00 pm, Family Worship & Children’s Musical MINISTRY CENTER CLASSES 5:30 pm, Modern / Youth Worship 9:15 am, All Ages It is located inside the 6:30-8:00 pm, Community Dinner and Music Worship Center door. 9:00 pm, Traditional Worship There you can give items 11:00 pm, Holy Communion for collections, share food- December 28 No Sunday Morning Classes bank donations, buy FACE CHURCH OFFICE One Worship Service at 10:30 am Certificates, and purchase 412.486.7006 January 7 6:00 pm, Josh and Gab Show Family Event items sold by groups: tickets, January 23-24 Jumonville Confirmation Retreat FAX: cookies, etc. 412.486.8801

PRESCHOOL WELCOME CENTER 412.486.5591 It is located in Wesley Hall. Guests can find a host to DROP-IN CHILD CARE answer questions, give 412.486.4595 information about St. Paul’s, KIDZ KORNER find Care Notes, and get 412.334.8193 worship guides for children. NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY PLANNING OUTREACH CENTER A PERSONAL EVENT? 412.487.6316 Contact Rachel in the church office to schedule your date! NEED MORE INFORMATION?

EPISTLE ARTICLES Call the church office between 8:00 am and Articles for the next Epistle 5:00 pm Monday through are due January 12; copies Friday. We’ll be glad to will be mailed January 21. share the details! Be sure to watch for weekly ST PAULS updates in the Friday Visit our website United Methodist Church emails. Register at www. for more information: stpaulsumc.com/news. www.stpaulsumc.com.