Somerset UMC Newsletter - The MessengerSeptember 2017

Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev Karen K Walters

Somerset UMCPOB 237137-141 East Main Street, Somerset, Ohio 43783 740/743-1029 - churchSomersetUnitedMethodistChurch@gmail.com www.SomersetUMC.orgWe’re on facebook

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7 Essential Characteristics Of a Healthy ChurchIf we want our church to have the impact of the early church, the

New Testament shows us essential characteristics we need in ourcongregations.

Rely on supernatural power“Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appearedand settled on each of them. And everyone present was filledwith the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability” (Acts 2:3-4 NLT).

We don’t just talk about God; we experience him. This is whatmakes the church different fromevery other organization on theplanet. We have the HolySpirit.

Microsoft doesn’t have theHoly Spirit. The United Statesgovernment doesn’t have theHoly Spirit. The Red Crossdoesn’t have the Holy Spirit.No other organization has thepower of God in it. Godpromised his Spirit to help his church.

Use everyone’s gifts“Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostlesand shouted to the crowd, ‘Listen carefully, all of you, fellowJews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. . . And I [God speaking through Joel] will cause wonders inthe heavens above and signs on the earth below—blood andfire and clouds of smoke . . . But everyone who calls on thename of the LORD will be saved’” (Acts 2:14, 19, 21).

In New Testament times, there weren’t spectators in the church.There were only contributors – 100 percent participation.

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Not everyone is called to be a pastor, but everyone is called toserve God. If you want our church to have the impact of the earlychurch, everyone must be involved in the ministry of our church.Passivity isn’t an option. We cannot just sit around and soak up theservice of others. That's not church - at least not a Christian one.

Offer life-changing truthThe early church didn’t offer pop psychology, polite moralisms,

or nice-sounding inspiration. We must always offer the truth of theGospel. God’s Word has the power to change lives. No other messagechanges lives like the Good News. No other message changes a guyfrom a wife-beater to being a loving, responsible husband. It’s whenthe truth of God’s Word gets into us we change.

In Acts 2, Peter gives the very first Christian sermon, quoting theOld Testament book of Joel. Peter shares the Gospel in this message.Acts 2 says that the early church devoted itself to the “apostles’teaching” – the Bible. God’s Word gave the early church power.

Provide loving support“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals(including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 ).

The first church loved and cared for oneanother. The church isn’t a business. It’s not anorganization. It’s not a social club. It’s a family.

For our church to experience the power of theearly church, we’ve got to become the family theywere.

Enjoy joyful worship“They worshiped together at the Templeeach day, met in homes for the Lord’sSupper, and shared their meals with greatjoy and generosity” (Acts 2:46).

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When the early Church gathered, theycelebrated, “praising God and enjoying the favorof all the people.” We must understand andteach worship is a celebration. It’s a festival, nota funeral. It’s the party for the Kingdom of God.

When worship is joyful, people want to bethere because people are looking for joy. Do youthink if our church was full of glad hearts, joyfulwords, and hopeful lives, we’d attract otherunbelievers? Sure we would.Make generous sacrifices

“And all the believers met together in one place and sharedeverything they had. They sold their property and possessionsand shared the money with those in need” (Acts 2:44-45 ).

The Bible teaches us to make generous sacrifices for the sake ofthe Gospel. The Christians during the Roman Empire were the mostgenerous people in the empire. In fact, they were famous for theirgenerosity. They literally shared everything – with one another andthe poor. The Bible says the early church “shared everything theyhad” (Acts 2:44).

That’s a church worth dying for – which is exactly whatfirst-century Christians did. They chose to die with gladiators andlions in the Coliseum rather than renounce their faith and theirbrothers and sisters in God’s family.

Create exponential growth" . . . All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill ofall the people. And each day the Lord added to theirfellowship those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

When our church demonstrates the first six characteristics of theearly church, growth is automatic. People may have looked at the firstChristians as weird, but they liked what they were doing. They sawtheir love for one another, the miracles taking place in their midst,and the joy in their lives, and they wanted what the Christians had.

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Kroger Plus CardThe Kroger Plus Card you have probably had for years will not

only give you discounts on food and gasoline purchases but can alsogive a cash reward to Somerset UMC of up to 5% of your purchasesand it costs you nothing.

All you have to do is register your Kroger Plus card withSomerset UMC. It's simple and takes just a few minutes. Go toKroger.com and follow directions under Community then Community Rewards. Enter our number: 72634

ÈIn heaven, God will not ask us why we sinned; He will ask us why wedidn’t repent. – Pope Shenouda

ÈEvangelism Goal

Everyone at SUMC is challenged to pray for atleast one unchurched person for at least one minuteevery day at 1:00 pm. If you cannot possibly pray forone minute at 1:00 pm, you may want to chooseanother time. The important thing is to pray!

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Worship Services Worship Services are offered each Sunday. A

traditional service is offered at 8:00am. At 10:00there’s a blended service for families – a mix oftraditional and more contemporary elements. JrChurch is available for those age 3 throughGrade 3 at this service.

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A friend is a person who goes around sayingnice things behind your back

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School Has StartedPlease pray for our teachers, staff and

students at Somerset Elementary. It is difficult

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to manage all the families, requirements, social issues, behaviorissues in a day along with the occasional surprise that pops upunexpectedly. Please hold them in your daily prayer.

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Sunday SchoolSunday School classes are offered for

people of all ages. Our children are beginning a new

curriculum called Deep Blue. It’s a curriculumteaching kids about God and what it means tobe a follower of Jesus through Bible storiesand opportunities to serve as disciples in theclassroom, the local community, and theworld! Kids will explore Guatemala, Kenya,Alaska, and Armenia throughout the year as they dive deep intoGod’s Word together.

Our tween class (Grades 5 through 8) is taught by Dawn Conrad.They are beginning a new curriculum called Submerge. Tweens loveto test boundaries and ask questions, so Submerge empowers studentsto read more of the Bible, ask tough questions,and enter into the stories throughimprovisational drama, deep discussion, andcreative activities. Tweens are starting to askthe question, “Who am I as an individual?”, soSubmerge creates plenty of room forindividualized exploration. Student journalscalled Diver’s Logs provide a playful space toreflect on biblical themes, and the Submergemagazine asks students to make connections between biblical faithand modern culture.

Our High School Class is also beginning a new curriculum: Bible Lessons for Youth. This is a comprehensive 6-year Bible-to-lifecurriculum that helps teens apply the Bible to their real-life. Theformat is built around a step-by-step sequence with

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thought-provoking activities designed to help youth understandScripture and apply it to their individual experiences.

This fall, youth will talk about promises. Have you ever made apromise to someone? Have you ever broken a promise you made tosomeone? Has someone broken a promise to you? The studies for fallconsider the major covenant, or promises, God made with people onbehalf of the earth and the human community. First, the sessions takea look at Noah and God's covenant with creation. They also explorecovenants God made with Abram, Phinehas, and Ezekiel. Ultimately,God's covenant forms the foundation for the coming Messiah andsalvation for the world!

For adults we have a class meeting in the fellowship hall. Theygenerally use video/book curriculum and are taught by JeanetteSnider.

There's a men's class meeting in the kitchen (to be close tocoffee!). They go through books of the Bible.

There's also an adult class meeting on the mezzanine taught byRod Spohn. They use a curriculum which goes through the Bibleevery three years.

ÈOne of the most important trips a person can take is that involved

in meeting the other person halfway.È

September 10Promotion Sunday is September 10

during the 10:00 service. Don't miss out!Kids will receive a certificate moving theminto their new class.

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A smile is a light in the window of your face to show your heart is at home

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Missions NewsIn our area, there is a need to provide food to children on the

weekend. Families eligible for the free lunch program at school aregiven the opportunity to receive food through this new ministry aswell. We are collecting food items throughoutthe school year that require minimal preparationas they will be sent home with elementary-agedchildren and means of cooking may be limited.Please do not include any items with nuts or nutbutters. We plan to include items that cover eachmeal of the day. Examples include:Cereal Shelf stable milk Oatmeal packetsJuice pouches Chef Boyardee Whole fruitFruit cups Applesauce TunaMac and cheese cups Cheese crackers Fruit snacks, etc.

A package will be prepared weekly and sent home on Fridays tohelp provide sustenance over the weekend. Money for the projectmay also be given to the Somerset Area Food Pantry and noted forthe backpack ministry. Items may be placed in the Narthex bin wherenoted.

ÈWhat is Charity? It is silence when your words hurt. It’s patiencewhen your neighbors' hurt. It’s deafness when some scandal flows.It’s thoughtfulness for others’ woes. It’s promptness when duty calls.

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Back to Church SundayNational Back to Church Sunday is September 17. This is a day

for everyone – no matter how long you’ve been out – to come backto church – no questions asked. It’s a day for each one attendingchurch to invite someone to join them in worship.

Some folks hesitate to invite people back to church. You may besurprised to learn:* The de-churched are not mad at the Church. Many see a departure

from the Church as a sign someone’s angry, that’s generally not

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the case. Over 60% say their life changed and they stoppedcoming. 1/3 say they’re too busy for church

* Young adults return to church out of obedience to God. Halfthose aged 18-35 cited obedience as the reason for their return.Many view today’s young adults are avoiding God but most comefor religious reasons.

* 80% say they’d come to worship if someone would simply invitethem

Be sure to invite someone and fill the church on September 17!È

Some people are so afraid to die they never liveÈ

Worship Volunteers for September10 amGreeters & Ushers ~ Chris Riffle FamilyLiturgist ~ Phyllis Spohn Acolytes ~ Katie Lawson, Zach Riffle

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Labor Day — September 4, 2017Labor Day is the first Monday of

September. Please enjoy but be safe -especially if traveling.

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National GrandparentsDay

September 10, 2017 is Grandparents Day.This is a great day to worship together –

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grandkids and grandparents. Bring your grandkids (or grandparents)to church with you. Give them a hug. If you have grandkids, you areblessed. If you have grandparents, you are blessed.

ÈFirst day of Autumn

September 22, 2016 is the first day ofautumn. Hard to believe summer is almost over!We may miss summer but we can welcome fallsports, school starting and cooler days.

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August NumbersDate Attendance GivingAug 6 76 $2153.50Aug 13 81 $2797Aug 20 83 $1750Aug 27 99 $3249

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Seasoned Citizens

The Seasoned Citizens will be going to Deb'sCafe' Corner in Lancaster on Sept 19. They willmeet at the church in the east parking lot at10:30am.

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You BelongBack to Church Sunday is coming up on September 17. We’re

having a special service specifically designed to welcome peopleback to church, so now is a good time to start praying about who youwill invite. Eight out of ten people say theyare open to visiting church if invited. That’spowerful! Imagine how our community can

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be transformed if everyone here invited at least one person to cometo church.

This is the perfect opportunity to invite your friends, family,neighbors and coworkers to join you and grow deeper in their faith,or perhaps encounter God for the first time.

ÈYear To Date Financial Report

Rod Spohn, Finance ChairThis is a report of the church's currentfinancial status. The figures listed belowinclude the period January 1 thru August 31,2017.

The figures do not represent actualexpenses but budget numbers, which are $14,208 per month based onpast experience.

Month Revenue Budget Need +/- Need

Jan- Mar $38,793 $42,624 $-3,830

April 15,538 14,208 +1,328

May 13,949 14,208 -259

June 10,961 14,208 -3,247

July 13,883 14,208 -325

Aug 10,156 14,208 -4,052

Total $103,280 $113,664 -10,386

Some Observations...1. The summer months were not good financial months2. To meet our budget of $170,496 we will need $16,804 of revenuein each o the four remaining months3. The average revenue per month through August has been $12,895

Please prayerfully consider how you can helpÈ

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Normal Aging vs Not Normal AgingIt can be upsetting to see changes in loved ones. These changes

can be related to many things but how do we know if it might bedementia? There's a class dealing with these questions onWednesday, September 13, 6:30-7:30 at the Perry County DistrictLibrary (117 Jackson St, New Lexington). There is no cost to thiseducational program.

ÈChristian Concerts

PointFest takes place at Cedar Point onSaturday, September 16. Some of thegroups performing are: Casting Crowns,Skillet, Lauren Daigle and Ryan Stevenson.You can get tickets online atwww.cedarpoint.com/pointfest

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Disaster Response TeamSaturday, October 21, 2017 - 8:00 am to 4:00 pmThe eight hour Basic Class training will teach you how to assist

survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will providea Christian presence while taking steps toprevent further damage to a family's personalproperty, tarping, debris removal, cleaningout flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizesthis training to be able to enter a disasterscene. Certification from UMCOR and

UMVIM will be issued to attendees. Lunch is provided.A Background check is required so please make sure you

download the Permission to Release Information form and follow theinstructions on the second page to return it to Kris Shoaf

Location Name: Decatur UMC; Location Address: 3214 State Rt.555, Little Hocking, OH 45742. Contact: Kris Shoaf atkshoaf@wocumc.org. Price: Basic (includes lunch) $40,Recertification (includes lunch) $35

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EMS ReunionSUMC is hosting a reunion for all those who've served on the

EMS team in Somerset to show our appreciation. The vent isSaturday, September 23 @ 6:00pm. If you can help serve, cook, setup or any other way, please contact Phyllis Spohn. Menu is hog roast,green beans, potatoes, drinks and a dessert.

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Thank You!Thank you to all who helped make health kits! We now have 144

health kits. They've all been checked and are ready to go.We are also putting together some school kits. The biggest need

is for a few people to sew the bags the things go in. We compiled 21kits and have been given enough additional to make 10 more. Thatmeans we need 31 bags. Items needed to complete the school kits arebox of 24 crayons, handheld pencil sharpener, blunt scissors, pinkeraser, 12 inch ruler. We have the rest.

The Missions Team is also sponsoring a day to make blankets.Come learn..come cut...come sew...something for everyone. TheBlanket Day is Saturday, Sept 9, 9-noon in the fellowship hall.

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Lay Speaking ClassesThis fall, the Foothills District Lay Ministry

Committee will be offering three classes at theCoolville UM Church. The Basic Class will beheld September 29 through September 30.

On September 30 there will be twoAdvanced Classes:• United Methodist Polity and (CORE Class)• Lay Pastoral Care Giving

Individuals interested in pursuing one of these areas of layministry must be first recommended by their local church. For moreinformation regarding ministry categories and requirements, checkout the information on the West Ohio Conference website at:

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http://www.westohioumc.org/conference/lay-servant-ministriesor contact the district office and speak with Sherri at 888-868-1225.She will be happy to help guide you through the process.

Online registration must be completed by September 1 andmail-in registrations must be received in the office by September 4.

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Festival of SharingThis year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 23. The

Festival will be held again this year on Otterbein’s West Campus inthe lot across from the Arts and Communications Building at 33Collegeview Road. Please attend if you have a heart for Missions.

All kits received will be given to victims of Hurricanes Harveyand Irma.

ÈUmcor Responds to Hurricane Harvey

UMCOR is currently working with disastercoordinators and early response teams inLouisiana and Texas to provide relief to themany people whose lives have been impactedby hurricane/tropical storm Harvey. Besides thekits (cleaning, hygiene, school), funds areneeded. If you wish to give financial support UMCOR's U.S. Disaster Relief (Advance #901670). Please note inthe memo line: Advance 901670. If you give it at the church, it willforwarded on to UNCOR in New York.

ÈWorld Communion

World Communion Sunday isOctober 1. Communion will becelebrated at both services withbreads from around the world.

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