Pastor: Robin Baer

Parsonage: 717.485.4318

Church Office: 717.485.4815

Email: mcumc@comcast.net

Youth Director: Kelli Miller 717.816.3912

Facility Coordinator: Reta Chamberlin 717.485.5515

Alternate: Sue Nesbitt 717.552.0015

Website: www.mcconnellsburgumc.com

Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am

Sunday School: 9:45 am (for all ages)

the NEWSREEL

Church Council Meeting Minutes

FEBRUARY 2017

Volume 23, Issue 1

Contact Information

Sunday Services

from the pastor’s pen . . .

A new year . . . . a new look

As the new year begins a new team is trying it’s

hand at putting this newsletter together. Our desire

is to keep you informed of our church’s happenings,

give you some additional information about some of

the ‘behind the scenes’ workings (and people) that

keep our church going, and perhaps in some way

encourage you to walk closer to God and live the life

He has planned for you.

For the next several months you may continue to

see changes as we make adjustments and grow into

our new task. If you have comments or suggestions

you’d like to share with the team there is a box

located in the back of the sanctuary where you can

deposit your input.

Nuisance or Blessing? I was awakened at 3am this morning by the

annoying sound of a snowplow scraping the

seemingly bare road. Does this sound bother

anyone else? It drives me nuts! Anyway, I was

awake and decided to look outside to see the

reason for all the racket. A fresh layer of snow,

approximately 1 inch in depth, had recently settled

onto the landscape and everything looked pristine

and clear. After a trip to the bathroom, I turned on

the television and heard the all too familiar phrase,

“nuisance snow”. What the weather folks mean is

that this recent snowfall is almost too insignificant

to talk about, but since there isn’t much else going

on in our neck of the woods, they’d mention it. I

will

(continued on page 2)

(pastor’s pen continued)

admit that for early morning commuters,

“nuisance snows” can be a challenge. For

example, most accidents occur when there is

only an inch or two of snow on the ground.

Just yesterday, forty cars and trucks on I-83

were involved in a traffic accident in which

someone lost their life, and all of it was due to

a nuisance snow.

Travel conditions aside, what are the

other inconveniences to having a nuisance

snow? I suppose one could

argue that it forces people

to get up and deal with the

miniscule precipitation in

some way. Someone going

to work might have to add

a few more minutes to

their commute because

they must clean off their

windshield. A business

owner might have to

sweep their sidewalks or

put some ice melt down. The school district

might be forced to delay their opening by an

hour or two so that the bus drivers can safely

transport their students to school. All these

things are valid and appropriate responses to

a nuisance snow.

One could make a point that there is

enough evidence supplied here to label all tiny

amounts of snowfall, a nuisance. Yet, I

wonder if we took the opportunity to look at

nuisance snows differently, we might discover

some hidden benefits. For example, a light

dusting of

new snow is beautiful. The ugly brown and

dreary winter landscape becomes a diamond-

encrusted white blanket of glistening gems

reflecting the light. If only for a moment, the

world seems at peace and free from all soiled

human activity. We appear pure again. Even

though a trace of snow does require some

attention, it doesn’t require too much effort.

Even the most out of shape person can easily

sweep the sidewalks. Everyone gets the

exercise that our bodies

need during these long

winter months of

hibernation. A “nuisance

snow” also causes us to

slow down a little and

appreciate the value of a

simple, purposeful life. We

have gotten swept up into

the whirlwind of modern

life which sucks the breath

out of all who run the rat

race. A little bit of snow

helps us put the brakes on and re-evaluate the

what and whys of our activities. Call it a time

out from God. Finally, all snow helps our

water table so any amount is a gift from our

loving Creator.

Snow has both challenges and

blessings. How we look at the smaller snow

events decides the kind of day we have. Will it

be a nuisance? Or a blessing? You make the

call.

Easing into this new day with you,

Pastor Robin

Church Council Meeting Minutes

To keep the congregation updated on happenings at the Church Council Meetings the following information was taken from their meeting minutes.

January - The regular meeting of the Church Council was held on January 17, 2017 with 13 people in attendance.

Trustee's Report: Hand rails are now installed on the left sidewalk of the entrance to the Faith & Life Center.

Youth: Kelli Miller reported that youth will be attending IMPACT at Ocean City, MD on March 24, 2017 through March

26, 2017 for approximately 25 youth. The youth are currently having a ham sandwich fundraiser and possibly two more

fundraisers to help with the cost of the trip.

New Business: Pastor Robin is attending the Bishop’s Retreat this week. George Heacock reported the next SPRC

Meeting will be February 6, 2017. It was also noted that at the last First Friday Meal there was some difficulty with the

hot water. Gene Stenger stated with any issues please call Rick Marshall, who is the point of contact for the Trustees. He

will check the outlets and breakers in the Faith & Life Center. A new trustee has been nominated for 2017, Greg Gordon,

and was approved by the committee. Mike Glessner has filled his term as Trustees with sincere thanks to Mike. The

Unity Dinner is January 29, 2017 at the Fulton Theater, everyone is welcome. Reta Chamberlain may not be able to

continue Children’s Church and has made Pastor Robin aware. Nancy Cordell stated the Newsletter Committee is

looking at making the newsletter more informative and useful to the church. The committee consists of Nancy Cordell,

Kelli Miller, Pam Ott and Tina Gress.

Old Business: Welcome to two new members to the committee: Viola Culler and Dave Garland. Sue Nesbitt discussed

concern with Children’s Church, Sunday School, Wednesday evening gathering and Children’s Choir. Also, a concern

with families leaving, going elsewhere and lengthy worship services. Children are the future of our church. Leanne

Pollock stated that it is time for the Worship Committee to meet and will coordinate a meeting date with Pastor Robin

and the committee.

Finance: Tim McGarvey was able to present the budget for 2017: Beginning balance of $41,223.35, up $21,000.00 which

included two $5,000.00 donations at the end of the year. This was applied to the principle. We are at budget and under

budget, did have a water leak, which was repaired. First Friday is doing well. Advent Fund was $1,184.00 and Nancy

Shafer will provide list for distribution of funds. An update on the balance of mortgage will be available at next

Financial Meeting. Ending Balance is $45,487.44. The 2017 was approved by the committee.

Finance Team Meeting

The regular meeting of the Finance Team was held on January 12, 2017 with eight people in attendance.

Old Business: Folding machine still broken. Special giving offering was the laptop computer gift for Pastor Robin.

General Fund is up from November to December by + $5,000. Restricted Funds were down $3,100 due to funds moved

to General Fund. $10,000 – two (2) $5,000 donations that was applied directly on the loan principal.

On Restricted Fund – Fundraiser $933 - this was raised by youth and funds were sent 01/12/17 to Compassionate Intl.

Advent – In December funds $954.80 from quarter envelopes plus another $230 that can in November. It was agreed to

donate $500 to Ashlyn’s Angels and $500 to the United Methodist Children’s Home. The balance to Blessings Fund.

Inquiry was made on the extra money given towards computer – where should it be applied. Check with Lisa McConahy

and Penny Shives. First Friday - profits will be applied by tithing 10% to Missions and the balance to go to General

Fund. 2016 Budget – Water and extra staff salary over. Heating issue – Auxiliary was turned off in error. Check # 7653 –

Payment of $1,585 onto principal of add’l $200K loan. Special Giving Deposits - When special giving comes in they

need to be applied to loan principal as soon as possible. Jen Knepper will get the Loan balances and have available at

next Finance Meeting.

~ ~KID’S CHOIR IS BACK ~ ~

This choir is for kids through elementary age.

Practice will be two Wednesdays each month;

for February that’s the 8th and 22nd. We will

practice from 5:45pm to 6:30pm in the

sanctuary. We plan to sing the 2nd and 4th

Sunday of each month! For more information

please see Kelli Miller or join us for our

practices this month!

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

8:30 11:00

02.05 Reta Chamberlin Reta Chamberlin

HELPER NEEDED HELPER NEEDED

02.12 Brady Seiders Holly Stambaugh

Cindy Glessner Vicki Gordon

02.19 Lindsay Newman Heather Will

Jamie Schetrompf Dixie Heacock

02.26 Penny Shives Tracey Fletcher

Jody Hann Brandon Fletcher

NURSERY

02.05 Betsy Ray Betsy Ray

02.12 NEEDED Angie Marshall

02.19 NEEDED Sherry McClain

02.26 NEEDED Debbie & Bryan Fletcher [point of contact - Reta Chamberlin]

2017 FebruarySUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

29 30 31 01 02 03 04Youth Mtg-6:00p

05 06 07 08 09 10 11A Choir-11:00a SPRC Mtg A Choir-6:00p K Choir-5:45p

Youth Mtg-6:30P

Finance Mtg-6:30p

12 13 14 15 16 17 18A Choir-8:30a

K Choir-11:00a

A Choir-6:00p Youth Mtg-6:30p Chili Cookoff-4:00pm to

7:00pm

19 20 21 22 23 24 25A Choir-11:00a A Choir-6:00p

Council Mtg-7:00p

K Choir-5:45p

Youth Mtg-6:30P

26 27 28 01 02 03 04

K Choir-8:30a A Choir-6:00p

Trustee Mtg-7:00p LENT BEGINS

ASH WEDNESDAYWorld Day of Prayer

Ham Pot Pie Dinner &

Silent Auction-4:00pm

to 7:00pm

05 06 Notes:

A Choir = Adult Choir

K Choir = Kids Choir

Lesson Update by Kelli Miller

A new year often leads to new goals. One such goal of mine

was to create a curriculum for our youth that brought scripture

alive through the use of music! It has been a great success so

far and has been a great way for us to touch on a lot of issues

that our teens face on a daily basis. I encourage you to lift up

our teens and this series in prayer, as we continue to talk

about the “tough stuff” and learn what the bible has to say.

Did you know . . . . .

. . . . . .that the symbol of the cross and

flame is a registered trademark and is to be

used only by official United Methodist

agencies? It was designed and first used

shortly after The Methodist Church and the

Evangelical United Brethren Church

combined in 1968, becoming The United

Methodist Church. The cross, a traditional

Christian symbol was joined by the single

flame with dual tongues of fire. The flame is

a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses

were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit

and “saw what seemed to be tongues of fire

that separated and came to rest on each of

them” (Acts 2:3). The two tongues of a

single flame may also be understood to

represent the union of the two

denominations.

. . . . why we use microphones during the

moments of sharing in our worship service?

It’s not only to help those on the other side

of the church to hear the speaker but it’s

also because the service is being recorded.

Many years ago, a ministry was started

where the service would be recorded each

week on a VHS tape, duplicated, and then

distributed to members who were physically

unable to attend. We’ve since upgraded to

DVD’s but the service is still recorded and

distributed. BUT, if a microphone isn’t used

when speaking it is not recorded on the

DVD; so for the benefit of those listening in

their homes and those in the other side of

the church, please use the microphones.

. . . . . and now you know.

&

Biblical Couples

Match the husbands and wives Adam & ____ a. Ruth Jacob & ____ b. Sarah Moses & ____ c. Elisabeth Isaac & ____ d. Leah & Rachel Boaz & ____ e. Priscilla Abraham & ____ f. Zipporah Joseph & ____ g. Sapphira Aquila & ____ h. Rebekah Zacharias & ____ i. Eve Ananias & ____ j. Mary

CROCKPOT CHILI

2 lbs. ground chuck 2-16 oz. cans kidney beans, drained

6 whole tomatoes, chopped OR 1-15 oz. can of tomatoes 1 red pepper, chopped

1/4 to 2/3 cup jalapeno slices, chopped/diced 4 T. chili powder

1-8 oz. jar chili sauce 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. Italian seasoning 1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. black pepper

1 T. olive oil 1 large onion, chopped coarsely

Brown and drain ground chuck. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cook in slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Just before serving, top with grated cheese and sour cream. Note: If using canned tomatoes, do not drain.

McConnellsburg United Methodist Church Cookbook Mike and Susan Glessner, Jr.

Recipe

A daily reading

plan for the month

of February.

&

See how many

biblical couples

you can match.

Answers: i, d, f, h, a, b, j, e, c, g

WHO – anyone with a favorite chili recipe and anyone who eats chili WHEN – Saturday, February 18, 4 to 7 pm WHERE – Faith and Life Center, MUMC Get out your favorite chili recipe and get ready for an evening of chili-eating fellowship and friendly competition. Listen for details during church announcements or check the church’s Facebook page (McConnellsburg UMC).