The Linway NewsMAY 2017MESSAGE FROM

THE PASTOR Dear Friends,

19 In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

20 Having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 After saying this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22.

Easter? What difference does that make? We are told what happened on Thursday evening of Holy Week in the Upper Room, where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as instruction in how they were to serve rather than be served. We share the broken bread and the cup according to his instruction: Do this in remembrance of Me. We are reminded of the sorrowful prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and the kiss of betrayal.

Good Friday brings us to the mock trial, the passion and terrible torture and agonizing death on the cross. The hasty burial in a garden tomb, and that massive grief and mourning was cast in the shadow of fear. What else might the Roman authorities do?

Early on the morning of the third day, we are told that some women when to the tomb to properly anoint Jesus’ body for burial according to Jewish custom. We are told that the tomb was empty; that an angel announced to them: Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold him is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. (Matthew 28:5-7).

What difference does Easter make? Easter evening is a demonstration that the truth of the resurrection is not only that a dead, crucified, horribly mangled body was raised from the dead. It is that Jesus intentionally chose to return to his disciples and forgive them for any and all shortcomings. This is a demonstration of the depth of his and the heavenly Father’s forgiveness for us as well. This is the hope of Easter that the same Christ who came even to those who forsook him in his greatest hour of need will not forsake us. If he forgave his disciples, he can forgive anyone according to his will.

Some have suggested that the evening of the Day of Resurrection, the first Easter, could be viewed as the birth of the church. Normally, we think of Pentecost (the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit), as the birthday of the church. But it gives one pause to reflect on the question: who is the church? The church is a collection of individuals who make a public promise to serve Jesus Christ, to give

witness to him in the living of his/her life, and to willingly work with others to advance Jesus’ mission and ministry in the world. On top of that is the realization that these individuals stumble, backslide, fall away, and disappoint him and one another, just like the first apostles. That’s the church. A human organization that is forgiven, redeemed, and claimed by the risen Christ.

We are not greatly different than the first followers of Jesus. Sometimes, despite the good that we would do, we do wrong instead. But knowing that Jesus forgives, that he is determined to overcome any obstacle between us and his loving purpose for us, we can boldly live for him, speak for him, and receive his forgiveness when we fall short.

Our great hope, in life and in death, is that the same risen Christ who, on the evening of the Day of Resurrection, unreservedly forgave his first disciples, will present himself to us and forgive us. And so we affirm our faith publically when we worship, not that we’re the best possible representatives of Jesus in the world, but we sincerely believe that we have been called by him as followers and claimed by him in love. We know that we are not the most courageous Christians possible, but we are here committed to give of ourselves (time, talents, and treasure) for his ministry and mission in the world.

The month of May is a busy time for all of us. Please don’t let your business keep you from participating in worship and the activities of our Lord’s Linway Church. What we do is a response to what God has done for us. Let’s make it a good one knowing that each day is a new beginning on our journey of faith and service.

By the grace of God we are one people and together part of the Body of Christ in this time and place. I look forward to sharing with you the worthy and sacred work of worship, mission, and ministry at our Lord’s Linway Church.

Grace & Peace,

Eric E. Dennis, Pastor

The Linway NewsLinway United Presbyterian Church

600 Lincoln Highway North Versailles, PA 15137

Phone #: (412) 824-3555Sunday Morning Worship:

9:15 a.m.-Contemporary Service11:00 a.m.-Traditional Service

Web page: www.linwaychurch.orgChurch Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Eric E. DennisEmail: pastor@linwaychurch.org

Office Manager: Don BergerEmail: contact@linwaychurch.org

Financial Secretary: Christine StewartEmail: financial@linwaychurch.org

Choir Director: Margaret DennisHousekeeper: Mary Lou Bernhardy

*******************************You can email articles to Linway News Editor Don Berger at the church office. Deadline for copy is usually the Sunday

before the last Sunday of the month unless noted differently.

The purpose of Linway United Presbyterian Church is to joyfully worship and serve the mission and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Come Grow Your Faith in Jesus Christ With Us!”

Happy Birthday in May to:Nicholas Eremic Madilyn StewartJessica Berger Sandi SzmucMark Pascarella Leslie Gray Jackie Thornton Clara Welty Danette Mainiero Teri Ritz Heather Frye **********************************

Happy Anniversary in May to:Clara & Bud Welty Alyssa & Joshua Oskin Lori & Dale Frye Mary Lou & Frank Fawcett Gwenn & Glenn Heshizer Leslie & Scott Gray Lila & Andy Sedlak *********************************Remember, you can always add a birthday or anniversary to our list by contacting the Church Office via phone or email.*********************************

Mark Your Calendars for VBS:It may only be May, but before you know it, Vacation Bible School will be here. The dates for Linway’s Vacation Bible School have been set and it will be held from Monday, July 17 through Thursday, July 20.More details will be following in the next few months as they become available.***********************************

Mission To Feed the Homeless:Linway Church continues with its monthly Mission To Feed the Homeless on Saturday, May 13. We prepare 100 hot meals and deliver them to the homeless living in downtown Pittsburgh. This month, we are asking for donations of pies…any variety of your choice is fine and will be appreciated. We also are in need of extra help on the days we prepare the meals. The more hands we have to help, the easier it is to get the job done. If you are available anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., even for just an hour or two, we would really appreciate it. We always need help to prepare the meals, pack up the containers, clean up the kitchen, and deliver the meals to Pittsburgh. Thanks!************************************

Linway PreschoolThe Linway Christian Education Committeesponsored a Free Movie Night for the current Linway Preschool students and their families. It was held on Friday, May 5, with the Disney animated movie, “Lady and the Tramp”, being shown There were quite a few Preschool Students and their families who came and had a fun time. Along with the movie, there were also snacks provided.***********************************

Linway Preschool Registration:Registrations for the 2017/18 Linway Preschool School Year are now being accepted. Openings are available for both the three-year-old and four-year-old classes at this time, but they will fill up fast. Classes for the 4-year-old room are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while the three-year-old class meets on Tuesday and Thursday. Both classes have a choice of mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or afternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you or someone you know is interested in sending a child to the Linway Preschool starting in September, you can find a registration form on the Preschool link on the Linway Church Website located at www.linwaychurch.org. or you can call the Church Office at 412-824-3555 and a form can be mailed out to you.***********************************

Memorial Fund Donations:If you are looking for a way to help honor the memory of a family member or a dear friend from Linway that has passed, you can make a donation to the Linway Memorial Fund. You can even designate how you like your donation to be used (ex: General Fund, Choir, Building Fund, etc.), just to name a few. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Wetzler, chairperson of the Linway Memorial Committee************************************

The following poem was composed by Mr. Frank Fawcett, one of our Linway

Church members*****************************

The Rising Sonby Frank Fawcett

They laid Him in the tombthinking that they had won---Butthe morning star that they lay downbecame “The Rising Son.”The Son of God, the Son of Man,The Lord that we all trustHas overcome the death we knowThat leaves us prone to dust.Now if we take Him at His word,We know what we can do.We know that we can overcomeand sparkle like the dew.“The Rising Son” of each new day has given us light to show the way.So let us all rejoice in HimThis Happy Easter Day!!

(He just keeps giving)

The end of the year is winding down for both the Linway Kids Club and the Bridge Youth group. Wednesday, May 24 will be the last meeting of the Kids Club for grades K-6th and Thursday, May 25 is the final meeting of the Bridge Youth Group until next Fall. Thanks go out to everyone who participated, donated items, taught lessons, or contributed in any way to help make both groups successful over the school year.***********************************

Eagle Scout Congratulations:Majicah Novosedliak was honored as an Eagle Scout at a ceremony held at St. Robert’s Church on Sunday, May 7. Thank you to the Linway Preschool for working with Macijah to help him achieve this rank, which is the highest achievement in the Scouting program. Everyone here at Linway is proud of Macijah for all his hard work in accomplishing the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to Macijah and his family for this fine accomplishment!***********************************

We are saddened to report that long-time Linway member Betty Joyce has passed away. Betty had been in a Personal Care Home in Carlisle, PA for several years. She passed away on April 29 and a Memorial Service is being planned by her family for Thursday, May 25 here at Linway.

Cross and Crown Ceremony:Our annual Cross and Crown Ceremony to honor those in our congregation who are graduating from High School will be held on Sunday, June 4 at the 11:00 a.m. service. This year, we have one Linway member we will recognize who will be graduating, Macijah Novosedliak. Macijah will be a graduate of East Allegheny High School in June. Come and wish him well on June 4.************************************

Deacon’s Strawberry Festivsl:Following the Cross and Crown Ceremony at the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 4, the Deacons will be having their Annual Strawberry Festival. They will be serving hot dogs, chips, and strawberries with ice cream for a nominal fee. Please plan on staying for lunch after church on June 4.**********************************

Lawn Care Donations Requested:Now that the warmer weather has arrived, that means it is Grass Cutting Time again. We would appreciate anyone that could donate to our Lawn Care Fund to help defray the cost of the Lawn Mowing Service that takes care of the church’s lawn and landscaping. Each time they come, it costs $40.00 per cut, and without extra donations, this becomes quite costly. If you are willing and able to help with this expense, please use one of the all-purpose pew envelopes and designate it for “Lawn Care” or mark it on your check memo line. Thank you so much for helping us keep the church’s lawn and grounds looking nice.***********************************

2017 Chancel Flower Purchases:Please use this form for ordering Chancel Flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one. Forms will be available to fill out and payment will be due at the time of purchase. If there is a particular date you would like to reserve, please do so as early as possible. Deadline to reserve a particular date is no later than two weeks beforehand. Place form in collection plate or call the church office at 412-824-3555.Please note that flower prices have increased to $12.50 per vase ordered.

Happy Mother’s Day Blessings to all Moms on Sunday, May 14!******************************A blessing and prayer tribute to

all mothers 

"Blessed be all mothersWho have come into our lives

Whose kindness, care and loving

Remain with us to guide.

Your inspiration in usMade us strive in every way

Especially to rememberHelping others makes our

day.

Mothers, this little tributeFlows directly from my heart

You are so loved and cherished

Invaluable, one and all, you are.

Susan Kramer******************************

Chancel Flowers Order FormIf you would like to order a vase of Chancel Flowers for one of the services, please fill out the form and include $12.50, the current cost of each vase. Orders are on a first-come basis, so please order early to reserve a particular date.

Flowers given by: (Please include your name and phone number)

In memory of……..or…….in honor of(Please circle which one applies and enter names below)

All orders must be placed no later than two weeks before requested date. If desired date is taken, an alternate date will be offered.

End of the School-Year Thank You!It’s almost time for the end of the current school year for our Linway Preschool students. It seems like it was just September and the little ones were just starting out. Now, it’s on to Kindergarten for the four-year-old class and a move up to more learning as the three-year-olds become the four-year-old class next September. Our Preschool program is fortunate to have two wonderful teachers in Cyndi Schwer and Traci Kellar taking care of the kids each and every day. The success of a program like the Preschool is only as good as the people you have running it, and we certainly are blessed to have Cyndi and Traci, along with the rest of the people involved with the Preschool program who have either helped out in the classrooms or took care of things behind the scenes. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer break and look forward to another great year when the Linway Preschool resumes at the end of August.************************************SUMMER WORSHIP HOURS:Please keep aware that next month, summer worship hours will begin on June 11. That means the Traditional Service will have a 10:30 a.m. starting time through Sunday, September 3. The Contemporary Service will continue to start at 9:15 a.m.************************************

Chicken Barbecue Coming Up:Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 20, when we will be having our Spring 2017 Chicken BBQ Fundraiser here at the church. It will run from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will be held on the front lawn. Dinner will include half of a baked barbecued chicken, baked potato, cole slaw, roll with butter, and a beverage. Dinners will cost $9.50 each and are available to eat here or as take out. There will also be homemade desserts available for an additional purchase. We hope to see you there for a delicious Chicken BBQ Dinner!************************************Helpers Needed for Chicken BBQ:To make our Chicken BBQ a success, we will need volunteers to come and help out in a number of ways, such as preparing the chicken and cleaning the potatoes on Friday, May 19, and setting up tables, tents, and chairs on Saturday. We will need people to maintain the grills, collect money, sell the desserts, and clean up afterwards. There are quite a few ways you can help out. Contact Jamie Stewart, Fundraising Chairperson or see any member of the Fundraising Committee if you are able to help out.************************************Linway Annual Church Picnic:Plan ahead now for our Annual Linway Church Picnic on Sunday, June 11. It will begin at 12:00 noon at Maple Grove in White Oak Park, with lunch being served around 12:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring along a favorite covered dish or dessert to share. This is a nice time to get together for food, fun, and fellowship, so we hope join us on June 11 starting at 12 Noon.************************************

Paint Night “FundRasier” Thank You:Our first time Paint Night “Fun’d Raiser” was held on Friday, April 28 with nearly 25 people attending. It was a fun evening for folks to get together and create their very own “masterpiece” using the leftover slate from the Linway Church roof. Thanks to Stephanie Spingola, Heather Hallick, and Bud Welty for their assistance and also thank you to everyone who supported this event. Due to its success, another one is being planned for some time in the fall.************************************2017 Linway Retreat Weekend:Approximately 35 people enjoyed this year’s Linway Church Retreat at the Ligonier Camp and Conference Center during the weekend of April 21-23 Some of the activities included evening vespers around the campfire, Bible Charades, Laser Tag, Scripture time, T-shirt decorating, a Talent Show, and lots of eating. Once again, Zachary Hilbert was crowned King of the Ping-Pong Tournament and he retained his title for another year, again! Special thanks go out to Scott Gray, Don Augustin, and Amy Gida for organizing the vespers and programming, and to Rev. Mary Louise Russell for providing the message during the Sunday Morning Church Service.************************************Animals of the Bible A to M Word Search Game

This Bible word search game has 36 answers.

A N T E L O P E Z L T A C G T

Z E L E O P A R D O A P A O A

F L Y O P N O I L G F C M D O

O E S R U N S E P A R E E D G

X P R E A G L E D N O H L H S

M H E M O L E V E T G O C A U

N A P O Z Y U O Z S Q R U R S

O N P T B I R D S X S S C E E

Q T O H W S T U D Y E E K H J

Y D H E L T T A C Z E E O A R

E R S L E B A O T A B S W P E

K A S T N I E X E L E U C Y G

N Z A E A B L E V I A O A D D

O I R E R L F I S H R M P O A

D L G B C O R M O R A N T G B

ants - antelope - apes - badger - bat - bear - bees - beetle - birds - camel - cat - cattle - cormorant - crane - cuckow - deer - dog - donkey - dove - eagle - elephant - fish - flea - fly - fox - frog - goat - grasshoppers - hare - horse - leopard - lion - lizard - mole - moth - mouse