Young’s United Methodist Church316 Burn Hill RdShermans Dale, PA 17090Office: 717-582-0081 | Parsonage: 717-582-8356 youngschurch2013@gmail.com

Young’s Steeple Connection

YOUNG’S U.M. ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES – September 13, 2016

Our meeting was called to order by Co-chairperson, Wanda Cupp.

Scripture – Proverbs 2:1-8 and prayer by Ed Bridge.

The regular minutes of July 12th, and special minutes of August 7th, and August 30th, were approved by observation only as we all have copies for personal use and will discuss as we go through them.

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Treasurer, Jayne Peters: Church – July Income $10,448.45 Expenses $16,782.80 Balance $101,981.78August Income $12,368.37 Expenses $10,151.93 Balance $104,198.22

Monies available end of August 2016: $97,006.79. It was noted that Young’s final extra cost of building parsonage was $47,141.89. Report approved as read.

Ed Bridge gave an update on family with financial needs. They are still waiting for approval in securing social security disability which was begun July 1, 2015. They are getting some help through Join Hands and other organizations. We will continue to monitor through Ed Bridge and Wanda Cupp.

Wanda Cupp has been in contact with the insurance company and they have not given a definite answer as of this date. She will continue to be in contact with them concerning coverage of rental during fire recovery and building of new parsonage.

Ed Bridge reported that he has put the new parsonage deed in the charge safety deposit box at The Bank of Landisburg.

The Live Nativity advertising on the Bank of Landisburg billboard will be monitored by Eunice Sherman and George Binger as to the information and timing of the event.

Vacation Bible School mass mailing cost $971.00. They had many new children attending and felt it was due to mailing and the pick up by our church van.

Sharon Dick got all the information from the Department of Health about a grant to purchase an AED (automated external defibrillator) for our Church. She will turn it over to Pastor Travis for completion and his signature before submitting. Sharon is not permitted to complete because of her work affiliation.

Jayne Peters was able to send monies and selection of animals to Save the Children Heifer Project by Haleigh Brownawell. Total amount raised for animals was $18l0.00.

Barbara Appleman was not able to secure tickets for Samson at Sight and Sound. She will try next year to get a bus trip together to see a show.

Barry Peters is still looking into motion light and key pad for the front door.

Pastor Travis purchased an over the ear wireless microphone and is using it.

It has been reported that persons in charge of events at the church and at the recreation field have not been taking advantage of putting trash in our dumpster in the parking lot. It has been emphasized that the persons in charge need to do this. Basically this is going well. A list from CCD is available for items not to be thrown in trash.

Ben Williams reported that the Web site if finished but it is ever-changing with new information. He will no longer need the extra hours and other work will be his donation to church. Web site: youngsumcshermansdale.org - Thanks, Ben for your work.

George Binger reported that 96 T-shirts have been ordered for the church.

The Book of Remembrance will be updated by Sharon Dick. If anyone knows of monies or items given, report to Lois Brownawell, Gloria Weaver, Ed Bridge or Sharon. Brett Brunner will check for anything given to the Recreation Field that he is aware of.

Ben Williams has given the Photo Release forms to parents and is waiting for them to be returned for use on the web site.

“Right Now Media” – Pastor Travis invited leaders for a launch and all can have access. We need to send e-mail addresses to him at: tallshouse@susumc.org. He will have a report next meeting how it is being used.

August 7th – A new Weber gas grill has been purchased and works great. We used it at Super Sunday and also the portable one was put to use.

Jayne Peters has applied for credit cards for the Church’s use and a motion by Bonnie McAlister, 2nd by George Binger to purchase two (2) cards to be given to Jayne Peters and to Sharon Dick. Motion approved.

August 30th – After much discussion – a motion by Eunice Sherman, 2nd by George Binger to pay the extra $1000.00 per month as requested by Treasurer, Jayne Peters. We will continue the financial split of 60% for Young’s and 40% for Shermans Dale churches until December 31, 2016. Motion approved. The Finance Committee will check every 3 months. Also, Charge Conference can decide if the split needs to be changed.

New business:

Ben Williams and Barbara Appleman asked if they could do a few things to update the downstairs basement, get rid of old sofas, clean out closet, paint, etc. It was decided to start with paint and sealer for the walls and to get an estimate and get back to the board whenever they have information. Ben reported that his High School student class is increasing in numbers. Plans are in the works for a Salt and Light event in January. Barbara reported that she is starting a new Girls Club with girls in 5th grade through college age. SonShine Club is also growing and doing well.

George Binger said September 15th was the last Thursday evening for Fun Night for 2016.

Brett Brunner and Brooke Haas will meet with Pastor for change in order of offerings for worship.

Eunice Sherman requested additional electrical outlets at the recreation field which Brett Brunner and Barry Peters are already working on. Also, a six (6) foot table and an eight (8) foot table. A motion by Bonnie McAlister, 2nd by Sharon Dick to purchase. Motion approved. Eunice also asked about putting newsletter on the site.

Eunice asked also about something for ceiling at the Recreation Field to keep birds away. The Recreation Field Committee would be in charge of this decision.

Bonnie McAlister asked about the necessity of passing clipboards around church on Sunday mornings. It was decided to find an alternate place to post sheets of information for sign-ups, possibly on the board in Sunday School room.

Lois Brownawell asked about the Membership Book and how we can begin to obtain new information as our old one was probably lost in the fire. Lois has a lot of records she kept on her own. She, Sharon Dick and Pastor Travis will get together to discuss. Meanwhile, all families with this information can give dates to them.

Ronda Richard asked permission to submit paperwork for a volleyball team to be represented by our church which plays at Susquenita High School. She and Mark will pay the application fee of $125.00. Permission granted. Thanks, Ronda and Mark.

Wanda Cupp paid for a sign listing Young’s UM Church at a golf outing she attended. Thanks, Wanda for representing our church.

Pastor Travis stated the transmitter and receiver for his microphone is not working as was apparent at Super Sunday. A motion by Brett Brunner, 2nd by Sharon Dick to purchase by Pastor Travis. Motion approved.

A motion by Bonnie McAlister, 2nd by Eunice Sherman to adjourn. Motion approved.

Our closing prayer by Pastor Travis.

Respectfully submitted,Rena Brunner, Secretary

18 members present:

Pastor Travis Ed Bridge Wanda Cupp Barry PetersJayne Peters George Binger Eunice Sherman Ronda RichardBrett Brunner Emmanuel Patel Barbara Appleman Bonnie McAlisterGloria Weaver Dale Weaver Ben Williams Sharon DickLois Brownawell Rena Brunner

Church NewsIf you have any items for the newsletter including all meeting & event dates, please email them to youngschurch2013@gmail.com or call Sharon Dick at 582-7413. Each group, class, or chairperson is encouraged to submit articles for the newsletter to Sharon Dick; as well as meeting and event dates. Please have all newsletter items submitted by the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Membership Opportunity for BJs Wholesale ClubEunice Sherman and Kelly Sherman are starting a business account with BJs Wholesale Club. Beginning in October, you can get an annual membership for $30 instead of the usual $50 membership fee.

Please contact Eunice Sherman for more details. Eunice can be reached via email nannasherm@gmail.com or by telephone 717-582-8262

CHRISTmas TreasuresThanks to those for supplying & those for bidding on the theme baskets. Again you did an AWESOME job. There are many unique and varied themes again this year.

SAVE THE DATE: On Sunday October 16, right after church the Live Nativity Committee will have a dress rehearsal. A light lunch will be provided, followed by the rehearsal. Come out get fitted with your costume and get acquainted with your scene.

CHRISTmas Treasures Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at the Shermans Dale Ambulance Building from 4-6 PM Cost; Adult $8, Students $6, Children 3 & under Free.

Thanks to all who made Thursday nights so special this Summer. We raised over $1000 at the food stand. The money was given to 2 young men to help with their medical costs. We are already looking forward to what God has in store for us next Summer.

Dates:

Live Nativity dress rehearsal Sunday October 16 right after church at 316 Old State RoadCHRISTmas Treasures meeting Tuesday October 18 at 6:30 PM

CHRISTmas Treasures – Part 2

Starts September 4th and Ends November 20th

Rada Cutlery Fundraising features 100% Made in the USA kitchen products – kitchen knives, utensils, gift sets, cookbooks, stoneware, and quick mixes.

See Eunice Sherman to receive a form and start fundraising for the children who benefit from “Christmas Treasures”! Using the Rada Cutlery catalogs and order takers, start gathering orders from family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, with payments collected at the time of order.

Great gift ideas for a bridal shower, wedding, house warming, birthdays, and Christmas! There is something for everyone!

Troop 7Troop 7 has had a fun-filled summer. Summer Camp at Hidden Valley in July was the highlight where collectively the scouts earned 14 Merritt Badges, 2 scouts received ATV Safety Course certifications and one of our very own Leaders brought home a first place award for winning the Leader's Shooting Competition.

The Boy Scouts were also busy helping Pack 7 with their Summer Camp in August. The Troop taught cooking skills, knots, fire building and led a 3-mile hike. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed many laughs together. Fall Camporee at Colonial Denning is quickly approaching on September 30th. We're looking forward to a weekend of camping, tomahawk throwing and meeting new scouts from all over the district. 

Thank you for supporting Troop 7 and reading about our journey. 

Brandi ToddTroop Committee Chair

Pack 7Pack 7 had a great time at the Cub Scout Camp in August. Everyone did a great job and we received a lot of help from the boys in Troop 7 - they all did amazing! We also participated in a tent sale at Hearts Design at Needful Things and had hot dogs, snacks and drinks available to the patrons. On Sept 18th, the boys will be building scarecrows to benefit the Scarecrows with a Heart Fundraiser – also at Hearts Design at Needful Things. We recently welcomed three new members to the Pack! Logan Titus and Colton Moore both joined the Webelos, Den and Keaton Kessinger joined the Arrow of Light Den. The boys are also currently selling popcorn and mixed nuts – available through Oct 16th.

Sincerely, Kendra Reeder

Live Nativity

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Luke 2:16-19 - So off they hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

October is here. That does not even seem possible. As you are sitting down to snack on apple cider and pumpkin bread after decorating with gourds and pumpkins, take a moment to thank God for this beautiful time of year. While in that quiet time, maybe you may prayerfully consider helping with the next season to come upon us. Would you please consider signing up for the Live Nativity and spreading the word of His birth this holiday season to those in our community? There are still plenty of spots available.

The Live Nativity is on Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9, 2016, from 6-8 P.M. at Young’s UM Rec Field.

The sign-up sheet has started to be sent around on Sundays and thank you to all who have already signed up to help spread the word of the birth of our Savior to our community.

There will be more to follow in the coming months. The Live Nativity committee is so thankful for all the help and participation in this awesome event from our church family at Young’s and Shermans Dale UM Church. We hope everyone will be able to be a part of it again this year. Remember there is a part for everyone

Young’s Gathering Room Happenings

Please join us for fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate every Sunday morning – available from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

A new flex-age group (0-99) is meeting in the gathering room from 9:00 to 9:45 for conversation and small group discussion. ALL are welcome!!! Each week is something different so no matter when you join us you will be current with the discussion and welcome to suggest topics/issues for discussion.

And a Child Shall Lead Us….

Many of you may remember Pastor Nancy’s Children’s Message with the water bottle filled with brown water. Along with her explanations that children in other countries, especially African countries didn’t have clean water to drink and many would be happy to have even the brown “dirty” water to drink. She also said some of the children’s arms were no bigger than the opening of the water bottle.

Haleigh Brownawell took this message to heart. Haleigh had a mission and was determined to raise money for a Save the Children Fund. Haleigh made up posters and asked members of the congregation to help support her mission.

A big THANK YOU and JOB WELL DONE!!

She raised a total of $1,811.25. It was decided that the money raised would go to Heifer International to buy animals and water to help the children. Here is a list of the way the money was spent. Of course, Haleigh couldn’t do it without your support. A big thank you to everyone who supported Haleigh and her mission.

Gift Number Total Cost Heifer 1 $500Llama 2 300Goat 2 240Sheep 1 120Pig 1 120Rabbits 3 60Flock of chicks 4 80Ducks/Geese 3 60Fish 1 share 30Gift of clean water 1 300

TOTAL $1,810

Sunday School HappeningsI have begun my yearly chore of trimming the evergreen trees along our land and in the field. Each year the job seems to get a little harder. It could be that the trees are getting bigger or that I’m getting older. Maybe it’s a combination of both.

Jesus talked about the benefits of trimming and pruning in the Gospel of John 15. He said “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”

So Jesus is saying that pruning and trimming serves a distinct purpose. In effect, pruning gets rid of the bad and brings out the good. And so it is in our spiritual lives as well.

Now I am pretty sure that trees, shrubs & vines have no nerves or feelings. If they did, a tree would probably respond by saying “Ouch, that hurt!” when I snip off a branch. At that point, I could say “But it was for your own good.”

In a similar way, God looks at our lives and sees the “dead wood” and unproductive branches in our lives. God is the master vinedresser. He see the tings and habits which we allow to creep into our lives which hinder us and take away our productivity. It could be things, habits or pleasures that we have gotten quite used to, so we may cry out and say “Ouch, that hurt!” when God snips it from our lives.

But we have to remember the point and purpose of pruning. God prunes us so that we may bear more fruit.

Are you going through a difficult time? Is there some struggle that you are dealing with in your life that seems insurmountable? Perhaps you are in the midst of a “pruning season”. Trust God to see you through it and then look for the fruit which God has promised to bring forth.

I wish to express a big thank you to all of the teachers, workers and helpers that make it possible for our Sunday School to function. Every job is important. There is no small task. We invite everyone to be a part of our fellowship.

Ed Bridge

New BeginningsBrothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.

This has been an exciting time in the life our church. Much has been happening and new things are beginning. I am excited to announce that a new High School youth group is being organized, under the direction of Ben Williams. This group will meet on Sunday evenings, and several trips are in the planning stages as well. SonShine Club and the Middle School Youth Group have begun meeting again on Monday evenings from 6-8pm. These gatherings have been very fun and full of learning about the word of God. During these nights, the children are learning the stories of the Bible. If your child is not attending on Monday nights, please bring them to be a part of this growth experience.

During this upcoming year we have a vision for growth. The new vision is to increase worship attendance by 10% and of that 10% have 4-5 become new disciples of Jesus. Our mission to accomplish this is to follow the Great Commission that Jesus gave to all of his disciples, “Go into all the world and make disciples.” As part of this mission I have issued a challenge. The first part of this challenge is to think of all the people in your life that do not go to church, and write their names on a sheet of paper. The next step in this challenge is to begin to pray for all of these people on your list. The final step is to invite at least one of these people to an event at church.

I am excited about the sermon series that I will be preaching for the next five weeks. Over the course of this series, I will be preaching about the vital signs that we need to use to measure the health of our church. The topics that will be discussed will be Heart Beat, Blood Pressure, Temperature, Body Mass Index, and White Blood Count. If you want to know how these topics relate to the health of the church come and join us in worship.

May God continue to bless you as you seek to do God’s will in our world.

Pastor Travis

What's a Christian to do with Halloween?These days, children associate Halloween with trick-or-treating and candy. But centuries ago, Christians named the night before All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) “All Hallows’ Eve.” As the faithful prepared to remember people who were entrusted to resurrection life, they adopted various traditions to poke fun at death.

Around the world, Christians observe Halloween differently: In Poland, kids pray aloud while walking through forests to comfort souls of the dead. In Spain, tolling church bells remind people to remember the saints. In Finland, so many people light candles in cemeteries that the observance is called “seas of light.” Although some Christians steer clear of Halloween, others use it as an evangelism opportunity and provide entertainment alternatives such as harvest parties.

No matter your views, you can remind children that though it’s fun to pretend, we can always be ourselves with God. Whatever our features and flaws, we need not and cannot hide from God behind masks. God made us in his holy image and loves us as his holy — hallowed! — children.

A prayer for pumpkin peopleAfter Liz Curtis Higgs wrote the popular children’s book The Pumpkin Patch Parable, people began using her analogies to say a prayer while carving their Halloween pumpkins. The pumpkin prayer, a Christian alternative to Halloween traditions, reminds people of all ages what God has done for us. Use it this fall when your family makes jack-o’-lanterns.

While cutting off the top of the pumpkin, pray, “Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.” (See Proverbs 1:7.)

While removing the seeds and pulp, pray, “Remove the things in my life that don’t please you. Forgive the wrong things I do, and help me forgive others.” (See Matthew 6:14-15.)

While making eyes, pray, “Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.” (See Psalm 104:24.)

While making the nose, pray, “I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned up my nose at your many gifts.” (See James 1:17.)

While making the mouth, pray, “Let everything I say please you.” (See Psalm 19:14.)

While lighting the candle, pray, “Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do.” (See Matthew 5:16.)

After carving your pumpkins, display them as examples of how God’s love transforms us into new creations. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.)