January — February 2017 This issue of THE

METHODIST MESSENGER is given by

Lisa Black in loving memory of my mom, Liz Breakiron MON-YOUGH TRINITY CHARGE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Phone: 724-929-4696

200 State Street, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Pastor Derek R. Platt Office Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Monday thru Friday

Fax: 724-930-9651

THEME FOR THIS ISSUE: “Are you anchored in Christ to face life’s storms?”

“A Year of New Things” “Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing.” – Isaiah 43:18-19a

Thanks to Christmas, we all end the year with new things—new toys for the kids, new clothes (not always the right color or size, but still new), new pounds on our bodies. We start the year off with new things, too—a new calendar on the wall, new bills to pay, and new resolutions for the days ahead. Everybody likes new things, including God. He’s called the Ancient of Days, but He says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God begins His book with the story of His creating a new world; He ends it with His plans to make a new heaven and new earth. Our heavenly Father wants to do new things in the lives of His children. He desires to teach us new truths about Himself that provide new opportunities for ministering to others, take us to higher levels of worship and deeper levels of trust. But too often we’re like the Israelites when they were traveling in the wilderness. God promised to provide for them by raining down bread from heaven six days a week. He instructed them to gather only enough manna for each day, except for the day before the Sabbath when they were allowed to store up two days’ worth. When some of the people disobeyed, and tried to hoard extra manna, it became rotten and full of worms by the next morning. I’m like that sometimes. God wants to do new, fresh things in my life and in my ministry for Him. But often I try to hold on to yesterday’s stale manna. I don’t want to let go of what is comfortable and familiar—some old way of thinking, a certain way of doing things, my usual area of service to (Continued)

Him. I may miss new and exciting things God has planned for me if I don’t fully trust His guidance, even when He seems to be leading me down unfamiliar paths. One of the best ways to keep our faith fresh and new is to develop a habit of daily Bible study. God’s Word is timeless—old and new at the same time. Just as God’s “compassions are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23), a daily dose of His Word can give us new understanding, fresh insights, and renewed strength. We can drink in the Psalms to help us “sing to the Lord a new song” (33:3 and others). We read in Ezekiel about God’s promise to give us “a new heart and a new spirit” (chapters 11, 18, 36). We rejoice along with Paul as he declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Studying the letters of Colossians and Ephesians reminds us that we have taken off our “old self with its practices” (Colossians 3:9) and are to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). If we need motivation to live like a new creation, God has provided two keys in His Word. It’s important to look backward to the New Covenant, the source of our salvation. We can meditate on Hebrews and thank God again that the sacrifice of Jesus made “a new and living way” for us to enter His presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). And we also keep looking forward to our future by reading Revelation. We can find comfort in thinking about the time when God will right all wrongs, heal all hurts, and give us a new name and a new home. A good way for a child of God to celebrate the New Year is to let go of anything that has gone stale or rotten. Then we’ll be free to live each day expecting new, fresh things from the One Who promises, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5). I pray that you will have a safe and healthy start to the New Year! Begin every new year with God! For He holds all things together!

Joyfully,

Pastor Derek Pastor Derek Platt – Senior Pastor Mon/Yough Trinity Charge – Belle Vernon First, Perryopolis, Concord 200 State Street Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-4696 (Church) 724-929-5244 (Parsonage)

[email protected]

COMING IN JANUARY! “BAD BOYS IN THE BIBLE” Bev Hazlett will lead this new Bible study beginning on Thursday, January 26th. Down through the pages of your Bible, there are many men who were strong and faithful, yet also weak and challenged. During this 5-week study, you will learn more about Cain, Jacob, Samson, King David and Judas, just to name a few, all of whom were both strong and weak. Learn how God can still use some of these men in various ways to attain His purpose here on earth. Mark your calendar and join this study leading into the Lenten Season.

NO FEAR IN THE NEW YEAR

PSALM 23 READING

By C. P. Hia

There once was a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a reading of Psalm 23.

READ: Mark 6:45-52

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” — Isaiah 43:1 Hours before 2007 began, some friends of ours in the UK were aboard their boat, anticipating the arrival of the new year, when a violent storm struck. But they were able to send us this reassuring note: “John and Linda are sitting on board the good ship Norma, and happy to say that we are secure. . . . The wind is storm force ten [48-55 knots]. Hope that all of you have a happy and prosperous new year.” Jesus’ disciples also encountered a stormy experience. They were on the Sea of Galilee when a windstorm whipped up (Mark 6:48). The storm was so violent that despite being experienced fishermen who knew the lake well, they feared for their lives. But Jesus walked out to them and saved them. No one can predict with certainty how stormy the new year will be. We do know, though, that everyone will face storms. But we who have Jesus have our future securely moored to Him. Jesus, who did not fail us in the past, will not fail us in the future. (Copied from Our Daily Bread devotional.)

THE MEANING OF EPIPHANY Epiphany,

which

comes

from

the

Greek

word

epiphaneia, means “an appearance” or “a revealing.”

Centuries ago, the church set aside January 6, the 12th day after Christmas, to mark the revealing of Jesus as Christ to the wise men, who were Gentiles. Jesus’ first followers were Jewish, so the revelation of the divine Christ to the non-Jewish magi reminds us that Jesus came to earth to save the whole world. Symbols of Epiphany include light, a star, a crown (or three crowns) and a globe or stylized portrayal of the world. The color of Epiphany is green to symbolize life, growth, hope and eternity. On the church calendar, the Epiphany season lasts until Ash Wednesday, which is determined by the date of Easter.

2017 EPIPHANY SUNDAY January 1st Join us for the John Wesley Covenant Service

— Author Unknown

Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want”. . .the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor’s incredible ability to bring the verse to life. But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. “Sir, do you mind if I recite Psalm 23”? The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent. With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man’s recitation that every eye was full of tears. Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, “I don’t understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training, but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?” The young man quietly replied, “Well sir, you know the Psalm. I know the Shepherd.” NOTE: It is our hope and prayer that in this new year of 2017, you will come to know the Shepherd. That you will become anchored in the Lord Jesus to help you face any daily problems, and clearly there will be problems that arise daily to defeat you. Rely on your anchor, JESUS, and don’t let Satan rob you of the promise that He is with you all the time and wherever you go!

ODE TO SUNDAY By Henry Carey

Of all the days that’s in the week I dearly love but one day, And that’s the day that comes betwixt A Saturday and Monday.

LESSONS FROM A SNOWMAN

BAD IDEA? By Dave Branon Read: Hebrews 10:22-39

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“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:22

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The former athlete had neglected his body for too long, so he began an exercise routine. The first day, he did several push-ups and went for a light jog. The next day, more push-ups, a few sit-ups, and a longer run. Day 3: exercises and a mile-and-a-half run. On Day 4, our ex-athlete in retraining woke up with a sore throat. Then he did one more exercise. He jumped to the conclusion that exercising was a bad idea. If all he got out of his huffing and puffing was sickness, it wasn’t for him. Let’s examine another scenario. A Christian, realizing he has neglected his relationship with God, begins a new spiritual routine of Bible-reading and prayer. But after just a few days, some problems arise in his life. What does he conclude? Like the ex-athlete, should he decide that his spiritual quest was a bad idea and that it didn’t do any good? Certainly not. We don’t pray and read the Bible to get a perfect, troublefree life. Pursuing God is not cause and effect. We do it because it draws us closer in our relationship with the One who is perfect. The pursuit of godliness will not exempt us from trouble (2 Tim. 3:12). But a life dedicated to loving and pursuing God (Heb. 10:22) is always a good idea — no matter what happens.

The time we spend with God each day Through prayer and reading of His Word Will help us face what comes our way And draw us closer to the Lord. — Sper The roots of stability come from being grounded in God’s Word and prayer. (Copied from Our Daily Bread devotional.)

MARCH—APRIL NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14th

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It’s okay to wear white well after Labor Day. Simply hanging out in your front yard can be fun. Accessories don’t have to be fancy or expensive. We’re all made mostly of water. You know you’ve “arrived” when a song is written about you. So what if you’re a little bottom-heavy? Don’t get too much sun. Sweating too much can be disastrous!

GOD’S PROMISED SPRING Like winter, some seasons of our faith journey feel cold, barren, devoid of life. Will renewal ever come? Will spring flourish again in our heart? Yet the world bears witness to God’s power to bring new life where all seems lost. In the early 1990s, the St. Louis neighborhood of South City deteriorated sharply due to a stagnant economy, population decline and crime. Then Bosnian refugees started settling there. Thousands of people renovated abandoned houses and other buildings; they started businesses and brought skilled labor back to the neighborhood. As the area returned to life, the refugees experienced renewal, too — hope in place of discouragement, opportunities where none had existed, peace instead of war, life replacing death. When our faith is challenged by despair, lost dreams or an uncertain future — when God’s promises feel as dead as winter — real-life renewal stories are signs of spring. They testify to the resurrection God has in store for us.

KEEP BREATHING Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, said many Christians live on a “spiritual roller coaster,” going from one emotional experience to another in a worldly way, feeling “frustrated and fruitless.” To counteract that, Bright recommended a spiritual breathing exercise as a reminder of God’s love and forgiveness. Simply exhale as you confess you sins and impurities. Then inhale to receive life and forgiveness — and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers you to resist sin and temptation.

TEN LITTLE CHRISTIANS — Author Unknown Ten little Christians standing in a line, One disliked the pastor, then there were nine. Nine little Christians stayed up very late, One slept in on Sunday, then there were eight. Eight little Christians on their way to heaven, One took the low road, then there were seven. Seven little Christians chirping like chicks, One disliked the music, then there were six. Six little Christians seemed very much alive, But one lost his interest, then there were five. Five little Christians pulling for Heaven’s shore, But one stopped to rest, then there were four. Four little Christians, each busy as a bee, One got her feelings hurt, then there were three. Three little Christians knew what to do, One joined the sports crowd, then there were two. Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done, Differed with each other, then there was one. One little Christian can’t do much ‘tis true; Brought his friend to Bible study, then there were two. Two earnest Christians, each won one more, That doubled their number, then there were four. Four sincere Christians worked early and late, Each won another, then there were eight. Eight little Christians, if they doubled as before, In just a few short weeks, we’d have 1,024. In this little jingle, there’s a lesson true, You belong to the building, or the wrecking crew.

2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES As you know, the offering envelopes will no longer be mailed to each individual. Since your donations are very important to the work of our Lord and to keep your church functioning, we ask your cooperation in making arrangements with the office to receive your envelopes. Office hours are M-F from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 724-929-4694. We thank you for your continued support through these most difficult times. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOUR SACRIFICIAL GIVING.

IN WHICH REALM DO YOU LIVE? By C. P. Hia Read: Romans 8:1-10

“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 I was working with a petroleum company in Singapore when an inspector from another country visited. He came to check on a cargo of oil destined for his country, which was at war. When he heard the shriek of fighter planes overhead, he instinctively ran for cover. Embarrassed, he explained, “Sorry I thought I was back home.” He did what he would have done had he been in his war-torn country. For the Christian, it’s easy to dive back into old ways of sin out of sheer habit because of the many temptations in this world. Even though we are “in Christ Jesus” as Romans 8:1 says, we sometimes live as if we are “in sin.” God paid a very heavy price to take us out of the realm of sin. He did so by “sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering” (v. 3 NIV). We are now to be governed by “the law of the Spirit of life,” not by “the law of sin and death” (v. 2). The apostle Paul urges us to “set” our mind according to “the things of the Spirit” (v. 5). This means that we take our direction from God’s Word as guided by His Spirit. When you’re tempted to dive back into old sinful ways, will you instead allow the Holy Spirit who resides in you to help you live more consistently with your standing “in Christ”?

Born of the flesh, conceived in sin Then born of the Spirit, new life to begin, I’ve been washed in Christ’s blood and this will suffice, Praise God I’m His child, I’ve been born twice! — Brandt When you are born again, you become a citizen of heaven. (Copied from Our Daily Bread devotional.)

“Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” — Jonathan Edwards

LOOKING FOR SPONSORS FOR 2017 NEWSLETTERS — Donation is $60 bimonthly. There are several months left to fill. Call the office to reserve your special date. WEBSITE — Donation is $35 per month. Help us keep this outreach tool available on the internet. Call the office to reserve the month you desire. Either media can be used to highlight a special event or person. Call (724) 929-4696 TODAY!

LEARNING FROM LINCOLN By David McCasland READ: Proverbs 3:1-8

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5 The day before his 52nd birthday, Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, to become President of the United States. With the threat of civil war looming, he said goodbye to the friends and neighbors who had come to see him off. “I now leave,” he told them, “not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.” Lincoln’s reliance on God for guidance and strength reflects the instruction of Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). On this 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, we celebrate his kindness, integrity, and courage. And we can also learn from him how to face a daunting future with confident hope in the Lord.

Into His hands I lay the fears that haunt me, The dread of future ills that may befall; Into His hands I lay the doubts that taunt me, And rest securely, trusting Him for all. — Christiansen (Copied from 2008-2009 Our Daily Bread devotional.)

ALTAR FLOWERS Would you like to honor that special person or occasion with flowers? Altar flowers are a way of sharing with the congregation that special moment and also to decorate the front of the church. The price of each vase or centerpiece is $10. You may call the office to place your order (724-929-4696).

ANNOUNCING “OUR FIRST ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF” and BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER Saturday, February 18th from NOON to 4 p.m. Cost is $5

Sample chili from the best cooks of our church and vote for your favorite. Winner will be announced at 4 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US IN THIS FUN EVENT!

IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE By Margaret Peterson

BIRTHDAYS January 1 — Blake Herron January 2 — Natalie Longnecker January 4 — Jessica Marcavitch January 6 — Diana McCallum Shelly Snyder Laurie Valdiserri January 7 — William Ferencz Timothy Zeffe January 8 — Jason Davis Tyler Zelenski January 9 — Margie Drazba Darlene Skobel January 13 — Larry Snyder January 14 — Jennifer Herron January 15 — Shane Davis Sue Ferguson Robert Johnston Dr. Mike Mendicino January 16 — Trenton Hawk Shannon Skobel January 17 — Sam Cover January 18 — Michael Mendicino January 19 — Frank Reppert January 20 — Mark Johnston Justin Nagy January 21 — Frances Jones Mark Perry January 23 — John Bakewell Jeffrey Pendo January 24 — Shawn Pendo January 25 — Christian Labash January 26 — Linda Pendo Mollie Thompson John Yankel January 27 — Brian Baker Nichole Cardinale Nichole Jones January 28 — Jacob Zelenski January 30 — Jesse Smitley January 31 — Shelby Jones Anthony Sawa Lorraine Stickel

If everyone would put God first, How different life would be! Gone would be all hate and greed, And downright misery. For any pain God gave to us Would be a chance to share A bit in all the pain He knew To prove His love and care. We wouldn’t try to run from pain, We’d know our soul must grow, And bearing pain for love of Him Is quite the way to go. The earth is more than what we see— It’s God’s best way to teach All the lessons we must learn With none beyond His reach.

GOD’S PLAN By Kathleen Lyons As I travel on my journey, Living life from day to day, I see the joy in God’s plan, And give thanks when I pray. But when the road gets rough And my troubles seem to stay, I forget that God has a plan And I search for my own way. I try to chart my own course, Never knowing which way to turn; All the time I waste on worry, If only I would learn. For when my troubles pass, I can always see It was all part of God’s plan — And never up to me.

BIRTHDAYS February 1 — Debbie Blair February 3 — Joseph Schickel February 6 — Mathieu Sliva Jeremy Yakel February 7 — Laura Gilchrist Margaret Huscroft February 9 — Wyatt Zarichnak February 10 — Doris Nelson Shirley Savarno February 11 — Ron Whyel February 12 — Taylor Kohr February 13 — Baylee Post February 14 — Kathy Ballentyne February 15 — Wendy Kennedy Elliot Lenhart Kaitlin Protin Janice Shutterly February 16 — Shane Hill February 17 — Rosalie Salak February 18 — Tony Canzonieri Noah Parsons February 19 — Tamera Hill Peg Moran Tyler Shutterly February 20 — Logan Mattay Alisha Weightman February 21 — Taylor Gilchrist Tyler Gilchrist Mandy Sliva February 22 — Barb Hess Isaac Pope February 23 — Lauri Pavtis February 24 — John Chalfant Rob Kennedy Amy Lynne Smaracheck Makenna Staffen February 25 — Connor Shutterly February 26 — Mia Hooper February 27 — Eric Allison Olivia Dunmeyer Hayden Sliva

A LITTLE TIME SPENT WITH GOD By Linda C. Grazulis

Carl Dunlop

203 Vine Street Belle Vernon, PA 15012 George Leasure

235 Vernon Avenue Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Kathy Myers

337 Roley Street Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Doris Nelson

317 Wellness Way, Apt. 134 Washington, PA 15301 Lorraine Quintier

919 Graham Street Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Jane Shider

325 Water Street Belle Vernon, PA 15012

A little time spent with God Proves an asset along life’s way By flooding the heart with joy and peace, Making for a faith-filled day. Praise God for Jesus, His blessed Son Who died on Calvary’s cross; And if grief has taken its toll, God can embrace amid every loss. Daily prayer from a sincere soul Is worth more than a pot o’ gold, For the depths of God’s love can’t be fathomed — Heaven shines many treasures to behold! A little time spent alone with the Creator Lifts a spirit to realms on high, When the heart and soul are aching And frustrations weigh a heavy sigh. So as the clock of time tick tocks— Just dedicate a half hour or more To God our Almighty Father — Praise, ask and seek at Heaven’s door.

PFC Canzonieri, Allen

Address not known Michael & Valerie Ferencz

(Valerie in active service) 344 St. Thomas Dr. Apt. B Newport News, VA 23606 Mitchell J. Hegarty

379 EAMXS/34OAMU Unit 61204 APO/AE 09309-1204 TSgt Eric S. Hill

200 Edgecliff Way Columbia, SC 29229 H. Lee Hill

7402 Paxton Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303 Ryan Hill

164 Wayfair Lane Hinesville, GA 31313 Reinstadtler, Cory

Unit 100265 Box 1008 FPO AE 09578

‘HELP ME BE” By Mary Ann Sundby

Lord, help me be your heart today, providing hope for those who stray. Lord, help me be your love today, displaying grace in every way. Lord, help me be your Word today, proclaiming good when all is gray. “They lose nothing who gain Christ.” — Samuel Rutherford

SN, Schickel, Joseph P.

320A Dewey Ave. BEQ 834/Room # 327 Great Lakes, IL 60088 Jared T. Schomer

460 Constitution Street Perryopolis, PA 15473

“Never trust anyone completely but God. Love people, but put your full trust only in God.” — Lawrence Welk

Sean Winterbottom

2533 Archdale Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23456 LCPL Zueger, Michael P.

SPMAGTF—BSRF 2/8 16.2 Tank PLT Unit 8010 FPO AE 09508—0100

THE MONTH DEDICATED TO “LOVE” SHOWING REAL LOVE

NEIGHBORLY LOVE

By C. P. Hia

By Joe Stowell

READ: John 13:1-5, 33-35

READ: Luke 10:29-37

“By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

“You shall love the Lord your God . . . and your neighbor as yourself.”

— John 13:35

Chinese New Year happens to fall on the same day as Valentine’s Day in 2010. While these two festivals have very different origins, there are some similarities in how they are celebrated. In both cases, loved ones give gifts to express love for one another. Whether it is giving roses to your beloved on Valentine’s Day or hong bao (red packets with money) to family and friends on Chinese New Year, they represent tokens of love. Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to “love one another,” because “by this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). The love that our Lord wants His disciples to have for one another is different from the romantic kind displayed between loving couples and the brotherly kind shown between friends or family. It’s an unselfish love. The Greek word John used in Jesus’ command is agape — God’s kind of love that expects nothing in return. That was what Jesus showed to His disciples when He “poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet” (v.5). That is the kind of love He displayed when He went to the cross for us. Today, look for someone to whom you can show such unselfish love.

Lord, teach us the secret of loving, The love You are asking today; Then help us to love one another; For this we most earnestly pray. — Anon.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2 (Copied from Our Daily Bread devotional.)

— Luke 10:27 It would have been simpler just to buy a new hair dryer. But determined to save a buck, I decided to fix it myself. In order to loosen the screw that was buried deep in the handle, I took out the ultimate handyman’s helper — my pocket knife. As I put pressure on the knife to turn the screw, the blade folded back — on my finger. I learned a lesson that day: I love myself. And I am urgent about meeting my needs. There was no thought of, “Well, I don’t really have time to stop the bleeding now. I’ll get to it later.” Also, there was a tenderness about how the need was met. I instructed my first-aid team (my wife and kids) to wash my finger gently and then to put the bandage on in a way that would avoid having the hairs on my finger pulled up when I was removed. My thoughts, words, and actions were driven by my love for myself. To love “your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27) requires the same urgent kind of love. It’s a love that notices the need of another person and won’t rest until it’s been met. It’s a gentle, tender love that thinks and acts carefully. It’s the sacrificial and compassionate love that a nameless Samaritan had for a fallen traveler. It’s the kind of love God wants to share with your neighbors through you.

Lord, help me see the heartfelt needs Of those within my care, And grant that through my words and deeds Your love with them I’ll share. — D. De Haan

You cannot touch your neighbor’s heart with anything less than your own. (Copied from Our Daily Bread devotional.)

LOVES ME NOT?

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL

A girl asked a boy if he loved her, and he replied, “Yes, of course.”

On Valentine’s Day, we remember that God is the source of all love in the world. His perfect love for us has made all human love possible.

“Would you die for me?” the girl wondered. After a brief pause, the honest lad said, “No, mine is an undying love.”

TOP PREDICTIONS FOR ANY YEAR — Author Unknown

1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 2. Prayer will still work. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move. 4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people. 5. There will still be God-anointed preaching. 6. There will still be singing of praise to God. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 8. There will still be room at the Cross. 9. Jesus will still love you. 10. Jesus will still save the lost.

God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don’t have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you. It’s your choice: Listen to the whisper or wait for the brick.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING By C. H. Spurgeon

The more we pray, the more we shall want to pray. The more we pray, the more we can pray. The more we pray, the more we shall pray. He who prays little will pray less, but he who prays much will pray more. And he who prays more will desire to pray more abundantly.

KNOWING GOD By Craig Groeschel, The Christian Athiest: Believing in God But

Living As If He Doesn’t Exist

God cares about how we live. And a relationship with God naturally will flow out in daily attitudes and actions. So if you look good, you are good, right? Well, maybe not. Knowing God can lead to a positive lifestyle, but the reverse isn’t true. Our outward actions alone don’t prove that we enjoy an inward relationship with God. Just because we do good doesn’t mean we know the One who is good.

MY SHELTER FROM LIFE’S STORMS By Lynne Patterson

God, You are the shelter from the storms I face, As troubles come, my weakness turns to grace! When I go through hard times and pain that awakens, You are my Rock, so I will not be shaken! You hold me and are my hope, as I wait and pray; You even bottle my tears, and take my fears away! You are the anchor for me that will always hold, Even when the stormy waves are so rough and bold. You quiet my mind, as I follow paths unknown, Through the clouds, Your light is always shown! You temper the wind, and through the rain of afflictions, You encourage, yet give me strong convictions. As You prepare me for my final home to stay, You pour out Your mercies that are new each day. This life’s journey would be so turbulent without You But You walk with me, giving perfect peace and rest anew! I long to be in Your safe harbor, made whole! There, You will give me a brand new soul! Once in Heaven, I’ll rejoice to have won this earthly race, For Your amazing love was shown, my sins were erased! My Savior, You are the only true and glorious One! You shine brighter than the morning sun! I will live for You and serve You all of my days. You deserve the world’s forever glory, honor, and praise!

THE COST OF HIDING OUR LIGHT A Los Angeles restaurant owner recently discovered that a neon light had been covered — without being disconnected first — during a construction project 77 years prior. The calculated electricity cost to run the hidden light all that time was $17,000. People don’t intentionally hide light; that would be counter-productive, not to mention wasteful. Yet when we shrink back from sharing Jesus’ good news, we do indeed hide “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) that is in us. When we’re too modest to use God-given talents such as singing, playing piano or reading to bring others joy, we hide our light. When we put our own wants ahead of meeting someone else’s needs through giving and serving, we hide the light of God’s love. And at what cost? “Let your light shine before others,” Jesus says, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (verse 16).

ARE YOU ANCHORED IN CHRIST TO FACE LIFE’S STORMS? Every day, we each face new challenges. That’s just the way life is — a series of ups and downs, but why? Why can’t things just happen the same way all of the time? Why does there have to be problems that may stop us in our tracks, because we don’t know what to do or where to go? I have found, as I’ve grown in my Christian faith, you must have those challenges to help you grow and learn to rely on Jesus Christ to get you through them. When a storm arises, do you panic or do you call upon your anchor — Jesus Christ? If you never have any storms or problems that stop you in your tracks, you will never learn that you can’t do it on your own — you need His help and comfort to face every situation. Oh you can say, I know what I’m doing and I really don’t need any help. But, don’t kid yourself because one day you will find yourself in a spot that seemingly has no way out. If your anchor isn’t in Christ, then who do you really call upon for help. Friends are friends (sometimes) until the going gets tough — than they run the other way. Christ is there waiting for you to call upon His name — “the calm in the storm!” We’re soon be in another new year, 2017. No one knows what this year may hold, but you can almost bet there will be many ups and downs. We can’t see into the future (that’s probably a good thing), but Christ can. He knows what we will face and how to meet it head-on. To make it in this life on earth, you must have an anchor for the storms that will come. That anchor is Jesus Christ! You might ask how to go about getting anchored to Christ — that’s easy. 1st, start by reading His word daily to learn how the patriarchs of the Bible faced their storms and how much God loved them and you. 2nd, attend church to worship God and be in fellowship with other believers. They can act as a support group when you need them. It’s also comforting to know there are others who face the same problems that you do. 3rd, spend time in prayer. Prayer is the communication line between us and God — why not use it? God is always there ready to listen and respond. Let Him be the anchor that you hold on to securely through the coming days and years. Have a blessed New Year! Seek the shelter that only God can give and hold on tight to that anchor! Blessings,

Cathy

ORGANIZATIONS THAT MEET AT BELLE VERNON FIRST We have a number of organizations that meet in our building to help those who fit the criteria. Beside the ones that have been meeting here for quite some time, we’ve added a new one, listed below with a little detail of their purpose. These include the following: AA MEETINGS on Wednesdays at NOON and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. AL-ANON MEETINGS on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. NA MEETINGS (Bottomline Recovery) on Saturdays at NOON *NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Mon Valley) meets the 1st Tuesday of every month (except July and December from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. *This organization offers a support group to educate relatives and friends in taking steps to assist the recovery of loved ones with a mental illness. They also meet at the West Hempfield Presbyterian Church in Irwin on the 2nd Tuesday of every month with the exception of July and December from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. If anyone has any questions, please call 412-596-5071 or 724-872-2186.

9 “VERSES” THAT AREN’T IN THE BIBLE Several popular sayings can put biblical literacy to the test. For example, the phrases below aren’t in Scripture — although some come pretty close:  “Money is the root of evil.” (According to 1 Timothy 6:10, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”)  “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” (The closest teaching to this might be in James 4:8.)  “God helps those who help themselves.” (This proverb originated in ancient Greece, not in Scripture.)  “God moves in mysterious ways.” (A verse kind of like this is Isaiah 55:8.)  “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” (British poet Samuel Butler coined this phrase, which could be a paraphrase of Proverbs 13:24.)  “This, too, shall pass.” (This occurs no where in the Bible but has been linked, incorrectly, to King Solomon.)  “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” (St. Augustine originally came up with a version of this phrase.)  “Charity begins at home.” (British theologian John Wycliffe is credited with this saying.)  “God will never give you more than you can bear.” (This seems to be a misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 10:13.) Dear God, We read Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday school, we learned that you did it. So I bet he stole your idea. Sincerely, Donna

HUMOR TO BREAK UP THE WINTER BLAHS 

Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

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Some people are kind, polite and sweet-spirited. . . until you try to sit in their pew.

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People are funny: They want the front of the bus, the middle of the road and the back of the church.

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Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn’t belong.

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Forbidden fruits create many jams.

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Working for God on earth doesn’t pay much, but his retirement plan is out of this world.

KIDS’ LETTERS TO GOD Dear God, I think about you sometimes, even when I’m not praying. Elliott Dear God, I bet it is very hard for you to love all the people in the world. There are only four people in our family and I can never do it. Nan Dear God, If you watch me in church Sunday, I’ll show you my new shoes. Mickey

LIFE PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY By Charles F. Stanley 1. Our intimacy with God — His highest priority for our lives — determines the impact of our lives. 2. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. 3. God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm. 4. The awareness of God’s presence energizes us for our work. 5. God does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. 6. You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow. 7. The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us. 8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time. 9. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. 10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will. 11. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him. 12. Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God. 13. Listening to God is essential to walking with God. 14. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. 15. Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness. 16. Whatever you acquire outside of God’s will eventually turns to ashes. 17. We stand tallest and strongest on our knees. 18. As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances. 19. Anything you hold too tightly, you will lose. 20. Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice. 21. Obedience always brings blessing. 22. To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit. 23. You can never outgive God. 24. To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us. 25. God blesses us so that we might bless others. 26. Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God. 27. Prayer is life’s greatest time saver. 28. No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith. 29. We learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops. 30. An eager anticipation of the Lord’s return keeps us living productively.

First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon Report of the Committee on Lay Leadership (To take effect on January 1, 2017)

THE CHURCH COUNCIL FOR 2017

The Church Council is the administrative agency of the local congregation. The primary function of the Church Council is to set a vision for the local congregation by establishing goals; providing a practical administrative structure within which the goals can be worked on and ultimately accomplished; assuring that each program and ministry area is staffed; and regularly evaluating the programs, ministries, and goals of the local congregation.

Members of the Church Council Chairperson:

Barb Hess

Vice-Chairperson: Recording Secretary:

Nancy Trombino

Membership Secretary:

Cathy Kimball

Lay Leader:

Beverly Hazlett

Lay Member of Annual Conference:

Beverly Hazlett

Alternate Lay Member of Conference: Chairpersons: Finance Committee:

Barb Hess

Financial Secretaries:

Joe Schickel & Wendy Kennedy

Church Treasurer:

Cathy Kimball

Assistant Treasurers:

Carol Zelenski & Linda Smitley

Chairpersons: Staff-Parish Relations:

TBA

Chairperson: Trustees

TBA

Chairperson: Committee on Lay Leadership:

Pastor Derek Platt

President: United Methodist Women

TBA

Chairpersons: Memorials

Mary Ellen Hazlett

Chairperson: Outreach Ministries:

TBA

Chairperson: Witness Ministries Chairperson: Worship:

Beverly Hazlett

Child Advocate:

Wendy Kennedy

Chairperson: Stewardship

Barb Hess

Music Director:

Joe Balogh

Certified Lay Speaker:

Barb Hess

Lay Equalization Delegates to Annual Conference:

MEMBERS AT-LARGE OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL Carol Kubalinski Valerie LoGreco

Mary Ellen Hazlett Shelby Ferguson II

Kathy Dunmeyer

TRUSTEES Chairperson: TBA

CLASS OF 2017 Rob Kennedy Thomas W. Gilchrist

CLASS OF 2018 Dan Lopes

CLASS OF 2019 Dave LoGrego

THE COMMITTEE ON LAY LEADERSHIP Chairperson: Pastor Derek Platt

CLASS OF 2017 Carol Kubalinski Nancy Trombino

CLASS OF 2018 Elma Martinosky

CLASS OF 2019 Shirley Savarno

WORSHIP Chairperson: Beverly Hazlett Lay Leader: Beverly Hazlett Coordinator: Ushers, Liturgists Flowers, Acolytes, Greeters: Cathy Kimball Coordinator: Communion: Holly Martinosky Communion Stewards: Nancy Trombino, Lisa Black and Carol Zelenski Members at Large:

Barb Hess, Wendy Kennedy, Nancy Snyder, Bradley Kennedy

FINANCE Chairperson: Financial Secretaries: Church Treasurer: Auditor: Lay Member, Annual Conference: Lay Leader: Chairperson: Church Council: Chairperson: Trustees:

Barb Hess Joe Schickel & Wendy Kennedy Cathy Kimball Ed Savarno Beverly Hazlett Beverly Hazlett Barb Hess TBA

Chairpersons: Staff-Parish Relations: TBA Chairperson: Stewardship Barb Hess CLASS OF 2017 Laurie Valdiserri

CLASS OF 2018 Carol Zelenski

CLASS OF 2019 Lisa Black

STAFF-PASTOR RELATIONS COMMITTEE Chairperson: TBA Lay Member of Annual Conference:

CLASS OF 2017 Suzanne Schickel

Bev Hazlett

CLASS OF 2018 Dr. John Chalfant

CLASS OF 2019 Valerie LoGreco

OUTREACH TEAM Linda Smitley

Cathy Kimball

Holly Martinosky

NURTURE TEAM Wendy Kennedy, Superintendent Shelly Rhome (Ex-Officio) Cathy Kimball

Kathy Martin Laura Gilchrist

Barb Hess Bev Hazlett

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE Jack Chester John Chalfant

Tom Carter Pastor Derek Platt

Nancy Horvath

THE METHODIST MESSENGER MON-YOUGH TRINITY CHARGE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 STATE STREET BELLE VERNON, PA 15012 Phone: 724-929-4696 Fax: 724-930-0651 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bellevernonumc.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave; I’ve anchored in Jesus, I’ll fear no wind or wave. I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save; I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages! (By Lewis Edgar Jones)

How will you fare in the storms of the new year? If you’re anchored in Jesus, you have nothing to fear.

Faith in Christ will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change.