October 2015

The MESSENGER A Publication of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church

What’s INSIDE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Pastor Christine’s Message Attendance/Suggestion Box Bulletin Board Oct. Birthdays/Anniversaries Preschool Christmas Attic/Thank you! Serendipity Sunday School Class, Blessings Brayden Update The Spring of Fall Misc. Committee Reports Committee Reports/Code Purple Ride for Homeless Dare to Believe/Training Psalms/Pack 182 Power of Praise/Missions Missions Missions Cont./Food Closet Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers Calendar

Our Mission and Vision B.L.E.S.S. We exist as a people together to... BRING people into a relationship with Jesus Christ; LEAD people into commitment to God; ENABLE people to grow in Christian living, unity and worship; SEND people into the world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ; SO that God is glorified.

“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” - 1 John 1:5 (NLT) I saw a remarkable picture the other day. A flashlight was shining on a lighted match. The shadow of the matchstick was clearly visible on the wall behind it. But there was no shadow at all of the flame. Pure light does not carry a shadow. Incidentally I tried it myself, with a lighted candle, just to be sure; the flame did not have a shadow, Go ahead and try it yourself! Suddenly this verse from I John is so much more concrete for me. Unlike everything else that is in and of this world, God’s light is simply unconquerable. It is and was and always will be the light of truth and love. And I’ve seen that same light shining in remarkable ways here at Mt. Olivet as well. As I was talking to someone here the other day, and remember I’m still getting to know people, it occurred to me that I recognized something familiar in that person’s spirit, almost literally shining in their eyes. A moment later I realized of course that it is the light of Christ. In a way it was a bit sad, it reminded me of the people I’m missing from Long Neck UMC who share that same spark. But more than anything else it was warm and welcoming and wonderful to have that moment of connection, and to feel so at home. The shiny things of the world just reflect light, but the light of Christ is the true and only source of life-giving light. When other people notice that light shining in us, they will be attracted to the life and the joy that they see there. Let me encourage you to remember that “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:14,15. You really are. I’ve seen it shining in you and our best gift to our community is to continue to let our light shine.

Pastor Christine

October 2015

The Messenger

ATTENDANCE Worship Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep

Regular Services Sunday 8:30 AM: Informal Service in our Chapel 11:00 AM: Traditional Service in our Sanctuary We have child care available from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. every Sunday.

30 6 13 20 27

8:30 32 32 30 32 28

11:00 Total 73 105 57 89 85 115 66 98 84 112

Sunday School Sep 13 71 Sept 20 72 Sept 27 72

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and I want you to know they are passed to the appropriate committees or acted on immediately if possible. Keep your ears and eyes open in and around Mt. Olivet and help us improve. Blessings, Nan Zamorski

Who’s Your Buddy?

secretary-mtolivet @verizon.net

It is so nice to know that you have a Church Family Buddy, someone that touches base with you regularly and if they don’t see you in church, checks on you to make sure you are okay. If you need prayer, someone to talk to, help with something, please call your Buddy.

315 High Street Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-4458

If you don’t remember who your Buddy is, please call the office or contact Betty Wilbanks. If you haven’t called your Buddy lately, let this serve as your friendly reminder to do so.

Regular Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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October 2015

The Messenger

The next MESSENGER will be the November, 2015 issue.

SAVE THE DATES See Calendar for complete list Oct

4

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY

Oct

5

7 p.m. SPRC Mtg., Rick’s Conf. Rm.

Oct

12

7 p.m., Finance Mtg., Lounge

Oct

16

6:30 a.m., Boys Chrysalis Send off

Oct

18

Youth Lunch, Following Service

Articles are due October 15, 2015 If you serve as a chair of a committee, please submit an article. If you have a praise, blessing or testimony you want to share, please do so. Pictures are requested of everything that happens so please send me pictures!!!!!

3 – 7 p.m., Boys Chrysalis Homecoming, Sanctuary Oct

19

7 p.m., Board of Trustees, Lounge

Oct

20

6 p.m., UMM Dinner, Fellowship Hall

Oct

21

Lunch Bunch, Noon

Oct

23

Roast Beef Dinner-5-7pm. & Christmas Attic Sale

Oct

24

Christmas Attic Sale Cont. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Choir Room

Special Reminders! The Psalms Bible Study on Tuesdays in the Lounge at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. led by Pastor Christine. Don’t forget Prayer Shawl on the 13th at 1 p.m. in the Lounge! oc Remember your Circle Meetings! See Calendar! Lunch Bunch, Wed, Oct 21st, Noon Roast Beef Dinner-October 23rd 5 – 7 p.m. & Christmas Attic Sale on the 23rd and 24th! Don’t miss it!

HELP WANTED! Someone to coordinate the scheduling of Greeters for Sunday mornings. See Linda Rose!

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October 2015

The Messenger

1

Gwen Willey

14

Melanie Shockley

21

Celeste Andrews

2

Davena Hardy

15

Bill West

24

Joy Lin Stephenson

Jacalyn Bradley

17

Phyllis Hansen

27

Elaine Figgs

Erik Parks

Tom Gross

Wanda Shorter

5

Megan Perdue

Mim Roberts

Rick Zamorski

6

Anne Stewart (92nd)

Scott Neal

28

Sue Manlove

30

Christine Bowden

Karen Henderson

18

Katie Carson

8

Linda Stephenson

19

Ray Lanier

Kevin Gillespie

10

Marlene Warford

Debbie Hearn

Abigail Covey

12

Rachael Harrison

Susan Carey

13

Lauren Gum

20

Jacob Tucker

31

Terri Gillespie

Kim Hook

Crystal Deats

Tim McLaughlin

Kirstin Zamorski

4

Geoff & Jamie Anderson

12

Joe & Karen Owens

6

Doug & Charlotte Wilson

15

Anthony & Celeste Andrews

Storm and Laura Cannon

18

Ted & Susan Hickey

10

Jeff & Ann Bollinger

Katherine & Richard Taylor, Jr.

11

Bill & Cyndy Zemitis

22

David & Becky Genshaw

Ed & Janet Griffin

24

Ray & Jennifer Lanier

Mike & Ann Covey

30

Bill & Robin O’Day

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October 2015

The Messenger

Mt. Olivet Preschool Fall Update It Takes a Team . . . by Linda Stephenson Thank you to all who supported the Preschool’s PK Night in September. Looking around PK, one could see church friends, school staff and preschool families – what a blessed sight.

Your caring encourages and

reinforces this mission project at Mt. Olivet. We are happy to report that $241.00 was raised for the Preschool! The Preschool Board held a dinner for the Preschool Staff in celebration of achievement in Delaware Stars. Checking the photo you can see a wonderful time was had by all. The timing of the event was the night before the first day of school with students – what a way to start a new year! We have had a great start to another year of unknown adventure with a wonderful group of youngsters. As we get to know the children, we are also getting acquainted with their parents, siblings, grand-parents, and other assorted family and friends; an unusual occurrence in today’s world. September was full with t-shirts being made before we visited the Seaford District Library, Monarch Butterflies have been studied and released, and Pastor Christine has shared a Bible story with each of the classes. Our ears have been checked and a report sent home so parents know they are in working order. We’ve been to the Library and the Jay’s Nest, and the State dental health staff came to teach us about good teeth practices. With all that action, there was still time for playing, dressing up, snacks, singing, dancing and running around on the playground. It Takes a Team to provide for these children – parents, extended family members, staff, our preschool board, the extended church family and various community organizations and individuals. We really appreciate you being on our mission team.

Mt. Olivet UMC Preschool Board: (Back Row-Left to Right) Scott and Melissa Bagshaw, Judy Watson, Suzanne Barnes, & Pastor Christine (Front Row-Left to Right) Lori Westcott, Cathy Young, Kay Moynihan, Linda Stephenson, & Val Lejman.

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A black and yellow caterpillar Into the corner will creep He spins himself a blanket And then he falls fast asleep. The black and yellow caterpillar Wakes up by and by and finds he has the wings of a beautiful butterfly.

October 2015

The Messenger UMW FUNDRAISER

This year the UMW will sponsor a “CHRISTMAS ATTIC” event to be held on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th. This will replace the SILENT AUCTION normally associated with the Roast Beef Dinner. Plans are to turn the choir room into a Christmas wonderland. Of course, we hope you will take this opportunity to clean out your closets of all the Christmas things you are no longer using. We are requesting Christmas related items only. Also, we ask that your items be DISPLAY READY and of GIFT QUALITY. Our customers will be shopping for "gifts on a budget" not yard sale finds. Donations may be dropped off during office hours beginning Monday October 5th. Some suggestions for the sale: Tree decorations and ornaments, ,holiday linens, holiday jewelry, CD's, DVD's, home decor, glassware, gift wrap, greeting cards or new theme related items you would like to re-gift. Please give our glassware a run thru the dishwasher and inspect All your items for stains, scratches or defects. It is important that our patrons are happy with their purchase and we are giving our best. The proceeds will be used to support local missions in the Seaford area. Any unsold items will be donated to Teen Challenge. Volunteers will be needed for displaying and pricing items and workers on Friday and Saturday to help with the sale. This is always a fun time for fellowship. There will be a sign-up sheet the hall church bulletin board. Look for more information in the Sunday bulletin and on our web page.

What a fantastic birthday I had this year. I come into work with an Aloe Vera plant on my desk and card from Pastor Christine and several more cards with well wishes for a great day. I got several calls from people, lunch invitations and then a beautiful bouquet of flowers arrives from the SPRC and the Trustees. I hope I take time to make someone else’s birthday as special as the people of Mt. Olivet made mine. What a great day at work and then I go to dinner with my daughter and my 4 grandchildren which was so special as well. Thank you so much. I so appreciate each and every person here at Mt. Olivet. Cards continued to arrive the next day. Blessings to each of you! Chris

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October 2015

The Messenger by Susan Kent

The Serendipity Sunday School Class will be diving into the Word with a Beth Moore Study this fall. We meet in the Library and walk along side one another in our journey together to be more like Christ. All ladies are welcome. David - Bible Study Book (Updated Edition) Seeking a Heart Like His, Beth Moore David: Seeking a Heart Like His - Member Book by Beth Moore guides the participant through this compelling women's Bible study of David. God will never give up on you. Explore how David's life proves this promise to be true in this updated edition of the best selling A Heart Like His: Seeking the Heart of God Through a Study of David. In this examination of the "man after God's own heart," David will delight and disappoint you. You'll want to be just like him at times and nothing like him at others. If you've ever experienced doubts, temptations, losses, family problems, or personal inconsistencies, this study is for you! First released in 1996, this updated Bible study features all new video sessions (sold separately) and updated Member Book content to speak to today's women. While other Bible studies about King David exist in the market place, Beth Moore has a unique way of bringing the truth of Scripture to life. Regardless of the topic, you will not want to miss this updated study about seeking a heart like David!

Bounty – Blessings Beyond Measure Our faith in the future of God’s work here at Mt. Olivet is rooted in our experience of God’s faithfulness. God has provided everything that has been needed. God still has a plan and a purpose for this community, and continues to invite us to participate in that work. We know that God will provide all that is needed to fulfill God’s purpose. We simply have a choice about whether or not to put ourselves in the way of that grace. Not to block it of course, because that would be impossible, but to be washed and filled and lifted up in that grace as well. As we begin the vital work that we have to do to plan, budget and pledge for the coming year, we are going to share our own stories of God’s blessings, and move together to a deeper understanding of and faith in God’s promises of abundance. So take a moment to start to think now, how has God blessed you? How has God provided for you? How has God surprised you beyond your own hopes or expectations? Some things will come easily to mind, some things we take for granted, and some things may not have looked like blessings at all, at least not as long as we held them outside of God’s grace and tried to manage on our own. Then think about what you would like to share, and the ways that your story can encourage others here in our family and our community. Finally, listen to the stories of others around you and consider the response of a joyful and generous heart. Pastor Christine

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October 2015

The Messenger Brayden Update

First and foremost, Brayden’s doctor’s appt. at AI Dupont went great. He has been doing great with his new heart and is getting back to being an active child again. He is attending preschool for the first time since all this began. Please continue to pray for Brayden and his family. Below you will see the fundraisers planned for fall thus far. The family so appreciates your continued prayers and support. The goal was to raise $60,000. All that remains is about $23,000. Praise the Lord for this community. Mum Sale – Until October 15th. Buy a voucher for $5.00 and take it to Lakeside Greenhouses and pick out the mum(s) of your choice. Contact Pizza King or the town office for purchase. Recycle for Life is an ongoing program that any recyclable electronics such as laptops, GPS, Mp3 and tablets and also spent printer ink cartridges collected will be recycled for 100% of the current recycling value. All proceeds will benefit COTA for Brayden H. Start saving your recycled items and drop them off at a donation box. Donation box locations are at City of Seaford, St. John’s Preschool, Gethsemane Church, and Pizza King – Seaford. TWO PAINT FUNDRAISERS - October 12th, Paint Fundraiser, Painting is a Pumpkin, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at St. Phillips Church’s Fellowship Hall in Laurel. Maria Turner is the artist. November 16th, Paint Fundraiser, Christmas Theme, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. also at St. Phillips Church’s Fellowship Hall in Laurel. Maria Turner is also the artist. Gotcha Dreaming Bedsheets Back by Popular Demand - $35.00 per set – any size. Orders must be in by October 15th. Contact Town Office or Pizza King. Fundraiser, Nicola’s Pizza in Rehoboth – November 13th, Hosted by the Sons of the American Legion in Laurel. Details coming. Breakfast with Santa – December 12th , 8 – 10 a.m., All you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast, $7.00 per ticket, free picture with Santa for the Kids and elves, at Applebees in Seaford. Tickets available soon. You can also donate directly to Brayden’s COTA account – www.cotaforbraydenh.com

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October 2015

The Messenger

with priorities and time management forever. But here in this passage, we see a mother and wife who was careful to meet the needs of her husband and children AND she is honored for her many other achievements and talents. I am not sure how she did it all but she obviously had a talent for organization. My most productive time to do other things and pursue other interests is in the fall. Maybe that was true of her as well.

THE SPRING OF FALL There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

The fall is my spring. It seems like everything else is dying and preparing to be dormant for a time. I find that for me It is a time to cultivate new growth, develop new talents, interests, ministries, hobbies and friendships. It is a time for all the Godly desires of our heart to blossom. What is it that you have been meaning to get around to? What lifts your spirits, honors God, rekindles a desire in you to accomplish worthwhile projects or to visit and take time for old and new friends? Have you been meaning to visit people in a nursing home or be available to someone to help guide them spiritually, or involve someone in something you love doing as a hobby? Maybe you could take a plate of food to an elderly person and visit with them. Maybe you have a gift you just feel you don’t have time to pursue. Pursue it! Do something pleasurable and fun with your kids like a craft as if you have all the time in the world. What have you been putting off getting involved in with your church or community? Get the family involved too!

Do good mothers feel ecstatic when their children go back to school in the fall? When most mothers worked in the home, it meant quiet and that you could do what you wanted or needed to do with your time, no one to worry about entertaining or taking somewhere. So maybe they did really look forward to that. Your time was yours for a few hours every weekday. Now that many mothers work outside the home, do they feel that way or does school make everything more rushed and crazy in the mornings and even crazier in the evenings with activities, dinner, homework, baths, bedtime and finally if you are lucky you sit down for the first time at about 10:30 p.m.? For those women with empty nests, do you find yourself doing all the things you have always wanted to do but had no time? Or maybe it seems like you are just as busy but don’t feel a sense of accomplishment even with more time.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 in the Message, it says “There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on earth.”

I think of the woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 and I wonder where were her kids when she was selecting wool and flax, bringing in the food from afar, considering a field and buying it, planting a vineyard, profitably trading, spinning her wool, opening her arms to the poor, extending her hands to the needy, making coverings for her bed, making linen garments to sell and learning to speak with wisdom and how to give faithful instruction. My guess is that women have struggled

The right time for many women is in the Spring of Fall! (Chris Milligan) -9-

October 2015

The Messenger

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

YARN ALWAYS NEEDED FOR THESE LADIES THAT CREATE OUR PRAYER SHAWLS SO PLEASE BRING ANY DONATIONS OF YARN TO THE OFFICE! Next Meeting is October 13th at 1 p.m. Come join us!

HIGHER POWER - A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child blurted out, "Aces!" Don’t you just love kids?

Nice Try Guys! But sorry, It is a Roast Beef Dinner! Friday, October 23rd from 5 p – 7 p. Help is always needed on Thurs. & Fri.!

Tell Everyone to come out to our famous annual Roast Beef Dinner by our United Methodist Women! (Christmas Attic Sale on 23rd and 24th, pg. 6)

STORY OF ELIJAH - The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times. "Now," said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?" A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, "I know, I know," she said, "to make the gravy!" (I thought this was good while we patiently await our Roast Beet Dinner!)

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October 2015

The Messenger

The fall is our busy time. We are beginning the process of doing our budget due the end of the September, the Pastor review due November 1st, our Church Profile, and starting to ready ourselves for the Charge Conference in December. Plus we are continuing our normal duties on a regular basis. Rick

Don’t forget to leave your suggestions in the Suggestion Box. Your comments and creativity are needed and welcome! (See page 2) MOST is looking for ways to introduce our warm congregation and church to the community. We are now a member of Seaford’s Chamber of Commerce so we have some unique mixer opportunities to which we can capitalize. Please help MOST reach out to the community. The Chamber is starting First Saturdays for Seaford’s downtown establishments. What kinds of things can we do to get involved? We can open our doors, give tours, brag about our Preschool and Sunday School programs to boost our attendance. What else? Music? Pipe Organ? Youth Group Participation? Please contact me on your ideas for participation. I look forward to maximizing this opportunity. If you noticed the painted rain barrel next to our side entrance, it was donated to us by DNREC as a thank you for our community involvement with watershed workshops. This prize-winning decorated rain barrel hopefully will encourage the community to better manage rainwater run-off for a useful purpose (plant watering) rather than running unabated into the river. Blessings from Nan Zamorski

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October 2015

The Messenger

Mt. Olivet was buzzing on September 19, 2015 with all the worker bees who came out to help clean, purge, and refresh our House of Worship. Most classrooms were cleaned, windows were washed and the office, choir room, kitchen, Boy Scout / Cub Scout areas, as well as outside, were given lots of needed attention. Afterwards, a yummy lunch was served and enjoyed by those who could stay. Trustees thank each one of you that worked so hard for the good of all. The missing handrail on the brick steps facing High Street next to the parking lot entrance will be replaced . The left handrail on the front steps on High Street will also be repaired. Thank you to Mr. Steve Bowden, Pastor Christine's husband, for the nice job he did repainting the two sets of red doors in the front of the Church. The convection oven in the kitchen was professionally cleaned and while not new, is much improved. The carpets were cleaned the week of August 24th. The Trustees would like to acknowledge the Altar Guild crew for maintaining the Sanctuary and Chapel for use every week. Great job ladies! The playground has been cleaned very nicely after a summer of sunshine and rain that produced a great harvest of unwanted weeds. In addition, the fence on the east of the building and adjacent to the sidewalk, has been cleared of the unsightly overgrowth. The overgrown bushes next to the Church on the east side were also taken care of. We continue to work on projects big and small and wish all of you a very Nice Fall ! Mt. Olivet Trustees

2015 1st Annual Ride for the Homeless. We are so thankful for everyone who came out and raised money for Code Purple!

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October 2015

The Messenger

Renew your mind, your heart, and your spirit. There are a couple of training events scheduled this Fall by the Peninsula-Delaware Conference and the Dover District. Please consider planning to attend if you:  enjoy learning  enjoy meeting new people  enjoy praise and worship The Well: October 10th. This is a one day event, The Well offers a variety of classes, in the past they have included “Disaster Planning and Recovery”, “How to Pray” “Art in Worship” and many other titles. Please contact Pastor Christine for registration details. There is something here for everyone who wants to learn and grow. The Lay Servant (formerly Speaker) Academy will be held on October 17th and 24th. Learn more about how you can serve the Kingdom of God through your local church and the United Methodist Connection. Classes will be offered for beginning and continuing Lay Servants. Please contact Pastor Christine for registration details.

BELIEVE things can happen and you are half way there! There are times in our lives when it is hard to believe that we can take on major goals which require more financial or other resources than we seem to have. Just getting through the month is hard in this economy much less trying to deal with some sort of surprise that requires even more. It doesn’t matter how something looks on paper, how bad it is or how much work is required to get where we need to be, if we don’t go about it with ENTHUSIASM, it’s just not going to happen. Do you BELIEVE that big things can happen in your life? If you don’t BELIEVE it can happen, then it simply can’t. Have FAITH, PRAY, and WAIT upon the Lord.

Big things happen when we just BELIEVE!

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October 2015

The Messenger Psalm 34:17-18 “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

When you are downcast and discouraged, read Psalm 37, not just the above verses, but the entire psalm because it is the voice of one who is in utter despair and totally broken. This psalm is about us! Claim it, believe Him, and pour out your soul to Him. Sometimes pride gets in the way when we get in trouble and need help. That’s too bad because God will resist us when we are full of ourselves and will give us His grace only when we humble ourselves (James 4:6).

Psalm 103:13-14 “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Is there any psalm that is more tender of heart and more loving in affection than the image of our God as our Father? In this psalm God says that He separates us from our sin as far as the east is from the west (v 12), which, by the way, never meet. His love is as great as the heavens are above the earth (v 11) and doesn’t deal with us according to what our sins deserve (v 10). Feeling discouraged? Be encouraged about how God feels about you in Psalm 103.

Psalm 126:5-6 “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” This psalm reminds me of a farmer. They sow a seed and reap a crop, but it comes much later. So too for those who weep today, for they will surely reap with shouts of joy on the day of the Lord’s visitation, and all of their suffering won’t be able to compare with the glory they’ll see on that great day (Rom 8:28). Even though today’s sowing is hard, not one tear will be wasted in the glorious kingdom to come.

Pack 182 Cub Corner September has been a great month for the pack. We had new cubs sign up at the school Open Houses, participated in numerous conservation projects, had opening picnic at Trap Pond, and received a letter from Governor Jack Markell, Senator Tom Carper, and President Obama, with the silver and gold awards from the President for our community service. We are currently in the middle of our popcorn fundraiser and have our Chariot Race and Family Campout in October. As always we thank Mt. Olivet Church for your support with helping the boys of Pack 182 grow into fine young men. Please place an order with our pack on the order form located on the bulletin board or support scouts through one of the popcorn Show N’ Sells outside of local businesses. Thank you,

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October 2015

The Messenger Alex

Stroup - Cubmaster

Tammy Johnson welcomed her new baby boy into this world on September 17th, 7 lbs 9 oz and 18 inches long Congratulations to Tammy, Brian, Bridget and Savannah on the new addition. A fruitful harvest this growing season! The change in seasons we experience!

So much to be thankful for.... Praise God for:

The success of Shift Destiny again this year and the blessing it was to our community.

Jim and Ruth McClure’s Daughter, Mary had back surgery in August and is home and doing

Brayden’s continued recovery!

well under their care and supervision. Praise the Lord for this blessing!

Love, In the Name of Christ, for the constant work they do for those less fortunate to make

Michael & Linda Rose are the proud

lives better and sustainable! What a valuable

grandparents of Josalyn Mary Rose, born on

resource for the churches and the community!

August 9, 2015! Children are a gift from God! Scott and Sally Andersen are the proud grandparents of Kathryn Andersen, born on September 2nd, 2015! Such a Blessing! We are thankful for all our children that started back to school or college in September. Many face new circumstances, things that are different this year, so we praise God as he watches over them during this school year. We also praise God for the teachers that help to mold and shape our children into the adults they will become.

Please tell the office what you are thankful for, what you want to praise God for! Maybe it is a birth, the blessings of your family, a promotion, a new job, how God is working in your life, God’s provision for you and your family, your friends, a prayer that was answered with or without details (whatever is comfortable to share), something in God’s Word of particular meaning to you, something you discovered studying the Bible, anything that has meant something to you that you want to give God the Glory for as there is

This month is Pastor Appreciation Month. We praise God for bringing us Pastor Christine. We are thankful to have her here and we praise God for her leadership and instruction! Thank you Lord for your blessings upon our Sunday School Teachers as Sunday School began on Sept. 13th.

Power in Praise! - 15 -

October 2015

The Messenger Cairo, to get them work. Missions Update provided by our Council.......

What We've Been (Apart from Melting)

From the Sept. Newsletter of Dan &

Beth Watkins...Missionaries in Egypt

Doing

It has been a hot summer. There were a few weeks that peaked at 116F/46C. But we’ve survived the heat and Ramadan and moving, what we hope is the last time for a long while. We’ve found a church and community and Dan has settled in with Arabic lessons. We’re adept at the metro and have almost gotten used to crossing the busy streets which, if you talk to anyone who has been to Egypt, is mostly done on a wing and a prayer. We feel spoiled in our new city and love working in the same office, and towards same cause, every day. A few people have mentioned wanting to hear about our day-to-day. As you can imagine each day is a bit different and we’re never really sure what a day or week will bring.

This morning as I was scrolling online I saw a picture of a dead Syrian child, washed ashore on a Turkish beach. And I thought about the children who run through our office every day. Other refugee children, drug along by their parents to our office, coming to us for some help in their desperate situations.

I (Beth) am managing our domestic office, adult education program, cleaning course, and helping teach our accessories course. The domestic office is where employees register if they want help finding work. The vast majority of placements available are cleaning jobs, but also elderly care, child minding, driving. The office places refugees with employers, mostly Egyptians, and we help navigate all of that, especially in the realms of making sure they’re being paid an adequate salary and are not being abused.

Every day we read more stories about people dying making treacherous journeys to Europe out of desperation because they feel it is their only hope. We read these stories, and we go to work, and look at the faces of people who have been forced to flee horrendous things and try really hard every day to provide them with some hope. It comes in a few forms: food, or skills training, or a job.

The adult education program teaches English to adult refugees. We recently finished our second term of the year and 80 refugees completed their courses. We started a new term last week with over 200 students registered. I manage all of the teachers and administrator of that program.

Enough, we hope, to keep people from thinking that they have no other options. We know of at least one of our English students who left and made it to Europe. And we worry about the rest who leave our office and we never hear from again.

A graduate of our cleaning course. We train refugees in domestic work—and then match them with employers in

I also oversee a cleaning course and am working on getting bits in place so we can start a child minding course. I also help teach accessories once a week because it seems like I just can’t help myself from teaching people to make stuff with their hands wherever I am.

(cont. on next page)

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October 2015

The Messenger (Dan & Beth Watkins continued)

Dan has, arguably, the most important job at Refuge Egypt which is making sure we have all the funding we need, and reporting to donors to keep them happy. He has also revamped the website, writes updates and the annual report along with grant proposals, collects all the stories and department reports, designs flyers and literature, helps formulate budgets and work with the departments to try and make sure their work gets funded and that the great stuff they’re doing is getting shared with donors. It also seems like he’s become a backup IT guy, as everyone in the office seems to go to him now when our IT guy isn’t around. It’s busy and challenging and good. And it feels just right.

Mission – Provide emergency food relief to individuals and families encountering hardship in the Seaford area. The Seaford Community Food Closet is staffed with volunteers from throughout the community and is viable only because of food and monetary donations from churches, businesses, service organizations, state, county, and city governments, scout groups, and individuals interested in helping others. St. John’s UMC provides the space, utilities and staff support. Many Partnerships have been formed:  

If you want to stay more updated, or read more in depth stories about the people we work with and our life here I (Beth) blog every 2 weeks or so at http://livedtoward.wordpress.com.

   

We are so, so grateful for your prayers and support. You very literally make it possible for us to be here and we don’t take it for granted. Do let us know how you’re doing and how we can be praying for you too.

    

D&BW

Teen Challenge – manpower each Monday a.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, peanut butter, jelly, mac & cheese, and rice each month. John Wesley UMC – Applesauce & fruit each month. Community Concert – Food donations at each concert. Seaford School District – 15 can challenge Mountaire Poultry – monthly donations of 7 cases of chicken quarters. Seaford Rotary – grant. Pizza King – Riverfest proceeds Shipley Ctr. – referrals Love, Inc. – referral Churches throughout Community – donations of food Just to name a few......

2007 – 398 people served – $1,692.31 spent. 2014 – 1,839 people served - $34,339.05 spent (food/operations) Through August of 2015 – 946 people served $15,708.68 spent (food/operations) A huge “THANK YOU” to all that continue to support the Seaford Community Food Closet Ministry in so many ways! Thank you so much Mt. Olivet UMC for your continued support. - 17 -

October 2015

The Messenger

September 13th Children’s Sermon Commissioning of our Sunday School Teachers was on September 13th. Please pray for them throughout the year. Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who tell the children the truth about Jesus, For they will be called the teachers of God.

Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who lead one of the children to saving grace, through Jesus Christ, For they will have treasures in heaven.

Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who love and hug the children, For they will be embraced by God’s glory.

Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who call on God for wisdom in teaching His Word, For the Holy Spirit will speak the truth in love through them.

Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who endure the talkative children and the earpiercing screams of little girls, For they will hear God’s joyful laughter among them. Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who behave and play like the children around them, For they will receive youthful vigor for the next 10-15 minutes. Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who listen to the children’s concerns, For God will reveal His heart to them.

Our Sunday School Teachers are: Melissa & Steve Ferree, Alicia Carneal, Deb Harrison, Ann Bollinger, Susan Human & Bill Whitaker, Kathy Whitaker, Ann Carson, Chuck Harrison, Betty Wilbanks, Susan Kent, Judy Watson, & the Men Under Construction Class.

Blessed are the Sunday School Teachers … Who teach the children to pray, For they will experience God’s power through answered prayer.

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October 2015

The Messenger

OCTOBER 2015 SUNDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2

3

9

10

17

5:15 p. Bells Practice Sanctuary

4

5

6

8:30 a. Chapel Service 9:45 a. Sunday School 11:00 a. Worship Sanctuary NOON Youth Group 2:00 p. Boys Chrysalis Team Mtg, F. Hall

7:00 p. SPRC Mtg, Ricks Conf Rm

2:00 p. Psalms Bible Study 7:00 p. Psalms Bible Study

8

11

12

13

14

15

16

8:30 a.Chapel Service 9:45a.SundaySchool 11:00 a. Worship, Sanctuary NOON – Youth Group

7:00 p. Finance Mtg, Lounge

1:00 p. Prayer Shawl Team, Lounge 2:00p. Psalms Bible Study 6:00 p. Lydia Circle, Lounge 7:00 p. Psalms Bible Bible Study

1:30p. Lois Circle, Lounge

5:15p. Bells Practice Sanctuary 6:30p. Girl Scouts Fellowship Hall

6:30 a. Boys Chrysalis Send Off Sanctuary

18

19

20

21

22

23

8:30 a. Chapel Service 9:45a. Sunday School 11:00 a. Worship, Sanctuary NOON - Youth Lunch 1:00 p. Church Council, Lounge 4:00 p. Boys Chrysalis Homecoming, Sanct.

7:00p. Board of Trustees, Lounge

2:00 p. Psalms Bible Study 6:00 p. UMM Dinner Mtg, Fellowship Hall 7:00 p. Psalms Bible Study

NOON Lunch Bunch Fellowship Hall

5:15p. Bells Practice Sanctuary 6:30p. Girl Scouts Fellowship Hall All Day – Preparations For Roast Beef Dinner Fellowship Hall

25

26

27

28

29

7

5:15 Bells Practice Sanctuary 6:30p. Girl Scouts, Fellowship Hall

“Preschool Sunday”

8:30 a. Chapel Service 9:45a. Sunday School 11:00a. Worship, Sanctuary NOON – Youth Group

2:00 p. Psalms Bible Study 7:00 p. Psalms Bible Study

5:15 p. Bells Practice Sanctuary 6:30 p. Girl Scouts Fellowship Hall

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5:00 – 7:00 Roast Beef Dinner Fellowship Hall “Christmas Attic”

30

24 9 a. – 2 p. – “Christmas Attic”

31