MUMC June 2022 Newsletter

The Moscow United Methodist Church 126 Church Street Phone: (570)842-7251 Moscow, PA 18444 Email: [email protected] Website: www.moscowumc.com June 2022 e-Newsletter Table of Contents: Pastor Letter (2) Financial Report (4) EVC Grant Received (5) Graduation/Scholarship Sunday (7) Christian Connections (7) Learning Tree Preschool (7) Eagle Scout Project (8) Serving (9) Trustees (10) Foundations in Faith (11) Vision Team (13) District/Conference News (14) Sunday School (17) Ministries and Outreach (18) Community Event Update (20) Vacation Bible School (21) Annual Conference (21) Veterans Paint Night (22) Spring Sale (22) 1

Pastor’s Letter When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a mighty wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2 Welcome to June! The Summer season filled with fun and sun has begun. It is a joyful time, with the celebration of graduations, family and friend get togethers and vacations, and simply breathing in the presence of God that is so evident in this active season. Enjoy whatever Summer 2022 has in store for you! Here at MUMC we will be continuing with a few more community ministry and mission projects. It has been wonderful to witness the moving of the Holy Spirit as we become further alive in enthusiastic interactions which God has and is guiding us in new manners of sharing the love of Jesus. It is such Holy Spirit evident motivation and Christian connection that brings needed happiness and holiness to our surrounding area. As uncertainty and concerns increase in the world, we are called to distinctively offer the supportive hope that only the Lord is able to provide through our words and deeds to move forth toward better days. With God’s leading, MUMC is shining divine peaceful promise on the horizon. We do have to consistently keep in step with the Spirit to ensure all persons come to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life of all that is. As the wind of the Holy Spirit influences our communal Christian actions, we do need more persons to reach forth to help serve with upcoming activities and events. Any assistance of time, resources, spiritual gifts, donations, would ensure we raise praise to our Lord in the best manner possible that we will better serve 2

the congregation and our neighbors with successful, current spiritual opportunities, plus add new fresh expression opportunities to grow in faith. It is timely that we will celebrate Pentecost this Sunday. It is one of the holiest, most powerful movements of our Christian heritage, when the Church of Jesus Christ was established. God sent the life transforming Spirit into the world, the first sermon was preached, and thousands heard the Good News of forgiveness and life everlasting and became baptized into the family of God. May we stir up the winds of the Spirit that people will hunger and thirst no more with a void that God is waiting to fill in overflowing grace. We are equipped to do so, blessed with such empowering gifts to share that all will know without a doubt, MUMC is the place to come for worship and is the Church united (Church defined as the people) that takes love and hope where it is needed, meeting people where they are, guiding them to joyful peace that cannot be taken away. I look forward with anticipation of ALL that the Spirit shall accomplish through each and all of our members and friends channeling amazing grace which saves and sustains humanity for the collective journey we travel connected in the Spirit of Christ. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21 3

FINANCIAL REPORT General Fund April 2022: Income $8,481. Expenses $11,473. (-$2,992) Year-to-Date: Income $30,330. Expenses $48,513. (-$18,183) May 2022: Income $11,883. Expenses $11,382. (+501) Year-to-Date: Income $42,213. Expenses $59,895. (-$17,682) 3 months Ministry Shares are paid. Monthly: $1,396.75. YTD $4,190.25 May 31st Account Balance: $4,058. We were overly blessed to begin 2022 with a healthy balance in our General Fund. Unfortunately, as the months progressed, our expenses (especially during the Winter months) increased, and our giving has trended downward. It is a difficult time financially for people personally and once again, for us as a church community. As stated above, our expenses are far higher than our income. Overall and heading into the summer months, when financial giving tends to decrease, please prayerfully, as you are able, remember to bring your offering to worship or send in your tithes and offerings to the church. Our Stewardship Pledges were wonderful for this year. As a church together, we have to remain 4

true to dutifully be up-to-date in seeing those pledges through. It is a trying time, yet we must trust in God and give faithfully. The more we give, the more we receive. God is unfailing with provisions that we may bless others. We must maintain day-to-day operations, pay Ministry Shares, and carry on with the ministry possibilities God is bestowing upon us. The Finance Committee has met to explore options to make certain we can increase our income, however it is imperative we strive to thrive financially as biblically instructed combined for the common good of all. There is an upcoming combined meeting of the Finance Committee and Trustees, with Preschool Board representatives for further financial discussion. Please prayerfully discern your giving and pray that God’s wisdom will lead the meeting discussions to extra options enabling us to return to a stable financial level. We know we can do it. May God move everyone to give with confident obedience in the grateful blessings that shall come. EVC GRANT RECEIVED Through our connection with the conference with all of our 2021 Ministry Shares paid in full, we were able to apply for two grants recently to aid us in a new mission opportunity to better serve the older generation folks within our congregation and the neighboring community. We are still waiting to hear if we will also receive the other grant as well. We received a MissionInsite Report from our conference, this gave us more information about the members of our surrounding community and their needs so we may be able 5

create new connections. We learned that the majority of people in our community fall into the Autumn Years Mosaic Group, which means they are mostly retired and are not familiar with newer technology. Taking this information into account, we have prayerfully decided to open a mobile computer lab. With the money we received from the EVC grant we will have a way to purchase a few laptops and a mobile printer. We will be able to have functioning computers for members of our congregation and community to be able to use within our church building, as well as being able to take the laptops with us to residents who have a difficult time travelling. Really, this new technology opens up possibilities for all ages who may need assistance in connection with the church. Thanks be to God for providing us with blessed resources to bless others. 6

GRADUATION/SCHOLARSHIP SUNDAY In the month of June we will be celebrating our 2022 graduates from preschool through college programs. We will also be honoring our scholarship recipients. Be sure to watch our weekly announcements for the date to be posted. If you or someone you know is graduating, please send an email to [email protected] so we can gather a list of graduates. CHRISTIAN CONNECTIONS Christian Connections, the virtual Bible study, will meet every Tuesday evening at 6:15 in June. The link for Christian Connections is sent out weekly. For June, we will be looking at “current news of society” and recalling in God’s Word the consistent Christian way of walking with confidence, security, strength, and hope to remain obedient to our Guide Book for living in the midst of an ever changing, challenging world. LEARNING TREE PRESCHOOL In April we held a successful open house. We had a steady flow of potential students and parents. Many compliments on having a fun, organized and clean classroom. Smiles all around, registrations received. Our preschool class is full, and our preK class is filling up fast. We anticipate having a full house in the fall. 7

Spring is in the air, and we are now able to have outdoor time! You can find us seeking out backyard critters, hunting for worms, playing with chalk and of course lots and lots of BUBBLES! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle We learned all about the three R's for Earth Day and watched an educational video of a recycling center. Did you know the shirt you're wearing could've come from a bottle we recycled!? We pledged to Love the Earth and ended the day with a fun craft. Summer is approaching quickly, and with that comes the end of our school year. We are excited to celebrate the graduation of our preK class and wish them the best of luck on their journey through kindergarten. Our Preschool Board is in need of a financial representative. If you or someone you know would like to use their financial spiritual gifts to help this wonderful program, please contact Pastor Lori. 8

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT One of our church members, William Havenstrite, is going to be helping us create a prayer garden in the courtyard area. Beginning Saturday, June 11, he and some of his troop, as well as other volunteers, will begin removing the built up flower garden and timbers. He is hopeful to have the removal done in one day, if anyone would like to help with this project you can come out any time between 9-2 that day. Additionally, if anyone would like to take any of the plants from that garden, you can do so that morning. We would like to extend a special thank you to Billy for this project, with all the recent water issues, we have been advised to remove that garden so that wall will be clear and reduce the amount of water building up during rain storms. This could have been very costly for us to hire someone to complete this project, so we are very greatful he has agreed to take this on as his Eagle Scout project and we wish him the best of luck in this endeavor. SERVING With our increasing ministry and mission efforts, we are in need of volunteers for various teams, committees, and events. If you would like to share your spiritual gifts in our effort to spread the love of Jesus, please contact Pastor Lori for our available positions. We also ask that you continue sharing our social media posts, as well as inviting your friends and family to follow our social media pages, this increases our reach tremendously. 9

TRUSTEES Billy Havenstrite will begin the work on the terrace garden at the back entrance. It will be demolished, the timbers and stones repurposed, and there are plans for a prayer garden. More information will be provided as plans are confirmed. This is Billy’s Eagle Scout project and the Trustees are grateful for his work. The light in the upper parking lot is being replaced. It came down when the trees adjacent to the parsonage garage were taken down. The parsonage garage has two new overhead doors thanks to the generosity of Carol Reuther and funds given to the Memorial Fund in memory of Ken. The bell tower, including the light has been reset to be in sync with the actual time of day, and the rope was replaced. We thank Susan McLain and her sons for doing that work. In 2005, the estate of Marian Richards donated 7 cemetery plots to the church. They are in various locations of Moscow Cemetery. If you know of someone in financial need of one or more of these plots, please contact Carol Verrone. Repairs will be made to the front wall of the sanctuary near the organ pipes. As always, if you see something that needs the attention of the trustees, please contact one of us. 10

FOUNDATIONS IN FAITH HYMN ABIDE WITH ME TEXT: HENRY FRANCIS LYTE 1793-1847 MUSIC: WILLIAM MONK 1823 – 1889 Henry F. Lyte was born in Scotland, educated in Ireland and graduated from Trinity College, Dublin in 1814. His intention was to study medicine but instead studied with the Anglican Church. His longest pastorate was the 24 years he spent at Lower Brixham in Devonshire, England, a poor fishing village parish. His health declined in his later years, as he struggled with tuberculosis. He was reassigned to the warmer climate of Italy, and on the voyage to Rome, died in Nice, France where he is buried in the English Cemetery. Lyte’s inspiration for this hymn, probably written around 1820, came from the Biblical account of Christ’s appearance with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus and their statement: “Abide with us: for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.” Luke: 24:29. Lyte changed ‘Abide with US’ to ‘Abide with ME’ to make this hymn speak to the individual in prayer or meditation. He also uses ‘evening’ as a metaphor for death, making this hymn a favorite at funerals. The first appearance of this hymn in America was in Henry Ward Beecher’s PLYMOUTH COLLECTION in 1855, but the tune was 11

one composed by Lyte. Some time later the hymn was discovered by William Henry Monk, music editor of the well-known Anglican Church hymnal, HYMNS ANCIENT AND MODERN. In less than half an hour Monk had composed the tune we know today as “Eventide”, inspired by the beauty of a glorious sunset while experiencing a deeply personal sorrow. This tune coupled with the inspirational text has assured the continual use of this hymn in corporate worship across all denominations. Henry Francis Lyte is the author several hymns including, “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” and “Praise My Soul, The King of Heaven.” William Henry Monk, also a choir director and organist at King’s College, London, has supplied the tune for “Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious” and has supplied our familiar arrangements for: “For the Beauty of the Earth”, “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”, “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” and “The Strife is O’er”. 12

VISION TEAM The Vision Team continues to creatively process the centered vision that will lead MUMC into the future. The Vision Team will also be forming a Vision Statement to keep us on the track of moving toward accomplishing the vision made. The Vision Statement will function in unison with our Mission Statement “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”. The vision process will include much input from the congregation. Some of the next steps in the visioning process are looking at personal and communal faith stories, finding the strengths of the church and looking at areas that need improvement, also studying our demographics further to uncover more area needs we may not have yet realized. With prayerful discernment, we will delve into the - who-what-where-when-how of ministry and mission, especially looking to the core values of the congregation to live into God’s will for MUMC. 13

DISTRICT/CONFERENCE/MISSION CENTRAL Immediately after Annual Conference, the full Cabinet and representatives from each District will be departing on a spiritual journey into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. We will visit sites such as the MLK Institute, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, The Rosa Parks Museum, Edmund Pettus Bridge; as well as hear from some who experienced first hand the Civil Rights era of the 60s. We will return on Saturday, June 11. Participating from the SWB District are Pastors Judy and David Walker, Pastor Robin Fillmore, Brien and Liz McChesney. Please check out the Scranton Wilkes-Barre facebook page, or you can follow the journey of all participants who will share inspirations, experiences, and calls to a life of justice and building the Beloved Community on https://www.facebook.com/SUSCRJ Camp Opportunities: CHILDREN'S MUSIC CAMP // GREENE HILLS Campers will experience music in a fun way through outdoor worship, talent shows, and our very own musical performance. Join us for a week of fun, crafts, music, and Jesus this summer! JUNE 19-25 // GRADES 3-6 // DEANS: KRIS SLEDGE & GABRIEL ROBISON AMP'D // WESLEY FOREST Want to amp up your summer? A week full of epic adventures await those looking to create lifelong memories! Our days begin 14

and end with music and the outdoors, setting the stage for meaningful daily worship. During the day, enthusiastic counselors are ready to challenge you to crazy games, exciting activities, and exploring God's Word. Amp'd is the perfect balance of spiritual growth, lasting friendships, music for the soul, and ultimate summer fun. JUNE 26 - July 1 // GRADES 7-12 // DEANS: RICK ROBINSON & LINDSEY GARNER CAMP NEW ADVENTURE // CAMP PENN Get ready for the most colorful game of capture the flag, creek stomping along the Appalachian Trail, loud and fun worship in the stillness of the forest, and exploring what it truly means to live and love like Jesus - and in the process, change the world. We're ready to welcome you into a week of camp fun, amazing memories, and friendships with a team of counselors who first came to Camp Penn as campers themselves! JULY 17-22 // GRADES 3-5 // DEAN: ANDREA SMYSER GRANDPARENTS & ME // MOUNT ASBURY An intergenerational camp for the young and young at heart. Tighten the bond with your grandkids as you enjoy fun activities, arts and crafts, and coming closer to God. AUGUST 5-7 // AGES 4-12 // DEAN: DENISE HASKINS Mission Central Ukraine Donation Update: From Cris Mizerak, Business Administrative Assistant 15

When news of the invasion of Ukraine broke, we here at Mission Central knew we had to help and find other like-minded partners. It has been amazing to see the outpouring of support of others (individuals, churches, schools and organizations) near and far. Not only have we received financial donations but much needed material donations and donations of time. Many volunteers (new and existing) sorted and boxed the supplies that were delivered through our partners to the Ukrainian soldiers and people. When there is so much bad news happening in the world today, I feel blessed to be a small part in helping those in need and working with other like-minded and prayerful people. Mission Central is truly “connecting God’s resources with human need.” 16

SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School has officially concluded for the summer. Our end of the year picnic to celebrate all the hard work from the students and teachers will be Sunday, June 5. The students learned so much this year, and were continuously reminded of ways they can go out and spread the word and the love of Jesus. We did some fun experiments, cooked/prepared delicious snacks, and read many stories from the bible. We planted flowers and made cards to celebrate Mother’s Day, the children also handed out flowers after the service on Mother’s Day. We invited the children to replace flags on the graves of veterans in the Moscow Cemetery and St. Catherine’s Cemetery for Memorial Day. The children enjoyed delivering the donations to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and meeting some of the cats that need families. After a very busy year, we are looking forward to Summer Break, and can’t wait to see everyone again in the fall! 17

MINISTRIES AND OUTREACH Donation Station: We continue our monthly Donation Stations in the narthex of the church building. Each month we collect for a different charity. For the month of June we will be collecting items for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. We will be putting together an amazon wish list of items that can be purchased and dropped off or shipped directly to the church. Some of the items we are in need of include blank puzzle pieces that can be decorated, Nativity Activity Packs, Nativity stickers, small Christmas cookie/candy cutters (we are sticking with the Nativity theme, so crosses, animals, angels, stars, bells, hearts, etc). Plastic Bags: We are currently collecting plastic grocery bags, as well as other types of plastic, such as plastic mailing envelopes, produce bags, newspaper bags, and plastic overwrap. Our goal is to collect 1500 pounds of plastic to get three benches made of the recycled materials in return. By donating your plastic bags to the church you will be helping with our goal, and keeping those items out of landfills. So far we have collected enough plastic to receive one bench. The plastic will be collected over the next year. Crochet/knit hats: We continue collecting handmade hats for babies born at Geisinger CMC in Scranton. Any pattern that makes a newborn or preemie sized hat works, but we do ask that you use softer yarn, as a baby’s skin is delicate. If you need a pattern, please contact the church office. So far we have donated almost 200 hats. 18

Soda Tabs: We continue to collect soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Thank to everyone who has and continued to collect tabs for this wonderful organization! Street Fair: This year we will again host the Art Show as well as the Quilt Show. We had some absolutely stunning pieces last year and look forward to sharing our church building with those groups again this year. The Learning Tree Preschool will again host some activities and be handing out the remaining bicycle helmets. We will also be selling Welsh Cookies again, last year we were sold out very early on the second day, so if you would like to get some of the best Welsh Cookies around be sure to come early. Parade Float: We will be working hard to get a float set up to promote our Vacation Bible School Program as well as our church and preschool in the Covington Volunteer Fire Company’s annual parade. We will also be entering our float in the parade during the Street Fair after VBS has concluded. Be sure to look for us in both events. CPR/AED Classes: We continue to offer CPR/AED classes to our members. Our very own Mark Chmielewski teaches the classes and is certified through the American Heart Association. The classes are $20 each and include a 4 hour class, a work book, and a digital certification card. If you would like to be added to the list for future classes, please contact the church office. 19

BICYCLE HELMET GIVEAWAY On Sunday, May 29, we hosted an event to hand out free bicycle helmets to local children in need. We collected donations throughout the month and were able to collect over 40 helmets. The helmets were blessed our Worship Service that morning. At the event, Chief Ivy from the Moscow Police Department helped fit 25+ children for new helmets. Once they had their helmet, they moved on to Susan McLain to go over some safety rules and receive their Bicycle License. Our lovely Abby Havenstrite had a ball painting the faces of some of the children that came out. We also had Miss Amy open the preschool to visitors while handing out activity sheets and making paper ice pops as a craft. We had snacks, drinks, and games available for the children. It was a wonderful afternoon with a great turn out. We do still have some helmets available to hand out during the Moscow Street Fair in August. 20

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL This year our theme is Christmas in July, we will be teaching our children the true meaning and message of the Christmas holiday. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about the birth of Jesus and what that means for us without the added distractions and excitement of impending holiday celebrations. This event will take place at our church July 18, 19, and 20, from 6-8pm. Registration forms will be open soon. If you would like to help us out we will need plenty of volunteers to run each station and help with the groups to make sure the children travel safely between stations. Please contact Pastor Lori, Barbara Havenstrite, or Jennie in the office if you would like to volunteer. We will also be having a Live Nativity event on Sunday, July 24 to celebrate what the children have learned during VBS. We are looking forward to this event, which promises to be a “Merry Good Time”. ANNUAL CONFERENCE: We ask that you say a special prayer for this year’s Annual Conference. We thank Donna Mela for attending as the lay representative, and Pastor Lori for representing our church during this historic period in our denomination. There will be major changes happening to the United Methodist Denomination over the next several years. We continue to pray for these decisions to be made peacefully and prayerfully with the best interest of our church families in mind. 21

VETERANS PAINT NIGHT Our church members, Tom and Carina Havenstrite, own Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm, in Covington Township. The will be partnering with The Mess Hall and Spirited Art in Scranton to provide a free Painting and Alpaca Experience to thirty local veterans in mid-July as a small thank you for their service. The vets will get to paint their own canvas during an instructor led class, while enjoying the company of the alpacas, and sharing some treats in between brush strokes. They are asking for donations to sponsor a veteran for this unique experience, they are trying to raise $600 for the cost of supplies for this event. Please contact Carina Havenstrite at (570)955-8228 with any questions. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Jennie in the office and she will make sure your very generous donation goes towards helping a veteran enjoy this event. SPRING SALE Our annual Spring Sale will be hosted in the social hall on Saturday June 18 from 8am-1pm. We are looking for volunteers to help set up and run the sale. If you would like to help out, please contact Cis Lyon, Paulette Fotta, or Carol Burnett, and please bring a friend or two. This event is well worth the hard work put into it every year, but we need all the volunteers we can get. Drop off days are Wednesday-Friday (June 15-17) from 1-6 for anyone who has items to be donated. We are NOT accepting the following items: Christmas Trees, televisions, cloths, stuffed animals, 22

computers, and encyclopedias. We will be serving food and drinks this year. 23