A note from the Pastor:

When Wilma suggested that this month’s newsletter would focus on people’s favorite hymns, I

immediately said “I need to write about a Charles Wesley hymn!”

Charles Wesley is one of the founders of the Methodist church. His gift for combing sound theology,

spiritual allusions and “plain music” were an important part of the Methodist revival that swept through

England during the 18th century.

But what song to pick? Charles wrote more than 6,000 hymns. Many of which we still know and love

to this day. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “Christ the Lord Is

Risen Today,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” just to name a few!

But, as I reflected, I found myself drawn to one of Wesley’s hymn that is unfortunately not familiar to

most of us. The hymn is known as “And Are We Yet Alive?” And although it’s rather unfamiliar it holds

an important place in Methodist tradition. Somewhere around 1780, Charles’ brother, John (who

usually gets most of the credit for founding the Methodist church) began using this hymn as the opening

song to what we would consider annual conference. That tradition has continued to this day. In our

conference, “And Are We Yet Alive” is the opening song sung at the clergy session.

It’s a shame that the song has been forgotten by most congregations over the years. If there is ever a

time to recover this song, the time is now. Listen to how powerfully the words speak to us in the midst

of “quarantine:”

441 Pine Street, Williamsport PA 17701

(570) 323-4604 - office

Pastor James B. Wooster, Jr.

www.pinestreetumc.org

streetpine@hotmail.com

And are we yet alive,

And see each other's face?

Glory and praise to Jesus give

For His redeeming grace!

Preserved by power divine

to full salvation here,

Again in Jesus' praise we join,

And in His sight appear.

What troubles have we seen,

What conflicts have we past,

Fightings without, and fears

within,

Since we assembled last!

But out of all the Lord

Hath brought us by His love;

And still He doth His help afford,

And hides our life above.

Then let us make our boast

Of His redeeming power,

Which saves us to the uttermost,

Till we can sin no more:

Let us take up the cross,

Till we the crown obtain;

And gladly reckon all things loss,

So we may Jesus gain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m going to suggest that we learn this song as a church family. It’s

set to a familiar tune, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds.” I’ve asked

Karl and Kristen to record it and place it on our website. ” Let’s

learn it and when we are finally able to sing together in person, it

will be our celebration that God’s mighty power has brought us

through the time of trial, through the testing!

Amen. ~~Pastor James

OFFICE HOURS (tentative)

Monday-Thursday – 8AM – 3PM

Friday – 8: AM – 1:30PM

Email: streethtpine@hottmail.com

http://www.pinestreetumc.org

During this time, office coverage is daily

from 10am to 2pm. Emails are checked daily

on a regular basis.

JULY/AUGUST PINE NEEDLE Please have any material for the July/August Pine Needle in the church office no later than

Wednesday, June 17th. Any early submissions are appreciated.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Graduates!

FRANK BEAGHLEY, JR.: Williamsport Area High School

Future Plans: attending Lock Haven University for Biomedical Science

and walk-on for the baseball team

RACHAEL GRIMES: McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario) with an honours

bachelors degree in Classics

Future Plans: attending University of Colorado to pursue a master’s degree in Latin

ALEX McWILLIAMS: Montoursville High School

Future Plans: attending Lancaster Bible College with a dual major in Biblical Studies

and another undecided major

COLLIN PORTER: Loyalsock Township High School

Future Plans: attending Northwestern University majoring in Material Science

with a minor in General Music

JESSE THOMPSON: Duquesne University with a Violin Performance degree

Future Plans: attending graduate school at Duquesne

A service is currently being broadcast on the radio. You can tune

in at 11AM on WWPA 1340AM and 101.7 FM (please note

change from 101.3) or if you have an HD radio you can tune in to

WILQ HD3.

We will also provide a link each week to watch a pre-recorded

service on YouTube.

How can I support PSUMC with my gifts and

offerings during this time?

Mail it to the church office

Drop off at the office between 10AM – 2PM

Electronically via our website.

Your gifts will continue to support the ministry of

PSUMC as we continue to proclaim the good news of

the gospel.

SPECIAL ENVELOPE FOR JUNE:

JUNE SPECIAL OFFERING: In our offering packets the June special for PEACE WITH JUSTICE

seeks to enrich ministries of reconciliation in the United States and around the world. Recent grants

have funded anti-racism events in Michigan, advocacy for immigrants in Arizona, Illinois, and

Michigan, support for vulnerable people in Wisconsin, congregation-based community organizing in

Alaska, a solidarity visit to the Holy Land, election monitoring in the Democratic Republic of the

Congo and a conference focusing on the importance of the church in Europe. We hear the Apostle

Paul’s reminder to the church in Corinth to live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with

you.

BLOODMOBILE

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at Pine Street on Tuesday, June 16, from 1:00PM to 6:00PM. Scheduled appointments are strongly encouraged. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Williamsport to schedule an appointment.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship help is available from funds given to the church. A gift is designated for music students. If you are going to study music in college, you may be eligible for tuition assistance or help with lesson fees. If you are going to attend one of our United Methodist Colleges, you may be eligible for tuition assistance from the R. Andrew Lady Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Committee will receive the applications due June 5th and determine the recipients. Applications are available from the church office.

My Favorite Hymn or Spiritual Song How Great Thou Art is my absolute favorite hymn.

I used to hum it when I was young, viewing Yosemite's towering mountain majesty and the Grand Canyon's brilliant emptiness: "When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made..."

I used to sing it as a teen riding my bike alone on back country roads: "When through the woods & forest glades I wander..."

I sing it every Easter with pride and gratitude in my heart: "And when I think that God his son not sparing, sent him to die..."

I sang it with tearful acceptance and peace at my toddler's, my mother's and my father's funerals: "When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart..."

This beautiful Swedish folk melody and its prayerful lyrics fill my heart with the comforting power and omni-presence of God whom I eternally thank for His incredibly inspiring life-gifts: "I bow with humble adoration and there proclaim my God how great thou art."

Christine Rogers Kindon Jesus Loves Me because it is the greatest proclamation of our Christian faith. Mary Bower, now of Lewisburg PA

My favorite hymn writer, Francis Jane Crosby wrote more than 9,000 hymns, some of which are among the most popular in

every Christian denomination. And the most remarkable thing about her was that she had done so in spite of her blindness

(from birth). Here are just a few of familiar hymns by her:

All the Way My Savior Leads Me , Blessed Assurance , He Hideth My Soul, More Like Jesus, I Am Thine, O Lord (Draw Me Nearer), Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home,, My Savior First of All , Near the Cross, Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior, Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, Our Blessed Redeemer, Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It, Rescue the Perishing, Safe in the Arms of Jesus, Saved by Grace, .Take the World, But Give Me Jesus, To God Be the Glory. The list goes on and on so I find it hard to come up with just one. Ephesians 5:19-20 says….Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. Based on that verse I will pick “To God Be the Glory, great things He has done.” From His wonderful creation to giving His only Son for my salvation to how He has and continues to work in my life, I give Him all the glory. Verse 3 Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see. So I end with the words of another song: (author Jim Hill) “What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face,, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be!” To God Be the Glory! Wilma Robson I Can Only Imagine by the group Mercy Me is my favorite Christian song. It is an emotional ballad that questions what it will be like to go to heaven and meet God:

I can only imagine what it will be like When I walk by your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see When your face is before me.

I can only imagine. And then it asks “how will we respond when we see God:”

Surrounded by your glory What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus? Or in awe of you be still

Will I stand in your presence? Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine.

It is a song that brings hope and reassurance. Lynne Hoskie

Getting to Know Our Leadership Team Name: Nancy Lady

Birthday: Feb. 12

Family: husband – Andy, deceased; children: Paul, Linda, Carol, Scott. I am the remaining one of five

siblings.

What’s your Favorite?

Ice Cream Butter pecan

TV Show Blue Bloods

Meal lasagna

Dessert cheesecake

Restaurant Olive Garden

Color blue

Movie Gone with the Wind

How did you come to Pine Street?

Began in 1948 as a Lycoming student. Returned in 1957 when my husband was employed at Lycoming

College.

How did you come to know Jesus?

At my father’s knee as I observed his faithful daily devotions and serious church leadership

What is a favorite memory of Pine Street? Christmas Eve service when you had to search for a place to

sit

What is one wish you have for Pine Street’s future? To return to a place of community leadership and

influence in people’s lives

What do you wish other people knew about Pine Street? Our effective ministry over the years and the

great things we do here now

What would you tell someone who is thinking about coming to Pine Street? We are a warm, welcoming

fellowship, and we have a place for you to make a difference in our ministry

What might people be surprised to know about you? I was a shy farm girl who was fortunate to have a

mother who was modern in her thinking about a woman’s role in the family and society.

What skills and knowledge do you bring to our team? Longevity in our church’s ministry having served

on nearly every committee and service in conference and community boards which helps to develop ability

to work with others

Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Ruth exemplifies family devotion

Do you have a favorite bible verse or life verse? Why is that verse important to you? Isaiah 40:29-31.

All power and strength come from God if we but ask.

Who impacted your faith the most? What impact did they have? My father was unceasingly grateful to

God and would always be able to point to ways “the Lord takes care of me” when others would have

pointed to life’s shortcomings.

What is your favorite church song? Why? “Great is Thy Faithfulness” speaks of forgiveness and

promise for the future for all that is needed.

How do you see your faith growing? I marvel at new ways of service appearing, and I struggle to discern

how I can help as physical strength diminishes. As challenges of society seem overpowering, I am

encouraged by God’s people finding new ways to meet challenges.

What hobbies do you have? How did you choose them? I love to read, and the world could cave in while

I’m fully engaged in a good book. This is life-long, and I don’t know when it started. My other hobby is

playing bridge, and that was part of “my marriage vows.” I had to learn, and I find it challenging mental

exercise.

If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it? I would read the next 50 pages!

If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I’d like a European river cruise.

What are your pet peeves? Bad spelling and punctuation in the newspaper

What was your favorite toy as a kid? As a “Depression child,” I didn’t have many toys. I placed my dolls on

chairs and “taught school.”

If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose? I would find a cure for cancer as it struck

many in my family and others.

MANY THANKS FOR YOUR MEMORIES

Of the Life and Witness of

Marian Meyer Schell January 16, 1933- May 6, 2020

Our family is deeply touched by the many cards, words of appreciation for Marian’s loving service to

them, and promises of prayers for our family. All felt the Christ-like spirit in her daily life and

remembering others before herself. We cannot fully tell you how much your support means to us in

this sudden loss.

As we thank you for prayers, I want to share Marian’s life-time prayers for you and others. If you were

on the prayer list, or in our Membership directory, or a friend she met who talked about a concern in

life, or a pastor or spouse—Yes, Marian prayed faithfully for you!

Every night, she would spend up to an hour, first going over all the prayer lists. Then she would select

from our membership directory names of those she was missing in church, and those who were

serving so regularly. Each morning she then asked me what we could do for some who may have lost

their faith as well as help the ministry of the church. Her concern was how to make life better for other

people always with a smile.

We thank those who are able to give to our Social Service fund, a favorite of hers. We will sorely miss

her as we give thanks for the blessed years of her life. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall

see God.”

Sincerely,

Walter, Scott, Melodie and Gary, Vanessa, Curtis, and Clara, Janelle, Nick, and Robert

“The meal you sent was wonderful, also your other gift of

kindness. This means so much for us. God bless everyone and

be safe.”

---Faith Englert, Colleen Miller, Donna Englert

“I thank every Pine Streeter for the prayers of healing. It is a slow

venture. I am walking without any support…feels good…still hurts

some! Thank you also for the many beautiful cards!”

---Donna R. Miller

THANK-YOU NOTES have been received from Saving Grace for

our Second-mile giving in the amount of $553.00 and from the

Preachers’ Aid society for the Foundation Fund gift of $500.00 for

aid to pastors for seminary debt. We continue our outreach in

many ways. Thank you.

Pine Street United Methodist Church

441 Pine Street

Williamsport PA 17701

June 2020

Have you checked out the website for Pine Street? www.pinestreetumc.org

Check out Pine Street UMC Facebook page

We continue to keep our Pine Street family in prayer.

Witnessing to our faith and serving Christ from Pine Street for 193 years!

Pine Street United Methodist Church

Our Vision

Show Christ’s Love

Teach God’s Truth

Share the Gospel

How is God calling you to fulfill our vision?