Bly Lines_______________________

IN THIS ISSUE

� Pastor’s Message � June Services � Summer Music � Birthdays and Anniversaries � June Schedule of Duties � Financial Report � Shut-Ins & Military � Sisters of Service � In the Garden Tea � Church Directories � Women’s Book Club � Chicken BBQ � “Thank You” � Our Graduates � Smart 911 � Emmanuel ’s Closet News � Healing Hearts � “Bly’s” Report � Just For Kids � June Calendar

News, Notes and Revelations from

St. John’s Blymire’s United Church of Christ

______________________________________________________June 2016

● From the From the From the From the

Pastor’s DeskPastor’s DeskPastor’s DeskPastor’s Desk

Greetings to you and peace from God our Father, and our

Lord Jesus Christ. In our weekly Bible Study group we are currently studying "Fruit of the Spirit" and we are looking at the nine fruits or qualities we have in life when we live a Spirit centered life. This week we began the chapter about Faithfulness and our focus scripture is 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. This passage presents Jehoshaphat's relationship to God and how after he took things into his own hands and made an alliance with Ahab against God's will Jehoshaphat then turns to God when the nation of Israel is in danger of invasion. Jehoshaphat did not put his trust in God and made an alliance that God did not want him to make. In the good, productive times Jehoshaphat trusted his own thinking and his own way instead of putting every decision of his life into God's hands. Then when things were going bad, he cried out to God -- HELP US! We talked about our humanness and how we have a tendency to take control of our lives instead of trusting God every day, but then when things go awry, we have a tendency to cry out to God and expect him to jump in and turn things around. Well, it shouldn't be that way! We need to be willing to put our trust in God regarding every aspect of our lives BEFORE we get into trying times or trouble with our actions. I know, this is easier said than done. I acknowledge that there are many times in my life that when I am faced with a decision, I have a tendency to just jump in WITHOUT praying or asking God to guide my decision making. Now, sometimes it does work out that the decision I make is in line with God's will and things work out. BUT, there are times when the decision I make is not in alignment with God and thus I get into sticky situations or trouble of a deeper nature. Oh, how awesome it would be if before I make any decision at all I would pray to God to guide my thoughts and my decisions and God would lead me to choose everything according to His purpose for me. Trusting in God and being 100% faithful is difficult to say the least. When things are going good it is easier to trust God and give Him praise and thanks for all the blessings. But, when things are challenging and not going so well, it is a lot harder to trust in God and affirm that God is with us. When we are faced with financial problems, health problems, relationship problems, or any kind of problem in life we have the assurance that God is there with us. Whenever we face something in life that just smothers us, we have the assurance that God

reaches out his hand and grasps our hand to pull us through! Whenever we feel that we are sinking into a deep pit of despair, God reaches out his hand and pulls us up. We know that "ALL things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to the will of God." (Romans 8:28). ALL THINGS—finance, health, relationships— ALL THINGS no matter how oppressive they may be! (Now, I will admit that I am praying that this passage also applies to the presidential election we are in the throes of at this point in time!) ALL THINGS! So, no matter what we are facing—PRAY—reach out to receive the POWER of God in everything! (This is a reference to the focus of the study times at our family retreat at Hartman Center—to plug into the POWER of God!) Be FAITHFUL in spirit and know that God is ALWAYS near! How reassuring is this????

God Bless! With love, Pastor Lou Ann

SPECIAL SERVICES in JUNE

June 5 – Pentecost 3—Music Sunday

Gospel: Luke 7:11-17 No Sermon June 12 – Pentecost 4

Gospel: Luke 7:36-8:3 Sermon “Who Is This?” June 19 – Pentecost 5

Gospel: Luke 8:26-39 Sermon “From Possessed to Prophet” June 26 – Pentecost 6

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62 Sermon “Kingdom Fitness”

June 5 - Music Sunday July 24 - Tim Sleeth

June 12 - Josh Bishop July 31 - Linda Viscount

June 19 - Women’s Choir August 7 - Keith Collier

June 26 - Barb Adams August 14 - Greatly Blessed

July 3 - Blymire’s Brass Band August 21 - Joyce Horning

July 10 - Tom Ensminger August 28 - Love, Peace and Joy

July 17 - Sonny Swords September 4 - Priscilla Pettyjohn

1. Debbie Boyd

2. Jenna Woerner

3. Michael Barley

9. Matthew Boyd

Chase Morton

Sandy Brown

10. David Cress

13. Aria Shane

Joseph Klyeman

15. Dolores Barley

Richard Forbes

18. Mike Axe

20. Ida Michael

22. Sharon Criswell

Gunther Knickel

23. Ashlyn Innerst

24 Wyatt Myers

25. Sandy Innerst

26. Carol Gingerich

Jeremiah Rayhart

JUNE

BIRTHDAYS

May God

Bless You

On Your

Birthday!

CELEBRATING JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

June 5 - Kimberly & Tracey Dilling - 3 years

June 12 - Kenneth and Ida Michael - 40 years

June 13 - Patrick and Erin Michaels - 7 years

June 19 - David and Maranda Morton - 17 years

June 20 - Carl and Sharon Criswell - 46 years

June 22 - Tarrence and Sandra Ness - 20 years

June 23 - David and Jackie Roe - 54 years

June 25 - Sterling and Debra Boyd - 10 years

June 28 - James and Jean McDowell - 47 years

SCHEDULE OF DUTIES for JUNE

GREETERS:

June 5 - Nancy Taylor

June 12 - Donna Sleeth

June 19 - Trudy Wise

June 26 - Jeri Jones

GIFT COLLECTORS: LAY READERS:

June 5 - David & Susan McDowell June 5 - Linda Rost

June 12 - Ruth Grove June 12 - Kevin Myers

June 19 - Peter & Donna Busch June 19 - Susan McDowell

June 26 - Linda Flinchbaugh June 26 - Sonja Ness

ACOLYTES: COFFEE SOCIAL HOSTS:

June 5 - Trudy Wise June 5 - To be announced

June 12 - David & Susan McDowell June 12 - To be announced

June 19 - Nelson & Marti Leader June 19 - Sisters of Service

June 26 - Greg & Sonja Ness June 26 - Sonja Ness

SOUND SYSTEM OPERATORS: LIGHTING OPERATORS:

June 5 - Ed Adams June 5 - Joel Frey

June 12 - Terry Doll June 12 - Greg Ness

June 19 - Chase Matthews June 19 - Greg Ness

June 26 - Wyatt Myers June 26 - Sterling Boyd

CAMERA OPERATORS: VIDEO OPERATORS:

June 5 - Greg Ness June 5 - Sydney Brown

June 12 - John Sterling June 12 - Tessa Myers

June 19 - Todd Miller June 19 - Judy Bishop

June 26 - Terry Doll June 26 - Nelson Leader

ALTAR GUILD: Jean McDowell & Barb Adams

DEADLINE FOR JULY/AUGUST NEWSLETTER: June 15

Month-2016 Income Expense Income Expense Income Expense

January $7,887.33 $8,395.21 $549.65 $151.88 $451.20 $0.00

February $14,123.82 $8,677.36 $1,249.27 $181.00 $0.73 $1,095.00

March $9,627.13 $11,746.85 $522.60 $413.84 $0.64 $2,324.23

April $8,812.60 $7,989.95 $503.95 $123.18 $0.48 $325.00

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Total $40,450.88 $36,809.37 $2,825.47 $869.90 $453.05 $3,744.23

Undesignated General Fund Red Brick Chapel Cemetery

Financial Assistance Given through Hand of Hope Fund - 2016

# Total Monthly Available

Families $$$ Donations Balance

Beginning $ 361.26

January 2 $ 50.00 $ 80.31 $ 391.57

February 2 $ 75.00 $ 95.47 $ 412.04

March $ 96.41 $ 508.45

April 3 $ 75.00 $ 82.46 $ 515.91

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Total 7 $ 200.00 $ 354.65

FINANCIAL REPORT

Balance of Undesignated General Fund @ May 1, 2016 $7,256.24

Balance of Red Brick Chapel Fund @ May 1, 2016 (Includes $40,069.44 Endowment) $65,414.54

Balance of Cemetery Fund @ May 1, 2016 (Includes $699,508.85 CD’s, Trusts, UCC Foundation)) $705,181.89

REMEMBER OUR SHUT-INS

Hazel Erwine 3185 Paulownia Lane

York, PA 17404 889-8677

Peggy Luckenbaugh Room 704B

Colonial Manor Nursing Home York, PA 17403

Our Women’s Book Club will hold their June meetings on Tuesday, June 7, and Tuesday, June 21, at 10:00 AM in the Gathering Room. We will continue to discuss John Ortberg’s All the Places You Will Go: How Will I Know? Rarely, in the Bible does God tell someone to “stay.” Instead He opens doors and invites us to walk through, into the unknown. Come join us in a talk about how doors can lead to divine adventure. New mem-bers are always welcome. ___________________________________________________________________________________

On Saturday, June 11, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, the Men’s Group will once again be holding a chicken BBQ. You will get a 1/2 chicken, baked potato, and roll and butter all for $7.00. If you would like to place an order, please fill out the slip below and turn it in to the church office or call 244-0655. Other BBQ’s will be held on the 2nd Saturday of each month thru September. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Name ________________________________

Phone Number_________________________

Number of Dinners ____ x $7.00 = _________

. S.O.S.

(SISTERS OF SERVICE)

Sisters of Service will hold their next meeting on Monday, June 6, at 6:30 PM at the church. Barb Adams will lead devotions. Refreshments will be provided by Stephanie Frey.

__________________________________________________________________________________

IN THE GARDEN TEA

The Homewood at Plum Creek Auxiliary will be hosting two teas again this year. They will take place at 12:30 PM on Saturday, July 23, and Tuesday, July 26, in the Windows Dining Room at Homewood at Plum Creek. The cost is $20 per person and all proceeds will benefit the Homewood residents. If you would like to attend, please contact Steph Frey at 244-5012. Seating is limited to 180 each day, so please make your reservations as soon as possible

___________________________________________________________________________________

Over the summer Wanda will be working on updating our members directory. If anything has changed in your household or if you wish to add any additional

information from what is included in the blue 2015 directory, please let her know before June 20. Thank you.

*****************************************************

A1C Ness, Brandon 98950 East Harmony Lane Tucson, AZ 85748 *****************************************************

. . . to everyone who helped with the cemetery and grounds cleanup.

. . . to the Men’s Group for making the delicious chicken barbecue and to everyone who bought some. Also to those who contribute baked goods each month.

. . . to the Fun Team for organizing the retreat at Hartman Center. Special thanks to Kathi Sterling, Ginny Weber and Diana Myers for getting all the food, and to Ginny and Diana

for supplying the craft projects. Thanks also to Pastor Lou Ann for leading the POWER lessons.

. . . to Burl and Carol Gingerich for planting the holly tree by the flagpole in memory of Burl’s parents.

. . . to Dave and Brenda Miller, Mike and Heather Matthews family, and the scouts from

Bethlehem UMC for putting the American flags on the graves of veterans in our cemetery.

. . . to the Honor Guard/Ritual Squad from the Dallastown American Legion Post #605 for conducting a service near the flagpole following our Memorial Day Sunday worship.

. . . to the members of the Senior Choir and all the other musicians who help to create a “Joyful Noise” in our church. Thanks also to our organist Brenda Kerchner and music director Nelson

Leader for all your work throughout the year. A special thank you to Pastor Lou Ann, who in addition to preaching, also shares her musical talents with us.

. . . to Rev. David Roe for preaching on Sundays when Pastor Lou Ann is away and also for sharing his musical talents.

Dallastown Area High School

Tessa Myers, daughter of Kevin and Renne Myers, will graduate from Dallastown Area High School on June 7. While in school Tessa was Student Council secretary, a member of the National Honor Society, the Big/Little Buddy Program, Link Crew, Co-Chair for the Homecoming Committee, Co-Chair for Mini-Thon for Hospitality, and Co-Chair for Mr. DHS. She also participated in Track and Field in grades 9 and 10 and in Girls JV/

Varsity Volleyball throughout high school. Tessa received the following awards: Henry H. Schaeffer II Memorial Scholarship, the Quarterback Club of York Female Scholarship, Dallastown/Red Lion Rotary Student of the Month in 2015, and the Character Count Award for Girls Volleyball. Tessa plans to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh for Health Services Management on the Pre-Med track.

We congratulate Tessa upon the completion of her studies and wish her well

as she begins the next phase of her life.

SMART 911 Representatives from the County of York 911 Center will be at the church on Tuesday, June 14, from 4:00-5:00 PM to present a program on the new-developed SMART 911 system. Participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for the program, which will aid in asking less questions to you over the telephone should an emergency occur at your residence. Please plan to attend this important orientation. Any questions, call Jeri Jones at 887-7103.

EMMANUEL’S CLOSET June 2016

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who lent us their hands and vehicles on Saturday, May 22, to move us to our new home. With so much help, it only took a few hours to get everything out of Heston’s and over to St. Paul’s UCC in Dallastown. The opening date at our new location will be Saturday, June 4. St. Paul’s is going to hold a special dedication for Emmanuel’s Closet during their worship service at 10:30 AM on Sunday, June 5. They have invited volunteers and others who are interested to attend. Even though we have now moved to one of the other churches in the ministerium, all correspondence, calls and monetary donations should still be directed here to St. John’s Blymire’s. Donations of food and clothing may be brought here or taken to St. Paul’s on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM until noon. Please do not take anything directly to St. Paul’s at other times unless prior arrangements have been made.

BACK TO SCHOOL

PROJECT

School will soon be over for this year, so that means it is time to start thinking about our back to school project for the next school year. We won’t start collecting until July, but if you happen to see any bargains on school supplies, pick them up and save them for our back to school giveaway.

Cartridge Recycling

Don’t forget to bring in your empty printer cartridges and place them in the box in the Emmanuel’s

Closet bin in the Gathering Room. We can use the rewards that are earned to buy school supplies. Thank you for your support of this project which will not only raise money for those in need, but also help to keep our planet “green.”

E.C. Continuing Needs

Juice

Cereal

Peanut Butter/Jelly

Spaghetti Sauce

Boxed Dry Pastas

Helper Meals

Dessert Items

Condiment Items

Canned Tuna/Meats

Canned Broth

Canned Fruit/Vegetables

Coffee/Tea

Deodorant, Soap, Shampoo

Toothpaste, Toothbrushes

Toilet Paper, Tissues, Paper Towels

Dish Washing Liquid

Laundry Detergent

All-Purpose Cleaners

Baby food, formula, diapers, etc.

Children’s books/toys

Please, NO Expired Food Items

Clothing should be clean, in good repair and unstained.

THANKS FOR CARING!

Healing Hearts

Inspirations

June 2016

FIRST IN FLIGHT by Kay Lockridge, Santa Fe, New Mexico

The little Cessna had just cleared the

pattern in its climb to 1,500 feet when my

father said, “OK, we can land now.” With my

newly minted private pilot’s license in hand,

I had wanted him to be my first non-

instructor passenger. I’d planned to circle

the Michigan State University campus and

come back to the university‑owned airport. I reminded him of this, and I’ll never forget

what Dad said, more than 40 years ago: “I’m

not fond of small planes. I just wanted you

to know that I have confidence in you.”

TALKING IS LIKE KETCHUP by Carmen Mariano, Braintree, Massachusetts

I sat in my dad’s living room reading one

night while he watched television. An hour

passed before I realized it, and I felt bad

for not speaking during that time. I asked

if he was OK, and he said yes. Then I

apologized for not talking more. “Carmen,”

Dad replied. “Talking is like ketchup. If you

like the meat enough, you don’t need the

ketchup—and if you like the company

enough, you don’t need the conversation.

My dad never earned a college degree, but

he was the smartest person I ever knew.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

by Nancy Perkins, St. Johns, Michigan

My dad died unexpectedly at age 78, leaving

our family heartbroken. During the funeral

mass, my sister felt her phone vibrate in her

purse. She was a little surprised that some-

one would be calling her, knowing she was at

dad’s funeral mass. Afterward, she found

there was a message: “Hi, this is your dad,”

said the male voice. “I wanted to let you

know I made it home.” The caller obviously

had the wrong number, but the message was

clear. My dad had completed his journey to

heaven and wanted us to know. Thanks,

Dad—until we meet again.

STILL HERE by Mary Ellen Raneri, Latrobe, Pennsylvania

My dad sat straight up in bed and smiled at

me. Even though his mouth was crusted with

fever sores, he grinned a big grin from his

unshaven face. Dementia had completely

taken him from me—or so I thought, until

he spoke to me. “Honey,” Dad almost seemed

to sing the words. “What are you doing

here?” My throat muscles ached from

trying to talk and not cry. Choking back my

tears, I half-sobbed, “Daddy, I’m here to

especially see you. I love you, you know.”

“Me too, honey,” he whispered. Then, still

smiling, Daddy fell asleep.

FATHERHOOD– A MANY SPLENDORED THING!

Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June. Al Bernstein

If you’re lucky enough to get

old you should celebrate it! Iris Apfel

You seriously have no idea what people are dealing with in

their personal lives so just be nice. It's that simple.

If we're overweight and we want to do something about it, we watch what we eat, what we put into

our bodies. If we have an upset stomach, we watch what we put into our bodies so that our stomach

can get better. If we get a splinter, we take it out so that the harmful foreign object can't continue

to hurt us.

There are so many things that hurt our spirit, though, that we just leave as they are, and we make

little effort to get them out of our lives. Something like resentment can eat us up inside like a

cancer, turning our days and nights into miserable experiences, yet there's no such thing as a pair

of tweezers that will pull out resentment or anger like there is to pull out splinters. Besides, these

things that hurt our spirits are invisible, and we really can't see them to pull them out.

But we have to take care of our spirits just as we take care of our bodies--in fact, if we do take

good care of our spirits, we'll find that our bodies are much healthier as a result. As will be our

relationships with others, our work performance, our state of mind, and so much more. Our stress

levels will be lower and our outlook on life will be more positive, leading to even greater improvements

in all aspects of our lives.

If you resent someone or something, you are doing no harm at all to the object of your resent-

ment. You are, however, harming your own body and spirit in a significant way, holding yourself back

from improving yourself and your life. Spiritual illness shows itself in physical ways, so if you can

imagine a pair of resentment or anger or jealousy tweezers, use them to pull that negative part of

yourself right out. Your spirit--and your body--will appreciate the effort.

DON’T LET RESENTMENT POISON YOUR SOUL!DON’T LET RESENTMENT POISON YOUR SOUL!DON’T LET RESENTMENT POISON YOUR SOUL!DON’T LET RESENTMENT POISON YOUR SOUL!

Meditation is ideal for both, physical and mental health, as well as for establishing an increasingly

deeper relationship with the Father within. Just a few minutes each day are enough. Besides this,

thinking is another activity that may not fall under the same category of meditation, but it also

assists in knowing yourself and God better.

“How many these days dedicate at least a few minutes to just thinking? Many are fully entertained

at all times while they are awake. At every moment, commuting to work, during meals, taking a

bath, many always find an excuse to do something else, listen to music, reading novels, watching TV,

anything except thinking, exploring what is in their minds, or considering the questions that are not

easy to answer.

“Before the complexity of the modern world, human beings could find ample opportunities for

intro-spection and reflection. Those times that today you would consider to be idle, were used to

think and this, many times, brought with it higher expressions in art or even spontaneous growth of

spirituality.

“How can we not have a spiritual crisis in a world where electronic gadgets claim our attention at

every moment? For at least a few minutes every day, turn off the TV, turn off the radio, ignore the

news in the paper, and just look around and notice where you are. Have you forgotten the wonder of

being alive? Don’t be robbed of these opportunities to grow spiritually. Take the time to tune into

God!

DISTRACTED? DISTRACTED? DISTRACTED? DISTRACTED?

Revelations for JUNE from “Bly Mire” Mouse Oh do my sides HURT!!!! I don't think I ever laughed SO hard! I didn't

let anyone know that I was going to sneak along on the Family Retreat at Hartman Center. Believe me.... if you ever have the opportunity to go on this event, put that on your list! The down side was that all day Saturday and Sunday it rained! Pastor Lou Ann was thinking about teaching us how to build a boat but didn't have the materials needed so we had the P.O.W.E.R. lessons. Since we live in a "Plug-in" society where we have to plug in all kind of chargers, we were

reminded that we also need to take time to plug into GOD in our spiritual life! And, Kathi definitely was reminded of how important our plug-ins are because John did not have his razor cord -- OOPS! And, the F O O D!!!!!! Oh my goodness! THANK YOU to Kathi, Diana, Ginny and everyone for the desserts! A fantastic weekend all around!

I understand the ladies also had a great time down at the beach. The chill in the air did not stop them from enjoying their time at the beach. I heard they had to rent a U-Haul to bring all the shopping bags home! And again, we heard what happened at the beach stays at the beach! Well, believe me—what happened at Hartman Center will probably spread through the faith family quick!!!!! But, we will FORGIVE everyone for that! (Hee-Hee!!!!!)

I have seen some work trucks at the church with a name on like "Gangloff". I was curious so I watched what they were doing and they were doing something up on the roof. I will keep my eyes open to see what happens there!

And, have I mentioned -- the Chicken Bar-b-ques are happening again????? Oh Y U M!!!!! I really love when the church has them! But -- I didn't even get a crumb this past month. The dinners were sold out! Well, I guess I will just have to order one next month!

I also noticed that we have a new Holly Tree near the flag pole. BURL and CAROL GINGERICH replaced the memorial tree for his parents. It is SOOOO pretty! THANK YOU to BURL and CAROL!!!!!

I didn't do this during the service on May 15th but I too send my "Congratulations" to TESSA MYERS as she is graduating from DHS this year. WOO-HOO! Next fall she is off to college so Wyatt will have the run of the house! WATCH OUT!!!!

The move for Emmanuel's Closet went SMOOTHLY!!!! THANK YOU to EVERYONE who helped!!!!! Since it is a lot closer to my home, I may even volunteer to help out on Blymire's Saturday — the third Saturday of the month! We commend - TARRY, GREG, STERLING, and LINDA and DEB for all they do each month. Lots of people from all the churches made this a quick process! The new location is the basement of St. Paul's UCC on Main Street. See you next month! God Bless us all! Your faith-friend, BLY!

From the From the From the From the

Church Church Church Church

MouseMouseMouseMouse