newsletter apr.12

8/2/2019 Newsletter Apr.12

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APPLYING BIBLE PRINCIPLES

Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions andwhom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and findenjoyment in their toil this is the gift of God (Eccl. 5:19).

Dont you just love gifts? There is great satisfaction both in get-ting gifts and in giving them. Since we are created in the image of God, itstands to reason that He also must take great delight in giving and receivinggifts.

All that we have comes from His hand, but in particular, Solomon indicatedthat money and riches and the ability to enjoy them are gifts from God. Inother words, God gives us that which is rightfully His, and then He allows usthe enjoyment of wealth and money. As we enjoy what He has entrusted tous, no doubt He takes great pleasure in our enjoyment if our actions are inconformity to His Word and His will.

How can we be sure that our enjoyment of money and wealth is accordingto Gods plan? The Bible contains a great deal of specific instruction as tohow we are to use money, but this guiding principle is to motivate our entirelives, including the use and enjoyment of wealth: So, whether you eat ordrink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God (1 Cor.

10:31).

Theres nothing wrong with money. Theres nothing wrong with enjoying thethings that money can buy. Solomon was correct when he said that both aregifts from God. The key is to use money in such a way that our enjoymentwill bring glory to God. One of the primary ways to do that is to give to theLord and His work here at Oakmont United Methodist Church.

During the past few months, have you kept Gods glory as the number onepriority in your use of money? Or have other things taken the place of yourgiving to God?

GENERAL CONFERENCE

The Conference, which happens once every 4 years, will meet April 24 May 4. Please be in prayer for all that will be discussed.

April 2012

Why are you a pastor?That is a question I have been askefrequently in my years of pastoring.

The quick and short answer is-- Because God called me toRecently I began thinking about why I was a teacher beforeministry as a pastor. That too has a quick and short answertion from an early age.

Both questions lead me to think on why I do many things.items? Why do I attempt to stay within the speed limit? Why ders? Whycould be asked of many actions I do all day long; mhave clear cut reasons aside from because.

Perhaps an equally apt question is how is my attitude as I amday?I dont mean is my attitude happy, sad, angry, etc. I meaand why. Why I do something may determine how my attitudmy day. For example, at this time of year I force myself to sit dthe taxes I owe various levels of government. I dont do it becit because I do not want the outcome from not doing it.

Recently I read that Johann Sebastian Bach had a good attitmusic. He began each piece with the letters JJ for Jesu j"Jesus help, wrote each note as though God was carefully lof music and each word, and concluded the piece with SDGLatin for "To God Alone the Glory.

Reflecting on that suggests my attitude for each thing I do bBeginning each task with JJ and ending it with SDG, supervisor is God Himself. That certainly could put a differwork on some of my less favorite tasks, and even push me tothings I like to do. It may even keep me from doing some thJesus to help me do or those I wouldnt dedicate to God.

Paul says it this way in Colossians 3:23 Work willingly at as though you were working for the Lord rather than for p

Blessings,

Pastor Linda


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REPORT FROM TINA WHITEHEAD

I arrived back in Oakmont on March 15 after an amazing experience with ourconference in Bethlehem, Christ at the Checkpoint: Hope in the Midst of Conflict.The conference far exceeded our expectations both in participation and in what it ac-complished. Between 600 and 700 participants registered from over 20 countries forthe 5 day event. Internationally known evangelical speakers came from the U.S.,England, Korea, Canada, Israel, and, of course, Palestine.

Because of my work with registration and with the setting up of workshopsand visits I was only able to attend a few of the sessions, so I reserved time for thebig names: Lynn Hybels, Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. The rest of my time

was spent outside the conference hall, pouring over names and making sure eachparticipant was taken care of.

The second morning, as I sat at the registration table, I could hear that it wasMunthers time to speak. Munther teaches at the Bethlehem Bible College and wasthe director of the conference. He and I had worked together for 5 months and weshared an office. Hes a young, talented Palestinian, director of the college choir,dean of students and working on his Ph.D. at the Oxford School of Mission. I hadntplanned to go inside to hear him, but as I sat there, I could feel that something washappening in the room. I could feel an energy as I heard his voice through the wall ofthe conference hall. I felt strongly pulled into the room and stood by the doorway tohear him speak.

He was amazing! So articulate, so honest, so compelling in how he sharednot only his theology, but also his feelings about being a Palestinian Christian, andabout the suffering of his people under occupation. He spoke from his heart and we

all heard him. He made constant reference to scripture as he made his points and hechallenged the evangelical audience to reclaim its conscience in its ministry to thepoor, the oppressed and the marginalized. He chastised the Church for beingprophesy fanatics, obsessed with end time prophesy, while challenging it to reclaimits place as the prophetic voice of God.

The room was electric as he spoke and when he finished, all 600 stood asone and responded with enthusiastic applause. His voice represented the hope thatthe conference was looking for. His talk was entitled Help Me Shine, and not onlydid he shine, he easily outshone all the international names.

I was so pleased after the conference to be able to share this with someyoung Palestinian friends, young Muslims and Christians who are giving up hope.

And for at least a moment I could fee l a sense of empowerment as they shared in thestory of this young Palestinian voice. Ive said this before, but I will say it again. I amtruly blessed to know these people and to have an opportunity to participate in their

lives.Thank you, Oakmont UMC, for the support you have given me that enables

me to continue with this work.Blessings, Tina

APRIL

3 Grace Campbell5 John Burrows10 Galen Chapa11 EmmaLee Crannell12 Ron Standifur

Bob Rudy13 Todd Eaton

Suzy Hunter15 Shawn Sweeney19 Willow Banas

David DezzuttiDillon Provenza

20 Audra Assad21 Bob Rotter24 Kim Marotta25 Abby Anderson

Matthew Rajkowski,Jr.26 Jim Ashbaugh

Mark Di CoccoBill HandysideMatt Provenza

27 Garnet Hildebrand28 Shirley Anderson29 Jacqueline Ashbaugh

Genevieve Aubele30 Bob McElhose

We apologize if we inad-vertently missed yourbirthday. Please callthe church office and letus know about your very

special day!

GENERAL FUND NUMBERS Income $ 1

Expenses $ 2Balance 2/29

The Mission Share has bee

WENDYS FUNDRAISER

The Finance Committee has appraiser at Wendys in Harmarvilleeach month. 20% of all ordersbetween 5-8 pm on that night wOUMCs General Fund. You dbulletin insert or any paperwork w

NEWSLETTE

Please submit articles for theApril 16. I have received wonback from those of you who are letter in an e-mail. If you wouthat list, send an e-mail to oakmo

COVERED DIS

Church Council change the schedule and have

luncheons on the 5th Sunday of luncheon will be Apr. 29 (Nurtur


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CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Greetings! I am writing this the evening of the Revolve Tour.What an awesome day we had! Thanks so much to all of youwho helped us get there. We had a really great day together.The worship and speakers were just fantastic. Im sure we will

go again next year.

The little ones had a bowling outing last week along with some of the youth whocame as helpers. We had a marvelous time! The people at Nesbits could nothave been nicer. We will definitely be heading back there again. Next monthsmeeting will be at the church on Sunday, April 1 st. If the weather is beautiful wemay head down to the park!

Both the youth and post college groups have been busy bees. We served thehomeless on Valentines day, delivered baskets to shut-ins, and sent packages toour class in West Virginia. Many thanks to the UMW for donating $250 for us tobuy warm clothing and some food items for our class. They were just so happy toreceive these things. We are hoping to take a trip down there in May, to visit withthem and also do some work for the Burlington Home. We are planning a Lock-inon Good Friday. Looks like we will be doing service work starting Thursday, Friday

Lock-in and 30hr famine, Saturday helping with the Easter egg hunt. Whew! Busyweekend.

The Relay for Life is early this year May 19-20th. The youth and post collegegroup will be representing our church and we would love your help with the team.The Relay is an overnight fundraising event that benefits the American Cancer So-ciety. Its a lot of fun with a carnival type atmosphere. We need help, setting up,walking shifts, selling and tearing down on Sunday. If you are interested in helpingwith any of these things, or you just want to come and hang out with us, let meknow. We would LOVE to have you.

SUPPORT AND PEOPLE NEEDED FOR UMCOR MISS

Trinity Tower UMC in Penn Hills has asked our church to partattend an UMCOR sponsored mission trip to the Inner Banks oJuly 8-14, 2012. Help is needed to rebuild homes that were dericane Irene. The Outreach Committee is reaching out to the coing participants to attend the mission trip or to help with monetThe cost for 1 person is $250 which includes transportation, hfor the week. Please consider supporting this life-changing ethat you can.

MAKE A CHANGE FOR IMAGINE NO MALAR

The Outreach Committee will be partnering with the Sunday SMake a Change to eradicate Malaria, one life at a time. Thecate malaria one life at a time by the year 2015, but we needchildren will decorate cans in Sunday school to collect loose congregation during both services before and after the sermoncollect $.50 from each person over seven Sundays, starting A

seconds, a child under the age of 5 dies from malaria in Africacan save a childs life. So whats a couple of quarters each wFind your quarters and loose change and please give to thispaign.

OUMC TO SUPPORT RIVERS OF LIFE MISSIONS IN KEN

Barbara Davis, a member of the Outreach Committee has giveopportunity to support a Ministry in Kenya, run by Pastor Chrisand Burl learned about this mission work when they lived in tended their Australian church. The missions ultimate goal is tand communities meeting the physical and spiritual needs of pepoorest villages in western Kenya. He has started daycare

ages and educational institutions for older children, and built wlages, just to name a few things. The Outreach Committee waround the Rivers of Life Ministry and partner with Pastor Chrisin many ways. Stay tuned for future developments!


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ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF OAKMONT AND WALK IN THE RELAY FOR LIFE

Saturday, May 19, 2012 is the Relay for Life at Riverside Park. Please come outand help fight the war on cancer. Everyone knows someonea Mother, Father,child, Grandfather, best friend, who has been tragically taken too young by thedreaded disease of cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the world a chanceto celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember the lovedones lost, and fight back against the disease. Please help OUMC by helpingthe youth group work the table/booth, and walk or bring your family out to walk

in the 2012 Relay for Life. One, two, three, or more people can make all the dif-ference in the world You can sign up online at www.relayforlife.organd put inOakmont, PA as the event location, or call Linda Sweeney for more information.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been com-bined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice whichreaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as incelebration and joy.

If you are interested in joining thousands of knitters and crocheters of all faiths

who are creating handmade shawls, please call the church office and leave yourname and phone number.

Shawls can be used for: undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after aloss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; marriageceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal showers or wedding gift; during anillness and recovery;...............there are endless possibilities. All levels of skillare welcome.

COMMUNITY DINNERS

A dinner is held at Verona UMC the last Wednesday of the month from 4:30to 6:30 pm. These meals are provided keeping those who are having a difficult

time in our current economy in mind, although everyone is welcome. There isno charge, but donations are accepted. If you would like to help, please con-tact the church office.

OAKMONT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN hahead of them. First of all I would like to thank aattended the UMW Spring Luncheon in March. time of fellowship, food, entertainment and inspir

like to thank everyone involved in the kitchen or dining room,and our inspirational speaker. It was so nice to have some obers in the church, not only perform for us but to serve as wel

Our next event will be the Indoor Yard Sale on April 27th and 9 -3 on Friday and 9-1 on Saturday. Since it is that time of ye

ing, what a great time to get rid of household items and clonger use. We also are always looking for jewelry as wdropped off in the primary room at any time.

Finally, we are proud to announce that we purchased a profefor the kitchen. It should prove to be very useful when we hosevents. Have a blessed and peaceful Easter season on beha

YJ

HOPE CIRCLE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

The next meeting will be Monday, April 9th, at 7:0

The group will be discussing our third novel by JodiHeartchallenges the reader to look intensely at onebeliefs and the meaning of redemption. Shay Boushires first death row prisoner in 69 years has on

to donate his heart post-execution to the sister of his victim, wtransplant. Bourne says its the only way he can redeem himWright becomes Bournes spiritual advisor, but he hides the fcollege student, he was a member of the jury that sentenceThe novel asks whether religion and politics truly are separatinextricably tangled. Does religion make us more tolerant, or lwhat we do because its right? Or because its too frighteninmay not have the answers? Should the Gnostic gospels havlief system or are they heresy? What are the literal and meta

of having heart? Can young Claire accept the life -saving hekilled her sister and father? These profound questions guaraevening.

Please consider joining the group for an hour of discus
http://www.relayforlife.org/http://www.relayforlife.org/http://www.relayforlife.org/


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Recently the trustees assisted the custodians with removing oldlight fixtures, boxes, and light bulbs from the attic area as a safetyconcern. They are pursuing two separate sets of pull down stairsto make accessibility to the attic easier for all. Rich Lear has beenelected Chairman for 2012, Helen Crawford is Vice-Chairman andJim Anderson is Secretary. Dave Fichte crafted and installed a

new Lenten Cross outside the church. Water damage on the parsonage side ofthe sanctuary is being investigated. An offer from the UMW to purchase an icemachine for the kitchen was approved and will happen soon (UMW funds). Aconversation began about the purchase of pew pads with assistance from theUMW.

Approval was given for the purchase of a new altar cross, candlesticks, and thepossible re-plating of the altar vases (Memorial Fund request), and the purchaseof upgrade components for the sound system due to the nature of the frequencyof the microphones and other related problems with the system (using excesssnow removal funds).

CPR class costs with the intent of having all church leaders, group users, andothers trained in CPR (future AED costs deferred) are being sought. Once theweather warms, the Trustees will hold a "church workday" with input from Mark/Cindy on tasks that need to be accomplished. Trustees also began, in earnest,a discussion regarding the wooden platforms used temporarily for performances

in the church (Christmas pageant, dancers, choir singing) and are seeking amore permanent solution which would upgrade the safety of all involved with lit-tle change overall to the altar area. Shed doors will be patched at the bottomand gutters/downspouts will be addressed upon more favorable weather.

SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNERThinkCamping

Camping brochures with offerings from our ConferenceCamping Program are available on tables in the social halland sanctuary. As you plan summer activities for your chil-dren and family, please consider this very worthwhile pro-

gram. The United Methodist Women give every child who attends camp a $100scholarship to help cover the cost, and additional funds are available to thoseattending Camp Allegheny.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Dear friends/family of Christ:

Let me begin by saying there truly is power in prayer. As I ering from my surgery, I look back over the past 2-3 months aWhat in the world just happened? I only have one answemiracles in my life. I still have treatments to go to, doctors toing to be done, but I still feel so blessed. I just want to send you to everyone who prayed for me, sent me cards, asked swas doing, or gave me advice for staying optimistic. Thank yocaring and helping me through a difficult time. I am so thankof Oakmont United Methodist Church! God Bless each anyou.

Love in Christ,

Cathy Smierciak

Many Thanks! We are so thankful for the many good wishemeals that have come our way over the past few weeks. faced with difficult times and concerns like Barbaras surgery outpouring of love that comes from our congregation is one cles. Truly, the Oakmont United Methodist Church serves as times of need. Thanks again.

Barbara and Burl Da

The financial report for Februarys mystery dinner theater is asTotal Income $5,675.83Total Expenses 203.63

Total Profit $5,472.20$2,736.10 was given to Verona Summer Camp and the samsplit between Tina Whitehead, Bethany House and No More Mdonated the cost of the food served$1,195.

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