A Glimpse

Perry Peeper

Here I sit, safe and dry in southern WV, while our brothers and sisters in Tex-

as and Louisiana “pass through the waters” of hurricane “Harvey”. The imag-

es across our TV screens are heartbreaking. Lives are lost, property damage

is in the billions, and the faces of those rescued portray disbelief and dismay.

A friend of mine, Jean Casanave, is among those forced from her home by

the waters—most unwelcome house guests. Jean and her two dogs escaped

in a kayak. She paddled down her street and beyond seeking higher ground.

Today, she and the dogs are safe. Meanwhile, Jean texted me with a ques-

tion: “Scott, which charity would be best for a donation?” Ah, there it is, a

glimpse of God’s kingdom amidst natural and personal disaster!

I see a glimpse of God’s kingdom in the midst of disaster called “Harvey”.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers lining up with boats to help rescue

people—sort of a present day “Dunkirk”. You and I see images of folks

trusting their lives to total strangers. Suddenly, that which normally sepa-

rates us is unimportant. Suddenly, the most important thing is preserving

life. Suddenly, it doesn’t matter whether a person is black or white, rich or

poor, young or old, honest or dishonest, addicted or sober, democrat or re-

publican. This week identity politics matters not. This week unity as humans

matters above all else. People who may never sit in a church pew are exhib-

iting, dare I say, the imago Dei, the image of God.

This week, in Texas, it is enough that people need help. This week we accept

that we are weak. The image of God is there, it’s on our TV and smart phone

2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

-Isaiah 43:2a (NIV)

Focus Verse

...Continued on page 2

Important Dates

Bringing in the Harvest 9-03

Book Study 9-03

Labor Day Office Closed 9-04

UMW 9-07

Bingo 9-09

Perry Luncheon 9-21

Cantata Practice begins 9-17

Shepherd’s Table 9-30

October Dates to Remember

October 7th—Chili Night October 14th—Fall Fun

Fest October 22nd– Pathfinders

Chili Afternoon Fundraiser

The

September 2017

Continued from page 1...

screens—we all are human, made to help each other, and exist together in unity—the image of God that re-

sides in all. Here is a foretaste, of God’s kingdom when it fully arrives on “earth as in heaven.” Who knew that

monster trucks and pleasure boats could become precious gifts of blessing? Yet, in the hands of compassionate

people moved by God’s Spirit, trucks and boats are rich blessings. Only God! Praise Jesus!

Repeatedly, we speak that God works (mostly) through people. I invite you to look at the news with a different

eye, an eye for God’s kingdom. I want to see every glimpse of God’s kingdom that I possibly can. I yearn for and

rejoice when I see God at work in our weary world. Bittersweet it is when God works in people who aren’t

aware of God’s role in their lives. Ah, but wait! Christians can do that! Christians can be salt and light—pointing

out where God is at work. We are not called to be judgmental or condemning but to be salt and light. Right

now, what tastes salty to me, is pointing out how God is at work through the storm. Do you believe God’s

promise in Isaiah? Yes? Then, point it out! NO, SHOUT IT OUT! The waters of chaos will recede when confront-

ed with salt and light. Serve your community in Christ’s love. God is with us. Be courageous and generous.

Blessings for the parting of the waters my friends,

Pastor Scott

2

Serving Community Perry Packers Update

I am excited to get this ministry started again!! Our first packing day will be Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 6:00 PM. Please plan on joining us for fellowship, packing and praying over our bags. September food items will be individual fruit cups and applesauce. We also plan on sending toothbrushes and tooth-paste once a month, so please consider these when shopping. As always, THANK YOU for Serving Com-munity in Christ’s Love! Amy Crawford 304-228-4381

Good Sam Last month we gave out food boxes and provided baby diapers for one family. We gave a Household Kit and Hygiene kit to a family. We also helped a family with a utility cut off notice. We are collecting a few items for a lady that is in need. We have a list of items on our bulletin board. Thank you for your gifts of love and support you continue to give to our community.

Shepherd’s Table As I said a few weeks ago, we are restocking our inventory for Hygiene and Household Kits. I plan to give out Household Kits for the month of November (if I have enough for 40 kits). Items needed are: Laundry Detergent Dish Detergent Toilet paper Household Cleaner All these items can be purchased at Dollar General and Dollar Tree for just $1.00. If you are to busy or can’t get out to pur-chase these items I will be more than happy to shop for you!!! Thanks again for your unending support of Shepherds Table. Susie Dotson 304-252-8137 or 304-228-9385

Perry Methodist Women have plans for a soup & sandwich luncheon for the District Pastor’s Meeting on September 21st. We expect approximately 30 attendees. Some of the pastors are newly appointed to the District.

The United Methodist Women District Meeting is scheduled at Bethel United Methodist Church in Athens, West Virginia on September 23rd. We will carpool from Perry Memorial Church at 9:00 am.

Please remember as you pack away your summer clothing & start to change over to your warmer autumn clothing; Perry Memorial United Methodist Church will be having our Annual Spring Rummage Sale. Please save all items that you can for the church fundraising event.

The September ‘The Luncheon Club’, (formerly known as, ‘The Ladies’ Luncheon’, but Perry fellas saw how much fun we ladies were having, and decided that they loved good food and fun too.) So I have changed the name to: The Luncheon Club, to minimize confusion and to more accurately represent the true demographics of the group. So, of course, everyone is welcome to come and I encourage anyone who is able to please attend. September’s, The Luncheon Club, will take place on Wednesday the 13th at Tamarack of Beckley. We will car-pool from the church at 12:15 PM.

United Methodist Women’s Club President,

Marge Holland

Perry’s United Methodist Women

The Luncheon Club September 13

1:00p in Beckley Please meet at the church

at 12:15p to carpool

3

Birthdays Mary Ellen Crook 09-01 Sherry Maynor 09-03 Jill Williams 09-07 Jessica Smith 09-09 Megan Richmond 09-12 Eddie Lester 09-14 Nicholas Crawford 09-18 Chris Crook 09-19 Sandra Fraley 09-23 Willa May 09-24 Rick Dotson 09-25 Donna Cantley 09-27 Luella Meador 09-27 Noah Guffy 09-28 Don Crook 09-29 Adalynn Williams 09-29 Gail Walker 09-30 Anniversaries Chris & Cyndi Crook 09-01 Darlene & David Keesee 09-04 Jessica & Jonathan Smith 09-10

4

Food Handlers All servants who work Shepherd's Table are required to obtain a Food Handlers card. The Food Handlers course is now available online at the following ad-dress: www.statefoodsafety.com Once you have completed the course please bring a copy of the certificate to the church. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Beckley Day of Hope

Thank you to all who served at Beckley Day of Hope. As you heard from the testimonies, the lives of those who serve are forever changed! It is amazing to witness the power of God’s unfailing love and grace when we step out of our comfort zones and into the mission fields.

2017 Day of Hope Statistics 2,936 Honored Guests 1,039 Volunteer/Servants 4,880 Lunches Served 216 Haircuts 230 Dental Screenings 105 Health Screenings 4,880 Bags of Groceries 400 Family Portraits 1,450 Pairs of Shoes 21 Adults received Christ 25 Children received Christ 125 Adults requested Follow up from

area churches God was certainly present and on the move this day. He used His people to prove this. May we, as a congrega-tion at Perry, always have willing spirits to “move” when he calls. God presents opportunities, it is up to us to watch for them and take action.

College Care Packages

It is time to send out Care Packages to college stu-dents! We are in need of addresses! Please, if you know of a college student that would appreciate a Care Package, turn in their address to the office ASAP. Thank you, Mitzi

Perry News

What’s coming up in September for the Perry Pathfind-ers: Just like last year, the Pathfinders will participate in the Kids Classic Parade in Beckley Sept 9th passing out candy and youth/church information. We will also have a booth uptown for a youth fundraiser. It is a great oppor-tunity for the youth and the church to get out and repre-sent Perry. We have a list of items we would like to sell for our fundraiser on the bulletin board. If you would like to donate any of these items just sign up and let me (Kim) know. We need all donations by Wednesday September 6th, 2017. Thank you!! We are going to do a little fun project that all youth will be doing. Sure you have seen the Raleigh County Rocks on Facebook, were people paint rocks and put messages on them then go hide them. The idea was bought up for our Pathfinders to do, so we are! Keep a look out of for uplifting, beautiful rocks in our community! Perry Rocks/Raleigh County Rocks! Along with our Perry Rocks, we will be working on les-sons. We have 3 age groups on Wednesday evenings now. The cubs are spilt by ages 2-6 in one group and 7-10 in the other! During our meetings they work on mu-sic, lesson, craft, games and have snack . Pathfinders are ages 11-16, we work on lessons, games and have snack. All youth are able to come help with fundraisers, fun activities and our work in the community. September 13th Wednesday at 6:00p we will have our first practice for our Christmas Play. Really excited to see the youth work on this play and bring it to life. A Great Mission will be involved. More info on the Mission to come!! A pretty busy and exciting time is set ahead of us. We know that the Pathfinders couldn't do anything without God's help and the support of our church! We thank everyone for your support and love. Love and Blessings, Perry Pathfinders, Perry Cubs and Kim Cummings

Perry Pathfinders

5

Fall Fun Fest October 14th, 2017

2:00p-5:00p It’s a Free Event!!!

Calling All Servants to help with:

Making Game Booths (Ring Toss, Duck Pond, Poke-a-Pumpkin, Spin-a-Prize, etc.) Run Game Booths/Pass Out Candy– we are asking

for Booths/tables to be decorated and after the Costume Contest pass out candy to the Trick or Treaters during the Monster Mash Parade.

Photo Booth Live Music Painting Pumpkin Tattoos Pie in the Face: Start time at 4:00p Food (Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, etc.) The Children Costume Contest: starts at 4:30p. We will ask all children if they would like to be entered into the Contest and give them a #. We will have a different color ticket for voting. Monster Mash Parade: starts 4:40p-5:00, need a

few people to direct the children to the starting point and the ending.

Come out and show God’s love to those in the community.

Please pray about this event and where God needs you. Have any questions please contact

Buffy Spurlock and Kim Cummings

Sign-up sheet on the Bulletin Board

Fall Fun Fest

Perry PATHFINDERS Invite You To Join Them at Beckley Kids Classic Festival

Wear your Perry BLUE and come walk in the pa-rade with us. Help the youth at our Perry Kids Classic Festival Booth where we'll be greeting people from the community, handing out Perry info and selling goodies to raise funds for future youth group activities.

Join us Saturday, September 9 from 10am - 2pm in Downtown Beckley. If you want to walk in

the parade join us at 11am at Park Middle School.

Because of your support: We now have over 100 boys registered in scouting through Perry from around our community: We now have over 30 Boy Scouts in the Troop. We've added over 25 new Cub Scouts to the Pack at Round-Up 2017. We sent 22 boys to Summer Camp at the Jim Justice Scout Camp this Summer at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Re-serve National Jamboree site in Glen Jean WV. Thank You for giving these boys and their families the opportunity to be involved in scouting here in our commu-nity. Some of the boys may have never had the opportunity to learn some of the skills they will learn or make the friends they will make here through scouting at Perry. These boys will look back through their lifetime on these experiences they’ve had through scouting and will know that it was through the support of Perry Memorial UMC that made it possible. Thank You, Cub Scout Pack 16 & Boy Scout Troop 16 Leaders

Thank You for Your Scout Support

Kids Classic

Serving Community in Christ’s Love.

SSHS Pregame Meal 3pm Football Fridays

@ Dr. Kelly’s Pitsenbarger’s office

Servants are needed each week on Fridays, beginning at 2pm to help prepare and serve meals to the SSHS football team and band members. Call “Doc Kelly” to “get ‘er done” .

304-763-0439

The Scout Oath & Law On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful,

friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent…

6

7

We received a call in Florida telling us my oldest sister was hospitalized and would have a pacemaker. We checked daily on her progress. One evening I called my sister accidently instead of my niece. I knew the difference! How did I do that?? When I apologized for the disturbance, she cried and said "I was just Praying for God to help me because I never felt so alone in my life.” Ike and I knew we had to help her. My niece was leaving for a week and my sister would be with a sitter at home. We packed in a hurry and left for South Carolina even though I was still under the care of the doctor. My doctor advised me on the phone to go to an emergency room for the swelling I was hav-ing. I thought it could wait until I came home. My sister and I spent a special week together in spite of our aliments. After a week we began our journey home. About two hours of being on the road, I knew something was wrong. My blood pressure was 179 over 99 and heart rate 112. Just when we were trying to decide what to do, there was that big “H”. We exited and the hospital was just two left turns away. After about 5 hours, we left the hospital and stayed at the motel near the hospital. We were given a room only because a good Samaritan relinquished her reservation for us. We praised God for his steadfast love. This was his plan for us and He was with us every mile of our journey! We received nothing but kindness and sincere concern through this ordeal. My sister and I had this special time together. -Donna Cantley

Glory Sightings & Blessings

“When Mitzi was away for her vacation

we took care of her cat Milly. Milly is a

sweet cat.”

-Bree Cummings

“It is Jo-Jo’s Birthday, and we love him! Yesterday was Jake’s Birthday and we were all happy!” -Addi Williams

“Being a servant during the Day of Hope was great. But seeing 5 of our Pathfinders serving that day was awesome. They brought God’s love, hope, kindness and smiles to our Honored Guests. God is awesome!!” -Kim Cummings

Christmas Cantata

From the Heart

Dear Church Family, Thinking of the years that I have been worshipping and serving at Perry, Sunday I choked back the tears. I just couldn’t speak or I would have fallen apart. I am reminded of the loved ones that I have had the privilege of knowing and our many projects of the past. Some have gone to be with the Lord. Life brings changes, we are moving to Florida. This move will be a big change for me, even when I feel it is for the best. Perry Memorial is a serving church, a warm, loving church and all are welcome. Ike and I pray for God to guide us to such a church in Florida. We ask that you pray for us also. We are grateful that we have been a part of this church. We will visit when we return to WV.

We love you and you will always be dear to our hearts. Donna & Ike Cantley

New Health & Wellness

8

Invitation to Sing in Christmas Choir

Have you ever thought you would love to sing with the choir at Christmas? Well….what’s holding you back?

This year is the perfect time to begin!!!

The 2017 Cantata “What a Beautiful Name” fea-

tures songs from top Christian artists of today along with familiar carols. Our Youth will be narrating and leading us through excerpts of the Christmas story. Practices will be on Sunday evenings. Our first practice will be held on Sunday evening, September 17th @ 5:30pm. Come and help lift up the name of Jesus this Christmas season!

Joyce P.

New Health & Wellness Ministry to Begin Perry has started on a health & wellness journey and we value your opinions. A couple of Sundays ago we distributed a Health Ministry Needs Assess-ment and several of you may have completed it. We wanted to give everyone an equal opportunity to have you voice heard. Nurses complete Assess-ments on their patients to find out what the pa-tient needs. Just like the nurse we are asking you to help us with our Health Ministry “Needs Assess-ment” to determine what our church and commu-nity needs. Please take a moment to answer a few questions on the form included in the newsletter and return to the church office. Extra copies are available on the table at the entrance to the church. If you have any questions or are interested in participating on Perry’s Health and Wellness Ministry Team you may directly contact me, Joyce Pitsenbarger, RN, at: jpitsenbarger11@gmail.com or (304) 763-0439.

Thank you,

Joyce

HealthMinistryNeedsAssessment

Wevalueyouropinion!Pleasetakeamomenttoanswerafewquickquestions.Yourresponseswillbeusedinplanningourhealthandwellnessprogram.Pleasecircleallanswersthatapply.

1. Tellusaboutyourself. Male Female

Agegroup: 1-12 13-17 18-30 31-51 51-70

71-80 81+

2. Doyouorafamilymembercurrentlyhavehealthrelatedissues? Yes NoIfyes,pleaseexplain:______________________________________________________

3. Whichofthefollowinghealthandwellnesstopicsinterestyouthemost?

TOPICVery

InterestedSomewhatInterested

NotInterested

BloodPressure Diabetes Disease/InjuryPrevention FirstAid/CPRTraining GriefSupportGroup HealthScreening/Fairs HealthyCooking/Eating HeartHealth Home/HospitalVisitation PhysicalActivity/Exercise PrayerMinistry SmokingCessation Stress&Relaxation SupportGroups* UnderstandingMedicalInfo WalkingProgram WeightManagement Yoga

*Pleaselistthesupportgroupyouaremostinterestedinattending.

________________________________________________________________________

4. Whenisthemostconvenienttime/dayforyoutoparticipateinhealthrelatedactivities(pleasecircle)?Before8:00a.m. 8:00a.m.–11:00a 11:00a.m.-1:00a1:00p.m.-5:00p 5:00p.m.-7:00p Evening(after7:00p)Indicatetheday(s)youprefer(MondaythroughSunday)________________________

5. Wouldyoubeinterestedinusingyourskillsandtalentstobepartofthehealthandwellnessministryteam?Ifso,pleasedescribeyourprofessionalskills,personalinterests,andotherwaysyouwouldliketoparticipate.___________________________________________________

6. Wouldyoubeinterestedinparticipatinginsmallgroupteachingsontherelationshipbetweenfaithandhealth? YES NO

7. Pleaseprovideanycommentsorrecommendationsthatyoufeelshouldbeconsideredasanimportanthealthrelatedneedforourcongregationandcommunity.________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

8. AreyouinterestedinparticipatingonPerry’sHealthandWellnessMinistryTeam?

YES NO Enteryournameifyouselected“YES”:________________________________________

Thankyouforyourfeedback!

11

Our Faithfulness in Attendance

August 6th

60th Anniversary Worship Service 106

August 13th

Sunday School 11 Worship Service 69

August 20th

Sunday School 15 Worship Service 93 August 27th Sunday School 16 Worship Service 78 Group Study 13

Our Faithfulness in Giving

August 6, 2017

Pledges & Tithes $4,771.68 Prosperity $100.00 Good Sam $125.00 Total $4,996.68

August 13, 2017

Pledges & Tithes $3,507.00 Good Sam $25.00 Backpacks $60.00 Memorials $50.00 Total $3,642.00

August 20, 2017

Pledges & Tithes $2,912.00 Apportionment $1,000.00 Good Sam $45.00 Shepherd’s Table $110.00 Study Books $12.00 Total $4,079.00

August 27, 2017

Pledges & Tithes $2,093.00 Apportionment $1,000.00 Good Sam $20.00 Study Book $28.00 Total $3,141.00

Our Faithfulness in Prayer

Peggy Hylton (Joanne Davis)

Dave & Mary Bolling (Pastor Scott)

Leslie Cook (Darlene Keesee)

Debbie Dunbar (Teresa Doss)

Norma Lewis (Connie Lewis)

Eileen Brown (Nancy Crews)

Anita Stover (Marilyn Guffy)

Karla Pray (Nancy Lewis)

John McCarthy (Mitzi Richmond)

Family of Mark Peele (Jerry Carter)

Coworker who passed ((Jerry Carter)

Shirley Chapman (Brittany Karimian)

Debbie Redden (Kathy Peplowski)

For the 1st Responders responding to those

affected by Hurricane Harvey

The Victims of Hurricane Harvey

Violence in Kenya & Venezuela

Starvation & hunger in the Sudan of Africa

For God to spark the need for revival in our

hearts

Students and Staff returning to school

Those affected by acts of terrorism

Those affected by acts of violence

Our Country

August Shepherd’s Table Prayer Requests

Ernestine Lewis has an enlarged liver and is

very worried.

1 3:00p “Feed the

Team”

2 8:00a– Men’s

Breakfast

3

Bringing in the Harvest

4

4

Labor Day

Church Office Closed

5 6:30p Scouts

6 8:30a Yoga

6:00p Pathfinders/ Cubs

6:00p Backpacks

6:30p Choir Practice

7 5p-7p Shepherd’s Table Fundraiser

8 3:00p “Feed the

Team”

9 11:00a Kids Classic

Parade 2:00p Bingo

10

11 8:30a Yoga

6:00p Shepherd’s Table Meeting

6:30p LMI

12 6:30p Scouts

13 8:30a Yoga

6:00p Pathfinders/ Cubs

6:00p Backpacks

6:30p Choir Practice

14 6:30p-UMW

15 3:00p “Feed the

Team”

16

17 5:30p-Cantata

Practice

18 8:30a Yoga

6:30p Ruritan

6:30p LMI

19 6:30p Scouts

20 8:30a Yoga

6:00p Pathfinders/ Cubs

6:00p Backpacks

6:30p Choir Practice

21 District Clergy

Meeting

1:00p ‘The Luncheon Club’

Tamarack Carpool is 12:15p

22 3:00p “Feed the

Team”

5:00 Ruritan Bean's, “Taters, Corn bread

Fundraiser”

23 UMCW District

Meeting in Athens Carpool is 9:00a

24

25 8:30a Yoga

6:30p LMI

26 6:30p Scouts

27 8:30a Yoga

6:00p Pathfinders/ Cubs

6:00p Backpacks

6:30p Choir Practice

28

29 6:00p Shepherd’s

Table Setup

30 11a-2p Shepherd’s

Table Meal

1:00 Tailgating at Dr. Kelly’s SSHS

Homecoming

12

Sunday Services 9:30a Adult Sunday School 9:45a Children’s Sunday School 10:30a Meet & Greet Hospitality 10:45a Family Worship 4:00p Group Study

Serving Commun ity in Christ’s Love

Perry Memorial UMC PO Box 1264

Shady Spring, WV 25918

Physical Address: 202 Livingston Street

Shady Spring, WV