timulus S A Publication of Fishing Creek Salem UMC

The Salem November 2019

Vol 47/Issue 11

Office Hours Monday-Thursday 8:30am—3:00 pm

October 8, 2019 Letter from Pastor Debbie: Dear Friends,

On Sunday, September 28, I shared the following announcement during the worship services:

“I want to share with you this morning that I have decided to retire at the end of June 2020. In my times of prayer, I have discerned that the work God gave me to do here will be finished at that time. I believe God will send another pastor who will be able to journey with you to where Jesus is calling you to go in the future.

This church has been faithful to God’s call throughout its history. You have taken the bold steps, trusting that when God calls God provides. You are focused on helping those who are here to grow deeper and become stronger and more generous disciples. And you are equally focused on bringing to Jesus the many who do not yet know Him. This is a great church with a great future in Christ.

On a personal note, I have a 4-month-old grandson to whom I want to give time and attention, and a husband who will be retired for 3 years who has been asking me to join him in retirement. So celebrate with me and look to the future with faith and hope, trusting in God’s promise as recorded in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘Surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.’”

(cont. on page 11)

In This Issue: Pastor Debbie’s

Retirement Notice Thanksgiving Poinsettias Activity Updates And More!

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The Salem Stimulus November 2019 Vol 47 No 11

Contact Information: Rev. Dr. Deborah Heisley-Cato, Lead Pastor (dheisley-cato@fcsalem.org ) Rev. Jennifer Thomas, Community Pastor (jthomas@fcsalem.org) Sandy Herman, Office Manager (office@fcsalem.org) Stacey Wilkinson, Office Assistant (assistant@fcsalem.org) 717-938-1928—www.fcsalem.org

Staff: Gina Curtis, Director of Salem Community Nursery School Michael Hayes, Building Coordinator Jess Husman, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Vicki Inscho, Kitchen Coordinator Tracey Michelsen, Director of Children’s Ministries Tracey Michelsen, Michelle Rich, Bonnie Gruver, Church Sextons Jeannette Payne, Child Care Coordinator Kelsey Robertson, Dir of The Gathering Worship, Keyboardist, Youth Choir Dir Susan Ryder, Director of Communications, Small Groups Coordinator Derek Sandstrom, Director of Worship Ministries

Service Schedule: Sunday Worship at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 AM Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 AM; Adult Class at 11:00 AM

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November Birthdays

Abigail Lemieux Kylar Nolt

Cammi Richcreek

Please lift-up the following in your prayer time during the month of November. • Family Promise families and the volunteers assisting

in hosting them this month. • God’s guidance for ourselves and for our fellow citi-

zens in electing good leaders. • Our church as we enter a season of Thanksgiving.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a right-eous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)

Zachary Shaw Nolan Stoner

Emma Sylvester

Kinsey Connor Anna Dormer

Nicholas Kehler

The Salem Seniors will dine at Nicks 114 on November 21st at 1:00pm. RSVP to Carolyn Funk at 717-938-2692 by Sunday, November 17th or sign up on the connection card. Hope to see you there!

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Blue Christmas Service of Hope If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and are in need of comfort and strength this holiday season, please join us to

commemorate your loved ones.

Speakers Pastor Manuel (Manny) Valentin, Community UMC

Event Details Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 3:00pm (Snow date is December 15) at Community United Methodist Church 1601 Bridge Street, New Cumberland

Sponsored by Community UM Church, Fishing Creek Salem UM Church, Grace UM Church and Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services

BACK TO THE BIBLE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS NEWS By Kathy Alford

For the first two weeks of November we will continue with Chip Ingram's study The Genius of Generosity. Other church small groups are also delving into this work. Relevant verses are the following: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Jesus, Acts 20:35); “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (Paul, 2 Corinthians 9:6); “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Jesus, Luke 12:24)

For the last two weeks of November, we will continue studying Journey Through the Bible: Matthew. We have completed several books of the Bible from this series before which have enriched our lives.

Join us anytime. We always welcome visitors. Materials are provided. We meet Sunday mornings in room 210 from 9:30-10:30.

Here is our schedule for November:

The Genius of Generosity by Chip Ingram November 3 Chapter 3 “Why God Prospers Generous People” November 10 Chapter 4 “How God Measures Generosity” Journey Through the Bible: Matthew

November 17 Matthew 14

November 24 Matthew 15

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WOMEN’S BOOK DISCUSSION

The women’s book discussion meets at Salem on the third Thursday of

every month at 7pm . It is open to any woman who likes to read— Come and discuss your ideas!

If you have questions please contact Marsha Uber at 717-938-3108 or

uber2495@ptd.net November 21: Educated: a memoir by Tara West-over "Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a class-room. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag." As a way out, Tara began to educate her-self and crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education offers: the per-spective to see one's life through new eyes, and the will to change it."

The United Methodist Women will meet

Thursday, November 14th, at 6:30pm in room 115. Our

program will be “World Thank Offering Service” and 2020 Planning Meeting. All

ladies of the Church and the Community are invited.

Library News By Kathy Alford

Many biographers claim that William Franklin Graham Jr. (Billy) was the most influential Christian leader of the 20th century. Graham passed last year; he lived 99 years. He was an American evangelist, a prominent Christian figure, and an ordained Southern Baptist minister who became well-known interna-tionally in the late 1940s. Graham was a spiritual adviser to U.S. presidents, and he provided spiritual counsel for every president from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama. Graham also was invited to meet with international leaders such as Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions. Graham preached to live audiences of 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territo-ries through various meetings and crusades.

The Fishing Creek Salem Chris-tian library contains several books written by Billy, his wife Ruth, daughter Ann, and son Franklin. The following are some titles of Billy Graham books found on our shelves:

Storm Warning, Just As I Am, Angels, Death and the Life After, The Secret of Happiness, Hope for the Troubled Heart, Peace with God

Library Details! •The library is upstairs—Room 213 •It is self-serve and always open when the church is open. •Items can be signed out for 2 weeks and can be renewed. •Items available for all ages: CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles, books, toys •Any questions, see Kathy Alford (717-774-0541 or 717-798-0971 or kathleenalford@msn.com •Kathy is in the library every Sunday from 10:35-11:15.

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Year End Giving

Fishing Creek Salem always appreciates the financial gifts that are given to support and grow our ministries of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ! God bless you for your faithfulness and generosity again this year. Please note that the Internal Revenue Service has rules on when taxable year donations can be counted. The IRS says that chari-table donations to the church must be received and/or postmarked by 12/31/2019 to count as a donation in 2019. Following these IRS regulations, donations received and/or postmarked after 12/31/19 must be counted as donations in 2020 (no matter what date may be associated with the gift).

Our Church Conference will be held on Monday, November 18th at 7:30pm in

the Sanctuary. ALL Salem Members are Encouraged to attend.

THANK YOU to all who walked in the Red Land Area CROP Hunger Walk held here at Fishing Creek Salem.

To date, Salem walkers raised $1,322 contributing a total of $4,353 for the 30th Red Land CROP walk. This is a 19% increase over last year’s walk and donations are still coming in! Again many, many thanks to those who participated!

Altar Flowers Are No Longer Tax-Deductible Due to Federal Tax Code, the purchase of Altar Flowers will no longer be a tax-deductible donation beginning January 1, 2020. Everything else about the program will stay the same and we hope that you will continue to participate. 2020 sign-up calendars will be posted in December.

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Salem has a team of members who visit those who can’t make it to church with communion several times throughout the year. Consider going along with a team member to learn the procedure. Both the communion and the visit are very meaningful to the those who may not have many visitors. It gives them a

chance to see some long time friends. This ministry is meant to be a blessing to the shut-in, but you will find out that you too have been blessed by your visits. Contact Jackie Shaffer (jkieshaffr@aol.com)

Our NEXT FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK is coming— November 3-10

Signup now to help! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C48A4A92BAA8-family1 For more information about hosting contact Stacey Wilkinson at

717-579-6318 or familypromise@fcsalem.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES to use your talents!

• Maintenance team—Do you consider yourself handy? We are currently seeking a few people to have on call for little handy repairs around the church.

• Attendants — When workers or others need to be in the church during Nursery School hours, child safety policies require that we oversee them. Salem has a few pro-jects planned, soon, that require this oversight. Have a few hours to serve on this team? Safe Sanctuaries certification is required and staff can walk you through that process.

• Office volunteers — Could you spare an hour or two on occa-sion or each week? As Advent approaches there will be extra tasks in the office that need completed for the season and we are looking to add another person or two for the worship folder ’stuffing’ team.

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SALEM’S 6th ANNUAL

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER Thursday, Nov. 28th at 12:00pm

ALL are welcome! Join us to feast and fellowship

on this great day of thankfulness!

A Lot of Help is Needed! If you feel you are being called to serve others this Thanksgiving, please consider volunteering to help. Please pray about how you may be a blessing to others as we give thanks for all God has provided for us! Below are the areas of need. Contact Bonnie Moody to help (bonniemoody31@gmail.com or 645-6703). Before Thanksgiving: •Donate a Dessert •Donate a Turkey (18-22 lbs.) •Turkey Prep Tues., 11-26, (6:00pm) •Set up Wed., 11-27, (6:00pm) Thanksgiving Day: •Turkey Carving Team (7:00am) •Kitchen Help (10:30am-2:00pm) •Greeters (11:00am-2:00pm) •Servers/Bussers (11:00am-2:00pm) •Transportation / Meal Delivery (11:00am-2:00pm) •Clean up Crew (2:00-3:00pm)

Daylight Savings Time Ends on

November 3rd at 2:00 am. Turn

your clocks back one hour!

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It’s Time to Think Poinsettias!

Salem will continue our tradition of decorating the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall with poinsettias for Christmas. The flowers are available with 4-6 blooms of red, white or pink.

The flowers will be placed in the church for Christmas Eve and may be taken home after the last service in each location. The cost is $8.00 for each plant.

Please make checks payable to FCSUMC with “Poinsettias” in the memo. Place payment with the order form in Jeannie Pelen’s mailbox by Dec. 1st. Order forms are avail-able in the Information Rack by the south entrance.

Christmas Closet and the

Annual Giving Tree are coming!

Watch the

announcements for

more information!

Item of the Month: Mission Central sends kits to people throughout the world where personal care items are not available to them. Travel size shampoo, conditioner, deodor-

ant and soap are needed for these kits. Please put the personal care items in the bucket marked Mission Central in Mission Corner.

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KIDS’ PAGE

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(con’t from front page)

Joan Dean, the chair of our Church Council shared the following regarding the transition process:

“Representing the church and council as council chairperson, I would like to express our gratitude for your [Pastor Debbie’s] faithful, steady, courageous leadership over the last eight years. You have en-couraged & challenged us to be the church God is calling us to be. Thank you. We pray that you, Randy and your family will find retire-ment to be a time of renewal, joy & peace!

I am certain you [the congregation] are all interested in the process our church is beginning with the announcement of Pastor Debbie’s retirement. These are the steps that will happen between now and July 1, 2020.

• Debbie will turn in her retirement letter to the bishop. • The council will meet with our District Superintendent, Charles

Salisbury to share our church vision, goals and culture. The council spent time at our yearly retreat beginning preparation on the doc-ument we will share with the District Superintendent.

• The bishop and District Superintendents will meet and make the best match possible for our church during the yearly appointment process which begins in January. And just as a reminder, Pastor Jenny is NOT, part of the appointment system. She was hired by Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, not appointed by the bishop.

• The pastor who has been appointed will be introduced to the church council and the following Sunday that appointment will be announced to the congregation.

• Shortly after that, Pastor Debbie and Pastor Jenny will begin work-ing on the transition with the incoming pastor.

• The incoming pastor’s ministry will officially begin July 1, 2020.” Please be in prayer for me that I will be faithful in serving Christ at Sa-lem Church in this time of transition. Be in prayer for the Bishop and the District Superintendents as they seek to know who God has chosen as our next Lead Pastor. And be in prayer that God would prepare the heart of that pastor as they say yes to God’s continuing call in their life and the life of their family. Many Blessings my beloved sisters and brothers, Pastor Debbie

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