September, 2016

The Belfryof the Gouldsboro & Thornhurst United Methodist Churches

Pastor Peg KnapichCharge Office: 570-842-7139

Cell: 570-239-7189Web Address: www.gouldsboroumc.org

Facebook page: Gouldsboro & Thornhurst United Methodist Church

Gouldsboro United Methodist Church495 Main Street

Gouldsboro, PA 18424Email: gb.thcharge@gmail.com

Worship: Sunday 11:00 AMSunday School: Sunday, 10 AM - 10:45AM (Children)

Every Thursday @ 10:00 AM (Adult)

Thornhurst United Methodist ChurchPhysical: 342 Old River RoadThornhurst, PA 18424-0245Church phone: 570-842-1434

Mailing address: 495 Main Street, Gouldsboro, PA 18424Email: ThornhurstUMC@gmail.com

Pastor’s Office Hours: by appointmentCall 570-842-7139 for an appointment

Worship: Sunday 9:00 AM

Belfry Editor: Debbie BuchananDeadline next Belfry: September 19, email AnnDee1956@aol.com

At Risk of Falling August 22, 2016 Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13

If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! —1 Corinthians   10:12

When my friend Elaine was recovering after a bad fall, a hospital worker placed a bright yellow bracelet on her wrist. It read: Fall Risk. That phrase meant: Watch this person carefully. She may be unsteady on her feet. Help her get from place to place.

First Corinthians 10 contains something like a “Fall Risk” warning for believers. With a glance back at his ancestors, Paul noted the human potential to fall into sin. The Israelites complained, worshiped idols, and had immoral relationships. God grew unhappy with them and allowed them to experience consequences for their wrongdoing. However, Paul said, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us . . . . So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (vv. 11-12).

It’s easy to trick ourselves into believing that we’re done with a particular sort of sin. Even when we’ve struggled through the worst of it—admitting our problem, repenting, and recommitting ourselves to following God’s ways—temptation may come calling. God makes it possible for us to avoid falling back into the same patterns. He does this by providing a way out of the sinful act we’re considering. Our part is to respond to His offer of escape. —Jennifer Benson SchuldtLord, let me see the way of escape You offer when I am tempted. Give me the strength to accept Your help so I can stay faithful to You. I know this is Your desire for me, and I thank You that You are at work in me. Great blessings are often followed by great temptations.INSIGHT: Paul tells us that the temptation to do evil is common. But God in His goodness has provided

a way to escape sin. More often than not it’s best to plan an escape route before we encounter temptation. It is wise to avoid those circumstances where we are most vulnerable to sin. Dennis Fisher

Gouldsboro Mission Statement: “To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ, for the Transformation of the World.” 

Thornhurst Mission Statement: To strengthen and support and help each other grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and, by the power of God’s love, to help transform the world around us.

Dates to put on your calendar:

Saturday Sept. 17 – 4-7 PM – Spaghetti Dinner @ Thornhurst UMC

Sunday Sept. 18 – 10:00 AM – combined WORSHIP SERVICE @ Gouldsboro UMC with Rev. Jim Maxwell. Covered dish to follow – presentation on Honduras Mission trip

Sunday Sept. 25 – 4 PM– Ministerium PRAISE FEST at Moffat Estates

Saturday Oct. 8 – Pork ‘n Kraut Dinner @ Thornhurst UMC

Sunday Nov 6 – worship with Rev. Phyllis Bowers of the Stewardship Foundation

Sunday Nov. 20 – 3 PM – Church Conference - @ Paupack UMC (Rt. 507) – all Professing members have voice and vote at this Annual Meeting of the Church. Nominations, salaries and all business related to 2017 will be set.

Tuesday Nov. 22 – 7 PM – Ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service @ St. Catherine’s of Sienna Church in Moscow. Pastor Peg is preaching

Saturday Nov. 26 – Christmas Craft Bazaar @ Thornhurst UMC

Saturday Dec. 3 – Christmas Craft Show @ Gouldsboro UMC – part of Christmas in Gouldsboro

Sunday Dec. 18 – 6 PM – Christmas Program @ Gouldsboro UMC

SEPTEMBER Ministers of Worship

Thornhurst UMC Gouldsboro UMC1st week –

Sept 42nd week –

Sept 113rd week –

Sept 184th week –

Sept 251st week – Sept

42nd week –

Sept 113rd week –

Sept 184th week –

Sept 25

Liturgist Barbara Stanton

Wendy Reader

Bruce Hudson

Julianne Clifton Lisa Bartorillo Judy Clark Paige

WendlingJoanne

Stellman

Greeter Wendy Reeder

Wendy Reeder

Wendy Reeder

Wendy Reeder Karl Swingle Charlie

BuchananPaige

Wendling Cory Reber

Usher Dave McKneel & Fred Engels

Kim Moore & Wendy Reader

Bruce Hudson &

Fred Engels

Barb Stanton & Carol Dombek

Ted & Becky Stout

Charlie & Deb Buchanan

Doug & Paige Wendling

Tina & Cory Reber

Offering counters

Sally Rebyak & Wendy

Martin

Sally Rebyak & Wendy

Martin

Sally Rebyak & Wendy

Martin

Sally Rebyak & Wendy

Martin

Dick & Marilyn Roberts

Charlie & Deb Buchanan

Gary & Sue Klein

Diane Tice & Tina Reber

Refreshments Kim Moore

GUMC

Worship & Discipleship Meeting: Monday, September 12 @ 4 PM.

TUMC

Pasta and Meat Ball Dinner: Saturday, September 17, eat in or take out. 4-7 PM. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more info, contact Kim Moore @ 570-371-9513.

GUMC 9 – Karen Forrest 15 – Youn Kim10 – Butch Carr 17 – Dominic & Ann Fontana12 – Peggy Lewis 24 – Butch & Anne Carr14 – Dick Roberts 26 – Robyn Metcalf

TUMC

9 - Christine Griffaton13 - Madison Blumer

Bible TriviaWhat was Belshazzar drinking from when he saw the hand writing on the wall? Daniel 5:2 

a. Chalices from Egyptb. Ruby mugs from Indiac. Goblets from God’s templed. Crystal glass from Syria

When Elijah called down fire from heaven, upon whom did the fire fall and consume? 2 Kings 1:2-14 

A. The Syrian army B. The servants of Ahaziah C. The children of Moab D. The prophets of Baal 

Health Corner by Paige Thompson Wendling RN, PhD – Faith Community Nurse, GUMC

The United Methodist General Conference affirmed their next global health initiative in the following press release dated May 18, 2016, in Portland, Oregon. —“ Seeking to build on the success of its global health initiative that significantly reduced the number of childhood deaths caused by malaria, The United Methodist Church this week affirmed its commitment to positively impact the lives of children everywhere through the next phase of its global health work. Coordinated by the denomination’s General Board of Global Ministries, “Abundant Health: Our Promise to Children” aims to reach 1 million children with lifesaving interventions by 2020.” The goal for Abundant Health is to promote

the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of children worldwide. The name for this initiative is derived from the Gospel of John 10:10: ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’

In order to reach the 1 million children, The Abundant Health Program has set a goal of engaging 10,000 churches in the United States to promote physical activity, encourage healthy diet and nutrition, provide education for tobacco and drug free living, and promote mental health education. “The 10,000 church challenge provides an opportunity for congregations to open their doors and invite their communities in by sharing a message of healing and hope through health prevention, treatment, education, and communication.” (http://www.umcmission.org/Abundant-Health/churchchallenge). At the August meeting of the Administrative Board at GUMC, it was decided that we would join this challenge. We have, so far, committed to two initiatives already in place at the church. In the area of healthy eating, we are committed to sharing health messages/tips in our church newsletter and in the area of tobacco and drug-free living, we are committed to the continuation of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program in our church. We plan to continue discussion of further initiatives at future Worship and Discipleship Committee meetings. Below you will find suggestions from the Abundant Health Challenge of the United Methodist Church. If you are from GUMC and are interested in seeing our church commit to any of these initiatives or others, please let me know (Phone – 610-751-1034 or E-mail – wendling@ptd.net). I would also like to challenge TUMC to consider signing up for this important challenge to help all children.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Healthy Eating

• Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains at all potlucks or church or community meals.

• Limit portion size by using smaller plates and beverage containers or eliminating buffet-style meals at church events.

• Serve healthy drinks and water — replace offerings with water, 100 percent fruit juice, or low-fat or fat-free milk.

• Host community gardens, farmer’s markets, or other fresh food access, especially locally grown fruits and vegetables, for your congregation and community.

• Share health messages/tips through bulletin inserts, bulletin board announcements, church newsletters, observing a health minute (a brief announcement during regular worship services that promotes health), or projector displays before the sermon.

• Host a health fair/food festival to provide education on community assets for healthy nutrition.

• Conduct social-support activities to promote breastfeeding, such as marketing campaigns and breastfeeding peer-support programs.

• Host a summer food classes for children.

• Help people in your congregation or community sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provides more purchasing power at the grocery store for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in an outreach effort to pregnant women and new mothers.

Active Living

• Offer low- or no-cost physical activity programs across the lifespan (e.g., intramural sports, physical activity clubs/classes for children and seniors).

• Develop joint-use agreements that encourage shared use of physical activity facilities for your congregation (e.g., school gymnasiums, community recreation centers).

• Hold a healthy living week with exercise competitions, e.g., pedometer challenges.

• Dedicate an area in the church for exercising; allow afterschool programs, clubs, or groups to use these spaces to increase youth opportunities for physical activity after school and on weekends.

• Hold national health observance day events for participation in physical activity.

Mental Health

• Make home visits to new parents, older adults, and others who may be disconnected from the community.

• Make prayer quilts, comfort pillows, or care baskets for persons who are in the hospital, residential facility, or are bedridden.

• Provide counseling services to those impacted by addiction or violence, including family members.

• Involve church members in providing meals or respite care to those with chronic illnesses or mental health challenges.

• Provide space and organized activities (e.g., opportunities for volunteering) that encourage social participation and inclusion for all people, including older people and persons with disabilities.

• Support child and youth development programs (e.g., peer-mentoring programs, volunteering programs) and promote inclusion of youth with mental, emotional, and behavioral problems.

• Train key congregation and community members (e.g., adults who work with the older adults, youth) to identify the signs of depression and suicide and refer people to resources.

• Expand access to mental health services (e.g., patient navigation, support groups) and enhance linkages between mental health, substance abuse, disability, and other social services.

• Host yoga classes and stress-management counseling.

Tobacco and Drug-free Living

• Educate youth and adults about the risks of drug abuse (including prescription misuse) and excessive drinking.

• Begin a Global Health sponsored 11-week program for families proven to reduce substance use and abuse. Contact abundanthealth@umcmission.org to begin.

• Attend open AA, AlaNon, and other 12-Step meetings; connect those who ask with AA sponsors

• Invite 12 Step groups to utilize your church meeting space gratis

• Post information for quit lines and tobacco-cessation resources in church publications.

• Have people share testimonials on overcoming addiction to alcohol, smoking, or other addictive substances to promote cessation efforts.

• Support implementation and enforcement of alcohol and drug-control policies.

CIRCLE OF PRAYER – CHURCH LISTS[CHURCH NAME – CITY/TOWN – DISTRICT]

Churches for the week of August 28-September 3 St. Paul’s Penns Creek, Penns Creek (Snyder) Lykens, Lykens (Dauphin) Kunkle, Dallas (Luzerne) Beech Valley, Trout Run (Lycoming) Trinity Woodward, Woodward (Centre) Zion Penns Creek, Middleburg (Snyder) Bethel Brogue, Brogue (York) Wesley Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg (Cumberland) Concord, Concord (Franklin) Yeagertown, Yeagertown (Mifflin)

Churches for the week of September 4-September 10 Fishing Creek Salem, Etters (York) Charlestown, Mercersburg (Franklin) Factoryville, Factoryville (Wyoming) Saxton, Saxton (Bedford) Mt. Zion Richfield, Richfield (Juniata) Martha, Port Matilda (Centre) Grace Millersburg, Millersburg (Dauphin) Upper Strasburg, Upperstrasburg (Franklin) Uriah, Gardners (Adams) Athens, Athens (Bradford)

Churches for the week of September 11-September 17 Greenmount, Glen Rock (York) Strawbridge Kedron, Hughesville (Lycoming) Sweden Valley Faith, Coudersport (Potter) Warren Center, Warren Center (Bradford) Oriole, Jersey Shore (Lycoming) Park Coudersport, Coudersport (Potter) North Orwell, North Orwell (Bradford) Christ Waynesboro, Waynesboro (Franklin) St. Pauls State College, State College (Centre)

Churches for the week of September 18-September 24 Prospect, New Park (York) Faxon-Kenmar, Williamsport (Lycoming) Christ Mountaintop, Mountain Top (Luzerne) Youngs, Mechanicsburg (Cumberland) Shirleysburg, Shirleysburg (Huntingdon) Zion York, York (York) First Hollidaysburg, Hollidaysburg (Blair) Pleasant Valley Woodland, Woodland (Clearfield) Wesley Chapel Breezewood, Breezewood (Bedford) Hamlin-Hollisterville-Maplewood, Hollisterville (Wayne)

Churches for the week of September 25-October 1 Community Church Great Bend, Great Bend (Susquehanna) Christ Community, Selinsgrove (Snyder) Mt. Pleasant Sunbury, Sunbury (Northumberland) Hoffman, Trout Run (Lycoming) Grace Centre Hall, Centre Hall (Centre) Elkland, Elkland (Tioga) Huntersville, Muncy (Lycoming) Mt. Pleasant Port Matilda, Port Matilda (Centre) Calvary Fayetteville, Fayetteville (Franklin) Jerseytown, Jerseytown (Columbia)

Movie Reviewby Abby McNeel

You don’t Have to Be Good to be Great is quirky little film about an equally quirky lady, Florence Foster Jenkins. Let me say, at this point, that I am a kindred spirit to Florence; we both think we can sing like nightingales, but in reality can’t carry a tune. Although there are many comedic moments surrounding her attempts to sing, the film is essentially a love story.

The story is one of many loves... Florence's love of music; she is an heiress who became a patron of both music and the arts in NYC in the 30's and the 40's...her love for St. Clair Bayfield, her partner and manager of more than 40 years... the love shown to her by St. Clair...his love was evidenced by his supporting her delusion that she was a great singer, protecting her from critics and bad reviews in the press...the expressed love of the audiences who gave her standing ovations...the devotedness of her pianist, Cosme McMoon...

I thoroughly enjoy the movie, and judging by the audiences' reaction, so did they. It is truly a delightful film. Fans of Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant will not be disappointed; and it is wonderful to see Simon Helbert (Cosme McMoon) stepping outside of his role as Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory. I definitely would recommend this film for all, but children will probably only react to Florence's singing.

As a side note, Florence Foster Jenkins was born in Wilkes Barre in 1868 into a wealthy family. She was trained as a pianist as a child, being considered a prodigy. In 1885 she eloped to Philadelphia and married Dr. Francis Thomas Jenkins. They were divorced in 1902. Florence supported herself giving piano lessons, until her father died in 1909 and she inherited an estate worth $1,500,000.

Let Hope Rise - Jesus – Hillsong @ Cinemark on Sept 15 & 16. A worship band from Australia. Synopsis - Exploring the history of Australia-based Christian band Hillsong United as group members work on their next recording. http://hillsongmovie.com/ MICHAEL BUBLÉ - TOUR STOP 148 @ Cinemark on Sept 27 @ 7 PM

BRING HOPE TO HOMELESS WOMEN IN LUZERNE COUNTY!

Ruth’s Place, a program of Volunteers of America, changes women’s lives . We are celebrating our 13th year of giving women the shelter, job and housing assistance, counseling and spiritual support they need to begin anew. Last year alone, we provided 5,512 nights of lodging, and helped 96% of guests find safe places after their stay, including permanent and transitional housing. In addition, we helped 81 women get or keep jobs while in the shelter. All this was achieved thanks to our exceptional staff, the hard work and commitment of the women themselves, and compassionate supporters like you that make Ruth’s Place possible.

Tragic events such as fire, car accidents, domestic violence or mental illness can all cause homelessness. Ruth’s Place provides women with a safe, supportive environment where they receive counseling that addresses the root causes of their homelessness. The ultimate goal is to help each woman regain stability and start life on a new path. Women recognize the special community they find at Ruth’s Place. As one guest stated, “You come in and you are broken. You go out and you are yourself. You are a whole person.”

Ruth’s Place provides all its comprehensive services for as little as $33 per woman per day. To continue this service, however, we need your help! Most of our funding comes from federal, state and

local grants, which are always subject to cuts. Without the added support from our local community we would not be able to continue our work. We are asking for your commitment as a platinum, gold, silver or bronze sponsor for our 9th Annual walk-a-thon . We hope your business or organization will also be represented with a team of walkers.

This year’s rally and walk-a-thon, WALK for HOPE, will be on Sunday, October 2, to educate the public about the plight of homeless women in our community. WALK for HOPE will start at 1 p.m. on Public Square and will celebrate the Ruth’s Place’s rapid growth since 2003. Register for the walk-a-thon in advance at ruthsplace.com . Participants are asked to donate to help keep the shelter running; there is no registration fee. Donations can be made at the walk on Public Square; at ruthsplace.com; or through the address above.

Together we can give every woman the dignity, supportive community and services she needs to overcome homelessness. Thank you in advance for your support.

SWB WORKSHOP AT GOULDSBORO UMC WITH REV. MARIAN HARTMAN – Sat. Sept. 24th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; This workshop is open to all Laity & Clergy.  Join us for the 1st workshop of 2016-2017!! Worship Hacks   - Is your Communion Service crumby?  Baptism all wet? Acolytes setting the place on fire?  Then come join us for a fun and informative look at some of our worship practices and learn some tips and tricks to keep things flowing smoothly AND learn some of the spiritual significance of what we do and why we do it.  Altar Guilds, communion stewards, pastors, worship teams – this is open to anyone who wants to come. Presenter – Rev. Marian Hartman. Light refreshments will be provided.  Located at 495 Main St. Gouldsboro. 

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AVAILBLE - Did you know that Mission Central has medical equipment available at no charge?  If you or someone you know has a need for medical equipment, you can call Mission Central and see if the item is available.  You could need just one item or numerous pieces…Mission Central is there to help in any way they can.  Mission Central’s number is 717-766-1533.

INTERPRETER MAGAZINE FOR CHURCH LEADERS – Click to Subscribe http://www.umcom.org/news/please-subscribe-to-interpreter-today. Interpreter magazine offers United Methodists free access to valuable, actionable articles on the topics of technology, spiritual growth, leadership development, congregational growth, ministry with the poor, and global health. 

PA - A Unique State (from Barbara Hudson)There are always new and interesting things to learn about the place you call home –from historical facts, to weird laws, to state firsts, here are some quirky and fun things you may not have known about Pennsylvania.

1. The state insect is the firefly.2. The oldest gas station in the US is located in Altoona.3. Pennsylvania is one of the few U.S. states that is a commonwealth, which has no legal meaning

but emphasizes the role of the people in the state’s government. (The others are Kentucky, Virginia, and Massachusetts.)

4. The third biggest city in Pennsylvania, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is Allentown5. The nation’s oldest golf course is located in Clarion. Foxburg Country Club6. The Monongahela River, located in Western PA, is unique in that it flows north.7. The first department store in the U.S. was located in Philadelphia. It was called Wanamaker’s.8. The only president from Pennsylvania was James Buchanan.

9. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers merged to form the Steagles for one season in 1943. The teams merged because both lost so many players to military service during WWII.

10. One weird Pennsylvania law forbids singing in the bathtub. Another forbids thesweeping of dirt underneath a rug.

11. Pennsylvania has the highest Amish population in the world.12. Kennett Square, PA is the mushroom capital of the world. It produces one million pounds of

mushrooms per year and has an annual mushroom festival.13. The first complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton can be found in the Carnegie Museum in

Pittsburgh.14. The first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh.15. In 1946, the world’s first computer was used in Philadelphia. 16. Pennsylvania was the only colony of the original thirteen that did not border the Atlantic Ocean.17. Benjamin Franklin started the country’s first zoo in Philadelphia. 18. The official state flower is the "Orange Traffic Cone"!

A MESSAGE FOR GOOD FRIENDS (from Barbara Hudson)A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.."Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies.""Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?""Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up..."I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy."How much?" asked the little boy. "No charge," answered the farmer, “There's no charge for love.."The world is full of people who need someone who understands.Methodism ‘a big tent’ from its beginnings by Glen Alton Messer II | August 18, 2016 UM News Service

“THE WALK TO EMMAUS”

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. The course is wrapped in prayer and

meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion. The "Emmaus community," made up of those who have attended an Emmaus weekend, support the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Emmaus Walk begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.

Participants seek to Christianize their environments of family, job, and community through the ministry of their congregations. The three-day Emmaus experience and follow-up groups strengthen and renew Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in mission to the world.

See Pastor Peg, or Judy Clark for more information.Men’s walk is Oct. 27-30, 2016 at Sky LakeWomen’s walk is Nov 3-6, 2016 at Sky Lake

The spring walks are April 27-30, 2017 and May 3-7, 2017.

The North Pocono Ministerium will host a “Praise Fest”Sept. 25 at 4:00 pm at Moffatt Estates on Rt. 435 in Moscow.

An ecumenical gathering of people and choirs to praise our amazing God thru music.Picnic tables and benches are provided, but you may be more comfortable in your own lawn chair.

Each church (Gouldsboro, Thornhurst, Daleville, Maple Lake, Moscow UMC’s, St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Mark’s Episcopal, St. Eulalia, Elmhurst Presbyterian, Cross Roads Assembly of God, Spring Brook

Congregational) is asked to bring some cookies or simple finger foods to share for our time of fellowship.

An offering will be taken to benefit the Dry Goods and Food Pantries of North Pocono area.

Come one – come all !!!