The Linway News
MAY 2017
MESSAGE FROM
THE PASTOR
Dear Friends,
19
In the evening of that first day of
the week, the disciples were gathered
together with the doors locked because of
their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came,
stood among them, and said to them, “Peace
to you!”
20
Having said this, He showed them His
hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced
when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to
them again, “Peace to you! As the Father
has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 After
saying this, He breathed on them and said,
“Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22.
Easter? What difference does that
make? We are told what happened on
Thursday evening of Holy Week in the
Upper Room, where Jesus washed the
disciples’ feet as instruction in how they
were to serve rather than be served. We
share the broken bread and the cup
according to his instruction: Do this in
remembrance of Me. We are reminded of
the sorrowful prayer in the Garden of
Gethsemane and the kiss of betrayal.
Good Friday brings us to the mock
trial, the passion and terrible torture and
agonizing death on the cross. The hasty
burial in a garden tomb, and that massive
grief and mourning was cast in the shadow
of fear. What else might the Roman
authorities do?
Early on the morning of the third
day, we are told that some women when to
the tomb to properly anoint Jesus’ body for
burial according to Jewish custom. We are
told that the tomb was empty; that an angel
announced to them: Do not be afraid; for I
know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here; for he has risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where he lay. Then go
quickly and tell his disciples that he has
risen from the dead, and behold him is going
before you to Galilee; there you will see
him. (Matthew 28:5-7).
What difference does Easter make?
Easter evening is a demonstration that the
truth of the resurrection is not only that a
dead, crucified, horribly mangled body was
raised from the dead. It is that Jesus
intentionally chose to return to his disciples
and forgive them for any and all
shortcomings. This is a demonstration of
the depth of his and the heavenly Father’s
forgiveness for us as well. This is the hope
of Easter that the same Christ who came
even to those who forsook him in his
greatest hour of need will not forsake us. If
he forgave his disciples, he can forgive
anyone according to his will.
Some have suggested that the
evening of the Day of Resurrection, the first
Easter, could be viewed as the birth of the
church. Normally, we think of Pentecost
(the celebration of the gift of the Holy
Spirit), as the birthday of the church. But it
gives one pause to reflect on the question:
who is the church? The church is a
collection of individuals who make a public
promise to serve Jesus Christ, to give
witness to him in the living of his/her life,
and to willingly work with others to advance
Jesus’ mission and ministry in the world.
On top of that is the realization that these
individuals stumble, backslide, fall away,
and disappoint him and one another, just like
the first apostles. That’s the church. A
human organization that is forgiven,
redeemed, and claimed by the risen Christ.
We are not greatly different than the
first followers of Jesus. Sometimes, despite
the good that we would do, we do wrong
instead. But knowing that Jesus forgives,
that he is determined to overcome any
obstacle between us and his loving purpose
for us, we can boldly live for him, speak for
him, and receive his forgiveness when we
fall short.
Our great hope, in life and in death,
is that the same risen Christ who, on the
evening of the Day of Resurrection,
unreservedly forgave his first disciples, will
present himself to us and forgive us. And so
we affirm our faith publically when we
worship, not that we’re the best possible
representatives of Jesus in the world, but we
sincerely believe that we have been called
by him as followers and claimed by him in
love. We know that we are not the most
courageous Christians possible, but we are
here committed to give of ourselves (time,
talents, and treasure) for his ministry and
mission in the world.
The month of May is a busy time for
all of us. Please don’t let your business keep
you from participating in worship and the
activities of our Lord’s Linway Church.
What we do is a response to what God has
done for us. Let’s make it a good one
knowing that each day is a new beginning
on our journey of faith and service.
By the grace of God we are one
people and together part of the Body of Christ
in this time and place. I look forward to
sharing with you the worthy and sacred work
of worship, mission, and ministry at our
Lord’s Linway Church.
Grace & Peace,
Eric E. Dennis, Pastor
The Linway News
Linway United Presbyterian Church
600 Lincoln Highway
North Versailles, PA 15137
Phone #: (412) 824-3555
Sunday Morning Worship:
9:15 a.m.-Contemporary Service
11:00 a.m.-Traditional Service
Web page: www.linwaychurch.org
Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Eric E. Dennis
Email: [email protected]
Office Manager: Don Berger
Email: [email protected]
Financial Secretary: Christine Stewart
Email: [email protected]
Choir Director: Margaret Dennis
Housekeeper: Mary Lou Bernhardy
*******************************
You can email articles to Linway News
Editor Don Berger at the church office.
Deadline for copy is usually the Sunday
before the last Sunday of the month
unless noted differently.
The purpose of Linway United
Presbyterian Church is to joyfully
worship and serve the mission and
ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Come Grow Your Faith in Jesus Christ
With Us!”
Happy Birthday in May to:
Nicholas Eremic
Madilyn Stewart
Jessica Berger
Sandi Szmuc
Mark Pascarella
Leslie Gray
Jackie Thornton
Clara Welty
Danette Mainiero
Teri Ritz
Heather Frye
**********************************
Mark Your Calendars for VBS:
It may only be May, but before you know it,
Vacation Bible School will be here. The
dates for Linway’s Vacation Bible School
have been set and it will be held from
Monday, July 17 through Thursday, July 20.
More details will be following in the next
few months as they become available.
***********************************
Mission To Feed the Homeless:
Happy Anniversary in May to:
Clara & Bud Welty
Alyssa & Joshua Oskin
Lori & Dale Frye
Mary Lou & Frank Fawcett
Gwenn & Glenn Heshizer
Leslie & Scott Gray
Lila & Andy Sedlak
*********************************
Remember, you can always add a birthday
or anniversary to our list by contacting the
Church Office via phone or email.
*********************************
Linway Church continues with its monthly
Mission To Feed the Homeless on Saturday,
May 13. We prepare 100 hot meals and
deliver them to the homeless living in
downtown Pittsburgh. This month, we are
asking for donations of pies…any variety
of your choice is fine and will be
appreciated. We also are in need of extra
help on the days we prepare the meals. The
more hands we have to help, the easier it is
to get the job done. If you are available
anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.,
even for just an hour or two, we would
really appreciate it. We always need help to
prepare the meals, pack up the containers,
clean up the kitchen, and deliver the meals
to Pittsburgh. Thanks!
************************************
Linway Preschool
The Linway Christian Education Committee
sponsored a Free Movie Night for the
current Linway Preschool students and their
families. It was held on Friday, May 5, with
the Disney animated movie, “Lady and the
Tramp”, being shown There were quite a
few Preschool Students and their families
who came and had a fun time. Along with
the movie, there were also snacks provided.
***********************************
Linway Preschool Registration:
Registrations for the 2017/18 Linway
Preschool School Year are now being
accepted. Openings are available for both
the three-year-old and four-year-old classes
at this time, but they will fill up fast.
Classes for the 4-year-old room are held on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while the
three-year-old class meets on Tuesday and
Thursday. Both classes have a choice of
mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or
afternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. If
you or someone you know is interested in
sending a child to the Linway Preschool
starting in September, you can find a
registration form on the Preschool link on
the Linway Church Website located at
www.linwaychurch.org. or you can call the
Church Office at 412-824-3555 and a form
can be mailed out to you.
***********************************
The following poem was composed by
Mr. Frank Fawcett, one of our Linway
Church members
*****************************
The Rising Son
by Frank Fawcett
They laid Him in the tomb
thinking that they had won---But
the morning star that they lay down
became “The Rising Son.”
The Son of God, the Son of Man,
The Lord that we all trust
Has overcome the death we know
That leaves us prone to dust.
Now if we take Him at His word,
We know what we can do.
We know that we can overcome
and sparkle like the dew.
“The Rising Son” of each new day
has given us light to show the way.
So let us all rejoice in Him
This Happy Easter Day!!
(He just keeps giving)
Memorial Fund Donations:
If you are looking for a way to help honor
the memory of a family member or a dear
friend from Linway that has passed, you can
make a donation to the Linway Memorial
Fund. You can even designate how you like
your donation to be used (ex: General Fund,
Choir, Building Fund, etc.), just to name a
few. If you have any questions, please
contact Linda Wetzler, chairperson of the
Linway Memorial Committee
************************************
Cross and Crown Ceremony:
The end of the year is winding down for
both the Linway Kids Club and the Bridge
Youth group. Wednesday, May 24 will be
the last meeting of the Kids Club for grades
K-6th and Thursday, May 25 is the final
meeting of the Bridge Youth Group until
next Fall. Thanks go out to everyone who
participated, donated items, taught lessons,
or contributed in any way to help make both
groups successful over the school year.
***********************************
Our annual Cross and Crown Ceremony to
honor those in our congregation who are
graduating from High School will be held on
Sunday, June 4 at the 11:00 a.m. service.
This year, we have one Linway member we
will recognize who will be graduating,
Macijah Novosedliak. Macijah will be a
graduate of East Allegheny High School in
June. Come and wish him well on June 4.
************************************
Deacon’s Strawberry Festivsl:
Eagle Scout Congratulations:
Majicah Novosedliak was honored as an
Eagle Scout at a ceremony held at St.
Robert’s Church on Sunday, May 7. Thank
you to the Linway Preschool for working
with Macijah to help him achieve this rank,
which is the highest achievement in the
Scouting program. Everyone here at
Linway is proud of Macijah for all his hard
work in accomplishing the rank of Eagle
Scout. Congratulations to Macijah and his
family for this fine accomplishment!
***********************************
We are saddened to report that long-time
Linway member Betty Joyce has passed
away. Betty had been in a Personal Care
Home in Carlisle, PA for several years. She
passed away on April 29 and a Memorial
Service is being planned by her family for
Thursday, May 25 here at Linway.
Following the Cross and Crown Ceremony
at the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 4,
the Deacons will be having their Annual
Strawberry Festival. They will be serving
hot dogs, chips, and strawberries with ice
cream for a nominal fee. Please plan on
staying for lunch after church on June 4.
**********************************
Lawn Care Donations Requested:
Now that the warmer weather has arrived,
that means it is Grass Cutting Time again.
We would appreciate anyone that could
donate to our Lawn Care Fund to help
defray the cost of the Lawn Mowing Service
that takes care of the church’s lawn and
landscaping. Each time they come, it costs
$40.00 per cut, and without extra donations,
this becomes quite costly. If you are willing
and able to help with this expense,
please use one of the all-purpose pew
envelopes and designate it for “Lawn Care”
or mark it on your check memo line. Thank
you so much for helping us keep the
church’s lawn and grounds looking nice.
***********************************
2017 Chancel Flower Purchases:
Please use this form for ordering Chancel
Flowers in memory or in honor of a loved
one. Forms will be available to fill out and
payment will be due at the time of purchase.
If there is a particular date you would like to
reserve, please do so as early as possible.
Deadline to reserve a particular date is no
later than two weeks beforehand. Place
form in collection plate or call the church
office at 412-824-3555.
Please note that flower prices have
increased to $12.50 per vase ordered.
Chancel Flowers Order Form
If you would like to order a vase of Chancel
Flowers for one of the services, please fill out the
form and include $12.50, the current cost of each
vase. Orders are on a first-come basis, so please
order early to reserve a particular date.
Flowers given by: (Please include your name and
phone number)
In memory of……..or…….in honor of
(Please circle which one applies and enter names
below)
All orders must be placed no later than two
weeks before requested date. If desired date is
taken, an alternate date will be offered.
Happy Mother’s Day Blessings to
all Moms on Sunday, May 14!
******************************
A blessing and prayer tribute to
all mothers
"Blessed be all mothers
Who have come into our lives
Whose kindness, care and
loving
Remain with us to guide.
Your inspiration in us
Made us strive in every way
Especially to remember
Helping others makes our
day.
Mothers, this little tribute
Flows directly from my heart
You are so loved and
cherished
Invaluable, one and all, you
are.
Susan Kramer
******************************
Chicken Barbecue Coming Up:
End of the School-Year Thank You!
It’s almost time for the end of the current
school year for our Linway Preschool
students. It seems like it was just September
and the little ones were just starting out.
Now, it’s on to Kindergarten for the fouryear-old class and a move up to more
learning as the three-year-olds become the
four-year-old class next September. Our
Preschool program is fortunate to have two
wonderful teachers in Cyndi Schwer and
Traci Kellar taking care of the kids each and
every day. The success of a program like
the Preschool is only as good as the people
you have running it, and we certainly are
blessed to have Cyndi and Traci, along with
the rest of the people involved with the
Preschool program who have either helped
out in the classrooms or took care of things
behind the scenes. We hope everyone has a
wonderful summer break and look forward
to another great year when the Linway
Preschool resumes at the end of August.
************************************
SUMMER WORSHIP HOURS:
Please keep aware that next month, summer
worship hours will begin on June 11. That
means the Traditional Service will have a
10:30 a.m. starting time through Sunday,
September 3. The Contemporary Service
will continue to start at 9:15 a.m.
************************************
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 20,
when we will be having our Spring 2017
Chicken BBQ Fundraiser here at the church.
It will run from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will be
held on the front lawn. Dinner will include
half of a baked barbecued chicken, baked
potato, cole slaw, roll with butter, and a
beverage. Dinners will cost $9.50 each and
are available to eat here or as take out. There
will also be homemade desserts available for
an additional purchase. We hope to see you
there for a delicious Chicken BBQ Dinner!
************************************
Helpers Needed for Chicken BBQ:
To make our Chicken BBQ a success, we
will need volunteers to come and help out in
a number of ways, such as preparing the
chicken and cleaning the potatoes on Friday,
May 19, and setting up tables, tents, and
chairs on Saturday. We will need people to
maintain the grills, collect money, sell the
desserts, and clean up afterwards. There are
quite a few ways you can help out. Contact
Jamie Stewart, Fundraising Chairperson or
see any member of the Fundraising
Committee if you are able to help out.
************************************
Linway Annual Church Picnic:
Plan ahead now for our Annual Linway
Church Picnic on Sunday, June 11. It will
begin at 12:00 noon at Maple Grove in
White Oak Park, with lunch being served
around 12:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged
to bring along a favorite covered dish or
dessert to share. This is a nice time to get
together for food, fun, and fellowship, so we
hope join us on June 11 starting at 12 Noon.
************************************
Paint Night “FundRasier” Thank You:
Our first time Paint Night “Fun’d Raiser” was held on Friday, April 28 with nearly 25 people
attending. It was a fun evening for folks to get together and create their very own “masterpiece”
using the leftover slate from the Linway Church roof. Thanks to Stephanie Spingola, Heather
Hallick, and Bud Welty for their assistance and also thank you to everyone who supported this
event. Due to its success, another one is being planned for some time in the fall.
************************************
2017 Linway Retreat Weekend:
Approximately 35 people enjoyed this year’s Linway Church Retreat at the Ligonier Camp and
Conference Center during the weekend of April 21-23 Some of the activities included evening
vespers around the campfire, Bible Charades, Laser Tag, Scripture time, T-shirt decorating, a
Talent Show, and lots of eating. Once again, Zachary Hilbert was crowned King of the PingPong Tournament and he retained his title for another year, again! Special thanks go out to Scott
Gray, Don Augustin, and Amy Gida for organizing the vespers and programming, and to Rev.
Mary Louise Russell for providing the message during the Sunday Morning Church Service.
************************************
Animals of the Bible A to M Word Search Game
This Bible word search game has 36 answers.
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