The Messenger
Volume 23, Issue 3
2017
Fan Into Flame The Gift God Gave You!
We now move into the season of Lent. As we do so, and as we follow our
Lord to his cross, I would like Paul’s words to Timothy (see the title above) to
be a guiding scripture for our Lenten journey.
NEWSINSIDE:
SessionNews
WorshipVolunteers
NurseryVolunteers
2017CoffeeHour
PageofMissions
Happenings
PrayerConcerns
MarthaCircle
MoreHappenings
FYI–Webmaster
FromDeacons
MovieOuting
TrailMagic
AndMore
PineSpringsCamp
MuseumTour
MusicalNotesfromJim
Celebrations
Birthdays/Anniversaries
CalendarofEvents
The long haul of discipleship can be taxing, especially when it entails selfdenial. Initially there may be an excitement to following Christ. There is
nothing like the enthusiasm of a beginner. New converts are notoriously
enthusiastic. Whether converted to a new exercise regime, vegetarianism, or a
living faith with Jesus Christ, there is a rampant exuberance that can exhaust
the rest of us. Sometimes we look upon these dedicated enthusiasts and roll our
eyes and moan about how “on fire" they are, even while we secretly admire
their dedication, envy their energy and pray for our own rekindling of first
love.
The problem with being “on fire”, is that it takes a lot
of time and effort to maintain that degree of enthusiasm
for any length of time. That is the reason not many New
Year's resolutions make it past March. The joy of
exercising gradually becomes just another chore on your
long list of things to do. Old habits and tastes cry out to
be satisfied with a greasy hamburger and fries. Then it
happens! Getting away to that perfect fishing hole never
seems possible on your schedule. Sunday morning
services and Wednesday night choir practice, Friday
morning bible study…etc., seem to be consuming your
week, and you feel the need for some "time off."
Problem? Time off easily becomes a smoldering act.
From
Our
PASTOR
Paul recognized the need for Timothy, and all Christians, periodically to
"rekindle the gift of God" (v.6) that we have received in our lives. What does
it take to fan the flame of the spirit back to a roaring fire of faithfulness within
us? It takes three things: Power, Love, and Self-Discipline.
1. Power: On our own, we are totally incapable of remaining faithful to anyone or anything - not even ourselves. The greatest gift each of us receives
as new children in Christ is that special presence Christ sent to be among us the Holy Spirit. In Scripture, two images seem to accompany the Holy Spirit fire and wind/breath.
Continued . . . . . .
Email:[email protected] WebSite:www.maplewoodpc.org
The Maplewood MISSION STATEMENT:
TO KNOW CHRIST and TO MAKE HIM KNOWN
By LEADING People to a Saving Faith in Jesus Christ,
NURTURING and EQUIPPING People in the Faith,
Love and Knowledge of Jesus Christ,
DEPLOYING People in Servant Ministries to the Rest of the World.
STAFF & CONTACTS
PASTOR:
Steve LaSor
724-836-3784
CHURCH OFFICE:
Diane Dale
724-834-4960
MUSIC DIRECTOR:
Jim Overly
From Our Pastor Continued . . .
Just as all fire needs oxygen, so the flames of faithfulness that are kindled within
us cannot be kept going without the breath of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's
continued presence with us acts like a bellows to the flames we tend in our hearts.
If we ignore the presence of this "spirit of power," cut ourselves off from the
possibility of a living spirit within us, we shut down our own air supply.
Elders & Committees:
Christian Education
David Hileman,Chair
Church Life
Rita Perotti
Donna Costelnock
Finance
Carol Limegrover, Chair
Sharon Elkettani, Co-Chair
Missions/Outreach
Katy Doran, Chair
Bob Cochran, Co-Chair
Personnel
Arlene Troster
Property
Dana Ferry, Chair
Bob Harlan, Co-Chair
Worship
Mike Cerilli, Chair
Bob Bereit, Co-Chair
Clerk of Session
Mary Jane Myers
Deacons Chair
Marie LaSor
Treasurer
Arlene Troster
Financial Secretary
Roy Myers
Webmaster
Bob Bereit
Messenger Staff
Katy Doran
Marie LaSor
2. Love: It is not enough simply to fan the flames of faithfulness within
ourselves. Until we open ourselves up to others, our friends, our church, our
community, it is bound to gradually die out.
The gospels are filled with Jesus' counsel on how to live in this world as a
disciple of this love. Contrary to what we may sometimes feel, it is our contact
with others that fuels our faith. It is as though each person who touches us brings a
log to throw on the fire. The more we reach out to others in love, the higher the
flames of faith can climb. Faith does not grow in seclusion. It must be given away
through love, or it smolders and dies.
3. Self-Discipline: Even those who acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit
and who encounter others with a loving attitude may gradually lose their spark. G.
Campbell Morgan said that it was possible to be "homiletically brilliant, verbally
fluent, theologically profound, biblically orthodox and spiritually useless." We
must be willing to work our fires if we would keep them burning brightly.
It is easy to let things slip away. How easy it is to let good intentions slip away.
How easy it is to let our spiritual lives slip away. Fan the flames!!
~
Steve
News from Session
SessionMeetinginFebruary,2017:
There were no ACTION items.
MARCH WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS
REPORTS & REMINDERS:
Worship – Elder M. Cerilli reported they need to find
someone to arrange for ushers, greeters, communion
servers, etc. while Ron Shafer is on his extended hike.
They would also like to have more women on the
worship committee.
Church Life – Elder R. Perotti reported February 25
will be a game night at the church. March 26 will be
a tour of the Art Museum in Greensburg.
Finance – Elder C. Limegrover gave a financial
overview of the income and expenses. The annual
audit scheduled for February is almost finished and the
results will be given at the March session meeting.
Mission & Outreach – Elder K. Doran reported the
next Union Mission meal is April 10. February coffee
hour will be Trail Magic Sunday and will begin
collecting supplies for Ron Shafer’s ministry on that
day. Kick-off for American Cancer RELAY FOR
LIFE will be Sunday, March 5 with Mike Cerilli
giving a minute for mission during worship service.
Property – Elder D. Ferry reported the water heater
was replaced with a 40-gallon heater. They will
continue to use the same grass cutting and snow
removal service. They will be putting a lock on the lift
to stop access from the Fellowship Hall to the second
floor. The committee is working on a 5-year property
plan to list facility items that need attention in the
future.
Christian Education – Elder D. Hileman reported
that Sunday School attendance is slim. They are
looking for more people to serve on their committee.
Communion Preparation: Bonnie Peebly
Communion Servers: Bonnie Peebly, Ron
Shafer, Jean Gleditsch, Mike Cerilli, Jon Casteel
Lay Reader: Bob Bogert
Greeters: Ann Ryan, Bob Cochran
Downstairs Greeter: Shirley Filicko
Ushers: Marie LaSor, Ruth Lash
Acolytes:
March 5th - Liam Hileman
March 12th - Mackenzie Williams
March 19th - Jonathan Bouknight
March 26th - Logan Williams
April 2nd - Rebecca Bouknight
MARCH NURSERY SCHEDULE:
3/05
Val McAteer and Kristen Wonderling
3/12
Susan Witt and Bonnie Peebly
3/19
Melissa Lenhart and Christi Musgrove
3/26
Carol Limegrover and Peggy Potts
Next Session Meeting will be March 20, 2017.
2017 COFFEE HOUR SCHEDULE:
March
April
May
June
July
Worship Committee
Finance/Palm Sunday Brunch
Property Committee
Martha Circle
Choir
August
September
October
November
December
Church Life/Family Picnic
LIFT (Ladies’ Home Study)
Personnel Committee
Martha/Christian Ed – Hanging
of Greens
Church Life/Family Dinner
A Page for Missions
OneofthemostexcitingprojectssponsoredbyyourMaplewoodMissions/OutreachCommittee
is through an organization called Kiva and involves lending money to individuals with specific
personalorsmall‐businessgoals.
Kiva started as a pioneer in crowd‐funding in 2005, and is constantly innovating to meet
people’sdiverselendingneedsaroundtheworld.Kivaloansenablesomeonetogrowabusinessandto
create opportunities for themselves. Lending on Kiva creates a partnership of mutual dignity and
makesiteasytotouchmoreliveswiththesamedollar.Wehelptofundaloan,getrepaid,andthenwe
are able to fund another loan. Kiva creates the opportunity to play a special part in someone else's
story. Here are the two individuals we recently lent money to using our Kiva budget:
Hasan, from Lebanon, is a 40‐year‐old married father of three, all of whom will be
benefitingfromthisentrepreneurloantopayfortheirschooltuitionfees.Hedropped
outofschoolatanearlyagetohelphisfamily;thusheconsidershiskids'educationa
toppriorityinhislife.Hasanisadevotedfatherwhostartedhisownbusinessasacar
mechanicandhehasbeeninthisbusinessforalmost27years.Thisloanissupporting
hiskids'schooltuitionfees.
Sarmunah,fromIndonesia,is40yearsoldandmarried,andhastwodaughters.She
hasasmallshopthathasbeensellingbasicfoods,snacks,bread,cake,drinks,etcfor
thirteenyears.HerhusbandworksveryhardandhehasbeensellingriceintheSerang
Districtforfifteenyears.Theywouldliketoimprovetheirlivingconditionsandcreate
a happy and healthy life for their kids. She has asked for a loan to build a clean
sanitationandwatersourcesfacilityattheirhome.Todayherfamilyhasnoaccesstoa
toilet in their home and they must rely on the river for bathing. She and her family
wanttoliveahealthylifewithcleansanitationandwater.
DonationscanbemadetowardsourKivabudgetthroughouttheyearorduringMissionMonthof
GivinginNovember.Wecurrentlyhavealittleover$100outinloans.PleasecontactKatyDoranor
MelissaLenhartifyouhaveanyquestionsorifyouwouldliketomakeadonation. YOUAREINVITEDTOPARTNERAJOURNEYOFFAITHINFRANCE:
OuryoungmissionaryfamilyinFrance,Greg&NikkiSaldi,havetheirsmallchurch“planted”
inDescartes,beginningtospreadthefruitofGod’sWord...not just tell people about Jesus or
evangelize, but to accompany them as well. Maplewood has an opportunity to share that journey.
Here is how:
1. Help us purchase Study Bibles for small group studies for 10 participants. Forty bibles, $40
each = $400. PLEASE consider donating toward that goal, in any amount prayer may lead
you! It would be a major blessing if 10 of you might each purchase 1 Study Bible, but any
amount will be welcome!
2. Prayerfully consider if you would like to be a Prayer Partner for one of these 10 students of
God’s Word – to have that person’s name at the top of your prayer list, accompanying them
on their journey of faith. In addition, anyone who would like to partner on a more personal
level, email or postal addresses can be provided.
Forms to accompany donations will be available in Worship bulletins in the next several weeks.
Maplewood Happenings
INSPECIALNEEDOFPRAYER
Dorothy Bell’s sister
Bob Bogert
Rosemary Fry & daughter
Dave Hileman’s father
Lee Immel’s wife
Ann Ryan’s GGrandaughter Lorali & her
family
Pastor LaSor’s parents
Bob & Jane Stover
Susan Witt’s mother
Bill Young’s mother
**New Additions in BOLD
Several of your prayer requests have been removed. If
you or your family member is still in need of prayer,
please complete a Prayer request card (in pews), notify
Katy Doran or leave a note in “The Messenger” box in
the Church Office.
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
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Prayers for our Maplewood Church
Leaders
Prayers for our College Students
Prayers for our local, national and world
leaders, our armed forces and their
families
Prayers for our persecuted Christian
brothers & sisters world-wide
Prayers for our missionary families, the
Carlsons & the Saldis
MARTHA CIRCLE IN MARCH:
Well our circle has been blessed by a knowing a wonderful soul named Hal Lester. He has
just about completed our long needed/planned kitchen island. I've been told that it is a beautiful piece
of furniture that will fit perfectly in our kitchen. As we had mentioned, he installed wheels on it so that
it can be pushed against the wall and out of the way when not needed. Thanks to several ladies in the
circle who helped with the design. Now we can store a lot of needed items out of the way and possibly
sell the plastic containers currently being used.
Our planned library is just about complete except for some future "decorations" to make it look
like an inviting living room. Decorators, Doris, Lorraine and Penny (I sure hope I haven't left
anyone out)
did a marvelous job. Many thanks go out to the committee, Lois, Mike, Katy and Sylvia, who went
through the boxes of books from the old library deciding which to leave in library, sell/give away, or
let Pastor Steve make the decision. I can promise that this new space will be an inviting place to sit,
relax and enjoy.
Volunteers are needed to help with refreshments for the AARP Tax Prep, Friday March 17th
and 31st. If you can help in this area please let Arlene Troster know.
Our March get together will be on the 15th in the church lounge. Ann Ryan and Shirley
Filicko will be our Easter hostesses and Doris Bogert will have devotions. We will have a program
on Emergency Info for elderly/single persons. More info on this later in the Sunday Bulletin. All
ladies of the church are invited to join in our fellowship.
MORE Happenings
FYI from Our Webmaster:
Photo Directory
Ahandyguidetoinformationaboutourmembers,
the Maplewood Photo Directory is available in
severalformats:1)PrintedCopyintheNarthex;2)
On our web site (in the ‘Members Only’ section);
3) On your smart phone. We try to keep the
information current and accurate, but ask you to
periodically check your family listing. Report any
textual changes that should be made directly to
theChurchOffice.Ifyouwouldliketoupdateyour
photo, please arrange with Bob Bereit to have a
newonetaken,orsupplyafavoritefamilypicture
forinclusion(wecanscanprints).
Photo Directory Phone App
Communications Resources, Inc., the folks
whohostourMaplewoodphotodirectory,havean
App for your smartphone or tablet computer
whichmakesthedirectoryavailablerightonyour
mobile device. With this service updates to the
directory are available just as soon as they are
posted.
The App is available for iOS (Apple),
AndroidandKindleFiredevicesandcanbefound
on iTunes, Google Play or the Kindle web sites.
Search the appropriate site for ‘Instant Church
Directory’. Download and install the App on your
device.It’sfree!
TousetheApp,yourEmailaddressmustbe
storedinourdirectory.Checktheprintedcopyof
thedirectoryinthenarthex(oronourwebsite)to
see if your Email is listed. If not, contact the
ChurchOfficetohaveitadded.OnceyourEmailis
in the directory start the app on your mobile
device. You will be asked to supply your Email
address. Enter that information and a special
authorization code will be sent to you. Copy the
authorizationcodefromtheEmailyoureceiveinto
the app and you’re good to go. The first time you
use the app it may take a few minutes for the
directorytoloadup.
A Note From Your Deacons . . .
Everyone should have been contacted by
their assigned Deacons for 2017. If you are
unsure who your Deacon is please speak with
Marie.
We are here to serve the Maplewood
congregation! If you know of someone in
need of a meal, a visit, prayer, etc please let
us know.
Blessings,
Marie Lasor, Deacon Chair
AMovieOuting:
The LIFT ladies group is going to see the
movie“TheShack”onSunday,March12th
at1:05PM.Wewillbehavingaluncheonat
thechurchimmediatelyafterworshipand
thengotothemovie.
Everyoneisinvitedtojoinus!
If you are interested in going please let
SusanWittorMarieLaSorknow.
“TRAILMAGICMINISTRY”
WhileRonShafer’strekontheAppalachian
Trailprogressesfromnowthroughmid‐
SeptemberorearlyOctober,collectionsfor
his“TrailMagicMinistry”willcontinue.
Thecartonforyourdonationswillremainin
theNarthex,alongwithamapoftheTrail&
pinpointsofRon’sprogressfromGeorgiato
northernMaine.
Inaddition,wewillleteveryoneknowhow
tofollowalongwithRon’sadventurevia
blog,emailreports&Facebookposts.Watch
ourbulletins&noticesinTheMessenger.
HAPPYHIKING,RON&GODSPEED!
And MORE Happenings
FROM CHRISTIAN ED:
Are you dreaming of SUMMER? What about Summer CAMP?
There is nothing like creating summer camp memories for you or someone you love! Pine Springs Camp
strives to provide every camper with a vital encounter with Jesus Christ that leads to growth in Christian
faith and discipleship. Their Summer Program runs nine weeks throughout the summer and welcomes
campers ages 3 to adults! Please check out their web site at https://www.pinesprings.org/summercamp
Some Sample Programs:
Grandmas, Moms and Tots (ages 3 – 7)
Discovery (completed grades K – 2)
Exploration (completed grades 3 – 4)
Journey (completed grades 6 – 8)
Expedition (completed grades 9 – 12)
Day Camps
One-Half or full Day Adventure Activities
Theyalsoofferretreats,missiontrips,volunteeropportunities,andplentyofwaysforyouto
help.MaplewoodChristianEducationCommitteeprovidessummercamp“scholarships”tothe
youthinourchurchfamilywhowouldliketoattend,providingupto50%ofthecosts.Toapply,
simplyregisterforcampandsubmitacopyoftheregistrationtotheChurchOfficewithyour
contactinformation.PineSpringsCampislocatedinJennerstown,PA.Youcancontactthemvia:
Email:[email protected]:814‐629‐9834.
CHURCH LIFE IS SPONSORING A GUIDED TOUR OF THE WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF
AMERICAN ART WITH A DOCENT. THE EXHIBIT IS “WHEN MODERN WAS CONTEMPORARY:
SELECTIONS FROM THE ROY R. NEUBERGER COLLECTION.”
THE TOUR IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 26TH BEGINNING AT 1:30PM AND RUNNING
FOR APPROXIMATELY 65 MINUTES. AFTER THE TOUR, YOU WILL BE FREE TO WALK THRU
OUT THE MUSEUM AND VISIT THE GIFT SHOP. THE COST FOR A DOCENT-GUIDED TOUR IS
$10.00 PER PERSON. A MEAL FOLLOWING THE TOUR CAN BE INCLUDED.
RESERVATIONS ARE NEEDED BY MARCH 19TH .
TOUR ONLY @ $10.00 EACH. NAME & #: ________________________________________________
(FEE WILL BE COLLECTED AT MUSEUM)
OR
TOUR & MEAL. NAME & #: _____________________________________________________________
YOUR PHONE #: ____________________________________
MUSICAL NOTES from JIM
As promised last month, here is Part 2 of "Telling the Story With Congregational Signing" by Rick Muchow,
the former worship pastor for Saddleback Church in California.
Congregational singing that honors God honors Scripture. Methods change, but the Word of God never does.
Worship leading is a huge responsibility because a person's theology is formed by what he/she remembers.
Choosing songs with theologically true lyrics is absolutely necessary in worship that honors God and benefits
people. As the congregation participates in singing, the songs of the church will become an intrinsic part of their
lives. When led well, the church family leaves the building singing at least one of the songs from the service.
Chances are, as good as the sermon is, people will not be humming or singing the points of the sermon on their
way home.
Music can be a powerful storytelling tool in the worship service. Throughout history, God's people have
responded to Him in worship by remembering, anticipating, and celebrating. God's story is a story of
redemption. Singing, praying, giving, taking communion, gathering, symbols and icons, and especially
preaching are acts of worship that help the congregation to remember this story.
God's people gather to remember the promises of God that have been fulfilled and to anticipate the fulfillment
of promises to come. God's Word exhorts, encourages, and equips believers. Music is best used in a church
service as a soundtrack that connects the entire worship service together in a memorable way while delivering
content from the head to the heart. God's Word is hidden in our hearts, and it finds its way there through the
back door of music.
I'll tell you how Mr. Muchow concludes his article in the April newsletter. As we enter the season of Lent, I
would like to challenge many of you to make a personal sacrifice to honor God: SING! To quote the song
"Sing!", written by Joe Raposo and performed by the Carpenters, "Don't worry that it's not good enough for
anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song!" God loves it, and so do I. I'll be listening! ; )
In Him, Jim
Celebrate or Commemorate
Do you have a birthday, anniversary, graduation or other special occasion to rejoice about? Are you
remembering a loved one who has died? Are you joyful about God’s love? If so, share these events
with others by placing flowers in our church for Sunday service. It’s very easy. Choose a date you
wish to have flowers, fill out the form below and put in the church’s office. The rest will be taken care
of for you. For $24.00, you can have fresh flowers for a service, a note in the bulletin to commemorate
your special occasion and you can take the flowers home with you. If you do not want the flowers, the
Deacons can deliver them to shut-ins. Detach and send to church office:
M.U.P.C., 108 Woodland Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Name____________________________________________Phone________________
Date for flowers (Sunday)________________
Notice for bulletin to read: In honor of___________________________________________
OR: In memory of__________________________________________________________
I wish to (check one)_____take the flowers after the service _____let the Deacons deliver them to
shut-ins
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March Celebrations
7……Vince Falvo
Nancy Pushwa
11….. Melissa LaFace
Bob Rymer
21. . . . Judy Skatell
23…..Audrey Smith
Dana Ferry
14…..John Potts
26….. Molly Hileman
Dominic Martinelli
16…..Tim Mikos
27…..Jonathan Casteel
17…..Mike Cerilli
Karen Bouknight
29….Paul Fritz
Sylvia Shearer
19…..Jean Gleditsch
30…..Matt LaSor
20…..Scott Gordon
Roland & Mary Lou Constable, March 21st