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THE BEACON LITTLE HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Mailing address: P.O. Box 56 Sewickley, PA 15143 Located at 2350 Magee Rd. Ext. in Franklin Park Church: 412-741-4920 www.littlehill.org Bruce E. Stollings, Pastor stollin761@yahoo.com 412-952-4457
THE BEACON
“God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.”
The Serenity Prayer, often attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr—
a pretty good New Year’s Resolution!
Pastor’s Ponderings January 2009
Our Advent Bible Study made use of James Moore’s little book What Do You Want for Christmas?. One of Moore’s stories is about Terry Anderson, the Associated Press correspondent who was held hostage in Lebanon for six and a half years from 1985 to 1991. After his release, Anderson was asked if he had ever lost hope. His answer:
“Hard question . . . Of course, I had some blue moments, moments of despair, but fortunately, right after I became a hostage, one of the first things that fell into my hands was a Bible. Over the last six and a half years as a captive, I have spent a lot of time with the Bible . . . and that helped me so much because it’s about hope; it’s about trust in God, and that’s what gave me the strength to make it through each day. . . . You do what you have to do. Faith helps you to do what you have to do. I spent a lot of time with the Bible and it reminded me to do the best I could each day . . . and to trust God for the future.”
Several thoughts. First, it is clear that Terry Anderson’s faith is what got him through—with a key element of that faith being hope. Faith and hope go hand in hand—the letter to the Hebrews reminds us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. In the midst of six and a half years of captivity, Terry Anderson’s faith made it possible to hope for his release—his faith made it possible for him to SEE what was impossible to see. Second, where did that faith come from? More specifically, what made that faith something he was able to maintain, and perhaps even have grow? It was the Bible. The time spent reading it—as he said, “a lot of time”—is what “gave me the strength to make it through each day”. If time spent reading the Bible can give him the strength to survive his ordeal, don’t you imagine it can help each one of us make it through what we have to face every day? Third, notice what he says the Bible is about: “it’s about hope, it’s about trust in God”—and that reminds him “to trust God for the future”. Again, the more time spent with the Bible the better we’re able to hope for the future—and to trust God for the future. In this way we’re not just wishing for what WE want to happen, but hoping and trusting for what GOD will make happen—and trusting whatever God WILL make happen, even if it may not be what we wish. In these uncertain times, with change happening so fast and so little that we seem to be able to count on staying the same, staying reliable—in these times we certainly can take a lesson from all that Terry Anderson can teach us about trusting God for the future—and the way to do that by spending a lot of time with the Bible. Maybe that can be a New Year’s resolution for 2009! Grace and Peace,
Bible Study Continues on Wednesdays at 2 PM
The Wednesday Bible Study, which meets at 2 PM, in the Library at Little Hill, will wrap up Maxie Dunnam’s book Twelve Parables of Jesus with the next meeting. We will begin a new book in mid=January. Come on out and join in. You don’t need to have already attended—jump right on in at any point!
Bible Reading Plan for 2009: “Called to Be Free”
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2009 (which you received in your Christmas Letter if one was sent to you) is provided to us by the Pennsylvania Bible Society (our state branch of the American Bible Society) and is called “Called to Be Free.” Copies of the actual publications are available in the back of the Sanctuary and on the desk in the Fellowship Hall. I encourage you to make good use of these for your personal prayer and Bible Study time. The readings for January and February:
”CALLED TO BE FREE” BIBLE READING GUIDE 2009
January February 1 Mark 1:1-20 1 Acts 16:1-15 2 Mark 1:21-45 2 Acts 16:16-40 3 Mark 2:1-17 3 Leviticus 19:1-18 4 Mark 2:18-28 4 Deuteronomy 6:1-25 5 Psalm 72 5 Mark 12:28-44 6 Matthew 2:1-15 6 Galatians 1:1-24 7 Mark 3:1-19 7 Galatians 2:1-21 8 Mark 3:20-35 8 Galatians 3:1-18 9 Mark 4:1-20 9 Galatians 3:19 – 4:7 10 Mark 4:21-41 10 Galatians 4:8 – 5:1 11 Mark 5:1-20 11 Galatians 5:2-26 12 Mark 5:21-43 12 Galatians 6:1-18 13 Mark 6:1-29 13 1 Corinthians 12:1-26 14 Mark 6:30-56 14 1 Corinthians 12;27 – 13:13 15 Mark 7:1-23 15 John 3:1-21 16 Mark 7:24-37 16 Colossians 1:1-23 17 Mark 8:1-26 17 Colossians 1:24 – 2:23 18 Mark 8:27 – 9:13 18 Colossians 3:1-17 19 Mark 9:14-32 19 1 John 1:1-10 20 Mark 9:33-50 20 1 John 2:1-17 21 Mark 10:1-31 21 1 John 2:18 – 3:10 22 Mark 10:32-52 22 1 John 3:11-24 23 John 12:20-50 23 1 John 4:7-21 24 John 17:1-26 24 1 John 5:1-21Jn. 19-21 25 Acts 9:1-25 25 Psalm 51 26 Acts 9:26-43 26 Psalm 36 27 Acts 13:1-12 27 2 John 28 Acts 13:13-52 28 3 John 29 Acts 14:1-28 30 Acts 15:1-21 31 Acts 15:22-41
Alternative Worship and Community Dinner Continue
The Alternative Worship Service and Community Dinner continue. The Community Dinner continues running, beginning at 5 PM, $5 per person, $12 for a household of three or more, and children ages 12 and under are $3. Chef Lance Harris provides the meal, and Terrie Pluechel and the Fellowship Committee continue to provide beverages and desserts. We are looking to have the dinners wrap up by 6:15 PM (instead of 6:30) so that those who help with cleanup can actually be finished and participate in the worship! The Worship continues to folk who have schedule conflicts with the 11 AM Sunday morning worship hour. The Praise Band continues to provide the music for all to sing, with the same Scripture and (basically the same) sermon as the 11 AM worship. Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month, and the same mission projects are supported. All are welcome—and even if you attend the 11 AM worship, you can still attend the dinner!
WORSHIP AT LITTLE HILL January 2009
DATE SERMON / WORSHIP EVENT 11 AM Greeters 11 Am Ushers
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2009
Sunday, January 4 Epiphany Sunday, Holy Communion,, Food Bank Sunday 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11 AM Worship, Children’s Sunday School 5 – 6:15 PM Community Dinner 6:45 PM Alternative Worship
Wednesday, January 7 6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, Janaury 8 7 PM Worship Band Rehearsal
Sunday, January 11 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11 AM Worship, Children’s Sunday School 5 – 6:15 PM Community Dinner, Youth Group 6:45 PM Alternative Worship
Tuesday, January 13 noon Keenagers
Wednesday, January 14 2 PM Bible Study 6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, Janaury 15 7 PM Worship Band Rehearsal
Sunday, January 18 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11 AM Worship, Children’s Sunday School 5 – 6:15 PM Community Dinner 6:45 PM Alternative Worship
Monday, Janaury 19 7 PM Church Council (members: Lucas Blosser, Jerry Causey, Sara Causey, Hazel Cottage,Glenda Cress, John Eakin, Leilanie Eakin, Doris Ellis, Bob Fulton, Peggy Heilman, Bertha Kriever, Jennifer Mars, Leah Miskiel, Terrie Pluechel, Jean Reed, Billie Siebke, Brittanie Terensky, Josie Terensky, Trustees Representative)
Wednesday, January 21 2 PM Bible Study 6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, Janaury 22 7 PM Worship Band Rehearsal
Sunday, January 25 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11 AM Worship, Children’s Sunday School 5 PM Youth Group 5 – 6:15 PM Community Dinner 6:45 PM Alternative Worship
Wednesday, January 28 2 PM Bible Study
Thursday, Janaury 29 7 PM Worship Band Rehearsal
Sunday, February 1 Holy Communion, Food Bank Sunday 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11 AM Worship, Children’s Sunday School 5 – 6:15 PM Community Dinner 6:45 PM Alternative Worship
Looking at a New Vehicle? Before you make a purchase speak to John Eakin at 724-266-0486 so he can offer employee and friends’ discounts for your new General Motors vehicle.
January 4 Rene C January 7 Dave C January 12 Jerry C January 15 Jane C Hannah P Bob R January 24 Lucas B Kitty C Jennifer M January 28 Skyler M January 31 Peggy (Karp) K
January 11 Al & Jane C January 17 Braden & Cathy B LITTLE HILL CHURCH LEADERSHIP 2009
CHURCH COUNCIL TRUSTEES Chair: to be elected in January Chairperson Josie Class of 2009: Eugene G Co-Lay Leader Glenda Eileen H Co-Lay Leader Billie S Eddie S Pastor-Parish Chairperson Bob F Class of 2010: Cathy B Finance Chairperson John E Brett M Trustees Chairperson to be elected George P Treasurer Bob F Class of 2011: Pat F Lay Delegate Ben C Chris M Alternate Lay Delegate ___________ Jerry S Women in Mission Jerry C Recording Secretary Jennifer M PASTOR-PARISH RELATIONS Chair: Bob F Corresponding Secretary Billie S Class of 2009: Bob F Christian Ed. Co-Chair Glenda C Rick M Christian Ed. Co-Chair Leilane E Class of 2010: Cheryl M Youth Fellowship Advisor Lucas B Florida W Youth Representative Brittanie T Class of 2011: Caleb C Young Adult Representative Leah M Lois G Attendance Secretary Doris E Attendance Secretary Bob F LAY LEADERSHIP Chair: Pastor Members-At-Large Sara C Class of 2009: Bob F Hazel C Eddie S Doris E Class of 2010: Lois G Peggy H ____________ Bertha K Class of 2011: ____________ Terrie P Jean R
FINANCE COMMITTEE Chair John E Lay Delegate Ben C Church Council Chair Josie T Pastor-Parish Relations Chair Bob F Trustees Representative (Trustees select) Co-Lay Leader Glenda C Co-Lay Leader Billie S Financial Secretary John E Treasurer Bob F Women in Mission Treasurer Jerry C Pastor Bruce E. S
WITNESS MINISTRIES
EVANGELISM/PR COMMITTEE HISTORY COMMITTEE Sara C Jerry C Lois G Jane C James S Pat F Darlene V Donna S
NURTURE MINISTRIES
GOOD SHEPHERDS FELLOWSHIP LAY VISITATION TRINITY TEAM TRINITY TEAM TEAM open membership Jerry C Doris E Co-coordinators Hazel C Marlyn P Jerry C Mary K Terrie P Hazel C Josie T Florida W
CHILDREN’S ADVOCATES Glenda Leilanie
WORSHIP COMMITTEE EDUCATION COMMITTEE Altar Steward Donna S Lucas Communion Steward Leilanie E Glenda Planning Glenda C Leilanie Robert F Eileen Darlene V Amanda Steve K
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING WOMEN IN MISSION Jennifer, Chairperson open membership, rotating leadership Lisa Leah REPRESENTATIVES TO CHURCH UNION _____________ ____________
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