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Gettysburg United Methodist Church

The Weekly Vision


Phone Number 717-334-3032
Parsonage Phone Number 334-1821
Pastor's Cell Phone Number 404-1162
Website: www.gettysburgumc.org
e-mail address: mailto:gumc@onemain.com

September 12, 2004 -- September 18, 2004



"Grace and Peace to you this Sabbath day in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!
We welcome you to this time of worship, where we come to celebrate God's saving grace in and through the death and resurrection of Christ. May your heart and mind be filled anew with God's presence! Welcome!"


Thought For The Day

The Flying "V"
This fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps it's wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock has at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on it's own.

People who share a common direction and sense of common purpose can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels that drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. It is harder to do something alone than together.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation, and another goose flies point at the head. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs. Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as opportunities to rest. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind? We need to make sure our honking is encouraging and not discouraging.

Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick or wounded and falls out of formation, two other geese will fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their flock. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as in good.

As you see these geese flying above us these days, recall the lessons they teach us!


The Altar Flowers are presented to the Glory of God by Bill and Carmen Arrington in honor of their grandson Jackson's 1st Birthday.
The Bulletins are presented to the Glory of God and in honor of Marian Brantlinger's Birthday by her husband Fred Brantlinger.
The Greeters are Paula and Steve Spatz.
The Ushers are Carl and Lauren Nace, and Neil and Jacquie Temple.
The Nursery Attendant is Anne Larson.

The following have Birthdays this week:

  • 12 - Jesse Murren
  • 12 - Jesse Murren
  • 13 - Mikayla DeFriece
  • 14 - Wendy Schultz, Keith Stambaugh, Marian Brantlinger
  • 16 - Sherri Carbaugh, Jessi Carbaugh
  • 17 - Dolly Keller, Getty Hoffman
  • 18 - Bob Berkey, Kristy Arrington

STAFF
Jay E. Zimmerman Pastor
Kelly E. Renner Organist
Charles H. Thompson Music Coordinator
Fred Myers Treasurer
Bruce Guiher Sexton
Sara E. Bupp Director of Youth Ministries
Natalie Price Administrative Assistant

Church Picnic -- Today 4:00 p.m.

This "church picnic" Sabbath has arrived, and how glad we are! Our coming together provides an opportunity for us to connect as the Body of Christ. Please be reminded that this afternoon's gathering will begin at 4p.m. (dinner at 5:30 p.m.) at the home of Beth and Gerry Hoffman, 1051 Taneytown Road. (Please see our hallway display board for detailed directions. A yellow 1/2 sheet is provided.) If you did not sign up over the past couple of weeks, don't let that stop you from joining us. -Even if your schedule changes later today, making it possible for you to attend, please come, as All Are Welcome! (The sign-up is helping us to plan ... approximately.)

Please note that meat, beverage, and dessert will be provided. Larry Speer is preparing a very special pork loin roast for us. There will be games, recreational activities, a campfire, and so forth. Equally, it will be a time to officially welcome our new pastor and his family. Mark your calendar! Invite a friend! Bring a "special something!" Join us, Rain ( we will be in the barn) or Shine!

Deb Guiher (337-1186)/ Beth Hoffman (339-0810)

The Weekly Calendar

Sunday, September 12 9:15 a.m. Summer Sunday School for all persons.
10:30 a.m.Worship
4:00 a.m.Church Picnic at the home of Beth and Gerry Hoffman, 1051 Taneytown Road.
Monday, September 13 9:00 a.m. Crafty Ladies will meet at the church. Anyone interested in crafts may attend.
7:00p.m. "40" Days Of Purpose" Coordinator's Meting
Tuesday, September 14 7:00 p.m. SPCR
Wednesday, September 15 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Bunch
Thursday, September 16 10:00 a.m. "Acts" Bible Study 7:30 p.m. If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat" Study Series (Please note change of time for Sept. 16th only)
Saturday, September 18 2:00 p.m. Youth Kick-off at the Deaner's from 2:00-5:00 pm. Come to swim, play volleyball, and have fun (Also bring a snack!) 4:00 p.m. Pace Setters Gathering at the home of Hank and Barb Evans

A Look Ahead

Sunday, September 19 9:15 a.m. Summer Sunday School for all persons.
10:30 a.m.Worship
4:30 p.m. "A Worship Celebration of our New Bishop" at the "Penn Starter Conference Center, State College, PA.
Monday, September 20 7:00 p.m. Administrative Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 21 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee
Saturday, September 25 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Church "Work Day"
Sunday, September 26 9:15 a.m. Summer Sunday School for all persons.
10:30 a.m.Worship

Attendance

  Last Week Last Year
Worship
Attendance
179 194
Sunday
School
33 62

Our Prayer Ministry

Prayer Concerns for this Week

Our prayers this week include: Joyce Richmond, Charles Polley, Brian Kluck, Doris Deaner, Bob Dillman, Ed Moore, Marie Clabaugh, David Clapsaddle, Mary Heiser, Mary Fleming, Ida Smith, Margaret LeGay, Samuel Waddell, Regina (Rudisill) Campbell, Kristi Klees, Barbara Purdue, Jeff Persell, Alexa Myers, Sara Rose Wickham, Kelly Baldwin, Donna Doughtery, Mary Shreve, Sally Becker, Victor Herron, Sara Bigham, Joanne Shindledecker, Lewis Clark, Linda Reynolds, Laurie Yingling, Ralph Schwartz (brother of Marian Brantlinger), Janell Kartoz, and Marian Shears.

Pastoral prayers this week for those whose last name begins with these letters:
September 11th—"K," 12th—"L," 13th—"M," 14th—"N," 15th—"O" 16th—"P" 17th—"Q" 18th-"R".

Please remember that if you don't wish to publicly express your prayer concerns,
you may use the PRAYER PILLAR in the back of the church for your requests.

Prayer List Update
As a means of keeping out prayer list "current", you are invited to consider the following: Prayer request names may be added and/or removed by members of the congregation at any time beginning on October 3rd. Simply write a note, or make a call (334-3032) to the church office with this information. On the first Sunday of each month, the prayer list will be reconstituted. If, for example, you desire to list a new name or lift up, a new, person who was recently on the prayer list, please submit the name(s) on the last Sunday of the preceding month, so these names can appear on the first Sunday of the month. Otherwise, the name(s) will be removed. Prayer requests may be placed on the small prayer request form, which is located neat the pillar of prayer (unspoken requests placed in the back of the sanctuary), or any other card/piece of paper. Thank you!

Ministries of Worship, Education, and Outreach

"Acts" Up Close ... Begins September 9th

Over these recent summer months, the Sundays after Pentecost have been inviting us to consider the birth of the church, as viewed in the book of Acts. Each Sunday we have been focusing on such a testimony. If you would like a "closer look" at Acts, you are invited to share in the continuation of this study, which will begin Thursday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m. In addition to utilizing the Acts Study Guide (within the Genesis to Revelation series), we will also view the Acts video, which is a biblical portrayal based on the NIV version of the Bible. Pastor Jay and David Williams will serve as leaders. All are welcome!

Take a Step of Faith ... Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

Late one night, amid a turbulent storm, Jesus "walked on water!" Amazing! Equally, he invited Peter to get out of the boat and do the same. More amazingly, Peter did! It’s an invitation that has come to Christians ever since. Won’t you consider it? Each Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., September 9th through October 7th, folks will gather to consider John Ortmans book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat. A nightly video portion will launch us into out time of sharing under Pastor Jay’s leadership. Please join us!


Youth Fellowship News Update!!!!!!!!!!

It's the best gift-wrap in town! Yes, its true! The Gettysburg Church Youth Fellowship will once again participate in the Central PA Conference Innisbrook "Gift Wrap" Sale. As you may recall, each fall United Methodist Youth Fellowships are given the opportunity to sell a "gift wrap" buffet of things (paper, bows, ribbon, gift bags, cards, etc.). This year is no exception. In fact, you can currently find samples, as well as ordering information/forms, in the hallway near the ground floor coat racks. Take time to place your order! It's a great product at a good value. And besides, 50% goes directly to the youth fellowship group with an additional amount going to the conference youth ministry.

Calling all Youth (7th-12th Graders)

Our fall youth ministry is getting into gear, and we would like you to be a part of it! Essentially, there are two parts to our coming together; 1). Sunday School, each Sunday, at 9:15 am (Worship follows at 10:30 am.) 2). Youth Fellowship, each Sunday, from 6:00-8:00 pm. A variety of youth events are tentatively on the horizon, however, we would like your input. Join us in the planning and the sharing! Here’s our September Lineup:

  • September 12 - Entire Church Picnic at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hoffman (1051 Taneytown Road) at 4:00 pm. Please join in the festivities, as this will be our youth fellowship time!
  • September 18 - Youth Kick-off at the Deaner’s from 2:00-5:00 pm. Come to swim, play volleyball, and have fun (Also bring a snack!)
  • September 19 - No Meeting
  • September 26 - Regular youth Gathering from 6:00-8:00 pm. "Come prepared for an awesome time of the "old and the new"

Donated Food Needed

When you do your grocery shopping, why not buy two of a particular item, (ie. Pasta, can of soups, cereal, etc). Bring these items to church and donate them to the Food Pantry Box in the church library. Carty and Bob Bates deliver our donation to the local Food Pantry which helps people in our community have who have special needs. Your support of this project would be greatly appreciated. -- United Methodist Women.

Welcoming New Members to Gettysburg UMC September 26th…

A number of persons have recently expressed interest in uniting with our congregation. How delighted we are to have them do so! At this moment we are anticipating that a welcoming will take place on Sunday, September 26th, at the 10:30 a.m. Worship hour. Equally, these persons, as others, are invited to share with Pastor Jay in two "get acquainted" gatherings that will take place on Sundays, September 19th and 26th, at 9:15 a.m. in his office. For additional information, please contact Pastor Jay (334-3032) or Peggy Hunt (337-0539), our membership chairperson. Welcome!

Family Fun Day!

Big Brother Big Sisters of Adams County will hold a Family Fun Day on September 12th, from 2-5 p.m. at the Drummer Boy Camping Resort at 1300 Hanover Road, Gettysburg. Activities include a fun and fitness walk, miniature golf, fishing, and swimming. Registration forms are on the bulletin in the hallway. See Laura Geesaman for details.

Pacesetters Picnic on September 18th

Looking for a time of Christian sharing and fellowship? If so, the pacesetter’s Picnic on Saturday, September 18th, at 4:00 pm at the home of Hank and Barb Evans (377 Heritage Drive) is the place for you. All "senior folks" (you can define "senior" as you like) are welcome! Your R.S.V.P., by September 16th, may be placed with Barb Evans (334-8636) or Jean Nunamaker (334-3283). Welcome!

Welcoming Bishop Jane Allen Middleton, September 19th

Every four years the migration of bishops within the United Methodist Church takes place. Although General Conference (held every four years) marks the quadrennial occasion, it is the Jurisdictional Conference (held immediately after General Conference…usually in July) that acknowledges the retirement of some and the election of others. This year Central PA Conference recognizes the ministry of retiring Bishop Neil Irons, while as the same time welcoming the ministry of appointment of Bishop Jane Allen Middleton. A special time of welcoming has been set aside for Sunday, September 19th at 4:30 pm at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA. You are welcome to share in this gathering. Pastor Jay will be hosting others, who may seek to travel with him to this gathering. The departure time is 1:!5 pm from the church parking lot. For further details or to indicate your participation, please call the church office at 334-3032. All are welcome!

Heart Walk

The White/Roth families are walking in the Heart Walk next Sunday in memory of Jerry White and John and Marie Roth. If you would like to donate, please send or give contributions to Donna Kluck or Mike White by today. Thank you!

Crafty Ladies

In Preparation for the UMW's Snowflake Festival, Crafty Ladies will begin having weekly craft sessions. We will meet at the church every Monday at 9:30 am. All are welcome to join us.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Give a Phone Program
Studies show that by 2005 there will be over 500 million cell phones in toy boxes, drawers, closets, and so forth. Equally, over 130 million cell phones will be discardede annually. While some of these phones are not repairable, many are. here's where you can help! Your "junk cell phone" is wanted by the "Give A Phone" program of Oklahoma City, OK. (To secure additional information, you can go online at www.give-a-phone.org, or call 1-866-800-1867.) The majority of the phones will be refurbished and given to victims of child abuse and domestic violence.

Gettysburg U.M.C. will be collecting "junk cell phones" until September 30th. At that time, the phones will receive $1-$15/phone, depending upon the condition of the phone. Your gift does three things: 1) provides emergency access 911 phones to child abuse and domestic violence victims, 2) elminates harmful cell phone elements from being released into the environment, and 3) raises funds for our ministry.

Please bring your phone to the church office today! Thank you!


You can Help Feed the Hungry

You can help feed the hungry here in Adams County as well as around the world by eating out at "RSVVP" restaurants on Wednesday, October 13th. On that date, restaurants who have agreed to participate in "RSVVP" will give 10% of their receipts for this cause. Half will go to the food pantries in various parts of Adams County; half will go through Church World Service to hungry people in other parts of the USA and around the world. "RSVVP" includes two "V’s" and means Restaurants Sharing Ten Percent. Personal donations may be sent to "RSVVP" c/o SCCAP, 153 North Stratton Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. You can make a difference!

Support Our U. M. Home for Children

Not Far Away, Mechanicsburg to be exact, Children (elementary - High School) receive special care in the name of Jesus Christ. For more than a half of a century, the United Methodist Home for Children has offered a Christian home to many "at-risk children." This only happens because individuals and congregations alike have committed themselves to be supportive. Here's how you can continue the rhythm of such a ministry:

*Membership in the "Our Family Auxiliary"
     Individuals: $2.00/year
     Family: $4.00/year
     Group: $25.00/year
     Life Member: $25.00/year - single payment
     Send checks to "Our Family Auxiliary", 5120 Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

 *Fall Garage Sale
         
Sat., October 2nd, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. Bargains! Baked Goods! Clothing by the Bag Full!

*Holiday Bazaar
          Sat., November 13th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Mt. Olivet U.M.C. Recreation Hall

For additional information on any or all of the above, call Elsie Woodward, Auxiliary Chair, at 737-0270.

Disciple Making 2004 - September 24 and 25, 2004

Looking for a spark in your Christian Discipleship? This is the gathering for you!!! "Igniting Christian Formation" for church leaders and teachers is designed by Central PA United Methodists with you in mind. Here's a "Taste" of what will be offered:

Keynote Speaker: Carol Krau of the General Board of Discipleship will discuss formation through small groups.
Worship: Will be lead by "!st Things First" with workshops by Rev. Gregory Rapp of Hershey UMC.
Stewardship (Rev. Jerry Fuller), Lay Leadership (Joan Gordon), Christian Education (Donna Snyder), Outreach (Harry Overholtzer of Mission Central), Evangelism (Rev. Dianne Salter), (Administration (Rev. Dr. Thomas Salsgiver).

Irrepressible Hope Conference ---Women of Faith
"Women of Faith" form all over the nation are gathering this summer and fall to celebrate the work of God's Holy Spirit, and the "irrepressible hope" that is birthed in and through Christian discipleship. Ladies! Please take time now to mark your calendar for such a "Conference of Faith."  Here are some basic details:
 
**CONFERENCE LOCATIONS AND DATES**
  • Philadelphia, PA at the Wachovia Center, September 24 - 25 with Evelyn Husband, Bobbie Mason and Kathy Troccoli.
See our hallway bulletin board for further details!


STUDY, SERVE AND SAIL: CRUISE TO THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN - April 7 - 17, 2005. Brochures are on the way! Hosted by the Central PA Conference in support of Mission Central.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES CONFERENCE - September 18th at Christ Community UMC in Selinsgrove, PA. Details on Church bulletin board across from the office.
 
BEING THERE - Spiritual Healing and the Congregation on September 18th at the First UMC, Mechanicsburg. Details on the church bulletin board across from the office.

54TH UNITED NATIONS SEMINAR - October 10 - 13, 2004. Registration is due on September 1st. Information on church bulletin board across from office.

LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY in Central PA has announced its fall lineup of workshops. In the Harrisburg area, First UMC, Hershey, will host the university on October 15th and 16th. For details, please see our church bulletin board across from the office.


ATTENTION KENNIE'S SHOPPERS!
 If you are a frequent shopper at any Kennie's
Market location and you'd be willing to designate Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Adams County for the Community Treasures program, please contact Laura
Geesaman at 334-1138 or landt@pa.net

Regular and large print Bibles are available at the back of the church for your use.
We invite you to use one to follow along in the reading of today's scripture.

PEW ENVELOPES! You may have noticed the pew envelopes and on top of the mission can. These envelopes are to be used for donations to the church that are not covered by your regular envelopes. Some examples are mission can donations, special collections, special service offerings, etc. If the envelopes are used, we will be able to add that record to your giving statement. Please be sure to put your envelope number and/or name on the envelope so we know to which account it should be recorded. If you have any questions, please see Fred Myers or Connie Thompson.

Tape Ministry - Our members in nursing homes and those unable to get to church and now able to hear our Sunday services and feel a part of the church congregation. If you know of a shut-in and would like to take a tape to them, please call Ed and Charlotte Moore @ 334-1716. We owe David Schmidt a debt of gratitude for helping us in recording these tapes.

Adopt - A - Camp ---Fruitbelt Farmworkers Harvest season is coming into "full swing," and with it, the Fruitbelt  Farmworkers Christian Ministry is currently inviting individuals and  congregations alike to prayerfully consider the "adoption of a camp." It simply involves a time of "connecting visiting" with the workers. For information, please call the Biglerville office at 486-3291 or 1-800-677-6896. Please note that the following items are needed: Spanish Bibles, health kits, blankets and sweatshirts. Thank you!

REMINDER: Please remember to call or e-mail the office by Tuesday prior to the Sunday you are sponsoring bulletins or altar flowers. Phone or mail reminders are no longer being issued - that information is now part of the newsletter. All announcements to be placed in the Weekly Vision must also be in the office by Tuesday. Thank you.


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