Pastor's Piece:
Dear Friends,
Thomas Edison, known as America’s greatest inventor, held over 1000 patents, including ones for the iridescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the movie camera. Wildly successful in his field, Edison often commented on the value of pressing through what looks like failure. Edison wrote on more than one occasion, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”. About giving up, Edison said, “Many of life's failures are people who did not know how close they were to success when they gave up.”
As we work together to reenergize ministry at Stone Church, I find encouragement in these words. While we both pray and program, we trust that God will reveal paths of ministry and connections that we have not seen or thought of before. As we prepare for this new season of ministry, I ask you to stay engaged and hopeful. As Einstein also said, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this - you haven't.”
All in the name of the One who can do “far more than all we can hope for or Imagine” … Pastor Sarah
Preparing for a new season…you are invited!
As we move into this new season, we are going to try a new pattern of planning for ministry and connecting with one another and the community. Rather than having separate ministry area committee meetings, all interested persons will be meeting at one time to brainstorm and plan for the coming season. This is being jump started with our first gathering to plan for fall…Thursday August 5th 5:30-7:30pm in Miller Parlor. We will share a light dinner and plan for this coming season. Please call/email the church office to say you are coming!
Thunder in the City:
Saturday, August 7th from 8AM to 3PM Volunteers needed!
We will have a tent on the church lawn to sell water and fudgesicles to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Senior Food Box program and to pass out promotional items inviting more people to worship at Stone. Volunteers needed to man the tent and donations needed of water and fudgesicles/popsicles. Please visit our website for more information.
Camp Chickasaw:
Annual church picnic will be held on August 8th at Camp Chickasaw from 5:00-7:00 PM. This will be potluck style dining! Food sign-ups are encouraged. A sign-up sheet will be available in the church office.
All God's Children Ministries:
All God's Children Ministries is hosting a Transition Celebration to honor Rev. Debbie Hills for her years of service and to welcome Charlie Stehlik as the new executive director of the ministry. The event will take place Sunday, August 15th at 2:00pm at Common Grounds in Saegertown. Reservations are requested and may be made by emailing agcmroh2010@gmail.com.
Men's Study:
Men,
After a summer break our weekly Bible study will pick up again this fall.
We have had a steady group that was meeting weekly until July when we decided to break for the summer. We are set to resume our weekly time together and would be delighted to have any man that is seeking to grow in his relationship with God join us.
We will be starting an 11-week study series entitled “Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven” with noted scholar of Biblical prophecy David Jeremiah.
Come join us on Thursday nights starting September 9 at 6:30 PM in Miller Parlor. Hope to see you there!
Ride for the Refuge:
The Stone Riders are back! Stay tuned for information coming on this year’s Ride for Refuge event in the month of September to benefit the EUMA’s housing ministry in Erie.
Thank You's:
A heartfelt thanks to…Cyndi Bland for creating weekly worship “busy bags” for children in worship…Cyndi Karns and Pat Lafferty for helping get the Messenger out each month…Jim Ross for seamlessly transitioning to the piano while the organ is being repaired…Carolyn Turnbull and Ron Snow for greeting folks coming into worship each Sunday…Chuck Foust for stepping back into trustees…Jackie Russell, the Children’s Center staff and board for competently facing challenges… All who continue to work through and pray through the changes at Stone United Methodist Church…
On behalf of my family, I want to thank Pastor Sarah and the congregation of Stone Church for everything you did to provide a loving church home for our mother, Rosemay (Moyer). She loved it there and her life was better because of all of you. Sincerely, David Benson
Just an appreciation for your kindness. Words can’t ever explain enough for your kindness. God Bless you and your congregation. Love, Tammy
Thank you for continuing on Armstrong for Sunday service. I have very much appreciated attending each Sunday as I still am somewhat not ready to attend in person. Sincerely and God Bless, Evelyn Dorchester
Belated Congratulations:
Belated congratulations to Andy and Suzanne Lawlor on the birth of their grandson, Andrew Gerald Lawlor, born November 29th 2020. Andrew is the nephew of Sarah and Tyson Johnston, cousin of Ashley and Morgan.
August Worship Calendar:
Please continue to worship with the people of Stone UMC each Sunday morning at 9am in person, on Armstrong Cable channels 23 and 100, on our website and Facebook page, stoneumc.org.
Pastor Sarah also preaches at Bethany UMC (140 Wadsworth Ave) at 10:30am each Sunday morning.
August 1st Communion Sunday
August 8th Church Picnic at camp Chickasaw from 5-7 PM
August 15th Worship at 9 AM
August 22nd Worship at 9 AM
August 29th Worship at 9 AM
With Heartfelt Sympathy:
Sympathies to Nancy and Howard Pears on the death of their grandson Jonathan Pears who died tragically on July 28th.
Celebration of Life:
Nancy Zimmerman's Memorial Service Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 21, 2021 Wesbury UM Community Picnic Pavilion
2:30-4:00 pm Visitation
4:00 pm Memorial Service
arrangements under R.W. Waid Funeral Home
Creativity Corner:
You’re Much More…by Mr. Fred Rogers
You’re not just your toes or your chin or your size
Not just a bit or a spot or a part
You’ve not just your outsides-
You’re also your heart.
You see there’s more than honking to geeses
And there’s more to a cow than a moo.
When you add up all pieces
There is more than we see to you.
When we put you all together
You’re a beautiful, marvelous, Spirited, lovely,
Wonderful one of a kind.
Together We Can:
The new numbers are in for our Congregational Pledge and Capital Campaign graphs!
Currently pledged income stands at 44,543, up from 29,270 at the end of April.
Currently Capital Campaign giving stands at 155,843, up from 137,000 at the end of April.
Thanks to all who continue to support Christ’s work through your financial support!
August Counters:
1st Anne Finney & Lisa Clayton
8th Barb Baker & Lisa Foust
15th Anne Finney & Lisa Clayton
22nd Patty Brown & Aundra Zack
29th Barb Baker & Lisa Foust
