Dear Friends, My father-in-law, Jerry Roncolato was the eternal optimist; his favorite saying, “There are no problems, only opportunities”. While I’m not sure this is true, I appreciate the sentiment! A positive, hopeful, attitude can carry folks through a flood of difficulties that might drown another. These days in which we live are fraught with challenges; COVID continues to plague us, financial issues threaten livelihoods and institutions, social wrongs destroy individuals, communities, and nations. We are tempted to throw up our hands- and maybe that’s just what we need to do! Throw up our hands and let go of all that we grasp so tightly. Throw up our hands so we might be open to all God wants to give us for the good of all God’s people. I am ever thankful to be on this journey, in this ministry, with you. Yes, we face challenges, and I admit some seem like problems, but we face them not alone. As we move into this new season, I pray with the confidence the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians; ”Now to the one who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20,21) Together in Christ, we press on! Pastor Sarah Roncolato
A heartfelt thanks to: September ushers, musicians, “florists”, liturgists, communion stewards and counters: Jonathan and Nancy Helmreich, Joyce Minnis, Ron Snow, Bev Barickman, Janet and Glen Humes Jim Ross, Jim and Marie Schlosser, Jane Ellen Nickell, Anne Finney, Darlene Ross, Jen and Jason Ashbaugh, Barb Baker, Jim and Carolyn Turnbull, Patty Brown, Sue DeArment. Many thanks to Anne Finney, Tyson and Morgan Johnston, Leda Boal, Skyler and Myla Bland, Darlene Ross, Millie Ray, and many others who helped cook for and clean up after the Grandparent’s Day pancake breakfast! A wonderful time was had by all! To all who give, pray and serve…
Men’s Study group continues to meet throughout the month of October. Join them as they discuss Deepening Your Prayer Life.
November Mission In-Gathering -- UMCOR Flood Cleaning Supplies Buckets As we watch the devastation of flooding around the country, we pray for the victims...and as United Methodists we provide hands-on help through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Through the month of November, we will be gathering items for cleaning buckets. Please see the list below for needed items.
What Goes Into an UMCOR Cleaning Bucket? · One five-gallon round bucket with re-sealable lid –no screw-on lids (14.35” h x 12.19” w x 12.19” d) * May be used, but must be free from all residual product * Advertisements on outside ok · One 32-64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent · One 16-40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner * No spray cleaners · One 16-34 oz. bottle dish soap · One 4-8 oz. pump spray air freshener (liquid, not gel) · One 6-14 oz. pump spray insect repellent * pack of 10-20 wipes also ok * Pump spray bottles must have protective covers · 18 re-useable cleaning wipes * No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels * Remove from packaging · One scrub brush -With or w/o handle · Five scouring pads * No stainless-steel pads with soap in them * Remove from packaging · 36-50 clothespins · One 50-100 ft. clothesline (cotton or plastic line) · 24 roll of heavy-duty trash bags * (33-45-gallon sizes) * Remove from packaging · Five N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1-3 mm thickness) * No surgical masks · Two pairs kitchen gloves * Durable for multiple uses * Remove from packaging · One pair work gloves * Cotton with leather palm or all leather
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. Did you know this UM Motto was first used in 2001? Did you know the tagline won best-in-class for Religion and Spiritual Development worldwide in 2009? Many wonderful things have been said about its positive message and it is spot on with our vision statement. We are launching a new fundraising program called Raise Right (formerly ShopwithScrip) on October 16th. The church will receive funds from the purchase of gift cards. The cards will be from local groceries, eateries, home improvement, and other well-known retailers. The denominations are anything between $10-$100, depending on the merchant. This is going to be an ongoing fundraiser. There are many ways to participate. Erin Lindsay-Means will be coordinating the program for Stone UMC. We have raised about $150 just by a few of us trying it out in Finance, so we opted to order some cards that we think will appeal to the congregation. There is no up charge and no expiration date. You buy a $25 gift card, you pay $25. Going forward you will have the option to purchase e-cards, order cards online or order through the church — IT IS EASY. All we have to do is remember to purchase and use the gift cards for everyday stuff and the benefits are great. Non-profits like us are being helped by the generosity of the merchants participating — A WIN-WIN.
As everyone is aware, Pastor Sarah will be retiring in June 2023 and a new pastor will be appointed to Stone Church. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) has been working hard to update the church profile and get the required information to the Bishop before this appointment. SPRC will be including a brief survey in the Messenger and on the church website in November. We are asking that everyone thoughtfully complete the questionnaire and return it to the church office so that we have an accurate overview from the congregation to base our updates. SPRC also is encouraging everyone to attend one or all of the "Exploring Methodists" classes being given by Jane Ellen Nickell in October so that you have updated information on what is happening in the Methodist church. Jane Ellen has offered to hold a one evening overview of the information she will cover in the Sunday classes, either in person or via Zoom, if there is anyone that cannot attend the Sunday classes. If you are interested in this option, please call Jen at the church office so we can schedule a date. Thank you, Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Bake Sale Success! The children and youth held a bake sale on Sunday, October 9th after worship to raise money for our sponsor child, Sotcho Dio from Bangladesh! Thank you all for your wonderful support -- we were able to raise $346.60.
Good News for Families! Our Children’s Church during the service and Sunday School classes are happening every Sunday! Come be a part of it!
The Messenger newsletter is going Digital...Beginning in February 2023, you will have the option of receiving your monthly Messenger newsletter by email. We currently mail more than 200 paper newsletters each month. As responsible stewards, we hope that by allowing those who prefer to receive an email version of the newsletter that option we will consume fewer resources and reduce costs. Don’t worry! If you let us know that you would like to continue receiving the paper version of the Messenger, we will be happy to keep mailing it to you. Just contact the office or use the form below to let us know.
Trunk or Treat October 27th 6-7:30pm South Main Street (next to the church) We are in need lots of candy to make our event successful — Candy donations may be dropped off in the bins in the back of the sanctuary or Thoburn Lobby. Please try to keep candy donations allergy friendly (free of peanuts/tree nuts). Trunk sign-up sheets are in the sanctuary and office —or just email Jen at churchoffice@stoneumc.org. Decorate your trunk OR we will provide helpers and extra decorations to get your trunk ready for treats. All you have to do is show up and pass out candy! **Trunks should plan to be at the church by 5 p.m.**
