A Message from Rev. Jane Ellen...When writer Salman Rushdie was attacked onstage at the Chautauqua Institution in August, many were shocked and saddened. For those who have spent time at the nearby center, this act of violence felt personal. Violence visited a space we have inhabited, and hate rocked a community whose mission is to explore “the best in humanity.” Two days later, Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas preached from the same stage where Mr. Rushdie was injured - a space that had been cleansed by holy water and prayers for healing. Her sermon challenged us to respond to such violence by loving one another and living as “expectant visionaries,” as if God’s kingdom has come on earth, for that is how we can change the world. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, also preached about a world transformed by Christians living transformed lives. Our church grew out of an 18th-century renewal movement within the Church of England that led people toward greater holiness of heart. This inner change would be evident in how people lived, and Wesley encouraged his followers to address social changes such as urban poverty that resulted from the early Industrial Era. Heirs of Wesley, United Methodists today are divided about how to respond to the social changes we see in our own time. After decades of disagreement over the inclusion of LGBTQ persons, conservative Methodists have launched the Global Methodist Church, which some individuals and congregations are choosing to join. Beginning Sunday, September 18, an adult Sunday school class will look at our Methodist history and structure, factors leading to this time of division, and what it means for Stone Church. The class will meet at 10:00 am, following worship. All are welcome, and those who plan to be part of the class are asked to email me at jnickell5@windstream.net or call the church office so we know how many to expect. Weekly topics will be announced in the email newsletter and online. I wish you peace as we move into another school year, Rev. Jane Ellen
2022 Fall Lay Ministry School Registration for Lay Ministry trainings from the Western PA Conference of the UMC are now available online. To learn more, visit: https://wpa-reg.brtapp.com/22FallLayMinistrySchool Registration deadline is September 7th.
The office will be closed Monday, September 5th in observance of Labor Day.
Planning Ahead… Preparing for the next season… and you are invited! As we look ahead to the Advent and Christmas season, it is time for all interested persons to meet together to brainstorm and plan for the holy holiday season. We will share a light dinner and plan for the season ahead. The Holiday Seasonal Planning Meeting is set for Thursday, Sept. 7th from 5:30-7:30pm in Miller Parlor. A call or email to the church office to RSVP for this meeting is appreciated.
Please join the Stone Riders at EUMA’s 23rd Annual Ride for The Refuge! On September 5th, we are challenging riders to raise money to end homelessness for families with children at Erie United Methodist Association’s Refuge Emergency Shelter. WHERE - Shades Beach, Harborcreek PA WHEN - Registration opens at 7:15 am. 100k ride begins at 8 am, others begin at 8:30 am. CHOOSE YOUR DISTANCE - pick a route and distance that's comfortable for you - there are 3 options: 25k, 50k, and 100k. REGISTRATION FEES - $35 per adult (16 years old and up), $25 per youth (up to age 15).
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! A heartfelt thanks to: All “picnickers” especially the hosts—the Johnston family, our geranium “dead header” Millie Ray, ”Groundskeeper” Bob Waid, and Leanne Venesky for our August Safe Sanctuary trainings. August ushers, musicians, “florists”, liturgists, counters and communion stewards : Garald and Phyllis Stockton, Joyce Minnis, Ron Snow, The Pic-a-longs, Jim Ross, Jane Ellen Nickell, Anne Finney, Darlene Ross, Tyson, Sarah, Ashley and Morgan Johnston, Barb Baker, Patty Brown, Tina Taylor, Rick and Dawn Muntean, Pat Lafferty, Carolyn and Jim Turnbull, Leda Boal, Sarah Miller To all who give, pray and serve…
September Worship Calendar
—9 AM— Stone UMC
- In Person
- Live Broadcast
- Facebook (Stone UMC)
- www.stoneumc.org
- Armstrong Cable -channels 23 or 100
—10:30 AM— Bethany UMC (140 Wadsworth Ave)
September 4th
Communion Sunday
September 11th
Grandparent’s Day
Patriot Day
September 18th
September 25th
Children’s Church is Back Children’s Church returns on Sunday, September 18th for children ages 3 to 8 years of age. Children are invited to come to Miller Parlor after the children’s sermon for a short lesson and activity. Older children who would like to be helpers are welcome to come. Please fill out the pink information sheets available in the church office and sanctuary if your child plans to attend.
Sunday School Begins Sept. 18th Sunday School returns on Sunday, September 18th! Sunday School for children will be held on the third floor after worship from 10-11am every Sunday. Classes will be determined once we receive registration forms and pending volunteer help. Please contact Cyndi Bland at cyf@stoneumc.org for more information or to sign up to help!
Celebrating Grandparent’s Day! All are invited to help celebrate Grandparent’s Day after worship on Sunday, September 11th with a breakfast in Miller Parlor cooked by the kids. Sign-up sheets for children and adult helpers are located in the sanctuary and office.
Volunteers Still Needed… In order for us to have a successful Sunday School program this fall, we are in need of volunteers. Please prayerfully consider joining in the fun. Contact Cyndi Bland for more information at cyf@stoneumc.com or call the church office and leave a message.
September brings a number of spiritual education/faith formation opportunities. …
Called: Hearing and Responding to God’s Call-Lessons from Six Biblical Characters This in-person group will meet Wednesday mornings from 10-11am and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm beginning September 14th. Copies of Called by Susan Robb will be available in the office for $10.
Men’s Study group continues to meet on Thursday evenings at 6:45pm throughout the month of September. Join them on the 1st and 8th as they finish looking at Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name and join them on the 15th, 22nd and 29th for a discussion of Deepening Your Prayer Life.
Sacred Conversations to End Racism Retreat will be held at Olmsted Manor from Oct. 9-11th. This contemplative retreat will explore practical ways to have sacred and brave conversations towards ending racism. More information is available online at olmstedmanor.org or contact Pastor Sarah at 814-724-6736.
New Class Explores the Methodist Church Beginning Sunday, September 18, an adult Sunday school class led by Rev. Jane Ellen Nickell will look at our Methodist history and structure, factors leading to this time of division, and what it means for Stone Church. The class will meet at 10am, following worship. All are welcome, and those who plan to be part of the class are asked to email jnickell5@windstream.net or call the church office so we know how many to expect. Weekly topics will be announced in the email newsletter and online.
#30 Days of Anti-Racism R-Squared, a project of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) of the United Methodist Church, invites you to join them this September for 30 days of anti-racism. Each day R-Squared will suggest an activity to help you explore how you might become more anti-racist in the ways you think and act. For more information, visit their website. https://www.r2hub.org/library/ 30-days-of-anti-racism
