The Monthly Messenger - August 2023
The Path We Are On… You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 NRSV It is hard to believe I have been serving with you for a month now! I have met many new faces, and I have seen some wonderful “God sightings” along the way. Every time I travel to and from the house, I try to take a new street or road and commit “the way” to my memory. But along my way, there are some interesting things to see: A fawn, hay baling, taking a prayer walk around the sanctuary and getting lost in the colors of the windows, admiring flowers and the vegetables planted in the garden of the Fifth Ward, meetings people, admiring a drawing of yourself from a 7-year-old, etc. It brings me joy! When I was a young girl, I remember being taught to stay on the path or at the very least to walk where my father had stepped. Sometimes that was a challenge since he was so much taller than I was. Because my face was searching for where he had stepped, I was always looking down and concentrating on where to put my own feet. It seems I had missed so much along the way. There are those among us who are missing out. Possibly because of their own choosing, but there are many who have had their hearts broken in one way or another and are walking around with their heads down searching for the path and hoping for some light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:5,9 The Administrative Council has voted to move forward with designating Stone United Methodist Church as a Lighthouse Church. What is it? The district superintendent has nominated Stone as a place where the weary and the broken-hearted may come to worship, heal, be nurtured, and participate in events of the church. It is my wish that we all will want to be trained as a lighthouse beacon sharing the light of Christ with those who are sharing the path of life with us, and proclaim the words, “We love you. We care about you. We’re here for you.”, just like Jesus says to each of us. Grace & Peace, Pastor Kendra
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thanks to: Everyone who attended a Meet & Greet event and our hosts Joyce & Dick Minnis, and Debbie Knapp…Erin Lindsay-Means for coordinating the Raise Right program and monthly pop up shop…Joyce Minnis and Debbie Knapp for updating the "seasonal" decorations in the lobby and on the front doors...Tyson Johnston for his work to get our new pastor set up with her computer...All who bring joy and order to worship each Sunday morning (including ushers, musicians, counters, “florists” and broadcast booth volunteers: Leanne Venesky, Susan Lipiec, Carrie Morley, Gloria Shields, Sarah and Tyson Johnston, Myla Bland, Charlie Royer, Nancy Frambes, Bev Barickman, Ron Snow, Debbie Knapp, Darlene and Jim Ross, Barb Baker, Phyllis Stockton, Millie Ray, Anne Finney, Jane Ellen Nickell, Patty Brown and Sue DeArment…Our SPRC, Lay Leadership, Trustee and Stewardship committees who all met with Pastor Kendra this month to help introduce her to all the good things happening at Stone... Jeff Loutzenhiser and trustees for their dedicated care to the maintenance and upkeep of our worship and office space…Debbie Knapp, Lisa Clayton, Cyndi Bland, Riley Bland, Joyce Minnis and Teresa Olah for assisting during Pastor Kendra's Celebration of Order of Appointment…To everyone at Stone UMC for their warm welcome of Pastor Kendra...To all who give, pray and serve…
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Our Condolences: Please keep the friends and family of those we have lost in your prayers…Leda Boal, John Frambes (father of Nancy Frambes), and Meredith Smart.
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS! Hey kids! Back to school time is almost here -- We will start preparing during our worship service on Sunday, August 27 at 9am with a special Children's Chat that will include getting our backpacks blessed and ready for the school year ahead.
Save the Date - CYF Events for Fall Trunk or Treat - October 26 from 6-7:30pm Come be a Trunk and hand out candy or come for the Treats! We will be collecting candy in our bin in Thoburn Lobby for this event. -- More details coming soon!! Children's Church & Sunday School begin on Sunday, Sept. 17. Registration forms have been mailed to families and are also available in the office. We can't wait to learn and grow with your kids this season! Grandparents Day Pancake Breakfast after worship on Sunday, September 10th. Help us celebrate our love and appreciation for our Grandparents! All are welcome. The children and youth will be cooking and serving breakfast. Families – children and youth are needed to cook and serve breakfast for our Grandparents. Please contact Cyndi Bland if you are interested in volunteering. A sign-up sheet will also be available in the office and sanctuary.
Wesley Woods 22nd Annual Golf Scramble SUMMER CAMP IS WINDING DOWN AND FALL IS AROUND THE CORNER - LET'S GOLF! On Saturday, September 9, 2023, we will be having our 22nd Annual Golf Scramble at Riverside Golf Course in Cambridge Springs, PA. Dust off your clubs, gather a team (or register as an individual and we'll find you a team), and hit the links for a day of golf! Your fee includes: 18 holes of golf on a great course with cart cash prizes for the top three teams skill prizes for the skilled (or lucky) a steak dinner at the end of your round and unlimited hot dogs and drinks during the event All proceeds benefit the ministry of Wesley Woods and sending kids to camp! Registration @ 8am, shotgun start @ 9am. $75 per person/ $300 per foursome.(you can pay ahead or at the event). For more information, email golf@wesleywoods.com.
New Men's Study Starting in August Men, On August 4 we will be starting a new study in “The Core Teachings of Jesus”. We will join Patrick Morley and Brett Clemmer from Man in the Mirror to explore 12 compelling problems that we all feel deeply, what Jesus teaches about how to solve them, and ways for each of us to respond. We would be delighted to have any man that is seeking to grow in his relationship with God join us. Come join us on Friday (and occasionally Thursday) nights starting August 4, 2023 at 6:45 PM. Hope to see you there! Feel free to contact Ron Saccol at roeusac@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like more information.
Lay Leadership & You The Lay Leadership committee recently met to review with Pastor Kendra all of the many offerings of time and talent that make up the ministries of Stone UMC. Are you feeling called to serve either for the first time or in a new area of ministry? Let Pastor Kendra know!
Lay Leadership Spotlight: Sanctuary Steward Keeping our sanctuary tidy and ready for worship is definitely not a one-person job. Would you have a few minutes each week to check the pews to make sure they are stocked with pencils, Bible, Hymnal and Prayer Request cards?
We would like to welcome the Erie United Methodist Alliance to the Stone UMC building! Beginning in July, EUMA has begun to use office space at Stone UMC as they work towards expanding their efforts to end homelessness into Crawford County. EUMA’s ongoing 135 year mission is to end homelessness in Northwest Pennsylvania by making it rare, brief and one-time as Jesus would.
SAFE SANCTUARIES VOLUNTEER TRAINING DATES Why do I need to take another safety training?? Safe Sanctuaries isn't just another training -- It is an clear expression of our commitment at Stone UMC to making our congregation a safe place where children, youth and elders may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. Upcoming Dates are Monday, August 28th at 7pm and Sunday, Sept. 17th after worship - please sign up on the sheet in the lobby.
Potluck Church Picnic will be Sunday, August 13th It's time again for our annual summer gathering at Camp Chickasaw! Join us on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 5pm at 8849 S. Wayland Rd. as we celebrate another summer with our Stone UMC family. Bring a chair and enjoy some good, old-fashioned fellowship and converation as you catch up with your Stone UMC friends or join in the games. If the weather is hot, you can cool off by wading or swimming in the creek or by going for a float in the canoe. Remember -- this is a potluck-style picnic, so please bring a dish to share! Your RSVP is appreciated to help us plan - You may do so by using one of the sign-up sheets in the Sanctuary or Lobby or by contacting Jen in the office at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org. If leaving a message, please remember to indicate how many will be attending and the type of dish you will be bringing.
Congratulations to YOU!! Dr. Ron Cole on his appointment as the 23rd President of Allegheny College and Nicholas Farrelly-Jackson who graduated from the American School of Grenoble in June.
**AUGUST OFFICE HOURS** Please note that the office will be CLOSED on Monday, August 21.
Youth and Family Ministry Volunteer Appreciation Dinner It’s almost time for Sunday School and Children’s Church to be starting up again…We know nothing is possible without our awesome volunteers! We will be meeting to enjoy good food, celebrate our successes from this past year and talk about all the fun things ahead on Tuesday, August 15 at 5:30pm in Miller Parlor. Whether you are a current volunteer or just interested in what types of opportunities there are to get involved, we invite you to join us!
You are invited to a book signing for author Armendia P. Dixon, PhD on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 9:30am to 12pm at Tattered Corners New and Used Bookstore, 247 Chestnut St, Meadville PA.
The Heaven Changes Everything Tour with Big Daddy Weave, Tasha Layton and Hannah Kerr is coming to Meadville! This will be an unforgettable night of inspiration and joy featuring your favorite songs from Big Daddy Weave, Tasha Layton and Hannah Kerr. Driven by the desire to see God move in people’s lives, Big Daddy Weave pours that fervor into songs like The Lion and The Lamb, My Story, and Redeemed, that touch millions. When Jay Weaver, founding member and brother to lead singer Mike Weaver, went to be with the Lord in 2022, there was a celebration of victory for what Jesus has done paired with the pain of no longer having Jay in their daily lives. The time of grieving that followed brought revelations that were poured into songs. God Is In This Story, their duet with Katy Nichole, tells how God is with each of us in whatever we’re going through. Heaven Changes Everything shares how the promise of heaven gives us hope. It’s these messages of life that are at the heart of every Big Daddy Weave song and concert.
