saying this out of a sense of

pride, but obligation to you. I

want you all to know I

support you and your

ministries. Here is my

challenge. If you tithe your

salary I would like your giving

to remain as it is. If you are

not a tithing person, could

you see your way clear to

increase your giving by 1%? If

you tithe and are able to

make the 1% increase, please

do so. If we cannot make up

our deficit we will need

everyone to engage in some

fundraising activities. Our

church has a long history here

in Canonsburg. I think God

wants us to keep serving Him

here. Let us take up the

challenge so that we can

support our Sunday school,

for both children and adults,

continue our movie nights

and develop new programs

for our church to enjoy and to

increase our discipleship! Let

us be obedient to God and

bring His kingdom to our fair

city.

In Jesus’ love and service,

Pastor Deb

independent. Thanks to

Roselle Ealy and her team for

helping us out. Our snacks

were superb with special

thanks to Barb and Maddie.

Carol welcomed us to be

messy as we did science

experiments that were fizzy

and explosive! Thanks Carol.

Dee and Marcy had awesome

crafts to be done and taken

home! Thanks for your crafty

ideas. Leslie and Ann were

our game gurus. They had

hula hoops, parachutes, and

let us have a fun time during

rec! Thanks Ann and Leslie!

Registration was handled by

Rhea and Pat! Thanks for

welcoming the children. You

set the tone for their time

with us. Aaron and Jan did a

little of everything. They sang

and danced with the children

and lent hands when neces-

sary. Matt was our photogra-

pher and made individual

pictures for each child to take

home and have a memory.

Debbie Booth, even though

she is still not well, helped by

cutting out crosses for our

after worship craft. Thanks to

you all for making this VBS a

special time for all.

We are now well into August.

School has begun. We will

begin other programs too.

Sunday school will begin in

September. Please watch for

that announcement. We

need teachers as well so if

you are called to this let me

or Matt know. Bible Study

will be offered as well. There

will be one during the day on

Monday morning at 11. We

will study Paul’s first letter to

the Corinthians. The date is

not yet firm, but look in the

bulletin the first part of

September for the announce-

ment. Also we are hoping to

get the Silver Ring Thing

curriculum, again, for our pre-

teens and teens. We hope

our new programs will be well

received.

In all our business, I am very

concerned about

stewardship. I know this is a

touchy subject. Any time

anyone talks about money,

people get nervous. I get

nervous too! Our congrega-

tion is not what you all re-

member and neither is our

giving. However, what we

must pay in utility costs, sala-

ries and programs has not

decreased. I am going to

challenge you all. I tithe my

salary to the charge. I am not

doodles from pastor deb’s desk

Good News from Canonsburg First UMC,

Fall 2014

Our summer is quickly

passing. It seemed that it

was so busy, that we

never really had a

summer. So many things

happened. Annual Con-

ference came and went.

Thanks Chuck for going

and making the report

during worship. We had a

great time at the Fourth

of July parade selling hot

dogs, baked goods, and

refreshments while enjoy-

ing the parade. Vacation

Bible School was a blast.

We met Rivet: Thanks

Evan and Leslie for bring

him to life! A robot

welcomed us to VBS, so

thanks, Chuck, for our

robot greeter and all your

decorations that helped

turn our church into a

Bible workshop! We

heard and watched sto-

ries: Thanks Rick and Lisa

for bringing our Bible

stories to life and to Pat

and Marlene for helping

with the characters. We

built ramp modules that

were used for a man’s

home. He hasn’t been

able to leave his home by

himself for such a very

long time. Now he is more

CELEBRATING YOU!!

Best wishes to all! If you don’t see your name here, please fill out an information form and drop it into the collec-

tion plate. If you see a name that is not familiar, please let us know! We are continuing to update our database

with current information! Thanks!

Page 2

AUGUST 5—Jessica Kohlhepp BD 6—Johnathan Kohlhepp & David Sphar BDs 10—Bliss & Scott McClain Anniv. 11—Brandon Danser & John Cokely BDs 12—Jennifer Boyer/Lisa Boyer BD 14—Zachary Pifer/Mary Anne Wolfe BD 15—Rhea & Doug Weese Anniv. & Gillian Danser BDs 17—Michael Pantely BD 21—Jenn Scears BD 22—Kim/Ed Connelly Anniv. 24—Sally Wherry BD 26—Betty & Mario Sacco Anniv. 27—Virginia Fife BD 29—Melissa Dodd BD 30—Betty Sharp BD

SEPTEMBER 2—Meghin McCartney BD 5—Jeff Allison BD 6—Rick Marlowe/T. Popeck/Linsey Baker BDs 7—Lorna Turon BD 9—Nathaniel Cregut BD 11—Margaret Weise BD 18—Kathy & Rod Albright Anniv.; Andrew Danser BD 20—Phyllis Pirnik/Jason Albright BDs 21—Pat Tonsetic BD 22—Jon Tennant/Dylan Connelly BDs 26—Pastor Deb’s BD; Samantha Nocki BD 30—Betty Sacco BD

OCTOBER 7—Caron Boyer/Leslie Lockoski BDs Debbie & Bill Booth Anniv. 12—Verna Guzel BD 14—Larry Garner BD 18—Rhea Weese BD 21—Meagan Worstell BD 22—Katie Adams BD 26—Dee Stegman BD 28—Dorothy Ealy BD

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

The Adult Sunday School class will begin meeting on September 14 in the Social Hall at 7:57 AM. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Initially, we will do a Bible study, and then collectively decide as a group which direction we will go. Thank you to Rick Marlowe for helping to facilitate the group, but everyone will be a teacher as we share our thoughts and experiences to grow together in Christ.

Pastor Deb will also be offering a Monday morning Bible study of 1 Corin-thians in the near future. Time will be 10:30 A.M. for approximately one hour. Start date will be announced soon!

“BACK TO SUNDAY SCHOOL”

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Come One, Come All! To celebrate our return to Sunday

School, we will be holding a free pancake breakfast on

September 21, following the morning worship service.

Pancakes, sausage, juice & coffee will be served!

Page 3

"Even if something is left

undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."

-Elizabeth Lawrence

Notes of Praise

The total amount raised for our children’s summer

mission, “Loose Change: Camp Scholarships Pro-

gram” was $1316.30. With your help, two of our

children were able to attend summer camp with

funds rolled into next year.

From Ray Surman, an out-of-state member:

“Thanks for the e-mail updates. I am glad to see

that a core membership is making the church mean-

ingful. I note too the interaction of the churches.

Good going!”

“Thank you for collecting all the donations at church

to send me to Camp Jumonville!” - Ainsley Scears

Dear Church Family, Thank you for your love

through the years and all the support. It’s an honor

to receive the Good Shepherd Award! “ - Nate

DON’T FORGET OUR CLOTHING BINS

FOR ALL YOUR DISCARDS

With back-so-school season upon us, please don’t

forget the clothing bins situated behind the church

for all your discards! Remember, the church re-

ceives money for each bag of clothing/shoes donat-

ed. Thank you!

Workshop of WONDERS VBS

It takes a village! And that is JUST what we had at this summer’s VBS, “Workshop of Wonders”. Thank you to all of our leaders and the many of you wo donated to make our vbs successful! We had 20 beau-tiful kids and had a great time learning about god in a variety of wonderful and imaginative ways!

UMCMARKET.NET

Shop online? Now when you do, you can register First UMC

and start making micro-donations every time you shop

online! It’s free! The UMC has partnered with hundreds of

online stores who donate a portion of your purchase back!

The Church is in need of Readers, Counters

and Greeters. These are ministry opportuni-

ties that really do not take much time at all!

For more information, or to sign up, please

let Pastor Deb know, sign up on the sheet in

the Foyer, or contact the office! We’d

love to have you!!

MERPS MANIA BOWLING FUNDRAISER

Benefits Washington Area Humane Society

Tuesday, September 16th—6:00-9:00 PM

Meadows Lanes

Cost $10/pp includes 2 games of bowling, shows, fun

games, prizes, shopping and auctions

For tickets, see Pat Tonsetic or contact Sharon Oliver

at 412-310-1018 or sharonoliver555@gmail.com

Back to School for the Christian

(Adapted from juliabettencourt.com)

Recently I was reading through some back to school tips. It struck me that we as Christians could take some of those tips and

get ourselves geared up to serving the Lord. We need to get back to the school of life for Christ.

Christian Back To School Tips:

Get Enough Sleep (Rest in the Lord)

As parents, we all know the benefits of getting our children to bed early on a school night. They need that added rest in order to get

up early in the morning. A good night’s sleep will work wonders on your attitude the next day and it will help your whole disposition.

Resting in the Lord will also make you fit and ready for the day. It will recharge you.

“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him …” Psalm 37:7

Get a Healthy Breakfast (Have Prayer and Bible Study)

The experts agree that giving a child breakfast before school helps in knowledge retention, test scores and overall learning. As Chris-

tians we need to get a healthy breakfast of Bible study and prayer. Having some type of personal devotions will fuel you for the day.

“Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly...” Psalm 5:3

Follow the Rules (Use the Bible as Your Guide)

School couldn’t’ be productive if it weren’t for the rules. We can all remember some of the basics. No fighting. No talking during

class. No chewing gum. As Christians we have the best rule book of all. It covers the basics. We need to use it as a guide on a

daily basis. All of those do’s and don’ts in God’s Word are there to help us live productive lives.

““He replied, “Yes, but even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28

Develop Good Work and Study Habits (Develop Good Bible Study Habits)

Children that develop good study habits are the ones who sail through school without major problems. We as Christians need to

develop good study habits when it comes to God’s Word. Knowing the Word is what is going to make or break us. We’ve got to

know the Word of God in order to live it.

“Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines

your work. Know what his Word says and means.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Try Your Best (Do Your Best for Christ)

Teaching our children to do their best will bring results and they can be proud of themselves. It’s rewarding to do your best. As

Christians we need to strive to do our best in whatever we do. After all, we are doing it to honor God. 23 Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, 24 remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are

really working for.” Colossians 3:23, 24

Get Along With Your Classmates (Fellowship with Other Christians)

When children are taught to get along together at school it causes such a good atmosphere for learning. When we as Christians get

along with each other and fellowship with one another, it causes more productive lives, which helps further the cause of Christ.

“But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and

the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin.” 1 John 1:7

Get To Know Your Teacher (Know Christ More)

one of the first things a student needs to learn is what is expected of him from his teacher. How does that teacher deal with home-

work? With classroom policies? With grades? We need to know what Christ expects of us. Getting to know God will help us serve

Him better.

“Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your fathers. Worship and serve him with a clean heart and a willing mind, for the Lord

sees every heart and understands and knows every thought. If you seek him, you will find him; but if you forsake him, he will perma-

nently throw you aside.1 Chronicles 28:9

Conclusion:

I hope I can remember to follow these tips. I want to be a prepared and productive student of the Lord. So, are YOU ready for the school of

life?

Copyright © 2001-2013 Julia Bettencourt. Scripture references originally from KJV switched to TLB

Remember Our Shut-Ins

Please remember our shut-ins with your prayers and maybe a card or two.

Below is a list of our current shut-ins. If there is someone who should be

added to our list, please call Jan in the office and let her know.

Betty Sharp, c/o William Sharp, 461 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903

Emma Jean Freil, 700 Bower Hill Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243

Mario & Betty Sacco, 649 Alpine Dr., Canonsburg, PA 15317

Mary Anne Wolfe, 800 E. Beau St., #B-5, Washington, PA 15301

Henry & Mary Lawton, 880 S. Main St., Apt. #302, Washington, PA 15301

A variety of exercise

classes are offered here

monthly by Cheryl Cokely.

For more

information, you may con-

tact the Church Office or

Cheryl at 724-554-2537.

CHURCH FUNDRAISER

The Leadership Team has chosen beautiful, faith-building calendars as our

fundraiser. These make great gifts for the upcoming holidays! Cost is $7.

Each member is asked to take a few to sell.

Contact the office and arrange for distribution. The calendars will be

available in the Narthex soon for perusal. Thank you!! TRUSTEE WORK DAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

9 AM—12 PM

We will be working to

improve areas within the

church and need any and all

hands on deck. Please come

for a little while, or stay the

entire time if you are able.

Contact Pastor Deb or

Rick Marlowe for more

information. 724-745-5771.

First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg

161 West Pike St.

Canonsburg, PA 15317

Phone: 724-745-5771

E-mail: cbgfumc@yahoo.com

New Website: www.cbgumc.org

Page 4

Our Mission is to provide a relaxed, casual atmosphere that welcomes all

to gather as friends to worship so that by the power and grace of Jesus Christ

we may gain strength, wisdom and knowledge to be a visible outreach

of God’s love to our community.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Praise Band Practice—Tuesdays, 6 PM

Trustees Meetings—1st Thursdays of the Month, 7:00 PM (9/4, 10/2)

Leadership Team Meetings—2nd Thursdays of the Month, 7:00 PM (9/11, 10/9)

Spaghetti Dinners—3rd Fridays of the Month, 4-6 PM (9/19, 10/17)

Domestic Outreach Classes, 5:30 PM—Every Thursday

Narcotics Anonymous, 7:00 PM—Every Sunday

Trustee Work Day, September 13, 9-12 PM

Weekly Adult Sunday School, 7:57 AM, Fellowship Hall (begins 9/14)

September 21—”Welcome Back to Sunday School!” Pancake Breakfast