Monthly Newsletter of Jonestown United Methodist Church

JUMC happenings

As the new school year begins, we often hear the phrase, “Let’s get back to the basics.” This phrase usually refers to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We need these basic skills to survive and thrive in our pluralistic society.

What about the basics of the spiritual life? What would you include as basic elements necessary to grow as a follower of Christ? Let me suggest that we replace the three R’s with three W’s. The Word, words and words; it may seem redundant but let me explain.

The first word is the Word, aka the Bible. The Bible is our textbook where God outlines the basic skills and behaviors we need to adopt in order to grow into Christlikeness. There is no other foundation for the Christian faith. “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly” (Col. 3:16a).

The second word is the word of worship. The Bible is clear in its instructions for corporate and private worship. “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psa. 95:6). When was the last time you knelt or bowed in worship?

BACK TO

THE BASICS

September 2017

Continued on page 2...

9.1, 7:00-10:00

Veggie Tale movie & games

9.23, 5:30

Adult Fellowship Picnic

9.30, 3:00-6:00

Fall Fest

Upcoming Events

10.8, 6:00

Piercing Word

“Sermon on the Mount”

10.7, 9-2

Women’s Expo

10.29

Youth Sunday

11. 16, 6:30

Charge Conference

Mark Your Calendar

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Article Continued from

page one…

“The single greatest gift you can give someone is an introduction to the God who asked His Son

to go the unthinkable distance to redeem them.”

Evangelism is sharing the gospel. Euangelion combines angelion, the Greek word for “one announcing news,” and the prefix eu- means “joyful.” The single greatest gift you can give someone is an introduction to the saving grace of Jesus Christ providing transformation in our lives here and now, and eternal salvation. “If you genuinely think that evangelism should be a critical function in the life of a Christ-follower, but you also fully believe that you are unfit to evangelize, at some point don’t you have to reconcile the two?” This is the critical question for each of us. If we truly believe what Jesus said, and we earnestly desire to be a disciple of Christ, then do we not have to follow through? If we believe that we are unfit to evangelize, don’t we need to do something about it? Are we not called to reconcile the two? I believe that the answer is “yes,” and I think most Christians would need to answer “yes,” but they are uncomfortable sharing Christ. So many people misunderstand evangelizing, and think of it as “door to door” asking, “are you saved?” They see it as in your face and confrontational. Those that see evangelism as too bold an action would benefit from Bill Hybel’s approach recommended in Just Walk Across the Room. The question is how do we go about it? This is an area of spiritual growth for our church. Each person needs to find their own voice, their own style. We need to be ourselves, not imitating the style or manner of someone else. God created us all special and different. We are all gifted, but in different ways. There are “invitational, serving, and testimonial” styles. We need to stretch ourselves within our gifting to further the kingdom of God. We are all called to share the good news. It is called the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). In the fall we will begin four-session classes to train us how to point people to Christ. As soon as the books arrive, the date will be set so watch the bulletin insert for Bill Hybels’ Just Walk Across the Room and video. __________ 1 Bill Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), 495, Kindle. 2 Ibid, 1080.

Pastor Susan Shares Her Heart

Consider the prayers of Daniel (9:3-19), Paul (Col. 1:9b-12) and Jesus (Matt. 6:9-13). Meditate on the prayers of the early church fathers, such as, Ignatius of Loyola or St. Francis of Assisi. Are you willing to take the challenge to grow deeper? Are you willing to engage with the Word through a daily reading program? Are you willing to let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly? Will you strengthen your faith through a commitment to corporate and personal worship? Will you be faithful in your attendance at Sunday morning worship? Will you make time in your daily schedule to pause and worship your Maker? Will you be diligent in prayer? Will you engage in intercessory prayer, praying for the needs of our nation, our community, our church family? The church will thrive if we return to the basics; time spent in the Word, time spent in worship with words of confession and supplication in prayer. Will you return to the basics with a heartfelt desire to grow deeper in your faith as a disciple?

The final W is for words offered in prayer. Words of adoration, confession, and petition. Prayer was a key component in the life and ministry of Jesus. The Psalms are filled with prayers of adoration (Ps. 148), confession (Ps. 51) and petition (Ps. 143).

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ARE YOU BEING TESTED?

Scripture tells of many tests that God

proposes to His people. The most notorious test is what God asks of Abraham. He

was told to sacrifice the child of promise. Isaac was to be the one who would

make a great nation. He would be the offspring that would bring light to the na-

tions. All will be blessed. But not if he was dead. Abraham took Isaac up the

mountain because God wanted a sacrifice. This test is one at which we all would

balk. We wouldn’t be able to do what God asks. We couldn’t make that sacrifice.

Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?”

Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of

them went on together Genesis 22:7-8.

The test was complete before Isaac was sacrificed. It was not a test to determine if Abraham would kill his only

son, the promised generation. It was not a test of strength. It was a test of trust. He made a promise, and Abra-

ham trusted that He would keep it. As Abraham left his servants behind and went up the mountain, he said, “We

will worship and then we will come back to you” Genesis 22:5.

When Isaac asked his father, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God Himself will

provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” Genesis 22:7. This was a test that was already concluded. Abra-

ham showed that he has passed the test. He didn’t believe that his son would be lost to him. There was another

that will take his place.

God is often a tester of people, just as we test people. But God always has the right agenda. He tests trust. He

doesn’t require we be strong enough to build upon. He builds the work on Jesus. He requires us to trust that the

work will be finished and that we will be part of that work. We aren’t required to hold it up. We are required to be

in it and acknowledge the work that Christ alone has done. Jesus said, “It is finished” John 19:30. This is the

great conclusion. God gave His Son. We won’t be asked to make that sacrifice.

Abraham jumped into God’s arms like a child jumps into the arms of a father. “Jump,

I’ll catch you!” We test children that way. God tests us that way. It is the beautiful

test that demonstrates childlike faith. The kingdom of heaven will be made up of

such as these.

But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to

Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone

who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” Luke 18:16-17.

TOm ROBInSOn ― FaCeBOOk FRIenD me ― FOLLOW @unaTHeIST On TWITTeR ― InSTaGRam: TWRmaIL

“But God doesn't call us to be comfortable.

He calls us to trust Him so completely

that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations

where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.”

― Francis Chan

“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy.

I always knew a bottle of Port would do that.

If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable,

I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” ― C.S. Lewis

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CARE TEAM Would you like to bring cheer to someone who is ill, be of help to someone in need? Our Care Team welcomes the opportunity to help members of our congregation. We can always add more members to the team. See Pam Gray (717-865-3997) if you are interested. Please let us know when there is a need so we can call, visit, send a card, make a meal, or help in any other way. Please let the Pastor, Pam Gray (717-865-3997), or a member of the Care Team know when you or a loved one has a need. Thanks to all who have visited ken Fortna. He and his family greatly appreciate it.

PUPPETEERS & PROPATEERS WEDNESDAYS, 6:30PM

Would you like to be a script writer, set designer, sound, lighting, & video manager, seamstresses or crafters? Please contact Lori Jackson (717-926-4572).

LCCM NOON MEAL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER, 1, 10:00am

At Lebanon County Christian Ministries

If you can help, please contact Amanda Robinson (717-865-7061) or Bob Hillegas (717-865-7478).

CRAFTING & SCRAPBOOKING

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 6:00pm-10:00pm

Bring your craft/scrapbook projects or see what others are working on. Take-out ordered for those interested. For information call karen Bene (717-861-3113).

PRAYER BREAKFAST FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 8:30am

Esther’s Restaurant

ADULT FELLOWSHIP SAT., SEPTEMBER 23, 5:30pm

We hope you enjoyed your summer and had a fun and relaxing time. We will kick-off fall with a picnic at the Grays, 144 Greble Road, just outside of Jonestown. See the Grays for directions. All adults are welcome for an evening of fellowship, food, music, and fun. This is a potluck picnic so please bring your favorite dish. A sign up sheet will be in the entryway so we can be sure of a variety of items. Please bring chairs. Come and enjoy the fellowship! Looking ahead to the holidays, put Saturday, December 16 on your calendar for a Progressive Christmas Dinner at different homes with various courses. If you are willing to host a course in your home (you don’t have to provide all the food!), please see Pam Gray (717-865-3997). This will be fun and a different way to celebrate the holidays!

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Please join John Hall for a study of the symbolism, imagery, and message of hope found in the book of Revelation. Study sessions will begin Sunday, September 10, 6:00pm in the church basement. Sunday School offers a variety of studies for all age groups at 9:45am every Sunday. For information contact Pastor Susan (610-562-0902) Norma Artz (717-865-3997), or Sallie Meyer (717-865-2750).

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Baskets with copies of the current newsletter are in the rear of the sanctuary, in the narthex. Read it on our website: www.jonestownumc.org. It looks so much better in color!

ADVENTURE EVENTS

Please contact Deb Meck (717-865-5795, dsmeck1@gmail.com) for an event you would like to schedule, or to help her plan autumn and winter adventures.

september event The Mennonite Information Center

2209 Millstream Road (Route just off Route 30 East)

Lancaster PA 17602. (717-299-0954) If at least 12 people can go, we can get a $1.00 discount from $8.50 to $7.50 per person. The Mennonite Information Center is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Please suggest a date to Deb Meck (717-865-5795)! We can carpool because there is parking. Look for information online at Mennonite Information Center.

october event Lebanon Co. Women’s Expo

Saturday, October 7, 9:00am-2:00pm Women of all ages are invited to find helpful information for health & wellness, finance, home technology, beauty, nutrition, spa treatments, and more! FREE advance guest registration online: aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com ($5 at the door).

JOY OUTREACH PANTRY

We always appreciate your donations of food, money, or time to help those in need. Let Pam Gray (717-865-3997) know if you are interested in volunteering. We are giving school supplies to children. Thank you for your collection of food for JOY Pantry. In March $255 donation and 86 lbs. of food. In April 24 lbs. of food. In May 32 lbs. of food. Your generosity allows JOY to continue to provide food assistance to the hungry in the northern part of Lebanon Co.

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MUSIC SCHEDULES Children’s Choir rehearsals begin Sunday, September 10, 6:00pm under the direction of Gary Miele. These practices continue every other Sunday at 6:00pm. See Gary Miele (717-865-2088) with your questions. Bell choir rehearsals begin Sunday, September 10 6:00pm under the direction of Norma Artz, and continue to practice every other Sunday at 6:00pm. See Norma Artz (717-865-3447) with your questions. Senior Choir rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 13, 6:30pm, and continue weekly under the direction of Norma Artz. Praise Team rehearsals continue weekly on Wednesdays at 7:15pm under the direction of Tom Robinson. If you would like to join call Tom (717-675-3009).

COFFEE & FELLOWSHIP SUNDAYS, 8:30-11:00am

Stop by the table in the narthex for light snacks and beverages and a few minutes of fellowship. To make this event a success, we need people to bake each week or provide a store-bought snack. Please contact Maria Shuey (717-865-4426) to sign up for a week!

EXERCISE CLASSES Each Monday Kick/Punch is at 5:45pm, and Ripped at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.

FLOWERS The flower chart is on the bulletin board in the narthex. If you want to provide flowers, please sign up on the chart and use the envelope next to the chart for payment and information about the flowers. The cost is $25 per vase. If you plan on taking your flowers, please put a star sticker next to your name on the chart.

HELPING HANDS We need helpers for minor construction projects. We need people with skills in plumbing, electric, roofing, painting, siding, etc. We are also looking for minor construction projects. If you know of anyone who needs gutters repaired, a window replaced, painting or wall work done, or other minor construction projects, contact Bob Hillegas (717-865-7478).

SEPTEMBER MISSION PARTNER LEBANON RESCUE MISSION

LRM seeks to represent and present the gospel of Jesus Christ to all within their sphere of influence and to alleviate human suffering without discrimination through operating three, 24-hour, 7 days a week shelters: The Men’s Mission, The Agape Family Shelter for Women and Children, and Lazarus House Aftercare facility. The mission serves those in need through the generosity of church congregations, individuals, and businesses. Please support this ministry by using an envelope on a sanctuary windowsill.

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FALL FEST Our annual Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, September 30, 3:00-6:00pm Plan to stop by for food, fellowship, and fun. Please see Norma Artz (717-865-3447) or Tish Baird (717-865-0765) if you can help that day.

In Exodus 34:29-30 we read that Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law. He had spoken with God and his face was radiant. He was not aware of this change in his appearance, but the Israelites could tell that Moses had spoken with the Lord. Through faith in Christ we can also meet with this same God. Over time with intimate relationship, we will reflect His transforming Spirit and a life-changing difference. It is doubtful that we would be as physically apparent as Moses’ beaming face, but we should be reflecting the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit.

Question: Do other see the love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control of Jesus’ Spirit

glowing through us? Intimate moments spent with God

will bring change!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday night Bible study will resume on Wednesday, September 6, 7:30pm at the home of Lewis and Eleanor Artz, 201 Highland Drive, Jonestown. 717-865-3447. The study will be the continuation of The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5-7. We have room for more participants. We hope to see you on September 6!

717 AREA CODE Verizon has advised that as of August 26, 2017 all 717 area code telephone customers must dial 717 when calling in the 717 area regardless of prior practices. This means 10 digits must be dialed.

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ELECTRONIC GIVING

We encourage you to support the ministries of this church even when you are unable to attend. Decide ahead of time the amount you want to give each Sunday, and your commitment can be honored electronically, similar to what you may use for financial payments. There is no fee for E-giving. Go to the church website: www.jonestownumc.org and click on E-giving. Follow the instructions to set up your account. If you have difficulty, contact the Financial Secretary, Carvel keiser (carvelkeiser@comcast.net).

CDs of 8:30 WORSHIP

Audio CDs are available of the 8:30am service each Sunday. If you or someone you know has missed a Sunday and would like to have a CD, please call Jeff Reichl (717-865-0315). If you can donate blank CDs to record services, see Jeff Reichl.

FACEBOOK Search for "Jonestown United Methodist

Church." Don’t forget to “Like” us.

PICTURES and INFORMATION

for CHURCH WEBSITE www.jonestownumc.org

If you would like to provide information or digital pictures, please submit items to Jeff Reichl (rike110@msn.com). Jeff, our webmaster, oversees changes and updates the website.

REDNER’S SAVE-A-TAPE

To redeem the tapes, you must use your Save-a-Tape or gas card at the time of purchase. We need the entire tape with the portion showing the price-based points for that day at the bottom. The tape will display either “Today’s Contribution” or “Today’s total price-based points” or “Today’s Save-a-Tape Total.” If the tape doesn’t have one of these lines at the bottom, we cannot redeem them.

Friends and members of our church may activate

the PRAYER CHAIN by calling the pastor

or one of the team leaders indicated by a star (*).

PRAYER CHAIN TEAMS

Team 1

*Lewis & Eleanor Artz (717-865-3447)

John & Nancy Rhen (717-865-4317)

Teri Light (717-813-8347)

Team 2

*Larry Major (717-865-3442)

Jeff & Diana Waltermyer (717-865-5675)

Ernestine Fahler (717-865-4381)

Team 3

*Doris Crouse (717-865-5554)

Judy Mowry (717-279-0809)

Kay Horner (717-865-5538)

George & Nancy Rautzhan

(717-865-3061)

VERY IMPORTANT!

Calls may be started by anyone

by calling one of the following people:

Pastor Susan (717-865-4369;

717-865-2883; 610-562-0902)

Lewis Artz (717-865-3447)

Larry Major (717-865-3442)

Doris Crouse (717-865-5554)

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GREETERS 3 8:30am Dave Gray, Cheryl & Will Major, Ruth Winklebleck 3 11am Ginger krissinger, Jeff & Diana Waltermyer, Dawn Miele 10 8:30am Dave Gray, Earnest & Elaine Shuey, Brenda Rudy 10 11am Ginger krissinger, Jeff & Diana Waltermyer, Dawn Miele 17 8:30am Dave Gray, Nancy Light, Ernestine Fahler, Jennifer Fahler 17 11:00am Ginger krissinger, Jeff & Diana Waltermyer, Dawn Miele 24 8:30am Dave Gray, Jim & Judy Mowry 24 11:00am Ginger krissinger, Jeff & Diana Waltermyer, Dawn Miele

LITURGISTS

3 8:30am Cheryl Major 11am J.Waltermyer 10 8:30am Dave Gray 11am Lauren Deiter 17 8:30am Dave Gray 11am John Hall 24 8:30am Jim Mowry 11am Sallie Meyer

NURSERY 3 8:30am Brenda Rudy 11am 10 8:30am Gail Anderson11am 17 8:30am Tish Baird 11am 24 8:30am Brenda Rudy 11am

FLOWERS Cost: $25/vase 3 10 17 Mowry 24 Boltz / Gray

CARE TEAM Week of September 3 Ingrid Steiner Week of September 10 kay Horner Week of September 17 Ralph/Cheryl Major Week of September 24 karen Bene

1 Rebeccah Unger 2 Bella Rehman 4 Tyler Reitz 4 Wesley Reitz 6 Lincoln Govelovich 8 Cody Dunbar 9 Sylvia Turner 10 Kim Bashore 11 Rebecca Yeagley 11 Matthew Krissinger 12 Al Fortna 12 Phyllis Krall 12 Nancy Showers 14 Joan Morales 16 Carol Bicher

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

1 Mike and Tammy Adams 9 Mike & Sylvia Turner 17 Jeff & Malinda Kohr 17 Jim and Judy Mowry 19 Steve & Jodi Yeagley Sr. 25 Bryan & Brenda Rudy 26 Bob & Kim Bashore 27 Wilmer & Theresa Weaver 28 Kevin & Heidi Fahler

20 Gary Miele 20 Greg Emerich 21 Kay Horner 21 Kody Showers 21 Ingrid Steiner 23 Aidan Miele 23 Nicholas Snader 24 Dave Gray 25 Samuel Hillegas 25 Lori Baker 27 Gail Anderson 27 Kassidy Showers 27 Nick Snader 28 Deb Meck 29 Shawn Light 30 Norma Artz

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Noon Meal

10:00am Pastor’s Sabbath Women’s Night Out 6:00pm Adventure Event 7:00-10:00pm

2

3 Worship 8:30/11

Sunday School 9:45am Middle Sch. 6:00pm Romans 6:00pm High Sch. 7:00pm

4 Kick/Punch 6:00pm

AA Meeting 6pm

Ripped 7:00pm

5

Youth 6:30pm

Trustees 7:00pm

6

Puppeteers 6:30pm N.A . 7:00pm Praise T. 7:15pm

7 8

Pastor’s Sabbath

9

10 Worship

8:30/11:00 Sunday School 9:45am Revelation 6:00pm Children’s Choir & Bells 6:00pm Middle Sch. 6:00pm Romans 6:00pm High Sch. 7:00pm

11

Kick/Punch 6:00

A.A. Meeting 6pm

Ministry Mtg. 7pm Ripped 7pm

12

Youth 6:30pm

13

Sr. Choir 6:30pm Puppeteers 6:30pm N.A . 7:00pm Praise T. 7:15pm Bible Study7:30pm

14 15

Pastor’s Sabbath

Prayer Breakfast

@ Esther’s

8:30am

16

Youth: Uprise

Festiival 8:00am

17Worship

8:30/11:00 Sunday School 9:45am Middle Sch. 6:00pm Revelation 6:00pm High Sch. 7:00pm

18 West Dist

Celebration5:30pm

Kick/Punch 6pm

AA Meeting 6pm Ripped 7pm SPRC 7pm

19

Youth 6:30pm

20

Sr. Choir 6:30pm Puppeteers 6:30pm N.A . 7:00pm Praise T. 7:15pm Bible Study7:30pm

21 22

Pastor’s Sabbath

23

Adult Fellowship

picnic @ Grays

5:30pm

24 Worship

8:30/11:00 Sunday School 9:45am Exercise 3:00pm Children’s Choir & Bells 6:00pm Youth Rally @ FUMC 6:00pm Revelation 6:00pm

25

Kick/Punch 6pm

A.A. Meeting 6pm

Ripped 7pm

Finance 7pm

26

Youth 6:30pm

27Youth:

See You at the Pole 6:45am Sr. Choir 6:30pm Puppeteers 6:30pm N.A . 7:00pm Praise T. 7:15pm Bible Study 7:30pm

28 29

Pastor’s Sabbath

30

Fall Fest 3-6pm

September

2017