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SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER OF CALVARY...

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stress but this worry and stress ought not to be passed to our children. We need to remind our children of the gift of tomorrow. With their minds still being shaped our children do not al- ways understand the intricacies of life with work, finances, and a host of obligations. What they can understand is Gods unfailing love. While the Gospel was specifically speaking of little children, I would like to expand that to in- clude all of us since we are children of God. We as children need the affirmation of those around us. We especially need to hear and hear again the Word of God reminding us that God is bigger than all the problems we face. If there is any greater good that comes out of 2020, I pray it may be for a deeper more confident walk with God. Years ago I learned many relaxation tech- niques to use in my role as a counselor. One such technique uses visioning as a means to take us to a safe, comfortable place for healing of our soul. Can you slow down and picture yourself in a happy memory with someone from your past? I can find myself seated with my grandmother on her porch swing shelling peas. With little effort I can find myself before an al- tar at church camp, I can even smell the pine and feel the gen- tle breeze. When flying in turbulent weather I picture Gods hands uphold- ing the plane in which I am flying. Some may think this to be crazy, but I believe our God gives us wonderful memories to give us comfort. Take time to share the comfort God will give to children and others who need encouragement. Tell stories of faith in scripture, but a greater memory will be stories of Gods presence in our own lives and family history. Our God is awe- some and is our rock and fortress. Stand Firm! Pastor Jeff Fisher [email protected] Cell 717-350-6427 Office 717-545-0021 SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER OF CALVARY UMC Mark 10:13-16 (NIV2011) People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. In many cultures children are to be seen but not heard. In the present world of exploitation, chil- dren are viewed as objects. In the Kingdom of God, children are valued as gifts . . . for the king- dom of God belongs to such as these.Children are molded and shaped by family, a host of teachers and mentors, as well as culture. Because children learn to mimic our words and actions, it is extremely vital to speak and act in ways which will instill Christ like attributes to help our children throughout life. We instill a work ethic, family values, and appropriate fun and play. What is often found missing is a deep spir- itual base. Every day we have opportunities to teach lessons of faith. I heard Dr. James Dobson on the radio this week reminding listeners that even when crying after a bad bike accident as a child, his mother reminded him to pray to God to take away his pain, comfort him, and heal him. Our past few months have provided prime op- portunities to teach about Gods goodness and care. Our children and others around us need to see persons of faith trusting in God during this time of crisis. Adults certainly are at times burdened with
Transcript
Page 1: SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER OF CALVARY UMCcalvaryunitedmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/...2020/09/08  · stress but this worry and stress ought not to be passed to our children.

stress but this worry and stress ought not to be passed to our children. We need to remind our children of the gift of tomorrow. With their minds still being shaped our children do not al-ways understand the intricacies of life with work, finances, and a host of obligations. What they can understand is God’s unfailing love. While the Gospel was specifically speaking of little children, I would like to expand that to in-clude all of us since we are children of God. We as children need the affirmation of those around us. We especially need to hear and hear again the Word of God reminding us that God is bigger than all the problems we face. If there is any greater good that comes out of 2020, I pray it may be for a deeper more confident walk with God. Years ago I learned many relaxation tech-niques to use in my role as a counselor. One such technique uses visioning as a means to take us to a safe, comfortable place for healing of our soul. Can you slow down and picture yourself in a happy memory with someone from your past? I can find myself seated with my grandmother on her porch swing shelling peas. With little effort I can find myself before an al-tar at church camp, I can even smell the pine and feel the gen-tle breeze. When flying in turbulent weather I picture God’s hands uphold-ing the plane in which I am flying. Some may think this to be crazy, but I believe our God gives us wonderful memories to give us comfort. Take time to share the comfort God will give to children and others who need encouragement. Tell stories of faith in scripture, but a greater memory will be stories of God’s presence in our own lives and family history. Our God is awe-some and is our rock and fortress. Stand Firm! Pastor Jeff Fisher [email protected] Cell 717-350-6427 Office 717-545-0021

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER OF CALVARY UMC

Mark 10:13-16 (NIV2011) People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. In many cultures children are to be seen but not heard. In the present world of exploitation, chil-dren are viewed as objects. In the Kingdom of God, children are valued as gifts . . . “for the king-dom of God belongs to such as these.” Children are molded and shaped by family, a host of teachers and mentors, as well as culture. Because children learn to mimic our words and actions, it is extremely vital to speak and act in ways which will instill Christ like attributes to help our children throughout life. We instill a work ethic, family values, and appropriate fun and play. What is often found missing is a deep spir-itual base. Every day we have opportunities to teach lessons of faith. I heard Dr. James Dobson on the radio this week reminding listeners that even when crying after a bad bike accident as a child, his mother reminded him to pray to God to take away his pain, comfort him, and heal him. Our past few months have provided prime op-portunities to teach about God’s goodness and care. Our children and others around us need to see persons of faith trusting in God during this time of crisis. Adults certainly are at times burdened with

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families, Dillon Keefer, Gerri Freudiger, Sandy Frantz, Samantha Wright, Christopher Sproule, Gayle Martin, Eric Leidigh, Paul & Susie Kief-

fer, Herb Zearing, Diane Pattison

Serving in Armed Forces Amber Pfarr, Andrew Hoffman, Jake Smuda,

Aaron Lytle, Alex Stewart, Anthony Oswandel, Patrick McCarthy, James Simmons, Clay Bur-nette, Holly Dively, Courtney Keefer, James Forsyth, Steven Novosel, Curtis Fetterhoff, Chase Tillman, Jackson Robinette, Joseph Swift, Cole Schiffhauer, Jake Schiffhauer

CALVARY PRAYER LIST

In Mourning The family & friends of Bishop John K. Yambasu

Calvary LAMS (Limited Activity Members) George Miller, Sam & Sally Evans, Richard &

Marian Taylor, Barbara Jamison, Gloria Wingert, Bernice Rowe, Dona Hoover, Jean Wertz, Alice

Darrell, Sarah Campbell, Catherine Sener, Shirley Miller, Betty Krahn, Doris Beatty, Barbara

Cammack, Betty Mehaffie, Jean Murphy, June Bowden, Rosella Hollenbach, Dave Pietsch, Ma-

rianne Bacon, Carl & Eileen Page, Deanna Rhodes, Fred Rudy, Charlotte Lotz, Nancy Wy-

dra, Shirley Longnaker (Jewish Home Apt 107 A)

Prayer Concerns Boyd Knouse, Roger Cooper, Dawn Koller, Mari-lyn Archibald, Dee Dare, Richard Shepley, Arlan Keller, Madelyn Smith, Steven McNaughton, Ed

Amspacker & Family, Rachel & Brayden Amspacker, Maxine McNaughton, Henry Reins-borrow, Phil Womer, Megan Masoero, Marcia Oster, Bryce Leidich, Lorraine Brosius, Bryn Lange, Rhys Fleisher, Scott & Tracy Wagner, Shirley Holtzer, Alaine Krueger, Sandie Bar-tholmeo, Debbie Schwarz, Lew Cordner, Dan

Sheehan, Linda Crum, Diane Lehrman, Tilman McBrayer, Gary Lyter, Dan Dorty, Dawn Wright,

John Oster, Dorothy Rowland, Joyce Ernst, Jo-anne Paladino, Lily Black, Nancy Frye, Rick

Martin, Patricia L. Goldhart, Eloise Cooper, Ow-en Hamor, Rush Henry, Bill Kuntz, Karl Deemer,

Bonnie Evans, John Blackburn, Bob Gorinski, Linda Benner, Christian John Overman, Barry

Clinger, Jane Taylor, S.E. Garner, Steve Taylor, Jenny Johnson, Tom & Joan Reichley, Alice El-icker, Kathy Wingert, Rich Hann, George Rowe,

Janel Shriver, Eric Fogelsanger, Nancy Paine, Dixie Lantz, Phyllis Shepler, Lucy Messich,

Mary Diamond, Pete Crosson, Darlene Yoder, Mary Wagner, Matt & Loretta Schaeffer, Jay &

Ginny Coy, Peg Reichley, Mary Albright, Creeden Coulson, Lexi & Brandon Camp, Janice

Meadath, Dave Kerns, Jorich Rosse, Wayne Oberdorff, Alex Jacobs, Lance Leidich, Missy,

Lisa DeMoss, Carol Thrush, Lena Mauser, Wan-da Linn, Dottie Danko, Andy Kinsinger, Marcia

Hartman, Lloyd Feeder, Nicholas DeTullio, Steve & Jeannie Conway, Ricky & Taylyn Conway,

Carol Giambalvo, Blain Hackett, Noah Helwig, Bella Wilcox, Bekah Wilcox, Amy Ginck’s Fa-

ther, Joan Myhre, Kimberly Myhre, James Copeland & Family, Amber & Denise & their

CALVARY WORSHIP

While we miss the comfort and solace of our sanctuary, we have discovered that the greeting of the family of faith is more important than the place you worship. Our combined attendance from Saturday evening and Sunday morning has been consistently around 200-230. A sin-cere thanks to all those who set up, tape, lead, and share their musical gifts. We will continue Outdoor Worship for Sep-tember and October. Beginning on Sunday, September 6th, Worship will be at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM each Sunday Morning. There will not be a Saturday Evening Service (the last one is on August 29th). When you join us for Outdoor Worship, remember to bring your own lawn chair or blanket, wear a mask while enter-ing and departing, and practice the recommend-ed 6 ft. social distancing. Entrance into the church building for restrooms or other purposes will continue to be unavailable at this time. Realizing government recommendations change, we would quickly revisit this decision if there would be great news of opening. Our desire is to keep our family safe. Continue to pray for a cleansing of the pandemic from the global community. Pray for our congregation and nation. We look forward to gathering as the people of God. God bless everyone. Stand Firm.

~Pastor Jeff

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AN UPDATE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Here are some updates from the Finance Com-mittee: The Finance Com-

mittee met on July 15, 2020.

Chris Shive, CPA from Martin M. Sacks & Associates presented their Ac-countant’s Compila-tion Report for the 2019 Fiscal Year.

A new copier lease was signed resulting in a reduced cost of $200 per month

The Calvary Kids Daycare is open. Income is reduced since not all children have re-turned. However, the PPP Loan bridged the gap during the time when no income was generated during the shutdown. This enabled the Calvary Kids to retain the staff and reo-pen when restrictions were lifted.

The Parsonage was sold at the end of June, resulting in a net gain of approximately $227,000 after closing costs. The conference requires us to place the money in a non-interest-bearing account or invest with the Conference program, Seedling Financial Ministry. Therefore, the money will be placed in a savings certificate under Seedling Financial Ministry with the conference earn-ing 1% interest.

The Finance Committee has formed a sub-committee to evaluate current financial poli-cies and procedures to ensure that we are in line with the Book of Discipline requirements and have appropriate internal controls.

The next Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2020, 6:30 PM.

Our latest financial figures are:

Actual YTD as of 7.31.2020 Operating Revenues $495,419 Operating Expenses $503,887 Net Surplus (Loss) ($ 8,468)

Expected YTD per our budget and historical

patterns Operating Revenues $487,866 Operating Expenses $541,968 Net Surplus (Loss) ($54,102)

On behalf of the Finance Committee and Church staff, we extend our sincere gratitude for your faithful giving during these difficult times. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Flint, Finance Manager at the church office at [email protected] or 717-545-0021 or Jeff Robertson, Finance Committee Chairperson at 717-566-3869.

~Jeff Robertson Finance Committee Chairperson

ADOPT-A-GRAD

We are currently working on partnering Col-lege Students with church members who will keep in touch with them during the upcoming school year. If you are a college student whether studying in person, online, at home or anywhere in be-tween, please be sure to fill out an updated form that includes your mailing address, email, etc. This form can be found on the church web-site. You may also email the information to Marji Beyer at [email protected]. Thank you!

FROM THE TRUSTEES

Some years ago the locks on the doors of many of the classrooms of Calvary Kids Child Care Center were removed. As it is our respon-sibility to ensure the safety of the children and staff throughout the building, the Trustees were asked to place locks on all the doors and have contracted a company to perform the installation. Additionally, through the years, many keys have been distributed for entrance into the church as well as various areas of the church. For the security of the building, the Trustees have also made the decision to have all exterior entrances re-keyed to establish an accu-rate list of all those with keys. The re-keying of the church will be done in the next few months. Those who currently have keys and continue to be in a staff or volunteer role that re-quires a key will be contacted by the Church Staff via email or letter to pick up a new key af-ter the Key Sign Out Sheet is completed. Any questions or concerns can be addressed to Pastor Jeff Fisher or myself.

~John Packer Board of Trustees Chairperson

[email protected] or 717-576-5984

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calvaryumcharrisburg @CalvaryUnitedMethodistChurch

4700 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109 Phone 717-545-0021 Email [email protected]

www.calvaryunitedmethodist.org

software development application. So far, my professor has seen interest in the class from not only Computer Engineering students, but also Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and even Electrical Engineering students. Alongside developing this class, I have also written open source code (free to use for any-one) that generalizes this technology and han-dles a lot of the overhead so that someone with little experience in programming could take it and make something really cool for their own house or greenhouse or anything really. Final-ly, is my co-op. I start at the end of September, and I was fortunate enough to not get mine cancelled due to COVID (a lot of students are facing this problem). I have been hired by Van-guard as a Software Engineer and will be working on their advisor-client platform. The opportunity is great, and I will get so much ex-perience despite being remote for most, if not all, of my co-op. While I worked extremely hard to make the progress I did, I know I have so much more to go, I would be a fool to think I did this alone. I could not have gotten this far without the support of my family, my commu-nity, and my church. For that I want to thank everyone that made this scholarship possible, because without support I would not have been able to do half of what I have done.

Jordan Franklin

CALVARY CHURCH CONFERENCE Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 11 AM

Please plan to join us for this important de-cision making process in the life of the church. Additional details will be provided closer to the date. The Harrisburg District Superinten-dent will preside over this meeting.

CALVARY NOTES Just a note to thank all for mom’s birthday cards as she received so many of them. I read all of them to her and I am sure she misses her church friends. We felt the love in those cards. Thanks again for the support!

Beth and Nancy Wydra I wanted to thank you all for awarding me the scholarship. I understand that COVID has made things difficult for everyone, so I am extremely grateful for the church’s assistance. I have been so busy these last few months that at times I have forgotten the pandemic is going on! I know I have written about this before, but I am still working with PAWS in Philadelphia to develop software for their clinic. During school, the pro-gress was a bit slow, but now that finals season is coming and then I will be moving on to co-op, that project will wrap up very quickly. Right now I am working on a website for them to en-ter animals’ personalities into a database and then when the animal gets transferred from a clinic to a adoption center, a volunteer who has never worked with that animal can see exactly what that animal is like. They have wanted this technology for a while, at first they really want-ed to make it a paper form that they carried around, but even before COVID, they were wor-ried about diseases spreading from the clinic to adoption centers, so it is essential that I get this technology to them. Another thing I have been working on is an independent study with my professor. He really got into the idea of remote control and the internet of things, so he asked me to teach him all about it. Now this may seem like a bunch of gibberish, but this technology is basically what your Amazon Alexa, Google As-sistant, your smart thermostat, and much more run on. I worked with him on developing a class to teach students about all of these technologies from the ground up so that when they graduate, they can be competitive for a lot of positions; not only relating to that subject, but almost any


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