Finley’s Newsletter VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 FINLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
FROM OUR PASTOR
September/October 2015
Dear Finley Church family,
It is hard to believe the summer of 2015 is already over and we are into a new school year. This means new programs starting back up and opportunities to get involved and grow. Pastor Derek is organizing the fall small groups as we will have five (5) to offer this September. Kidmo and Middle School Youth will be starting back up on October 7th. Plus, all the regular services and Bible Studies that never recess. I wanted to spend a few moments going over the membership vows members pledge to when they vow to God when joining Finley United Methodist Church. The question a Methodist minister asks those joining the Church is this: “Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your PRAYERS, your PRESENCE, your GIFTS, your SERVICE, and your WITNESS?”
When a person joins as a member of Christ’s Holy Church it is a vow of loyalty and commitment. It is better not to join than to join without much thought of follow through (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). I know “life” and circumstances can be grueling and can change. But, we as Christians are called to something much higher than ourselves – a life in Jesus Christ! Your Church is as strong as its membership. In other words, it is as strong as you! We in the Church say, “We need you.” We do need you, but more importantly than our perspective is that from God Almighty. You are in need of God. And being around other Christians and learning together in discipleship is very important. Think about those five (5) areas above: PRAYERS, PRESENCE, GIFTS, SERVICE AND WITNESS. I challenge not only our “members” but attendees in these five (5) areas. Do you PRAY for Finley Church? Many people do, faithfully. Do you? Do you attend (PRESENCE) weekly? Not just a morning worship service, but also in a small group (Sunday school, Wednesday Bible study, small groups, ministry outreach)? Do you GIVE (tithe, regular support of the ministry)? Do you SERVE (inside and outside the church Body, in ministry; *we have
needed nursery workers and van drivers for over a year – still in need of help). Do you WITNESS? With your actions, words, personal testimony, and even when you are the only one in your neighborhood pulling out of your driveway on a Sunday morning to go to Church – this is a witness. Each Sunday, I notice my neighbors watching us come home from church. This is a witness – in and of itself – because they know we have attended the house of God! As you come home from church in the upcoming weeks, think about how you might use this as a witness – and invite a neighbor to our “Back to Church Sunday” on September 20th. It might just change their life and the direction they are going (Matthew 9:35-38). Can you be counted on? Your Shepherd, Pastor Jerry Ernst
September/October 2015 Finley’s Newsletter
BIRTHDAYS
September 6 Violet Recchie 2055 Eve Drive Steubenville OH 43952 September 16 Gordon Graner Iglesia, Evangelica Dominicana Apartado 727 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic September 21 Tillie Hickle 2531 County Road 22A Bloomingdale OH 43910 September 22 Ruth Falter 111 Wanda Street Weirton WV 26062
October 11
Robert Blessing
2030 Walnut St Unit 2
Dover DE 19901
October 13
Don George
102 Grandview Drive
Wintersville OH 43953
October 17
Emma Banovsky
Lancia Villa Royale
1852 Sinclair Avenue
Steubenville OH 43952
October 21
Elisabeth Sawka
PO Box 455
Richmond, OH 43944
October 23
Betty Christopher
Hearthside Community Apt. 105
1561 Stone Ridge Pkwy
Woodstock, GA 30189
October 29
S/Sgt William M Sargeant
8130 Bushclover Drive
Tipp City OH 45371
October 31
Delores Heflin
Box 34 Patricia Avenue
Weirton WV 26062
_______________________
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to: Fritz and Esther VanDyke in the death of his sister Elva McDougle on June 6, 2015. The family of Jacob Blackburn in his death on June 18, 2015. Wylene Thorn and family in the death of her uncle Eddie Thorn on July 2, 2015. The family of Margaret “Peggy” Lawrence, July 16, 2015
SUNDAY EVENING SERVICES
SEPTEMBER 6
PASTOR JERRY
SEPTEMBER 13
PASTOR JERRY
SEPTEMBER 20
MOVIE TBA
SEPTEMBER 27
PASTOR JERRY
OCTOBER 4
HOLY COMMUNION
PASTOR JERRY
OCTOBER 11
REVIVAL
DR. TOM HERMIZ
OCTOBER 18
PASTOR JERRY
OCTOBER 25
PASTOR JERRY
September/October 2015 Finley’s Newsletter
AA SSppeecciiaall IInnvviittaattiioonn ttoo tthhee
FFiinnlleeyy UUnniitteedd MMeetthhooddiisstt
CChhuurrcchh FFaammiillyy
We are preparing for the
publication of our 2015 pictorial
directory and we need you to
make our new family album
complete!
Photographs will be taken on
the following dates & times:
· Thursday, September 17
2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
· Friday, September 18
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
· Saturday September 19
10:30 am - 5:00 pm
You can sign up for your
portrait appointment at the
church on Sunday, August 23rd
,
30th
, and September 6th
or online Monday – Friday.
Use the following link to
schedule online:
http://www.ucdir.com/schedul
e/login.php
and then enter the login
information below:
or visit www.finleyumc.org
and click on the “schedule your
photography session” link.
Immediately following the
portrait session, you will be
given the opportunity to view
your images digitally and make
your selection for the directory.
There is no cost to the church or
to you for the complimentary
8x10 or the directory. Each
family will be given the
opportunity to purchase
additional portraits for families
and friends. In addition to cash
or personal checks, Universal
Church Directories accepts
Visa, American Express, Master
Card, and Discover. If you
purchase any portraits they will
be sent to your home within 3 to
4 weeks.
Gabe’s Bakes
Gabe Ernst has his own
little baking business going
on and would like you to
support it. He bakes
chocolate chip-peanut
butter cookies, deep dish
fudge brownies, and
different kinds of cupcakes.
Donations are accepted and
every dollar goes to his
Guatemala Mission Trip.
He’s been baking for a long
time and has a good
reputation. Some people
from the congregation have
already tried his goodies
and really enjoyed them,
how about you?
If you are interested just e-
mail him at
call him at 740-264-9980 ,
or see him after church
anytime.
UMW
The Marguerite/FWM Circles
met at Hollow Rock on
Thursday, July 23rd
. This was
Missionary Day. There were
fourteen women present.
During the morning service
we heard from missionary
Nathan Smith from Bolivia
and Zack and Esther Motz.
Zack and Nathan both grew
up going to Hollow Rock.
The Motz’s are missionaries
to Japan. Following the
10:30 service, we had a
delicious lunch served by
Lucinda Kell Lovelace and
her daughters. A short
business meeting was held
following lunch. Plans were
finalized for UMW Sunday to
be held on August 9th
.
***
The Marguerite/FWM Circle
will meet on September 1st at
6:30 p.m. These meetings are
open to any ladies in the
church, teens included. We
will be hosting the Executive
meeting for the District on
Sept. 10th
from 9:00 – 12:00.
The Circle meetings will be
held in the library. The
Executive meeting will be
held in the Fellowship Hall.
- Carol Canyock
***
As you know August 9th was
the annual UMW Sunday. We
hope you enjoyed the music, the
biographies about the
composers and their music, the
September/October 2015 Finley’s Newsletter
history of UMW at Finley
and hearing about the mission
work of the Marguerite/FWM
circle.
We need to thank many people:-
Angie Van Kirk did a wonderful
job as song leader as did Elaine
Goble on the organ and Martha
Sisler (she played at both the
8:30 and 10:45 services) on the
piano. The beautiful piece that
Martha played for the offertory
in both service was composed
by her. The song that
Darlene Vandyke sang and the
worshipful dance her daughter
preformed to that
piece was wonderful.
Pam Edgar's did a wonderful job
with the Offertory Prayer at the
8:30 and 10:45 services. The
women who agreed to ushers
were Lisa Hlivko at the 8:30
service, Joy Clements, Marsha
Anderson, Abbey and Harper
Ernst and Joyce Williamson at
the 10:45 service. Ben Hlivko
prepared the power point for the
service and Ryan Call made
sure it worked smoothly during
the service.
We appreciated all of these
people who were willing helped
the UMW with this service.
I would also like to thank Paula
Leasure. She agreed to give the
Congregational prayer but was
unable to do it because she
became ill at the Block Party. I
want you and her to know who
much I appreciated the fact that
she was willing to help when I
asked.
It is wonderful to have people
who willing help when
called upon.
Lastly, I would like to thank
the Marguerite/FWM
circle members who read the
biographies, scripture, led
the Apostle's Creed and gave
the Benediction.
If I missed anyone please
forgive me.
The Marguerite/FWM Circle
hope you will consider joining
us. We would love to have
women who are interested in
missions and want to spend
time with other women who
feel the same. All you have to
do is come to our meeting and
be willing to learn about
missions and help with our
mission projects. There are no
dues but we do take a collection
at each meeting to help pay for
the global, national and
local missionary projects. Our
next meeting is Sept. 1st at
6:30 in the church library. In
October we have no circle
meeting because of the Fall
District Meeting which is in
Shadyside, Ohio and the annual
Conference Celebration which
is in Norwalk, Ohio. If you're
interested in going to either of
these meetings let Juanita "Dee"
Whisman know. In November
we will have our last circle
meeting of 2015 the date and
time will be announced later.
Please watch the Sunday
bulletin of that
information. –Dee Whisman
It takes sadness to know
happiness, noise to
appreciate silence, and
absence to value presence
Back to Church Sunday
Sept. 20th
* Do you know someone who
should be attending church?
* Invite family, friends,
neighbors who don't already
attend church.
or
* List their names on the
bulletin board sign up sheet in
the hallway and the
Evangelism Committee will
invite them.
* Luncheon to follow 10:45
service.
Fall Revival Oct. 11-14th
Evangelist Tom Hermiz
Song Leader Brock Barnhouse
_________________________
Sunday Evening Service
November 1st
Evangelism Committee in
Charge
Special skit, special music, and
testimonies
Mark your calendar !
September/October 2015 Finley’s Newsletter
2015 Camp Report By Abbey Ernst
Thank you, Finley Church for
your offerings, donations, and
prayers in helping our children
and youth attend church camp
this summer. We had 18 kids
attend Camp Wanake in Beach
City, Ohio and nine youth attend
CYF camp at Malone University
– both are East Ohio United
Methodist camps. Out of our
27 total campers, seven were
high schoolers , seven were
middle school and 13 were
children. The youngest camper
was six years old, going into
the 1st grade We were very
blessed by our Ohio Valley
District and the East Ohio UM
Camps & Retreats Ministries
who offered generous
scholarships to each of our
children and youth. Thank you,
Jesus, for those blessings!!! The
Senior Highers at CYF camps
studied a theme called,
“Collide”, teaching them to
connect with God and then
setting a future goal in their
spiritual walk once they
returned home. The Wanake
campers theme was, “Listen!
God is Calling”. They
memorized scriptures and
studied Bible lessons regarding
being called to love, called to
gratitude, called to faith, called
to love, and called to share. The
following are some brief
testimonials from a few children
and youth about their camp
experience. Be blessed reading
them:
Thank you for sending me to
camp. It was awesome! I wish I
could stay. I like the Go Karts!
– Josiah Ernst
CYF was really fun and it
changed my life a lot –
Quarnetta Gee
Church camp was amazing and
it meant a lot to me and thanks
for helping to pay for it. God is
good and I don’t know what I
would do without Him. At camp
you are with believers who are
like you and want the same
things you do. – Summer Clark
Thank you for sending us to
camp. We had fun! My favorite
part of the week was the Go
Karts and making new friends. –
Tristan Sutton
Thank you for helping to
send me to camp! I had so much
fun! I loved the camp fire and I
loved the Worship. – Autumn
Godman
Thanks for sending me to camp.
I love camp and it was nice to
be there. I loved the horseback
riding and I loved my
counselors – Treyvon Wagner
Thank you ! My favorite thing
was my Loving counselors –
Shealor Lowe
Thank you! What I liked about
camp was swimming, morning
watch, and the polar bear swim.
– Briana Holmes
I worked at Camp Wanake for
my second year in a row.
Because of camp, I got to
experience spiritual birth,
growth and renewal with other
people who are not shy about
sharing their love and God’s
love with me. Being with people
who love God is such a feeling
that I cannot describe. – Macy
Yoho
____________________
VBS 2015 Update! By Abbey Ernst
Thank you to all who
volunteered at VBS to minister
to our church and community.
We had a great week with many,
many workers, (ages 13 to 90)
and a good group of kids, (ages
4 to 14).
Our three church vans and
dedicated drivers drove all over
Steubenville to bring kids to the
church so they would be able to
be a part of all kinds of
interactive and creative ways to
learn about God.
Kids ate interesting snacks
while sitting in tents. They
played goofy games, enjoyed
wacky experiments, and shared
a Bible adventure with Elijah
and the ravens.
Thanks to everyone who prayed
for our week, donated food and
supplies, prepared lessons, led
the kids around to their stations,
September/October 2015 Finley’s Newsletter
drove the vans, decorated,
cleaned up, registered kids,
prepared food, and worked
behind the scenes.
This year we had a contest to
raise money for missions. We
raised over $500 which was
split between a local ministry –
Teen Challenge of the Ohio
Valley and a foreign mission –
the earthquake disaster in Nepal.
Our theme was “Everest” –
Conquering Challenges with
God’s Mighty Power. We
learned that God has the power
to provide, comfort, heal,
forgive and to love us forever.
For many, this week is a big
sacrifice of time and energy, but
also so rewarding to witness to
many children responding to
God’s calling on their lives.
Thank you VBS team.
______________________
PRAYER AND
FASTING WEEKENDS September 5 & 6 October 3 & 4
Only God can turn a MESS
into a MESSage,
a TEST into a TESTimony,
a TRIal into a TRIumph,
a VICTim into a VICTory,
GOD is GOOD… all the
time!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 1
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at the Ministry Center
6:30 UMW Meeting
7:00 Choir Practice
September 2
11:00 Bible Study & Prayer
6:00 Lay Leadership Meeting
6:30 Senior High Youth
7:00 Bible Study & Prayer
September 4, 11, 25
6:30–7:30 N.A. meeting
September 5 & 6 Prayer & Fasting Weekend
September 6, 13, 20 Back to
Church Sunday, 27
8:30 Worship Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Worship Service
6:30 Worship Service
September 7 Labor Day
Church Office Closed
September 8
11:00 Staff Meeting
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at Ministry Center 7:00 Choir Practice
7:00 Trustees Meeting
September 9, 16, 23, 30
11:00 Bible Study & Prayer
6:30 Senior High Youth
7:00 Bible Study & Prayer
September 10
7:00 Commissions/Committees
8:00 Administrative Council
September 14, 21, 28
10:30 Prayer
September 15, 29
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at Ministry Center 7:00 Choir Practice
September 17
2:00-8:00 Pictures for the New
Directory
September 18
1:00-6:00 Pictures for the New
Directory
September 19
10:30-5:00 Pictures for the New Directory
September 22
10:30 Senior Friends
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at the Ministry Center
7:00 Choir Practice
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
6:30–7:30 N.A. meeting
October 3 & 4 Prayer & Fasting Weekend
4:30 – 6:30 KidMo KickOff
September/October 2015 Finley’s Newsletter
October 4 World Communion
Sunday
8:30 Worship Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Worship Service
6:30 Worship Service
October 5, 19, 26
10:30 Prayer
October 6
11:00 Staff Meeting
7:00 Choir Practice
7:00 Trustees Meeting
October 7, 21, 28
11:00 Bible Study & Prayer
5:00 KidMo
5:00 Middle School Youth
6:30 Senior High Youth
7:00 Bible Study & Prayer
October 8
7:00 Commissions/Committees
8:00 Administrative Council
October 11
8:30 Revival Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Revival Service
6:30 Revival Service
October 12
10:30 Prayer
7:00 Revival Service
October 13
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at the Ministry Center
7:00 Revival Service
October 14
11:00 Bible Study & Prayer
5:00 KidMo
5:00 Middle School Youth
7:00 Revival Service
October 18, 25
8:30 Worship Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Worship Service
6:30 Worship Service
October 20
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at Ministry Center 7:00 Choir Practice
October 27
10:30 Senior Friends
5:30-6:30 Aerobics and
Worship at Ministry Center 7:00 Choir Practice
____________________________ Articles for the November / December 2015 / January 2016 newsletter are due October 20th. Please email your article to [email protected], or you may put your article in the newsletter mailbox, or give to Sharon Christopher. THANK YOU!
Finley’s Newsletter www.finleyumc.org
Finley United Methodist Church 958 Lincoln Avenue Steubenville, OH 43952-3223
Rev. Jerry Ernst, Pastor Associate Pastor Derek Trout
[email protected] [email protected] RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
September/October 2015
Picture Days for Directory – September 17-19
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY - September 20TH
KidMo “Kick-Off “ –Saturday, October 3rd
KidMo & Middle School Youth begins Wednesday, October 7th
Fall Revival w/ Tom Hermiz & Brock Barnhouse – October 11-14
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID STEUBENVILLE, OH
PERMIT NO. 7