U M - Monroeville United Methodist Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
UM
messenger
Vol. 24 Issue 1 Monroeville United Methodist Church January 31, 2022
“Now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
Friends,
As we begin this New Year we are mindful of the many ways God has touched our hearts and
shaped our souls here at Monroeville United Methodist Church. Especially over these past difficult
years battling COVID and the challenges of ministry, there are places of grace, goodness, compas-
sion and care. This year, we will be experiencing changes in our staffing due to life changes and
difficult financial challenges. There are some faces that will not be an active parts of our team start-
ing in February and I wanted to take a moment to express gratitude for the way God’s love has
touched our lives through them.
Dona Todarello will be officially retiring at the end of January. She has been a beloved member of
the MUM Staff for over 19 years! As Coordinator of Adult Ministries she has organized spaces for
us to grow stronger in our love of God and love for one another. She has invited us to Women’s
Retreats, Men’s Retreats, All-church Retreats, and other times to get away from it all and recon-
nect. She has organized Bible Studies, Community Support Studies, and places of support for those
who grieve or are caregivers. She brought joy through Soup and Chili Cook-offs, and helped to
make the Coffee times on Sunday happen. She has welcomed new members into the MUM Com-
munity and introduced them to the Congregation and the Congregation to them. In these and count-
less other ways she has connected us together in love. Above all, Dona deeply loves this communi-
ty of faith, and we love her! We have been truly blessed by you, Dona! We wish you all God’s
blessings as you and Jim take these next steps to enjoying family, friends, and life!
Dave Quel was raised at MUM and joined our staff in 2016 as part of a new position, Director of
Congregational Care. He has been a faithful visitor, caller and carer to this congregation. He has
visited in hospitals, nursing homes, and met people to have a cup of coffee or just time to talk. He
has taught Bible Studies and opened spaces for those to learn and grow in their relationship with
God. He and his wife Rebecca led our Senior Saturday program, and he brought joy with his hu-
mor, character and costumes! Dave has a deep passion for specially abled children and has led us to
a deeper understanding to the blessings God brings to us though them and how we might be more
hospitable and open to their needs. We have been blessed by his sermons, his prayers, and his will-
ingness to serve this community!
Throughout the challenges, and changes God is faithful. God is the foundation of our hope. Yet,
underneath these is God’s grace that sees us faithfully through the challenges and changes. It is
God’s grace that is the foundation of our hope. Beneath it all is God’s love. I am so grateful for
Dona and Dave and the way they shared God’s love with us!
God’s blessings always,
Ed
1
219 Center Road NON-PROFIT ORG.
Monroeville, PA 15146 US POSTAGE
Phone: 412-372-7474 PAID
www.MonroevilleUMC.o PITTSBURGH, PA
PERMIT NO. 4039
219 Center Road, Monroeville, PA 15146-1748
Phone: 412-372-7474 Fax: 412-372-5232
www.MonroevilleUMC.org
Church Staff: Staff E-mail Addresses:
Senior Pastor - Ed Schoeneck ....................................................... PastorEd@MonroevilleUMC.org
Director of Christian Discipleship - Amanda Mitchell ............... Discipleship@MonroevilleUMC.org
Administrative Assistant - Karen Marci ...................................... MUMC@MonroevilleUMC.org
Coordinator of Financial Ministries - Leslie Thorsen ................ FinancialSec@MonroevilleUMC.org
Coordinator of Communications - Betty Henderson .................. Communications@MonroevilleUMC.org
Youth Leader .................................................... MUMYouth@MonroevilleUMC.org
Director of Choral/Trad. Ensembles - Lynn Bruhn..................... Music@MonroevilleUMC.org
Organist/Director of MUM Rings - Lynn Bruhn ......................... OrganBells@MonroevilleUMC.org
Director of Praise Worship Ministries - Michael Ondrick ........... Praise@MonroevilleUMC.org
Nursery Attendants - Heather Wilmotte, Dan Matthews Monroeville United
Custodian - Orrie Loughner
Lay Leaders:
Methodist Church
Lay Leader - Ron Morgan .... Layleader@MonroevilleUMC.org
Chairperson of Church Council - Nathan O’Connor
Serving God . . .
Church Office Hours
MUM Preschool 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Becky Weiler (Director) Pastor Ed’s Office Hours Sharing Love . . .
E-mail……..Director@MUMPreschool.org T, W, Th 10:30 am.-3:00 pm
Phone……. 412-372-8819
Other times by appointment
Please call ahead, if you are able, as Ed may
Changing Lives!
Website…...www.MUMPreschool.org be out of the office providing pastoral care or
have other appointments. Thank you.
2 11
Worship with us
Our SPR (Staff Parish Relations Committee) has announced that we will be taking some time
8:45 a.m. Seekers Adult Class
during the worship service on February 6 to honor Dona Todarello, Coordinator of Adult Min-
istries, on her retirement. If you would like to be present as we honor Dona for her 19 1/2 years 10:00 a.m. Worship Service - Sanctuary & Online on Facebook
of service as a MUM staff member, please join with us, and attend in-person or online at 10:00 10:00 a.m. Sunday School, ages 3 years - Sr. High - Students go to Sun-
am. There will not be a reception at this time due to our COVID regulations. day School following the Children’s Message at the worship service.
1st Sunday of each month - Communion
Nursery care is available during the Sunday morning worship service.
February Worship
Feb. 6: Communion
“We’ll Share with all”
Isaiah 6:1-8
Rev. Ed Schoeneck
Feb. 13
“We will do Justice”
Luke 6: 17-26
Worship Epiphany 2022: Rev. Ed Schoeneck
Series: “For the Sake of Life”
May the mountains yield prosperity for the Feb. 20
people, and the hills, in righteousness… “We will be Merciful”
May he be like rain that falls on the mown Luke 6: 27-38
grass, like showers that water the earth. — Rev. Ed Schoeneck
Psalm 72: 3-6
Feb. 27
As a follow-up to the story of Jesus’ birth “We will Let our Light Shine”
and the visit of the Magi who recognize in Luke 9: 37-43
this child the holy presence, the Sundays Rev. Ed Schoeneck
after Epiphany constitute a season in which
we hear the stories of Jesus’ life and the
glory of God that shines in and through his
ministry among the people. The lectionary Taizé Service
scriptures point toward the justice that Jesus Wednesday, February 9
proclaims and that we are called to embody
as the Body of Christ. We will plant, walk, 7:00 pm
speak, share, shine… all for the sake of In the church and on Facebook
abundant life that is the birthright of all peo- Candlelight Music Meditation
ple as children of God.
Year-to-date Finance Update end of December 2021
Revenue: $417,676.26 Expenses: $451,853.15
10 3
Notes of Appreciation Notes to note!
THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART Holy Hands has something
Connections: Bringing Women Together
Dear members and families of Monroeville United Methodist Church, new to offer. We want to
I wanted to take this opportunity to express a heartfelt thank you to all of you for the past six ALL women are invited to a
share our love of quilting
years I have been with you. It has been a pleasure to worship, serve, and visit with you. You have NEW women’s group! with you. If you’ve always
made my family and me feel welcome and much appreciated over the time I have worked with 3rd Saturday of each month at MUM wanted to learn how to make
MUM. My position of Director of Congregational Care was an adventure and a joy for me because 1st meeting, February 19 quilts, have access to a sewing machine, and
it was a new position, and I was able to develop it into a ministry that would benefit the church and can sew a ¼ “ seam on it, then congratula-
to help share the love that I knew existed growing up within the church. My wife and I appreciate 9:00-10:30 am
tions! We can teach you how to make a quilt!
the prayers and gifts over the years as we have taken on the challenge of raising our three sons. We Room 7 at MUM (in-person only) We will begin on February 3, at 9:30
greatly appreciate the opportunity and the unbelievable work that was done every month as we B.Y.O.M.M. a.m. til noon in room 7. Since we want to give
reached out to the local communities through Senior Saturdays. During the time I have spent with (Bring Your Own Mug and Mask) you individual help as you work on your 1st
you, my family has experienced many struggles and heartbreak with the struggles of our children, Coffee, Tea, Hot chocolate are provided quilt, please let Diane Newman or Penny
the loss of Rebecca’s mom, and the deaths of my brother and father. We cannot express how much Morse know of your interest or any questions
it meant to us that we never felt alone, and we always felt loved and knew we had many friends to Join us for
you may have. When you make your reserva-
turn to if we needed one. group discussion, individual, reflection, and tion we’ll give you the pattern with a list of
I wanted to express a deep appreciation and love for those who have been with me over the fellowship how much fabric you should bring with you.
years within my Bible study. You challenged me, brought joy and laughter to my life each time we Come when you can! This is a small quilt about 27” square that can
met. You are like a second family to me, and please remember that each one of you is special in Come for as long as you can! be used on a table for a centerpiece or for a
God’s eyes and number one in my heart. baby. There are samples at MUM on the bul-
Questions? Contact: Tammi Bentley; Wendy
I am thankful for the amazing staff I was able to work with over the years, thank you for mak- letin boards. We will provide the cutting mats,
Frase; Tina Whitehead; Ruth Woods
ing my life easier and keeping me on my toes. tools, and personal instructions.
Most of all, a special thank you to those I had the pleasure of calling upon and visiting on a We hope to see you future quilters soon!
weekly basis. It was a joy getting to know you all and you helped me learn and grow within my
walk with Christ and helped me to experience the best job I ever had.
I wish you all the joy and peace that comes with knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and
I pray each you experiences His love in the precious moments in life each day. Save Your Books! E-Mail Newsletter
In His love & service, Lydia Circle is asking you to save GENTLY If you are receiving this MUM Messenger via
Rev. Dr. David J. Quel, Director of Congregational Care used books, puzzles and board games for our snail mail (it’s slower every year), we encour-
annual Book Sale. We do not know whether we age you to try our e-mailed version. You will
will return to an in-person get the news faster, receive occasional extras
To the MUM family, The family of Clarence D. Randolph would like sale or sell the books to our such as the Sunrise School notes that will be
I wanted to thank you for the prayers, e- to thank everyone for their cards and kind words buyer, but we do need your emailed with this, enjoy colorful graphics,
mails, and cards you have provided for fami- as we celebrate our dad’s life. items! Proceeds will go to adjust the font size on your screen to your
ly and myself. Your support during this dif- Randy & Sally and families missions. We will begin liking and save each edition on your device
ficult time for us is greatly appreciated. I am collecting books in mid- (without cluttering your drawers).
so thankful to have found such a wonderful March for the April event - watch for an an- The church also benefits by saving on mailing
community and grateful that Jim was able to nouncement of when you may bring them in! costs, as well as, wear and tear on our won-
experience your fellowship. See the note on page 7 for the missions Lydia derful mailing volunteers.
Emily Circle supported this year from this fundraiser Contact Betty at
(and others). Thanks for your support! Communications@MonroevilleUMC.org.
4 9
Opportunities for adults More Notes of Appreciation
Weekly Classes Our Lenten Study Series Dear fellow MUM members,
Witness at the Cross Thank you.
Seekers on Sunday mornings – 8:45-
By Prof. Amy-Jill Levine
9:45 am at the church in room 7. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Coordinator of Adult Ministries the past 19 ½ years.
Wednesday mornings 10:30 a.m. in-person
Seekers on Monday evenings – 7:00- beginning March 2; Thursday evenings 7:00 My time serving on MUM’s staff has been my pleasure to provide various opportunities for us to
8:00 pm via Zoom grow as Christian persons with the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,
p.m. on Zoom beginning March 3
Teacher: Dave Morse; Class Coordinator: Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. Each gift educating us along our Christian
Donation for book: $10.00
Leslie Thorsen journey. As we learned the lessons of God’s love for each of us and the parable lessons of Jesus’
Taught by Pastor Ed and Jeanette Matthews way of life, we enjoyed fellowshipping with fellow Christians! A Christian family moving for-
Text: Braiding Sweetgrass; Indigenous Wis- Contact Pastor Ed to get a book, reserve your
dom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teach- ward!
space and get a Zoom link, 412-372-7474 or
ings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Thank you to the amazing teachers and leaders who stepped forward to lead us! Not to err in omit-
PastorEd@MonroevilleUMC.org
See below for more information. ting someone I will not begin to list, there are too many pastors and lay persons to mention indi-
The story of Jesus’s death is not something we vidually, you know each one who has led you along your Christian path. I appreciate each one for
just read: we think about it, and we experience giving of their knowledge, time and energies.
Thursday Bible Study - 10:30 am & 7:00 it; we hear the taunts of the soldiers, the priests,
pm via Zoom. Pastor Ed is leading the classes To the many persons who have served on the New Member Team, Retreat Team, Kitchen Team,
and the passersby even as we hear the famous
on the study of John. special programming, coordinators, social events and various other projects and fund raisers, etc.
“seven last words” from the cross. throughout the years, a huge thank you! Working together provided fresh new ideas and mostly
You may jump in at any time. In Witness at the Cross, Amy-Jill Levine shows
PastorEd@MonroevilleUMC.org “many hands making light work.”
how the people at the cross each have distinct
for the Zoom link or information. And to our custodians who have set up, torn down and cleaned weekly for all the various ministry
roles to play. Each Evangelist presents a distinct
needs. Thank you.
picture of the death of Jesus. Each portrays dif-
ferent individuals and groups of people at the And what can I say about MUM’s dedicated staff that has been my joy working alongside! Thank
you for your support, guidance and help through the years. Truly appreciated. MUM is truly
cross, each offers different images and dia-
blessed to have a skilled group of persons on staff using their gifts, talents and passion!
logues, and so from each, we learn how those
meanings and messages cross the centuries to Only the best of wishes is extended, as MUM moves forward with a new volunteer format. A new
any who would come to the cross today. year is on the horizon! God bless.
Sincerely,
Dona Todarello
Join Us at Seekers in 2022! Reading Schedule!
We will continue Braiding Sweetgrass until the week before Easter (2 chapters each week).
Dear MUM family,
We will not meet on Easter Sunday (4/17) or the following Monday evening.
The MUM Staff thanks you for your generous gifts to us this
Beginning April 24 for 5 weeks, we will read Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation by
Christmas. We deeply appreciate your kindness.
Philip Newell.
Starting in September we will read Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. We, also, are very appreciative of your generosity of time, talent
Going forward, we are asking everyone to purchase their own copies of our books. The books are and spirit as we continue to work in ministry together. As Dave
available on Amazon.com (new or used). Christianbooks.com (new), ebay.com (used) or thrift- Quel said in his sermon last week, we are all parts of the body
books.com (used). Books may also be available at local book stores. of Christ and each one is essential to the ministry of the Church.
If you need assistance purchasing a book online please contact Dave Morse. We pray that you are all blessed with a a year filled with
Seekers meets in person on Sunday morning, currently in Room 7, at 8:45 am and on ZOOM. health, peace, love, joy and hope!
Monday evenings at 7 pm. If you wish to be placed on the mailing list, please contact Leslie With extreme gratefulness for all you have done and continue to
Thorsen, Financialsec@MonorevilleUMC.org. do in support of us and MUM’s ministry,
Persons are welcome as regulars or as persons who may be interested in the current book. Dan, Heather, Ed, Dave, Karen, Leslie, Amanda, Dona, Lynn, Orrie, Michael, Emily, Betty
8 5
Thanks for Reaching Out Kids, youth and discipleship
Happy New Year, and Thank you! The women of the Lydia Circle want to thank MUM Preschool registration for MUM members for the 2022-2023 school year
The Outreach Ministry would like to thank you the MUM Congregation for your overwhelm- is open! Registration forms are available on the Welcome Desk in the church nar-
for all the support you have given as we reach ing support of our mission projects for 2021. thex and may be returned by putting them in Becky Weiler’s mail box in the
out beyond our walls. We were restricted in some of the things we church office or mailing them to the church.
During our Magi Project, we collected gift wanted to do. However, we were able to do Anyone interested can email Becky Weiler at Director@mumpreschool.org or call
cards and money to enable us to give $25 gift three different projects. These included a book her at 412-372-8819 to receive a form, if you are not able to pick one up at church.
cards to 134 students at Sunrise School; 75 collection and sale, the sale of Tree of Life Me- Registration for the public will be open beginning on Registration Night, Tuesday, Febru-
cards to students participating in East End Co- dallions, and sale of Advent Wreaths. Profits ary 1, 7 pm at the church. Please let your friends and neighbors know!
operative Ministries programs and $309 in cash from these mission projects were designated
to Ward Home. Many people had a merrier and sent to the following organizations.
Christmas because of your generosity! The first is Heifer International, a global non- Sunday School for Kids Summer Church Camp
Extra thanks to the Sunday School students who profit dedicated to ending hunger and poverty. Despite looking at the snow and feeling the
Through gifts of livestock and education, Heif- 3 years old through 5th Grade
decorated the ornaments for our trees to sym- Following the Children’s Message at wor- frigid winter temperatures, it is not too early
bolize the gifts given! er ensures that families have the resources and to think about Church Camp for this summer.
opportunity to not just survive, but thrive. We ship, meet teachers in the narthex.
Thank you, also, for the donations to our There are lots of options for kids of all ages.
purchased two goats and honeybees. February Theme is MUM provides campership money to all
Thanksgiving offering; $1008 was collected A second organization we supported is Opera-
and transferred to the MUM Campership Fund. Opposite Day MUM students to help offset their fees.
tion Safety Net. This organization offers Street A series of Jesus’
$3054 was collected for our Christmas Offer- Outreach, making “house calls” to people ex- Church Camp opportunities:
teachings Jumonville - www.Jumonville.org
ing. $1018 each was sent to Jewish Family periencing homelessness in Allegheny County,
Services for Afghan Refugees, Eastbrook Mis- and providing them with basic medical care,
‘
Camp Allegheny - www.campallegheny.org
sion Barn, and Connellsville Area Ministries. food, water, sleeping bags, socks and over-the- Sunday School for Youth Wesley Woods - www.wesleywoods.com
Thank you from MUM Outreach counter medications. grades 6-12 See the websites above or contact Amanda
A third group, Operation Troop Appreciation, Following the Children's Message during Mitchell at 412-372-7474 or Disciple-
If you want to see more about our generosity to
is located in the southern part of Allegheny worship, head to rooms 3 & 5! ship@MonroevilleUMC.org for more infor-
others, check out the Outreach Bulletin Board
in the hallway and the Thank You notes from County. Their mission is to build and sustain mation about 2022 camping!
Sunrise School which will be sent out to those the morale and well-being of the military com-
getting this MUM Messenger by e-mail - too munity, past and present. They provide care
many to mail packages for troops overseas, and special We will be providing home Lenten Journey kits (similar to our Advent boxes)
homecoming projects including medical care, again this year. Look for more information this month to sign up for one!
housing assistance and job assistance
The fourth organization we donated to is
UMCOR. We designated our donation go to
U.S. Disaster Response. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to our Youth Fellowship Activities.
Many lives have been impacted through your Reach our Youth Leadership at MUMYouth@MonroevilleUMC.org.
support of our book sale, Advent Wreath Sale Although Emily and Matt are no longer leading our Youth Fellowship, our
and the continuing Tree of Life Medallion sale. volunteers (Dan, Stacy and Heather) are planning a lot of fun, fellowship
We thank you for helping us reach out into the and faith activities. We had Game Night on January 29 and are looking for-
world to help those in need. ward to the next few months. If you want to get in on the action and find
out more about our MUM Youth, please contact MUMYouth@MonroevilleUMC.org to be
put on our email list!
6 7
You can also read
