The Kane District is offering a Leadership Day event on Saturday, April 17 at Grace UMC here in Warren from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, lunch included. Registration begins at 8:30AM. After a brief opening worship service, participants will be able to take five “mini-courses” throughout the day on subjects including: Health and wholeness, hospitality, prison ministry, Stewardship and Finance, Natural Church Development, ministries with the poor, global missions, and more, with a host of presenters. It will be a great day of learning and fellowship for all that will highlight many of the most important issues and opportunities facing The United Methodist Church. Local church leaders are encouraged to participate. Registration materials will be available soon. See Dr. Jeff.

“It's Full, Dad”…

Years ago (many, in fact), I planned a children's message for Easter Sunday in the first church I served in Turtle Creek, PA. I had one of our youth, who had a flair for art, fashion two giant letters—“M” and “T”—out of foam core mounting board. Each was about four feet high, and painted fluorescent orange. I placed these atop the reredos in the front of the church. The idea was that I would ask the children about the letters to see if, on this Easter Sunday, they could figure out what the “M-T” meant (the tomb was M-T…get it?). Anyway, at the appropriate time, I invited the children forward and there were lots of them—over thirty that day. As usual, my then three-year-old daughter, Shelah, sat down right beside Dad. With these two giant, bright orange letters looming over the chancel, I asked the children a simple question: “What is different about the church today, kids?” Shelah looked up at me, threw her hands in the air, and answered, “It's FULL, Dad!” The place came unglued, as did my children's message. Incidentally, I wrote up this exchange and sent in to a Christian humor publication, and the rest is history. The story has circulated far and wide, every year winding up as the “icebreaker” story for some pastor's Easter message. A few years ago, the pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in New York (Norman Vincent Peale's church) used it. It has been published in numerous humor journals and one book since that fateful Easter Sunday. A couple of years ago my Lutheran colleague in Sharon called me just before Easter to see If I was any relation to the Rev. Jeff Sterling in the story, which he was planning to use that week as well. Guilty as charged, I told him.

We are into the Lenten Season—those weeks leading up to the events of Easter week. And we are filling up around here! I am so thankful for our increasing attendance at First UMC—it is such a joy to have more and more of our members joining us for worship, and we are blessed with a host of weekly visitors as well. This is a great time of the year to get back into the habit of offering our gratitude to God for His many blessings in our lives. Lent is a time for personal introspection as well as corporate prayer and meditation on the love and grace of God as demonstrated in the person of Jesus Christ, his son and our Lord. The Scriptures explode with fresh meaning during Lent; the music and hymns take on a new depth of inspiration; even we preachers get extra-pumped-up (no, that doesn't mean the sermon will get longer!). The Community Lenten Services, sponsored by the Warren Area Ministerial Association, are held each Thursday in our Sanctuary at Noon, followed by a soup and pie luncheon. Come hear a host of gifted preachers and great special music featured weekly at these short-but-sweet worship offerings.

(from the pastor continued)

And let us not forget the glory that is Holy Week. This year we will be featuring “Upper Room Communion” at our 7:00PM Maundy Thursday Service on April 1. After sharing corporate worship in the Sanctuary, we will be dismissed twelve-at-a-time to the “Upper Room” to sit at the triclinium, the seating arrangement many scholars believe was used for the “Last Supper.” On Good Friday, you are invited to join Christians from throughout the Warren area for a Community Good Friday Service at Noon at First Lutheran Church.

We have four opportunities to worship on Easter Sunday. A Sunrise Service is being planned for 6:30AM in Founder's Hall, led by our youth, and followed by a light breakfast. We will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord at 8:00AM with the Communion service in the Crary Chapel and at 11:00AM in the Sanctuary. The “Breakthrough” 6:00PM service in Founder's Hall will feature Easter worship as well. Plan to join us at any of these services and bring your family and friends! First Church is a wonderful place to give thanks and praise on Easter Sunday!

Let's make the punch line of my daughter's—“It's FULL, Dad”—come true this Easter here at 200 Market Street. Meanwhile, see you in worship during the Lenten Journey, beloved. Shalom!

Dr. Jeff

Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressures continue to be taken in the Covert Room on the first and third Sundays of the month and anytime too! Just ask.

First UMC Involved With Ecumenical Lenten Vespers

First and Grace United Methodist Churches are involved with a series of ecumenical Lenten Vesper Services, thanks to a new agreement between the host denominations which was approved by the United Methodist General Conference in 2008. We, along with the Presbyterians, the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church, are sponsoring these services. YOU are invited to join us.

Each service is held at 7:00PM on Tuesday evenings. By the time you receive this newsletter, the first service will have already been held at First UMC. Here is the remaining schedule:

Tuesday, March 2 at First Lutheran Church, Rev. Bill King speaking

Tuesday, March 9 at First Presbyterian Church, Rev. Kevin Haley, speaking

Tuesday, March 16 at Holy Redeemer Church, Rev. Sandra Jones, speaking

Tuesday, March 23 at Grace UMC, Fr. Wally Packard, speaking

The Holden Evening Prayer Service will be held from 7:00 to 7:30PM, after which the congregation will adjourn to the host church's fellowship hall for a time of refreshment and a “faith forum” moderated by the host pastor and speaker for the evening.

While Tuesdays are often busy evenings for our committees and groups at First UMC, all members and friends who are available are encouraged to attend any of these services.

DEADLINE

The deadline for the April Newsletter will be March15 th .

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL…

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

The Jolley Class (Covert Room), for adults of ALL ages, has begun Ron Hutchcraft's study on “ A Life That Matters ” led by Rich Schall. “You're living for God, yet you're not satisfied. You're doing the right things, but you're hungry for something more, something bigger, greater, and something that will leave a legacy.” Ron Hutchcraft will answer these questions like you've never heard before. He will put aside clichéd thinking, Christian lingo and religious assumptions. He will encourage you to explore an “untouched” side of your faith – communicating your faith to others. You'll walk away ready to change your world!

The Faithful Followers Sunday School Class for adults of ALL age is no longer meeting. This class was primarily meant to reach our 20-30 something young adults. If you are one of these students and wish to be involved in a Sunday morning Bible Study, please contact Heidi Ketzko with your thoughts/concerns for this age group and what you'd like to see taught during this hour of Sunday School. As a congregation, please pray for this group of young adults and what we can do as a caring congregation to minister to this age group.

The Allen Class (Parlor A) will begin their spring study on scripture, led by Jane Betts & Mary Merenick, from Jonah, Ruth, Gospels & Epistles. The study, entitled “ Teachings on Community ”, begins with “ Community With a Mission ”. This study will help you to recall the stories of people like Jonah, a reluctant messenger of God's redemption, and Ruth, who redefined family commitment. You will be challenged to make your faith communities welcoming, inclusive places where outsiders can find acceptance and love. You will also be challenged to hold tightly to your faith and Jesus' teachings, in a world that offers deceptively appealing options. You will be reminded that we are God's “chosen ones, holy and beloved,” clothed “with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

“ROTATION STATION” SUNDAY SCHOOL – “Faith Forest” began their next session, “ Garden of Gethsemane ” based on Mark 14:32-38. The kids continue to be excited about this new take on learning the Bible. If your child isn't a part of this program, why not bring them and see how they like it. We will be offering coffee during this hour for parents that want a time of fellowship while their student are in Sunday School. We also have a number of Adult Sunday School classes going at the same time for interested parents.

SUMMER CAMP BROCHURES ARE HERE! If you're interested in attending summer camp at Wesley Woods (or the other camps available), please contact Heidi Ketzko or Gary Olson, camp Ambassador. There are scholarships available, so please don't let the cost keep you from attending camp. The brochures are available through the church office, by the Sunday School doors to the Sanctuary or through Heidi Ketzko.

LOGOS Ministry News:

March Themes:

March 3 Planting Seeds Night

March 10 Girl/Boy Scout Recognition – Birthday Night!

March 17 St. Patrick's Day – Wear Green!

Wesley Woods Camp Presentation (Andy Blystone)

March 24 LOGOS APPRECIATION NIGHT – Last night of LOGOS

March 28 Palm Sunday – LOGOS/Sunday School students singing during 11am Worship

Upcoming Pittsburgh Project Fundraisers :

March 5 Beaty Dance – 6-9pm (Grades 6-8)

March 20 Spring Fling – 6pm

April 8 Pizza Hut Buffet – 5-8pm

SPRING FLING -- The Nurture Committee will be helping with the Adult Formal Dinner on Saturday, March 20 at 6PM . The cost is $15 and includes: Hor'dourves at 6pm, dinner at 6:30 with your choice of entrée: Beef Brisket, Chicken Cordon Bleu or Blackened Salmon (dinner includes salad bar & dessert). Entertainment will be WAHS Jazz Band with proceeds from the dinner to benefit The Pittsburgh Project mission trip in June . Tickets may be purchased from any youth/adult participating in this mission trip on Sunday's following 11AM worship or through the church office. Reservations must be made by Monday, March 15.

The 4 th Annual Easter Community Dinner will be taking place again this year on Easter Sunday, April 4. The Nurture committee will be heading this up, but this is a big commitment and will take many hands to make it a successful event. If you would be willing to serve, deliver a meal, or simply cook a casserole or ham, please contact Heidi Ketzko through the church office. Sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board across from Dr. Jeff's office during the month of March. Your support is needed and appreciated!

CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS

Please save your Campbell Soup labels for Ruth M. Smith Center. All programs of the Ruth Smith Center benefit from the labels. A can to put the labels in is placed by the Communication Center at the 2 nd Ave. entrance.

EDUCATION BEYOND

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL…

DivorceCare – This DVD based series features 32 renowned experts (Kay Arthur, Dr. Tony Evans, the late Larry Burkett, Dr. Myles Munroe, Dr. Linda Mintle, to name a few) on divorce and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. We now have new DVD's that will reach the hearing impaired in our community. These video seminars are combined with the support of group discussion of the materials presented during the video. If you know anyone who's going through divorce or separation, please tell him/her about our DivorceCare program. People are welcome to join anytime.

We also have DivorceCare4Kids (DC4K), which runs concurrently with the DivorceCare for adults. This outreach program provides an opportunity for our church to help children from this community who have experienced divorce and separation of their parents. We are able to show how the love of Jesus can heal the hurting and brokenhearted. This is NOT a counseling service or a one-on-one program. DC4K is designed to help hurting children heal in a group setting, to bring these children into the loving arms of a church family and to feel God's love surround them.

Sessions occur on Monday evenings from 6-8pm . For more information and session schedule, please contact Heidi Ketzko through the church office (723-4930).

TAPE AND CD MINISTRY

If you know of anyone that would like to receive a tape or CD recording of the 11 AM Sunday Worship Service, please stop by the Covert Room after worship or call the church office at 723-4930.

United Methodist Women's News

The Tuesday Afternoon Study group will begin a Lenten Series, “Jesus for our Time” by J. Ellsworth Kalas, on March 2 nd . Following meeting dates will be March 16, 23, and 20 in the Covert Room at 1:00 PM. Come and share in this Lenten experience.

The Book Club will meet Wednesday, March 10 th at 1:00 PM at the home of Shirley Crone, 605 Madison Avenue. Come and share the books you have been reading.

The Visitors Group will meet in the Covert Room, Tuesday, March 23 rd at 2:00 PM. New visitors are always needed and welcome.

The United Methodist Women will have a short business meeting in the Covert Room, following the Lenten Lunch, on March 25 th .

The Creativity Circle will meet on Wednesday, March 3 rd at 9:30 AM. WE will be doing arrangements for the Covert Room tables.

The Creativity Circle will meet again on Saturday, March 27 th at 9:30 AM to arrange Palms for Palm Sunday.

PLEASE SIGN PEW PAD EACH SUNDAY

In order to keep track of our members it is important to sign the pew pad located in the pew at the end next to the middle aisle. This helps us to be aware if a member who usually attends hasn't been here for a while.

March Acolytes

March 7 Maryanne Elder and Michael Vanderhoff

14 Gabrielle Enserro and Kennedy Walter

21 Michael Crone and Stephen Crone

28 Philip Dorn and Josh Taydus
April 1 (Maundy Thursday) Hannah Ketzko

April 4 (Easter) Kurt Pierson and Wyatt Pierson

Thank You

Thank you to all our pianists who have served us at the 8 AM worship
services: Cathy Peterson, Ruth Nelson, Lynn Waterfield, Mark Nelson,and Pam Lewis.

March Altar Flowers

Mar. 07: Pedestals: (1) Mrs. Freda Sechrist by Mr. and Mrs. William Redin

(2) Noble Clark by Cheryl Clark Roberts

Mar. 14: Ellen and Helen Olson and Howard and Dorothy Smith given by Gary

and Kathy Olson

Mar. 21: Clara Dunham by Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Dunham

Mar. 28: Bob and Grace Lowe, Frances and Esmond Koebley and Grace Donald

given by Bob and Barb Koebley

Thursday Noon Lenten Services

Date Speaker Liturgist Preparing Lunch

Feb. 25 th Steve Sorensen Jeff Sterling Grace UMC

Mar. 4 th Kevin Haley Neil Siefert 1 st UMC-Logos/Pitts Proj.

Mar. 11 th Rick Rohlin Charles Wells Youngsville UMC

Mar. 18 th Ray Forstrom Seth McClymonds Emanuel United Ch of Christ

Mar. 25 th David Blank Jon Swart Warren Missionary Alliance

Apr. 1 st Charles Wells Dorothy Hilliard 1 st UMC-Logos/Pitts Proj

March Ushers

Head Usher: Rick Larson

Captain: Ron Casteel

Bill Redin Harold Traub Chris Widdowson

Jerry Schoenborn Gary Wert Paul Yourchisin

Dave Whipple

March Youth Ushers

Michael Crone Drew Lobdell Hank Morrison

Eddie Ord Brad Simmons Michael Vanderhoff

March Greeters

Mar. 7 SSD: Stan and Kathy Taydus

FD: Tom and Priscilla Skarada

Mar. 14 SSD: Tom and Sue Jackson

FD: Tom, Cheri, Christian, Seth and

Thomas Harrington

Mar. 21 SSD: Pat Carlson

FD Gary and Kathy Olson:

Mar. 28 SSD: Jack and Carolyn Skinner

FD: Gary and Becki Seymour

March Nursery Schedule

Mar. 07: Kirsten Wyman

Mar. 14: Kimberly Yourchisin

Mar. 21: Amber Baldensperger

Mar. 28: Tammy Durante

SYMPATHY

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Leila Craft who died on February 16, 2010. Leila is the mother of Yvonne Radecki.

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Leader Cook(s)

Mar. 03: John Crone Terry Radecki

Mar. 10: Rick Larson Rich Fitch/Jeff Sterling

Mar. 17: Bill Hill Jack Hampson/Paul Yourchisin

Mar. 24: Dave Oberg John Crone

Mar. 31: Bill Tucker Bill Hill and Bill Tucker

ADDRESS CHANGE

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Gregerson

2600 Penbrook Ave.

Harrisburg, PA 17103

Please remember to make these changes to your Membership Phone Directory!!!

DRESS GOD'S PEOPLE

A large group of women at here at First UMC have enjoyed the recent School Kit sewing project; and while that will be an ongoing ministry for some time, a new opportunity is now available for sew-ers and non sew-ers. Children and youth in tropical countries around the world are in need of simple, new clothing. Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, most likely the clothes that will be made will be sent there.

We are using the simple patterns developed by a New York United Methodist Women's group several years ago. All sizes are needed for both boys and girls. These patterns are very simple and sew-ers are invited to creatively embellish the garments. You are offered the opportunity to be a part of a VIM team by:

Donating supplies of:

• Lightweight cotton fabric (no seasonal or “American” prints)

• Elastic ¾” or 1”

• Thread

• Seam binding, rick-rack and other trims

• Buttons and any other embellishments suitable for children's clothing

Donating your time by:

• Washing fabric prior to cutting

• Cutting clothing pieces

• Sewing

• Pressing

• Packing garments for shipping

Donating $$$ - for supplies needed to complete the project and for shipping costs

Please see the clothing samples on the VIM bulletin board across from the Church Office. An unofficial goal is to make at least 150 outfits to be sent to Haiti with VIM teams when they are invited to go. If you are interested in helping or want to see the fabrics and patterns, there will be a meeting in the Covert Room on Saturday, March 13 at 9:30 am. Please contact DeeDee Tucker or Dara Sterling if you need more information or have any questions.

Leader tips - especially for committee chairs, program and event coordinators.

Orientation –

We are already into the second month of our church meeting schedule for 2010. Each group has “olde” and new members that ALL need information to make the best decisions; and to feel they are an important member of the group. Have you given them an orientation so that everyone is on the same page?

Does everyone know:

purpose(s )and goals of the group /committee
how the committee / event fits into the total church work
names, emails, phones, etc of each group member so they can contact each other
the schedule for meetings and specific events the group is responsible for
minutes of the past meetings to know what business was conducted (especially for new members), or written comments for bettering future events
budget and other money expectations

After orientation (which may be done during or after a meeting, over lunch, on the phone, etc.) ask individuals what they would like to contribute to the group. What talent do they wish to share? Their new ideas may bring insight and even make work easier. When everyone is on the same page and understands goals, work can be more progressive and fun. Work and decisions become shared among group members. Otherwise decisions get delayed, and you the leader --- are left doing most of the work!

Phyllis Wright - Lay leader

The Prayer Ministry

The Prayer Ministry will be focusing throughout 2010 on encouraging all members to welcome the opportunity to open their hearts and minds to each other. We are brothers and sisters, all part of the First United Methodist Church family and all part of the family of God. As families go, we don't always get along every day, in every way but when push comes to shove, we will be there when needed by our family.

We don't develop a relationship with our brothers and sisters overnight. In our immediate families, we grow up with each other, we work out differences or if we can't agree, we try to respect each other's opinion. It takes time and effort to reach that stage in our relationship. It will take time and effort as a church family as well. We need to learn about each other, what troubles us, what makes us smile, how we've survived a traumatic experience or what we, as a family, can do to help you.

Sharing information, especially personal information, can be difficult. One of the tools we can use to learn about each other is prayer. Each week 10 members of the congregation receive a letter letting them know the FUMC staff is praying for them. This letter asks you to share information for specific prayers if you wish. The Prayer Ministry will begin a follow up to these letters with a phone call. If you wish to share information, it can be shared in 3 ways, 1) Only to Rev. Sterling, 2) Rev. Sterling and staff or 3) Rev. Sterling, the staff and the congregation prayer list. The information shared with the follow up caller is strictly confidential and will be shared only as you direct. You may also choose to share information anonymously.

It doesn't matter how you share, the important thing is that you do share! With sharing we can learn about each other and in learning we can come to love and understand. With understanding comes a foundation for building a relationship. The genuine care and concern that develops in a family, through the good times and the bad times is what strengthens the connection between family members. That stronger bond, also benefits the individual members of the family by giving them the knowledge that others care and support them. Praying for your family brings them into your heart and mind every day.

Paul was amazed by the support and care he received from the Philippians and in turn he shared with them how wonderful life can be under any circumstance. If we are unified as a family, as Christ's family, our fortress will be abundant with love and support and the outside world will not be able to destroy what our love and support has built.

Walk to Jerusalem

On Sunday, Jan. 10 th , First Church began their Walk to Jerusalem , arriving Easter Weekend! All miles walked (converting any aerobic activity to miles) by church members and interested friends will be added together. It is only 5,875 miles from Warren to Jerusalem as the crow flies! However, we will not be testing our walking-on-water ability, so we will deduct the 3,607 over the Atlantic Ocean – leaving only 2,268 miles. However, we need to make a few stops along the way and it may not be a direct path, so we need to plan for 3,000 total walking miles for the trip. Informational packets will include a “passport”, the itinerary, a log to record your miles, geography lessons, and of course spiritual food for the journey. A weekly progress report will be posted on the Pastor's board. Of course all of these miles will contribute to the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference Golden Sneaker Award! See Dara Sterling for details or sign up in the church office any time!

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION

CREATIVE PRESCHOOL has opened registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Classes meet 9:00-11:15 AM or 12:30-2:45 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Our pre-K curriculum utilizes the same reading and math series as the Warren Co. School District for optimum readiness for entry into kindergarten. We have 2 computers to enhance development of readiness proficiency. Please call Jane Crouch 723-7224, Patti Moore 726-1526 or the church office during preschool hours.

CREATIVE PRESCHOOL WISH LIST: 3M brand masking tape, printer ink #56 & 57, Christmas green construction paper, assorted size wiggle eyes, and Lincoln Log train set. Items may be dropped off in the church office.

Food Drive

"Why should there be hunger and deprivation in any land, in any city, at any table, when man has the resources and the scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life? There is no deficit in human resources. The deficit is in human will." - Martin Luther King, Jr. Our next food drive is just around the corner! Let's fill the deficit. We will start to distribute bags on Sunday, February 28th. Please have these returned to the church on Sunday, March 21, 2010. This drive will benefit the Salvation Army

Walk To Emmaus

We (the local members of THE THREE RIVERS WALK TO EMMAUS group) are looking to sponsor individuals (male or female) for the annual walks. The first walk is on April 8-11 for the men and the second walk is on April 22-25 for the women.

The purpose of Emmaus is to strengthen the local church through spiritual renewal of its members. Each Walk is highly structured, follows a well-defined model, and is led by a team of individuals, both laity and clergy, and directed by a Lay Director and a Spiritual Director who work closely together. The team consists of individuals who have been on one or more previous Walks and are given detailed training for each Walk.

If you think you might be interested in taking part in the walk, please contact the church office or Heidi Ketzko at the church. For more information on THE THREE RIVERS WALK TO EMMAUS go to their web site at www.trwe.org

REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCK AHEAD

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sun., Mar. 14 th . Be sure and change your clocks before retiring on Sat., Mar. 13 th .

Your support promotes a healthy home life

A healthy home life is a key ingredient to success. When a family experiences a crisis that impairs its stability, the strain can often be felt far outside the home, such as at work, school, and in community life. So it's in everyone's best interest that each family is as happy and healthy as it can be.

“Often the last thing a person wants to do in a crisis is talk to someone outside the family. But a family benefits greatly from the outside perspective of a professional counselor,” says Gary Lester , Executive Director of Family Services. “Counseling can help a family communicate better, point out options that can assist them in making good choices, and teach them coping mechanisms for stressful situations. The result is a better functioning family.”

Family Services does everything possible to keep its counseling affordable. It works with many major insurance companies and employee assistance programs that pay part or the entire fee for counseling. It accepts medical assistance for individuals under the age of 21. But the sad reality is that not every family has access to those options. That's where the ministry of the Warren First United Methodist Church comes in.

“ Warren First United Methodist Church provides counseling scholarships for hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet,” says Lester. “Last year hundreds of people received the help they needed because of this assistance. These families might have otherwise slipped through the cracks.”

Family Services of Warren County provides counseling, substance abuse services, and support groups. It is located at 185 Hospital Drive in North Warren . For more information about its services, please call (814) 723-1330.

The Stew on Stewardship…

A beautiful, oak box sits atop our altar each Sunday. On it are the words, “Unto Thee O Lord.” Each week the Acolytes place the offering plates into a large receiving plate on top of the box. We sing the ancient Doxology of the Christian Church (“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”), and prayers of thanksgiving are said. We know the drill. What is received in the offering is carefully counted, deposited, and used to make all of the mission and ministry of First United Methodist Church possible. Some of these funds find their way into a raft of local human service and mission agencies such as Family Services and the Ruth M. Smith Center. Others of them span the globe through the connectional mission of The United Methodist Church. Some of these funds make it possible for young people to attend college through the Black College Fund. Other dollars from our offerings provide hospitals, clean water, and schools to people in developing nations. Over 1,800 missionaries are sent out because of what we give. Here in Warren, students receive scholarships for college. Children flock to our Logos after school ministry—the only contact some of these kids have with a church. Your gifts make possible our monthly broadcast of our worship services out to the community and to shut-ins who can't attend in person. We could go on and on about the ways your gifts are making a difference at home and abroad.

Back to the box: inside it are the majority of your annual pledge cards. You brought them in or sent them in, and unless you marked them to be read and entered into the accounting process, they were locked into the box as a covenant between you and God. The box serves as our weekly reminder of our “pledge” to support our church and its ministries. Your Stewardship and Finance Committee is thankful for your loyalty to this covenant and for your generous support. So are the children who benefit from our Christian Education and Youth programs. Together, let's make 2010 a banner year for mission and ministry at First Church. As always, thank you for your generous gifts!

Did you remember your church in your will?

Allen Class Rummage Sale

It is time to be thinking about the Allen Class Rummage Sale. The sale dates are Fri. April 30 th and May 1 st . Start your spring cleaning early. Pack those boxes and bags with the winter clothing that you did not wear this year. Look through your spring/summer clothes. Oops, that doesn't fit anymore. Into the bag it goes. Look around – up in the attic, the basement, the garage – there is a lot of “STUFF” you do not use or need anymore. Add them to your growing pile. We need good, clean, useable items. You may start bringing items to the gym on Monday, April 5 th .

SKITS & SGHETTI NIGHT

The Witness Ministry team of Grace United Methodist Church came up with a great idea to serve as a fundraiser to help Haiti. We are calling it our SKITS & SGHETTI NIGHT (a spaghetti dinner and skits/more to follow) scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, with the dinner being served at 6pm and the show at 7pm.

Here's the challenge: we need skits and acts! We are challenging any ministry team, Sunday School class, church or family groups to come up with some skit or entertainment to share. It should be quite the evening, don't you think?!? We'll take care of the meal--we're counting on the Warren communities of faith to come up with the entertainment for the evening.

Please let me know ASAP if your church or group would be willing to do something!

Thanks--and remember, all the proceeds will go to help those earthquake victims in Haiti. What a great cause!

Blessings!
Rev. Kevin Haley

Theology and Film – The Reel Deal!

Dr. Jeff has started a “Theology and Film” class that will meet on Saturdays, March 27, April 17 and May 15, at 7:00PM in the Covert Room. Each month we watch a full-length film and then discuss the theological and ethical ramifications of it. On February 27 th we will be watching a film called “Finding Forrester,” starring

Sean Connery. Join us any time; If you have questions, see Dr. Jeff. Bring some microwave popcorn if you wish! See you at the movies.

Bibles for Jamboree!

On Sunday, August 1, Scouts and leaders will attend one of the worship services conducted at the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. The keynote speaker will be our own Bishop, Thomas Bickerton. This year the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100 th year. Over 43,000 scouts and leaders are expected to attend this year's Jamboree.

As part of this observation, the General Commission on United Methodist Men is raising funds to give each scout attending worship at Jamboree a Bible. This special edition of the New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs is embossed with the Scout seal and is “suitable for camping.” Would you like to contribute to this important project?

$25 buys New Testaments for a patrol of 8 scouts. If you would like to make a contribution, you may either make a check out to First UMC and put “Boy Scout Bibles” in the memo area of your check, or you may send your gift directly by making it out to “Jamboree Bible Project” and sending it to: 100 th Anniversary Jamboree Bible Project, c/o GCUMM, P.O. Box 440515, Nashville, TN 37244-0515.

As Dr. Jeff reported on Scout Sunday, February 7, First UMC has a long and proud history of involvement with Scouting. Our own Troop 9 is the oldest surviving Troop in the oldest, continuously-chartered Council (Chief Cornplanter Council) in the Boy Scouts of America. Bill Wilson, current Scoutmaster of Troop 9, has been leading these Scouts for 38 years.

March Birthdays

March 01 Hedman, Marjorie

March 01 Donaldson, Kara

March 01 Dorn, Stephanie

March 02 Nelson, Jeff

March 02 Walter, Kennedy

March 03 Thompson, Ruth

March 03 Scott, Ian R

March 03 Christie, Taylor

March 04 Horsley, Steve

March 04 Condio, Elizabeth

March 05 Spinney, Jacob

March 06 Wilson, Dustin

March 06 Mahood, Mike

March 06 Voty, Seth

March 07 Giambrone, Mike

March 09 Mandeville, Bob

March 11 Hoak, Margaret

March 13 Bailey, Diana

March 13 Rodrigue, Jason

March 13 Cawthon, Vicki

March 13 Meddock, Devon

March 14 Stone, Gary

March 14 Hagberg, Debi

March 15 Oliphant, Edgar

March 15 White, Bob

March 15 Olson, Gary

March 15 Betts, Todd

March 16 Egner, Chris

March 16 Pierce, Courtney

March 16 Whipple, Matt

March 16 Kell, Cole

March 17 Elmhurst, Marguerite

March 18 Culbertson, Ruth

March 18 Zawacki, Derek

March 19 Quinn, Michele

March 19 Swanson, Drew

March 20 Yaegle, Ed

March 21 Tranter, Jeff

March 22 Brown, Eva

March 22 Bayne, Elisabeth

March 23 Merenick, Mary

March 23 Tucker, DeeDee

March 23 Brunson, Rachel

March 24 Johnson, Jim

March 24 Pearson, Sandy

March 24 Ochterski, Donna

March 24 Crone, Stephen

March 24 Miller, Danielle

March 24 Demers, Juddson

March 25 Tannler, Jim

March 25 Betts, Chad

March 25 Baker, Melissa

March 25 Morrison, Henry

March 26 Jones, Danette

March 26 Tannler, Emily

March 26 Pierson, Wyatt

March 27 Tremblay, Tiffany

March 27 Giambrone, Nicholas

March 28 Nobles, Alyssa

March 29 Kell, Lil

March 29 Demers, David

March 29 Egner, Henry

March 30 Rodrigue, Katherine

March 31 Ord, Ralph

March 31 Gray, Heather

March 31 Walter, Kurtis

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

200 Market Street

Warren, Pennsylvania 16365

EASTER LILIES

I would like to participate in the Easter Lily Fund.

The cost of each plant is $9.00 if ordered through the Church. MONEY MUST ACCOMPANY ORDERS.

MEMORIALIZED OR HONORED PERSON(S): (Cross off one)

FLOWERS GIVEN BY

I wish to purchase Lily(ies) at a total cost of $___________

I wish to give $ to the Flower Fund.

I will pick up the Lily at the end of the Service Yes

LAST DAY TO ORDER FLOWERS IS March 26, 2010. NO ORDERS ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.

Newsletter NON-PROFIT ORG.

Published Monthly U.S. POSTAGE-PAID

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WARREN , PA 16365

200 MARKET ST . PERMIT #14

WARREN , PA 16365-2372

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED