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New Holland United Methodist Church

 
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                                                                                     120 West Main Street, New Holland, PA  17557

                                                                                 Church Phone:  717-354-0226    Church Fax:  717-354-7942

                                                                                Website:  www.nhumc.us

                                                                                                                              Pastor:  Susan D. Sliker

                                                                                                  

 

 

                                     

 

 

                              

MaY 2008

 

E-mail:  pastorsusan2002@yahoo.com

E-mail:  nhumc@epix.net

May 2008

 

“Give, and it shall be given unto you;  good measure … and running over.”     Luke 6:38

 

            This is a promise, but it should not be taken as a motive for giving.  The Christian who contributes to God’s cause because he expects more in return from the Lord is not giving – he is doing business!  One man said, “I tithe all my income because I find it pays.”  While I may agree that it does pay to give liberally, I certainly do not agree that this should be our motive.  Jesus said, “ … lend, hoping for nothing again: and your reward shall be great” in Luke 6:35.  True giving is not interested in trying to get something back; yet all such generosity will receive rich returns.  Solomon says, “Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10.  Do you think the poor widow who dropped her two mites into the collection box in Luke 21:2 expected a big return?  I am sure she did not; and yet, what a reward she received, for her name was immortalized by Jesus himself when He “credited” her with tremendous generosity.  Yes, we have a record of that poor widow who truly gave more than all the rich men TOGETHER (Mark 12:43).

            A certain generous farmer, who loved the Lord and believed that it was “more blessed to give than receive,” was asked by some non-Christian neighbors how he could bestow so much on others and still remain so prosperous.  “O that’s quite simple,” he replied.  “You see, I only shovel out what God shovels in and He has a BIGGER SHOVEL than I have!”  This farmer had the secret.  He did not give out to make the Lord “shovel more in,” but rather he was liberal because God had already shoveled it in!

            What has God already shoveled or blessed you with?  Are you giving back?  We could probably give more.  Read the Bible verse at the beginning again.  I challenge you to put God to the test – see what surprises He has in store for you.

 

                                                                                                                                                Love in Jesus,

                                                                                                                                                Pastor Susan

  


Outreach to Sponsor

Pancake Breakfast

 From 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, you’re invited to fill your personal food cavity at an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in Fellowship Hall.  Proceeds from the modestly priced meal will help our outreach team finance its annual October good-will trip to help the Katrina victims in Gulfport, MS.

 Betty Hostetter, outreach committee chair, has promised plenty of flapjacks for all.  Tickets are $5.00 for those 10 years and up; $3.00 for anyone 4 to 9 years.  Kiddies under 4 eat free.

 As always, the team will need to take along a lot of construction materials when they head south in the fall so this will be a big fundraiser for them and they need support from all of us.

 This breakfast is open to the public, so be sure to bring your friends, relatives and acquaintances with you.

                               -- Harry Maclay, Publicity

~

 Tentative Worship Themes

For May

 

May 4 ….. “I Am the Gate”  John 10:1-10

May 11 … Mother’s Day

 May 18 … “I Am the Good Shepherd” John 10:1-6; 11-18

 May 25 … “I Am the Resurrection” John 11:17-27

                                               

Visit Our Farmers Market

Stand Every Saturday

This Summer

 

In 2007 NHUMC had a food stand for one Saturday.  This year our church will  have a food stand at the summertime outdoor New Holland Farmers Market on South Roberts Avenue every Saturday.  The market opens Saturday, May 3, and closes September 27.  Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 Committee members are as follows:  Sharon and Rick Heisley are co-chairs.  Members include Jeff and Patty Good, Barbara Mask, LeRoy and Dana Riehl, Bets Wright and Pastor Susan.

 The menu includes sausage sandwiches, individual servings of fresh fruit and pasta salad, baked goods by the piece, including lemon bars, Rice Krispie treats, cookies and brownies.  Drinks will include lemonade, iced tea, and orange drink.

                                                                         -- Harry Maclay, Publicity

~

 Youth Events

 Please call Dana (355-2584) immediately if you plan to attend “A Closer Walk”so she can give you more information.

 

July -- A Closer Walk 

It is a wonderful three days of worship, speakers and fellowship with other Christians in Wildwood, New Jersey.  We camp on the beach (Yes, we have shower and restroom facilities); we sit on the beach at night and enjoy the sunset, speakers, musicians and dancers.  It is not limited to youth or children (last year there was a great grandmother who was wheeled by her group out to the beach stage on a beach wagon).  They serve us two breakfasts and a dinner.  We have unlimited rides on the boardwalk, as well as unlimited water park use – and it’s only $52 per person.  If you are interested in joining us, please let Dana know as soon as possible (355-2584).  We are raising funds to help offset the cost of the ticket prices as well as extra meals and van rental we will need for the three days there.  If you don’t like camping, you can book your own hotel room and still join us.  This is an awesome and fun few days.  We would love to have you along!  Call today!!!

-- Dana Riehl

 

 

Closer Walk Fundraisers:

 May 10 and 31 … Car Wash

                                                                  -- Dana Riehl

  

Workday

A workday has been scheduled for May 17 from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  We will be doing cleaning, weeding, mulching, and miscellaneous chores at both the parsonage and church properties. Special assignments can be made at other times if you can’t help on that Saturday.  Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation.                        

– Larry Knepper

Trustee Chair

~

Lancaster Habitat

May workday is scheduled for Thursday, May 29.  Please let me know if you are interested in helping that day.

-- Larry Knepper

~

Calling All Grads!

The school year is quickly drawing to a close!  One Sunday in June, which is yet to be decided, we want to honor all those who have reached a milestone in their lives.  If you have a “graduate” in your midst, please call the church office (354-0226) with: name, high school (or college and degree, if applicable) and future plans.  Also include your relationship to them.

 Thanks!

  Pastor Susan

~

A Prayer As I Grow Older

While visiting in Jacksonville, Florida, I found the following in a church bulletin written by an anonymous author:

            O Lord, Thou knowest I am growing older!  Keep me from closing my eyes to the fact.  Keep me from becoming a pest, a self-appointed sage with fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.  Keep me from the temptation of trying to straighten out everybody’s affairs.  Make me thoughtful, not moody; helpful, not bossy.  With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all – but Lord, Thou knowest I don’t want to lose all my friends by boring them with the past.  Keep my mind free from the recital of all my experiences and endless details.  Seal my lips about my rheumatism and gout.  My aches and pains are unceasing, rehearsing them is becoming sweeter day by day.  I do not ask for improved memory, but for less cocksureness about the memory of others.  Teach me to admit that sometimes I am mistaken.  Keep me reasonably sweet, I do not care to be an overly pious person (some of them are so hard to get along with).  Make me more considerate as my age progresses.  Let me never grow old – only older.  May it be said of me, “Though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day.”  Amen.

--submitted Anonymously

~

Worship Visitors

The following persons have visited with us over the past few weeks. Welcome them into our fellowship when you see them.

 

J Russell and Dolly Haas

J Jennifer Conrad

J  Geneva Trout

J  Kathy Schmuck and Brooke Wennerholt

 Seeking After the Son

            The upstate New York man was rich in almost every way.  His estate was worth millions.  He owned houses, land, antiques and cattle.  But though on the outside he had it all, he was very unhappy on the inside.  His wife was growing old, and the couple was childless.  He had always wanted a little boy to carry on the family legacy.

            Miraculously, his wife became pregnant in her later years, and she gave birth to a little boy.  The boy was severely handicapped, but the man loved him with his whole heart.

            When the boy was 5, his mom died.  The dad drew closer to his special son.  At age 13, the boy’s birth defects cost him his life and the father died soon after from a broken heart.

            The estate was auctioned before hundreds of bidders.  The first item offered was a painting of the boy.  No one bid.  They waited like vultures for the riches.  Finally, the poor housemaid, who helped raise the boy, offered $5 for the picture and easily took the bid.  To everyone’s shock, the auctioneer ripped a handwritten will from the back of the picture.  This is what it said:  “To the person who thinks enough of my son to buy this painting, to this person I give my entire estate.”

            The auction was over.  The greedy crowd walked away in shock and dismay.  How many of us have sought after what we thought were true riches only to find out later that our Father was prepared to give us his entire estate if we had only sought after his Son alone?

  -- Larry Linville

(Posted on the Internet)

~

 Prayer and Praise

 

·        Amber Clifford, elementary child who fell, has brain trauma

·        Cameron Corrie, health concerns

·        Allison Williams, daughter-in-law of Jon and Cathy, recovering from surgery

·        Yvonne Stolzfoos family, on the death of Yvonne’s uncle and the death of their pet dog

·        Jim Boose, recovering from surgery

·        Alice Macomber family, on her recent death

·        Gary Trostle’s family, brother Tack is in coma from motorcycle accident

·        Jade Weinhammer, 5-year old with stomach problems

·        Vernon Reynolds, health concerns

·        Eric Olson, family friend of the Wagners, cancer

·        Ray Welk, on the death of his brother-in-law, John Dearolf

·        Betty Heal, complete healing from recent surgery

·        The National Day of Prayer events; spiritual renewal for our nation; godly leadership of our president, our elected leaders, and our judges

·        Safety and protection for our troops serving around the world, and their families at home who love and miss them

 

 

Poetry of Praise For Mothers

by Cynthia Immel-White

 “You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit them together within my mother’s womb”

Psalms 139:13

 

To open their eyes to your love

To sing praises to you with all of my love

To embrace others with an unconditional love

A love that lives through those who seek your face, Oh Lord

To live by truth & shine in your grace & mercy

For they endureth forever

It’s time for others to feel the embrace of your love

The strength of your arms surrounding them

Yes, I know the time is now

All need to feel your love

With such devotion, I pray

For a kiss from Heaven to grace those who know not what they need

Those who reach with trembling hands

With our love & compassion

We can encompass them

 

Open their eyes,

Touch their hearts

Embrace their souls

Through God’s love help make them restored to Wholeness & Fullness of Life

“As a mother comforts her child,

so to will I comfort you”  Isaiah 66:13

We need to reach out with undying love to the lost as our mothers and grandmothers have had sleepless nights praying for us and our families.

~

 

May 11, 2008 

 

May Server Schedules

 

Greeters:

May   4  Gordon and Betty Heal

May 11  Bill and Carolyn Middleton

May 18  George and Millie Grubb

May 25  Betty Hostetter

 

Nursery

May   4  Kathy Phillips

May 11  ????????

May 18  Toby Wagner

May 25  ???????

Cheers and Thanks

<           Thank you to all who volunteered to help with the Ham and Oyster Dinner.  It was an enjoyable day and we had many satisfied customers.  The results are still being tallied.   Whether you worked, donated a cake, bought tickets or helped in any way, we certainly appreciate your assistance.

-- Ham and Oyster Committee

<           Thanks to all who faithfully serve our church community in many ways.                                      --Pastor Susan

<           A big thank you to the people that went and ate at Bird-in-Hand Restaurant April 21. 

                                                                --Pat Knepper

<           Thanks to John and Lynn Crego for donating a computer printer to the office. 

-- Larry Knepper

You have my thanks, too.    –Vera Asper, secretary                                

Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

Birthdays:

May   3  Donald Weidman

May   4  Jeremy Good

May   6  Reynolds Williams

May   6  Kay Trostle

May   7  Lucinda Boone

May 10  Anne Hanson

May 12  Joe Mitton

May 17  Ethel Davis

May 21  Mary Jane Delgado

May 23  Anne Hall

May 24  Ryan Stoltzfoos

May 26  Ashley Baxter

May 27  Bill Middleton

May 29  Ben Wagner

May 29  Rachel Wagner

June   1  Dottie Baer

June   5  Shawn Merklinger

 

Anniversaries:

May 20  Gary and Kay Trostle

May 25  Kevin and Loyda Brendle

May 27  Graham and Jane Webster

May 27  Nate and Ginny Smith

May 28  Gordon and Betty Heal

June   1  Hank and Selma Wells

June   3  Joe and Judy Turbedsky

 

Please forgive us if your birthday or anniversary was not listed.  We want to have it recorded, so please call the church office (354-0226) so we can update our list.                                                                                                 

           

 

 

           

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