THE UNITED

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

9 and 11 Am worship

Pastor Keller will preach

November 1 All Saints Sunday

Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a

“Living God’s Vision!”

November 8

Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17; Mark 12:38-44

“Put Your Heart Into It”

November 15

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

“Balance”

November 22 Thanksgiving Sunday

and congregational meal

Annual Dedication of memorial gifts and bequests

John 18:33-37

“King Jesus”

November 29 First Sunday in Advent

Community Hospitality Breakfast and Lunch

“Live With A Free Heart”

Matthew 6:25-33

FROM THE PASTOR

While the core value of the Christian faith is LOVE, I believe that the foundational value of that core is gratitude. An “attitude of gratitude” is the condition and context of the “loving heart” of the gospel. We love not for self-gain but in gratitude and joy.

When you are gathered around the table at Thanksgiving, thank God for the food, for God’s love, for the saints who have gone before us, and for blessings far beyond your and my comprehension! We love because we have been blessed with love in Jesus, in our families, in our country, and in all our living. We live a miraculous mystery of God’s making!

Grateful for You,

Pastor Dave

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS

Sunday School

The "Tween" Class is focusing on Genesis and Exodus. We have talked about Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and his many descendents, Joseph and Egypt. Our next focus will be Moses. The boys seem to respond well to the new curriculum which is presented in magazine form with puzzles and brain "teezers."

Kathy Keller's class has acted out the story of baby Moses. The girls really like the theatrical part of the class (what a shock!).

Kathy's preschool class is going well. Just ask Naythan Bennett who can tell you (in vivid detail) about Baby Moses being rescued by the Princess. The class is creative and educational.

Children's Church

We are working in journals at this point in our class. Each month we will focus on a different practice of our faith. Our goal is to grow in Christ and in fellowship with each other.

Craft Time - November 8

All Children ages 5 - 13 are invited to come to SUNDAY CRAFT TIME after the Children’s Word during the GIFT Service (9:00 a.m.). Plan to make different Fall crafts. How many things are you thankful for?

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

November 1, 2009

At both worship services on All Saints’ Sunday we will remember and honor those persons who have and continue to touch and influence our lives on our faith journey.

We will remember those members of our church family who have died during this past year and joined the church triumphant: Jean Gundy, Cupiedean Lesovich, William Angus, and Thomas Phares.

ANNUAL DEDICATION

OF MEMORIAL GIFTS AND BEQUESTS

On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 22, we will once again have our annual dedication of memorial gifts given in the last year. We also will repeat the list of bequests given to the church over the years to support the ministries of the church for generations to come.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Sunday November 8

10 am to 10:45 am in the library

12:05 pm in room 112

FROM OUR NURSE

Dear Family and Friends,

On December 10, 2009, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Life Line Screening will once again use our building to provide health screening for the local area. This screening makes available the following medical test:

• Stroke / Carotid Artery Screening, ultra sound evaluation of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque, the leading cause of strokes.

• Heart Rhythm Screening, a 6 lead EKG that can detect an irregular heart rhythm. Atrial Fibrillation increases the risk of stroke 5 times.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening, ultra sound is used to screen for the presence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.

• Peripheral Artery Disease Screening evaluates for plaque buildup in the lower extremities. It is 4-5 times more likely you will die from heart disease if you have Peripheral Artery Disease.

· Osteoporosis Screening, an ultra sound measurement of the heel bone to determine abnormal bone mass density. Osteoporosis is silent and painless in its early stages.

For more information there will be a flyer in the bulletin on November 1st, or call 1-800-679-5192 for information or to schedule an appointment.

Life Line Screening makes a monetary donation to our general fund each time they use our building. In May $125 was donated, and in December their donation will be $145.

Vicki Craig,

Congregational Nurse

SPIRITUAL HEALTH MEETS

Spiritual Health Group will meet Wednesday November 11th at 7 pm in the church library. We continue the discussion of Barbara Brown Taylor's book, An Altar in the World. Please join us. This will be our only meeting in November.

ORDER ALTAR FLOWERS FOR 2010

The Worship Ministry Team invites you to reserve a Sunday for altar flowers for 2010. A representative will be at the Action Table this month to take your requests in honor and/or memory of a loved one or in recognition of a special event in the life of your family. You may also call the Church Office to make your requests. The flowers are ordered from James Floral in Wilkinsburg. $16.00 per vase.

FINANCE REPORT AS OF

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET

Envelope Giving $115,446

Operating Revenue (includes

rent from PLEA and withdrawals

from interest on invested assets) 164,173

Total Income $279,619

Operating Expenses $291,050

All income vs. expenses ($11,431)

2010 FALL GIVING CAMPAIGN

A big “thank you” to all who have turned in their “intention of giving” cards for our fall campaign. If you have not done so already, there is still time. The support you show for the ministry and mission of this church will allow us to go forward in 2010 with new and continuing programs and outreach that are being planned by our pastor and the various work areas of the church.

2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES

Last opportunity to make any changes in the number of offering envelopes that you receive or to add your name to the list of folks using these envelopes. Please be in touch with the church office by November 12. Your personalized envelopes will be available for pickup at the Action Table beginning December 6 or in the church office during the week. Anyone unable to stop by for their envelopes can expect to receive them by mail at the end of December.

TAX BREAK REMINDER

The opportunity is again being offered by the IRS to permit those 70½ and over to make cash gifts totaling up to $100,000 a year from a traditional or Roth IRA to qualified charities WITHOUT incurring income tax on the withdrawal. South Ave. UMC is considered a qualified charity. Please see your tax advisor for further information.

SEND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES

Nov 22 Mrs Elizabeth Kirschensteiner

352 Avenue F

Pittsburgh PA 15221-4222

RECEIVE THANKS

To our wonderful Church family,

We wish to thank all the many people who have thought, prayed and sent many, many cards to Karen Richard ever since she had a stroke a year ago and more recently when she fell and broke her hip. It shows her that she is loved and missed very much. Thank you very much one and all.

Jim and Nancy Richard

Sincere Thanks

I wish to thank my South Avenue family for all your care and concern for me, especially now in the weeks following my foot surgery - calls, cards, visits, deliveries of food, flowers, bulletins, sermons - those special efforts that truly kept me in touch for well over one month. I appreciate your care and concern for me during those days when I did not see much of the outside world. It will be so nice to "get my foot back" and be among you again soon at South Avenue.

Nancy Hamilton

AND HELP A CHILD

ENJOY CHRISTMAS

Here Comes Santa Claus! Here Comes Santa Claus! The Angel Tree for The Program will be up on Sunday, November 15th. I have no idea how many angels there will be. Gifts will be due in the church office on Sunday, December 6th. As usual, each angel will have the child's first name, age, size, sex and gift suggestions. These are just suggestions. The gifts are to come in "unwrapped" with the angel on the package. Those who would like to participate but are unable to shop may give a cash donation to me to cover gift cards, the Christmas party at The Program or angels not taken. Shoppers are ready!!!! If you have questions, call me at 412-824-1905 . Have fun!!!!!

Mary Lou Whitezell

NEXT MOVIE IS MARTY

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 1:00 p.m.

Marty (1955) This film tells the story of a lonely, middle-aged bachelor, who receives a chance to escape his tedious lifestyle and domineering mother when he meets the girl of his dreams at a dance. Stars are Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair. It was labeled “a rare film”, “wonderful”, “a triumph” and won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Refreshments will be served and a short discussion will be held after the film for those interested. Donations of $1 will be accepted. Two lunch opportunities are now available on “movie day.” Some folks will be getting together to eat at Panera’s (Penn Center) at 11:15 a.m. Others will be bringing their own lunch and eating in the Wesley Room at 11:30 a.m. You are invited to join either of these two groups for a time of fellowship. This movie ministry is a community outreach program. Come and bring a friend!

Coming Attraction:

The Secret Garden - December 1, 2009

VISIT THE LIBRARY

BORROW A BOOK

Just a reminder that behind the beautiful and ever-changing hall window, we have a well-stocked library available to you.

What do we have and where do you find it?

The collection is mostly religious but also includes craft, game and song books, children's books and some general and secular fiction.

Where do you find it?

On the hall wall as you enter, we have a collection of biographies.

Just beyond that, we have some religious fiction.

In the back, we have children's books. Books for young children are against the hall wall and books for older children are on the back wall.

To the right of the children's books, there is a separate bookcase with secular books that are there to pick up, read and just return - no sign-out card.

Most of the books on the far wall deal with religion and philosophy. This group of books is growing thanks to the generosity of members who have donated new books and books they have read and liked.

The right side of the far wall holds the game, craft and song books. Good for Sunday School, scouts and retreats.

Hiding behind the door as you enter is a rack of current religious magazines. You can find articles on social

concerns, mission work and news from the Conference and the national leadership of the Methodist church.

Everyone, including children, is welcome to borrow books by simply writing their name on the card in the book and leaving the card in the recipe box on the desk in the library. No deadlines, no fines. Enjoy at your own pace.

DAYBREAKERS AND CIRCLES

Daybreakers will meet on Thursday, November 12, 2009. All men are invited to share this fellowship.

Abigail/Priscilla Circle

The next meeting of the Abigail/Priscilla Circle will be on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 12:30 p.m. Marjorie Shutterly will present the program. Bring a light lunch and dessert and beverages will be provided. Guests are always welcome.

Carole Mapel and Ginny Wright,

Chairpersons

Sarah Circle

Sarah Circle will meet on Monday November 30th. We will meet at 10 Thousand Villages in Squirrel Hill to begin our Christmas shopping. Then on to Gullifty"s for dessert and conversation. Please watch the Church Family News for the time we will be meeting at the store. For more information please call Vicki Craig 412-229-8327.

Vicki Craig, Chairperson

RECYCLE YOUR EMPTY

INKJET CARTRIDGES

Please help Women’s Ministries recycle empty INKJET cartridges to receive money that will go to Missions in 2009. The inkjet cartridges must have print heads. EPSON do not have print heads, so we are not able to accept them. If you are wondering if your cartridge is recyclable, please call the church office. We have a list of which cartridges that Empties4Cash are accepting. Thank you for participating in this great recycle project for which we are able to receive $1 - $3.00 each. You may leave them in the box which is marked. Thanks again to those who have brought them to the office.

HOW MANY??

If you weren't lucky enough to eat one of the 1, 755 hot dogs or the 414 ears of roasted corn from the Women's Ministry booth this summer you missed out on a delicious treat. Our efforts and the generosity of you and our community gave us a profit of approximately $1,800 to use toward local and international projects.

We enjoyed seeing our faithful customers each week and making new friends in our community. It was a great summer and a good way to spend our Thursday afternoons. We'll look forward to doing it all over again next June.

ENJOY BOOKS

As of November 1 your 2009 book has expired!!! Do you have a new one?

Women’s Ministries is selling the 2010 Enjoy Book to earn extra money for missions. They are $27.00 each. This book full of coupons can be a big savings for you!!! Please look at the book in the Church Office or call Shirley at 412-371-7421 and she will be happy to get a flyer to you with a list of all the restaurants, fast foods, car wash places, cleaning companies, etc.

The suggestion of the month: Makes a wonderful birthday, wedding, or Christmas present!!!

ENJOY OUR END OF THE MONTH

MEALS FOR THE COMMUNITY

On Sunday, November 29, we will serve breakfast at 8AM and lunch at 12:15 to all, free of charge. Join our neighbors for a delicious meal and a chance to get acquainted.

UNITED DEADLINE

The deadline for the December issue of the United is Monday, November 16. Please leave articles in the Church Office or email them to Helen McAfoos at hm76@cornell.edu.

100th BIRTHDAY ORGAN CONCERT

November 22 at 1:30 p.m.

After the Thanksgiving dinner, plan to enjoy the varied sounds of the organ as Janet Stivanson presents a recital in the sanctuary. Music of various musical eras will feature the many voices of the instrument as we celebrate its 100 years of service. The organ underwent major repairs this summer and is now in excellent condition. Guest artist Jason Falgione will also play and will join Janet for a piano/organ duet.

After the recital, interested persons are invited to enjoy the "Three-floor Organ Tour," exploring the blower, the pipe chamber and the intricacies of the console.

All - congregation, friends, neighbors - are welcome to enjoy this event.

ORDER WENDELL AUGUST FORGE

ORNAMENTS

This year Wendell August Ornaments will be available only by ordering them by November 15, 2009 in the Church Office. Profits from the sale support our campership fund.

THE CHURCH CLOSET

The Church Closet, a clothing ministry which is available to our community at no cost, was opened for the first time on Oct. 17 during the Angel Food Distribution which is from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM. Since word hasn't gotten around much yet we weren't able to serve too many people but those who discovered us were pleased with what they found and we felt that some needs had been met.

You can be part of this ministry by donating and recycling your gently worn men, women and children's seasonal clothing. (fall and winter at this time) Clothing MUST be: clean

in good repair

not too wrinkled

not hopelessly out of style

If your friends and neighbors want to contribute their clothing to our ministry, please make sure they understand that we are particular about the condition of the clothing we offer to our neighbors. Contact Betsy Monheim if you have donations.

412-731-4574

bmonheim@aol.com

The next two distribution dates are Saturday November 14 and Saturday December 12.

DEATH PENALTY FORUM

Pittsburgh Faith In Action Against the Death Penalty will sponsor an interfaith dialogue on “Connecting our Faith with the Death Penalty” Sunday November 8 at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

JOIN US FOR A THANKSGIVING

SUNDAY BANQUET

Make plans now to enjoy one of Erica Newport’s great dinners when we celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday after the 11:00 a.m. worship on Sunday, November 22. We will need many helping hands to help in the kitchen and

clean up. Please call the Church Office if you are able to help. Tickets will be available at the Action Table on November 1, 8, and 15 or in the Church Office during the week. The cost is $7.00 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Invite a neighbor to come to worship and to become part of this special church fellowship meal.

THANKSGIVING OFFERING

It is again time for our annual Thanksgiving Offering and you will find the special envelope is enclosed. Your donation provides a joint benefit with 50% going to Wilkinsburg Community Ministry and the other 50% going to the General Fund of the church.

It is important for us to support the work of WCM’s ministries of compassion as they strive to care for the “poorest of the poor” in the Wilkinsburg area. As many people face times of lower disposable income, it is essential that we continue aiding the WCM ministries which enable us to do together many acts of compassion that we could not do alone.

HELP OUR MEAL MINISTRY

As the year ends, the food ministries still need cooks for the Hospitality Lunch Sunday, December 27th and Bethlehem Haven for Monday, December 21st and drivers/servers for the Haven on the 21st. Interested people may call me at 412-824-1905. These ministries are very important and appreciated by those involved.

Mary Lou Whitezell

45th WILKINSBURG

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST

Tuesday, November 20, 2009 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

300 East Swissvale Avenue

Edgewood, PA 15218

THANK YOU GLENN MATTESON!

The PPR committee would like to express our gratitude for all that Glenn Matteson does as South Avenue’s Web Master by thanking him on November 4, the day Felix Mendelssohn died in 1847.

This date reflects Glenn’s droll sense of humor, for on that date Mendelssohn went from composing to … decomposing. This date also reflects Glenn’s passion for music. As a member of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Glenn has had the privilege of singing with some of the best musicians in the world. As a member of South Avenue’s choir, Glenn has had the privilege of singing with some of the best musicians in Pittsburgh. Glenn’s favorite types of music are classical and gospel but he happily sings whatever is asked of him. He has even rocked and rolled the Sunday morning worship service with Paul Simon’s hit, “Love Me Like A Rock.”

Glenn loves to travel and his favorite trip is often his most recent trip. That having been said, the one trip that will always stand out for Glenn has nothing to do with where he went and everything to do with whom he went. It is the trip he and Mabel took with all of their children and grandchildren to celebrate their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.

As a retired computer engineer, whose job was working with control and monitoring systems for industries, we are grateful to have Glenn maintaining our webpage as well as coordinating the G.I.F.T. service’s Power Point presentations. As a special addition to the webpage (http://www.gbgm-umc.org/southavenueumc), Glenn shares things of interest on “Glenn’s Page” under South Avenue Conversations. Glenn would be pleased to have you visit his page to relax with a video he enjoys or engage him in some lively dialogue.

When you talk with Glenn, it is clear that he loves being a member of South Avenue. When you see all that he does, it is clear that we are blessed to have him on staff!

ART FOR THE

NEIGHBORHOOD

Members from the Digital Photography Class will have a show of their pictures in the Wesley Room from November 8th through November 29th.

Bob McAfoos’ pictures will remain in the Wesley Room through Sunday, November 1st . Bob will be in the Wesley Room at 10am and 12am on Sundays October 25th and November 1st to answer questions you may

have about his pictures.

HEAR ABOUT

BROTHER’S BROTHER FOUNDATION

Sunday Evening, November 1st

5:30 p.m. Dinner

7:00 p.m. Program

This ALL CHURCH ACTIVITY will be an opportunity to learn about a 48-year-old Pittsburgh-based international charity, which was originally created to improve world health. Since that time, dedication to this worth-while mission has never waivered. More than $2 billion of medicine, medical equipment and text books, food, seeds and other humanitarian supplies have been sent around the world by the Brother’s Brother Foundation.

Dinner will be a covered dish “Do It Yourself” one, which means you bring a meat, vegetable or salad dish and your own table service. Dessert will be provided. This evening is being hosted by South Avenue’s Young Elders Fellowship. Plan to come and bring a friend.

GETTING TO KNOW JAMES STIVANSON

Place of birth: Washington D.C.

First Job: Paper boy

Accomplishment you’re proudest of: Performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony while a student

Dream vacation: Travel to Nova Scotia

What you’d like to get around to doing one of these days: Learn German

Who in the world you would most like to have dinner with: W. A. Mozart

Favorite food: Roast beef

Favorite type of music: Classical

Hobbies and/or interests: Ham radio, photography

COME ENJOY THE ROTARY

ELECTION DAY SPAGHETTI LUNCH

The Election Day Spaghetti lunch (Tuesday November 3, 11:30 AM – 1 PM) jointly sponsored by the Wilkinsburg Rotary and our South Avenue Church Women’s Ministries is an important fund raiser benefiting (1) the Boys and Girl’s Club, (2) Wilkinsburg Community Ministries, and (3) the outreach ministries of our Women’s Ministries. This good lunch can be ordered for delivery (group orders) or for enjoyment in our dining room. The cost of $7 gives you a good lunch while helping these important community ministries. Tickets are available at the church office or at the door. Call 412-371-0391 for group orders to be delivered.