Fall 2012 Preview

As a new school year approaches, we’re getting ready for an active season of ministry at Faith UMC.  There are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to worship, grow, and serve with us this fall.  Here’s a brief preview of things to come:

Worship

§         Our 10:00 Sunday morning worship service is always the launching point for our ministry.  This fall, services will center around three successive sermon series:

           

1.      “Seven signs of Jesus” (September 2-October 14) - Who is Jesus?  What did he come to do?  Why does it matter to me?  In this series we explore the seven miraculous signs Jesus performs in the Gospel of John.  More than miracle stories, these events are signs that point us toward the heart of Jesus’ identity, message, and mission.

2.      “Beyond the Walls” (October 21-November 18) – In this series, we’ll articulate God’s dream for us to get Beyond the Walls of our church building and into our community, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.  The series culminates with commitment Sunday, when we pledge to support God’s mission by our prayers, presence, gifts, and service.

3.      “Prepare the Way” (December 2-December 23) – This Advent series invites us to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus by engaging Old Testament prophecy that point to God’s plan for our salvation, and its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus.

§         Our choir will again be leading us in worship each Sunday, and will be sporting new robes this fall!  The choir is open to singers of any and all abilities.  Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

§         This fall, Faith UMC is the proud sponsor of Belle Voci, a new community women’s choir that will be in residence at Faith.  The new choir will sing in our worship services twice this fall (October 14, and December 2).

§         This Advent, we’ll be forming our first Children’s choir.  The choir will meet over a four to six week period and will perform in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  More details are forthcoming.

Grow

Bible Times Theater is Coming this Fall!

§         Children’s Sunday School is experiencing a makeover this fall as we introduce the Bible Times Theater (BTT).  BTT  is a fun, theatrical journey through the great stories of scripture.  Walk in the shoes of Abraham, carry the staff of Moses, touch the robe of Jesus.  In BTT the story of God comes to life – and every child has a role to play!  Designed for ages 4-11, BTT is held every Sunday following the children’s message and begins September 9^th.

§         Four small groups for adults are forming this fall.  They launch the week of September 9^th.  You can sign up for them by calling the church office or visiting the “grow” page at faithfoxchapel.org:

           

1.      Rooted in the Word: Adult Sunday School (Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall).  Bring your Bible, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a deep dive into the scriptures.  This group is for adults who seek a deeper relationship with God through Bible study and prayer.  Weekly Bible passages align with the weekly sermon, so that you'll come to worship prepared to hear God's Word proclaimed.  Childcare is available.

2. Young Adult Fellowship (Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. at the Parkinson’s) Every week, this group enjoys a fellowship meal and Bible study.  Held in the Parkinson home, the group provides a comfortable, safe space to share in conversation.  This year's Bible study will focus on the Book of Acts.  The group is for single adults and parents with young children.  Childcare is provided.

3. Women of Faith (Wednesdays @ 9:15 a.m. at Pittsburgh Mills Panera) Care for body and soul with this group of women.  Each week begins with a brief devotion and then a 45 minute mall walk.  This is a great time for deep conversation in a small group community of mutual support.  Children are always welcome.

4. Faith Book Club (Fourth Saturdays @ 7 p.m. at Jenkins’) Engage your mind and heart by sharing in this book study.  Once a month, the group gathers to discuss a devotional book.  Held in the Jenkins' living room, this small group is a relaxed place to share in meaningful conversation about faith and life and to hold one another up in prayer.

Serve

Serving at the table has become a staple
in our ministry.

§         On August 30^th, and one other date TBA we’ll be serving the meal at The Table, a community kitchen on the Southside.  We’re always looking for volunteers to help serve the meal, cook, and donate deserts.

§         Each month we collect non-perishable items for the Bread of Life Food Pantry.  Bring your items with you as an offering on Sunday mornings.  Here are the collection items for each month:

            September – Bath soaps, hand soaps

            October - Dishwashing detergent

            November – Flour, sugar

                                                                             December – Rice, boxed potatoes, kids cereal

§         On a date TBA, we will send a group to Global Links to sort surplus medical supplies that will be sent around the world to support local hospitals and medical clinics.

The November election will bring large crowds to Faith, which serves as a polling place.  Faith Grilfriends will be running a bake sale to support Imagine No Malaria and will need volunteers to donate baked goods and staff the table.

Fellowship

§         Enjoy a cup of coffee and a light snack every Sunday after the worship service during our weekly coffee fellowship.

§         Stay after worship on Sunday, September 23^rd for our annual Open House pot-luck luncheon.  Details are forthcoming.

Why rush out of worship, when you can grab a cup of
coffee and enjoy a chat during Coffer Fellowship?

§         Our annual Fall Festival will be held after worship on Sunday October 14^th.  There will be plenty of food and games and activities for children.

§         On Saturday, November 17^th at 10 a.m. put on your game face for our first ever Faith UMC Turkey Bowl.  The young, the old, and the in between are invited to a good ole game of flag football, followed by lunch.  Come to play, or just come to watch!

§         Fox Hill preschool, a ministry of Faith UMC, is always looking for church members who are willing to come read to children, or share about there careers on career day.  Contact the church office for more details.

Summer in Review

As summer vacations begin to wind down and a new school year approaches, we’re wrapping up an exciting and active summer of ministry at Faith UMC.  Since so many have been in and out town, I thought I’d take a moment to catch everybody up on what’s been happening @ Faith UMC.

§         We kicked off our summer with our annual church picnic.  Hot dogs and hamburgers were the menu of the day, and we enjoyed the opportunity to recognize and visit with the teachers of Fox Hill Preschool.

§         In the early weeks of June, 47 children participated in Fox Hill Preschool’s two week summer camp program.

§         On June 7-10, Patti Linder and Pastor Tom attended Annual Conference, where Pastor Tom was ordained.

Tori Konopasek and seven others have spent the summer
serving in Zimbabwe.

§         We commissioned Tori Konopasek for ministry, sending her off to Zimbabwe for six weeks to help develop the ministry partnership between the Western PA UMC and United Methodists in Zimbabwe.

§         On a Sunday afternoon in June, we had an English Tea, which featured a presentation on Pastor Tom’s Wesleyan pilgrimage to England.

§         We began a series of prayer walks in Sharpsburg.  18 people participated in 3 different walks, each with the purpose of prayerfully discerning future ministry opportunities in Sharpsburg.

Breakfast after a brave night camping at Faith!

§         We launched a brand new Cub Scout pack, #617.  Faith is serving as the chartering organization for this pack, which serves boys at Fairview Elementary School.

§         Our summer worship in the outdoor chapel was highlighted by special music from the likes of Devin Arrington (violin), Amy Parkinson (vocalist), Henry Tucker (vocalist), and Averie Shaughnessy (vocalist).

§         In early July, Pam and Ty Konopasek spent the week at the WPA UMC’s School for Mission at Grove City College.  They spent the week in worship, study, and service.  Ty worked hard on a series of community service projects.

§         On July 14-15, we had a Faith family Campout.  Several families enjoyed a hike, BBQ supper, games, family movie, and camped out on church grounds (through a stormy night).

§         On July 15 and 22 informational meetings were held for the congregation regarding the Beyond the Walls outreach campaign that we are considering.

The sanctuary was turned into an ocean as children dove
into God's Word at "Operation Overboard."

§         On July 22-26 we welcomed 41 children to Faith UMC for “Operation Overboard,” our 2012 Vacation Bible School.   

§         In late July, we received word that Bishop Tom Bickerton will remain as our bishop in Western PA for four more years.

§         In early August, we welcomed Rev. Keith Kaufold of Eighth Avenue Place in Homestead who challenged us to be a church that takes risks in order to invest in the lives of those who are poor and hurting.

§         While our plans to pass out watermelon at the 2012 Guyasuta Days Festival fell through, we were able to donate 25 watermelons to the children’s feeding ministry at the Sharpsburg Family Worship Center.

§         On August 19^th, we look forward to wrapping up the summer with our annual Blessing of the Backpacks, and special music from percussionist Vince Wallace, who will play his marimba.