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.