From the Pastor - September 2019
Truth be told, I wasn’t sure what to write about this month. It hasn’t been an easy summer, especially as of late. Many writers will tell you to just write from the heart. That is what I will attempt to do.
A simple search for Bible verses on overcoming adversity will return dozens and dozens of appropriate scriptures. I can’t recite them all here, so I will include just one:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:19-21)
It can be hard to talk about what direction the church should be going into the future. What makes it so hard is that most people have an answer, and it is rarely the same one. So we try to forge ahead by taking everyone’s opinion into consideration while, at the same time, trying to choose which road to venture down.
Ultimately, God knows where we are going and God is calling us to himself. This call isn’t always as clear as we would like, but that doesn’t mean we should resign ourselves to just accept how things are.
I appreciate all the ideas, all the prayers, all the hard work from so many people in this charge. I hold all of you up in prayer daily. At the same time, when the Bishop appointed me to this charge, he did so with an understanding that I would ake responsibility for the well-being of the church.
I have tried to do that by reaching consensus, by discernment through group meetings and discussions, and I will continue to do that.
However, the time has come for some changes to take place. I am working on a plan now that, hopefully, will enable us to live as God’s people in new and exciting ways.
While I don’t have the details just yet, I can say that you should expect some changes in the way we worship, in the format of the bulletin and the structure of the service. In addition, there will be more opportunities for group study and discussion. There will be new Bible Studies and new opportunities to engage with scripture in different ways. There will also be new opportunities to join together in prayer and mission. These changes will take place over the next few months, with some coming very soon.
One thing we need to admit to ourselves is that each of us cares deeply about this church and genuinely wants to see it grow in terms of membership as well as in terms of outreach and effectiveness. I ask that you continue to pray that we hear and answer God’s call together.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
An archive of Pastor Steve's past "From the Pastor" writings can be found here.
Neidig Memorial UMC has two sister churches with who we share space and activites. Pastor Steve also serves as pastor at Mt. Zion UMC and New Thing UMC (Pastor Joann Darrow) shares our space. For news of these organizations, click on their names here:
Patch Notes:
We are a work in progress. Please bear with the default text and broken links as we build our web presence. Let us know of any site problems or things YOU would like to see on our pages. Email us at neidigumc@gmail.com
Neidig Memorial United Methodist Church would like tto thank the following local business for their support by providing food donations for the Children's Holiday Workshop: Midtown Pizza on Eisenhower Blvd., 3 Brothers Pizza and ???. Please consider patronizing these local businesses when you dine out.
CHURCH CANCELLATIONS
All church service and activity cancellations will be annount on channels 27 (WHTM) and 21 (WHP) through the scrolling cancellation list on the bottom of those channels news screens. If you have a function at Neidig and you need to have a cancellation announced, contact Sharon Staub (717.216.1040) or Pastor Steve.
2019 FLOWER AND BULLETIN CALENDARS
The 2019 Flower and Bulletin signup calendars are on the bulletin board across from the chapel main doors. Please sign up for flowers or bulletins in honor or memory of a loved one. The flowers are $25.00 and the bulletins are $5.00
CONTINUING BIBLE STUDY AT NEIDIG
There is a new Bible Study beginning at Neidig on Wednesday mornings at 10:00a.m. The study is entitled "Women of the Bible". Pastor Joann Darrow, the minister at New Thing Church will be leading the study. All are welcome to come and join this Bible Study.
2019 Women's Retreat
To see the flyer, click here
What would your life be like if you really spent quality time with Godin prayer asking him to direct your life nd work in your situations? This question can be answered in many ways solet's see what it's all about?
- Discover the power of prayer.
- Expand your understanding of spiritual warfare.
- Develop a strategy to battle the real Enemy through prayer.
- Dig deeper into the spiritual discipline aspects of prayer.
Friday evening we'll view the movie "War Room" and then base the Bible Study on the movie dealing with these topics:
- Dealing with Spiritual Luke-warmness
- Christian Accountability
- Grasping Grace and the Gospel
- Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
- Trusting God in Prayer
If interested in the Retreat, register via the form in the newsletter or contact Jeannette Kezel at 717.512.5958 for more information.
United Methodist Women
The UMW will meet next on Tuesday, October 1st.
Fellowship Hall, 6:30 pm.
"Coins for the Legacy Fund - Saving God's Creation
All are invited to join the United Methodist Women in helping to raise money for the mission work of the United Methodist Women. There are papers for the Legacy Fund available at the rear of the sanctuary to guide you each month to participate in this project.
Remember - the Legacy Offering should be given to Betty Dunkelberger or Peggy Gundy by Dec. 9th
Help the Homeless
by picking up a "homeless bag" from classroom 4. Show others you care by passing them out to those you see asking for help on the street.
United Methodist Men Meeting
All men are welcome to come and join in fellowship at our monthly meeting and activities. The meetings are currently held on the 1st Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is the Tuesday, October 1st in Classroom #4. All men of Neidig and the Community are welcome. Please note, that the time of 1st Tuesday is not written in stone. If you would like to attend UMM but that time does not fit your schedule, please contact Mike Emerick at Neidig (717.939.6921) and he will call you back to discuss what works. We are willing to change meeting time.
Neidig's "Meals on Wheels"
The "Meals on Wheels" team from Neidig Church is in need of more helpers. Drivers as well as runners are needed. It will only take up about 1 1/2 hrs. of your time for 1 day every 6 weeks. There is great satisfaction in helping your neighbors and serving God. Please see or call Peggy (number in directory) if you can help in any way or have any questions.
MOVIE NIGHT: Saturday September 21st at 7:30pm
Fun and Fellowship begins at 7:00pm
Movies are held in the parking lot (bring a lawn chair) or, if weather bad, in Fellowship Hall
Leo daVinci: mission mona lisa
FREE. Everyone welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Neidig Memorial UMC Annual Picnic
Sunday, September 29th - after worship service
At Fort Hunter - East Pavilion
(barn side of Front Street)
Entree will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert. There will be many fun acitivities to entertain.
In order to plan for enough food, seating and games for the picnic, we are asking that you sign up on the sheet at the rear of the sanctuary or call the church at 717.939.6921 to let us know you are attending - by Sunday, September 22
All current and past Neidig members and friends are welcome.
3rd Annual
Dogamo Day
Saturday September 14
10:00am until 2:00pm
Vendors ** Kid Activities ** Food ** Prizes & Fun
FREE
MISSIONS
Missions is looking for some fresh blood. We are looking for people with time and energy to organize our monthly missions. If you are interested in participating contact Sharon at 717.216.1040 .
September & October Missions
We will be doing our Harvest Home mission during both September and October in an effort to collect larger selection of non-perishable food for one of the area Food Banks. I know times are difficult but please consider donating during both months. Cash donations will be used to purchase perishable items. Please mark your donation for Harvest Home.
When selecting your donations, please place emphasis on the following foods that are used in traditional Thanksgiving meals: instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned corn, canned sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and canned fruit, Please place your donations in the front of the sanctuary.
June Mission - Still Accepting Donations
During the month of June we are collecting items for the Dauphin County Prison's Prisoner Commissary. Our thoughts are with those Fathers who have fallen on difficult times They are in need of sweat suits, i.e. sweatshirt and sweatpants in all men's size from small on up. Summertime is the time of year where most arrests occur and many of those are released in the winter - in the shorts and t-shirts in which they were arrested. The prison chaplain provides needy men with warm clothing for their release.
Place your donations in the front of the sanctuary. If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please place your donation in the collection plate and mark it for June or July Mission.
Adult Sunday School Mission Project
Adult Sunday School is collecting personal toiletry items for Pat Nissel Street Ministry. We are working in conjunction with the Adult Sunday School . Toiletries for both men and women are needed but mostly for women as that is their largest client base. While all items are needed, in particular they need full size bottles/tubes of:
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
Cash donations can be given to Peggy Gundy and item donations can be placed in the basket on the chapel altar.
Missions Questions: CONTACT SHARON STAUB 717.216.1040 or neidigumc@gmail.com with any questions.
Mission Central Computer Ministries
On January 20th, Mission Central held a special collection of electronics/computers. However, they accept for recycling and refurbishment computers, accessories, cables, wires, old cell phones and other old electronics (excluding televisions) year round. To have any of these items claimed for MIssion Central contact Sharon at neidigworks@gmail.com and she will make arrangements with you to collect.
Just thought you might like to know: Conference Events
(information from the conference newsletter)
MORE INFORMATION
Area Community Events
Please email the pastor or webmaster at neidigumc@gmail.com to add your event to our community notice board
LINK TO QUIKLINK FOR CONFERENCE WIDE EVENTS
http://susumc.org/index.php/communications/news/susquehanna-quiklink
DISTRICT WEBSITE
Check out our new District Website at harrisburgdistrict.org All District events are listed on our calendar and can be found on the website. Submit your events to the office at harrisburg@susumc.org for the
newsletter/website.