First Notes

RELIGION AND POLITICS
Matthew 22:15-22

As Americans and as Christians we have bought into the idea that religion and politics do not mix. But is that the intent of Scripture? Was that the intent of the founding Fathers of our nation? This Sunday, Pastor Mike will try to deal with the issue of where faith and culture intersect and, even, where religion and politics intersect in his message titled, "Religion and Politics." See you Sunday!

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1 - 7 AT OUR CHURCH:

Monday, November 2      Prayer Shawl Ministry at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 3              SPRC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 4       Morning Bible Study at 9:00 a.m.

Evening Faith and Fellowship Activities:

The meal is served 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. in the Faith and Fellowship Hall.
Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. in the Library

All youth in grades 6-12 meet for Invasion Youth Midweek 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Chancel choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Thursday, November 5            SPRC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
UNITED METHODIST MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

The charter on the United Methodist Men’s group is being renewed, and the group will meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. as the United Methodist Men’s Bible Study.

All men of the congregation are invited and welcome to attend. If you have questions, please speak with Marshall Stuff or David Blontz.
NEW CHURCH OFFICE HOURS …

Beginning January 2009 the church office hours will be: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Linda can be reached at 328-2224, ext. 210 or by e-mail at: firstumchurch@comcast.net

ALTAR FLOWERS

If you placed altar flowers in the church for a worship service during 2009 and have not yet paid for them, please remit your payment of $30 at your earliest convenience. Thank you!

There has been a price increase for altar flowers effective the beginning of 2009. The price is now $32.50. If you wish to place flowers in the church, there is a sign-up sheet on the table outside the church office.

We have numerous names of military personnel on our church prayer list. We would like to have current mailing addresses for these people. Please contact Linda in the church office if you can help provide this information.

Military Addresses

PV2 Ader, Brian

554 EN 92 EN BN

2181 Gulick Ave STE 108

Fort Stewart, GA 31314

SGT Nathan and Ophelia Burkholder

7427 Middle Bay Way

Fountain, CO 80817

Scott Christman

232 Whitley Drive

Chambersburg, PA 17201

Corey Linowski

39 Meadowbrook Road

North Wales, PA 19454

LCPL Colin McCarl

VMM261 / MAG 29

PFC Box 21015

Jacksonville, NC 28545

Skylar Rowe

3190 Fairchild Avenue

Unit H

Elmendorf AFB Alaska 99506

Paul E. Taylor, II

1522 Stonewood Drive

Fayetteville, NC 28306

New Room Number for Bernice Lowans:

Room 269

P.O. Box 128

Quincy, PA 17247

Facilities Management …

Would like at this time to thank First United Methodist Church for allowing me the opportunity to serve the church and Mercersburg Community by using some of the talents and skills I learned over my years of growth in my faith and those the US Army taught me. I fervently pray that this church will grow and continue to be a lighthouse in the community of Mercersburg showing people the way to Christ.

Jeffery S. Noland
SSG, Retired

The following note was received recently:

First UMC of Mercersburg ~
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! With a very grateful heart I write to thank you for the gift card to Outback Steakhouse! It is truly a joy to serve as your District Superintendent. I am awed and humbled by the ministry and mission of the churches of Chambersburg District. Your willingness to reach out in Jesus’ name is truly amazing! We are blessed to be a part. Once again, thank you so much for your generosity and your gift. We are truly blessed!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tim and Ann Baer

WESLEY WAKE-UP IS BACK !!!

After a short break, Wesley Wake-Up has returned to serve fair trade coffee and tea to our church family.

So, any time between first and second services please stop by and enjoy a cup of our fair trade coffee or tea and feel free to peruse our
mini-library about fair trade and better buying habits.

Also, if you want to help out with the Wesley Wake-Up (to set up and tear down one Sunday a month) there is a sign-up sheet available.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Dowding (717-261-7295) or email her at: StephDowding1231@gmail.com
People are needed to serve as Liturgists for the first worship service on Sundays. If you would be willing to serve in this capacity please contact Doug Peterson.
TRANSPORTATION NEEDED ~
There are a few older members of our congregation that occasionally need transportation to and from medical appointments.    If you would be willing to help provide this service please notify the church office. Linda will create a contact list and call you when your help is needed.
                Thank you!
Please...
Help keep everyone informed of the events that are happening within your group by providing the church office with articles on programs and activities for our weekly worship bulletin and the church newsletter. This is a great way to inform others of your activities! Information for the upcoming worship bulletin should be at the church office no later than Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., and the newsletter articles are due by the 20th of the month. If you wish, you may e-mail your information to: firstumchurch@comcast.net
Thank you!

First United Methodist Church of Mercersburg

Teaching, Reaching, Becoming