August 2020 1

Bethel Banner 2020

Join the Pastor in a Fast

When the disciples found a person that they could not help, Jesus told them that some things only

change with prayer AND fasting. Interestingly, some ancient texts leave out Jesus’ emphasis on fast-

ing. Our pew bible is the NRSV, the New Revised Standard Version. In Matthew 17 the verses go

from 20 to 22 and leave 21 out altogether because there was enough doubt that Jesus said it. Dr.

Amy Levine New Testament scholar comments on the idea that the disciples needed more spiritual

maturity to be more helpful. This could certainly include more experience with spiritual disciplines,

including fasting – giving up food. (Giving up screen time, chocolate, alcohol, etc. have also been

found to center us and help us focus on Christian values and deepen our relationship with a loving

God.)

For many of us who have fasted, there is little doubt that it is transformative, even life-changing. Rich-

ard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline has an entire chapter on fasting. He includes it in three levels of

spiritual disciplines.

1. The inward disciplines · Meditation · Prayer · Fasting · Study

2. The outward disciplines (inward realities resulting in outward lifestyles) · Simplicity · Solitude · Sub-

mission · Service

3. The corporate disciplines · Confession · Worship · Guidance · Celebration

This is as good a time as any to look within, to fast while so many new and strange and hard situa-

tions are before us. Fasting, like any spiritual discipline bears spiritual fruit – love, joy, peace, pa-

tience, kindness, goodness (generosity), faithfulness, and self-control.

Fast with me for as much as you can tolerate - at least two hours (up to 24) by drinking nothing, only

water, juice, broth, or eating only vegetables.

Join me in a time of fasting and prayer once a week or once a month to fill the atmosphere with more

strength for families and to gain insights regarding what God is calling us to do. Spiritual disciplines

such as fasting are an important ministry, especially when we are impacted by addictions to technol-

ogy, sugar, pornography, anger, money, fear, alcohol, drugs, etc, or impacted by diseases and dis-

tresses exacerbated by the pandemic.

August 2 Matthew 14.13-21 “Jesus Said, ‘Give Them

Something to Eat’”

August 9 Matthew 14.22-33 “Jesus Said, ‘Be Encour-

aged’”

August 16 Matthew 15.10-20, 21-28 “Jesus Said, ‘Listen’”

August 23 Matthew 16.13-20 “Jesus Said, ‘Here Are the

Keys to My Kingdom (kin-dom)’“ Ron Moore Preaching

August 30 Youth Sunday Matthew 16.21-28 “Jesus Said,

‘This Is How You Do It’” Tyler Collins Preaching

August 2020 2

Spring City Food Pantry (Project Outreach): The Spring City Food Pantry (Project Out-reach) is back to accepting food donations by appointment only. Items may once again be placed on the collection table at church now that we are in the "Green Phase." The Mis-sion team will restart the monthly drop-off when we get a good amount together.

The 2 items for August will be canned fruit and dry cereal.

Thank you in advance for your donations!

The United Methodist Women will be holding the annual Bazaar on Saturday, November

14th. It has not yet been decided how it will be structured due to the COVID guidelines,

but if nothing else, there will be Soup-to-Go!

B.U.S. Update: Hopefully, BUS will meet

again Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, at

11:30 am in the Cafe. It will NOT be ca-

tered. Everyone will bring your own lunch

but, Dessert will be provided. Entertain-

ment will be

Nick Viscuso on the Keyboard. There will

be a signup sheet in the Sanctuary Corri-

dor.

Three Bethel Contest Winners

We had a contest to see who would come clos-

est to guessing the date that we would be able

to return to the Bethel sanctuary for worship.

Well, since the surge, the Administrative

Council is giving serious thought to additional

safety protocols and will share a date in the

near future. However, the dates the contest-

ants guessed have all come and gone. Those

who have come closest are:

First Prize Winner of dinner for two at Seven

Stars

Val Romberg (July 12th)

Second Prize Winner of a $25 Walmart Gift

Card

Peggy Linderman (June 28th)

Third Prize Winner of a $20 Gift Card for Mil-

ler's Greenhouse

Marian Bilger (June 28th)

* Winners can claim their prize by contacting

the office*

Be sure to congratulate them!

August 2020 3

Need Support During the Pandemic?

Suicide Prevention - 800-866-7233

Domestic Violence - 800-866-7233

Counseling - Creative Health Services 610-326-9250 Pastor Hines - 410-963-1721 Dr. Lucille Ijoy, Family Therapist - 215-224-1783

What does one do during the virus “stay at home” recommendation/requirement?

By Jim Matz

For those who are either afraid to “go out” or want to follow the “stay at home” rule, the typical result is you get “cabin fever.”

That’s no fun. Other legitimate excuses are to go to the grocery store or the drug store. That’s not much fun either. However, during

this time of “caution,” outside activities such as walking, running, jogging, bike riding, etc. are encouraged. Chances of getting or spread-

ing the virus are much less reduced. Being out in the fresh air seems to help boost morale and getting a little exercise is also a good

thing.

Over the past twenty years I have developed an affection for riding bicycle. It’s a good form of fun and fitness. I am reluctant

about riding my bicycle on the road. As a result, I have learned about riding on rail-trails and canal towpaths. These are much safer

with no vehicular traffic and are relatively flat with only occasionally rolling hills that are not taxing or stressful to the rider. If you are not

acquainted with “rails-to-trails,” these are abandoned railroad beds where the tracks and ties have been taken up and have been re-

placed with a nice smooth surface. Most are not paved, but are generally as-smooth-as riding on cement or macadam. Canal tow-

paths, like rail-trails, are flat and were the paths on which mules pulled shallow-draft boats hauling freight from place-to-place. These

two types of trails are excellent for bike riding and walking, running, and jogging. In the winter time, if there is sufficient snow on the

ground, they are also used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

These trails are fairly plentiful in our area. The only problem is getting your bike to them. The solution: a vehicular bike rack.

There are basically three varieties of racks available: a strap-on-the-back, a roof rack, and a hitch rack. I’ve had all three over the

years, but prefer the hitch rack the most. Of my current vehicle and the last two that I’ve had, I’ve had to have a hitch installed on the

car. It’s an additional expense, but well worth it. They’re the easiest to load/unload and the safest. No matter which rack you might

choose, they are usually made to hold between one and four bikes. Most racks like mine hold two bikes.

Another plus I find with this type of bike riding is that you usually find people of “like mind” and they tend to form into groups

who will arrange rides on a more-or-less regular basis (usually weekly). The group, whether large or small, will usually rotate around to

different trails each time in order to provide some variety.

One such person of “like mind” that I have discovered at Bethel UMC is Tina Abel. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons

(good times for bike rides) Tina and some her colleagues from her place of employment arrange for rides of limited times and distance

since they get a somewhat later-in-the-day start and need to be home by a certain time to spend the remainder of the day with their

family. Since becoming acquainted with Tina, she has invited me along on some of these rides which have been very enjoyable as-well-

as the other riders in the group.

Tina and her friends from work usually ride after work on a week day. However, the other weekend her brother Karl (who lives

in or around Stroudsburg, PA) came to visit her and we had a small group of three take a bike ride. Tina and I have both ridden all or

most of the Schuylkill River Trail, but Karl hadn’t ridden any of it. So, we started at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park (Oaks – at the intersec-

tion of the Pottstown 422 Expressway and Egypt Road) and rode to Manayunk (a section of Philadelphia near Roxborough). Depend-

ing on how you look at it, Manayunk is the start/end of the Schuylkill River Trail. This entire section is paved. The highlight of the ride

was a treat at the ice cream shop at the end of the trail in Manayunk. Our total ride (out-and-back) was 36.5 miles! I’m sure all of us

had a good night’s sleep that day.

A. What will you remember most about this time of sheltering in

place? This might sound silly but my honest answer is grocery shop-

ping. The first two times I went were very uncomfortable and tense. I

never in my life thought I would feel that way about buying food for

my family. It was the strangest feeling. Especially considering that is

the only place that I was "allowed" to go to! So the fact that the one

place that we all technically had permission to go to was a place of

tension and fear will forever be impressed upon my memory.

B. Where have you seen God during the pandemic?

Everywhere. Truly! I have definitely had to search harder for Him, but

whenever I looked, He was there - in people making masks, the faces

of doctors and nurses, in nature, families going for evening walks to-

gether... the list goes on and on. Despite this unbelievably sad and

challenging time, I tried my best to find God in the day to day of this

"new life."

C. Have you found yourself spending more time with God or par-

ticipating in acts of kindness or a mission? (If so, please feel free to

share.)

Definitely. I have found myself praying and journaling more than ever.

And as for mission work, both my husband and I had the pleasure of

sharing our music during online worship for FUMC Phoenixville.

- Samantha Stauffer

A. What will you remember most about this time of

sheltering in place? The creativity that everyone found!

B. Where have you seen God during the pandem-

ic? The amount of love that was shared in so many dif-

ferent ways!

C. Have you found yourself spending more time with

God or participating in acts of kindness or a mission?

(If so, please feel free to share.)

God and I have had many conversations together!

- Janet Hunter

Quarantine Questions

August 2020 4

Evelyn Kent Clark Appointed to

South District Superintendency

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson would like to announce the appointment of

the Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark as the Superintendent of the South District

of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference effective July 1, 2020. She fol-

lows the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm who will be the new Director of

Connectional Ministries at the Conference Office effective July 1,

2020.

Reverend Evelyn Kent Clark is the fourth child of loving parents, Be-

atrice and Andrew Kent. Her father passed away in 2010, and the

family just celebrated her mother’s 93rd birthday last month. Rev.

Clark grew up in Philadelphia, PA with her three sisters and one

brother (one sister passed away in August 2019). She was educated in

the parochial school system of Philadelphia and upon graduation

from high school she attended Lincoln University in Oxford, PA with a major in French and a minor in Second-

ary Education. Rev. Clark responded to the call to ordained ministry after 13 years as an educator in the pub-

lic-school system. She received her Local Pastor’s License in 1993 and her Masters of Divinity from Eastern

Baptist Theological Seminary, currently known as Palmer Seminary, in 2000. She was ordained as an elder in

the United Methodist Church in 2003 and is currently serving as the pastor of two churches in the Eastern

Pennsylvania Conference: New Life UMC in Drexel Hill, PA and Trinity Lansdowne UMC (known as The Garden

Church) in historic Lansdowne, PA.

Rev. Clark served the General Church as a member of the General Board of Discipleship. She has also served

as a member of the Congregational Transformation Team, co-chairperson of Calling Disciples Resource Team,

member of the Commission on Equitable Compensation, president of Black United Methodist Preachers,

member of Black Methodist for Church Renewal and as the secretary and chairperson of the Committee on

Episcopacy. She is currently chairperson of the Order of Elders, co-chairperson of the South District Commit-

tee on Ordained Ministry and a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry and its executive committee.

Rev. Clark was a facilitator for the Forum for Female Scholars at the 2006 Gates Millennium Scholars Leader-

ship Conference in Chantilly, Virginia. In that same year Rev. Clark received the Denman Award for evange-

lism. In March of 2007 she accepted an invitation to the University of Oxford, in Oxford, England to present

and dialogue on the topic “Science and Religion: Is There Common Ground?” She is a member of Biltmore

Who’s Who, having qualified for inclusion in the 2007-2008 edition of the registry of executives and profes-

sionals. In 2017 Rev. Clark had the extreme honor of being a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achieve-

ment Award by President Barak Obama.

Charge Conference will be via zoom this year. It is scheduled for Wednesday

November 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. District Superintendent Rev. Evelyn Kent-Clark

will preside.

August 2020 5

Compassionate Care at Bethel

Bethel has a Compassionate Care Team that works in

pairs in order to provide support and encouragement in

times of need. They work formally as well as informally. If

you know of anyone who may benefit from a call or visit

from Pastor Hines or someone with an encouraging word,

who has a need, a reason to celebrate, or has cause for

concern, please let us know.

Kindness matters. Compassion creates.

Joan Spiece is a new grandmother!

Her granddaughter’s name is Allison Catriona Case.

Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz, Height: 21 3/4 inches.

This is Marie and Kirk’s first!

Merry Christmas!

A good, good Samaritan came to Bethel loaded down

with sanitizing wipes and towels for the church. As he

headed to the door, his wife chided him because he

couldn’t remember where he put his keys. He quickly

retorted, “Ask her about her reading glasses which she

lost for a year!”

She smiled and confessed, “I have a box where I store

Christmas bows I collect and reuse from year to year.

One day I looked into the box and saw my lost read-

ing glasses that had been lost, not for one year, but

for three years.”

No worries! We won’t tell him.

Allen Finally Moved!!!! Allen is very happy to be in his new

apartment and can be reached at the following:

allenreds1928@gmail.com

home 610-948-3075

cell - 610-308-6755

677 Elm Street

Apt. 305

Royersford, PA 19468

We have an updated address for Ellen Weller:

Keystone Villa

501 Hoch Road, Apt. 101

Blandon, PA 19510

If you would like to send her a card or well wishes,

be sure to use large print.

Donna Kunsch is a new

Grandma too!!

Granddaughter Emilia

Kay Kunsch finally ar-

rived at 1:22 June 15th,

7lbs 5 oz. Mom, Dad

and little brother are all

doing well (Tori, Jim &

Bennett). We can't

wait to see her in per-

son!

Good News! Jeff Beardsley has graduated from

Parkhouse Rehab and is back home in the Spring

City Vet Center. He would be happy to hear from

you. His phone number is 484-238-3082. Or you

can send a warm note to:

S.E. Vets Room 332B

1 Veterans Drive

Spring City, PA 19475

August 2020 6

Twenty for 2020

During our January training and planning retreat, we were reminded of our need to deepen our prayer life in 2020. On the 20th day of every

month, we will dedicate ourselves to pray for at least TWO MINUTES for Bethel to seek God diligently, serve God faithfully, and obey God

quickly and we will offer up to 20 MINUTES to offer prayers for our General Conference proposing an amicable separation around inclusion of

LGBTQ persons as well as prayers for the Global Church. Everyone is encouraged to connect with a prayer partner in person, in the Bethel

Sanctuary, via email, or phone.

We are stronger together!

A Page For Prayer

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis-dom. To depart from evil is understanding.”

Job 28.28

“No Justice, No Righteousness….when justice does

not prevail, even Mother Nature gets an attitude…”

- Rev. Dr. James Forbes Senior Minister Emeritus of

the Riverside Church, a multicultural, interdenomi-

national church on the Upper West Side of Manhat-

tan, New York City.

Pastor and German theologian who took a stand against Adolf Hitler,

putting his faith into action to work for freedom and social justice.

He was executed in 1945.

Informative Videos - Fostering Race Relations

- Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man: Emmanuel Acho former NFL player) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8jUA7JBkF4 - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man - Episode 2 with Matthew McConaughey (actor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwiY4i8xWIc&t=62s - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man - Episode 3 with Chip & Joanna Gaines + kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfo1XJDJKSU

August 2020 7

UMC Market

Step by Step Instructions for setting up an account with UMC Market (powered by iGive):

1.) Go to umcmarket.org (powered by iGive)

2.) At the top of the page, you will see an option to create an account by selecting your state, city, name,

email, and cause (which will appear as a drop down)

3.) Once you have entered your personal information, under the drop down for “cause” select Bethel United

Methodist and then create your account.

4.) Once you have created your account be sure to allow iGive to access “cookies.” (iGive and its stores use

cookies to track and report donations for your cause. If you use the “Do not track” function built into your

browser, or employ cookie blocking software, then iGive will not work properly.)

5.) Once you have done so, you are free to search for your favorite stores and shop, all while providing a dona-

tion for Bethel!

How does it work?

iGive is essentially a store rebate program where iGive members have the opportunity to donate their rebate to

their chosen cause. When iGive members shop via our special links, an "iGive Cookie" is assigned to your brows-

er. This tells the store, "Here is an iGive Member" using a meaningless member ID number. The store reports back

with this number and the purchase amounts so we can calculate the donation to your cause. iGive.com never

has access to any payment information.

How do I use it?

Simply click on a store’s link directly from iGive.com or iGive.com/mobile sites. (You must have/create an ac-

count and be logged in) By using an iGive link to the store's website, you shop as you normally would! There are

no extra steps or no iGive notifications when making payments. The donations happen behind the scenes, and

often the store's support teams are unaware of the iGive Program.

NOTE: Use only iGive.com “Deals & Coupons”. The use of a non-iGive coupon will void the donation. We have

direct feeds from the stores providing you with all the latest offers and savings.

How do I know that it worked?

When you successfully link to an iGive store, a record of it is posted on your “Store Visits” page on your account

through iGive. If you see your store visit there, then tracking is working, and each transaction you make will be

reported for a donation to your cause! (You may need to refresh the page to see the most recent visit.) After

being reported to us, a record of your transactions can be reviewed under “Stats” on your account page.

Other Important Information to Know

- iGive and our stores use cookies to track and report donations for your cause. If you use the “Do not track

"function built into your browser, or employ cookie blocking software, then iGive will not work properly.

- The use of the protection software "Ad Block" and "Ghostery" will prevent iGive from working properly.

- Firefox Users on MAC - iGive.com will not work with Norton Identity Toolbar

Building Fund

Trustees have a campaign going to renovate bathrooms. They are to be accessible and refreshed. There

is $6,000 more to go. Is God calling you to participate in this effort to maintain the house of God?

Whatever you give is appreciated and will be placed in the capable hands of the excellent stewards on

the Finance Committee. Also, remember to pray for this project. Your prayers will generate goodwill

and peace that is so necessary to accomplish anything in the name of our God who has been so good

and faithful since 1844.

August 2020 8

Lucas Starner is 12 years old and just grad-uated sixth grade at East Vincent Elemen-tary. He was born in Pennsylvania and baptized in Glenmoore. He has lived here his whole life. His favorite sports are bas-ketball, baseball and mountain biking. He takes full advantage of the intramurals at East Vincent, as well as participates in the K club and KYAL. In addition to playing sports, he really likes to watch football and basketball and play Xbox.

Jackson Starner is 15 years old. He is in tenth grade and attends Owen J Roberts High School. Jackson was born and baptized in Glenmoore. He lived in New York for 3 years before returning to Pennsylvania. He has played soccer for 5 years and plans to play foot-ball next season for the high school. He loves all things Philadelphia sports.

Confirmation for Two!!

Have you met the Starner family, Mom Kristen, Dad Mike, and sons Jackson, Lucas, and Max? Kristen and Mike joined

Bethel in 2018, transferring their membership from Glenmore UMC. They have encouraged their children Jackson and

Lucas to confirm the faith that was affirmed at their baptism. For several weeks they have participated in a pandemically

modified confirmation class with their sponsors Anne and Darrell Hoffman.

They will be confirmed during the August 2nd Communion service in the Shick Shack Pavilion. Rev. Evelyn Kent-Clark, our new District Superintendent has accepted an invitation to participate in this abbreviated service.

TTH Preschool Class:

Chloe: I liked painting and art!

Lauren: I liked playing with the magnifying glass-es!

Lila: I liked the game with the cars under the blanket where you took one away!

Oliver: I liked when we had new games!

Scarlet: I liked snack!

Tommy: I liked playing with the magnet tiles!

MWF Pre-K Class:

Evan: I liked playing with Marshall!

Gabe: I liked doing crafts like when I made the fish and the heart!

Hayley: I liked playing with the food shop!

Marshall: I liked building with the blocks!

Seamus: I liked playing with the hamster and playing board games!

Stella: I liked playing with Hayley!

As we completed our sixth year at Bethel Christian Preschool, the children were asked what they liked best about coming to school!

Here’s what they had to say...

Saturday, September 12, 2020

TAKE OUT ONLY

4:30 to 6:30 PM

BETHEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

952 Bethel Church Rd. Spring City PA 19475

Gluten Free and Vegetarian Available

Price: $12 Adults $5 Children under ten Chil-

dren under five free

To Order Tickets contact:

Janet Hunter bethelcp@verizon.net or 610 412-

7464 or Barb Hanlon at newidea@msn.com

Lasagna Dinner to Benefit Scholarships for BCP Children

August 2020 9

Prayer Time Revival

In the 1950’s, Argentina was a spiritual wasteland. According to Dr. Edward Miller, a missionary who

spent four decades in Argentina, there were only six hundred Spirit-filled believers in the entire country. In his

book, Cry for Me Argentina, he describes the genesis of a revival that started in Argentina and swept across

South America.

It began with fifty students at the Argentine Bible Institute who developed an intense prayer burden for

the nation of Argentina. Dr. Miller said he had never seen people weep so hard or pray for so long. Day after

day, they wept and prayed. After hours of intercession, students would literally be standing in their own puddle

of tears.

On the fiftieth day of around-the-clock intercession, there was a prophetic word. “Weep no more, for the

Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed over the prince of Argentina.” Eighteen months later, hundreds of thou-

sands of Argentines were flocking to crusades at soccer stadiums. The largest stadiums, seating 180,000 peo-

ple, weren’t large enough to handle the crowds.

Dr. Miller came to this conclusion:

If God can get enough people in an area to reject the rulership and the dominion of Satan, if enough of

His people will reject Satan's dominion in the right way—with humility, with brokenness, and in repentant

intercession—then God will slap an eviction notice on the doorway of the ruling demonic power of that

area. And when He does, then there is a light and glory that begins to come.

We never know how or when or where a move of God might begin. But if we hit our knees, God will ex-

tend His mighty right hand on our behalf If we lay a foundation of prayer, God will build something spectacular

on top of it. If we intercede like never before, God will intervene like never before.

Aug 01 Dale Guest

Aug 01 Christy Brown

Aug 01 Allison Daubert

Aug 02 Althea Segner

Aug 02 Willis Shantz

Aug 03 Michael Osiol

Aug 04 Linda Hartzell

Aug 05 William Richardson

Aug 05 Benjamin Bailey

Aug 07 Linda Wynn

Aug 07 Justin Kelly

Aug 11 Doris Barton

Aug 11 Daniel Unger

Aug 12 Angela Bachrach

Aug 14 Robert Meissner

Aug 14 Corey Murray

Aug 15 Monique Bodor

Aug 16 Donna Guest

Aug 18 Jacqueline Hines

Aug 18 Norman Segner Sr.

Aug 18 Natalie Platchek

Aug 20 Jean Domin

Aug 20 Braeden Platchek

Aug 21 Crystal Haring

Aug 22 Madeline Daubert

Aug 22 Michael DeMarco

Aug 23 Kenneth McMillan

Aug 24 Chad Barton

Aug 24 Michael Steele Sr.

Aug 24 Lucas Starner

Aug 25 Julie Kelly

Aug 26 Jee Graeff

Aug 28 Alexander Yergey

Aug 29 Carole Ann Moyer

Aug 31 Chuck Barton

August 2020 10

BETHEL UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

Articles for Next Issue Due:

August 10, 2020

Published by: Samantha Stauffer

Bethel United Methodist Church

952 Bethel Church Road

Spring City, PA 19475

Pastor: Rev. Jacqueline Hines

Church Office: (610) 495-6807

Church Office Hours: 9am –1pm Monday through

Friday

Parsonage Phone: (610) 495-5070

Pastor’s Cell: 410-963-1721

E-mail: betheloffice952@aol.com

Visit us at:

www.bethelumchurch.com

Follow us at bethelspringcity on Instagram and bethelumchurch on Facebook

Missed last week's service?

Visit bethelumchurch.com to read the bulletin/

announcements and Pastor Hines' message!

+ Christian Symbol +

Willow

The billowing branches of the “weeping wil-

low” symbolize mourning, especially of the Is-

raelites as they endured captivity. The willow,

which grows well in marshy areas, is associated

in the Bible with fruitful, well-watered land (see

Ezekiel 17:5). In descriptions of Old Testament

festivals of praise, God’s people were told “to

take branches from luxuriant trees — from

palms, willows and other leafy trees — and re-

joice before the LORD your God for seven

days” (Leviticus 23:40, NIV).