grace reporter...exploring god’s world with ross golden page 5 sycamore growing along stream banks...
TRANSCRIPT
Grace United Methodist Church
June 2020 www.gracecoalcenter.org
Grace Reporter
GCEC OPENED MAY 26 following CDC Health Guidelines and DHS Approval!
We ask that church staff, members and all visitors follow the posted signs at the school entrance
and in the hallway. Access to this area must be limited to school staff and students only at this time.
Thank you for your love, support and prayer for the children, staff and families of Grace Christian
Ed Center! Our Risk Management Plan will be posted on the church website under the school tab.
Respectfully,
Renee Heckler, Christian Ed Director
We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when
we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
Woke up today
Another headline
Another innocent life is taken
In the name of hatred
So hard to take
And if we think that it's
all good
Then we're mistaken
'Cause my heart is breaking
Are you left?
Are you right?
Pointing fingers, taking sides
When are we gonna realize?
We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when
we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided.
Tell me, who are we
To judge someone
By the kind of clothes
they're wearing
Or the color of their skin?
Are you black?
Are you white?
Aren't we all the same in-
side?
Father, open our eyes to
see!
Only love can drive out all
the darkness
What are we fighting for?
We were made to carry one
another
We were made for more,
So Father God, I pray
That our families will come
together right now
And seek your face
You will forgive our sins
And You will heal our
incredible land
In the name of the only
Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Mandisa,
We All Bleed the Same
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=HVKuA1s5I3o
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
In normal times, this space lists volunteers for the coming month. In this time of pandemic
recovery, we share the list of shut-ins of the week and upcoming birthdays for our nonage-
narians. Please include these friends in your prayers. If you would like to send them a card
or note, contact the church office for theirs mailing addresses.
YOU In Ministry
Page 2
Grace Reporter
Shut Ins
June 7 ~ Saundra Merashoff
June 14 ~ Helen Morris
June 21 ~ Charlie Deems
June 28 ~ Sam & Ruth Levy
Birthdays
June 13 ~ Edie Cooper (90)
June 21 ~ Dom Partezana (90)
Water Project
Month of April ~ received $1,900
Remaining Balance ~ $5,915,17
ATTENTION ALL COMMITTEE
CHAIRS AND GROUP LEADERS:
If you are planning to hold any meet-
ings at the church you must notify
Chris in the church office in advance.
Call 724-350-5350 or email
Flag Day is
Sunday, June 14
Alive and Well! Ross Golden, Chair ~ GUMC Council
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www.gracecoalcenter.org
I want you to know that Grace UMC is alive and
well. We may be temporarily held back from our normal
Worship and getting together, but we are continuing to
work. The Food bank continues to work out of the Church.
Lunches for kids out of school are being distributed from
the church (Matthew 25:35- I was hungry and you fed me.)
Prior to May 15, groups of ten or less could meet at
the church. Church Council, Disciple Bible Study, Prayer
Garden Group met, Trustees had a work day. Now groups of 25 or less, small groups and
meetings, can meet with precautions.
We have been having Worship on Sundays via facebook and now online on our website.
Maybe we can’t get together personally but look at the names of people viewing Worship and
see people we are reaching either by distance or simply can’t attend for whatever reason. We
are reaching out with the Word of GOD, Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all
the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Grace Church Education Center continues to work with their students. They have pro-
vided curriculum to the students, staff is teaching classes online, having daily Bible stories,
Zoom meetings with classes and parents, and many other things. A whole article could be
written with simply what the School is doing. Proverbs 22:6- Train up a child in the way he
should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
I have only scratched the surface of what is happening in GOD’s church. From the
Church Council I want to thank you for your support, with your continued offerings that allow
the Church (which is YOU) to continue GOD’s work. THANK YOU!!!!!!! 2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God
through us.
Please keep in mind that there is a lag time from the time from when this is written un-
til it is published because of the work it takes to produce the newsletter. I say this because so
many more things may happen after this is written.
Ross Golden- Chairman Grace Church Council.
Grace Family Matters
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Grace Reporter
Baptised in the faith on Saturday, May 16
George Gavin McCombs
George is the son of George and Natalie (Pappas) McCombs, brother to Macie and
Emma, grandson of Barb Pappas and great grandson of Bill Heckler, Sr.
Many blessings to you, Gavin! We all look forward to watching you grow!
Bonded in love ~ United in Christ
Virginia Menia B0s0 & Tom Hamilton
May 9, 2020
Franchesca Uhar & Milan Panich
May 23, 2020
Tentative Start Date for Soccer Shots is Tuesday,
June 30 5:25 ~ 6:45
Registration and more info at soccershots.org/pittsburgh
Polls open 7AM ~ 8PM
Exploring God’s World with Ross Golden
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www.gracecoalcenter.org
SYCAMORE
Growing along stream banks and the edge of
swamps, and other bodies of water is the sycamore tree.
They may not be the tallest native hardwood but in trunk
diameter they can become the largest. Generally the
diameter is about two to four feet but some trees today
are as large as eleven feet. In the original virgin forests of
the U.S. some sycamore trees grew as large as fifteen feet.
Sycamores are prone to heart rot. The heart wood is the
center wood, it is dead but is very hard and acts as the
skeleton of the tree. There are historic accounts of early
pioneers living in the hollow trunks of very large
sycamores.
The wood of a sycamore tree has been used in
furniture, for butcher blocks, and millwork. It was also
used as early food containers because it imparts no flavor
on the food. The bark of sycamores is notable because it
naturally peels off the tree in large pieces and reveals a
new greenish brown bark underneath. The shade leaves
(those found on the lower limbs) may be a large as
dinner plates and the sun leaves (those found on the upper limbs) may be only three or four
inches across but each produces roughly the same amount of food per leaf. The shade leaves
must be larger to produce as much food as the sun leaves, because of limited sunlight striking
the leaf.
Here we go with that sunlight thing again.
The Bible in Luke 19 says Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus but this tree is a type
of fig tree and not related to our American Sycamore.
Luke 19:1-4 Jesus entered Jericho
and was passing through. 2 A man was
there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was
a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
3 He wanted to see who Jesus was,
but because he was short he could not see
over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and
climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, Sycamore Fig Tree
During this time of pandemic recovery we invite you to worship with us
every Sunday at 10:00AM through Facebook Live.
Www.facebook.com/GraceUMCCoalCenter
Join a few minutes early for a wonderful musical prelude.
Go to www.gracecoalcenter.org to view and print Sermon Notes.
Go to www.ministry-to-children.com to view and print
the Children’s Time lesson for the week.
If you are not a Facebook user, view the recording of the morning’s worship via
the link on our website www.gracecoalcenter.org Our goal is to have this record-
ing available on that same day so check in that afternoon. Please be patient with
us in this posting as it is unfamiliar territory for our staff.
Many thanks to Pastor Ken, Chris, Todd, Terry, Ryan, and our Custer Girls
for providing us with a consistently spirit-filled, Bible based worship every week
since the very first week of this time of confinement. Please keep them in your
prayers as they continue to faithfully serve in this brand new ministry! If you
have tech skills and would like to be part of this team, contact Pastor Ken.
Grace Family Matters
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Grace Reporter
GAP ~ God Answers Prayers Weekly Devotion
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www.gracecoalcenter.org
GAP is a weekly devotion available to anyone who has an email address or who
can receive text messages on their cell phone. This prayer group is led by Chris
Merashoff and Renee Heckler. To join the GAP small group, contact Chris at
[email protected] or Renee at [email protected]. Each
Thursday, you will receive either an email or a text (you choose!) with a brief,
meaningful devotion that includes scripture and words of support, guidance,
comfort and more. Here is a sample of the devotion:
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the
Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,
which He obtained with His own blood. Acts 20:28 ESV
Paul tells us that every believer has a function in the church, just as
different parts of the body have a specific function. From the leaders
to the new believers, we are all members of the body of Christ; each
with distinct responsibilities and roles based on our spiritual maturity
and gifts. The successful effectiveness of the church is the obligation of
the members as a whole. As members seek God’s direction, discover
their gifts and begin using them, the church will be obedient to God’s
commands thereby expanding His reach into the world. Every one of
us is needed to build the body of Christ (the church). Pray that God
would open your eyes to gifts He has for you and ways you can serve
His church and advance His Kingdom.
Anderson, Gavin ~
United States Army National Guard
Bissiere, Barry ~
United States Air National Guard
Hampton, Zachary ~ United States Army
Lee, Jacob and Kayla (Wadsworth) ~
United States Navy
Levy, Chris ~ United States Air Force
Oveson, Clayton and Hannah (Smitley) ~ United States Air Force
Rager, David and Cheyenne ~ United States Air Force
Seder, Luke ~ United States Air National Guard
Wonsettler, Christopher J. and Lauren ~ United States Air Force
Military Prayer List
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Grace Reporter
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Grace Christian Ed Center Preschool for potty-trained 3 & 4 year olds
Kindergarten class for 5 year olds
Registration forms are on the table in the narthex.
For more information contact
Renee Heckler, Christian Ed Director:
724-330-5123; [email protected]
PLEASE SHARE WITH THOSE YOU KNOW WHO HAVE
PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN AGED CHILDREN!
Food Pantry Updates
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www.gracecoalcenter.org
On Saturday, May 4, 2020, the GWCFB held a Truck to
Trunk event. We distributed to approximately 300 fam-
ilies that are regulars to our pantry. 28 families did not
register but we were still able to provide them with food.
This month each family received a box of non-perishable
food, eggs, butter, milk, bakery, bread, produce & meat.
Please remember that if there is one or two in the fami-
ly, they receive one box of non-perishable items; if the
family has three or four members they will receive two
boxes and a family of five or more will receive three box-
es plus all the other items, which is also dependent on
the number in the household.
The people who volunteer are very much appreciated because there is no way we could manage
this endeavor on our own. We have volunteers that help get all the cars onto the church ground
and then more volunteers to move the cars along in a line to receive their food. We have several
groups of people going through to ask names of the family and check them off our registration list.
We also have several people stationed at each item to make sure everyone gets through and
receives all we have to offer. Thanks to: Wyatt, Jane & Molly Diethorn, Kristen Louttit, Barb
Bruce, Debbie & Bill Consavage, Jodie & Sierra Short and Pastor Ken. These are the people from
our church family plus we had six or seven others that are either friends or family of the GWCFB
employees. Just so you see, it does take a lot of help to make this all happen from about
8:00AM~11:30AM one day each month.
We also need volunteers to work at the main location of the food bank to pack the boxes of non-
perishable food. We are now packing approximately 6,000 boxes each month to distribute
throughout Washington County to our food insecure. If you would like to volunteer at our main
location, visit our website at www.gwcfb.org and choose your day and time. We have masks,
gloves and are aware of social distancing. We also take everyone’s temperature before going into
the warehouse.
If you are unable to volunteers, we ask that you continue to pray for all the people who are now
finding themselves in a situation they never dreamed would happen to them, for the people that
depend on our food for whatever reason finds them being food insecure, for the volunteers that we
need so much and also for the employees who have the heart to help, especially during this stress-
ful time for all concerned.
May God continue to bless you,
Sherry Cramer
Greater Washington County Food Bank
724-632-2190 extension 122
Grace Christian Education Center ~ Renee Heckler
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Grace Reporter
GCEC:
A New Way of Educating
Children’s Ministries:
A New Way of Sharing
On March 18th the ways of teaching our students at GCEC and worshipping to-gether on Wednesday nights changed, drastically. Complying with the Governor’s orders to practice social distancing we had to suspend meeting and learning in person. As Early Childhood Educators, we acknowledged the necessity for being physically distant during this time of crisis. However, we felt there was no need to have social and emotional distance and we wanted to follow through with our commitment to teaching our students.
~ Curriculum packets created and distributed through parking lot pick up.
~ Plan for continuing lessons and learning apps shared with families.
~ GCEC private parent group created.
~ Staff begin to share daily instructional videos to their class.
~ Kindergarten students complete online video reading exercise and crush it!
~ Daily Spanish, Bible story and music shared during morning meeting videos.
~ Zoom class meetings, parent meetings and staff meetings.
~ Online scavenger hunts!
~ Virtual Field Trip to a Nature Preserve and creek.
~ Weekly sharing of craft ideas
~ Newsletters
~ Virtual Conferences with parents
~ 4 online activities in April for Month of The Young Child
~ Professional Development trainings and Abeka webinars
~ GCEC Parent Group Support
~ Reconciliation of STARS Grant
~ Updated Risk Management Plan
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~ Creation of Continuity of Education Plan for Dept. of Education
~ Submission of 2020 United Methodist Foundation Grant
~ Initiation of a Teacher Induction Plan: Jenna
~ Website updates
~ Wellness check ins with parents and members of Grace Church
~ Newsletter, Class Tag, emails, texts, phone calls and GCEC Parent Group communication.
~ Letters sent to the children.
~ Service Projects
~ Lessons on: Fruits of the Spirit, Jesus Calms the Storm, Road to Emmaus: Blessings in Disguise etc.
~ Messages of Hope to Families
Ex. Resilience and Routines for Families During the Pandemic
~ VBS Briefings with key planning volunteers.
~ Wed BFF Facebook videos with Keren Galis
~ Sharing to Wed groups a weekly Lesson that can be used at home.
~ Health Dept Webinars
~ OCDEL required Webinar trainings
~ Graduation planning for both GCEC and Grace Church Graduates
~ Continued Summer Camp planning: virtual or otherwise
Throughout this not so normal journey, one thing that we feel for sure: God is with us, holding us, seeking us, loving us and providing for our needs.
We have all needed to adjust during this time of social distancing and we are doing well. However, technology can not replace the need for human interaction.
Grace Christian Education Center ~ Renee Heckler
Young Adult Ministry ~ Sierra Short
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Grace Reporter
June 2020
Hello All!
It has been a couple months since we’ve last
connected. I thought now more than ever
would be a great time to reach out and share
some positivity amidst the difficulties con-
fronting our world. The most profound change at this time in our lives, challenging each of us, lies
in the reality that our lives are no longer fast paced and full of demands, but rather we have been
forced to slow down as a world. And with that comes more time shared with our loved ones. This is
something I see as a blessing. Quietness and rest are not only good for our bodies, but for our minds
and souls, allowing us to be refueled by increased opportunities to spend much needed time with
God. This is a good time for self-reflection, forgiving others, serving others, and spreading the hope
that is Jesus Christ. I believe this is a time when hope can be the one thing that holds us together.
Acts 2:26 states, “Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope.” Hope: a promise like no other from
the One who loves us most. Without hope and optimism, who are we as individuals? And where
would society be, especially when trials tempt to dampen that hope? Without hope, what is there to
look forward to in life? Hope and trust in God are two things that can propel us forward through
any scenario, any difficulty and any obstacle. So, we should be grateful, grateful to know that when
we place our lives in Jesus’ hands we can rest in the hope and reassurance that everything will not
only be okay, but everything will turn out how it is meant to be (according to His plan).
Young Adult Ministry ~ Sierra Short
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www.gracecoalcenter.org
Especially during this pandemic, we all need to remember that we are not alone. Even more
comforting to know is that the Creator of the whole universe is holding you in His hands. What could
be better than for us to soak in this comfort and then to spread this sense of joy by reaching out to
others through a simple act of kindness or service. These simple acts shift our mentality from any sense
of hopelessness, and uplifts those to whom we extend ourselves to, helping others who may be truly
struggling or have lost faith. Matthew 25 focuses on the revelation that the act of serving the least of
those in our company, the men, women and children who need assistance the most, is actually the act of
serving God Himself. Serving God, and looking at the hope He brings into our lives, should be what we
focus upon, as it is the whole meaning behind our existence and life’s purpose as Christian people.
Instead of concentrating on the things we cannot change, I urge all of us to focus on the positive
impact and change we can make during this pandemic. It can be difficult to take our minds off of the
loneliness and uncertainty, and to blindly accept what is going on around us, but God wants us to trust
Him. What good does it do to dwell on what cannot change? Let it go, God has a plan. Let’s focus on
what we can change through God’s help, and make it our goal throughout this life-altering event to
spread His love through our actions each day. We should continuously open our eyes, ears and minds to
what God is communicating to us, as Matthew 20 discusses. Listen to what God would want us to do
during this trying time. I pray that we all can find strength by placing our hope and trust in God as we
navigate our lives through the murky waters of this pandemic. In God alone, our world can move for-
ward and recover from what may seem like the darkest days we have lived through. But with darkness,
our risen Savior is always present to combat it with His never-ending, overwhelming and all-consuming
light. Let us focus on this light.
LAWN CARE
Hometown Lawn Care ~ Josh Davis
Fully Insured ~ Free estimates
724-986-9768
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
724-396-1510 ~ ccawp.com
COMPUTER REPAIR
Charles E. Hines ~ Owner
Fully Insured ~ Virus Removal ~ Hardware/
Software Installation ~ PC Tuneup
724-884-5164 ~ [email protected]
COUNSELING SERVICES
Virginia Spindler Counseling ~ Ginny Spindler
609 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon PA 15012
724-469-0196 ~ [email protected]
MUSIC STORE
From The Top Music Shop
442 West Main Street, Monongahela 15063
724-258-6002
www.fttmusic.com
Instrument Sales, Service, Rentals & Music Instruction
Band/Orchestra Rentals
QUALITY PLASTERING
Fanala Plastering
Over 25 years ~ Fully insured
1283 Route 481, Charleroi PA 15022
724-747-4373
HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS,
LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE
Greater Pittsburgh Insurance Consultants
Kathy Keller and Kim Hrubes
724-483-1690
www.greaterpittsburghinsurance.com
SENIOR HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY
Rachael Salisbury Merashoff, Administrator
200 West Main Street, Monongahela PA 15063
724-258-7207 ~ FAX 724-258-7209
www.grannynannies.com
PLUMBING SERVICES
Real Plumbers & Drain Service
All plumbing repairs done ~ Free estimates ~
Senior Discount ~ Licensed & Insured #PA148832
724-518-6518
Classified Advertising
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Grace Reporter
Classified Advertising
Page 15
www.gracecoalcenter.org
ALPACA PRODUCTS
Rustic Rail Alpacas ~ Jim and Diane Ord
526 Clover Hill Road, Coal Center PA 15423
724-938-0516 ~ 724-470-8812
HANDCRAFTED WOOD TOYS
Uncle Pete’s Wood Toys ~ Pete Belski
355 Pike Run Drive, Daisytown PA 15427
724-938-9615
CANDLES & HOME FRAGRANCE
Pink Zebra Consultant Kathleen Miller
Sprinkles, Candles, Reed Diffusers, Soaps & Lotions
724-632-2237 ~ www.pinkzebrahome.com/
kathleen7miller
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Qualk Photography ~ Jen Qualk
Specializing in outdoor photography
724-809-8157 ~ www.qualkphotography.com
PROFESSIONAL MEDIA PRODUCTION
All Heart Photo & Video
Keren Galis and Dana Slavic
Wedding Videography & Photography
724-562-4587
www.allheartphotovideo.com
AUTO BODY REPAIR AND PAINTING
Robison Auto Body ~ Gordon Robison
231 Fox Stop Road, Charleroi PA 15022
724-489-9733
The Grace Reporter Classified Advertising
contains unsolicited information posted by a
wide variety of individuals and organizations
about (but not limited to) professional
services, businesses, etc.
The information posted is not advice and
should not be treated as such.
Grace Church does not endorse, support,
recommend or have an opinion on any of the
items listed in the Grace Reporter Classified
Advertising, not is Grace Church responsible
for the outcome of any transaction between
you and the poster. Any transaction that you
enter into is strictly between you and the
poster and is done at your own risk.
If you have a business or service to offer
send name and contact information
along with a brief description of your service to
for inclusion in the next issue of Grace Reporter.
Grace United Methodist Church
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
420 California Drive
Coal Center, PA 15423
724-330-5350
Pastor Ken Custer
724-330-5503 ~ [email protected]
Sheldon Barnette ~ Assistant to the Pastor
724-216-4319 ~ [email protected]
Grace Christian Education
Center Director
Renee Heckler
724—330-5123
Music & Drama Ministry
Todd Reagan
724-628-4957
Care Committee Chair
David Ziolecki
724-330-5266
United Methodist Women
President ~ Jean Belski
724-938-9615
Youth Group Coordinator
Clyde Qualk, Jr.
724-809-1925
Staff Parish Relations Chair
Chuck Ahlborn
724-785-5519
Board of Trustees Chair
Phil Riel
724-970-9016
Lay Leaders
Kit Carson
724-785-2329
Kathy Parshall
724-938-8821
Church Council Chairperson
Ross Golden
724-344-2000
Finance Committee Chair
Jim Short
724-258-9353
Chris Merashoff ~ Office Manager
724-330-5350
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Go to our website to print sermon
notes and children’s lessons.