i greet you all in the name of jesus christ and pray...
TRANSCRIPT
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Do all the good you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as you can.
-John Wesley
Birthdays 2
Serving this month 3
Just for Kids 4 & 5
Calendar 10 & 11
Spaghetti Dinner 12 & 13
News 16
Prayer concerns 18
Inside this issue:
Volume 8 Issue 3 MARCH 2019
I greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ
and pray you His peace.
As we are about to begin the season of Lent, I thought perhaps
that we could look at what Lent means and why we do this thing called Lent. Some people have a genuine interest in learning about this season and have asked if there is any scriptural basis for the season of Lent. It is like a
journey, and some journeys we take again and again.
Thinking about this we can say that the season is a time to journey with Christ, to follow closely His journey of the last days of His earthly ministry. Perhaps in those passages, we can see the basis for this season through
the scriptures.
Lent is understood to be a truly bitter season that joyfully ends with the Easter celebration of resurrection. We journey through the bitterness of the season of winter again and again, short days and long nights, cold and dreary. Some have the good fortune to go where it is warmer for the winter season, but most of us are here to see the bleakness of winter, especially contrasting it to the
beauty of and the joy of new life when spring arrives.
The season of Lent is seen in different ways by different people, but it truly takes us on a journey of preparation for new life. Spiritually we journey through the bitterness of looking at the sin in our lives and looking at what Christ endured for us because of our sin. As Christians we are invited to spend forty days in spiritual preparation for Easter. We are invited to examine our worship and prayer lives. We are invited to look seriously at what self-denial
(Continued on page 19)
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1 Chop Pletcher
Kara Reed Michelle Henry
Jim Walter
2 Sydney Henry
Hunter Berkey
3 Serena Lade
4 Brooke Dankenbring
5 Michael Henry
8 Tim Pletcher
Lloyd Struckoff, Jr.
9 Brandon Pletcher
Tristan Pritts
10 Jenna Miller
11 Matt Pletcher Beth Pletcher
Brooke Bigler
14 Jill Heiple
17 Meritt Dankenbring
21 Bryce Henry
Ameilia Kellman
23 Mindy Singo
John King
24 Charlotte Pletcher
25 Harold Pritts
Perry King
26 Connie Pletcher
Tom Pritts
27 Owen Maurer
Kenzie Shroyer
28 Jeremy Singo
29 Ron Blough
31 Blaine Walter
7 Brandon & Kara Reed
31 Rex & Liisa Temple
Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 a.m. Please remember to SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD one hour. Otherwise, you will miss worship and we will
miss YOU!
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and sacrifice means to us. It is a time to be in the scriptures, to study and examine the journey to Jerusalem, to look at what Christ endured, the treatment, the agony and the abuse because of
our sin.
We are invited to reflect on what being a Christian means. Is it a title or is it something we wear on a tee shirt? Is it a generic term for church-goers or is it a
life we are called to live?
The forty days of Lent are like the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness in spiritual preparation, tempted by Satan yet staying the course and choosing God’s will...the way of the cross. This season as we look to the cross, may our spiritual eyes see the reason for the cross. May we know that it was because of love that the cross was necessary. It was because of the love of God, and it was because of the holiness of God. Payment for sin was required and Jesus was willing to pay for
our sin through that love.
Lent is a journey that we need to take again and again. We need to continually look at where we are and where we want to be. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). We have to remember that the broad road is so easy to get our attention and take us away from the true purpose
of our journey. We need to be constantly focused on the narrow gate.
Faith and our walk with Christ is something serious and holy. Something we need to constantly examine in His light and the light of His teachings. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). As we look at the cross this Lenten season, let us be
serious about our walk with Christ. There is a cross for each follower.
May God richly bless you.
See you in Church!
Pastor Denton
“For what will a man give
in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:37
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Our Country/Leaders Bishop Cynthia Moore-KoiKoi Supt. Rev. Bob & Amy Zilhaver Pastor Denton Ethan, Forrest & Barb Stark Roger Hart Evelyn King Skip Temple Shirley Walter John Stevanus Darlene Stevanus Denise Phillippi Gail Minerd Allen & Marijke Tubbs Lorraine Kruse Gabe Ohler Mary Ann Leazier Todd & Amy Euen Unrest in the nation Persecuted Christians Police officers First responders Carrie Beth King Bill & Connie Hearn Richard Dierling Diane Smith Leon & Cook Ohler Tricia Martin Jenny & Jim Kauffman Harold & Patti Pritts Chase Kemp (& family) Carol Hoffman Government leaders Arlene Singo Harry & Mary Ellen Hoover
Jeanette Tubbs Brad Pletcher Loretta Sechler General Conference/delegates Ralph & Chop Pletcher Mark Stevanus Allison Schmuck Randy Klein Janie Cramer Maxine Augustine Thea Ledford Naomi Schrock Jim Brocht Coughs, colds and flu victims Sally Maranowski Unspoken Rose Owens Tori Rush Dave Henry Flint Breegle Christy Hay Emily Singo Marty Kammerer Natalie Petenbrink Betty Bruner family Mrs. Steve Barrett Bill Stevens Jamie Singo Tracy Pritts Stephanie Gephart Wayne Barron Michael Smay family Rick Hart Ron Bruner Connie Peck Larry (Beanie) Pletcher Jimmy Ringler Travel Barbara Shaffer Melissa Jenkins Dawn Pletcher
Leanne Temple & Baby A day of mourning Kelly Gary Sonja Rogers Alan & Candee Jackson
OUR MILITARY Charles Trimpey Clyde Pletcher, Jr. Mike Shultz Denton Lester, Jr. Stephen Bigler Jake Johnson Jamie Miller David Rogers Melissa Bailey Richard King David Stark Randi Thomas Joe Gusbar Brad Barta Max Strassiser Kurt May Christopher Sterner John Benford Aaron Engleka Ryan Fuller Spencer Cross
Families of fallen soldiers
“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and
seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will
forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” -2 Chronicles 7:14
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Serving this month ACOLYTES Tristan Pritts & Maxx Stevanus
GREETERS OFFERING TEAM March 3 Leon & Cook Ohler Randy & Michele Klein, Jessica, Madyson & Owen Maurer March 10 Delbert & Tammy Delbert & Tammy Lechliter Lechliter Max Sechler & Paige Smith March 17 Jamie & Mindy Singo Jamie & Mindy Singo, Maxine Augustine & Luella Pletcher March 24 Our Youth Our Youth March 31 Steve Pletcher family Steve Pletcher family
March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31
March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31
If you are unable to acolyte, greet or usher on your Sunday,
please find a replacement. Thank you.
Angie Millin Gary Weimer Karen Ohler
Mark Millin
Cathie Lester
Linda Henry Connie Pletcher Sandy Stevanus
Dave Henry
Rene Temple
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON
Exodus 34:19-35 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Isaiah 55:1-9
Joshua 5:9-12
2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2 Romans 10:1-10 Philippians 3:8b-13 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON
LOOKING FOR AWESOME, ENERGETIC, SPIRIT-FILLED persons to take part in Sunday services. We need greeters and ushers to fill a Sunday. A reminder that one of your membership promises is SERVICE. In case you’re wondering, other promises with membership are PRAYERS, PRESENCE, GIFTS and WITNESS. Challenged yet? Sign-up sheets are
on the bulletin board.
If you are unable to read on your Sunday,
please find a replacement. Thank you.
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UPCOMING EVENTS for youth in March Friday March 1st: Movie: Facing the Giants Sunday March 3rd: Meeting 6-8 Sunday March 10th: Meeting 6-8 Friday March 15th: Movie: Risen Sunday March 17th: Meeting 6-8 Saturday March 23rd: Toby Mac's Hits Deep Tour Sunday March 24th: Meeting Sunday March 31st: Meeting The fundraiser this month will be Koval's Subs: more details to follow. Also, the youth will be selling some T-shirts, water bottles, lanyards, stickers and hoodies to help pay for their new t-shirts. Jenna and Courtney designed them with
some oversight and really did a great job. An order form available soon.
During Sunday dinner, a mother asked her son what he’d learned in Sunday school that day. “Well,” he said, “Our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements.
They sent bombers to blow up the bridge, and all the Israelites were saved.” “Now, is that really what your teacher said?” the boy’s mother asked. “Well, no,” he admitted. “But if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!”
A service of ashes and repentance will be held on (Ash) Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is
invited and encouraged to attend.
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CONGRATULATIONS to Paige Smith and Max Sechler on their recent engagement. Max surprised Paige at a holiday party recently with family members looking on. Paige is the daughter of Craig & Kim Smith and Tammy & Delbert Lechliter. Max is the son of Scott & Karyn Sechler. A September 21, 2019 wedding
is planned
Congratulations to Denton & Nicki Lester on the birth of a daughter, Meghan Renea. She was born January 29, 2019 at 4:23 p.m. at Baylor, Scott & White Hospital in Frisco, TX. She weighed 6 lbs 9 oz and was 20 inches long. Meghan is little sister to Jocelyn (9), and Claire and Garrett (7). Meghan’s maternal grandmother is Brenda Wirfel of Greensburg and paternal grandparents Pastor Denton & Cathie. Meghan is the 15th
grandchild for Pastor & Cathie.
Tracy Pritts was recognized on a recent Sunday for her wo r k a n d d e v o t i o n organizing our newest Church Directory. Pastor Denton presented her with a beautiful wind chime gift as a thank you. Again, Tracy, thank you for your talent
and time.
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Answer: A (See Exodus 2:10.) Vacation Bible School plays a very important part in a child’s summer life. To many children this is the only week they have an opportunity to
learn about the love and life of Jesus and to claim him as Savior. Wesley Chapel is in need of someone who would be willing to organize Vacation Bible School for this summer. Would you please prayerfully consider this awesome opportunity to serve. There are a lot of children who are depending on YOU to say yes! Please let
Pastor Denton know.
Bible Quiz
Moses was a prophet and lawgiver for God’s chosen people, the Israelites. What does the name Moses mean in Hebrew? A. “Out of the water” B. “Giver of the Law” C. “Prophet” D. “God is good”
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Our food pantry items for March are Windex, all purpose cleaners & paper towels. You may bring your donations to the church during the month of March. We are currently supplying the Rockwood Area Food Pantry located at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in
Rockwood. Hours for distribution are 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. the 2nd and 4th
Wednesdays of the month. Thank you.
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Thank you to everyone who supported the Baby Shower for Birthright of Somerset. Two pack ’n plays were set up and filled with a large variety of items including several handmade blankets. Thank you for your love and
generosity. -Pam Weimer
Thank you to everyone who worked so tirelessly toward the Wild Game Dinner which was held this past weekend.
Watch for photos in next month’s Chapel Messenger.
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NO MORE STING One spring day, a father and son were driving when a bee flew in the window and buzzed around. Because the boy was deathly allergic to bee stings, he panicked. But the calm father reached out and caught the bee in his hand, holding it tightly. After a few moments, the dad reached over, opened his
hand and showed his son the stinger, stuck in his palm. “It’s okay,” the father said. “I took the sting, so the bee can’t hurt you.” Likewise, people who know Jesus as their victorious Savior no longer need to fear the sting of death. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, ESV).
A CHURCHLESS CHRISTIAN In response to the question, “Can I be a Christian without joining the church?” someone once said it’s as possible as being:
A student who will not go to school.
A soldier who will not join an army.
A citizen who does not pay taxes or vote.
A salesman with no customers.
An explorer with no base camp.
A seaman on a ship without a crew.
A businessman on a deserted island.
An author without readers.
A tuba player without an orchestra.
A parent without a family.
A football player without a team.
A politician who is a hermit.
A scientist who does not share his findings.
A bee without a hive.
—Author unknown
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CHURCH WORKDAY is scheduled for
SATURDAY, APRIL 7,
beginning around 8 a.m.
We need volunteers who are willing to give time and interest in giving their church a fresh spring cleaning. Workers for outdoor jobs, landscaping as well as housekeeping chores inside are needed. Please consider giving any amount of
time to help. Lunch will be provided.
DID YOU KNOW??? You can now have a color version of the Chapel Messenger emailed to you in a PDF format! It can then be saved to your phone. This is a great opportunity to have the newsletter on your phone for reference when you don't have access to the hard copy. Please email [email protected] with your
request. Thank you.
To the beautiful people of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church,
Thank you for the beautiful and yummy Christmas gift, also the gift card at Christmas. Our family is very thankful and feel the love and blessings! Also thank you Pam, for your
sweet, sweet care during our family’s situation.
God bless you all,
Love, Clarence Trout, Paula & family
For your information:
Wesley Chapel family and friends participated in the Over-seas Coupon Program. The total amount for the coupon
collection from the last two-year period is as follows.
Non-food - $93,602.10
Food - $17,286.87
Thank you for everyone’s support in this outreach program
and to Pam Weimer who organized it all.
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I am Ulrike Kleuker, but just call me Riki. I am 17 years old and made the long way from Northern Germany to wonderful Pennsylvania. I don’t have any siblings or pets, but I grew up with two of my cousins that live also
in my little village.
My family back in Germany is a farmer’s family, which
would enjoy the Jubilee festival a lot.
But why did I decide to do a half year in the United States? First of all, I really wanted to have some new experiences, improve my English and get to know new people. But I also want to grow as a person and learn
something for life.
Thank you for welcoming me so friendly and open-
minded. -Riki
Please welcome to Wesley Chapel Serena & Riki ! These young ladies, PAX exchange students, are being hosted by Charlie & Martha Mitchell and are attending Rockwood Area High School through the end of the 2018-2019 school
year. Following is a little about them.
My name is Serena Michelle Lade from Malaysia. I am 17 years old but will turn 18 on March 3. I am the youngest in my family. I have two older sisters currently
pursuing their tertiary educations.
My oldest sister is studying geology at the University of Washington and my other sister is studying resource chemistry at a Malaysian
university. I aspire to be a nuclear engineer.
I love to read and sing in my free time.
One fun fact about me is that I am ambidextrous which means I can use both my left and right hand equally
well. -Serena
To all of you who submitted a devotion for our Lenten Devotional, you are truly appreciated. Thanks especially to the youth members who wrote or submitted one of the daily readings. It is so awesome to have a compilation of Wesley Chapel family and friends submissions to inspire and encourage us through the Lenten
season.
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The Youth did a great job recently preparing and serving a delicious spaghetti dinner with rolls, salad and yummy desserts. Special touches such as soft lighting and decorated tables added to the evening atmosphere. Over one hundred were served. Riki & Serena brought desserts that are served in Germany and Malaysia along with cup-cakes, cakes and pies. Thanks to everyone who supported this event by eating in or taking out and to the parents for their support and to the youth. Special thanks to Tyler Pritts, Jamie &
Mindy Singo and the parents who helped.
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DO YOU WANT TO FAST THIS LENT? In the words of Pope Francis
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Meet our newest acolyte Gracie Sechler! Gracie turned six a few days before her first time at lighting the candles for worship. She almost counted the days until she could do this. She is assisted by her cousin Faith Millin. God bless
them both.
You are invited to join us for Sunday school following worship service. Wesley Chapel has nine classes from infants to senior adults. Our Sunday school teachers are the best! Come and see for
yourselves. We welcome you!
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
*Tom, Lacey, Olivia &
Troy Pritts
2
*Tom & Vickey Pritts
3
* the United Methodist Church
4
*Tyler, Tara, Tristan, Shane, Aaron & Hayden
Pritts
5
*Shawn, Jen, Brittney &
Matthew Roberts
6 * David, Sonja, Ciara &
Marcus Rogers
7
* Andy, Kristen, Steven &
Adam Sanner
8
* Pete, Kizzie, Maddox,
Paelyn & Canaan Sanner
9
* Cathy Schmuck
10
* end to abortion
11
* Megan Schmuck
12
* Ron Schmuck
13
* Ron, Marsha, Brandon, Caitlyn & Isabelle
Schmuck
14
* Ryan Schmuck
15
* Terry & Kathi Schmuck
16
* Dan, Lindsay, Kenzie,
Sophia & Bennett Shroyer
17
* our President
18
* Brandon, Ashley,
Ameilia & Ada Sechler
19
* Eldon & Loretta Sechler
20
* Mark & Sandy Sechler
21
* Ryan, Michelle, Joe &
Gracie Sechler
22
* Shaun, Lori, Carter &
Reese Shaulis
23
* Larry, Maxine & Barry
Shelley
24
* church leaders
25
* Dale, Jill & Hunter Shultz
26
* Michael, Kenisha, Rayne, Aguilar & Brayden
Shultz
27
* Arlene Singo
28
* Jamie & Mindy Singo
29
* Rob, Christine, Emily &
Jeremy Singo
30
* Tom & Lorie Skelton
31
* pastors
MARCH 2018
HOLY COMMUNION Conference & Wesley
Missions
Agape 6:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
Agape 6:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
Pastor & Cathie on vacation
Agape 6:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship service 7:30 p.m.
FIRST DAY OF SPRING Building & Special Maintenance
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Agape 6:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
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8:00 a.m.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
*Tom, Lacey, Olivia &
Troy Pritts
2
*Tom & Vickey Pritts
3
* the United Methodist Church
4
*Tyler, Tara, Tristan, Shane, Aaron & Hayden
Pritts
5
*Shawn, Jen, Brittney &
Matthew Roberts
6 * David, Sonja, Ciara &
Marcus Rogers
7
* Andy, Kristen, Steven &
Adam Sanner
8
* Pete, Kizzie, Maddox,
Paelyn & Canaan Sanner
9
* Cathy Schmuck
10
* end to abortion
11
* Megan Schmuck
12
* Ron Schmuck
13
* Ron, Marsha, Brandon, Caitlyn & Isabelle
Schmuck
14
* Ryan Schmuck
15
* Terry & Kathi Schmuck
16
* Dan, Lindsay, Kenzie,
Sophia & Bennett Shroyer
17
* our President
18
* Brandon, Ashley,
Ameilia & Ada Sechler
19
* Eldon & Loretta Sechler
20
* Mark & Sandy Sechler
21
* Ryan, Michelle, Joe &
Gracie Sechler
22
* Shaun, Lori, Carter &
Reese Shaulis
23
* Larry, Maxine & Barry
Shelley
24
* church leaders
25
* Dale, Jill & Hunter Shultz
26
* Michael, Kenisha, Rayne, Aguilar & Brayden
Shultz
27
* Arlene Singo
28
* Jamie & Mindy Singo
29
* Rob, Christine, Emily &
Jeremy Singo
30
* Tom & Lorie Skelton
31
* pastors
MARCH 2018
You are encouraged to remove this center page calendar and place it on your refrigerator for the month for reference.
*Denotes daily prayer focus.
8:00 a.m.
Agape 6:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
Agape 6:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
Agape 6:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship service 7:30 p.m.
FIRST DAY OF SPRING NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Agape 6:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
MOVIE NIGHT
Facing the
Giants 7:00 p.m.
MOVIE NIGHT
Risen 7:00 p.m.