pastor’s message - grove united methodist church...so come join the fun, enhance your resume with...

February 2016

Don’t Forget About our Website (1) www.grovechurch.org

The Grove Newsletter

Pastor’s Message

“ "O come, let us

worship and bow

down, let us kneel

before the Lord, our

Maker!"

Psalm 95:6

This past summer, our

Trustees completed

work at the parsonage in order to receive the

occupancy permit we needed to use the building as

our new office. One of the projects was laying a new

front walkway that was handicapped accessible. The

workers began by digging up the old walkway. Then

wooden frames were set up in the shape desired for

the new walkway. When the frame was complete, the

cement was poured into the frames. The liquid

cement poured out of the truck like cream of wheat -

soft, pliable and spreading to fill whatever form it

was poured into. The cement set overnight, and by

the next morning, it was hardened into the desired

form. But if the frame had been removed before the

cement was set, the mixture might have just spread

out across the lawn, or, if it had begun to set, been

squished under foot. The frame held the cement in

shape and gave it the time needed to develop firmness

and retain its shape.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10th, this

year. The season invites us to renew our faith

commitment to God and to engage in the regular

observance of spiritual disciplines as habits of faith.

On Ash Wednesday, we make our confession to God,

digging up old, unhealthy habits. Then over the six

weeks of the Lenten season, we have the opportunity

to build new frames for our faith life, fill them and

allow new practices to become habits that will shape

our lives. Are you an irregular worship attender?

Page 2 —Mardi Gras Celebration

Page 4 — Registration for GriefShare

Page 9 — Youth Choir Auction

...and much more

In This Issue...

Why not make a commitment to attend Sunday

worship on a weekly basis? Already doing that?

Why not add the mid-week services featuring past

Grove pastors? Consider adding regular reading of

scripture, Christian education or daily prayer. Or

perhaps you might decide to tithe for the six weeks

of Lent.

Experts suggest that it takes three weeks to establish

something as a habit. The six weeks of Lent offer us

twice that, enough time to try one or more

disciplines, make a commitment to practice it and

truly experience how life can be enhanced. Habits,

once incorporated into our life, shape who we are.

One author wrote, "First you make your habits, then

your habits make you." Let this Lent be a time to

develop new habits, disciplines of faith, and be

shaped by your relationship with God. Become who

God intended you to be. Praying that we can all

observe a holy and life-shaping Lent.

Pastor Bron

February 2016




Grove United Methodist Upcoming Events

Lenten Mid-Week Worship

Welcomes Former Pastors

Boy Scout Sunday

Lent Begins with Ash

Wendesday Lent Offering for Our

Missionary

Mardi Gras Celebration

On Wednesday evening, February 10, the Grove con-

gregation is invited to gather for worship as we begin

our Lenten journey with the traditional observance of

Ash Wednesday at 7:30 pm. The service includes a

time of confession, the imposition of ashes on the

forehead or hand as a sign of our repentance, and the

sacrament of holy communion to gain strength for the

journey ahead.

The ashes have traditionally been seen as a sign of re-

pentance. In biblical times, that repentance was ac-

companied by wearing clothing made of sackcloth and

pouring ashes on one's head. The ashes remind us that

God created humankind from the dust of the earth, and

we will return to dust alone without the saving grace

we receive in Jesus Christ.

Once again this year, we will invite the congregation

to support our missionary, Alison Gilmore, by set-

ting aside a quarter a day as a simple Lenten disci-

pline. Coin cards will be available on Sunday morn-

ings beginning February 7th. Each card has space

for 40 quarters, one for each day of Lent. For those

who prefer, there is a slot into which a check or bill

can be inserted. Cards can be returned following

Easter. All monies raised through the Lenten offer-

ing will be designated to support Alison and her hus-

band in their work in Belfast, North Ireland.

Sunday, February 14 will be Boy

Scout Sunday at Grove Church. All

members of the Boy Scouts and Cub

Scouts, both youth and adult, are in-

vited to wear their uniforms to church.

We welcome scouts from all troops,

but will especially celebrate Troop 55,

sponsored by Grove Church. The ministry of Scout-

ing, both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, exposes young

people to important values including reverence for

God, concern for our neighbor and care for the earth.

We are privileged to be able to support young men

and women in their scouting careers. Watch the

March newsletter for information about Girl Scout

Sunday.

Saturday night, February 6th, at 7 pm, Grove mem-

bers will gather to dance, eat and celebrate Mardi

Gras before the start of the Lenten season. Our own

Pieces of One will offer music from the '60's and

beyond, and we'll also enjoy some karaoke and

dancing to our own DJ, Bert Dougherty-Bellano,

member of Pieces of One. Don't forget to wear the

traditional green, purple and gold of Mardi Gras.

Bring a dessert or appetizer to share, and come

ready to kick up your heels! This will be the 4th

year of Mardi Gras celebration for Grove. Don't

miss the opportunity to shake the winter blahs.

Following the Ash Wednesday worship, Grove will

offer a Wednesday night weekly Lenten worship

service featuring former Grove pastors preaching on

favorite psalms. Revs. Jack Wright, Dick Sarley and

Barbara Housley have all accepted the invitation to

return to preach. There will be a simple time of re-

freshment following the services to allow members

the opportunity to greet the pastors. Come welcome

back your favorite former pastors and commit to a

Lenten discipline of mid-week worship and prayer.

February 2016



Estate Planning & Legacies

Workshop at Grove

Chocolate Covered Oreo and Truffle Making

for Stop Hunger Now Fundraising

You’re invited to attend a free, educational one-hour

workshop “Your Legacy – Family, Church, Charity”

at Grove on Sunday 1/31/16 at 4:00pm on how to be

wise with money and live generously. Are there

people or causes you care about? Learn how to

enrich their futures by estate & giving strategies, and

ensure your legacy lives on. Leading the workshop

will be Thrivent Financial Representatives Megan

Tebay and Robert Morse. Advance registration not

necessary. So we can gauge attendance, if time

permits, please contact the Grove office if you plan to

attend or have further questions.

It is time to mark your calendars to help with making the chocolate covered Oreos for Valentine's Day and for

the truffles for Easter. Many of you have great experience in doing this in years past (your resumes must look

so great!), but we always welcome new hands to join in this mission.

Stop Hunger Now is an organization that partners with local churches to package and ship meals to feed

people in need worldwide. There is fundraising involved, each meal costs 29 cents. Each year we try to

increase our effort by 10%, , this year our goal is 27,500 meals = $7,975 to be raised.

Last year, in 5 hours, we prepared 2000 chocolate covered Oreos with our team of 13. And packaged them

the following week so they would be available to sell the two Sundays before Valentine's Day (this year -

1/31/16 and 2/7/16, if there are any left, 2/14/16).

So come join the fun, enhance your resume with roles including dipping, sprinkling, packaging, ribbon bow

tying, box folders. There are so many "opportunities" for skill development and great fellowship.

We will be making the Oreos on 1/23/16 and 1/30/16 starting at 9am. The truffle making is will be on 3/5/16

and 3/12/16 at 9am.

The Stop Hunger Now event at Grove is on Sunday 5/15/16. Mark your calendars to join us in the preparation

and the actual event where over 25,000 meals will be packaged! It is a great evening, music, all ages

welcome, maybe a conga line, but working together to help feed the world! Thank you for your support!

KICS movie night at Grove for all fourth and fifth

graders will be held on Friday evening, February

26. A detailed email invitation will be sent to

students when the date gets closer.

KICS Movie Night

Communion Workshop

A Communion Workshop for parents and children

will be offered (with dinner!) on Sunday, February

28th from 4:00-6:00. Watch the bulletin as the date

gets closer for more details.

February 2016



Many Ministries at Grove

We are blessed at Grove to have such an active, committed congregation. So much is done that could go

unnoticed, so this is a “Name-Dropping” column for the Program Team, to celebrate the many individuals in

our congregation who are in active ministry. We know we will never manage to acknowledge everyone, but

this is a start. If you have ideas for entries in the column in future months, email [email protected]

Bill Seybold works with low-income families through the Lord's Pantry in Downingtown, and delivers food to

needy individuals through Grove's Food Basket Program.

Jon Baker put up the Griefshare banner

Phil and Ginny Mayer provided the refreshments at the Quiet Christmas service

UMW organized several funeral luncheons in the last month - Ruth Ann Hebble, Faith Sipe, Linda Seybold

and Syd Raihall are the organizers and many people provided help in the kitchen and donated baked goods.

Shawn Bergman and family along with John Barcalow, Lori Plunkett and Bob Moore put up the wreaths and

sanctuary candles for Christmas.

Jim and Mary Barcio and Bob Moore cleaned up the Sanctuary after the Christmas services, removed dripped

wax from seat cushions and rug, and put sanctuary wreaths and candles away.

Jim Barcio, Sue Kirkpatrick and Bob Moore met with the restoration Architect to begin the Old Office

evaluation.

Becky Aaker put up decorations in Asbury Hall for the Arise Service, and put away the Christmas decorations.

Cindy George and her son Alex put away the Nativity scene that was on the front lawn of the church.

The Sunday School families donated hats, scarves, mittens, PJs for the Friends Association for the Care and

Protection of Children.

Laura Luther designed the Advent banner on the website and Facebook, and the Advent activities calendar.

Many thanks to Kimi Jo Bergman and her boys for delivering all the donated hats, scarves, mittens and PJs

from our Giving Tree to the Association for the Care and Protection of Children!

Morgan Gallagher, Erika Scheffler and Elaine Vincent generously donated their time on Christmas Eve to

watch our little ones in the nursery. Many thanks!

Bob Rubin compiled pages and pages of budget builders and put together Grove’s 2016 budget.

mailto:[email protected]

February 2016



It hurts to lose someone…find help at GriefShare. If you or someone you know

has lost a loved one to death please come to GriefShare. Church members and

the community at large are invited to participate in GriefShare, an educational

support group for those who have lost a loved one due to death. Participants will

find encouragement and practical help as we consider the following topics: Is

This Normal?, Challenges of Grief, The Journey of Grief – Part 1, The Journey of Grief – Part 2, Grief &

Your Relationships, Why?, Guilt & Anger, Complicating Factors, Stuck, Lessons of Grief – Part 1, Lessons

of Grief – Part 2, Heaven, and What Do I Live For Now?

The next GriefShare Group will begin on March 2 and conclude on June 1. The 13 sessions are on

Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We will not meet on March 23. Free child care is provided. Registration is

requested. The $25 fee covers the book and materials. Scholarships are available.

Register at the Sign Up Center in the Welcome Area. Contact Pastor Lin George,

[email protected] or 610.350.9372.

Special Invitation from UMW to ALL Grove

Members and Friends

Registration is Open for GriefShare

Many of us have heard Jesus' words in Matthew 25:36, "...I was in prison and you came to visit me," and

cringed. As people of faith, we want to be open to whatever God calls us to do, but SOME things (like

walking into a prison and visiting a "scary" stranger) just seem beyond our ability. If that sounds like you,

please join us in Fellowship Hall on Monday, February 15th at 7pm.

Our Deacon Intern at Grove, Marilyn Schneider will provide an educational overview of the very broad and

rewarding field of prison ministry, and describe lots of ways people can get involved- many of which do not

entail walking into a prison. We witnessed two of these important ways played out during the Christmas

season when many Grove members offered messages of love to prison staff members and inmates. And, in

November, Grove's women cut out patterns for pillows to be constructed later by inmates and the Bishop's

appointment Cabinet, the Conference Lay Leader and several Conference Directors as gifts for Pocopson

residents. As Marilyn shared with us, the Southeast Conference slogan has been "everybody can do

something."

ALL members of Grove and friends (men, women and youth) are invited to join us for refreshments and to

hear Marilyn's empowering message. Although this is hosted by United Methodist Women, we would love to

see lots of non-members for this evening event. If baby-sitting is required, please notify the church office a

week in advance so that we can schedule sitters.

Save the Date - Saturday Feb 6th, 8AM - noon, an all-church event that includes personal enrichment

opportunities as well as conversations about Grove and our future plans. Childcare provided for those who

request it before January 31st. Sign up at the counter by the elevator. This event is sponsored by the Steering

Team - questions can be directed to [email protected]

All Church Enrichment and Planning Retreat


tel:610.350.9372


February 2016



Church & Society

Zechariah speaks: By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light

to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1: 78, 79

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

December 18, 2015—United Methodists in Austria and Germany have responded to the arrival of refugees

and asylum-seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, North Africa, and elsewhere. They have provided an array of

services, from shelter, food, and counsel, to German-language classes and bicycle repair, as local

communities and migrants live into a new reality together. Ecumenical and interreligious cooperation in

many cases has been key to their efforts and to assuring newcomers that they are welcome. In the small

village of St. Georgen, population 13,600, in Germany’s Black Forest, an interreligious prayer service this

fall celebrated the 130 refugees who had been settled there as they await the outcome of their asylum

petitions. The refugees hail from Syria, Sri Lanka—including 70 Tamil persons—and elsewhere. “We had an

evening of religions, which we called ‘Building a Bridge,’” said the Rev. Tobias Beisswenger, the local

United Methodist pastor. “An imam, a Hindu woman, a Lutheran pastor, and I all spoke from our particular

religious backgrounds. The migrants prepared a meal that we all shared.” Gabi Eimer is a member of

Beisswenger’s parish. She and her husband are volunteer “godparents” for two Syrian families in St.

Georgen. “I teach them German and go with them to buy furniture and to look for clothing. If they receive a

letter, I explain it to them, and I explain the German context,” she said. “The relationship is close and very

good,” she continued. “I talk about my faith, and they talk about theirs. It’s very good to know other cultures,

how they live and think. I feel rich if I am learning something, and I am happy to be with them.”

Circle of Giving In February, we suggest that you consider donating canned vegetables. You may place your contributions

in the beautiful wooden box inside the church entrance on Sunday or anytime that you happen to be at the

church. All contributions are delivered to the West Chester Food Cupboard each week where they help to

meet the ever increasing need. After a recent delivery of 173.5 pounds of food the Cupboard sent a letter

thanking Grove for „believing as we do that no one sould go hungry!“ Your contributions mean so much to

those who have so little.

Paper For People On Sunday, February 7th, we will be accepting your donations of a variety of paper products. Suggested

donations include paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, diapers, napkins, paper cups and plates, etc. Collection

tubs are to be found inside the church entrance on that Sunday. Your contributions will be delivered to

Bridge of Hope, a Christian organization that, over the years, continues to help families to transition from

dependency to self sufficiency. Read about the work of this wonderful group in their newletter found in the

church literature racks.

Life-Changing Experiences

Over the past months we have been solicting stories from the congregation that evidence situations where

followers of Jesus bring about life-changing experiences. Recently, Betty Traver submitted the following

experience:

Grove Church’s Workdays for Good Works mission has been providing volunteer service to Good Works

since 2012. We began by participating on workdays four times a year and have grown to serve every month,

on the second Saturday, to help Good Works repair homes in Chester County. Together we extend the love

of Jesus Christ to low-income homeowners by making their homes warmer, safer, and drier, and here’s a

story about how we are able to change lives in this way.

February 2016



On Christmas Eve 2014, Sadsbury resident, Gene Sabbi lost his home in a devastating fire due to a mishap

with his wood burning stove. The old timber home was engulfed in flames within 45 minutes. Sabbi received

second-degree burns on his hands and arms and spent several days, including Christmas Day in the hospital.

After his release, Gene returned to his home to find a pile of burnt rubble.

Good Works Inc. had done work on Sabbi’s home and news of the fire came as a shock to everyone involved.

Taking a leap of faith, Good Works decided to rebuild Gene’s home, a project beyond the scope of any they’d

ever done in their 26 year history. Local businesses rallying to the effort provided materials and services.

Hundreds of volunteers from churches, companies and local service organizations invested thousands of hours

to “Build a new home for Gene”.

After nine months of hard work, Gene’s home was completed, and on Saturday, Nov. 21 volunteers and

friends attended a Home Dedication Ceremony. Good Works Executive Director Bob Beggs described the

transformation of Sabbi’s home as “Beauty for Ashes” citing the Old Testament book of Isaiah. “Gene’s new

home sits atop the hill as a testament to God’s faithfulness.”

We continue to look for stories FROM YOU that record information about actions that have brought about life

-changing experiences. Please send your story Bill Seybold ([email protected]) or place in an envelope

and leave in the Church & Society mailbox in the coatroom.

Stewards of God’s Creation

Last spring, in response to a three-part sermon series centered on eco-justice, two activities came into being: a

community garden was organized and a commitment was made to preserve and enhance God’s creation. The

community garden had a successful beginning; having concluded a series concerned with a conservationist’s

view on the use and misuse of all kinds of paper, some of us are concentrating now on other ways in which we

can improve our environment. We are hoping to enlist people who have ideas to further this end; then

cooperatively we can establish realizable goals and work toward their success. Please call Bill Seybold (610-

696-3699) with your ideas and suggestions. Consult the Sunday Newsletters for updates on activity and

progress in this area. The earth with God’s help needs good stewards!

Salvation Army "Bell Ringing" Now we have the total moneys collected at each of the five locations staffed by Grove members/families on

that relatively mild Saturday, December 5th, 2015:

Sam’s Club.........................$669 K-Mart........................$425

Boscovs..............................$650 Food Court..................$342

Parking Garage Entrance.......$257

Grand Total.......$2,345

Again many thanks to all ringers. Special thanks to Cub Pack 55 and KIC for staffing Sam’s Club all day! The

two Lieutenants, Jesus and Maria, in charge of the Army in West Chester, expressed their thanks to all for their

efforts and wish all a blessed New Year.

Christmas Food Appeal (2015)

Thanks to the generosity of members of our congregation we were able to serve 61 families in various parts of

Chester County. As we have done in the past we were able to provide for 30 families at Cristo Rey UMC in

West Grove, PA. Three men from that church came to Grove with an extended van to do the pick-up. On the

Wednesday before Christmas, case workers from Chester County Family and Youth came to Grove to pick-up


February 2016



and deliver food to 25 clients. The remaining food was either picked-up or delivered to families in our

immediate area.

Each family received four double-bagged sacks of food which contained canned food, fruit and veggies

(lettuce, celery, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, oranges, apples and bananas) and either a turkey

or a 3 lb. canned ham. Assembling the food for delivery is a big task. The following bag-stuffers were up to

the task: Bev Hoehing and husband, Jeff, Cindy George and son, Alex, Sharon Taraschi and daughter, Katie,

Barbara Seiple, Judy Bertram, Syd Raihall, Linda and Bill Seybold; and, Elderberries Charlotte Loughrey, Bob

Miller and Helen Jensen. Bob Moore and his sturdy truck got the canned food to the church from the grocery

store.......thanks, Bob. Nine turkeys and lots of bags were donated. Monetary contributions from the

congregation covered the total expense of $2,200. Does this sound like a team effort? YOU’D BETTER

BELIEVE IT!! THANKS to all those who made Christmas a special time for those in need!

Prevention of Gun Violence

Believing that the prevention of gun violence is a moral issue, what can we do to see that people with a

criminal record and those who have mental instability do not have access to guns? First, keep informed

through studies that have been conducted about this issue. Second, be aware of your elected legislators‘ views

and voting records concerning gun violence. Third, avoid labeling persons/organizations that take a position on

gun violence. A classic example of the third point is the label of „gun control“ that is applied to those who

favor the denying of guns to those cited in the lead sentence in this paragraph. Such a label is used to support

the idea that „they are trying to take your guns away from you.“

You are encouraged to learn more about efforts to combat gun violence by consulting the website of the

Chester County Coalition for the Prevention of Gun Violence: cccpgv.org.

Holiday Gift Program (2015)

Thank you to all the Grove congregation who sponsored a child in the Holiday Gift Program. Through your

generous support we were able to brightened Christmas for almost 100 children. We have received thank you

cards from both Cristo Rey Methodist Church and Chester County Children and Family Services. Their

Christmas was extra special because of you and your generosity.

Thank you, Bev Hoehing and Pam Abate

Grove Workday for Good Works — February 13th

We started off the New Year with a fun and productive workday in January.

We were like a swarm of ants descending on Cheryl’s home that day, with

nine Grove volunteers and Greg’s friend, Sam, plus the Good Works work

crew and technical leaders. Needless to say, we got a lot of repair work

done.

As with any home repair project, however, it usually takes longer to get things done than you

expect and this one’s no exception. We’ll be going back to Cheryl’s home in February to try

and finish up. That’s okay though, because it means we’ll have another day to see Cheryl and

another opportunity to work with Jon, Gary and Jim who have been our work crew leader

and technical advisors for almost a year now.

Yes, it’s always satisfying to make repairs on someone’s home so they’ll be warmer, safer

and drier, but when you also have a chance to build warm relationships, then that’s a precious

gift for all of us. We’ll miss Cheryl after we’ve finished working on her home. She’s been

warm and welcoming and supportive every time we’ve been there, and she’s grateful for the

kindness we’ve shown her as well as for the work that’s been done. She will miss us too.

Jon, Gary and Jim are wonderful team leaders willing to share their skills, knowledge and

February 2016



The Heart of Poverty Course Coming in April

Youth Choir Auction 2016— March 19, 2016

There are a group of teenagers at Grove United Methodist Church, who share their love and faith with others

by singing. They sing every Sunday at the 11:00 Contemporay service. One of the highlights the kids look

forward to every year is the YOUTH CHOIR TOUR which will take place this year June 2016. It is a long

lasting tradition the kids (and chaperones) look forward to each summer.

The main fundraiser for the tour is the Youth Choir Auction. YOU CAN HELP make this a success.

Donations of all kinds are accepted..... Gift cards, Gently used items, the duplicates you may have received at

Christmas, something that may be someone else's treasure...exercise equipment that may be collecting dust,

furniture of all kinds, show tickets, sporting events. The list is endless.

Items can be placed in the coat room in the bin marked YOUTH CHOIR AUCTION. If you have any

questions at all, please contact either Lori Plunkett ([email protected]) or Jen Hardie

([email protected]).

This course helps participants develop a basic understanding of poverty in the U.S. and our county. Over

33,000 people live in poverty in Chester County, but the need is significantly greater than that. During this

course we’ll discuss what poverty is and what causes it, the impact of hopelessness and hope, what the Bible

says about poverty, and attempt to dispel myths about the poor. Elements of the Bible, stories, testimonies,

and personal experiences blend to help people develop a heart for the poor right in our communities.

Jim Ford, founder and Director (retired) of Good Works, Inc. and Roger Wayne, Special Projects Coordina-

tor, of CYWA in Coatesville will present this course. It will be presented in four one-hour classes on April 3,

10, 17, and 24 at 7PM in the Z lounge.

humor to make each workday a fun and satisfying experience. We’ve

had the privilege of working with them on each workday since last

March. With their coaching and encouragement we’ve learned new

skills and gained confidence in our ability to do all kinds of repair

work. We’ll be sad to part with them when our Grove team starts

working independently as a Good Works Partner Church in just a

couple of months.

Please mark your calendars for our next workday on Saturday,

February 13. You can join us by contacting Betty at

[email protected]. We’re always happy to welcome new

volunteers to Grove’s home-repair ministry. No special skills are

required and all adults and high school-age students are welcome.




February 2016



Applying Bible Principles

Sunday Morning Adult Forum

The Adult Forum resumes in February. This Sunday morning gathering is always open to anyone

that wishes to drop in, whether for a single session or for a set of topics. We meet in Z Lounge from 11 to 12

Sunday mornings, with coffee/tea and casual conversation available from 10:40 on.

Our first two sessions (February 7 and 14)will be continuations of a series on "Biblical, Cultural,

Philosophical, and Literary Origins of the Concept of Evil," prepared by attorney Sam Stretton. All Grove

folks are invited to come for one or both of those, even if you weren't in the earlier sessions. They are

informed and provocative.

Later in February (21 and 28) we will resume examining a variety of contemporary subjects under the

overall topic of "Justices and Judgment." Initially Karen Porter, a local and international attorney that has

visited with us often, will give us an overview of the U.S. Court Systems and the Common-Law Legal

System. This will complement our topics of the fall that informed us of several aspects of the Pennsylvania

system.

In later months we will tackle a variety of focused justice topics, including the Methodist Judicial

System, Prisons and Prison Justice, and Domestic Violence. We'll also have a visit from state Senator Andy

Dinniman who will share justice matters that have come before the state legislature recently. Watch for

detail.

And, if you have a topic to offer or a person to suggest be in touch with either of the Forum

coordinators: Susan Parno ([email protected], 610-363-6897) and Arlene Rengert

([email protected], 610-696-2282).

“Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept

their lot and find enjoyment in their toil — this is the gift of God” (Eccl. 5:19).

Don’t you just love gifts? There is great satisfaction both in getting gifts and in giving them. Since we

are created in the image of God, it stands to reason that He also must take great delight in giving and receiving

gifts.

All that we have comes from His hand, but in particular, Solomon indicated that money and riches and

the ability to enjoy them are gifts from God. In other words, God gives us that which is rightfully His, and then

He allows us the enjoyment of wealth and money. As we enjoy what He has entrusted to us, no doubt He takes

great pleasure in our enjoyment if our actions are in conformity to His Word and His will.

How can we be sure that our enjoyment of money and wealth is according to God’s plan? The Bible

contains a great deal of specific instruction as to how we are to use money, but this guiding principle is to mo-

tivate our entire lives, including the use and enjoyment of wealth: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever

you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

There’s nothing wrong with money. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the things that money can

buy. Solomon was correct when he said that both are gifts from God. The key is to use money in such a way

that our enjoyment will bring glory to God. One of the primary ways to do that is to give to the Lord and His

work here at Grove United Methodist Church.

During the past few months, have you kept God’s glory as the number one priority in your use of

money? Or have other things taken the place of your giving to God?


tel:610-363-6897


tel:610-696-2282

February 2016



2016 Youth Choir Auction

2016 Operation Christmas Child

Grove 2015 Shoeboxes were sent to the Dominican Republic

6 or 6 ½ Quart Plastic Totes can be donated throughout the year

Place donations in the Operation Christmas Child bin on the floor in the coatroom.

Anyone interested in helping with Operation Christmas Child during 2016, the first

meeting will be scheduled in March. Just ideas and brain storming until Nov. Pack-

ing party is already scheduled for November 2016!

Questions, contact Denny Scheffler at [email protected] or 610-458-0421

January February March

Full Size Bars of Soap Hair Accessories Tooth Brushes

Washcloths Hair Brushes Toothpaste

Plastic Travel Soap Dishes Combs

Bandanas

Mark your calendars for March 19, 2016 !!! Don't miss this year's YOUTH CHOIR AUCTION.

The Youth Choir is heading West this year. Come out and support the youth in their primary fundraiser. The

kids (and chaperons) look forward all year to mid June when they load the bus and make memories, share

God's word, connect with other churches, youth, adults and seniors. Countless lives are enriched and touched

because of this annual event.

We are currently accepting donations of all kinds for the live auction and the silent auction. Do you have a

vacation home or timeshare that could be donated for a week? Tickets to sporting events are always a popu-

lar item and spur on much competition in the bidding. Gently used furniture or exercise equipment, pictures,

jewerly are others. The list is endless. Consider donating a basket for the silent auction. Gift cards to

WAWA, DunkinDonuts, Starbucks, food stores, Barnes & Noble are very popular as well.

All items can be placed in the coatroom of the church in the bin marked YOUTH AUCTION. For questions

pertaining to baskets specifically, contact Denny Scheffler ([email protected]) while all other questions

should be directed to Jen Hardie ([email protected]) or Lori Plunkett ([email protected]).





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February 2016



2016 Maple Grove Mission Trip Meet and Greet

Last year Grove member Amy Luckowski participated in a medical

mission trip through Solid Rock International. You are invited to the

2016 Maple Grove Mission Trip Meet and Greet on February 21,

2016 beginning at 3pm at Grove Methodist Church. Come enjoy

snacks and fellowship while learning about our next mission trip to

San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic from September 24-

Oct. 1, 2016 with Solid Rock International.

Come hear stories and see pictures of past trips to San Juan while

learning what is planned for this year. We are looking for medical team, construction team, and surgical team

members What role would you like to do? We are looking forward to what God has planned for this trip.

Please RSVP by February 17th. Any questions or to RSVP contact Cathy Case at [email protected] or by

phone 484-678-4384.

Parishioners with Vision Loss

Over 10% of all Americans especially the elderly, have a significant vision loss. We wrote this article be-

cause Mark is blind and we wanted to share some suggestions for church services.

Conversation-address the person by name or touch them on the sleeve to get their attention. In a noisy

environment it is difficult to know who is talking to whom. Always introduce yourself; it is difficult to

recognize people by just their voices. Let the person know when you are leaving too. Don’t worry about

what you say- the person could have “seen” that movie or game.

Meet and greets- say out loud the person’s name and say “shake” or take the person’s hand.

White cane- If you see someone with a cane, offer your assistance. They might not need it but asking is

always appreciated.

Sighted guide – the visually impaired person puts their hand on the back of the person’s arm just above

the elbow and walks a step behind so they can sense where to go.

Service dogs- it is the law that service dogs are permitted in any public place. Even though they are cute-

do not touch them at all. If the harness is on –they are working and cannot be distracted.

Some adaptations for services-

The minister or leader should always verbally tell everyone to rise and sit down.

Programs and newsletters could be translated into Braille but most people who are recently visually

impaired do not read Braille. They could be recorded and sent to the person’s home.

Communion-either serve the person in the pew or have someone walk them up using the sighted

guide technique and hand them the elements.

We hope this was helpful. We will share some community resources in the next article.

Amy Luckowksi PhD RN and Mark Luckowski BSW


February 2016



Peace Advocacy

Thank You

“Sentencing Reform and the Kingdom of God” by Fred Struckmeyer

Many of us are aware that the United States incarcerates more persons, as well as a higher proportion

of our population, than any nation on earth. At the present time it appears that we may be seeing the start of a

national conversation concerning imprisonment. The harsh sentencing which has been going on since the

early 1980s may be coming to an end. As a Christian, prison volunteer, and person who tries to think for

himself, I want to give a few reasons why I think this a very good idea.

Part of what one discovers by going into prisons and getting to know some of the men spending time

there is that they are often thoughtful, usually sorry for the crimes which put them in prison, and perhaps even

persons of faith. They hope to make a new start when they are released. But society does not make this easy,

inflicting what has been called “invisible punishment” on persons (and their families) even when their time in

prison is up (loss of voting rights and great difficulty in getting a job are only two examples).

One thing Christians need to ask ourselves is why prisoners and their lives matter so little to us. I have

known Christian thinkers such as journalists, who have maintained that convicted criminals are getting what

they deserve (up to and perhaps including the death penalty). Who are we to mitigate their punishment or

shorten their sentences? Isn’t one job of the government to keep us safe and aren’t governments instituted by

God (see St. Paul in Romans 13)? Those convicted of a crime must pay the prescribed legal penalty, whatever

that is.

But legal penalties have not been uniform over time or across the globe. In some countries, e.g.

Norway or Denmark, much lighter sentences prevail. (These countries also have less crime than we do.) How

do we know what someone deserves, anyway (only God knows the heart), and why in fact should our theory of

punishment—which is a philosophical view, not a derivation of scripture or a deduction from church

tradition—be based on desert on the first place? Why not base punishment instead on other grounds, such as

rehabilitation or deterrence.? Why make presumed desert virtually the only grounds for deciding how much

punishment someone is to get?

I realize that I am asking difficult questions and that security may be all we are really interested in. But

it must be obvious that, with well over two million in our prisons, the system in place does not work well. It is

enormously costly and does not seem to make us more safe. And it certainly does not come close to the

attitude towards prisons suggested by scripture. Perhaps it is time to rethink the whole topic.

Dear Dr. Yocum and Congregation,

Thank you for your gift in support of the Southeast District Mission Project to equip and furnish the pediatric

clinic in Mpassa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This gift will enable life for God’s children. Thank you for

transforming lives from West Chester to the Congo.

Together in Ministry,

Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Southeast District Superintendent

Dear Pastor Yocum,

At Safe Harbor, we try to bring a bit of joy into the lives of those who are struggling. Without the generosity of

our donors, like you, this would not be possible. Your parishioners have been such friends to Safe Harbor this

year!

Happy New Year!

Glenn Fricke, Executive Director

Safe Harbor of Chester County

February 2016



Dearest Friends of Grove UMC,

Thank you so much for visits with Sister George and young people and other times also. Now your visit with

the choir topped it all. God Bless you. My favorite saying “I love my Lord Jesus more’n tongue can tell”. In

the previous name of Jesus I feel so humbled. Thank you so much, I love you all. God Bless you all.

Your sister Anne Downing.

To our Grove Family,

We want to thank you for the beautiful poinsettias that Linda and Syd brought to us for Christmas. Also for

your kindness for thinking of us.

Bless you all,

Dave & Nancy McCardell

Dear Grove Church.

Please thank all the folks who helped make the donation nto the work of Thresholds possible. We greatly ap-

preciate contributions like yours -- to help us continue teaching Decision Making to the inmates at Chester

County Prison and clients at the Youth Center.

Regards,

Gerry Stein

Dear Church & Society Committee and the whole Grove congregation:

Thank you so much for your recent donation to Compeer. As a West Chester-based nonprofit, we appreciate

your continuing support for our program that serves men and women living with a mental-health diagno-

sis. Thanks to your generosity, we can match more people in recovery with one-to-one volunteer friends who

brighten their lives and encourage them in striving toward their goals.

In friendship,

Bill Kaiser (Compeer Chester County)

Dear Grove Church.

On behalf of the DVCCC Board of Directors, staff, and the victims of domestic abuse we serve, I take this op-

portunity to express our sincerest appreciation for the generous donation of paper products for our program

participants.

With sincere appreciation,

Dolly Wideman-Scott, CEO

Dear Friends of Grove United Methodist,

Thank you for your recent gift. In this season of hope, joy, presents and families, your gift provides support for

Bridge of Hope families who are struggling with homelessness.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas season,

Katherine Lovell, Development Director

Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties

Dear Friends,

On behalf of The Salvation Army we would like to thank you for your generous gift. Your gift enables us to

become our heavenly Father’s extension to those in need. Our ministry to the community would not be possi-

ble without your support.

Sincerely,

Lieutenants Jesus and Maria Corraliza, Commanding Officer/Pastors

February 2016



Monday, February 1

6:30 Bear Den Meeting

6:30 Wolf Den Meeting

7:00 OA

7:30 CHADD/PADD

Tuesday, February 2

Preschool Conferences

1:15 Library Committee

6:00 Arise Planning

6:30 Pack 55’s Webelos II Den

6:30 Tiger Scouts Meeting

7:00 Pieces of One Rehearsal

7:00 Steering Team

7:30 AA

Wednesday, February 3

9:30 Companions in Christ

1:00 Prayer Shawl

Thursday, February 4

6:15 Bell Choir

6:30 Junior Choir

7:30 Board of Trustees

7:30 Tabernacle Choir

Friday, February 5

Saturday, February 6

8:00 All Church Retreat

7:00 Mardi Gras

Sunday, February 7

10:40 Cherub Choir

11:00 Adult Forum

11:00 Junior Choir

6:00 Youth Dinner

6:30 GYM

Monday, February 8

Newsletter Deadline


10:00 DAR

4:00 Girl Scouts Meeting

6:30 Girl Scouts Turk’s Head

Service Unit Meeting

7:00 OA

Tuesday, February 9


6:00 Arise Planning

6:30 Craft Group


7:00 Cub Scout Pack 55

7:30 Finance Committee Mtg.

7:30 AA




5:30 Girl Scout Troop 4053

7:00 Web Team Meeting

7:30 Ash Wednesday Worship and

Reception


6:00 Community Dinner

6:15 Bell Choir

6:30 Junior Choir


Friday, February 12

Preschool Closed

1:00 Rebekah Circle

6:00 Valentines Cookie Making


Grove Good Works Work Day

8:00 AAUW

Sunday, February 14

Boy Scout Sunday

10:40 Cherub Choir

11:00 Adult forum

11:00 Junior Choir

12:15 Nurture Ministries

6:00 Youth Dinner

6:30 GYM

Monday, February 15

Preschool Closed

Church Office Closed

6:00 Daisy Troop 499

6:30 UMW

7:00 OA

Tuesday, February 16

6:00 Arise Planning


7:15 Staff/Parish Relations

7:30 AA



7:30 Finance Meeting

7:30 Lenten Worship Reception


3:30 Junior Girl Scouts

6:15 Bell Choir

6:30 Junior Choir

7:00 Girl Scout Training


Friday, February 19


8:00 Turks Head Girl Scout

Mtg.

5:00 Young Adult Cooking/

Dinner

Sunday, February 21

10:40 Cherub Choir

11:00 Adult Forum

11:00 Junior Choir

3:00 Medical Mission Trip

Presentation

6:00 Youth Dinner

6:30 GYM

Monday, February 22

4:00 Girl Scouts Mtg.

6:30 Brownie Troop #4108

7:00 OA

7:15 Koinonia Circle

Tuesday, February 23

6:00 Arise Planning

7:00 GROW Team Mtg.


7:30 AA



5:30 Girl Scout Troop 4053

7:00 Boy Scout Troop 55

7:00 Web Team Meeting

7:30 Lenten Worship Reception


6:15 Bell Choir

6:30 Junior Choir


Friday, February 26

7:00 Movie Night at Grove


8:00 Brownie Day

Sunday, February 28

10:00 Communion Workshop

10:40 Cherub Choir

11:00 Junior Choir

6:00 Youth Dinner

6:30 GYM

Monday. February 29

3:30 Office Staff Meeting

7:00 OA

February 2016



Grove UMC Newsletter

490 W. Boot Road

West Chester, PA 19380-1112

Address Service Requested

February 2016 Newsletter Grove United Methodist Church

490 West Boot Road West Chester, PA 19380

Church Office: (610) 696-2663 Church Fax: (610) 450-6775

The Rev. Dr. Bron Yocum, Senior Pastor The Rev. Lin George, Assistant Pastor

Patti Klotz, Director of Christian Education Keri McMullin, Director of Youth Ministries

Michael Shoremount, Director Traditional Music Robert W. Johns, Organist

Mike Hardie, Director, Youth Choir Melissa Bechtel, Director, Preschool

Ken Johnson & Keri McMullin, Directors of Contemporary Worship Bethany Morley, Office Manager

Barbara Thornton, Assistant Office Manage Marilyn Schneider, Deacon Intern

Sunday Service: 8, 9:30, 11am * www.grovechurch.org * West Chester, PA * Office: (610) 696-2663

Non Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

WEST CHESTER, PA Permit No. 284

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