Regularly Scheduled Activities at GSP unless noted
Sunday Worship: 9 AM
Christian Education: 10:30 AM
UMW Lunch third Monday @ Noon @ Dom ’N Ali’s
Tues. Evening Bible Study @ 7PM: Corinthians
UMW General Meeting – 4th Wed. at 10 AM
Ad. Council Thurs., August 21, 2014 @7 pm NOTE CHANGE
Daytime DISCIPLE Bible Study: Thurs. @9:30 am
Community Dinner: 4-6PM third Sat. each month
Inter-Denominational Men’s Breakfast 2nd Sat. 8 am @
Beacon 443 Restaurant
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Grace Notes
Grace-St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Pastor Bradley Leight (Office) 570-325-9151
(Cell) 215-896-7670
* WEBSITE:
40 Church Road Box 288, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
E-mail: gsp2007@ptd.net
Newsletter Editor: Martha W. Donaldson
www.gracestpaulsumc.org
_______________________________August, 2014______________________________
Vision Statement: To know the love of Jesus, to develop a servant attitude, to lead others to Him
Mission Statement: To have a servant’s heart
Dear GSP Family and Friends,
“We Are GSP”
Romans 12:5
On Sunday July 20, we closed our worship service with this hymn:
Refrain - “I am the church,
You are the church,
We are the church together,
All who follow Jesus, all around the world.
Yes, we’re the church together.”
With apologies to the writer, let’s bring this song closer to home.
Refrain - “I am GSP,
You are GSP,
We are GSP together,
All who follow Jesus, all around Jim Thorpe.
Yes, we’re GSP together.”
In Mark 3:32-34, Jesus is told that is mother and brothers are outside looking for him. “Who are my mother and
my brother?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my
brothers? Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
On Sunday take a look at those sitting around you. They are your brothers, and sisters in Christ. God’s family
doesn’t exclude anyone. Jesus doesn’t show partiality to anyone. Everyone has the privilege of worshiping God.
Being a member of His family is of major importance. Our church, GSP, can give loving personalized care, in our church
and in our community, that can’t be found anywhere else. This is called nurturing, one of twenty spiritual gifts given to us
by God. The wonderful thing about these gifts is that each one of us has at least one. YES, we all have at least one
spiritual gift from God. Other gifts include serving and faith. Read I Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31, Romans 12:6-8,
Ephesians 4:11-12 to find yours.
Why are we given these gifts? The Bible tells us in Romans 12:5 “So in Christ we who are many form one
body, and each member belongs to all the others.” That means we all are a part of the body at GSP and community.
Grace-St. Paul’s needs our gifts; the community around us needs our gifts.
What is your gift? Are you using it? “Yes, we’re all Grace-St. Paul’s, together.”
**If you are interested in discovering your spiritual gift(s) contact John Vidal
in order to take the spiritual gift inventory.
Point to Ponder: You’ve heard it before; sitting in church does not make us
a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes us a car.
Your Brother in Christ,
Alan Donaldson serves GSP as Chair of
Alan Donaldson
Finance and lay representative from
Representing the Sunday Adult Class
GSP to the UMC Annual Conference.
Pastor Brad observes MONDAY as his day off. Please leave important messages at the church (570-3259151) or on pastor’s cell (215-896-7670).
Many Thanks….
GSP is grateful to John Vidal and Desha Utsick
for so capably filling in and preaching while
Pastor Brad was on vacation.
We look forward to the message which Don Meader
will bring August 10th when Pastor Brad is at camp.
John Vidal
Desha Utsick
A Call to Prayer and Praise:
Prayer Reminder –Remember to pray daily at 8 AM and 8 PM for Pastor Brad,
for GSP, and for we@GSP. Please pray for our shut-ins, those on our prayer
chain, and our Prayer Shawl recipients.
GSP Prayer and Praise: Please contact Irene Pyne (579-324-2324) or Pamela
Bacsick (570-325-9143 or pamjab@hotmail.com) with prayer requests and praise
reports which can be passed through the phone or email prayer chain. All
members and friends are encouraged to pray for those on the prayer list in the
church bulletin.
*Please pray for our eleven young people who will be attending camp August 10-15.
Include in your prayers, Pastor Brad who will be a co-director and Jen Leight who
will serve as a counselor that week.
We will celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday, August 3rd at the 9 AM
worship service by coming forward to receive the elements. Please know
that the United Methodist church practices open communion which means
that you do not have to be a member of the church or a Methodist to
receive communion.
Christian Development and Education ……
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed
on to you, whether by word or by letter.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV
* Sunday School: There will be no children’s classes in August.
See you in September.
* Sunday Adult Education:
The Sunday Adult Class meets from
10:40-11:45AM. The class is now exploring what the church “looks like” when each
believer uses the spiritual gifts which God has given them. The class meets in the sanctuary
so there is plenty of room for you so bring your coffee and join this interactive group.
Information: John Vidal (cell – 570-204-3152) or Alan Donaldson (570-325-3773) facilitators
of the group.
*Mid-Week Bible Study Opportunities
> Tuesday Evening Bible Study: The Tuesday evening Bible Study meets at 7 PM under the
leadership of John Vidal. The class is completing I Corinthians, soon to begin II Corinthians as part of the
larger study of Paul, his journeys, his letters, and his theology. New people bring expanded insights to the
discussions. Any time is a good time to join. For information contact John Vidal (cell – 570-204-3152).
> EXPLORE the BIBLE on Thursday Mornings
Get in on the ground floor – we’re just starting our Genesis to Revelation trip with Becoming
Disciples Through Bible Study (Disciple I)….. all you ever wanted to know about the BIBLE !!!
Come at 9:30 -11:30 am on Thursdays, and enjoy the fellowship of “kindred minds”.
For information contact Bob Erskine at (570-215-4006).
Important Meeting:
On Tuesday, August 5th from 6-7PM, Children’s Education Coordinator Judy Sibbach will hold a
brief two-fold meeting. From 6-6:30PM she will meet with those people who assisted in any way
with the 2014 VBS. From 6:3-7PM she will meet with both the teachers of Children’s Sunday
School and the parents of the children of Sunday School age. During the second segment parents and teachers will
discuss how to work together to best meet the needs of the children who attend, whether the children attend
weekly or irregularly. It is important that parents attend this opportunity for input, feedback, and decisionmaking.
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Celebrations!
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We extend our best wishes to members and friends who are celebrating August birthdays and anniversaries.
Happy Birthday: Tony Mando 5 Jerry Moyer 7 Belle Kenna 10 Jessica Knoll 10 Terry Petitto 11
Shirley Meader 17 Tom Whiteley 22 Mari Gruber 23 Suzan Whiteley 23 Daniel Meader 24
Daniel Walker 25 Irene Pyne 27 Dawn Sehenuk 28 Tom Sehenuk 29 Millie Vidal 30
Happy Anniversary: Cheryl & Dave Nyce 18 Dawn & Tom Sehenuk 30
NOTE: We would love to recognize your special date. Please complete the slip in the top of the
attendance folder and place it in the offering plate.
August Community Dinner:
Come out and bring your friends for delicious beef Bar-B-Q sandwiches, macaroni
& cheese, tossed salad, assorted desserts, and beverages at our August Community
Dinner served from 4 – 6 PM. Clean-up help will be needed from 5:45-6:45.
Why not call Lois and offer to lend a hand this month? Contact Lois Stevens (570-32526840).
NEW ADDITION TO OUR KITCHEN
We have been very fortunate to get a “like new” stove donated to us by Cindy and John Reilly.
Even though they have moved from our area they have been a real asset to the Community
Dinner team by making the trip here to help on the third Saturday of each month. This very
generous donation will make preparation for this event, as well as others, much easier. Sincere
thanks are extended to Cindy and John for this gift.
OPPORTUNITIES for SERVICE: All of these opportunities are part of a shared rotation.
 Five (5) Sunday School teachers for various age groups; Safe Sanctuaries requires two
people per group. Sign up with a friend. (Judy Sibbach)


Greeter/Ushers needed to join the rotation. (John Vidal)
Offering Counters to tally Worship offering as part of a team sharing this
responsibility. (Bob Erskine/Alan Donaldson)
Announcements
> VBS & Children’s Education Meeting: On Tuesday, August 5th, all who assisted with VBS and
both parents of children and teachers of Children’s Sunday School will meet for brief review,
input/feedback. The VBS discussion will meeting will be from 6-6:30pm followed by the
Children’s Sunday School meeting from 6:30-7pm. Judy Sibbach (570-325-4056).
> Administrative Council is scheduled for Thursday, August 21st at 7 PM.
> September Newsletter Deadline: Please forward information and photos by Wednesday,
August 27th to Martha Donaldson, editor.
> Friday Family Movie Night: Family Movie Night on August 22nd. Come and bring your friends and
enjoy the fun. Free, fresh popcorn!
> Summer Music: All are invited to share individual or small group special music during summer
worship. Contact David Westrip (570-325-5881).
*******
August Food Pantry
“Share with God’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:13
For August we are requesting donations of cereal for the GSP Food Pantry. Please note also
that peanut butter and jelly and mac & cheese, are always in high demand. They are welcome
as donations any month. Pantry donations should be placed in the marked box in the lobby.
Thank you for your faithful contributions. Questions: contact Helen Sturiale (570-325-9239).
UMW News
UMW participates in a fundraiser offered by the Jim Thorpe Market called Community
Rewards. It requires individuals to register their Gold Card Number and designate a
non-profit organization to receive the rewards. We have an exceptional opportunity to register more
Gold Cards. Those entered prior to June 30 will receive rewards on all purchases made since Jan 1,
2014. If you have not previously given your Gold Card Number to Lois Stevens please consider
participating in this fundraiser for the UMW. If you have a neighbor or friend that does not participate
they could also be a donor to our group. Please write the name, zip code and Gold Card Number and
give to Lois Stevens to register as an automatic donor to the UMW.
On-going fundraising for the UMW: Please save Jim Thorpe Market receipts and Redner’s
receipts. Return these to the church by putting them in the marked container in the lobby.
This is an easy way to help the UMW raise funds for their missions.
North to Alaska!!!
Conducting a recent worship service in Pastor
Brad’s absence, John Vidal (left) called recent
graduate Chris Meader (center) forward along with
his father Don Meader (right). John led the
congregation in the laying on of hands and prayers
of blessing. Chris graduated this spring from Penn
State University with a B.S. in Elementary
Education. Chris has accepted a teaching position
in Platinum, Alaska where he will teach 12 students
in grades K-5. His colleague will teach the
remaining students in grades 6-11. Chris has
already “met” his class through a computer video link. Members and friends at Grace-St. Paul’s wish Chris all
of God’s blessings.
Missions Message ….
70thANNIVERSARY Heifer International
Heifer International has brought Live Animals to over 105 million people in need throughout the
world. These animals serve as breeding stock to create income and nourishment independence.
Below is a brief history of this organization, which has impacted so many.
– Spanish Civil War – Relief worker Dan West develops his “not
a cup, but a cow” concept
1940’s – Heifers for Relief is founded by the Church of the Brethren in
Indiana
– The first shipment of animals to Puerto Rico
– “Seagoing Cowboys begin escorting livestock overseas after
WWII to refugee resettlement centers in West Germany and
war-torn areas of Japan
1950’s – Heifer begins placement of 70,000 hatching eggs in Korea
– Heifer changes focus from war ravaged areas to underdeveloped countries
1970’s – Parcels of land donated and purchased to become “Heifer
Ranch”;
– Korean Agriculture Ministry estimates that half the chickens in
Korea are descended from “; Heifer International” eggs
1938
1980’s – Land donated and purchased for heifer farm in Rutland,
Massachusetts
– A cross breeding program in Ya’an, China, increases goat milk
production by80%
1990’s – President H. W. Bush gives “Heifer” the Presidential End
Hunger Award
2000’s – Heifer International opens new headquarters in Little Rock,
Arkansas
2012 – GSP Vacation Bible
of over 200 CHICKENS
School mission project funds the purchase
2014 – GSP donates a HEIFER through Red Bucket Ministry
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Flea Market and Bake Sale Scheduled
The Annual UMW Flea Market and Bake Sale will be
held on Saturday, September 27th. Please set aside items
to donate to their fundraising event. If you can help by
donating baked items, please contact Pam Bacsick
(570-325-9143). For information about the Flea
Market contact Sue Whiteley (570-325-2549).
A Good Time Was Had By All!!
Where are
Seventeen members and friends of Grace-St. Paul’s Sunday
Adult Class recently traveled to see the Lancaster Sight and
Sound production of “Moses”. A visit to Hershey Farms
Restaurant for dinner in Amish country was a definite plus.
The first question after the show:
we going next?
PENN-KIDDER MINISTERIUM AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
570-722-1712 / pkmasp@ptd.net / www.pkmasp.vpweb.com
A Safe, Secure, Faith-Based Learning Environment for the Children of Our Community
Dear Friends,
The PKMASP is preparing to open their faith-based child care programs the
last week of August. The Program is housed at GSP and offers
BOTH before and after school childcare to children in the JTASD
attendance area, with direct bussing from L.B. Morris and
transportation from the P-K Campus. The Program is affordably
priced with multiple-child discounts and scholarship support
available. For more information visit our website listed above.
Enjoy the remainder of your summer. We’ll see you soon.
The Penn-Kidder Ministerium After-School Program
Serving Our Community with Before and After-School Childcare