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Grace UM Church Staff Members Pastor: Rev. Nelson T. Thayer
Director of Lay Ministries: Barb Dittman
Secretary: Brittany Adams
Finance Secretary: Eva Palmer Custodian: Bill Lamberton Organist: Joseph Emanuele
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Services are available on YouTube and our website www.graceoilcity.org
https://www.graceoilcity.org/worship-service-recordings.html
Sunday 8/25/2024 Sunday School @ 9:00 AM
Sunday 8/25/2024 Service @ 10:00AM
Rev. Nelson T. Thayer
Ordinary Time
Sermon: Reaching Out While Holding On Scripture: 1 Kings 8: 1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43 NRSV
Ushers: Tom Peebles and Judy Guyton
Greeter: Jo Lauer
* Hymns:
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” #103
Psalter: “Psalm84 ” # 804
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Sunday School for Adults: New Space
You are invited to the 9:00 Adult Sunday School Class which will now meet in a more convenient space: the former Kindergarten room in the hallway off the sanctuary and just beyond the “Pastor’s Office.”
Looking Ahead
Sunday August 25
10:00 am
Morning Worship
Monday, August 26
10 am – 3 pm
Quilters at the Church (call Cindy Fultz, 814-673-5058 to confirm the meeting times).
6-8 pm
HOPE 21 Boutique open
Wednesday Aug 28
Church Office closed – Training at Conference Center
4:30-7:00 pm
T.O.P.S. meets in church basement
Thursday August 29
11 am – 1 pm
HOPE 21 Boutique open
Sunday September 1
10 am
Morning Worship
Remember! Worship Time returns to 10:45 on Sept. 8!
Coming Up! “Congregational Conversation” Sept 15 after worship.
ATTENTION: Adult Sunday School on summer break.
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PREPARING FOR SUNDAY’S MESSAGE
Worship in person or online!
“Reaching Out While Holding On” – August 25
Ordinary Time
This week’s Sunday worship will begin at 10:00 am (summer hours)
Preaching Text: 1 Kings 8: 1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43 NRSV
Like his father David before him, Solomon was a complex character whom the Bible both praises for his faithfulness and excoriates for his apostasy. David had an adulterous, murderous, and nearly disastrous “episode” with Bathsheba. And as a result, a civil war broke out between David and his sons that nearly destroyed the kingdom.
Likewise, Solomon had moments of faithful genius – as when he asked God for the wisdom to govern (last week’s preaching text), or when he built the first Temple and moved the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (this week’s preaching text). But the King who presided over “the Golden Age” of ancient Israel, was also the one who laid the foundation for the permanent division of the kingdom into “Israel” and “Judah” – and could (arguably) be charged with the ultimate demise of the nation. All because of his unfaithfulness (according to the Bible).
Solmon’s big mistake was that he got married. Well… not exactly that he got married the first time; it was the 699 times that followed it (1 Kings 11:3) – not to mention the 300 concubines he kept – that got him into trouble! He liked to make political alliances with neighboring tribes and nations – and to “seal the deal” by taking one (or more) of his adversaries’ princesses as his wife/ concubine. These “political brides” didn’t exactly “marry for love,” so it was natural that they refused to abandon their native customs – and religions – when they moved to Jerusalem to be with their “husband.“
These idolatrous wives “turned Solomon’s heart away” from the LORD and he “went after” Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the “abomination of the Ammonites” (1 Kings 11:4-5).
“And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” (1 Kings 11:6)
In Sunday’s preaching text (1 Kings 8: 41-43) Solomon prays to the LORD at the dedication of the Jerusalem Temple, asking that God would hear the prayers of the “foreigners” who will come to see the Temple and worship there. In essence, Solomon says, ‘This will draw strangers to the LORD from far and near – the Temple will be a great tool for showing the world that the LORD is the greatest of all gods and that they should worship Him.’ The prayer in verses 41-43 is a highly unusual voicing of a great king’s desire to bring others to the Living LORD.
But despite his good intentions, it was Solomon who changed his religious allegiance – not the “foreigners” that he brought to Jerusalem.
Solomon’s saga is a good reminder for us, today, to be careful to nurture and practice our faith in the LORD even as we reach out to others. It serves neither us, nor those we seek to help, if we “let go” of our lifeline when we extend our hands to those in need. Reach out we must. Hang on we must. The balance between the two can sometimes be tricky.
Graspingly,
Nelson
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Happy Birthday & Anniversary to our Grace Family this week! Although some of these members may have been absent from our lives for a while, let us take a moment to stop and remember them
in prayer on their special day.
August 25
Vicki McDonald
August 26
Chris Gegogeine
Dale/Debra Bennett
Jack/Karen Warner
August 27
Gail O’Neil
Doug Webber
Bryan Ziegler
August 28
Bailey/Danielle Cyphert
Brian/Sarah McDonald
August 29
Jeff Heeter
Jeff Whaley
September 1
Bob Taylor
Doug/Kim Eberle
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PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
There are four (Greek) words commonly used in the New Testament to describe the Christian Church:
Ecclesia ‒ the “called out” assembly or congregation
Koinonia – the fellowship, association, community, or “communion”
Diakonia – the ministry of all who work to promote the cause of Christ
Marturia – those who testify (witness) to the divinity of Jesus Christ
The Church is composed of people who have been “called” (by God) to be different from the rest of the people around us. We don’t deliberately try to be different – or take pride in our “different-ness.” But our emphasis on the Sovereignty of the Father, the saving work of the Son, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit naturally make us unlike others who seek wealth, fame, or pleasure as their life goals.
The Church is also a “fellowship” – a group of believers who develop deep personal relationships. In a Church community that functions as God intended, believers instruct each other, encourage, and support each other, and share each other’s mission. It’s much more than a “club,” because the life we share in this community is the life we receive from Jesus Christ.
We are also the “deaconate” – those who take the strength and knowledge we have received in the “ecclesia” and the “koinonia” and use it to edify (build up) to those who are not members of the Body of Christ. I once served a congregation that hung a sign on the inside of the main doorway; the sign read “Servants’ Entrance to the World.” How true! The Church exists to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
And the Church is a living witness to the Person and Work of God (through Jesus and the Holy Spirit).Through our words and actions we articulate the Good News (Gospel) of God’s Love for humanity, His plan to reconcile humanity to Himself and to each other, and the power the LORD gives people to live righteous lives.
These are the four “cylinders” of the Church (if you will allow the metaphor). A well-functioning congregation “runs” on all four of these cylinders. In the coming months – as we prepare for our annual business meeting – the “Charge Conference” – we will be meeting as committees and as the “body-as-a-whole” to plan the ways that Grace UMC will fulfill our Biblical calling. I encourage you to participate boldly in these discussions. Pray about the plans we will make. Meditate on what we need to do together. And share your insights with each other.
We have received the great privilege and joy of being part of Christ’s Church! Let’s embrace it fully and with faith.
‒ Nelson
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Barbara Dittman, Director of Lay Ministries
Contact BarB at Grace UM
814-677-3013 Ext. 104
Office hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs. - 9:00 - 1:00
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BarB's Blurbs!
Celebrations and Get-togethers- On Tuesday, August 20, a group of Grace friends went to Towne Towers to see our wonderful friends! We had a super time together! The theme was "At the Beach!" The Beach Boys CD was playing in the background as we shared crazy beach jokes, tossed a beach ball to each other, and blew bubbles. Some of us even tried to dance to the music! We told different experiences about our times at the beach! We enjoyed eating cookies and ice cream with all the trimmings! The next time to go to Towne Towers is Tuesday, September 17th from 2:00-3:30! Please plan to come to share the theme, "School Days!"
We want to thank Jamie Bastello for sharing her musical talent by singing, "The Lord's Prayer," during the service today! We hope you share in the service again soon.
On Sunday, September 15th, I would like to have the small group choir sing during the church service! If I have not talked with you and you would like to sing with us, please call me at the church office! Maybe we could sing a favorite hymn! Let me know!
Secret Prayer Partner Ministry- If you did not receive a form and would like to be a part of our group, please call me at the church office! On Sunday, September 8th, the forms will be collected, (if you did not give me your form already), and on September 15th after church, the names in envelopes will be exchanged among the participants!
Who wants to take a road trip to Wesbury, have an ice cream social, and a kick-off to Fall? I know these social events have happened in previous years and I am excited to help you plan them again! I will be calling you, and/or you can see me in church! Let's have some fun together!
Love, hugs, and prayers to all! BarB
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace!" Amen.
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HOPE 21: “A clothing boutique ministry”
Operating Day: Mondays 6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm
*Please save your old plastic grocery bags and bring them in to the church to be used for bagging clothing.
Still accepting donations of clothing and accessories such as shoes, boots, scarves, hats, belts, gloves, coats, professional clothing, dance wear, uniforms, socks, jewelry,
and school/work bags.
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Quilting and Fellowship
The Merry Quilters put a beautiful new “old” quilt in the frame on Monday. This appliqué dogwood quilt top was from the 1950’s and was restored and completed recently by Sue Downing. Quilters welcome! Quilters work on many Mondays and other days by chance. Call Cindy Fultz 814-673-5058 to confirm quilting dates and times.
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A Quarter for your Meter
Your thoughts may be worth only a penny, but your presence at the church during weekdays is worth much more. Oil City has metered the parking lot behind the church. Plus, they issue tickets for parking violations.
Here is the church offer. On the secretary’s desk is a small bowl with change for the meter. If short of change, step in, grab a coin, and help the Oil City Parking Authority a dime or quarter at a time, rather than $5.00 as a first-time violator (who was caught). You are loved and worth every penny, dime or quarter.
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Prayers of Joy and Concern
Health concerns:
Amy, Judy Hards’ sister
Matt Henderson
Jan Angrove
Josh Keebler
Blaine Beers
Bette Magness
Tom Boocks, Gale Boocks' cousin
David Miller
Jason Cox
Deb Rae Miller
Anita Eberle
Josie McMullen
Don and Sherry Emick
Cork and Carol Nelms
Carson Fennick
Chip & Peggy Nunemaker
Rev. Mark and Vickie Fisher
Bonnie Rihel, Marcia Campbell’s sister
Kathy Flockerzi
Kate Shaffer
Sandra Gagolloti and her sister, Laurie
Gracie Singleton
Sandra Gagolloti’s pregnant niece
Ginny Taylor
Jeremiah Grams
Jim Whaley
Marcia Hannan, sister of Rita Hale
Lily Williams
Grieving:
Leean McCullough and family on the loss of her father, Robin Hart
Tom Spence family on the loss of his father.
Other:
Adrianna – HS student at crossroads.
Praise/Announcements of JOY:
Andy, Judy Hard’s nephew
Ministries:
The ministry of Grace Church in our community and around the world.
Bishop: Cynthia Moore-Koikoi (moving to Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey annual conferences) and incoming Bishop Sandra Steiner-Ball (coming to us from West Virginia)
District Superintendent: Rev. Deborah Ackley-Killian
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