Click here to see a web copy of this email

You are receiving this message because you are subscribed to .

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

Grace Worship Services

Services are available on YouTube and our website www.graceoilcity.org

https://www.graceoilcity.org/worship-service-recordings.html

Sunday 9/1/2024 Sunday School @ 9:00 AM

Sunday 9/1/2024 Service @ 10:00AM

Rev. Dr. John D. Miller

Ordinary Time


Sermon: Working for Purity in a Polluted World
Scripture: Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Ushers: Tom Peebles and Judy Guyton

Greeter: Rhonda Cubbon

* Hymns:

      “Lord, Speak to Me #463

        # 592

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 September 1

10:00 am

Morning Worship


Monday, Sept. 2

              LABOR DAY holiday


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 Sept. 4

4:30-7:00 pm

T.O.P.S. meets in church basement


Thursday Sept. 5

11 am – 1 pm

HOPE 21 Boutique open


Sunday Sept. 8

9 am

Sunday School resumes in Church Library


10 am

Sacrament of Our LORD’s Supper


Remember! Worship Time returns to 10:45 on Sept. 8 (next Sunday)!

Coming Up! “Congregational Conversation” Sept 15 after worship.


PREPARING FOR SUNDAY’S MESSAGE

Worship in person or online!

Working for Purity in a Polluted World” – September 1

Ordinary Time

 

This week’s Sunday worship will begin at 10:00 am (summer hours)

 

Preaching Texts: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 and James 1:17-27 NRSV



Last Sunday I talked a little bit about “Culture” during the morning sermon. We frequently use the word “culture,” but we rarely define it.


For example, if I were to say, “She is a lady of high culture,” most hearers would assume that I was describing someone who dressed in furs, wore a diamond-studded necklace, spoke French as fluently as she spoke English, and frequently attended symphony concerts, the ballet, and the opera.


In an entirely different vein, Linda and I were surprised in China to hear our tour guides refer to the “Tea Culture” of their native land. We were taken to one tea plantation after another and sat through “tea ceremonies” which featured the proper use of utensils (which, of course, were for sale) and the proper brewing of the tea. Did you know that there is a “Champaign Tea?”


Clearly “culture” doesn’t mean quite the same thing in those two examples. The first example means something like: “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.”  While the second example suggests: “the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.”


I prefer a plainer definition: “Culture is the world we live in – all of it.” Our language (which determines the categories of our thinking), our clothing, food, housing, educational norms, moral values, governmental ideals, etc. – are all part of our Culture. And, quite simply, we cannot escape it. The very language and logic we use to rebel against our culture… is determined by the culture itself. We’re stuck. 


I mention this because our Gospel passage this week includes a criticism by the Pharisees against Jesus’ disciples for not washing their hands before they eat. And Jesus defends His followers! Our culture ‒ with its emphasis on avoiding germs and bacteria – would side with the Pharisees and celebrate hand washing. (Indeed, we’ve all seen restaurant bathrooms that have signs posted above the mirror that read, “Employees must wash hands before returning to work.”) We aren’t really comfortable with our LORD telling His followers not to practice basic hygiene. Does Jesus want us all to die from sepsis?


Turns out that Jesus doesn’t have anything against hygiene – although He doesn’t campaign for it. But you wouldn’t understand that if you didn’t realize that the culture of first century Palestine (Judea) is quite different from 21st century America. The Pharisees’ issue is one of religious cleanliness – not bacterial cleanliness. In fact, this whole discussion takes place about 1800 years before the germ theory of disease” becomes commonly accepted in the western world (a major culture shift). Nobody – except Jesus – understands that washing your hands make the meal more healthy.


So, if you want to know what the Pharisees and Jesus were really arguing about…


see you in Church!

Nelson

 

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.


September 1

Bob Taylor

Doug/Kim Eberle


September 2

Charles Benton

Zachary Wygant


September 3

Carla Wheeler



September 5

Greydon Galla

Claire Henderson


September 6

Jay Warner


September 7

Roger Baker

John Heffern

Kelle Warner

Jerry Yount

 


PASTOR’S PONDERINGS


Missions

 

I once served as Pastor of a congregation just outside of the city limits of Erie. The experience changed my life. Not only did I meet my extraordinary wife Linda there, but my understanding of the scope and purpose of the Church was dramatically altered by the ministries of that congregation.

 

Several people from that church participated in a ministry named C.H.O.S.E.N. (Christian Hospitals Overseas Supply Equipment Needs). C.H.O.S.E.N. reconditions discarded American Sterilizer (AMSCO) hospital equipment, ships the items overseas, and sends teams of volunteers to the mission site to supervise the installation of the equipment. Members of the church I served had joined in each aspect of the process.


I never went on a C.H.O.S.E.N. mission trip, but I was captivated by the stories told by those who had gone to far-flung nations like Korea and India to install equipment in Christian Hospitals. It opened my eyes to the vast extent of the Church’s ministry to persons in need. And I wanted to be part of a Church that made such an impact on the world.


While I was serving in that appointment, I surrendered several conference committee assignments (including a chairmanship) and signed up for a “Mission Ambassador” trip to southern Africa. The Republic of South Africa was suffering through the height of the Apartheid crisis at the time, and the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) was trying to minister to the extreme poverty of the citizenry, their anger at the injustice of Apartheid, as well as address the need for persons to find Jesus Christ. Those five weeks “in country” reoriented everything for me.


Since that trip, my life has been one continuous string of participating in mission trips, leading trips, building mission agencies, sitting on the boards of directors of mission groups, and promoting the value of mission work to local churches.


I especially promote U.M.C.O.R. – the United Methodist Committee on Relief. I agree with the sentiment that many have expressed: “U.M.C.O.R. is the best kept secret of the United Methodist Church.” From disaster relief work here in the USA to training case workers to help the victims of natural disaster… from development programs in rural Africa to counseling centers and food pantries in Ukraine… UMCOR is the “hands and feet” of United Methodists helping their neighbors all over the globe.


I am convinced that people want to make a difference in the world. Young people… special needs people… recovering addicts… older people who thought that there wasn’t anything else left that they could do… all these people volunteered at the Mission Barn while I was Director. And almost to a person they said, “I love being able to do something that matters in the name of Jesus Christ.”


As James puts it in one of Sunday’s scripture readings, “Faith without works is dead.” If we see our neighbor in need and say, “God bless you. Go well! We’re praying for you.” But, then do nothing practical to help alleviate the need... what good is that? Neither we nor the person in need feels like faith really means anything in our life.


But when we join with other Christians to tackle some of the tough problem that people face ‒ poverty, loneliness, addiction, the loss of a home or a community, mental health issues, the need for clean water, and so on… then our faith becomes very real and very meaningful.


The great beauty of being a United Methodist is that we are a vital part of a vast network of people around the world who are turning their (our) faith into action. If we are able, we can join in that active work. But, even if we are not able, we can support our brothers and sisters with prayer and financial backing. It is an honor and a privilege that we are given when we become part of a United Methodist congregation.


Nelson

Thanks to Jaime Bastello


Worshipers at Grace UMC were treated to a very special musical experience on Sunday, August 25. Jaime Bastello, who moved to Oil City in 2022 as part of the ARTS Oil City artist relocation program, performed Malotte’s The Lord’s Prayer during the service, as well as another piece before worship. Her magnificent operatic voice filled the sanctuary with beauty as she expressed her deep spirituality and led the congregation in prayer. We thank you, Jaime.


Jaime has been worshipping with us regularly, and we are doubly blessed to know her as a sister in Christ as well as to enjoy her glorious voice.


Oops! Sorry that we didn’t include this announcement before the performance. We’re still working on getting our schedules coordinated.





Another Pastor Gets Hijacked


Remember when the Rev. Dr. John Miller had his email account hijacked earlier this year? John had to write several announcements warning people that he would NEVER email someone in the church to ask for money. It was a scam,


Well, the scammers are at it again (or still at it - whichever you choose). We’re beginning to get word of emails sent by “Rev. Nelson Thayer” asking people to give money to buy “gift cards” for members of the staff.


It’s a SCAM!

 

As John said earlier this year, the PASTOR will NEVER send you an email asking you to send money to him over the internet!


Please block these emails if you get one – and tell the church office, so we can report them if they get worse. DO NOT send money, under any circumstances.


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

BarB's Blurbs!


Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, September 17th from 2:00-3:30, we are going to see our friends at Towne Towers!   The theme is "School Daze!" Think about some stories from your days in school to share and even pictures to show when you were in school!  There is a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of the sanctuary!  If you could bring a dozen cookies, that would be great!  Please come and join the celebration!


On Sunday, September 15th, I would like to have a 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!  How about the song, "Wonderful Words of Life?"  Maybe we could practice on September 8th after church!  Let me know!


Secret Prayer Partner Ministry- If you did not receive a form and you would like to be a part of our group, please call me at the church!  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 the envelopes will be exchanged among the participants! 


Who wants to take a road trip to Wesbury, or have an ice cream social, and/or have 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!  Please call me at the church if you would be willing to help!  Thank you!   Let's have some fun together! 


Happy September to you all!  This is the beginning of the BRRRR months!  God is with us in all the seasons of our lives!  Have a wonderful week!  Love, hugs, and prayers to all!    BarB


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.

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.    


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. 

Prayers of Joy and Concern

Health concerns:

Amy, Judy Hards’ sister  

Matt Henderson

Jan Angrove

Josh Keebler

Blaine Beers

David Miller

Tom Boocks, Gale Boocks' cousin

Deb Rae Miller

Jason Cox

Josie McMullen

Anita Eberle

Cork and Carol Nelms

Don and Sherry Emick

Chip & Peggy Nunemaker

Carson Fennick

Bonnie Rihel, Marcia Campbell’s sister

Rev. Mark and Vickie Fisher

Kate Shaffer

Kathy Flockerzi

Gracie Singleton

Frank Fultz

Sandra Gagolloti and her sister, Laurie

Ginny Taylor

Sandra Gagolloti’s pregnant niece

Jim Whaley

Jeremiah Grams

Lily Williams

Marcia Hannan, sister of Rita Hale


 

Grieving:

Leean McCullough and family on the loss of her father, Robin Hart

Tom Spencer 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 Sandra Steiner-Ball

District Superintendent: Rev. Deborah Ackley-Killian