Cheerful Gleaners

The Cheerful Gleaners stopped on Chapter 27.  Read chapter 27 and 28.

Cheerful Gleaners

The Cheerful Gleaners stopped at Genesis Chapter 24 and we will read chapters 25 and 26.

Cheerful Gleaners

The Cheerful Gleaners stopped at chapter 19 verse 15.  For next week, finish chapter 19 and read 20 and 21.

Discipleship and Worship Events

April 17th and 18th, 2010
Washington District Superintendent Eric Park will be coming to Trinity to share with
us during our Evangelistic Weekend. Rev. Park will be sharing with us Saturday
evening, both services Sunday Morning and also Sunday Evening.
Keep your eyes and ears open for more information in the coming months.


Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
5:00 p.m. Family Worship
7:00 p.m. Evening Worship
11:00 p.m. Traditional Worship


Covenant Discipleship –A Journey of Spiritual Growth for Adults & Youth
Sunday: 6:00 PM Monday: 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 and 7:00 PM
Youth Covenant Discipleship 6:30 PM Wednesday
A Covenant Discipleship group consists of five to seven people who want to grow in their
relationship with Jesus Christ through mutual accountability and support. They meet once
a week for one hour to pray and "watch over one another in love."

The General Rule of Discipleship – To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.


"Cheerful Gleaners" is a new Sunday Morning Bible Study and we are looking for you to join us. We need to hear what you think! We have just started Genesis and discussions have been lively, informative, and thought-provoking. So come out and join each and every Sunday morning, 9:45 a.m. through 10:45 a.m. in the library.


Special Worship with the Korean Congregation
Join us on Sunday, December 6 at 11 a.m. for a special service of worship with the Korean Congregation. The service will be followed at noon by a covered dish luncheon. Bring a dish to share and placesettings for yourself and your family. Drinks will be provided. If you are available to help with set-up or clean-up, please contact the Church office.

Fellowship Events

GOD's MERRY PEOPLE
God's Merry People will gather for a Christmas dinner on Sunday, December 13th at 5:00 p.m. at the home of Ed and Patsy K.. Please call the office for suggestions about what to bring.

FAITH, FAMILY, & FELLOWSHIP
We had fun at our ice skating outing in November!
Join us this month for our annual Christmas Party. We will meet at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th for a potluck supper followed by lots of fun for everyone!
Reservations are required for this event - please call the church office at 724-465-2015 to make yours!

CHILDREN'S ADVENT PARTY
Saturday, December 12th at noon
(immediately following the dress rehearsal for “The Best Place to Celebrate Christmas”)
Join us for lunch, crafts, games, and a very special story!
Help us to plan by calling the church office for reservations.
Adult volunteers are always welcome!


THE 50TH ANNUAL SEARCH FOR PEACE
Curwensville United Methodist Church
602 State Street, Curwensville, PA
Friday, December 4th at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5th at 4:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6th at 4:30 p.m.
Admission is free; a free-will offering will be taken at each performance.


CAMP ALLEGHENY WOMEN'S RETREAT
August 20 - 22, 2010
For more information, call 814-236-1976.


SENIOR PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON
Wednesday, December 9th at 11:00 a.m.
Master Gardner/Tree Steward Sam Armbrester will be presenting "A Walk through Longwood Gardens" slide program at the Senior Luncheon. See all the beautiful flowers and shrubs and trees come alive visually and listen to Sam's unique descriptive talk. Time will also be made for questions regarding any horticultural topic. It will be cold, with short daylight hours during December and a great time for "A Walk through Longwood Gardens."

EVANGELISM COMMITTEE MEMORY VERSE

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

Lamentations 3:22

YOUTH

Sat. December 5th -Indiana Mall from 10am to 5pm at the mall entrance next to the movie theater. We will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and their kettle campaign.

Sun. December 6th - shopping for the Treasures for Children’s program for the Salvation Army.

We will meet on Sunday, December 13th and 20th from 4:30pm to 6pm.

We will also meet for our covenant group meetings on Wednesday, December 2nd, 9th,
and 16th. We will then start back in January.

KIDS

Kids Night Out will celebrate the Advent season and learn about the birth of Jesus through
the special songs of the Christmas season. Our final Kids Night Out for the year will be
Wednesday, December 16 . Kids Night Out will resume th on Wednesday, January 6th,
2010.

Kids – don’t forget the Advent party Saturday December 12th. We will begin by
serving lunch at 12:00 pm. Many of you will have been here during the morning
rehearsing for the musical – so I know you will be hungry. Then there will be time for
games, crafts and our favorite story. See you there. Adults – you are always welcome to
help with the party - there’s always lots to do.

Mission Opportunities

PATHWAY HOUSE:
We have obtained a list of needs from the director of the shelter. Residents are required to leave the shelter after thirty days. At that time ICCAP finds a low rent apartment for them. The problem is many of these families have no belongings left and are moving into an unfurnished apartment. We can help! Many household items are needed and each month we will be collecting different items.

High priority right now is kitchen utensils. New items are not needed unless you wish to buy them. Extra items you may have in your home are welcome. We all have extra coffee mugs, salt and pepper shakers, etc. Below is a list of their needs. We ask that you stick to the list as their
warehouse only has room for necessities. Used furniture is an on-going need so if you have any of
the items listed let the office know and we will arrange to have it picked up at your home. What a
good way to get rid of furniture when you buy something new!

During the month of December there will be boxes in Bishop Hall for kitchen items. Your
donations will be appreciated.

Kitchen items: plates, cups / coffee mugs, bowls, glasses - plastic or glass, silverware, knife sets,
cooking utensils, pots / pans, skillets, roasters, pot holders, garbage cans, can openers, colanders,
measuring spoons, cups, cutting boards, paper towel holders, storage containers, large bowls , dish towels, dish cloths, salt and pepper shakers, dish drainer, mop and bucket, broom and dust pan, dish soap, multipurpose cleaners.

Kitchen appliances: coffee maker, microwave, toaster, mixer, crockpot

Furniture: Table and chairs, couch, chairs, coffee table, end tables, book shelves, single bed, double bed, toddler bed, crib, dressers


YOUTH MISSIONS
On Saturday, December 5th we will be at the Indiana Mall from 10am to 5pm at
the mall entrance next to the movie theater. We will be ringing the bell for the
Salvation Army and their kettle campaign.

On Sunday, December 6th we will be shopping for the Treasures for Children’s program for the Salvation Army.

COOKIES!
Don't forget to bake a few extra cookies for our fellowship after services, the childrens' events, and the annual Christmas Cookie Reception Dec. 27th!

Poinsettia Sale!

Our poinsettia tree will feature all red flowers this year.

Once again, contributions to a charity or church fund rather than flower purchases will also be accepted.

Please return this form with your payment to the Church Office no later than Monday, November 30th, 2009. Checks should be made payable to "Trinity United Methodist Church" and mark the memo line “poinsettia.” Each poinsettia costs $7. Contributions may be made in any amount.

____ PURCHASE A POINSETTIA:
_____In honor of ___________________________________
_____In memory of _________________________________

Given by __________________________________________


____ MAKE A CONTRIBUTION:
_____In honor of ___________________________________
_____In memory of _________________________________

Given by _________________________________________
Charity or Church Fund ____________________________

A Note to All Adult Caregivers for the Holidays

For most families, holidays are filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and
memories. But holidays can also be filled with stress, disappointment and sadness.

Because of the changes he or she has experienced, the person with Alzheimer’s may feel a special
sense of loss during the holidays. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining holiday traditions while caring for their loved one. In addition, caregivers may feel hesitant to invite family and friends over to share the holiday for fear they will be uncomfortable with behavior changes in the family member.

Here are some suggestions that may help to make holidays happy, memorable occasions:

Adjust expectations

• Call a face-to-face meeting or arrange for a long-distance telephone conference call with family and friends to discuss holiday celebrations. Make sure that everyone understands your caregiving situation and have realistic expectations about you can and cannot do. No one can expect you to maintain every holiday tradition or event.


• Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage. If you’ve always invited 15-20 people to your home, consider inviting five for a simple meal. Consider having a potluck dinner or asking others to host the holiday at their home.


• Familiarize others with your situation by writing a letter that makes these points:
  “I’m writing this letter to let you know how things are going at our house. While we’re looking forward to your visit, we thought it might be helpful if you understood our current situation before you arrive. “You may notice that ___ has changed since you last saw him/her. Among the changes you may notice are ___. I’ve enclosed a picture so you know how ___ looks now. Because ___ sometimes has problems remembering and thinking clearly, his/her behavior is a little unpredictable. Please understand that ___ may not remember who you are and may confuse you with someone else. Please don’t feel offended by this. He/she appreciates your being with us and so do I. Please treat ___ as you would
  any person. A warm smile and a gentle touch on ___’s shoulder or hand will be appreciated more than you know. I would ask that you call before you come to visit or when you’re nearby so we can prepare for your arrival. Caregiving is a tough job, and I’m doing the very best I can. With your help and support, we can create a holiday memory that we’ll treasure.

Involve the person with dementia

• Involve the person in safe, manageable holiday preparation activities. Begin slowly by asking the person to help you prepare food, wrap packages, hand you decorations or set the table. (Avoid using candies, artificial fruits/vegetables or other edibles as decorations. Blinking lights may confuse or scare the person.)


• Maintain the person’s normal routine so that holiday preparations don’t become disruptive or confusing. Taking on too many tasks can wear on you and the person.


• Build on past traditions and memories. Your family member may find comfort in singing old holiday songs, for example. But also experiment with new holiday traditions, such as renting seasonal videos.

Adapt gift giving

• Encourage people to buy useful gifts for the person such as an identification bracelet; comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing; audiotapes of favorite music; videos; and photo albums.


• Advise people not to give gifts such as dangerous tools or instruments, utensils, challenging board games, complicated electronic equipment or pets.


• Depending on his or her abilities, get the person involved in giving gifts. For example, someone who once enjoyed cooking may enjoy baking cookies and packing them in tins or boxes. Or, you may want to buy the gift and allow the person to wrap it.


• If friends or family members ask what you want for a gift, suggest a gift certificate or something that will help you out as you care for your loved one, like a cleaning or household chore service.

Try to be flexible

• Consider celebrating over a lunch or brunch, rather than an evening meal, to work around the evening confusion or sundowning that sometimes affects some people with Alzheimer’s. Also consider serving nonalcoholic drinks and keeping the room bright.


• Prepare for post-holiday letdown. Arrange for in-home care so you can enjoy a movie or lunch with afriend and reduce post-holiday stress.


• Holidays are opportunities to share time with the people you love. Try to make these celebrations easy on yourself and the person with Alzheimer’s disease so that you may concentrate on enjoying your time together.

To learn more, contact your local Alzheimer’s Association, call 1.888.572.8566 or register online at www.alz.org. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.

Committee Reports

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Bible says that we should set aside our "first fruits" - that our offering to God should be the
first portion we set aside, not what remains. We seek "rewards" for our stewardship, we do it withthe joy of serving God.

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE - STACEY R.
With the coming holidays we look forward to seeing many of our students home. We hope they
have all had a great semester and are looking forward to a relaxing break. Please let us know if you are graduating at the end of this semester. We formally recognize all our graduates in June but we would still like to share your good news with the congregation. As always, please let the church office know of any new students or changes of address. May you all have a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the greatest gift of all.

MISSION COMMITTEE - LUCILLE K.
Distributed this month from the Marie Moore funds:
$500 Karen Ujereh
$150 Meghan Peterman
$500 Salvation Army - Treasures for Children
$205.92 Canned hams for the Trinity food bank for

December distribution Distributed from budgeted money:
$500 Heifer International
$300 ICCAP
$300 Chevy Chase Community Center
$250 Church Crisis Committee

Pathway Shelter:
We have obtained a list of needs from the director of the shelter. Residents are required to leave the shelter after thirty days. At that time ICCAP finds a low rent apartment for them. The problem is many of these families have no belongings left and are moving into an unfurnished apartment. We can help! Many household items are needed and each month we will be collecting different items.

High priority right now is kitchen utensils. New items are not needed unless you wish to buy them. Extra items you may have in your home are welcome. We all have extra coffee mugs, salt and pepper shakers, etc. Below is a list of their needs. We ask that you stick to the list as their
warehouse only has room for necessities. Used furniture is an on-going need so if you have any of
the items listed let the office know and we will arrange to have it picked up at your home. What a
good way to get rid of furniture when you buy something new!

During the month of December there will be boxes in Bishop Hall for kitchen items. Your
donations will be appreciated.

Kitchen items: plates, cups / coffee mugs, bowls, glasses - plastic or glass, silverware, knife sets,
cooking utensils, pots / pans, skillets, roasters, pot holders, garbage cans, can openers, colanders,
measuring spoons, cups, cutting boards, paper towel holders, storage containers, large bowls , dish towels, dish cloths, salt and pepper shakers, dish drainer, mop and bucket, broom and dust pan, dish soap, multipurpose cleaners.

Kitchen appliances: coffee maker, microwave, toaster, mixer, crockpot

Furniture: Table and chairs, couch, chairs, coffee table, end tables, book shelves, single bed, double bed, toddler bed, crib, dressers

Operation Christmas Child:
130 shoeboxes were delivered to the drop-off site from Trinity. Thanks to all who contributed
boxes of toys. Stacey B. and Tiffany R. put together 53 boxes! This is a yearly project for them. They buy toys throughout the year and are ready to pack their boxes in the fall. What a wonderful contribution to this mission. Kids Night Out put together 11 boxes - thanks kids and the big kids who helped them. We appreciate everyone's involvement in this project. Wasn't it fun?

NOTES OF THANKS

Thank you to Bob and Ilene C. for the donation of the new flag stands for the sanctuary.
They are a much-needed and much-appreciated addition to our worship space!

Thank you to everyone who helped with the Veteran's Day celebration here at Trinity on Sunday, November 15th. Special thanks to all the children!
Bob C.

Stacey & Trinity United Methodist Church,

Thank you so much for the cd’s you sent me. Not only did I enjoy them but other family members also enjoyed them.

Thank you,
Jordan F.


Dear Trinity United Methodist Church,

As we near the beginning of our third year in Indiana PA, we want to thank you for your continued support of the Indiana County Circles Initiative.

We at Indiana County Community Action Program, Inc. (ICCAP) would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support of the Circles Initiative of Indiana County by your generous donation of $40. The Circles Initiative of Indiana County which is intended to help low income families of Indiana County work toward self sufficiency with the help of compassionate and motivated community members. We have six active Circles in operation at this time.

Sincerely,

Debby G., Circles Coach


Dear Trinity United Methodist Church,

On behalf of the Armstrong-Indiana Drug and Alcohol Commission, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for your donation of $100. It will be used wisely to help the people in our community deal with drug and alcohol problems. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Kami Anderson
Executive Director


Dear Friends at Trinity United Methodist Church,

Thank you very much for this recent generous check for $547.00 dated 10/11/09. ICCAP forwarded it to us this past week, and it’s much appreciated! This gift will help families avoid utility shut-off until they get back on their feet!

We’re very grateful.

In His Service,
The Church Crisis Committee


Dear Pastor Golden and members of Trinity United Methodist Church,

Thank you so much for all of your graciousness and help in making the luncheon of our 2nd
Annual FaithLift Event so nice and enjoyable. Dawn was so instrumental in helping us to organize the luncheon and Patsy was invaluable in getting us through the luncheon from beginning to end with all the details it takes to accommodate everyone’s needs. As in the past, Tom is appreciated in all he does for us.

Again, thank you for allowing us to use your social hall and kitchen. We are very grateful for you and all you do.

In Him,
Alisa D.

Cheerful Gleaners

The Cheerful Gleaners left off at Genesis chapter 17:15.  Please read through to chapter 19.

Cheerful Gleaners

The Cheerful Gleaners stopped at Genesis chapter 15.  Read and review chapters 15 and 16 for Sunday, November 29^th.

Cheerful Gleaners

The Cheerful Gleaners stopped at Chapter 11.  Read chapters 11 and 12.

CHEERFUL GLEANERS

The class stopped at Chapter 8 verse 20, so continue chapters 9 and 10 for next  Sunday, November 15^th.

 

 

Bible Verse Memory Challenge

A man’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Children and Youth

Youth Covenant Group:
This group of youth meets every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. It is a time of prayer, conversation, and faith formation. All youth from the 6th to the 12th grades are encouraged to attend. If parents have any questions please give me a call.

Youth Special Activities:
In October we will have a lot of special activities. On Sunday, October 4th we will meet here at Trinity at 1:45 p.m. and head to First UMC in Punxsutawney for the Indiana District Youth Meeting. Currently two of our youth are district youth officers. We will be planning for our retreat in November to Wesley Woods and our January overnighter that will be here at the Indiana YMCA.

On Friday, October 16th we will meet at Mohawk Bowling Lanes for a night of cosmic bowling. More information will be coming as we approach the event but the cost will be $5 per youth and they will need money for snacks. Adult helpers will also be needed for this event. Youth are asked to be signed up by Sunday the 11th. Sign-up sheets are available in the youth room.

On Saturday, October 24th we will meet at Trinity at 6:30 p.m. and head towards Punxsutawney for an evening at the haunted corn maze. The cost for this event is also $5 per youth. Youth are asked to be signed up for this event by Sunday the 18th. Sign-up sheets are available in the youth room.


“Learn To Use Your Bible Sleep over.”
(3-6 grades)Mark your calendars and join us Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. Call the church office to reserve your place


½ Day of School Hangout
Friday, October 9th , noon - 3:30 p.m.
Graystone Church, 640 Church Street for Grades K - 6
To register for this event, call 724-349-5556.
Please bring a brown bag lunch.


Indiana Borough Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 31st
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Trinity will once again be passing out treats to the local children on Halloween. If you would like to be part of this ministry or would like to donate candy, please contact the church office.

Calling All Kids!
Have you ever wanted to climb the mountains of Africa, dance to the music of the Caribbean, tour the Black Forests of Germany, surf in California, or tour Sweden? Do the legends of Mexico beckon you? Would you like to carol in France?

If you have a wanderlust heart, please join us on an all-expenses paid journey. As we travel through this year’s musical, you will discover the “Best Place to Celebrate Christmas.” You might be surprised when you learn the answer. We are in need of singers, actors, musicians, and even some dancers. All children and grandchildren of the congregation 3rd grade and older are invited
to join us at 5:00 p.m. Sunday evenings.

For more information, please call the church office or Cindy Long.

Calling All Veterans

FREE Seasonal Flu Shots
Free seasonal flu shots (not H1N1 flu shots) will be given to all Veterans on Tuesday, October 6th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Indiana VFW courtesy of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. Call 1-877-626-2500 for more information.

TRINITY MILITARY SERVICE SURVEY
Please help us compile a list of all members of Trinity that are serving or have served in the armed forces. Please complete the form below and return it to the church office or e-mail us at
office.trinityumcindiana@verizon.net Thank you very much for your assistance!
Name: ________________________________________________________
Branch: _______________________________________________________
Dates Served: ___________________________________________________
Theater: _______________________________________________________
Comments: _____________________________________________________

Fellowship/Discipleship Opps

Faith, Family, Fellowship
Join us this month as we participate in Crop Walk on Sunday, October 4th. We’ll meet at Grace UMC at 1:30 p.m. If you can’t walk with us, can you sponsor one of our walkers?

Also in October, join us for Fall Family Fun on Saturday, October 10th at 6 p.m.. We will be ordering pizza, painting pumpkins, bobbing for apples, and making caramel apples for dessert! Reservations to the church office are appreciated so that we can be sure to have enough pizza and a pumpkin for each child (& adult!) that wants one.

Senior Program and Luncheon
Wednesday, October 14th at 11:00 a.m.
Please call the church office to register or sign up in Bishop Hall.


Covenant Discipleship –A Journey of Spiritual Growth for Adults & Youth
Sunday: 6:00 PM Monday: 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 and 7:00 PM
Youth Covenant Discipleship 6:30 PM Wednesday

A Covenant Discipleship group consists of five to seven people who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through mutual accountability and support. They meet once a week for one hour to pray and "watch over one another in love." The General Rule of Discipleship – To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Caregiving Support – For Adult Caregivers Who Care for Other Adults
Are you caring for another adult in your home, or caring for someone in a nursing home, or caring for another adult who lives out - of - town? If you are, you know the challenges and joys of helping another adult in a difficult time of their life. This group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 3:00 PM - this month the date is October 21st. If you need support before our next meeting, please call the church office.

3rd Annual Evelyn Epstein Caregiver Awareness Program Family Caregiver Celebration!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rustic Lodge, Indiana
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Food, Refreshments, Guest Speakers, and More!

Praise Team:
The praise team is back practicing every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. They will be leading in worship every third Sunday at the 11 a.m. service. Anyone interested in singing or playing with the praise team is asked to see Mike Mohnacky, the praise team director.


Indiana Borough Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 31st
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Trinity will once again be passing out treats to the local children on Halloween. If you would like to be part of this ministry or would like to donate candy, please contact the church office.

"Cheerful Gleaners" is a new Sunday Morning Bible Study
And we are looking for you to join us. We need to hear what you think! We have just started Genesis and discussions have been
lively, informative, and thought-provoking. So come out and join each and every Sunday morning, 9:45 a.m. through 10:45 a.m. in the library.

Bishop’s Day On The District
Tuesday, October 27th
7:00 PM
Purchase Line UMC
All clergy and lay people invited

½ Day of School Hangout
Friday, October 9th , noon - 3:30 p.m.
Graystone Church, 640 Church Street
for Grades K - 6
To register for this event, call 724-349-5556.
Please bring a brown bag lunch.

Missions and Learning Opps

CROP Walk

The Indiana CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. The 10K walk will begin at Grace UM Church and end at Calvary Presbyterian Church.

Organized locally, the Indiana CROP Hunger Walk is looking for 100+ walkers and hopes to raise over $7500 to help stop hunger here in our community and around the world. A portion of the funds raised here in Indiana County will go to the food collection efforts of the Indiana County Community Action Program (ICCAP).

Our local ICCAP Food Bank recieved over $1500 from the 2008 Crop Hunger Walk for use locally in providing food and servies to over 1500 families throughout the county. For more information, contact Tom Van Dyke (724-349-3335) or Ed Kennedy (724-463-3898) or the Trinity Church Office (724-465-2015).

In-House Ops
We are always in need of readers, ushers, special music performers, newsletter helpers, nursery care, and event set-up/clean-up. Also holiday baking is right around the corner, please consider baking a few extra dozen cookies for upcoming events!

Operation Christmas Child
Fill a shoe box with Christmas gifts for a child so that they can experience the joy of Christmas.

Since Operation Christmas Child was started by the Samaritan’s Purse organization close to 70 million shoe boxes have been delivered to children in over 120 countries. They are delivered to the poor and needy all over the world. Along with the shoe box each child receives a book of Bible stories, written in their language, and millions of children have come to know Jesus because of the book. For many children this is the first Christmas gifts they have ever received and the first they have heard about Jesus.

We hope many of you will take part in this project over the next few weeks. We need to have your completed box at the church by November 8 through 15 . If you th th need instructions for filing your box, there are copies of directions in the church office.

Also, there are some books about Operation Christmas Child at each entrance to the sanctuary for anyone who would like one. The book tells about different countries that have received shoe boxes and gives examples of how lives have been changed through this project.


VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION UPDATE

Your Conference VIM Team to Israel/Palestine WPA Annual Conference has an Israel/Palestine Task Force that has been advocating study and action with regards to the Israel/Palestine peace process. The following are the members of your conference VIM team to Israel/PalestineOctober 11-24): Carl Ackley (from upstate New York), Linda Bell (Sugar Creek UMC), Jim Bickford (Johnstown Oakland UMC), Marilyn Kay Durst (Ambridge Fellowship UMC), Mary and Dick Hart and Connie Johnson (California UMC), Rick and TC Lyle (Warren First UMC), Diane and John Miller (New Castle First UMC), Alice Moore (Mcknight UMC), and
Gretchen Woeste (Bethel Park Christ UMC). These folks have chosen not to pull back in fear, but to step forward in faith. Not only do they expect to experience a unique pilgrimage, learning more about the geographic and cultural setting of our Bible, but they will volunteer their time and efforts to work alongside Palestinian Christians harvesting olives. Please pray for these volunteers – that they might prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for this trip, that they might be patient, flexible, and safe, and that the team might be in tune to God’s leading as they listen and learn and respond to others.

Setting up our experience in the Holy Land are Janet Lahr Lewis, General Board of Global Ministries VIM Coordinator in Israel and Tina Whitehead, WPA volunteer with Sabeel, an ecumenical Palestinian Christian organization working for “a just, comprehensive and enduring peace informed by truth and empowered by prayer and action.” If you wish to make a money donation to the ministries that Janetand Tina connect with, send your gift to The UM Conference Center, 1204 Freedom Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066-0002. Mark “Israel/Palestine VIM” on the memo line of the check.

Project Chacocente
A VIM team from Christ UMC in Bethel Park traveled to Chacocente, Nicaragua, this past July and had a powerful experience. From film footage taken during that trip, Gwen and Clay Kisker of Christ UMC produced a wonderful audio-video package for UMTV. The Kiskers have their own production company and have done an excellent job telling this story! On our Conference web site you can access this video clip from their package. Check it out: http://www.wpaumc.org/ (Ministry Battles Poverty in Nicaragua).

Korean Methodist Hospital in Paraguay
The debt ($35,000) for the Korean Methodist Hospital in Paraguay is now paid in full. There are many worthwhile projects with the Methodist Church of Paraguay. For instance, a benefactor in the U.S. has been paying President Pastor Pablo Mora’s salary. That benefactor lost all investments and went bankrupt in the past year. Expansion/construction of the Methodist Seminary where many VIM participants stay when they volunteer in Paraguay has slowed due to directing all resources toward theKorean Hospital. Contributions should be marked “Paraguay Conference #SS0003200S”.

Church World Service Early Response Training Webinars
website: http://www.cwserp.org

Oct. 6, 2009 Getting Organized for Recovery
Nov. 3, 2009 What is Disaster Case Management?
Dec. 1, 2009 How Case Management fits into the recovery process
Jan. 5, 2010 Emotional and Spiritual Care
Feb. 2, 2010 Finding and Managing: Money, Muscle, Materials
March 2, 2010 Hosting and Using Volunteers
April 6, 2010 Construction Management
May 4, 2010 Children and Youth in Disasters
June 1, 2010 Cultural Sensitivity
Home of Hope Outreach – The Nyadire Connection
Through the Home of Hope Outreach program, The Nyadire Connection enables hundreds of
orphans and vulnerable children of the Nyadire region in Zimbabwe to remain in school by
providing fees, a backpack of school supplies, and establishing a personal connection with each
child. Especially vulnerable in the fragile environment of Zimbabwe are hearing impaired
children. At the Nyadire United Methodist Mission primary school, Teachers Mwoyosyi Tapfuma and Desmond Dzemwa have 30 hard of hearing or deaf children in grades 2 – 7. These children from homes in the Mutoko/Murewa/Mudzi region come to Nyadire, live in dorms, eat in the dining room, attend church, and play sports every day. Using sign language, they are taught English, Math, Environmental Science, Social Studies, Religious and Moral education, Home Economics, and AIDS education.

The Nyadire Connection is searching for a church, organization, or individual to sponsor this ongoing program. The yearly fee for each child is $200. Financial support is critical, but equally important is the opportunity to connect and share with these enthusiastic learners who now live in one of the world’s most troubled spots. To donate money to educate these children, contact Elsa Zollars at elsazz@verizon.net or 412-835-1408.

Youth Fundraisers:

Support our youth as they raise funds for retreats, special events, and other great causes!

Current fundraisers:

Youth for Hire
Members of our youth group are available for hire! If you have a job that needs done around our house (cutting grass, raking leaves, cleaning out a flower bed, painting a porch, etc.) please fill out a form on Pastor Jude's desk in the youth room. Pastor Jude will call you to set up a day and time that the youth can come and do the work. We simply ask that you make a donation to the youth for their youth accounts for the work done. The suggested donation if $10 per hour per youth. Please see Pastor Jude if you have questions about this new youth fundraiser.

Sheetz Coupons
The youth are still selling Sheetz coupons. See any of our youth, PJ, or the office to purchase these coupons that are good for 1 MTO item and any size fountain drink. Lunch for $4!!!

Hats
We still have hats! $15 each - (Christmas is Coming soon!)

A Brief Word from the Porters

Again, thank you for all of your kindness and Christian love during our years of life and ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church. Please welcome the Golden family into your lives as you welcomed us. And - in the name of Jesus - please go forward together in ministry and mission. The best is yet to come!

God Bless,
George and Kathleen

George, Kathleen, and Audrey Porter
george.porter.jr@gmail.com

July Notes

We have dates available to provide flowers for the following worship services :
July 19
Aug 2
Aug 9
Sept 27
Oct 11
Nov 1
Dec 6
Dec 13

We are now taking orders until July 15 for cds of the organ dedication recitals that were held @ trinity. There are 4 recitals available and the worship service that features Dan Miller. Prices range from 5-10$. Please contact the office for an order form.

Our VBS Camp EDGE raised $371 for our Nothing But Nets and school supplies for needy children mission projects.

Check out the updated WPA Conference Website @ www.wpaumc.org

Fellowship Events for July

United Methodist Days @ PNC Park
Wed July 22, 2009
Pirates vs Brewers
Game time: 12:35 pm
$10/ seat in Sect 101 & 103
Other Upcoming Games: Aug 21 & Sept 9
Contact the Office for tickets

Jefferson County Fair
Roy Gearhart will be featured @ the Jeff Co Fair July 20-23
Roy will perform dramatic presentations @ 5pm-5:30pm each night

Annual Trinity Church Picnic
Sat Aug 8th
Getty Heights Park
Fellowship begins @ 3pm
Covered Dish Dinner @ 5pm
Games for all ages @ 6pm
Worship @ 7pm
Bring place settings and a covered dish to share
Lawn chairs are often more comfortable than the picnic tables for worship!

Camp Allegheny Women's Retreat "A Cup of Kindness"
Speaker: Gina Stocker
Aug 21-23, 2009
Contact the office for more details

July Youth News

July Sunday School Schedule:

Confronting the Controversies Study:
7/5 Creation and evolution in the public schools
7/12 The Death Penalty
7/19 Euthinasia
7/26 Prayer in the public schools

NOW IN PLANNING:

Mission Trip to Erie
Aug.
$75 pp
See PJ For Details



High School Junior/Senior Trip to Walt Disney World!
"Night of Joy 2009"
Sept 11-12, 2009
(fly out of Pitt Fri. morning & return Sun.)
approx. cost $400-$500 pp
Fudraising available to cover costs
Trip includes one night @ Magic Kingdom, one day @ Epcot, 2 nights of concerts @ Hollywood Studios
See PJ by July 12

Evangelism Committee Bible Verse Memorization Challenge

The psalmist wrote, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever."

Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

FW: VIM option to assist Rev. Dick and Jean Burns

 

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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:07:54 -0500
From: buterbaugh.lc.73@verizon.net
To: painterkimberly@hotmail.com
Subject: Fwd: VIM option to assist Rev. Dick and Jean Burns




Jun 16, 2009 04:10:30 PM, MissionVIM@wpaumc.org wrote:

Dear VIM Leaders and Friends of VIM,

The United Methodist Habitat Blitz Build last summer was an excellent example of Western Pennsylvania United Methodists offering their gifts and skills to meet a need.  There continues to be great need within WPA and clusters of churches and volunteers reaching out through construction to address those needs.  In the next few weeks I'll be talking with district representatives to see how we can more effectively meet some of these needs together.

In the meantime, let me give you another option for volunteering.  Retired pastor, Dick Burns, and his wife, Jean, have been struggling with some ongoing medical problems.  Dick served churches in Rockland, Van, St. Marys, Johnstown: Oakland, and Corry: First.  He then became the Conference approved Evangelist until retiring in 1994.  Dick and Jean are getting ready to move in with their daughter Sharon and her husband Dave.  This will require an addition to Sharon and Dave's home.  Hosanna Ministries will be providing supervision in the blitz construction for this project. 

If you're willing to help with this project, please contact Dave and Sharon Thomas:  814-479-4661.

Dates of Blitz Build:  Saturday, Jun 27 through Friday, July 3 (excluding Sunday, June 28).   

Address of Construction:  100 Oak Street, Hollsopple, PA

Like any VIM project all levels of skills are needed, including those who support the builders with food and drink.

We have a lot of individuals and teams volunteering this summer.  Please keep them in your prayers!

Diane Miller

WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator

724-652-9182

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Thank You Pastor George!

Please leave a comment for Pastor George about his ministry over the past 8 years @ Trinity! Just click on the comments button below...

Missions Update

Jun 9, 2009 12:06:19 PM, MissionVIM@wpaumc.org wrote:

Dear VIM Leaders and Friends of Mission,

As we enjoy the summer weather and a change of pace, there are those who have answered the call to be in mission this summer.  Give thanks for all those volunteers who serve God as Individual Mission Volunteers, or as members of VIM teams.  Those of you who are "called" to pray are as important as those who go to serve. 

Please check the attached spread sheet and pray for volunteers who are serving this summer.  Three people in particular I lift up by name – they bring me to tears …

• Bekah Swineford from the Bradford First UMC in Kane District – President of her class after one semester at Asbury, Bekah is a summer intern with the General Board of Global Ministries.  Serving at the Rising Hope UMC in Alexandria, VA, she will spend 8 weeks in mission outreach to homeless people in the region.  This area has a significant Latino population, so Bekah's Spanish will be put to good use.  You can track Bekah's ministry this summer through her blog:  http://risinghopeintern.blogspot.com.  When you read this Bekah, know that we are missing you as an Equalization Member at Annual Conference.

• Michael Airgood from Kane First UMC in Kane District – Newly graduated from Taccoa Fall near Atlanta, Georgia, Michael will spend a year as an Individual Volunteer in Mission in Korea, about an hour and a half south of Seoul.  Michael serves at the Wesley Mission School teaching the international languages of English and love.  When Michael discovered GBGM had put a freeze on hiring new missionaries, he still had to contend with God's call on his life.  Track Michael's response through his blog:  http://michaelairgood.blogspot.com/ .

• Ruth Dietz from Ingomar UMC in Pittsburgh District – Founder of the Rainbow Christian Missions, Ruth will lead a VIM team to Kenya in less than two weeks and asks that we pray for this team and this mission to the western province of Kenya.  In addition, keep Ruth and her family in your prayers as they have recently suffered a tragedy in their family.  Ruth's words:  "My family is in the midst of grieving the sudden and tragic loss of my little 23 month old grandson, Gabriel.  My daughter's little boy.  He very suddenly contracted bacterial meningitis and after a week in pediatric ICU at Children's Hospital, Hershey, he is gone from us.  At the very same time, my daughter gave birth to a beautiful little girl.  Her little girl was just 2 days old and just released from the hospital when her little boy, Gabriel, fell ill.  It has been so very hard.  We lost Gabriel on Sunday May 24.  I am back home now in Pgh and back at work......and scrambling now to finish up with some detail planning for a mission team I'm taking to Kenya."    Read more about the Rainbow Christian Missions at this website:  http://www.rainbowmissions.com/about_rcm.html .

Whether we think of or speak to God; whether we act or suffer for him; all is prayer when we have no other object than his love, and the desire of pleasing him.       – John Wesley

Keep me posted about your VIM activities…

Diane Miller

WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator

724-652-9182

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Volunteers In Missions Update

Spring 2009 New Orleans Mission Trip – NOLA VII  This trip is now in the history books as all eighteen volunteers returned from this rich experience by Sunday May 17^th.  The team was broken into two groups who worked on separate houses installing laminated hardwood flooring, bathroom tile, and interior doors and trim; installing/finishing drywall; and painting.  Both property owners are within weeks of moving "back home".

This was perhaps our most diverse group of volunteers – male & female; ages 14 to 78; international in background with Americans, Koreans, and a Nigerian – representing seven UMC congregations.  Ten of the 18 team members were "first-timers".  Please take time to talk with these individuals and ask them to share their experiences:

          Trinity UMC Indiana:         George Porter, Larry Buterbaugh, Butch                                                            Morley, Bernie Kalanavich, Jenna Faloon,                                                          Mike Mohnacky

          Indiana Korean MC:          Yong Colen, Sunyoung Park, Emily Park,                                                           Hyung-joon Lee, Hyeonna Bak

          Creekside UMC:                Tiffany Weston, Justin Barentine 

          Tanoma UMC:                   Jim Mears

          Covode UMC:                    Richard Know, Ed Daugherty

          Steffy UMC:                      Roger Framery

          Grace UMC Indiana:          Timothy Ayoade

Many thanks to the members of Trinity for their prayerful and financial support!  And to Pastor George Porter, Jr. for starting us on this amazing mission experience three years ago!

Conference/Other VIM Experiences:

UMC Central Pa Conference VIM Opportunity  Upcoming VIM Opportunity in Watsontown, PA.  Constructing a new church and 3 weeks of VIM Opportunities this summer. 

After 40 years of talking about the need for a new building, Watsontown United Methodist Church (WUMC) is at last taking a step in faith by constructing a new church. This phase of WUMC's Campus for Christ vision has begun and we're looking for volunteers to assist with framing and drywall.  Week-long Volunteers in Mission (VIM) opportunities will be available as follows: 

·         June 22-26 – Framing

·         July 13-17 - Insulation, dry wall and finishing dry wall

·         July 20-24 - Insulation, dry wall and finishing dry wall

More information, including applications, is available at www.watsontownumc.org. 

The Nyadire Connection  – VIM experiences in Nyadire, Zimbabwe This outreach ministry is acclaimed by UMCOR as a unique mission model in a very challenging setting (Zimbabwe).  Check out their web site (and within their web site, their newsletters) for information about this mission that reaches out through education, ministry to orphans, health care, agriculture, and providing potable water:  http://www.nyadire.org/ .  You can also download a registration form from this web site.  Contacts:  Rev. Kimberly Greway (kgreway@mlumc.org or 412-531-7131), Drew Harvey (drewharvey@verizon.net or 412-344-3684) and Sara Dickey (sarich@aol.com or 412-914-0121).  Trips are cancelled if leaders deem it unsafe to travel.  TNC has four trips scheduled for teams of 6-8 volunteers:

• June 18-July 4
• Aug 6-22
• Oct 8-24

Native American VIM  The Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church is building a log cabin church.  Did you know that Illinois has more American Indians than North and South Dakota combined?  This is a ministry to urban Indians, not those living on a reservation.  Dates:  June 20 through June 27, 2009.  Carol Lakota Eastin is the pastor of this Native American congregation.  The church has been erected; the congregation is worshipping in the basement fellowship hall.  By June they will be in need of help with plumbing, electrical, drywalling, painting, finish carpentry, landscaping, and pond construction.  This new church is located on 43 acres of donated wooded land at the edge of the city of Peoria.  Check out the church website:  http://www.nafdayspring.com/component/option,com .  For those of you interested in Native American Spirituality or the Native American study Schools of Mission offered in 2008 and again in 2009, this is a VIM trip for you.  For families, there is an option of enrolling your child (children) in the American Indian Youth camp out – teepee camp – father's day through Wednesday where they would experience Bible study, native crafts, and the Water Park (3^rd grade through high school) … Contact Diane Miller for a Registration Form.   Cost of this VIM trip:  $350/person.  OPENINGS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.  THIS COULD BE A GREAT FAMILY EXPERIENCE.

 

Israel/Palestine VIM  A combination pilgrimage and volunteer experience.  Since this will be the one and only trip that many participants make to the Holy Land, it will include visits to historical and traditional sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem.  Participants will learn about the Bible with experienced tour guides in the locations of the Bible stories.  We will visit Qumran, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea and take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  The volunteer experience will unfold as participants register and we determine the gifts and skills of our team.   Right now we're exploring the option of helping with the olive harvest, though this will not be possible if the current drought continues.  My experience with VIM teams has always been that the teams embody the gifts and skills to meet the needs where we are.  Projected Cost:  $3000.  Dates:  October 11-24.

 

Haiti VIM  There is great need in Haiti for rebuilding due to the four hurricanes that hit the island last season.  Team leaders for this VIM trip will be Diane Miller, and Calvin and Gayle Cook.  Gayle worked in Haiti as a missionary for a few years.  She and Calvin are Connellsville District VIM Coordinators.  Dates for this Conference VIM trip are to be determined, but we're aiming for the end of August.

For more information on any of the above, contact …

Diane Miller, WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator, 724-652-9182

Cooperative School of Christian Mission – the best kept secret in mission education, inspiration, and hands-on mission.  This is not just for United Methodist Women or adults.  Schools of Mission are for people with a passion for mission.  In addition to the adult schools, there are simultaneous schools for children and youth during the week session, and for children during the week-end session.  Child care is provided if requested.  Besides dozens of short mission presentations to choose from, the following are offered courses:  Giving Our Hearts Away, Native American Survival; Sudan; and VIM Leader Training which will include learning to make handicap ramps by modules.  The Plenary will focus on Food and Faith, with Rev. Neal Christie from the General Board of Church and Society as the presenter. Additionally, Greg Forrester, VIM Coordinator of the Northeast Jurisdiction UMC, will be instructing a hands-on modular handicapped ramp building/installation training session during the School of Christian Mission.

Dates:  July 13-17 and July 17-19.  Location:  Grove City College.  Cost varies according to which event you register for, and whether you commute or bring children.  

Early bird special – price increases by $10 if registration is postmarked after June 30.  Contact Registrar Mary Jo Grumling:  grammamj@verizon.net or 814-467-7633

 

 

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Volunteers In Missions Update

 

Spring 2009 New Orleans Mission Trip – NOLA VII

Eighteen participants in Trinity's seventh work trip to New Orleans will be leaving May 9^th & 10^th.  This is the second largest Trinity-sponsered contingent to give their time and talents and unconditional love to individuals whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina floodwaters in August 2005.  All team members will return by May 17^th.

 

The group asks for your prayers for safe travel and safe work, and for the opportunity to give hope to those still struggling almost four years later.

 

We also thank you for your financial contributions to this special outreach ministry.  Those still wanting to contribute make do so by marking your envelope "NOLA".

 

Conference/Other VIM Experiences:

VIM Leader Training - Have more than a casual interest  in Volunteers In Mission?  Then you may want to attend one of the VIM training events scheduled for this year. Check your calendar and see how the following dates match up: 

May 30 – Conference Center, Cranberry Township – 9:30-3:30 – emphasis on teams incorporating Youth.  Trainers:  Diane Miller, Renaye Hoffman, Beth Nelson, and others with specialized skills.

July 13-17 - School of Mission, Grove City College.  This training will include learning how to construct handicap ramps by modules.  Trainer:  Greg Forrester.

COST:   $10 will cover the cost of lunch, the VIM Handbook, and the CD for the first person who registers from a church.  For additional participants from a church, $5 will cover the cost of lunch.   For those who take the training at the School of Mission in July, $5 will take care of the Handbook and the CD.  If you indicate the July 13-17 training on your registration form, I'll send you information about registering as a commuter or resident for the School of Mission.  

Any one of these training events will provide your VIM Leader Certification.  If you've got questions, give me a call.

Diane Miller, WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator, 724-652-9182

Native American VIM - The Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church is building a log cabin church.  Did you know that Illinois has more American Indians than North and South Dakota combined?  This is a ministry to urban Indians, not those living on a reservation.  Dates:  June 20 through June 27, 2009.  Carol Lakota Eastin is the pastor of this Native American congregation.  The church has been erected; the congregation is worshipping in the basement fellowship hall.  By June they will be in need of help with plumbing, electrical, drywalling, painting, finish carpentry, landscaping, and pond construction.  This new church is located on 43 acres of donated wooded land at the edge of the city of Peoria.  Check out the church website:  http://www.nafdayspring.com/component/option,com .  For those of you interested in Native American Spirituality or the Native American study Schools of Mission offered in 2008 and again in 2009, this is a VIM trip for you.  For families, there is an option of enrolling your child (children) in the American Indian Youth camp out – teepee camp – father's day through Wednesday where they would experience Bible study, native crafts, and the Water Park (3^rd grade through high school) … Contact Diane Miller for a Registration Form.   Cost of this VIM trip:  $350/person.  OPENINGS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.  THIS COULD BE A GREAT FAMILY EXPERIENCE.

Cooperative School of Christian Mission – the best kept secret in mission education, inspiration, and hands-on mission.  This is not just for United Methodist Women or adults.  Schools of Mission are for people with a passion for mission.  In addition to the adult schools, there are simultaneous schools for children and youth during the week session, and for children during the week-end session.  Child care is provided if requested.  Besides dozens of short mission presentations to choose from, the following are offered courses:  Giving Our Hearts Away, Native American Survival; Sudan; and VIM Leader Training which will include learning to make handicap ramps by modules.  The Plenary will focus on Food and Faith, with Rev. Neal Christie from the General Board of Church and Society as the presenter.  Dates:  July 13-17 and July 17-19.  Location:  Grove City College.  Cost varies according to which event you register for, and whether you commute or bring children.  Early bird special – price increases by $10 if registration is postmarked after June 30.  Contact Registrar Mary Jo Grumling:  grammamj@verizon.net or 814-467-7633

United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth has space available in several camps this summer and we are here to help you every step of the way. We will assist you to promote and sign up participants from your church, train your adults and prepare you to pack and travel to camp. Our program is new to the Northeast but the organization has a 30 year track record of serving people in need while promoting spiritual growth and leadership in youth. Our camps are located in United Methodist churches with passionate well trained camp staff who are attending camp with their own youth groups. In other words, they are just like you.

Projects include painting, yard work, porch and stair repair, construction of handicap access ramps and other small residential projects. Safety is a high priority in all that we do. Camp participants will be motivated each day with devotional time and uplifting evening worship. Fun activities are planned in the evening. Participant fee is $250 and includes all meals, activities and building materials.

Space is still available in the following Northeast Camps:

May 31-June 6 – Dover NH for Young adults one year beyond high school and older

July 12-18 – Toms River, N.J Camp for Grades 7-12

July 19-25 – Melrose, MA and Williamsport, PA Camps for high school students

 For more information contact Lorraine Macpherson 978-692-5786 or lorraine@umarmy.org

Haiti VIM – There is great need in Haiti for rebuilding due to the four hurricanes that hit the island last season.  Team leaders for this VIM trip will be Diane Miller, and Calvin and Gayle Cook.  Gayle worked in Haiti as a missionary for a few years.  She and Calvin are Connellsville District VIM Coordinators.  Dates for this Conference VIM trip are to be determined, but we're aiming for the end of August.

Israel/Palestine VIM – a combination pilgrimage and volunteer experience.  Since this will be the one and only trip that many participants make to the Holy Land, it will include visits to historical and traditional sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem.  Participants will learn about the Bible with experienced tour guides in the locations of the Bible stories.  We will visit Qumran, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea and take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  The volunteer experience will unfold as participants register and we determine the gifts and skills of our team.   Right now we're exploring the option of helping with the olive harvest, though this will not be possible if the current drought continues.  My experience with VIM teams has always been that the teams embody the gifts and skills to meet the needs where we are.  Projected Cost:  $3000.  Dates:  October 11-24.

The Nyadire Connection (TNC) – VIM experiences in Nyadire, Zimbabwe.  This outreach ministry is acclaimed by UMCOR as a unique mission model in a very challenging setting (Zimbabwe).  Check out their web site (and within their web site, their newsletters) for information about this mission that reaches out through education, ministry to orphans, health care, agriculture, and providing potable water:  http://www.nyadire.org/ .  You can also download a registration form from this web site.  Contacts:  Rev. Kimberly Greway (kgreway@mlumc.org or 412-531-7131), Drew Harvey (drewharvey@verizon.net or 412-344-3684) and Sara Dickey (sarich@aol.com or 412-914-0121).  Trips are cancelled if leaders deem it unsafe to travel.  TNC has four trips scheduled for teams of 6-8 volunteers:

• June 18-July 4
• Aug 6-22
• Oct 8-24

For more information on any of the above, contact …

Diane Miller, WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator, 724-652-9182

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