Pride and Prejudice A great thing about summer for me is taking time to do
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
July, 2013
1211 THIRD AVENUE
PO BOX 384
DUNCANSVILLE, PA 16635
(814) 695-8529
WWW.HICKSUMC.ORG
Pride and Prejudice
A great thing about summer for me is taking time to do
more reading. I read on the beach. I read on my front
porch in the evenings. I’ve found that my attention span is not
This is where the church must be different. The church is a
place where worldly divisions shall not be recognized. In the
church it doesn’t matter what your family name is or how
what it once was. Inexplicably, as a teenager I poured through much money you make, all are equally valued. James the
Anna Karenina, Brothers Karamozov, and Great Expectations. Apostle warned the church that prejudices based on wealth
Now the length of a magazine article is about my speed. I fidg- and poverty are counter to the Gospel:
et and check my phone and stare into space and wait for
someone to interrupt me. Years ago I could be engrossed for “My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism
hours in a book without coming up for air. To quote a man really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person
named Nick Carr, “I miss my old brain.” with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly,
and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you
Having admitted my present limitations I boldly approach the take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say ‘Have a
goal of reading several novels this summer. One of the novels seat here’ while to the poor one you say ‘stand over there,’
I wanted to read is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I have have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become
never read it before. It’s one of those books that you feel like judges with evil thoughts?”
you’re supposed to read. So I finished it the other day. How
did I like it? Tolerably well. It’s not full of action – the produc- Wealth and poverty are not the only basis for prejudice. Race
ers of Fast and Furious 6 will not be looking to adapt it any and skin color still divide us. Politics can divide. Age and sea-
time soon – but it does draw you into a world that once was, son of life can divide if we let them. But the church is sup-
of civil society, manners, and the love of dinner, dance, and posed to be different. The church is supposed to show the
conversation. Jane Austen wrote convincingly about a world in world how diverse people can live together in a loving commu-
which she lived. Those English folks loved to talk! That’s what nity. That is a bold goal. It’s a hopeless one unless the power
strikes you about reading Austen. The other thing about this of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, is active and moving
book (I haven’t read any others by Austen) is how preoccupied among us. I want to know that power that unites rather than
with class and social climbing her characters are. Austen divides. I want to be that kind of church. Another Apostle, by
surely describes people full of Pride and full of Prejudice. Aus- the name of Paul, put it this way:
ten doesn’t preach on those topics in the book, she lets her
characters implicate themselves. “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or
free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in
That got me thinking, what if Austen lived in these times and Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3.28
wrote a novel about it, how would her characters differ? As
Americans we “pride” ourselves on being a country where
class doesn’t matter. We believe that anyone can rise to great- The church is the hope of the world. Why don’t you come this
ness. Niall Ferguson, an online columnist for The Daily Beast, week? And we all can be together.
recently wrote that the notion of the United States being a
meritocracy (as opposed to a plutocracy, rule by the wealthy)
is the reason he moved here. Now he wonders if that’s still Rich Morris, pastor
true about us. Even in a country that values tolerance and
political correctness seemingly above all things, pride and prej-
udice still divide.
1
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Music Matters:
Spotlight on Gene Malone
Alan Anderson, Praise Band Leader
Outdoor Concert a
Success!
F or those of you
who were able
to join us for our
first annual Out-
door Concert, you
already know the
evening was a suc-
cess. As I looked
around at the fami-
lies and individuals
who came to the
concert I was struck by the fact that people were genu-
inely enjoying the music, the food, and the fellowship;
and throw in a picture perfect evening of weather, and
we were indeed blessed.
This concert marked the official debut of CrossRoads
Praise Band which is comprised primarily of the musi- Gene and Saundra Malone
cians from Hicks United Methodist Church that lead our
contemporary worship music each Sunday morning. Our Spotlight: Gene Malone:
expanded vision for the Band is to use our musical tal-
ents as an outreach to impact those who may not cur-
rently be active in a church. With that goal in mind, I will
T hroughout my Hollidaysburg school years I played
the trombone (at my mother’s direction) in the vari-
ous school marching bands. I was eventually thrown out
be reaching out to other like-minded musicians who of the band during my senior year, when I missed several
share our vision of outreach and be looking for opportu- football games and parades to play keyboard in a dance
nities for us to do concerts at other venues in the months band. I played with several groups in the 60’s and early
ahead. I also envision combining our music with a mes- 70’s throughout the area. For about four years I played
sage about the relevance of Jesus Christ in the world to- with the Beau-Marcs’, our music was mostly our arrange-
day, and how He continues to transform lives each day ments of top 40 songs, and older standards. We all sang,
for those that have a personal relationship with Him. This and focused a lot on harmony. We played locally and
is really exciting to me and the rest of the Praise Band, eventually went on tour in the northeast, playing in sup-
and we greatly appreciate the support and love we re- per clubs to night clubs. My most memorable time was
ceive from the congregation at Hicks. Please pray that spending two summers at the shore. When I met my first
the Lord will open up opportunities for us to expand this wife, Bonnie, I quit playing with groups altogether. I
ministry and reach others for Christ through our music. started a construction Co. and would only play and sing
sporadically at home, which I eventually stopped alto-
Continuing our series on featuring various members of gether. I always thought that someday, when time al-
the Praise Band, the spotlight this month is on Gene lowed, I would do it again. When Bonnie passed, my
Malone. Gene not only plays synthesizer with the Band, mortality also became very apparent. I started playing at
but is a talented vocalist as well. Here’s a brief summary home again, with the hopes of eventually getting in-
of Gene’s background and why he enjoys being part of volved in groups once again. Continued on pg. 3…
the Praise Band at Hicks.
2
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
A Message from the Prayer Team
I f your husband, wife, child, parent, or loved one
needs Jesus, now is the time to apply your faith in
their behalf. Here is a sample prayer for your un-
the Lord of his (her) life.
Father, I ask that You fill _______________ with the
saved loved ones. As you speak God’s Word, remem- knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual
ber that it will not return to Him void. It will prosper understanding. As I intercede in his (her) behalf, I
in the thing whereto it is sent (Isaiah 55:11). believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is activated
and from this moment on, I shall praise and thank
A Prayer for Salvation You for _______________'s salvation. I am confident
Father, I come before You in prayer and in faith, be- that You are alert and active, watching over Your
lieving. Your Word says that You desire all men to be Word to perform it. It will not return to You void. It
saved and come into the knowledge of the truth, so I will accomplish that which You please and prosper in
bring _______________ (name) before You this day. the thing whereto it was sent.
I break the power of Satan from his assignments and Therefore, my confession of faith is, "God has begun
activities in _______________'s life in the Name of a good work in _______________'s life and He will
Jesus. Now, while Satan is bound, I ask that You send perform it and bring it to full completion until the
forth the perfect laborers to share the good news of day of Jesus Christ, in Jesus' Name."
the gospel in such a way that he (she) will listen and
understand it. As the truth is ministered, I believe Amen.
_______________ will come to his (her) senses and
come out of the snare of the devil and make Jesus
Music Matters continued from pg. 2
By the time Saun came into my life I interested, when Saun and I came ber’s patience. Having an apprecia-
had re-learned several of the old back from FL, I would like to play key- tion for the value of time I realize
tunes I used to play and sing. Saun board with the group. He said “you that my addition to the group is not
enjoys my playing and has been very need to talk to Alan.” I followed up without cost. I’m still not very re-
encouraging in my renewed music with Alan and he gave me lists of a laxed doing it, and I am not histori-
adventures. It is my goal to eventual- lot of the songs the group had been cally acquainted with a lot of the
ly replace a lot of the time I still doing. Which while away, I attempt- songs. It will be a work in progress
spend working with music, with Saun ed to become familiar with. I am for some time. I haven’t read music
by my side. It’s strange how I had now really enjoying being in the much at all since my childhood piano
been thinking about the praise band “Praise Band” although it is a com- lessons and again, at my mother’s
for years, but would never say any- pletely new and challenging experi- direction. I was so bullheaded that I
thing. ence for me. As I learn, my musical retained very little because I really
ability will grow. As I become ac- wanted to be playing football in the
Last January on a Sunday morning I quainted with how others have wor- yard with my buddies. May God bless
was thinking to myself about what I shiped and glorified God through mu- her; she wanted me to be so refined.
could add to the sound. So on my sic, I’m certain it will enrich my per- I believe she would be proud that I
way out that morning, I just blurted sonal spiritual journey. I’m very am once again playing music. And I
out to Pastor Rich that if they were thankful for Alan and the other mem- am thankful for the opportunity.
3
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Susquehanna Annual Conference Summary
sary. They adopted some General Conference
changes to the constitution, amounting to appropri-
ate wordings. Mission successes and needs were
received, including a strong support for the End Hun-
ger Now campaign. The Stewardship Foundation
report was received - whose economic consultant
indicated optimistic fortunes forthcoming. The
budget was passed, which amounts to almost $12.5
million now, including the equitable salaries recom-
mendation for a 3% increase, and they approved the
report on liability and insurance, in which our own
Dick Fruth has a great part. There was a resolution
on mental health observances and programs passed
which was chaired by our own Rev. Evie Madison.
Among celebration of good things were videos of the
Matthew 28 program featuring a Reverend Rich
Morris of Hicks Memorial UMC!
Bishop Jeremiah Park leads the “Alive in Christ Conference is pretty much a time of celebrating
Together” Susquehanna Annual Conference Opening
Ceremonies June 14th at Messiah College.
though: days start with worship and meditation,
then come the work sessions of receiving reports,
By Glenn Keiper often with more celebrating, and acting on recom-
mendations, and then days end with worship ses-
I t was my privilege to attend Annual Conference
again this year, held at Messiah College near Me-
chanicsburg, PA, on June 13, 14, and 15. This was
sions of memorializing the departed, honoring the
retiring, and celebrating the newly ordained. In be-
tween are spontaneous singing and testimonies of
the 2013 session of the Susquehanna Annual Confer- good things that are happening; now there are some
ence, and was a full session of the recently reor- times when Bishop Park decides he would like to sing
ganized Central PA/ Wyoming Conferences. The a song! We celebrated the new presiding bishop,
theme this year was “Alive in Christ TOGETHER – on Bishop Jeremiah J. Park, who did an excellent job
a journey of faith”. Speakers and presenters en- with great enthusiasm and with great joy in Christian
couraged the group to answer positively John Wes- fellowship. We also celebrated the guest speaker,
ley’s famous question – “…are we yet alive?” the newly elected Bishop Mark J. Webb, who comes
from the Williamsport church (a friend of Rich’s) and
John Wesley directed that the church engage in is appointed to the conference in Northern New
“Holy Conferencing”, and my experience suggests York. He was a great encourager in our mission to
that he knew the importance of getting together and “make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transfor-
sharing in experiences, ministries, and worship that mation of the world!” Yes we are a church ALIVE!
benefits all the participants, laity and clergy, encour-
aging us all in growing together in Christ. Of course There’s more that can be said – resolutions, teach-
it’s also necessary to get together to do the adminis- ings, missions, etc. -- and if you have questions any-
trative work of the greater church as well. time I’ll be glad to talk about them.
Conference did its work, receiving many reports on
successes and needs, and acting on those as neces- God bless our church.
4
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School
Dear Kids,
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
At Kingdom Rock VBS, you will discover how to
stand strong for God! Kingdom Rock is filled with
incredible Bible-learning experiences you can see,
hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun Gizmos,
team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty
treats are just a few of the royally rockin’ activities
that will help faith flow into your real life.
Since everything is hands-on, you might get a little
messy. Be sure to wear your play clothes and safe
shoes.
During the week we’ll help you discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life—something we call God
Sightings. Get ready to hear that phrase a lot! You will also get a chance to participate in a hands-on mission
project, through a program called Operation Kid-to-Kid, that will let our community show God’s love to chil-
dren in India.
Your parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to join us in “The Royal Courtyard” section
Friday evening at 8:00pm because that’s when we’ll be having A Fanfare Finale—a celebration of God’s love
that you won’t want to miss.
So invite some of your friends to come with you and mark these dates on your calendar: Monday, July 15th
to Friday, July 19th. The fun starts at 6:00 each night and will end at 8:15 pm. Ask your parents to visit our
church website at www.hicksumc.org or call 695-8529 to register you for this life-changing adventure!
See you in a few weeks!
Sincerely,
The Kingdom Rock VBS Staff & the VBS Buddies: Sir Valiant, Truman, Pip, and Duke
5
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Scenes from the Summer Concert
6
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Hicks Youth Fellowship July events
J une 18th—20th Hicks Youth Fellowship teamed
up with 2nd Ave UMC in Altoona to help in their
Community Restoration Project. Throughout these
sonally was very pleased with the amount of people
that showed their support for Ryder McDermitt and
his family. Our team raised over $2,000 for Relay.
three days, the Youth Group volunteered at the Important Dates
Women’s Abuse shelter and helped paint two differ- July 10 Chill Night 6-8 P.M.
ent houses. This was a great experience for everyone July 14 Youth Group 6-8 P.M.
who helped out. Our youth did a wonderful job July 18-20 Duncansville Community Days
demonstrating discipleship to the people that we July 20 Counselors report to Wesley Forest
helped. for Church Camp
July 21 Campers report to Church Camp
June 21st—22nd HYF were a part of the team “Ryder July 21-26 Church Camp at Wesley forest
the Fighter” at Relay for Life at Mansion Park. I per- July 31 Chill Night 6-8 P.M.
7
JULY
Hicks Youth Fellowship Calendar of Events
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
No Chill Night
7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13)
No Youth Chill Night
Group 6-8 P.M.
14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20)
Duncansville
Youth Group Vacation Bible Vacation Bible Vacation Bible Duncansville Duncansville Community
6-8 P.M. School School School Community Community Days/
6-8:15 6-8:15 6-8:15 Days Days Counselors
Report to
Church Camp
21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27)
Youth Report
to Church Church Camp Church Camp Church Camp Church Camp Church Camp Church Camp
Camp
28) 29) 30) 31)
No Youth Chill Night
Group 6-8 P.M.
8
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Church Picnic at Canoe Creek
9
HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Happy Birthday to You
July 01 Ryan Lucas July 26 Rebecca Rodgers July 28 Cameron Camloh
July 02 Anthony Black July 26 Katelyn DeGol July 31 Barry Feltenberger
July 03 Dewayne Newman July 27 Dustin Ott July 31 Travis Wilkinson
July 04 Dave Kelley
July 04 Alexis Despot
July 05 Virginia Shaw
July 05 John Smith
July 06 Brittany Good
July 08 Lauren Basenback
July 08 Tarissa Mazzetti
July 09 Anthony DeStefano
July 10 Bethany Mingle
July 10 Catherine Newman
July 12 Peter Nebgen
July 13 Susan Cameron
July 13 Kendra Reckner
July 14 Joanne Neely
July 14 Andrew Simpson
July 15 Stacey Singer
July 15 Jamison Holsinger
July 16 Mary Johnsonbaugh
July 17 Andy Cameron
July 17 Terry Ulery
July 17 Susan Heidler
July 17 Terri Snowberger
July 18 Connie Feltenberger
July 19 Amy Stoyka
July 19 Shae Biesinger
July 20 Faith Weyandt
July 20 Samuel Brannock
July 21 William Cramer
July 21 Della Latoche
July 21 Diane Westover
July 21 Deb Simpson
July 21 Amanda Dell
July 21
July 21
Tricia Ford
Ashton Krug A celebration in honor of Eunice Dutrow’s 90th birthday
was held on Sunday, June 16th in the church basement.
July 22 Christina Bowser
Many members of Eunice’s family and friends were on hand
July 24 Theresa Green
to wish her a Happy Birthday and to celebrate this very
July 24 Mary Millner special milestone.
10HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
Hicks Helps Spring Mission Week
O n Saturday, May 11th members of the
congregation went out into the communi-
ty to perform more than 70+ service hours as
part of the “Hicks Helps” group. The group
performed yard clean up, landscape mainte-
nance, and painting projects throughout the
weekend.
Pictured clockwise from top to bottom: Aaron
Cidor, Alyssa Bell, Lydia Cidor, Rachel Cidor
Liane Slicker, Hank Slicker, and Leah, Lori,
Walt & Dalton Kratzer.
11HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JULY, 2013
In Brief
Clothes line-out (100" or 2-50')
laundry detergent (liquid)
TRUSTEE JUNE MEETING MINUTES Please continue to keep our HUB in your prayers,
and encourage volunteers to come in. (Mon.—Wed.
The following items were approved: 1pm-3pm).
Repairs to the large stained glass window on the
3rd Avenue side of the sanctuary were awarded ALTOONA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
to J.R. Parris at a cost of $5,500.00
Putting the three Sunday School classrooms lo- Congratulations to Ashli Livermore for receiving the
cated off the chapel on three thermostats in- following scholarships and awards during her recent
stead of one. Awarded to Boyer Refrigeration at commencement from Altoona Area High School:
a cost of $1881.00 Making A Difference Educational Scholarship
Pleasant Valley School Association Scholarship
The following items are pending and under consider- Jessalyn Jade Reilly Memorial Scholarship
ation:
Leaks in the Geothermal System in the church HICKS UMC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
house basement
Cracks in the front doors of the church need “To all church members: I just wanted to thank you
sealed for the very generous scholarship you provided me
Parsonage kitchen ceiling needs repaired along with. It is greatly appreciated and will be very helpful
with a partial wall removal to accommodate a in paying for Pharmacy school. I appreciate this kind
family size refrigerator gesture. Thank you very much!” —Lauren Pheasant
rd
New flashing on the 3 Avenue side of the sanc- and family
tuary and bell tower to stop leaks into the front
vestibules Financial Summary for JUNE, 2013
The bell tower roof needs inspected
The church house basement needs to be cleaned Fund Description Contribution Amount
out Building Fund $2,376.00
Caring Cupboard $100.00
ALTOONA HUB ITEMS NEEDED
Church Picnic $211.00
Please note the following items that are needed at Elevator Lift $1,850.00
the HUB. Thank you for your continued support of
Hicks Youth Camp $152.00
this Mission.
Loose Plate $1,786.50
Sleepers (infant) Miscellaneous $640.30
receiving blankets
Spring Festival $5.00
onesies
Nail clippers/files Sunday School $419.00
band aids (standard size no small) Trustees $300.00
hand soap
UMCOR $100.00
Crayons(24 pack)
Pencils (unsharpened) Upper Rooms/Literature $6.00
Sharpeners Weekly Offering $19,994.10
3 ring notebook paper Youth Group $200.00
8/10 ½ note pads
Spiral notebooks TOTAL: $28,139.90
12JULY 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6
10:00 am 7:00 pm Independence 12:00 pm
God Sightings Children’s Day Staff Mtg. at
1:00 pm
Volunteer at Altoona Ministry Team Marzoni’s
Hub Mtg. Office Closed
5:00 pm 7:00 pm
TOPS Knitting Group
7:30 pm
Praise Band
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
8:15am & 10:45am 10:00 am 7:00 pm 6-8:00 pm
Morning Worship God Sightings Trustee’s Mtg. HYF Chill Night
9:30 am 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
Sunday School TOPS Knitting Group
12:00 pm 7:30 pm
Halfway Party Praise Band
6:00 pm
Evening Worship
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
8:15am & 10:45am 10:00 am 6:00-8:15 pm 6:00-8:15 pm 6:00-8:15 pm 6:00-8:15 pm
Morning Worship God Sightings VBS VBS VBS VBS
9:30 am 5:00 pm
Sunday School TOPS 7:00 pm Duncansville Duncansville
6:00 pm
Knitting Group Community Community Duncansville
Evening Worship
6:00 pm
6:00-8:15 pm Days Days Community
Youth Group VBS Days
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
8:15am & 10:45am 10:00 am
Morning Worship God Sightings 8:30 pm
7:00 pm 6-8:00 pm
9:30 am 5:00 pm Outdoor
Sunday School
Cub Scouts HYF Chill Night
TOPS Movie:
6:00 pm “Oz the Great
7:30 pm 7:00 pm
Evening Worship
Praise Band Knitting Group and Powerful”
Church Camp @ Church Camp @ Church Camp @ Church Camp @ Church Camp Church Camp @
Church Camp @
Wesley Forest Wesley Forest Wesley Forest Wesley Forest @ Wesley For- Wesley Forest
Wesley Forest
28 29 30 31
8:15am & 10:45am 6-8:00 pm
Morning Worship HYF Chill Night
9:30 am
Sunday School
6:00 pm
Evening Worship
13HICKS MEMORIAL UNITED Non-Profit Organization
METHODIST CHURCH U.S. POSTAGE
1211 Third Avenue, PO Box 384 PAID
Duncansville, PA 16635 ALTOONA, PA
Permit No. 157
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
More information on these events
will be announced in our weekly
bulletin, monthly newsletters, and
at www.hicksumc.org
July 7th “Halfway” Party
July 15th - July 19th Vacation Bible School
July 18th - July 20th Duncansville Community Days
July 27th Outdoor Movie Night
August 17th Outdoor Movie Night
Rev. Richard M. Morris, Pastor Church Staff
Elaine Mallory, Organist
Church Address Sandy Steele, Director of Music
Joann Lovett, Financial Secretary
1211 Third Avenue, P0 Box 384
Heidi Fogle, Treasurer
Duncansville, PA 16635 Jason Garman, Youth Director
Cathy Baird, Sexton
Contact Melaine Depetro, Nursery Coordinator
Church Phone: 695-8529 Donna Fruth, Assimilation
Rev. Don Haulman, Congregational Care
hicksumc@verizon.net
George Depetro, Small Groups
Alan Anderson, Praise Band Leader
Office Hours: Katie Guise, Church Secretary
Tuesday-Friday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm Worship Services
Sunday Worship - 8:15 am, 10:45 am, 6:00 pm
Sunday School - 9:30 am
Visit
Youth Group - 6:00-7:30 pm
www.hicksumc.org
14You can also read
