Tower - Palmyra First - United Methodist Church
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Tower 2022
Tidings
It is funny how the mind works. Seemingly unrelated events occur, and the mind somehow
makes crazy connections and gets us thinking. Such a thing happened to me recently. An
accident happened that captured the nation’s attention. It grabbed my attention because I
have been to the spot where this near tragedy unfolded.
I am sure you heard the news about the medical helicopter that crashed to the ground in Delaware
County, PA on the grounds of the Drexel Hill United Methodist Church. I know the location, have been
in the church, and personally know the pastor, so I paid special attention to the news. While it was
the location that caught my attention, what really stirred my thinking was the words spoken by pilot
Daniel Moore as he was leaving the hospital. He said, “I had God as my co-pilot that day, and he took
care of the crew when we landed in his front yard.”
The church grounds are God’s yard, wow-what a concept! Yea, I knew that, but it got me thinking,
what are we, Palmyra First Church, doing in God’s yard?
In the 2 ½ years I’ve been here we have done a variety of things. The first event was to have a picnic
in the back yard on my first Sunday. Later we used that same space for a musical concert, a United
Methodist Women’s (UMW) District Gathering, and shared the space with the Lions Club and Kiwanis
Club. The Pavilion in God’s back yard was the birthplace of our Awakenings Coffee Shop. Awakenings
has since moved to God’s recreation room (A.K.A. Fellowship Hall!)
Noah’s Little Ark Christian Preschool (NLA) has used the pavilion in the yard for a variety of uses.
They also use a portion of the back yard as a playground for the students. Another section of the yard
is dedicated to feeding hungry neighbors with a garden. God’s back yard is a place where I have seen
neighborhood children have fun by flying kites, playing with dogs, roll down the hill, and romping in
the snow.
The side yard along Green Street provided a beautiful setting for a wedding while the front yard on
the Birch Street side became a place to remember the contributions of a now deceased church
member who was involved with the Garden Club. The whole yard, Birch to Elm, Green to Franklin
Streets, is a wonderful green space and a place of beauty for all our members, neighbors, and friends
to enjoy.
The Vision Team is working on a new plan to use God’s yard to offer the children of the community
an opportunity to search for eggs at Easter and the Council has plans to see it used for Vacation Bible
School.
I believe God is smiling when we utilize the resources entrusted to us, so let us be creative! What
activities can you see happening in God’s own yard, whether it be in the front, to the side, or behind
the building? What activities in God’s own yard would bring a smile to his face? Give the question
prayerful consideration and then let your thoughts be known to the Council, the Vision Team, or me.
Grace & Peace,
1
FEBRUARY WORSHIP THEMES
This year, in a liturgically sense, the month of February falls entirely within the “Season After
the Epiphany,” but that does not mean we do not have a special Sunday in the mix. The last
Sunday of the season is “Transfiguration Sunday,” or the day we remember Jesus taking Peter,
James, and John to the top of a mountain where they were joined by Moses and Elijah, who are
the greatest lawgiver and the greatest prophet in Judaism. The Lenten Season begins March 2 nd
making March 6th the First Sunday in Lent. Next month we will learn why the Sundays in Lent
are described as “in Lent” rather than “of Lent.”
Our liturgical color for season remains green except for Transfiguration Sunday when we
again use white, the color used for all “high holy days.”
The themes for our February and early March services are as follows:
February 6th: What do the prophet Isaiah and the apostle Peter have in common (other than
they eventually decided to follow God)? Both had what they thought was an excellent excuse
for not doing as asked. Peter even told Jesus to, “Go Away!” Are you making excuses? Are you
telling God to “Go Away?” Our scriptures will tell the story of these two characters from Isaiah
6:1-8 and Luke 5:1-11.
February 13th: My favorite quote from a politician is one I like because it is not political but
seems to be an absolute truth. I may not be quoting what the man actually said but as I
remember it Jimmy Carter said, “Life’s not fair.” Who could argue with that! We all have
different backgrounds and resources, some are smarter than others, some stronger while
others are weak. What we all have in common is “The Great Equalizer.” Our message will draw
from both Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:17-26. Both scriptures remind us that life is more than
the here and now. Ultimately, we will all stand before “The Great Equalizer” (A.K.A. God) when
some will be shocked at the blessings they receive. Others will be shocked by what they do not
receive.
February 20th: To make a point, some people engage in a bit of hyperbole. Sometimes we
hope Jesus was doing just that as he preached the Sermon on the Plain. The things he was
teaching are rather hard to practice and go against human nature, surely Jesus did not mean
for us to take the words literally, did he? We will be examining the hard sayings of Jesus
recorded in Luke 6:27-28 and ask ourselves, “Is that Really What God Expects?”
2
February 27th, Transfiguration Sunday: Did God have a change of heart and personality? We
sometimes think of God in the Old Testament as being grumpy, vengeful, and ready to punish.
In the New Testament we see a God of love and forgiveness. If God is the same yesterday, today,
and tomorrow, which is true? Our reading from Luke 9:28-43a will be our guide as we ask,
“What Kind of God Do We Worship?”
March 2nd, Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday can be confusing! On the one hand we use a
reading that says, “beware of practicing your piety before others,” and then receive the
outward mark of ashes on our foreheads for others to see. What gives? For this special midweek
service, we will read from Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 as we try to make sense
of the day. The title of the message will be “What’s Your Motivation?”
March 6th, The First Sunday in Lent: On this first Sunday in Lent, we will take a look at what
is an appropriate offering to give to God. What does God expect from us, is it communications,
time, monetary resources, talent, or just what? Our scriptures will be from both Deuteronomy
26:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. The message is titled “What Gift Can We Bring?
GOOD NEWS!
As you may have heard, our plowing contractor abruptly went out of business just as the
plowing season was about to begin. Normally there are many companies that want business
and are more than happy to provide a quote, but this is 2022 and things are different, but Bill
Woodring is relentless. He did not quit after contacting three or four companies, but he kept on
going until we had secured contractors to both plow the snow in the lot and shovel the
walkways around the property.
With the first two snow events under our belt, we know both contractors have done a great
job.
IT’S SNOWING – ARE WE HAVING WORSHIP?
It is very unlikely that our worship services will ever be cancelled. If Pastor Jim can get to
church, he will be there even if he must walk! (That is one of the reasons he wanted a house
close to the church.) However, both God and Jim believe you should use your good sense when
deciding if you are going to venture out to worship. Everyone should assess for themselves if
conditions are safe for their travel. Do not risk life and limb (or broken hips) to come to church.
God knows we can use technology to worship and will be pleased you are using your God given
brain to make the right decision. Come if it is safe, stay home if it is not!
3
SERVING CHRIST, CHANGING LIVES IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
The Cumberland Street project has made progress, one house completed, with two yet to finish.
Palmyra First Church continues to partner with Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity to make
affordable housing available in Lebanon County. We have been working on the first Friday of each month
but for February we are moving to the first Saturday, which is February 5th. You are invited to join in this
very satisfying work of helping rehabilitate houses that suffered extensive damage in a fire. The work
not only helps the new resident families, but it also improves the entire neighborhood by transforming
an eyesore and dangerous structure into an owner-occupied home.
We invite you to join us in Serving Christ, Changing Lives by rehabilitating houses in the City of
Lebanon on February 5th.
SMALL GROUP STUDIES
Our Blessed Misfits are currently studying the book of 1 Corinthians. By the time you read
this we will be ready to begin a new book. Watch the weekly bulletin for more information and
a potential change of days for the Lenten season.
For more information about any of the groups please feel free to contact Pastor Jim at
pastorjim@palmyrafirst.org or call in the church office at 717-838-2551.
If you would like to be a part of a small group, but the current topics or times do not work
for you, consider creating a new group. The pastor will be happy to assist in getting the group
started.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The church council approved a few new ministry opportunities at its January meeting
including:
Easter Dawn Service
For Easter 2022 Palmyra First Church will be holding a “Sonrise” Service
at 6:30 AM, Easter Sunday, April 17th. The service will be held at the Seltzer
Retreat Center on Lindbergh Road. Weather permitting it will be in the
outdoor chapel. In case of rain, we will move into the lodge.
Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us for this very special
celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
4VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
After a break of a few years, we will resume the tradition of Vacation Bible School. While it
may seem early, the time is now to begin the planning for a successful school.
We will attempt to cooperate with our neighboring churches so as to
complement other offerings rather than compete.
NOAH’S LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the school year and registration for the 2022-
2023 school year has begun! Word of mouth is the best advertisement. Tell family members,
friends, and neighbors about our mission to our communities’ youngest members. Registration
forms and information can be found on our brand-new website noahslittlearkpa.org. We are
in the process of providing special links for First Church and interactive links for our programs,
teaching staff and so much more! We are excited to add this tool to our community outreach.
The children have been very busy preparing for our much-anticipated annual Art Show. New
this year, families will have an opportunity to preview their children’s artwork on Tuesday,
February 8. Additional opportunities are open to the public on Thursday February 10, from 6:00-
8:00 PM or on Saturday February 12, from 10:00-12:00 noon. We are currently asking visitors
to mask up upon entering the building.
This year we will hold a bake sale during the show and are asking parents and staff to donate
baked goods. If you like to bake and are interested in donating, you may reach out to me at
noahslittlearkpa@gmail.com. All donations must be received by 3:00 PM on February 8th.
Proceeds will benefit our student scholarship fund.
KNIT CROCHET AND PRAY
Knit Crochet and Pray would like to thank everyone who contributed handmade items to
our 2021 projects. The donations of handmade dishcloths, hats, mittens, scarves, booties and
baby blankets and Peace Pals were greatly appreciated. This year, we are planning to highlight
a particular type of handmade item each month. We will include a prayer focus, so that needle
workers can pray for possible recipients as they knit or crochet.
For February, we encourage needle workers to make a prayer shawl and give it to someone
who would appreciate a tangible symbol of God’s love and your prayers for them. Our February
prayer focus will be those impacted by Covid, cancer or other illnesses. Email Karen if you would
like to know more about Knit Crochet & Pray, or if you would like to us to include your
shawl recipient in our prayers too. douds2@comcast.net
5ASH WEDNESDAY PRAYER VIGIL
MARCH 2ND, NOON-6:30 PM
PALMYRA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SANCTUARY
SPONSORED BY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)
Everyone is invited to sign up to pray for a half hour during the vigil.
Traditionally, United Methodist Women (UMW) holds a Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Service
during Lent. This year we are planning for it to be a Prayer Vigil, a time of individual silent
prayer. Our hope is that participants will take a half hour of their Ash Wednesday as a time to
pause and refresh their prayer life. We also hope participants will continue deepening their
relationship with God during the forty days of Lent.
For the vigil, UMW will set up 5 prayer stations, each with a different prayer focus.
Participants will move around the stations during their half hour. There will be a sign-up sheet
at the Welcome Desk during February. Please plan to join UMW for this special Ash Wednesday
event.
You are also encouraged to come to join in worship at the evening Ash Wednesday service.
AWAKENINGS COFFEE SHOP GUESTS
Every Tuesday the Awakenings coffee shop invite members or leaders of our local
communities to join us in a coffee hour at Palmyra First United Methodist, located at 520 E.
Birch Street, Palmyra, PA 17078, from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM. We are inviting the community and
friends to join us on a Tuesday morning in our Fellowship Hall for coffee and new friendships.
Our February guests will be as follows:
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 - Rev. Donte Jones, Minister, Trinity
United Church of Christ
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - Kelly Parks, State Farm agent
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - Chelsea Carpenter & Brady Rogers,
Lebanon County/ PA Career Link
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – Sean Drasher Director, County Voting Registration
6HOT FOODS FOR THE COLD MONTHS
2022 FUNDRAISERS
Are the cold winter months getting to you? How about some nice hot meals to warm
yourselves up? For the next couple of months, we have selected the following food items.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the information desk.
For February, we will be making Chef Potatoes with five toppings for your selection, which
are: butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, ham bits, and cooked
broccoli. This delicious meal will cost $8.00. The proceeds will go towards the
pipe organ to fix the pipes, so we can hear the awesome music that Skip creates
with it. This event will happen on Saturday February 26th from 10AM to Noon.
Potatoes can be picked up in the Fellowship Hall. DEADLINE IS SUNDAY FEBRUAY 20th. The
office can be called to place an order also: 717-838-2551.
For March, we will have the delicious ham and bean soup. We will have pints
and quarts for sale: $4 for a pint and $7 for a quart. These proceeds will benefit
the Music a Ministry for wireless headsets. The date is to be determined.
For April, Award Winning Andy Jochem’s chili. We will have pints and quarts for sale: $4 for
a pint and $7 for a quart. These proceeds will benefit the new alarm systems. The
date is to be determined.
JOIN US FOR OUR MEN’S AWAKENINGS GUESTS FOR MARCH
FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Our first breakfast meeting will be held on Brain & Maria Boltz, Owners
March 5, 2022, at 7:30 AM. The men’s Stuff’D Steaks & Hoagies
fellowship will be at Funck’s Restaurant Tuesday, March 8, 2022
located at 664 W. Main Street, Palmyra. Jeff Benard & Ligia Gherman, Owners
If you would like to attend the Men’s Grocery Outlet
Breakfast, you may contact Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Carl Garver at garverc74@gmail.com to Jeff Marley
let him know you are interested so we can Sheriff, Lebanon County
accommodate the needed seating at
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Funck’s Restaurant.
Dan Lebo
Pastor, Gravel Hill United Methodist Church
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Ron Fouche 7
North Londonderry Township SupervisorNEVER LET THE PRESENCE OF A STORM
MAKE YOU DOUBT THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
CRAIG GROESCHEL
You might not be lonely during the long winter months, but it is quite possible that you have
friends who are. The Bible says that we are not alone not you, me, or your friends. God is with
us, and as we were reminded recently during Advent, God entered our human experience as a
baby in the manger, known as “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” King David experienced the
closeness of God throughout his life. In his well-known Psalm 23, he writes, “Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff ― they
comfort me,” verse four. These words may be a reference to David’s loneliness in his early days
as regent of Israel. In another psalm he writes, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and
saves the crushed in spirit,” (Psalm 34:18). For many people, especially those who are
homebound or living in a life care center, one of the most distressing parts of the pandemic has
been dealing with loneliness. Visiting rules in many places have changed since the early days of
the crisis in 2020. Even so, psychologists say that some of the most effective tools for helping
people cope are pets, mindfulness, and laughter therapy. Believe it or not, robotic dogs have
been used to combat loneliness in residents of care centers and hospitals. Yes! “Some of the
most effective interventions in these settings involved weekly visits from an interactive robotic
dog, which has proven to be as effective as a real dog in alleviating loneliness,” according to
one study of the subject. But even better than a robot dog, or a real dog, are other therapies
that include laughter, educational activities, some types of meditation and strategies to develop
friendships. A strong faith is a critical component to easing loneliness and often helps us to
perceive the support that we had forgotten we had all along!
Cut out this
small card to
the left and
write a little
pick me up note
to a friend,
neighbor, or a
stranger, put it
on their cars
windshield,
their front door,
or send it in a
“Even though I walk through the Valentine card
darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with in the mail.
me; your rod and your staff ― they comfort
me.” Spread God’s
8
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