Pastor's Message
Dear Friends, In the fall of 2013, Ron Reyer shared the following story as part of his “Minute for Ministry”. I believe this story still speaks powerfully to our shared life, work and giving at Stone Church. Two brothers worked together on the family farm. One was married and had a large family. The other was single. At the day's end, the brothers shared everything equally, produce and profit. Then one day the single brother said to himself, "It's not right that we should share equally the produce and the profit. I'm alone and my needs are simple." So each night he took a sack of grain from his bin and crept across the field between their houses, dumping it into his brother's bin. Meanwhile, the married brother said to himself, "It’s not right that we should share the produce and the profit equally. After all, I'm married and I have my wife and my children to look after me in years to come. My brother has no one, and no one to take care of his future." So each night, he took a sack of grain and dumped it into his single brother's bin. Both men were puzzled for years because their supply of grain never dwindled. Then one dark night the two brothers bumped into each other. Slowly it dawned on them what was happening. They dropped their sacks and embraced one another. As we move into this season of gratitude and giving, may we be blessed with spirits like those of these two brothers in their love, care and generosity. In the Name of the Great Giver, Jesus Christ --Pastor Sarah
The Messenger Is Going Digital
Beginning in February 2023, you will have the option of receiving your monthly Messenger newsletter by email. We currently mail more than 200 paper newsletters each month. As responsible stewards, we hope that by allowing those who prefer to receive an email version of the newsletter that option we will consume fewer resources and reduce costs. Don’t worry! If you let us know that you would like to continue receiving the paper version of the Messenger, we will be happy to keep mailing it to you. Just contact the office at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thanks to: Finance Brunch coordinator Joyce Minnis and assistants Millie Ray, Darlene Ross and Jim Turnbull…Second Harvest Senior Food Box helpers: Debbie and Bob McConnell, Cindy and John Karns, Jen Royer and Jim Schlosser… Make-A-Difference Day Volunteers: Dr. Dixon and three students from the MLK Jr Mentoring program, Pat Loutzenhiser, Pastor Sarah, and four Allegheny College women…”Thank God for Teachers” videographers: Leda Boal, Carolyn Turnbull, Joyce Minnis, Beth Craig, Gloria Shields, Anne Finney and Jane Ellen Nickell… October ushers, musicians, “florists”, readers, communion stewards and counters: Garald and Phyllis Stockton, Debbie Knapp, Jim Turnbull, Laura Reeck and Izzy Farrelly-Jackson, Jen Royer, Curtis Frank, The Bell Choir, Joyce Minnis, Ron Snow, Bev Barickman, Jim Ross, Anne Finney, Darlene Ross, Barb Baker, Patty Brown, Sue DeArment, Tom Rockwell, Elleanor Frair’s family; “The Pie Baker” Ron Snow…To all who give, pray and serve…
All Saint's Sunday
All Saints Sunday is November 6, 2022. We remember our saints: P. Jean Green, Mathilda Murphy, Georgia Lou Ray, Jean Wallace.
New Appointment Considerations
The Staff Parish Relations committee asks for your help as they prepare for the appoinment of a new pastor in 2023. Please take a few moments to answer the short survey on our website. New Appointment Considerations Survey
Advent Begins
Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th. Watch for information about how you can study, serve, worship and celebrate during this holy season.
Cleaning Bucket Supplies Collection
Collection of supplies for UMCOR Cleaning Buckets continues throughout the month of November. Donations may be placed in the buckets on the table in Thoburn Lobby. Click the link for a list of supplies that are needed. UMCOR Cleaning Kit Supply List
The office will be open from 9am-noon on Wednesday, Nov 23rd and CLOSED Thursday, Nov 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Volunteer Appreciation Game Night
All volunteers, including those in children's ministry or any other way you serve at Stone, are invited to a game night on Friday, December 9th at 7 p.m. Let's take a break from serving and enjoy some fellowship and fun! Light snacks will be provided.
Thank you to all who participated in our recent Bake Sale for our Compassion International child Sotcho Dio and our first ever Trunk or Treat!
Family Worship
Join us Sunday, Nov. 13th at 10 a.m. in Miller Parlor for a Family Worship experience! Both tall and small are invited to join in a more non-traditional worship service with music, a message and a small activity. We hope to see you there!!
Community Happenings
Wonder With Us
Learn from the authors of When You Wonder You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski at the Academy Theater on November 9th at 7 p.m.
Bridges
Together, Wesbury and Meadville Medical Center host a group called "BRIDGES," a free monthly education and support opportunity for anyone with a loved one that is suffering from any type of memory loss. Participation is available in person or via ZOOM. Each month you will explore a topic, share concerns, ideas and ways to manage changes and be reminded that you are not alone. Bridges meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:30-4PM. Wesbury Campus Community Center, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville PA Questions? Contact 814-332-9009 or via email at info@wesbury.com
I'll Be Me: Glen Campbell Documentary **Free Showing**
Join Wesbury for a special free showing of "I'll Be Me" a documentary about singer-songwriter Glen Campbell's journey with Alzheimer's on Nov.16th at 2 PM at The Movies at Meadville theater. Shortly after Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2010 at the age of 74, he publicly announced his condition and his plans to carry out a "Goodbye Tour". A film crew followed Campbell for a portion of his 151 sold-out shows as he and his family navigated the disease while traveling the nation for a year and a half. Representatives from both Wesbury and Meadville Medical Center will be present to share information on area services. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; RSVP is preferred by Wednesday, November 8th by calling 814-332-9009.
