So. Montrose Community Church lies the crystal casket of ...

So. Montrose Community ChurchMarch, 2016

Message From Our Pastor . . . .

Just when I thought there would be nomore light in the Jerusalem sky, the

Bright and Morning Star appeared andthe darkness has not overcome it.”

Ann Weems, Kneeling in Jerusalem

We Too Shall LiveWritten by Billy Graham

There are far more pretentious burialplaces than the grave where thelifeless body of the Savior was laidtwo thousand years ago. In Egyptmay be found the resting places of thegreat pharaohs, buried in lavishwealth in tombs of artistic design.The Taj Mahal in India is probably themost dazzling of all tombs. The graveof the prophet Mohammed is guardedin Medina and visited by devotedMuslims. In Moscow’s Red Square

lies the crystal casket of Lenin, whichhas been viewed my millions. But theexact site of the grave of Jesus Christis not definitely known and cannot beauthenticated. While other tombs are evidence ofdeath and decay, Christ’s tomb aloneis the evidence of life. Today we hearagain the challenge of the angel in thegarden, “Where is the proof of thenext life? Where is the evidence ofthe Resurrections?” to us Christiansthe Resurrection , the empty tomb, isthe very heart of our faith. Without itwe have nothing. Historians accept as fact pastoccurrences for which they canproduce only shreds of evidence. Butthe Resurrection was attested to byhundreds of New Testament witnesseswho saw Jesus Christ, talked withhim, ate with him, walked with him,knelt before him, and acclaimed himas their Lord and Savior. If thestatements of those who testified tothe truth of the Resurrection are notaccepted as conclusive evidence, thenno testimony and no evidencewhatever can establish any truth inany age of history. What was it that took the firstcompany of disciples, cowering asthey did behind locked doors, andtransformed them into a band ofchampions of their crucified Lord? Itcould never have been a dead leader.It had to be a living, conqueringChrist. What power and influencechanged the cross from an instrumentof bloody torture into the most

glorious and beloved of all symbols?The Romans had crucified thousandsof people before and after Calvary. IfJesus had not risen from the dead, noright-minded person would haveglorified anything so hideous andrepulsive as a cross. What gave the great army ofChristian martyrs and missionaries thelove and power to face death,penetrate poisonous jungles, crossdeserts, and hasten to the ends of theearth in their zeal to win disciples toChrist? It was the eternal fact of theResurrection, the everlasting truth ofthe Savior’s conquest of death. By the miracle of his rising formthe dead, Jesus placed the seal ofassurance upon the forgiveness of oursins. A dead Christ could not havebeen our Savior. An unopened gravewould never have would never haveopened heaven. By breaking thechains of the tomb Jesus provedhimself to all ages the conqueror ofsin. The sacrifice on Calvary handfulfilled its purpose; the ransom pricepaid for your sins and mine had beenaccepted by God. Hallelujah, what aSavior! The open grave becomes thepledge of God that you and I, if weare believers in Christ, are going tolive forever. The great problem of thehuman soul finds a solution at theempty tomb. In the Resurrection ofChrist we learn that the short,perplexing life that is ours does notcomplete our destiny; the grave is notthe end; we are not consigned to

decay. With the great stone rolledaway from the entrance of Jesus’grave, every doubt and obstacleconcerning our own eternity isremoved. So, in the radiance of Easter and inthe power of Resurrection glory, maythe Spirit of God bring into your ownbelieving heart the assurance that youhave the gift of eternal life. We whobelieve in Jesus Christ are able to sayto the world, “Because He is risen,because he is alive, we too shall live!” What convinces you to believe thatJesus really did rise from the dead? How does knowing that we haveeternal life affect our view of death? Because of the resurrection, we asGod’s people walk every day innewness of life. What changes in ourpersonal lives do we need to make toexperience this resurrected life morefully? May the joy of Easter be oursevery day. May we keep our eyes onthe victory we have through faith. Blessings, Pastor Jane

Reflections of 75 Year AnniversarySubmitted by: Werdon & Betty Allen

“My memories of the churchdedication”

I did attend the dedication servicebut don't remember details of the day.My dad was on the church board atthe time and had much to do with theplans and construction of the newbuilding. I wasn't able to attend the newchurch after the dedication much as Iwent to college until 1943. Near theend of that year I was drafted into thearmy for 3 years. After my dischargefrom the army, I went to SyracuseUniversity to finish my collegedegree. After graduation in 1948, Ilived at home in So. Montrose againso then attended the church more. The new church was definitely agreat addition to the growth of thecommunity with many good ministersand dedicated members to fill manyduties. I recall Sunday Schoolteachers, Clementine Brown, HelenCarey, and my mother, Emma Allen,Lillian Lake, Doris Sebring, Charlene Ayres, and the Moomeys’. Theydefinitely had a great influence in thechurch. I've probably forgotten someothers. There were alot of goodpeople who taught many years. The ladies aid which was veryactive prepared a good many dinnersover the years. Many women spentmany hours in this activity. Evensome men helped at times especiallyat barbeques. Along with all the above activities,there was an excellent music dept.with good organists Nancy TaylorBlaisure & Cheryl Lake and thechoirs directed by Louise Stone

Smith, Anna Mooney, MarthaDenkenberger and now CharmarieVandermark Bisel. I don't recall the year, but due togrowth of the attendance it wasdecided to make an addition to thebuilding next to the parking lot somore room would be available forSunday school rooms and musicactivities. After Betty and I were married, weattended regularly and took part inactivities. Betty taught Sunday Schoolsome and I was a member of thechurch board. Our children, Phil and Betsy,attended until they went to collegeand then move away. Betty and I were members until wemoved in 2003 to southern Pa. to benear our kids. In conclusion we want to say thatthe church continues to be an asset tothe community.At the present time it still has manydedicated members and we pray itcontinues to do well in the future. Werdon and Betty Allen

75 th Memorabilia

If you’d like to share memories,pictures, articles, etc., in the

newsletter pertaining to our church’s75 years, please submit to Paula

Remington______________________________

Take NoteWe turn clocks ahead March13th.

Don’t want to be late for church!! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

An elderly woman died lastmonth. Having never married, sherequested no male pallbearers. In herhand written instructions for hermemorial service, she wrote, "Theywouldn't take me out while I wasalive, I don't want them to take me outwhen I'm dead."

Holy WeekWorship Opportunities

March 20th: Palm/Passion Sundayworship 9:15 a.m. at South Montrose

and 11 a.m. at New Milford

March 24th: 6 p.m. Covered DishLast Supper Experience. Bring a dish

to pass. Worship and Communionaround the table at New Milford.

March 25th: 7 p.m. CommunityGood Friday Worship at South

Montrose

March 27th: 7 a.m. Easter SunriseService at Great Bend, Breakfast to

follow. All are welcome

9:15 a.m. Easter Worship at SouthMontrose

11 a.m. Easter Worship at NewMilford

HAPPY EASTER TOEVERYONE!

______________________________Notes From Anniversary

Celebration Meeting

Meeting notes from our 75thAnniversary Committee MeetingThursday, February 25, 2016 @ 7

p.m. Social HallPresent: Sharon Newhart, Martha Denkenberger, Pastor Jane, Mary Hinds

Saturday, March 19th: Chicken BBQ at Fire House, Montrose. Cup Cakes Signifying our 75th Anniversary. We are looking forward to next month! Yummy!

Saturday, April 2nd: Gospel Fest: Decorating & Set Up: Mary and Sharon. 5:30 p.m. Covered Dish Supper. Paper Products: Mary. We will head up stairs at 6:45 p.m. We will need a clean up crew. Mary will pass around a sign up sheet for help. Jane will MC. Those Sharing MusicalAbility: Senior Choir, Saving Graces,Kelly, Sue and Elizabeth, Kim Kiekel,Hayden Brunges, Holly Jagger, CorkyStaats, Isaac Hobbs. Offering will go to the Interfaith Fuel Fund. Saturday, April 23rd: 5:30 p.m. Gathering and Appetizers, 6 p.m. Catered Meal by Joycie's. We talked about various food choices. Martha will talk with Joycie's and get prices on a couple meal options and let us know. We will use real plates and realsilverware. Joycies will serve and clean up. Mary will advertise in the Susquehanna Independent and the Mulligan. It will be in the size of 4 x 6 or 5 x 7. It will say this, "If you have ever been affiliated with the South Montrose Community Church, we would like for you to join us at our75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 23rd at the church. 5:30 p.m. Gathering and Appetizers. 6 p.m. Catered Dinner. Program to follow. Join former pastors and friends as we celebrate 75 years of ministry. RSVP to Mary Hinds @ 570-278-9403 no later than April 9th. The ad will run 2 weeks. It will also be in our Newsletter and Facebook not to mention our Church Email List. We know that Margie is coming,

she is not sure about John. Cynthia and her husband may come, not sure yet. Haven't heard from anyone else yet. Program will be upstairs near 7 p.m. Choir and Saving Graces to Sing. Kelly and Sue to sing. Former pastors and maybe a couple spouses will be sharing highlights from their ministry with the SMCC. We will need Special Bulletins for this evening. Sunday, April 24th: Pastor Jane has invited Bishop Park to come and celebrate with us on this Sunday. I have not heard from the Bishop. I will call the office after March 1st to see what is happening. We will need special bulletins for this day of worship and celebration. If he does come we will need to a fellowship hour afterwards. Pastor Jane will stayin Southtown and get someone to preach at NM. Friday, May 6th: Ladies' Night Out. Wayne Beddoe to sing upstairs. Kellyto give Wayne $75. Covered Dish at 6 p.m. The Church will be renting Round Tables for this event. Sharon and Gigi will pay the $30 delivery andpickup charge to the rental company. Sharon will order 10 90" round tables,each holds 8 people comfortably. Suewill get various colors of round table cloths. Tables cost $6 each to rent. Church will cover cost. We will use paper plates and plastic ware. Alice M. is reading our history to see what she can come up with for a little skit or short skit for our anniversary celebration. Alice is the lady that

gives Sharon ideas for the Ladies Night Out.

Sunday, June 12th: We are inviting New Milford to join us this Sunday. Worship will be at 10:30 a.m. outside if we can do it and then a BBQ to follow. Chris is heading up the BBQ. I will also be asking Chris to come to New Milford and formerly invite our NM Congregation to Join us for June 12th. I will ask Chris to come to NMon Sunday, March 13th. Monday, July 4th: MontroseParade. Sue is thinking about a themeand also the possibility of making itwork with the Parade Theme for thisyear. We talked about the BridgeTheme, highlighting each 25 yearsalong the journey. More on this at thenext meeting.Saturday, August 13th: Family FunDay, Rummage Sale and Bake Sale. Nothing Planned for September asof this dateSaturday, October 15th: Sharon isgoing to call Wendy Rozelle who doesChristian Caulk Talk. We would havesupper together at 5:30 p.m. PotatoBar, Pasta Bar, Sundae Bar. Programwould be upstairs where Wendy has asound system. We will need to puttarp under her canvas so that we don'thave caulk all over the carpet. It willneed to be dark in the sanctuary soyour focus is on her canvas. Thursday, November 24th: Thanksgiving Day. We will bedoing this again this year. It was agreat success last year and several

people asked if we would do it again. We do need to think of somethingspecial to do at this meal to celebrateour 75th. Anyone have any ideas? Any other ideas for November orDecember?Anniversary Celebration Items thatwe would like to purchase listedbelow. If I don't hear any objectionsto purchases these items. I will orderthem the first week of March.Paragon Pens: 150 @ .59 each plusshipping and handling. Kelly I willneed a tax exempt paper to send withit. Approximately $100 GunmetalGray. Wording on Pen: SouthMontrose Community Church, 1941-2016 All Are Welcome!Sanctuary Banner: Pastor Janecalled 4 companies about clothbanners. 2 do not make clothbanners. UM Publishing could makeus a custom banner dye sublimationsimilar to screen printing on PoplinFabric for $199.00. Custom Banner,Wording All Embroidery 100%Polyester Fabric up to $1,530. Banner size: 33 inches wide, 54inches long and a 2 inch rod channel. Wording: South MontroseCommunity Church, Celebrating 75years of ministry 1941-2016. Anothercompany called Praise Banners couldmake the above also for the followingcost: banner range of price $269,Design Fees are $60 per hour,Shipping is additional. After muchdiscussion, Mary is going to talk withJoan Cronk to see what she could dofor us on a dark purple background

with white/gold embroidery. We feltwe should check locally first. Bulletin Covers: Jane looked intohaving printed bulletin covers forspecial Sundays . I took severalpictures of our church and those at thecommittee picked the best one for thecover. At staples we can get a lightgray background in color for 1,000covers @ $714.32 or we can go blackand white for $126.73. Mary isplaying with the bulletin cover athome to see what she can do with hercolor printer. More info to follow onthis. Note Cards: In our last meetingminutes we talked about the idea ofselling note cards with a picture of ourchurch on the front, blank inside. Anyone interested in looking into thisproject? We could have themavailable for November/December forChristmas gifts. Our Next Meeting is Wednesday,April 13th at 7 p.m. in the SocialHall. See you then. Commentanytime by replying all. Thanks, Pastor Jane

KIDS JOYA fun afternoon skating!

Some of our JOY kids went toSkate Estate in February. Unfortunately several people endedup with other commitments, butMatthew, Elizabeth and Cierra had a

good time. Kelly Pratt was thespeediest one around! These kidsreally enjoy their time together andlook forward to the next outing.

Valentine Dinner, 2016 On February 13th our church familygathered for a Valentine banquet. We wereserved a nice meal with lasagna and otherdishes, and even had a little of the bubbly!(sparkling grape juice) Then we headedupstairs to hear a great concert and messagefrom Kim Kiekel. Kim has a real heart forthe Lord. If you were there and enjoyed hermusic, come to the Gospel Fest on April 2nd,she’ll be singing!

Soup NightChris Smith

February's soup night was anothersuccessful, fulfilled evening. We seemto have a problem with losing countanymore of how many guests wehave, but our best guess was 90 thismonth. Every month is differentthough. Last month we had 105people & hardly any soup leftover.February we had 90 people, more leftover soup, yet ran out of salad fixings& bread by 5:10. So I made a quicktrip to Price Chopper for more. I suredo miss Robinson's sometimes. I am always impressed by our generous guests. This month the donations were $274. I donated $137 to the food bank. And saved the other $137 to buy more stuff for March's soup night. Someone put a $50 bill in the jug. That is quite generous for a bowl of soup! I am also always impressed with my helpers. We serve 100+ people from about 4:30-6:00 every soup night. That is pretty busy. So I want tothank everyone who makes soup nightrun so smoothly....from waiting on guests, to pouring drinks, to washing dishes, to cleaning up. You are awesome.

Thank you to Kelly & Sue Pratt forentertaining us with their music. The people really enjoy it. I announced in church a few weeksago that this soup night season got really off track. Soup night was originally the 3rd Monday of the month. It has been this way for 7 years. It helped by being consistent & easy to remember. But Levi's hockey schedule & our family vacation have messed up the dates this year. Thankfully everyone has noticed the changes in Mulligan's and by word ofmouth. Be watching in September to hear the new soup night date. I am going to designate a new day next season. Please join me at the next soup night in March 14. We'll be serving chili & cream of broccoli soup. Musicagain by Kelly & Sue. I am sure they will not disappoint, considering it is the week of St. Patrick's Day.

Country Partner Dancing Tom and Sherry Weller are teaching Country Partner Dancing on Tuesday evenings @ 6pm. All that is required is a small donation for the use of our church. Come have some fun and dance with us! For more information, call (570)278-1489.

Craft Time At Montrose Square Some of the ladies of the church tried anew adventure...hosting a craft time for theresidents of the Montrose SquareApartments. We had about 17 people takepart, and they had a great time! Theydecorated wooden frames with puff paintand shell and little stones, and then they dida St. Patrick's Day flower pot. It was greatto see all the different designs they did,some of them were really artistic! We willbe going back for more crafts, maybe somesinging and other activities. Thanks toPastor Jane, Mary Hinds, Janet Small andSue Vandermark for helping out this time.

Upcoming Events For 2016March 19 - Chicken BBQ at the United Fire HallApril 2 - Gospel Fest (Covered dish dinner 5:30, music 6:45ish)April 23 - 75th Anniversary celebration. Catered dinner. Gathering and appetizers 5:30, dinner 6:00. Please RSVP to Mary at 278-9403. Please invite any former members or friends to join us.May 6 - Ladies Night Out (Covered dish dinner 6:00, music following)June 12 - Picnic after church. Hoping to include NM friends with usat 10:30, then do a cookout after.July 4 - Parade. Help is always needed getting prepared.August 13 - Family fun day/rummagesale/bake sale. Save your rummage!October 15 - Chalk talk with Wendy RozelleNovember 24 - Free Thanksgiving dinner for the public.

Red Bird Mission

Keep saving those labels! Thankyou for all the donations thus far. Seethe fliers at the end of June’s newsletter for the products UPC labels that we collect.

Blast From the Past!!Submitted by: Diane Myers

Easter FlowersIf you like to purchase a plant In Memory or InHonor of someone for Easter Sunday, please seePaula Remington

Easter lilies 5 – 6 blooms $ 10.00Orange, red or yellow lily 10.00Hydrangea / blue or pink blooms 18.00Daffodils 7.00Hyacinths / 3 blooms 7.00Hyacinths / 6 blooms 12.50Tulips / 6 blooms 7.00Tulips / 8” 10 blooms 12.50Mums 6-1/2” pot 5 plants 8.00_______________________________________

Our PrayersIn the church: Jim Frystak, MatthewHinds, JoAnn Jerauld, Harry Snell, Aggie Holbert, Grace Harvey, Family of Don Blaisure, Joyce Blaisure, Nic Remington, Family of Kathryn Linaberry, Theresa Owen, Ben Owen,Craig Estelle, Marian Nye, Alice Porter, Gladys Barber, Peggy Wood

In our community: Gary Baker, BillCopley, Lynn Barlow, Margie Green, Wildoner family, Alyce Frystak, Cindy Holdridge, Mike Kerr, Clara, Kaylee & Family, Luela, Mrs. Pettyjohn, Sarah Stone, Patsy Gesford, Olivia and Andy, Molly McVaugh, Sara Madden, Betty Allen,Ken & Evie Walter, Tammy, John Frye, Herm & Maxine Zappe & their children, Marie Benedict, Considine family, Augusta Ostrow, Elijah, Jim Taylor, Charlie & Norma, Bernie Boyer, Carol Jones, Jim & June Ochse, Joyce Lathrop, Parson’s family, Jane Perry, Joyce Millard, David Snell, James Walters, Dorothy Wegman (at Gracious Living), Staff @ Children & Youth, Dottie Henry, Catalina, Pat Whitaker, Mickey Patrick, Sandra Lathrop, those struggling with addictions, our teenagers in Susquehanna County, Debbie Bush, Randy Ward, Keith Pratt & Pat Pratt, Helen Crotta, Lisa Steele, Dee Pierson, Dick Millard, Duane Snell, Dennis Snell, Helen Petersen, John & Daniel Snell, David & Mary Ann Pierce, teachers & students, those in the military, the unemployed, those in nursing homes, people in prison, our country, our world, our church and each other.

Church Websitehttp://southmontrose.umcchurches.

orgRev. Jane M. Pykus, Pastor

P O Box 577New Milford PA 18834

(570)465-2318(570)396-5883

Email: [email protected]