The Easter Experience: What If What Happened Then Changes Everything Now?

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in life is a tension between grace and truth. There are times it becomes quite difficult to live within that tension. In John 1:14, it says that Jesus came full of grace and truth. But, the problem in our lives is that most of us lean towards grace OR truth. In reality, we need this tension, like a

rubber band around our hands that allows them to stretch out; yet, the rubber band also prevents them from pulling completely apart.

Grace and truth need tension like that. Truth without grace breeds self-righteousness and legalism… while grace without truth breeds deception and moral compromise. The best expression of love is found in the tension between grace and truth. Yet the reality is that we are really bad at living in this tension. Sometimes we don’t offer grace to people in our lives that need it, sometimes we don’t tell people the truth of their actions. But we are not alone—we are not the first to struggle with this tension.

Let’s consider that tension a moment. On one extreme there is grace. A lot of people believe it does not matter what God’s Word (the Bible) says, it doesn’t matter what someone does or doesn’t do, and it doesn’t matter how someone chooses to live their life. Because, at the end of the day, there’s grace. A lot of people believe that God is so loving, so forgiving, that truth doesn’t matter anymore.

On the flip side, a lot of people look at what Jesus said is truth, and focus only on that. So many people take these truths and load them up, and then fire them at unsuspecting people. They often use truth to tear people down. Yet, in the process, they get torn down themselves. A lot of people believe that if you don’t live by that truth, God will see through your life’s charade, and you won’t get any grace.

Jesus didn’t teach either of those extremes. It’s not ‘either-or’ to Jesus; it’s both. It’s grace AND truth. The church needs that tension as we need that tension. God’s Word (the truth) explains quite clearly that no matter what we’ve done, no matter how bad our sin is, God’s grace is big enough to cover it. Jesus’ grace covers us—but grace is NOT permission to keep on sinning.

So let me ask you: are you accepting God’s grace in your life to cover your mistakes… or are you trying to fix them yourself? Are you listening to God’s truth in your life… or are you using grace to get away with sin? Here is where the tension between grace and truth offers its clearest perspective: grace is us getting what we need, and not what we deserve with the truth. God’s grace is incredible, but it would mean nothing without the truth that Christ died for our sins. If the focus was truth alone, there would have been no cross—God would let us just die in our sins. If the focus was grace alone, there would have been no cross—God wouldn’t have to have sin’s penalty paid. But that penalty needed paid (truth) and it was paid in full by Jesus (grace) at the cross.

So, as we make our way through the journey of Lent, let’s focus on both grace and truth, and let us praise God for the graceful truth (or the truthful grace) of Jesus Christ!

Embrace grace (and truth!) Pastor Kevin (aka Rev Kev)

Youth Bible Study

~ Mondays at 7:00 p.m. ~ in the library

Adult Bible Study

~ Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. ~ in the library

The Easter Experience:

What If What Happened Then Changes Everything Now?

This video-based study will help us to feel, meet and enter the experience of the last few hours of Jesus’ natural life and the first few hours of His resurrected life. This

will be a 6-week Bible Study led by Pastor Kevin that will take us through the season of Lent.

(Due to copyright laws, we will not be able to livestream this study throughout Lent).

Lenten Bible Study

_{CANCELLED March 1 & 2}

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Saturday, March 13th_{@ 9:00 a.m.} All men and boys are invited to join Pastor Kevin for a homemade breakfast, devotions, and a time of prayer.

Please

RSVP

to the church office by Wednesday, March 10.

March 28

@ 12 noon

following 10:45 worship service

(Kindergarten thru Grade 6) Children are invited to gather at

12 noon for a light lunch, a lesson, and a special craft. Theme: Palm Sunday Events

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to the church office by Sunday, March 21.

H

oly

W

eek

March 28

th

8:30 and 10:45 a.m.

W

orship

S

ervices

Join us as we start Holy Week by remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into the Holy City!

At 10:45 Worship, come see our children parade in waving palms!

April 1

st

S

ilent

C

ommunion

and

D

evotions

12

Noon -

1:30

p.m. or

6:00

-

7:30

p.m.

Come anytime during these scheduled hours to follow a devotional guide written by Pastor Kevin. As part of your

silent time of reflection and devotions, communion will be

served to you, by the Pastor, as you approach the altar rail.

April 2

nd

A

S

ervice of

T

enebrae

7:00

p.m.

in the Sanctuary

Tenebrae (meaning ‘darkness’) reflects on the story of Christ’s passion (arrest, trial, death by crucifixion) as we consider why the day is called

“

G

ood

”

F

riday.

C

hrist is

R

isen

I

ndeed

!

E

aster

S

unday ~

A

pril

4 th

Easter Morning Sunrise Service Easter Sunday Worship Services

7:00

a.m.

on the Church Lawn

8:30 and 10:45

a.m.

(located along Maple Avenue) Featuring our Chancel and Bell Choirs Come and celebrate the dawn of Easter morning

when Jesus rose from the tomb! Then, stay for coffee and rolls.

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Our Church Website will keep you up-to-date

www.greensburgfirst.org

Centering Prayer

We continue to meet on

Monday evenings at 6:30.

Church location will be in the lounge or prayer room

according to attendance.

Feel free to join us!

We all look forward to the day when we can be together again. Until that time, remember that we do have American-made

Rada Cutlery

available for purchase and for any gift giving that you might be doing. You would be giving a very practical gift and helping the UMW with mission projects at the same time.

Contact MaryAnn Herd at 724-834-2732 for prices and availability.

Circuit Rider Assembly Team

to meet on Thursday, March 25, in the fellowship hall

at 8:30 a.m. to prepare April Circuit Rider monthly newsletter for mailing.

Look forward to seeing you then!!!

Sponsorships Available for...

CHANCEL FLOWERS

($35)

and

WEEKLY BULLETINS

($20)

Just fill out a green slip (for flowers) or a purple slip

(for bulletins) “in memory” or “in honor” of friends or family and return to the church office with

payment. This will provide beautiful flowers in the Sanctuary for our worship services, and the

bulletin sponsorship will help defray some of our copying/administrative fees...Thank You.

ther arch eetings

O

Monday ~ March 1 ~ Board of Trustees @ 6:30 p.m. (lounge)

Tuesday ~ March 16 ~ Finance & Stewardship @ 6:00 p.m. (fellowship hall) Wednesday ~ March 24 ~ Church Council @ 6:30 p.m. (fellowship hall)

Thursday ~ March 25 ~ Circuit Rider Assembly Team @ 8:30 a.m. (fellowship hall)

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arch

14 th

We will follow all safety guidelines by socially distancing,

requiring masks, and observing several breaks for hand sanitizing…gloves will also be made available, upon request.

The

U

pper

R

oom

Daily Devotional

for

March & April

is now available

in the media rack.

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C

hoir

N

otes

In keeping with the theme of Sunday sermons during the season of Lent, I am reminded that we are so fortunate and “Blessed” to be United Methodists. It seems that other denominations often only have livestream services. Though interruptions have sometimes occurred, we still have in-person services in our Sanctuary, when safely able. And, we are so “Blessed” to still reach out via livestream.

With fingers crossed, we are planning three Sanctuary Sundays (including Holy Week)

when the Chancel Choir will sing. In addition, the Bonnie Ross Ringers Bell Choir will play on Easter. Some additional surprises are also in store. We are so pleased to welcome Nevaeh Hirst as a new

member of our Bell Choir. And, to the Chancel Choir, we welcome Renee Bonari and Savannah Simone. We are

“Blessed!”

Behold, how Good and how Pleasant it is

for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity!

Psalm 133:1 KJV

H

ealing

H

earts

Support Group

Our group is taking a hiatus until spring.

As we embark on another year, let us hope that, with vaccines becoming available, we will be able to meet face to face soon.

We need to continue to keep each other

in prayer and keep in touch by email, text, or phone.

Because we are homebound much of the time, we can enjoy the beauty of the snow around us as we watch neighborhood children sled riding and enjoying the outdoors. We will see you soon!!!

Contact Sherry Miller as to when the group will begin meeting again. You can reach her at 724-537-9366.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

15 E. 2nd Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-834-3111 ♦ website: www.greensburgfirst.org

The Rev. Kevin R. Haley……….……[email protected]…….……..….Senior Pastor Martha “Peaches” [email protected]……...…..…….Secretary The Rev. Robert C. Wilson……….…………...………...……….…...Minister Emeritus Fred Pershing………..………..…..…..……….…...Director of Music Jim Caffrey, Jr………...………..………...………...…...……...Associate Director of Music Ruth K. Hughes….………....……[email protected]..….…..…...………..Organist Jessica Dudik………..………...Financial Secretary Bob Coder……….…...………...……..………..Treasurer Janice Vandenberg and Sean Hirst……...………..…..….………...……..…...…...…..Custodians

Church Office Hours Monday - Friday

8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

As the Dew of Hermon, and as the Dew that descended upon the Mountains of Zion:

for there the Lord commanded the Blessing, even Life For Evermore.

Psalm 133:3 KJV

from

Fred Pershing

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...we trust rather than judge, we seek rather than hide,

and we find truth in the midst of falsehoods.

We don’t make progress in God’s Kingdom by trying to

get ahead or by looking out for number one.

G

od’s

K

ingdom

is not like the kingdoms of this world—

it is an upside-down kingdom,

where we are

different

from the world, we love our enemies,

we sacrifice to gain, we trust and not worry...

The way is narrow, even backwards, when compared to the way of the world.

True discipleship is upside-down.

Join us each Sunday, in Lent, for this series!

United Methodist “Special Sunday” Offering

March 14, 2021

Your generous giving to UMCOR Sunday is what allows UMCOR to act as the arms and legs of Christ’s church, moving toward the most vulnerable in their darkest days. Together, we can continue to meet the needs of children, families, and communities who’ve experienced devastation in the wake of disaster.

Look for the “special” envelope in your bulletin.

E

aster

S

unday

April 4, 2021

It’s time to order flowers!!!

Use the yellow inserted order form. Question???

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RELAXED READERS

On the 1

st

Wednesday of every month, join us at the Greensburg Eat’n Park at 12 noon.

As we head into spring, we hope to continue our distribution outside. However, if conditions are too wet, we will likely need to move registration indoors. Clients will be required to wear a mask to enter the church and register for monthly pick-up which will occur in the basement hallway by the library. We will limit the number of clients in the church at one time. Clients will be asked to register inside and then bring their cars to the glass doors for food pick-up. To keep the process moving and to limit contact, the share table will not be returning in the near future.

Volunteer Opportunities

…Beginning in April we will no longer be receiving pre-packed boxes for distribution.

We will need additional volunteers to assist with packing of boxes and bags, prior to Friday morning distribution. Packing will begin as soon as the truck unloads the food around 8 a.m. If you are able to assist with this process (requiring NO interaction with clients) please contact Mallory Baker for more information.

A special

THANK YOU

to all of our volunteers who have continued to help those in need, during this very uncertain time. This mission would not exist without all of you!!

Donation Opportunities

…Clients are always in need of personal care items (soap, tooth-paste, deodorant etc.)

and paper goods (napkins, toilet paper, paper plates), as these are things they cannot get with their ACCESS cards. Non-perishable food items are also very welcome. At this point, we have plenty of plastic shopping bags and have not been using them at the rate that we used to. Once we are able to get back to the way we conducted distribution, prior to COVID-19, we will make the request for bags at that time.

Food Pantry Ministry Contact:

Mallory Baker at 570-765-0781 or email at [email protected]

F

ood

P

antry

N

otes

Next Distribution: Friday, March 12 at 10

a.m.

The Anonymous

sponsor for our

March

“Truck of the Month”

in memory of

Loved Ones

Sponsorship

100%

PARTICIPATION!

Thank You!!!

March 3

rd

_{Carnegie’s Maid}

_{by Marie Benedict}

(discussion to be led by MaryAnn Herd)

April 7

th

Every Note Played

by Lisa Genova

(discussion to be led by Diane Miller)

May 5

th

Lost Roses

by Martha Hall Kelly

(discussion to be led by Nancy Milliron)

June 2

nd

The Secrets We Kept

by Lara Prescott

(discussion to be led by Kay Garris)

If interested in joining,

please contact Olivia Graham

at 724-420-5614.

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Q

uestions?

V

olunteer

O

pportunities?

F

undraising

I

deas?

Contact Sherry Miller

724-537-9366 [email protected]

The “bat and bird” issue has been addressed by Erlich pest control. In last month’s Circuit Rider it was incorrectly stated the cost of this as $750-- the actual amount was $375.

Phase III (the final phase) of our restroom renovations should be completed in late March. We will also add replacement of a water fountain to our original estimate. Since work on the 3rd floor was actually started last year, by replacing the toilets at a cost of $2,672, our overall cost of this year’s project completion will be somewhat less than anticipated. Once again, we plan to fund this phase with the Hollingsworth Annual Grant and the Ross Trust account. We are still working on some minor glitches with partition doors, but it’s coming together. Also, we will assemble a “painting crew” to complete the project. Volunteers are always welcome! The renovations have definitely improved the look, functionality, and accessibility of the facilities. Thanks to past Trustees who provided the impetus to get this done, current Trustees who have done a great job painting, and benevolent members whose gifts provided the necessary funding.

The Board is planning on cleaning carpets this year. The Chapel carpet is the main concern, but we also want to get the nursery and offices done. We are currently reviewing estimates for this, and will make a decision soon.

Sometime ago, the Board addressed the question of whether or not to keep the old public address system, a monster of a unit similar to what was used in public schools. This provided two way communication to all Church school classrooms. The system had failed, and was only really used during the annual Crechè Show to broadcast music into the rooms on the lower level. The decision was made to discard the equipment. The wiring was left intact, so we have options to install replacement mixers that would use the remaining wiring and function similar to a PA system, complete with microphone communication. The Board will thoroughly research and discuss this, before decisions are made.

I have been elected to serve another one (1) year term as President (Chairperson). Likewise, Mike Sweeney will continue as Vice-President, and Kathy McLay as Secretary. We appreciate the support of the other Board members and all Church members.

Submitted by Jim Swank, Chairperson

Trustees

Board

_of

Because we have no idea what kind of fundraising we can do, this year, for our

H

oliday

D

inner

project, you can still support it by donating and sending your check to the church office with

H

oliday

D

inners

on the memo line.

All money received will be used at Thanksgiving to again support the families of our local schools. The thanks that we receive from these families lets us know that it is needed and appreciated and we are helping our neighbors.

Jim Swank (chairperson) Nancy Spencer Chris Garrett Mark Steeves Kathy McLay Mike Sweeney Karen Pershing Randi Wichrowski

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(as listed in our recent weekly bulletins)

Pastor Kevin Haley / Paulette Hood /

Kelly & her daughter / Linda / Jamie S.

inform churches of admission of members…

please contact the church office with ALL concerns.

If we are not informed then how can we help?

Remembering those who wish to but cannot be among us.

Allan Pierce, Marge Trumbetta

Brookdale Latrobe (500 Brouwers Dr., Latrobe, PA 15650)

Donna Bush, Norma Gump, Charlotte Sonafelt

Westmoreland Manor (2480 S. Grande Blvd., Greensburg, PA 15601)

Charles Blackburn

Barnes Place (2021 James St., Apt. 153, Latrobe, PA 15650)

Connie Tinkey

Ridgeview Residential (122 Ridgeview St., Youngwood, PA 15697)

Helen Harrison

Mt. View Senior Living Center (132 Nature Park Road, Greensburg, PA 15601) Paulette Hood

Hempfield Manor (1118 Woodward Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601)

Contact the church office

to get the “phone” prayer chain going…

724-834-3111 or

[email protected]

D

eepest

W

e offer our

S

ympathy

Mary Jane Helfrich

(January 19, 2021)

Alta Dickson

(January 31, 2021)

to the friends & families of those who have joined

the

C

hurch

E

ternal &

T

riumphant

R

ejoice in the

S

acrament of

B

aptism

Michael John Recklein

Baptized January 31, 2021

Born Sept. 18, 2018 to Samantha Lynn Recklein

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1 5:3 0 Gir l Sco uts FH /N H 6:1 5-7 Halo r eh ea rs al 6:3 0p m B oar d of T ru stees ( lo un ge ) 6:3 0p m C en ter in g Pra yer ( pr ay er r oo m ) 7p m Yo uth B ib le Stu dy ( C A N C E L L E D) 2 9:3 0am B ib le Stu dy (C A N C E L L E D) 3 10am Sto ry T im e w / R ev Kev ( C A N C E L L E D) 12 n oo n B oo k C lu b at E at ’n P ar k 4 11am 1 2-Step ( FH) 6pm B ell reh ea rs al 7p m C ha nce l C ho ir 5 6 7 Co mm un io n 8:3 0am W or sh ip 10 :4 5am W or sh ip ( also v ia L iv e Stre am ) 12 -1 2:3 0p m Halo & C ha nce l C ho ir s reh ea rs e 8 5:3 0 Gir l Sco uts FH /N H 6:1 5-7 Halo r eh ea rs al 6:3 0p m C en ter in g P ray er ( lo un ge) 7p m Yo uth B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) 9 9:3 0am B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) n o livestr ea m du e to c op yrig ht 10 10am Sto ry T im e w / R ev Ke v (liv es tr ea m ) 11 10:0 0am Sta ff M tg . (o ff ice) 11 am 1 2-Step ( FH) 6pm B ell reh ea rs al 7p m C ha nce l C ho ir 12 8-10 am Fo od P an tr y un lo ad T ru ck & S et -u p ( gl ass d oo rs o n M ap le ) 10 -1 1am Fo od P an tr y Dis tr ib utio n (S . Ma ple indoor ha ll ) 13 9am Fella ♦ S hip Men ’s P ra yer B rea kf ast ( FH) 14 8:3 0am W or sh ip 10 :4 5am W or sh ip ( als o v ia L iv e Strea m ) 12 -1 2:3 0p m Halo & C ha nce l C ho ir s reh ea rs e 15 5:3 0 Gir l Sco uts FH /N H 6:2 0-7 Halo r eh ear sal 6:3 0p m C en ter in g P ray er ( lo un ge) 7p m Yo uth B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) 16 9:3 0am B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) n o livestr ea m du e to c op yrig ht 6p m F in an ce & Stew ar ds hip ( FH) 17 10am Sto ry T im e w / R ev Ke v (liv es tr ea m ) 18 11am 1 2-Step ( FH) 6pm B ell reh ea rs al 7p m C ha nce l C ho ir 19 20 21 (P oc ke t C ha ng e fo r a Pur po se ) 8:3 0am W or sh ip 10 :4 5am W or sh ip ( also v ia L iv e Stre am ) 12 -1 2:3 0p m Halo C ho ir reh ear se 22 5:3 0 Gir l Sco uts FH /N H 6:3 0p m C en ter in g P ray er ( lo un ge) 7p m Yo uth B ib le 23 9:3 0am B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) no livestr ea m du e to c op yrig ht 24 10am Sto ry T im e w / R ev Ke v (liv es tr ea m ) 6:3 0p m C hu rc h C ou ncil ( FH) 25 8:3 0am C ir cu it R id er ass em bl y tea m (F H) 11am 1 2-Step ( FH) 6pm B ell reh ea rs al 26 27 28 P al m S u n d ay S UP E R SUND A Y 8:3 0am W or sh ip 10 :4 5am W or sh ip ( also v ia L iv e Stre am ) 12 n oo n SUP E R SUND A Y ac tiv ities in f ello w sh ip h al l 29 5:3 0 Gir l Sco uts FH /N H 6:3 0p m C en ter in g P ray er ( lo un ge) 7p m Yo uth B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) 30 9:3 0am B ib le Stu dy ( lib rar y) no livestr ea m du e to c op yrig ht 31 10am Sto ry T im e w / R ev Ke v (liv es tr ea m ) April 1 M aun dy T hu rs da y 12 -1 :3 0p m 6-7:3 0p m Sil en t C om m un io n & Dev otio ns w it h P asto r Kev in (San ctu ar y) April 2 G oo d F rida y 7:0 0p m A Ser vice of T en eb rae ( San ctu ar y)