McMUM NEWS
"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
HEBREWS 12:1
Two children were arguing about whose big brother was stronger. One child said her brother could run the one hundred yard dash in six seconds flat. The other child countered this claim by pointing out that the world's record was 9 seconds. To which the first child replied, "Oh, yea, well, my brother knows a shortcut!"
Shortcuts in the race of life! There ought to be an easier way than praying! Yes, there is, but none of those ways are Jesus' way. Read again the accounts of Jesus' temptation experience (Matthew 4, Mark 1:13, Luke 4). See how attractive a shortcut was offered by the devil. But Jesus resisted every opportunity to take a shortcut and He will help us resist, too.
What are some of the shortcuts the devil offers?
1. Talking instead of praying.
2. Fussing instead of working.
3. Worrying instead of trusting Jesus.
4. Complaining instead of being prepared.
5. Criticizing others rather than deal with our own short comings.
6. Calling names instead of understanding.
7. Attacking the budget rather than tithing.
There are no healthy shortcuts through life, nor are there any easy shortcuts to God's wonderful will. If we are to live faithful and satisfying lives, it is by doing things God's way. And as you walk God's way step by step by step, remember God's way is always the best way!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give you first place in my life and ask you to help me walk your way every single day and in all of my experiences. I pray that your Word will be first in my knowing, your kingdom first in my giving, and your people first in all rnv loving AMEN!
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The deadline for the SEPTEMBER Newsletter will be Sunday, August 24, 1997. Articles can be turned into the church office. Thank you!
THE FOOD BANK ITEM FOR JULY IS PAPER PRODUCTS. Your generosity is appreciated!
The next Flea Market will be held on Saturday, September 6, 1997 from 8-2.
Mark your calendar! It's coming! July 20th is Friendship Sunday! This is a day that will be filled with special music and worship followed by a fellowship time.
Friendship Sunday is not just a special Sunday of worship and music. It's a Sunday that we are asking you, the congregation, to invite your friends and neighbors (especially those that haven't been going to any church for a long time) to come and worship with us. If you don't know anyone to invite, ask God to show you who you are supposed to invite.
Help us show the community that we are a friendly, caring and Spirit-filled church. See you on July 20th at 8:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.
J Krantz,
Outreach and Worship Ministries
PREPARING
TO TURN 21 !!!
As we continue to move toward the 21st century, it is time to plan our next steps in that faith journey. To do this, we will have a planning workshop on Friday, August 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. There are several ways to participate in this important experience.
First, we want to invite all church members to be in prayer, seeking God's will and direction for our Church. We want to be and do what God wants us to be and do, so in these weeks prior to this experience, let's pray daily for God's will to be done by us and through us.
Second, we want to invite any and all members to participate in this planning experience. It will be important for all members of the Council on Ministries to be present to help us plan for the coming year.
More information will be coming as the date for the workshop approaches, so watch the bulletin for it. Again, in the meantime, please be in prayer so that McMasters Church can move faithfully into the 21st century!
MISSION SUNDAY
We will be observing Mission Sunday on August 24, 1997. During both morning worship services our guest speaker will be the Rev. William Glaze, pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church of Pittsburgh. The theme will be "One in the Spirit, One in the Lord" as we celebrate our oneness in Christ with all of God's children. Come and join us in this special celebration being sponsored by the Outreach Committee.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
PROJECT
While arranging for work to be done on our furnace, it was brought to our attention that we have an asbestos problem that prohibited the repairs being made on the furnace. As you know, asbestos is a dangerous health hazard and requires careful removal by a licensed professional to avoid these health hazards. So after securing several bids, the Trustees recommended to the Administrative Board that we undertake the removal of the asbestos from the church. The project was approved, along with the furnace repairs, and is now underway. During the duration of this project, to protect ourselves and the workers removing the asbestos, no one will be permitted in the basement of the church until further notice (which should be toward the end of July). If you have any questions about this project, please talk with C Rudy, Trustee chairperson, or any member of the Board of Trustees. Thank you for your help and patience in this matter.
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
FOR THE
SUMMER
There are two events being planned for the summer months for the Youth Fellowship:
JULY 11: A PICNIC
All the youth are invited to a picnic at Rev Mattner's house. Dinner will be provided, so don't eat supper. There will be the election of officers for the coming year and a discussion of other summer activities.
AUGUST 15: KENNYWOOD DAY
The group will gather at the church and will then go for a fun day at Kennywood!
More details about these two events? and any others will be coming as the dates for those events get close, so watch your mail and the church bulletin for that information. For now, save these dates and plan to attend.
Here are suggestions for Bible reading and prayer for the month of July. Take some time each day to spend with God in His word and in prayer. God bless you as your do!
| SCRIPTURE: | PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: | |
| 1: Exodus 23:1-3 | Pray that you will be more obedient to God. | |
| 2: Deuteronomy 8:11-20 | Give thanks to God! | |
| 3: Deuteronomy 15:1-11 | Pray for the poor. | |
| 4: II Chronicles 7:11-22 | FOURTH OF JULY: Pray that the people of our nation would humble ourselves, turn from our sin, pray and seek God will so that our nation will be healed. | |
| 5: I Samuel 2:1-10 | Pray for those who are oppressed and victims of injustice. | |
| 6: Psalm 72:1-14 | Ask God to help you trust Him more. | |
| 7: Amos 8:1-11 | Confess your sins and seek God's forgiveness. | |
| 8: Zephaniah 3:1-10 | Ask God to help you act justly in everything you do. | |
| 9: Matthew 18:21-35 | Forgive someone who you think has done wrong, just as God has forgiven you. Then pray for you and that person. | |
| 10: Matthew 25:25-30 | Pray that you will be found faithful in all things. | |
| 11: Luke 4:14-21 | Ask that you and our Church will be filled with the Holy Spirit. | |
| 12: Luke 5:27-32 | Pray for the sick and injured. | |
| 13: Luke 10: 1-12 | Pray for missionaries. | |
| 14: Luke 14:1-14 | Pray for the hungry and give something to the Food Bank. | |
| 15: Luke 19:1-10 | Pray for the unsaved and invite someone to worship this week. | |
| 16: I Timothy 6:3-10 | Pray that you will be truly satisfied and content in all things. | |
| 17: Deuteronomy 6:4-12 | Pray that you will hear and obey God's Word. | |
| 18: I Kings 10:1-13 | Pray that you will please God first rather than people. | |
| 19: Jeremiah 31:1-9 | Thank God for His love! | |
| 20: Amos 5:38-48 | Ask God to help you do what is right and good. | |
| 21: Micah 6:1-6 | Pray that you will do what is just, that you will act mercifully and walk humbly with God. | |
| 22: Zephaniah 3:14-20 | Ask God to use you to bring joy to another person's life. | |
| 23: Hosea 11:1-9 | Pray that you will grow in your faith. | |
| 24: Matthew 5:3848 | Pray for someone you dislike. | |
| 25: John 13:31-35 | Ask God to help you love like He loves. | |
| 26: Romans 13:1-19 | Pray for the leaders of government at every level. | |
| 27: Romans 15:22-33 | Pray for our pastor. | |
| 28: Ephesians 5:21-33 | Pray for each member of your family. | |
| 29: I John 2:7-17 | Pray that you will overcome hatred in your life. | |
| 30: I John 3: 11-24 | Pray that you will be one with God and with all people. | |
| 31: I John 5:1-12 | Ask God to give you the strength to overcome temptation. | |
Listed below are suggestions for Bible reading and prayer for the month of August. Spending time each day reading scripture and in conversation with God is a great summer pick-me-up! Try it, you'll like it!!!
| SCRIPTURE: | PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: | |
| 1: Deuteronomy 4:25-31 | Pray that you will be God focused and Christ centered. | |
| 2: I Kings 8:22-34 | Thank God for promises kept. | |
| 3: Nehemiah chapter 1 | Pray for your community. | |
| 4: Psalm 23 | Pray for renewal of your soul. | |
| 5: Isaiah 1:10-20 | Confess your sins and seek God's forgiveness. | |
| 6: Jeremiah 3:11-14 | Give God thanks for all her mercies! | |
| 7: Jeremiah 3:21-25 | Pray for the unsaved and invite someone to worship this week. | |
| 8: Ezekiel 18:25-32 | Ask God for the strength to overcome temptation. | |
| 9: Matthew 4:12-17 | Thank God for Jesus Christ, the Light of the world and ask Him to help you let your light shine before all people. | |
| 10: Luke 7:36-50 | Thank God for His great love! | |
| 11: Luke 13:10-17 | Thank God for His healing spirit! Pray for the sick. | |
| 12: Luke 13:31-35 | Thank Jesus for loving you! | |
| 13: Luke 15: 1-10 | Give thanks for your salvation! | |
| 14: Romans 2:1-11 | Ask God to lead you to do some good deed today. | |
| 15: I Timothy 1:12-20 | Thank God for His patience! Ask Him to help you be more patient. | |
| 16: Titus 3:1-7 | Ask God to help you be gentle and kind with all people. | |
| 17: Genesis 9:8-17 | Renew your covenant (commitment) with Jesus Christ. | |
| 18: I Chronicles 28:1-8 | Ask God to make you a kingdom-builder for Him. | |
| 19: Psalm 33:1-12 | Praise God from whom all blessings flow! | |
| 20: Psalm 65: 1-8 | Ask God to help you worship Him in spirit and in truth. | |
| 21: Isaiah 11:10-16 | Thank God for His presence and working in your life. | |
| 22: Acts 9:10-31 | Ask God to use you today to help someone in need. | |
| 23: Acts 20:28-35 | Pray for the McMasters Church. | |
| 24: Romans 16:1-16 | Give thanks for your brothers and sisters in the McMasters Church! | |
| 25: I Corinthians 12:14-31 | Pray that our Church might truly be the Body of Christ. | |
| 26: Ephesians 2:13-22 | Pray that Christ will be your cornerstone. | |
| 27: Ephesians 4:1-16 | Pray for the unity of our Church, that we might truly be one in Christ. | |
| 28: Philippians 4:1-7 | Thankfully ask for what you need today. | |
| 29: I Thessalonians Chapter 1 | Ask for help in witnessing to someone today. | |
| 30: I Timothy Chapter 3 | Pray for our Church leaders and committees. | |
| 31: Revelation 3:14-22 | Pray for our Annual Conference and its leaders. | |
Again, many thanks for your contributions to our Food Bank.
Pantry Network of the Eastern Suburbs
Thank you for your recent contribution beautiful Este Lauder bags with toiletries and personal care products.
Womansplace
Thank you for all the cards, prayers and flowers from the choir. Your kindness was greatly appreciated!
N Patterson
A special thank you to all who made contributions used in preparing personal care kits for the women's shelter, Womansplace. Every contribution helped to make our gift to them more valuable. Anonymous gifts were made, too! The shelter was very appreciative.
D Simmons
Outreach Chairperson
The Nurture & Membership Committee would like to thank all those who helped with food and preparation for the confirmation and graduation lunches.
J Krantz
We like living in a world that has people as thoughtful as you. We thank you for your contribution!
Pantry Network of the Eastern Suburbs
Thanks to Del Lewis and all the ladies who helped serve our family in our time of need.
J Krantz and M Birchall
I would like to say "thanks" to everyone! I was showered with concern, phone calls, prayers and good home cooking by you wonderful people. Thanks again for everything!
J Shifter
Thanks and praise to God for bringing Rev. Marti here three years ago. Thanks to Rev. Marti for three years of caring, guiding, teaching, preaching, understanding and fellowship. May we be blessed with many more.
J Krantz
Many thanks to M Schoff and B Redshaw for over 100 combined years of teaching Sunday School. Praise the Lord!