Open hear t s

Applying Bible Principles

Someone once said, Experience is a good teacher, but she gives the test first and then the lesson. Thats certainly true, and based on many of lifes experiences, we frequently fail the test before we can benefit from the lesson. The formula e equals mc2 is familiar to many college students but understood by very few people. Most of us know it had something to do with Einstein and was the formula that led to the release of enormous power and to the nuclear age. Similarly, in funding the local church, e might stand for every, m for member, c for commitment, and the 2 for the effort multiplied by itself. The fruit of that kind of effort is much more powerful than what Einstein discovered, even as Jesus described it in Matthew 21:22 Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Right now, as we consider the opportunity to support the ministries here at Oakmont United Methodist Church, God is putting us to the test. As Gordon Moyes stated, Responsible giving or stewardship is not mans way of raising money, but Gods way of raising people. . . .The churchs budget is not a list of its expenses, but a record of its vision. It is not a list of bills to be met, but a program of ministry to be achieved. As each of us prayerfully considers what God would have us give, and as we obey what God asks of us, we can trust Him to provide the resources. Thats a test a test of where we are spiritually much more than where we are financially. Its a test of us as individuals and of us as a church. The question is whether or not we really believe that God has the power and ability to bless our obedience far more than all we can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). How are you doing concerning Gods tests regarding money in your life? If Gods provision in your life in the days ahead depends on how you obey His leading now concerning your giving, what will the future be like for you? It just might, you know. . . .

July/August 2012

Open minds Open door s

A few months ago I was reading the daily Bible verse I receive on my e-mail each morning and there was a word I hadnt ever noticed. The verse was written this way: Psalm 7:1 A "shiggaion" of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. 1 O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, New International Version The word that was new to me-- "shiggaion" began some research on my part and I have looked at different translations as well as Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances and footnotes to find out what a "shiggaion" means. The research led me to Habakkuk 3:1 where "shigionoth", a plural form of "shiggaion" is used. Habakkuk 3:1 Habakkuk's Prayer 1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On "shigionoth". a 1 Footnote: a. Habakkuk 3:1 - Probably a literary or musical term Cross Reference: 1. Habakkuk 3:1 - Ps 7 Title It also led to this explanation: Shigionoth is not slow, whiny or sad, and Habakkuk 3 is not a cry-in-your-beer ballad. Shigionoth is a high form of praisewild, rhythmic and exuberant. It is praise with pumped-up volume and no limits; it is worship punctuated with exclamation marks! (J. Lee Grady) You may have been saying so what! from the beginning especially if you are a not word person. When we read the Bible even one verse it is important to stop when we see something we havent noticed before. It is like stopping to notice something we havent seen/heard/smelled before when we are walking or driving on a familiar route. That is one way God gets our attention. In our daily lives we are enriched by what grabs our attention, whether it is in our daily routine, reading the Bible or what someone says. This summer take time to enjoy the beauty of Gods world. Also take time to follow up on those new or different things you notice especially in Gods Word. Blessings, Pastor Linda

SUMMER MUSIC AT OUMC

Our Summer Music Program is in full swing and what a joy every Sunday! July 1 Matt Dooley, a fellow Bach Choir singer, will join Erich and me. After Matt come Erich Stein and Rich Bowman from our choir, singing a bass duet, and then, the flip side the next week, Becky Houston and Sandra MacPherson, also from our choir, singing a soprano duet. On July 22, Carolyn Slaugh will be our organist, and Katie Pennington will be organizing (and probably also dancing) a liturgical dance. The next weekend, Tony Rollett will be playing the organ, and he will again supply special music, either on the organ or the piano. The first weekend in August, Carolyn Slaugh will play and Jessica Jacka and Katie Pennington will perform a pair of flute and violin duets. The next weekend, our dear OPC friend, Sandy Wahnsiedler, will play violin with me, followed by a bass solo by Erich Stein. After that, we round out the summer with our dear old friend, David Alden, singing a tenor solo, and Sandra MacPherson, a soprano solo. We have a lot to look forward to, dont we? Im so very grateful to all these talented people who are helping with this program this summer. Thank you! Polly McQueen Organist and Choir Director

JULY 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 13 15 16 18 19 22 24 27 29 31 Nathan Delo Jack Riley Leanna DiMatteo John Meister Rose Curran Bonnie Pahlman Rosemary Pennington Nancy Morrison Joyce Miljanovich Isabella Walsh Darlene Eden Linda Sweeney Florence Thompson John Long Marsha Wycich Samantha McClelland Tracy Provenza Jacob Barnes Donna DeTurck Jane Sykes Scarlett Fichte John Hildebrand, Sr. Eleanor Hitchak Jeanne Knox Genevieve Hissem Don Nelson

AUGUST 1 2 Bill Hall Martha Ewart Bill Moore 7 Willie DeTurck Allan Kennedy 9 Christa Assad Heather Fichte Betty Hunter 10 Scott Ashbaugh 13 Tina Whitehead 14 Michael DiCocco 18 Michele Handyside 21 Edwin Allen Bill Charlton 22 Caroline Kelley 24 Karen Sweetland 25 Carolyn Grimes 26 Don Klinsky 27 Lee Dezzutti Larry Sweeney 29 Jan Moore 30 Burl Davis Shannon Hatcher Ron Kircher

OAKMONT STREET SALE SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012 The Finance Committee is once again organizing our participation in this annual event. We will have a booth to sell baked goods across from Fedarkos Hair Fashions on the Boulevard. If you can help in any way, please contact Ben Taggart at 412.828.0686 or at bdtaggart@comcast.net. The ladies of the church will be baking pies Friday, July 27 for this event. office if you can help with baking pies.

If we inadvertently missed listing your birthday, please call the church office and let us know.

Please call the church

GENERAL FUND NUMBERS FOR MAY Income $ 12,797.85 Expenses $19,351.74 Balance 5/31$4,088.78 The Mission Share has been paid thru May. WENDYS FUNDRAISER A dinner fundraiser is held at Wendys in Harmarville the third Monday of each month. 20% of all orders (drive-through also) between 5-8 pm on that night will be contributed to OUMCs General Fund. NEWSLETTER Please submit articles for the September newsletter by August 19. If you would like to receive your copy by e-mail, please send us a message at oakmontumc @verizon.net. COVERED DISH LUNCHEONS The next luncheon will be July 29 when the Outreach Team will host. Please bring table service and a dish to share. HOSPITALIZATIONS The following members and friends have recently been in the hospital: Nevin Woodside Jeanne Knox Gary Pennington Terri Aubele Please remember them in your prayers

REPORT FROM TINA WHITEHEAD

Since the last newsletter Ive spent 3 weeks in Jerusalem and then returned to attend Annual Conference at Grove City from June 6 to 10. Let me try to put these two together. The theme of this years conference was Dreaming God Sized Dreams. The session that inspired me the most was the presentation given during the Friday laity worship. Justin Muchoney, former music director at Ingomar UMC and now employed in leadership training at Disney World, gave an inspiring message about making dreams come true (my words). He began by affirming that each and every one of us is creative and has the ability to dream. After all, the bible says that we are made in the image of God and God is a God who creates. And God is a God who also dreams. And what is Gods dream? Justin asked us to consider the Lords Prayer and what Jesus taught us: Thy Kingdom comeon earth as it is in heaven. That is Gods dream and our mission is to join with God in making that Kingdom on earth a reality. So how does that tie into my 3 weeks in Jerusalem? I was thinking while he spoke: what about the people of the world who live in conditions where survival is the only goal, where dreaming is a luxury? What about Islam and her family, a woman I had met the previous week in a refugee camp in Bethlehem? What were her dreams? Her husband had spent 2 years in prison and had been tortured to the extent that he could no longer work in his profession as an electrician. They have 5 children, including a 12 year old son who did not receive proper medical treatment at birth and, as a result, is now severely mentally and physically handicapped. Islam, with the help of a young creative and energetic woman from Brazil, is trying to rally other women in the camp to begin a womans co-op so that they can pool their talents to help with basic needs, including child care for handicapped children, a kindergarten, cooking classes and even the possibility of roof top vegetable gardens where they can grow their own produce. But they have no material resources. Their only resource is their creativity, their imagination and their determination to better their situation. Dreaming God Sized Dreams! Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven. What is my dream? When I asked myself this question, I realized that my dream is to help remove the obstacles that keep others dreams from becoming a reality. This dream applies to those I have met in Palestine as well as here in Oakmont. Will you join me in not just dreaming but helping make this dream come true? Blessings and peace, Tina

OAKMONT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

COMMUNITY DINNERS
Some of you responded to our recent survey by saying we needed to get involved with local ministry. A dinner is held at Verona UMC the last Wednesday of the month from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. These meals are provided keeping those who are having a difficult time in our current economy in mind, although everyone is welcome. There is no charge, but donations are accepted. These dinners are hosted by churches in Oakmont and Verona. If you would like to help with this ministry, please call the church office.

SUMMER LUNCH AND FUN CAMP

School's out and all the kids have been out playing, but by now wish there was a little direction or variety. This all happens and comes together just before the Twin Boros
Health Ministry is ready to open the Summer Lunch and Fun Camp (SFLC).

SLFC is eight weeks of breakfast and lunch provided for all children of the area who are 18 years old or younger. In addition to the food for the body, food for the mind, spirit, and soul are provided. SFLC opens for fun Monday through Friday, June 25 through August 17 from 9 am until 2:30 pm. Headquarters is in Verona Presbyterian Church located on the corner of Second and South avenues, right across from Cribbs Field. Many thanks to the generosity of the members of our communities including businesses and corporations and to the members of the TBHM. These generous folks join together to supply the crafts, staff stipends, drinks, snacks, and other activities and oversee the total running of the program. For further information, contact Shirley Davis at 412-828-3412.

Throughout the year the OUMC UMW plans many fundraising events to raise funds to support our many mission projects. One mission we support is "Brighton Their World" and was started by a family who was in the Ethiopian adoption process to add to their Christian family. Through their persistence and faith in God they finally received (what they call in the adoption world) a referral that a beautiful newborn boy was waiting for them to bring him home. Before they could finish getting through the red tape, Brighton passed away from malnutrition in an Ethiopian orphanage. It made them aware that there are so many orphans in Africa who do not get the baby formula that they desperately need to survive. That is when they started the foundation "Brighton Their World". They accept dry baby formula, baby blankets and donations to send to various orphanages in Ethiopia. The best part is that friends and contacts who are volunteers and future adoptive families take these items on the plane with them to deliver the items when they get there. To date, "Brighton Their World" has provided 53,388 bottles of formula that have been delivered to the neediest of God's children. Brighton may have passed away, but his memory is alive as ever. So if you ever wonder where your money goes from buying a pie, spending money at the Christmas Bazaar or giving a donation, I wanted you all to know it is well spent. As a side note, the founders of the foundation are now proud parents of two beautiful Ethiopian girls who have reaped the benefits of their formula drives. John 6:31-35 - Our fathers ate the Manna in the wilderness; as it was written, He gave them bread out of the Heavens to eat. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." This is just one of the many ways that Untied Methodist Women provides food for the body and food for the soul. Thank you for supporting our missions! Yours in Christ, Julie Trenn President OUMC UMW

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP
On July 29th there will be a fellowship meal after the 10:30 worship time (meat provided). Please bring a dish to share. Come and enjoy the fellowship. There will be a combined worship time and church picnic on September 9th. The worship will feature a great day of singing. The picnic will follow with hamburgers and hotdogs provided. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the fellowship! For more information on "Brighton Their World" go to www.brightontheirworld.org<http:// www.brightontheirworld.org>

Annual Conference Report (continued from previous page) Legislation

approved an updated sexual harassment policy for members and clergy, declaring that

CHILDREN AND YOUTH So lets catch up! May was a fantastic and crazy month. The Relay for Life was so much fun and what a beautiful Day! Thanks to everyone who pitched in and worked so hard. The West Virginia trip was one of the best weve had! Meeting our fourth grade class from Coal City was so much fun. They were thrilled to meet their Pittsburgh friends. Our kids were just wonderful and interacted so beautifully with them. We stayed for the day had a little party and played outside. We also worked very hard at the Burlington Methodist Home. We put in two prayer gardens and several small flower beds. It was so hot that day, but our kids were troopers. We finished the trip by working for the United Methodist Temple who hosts us every year. We managed to squeeze in some sightseeing and a movie before all was said and done. Cant wait until next year! The youth service was the following week. We dedicated it to the UMW who were so generous and helpful to us this year. The kids did an excellent job and I thank those of you who attended the service. I hope you were blessed by the hard work and love that went into it. On Friday, June 29th we will start Breakfast and Bible Study on the Sweeneys back porch. This is for any young lady in the youth or post high group. Please join us at 9:30 until ? on July 6, 20 and 27. The weekend of July 2022 is a mission weekend for the post high group. We are staying on the southside and plugging into Hot Metal Bridge missions. Please call me if you are interested in attending. On Thursday, July 26th the youth and post high is hosting the homeless dinner on the Southside. Desserts are needed. Monday, August 6th is a kayaking trip for both groups., leaving church around 9:00am and returning around 4:00pm VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLMonday July 30th thru Friday August 3rd. 6:00pm8:30pm the theme is Incrediworld Amazement Park Its going to be great fun! If you would like to learn more about VBS please come to the Luncheon after church on July 29th. You will get a little preview of what it will look like. Feel free to call me with any questions 412 889 4589.

a clergyperson or member shall not engage in harassment.

voted to encourage the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose a bill that would al-

low predatory payday loans with annual interest as high as 300 percent.
allow the state courts to consider evidence of racism when reviewing death sentences; approved a Juvenile Justice Bill that would allow resentencing of an individual who was

less than 18 years old when sentenced to prison for no less than 10 years to based on certain factors;
increase in Pennsylvanias tax on beer, which is the eighth lowest in the U.S., to fund

alcohol treatment and programs to assist the most vulnerable citizens.

approved 10 Special Sundays with offerings for 2013, adding Encounter with Christ in

Latin America and the Caribbean Sunday to existing Special Sundays.

approved a proposed a budget of $9.06 million, which represents a $200,000 increase

over the 2012 connectional budget.

approved a restructuring proposal

HOPE CIRCLE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Hope Circle will meet on Monday, August 13th at 7:00 PM in the parlor. The group will discuss Night Road by Kristin Hannah. Jude Farraday, mother of twins Zach and Mia, has devoted herself to being a model mother for eighteen years. As high school graduation and college approach, Jude seems to lose touch with her children and begins to fear for their future and their safety. Then, one summer night the unimaginable happens and lives are changed forever. Can she find it within herself to forgive the one who caused such pain? How do each of us find the strength and courage to forgive? Please consider joining the group for an hour of discussion and fellowship.

Annual Conference 2012 Summary By Jackie Campbell 6/13/2012 GC2012: General Conference wrap-up
United Methodists from five continents addressed a wide range of challenging issues, during their 10-day legislative gathering. Meeting in the Tampa Convention Center, steps away from the waters of Tampa Bay, the 988 delegates recalled through worship, song and sermon the healing and transforming ministry of Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee. In addition to restructuring and the Act of Repentance, General Conference addressed a wide range of topics during its April 24-May 4 gathering. The delegates: Dreaming God-Sized Dreams was the theme of the 2012 Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference session, held June 7-10 at Grove City College in Grove City, PA. Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton described a God-sized dream as a vision of something that you and I cannot accomplish on our own. It is bold, challenging, and just far enough out there that you cant get there without the spirits help. The entire story of Gods people in the holy scriptures is a story of God-sized dreams, the Bishop said. The Bible Study leader, Dr. John C. Holbert, professor at Southern Methodist Universitys Perkins School of Theology, emphasized the ways Gods dreams are fulfilled through ordinary people. He focused on the story of Moses and Ruth. Watch both sessions on YouTube. Justin Muchoney, who was director of music and worship arts at Ingomar UM Church when he won a contest to become Chief Magic Official at Disney Parks, told the members that they were all dreamers and creative people. The key to dreaming God-sized dreams, he said, is how you approach a blank piece of paper. On ministry night, five new provisional elders were commissioned. Two clergy were received as members from other denominations. Twenty-six clergy, including 16 elders and one deacon, who are retiring were recognized for their years of service. During a Sunday morning ordination service, one deacon and six elders were ordained. The average age of the new elders, deacon and provisional members is 37. Members endorsed two candidates for bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction: Greensburg District Superintendent William B. Meekins Jr. and Washington District Superintendent Eric S. Park. Sharon Gregory of Pittsburgh was elected Conference Lay Leader. Re-elected to their current Conference posts were Chancellor Amy Bentz; Secretary & Statistician John R. Wilson; Treasurer Patricia Morris; and Secretary of Global Ministries Kenneth Haines. Volunteers at Grove City received 4,451 UMCOR kits, valued at $63,177, as well as numerous supplies to make additional kits, from annual conference members. The Rev. Nelson Thayer, director of the Mission Barn said the total received is less than previous years, but the number of kits delivered directly to the Mission Barn has been steadily increasing, with 5,203 this year (not counting those collected at AC2012). (continued on next page)

Retained the churchs position regarding homosexuality, deciding not to adopt language that would have said United Methodists are not of one mind on this issue; Did away with guaranteed appointments for clergy;

Rejected a proposal for setting aside a bishop to serve as full-time president of the Council of Bishops; Entered into full communion with a number of historically black pan-Methodist denominations; Approved making the United Methodist Women an autonomous organization rather than operating it under the church's missions agency; Created a national ministry plan for Pacific Islanders; Adopted a $603.1 million budget for the 2013-2016 period; and

Decided not to divest from three companies whose products are used by the Israeli military in the occupied Palestinian territories. The delegates, from more than 60 nations, processed some 1,200 petitions during the assembly. General Conference meets every four years and is the only body that speaks for the 13 million-member denomination. Church restructuring received more attention from delegates than any other issue. On Friday, April 27 before legislation reached the plenary floor, delegates participated in An Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples, recognizing and repenting of actions taken against Native peoples of all nations. Bishop Rosemarie Wenner of Germany, the new president of the Council of Bishops, sent the delegates forth on an encouraging note during the conferences closing worship. At the end of all our business unfinished though (it is), as we are ready to go, let us pause for a moment, she said. Let us listen as the risen Christ says to us, Fear not! I am with you. And, therefore, follow me.