Finley’s Newsletter VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 FINLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL / MAY 2016

FROM OUR PASTOR

April / May 2016

Dear Finley Church family,

It is hard to believe Easter has

already passed us by and spring

is in full bloom. My thought to

you for this newsletter article is

the great need we have as

Christians to stay in God’s

Truth and be connected to other

Christians in the time we are

living in. With so much

confusion in our world, with so

little content and truth, we need

to make every effort to

discipline our faith. How can

we do this? By the “little”

things, such as:

1) Personal reading of God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-11)

2) Regularly worshipping with God’s people (Hebrews 10:24-25)

3) Serving God’s mission and Kingdom (Matthew 9:35-38)

4) Prayer (2

nd Chronicles 7:14; Mark

11:17).

The Bible tells us many people

in the Last Times will be

deceived. We probably would

expect this deception to occur in

the non-Christian or the “Luke-

warm” type of believer. Jesus

says in Matthew 24:9-13:

“(9) Then they will deliver you

up to tribulation and kill you,

and you will be hated by all

nations for My name’s sake.

(10) And then many will be

offended, will betray one

another, and will hate one

another. (11) Then many false

prophets will rise up and

deceive many. (12) And because

lawlessness will abound, the

love of many (*Christians) will

grow cold. (13) But he who

endures to the end shall be

saved.” *my emphasis for

translation purposes.

We have many in our church

who have not been here in

months or years. Some have

their names on our membership

role, but aren’t learning from

God’s Word, worshipping with

God’s people, (the New Testament was written in the

context of Christ’s Church),

and have no accountability in

their walk with Jesus Christ.

Please pray for those who have

slipped away from God’s house

and are in need of spiritual food.

Other than those who physically

can’t come due to health

reasons, people need to be in the

Lord’s house with God’s

people.

My overall point of this article

is concern for Christians who

have become complacent in

their membership vows and

commitment to Christ. The

days and times we live in are

troubling, and how we need the

Lord and one another for

support!

Love – your shepherd,

Pastor Jerry Ernst

Matthew 9:35-38

April / May 2016 Finley’s Newsletter

BIRTHDAYS

April 14 Imagene Hendricks 1638 Pershing Ave Steubenville, OH 43952

April 17 Loren Welch 256 John Scott Highway Schaffer Plaza Steubenville OH 43952

April 19 Coral Rohrabaugh 102 Winks Way Wintersville, OH 43953

April 26 SPC Vincent Petrozzi 1443 Glacier Ave, Unit B Fort Richardson, AK 99505

May 9 Sarah (Sawka) Hammer 103 West 9th Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 May 11

Steven Quigg

416 Red Hill Rd

Pequea, PA 17565

May 29

Joe Rohrabaugh 102 Winks Way Wintersville, OH 43953

May 30 Ken Sawka PO Box 455 Richmond, OH 43944

I carry a cross in my pocket - - a simple reminder to me,

of the fact that I am a Christian, No matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic, nor is it a good luck charm; It isn’t meant to protect me, from every physical harm.

It’s not for identification, for all the world to see;

It’s simply an understanding between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my

pocket, to bring out a coin or key,

The cross is there to remind me, of the price He paid for me.

-Author Unknown

Hospital Visits from Pastor Jerry (FYI)

Because of privacy laws all members of Finley Church must call church office (740) 282-9795, to let us know if you are in the hospital – desiring a pastoral visit. The hospital has informed Pastor Jerry, that from now on, he cannot check the hospital church list to see if Finley’s people are in the hospital. Due to this change, the only way for the Pastor to know if you are in the hospital is for you to call Finley Church (740-282-9795). Sorry about this inconvenience.

Pastor Jerry

SUNDAY EVENING

SERVICES

April 3

Pastor Jerry

April 10

Pastor Jerry

April 17

Anaphero Praise Team

April 24

Drama/Skit Night

May 1

Pastor Jerry

May 8

Pastor Jerry

May 15

Pastor Jerry

May 22

Pastor Jerry

May 29

McKitrick Family

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April / May 2016 Finley’s Newsletter

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to: Robbie and John Young & family in the death of her father Robert “Bob” Westlake. Barbara Young and family in the death of her brother, Norman Six. Mary and Chris Wright and family in the death of her father Michael Kirkpatrick Kelly and Todd Leasure & family in the death of her Grandmother, Rebecca “Becky” Hazencomb. Carl and Amanda Shirer & family and April Brazauskas in the death of their daughter and granddaughter Skyler Shirer. Audrey, Aaron and Stephanie Ellenberger in the death of Audrey’s husband and Aaron’s father Bill Ellenberger. _________________________

Magdalene Joy Brubaker was born on March 4, 2016

to Sean and Amanda

(George) Brubaker

She weighed 8 lbs 8 oz, and

was 20.5 inches long.

Proud Grandparents are

Pastor Doug and Joyce

George

Sebastian Welsh was born to David & Candace Welsh

on February 21, 2016

He weighed 6 lb. 12 oz. and

was 19 ¾ inches long.

Proud Grandparents are Bill

and Juanita Welsh

FINANCE

As information, our Associate

Pastor Fund drive continues to

fall well below our expectations.

We hope to accumulate a full

year’s salary and benefit

expense of $42,500 by the end

of July 2016. At that time our

lone anonymous benefactor will

conclude supporting this

position after a 2-year period.

By that time we need to have

the resources available to

support the Associate Pastor

position for a third year, so that

we can financially plan for

retaining this position into the

future. Through February 2016

the fund drive reached

$21,321.52, which is $8,678.48

below our 12-month goal of

$30,000. In the next 5 months

of this drive we need to raise

$21,178.48 to reach our goal.

The future of our church

depends, in a large part, upon

growing our youth and young

adult ministries, the main focus

of this position. Your prayerful

consideration to supporting this

effort is requested.

Our Easter Offering will focus

support to the following four

critical ministries as follows:

1) 10% to Benevolence (Missions)\

2) 30% to Summer Ministries/Block Party,

3) 30% to Youth and Children’s Camps, and

4) 30% to the Associate Pastor Fund.

Each year we order tithing

envelopes in February for the

next calendar year in order to

obtain a purchase discount. We

have obtained tithing envelopes

numbered 1 through 140 for the

past several years. Currently

only 117 numbered envelopes

are assigned and some of those

assigned are not being used.

Each box of tithing envelopes

costs between $4 and $5,

depending on the quantity

ordered. To eliminate waste and

reduce expenses, the Finance

Committee has ordered tithing

envelopes numbered 1 through

120 for 2017. Currently 14

members are assigned numbers

in the range from 121 through

140, which will be eliminated.

April / May 2016 Finley’s Newsletter

In 2017 these individuals will be

given currently unassigned

envelope numbers within the 1

through 120 range. As always,

unnumbered envelopes are

always available in the

sanctuary pews for anyone’s

use.

Our audit of all church treasurer

accounts are due each year at

the Ohio Valley District by

March 31. Because all church

treasurers submitted their

financial records to Finance in a

timely manner, the church audit

was completed and submitted in

February. The audit disclosed

that our aggregate balance of all

church treasurers’ accounts was

$54,304 more at the end of 2015

than at the end of 2014.

Although this appears on the

surface to be an unexpected

financial windfall, there are a

number of reasons for this

increase. The largest portion of

this increase was the $31,304

balance in the Associate Pastor

Fund for future retention of this

position. Miscellaneous non-

budgeted funds (Memorial,

Revival Expense, Emergency,

Ball Team, Major Improvement,

Christmas, and God’s Pantry)

increased $7,249. The Sunday

School, Children’s Ministries

(primarily camp funds), and

Youth funds increased $2,845.

The Trustees’ Account

increased $12,949 due to funds

still on hand from Major

Improvement and checks

received for Ministry Center and

van damage insurance claims

not yet disbursed, and other

miscellaneous unpaid bills.

Only the Church Treasurer’s

General fund, the Emergency

fund, and Benevolence fund

account balances were lower at

the end of 2015.

VBS

CAVE QUEST Following Jesus

The Light of the World

July 11-15

_______________________

The Jefferson County Christian School will be performing

Godspell this April 7, 8 & 9.

Godspell is a modern day musical depiction of the

parables and teachings of Jesus. This musical will keep your

attention with fun songs, dancing, and humor.

Our very own Gabe Ernst plays the part of Jesus.

Let’s all get out and support Gabe and the Christian School

We are looking for a part-

time Custodian. If you are

interested, please contact Bill

Anderson, or the church

office

(740) 282-9795, or email

office@finleyumc.org.

Looking to Serve

anywhere in the Church?

We need help in the

following areas…

VAN DRIVERS NEEDED

Drivers needed for Sunday mornings and/or night.

Please see Bill Anderson

WORKERS FOR BEGINNERS or

Jr CHURCH Please see Patty Grodhous or

call 740-346-6611 if you would be willing to help the first Sunday of month in Jr. Church or the 2nd Sunday of

the month in Beginners Church

HALL MONITORS Sign-up sheets on the

bulletin board in hallway

PRAY-ERS Are needed in the prayer

room on Sunday mornings to pray for the Pastor as he is

preaching and yellow prayer cards. Praying for yellow

prayer cards also on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.

April / May 2016 Finley’s Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30–7:30 N.A. meeting April 2 11:00 UMW Meeting April 3, 10, 17, 24 8:30 Worship Service 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Service 6:30 Worship Service April 4, 11, 18, 25 10:30 Prayer 6:00 Women's Small Group Study "So Long, Insecurity" 7:00 Men's Small Group Study "Renegade Gospel" April 5, 19, 26 7:00 Choir Practice

April 6, 13, 20, 27 11:00 New Life Study & Prayer 5:00-7:00 Middle School Youth 6:30 Senior High Youth 7:00 New Life Study & Prayer April 7, 21, 28 6:30 Small Group Study "War Room" April 12 11:00 Staff Meeting 7:00 Choir Practice 7:00 Trustees Meeting April 14 7:00 Commissions/Committees 8:00 Administrative Council

April 16 9:30-4:00 Ohio Valley District Discipleship Rally and District Conference 11:00 All Daughters' Tea Planning Meeting April 30 tba Sunday School Teachers Workshop

May 1, 8 Mother's Day, 15, 22 8:30 Worship Service 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Service 6:30 Worship Service May 2, 9, 10:30 Prayer 6:00 Women's Small Group Study "So Long, Insecurity" 7:00 Men's Small Group Study "Renegade Gospel" May 3, 17, 24, 31 7:00 Choir Practice May 4, 11, 18, 25 11:00 New Life Study & Prayer 5:00-7:00 Middle School Youth 6:30 Senior High Youth 7:00 New Life Study & Prayer May 6, 13, 20, 27 6:30–7:30 N.A. meeting May 10 11:00 Staff Meeting 7:00 Choir Practice 7:00 Trustees Meeting May 12 7:00 Commissions/Committees 8:00 Administrative Council May 16 10:30 Prayer 6:00 Women's Small Group Study "So Long, Insecurity" May 21 1:00 All Daughters' Tea

May 23 10:30 Prayer May 29 8:30 Worship Service 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Service 6:30 People's Meeting May 30 Memorial Day Church Office Closed

Facebook.com/finleyumc

Book studies to start the week after Easter. Several great topics to choose from. Have you signed up for this time to dig and gain wisdom and knowledge of the word, as well as gaining friends and fellowship.

Articles for the June, July and August 2016 newsletter are due by May 20th. Please email your article to newsletter@finleyumc.org, or you may put your article in the newsletter mailbox, or give to Sharon Christopher. THANK YOU!

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Finley United Methodist Church U.S. POSTAGE 958 Lincoln Avenue PAID Steubenville, OH 43952-3223 STEUBENVILLE, OH

Rev. Jerry Ernst, Pastor PERMIT NO. 7 Associate Pastor Derek Trout newsletter@finleyumc.org office@finleyumc.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

April / May 2016

Small Groups/Book Studies

All Daughters' Tea May 21 at 1:00 Come Worship With Us

http://www.finleyumc.org/