THUSE NEWS

June 2020

South Parkersburg UMC

To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known

Sr. Pastor – Reverend James PlyburnDCE & Youth Ministries – Jennifer PlyburnChurch Office: 304-428-1195Parsonage Phone: 304-834-3521Pastor Jim’s Cell: 304-360-3969Jennifer’s Cell: 304-360-1373Church Email: spumc1813@gmail.comWebsite: southparkersburgumc.org

Pastor’s Message

Greetings in the Name of the Risen Savior!

I Pray that this letter finds you and your family healthy and well. I would like to thank you for keeping me in your prayers, especially as we continue to offer our Sunday morning worship services on Facebook Live. Some people have referred to these services as "Virtual Church". While the term "virtual" often refers to something that is not real, I would argue that the "Church" we have experienced over the last two months has been very real. Yes, we miss the fellowship - the handshakes, the hugs, the smiles - but our worship has been real, both on a physical level and a spiritual level. Many of you have expressed to me that you feel the same.

Our Re-Launch Team is primarily focused on one thing - the health and safety of our congregation. Even if we follow the CDC Guidelines for returning to in-person worship gatherings (proper sanitation before and after gathering, limited number in attendance in order to maintain social distancing, wearing of cloth face coverings, etc.) there would remain a risk of infection and spread of COVID-19. While many may only experience minor symptoms, some could experience severe, even life-threatening, symptoms, especially for our elderly members. That is a risk we are not willing to take at this time. However, we are exploring ways to gather so that the risk is reduced, such as outdoors, while still following the CDC Guidelines. We are also committed to taking whatever measures are necessary to continue to offer live-streaming of our worship service once we return to the sanctuary in order to continue to reach those who are currently worshiping with us.

I am also exploring the use of Zoom on-line gatherings as a way to hold meetings and Bible studies until we can safely gather in-person.

Please continue to pray for our church family, for our community, for our country, and especially for those who have not yet accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.

God Bless!

Pastor Jim

Christian Education & Youth Ministry

May was an exceptionally long and rainy, but beautiful and busy month! We celebrated Mother's Day, Graduation Sunday, Memorial Day, and Pentecost in new and different ways. Here in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and in neighboring communities, we were encouraged to "stay safer at home" as the process of reopening businesses and workplaces and resuming activities began to happen. As Pastor Jim shared, we have been living in a "virtual world" during this pandemic and we may need to continue to do so, for the immediate future. Please read the information about upcoming "virtual" summer camp opportunities for children and youth. I encourage you to prayerfully support these camps and get your children and youth registered to participate. These "virtual" experiences will still offer very REAL opportunities for Christian growth and development, maturing in faith, connecting with friends, and receiving abundant blessings! Likewise, our "virtual" worship services and Midweek Meditations on Facebook LIVE offer wonderful opportunities to BE "the church"...from wherever we are...and to SHARE OUR WITNESS with family, friends, and all God's children ALL AROUND THE WORLD! Please join us each Sunday and Wednesday and feel free to share and repost.Blessings!

YOUTH GROUP ZOOM MEETING - Sunday, May 31st at 6:30 P.M.

Christian Education Team ZOOM Meeting - Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 P.M.

Jennifer

Congratulations Sadie on Graduate Sunday!!!

Pastor Jim and Jennifer, youth, and several members of our church family surprised Sadie Nelson on Graduate Sunday

with a small parade of vehicles that parked on the street near her home to congratulate her 2020 PSHS graduation.

Crossroads Church

Camp 2020

PLEASE READ!!!

Spring Heights Camp & Retreat Center

Daily Prayer List

Remember the families of: Margot Gruner - friend in CT, Rev. Ed Lowe, Tommy Evans

(Brother of Tim Evans), Patty Miller, Helen McCauley - Aunt of Anita Baum, Chuck

Leavitt, Debbie Hall, Walter Boise - Brother-in-law of Lois Boise, Deanna Cutright

Please keep the following in your Prayers:

Beverly AdamsHelen Boone

Lula DonalsonAvis Full

Jan HoughtonLinda Knight

Michael MartinRalph McNemar

Yvonne MorehouseBarbara TerrellJim Whitlach

Emily Thorn - Daughter of Bubby RoweDaniel Houghton - Son of Tom and Jan Houghton

Brandon Pathtel - Nephew of Linda MilhoanDeb Tuttle - Friend of Jennifer Plyburn

Christine Schenerlein - Niece of Jan KinderJanet Smith - Sister of Bruce Bumgarner

Opal VincentLaiana Nichols

Johnny Pierson - Uncle of Anita BaumJohnny Binegar - Father of Olivia Elliott

Those working in essential services!

June Birthday & Anniversary Dates

BIRTHDAY:June 1st Ralph McNemar

June 2nd Jennifer Plyburn

June 5th Julia Moreland

June 5th Mike Miller

June 7th J R Hoover

June 8th Landon Sexauer

June 8th Austin Sexauer

June 8th Miley Hoover

June 10th Betty Kerr

June 11th Chase Gordon

June 12th June McNickle

June 15th Rhett Stover

June 15th Taylor Youell

June 16th Brad Lewis

June 16th Noah Moyers

June 17th Jeremiah Moyers

June 20th Jay Plyburn

June 21st Sue Morrison

June 21st Steve Stanley

June 21st Olivia Hendrix

June 22nd Brian Hyson

June 23rd Anna Deem

June 24th Grayson Ramsburg

June 25th Valma Adams

June 26th Kelly Lutz

June 30th Dianna Moore

June 30th Melissa Kuhl

ANNIVERSARY:June 4th Baker & Betty Neal

June 5th John & Lois Goodrich

June 10th Rick & Anna Deem

June 12th Tom & Cristy Hanlon

June 13th Warren & Carol Gorrell

June 14th Larry & Laura Minx

June 20th Jay & Joan Jones

June 25th Chris & Ashley Anderson

June 26th Jim & Jennifer Plyburn

Finance Committee Report

In Memory

A Saint of our church, Deanna “DeeDee” Cutright, passed away on Sunday, May 10th. Our thoughts

and prayers are with her mother, Linda Knight, her sister, Melanie Reed, and her other family members

and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

The Finance Committee would like to thank everyone for their continued financial support of SPUMC during this unusual time.

The total dollars needed each Sunday to meet the 2020 budget is $3945.78. This represents: $205,180.57 (the 2020 budget) divided by 52 (the number of weeks).

January through April equals 17 Sundays which equates to $67,078.26 that is needed to meet our budget requirements for this 4 month period, (17 X $3,945.78). Our total GOF (General Operating Fund) plus additional revenue, January through April is $68,633.93.

At the current time we are $1,555.67 in the black. Again, given the current situation and the challenges we are all dealing with at this time we are truly blessed. However, there is one thing that needs to be mentioned. The revenue figure of $68,633.93 includes the proceeds from the Big Sale. Without this revenue we would be in a deficit position.

The above figures do not include the Second Mile Giving (silver plate). SMG is as follows:

January —- C.O.M.E. —- $497.00 February —- Women’s Care Center —-$839.00 March —- Latrobe St. Mission —-$527.00 April —- Cash Day improvement Fund —-$250.00

Tithes and offering can still be mailed to: Brad Lewis 2050 Larkmead Road Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at 304-482-2511 or by email at jwbaum@suddenlink.net.

SPUMC Finance Committee Chairman

Jerry W. Baum

Stewardship Alert !

Stewardship Committee Members - Jan Barnes, Jerry Baum, Jim Braden, Anna Deem, Stephanie Gibbs, Michaela Hupp, Pastor Jim Plyburn, Sam Sams, Kay & Brent Wilhelm

Ex officio – Tammy Lewis – non-attending❑ Your 2nd Mile, Silver Plate offerings for year 2020 will be serving the following:

Jan. $497 - Celebration of Missions Event (C.O.M.E.) – UMC West Virginia Conference Missions Feb. $839 - Women’s Care/Baby Bottles – a Faith-based medical clinic for women and babiesMar. $527 - Latrobe St. Mission - helps our fellow Parkersburg citizens in needApr. $195 - Annual Easter Cash day month for our SPUMC Building & Improvement FundMay - SPUMC Children and Youth to Church Camps – financial supportJune - Young Life - introduces young lives to Jesus Christ July - Backpack Blessings - provides bags of food to children at 3 elementary schools Aug. - Old Man Rivers – helps individuals with food and clothing needs Sept. - Grace of God Food Pantry - helps the needy in our area with food Oct. - Thrive – temporary aid for families in crisis through Community ResourcesNov. - Annual Thanksgiving Cash day month for our SPUMC Building & Improvement FundDec. - OPEN for your individual choice

❑ Thanks to all who have continued to worship with their tithes and offerings in this time of being unable to assemble ourselves in the church building.

❑ Offering checks may be mailed to our Financial Secretary, Brad Lewis, at the following address. If you want your check split between Gold plate tithes and offerings and Silver Plate second mile

giving, please indicate clearly on your check, or include a note to Brad stating your Gold/Silver split.

Brad Lewis2050 Larkmead Road

Parkersburg, WV 26101

Submitted by Kay Wilhelm

Behind the Scenes

Pastor Jim checking up on church family

Pastor Jim Zooming with the Bishop, DS, & District Clergy

Pastor preparing for LIVE Sunday Service

Preparing for Midweek Meditation

“What do you mean it’s time for church? It’s

time to play ball!”

Cancellation - Spring Event 2020

Soup / Clothing / Miscellaneous FundraiserThe individuals committed to organizing this fundraiser, along with the entire

Stewardship Committee were in unanimous agreement to cancel this event. It has been two months since it was first postponed and due to current health guidelines, there is no indication that it can be held anytime in the foreseeable future. Church Council members have been notified by email of the cancellation. This communication is to make certain everyone in the congregation who so generously donated clothing is updated on the status of the event.

Latrobe St. Mission, who was originally designated to receive leftover items, met us atthe church garage with a large truck and picked up all the clothing, belts, shoes, and pursesyou had donated. Monetary donations already received for the food will be returned to thedonors when we get to see each other.

The volunteers from Latrobe St. Mission expressed utmost gratitude for the bountifuldonation. They have had to indefinitely close their thrift store, but explained there is alwaysa need for useable clothing when individuals come to the mission seeking shelter andrehabilitation. They maintain a large “clothing closet” for just this purpose. This clothingwas in great condition and will be available for those in need. Many come unprepared todress appropriately for seeking employment or even everyday living, so your donations willserve that purpose. Anything that is stained or torn or otherwise unusable still benefits themission financially, as it can be bailed and sold to obtain financing for the many otherservices offered at Latrobe Street Mission. Again, THANK YOU, for your support of thisproject, and our hope is that every one of you are safe and doing well during this uncertaintime. See you in church !

Submitted by: Kay Wilhelm, Stewardship Chairperson

SPUMC Service Outreach

With the “Stay-at-Home” order in place during the pandemic, Pastor Jim has been presenting his sermons on Facebook Live Video. In addition, viewers can go on the church Facebook page and watch past services whenever they have time to view them. Each Sunday we have had a very large number of on-line viewers, much higher than our regular attendance at church services. These are people who are not only confined to their homes, or living in nursing homes, but also people who live too far away from our church to attend on a regular basis. We would like to continue offering these on-line services to those folks even after we return to our regularly scheduled in-church services from our sanctuary. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our church outreach far beyond the 4-walls of the church.

We currently have the technology to provide on-line streaming of our services directly from the church. The one constraint that has been identified is the upload speed required from our current internet provider. Suddenlink does not provide the upload speed necessary to broadcast live under our current subscription. However, the Trustees have identified CAS as an internet provider with faster upload speed capability. CAS installed the Internet and phone bundle last week, and we will be paying about $20 more per month then we are currently paying Suddenlink, but installation was free. The system has been tested and works well. We now have both in-house and on-line service broadcast capability from our church.

Trustees

United Methodist Women

The next scheduled meeting probably will not occur till July or August. It depends on what our officials decide. However, in light of these times I continue to remind you about the Online Bible Study from Kathy Gifford and Rabbi Sobel. The catch-up time is the first week in June, and you can participate in all six sessions during that week. I hope you have already been doing the study and this will not have to be an event that will have to planned for later. I realize I don’t have other distractions and obligations to keep me from it, but it truly has been a great 25 minutes of my time. The session provides the scriptures covered in that session. You don’t have to, but, if you purchased the books the reading assignments are listed. I have learned things about the bible lands and people that western teaching just would not know, and the scenery is breath taking. So do try it!

There is an opportunity to do it after the session goes off line, Nancy Russell has a copy of the video and we can decide if we want to take extra time and do the study later. So think on these things.

Another subject I mentioned at the beginning of the year that Covid19 took down was the night out at the theatre. I have purchased the movie “I Still Believe”. I would like for us to think about when we would like to see this and under what circumstances. We might be able to invite other churches and have a combined showing, depending on where we choose to show the movie.

A final thought, it seems all I get done is ask for something and yes I am asking once again. Even though it has not been discussed at our meetings, I have taken it upon myself to make cloth bags to provide to patients undergoing chemotherapy. I had a chat with Melanie Reed in March and ask her what our organization could do to help the Cancer society. Melanie suggested that we make little totes to carry items that would help patients during their chemotherapy sessions. Items suggested to place in them were: 1. stress balls or squeeze objects, 2. small bottles of hand lotion 3. small containers of sanitizers 4. individual packages of kleenex tissues, 5. lip balm, 6. crossword puzzle books or search and find books. I felt that this would be something that our group could do to help the cancer society and help Melanie Reed in her personal ministry as a nurse. So if you can do this, it would be most appreciated. When we officially gather together as a body of believers I hope we can fill these little bags for the patients that can use them.

Before I close this article, I want to thank all the ladies that have been making masks for others to keep them and others safe during this pandemic. To name would be difficult, because I would miss one for sure. YOU KNOW who you are, so THANK YOU! You are appreciated.

God Bless You!

Sandy Sinnett

The “RED” Words of Jesus

Oswald Sanders pointed out that the teachings of Jesus were simple, vital, ethical, practical, original, psychologically correct, and, of course, theologically true—in every way. The teachings of Jesus were true because He is the truth, so we can know Him. He fulfills the truth, so we can trust Him. He tells the truth, so we obey Him. He models the truth, so we can emulate Him. He predicts the truth, so we can expect Him. And He comforts us with the truth, so we can love Him.

Reading through all the Gospels in one sitting would take some time, but if you have a Bible with the words of Jesus printed in red, try sitting down to read those words. Go from passage to passage, simply reading the red-letter words of Jesus. It’s a wonderful exercise.

“When the red letters of Jesus become the read letters of Jesus, our soul is enriched. The world will one day end but His words will never pass away.”

Source: Turning Point by David Jeremiah Daily Devotional

Submitted by Tammy Lewis

Without the WAY there is no going; Without the TRUTH there is no knowing; Without the LIFE there is no living…

Thomas A. Kempis

No one can be wrong with man and right with God.

Harry Emerson Fosdick

What we are is God’s gift to us… What we become is our gift to God.

Louis Nizer

Religion should be our steering wheel, not our spare tire.

Charles L. Wheeler

Most of us wait until we are in trouble, and then we pray like the dickens. Wonder what would happen if, some morning, we’d wake up and say,

“Anything I can do for You today, Lord?”

Burton Hillis

Source: The Treasure Chest, Edited by Charles L. Wallis, 1965.

Words to Ponder

A Father’s Day Prayer

Father's Day can hold many emotions for both men and women - those who had a loving father that passed away, those who never knew their dad, those expectantly

waiting to become a dad soon, and countless other situations surrounding the father-child relationship. God can use this special day to draw us closer to Himself – the one

true Father who remains faithful and full of unconditional love. Father, we come before you today humbled and in awe of Your grace and mercy.

Lord, we thank You for the way You have designed what a family is supposed to look like and the specific roles You have ordained to a mother and a father of how to lead their children. Yet Lord, through our sinful ways we have taken what You have made holy and created our own version of today’s families. Because of this, our children are suffering. It is for the fathers, families, and children of our nation that we do pray today.

Lord, we pray specifically for fathers and fatherhood across our land. Your Word clearly instructs fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). God, we thank You for the men who are leading according to Your statutes and the ones that are laying their lives down for Your purposes. We pray that You will continue to use these men to lead their families and other men. We pray You will strengthen the fathers of our nation and that You will continue to empower churches, organizations, and individuals to invest in fathers and fatherhood for the sake of our children.

We pray for the single fathers out there; whether they are raising their children alone or even if they are doing the best they can with the time they have. We pray for strength, protection, wisdom, and discernment to help them through whatever trials they may be facing. Thank You Lord for these men and please guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, help meet all of their needs, that they may experience Your peace that surpasses all comprehension.

We pray for the dads out there who are being alienated from their children right now. We pray, oh Lord, that You would shield and shelter them from the pain and possibly the anger that may be rising up in them, for You to strike down the barriers that are hindering these dads from seeing their children. God, do not let this destroy them as men, fathers, or in their relationship with You. They need You in a mighty way and we pray You would show Yourself strong on behalf of anyone that is being alienated from their children and that You would reunite these families together.

Lord, we lift up the dads right now that are not stepping up to the plate as fathers, for whatever reason. Once again, we have allowed the evil one to get into our lives and wreak havoc on what You have said is good. We pray for these men to come to their knees and repent, that they would turn from their ways, seek You, and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Father, we pray for their children and the moms who are parenting alone because of these men’s decisions. We pray You would step in as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows in these situations, that their story would be another testimony that nothing is too hard for You.

(continued on next page)

Finally, Father we lift up the men and women that are on the front lines in the

battle for fatherhood and the war against fatherlessness. God, You clearly put leaders of all calibers in positions of influence: from the highest ranks to the least of these. However we know that with men these initiatives would fall short, but with You all things are possible. We pray for everything from the right funding for the programs to continue, to godly leadership from beginning to end. We pray for a revival of manhood and for fathers to lead their families by beginning each day on their knees. God Your Word says that You will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6). As our Creator, Savior, and heavenly Father, we believe that this will bear eternal fruit- that generational curses will become generational blessings, restoring our families back to the way that You intended.It is in the wonderful, precious, and matchless name of Jesus Christ that we pray, Amen.

Source: Matt Haviland, Founder, A Father's Walk, June 2016.

Stay-At-Home Daily Journal

Day 1 – I went to a new restaurant called “The Kitchen”. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business!!!

Day 2 – 8:00pm. I took off my day pajamas and put on my night pajamas.

Day 3 – I get to take the garbage out today. I’m so excited… I can’t decide what to wear!!!

Day 4 – Strawberries: Some have 210 seeds, some have 235 seeds. Who knew???

Day 5 – I struck up a conversation with a spider today. Seems nice. He’s a web designer.

Day 6 – Isolation is hard. I think my fridge just said, “What do you want now???”

Day 7 – I watched the birds fight over worms… The Cardinals led the Blue Jays 3–1…

Day 8 – Anybody else feel like they’ve cooked dinner about 395 times so far this month???

Memory Verse

God is reassuring the Israelites that all will be well. He was removing Moses, not only as their leader, but from their midst and He knew the turmoil they were feeling. This was a monumental change for these people who had relied on Moses for so long. His voice was God’s voice; They knew and trusted that voice. God was giving Moses much needed eternal rest and although He had appointed Joshua as Moses’ successor, God would rule and reign through this next leader as He did with Moses.

Even today, when we face life altering changes in our life, these same words that were once spoken to comfort a people struggling with the changes they were facing, are the same words God is using to calm our fears and anxieties. It is always His intention for us to walk in His peace as we walk in Him. This verse speaks volumes about God’s heart for us and His determination to help us see Him as He really is. Not only is He always ahead of us carving out a path we are to travel on, but He is able to walk with us as we go through our intimate trials. He is telling us that there is no reason to be afraid or discouraged because He’s not going to abandon us. He has everything under control and all that is going to happen will happen under His watchful eye.

Whatever storms God is using in our life, it’s for a reason. Sometimes it is to strengthen us or change us or deal with a flaw in us. Regardless of the reason for the time of suffering, His promise is that He will go through it with us and He will be with us in any and every circumstance; whether hard or easy. This verse is a declaration of His complete and total willingness to be involved in our life. God wants us to know Him and His heart.

He is a God of love and everything He allows or does is because of His love for us. He has no hidden agenda. God is with us and will always be with us every day of our life.

By Marni Montanez

Advice from an Ol’ Farmer

• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.• Words that soak into your ears are whispered… not yelled.• Meanness don’t just happen overnight.• Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.• It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.• You cannot unsay a cruel word.• The best sermons are lived, not preached.• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.• The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you

from the mirror every mornin’.• Always drink upstream from the herd.• Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.• If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody

else’s dog around.• Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Bible Quiz

Sunday, June 21st is Father’s Day… This month’s Bible quiz will test your knowledge of Father’s in the Bible… Good Luck!!!

1. Who was the father of Noah?2. Who was the father of Abraham?3. Who was the father of Joseph and his brothers?4. Who was the father of Aaron and Moses?5. Who was the father of King Saul?6. Who was the father of King David?7. Who was the father of John the Baptist?8. Who was the father of the apostles James and John?9. Who was the father who came to Jesus to save his daughter who was near

death?10. Who was the spiritual father of Timothy?

Bible Quiz Answers: 1. Lamech, 2. Terah, 3. Jacob, 4. Amram, 5. Kish, 6. Jesse, 7. Zacharias, 8. Zebedee, 9. Jairus, 10. Paul