We have a plethora of wonderful things planned for our June 3 service.  So that we can offer a Blessing of the Keys to our new drivers and give this milestone the attention and respect it deserves, it has been rescheduled for June 10.  Congratulations new drivers!

GOING TO THE HOSPITAL?
If you know in advance that you will be having surgery and would like us to begin prayer on your behalf, please contact the Care Office at 285-5156, ext. 222 to let us know. Our Pastor of Visitation is available to have prayer with you prior to surgery and to make follow-up visits. If a baby is on the way, we would like to share in the excitement and joy of your blessed event! If a hospital visit is sudden or unplanned, your family is welcome to call us, and you can also inform hospital admis- sions that you worship at Hempfield UMC and they will call us. It is our wish to partner with you on your journey.

MISSION TRIPS STOCK SALE
SHOUT has about 95 youth going on mission trips locally as well as to Virginia and to Haiti this summer. To help each student raise the funds to participate in their trip, SHOUT is holding a Stock Sale. Invest in our youth by purchasing “stock”in them. A share of stock is $20, entitling you to a stock certificate, a let- ter from your “investment” during his/her trip, and an invitation to the Youth Mission Sunday service on July 29. Each week through June 3, several mission trip students will be in the lobby selling stock. Visit our table, talk with the youth, ask questions and encourage them as they journey into the mission fields.    This week, our high school Virginia trip students are Scott Polidoro, Mark Pugliese, Abigail Brighton, Lizzy Kissinger, Mary Hultgren, Eric Dowlin, and Grace Watson-Martin.

COUPLES’ STUDY THIS SPRING
NEW START DATE ANNOUNCED-The Marriage Team is hosting a six-week study, The Art of Marriage, on Thursdays from May 17 – June 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Contact Heather Hammel at MatthewAndHeather@yahoo.com to join.

GARDEN HARVEST MINISTRY NEEDS SUMMER DRIVERS
Garden Harvest Ministry provides fresh, healthy food to the people in our community who need it most. We have a drop station in the church lobby where gardeners can bring produce any time the church is open from July to September. Drivers pick up the produce Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and deliver to the Lydia Center, Hempfield Area Food Pantry and Milagro House. To assist in delivering the produce this summer, contact Deb Franck at 898-3686 for more information.

PRISON OUTREACH MEETING PLANNED
Equipping women who have been in prison with hope, healing, support and guidance to restore them to wholeness. Save the date: The next meeting is May 23 in Room 124 at 6 p.m. Questions? Call Lois DeRosa at 393-9317.

NURSERY HELPERS NEEDED
Free smiles abounding in the Crib and Toddler Nurseries. Is this your calling to follow Jesus’ example of welcoming children to the Family of God? We need additional help with the growing number of our youngest church members. Applications are available in the nursery or by contacting Carol Hulstine at 940-9528. You choose when and how frequently to serve.

BABYSITTER LIST
Through June 10, updates and additions will be accepted for the church’s babysitter list. This consists of church members who are available for hire to babysit. Update forms are in the nurseries or at the Welcome Center. Ques- tions? Contact Carol Hulstine at 940-9528.

YOUTH MINISTRY //

WITNESS FESTIVAL
Join us on June 9 for this Christian music festival in Quarryville. Your $5 registration fee covers transportation and admission. Registration forms are available at SHOUT. Registration deadline is May 20. Space is limited.

CREATION 2012
Mark your calendars for June 30 as we spend a day at the largest Christian music festival on the east coast! Your registration fee of $60 covers transportation and admission. Registration forms are at SHOUT. Registration deadline is May 20. Space is limited.

CHECK US OUT
Eighth grade students and their parents are invited to meet with Youth Director, Sean Garner, from 6-6:30 p.m. on May 20 for a preview of high school SHOUT activities. At 6:30 p.m., eighth grade students are welcome to stay for SNS and catch a sneak peek of what’s in store for them next year at SHOUT.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY //

MOVING UP!
Sixth graders will have the opportunity to experience a part of SMS today (May 13) as they visit it during Kids Konnection time. Parents of 6th graders, you can meet with Youth Director, Sean Garner, today in Room 170 at 11:30 a.m. to hear more about what’s in store for your child at SHOUT next year.

ZAPPED
This summer our elementary kids, who completed grades 1-5, are going to follow the life of Peter and find out what it means to be Zapped by God’s power.

SUMMER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our elementary Kids Konnection teachers, team leaders and worship staff have served our children faithfully for the entire school year and will be ready for a well-deserved break. During our summer series, we will need 4 – 5 volunteers per week starting June 10 to serve as games leaders, small group leaders and worship leaders. Please contact Nancy Herman with questions.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Registration is now open! Visit the lobby table after worship service or click here to reserve your space or to learn about volunteer opportunities!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  ~Proverbs 3:5

With springtime comes the rite of passage found in graduation.  A road of hard work and perseverance are rewarded.  On Sunday, June 3 during our 8:30 and 10 a.m. worship services we invite you to honor those graduating from high school and college.  Click here to submit a Graduate Recognition Announcement!  During worship service we will also be hosting a Blessing of the Keys to mark the great milestone and responsibility as many teens earn their driver’s licenses.

Questions?  Please contact Sue Nesbitt, associate for youth discipleship.

Please note: So that we can provide recognition to graduates, kindly submit a Graduate Recognition Announcement by Monday, May 21.

Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who have received special training to provide one-to-one Christian care to those in our congregation and community who are experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, disability, job loss or other difficulties.  Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, care, encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support to those who are facing a crisis or are going through difficult times. The care received is confidential, free and very helpful.

If you or a friend could benefit from a hospital visit, special prayer time or a Stephen Minister’s care, or if you feel that God is calling you to become a Stephen Minister, please contact the Care Office by calling 717-285-5156, ext. 222.

COFFEE WITH THE PASTORS
Coffee With The Pastors is today from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 124. This is a great opportunity for new attendees to meet the pastors, learn more about Hempfield UMC, and ask questions.

CHERUB CHOIR
The Cherub Choir will have their final rehearsal today (May 6) in preparation for Mother’s Day.  Rehearsal will be about 20 minutes in the sanctuary following the 10 a.m. service.

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW MEMBERS
Photos of our new members are displayed in the Spirit Cafe, where there will be a reception following the 10 a.m. worship service today (May 6). Bios of the new members are also available online at hempfieldumc.com/blog. Be sure to welcome our newest members. Our next new members class will be offered in the fall of 2012.

MISSION TRIPS STOCK SALE
SHOUT has about 95 youth going on mission trips locally as well as to Virginia and to Haiti this summer. To help each student raise the funds to participate in their trip, SHOUT is holding a Stock Sale.  Invest in our youth by purchasing “stock” in them. A share of stock is $20.  Every stockholder will receive a stock certificate, a letter from their “investment” during his/her trip, along with an invitation to our Youth Mission Sunday service on July 29.  Each week through June 3, several mission trip students will be in the lobby selling stock.  Please visit our table, talk with the youth, ask questions and encourage them as they journey into the mission fields.

This week, our high school Virginia trip students are Taylor Glass, Sarah Wood, Christian Schmitt, Katie Staman, Dana Sherwood, Caleb Longmire and Shane Mealy.

COUPLES’ STUDY THIS SPRING
The Marriage Team is hosting a six-week study, The Art of Marriage, on Thursdays from May 10 – June 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Contact Heather
Hammel.  Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage coming this summer!

PARENTING’S HOT TOPICS WORKSHOP HANDOUTS AVAILABLE
Parents, the handouts from the recent Parenting’s Hot Topics Preschool and Elementary sessions are available in the Spirit Cafe.

GARDEN HARVEST MINISTRY NEEDS SUMMER DRIVERS
Garden Harvest Ministry provides fresh, healthy food to the people in our community who need it most.  Did you know that we have a drop
station in the church lobby where gardeners can bring produce any time the church is open during the months of July, August and September? Drivers pick up the produce Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and
deliver to the Lydia Center, Hempfield Area Food Pantry and Milagro House.  Fresh fruits and vegetables from any source will be promptly
delivered and gratefully received before they spoil. Can you make three trips to deliver fresh produce during one or two weeks during the
summer?  Contact Deb Franck at 898-3686 or ddfranck3@verizon.net for more information.

LAYING A FOUNDATION OF HOPE
This past weekend we met the $20,000 goal for our “1,000 Bricks of HOPE” fundraising campaign thanks to your help!  Construction of the nursery school building in Wachara, Kenya, will begin June 1.  Michael Agwanda, of Life for Children Ministry, expects the project will be completed in time to begin the school for 100 students this September.  As our missionary Julie Campbell said, “How wonderful to see yet another vision fulfilled.”  Visit the Prayer Room to view the completed LEGO structure and to pray for the construction as it begins.

UPDATED FINANCIAL REPORT AVAILABLE
The church’s financial report for the first three months of 2012 is available at the Welcome Center and by clicking here.  For questions, contact Jeff Pijanowski at 285-5156, ext. 224.

YOUTH MINISTRY  // shout.hempfieldumc.com

WITNESS FESTIVAL
Join us on June 9 for this Christian music festival in Quarryville.  Your $5 registration fee covers transportation and admission. Registration forms are available at SHOUT and will soon be available online.  Registration deadline is May 20. Space is limited.

CREATION 2012
Mark your calendars for June 30 as we spend a day at the largest Christian music festival on the east coast! Your registration fee of $60 covers transportation and admission. Registration forms are at SHOUT and will soon be available online.  Registration deadline is May 20. Space is limited.

SCHEDULE CHANGES
Sunday, May 13:  No SNS but SMS will meet as regularly scheduled
Sunday, May 20:  No SMS but SNS will meet as regularly scheduled

Please note:  There will be no midweek SHOUT program this week.  We look forward to you joining us again on May 16.

“Life with Christ is a joyful banquet feast and I don’t want to miss any of it – or miss any chance to share His joy with others.  Even when life is a crazy, mixed up riot, God’s right there in the middle of it all, keeping it all together for us.   Amen!”

Maryanne Wood moved to Lancaster in 1972, where she first heard about personal relationships with Christ while riding the school bus.  Before that she had been raised in a family that “knew” God through church.  Out of curiosity she began reading the Bible daily at age 9.  When afflicted with paralysis from MS, a neighbor brought her to a healing service at a Methodist church in Gap, Pennsylvania.  She was completely healed and was able to walk, but more importantly entered into a personal saving grace relationship with Jesus Christ.  Maryanne committed her life to serving the Lord, and her new life began.

With medical documentations from doctors and encouragement from pastors, Maryanne was, and still is, asked to testify in many different forums.  She primarily shares her joy of knowing Jesus and the forgiveness He brings, and then secondarily, uses the physical healing and additional personal testimonies to illustrate other dimensions of His love and saving grace.  God’s amazing love continues to open doors for Maryanne to give witness and serve the Lord in nursing homes, homeless shelters, children’s church classes, short term missions, street evangelism, outreach projects and many other areas of God’s incredible harvest fields.

From her first visit to Hempfield UMC Maryanne found a “family” community joyfully embracing Acts 2:37-47, full of Christ’s love and anchored by acknowledging, “It is not us, but Christ within us.”  She looks forward to ministering in multiple areas within our church, in missions and in the community.  Maryanne is always amazed to see all the ways the Father’s touch, Christ’s blood and the Holy Spirit’s presence all work throughout the Body, to take any need known to man and change it into a testimony of transformed lives.

Currently taking a two year home Bible Degree course through Liberty University and presently employed, Maryanne continues to look for a change in job environment to one where she can share her love for the Lord in as many ways on the job as she does through her volunteering.

Maryanne’s hobbies are as varied as her excitement over all that God does and creates.  Fun or educational trips, hiking, exploring new places, museums, battlefields, natural parks, amusement parks, playing old fashioned indoor board games, outdoor games, reading, writing, learning new things, meeting new people and hanging out with loved ones as well as with strangers at a shelter or camp.

Nate and Michelle Wingert and their sons Aidan and Brady, are so thankful to have found Hempfield United Methodist Church.  The Wingerts live in Centerville, Pennsylvania.  Nate was raised in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Michelle was raised here in Lancaster.

Both Nate and Michelle are middle school music teachers in the School District of Lancaster.   The boys enjoy watching and playing football and baseball with Nate, playing outside with their friends, building Legos or playing games.  Nate and Michelle enjoy exercising, reading and watching Aidan and Brady participate in flag football or baseball games.

The family began attending the 10 a.m. worship service after visiting Hempfield UMC during their search for a new church home.  They were immediately intrigued by Pastor John’s sermon series, and could not wait to return the following week to hear the next sermon.  It was not until Nate and Michelle found Hempfield UMC that they really felt their journey of Christ begin.  While they both had been weekly church-goers, they never really understood the message that came from church services.  Through weekly attendance at Hempfield UMC and the study of the Bible through the New Member Class, they have become infatuated with their newly found knowledge of the life that Christ has prepared for us.

Since both Nate and Michelle are musicians, they love the contemporary music included during the 10 a.m. worship time.  The size of the church and its various offerings are impressive.  They especially enjoy the youth programs, and look forward to Aidan and Brady’s involvement in them.  Currently Michelle substitutes as a shepherd for Sunday School classes and Nate recently joined the church softball team.

Dee was a member of Hempfield UMC from 1985 until 2005 at which time she transferred her membership to St Marks UMC in Mt Joy. She was active at Hempfield UMC though by volunteering through clerical work, singing in the choir and assisting the worship leader, Lisa Baer.

Dee was born in a small town in Franklin County. After graduating from High School she enrolled in West Chester University and ultimately received a degree in music education. She taught music for several years and was then offered a job in an elementary school. It was necessary for her to take graduate courses to get her elementary teaching certificate in addition to her music certification. She retired from teaching in 1983.

Many hobbies keep Dee busy. She knits, does several crafts, enjoys jigsaw and crossword puzzles and plays games on the computer. After the death of her husband of 54 years in 2007 she moved to East Petersburg.  Dee attends the 8:30 a.m. worship service and has been attending the Breakfast Bible Study as well as the Caring Stitches. Her immediate family consists of one daughter, Joni, a son-in-law Tim, and two grandchildren, Jonathan, 22, and Missy, 19. Dee has been involved with a church from her earliest memory and has been active in many groups. Her faith in God continues to deepen with age.

Sam and Joani Patterson moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2011, just before the infamous Halloween snow storm.  With no electricity for five days, they didn’t have a “warm” welcome to the area.

The warm welcome came when they began attending Hempfield United Methodist Church.  The powerful sermons, the beautiful music at each service, and the wide range of activities kept them coming back week after week.  Singing in the Easter choir gave them an opportunity to meet many wonderful people.

They previously lived in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, for 30 years with their daughters, Sara and Jill.  Both girls married and relocated; one to Lancaster and one to Philadelphia.  With the birth of their first grand-baby, Cooper, a move to this area was inevitable.

Sam and Joani grew up in Western Pennsylvania and met forty years ago.  In 2004 Sam retired as a Pennsylvania State Policeman after a 34 year career.  Joani, a graduate of Penn State, has managed two non-profit organizations and owns a copyright licensing company.

Sherry Lupold grew up in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Lancaster with her family.  After graduating from Crestwood High School she enrolled and later graduated from Nursing School.  Sherry and her husband Scott adopted their daughter Emily from Chongquing, China, in 2007.  At the time, Emily was 12 months old and to this day remains the couple’s only child.  Sadly, Scott passed away in 2009 when Emily was only 3-1/2 years old.

Sherry chose to attend Hempfield UMC since it was close to home and within her daughter’s school district.  Becoming involved in the church, Sherry began attending the Tuesday evening women’s Bible study class.  She enjoyed meeting other members of the church and the community.  However, if you see her outside of church, Sherry will probably be perusing yard sales, searching for bargains and antiques.

As a church member, Sherry’s goal is to grow in her faith.  She is most excited to volunteer within the CARE ministries.  It is Sherry’s hope that her nursing skills and compassionate heart can be used to help others in need.

Dan and Amy Harbaugh and their children, Conner, 10, and Cameron, 8, decided to join Hempfield United Methodist Church for the strong youth programs and friendships they have since developed with several other families at the church.

Prior to attending the 10 a.m. service at Hempfield UMC, the family attended Lutheran churches.  It was at a former church that both Dan and Amy taught Junior and Senior High School Sunday School.  However, Amy also enjoyed teaching Sunday School to the younger kids in kindergarten through third grade and serving in the nursery.  The entire family is very excited to become involved at Hempfield UMC and looks forward to meeting other members of their new church family.

Dan is originally from Garnivillo, Iowa, and Amy is from Christiana, Pennsylvania.  Currently, Dan serves as the quality control manager at Rock Tenn and Amy is the accountant at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster.  In the past she has put her accounting background to use serving as the church treasurer at a former church.  In their free time, Dan coaches youth sports and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.  Amy likes reading a good book, attending her kid’s various activities, and also spending time with family and friends.

Mark Gaddis, originally from Quarryville, Pennsylvania, considers the church his family and looks forward to becoming involved in life at Hempfield UMC as well as meeting members of this new family.  He enjoys Christian artwork and music and began attending the 10 a.m. service at the church in search of the truth.  Mark’s journey of faith began when he came to Christ after being attacked by evil.  Today though Mark proclaims that he is healed, saved and on his way to salvation with Jesus Christ.

Brenda and Chip Coffin have attended Hempfield United Methodist Church regularly for almost two years and reside in Lititz, Pennsylvania. They have three children-  Ben, 29, who resides in Baltimore, Maryland, with his new wife Jessica; Miles, 19, an entrepreneurial business major at the College of Charleston; and Kirk, 15, a sophomore at Manheim Township High School who plays lacrosse and is working on his Eagle Scout project.

Chip has a dental practice in Lancaster, and has been in practice for 23 years.  Brenda is a therapist and professional life coach with a private practice.  She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry in Formational Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary.  She is also beginning Spiritual Direction training at Kairos in Shillington, Pennsylvania, in the fall.

Chip enjoys the outdoors, playing the drums and reading.  Brenda likes nature, writing and cooking Mediterranean food.  Together they join their son Kirk backpacking and on other scouting adventures. The whole family loves the beach.

Brenda and Chip both came to Christ as children and families who were members of the Methodist church; Brenda in Hummelstown and Chip in Rockville, Maryland.  They were drawn to the spirit led teaching and worship at Hempfield UMC, as well as the warm sense of community and outreach.  Chip serves in the music ministry as a percussionist. Brenda would like to serve in the capacity of teaching and equipping people in their spiritual journey.

BUILDING HOPE RECEIVES GENEROUS MATCHING GIFT
God is good! Building Hope is approaching the homestretch and is blessed by your generosity.  To date, the initiative has been able to purchase 651 of the 1,000 Bricks of Hope Campaign, raising $13,020.  Recently the initiative received a generous matching gift of $3,500 to challenge our church body to raise the remaining funds needed to build the school.  For more information on the 1,000 Bricks of Hope Campaign or to make a donation, please visit the campaign table in the lobby.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – AUDIO/VISIUAL TECHNICIAN
Hempfield UMC is seeking to hire a part-time (30 hours a week) audio/visual technician.  This person should have professional knowledge of audio/visual operations.  Click here to view the complete job description or to learn how to apply.

HOST MINISTRIES
Do you have the gift of hospitality? Do you enjoy welcoming people with a smile? We need you on one of our teams.  We are in need of people to serve as ushers at the 8:30 a.m. service and hosts at the 10 a.m. service. We also need additional volunteers to assist with valet parking.  Contact Don Forry at 471-7734 regarding the 10 a.m. service, and Liz Scott at 684-5587 for the 8:30 a.m. service.

CALLING ALL BLOGGERS AND WRITERS
If you fancy yourself a writer or enjoy reading a good blog, consider sharing your voice by contributing to our church blog.  Past topics and themes have included event and programmatic recaps, Christian art and music, ministries, spiritual growth, traditions and seasonal devotions, as well as many others.  If you have an idea for a blog topic and would like to write for Hempfield UMC’s blog, contact Stacey Bollinger, communications director.

CHERUB CHOIR
The Cherub Choir will rehearse today as well as April 29 and May 6 in preparation for Mother’s Day.  Rehearsals are about 20 minutes in the sanctuary following the 10 a.m. service. Contact Carrie Kirchner at 653-0982 with questions.

SPRING OUTDOOR WORKDAY
It’s time for our spring mulching workday at the church. Trustees will be working the grounds on May 5 to beautify the appearance of our church home. We need your help! We start at 8:30 a.m., and hope to finish by noon. Food will be provided!  Sign up today!

RECEPTIONISTS & NIGHT OWLS NEEDED
We are in need of receptionists for the Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursday 12:30-4 p.m. shifts, as well as night owls for every first and third Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Those preferring to go on a substitute list are also needed. If you enjoy meeting people, learning more about our ministries, doing light clerical work, and answering the phone, this is the serving opportunity for you. Contact Greg Impink, director of connecting and outreach, at 285-5156, ext. 268 for more  information. Please consider sharing your gift of hospitality by serving in this welcoming ministry!

MISSION TRIPS STOCK SALE
SHOUT has about 95 youth going on mission trips locally as well as nationally to Virginia and internationally to Haiti this summer. To help each student raise the funds to participate in their trip, SHOUT is holding a Stock Sale.  Invest in our youth by purchasing “stock” in them. A share of stock is $20.  Every stockholder will receive a stock certificate, a letter from their “investment” during his/her trip, along with an invitation to our Youth Mission Sunday service on July 29.  Each week through June 3, several mission trip students will be in the lobby selling stock.  Please visit our table, talk with the youth, ask questions and encourage them as they journey into the mission fields.

This week, our high school Virginia trip students are Blair Duscha, Erin Anderson, Kerri Schopf, Madison Ramsey, Ben Naumann, Tori Naumann, Andrew Norton, and Rachel Cox.

YOUTH MINISTRY  // shout.hempfieldumc.com

WITNESS FESTIVAL
Join us on June 9 for this Christian music festival in Quarryville.  Your $5 registration fee covers transportation and admission. Registration forms are available at SHOUT and will soon be available online.  Registration deadline is May 20. Space is limited.

CREATION 2012
Join us on June 30 as we spend a day at the largest Christian music festival on the east coast. Your registration fee of $60 covers transportation and admission. Registration forms are at SHOUT and will soon be available online.  Registration deadline is May 20. Space is limited.

The yard sale will be here on Saturday.  It’s not too late to help!  Sign up at the Info Center in the lobby or contact Darriel Davis at 898-2939 or Dawn Smith at 898-6632.   Donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the main sanctuary doors. This is our March SHOUT Serve Day! SHOUT youth and their families are needed to help prepare for the sale, assist during the sale and to clean up afterward.  Sign-up sheets are in the lobby.  All youth and their families are encouraged to help as the proceeds reduce the cost of the SHOUT mission trips.

BAPTISM CLASS

A class will be offered on Sunday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary for those interested in baptism.  Please register your child-care needs with Joan Karr at 717-285-5156, ext.222. Baptisms will be on Sunday, April 1, at the 8:30 and 10 a.m. services.

VALET PARKERS NEEDED

Valet parking is a big success, and we need more help at the 8:30 a.m. service.  Please consider serving in this vital ministry, which is so important to those who use it.  For more information, please contact Liz Scott (684-5587) or Reid Skillman (721-3199).

HOUSE OF RUTH PRISON MINISTRY’S DINNER

The top cause of relapse for those who have been incarcerated is lack of encouragement.  Help us transform lives by joining Hempfield’s prision ministry.  We will be hosting Linda Bird from B.I.R.D. Ministries’ House of Ruth for dinner on Friday, March 30, at 6 p.m. in the MPR.  Tickets are $5. This ministry serves women who have been in prison as they transition back into society.  Come to hear more about opportunities to serve and hear some amazing testimonies of women who have been in prison and have been assisted with this ministry.

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS

Lenten Devotionals are available at the Welcome Center.  Thank you to those who submitted devotions.

FINANCIAL REPORTS AVAILABLE

The 2011 financial reports are available online.

2012 WOMEN’S RETREAT

God’s love is deeper than the ocean and His mercies are more than the grains of sand on the beach.  So come ashore as we explore His word, learn about His goodness, and relax in His mercy and grace at Sandy Cove, North East, MD, from April 27 to 29. Registrations are due on March 18.  Contact Joan Enoch at 606-4119 or Carol Hulstine at 940-9528 for information.  Registration forms available in the lobby or in the Women’s Retreat mailbox.

YOUTH MINISTRY

30-HOUR FAMINE FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Our results are in.  The fundraising total will be announced at tonight’s SNS. Don’t miss it!

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, HELP RESTOCK OUR SHELVES

Our snack closet is almost empty. We need each high school student to help us refill it.  Guys, bring a package or two of cookies; girls, please bring candy bags of small chocolate bars.

GO2GROW IS COMING

Join us for the middle school lock-in from 9 p.m. Friday, March 30, to 9 a.m. Saturday, March 31.  Our high school lock-in is from 9 p.m. Friday, April 20, to 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21. Cost for both is $5. The middle school registration deadline is March 25, and the high school deadline is April 15.

ALL SHOUT MISSION TRIPS ARE FULL

Contact Sue Nesbitt at 717-285-5156, x299, if you would like to be put on the waiting list.

Lenten Devotionals are available at the Welcome Center.  Thank you to those who submitted devotions.

BAPTISM CLASS

A class will be offered on Sunday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary for those interested in baptism.  Please register your child-care needs with Joan Karr . Baptisms will be conducted on Sunday, April 1, at the 8:30 and 10 a.m. services.

VALET PARKING MINISTRY

Valet Parking is providing a wonderful service for our members, and we still need another volunteer for our 8:30 a.m. service.  If you can help, contact Liz Scott (684-5587) or Reid Skillman (721-3199).  Remember, if you are in need of this service, simply pull up to the main sanctuary entrance. We will help you inside and take care of parking your car.  We will then bring your car back to you after the service.

INDOOR YARD SALE VOLUNTEERING AND DONATIONS

The yard sale will be here on March 17.  Stop by the lobby table today and sign up to help or to learn more about what items can be donated.  Opportunities include: sorting during the week of the sale; cashiers; baggers; merchandise monitors during the sale; and cleanup after the sale.  Donations will be accepted from March 12-15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  Contact Darriel Davis at 898-2939 or Dawn Smith  at 898-6632.

30-HOUR FAMINE FUNDRAISING UPDATE

At last count SHOUT has raised enough money to feed 72 children for an entire year.  Our current fundraising total is $26,047.96.  Today is the deadline for donations, so please turn in your final donations today.  Help us reach our goal of feeding 97 children for a year.

HOUSE OF RUTH PRISON MINISTRY’S DINNER

The top cause of relapse for those who have been incarcerated is lack of encouragement.  Help us transform lives by joining Hempfield’s prision ministry.  We will be hosting Linda Bird from B.I.R.D. Ministries’ House of Ruth for dinner on Friday, March 30, at 6 p.m. in the MPR.  Tickets are $5. This ministry serves women who have been in prison as they transition back into society.  Come to hear more about opportunities to serve and hear some amazing testimonies of women who have been in prison and have been assisted with this ministry.  You can also visit our table in the lobby.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE

The financial report for 2011 is available online. 

BATTER UP

We are looking for returning and new players for the gray softball team.  We also need a coach for the gray team.  If anyone is interested, please contact Corey Antesberger at 572-3625.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

ASSISTANT TEACHER NEEDED

Noah’s Ark is taking applications for an assistant teacher for four mornings a week in the Rainbow Tots Room for the 2012-13 school year.  Candidates need experience with preschoolers,  positive references and compassion for young children.  They must pass all background checks; child-abuse clearances; and attend Hempfield UMC’s safe sanctuary and AHA CPR/first aid certification.  Contact Tara Streets at 285-7110.

KIDSTUF FAMILY PRODUCTION

The next Kidstuf Family Production is on Wednesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the MPR.

YOUTH MINISTRY

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, HELP RESTOCK OUR SHELVES

Our snack closet is almost empty, so we need each high school student to help refill it.  Guys, bring a package or two of cookies; girls, bring candy bags of small chocolate bars.

MARCH SHOUT SERVE

Our yard sale is returning on Saturday, March 17, from 8 a.m.-noon.  SHOUT youth and their families are needed to help prepare for event, staff the sale, and to clean up.  Signup sheets are in the lobby.  All youth and their families are encouraged to help, as the proceeds reduce the cost of the SHOUT mission trips.  Donations of sellable items will be accepted from March 12-15, so start gathering your stuff.

DEADLINE FOR FAMINE DONATIONS IS TODAY

Please turn in your final donations today and help us reach our goal of feeding 97 children for an entire year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GO2GROW

Join us for this middle school lock-in from 9 p.m. Friday, March 30, to 9 a.m. to Saturday, March 31.  Cost is $5.  The registration deadline is March 25.

HIGH SCHOOL GO2GROW

Join us for this high school lock-in from 9 p.m. Friday, April 20, to 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21.  Cost is $5.  Registration deadline is April 15.

ALL SHOUT MISSION TRIPS ARE FULL

Contact Sue Nesbitt at 285-5156, x299, if you would like to be put on the waiting list.

Whenever I think of a castle, I think of Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle, and dream of being a princess and living happily ever after.  How ironic that  Lancaster Prison resembles a castle since it is the exact opposite of a fairytale.  It’s a nightmare all too real!

On a recent minister visit with an inmate, I asked her if she attended the worship services.  She informed me that many activities such as worship services have decreased because the gym is used to house the overflow of prisoners.  She called them “boat people,” meaning the inmates sleep in a cot that looks like a canoe. Presently there are more than 40 “boat” men housed in the gym. Overcrowding  adds stress to the staff and inmates, including more than 200 correctional officers and their supervisors and another 35 employees.

Most would agree that the way to decrease prison populations is to help give inmates re-entering society jobs and places to live so they are less likely to return to jail.  That’s exactly what Linda and Joe Bird try to do with their ministry, B.I.R.D. Ministries.

B.I.R.D. Ministries  works with women at Lancaster County Prison, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome the cycle of drugs, poverty and violence that has devastated them and their families. We provide pre-release education, counseling and support to help them develop positive life skills. Through this ministry they gain knowledge and understanding of the service available to assist them in their transition. Upon release re-entry case management offers supportive relationships and referrals for needed services through a network of resources from social service agencies to faith-based ministries and churches.

In June 2007, B.I.R.D. Ministries opened the House of Ruth, a residence where women in need can find a safe structured Christ-centered family environment to love, nurture and encourage them. The home structure will provide a daily routine that includes normal domestic chores and organized activities designed to minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the residents.

Help us to share God’s love and bring HOPE to those in prison.

Join us as we host Linda Bird of House of Ruth B.I.R.D. Ministries and hear amazing testimonies of women who have been in prison and are now transformed by God and are living in His marvelous light! Tickets are $5.  Tickets will be sold in the church lobby on Sunday, March 4.  Contact me for more information at 544-4901 or to sign up here.

– Lois DeRosa