Open hear t s

December 2011/January 2012 Applying Bible Principles Money is a neutral commodity, a means of exchange. It is neither inherently good nor evil. But a wrong view of money can become a problem to us. In First Timothy 6:9-10, Scripture warns about the dangers of a determination to get rich: But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil; and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. When we have a consuming desire to get rich, when we are obsessed with money so that it becomes the focus of our time and attention, then we have made it the number one priority in our lives. In that spot, it replaces everything, including God. We begin to find our security in money, not in God and in God alone. However, when our view of God is right and our view of money is right, we will realize that money cannot buy security; money cannot purchase happiness; money cannot guarantee peace or joy or contentment. God alone can provide these essentials as we . . . strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In his book, The Gift of Giving, Wayne Watts said this: God always lovingly instructs us in the path that is in our best interest and which will bring us the greatest happiness in life. Therefore, for our good, He instructs us to put Him first in all things, and this includes how we use our money. How do you view money? Is it at the center of your life, thereby perhaps replacing Gods rightful role? And equally important, are you using the money God has given to you to advance His kingdom and His righteousness?

Open minds Open door s

As we end one year and begin another, it is time to take make some preparations. for the New Year. I am talking about planning to spend even 5 minutes a day, every day in 2012, reading the Bible or listening to it being read. Five minutes while you wait for the water to boil, while you drink a glass of water, while you prepare for bed, or when you need a break in what you are doing. Just 5 minutes a day can make an eternal difference in our lives. There are several daily Bible reading plans available, or one could simply choose a book in the Bible that you havent spent much time with and read through it slowly, thinking about what you are reading. In five minutes a day? Well, it may take a long time, and yet knowing more about just one book is more than you knew before. You may wonder why I even mention Bible reading. The answer is that it worries me as I realize many have a wonderful resource they dont even look at because theyre too busy. Over the past year I have been making regular visits to a chiropractor. He worked carefully to correct some lazy muscles and their effect on my body. Then I went several weeks doing exercises at his office to train those muscles to work full time. At some point I realized that the exercises were important to keep those muscles working. We have spiritual muscles that need to be exercised, too! One way we keep them toned is to spend some time reading and meditating on scripture. There is no substitute for being in the Word of God reading or listening to it, then thinking about what weve read or heard. Here is something to make you think: WHAT IF? Wonder what would happen if we treated our BIBLE like we treat our CELL PHONE? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets, What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to Kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmmm...Where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing...... Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think "Where are my priorities?" And no dropped calls! When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Blessings, Pastor Linda

NEWSLETTER Please submit articles for the February newsletter by January 16 . GENERAL FUND NUMBERS FOR OCTOBER: Income $ 19,734.44 Expenses $ 18,295.68 Balance 10/31-$10,276.15 The Mission Share has been paid through October WENDYS FUNDRAISER The Finance Committee has approved a dinner fundraiser 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. You do not need to take a bulletin insert or any paperwork with you. MAX & ERMAS $48.88 was raised at our recent fundraiser. Thank you to all who participated. SECOND SUNDAY COVERED DISH LUNCHEONS There will be no second Sunday luncheon in December because we will be hosting the Carol Walk that night and making preparations in the Social Hall after worship. Church Council recently voted to change the schedule in the new year and have Sunday covered dish luncheons on the 5th Sunday of the month. Jan. 29 will be the next luncheon, and Nurture Team will be hosting.

HANGING OF THE GREENS Advent is the time when we begin to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. On Sunday, November 27th, we will need volunteers after the 11:00 Worship Service to decorate the Sanctuary. We especially need some men to put up the trees. If you are able, we would appreciate your help as we prepare the church to reflect the Joy of the Christmas Season. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Kelly Brownfield at 724.339.8452. YOUTH GROUP Please dont forget about our Fundraiser Sat., Dec. 3 in the church social hallspaghetti dinner & auction to raise money so that we can attend the Spark conference in Pittsburgh in January. We are looking for items to auction from our OUMC familyhomemade goodies (or gift certificates for them to be made at a mutually agreeable time), or gifts displaying your time/talents. Gifts you want to re-gift or items that are slightly used might also be suitable. Please volunteer when you see a youth member on Sunday mornings or call the church office. Dinner will be served from 4:00 pm-5:45 pm, and the auction/fun part of the evening will begin at 6:00 pm. Come for part of the evening or for all! Dinner tickets can be purchased in advance. Adults are $6.50 and 12 & under are $3.00 with a price break for a family of more than 4.

HOPE CIRCLE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP There will be no meeting of Hope Circle in December, but we will be reading a book suggested by Bill Hall. Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero. This story of trust and faith can inspire each one of us. The next meeting will be Monday, January 9 th, at 7:00 PM in the parlor. Saving CeeCee Huneycutt is the book that will be discussed. Author Beth Hoffman has created a memorable character in twelve-year-old CeeCee, a young girl who has had more than her share of hurts in life. Its how we survive the hurts in life that brings us

JANUARY 3 Karen Jacobs 4 William Ashbaugh, Jr. Alexandra Caruso 6 Phil Delo 7 Carol Ovamio 10 Barbara Arnold Terry Kaminsky 11 Hannah Barnes Julia Lenkey Diane McCutcheon Jack Sweeney Jason Smierciak 12 Ed Scatena 16 Christine Smith 17 Paul Weir 19 Cyril Assad Kylie Briggs 20 Ryley Handyside 22 Jim Beiber Chris Chapa 23 Nicholas Frank Delo 24 Christopher Barnes Elise Barnes 26 Gladys Fichte Beth Harley John Jacobs 27 Michelle Walsh 28 Candace Ashbaugh Bruce DeTurck Ted Eden Steven Hein Ellen Lewis Cherie Scatena 29 Taylor Kennedy Don Stoner, Sr. 30 Heather Delo Marty Kennedy Beth Orbin Arika Simmers If we inadvertently missed listing your birthday, please call the church office and let us know.

DECEMBER

3 4 5 6 8 9 13 15 16 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 30 31

JoAnn Hildebrand Jessica Jacka Pastor Linda Cory Kircher Becky Houston Maggie Kate Steimer Terri Aubele Leah Lacey Gwyneth Fichte William Alderisio Duncan Jones Ashley Gaughan Barbara Charlton Kerri Whitehead Jennifer Klinsky Bonnie Allison Donley Sweeney Matthew Rajkowski Randal Burdelski Derek Banas Colleen Briggs Bob Lloyd, Sr. Cheryl McClain Angel Steimer Donald Dezzutti Gregory Gaughan Joy Cottrill Genevieve Casarcia

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sun., Dec. 18-9:00 am Informal Worship 9:30 am Childrens Choir 10:00 am Breakfast 11:00 am Childrens Pageant Noon Refreshments/Caroling to shut-ins Sat., Dec. 24-7:30 pm Candlelight Service Sun., Dec. 25-10:00 am ONE SERVICE ONLY followed by refreshments Sun., Jan. 1-10:00 am ONE SERVICE ONLY followed by refreshments

NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS MINISTRIES The children of St. Clair Village who we have remembered at Christmas time for many years are now serviced through Northview Heights Ministries. Once again we are asking you to purchase warm mittens, hats, gloves and scarves and decorate the trees in the chapel and social hall. You also have the opportunity to purchase other items specifically for a certain child. Look for decorated angels on the tree for a childs wish list. Specific gifts should be wrapped and tagged with its angel and placed under the trees before Monday, December 12. Checks made out to Northview Heights Ministries are also welcome.

MOMMY, DADDY & ME OUMC Mommy, Daddy, and Me Playgroup meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 9:30 AM at the play area at Pittsburgh Mills or in the church nursery. Hope to see you there! For more information or to be on our email list, contact Joy Cottrill and Willow (Age 2) @ joycottrill@gmail.com. DISCIPLE ANYONE? Several persons of the congregation have been through the DISCIPLE program an intense 30+ week course of Bible Study, discussion and reflection. We have several of the materials available here in the church and trained leaders.

GREETINGS TO YOU FROM THE OAKMONT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The United Methodist Women wish to thank everyone who supported our record setting Christmas Bazaar this year. Whether you cooked, crafted, stirred, wrapped or most importantly supported the Bazaar by shopping and lunching, you are all the reason we have the best Bazaar in town. Thank you, Thank you, The Annual Carol Walk is just around the cornerSunday, Dec. 11. We know the Methodists are great cooks and bakers, and we need your help once again. OUMC is the host church. That means cookies for the reception. It seems we are constantly putting out a call for support, and you never let us down. Complete a bulletin insert or call 412.651.0228 and let me know how many dozen cookies you can donate. They should be delivered to the church kitchen Sat., Dec. 10 from 3-6 pm or any time Sunday up to 6 pm. We also can use some help setting up and cleaning up after the event. Extra cookies will be packaged and delivered to our shut-ins . After that....The Annual Mystery Dinner. Once again, this is a project that involves the whole church, so whether you want to help us in the kitchen or dining room, try your talents out as an actor, or participate as a guest, lets all look forward to another great event that ultimately encourages so much great fellowship. Julie Trenn UMW President

If you would like to know more about DISCIPLE or are interested in a DISCIPLE group starting here at Oakmont, please contact Pastor Linda by phone 412-8289499 or e-mail oumcpastor1@verizon.net. WITH SYMPATHY We remember and express our sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Diane Kennedy who passed away October 15, Ed McCollum who passed away in October, Mabel Beers who passed away November 10 and Bill Alderisio who passed away November 19.. MEMORIAL GIFTS Gifts recently received for the Memorial Fund were in memory of Ed McCollum from Bill & Mary Jane Wilson. Gifts to the Memorial Choir Fund were received in memory of Mabel Beers from the Kaufman Family and Linda Rose/Kaufman.

told that I, along with everyone else, had to get out and walk through the checkpoint. I stood in line for a few minutes, but nothing was happening. I walked back to the parking area and found another shared van that would take me by way of another checkpoint to Jerusalem. At that checkpoint, soldiers boarded the bus and asked to see my passport and visa. After a few minutes I was allowed to continue my journey, but I arrived in Jerusalem too late to catch the last bus to Bethlehem. So that meant a taxi ride before I finally arrived home. The next morning I awoke to a phone call from my friend Dottie, telling me that the group from Western Pennsylvania which was scheduled to arrive the next day had had a change in plans and would be in Jerusalem in 2 hours. I quickly got ready, walked to the Bethlehem checkpoint where I met a friend from Indiana, PA and caught a bus. We were to meet them on the Mt. of Olives and, because I didnt want to miss them, we walked UP the Mt. of Olives, by way of the Palm Sunday Road (and I do mean UP!) We got to the top just as the bus was arriving. How wonderful it was to see friends from home, including Bishop Bickerton, Dottie and Barbara Davis. Sadly, though, Burl had been ill that morning and was not able to leave the cruise ship. I spent the day with the group, visiting Gethsemane and wandering the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem. That evening their bus of 50 (the only one of 16 buses that did not go back to the ship) headed to Bethlehem where they spent the night at the beautiful Jacir Palace Hotel. After dinner, I had a chance to give a presentation to a very tired group of people, but they were wonderfully receptive and I was so very pleased to have the opportunity to share with them. The next morning they were up early so I got up at 5:30 to say goodbye as they left for the Galilee. I wish they could have stayed longer. Theres so much I would have liked to have shown them. And all of you, too. I wish you could be here so I could share with you all these amazing experiences! Im now done, and I realize that Ive taken 2 pages, even after cutting out half of what I wanted to tell you. Ill be home in a few weeks, so maybe well have a chance to share then. Blessings and Peace, Tina

REPORT FROM TINA WHITEHEAD I began writing this article over an hour ago, but had so much to share with you that I couldnt keep it to one page. So, Im starting over and just focusing on a couple of experiences that I had this week. Some of you will remember Shafeek, the young Palestinian who spoke to our Adult Sunday School class last spring. Well, wed been trying to meet ever since I arrived. Two weeks ago he called me and extended an invitation on behalf of his family to come and stay with them during the Eid al Adha, the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice. Since this is the most holy time of the year for the Muslim faith, I was honored and amazed to be included in such a family celebration. So, last Tuesday I caught a bus (actually 2 buses) for Ramallah where Shafeek met me and took me to the home of his cousins. His whole family was there and I was introduced to his father, the president of the judicial council of Ramallah, his mother, a lawyer, his sister Eman, who at 25 years of age is the youngest judge in the West Bank, his 2 other sisters and his younger brother, Shareef who at 18 is starting law school. We talked and ate (chicken and rice) and then visited the home of another cousin before driving back to their home in Nablus. The next day Shafeek took me on a walking tour of the Old City of Nablus. We had breakfast at an old restaurant (600 years old!!) where they specialized in omelets, served with a bowl of yoghurt, tomatoes and fresh mint. It was wonderful. We visited shops, stopped for coffee, even shot some baskets in the courtyard of an old church and then I waited as he went to the mosque for afternoon prayer. He then drove me to the university where he presently teaches law and proudly showed me the campus of some 16,000 students. The day ended on Mt. Ebal, across the valley from Mt. Gerizim (read Judges 8:30-35) where we had a beautiful view of the city as we sat and drank strong Arabic coffee and ate kanafeh, a traditional Nablus sweet. After heading back to their apartment to say goodbye and having my picture taken with my two new sons, I was taken to the bus station where I began my trek back home. The first hour was spent in a shared van as I drove back to Ramallah. There I caught a bus which I thought would take me to East Jerusalem, but when I reached the Qalandia checkpoint, I was