THE PATHFINDER

Little Valley United Methodist Church 109 Court Street, PO Box 221 Little Valley, NY 14755 (716) 938-6150 Joseph Pascoe, Pastor Office Hours: Monday Friday 9:00-12:00 Monthly Newsletter May 2012
Grace and Peace to all of you, Spring has come and gone it looks like from my vantage point. One day I was wearing shorts and the next looking for the snow shovel. Western New York truly is a great place to experience all of God's beauty in the form of seasonal changes and unpredictability. After all we are told not to be complacent or stagnant in looking for the Lord but to seek Him always and be ready whenever He shows up. I was reading a book titled On the Reliability of the Old Testament by K.A. Kitchen. In it he is disputing some of the claims by other theologians that the scriptures are not historically reliable and that one must look at them in the context of doubt and skepticism as some scholars do. Kitchen debates it this way: One must approach texts always with a hostile suspicion, against the grain, denying integrity where possible in favor of dissonance and a search for inner contradiction. This is the exact opposite of how texts should be read. Lack of initial empathy virtually guarantees failure to be able to interpret most ancient texts and modern work if these perverse ideas are used. How often do we look at the scriptures with this tainted view point that says either; that couldn't have happened as it reads or if we believe it did happen, that it couldn't possibly happen again and not to me. The scriptures challenge us to submerse ourselves into God's word and to be able to add some sense of personal emotion and attachment to it. Empathy says I know what you are feeling because I too have experienced that. For example, many of us our not going to have to grab five smooth stones from a babbling brook and do battle with a 9 foot tall really ugly nasty soldier. However, if we look at our own lives we can see some really big giants that we have or will have to fight some day. I believe what Kitchen is challenging his peers with goes against the grain for historical proof. It challenges us to look beyond empirical evidence and to seek the Spirit of the scriptures. This is not to say that there isn't good hard empirical evidence because there is, but it is to say that in order to be able to understand the purpose of the scriptures one has to allow themselves to be personally involved in them. With all this said, as you embark on this season of new life or Spring, take a look at the scriptures. As you read them don't look for the loopholes or try to challenge them. Rather read them and allow the Spirit of the gospel to speak to you. Gods desire is to build a lasting loving relationship with you like none other. So in the words of Ken Davis, lighten up and live!! Allow yourselves to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Until next month, Pastor Joe P.S. If you cant find me its because there is an Eastern Gobbler with my name on it that I am looking for... I am always open to dialogue about anything that might touch your hearts.....my email is pastorjoe@littlevalleyumc.org

Transforming Lives By Knowing Christ And Making Christ Known

Worship and Celebration Ministry Team News

Worship! We look forward to coming together before God and hearing His word. We encourage you to get involved in worshipbe an assisting minister or greeterlead a Childrens Momentvolunteer to share your gift of music or greeting others as they enter worship. Call any of the team members below to find out how you can serve. If anyone has any feedback or comments regarding worship, please contact anyone on the Worship and Celebration Ministry Team (Annette Andrew, Al Ormond, Glenda Campbell, Laurie Peters and Pastor Joe). See you in worship

PRAYER TIMES
SundayAn intimate time of prayer and fellowship. Time and place varies each week. See Annette Andrew for details. Two Prayer Times for Wednesday evenings: 6:30-7:30pm New prayer time: We meet in the conference room for a time of structured and focused prayer, coming together as the body of Christ for corporate prayer. All are welcome. See Evonne Phillips or Laurie Peters for details. 7:30-10:00pm Worship and Praise time: We meet in the sanctuary following worship band rehearsal. We worship with the I Worship DVDs or other music for a personal time with the Lord. Afterwards we come together for prayer as the Spirit leads with prayers for the church, pastor and concerns of the congregation. All are welcome. See Bonnie Hurley for details. Outside we have a mailbox for prayers if you forget on Sunday or if the church isnt open. Anyone in the community is welcome to use it so please tell others about it. God tells us where two or more are gathered in His nameThere is also a prayer box in the back of the sanctuary for your convenience. We meet in the sanctuary before the service on Sunday mornings and everyone is welcome to join us. We pray for Pastor Joe and the worship service.

Surrender to God All-Powerful! You will find peace and prosperity. Listen to his teachings and take them to heart. If you return to God and turn from sin, all will go well for you. Job 22:21-23 CEV Altar Flowers
Dont forget to contact Harriet ahead of time if youd like to do flowers for the altar on any given week.

Trinity House Healing Ministry

Trinity House will be open for prayer the first Thursday of each month. The prayer team will meet at 6:00 p.m. for prayer/worship/training. Those seeking healing will be ministered to from 7-9 p.m. Appointments are not necessary. If prayer requests are received between times of operation, appointments will be made accordingly. We are also available to pray following Sunday worship services. If you have a heart for intercessory prayer, a desire to see the sick receive healing or are just plain curious about healing, please talk with me. In Christ, Becky Cable 543-5050

MENS BREAKFAST
The men of LVUMC and other area churches meet for breakfast and study the third Sunday of each month at 7:30 AM in the fellowship hall. Join us for Man Food and uncommon discussion. The next dates are May 20, June 17 and July 15.

Clothes Closet Bill Perkins I wanted to say spring has sprung but as I look out my window & see 6 of snow, anyway its still spring & we are getting ready to change the clothes over for cool weather wear. If you are doing your spring cleaning & have clothes you no longer want or wear we can put them to good use. As usual we need kids & teens jeans, shirts, sneakers in good shape, along with mens & womens clothes. If you have other items like furniture, appliances, etc. Please call Bill Perkins so arrangements can be made to drop them off. Thank you all who have donated to this mission, we ask that all clothes you donate be clean with no holes or rips. We are still looking for someone to over see the clothes closet mission, if you think that may be you we ask you pray about it. Missions Bill Perkins
The mission team is going on the road, August 12th we head for Chillicothe, Ohio & we will return on the 18th of August. While we are there we will do some repairs on a house, visit & minister to a homeless community & lots more. Plus we will have a picnic, swim, have lots of fun & maybe even have a concert. If you are interested in going or if you cant go but would like to help us get there see Randy Peters or Pastor Joe very soon. Plus dont forget the chicken BBQ on May 26th, we will start at 11am & go until sold out. We are only doing 300 so get your ticket early, you get a chicken, potato salad, baked beans, roll & desert for only $8.00. Drinks will be available from our youth. We encourage all of you to come & to bring your family & friends.

MISSIONS: INDIA UPDATE

I am very excited as my time is getting closer to leave for my missions trip to India which is on June 5th and I will return on July 31. I feel so strongly that God has great things planned for this trip and I am asking for your prayers as I travel there, my time while there and for my return trip. India does not welcome missionaries so your prayers are most needed. Also prayers for hearts to be opened and to receive the Word of God into their hearts. God told his disciples in Matt 28:19-20 this: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit., teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (KJV) God is calling India into HIS fold and wants them to follow HIM and to give up their idols. I feel God is calling me to be apart of this calling and HE is calling this church to bring HIS children before HIM to receive salvation, to have ever lasting life. HE wants us to reach the lost, the lonely, the broken hearted where ever that is that HE sends us. Missions is important for here and aboard and I know God has sent us to India through me because this was never a desire of mine. Even though I am a part of the missions team, I never wanted to go where I could not speak the language, never had desire to leave the country, didnt like to fly and here I am flying half way across the world taking about 24 hours in all, to a country and people I love with all my heart and a desire to reach out to them that I cannot explain. Only through God is all this possible. They need and I need your prayers and financial support in bringing this all to pass. I ask you to pray above all else and see what God puts on your heart for this ministry, and to move in the way HE leads you. What an awesome God we have, and I will praise HIM with all I am and serve HIM with all I have. I pray for you always and may God bless you richly in all you do. Love Bonnie Hurley

PS
I will be taking an extra suitcase with me on the missions trip to India and will have it in the narthex the last two Sundays before I go if you are interested in donating things for the children. Items like toys, and clothes. Pastor Nehemiah has also asked for medical supplies such as aspirins, diarrhea,coughs, upsetstomachs,bandaides,antibioticsforcuts,etc.Allthingsareappreciated,thanksandGodBless. Bonnie

Plastic Squeeze Bottles

A Pre-school teacher is in need of plastic bottles and caps, such as dish detergent, cleaners, shampoos, conditioners and beauty liquids come in for use in her classroom. She needs about 30-40 of these before the end of the school year. Ones that a child can put both hands on to squeeze that are approximately 10-30 ounces are what she is looking for. If you have any, please rinse them out and give to Bobbie Jo. Thank you

Camping news
I want to thank everyone for their donations and cooking. The Easter breakfast was a wonderful time of fellowship. Upcoming news - the camper's will be selling pop and water at the chicken BBQ. Donations are needed for this to happen. So far the campers have raised about $900. We are hoping to give each child $100 or more (if funds become available) toward a week at camp of their choice. I am truly thankful for each one of you for having the heart of Christ and supporting our children. May God Bless You. Be the Hands & Feet of CHRIST Thanks, your sister in Christ Lisa Brooks

COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY CALENDARS FOR 2013

Dont forget to contact Bobbie Jo in church or at 938-6247 to get your dates listed and/or to order a calendar if you are not on the current calendar and would like to be on for next year.

MAY ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS

BIRTHDAYS 2 Justin Stahley 4 Sean Andrew 4 Jon Cable 6 Don Mett 6 Dennis Sibley 11 Helen Philbrick 14 Lisa Brooks 16 Ginger Horth 18 Victoria Campbell 21 Shirley Crosby 21 Dylan Horth 25 Allan Ormond 26 Jane Sibley ANNIVERSARIES 4 Dan & Cindy Pennell 9 Deb & Harold Hensel 27 Albert & Edna Johnson 28 Lester & Laura Bishop 29 Bill & Geniece Perkins

DepositBottlesandCans
Dont forget, if you hate the messy job of taking back your returnable cans and bottles, donate them to the youth and let them do it. Every little bit will help and they add up fast. It will help them raise money for their activities. Did you know water and juice bottles now have a deposit on them?

FOOD PANTRY
The Little Valley Ministerium would appreciate the help of their congregations as we strive to meet the needs of the hungry in our area. Please bring non perishable food and staple items to your churches. Needed especially are: tuna and canned meats, spaghetti pasta and sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, canned main dishes (hash, stew, ravioli, etc,) peanut butter, jelly, juices, puddings. Thanks so much for your help! Remember Matthew 25 "If you have done it to the least of these, my brothers, you have done it unto me."

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Building a Heart of Faith There are many areas for you to become involved within Christian Education. Our next meeting is Monday, May 21st at 7 p.m. Please talk with Pastor Joe or Randy Peters if you are interested. We are swimming with excitement about Operation Overboard. There is a donation box under the coat rack for items that we need for VBS from the list below. It is VBS preparation & excitement time! VBS will be July 16-20th and we need lots of help and we always have lots of fun. The theme this year is Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God! The following is a list of materials that will be needed so start collecting now! old CD's tissue paper in bright colors whole sunflower seeds aluminum foil self adhesive magnetic strip small metal nuts puff paint small googly eyes white card stock shaving cream 5 cans paper plates (heavy duty) 30 and regular paper plates 50 fine sheets of sandpaper 60 clothespins (spring loaded) Elmer's glue (sticks & liquid) paper hole reinforcements poster board (large sheets) brown & white butcher paper blue cellophane We will also be looking for supplies for our snack time so watch for this list as time gets closer. God's peace to you! Becky Cable CE Coordinator 543-5050

SMALL GROUPS
Carpenters Apprentices We are doing a study by Jim Cymbala (When Gods Spirit moves). There is a short video with questions and discussion time and prayer to close. If you have any questions please feel free to talk to Ray & Lisa Brooks. We meet ever other Monday 6:30 to 8:00 God Bless The Eagle's Small Group: We have started "The way back to Mayberry, Lessons from a simpler time" by Joey Fann. This study is a biblical look at the classic Andy Griffith Show" and its life lessons for us all. Our location will be at the home of Kevin and Annette Andrew, 424 Rock City Street and our next study dates are May 8 and 22. Faith Trekkers will meet on Tuesdays May 8 and 22 at Sam & Mariel Greys home at 6:30 p.m. Two Twenty One There are two activities coming up this month. May 20th district event in Olean leaving church at 5:15 May 27th Campout at the Peters house with bonfire and smores!!! Thank you all who are so faithfully praying for and financially helping our youth ministry. We will be doing a fundraiser in early JUNE so be looking for that, it will involve water and lots of soap! Peace, Pastor Joe

PASTOR JOES CALENDAR May 2012

Office hours will be 9-12 Mon-Thurs. unless conflicting appointments or by appointment, Fri.-day off, Saturday-Sabbath Tuesday Mens Breakfast at the VFW 8am, Wednesday evenings Community Youth 6:30 8:00 & 8-? Prayer, Sunday evenings Youth 6:30-8pm 5/1 Ministerium Meeting 10am 5/1 Mentor meeting Springville 1pm 5/1 Cable move 5pm 5/2 Class ESC 10am 5/2 Cable Move 5/3 TEAM leaders meeting 1pm 5/4-5/5 Men's Retreat 5/9 REUNY Meeting Dansville NY 10am 5/11-5/12 F.O.F. 5/14 Trustees meeting 7pm 5/15 Sr. Luncheon 5/17 Ad Council 7pm 5/19 Clergy Session 5/20 DCYM Youth Olean NY 5/21-5/23 Time off! 5/26 Chicken BBQ 5/27-5/28 Youth Camp out 5/31-6/2 Annual Conference

God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 CEV BEST PRAYER IN A LONG TIME (From The Internet) Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day ("who really ought to get a job") is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares. Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together. Heavenly Father, remind us each day that of all the gifts you give us Lord, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love. Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY
1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4-5 Fri-Sat 5 Sat 6 Sun 7 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 13 Sun 14 Mon 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 19 Sun 20 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed 31 Thu Mens Group @ VFW 8:00am/WIC 9:00/Ministerium Meeting 10:00/Choir 7:00 Praise Band 5:30/Daisy Girl Scouts 6:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 National Day of Prayer/Healing Prayer at Trinity House 7:00 Mens Retreat Mother Daughter Tea 2:00 Sunday School 9:15/Worship & Communion 10:30/LATCH Carpenters Apprentice Small Group 6:30 Mens Group @ VFW 8:00am/Faith Trekkers Small Group 6:30/Eagles Small Group 6:45 Praise Band 5:30/Daisy Girl Scouts 6:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Worship Team Meeting 8:00am Mothers Day/Sunday School 9:15/Worship 10:30 Trustees Meeting 7:00 Mens Group at VFW 8:00am/Senior Luncheon 11:30/Choir 7:00 Praise Band 5:30/Daisy Girl Scouts 6:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Ad Council 7:00 Clergy Session of Annual Conference 9:00am Mens Breakfast 7:30/Sunday School 9:15/Worship 10:30/DCYM Youth Gathering 5:15 Carpenters Apprentice Small Group 6:30/CE Leadership Team Meeting 7:00 Mens Group VFW 8:00am/Independent Living Group 3:30/Faith Trekkers Group 6:30/Eagles Grp 6:45 Praise Band 5:30/Daisy Girl Scouts 6:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Missions Chiavettas Chicken Barbecue & Concert 11:00am-2:00pm Sunday School 9:15/Worship 10:30/2:21 Youth Campout Memorial Day Celebrated Mens Group @ VFW 8:00am/Choir 7:00 Praise Band 5:30/Daisy Girl Scouts 6:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Annual Conference

JUNE 1-2 Fri-Sat

3 Sun

Annual Conference
Sunday School 9:15/Worship & Communion 10:30/Latch/CommunityYouth Event 6:00 Carpenters Apprentice Small Group 6:30 Mens Group @ VFW 8:00am/WIC 9:00/Faith Trekkers 6:30/Eagles 6:45 Praise Band 5:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Healing Prayer at Trinity House 7:00 Sunday School 9:15/Worship 10:30/2:21 Youth Group 6:30 Mens Group @ VFW 8:00 am Praise Band 5:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Flag Day/Worship Team Meeting 8:00am Fathers Day/Mens Breakfast 7:30/Sunday School 9:15/Worship 10:30/2:21 Youth Group 6:30 Mens Group @ VFW 8:00 am/Senior Luncheon 11:30/Faith Trekkers Small Group 6:30/Eagles 6:45 Praise Band 5:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30 Worship 10:30/2:21 Youth Group 6:30 Mens Group @ VFW 8:00 am Praise Band 5:30/Prayer 7:00/Prayer & Praise Night 7:30

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Little Valley United Methodist Church 109 Court Street Little Valley, NY 14755

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY