WORSHIP IN FEBRUARY
This month we will continue and conclude our consideration of what Ephesians teaches us about being a church.
February 2: Ephesians 3:14-21
February 9: Ephesians 4:1-6
February 16: Ephesians 4:7-16
February 23: Ephesians 5:8-20
 
                   SCRIPTURE READERS
February 2: Mary Rae T.
February 9: Lorene W.
February 16: Bill H.
February 23: Pat W.
 
Our condolences go out to the family of Lester K., who died on January 11.
 
            Mark your calendar!
            Soup Supper: April 4
            Car Cruise: May 23
 
Some of our congregation members are unable to attend worship each week, but they can play an important role in making our worship dynamic, life-changing, pleasing to the Lord.  We’d like for them to pray from 11:00 to noon each Sunday for the Lord’s blessing and guidance upon our worship.  If you are unable to attend worship but would like to pray, or if you would like to help our homebound members in this ministry, please speak with the pastor.
 
           CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAMS
The session and deacons have decided to divide the members and friends of Old Union into nine “flocks,” each to be shepherded by one elder and one deacon.  This will improve our care, fellowship, and communication among our congregation in multiple ways.  Watch for more details coming soon!
 
                    LENTEN WORSHIP
Old Union will join with Plains and Crestview Presbyterian Churches to provide special Wednesday worship services during Lent.  Each week (except for Ash Wednesday) we will gather for a light meal at 6:15, followed by a thirty minute worship service at 7:00.  Old Union will host the Ash Wednesday service on February 26 at 7:00, which will be led by Rev Derek M. of Plains Church. 
​The rest of the schedule:
March 4, at Crestview Church, led by Peter de V.
March 11, at Plains Church, led by Gregg H.
March 18, at Old Union Church, led by Derek M.
March 25, at Crestview Church, led by Peter de V.
April 1, at Plains Church, led by Gregg H.
 
         SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER
New Orleans has Mardis Gras, and Old Union has Shrove Tuesday!  Join us on Tuesday, February 25 at we begin the season of Lent with a traditional pancake dinner, followed by a devotional activity.  The meal begins at 6:30; speak with Bill H. if you’d like to lend a hand.
 
                SOUND SYSTEM UPGRADE
The sound system in our sanctuary is twenty years old and is starting to show signs of age.  For example, it will randomly emit a loud burst of static, the speakers in the basement and the library don’t work, we don’t have the capability for digital recording, and the wireless microphones have become unreliable.  The session has identified this as the next major project for us to tackle as we improve and maintain our facilities.  Our first step is to seek professional assessments and estimates for a new system.  If you would like to be part of a team to work on this step, please speak with the pastor.
                

Much of Old Union’s ministry and mission happens through the work of our committees.  Unfortunately, most of our committees are very short-handed, and the people who have been serving faithfully for years deserve a change of pace.  If you are not already on a committee, prayerfully consider which one you would like to serve on.  Speak with the chair of the committees to learn more.
Finance: Abena B.
Fund-Raising: Linda M. and Lorene W.
Cemetery: Ruth G.
Christian Education: Jill M.
Worship: Bill H.
Mission: Ralph J.
Outreach: Mary Rae T.
 
         UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Because we serve the Lord together as a church, he has provided spiritual gifts for each of us to use for the common good.  We serve God best, and we serve more joyfully, when we understand and use the particular gifts he has given to us.  Beginning in mid-March, we will hold a seven-part workshop on understanding spiritual gifts.  The workshop will take place during the Sunday School hour, and also on Tuesday evenings, so you can pick the date and time that works best for you.  More information will be coming soon!
 
        WILL WE HAVE A SPAGHETTI DINNER?
For years, Old Union’s youth group held a February spaghetti dinner to raise money to support their activities.  When the youth group faded out of existence, we continued the spaghetti dinner to raise money for our mission projects.  Will we have a spaghetti dinner this year?  The answer is up to you.  Julie M., who ran the kitchen for this dinner, is not available.  If you would like to help organize the dinner, especially if you’ve helped in the past, please speak with the pastor.
 
                     JUNIOR CHURCH
It’s great to have the younger members of our church family worshiping with us, but it’s hard for their parents to get much out of the sermon as they care for them.  “Junior Church” gives those five years old and younger the opportunity go downstairs during the sermon time for child-oriented activities.  We will need at least four people who will volunteer to take turns with the youngsters in order to hold Junior Church.  Speak with Jill M. for more information or if you’d like to participate.
 
We are collecting chapstick and other lip balm for students in need at Butler High School.  Place your donations in the bin in the church lobby.
 
The year-end report for the church’s General Fund, which handles our budgeted items, is posted in the church lobby.  Please speak with Kristen H. or Judy P. if you’d like year-end information on any of our other funds.
 
Camp Erin is a weekend-long, overnight camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one.  It will be held at YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee In Fombell the weekend of June 12-14.  If you would like to volunteer for the weekend, or if you know a young person who would benefit from this experience, please call them at 724-789-6102.
 
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Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
​724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com