SUNDAY WORSHIP AT OLD UNION
Welcome Rev. Dr. Carolyn J. to the pulpit as our “sabbatical pastor,” as she develops the theme of “sabbath” in her May sermons.
 
 SCRIPTURE READERS
5/5/2019        Sherry C.
5/12/2019      Sarah S.
5/19/2019      To Be Announced
5/26/2019      To Be Announced
 
                   SANCTUARY WINDOWS
We are awaiting the delivery of the replacement windows for the sanctuary.  The new windows will match the style of the other windows in the “old building,” while preserving the stained glass tops.  This project is funded by a grant from the Wood Foundation, and by gifts made to the memorial fund.
 
       FELLOWSHIP HALL ACOUSTIC PANELS
If all goes as planned, by the time you are reading this we will have new acoustic panels installed in the fellowship hall!  These panels will significantly improve the sound reverberation in the hall, which has limited our ability to use it well.  This project is funded by an anonymous donation.
 
          A NEW MISSION FOR OLD UNION:                            “THE INN” MATERNITY HOME
Life Choices, a group which began in 1984, has opened a maternity home in the Butler Area for women who are pregnant and suffering from addiction.   The Inn opened in October 2017 and has helped women who might have had to make a decision between their baby and safe housing for themselves.  The goal of the program is to help save two lives from the grip of addiction.  Some of these women are second or third generation of addicted  individuals.  They learn how to have a regular life away  from addiction and how to care for their baby. 
Life Choices also runs 4 clinics in western Pennsylvania to aid pregnant women who need care during pregnancy and they offer post abortion support counseling if needed.  It is a program designed to provide help when an unexpected pregnancy occurs.  They provide ultrasounds, men's counseling,  and consultations.
The session gave The Inn a $1000 donation given to the church and has decided that the Inn would become a mission under the adopt a mission program.  How do we continue giving to The Inn?  Drop your money in the large baby bottle with the flyers from the inn.
Many of us have been impacted by the opioid crisis.   We know someone who is affected.  This program helps the youngest and most innocent victims.
To learn more about the inn come to the adult Sunday School class MAY 5th at 10:00 AM.  A guest speaker will present information  and the calling of the group sponsoring the inn.
 
                           MISSION TRIP
Twenty-six people representing twelve churches will participate in this August’s mission trip to Fayettevile, North Carolina.  The team, which includes seven people from Old Union, will assist with rebuilding work following last September’s Hurricane Florence.  This is the tenth year that our church has organized a trip like this.  Thanks to generous grants and past donations, the trip’s finances are fully covered.  However, we need your prayers!  A million things can go wrong on the trip like this, but a million wonderful unexpected opportunities can also develop.  Help us seek the Lord’s blessing on this trip as we seek to be a blessing for others.
 
The Cranberry Men’s Chorus will present “Sing, Sing, Sing!” your favorite songs from the big band era, on Saturday May 4 at 6:30 PM at North Catholic High School.  Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, $5 for students.
 
             
 
      

                    SUMMER WORSHIP
Old Union will begin “summer schedule” on May 26 (the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend).  Worship services will begin at 10:00, and there will be no Sunday School.
 
 An important aspect of our pastor’s sabbatical leave is that “disconnect” entirely from our church’s life while he is away.  He will not respond to emails or voicemails; please honor his time for renewal by not contacting him until he returns on July 31.  Please contact Carolyn J., our sabbatical pastor, for any pastoral concerns you have during this time
 
              WELCOME CAROLYN J.!
Please welcome Rev. Dr. Carolyn J. as she joins the Old Union family to serve as our “sabbatical pastor” while Peter is away.  Carolyn is a retired minister with extensive experience as a pastor, presbytery and synod executive, and seminary faculty member.  Carolyn lives in Allison Park and will work out of the church pastor’s study at least two or three days a week.  You may reach Carolyn  by calling the church at 724-538-8672.
 
If you would like to place an announcement in the weekly worship bulletin, please send it to Linda W., our secretary, by placing it in her box in the church office.  Linda will need to receive it by Wednesday morning in order for the announcement to appear in the next Sunday’s bulletin.
 
Linda W., our church secretary, prepares our monthly newsletters, and is eager to receive material for it.  If you have something that you would like to have included in the newsletter, please get it to her by the 15th of the month.  You can place it in her box in the church office.
 
At press time, we are awaiting confirmation that Old Union will have a student pastor working with us beginning in September.  Student pastors are a mission project of our church, to help seminarians develop experience to help them be effective small church pastors.  If we do have a student pastor, we are expected to provide a $350 per month stipend.  If you would like to help contribute toward this, please speak with mission committee chairman Ralph J..

            A YOUNG ADULT IN MISSION
Matt H., one of Old Union’s college students, will spend his summer at the “Vision for Orlando Project.”  Together with other students studying in Indiana colleges and universities, Matt will spend Tuesday through Saturday working at Universal Studios.  Over the weekend he will receive training to develop an intimate relationship with God, grow in a gospel-centered Christ-like character, and become an effective witness for Christ.  Old Union’s session has voted to use money from the scholarship fund and Mission Endowment Fund to cover all of Matt’s costs to participate in this life-changing experience.  Matt is planning to speak about his summer’s experience at our August 18 worship service.  Please hold him in your prayers as he prepares and serves in this way.

                         CAR CRUISE
Mark your calendar! Old Union’s 2nd Annual Car Cruise will be held on Saturday, June 1, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, rain or shine. Spectator judged show with food, music, and fellowship.  Come and enjoy!

                STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
The annual Strawberry Festival will be held on Saturday, June 8th, from 4 to 7 PM. Come and enjoy this fruity tradition at Old Union.

Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
​724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com