Dear Friends –

First let me share our heart felt thanks to all of you for your prayers, support, and love as we journey through another loss. In June, my step-father, Norm, passed on to the eternal realm; and last Thursday, Gordy’s mother, Pat, went home to be with the Lord. We give thanks for these two people who have touched and blessed our family; and we trust God with their eternal keeping.

As we all journey together through difficult days, whether due to the coronavirus or other situations we are facing, one of the most powerful and comforting things we can do is to pray. Turning to God in prayer provides strength and peace to our spirits. Today, I offer you this link, which will take you to the Upper Room website. It is filled with prayers and prayer practices for children, youth, and families. I trust that you will find it helpful and meaningful as we continue to navigate these days that can bring fear, isolation, panic, anger, anxiety, doubts, impatience. 

In the midst of all of this, may we turn to the one who calms our fears, provides presence, stills panic and anxiety, assists in releasing anger, holds our doubts, and increases patience. 

Praying with and for you during these times.
Pastor Sherry

https://www.upperroom.org/resources/prayer-practices-for-children-youth-and-families

Attending a church conference in Richmond, Virginia, Grover Emmons heard Reverend John W. Smith speak about the power of God descending on Jesus’ disciples as they prayed in an upper room. Dr. Emmons, who was instrumental in the development of a daily devotional, was inspired: the magazine would be called The Upper Room.

We continue to journey one day at a time. We continue to seek God’s strength and direction as we go. We continue to listen to the guidance offered by medical experts, the governor, and our bishop. We continue to monitor the situation regarding when we will be offering in-person worship services at Cedarville.

Yet, while we are away from the church building, we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus – in other words, we continue to be the Church!! 

The Missions Commission is moving forward with the Back-to-School Project, which will bring some needed school supplies to the four Pottstown elementary schools again this year. Due to Covid 19, monetary donations will be collected during the entire month of August. Then, members of the Missions Commission will purchase supplies (pencils, tissues, and crayons), which will be sent directly to the schools in mid-September.  

To donate for these school supplies, go to our cedarvilleumc.org website and click on the green “Donate” button. Scroll down to the “online donation” paragraph and click the link at the end of the paragraph. Click on the “Select Fund” and scroll down to “Back-to-School Mission” to donate to this fund. If you prefer, you can send your donation, by check to the church office at 1092 Laurelwood Road, Pottstown, Pa 19465.

Additionally, ministry continues to occur at Mission First. One ongoing ministry is the Wednesday evening meals, which are being prepared by various groups. Cedarville folks prepared the meal on July 22. Thank you, Joan, Debra, Kris, and Vicki for providing the meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and rolls. This team, along with others (thanks to all), dished the food into to-go containers and the dinner meal, along with napkins, utensils, fruit, cookies, a snack bag, and a drink were placed into plastic grocery bags for folks to pick up at the front of Mission First! There were expressions of  gratitude as folks received these meals.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that what we do for the “least of these” we do for Jesus, himself. God is alive and at work in our communities. May we continue to see God’s hand upon us, and God working through us, even in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. The pandemic will pass, God will remain with us, always.

Blessings and peace
– Pastor Sherry

Hello, Cedarville Church Family!!

I am back to being “connected” to my electronic devices after taking some vacation time. 

As we journey together, I continue to be grateful for the opportunities we have to remain connected through the various means available to us – telephone, Zoom meetings, FaceTime, Facebook, etc. These options provide opportunities for worship, Bible study, social time, children’s Sunday school, meetings to care for the ministry of the church, and more. 

While I give thanks (and hopefully you do too) that we are able to see one another and talk with one another through these electronic devices, some of you are patiently (?) waiting to return to in-person worship. Others of you are not yet ready to return, and may not be ready to do so for some time to come. 

Wherever you are in your readiness to return to in-person worship, I pray that you continue to seek, and are fed by, the word of God that we share each Sunday morning online (or any time through recordings). That nourishment comes via music, prayers, messages, etc. I pray that you continue to participate in Zoom Bible studies and other online social opportunities that our devices make possible for us. 

Now, regarding in-person worship: maybe you have seen and heard announcements regarding our “goal” to begin in-person worship services on Sunday, August 2. That has been our “goal” date. 

However, the current stipulations from Gov. Wolf, as of Thursday, July 16, state that, again, Indoor events and gatherings of more than 25 persons are prohibited.  Given that the number of people needed to create the online worship services is close to that number, we would have very few seats available for in-person worship – approximately six (FLC) to twelve (Sanctuary). This makes it very difficult for us to invite folks to come to worship in the FLC or Sanctuary. 

Therefore, as long as we remain in the current guidelines of 25 or fewer people allowed to gather indoors, we will continue to offer online worship and wait to begin in-person worship services until these restrictions are lifted. 

Please continue to watch your emails and the website for ongoing information and details about in-person worship. 

May you be blessed by the presence of our God who promises to never leave us nor forsake us – no matter what is happening around us!!

Peace –
Pastor Sherry

As we continue through these days – some boring, some concerning, some a struggle, some lonely, and even some good – may we keep our eyes constantly on the One who is always with us and who ultimately holds all things in those Divine hands.

May the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, be yours today and always as we focus on the Main Thing!!

Blessings and peace in the journey!
Pastor Sherry

Dear Friends –

I have been away for a few days taking some vacation time. It was good to spend some time with my husband and one of our granddaughters. We had fun together! I hope that you are finding opportunities to have fun with family!

Now that I am back at my laptop, I want to share some information regarding an upcoming change in our worship schedule. Beginning this Sunday, July 5, we will offer two online worship services – a contemporary service at 9:30 and a traditional service at 11:00. Please make note of this change.

As we continue in this journey, I also want you to be aware of the next step in our phased re-opening. We hope to begin to offer in-person worship starting on Sunday, August 2. (However, the Re-Opening Team will continue to monitor the situation as we move forward. So, please know that this remains a tentative date which depends upon what is happening with the coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania and in Chester and surrounding counties at that time.)

Due to the guidelines which limit the number of people permitted to gather at an indoor space (in green you can have up to 50% capacity), you will need to sign up in order to reserve a seat for each member of your family, and let us know whether you will attend the 9:30 Contemporary Worship service or the 11:00 Traditional Worship service. (Watch for more details about this later.)

In the meantime, beginning this Sunday, July 5, the Praise Team and the worship leaders for both services will gather at the church to lead two worship experiences that we hope you will experience with us online. The worship leaders will live-stream a contemporary worship service from the Family Life Center at 9:30 a.m. and a traditional service from the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. 

Again, please make note that you can worship with us ONLINE this Sunday, July 5, for: > Contemporary worship service live-streamed at 9:30 a.m. > Traditional worship service live-streamed at 11:00 a.m.
Go to our cedarvilleumc.org website and click on the red button immediately beneath our “Welcome to Cedarville United Methodist Church” block. Clicking it on Sunday morning will take you to our YouTube channel where you will be able to join either the 9:30 or 11 service. You will see the picture of the church as you wait for the “countdown” at 9:25 or the “preparing for worship” at 10:55. 

I hope you will join us this Sunday morning online for either our contemporary service or our traditional service – each offered live from the church!!

Blessings!
Pastor Sherry

Dear Friends –

I came across a Facebook post that might reflect how you are feeling when it comes to praying in these days. Sometimes, there is so much jumble on the inside, that we cannot even come up with words anymore. Be assured that, even when we cannot find the words to express what is happening within our spirits, the Holy Spirit steps in.

As we read in Romans 8:26 – …the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words.

Trust that, even when there are no words, God hears the cries of our hearts and responds with love.

Praying with you and for you.
Pastor Sherry 

Hello, Friends – 

This morning’s message focused on our status as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. We have a rich inheritance as co-heirs with Christ. The Creator of the universe calls us daughters and sons! By grace, through faith, we receive inclusion in God’s family, as well as cleansing, holiness, glory, freedom from fear of death, freedom from sin’s penalties, and life eternal and abundant.

“I have come that you might have a full, abundant life.” (John 10:10)  

Whoever has the Son has life, and life eternal (1 John 5:12; John 3:36).

“To all who receive (Jesus), to those who believe in His Name, He gives the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Below are scriptures on being co-heirs with Christ that you can explore further:

o   Galatians 3:15-29, 4:1-7 (MSG & NIV)

o   Colossians 3:24 (MSG & NIV)

o   Ephesians 5:1 (MSG & NIV)

o   Isaiah 9:6

o   Acts 2:38-39

o   Ephesians 1:3-14

o   2 Corinthians 1:20-22

o   Luke 15:11-12, 31

o   1 Peter 1:3-5

o   John 1:12-13

o   John 14:1-3

o   1 John 3:1

o   2 Corinthians 6:18

As we journey in this life, and especially in these days, may we remember who we are and who’s we are – children of the Creator, and co-heirs with Jesus Christ!

May this thought sustain us along the way.

Blessings, grace, and peace.
Pastor Sherry

Hello, Friends!

Thank you for your words, emails, cards of sympathy and your prayers for my family and me in the death of my step-father. Yesterday (Friday), we celebrated his life and offered him into God’s hands. I was asked by my step-siblings to officiate the funeral service. I was honored to do so. Still, I was drained by the time I returned home. 

Yet, God is good, all the time. God sustained me through the journey of preparing the service and the message, as well as leading the funeral. And, this extended family grieved together the passing, and celebrated together the life, of this man we all new and loved.

There is much joy and sorrow in this earthly journey. It is our faith that sustains us and our sisters and brothers in Christ who encourage and uphold us with prayer. And, our time together in worship uplifts us.
Still, this time of Coronavirus and continued physical separation, is a struggle. In times of grief and loss, our desire is to be with one another, in person; to share hugs. In due time…

For now, I pray that you will continue to be encouraged and uplifted by our Sunday morning time of worship online, as well as our Zoom Virtual Social time immediately following worship (see separate email for link), and our KidzZoom Sunday lessons for our children through grade 6 (also a separate link, sent to our children/families via email from Diane Cherico).

I know how difficult it can be to worship in front of a screen. So, I am res-sending the creative suggestions for worshipping at home during this time. I pray that you will use at least some of these ideas and that they will make your worshiping time more meaningful.

I pray that, rather than “watching” the service, you will enter into and experience the worship of God. Pray before the online service begins. Ask the Holy Spirit to open you and focus your thoughts and spirit on worship.

Draw near and be blessed!
Grace, peace, and prayers.
Pastor Sherry

CREATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT WORSHIPPING AT HOME DURING THIS TIME

For now, our weekly worship service continues to be online, and we gather around a computer screen instead of inside the church building. So how do you become more than simply a viewer watching a screen? Check out these tips for engaging with your online church community.

1. Create a sacred space.

Light a candle. Use a green place mat to symbolize the season of growth. For this Sunday, put some fresh flowers on the mat to symbolize growth and life. Place a cross in the center of the table. Open your Bible. If you have a hymnal, get it out.

Having a space where you are worshipping look a bit different helps with feeling centered.

2. Say “Hello.”

Greeting fellow worshipers is a routine part of attending church. Do the same online. Engage through the chat functions, such as the comment box on Facebook Live. As you see friends join the service, say “hi.”

Greeting one another through chat is important so that you see that you’re not by yourself. There’s a sense of knowing that people are worshiping with you and you are still connected.

3. Don’t just sit there.

Stand up. When you’re singing a hymn or praise song, get out of your seat. I know it might feel a bit odd, but remember that you/we are worshipping God. Stand to honor and revere God as you sing and worship!

4. Come closer, please.

This is one setting where physical distancing does not apply. In keeping with the theme of seeking to feel connected, sitting closer to the online activity on the screen helps.

5. Sing louder.

Sing the songs. Pray the Opening Prayers, the Prayers of the People, and The Lord’s Prayer with the leader.

How many people around the world are saying The Lord’s Prayer? Thinking about this makes you feel less alone and less small, because you’re part of a whole.”

6. Let us pray.

Share your prayer requests, both joys and concerns, by sending the information via email to Elaine Lambert or Sheila Hardin.

Tell us what’s going on. We still want to know your prayer joys and concerns.

7. Let us know you are worshipping with us.

Just because there is no formal attendance registration process doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t let your church know that you’re in worship. Register your attendance by engaging with the comments/chat boxes or by “liking” the social media post. We want to know that you’re there.

8. Say “cheese!”

Consider sharing photos of how you and/or your family are worshiping together at home and share and/or tag them to our church’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, to create a sense of community.

9. Sit with the folks you normally do.

Consider worshiping together through Zoom, chat rooms or private Facebook groups with your Sunday School class, small group or families and friends that you sit near at church. In her church, there are groups that meet virtually for coffee or breakfast together– from your own homes, of course – and then watch the worship service together through an online service.

10. Join us for the Zoom Virtual Social immediately following worship.

Join in a time of sharing and connecting with folks we aren’t able to see in person right now. 

11. Join us for the KidzZoom Sunday lesson for children through grade 6.

An opportunity for our children to join in a time of learning and connecting with one another and their teachers.

Friends, 

Today I offer this reflection from our Bishop Peggy Johnson. Know that there is a team of dedicated people spending much time and energy on the many aspects that will lead us toward reopening our buildings at Cedarville. Watch and listen for details as we journey.

Be blessed today.
Pastor Sherry 

Reopening our churches: Lessons from Noah

By Bishop Peggy Johnson

As we prepare for the slow, cautious process of reopening our churches after these many weeks of seclusion, we can find some helpful advice from the Word of God taken from Genesis 6-9, the account of Noah and the ark.

We haven’t been on an ark for months after the entire earth was destroyed by a flood. But some days it has felt a little bit like that. Nothing will ever be the same again.

For many of us the “stay at home” order has limited much life-giving activity, employment and human contact. Financial concerns for many are devastating. Young people home from school have been an added challenge for parents who are working from home while simultaneously supervising internet-based studies and virtual play dates.

For others it has meant even more work outside the home, engaged in delivering essential services with the additional risk and stress of exposure and longer hours. For people in long-term care facilities it has been a seemingly endless time of isolation.

Sadly, for many there have been loved ones lost to this virus or sick in a hospital without visitors. Attendance at funerals and memorial services have been severely restricted, and the glad sounds of weddings, Easter worship and graduations have been silenced.

We have been immersed in a flood of sorts—a flood of anxiety, of challenges in readjusting to a new normal, of financial stressors, of deep grief and endless waiting, as reports of the spread and death toll of this virus continue daily.

It was something like that in the days of Noah: 40 days of rain and then another 150 days of water covering the earth (Genesis 7:24). Imagine being cooped up in a boat with numerous wild animals and no running water. Hidden securely from the outside, but likely no hiding place on the inside. What a place that would have been to have church!

However, there was good news. “God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.” (Genesis 8:1) The ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat and the waters continued to abate until the tops of the mountains appeared.

First ‘reopening’ recorded in Scripture

That’s when Noah instituted the first “reopening” operation recorded in Scripture. He opened the window of the ark and sent forth a raven. This bird apparently flew around as the waters were drying up. Not much more do we learn from the raven. Next Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had subsided. The dove found no place to rest; so she came back to the ark.

Noah waited another week and sent the dove out again, and she came back with an olive branch. This was a good sign but not quite good enough. Noah waited another seven days and sent out the dove a third time. The dove left for good and did not return. That meant the water had dried up enough, and they would soon be able to leave the ark.

The principle here is holy caution. Noah continued to test and did not hurry to leave the ark. He wanted to insure safety for his family and the animals. As much as we wish to come back to our churches and the normal gatherings of our lives, our return must be done with caution and patience.

Even when we are able to gather again, by order of our state officials, there will new, protective protocols in place at our churches while we are still in cautionary stages:

• face masks and hand sanitizer stations;
• social distancing and no congregational singing;
• no passing offering plates but instead, placing baskets at the door;
• no handling of open communion elements;
• no proximity or touching when passing the peace, but only waving the hand.

None of this will be easy; but it is worth the greater good of preserving health and life.

Nadia Bolz-Weber in a recent blog post commented, “Worry isn’t helping me. But neither is setting my hopes on the calendar.” (The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber). We need to have patience with the calendar and take things one day at a time, one adjustment at a time, for the sake of safety and care for everyone.”

Dear Friends – 

I just finished listening to this hymn (see link below), written and sung by The Rev. R. DeAndre Johnson – It Is Enough! It brought tears to my eyes and anguish to my heart. I ache for my sisters and brothers of color as they continue to live the nightmare that racism cultivates and promotes. I ache for my white sisters and brothers – both those who ache with our siblings of color and those who are filled with fear and hatred towards them. 

It is our human condition that causes us to fear and to hate. Laws can sometimes change behavior. No law can change the human heart and what spews forth from it.

It is the Holy Spirit who comes and transforms hearts. Come Holy Spirit!

It Is Enough! Kyrie Eleison! Christe Eleison! 

It Is Enough! Lord have mercy! Christ have mercy!

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/pastor-connects-through-protest-hymn

Prayers for peace and healing in all of our hearts!
Pastor Sherry