OCTOBER 2025

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Elysburg Church you are a wonderful family.  I would like to extend my appreciation to you all,
I feel humbled as I reflect on our three months journey together, your welcoming spirit and support .

I see great potential as a collective body of Christ to serve.

 

Ecclesiastic 4: 9-10 is a powerful message reflecting that it is through collaboration that we amplify our impact in lifting one another and those in our community.  Ecclesiastic 4: 9-10  Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 

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May we continue to seek God’s guidance and strength as we journey together serving Him and each other with joy and dedication.  Let love lead!

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Peace,
Pastor Fortunate 

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Happy 170th Anniversary, Elysburg UMC!

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Join us for worship on Sunday, November 9th, as we recognize the 170th anniversary of Elysburg United Methodist Church!  This will be a joint service with Oak Grove UMC (Pastor Fortunate’s other church).  Following the service there will be light refreshments and some church memorabilia on display.  (If you have any memorabilia to share- pictures, clothing, VBS, bulletins, programs from holidays or events, or any other items that represent the church, please label them with your name and bring them in to share in the display!)
This is a very special and exciting time for the church! 

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Pet Blessing

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Bring your pets for a Pet Blessing service on Saturday, October 4th, at 10:00 a.m.
We will meet in the church parking lot!

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Ralpho Township Trick or Treat

We will be outside the church on Trick or Treat night, Thursday, October 30th, from
5-8:00 p.m. handing out treats to the kids in the community!

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Elysburg Food Pantry

The Food Pantry is open Thursdays from 10-11:30 a.m. All donations are appreciated!

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August 28 - September 18
the Food Pantry served:
121 families and 259 individuals

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Harvest Home Sunday

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Sunday, Oct. 26th, will be Harvest Home Sunday!  This year we are asking you to bring your donations for the Elysburg Food Pantry to the worship service on Sunday, Oct. 26th!  The donations will be placed on a table at the front of the church and will be blessed by Pastor Fortunate.    

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If you are unable to attend on the 26th and would like to donate to the food pantry, a tote will be on the social hall table for donations.  Those will also be added to the table in the sanctuary on
the 26th. 

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Do You Like to Sing?

Community Spirit practice begins at EUMC on October 5th at 6:30 p.m. and you are invited to join!

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All Saints Day

All Saints Day is Sunday, November 2nd, and we will be remembering our loved ones who have passed away.  Submit names to the office of those you would like to have remembered during the worship service that Sunday.  You can use this section of the newsletter or there are papers in the social hall. 

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Thank you for your donations for the Little Tiger Care Closet!  Every donated item is very appreciated! 

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We are always looking for volunteers to read scripture, serve as liturgist,
help out as head usher, run Zoom and slides during worship!  If you would
be able to serve in any of these roles, please let the office know!

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2nd Saturday Get Together!

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Sat., Oct. 11th, 6:00 p.m. at the parsonage!

It is time for pumpkin painting, packing a shoe box and enjoying a snack together!

We will supply pumpkins and paint and snacks for all of the kids attending the 2nd Saturday Get Together at the parsonage!

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The kids will also be packing one shoe box for Operation Christmas Child! Please help your child select and purchase items to bring along to pack their shoe box!

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Invite your grandkids, friends and any other youngsters who might enjoy this evening of fun! RSVP by October 6th!

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Please share your “Attitude of Gratitude”! 
You can email, leave a note, call the office, etc.

 “I’m grateful for the church family I have
at Elysburg UMC.”  

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Charge Conference

Sunday, October 26, at Elysburg UMC.
SPRC meetings for both Elysburg UMC and Oak Grove UMC will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by the charge conference at 3:30 p.m.
 

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Several people from the church have expressed an interest in having a church prayer chain started!  To be part of the prayer chain you would need to have the ability to text, as that will be the form of communicating the requests.   

 

There will be a contact person for the group and when somebody has a prayer request, they will text the contact person with the prayer request and the contact person will then send the request to the prayer chain group.  

 

If you are interested in joining the prayer chain group, please contact the office with your name and cell phone number. And if you would be willing to be the contact person, please let me know that, as well!

 

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Do you have a favorite hymn?  We would love to know what it is and include it in an upcoming worship service!  Just write your favorite(s) on a piece of paper and put them in the offering plate!

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Safe Sanctuaries

 

If you are interested in joining a Safe Sanctuaries training via Zoom, here is information:
 

A Safe Sanctuaries training will be provided via Zoom on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9:30am-12pm. This training
is available for all who have not had previous training or who are in need of
a refresher course. Register here:  https://www.epaumc.org/conference-calendar/safe-sanctuaries-training/ 

 

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Clearances for Volunteers

 

We are in the process of updating clearances for our volunteers and need current copies on file at the church.  If you help out with VBS or other activities where kids are participating, we will need your updated clearances.  

 

If you have updated clearances, please get a copy to the office as soon as you can.  If you do not have updated clearances, please use the following links to fill out the forms and get a copy to the church office.  As volunteers, there is no cost for the clearances.   

 

Child Abuse  (FREE for volunteers)      https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/cwis

 

 Criminal Check (PA State Police) (FREE for volunteers)    https://epatch.pa.gov/home

 

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Thanksgiving Eve service at EUMC Wednesday, Nov. 26, 7:00 p.m., with Oak Grove UMC.

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Everything you need to pack up Operation Christmas Child boxes is in the social hall!  We have a large supply of boxes available—take as many as you’d like to fill! 

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• Grab a box (or boxes), labels, brochures and any other information you’d like from the social hall table. Fill the shoebox(es) with items suggested in the brochures.
   

• Please put a note on top of your box if you did NOT include shipping. 
   

• All boxes must be returned to the social hall no later than November 9th so that they can be delivered to the distribution center in time! 
   

• If you enjoy online shopping, you can visit www.samaritanspurse.org/buildabox and build your shoebox(es) online.  

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**If you would like to participate but cannot get out to shop, you can mail a check made out to Elysburg UMC with a note that the money is to shop for Operation Christmas Child.  Also, if you want to shop but can’t get to the church to pick up a box, please let us know and we can drop one off to you.**

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“You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set.”
Psalm 104:19

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Save the Date for….

The Children’s Christmas program will take place during the worship service on Sunday, Dec. 14th!

 

AND……..
 

Happy Birthday Jesus Celebration!

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We are so excited to announce that Happy Birthday Jesus is back this year!

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Sunday, December 14th, at 5:00 p.m. we will gather together for a covered dish meal.  Plans are still in motion and we will announce more details in the November newsletter!  As the time gets closer, there will be a sign up sheet in the social hall!  

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