The First United Methodist Church of Germantown Palm/Passion Sunday • March 29, 2015 • 11:00 am • Order of Worship Entrance with the Palms Choral Prelude “A Palm Sunday Antiphon” David C. Morgan Chancel Choir Matthew 21:1-11 Proclamation of Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem People’s Response Leader: Hurrah! Hooray! Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. People: Hurrah! Hooray! Hosanna Hosanna in the highest! Processional Hymn Opening Prayer “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” UMH 280 Before and behind, crying “hosanna, hosanna in the highest,” the crowds lay down their cloaks, and cut leafy branches from the fields, and made way for you to enter Jerusalem. Jesus of Nazareth, you are joy for us. Our God who leads us to grace. Our king crowned with thorns, our beloved, our hero, all the way to the cross. And to our hearts! Hosanna! The Peace: All are invited to offer a hand of greeting to the people in and around them. Announcements Offering and Doxology “We Sang Our Glad Hosannas” (vs. 1-3) Meditation Gathered Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer TFWS 2111 Rev. Lorelei Toombs Rev. David Brown Proclamation of the Passion Story “God So Loved the World” Anthem Sir John Stainer Passover & the Lord’s Supper Matthew 26: 17-30 Hymn “Jesus Remember Me” Matthew 26: 31-56 Gethsemane, & Jesus’ Betrayal “Go To Dark Gethsemane” Hymn Taize Chant UMH 290 (vs. 1-2) Prayer of Confession & Words of Assurance Merciful and Loving God, we confess that your words and actions intrigue us. We find ourselves following you, eager to embrace your Word and way of life. Yet often our following is merely a curiosity. We follow at a distance, peeking around corners, hoping that you will survive, yet unable to confess your name and goodness. Forgive us Lord; forgive us for failing to proclaim ourselves as your disciples. Teach us the power of your name and show us the witnesses you would have us be. Through Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Hear the Good News. God uses us, even in our weakness. Peter denied Jesus three times, yet God used Peter to build his church. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, proving God’s love for us. In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God, Amen. Jesus before the High Priest & Peter’s Denial Matthew 26: 57-75 Anthem Stabat Mater dolorosa Giovanni Battista Pergolesi Pilate Questioning Jesus & the Crowd Matthew 27:1-26 Hymn “Ah, Holy Jesus” Matthew 27:27-44 Hymn “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” Matthew 27:45-61 UMH 289 (vs. 1-2) The Mocking, Crucifixion UMH 286 (vs. 1 & 3) Death & Burial Moment of Silence Solo Benediction MajaLisa Fritzhuspen, soloist “Were You There” Traditional spiritual We l c o m e Vi s i t o r s ! ! ! Thanks for finding your way to FUMCOG! We are glad you have come! Take the opportunity to register your attendance in the maroon folders passed along the pews. Your sharing of contact information will allow us to be in touch. A variety of church information is available on the church website. Also, members of the staff and congregation are eager to greet you at the front of the sanctuary immediately following the service. You are cordially invited to join us for Meet & Mingle in Pilling Hall. ADULTS AT FUMCOG: Various small groups and work areas function for participants to get to know one another, to work toward a goal they are passionate about, or to learn more about themselves and their journeys of faith. These groups meet at various times during the week. For more detailed information, speak to the church staff. CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT FUMCOG Children and youth are welcome in worship at FUMCOG. Periodic “family-friendly” worship services are scheduled and are geared to the worship needs of all ages. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, September to midJune: classes are available for each age group, from nursery through senior high. Classes for infants through 9th graders meet in the Loder Education Building. A professionally staffed nursery is open each Sunday morning in Room 106 from 9:30 am through the end of the worship service. From 9:30-11:00 the nursery serves all children through grade 2 so that older siblings and parents can attend morning education programs. During worship, a room at the top of the balcony stairs is available for parents who wish to attend to their children’s needs while still hearing the service. Just ask an usher or greeter for assistance in finding your way. FUMCOG PreK – 12th Grade Educational Program: Classes meet at 9:45 am. Classes from PreK through 6th grade follow the “Grow, Promise, Serve” curriculum which integrates Bible stories with worship and social justice issues. Grades 7-9 take part in a confirmation class, a structured, two-year program including classes, trips, retreats, community service, and worship. Grades 10-12 [the Senior High Group] meet on Sunday mornings for discussion, informal fellowship, and reflection. FUMCOG’s youth also take part in special activities and events, including trips, parties, cultural events, and retreats. Classes meet in the following locations: Infants-2 year olds in room 106, 3-4 year olds in room 102, K-2nd grade in room 207, 3rd-4th grade in room 214, 5th-6th- grade in room 207A, 7th-9th grade in room 201, and 10th-12th grades in the “old choir robing room” –ask the ushers for directions. During the Worship Service: Older children and youth [3rd grade and older] are invited to attend church with their families. Younger children, pre-K through 2nd grade, have two options. For children who wish to remain in worship service with their families, Busy Bags are available from the ushers. Or, young children may participate in professionally supervised child care which is available in room 102. FUMCOG Staff and Email Addresses Senior Pastor Lorelei Toombs toombs@fumcog.org Pastoral Associate Miles Hopgood hopgood@fumcog.org Director of Music Kevin O’Malia omalia@fumcog.org Office Administrator Wanda Fuller office@fumcog.org Lay Leaders layleader@fumcog.org Facility Caretakers Shamir Radcliffe & Raphael Zappala Tidings/Bulletin Bruce McNeel publications@fumcog.org Website Announcements webmaster@fumcog.org E-Give egive@fumcog.org Altar Flowers - call the church office @215-438-3677 First United Methodist Church of Germantown 6001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144 telephone - 215.438.3677; fax - 215.438.3077 email: office@fumcog.org. web address: www.fumcog.org • Senior Pastor: Lorelei Toombs Pastoral Associate: Miles Hopgood • Director of Music: Kevin O’Malia • Office Administrator: Wanda Fuller • Director of Publications: Bruce McNeel • Facility Caretakers: Shamir Radcliffe & Raphael Zappala St. Augustine’s Corner by Kevin O’Malia The Passion in word and music Traditionally Palm Sunday, or the Sunday of the Passion, is a commemoration of the waving of palm branches and the shouting of “Hosanna” to Jesus on his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. But the liturgy does not end there. While the service begins in this festive manner, the mood of the day changes abruptly, to a narration of the Passion story, from the Last Supper, Words of Insti- tution, Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter, his trial with the high priests and scribes, interrogation by Pontius Pilate, and ultimately his death on the cross. The story is suspended with Jesus’ burial in the tomb, and we must wait the three days to experience the joy of resurrection. Such a dramatic story has been shared in word and music throughout history. We have seen productions, some of which very ancient as at Oberammergau, in Germany. In the ancient Catholic church, the narration would be performed to plainsong, or unison chant. In the more Protestant traditions, we see a more operatic treatment of the text, with choral incipits, as in a Greek tragedy, marked with interjections by the crowd, and various soloists taking the parts of Jesus, Pilate, the Evangelist, etc. And in more contemporary traditions, we have this narrative spoken, read either dramatically, or with the congregation taking parts. Earlier passion settings by Bach and Schutz would give reflection in the form of congregational hymnody. We take many of these principles in forming today’s service. This begins with the Prelude “Palm Sunday Antiphon” quoting the words from scripture “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,” with organ and trumpet fanfares. Then, the mood changes; continuing the service, a later setting of the Passion by Sir John Stainer, a Victorian Era British composer, will be the summation of the service taken from John 3:16: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. The passion setting of Stainer, called “The Crucifixion” follows in the great tradition of historical passion settings, as in Bach and Schutz. We also hear a choral duet taken from Stabat Mater of Italian Baroque (1710-1736) composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. We can hear the “steps” as we walk through the Passion (in the bass line) and the sorrowing of Mary with the poignant harmonies. At the conclusion of the service, MajaLisa sings the traditional spiritual “Were You There” a cappella, as a reflection. And throughout the service, we will be singing congregational hymns and responses, which will reflect the emotions and pathos of the passion narrative. n April 5, Easter Sunday at FUMCOG n Music at 10:40 am • Worship at 11:00 am FUMCOG Choirs, Fairmount Chamber Orchestra performing works of Handel and Haydn, and hymns of resurrection! FUMCOG March 29, 2015 Palm/Passion Sunday Please Keep in Prayer... Rev. Suzanne Duchesne, Pastor of Ridge Avenue UMC (a NW Cluster UMC), who has been ill for a number of weeks with walking pneumonia, and will now face surgery in April. Please keep her and the Ridge Ave family in your prayers, as she prayers for a more full and complete recovery by Mother’s Day...Those facing job transition and other periods of unique stress in their lives... Shontay Taylor, adoption case manager for the Bellot Family, who had major brain surgery on March 2... Delores Salamone is at Stapeley, Room 112 in the nursing wing. She is doing well after surgery and appreciates phone calls and visitors... Jack Snite who has completed his first round of radiation to address his Stage IV lung cancer. Julie and Jack have set up a blog at CaringBridge to receive messages and to update folks on his status (name: Jacksnite)...Craig Kasper and his caregiving parents Mariana and Rolf Kasper, cousins of Anne Toensmeier. Craig is an adult with cerebral palsy who has become bedridden... John O’Malia, father of Music Director Kevin O’Malia, whose cancer has spread... Suzanne Moller, who is now at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley... Phone calls and visits are welcome. Suzanne’s phone# is 267-350-2551. Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Starts today thru April 12 This is a busy time in the life of the Church, however, no one else was stepping up for this time, and so they asked us. We have hosted at this time (in fact over the years we have hosted every major holiday with the exception of Christmas), and I know we can do this! It’s only for two weeks; we will need Dinner, Evening and Overnight hosts – please see me in Pilling Hall after church…every Sunday until we need no more volunteers, I’ll be there with sign-up sheets. Please feel free to call me too. As always, thanks for all you do! -Carol Clyde (215) 844-3981 What’s happening at FUMCOG Palm/Passion Sunday, March 29 % 9:45 am Palm Sunday Pursuit! % Dining Room Easter Basket Assembly - Gribbel Room 11:00 am Worship The Palm Celebration Meditation: Rev. Lorelei Toombs Meet & Mingle • Linger Lunch WEEK OF MARCH 30 Wednesday 7:15 pm Boy Scouts FUMCOG Gym Thursday, April 2 Maundy Thursday Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner @ 6:00 P.M.) Location: Bickley’s New Beginning UMC 6239 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126 Thursday 7:45 pm Chancel Choir Music Rm. Friday, April 3 Good Friday Service @ Noon Location: Janes Memorial UMC 47 E. Haines Street, Phila. PA 19144 Easter Sunday, April 5 No Church School classes scheduled 10:15 am Easter Egg Hunts for children (see writeup in bulletin) 11:00 am Worship Rev. Lorelei Toombs Preaching FUMCOG Choirs, Fairmount Chamber Orchestra performing works of Handel and Haydn Meet & Mingle No Linger Lunch today- back next Sunday Celebrate With Us! The group that had been with FUMCOG’s After School Program is now at Kendrick Recreational Center. Join us in the Dedication of stained glass windows for Kendrick. The ASP is now called Stained Glass Project: Windows That Open Doors. The celebration will take place on Wed, April 15, at Kendrick Rec Center, 5822 Ridge Ave, from 5:30-7pm. There will be refreshments and entertainment, and you will be impressed with their windows!! Barbara Mitchell, Andy Snover, and Ruth Thornton will be there! Our gender neutral/unisex bathroom is easily located. Start from the right front corner of the sanctuary, go up a fewsteps and walk straight ahead, to the end of the long corridor. Italian Buffet to benefit Heeding God’s Call Tabernacle United Church 3700 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 Saturday, April 18, 2015 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tickets $25 each or $30 at the door. Dinner includes Italian specialties such as: Vegetable Soup, Mixed Greens, Breads/Dipping Oil, Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Sausage, Peppers, & Onions, A Vegetarian Main Dish, Italian Green Beans, Vegetable Medley, Cannoli, and Italian Cream Cake To RSVP and for payment information please contact Gail Golden at gailheeding@gmail.com Please join us for an evening of tasty food, good friends, and entertainment. This benefit is sponsored by The CHARLES Foundation. May 22,23,24 2015 ball ying g• pla in g in rse•s hayride•cano eing e cou lleng a h c ing• relax Not Just Family how hot s res s'mo ers• campfire• ho t dogs•cabi FUMCOG ns•naps Registration: Mail to FUMCOG, 6001 Germantown Ave, 19144, Give to Karen Schoenewaldt or Susan Tomlinson SAVE THE DATE! Singles, Couples, Adults, Parents, Kids are all part of the FUMCOG Family. Arrive Friday evening after dinner. Breakfast, lunch, dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday will be provided Name_______________________________________________________ phone ________________email___________________________________ Mark your calendar now! For more information contact Karen Schoenewaldt, schoenewaldt @gmail.com • 267-752-2238 or Susan Tomlinson, susanstomlinson@gmail.com • 215-884-0898 Guests are Welcome! Children of FUMCOG families may bring one child friend each. Permissions slips are required and Register and pay ON or BEFORE Sunday May 11 for base rate. Full Weekend (2 nights, 4 meals) Settlement MUSIC SCHOOL Spring Concert FUMCOG Sanctuary Camp at Innabah EVERYONE'S WELCOME! Sunday, May 3, 4 pm ___Age 14 & over: $89 (after May 11: $94.) $_______ ___Age 3 to 13: $74 (after May 11: $79.) $_______ Partial Weekend (1 night, 2 meals) Which meals?__Sat. lunch__Sat. dinner__Sun. breakfast __Age 14 & up: $66. (after May 12: $71) __Age 3-13: $55. (after May 11: $60) $________ Saturday only (activities, lunch and dinner) __Age 14 & up: $30. (after May 11: $35) __Age 3-13: $20. (after May 11: $25) $________ Swimming priced separately @ $5 per person, weather permitting Challenge course: $3 per person (subsidized this year; usual cost is $6) Rae Ann Anderson, director. Come and support our local youth from the Germantown Branch of SMS, presenting a full program of diverse and exciting music! 150 kids! 450 attendees! Greeters, ushers and FUMCOG hosts are needed for this event. Call the FUMCOG office for more information or to volunteer! Help Yourself To Health! Register ASAP for this free six-week series on managing conditions related to aging, Included: a free textbook and relaxation video plus a snack at each session. Held at Lovett Library, April 22-May 27, 1:00-3:30 pm. Contact Anne or Peter Javsicas: 215 247-0457, jpj7130@gmail.com. Co-sponsored by Northwest Village Network and Center in the Park. Dear Founders of the Friends to Save the Germantown YWCA: I am writing to the initial petitioners who not only signed the Petition early on, but who also helped to obtain over 700 signatures that petitioned the Mayor to match Councilwoman Cindy Bass’s commitment to use funds she controls to stabilize the building. I hope most of you have heard about the good news Councilwoman Bass announced that she has committed $2.2 million (even more than her original commitment!) and has found $1.8 million from the City that the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority will use to begin stabilizing the building. She also announced that L&I has determined that the building is NOT eminently dangerous. Speaking for the Friends, , we are joyful and so thankful for this good news. I need not repeat what this means to Germantown...Cindy said it best in her press release that Email re-posted on our website at.... Saturday April 18th beginning at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served until 8:00p.m. We invite you to get a taste of Northeast Philadelphia, featuring cuisine from a variety of local and Philadelphia-area restaurants. Join us for the 2015 Empty Plate Dinner, our signature Northeast Philadelphia event. Held at St. Dominic Parish’s Marian Hall ,8532 Frankford Ave, Phila. 19136. and co-hosted by Holy Family University, the Empty Plate Dinner is a crowd http://savethegermantownywca.org/2015/03/19/ pleasing event that draws over 300 members of the major-development-councilwoman-bass-uses-nti- Northeast Philadelphia community. funds-to-support-the-ywca/ The Empty Plate Dinner combines the warmth of comBrian Abernathy, executive director of the PRA, has been munity and a hearty meal for the purpose of raising professional, accessible, accountable and transparent in his support for PIHN’s congregation-based emergency stewardship on investigating the condition of the building shelter program. PIHN expanded its services to Northand his commitment in seeking a way to save the building. east Philadelphia two years ago. As Brian moves to stabilize the building and to develop an RFP for development of its future use, the Friends This is a family-friendly event, suitable for all ages with will continue to have a role to play in making certain that we fun activities for children and raffles and prizes for all. maintain heightened community interest in the future use of For a modest donation, attendees are treated to fresh the building. As Corridor Manager and the convenor of the foods and desserts from over 40 area restaurants. first community meeting about saving the YW, GUCDC also At the start of their meal, attendees choose a complican play an important role to provide assistance to facilitate mentary hand-painted plate donated by local artists, a meeting that will convene Germantown stakeholders in a Holy Family University students, local congregations, productive and transparent process to advise on future use, and school children. After the meal, guests take their also as requested by Councilwoman Bass. plates with them as a reminder that every night many I hope you concur and that each of the original of our neighbors, even working parents and their chilFriends (and others who support saving the building) will dren, have only an empty plate. commit to a continuation of your leadership and support. Join us on this delicious occasion and savor all NorthPlease let us hear from you...thanks so much...and... east Philadelphia has to offer! KUDOS TO COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS!! Regards, Yvonne Haskins April and May in Adult Academy • Sunday, 9:45 am: Living into 2040 with our Sunday, April 19 Athlete Health Organization Children and Grandchildren By the year 2040 the racial and ethnic makeup of the United States will look very different. It is important now to embrace the opportunity of living into King’s vision of the Beloved Community as we prepare for the future. This approaching reality is an invitation into intentional conversations about how race impacts the ways we all experience each other. Not talking about race perpetuates racism. Over the next 6 months FUMCOG’s Conversations on Race group is planning several events to broaden this conversation within the FUMCOG community. With great anticipation and excitement, we invite you to participate in as many of these offerings as possible. Adult Academy - April 12 Sharing Our Racial Stories An intergenerational, mixed race panel will share stories about how race has impacted their lives. Come with your questions and your own stories. Panelists include: Brinn Campbell-Olson, Brianna Chapman, Karen Clark, Eileen Gilkenson, and Bill Norton. Adult Academy – May 3 New Information about Race: Implicit Bias and Stereotype Threat There is a current and growing body of research that demonstrates the persistent and pervasive impact of race in all of our lives. Please be on the alert for articles that will stimulate this discussion. Worship – Summer 2015 Stay tuned for a worship service this summer that will be planned by the Conversations on Race group. MOVIE EVENT - September Sponsored by the Fred Clark Speakers for Racial Justice Fund FUMCOG will host an intergenerational (grade 7- 12 and adults of all ages) viewing of the powerful movie described below along with a guided discussion facilitated by one of the filmmakers. “I’m Not Racist . . . Am I?” About the film: What if the next generation could transcend racism? Over the course of one school year, a diverse group of remarkable teens plunges into a yearlong journey to get at the heart of racism. Through some tense and painful moments, we see how these difficult conversations begin to affect their relationships with friends and parents, and ultimately challenge them to look deep within themselves. By the end of their time together, we’ll see these courageous young people develop deeper bonds, a stronger resolve and a bigger, more significant definition of racism than any of us ever imagined. (AHO) • BJ Zellers, Board Member & Presenter Julia Morgan Fund Recipient Athlete Health Organization (AHO) will share more about its mission on Sunday, April 19. AHO is a Philadelphia non profit that conducts health screenings and examinations for students planning to participate in sports activities in the public schools. BJ Zellers is on the Board and is actively involved with this highly regarded program which uses medical professional volunteers and detects health concerns which have prevented major health events and provided confidence to players, parents, coaches and the schools. Sunday, April 26 FUMCOG member Mark Smith and Pa-IPL board member Peter Winslow, presenters. Julia Morgan Fund Recipient Pa-IPL The Philadelphia Chapter of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light is part of a national organization of communities of faith responding to climate disruption as an urgent moral issue. The JMF grant will be part of the funding for an outreach program to faith institutions in Germantown focusing on education, advocacy, and resilience connected to climate disruption. Update on POWER Five people from FUMCOG attended the POWER Leadership Assembly meeting on March 19. We were acknowledged and welcomed as the newest member congregation. It was a lively, informative meeting where we learned about the work being done on school funding, economic dignity, and justice for all campaigns. The primary focus for the next three months is the “Full Fair Funding “campaign which involves putting pressure on our legislators to pass a budget that dismantles our racially unequal education funding system. Over the next weeks we will be working with our organizer at POWER to establish a working group at FUMCOG to involve our congregation in this campaign. Stay tuned for dates and times for a follow up meeting at FUMCOG. Also on Tuesday April 14 POWER will hold a leadership training at Germantown Jewish Center at 7 PM-8:30PM. We should have 4 or 5 people from FUMCOG in attendance to learn about how we can get our campaign up and moving. There is also a demonstration in support of raising the minimum wage sponsored by the Economic Dignity Campaign of POWER. The march will be held on Saturday April 4 (the day before Easter and the Anniversary of Martin Luther King’s death). The march will begin at 12 noon at Broad and Westmorland and culminate at 1PM at a rally at the OIC office at Broad and Master. We will be carrying the FUMCOG banner and advocating for economic justice that day. Please contact Eileen Gilkenson or Ray Torres for more information. The Senior High Youth Group will be traveling to Haiti in June! For the first time since 2000, FUMCOG will be sending a group of young people to Haiti. The group will learn about the history and culture of the country, tour the capital, visit Fondwa, and plant trees to prevent erosion. The trip is going to be an amazing experience, but we need your support! Please be on the lookout for fundraisers that the Youth Group will be running throughout the spring season. On April 19 there will be a youth-led worship service. The May 3rd Communion Offering will add to their funding and a Silent Auction will finalize the drive on June 5. .... CLOSE THE GAP We thank the members of fumcog’s Administrative Council and others who have stepped up to meet the Close the Gap challenge! These additional pledges or contributions have resulted in almost $12,000 thus far, toward the $40,000 goal. Your help allows FUMCOG to continue to offer high quality programs, worship, and music experiences. Remember, it’s not too late, and no gift is too small (or too large) to meet the matching goal. Thanks! Ruth Thornton, Finance chair AD COUNCIL UPDATE Conference Apportionment In January two members presented a proposal to Administrative Council asking that we withhold our yearly contribution to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference to avoid contributing to the current policies and actions toward LGBTQ persons. Administrative Council referred the proposal to the Finance Committee, charging them to make a recommendation at the March Council meeting. Thoughtful, heartfelt discussions took place at both the Finance Committee and the Tuesday, March 10 Administrative Council meeting as members wrestled with the issues. In the end, following a motion and a vote (12 for, 7 against, 1 abstention), the Administrative Council decided to reduce our Conference contribution from $25,000 to $20,000, and to give $5,000 to the Reconciling Ministries Network. As it breaks down, the funds which we will give to the RMN are coming from the “Connectional Ministries Fund” which is designated to the local EPA conference. The National and Global funds will receive our usual apportionment. Our decision will be explained in a strong letter to the bishop. If you have any questions, please see lay leaders Dan Ross and Amina Loder or Pastor Lorelei. Community Needs Easter Offering Recipients, 2015 The Community Needs Committee is pleased to announce that it has chosen five local recipients of the 2015 Easter Offering. Men Who Care of Germantown is requesting support to help restore pride in the Roosevelt Middle School through a project to beautify the external school grounds, including cleaning up, landscaping and planting. The project will use significant local volunteer engagement to help restore a sense of community and pride in their school. Hansberry Garden and Nature Center is planning a similar project with the John B. Kelly Elementary School. They will renovate the run-down school yard and create a space for the community to ‘play, plant and perform’. As with the Roosevelt Middle School project, the Kelly Green project will involve students, local volunteers and assistance from other local schools and universities. C.W. Henry School is once again soliciting support for their gardening education program. Students in grades K – 8 learn about sustainable organic gardening, in an outdoor ‘classroom’. This initiative provides the opportunity to learn various skills in a practical setting, resulting in healthy produce, which, in turn, encourages the promotion of a healthy diet. The Kama-Salhor Group for Cultural Performing Arts is based in Germantown and provides an opportunity for students from local schools to participate in theater performance. They also teach about African traditions and ceremonial rituals to educate about African heritage. The group is seeking funding to help stage a musical “Sittin’In’” which is based on the founder’s mother’s participation in the 1960s lunch counter Sit-Ins movement. Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels has been delivering meals to seniors and homebound individuals in Philadelphia and Montgomery County for 40 years. They deliver subsidized meals according to a sliding scale based on the federal poverty guidelines. They are asking for help toward the subsidized program, and will specifically target any funds toward a Germantown resident. The Committee believes that the overlapping themes of education, enhancing community participation, culture and pride, and providing healthy food to those who may otherwise not be able to access it resonates with the values of FUMCOG. We ask that you consider contributing generously in this Easter Season. The special collection will take place on Easter Sunday. Of course, donations can be dropped into the regular collection on other days, made via mail, dropped off at the church office, or via E-Give. Thank you for your continued support, The Community Needs Committee. Holy Week at FUMCOG and with the Neighborhood UMC Cluster Churches n April 2, Maundy Thursday Service n Dinner at 6:00 pm • Service at 7:00 pm Bickley’s New Beginning UMC N. 6th Street & W. Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19126 Preacher: Rev. Jackie Anne Stewart n April 3, Good Friday Service n Noon until 3:00 pm Janes Memorial UMC 47 E. Haines Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144 Seven Last Words of Jesus Rev. Lorelei Toombs - 6th word n April 5, Easter Sunday at FUMCOG n Music at 10:40 am • Worship at 11:00 am FUMCOG Choirs, Fairmount Chamber Orchestra performing works of Handel and Haydn, and hymns of resurrection! Easter Church School Schedule Regular church school classes will not meet on Easter, April 5, but two Easter egg hunts are back by popular demand. Students in grades 3-7 who would like to take part in an Easter egg hunt are invited to meet at 10:15 in Room 102. During the church service, child care is available for infants through grade 2. Activities will include an Easter egg hunt. Children grade two and younger who are in church should leave after the passing of the peace and come to Pilling Hall if they wish to participate in the egg hunt.