A Farewell from Pastor Nancy

Pastor’s Message for June 2020

The life of a pastor is one dealing with continual change. We are called to meet the ever-changing landscape of ministry with a calm unanxious presence. Change is what we humans dislike most and yet it is change that constantly refines our faith journey. Always expect the unexpected as the old saying goes, but I have to tell you that nothing could prepare any of us for the upheaval of the last few months.

In a profession that requires one to literally move from the celebration of the new life of baptism to walking the edge of the valley of the shadow of death as we hold the hands of the dying, at a moment’s notice, we pastors often find ourselves emotionally and spiritually drained. The rigors of caring for others, while also dealing with our own life/health/family struggles can lead to unintended ministry failures. I know that has been true for me during my past 18 plus years of pastoral ministry. I say this not to seek validation or pity from others but to claim personal responsibility for my actions and or inactions.

As I move into the last few days before retirement it is my desire to tell you how very much I love you all. I do not use those words lightly. The love and grace you have extended to Richard and I have been a blessing from God. You welcomed us into your midst and showed us the love of Christ. For that we are eternally grateful. I cannot express adequately how much we will miss you and how hard it is that we cannot be with you all one final time. It certainly is an odd way to leave.

Know that you will be in our prayers as you begin the journey to reopening the church for in person worship and welcoming your new pastor, Rev. Ross Pryor. I know you will find him to be a blessing to both your personal faith journeys as well as the life of Monaca UMC. We also pray as you take on more responsibility in the leadership of the church. I believe that God has amazing things to accomplish in and thru Monaca UMC.

I will do my Facebook online devotion on Wednesday 6/3 and Sunday 6/7. I will then be on vacation for one week followed by two weeks of transitional leave as I prepare for the next leg of the journey. For any emergencies please call Norma.

May God’s blessing continue to be on each and every one of you.

God be with you till we meet again,
Pastor Nancy

Coming Up…

< April 2025 >
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
    1Bible Study from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Focus on the Gospel of Mark
+ Google calendarBowling League from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
+ Google calendar
2Community Lenten Luncheon from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Lunch at noon followed by a short reflection presented by a speaker from this week's host church.
Free and open to the public; goodwill offering will be accepted each week.
This Week's Host: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Corner of Virginia Ave & 15th St, Monaca + Google calendarMAT Meeting from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
+ Google calendarMeeting of the Eves from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Aliquippa First + Google calendarAA Meeting from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
3Busy Hands from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Volunteer Group
Carey Community Center + Google calendar
4 5AA Meeting from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
6Adult Sunday School from 10:00 am to 10:45 am
+ Google calendarWorship w/ Communion from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Holy Communion Offered Church Sanctuary + Google calendarKids' Sunday School from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
Times are approximate. Begins after children's message during 11am worship. + Google calendar
7Bible Study from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Focus on the Gospel of Mark
Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendar
8Food Pantry Distribution from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
+ Google calendarBowling League from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
+ Google calendar
9Community Lenten Luncheon from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Lunch at noon followed by a short reflection presented by a speaker from this week's host church.
Free and open to the public; goodwill offering will be accepted each week.
This Week's Host: First Presbyterian Church, 1301 Indiana Ave, Monaca + Google calendarAliquippa First "PhDs" from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
For "Projects Half Done" - knitting/crochet group; 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendarRefresh & Recharge from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
+ Google calendarAA Meeting from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
10 11 12Coffee Mugs & Kids Club from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Stories and activities for kids; coffee and conversation for moms! Carey Community Center + Google calendarAA Meeting from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
13Adult Sunday School from 10:00 am to 10:45 am
+ Google calendarWorship from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Traditional worship, including prayer and the singing of traditional hymns. Church Sanctuary + Google calendarKids' Sunday School from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
Times are approximate. Begins after children's message during 11am worship. + Google calendarVBS Planning Meeting from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
+ Google calendar
14Bible Study from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Focus on the Gospel of Mark
Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendarBook Club from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
"Reading United Methodists" Discussing:
The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle
(Possible Movie Night!)
Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendar
15Hymn Sing from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Brighton Wellness & Rehab + Google calendarBowling League from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
+ Google calendar
16United Women of Faith Meeting from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Program: “The Empty Tomb: What That Means to You,” presented by Pr. Jim Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendarPreparation for Easter Egg Hunt from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
MUMC + Google calendarAA Meeting from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
17Busy Hands from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Volunteer Group
Carey Community Center + Google calendarMaundy Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
6pm Potluck; 7pm Worship with Communion + Google calendar
18Good Friday Tenebrae from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendar
19Easter Egg Hunt from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendarAA Meeting from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
20Happy Easter! all day
+ Google calendarNo Adult Sunday School This Morning at 12:00 am
+ Google calendarWorship from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Traditional worship, including prayer and the singing of traditional hymns. Church Sanctuary + Google calendarKids' Sunday School Easter Party! from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
+ Google calendar
21 22 23Aliquippa First "PhDs" from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
For "Projects Half Done" - knitting/crochet group; 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at Aliquippa First UMC + Google calendarAA Meeting from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
24 25Movie Night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us for dinner & a movie!
**other activities available for kids too young to enjoy the movie
+ Google calendar
26AA Meeting from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar
27Adult Sunday School from 10:00 am to 10:45 am
+ Google calendarWorship from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Traditional worship, including prayer and the singing of traditional hymns. Church Sanctuary + Google calendarKids' Sunday School from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
Times are approximate. Begins after children's message during 11am worship. + Google calendar
28 29 30AA Meeting from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Hall + Google calendar