We are so glad to welcome everyone home this week to worship. What a great joy to begin the Lenten season back in our sanctuary. We are bringing back all three worship services:
5:30pm - Saturday night in the gym. There will be chairs scattered around. Move one where you would like. Our singer will be on the stage behind plexi glass.
9:00am and 10:15am - Sunday morning in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10:15. (see separate article). Music will be prerecorded.
Livestream will continue at 9:00am. The recording will continue to be accessible anytime after 10:15.
We continue to be mindful of the best practices for everyone’s safety. Please wear a mask, keep six feet between you and others, follow the directions of our ushers so everyone can be seated safely, and enjoy church once again. We will track who comes so that we can contact you if we hear of someone who contracts the virus. In between the services, we will move the ribbons and wash the tops of the pews.
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We generally think about what we will give up or sacrifice during the season of Lent. The 40 days often is looked at as a season of self-deprivation in order to help us develop the habit of seeking God. It is a year when so much has been lost because of the pandemic, you might not be “feeling it” to give up another thing for these six weeks.
Here are a couple of ways you can observe a Holy Lent:
- Yes—you can give alms, fast, deny yourself a “bad habit” (which is never a bad idea!) and then replace those things or time with something that draws you into a deeper relationship with Christ. This is a traditional way to live through the Lenten season and brings satisfaction and great joy come Easter Day.
- Give of yourself through Lent. Each week in Lent, we will talk about a “love in action” step that you can work on each week. These will come to you on the Monday of each week. We gave you a head start in worship this past weekend so you already know what the action step is: Writing “love” letters to people whom you know and who have influenced your life. It is a way to say thank you and to stop for a moment and thank God for bringing those folks into your life. Imagine the difference it will make in their life to get a note from you. **This first step can continue throughout the season of Lent!!
- Take time to connect weekly with 2 or 3 people that might be having a hard time. There are many of our folks who have been feeling very isolated especially since outside activities right now are limited. We also have numerous college students having a hard time for the same reasons. Could you commit to praying for one of these students and letting them know each week you are doing so. Perhaps after a week or so, you could even ask what specifically you could pray for. Sending candy, homemade cookies, Dunkin gift card…lots of things you can do! I can help you get started if you need addresses, etc.
The more we are able to get ourselves out of the middle of our circle of reference, the more we are able to focus on others, and pretty soon, the one that is double blessed is you. It’s seeing through the lens of love. Check out our worship videos each week to get a great sense of it.
Each week on Monday, you have the chance to put love into action, having heard and seen through the eyes of love on Sunday. Join us in these action steps and make changes in your life.
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In person Sunday School is resuming this Sunday, Feb. 21 and I Iook forward to seeing all those who feel comfortable attending. Our Covid Task Force and staff have been working hard to implement procedures to keep everyone as safe as possible. Here is what Sunday School will look like for now:
- We will have 3 groups of students meeting in our largest spaces. Elementary School (kindergarten through 5th grade) will meet in Providence Hall, Middle School will meet in the gym and High School will meet in the Welcome Center. At this point, we will not have nursery or pre-school.
- Middle and High will start at 10:15 with their groups. Elementary School students will go to the sanctuary with their parents to start worship and hear the children's message from Pastor Karin or Pastor Danny. They will remain in the pews with their families during the message to keep socially distanced. I will walk the children down to Providence Hall after the children's message is finished.
- We require everyone to wear masks - even our students. Please remind your children that the masks must cover both the nose and mouth to keep everyone safe.
- Children and youth will remain socially distanced. We are meeting in larger spaces, instead of the classrooms to make this easier.
- Parents are asked to pick up their elementary students in Providence Hall and middle school students in Friendship Center (gym). While waiting for your child, please do your best to spread out and practice social distancing. It's a great example to set for your children!
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Lent began Wednesday Feb. 17 with our Ash Wednesday Service. If you haven't had a chance to see watch, here's the link.
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Tuesdays on ZOOM – 9:00am beginning February 23
Saturdays In-Person and on ZOOM - 10:00am beginning February 27
God is inviting you to a mountaintop moment! Join us for this 6-week Lenten study as we explore the personal, spiritual moments atop mountains in the Old and New Testaments. With these stories as our guide, we will discover how we too can create sacred space to hear God’s voice in our own lives. Contact Pastor Danny for more information and to sign up at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Books are available in the Welcome Center for $10.
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Adult Sunday School 10:15am: Beginning February 21 through March 28 at 10:15am, Adult Sunday school will be studying “Mountaintop Moments” via Zoom. We will continue to meet through Zoom at least for now as that is what the majority are comfortable with. Please note, Adult Sunday school will not be held on Easter Day, April 4. Books for this study are available in the Welcome Center for $10 each.
Beginning April 11 at 10:15am, we will start a 6-week study of “The Walk” by Adam Hamilton which will run through May 16--hopefully in person. To join or for information on either study, contact Sharon Gardner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Starting Wednesday 2/24/21, 7-8:30pm, we will meet through Zoom for a discussion (and video) of Adam Hamilton’s book, “Making Sense of the Bible.” The study will run for 6 weeks. If you are interested in joining, please email Sharon Gardner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Books can be purchased through Cokesbury or Amazon. Please read Chapters 1-7 prior to the 24th.
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Beginning February 18, we will spend a couple of weeks of conversation exploring what the phrase, “Fear God,” means. It is used in the Bible almost 500 times. Does it mean respect, reverence, honor, or does it mean “fear?” We will use Bible references and guidance from some Christian leaders such as Francis Chan and Tony Evans.
All men are welcome. No need to have attended prior weeks. To join the group/receive the Zoom link, email John Varvaris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See you Thursdays at 6.30pm!
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Join us for One Day I Wrote Back now through May 5, 2021. Jump in with us any time. Book is available through Kindle, Amazon or The Upper Room. Do you struggle to relate to the Bible? Jane Herring wrestled with puzzling stories, and difficult sayings in scripture until she learned the power of interacting with them through personal writing. Herring leads you to talk back to the scripture passages — ask questions, explore your life, plead, praise, and ponder. Independently, we read only one short Scripture verse per week (3 times Lectio-Divina) — Herring provides reflective questions and simple practical exercises to encourage your writing.
On Wednesdays we share only what we're comfortable with, ask questions and share discoveries. God leads our great discussions. Please join us at 7:00 am on Wednesday by Zoom (or by phone) and start your day with fellowship, study, and prayer! Contact Matt Carrico at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get the link.
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You are invited to join the Mission Central Parish UMW Book Club meetings held on the 4th Thursday of each month. The book, “My Husband’s Daughter,” by Emma Robinson has been chosen for the next meeting being held on February 18, via Zoom, led by Sharon Welsh of Cranberry UMC. New members welcome. Contact Sharon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for meeting invitation.
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Stephen ministers are actively working to connect with their care receivers. If you would love to have someone to talk to during this tumultuous time, Stephen Ministers are practicing social distancing and are available to connect through phone, text, email, face time, Zoom or Skype. Stephen ministers will provide Christian encouragement through scriptures, prayers and a listening ear. What a great way to bring God and his Word into our everyday life during COVID 19. Please email Pastor Karin to receive support from a Stephen Minister. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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The Sharing Table is always looking for donations of non-perishable food items since the number of grocery bags they distribute has more than doubled from 2019. The suggested item list is includes:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Spaghetti and sauce
- Tuna cans and Mayonnaise
- Canned Hams or other meats
- Cereal
- Spaghetti O’s
- Chicken Noodle ( or similar) soups kids might like
- Canned Green vegetables
- Fruit cups or canned fruits
- Baked Beans
- Snack sized chips, pretzels
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Thank you for continuing to support Manna House with donations. Each one goes to help those in great need. During February we are collecting hats, gloves, individual packed granola bars, crackers, cookies and small plastic sandwich bags. Manna House is not accepting any coats or clothing at this time.
We are always looking for Monday morning volunteers, to join us in helping to feed the homeless of Baltimore City. If interested please contact Debb Mace at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Friends, Easter is April 4. We will be holding a Lamb of God cake decorating contest the week of Easter. They often sell out of the molds so buy yours now on Amazon and be ready for some fun as we celebrate Easter. Different categories too—funkiest lamb of God, traditional, hippy lamb…what’s your story line going to be? Here is the link for the lamb of God cake mold!! Cost is $15.00. Or you can cut your own!
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Our prayer shawls and blankets (contact free) are available for those in need of prayer! If you would like prayers for someone and/or a blanket, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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There are plenty of books and puzzles available now in the Welcome Center. Put on a pair of gloves, browse a little, take the ones you want! Some folks have already brought back ones they read this past week, and taken on a few more. It’s a bit like the library until the library opens again.
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We will provide 500 nurses with a beautiful thermos/water bottle as we honor their role during this pandemic. They have gone the extra mile. If you would like to help in this honoring, you can do so in 2 ways:
- Give by writing or check or going to our website.
- Create a small card to be placed inside the water bottles, saying thank you. Include a prayer if you like and the name of the church.
Distribution: We will be inviting those who are nurses in our congregations to receive one of these special gifts and close relatives of our members who are nurses. Then, we will distribute to a hospital with the assistance of the chaplain’s office.
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The Texas Church wants to thank all of the churches of the MCP for their participation in the fundraiser. Their profit between candy sales and donations was $1889. It is greatly appreciated!
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Two cabinets for free! You just need to pick them up in Fallston. Contact Sue Watson directly or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can pass along her phone number to you!
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The services for the past few weeks are listed below. Click to watch again or to forward to a friend. If you missed a service not listed, feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the direct link.
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If you would like to order flowers for the altar to honor, celebrate or in memory of someone, please send your request to Alison DeVack at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your request should include the wording that you would like to appear in the bulletin and if you intend to pickup/take the flowers after Sunday service. Centerpieces are $30; Rosebud $7 (specify color). Make your check payable to FUMC and note “altar flowers” on memo line. What a great way to honor someone special!
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Did you know that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to the charity of your choice at no additional charge to you? Fallston United Methodist Church is one of the charities that you can support through your purchases on Amazon.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your church every time you shop. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same prices and as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Fallston United Methodist Church, which we will use to support our missions.
How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?
Please click here to see complete AmazonSmile program details.
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Many thanks to those who have converted to EFT giving. We are blessed to have such a caring church family. If you are interested in setting up e-giving, you have 2 options: 1. You can click, download and complete the attached form and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail it to the church and we will set it up for you. 2. You can set up online giving through our website (www.fallstonumc.org). Go to “e-Giving” (bottom of the page) and click on “Give Now.” From there you can setup a profile and indicate the fund, dollar amount of your giving, the frequency (one time, once a week, once a month, etc.) and start date of your e-giving. If you have any questions, please call Carole Cover at 410-877-7255 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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ANGEL GIFTS: We can be Angels all year long! Consider picking an item below in memory of, in honor of, or simply as a gift for someone special. Perhaps you are looking for a birthday gift for someone or a congratulations moment. Your gift in honor of someone empowers them to change the world! Here is how it works:
Select the gift you would like from the list below. Send your check or go to our website and to the giving page, select angel gift. Then, send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we may acknowledge your thoughtfulness on their behalf. Please identify: (a) the gift; (b) your name and address; (c) the person to whom you would like a card sent, and their address.
ANGEL GIFT LIST:
- Night of Shelter--$75. Assists homeless folks in the hard winter months.
- Camp Awesome Activity—any amount of money. This supports our now infamous summertime program during our 10:15 worship time.
- Vacation Bible School—any amount of money. This generally costs $2000. We offer it free to kids and free dinner to kids and their families.
- Grocery Store Gift Card--$25. For our families in need.
- Gift of education--$90 buys 3 months of education for a child in Haiti where they all must pay for school.
- Manna House--$400 buys a day of breakfast for all the guests! We supply the volunteers.
- Inspirational Signs that keep the community encouraged! - $50. We get so many comments on our signs. They make people smile!
- Gift cards of any amount for our families in need. The adults are so grateful.
- Art for our newly renovated Providence halls and classrooms. We want to use pictures of the congregation in action set on a canvas, 24 x 36. Each one costs around $50.
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Joann Crafts of Bel Air has brought Patriotic Fleece from all around the state of Maryland to the Bel Air location to assist with the 1111 Project! Much of the patriotic fleece is on sale or on clearance. Joann Crafts has been a wonderful partner throughout the past year and we are grateful for their support! 778 blankets have been delivered so far to the hospitals for veterans. We are so appreciative of all your help. We are hoping to continue this project for months to come. Every week, there are 20 veterans who generally come in and out of Upper Chesapeake. Thank you for your continued generosity.
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Thank you for continuing to use the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email for announcements you wish to be placed in the bulletin, on the website and/or in the weekly e-Enlightener. This email automatically distributes to Carole Cover, Alison DeVack, Tonya Chandler and Pastor Karin. Thank you for having all bulletin and e-Enlightener information in by Tuesday at 6:00 pm each week.
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