Lebanon, Pa. Pastor Appeals Defrocking Over Gay Wedding

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lebanon County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A United Methodist pastor defrocked for officiating at his son’s same-sex wedding has appealed the decision, a move that offered the latest evidence of a split in the nation’s largest mainline Protestant denomination and came as yet another state legalized gay marriage.

Frank Schaefer, who lives in central Pennsylvania, said he was shocked and upset that he could be punished for showing love for his son. He said he believed the penalty was meted out reluctantly by members of the church’s regional.

“So many of them came to me and they shook my hand and some hugged me, and so many of them had tears in their eyes,” Schaefer said. “They said, ‘We really don’t want to do this, you know that, don’t you?’”

Most other Protestant denominations have decided their position on the issue. But the Methodists, with about 7.7 million members in the U.S. and many more overseas, remain divided. At their last national meeting in 2012, delegates reaffirmed the church’s 40-year-old policy on gays.

Read more: http://www.timesherald.com/general-news/20131220/lebanon-pa-pastor-appeals-defrocking-over-gay-wedding

Cedarville United Methodist Church – Live Nativity – December 15, 2013‏

LIVE NATVITY, Sunday 15, 2013 5:30 -8:00PM., at Cedarville United Methodist Church 1092 Laurelwood Road Pottstown, PA 19465 – 610-326-4173 – www.cedarvilleumc.org

You will walk with a Sheppard Guide; following the star of Bethlehem and visit seven scenes that tell the story of Jesus’ birth.  Outside scenes so please dress accordingly.  Our gift to your family – no charge. Parking is free and the event is handicapped accessible.   Following the tour there will be refreshments, music and children’s crafts in the Family Life Center.

Directions:  Rt. 724 WEST from Coventry Mall to LEFT @ Light (Laurelwood Rd.) to Church on LEFT● Route 422 to SOUTH  Rt. 100; ● OR ● Route 23 to NORTH Rt. 100; then turn WEST at Cedarville Rd. light ½ mile to Church on right.

CEDARVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2013 FUN FAIR

On May 18^th– 19^th  Methodists around the world will unite again for “Change The World” weekend, as an effort to reach out and make a positive difference in their local communities and around the world.  In 2012, Change The World was observed by more than 1500 locations.

To that end, on Saturday, May 18^th (Rain Date: May 19^th), Cedarville United Methodist Church of Pottstown is holding another FREE Fun Fair for local residents.  Last year we enjoyed welcoming many new faces to explore the grounds of our facility and share some good times with many of our friendly members.

We look forward to seeing local families come to enjoy pony rides, a moon bounce, Rainbow the Clown, puppet shows, story time, games, prizes, food and so much more.   It is all FREE.  This is a gift to your family from ours.

The Fair is from 1p.m. – 5p.m. at Cedarville United Methodist Church, 1092 Laurelwood Road.  Less than 1 mile from Coventry Mall.  For more information visit www.cedarvilleumc.org or call 610-326-4173.

Cedarville United Methodist Church – Community Event‏

Cedarville United Methodist Church, 1092 Laurelwood Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.  Join us for a special Music Sunday on Oct. 14th with traditional services at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and a contemporary service at 9:30 a.m.

All services will feature some or all of the following:  singing of hymns, praise team, choir, brass quartet, handbell choir, piano and organ.  A special children’s message in word and song will be held at the 9:30 and 11:00 services.

We look forward to having you join us for a joyous celebration of the gift of music in worship.

More details at www.cedarvilleumc.org or call (610) 326-4173.

Cedarville UMC Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner January 1, 2012

With so many natural disasters continuing to occur around the world and the need for assistance ever-increasing, Cedarville United Methodist Church has chosen to reach out to an area that has slipped out of the current headlines but continues to be in need.

The Central Gulf Coastof the United States was devastated in 2005 by the Hurricane Katrina disaster.  Today, the people in that area are still hurting and there continues to be much work that needs to be done. Gulfport, Mississippi will be the destination of Cedarville’s 2012 Adult Mission Trip.  In Gulfport alone there were 29,970 homes that were destroyed, 3,600 sustained major damage and 1,800 had minor damage.

To help in our mission of sharing the love of God in ways that make a Christian difference, we are raising funds thru a Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner on January 1, 2012.  Worship service will be at 10:00 a.m. on January 1^st.  The meal will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and all are welcomed to either or both.  Dinner tickets for Adults are $8.00 and Children under 10 are $4.00.  Advanced dinner reservations are being taken by contacting (484) 944-4751 and tickets will be sold at the door.