Prayer Ministry Director

Pastor Bud Reedy recently appointed these seven people to serve as new Ministry Directors for the year 2017. 

1. Adult Ministry Director, Wayne Rumsey
2. Outreach Director, Randy Schiller
3. Fellowship Director, Lori Weaver
4. Prayer Ministry Director, Elaine Leiphart 
5. Discipleship Director, Dale Clymer Jr.
6. Recreation Director, Scott Mingus Jr. 
7. World Mission Director, Pastor Isabell Clark 

Last week we shared details about the Fellowship Director. Today's Friday Feature will focus on our new Prayer Ministry Director.

"People need to know they have not been forgotten"  Elaine Leiphart

Our new director for Prayer Ministry is Elaine Leiphart, who has been part of Stillmeadow for more than 34 years. Elaine and her husband Don have two children, four grandkids and one great grandchild. (another will arrive in two weeks). Elaine was Pastor Bud's executive secretary for 26 years. In this new volunteer position, Elaine will:

• Be at the Sprenkle Ministry Center on Monday and Tuesday mornings, going through attendance pads and receiving requests for prayer for those undergoing surgery, hospitalization, etc. 
• Elaine will be available to receive prayer requests at (717) 764-4888 - hit zero and ask for Elaine. or email her at Elaine.leiphart@stillnaz.com. Another convenient way to get a prayer request to Elaine is at this link INTENTIONAL PRAYER.  
• Elaine will also continue to send prayer news to over 1,500 emails weekly.

• On the last Sunday of each month Elaine will be at the church welcome center to receive prayer requests.
• She and her husband Don will continue to lead the Wednesday Prayer Group. Starting in March, this group will begin a new study on Max Lucado's book "The Power of a Simple Prayer".

Elaine and Don Leiphart's impressive involvement in Stillmeadow ministries was featured in two previous Friday Features. CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY and CHANGED AND TRANSFORMED. Even people from long ago that connected with Stillmeadow through these outreach efforts continue to contact Elaine for prayer. 

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Earlier this month, Stillmeadow began a new two month sermon series called "Underdogs". Since then, at the end of each Friday Feature News we've provided a brief recap of the sermon. Last Sunday we took a break from the Underdog series and Pastor Josh revisited our new 2017 Guiding Values and Essential Practices. The following is an excerpt from his sermon. 

Pastor Josh's Sermon "BUCKET LIST" 

GOD WANTS TO CHANGE OUR WANTS
During the sermon Pastor Josh asked if we have a bucket list. And if so, what's on our want list? Some said a trip to the Grand Canyon, others said a new car and yet others a new relationship. Pastor Josh reminded us that "God wants to change our wants" and used Stillmeadow's 2017 Guiding Values as an effective illustration.

"While some say…we want whatever makes us happy for the moment... Our Guiding Values say: We will courageously worship our Creator, Savior and King."

"While some say…we want to do whatever we want. Our Guiding Values say: We will submit to God’s direction through intentional prayer."

"While some say…we will pick and choose who we welcome, based on our preferences and fears and likes and dislikes... Our Guiding Values say: We will create a welcoming atmosphere."

"While some say…we will follow our own way, sometimes together…Our Guiding Values say: We will follow Christ in community in the Wesleyan Holiness Tradition."

"While some say…we will celebrate division, we will tear each other down with words and actions…Our Guiding Values say: We will develop healthy relationships full of love and truth."

"While some say…We will leave kids and youth to their devices and train them to be distracted and self consumed...Our Guiding Values say: We will involve Children and Youth in the way of Christ."

While some say…We will ignore the needs of others...Our Guiding Values say: We will relentlessly show Christ’s compassion.

"While some say…we will keep the good news to ourselves, we will forget about the rest of the world....Our Guiding Values say: We will be a sending church in God’s global mission."

"While some say…let people figure their own way out....Our Guiding Values say: We will equip leaders to impact our world."

"While some say…we will keep our stuff to ourselves and spend ungodly amounts of money on momentary pleasures…Our Guiding Values say: We will give generously and joyfully to God’s work."