by Ruth Schwalm

The theme for the service was "Memorial Sunday" because of the close proximity to May 30th. In addition, 244 members and friends gathered to be challenged by the sermon, "Prime the Pump," delivered by Rev. Sharonn Halderman, Superintendent of the New Cumberland District, Central Pennsylvania Annual Conference. Rev. Halderman is an Ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church. She is married to Rev. John E. Halderman and is the mother of two. Rev. Sharonn Halderman is also a freelance writer of poems and church programs. She and her family live in New Cumberland.

Rev. John A. Ile, pastor, presided over the worship service. The hymns for the morning were: "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," America the Beautiful," and "America."

The Old Testament Lesson was Psalm 27. In it, David acknowledges God as the source and sustainer of his faith. Verse 1 reads, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; when shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" The Psalmist encourages all of us in verse 14 thusly; "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

Before the morning prayer, Rev. Ile invited Mrs. Janet Hammaker to share a poem in tribute to our war veterans. Rev. Ile then asked all persons in the congregation who had served in the armed services to stand. There were numerous persons in the choir loft and sanctuary who responded and whose contributions were acknowledged by the congregation. Although their ranks are growing smaller, many of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church’s veterans had served in World War II.

The Senior Choir sang the spiritual, "Good News," lustily and without accompaniment. The Morning Prayer by Rev. Ile followed as well as the reception into membership of Nathan and Daniel Yohe, twins and members of the pastors catechetical class. They were sponsored by their mother, Ruth Yohe.

Rev. Ile presented the Children’s Minute using a story about a soldier’s prayers while in combat. He encouraged the children to pray always; not only when in danger or difficulty, but to thank Him for His constant love.

Following the Offering, and the Recognition of Visitors, the pastor read the Gospel Lesson: John 12: 21-33. In these verses, Christ foretells his death while seeking to reassure his followers. Verses 32-33 say, "And I, if I (Christ) be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die."

After a cordial introduction by Rev. Ile, Rev. Halderman prayed that the Lord would open the congregation’s hearts and minds to be receptive to her message, "Prime the Pump."

She introduced her topic by referring to a ballad (story in song) about a man crossing a desert. He became desperately thirsty and was close to death when almost out of nowhere, he saw a pump with a long handle. (Perhaps similar to those we find in state parks today). Then he saw a can of water near the pump with a note in it. Much to his dismay, the note said, "Do not drink this water." The note went on to say, "the pump works, but the leather washer has dried out. So, first, you must prime the pump by using the water in the can to moisten the dried leather washer. Then you will get access to unlimited amounts of water from an underground spring."

The idea of giving up something now to gain more lasting; that gain comes through loss, and that life comes through death was foreign to people in Jesus’ day, and it is difficult even today for us to comprehend. In John 12:24-26 these teachings of Jesus were proclaimed: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

The situation before Christ’s death was one filled with high emotion. The Pharisees and Sadducees were zealous in their efforts to get Christ crucified. The disciples did not want to face the fact that Christ was willing to die for the salvation of all believers. They could not comprehend the truth that loss/death had to take place for there to be gain/new life. God knew the "pump had to be primed" and Jesus agreed to be crucified. Rev. Halderman emphasized you here at Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, have to "Prime the Pump." You need to love all of God’s children; even the unlovable. You need to set aside your immediate pleasures and give yourselves to those who will succeed you. Only then can there be "hope for the future through faith from the past."

Following the services, a time of fellowship was enjoyed.

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