by Bonnie Seely

The morning of December 3, 2000 brought full circle the year-long bicentennial celebration of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, as former pastor John Ile returned as the final bicentennial speaker. As Pastor Ile was instrumental in forming the bicentennial committee which has worked for four years on planning the events of this year, it is fitting that he be present for the final service and the final event which was a congregational dinner. Co-chairpersons Carol Wilson and Joe Seidel opened the service with a final bicentennial minute on a subject very familiar to both—the bicentennial committee. They gave a brief history, and a sincere and touching thank you to all who served. That the closing of the bicentennial celebration should also coincide with the first week in advent also seemed appropriate; the cyclical nature of life consists of endings and new beginnings. "Hope" was the theme of the advent candle lit on the advent wreath this week, which also echos the bicentennial theme of "Hope for the future through faith from the past." The Old Testament scripture lesson from Micah 5:2-6 figured prominently in the Reverend Ile’s sermon, focusing on what Micah’s prophecy, made 750 years before the birth of Christ, has to say to us today. Three points were offered in answer. First, no one is too small to be used by God. Why did God use Bethlehem to be the birthplace of His Christ? Because Jesus was of the lineage of David, and the town was David’s birthplace, too, reminded Pastor Ile. Also, because Bethlehem means "house of bread," and Jesus called Himself "theBread of the World." Even the small things we do—offer a smile, a phone call, a word of encouragement—can make a difference, said the speaker. The second lesson from the scripture is that with Christ, all things are possible. For the congregation of SUMC, a current proof of this truth is the completion of the "new building," accomplished through the labor of church members. The third and final point; "And He will be our peace" (verse 5). Jesus is the giver of peace. In reflecting on the past 200 years and looking toward the next century, Pastor Ile asserted, "We all have a ministry. God can and does use us. Whatever negative we are facing in life that wears us down, that we question handling; in Christ there is peace." Following the sacrament of Holy Communion, the congregation was dismissed with a benediction, and sang together as a choral response the bicentennial theme song written by choir director Charles (Chip) Custer, "Hope for the Future." The majority of those in attendance then adjourned to the Fellowship Center in the new building, beautifully decorated in burgundy and pink for a congregational dinner prepared by Esther Crawford, and hosted by Vera and Gary Glasgow. The bicentennial committee and Esther’s kitchen crew met Saturday morning to set the tables, complete with centerpieces made by Vera Glasgow and Ann Seidel, composed of pine needles and pine cones arranged in assorted glassware, which were given away as door prizes following the dinner. Ann Seidel made the favors, first making homemade molded chocolates then bagging and stapling the bag to burgundy or pink cards, hand-stamped with the infant Jesus sleeping on a bed of hay on the front, and the words "May the miracle of Christmas live forever in your heart" on the back. Two holes were punched in the top of the card, through which a bit of ribbon - pink on the burgundy card; burgundy on the pink - was inserted and tied in a bow. At the close of the dinner, the Glasgows and their children Carol Wilson and Ann Seidel and son-in-law Joe Seidel received a standing ovation for their long hours of service given to making the bicentennial year both a memorable and a meaningful year in the ongoing history of Shiremanstown U.M. Church. It is fitting to close this last report on the services and events of the year with the prayer given at the close of the December 3rd service. "Thanks to God for the opportunity to serve and to love. Be with this congregation and pastor that through Christ, the church might be a beacon to the community." Amen.

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