Outreach Ministry at Mt. Nittany UMC

ministries - pastorial & outreach

pastoral ministry
Joining the Church So you’ve attended worship experiences and perhaps, a few other events here at Mt. Nittany and now you feel the Spirit of the Lord leading you to become an active member of the church family. The church has a programmatic membership course which is held every month for four sessions. You can schedule your place in the next course by calling the church office (237-35498).	Weddings So the question has finally been asked and a resounding “YESY” has been given. Now what??? Preparing for a life-long commitment is important. Pastor Howard is a certified Prepare-Enrich counselor and, using that assessment tool, will lead you on a meaningful and worthwhile discussion about married life. Before anyone can be married in the church, they must have had approved pre-marital counseling. Weddings must be scheduled through the Office Manager (237-3549).
Administration of the Sacraments There is nothing as spiritually significant as in the sharing of the sacraments. In the United Methodist Church, we observe two sacraments; Holy Communion and Baptism. Holy Communion is a sacrament of remembrance as we reflect upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. But it is also a sacrament of promise, the promise of forgiveness and everlasting life. Holy Communion is experienced on the first Sunday of every month at both worship experiences and at other special times throughout the year. It is offered a number of ways; through intinction (dipping of the bread into the chalice), in the pews with the bread and juice passed by the ushers, and at the communion rail where we are able to kneel as we receive. If you are in the hospital, nursing home, or home bound, please contact the church office and have a home communion visit scheduled. Every month a team of laity go into these various places to serve those who cannot attend here. Baptism in the United Methodist Church is a sacrament which demonstrates our desire to publicly profess our following of Jesus Christ. We share the baptism with people of any age, newborn through just prior to death. We experience it in a number of ways as well; either through sprinkling or full body immersion. Before anyone can be baptized, they or their parent/guardian must meet with the pastor to discuss the meaning and significance of this blessed event. Such meetings may be scheduled through the Office Manager (237-3549).	Caring Fund The people of Mt. Nittany are incredibly generous. As part of their ministry of giving, the pastor has access to a discretionary fund to assist others in meeting some unexpected expenses or extraordinary personal needs. If you find yourself in such need, please call the Office Manager and arrange a meeting with the pastor.
	Reception of New Members Adults are invited through profession of faith or by letter of transfer, to join Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church. Young people, who are not yet members, are taken into the Church through Confirmation classes. New members are taken into the Church several times a year. Anyone interested in joining the Church may contact the Pastor at 237-3549 for additional information.
	Counseling If you find yourself in need of someone to speak with, our pastoral team is well equipped to discuss any of your concerns. Do you have a personal issue with which you struggle? Perhaps you find yourself in the midst of grief and would like to talk about it. Maybe there is a spiritual issue with which you wrestle. Regardless, give us a call (237-3549) and we’ll schedule time to chat.
	Hospital and Shut-In Visits Should you find yourself a patient in the hospital or confined to your home, we have an active visitation ministry. A simple call placed by you, a family member, or friend is all that it takes to get the ball rolling. Simply call the Office Manager (237-3549) and she’ll take care of the rest.
outreach ministries
College Township Seniors The College Township Seniors have recently reorganized and now meet at Mt. Nittany on a quarterly basis, meeting on the second Wednesday of the month. A luncheon and program are provided for this group for each quarterly meeting For additional information, contact the Pastor at 237-3549.	Food Bank Food stuffs and contributions for the State College Area Food Bank are received at Mt. Nittany on a weekly basis. Food may be deposited in the Food Bank box in the vestibule.
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army Each year at Christmas time, members of the congregation support the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Program through volunteering to ring the bell at a local business establishment. This program is coordinated through the Mission Coordinator.	Global Connections This United Way agency meets in the Mt. Nittany Family Life Center the third Wednesday of each month Oct-Nov and Jan-May. The International Hospitality Council provides services to members of the international community in the Centre Region.
Family Life Center The Center may be rented for dinners or other functions, consistent with the mission of Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church. Additional information is available through the Church office at 237-3549.	Boy Scouts AND Girl Scouts Both groups meet in the Church facilities on a regular basis. The Pastor also assists Scouts with merit badge programs, as requested.

Page Updated: 04/09/2012