DEVON AND KATIE BABCOCK Devon has lived in Pittsburgh since high school and is a senior property manager at The Buncher Company. Katie is originally from Alabama and has lived in Pittsburgh for 9 years and currently works as the director of development for Pittsburgh Area Community Schools. They have a 19-year-old son named Lucas who is currently pursuing the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and a 1-year-old son named James whose mission in life is to point out every light and make silly noises with his mouth. Devon and Katie love doing outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, riding bikes on the Pittsburgh trails, and walking their two dogs, Loki the German Shepherd and Kiah the Australian Shepherd. BILL AND ELLEN CARPENTER Bill and Ellen come to Mt. Lebanon UMC from the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., where they were members of Mount Olivet UMC for over 15 years. Bill, now retired from the National Archives and Records Administration, was born in Mt. Lebanon and was baptized and confirmed at Mt. Lebanon UMC before his family moved away in the 1980s. Ellen grew up in Virginia and worked at the Department of the Interior, National Science Foundation, and Department of Housing and Urban Development before their move to Pittsburgh in 2025. She now enjoys working part-time at a local yoga and wellness studio. They have been married for nearly 28 years and are happy to be here among such a welcoming community. KIRBY DILWORTH I was born, raised and educated in the western suburbs of Detroit. Baptised at 13, I became a member of the Norwayne American Baptist Church and was very active in the Chancel Choir and as a vocal soloist. I hold degrees in music and library/information science from the University of Michigan, and performed in European concert tours and opera festivals with the Men's Glee Club & Chamber Choir. Following grad school, I joined Michigan's School of Music staff before moving to Pittsburgh in 1978. I've sung in the choirs of Eastminster U.P., Congregation Rodef Shalom, and Mt. Lebanon U.P. before joining the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church music program in 1988. I retired in 2021 after 43 years as a reference librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland. I first met my domestic partner of nearly 46 years, the late John Middleton, when we were performing J. S. Bach's Magnificat. John played double bass in the Civic Orchestra, and I sang (of course) in the choir. A decade later, I bought the charming red brick duplex where we lived until his passing on June 12, 2025, frequently debating the issues of taste that often consume classical musicians! All who remember John (the bearded fellow who always sat in the middle pew of the balcony) are welcome to attend his memorial service at 11 am June 12, 2026. CHRIS AND SHANA SLAYBAUGH Chris and Shana both grew up in the church, met at Messiah University, and married shortly after graduation. Shana finished grad school to become a librarian and Chris started his career as an actuary while we attended Chris' hometown church of Zion UMC in East Prospect, a little borough on the outskirts of York County. While there, we both led youth group, sang in choir, served on committees, and Chris played in the handbell choir and taught an adult Sunday school class. In 2013, we officially adopted our son Josiah after a year and a half of fostering, and Chris' job moved us to Pittsburgh, where we settled in Mt. Lebanon. Until we started attending MLUMC last summer, we were members of a local non-denominational congregation where we continued serving and leading in various ministries. We are excited to now be coming back "home" to the United Methodist Church and are looking forward to getting to know and serve with you all.

“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) People sometimes ask me what is my “favorite passage in the Bible.” I actually have many favorites. My favorite passage concerning the church is Ephesians 4:16, printed above. The Apostle Paul uses the image of a body because it’s impossible to miss the point: a body only thrives when its parts are connected and functioning. A hand can’t flourish apart from the arm. A heart can’t beat without the support of the lungs. And a church can’t grow in Christ if its members are disconnected or passive. Christ is the source — “from Him the whole body…” But we are the structure — “joined and held together by every supporting ligament.” And we are also the builders — the body “builds itself up in love.” That’s the beautiful tension of Christian community: Christ empowers, but we participate. Every Part Matters Paul doesn’t say some parts. He doesn’t say the gifted parts or the visible parts. He says each part does its work. That means: · The quiet encourager matters. · The behind‑the‑scenes servant matters. · The prayer warrior matters. · The new believer matters. · The tired parent matters. · The elder saint matters. In Christ’s design, there is no such thing as an unnecessary Christian. If you’re part of the body, you’re essential to its health. Love Is the Atmosphere of Growth Paul could have said the body grows through strategy, programs, or leadership structures. Instead, he says it grows in love. · Love is what makes the church more than an organization. · Love is what keeps us connected when personalities clash. · Love is what motivates service when no one notices. · Love is what turns a group of people into a family. Without love, the body becomes rigid and lifeless. With love, it becomes flexible, strong, and fruitful. A Call for Our Church Today Ephesians 4:16 invites us to ask: What part has Christ given me to play in this body? Not out of guilt, but out of gratitude. Not out of pressure, but out of purpose. · Maybe your part is prayer. · Maybe it’s hospitality. · Maybe it’s teaching, giving, listening, encouraging, or simply showing up faithfully. · Whatever it is, the body needs it. Christ designed it that way. When each of us brings our part — however small it may seem — Christ knits it all together into something far greater than the sum of its pieces. Closing Thought A church doesn’t grow because a few people do a lot. A church grows because everyone does their part in love. Paul’s message in Ephesians 4:16 is simple and demanding at the same time: the church only becomes what Christ intends when every person contributes their God‑given part. Growth isn’t accidental. It’s relational, intentional, and rooted in love. May we be a body that is connected, committed, and continually built up in the love of Christ! Pastor Tom Strandburg

Work on our Capital Campaign projects was deferred during the winter months. When the weather warms, work on the roof and lighting of the front of our church will commence. In addition, we have decided to use the additional funds that were raised to refurbish as many outside doors as funding allows. The first doors to be refurbished are the ones at the entrance to Asbury Center. The doors on Scott Road also need attention so we hope we will have enough funds to complete that project. Finally, we are anxious to see our new landscaping in full bloom this spring. It is interesting to note that our new sign has caught the attention of another Pittsburgh church, and they are interested in installing a similar sign. 

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As we approach the season of Lent—a time of repentance, reflection, and renewal—Isaiah’s ancient words speak with startling clarity:  “Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases… he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” These verses, written centuries before the birth of Christ, invite us to see the heart of the gospel: the self-giving love of God revealed in the suffering servant. Isaiah paints a picture not of a triumphant conqueror, but of one who enters fully into the pain, sin, and brokenness of humanity—not to condemn, but to redeem. During Lent, we are reminded that the cross is not an accident of history; it is the deliberate path of love. Jesus does not stand at a safe distance from our struggles. He steps into them, bearing the weight of our failures, our griefs, and even the wounds we inflict on one another. In doing so, he transforms suffering into the very means of our healing. For the United Methodist tradition, which emphasizes both personal holiness and social holiness, this passage calls us to two responses: Personal repentance —acknowledging the ways we have turned from God and receiving the grace Christ offers. Compassionate action —joining Christ in bearing the burdens of others, especially the marginalized, the hurting, and the forgotten. Lent is not merely about giving something up; it is about taking something on—the posture of Christlike love that Isaiah describes. As we journey toward Good Friday and Easter, may we remember that the One who was “wounded for our transgressions” is also the One who makes us whole. Here is a question for you to reflect upon: As you enter this Lenten season, what burden will you allow Christ to carry for you—and whose burden will you help carry in his name?

Twenty-five Zwickauers, ranging in age from 10 - 55, visited us from October 5 - 15. This partnership with the Friedenskirche (Peace Church) was begun at the suggestion of Rev. Jeff Miller in 1995. This year’s visit was filled with mission work, cultural events, and common worship events. Language does not seem to matter, but our common beliefs and values do matter!  Lori and Deanna would also like to thank everyone who has supported the Zwickau partnership and the Zwickau Committee work through our Schnitzel lunches, our election day bake sales, and, of course, our Mission/Outreach donations. Because of this help we already have a fund begun for our 2027 Zwickau trip. Planning will begin in 2026. Consider joining up! Questions? Contact Lori Barr (lbarr@mlumc.org), or Deanna Baird (fraubaird@aol.com)

Social Principles Survey Outcomes Thanks to all who completed Social Principles Survey. Our purpose for it was multiple: 1. Providing you and me with exposure and consideration of these “clearly marked signposts… toward living fully into God’s gracious love for the world” (per Social Principles of the UMC 2025-2028)  2. Our German guests from Zwickau completed the survey too, indicating which social principles were A-Urgent, B-Important or C-less of a priority, and we compared results with the MLUMC congregation at the 10/14 Terrific Tuesday dinner. Both groups agreed that issues of Poverty and Income Inequality, along with Global Warming & Climate Change and are Urgent! Food Insecurity is of great concern to our congregation. 3. Following identification of Urgent Issues is “What does or can the church do” in response! Consider how you might help or work to mitigate a social issue that is important to you. For example, the Food Lift welcomes new drivers; the Mission and Outreach Committee prepares and serves Thanksgiving meals; our Sunday evenings welcome Hispanic friends with worship and dinner. Contact the church office for these or new opportunities of service.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NRSV) Whenever I read this passage of Scripture, my mind is immediately filled with memories from Vacation Bible Schools past. I can see the faces of children, many of them now grown to adulthood, singing that old Sunday School song – “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!” In my experience, young children have always liked the second verse of that old song the best – “Hide it under a bushel . . . NO! I’m gonna let it shine!” With gusto they would always shout that word “NO” at the suggestion of hiding it under a bushel. I’m gonna let it shine! I’ve loved the way that some of the leaders would then personalize the song by leading the children in singing: “Shine all over (insert the name of your town here) , I’m gonna let it shine!” We all love that old song, but I have a question for you today – Do we really let it shine? As individual Christians, and as a congregation, how do we let the light of Christ shine through our lives? Ten years ago, several of us had the opportunity to tour some United Methodist historic sites with a group that was visiting from our church’s partner congregation in the city of Zwickau in eastern Germany. On one beautiful day, we visited Old Otterbein UMC in the city of Baltimore. Located mid-way between Camden Yards ballpark and the Inner Harbor, this was the place where Philip William Otterbein spent the last thirty-nine years of his life and ministry. During his long pastorate there, Otterbein was known for his very direct (some might say “meddling”) pastoral style. He was determined to ensure that all of his parishioners actually lived the faith which they professed. In the spring of 1807, Otterbein was informed that one of his sheep had strayed quite dramatically from the path of the Christian life. This man, by the name of Hoefflich, had left his wife and family in Baltimore while he traveled to a town some miles away for his business. Word soon began to reach the 81 year old no-nonsense preacher that Hoefflich was bringing dishonor to his family and to his faith by his lifestyle away from home. On June 5 th of that year, old Otterbein wrote his wayward parishioner a scathing pastoral letter that included these words: “ A man that knows the truth and confesses it fallen so awfully! This we had not expected. We hoped that you would be salt in your neighborhood – a light and a leader. Alas, it is to the contrary.” I continue to be challenged by those words. Be salt in your neighborhood, a light and a leader! Those old words, written by one of our denomination’s founders, are good advice for us today. Salt, light, and leaders have one thing in common – when present, they fundamentally change the circumstance into which they have been placed for the better. Your church leadership continues to investigate ways in which we can be salt, light, and leaders in our neighborhood from our very prominent location on the corner of Scott Road and West Liberty Avenue. Consult the other pages of this newsletter for more information about our congregation’s work of mission and outreach and help us to shine the Light of Christ throughout our community in the weeks ahead. Yours in Christ, Thomas Q. Strandburg Pastor

Have you ever wondered where the church stands on social issues facing the world today? What does God expect from us in an ever more divisive society? The 2025-2026 program year at MLUMC will be full of learning and action as we consider the UMC Social Principles, the denomination’s guidebook for such questions. The Social Principles have been revised and updated, and were officially adopted at the 2024 General Conference. Our local church has had an active DEI committee for several years, which has recently been rebranded as the Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (DEB) committee. Under the leadership of Louanne Baily, Laura Ward, and Kim Rhoton, this group is sponsoring a year-long exploration of the UMC social principles. Each month from September 2025 through August 2026, we will focus on a different topic. Opportunities for the whole church, such as book groups, discussions, expert lectures, and community activities have been planned. In addition, we hope that for some of these topics you will hear God’s call to action and will find new ways to make a difference in the world. Because there is so much to cover, we cannot address all of the social principles in this year-long study. However, we encourage you to read the entire Social Principles document; you can borrow a paperback version from Kim Rhoton or order your own at Cokesbury. Or you can download a free digital copy at www.umcjustice.org/documents/124. On the next page is the list of topics we will focus on for the year. Please watch church announcements for specific activities and discussions. If you would like to get more involved in this project, please contact Kim Rhoton (krhoton@mlumc.org).