TUMC WEEKLY NEWS February 20, 2026
February 20, 2026 3503 Lincoln Hwy, Thorndale, PA 19372 610-384-2433 www.thorndaleumc.org
Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday March 21st from
1:00–2:30 pm in the
Worship Center
Looking out the window at the seemingly endless snow may lead us to believe that spring will never come, but there is a sure sign of spring at Thorndale UMC: the Easter Eggstravaganza on March 21 from 1:00-2:30 PM in the Worship Center.
There are many ways to help. We are partnering with the preschool so most of their staff will be helping with the crafts and games; but we will need people to sit on chairs and hand out stuffed eggs; we need candy and small treats for inside the eggs, and people to stuff the eggs prior to the big day. By the way, we have lots of stickers and eggs so don’t worry about providing them.
This is a fun way to meet the preschool staff and others from the church that you may not know, as well as the amazing kids and their families. One of the parents commented after last year’s event that they preferred it to a regular Easter egg hunt because of the connections that they made with the preschool staff and church members. This is our opportunity to show Jesus to those who come.
Please contact Pat Moore at patriciajrn@verizon.net, text or call 484-340-0676, or meet me at worship.
Feb 26 – April 2, 2026
By looking through the eyes of the crowd, and not just the main characters, we may discover an invitation into something new, unexpected, and unlikely. Walk through this season with eyes wide open, ready to see where God is moving, even in the margins. Since the cross is not the end of the story, embrace every unlikely moment along the way.
Contact Cheryl Faust to obtain a guide, & for answers to your questions. 610.656.8434.
Sara Maxton Yonker Obituary - January 20, 1927 - February 13, 2026
Sara Maxton Yonker, 99, of West Bradford Township, PA passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. She was the beloved wife of almost 50 years to the late John R. "Jack" Yonker, who preceded her in death in 2004. Born on January 20,1927 in Lionville, PA Sara was the daughter of the late Martha (nee Cooper) Maxton & the late Norman G. Maxton.
She was a 1944 graduate of Downingtown High School, PA, & following her graduation from high school she attended business school in both West Chester & Philadelphia, PA studying medical administration. Sara continued her education over the years by taking courses at Penn State Extension. Her first job was with the Chester County Hospital doing administrative work in the medical clinic. Sara was also a long-time employee of the Devereux Foundation & worked in various capacities , including o ice management & executive secretary to the President, before retiring from Devereux in the early 1990's.
Sara enjoyed going to Sunday school & church, & she was an avid bridge player & attended two bridge clubs, one for over 70 years. She also liked to read the newspaper & keep up with current events. Sara loved animals, & told stories about growing up with many cats. She considered all our dogs & cats family, & she will be missed by our Standard Poodle, Finley, & our cat, Emme.
She was a devoted mom & cherished the fun times she had with her daughter, including day trips to Lancaster County, shopping, & an adventurous trip to Europe & Great Britain. She was deeply loved & will be dearly missed by her daughter, her nieces & nephews, & all who knew her best.
Sara is survived by her loving daughter, Valerie A. Yonker (Significant Other Randy Smith), & a number of nieces & nephews. In addition to her husband & parents, Sara was also preceded in death by her siblings; Ellsworth Maxton (Emilie), J. Roger Maxton, Elva Littlefield (Lynwood), & Joseph Aichholz (Elenor).
Relatives & friends are invited to attend a celebration of Sara's life to be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 1060 West Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320. The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 AM, followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 AM with Reverend Shauna K. Ridge o iciating. Interment will follow at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ Cemetery in Lionville.
The family has respectfully requested that all flowers be omitted, & that those desiring to do so may make a memorial contribution in Sara's name & memory to the Brandywine Valley S.P.C.A., 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380-4045 (www.bvspca.org) & which would be deeply appreciated by her family.
Intentional Giving
CYWA thanks you for your generosity!
Your January contributions to CYWA’s food cupboard weighed
78 pounds. In 2025, TUMC donated 1,054 pounds!
I wonder what our tally will be in 2026.
(Please place items in the brown wicker basket near the bulletin board.)
Caln Elementary
"Do not forget to do good and to share witn others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Numbers 13:16
Our February donation will be a collection of new pants for boys and girls in children’s sizes 5 – 14. Boys’ sweatpants are particularly needed.
If you are able to donate in February, the collection bin will be in its usual location at the top of the stairs from the main parking lot to receive your donations. It will be available during office hours, as well as on Sunday.
Pants will be due Sunday, February 22.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this ministry.
Holly Orr, Caln School Coordinator
For ease of on-line giving, here is the QR code for Tithe.ly.
We thank you for your faithfulness.
The Worship Team needs volunteers:
USHERS - various tasks such as greeting, candle lighting, collection process, etc.
COLLECTION ASSISTANTS- Assist the ushers with passing the collection plates.
GREETERS – Welcome worshipers, hand out prayer cards.
Training provided. Need to be at church about 40-45 minutes prior to the start of worship.
How often? – periodically and per your availability.
Ready to sign up? Questions? Please contact Renay Oberholtzer or Pat Moore
Registration is now open for the
2026-2027 school year for the general public
as well as families of current students.
TUMC Office-(610)384-2433
Office email: office@thorndaleumc.org
Pastor Gary’s email:pastorgary@thornaleumc.org
Office hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm