In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”(Acts 20:35)
Modern science is slowly catching up with the words of our Savior and what Christians have known all along: Giving has a boomerang effect. What we give comes back to us in joy and peace and other blessings. Studies have even shown that generosity can boost our immune systems and increase the endorphins in our brain that make us feel better. That said, God is likely even more pleased when we give to those in need as privately as possible, expecting no reward. Such a loving and generous spirit is personified by the late Pat and Don McFeely. The devoted Methodist couple lived most of their adult lives in Indiana, PA. Don, a Korean War veteran, was a teacher in the public schools and at Indiana University of PA, where he was beloved by his many students. Pat was valedictorian of her high school class, then was a secretary in schools and an executive secretary for People’s Bank before becoming a full time housewife. She loved learning and sought to improve her knowledge through continuing education classes offered by IUP. The couple had a true passion for travel, especially enjoying cruises to such locales as China and Hawaii. They loved to share their adventures with members of their congregations at Grace and Trinity United Methodist Churches. Both Pat and Don are remembered for their kindness, humor and graciousness. Ed Kennedy, a fellow congregation member at Trinity and current member of the Ruth M. Smith Center Board of Directors, recalls that Pat was always a meticulous dresser and would accent an outfit with a festive piece of jewelry or special scarf during holidays. Betty Roberts, a former president of Indiana District United Methodist Women and 10-year board member of the Ruth M. Smith Center, said that Pat was generous to the center over the years despite the fact that she never got to Sheffield to visit the facility. News of the McFeely’s generous $152,000 bequest to the Ruth M. Smith Center was made known in 2019, a financially challenging year for the center. The unrestricted bequest made it possible to restore reserves that had been depleted, pay off a line of credit and pay for professional and liability insurance. It literally rescued the center from financial distress. The McFeelys had a heart for mission and their legacy plays a major role in allowing care for children, the elderly, and physically and intellectually challenged adults to continue. Through their bequest, even after their passing, the McFeelys continue to witness and make a difference in the lives of others. Please prayerfully consider donating or making a planned gift in your will to the Ruth M. Smith Center, which has been ministering to thousands of people in need since 1922. Today the Ruth M. Smith Center is a ministry in partnership with the United Methodist Women National Organization, United Methodist churches, UMW in Western PA, churches of other denominations and individuals. Its Western PA Conference UMC Advanced Special number is #0011007. The center is a 501(c)(3) organization and a United Fund Member Agency.
Online donations can be made at https://www.ruthmsmithcenter.org/support.
Contact the Smith Center at: 407 South Main Street PO Box 576 Sheffield, PA 16347 RMSC@westpa.net 814-968-3238
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