July 2015 - Medford United Methodist Church

July, 2015 vol. 34 no. 7
www.medfordumc.org
“Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just
as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” - Colossians 3:13, NRSV
Today was moving day. I sit here in the dark, not sure where all the lamps are. But maybe
that’s for the best because this way I can’t see all the boxes that need to be unpacked.
Buying a house, getting it ready and moving in is some stressful stuff. I’ll confess I lost it a few
times today. Something got dropped, something got broken, nothing is where you think it is, you
keep adding items to the list of things that need to be fixed.
It’s easy in the midst of all that stress and anxiety to forget WHY it is that you are doing this.
It’s easy to forget what it all means. I have to keep reminding myself: “Things will settle down. It
won’t always be this crazy.”
As a church, we are about to enter into a time not unlike a move. This summer, we are going to
be doing not just one but TWO construction projects. As we begin site work on the new building
in the back, we are also beginning work on the new ramp and entry for Bowker Hall.
It’s going to be messy for a little while. There’s likely to be some inconvenience along the way.
As much as we will try to coordinate everything, I’m sure that there will be a scheduling or other
conflict at some point.
This is a good time to be reminded of the words of Colossians: “Bear with one another.” It’s
going to take a serious dose of patience and understanding to get through all this. But we will get
there.
Above all, remember why it is we are doing these things. The Bowker ramp project is going to
open up our facility to people – our own and those in the community – who want to be with us
but cannot due to some physical limitation. The new building is going to create new space that
will help us reach new people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Both of these projects are important steps toward better fulfilling our mission to transform lives
through love and service. And they are well worth the sacrifice it’s going to take to get them
done.
So over the next few months, keep in mind the end goal. And thanks for bearing with us!
Peace,
The Messenger, July, 2015
www.medfordumc.org
page 2
Kandidly Kathleen
I admit it, I love to learn. I’m a teacher/student at heart, and it’s always been an important aspect of my
understanding of Christian Discipleship. After all, wasn’t Jesus a teacher? Weren’t the disciples students?
But recently in reading the book Shift: Helping Congregations Back into the Game of Effective Ministry by Phil
Maynard, I was reminded that the learning is only one component of discipleship (p. 73).
• Discipleship is not just about learning about Jesus. It is about becoming like Jesus.
• Discipleship is not just about education. It is about transformation.
• Discipleship is not just about knowledge. It is about behaviors.
Christian Discipleship calls us to be actively engaged, through worship as we praise God; through mission
outreach as we serve others; through spiritual practices such as prayer, reading the Bible, and yes, even fasting;
through building relationships with non-Christians and sharing your faith story with them. It is through our behavior
and God’s grace that transformation happens, transformation of ourselves and the world. It all begins with a
personal commitment and that step of faith.
We hope that MANY of you will join one of our small groups in the fall, not simply to learn, but to continue the
transformation process of your becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find
descriptions of the groups, just to get you thinking and talking to others. More details will come in August, including
meeting schedule and sign-up information. Any questions? Please talk to me!
Ladies,
We Need Your Clothes!
The young woman was at a crossroads in
her life. She came from a poor background
with not enough skills or confidence to
break the stigma with which her history
limited her future. Then she was introduced
to Career Wardrobe . . . “a place where
every woman in transition can obtain the
confidence she needs in order to achieve
the next level of gainful employment.”
Items needed are nearly new, gently used
women’s suits (slacks or skirts), handbags
(not too large), costume jewelry (bracelets
and necklaces) and shoes (for more formal
office jobs) in boxes if possible.
Medford United Methodist Church will
be joining the ranks of donors to keep
the “professional attire” supply going as
the need continues to grow. We will be
collecting items in late August and early
September to deliver to Career Wardrobe
sometime around September 15.
Read what one of their clients said about
their experience:
“I found real hope and was inspired
to take control of my job search and,
ultimately, my life!” Pamelalynne Ramirez,
referred by Career Team South EARN Manager at Las Bugambilias
Please check the newsletter and bulletins
for specifics about this new Outreach
Ministry. If you have any questions, you can
contact Milt Eisenhardt at 856/298-6500 or
by email at [email protected].
Busy Bees invite you
to a Fun Raiser
at P.J. Whelihan's
61 Stokes Rd, Medford Lakes
Wednesday, July 15th
5:00 pm-8:00 pm
All you have to do is eat, drink and have fun.
15% of your bill (before tax) will be awarded to Busy Bees
to fund various church projects.
Simply present this flyer.
Invite your family and friends
for a great time!
The Messenger, July, 2015
www.medfordumc.org
page 3
Small Groups Coming This Fall
COVENANT BIBLE STUDY
A comprehensive 24-WEEK, IN-DEPTH
GROUP BIBLE STUDY
Come, travel through the Bible with us, as we grow
in understanding “who we are” in our relationship
with God, with one another and with our neighbors. Through the biblical concept of God’s Covenants
with God’s people, we will understand more clearly
God’s relationship with us. In response to that, we
will grow in our ongoing commitment to stay in
love with God while we share signs of that love
with others. Through scripture readings, videos
presentations by scholars and pastors, group
discussions and, of course, built-in breaks we will travel
this journey together. There will be more to come in August’s newsletter.
Waiting on your arrival,
Anna Wright
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
DEBT? SAVINGS? CREDIT?
INVESTMENTS? COLLEGE FUNDING?
INSURANCE? MORTGAGES?
If you have questions about your finances, Financial
Peace University can help you find the answers you
need. Medford UMC will be offering this popular course
by Dave Ramsey in the Fall as part of our small group
offerings. Through videos and printed material, laced
with stories, practical advice and humor, you will find
out how to manage your money to meet your needs
today and in the future.
More information, including start date and time
will be coming soon.
Rich Stolz, Facilitator
CARING TEAM #2
Do you have a compassionate heart? Have you been
told you’re a good listener? Would you like to assist
the pastors in visiting some of our members who may
be homebound, in hospital or care facility, or someone
who is just facing one of life’s many challenges? A
second group of Caring Team members will be trained
in the Fall on Monday evenings. Training will be on
four consecutive evenings, followed by a commitment
to a once a month small group meeting. Watch for start
date and sign-up details later this summer.
Pastor Kathleen
A DISCIPLE’S PATH:
DEEPENING YOUR
RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
AND THE CHURCH
When an athlete wants to improve, that person needs/
wants to return to the fundamentals. When a person
wants to deepen a relationship – to God or to another
person – the same is true. Return to the fundamentals
given in the very nature of how God created us for one
another as we live into God’s larger loving purpose.
This renewed walk on the path of being a disciple will
help us to answer fundamental questions like “Why
Christ? Why Christian? Why Wesley? Why Methodist?”
in the first place. We will discover what it feels like to
return to fundamentals of Christian faith and Methodical
practice of the faith without becoming fundamentalists.
Come, share the journey of faith!!
Wayne C. Richards, Leader
Retired UMC elder clergy
SUPPER CLUB
Would you like to get to know other members
of the congregation?
Do you like to eat and have fun?
One of the best ways to get to know people better is
to gather together for Supper. Jesus did it. Many of our
families make it a practice. Some of our best times for
sharing happen around the Supper Table. Not only do
you get better acquainted, but you form relationships of
trust, caring and commonalities that may last a lifetime.
The “Supper Club” is comprised of groups of 8-10
people (with a coordinator) who gather together around
a meal once a month on evenings decided by the
individual groups. We will start as many Supper Groups
as there is interest, with the intention that each group
to stay together for about a year, gathering monthly
at a restaurant, a home, a picnic area, etc. As part
of our small group ministries, there will be a “spiritual
component” and a “service component” as well as
gathering for supper together, with the primary focus of
fellowship and fun.
Milt and Jane Eisenhardt, Supper Club Coordinators
The Messenger, July, 2015
www.medfordumc.org
page 4
Men’s Study – Good News for the
Summer!
If you haven’t had a chance to attend Pastor Joe’s monthly study group, we
encourage you to do so…. Each Saturday morning has not only been a great
learning experience, but also an opportunity for good fellowship and exchange
of thoughts, questions and ideas. And, there has been a steady interest
building among the men for more!
So, here’s the good news! Thanks to Pastor Joe, and the ongoing interest, the Men’s Study will continue to meet
twice a month over the summer months! So, please watch the Sunday Bulletin and your email for reminders,
and mark your calendars for the following Saturday dates (at 8:00 am) that are already scheduled: June 27th
at church, July 11th at Medport Diner, July 25th at church, and August 8th at church.
Have a great summer everyone.,
The Medford UMC Men’s Planning Team
Save the Date –
Tubing on the Delaware
River!
All youth entering
grades 6-12 this fall, are
invited to join us for a
fun day tubing down the
Delaware River on
Monday,
July 27.
Watch your email and the weekly bulletin for
details as they become available.
Thank You’s
International Peace Day
Celebration!
The Protestant Community
Church of Medford Lakes
has invited us, as well as
other faith communities and
secular organizations, to join
together to CELEBRATE
WORLD PEACE on Sunday,
September 20, beginning at 12
noon. There will be a parade to kick off the afternoon, and
we hope that Medford United Methodist Church will have
a presence in the parade and worship service. Plans are
being made for a wide variety of activities throughout the
afternoon, with an opportunity for musicians (maybe No
Excuses?) and other fun ways to celebrate World Peace.
If you have a heart for PEACE and would like to join
Pastor Kathleen at this celebration, please contact her so
we can make some plans for MUMC’s participation. Maybe
it’s time for some Tie Dyed Shirts with a Peace symbol and
the MUMC Logo!?
Dear Church Friends,
Dear MUMC Family,
Bob and I want to thank you for all of the prayers that
Thank you so much for the amazing scholarship
have been offered to speed his recovery. We know that
you have given me! I am so grateful for the
they have worked because of his successful recovery. He
generosity and kindness of the church. The
is really doing quite well. “Thanks” to the nice woman who
members of Medford United Methodist Church
delivered the lovely flowers. We were not able to have a
have been a huge part of my life, guiding me
conversation because Bob was being carried out of the
throughout Confirmation and youth group. Because
house by two faithful friends to take him to the doctor just
of the congregation, I was able to grow up in a
as she arrived.
loving community of people I consider my family.
Also, we had such a nice visit from Mr. John Cornue. He
I am so blessed to know that they will continue to
is a nice gentleman. The conversation was pleasant and it
support me as I transition into college.
brightened one Friday afternoon. We have been blessed.
We thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Nicole Lombardi
Jane and Bob Hedrick
The Messenger, July, 2015
page 5
www.medfordumc.org
Save The Date!
MUMC Says Yes!
The date, that is, for Medford United
Methodist Church’s groundbreaking.
We’re moving ahead with our longplanned Family Life Center expansion,
after unanimous approval at a wellattended church conference June 10.
There’s still a lot of work to do, but we’ll
get it all started with groundbreaking set
for Sunday, June 28, at 10:00am. That’s
between the two Sunday morning services.
That Wednesday night conference
featured the key players who are putting in
countless hours to make this project come
together.
Within days of the ceremonial
groundbreaking, you won’t be able to miss
the exciting changes that are coming to
Medford UMC:
• New utility lines to accommodate power
needs and upgrades;
• New lighting in the parking lot;
• Land clearing around the area we know as the playground out back;
• Installation of a retention pond;
• A new parking layout;
• Other exciting essentials.
Thanks to the strength of two previous FLC campaigns, we have the cash on hand to pay for this phase of
the project. Look for more details this fall about our third and final campaign to help us bridge the gap between our
groundbreaking ceremony and our ribbon-cutting ceremony.
With $1.2 million in the bank from previous capital campaigns, we’ll be able to complete Phase I from
our cash on hand. But as the cost of
the final project hovers just over $2
million, we will enter into the third of
three capital campaigns this fall, with an
ultimate goal to raise roughly $1 million.
The people listed above have
made critical contributions to bring us to
a real launch date. But we never would
have gotten out of the starting blocks
without the efforts of the original Family
Life Center team, whose work has been
waiting in the wings for more than ten
years. Thank you, everyone.
The Messenger, July, 2015
www.medfordumc.org
page 6
Bowker Hall Access Entry Way Construction
Ready to Go…Contractor Has Been Selected!!!!
Opening Hearts, Minds and MORE Doors!
Bowker Hall
With JRG Construction of
Medford Lakes submitting
the winning bid, our new ALL
ACCESS entrance way to Bowker
Hall and the Sanctuary will be
soon become a reality. Once completed, this new entry way will provide much
needed total access to Bowker Hall AND the Sanctuary from the front of our church.
HERE’S where your help is needed!
If realizing this goal is something you would like to support financially, please
make your donation payable to Medford UMC and designated to the Bowker Hall
Entry fund or, if you prefer, speak with Pastor Joe directly. For more information on the plan, check out our information bulletin on the church website.
The Messenger, July, 2015
page 7
www.medfordumc.org
Choir Recognition Sunday, held on June 21,
was an opportunity for many of our church’s
vocal and bell choirs to present a morning
of beautiful and challenging music, ending
a season of hard work by the dedicated
volunteers who work so faithfully all year to
make our choirs possible. Their musicianship, loyalty and willingness to share their talents make it a joy to make
music with them. Singers and ringers – many, many thanks.
We are grateful, also, to the many talented instrumentalists, both as individuals and in ensembles, who add to
our musical offerings throughout the year. Our church is fortunate to have so many accomplished folk who are
willing to enrich our worship through music.
A sincere expression of appreciation is also due to the members and friends of MUMC who support our music
program so enthusiastically. Your kind comments – and compliments – and your attendance at special musical
events buoy the spirits of those of us who sing, ring and play. It is indeed gratifying to have such a special place
in our church family.
Some special folks who deserve a particular thank-you are our Jr. Choir Mothers, Gina Matthews and Claire
Rich. These wonderful folks have kept the Jr. Choir humming along all year as they, along with our other choir
parents, supervised the choristers on Sunday mornings and were indispensable at special rehearsals and
performances throughout the season. Choir parents – we couldn’t have done it without you! Another valuable
assistant was Kendall Miller, our Jr. Choir Helper and an alumna of our youth choral ministry), Her efficiency
and enthusiasm certainly helped us stay focused and on track. Thanks, also, to you, Kendall. And best wishes
as you head to Rowan University this fall. Hats off, also, to Maureen Cummings, Wayne Adams and Milt
Eisenhardt who served as the “second adult” required by our Safe Sanctuaries policy, during Jr. and Youth Choir
rehearsals. They got to hear all the interesting musical detours our singers took before they presented their final,
polished products for you on Sunday mornings.
Shortly after Labor Day, our choirs will be back in their accustomed places in the loft. Perhaps, while you’re
relaxing during these lazy, hazy days of summer, this would be a good time to think about joining them.
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Medford, NJ 08055
(609) 953-0100
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Heating & AC • Energy Conservation
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Office: (856) 797-1550
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Mobile: 609.828.4251
[email protected]
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The Messenger, July, 2015
page 8
www.medfordumc.org
United Methodist Women
(Women’s Mission Team)
“Welcomed By God - Welcoming All”
We are now into the lazy days of summer; school is
out, and we will be enjoying the celebrations for the 4th
of July spent with family and friends!
The Flower Sale was a huge success! We thank
all of our church family and the community for their
support; and, we are able to provide $1200 for the
Youth and Adult Mission teams.
We don’t have a lot of news this month but, we do
want to thank all of those who supported the Spring
Dining for Dollars at Illiano’s in May. We are sending
$215 dollars to UMCOR-National.
Thank you so much for your continued support in
all of our mission fund raising projects!!!
Mark your Calendars:
• July 10 – 12: Mission U (formally known as
the Cooperative School of Christian Mission) at
Lakewood, NJ will begin on Friday evening with
dinner at 6:00 pm and conclude Sunday after lunch
at 12:30 pm.
• August 21 and 22: The Women of Faith
Conference will be held at the Wells Fargo Center
in Philadelphia PA on August 21 and 22. We hope to
see you there.
• September 19th: Our annual Flea Market will be
held the third Saturday of September! Start looking
for those special items you would like to move out of
your home and turn into cash! Enjoy a day outside
selling those items and being with other fellow church
members! There’s always lots of food and wonderful
mums to buy too. All proceeds will go to support local
Missions! More information to follow in the bulletins
and August Messenger.
Don’t forget that our Circles will be taking a break during the
summer months and, will be back in September.
Have a safe and happy summer!!!!
Women of Faith National Conference Comes to Philadelphia
Wells Fargo Center August 21-22, 2015
There are still tickets available!
There’s a wonderful group of women attending this conference and YOU
are invited to join us!
Women of Faith
has been encouraging women since 1996 with compelling stories, laugh-outloud humor, Bible teaching, heart-tugging music, rejuvenating worship, and more! Women of Faith events are
produced by the world’s largest producer of inspirational events for women, based in Plano, Texas. Through
authentic connection with audiences, humor, and an atmosphere of encouragement and acceptance, world-class
communicators deliver life-changing messages through high-quality programs in cities across North America.
Friday night begins with music, laughter, and grace as walls come down and women awaken to what God has in
store. On Saturday, messages speak to heartfelt needs—transforming lives and sparking change that spreads to
communities, churches, families, and friends. Women of Faith weekends are for women who want to deepen their
faith and women exploring what faith is all about, making Women of Faith the perfect “bring your friends” event!
Friday night, August 21, 7-10 pm and Saturday, August 22, 2015, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $90.00
Contact Barbara Rakoczy 856-217-9420; or Barbara Carlson 609-605-6362
The Messenger, July, 2015
page 9
www.medfordumc.org
Good Reads
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity
It’s summer! We hope that you find time to relax and read a good fictional book. Perhaps this one hits your
fancy? These excerpts come from a New York Times review.
“Mr. Nowak, a maintenance worker near Yakima, Wash., first bought a copy of “The Shack,” a
slim paperback novel by an unknown author about a grieving father who meets God in the form of
a jolly African-American woman, at a Borders bookstore in March. He was so taken by the story of
redemption and God’s love that he promptly bought 10 more copies to give to family and friends.
Even people initially put off by the book’s characterization of God as a black woman were won over.
“I was so stunned by the presentation of Papa that I couldn’t deal with it,” said Bill Ritchie, senior
pastor of an 8,000-member nondenominational church in Vancouver, Wash., who recalled putting
the book down at first. He eventually finished it and told his congregation that it was “one of the most
remarkable books I’ve read in years.” Since early this year, his church has been buying copies to sell to
members by the caseload.”
Although this is a truly absorbing work of fiction it also causes you to think about God, faith, our reaction to
tragedy and from where we draw our strength. This book was first published in 2008 and a number of us here at
MUMC read it soon after. If you should read the book and enjoy it consider sharing your thoughts and questions
with others.
This book is widely available including Amazon and Kindle versions at $5.00 at the time of writing.
Have you read a book that touched you and made you feel that others could benefit if they read those
same words? Why not share your summary so that it can be placed in the Messenger so that others can
benefit.
Submitted by Clarence Beverage
Enjoy the Convenience of
Electronic Giving
Have you thought about Electronic Giving as a way to automate your regular
weekly offering? Electronic giving offers convenience for individual
congregation members and provides much-needed donation consistency
for our congregation.
Direct Debit Giving automatically transfers funds from your checking or
savings account to the church’s bank account on a once or twice monthly basis.
As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving.
The Authorization form is on page 10 and, along with additional information,
is also available from the church office and through our website: www.
medfordumc.org.
The Messenger, July, 2015
page 10
www.medfordumc.org
July, 2015
28
9 a m - Informal
Worship @
1
B0o:w3k0earmH-aT
l lr a d i t i o
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Worshi
p @
Sanctu
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9 a m - Informal
Worship @
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l lr a d i t i o
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Worshi
p @
Sanctu
ary
26
9 a m - Informal
Worship @
1
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l lr a d i t i o
nal
Worshi
p @
Sanctu
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19
9 a m - Informal
Worship @
1
B0o:w3k0earmH-aT
l lr a d i t i o
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p @
Sanctu
ary
12
REACH Mission Trip
Homeless Ministry
- IHN
9 a m - Informal
Worship @
1
B0o awm
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Groundbre
1
0
:
3
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- Traditio
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1
W1o:r3s0hai m - P a s t o r
Appreci
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ation
S a n c t@
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B
a royw k e r
Hall
5
Sun
13
6
29
Youth Tubing Trip
27
Vacation Bible School
20
2 p m - Caring
Team
7 p m - Trustees @
Room 104
Mon
Tue
28
21
14
7
30
15
8
1
3 : 4 5 p m - Rutgers
Reading
Program
@
Bowker
Hall or
Room
105/6
29
5 p m - Busy Bee
Fun Raiser
@ P.J.
Whelihan's
Medford
Lakes, 61
Stokes
22
Road,
Medford
Lakes, NJ
0
, - VBS
68
: 3005p5m
U
On
p ietne d
S
tates @
House
Entire
Building
Wed
7 p m - MUMC
Expansion
Team
9
2
30
23
16
7 p m - Witness @
Room 104
Thu
Fri
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e, Groups and Circles, Music Rehearsals, Outside Orgs, Sunday School, W o r s h i p,
Y o ut h C al e n d ar
31
24
17
10
3
11
4
1
8 a m - UMM Study
25
18
8 a m - UMM Study
@ Medport
Diner
REACH Mission
Trip
Sat
Jul 2015 (Eastern Time)
The Messenger, July, 2015
The
of
Messenger
the
Medford
www.medfordumc.org
page 12
The Medford United Methodist Church
2 Hartford Road
Medford, NJ 08055
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VINCENTOWN NJ
PERMIT NO. 75
Return Service
Requested
volume 34 number 7
tel: (609)654-8111 • fax: (609)654-8448
visit us on the web: medfordumc.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Rev. Joe Monahan, Pastor
Rev. Kathleen Stolz, Associate Pastor
Bill Frame, Editor
Lisa Mountain, Editor
Our Summer Worship
Schedule
9:00 am Informal worship in
Bowker Hall
10:30 am Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
In this Issue
BBQ Thank You!...................................................................................12
Bowker Hall Access Entry Way Contractor Has Been Selected!!!!.........6
Deadline for the August issue
is July 15th
Busy Bees Fun Raiser at P.J. Whelihan’s..............................................2
Electronic Giving Authorization Form...................................................10
Electronic Giving.....................................................................................9
Good Reads...........................................................................................9
International Peace Day Celebration!.....................................................4
July, 2015 Calendar..............................................................................11
Kandidly Kathleen...................................................................................2
Ladies, We Need Your Clothes!..............................................................2
Men’s Study – Good News for the Summer!..........................................4
MUMC Says Yes!....................................................................................5
Notes from the Choir Loft.......................................................................7
Pastor’s Message...................................................................................1
21st Annual Chicken BBQ
Thank You!
Many thanks to everyone that
came out to enjoy the good food,
fellowship and entertainment at
our 21st Annual Church BBQ, and
also to the many hands behind the
scenes that worked together to
make it happen….
Save The Date!.......................................................................................5
Small Groups Coming This Fall..............................................................3
Thank You’s............................................................................................4
Tubing On The Delaware River!.............................................................4
United Methodist Women.......................................................................8
Women of Faith National Conference Comes to Philadelphia
Wells Fargo Center August 21-22, 2015................................................8
GOOD NEWS !!!
With your help, we were able to
raise over $2500.00 for the
Youth ministries of our church