Show-and-Tell
Transcription
Show-and-Tell
Show-and-Tell As the children head back to a new school year, one of the tried and true activities that will no doubt be used again is “Show-and-Tell.” Every kindergartner knows the process. You bring something to school to show your classmates and then you tell the class what it is, how it works and why it is important to you or them. It turns out to be an activity, though disguised in many forms, we will repeat for the rest of our lives. Pay close attention to the order of the activity. It is show, then tell! But there is often something inside many of us that wants to short-cut the process when it comes to “making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Churches and their members are sometimes guilty of acting as if the plan of ministry was to skip the show-them part and go directly to tell-them …what they need; how to be saved; what we need them to do, how they should act, etc. We wonder, then, why our un-churched hearers seem strangely inattentive to us and our message about their spiritual welfare. We are puzzled by their resistance to the gospel. Let me suggest this simple reasoning. We have forgotten to live out the first part of the Gospel Show-and-Tell. We are sometimes not very good at showing the community the difference Jesus makes in our own lives. It is said that the followers of Jesus are to be signs, instruments and foretastes of the kingdom of God. Notice that all three of these forms of ministry are more about showing than telling. Signs point toward things. The sign is not the thing itself but it directs you to the real thing. Our acts of peace, love, joy, forgiveness, justice and righteousness point toward a gracious God. These acts invite others to come and see what God is doing in our midst. Instruments are the tools we use to make things happen. So when we engage in acts of mercy, compassion, reconciliation, service and mission we participate in the building of the kingdom of God. We show others how God intended planet earth to operate. And, when we invite people to share with us in Christian community it should be for them, and for us, a foretaste of the consummation of heaven and earth. It is Show-and-Tell at its best when our theme song is “Come INSIDE THIS ISSUE and See” what the Lord has done. Pastors Pages 1-3 Stewardship 4 The world will be more likely to trust Jesus when the gospel of love and grace is UMM/UMW 5 reflected in the lives of Christian believers. The Apostle Paul told believers of his Evangelism 7 generation that, in Jesus, God had made them “a people of God’s own possession.” Outreach 7 Then he followed that with a word about what they were to do, “…that you may Centennial Worship 10 proclaim the excellence of Him who has called you out of darkness into His Youth 13 marvelous light.” We are to live in the likeness of Christ. That is the “Show” part. Education 14 Then, and only then are we to do what he also commanded, “Go, therefore, into all Bible Study 15 the world…teaching them all things I have commanded you.” That is the “tell” part. Weekday School 16 The showing legitimizes the telling and captures their attention so they can hear the Appreciation 17 telling. Birthdays & That’s how God did it! Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated (showed) his own Worship Helpers 18 love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” As believers, let us Calendar 19 follow that example and show them Christ, living in us! Blessings, David 1 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 From the Pastors In September we see… No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, As I have seen in one autumnal face. – John Donne John Donne was born on January 22, 1572, in London, England. He was a poet and an Anglican cleric who lived at a tumultuous time of religion and culture. His poetry was known for its ability to “startle the reader and coax new perspective through paradoxical images, subtle argument, inventive syntax, and imagery from art…” 1 Thought to be ahead of his time, he attended Oxford University at the age of 11. Donne reached beyond the status quo of the 17th century and stretched the minds of those who read his poetry and heard his sermons. It is said the he was able “to engage the attention and challenge the experience of readers who come to him afresh.”2 He was an engaging teacher and preacher. John Donne’s poetry was not valued as foundational until the 20th Century when his work was discovered, revived and found to be inspirational for those seeking freedom and honesty in their poetic and prose words. Since this revival, Donne’s poetry has served as the foundation for the poetic works of such great writers as T.S. Eliot and Wm. Butler Yeats. His poetry echoed with elements of greatness despite the inability of his contemporaries to recognize its unique importance and value. His intellect and ability to delve deep into the meaning of words left a valuable legacy only to be fully realized 400 years after he lived. The impact of our lives, the work shared, the lessons learned and the gifts we bring are unique to each of us. God has created us and fashioned us to be one-of-a-kind. Yet, we seek to be accepted, acknowledged and welcomed by others: our family, our friends, our colleagues, those we walk with in life. It is challenging to be strong within ourselves while at the same time fitting into the world around us. Jesus knew this struggle firsthand. He was dismissed by those in his hometown. He was despised by leaders of Judaism. He was feared by rulers. Yet, he knew what he had been sent to do and he persevered even to death on the cross. The impact of Jesus Christ changed the world and changes our lives today. (John 10:7-10) Autumn is a seasonal time in which we reflect and visibly appreciate among many things the change of the colors in the trees. Their nature is to be what they have been created to be and to let their leaves fall and seemingly dance confident with that annual amazing change. In time, after rest and temperature change, trees will sprout new leaves and the season of spring will bring new signs of green again and the tree’s life will continue. Uniquely made and not aware of its impact, each tree serves to contribute and participate in the whole of creation. As autumn approaches, take time to consider how valuable you are to God. Be grateful for the love and support of others but not dependent on that for realizing how significant you are to God. Wisely, use the gifts/talents that God has given you. Keep growing, learning and stretching. Whether or not you see how much your life and the gift of your life impacts creation, know that God has made you, loves you and set you amidst creation as unique and very special! With Christ’s love, Pastor Helen 1 http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/john-donne 2 www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/john-donne 2 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Love Thy Neighbor By Leo Yates, Jr. Many of us are familiar with the Scripture, or at least heard it, ‘love thy neighbor’. It was spoken by Jesus in the gospels. For example, in Mark’s Gospel it reads, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (12:31). This phrase was not likely new to those listening to Jesus; however, Jesus gave it a new spin, like a reboot, when he spoke it to those listening. In fact, the phrase, love thy neighbor, has spun out into ministry program names, in organization names, used as the name of churches, and even as a television program. Jesus was only quoting Scripture when he said it (probably referring to Leviticus 19:18). What made Jesus’s words so profound, that organizations, churches, and television shows want to borrow the phrase? Likely, because the phrase was infused with grace. The phrase is even quoted in other New Testament Scripture as well. Love thy neighbor can take shape in a number of ways. In the article, 10 Ways to Love Your Neighbor, the writer provides some great examples for how to do it. They are: 1. Invite one neighbor over for dinner each month. 2. If someone is new in town, invite them to join your plans for the weekend. 3. Organize a walking group or running club. 4. When someone tells you they have an upcoming job interview, a test, or a doctor appointment, mark it on your calendar. Follow up on the big day with a note of encouragement to let them know you are praying for them, or ask them how it went afterward. Better yet, do both! 5. If you see someone moving in, bring them dinner, cookies, or basic supplies they might need before they unpack, like paper towels, toilet paper, and hand soap. 6. Ask your neighbor to be their friend on Facebook. This is a great way to find common ground and things to talk about the next time you see them. 7. Practice random acts of kindness. Take your neighbor's trash out, or put their trash can away after pickup. Mow their lawn "just because." 8. Use your kids as an ice breaker. Invite a fellow mom and her kids over for a play date and get to know her over a tall glass of ice tea. 9. Get outside the walls of your house. You'll meet neighbors as you walk the dog, take walks, work in your yard, or hang out at your neighborhood pool. Don't just wave; be intentional about saying hello and getting to know them. 10. Organize a neighborhood get-together so that your neighbors can meet each other.* Certainly the list doesn’t stop at number 10. What would number 11 look like for you? How can you love your neighbor today? You can’t love your neighbor if your life is overscheduled. So, take time to experience grace as you love your neighbor. In fact, practice it every day. I bet you’ll be loved back. Stezer, E. (2014). 10 Ways to Love Your Neighbor. Christianity Today. Retrieved on 10, Aug, 2015 from www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/february/10-ways-to-love-your-neighbor.html. 3 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Stewardship Corner Last month The Stewardship Corner focused on John Wesley’s principle Earn All You Can. Wesley moved his reader next, to follow the principle of Save All You Can. His principle of Earn All You Can is deeply rooted in Christ’s teachings about work and producing good fruit in God’s kingdom. Saving All You Can has equally deep roots in spirituality. This discipline of saving is a discipline of living faithfully in the present and is an exercise of self-discipline and self-sacrifice that leads to a God centered life. It is a matter of delaying short term gratification for greater benefit exercised later. Today’s culture has become one in which the individual seeks gratification of want (above his need) immediately – not in the future. This reflects a well understood attitude of a generation that expects they can have everything and can have it now. This “now gratification” is self-centered. It can lead to a life ruled by wants. Instant gratification and the increased appeal of wants can rise to levels that out strip the ability to sustain them within current means. Wants become a budget buster. This looks like a life of increased debt and material idolatry (two sins wrapped with one ribbon). Matthew 6:21 is quoted often, (maybe too often), and we have a tendency to overlook its spiritual value. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where is your heart in relation to the material things of this world and the heavenly things of God’s kingdom? Saving a portion of what you earn (Wesley says “saving all you can”) leads to a greater spiritual and deeper faith life than spending can ever achieve. Spending or money cannot buy love as the song goes, especially God’s love. The accumulation of wealth, if viewed as a means to enhance a spiritual life , will lead to a life of peace, a life without strife (indebtedness) and the ability to do greater things with the wealth accumulated. Which do you believe to have a lasting effect? Proverbs 13:11 is a verse to be meditated upon: “Riches gotten quickly will dwindle, but those who acquire them gradually become wealthy.” The good wisdom of stewardship in financial matters, thinking with a far sighted view, is making wise decisions about the way we use money. Wealth accumulated will be available for future use and will have a greater impact. Biblical teaching about money was directed at the saving of your soul – its use was for the benefit of those in need. Jesus did not teach that money was to be used so that an extravagant life may be lived, neither was it to directly support the early church; it was and is for the saving of your soul – to live in a way that is righteous and Godly. Its proper use, being frugal, leads to a deeper relationship with God – to a point when you experience God in your life. The Brain Games Hosted by Pour House Trivia to Benefit Advocates for Homeless Families, Inc. Sunday, September 13, 2015 in the Great Hall at All Saints Episcopal Church. Games begin promptly at 2;00 p.m. with a required check in 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Register before September 7: only $25/team member. After September 7, including day of event (space permitting) $30/team member. Teams must have a minimum of four players and a maximum of eight players. During the games, each team will have the opportunity to purchase ONE answer in each round for $5.00! Super prizes! Free popcorn! Wine, beer and food available! Questions, contact Ken Allread at 301-662-2003 x223. Register on line at www.afhf88.org 4 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 United Methodist Men September 12 at 7:30 a.m. Come enjoy Christian fellowship with men of the church while enjoying. a great breakfast. The next six month calendar will be presented at this meeting. United Methodist Women The UMW Executive Committee met at the home of Elaine Childs on August 5, 2015 to plan for the year 20152016. Pat Stagg, Vice President and Program Chairman, gave an impressive list of programs for the year. The programs are current with what is happening today and all people are welcome to come and be informed about these issues. Other projects include: Cookies for Board of Child Care in October and April Health kits to be put together in September or October Mission Pens to be given in January Call to Prayer by Judy Johnson Winter project for VIM sometime after the first of the year. Helen Sheppard will get the information Dinner for 2nd Street and Hope in the spring Lenten Dinner Plans to clean the Parlor after the Yard Sale Two people to attend the B/W Conference in May and the Mission Meeting of the UMW's in July Alice Zalatoris, Yard Sale Chairman, gave an excellent report about the yard sale in June. She also presented a book that has the instructions about the planning and other activities of the yard sale which will be kept on file. We are happy to report we did very well. Congratulations to Alice and her committee. The UMW did a superb job in cleaning the Parlor. The rugs were sent to be cleaned and when they returned padding was put underneath to save the wear and tear on the rugs. Many thanks to the ladies who cleaned the Parlor. The executive Committee will meet on September 1st in the library. Our speaker for the September 15th meeting will be Nina Carr from Heartly House . We will meet at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor CIRCLE MEETINGS FOR SEPTEMBER: Mary-Martha Circle-Thursday, September 10th at Pat Staggs' home at 1:00 pm. Pat Staggs 301-865-4827 Wesleyan Circle------Tuesday, September 15th at Betty Brewer's 12:00 Betsy Bryant 301-662-1032/ Jean Shaff 301-663-8582 Miriam Circle ---------Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 pm Mary Crum 301-695-9109 Hannah Circle ---------Jenny Davy 301-662-7274 Prayer Shawl-----------Saturday September 5th. Ginger Ward-301-644-4282 All women of the church are welcome to join one of the circles. It is a great opportunity to participate in a wonderful study program as well and form many rewarding friendships. 5 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 UMW PROGRAM The UMW is pleased to announce that Nina Carr, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for the Heartly House of Frederick, will present a program on the services offered at Heartly House and facilitate a discussion on domestic violence issues on Tuesday, September 15th at 11 a.m. in the Parlor. A “Subway” lunch will follow the presentation. All women are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Pat Staggs 301-865-4827 or [email protected]. Health Kits The UMW join Church Women United in collecting health kits in observance of World Community Day (November 6, 2015). The kits are taken to the Brethren Center in New Windsor and from there they are distributed around the USA and abroad to those in need. Kits include: 1 toothbrush 1 washcloth 1 hand towel or larger 1 large bar of soap 1 metal nail clipper 1 large comb 6 band-aids Place these items in a Ziploc bag. There will be a collection box on the stage beginning October 1st. The recipients of these kits thank you! Questions? Contact Betsy Bryant at 301-662-1032 What Calvary Showcase Attention Calvary Ministry Chairpersons: Calvary United Methodist Church will hold a “SHOWCASE CALVARY” program on September 27, 2015 following both worship services. This is an excellent way to present your ministry to others in the congregation who might not know the purpose and scope of your work area. The face-to-face interaction gives others the opportunity to see a more detailed presentation of what your ministry team does and ask questions about the work and what their level of involvement could be – a great opportunity to spark interest and gain new team members! Contact Bob Jacobs at the Church office by phone or [email protected] to reserve your spot (half or whole table). We need your response by September 20th. Start planning now to “Show Case” your Ministry. 6 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Evangelism Committee The Evangelism Committee will be coordinating the events for Calvary’s space during Frederick’s “In the Streets” celebration on Saturday, September 12 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Calvary’s space will be in the “Kids Bloc” on North Market Street between 6th and 7th Streets. We will be spreading the Lord’s word with children’s story telling and lots of other activities. Please come join us for an hour or so and help us spread the Lord’s word about Calvary’s good work in our community. We’ll need set up help prior to 11:00 am. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Parrish Hall. Outreach Ministry VIM REPORT On Sunday morning the team assembled in the church parking at 3:30 a.m. to depart to Winthrop, Maine. For 621 miles we traveled the North-Eastern section of the United States to Camp Mechuwana. The camp is located on 230 acres of forest land, bordering Lake Annabessacook and Lower Narrows. Much like Camp Manidokan and West River, Camp Mechuwana (began in 1948) provides summer camps for both youth and adults, year round church retreats and mission opportunities for VIM teams. After our long drive, we arrived at Camp Mechuwana around 4 p.m. Some members of our team decided to drive on their own, and it wasn’t long after we arrived that everyone else arrived safely. On tap for Sunday afternoon was dinner for all campers and missions teams, orientation and planned activities at the camp. Our daily schedule started with morning devotions, then 8 a.m. breakfast, work until a 12 noon lunch break, then more work until dinner at 5:30 p.m. The theme for our daily devotions was “Naturally Serving God’s Creation” and was led by Pastor Helen. It echoed Pope Francis' wakeup call to all of us about the danger and destruction of the environment and the inner relationship between God’s creations and the responsibility of mankind. Her devotion booklet outlined biblical references to the Bible (The State of God’s Creation) and experiencing the beauty of Camp Mechuwana (The State of Maine). Devotions began with beautiful hymns led by David Smith while Eddy Wiles provided music on his keyboard. With her warm and inviting demeanor, Pastor Helen led group discussions throughout the week. Our team worked on several onsite projects and in surrounding communities. Onsite projects included construction of a lean-to building to provide shelter for camp outdoor equipment, building new picnic tables, staining clap-board for the new cabins and hand railings on several buildings. In the communities, our team 7 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 visited two nursing homes (North Country Heritage Rehabilitation & Living Center and Winthrop Manor Nursing Home), worked at clothing ministries site and built an onsite shed at Tabitha’s Closet, and painting at Calvary United Methodist Church in Lewiston. We logged in over 720 hours of service at Camp Mechuwana and in the communities. The staining team stained 24,000 feet of clap-board, plus two coats stain on the newly constructed leantwo building. The construction team built 5 picnic tables, a 20 X 14 foot lean-to building, and an 8 foot shed. The painting team helped spruce up Calvary United Methodist Church in Lewiston. Teams visited nursing homes throughout the week (played boards games with the residents) and worked at the clothing ministries. The Camp Director told us the volunteer hours that our team provided helped offset maintenance costs of the camp. By doing so, Camp Mechuwana is able to offer free camperships to those in need. Camp Mechuwana turns no one away for camperships! Throughout the week the team enjoyed each other’s company. A lot of friendly bantering took place. Humor helps us have fun and helps everyone to find commonality. In fact, on Friday Deacon Julie joined the construction team to finish the shed at Tabitha’s Closet. We were impressed by her willingness to roll-up her sleeves and jump right in cutting plywood with a circular saw. She also climbed on top of the shed to help lay down roof shingles. Throughout the day, the team learned quickly Deacon Julie could take a friendly jabs, and she could also deliver a quick and feisty response! If the next generation of Ministers is like Deacon Julie, the Methodist Church is in good hands. On several evenings, we spent time together by a camp fire. Some team members went swimming in the cool waters of the lake after dinner. We listened to loons and owls in the evening, and spent time star gazing. On our day off, the team spent the day in Boothbay enjoying its harbor and we had our communal meal. Our visit to Camp Mechuwana coincided with their annual Special Adult Needs group. Most of these adults have been visiting Camping Mechuwana for over twenty-plus years! It was a blessing to spend the afternoon meals with the special need adults, where we interacted with each other. Caring for God’s people and God’s creation is our calling. In Mathew 6:19-21, Jesus says “Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, and where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break-in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, your heart will be also”. Jesus is telling us, of God’s love and care for all creation. As care takers of God’s creation, we have the responsibility for caring for those in need and to be good stewards of the beautiful world we live in. Dave Smith summed it up, “it felt like we had a Missions trip and spiritual retreat rolled up into one trip”. On behalf of the Centennial and Calvary VIM team, thank you for your prayers and support! VIM Chair, Ray McKinnon 7/21/15 8 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 2015 Crop Walk The 2015 CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, October 18. Each year Calvary has a team of people who find sponsors and walk in this effort to raise funds to help charities to feed the hungry both locally and around the world. For more information or to sign up, please talk to Ray Frank: 301-898-9731 or visit http://hunger.cwsglobal.org/site/TR/2015CROPHungerWalks/TR-CHW2015?pg=entry&fr_id=20718 . CONVERSATION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE Friday, September 11, 2015 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 8:00 am Registration, Refreshments and Networking Trinity United Methodist Church, 703 West Patrick Street, Frederick Speakers include: Christopher B. Shank, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention Bill Gaertner, Founder and Manager, Gatekeeprs of Hagerstown, MD Joe Tarasuk, Founder, CrossRoads Freedom Center, Ijamsville, MD RSVP 301-662-2895 or [email protected] by September 4 Calvary Raises the Steaks, Again! To benefit The United Methodist Men’s Scholarship Fund Heifer International and An Ark for Today’s World Saturday, September 19th from 4-7 p.m. Parish Hall Tickets are limited! Buy in advance Steak dinner $23 ($25 at the door) Chicken $13 ($15 at the door) Children’s plate $8 Shrimp skewers $6 On the Menu 16 oz, USDA Choice Ribeye Steak Italian marinated, grilled chicken breast Butter and garlic marinated shrimp skewers Special Kids Menu Hamburgers/Hotdogs French Fries $8 Included in your meal: Fresh, steaming hot baked potato with all the fixings Mixed greens garden salad Also included: Our gourmet vegetable selections: Bacon wrapped roasted asparagus Honey jalapeno glazed Brussel sprouts Spiced honey kissed glazed carrots Dessert Homemade strawberry shortcake Homemade pineapple upside down cake 9 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Centennial Memorial United Methodist Church WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN SEPTEMBER 2015 Contemporary Worship Traditional Worship Saturdays 5:15 p.m. Sundays 10:30 a.m. Our September Preaching Series - As Autumn Leaves Dance, Exercise Your Faith - will offer lessons from the Gospel of Mark and the letter of James. From Mark we will see Jesus as healer, challenger, humble servant and clarifier. We will have our faith stretched and confronted by Christ’s call to be his disciples. From the letter of James, we will examine our call to be respectful of others, mindful of the power of graphic speech, encouraged to use good wisdom and valuing prayer. Come and worship with us, open your Bibles and exercise your faith as you walk in autumn’s dancing leaves. Saturday, September 5 Sunday, September 6 Fifteenth Weekend after Pentecost Sacrament of Holy Communion Scripture Lessons – Mark 7:24-37 and James 2:1-17 Communion Meditation – “As Autumn Leaves Dance: Faithful Action” Saturday, September 12 Sunday, September 13 Sixteenth Weekend after Pentecost Scripture Lessons – Mark 8:27-38 and James 3:1-12 Morning Message - “As Autumn Leaves Dance: Faithful Speech” Saturday, September 19 Sunday, September 20 Seventeenth Weekend after Pentecost Scripture Lesson – Mk. 9:30-37 and James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Morning Message - “As Autumn Leaves Dance: Humble Spirit” Saturday, September 26 Sunday, September 27 Eighteenth Weekend after Pentecost Scripture Lesson – Mark 9:38-50 and James 5:13-20 Morning Message – “As Autumn Leaves Dance: Powerful Acts and Prayer” Learning God’s Word/Making New Friends It would bring us great joy to fill all our Bible and small group studies that are planned for the fall. We are thankful to be able to offer a great variety of opportunities to learn more about the Bible and enjoy the fellowship of others learning with us. Calvary UMC will offer classes for Disciple 1 and Disciple 4 on Wednesday evenings @ 7 p.m.. These are 34 week in depth studies introducing the Old and New Testaments (Disciple 1) and the study of John and Revelation (Disciple 4). There are two Tuesday morning Bible studies. One study meets with Joyce Dixon in the Friendly Circle Classroom on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m.. The other Tuesday Morning Bible Study is led by Pastor David and meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Calvary UMC. Centennial Memorial will host Fan the Flame, a weekly discussion and study group meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., continue with Pastor Helen leading the Ray Vanderlaan series Israel’s Mission Becoming a Kingdom of Priests in a Prodigal World on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and offer Pastor Leo’s Bible Study on Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m.. Come and journey with these groups and learn more about God’s Word. 10 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Stuff the Bus a Success! Thank you to everyone who contributed to our "Stuff the BUS" for both Parkway and Lincoln ES's. We collected so much and the schools were so pleased, thankful and very gracious for our donation. Thanks for your generosity and kindness to help those students that are not fortune to buy their school supplies. God bless each of you! Happy 99th Birthday, Mary “Sweets” Summers! On Monday, September 21, Mary Summers will celebrate her 99th Birthday and we invite you to send cards and well wishes to her in the days leading up to that wonderful day! Mary’s address is PO Box 44, Frederick, Maryland 21705. Mary acquired her nickname “Sweets” from her husband Maynard who believed she was always the sweetest person he had ever known. She has loved being with people, going out to enjoy a meal with family and friends and making joy and laughter a mainstay in her daily life. We love you, Mary and send our prayers of love to you at this special time! Centennial Memorial UMC and Second Street and Hope Challenge You Our Centennial Memorial UM Church family and Second Street and Hope combine the energy of many faithful servants to serve our weekly Community Meals and give food, coats, blankets and other necessary items to those who find themselves in need. You can share in this ministry by your gifts of time, talent and resources. If you are interested in serving food, working in our clothing/coat closet, helping with our food pantry, or other aspects of this mission, please contact Frank Clements (301-639-5962) or Pastor Helen (301-432-5644) for more information. To schedule a time to bring meals and serve, contact Doris Branch [email protected]. Call for Servants to Help with the Family Shelter As we and other congregations continue serving as host churches for the Family Shelter, we ask for you to consider finding ways to help with this effort. We will need volunteers to greet persons who will stay with us, to spend the night at the church with staff and our guests, to arrange rooms and furniture to see that our guests will feel welcome. We will be welcoming and hosting our guests from Saturday, October 17-Friday, October 30. Those serving must have training which can be offered when requested. We will need folks to welcome and visit with families from (6-8 pm) and (8-10 p.m.). Please plan to help us with this important community project. There is a sign-up genius to schedule times for service or you may contact Julie Wilson who will assist you with this process. Centennial United Methodist Women UMW is to hold their regular meeting on September 13, 2015 at 12:00 p.m., following the morning worship service. A light luncheon will be served to all women who attend. Nellie Graham, president, will conduct a short business meeting. The topic of our study will be “Disability in the Church” and report on the Mission U. Conference presented by Chris Clark. All women of Centennial are welcome. 11 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Run or Walk for Shelter – Saturday, September 26 The 7th Annual 5K Run or 2 mile Walk for Shelter is being sponsored by the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs on Saturday, September 26th at 9 a.m. at the Baker Park Band Shell in Frederick. All proceeds from this event benefit year-round emergency shelter and homeless prevention programs for individuals and families with children in Frederick County. Registration is $25. Per person (until 8/27) and $30 afterward. Register online at www.active.com or call Sara Ryan at the Religious Coalition using 301-631-2670 ext. 117. Pastor Helen and David will be walking so why not register and walk along with them! CELEBRATE RECOVERY COME AND JOIN US, WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU Where: Centennial Memorial UMC 8 West Second Street Frederick, MD 21701 When: Weekly on Wednesday from 7-9pm If you or someone you know is struggling with a hurt, a hang-up or a habit, we at Celebrate Recovery would like for you to join us on Wednesday’s at 7 pm. Each week we start off with a little bit of praise and worship from our praise team, followed by a lesson or a testimony from someone who is in recovery from their hurt, habit, or hang-up. After the lesson or testimony we split into small groups. Men with the men and women with the women. Below are just a few examples of what some of your hurts, habits, and hang-ups can look like. Please join us. For more information please feel free to contact Pastor Leo Yates, Jr. [email protected] or 443-535-5380. Hurts: emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, betrayal, disappointments, depression. Hang-Ups: Anger and resentment; controlling and judging others; fear and anxiety; guilt, shame and remorse, obsessions, suicidal thoughts, jealousy. Habits: Addictions, codependency, compulsive behaviors (eating, sex, porn, gambling, hoarding, shopping, exercise), and impulsive behaviors (rage, abusing others, promiscuity, spending). And more... Anything that gets in the way of us being all that God has called us to be. Confidentiality and Anonymity are highly regarded! Community Resource Network Beginning Saturday, September 12 and continuing every second and fourth Saturday afternoons at 3:45 p.m. Centennial Memorial UMC will welcome friends from the community to tell about and give information about the resources, programs, benefits, and other valuable information that is available to Frederick area residents and friends. On our first Community Resource Network Saturday, September 12, we will welcome a friend from ON YOUR OWN (located at 331 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, Md.) which is an organization open daily to those who are seeking to change attitudes, promote recovery and achieve wellness. Come check out how ON YOUR OWN wants to help our Frederick citizens! On Saturday, September 26 we will welcome Rev. Christ Jackson, the employment coordinator for Goodwill Industries in Frederick, to share with us the services that they offer for persons in Frederick. Please plan to come at 3:45 p.m. to spend time with Chris and ask questions as needed. 12 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Fall is soon to be here! Some folks may love spring, some winter, some summer, but fall is my favorite. Not just because school starts (contrary to what my children would tell you), but also because there is a crispness in the air, the promise of holidays to come, and autumnal beauty all around us. While the starting of a new school year isn’t the most favored of subjects with some students, it is a time to focus on learning new things. Of course, one doesn’t have to wait until autumn for that! Learning doesn’t always have to be about school lessons. How about learning life lessons in general? “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” – C.S. Lewis Experience comes with age. As we age, we learn. Every situation is different, of course, but the age-old problem remains: parents try to tell their kids “they know” what they’re talking about, and try to help their kids avoid mistakes, but kids don’t think the adults understand at all. Kids have to learn with experience, and only until they are adults and have kids of their own, does it “click”. Ah, well. From “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul”, there are a few things one can think about, whether you be youth or adult: I Try to Remember 1. Everybody Doesn’t Have to Love Me 2. It is Okay to Make Mistakes 3. Other People Are Okay and I am Okay 4. I Don’t Have to Control Things 5. I Am Responsible for My Day 6. I Can Handle it When Things Go Wrong 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. It is Important to Try I Am Capable I Can Change Other People Are Capable I Can be Flexible I encourage you to read the articles on each point, if you can (pages 168-169). So, good luck to all students, teachers, parents, and guardians this school year! Go a little easier on each other, and do all things in love and respect. There will be problems, but don’t give up!! Even Albert Einstein said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” And if that doesn’t inspire you, Pablo Picasso said, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” In peace and loveAngela Mayer "The Mission Trip was so much fun, (even though the shower situation was a little "rough"). I really enjoyed the evening programs and becoming closer with my Youth group!" YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS The regular Youth Group schedule will resume on Sunday evening, August 30th at 5:45 p.m. with a parent meeting. Please be sure you can attend! 13 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Education Corner Fall Course Offerings on the Calvary Campus Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Library Beginning September 9th Join Pastor David for Disciple I and learn about God’s message of love for you, from Genesis through Revelation. This life-changing 34 week class will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for 2.5 hours beginning September 9th. Plan on a daily study commitment of 6 days per week. Questions? Contact the church office at 301-662-1646. Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Room Beginning September 9th A new Disciple IV study will be starting Wednesday, September 9th. Classes will be from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This is a 32 week class. DISCIPLE: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE, the final study in the four-phase DISCIPLE program and is prepared for those who have completed BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. The study concentrates on the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation. Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book leads natural to an emphasis on worship in the study. Present through the entire study is the sense of living toward completion – toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in the Revelation. The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the prod and promise in the Scriptures for DISCIPLE: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE. The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest – home at last. The manuals can be purchased for $32 through the church office. for. Please RSVP to the church office at [email protected] if you would like to take the class. Companions in Christ Sunday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor Beginning September 13th Join us as we explore the depths of scripture, experience new dimensions of prayer, and reflect on Christ’s call for our lives. Through daily readings, reflection, and weekly meetings, you will be guided in exploring prayer, scripture, vocation and spiritual friendship as avenues to deepen your faith. Classes will be from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Space is limited. To register, contact the Church office. For more information, contact Christy Mossburg or Patricia Sterling. Required materials: Course handbook ($14, available in the church office) Journal, and a willing and open heart. 14 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Men’s Bible Study Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 p.m.in the John Wesley Room We are currently studying Experiencing God by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. Experiencing God is based on seven Scriptural realities that teach us how to develop a true relationship with the Creator. Tuesday Morning Bible Study with Joyce Dixon Beginning Tuesday, September 22 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of the month 9:30 – 11 a.m. in the Friendly Circle Classroom 1st and 2nd Corinthians has been chosen for our study for 2015 -2016. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “: I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” ( I Cor. 1:10) Divisiveness denies the truth that Christ’s church is one. Paul expressed thanks for this Corinthian brethren (1:19), but warned against divisions within the church (vv.10-17), which reflect human foolishness rather than the wisdom of the cross (vv.18-31). The Corinthian church had problems; but it had matchless resources too. Paul reminds us of these many resources – We have God’s grace to enrich us. We have spiritual gifts to enable us to grown and serve (v.7). We have Christ’s commitment to encourage us, for we know that He will keep us strong and safe until He returns (v.8). We have God’s faithfulness to ensure that none of these resources will be taken from us (v. 9). What God wants us to do is focus on His resources, and overcome! Twenty one sessions are planned beginning Tuesday, September 15 and continuing on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of each month, ending on June 7th. We meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Friendly Circle Classroom, sharing concerns and joys before each study. A study guide is provided for each session. We invite all to join us! Bring your bible and join the discussion! Questions? Contact Joyce Dixon at 301-6634809 Pastor’s Tuesday Bible Study Pastor’s Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, September 8th. Children’s Movie Night Children’s Ministries hosts a movie night the second Friday of every month. Please join us in the Education Building from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Activities Room. September 11th we will be showing “Lyle the Kindly Viking”, a lesson in sharing. Bring your friends for this wonderful ministry. 15 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 CALVARY WEEKDAY SCHOOL Greetings from Calvary Weekday School. After a very successful and wonderful school year, we are ready to be back. Our teachers have been working together over the summer on all curriculum areas, and we are especially excited to be implementing a new, very hands-on science program throughout the school. In addition our Kindergartners will be wellprepared in the technology field with the purchase of a Smart Board, enhancing our program in many ways. As a MSDE accredited school, we continue to offer differentiating instruction, planning large and small group learning experiences, observing and assessing to provide for social, emotional, academic, and physical growth throughout the year. It is an exciting place to be where each child is nurtured and encouraged by a dedicated staff and supportive families. We are happy to have six students joining us on full scholarship. This opportunity to help six children achieve school readiness was made possible through the Community Foundation and the Charles V and Louise Main Endowment Fund. The scholarships will cover all tuition, supplies, activity fee, photo packages, snacks and any other costs that come up during the year. We will also be providing transportation for these students. The church van will be used on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays to transport these students to and from school. We are still looking for drivers to volunteer on a part-time basis. Please talk to Bob Jacobs or me if you are interested. We will continue to raise money for the Earl Beck Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was created to help families who face financial hardship during the school year that might force them to withdraw their child from school or to choose not to enroll the following year. We also support Blessing in a Backpack, collecting food/ school supplies for needy students. An additional goal this year is be able to offer Parent Education workshops in the fall and spring. We will be surveying our parents for ideas and suggestions, and will open these up to the community. We are also working on offering a story time for children under the age of three, inviting families to see Calvary from the inside. Stay tuned next month for more information on these. We are so grateful for the support we receive from the staff and congregation of Calvary UMC. We could not have achieved the things listed above without your support. We look forward to another school year and continuing to offer an outstanding preschool program to the families of our community. Warm regards, Louise Walmsley, Director 16 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 In Memory of 8/12/2015 8/13/2015 8/17/2015 8/18/2015 Virginia Isaacs Laura Delphey Bruce Crum, Sr. Bob Fawley Religious Coalition: Thank you for your gift to the Religious Coalition in the amount of $1,200. Because of your support, we are able to provide year round emergency shelter to homeless individuals at the Alan P. Linton Jr., Emergency Shelter and to homeless families with children at our new Emergency Family Shelter. Because of you, we are able to prevent families from becoming homeless through our homeless prevention programs. Because of you, we are able to offer healthcare to the uninsured in need of life-saving medication. Imagine No Malaria Thank you for your gift received on 7/21/15 of $651.37 to the Imagine No Malaria Campaign through The Advance, the designated mission giving channel of The United Methodist Church. We are pleased to share that 100% of your contribution will go towards eliminating one of the world’s most deadly diseases. Giving through The Advance enables United Methodists to support one another in mission and ministry around the world. Thank you for partnering with us in God’s mission. SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE A SUCCESS! Thank you for your generous contributions to the 2015 Religious Coalition’s School Supply Drive. Together, we provided: 16 backpacks, 7 computer flash drives, 21 pencil boxes/pouches, 14 packs of markers, 10 pairs of scissors, 22 boxes of crayons, 27 packs of colored pencils, 50 highlighters, 64 glue sticks, 78 spiral notebooks, 23 composition books, 19 packs of loose leaf paper, 20 3-ring binders, hundreds of pens and pencils, and many more supplies and cash donations to purchase additional supplies. These donations from Calvary UMC combined with the donations of other communities of faith will enable scores of children in Frederick to start the school year prepared. Dear Volunteers: Thank you for providing the luncheon following Luella’s memorial service. The food was plentiful and tasty and those cookies went extremely fast. It was so kind of you to offer to do the luncheon for us and I understand you often provide a luncheon following memorial services at Calvary. After the luncheon, I took Luella’s family to her house so they could gather some pictures to take with them. Since her family wasn’t involved in the planning of the service, they didn’t know what to expect. I can tell you they were impressed by the memorial service, by the luncheon and they especially felt the love of Luella’s church family. Thanks again, Marty 17 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 September Birthdays 1 Katie Dragan, Andrew Radcliffe, Bret Slovikosky 3 Emily Yeager 4 Scott Blaney, Harry Hodgdon, Bill Waskey 5 Robert Baltzell, Grace Dobson, Susan Hazlett, Andrew Howard,Stephen Miller, Bill Pasquerette 6 Korey Gannon, Kelly Gardiner, Erin George, Terri Schmidt,Tyler Schroyer,Kathryn Schumacher, Kelly Stull, Janet Wiles 7 Tammi Barber, Natalie Gipson, Nathan Routzahn, Kathy Shiflett 8 Isabella Anderson, Madeline Harman, Fannie Johnson, Michelle Joy,John Schueler, John Shade 9 Abigail McConnell, Collin Mood Douglas Selby 10 Anna Lee Brown, Lorraine Scheib 12 Paula Gregg , Bobbie Jarvis, Paul Metcalf 13 R.Lynn Clevenger, Carole Law , Jessica Selby 14 Joyce Dixon, Anna Mills 15 Jennifer Cline, Luke Vega 16 Paula Biser, Alison Fox, Eleanor Pickard, Melissa J. Shipley , Joe Staggs 17 Kevin Simpson, 18 Laurelle Maubert 19 Julie Biglari, Ryan Fox, Rory Wilson 20 Rachel Cline, Basil Eavey, Steve LeRoux 21 Karen Dobbs, Paul Green, Rubie Meyers, Cheryl Radcliffe, Matthew Staley 22 Kimberly Nusbaum, Miranda Tunder 23 Autumn Bordner ,Lindsey Howard, Michael Kelly ,Jeannette Marshall, Tara Perry, Helen Sheppard, Cleon Stull 24 Graham Baker, Mary Ruth Elseroad, Amy Farner, Richard Phillips 25 Colin Lyon, Anne Rollins, Renee Vega 26 Jeannie Baumgartner, Ryan Giller, Anna Snyder, Billie Stokes 27 David Eigenbrode, Edith Eversz ,Tamara Shoemaker, Beth Strakonsky, Gina Weedon, Dylan Winebrenner 28 C. Raymond Crum, Scott English, John Patterson 29 Brad Davy, Thomas Dixon, Bertram Edmonston, Natalie Jenkins, Mitch Reading, Jane Tritt 30 Gregory Selby SEPTEMBER Anniversaries Robert & Ginny Prunty Roy & Julie Schwarzenberg Bill & Charlotte Pasquerette John & Ann Harper 9/2 9/4 9/7 9/11 43 years 22 years 52 years 22 years Dave & Gail Colby Robert & Doris Keeney William & Mari Beth Schmersahl 9/16 9/16 9/24 27 years 48 years 27 years Calvary Worship Helpers SEPTEMBER 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Marilyn Moyers Nancy Huffman & Elinor Eiker Beth & Frank Strakonsky Kathy Karl Todd and Shauna Main Ramona Yanike Paulette & David Petrucci Betty Brewer Owen Duthoy Molly Anderson Will Quigley Kayleigh Adam Karla Hembree Laura Cosby Laura Dean Molly Rhoades Beth Strakonsky Paulette Shockey-Petrucci NEEDED NEEDED Zan Fleming Grace Heller Dean Calcagni NEEDED Greeters September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 Acolytes September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 Lay Readers September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 Coffee Hosts September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 Sally and Cliff Meyers Amy and Dave Carter Angela and Mark Mayer Jennifer and Dan Long 18 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 19 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish 131 W. Second Street Frederick, MD 21701 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID FREDERICK, MD 21701 PERMIT NO. 52 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Calvary United Methodist Church seeks and invites all to become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and our world. Eric Himy, pianist Sunday, September 20, 2015 3 p.m. A Julliard graduate, Mr. Himy debuted with the Baltimore Symphony at age 15, and has performed all over the world, including the St. Petersburg Symphony in Russia. Described as “alive with viseral energy and passion,” Mr. Himy will perform works by Rachmaninov, Chopin, Scriabin, and Albeniz. Calvary Raises the Steaks To benefit Heifer International Scholarship Fund An Ark for Today’s World Saturday, September 19 4-7 p.m. See page 9 for details! Tickets are limited Purchase your tickets at the information center or see Chuck Kinsley 20 Calvary-Centennial Cooperative Parish September 2014