Nov.Dec. 2014 - Faith United Methodist Church

The Faithful Leader
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
One of my favorite religious writers, Kathleen Norris wrote:
Nov. / Dec.
2014
Sunday Schedule:
Bible Study
9:00 a.m.
Worship
10:00 a.m.
Child care available
OPEN MINDS,
OPEN
HEARTS,
OPEN DOORS.
Inside this Issue
Christian Ed...........2
Finance Notes…….3
Prayer…………..4-5
Around Faith…..6-7
Living Well…….8-9
Community……..10
Coming Soon……11
Evangelism is a scary word even to many Christians. I have often
heard people who are dedicated members of a church say, ‘I hate
evangelism’ or ‘I don’t believe in it,’ or usually from the shy, more
introverted members of a congregation, ‘I’ll do anything else for the church,
but don’t ask me to serve on the evangelism committee.’
Can you relate? Here’s a news flash folks! I’m one of those shy people who don’t want to
serve on an evangelism committee! Like Ms. Norris wrote in her chapter on this subject in
Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, I too, have had the experience of encountering the
“stereotypical glad-handing Christian proselytizer who, if we take what he says to heart,
will soon have us spouting a strange new tongue…preaching on street corners…” My
reaction is, “Yuck! If that is evangelism, count me out!”
Nevertheless, our 2012 United Methodist Book of Discipline says (in paragraph #1111 to
be exact), “Evangelism is central to the mission of the church.” As an ordained United
Methodist minister, I can’t argue with that. Jesus did say, “Therefore, go, make disciples
of all nations…” (Matt. 28:19). How can we “evangelize” others in a way that doesn’t turn
others or ourselves off? How can we attract others to throw in their lot with us?
Ms. Norris described how folks in her congregation “evangelized” her without even
thinking it was “evangelizing.” She wrote,
The name of Jesus, for example, may not have come up—but they did it with little
things they said or did that revealed their faith in healthy and appealing ways.
Something about the way they lived their faith—or even failed to live it, failings I
could recognize in myself—convinced me to throw in my lot with them and join the
church.
I take this to mean simply building relationships with others and letting God do the
Christian talking. Actions speak louder than words. We are good “evangelos” by living
our faith. This gives me hope and direction as we think about the challenge before us to
grow this church. I know you are loving and kind--because you know God loves you! So,
we’ll find ways to invite others to come among us by little things we say or do that reveal
our faith in healthy and appealing ways—and even our failures to do so can be used by
God! St. Francis of Assisi was right! He said, “Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary,
use words.”
~ Pastor Tom
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
ADULT BIBLE CLASS
By: Dick Davidson
Lectionary
Readings for
November & December
November
The adult Bible Class continues to meet on Sunday
at 9 AM with the same content repeated on Wednesday at
10AM. In this present series, the lessons are not "tied
together", so new attendees are welcome at any time.
The schedule for content for the next few months is as
follows:
Nov. 2 & 5
"For Such a Time as This"
Esther 4
"The Lord is My Shepherd" Psalm 23
Nov. 16 & 19
"The Suffering Servant"
Isaiah 52: 13 - 53: 12
Nov. 23 & 26
"A New Covenant"
Jeremiah 31: 31 - 34
Nov. 30 & Dec. 3 "Let Justice Roll"
Amos 5: 21 - 24
Dec. 7 & 10
"The Beatitudes"
Matthew 5: 1 - 12
Dec. 14 & 17
"I Will Give You Rest"
Matthew 11: 28 - 30
Dec. 21 & 24
"The Birth of Jesus" Luke 1: 26 - 56: and 2: 1 - 40
Dec. 28 & 31
CHRISTMAS VACATION!
Nov. 1: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22[UM769];
Nov. 9 & 12
1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12.
Nov. 2: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37[UM830];
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12.
Nov. 9: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7[UM799];
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13.
Nov. 16: Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1
-11; Matthew 25:14-30.
Classes will continue in January and February with more
Nov. 23: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100[UM821]; familiar Bible stories from the New Testament. All are
Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46.
welcome to attend, no experience necessary!
Nov. 27: Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Psalm 65[UM789];
2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 17:11-19.
Bibles, coffee, and cookies provided!
Nov. 30: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19[UM801];
1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37.
December:
Dec. 7: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 [UM806];
2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8.
Dec. 14: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126 [UM847];
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28.
Dec. 21: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans
16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38.
Dec. 24: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96 [UM 815]; Titus 2:1114; Luke 2:1-20.
Dec. 28: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148 [UM861];
Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40.
Dec. 31: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8 [UM743];
Revelation 21:1-6a; Matthew 25:31-46.
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
LIFE AROUND FAITH
OK CLUB
NOTES FROM FINANCE
By: Marilyn English, Treasurer
Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 20th will be at the at
Denny’s on Genesee St. at 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast on Thursday, Dec. 18th will be at the at
the Cracker Barrel on Transit Rd. at 9:00 a.m.
By receipt of this newsletter, all should have received
a packet of information from the Finance Committee.
This packet contained a letter, hard copies of the recent
congregational presentation, the proposed 2015 budget
and your pledge card. If you have not received it,
please notify the office, 683-5293 and one will be
promptly sent to you.
Please sign up on the Pillar of Faith with the number
attending and an X if you do not plan to come. This
helps us give the restaurant an approximate number of
people to expect.
All are welcome!
The Finance and SPPRC Committees have been working diligently to bring the congregation up to speed on
the financial health of the Church. Hopefully, with a
couple of extra fundraisers and some additional funds
from a few of our members, we will meet our obligation to pay 50% of our 2014 Shared Ministries. The
committee has decided to dedicate the Thanksgiving
and Christmas Special offerings to Shared Ministries.
How about some fun times?
Shirley Davidson and Marilyn English are coordinating a
Church Family Christmas Party (otherwise known as a
‘pot luck’). We have invited
Santa and some elves for
December 7, 2014.
We expect to continue with this work until we find a
way to meet 100% of the shared ministries assessment,
it may take a couple of years, but with improved
We will follow up with: a “Soup-er Bowl Party” programs and membership the church will be
successful with this goal. We shall persevere.
on January 25, 2015.
The congregation of FUMC is a very generous church
supporting our local needs. We want to compliment
those that have already stepped up with donations and
offers to work on some new and improved programs to
offer. For example, a youth program which will be
started for teenagers, our new confirmation class, and
an added BBQ fundraiser.
Then, get ready for an Easter Parade on March 22, 2015.
Stay tuned for more information in the Church Bulletin,
Faith Flash emails and in the next newsletter.
TRUSTEES NEWS
Your Trustees report the following summer projects
have been completed:
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Sealing and striping of the church parking lot
Brick repair and pointing of the church front steps
Parsonage deck, cleaned and sealed
Parsonage wooden patio, removed and discarded
Beautification to church grounds and flower beds
Reconfiguration of sanctuary Choir area
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
A Prayer for Unity
A Definition of Prayer
shared by: Beverly Davies
At the beginning of our church year, somehow it
seems very fitting to pray for unity in the following
months. An inspiration for all: Unity every day of
the week, in every endeavor of Faith UMC covered
with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as
you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and
mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
Although we are one family of God, we come from
many different family trees and diverse backgrounds
which have contributed to our personal uniqueness.
In this epistle, Paul instructs us to work together in
spirit as we praise, worship and glorify God.
Father, thank you for giving us the endurance and
encouragement we need to love one another as
brothers and sisters in the truest sense. Knit our
hearts together in the bonds of your Son, Jesus. Give
us one mind to know him, one heart to love him, and
one Spirit to praise him forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers taken from: 101 Most Powerful Prayers in the Bible by Claire Cloninger
Prayer for Strength and Comfort
By: Beverly Davies
Prayer is communication with God; our spirit talking
to and /or listening to His Spirit.
Prayer can be: personal or public
Structured (written) or spontaneous
Historical or prophetic
Prayer is:
Being Still - “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Rest - in Him and find spiritual peace through His word,
His grace and in life.
Learning to wait for God to direct you through
situations in life, to renew you totally in body, mind,
emotions and spirit and to provide creative solutions
to life.
Prayer is using the Lord’s Prayer as a model:
 Worship, adoration and praise
 Acknowledging God’s kingdom is at hand
 Provision for daily basic needs
 Confession and forgiveness for others
 Prayer for safety and from temptation
In the Book of Acts there were:
 Established places for prayer
 Prayers for leaders
 Prayers in homes, while walking, or used in many
times and places
 Times of fasting and prayer
 Prayer before worship, preaching, healing and
against evil forces.
My Lord, if I may be walking
through fields that are rough
with grief and care,
may I have the courage to continue
on to smooth pastures,
where I may walk with comfort and peace.
May I not let the weariness and sorrow
that may come to my heart today
dwarf my hope and enjoyment
of the future.
Amen.
Source:www.proverbsinside.com
BeingChristian (Facebook)
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
Altar Flowers
NOVEMBER: Altar Flowers are given:
PRAYER DAY at FAITH
By: Beverly Davies
This is an invitation to an afternoon and evening of
personal prayer and Thanksgiving! Here is the Who,
What, When, Where and Why:
Who - All who have a connection to or membership at
Faith UMC;
What - An afternoon and evening of prayer and
meditation;
Nov. 2: in loving memory of Carl Krieger by his wife,
Evon. Flowers under the cross—in loving
memory of Margaret Fairhead, by her daughter
Elaine Bialecki and family.
Nov. 9: in loving memory of parents by
Marilyn & Paul English
Nov. 16: in honor of National Adoption Month by
Linda & Dick Johnson.
Nov. 23: in memory of loved ones by Norma St. Clair.
Nov. 30: open
When - Date & Time: Wed., Nov. 19, 2014 from
3:00PM to 9:00PM;
DECEMBER: Altar Flowers are given:
Where - Faith UMC Upper Room (which is the name
Dec. 7: in memory of loved ones by Mollie Bleistein.
of our Prayer Room in the balcony), or in the Adult SS,
Dec. 14: in remembrance of family and friends during the
on the first floor; or in the sanctuary.
Advent Season by Beverly Davies.
Why - for personal meditation, Thanksgiving to our
Lord for blessings of the year, and to pray for guidance Dec. 21: in loving memory of Henry & Margaret
and direction in 2015.
Fairhead by their daughter, Elaine Bialecki &
their grandchildren.
In addition to your personal prayer concerns we ask that
you also reflect on our Nov./Dec. Prayer Concerns Dec. 28: in honor of Judy Gruber by her mother,
Peace and Harmony while giving, sharing and building
Norma St. Clair.
at Faith.
Deep Peace
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining starts to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
Altar flowers remain at a donation of $15.00.
Please remember to call the church office to make any
changes to your sentiments for the Sunday bulletin or to
sign up for a Sunday marked as “open.” We are grateful to
Elaine Bialecki for her faithful provision of the weekly
altar flowers.
(Celtic Blessing)
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
The Christian Year and
United Methodist Altars
UMW NEWS
By: Kim Weingartner
“The Calendar of the Christian year printed below was
adopted by the United Methodist General Conference
in 1992 and is found on pg. 224 in the United Methodist Book of Worship. It is based on the oldest Christian
traditions and is essentially the calendar that is used by
the vast majority of Christians around the world.”
The United Methodist Women will meet on Nov. 18th at
10:00 a.m. for our regular meeting. The program will be
given by a speaker from Seneca St. UMC about their
Conference Project: “Girls on the Run and Teen
Program.” Please bring a sandwich and stay for lunch.
Mollie Bleistein and Shirley Zurbrick will be hostesses.
(taken from United Methodist Altars by Hoyt L. Hickman copyright 1996 pg 66)
Below is a summary of the Calendar basic colors for
paraments (frontals & altar):
Please remember your ‘Thank Banks’ for the November
meeting!
White (and also gold) are joyous and festive colors,
used during the Christmas and Easter Seasons and on
high days during the Seasons after Epiphany and
Pentecost. (Example: the Sunday celebrating the
Transfiguration of the Lord during the season after
Epiphany)
There will be a change in the December meeting. It will
be more convenient to tour Beechwood in the spring with
better weather and less going on at Beechwood. We will
meet on Tuesday, Dec. 16th at 7:00 p.m., sing some carols
and learn about Beechwood’s background. We can bring
in cookies and pack them for our Shut-ins. Hostesses
will be Marilyn English and Hosia Sharp.
Purple is the color both of penitence and royalty, used
during Advent and Lent.
Red is the color of fire, symbolizing the Holy Spirit
and is used on the Day of Pentecost and at other times
when the work of the Holy Spirit is being emphasized.
Green is the color of growth and is used in the Seasons
after Epiphany and after Pentecost except when special
days call for white or red.
“The paraments should reflect the day or
season of the Christian year and should
be white only if that is what the day or
season calls for. There has been much
confusion over this question because
many persons have confused the paraments with the white [communion] linens”
(taken from United Methodist Altars by Hoyt L. Hickman
copyright 1996 pg 78)
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
MISSION TRIP
CHOIR NEWS
Please keep Dick Davidson in your thoughts and
prayers as he takes part in a mission trip to Dominican
Republic (Jarabacoa) Oct. 25th through Nov. 8th.
Under the supervision of House Upon The Rock
Ministries, Dick joins a team from South Carolina. It
is expected that they will build two small homes
during the two week stay. House upon the Rock
Ministries operates a health clinic, the building program and a student sponsorship program in this central
mountain town in Dominican Republic.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Faith Church has lost the following dear members
during the past few months. We are thankful for their
dedication and contributions to the life of our church
where each one had been an active member. We keep
their memory in our hearts and send our love and
prayers to their families.
Carol Lewis
May 31, 2014
Walter Pascucci
June 2, 2014
Donald Johns
August 10, 2014
Dottie Koch
August 30, 2014
Millard (Stoney) Stonebraker
Sept. 8, 2014
The Faith Choir has a new look, appearing for the
September 7th morning worship service in maroon
robes with white stoles. Choir Director, Dick
Johnson, expressed appreciation to Nancy Karr for
her generous gift in memory of her parents Betty and
Frank Karr.
The Karrs came to the Lancaster area from Pittsburg,
PA in 1951 for Frank’s employment with Westinghouse. The family became active members of the
Depew Methodist Church, taking part in all of the
activities the church afforded. When the Depew and
Lancaster Churches merged to become Faith United
Methodist Church, the Karrs continued their active
participation. Betty, Frank and Nancy all sang in the
choir as they had at the Depew Church.
Frank was transferred to Austin, TX in 1979 where he
and Betty lived until their passing. Through the years,
trips to visit Lancaster always included worship at
Faith Church. Nancy says they loved their church and
their church family.
We are indeed fortunate that Nancy always considered
Lancaster to be her home and returned here from
Texas upon her retirement. She has become a most
welcome member assuming many responsibilities.
We thank Nancy for her memorial gift and her
commitment to God and His church.
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
Article contributed by:
Kim Weingartner, Lay Leader
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LIFE AROUND FAITH
COMMUNITY
GATEWAY CHRISTMAS
ANGEL TREE
UNYAC Special Session Report
By: Nancy F. Karr
Our Annual Christmas Angel Tree will
be appearing in the atrium the second
week of November adorned with the
names of 30 Gateway Angels.
On October 18, 2014, Reverend Thomas LeBeau and
Lay Member to Annual Conference Nancy Karr
travelled to the OnCenter in Syracuse to attend a
special session of the Upper New York Annual
Conference called by Bishop Mark J. Webb. The
purpose of the session was to discuss and vote on a
recommendation from the Conference Board of
Trustees to purchase property located at 7841 Henry
Clay Blvd. in Liverpool as a new Conference Center.
This year, we will have two categories of angels ~
20 little angels and 10 teen-angels. As a guideline,
please note that gifts should range from $25—$50 for
each angel. Teens often enjoy receiving gift cards to
do their own shopping, so they may be the perfect
angel for anyone who may not be able to get out to
the stores to shop.
The session opened with worship and a meditation
offered by our District Superintendent Rev. Wayne
Butler. Following worship, history of the property
search, suitability of the property, and financial
overview were outlined by the Trustees. A question
and answer period followed, allowing statements for
and against the recommendation. After a call for the
question, members of the conference voted to approve
the recommendation to purchase the Liverpool facility.
All gifts should be returned to the church by the first
week in December to ensure timely delivery. Gift
bags are appreciated, but please remember that all
gifts must remain unwrapped.
We thank you for your continued generosity and your
help in bringing a Merry Christmas to those less
fortunate.
The Trustees have signed a letter of intent with the
sellers to pay $895,000 for the property. Renovations
are expected to cost between $2 million and $2.5
million. The total approved (up to $3.4 million)
includes a cushion for unanticipated costs. No timeline
has been set for the project, but once the renovations
begin, they are expected to take about six months.
Thank you to Marion Johns, for her loving dedication
coordinating Gateway / Longview outreach for Faith
Church throughout the year.
SUNSHINE FUND
Your pocket change has again
accumulated and our Sunshine Fund,
under the direction of Hosia Sharp,
will be sending gifts of Thanksgiving
in early November to those in our
congregation who cannot be with us on a regular basis.
Many in our congregation have also been coping with
medical issues that may disrupt their normal daily
activities. If you know of someone who needs respite
in the form of a warm meal or two, please contact the
church office. Your weekly generosity to this ministry
allows us to support those we love and let them know
they are in our thoughts and prayers.
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POINSETTIA
ORDER FORM
Beautiful Poinsettia plants are again available for a donation of $8 each. Please return this form to the church
office by: Thursday, Dec. 11th, 2014. The plants will beautify our sanctuary the week prior to and through
the Christmas Eve Service, after which you are welcome to take them home. Please note the sentiment you
wish to see printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
Flowers are Given in memory of ____________________________________________________
Flowers are Given in honor of ______________________________________________________
Flowers are Given to the Glory of God.
From: _______________________________________________________________________________
Number of Poinsettias:
____________
Total Amount enclosed (donation of $8 each):
____________
(Please remember to mark your envelopes “poinsettias.”)
Thank You!
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Join us on Sunday, Dec. 21st for a Christmas Cantata!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Our Christmas Eve Service will be held 7:30 PM
Wednesday, Dec. 24th. Please join us!
PULLED PORK BBQ FUNDRAISER
Please watch the Sunday bulletins and church website for
upcoming details for a Pulled Pork BBQ Fundraiser in the New Year.
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Faith United Methodist Church
5505 Broadway
Lancaster, NY 14086
Postage
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYER NOTICES:
Helen Bowman, Cindy Burkhardt, Pat Cruz, Betty Dunbar, Judy Gruber, Phyllis Hamric, Katelynn Hyde, Irene Johncox,
Maryann & Russel Juengel, the family of Lynda Klock, David Klock, Nelson Koch, Dee Krzywicki, Roseanna McFarland ,
Stanley Puffer Sr., Edith Ressler, Dorothy Rogers, Gene Schneller (son), Stacy Walker. All military and civilians serving
the U.S. Prayer notices will remain on the list for one month. Contact the church office to renew.
Rev. Thomas A. LeBeau, Pastor
Suzette Phillips, Office Admin.
Church Phone: 716-683-5293
Email: [email protected]
www.faithlancaster.org