Sept.Oct. 2015 - Faith United Methodist Church
Transcription
Sept.Oct. 2015 - Faith United Methodist Church
The Faithful Leader FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Sept. / Oct. 2015 Sunday Schedule: Adult Bible Study 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Child care available Wow! It’s hot outside (91 degrees outside my office) and it’s almost the second week of September (I wrote this on Labor Day, Sept. 7th). Lest I complain too mightily about the heat, I’ll review the pictures on my I-phone of the “Snow-vember” storm late last fall. That is a good reality check. I’ll enjoy the heat while I can. And yet I can see hints of autumn in the Goldenrod along the roads outside the village, some trees actually showing hints of leaves turning. The amount of day light noticeably decreased as the calendar turned to September. Autumn is a glorious time of year. (Do you get the feeling I like it)? I do like the change of colors, the rich reds and golds, the autumn foliage, the cooler, crisper air. But most of all, I am grateful for the reinvigorated activity here at Faith United Methodist Church: choir and adult Sunday school and this year, our Sept. 13th outdoor worship service and Faith Family Reunion Picnic at the Bowmansville Fire Hall Picnic Pavilion. It is here (Faith UMC) that I experience again and again the voice of God through others. So, I welcome the reinvigorated activity. There is one poem about autumn that I have quoted often by Rev. Ted Loder, a United Methodist minister. Here are some more verses from his poem about autumn, “Waken in Me a Sense of Joy,” O extravagant God, in this ripening, red tinged autumn, Waken in me a sense of joy in just being alive, OPEN MINDS, OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS. Joy for nothing in general except everything in particular; Joy in sun and rain mating together with the earth to birth a harvest; Joy in having what I cannot live without— Other people to hold and cry and laugh with; Joy in love, in you; and that all at first and last is grace. May you each experience grace in the season of autumn! - Pastor Tom Inside this Issue Christian Ed...........2 Finance Notes….…3 Prayer……..……...4 Altar Flowers…….5 Around Faith...…..6 Children’s news….7 Prayer Concerns…8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ADULT BIBLE CLASS By: Dick Davidson Lectionary Readings for Sept. & Oct. September Sept. 6: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17; Mark 7:24-37 Sept. 13: Pr over bs 1:20-33; Psalm 19 (UM750); James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38 Sept. 20: Pr over bs 31:10-31; Psalm 1 (UM738); James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 Sept. 27: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10;9:20-22; Psalm 124 (UM846); James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50 October Oct. 4: J ob 1:1; 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16 Oct. 11: J ob 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15 (UM752); Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31 Meetings Resume: On Sunday, September 20th Special Eight Lesson Series I recently read a book titled: “What's The Least I Can Believe and Still Be A Christian?” written by a Methodist Pastor named Martin Thielen. The first ten short chapters address beliefs that some Christians hold that are not Biblical, not necessary for the Christian faith. The last ten chapters address the basic ideas that are the Biblical basis of our Christian Faith. Copies of this book will be available for class members to read. I have designed eight lessons which, I believe, identify the basic information needed for a person to be a true Christian. The schedule is as follows: Sept. 20: Introduction, basic Bible reading and understanding Sept. 27: Description of God, What God has done and will do Oct. 4: Description of Jesus: His role as the basis of Christianity Oct. 11: Description of the Holy Spirit, the concept of the Trinity Oct. 18: Definition of sin, original sin concept, human choice sins Oct. 25: God's plan for past, present, and future Nov. 1: Suffering, reasons for hope, the institutional church Nov. 8: People will list further topics for discussion during these weeks as they read the book and consider the topics discussed. These topics will be listed and discussed during this final session. Oct. 18: J ob 38:1-7, (34-41); Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c (UM826); Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45 Oct. 25: J ob 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22) (UM769); Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52 As we have done in the past, the class will be held at 9 AM on Sunday with the same lesson repeated on Wednesday at 10 AM. Coffee and cookies are available. Come share in this important series of basic Christian beliefs. All are welcome! 2 LIFE AROUND FAITH LIFE AROUND FAITH NOTES FROM THE TREASURER’S DESK OK CLUB Breakfast on Thursday, Sept. 17th will be at the Bob Evans on Transit Rd. at 9:00 a.m. By: Marilyn English Breakfast on Thursday, Oct.15th will be at the at the Olive Tree on Broadway at 9:00 a.m. Bills, bills, bills, thankfully we are doing all right for 2015 and I expect we will be OK until the end of the year. Since we have used all of our remaining available funds during 2015, we are entering 2016 with larger financial issues. Don and I have been meeting with SPPRC and Pastor Tom to work out a solution for 2016 and beyond. Watch for news of another Congregational meeting soon. 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! FAITHFUL LEADER NEWSLETTER SPPRC will be presenting a couple of options, and finance will be available to answer financial questions. This meeting is tentatively set for September 27th, Please mark your calendar and make every effort to be there, it is crucial for the future of our church. Our next edition will be for November & December news at Faith. Deadline for submissions is: Oct. 22nd, 2015 Shalom, Marilyn SOCIAL HOUR COORDINATOR NEEDED We are need of a volunteer to help us coordinate the after worship service Social Hour from September through June. For the Social Hour, different groups and/or individuals provide snacks and serve coffee for our Fellowship time. If you would be willing to coordinate those who would host the individual Sundays, please see Pastor Tom. A big thank you to Loretta Schneller for her service and stewardship to the church these past many years in this capacity. She made sure there were snacks and coffee for all, often did the clean-up, ensured that paper goods and other needed supplies were always present and made the job look effortless. Thank you Loretta! 3 LIFE AROUND FAITH LIFE AROUND FAITH “Wherever You Go” Prayer for a New Vision Shared by: Beverly Davies If a trial comes upon you in the place God of Shalom, Grant us hearts that cry like yours At the sight of dead boys on beaches, Packed train cars, And long lines of families on the move. where you live, do not leave that place when the trial comes. Wherever you go, you will find what you are running from is ahead of you. So stay until the trial is We confess that we have seen these images for centuries. Grant us, this time, the wisdom to act in a way that turns history upside down. And brings your shalom on earth as it is in heaven. Grant us arms that welcome the stranger; Grant us hands that feed the hungry; Grant us feet that walk with those whose feet search For a new home, a new job, a new life. over, so that if you do end up leaving, no offense will be caused, and you will not bring distress to others who live in the same neighborhood. - Anonymous Wisdom of the Desert Tradition Help us understand how bad things must have been, And how much vision these survivors must have had To make this terrible trek. CHICKEN BBQ! Grant us the vision to see what they see: Your shalom where there is no more violence, Where life is full and abundant for all, Where no one is hungry, And everyone is welcome at the feast. Mark your calendars for our next Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ at Faith! Sunday, November 1st Amen. starting at 11:30 ‘til sold-out. By Rev. Jack Amick, Head of International Disaster Response for UMCOR Tickets remain at $9 pre-event and $10 at the door. Please see Loretta Schneller for your tickets or call: 683-3311. We will also need volunteers to provide cakes, and assist with set-up, serving and more. Please signup on the posted sheets in the atrium. Join Us! 4 LIFE AROUND FAITH LIFE AROUND FAITH Altar Flowers Retirement Wishes for Elaine A CHANGE TO PROCEDURE By: Kay Andres Elaine Fairhead Bialecki has been a part of our church since early childhood with many cherished memories. After nearly 35 years in the floral business, (Elaine’s Flower Shoppe in Depew), Elaine is entering a well deserved retirement. We are all aware of the lovely flowers donated by Elaine which have graced our altar every Sunday brought to church each Saturday as she made her way home from the shop. Not only are we grateful for the weekly altar flowers, but flowers for every church occasion—luncheons, funeral breakfasts, private parties, and holidays. We always knew whom to contact when flowers would make an event more special. It only took a phone call to Elaine. Most recently, she was selected as one of the top 15 florists from across the country to be a finalist for the “Floral Retailer of the Year Award.” This Teleflora Award will be presented at the Society of American Florists annual meeting in September. It is a fitting honor for her years of dedication to the floral industry, the community at large, and to us, her church. By: Kay Andres Since Elaine has sold her florist business, she will no longer be able to provide weekly flower arrangements for the church. Going forward, we ask that if you desire fresh flowers that you please order them from a florist of your choice (or Elaine’s Flower Shoppe under its new ownership). Flowers will be at your own expense. Florists also charge a delivery fee. With the church not open on Fridays and Saturdays, florist delivery is hard to coordinate. It may make sense to personally place flowers on the altar Sunday morning prior to service. As a memorial tribute to Carol Lewis by her family, Elaine will be creating several silk arrangements that may be used on the altar when fresh flowers are not present. Anyone who wishes, may use one of these silk arrangements to honor or memorialize loved ones. If choosing to use a silk arrangement, your sentiment will be noted in the bulletin and we ask that you make a donation to the church. The 2016 Altar Flower Calendar will allow you to express your wishes. Any questions, please contact Kay Andres at (716) 684-4364. Altar flowers for September and October are Given: We congratulate Elaine and thank her for her years of generosity. May her retirement be a time to enjoy family and her home, which is surrounded by her many flower gardens. Sept. 20: open Sept. 27: in loving memory of George Keller by his wife, Pat and in loving memory of their sons, Greg, Curtis, & Randy. Oct. 4: in loving memory of our parents by Ken & Betty Dunbar. open in loving memory of Carol Lewis by her family. Oct. 11 Oct. 18: Oct. 25: 5 in loving memory of Carl Kreiger by his wife, Evon. LIFE AROUND FAITH LIFE AROUND FAITH UMW NEWS AD COUNCIL NEWS SEPTEMBER All women of the church are invited to join us for a pot luck supper on September 15th at 6:00 PM. Please bring your table setting and a dish to pass. Hostesses are Mollie Bleistein and Shirley Zurbrick. Your Administrative Council has been busy. We meet every 4th Thursday of the month. All are welcome. We have planned our reunion family picnic. We have approved your SPPRC co-chairpersons June Knoerzer and Clara Johncox. We have approved Don Tubbs as Financial chairman. By the time you read this, I will hopefully have seen all of you at our picnic. District Annual Meeting will be held on September 19th at 9:30 AM—2:30 PM at Medina United Methodist Church. Chet Frey, “The Bread Man” will share a message on “Random Acts of Kindness.” I know your new chairpersons have been busy at work. The end of September will see a class for all new members as well as those planning on joining Faith Lancaster. We hope to have an open class on a new book “What Is the Least I Need to Believe to Be a Christian" We would like this to take place in January or February and have it open to the public. OCTOBER On October 20th at 7:00 PM, we will make a craft for Beechwood under the direction of Kay Andres. Marilyn English is the hostess for the evening. A District Retreat will be held at Camp Asbury October 9th and 10th. Speaker is Carmen Vianese. The cost is $85 with an additional $7 for linens unless you take your own. If you are interested in attending, please contact Karen Wehn by emailing her at: [email protected] (NOTE: make sure your computer does not autocorrect Karen’s last name to “when” or she will not receive your email). We are also looking for folks to form a NOW committee (Nurture, Outreach, Witness). If interested talk to Mollie. It's very humid today, so I'll sign off for now. Gods Blessings, Mollie Bleistein (Ad Council Chair) SUNSHINE COMMITTEE Under the loving guidance of Hosia Sharp, we will be delivering a little ‘Autumn Sunshine’ to our housebound congregation members during the month of September (or early October). ANNUAL CHARGE CONFERENCE Please mark your calendars: Thank you all for your continued support of Hosia’s ‘Coke Bottle Collection’. It is amazing how quickly spare change and single dollars add up, allowing us to make this loving gesture to our members who can’t be with us on a regular basis. We will again be asking the congregation to assist with the delivery of our gifts. Please watch the weekly bulletins. Faith’s Annual Charge Conference will be held Saturday, Nov. 7th at 9:00 AM—11:00 AM (at Faith) 6 LIFE AROUND FAITH LIFE AROUND FAITH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY If you haven’t already picked up your copy of the most recent Membership Directory, you may contact Suzette in the church office to arrange to obtain one. As is typical with this type of publication, upon printing, we already had some changes to note. Going forward, we will try to provide amendments to our directory via email announcements so folks can update their individual directories and stay current with everyone’s latest contact information. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL By: Charlotte Kline A great big “thank you” to all who helped in many different ways to make this year’s VBS a huge success. Don’t have email? We’ll also provide stickers here at church with updated addresses whenever we can. Of course, you can always call Suzette in the church office if you are unsure that you’ve got the latest information for someone you are trying to reach. We had sixteen kids who enjoyed activities such as crafts, a scavenger hunt, snacks, games, music and most popular of all, Mr. “D” the science guy who held a class each night using the theme of “light” and relating it to the Book of Genesis in which God created light. If you move or have changes to your own contact info, please remember to let Suzette know. Sometimes the ‘grapevine’ doesn’t get the information exactly right. Each evening we had Bible study with a theme and a new Bible verse to learn. The last night was a family picnic with a closing program. For the first time, the children presented a skit, illustrating the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man. Our mission was the Trinity Food Pantry and we collected a grocery cart overflowing with gifts of food. Thank you again for your prayers, support and help. We couldn’t do it without you!!! 7 Faith United Methodist Church 5505 Broadway Lancaster, NY 14086 Postage ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYER NOTICES: Becky Birdsong, Helen Bowman, Suzie Coleman, Bruce Dickman, Ken Dunbar, Gloria Jean Flicker, Ken Goodman, Judy Gruber, Phyllis Hamric, Maryann & Russel Juengel, David Klock, Jill Knoerzer, Nelson Koch, Evon Krieger, John Marrone, Roseanna McFarland , Stanley Puffer Sr., June & Kent Repka, Edith Ressler, 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