May 2012 - Los Gatos UMC

May 2012
Colonet, Mexico VIM 2012
The LGUMC just-completed springtime family
mission trip to Colonet, Mexico was fresh, exciting, safe,
and wonderfully energizing. We initiated new friendships
with many residents of Colonet, and we explored and
strengthened existing relationships with our Mexican
friends there. Best of all, each of us who traveled on this
small but mighty family VIM team came home with an
unforgettable experience that included not simply building a new home for a Colonet family in need but also
working on the pilot project installations of solar lighting
in several small Colonet homes as part of the new
“Lighting for Literacy” project. It was a busy agenda that
left us all feeling rejuvenated and very warmly welcomed. Continued on page 11...
New Youth Director
to Join LGUMC on June 4!
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee
(SPRC) is pleased to announce that we
have hired a new Youth Director. His
name is Anthony Fatta and he will begin serving our church community on
June 4!
Read more on page 5.
Julia Loper & Meredith Munson
installing solar lighting in Colonet, Mexico.
See page 11.
“Make A Difference” EVENT
Tuesday, May 15, 6PM
LGUMC Social Hall
Sharing our LGUMC Story:
Let’s come together at 6PM on Tuesday, May 15, to begin
writing our next chapter of service. We will start with dinner.
This event will focus on how and where LGUMC can make a
difference in our local community by serving:
* Children
* Youth
* Seniors
* ‘The lost,’ ‘The least,’ and the ‘lonely’
LGUMC Camp Connect
August 24-26
Imagine singing around a campfire or
worshipping in the redwoods while making new friends and re-connecting with
your larger church family. Great fun,
outstanding fellowship, and a wonderful
faith experience—
all with your
church family in
the serene Santa
Cruz mountains.
We have listened to you and what you value from the ‘Meet
the Pastor’ gatherings and other meetings. We value your
thoughts and want to create service projects that ignite your
desire to follow Christ in service and truly make our community a better place. Let us come together to plan our next
exciting chapter!
Who is Invited:
ALL interested persons
Please RSVP:
Lois & Elwin Stocking,
[email protected], 867.0901 or
The Church Office, 354.4730
belong
grow
serve
by Pastor Jenn
It’s time for General Conference 2012, when the global United Methodist Church meets to review
the policies and positions that will guide the United Methodist Church over the next 4 years. General Conference 2012 will be held in Tampa, Florida from April 24-May 4. The General Conference is held once
every 4 years and is the top legislative body of the United Methodist Church. It is the only entity that has the
authority to “speak” for the entire church and is comprised of 988 lay and clergy delegates elected from conferences all over the world. Every 4 years, our global church meets to review and revise the Book of Discipline, which regulates how local churches, annual conferences and general agencies are organized. Delegates vote on issues concerning church membership, ordination, administration, property, and judicial processes. They also revise the Book of Resolutions, which is a volume that discusses the United Methodist
Church’s positions on a variety of social justice issues. In addition to legislative responsibilities, General
Conference is also a time of worship, conversation and connection. Worship will again be led by Dr. Marcia
McFee of Truckee, California.
Our California-Nevada Annual Conference will be represented by six delegates. Clergy delegates
include Rev. Odette Lockwood-Stewart, Rev. Dale Weatherspoon, and Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan. Our
lay delegates are Randall Miller, Emily Allen, and Yoshiro Nakajima. Randall Miller is also the leader of the
25-member Commission on the General Conference, which plans the sessions and ensures that that all legislative processes are handled fairly. This is the first time that this position has been held by a lay person!
Although it might seem that the work of General Conference has no relevance for our faith lives, in
fact, many issues that the delegates address have extreme importance for us in the local church. There are
at least 4 key issues for our consideration this year.
The first concerns the on-going dialogue around human sexuality, ordination of GLBT candidates for
ministry, and the ability of ordained clergy to perform holy unions for same-sex couples. The General Conference will consider over 70 petitions to amend paragraphs in the Book of Discipline regarding these issues. The heart of debate has always been a 1972 addition to the Book of Discipline declaring that
“homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” However, the current Book of Discipline also states
that “sexuality is God’s good gift” and that we are only fully human when we acknowledge and affirm this gift.
The Book of Discipline also insists that all people, regardless of sexual orientation are entitled to human and
civil rights, that God’s grace is available to all, and that we are committed to being in ministry “for and with all
persons.” These statements are often interpreted as contradictory and many of the petitions will attempt to
reconcile them.
The General Conference will also be asked to set new policies regarding the structure of our general
boards and agencies, ordination issues and clergy pensions. There is a proposal to restructure the church
by consolidating 9 of our 13 general agencies into a new United Methodist Center for Connectional Mission
and Ministry that would operate under a 15-member board. The proposal would reduce agency boards now
governed by more than 500 people to a group of 60 and would also allow them to redistribute funds. Concerns about this issue include the consolidation of power and the limits it would place upon the contributions
of people of color and ethnic minorities in key decision-making positions. There will also be proposed
changes to the ordination process that include eliminating guaranteed appointments for elders in good
standing and 2 proposals for changes to the existing clergy pension plan that involve shifting more of the
risk, and cost, in retirement preparation from annual conferences to individual clergy. Both proposals reduce
costs to conferences by 15%.
If you are interested in learning more about General Conference, you can track our delegation’s work
on facebook - CALNEV@GC2012. You can see pictures and videos of proceedings at CALNEVGC2012.
shutterfly.com and stay up to date on legislative processes and worship experiences with applications available to you on the umc.org website. Our circuit will also be hosting a presentation by a Pacific School of Religion student who attended General Conference following its completion. Stay tuned for date, time, and location for that educational event.
We are truly a global and connectional church. Our prayers, our worship, and our decisions impact
the whole. I pray that you will follow the proceedings of General Conference 2012 and that you will pray for
our California-Nevada delegation, as they bear witness to the diversity and inclusion that are central to being
United Methodist Christians in California.
page 2
belong
grow
serve
Events
Bible Study:
Making Sense of the Cross
May 1, 8, 22 & 29
The meeting began with members sharing
Easter events that were especially meaningful to them.
Bryan Mekechuk presented a positive financial
update: pledges are up, bills are being paid, and we will
soon start paying the apportionments due from 2007.
Anyone wishing to review the quarterly financial statement should contact the church office.
SPR Chair, Jennifer Stagnaro, reported that we
will welcome Anthony Fatta, Youth Director, to our
church on June 4. Thanks to the search committee
members, especially the chair, Tom Carson. Celeste
Fama will now head a search committee for the children’s ministry position.
Average attendance is 205, rising but still short
of the 240 goal. Keep inviting friends to come and hear
some good preaching and meet some friendly disciples.
Trustees were asked to bring their priorities for
maintenance projects that can be financed by the recent sale of the bus. Marna Taylor and Mary Ellen Heising will discuss with Adrienne Zimmerman and AnnaMarie Wiggers potential ways for the church to help address transportation needs for the Prime Timers.
The Leadership Committee is planning an exciting event on May 15. Dinner at 6PM and planning after
in place of the regular church council meeting. All leaders and committee/team members are encouraged to
attend. It will be an opportunity to share our story and
decide where we want to make our next difference
(read page 1 for complete story).
Campus Cleanup!
May 5, 8:30AM-Noon
Mother’s Day
May 13
Leadership Committee Dinner
Tuesday, May 15, 6PM
Teen Dating Violence:
Get the Facts
Thursday, May 17, 5:30PM
Confirmation Sunday
May 20
Last Sunday Brunch
May 27, 10-11AM
Memorial Day
May 28 (office closed)
Church Meetings
Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, May 2, 7PM
Social Justice
Wednesday, May 2, 7PM
SPR
Monday, May 7, 7:30PM
Join Electronic Giving at
LGUMC!
We Give
Electronically
Through
EFT
Envelope # 45
Electronic Giving has been in place since
2010 and we now receive more than $3,750
per month electronically. This is almost 10%
of our estimated contributions in 2012 of
www.lgumc.org
$403,500. We have people that contribute
weekly, bi-weekly and monthly through electronic giving – it is flexible and can fit your
giving frequency. Please look for the sign up
table in the courtyard and join us in Electronic Giving.
Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, May 8, 7PM
Finance Team
Wednesday, May 9, 7:30PM
Church Council
Tuesday, May 15, 7:30PM
LOSNSC
Wednesday, May 16, 7PM
Grace Preschool
Tuesday, May 22, 7PM
page 3
children’s ministries
Los Gatos UMC Children’s Ministry
The children have been having so much fun learning about God’s love for all of us.
The Sunday school curriculum is called Akaloo and the lessons teach the children
about how God has shown us His love and how He can help us live that love in the
world. In our current lessons, we are learning about celebrating church and how we
can help people.
Even our youngest kids have been learning with the help of some amazing volunteers. Twice a month we have volunteers in the nursery working with the preschoolers on special curriculum designed just for them. They have been learning
about celebrating church also. We would love to have Sunday School each week for
our preschoolers, so if you would like to volunteer once or twice a week to help
our congregation’s little members learn about God, please contact Kasey Rice.
The children’s ministry is doing great, but we can use your help! We need more volunteers to keep this program running smoothly and to keep the kids engaged in the lessons. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. The
time commitment can be as little as one Sunday service per month, to every Sunday service. Volunteers can
set a schedule for specific Sundays, or fill in the schedule as they are able. If you are interested in helping the
children at LGUMC learn about all the wonders of God’s love, please contact Kasey Rice at 761761-2880 or
[email protected].
[email protected].
VBS is almost here! This year children from
Nursery thru Junior High will be joining us the
week of June 25 from 9AM-Noon. Registration packets will be out soon. Contact Kasey
Rice if you have questions or would like to
volunteer to help with this event.
Sunday School Teachers Needed
Have you ever wanted to share God's grace with others, but didn't
know how? Are you looking for a way to grow and serve at LGUMC? The Children's Ministry program needs you! If you are interested in sharing God's
message with the children of our church, please contact Kasey Rice at
761.2880 or [email protected].
LGUMC Children’s Coordinator Kasey Rice
~ [email protected] or 761.2880
page 4
youth ministries
New Youth Director to Join LGUMC on June 4!
...continued from page 1
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is pleased to announce that
we have hired a new Youth Director. His name is Anthony Fatta and he will
begin serving our church community on June 4, 2012! We want to say a
special thank you to our search committee for their excellent work: Tom Carson, Chair, Maddie Buchanan, Oliver Parr, Susanna Waldrop, Chris Munson,
Jeannette McNeely, Mary Ellen Heising, Jennifer Stagnaro and Pastor Jennifer. We are thrilled to have Anthony joining us here at LGUMC and look forward to welcoming him when he arrives in June. Please take a moment to
read his biography below:
Hello! I hail from the great state of New York where I received my bachelor's
degree from Syracuse University (Go Orange!). I am graduating with a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN this May. While in Nashville, I have had
the pleasure to serve two churches, Belmont and Edgehill UMCs, in the area of youth ministry. In addition
to congregational ministry, I have been involved on a jurisdictional level with the Reconciling Ministries
Network (serving Memphis, Kentucky, and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences) and have also
organized with the Interfaith Youth Core, a nonprofit that seeks to make interfaith cooperation a social
norm in American society. Hobbies of mine include reading, cooking/baking, running, yoga, and trying
new things. I am really excited to start this new chapter of my life in California, serving God's people at
Los Gatos UMC!
Special Youth Sunday Events!!!!
Graduate Sunday is June 3!
Confirmation Sunday is May 20!
This year we would like to
honor our graduates in the worship services on June 3. If you are graduating
from high school or college, please call
the church office to remind us. We’d
also like to know your plans following
graduation and if you plan to be in worship on June 3. We will have a gift
from the congregation for each graduate and an opportunity to offer our
prayers of blessing in worship, as you
make this significant life transition.
All youth will be confirmed in
the 9:15AM service with a family
celebration brunch to follow. Youth
will be involved in planning and sharing the service and the entire congregation is looking forward to sharing in
this special event!
The Ruth Hunter and Florence Frye
Memorial Scholarship applications
are available in the church office or
by email request. The deadline for
applications and all relevant documents is Monday, May 7.
([email protected])
The Gathering
The Refuge
April 29 6-8 PM
May 2
7-8:30 PM
May 6
6-8 PM
May 9
7-8:30 PM
May 20
6-8 PM
May 16 7-8:30 PM
May 23 7-8:30 PM
May 30 7-8:30 PM
page 5
belong in worship
Whoever you are and wherever you
are on your spiritual journey, you
are most welcome in worship.
Look for the youth to be involved in May worship. On May 6th, this year’s confirmation
class will be leading the service. They will be involved in all aspects of planning including making the communion bread. They have chosen to make sourdough bread that takes
time and attention to create from the sourdough starter. Faith requires time and attention
as well to grow. These same youth will be received into membership through confirmation on May 20th at the 9:30AM service. Please plan to attend to give your support to this
wonderful, energetic, faith-filled group.
In worship we are also continuing with our Ashes to Fire focus. We started with Ash
Wednesday and are progressing toward Pentecost contemplating how Jesus’ life impacts
our own. The lectionary scripture for May are:
May 6th: 5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 22:25-31 (UMH 752)
1 John 4:721John 15:1-8
May 13, 2012 [White]
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98 (UMH 818)
1
John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
May 17, 2012 [White]
Ascension of the Lord
These readings may also be used on
the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47 (UMH 781)
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
May 20, 2012 [White]
Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday
Acts 1:15-17,
21-26
Psalm 1 (UMH 738)
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
May 27, 2012 [Red or White]
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
(UMH 826)
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Sermons Now On-Line!
SUNDAY WORSHIP
TIMES:
Traditional
9:15AM
Contemporary
11:00AM
Celebrate Recovery
6:00PM
Did you miss last Sunday? Are you going
to Disneyland with the kids next week? Bummed you will
miss your Sunday Sermon? You don’t need to worry about missing Sunday ever again! You can now go on-line to our website,
www.lgumc.org, and listen to the Sunday Sermon on line!
Thanks to member Larry Capps, we never have to miss another
Sunday. Simply tab to the top menu and hit Worship; under Worship, hit the Sermon button and You are in! If you have any
questions
or
need
a
CD,
contact
larry,
531.9193
or
[email protected].
page 6
grow in a small group this year!
Enrich your faith journey through the support and encouragement of others. Contact group leaders for more information
or Adult Ministries Lay Leader Marna Taylor, 358.7740, [email protected].
All of these groups are open to new members, so don’t hesitate to pop-in or contact the leader for more details.
Simply Sabbath, 2nd and 4th Sundays, 6PM, Library at LGUMC, Marna Taylor, 358.7740, [email protected]
This small group is focused on integrating simple Sabbath practices into our everyday lives. We support and encourage one another
to practice Sabbath and other faith development exercises, and organize our group around relevant books.
Sunday Night Spirituality, 1st and 3rd Sundays, 6:30PM, Library at LGUMC, Rob Agrimonti, 348.9636 [email protected]
Upper Room, Sundays, 4:00PM, Library at LGUMC, Brian Williams, [email protected]
Join us for devotion as we read and study the weekly devotionals and discussion questions found in the Upper Room publication.
Men’s Spirituality Group, Mondays, 7:30PM, Café Hope at LGUMC, Carl Thoresen, 356.5802, [email protected]
Gathering of men helping each other grow spiritually in a supportive group by learning and using eight daily spiritual practices (e.g.,
passage meditation, slowing down, being one-pointed in attention, putting others first). These practices are based on the collective
wisdom found in Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist traditions. All are invited to visit or contact Carl for more info.
Soul and Silicon, Sundays, 12:45PM, library, Bud Baker, 253.8625, [email protected]. On March 4th, we will start “Living
God's Politics” from the workbook of the same name by Jim Wallis. This is “a guide for putting the lessons of God's Politics into
action. Who will change our government's policies to better integrate our values? We're the ones we've been waiting for, and this
book offers us the tools and techniques to change the political landscape for the better.” Contact Bud for more info and to purchase
the $17 book.
Grief, Loss and Transition Support Group, 1st Tuesday, 10AM, library, Betty Byrne, 374.1724. Group members experience a confidential, safe and spiritual opportunity to discuss the thoughts, feelings and events of their lives as they transition through times of
grief. Membership is loving, prayerful and supportive and lends itself to a wonderful fellowship and a sense of community.
Pathways Los Gatos Bereavement Group, 2nd and 4th Thursday, Martha Weiner, 772.5544, [email protected]
A support group for men and women suffering from the loss of a parent, spouse or child. Contact Martha for detailed times/location.
Faith, Reason & Community, Fridays, 9:45AM, Library at LGUMC, Carole Mateer, 353.2357
This group meets to discuss videos and books to gain new perspectives on Christianity and faith.
Kindred Spirits, 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Art Gallery at LGUMC, Sharon Armstrong, 268.0493, [email protected]
Kindred Spirits members gather monthly for a lively discussion of the book selected for that month. We all read the book ahead of
time and one of the members facilitates the discussion. Each fall, we select the books for the following year. These can include fiction, non-fiction, biography, classics, best sellers, historical, political, plays, science fiction or mysteries.
United Methodist Women Circles, Third Thursdays, 10AM and 7:30PM
The purpose of United Methodist Women is to know God, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to support local as well
as global ministries. For more information and locations contact UMW President Mary Ellen Heising 268.7739,
[email protected].
Morning Circle – Joy Palmer 997.7246, [email protected]; Evening Circle – Louise Osborne, 379.8516, [email protected]
A Quiet Time for Women, Wednesdays, 10AM, Kay Thoresen, 356.5802, [email protected]
A time to walk the labyrinth and learn spiritual practices in a safe, supportive environment.
Movement Young Adult Ministries, Thursdays, 7:30PM, Café Hope at LGUMC, Kasey Rice, 761-2880, [email protected]
Movement is to help ages 18 to 35 discover the amazing Love of God. Through this love we hope to empower you to use your gifts
for the benefit of others and the purposes of God. Join us as we build relationships with each other, our community, and also with
God!
Movie Group, Second Saturdays, 3PM, Fireside Room, Jeanette McNeely, 253.0220, [email protected]
This group meets monthly for spirited discussions and reviews of a variety of movies that individuals watch on their own in advance
of the session. See the Spire for monthly announcement of what movies will be discussed in the coming month.
Celebrate Recovery, Sundays, 5PM Dinner; 6PM Worship; 7PM Small Groups, Chapel
This ministry celebrates God's healing power in our lives through the 12 Steps and 8 Recovery Principles. Through worship, fellowship and small groups, this experience allows us to "be changed" as we discover our personal, loving and forgiving Higher Power Jesus Christ. Welcome to an Amazing Spiritual Adventure! Contact:: Bill Cartmill, [email protected], 656.9772; Mike Kent
[email protected], 309.3445; John Lynch, [email protected], 569-3470; Amy Loofbourow, [email protected];
569.3469, Jonnye Cartmill, [email protected] 656.9817
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belong
NEW BIBLE STUDY: Making Sense of the Cross
Have you ever wondered why Jesus died on the cross? Or, if he really
had to die that way at all? We know that the cross is a central image of the Christian faith, but could you explain to someone who didn’t know much about Christianity why the cross is important? What does it mean? What did it accomplish?
For six weeks, following Easter, we’ll explore these questions, as we attempt to
“make sense of the cross” and its importance in our own lives of faith. The
course will include a student book to be read each week prior to class and each
class will include a short video, Bible Study, and lots of time for discussion and
personal faith sharing. We will meet on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 PM in
the Fireside Room on May, 1, 8, 22, 29 and June 5 and 12. This Bible study
will be led by Pastor Jennifer and Barbara Bailey. Sign-up sheets will be available at the Guest & Member Services table throughout the month of April.
Please email Pastor Jennifer at [email protected] if you have any
questions.
MOVIE GROUP
After viewing two
great "culture" movies,
Salmon Fishing and
Separation, this month's
choices seemed slim,
although viewing of Chimpanzee,
a Disney film about animal culture,
is recommended! Other suggestions
include Monseur Lazhar and the 3
Stooges.
Happy viewing and come to
discuss these and/or any film viewed
recently.
Saturday, May 12, 3-5PM
Fireside Room
Moms with Young Children
Upcoming Gathering
Thanks to all the mothers (and fathers!) who met at
the last Sunday brunch to begin planning this new
ministry opportunity. We will be meeting again on
Saturday, May 26 from 10:30AM-Noon in the Social Hall. Pastor Jenn will bring refreshments and
a devotion, as we continue to talk about how this
new ministry can meet the spiritual needs of parents. Children are welcome!
Please join us!!
Relay for Life of Los Gatos
June 2-3
Oak Meadow Park
To get involved, contact Kate Bailey, 212.1175,
[email protected], or sign up online,
RelayForLife.org/losgatosca.
Campus Cleanup
is scheduled for
Saturday, May 5,
8:30AM-Noon.
page 8
grow
PRIME TIME
On Thursday, May 10, we will carpool to Chateau CharMarron Gardens in the
hills above Milpitas overlooking the Calaveras Reservoir. The gardens
have over 200 Peony trees and 1000 plants. Flowers are available at
the gardens in May to mid June for viewing and for sale. We spoke with the
owner who said she does not give tours so we will be on our own but she will be
available for any questions we may want to ask. There is no charge to visit the gardens.
Afterwards, we will go to a local restaurant for lunch. In case of rainy weather I may have to switch plans
to an indoor activity at church.
If you are interested in this trip please contact Adrienne, 356.5334 or e-mail me at [email protected].
All Welcome!
Kindred Spirits
will meet May 9 at 7:30PM in the Art Gallery to discuss A
Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory. “This novel, set
in 18th century Bristol, offers a painful glimpse into the
flourishing slave trade of the era, which enabled the majority of England's enterprising merchants and the nation at
large to amass fortunes at the cost of unimaginable human
suffering.” Ruth Marie Wolf will facilitate the discussion.
Thanks to the many friends of Kathy Finney, two lucky girls will be attending
Tech camp this summer at Stanford.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
~ Thomas Campbell
Last Sunday Brunch
May 27
10-11AM
Join us for the last Sunday Brunch of the spring before we take a little break over the summer!
You won’t want to miss this chance to enjoy another
delicious brunch prepared by our resident chef,
Barbara Agrimonti (and her Sous-Chef Rob!).
Enjoy great food and a relaxed time
for getting to know each other.
Cost: $5/person or $10/family
page 9
serve
SOCKS APPEAL! We will collect socks next month for residents of San Jose Family Shelter. If you come across socks at a good sale price during May, get them and hold them for
the June Socks Appeal.
HUNGER NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY...
Thank you for the donations of nonperishable foods that have been placed in the Silicon
Valley Second Harvest food bins. The need continues, so please remember to include
something on your shopping list for our less fortunate neighbors. The bins will be in the
narthex every Sunday, awaiting your donations.
HEALTH & VISITATION MINISTRIES
A workshop on End of Life Decisions will be the next health education presentation,
but the date has not been set as yet. We will be meeting to discuss and set the agenda in on
May 6 in the Fireside Room after the first service. All interested persons are invited to attend.
We welcomed Dee Heinze back to church on April 15. It is great to see
those who have not been able to attend recently back in the sanctuary. We always welcome new visitors to join the visitation team to visit,
make phone calls, write cards/notes/email messages, drive to appointments, or provide a meal to those who are ill or having difficulty getting
out. Please contact Christina, 531.9193 or [email protected], to
volunteer for this rewarding ministry or if you are aware of someone who
needs assistance.
SAN JOSE FAMILY SHELTER
I would like to arrange a tour of
the wonderful new facility for all those who
donated time serving as volunteers on the
night shift at the Family Shelter and anyone who might be interested.
Contact Jeanette McNeely,
[email protected] or 253.0220.
Proceeds in the amount of $550 from last
month’s good-bye dinner for Karen Noe has been
donated to STOP HUNGER NOW! the organization which Karen is serving as Director of Community Development.
Our best to you, Karen!
Anyone wanting more information on this
wonderful non-profit, please contact Karen at
[email protected].
VIM 2012
Colonet, Mexico
See more on page 11
Thank you to all our wonderful
volunteers who serve on Sunday
as well as during the week!
page 10
belong
grow
serve
Colonet, Mexico VIM 2012
...Continued from page 1
This is a VIM experience that everybody should be fortunate enough to experience first-hand! It is
truly a privilege to be the eyes and ears, the hands and feet, and especially the hearts of the LGUMC
community on such a trip. “Thank you” to each and every member of LGUMC for supporting us in our
mission through your thoughts, your prayers, and your financial support!
Members of this VIM team were:
Larry Loper / Cindy Loper / Julia Loper
John Lynch / Amy Loofburrow-Lynch
Chris Munson / Meredith Munson
Sarah Hegmann
Pete Taylor
Please take a moment to talk with any one of us
about the Colonet 2012 experience. You will take away with
you a small piece of Colonet VIM energy, and you may even
find time to join us in Colonet in the coming years.
Hasta la Vista! Gracias a Dios!
LIGHTING FOR LITERACY INSTALLS FIRST SOLAR LIGHTS IN MEXICO
Lighting for Literacy is a community based project collaboration between United Methodist Church
and the Los Gatos Morning Rotary to build compact, low cost, renewable lighting systems for delivery
to off-grid homes in Colonet, Mexico.
This pilot project was principally designed to teach community youth Science, Sustainability
and “Service about Self” for Earth Day.
Literally, 45 days from concept to product launch. The Los Gatos UMC Junior High and High
School youth courageously contributed a total of 60+ hours of volunteer time over three workshops
receiving a unique renewable technology education that will benefit youth around the world.
These homebuilt systems consist of a small Solar Array, Battery, LED light strip and Charge
Controller Circuit designed to provide 600 lumens of light (equivalent of a 60W light bulb) providing 3
hours of light for reading. During these workshops, the youth were introduced to building their first circuit board for managing the solar charge control for the storage battery. Once completed, they programmed the controller and prepared the units for testing.
These systems were installed in homes in Colonet, MX during our recent mission trip there
and represent the first of many systems to be distributed. Because of these youth, and their individual
and collective efforts, the village of Colonet, Mexico will have lighting for remote homes installed by
the United Methodist Church Volunteers in Mission Program. The Church has built 34 homes in the
past decade. Since the start of the project, the team has received inquiries from candidate installation
sites around the world where 1.5 Billion adults and youth live without any electricity.
We are very proud of these youth as they serve as great models in their community for many
to follow. Their service has now been recognized with commendations by Supervisor Mike
Wasserman and the Town Council of Los Gatos. But, of course, the greatest recognition has come
from the families in Mexico who have lights in their homes for the first time. We want to thank the
youth and parents who came to the building workshops, the UMVIM team who successfully installed
the first solar light kits, our engineer and visionary, Jess Salem, and Doug McNeil, without whom this
project would have been just a fantastic idea. Thanks to everyone for your dedication to service and
sustainability and the contributions of your time and resources to make this project a reality!
page 11
belong
grow
serve
Dear LGUMC Family,
I can't begin to thank you enough for making my transition from the job I loved so here at LGUMC to
my new endeavor at Stop Hunger Now. I have been encouraged and supported and the sentiments shared will
not be forgotten. The amazing and delicious dinner party was warm and wonderful. I remember saying that it
felt like we were all in the living room in a big home. I still believe that. Thank you for being my home to come
to. To the cooks and the decorators, the volunteers and our wonderful staff ~ You are amazing!
This transition has also been eased by our exceedingly competent and loving staff. Thank
you especially to Mary Lou and Farida for all your gift and graces. And thank you always to Pastor Jenn for
your support and encouragement when I decided upon this new journey.
My best to you all this beautiful spring and may you continue to be surprised and joyful with all things
new and promising ~ praise God.
With love,
Karen
Our own Alexis Hoekstra has recently been the recipient of the Crystal Bowl Award for her dedication to
assisting students, organizing fundraisers and any other assortment of
tasks for Noddin Elementary School.
The Crystal Bowl is awarded in recognition of those volunteers for their
extraordinary work in the community.
Congratulations, Alexis!
Anyone interested in receiving
Marna Taylor’s luscious recipe for
Chicken Marbella that she served at
Karen Noe’s good-bye dinner, please
email or call the office and a copy
will be forwarded to you.
In observance of the holiday, the church
office will be closed on Monday, May 28.
The Sayre family expresses sincere thanks
for the services, support and friendship
offered by the congregation and pastors of
the Los Gatos UMC
in response to Ed’s
passing.
Please call the office, 354.4730,
with any suggestions you may
have regarding the campus. We
are always ready to listen!
Would you like your Spire by
mail? Just call the office,
354.4730.
page 12
serve directory
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS
Chair of the Church Board
Mary Ellen Heising
[email protected]
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Richard Holman
[email protected]
Chair of Staff Parish Relations
Jennifer Stagnaro
[email protected]
Chair of Finance Committee
Bryan Mekechuk
[email protected]
Church Treasurer
Lindsey Newbern
[email protected]
Chair of Nom. and Leadership Devel.
Lois and Elwin Stocking
[email protected]
Chair of Welcoming Ministries
Pat and Jess Salem
[email protected]
Chair of Health Ministries
Jeanette McNeely
[email protected]
Chair of Worship Arts
Cindy Loper
[email protected]
Chair of Grace Preschool Board
Gary Calfee
[email protected]
Chair of LOSNSC Board
Trudy Burling
[email protected]
Social Justice Team Rep
Richard Aaron
[email protected]
Lay Member of Annual Conference
Mary Ellen Heising
[email protected]
Chair of Endowment
TBD
Chair of Youth Ministries Council
Maddie Buchanan
[email protected]
Chair of Adult Ministries Team
Marna Taylor
[email protected]
Chair Outreach Team
Jean Mundell
[email protected]
Chair United Methodist Women
Mary Ellen Heising
Monday-Thursday: 9AM-Noon, 1-4PM
Friday: 9AM-Noon
Office Phone, 408.354.4730
Fax, 408.354.4807
Our Ministry & Office Staff
Rev. Jennifer Murdock, Senior Pastor
X15, [email protected]
John Lynch, Community Chaplain
569.3470, [email protected]
Christina Capps, Director of Visitation
X22, [email protected]
Crista Harrington, Chancel Choir Director
[email protected]
Jon-Mark Hurley, Contemporary Music Director
[email protected]
Joyce Rhodes, Organist
[email protected]
Kasey Rice, Children’s Coordinator
761.2880, [email protected]
Farida Moiyadi, Accounting Manager
X12, [email protected]
Mary Lou Abrahamson, Office Manager
X10, [email protected]
Patty Buchanan, Financial Secretary
X11, [email protected]
Barbara Agrimonti, Weddings & Memorials
[email protected]
Debbie Gray, Director of Grace Preschool
354.7163, [email protected]
Eliana Brown, Director Live Oak Senior Nutrition
354.0707, [email protected]
page 13
The Spire
Los Gatos United Methodist Church
111 Church Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408.354.4730 FAX 408.354.4807
Website: www.lgumc.org
email: [email protected]
to be removed from mail or email list.
Editor: Mary Lou Abrahamson
Please make the necessary corrections and mail
or email to the address shown at left. Thank You.
____ Please email the Spire to me at:
___________________________________
____ Please remove my name from mailing or email.
Our Mission
Growing as followers of Jesus Christ
who live God’s love in the world.
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 18
Los Gatos, CA
“Serving Christ in this Community
since 1866”
Pastor
Pastor Jennifer Murdock
Sunday Worship
9:15AM Traditional Worship Service
11AM Open House Contemporary Worship Service
6PM Celebrate Recovery Worship Service
Kidz Konnection
9:15AM & 11:15AM
(Preschool—Grade 5)
Childcare
9:15AM and 11:15AM
Newborn—3 years
Youth Group
The Refuge, 6-8 grades, Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30pm
The Gathering, 9-12 grade, 6-8:30PM
Find out more about our Ministries!
Go to www.LGUMC.org
All Welcome!
We are a Reconciling Congregation
No one will be excluded from participating in the body of the
church because of age, race, ethnicity, culture, religious origins,
sexual orientation or challenging conditions.