HERE - FUMCOG
Transcription
HERE - FUMCOG
The First United Methodist Church of Germantown Sunday • February 1, 2015 • 11:00 am • Order of Worship WELCOME TO YOU! WELCOME TO ALL, COMING TO WORSHIP! Everyone, including children of all ages, is invited to full participation in the engaging worship and outreaching mission and ministry of the church. We strongly encourage all persons to sing the gender nouns and pronouns they prefer in referring to God. we come to make ourselves fully available to you, to your will, and to your way. Help us to understand the ways in which we have failed to live faithfully into your word and wisdom. The congregation’s responses are printed in bold type. Forgive us for these shortcomings and set us aright in our thoughts, words and deeds. Large-Print Bulletins and Personal Listening Devices are available from the ushers. UMH - United Methodist Hymnal TFWS - The Faith We Sing Hymnal SEEDS - Seeds Upon The Wind Speak to us clearly and gently. for we are Yours. We desire to hear from you, even in the slightest whisper. Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening. Amen. TIME OF PREPARATION Enter the sanctuary quietly, respecting the meditation of others and opening to the presence of God. CENTERING THOUGHT The time is always right to do what is right. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Peace May the message of a grave which cannot not hold God captive inform our living and our dreams of the future. May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. GATHERING AND PRAISE Prelude “Vater unser im Himmelreich” Dietrich Buxtehude (Our Father, who art in Heaven) Call to Worship Amen. Everyone is invited to exchange a greeting or word of peace as a sign of reconciliation and community. Welcome and Announcements Please pass the maroon folders. Standing with body and spirit This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Opening Hymn Standing with body and spirit UMH 662 “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” Opening Prayer Holy God of unconditional love and unlimited presence, FUMCOG response to Liberian Ebola Crisis PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE Hymn of Preparation Standing with body and spirit UMH 395 “Take Time to be Holy” Gospel Lesson Matthew 6: 7-21 Anthem Sermon Chancel Choir “The Lord’s Prayer” Mark Miller Rev. Lorelei Toombs Hymn of Response Standing with body and spirit UMH 140 “Great is Thy Faithfulness” A SERVICE OF COMMUNION The Great Thanksgiving Text in UMH pp. 12-14. Breaking of the Bread & Giving of the Cup This is God’s table; all are welcome to receive communion. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers, bring forward your Communion Offering. This offering supports the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. It is used for private pastoral needs in the community, of which the pastor is aware. Gluten free communion is available. Please tell the server as you approach the communion table. The Lord’s Prayer Our Mother-Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Finally, Senor, let us all live as your own one family. Amen. (From a Church Wall in Mexico) SENDING FORTH Closing Hymn Standing with body and spirit TFWS 2145 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” Benediction Postlude Wir Glauben all an einen Gott (We all believe in one true God) J.S. Bach 1 1 1 1 1 Liturgist: Libby Pethick Audio: Brianna Chapman Ushers: Bonni H. Zetick, Gail Lozenski, Nancy Tkacs, George Herold, Ruth Thornton, Bill Tkacs, Deb Clarke Linger Lunch: Grace Council and Brianna Winnals CDs: Forms and instructions for ordering are available at the display by the elevator in Pilling Hall. Offering /Offertory Chancel Choir “Kittery” (The Lord’s Prayer) William Billings Doxology Standing with body and spirit UMH 95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” Offertory Prayer Give us, Senor, a little sun, a little happiness, and some work. Give us a heart to comfort those in pain. Give us the ability to be good, strong, wise and free, So that we may be as generous with others as we are with ourselves. FUMCOG Mission Statement The First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) is a diverse, urban community of faith that seeks to experience and worship God through Jesus’ message of love and inclusion and the mystery of grace expressed through his life. We affirm our commitment by working together, taking risks for social justice and peace in our community, our city, our nation and our world. We l c o m e Vi s i t o r s ! ! ! Thanks for finding your way to FUMCOG! We are glad you have come! Take the opportunity to register your attendance in the maroon folders passed along the pews. Your sharing of contact information will allow us to be in touch. A variety of church information is available on the church website. Also, members of the staff and congregation are eager to greet you at the front of the sanctuary immediately following the service. You are cordially invited to join us for Meet & Mingle in Pilling Hall. ADULTS AT FUMCOG: Various small groups and work areas function for participants to get to know one another, to work toward a goal they are passionate about, or to learn more about themselves and their journeys of faith. These groups meet at various times during the week. For more detailed information, speak to the church staff. CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT FUMCOG Children and youth are welcome in worship at FUMCOG. Periodic “family-friendly” worship services are scheduled and are geared to the worship needs of all ages. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, September to midJune: classes are available for each age group, from nursery through senior high. Classes for infants through 9th graders meet in the Loder Education Building. A professionally staffed nursery is open each Sunday morning in Room 106 from 9:30 am through the end of the worship service. From 9:30-11:00 the nursery serves all children through grade 2 so that older siblings and parents can attend morning education programs. During worship, a room at the top of the balcony stairs is available for parents who wish to attend to their children’s needs while still hearing the service. Just ask an usher or greeter for assistance in finding your way. FUMCOG PreK – 12th Grade Educational Program: Classes meet at 9:45 am. Classes from PreK through 6th grade follow the “Grow, Promise, Serve” curriculum which integrates Bible stories with worship and social justice issues. Grades 7-9 take part in a confirmation class, a structured, two-year program including classes, trips, retreats, community service, and worship. Grades 10-12 [the Senior High Group] meet on Sunday mornings for discussion, informal fellowship, and reflection. FUMCOG’s youth also take part in special activities and events, including trips, parties, cultural events, and retreats. Classes meet in the following locations: Infants-2 year olds in room 106, 3-4 year olds in room 102, K-2nd grade in room 207, 3rd-4th grade in room 214, 5th-6th- grade in room 207A, 7th-9th grade in room 201, and 10th-12th grades in the “old choir robing room” –ask the ushers for directions. During the Worship Service: Older children and youth [3rd grade and older] are invited to attend church with their families. Younger children, pre-K through 2nd grade, have two options. For children who wish to remain in worship service with their families, Busy Bags are available from the ushers. Or, young children may participate in professionally supervised child care which is available in room 102. FUMCOG Staff and Email Addresses Senior Pastor Lorelei Toombs [email protected] Pastoral Associate Miles Hopgood [email protected] Director of Music Kevin O’Malia [email protected] Office Administrator Wanda Fuller [email protected] Lay Leaders [email protected] Facility Caretakers Shamir Radcliffe & Raphael Zappala Tidings/Bulletin Bruce McNeel [email protected] Website Announcements [email protected] E-Give [email protected] Altar Flowers - call the church office @215-438-3677 First United Methodist Church of Germantown 6001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144 telephone - 215.438.3677; fax - 215.438.3077 email: [email protected]. web address: www.fumcog.org • Senior Pastor: Lorelei Toombs Pastoral Associate: Miles Hopgood • Director of Music: Kevin O’Malia • Office Administrator: Wanda Fuller • Director of Publications: Bruce McNeel • Facility Caretakers: Shamir Radcliffe & Raphael Zappala Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, unuttered or expressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast. James Montgomery mcneel Immigration Reform Event Saturday, February 21 Participate in a Forum on Comprehensive Reform SPONSOR BY: Rapid Response Team Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church Rev. Peggy Johnson, Bishop When: Saturday 21February, 2015 Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM: Registration Join PIHN at Stagecrafters Theater! 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Presentation & Explanation of President Obama’s Executive Order on Immigration Reform Where: West Lawn United Methodist Church Something Intangible 15 Woodside Avenue, West Lawn, PA 19609 by Bruce Graham • Directed by Barbara Mills CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMAN & REPRESENTATIVE URGING LEGISLATION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM Buy tickets to the Sunday Feb 1st 2:00pm show of Bruce Graham’s Something Intangible presented by The Stagecrafters Theater and support Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (PIHN) and families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Tickets are $20 and are available on our website at www.philashelter.org. For more information, please call our office at 215-247-4663 ext. 102. For more information contact Rev. Nicolas Camacho at 484-769-5173 Participants Attorney Adam Solow from Solow, Isbell & Palladino Immigration, LLC Philadelphia, PA Solow, Isbell & Palladino, LLC is a law firm with offices in Philadelphia, PA; Camden, NJ; and Chadds Ford, PA dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration and nationality law. The firm also act as immigration consultants to international corporations seeking assistance with obtaining short-term work visas for outbound immigration to Canada, the Schengen Zone, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. As President of Friends of Vernon Park and want to let you know that there are big plans in the works for Vernon Park and we hope that FUMCOG will be interested in the outcome. We have been working on park improvements for some time. Councilwoman Cindy Bass has arranged for funding for a $900,000 greening master plan with con- Hosted by: PIHN, Elfant Wissahickon and The Stagecrafters Theater A warm and wonderful way to spend a February afternoon! The Stagecrafters Theater 8130 Germantown Ave, Phila. PA 19118. struction beginning in late February/early March this year. The plan will create new lighting throughout the park, new playground equipment for children and physical fitness equipment for adults and storm water management and other improvements. Please check out our website: www.friendsofvernonpark.org and Facebook page. We will not be planning as many events and volunteer clean-ups and picnics etc. this year because of the construction, but hope that members of FUMCOG will join us when we celebrate. Ruth Seeley FUMCOG February 1, 2015 Please Keep in Prayer... Jack Snite who is hoping to be released 1/31 from HUP after a 11day stint at hospital, and resume the treatment plan prescribed to address his Stage IV lung cancer. Julie and Jack have set up a blog at CaringBridge to receive messages and to update folks on his status (name: Jacksnite). Their new address is: Jack Snite & Julie Conover 2101 Market Street, Unit 3403, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Anne Ewing who has returned home (1/28) after a 7-day hospitalization... Ruth Thornton, whose Aunt Betty died on January 19 at the age of 95...The friends and family of Roberta Timmer DeHaan, who died Friday, January 22 in Grand Rapids, Michigan after suffering for many years with Alzheimers disease. Words of support can be emailed to her nephew Mr. Ray Mulder at [email protected]... Rev. David Brown, who has recovered from a recent heart stent procedure. David and Marion thank all for wishing him well...Craig Kasper and his caregiving parents Mariana and Rolf Kasper. Craig is an adult with cerebral palsy who has become bedridden. Craig and Mariana are cousins of Anne Toensmeier... John O’Malia, father of Music Director Kevin O’Malia, whose cancer has spread... Amanda Scott (mother of Russell) who is recovering at Caring Heart Nursing Home following a prolonged illness and hospitalization late this fall. Cards can be sent to: Amanda Scott, c/o Caring Heart Rehab, 6445 Germantown Ave, Rm. 355, Philadelphia, PA 19119...The OrbachOnema family on the passing of Stephanie Orbach on 12/25, aged 61, sister to Frank and sister-in-law to Annette Onema following a brief battle with cancer. Condolences can be mailed to: 242 Mercer Street, Trenton, NJ 08611... Sharon Owens on the sudden death of her brother, Tom Sarbach, on 12/23, who with his family lived in Ohio. Condolences can be mailed to Sharon at: 9 Evergreen Court, West Chester, PA 19382... Suzanne Moller, who is now at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley... Phone calls and visits are welcome. Suzanne’s phone number is 267-350-2551...Michael Mahan, who is recovering from succesful spinal surgery on 12/29. What’s happening at FUMCOG Sunday, February 1 9:45 am Sunday School Classes 9:45 am Adult Academy A special presentation about the Kofa Foundation and its Ebola relief work in Liberia 11:00 am Worship Rev. Lorelei Toombs preaching Meet & Mingle • Linger Lunch 1st Sundays, Music & Meditation 5 pm in Turner Chapel Ken Ulansey & Kevin O’Malia WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 Tuesday 7:30 pm SPRC Mtg Gribbel Room Wednesday 7:15 pm Boy Scouts FUMCOG Gym Thursday 7:45 pm Chancel Choir Music Rm. Sunday, February 8 9:45 am Sunday School Classes 11:00 am Worship Boy Scout Sunday Guest Speaker Brian Wallace Meet & Mingle • Linger Lunch WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 Tuesday 7:30 Ad Council Budget Mtg Cassel Parlor Wednesday 7:15 pm Boy Scouts FUMCOG Gym Thursday 7:45 pm Chancel Choir Music Rm. Sunday, February 15 9:45 am Sunday School Classes 11:00 am Worship Miles Hopgood Preaching Meet & Mingle • Linger Lunch Admin Council Budget Meeting Tuesday, February 10, 7:30 pm in Cassel Parlor Our gender neutral/unisex bathroom is easily located. Start from the right front corner of the sanctuary, go up a few steps and walk straight ahead, to the end of the long corridor. February 25 - Ash Wednesday FUMCOG is hosting the first Germantown Cluster Lenten Service Dinner - 6:00 pm • Worship - 7:00 pm Rev. Lorelei Toombs preaching First Sundays: Music & Meditation Mindfulness Class David Dimmack, who has been a mindfulness student with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh for 25 years is offering a 6 week class titled Mindfulness Practice: The Foundation of Healing, Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:00, February 3-March 10 at Center on the Hill in the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. All are welcome! First Sundays: Music & Meditation Premier event: Sunday, February 1, 5 pm This Afternoon! Kevin O’Malia, organ, Ken Ulansey, saxophone 5 pm in Turner Chapel A Taizé-style worship service, with silence, short readings in an intimate setting with candlelight, meditation and simple musical chants. Kenny Ulansey and Kevin O’Malia in a service of meditation through beautiful Taize chants. Brilliant of saxophonist Kenny First United Methodist Church Germantown Ulanssey will augment this candlelit service. 6001 Germantown Avenue, 19144 (at High St.) Wanda’s vacation Wanda Fuller, Office Administrator, will be on vacation February 9 - February 13 (M-F). The office will remain open, staffed with church volunteers, to take phone messages and appropriately direct questions and physical inquiries. Email to the “[email protected]” and “fumcog1@gmail. com” account will be responded to on her return. Sunday, March 1, 5:00 pm Sunday, 1 Stabat Mater byMarch Giovanni Pergolesi. 5 pm in Turner Chapel Performed by the women of FUMCOG choir, Darlene Kelsey and Majalisa Fritzhuspen soloists, Fairmount String Quartet. First United Methodist Church Come and walk the way of ofGermantown the cross 6001 Germantown (at High through ItalianAvenue, music19144 of the 18thSt.) Century in our beautiful Turner Chapel. Stabat Mater, by Giovanni Pergolesi performed by the women of FUMCOG choir, Darlene Kelsey and Majalisa Fritzhuspen soloists, Fairmount String Quartet. Brian Wallace to speak at FUMCOG on Boy Scout Sunday, February 8 Brian Wallace is an Eagle scout, Principal of Morton McMichael Elementary School in Philadelphia, the Scoutmaster of Troop 358 at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, a lifelong Scouter, a divinity student and the only African American to ever be the Lodge Chief of Unami One Lodge of the Order of the Arrow. Brian is a dynamic and energetic speaker who brings great passion to Scouting in the City. He was recently featured in the current issue of Scouting Magazine whose cover story was the 2nd Annual Philadelphia Encampment, which he chaired. On why he chose the education field: “When I worked at Treasure Island Boy Scout camp, I loved teaching merit badges. I just loved teaching. All of the leadership skills I learned in our Scout troop, as a camp staff member and as [an Order of the Arrow] lodge chief are the same skills I use to educate kids every day.” On the significance of the Philadelphia Encampment: “There were thousands of Scouts who could potentially end up in traditional units. Scoutreach does well, but the missing link was a program like this one to bridge the two. We needed to let people see how great Scouting is.” St. Augustine’s Corner by Kevin O’Malia Give us this day our daily bread Today we focus on different settings of The Lord’s Prayer. For the prelude, we hear the music of North German School composer Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707). Buxtehude’s most prominent post, from 1668, was at the Marienkirche, in Lübeck which had two organs, a large one for big services and a small one for devotionals and funerals. There he succeeded Franz Tunder and followed in many of the footsteps of his predecessor. He married Tunder’s daughter Anna Margarethe in 1668 – it was not uncommon practice that a man marry the daughter of his predecessor in his occupation (there is a story that he was the last of four organists to be offered the post, and the other three refused because they were not receptive of Anna Margarethe!). Buxtehude was among the first composers to set involved and complex pedal lines in his organ compositions. He wrote in the stylus phantasticus (literally, fantastic style) which featured short fragmented sections in pieces as well as many contrasting and colorful sounds. He is chorale “Vater unser in Himmelreich” (Our Father) is an ornamented chorale, with the hymn tune in the soprano, “dressed up” with other passing tones and ornaments. It is supported by a gentle accompaniment in the left hand and pedal. Johann Sebastian Bach, in the next generation of organists, was rumored to have travelled hundreds of miles on foot to hear Buxtehude play in Lubeck. His concert series Abendmusik (evening music) was very popular throughout Europe and the young Bach was enamored of Buxtehude’s style upon the acquaintance. Clearly, Buxtehude’s style made an impression on Johann, who emulated his style in his organ compositions; ultimately he developed the North German style further and in more complex ways. Wir Glauben all an einen Gott (We all believe in one true God) is another chorale prelude, taken from Bach’s set of Klavierubung III. These chorale preludes are to reflect the ideals of the Lutheran catechism, and are teaching pieces, featuring the mass parts: Kyrie, Gloria, Creed, etc), the 10 Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, etc). Wir Glauben is Luther’s poetic setting of the creed. Bach sets it to a full registration, with a two part fugue in the manuals and an alternating through composed pedal line. For our anthems today, we hear to other settings of the Lord’s Prayer. The first is by a favorite composer of ours, Mark Miller. Mark serves is Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School and is a Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University. He also is the Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, New Jersey. Since 1999 Mark has led music for United Methodists and others around the country, including directing music for the 2008 General Conference. His choral anthems are best sellers for Abingdon Press andChoristers Guild and his hymns are published in “Worship& Song”, “Sing! Prayer and Praise”, “Zion Still Sings”, “Amazing Abundance”, “The Faith We Sing”, and others. Mark received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Yale University and his Master of Music in Organ Performance from Juilliard. Mark is a lifelong United Methodist. He is the grandson, son, brother, uncle, and cousin to United Methodist clergy. As a lay delegate to the 2000 and 2004 and 2012 General Conferences, Mark was a witness to Christ’s mission of breaking down the dividing walls of hostility and fear in the United Methodist Church. The piece is set to a contemporary translation, and is a three-part choral setting with a rippling accompaniment. And our final setting is by William Billings, known as the ‘father of American’ choral music. He taught the colonists how to sing (he lived from 1746-1800)..Hailing from Boston, he composed hymns and anthems in a simple yet rugged style. Kittery (an anthem named after a town in Maine) is a paraphrase of the Lord’s Prayer. It is a fuguing tune, set in an A-B form, the first section hymn-like in four parts and the second section in imitation, or fugue. Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Lenten Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner @ 6:00 P.M.) Location: - Ridge Avenue UMC 470 Green Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128 Preacher: Rev. Suzanne Duchesne Lenten Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner @ 6:00 P.M.) Location: Green Lane UMC 470 Green Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128 Preacher: Rev. Steven Pittman Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Lenten Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner at 6:00 P.M.) Lenten Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner @ 6:00 P.M.) Location: Servants of Christ UMC Location: Grace UMC 5213 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 7101 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19138 Preacher: Rev. Alfred W. Jones. III. Preacher: Rev. Dr. William Gary George Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Thursday, April 2, 2015 Maundy Thursday Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner @ 6:00 P.M.) Location: Bickley’s New Beginning UMC 6239 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126 Preacher: Rev. Jackie Anne Stewart Friday, April 3, 2015 Good Friday Service @ Noon Location: Janes Memorial UMC 47 E. Haines Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144 Ch elt e nh ne 6239 N 6th St. Av e n Ave rm wn to an Servants of Christ e Av 5213 Germantown Ave Godfrey 6th St. St. elt en Ch Hi . St Ge e Av e Av ne Chelte n to yn Ba 47 E Haines St. on i ck ah is s W nry He La 20 La to n Ha in es ne La St . gh W al n ut e e Av ne Bickleys New Beginnings St . ve wn A anto Ridg Janes 6001 G’town Ave Green Lane 71st Ave Ave ve 69th eA ot nc y W FUMCOG 470 Green Lane Av e 7101 N 20th St Broad G er m Av e am Grace St leton Midd O go ntz Ave Ch ew Av e W as hi ng Ste nto n M t. Ai ry Shawmont Ave Av e 7811 Ridge Ave th St. tz Ave Ogon Ridge Avenue La n Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Lenten Service @ 7:00 P.M. (Dinner @ 6:00 P.M.) Location: Janes Memorial UMC 47 E. Haines Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144 Preacher: Rev. Anna R. Seward Sh ur s 2015 Cluster Lenten Schedule Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Ash Wednesday Service @ 7:00 P.M. Dinner @ 6:00 P.M. Location:FUMCOG 6001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144 Preacher: Rev. Lorelei Krall Toombs Gr ee n n Ave How can we work together to save this piece of Germantown history? Dear Rev. Toombs, Wanda, Shamir, Bruce, Mark, and All the FUMCOG Community -Please accept the thank you of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) and the Germantown Community for hosting an amazingly powerful community meeting. This was the largest gathering of Germantowners that I have witnessed in the close to thirty years I’ve lived in this area. FUMCOG understood the tensions but also understood the importance of the issue we were working through. Germantown is at a turning point and needs all the activism we can use to turn our neighborhood back into the vibrant place it once was. FUMCOG is at the forefront of our renaissance. Thank you for attending the January 22 community meeting on saving the Germantown YWCA. We were excited to see such a large turnout of so many community residents to discuss this important issue. We have posted a video of the entire meeting on our web site: http://germantownunitedcdc.org/wp/category/events/ Please visit this site for updates as we receive them. Next steps: GUCDC will continue to advocate for the YWCA to be saved and put to a productive, communitysupported use. In the short-term we are requesting that Councilwoman Bass and the PRA immediately share the results of the L&I inspection so we can share it with you. Thank you. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have additional questions or comments. Share your ideas with us on how to save and re-use this historic Germantown building. Julie Stapleton-Carroll, Vice President Garlen Capita, President, and the GUCDC Board Look for email updates as they become available. Thank you. FUMCOG Joins Kofa Family Foundation Help for Child Survivors of Ebola in Liberia Many of us have wanted to do something to help the victims of the terrible Ebola crisis in West Africa. Now we — members of FUMCOG and our families and friends — have a timely and important way to help! There have been more than 7000 Ebola deaths since last August. On a human level, this is a greater disaster than 9/11. International organizations, governments and foundations have sent massive support to help victims and curb the spread of the virus — and with good results. According to the New York Times (Jan. 24, 2015) new cases in Liberia are down from 300 last September to just 8 cases reported the week of Jan. 18. Although this effort must continue until there are 0 cases, it is great progress, for which we are all thankful. Now the work of recovery must begin. Liberia and its neighbors have been devastated and must receive assistance of all kinds. But of greatest urgency is to address the desperate needs of orphaned children who are survivors of Ebola. Sadly, these children are stigmatized — even by family members — because of fear of contracting the deadly virus even though the children are now immune. The nation of Liberia underwent decades of oppressive dictatorship causing many to leave the country and continue their lives in refugee camps and neighboring countries. One couple, Agnes and Joseph Kofa, came to Philadelphia in 1997 and, being good Methodists, found their way to FUMCOG. The next year, 17 family members also emigrated from Liberia to take up life in Philadelphia. Many FUMCOG members and groups assisted in their relocation. When the Ebola pandemic came about, the Kofa family was affected. One family member returned from his home in Minneapolis to Liberia to help with the crisis in that country. He contracted the disease and died, the first American citizen to die in the epidemic. There are others in the extended Kofa family in Liberia who have died from the disease. Midwestern members of the Kofa family and their friends have created a Kofa Family Foundation to care for victims of the Ebola crisis. The emphasis of the Foundation is caring for the orphaned children. The Foundation has appealed to the FUMCOG community to join them in raising funds to help these orphans. If you were at worship on January 11, you heard Decontee Kofa Sawyer share her personal story of her brave husband, Patrick, who is the person mentioned above. She spoke from her heart in describing the toll Ebola has taken and the courageous people who are helping. The Foundation is partnering with More Than Me (MTM), a girl’s education non-profit organization serving the very poor neighborhood of West Point in Monrovia. After schools were suspended, MTM led a community coalition to stop Ebola, which reached 100,000 people. With schools re-opening in February, MTM is committed to serving the Ebola orphans with a home, education and other help. But they need financial support and the Kofa Family Foundation is responding. FUMCOG has always responded to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. This crisis has touched FUMCOG in a very personal and familial way. In December the Trustees approved a Julia Morgan Fund Grant of $2000 as a “seed” fund with the hope that the FUMCOG community would add to this amount. The Administrative Council established an Ad Hoc Committee (Sayondee Kofa, Dick Cox, John Riggan, Ray Torres, Dan Ross, Phyllis Thomas and Beverly Lucas) to learn more about the needs and to bring recommendations to the Council. The result is this Fundraising Campaign. The Campaign will be launched on February 1 with Adult Academy and the Sunday morning worship service. Decontee has made the wonderful commitment to come from Minneapolis to speak and answer questions, along with Sayondee and the Committee, at Adult Academy at 9:30am. During worship a special communion offering will be taken as a first opportunity to give generously to this great cause. The Campaign will continue for two more weeks, concluding on February 15th. During this period we hope that all FUMCOGers will contribute AND share this letter with family, friends and anyone you know who might be interested in helping the children who are surviving victims of Ebola. We will dedicate these gifts during worship on Feb. 15. Please give as generously as you are able. A check addressed to FUMCOG with “Ebola” on the memo line will ensure that all contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for joining in this good cause. Dick Cox and John Riggan for the Ad Hoc Committee