Commack United Methodist Church 486 Townline Road Commack, NY 11725-7310 631.499.7310 FAX: 631.858.0596 Web Site: http://www.commack-umc.org CELEBRATING 225 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN COMMACK 1783-2008 Email: [email protected] Pastor’s E-Mail: [email protected] Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington, Pastor 631.499.4770 FEBRUARY 2008 Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR The Lenten Season comes early this year. It begins with Ash Wednesday on February 6th and ends on Holy Saturday. Our United Methodist Book of Worship states, “Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lenton, which means ‘spring’. The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians.” It is indeed a time to look at the state of our own lives and to prayerfully determine how, with God’s help, we can become better people as we live out our commitment to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

may want to strive to be released from habits that weaken us rather than to strengthen us. Perhaps you are already trying to have a deeper spiritual life with God and Lent can be when we can make time to give attention to our own spiritual development. Lent can remind us that in the beginning days of Jesus’ ministry, following his baptism by John the Baptist, that he helped to prepare himself for the task that was set before him by going off by himself for forty days to think and to pray. You will see in this month’s Messenger a schedule of Lenten services. Some of these services will be held at our church and some will be held at our local sister United Methodist Churches. It is my prayer that we will strengthen one another as we worship, pray, and serve during and after Lent.

Some of us may want to improve our relations with person in our families or with people with whom we work. Others

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distance to ride on horseback in fierce winters and hot summers. How different is our church today with our three buildings and programs for all age groups? We want to celebrate our 225 Years later this year and need YOU to be a part of it; to plan and carry out a proper celebration. Please let Marge Wright, Matilda Gollatz or Mike Hervey know of your ideas and dates for celebration and how you will help.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES Commack United Methodist Church February 6, 2008 11:00AM and 7:00 PM Services will include the imposition of ashes and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Schedule for LENTEN Services Our Congregation will again join together with the following churches: February 13 Luchen Memorial UMC (Kings Park) February 20 Union UMC (East Northport) February 27 St. Paul’s UMC (Northport) March 5 Commack UMC March 12 A church may wish to volunteer to Host the Supper/Service. Wednesday evenings during Lent, each Church should provide soup, desserts, and beverages. Those attending may wish to bring a sandwich. Supper and fellowship starts at 6:00 PM Worship program will start at 7:00 PM. Each church will be responsible for how they wish to handle the 7:00 PM time together.

Janice Woods Historian 225th CUMC ANNIVERSARY & OUR 1789 CHAPEL "The Comac Society was the second to be formed on Long Island, preceded only by Newton in 1768. However, the historic building we now call our 1789 Chapel, has the distinction of being the oldest Methodist Church in continuous use in New York in which people still worship in the original building, with but few alterations." Thus starts the history of the Commack United Methodist Church as written by our Historian, Janice T. Woods A celebration of our 225th Anniversary will be held this fall and sadly, our Chapel is in need of many repairs. The vintage windows as well as the entrance doors are in dire need of replacement. Rain leaking through these windows is further damaging the Chapel. To maintain our status as per the above statement , we would like to replace the windows and doors with windows and doors replicated to match those existing. The Trustees have found an experienced individual who can and has done this for other historical buildings. The cost is $2,000.00 per window. We have fouteen windows to replace in addition to the two entrance doors for a total of $33,000.00. As of this writing, we have $13,300 donated towards this project. Four families have donated the cost of a window as a memorial, others have given smaller amounts.

225 YEARS 1783 A “Class” of the Methodist Church was organized in Comac. 1789 Our oldest building, our Chapel, is still used regularly by our Congregation and the Long Island Korean Church. The Trustees were James Hubbs, Samuel Brush, Jacob Wheeler, John Clark, Samuel Wheeler, Vanhaddah Robbins, Morris Burr, Smith Brush and Joel Rogers. How many of these names have you heard in the History of Commack? James Hubbs served in the Revolutionary War and is buried in our Cemetary. Early ministers were circuit riders, who also served other Methodist Organizations on Long Island. In the 1800’s the circuit consisted of Comac, Hauppauge, and Sag Harbor, quite a

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School. Their research revealed that many children’s bibles have fun interesting covers but are still the New Standard Revised Version which is written for an 11th grade reading level. All felt that the children would enjoy reading a bible that was written at a level they were really able to read and understand. The group found that the New International Readers Version (NirV) is designed for a 3rd grade reading level, and selected it to present to our 2nd graders. The New International Read-with-Me version was selected for our youngest Sunday School students. At the same time, the group felt that our confirmation class and upper Sunday School class would also benefit from a version that was easier for them to understand.

The window replacement will commence shortly, but with the limited funds on hand, not all can be replaced. We need you to come forward and donate to this urgent need of chapel repair in time for our celebration. Please make checks payable to CUMC with 'Chapel Windows' in the memo line. You can place this in the offering plate on Sunday mornings or mail to the church. Thank you. CUMC Trustees nd

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Graders Received Bibles

On Sunday, November 18th, our 2nd grade Sunday School students were presented with their bibles.

In January, these students were provided the New International Version which is written for a 7th grade reading level. Souper Bowl Sunday February 3rd, 2008 The Youth Group will be conducting its annual collection to support Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, February 3rd, 2008. On that Sunday, they will present a skit to the children and congregation during worship service and then pass soup pots. This unique fundraiser is conducted by over 16,000 youth groups throughout the country. Last year the $244 raised at Commack UMC combined with others across the country for a total of $8,171,845! Each group decides where to donate the funds they raise. Our youth will be splitting the amount collected between buying peanut butter and jelly and the local food pantry.

Rev. John with the children on Bible Sunday

Caroline Reddo holds her new Bible as others listen

COOKIE-GRAMS RETURN THIS YEAR

This year the education work group did extensive research into what Bibles would be best for each age group in Sunday

Bring your list of favorite valentines on Sunday January 27th and

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Sunday February 3rd so you can order a homemade cookie gram for them. Your valentine can receive 1, 3 or 6 cookies. Cookies will be delivered to the church on Sunday 2/10. Any recipient who is unable to be at church will have their cookie-gram delivered to their home by the youth group prior to 2/14. Proceeds will be used to fund Youth Group activities.

CAN YOU TOP THIS?? Our best wishes and may God bless Dolly and Mel Walker on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary, celebrated on January 30th. Our sincere congratulations to a dear and wonderful couple!

Youth Head back to Camp Epworth in Early March for Winter Retreat

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: Jack Adam Norma Adam Betty Carson Arlene Lavoie Kathy Muller Joan Svoboda Carol Wilson

The Youth Group is hoping that all the snow that has fallen upstate remains through March. They are planning a winter retreat for one of the first

Another year has come and gone, And it's your birthday, once again. So We're sending you these wishes: Happy Birthday, our dear friends!

two weekends in March. They will travel to Camp Epworth for a weekend of fellowship, food and (hopefully) frosty fun! They will also use funds raised from the Cookie-gram sale to learn trust the fun way – on the high ropes adventure course.

Our January program, Prayer and Self-Denial was well received and an offering of $64 will be sent to the Women's Division for mission educational projects here and abroad. In addition it was voted to add $100 to our church donation for the L.I. Methodist Habitat for Humanity building project. Following installation of officers, Kathy Muller was honored to receive a Special Mission Recognition pin and a donation will be sent to the Women's Division for mission. Our February meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 PM in the parlor. Ginny Eichenauer will lead the program "Peace: Journeying to Claim It.” Preparing for Lent, the goal of this program is to retreat into the wilderness by moving from the edge to the center of the conflict, and to know more fully what to pray for and what actions to take as we claim peace

All Youth invited to come to Youth Group! As you can read in the articles in this Messenger, youth group has some exciting activities planned and they continue throughout the rest of the year. Our 30Hour Famine is still coming up in the spring along with other fun activities. We meet every Sunday at 10:45. If you are in 6th – 12th grade, we would love to have you join us! FAIR WORKSHOP As of January 29, we resumed our craft workshop in preparation for our Annual Fall Fair to be held October 11, 2008. We welcome you to join us every Tuesday (weather permitting, and with a bag lunch), from now until the fair. We meet from 10-1 in Room 9 of the Education Building. Martha, Ginny, Ann A, Lille & Kathy ______________________________

A MISSION MOMENT

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Recently I saw two little kids searching in a discarded pile of rotten oranges outside a fruit market. One of them took a little orange, and the satisfaction on his face was as if he had found a treasure. He peeled the orange and shared it with his friend. Begging and searching the trash have become, for these kids, a reasonable way of not finding silver and gold to share, but of giving what they have, as Peter did in acts 3:6. We might ask," What are you and I disposed to share with others." Miguel Arenas Herrera, Missionary~Salto, Uruguay

========================== NURTURE and EVANGELISM Committee

MISSION PRAYER FOCUS Uruguay: Child Assistance, Northern Montevideo Project Pakistan: Education for refugee children USA: Individual Volunteers in Mission (VIM)

While we are still in this Epiphany Season let me thank Tom White, Al Fick and Chris Litrel for portraying the Kings at our worship service on January 6th. We would also like to share this article from Daily Guideposts:

morning and for further information please contact us. John & Kathy Muller. [[email protected]]

We SOUTHERNERS JOKE ABOUT THE FACT that our seasons are not reflected in changing leaves but rather in the food we eat. We have crawfish season, strawberry season, Creole tomato season, Vidalia onion season and---my favorite---King Cake season. Only available during the Mardi Gras holidays, King Cake is made in an oval shape from braided strands of cinnamon dough, topped with icing and sprinkled with purple, green and gold sugar. There’s a small plastic baby baked inside, and whoever finds it must bring a king cake to the next gathering.

14th INTERNATIONAL DINNER: Saturday, February 9 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall. I checked our records and indeed this is our 14th not the 13th Annual International Dinner. There is a sign up sheet in the hall and it is very important that you list the number of those planning to attend. Seating is limited. This is not your old covered dish supper~please try to prepare and bring your family's favorite heritage entrée. In addition, remember that we are all descended from foreign lands~ check your genealogy~ and wear your ancestor's national dress, as this always adds to our enjoyment of the evening. We lso invite you to participate in our 'homegrown' entertainment, so don't be shy, we are really a friendly group, sharing in fellowship and fun! If you wish to help out, we will be setting the tables at 9 AM on Saturday

My daughter loves King Cake as much as I. She called from New York City to ask me to send her one. She planned to invite friends over during Mardi Gras. “Sure!” I replied. The next day I stopped at the bakery to order one. On the way out I picked up a brochure on the counter entitled. “The History of the King Cake.” “The Mardi Gras season officially begins on the Twelfth Night of Christmas, January 6, also known as Epiphany.” It

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I have troubles." Wait three days __________________________________ THRIFT SHOP The Commack United Methodist Thrift Shop will be holding their 50% off sale on all Clothing during the month of February. Thrift Shop Hours are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday, Friday and the first Saturday of each month.

said, “It marks the day the wise men brought gifts to the Christ Child. By doing so they ‘revealed’ or ‘made known’ Jesus to the world as Lord and King. “The New Orleans custom, begun in the late 1800’s, celebrates Epiphany with cakes that are baked to honor the three kings. The oval shape signifies their circular journey to confuse King Herod. The plastic baby represents Jesus. And the search for the baby is represented by the mystery of who will get the slice with the plastic baby in it.” So even if you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, why not share in a beloved New Orleans custom? Bake a King Cake or have one shipped to you, and celebrate one of the biggest Aha! moments in history.

SAVE THE DATE !!!!! ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEAST...MARCH 15TH SATURDAY, AT 6:00 PM..... All you can eat Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions plus Irish Soda Bread, rye bread, relish dish and assorted deserts, coffee tea and apple juice. Buy Tickets by March 11th. Adults $12, Children 6-12 $6.00, under 6 free. For further information call the church office. 631-499-7310 __________________________________ CHRISTENING

Happy New Year……from Ginny Eichenauer, Joan Nehlsen, Cyndi Pinkham, Nancy Gamby, Suzanne Litrel, Penny and Tom White, John Titolo, Tricia Nehlsen, Al Fick, Janice Woods and Mike Mallgraf. Last year, members of the Lydia Circle shared their favorite poems and readings.This is Mary Kopf's favorite from Guideposts:

We welcome the family of John and Naja Lynagh 2 Grand Haven Court, Commack NY on January 27th at the Christening of their son, Tyler John Lynagh – Born July 14, 2007

The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled old face alive with joy...On impulse I picked out a flower. "You look happy this morning," I said "Why not, everything is good." She was dressed so shabbily and seemed so frail that her reply startled me. "You wear your troubles well." "When Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worse day for the whole world.

WEDDING BELLS Linda and Paul Ciani announce the marriage of Robert Ciani and Kate Crabtree On Sunday, December 22, 2007 in Bellport, Long Island. Congratulations!

Then three days later~Easter~So when I get troubles, I've learned to wait three days. Somehow everything gets all right again." And she smiled good-by. Her words still follow me whenever I think

CALLING ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL

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CHILDREN ! Did you know that the pretzel is a Christian symbol for Lent? The word pretzel comes from the Latin word brachium meaning “arm”. The pretzel was originally a simple bread eaten during Lent. Its shape is based on an ancient position for prayer in which the arms were folded across the chest and the hands were placed on opposite shoulders. The Sunday School will be baking fresh, soft pretzels on Sunday March 9. All children should meet in the church kitchen at 9 am. Warm pretzels will be served following church service. Don’t leave without one! Dates to Mark for on your calendar 2008 Annual International Dinner, Saturday, February 9th, 2008. See Sign up Sheet-outside The Parlor St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Saturday, March 15th, 2008 Family Retreat Quinipet - April 18-20 2008 UMW Retreat Quinipet – Sept. 19-21 2008 If there have been any changes in your phone, fax, emails or addresses please call or email the church office with new coordinates.

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