Commack United Methodist Church

486 Townline Road Commack, NY 11725-7310 (631) 499-7310 Web Site: http://www.commack-umc.org Email: [email protected] Pastor’s E-Mail: [email protected] Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington, Pastor (631) 499-4770 October 2007

Open Hearts

Open Minds

Open Doors

My mission with the dog was successfully completed in a timely fashion and we made our way back to the house. Before we reached the house, we paused to let an early morning woman walker pass in front of us. I had not seen the woman before that morning, so I did not know her. Politely, I greeted her with a nod and a “good morning.” She responded also with a smile and then she said, “May the Creator God give you a good day.”

A Word From The Pastor: My daughter Marlene has a young, very active and entertaining Boston terrier. Whenever she has to go out of town, she leaves her with Virginia and me. We enjoy the dog, but we know that at this time in our lives, we don’t need the responsibility of dog ownership. It is OK for a few days, but not as a permanent situation. Last month, on Rally Sunday here at the church, Virginia and I were hastily making last minute preparations to leave our home in New Rochelle in time to get to Commack for the 9 AM service. My last task was to walk the dog. By this time I was beginning to feel the pressure of getting to the church on time and I wished that I did not have to walk the dog. In spite of my feeling, I knew that this was something I had to do and I did not expect the dog to quickly cooperate with the task at hand.

We are all accustomed to being greeted with words like, “Have a good day” or “Have a blessed day,” but not “May the Creator God give you a good day.” Having a good or blessed day sometimes seems to suggest that it is up to us to make the day good or blessed, but I like what the woman said to me because I want to recognize that God gives me the good day. That Sunday was a good day for me. After I spoke with the woman I was glad 1

money cannot buy." this truth becomes more real with each team that passes through our hearts. It is our opinion that the Volunteer-In-Mission program has been the most important aid to the church for many years, and we must not write off Haiti as a failed program. The volunteers will continue to be a vital, vivid vision for the lives they touch among the Haitian people.

that I had walked the dog. With her warm smile and her few words she helped to set the tone for my whole day. I enjoyed the trip to Commack. It was a bright clear morning and there was little traffic on the highways. I arrived at the church on time; I greeted my new friends and was thankful to Deb Hervey and the youth who all participated in the Rally Day worship service. I even got a smile from watching one of our youngest members, about two years old, who joined the children and youth when they sang. She did not know the words of the song, but she had the right spirit and rhythm.

Charles & Missionaries

Patty

Maddox;

Haiti;

Mission Prayer Focus: Haiti: Children's Nutrition Recuperation Program Midwife Training Program

At the end of that day I remembered what the early morning walker had wished for me. The Creator God had given me a good day. I paraphrased Psalm 118:24 and said to myself, “This is the day that the Lord has made and I rejoiced in it.” I say to you, “May the Creator God give you a good day.”

International Child care for Grace

ANNUAL HARVEST FAIR

John E. Carrington A MISSION MOMENT Some do not understand why we are pulled out (of Haiti) when trouble arises, but there is more to the story than just our safety. VIMers are an unusual breed; they want to be there! But when they are in the country, we not only have their safety to consider, but the Haitian pastors and people themselves find themselves in more danger when we helpers are there with them. It is difficult for volunteers just to blend in. We sound different, act differently, dress differently, and have you ever seen a Haitian wear a fanny pack to work? Gangs know you did not fly free, nor did you come to the country empty-handed. I read once that "a volunteer is a gift that

Our fair is approaching and we thank those who have volunteered their time, effort and talents. We hope others will join in the preparations. Thursday, the 11th at 10 AM, the tables are to be set up. Thursday and Friday, the 11th and 12th, decorating and displaying our wonderful array of homemade cakes, jams and jellies, hand crafted boutique gifts,

pricing White Elephants and setting up lunch tables and supplies. The evening 2

hours for bringing in white elephants are 8-9 PM (both evenings). We will gladly accept china, gifts, antiques, pots, pans, household goods, tools, jewelry, artwork, small furniture, toys and books...almost anything in clean, working order will be appreciated. Other items may be brought in at this time also. Dismantling of tables and chairs, sweeping and packing up will commence at 3 PM on Saturday. We hope you will ‘hang out to help out’!

A LITTLE HUMOR GOES A LONG WAY! “If God had Voice Mail”... “Thank you for calling Our Father’s House. Please select one of the following options: PRESS 1 for Requests PRESS 2 for Thanksgiving PRESS 3 FOR Complaints PRESS 4 for All Other Inquiries “I am sorry, all of our angels are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received, so please stay on the line.”

If you have any questions, please speak to the White Elephant committee – Joan, Joan and Al.

Golden Wisdom... The most wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.

“If you would like to speak to: God...Press 1; for Jesus...Press 2; for the Holy Spirit...Press 3. If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are holding, please press 4; to find out if a loved one has been assigned to heaven, Press 5, enter his/her social security #, then press the # key (If you get a negative response, try the are code 666).

HARVEST DINNER It is that time again. Keep this date, Saturday, th November 17 open for our annual Harvest Dinner. All you can eat roast beef, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans and turnips, plus Mel’s famous coleslaw, bread/butter and of course a selection of homemade desserts with coffee/tea and soda.

For reservations at “My Father’s House”, please enter J-O-H-N followed by 3-1-6. For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah’s Ark is, please wait until you arrive here.

Tickets have not been printed yet, but will be $12.00 – adults, $5.00children 6-10, and under six free.

Our computers show that you have already prayed today; please hang up and try again tomorrow.

We hope you will be a part of our annual fall celebration! Patti & Geri Spory

Please pray again Monday after 9:30am. If you need emergency assistance when this office is closed, contact your local

This office is closed on the weekends to observe a religious holiday.

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pastor.

CHANGE IN SCHEDULE: The programs for the October and November meetings have been reversed. Please keep in mind that ALL women are welcome to these meetings!

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE... We are in desperate need of volunteers who can give an hour or two weeding the grounds around the church. If you enjoy the outdoors and some company, please see Mary Kopf.

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