Commack United Methodist Church 486 Townline Road Commack, NY 11725-2026 - 631.499.7310

Web Site: http://www.commack-umc.org [email protected] Emails: [email protected]

CELEBRATING 225 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN COMMACK 1783-2008 Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe, Pastor 631.499.4770 Carolyn Gehlbach, Editor SEPTEMBER 2008

Open Hearts

Open Minds

Word from the Pastor  

It feels great to be settled in and returning to the usual routine. While I enjoy the challenge and energy of change and new things, there is something very appealing and sustaining about having a routine. One thing that suffers most when I’m unsettled and in transition is my prayer, devotional and study life. While I know it is of great importance and try to make it a priority, it all too often falls behind when my schedule is uneven or my space is not organized. I have to push myself to make it a priority and do the best I can under whatever circumstances I find myself. So now that the boxes are unpacked, my office hours are becoming regular and life in general is falling into place, I’m concentrating better and clearing more time to meditate, journal, pray and read scripture. In a recent sermon I made a strong statement about what makes for the health and vitality of a congregation. I claimed that a church where folks, all the members, are engaging in some way, shape or form in a systematic study of scripture, that church will be growing to its ideal. There is no such thing as a perfect church, but the more the people of the church engage

Open Doors

with scripture in a meaningful and significant way, the healthier and more vital the church will be. I honestly believe learning and growing deeper in our understanding of the Bible is the most effective way to be the church of Jesus Christ. I think it is of greater significance than more programs, increased income, higher numbers, a popular pastor, greater staff and a better location. That insight has only come with time and I have to admit that I struggle to ‘practice what I preach’ all the time. But I’ve stopped beating myself up for not doing as much reading and study as I think I should, and instead put my energy into doing it as thoughtfully, prayerfully and consistently as I can. Please join me in making this a priority for your walk of faith and for your contribution to the church. I enjoy most learning in a group setting and would encourage you to make the Bible Study group at church a priority. You may know of neighborhood groups or a class in another church; don’t hesitate to join them if it works best for your schedule. Even if you can’t join a group you can do much on your own. To help you with that let me suggest some resources. First, get a good study Bible in recent translation. I prefer the New Revised Standard Version but there are other transitions. A study Bible will include not only the scripture but also notes and explanations that help you understand it better. I use the Harper Collins Study Bible at home; I hope to get the New Interpreter’s Study Bible for the office. There is also the New Oxford Annotated Bible and 1

Disciple Study Bible. You can purchase these in any We look forward to seeing you at our bookstore or at Cokesbury (www.cokesbury.com). Homecoming Fair In the church library and my office there are held at the church on also resources to help understand some of the more Saturday & Sunday, difficult passages. The internet is a great resource. September 27th and 28th Check out websites like _____________________________ www.biblegateway.com, and www.bibleportal.com. Our schedule for Saturday, September There are many lectionary sites that you can use to 27th 10:00 –4:00 PM either follow along with the preaching or in a systematic reading of books of the Bible. Look at Scouts Rope Bridge www.montreal.anglican.org/comments Birthday Cake Moonbounce & www.textweek.com. The UMC Board of Cotton Candy Discipleship has an interesting website at Mini Organ concerts on the hour, and www.gbod.org. One of our UM Bishops, Bishop Wills, tours of the 1789 Chapel and Sanctuary has organized a way of reading and reflecting on scripture called the Life Journal. It is well worth Free Outdoor Barbeque and Ice Cream Cart considering as a process to help you delve into God’s Word. Find out more about it at Bluegrass Band 11:00 – 2:00 PM www.nashvilleareajournal.org. I hope this is helpful. Don’t get overwhelmed; just SPECIAL EVENING CONCERT 7:00 PM use what you can and God will work through it. I PAUL PAOLI BAND Christian Band playing pledge that I will do my best to continue my own study Rock & Roll – Country – Folk of the Word both on my own and with you in Bible th, studies at the church. Please join me in this September 27 will be a joyous day, commitment and together we will become the Body of and fun for all ages. Christ at Commack UMC that God calls us to be. All are welcome. Please put it on your   “MUST GO” list. Peace,  “Come and See” who we are and what we Rev. Lynda are about.” _______________________________ Come and be our Guests!

SUNDAY, September 28th – Homecoming Services

RALLY DAY/APPLE FESTIVAL Sunday, September 7th is Rally Day. This is the start of our Church's fall and winter schedule with all choirs participating, including our children who will also present a short program. After service with the celebration of Holy Communion, by Pastor Lynda, we will share fellowship in an APPLE FESTIVAL coffee hour in the fellowship hall. Everyone is invited to bring their favorite apple dish...pies, cakes, sauces, cobblers...if you can make it, please bring it! Sponsored by the Council of Ministries

10:00 AM in the Sanctuary A joint service with our brothers & sisters of the Korean United Methodist Church. 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary 225th Homecoming Worship Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration. Bishop Jeremiah Park will be joining us as our guest preacher. A Reception featuring special guest speakers will follow the Service. Come join us for this joyous and historic event.

Anniversary Celebration Weekend 2

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Our September meeting will be held on Thursday the 11th at 7:30 PM. Anne Tammaro and Dot Megna will present the program "Say Welcome: Offering Hospitality to the Sojourner." Joan Nehlsen is hostess for the evening. In July, several ladies attended St Catherine of Siena Nursing Home for a visit and sing-a-long. The evening was well received and enjoyed by all. The UMW fall retreat is scheduled for September 19-21 at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island. Please see our president Nancy Gamby for further information and reservations. ANNUAL FALL FAIR SATURDAY - OCTOBER 11TH

With so much scheduled for our church, I hope you will not forget October 11, 10 AM-3 PM as the date and time for our annual fall fair. Set-up for the fair will be held on Thursday, the 9th and Friday, the 10th from 7-9 PM. Our usual booths will include a bake table, hopefully laden with enticing baked goods and preserves; the Country Kitchen providing early morning coffee and bagels, lunches consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, beverages and desserts and the Boutique featuring hand crafted embroideries, knits and crocheted items, holiday decor, sequined banners and hand sewn dolls and pillows.Our Korean ladies will also have our favorite Korean foods available. Please come and bring along a few friends. All fair proceeds go towards the Church's current expenses, so please come and bring along a few friends. However, I DO NEED YOUR HELP. A volunteer to chair the White Elephant booth is sorely needed...!! New faces are always appreciated, so, if you have never been involved and would like to assist...the pay-off is beyond measure...fun and fellowship with satisfaction THE GLORY OF LIFE in a job well done is always most rewarding. The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to serve, not to Please contact John Muller @ 499-6672 or the Church be served; to be a strong hand in the dark to another in time office. of need; to be a cup of strength to any soul in a crisis of weakness. This is to know the glory of life.

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LYDIA CIRCLE Within two meetings, the ladies of Lydia Circle completed 20 new beaded and sequined white and gold Chrismons. They all turned out beautifully and will be seen on our parlor Chrismon Tree during Advent. Members of the Lydia Circle will meet The first Wednesday- monthly at 10:30 in the Parlor. All are invited.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS Pat Ross Jackie Malgraff Gail Stroup

Jim Medina Steven Waidelich Vicky O'Connell

Joan Kopping Sarah Macay Atis Stepe

_________________________________________ HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES

TUESDAY FAIR WORKSHOP We meet from 10-1, every Tuesday, in room # 9 of the Education Building. Santa pillows, Christmas tree ornaments, embroideries, cloth dolls, gift tags and flowered pens are among the items currently in progress.

Another year is a happy gift, So cut your cake, and say "Instead of counting birthdays, I count blessings every day!" Happy Birthday, friends!

SATURDAY- September 13th - 9:30 AM Garden Beautification Day – Join in a common effort to beautify our church grounds for our upcoming 225th Anniversary Events. Dagmar Mackay and Lille Cummings for Coffee and Donuts will await you in the Parlor. Bring a friend you like to garden with and also your volunteering to be on the Beautification Committee of the Church Grounds. favorite gardening tools. We will join together for lunch and fellowship at 12:30

__________________________________ Thank you to Deb Hervey and all who helped with Vacation Bible School. It was wonderful!

FINDING A FRIEND By Augustine of Hippo It is necessary for you to say in that daily prayer of cleansing, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.: What will you do? You have enemies, for who can live on this earth without them? For your own sake, love them. In no way can your enemies so hurt you by their violence as you hurt yourself if you do not love them. Let your prayer be against the malice of your enemies, that it may die and they may live. For if your enemy were dead, it might seem you have lost an enemy, yet have you not found a friend.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for our week of Bible School. Thank you loving us and forgiving us. Thank you for teaching us how to live and love one another. Help us to believe and share our belief in you with others. Hear our silent prayers now. In your name we pray. Amen ________________________________________________

Messenger Deadline - September 15th.

Please submit information via email wherever possible and prepare all lists with names, addresses But if your enemy’s malice died, you have at once and phone information in label format wherever lost an enemy and found a friend. Why are you possible (Avery #5160 - 10x3, or 7x2 columns, if more forever trailing your heart along the earth? Lift up space is required.) Requests for copies, mailings and your heart, reach forward, love your enemies other information need to be given in advance. 4

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