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. Richard C. Mills, Pastor (631) 499-4770 November 2006

Open Hearts

Open Minds

Open Doors

sure that each of us can think of ways someone that we know has affected our life. The truth is that our lives are made up of relationships. It is a truth that everyone you meet will affect your life and you will change theirs. That is scary and calls to account how we interact with people. A smile, a touch, a kind word can make a person’s day. When we meet anyone remember that it is our job to minister to them, you never know what is going on in their mind or heart. And please, please don’t wait until their memorial service or funeral to share with that person just how important your relationship really is.

Dear Brother or Sister in Christ, I have just returned home from a memorial service for Judi in a church in Columbia County that she had served for 14 years. In fact over the 14 year time span, between us we served 9 different churches in Columbia County. It was kind of like a homecoming except that I went alone. The memorial service was just about the same as a funeral service including the chance for people to share their parts of Judi’s life. On the three hour trip back to Commack I had a lot of time to reflect on what was said both in Hillsdale and Dix Hills. I was truly amazed at the various ways that she touched so many lives. The most amazing thing is the little things that she did or said that made a difference. I am

See you in church, Rev. Dick

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United Women

Veterans Day: November 11 – Here is the origin and history of Veterans Day: In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. The end of the war happened at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, so that’s why November 11 was chosen.

Methodist

Thursday, November 9, 2006 is the date of our next UMW meeting. A Pledge service will be led by Margie McNeill, followed by the election of officers for 2007. Anne Tammaro will serve as hostess for the evening.

Congress changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day, a legal holiday in the U.S., honors all who have served in the nation’s armed forces, whether they are living or dead.

Ginny will be collecting the softly wrapped Christmas gifts for the Bookers, for immediate mailing. If you have not taken assignment for our adopted Appalachian family, please see Ann Aupperle before this date. Thank you all.

Patriotic poems that are Veterans Day poems should always be complimentary to our veterans. In the past, some veterans have not been honored for their service the way they should have been. The decision to go to war and to stay in a war accrues to politicians, not to our men and women in the armed forces. This Veterans Day poem reminds us to thank those in uniform for what they did for our country.

Fair Workshop – Now that the fair is over, we will not be meeting on Tuesday mornings until February 2007 but I am sure we will keep our fingers nimble by home crafting. Please keep in mind that we will be selling selected Boutique items at the annual Harvest Dinner, November 11.

Veteran’s Day Tribute If someone has done military service, They earn the title “veteran,” and more; They earn our deep respect and admiration; That they are special, no one can ignore.

We wish to thank all who contributed to our successful sales. We extend a great big thank you to those who crafted at home...Joan Fritz, Barbara Knippenberg, Nancy Gamby, Judy Titolo, Florence Schneckenburger, Nancy Walker, Dolly Walker, Heather Jarvis and of course Ginny & Nancy’s Friday night gals, Cindy Leone, Margie McNeill and Penny White.

They sacrificed the comforts we enjoy; The list is long of all the things they gave; Our veterans are extraordinary people; They’re loyal, dedicated, true and brave. When terror and invasion were real threats, They showed us they could handle any storm. We owe our freedoms and our very lives To our veterans, who served in uniform.

Wishing you all a sew crafty holiday season!

Our veterans should be celebrities; They’re exceptional; no other group compares. We’re grateful for the many things they’ve done; They’re always in our hearts and in our

The Tuesday girls: Martha L, Ann A, Ginny, Lillie & Kathy

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prayers. We owe our veterans support and friendship; Let no one ever question what they’re worth. These men and women served us and our country; Our veterans—the very best on earth. By Joanna Fuchs

Harvest Dinner

Thanksgiving: November 23.

This will be our 223rd Annual Harvest Dinner. (Methodists have never turned away from a church dinner, according to Mel Walker.) We hope you will be a part of this celebration. The menu will be the same: All you can eat roast beef, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans, turnips, Mel’s famous coleslaw, bread/butter and a selection of home made desserts, in addition to coffee and tea. Tickets for adults are $12.00, children under 12 - $8.00, and children under 5 the admission is free. Please buy your tickets on or before Monday, November 6th at the church office or after service on Sunday.

Thanksgiving Day Prayer Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day We bow our hearts to You and pray. We give You thanks for all You’ve done Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son. For beauty in nature, Your glory we see For joy and health, friends and family, For daily provision, Your mercy and care These are the blessings You graciously share. So today we offer this response of praise With a promise to follow You all of our days. - Mary Fairchild

Other Dates to Remember: Sunday, November 5: Day of All Saints. The list of memorials for the past year will be dedicated.

This is a community function, as it takes more than a cook in the kitchen to make this a great event. We need all the help and support that you can give. There is a sign-up sheet in the hall for volunteers. Thank you.

Wednesday, November 22: Remember to attend our Thanksgiving Eve service at 7:30 pm. Sunday, December 3: First Day of Advent. We will have our display of favorite, historical and unusual Nativity Sets placed in the locked glass memorial cabinet. If you wish to add yours, p0lease deliver to church just before or on that date. They will remain on display until Epiphany, January 7, 2007.

Patti and Gery Spory We are in desperate need of kitchen towels! If anyone has a few extra, please drop them off before the dinner, if at all possible. Thanks!!

Kathy Muller

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The Lydia Circle Our October meeting was an historical and emotional remembrance of wars that our families were a part of. We had a display of medals from as far back as the Civil War. There were funny postcards sent home from sailors, a book about wartime nurses, money from Europe, and a complete uniform with hat, medals and company insignias which had been worn by Janice Woods’ brother.

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

Fashion Show Update... It was necessary to reschedule the fashion show due to unforeseen circumstances. It will be rescheduled in the Spring and we thank everyone for their help. We look forward to seeing you there.

The most moving item was excerpts from the World War I diary of Jeanette Sehringer and Carl Faber’s father. The diary was found in a drawer in his home after his death. No one knew about it. It recounts what he could jot down while he fought the war. A young man, 18 or 20 years old in the trenches talking about the mud, about near strikes that killed his buddies, about the lice. He made mention of the times they got to take a bath – sometimes in a river. They did get some reprieve and rest and he talked about the girl bands that played on the hillside in France.

The bishop’s visit on World Communion Sunday proved to be quite a celebration! Thanks to all who helped make it great by setting up tables, bringing the many different foods and desserts, and helping to clean up afterwards. A very enjoyable time was had by all!

We talked about our fathers and husbands and how they don’t talk about their wars except when they are with their buddies or men who have been in similar situations. Whether they talk to us or not – it makes no difference in the pride we feel for what they have done. We encourage all our ladies to come on 4

the first Wednesday morning of each month at 10:30am in the church parlor. We do not meet during the winter months. It’s always a surprise what we’ll talk about. During the September meeting we had a program about the Japanese Gardens in Staten Island. Our coffee pot is always on and we’d be happy to welcome you.

THANK YOU!

Here’s the second thing...

Sincere thanks for cards and good wishes for my eightieth birthday. As I blew out the candles on my beautiful birthday cake, I gave a silent prayer of thanks to God for a lovely day with my church family. My wish is for a healthy, happy year for each of you, and me. Special thanks to Paula, Kimberly and John for a memorable birthday treat. Mary Kopf P.S. Janice says eighty is a pretty good age. I have joined that club.

To be continued...

INSPIRATION

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