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 July & August 2005

Open Hearts

Open Minds

Open Doors

very hard at mastering this rig, and I believe that I can drive it convincingly in the scene, but I don’t think that I can with the race.” The director replied, “You just drive, I’ll do the rest.” God has a way of orchestrating the various races that we run during the course of our lives. He trusts us to do our part in “manning the rigs.” We must trust him to determine the results of the race. As one engineer has said, “God provides the initial input. We provide the output. And God provides the outcome.”

Dear Brother or Sister in Christ, Sometimes we discover that we can’t do everything. We need to do all that we can and then let God do the rest. There is a story told about Charlton Heston that, I believe, demonstrates this truth.

See you in Church, Rev. Dick

During the making of Ben Hur, Heston worked long hours with the stunt drivers learning how to drive a chariot for the movie’s critical chariot race scene. He improved greatly in his mastery of the horses and the rig, but discovered that the challenge was far greater than he had anticipated. Heston approached Cecil B. De Mille about the scene.

Impres s ions of the 2005 Annual Conference of the United Methodis t Church The opening worship celebration included praise music, greetings, hymns, prayers and a special musical event with the

“Mr. De Mille,” he said, “I’ve worked 1

Westchester UMC steel Orchestra playing “O Magnify the Lord” and “When We All Get to Heaven”, they had the place jumping! They had a special offering for Women’s Advocate Ministry, which sorely needs baby clothes for babies born in prison. The prison supplies formula and diapers – nothing else. They also need prayer partners or pen pals. The collection raised over $5,800.00. Then Bishop Gregory V. Palmer from the Iowa Annual Conference preached. He sort of looked like the “Old” Al Roker. He told us that he was enjoying the look of this N.Y. Conference. Such diversity. Chinese, Hispanics, Black, White, Korean, etc. He spoke about how the church needs to refocus, how it needs the strength to be refreshed. Assyria, then Babylon – warnings to remember who we are. These words echo today. These mainline churches are like churches in exile. We’re still using old ways. Our standards and lexicon is different now! We are not the dominant voice anymore in this culture. We always like things the way they used to be. People turn inward (in our pain) on ourselves. How do we get out of this exile and run with the big dogs again? Stop worrying about ourselves and get out and embrace the salvation of the world. A new and Godly focus! We are occupied with status and control. When we are seized again with the obedience of that name, then we’ll be open to the Holy Spirit. If our answer is from the inside out. Mutual missions, and not using the blame game and when we call each other colleague and friend God will use us to make a difference for God. We don’t have to transform God’s world – He’s already done it. Find the thing that God has already blessed instead of asking him to bless your ideas! We should humbly pray, God we are so broken, so divided. We have to make ourselves available to God.

We need to find a language to breathe together again. We need to reclaim a familiar lexicon and invite every congregant to be together in the Lords Prayer. Claim our heritage! Claim a life deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. Our exile is a good place to call on the name of the Lord. We are a people seized by hope. He’s always working in us. The One who has started the work in you will never betray you and He will complete the work in you if you let Him. We can lay back and hang back, but we can also stand tall and stagger to our feet to wait upon the Lord. They shall renew their strength! We’re going to be gathered round a campfire in the Promised Land! We ended the evening with Bishop Park calling back the steel band and we all sang along with them. During the sessions we met the 14 teenagers that had just come back from Ghana. They danced and paraded across the stage with the other volunteers in mission following Reverend Edwoodzie, the mission coordinator, wearing the crazy ‘mission hat’. We passed a budget of $8,593,563.00. We accepted a check of $12,800.20 from Cokesbury to be given to the Central District for the Clergy/Bishops Pension Fund. There was a place during the “Time of Remembrance” where it was mentioned that Henry Petrule died. I think we all fondly remember how his son Walter took care of him. We met Elizabeth (Lisa) Hyeja Park, the Bishop’s wife. They have been married 31 years and have two children. They live in New Rochelle. The worship centers at Conference were outstanding this year. An artist, Todd Pick was responsible for bright orange, dusky pumpkin, tan & reds, embroidered and 2

silky draperies with crosses, copper cylinders, clear amber vases, all kinds of pottery and candles to make spectacular settings. Bishop Park and his wife are going to Mozambique in October to help in building. He’ll also attend a Bishops Convocation, the first one held outside the U.S.A. Also going are two nurses, 10 dentists, and some doctors. Back in 1994 in Mozambique there were only 4 dentists and 200 physicians for 600 million people. There was a question asked if there has been any missionary efforts in the Sudan. An office in Dakar has just been opened with humanitarian aid. We learned that there will be a District Youth Retreat on May 6th, 2006. Where, hasn’t been decided. All our Churches have donated 35 million dollars to the tsunami relief. Another speaker, Rev. Caroly Gibson, who was retiring spoke about memories of childhood. She remembered the long car ride from Minneola to Ohio for vacation. She thought the Pennsylvania Turnpike had no end on the long 15-hour drive. Oh sure, there were stories, snacks, pit stops and sometimes fights with her little brother. Just when she thought she couldn’t stand it another moment she was saved by the signs along the road in Ohio that told a short story with the punch line always “Burma Shave”. She said, we’re on the road to discipleship. It’s not an easy walk. There are all kinds of people and our goal is the City of God. We encourage one another; we hold hands, we sing for the road is long. There is no way around the difficulties. The side roads are wide and beautiful, tempting us, but ending in dead ends. Stay on the narrow road and hear the stories of our forefathers. Watch for the signs, they tell us we are blessed and oh, yes, sometimes we fight with the little brother.

We also work at our legislative session, but we sing and learn in the corporate sessions and we are uplifted every day. To watch the pageantry of the ordaining services is exciting. Friday night there were about 60 young girls undulating blue cloths like a river while the others did interpretive dance like foam and waves while we all sang “Wade in the Water”. The ritual of the clergy getting their stoles was dignified and moving. Three Bishops were there. Bishop Park, Bishop Palmer, and Bishop Kwang Young Chang from the Methodist Church of Korea who flew 14 hours to be here at Bishop Park’s first annual conference. When we were singing one of the last hymns, “We are Marching in the Light of God”, everyone began to clap in time. I glanced up at the dais and there was our “singing Bishop” dancing and leading a conga line of all the clergy and the new elders. Then all the clergy on the floor of the conference started too; snaking in and out of the chairs and up and around. The young girls dancing joined in too! It was quite a celebration and a night the newly ordained won’t forget. One lasting impression. An African American woman at the end of my row saying, “I just love him, I just love him! I thank you for sending me for the fifth year. I thoroughly enjoyed it and consider it a privilege. Next year I will have a poster with the times and days of the special sermons and wonderful services so perhaps you could all participate a bit. There is a new joy and a new spirit in our United Methodist Church. Come walk the road with us. Ginny Eichenauer

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REFURBISHED LIBRARY & SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICE

Formed in September 1914, this group of women met in members’ homes, began each business meeting with The Lord's Prayer and ended with refreshments made "without a fuss.” The ladies decided on business meetings to be held on the first Wednesday of each month, later expanded to twice a month. A weekly sewing group met to sew to "make some money." The members paid dues of ten cents per month and a fairly good record of accounting was held. Other income was obtained by holding such social events as a "Measuring Social", sales and suppers with entertainment, peach festivals and strawberry socials. Most of these events were held in the firehouse and the Society paid for the coal they used for the suppers and indeed made donations from $1.00-$10.00 to the firehouse. In 1914 it was voted to pay the church treasurer $1.00 per Sunday for the pastor, Reverend Charles Tator's salary. It isn't stated whether this was his total salary or a donation towards it. At Christmas, Reverend Tator was given a gift of $10.00 At times the insurance on the church building was paid and a donation at the request of the Church treasurer was given. Carpet for the church was bought at the price of fifty cents per yard. And a committee was formed to select a sexton. Honorable mention was always given to the ladies who donated the gingham, cambric and muslin that was used to sew up aprons and pin cushions, etc; for the sales held at the suppers. Donations for these sales were requested from Abraham & Straus and A.I Mamn & sons. Thank you notes always followed.

You are going to be pleasantly surprised when next you visit our newly refurbished library, especially if it had previously been seen. Once given the okay by the Trustees, our sexton, Martha Alvarado, with much effort, moved all the old file cabinets and trash, wielded her magical paint brush and created a library worthy of TV’s "Designer's Challenge." In addition, Martha donated bookcases and decorative objects to enhance the room. One wall is covered with reproductions of the religious themed art of the Old Masters, arranged in used frames also refurbished by Martha. Many thanks to Mike Hervey for arranging the donation of 10 board room chairs. Although previously used, they add luxurious comfort and style. Thank you to our Thrift Shoppe for the donation of picture frames, the bookcase-style wall unit and paying for the newly laid carpet. Appreciation also goes to Art Wilson, John and Kathy Muller for supplying some of the muscle needed to vacuum, dust, move books and furniture. At this writing, the Sunday school office is undergoing a face-lift. Painted with bright pastels and murals, it is sure to please the teachers, parents and children with it's refreshing new look. Thank you to all, but especially to Martha who is a real gem and decorating genius! 1914 LADIES AID SOCIETY Some notes excerpted from the minutes of the Ladies Aid Society of The Commack Presbyterian Church From September 9, 1914-May 2, 1917

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Visits, cards and flowers were sent to the sick and bereaved. Some familiar names are among the members listed: Mrs. Bateman, Miss Bateman, Mrs. John Hubbs, Mrs. Lester Ruland, Mrs. John M. Shea, Mrs. Fred Goldsmith, Mrs. James Wilson, Miss Ruth Brady, Mrs. Jesse Hubbs, Miss Minnie Ochelein, Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Herbert Harned, Mrs. Julius Burr, Mrs. Robert Ray, Mrs. Carrie Carll, Mrs. M. Moreland, Mrs. Dodd, Miss Marion Carll, Mrs. Brandsema. Mrs. Clemence Moreland, Mrs. Paul Goldsmith. Members names were proposed, accepted and some resigned only to be accepted back into membership. I found this interesting bit of Ladies Aid Society history written with a fine hand with rules of order maintained. Most of these women are later recounted in our Commack Methodist Church rolls, but I am unable to find the connection between the two churches. History states there was a Presbyterian Church and another Methodist Church on Commack Road, but when they ceased to exist I do not know. I do know that our present United Methodist Women are certainly walking in the steps of their predecessors, only adding more worship and worldwide missions to their activities. May you enjoy this bit of Commack history as much as I did. Perhaps one of you knows the connection between the churches and the definition of a "Measuring Social" and perhaps we can continue with more history in another issue of the Messenger.

The Church in Algeria continues to grow, more in some regions than in others. It is not a country -wide growth by any means. Algeria is still 99% Muslim and will probably stay close to that for some time. We are very much living in the present, which entails the political climate of the whole Mediterranean region. Living in a North African country, the Middle East and Iraq are never far from our minds. The situation is not optimum, to say the least. However the good news remains: Christ is Risen; He is truly Risen From: Fritzi & Hugh Johnson, Algeria, Missionaries Prayer: O Christ, shine your light on the seeds we plant. Bring them to life in your time and by your mighty power. Amen

Spe c ial announc e me nts from the Happe ning Committe e ! THE L.I. DUCKS GAME!! JULY 20th WEDNESDAY NIGHT HOPE YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS BY NOW...IF NOT, CHECK WITH THE COMMITTEE TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING! IT IS A WONDERFUL NIGHT FOR THE ADULTS AND THE KIDS...

*****

Kathy Muller, UMW Secretary

A MISSION MOMENT 5

young Son and daughter and her incursion into the lives of some Jews and their religion, and further into the understanding of a new religion, Christianity. She spoke of the time she meet four apostles Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy and how they helped her Son when he was near death, and how they helped Lydia to fully understand both spiritual and psychological meanings behind this new religion. Her story was heart warming and insightful as well as soul baring and honest. It captivated me and brought me to a time I thought long since gone and yet there I was in the village of Philippi living her story. To this writer I don’t know if this new Religion of Christianity will make it, only time will tell, but it made some very valid points. After all Love, caring for one another, salvation, do no harm to others, all sounded pretty good

HAP P ENING # 2! WILL BE ANOTHER ‘SUMMER SUPPER AT THE BEACH’ AUGUST 18th AT CRAB MEADOW BEACH. (OUR PERMIT IS FROM 3PM -7:30PM) Further details as it gets closer! Will be minimal cost...Just to cover the permit. IF YOU WERE ALONG THE LAST TIME, YOU KNOW WHAT A GREAT EVENING IT WAS..........WE BROUGHT SUPPERS, THINGS TO BARBECUE. THERE WAS SWIMMING AND VOLLEYBALL AND GAMES WITH THE KIDS. (BE SURE THAT DATE IS CIRCLED ON YOUR CALENDAR!) MORE THAN 50 OF US THE LAST TIME...AND IT WAS FUN! HOPE YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST ALREADY!! IF NOT, LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING! YOUR HAPPENING COMMITTEE PAT, MIKE, KAREN, MARGIE AND LISA

Lydia Circle The Lydia Circle met on the first Wednesday of June and it had a special guest, the namesake of the group, Lydia herself. She spoke of her life and trials, her husband’s death, the rearing of her 6

to me. This is your roving reporter Mike Mallgraf saying goodbye from 75 AD Philippi, and hoping for a brighter future.

blessed with help from various Girl Scout troops, students from the high school doing community service and others who heard about our ministry and wanted to help. Thanks to everyone who helped organize, set up and clean up. Everyone who spread peanut butter, and everyone who donated peanut butter (along with jelly, gloves, bread and sandwich bags). We also thank Pepperidge Farm Outlet Store in Elwood and Waldbaums for their donations of bread. Many of our regulars will be away on July 2nd so we are looking for some additional help. If you can commit for just this one-day or the first Saturday in August or September please make that extra effort. With your help we will continue this ministry on the first Saturday of each month and do our part to follow Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Summer is upon us and for many that means vacations and fun. But to some children, no school means no breakfast and or no lunch. HUNGER DOES NOT TAKE A VACATION AND NO CHILD SHOULD GO HUNGRY. Please remember our food box this summer as we try to supplement the loss of school lunches. We are always looking for tuna, peanut butter, jelly, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, juice, canned fruit, canned vegetables and other non-perishables. A committee member will always be available to pick up perishables (milk, bread, fresh fruit or vegetables), just call me at 631-486-2047. A special thank you to our UMW for their generous support throughout the year in helping us purchase fresh foods. We do not always know whom to thank for keeping our food box supplied, but we keep you in our prayers and are sure that our Lord knows who is feeding and caring for his children.

If you want to meet more interesting guest speakers as well as a great group of women come join the Lydia Circle and have your eyes opened to what was, and what could be.. They meet on the first Wednesday of every month in the Parlor from 10:30am to 12:00 noon. They’re hoping to see you soon. Here is a picture of the beautiful members of the Lydia circle. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Gang On June 4th, 2005 out Peanut Butter Gang made 600 peanut butter sandwiches to feed the hungry and homeless. Aside from our CUMC regulars we have been

Even though summer has just started we are thinking ahead to September and the 7

start of school supplies. How hard must it be to succeed in school with out the needed notebooks or pens and pencils? Imagine a child starting school when everyone else has new crayons, paste and scissors and they don’t. Imagine trying to decide whether to spend your last dollar on milk or a notebook? This is the type of difficult choices the working poor have to make each day. I hope that everyone will give as generously as they have in the past to help make a difference in the lives of these children. Your contributions are having an effect on many lives; the children you help are working hard and learning that there is another world open to them. Help us break the cycle of poverty through education! Last year was the third year we collected spare change to purchase school shoes for children starting back to school. We were able to buy shoes for 12 children starting school in September. Please throw your spare change into the jar on the table in the rear of the sanctuary so a child can walk into school with new shoes in September. This is another way to help keep at risk children in school. Please inform us of any need in the congregation or the community where we may be of assistance. We can only help if you keep us informed. Contact the office or a committee member and we will do our best to respond. We hope you all have a happy and blessed summer. Anne Tammaro Mission Chairperson

make a difference in the lives of others. Some of the areas of service of immediate need include: ?? Individuals willing to help a Resident shop on our once a month shopping trips from 10am until 2 pm. ?? Teens needed for the summer! ?? Help with barbecues Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1 pm. ?? Help in the Gift Shop especially on Saturday. ?? People to help with transporting and activities. ?? Volunteers to assist with evening programs from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. ?? Caring individuals to spend one on one time with Special Care Residents. ?? Mornings, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours are available. ?? Someone to help with a learning Spanish group. We would greatly appreciate you sharing a little of your time to help in these much needed areas. Please call Rosa Inserra at 631-361-8800 ext. 289 for more information Sincerely yours, Rosa Inserra Volunteer Coordinator

In recognition of Many people on many occasions do things for this Church that go either unnoticed or un-reported and for that we as a Church are sorry. However two wrongs don’t make a right, so in that vain I would like to acknowledge Gail Stroup for donating the rolling cart for downstairs in fellowship hall, and Artie Titolo for putting it together on his time, with his tools. Thank you both, and thank you, to all the people who have ever done anything for the

Nes cons et Nurs ing Center A few minutes of your time can make someone’s day special. A smile, a hug, or word of encouragement takes so little time but means so much! Nesconset Nursing Center is in great need of Volunteers! For as little as an hour a week you can truly 8

Church and have gone unnoticed! THANKS!

Don and Heathers Goodbye!

We miss you already, but we wish you the very best in all your future endeavors in your new world. We hope your neighbors realize how lucky they are to have two fine humane beings such as yourselves living and working in the neighborhood next to them. Go in the grace of God!

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