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]

226 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN COMMACK 1783-2009 Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe, Pastor 631.499.4770 Carolyn Gehlbach, Editor May 2010

Open Hearts

Open Minds

A Word From the BISHOP

Open Doors

healthy Body of Christ, and lifting up our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! We will witness that we are part of an awesome movement of God. For many of us, it will be a life-changing “GodMoment” in our journey as God’s people. We will be blessed, encouraged, inspired, and become even more committed to the mission and ministry of our church, locally and globally.

April 1, 2010 Dear Brothers and Sisters of the New York Annual Conference:

I am issuing a special invitation to those who have joined a church in the New York Conference since 2004 to be present on this Saturday. We want to celebrate you, honor you and support you for your ongoing journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. I also would like to invite your family and friends, your church sponsors, your godmothers and godfathers as well as your entire church family so that all of us can surround you with our prayers, love, and care.

I greet you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, Healer of our brokenness and Hope of the world! Once a year the 475 churches of the New York Annual Conference gather to celebrate who we are as God’s people. This time together is the most significant event in the life of our annual conference. This year, it will be the greatest event ever. On Saturday, June 12, five thousand of us will gather together at Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. to give witness that we are a church united, that we are a church growing in mission, that collectively we make a difference in the world, and that we are a vital church, alive in the Spirit of God.

I also want to invite everyone who attends one of our churches regularly but hasn’t yet made a decision about becoming a member. I pray this event may be helpful in your discernment. If you have little or no connection to a church but are interested in knowing our church, I would like to invite you. This may be a connecting moment for you to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Imagine 5,000 brothers and sisters in Christ (children, youth, young people, seniors, people of all colors and backgrounds) coming together as one family, praising God, sharing testimonies of how we are building up a

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lease tell your pastor that you want to be included in this historic gathering of the New York Annual Conference. All are welcome. Please take a look at the exciting events for the day. You will have a great time and return home recharged and renewed for the journey.

  UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 13 at 6:00 pm in the parlor. We will welcome our guests from Pilgrim State Hospital, as we have for many years, for an evening of fellowship & refreshment.

God’s people of New York Annual Conference, this is a great opportunity for us to connect with the vision and mission of our church. This is indeed the time and we are indeed the people for God’s new movement among us.

UMW members are requested to arrive, with a plate of finger foods,at 6:00 pm as our guests arrival is planned for 6:30. ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, MEN INCLUDED, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND & join in fellowship for an evening of song and conversation. Marge Wright and Ann Aupperle are our official hostesses for the evening.

The word that comes to my mind for the significance of this gathering of 5,000 is MOMENTUM. One of our pastors defined it this way: Magnificent Opportunities for Mission Employing Newly Transformed United Methodists. I like it. Thank you Rev. Carle! I believe that God is creating a huge wave and sending it our way. Are we willing to catch it and ride it for such a time as this?

Our June meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday, June 10. Deb Hervey will lead the program "World Thank Offering"This is a change from the previously scheduled program.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it?”

MOTHER"S DAY candles: Please note that May 2nd is the deadline for submitting application/donations for the Mother's Day candles. We also plan to honor the special men in our lives with altar candles. Father's Day is June 20, so the deadline for submissions will be June 6th. Donation forms will be available

I am looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, June 12, at Hofstra University. May God richly bless and honor you, your loved ones and your church! In Christ, Jeremiah Park ___________________________________________ Come walk with us...

CELEBRATING MOTHER'S DAY WITH CANDLES Again this year the UMW is planning to honor and remember the mothers and all beloved women with an altar filled with candles. By making a donation of one dollar, a candle will be lit on Mother's Day morning. All women being recognized will be listed in a handout as well. Please fill out the Candle Lighting Request form by April 25 and return to Nancy or Deb Hervey.

“Along the Way: Meeting God and Neighbor in Unexpected Places” A discussion group on five different Old and New Testament stories 10:00 am-11:30 am Parlor Thursdays, May 6th, May 13th, May 20th, May 22nd, and June 3rd Discussion led by Rev. Lynda and Ann Tammaro No prior knowledge or experience needed

Come join us on this walk of faith!    2

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTIQUES!

After sharing her presence and her skills with us

Be sure to circle your calendar for Friday night May14, 7:00 PM!

for the past three years Carolyn Gehlbach will be retiring

Ed Costello will be here with his version of the ‘Antiques Road show’! He is a Certified Antiques Appraiser and also a professional entertainer...a comedian you will enjoy.....It will be a really great evening!

Join us as we thank her Sunday, May 9, 2010

The FIRST 40 PEOPLE TO SIGN UP WILL RECEIVE AN APPRAISAL OF ONE ITEM AT NO CHARGE!! TICKETS ARE $10:00 Coffee and Cake of Course!!! Don’t miss this fun evening.........

Worship 9:00 am Coffee Hour 10:00 am Carolyn has been a source of help and encouragement

through

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You may find you own a real treasure!! The Happening Committee

pastoral

changes and many seasons of worship and

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thanksgiving. We are sorry to see her go

CUMC MISSIONS

but wish her well in her future endeavors.

During the recent tragedy in Haiti this past January, we were asked to give in a special collection for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). This one collection yielded a total of $1280.00 ($100 - $585 - $595). The following is an excerpt from a “thank you” letter received from UMCOR

Come on May 9th and take the opportunity to say thank you.

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAYS!

“ Because you gave, UMCOR is able to “Be There” and “Be Hope” on your behalf. UMCOR programs provide food for the hungry, help farmers grow plentiful and nutritious food, and support people left destitute by natural disasters and war. Your gifts go a long way to bring healing and hope to people in need. We give thanks for your generosity. This gift will bring hope to those who need it most. ” You can find out more about UMCOR’s work in Haiti and around the world by visiting the website at http://www.umcor.org.

Marsha Baron Johnny Reddo’…… Phyllis D'Amato…. Al fick….Dolly Walker… Tracy Donovan …. Bev Furey John P. Kessler…..Marge Wright……. Judy Titolo Tom Colavito…….Tricia Nehlsen….. Sam D'Amato ……. Richard Tammaro GOD BLESS YOU ALL...ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY! ____________________________________________ A PRAYER For these things we give thanks: For home and friends we hold so dear; for freedom to worship; for life itself! We come to Thee in gratitude and humility. Amen

Phyllis D’Amato Mission Information __________________________________________ 3

HAPPINESS IS

Annual Fall Harvest Fair Our annual fall Harvest Fair will be On Saturday, October 23, 2010.

NOT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT

The Boutique showcases the talents of members of our congregation – this is your opportunity to join in the fun of creating! Please speak with Kathy Muller and join our Crafters in a craft or two... or more!

BUT WANTING WHAT YOU HAVE!

Remember the Parcel Post Booth while you are on vacation! Just purchase a small item (approximately $5 in value) to donate. You may wrap the item, noting the Vacation Spot from where it was purchased on the outside. Otherwise I’ll wrap the item to preserve the buyer’s surprise when they open a package from “your vacation spot” (perhaps a far-away-land!). You may send it to the Church Office (noting it is for the Parcel Post Booth at the Harvest Fair) or give it to me to add to our collection for the Fair.

Dear Members and Friends of the Commack United Methodist Church Thank you all for your ongoing assistance, support & friendship during the past 3 years I have served as your Administrative Office Assistant. It is most amazing how all members know what and when things need to be done, and it miraculously happens. It has been a pleasure working with everyone.

As you do your spring cleaning, please save the items that you no longer want but are still functional, in good condition, so you can donate them to our White Elephant Table this fall. We’ll be accepting donations the two days prior to the Fair.

I grew up in Queens where my Father was a Baptist Minister. The church was our second home. In 1958, He married my husband and I, and we moved to Commack in 1959.” We are blessed with 7 Grandchildren.

Thank you, Connie Jarvis

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Leaving Commack this past summer has not been easy. Now it is time for us to complete the transfer following our move to simpler Condo living at The Greens in Melville, a 55 + community of 1200 homes. The transition has been time consuming, and as you know in life, the only thing that is constant is “change.” We are settled in, but still sorting through life long possessions.

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FRIENDSWHIP IS THE INEXPRESSIBLE COMFORT OF FEELING SAFE WITH A PERSON

We also look forward to having more time to see our Son, his wife and their 4 children who live in Florida, as well as our daughter & her husband and their 3 children living here in Greenlawn

HAVING NEITHER TO WEIGH THOUGHTS NOR MEASURE WORDS. ~~~~~

In Peace Carolyn Gehlbach

GEORGE ELIOT 4