March 2011 COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Th e Mes s eng e r Open Hearts
Open Minds
Open Doors
A Wo rd Fro m O u r Pa s to r What’s at the core?
What’s Inside
Notes & Prayers
Birthdays
Upcoming Events
Missions
Boy Scouts
Core Values
UMW
Thrift Shoppe
Ad Board Minutes
Family Page
Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe
tive and vital the church is. Core values differ from church to church and make us different and distinct.
Beginning with over 35 possible values the Board has discerned nine values At the core of an apple is a seed that that best describe us. The process was holds the identity and essence of what a bit tedious at times, quite a surprise makes an apple an apple. at other times. A value that seemed so What is at the core of Commack UMC? clearly significant to one person wasn’t What are the core values that hold the necessarily considered essential by anidentity and essence of what makes us other. We had some great conversation and hopeful insight in our deliberaCommack UMC? If worship of the Triune God and service in the name of tions. Jesus Christ is the heart of all Christian Now we need your help. Please careChurches what makes us distinct from fully consider the core values listed on other churches? page. If you have any questions, comThe Administrative Board has been exploring that question Core Values are those foundational values that distinguish an organization’s character or nature. They are primary and defining. Core values do not describe what we do but rather how we do it. Mission, vision, purpose, and process may change but core values remain constant. They are infused throughout the entire church’s worship, work, fellowship, and outreach. At times they may be overt and obvious; other times discreet and subtle but they are always present. The more completely the members of the church embody and live these core values, the more effec-
ments or feedback don’t hesitate to contact Rev. Lynda or one of the Board members. We will continue to discern God’s direction for us until we have 3-5 core values that best guide and direct our work together. Thank you for your help and your prayers. May the Spirit guide our work in this area and in all we do. Peace,
Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe
Pastor
Donna Etergineoso Editor
486 Town Line Road · Commack NY 11725 (631) 499-7310 Office:
[email protected] Pastor:
[email protected] www.commack-umc.org
March 2011
A Prayer... O God, we come together with open minds and willing hearts to find peace in our days. Empower us to take action where we are able, embolden us to take risks in our daily lives, encourage us to complete the projects we begin. We are grateful for all we have been given, help us to use the gifts we have to create peace in our lives. We prayerfully ask for god’s help, not to take away the challenges, but to strengthen us to face these challenges. Amen
Congratulations!!! Congratulations to Steven Waidelich on becoming High Priest of the Masons, Asharokan Chapter No. 288. Steven’s family hosted an Installation Dinner for him on Saturday, January 8th, 2011 at the Smithtown Masonic Temple in Smithtown. Steven was happy to share this accomplishment with the 40 guests including his family, friends and many Royal Arch Masons who celebrated his new position.
Steve (right) and his proud family.
Steve shared, that from the first meeting he attended, 8 years ago, he had set his goal to be High Priest one day. He is very happy to have worked his way up the organization to finally achieve this position that he set his sights on so long ago!
Steve (first row, 3rd from left) with his fellow chapter members
In March, he will also be joining the Knights Templar in Islip which is another branch of the Freemasons and looks forward to many years to come in these wonderful organizations.
MARCH Birthdays 10 Al Svoboda 12 Ginny Eichenauer 14 Peter Titolo 15 Joe Megna
15 James Milich 18 Edna Beck 19 Lille May Cummings 23 John Titolo
28 Sam Prasad 29 Ann Aupperle Jeff Kopping Patti Spory
We wish for you, a happy day with lots of love to come your way. May your hearts be filled with cheer that will last through the year. Page 2
The Messenger
Mark Your Calendar...
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner All you can eat!
Corned Beef & Cabbage with all the trimmings.
Saturday, March 12th at 6:00pm Adults - $12.00 Children ages 6-12 - $6.00 Children under 6 are free Entertainment by “Funny Lady” Pat Shea! Tickets must be purchased on or before Wednesday, March 9th. If you have any questions please call the church office.
GOSPEL OF MARK
ALIVE
A STORYTELLING PERFORMANCE BY REV. BERT MARSHALL
Wednesday 03/16/2011 7:15 - 9:15 at CUMC in the Sanctuary No Registration Fee. A free will offering will be taken. The whole gospel, beginning to end, as it might have been told in the early years of the Jesus Movement... During the season of Lent, come and HEAR the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Undoubtedly you will be moved. Even those who have read and studied the Gospel numerous times will experience it in a fresh ways. For more info about Rev. Marshall’s ministry, please visit :
www.gospelofmarkalive.com Page 3
March 16th
No Tickets will be sold at the door. Please make your reservations early.
21 011 MM a racr hc h2 0
Wednesday Lenten Service Schedule Please join us for these special services: Date
March 9th March 16th
Time
7:30pm 7:15pm
Event
Ash Wednesday Service District Event (see page 3) (refreshments will follow.)
Location
CUMC, Commack CUMC, Commack
The following Wednesday Lenten Services will be preceded by a Soup Dinner at 6:00pm and services will begin at 7:00pm.
Date
March 23rd March 30th April 6th April 13th
Soup/Service 6pm/7pm 6pm/7pm 6pm/7pm 6pm/7pm
Event
Rev. Gertude Nation Rev. Kristina Hansen Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe Rev. Penny Gadzini
Location
Union UMC, East Northport St. Paul’s UMC, Northport CUMC, Commack To be announced
Missions When March comes in like a lion, it should go out like a lamb. Hopefully the whole month will be rather “sheepish.” Our mission for our military personnel overseas was a great success. The care packages went out in the middle of December. We collected enough to send three boxes. They consisted of cookies and other snacks; personal hygiene items, beanie babies and miscellaneous items like puzzles, books and socks. They were mailed to a military contact in Camp Dehdadi who distributed the items to the soldiers. Thanks to our generous congregation and friends, we were able to supply all manner of lunch and breakfast goods (cereal, milk, bread, pb&j, mac & cheese, soups, etc.) to families-inneed during the Winter Recess. We like to be Page 4
there for those families when the children aren’t in school to receive their free breakfast and lunch. Thanks for sharing!
Even though we haven’t even started Lent (as of this writing), Easter is just around the corner. With that in mind, please remember to bring in Easter Basket goodies that will be collected and used to put together baskets for our needy families. Boxes are located in the rear of the sanctuary. This month the Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang met on Saturday, February 5th as usual. However, this month the confirmands were in attendance. With the help of
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Pastor Lynda, Anne Tammaro and Ginny Eichenauer, they were able to help out and see how the process works. After the set-up, making and breakdown here at CUMC; Tara Manchio, Matt Colavito, Julia Theofield, Joe Matera and Robin BagnoDonovan traveled down to St. Ann’s in Brentwood to watch, first-hand, how their “Hospitality Too” soup kitchen works. In addition to bringing all the boxes down to their Fellowship Hall in the basement and putting them in the large, chest freezers, they also organized the games and stuffed animals they brought. They even helped children pick out a favorite toy or game to take home with them. It was a wonderful experience for them to see how charity is alive and well in our communities on Long Island. They also got to see a larger picture of the world out there and they had an opportunity to give to those who may not be quite as fortunate as themselves. “Whenever you fed, clothed or shared with the least of these, you did it for me.”
hats and mittens throughout the cold season. Her health keeps her from attending church as often as she would like but she is still very active behind the scenes. So far this year she has crocheted 89 pieces for various causes, including our Mitten Ministry. Last year, she alone, created 450 pieces. She has also crocheted slippers (scuffies) for a former youth leader, Juanita Hillsenbeck, who delivers them to those convalescing in hospitals and in senior centers. Florence prefers crocheting to knitting because it goes faster (although “knitting looks nicer”). She also makes clothes-pin angels and has helped out with many craft projects when a need arises.
SOS – We have an urgent need for peanut butter. Our PB&J pantry is running low on peanut butter. Please bring in your jars and place them in the bins at the back of the church or (during the week) in the church office.
Four Leaf Clover Luck Rare Search Magic Charm St. Patrick Bishop Snakes Church Man Shamrock
1. 40 2. "Spring" 3. Ash Wednesday 4. Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras 5. Purple 6. Alleluia 7. St. Patrick 8. Palm Sunday 9. The entrance into Jerusalem 10. Simon of Cyrene
Word Scramble Answers:
Trivia Answers:
Our UMW took on mission work for an Appalachian family. They were able to supply Christmas gifts for the Booker family in West Virginia. Many thanks to all those who donated and worked on this project.
I recently had a conversation with Florence Schneckenburger who quietly knits her way to a mission project which supplies many with warm
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March 2011
Boy Scouts Troop 125 Boy Scout Troop 125 Celebrates Scout Sunday At Commack United Methodist Church Scouts and adult scouting volunteer leaders from Boy Scout Troop 125 pose for a photo with members of the church community, including Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe with Guide Dog Foundation puppy, Goldie, for whom she volunteered as a temporary “Puppy Walker,” following the Scout Sunday service on February 6, 2011. Commack United Methodist Church, which has been Troop 125’s sponsor for over 40 years, was one of the many houses of worship to host local Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Explorers who attended and participated in the annual “A Scout is Reverent” recognitions during the Scout Sunday Services at various local Catholic and Protestant Churches and the Jewish Scout Sabbath services at area temples and synagogues during the month of February.
(Scout Sunday pictures)
Scouting for Food in March Most of us take for granted that we have three meals a day, but not everyone is so lucky. That is why in the month of March, Boy Scout Troop 125 will join with other troops in Suffolk County in the Scouting for Food Program. This is a food collection to benefit those on Long Island who do not have enough to eat. Scout troops can decide which organization to donate the food to. Troop 125 will contribute its food to the Commack United Methodist Church, who will then give to families they recognize are in need. Most of the food from collections made by other scouts goes to Island Harvest where it is distributed throughout Long Island. Written by Life Scout and Troop 125’s Historian, Daniel Jiritano
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Scouts Elect New Senior Patrol Leader On Tuesday, February 8, Troop 125 listened as three candidates gave their wellcrafted speeches on why they should be the next Senior Patrol Leader. By a majority vote, the Troop elected Charles Whittaker to the position. Please join us in welcoming him and we look forward to another successful year of scouting under his leadership.
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Core Values Core Values are those foundational values that distinForgiveness: guish an organization’s character or nature. They are primary and defining. Core values do not describe what we do but rather how we do it. Mission, vision, purpose, and process may change but core values remain constant. They are infused throughout the entire church’s worship, work, fellowship, and outreach. At times they may be overt and obvious; other times discreet and subtle but they are always present. The more completely the members of the church embody and live these core Integrity: values, the more effective and vital the church is. Core values differ from church to church and make us different and distinct. Below are the nine core values identified by the Administrative Board and a description of each. Compassion:
Other people’s feelings Thoughtfulness Expressing love Understanding – making connection Empathy – shared feelings
Commitment: Determined Dedicated Timely – time that is given and received Given priority Following through on what you promise Self-sacrifice Family:
Truth:
Kindness:
Blood vs. choice All of the above Love Respect Support Foundation for living a better life Honesty Stating things as they are – as you perceive it Love/feeling for people Trusting Way of life – way of being Biblical truth vs. secular truth Universal understanding Gentleness Giving Helpful to others Random acts
Moving past, not necessarily forgetting Wish best for you Done for us Turn the other cheek Ultimate show of love Feelings Mercy Truth – not necessarily fact Honest Trust Stand-up Consistent Intelligence/self-honest True to self Human quality Can’t be taken away/can be given away [lost/wasted] Conviction Intentions
Teamwork:
Working together Respect Common good Understanding
Love:
Pure – clean Sacrifice Extreme feeling Ever-changing
Please prayerfully consider these values. Which ones most express who we are called to be by God? Which values are essential for you to worship and grow in your Discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ? Do you convey these values in what you do and say as a member of Commack UMC? Our next step is for the Administrative Board to seek consensus on the most significant core values. We hope to narrow it down to 3-5 values. We will also develop a short definition so we all have the same understanding of what each value means. If you would like more details on how we arrived at this list of values please contact the church office. Thank you for your help. Page 7
March 2011
United Methodist Women Our February program “Finding Peace Through Action” was led by Matilda Gollatz. We brainstormed personal peace via a few character stories. We all found these stories to be closely allied with our own. Ginny Eichenauer provided a delicious Valentine dessert table.
and ascribe to the motto, “Called to serve, serving still.”
No matter where they have retired to, these faithful women continue in mission, witnessing to the importance of Christian service. Their dedication to mission service and social justice At the March 10th meeting, our annual Prayer & is based on their devotion to Christ and His work with the marginalized in society. Self-Denial service will be led by Kathy Muller. The theme is “Give a Gift of Love.” Matilda will This year’s offering will support the Retirement be our hostess for the evening. Benefit’s Fund that provides for pension and From it’s beginning. United Methodist Women’s health care for these women. Offering envelopes will be available at the meeting. predecessor organizations trained women to serve as deaconesses and missionaries. Many of these women served at mission projects supported by the organization, and many of these organizations are still working with women, children and youth today.
DATES TO REMEMBER The UMW District Spring Meeting Saturday, April 30 at Center Moriches UMC
In retirement, these women are no less active. Some live at United Methodist Women supported Brooks Howell Home in Asheville, NC
School of Christian Mission July 21-23
Thrift Shoppe News Bag Sale Sat. March 26th from 9am to 3pm. This is a very important day for the Thrift Shoppe. We try to sell all of our winter clothing in this one day. We supply large brown grocery bags, that customers fill up with clothing. We need many pairs of hands and eyes to keep the place tidy. If you have ever thought of giving the shop an hour or two, this is the day we can use you! The following Mon. and Tues., we have our "change over". We work at the shop from 9 to 12, on these two days, we remove all old clothing and put out our "new" spring and summer clothes. All the winter clothing that has not sold is bagged and given to the Vets. The Vets operate a store where any Vet or members of their family can come and get clothing at no charge. We Need Help! Please consider giving us some time, Sat. March 26th, 9 to 3, or Mon. and Tues. 9 to 12. Thanks!!! ~Patti Spory Page 8
ADMINSTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES January 25, 2011 The meeting was called to order by Matilda Gollatz at 7:30 PM. Reverend Lynda led us in prayer. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by motion. LAY LEADER: Mike Mallgraf Nothing to report FINANCE: Ann Aupperle, absent (currently in CCU @ St Catherine’s Hospital) SPR: Chris Litrel, absent Marge Wright reported that a meeting will be held on Thursday. MEMORIAL: Kathy Muller 2 donations were given in memory of Bill Hydo, designated for the building fund. 1 donation was given in memory for Jill Roberts, designated for the Christmas Cantata Music Undesignated memorial funds were used for the new LED candles used for the December services, given in memory of loved ones
73 boxes of envelopes have been handed out with $ 82,000 in committed pledges. Thank you and reminder letters to be mailed. Income handouts (1/20/10-12/31/10) distributed. Auditing has been assigned. Suggestion by Mike Hervey that if extra monies are available, we should use it for worship and other programs that would enhance our services and bring people to church. Joe Megna replied that a cushion (monetary) is needed for possible/probable repairs which he listed. After much discussion, Reverend Lynda stated that a few trustees should get together to project the costs of the possible needed repairs, prioritizing those needed within the next few years. COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES: Mike Hervey Nurture & Evangelism committees now inclusive with C.O.M. Natural Church Development meeting to start up again at a meeting on Thursday. The focus groups went well, the input needs to be processed and addressed. EDUCATION & CHURCH SCHOOL: Deb Hervey, Tricia Nehlsen-Green, absent. BSA: Dagmar Mackay Troop 125 is healthy and well, eager to participate in the Boy Scout Sunday service on Feb. 6. The Holy Communion concerns of the scouts were addressed.
TRUSTEE: Tom Mazzola, absent Joe Megna reported that the outside Chapel light is now on a motion sensor. WORSHIP: Sobana Prasad The back entrance light (1969 building) to be replaced or repaired Reverend Lynda thanked all who participated in the Advent/ Dagmar noted that the lit cross on the RE Building is welcoming. Christmas services. Woship Committee intends to review the activities and request feedback. She also thanked Mike Mallgraf for takPARSONAGE: Marge Wright ing the church service (1/16) on short notice. Marge reported that the custodian’s apartment and the Thrift Shoppe are having bad ceiling leaks. The whole ceiling in bedroom MISSIONS, PASTORAL CARE & HAPPENING CHAIRS: absent, no reand kitchen may need to be replaced. Tom Mazzola, Trustee chair ports has been notified. It was also noted that the RE building roof was repaired 2 years ago and the whole roof was redone about 5 years OLD BUSINESS: ago. The roof must be maintained every other year. The cost of a Defibrillator: Mike Hervey reported that the application for the grant new roof is approximately $20,000. After much discussion, Matilda was sent in months ago and a reply was only recently received, with referred this to a trustee meeting. more church information requested. The cost is approximately $1200.00. If we purchase in advance, we might not get a grant. BUILDING COMMITTEE: Tom Mazzola, absent Discussion ensued as to the function of the machine and instructions upon delivery by knowledgeable persons. THRIFT SHOPPE: Patti Spory & Harriet Neuberth, absent Keyboard: no further information Marge Wright mentioned the difficulty of getting volunteer workers, it may be necessary to be open only one day per week PASTOR’S REPORT Reverend Lynda stated that she feels grateful and we are fortunate UMW: Nancy Gamby, absent to have reserve funds and paid bills. Many other churches are in deficit, some unable to salary their pastor and some may have to YOUTH: Deb Hervey, absent close. We should continue to be good financial stewards. Mike Hervey reported that the Ignite Conference held at the Taconic Retreat & Resort Center this past weekend was inspirational , espeNEW BUSINESS: none cially the talents and energy of the youth. Three of our youth and two adults were in attendance. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM. TUESDAY MEN: John Muller reported that good discussions are held. Next meeting to be held on Tuesday March 29 ,2011. It was noted that Al Fick will soon be undergoing a knee replacement. We continued by participating in a review of our Core Values PUMPKIN PATCH MANAGERS: Tom Mazzola absent Joe Megna: nothing new to report. TREASURER: Karen Mallgraf All bills are paid and up to date. Expense hand outs (1/20/10 12/31/2010) distributed FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Judy Titolo
ATTENDANCE: Matilda Gollatz Tim Sampson Lynda Bates-Stepe Joan Nehlsen Marge Wright Connie Jarvis Karen & Mike Mallgraf
John & Kathy Muller Dotty & Joe Megna Mike Hervey Judy Titolo Barbara Knippenberg Dagmar Mackay Page 9
March 2011
Family Page - Trivia & Word Jumbles 1. How many days are there in Lent? 2. What was the original meaning of the word "Lent"? 3. What is the first day of Lent called? 4. What do we call the day before Lent begins? 5. What color vestments does the priest wear during Lent? 6. What word is never said or sung during Lent? 7. What Irish saint's feast day takes place during Lent? 8. On what Sunday during Lent does the Pastor bless palms? 9. What event in the life of Jesus do the palms recall for us? 10.Who helped Jesus carry His cross?
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
ST. PATRICK’S DAY WORD JUMBLES ST. PATRICK B H
I
O P S
A E K N S S
C C H H R U
A M N
Answer:
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FOUR LEAF CLOVER C K L U
A
EXTRA CHALLENGE!
E R R
A C E H R S
A C G
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How many clovers can you find throughout this month’s edition of the Messenger? I found ____________ clovers! You can email Donna @
[email protected] to check if you are correct!
Answer:
Volunteers Needed Annual Harvest Fair Our annual Harvest Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2011, and planning is underway! We’ll have all of our traditional booths again this year and some new attractions are in the design stage. If you have any ideas, suggestions or would like to add your name to our list of dedicated volunteers, please let me know. Yes, the Parcel Post Booth was a success in 2010 and it is coming back this year again! While on your vacation in a far-away land or while sightseeing on Long Island, please pick up a small item to donate to our Parcel Post Booth. All items will be sold for $5 (so the item you purchase should cost no less than $5.00). Please wrap it in brown paper to disguise the contents (the surprise is half the fun!) and note from where it originates on the package. You may give your donation to Sobana or to me…or you may drop it off in the church office, noting it is for the Parcel Post Booth at the Harvest Fair. Thank you! .
Connie Jarvis Harvest Fair Chairperson
More Volunteers Needed: Please consider volunteering 1x per month at the Thrift Shoppe.
One shift = 3 hours The shifts are Tuesdays and Fridays: 10am - 1pm or 1pm to 4pm
First Saturday of the month: 10am - 12:30 pm or 12:30 - 3pm
Each shift has 2 volunteers who work together so
volunteer with a friend or sign up yourself and you’ll be matched with another volunteer.
You’ll have fun! You’ll be helping the church and our community!
