JUNE 2013 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 I’m looking for alumni from Hofstra, Long Island Post, or Stony Brook University. Did you attend any of these schools? How about when you were college age – late teens and early 20s? When you were a young adult who shared a message of God’s love with you? What’s Inside
Prayer, Birthdays & Congratulations
Upcoming Events
Boy Scouts
Commack History
JUNE Calendar
Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe Pastor
Donna Etergineoso Editor
For many young people it is their high school youth group leader or college chaplain who helped keep God relevant in their lives. On each of the three campuses mentioned earlier there is Protestant Chaplain reaching out to the students (and the faculty and staff as well). These chaplains encourage and support students as they explore and express their faith. They seek to keep young Christians connected to God and introduce Jesus to those who do not yet know him. Through Bible Study, mission groups, community building, pastoral counseling and worship the chaplains engage young people where they are at.
of students at these schools. This is a time in their life when many are losing touch with the church and the community of Believers so it’s good to know that in some small way, I can help them keep that bond with God through Jesus. So, did you attend any of these schools? Call or email me and let me know. It would be interesting to know how many alumni we have in our congregation. And if you want to know more about the Protestant Campus Ministries on Long Island, just ask. I would love to tell you more about it. Please remember the Chaplains, Rev. Brenda Ford at Stony Brook, Rev. Joyce Dugger at Hofstra and Rev. Nelson Kalombo Ngoy at LI Post, and the campuses in your prayers. They very much appreciate it. And maybe you know a young person who is away at school. Never cease to pray them through this exciting and challenging time of life. You may never know just how much of a difference it makes.
It is a wonderful ministry to be part of and through my work with the Long Island United Campus Ministry Board (LIUCM) I have the opportu- Peace, nity to make a difference in the lives Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe 486 Townline Road · Commack NY 11725 (631) 499-7310 Office:
[email protected] Pastor:
[email protected] www.commack-umc.org
JUNE 2013
A Prayer... Lord, all of us struggle with depersonalization: the world has turned us into numbers, data, figures and categories. Our worth is measured by what we can do. But you, O Lord, give us life, and you give our life a story that is unique and special. Help us share the story and help others to convey who they are in Jesus Christ and whom they serve, so that we are encouraged and built up. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
JUNE Bir thdays
8TH Joan Ford 13th Mike Hervey 24th Doris Hoffmann 29th Mike Theofield Florence Brooks Barbara Devine
Pranith Gona Carol Fricke Brad Kopping Christopher Titolo Elizabeth Waidelich
Look at the beauty that surrounds us, all life and nature created by our Lord. You, too, are created just to be everything that God wants you to be. May you enjoy a happy and blessed birthday.
Messages Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. Although Mom’s passing wasn’t expected so soon, we truly believe it was a blessing from God. She was really beginning to struggle for air towards the end, and although she never complained, it was evident she was having a rough time. We will miss her dearly and want you all to know that your condolences are a great comfort to us. With warmest regards,
Donna and Dick Mills
A great big “Thank You” to Donna Etergineoso for the beautiful Messenger every month and now the great job on the PowerPoint church announcements. We all thank you for sharing your talents and hard work! Page 2
Congratulations to Chris Longo on his graduation from Farmingdale College with a degree in Psychology. We are very proud that he will be continuing his education at the University of New Haven Graduate School.
JUNE 2013
The Messenger
UMW On April 27th, four of our members joined more than 50 UMWs for the spring meeting of the Long Island East District UMW at the Smithtown UMC. After being greeted by the Rev. Dr. Huibing He, the district president and Smithtown’s president, we enjoyed a lovely breakfast.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 13th in the parlor. The program “Telling the Story” will be led by Ginny Eichenauer and Tracey Kopping. The objective of the program is that UMW members will communicate the United Methodist Women’s story of mission as they explore various ways of sharing the narraAdreinn Fasser-Johnson, Spiritual Growth Coordinator, tive. Debbie Stellmann will serve as our hostess for LI West District, led the worship and devotion entitled, the evening. “To Serve God is to Serve Others.” We prayerfully considered our own service to God and others in our lives More thanks to those who participated in our in a “Holy Imagination Experience” (Matthew 25:34Mother’s Day altar candle program. We plan a similar 49). program for Father’s Day on June 16th. A form for memorializing and honoring the important men in our At the brief business meeting, a chartering service for lives will be found in the Sunday bulletin. Please the newly reorganized Smithtown UMW was held folhonor the June 2nd deadline for entries so that Donna lowed by Holy Communion celebrated by Rev. Huibing has time to complete printing the scrolls. All proceeds He. go toward our mission projects. We enjoyed the hymns, prayers and fellowship, knowing we are only a small but important part of the 80 million United Methodist Women world-wide, participating in the concept of missions through participation in the global ministries of the church. Monetary donations and new pajamas were collected for the shelter operated by the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. On May 9th 14 UMWs including Atis Stepe, John Muller and Tim Sampson entertained 11 guests from Pilgrim State Hospital with fellowship and refreshment. We all enjoyed a jovial sing-a-long led by Deb Hervey. Thank you to the set-up committee for the lovely table decorations and also to Donna for compiling a nice little booklet of our favorite old time songs. Thank you cards have been received from our guests.
LYDIA CIRCLE The circle will meet on Wednesday, June 5th at 10:30am in the parlor. All women are invited to attend this informal social group for coffee and discussion. Kathy Muller will present a review of some “fun facts from the 1500’s.”
Dates to Remember:
Saturday June 15th- Father’s Day altar candle set up @ 9:30 am (UMW members)
Sunday, June 16th- Father’s Day
July, TBD- UMW visit to Olsen’s Nursing Home
August- No UMW meeting
September 27th-29th- UMW retreat to Camp Quinipet, Shelter Island
Summer Suppers At The Beach at Sunken Meadow Each Wednesday evening throughout the summer there is live music at the Pavilion at Field 1 at Sunken Meadow State Park. July 3rd will be our first outing together to enjoy so bring your picnic supper and join us for a lovely evening on the beach! We do this every Wednesday throughout July and August! Join us!! Page 3
J U N E 2 0 1 3J U N E 2 0 1 3
Thrift Shoppe Our Big News for this month is our:
That means there are many areas that need extra staff. Where help is needed: The Thrift Shoppe will be open and in need of COMMUNITY YARD SALE extra hands; Saturday, June 8th Anne Tammaro- can use help with the direc10am - 3pm tions and placement of space assignments Penny, Tom & Sarah White- need help setting This is a community outreach activity coordinated up the refreshment stand. by the Thrift Shoppe. So far, there are 40 vendors that will be participating to sell their wares Any amount of time would be appreciated. come rain or come shine- one of the best vendor turnouts in the last few years! Please come and support our Commack neighbors and our community outreach.
HAPPENINGS! GET READY FOR…..
The Long Island Ducks Game! Our annual trip to watch the LI Ducks is scheduled for
Saturday, June 22nd with food and volleyball and all the fun things we had on the church grounds ...last time. Cost TBA
July 2nd- It is a Fireworks Night ! Tickets- $12 each
~Happening Committee
Contact the Happening Committee for more information or to reserve your tickets. Space is limited so Do Not Wait!
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The Messenger
We appreciate everyone who came out to help with our
Spring Cleaning Fellowship Not only did we have a fabulous crew on Saturday morning but we learned that others had come by during the week to contribute their time and effort. Our thanks to: Members of Commack UMC Members of Long Island Korean UMC Boy Scouts from Troop 125 and their leaders Members of the Confirmation Class from Commack UMC Walk around the property and enjoy the fruits of your labors – it is lovely! In Christ, The Board of Trustees of CUMC: Tom Mazzola Tom White Jack Adam John Muller Sam Prasad Kathy Doss Daesong Kim, LIKUCM Representative
Joe Megna Joan Ford Andy Lauri Rev. Lynda J. Bates-Stepe
Father’s Day Candlelight Celebration The Commack UMW invites all to honor and remember our fathers, grandfathers and men who have been like a father to us. We’ll be lighting candles on Father’s Day just prior to the service and they will remain lit throughout the worship service as a wonderful symbol of the warmth and guidance these men bring / have brought to our lives. A dollar donation for each man being honored is requested. Please drop it in the offering plate or at the church office by Sunday, June 2nd. Your Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Man’s Name
Honor/Memory
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All proceeds will support our various local, national and/or global mission projects. Page 5
JUNE 2013
Commack History: The Brandsema Family Bill Brandsema grew up in Commack on his grandparent’s farm on Florida Avenue which had been one of the Harned’s old farms. When his family sold the farm, his family lived in a large house on Commack Road where the CVS Pharmacy is now located. His mother’s name was Ruth and was a welcoming neighbor to young mothers in the 1950’s and active in the Commack United Methodist Church and his father, John, was a local handyman. Bill was also a long time member of the Commack volunteer fire department. The interview with Bill is believed to have been taken on May 5, 2003 when Bill was about 85 years old by Robert Saal, Commack Historian. “Our farm, or my grandparent’s farm, was one hundred acres along Florida Ave. and what is now Harned Road. That road wasn’t put in until the 1920’s. Before that, Hauppauge Road, or New Highway, was called Harned Road, and that was the only way to get to their house. This other road was built when they needed access to Jericho from the Motor Parkway.” “There was a toll house on top of the hill at Harned Road to get onto the parkway. That was the only paved road, so farmers would try to sneak on without paying by getting on at one of the side roads. The police used to cut down trees across the side roads so you couldn’t get on the parkway. People would come with saws and cut the trees up. When you heard a motorcycle cop coming you all ducked in the bushes and waited until he passed. Then they would come back out and finish clearing the road.” “The farm was about one hundred acres, 60 of which was woodland and 40 acres were tilled. We grew tomatoes and cabbage which we sold down in Page 6
Northport at the pickle plant.” “Florida Avenue used to go back past our farm and into another, then end right at the back gates of Hoyt farm. After we sold the farm we still used to go up there as kids. There was an area where they had a bunch of old Model T Fords and we would play on them. A couple of kids push while another drives around. Sometimes we would get some gas, usually by siphoning it out of something on the farm, and then get one of the cars to run and drive it around there. The adults must have know what we were doing, but we were just having fun.” “Hoyt had a lot of land in that area, with his peach and apple orchards. We used to work there in the summer picking peaches and throwing apples at each other. Charlie Harned could tell you about that. He was two years older so he was made foreman. I used to have a photo of my father up on a truck ladder on top of a peach tree.” “There was a big pond back there we used to skate on. There was another large one near Huntington on Mediaville Farm that might still be there. We used to play baseball a lot too. There was a field up where Otten Pontiac is on Jericho. Then they moved it down to Commack Corners. That was for the bigger kids, the farmers who had a team and the people from out of town would play them.” “My father was a handyman and contractor and worked along with Jessie Hubbs and another man sometimes. Once I went with him to do a job at Camp Bishop McDonnell’s on Burr Road. After we got there he told me it would be awhile and that I could go and play baseball with the kids there for the summer camp. I was having so much fun that he left me there when he was done and told me to walk home when I was through playing ball. So af-
The Messenger
The Brandsema Family History cont’d ter the games finished I just started walking across the fields towards Jericho and a nun came chasing after me yelling and screaming. She grabbed my arm and dragged me back to the head counselor’s office saying she caught me trying to run away. No matter how much I tried to tell them I lived here, they wouldn’t believe me. Finally after about an hour they got my father on the phone and everything was straightened out and they let me go home. They thought I was one of the city kids trying to run away.” “I went to school in the brick school. I remember the frame school. It had two out houses in the back- one for boys and the other for girls. Mrs. Hubbs was one of my teachers and Edna Johnson was another. There wasn’t any gym back then. We got enough exercise just from climbing trees and running around.” “You had to bring your own lunch. There was no such thing as a cafeteria back then. You brought your sandwich in a bag or a lunch pail, as we called them. Sometimes you would go and get some hot soup over at the Kern’s stand across from the school on Jericho. Milo Kerns and his wife had a roadside stand there that sold soup and sometimes sandwiches. It was a real small building. It is where the sign shop is now. We didn’t buy soup that often because nobody had money back then. We were farmers and everyone was poor. You didn’t get money for lunch when you left for school.”
next to the house. I remember when they widened Jericho, the road was about eight feet from the house.” “They were in the beer keg business. They used to have to dip the long stems that went into the kegs in tin. They had a small shed on the property that they used to melt the tin. Then place the necks of the tap in the tin for coating. Clarence also used the shed as his office before building the garage.” “Down that way on Jericho, there really wasn’t anything. There were the Graf’s and Lambarties on the south side, a few houses on the north side, and the Baikos where the apartments are today.” “The original fire department was formed by the people on the Huntington side of Commack. The people on the Smithtown side were left on their own. Later, of course, the two sides came together. The firehouse was just a long building called “The Hook and Ladder Co” or “The Hall.” They used to have dances there and music. Sometimes people would get together and put on plays too and that’s why we called it “The Hall.””
Note: In speaking with Alice Brandsema, Bill’s daughter-in-law, Bill Brandsema passed away in 2001 and in 2013 there are only 2 family members left living in Commack, one being Bill’s granddaughter.
“The Graf’s house was up on Jericho. The mother had the house. There was Clarence, Freddie, Carl and another one. We used to go there to play cards all the time. It was like a bachelor hangout. Two of them never got married so you always went there to hang out. Then Clarence built the gas station Page 7
JUNE 2013
Boy Scout Troop 125 Boy Scouts from Troop 125 (Commack) remembered those who gave their lives for our nation this Memorial Day weekend by participating in several community activities. Saturday morning began in the pouring rain when scouts gathered to place flags at the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. Scouts then held their own brief ceremony to pay their respects and placed a wreath at the base of the American Flag. Sunday morning, scouts gathered to participate in a special Memorial Day service with the troop’s sponsor, Commack United Methodist Church. The service was led by Reverend Lynda Bates-Stepe and was held in the historic chapel, the oldest Methodist Church building in New York State (1789). The weekend concluded on Monday when the scouts marched in Commack’s Memorial Day Parade and participated in the ceremony that followed by placing a wreath at the monument where Veterans Highway meets Jericho Turnpike.
Mitten Ministry Summer and vacations are just around the corner! Then, of course comes the chilly fall and cold winter. I have only 5 pair of mittens stockpiled for the cold season and I am requesting any knitters or crocheters to spend the lazy days ahead making mittens, hats and/or scarves.
Confirmation Sunday June 9th
Please see me for patterns and yarn. Your needles, time and talent is all that is required to arm up our homeless this winter.
At their baptism you promised to support and encourage these teenagers in their faith. Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labors! Join us for a very special and moving experience of worship as we affirm these young people who are confessing their faith in Jesus Christ.
Thank you in advance!
Holy Communion will be served.
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Kathy Muller
The Messenger
Matthew Cassano- Eagle Court of honor An Eagle Court of Honor celebrating the achievement of Matthew Cassano, Boy Scout Troop 125’s 91st Eagle Scout, was held on May 4, 2013 at the Commack United Methodist Church, the troop’s sponsor for over 40 years. For his Eagle Leadership Service Project, Cassano built a 76’ by 2.7’ brick walkway in front of the Epenetus Smith Tavern, one of the historical buildings at the Smithtown Historical Society. The bricks for the pathway were donated by the Smithtown Historical Society and the rental of the tamper was donated by Taylor Rental. The Smithtown Historical Society is committed to the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of Long Island’s heritage for the education and enjoyment of all who visit. “I thought this project would be a good challenge and I felt the original was in need of a major repair,” said Cassano. Being a Boy Scout “has given me good leadership skills, communication skills and taught me how to deal with tough situations.” This Eagle Project took one year to complete from inception through completion and a total of 170 hours were logged into the project by Cassano and 18 additional scouts and adults. The funds used for this project were raised during a car wash held at Sunshine Physical Therapy, whose owner (and scout Mom) Venise Glass, donated all of the hoses, buckets, cones, towels and signs for the event.
earn the Arrow of Light, the only badge earned as a Cub Scout that can be worn on a Boy Scout uniform. He joined Boy Scout Troop 125 in 2008 where he held several leadership positions including troop guide, assistant patrol leader, bugler and patrol leader and his current position as assistant senior patrol leader. He also earned scouting’s World Conservation Award and the Catholic religious emblem, Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God). One of the most memorable experiences Cassano enjoyed as a boy scout was “when I went to Florida Sea Base with three of my closest friends in the troop. It was a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys during the February break of 2012. It included snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing and a trip to Key West.” A junior at Commack High School, Cassano is active in several clubs including the Executive Board, Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Italian Honor Society and the National Honor Society. He played JV tennis and participated in the CTK basketball league. Cassano is currently deciding between several colleges and plans to major in engineering or computer science. Cassano reflected, “Becoming an Eagle Scout means a culmination of all the great memories and experiences over my entire scouting life and is an honor to achieve a rank that so few in scouts achieve.” The newest Eagle Scout is the son of Anthony and JoAnn Cassano and brother of Troop 125 Eagle Scout (#79- 2009) Christopher Cassano. The Cassano family resides in Commack.
Cassano earned a total of 34 merit badges, 13 more than needed to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Cassano began scouting in the first grade as a Tiger Scout with Cub Scout Pack 329 and continued through fifth grade as a Webelos where he went on to Page 9
JUNE 2013
Administrative Board Minutes from 5/21/13 Matilda Gollatz called the meeting to order at 7:30 UMW: Ginny Eichenauer for Deb Hervey PM. Reverend Lynda led us in prayer. UMW had a good turnout and meeting with guests for Pilgrim State Hospital. UMW has Lay Leader: Mike Mallgraf been hosting this annually for 40-50 years. In Hopes to plan a CUMC BBQ for the residents of July, members will be visiting the residents of Olsen’s Nursing Home. Olsen’s Nursing Home for a sing-a-long. Finance: Sam Prasad MYF: no report Complete report of the Finance Committee and the Report of the Annual Audit delivered. Rever- Men’s Group: John Muller end Lynda mentioned that Current Expenses Active and well ended up being even. Pumpkin Patch Board: no report SPR: Mike Hervey No recent meeting, next meeting scheduled for Treasurer: Karen Mallgraf May 30, 2013 All bills are up to date. Expense sheet distributed. Membership Lille May Cummings will assist Donna during Financial Secretary: Judy Titolo the summer. Money coming in steadily. Income report distributed Historian: John Muller Articles continue in Messenger COM: Mike Hervey Rally Day is set for September 15th We Memorial; Kathy Muller hope to plan to help St Anne’s soup kitchen Memorial donations continue to be received for next year. and acknowledged. A/V Media donations almost at goal, fund raising must be continued for upkeep. On Trustees: Joe Megna for Tom Mazzola Tuesday, the contractor will meet here, per Thanks to all who assisted in Saturday’s manent installation in a month or so. church clean up. 3 to 5 people are needed to be trained to op No bathroom plans thus far. erate the system, 40 minutes per week may be required. A training day to be planned… Parsonage: Dot Megna for Marge Wright this would be a good ministry. Supplies for parsonage bathroom update on premises. Armas Stepe will do the work. Education: Rev Lynda for Deb Hervey Sexton’s apartment to be inspected at June 16 is Father’s Day and also Sunday month’s end. School celebration VBS will be held June 23rd-27th and is interBuilding Committee: no report generational Thrift Shoppe: Patti Spory BSA: Rev Lynda for Andy Lauri th Many vendors applied for the June 8 Vendor Boy Scouts will participate in the Memorial Day Sale; June 22nd is to be a bag sale. Mike Sunday service with a memorial list of deHervey reported that the Sanctuary will be open ceased veterans; also listing living veterans. for visitors during the vendor sale. Page 10
The Messenger
Worship: Dot Megna for Sobana Prasad Our Easter plans with the Upper Room Communion well received. Holy Communion delayed from the first Sunday; to be held on June 9th during confirmation. Pastoral Care: Al Svoboda Phyllis Faber had been visited just before her passing. “She has now overcome the world.” Al & Joan had lunch with Beverly Furey, church member and pastor of the Greenport Church Pat Ross visited Arlene Lavoie in the nursing home. Arlene’s memory is failing. Kathy Muller visited Sue Medina; she is doing nicely, though bed ridden, smiling and cheerful. Rev Lynda reported that Mary Lee Arfer is very appreciative of the congregation’s care and concern following her son’s death. Happening Committee: Pat Ross June 22nd: picnic on church grounds July 2nd: Duck’s baseball game, ticket money to be in by June 12th. July 3rd: the start of Wednesday evenings at Sunken Meadow. Bring your own food August 15: R&B music at Northport Park Every Saturday @ 11 am: free viewing of the Polo Games, bring your own food No old business New business: Rev. Lynda Sunday, June 2nd: After church coffee hour hosted by Lynda and Atis, to be held at the parsonage. Parishioners Judy & Jason Levi have moved to
Georgia. District Conference news: Our new Resident Bishop Martin D. McLee The district Superintendant will conduct individual church charge conferences. CUMC: Monday, Oct 28: 7 Pm with our pastor; 7:30 pm with SPR with a filled out church profile; 8 pm with entire church congregation Note: Twenty-six of our conference clergy are retiring and half the pastors will be moving. Please be in prayer for the bishop and the conference. Rev. Lynda, Deb Hervey, Tim Sampson and Paula Titolo will attend. UMCOR taking monetary donations for the Tornado Relief Fund. There is a clickable link on the Church website or place donations in the offering plate, designating Tornado Relief. Next Ad Board meeting will be held September 24th, unless needed there is no meeting in July Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Muller, recording Secty CC: Rev Lynda; Matilda Gollatz Attendance: John & Kathy Muller Dotty & Joe Megna Pat Ross Joan & Alan Svoboda Joan Ford Mike & Karen Mallgraf Patti Spory
CUMC Charge Conference October 26th 7pm meeting with Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe 7:30pm meeting with SPR 8pm meeting with entire church congregation
Tim Sampson Barbara Knippenberg Matilda Gollatz Lynda Bates-Stepe Mike Hervey Virginia Eichenauer
