SEPTEMBER 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 Inside
Prayer & Birthdays
Upcoming Events
Community
Boy Scouts
Calendar
Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe Pastor
Donna Etergineoso Editor
What makes us United Methodist? Among other things, we are shaped and influenced by the work and writings of one of our founders, John Wesley. Wesley was a prolific preacher and writer with books of sermons, theology, science, polity (organization), and even health care. The more I learn about Wesley‟s teaching the more I realize how applicable his words are for our contemporary Christian discipleship.
message of justice, judgment, forgiveness, and grace. The more we engage with the Bible, the more able we are to understand God‟s desire and follow God‟s will.
Scripture means the Bible, Old and New Testament. Scripture is our primary source for God‟s guidance. We believe the sacred writings of Bible are inspired by God and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, available and understandable to all people. The Bible is not a rule book so it‟s not process of simply looking in the index and finding the chapter and verse that fits your situation. Rather, as Christians we are to be regularly and continually connected to God‟s word, always learning more and understanding better God‟s
Think of it this way: Scripture is our primary source for learning about God and walking in God‟s ways. Through reason, we better understand Scripture, through Tradition we learn how our ancestors in faith interpreted Scripture and through experience we apply Scripture to our own lives. The outcome, to put it is Wesley‟s words, is to live in “holiness in heart and life.” That is the aim of a faithful disciple and the Quadrilateral helps us to reach that goal.
Experience means bringing our life endeavors and accomplishments to our decisions of faith and belief. We learn and grow through our experience and that, in turn, informs our faith. The Holy Spirit works in our contemporary world to manifest the presence of God and direct our paths in God‟s ways. Our experience Wesley had some good advice on how to assess keeps us recognizing the Holy and connecting to information, issues and decisions to keep them in line with God‟s will. His counsel was organized into a God in our everyday life. four point method called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Tradition includes norms and practices by Christians When we have to make decisions about treatment throughout history and in many diverse cultures. options, help our children with cyber bullying, make Being aware of how our brothers and sisters lived financial decisions, explore a difficult issue like hotheir faith and the traditions that exemplified their mosexuality, respond to an offensive email, give our believe in the Triune God, we are able to better unopinion about immigration, deal with a betrayal in a derstand and express faith in our time The witness close relationship, decide if and how much money to of those who have gone before us is handed down in give to a charitable request, choose a car, talk to an the traditions that continue to inform our discipleirritable neighbor, vote in an election, renovate our ship. house, or any other of the myriad of choices, judgments, and opinions we have to deal with, the Quad- Reason is to apply our intellect to the questions and rilateral is a valuable tool. Applying the Quadrilateral issues we are addressing. John Wesley was a helps us to be thoughtful, balanced and faithful. It is scholar. He believed the mind was a gift from God and the ability to use it an important part of being a so named because there are four areas to reflect person of faith. A Christian should always be learnupon when considering an issue or choice to be made. They are Scripture, Experience, Tradition and ing and applying that information to our questions of faith. Most of all, using common sense and wisdom Reason. Each area is important and each helps shine light on the topic under consideration but the is important in our staying faithful to God. Being open minded doesn‟t mean going along with everyprimary area is Scripture. In that sense the quadrilateral is not a rectangle or square with equal sides. thing but it does mean a willingness to listen and It‟s more a trapezoid with one side more prominent learn and apply what we learn to the Scripture that is the foundation of our faith. than the other three.
Peace, Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe
486 Town Line Road · Commack NY 11725 (631) 499-7310 Office:
[email protected] Pastor:
[email protected] www.commack-umc.org
SEPTEMBER 2011
A Prayer... Dear God, Lord of heaven and earth, give us courage to face our fears, give us trust to respond with faith. Give us confidence to follow your promptings. Give us strength to serve with honor and to know your presence. Amen
bir thdays
SEPTEMBER bir thdays 2nd 7th 10th 16th 21st 26th 28th
We wish you all a
Happy Birthday, whether we are near or far away during vacation time. We will be happy to come together in September with great big smiles!! ***Please note: If you wish to have your birth date noted, please send an email to the Church office
Pat Ross Jim Medina Jackie Malgraff Penny White Sarah Mackay Gail Stroup Atis Stepe Joan Kopping Vicky O‟Connell Steven Waidelich
and Donna will forward to me. Thank you, Kathy
Dates to Remember Sept 11-
Rally Day
Sept 23-24: Women‟s Retreat @ Camp Quinipet, Shelter Island. Oct 1:
UMW Fall District meeting @ East Meadow UMC
Oct 22:
Harvest Fair
Nov. 5:
Annual UMW Conference in CT
Nov 12:
Harvest Dinner
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Church’s piano Stool Repaired On June 4, 2011, the broken piano stool was brought to Mr. Wood who is located at 35 Doyle Court, East Northport, New York 11731, tel#631-368-3732 for repair. Mr. Wood repaired the paino stool at no charge and is better than new! If you have any wooden furniture in need of repair, restoration, etc, call Mr. Woodthe workmanship is superb.
SEPTEMBER 2011
The Messenger
Community The Purpose of United Methodist Women Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8th at 7:30 PM in the parlor. The program will be “Ministering to Women and Children in our Local Community”, the presenter to be determined. Kathy Muller will serve as hostess. All women are invited and encouraged to attend, if transportation is needed please contact any UMW member and arrangements will be made.
In July a visit to St. Catherine of Siena Nursing DATES TO REMEMBER: Home was attended by UMW and Church memSept 23-24: Women‟s Retreat @ Camp bers, for a sing a long and serving of refreshQuinipet, Shelter Island. ments.
UMW
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Please see Ginny Eichenauer for further information
Our August meeting was a social evening of BBQ and desserts at the home of Deb Hervey. Many thanks to Deb and her family for hosting this pleasant evening.
Oct 1st: UMW Fall District meeting at East Meadow UMC Nov. 5th: Annual UMW Conference; Connecticut
There is always something to do, and an hour of extra hands is welcome. We are asking all of our volunteers to sign up for an additional time slot, as our core base is so limited.
The Shoppe is in need of help. You could sign up for a three hour slot or stop in during our regular hours to help fold clothing, or arrange items.
We thank you for all your donations, household items are the big sellers, and we can always use them.
Kountry Kitchen Do you have suggestions for the Kountry Kitchen? How about a menu update or two???? PLEASE, give your ideas to Connie Jarvis. We would like to add some zip to this area of the Fall Fair. Thanks.
HARVEST DINNER NOVEMBER 12TH Page 3
THRIFT SHOPPE
The Grand Re-Opening of the Thrift Shoppe will be Tuesday, September 6th! The hours for Tues. & Fri. will be the same, 10 to 4, but Sat. hours will now be 9 to 2pm.
HAPPENINGS
LYDIA CIRCLE
HARVEST FAIR
S E P T E M B ES R E 2P 0T 1 E1 MBER 2011
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Our annual fall Harvest Fair is going to be on cation spot” (perhaps a far-away-land!). You may Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to leave your package in the Church Office (noting it is 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. for the Parcel Post Booth at the Harvest Fair) or you may give it to Sobana Prasad to add to our collecI am happy to announce that Jennifer Mallgraf and tion for the Fair. Dave Ayala are chairing the Pumpkin Patch, an array of pumpkins that will be displayed on our As you prepare for the change of seasons, please church‟s front lawn, waiting for fairgoers to collect the items that you no longer want but are purchase just in time for fall decorating and still in good working condition, so you can donate Halloween. Don‟t forget to come downstairs to the them to our White Elephant Table at the Fair. We‟ll Fair right there in the Fellowship Hall where we‟ll be accepting donations the two days prior to the have pumpkin discount coupons for all! Fair. Our Boutique items showcase the talents of members of our congregation. If you would like to create a craft or two to contribute to the Fair, please see Kathy Muller.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered so far to help make our Harvest Fair a success once again. Margie Zoltowsky will be looking for volunteers to donate home-baked goods for our Bake Table. Mike Hervey will be looking for volunteers to help with the Country Kitchen. If you would like to participate and haven‟t volunteered for anything specific as yet, please let one of us know. We can always use more volunteers!
As you travel on your vacations, please remember our Parcel Post Booth. Just purchase a small item while you are on vacation, wrap it in brown paper and note the Vacation Spot from where it was purchased on the outside. We plan to sell all donations for $5.00 at the Fair. Imagine the buyer‟s Thank yousurprise when they open a package from “your va- Connie Jarvis, Harvest Fair Chairperson
Lydia Circle meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30-12 AM in the parlor. Interested women attend and enjoy an informally planned program consisting of various subjects : social, historical or spiritual. The next meeting is Wednesday September 7th. Membership in UMW is not a requirement. Come and enjoy a cup of coffee with our morning fellowship! Last year our August field trip was a “Discovery Cruise” of L.I. Wetlands out of Stony Brook, with a naturalist from the University Marine Sciences Center. For this year, five members spent a pleasant day at the L. I. Aquarium at Riverhead. This „voyage of undersea discovery „was enjoyed by all, along with a visit to „Scoops „ for some ice cream to close out the day!
There were 50 of us enjoying another wonderful evening at the L I Ducks game on June 30th! Perfect weather and the Grucci fireworks were spectacular! The Happening Committee
The Messenger
SEAN RYAN BECOMES BOY SCOUT TROOP 125’S NEWEST EAGLE SCOUT
Eagle Scout Sean C. Ryan of Boy Scout Troop 125, Commack
Left to right: Boy Scout Troop 125’s Eagle Scout Sean C. Ryan with his family: Matthew (brother), Eagle Dad Christopher, Eagle Scout Sean, Eagle Mom Marilyn, Celia (sister) and James (brother).
Sean C. Ryan became Boy Scout Troop 125‟s (Commack) 86th Eagle Scout on May 17th, 2011 and was recognized during an Eagle Court of Honor celebrating this achievement on August 6, 2011 at the Commack United Methodist Church. For his Eagle Project, Sean built three individual otter dens called Holts. These were placed at three specific locations, designated by SCOPE Education Services, along the Nissequogue River. This project will assist the lab in their efforts to reintroduce the River Otter to this area of Long Island. River Otters have not made permanent settlements in recent years, as the river habitat has changed. This will benefit the scientists, school children and countless other visitors to Caleb Smith Park. To raise funds for his project, Sean sold over fifty winter bird feeders and was able to donate the surplus to the SCOPE Outdoor Learning Lab. Sean commented, “The first benefit of this project is that I now have faith in my own abilities as a leader. I was able to motivate other scouts and demonstrate my objectives to the adults who helped me on this project. Secondly, I take from this experience the satisfaction that I can follow through. I had to be flexible to accept the changes and be patient as sometimes I was dependent on
other people.” Sean directed nearly 25 scouts and adults throughout his entire project.
Eagle Scout Sean C. Ryan (center), with help from fellow scouts, installs one of three otter dens along the Nissequogue River.
Sean recently graduated from Commack High School and will be attending Queens College in the fall. He was with Troop 125 since 2004, after completing the Cub Scout Program with Commack Pack 329. The new Eagle Scout is the son of Marilyn and Christopher Ryan and older brother of James, Matthew and Celia all of whom reside in Smithtown. Page 5
SEPTEMBER 2011
Fun Animal Trivia 1. What food makes up nearly all (around 99%) of a Giant Panda’s diet? 2. True or false? Mice live for up to 10 years. 3. What is the name of the phobia that involves an abnormal fear of spiders? 4. What is the largest type of ‘big cat’ in the world? 5. True or false? Crocodiles have no sweat glands so they use their mouths to release heat. 6. Eagles are very good at spotting potential prey from a long distance, why? 7. What are female elephants called? 8. True or false? Owls can turn their heads completely backwards, allowing a 360 degree view. 9. Bees are found on every continent of earth except for one, which is it? 10. True or false? Cats spend an average of 13 to 14 hours a day sleeping.
20. What type of animal is the largest primate in the world? 21. Is a shark a fish or a mammal? 22. What is the most recognizable feature of a hedgehog’s appearance? 23. True or false? Owls are far-sighted, meaning that anything within a few inches of their eyes can’t be seen properly. 24. What is the name of an adult female horse?
11. What is the fastest land animal in the world?
25. What are baby goats called?
12. A ‘doe’ is what kind of animal?
26. What is the tallest animal in the world?
13. True or false? Cougar’s are herbivores.
27. True or false? Rabbits are born blind.
14. Groups of lions are known as what?
28. What is the most recognizable physical feature of the male lion?
15. Is a dolphin a mammal? 16. What is the largest land animal in the world? 17. True of false? Snakes have slimy skin. 18. What is the only continent on earth where Giraffes live in the wild? 19. How many pairs of wings does a bee have? Page 6
29. How many legs does a spider have? 30. The crocodile species is believed to have been around for how long? 2 million years or 200 million years?
Page 7 Because they have excellent eyesight.
6.
True- They often sleep with their mouth open to cool down.
5.
The tiger, weighing up to 300 kilograms
4.
Arachnophobia
3.
False- their field of vision is about 270 degrees
False- Captive mice live for up to 8. 2 1/2 years while wild mice only live for an average of around 4 9. months.
2.
Cows
Bamboo
1.
7.
Antarctica
10. True 11. The Cheetah (it can reach speeds of up to 75mph. 12. A female deer. 13. False- they are carnivores 14. Prides 15. Yes
16. The elephant-The largest on record weighed around 26,000 lbs. 17. False- snakeskin is smooth and dry 18. Africa 19. 2 20. The gorilla 21. A fish
24. A mare 25. Kids 26. The giraffe- avg height is 16 ft with the tallest on record stood 20 ft tall 27. True 28. Its mane 29. 8 30. 200 million years
22. Their spines of spiky hair 23. True
Trivia Answers
Plans are underway to re-energize our youth group with new additions to old favorite activities. A barbeque and planning session will be held at the Hervey’s on Friday, August 26th for input on overall direction and specific activities. The 1st day of Sunday School will be September 18th. Please join us for our kick off the Year of the Messaiah – our focus will be on Jesus the entire year. Sunday School will participate in Rally Day Worship Service singing The Perfect 10 from our Ten Commandments Lessons. Please be sure to practice with the YouTube link that was e-mailed by Ms. Deb.
Youth News The Messenger
