UNITED CHURCH NEWS April 2006

“A community of faith providing nurture, strength, & direction for living today in God’s world.”

From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:

Dr. Tony Campolo tells a story about attending a Good Friday service in an inner-city African American church. The premise of the preacher’s sermon was “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” In the rhythmic ways of black preachers, this pastor was driving home the point that Jesus suffered and died on the cross on Friday, but the hope of Easter morning was just around the corner. The suffering was real; the death was real; but so was the hope, and so would be the resurrection. “It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming!”

As Dr. Campolo was listening it occurred to him that the pastor was preaching about much more than an historical event. He was talking about present reality. For so many “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” The people in that inner-city church were dealing with the Good Friday realities of life every day: poverty, drugs, violence, gangs, unemployment. But Jesus, well aware of their situation provided hope.

There was hope because Jesus died for them. There was hope because Jesus rose again. There was hope because pain and suffering and sorrow don’t last forever. “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”

As we continue through our Lenten journey, each of us continues to drag with us our Good Friday baggage: our burdens, our failures, our pain, our disappointments, our sins. As we do, let us take hope in the truth that Sunday has come, Jesus Christ didn’t remain in a grave but overcame death. As we focus on this hope we live as Easter people.

As you read through this newsletter you will learn of the many opportunities we have to gather for worship and to strengthen our resolve to live as hopeful people. Please join us as often as you are able.

Kathleen Waters, Interim Pastor

Worship for April 2006

Sunday Worship at 10:25 AM, Child Care provided 9 AM - Noon

Before worship coffee fellowship with Adult Ed groups at 9 AM (except Easter Sunday)

Fellowship Time each week after worship in Fellowship Hall

April 2 5th Sunday in Lent

10:25 AM Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Jason Larson, preaching

Scriptures: Ezek. 37:1-14; Ps. 51:1-12; John 11:1-45 Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

April 9 Palm Sunday

10:25 AM Sermon: “Palm Branches and Parades” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 118:1-2,19-29; Mark 11:1-11

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 21

April 13 Maundy Thursday (sanctuary)

7:30 PM Worship with Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Scriptures: Exodus 12:1-4; 11-14; Psalm 116; John 13:1-17, 31b-35

“Jesus said to them, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.” Luke 22

April 13 – 14 (Thursday – Friday) Prayer Vigil (sanctuary)

The sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation. The self-guided “Journey of the Cross” is marked by Holy Week symbols, poems, reflections, music. Sign up for individual, family or group times on the hallway chart.

April 14 Good Friday “Tenebrae” Service of Shadows (sanctuary)

7:30 PM Scriptures: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; John 18:1-19:42

The Good Friday drama will be revealed through scriptures, prayers, hymns and music by the Senior Choir; the service concludes with Prayers around the cross

April 16 Easter Sunday – Festival of the Resurrection

10:15 AM Worship – Musical Gathering with brass, organ, handbells

Sermon: “The God of Surprising Outcomes” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Acts 10:34-43; Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corint. 15:1-11; John 20:1-18

Dedication of One Great Hour of Sharing offering

April 23 2^nd Sunday of Easter – Earth Day Celebration

10:25 AM Sermon: “Believe It or Not” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Acts 4:32-35; Ps. 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

An essential part of our ongoing worship experience is to protect the beauty of God’s handiwork and enlarge our stewardship of God’s creation

April 30 3^rd Sunday of Easter – Congregational Meeting

10:25 AM Sermon: “Worshipful Work” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

We will experience worshipful work as our congregational meeting takes place during our worship service.

Welcome our Guest Preacher for April 2 – Jason Larson:

Jason is a member of the United Church and active in our adult education program. He is a graduate student at Syracuse University in the Department of Religion. He and his wife Leanne recently moved to the area with their children Ransom (age 2) and Rebekah (age 4).

What’s Up from Down Under

Sharing and Caring by the Young People Of United Church

Mark these new events on your calendars!

Sun. Apr. 9 Palm Sunday Thur. Apr. 13, Maundy Thursday Service Fri. Apr.14 Good Friday Sun. Apr. 16 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Service,

Return One Great Hour of Sharing offering boxes Sunday School Holiday, no classes Fri.-Sat., Apr. 28-Apr. 29 BIBLEMANIA Overnight!!!

Adventures With Paul !!! This special program about the adventures of Paul and the early church continues at the April 5 Lenten Soup Supper. It is offered for children through 6th grade. A Bible study on Narnia is also offered. The Homework Club, under adult supervision, will be up and running for those with schoolwork to do. Nursery care for the Lenten Supper may be arranged by calling the church office (637-3186) by Monday noon !

BIBLEMANIA !!!
"The Incredibles -Women of the Bible !!"

Be there Friday, April 28 -Saturday, April 29 to step back in time and visit five incredible women of the Bible. Enjoy dinner in a desert tent !! Invite a friend and sign up now for this cool overnight full of songs, crafts, games and tons of fun, fun, fun!!!! Open to 1st through 6th graders.

"Paul and Company" Is Coming !!!!!!!!! Rehearsal: Sat., Apr. 8, 4-5:30 p.m.
Additional rehearsals to be announced. Sun., June 4 -10:30 a.m. "Paul and Company"
presented in service.

Calling All Campers !!!!! There's still time to make plans for awesome summer fun at camp!!! There are lots of fantastic opportunities for boys and girls at Vanderkamp, Camp Iroquois, Camp Vick and Camp Pathfinder. Water fun, sports, fellowship, crafts and fun, fun, fun for everyone!!!!!! Check bulletin boards for information and registration forms. Applications for camp scholarships are available in the church office and should be submitted before April 1.

APRIL CHURCH SCHOOL MISSION: Church School Mission through Easter is One
Great Hour of Sharing. Encourage children to fill their fish boxes using the calendar giving-
guide from the March newsletter. Turn in offering boxes Easter Sunday morning.

Judy Spencer Director of Church School Ministries

April - Worship & Spiritual Life

Lenten Soup & Sharing April 5^th

5:45 PM gathering and supper, 7 PM programs for all ages

For youth, Narnia Bible Study, for children Adventures with Paul, also a homework club, nursery/toddler care with pre-registration by Monday noon April 3^rd

April 5 Two Adult Offerings:

I. An Open Labyrinth Walk Symbolic and sacred space -The labyrinth walk is an ancient symbol used for meditation and prayer, a metaphor for the spiritual journey. We will use the labyrinth at Trinity Episcopal Church. coordinated by Connie Caldwell, John Price

II. Lenten Bible Study – led by Kathleen Waters and Jason Larson

Recognizing Threats Mark 11:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Isaiah 50:4-9, Phil. 2:5-11, Mark 14:1-15:47

Please sign up to let us know how many are coming, use the chart in the hallway or call the church office. April 5^th supper coordinated by Missions Committee and Planning & Coordinating Council.

Thank you to Kathy Bohnsack, the Worship & Spiritual Life Committee, and board committees for the Lenten Soup & Sharing suppers. The Wednesday gatherings have provided a time of fellowship and spiritual reflection.

April 9 +Palm/Passion Sunday+ Procession of Palms 10:25 AM

Youth Handbells, children and choirs in procession! Celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem! When kings came in war they rode a horse. When they came into a city in peace they rode a donkey. By his actions, Christ came into Jerusalem as a king in peace. Palms are used to remember Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem on the Sunday before his crucifixion. The palm was handy in Palestine as a quick branch to pick up to wave and celebrate.

April 13^th 7:30 PM +Maundy Thursday+

The Lord’s Supper, Music and Drama

A Parting Meal – Jesus washed his friends’ feet and they shared a meal, he asked his friends to pray. Maundy Thursday comes from "mandatum novum," Jesus' new commandment, to "love one another even as I have loved you"

The words “Do this is remembrance of me” are inscribed on the front of our communion table. This helps us remember that Christ asked us to celebrate this meal of bread and cup together as a family gathered around the table, as he did with his disciples.

April 13 - 14 +Good Friday Prayer Vigil+ 9 PM Thursday to 7 PM Friday

On the day of his betrayal, Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch with him while he prayed (Matt. 26:36-46) The annual Prayer Vigil at United Church has become a meaningful tradition for many. Some use the booklet developed by our Worship & Spiritual Life Committee, called the "Journey of the Cross." Others enjoy the silence for their own prayer time, to listen to music, or use the resources provided.

Seekers and mentors, parents, children, husbands, wives, youth groups, church school classes, friends, individuals, all have a variety of experiences and have found meaning in this special time. Please sign up (hallway chart) for your time in the sanctuary (alone or with others).

April 14 7:30 PM +Good Friday+

Tenebrae and Prayers around the Cross

We call Good Friday “good” because we know what happened at Easter. We know that God wouldn’t let Jesus stay dead. We know that Easter made a difference in the world.

The Good Friday drama will be revealed through story of those who saw Jesus on his way to the cross. There will be scriptures, prayers, hymns and choral music by the senior choir as the lights are gradually dimmed and we approach the crucifixion. This service of Tenebrae or shadows, is based on a 12^th century late night service and is a meditation on the passion of Christ. The service concludes with Taize songs and prayers around the cross. The Senior Choir will sing hymn settings from the St. John Passion by John Ferguson.

April 16 Easter Sunday

FESTIVAL OF THE RESURRECTION

Our worship prelude begins at 10:15 AM with the glorious music of handbells, brass quartet, timpani, organ; the choirs will offer festive music in the Easter celebration. Hallelujah!!

Easter symbols awaken our senses: The dried bulb of the Easter lily represents Christ’s death, and the glorious bloom of the lily symbolizes Christ’s resurrection. Flowers remind us of the resurrection and new life! The empty cross is central in our worship because it reminds us that we serve a risen Lord. The light around the cross symbolizes Christ as the light of the world. We recognize that Christ overcame death, the cross, for us.

Thanks to choirs!

Thank you to our Senior Choir, Joyful Sign Choir, and instrumentalists (Sul Young Choi, Jim Spencer, John Price) for joining with the choir of Trinity Episcopal Church for the Lenten Choral Vespers service on March 22^nd The choirs and directors met together several times to prepare the service and we found it was a short walk from our side door to their side door! The choir of over 40 voices filled the UCF chancel for the opening anthems, and after the men’s choir and women’s choir each sang an anthem, the combined choirs moved to the balcony for choral works accompanied by organ and instruments. The Joyful Sign Choir inspired us with their interpretation of the Women’s Choir anthem, “The Lamb,” by William Blake, and John Rutter’s setting of “When I survey the wondrous cross.”

Congratulations to our children & youth - Many of you have been seen on stage recently in school shows and concerts, or at SU, Boston, at the Civic Center and other places for various programs. I’ve seen some of the productions and heard about many. You are awesome! I appreciate you for who you are and for the amazing God-given talents you share at United Church as well!

Coming Events

Saturday, May 6 – 7 PM “Way – Off Broadway Variety Show” Fellowship Hatt , supporting the Youth Mission Trip – All ages get involved in this annual extravaganza of fun, fellowship, and talents!

Saturday, May 20 - 8 PM SU Brass Ensemble Spring Concert at UCF, annual pops concert

Note date change - Sunday, June 4^th children’s and youth musical in worship Paul & Co. by John Horman & Mary Nelson Keithan Paul & Co. tells the story of Paul's Second Missionary Journey as recorded in Acts

Alice Dickerson Hatt, minister of music and worship

SETTIN' SAIL

ON A JOURNEY OF FAITH

Upcoming Seeker Events:

Sun. Apr. 2, 23, & 30 9:30 a.m. Seeker Classes

Sun. Apr. 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner & "Distinctiveness of the Baptist and Presbyterian Faiths"

Sun. Apr. 16 10:15 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship Service

Sunday School Holiday - no classes

Sun. Apr. 21 -22 UCF Youth Retreat for 7th-12th graders

Sun. Apr. 30 Congregational Meeting during service

Just What Is the Difference Between a Presbyterian and a Baptist ?!? Get the inside scoop April 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m. with denominational overviews from John Buskey (ABC) and Dave Johnson (PCUSA). John Buskey, Executive Director of Outdooor Ministries and Field Ministries, oversees camping and conference programs for the American Baptist churches in our area. He lives in Manlius with his family, dog, guinea pig and gerbil. Dave Johnson, Executive Presbyter for our Cayuga-Syracuse presbytery, attends services at UCF when he is able with his wife, Barb, and daughter, Amy, who are active in our church.

Seeker classes will be held on Sunday mornings, April 2, 23, 30 at 9:30 a.m. A special guest speaker, Catherine Stephens, will give a presentation on the “Distinctiveness of Roman Catholicism” in class on Sun. Apr. 2. The class on April 30 will include an "Introduction to Congregational Meeting”, preparing Seekers to attend the Congregational meeting during the service that same day.

Easter Morning Worship is on April 16 at 10:15 a.m. There will be no Sunday school classes that morning.

Jason Wieczorek, one of our current Seekers, took on the challenge of teaching the combined 1st - 4th Sunday School class on Night Watch weekend along with his mentor, Doug Scharbach, and his mom, Janet Schaefer. He did a great job and says it was really fun!!! Way to go, Jason !!!!! Thanks for helping out !

UCF Youth Retreat Set For April 21-22 Lots of challenging fun is coming your way at the upcoming Youth Retreat for 7-12th graders. GET THIS EVENT ON YOUR CALENDAR!!!

Details available soon !!!

The Temple Society of Concord and Lock-In at UCF On Friday evening, March 17, twelve Seekers visited the Society Temple of Concord in Syracuse. Mrs. Selzer greeted us warmly upon our arrival and told us about the history of the temple. Their 650-family congregation has had only four rabbis since it began in 1911. One rabbi served for fifty years! We were shown a Torah, handwritten on parchment and read using a metal pointer in order to preserve the holy book. . We learned to echo the greeting of good Shabbas when handed the prayer book and much, much more! It was a wonderful and warm welcome by a very special faith community. Then it was back to join the senior highs at UCF for a lock-in full of fun, fun, fun !!! Many thanks to Wendy Schmidt, Eileen Dunuwila, Lisa Graniero, Curtis Wenke, Janet Press and Beth Krauss for helping to make it happen !!!

Easter Music Gifts

A gift of $10 or more given in memory or honor of a loved one will help to defray the cost of special music and guest instrumental soloists for our glorious celebration of Easter. From time to time some have dedicated memorial gifts for special music. An acknowledgement will be placed in the Easter Sunday bulletin.

Checks should be made out to United Church, marked for Easter Music and accompanied by the form below by April 7th:

In memory/honor of:____________

(circle one)

Given by:___________

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Easter Plants for our Sanctuary

Your donations of Easter plants make our church beautiful and are a meaningful way to remember your loved ones or honor someone with whom you have shared the joys of Easter. If you wish to contribute an Easter plant, please fill out the form and make a check payable to United church marked for Easter Plant for $10.00 for each plant. Please return it by April 7^th to the United Church office. For more information call the church office

at 637-3186.

In memory/honor of:

(circle one)

Given by:

Please check one:

__ I will leave my plant in church for shut ins

__ I will pick up my plant at the church after the 10:30 AM service.

WHAT: Promise Keepers Men’s Conference - UNLEASHED!!

WHEN: Friday, June 23 (6:30 – 10:00PM) & Saturday, June 24 (9:00AM – 4:30PM)

WHERE: Pepsi Arena, Albany NY

WHAT IS IT?:

¨ 12,000 Men praising and worshiping together.

¨ Music, drama, comedy, fun & fellowship

¨ 5-6 speakers on living more godly lives and keeping the 7 basic promises of commitment

to God, your family, and others. Visit promisekeepers.com for more information.

¨ Join your fellow UCF family (come with your dad, brother, or son) & friends (bring a friend)

¨ An experience you will never forget!!

WHY?: It is not about learning how to be a nicer guy. It's about becoming the powerful man God designed you to be.
There is courage bound up in you. Unleash it.
There is passion and fire tied up in you. Unleash it.
There is a warrior held captive in you. Unleash it.
There is an untamed spirit held down in you. Unleash it.

And when the power of God in you is unleashed...
...the adventure truly begins.

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Ephesians 1:18-19

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Curtis Wenke @ 682-3916 or

e-mail him at Wenke2b@aol.com

April 8^th 2006 - Men’s Regional Breakfast!

with speaker Dr. Dave Wardell

Dr. Dave Wardell serves as Ambassador-at-Large for Promise Keepers. Dave was serving with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the University of Colorado in 1900 when he took a historic car ride. Bill McCartney, then head football coach at the same school and Dave were on a three hour trip to an FCA banquet in Pueblo when they discussed the idea of filling a sports stadium with Christian men. They had recognized a weakening of America’s moral structure and a breakdown in the roles men were playing in their households. The two men had a simple conversation that would eventually change the lives of millions.

Because of that conversation, McCartney and Wardell founded Promise Keepers, an organization dedicated to helping men revitalize their faith in God and their commitment to their families. Dr. Wardell’s passion is