UNITED CHURCH NEWS JANUARY 2007
“A community of faith providing nurture,
strength, & direction for living today in God’s world.”
From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:
Both of my daughters received MP3 players as Christmas
presents this year. For those less
technically savvy, as I was only a few months ago, MP3 players are usually at
the end of two small wires hanging from the ears of our teenagers and now
individuals of all ages (one brand is the I
Pod). The image of the human head
with earphones has become a mark of our times.
It has amazed me that my children, along with most
teenagers would want to listen to music while doing homework, watching sports,
visiting with friends, shopping, sleeping, and basically doing everything
else. It feels like every waking moment
is filled with noise?
Our American culture has become accustomed to
nearly constant sound and I have read that the average American has an
attention span of 22 seconds. No wonder
it is difficult to have times of stillness and silence during our worship
services. Typically times of silence
during worship are accepted with general restlessness, and not just from our
children.
I believe silence has a central role
in our ability to listen to God and cultivate the inner life of the soul. The psalmist declares in Psalm 46:10 “Be
still and know that I am God.” I believe there is a direct connection to being
still before God and growing in a knowledge of God.
Silence has played a crucial role in
the production of many profound hymns and theological works. German pastor and martyr Dietrich
Bonhoeffer’s composed profound letters and poems from the silence of his prison
cell. It was only after Jesus departed
to a lonely place to pray did he select his disciples and inaugurate his public
ministry.
Knowing the value of silence, I will be the first
to admit that we need help in learning to receive silence as a gift in our
daily life of faith. We need to continue
to include silence as part of our service of worship. We need to continue to
include silence during our weekly mid-day prayer on Tuesdays. We need to continue to allow time to “Be
still and know that I am God.”
Perhaps cultivating silence into the rhythm of your
life is the best resolution for a new year and the best avenue to cultivate and
nurturing spiritual growth. As we pack
up the Advent wreathes and Christmas decorations, let me share with you a
prayer often attributed to Dame Julian of Norwich, a 14th century
woman whose writings are still relevant for our lives today.
Lord, let not our
souls be busy inns that have no room for thee or thine,
but quiet homes of
prayer and praise, where thou mayest find fit company,
where the needful
cares of life are wisely ordered and put away,
and wide, sweet
spaces kept for thee; where holy thoughts pass up and down and fervent longs
watch and wait thy coming.
Interim
Pastor
See recent publication, The Grace of It
All: Reflections on the Art of Ministry
by F. Dean Lucking for further reading and references above.
Worship for January 2007
Worship
at 10:25 AM, Child Care provided
Before worship coffee fellowship with Adult Ed groups at 9 AM
Fellowship Time each week after worship in Fellowship Hall
January 7 Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Meditation: “Teaching Baptism” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters
Scriptures: Psalm 29; Luke:
Sacrament of Baptism: Anna, Noela, Magdalene Mpinga
Seeker: Toni Hines
January 14 Race Relations Sunday & Martin Luther King
Jr. Birthday
Scriptures: Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians
12:1-12
Liturgist:
Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters
January 21 Second Sunday in
Ordinary Time
10:25 AM Sermon: “Defining the Church – Part 1” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters
Scriptures: Neh. 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Ps. 19; 1
January 28 Third Sunday in
Ordinary Time
10:25 AM Sermon: “Defining the Church – Part 2” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters
Scriptures: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; 1
Liturgist: Richard Brundage
11:30 AM Annual
Financial Meeting of the Congregation & Corporation
Welcome our Guest Preacher
for January 14th – Francis Parks:
This year Francis Parks
will be our guest preacher for our Race Relations Sunday. For several years, Mrs. Parks has served as
the Director of Students Offering Service, a
Congregational Care
Pastoral Care: Rev. Waters works with our Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office (637-3186), elders of the month, or at home.
Elders of the Month for January: Cindy Burke and Tracey Kuhns.
Purpose of Elders of the Month: For members with a crisis, emergency situation, a particular concern or need for care, the elders of the month are available to assist the pastor, when a pastor is unavailable, or when the church office is closed.
Procedure for calling: please call the church office weekdays
between
Worship & Spiritual
Life – January 2007
Epiphany Season of Light!
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and
the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).
Our
response to God’s glory is to reflect that light back – from Christmas Eve
candles -- “You are the light of the world...let your light shine before
others...so they may see...and give
glory to God” (Matt. 5:14,16)
The Epiphany of the Lord is Saturday,
January 6th, or the 12th day of Christmas (the coming of
the Magi). It is immediately followed by the Baptism of the Lord Sunday on
January 7th, Human Relations Sunday with M.L. King’s birthday Jan.
14th, lifting up the light of justice, and several Sundays before
Lent begins, Ash Wed. February 21st.
This is a season of light, of growth, of action. The color green is used to remind us of
growth and new life. We remember that
God is always bringing new life.
Baptism of the Lord Sunday, Jan. 7th
As a dual-denominational congregation, we
practice both infant and believer's Baptism, by sprinkling or immersion. On the
first Sunday of the new year we will baptize three children of Joseph Mpinga
and Immaculee Kwondlee, Anna, Noela, and Magdalene, who will be baptized by
immersion. We rejoice that these
children and this family have chosen to express their faith and respond to
God’s grace through this sacrament with our community of faith. Whether infant baptism or believer’s baptism,
both forms require a similar and responsible attitude towards Christian nurture
by the church. Join us for worship at
the beginning of a new year when we can all take on new life in
Christ through both the Lord’s Supper and renewal of baptism. For a more
extensive discussion of Baptism, see: Baptism at
Guest Preacher on Human Relations Sunday
On
Sunday, Jan. 14th we welcome Francis Parks to our pulpit. Mrs. Parks is well known in the
A
Christmas Thank You…
to all
who contributed to the Advent and Christmas worship services and events,
including:
*Hanging
of the Greens volunteers; Carl and Alice Borning, Pam Speer, Brad,
Kaitin, Toni and Dylin Hines, Mary Jane and Stu Woodcock, Shirley and Dick
Anderson, Irwin Dimon, Marge Mahony, Lynn and Doug Scharbach.
*Thank you to contributors
of poinsettias and of Christmas music gifts; thanks also to Penny Appleby for coordinating the gifts of
Christmas Poinsettias
*F-M
Churches Combined Choir Lessons and Carols program on Dec. 10th,
members of the Senior Choir (24
members), Joyful Sign Choir (14
members);
*Youth and Adult Handbell Choirs (14 and
12 members) for presenting a concert for the residents at The Nottingham
Enriched Living Center *Brass and Bells
Concert on Dec. 17th , Jim Spencer and the SU Brass Ensemble, with
both our Adult and Youth Handbell Choirs. We were the recipients of both a wonderful
concert and great community and holiday spirit!
A freewill offering for the FM Food Pantry totaled $600, also a large
contribution of canned food items was received for the pantry, delivered by
Doug Scharbach. Thanks to Cindy Burke,
the Steeple Music Series, Seekers, mentors for providing the reception, Gloria
Manuel for the newspaper publicity.
*Weekly
worship leaders - Seekers and mentors who were Advent wreath
candle lighting readers, and other liturgists, acolytes; thanks to the artists
for our Advent bulletin cover art
*Fellowship
Committee for the special receptions and Christmas
social;
*Set-up
of the stable: John Price, Jerry and Kevin Gordon, George Gridley, Stu
Woodcock, and John Hess; Animals:
George Gridley’s farm
*Living
Nativity costumes: thanks to Lynn
Scharbach for the magnificent costuming
*Senior
Choir members for inspiring music, especially for the
Advent Lessons and Carols service of Prophets and Angel Voices on Dec. 17th
carols on Christmas Eve and every Sunday.
*Vocal
soloist Rachael MouThiel,
and youth Christmas quintet, Emily, Lizzy, DJ, Rich & Matt at the
Family service, Christmas Eve;
*Christmas
Eve Follow the Star drama with Tom Parmenter, Kathleen Waters,
Janet Press, Laura Boland, Katya Waters, Kevin Sweder, Ellen Sweder
*Instrumentalists
Tony Greene, Rich Blumenthal, Jim Spencer for providing musical solos
*ushers, greeters, enrichment and nursery
volunteers who provide the hospitality and care of all our members and
visitors
*our choir leaders and assistants: Barbara Morison (Joyful Sign), Jim Spencer, Sarah
Vonhof (Children’s Choir), Judy Spencer, Wendy Vanslyke (Cherub Choir), Sul Young
Choi (Youth Ass’t.)
...and all
the others who helped with the special services: thank you all for sharing your gifts and your dedication which
enriched the season for all! Alice
Hatt, Minister of Music & Worship
“This Church” by
Ann Weems
We don’t pretend
to understand the mystery
of what goes on in
God’s Church.
We just know we feel a pervading spirit of love
that reaches into
the niches of all of us
and pulls us out
into the open,
free and alive and
belonging.
We believe this
spirit of love exists because
God’s spirit lives
within this Church,
this unity of
persons trying to be the Good News.
We see this Church
as a circle of persons
holding hands...
and dancing...
Supporting each
other, accepting each other,
loving each other.
Each person in
this dancing circle
is facing
outward....reaching into God’s world,
listening for the
whimpering,
watching for the
hurting,
willing to offer a
cup of cold water in His name.
Sometimes they
need the water;
sometimes you need
the water;
sometimes I need
the water.
Being a part of
the church
means knowing that
the cup is always filled in His name.
[Ann Weems is
the author of a number of books of poetry including Kneeling in
Forums and
Bible Study
Sundays
Join us for coffee, fellowship & discussion
January 2007
I. Forums in Beard Lounge
Forums are presentations and
discussions which focus on timely topics of Christian social concern, personal
and spiritual development, Bible study, or explorations of our Christian
heritage and world religions. Through
Forums we seek to provide a place for understanding special topics or current
issues of our Christian presence in the community and world. If the choir room
remains closed in January, the Adult Forum will meet in Women’s Lounge.
January 7: Presentation and discussion of
the 2007
January
14: Video:
Produced by NBC journalist, Tom Brokaw: “Race and Poverty: Progress and
Problems 40 Years after the Civil Rights Movement.” This topic was chosen in recognition of Race
Relations Sunday.
January
21: Prof. David Bennett of the
January 28: Lindsay Speer (daughter of
church member Pam Speer): “Manlius Greenspace Coalition”
II. Bible Study in Women’s Lounge
III. A Parents’ Place [Meets downstairs in Room 5]
Suggestions for future Adult
Forums – please speak with Chairperson Norman
Hatt or a member of the Adult Education committee: Lois Coleman, Shirley DeHority, Dorothy
Arrold, Jason Larson, Dick Lang, Jackie Meyer, Carol Reinsmith, Lois Spitzer or
Joe Steiner.
Youth
& Seekers
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SEEKERS |
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Jan. 7th
Jan. 14th
Jan. 21st Soup & Bread
Jan. 21st
Jan. 28th
Jan. 28th
Day of Service/Night of Fun: On Nov.
10th the youth went to South Presbyterian Church to help them clean
up and move in preparation for closing down the church facilities for the
winter. It was an endeavor tinged with sadness. Yet it also held the seeds of
hope, as we learned of a vision for turning the building into a performing arts
institute that would serve the underprivileged in the neighboring community. It
is a beautiful vision of faith that in death we are made anew. Instead of
spending so much time and effort resisting and fearing inevitable change, the
vision embraces it as a transformation through which God’s children can be
better served. After that, the youth returned to our congregation to rake up
the fallen leaves. Then we went out for some food and returned to the church
for a late night of games and movies; Oh, and just a little sleep!
Lost & Found: I want thank
all the youth who participated in this production on Nov. 19th and
to all the church members who put so much time and effort into making it
happen. I had a lot of fun hamming it up with the rest of you while being
reminded of God’s unfailing love. May we continue to relish in and surrender to
the relentless tenderness and boundless mercy which comes from
The-Source-of-All-Being as was made manifest in Christ Jesus.
Brass & Bells: Many of
our youth performed in the brass and bells concert on Dec. 17th,
either in the bell choir or in the brass ensemble. I was awed and impressed by
all of your talents. God has blessed all of us with your gifts. Thank you for
sharing them.
Sunday Mornings in January: I hope
to begin talking about the notion of being called. I have said before that I
believe each of you is a gift from God unto creation. To what purpose(s) will
you choose to commit yourself? What does God have to do with that choice? Also,
the Seekers and Senior High will be having a joint meeting on January 28th
in the youth room.
Sunday Night Activities: We hope
to get our Sunday night youth program back on track with lots of fun activities
and bonding experiences. We will begin with a joint Seeker/Senior High meeting
on Jan. 14th, a Seeker meeting on Jan. 21st, and a Senior
High activity on Jan. 28th. Bring a friend and don’t miss out!
The Bread of Life or Stone
Soup? While we probably won’t be selling either of
these, we will have other nourishing soups and breads for sale to raise money
for youth programs and missions on Jan. 21st after church. Orders
will be taken on Jan. 7th and 14th. Pints of soup will be
sold for $5 and quarts for $10. For more information about the varieties of
soup being offered, contact Lisa Graniero or Tom Parmenter. mmm…
mmm… Good.
I want to thank all of you for enriching my life during the last half of
2006. I look forward to continuing to serve God with all of you in the New
Year. May God bless us all as we share his bountiful gifts with each other and
the greater community at large….
Sincerely, Tom Parmenter
What’s Up
from Down Under
Sharing and Caring by the Young People
Of United Church
Mark these new events on your calendars!!
Dec. 31 Sunday School Vacation
Jan. 7 Sunday School Classes resume
Jan. 19
Jan. 21 Valentine Crafting, Enrichment
Jan. 28 Congregational Meeting
JANUARY CHURCH SCHOOL
TAKE THE TIME TO
EXPRESS YOUR APPRECIATION to Greg and Martha Ketcham for their hard
work and contributions in chairing the Children’s Ministries Committee. They ended their tenure in that position in
December. As chairs, they have worked
diligently to ensure many fine opportunities for learning and mission are available
to our children. Thank you Greg and
Martha !!!
IT’S TIME TO MAKE VALENTINES !!!!!
During Enrichment on Sunday, January 21, kids will have lots of fun making
valentines packed with love for their families and to give away to shut-ins and
nursing home residents when the children go Valentine Caroling in February.
Important Congregational Meeting
!!! Your presence is requested at the
Congregational Meeting following worship on Jan. 28th to help make
some big decisions affecting church programming, including our Children’s
Ministries here at
IT’S TIME FOR FUN AND GAMES !!!! Gather
on Friday, Jan. 19,
Judy Spencer
Director
of Children’s Ministries
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Submitted by Bob Craft,
chair
Financial statistics for the month of November are as follows:
This chart shows real dollars
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November |
Year to Date |
|
Income |
$21,439. |
$233,130. |
|
Expenses |
$22,998. |
$254,328. |
|
Difference |
$1,559. |
($21,198.) |
For November, income exceeded expenses by $1,559. This brings the deficit for the year to $21,198.
This chart shows pledge and plate income as a percent of the yearly budget
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2006 |
2005 |
2004 |