Salute                                                  June  2009

“A Christian Steward is PRAYERFUL ”

The children of Bensalem Christian Day School learn to fold their hands and to bow their heads when they pray.  They begin their day with:

Dear God,

help me be my best today

in all I think and do and say.  Amen.

At snack time little voices throughout the building can be heard praying in chorus:

            Thank you for the world so sweet;

            thank you for the food we eat;

            thank you for the birds that sing;

            thank you God for everything.  Amen.

Do you remember the first prayer(s) you ever learned? The first prays I learned were:

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep;

if I should die before I wake;

I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.

And,

Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts

which we are about to receive

from thy bounty through Christ our Lord.  Amen.          

Prayer, an open exchange between God and us, is an essential part of our lives as Christians.  There are many ways to pray.  Jesus modeled the need for prayer throughout his ministry and provided his disciples with a way to approach God in prayer.  When we are at a loss for words and not quite sure where to begin, memorized prayers can provide a spring board to prayer that flows freely and fluidly from the heart.  With such prayer we praise God; we thank God; we lay our concerns before God; we confess our shortcomings and seek forgiveness; we seek guidance, courage, strength and so on. May prayer be a part of our daily lives and may we have be open to how God replies.

Pastor Mary    

Recommended Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11-14, Mark 1:35, Matthew 26:36

 

Worship News

 

June 7, 2009

 

Recognition of Graduates

--Please call the church office with the names of any High School, College or Grad School graduates affiliated with BUMC no later than June 2nd so we can include their names in the bulletin.  We will recognize them during the worship services on June 7th.

 

June 14, 2009

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Chapel

and

10:00 a.m.  Worship and Picnic in the Park

 

June 21st

Summer Schedule Begins!

 

Both Services will be held in the Chapel

8:30 a.m. Traditional

9:30 a.m. Garden of Eatin’ Fellowship

10:00 a.m. Celebration

 

Children and Youth Ministries

 

SEEKING---Director of Christian Education

We are in need of a person who is willing to coordinate

BUMC’s Sunday School .

If you are feeling led and are willing,

please speak with Pastor Mary.

 

What is required under our Safe Sanctuaries Policy?

 

            All persons working with children, youth or vulnerable adults will be required to provide their name, address, phone number, work/volunteer history, experience and skills related to the position and two personal, non-related references on a form which will be provided to them by the church.  They will also be required to show the original of and to provide copies of a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Report and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.  An FBI Report will be required if the applicant has been the resident of another state at any time during the past five years.  These reports must be renewed every three years.  Copies are confidential and will be kept on file in a locked filing cabinet in the pastor’s office. The cost of the background checks is being offset by the Friendly’s Fundraiser done in May which raised over $300.

            The following ministry areas are directly impacted by the Safe Sanctuary Policy:

Nursery            Happiness Singers

Cherubs           Sunday School

Jr. Youth          Sr. Youth

VBS                 Day School

Pastor              Wood River Village Ministry team. 

Other ministry areas may be added to this list over time.

             

          Senior Youth Group News

Any questions??????

Call Katie and Jimmy Capehart

Junior Youth

           

            All children (second grade through sixth grade) are welcome to join in our fun, as are friends and families.  

Come and have a great time with us! 

For Details call Anne Drybala

 

Prayer Ministry

Chapel Open for Prayer

Monday Evenings from 6:30-7:30

 

Iceland

            Norsemen settled Iceland between A.D. 870 and 930, and the nation adopted Christianity in the year 1000. The "folk church" that resulted from this act subsequently became a national institution. Iceland's conversion to Lutheranism became complete in 1550 when its last Roman Catholic bishop was beheaded. Following the Reformation, the Bible was translated into Icelandic - a significant event since this helped preserve the Icelandic tongue from foreign linguistic influence.

            Urbanization and industrialism in the 19th and 20th centuries undermined the strong religious traditions of the old society. Continental theologies influenced church leaders' thinking and brought rationalism, spiritism, theosophy, and liberal theology. Yet Christian work moved forward during this period with the mass distribution of the Icelandic Bible and the formation of the Icelandic Bible Society. The YMCA and Salvation Army began working, and a student movement in 1975 resulted in a charismatic awakening that continues to grow.

Icelanders often claim to hold on to their "child faith," especially in times of difficulty. Most of them have at one time been influenced by the Lutheran church's children's programs, such as Sunday School.

            According to 2005 census data, 86% of Icelanders belong to the Lutheran Church and around 70% say they are religious, although it is recognized that Icelanders are not churchgoing people. Only 10% of Icelanders claim to attend church at least once a month and 84% of Icelanders had not taken part in any church activities during the past 12 months. 40% believe that there is a God of love to whom we may pray. 25% believe that there is no god other than that which the person themselves creates. 20% believe that we cannot know for sure whether God exists and 20% believe that God must exist; otherwise life has no purpose.

            It is interesting to note that Iceland, a nation of only 313,000 people, has two Christian radio stations and one Christian TV station, which, according to surveys, have a positive influence for the message of Christ on the average Icelander. Another important ministry in Iceland is the YMCA/YWCA, which has a broad impact on youth. The Lutheran Church as a whole is also a positive influence because of its Christ-centered, classical Christian teaching.

            Controversial issues confronting the Christian community include homosexuality and racism - because of the rise of new immigrant populations - and the question of whether church and state should be separate.

            In the past 20 years the issue of faith has become much more public in Iceland, and more people feel open to talking about their faith than ever. Perhaps a great deal of this new openness may be attributed to the faithful prayers of God's people, both in Iceland and around the world. In Iceland today a strong model of Christian community is needed. Icelanders see few believers who meet together in confessing; multiplying small groups and act as salt and light in every area of society. Another area of need is for Icelandic Christians to awaken to their mission’s opportunity and responsibility throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Pray that the Lord will lead Icelandic believers to guard against false teaching and engage in apologetics and evangelism.

Pray that Christians will stand together and engage nonbelievers in conversation about spiritual things during this time of openness.

Pray that the teaching of Christian doctrine and comparative religion will continue to be strengthened in public schools.

Pray that the church will use the opportunities it receives to reach out in society.

BENSALEM CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

 

 

We will be holding our annual MINI SUMMER CAMP program from June 29th through July31st.

     

      All children ages 3-6 are welcome to attend.  The registration will be for one-week intervals.   Campers will attend Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.  The cost will be $80.00 per week.    There will be a 5% discount for families that sign up for all five weeks at one time.  Please phone the Day School Office (215-245-1610) to register!

 

Have a fun-filled summer and keep our summer camp in your prayers!

                                                       Lisa Woods

                                                      Day School and “Camp” Director

 

“Out to Lunch”—Senior’s Group

 

SENIORS !  LET’S EAT LUNCH !

Place TBD

Wednesday, June 17th  at 11:30 a.m.

Questions?  Call Marie Betts at 215-639-5138

                                                           

 United Methodist Men

The UMC men will NOT be meeting this summer. Our next event will be in September with a date to be arranged later.

   We have had a successful year with meaningful devotions and fun time in fellowship. Please come and join us in the fall.

 

Questions – call Bill Wingert  

Church Council

Next Meeting

June 22, 2009

6:30-7:30 p.m.—Calendar Planning

7:30 p.m.—Church Council Meeting

 

United Methodist Women

 

 

NEXT MEETING

ON JUNE 10,

WEDNESDAY 7 PM

“A CALL TO PRAYER AND SELF DENIAL”

EVERYONE BRING A SNACK TO SHARE

 

JUNE’S MISSION COLLECTION ITEMS ARE FOR CAMP INNABAH

DUCT TAPE

MASKING TAPE

EXTENSION CORDS – ANY KIND

REGULAR BROOMS FOR CABINS AND LODGES

 

WE ARE CURRENTLY READING “NO PLACE” BY KAY HAUGAARD. IT’S THE STORY OF A SCHOOL PROJECT TO TURN A NEIGHBORHOOD JUNKYARD INTO A PARK. WE WILL HAVE A BOOK CLUB TYPE DISCUSSION AT OUR SEPEMBER MEETING. ANYONE WISHING TO READ THE BOOK AND JOIN OUR DISCUSSION, PLEASE SEE A UWM MEMBER TO BORROW THE BOOK.

 

(IT’S A QUICK READ – AND INSPIRING --- HIGH SCHOOL AGE WOMEN ARE WELCOME TO READ THIS BOOK AND JOIN US)

 

The UMW is collecting yarn remnants for a knitting/crochet project. If you have any you would like to donate, please give them to Dolores Eckman, Joann Miller, Connie Kurtiz or Debbie Duarte.

 

OR  if you knit or crochet and would like to be a part of this project, please see Dolores Eckman, Joann Miller, Connie Kurtiz or Debbie Duarte.

 

Thank You Received from Libertae

April 17, 2009

Dear Friends:

Thank you for your donation of diapers and wipes the confidence you have placed in our organization will be well invested in the lives of women, children and families.

We have the privilege of working with women who have made a decision to take responsibility for their lives and work toward a life free of addiction and addicted behavior. Women face economic, physical and mental challenges. Despite all odds they often return to report with pride the strides they have made since their time at Libertae. Our children are healthier, happier, receiving improved report cards, and develop loving bonds with their mom.

No one can be successful in such an endeavor alone. Libertae and the families we serve need the support of people in our community like you, who believe in the healing power of love and hard work. On behalf of every woman, child and family that we serve, thank you.

 

Warmest regards,

Connie Bastik-Karasow

Executive Director Libertae

5245 Bensalem Boulevard, Bensalem, PA 19020

 

 

Trustees

 

Lawn Care and Garden  Sign Up

 

Spring has arrived and that means the need for lawn care volunteers is here.  Many hands make light work.  Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, or contact Mike Caporale.

SPRING WORK DAY 2009 (5/2/09)

THERE IS GREAT NEWS:


OUR SEMI ANNUAL WORKDAY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. WITH A MINIMUM OF EXPENSE OF ABOUT $350.00 AND THE EFFORTS OF ABOUT 68 FOLKS WE ACCOMPLISHED ABOUT $4,900.00 WORTH OF WORK. NO BODY LOST THEIR JOB & NOBODY GOT FIRED.

THERE WERE:

             35 CHURCH PEOLPE,

            16 BOY SCOUTS,

             7 BOY SCOUT LEADERS AND

             10 BOY SCOUT FAMILY MEMBERS.

Some of the work we accomplished for workday was done prior to Saturday and  much of it was done on workday:

*We removed a good bit of the chapel carpeting, painted the main chapel floor, the Narthex floor and the inside steps.

            -We painted the Chapel closet,

            -installed a new door on the bell tower,

            -cleaned the bell tower,

            -lubricated the bell mechanisms,

            -caulked the Chapel chimney up the outside of the building        -and  cleaned the Chapel basement.

*We cleaned & replaced filters in the:

                                    -Chapel AC unit

                                    -the Church Parlor AC unit

                                    -the Pastors & Church Office AC unit and

                                    -the Parsonage AC unit.

*We cleaned & waxed furniture in the Main Sanctuary,

            - we repaired & replaced one of the curtain rod cords in the main Sanctuary.

*We repaired the concrete steps at the entrance to the main building,

            -varnished the exterior of the Narthex entrance doors.

*We cleaned the kitchen, the kitchen floor & related closets that serve the kitchen.

*The ladies made coffee & tea, served donuts and prepared hot dogs for all in attendance.

*We cleaned out & junked old signs/doors/ spouts etc.

            -We cleaned & repaired rain gutters,

            -repaired metal soffits,

            -replaced a steel door at the day school fire tower         including, weathering stripping & painting of the same.

*We prime painted a new door that will be installed shortly in the Ivins/Wesley Hall.

Now for the outside crews:

                        -we raked leaves,

                        -cleaned gardens,

                        -spread mulch at the day school play ground,

                        -cleaned drains,

                        - removed weeds & cut the grass.
Also in addition to the work that the boy scouts did they also concentrated a lot of effort in beautifying our Thrift Shop both with the gardens & with preserving the Thrift Shop building.
Finally some of the folks said they would complete painting the exterior wood trim at the bell tower this Spring & Summer.

IT WAS A GREAT DAY OF FELLOWSHIP AND WE JUST CANN’T SAY ENOUGH TO THANK EVERYONE OF YOU WHO PARTICIPATED: CHURCH MEMBERS, FRIENDS & THE BOY SCOUT ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU ALL FOR DEVOTING YOUR TIME, TALENTS, DONATIONS AND EFFORTS TO SUPPORT OUR CHURCH AND TO MAKE OUR SPRING WORKDAY A SUCCESS.

SINCERELY,


THE TRUSTEES,


Dave Oettinger, President

 

Creation 2009

 

CREATION Planning Meeting

 

            We will meet in the parlor at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4th to plan for our annual trek out to the Creation Festival.  All participants are urged to attend, and any other interested persons are welcome.  We will plan our camp menu, transportation and equipment needs.

            As always, we are anticipating a fabulous and fun time, drawing closer to God in the beauty of His majestic mountains.

            Questions?  Please contact Vince or Anne Drybala (drybala@comcast.net.)  Thank you!

 

Creation is a truly uplifting experience.  The best parts include:

·         lots of live MUSIC

·         praise and worship from sunrise to sunset and beyond….

·         spiritual food for thought/powerful messages

·         exercise, healthy food and junk food

·         growing closer to God in the beauty of his Creation

·          meeting thousands and thousands of Sisters and Brothers in the Lord

·          the unparalleled fellowship in the BUMC campsite

Please see or contact Vince or Anne Drybala for ticket information and plan now to join the FUN! 

Dates: June 24-27, 2009

Location: Beautiful Agape Farm, in the mountains of western PA.

You won't be sorry!

 

 

            Growth and Outreach

Please contact Wendy Torchio at w759t@yahoo.com if your ministry team has anything to post to the church’s website.

 

Church Contact Info:

Church Office (215)245-1215    Parsonage (215)245-7669

Church Email bensalemumc@verizon.net                      

Pastor’s Email  mccmill@verizon.net

 

 

 

CALLING ALL CAMPERS

and VOLUNTEERS!

To Camp E.D.G.E

August 3 – 7, 2009

Monday through Friday

9 AM to Noon

Ages 3 to 12

 

 

http://cokesburyvbs.com/admin/iem/admin/temp/user/1/Clipart/CampEDGE_Logo09.png

 

 

Join us August 3 through 7, 2009 as we go on an outrageous adventure to "Experience and Discover God Everywhere!"  CAMP E.D.G.E., Bensalem's 2009 Vacation Bible School program from Cokesbury, will take your child(ren) to an extreme adventure camp. CAMP E.D.G.E. VBS is not your typical stroll through the woods. It's an action-packed, adrenaline-filled expedition that teaches kids their strength and might come from God.

The Daily E.D.G.E. Pledges are:

·         God is with me. I will stay close to God.

·         God guides me. I will follow.

·         God teaches me. I will learn.

·         God loves me. I will love God and others.

·         God sends me. I will go.

Don’t forget to invite your friends, neighbors and family members to join you at Camp E.D.G.E.! Registration forms for Camp E.D.G.E will be available soon on the tables outside the church office and in the Narthex. The registration fee is $10 per child or $20 per family for the week. Crafts and other supplies are limited so please register early to guarantee your child a spot! Completed registration cards and fees can be mailed to the church office. Envelopes will be provided for your convenience.

We are looking for adults and youth (5th grade and up) to serve in many areas of Camp E.D.G.E. this year.

To volunteer or for more information about CAMP E.D.G.E., please call Pastor Mary at 215-245-1215 (church office).

 

Annual Conference

 

June 16-18th

Oaks Conference Center

 

            Vince Drybala (Lay Leader and Lay Equalizing Delegate), Connie Kurtiz (Lay Delegate) and Pastor Mary will attending the Annual Conference of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church of which  Bensalem United Methodist Church is a member.  Once a year an equal number of lay and clergy delegates from the local churches which comprise the Conference gather to engage in Holy Conferencing.  This year we will be discussing voting on both local resolutions and several proposed amendments to the constitution of the United Methodist Church which were passed at the last General Conference.  Each amendment requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of members voting in all annual conferences.  Once all annual conferences have been completed the Council of Bishops will review the results and will announce the results. 

            On Thursday June 18th at 2:30 p.m.  Pastor Mary will be ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church.  Louis Hornberger, who was raised at Bensalem United Methodist, will also be ordained an elder.  If you are interested in attending, please contact the church office.

 

 

New Picture Directory

We are putting together a new church-photo directory.

During the summer you may receive a call from Olan Mills asking that you schedule a picture taking time with them.

The dates offered will be:

August 13

September 23rd

September 24th

Times will be between 3:00-9:30 PM.

 

 

Finance

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

            As the Chairman of the Finance Committee I had personally resolved to communicate more with the members of the Bensalem United Methodist Church.  Alas, my good intentions were only matched by my lack of action.

            The financial reports through the month of April are as follows.  To date BUMC income through many different sources has been around $62,500.  Our operating expenses have been $72,600.  This amounts to a net loss of around $10,100.  In 2008 the deficit at the same period was $2900.  Please understand that BUMC is paying the bills and is not in any financial danger at this time.  The budget developed by the Committee had an original deficit of $7,000 projected in the budget for the same period.  If you recall, last year at this time we launched the Capital Campaign that allowed a new $40,000 roof to be finished and paid for less than three months after the Campaign started.

            Often all we hear in the news is how the economy is or is not progressing toward recovery.  I also know that many members of the congregation have been hit financially in many ways: some with retirement accounts decimated by plunging stock markets, many have lost jobs.  What can we do?  First, we all can attempt to control the use of water and electricity in the church buildings.  If you see a light on in an unoccupied room, turn it off.  Still, I am asking each and everyone to prayerfully consider where you are in your annual giving to BUMC.  How has God blessed you in these trying times?  If the answer to your prayers says you are doing you part, thank you.  Perhaps if you hear God saying, “You can do better.”  Then you might desire to “catch up” before the lean months of the summer roll around.  Last year we surged at the end to break even; I hope we do not have to so this year.

            I know that BUMC is blessed with many dedicated and generous people.  Thanks for making BUMC such a wonderful place to share and spread God’s Love.  If you have questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to talk to me.

Your servant in Christ,

Vince Drybala                                      Finance Committee Chair

PS  I will endeavor to write a monthly report for the Salute.

 

 

Magic Show and Family Fun Night

 

 

Friday, June 5th

7:00 PM

Fellowship Hall

 

$5.00 per person

Children under 5 FREE!

$20 max charge per family

 

Tickets will  be sold at the door

 

Questions? Call Stephanie

 

 

OUR MISSION

To Experience and Share

Christ’s Love,

By the Power of the Holy Spirit.