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Newsletter |
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Issue for May 2008 |
Deadline for Next Issue is May 18 |
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Pastor Pastors Emeritus Minister of Music/Diaconal
Assistant Pastor Youth Director Nursery Care Worker Business Administrator Office Administrator Church Sextons |
First United Methodist Church 111 Ryerson Avenue Phone: (973) 383-4450 Newsletter Editor: Carol
Wallenburg Newsletter Production: Daniel Rutan |
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Go therefore and
make disciples… (Matthew 28:19) Dear Members and Friends, I recently read an interesting article written by the Rev. Dr. Harry Wendt who is an Australian-born pastor, Bible scholar, author, and dynamic speaker, known around the world for his passion and plain-speaking approach to promoting biblical literacy and servant-discipleship. In the article, Dr. Wendt commends the Rev. Bill Hybels at the Willow Creek Community Church (WCCC) in Chicago for his honesty in relation to changing course. You may have read that WCCC has released the results of a
multi-year study on the effectiveness of its programs and philosophy of
ministry in a book titled Reveal: Where Are You. Rev. Hybels
calls the findings “earth-shaking,” “ground-breaking,” and
“mind-blowing.” The report reveals
that most of which they have been doing at the church for many years, and
what they have taught millions of others to do, is not necessarily producing
solid disciples of Jesus Christ. Numbers
yes, disciples no. It also
states that success is not determined by the size of the crowd but by the
transformation of lives, and that what really is essential to mature
discipleship is—are you ready?—regular reading and study of Scripture. In his turn-around statement, Hybels states: We should have gotten people, taught
people, Dr. Wendt’s article makes reference to those churches in South Korea that have thousands, even millions, of members. For them, he says, the focus is on discipleship—not numbers. One church’s Sunday worship bulletin in Seoul (30,000 members) reminds worshippers that they are expected to read three chapters of the Bible every weekday and five on Sundays. The point? If we focus on numbers, we may not cultivate disciples; if we focus on discipleship, the numbers will take care of themselves. In addition, he points out that the opening words in “The Great Commission” (Matthew 29:19-20) — “Go and make disciples…” — when read in the original Greek text, should be translated: “As you are going through this world…” Jesus’ message is, “As you walk through life, always be teaching and discipling those around you, wherever you go…” Dr. Wendt reminds us that life is to be a teaching-about-Jesus, demonstrating-Jesus experience—non-stop! Our challenge at FUMC is to embrace and promote the Great Commission (which is the primary task of the church), and put it into practice in the above way as opportunities arise each and every day. God loves you… and so do I. Pastor Dottie |
Worship at
FUMC
Sunday Morning Schedule
Nursery Care during both services
9:00 AM – Chapel Communion
Service
9:30 AM – Junior & Senior High Class
10:00 AM – Church School
10:00 AM – Worship Service
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May 4 Communion Preaching: Rev. Dr. Dorothy Dann |
May 11 Mothers’ Day Confirmation New Members Preaching: Rev. Dr. Dorothy Dann There will not be a Chapel
Service. All come celebrate at 10:00 a.m.! |
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May 18 Ministry of Music Sunday Choirs, Band and Handbells celebrate our country! |
May 25 Memorial Sunday Preaching: Rev. Dr. Dorothy Dann |
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Ministry Of Music Sunday |
“FAITH
AND FREEDOM”
Celebrating
Our Legacy of Liberty
Our Chancel Choir, Children’s
Choirs, Handbell Choirs, and the FUMC Church Band
will all participate in our Patriotic Ministry of Music celebration on May 18
at the 10:00 A.M. worship service. Our Boy Scouts will lead the choir
procession with flags and then assist us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
How fitting in these critical days that we come together in the spirit of thanksgiving to acknowledge God’s blessings upon our nation. The voices of the early founders and the admonitions of Scripture echo down the corridors of time to encourage us to remember God’s gracious hand in our lives. The significant words of our anthems this morning, confront us to recommit our lives to protecting our cherished freedom. They challenge us to remember our fellow citizens who protect us from the violence of our troubled times. It is also an opportunity for us to celebrate our shared legacy of faith and to lift our voices in support of the enduring hope that is found within all communities founded on grace.
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” - John 8:32
Please plan to attend this inspirational Patriotic Ministry of Music celebration on May 18 at the 10:00 A.M. worship service.
Pastor Karen L. Popjes
Assistant Pastor/ Minister of Music
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FUMC Member
Notes |
Our condolences to Jeanette Zangerle and family on the loss of her mother, Marjorie Rutan, on March 29.
Our condolences to Marge Albretsen on the passing of her husband Edward on April 24.
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FUMC Mail Box |
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Ministry
Of Music
In
Appreciation
Thank you Chancel, Cherub and Junior Choirs, Joyful Ringers, Handbell Ensemble, FUM Church Band, soloists, and instrumentalists for all your dedication and excellent work during the Lenten and Easter season. It is a pleasure working with Mark and Stephanie Hontz, Childrens’ Choir and FUM Church Band Directors, and Dan Rutan, Handbell Director.
The Cantata, “The Weeping Tree,” presented by our Chancel Choir on Palm Sunday, was especially beautiful. A special thank you to:
The Chancel Choir,
Narrators: Merle Tanis, Roger Tanis
Soloists: Barbara Edwards, John Edwards, Shirley Spooner, and Alice Uptegrove
Instrumentalists: Melissa Macy, violin; Mary Nussear, flute
Thank you to Jake Popjes for making the cross and crown of thorns.
Participating during the Lenten
and Easter Worship Services
Soloists: Barbara Edwards, John Edwards, Jennifer Litts, Shirley Spooner, Alice Uptegrove
Instrumentalists: Mark Hontz, Stephanie Hontz
Thank you all so very much for enriching our worship services with your special gifts and talents.
Pastor Karen L. Popjes
Diaconal Assistant Pastor / Minister of Music
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Church Business |
Day
Care Tenant Change Coming Soon
In January we received a letter from Rainbows of Learning stating, “we are choosing not to renew the existing lease or enter into a new lease. Please accept this letter as the Notice of Intent.” We accepted their notice and responded that we would expect them to vacate in August. They have recently opened a new facility at Augusta.
Our Board of Trustees has explored various options to use the space they had occupied in a way that would be beneficial to the church and continue to provide financial support.
Our Administrative Council has approved Tender Heart Day Care, Inc., a new non-profit entity, with a new five member Board of Directors, comprised principally of church leadership, with Theresa Iliff as director. The new center will open immediately after Rainbows of Learning vacates and is already in the process of planning for complete renovation of the rooms with new furniture and equipment; establishing new programs, including a half day Christian preschool; receiving applications for staffing; and accepting applications for enrollment for child care.
We are excited about this opportunity to improve the appearance of our facility, to provide new programs for the children of our area, and to continue with income to help fund our budget.
When special occasions arise, consider the “Perfect Gift” which perpetuates our church, providing special needs beyond the operating budget, and making a lifelong connection for individuals. Acknowledgement cards are mailed to donors & families.
Memorial Gifts
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In Memory
of: |
Given by: |
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Edward Royal Hughes |
Stephanie
& Mark Hontz, Lois & Russell McCue. |
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Marjorie Rutan |
Pam & David Basile, Mike &
Ellen Bartle, Sandra & Arlan Burkert, Greater Andover Senior Citizens, Helen Hamler, Alice Harris, Gladys Heckman, Edithe
& Robert Loetzer, Mary Kice,
Lydia Circle UMW, Janet Morris, J. Elsworth Orr,
Claire & Robert Pharaoh, Audrey & Thomas Planer, Betty Roe, Mr. &
Mrs. Ralph Shotwell, Dorothy S. Snook, Angel Testa, Charles L. Tice, Thea Unhoch, E. Jane Van Syckle,
Linda & James Witzal |
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Special Gifts: |
Anonymous |
New commercial electric floor polisher, new
office refrigerator and small security safe.
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as of April 29, 2008
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Offerings
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$67,204.00 |
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Facilities
Use |
$26,602.00 |
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Fundraising |
$4,168.00 |
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Ministry
Endowments |
$3,000.00 |
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$100,974.00 |
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Expenses |
Paid |
Un-paid |
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Personnel |
$57,587.00 |
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Operations |
$35,892.00 |
$1,834.00 |
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Conference
Fair Share |
$239.00 |
$16,150.00 |
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Programs |
$3,542.00 |
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$97,260.00 |
$17,984.00 |
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Net Income |
$3,714.00 |
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Net Deficit |
$14,270.00 |
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Please
call or e-mail Barb Cornwell, Business Administrator, for a detailed version of
the above.
973-383-4450 or
newtonfumc3@embarqmail.com
Our
Soaring Economy!!
Lately, we hear a lot from the media about our economic situation. Fuel—both gasoline and heating—is very high and continuing to rise!!
Food prices are rising swiftly!! How can we help the church meet their needs and still meet our personal needs?
One way is to use gift cards when you do your grocery shopping.
For each $100 you spend for groceries at Shop Rite, Weis or Acme, your church receives $5 – if you use gift cards.
This helps your church at no cost to you – allows you to receive a full $100 worth of groceries and the church to receive $5. Doing this every week can provide an extra $250 for the church. ($5 @ 50 weeks)
Think about it! If 100 members used an average of $100 gift cards every week we could raise $25,000 for our church—to do God’s work, at no cost to members!!
Please Help “Fund Our Ministry” by Using Gift Cards.
Gift cards are on sale every Sunday in Holland Hall and during
the week in the church office. You can help your church at no cost to you!
A
free gift to your church – from you!!
What
Does Fair Share Do?
The money we give to Fair Share goes to make the Methodist Church a world-wide church. That was the vision of John Wesley: “The world is my parish.”
Fair Share, also called World Service, is making the General Conference possible, and making it possible for us to access it at www.GC2008.umc.org. The proceedings of the GC have been available to everyone as they happen in Fort Worth , TX, from April 23 to May 2, through the United Methodist Commission on Communications, also funded by Fair Share. General Conference, where our Greater NJ Conference is represented, is the church’s policy-making body which meets every four years.
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The United Methodist Women are working very hard to attain our fundraising goal for our mission work. We are also having a good time at our many small events. On April 5th we had a bake sale in conjunction with the UMM’s Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to our bakers who once again came through with an amazing variety of delicious baked goods. It was hard to resist buying more than one.
Our Salad Luncheon following service on Sunday, April 13th was even more popular than our Soup & Sandwich luncheon last month. We had a large selection of tasty salads. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fellowship and many recipes were also swapped for future use on the family table. Again we thank all who attended with an extra big thanks to those who prepared a salad or helped in the kitchen.
Sunday, May 18th at 3 o’clock the UMW will host our Spring meeting. All are welcome to attend. Lisa Barker will have a Powerpoint presentation highlighting her family’s mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Following the program we will break for fellowship and Dominican snacks.
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“LORD, I'm Home” By Edward K. Albretsen (1920-2008) Originally Published in the Late April 1995 Newsletter Easter is a time when we all rejoice in the concept of a new world and a new life. The poem entitled, “Requiem”, by Robert Louis Stevenson captures this “New world” with these words: “Home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hills.” And it seems to take a season like springtime to awaken in us a concept of this wonderful home that is promised by God for each one of us – someday. That sailor whose home has been the sea for most of his life, leaves them and steps into another, goes to another place that he may joyously call home. And the hunter, who has called the plains and the hills his home, also leaves them and steps into another world that is new and wonderful. Can we relate to Mr. Stevenson and can we visualize the culmination of our own precious lives? And may we feel secure, looking towards the day when we also shall walk into a new and glorious home? Just as Springtime brings new buds to the trees which then give way to the leaves of Summer, so God has determined it shall be with us! Those of us who have read John Bunyon's book “Pilgrim's Progress” remember the wonderful ending. In the book, the principal character named “Christian” (after a full and exciting life) comes at last to a river. In the distance, on the other side, he sees a beautiful golden city. He steps down into the water and can faintly be seen rising up on the other side. The story suggests that we too shall someday come to that broad stream and that we too shall rise up out of the waters just as the sailor, and we shall be: “Home as the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hills.” |
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H. Alden Welch |
Some of newer material on our shelves:
Two books describing books of the Bible:
Ruth & Esther: Women in Alien Lands by VanWyk-Bos, DD# 222.3 (Old Testament)
Conflict & Community in the Corinthian Church by J. S. Clarkson. DD# 227.2 (New Testament)
How do you fell about sermons? Lori Carrell asked that question and published her findings in The Great American Sermon Survey. DD# 252.
M. J. Christensen gives guidance for mobilizing laity for ministry in his book Equipping the Saints. DD# 259.
Our Congregation consists of many study groups. For some of our groups you might consider reading:
Youth Ministries by Terry Carty. DD# 268.
Staying Focused by Clement & Hook which gives guidance in building ministry teams. DD# 262.
Warm Ups & Wrap Ups has 101 great ideas for small groups. Edited by David Bochi. DD# 268.
Stranger Safety by Julia Clark & John Walsh is a DVD for young families. It received the 2005 award of the year. DD# 177 in our AV section.
Some Collections to enjoy:
It's A Miracle tells of present day miracles by the people who experienced them. DD# 225.11
Tea Time Stories for Women. DD# 173.
Daily Devotions for Seniors. DD#242.
Musings Out Loud, by Purdy is a lovely book of poems, stories, and musings! DD# 818.
Do these titles catch your interest?
Dealing With People you Can't Stand. by Brinkman & Kirsch. DD# 156.
The Complete Idiots Guide to World Religions. by Buckley & Toropov. DD# 290.
What Would Jesus Eat? by Don Colbert. DD# 641.
Junior and Senior Highs meet at 7:00 PM on Sundays.
First
United Methodist Church Youth Group
Calendar
of Events, May 2008
May 2nd-May 3rd:
30 Hour Famine
May 4th, 7:00-8:30, Youth Group: Today we will begin a two-part series on the Holy Spirit. We will begin by looking at the role the Holy Spirit plays in Luke-Acts.
May 11th, 7:00-8:30, Youth Group: Today we will continue our discussion of the Holy Spirit by looking at the teachings about the Holy Spirit in the Pauline epistles.
May 16th, 7:00-11:00:
Guitar Hero Tournament
May 18th, 7:00-8:30, Youth Group: We will begin a two part series on Christian community. Today we will learn how community is rooted in the character of God.
May 25th, 7:00-8:30, Youth Group: We will conclude our investigation of Christian community by looking at the characteristics of the early church.
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Graduates
Names are Needed for Recognition! We need the names of graduates for recognition in June! For eighth-grade/junior high school graduates please give us their name and the school they currently attend. For High School graduates please give us their name and the school from which they are graduating. If it is out of the Sussex County area, please give us the location as well. For Undergraduate College, please give us the graduates name, degree earned, field of study and school name and location. You may indicate any special recognitions earned (cum laude, summa cum laude, magna cum laude, phi beta kappa) and we will include this information in the Member Notes section of the newsletter. For Graduate degrees earned, please give us the graduates name, degree earned, field of study and school name and location. Please give the above information to the church office in writing or e-mail (newtonfumc@embarqmail.com) as soon as possible. |
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Brain
Teaser This is a most remarkable puzzle. Someone found it in the seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping himself occupied for hours. One man from Illinois worked in it while fishing from his john boat. Roy Clark studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Victs mentioned it in her column once. One woman judges the job to be so involving that she brews a cup of tea to calm her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot… that’s a fact. Some people will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. The truth is, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have. Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation may help. Books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. And punctuation or spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete. Remember, there are 25 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph. |
Books of the Bible which can be found in the Brain Teaser
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Acts Amos Esther Genesis Hebrews |
Hosea James Job Joel John |
Judges Kings Lamentations Luke Malachi |
Mark Matthew Numbers Peter Revelation |
Romans Ruth Samuel Timothy Titus |
5/1 Jean Iliff, Roger Tanis, Kathy Quinn, Suellyn McGlew, Tonya Crum, Katie Carstens
5/5 Andrew Iliff
5/6 Keith Anderson, Brittany Macko
5/7 Jerry Palermo
5/8 Jayne Prickett, Jacqueline Current
5/9 Gina Grosso, Andrew Sharick
5/11 Richard Matthews, Fred Monesmith
5/12 Irene Gourlay, Alice Sharick
5/13 Elizabeth Ragsdale
5/14 Nancy Belsky, Susan Wilinski
5/15 Arne Goytil, Melissa Vander Groef
5/17 Charles Windt, Linda Giffoniello, Nicholas Sapio
5/18 Margaret Dinkel, Ashley Meisinger
5/19 Fred Dufford, Kristen Spooner
5/20 Pamela Milone, Matthew Munoz, Emily Burd, Daniel Tietje
5/21 Lindberg Titus, Courtney Meisinger, Benjamin Galinski
5/22 Kenneth Smith
5/23 Eileen Layton, Terry Iliff
5/24 Robert Comstock
5/25 James McCracken, Katie Reynolds, Lisa Fischer, Samantha Edwards, Heather Kilduff
5/26 Jay Gould
5/27 Vicki Lyn Galinski
5/29 Bianka Gourlay, Barbara Edwards, Stephanie Crossley
5/31 Zachary Lospinuso
Daily Bible Readings
Let Your Light Shine and Rejoice in the Spirit
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Acts 1:1-11 (Ascension
Day/National Day of Prayer) |
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May 2 |
Psalm 85 |
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May 3 |
Acts 1:12-26 |
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May 4 |
Psalm 47 |
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May 5 |
Romans 8:1-17 |
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May 6 |
Romans 8:18-39 |
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May 7 |
Romans 12:1-21 |
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May 8 |
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 |
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May 9 |
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 |
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May 10 |
Joel 2:28-3:8 |
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May 11 |
Acts 2:1-13 (Pentecost) |
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May 12 |
Acts 2:14-36 |
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May 13 |
Acts 2:37-47 |
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May 14 |
Acts 3:1-26 |
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May 15 |
Acts 4:1-22 |
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May 16 |
Acts 4:23-37 |
