September

Worship Schedule

 

August 30th   – 13th Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture Reader:     Michelle Elmquist

Nursery:                      Betty Koss

Special Music:           Deb Hafler

CHURCH PICNIC

 

September 6th       14th Sunday After

Pentecost

Blessing of the Backpacks

Scripture Reader:     Carol Verrone

Nursery:                      Betty Koss

Special Music:           Norm Campbell

 

 

September 13th   15th Sunday After

Pentecost

Regular Hours Resume

Sunday School  9:30 am / Worship 11:00 am

Coffee Hour/Brunch

Sr. High Youth Group Meeting

Scripture Reader:     Donna Mela

Nursery:                      Betty Koss

Special Music:           Adult Choir

 

 

September 20th    16th Sunday After

Pentecost

Scripture Reader:     Pat Verrastro

Nursery:                      Betty Koss

Special Music:           Adult Choir

 

 

September 27th    5th Sunday After

Pentecost

Scripture Reader:     Linda Verrastro

Nursery:                      Betty Koss

Special Music:           Bell Choir      

 

New Member Classes

 

Pastor Jon will be holding new member classes beginning Sunday October 18th before Sunday Worship, about 9:45 am.  These classes will run for 4 weeks with new members being received on Sunday November 8th.  If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Pastor Jon or the church office at 842-7251.

 

Office News

 

Our regular office hours will resume on September 15th.  These hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am- 12:00 pm.

 

October Newsletter – Thursday  Sept 24th  

Please keep in mind fall and winter events should be mentioned in the October newsletter!!  Fall Auction, Sunday school,  youth group, annual conference, stewardship and other committees.

 

Address Changes

 

Attention all church members and regular attendees.  If your address has changed, or if you seasonally go away and forward your mail please let the church office know.  Since newsletters are sent “bulk mail” they will not forward them.  They are returned to us and we are charged 50 cents per returned newsletter.  If you go away and want to continue receiving the newsletter we need the address and dates you will be gone.  If you want the newsletter temporarily stopped while you are gone we can do that as well.

 

Another option is to consider receiving the newsletter by email.  This can be done on a temporary basis to see if you like it.

 

 

COMMITTEES

 

Trustees

Next meeting will be held on Wednesday,

September 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM.  Please note the date change for this month.

 

P/SPRC

Next meeting will be held on Tuesday,

September 8, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

 

Ad Council:

Next meeting will be held on Tuesday,

September 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

 

Lay Leadership Meetings

 

Wednesday September 16th

Wednesday September 23rd

To be announced!!

 

Aluminum Collection:

 

The Wednesday morning work crew collects aluminum to raise money for various areas of the church.  Please support them by placing your aluminum in the blue barrels located behind the church and in our parking lot.

 

Dates to Remember

 

August 30th            – Church Picnic

September 13th     – Resume 11:00 am       

                                    worship Schedule

October 3rd & 4th   – Mystery Dinner Theatre

October 4th             – Sky Lake Fall Festival

November 7th         – Fall Auction

November 22nd      – Church Conference

                                    Meeting

 

Treasurer’s Report

Linda Verrastro

 

·        For the month of June we received $10,728 in the offering for the General Fund account, which included pledge income of $8,815.

 

·        For the month of July we received $8,118 in the offering for the General Fund account, which included pledge income of $7,551.

 

·        Based on our 2009 budget, we need $13,688 per month to meet expenses.

 

·        As of July 31, 2009 we were behind in our pledge income by $17,524.

 

Our general operating bills are current, but as of July 31st we had only paid $3,335 towards Ministry Shares (27% of the $11,940 due for the first seven months of 2009).  As fall begins, please help us catch up by making sure your pledge is current or by making an extra donation if you are able.  

 

 

 

Wednesday Evening

Fellowship Meals

 

 

Our Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal will begin starting September 9 at 5:00 PM.  Those that attended last year found it very enjoyable and helped with Wednesday evening rush.  If you would like to share in a simple meal with others at the church, please call the church office by Wednesday morning to place your order.  There is a small fee per meal to cover the cost. 

 

 

Finance Information

 

Dear Moscow UMC Members,

Summer has come to an end and we now enter a new season.  Change always brings with it the opportunity for renewal.  As the church makes its’ way through September, the service resumes it’s normal time at 11am, Sunday School begins again and church committees and groups hold their normal meetings.  The fall is also a great time for us to consider our financial commitment to our Church and religion.  Moscow UMC has served the community for over 150 years and even with changing economic times we have always met our financial commitments.  Last year, it did not seem possible that we would meet our 2008 budget, but we did.  Generous giving in November and December combined with a few special gifts allowed our Church council to hold it’s head high by supporting all of our programs, building maintenance, salaries  and apportionments. 

 This year, once again, our collection levels have been lower than our budget projections.  If this continues we are soon going to have trouble funding the programs and expenses that make our Church thrive.  In the summer, attendance drops and so does the Sunday offerings.  As we look forward to this new Church year, it is vital to our Church finances that our members bring their pledges up to date.  Soon, members will be given the opportunity to use electronic automatic direct deposit.  I know that many will appreciate the convenience of this option. 

Making Pledges through Automatic Debit   

Right now the the Administrative Council and Finance Committee are working out the details so our members can make their pledges and
offerings through an automatic checking direct debit. We are considering giving our members the opportunity to set up their checking account so that their tithe is automatically credited to our Church account each month? A small sampling of our members revealed that many are interested in the benefits of reduced paperwork this would offer them. Note, this will be an option, it is certainly not mandatory. This
should all be in place by the end of the summer. Let us know what you think.

Email any suggestions to Glenn Czulada, Finance Committee, glenncz@gmail.com

Why Direct Debit?
Direct Debit is Convenient

§         Direct debit saves time because you don’t write a check. You only need to account for the payment in your check register. 

§         Direct debit is less paperwork, for you and for us.

§         Direct debit reflects a biblical principle. All drafts will happen the beginning of each month because the Bible teaches us to give our tithes out of the “first
fruits.”

Direct debit doesn’t forget. The Finance Office staff will ensure that your church receives your tithe each month even when you are on vacation.

 

 


Greetings from the music staff

 

Our Church music program will begin fall rehearsals starting September 9th.  Once again all music activities are planned for Wednesdays, in the hope that this single night of music rehearsals will make family planning a little easier for everyone.  The music staff welcomes back our veteran ringers and singers, but we want to extend a warm welcome to anyone desiring to add their talents in musical praise to our Father above.  Your participation will only add to our Church's musical family.  Scheduling will include:

 

Youth Choir (5th8th )---------5:30-6:00-----room 102

Childrens Choir (PreK to 4th)-6:00-6:30-----room 102

Interested new bell ringers--6:00-6:30---music room

Festrival Bell Ringers---------6:30-7:15---music room

Adult Choir--------------------- 7:30-8:30---music room 

 

For more information:

     Debbie Hafler--Youth Choirs    842-9644

     Michael Shoff--Bell Ringers     346-5998

     Norman Campbell--Adult Choir/Director of

Music  785-3274

 

From the Director of Bell Choirs

 

Dear Friends,

 

I am writing to ask you to prayerfully consider ringing handbells with us for the 2009-2010 music season.  I have selected music which, I pray, provides the most challenging, yet rewarding, repertoire of any year since I began directing the bell choirs here at Moscow.  We have a need for approximately 12 dedicated people (high school age and up) who can give us one hour each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 and (usually) the fourth Sunday of each month to play during the worship service.  If you have a fear of making a commitment to every Wednesday evening September through May, please consider serving as a ‘substitute’ ringer; this would most likely consist of attending 3 or 4 consecutive rehearsals and playing one Sunday morning.

During the 2008-2009 music season, our bell choir program consisted of only one bell choir.  The future of this program depends on the participation and encouragement of our youth.  I ask for your prayers and support of this unique program, and would encourage any young person enrolled in the 3rd grade (and up) to consider trying handbells

We have two rehearsal times set aside for our youngest ringers on Wednesday evenings.  The Children’s Chime Choir (those in the 3rd through 5th grades) practices from 5:30-6:00, and our Junior Festival Ringers (those in 6th through 8th grade) practice from 6:00-6:30.  There is no upper age limit; the young at heart are always welcome.  If you have an interest in ringing, there is a place for you.  Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 9th, and we will have 3 weeks of rehearsal to prepare for the worship service on September 27th.

While it helps if you already know how to read music, it is certainly not mandatory.  If you can count to 4 and know your right from your left, we will help you with the rest.    All that we ask is that you attend rehearsals faithfully, do your best, and trust that God is well pleased by our efforts.

 

In Christ,

Michael Shoff

 

Calling all young singers!!

 

Join us Wednesday evenings as we rehearse for Sunday services.

No experience necessary 

just a desire to sing!

 

Here is the schedule:

Youth Choir (5th – 8th Grade)  -  5:30-6pm

Children’s Choir (PreK to 4th Grade)  -  6-6:30pm

Location Room 102 Lower level.

 

 

 

Mystery Dinner Theatre Rehearsal

 

Monday  August  24th            7:00 PM

Monday August 31st              7:00 PM

Monday September 14th      7:00 PM

Monday September 21st       7:00 PM

Thursday September 24th    7:00 PM

Tuesday September 29th     7:00 PM

Dress Rehearsal???

Thursday October 1st            7:00 PM  tentative

 

 

 

MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE

“Murder, Music and Mayhem”

Come join us for a night of mystery and fun!!

Performances will be Saturday October 3rd at 6:00 pm and Sunday October 4th

at 5:00 pm.  Reservations required.

The cost for this event will be of $15.00 for adults and $6.00 for youth under 12. 

Included will be a City Chicken dinner (Breaded Pork on a skewer & baked)  with dessert and a show. 

Please contact the church office at 842-7251 for more information and reservations.


Mondays in Moscow

 

Monday night September 28 at 7:00, Mondays In Moscow presents The Harmonic Brass from Munich GermanyConcert will be held at St. Catherine's Church.

 

Mondays in Moscow Needs Volunteers

 

Our Series of monthly cultural events, has had a successful run since it’s inception.  However, for Mondays in Moscow to continue, we need volunteers in the following areas:

 

-          treasurer

-          publicity

-          reception coordinator

-          graphic arts ( to produce flyers)

-          flyer distribution

-          create concert programs

 

If interested, please contact the church office.

 

 

Rev. Chuck Johns

 

Publishes an article each month in the i-Voice (an electronic newsletter of the Wyoming Conference). You can also access his articles on the Wyoming Conference website at www.wyomingconference.org.

 

 

Church Picnic

Sunday August 30th

 

Summer is a time when many people head to family reunions to visit and re-connect with relatives they haven’t seen in a while.  We’re planning a church picnic so we can meet and re-connect with our church family on Sunday, August 30th at Moscow UMC.

       The day will begin with worship at 9:30.  Dress casually!  Afterward we’ll have time for coffee and lemonade to catch up with old friends and perhaps meet some new ones.  We’ll have games for young and old as well as a time to share dreams about the new year.  And of course we’ll have FOOD!  The church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks.  We ask that you bring a dish or dessert to pass.  Plan to join us on Sunday August 30th at the Church.

 

To help us plan you can call the church office.

 

If anyone has a portable party tent that they would be willing to loan for the picnic on August 30th please contact the church office.

 

                                                                                                                             

   

                                                                    

YOUTH GROUP

 

Senior High Youth Group is Ready to Roll!!

 

Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Sept 13th after the Coffee Hour/Brunch until 2:30 pm

 

If you are in high school, come join us as we begin to plan the new year of events and happenings. We need you and your input to make this youth group what you want it to be.

We hope to have our schedule of events planned out for the October Newsletter so make sure you bring your ideas!!

 

 

We Need a Leader/Co-leaders for our

Jr. High Youth Group

 

Our Junior High Youth group is in need of a leader or co-leader(s).  Consider donating your time, talents, love-of-life, fun, and wisdom to the future leaders of our church.  You will be truly blessed!!

 

 

Senior High

Mission Trip 2009

 

Thanks You!!

 

Our mission trip this year took us to Charleston, WV where we participated in “Youthworks!” Creation Restoration Project. This was the first year that Youthworks offered this program but we hope it isn’t the last. The focus of this project was working to help restore God’s creation. Our group was split three ways. Pastor Jon, along with Anthony Fabricatore and Josh Kelly worked on river clean-up. It was an incredibly dirty job but according to them, very satisfying. They worked to remove many, many tires as well as a lot of other debris that had landed in the waterway. Our second group (Lindsay Croom, Max Adamitis, Nick Matter and Greg Schwenk) group did trail work. They were literally ‘blazing’ new trails for a recreation area. In addition, they worked at beautifying a cemetery. My group (Leah Buxton, Maria Cardosa, Allyssa Mela and Mandy Murray) went to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of St.Albans where we taught the kids about God’s creation and taking care of it through stories, songs, crafts and outdoor games and activities. We also worked on the West Side Restoration project in downtown Charleston where we picked up litter and weeded some rather large and overgrown flower beds. Each experience was unique and we all brought back very special memories. Thanks to all of you who have supported our mission trips. We could not go without your help!! We don’t know where next year’s trip will take us, but we are already starting to look at our options.  Whether we work with God’s creation or help His people, this experience continues to provide excellent opportunities for our youth to grow in their faith and continue on in journey with Christ.

 

Blessings and Peace,         

Debbie Hafler

 

 

Preschool Information

 

Mommy and Me class also known as the Parent-Child Funtime Workshop of the Moscow United Methodist Preschool still has a few openings left for 2 year olds accompanied by their parent, grandparent or caretaker.  Classes start September 10th and run from 12:00-100.  It's a fun one-hour class which includes storytime, musictime, craft time and more!  If interested, contact Jeannie Garubba at 842-6767 or 842-6800 or jean.garubba@gmail.com.

 

 

Nursery Note

 

Volunteers are needed to help Betty Koss in the nursery during Sunday Worship.  Under Safe Sanctuary guidelines we need 2 adults present when supervising children or youth.  If you would like to help volunteer please contact Janet Brown or the church office.

 

 

EQUAL EXCHANGE

JOIN THE CHALLENGE!!


UMCOR's 100 Ton Challenge works through our Equal Exchange Coffee, Tea and chocolate that we sell in the foyer of our church.

By buying these products we are helping small-scale farmers earn fair
prices for their crops and improve their lives.

So be in partnership and be a part of helping farmers stay on their land, care for the environment and support their families. Just try
the ALMONDS, COFFE OR TEA and of course, CHOCOLATE and you will feel
good about what you eat and drink!!

Watch for our SAMPLE SUNDAY! Coffee samples will be served before and after church. Come and try....Come and BUY!!

 

Lay Speaking School

at Moscow UMC

 

Lay speaking school will be held here at Moscow UMC from 6:00 – 9:00 pm on the following Tuesdays:       September 22nd and 29th

                                    October 6th, 13th, and 20th

 

For more details see the Connections Newsletter enclosed.

 

 

Clean-up Efforts in Western New York

 

            UMCOR is supporting Erie, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties in the Western NY Annual Conference as they recover from extensive flood damage.  The area of Silver Creek, Gowanda and Springville were particularly affected by flooding that occurred August 8-11, 2009.

 

            In addition to a $10,000 emergency grant, UMCOR, in partnership with Mission Central in central PA, is sent 1,800 cleaning buckets to help with the clean-up efforts.  They also sent 672 health kits and 336 school kits.

 

You can support recovery in Western NY and other flood -affected areas by making a contribution to US Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.

 

           

Mission Central Needs Your Help

 

UMCOR and the West NY Conference has asked for Mission Central to send much needed Cleaning (Flood) buckets to Gowanda and Silver Creek, NY, to assist with flood clean-up efforts.  Mission Central sent 1, 800 buckets last week.  They now need the supplies to make more buckets - or your congregation can assemble and deliver completed buckets to Mission Central.  Here are the contents of the Cleaning Bucket:

 

- 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid

- Bleach (two 1-quart or one 82 oz. bottle.  Do not include bleach if you are shipping the bucket through the US Postal Service, UPS or FedEx)

- 5 scouring pads

- 7 Sponges

- 1 scrub brush

- 18 cleaning towels (reusable wipes)

- Liquid laundry detergent (two 25 oz. or one 50 oz. bottle)

- 1 household cleaner, 12-16 oz. bottle

- Disinfectant dish soap, 16-28 oz. bottle

- 50 clothes pins

- Clothes line (two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.)

- 5 dust masks

- 2 pair latex gloves

- 1 pair work gloves

- 24-bag roll of heavy duty trash bags, 33-45 gallon (remove roll from box before placing in bucket)

- 1 insect repellant spray, 6-14 oz. can (If aerosol, cans must have protective caps. 

- 1 Air freshener, 8 or 9 oz. can.  (If aerosol, cans must have protective caps.)

 

Important information:

 

* All items included must be NEW items.

* All emergency kits are carefully planned to make 

them usable in the greatest number of situations.  Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items - nothing more.

* Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits.  These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.


MOSCOW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL

 

Diane Croom, Superintendent

Phone 842-8805         

dpcroom@gmail.com

 

Dear Friend,

 

Welcome to the Moscow United Methodist Church Sunday School. There have been several changes in the program for the upcoming year including a lot of new faces. This is the first year for me to be the Sunday School superintendent and I am excited to be a part of the program. Sharon Kelly will still be participating in the Sunday School program but will have a new role as a pre-kindergarten teacher. We also have several new teachers along with our “more experienced” teachers. The names and grade levels for all of the teachers are listed below.

 

As in past years all of our children and youth meet in the sanctuary at 9:30 am for a brief time to sing, share joys and concerns, pray and give an offering before moving into the grade-level classes. We are going to begin a preschool class for children from age three to kindergarten age. This class will be led by Sharon Kelly and Ruth Ann (Cis) Lyons. As in past years students from kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in a rotational program. The same Bible story or theme is presented for several weeks. Each week learners rotate through a different station of art (led by Melanie Yudt), cooking (led by Michelle Marsh and Michael Kuniegal), games (led by Susan McLain), science (led by Kim Gallela), story time (led by Gail Simpkins) and video (led by Lori Brink). The Junior High class (grades 6th-8th) is led by Nichole McIntosh. The Senior High class (grades 9th-12th) will be led by Pat Verrastro.  The Jr. and Sr. high class do not rotate in their curriculum.

 

The Moscow UMC has adopted a Safe Sanctuary policy to help keep all children and youth safe while participating in activities sponsored by the church. As part of this program windows have been installed in all classroom doors. We will have two teachers working together in each classroom or a hall monitor to check on classrooms periodically. All paid staff and volunteers have undergone a Child Abuse History Clearance and a Criminal Background Check. In addition we will have a signed registration form on every child/youth participating in Sunday School. The form is attached and if you have not previously filled one please do so for each child and return them to me or Michelle Elmquist, the church secretary, by September 13, 2009.

 

The dismissal strategy is the same as it has been in past years. Junior and Senior High students will be dismissed on their own. Preschool children will be dismissed from the preschool classroom. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade will be dismissed from two specified areas. Those students leaving after Sunday School at 10:30 will be dismissed from the rear stairwell of the education building to parents in the lower parking lot. Students staying for the worship service will be taken to the social hall in the basement at 10:30 am and offered a snack. Parents are asked to be prompt when picking up children in order to have time to take them to the restroom if needed and get settled in for the worship service.

 

We are in the process of change so please be patient with us as we work through the first weeks. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions please contact me.

 

We are always in need of an extra pair of hands and would appreciate having you participate in the Moscow UMC Sunday School program.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to allow us to work with your children as we together learn about God’s love in Jesus Christ.                                                                                    Diane Croom