May 2013 - First United Methodist Church

May 2013 - First United Methodist Church

The Messenger
First United Methodist Church Newsletter
446 Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-235-0450
Rev. Stephen Donat, Pastor
Rev. HeyYoung Horton, Associate Pastor
Glenn Rodgers, Director of Music
Karen Murray, Director of Christian Education
Sue Harris, Parish Nurse
Brad Kenney, Director of Youth Ministries
Devika Gill, Director of First Light Learning Center
Join us for Worship - Saturday 5:30 pm, Sunday 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am
Visit us on the Web at: www.meetwithGod.com -or- Email us at: [email protected]
MAY 2013
SPRING HAS SPRUNG...
OCEAN CITY HERE WE COME!
Sunday, May 12, 9:30 & 11:00
Worship
Heart to Heart and Outreach Ministries will be
sponsoring our annual “Fun Trip” to Ocean City NJ
this year on THURSDAY, MAY 23rd. We will be
leaving by coach bus from Fellowship Hall parking lot
at 9:30 a.m. sharp, and will return by 5:00 p.m. We'll
have lunch at the lovely Flanders Hotel, and then the
rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure walking the boardwalk, browsing in the shops or
enjoying the beautiful ocean! The only cost to you will
be the price of your lunch ($18.00) and whatever you
spend on the boardwalk. Wheelchairs are available if
needed. There are plenty of seats on the bus, so invite
your family and friends to come along. Please call Sue
Harris at 235-2575 to reserve your seat and make your
lunch choice. “By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful
sea...”
“THE TROUBABLE OF
ZERUBBABEL”
A Children's Musical by
William Anderson
Presented by
the Children in the Junior & Wesley Choirs
(2nd-6th Graders)
Our Children's Choir will present the message in
musical drama on Mother's Day, May 12, at the 9:30
and 11:00 worship services. This is the highlight of the
year for the children as they happily take the
responsibility of spreading the love of God in the
faithful retelling of a Biblical story and eternal truth.
Parents, children and congregation alike, remember
specific tunes and memorable lines throughout their
lifetime.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This Mother's Day musical is a favorite of children's
choirs. It dramatizes the story of the Israelites' return to
Jerusalem from their years of captivity in Babylon as
found in the Old Testament book of Ezra. The story is
engaging because of the name, which is fun to say, and
the message of courage and faith that it took to rebuild
the Temple and a world in ruins in the face of
hopelessness and despair.
Come and be blessed by the drama, the fresh
enthusiastic spirit of children, and the reassurance of an
eternal loving God.
May 1st
May 5th
May 9th
May 10th
May 12th
May 13th
May 17th
May 18th
May 18th
May 19th
May 19th
May 19th
May 23rd
May 27th
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Sing-Along at Mt. Laurel Ctr. - 10:30am
CROP Walk -register 1:30 pm;begin 2pm
Estate Planning presentation - 2-3 pm
Grounds for Good - 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Mother's Day Musical - 9:30 & 11 am
Miriam Circle - 6:00 pm
Confirmation Dinner & Rehearsal-6 pm
ASP Car Wash - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Adult Fellowship at theater - 6:00 pm
UMM Breakfast - 7:45 am
Confirmation - 11:00 am
Light Harbor - 2:30 pm
Fun Trip to Ocean City-9:30am-5:00pm
Memorial Day - Church office closed
The Messenger
FROM
PASTOR STEVE
Conversations
Late afternoon, not long ago, I was walking between the
church and my home, a very familiar trip! While I was
walking, I was thinking about a conversation that had
just taken place with a man who came by to talk with
me about a funeral for a family member. He had come
about a year before, too for another funeral, and about a
month ago to talk about some personal issues. I
encouraged him then to read a book (Phillip Yancey's
What's So Amazing About Grace?) and it turns out he's
been reading it! We had a good conversation.
from the 'Wounded Warrior' ministry for a homemade
meatball lunch that she and Dennis provided for these
hurting soldiers.
And I honestly thought to myself, “Hmmm… I don't
have a Karen Halligan story today, because she's off on
Wednesday! And I haven't talked to Nurse Sue yet.”
You see, this is a typical day at work at First United
Methodist Church. I know that sometimes we might
wonder why we give to support the ministry here, and
where does the money go. Giving is, for many of you, a
sacrificial thing, and I know that; more importantly, God
sees it, too, and, I'm sure, is pleased.
But then I thought about some other conversations that I
had that same day, and a pattern began to emerge…
Brad shared with me about how his heart broke as he
counseled with a High School sophomore, who was in a
terrible home situation. Brad spent three hours with this
young man, who just dropped by one evening (I called
him, at dinnertime, I think). They talked about life, faith
and hope. He's hoping that this can continue, but the
home situation is not good.
When we give, it's not just to keep lights on, and heat, or
provide pizza for the youth group, oil for the candles in
the sanctuary, or music for the choir (and 1,000 other
things.) It's also - and probably especially - an
investment in the people that I just described. People
who do this kind of thing on your behalf and for the
Glory of God… day, after day, after day.
I thought about what Karen Murray had shared with me
earlier regarding some work she had done that day in
intervening for the children of another troubled local
family. This is an ongoing issue, and her wise counsel is
going to help. We have been praying for these people,
too.
Thank you so much, for all your generous and faithful
support.
Blessings
Pastor Steve
Then I thought of Glenn sharing with me that morning
about a conversation he had with someone who had
once been part of this church, but had run into some
tough personal times. We are hopeful that they will
come to church one day soon.
*******
CAN YOU HELP?
In his message “Breaking Down Walls - A Conversation
with Pastor Steve and Jamel Flag”, Pastor Steve
mentioned that the Church Council of 1st UMC has
approved a plan for making the chancel/altar area of our
sanctuary handicapped accessible; the only reason it has
not been done already is funding. In order to make this
plan a reality sooner rather than later, we would like to
look into the options for funding it through a grant. If
you have experience in researching and applying for
grants and would be interested in helping us to do this,
please email Pastor Steve - [email protected].
Thank you!
And I remembered Pastor HeyYoung, so excited,
sharing about a young woman from Japan, who came to
Christ through the International Women's group that
meets at our church once a month. She worshiped with
us the weekend before.
And then there was Joan (our secretary) explaining the
situation of a woman who came in off the street needing
help… but probably more than we were able to provide.
She also shared some 'thank-you' cards she received
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The Messenger
FROM THE DIRECTOR
OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you
is a part of it.”1 Cor. 12:27
One of the most significant parts of this service for me is
found in the above response; “…we renew our
covenant…” I truly believe that our children, for that
matter, children of all ages learn by witnessing the
behaviors of those around them. So, consider what you
are saying when you read this response on Confirmation
Sunday when we welcome our newest members into the
“household of God”. Are you faithfully participating in
the ministries of this church with your prayers, your
presence, your gifts, your service and your worship?
On May 19th at the 11:00 Worship Service we will
have the honor and privilege of witnessing 27 students
in grades 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th as they Confirm their faith
and join this Church.
This year's Confirmation Class is a unique blend of
youth from all different walks of life. We have students
who have been coming to this church since they were
very young and some who are new to this community of
faith. We have some who come from single parent
homes as well as some who have a two parent home.
The one thing that is not unique to this group is that
they all truly love the Lord.
I truly hope that you are and that you are experiencing
the “Glory of God through Jesus Christ” in all that you
do. Remember this church is the body of Christ and each
person has the opportunity to serve and grow deeper in
their relationship with the Lord. Find the place where
your gifts and talents will make a difference and serve
with a heart filled with love and joy.
They constantly ask questions about how they can learn
to lean on God in difficult times and what does it mean
to be led by the Holy Spirit. They ask about sacrifice
and prayer as well as trusting in Jesus. This truly is an
amazing group of youth.
We welcome our newest 27 young members with
excitement and anticipation and look forward as to how
they will carry out their commitment to pray, to be
present, to give, to serve and to witness in this faithful
community.
John Sims and I along with the Pastors have been truly
blessed by these youth and I just know that each of you
will be as well.
To God Be the Glory!
In part of the Confirmation Covenant found in the
United Methodist Hymnal (pg.38) the Pastor addresses
the congregation and directs those present to make a
commitment to help guide and direct these new young
members. The text reads: “Members of the Household
of God, I commend these persons to your love and care.
Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm
their hope, and perfect them in love.”
Sincerely,
Karen M. Murray, DCE
*******
ELDER LAW PRESENTATION
TO BE OFFERED
Robert J. Keltos, Esquire, an attorney specializing in
elder law issues will be presenting a program here in the
Heritage Room on Thursday, May 9th from 2 p.m. - 3
p.m. “Basic Estate Planning - the Importance of
having a Will, Power of Attorney and Advanced
Directive” will be the topic for this informative
program. It's never too early to make decisions for your
future, and Rob is happy to help you do this. Light
refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there Sue Harris.
The Congregation responds with: “We give thanks for
all that God has already given you and we welcome you
in Christian love. As members together with you in the
body of Christ and in this congregation of The United
Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to
participate in the ministries of the church by our
prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our
witness, that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ.”
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The Messenger
PERU 2013
MISSION
TEAM
Do you ever feel that the work you do for God is not
important? There are so many people serving in so
many ministries, why does your work make a
difference? In the book of Zechariah, 4:10, we read:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord
rejoices to see the work begin.” Zerubbabel, the
governor of Judah, was responsible for rebuilding the
temple, but was forbidden to trust the resources of man
to accomplish the task. An angel appeared to him and
said: ”Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.”
Zerubbable is assured that the temple will be completed
by the empowering of the Spirit of God.
“ “Jesus love me, this I know….,'
Every day of my life is affected
because Jesus loves me….and you. I don't have to wait
until I get to heaven to start enjoying His gifts…”
That will be the theme of the evening when some
women of FUMC and our Christian sisters from
Chimbote, Peru get together ….in Peru….this June. Our
hope is to encourage and affirm these women. We will
also provide breakfast for 150 young school children for
6 days, supply much needed school items, offer 4 days
of Vacation Bible School in 4 different churches and
teach English through their ESL programs.
God tells us that we “have been given a spirit of power,
love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7) and that we
“have been given exceedingly great and precious
promises by God by which we are partakers of His
divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
You will have the opportunity to participate in this
venture, as well as support the Peru Team, in the
upcoming months. One opportunity will be in May,
when the mini-Christmas tree will go up in the narthex,
decorated with “Peruvian” angel tags and we will
collect for “Christmas in June”. Other interesting ways
to participate will be announced as they are scheduled.
Each one of us is blessed by the gifts that God has given
us. We have daily opportunities to serve Him, whatever
we are doing. What has God given you, and how will
you use it? As Pastor Steve teaches us, we at First
United Methodist are a community of faith, each with
different spiritual gifts. If we depend on the Holy Spirit
to help us accomplish the things God has called us to
do, we cannot be afraid to embrace what God gives us.
Don't be afraid to step out in faith and try new things as
you serve the Lord, for He steps out with each one of
us! Kent Nerburn (author of Ordinary Sacred; The
Simple Beauty of Everyday Life), says: “I believe God
embedded the miraculous in the ordinary, and it is our
task to discover it and celebrate it.”
The Peru Mission Team 2013 thanks you for your
prayers and your support.
Gracias y Que Dios te bendiga.
Dianna Donat, Peru Mission Team
*******
My prayer for you is that you celebrate each day of this
life that God has given you!
WHEN GOD SAID LET YOUR LIGHT
SHINE, I DON'T THINK HE MEANT
THE ELECTRIC KIND
Kathy Appleton
Associate Lay Leader
Please turn off lights, close windows and lock
appropriate doors when finished with a room or area of
the church. God calls us to be wise stewards of those
things we are entrusted with. Thank you.
God Bless!
Bill McIlmail
Property Coordinator
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The Messenger
MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT Rev. Rogelio Porquillo
The Missions Commission members have been writing
to missionaries we support. Recently we received a
letter from Pastor Roger, a missionary in the
Philippines supported by our Faith Promise giving for
over 20 years. See pictures sent by Rev. Porquillo on
the Missions bulletin board in the Narthex. Following
are excerpts from his letter:
Please continue to send support for our program, thereby
supporting a full-time missionary in Sitio Angel. This
young missionary-evangelist will conduct Bible study,
visit people in the community, and preach the gospel in
their homes.
Please pray for our country which is visited by
typhoons. Also for peace talks with the Communist
Party which are suspended. Pray for our government
who entered into agreements with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front.
Grace and Peace to you! We now have a laptop with
LCD and it is used for training members for mission and
evangelism. We also bought utensils and a gas range for
our culinary learners. We trained adult learners how to
make soap for laundry and continue our feeding
program for malnourished children.
My daughter who is in her 4th year in college got sick
last year and her scholarship was stopped. Please pray
that some generous persons this coming June will give a
scholarship to her.
Our Annual Conference is in April. Please continue to
pray for our church in Managok. We are proposing to
our new Bishop, Rev. Ciriaco Francisco that he will
assign a young missionary-evangelist in our extension
work at Sitio Angel. Last May, five seminary students
had exposure for 3 weeks in the tribal community.
They lived and worked with these tribal people,
experienced their daily living, how these people
practice their laws, customs & traditions. Another five
students will be assigned here in April.
The effect of typhoon Pablo last December affected the
lives of our people here. Please pray for them. Again,
thank you for your prayers and financial support. May
God bless you, your family and your church.
Love and prayers,
Pastor Roger
*********
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
OBSERVANCE
On Thursday, May 2nd America will celebrate our National Day of Prayer. In observance of this, the
First UMC chapel will be open that day from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for anyone to come in to pray for our
nation. The evening will conclude with a prayer service in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome
to come in at their leisure to join in praying for our great nation. We will have someone available to
assist as needed throughout the day.
*********
Deaths:
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Ruth Martin
on April 5, 2013
First United Methodist Church is a community of faith
committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with a
hurting world through words and actions.
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The Messenger
TASTE
AND SEE
MIRIAM CIRCLE
Miriam Circle will meet on May 13 at
6:00 PM for our covered dish supper and
planning meeting. Georgie Jenkins will have devotions.
Shirland Daglian, Lucy Townsend & Ricky Smith will
be our hostesses. We will also have our annual Circle
auction.
Sharing healthy recipes as we minister to
the “whole person”
A Better Egg Sandwich
Ingredients
1 piece of turkey bacon
1 whole-grain English muffin, split
1 organic egg
1/4 oz reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 small jalapeno, thinly sliced
2 thin slices red onion
1 thick slice tomato
A sprig of fresh cilantro
Pepper
Cooking spray
Ladies please come out and join us for an evening of fun
and Christian Fellowship. For more information call
Barbara Dapper at 235-1765.
***
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED
FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON
Church Women United will celebrate May Friendship
Day on Friday May 3, 12:00 PM at the Evergreens. The
cost of the luncheon is $15. For tickets call Barbara
Dapper at 235-1765.
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon until crisp.
2. Toast the muffin.
3. Spray the skillet, cook the egg (scrambled or
sunny-side up) about 30 seconds.
4. Sprinkle with pepper and cheddar cheese.
5. Cook until set.
6. Transfer egg to muffin half.
7. Top with bacon, jalapeno, onion, tomato,
cilantro and second muffin half.
*******
THE
GREATER SOUTH JERSEY CHORUS
PRESENTS, SPOTLIGHT!
Treat yourself to an exciting, varied
program with great opera choruses,
popular stage and screen songs, some
fun and surprising pieces you thought
you knew! Two of our church members - Margie
Morgan, and Marylee Smyth will be singing. Two
concerts:
Why is it better?
Organic egg has no hormones, pesticides or
antibiotics.
Red onion contains nutrients for anti-aging.
Cilantro boosts flavor and is a natural diuretic.
Turkey bacon has half the fat and calories of pork.
Tomato helps promote heart and skin health.
Reduced-fat cheddar contains calcium and less
saturated fat.
Jalapeno boosts metabolism
May 5, 3:30 pm, Unitarian Church, Cherry Hill
May 18, 8 pm, St. Isaac Jogues Church, Marlton
The chorus of about 100 voices, conducted by Dean
Rishel, will be accompanied by the Strings of
Symphony in C. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased
from either Margie or Marylee, or directly from GSJC
by calling 856-492-8282 or by visiting their website,
www.greatersjchorus.org.
Recipe found in Health Magazine, 11/2012
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed
are those who who take refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8
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The Messenger
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS
Our Featured Senior - Genevieve Bryson Jenkins
It can be puzzling as to how you can get the nickname
“Georgie” out of Genevieve. Ginny or Jenny maybe,
but Georgie??? An aunt decided that she should be
called “little Georgie” after her father. A younger
brother also claims the name George.
Family
gatherings could get confusing.
Cape Cod for their honeymoon. Their first home was in
an apartment in the Lenola area. This is when they
started to look for a church nearby and FUMC became
their choice. Raymond got a job as a chemist with
Rohm and Haas. They later bought a home in
Masonville. When their children were older, Georgie
was a teacher for unwed mothers run by a ministry. She
also worked as an aide at the Fleetwood school. The
couple have three children; Laura living in Mt. Laurel;
Rebecca living just outside of Washington, D.C. and
Matthew living in Shamong. Their children have given
them 6 grandchildren.
Georgie was born in Lankenau Hospital in Pa. and
brought to the family's home to join her sister, Jean, in
Laurel Springs, N.J. The family worshiped in the
Presbyterian Church. Her father worked as a sales
representative for Bethlehem Steel; her mother, with a
teacher's education, worked as a substitute teacher. The
children attended the Laurel Springs elementary school
system and were bused to Collingswood High School to
finish their last four years. In High School, Georgie
was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, sang in
the choir, worked backstage for plays, and played
softball (you could say she was a well rounded student).
Her favorite subject was English. She decided to go to
Ursinus College with the goal of becoming a high
school English teacher. She minored in Biology. While
in college, she sang in the choir, belonged to a Sorority,
and tutored English. She graduated in 1957 and went
on to teach English at Palmyra High School.
Jean, Georgie's sister, is living in an assisted living
facility in Albany, N.Y.; her brother, George, lives just
outside of Chicago. In earlier years, the families would
meet for a vacation in a cabin located on Lake
Champagne in Vermont. Raymond and Georgie did a
cross country trip to California in 1983. They have also
visited Quebec. Raymond died of a recurrence of
cancer in 1998.
Georgie stays busy by reading, doing some yard work in
her home in Masonville, likes to cook - Matt and
Laura's families enjoy her soups, stays fit by going to
the gym twice a week, and does some babysitting.
Luncheon dates with her Collingswood High classmates
is something she looks forward to. There is nothing like
old and trusted friends - no pretenses or putting on airs.
She was a Stephen Minister at FUMC and is an active
member of Miriam Circle where she is often asked and
is willing to offer a prayer. She reminisces about a
minister's wife, Mrs. Emmons, who had a group of
young girls meet at the church after school. Mrs.
Emmons would stress that being gracious and
thoughtful was far more important than worrying about
looks and clothes. Georgie is another member of our
church family who is very approachable and gracious.
She took to heart Mrs. Emmon's thoughts and teachings.
We never know who is going to have a lasting influence
on us. LET'S ALL BE GRACIOUS, THOUGHTFUL
AND KIND.
Her best friends' Aunt Esther would invite Georgie to
join their family for a vacation down in Surf City each
summer. Vacations became more interesting as the
young girls became teenagers. There was more to
interest them than the beach or ocean. They met some
young boys from Delanco. Now Laurel Springs is not
exactly close to Delanco; thus, this presented a problem
for continuing the friendships once they were home.
The boys, not to be defeated, found a friend, Raymond,
with a driver's license and access to a car. Problem
solved!!! They called her cousin to see if they could
visit. Georgie and Raymond found that they had that
special chemistry that kept them dating off and on for 5
years. She did not see him often because she was away
at college and dating others too. Raymond was busy
being a Medic in the U.S. Army.
They did have a formal wedding in the Presbyterian
Church in Laurel Springs in 1958. They drove up to
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The Messenger
FROM THE PARISH NURSE
Legal Documents That Help You and Your Family
Two years ago, my dear dad went to be with God. As
most everyone knows, anytime a loved one dies, it is a
stressful and grief-filled time. Our minds tend to go on
“auto-pilot” as a coping mechanism, so that we can do
everything that needs to be done in a timely manner.
My dad, being the organized, pro-active person that he
was, had left an entire notebook for the family called
“VITAL INFORMATION”. This notebook included
insurance policy numbers, bank and credit card
numbers, his Power of Attorney information, the
location of his Will and Advanced Directive (Living
Will) - even suggestions for hymns, scripture verses and
readings that he would like for his Life Celebration
Service. He and I had gone through this notebook
several times so that I knew pretty much exactly what
Dad's wishes were and it made the time that I was on
“auto pilot” SO much easier and smoother, since I just
followed his instructions and fulfilled his end of life
wishes.
Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive”. These
documents seem to be the basic end of life documents
that will help our families or friends make decisions in
our behalf, when we are no longer able to make those
decisions ourselves. Robert Keltos, Esquire is a
knowledgeable, compassionate attorney who witnessed
the difficulty that his grandparents went through with
various legal issues. For this reason he branched out
into Elder Law and his passion is to guide older folks
through the complicated legal scene, and set them up
with documents that are customized to their individual
needs. Rob will be speaking in the Heritage Room on
Thursday, May 9th from 2 - 3. Please join us for this
presentation - invite your friends and family - and bring
along any questions that you might have. Light
refreshments will be served.
Oh, and BTW all you “youngsters”…it is NEVER
TOO EARLY to think about drawing up a Will, Power
of Attorney or Advanced Directive for yourselves. The
more prepared WE are, the easier it is for everyone, and
we'll be assured that our end of life wishes will be
carried out.
I never realized how important all this “VITAL
INFORMATION” was until recently, when I was
working with some older folks in our congregation who
suddenly found themselves in either a medical or
financial crisis situation, and it came to light that they
had NOTHING in place in regards to their end of life
wishes - no Will, no Advanced Directive, not even a
Power of Attorney! I know how easy it is to become
complacent about such things, but the poor foresight of
these elderly folks made it WAY MORE DIFFICULT
for their family members to get these legal documents
in place in a serious hurry.
Every day I say, “Thanks Dad, for your great wisdom
and never-ending love for your family.”
Hope to see you at the presentation. Any questions give
me a call at 856-235-2575.
Sue Harris
*******
So, why don't we have all our “ducks in a row” as we
get older in regards to necessary legal documents?
Well, it might be because we don't actually know what
we should have in place, especially since getting older
or getting sick, or thinking about dying is not something
that we usually dwell on. But, I must stress how vitally
important it is to think about these things and find out
what needs to be available to those who love you and
want to help out when issues arise.
ADULT FELLOWSHIP
Our annual night at the theater will be on May 18th,
when we'll see “Legally Blonde the Musical” at the
Burlington County Footlighters in Cinnaminson. This
Broadway play is based on the popular movie of the
same name, and is an all-singing, all dancing, feel-good
musical comedy. Showtime is 8:00 PM. A limited
amount of tickets, at $17.00 each, (along with
directions) can be reserved by calling Jerry and Pat
Mengel at 609-702-0551. First come, first served! Last
call is May 12!
For this reason, I have asked an Eldercare Attorney to
come to FUMC to give a presentation entitled “Basic
Estate Planning: The importance of having a Will,
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