April Christ UMC Staff. exploding with love and service Sunday Worship Schedule Praise Celebration 9 am

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1 CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 350 Saratoga Road, Snyder, NY Phone: Fax: Church Dated Material Christ UMC Vision Statement Living Christ s ways and exploding with love and service Sunday Worship Schedule Praise Celebration 9 am All Ages Education Hour 10 am Traditional Style Celebration 11 am TOTAL STEWARDSHIP PRAYERS, PRESENCE, GIFTS, AND SERVICE Serving - the nature of stewardship Christ UMC Staff Senior Pastor Dr. B.J. Norrix Minister for Education & Community Enrichment Sally J. Pollard Office Manager/Ministry Assistant Janelle Martin Minister of Music Kevin Durkin Financial Secretary Doris Schanzlin Custodian David Wolf RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO April 2014

2 With Joy From Sally Being Normal What does it mean to be normal? I grew up in a family with two loving parents and three sisters I treasure, but we are always aware that the experience we think of as normal is not the same one experienced by others. For my family, both growing up and now, the church community has always been at the center of our life. That too is not the experience of all. So what is normal? I believe the common experience is a human experience. Created by God, we are all spiritual beings having a human experience, whatever that might look like. Initiated by scripture readings and sermons for Lent, I have been considering-- what was Jesus normal? In a Sunday morning message I heard it said that, in the movie, The Last Temptation of Christ, Jesus was tempted to be normal. It has stuck with me. Since normal is particular and not universal, perhaps the question is, Was Jesus engaged in a human experience? To this I say, yes, and here s why. In the brief episodes of Jesus life seen in scripture, he enters the world through normal human birth, is taught the family business by his father, learns at the feet of his teachers, submits to baptism, experiences the assurance that he is a child of God, yet faces challenges and temptations with which we all can identify. Jesus identified with normal people. Facing those challenges, where he could have chosen otherwise, Jesus relied on resources available to all of us to prevail. He had learned God s story in history from the rabbis and God s Spirit filled the core of his being. It was a normal experience, all through his life, for Jesus to have options where he could defy God, but Jesus normal was to obey God. When he was tempted to live just by his feelings and personal convictions alone, he was able to cut the excuses with God s help. He could have chosen to be spectacular and pointless, to do something BIG with no purpose. If he d given in, we d all be lost. Being a son or daughter of God doesn t preclude us from difficult times and challenges. Living in God s Word & Spirit, Jesus grew up and became stronger than ever. Jesus is what normal living should look like, because the world is pretty crazy! Sally 2 From BJ s Desk... Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-56). It would be easy to compare the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter with the natural phenomena all around us. Winter gives way to spring. Bulbs and seeds die in the ground and reemerge as flowers and fruit. Death gives way to victory. Even Jesus, in a parable about himself, said that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:24). All too often we leave it here and turn Holy Week and Easter into a celebration of fertility (hence the bunnies and the eggs), agricultural renewal, and a process of natural rebirth. The conquest of death by Jesus is something else entirely different. It is not a celebration of the endless cycle of death and life, it is a celebration of a complete change in the cycle. Jesus did not defeat death to die and rise over and over again. His defeat of death is at a much more fundamental level. Jesus did not defeat death by making it go away or living out some diurnal cycle. The story is much more challenging than that. Jesus defeated death by entering into it. Not in some peaceful, gentle passing either. Jesus defeated death by enduring the absolute worse humanity had to offer. In humiliation and shame, Jesus was tortured, beaten, and hung on a cross of wood until he died. Crucifixion was, and probably remains, the epitome of humans intentionally degrading other humans. When I think of my own life and the inevitability of my own death, I am well aware that there is nothing coming that could be worse than what Jesus endured. Jesus defeated death by experiencing the basest possible death. He restored us to life through the most unlikely comeback story ever lived. Three days in the tomb his crucified body lay. Three days of waiting with no expectations on the part of his followers (even if they had been told ahead of time.) Three days before Jesus burst forth from his tomb victorious over the worst the world had to offer. I can rise above life s difficulties knowing what my Lord and Savior endured. I can face my own death with dignity and grace knowing that Jesus has already walked this road. I can face this greatest of all fears without dread because I know that my Savior Jesus already walked out victorious! Walk with us as we walk with Jesus through the events of Holy Week. Rejoice with us in His victory! Christ is Risen! (Never past tense but always a present reality!) Dr. BJ Holy Week and Easter Observances Sunday April 13, PALM SUNDAY Procession with palms, Passion narrative Thursday April 17, HOLY THURSDAY Service of Holy Communion at 7 pm Friday April 18, GOOD FRIDAY Noon and 7:00 pm observances Sunday April 20, EASTER 9:00am and 11:00am celebrations of resurrection! 11

3 United Methodist Men Journey s End Refugee Services (JERS) 2014 marks 15 years of refugee ministry at Christ Church in partnership with Journey s End Refugee Services. Since 1999, we have welcomed 8 families seeking better lives after they were forced to leave their home countries of Bosnia, Sudan, Somalia, Cuba, Iraq, and Burma. Resettlement is only the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. People sponsored by Christ Church are making a difference by starting businesses, rejuvenating declining neighborhoods, actively participating in their faith communities, serving in the U.S. military, and advocating for human rights. Our newest family, Keh Blut, Eh Thyu, and their 6 children (ages 1-17), arrived in July of Originally from Burma (now called Myanmar), they spent many years in a refugee camp in Thailand. Today five of the children are enrolled in school, Keh Blut is working at the Cheesecake Factory, and the family is active in their neighborhood church. There are many volunteer opportunities at JERS, including office support, donation drives, educational tutoring, and mentoring new arrivals. To find out more, visit their website at jersbuffalo.org. Thank you for sharing God s love and hope with the world and with our community by supporting the many Outreach ministries of our church On Saturday, April 5, we ll travel to Moore s Sugar Shack and Pancake House to view the maple process from sapto-syrup. It s 50 miles/71 min. from CUMC. You might prefer to drive separately to be free to stop at the numerous shops on the way back. GPS address: Galen Hill Road, Freedom, NY Meet at CUMC at 10 am. Wives & significant others welcome! Questions? Call Don Maple See you there!! 10 Pre-K Grade 5 Sunday mornings 10 am Lower level April R-E-S-P-E-C-T Jesus teaches us to love God and to love others. The way we show our love is through good manners, good sportsmanship, and respect for all living things. Easter Sunday, April 20 No FaithXpress May Make A Difference May 4 Assemble Welcome Packs for Make a Difference Day May 11 Bake cookies for Make A Difference Day May 18 Make A Difference Day Hand out Welcome Packs & cookies to guests Mission Youth Next gathering takes place on Sunday, May 9, with our guest Rev. Davis Matovu, from Uganda. Support our Confirmation Students and Mentors with your prayers Jonathan Miller & Brad Loliger Robert Paddock & Lynn Ramsey Paige Shupe & Laura Smith CUMC Adult Opportunities for Learning at Christ Church Sunday mornings 10 am Wesley Room Rev. Jim Pollard - facilitator We live in a world of noise. Everywhere we go, we hear many sounds that compete for our minds and hearts. Listening to God requires a deliberate choice to shut out the chaos around us and focus our thoughts. Listen, by Rueben P. Job, is a 40-day experience created to offer help to those new to prayer, those with a daily prayer routine, and those whose lives seem too busy to pray. With a focus on listening prayer and prayer as a two-way conversation, the experience will assist individuals and groups in building and deepening a personal prayer practice and spiritual discernment. As we learn to listen, we find a new depth and fulfillment in our relationship with God and a new experience of God as guide and companion in our lives. The daily prayer pattern includes an invitation, silence, Bible reading, a story, guided time for reflecting and listening, and practical help for developing six specific prayer practices. Listen will be the focus on Sundays at 10 am beginning April 27. Participants will be invited to enter into an experience for 40 days of daily prayer, with Sunday discussion of each of the six prayer practices. 3

4 LENTEN SUPPER & STUDY Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 pm Reflect on the gift of life God offers to you through Jesus Christ. WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays 10 am Wesley Room Main level All are welcome to join in this ongoing study and reflection. Facilitator: Rev. BJ Norrix Attention Past UMW Mission Pin Recipients! There will be a meeting of all past UMW Mission Pin recipients after the 11:00 Worship Service on Sunday, April 13, We will meet in the Library to choose the 2014 honoree. Please plan to attend this important meeting! Palm Sunday Organ Recital April 13 Kevin Durkin, Christ UMC s Minister of Music, will begin Holy Week with an organ recital on CUMC s Arrison Organ on Palm Sunday, April 13, at 3:00 pm. The program will include works by Josef Rheinberger, J.S. Bach, Daniel Pinkham, Cesar Franck. Samuel Barber, and Louis Vierne. An informal reception will follow the recital. While there is no admission charge, you are invited to participate in underwriting the costs of the recital and reception by becoming a patron. Patrons will be listed in the recital program folder and seating will be reserved for your use. Please reply by April 6. Please use the form below to indicate your patronage. You may send it to: Christ UMC, Organ Recital 350 Saratoga Rd. Amherst, NY We are looking forward to the recital with great anticipation! ORGAN RECITAL PATRONAGE Due April 6 Name (to be listed in program) Optional: In [ ] memory or [ ] honor of Amount: [ ]$ 20 [ ]$40 [ ]$ Please make checks payable to Christ United Methodist Church, designated Organ Recital Patronage on the memo line. 4 Circle News Elizabeth Circle will meet Thursday, April 3 at the home of Donna Hammond, 82 Huntleigh Cir. ( ) when Roger Johnson will lead a Bible Study. The Hostess is Kay Barber ( ). Please contact Donna or Kay if you plan to attend. Rachel Circle meets Tuesday, April 15 at Noon in the Wesley Room. Deborah Circle will meet at Noon, Tuesday, April 22, in the Wesley Room. Memorials Unrestricted monetary gifts to the Memorial Fund have recently been used to replace and upgrade the listening assistance system in the sanctuary. A greater coverage area and more headsets will allow people with hearing loss to enjoy our services. Twelve pew cushions were purchased and are now available at the back of the sanctuary for your seating comfort. Memorial gifts have also recently been used to recover the kneeling pads at the communion rail and the bench seats in the narthex. Back by popular demand The CUMC Men invite all CUMC members and friends LET S GO TO THE BALL GAME Saturday, June 7-6:00 pm - Star Wars Night Buffalo Bisons vs. Syracuse Sky Chiefs Reserved seats in the Club Level Special Reserved Section The group ticket price (20+) for Reserved seats is $10.25 per person. For an additional $6.50 per person you can get a hot dog and a Coke. If you don t have transportation, call the church and a ride will be arranged. Baseball! Luke Skywalker! Darth Vader! Fireworks! Something for everyone! Buffalo Bisons Baseball, June 7, 6:05 pm. Bisons vs Syracuse Sky Chiefs Name Phone Address Cell Number of $10.25/person = $ Optional Hot dog & Coke $ 6.50/person = $ Total amount due and enclosed 9 $ Mail with check payable to Christ UM Men to Church Office by Sunday, May 4

5 Stewardship And Finance The offering envelopes for May December will be available on a table in the parlor starting the 1st Sunday of April. If you currently do not have offering envelopes and would like them, please call the church office and we will get a box for you. We are pleased to announce we were able to send $1,000 in February for Shared Ministries. Please watch your mailboxes in April for correspondence inviting your further participation in Stewardship with Christ Church. Did you know that over 1,000 people who do not worship at Christ Church meet at our facilities WEEKLY? Easter Flowers If you are interested in ordering Easter flowers, there will be a table in the Parlor on March 30, April 6, and April 13 after both services. The cost this year is $8. Questions? Please contact Beth Reilly Brown. Plan Ahead - Coming in May... CHURCH-WIDE VARIETY SHOW sponsored by the UMW of CUMC! Mark your calendars for FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 Sharpen up your talents and bring family and friends for a fun-filled evening! Watch for more details. MAY 2014 CALLER DEADLINE IS MONDAY, APRIL 14 TO CALLER350@YAHOO.COM QUESTIONS? CONTACT KATHY OR KDWEAVER23@VERIZON.NET April Birthdays Caleb Parete... 3 Kathy Weaver... 5 Charles Gilbert... 6 Stephen Mugel... 6 Julianna Sabol... 6 Larry Burdette Don Critoph Julie Jackson Janecek Alexia Malpica Mary Jayne Nehrboss Wendy Johnston Linda Rekate James Luss Joyce Delong Ed Maker Charles Terranova Courtney Hannon Drew Smith Chris Klenk Pamela Gibson Doris Schanzlin Karen Bellimer Benjamin Weaver Mid-Years Ministry DINNER IN THE COUNTRY Sunday, May 4, 2014 The White Inn, Fredonia, NY Choice of Stuffed Chicken Breast, Sliced Sirloin of Beef, Whitefish Polonaise with Rice Dinner Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, Bread, Butter, Coffee, Tea, and Dessert. Please make entrée selection when purchasing your ticket Tickets $18, on sale April 13, 20, & 27 Driving directions and maps will be available with your tickets. Driving distance is 60 miles. Please let the ticket sellers know if you need transportation and it will be arranged. UMW Sugar & Spice Evening NO FOOLIN! Tuesday, April 1st, 7:00 pm in the parlor Come for an evening of April Fool's Day fun and relaxation! All women are welcome! Hostesses: Circle of Joy April Anniversaries Todd & Mary Jo Evans... April 5, 1968 Andrew & Jamie Rapini... April 26,

6 Sun Mon Tue 1 Library Team 9:30a 2 Wed Thu Fri Sat Books We Have Loved 10a Sugar & Spice 7p Lenten Supper & Study 5:30p Elizabeth Circle 7:30p 6 Praise Worship 9a Education Hour 10a Traditional Worship 11a Disciple Bible Study 6p 13 PALM SUNDAY Praise Worship 9a Education Hour 10a Traditional Worship 11a UMW Pin Meeting12n ORGAN CONCERT 3p 7 14 SPR 7p MAY CALLER DEADLINE 8 Stewardship/Finance 7p 15 Rachel Circle 12p Christian Ed. Team 7p Trustees 7:30p 9 Lenten Supper & Study 5:30p Pastor ss Bible Study 11a Holy Thursday Service 7p 11 Ballroom Dance 7p 18 GOOD FRIDAY Good Friday Services Noon & 7p 12 Crafting for a Cause 10am EASTER Worship 9a & 11a Deborah Circle 12p Caller Collation 9:30a 25 MYM Board 12:15p 26 Ballroom Dance 7p Game Night 7:30p 27 Praise Worship 9a Education Hour 10a Traditional Worship 11a Disciple Bible Study 6p 28 Discussion/Action Group 7p