United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak

Transcription

1 United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak 1176 East Main Street Shrub Oak, New York Office: Fax: Parsonage: OUR THIRD CENTURY IN SERVICE OF THE LORD Reverend Iwy Patel-Yatri, Pastor November 2018 Vol. 40, No. 11 Mailed on November 26, Next Deadline 12/15/18 Dear UMCSO family, As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, it is important to prepare our hearts so that there is room for Christ in our celebrations. Too often, our Christmas preparation revolves around the list of gifts, scheduling and attending various gatherings and the festive decorations. The reality is that preparing for Christmas has nothing to do with the presents, parties or outward appearances. It is about preparing our hearts to receive Christ as our King. Advent is a season of preparation, which will begin on December 2 nd. On the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, we will light four candles representing the gifts Christ gives of Peace, Hope, Joy and Love. In this world full of darkness and despair, we need these gifts that will last, not just for Christmas day, but every day of our lives. The good news promised by God has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was born in a manger to save us from our sins. Our need for a Savior is apparent as we look around us. As we read about the shooting in Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life Synagogue, shooting in the Dallas club and endless stories of violence and death, we might yearn for good news to lift our spirits. If you are finding that to be true, hear again the words the angels proclaimed to the weary and frightened shepherds, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). The promise that had been given through the prophets came true in Christ. He came to us on that Holy night and shepherds and kings worshipped the Messiah. Before it came to pass however, hearts had to be prepared. The promise spoken through Isaiah remained in the hearts of those who would receive their King, For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) For those, like Mary, who was favored by

2 God and who trusted in the promises of God, she had the privilege of being the channel through which God kept his promise. Friends, you and I have been given the promise of the Messiah, our Savior who will come once again and reconcile this world to our God. Christ has come and will come again to reign with justice and reconciliation. As we wait for God s timing, let us wait with peace in the midst of the storm, hope in the midst of the struggles, joy in the midst of pain and love in the midst of hate. Let us prepare together to receive our King! Join us as we prepare and proclaim the good news of Christ during our services as listed below: November 30 th NY/CT District Advent Service w/ joint choir: 5:00 pm dinner, 7:00 pm worship December 2 nd Begin lighting of the Advent candles and special Children s Moments December 3 rd Trim a Tree, 3:00-6:00 pm December 23 rd Christmas Pageant during worship, 10:30 am December 24 th Candlelight Christmas Eve worship, 7:00 pm December 30 th - Service of Lessons & Carols, 10:30 am Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas! Joyfully preparing to celebrate the birth of our King,

3 UPCOMING EVENTS by December 12 th. updating our directory. We are Sunday, December 2 nd Angel Tree - Take an angel or two and buy an inexpensive gift for our senior adults and homebound and some 3 & 4 year old children. Return your unwrapped gift on December 9 th or 16 th. Trim A Tree Party Join us on December 2 nd from 3:00 6:00 pm as we create decorations for our Christmas tree. Saturday, December 8 th People Without Partners (PWP) Luncheon and Cookie Swap with gift exchange at 1:00 pm in the GP room. Sunday, December 16 th Christmas Carols At the JV Mall from 12:30 2:00 pm. Sunday, December 23 rd Christmas Pageant during worship. Please bring your family and friends to these special events that are planned especially for you. CHANGES TO UMCSO CHURCH DIRECTORY Please note the following change in the directory: Ken Meiselbach Breymar at Wallkill 21 Riverside Drive. Rm Wallkill, NY If anyone else has a change in their address & contact information, please get in touch with Maxine Haigh or the office PWP (People without Partners) ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON It s that time of year to announce PWP s Annual Christmas Luncheon, Cookie Swap, and Gift Exchange. It will be held on Saturday, December 8 th, 1:00 pm, in the. Please bring a dish to share and 2 3 dozen cookies. Cookies will be shared with each other and also delivered to those who are unable to attend church. And don t forget to bring a container to take your cookies home. Be sure to bring your Christmas spirit for this time of fun and fellowship together. There will be a gift exchange just a little something for $5.00 or less. There is a sign-up sheet in the. Questions? Please see Maxine Haigh or call her at (845) CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT On Sunday, December 23rd during our morning worship, there will be a Children s Christmas Pageant under the direction of Cory Casey. Kindly make a note of the Rehearsal: Saturday, December 22 nd, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. We welcome Adult volunteers for this event. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be on Monday, December 24 th at 7:00 pm. We look forward to sharing Christmas Eve with you, your family and friends ALTAR FLOWER CHART The 2019 altar flower chart is posted in the back of the Sanctuary. The cost is $40.00 for two bouquets. If you wish to share a Sunday, the cost would be $20.00 for each person. Please sign up for flowers to honor an event or in honor or memory of a loved one. Let us know if you have a birth in your family, a child, grandchild, or great grandchild. We will have a flower on the altar honoring the birth. Any questions, please contact Michele Squibb at (845) LEAVING A LEGACY THANK YOU

4 FOR REMEMBERING THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL For more information, please read the Leaving a Legacy brochure located in the pews. UMCSO MEMBER NEWS Ms. Rhoda Kollar, a former member, died in late November in Florida where she resided. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 8 th, at 1:00 pm, at UMC at Shrub Oak. Visitation will be held at 12:00 noon prior to the service. Please keep the Kollar family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. LOOK AHEAD Sunday, January 6, 2019 We will be holding our annual New Year s Breakfast after worship with Chef Jack Flapjack Casey. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS John Uribe 1 Janice Allen 2 Fernando Arias 2 Jamie Latasa 3 Cameron Stokes 3 Larry Watkins 3 Al Will 3 Donald Webb 4 Paul Carpenter 7 Yvonne Chung 8 Christopher Bucher 9 Kathlene Mareno 12 Doug Gaylor 13 Dianne Benincasa 15 Lizabeth-Goodman- O Snodaugh 15 Doreen Matthews 17 Giovanni Cobelli 18 Aria Supino 18 Nicholas Aryee 19 Jordan Philips 19 Gary Speedling 20 Edie Rudy 21 Lisa Latasa 23 Meridith Gutowski 24 Dana Neal-Young 27 Deborah Speedling 27 Jennifer Goodman 28 Dwayne Hoffman 29 Logan Reynolds DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Glenda & William Geis, Jr. 22 Doris & Bruce Shields 27 Asha & Sundeep Thomas 27 Blessings to all our celebrants! A special thanks to all our volunteers who so willingly give of their time and talent. Acolytes Michael Antonucci Chris Closi Laura DeMartino Sophia Stella Annette Reynolds Patti Scozzari Audio Visual Marilyn Bucher Cliff Cullum Dom Schiavi Evan Yatri Chimes Mary Ferreira Coffee Hour Hosts Dianne Benincasa Fernando Arias Friends of the Church Communications Marilyn Bucher Communion Elements Patricia Scozzari Debbie Vesuvio Greeters Dianne Benincasa Glen & Marilyn Bucher Muriel Carpenter Jean Engel Beth Gilleo Don Hoffmann Kathy Schiavi Hospitality Jean Engel Maxine Haigh Grace Reynolds Rachel Ward Ushers Joy Santaroni Kathy Schiavi Patti Scozzari Debbie Vesuvio

5 NOTE FROM OUR LAY LEADER DIANNE BENINCASA Did you ever stop and think, why did the Lord choose a baby lying in a manger that was wrapped in swaddling clothes? Why was this so significant? Who are these shepherds and was there anything unique about them? Now, I ask, what is so significant about the location in which they found Jesus? Allow me to share with you what I found out, as I investigated these questions. It's pretty interesting if I do say so myself. When a flock was about to give birth, the shepherd brought the sheep into one of these caves. These caves were kept in a state of purity since the lambs were destined to be sacrificed in the temple and the male lambs were used for the Passover meal. Think about it. Jesus, Himself, would be the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. Now, the shepherds knew that all baby lambs are very clumsy, so they would swaddle the newborn lambs in order to prevent injuries since they will be the future sacrificial lambs and had to be "perfect." Another fact that I found interesting which is a part of swaddling is called "salting." When Jesus was born, Joseph would have washed Him in salt water to kill any bacteria. I discovered, that there is a lot of symbolism in this "salting" process which I found interesting. Salt was symbolic of friendship and loyalty. It was a sign of covenant as in the phrase "a covenant of salt" which is used in 2 Chronicles 13:5 and Numbers 18:19. Salt was also an important part of every sacrifice offered in the temple. I found this verse in Leviticus 2:13: "You are to season with salt every sacrifice of your grain offering. You are never to allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking..." Now think about this. Not only was the Messiah born in the same location as the temple offering, but He was also washed in salt as part of the swaddling process, which points to his future sacrifice as the Passover Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world and inaugurate the new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31) In the book, The Rock, The Road, and The Rabbi, the author shares his point of view that "Jesus' swaddling clothes could have been made from the torn priestly garments that would have been used to make the wicks of the Menorah. He suggests that Mary got these clothes from her cousin Elizabeth, who was married to the priest Zechariah." I could accept that. Now to me and hopefully to you, it makes more sense as to why a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager would be such a significant sign to the shepherds. It pointed to Jesus being both the Lamb of God and the Light of our world. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS MY CHURCH FAMILY.

6 FALL BREAKFAST MIDNIGHT RUN By Linda Hoernes The Breakfast Run on Saturday, November 3 rd, to New York s Chelsea Park was a wonderful success. We served 100 breakfast sandwiches (bacon, eggs, cheese) to the homeless in the city. Adults and youth from our church prepared the sandwiches by cooking them in church early that morning and then transporting them to New York City. Due to rain, we did not make the usual pancakes and made instead hearty breakfast sandwiches. The homeless really appreciated this because they were warm and freshly prepared. It was a job to observe them munching on their sandwiches. Additionally, we distributed 100 bags to the homeless. Each bag contained socks, hats, long sleeved T-shirts and other items needed by the homeless, especially during the cold months ahead to keep them warm. We thank all the donors and participants for making this event such a success. Stay tuned for our spring event. Thank you for sharing and caring! WRAP UP OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD By Linda Hoernes Thank you for all the help to make Operation Christmas Child a wonderful mission event. Thank you for all who wrapped the shoeboxes, contributed items, helped set up, filled the boxes, cleaned up, packed the shipping boxes and delivered the boxes. On Sunday November 18 th, some 142 boxes were dedicated and they started their journey. We will continue to pray for the children who will receive these boxes. Once I hear, I will let you know where our boxes end up.

7 Second Mission Possible Event Spring 2019 Due to the incredible success of our first Mission Possible event launched in October 2018, we are launching a second initiative in the spring. The date has been set for Saturday, May 4, 2019, with a rain date of Saturday, May 11, If you know someone who needs work done at their home due to their inability to do it themselves, please encourage them to complete an application form available on our website: umcso.com/ministries-mission/youthmission-possible or us at MissionPossible.UMCSO@gmail.com. If you wish to volunteer your time or to support a volunteer, kindly complete the appropriate application form WRAP UP THANKSGIVING BASKETS By Linda Hoernes Thank you to everyone who generously donated their time and items to pack baskets for the families of children in the Yorktown Head Start program. It is only through your continued assistance and kindness that we were able to once again reach our goal of making 15 Thanksgiving baskets for those families who needed it during the Thanksgiving holiday.

8 SUNDAY SCHOOL CORNER So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. ~ Galatians 3:26 Advent is here. For Christians, this season is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for our celebration of Christ s birth. Here in our church, we are planning many activities to help our children and youth grow in their understanding of our faith during this important season. Our preparations started early with two successful events that allowed us to share the love of Christ. On Saturday, November 3 rd, several of our young people (and some who are simply young at heart) turned up on a dark, rainy morning in order to provide breakfast for hungry people in New York City. Our Breakfast Run was a success, despite the weather. Then on November 17 th, we gathered to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and share Christmas gifts with children across the world. This coming month will be packed with other events that celebrate the season. As Advent begins, Rachel Pinto and Lisa Grace will lead the Children s Moments, lighting the Advent wreath and adding figures to our manger with the children. On the first Sunday of Advent, December 2 nd, we will be holding our annual Trim-A-Tree event from 3:00-6:00 pm. We are looking for crafty volunteers to run tables. At each table, the children will create a different type of ornament. So if you have an idea for an ornament craft, we would love your help! After the children make the ornaments, we will enjoy a dinner of pizza, salads, and desserts, followed by a Christmas sing-along and the decoration of the tree. Please mark your calendars and sign up for this wonderful event. On Sunday, December 23 rd, during worship, our children will once again present a Christmas pageant under the direction of Cory Casey. Those interested in taking part in the pageant should see Cory or speak to their Sunday School teachers. There are a variety of speaking and non-speaking roles available. Pageant rehearsal will be held on Saturday, December 22 nd, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Adult volunteers to help would be welcome. Finally, mark your calendars for some important events to come in the New Year! On Sunday, January 6 th, we will be holding our annual New Year s Breakfast after worship. Chef Jack Flapjack Casey will provide pancakes, and there will be a sign-up sheet posted for other items. On the same day, our confirmands will be cooking dinner for residents of the Jan Peek House in Peekskill. Enjoy this blessed season with your family and with our extended family of brothers and sisters in Christ. May each one of us feel the love of Christ as we celebrate the miracle of his birth. Yours in Christ, The Sunday School Teachers

9 1176 EAST MAIN STREET SHRUB OAK, NEW YORK OFFICE: FAX: INTO OUR THIRD CENTURY, SERVING IN CHRIST S NAME, IN WESTCHESTER AND THE WORLD Rev. Iwy Patel-Yatri, Pastor Iwy.patel-yatri@nyac-umc.com November 19, 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The Finance Committee s proposed budget for 2019 can be found in this issue of THE CHIMES. The Staff-Parish Relations committee proposed and the Ad Council approved roughly 2% increase in salaries, but the total of the Salaries category is lower than This is because the 2018 proposal to increase the Administrative Assistant s usual hours from 2 mornings per week to 4 did not occur; however, in the latter half of the year the usual hours per week have gone to 3 mornings. Despite the 2019 Salaries portion being lower, the budget total has increased by more than $5000 over the 2018 total, mainly due to increases in New York Annual Conference apportioned obligations (first section) and for NYAC missions and education (bottom section). We have also increased the fuel oil and snow removal lines. You can also find a copy of a pledge card in this issue of THE CHIMES, which you may print and/or clip for filling in your commitment for the ministry of UMCSO in Pledge cards will be in the pew racks and in the back of the sanctuary. We hope you will be able to bring your pledge card for Commitment and Consecration Sunday on December 9 th. Of course, you may mail it to the church office, attention: Financial Secretary. As you prayerfully consider your pledge, also please consider this admonition from Malachi 3:10: Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord; and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. Thank you for your partnership in the ministries of Christ s Church. May God bless us all as we give witness to the power of the Gospel message. Sincerely in Christ s Name, Marshall Moseley, Chair, Finance Committee

10 2019 BUDGET Budget 2018 Proposed Budget 2019 CONFERENCE OBLIGATIONS Conference Administration 7,673 7,912 Conference Retired Clergy Support 8,966 10,415 Clergy Retirement Security Plan 10,177 10,473 Comprehensive Protection Plan 2,587 2,663 Group Medical, (Pastor) 17,694 18,648 47,097 50,111 SALARIES Pastor 69,000 71,000 Pastoral reimbursement for expenses 5,550 5,550 Admin. Asst./Secretary (actual hours worked) 20,000 12,720 Organist 12,000 12,240 Custodial Services (actual hours worked) 15,500 15,720 Crib/Toddler Care 1,300 1,300 Employee Insurance (FICA, Worker s Comp) 3,600 3,800 Pulpit Substitutes 1,500 1,500 Substitute Musicians 2,000 2,000 Safe Church Envir. Ad. 1,000 1, , ,830 PROPERTY Fuel 14,000 16,000 Electricity 8,500 8,500 Water 1,100 1,100 Refuse Removal 1,560 1,600 Cable TV/Parsonage Snow Removal (75% of Church & Cemetery Total) 5,000 6,000 (Unspent balance put in reserve) Grounds Maintenance (1/2 of Lawn & Tree Care) 4,000 4,000 Custodial Supplies 1,100 1,300 Organ & Piano Service 1,300 1,400 Maintenance 6,000 6,000 Capital Improvement (Unspent bal. put in reserve) 6,500 6,500 Parsonage Reserve 1,000 1,200 Property Insurance 12,000 11,500 Sewer Tax 1,300 1,350 64,060 67,300 ADMINISTRATION Office Operation ,000 Financial Operation Telephone & Internet 2,600 2,600 6,200 7,300 NURTURE Youth 1,500 1,500 Music Worship 1,200 1,200 Education 3,500 3,500 Membership 1,200 1,000 Other Nurture: SPR, Ad Council, Men s Group, etc. 1,500 1,500 9,400 9,200 WITNESS Communications 2,000 2,000 Evangelism ,500 2,500 OUTREACH NY Conference Outreach (Missions) 10,168 12,510 Emergency Assistance 1,500 2,000 Missions 15,000 15,000 26,668 29,510 BUDGET TOTAL 287, ,751

11 COMMITMENT SUNDAY A letter is within regarding the proposed church budget for To assist in the financial planning for our church, please fill out the pledge form below and mail to the church in care of the Financial Secretary or bring to church on Commitment Sunday, December 9 th ENVELOPES Envelopes for 2019 are given out in December. If you wish to receive envelopes, please speak to Cliff Cullum, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PLEDGE TO USE ENVELOPES. Please, do not use envelopes from previous years. Envelope use helps the contributor to be regular and systematic in giving. Suggestions from your Financial Secretary 1. Please write the amount of money enclosed on the outside of your envelope and write explanatory notes clearly. 2. Please write only one check (or include cash) to cover Sundays missed and put it in one envelope only. Do not hand in a bundle of empty envelopes. 3. Unless there is change in the envelope, please do not scotch tape or staple checks or envelopes. 4. Only use the envelopes assigned for the current year. 5. On special offering envelopes, i.e. checks/monies for flowers, etc., please write your assigned envelope number on these special offering envelopes. 6. Please send monies in care of the Financial Secretary and not the Treasurer. Thank you for your help. Cliff Cullum (Please cut below)

12 LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE READINGS (for the month of December 2018) Sunday, December 2 nd Sunday, December 9 th (1 st Sunday of Advent) (2 nd Sunday of Advent) Jeremiah 33: Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 25:1-10 Luke 1: Thessalonians 3:0-13 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 21:25-36 Luke 3:1-6 Sunday, December 16 th Sunday, December 23 rd (3 rd Sunday of Advent) (4 th Sunday of Advent) Zephaniah 3:14-20 Micah 5:2-5a Isaiah 12:2-6 Luke 1:47-55 Philippians 4:4-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 3:7-18 Luke 1:39-45 Sunday, December 30 th (1 st Sunday after Christmas) 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2: Christmas is coming and as we prepare ourselves spiritually we also start planning on decorating our sanctuary for the holidays. Following our usual custom, we would like to decorate our chancel with plants on December 23 rd and for Christmas Eve. You may give these plants as gifts, memorials, or in honor of a living person. PLANTS MAY BE TAKEN HOME AFTER THE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE. If you are interested in providing poinsettia plants, please fill out this form and return to Grace Reynolds, Joan Prentice or the church office. Please place your order by Sunday, December 16 th. If you have any questions, please call Grace Reynolds at (914) or Joan Prentice at (914) Plants are $10.00 each. Please have your payment accompany your order. Checks should be made payable to UMCSO. In the memo section of your check (bottom left) please indicate Flowers. Thank you. We will provide RED POINSETTIA PLANT(S) (Number of Plants) Name of Donor: Telephone No. (Please print clearly) Person(s) to be memorialized (now deceased): (Please print clearly) Person(s) to be honored: (Please print clearly)

13 DECEMBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat EVERY SUNDAY IS FOOD SUNDAY 1 Men s Group 8:00-9:00 am Small Group Leaders 9:30 am 2 1 st Sunday Of Advent (Purple) Communion Sunday 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Group Upper Room 3-6:00 pm Trim-A-Tree Party 3 Women s Small Group 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting 7:30 pm 4 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 5 Small Group 1 10:30-11:30 am 6 Prayer Group 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 7 Small Group 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 8 People Without Partners Luncheon 1:00 pm 9 2 nd Sunday Of Advent (Purple) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Group Upper Room 10 Women s Small Group 6:30 pm 11 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 12 Small Group 1 10:30-11:30 am 13 Prayer Group 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 14 Small Group 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 15 Men s Group 8:00-9:00 am Small Group Leaders 9:30 am Chimes Deadline 16 3 rd Sunday Of Advent (Purple) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Group Upper Room 1:00 pm Carol Singing JV Mall 23 4 th Sunday Of Advent (Purple) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship, Pageant during Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Group Upper Room 30 1 st Sunday After Christmas (Gold) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship, Lessons & Carols 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Group Upper Room 17 Women s Small Group 6:30 pm Vision Table 7:30 pm 24 Christmas Eve! Candle Light Service 7:00 pm 31 New Year s Eve Women s Small Group 6:30 pm 18 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 25 Merry Christmas to All!!!! 19 Small Group 1 10:30-11:30 am 26 Small Group 1 10:30-11:30 am 20 Prayer Group 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 27 Prayer Group 11:00-11:30 am Chapel Small Group 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am Small Group 2 10:00 am, Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 22 Christmas Pageant Practice 10-1:00 pm (Sanctuary, GP, Ed Building) (Pizza for lunch) 29