Reverend E. Susan Wenner

Transcription

1 First United Methodist Church of Windsor, NY January 2019 Volume 32 Issue 1 LAMPLIGHTER PASTOR S PEN Dear Friends and Families of Windsor UMC, Reverend E. Susan Wenner Happy New Year! I m sitting here pondering if any of you are into New Year s resolutions. I have to admit that I bypass that social experiment. My reasoning is that every month, week, day I promise myself I ll eat healthier, spend less, care for others more (or at least care for them as much as I care for myself I believe Jesus encourages us to love others as much as ourselves - see Mark 12: 30-32). I fall so badly from my intentions.... ugh. Fortunately for me, and for you, God is on our side when it comes to giving us life and life more abundant and is AMAZINGLY more faithful than I can ever be. Revelation 21:5 John states, He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. If you think about it, the New Year is the beginning of a whole year of new opportunities, new experiences, new happenings some within our control and some outside our control. This means that this year is totally different from last year, Maybe that very thought should give us hope about some things. If we go back to Revelation 21 we are encouraged with the words: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, [a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! God s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death [b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. 5 He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. When I read that the words pop out that... God will dwell with them... and... these words are trustworthy and true. I find my hope in the fact that God is with us in all that we will encounter as we travel through this new year of Nothing during this year of 2019 will God forsake us. Nor will God s presence leave us as we journey our lives in faith as God s people. We have the promise from God that WE will be God s people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. We journey forward into this new year of 2019 in the promises of God which are... trustworthy and true. My prayer for you is that in this new year you put your whole trust in God, rather than in your ability to keep resolutions. Trust God, and rest in God s ability to see you through each day of Blessings and Peace, Pastor Sue The First United Methodist Church of Windsor is a family of Christian Faith and love whose mission is to learn, live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2 2 LAMPLIGHTER LAEL S MUSIC NOTES Always keep singing May the peace of Christmas remain with you through the year. Psalm 147:7 Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the lyre. Psalm 150 Handbells Saturday 9:30 am Choir Thursday 7:00 pm Sunday 10:15 am Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Fun Fact: John Wesley wrote one of the all-time bestselling medical texts. Wesley was deeply convicted that God is concerned about our earthly life as well as our heavenly one. To that end, he wrote a medical text for the everyday person titled Primitive Physick. Check out Global Ministries summary or read the full version. The book detailed the current knowledge about home remedies and went through 32 editions, making it one of the most widely read books in England. Please remember to turn the heat back to 55 when you leave a meeting or classroom.

3 JANUARY WORSHIP 3 LAMPLIGHTER Greeters Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27 Feb 3 A MONTH OF SUNDAYS 2019 Lay Readers Coffee Hour Hosts Jan 6 Jan 6 Sunday School Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27 Jan 13 Trustees Jan 20 UM Women Jan 27 Worship Feb 3 Feb 3 SPPR Try coffee hour co-hosting! SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 11:00 AM January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 PASTOR SUE S MESSAGE JESUS Epiphany Sunday with Holy Communion Jesus: The Light of the World Isaiah 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Baptism of the Lord Jesus: God s Beloved; Baptized with the Holy Spirit Isaiah 43:1-7 Luke 3:15-17: Ssecond Sunday after the Epiphany with Healing Service Jesus: The Messiah; The Christ Isaiah 62:1-5 John 2:1-11 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Jesus: Healing the World; Connecting Us All 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Luke 4: Fun Fact: John Wesley coined the term agree to disagree. Over the years, Wesley had serious theological differences with another popular pastor named George Whitefield. Though they both argued passionately, Wesley reflected on these differences in a memorial sermon for Whitefield by saying: There are many doctrines of a less essential nature.... In these, we may think and let think; we may 'agree to disagree.' But, meantime, let us hold fast the essentials. This appears to be the first recorded use of the term. It was a hallmark of Wesley s way of holding to his convictions while remaining in connection with those with whom he disagreed. Excerpt from 10 Fascinating Facts about John Wesley and United Methodism He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

4 4 LAMPLIGHTER JANUARY and FEBRUARY EVENTS Secret Sisters Luncheon after worship Sunday January 6 We will reveal who our 2018 sisters have been. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table setting. Please also bring a final gift for your sister and a thank you gift for the one who has gifted you throughout the year. Being a secret sister is easy! We draw a name and then all you have to do is offer small gifts, send cards and pray for your sister throughout the year. Carol Carpenetti will answer your questions or SOUP AND SALAD 5 pm Thursday January 10 Please join us in Fellowship Hall as we share a meal at our winter months Soup and Salad supper. Bring a friend along and enjoy a night of food and fellowship. If you prepare a favorite soup or salad we would be happy to serve it! Extra hands are always welcome for cleanup too. Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 DESSERT THEATER January 31, February 1,2,3 YOU RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN Two casts! Four performances! Six Peanuts characters! More than eight dessert choices! All for just $20! Contact Shannon Price for tickets: BLOOD DRIVE 9:00-1:00 Saturday February 9 Annual blood drive in memory of Lauren Ashley Bagg-Campbell. Please donate! Make an appointment or just walk in. SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING 2:00-5:00 pm Sunday February 24 Adults who have regular and direct contact with children, youth and vulnerable adults will be Safe Sanctuaries trained. For example Sunday School teachers. Contact Pastor Sue for more information. LIFE LINE SCREENINGS 9:00am - 4:00pm Thursday February 28 Screenings will once again be offered on Thursday, February 28, from 9 to 4 in our church. To schedule an appointment: use the sign up sheet, call toll free or visit

5 5 LAMPLIGHTER YOU RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is this year s theater production. Presented by the Windsor United Methodist Players, this beloved Charles Schulz comic is brought to life through Clark Gesner s music and lyrics and will be performed January 31, February 1, 2, 3 in our Fellowship Hall. The only thing better than one cast for the show is TWO! That s right, there is a kids cast and an adult cast under the direction of Loa Bagg Noyd with the musical direction of Lael Bagg. This charming musical is made up of moments in the life of Charlie Brown; played by Nora Drexler and Chris Mogenson. The whole Peanut s gang is present. Lucy, played by Ali Forbidussi and Kate Daum, predictably tries to bulldoze her way into the life of her chosen boyfriend, piano prodigy Schroeder s life, enacted by Jamison MacNamee and Dave Bagg. Lucy s little brother Linus played by Hannah Wright and Paul Noyd is the same thoughtful boy who is rather fanatical about his blanket. Peppermint Patty is her same sweet self, acted by Natty Stack and Elaine Barrett. And then there is Snoopy, performed by Sophia Bagg and Terri Wiker who spends most of his dog s life dreaming of being something else, like a gorilla or jungle cat or World War 1 flying ace. His song SUPPERTIME is the best fun for the audience. You won t want to miss a single moment of this wonderful musical, especially since it is a refreshing break from winter. The kids cast will perform Thursday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. The adult cast takes the stage Saturday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for this year s Dessert Theater are $20 each and can be purchased by contacting Shannon Price Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 3 John 11 Fun Fact: For Christians around the world, the official end to the Christmas holiday occurs on Jan. 6. Known as Epiphany, or the 12th Day of Christmas, it commemorates how a star led the Magi, or the three kings or wise men, to the baby Jesus. Countries celebrate on the evening before and on the actual day with parades of decorative floats and people in costume as the kings bearing gifts. The festivities often feature light and music shows, and clowns and jugglers who throw candy to the crowds. In Mexico, the holiday gets a sweet ending with Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread baked in a ring to resemble a crown, with a baby figurine hidden inside to represent the holy family s need to hide from King Herod. Excerpt from THE NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 6, 2018

6 6 LAMPLIGHTER Numbers 6: The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Fun Fact: Wesley never said this famous quote attributed to him. It has been on the back of more than one United Methodist youth camp T-shirt: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, as long as ever you can. Though the quote is often attributed to John Wesley and is consistent with his perspective on life, many historians have confirmed there is no record of Wesley ever saying that. Excerpt from 10 Fascinating Facts about John Wesley and United Methodism A WALKING MIRACLE Submitted by Sally (Baker) Vazquez, December 20, 2018 I wanted to share with you all a miracle I personally witnessed. As a former member of Windsor UMC, I have known Pastor Jose Valencia from the time my children were very young. As a matter of fact, he baptized all three of my children. He was moved several times after that, to Scranton, High Street UMC in Binghamton, but after that I lost track of him. Until my family moved to Endicott. I began my church shopping and found him at Endwell UMC. Yeah! He ministered at Endwell for 17 years before he retired, but then became our Pastor Emeritus. In late June 2018, Pastor Jose suffered a stroke. On the first Sunday in July, I took the communion elements to serve him in the hospital. What I found there totally broke my heart. He was sitting next to his bed with his lunch in front of him, but not wanting to eat. He did take my hand, and I think he recognized me. I tried to carry on a conversation with him, but it was very difficult, first because of his hearing impairment and his confusion. The conversation went essentially like this: Oh God ; Oh God, get me ready ; Is it Sunday? He showed me the obituary notice for his wife, Nan. I told him she was beautiful and he responded, Yes she was, I miss her. I stayed with him for about an hour, and left in tears. His roommate stopped me on the way out and told me that my conversation was the most coherent he had heard for the last few days. Then he asked if he was a Pastor, and I told him yes, he had been my Pastor off and on for the last 49 years. He said, I thought he was because, he knows its Sunday and I heard him this morning talking and it sounded like he was giving a sermon. Fast forward one month, in August. Again I took the communion elements to him, now at Brookdale Vestal East. I walked into the lobby and asked the receptionist where I could find Pastor Jose Valencia. She pointed to a man sitting in the lobby reading the newspaper. As I walked toward him, he stood and greeted me with a big hug. The conversation was warm and wonderful. We reminisced over the years and up to date. After a long wonderful visit, he escorted me to my car, helped me get into the driver s seat, and then went for an afternoon stroll through the grounds. Another month, in September, I returned with communion elements to serve him. He gave me a brief tour of the facilities, where his room was and to an atrium to sit and visit. Again, he escorted me to the car (always a gentleman) and went for a stroll. He had expressed a desire to come to church services to worship with us. Our pastor asked for someone to pick him up and return him, and this request was quickly answered. Pastor Valencia has been attending services with us since. I praise the Lord every time I see him, especially when I see him walking down the aisle to receive communion. I wanted to share this with my sisters and brothers in Windsor, as some have asked me how he was doing. Praise God, he is doing very well. If you wish to send a card: Rev. Jose Valencia, c/o Brookdale Vestal E, 505 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY (Pastor Jose served our church in the early 1970 s)

7 7 LAMPLIGHTER SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTION NEWS THE NIGHT OF THE FATHER S LOVE 2018 SUNDAY SCHOOL PLAY Thank you everyone who helped in so many ways with our play! The stable animals were a furry flock! Our shepherds out in the fields were pensive but excited to meet Jesus, and the angels surrounded Mary and Joseph and the newborn child with their glory, as the Star of Bethlehem shone brightly over all! The three wise men and camels are still on their long journey to find the newborn King! Join us on January 6th at 9:30am as Sunday School resumes and we learn what happens when they finally reach their destination and meet this young King of Kings! We will begin a new curriculum in the new year and invite everyone to attend Sunday School! To All Windsor First United Methodist Church Members and friends, According to the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church and to assure that all our members are accounted for, we will begin updating our membership list in Our intent is not to remove anyone from the membership roles who wishes to be affiliated with First United Methodist Church of Windsor and/or remain a member of our church, but to primarily update the records to assure that everyone who was received into membership by baptism, profession of faith, transfer or other, is accounted for and remains an active member. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 Please let the church office know if you have any updates to your church membership. Also feel free to call Pastor Sue or the office with any questions or concerns relating to this update. Thank you and God Bless you all in the New Year!

8 8 LAMPLIGHTER To ALL who assisted in Hanging of the Greens and decorating our church inside and out for the Christmas season from climbing the ladder to the tallest top of the Crismon tree (Joe Henley); for setting up the nativity scene and lights out front; for assembling the wreaths on the walls and doors and for decorating the narthex and Sunday School trees. And also for Lael for leading us in the beloved Christmas carols. To ALL who purchased the beautiful poinsettias that decorated the altar in memory and honor of their loved ones. To the Choir and Alleluia Handbells (led by Lael Bagg and accompanied by Joan Bobier on flute, Ron Washburn on drums and Bob Roessing on bass), for their beautiful Christmas music all season and on Christmas Eve. Please visit our Facebook page for more pictures and posts. So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you re already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 To those who seamlessly keep our church running by volunteering, your time and talents in the background. To all who assist with God s Bread distribution. To those who graciously donate to dinners, coffee hours and luncheons. To all who lovingly create prayer shawls and quilts. To all of those who regularly contribute monetarily. To all committee members, past and present. To all those who attend services with zest and zeal.

9 9 LAMPLIGHTER Church Council Minutes December 2018 Present: Pastor Sue Wenner, Sharon Bagg Battisti, Bob Bennett, Sue Bennett, Carol Carpenetti, Jeannie Ditch, Lisa Henley, Joan Royer, Keith Royer, MaryAnn Waldron Meeting opened at 6:35 pm led by Mary Ann Waldron. Gail Bagg read a reflection from Hallmark s Mistletoe Inn. Minutes of November 14 Council meeting were read and approved. Dessert Theatre Jeannie Ditch You re A Good Man Charlie Brown will be presented with four performances and two casts. January 31 and Feb. 1, for youth cast, and February 2, 3 with adult cast. Dress rehearsals on Tues. and Saturday. Changed seats to 112 this year. Education/Youth/Young Adults Joan Royer The performance of the Sunday School play, Night of the Father s Love, went very well. No Sunday School 12/23 or 12/30. Worship Bob Bennett Christmas Eve services at 5:00 pm and 11:00pm with communion and candlelight at each. Will circle the sanctuary for candlelight. Missions Carol Carpenetti No report Sky Lake Winter Family Retreats are coming up in January and February UMW Jeannie Ditch Soup and Salad on Thursday, December 13th. May plan an evening meeting in January with a program UMM Bob Bennett No report. Evangelism/Welcoming No report Sue mentioned that the visitor bags are in Pastor Sue s cupboard. Windsor Churches United Carol Carpenetti Women's Christmas Party on December 5 at Our Lady of Lourdes was well received. Trustees Keith Royer Renewed CD for 2 more years. Added 3 additional handicapped parking spots out back. Sue will put notice in bulletin announcements. Pastor Sue inquired if we have a picture inventory of church equipment, i.e. handbells, etc. Will ask Trustees. Coffee Hour Sue Bennett No report Conference Lay Leader No report Lay Leadership Committee Pastor Sue Gail Bagg agreed to be on Audit Team. Parsonage Committee switches were replaced. Pastor Sue will check with John McNulty regarding ice melt for parsonage. Staff/Pastor Parish Committee Gail Bagg Will not meet in December, but committee is going out to dinner. Next meeting will be Sunday, January 20 following worship. Gail presented some items for discussion. See Actionable items/other below. Finance Team/Stewardship/General Fund Sharon Bagg Battisti - no November reports available. Gail Bagg is the SPPR rep for the Finance Team at this time. A date will be chosen for the audit. Stewardship Pledges are being received. Re the 2019 Budget Increase from $300 to $500 for substitute pastor and organist. Motion made and unanimously approved. General Fund Lisa Henley reports bills are paid. General Fund balance is $3,877. End-of-year giving statements will be prepared and mailed. Actionable Items/Other: First Knight hats, animal kingdom, soup & sandwiches, face painting The following are discussion items either from members to S/PPR and/or from the Binghamton District Newsletter: Broome County Health Department will be using our building for drug awareness programs in It was approved by Council and the Trustees and any monies received for building use will be designated to UMCOR. John McNulty will open the church and Bob Bennett agreed to represent the church and lock up. A Way Forward Feb , 2019 Special Conference will convene and make decisions. There is no discussion from churches as to how they will vote. You can see who the delegates are on the Upper NY Conference website, which is listed on the last page of our Lamplighter. The list is also posted on the church bulletin board. Council agreed that we will participate in a Day of Prayer, Friday, February 22, 2019, and hold these delegates in our prayers. We will decide on a time that the church will be open and possible have printed prayers or readings that can be used while people are in the sanctuary. Suggested times: 6am-8:30pm. Directory-Picture taking went well. Gail and Sue Bennett are working on updates of names/addresses of members and supporters of our church family that will appear in the new directory. A three-year process will begin to determine if any of our members who have not attended in several years have moved, passed away, transferred to other churches or wish to remain on the roles of WUMC. Letter is below explaining the mailing that will go out in early There will be a meeting of the counting team to assure they are all entering consistently and correctly to get all donations credited. Nursery volunteers we could use more adults for rotation. Sue will post a sign-up. We will be updating the Safe Sanctuary policy and Safe Sanctuary committee will meet in January Also a new 2019 Sexual Harassment policy is required for our staff according to the Upper NY Conference requirements. Pastor Sue will meet with each staff person. Suggestion made to have a form for older congregation members to complete and keep on file in the office of a contact person if they experience health issues while attending church. Imagine No Racism Pastor Sue attended the discussion group this Fall and will plan to offer a workshop starting in March. Pastor s Vacation February 2 17, 2019, which includes 3 Sundays. While she is away, Barb Green will be available for our Sunday services and for Pastoral needs. Barb also has backup if for some reason she needs coverage. Gail Bagg will share with the congregation any changes so that everyone will have a phone number to call if needed. A message can be left with Sue or Lisa in the office as well. Active Shooter trainings have been happening throughout the conference. If any member would like to be on a call list to attend in the future, and to share with Church Council, please contact the Church office. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm with prayer. Next meeting is January 9, 6:30 pm. Sue Bennett, Secretary

10 Rev. E. Susan Wenner, Pastor First United Methodist Church PO Box 36 Windsor NY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 2 Windsor NY Our Friends at: Everyone Welcome! Parking behind church Sunday: Sunday School for all ages 9:30am Sept - June First United Methodist Church of Windsor 56 Chapel Street Windsor, NY Pastor: cell Pastor s revsuewenner@aol.com Tuesday: Sanctuary Choir practice 10:15am Worship Service: 11:00am 1st communion, 3rd healing Coffee Hour follows worship God s Bread food distribution 8:15am Office: Office wumc1@tds.net Secretary's hours: Tues. Thurs. Fri 9:00am - 2:30pm Bible Study 10:00am Wednesday: Council second of the month 6:30pm Thursday: Soup and Salad Dinner 5:00 pm second of month Sept - Apr Website: umcwindsorny.org Facebook: umcwindsorny/ Friday: Saturday: Trustee mtg. second of month 6:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Pie Night often last of month 6:00pm Oct to April Hand bell ensemble practice 9:00am