Arnold Mills United Methodist Church. February, 2016 Web Page: Phone:

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1 Good Tidings Arnold Mills United Methodist Church February, 2016 Web Page: Phone: Two great movie events coming this month! Missions: Imagine no Malaria Join us for the showing of: Mary and Martha Saturday, February 6th 7:00 p.m. in Cargill Hall For high school age and older. Plot: The film tells the story of two very different women, Mary (Hilary Swank) and Martha (Brenda Blethyn), who both lose their sons to malaria. Mary is an overly protective American mother who turns out not to be protective enough. After her young son and only child, George (Lux Haney -Jardine), is bullied by classmates, she decides to pull him out of school and take him on an extended trip to Africa because she feels she can give him a better education. While there, he is bitten by a mosquito, contracts malaria, and dies. In the midst of grieving, Mary decides to return to Africa after George's funeral where she meets Martha, a British woman whose grown son, Ben (Sam Claflin), has also just died of the same disease while working at an orphanage in Mozambique. He too was an only child. The two women turn their grief into action, hoping to thwart the disease, which the World Health Organization estimates killed 660,000 people in 2010, most of them African children. The movie builds to a scene in which the women testify before a Congressional subcommittee. In the process, Mary and Martha come to realize that the losses experienced by two comfortable white Western households are atypical, and that the real impact of malaria is on parts of the world that few people in their circles know or care about. (Wikipedia) Rev. Lynn McCracken A Spiritual journey during Lent "The Way" Movie and Potluck on Sunday, February 28 at 12noon THE WAY is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends and the challenges we face while navigating this everchanging and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an irascible American doctor who comes to France to deal with the tragic loss of his son (played by Emilio Estevez). Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage "The Way of St. James" to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact this trip will have on him. Through unexpected and oftentimes amusing experiences along "The Way," Tom discovers the difference between "the life we live and the life we choose. Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey. On "The Way," Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, each with their own issues and looking for greater meaning in their lives: a Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen), a Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger) and an Irish writer (James Nesbitt), who is suffering from a bout of writer's block. From the unexpected and, oftentimes, amusing experiences along "The Way," this unlikely quartet of misfits creates an everlasting bond and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again. Through Tom's unresolved relationship with his son, he discovers the difference between "the life we live and the life we choose." THE WAY, written and directed by Emilio Estevez, was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago.

2 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, February 10 marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. This Lent we will explore what it means to be in the Dark Wood moments of our lives. We are not going to talk about just how to get out of it, as if life is good only when we are not there. We are going to explore what it might mean for our lives to recognize the gifts of the Dark Wood. What if times of uncertainty, failure or emptiness are opportunities for spiritual awakening? The topics we will explore during the season of Lent are based on the book The Gifts of the Dark Wood by Eric Elnes. They are: The Gift of Uncertainty; The Gift of Emptiness; The Gift of Being Thunderstruck; The Gift of Getting Lost; The Gift of Temptation; The Gift of Disappearing; and, The Gift of Misfits. The back cover of the book states: Though commonly understood as a place to be feared and avoided, the Dark Wood is the surest place to meet God. It is a place where you may feel uncertain, empty, lost, tempted, and alone. Yet these feelings --- these gifts of the Dark Wood --- can be your greatest assets on your journey because they invite you to probe, question, and discover. According to the ancients, you don t need to be a saint or spiritual master to experience profound awakening. You don t even have to be above average. All you really need to be is struggling. Invite your family and friends to enter the Lenten journey with you. While you wait I offer the blessings Eric Elnes shares with his congregation every Sunday. May the Spirit of the Living God Made known to us most fully within life s Dark Wood; Go before you to show you the way; Go above you to watch over you; Go behind you to push you into places you may not Necessarily go yourself; Go beneath you to uphold and uplift you; Go beside you to be your strong and constant companion; And dwell within you to remind you that you are surely not Alone, And that you are loved --- loved beyond your wildest Imagination. And may the fire of God s blessing burn brightly Upon you, and within you, Now and always. Amen. (page 181) Grace and Peace, Pastor Lynn Would you like to see your message on our church s quip sign? We are always looking for fresh ideas for this unique messaging opportunity that walkers, runners and drivers on Nate Whipple Highway will see day or night! Your message must fit on our five-line message board. Each line holds up to 13 letters. Give it a try, send your suggestion to Cindy Mauch at camauch@gmail.com. Pg. 2

3 New Members Orientation Our next new members orientation will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 21 st in the vestry, the room across the hall from my office. Please feel free to bring a refreshment from Cargill Hall. I look forward to seeing you there! Pastor Lynn Boy Scout Sunday - Feb. 7, 2016 We are pleased to sponsor the Troop 1 Arnold Mills Boy Scout Troop. They will be participating in the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Boy Scout Sunday. We invite all who are involved in scouting to wear their Uniforms that day. Happy Birthday! Rev. Tom Conboy, February 10! Sincere condolences to: The family and friends of The Rev. C. V. Thomas who returned home to the Lord January 13. The family and friends of Randy N., who returned home to the Lord on January 23rd. Also in our Prayers: Lynne L.; families in distress; Joyce Stronge, heart attack; Nathan Stronge, healing (Keith Johnson's sister and nephew; Santha Philip s cousin Susie in India; Tom Hetherington; all affected by cancer; those grieving; continued prayers for Patti, and for Diane, friends of Ann-Marie Rivard; Pete Picard and family (friend of Earl Boss); Richard Morin & family (cancer); Bruce Shaw. For all nursing home residents and their caregivers including Don & Joyce Burrell, Dawn Cavallaro, Margaret Kelly, Joy Mlyniec, Doris Palmer, Marion Shephard; Flora Stanley, Virginia Ziegler. MARGARET STEARNS SERVICE AWARD The Arnold Mills United Methodist Church gives two scholarships each year to high school graduates who are furthering their education. The candidates can either be members of our church or students graduating from Cumberland High School. This scholarship was created in the memory of Margaret Stearns from a bequest given to the church. Scholarship Applications will be available in the Cumberland High School Guidance Office and through the Church in early February. Holiday Fair Workshop Come and help make crochet character hats for the Holiday Fair! This is perfect for all skill levels beginners are welcome and encouraged to attend. Sarah Fuller will teach you the basics of crochet. We ll meet Wednesdays at 2pm in the church library (beginning date to be determined). Please contact Sarah if you are interested or have any questions at Pg. 3 We are looking for updates! Are you or do you know a prior recipient of the Margaret Stearns Service Award? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact me or the church office letting us know what school you graduated from, and what you are doing now. If you are doing any volunteer work at this time, and anything else you'd like us to know. We will have a chart in Cargill Hall in Coffee Fellowship as well, where the information may be filled in. Chip Thurlow, Chairperson thurlowcp@aol.com

4 Church School News Through the month of February The children will continue learning about "Peacemakers". Main idea - throughout the Bible we read stories of people who tried to bring peace and justice to all of God's people. Their stories inspire us and help us learn how to be peacemakers today. Here's who's having a birthday this month: 4th - Luke Tufts 15th - Lana Prochniak 22nd - Cole Parent 26th - Brigitta Larson 29th - Dominic Alger God Bless you all on your birthday and the coming year! ON FEBRU ARY 7TH: Junior Church Please report directly to Cargill Hall where we will be making Valentines! Boy Scout Sunday - Troup 1 Arnold Mills will be joining us at our 10:30 a.m. worship service. All Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scout leaders are invited to wear their uniforms to church that day. Jr. High Youth Group On Sunday, December 20th, we held a Children's Christmas Party in Cargill Hall where participants played games, made crafts, had snacks, and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas. The kids made 18 Christmas cards that were delivered to the Oakland Grove Nursing Home. Pg. 4

5 The AMUMC Missions and Social Concerns Committee Missions Trip Dave Raymond is planning to assist his brother, and sister-inlaw, Michael and Molly in providing recreational and emotional support for combatwounded U.S. military veterans at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) in Winter Park, Colorado from March 1-6, Members and friends of our church family have two ways to support Dave in this wonderful mission effort: you can make a donation through our church to either the NSCD organization or you can chose to offset some of Dave s expenses. You can make a donation by check made out to AMUMC and enter on the memo line NSCD or Dave Raymond expenses. If you donate cash, please write on the envelope which option you prefer. Any questions, please feel free to contact Dave at or dnr247365@cox.net Imagine No Malaria - We are beginning a new mission s fundraiser for AMUMC Imagine No Malaria. We have participated before to raise funds for this worthwhile program. This year we have established a goal of raising $500 for this fundraiser. We also might have some matching funds that will allow each donation to double its value. So each dollar donated could result in $2 worth of services for the Imagine No Malaria program. Those services include: mosquito netting, medical care and education for hundreds of needy families in areas where Malaria is common. Our campaign will begin on Saturday February 6 with the showing of the movie Mary and Martha in Cargill Hall that poignantly documents the effect malaria has on families and communities in Africa. No Boundaries Mission Trip - Dave Raymond is again planning to participate in the No Boundaries program which promotes self-esteem, pride and a sense of accomplishment for all participating combat wounded service men and women as they expand their independence and overcome challenges once thought insurmountable. The veterans do this by experiencing a variety of fun and challenging activities at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) in Winter Park, Colorado. Living together under one roof for 5 days, these heroes also benefit from group socialization, camaraderie, teamwork and new life-long friendships with fellow veterans who are in the same situation and experience the same challenges in life. Our fundraiser in January will help offset the expenses for the participants during the trip in March. Soup Kitchen - The monthly soup kitchen suppers continue on Sundays at The River UMC in Woonsocket. Our next dates are February 14 th and March 13 th. Thanks to Karen Oswain and Tom Cabana for their wonderful planning, organizing and leadership. Thanks to the many volunteers who help cook, serve, clean, and donate the exquisite desserts! Thank you to the members of the AMUMC family for: The Woonsocket Shelter/Community Care Alliance for the ongoing donations of personal care items, house and kitchen ware and linens for apartments. The completion of the Habitat for Humanity house at 121 Providence Street in Woonsocket! The Cintas clothing donations to the River UMC and the St. James Episcopal Church, both in Woonsocket. The ongoing donations of boxed and canned food goods and personal care items to the Northern RI Food Pantry, the Food Pantry at the Cumberland Senior Center at the Monastery and the Woonsocket Shelter. Chip Thurlow, Chairperson AMUMC Missions and Social Concerns Committee ( ; thurlowcp@aol.com) Pg. 5

6 FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Below is a condensed Treasurer s Report from Laura Thompson, Church Treasurer, showing the budgeted to actual revenue and expenses for the year We closed the year with a net deficit of $14,872. This is a little over $4,000 better than budgeted, mostly because of an increase in donation income. This was mitigated by an increase in expenses in the Trustee budget due to expenses realized in the second half of the year for the parsonage. The shortfall in the operating budget is covered by monies from the investment portfolio. Overall, the Finance Committee is pleased with the step up in donation income and thanks all who have contributed in A step in the right direction, but we still have a way to go to close the gap. ARNOLD MILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Actual vs. Budget January through December 2015 Full Year % of Actual Budget Budget Income Donation Income $185,985 $178, % Miscellaneous Income 5,298 5, % Fundraiser Income 8,952 7, % Total Income 200, , % Expense Staff 133, ,694 99% Church Office 2,639 3,450 76% Trustees 42,114 34, % Conferences & Missions 30,631 30, % Fundraiser Expense 1,247 1, % Miscellaneous 898 1,442 62% Program Expenses 2,812 4,215 67% Stewardship & Finance % Total Expense 215, , % Net Ordinary Income (Deficit) -14,872-18,928 79%

7 Although we were above budget on total donation income (pledged, unpledged and open plate donations), in order to close the gap we are going to need more from every source. Per our Financial Secretary, Tucker Carlmark, below is some information regarding the income side of the statement. As you can see from the table above, the increase in unpledged donations had the largest positive impact on income this year. The Finance Committee thanks everyone for their support in their commitment to our Church. As we look towards 2016, we will have another challenging year when it comes to church finances. Expenses are projected to be up due to the hiring of our new music director and the occupancy of the parsonage for the full year. Overall the stewardship campaign was successful in increasing both the number of pledges and the amount pledged in support of our church. In 2015 we logged in 62 pledging families for a total of $141,300. For 2016, we have received pledges from 69 families for a total of $158,838, a 12% increase. Of the 69 pledging units, 47 were either new or increased their pledge from last year, 20 stayed the same and 2 decreased their amount. However, we are still projecting a deficit and will be working throughout the year to continue to manage to the budget and drive the deficit down. Respectfully submitted, Steve Dolan, Finance Chair It's that time again! Time to do your taxes and collect all that paperwork from last year. Looking for your 2015 Financial Statement from the Finance Committee? We have tried to send out as many statements by as possible. If you didn't receive a paper copy in the mail or one by , please contact Tucker Carlmark for a copy of your statement: or at carlmarkt@yahoo.com Thank you for your continued support of AMUMC!

8 Board of Trustees Mike Manni has repaired the loose step on the altar. It has been reinforced and is now stable. "Nuisance Animal Control" was here and sealed gaps where bats enter attic area and installed one-way doors which allow bats out but not back in. This exclusion program has a three year warranty. Eastland Electric has taken initial steps on installation of our new fire panel, which will bring us up to code. Lemieux Pipe Organ Co. will do annual organ tuning in early March, in time for Easter. Piano in Cargill Hall will be tuned in the spring. We would like to do some clean out of unwanted items in storage areas of the building. Could have a "dumpster" here and get help from Scouts as well. Hope to do this in the spring. Fran Carr, Trustee Chair During times of heavy snow or other bad storms, the cancellation of church services will be broadcast on the RI Broadcasters Service, so cancellations will show up on TV and news web sites just like school cancellations. Members of the congregation are always urged to use their discretion, and stay at home if getting to the church would entail any risk in bad weather. Worship Committee What are we about? The Worship Committee works with the Pastor, Music Director and others to provide opportunities for worship celebrations that focus on God and help people of all ages to grow in the understanding of the gospel and to become better equipped for daily living as faithful disciples. Our responsibilities are: 1. To plan worship that is appropriate to meet the needs of the congregation, as well as the community. 2. To work with the pastor and other church leaders in planning worship. 3. To provide support for the functions of music, flowers, ushers, acolytes, altar stewards, communion coordinator, greeter coordinator. Members of the committee for 2016 are Pastor Lynn, Music Director Joey Mazzarella, Nancy Dolan, Joyce Fox, DeAnne Johnson, Jan Motta, Rebekah Puleo, Joni Robert, Jo-Ellen Tramontana, and Chairperson, Selden Whitcomb. We welcome all comments and suggestions. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. It emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins. The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins. Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship Join us for an Ash Wednesday Service, February 10th at 7:00 p.m. In the Sanctuary Page 8

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10 Arnold Mills United Methodist Church 690 Nate Whipple Hwy. Cumberland, RI Phone: Rev. Lynn McCracken Check out our webpage at We invite all to our Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m. - Quiet, reflective service with communion each week. 10:30 a.m. - Thoughtful service, children's message, special music by our choir, public celebrations and prayer concerns Holy Communion celebrated the first Sunday of each month.