The Outreach The newsletter of the Milford United Methodist Church September 2012 Milford, NH

Transcription

1 The Outreach The newsletter of the Milford United Methodist Church September 2012 Milford, NH Wicked Awesome Yaaaard Sale Is Coming This Fall! From Pat Rafter To date I have only had seven people who have come forward to say they are willing to help with the yard sale on October 6. This yard sale is to help raise much needed money for the general fund. Though seven volunteers is more than the usual four, it would be awesome to have many more! Many hands makes light work! I am taking a step in faith and hoping that there are many more of you out there that are assuming I know your heart is willing to help. So I am moving forward and committing to doing this sale. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pastor Tom s Message Meet Our Staff 3 Spiritual Gifts Course TWO Bible Study Options Seasoned Generation SPRC Thanks You! 9 Confirmation Class Begins for Kids We raised over $3000 this spring for the mission teams with the yard sale, clothing sale, cafe and e-recycling. We can do that and better with a team effort. Susan Drew is willing to head up the clothing sale, but needs a team to help her. We need a volunteer for the café and many helpers for drop off days and sale day and help with set up and clean up. We won t be having e-recycling this time around, but it should be back in the spring. Please step up and do your part. Let me know what you can do to help, donate or pray for our efforts. MUMC Drop offs will be gratefully received from 9-11 a.m. on September 1, 15 and 29. Set up days will be on October 3, 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Final clean up day will be Tuesday, October 9. If you are donating please make sure items are clean and in working order. We (Continued on page 8)

2 A Message from the Pastor... Dear Friends, I hope that we have all had a restful and renewing summer season. While I could have used fewer hot days, I am thankful for a time to slow down and recharge the batteries. And here we are again in the fall, getting back into our more usual routines, hopefully with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the tasks appointed to us. One of the things I am excited about as we return to our regular patterns of life is the upcoming sermon series that I will be introducing this month called "The Questions of Jesus." If you have read the gospels in the New Testament, you have perhaps noticed that there are two characteristics that stand out in Jesus' teaching style. The first is that he tells a lot of stories. But the second, perhaps equally important characteristic is that Jesus asks a lot of questions. In that respect, Jesus stands in the tradition of many of the best teachers. As someone has said, "The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions." And that is true for Jesus; he asks the right questions. Jesus' questions are simple but profound. If we are willing to engage them, they probe our hearts, open our eyes, and get us thinking in new and insightful ways. Rather than simply talking to or at us, directly telling us what we need to hear, Jesus' questions engage us in a conversation so that we participate in reaching the conclusions that we need to reach. For that reason, we will be spending several weeks this fall looking at some of Jesus' most challenging and illuminating questions. I look forward to grappling with those questions right alongside with all of you. Don't forget that with the restarting of Sunday School on September 9, we return to our regular Sunday schedule, with the Spirit Celebration at 8:30, Sunday School at 9:30, and Traditional Worship at 10:45. See you in church! Still discovering the joy, Join us for the next Broken Bread Café! Saturday, Sept. 8th 6 p.m. A low-key meal, worship and conversation. All are welcome, we hope you can join us here at MUMC! Outreach Page 2

3 Meet the Staff: Wendy Ayotte, Church Secretary From Marilynn Edmondson Name: Wendy Ayotte Position: Church Secretary -- Wendy began in the spring of 2011 and worked with Marian Kopp. When Marian retired, Wendy took over the position of secretary. Education: Wendy holds a BS in Counseling Psychology. She worked with adolescents in rehabilitation and with mentally ill adults (not at the same time!). She began work on her master s, but this was interrupted by her pregnancy with Emma, now 17, and with her arrival, priorities changed. In the past she wrote a column for the Cabinet, did news segments for WMUR, worked at the Body Shop, waitressed and was employed at the Toadstool Bookshop. MUMC History: Although raised Catholic, in Wendy s words, she and her family were serial church hoppers. As their three children became older, they felt a need to find one church family. They decided on MUMC where they were drawn by the programs and pastor. Family: Wendy and husband, Dan, an air traffic controller, are parents of Emma (17), Max (14) and Lily (12). Life Outside of Work: When not acting as chauffeur or chaperone, Wendy enjoys reading, mixed media art and watching soccer on ALL skill levels. She emphasized the ALL! Fun Facts: Wendy helped set a world record for the largest jigsaw puzzle; it was the size of a gymnasium! AND she skated in ROLLER DERBY!!! From Ed Team From Shelly Frost As the start of the new year approaches, we will being our Sunday School classes on Sunday, September 9. While your children are in their classrooms please come to the narthex (foyer) and update their registration forms. As we begin our new year, we will start our mission project by helping out SHARE. Although SHARE needs everything to put into the pantry the following items are what we will start with: simple spices and dried herbs, such as salt, pepper, basil, oregano, etc. As always, monetary funds may also be given. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any Education Team member. Outreach Page 3

4 Dear MUMC Friends, I am sad to share with you that the time has come for me to resign from my position with the youth ministries at MUMC. Although this has been a challenging and difficult decision for me to make, it is time to walk away. I want you to know that it has been a joy and blessing to walk with your youth throughout the past seven years as they began to put their faith into action. I have always believed that positive Christian fellowship is an important part in the development of our teens. Today our teens have many options to fill their free time and I have always been thankful that my children have had a place where they could learn to make positive and healthy choices with the guidance and support of caring adults. During my years in youth ministry I have always tried to serve beside my fellow leaders with my heart, mind and spirit focused on what way best for our youth. Please know that the youth programming will continue under the guidance of Steve Kimner, Tom Knapp and Kathy Moaratty. I appreciate the many voices of care and concern as well as the notes of support. Your children always have and always will have a special place in my heart. In Christ, Becky Ladeau News from SHARE From Carolyn Momnee and Kathy Beane For the month of September MUMC is collecting: Canned meats, juice, paper towels macaroni & cheese, brown bags Hard to believe that September is upon us! The Food Pantry continues to be busy. Here are the statistics for the month of July: There were 184 household appointments, providing food for 571 individuals. There were 22 new households-first time shoppers. There were 70 emergency food appointments providing food for 217 individuals. There were 19 emergency requests for diapers and 13 emergency requests for quick toiletries. All of these figures are up from last year. Thank you for all continuous support of the Food Pantry. Your donations truly make a difference in the lives of many people. Have a wonderful September! Outreach Page 4

5 Spiritual Gifts Course to Be Offered From Stephen Kimner Have you ever asked yourself any of these age-old questions? Who am I? Why am I here? What does God want me to do with my life? If you have, we have the course for you! Stephen Ministry will be sponsoring a two day course titled Discovering God s Vision for Our Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts. We will explore biblically based answers to these questions in various ways. The course will be led by Steve Kimner. Each session combines lecture, experiential exercises, and practical application. Discovering God s Vision for Our Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts also relates the topic of spiritual gifts to the aspects of Christianity and spiritual growth such as discipleship, community, lay ministry, grace, and personal growth. Some of the topics we will cover in the course: You Are No Ghost The Jesus Connection Love: The Heart of Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Gifts and Burnout Bloom Where You Are Planted (Continued on page 8) Anne Marie House News From Tami Davis-Betelak We need more volunteers to help during our host week at the Anne Marie House in Hudson as we reach out to support families experiencing homelessness. This commitment can be as little as 2 hours once every 6 weeks. All ages are welcome (under 18 with an adult) to take part in this ministry that truly is "Reaching out beyond our congregation in Christian love and service." Questions? Please see Tami Davis- Betelak, Bob Morgan or Pastor Tom. Craft Fair Workshops From Pat Rafter The Christmas Craft Fair will be here before we know it December 1st! We took most of the summer off, but the workshop needs to re-open. Please come and join us on the following dates and times. Sept 15 from 2-4 Oct 13 from 9-12 Oct 27 from 9-12 Nov 3 from 9-12 Nov 17 from 9-12 Nov 24 from 9-12 If anyone is interested in doing projects at home, but needs ideas/supplies please contact: Liane Wright, Christi O'Shaughnessy, Laura Seale, Pat Rafter or Tami Betelak. Outreach Page 5

6 Lamplighters Returns! From Elaine Driscoll "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" Psalm 119:105 The Lamplighters will begin our new season on Wednesday, September 5, from 1-3 p.m. We are all anxious to share news of the summer activities and get back into our bible studies. From 1-1:30 we have coffee and tea, snacks will be provided the first week. Prayer concerns begin at 1:30 followed by bible study. There is always plenty of lively discussion. We each bring our own bibles and explore the various versions. We welcome all women and look forward to sharing time together. Contacts: Elaine Driscoll at Geldris@comcast.net or Carol Rowlette at carolleero@aol.com or Thursday Night Home Group Bible Study From Pat & Steve Rafter We have been thinking how we can help our members and friends with their faith journey and deepening their relationship with Our Lord and Savior. We have decided to offer a 13 week Bible Study within our Home Group beginning on October 4 called "Experiencing God" by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. Every Sunday in the month of September, someone from our home group will be available between services with the book for you to look at. If you would like to join our Bible Study or join the home group, please let Steve Rafter (sbrou812@aol.com) or Betty Herlihy (herlihymb01@comcast.net) know and we will get a book to you. We meet every Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Rafter's home 45 Highland Ave. in Milford. All are welcome, if we get too big for the Rafter living room, we may need to move to the church! That would be a wonderful problem! To our MUMC Family - Heartfelt thanks to all of you for the many cards, prayers and comforting words that have been sent to us over the past few weeks. The loss of our Mom, Grandma, and Mother-in- Law is difficult, but the support from our MUMC family has brought comfort during this sad time. Thank you, Martin, Tami, Luke, Jack and Allison Betelak Outreach Page 6

7 Jaiden s Angel Golf Tournament From Holliegh Tlapa Jaiden s Angel 5th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at picturesque Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown, NH. The $105 Registration includes 18 holes, a golf cart, Jaiden s Angel tournament t-shirt, gourmet BBQ dinner, prizes and live entertainment by Acoustic BS! We have some amazing silent auctions and tons of fantastic raffles. Jaiden s Angel is a NH 501c3 Charitable Foundation, assisting local families facing tragic child accidents, catastrophic child illness, and the unbearable loss of a child. Founded in memory of 8-year old Jaiden Lyndi Tlapa, and run entirely by volunteers; all funds raised go to help local families in need. Seasoned Generation News From Cyndi Geiger Join the Seasoned Generation Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 7 p.m. for A Feast for Your Senses. This program will include selected short slide shows, fellowship and simple snacks. Come prepared for an enjoyable evening viewing original pictures and memorable music with friends. Bring a friend and a snack to share. Looking ahead to October, the annual Seasoned Generation Chicken dinner will be held on October 20th at 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold in September for $12 per person. Proceeds will go toward the church mortgage. Contact Carol Rowlette for your ticket. Seating is limited so get your tickets early! Expect to have a wonderful meal, great conversations and lots of fun. Hope to see you there. Thank you, everyone for your support in the past. Shotgun start at 9 a.m., golfers should arrive by 8 a.m. We are also seeking raffle and silent auction items. Please read our testimonials and register online at or by sending check with your name, shirt size, and telephone to: Jaiden s Angel Foundation, 127 Noons Quarry Road, Milford, NH Teams and individuals welcome. For more information contact Holleigh Ciardelli Tlapa via at holleightlapa@yahoo. com or by phone at Outreach Page 7

8 Home Health & Hospice Care Offers a Foot Care Clinic From Carol Brooks The Milford Area Seniors are excited to announce that starting on September 4 th from 9:00 a.m.-noon, they will be hosting a foot care clinic operated by the well qualified nurses of Home Health & Hospice Care. Foot care clinics will be scheduled for the first Tuesday of every other month (odd numbered months). The clinic will take place at 1 Union Square in the Milford, Town Hall, third floor banquet room. The elevator lobby entrance is on Middle Street. Regular foot care is important for all seniors and is essential for those with diabetes and other circulatory diseases. The foot care clinic is open to anyone 50 years of age and older who lives in Milford or the surrounding area. The cost of the foot care is $22.00 and is payable by cash or check at time of the appointment. For low income seniors, there will be a simple form to be completed for eligibility purposes. Those seniors who are income eligible will receive their foot clinic care at no cost thanks to a recent generous grant awarded by the Milford Hospital Association to the Milford Area Seniors. To schedule your appointment please (Continued on page 9) Yaaard Sale, continued. (Continued from page 1) do not accept stuffed animals, exercise equipment or electronics. If you have something, but are not sure if we will accept it, just give me a call or me! If you can't make the drop offs or need help getting it to the church, I hope to have a team that can come and get those items, so let me know! Please pray for many donations, willing hearts and hands to help, a beautiful day and lots of shoppers. Get the word out to your neighbors! Blessings, Pat Rafter icu2per@aol.com Yaaard Sale Spiritual Gifts, continued. (Continued from page 5) The course will be held on two consecutive Saturdays from 9:30 to 2:30. The course will commence on September 29 and conclude on October 6. If you have any questions regarding this course please ask Steve, either by phone at or by at skkimner91@comcast.net. You will see and hear more about this in the coming weeks so stay tuned for additional information. Outreach Page 8

9 SPRC Thanks You! From Lisa Payne for the SPRC We wanted to thank all of you for your participation in the open Staff Parish Relations Committee meeting. We were able to gather a wealth of feedback on the health of our congregation and Pastor Tom s role in leading us in our efforts to grow as disciples, reach out to our community, and provide an abundance of opportunities to serve. This information was vital to the completion of our mid-year congregational and pastoral evaluation. While we can t share the details of the written feedback (provided through the survey), we can share that the overwhelming sentiment is that this church is doing great things. It is also clear that a pastoral change is not what we need but that there are areas where change would be beneficial. This is not to say that a pastoral change will not occur one day. As we discussed during the meeting, pastoral change is part of the Methodist system and is examined each year by the Bishop and the District Superintendent Cabinet, with input from SPRC and the Pastor. We continue to evaluate the concerns brought up during the meeting and on the surveys and we will provide feedback over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, we encourage you to share not only your concerns, but also any joy that you experience as a result of the work done by our entire church family! You can reach committee members through the following addresses: Lisa Payne lpayne@xrsolutions.com Keith Ladeau dkl.spr.mumc@gmail.com Bill Wrocklage billw70@gmail.com Marilynn Edmondson marilynn_e@hotmail.com Jason St. Jean jstjean73@gmail.com Sharon Putney sharon.putney@gmail.com HHHC Foot Care Clinic, continued. (Continued from page 8) call Bess at Home Health & Hospice Care at For directions call Carol Brooks, Program Coordinator of Milford Area Seniors, at or go to Milford Area Seniors invite you to stay after your appointment to enjoy some refreshments, socializing and games. We also offer exercise classes, crafts and guest speakers every Tuesday and would like you to consider joining us. Outreach Page 9

10 MUMC s Annual Church Picnic! Photos from Diane Jaquith August 19th was a gorgeous day - perfect for a picnic at this beautiful setting! It was a day full of eating and activity. Over 50 people attended and most people lingered after lunch to play volleyball, fish, play cards, go to the beach, and talk, with the last groups of people leaving around 5 p.m. The names for the desert contest judges were randomly drawn: they were Andy Seale, Lisa Payne & Loreen Daniels. They gathered samples of the eight delicious deserts that were in the contest. (The poor hungry kids had to wait!) Maria Herbert won the "Best Desert " contest with her Butter Cake recipe. After a close contest with several of the entries, Loreen presented the distinguished award to Maria. Looks like Maria really liked the miniature 2012 MUMC trophy awarded to her, along with a corsage, "blue ribbon" and her own beach pail to use at MacDowell Lake! Volleyball was really popular! We ran out of time to play the table games that Deb Mentch had prepared for us. Over all a great time was had by all and we hope many more MUMC families will join us next year! Top: The boys had fun climbing trees! Center: from left, Josh and Cathy Brown, and Gloria Nelson enjoy good food and conversation. Bottom, left and right: the volleyball game attracted lots of inspired would-be Olympians (and a few would-never-be Olympians!) Outreach Page 10

11 More volleyball! This time on the beach... Lisa Payne and Jon Bossie enjoyed the fishing. The Hiott family enjoys the beautiful day and some family time. Conversation and good times were plentiful all afternoon. Our distinguished judges sample the desert contest entries... and Kathy Herbert is declared the winner! Outreach Page 11

12 Bits & Pieces Donate Bread Loaves on Communion Sunday, September 2. Please remember to bring a loaf of bread (plain or wheat, no specialty breads) to be placed in the basket at the altar. The bread loaves will delivered to SHARE, the local food pantry, on Monday. Do You Have a Name Badge? Name badges can be printed up anytime by either signing up on the clipboard at the information booth in the foyer, or by ing Diane at jaquith2@gmail.com with your request. Please write out exactly how you would like your name printed and whether you prefer a pin rather than clip on. When the badge is ready, it will be added to one of the clotheslines located by the windows in the foyer. Christian Aftercare Ministry CAM needs men's T-shirts, jeans, sneakers, cooking pots & pans, microwave ovens, coffee pots, towels, bed linens, and stainless steel table utensils. Call Margie for information: Prayers are needed for Christian businessmen and women to hire newly released Christian men and women from prison to work in their businesses thereby giving them the opportunity to begin a new chapter in their walk with the Lord. If you could serve the Lord this way, please call the CAM office directly and talk with Paul Roussel at May God bless you abundantly. Confirmation Class The Confirmation Class will be heading to Wanakee for a retreat on September 28th and 29th. If your child is entering the seventh grade (or older) and they have not already signed up for Confirmation Class please contact Pastor Tom with your questions or to register them. Outreach Page 12

13 Bits & Pieces Donation of Altar Flowers Would you like to honor or remember a special person in your life or celebrate a special occasion? Please consider signing up to purchase altar flowers. The flower chart is posted on the wall across from the church office. Contact and payment instructions are on the flower chart. Standard arrangements are $35. Thanks for helping to beautify the altar and sanctuary for Sunday worship. Have you visited a Home Group? Our Home Groups are a wonderful way to get to know people in our church, share our faith and build connections. You are welcome to join us anytime! Tuesday s at 7 The Reed s home, call Thursday s at 7 The Rafter s home, call Friday s at 6 p.m.@ The McMahon s home, call A Noise Offering Following each service on the second Sunday of the month we will have a Noise Offering. This donation of your spare change will benefit the Wanakee Scholarship Fund that helps youth to participate in our United Methodist summer camp located in Meredith, NH. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to MUMC with the note Wanakee Scholarships in the memo space. Coupon Group There has been some interest expressed in starting a couponing group at MUMC. We would collect coupons for our own use as well as identifying items needed for SHARE and shopping for those. If you are interested in joining a couponing group, please contact Wendy in the office at or by ing office@milfordumc. org. If there is enough interest, we will form a group in September. Outreach Page 13

14 Anniversaries and Birthdays Birthdays: Jim Fortunato Sept. 1 Nicholas Logue Sept. 3 Doris LeBaron Sept. 5 Patience Roby Sept. 6 Emily St. John Sept. 8 Amber Barbagallo Sept. 9 Allison Betelak Sept. 10 Joshua Breault Sept. 13 Alyssa Kaufold Sept. 13 Benjamin Kaufold Sept. 13 Mary Tyler-Wall Sept. 14 Jim Tyler-Wall Sept. 14 Tom Knapp Sept. 18 Scott Masters Sept. 18 Candi Goff Sept. 20 Jaclyn Rafter Herlihy Sept. 21 Anniversaries: Martin & Tami Betelak Sept. 8 If you would like to be included in the birthday and anniversary list, please contact the church office at or leave a note for Wendy on her desk on Sunday. For Information about our Committees & Groups If you are interested in becoming involved with, or learning more about, a committee or group on the calendar, here s who to talk to. Afternoon Off: Dee Jacobs Bell Choirs: Mary Tyler-Wall Chancel Choir: Sally Landis Church Council: Callie McMahon Home Groups: Pastor Tom Lamplighters: Elaine Driscoll and Carol Rowlette Men s Breakfast: Jon Bossie Outreach: Pat Rafter Praise Band: Michele Bossie Sacred Dance: Rebecca Hart Seasoned Generation: Dick & Roberta Randlett Staff Parish Relations: Lisa Payne Stephen Ministry: Callie McMahon Sunday School: Shannon Gutterson Trustees: Jim Frost White Tops: Everett Gale Worship: John Millhouse Youth Group: Tom Knapp, Steve Kimner, and Kathy Moaratty Any questions? Please call our office during office hours, listed below. Office Hours Beginning the week of September 3rd: Monday, noon-3; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. 3 p.m. At times, our hours may vary slightly. If you need to be sure someone is here, please call ahead. Church Addresses: Pastor Tom Getchell-Lacey: Wendy Ayotte, Office Manager: pastor@milfordumc.org office@milfordumc.org Outreach Page 14

15 September 2012 **BEGINNING SEPT. 9** Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 Spirit Celebration 10:45 Traditional Worship Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat 1 9-noon Yard Sale drop-offs 2 Communion Sunday 5-6:30 Youth Group 3 Labor Day 7 Outreach Committee White Tops 1-3 Lamplighters 7 Worship Committee 6 7:30 Chancel Choir Afternoon Off 7:30 Praise Band 8 6 Broken Bread Cafe 9 Sunday School BEGINS! 5-6:30 Youth Group 10 7 Trustee s Committee 11 7 SPR Committee 12 8 White Tops 1-3 Lamplighters 7 Stephen Ministry Supervision 13 7:30 Chancel Choir Afternoon Off 6:15 Worship Design 7:30 Praise Band Yard Sale drop-offs 2-4 Christmas Crafting 7 Seasoned Generation :30 Youth Group :30 Youth Group 5-6:30 Youth Group Finance Committee White Tops 1-3 Lamplighters 6:30 Quilting Ministry 7 Ad Council White Tops 1-3 Lamplighters 7 Stephen Ministry Supervision Outreach Page :30 Chancel Choir 27 7:30 Chancel Choir Afternoon Off 7:30 Praise Band 28 Confirmation Class Overnight Retreat at Wanakee 22 First Day of Autumn Jaiden s Angel Golf Tournament (see pg. 7) 29 9-noon Yard Sale drop-offs 9:30-2:30 Stephen Ministry Workshop

16 Milford United Methodist Church 327 No. River Rd PO Box 476 Milford, NH / Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Milford, NH Permit No. 17 September 2012 Worship times 8:30 Contemporary Worship 10:45 Traditional Worship Free childcare Change Service Requested Milford United Methodist Church Discover the Joy! Our Mission: The Milford United Methodist Church exists to help people discover the joy of knowing and serving Jesus Christ. Our Vision: We will help people discover the joy of knowing and serving Jesus Christ by: Providing joyful and meaningful worship experiences. Establishing and encouraging small groups for study, support, prayer, fellowship and service. Empowering people to discover, develop, and deploy their gifts for ministry. Reaching out beyond our congregation in Christian love and service. Our Values: We commit ourselves to: Know scripture and live it. Act with integrity. Be faithful to Jesus Christ, our families, and our church family. Strive for excellence in all we do for the Lord. Celebrate the ministry of all Christians, lay and ordained. Treat all people with respect and sensitivity. Encourage people to grow in Christ. Care for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of all people.