Easter Everyday. Inside This Issue... April 2019 Loch Raven United Methodist Church

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1 April 2019 Loch Raven United Methodist Church Easter Everyday Friday, April 12 Fish and Chicken Fry 2 6 PM Adults: $12; Children: $10 Tickets available from Church Office Sunday, April 14 Palm Sunday Worship Service 10:00 AM Thursday, April 18 Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 PM Friday, April 19 Good Friday Service/Cantata 7:00 PM Saturday, April 20 Community Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 AM Rain or Shine Sunday, April 21 Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Followed by breakfast in Fellowship Hall Sunday School 9:00 M (all ages) Easter Worship Service 10 AM It is April and spring is here. The snow is gone, hopefully, and the weather is beginning to warm. Once again, we are nearing the end of Lent and we long for Easter. In Lent we acknowledge our mortality, that we are from the dust and to the dust we shall return. We acknowledge that we all have fallen short of the glory of God. However, we have hope, not in our own ability to save ourselves but in the risen savior. The winter was cleansing and necessary, but after a cold winter we long for spring. We are thankful for the gifts of Lent but long for Easter. However, in the wisdom of the church, Easter isn t just a day; Eastertide is a season. Easter Sunday will come, and the church will celebrate, but that is not the end. The Revelation of who God is as exemplified by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus cannot be packed up like decorations after a big event not to be seen again until the next year. Easter is an everyday reality for those who call themselves Christians. Psalm 118:24 declares, This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. The question for us as Christians is how can we see the signs of Easter every day in our lives? Lamentations 3:22-23 inform us It is of the Lord s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. During Lent at Loch Raven UMC we are engaging in a 40-day fast from wrong thinking. On day 4 we fasted from the thought that only bad things will happen to us. God wants only the best for God s children. Matthew 7:9-11 says, Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him. If we believe God is good Inside This Issue... (Continued on page 4) Food Pantry Update Page 3 Talent Show Auditions Page 4 Finance Corner Page 9 The Corner Hope Chest Page 11

2 The Spire is published monthly (except July and August) by Loch Raven United Methodist Church, 6622 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD All signed articles, letters, announcements, and other information of interest are welcomed and considered for publication. The deadline for the May issue is Sunday, April 14, at 11:00 a.m. Electronic Submission: You may send articles by to: or place articles in the Church Office s newsletter box. Editor - Nancy Williams Lead Pastor Rev. George Winkfield Pastor of Congregational Care Rev. Wayne Harting Administrative Secretary Myra Wagner Church Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: Fax: Office@LRUMC.org Change of Name/Address - Call, mail or church office or leave in mailbox in hallway outside the church office. Website: Visit us on FACEBOOK. In Touch Ministry Special Prayer Requests Please refer to insert in Sunday bulletins for up-to-date information. Stay in Touch with some of our members who are not able to regularly attend church. Contact the church office for up-to-date information. April Birthdays 1 Nerisa McDonald 5 Evan Christie 8 Evan Welsh 9 Ruth Kriel 14 Peggy Kendzierski 16 Joseph Orzolek Zachary Starin 18 Sheila Wyche 22 Jacob Clampitt 26 Verna Roman 27 Coston Sedgewick 28 Helen Blakey Sarah Roehl Henson 29 William Shock Kali Marsalek Membership Updates Address Changes: Penny Christian 8228 N. Mechanicsburg Road Middletown, IN Phone Number Change: Dolores Courtney Deaths: David Jackson March 1, 2019 From the Mailbox Dear Church Family, Thanks to everyone who sent cards, notes and called me during my recovery from my knee replacement surgery. It was very comforting to know so many took the time to let me know they were praying for me and cared about my well being. Praise God my recovery is going very well. Love, Linda Cole 2

3 Food Pantry Update 1st and 3rd Tuesday 11:00 am 1:00 pm April Dates: 2nd & 16th Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you Then the King will say, I m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me you did it to me. Matthew 25: (The Message) This year, the Loch Raven United Methodist Marty Marvel Food Pantry has served: Date: 1/3/19 1/15/19 2/5/19 2/19/19 3/5/19 Visitors: Adults Served: Children Served: Total Served: Number Disabled: Number of Veterans: Number Homeless: Number Unemployed: Number on Social Security: Number of individuals served since inception (11/6/18): 348 On February 19, Aaron Turner of the Maryland Department of Human Resources stopped by to inform our clients of some of the services provided by DHR, including: Food Supplement Energy Assistance Child Support Temporary Disability Assistance Emergency Assistance to Families with Children Medical Assistance If you would like information on any of these services, see: or call: Food for the pantry is purchased from the Maryland Food Bank since it is much more cost effective than buying items from the grocery. Funding is provided from your tithes and offerings. Note: Missions continues to collect food items in support of the Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC) watch the Sunday bulletin for the most needed food items. Please continue to pray for us and spread the word that our pantry is open to all including church members who need help in putting food on their table. If you would like to join our crew or have any questions, contact Merrill Harrison ( ) or Linda Cole ( ). 3

4 Loch Raven s Got Talent Showcase Are you a solo or group performer, talented singer, dancer, ventriloquist, musician, magician, comedian or performer of other talents? Auditions will be held Saturday, May 11, beginning at 10 AM for the Loch Raven s Got Talent Showcase, a free program of area family-friendly entertainment, scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at 7 PM at Loch Raven United Methodist Church. To sign up for the May 11 auditions, contact program coordinator Judy Zahren at jzahren@comcast.net or Easter Everyday (Continued from page 1) and only wants the best for us, we should expect to see signs of resurrection and new life everywhere. The hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen Howarth Lemmel says, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the cares of the world will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. Therefore, if we train our spiritual eyes, we will see the signs of Easter every day. Grace & Peace, Pastor George 4

5 Flowering of the Cross A New Tradition A reminder that Loch Raven will be Flowering the Cross Easter Sunday morning, following each service. A bare wooden cross will be on the front lawn, covered with chicken wire. The congregation is invited to bring flowers and/ or greenery to decorate the cross until flowers cover it completely. If you do not have flowers to contribute, flowers will be provided by the Altar Guild. The cross serves as an emblem of Jesus resurrection and of the continuing presence of Christ in our lives. EASTER FLOWERS If you would like to place a lovely plant in the Sanctuary for Easter Sunday in memory of and/or in honor of a loved one, please fill in the form below and place in the offering plate or return to the Church office. FIRM DEADLINE SUNDAY, APRIL 7. All orders must be accompanied by full payment. NAME: PHONE: Type of Plants: LILIES ($14.00): 4-6 Blooms on single stem TULIPS ($13.99): PINK RED YELLOW LILIES ($17.50): 8-10 Blooms on 2 stems AZALEAS ($17.50): PINK WHITE HYDRANGEAS ($22.75): PINK BLUE RED IN MEMORY OF: IN HONOR OF: OTHER: PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: I WILL PICK UP THE PLANT AFTER THE 10 AM EASTER SERVICE I WILL DONATE THE PLANT TO THE CHURCH FOR A HOMEBOUND MEMBER 5

6 Upcoming and Ongoing Mission Opportunities Marty Marvel Food Pantry 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. April dates are the 2nd and 16th. Manna House Breakfast Club May 18, July 13 and Oct. 12. If you would like to volunteer to help prepare or serve breakfast, contact Linda Cole: To help better serve foodinsecure members of our community, we will be collecting specific, non-perishable food items monthly for ACTC. April collection item: Boxed Potatoes Collection of hotel-size toiletries for Essex UMC. There is a box for the items on the hospitality desk. This is an on-going collection. Sandwich making for Essex UMC is the 3rd or 4th Tuesday of every month. $473 was Collected on Blanket Sunday This special offering will help provide hope in the form of blankets and other supplies to survivors of storms, earthquakes and other disasters. Missions Thank You Messages Society of St. Andrew From Executive Director, Lynette Johnson I just wanted to take a moment to express my personal thanks to the members and friends of Loch Raven UMC for your generous giving through the Society of St. Andrew to share healthy food with hungry neighbors. You are sharing more than 13,000 servings of nourishing fruits and vegetables through your $400 Advance gift. That s a LOT of great nutrition and real hope for a better tomorrow for so many families struggling to get by!! We are so grateful that you ve chosen to make the Society of St. Andrew one of Loch Raven UMC s missions this year! Thank you, as well, for all of the other outreach ministries of your congregation that make a difference for people in Baltimore and around the world. Thank you for being Christ s hands and feet! With you in faithful service. United Methodist Women April Schedule Women in Christ Circle Monday, April 1 7:30 p.m. Room 202 Study: When Faith Is All You Have Lesson 9: When Faith Looks Up Study Leader: Jan Devotions: Jan Hostess: Jan Phyllis Downes Circle Tuesday, April 2 10 am Room 202 Study: Living Wisely in a Foolish World Study Leader: Melva Scruggs GENERAL MEETING Sunday, April 28 Covered Dish Luncheon Program: To Be Announced Making Easter Eggs: April 5 and 6 6

7 Missions In Action: ACTC Reaching out to those in need with God's love and provision Your mission dollars support a number of worthwhile projects locally, nationally, and internationally. Our focus this month is on a local agency: the Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC). ACTC is more than a food pantry. They provide emergency help for the needy in our communities. They operate with a director, an assistant and a team of 60 trained volunteers, including our very own Lynn Jean who has volunteered her time for over nine years. Services provided by: Bagged lunches Care Bags for the homeless Nonperishable food supplies for 3-5 days Help with fuel, utilities and prescriptions Fresh produce Free ID, birth certificate and license replacement Mail pickup for the homeless Showers and toiletries Clothing and shelter referrals Transportation to job interviews and medical appointments Special Projects: Dental Day Back-to-School Event Thanksgiving Baskets Boots for Christmas Christmas Family Adoption Community Dinner Food for Thought Statistics: (based on the latest data available 2017) 28,213 people assisted 363,202 pounds of food distributed $688,655 value of food distributed 8,643 total assistance for homeless 3,232 helped with bus tokens, passes and gasoline 2,736 sheltered bed nights 2,046 Thanksgiving Baskets for families 17,740 volunteer hours $116,109 financial help given The ACTC service area incorporates 21 zip codes in central Baltimore County extending up to the Pennsylvania line. The center is located at 120 W. Pennsylvania Avenue in Towson (between Baltimore and Washington avenues on the alley behind Calvary Baptist Church), and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:45 PM. Wednesday hours have been extended until 5:45 PM. to accommodate clients with work schedules. During the month of April, Missions will collect monetary donations (see envelopes in the pews) to help with the services provided by ACTC. This is a special month of giving since all funds collected will be eligible for a matching grant. If you would like more information on volunteering at ACTC, see Lynn; for more information on the center, see: 7

8 UMC Lectionary Calendar April, 2019 April 7 Fifth Sunday in Lent Church Color: Purple Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 (UMH 847) Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 April 14 Passion / Palm Sunday Church Color: Purple Liturgy of the Palms Luke 19:28-40 Psalm 118:1-2, (UMH 839) Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 April 15 Monday of Holy Week Church Color: Purple Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 36:5-11 (UMH 771) Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11 April 16 Tuesday of Holy Week Church Color: Purple Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 71: Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36 April 17 Wednesday of Holy Week Church Color: Purple Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 70 (UMH 793) Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32 April 18 Holy Thursday Church Color: Purple Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), Psalm 116:1-4, (UMH 837) 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 April 19 Good Friday Church Color: None Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 22 (UMH 752) Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1-19:42 April 20 Holy Saturday/ Easter Vigil No Color (prior to sunset); White (Easter Vigil) Number of readings may vary. Old Testament Readings & Psalms: Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 136:1-9, or Psalm 33 (UMH 767) Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 Psalm 46 (UMH 780) Genesis 22:1-18 Psalm 16 (UMH 748) Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 Exodus 15:1b-13, (UMH 135) Isaiah 55:1-11 Isaiah 12:2-6 Ezekiel 36:24-28 Psalm 42 (UMH 777) Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 143 (UMH 856) New Testament Readings & Psalms: Romans 6:3-11 Psalm 114; (UMH 835) Gospel Reading: Mark 16:1-8 April 21 Easter Church Color: White Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, (UMH 839) 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12 April 26 Arbor Day April 28 Second Sunday of Easter Church Color: White Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 150 (UMH 862) Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:

9 Finance Corner By: Scott Eshleman As we enter the spring season 2019, the Finance Committee would like to share a note on LRUMC s budgeting process. At the end of each summer, the Finance Committee works with the church s many committee leaders to identify what each committee feels will be needed in the upcoming year to perform its ministry. The Committee works to assemble and prioritize these requests, and in the fall brings a final budget proposal before Church Council. After approval, this becomes the official church budget representing LRUMC s proposed spending plan for the upcoming year. This year, with the help of church treasurer Helen Blakey, we are implementing improved feedback by providing bimonthly updates that will help each committee track spending against its budget. At LRUMC we regularly receive tithes and offerings from our many generous members and benefactors. One of the primary duties of the finance committee is to ensure that we are good stewards of these gifts and utilize them in a way that advances the church s overall vision and mission. Creating a written budget is important for the work of the finance committee and of the entire church, as it forces prioritization of where LRUMC allocates funds based on the church s available means. It also provides transparency to our members and other donors though communicating how valuable resources are being used. With this in mind, we have built a total budget for 2019 of $406,700. The below chart shows a breakdown of this budget by LRUMC s primary service areas. Pastoral Ministry 31.9% Building and Facilities 23.4% Administration and Communication 15.3% Music and Worship 10.4% Mission and Outreach 17.4% Education and Fellowship 1.8% Pastoral Ministry and Care ($129,600) - Partnering with the congregation to lead, nurture and embody Christian discipleship and helping people grow in God s love: salaries for the head pastor and minister of visitation, as well as funds for preaching and teaching, celebrating sacraments, visioning and leadership, and pastor conferences/education. (continued on page 10) 9

10 Finance Corner (continued from Page 9) Music and Worship ($42,200) - Enabling focused, beautiful worship through sanctuary adornment and sharing of musical gifts: salaries for the choir director and organist, as well as funds for guest musicians, choir/bell music and supplies, instrument maintenance, flowers, and Alter Guild/worship aids. Mission and Outreach ($70,600) - Serving the broader community through supporting our conference and undertaking focused mission work: funds for conference apportionments, international, national, and local mission work areas, the Marty Marvel Food Pantry, inspirational reading, and special programs. Education and Fellowship ($7,200) - Teaching God s message, growing through Christian education and building congregational unity through fellowship: salary of the nursery nanny, as well as funds for Sunday School literature, bible study literature, vacation bible school, youth camp support, family ministry activities, and special fellowship events. While the overall spending for education and fellowship appears small compared to the overall budget, it is important to recognize that learning and fellowship generally requires more time resources than monetary resources, and Mission and Outreach work often becomes an opportunity for quality fellowship time. Building and Facilities ($95,000) - Upkeeping building and facilities as required to provide a safe, attractive environment for worship, fellowship, missions and education: funds for repair/maintenance, utilities, custodial and grounds, and insurance/taxes. Administration and Communication ($62,000) - Performing duties required to efficiently run the church and facilitating both internal and external communication: salaries for the secretary and treasurer, as well as funds for office supplies, reproduction, stewardship, communications, postage, IT software/expense, recognition, and payroll expense. In addition to the budget items above, there are several capital improvement projects that are critical to the upkeep of our aging building. These will be funded primarily through our long-term investment accounts that have been specifically allocated for capital improvement projects. $80,000 has been reserved for roof replacement of the entire building. $70,000 has been reserved for mold removal and painting. LRUMC will also be undertaking a $20,000 capital expenditure project in early 2019 to upgrade the sanctuary with multimedia capability. LRUMC has great ambitions for 2019 and, with God s help, we will use your tithes and offerings to grow in Christian love and service. The Committee will be working with the Fundraising/Family Ministries Committee early this year to create events that will help fill gaps in the budget by raising funding for specific projects. Please prayerfully consider supporting each of these efforts. The Committee remains committed to serving LRUMC faithfully in administering the church s financial resources. Please contact the church office or Scott Eshleman, Finance Chair, for further details on the 2019 budget or any other finance-related questions. Scott can be reached at smeshleman@hotmail.com. 10

11 Summary New! THE CORNER HOPE CHEST: A free clothing ministry outreach The Outreach/Membership Committee of the Loch Raven United Methodist Church is working to meet the needs of the community by offering a free clothing ministry. With a working title of The Corner Hope Chest, this ministry would collect donations of gently-used and new clothing and display them in an inviting environment. Following the examples of other successful clothing ministries, the Corner Hope Chest will allow Loch Raven to make contact with people in the community that we might not otherwise meet. It offers the church the opportunity to meet needs without people having to ask, thus allowing them to maintain dignity. It allows Loch Raven to clothe families at no expense to folks in need. In its initial year, this clothing ministry will be open each month during one of the food pantry days. The Corner Hope Chest will be used as a seed for blossoming connections of support not only for clothing the body but also for enriching the heart, soul and mind. Project Goals and Description: The Corner Hope Chest will create a friendly atmosphere where people can come comfortably to shop for gently-used clean, professional, seasonal and up-to-date clothing at no cost to them with a focus geared to job clothing. To provide a clothing resource for its community for those neighbors in need. To network with like organizations who serve the community with life-supportive needs To network with local businesses for their in-kind support To provide business learning experiences for high school students. The operations of The Corner Hope Chest will include training of high school students on operating a business so that, while volunteering, students can build a skill/knowledge set from administration to marketing to customer relations and budgeting. Sign up on lower lobby entrance board to contribute to the success of this new ministry. Needed initially are: Shopper assistants, inventory control, registration host, business leadership mentor to student volunteers, prayer station hosts. The following donations are needed: shelves, clothing racks, hangers, large mirrors, shopping bags, file cabinet (See Debi Wynn for questions.) Current clothing needs We are looking for donations geared to professional employment outfits, shoes, and accessories, men and women, spring and summer seasons. To donate clothes: please clean and place on a hanger ready to place on rack to showcase to visitors to the Corner Hope Chest. Bring them to church on Sunday mornings and place on labeled racks in Fellowship Hall. (continued on page 12) 11

12 Outreach 2019 The Three E s Engaging the community. Exciting Loch Raven Church members. Energizing the spirit of everyone. These are the 2019 goals of your Outreach Committee, offering returning events and adding new ones to the calendar. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for these featured events. To help with one or all events, please sign up on the lower level entrance lobby board. Needed are greeters, a photographer, Share a Prayer table host: EVENT DATE NEEDS Easter Egg Hunt rain or shine Sat, April 20 10:30am Back to School Fri, August 23 Night 6:30pm Health & Wellness Sat, September 28 Community 10am to 1pm Resource Day Trunk or Treat Sat, October 26 (if Rain - indoors) 5:30pm - 7pm Veterans Day Sun., November 10 10am greeters, a photographer, Share a Prayer table host greeters, a photographer, Share a Prayer table host greeters, a photographer, Share a Prayer table host, registration desk, Health & wellness workshop leaders your specialty Treat providers with decorated vehicles If Indoors due to rain - a station decorator planner and an indoor activity planner Service info & copies of photos of your service or those of other family members, name, which armed service, years served, and where served, any special memories of serving. Please provide to Debi Wynn April through October New! THE CORNER HOPE CHEST (continued from page 11) Complete and attach the following slip (or paper with info) to your hangers. Corner Hope Chest Inventory Registration Donated by Phone Address Zip Date donated Estimated Value If not marked on clothing, size 12