The Messenger First United Methodist Church Newsletter 446 Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ

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1 First United Methodist Church Newsletter 446 Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ Rev. Stephen Donat, Pastor Rev. HeyYoung Horton, Associate Pastor Glenn Rodgers, Director of Music Karen Murray, Director of Christian Education Sue Harris, Parish Nurse Brad Kenney, Director of Youth Ministries Devika Gill, Director of First Light Learning Center Join us for Worship - Saturday 5:30 pm, Sunday 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am Visit us on the Web at: -or- us at: church@meetwithgod.com AUGUST 2010 ADOPT-A-SOLDIER PROJECT 1st UMC is pleased to be able to support the Adopt-A-Soldier project. If you would like to donate items for care packages to be sent to those serving in the military, here is a list of suggested items: If this is a School Project, drawings or homemade cards from the children. Snack Foods. Our Soldiers like nuts (lightly salted, or seasoned with sea salt are best), trail mixes of all kinds, variety packs of crackers with peanut butter and cheese, individual pudding packs, small cans of fruit (with poptops are best), hard candy, chewing gum, party mix, individual boxes of cereal (Wheaties, Corn Flakes), beef jerky, sunflower seeds, and powdered drink mix (dehydration may be a problem in the summer). Health care items. Lip balm (with SPF - CVS makes the lip balm with SPF of 40; the higher the better), sun block, hand wipes, foot powder, etc. Boot socks. The best are from military clothing stores; you can also get them from outdoor outfitters, such as L.L. Bean or Cabelas. Preferred colors are tan or khaki. Those treated with silver to prevent foot odor are best. x-system clothing. T-shirts. You can find them at military clothing stores or Michael's Art and Crafts store. Preferred colors are tan or khaki. DVD's and CD's - movies and music of various genres. Handheld Electronic Games. Donations should be placed in the marked box in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact John Ulrich, Thank you for your support of the members of our military. * * * * * * * * * OUR MISSION STATEMENT First United Methodist Church is a community of faith committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with a hurting world through words and actions. Aug. 11th Aug Aug. 22nd Aug. 29th Aug29-Sep5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Jr./Sr. High Beach Day - 9am - 5 pm Vacation Bible School - 9 am - Noon No Sunday School No Sunday School Host IHN Page 1

2 As I write this article in early July, we are experiencing a record breaking heat wave. This is the exact weather I was dreaming about last winter as I shoveled foot after foot of snow. Not only did this get me thinking that we only have six or seven short months before we could be buried in snow again, but I began to contemplate the seasons. Not only the seasons of the year, but also our spiritual seasons. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Solomon wrote: 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. In these verses, I am comforted to know that God is always near and in control. In addition, no matter what my circumstances currently are, they will eventually change. As our church season turns to the fall, your walk may lead you in a new direction. Maybe the Spirit is guiding you to help with Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) or become a youth leader or Sunday School teacher. There are plenty of opportunities to serve in our congregation. Please consider blessing others with your spiritual gifts in new ways. You may never know you are in the winter spiritually, until the Spirit springs you into service in a new and fulfilling way. Scott McGough Associate Lay Leader FROM PASTOR STEVE MUSIC: LANGUAGE OF FAITH Here's an opportunity for more specific input you can provide us for a possible Sermon Series in the coming year...think of the lyrics of songs that you grew up with - songs that moved your heart. Can you remember a lyric that spoke to your mind and heart and gave you insight about things like love... trust... friendship... meaning in life... responsibility (or any other subject that was important to you)? Would you share that? We'd like to compare what various generations of musicians have been teaching us about these things - to see how they are similar, or different, but also how each interacts with the teachings of Jesus and Scripture. Have some fun remembering - and please share your thoughts with Pastor Steve via (steve@meetwithgod.com) or a note in his mailbox in the church office. Thanks! UPDATED CHURCH DIRECTORY AVAILABLE THIS MONTH Be sure to pick up your copy of the Church Directory (non-photo, just names, addresses & phone numbers), which will be published early this month. It will be available in the Narthex before or after worship, or in the church office during the week. Just look for the yellow cover! In order to protect the privacy of our members, please dispose of your old directory safely, shredding it if possible. Thank you! Page 2

3 FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Summer is in full swing and so is the Education Department. Our Summer Sunday School program is doing great thanks to the many volunteers who are teaching & helping. Our curriculum, LIVE B.I.G. the One Room School House from Cokesbury, has really drawn the children in and they are learning about God's promises through the stories of The Sower, The 2 Houses, The Mustard Seed and several others. They are even learning memory verses that go with each story. Remember when you had to do that? I do! We are also continuing to prepare for our Summer Vacation Bible School program that will be held from August 16 th through August 20 th from 9:00 am to 12 noon. This year's theme is Kingdom of the SON- Praying through the LORD'S PRAYER. Of course we are still in need of volunteers and it is never too late to be part of the fun. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me at or education@meetwithgod.com. (VBS is for children 3 years through 6 th grade. Youth helpers are always welcomed!) As we look ahead to the fall we are already preparing for our next Soup & Study program that will begin on September 15 th. Stay tuned for information on what is being offered and if you are interested in leading or facilitating a class please let me know as soon as possible. Just a quick thank you to all who helped to make Family Fun Night a great success! Much fun was had by all. The train ride, moon bounce and obstacle course certainly kept the children happy. Remember, the 2nd Sunday in June IS Family Fun Night! Lastly, a great time was had by ALL who attended CreationFest With over 50,000 other people our group of 26 enjoyed 4 days of Christian Concerts, Speakers, Fellowship & Fun. The singing, communion, candle lighting & fireworks added to the richness of this amazing tradition! Consider joining us next year as we celebrate CreationFest June 29 th through July 2 nd! So what's coming up??? Vacation Bible School - August 16 th - 20 th, 9:00 am- 12 noon Fall Sunday School begins on September 12 th - Classes for Children 2 years through Adult, at 9:30 & 11:00am Fall Soup & Study begins on September 15 th - 6:00 pm Dinner & 7:00 pm Study Children's Thursday Youth Program begins Sept.16 th 4:30-6:30 pm (Children 5 years through 6 th grade) Christian Education Weekend on September 19 th Location: Hours: Grace & Peace & Enjoy the rest of your summer! RUMMAGE SALE September 29th & 30th First United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall) 446 Camden Avenue Moorestown Wednesday Thursday * * * * * * * 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm 9:30 am to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Bag Night) **Soup & snack lunch served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm on Thursday Donations Only Accepted: Monday Sept. 27th & Tuesday Sept. 28th 8:30 am to 8:00 pm *Sorry, we may need to close doors early for donations if we are full. Please, no magazines, encyclopedias, shoes, baskets, large furniture or large exercise equipment. *Sponsored by Adult Fellowship & Sarah Circle Page 3

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5 FROM THE MISSIONS COMMISSION Several years ago, I heard Brennan Manning say he believed that when we meet God, He would only ask each of us one question: Did you believe that I loved you? Although there will no doubt be many different answers to this question, let me tell you about a woman who had legitimate doubt, and how churches like ours have intervened. Simply put, her doubt was based on the fact that God had never spoken her language. Most people think that only Spanish is spoken in Mexico, but actually there are about 200 identified indigenous languages. Juana lived in a small Chinatec village high in the mountains of southern Mexico and her heart language is a dialect of Chinatec known as Otomangean. One's heart language is the language learned as a child and is spoken around the breakfast table. Even though a child may learn other languages during his lifetime, a complete understanding of any deep spiritual concepts can only be understood in one's heart language. Although some of the younger people in Juana's village spoke Spanish and some of the words began sounding familiar, it was always a blur to her. In her small village church, the priest spoke in Spanish, read the Bible in Spanish and all of the hymns were in Spanish. And so the seeds of question and doubt began to form in Juana's mind. If this is such a wonderful and powerful God, why doesn't He talk to me in Chinatec? Does God really love me? If you were Juana, wouldn't you wonder? Fortunately, 25 years ago God sent a Wycliffe Bible Translation team to Juana's village to translate the Bible into Juana's heart language of Otomangean. Once the translation is complete, God's word must be presented to the people. One of the tools that is used is The Luke Video which tells the story of Luke's Gospel and is available from The Jesus Film Project. After the individual dialect is dubbed into the soundtrack, WBT arranges to show the video in the town square. If the village doesn't have electricity the WBT brings a generator and a projector to show it on a large sheet. This is usually a dramatic thing since most in the remote villages have never seen a video. Further, none have ever seen a video in their heart language. Can you imagine how Juana must have felt hearing of God's love for the first time and understanding it in her heart language? It is through the efforts of WBT supported by your church that enable people like Juana to answer God with undeniable affirmation. On that day, Juana will speak directly to God and say, Yes, I know you loved me. Actually, she will say it in the Otomangean dialect of Chinatec and it will read like this: Submitted by Lee Talbot Page 5

6 FROM THE PARISH NURSE Think, Drink, Stay In The Pink If you're an average adult, you lose more than 10 cups (close to 2.5 liters) of water every day simply by sweating, breathing and elimination of waste. You also lose electrolytes - minerals such as sodium and potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in your body. Normally, you can replenish what you've lost through the foods and liquids you consume, but when you eliminate more water and salts than you replace, dehydration results - your system literally dries out. Water is essential to human life. In fact about 70% of our bodies are made up of water. Water forms the basis for all body fluids, including blood, semen and digestive juices; it aids in the transportation and absorption of nutrients; and it helps eliminate waste. The importance of water in maintaining life can not be overstated, however statistics show that 75% of folks in our country are chronically dehydrated. Elderly dehydration is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization among people over 65. But youngsters are not immune - 12% of hospital episodes for fluid loss occurred in year olds. So why are we so dry?? Well, sometimes dehydration occurs for simple reasons: You don't drink enough because you're sick or busy, or because you lack access to potable water if you're traveling, hiking or camping. Other causes of dehydration include: Diarrhea and/or vomiting can cause a tremendous loss of water and electrolytes in a short amount of time. Children and infants are especially at risk. In fact, dehydration is a leading cause of death in children worldwide. Fever - in general the higher your fever, the more dehydrated you may become. Excessive sweating - hot, humid weather increases the amount you sweat and the amount of fluid that you lose. Those who participate in sports may be especially susceptible. Increased urination - often the result of undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. Extensive burns cause profound fluid loss, and the resulting dehydration can be life-threatening. and swollen tongue, weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, confusion, sluggishness, even fainting, inability to sweat, and decreased urine output. One of the best ways to determine if you are dehydrated is to check the color of your urine. If it is deep yellow or amber (concentrated) or if it has a pungent odor - get sipping! In a well-hydrated person, urine should be light yellow, like the color of lemonade. Checking your skin turgor is another easy way to determine if you are dehydrated. This is all you need to do: Pinch the skin on the back of your left hand between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand. Let it go. If the skin sticks together or sags back into position slowly then you are dry and need to drink up. Normal, hydrated skin should spring back into position. Go ahead - try it right now. Do you need a glass of water? If so - get one and drink!! But you say, I can't drink 8 glasses of water a day, which is the recommended amount of fluid intake for an average person. OK, no problem - there are other ways to increase your fluid intake besides drinking plain old water. Try drinking a sports drink, like Gatorade, which includes essential electrolytes. 100% fruit juices with no added sugars are a tasty source of fluids. Suck on a popsicle or ice chips. And a great way to stay hydrated is to eat your fluids. Cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, peaches papayas, pineapple, mangoes, spinach, lowfat yogurt, even cooked oatmeal ALL have a water content of over 82%, and are tasty alternatives to keep hydrated. In these 90+ degree days it is vitally important to stay well hydrated. So be aware of the fluid content of your body, and remember to think, drink (or eat) and stay in the pink! Happy Hydrating, Sue Harris The signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include increased thirst, dry mouth Page 6

7 Jemina was born in Invergowrie, Scotland and named after her Irish grandmother. She was given the nickname of Ina to avoid confusion as other family members were also named after her grandmother. Her father owned and operated a grocery store in Invergowrie delivering orders in the early years by horse and wagon. Ina's mother was a homemaker and helped out occasionally in the store. The family home was adjacent to the store. Although her father's weekday schedule required long hours, Sunday was set aside as a family day. He saw to it that the family attended their church, the Scottish Presbyterian Church, morning and evening. They would take long walks in the hills in the afternoon. Not long after starting school, her father sold the store and bought another grocery store in Dundee. He then moved the family there into a home not close to the store. Her father's hard work and long hours enabled Ina and her brother, James, to be enrolled in a private school, the Morgan Academy, in Dundee. The architecture of this school is impressive. (It looks like a castle). The instructors wore Mortar board hats and cloaks; the students wore uniforms. The school suffered a devastating fire in 2004; was restored and reopened in Ina believes it is a public school now. Ina's favorite subject in school was Math. She attended a business school following graduation for one week. The school closed because the instructor went into the service. World War II, 1939, was starting to affect everyone. Taking a civil service exam, Ina worked for a telephone company run by the government and was exempt for a short time from being called into the service. Ina considered enlisting in the Air Force or the Navy as she thought the Army khaki was an ugly color. Before she could do so, she was drafted into the British Army. She remarks that there is nothing uglier than khaki stockings. She was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and assigned to the signal corp. Their job was to intercept information coming through the air waves from Germany. They would use pencils with points on both ends so they would not have to miss anything in the event one point would break. The information would be forwarded to others for decoding. Nearby was an American Army hospital. Dances were held by the combined forces. It was at one of these dances that she met Chester Cobb, a medical technician. They started to see each other more and more. They both had leave at the same time, and she took him to her home in Dundee to meet her family. He loved being in a homey atmosphere enjoying her mother's cooking. SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS Our Featured Senior - Jemina Alexandra Fleming Cobb Page 7 About a year later, they planned to marry in Sept. Their wedding plans were announced three consecutive weeks in the Scottish Presbyterian Church as was the custom to allow for objections. Chester had to have permission also from his unit and leaves were arranged. A bridal gown was purchased, invitations sent. Suddenly, Chester was sent to France with plans to send him back to the USA. Wedding plans canceled; bridal gown returned. One day in Nov., Chester showed up at her base, announced that they were going to be married. Since all the requirements at the church had been met before and their leaves approved, they married. They had only one photograph taken the day after their wedding. Photographers were scarce because all were in the service. They honeymooned in Aberdeen for a few days, but Chester wanted to spend the rest of their time with her family in Dundee. Chester returned to the USA with his Army unit in the early part of He lived with his parents in Avalon, NJ; found a job as an accountant working for the State at a facility for developmentally impaired males. Ina followed in May on an Italian Hospital Ship purchased by the USA for the purpose of bringing war brides to the USA. They built a home in Avalon. She proudly became an American citizen in July Ina and Chester have 2 children; a son Robert and a daughter Jacalyn. They have 4 grandchildren, Julia Alexandra, Molly, Jeffrey and Stuart. Chester died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 73 just before they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Remember Ina's love of math. It served her well being an accountant for a builder. She was very active in the Avalon Methodist church, community activities, and vice president of the school board. She received a framed citation honoring her many contributions by her church at a surprise celebration. After her retirement, she wanted to be closer to her family so she moved to Holiday Village East. She has since moved to Wiley Christian Retirement Community in Marlton feeling that it meets her needs now and in the future. Ina stays busy by doing embroidery, knitting, quilting and reading - especially mysteries. Two of Ina's artistic endeavors grace the entrance to her lovely home at Wiley; a 3 dimensional wall hanging done in embroidery/crewel and a pretty quilted one. We welcomed her into our church family 11 years ago and what an inspiration and blessing she is.

8 AT EASE! A year ago I announced the formation of the AT EASE! military veteran's group at FUMC. I felt the need to start such a group as a result of the veteran's appreciation service that was given here last Veteran's Day weekend, especially considering that our church has many current and former members of the American armed forces sitting in our pews each week. As a result of that announcement, we have had a meeting each month (off for the summer) and we've seen at least 4 of our veterans turn out for each meeting. During a couple of the get-togethers, we've had as many as 15 come out. So far, we've accomplished the first task that we set for ourselves. I mentioned to the group that I wasn't sure what mission we'd take on and asked for suggestions. The first one was to make sure our American flag (at the rear entrance to the educational building) was to fly all day and all night. After much research into lighting fixtures and power sources, I am pleased to report to the congregation that our first mission is accomplished! Thanks to Bill Potter and Jack Feeley for furnishing and installing the exterior light fixture that now illuminates Old Glory so it can fly at night. I suggested that we provide the church with a binder which would contain a bio on each of us and that we would turn it over to the library in case anyone wanted to know the background on any particular veteran. We have many submissions already and are still seeking input from each of our vets in the church. I'm also asking those surviving family members to provide a biography on your departed loved one's military service for this record. are cleared up (medical hold, legal hold, orders incorrect, etc). These soldiers could use a home cooked meal, for example, or a visit by folks who just want them to know we care. John and our veteran's group are asking you to donate some home cooked food or snacks so John can take them to Ft. Dix. Many of these soldiers live in buildings that have kitchens, so the food can be prepared in a more personal way. You can contact John at for more details or to acquire a copy of his list of desired items that the soldiers have asked for. Also, let us know if you have a deployed relative or friend and we'll see how we can provide support to that person. We need their name and military address, of course. The FUMC AT EASE! group is open to anyone who served honorably, or are currently serving. If you 'wintered over' at Antarctica or swatted flies on Okinawa, this group's for you. Perhaps you did time salvaging damaged ships on the bottom of the sea or took photos in the stratosphere of some not-so-friendly places, stop by to see us. I know one of us flew huge helicopters while several others stared-down the North Koreans. How do I know this? They stopped by and told us. It's good medicine, talking about it. Call me at or dwschill@comcast.net. CAN DO! Dave Schill Senior Chief Builder United States Navy Seabees (Ret.) The third chore we've been working on has been sending boxes of goodies to our troops deployed overseas. We sent many boxes of items to Doug Ferrie's Cavalry Troop when he was in Iraq. Now, with the addition of retired Navy Captain John Ulrich to our group, we're helping him get the word out about donating your old cell phones to a program that repurposes them into phone cards for the troops who are in an area that has land lines but no cell service. You'll see John's boxes in church for old cell phones, so bring yours in and drop it into the box we'll do the rest. John is also very active at Ft. Dix assisting soldiers who are stuck there on various 'holds' until their situations Page 8

9 NOTES FROM THE FINANCE DESK This is the first in a series of Notes from the Finance Desk concerning YOUR CHURCH'S Finances. It is the desire of the Finance Committee to provide the Congregation with a fuller and better understanding of your Church's finances and how important a role you have in providing sound financial support. As these notes are presented it is the desire of the Committee to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, therefore contacts will be listed at the end of each Note. First Church is a growing and dynamic church with many opportunities for Spiritual Growth, Community Involvement, Church Activities, Mission Participation and Christian Support. Annual Financial Audit, a detailed look at the resulting Fund Balance Report - Accounts The annual financial audit, which is required by GNJAC, has recently been conducted. It now seems appropriate to provide YOU with information concerning this audit and what it reveals concerning the CHURCH'S multifaceted use of funds. Since this subject covers a wealth of information it will be presented in two (2) Notes. This first note will outline and discuss the accounts. The second note will present the various OUTREACH programs, projects and commitments undertaken and accounted for under the accounts. The Fund Balance Report shows the extent of the CHURCH'S involvement and commitment to Living Radical Hospitality and a commitment to share with a hurting world through words and actions. Following is a listing of the Church Activities/bank accounts in this report: General Fund (Includes Faith Promise) Ministers Discretionary Building Fund Reserve Fund Pre-School (First Light) Memorials Fund UM Youth UM Women & Miriam Circle Adult Fellowship Women's Sarah Circle UM Men These eleven (11) accounts receive and spend approximately $1,950,000 yearly. Total General Operating Fund - Operating Income & Expenditures Budget - These funds support the daily Church operations which encompass Pastoral Support, Music Program, Education, Youth, Administration, Missions & Benevolences, Commissions & Committees and Property. Faith Promise - Income and Expenditures - These funds are utilized to support Missions and Missionaries throughout the world. These two functions accounts for 65% of FUMC's financial activity and are funded from Pledged funds, weekly non-pledge collections, special envelopes, music programs and special gifts. Yearly campaigns are held to enable the Congregation to recommit to their yearly tithing and giving. Ministers Discretionary Account - Funds flow into this account from Congregational contributions received on Communion Sundays. This account is used by the Ministers to provide financial support to needy individual families in the area. This account is 1% of the total funds flow. Building Fund - Income and Expenditures - these funds pay for the Building Loan for the new Building and account for 12% of the total funding activity. Every three (3) years a campaign is held to recommit to paying the Building Loan. The newest and most recent campaign Living Radical Hospitality was held in May, Since the Congregation has recently recommitted to paying down the loan, the third Note From The Finance Desk will provide information concerning the Building Loan and past campaigns. continued on next page Page 9

10 A Note from the Finance Desk - Annual Financial Audit, continued Reserve Fund - Used as needed to support expenditures for the General Fund and to hold in reserve funds for special projects as designated by the Finance Committee. This account is 2% of total funding activity. Pre-School (First Light) - The school is a self supporting and separate entity from the Church, which is funded by fees paid by parents of the children attending. The Church provides space and pays for utilities and maintenance from the General Operating Fund for this wonderful Christian Educational opportunity extended to the community. This account is 16% of the total funds flow. Memorials Fund - Funds are obtained from individual giving and are generally designated for a specific purpose. Income receipt and expenditure is variable and not constant. An example of giving would be to maintain the Memorial Garden. UM Youth - This account is utilized by the Director of Youth Ministries to pay for Youth activities, such as trips. These funds are obtained from the participants and do not flow through the General Operating Fund. UM Women & Miriam Circle, Adult Fellowship, Women's Sarah Circle and UM Men - These are not only social groups, but each organization has its own agenda for fund raising and distribution of the income received. An example of fund raising is the Rummage Sale. All of these organizations, including Youth and Memorials account for 4% of the total funds flow. Hopefully this Note has helped YOU in your understanding of how your financial investment in FUMC provides so many opportunities and touches so many lives. We will be talking to YOU in our second note: Annual Financial Audit, a look at the resulting Fund Balance Report - OUTREACH If you have any comments or questions concerning this NOTE please contact the following: Ralph Adamson, Treasurer (856) Rlaehaver@verizon.net Bob Murray, Finance Chair (856) ROBERT.MURRAY@dhl.com From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 * * * * * * * * * Chase Edward Jackson on June 13th; son of Edward & Vickie Jackson Addison Jill LaMonica on July 11th; daughter of Anthony & Laurie LaMonica Douglas Rodgers & Adriene Herman on June 12th Page 10