The Good News. April God Is With Us Always. Inside This Issue:

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April 2014 The Good News SPARTA UNITED METHODIST UNITED CHURCH, 71 METHODIST Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ 07871 CHURCH, 71 Sparta Ave.

CHURCH & SOCIETY 4 CONGREGATIONAL 5 CARE INFORMATION UM WOMEN 6 STAFF PARISH RELATIONS UPDATE WORLD MISSION 7 SHOP SUNDAY 8 & 9 SCHOOL HAPPENINGS YOUTH CAR WASH EASTER FLOWER 10 ORDER FORM CALENDER

1 April 2014 The Good News SPARTA UNITED METHODIST UNITED CHURCH, 71 METHODIST Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ CHURCH, 71 Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ God Is With Us Always Inside This Issue: FROM THE PASTER S 1 DESK LAY LEADER BOOK 2 REVIEW CHURCH COUNCIL FOOD PANTRY 3 CHURCH MOUSE WHY SPARTA? CHURCH & SOCIETY 4 CONGREGATIONAL 5 CARE INFORMATION UM WOMEN 6 STAFF PARISH RELATIONS UPDATE WORLD MISSION 7 SHOP SUNDAY 8 & 9 SCHOOL HAPPENINGS YOUTH CAR WASH EASTER FLOWER 10 ORDER FORM CALENDER 11 Dear Friends, Easter day is a celebration of new life and resurrection. It is time for the church to remember that no matter what we face in life, no matter how far we turn from God, no matter how the world may struggle to find peace and hope, there is always hope in Jesus Christ. Imagine how low the women who came to the tomb on that first Easter morning felt, thinking that they were going to complete the rituals for death, only to find an empty tomb and an announcement of resurrection. I imagine that there was a mixture of unbelief, skepticism, confusion, and joyful exuberance. That is not unlike our own experiences when God breaks into our lives and gives us some amazing gift is it too good to be true? Easter reminds us of what really is true in our faith, in our lives, in our worlds. There is nothing that God cannot do. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God even the crucifixion of God s son. There is nothing in our human experience that God has not willingly experienced with us. Easter reminds us that in our tears and in our laughter, God is with us. In our doubts and in our faithfulness, God is with us. In our struggles for justice, in our desire to show mercy, God is with us. As we approach Easter, each of us will be given an opportunity to offer hope to someone else. As you have seen in the newsletter and weekly bulletins, as well as during worship, our congregation is moving ahead with The Future with Hope Mission Fund campaign. This is a part of our Annual Conference program of mission and ministry that reaches from our next door neighbor into the global neighborhood. On Palm Sunday, the day of triumphal entry, we will each be given an opportunity to each of us to make a commitment for this mission fund. The three goals are: 1. to be a part of rebuilding homes along the Jersey shore where thousands of families are still displaced following Hurricane Sandy, 2. to help eliminate Malaria from the continent of Africa where we have already made a significant contribution towards bringing an end to this disease that claims more than a half million lives a year. 3. to encourage and start new mission outreach in our local community More details will follow in a letter in a couple of weeks, however, it is my hope that this will become an amazing outpouring of blessing, a triumphal experience of knowing that we can make a difference, and a tremendous opportunity for offering new life to those who need it the most. May God bless you in this Lent and Easter season. In Christ, Steve Bechtold Interim Administrative Pastor Co-edited by Ann Freeman Price & Linda Kristiansen Page 1

I m on my second reading of this book and if truth be told I don t o en read a book more than once. But this book is a gem.

2 Lay Leader Recommends Just Jesus by Walter Wink There will be something in this book that strikes a chord with you. The complete tle is Just Jesus---My Struggle to Become Human by Walter Wink, with Steven Berry. Walter Wink was a Biblical scholar, theologian, and ac vist before his death in I m on my second reading of this book and if truth be told I don t o en read a book more than once. But this book is a gem. Just Jesus is a book made up of short vigne es of parts of Wink s life---sharing his beliefs and theology, his mes of civil disobedience, his involvement in Selma, South Africa, and Chile, and his life reflec ons. I took one of his five-day workshops in 1994 at Auburn Theological Seminary tled Worldviews, His wife, June Keener-Wink was a co-presenter and her part took the form of movement and dance. It was an honor to experience that course with them. On the back of the book, Wink is quoted as saying, These autobiographical reflec ons are in no way excep onal. Everyone has a life story. Some are more interes ng than others, but they all deserve a hearing. My story may, at the very least show why I theologically think the way that I do. Ask anyone in the United Methodist Women s BookWorms group what they thought of this book because they discussed it on March 10th. But then, read it for yourself. By then, I ll be on my third reading Ann Freeman Price, Lay Leader CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS The Church Council met on Wednesday night, March 19 th, and focused on the following areas key to the life of the church: The Trustees are overseeing the following projects: making preparations to welcome the new pastor, including readying the parsonage; preparing to install a new stove in the kitchen; inspecting the fire extinguishers and replacing them where necessary. The Scouts have proposed an Eagle Scout project to develop a picnic area in the back of the church property. A task force has been formed with Jeni Moriarty, Laura Kempson, and Bob Schutz to oversee the project and integrate it with other initiatives that the church may have for the back property. Vacation Bible School will be held on August 4 th through the 8 th focusing on the theme of Workshop of Wonders. This theme will also include a missions project to support the Future With Hope campaign. On Sunday, May 4 th, SUM Day (Sparta United Methodist Day) will be held in Demarest Hall following the 10:30 Sunday service. The committees of our church will have displays to inform the congregation about their activities and how they serve the mission of the church. The Youth mission trip and fundraisers were approved by the Council. The trip will take place on August 17 th through the 24 th. HOLY WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday Sunday, April 13 th at 8:30 am & 10:30 am Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 17 th at 7:30 pm Good Friday Friday, April 18th at 7:30 pm Sunrise Service Easter Sunday April 20 th at 7:00 AM on the Boardwalk Easter Sunday Sunday, April 20 th at 8:30 and 10:30 am Page 2

Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry The food pantry is in constant need of food and other items. How can you help? Bring food pantry donations to the church.

Write Food Pantry in the memo line & put in the offering plate.

3 Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry The food pantry is in constant need of food and other items. How can you help? Bring food pantry donations to the church. They will be taken to the food pantry for distribution to those in need. Contribute money (or gift cards) to the food pantry that will be used to purchase food. Write Food Pantry in the memo line & put in the offering plate. Items the food pantry needs: Canned Fruit Canned Vegetables Cereal Soup Cans of ready to eat stew, chili, & pastas Shelf Stable Milk or Powdered Milk Egg Noodles Canned potatoes Pasta Pasta sauce Toothpaste & brushes Feminine products Thrift Shop News! Spring has arrived at the Mouse!! Come celebrate the end of winter and find some great bargains! Spring clothing, Easter decorations and bunnies, crafts, toys, household goods, linens, books we have it all!! If you haven t been down lately, it s a wonderful adventure! Come explore! You will NOT be disappointed! Hours are Wednesday and Saturday 10-2, and Thursday and Friday, 1-4. A Decision for Sparta UMC Upon moving to the Sparta area in July of 2009 my daughter, Karen, and I decided to visit several churches. We wanted to get a feel for the Pastor, the Congrega onal friendliness, and what ac vi es the church was involved in. Since Karen had been confirmed at Sparta United Methodist Church many years ago, we decided to visit this church first. As we looked at the list of users of the church, both Sparta UMC groups, and more importantly outside groups, we knew this was the church for us. I have long felt that churches that were focused on the community and not just on their own members were truly living what Jesus commands us: love one another, care for the poor, and give to those in need. From my point of view Sparta UMC does all of this Jack Carpenter Page 3

4 PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION Opportunities from the Church & Society Committee The Church and Society Committee of the Sparta United Methodist Church is connected to both the Conference and the General Boards of Church and Society. The job of the Church and Society Committee at all these levels in the United Methodist Church is to work on issues of social justice. From our General Board of Church and Society: Civil Disobedience Protest On President s Day, February 17, 32 people of faith, including United Methodist Bishops Minerva Carcaño and Julius Trimble, co-chairs of the denomina on s Interagency Task Force on Immigra on, and Harrie Jane Olson, top execu ve of United Methodist Women, were arrested in front of the White House while protes ng the Obama administra on immigrant deporta on policies. Also arrested was Bill Mefford, director of Civil & Human Rights at the general Board of Church and Society. The group was calling a en on to the fact that nearly 2 million people have been deported during the Obama administra on. United Methodist Women has collected thousands of postcards to ask the administra on to stop the deporta ons. Senate Intelligence Commi ee Report on Torture President Obama announced in March that he supports Declassifica on of the Senate Intelligence Commi ee Report on CIA Torture. As you know, our Church and Society Commi ee, a member of the Na onal Religious Campaign Against Torture, has been advoca ng against our government s use of torture for many years. We have flown our Torture is a Moral Issue banner every June to raise public awareness, and many of you have signed our le ers and pe ons to the President, our two Senators and Congressman urging them to inves gate and end the use of torture. Our Commi ee had also urged the Senate Intelligence Commi ee to make public the Senate Intelligence Commi ee Report. The first step toward redemp on is to admit the mistakes of the past said Rev. Ron S ef, execu ve director of the Na onal Religious Campaign Against Torture. Upcoming Events of Interest: Movie: Living for 32, Saturday, April 12, 7pm rsvp litsa@embarqmail.com Living for 32" features Colin Goddard, a student at Virginia Tech who was shot but survived - sponsored by the Sussex Million Mom March of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, NJ Peace Action Annual Dinner - Sunday, April 27, 2014, 12:00pm - 4:00pm rsvp litsa@emnarqmail.com Program: " Cooling the Hot Spot: Nuclear Weapons Free Middle East", Speaker: Sharon Dolev, founder and director of the Israeli Disarmament Movement (RPM). Page 4

NEW MEMBER CLASSES These classes are open to all current and prospective new members who wish to learn more about what it truly means to be a member of God s family. Rev. Dr.

On May 18th we will receive new members and confirmands during the 10:30 a.m. service with a pot luck luncheon celebration afterwards.

Below please find the schedule: DATE SCHEDULED Sunday, April 6, 2014 Sunday, April 13, 2014 Sunday, April 20, 2014 Sunday, April 27, 2014 Sunday, May 4, 2014 Sunday, May 11, 2014 NAME OF VOLUNTEER

5 NEW MEMBER CLASSES These classes are open to all current and prospective new members who wish to learn more about what it truly means to be a member of God s family. Rev. Dr. Steve Bechtold will be leading these classes. Meeting Dates: March 30, April 6 and 27, and May 4, 9:15-10:15 (nursery provided) in the Wesley Room. On May 18th we will receive new members and confirmands during the 10:30 a.m. service with a pot luck luncheon celebration afterwards. Please call the church office to RSVP so we can be sure we have enough materials, Nursery News Thank you to all who have volunteered to help in the Nursery. Below please find the schedule: DATE SCHEDULED Sunday, April 6, 2014 Sunday, April 13, 2014 Sunday, April 20, 2014 Sunday, April 27, 2014 Sunday, May 4, 2014 Sunday, May 11, 2014 NAME OF VOLUNTEER Kim Noel Sabrina Androijov VOLUNTEER NEEDED Michelle Harnish Katrina Schutz Kasia Juan Please take a look at the schedule outside the nursery door and sign up! If you have any questions, please contact Pat Schutz at (973) Family Fun Fest Cra Days Monday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 8th at 10:00 a.m. Call Pat Schutz at (973) or Muriel Godberson (515) with any ques ons. All are welcome! PREACHING SCHEDULE April 6th Wen-Ling Lai & Rev. Dr. Steve Bechtold April 13th Rev. Dr. Steve Bechtold Maundy Thursday, April 17th Wen-Ling Lai Good Friday, April 18th Rev. Dr. Steve Bechtold Easter Sunday, April 20th Rev. Dr. Alden Welch Page 5

6 United Methodist Women Go in Many Directions Paul Johnson Writes A Biography from a Believer Come Join Us! The United Methodist Women BookWorms will discuss Johnson s biography on Monday, April 14th, at 10am. The United Methodist Women s Reading Program catalog says this about the book: Few figures have had such an influence on history as Jesus of Nazareth. Here, Paul Johnson distills the life of this complex subject into a highly readable work. The result is an accessible biography and an insightful analysis of how Jesus remains important today. We Pray Together On April 2nd The Healing Prayer Time of United Methodist Women is at 11:15 on April 2nd. Everyone is welcome to join us in the Wesley Room or in their own home. We li up the names of those we would pray for; we li up the names of those who have birthdays in April. We tell the stories of situa ons that need prayer. And at 11:45 we end and in our homes, con nue to pray un l the next month. Staff Parish Relations Committee New Pastor Update Much work has been done in the effort to select a new pastor. The SPRC has been working with Pastor Steve to move this process along. The church profile has been completed; this will assist the Bishop and District Superintendents in their selection of an appropriate candidate. The Church Council recently approved a salary range for the new pastor; this range will support a good pool of candidates to be considered. While we all wish the appointment could be completed sooner than later, it is in our interest to be patient until the normal assignments are made (usually during March) effective on July 1 st. In the interim we have the assistance of three individuals providing Sparta UMC with administrative, pastoral, and general attention. You are encouraged to talk to a member of the SPRC committee. They welcome conversation about the process of selecting a new pastor, current status, and any concerns you might have. Jack Carpenter, Chair, SPRC SPRC Members: Ann Freeman Price Duwan Fields Cullen Kempson Jeni Moriarty Mary DeMeulenaere Kathy Scehovic Susan Pironti Tammy Vrabel Chris Deery Page 6

7 World Mission Gift Shop Fair Trade - our purchases, sales of these items, and replenishment of inventory help artisans and craftsman receive fair wages, have decent working conditions, and no child labor. Equal Exchange - organic coffee (decaf too) and tea is now available! Also a selection of chocolates including chocolate covered raisins is now available. Divine Chocolate come sample our dark chocolate and milk chocolate while you preview our selection of various chocolates. SERRV - Jewelry, scarfs, and handbags plus other unique handmade items are offered. Jamtown these instruments are handmade using local materials. Other Fair Trade products come from Ten Thousand Villages, BeadforLife, and Global Crafts. Human anti-trafficking efforts Made by Survivors We have a large selection of handmade Jewelry items to choose from. Made by Survivors is an international nonprofit organization which employs and educates survivors of slavery and other human rights abuses, including women and children living in extreme poverty. SERRV these handmade products support several programs including many empowering women such as Nepal s Get Paper program: An African proverb says, "If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family and a whole community. Volunteers: please consider volunteering once or twice a month. In addition to helping sell we have other needs that a volunteer can fulfill. To learn more about the shop or to talk about volunteering contact the shop administrator, Jack Carpenter. The shop is open as follows: Wednesday 10 am to 2 pm Thursday 1 to 4 pm Saturday 10 am to 2 pm Friday 1 to 4 pm Sunday 11:30 to 12:30 pm WMGSSpartaUMC@gmail.com Shop Phone (973) Page 7

Lenten Day 15 2014 Many may wonder why I would share Sparta UMC children s valentines to God (see below & note kids choice of valentines ) during the 2014 Lent The good news is: We are all God s

The better news is: Many children of SUMC get the good news that God loves them and are learning what it means to love God back in their own ways (like looking out for their sisters/brothers, and

One of my most favorite moments during worship on Sundays or beyond (like Ash Wednesday) is to witness how children explores, learn and embrace (and while teaching us) God s love!

8 Lenten Day Many may wonder why I would share Sparta UMC children s valentines to God (see below & note kids choice of valentines ) during the 2014 Lent The good news is: We are all God s valentines ALL the time, not just on the Valentine s Day, February 14 th! The better news is: Many children of SUMC get the good news that God loves them and are learning what it means to love God back in their own ways (like looking out for their sisters/brothers, and sending God valentines)! The best news of all is: God loves us so much that the Ultimate Lover sent us precious Jesus to show us how to live and LOVE! One of my most favorite moments during worship on Sundays or beyond (like Ash Wednesday) is to witness how children explores, learn and embrace (and while teaching us) God s love! I wish that you all get to see precious moments during children s time, e.g. the girl who just lost her first tooth, trying to tell us about it, or little boy (~ 2 years old) who would offer his treasured lollipop for me to lick. Isn t sharing what we rejoice and care with each other one of the best ways to make our life journey easier, more meaningful, and joyful? By the time you read this, Lent might have neared the end or Easter might have come and gone You might have been able to carry through the spiritual disciplined preparation for the Easter (e.g. devotional study, fasting, etc.) completely, otherwise, or not at all. One way or the other, God still loves us no matter how we have prepared during the 40 days before Easter How comforting it is to know and remember that we are all God s valentines always! Thanks be to God! Wen-Ling Lai Pastoral Intern Children Christian Education Superintendent Page 8

If you have any child or grandchild who has participated in the 2013 2014 Christian Education at Sparta UMC, you are cordially invited to take a few moments to provide some candid feedback via the

9 If you have any child or grandchild who has participated in the Christian Education at Sparta UMC, you are cordially invited to take a few moments to provide some candid feedback via the following. Survey is available on 1 30 April Details about the curriculums that SUMC Children Christian Education program used can be found on Date Gatherings Participants/Organizers 10:30 Passion Sunday Procession All/Jeni Moriarty + all teachers 10:30 Youth Sunday All / James & Jeni + all teachers 9:15 Final Sunday School Day All classes/all teachers 6/8/2014 End of Year Celebration/ Christina Kraemer Teacher Appreciation Breakfast 8/4 9:00 12: Vacation Bible School YOUTH MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER CAR WASH The Sparta UMC Youth Group will be hosting a car wash on Sunday, April 27th from noon until 4pm! We are asking for 5 dollars a vehicle (a great rate!). Each guest will be given a ticket for a FREE car wash in May. Look for more details about this FREE car wash next month! All monies raised will be to support the youth mission trip to the Jersey Shore in partnership with A Future With Hope, August 17-23rd. Page 09

Mother and Father Moments Remember and Honor This year at both the Mother's Day and Father's Day services, Sparta United Methodist Woman invite you to honor these special people.

We will have two categories: In memory of and In honor of. The money will be used for the World Thank Offering which through United Methodist Women helps people around the world.

10 Mother and Father Moments Remember and Honor This year at both the Mother's Day and Father's Day services, Sparta United Methodist Woman invite you to honor these special people. In the church bulle n on May 12th we will have a special page to recognize Mothers. We are asking that for each name you contribute two dollars. We will have two categories: In memory of and In honor of. The money will be used for the World Thank Offering which through United Methodist Women helps people around the world. Please fill out the form and put it in an envelope in the United Methodist Woman's box. There is a supply of empty envelopes in that box for your convenience. Since we will be doing this on Father's Day also, you can submit both at this me, although there will be another chance closer to Father's Day. Submi ed By: Phone Number: MOTHERS In Memory Of: In Memory Of: In Honor Of: In Honor Of: FATHERS In Memory Of: In Memory Of: In Honor Of: In Honor Of: Please submit by May 4th for Mothers Day and June 8th for Fathers Day Page 10

11 Sparta United Methodist Church 71 Sparta Avenue Sparta, NJ Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID SPARTA, NJ NO. 14 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: Fax: Visit us at and like at facebook.com/spartaumc and spartaumc.org Our Fall Shop Hours THRIFT SHOP HOURS Wednesday 10:00 2:00 Thursday 1:00-4:00 Friday 1:00 4:00 Saturday 10:00 2:00 (973) The Good News You can reach Ann Freeman Price, co-editor at or at or Linda Kristiansen, co-editor at the church office (973) or at The next Newsletter will be compiled for May April 15th at 9:00 a.m. World Mission Gift Shop Hours Sunday 11:30 12:30 Wednesday 10:00-2:00 Thursday 1:00 4:00 Friday 1:00 4:00 Saturday 10:00 to 2:00 Come browse gifts from our Fair Trade Shop Come Worship with Us! Sunday services are at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Nursery care to age 5 Everyone Is Welcome! SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AT 9:15

S PA RTA. Inside This Issue: Members and Friends,

S PA RTA. Inside This Issue: Members and Friends, S PA RTA U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U RC H NEWSLETTER May 2016 Members and Friends, Inside This Issue: Calendar 2 Children + Youth 3 Church + Society 7 Church Mouse News 7 Coffee Hour 5 Congregational