Central park complex/umc Clarion Newsletter. CentralParkComplex.com. Rev. Mary A. Kelly, Pastor. To our Central Park United Methodist Church family;

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1 To our Central Park United Methodist Church family; We can t thank you enough for the generosity and kindness you have shown us. We truly don t even know where to begin, we are so very touched and appreciative of your outpouring of support. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, donated, joined the James Gang, or even sent positive and healing vibes our way. This is not a world we ever imagined to be in, but now that we re here we can say with all sincerity that the support we have received is making all the difference. We re so lucky to be the parents to our beautiful, happy, special boy and are so thankful for the gift of perspective this experience has given us. The experience of caring for a child that has needs that are above and beyond is not always easy, but, it has given us a whole new perspective and appreciation for family, friends and community and just how far acts of support and kindness can go. For that, we are grateful. Thank you for all your kind and heart-felt donations to the MDA via The James Gang. The dollars and awareness raised directly impact and improve the quality of life for so many who are impacted by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscledebilitating diseases. From the bottom on of our hearts, thank you. Molly, Anthony, and James Parisi For Info on Recovery Meetings, For info on weddings, Clara s Closet, Christian Ed. & recovery meetings, visit our new website: CentralParkComplex.com, Central park complex/umc Clarion Newsletter Rev. Mary A. Kelly, Pastor CentralParkComplex.com September 2018

2 Dear Central Park UMC Family, It is with deep sorrow that I share with you the passing of our dear sister JoAnn Hall, who died on Monday morning at her home on Grand Island. She leaves behind sons Dave and Rick; grandsons Willie, David, and Zachary; great-grandson Xavier; and a host of friends and family. JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter Michelle. Saturday, Sept 8 2pm: Memorial Service for JoAnn Hall Wednesday, Sept am Central Park Bible Study re-commences Saturday, Sept 15 SHIP SHAPE Church Cleaning Day:: please join the team on Wesley Ave Hall Sign-up sheet Sunday Sept 16 4:00pm-7:00pm Installation service for DS Carlos at Batavia First UMC (8221 Lewiston Rd. Batavia 14020) Tuesday Sept 25th: Team Meetings at 7:00PM Church Council at 8:00PM Sunday, October 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm Bishop Clarence UMC (10205 Greiner Road Clarence 14031) to address matters concerning The Way Forward At the time of her death, JoAnn was serving as a member of our Board of Trustees; previously, she served for three years as chair of our Staff/ Pastor/Parish Relations Committee. JoAnn was also a mentor and friend to many of our young people, having faithfully participated in our latest confirmation class. Most recently, JoAnn and family hosted what has become an annual pool party event for our children and teens. The photo attached below was taken at that event on June 24th of this year. (Also pictured: Danielle Matthews on right) A Memorial Service celebrating JoAnn's life will be held at Central Park UMC on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 2:00PM, with a light reception following. Gifts in her memory may be made to Central Park UMC. We covet your prayers for JoAnn's family as well as for our faith community as we grieve her loss, together. In sure and certain hope of resurrection, Pastor Mary Sunday, November 19th: Celebration of Music Ministry with reception Sunday, December 2, 12:15pm Annual Church Conference Rev. Carlos Rosa-Lageur will hold individual conferences as he begins his ministry as our District Superintendent. See more at CentralParkComplex.com Central Park prayer requests: Bob A., The Family of JoAnn Hall, Shirley & Dennis B., Patti S., Marilynn S. Michael A., Marge & Bob W., Robert W., Anne & Emilia, Louise, Patrick R., David, Amy B., Nina & Geno, Hector & Gwen T., Anne & Emilia, Louise, Robert CEN- TRAL PARK

3 Call to Prayer from Our District Superintendent 15 minutes daily... with a goal of one hour daily. God has promised to transform us into the image of his son, Jesus Christ. Transformation that we can enjoy here and now. The goals of such a transformation are: help us to face the daily life situations by faith, model God's transformation here and now, and to be a living testimony of God's grace, love and power. Our intimate life in God's presence is one of the tools to accomplish such goals. An intimate life with God is built with: daily moments of prayer and reading of the Word of God, worship and acts of gratitude, identifying God's work on us. Intimacy with God is what sanctifies us. Sanctification is God's grace forming the character of Jesus Christ in us. The victory accomplished through our transformational process of sanctification gives us the evidence of God's work in our lives. Each testimony empowers us as witnesses of God's grace and power. CENTRAL PARK BIBLE STUDY This Bible Study is a lectionary based class that meets from 10:00am- 11:00am every Wednesday in the Dayer Fellowship Room. Together we take an in-depth look at scripture in its historical, contextual setting and attempt to discern the ways in which the Spirit speaks through it to 21st century disciples. The class is perfect for those seeking to learn more about the Bible as well as our Methodist faith tradition. Run by Pastor Mary. Drop-ins always welcome! CentralParkComplex.com God has the power to cancel and eliminate the storms and circumstances that make our lives difficult. However, God's goal is to transform our ability to face life to become more like Jesus Christ. That ability is only obtained when we invest with determination in our intimacy with God. The burdens of everyday life make us feel trapped in the middle of a turbulent sea. Confusion can lead us to feel internally tormented. Our response to the circumstances of life is the product of our intimate life before God. Let us invest consistently and properly in our intimacy with God. When was the last time you separated time just to sing to God? How often do you cancel your daily activities to reflect, meditate and contemplate the beauty of God in the Word? How many times have you found yourself praying for God's purpose for your life, agenda and daily life? Let us start with 15 minutes daily. Let us set a goal of one hour daily. Carlos Rosa-Lageur

4 There is great turmoil in the world today. There are things going on that you should know and care about; action is required from you in order to set things right. In our democracy, your voice matters. You have as much (or as little) power as you have the time and the will and the daring to assert. You are constitutionally entitled to voice your opinion, and you ought to do so, for that is your right. Your power as a citizen is guaranteed by the laws governing our nation. You are free to speak, and that is a wondrous and sacred right. It must never be taken for granted; it must never be curtailed. All over the world, in nation after nation, peoples voices are silenced by oppressive and corrupt regimes that stifle free speech and inflict heavy penalties on anyone who dares to suggest that life could be different- life can be better. In those countries, the name of Jesus still strikes fear in the hearts of those who seek absolute power, because they rely on fear to control the masses, and perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) Jesus is that Perfect Love. Those who truly follow him are less likely to fear the terror of the night or the arrow that flies by day, for under his wings do we find refuge. (Psalm 91:5) He who came to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1) has also inspired millions to speak up against oppression and to fight against injustice- to find their purpose and their voice to lift their brothers and sisters out of whatever bondage might enslave them. We are the living legacy of the founders of our faith, and we walk in the light of our Crucified and Risen Lord. The world needs our testimony today: there is great power in using one s voice! Think of Mary as she ran from the garden, calling out to Peter and the others: I have seen the Lord! (John 20:18) Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. (John 20:29) Blessed are you, dear friends, who have come to new life in Jesus Christ because you received with open hearts and open minds the testimony of another. And blessed will all the world become, when your voice is lifted up: the voice of hope for the next generation. In the Name of Jesus: Testimony based on Acts 4:32-35 and 1 John 1:1-2:2 Sermons at Central Park United Methodist Church The Rev. Mary A. Kelly Excerpt from Readable Digital Sermon CentralParkComplex.com

5 "Life on a Coral Reef" Photography presentation by our member Mary Lou Frost a family-fun program including lunch and kids crafts. Join us in the Dayer room for this great artwork as we celebrate the "International Year of the Reef." Questions: mlfrost@verizon.net 12pm Sunday September 30, Lunch served for attendees I m teaching a driver safety class in the Fall at Central Park UMC. It is a 6 -hour class which offers 10% off on one's auto insurance for 3 years. Dates Upcoming possibly two adjacent evenings within one week stay tuned. This is an open class, so please share with friends in the community. -Mary Lou Frost CLARA S CLOSET CLOSED Aug 29 Sept 9 & Did you Know...that Clara s Closet Refugee Services, the No-Cost Shop in the lower level of Central Park Complex, welcomes hundreds of people each Monday & Thursday, offering them household items, clothing and great customer service? Did you know: they have an amazing volunteer team, but they need your help to fill the ranks as this urban outreach ministry continues to grow See their website today :: ClarasCloset.Info

6 Central Park Youth Christian ED is multi-faceted and we've celebrated great successes in each age group & grade. Our Confirmation Class has surprised us with excellent projects & gifts, we've expanded childrens studies & special events, including crafts & costume, and we saw many baptisms this year and are happy to offer nursery services as well. Did you know, in addition to Young People of Faith and Children of Faith, we have a great Nursery Option? Please note parents: Infants should be collected back unto your loving arms directly following worship service: Learn More about our groups at website ChristianEd.Info & thanks. Please do remember CENTRAL PARK United Methodist Church in your will, as endowments or legacy gifts: What do I get for his/her birthday? Anniversary? Whatever? Here is a NO-FAIL GIFT IDEA We all have folks we dearly love, but hate to buy presents for them. What to give the person who has everything and/or wants nothing? How about a donation in his /her / their honor to one of the Central Park UMC special funds? You could donate to the Good Samaritan Fund, to Vacation Bible School or pay for flowers on the altar one Sunday. There are sign up sheets on the Wesley Bulletin Boards for the flowers, or you can contact the church office. Donations can be made at any time and at any amount to Pastor Mary s Good Samaritan Fund. If you are making the donation as a gift, please tell Pastor Mary or Beth Buckley (Chair, Finance) and provide an address. If you wish, the donation will be listed in the Bulletin in honor of your recipient In addition, a letter will be sent to the honoree by Pastor Mary informing him or her of the gift, and explaining how the gift will benefit the people of God whom we ve been called to serve. - your friend, Beth Buckley Central Park United Methodist Church fills a vital, important part of all of our lives and fills an important role in the lives of so many in Buffalo and beyond. You have all been generous in your contributions to Central Park. Aside from pledges to the church on an ongoing basis, many of you will find gifts in the form of bequests attractive. If you wish to support the church and its missions, consider including a provision in your will similar to this: I leave to Central Park United Methodist Church, Buffalo, NY the sum of $ ( or a portion of a residuary estate, or a description of stock or property to be given) to be used for the support of the church and its ongoing missions. Please consider remembering the church in your will or list the church as a beneficiary for insurance proceeds. Also, Congress has made permanent a policy allowing eligible individuals to make donations during their lifetimes from an IRA, IRS 401(k) or 403(b) and similar tax deferred plans. If you can do this, please consult your plan administrator or financial advisor to obtain the appropriate forms and ascertain eligibility. As always, we thank you for your generosity that will enable Central Park to continue the ministries of the church. Thanks be to God! - your friend, Beth Buckley