CHURCH CHAT. March 2018

Transcription

1 CHURCH CHAT It is the mission and purpose of Somers Community United Church of Christ to study and seek the will of God and to transform our understanding into action. March 2018 Somers Community UCC th Street PO Box 183 Kenosha, WI ~~~ Ph: Visit us on the web at: somerschurch.org And on Facebook ~~ Pastor Kathleen Gloff Ph: Administrative Associate Barbara Sherman Moderator Dennis Curnes ~~ Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00pm - 3:00 pm I sat down and "played" the piano for about 45 minutes today. Some of you are probably saying to yourself at this moment: "I didn't know that Pastor plays the piano! In all actuality, I wouldn't call it playing. Because I learned a treble clef instrument when I was in school (The Saxophone) I can play some piano by the "Columbus Method", which is a "find a note and land on it" kind of approach. I can go for weeks--even months--without sitting down at the keys, but when I do; something thaws within my soul; there is an unknotting that is very soothing to me. In spite of the added activities and expectations, there is something about Lent that has the power to thaw me and unknot me too. When I read the stories of Lent and Holy Week, I sometimes wonder if it was the same for Jesus. Jesus didn't observe Lent. It is a Christian tradition that started about three centuries after his death, and he was Jewish. But when I read the stories of his life during this season, I wonder if he sang. I wonder if music was important to him. Several of the gospel writers would have us believe that music was important to him, because they have him quoting the music of his scriptures (The Psalms) at very crucial and intimate times in his life. His words of forsakenness from the cross are the opening stanza of one of weepiest and most lamentation-filled psalms of all--psalm 22, which skips the usual polite forms of addressing God and jumps in right at the point of pain: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me..." I wonder if Jesus was singing a hymn of courage during his temptation. I wonder if Jesus was singing songs of endurance and ease in the midst of all of those crowds converging on him and demanding everything from food to forgiveness. I wonder if Jesus was singing "Abide With Me" while his disciples couldn't stay awake with him as he prayed in the garden. We will never know, but I do know this: music has a wondrous power over most of us. I know that because of the hymns you say that you will not be able to get through at your mother's memorial service. I know that because of the twinkle in your eye when you tell me about the family accordion or about playing an instrument in the band at one time or another. I know that because Howie has a "three song minimum" that he needs for transition between work and being able to sleep. Donna Schaper--Pastor in the United Church of Christ--says this about the power of music in her book Prayers for Lent and Easter and Pentecost: Music is sometimes a window to God. It carries us "over" to a place of beauty, spirit, and energy. It lets us squint and glimpse beyond the daily chores. It relieves the "time famine" in which so many of us live; it competes with the culture of haste. We relax. We see. We gain perspective. In music we achieve horizon. We see long. We find ourselves transported by the horizon and the long view to something like peace. Holy God, the culture of haste has won the battle with us and we don't know how to slow down. We have forgotten. Remind us. Use music. Let us make a date with music we love and let us be soothed by it. Let Lent be a time when we dare to be different, dare to be slow, dare to be calm. Amen.

2 Birthdays 4 John McKenzie 9 Susan Goldsmith 11 Thomas Rossi 20 Ron Birchell 21 Barbara Dinges 21 Andy Gallo 21 Jack Swartz 25 Dennis Curnes 25 Rand Lee 27 Rebecca Guinn Anniversaries 1 Lowell & Norene Charon March 4 Communion March 11 One Great Hour of Sharing Scripture Readings Exodus 20: 1-17 Psalms 19 1 Corinthians 1: John 2: Numbers 21: 4-9 Psalms 107: 1-3, Ephesians 2 : 1-10 John 3: March 18 Jeremiah 31: Psalm 51: 1-12 Hebrews 5: 5-10 John 12: March 25 Palm Sunday Isaiah 50: 4-9a Psalms 31: 9-16 Philippians 2: 5-11 Mark 14:1-15: 47 March 4 Sunday Volunteers Ushers Liturgist Altar Flowers Kent Mayes; Deanna Mayes; Susan Goldsmith Susan Goldsmith; Doug Coleman March 11 Patti Stolfi; Don Stolfi; Stephanie Christenson: Karen McKenzie March 18 Char Laba; Martha Swartz; Jennifer Swartz; Karen McKenzie March 25 Martha Swartz; Jennifer Swartz; Peggy Gallo; Karen McKenzie Palm Sunday PLEASE NOTE Due to our bank (Chase Bank), the church is required to have all checks made out as: Somers United Church of Christ 2

3 On Saturday, March 17th, the B & B (Breakfast & Books) will gather at 9:00 am and a discussion of the book Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Our host will be Shirley Mandernack and Patti Stolfi. Shirley will lead the discussion. New people are always welcome. If you have any questions contact Bonnie Curnes at HOLY WEEK WORSHIP Palm/Passion Sunday March 25th at 10:15 am Maundy Thursday March 29th at 7:00 pm Easter Flowers Good Friday March 30th at 1:00 pm Easter Sunday There will be flowers available again to grace both the altar at church and then later your tables and homes. Once again you will be able to choose from 6 variety of flowers (Easter lily; yellow daffodil; hyacinth either pink or blue; regal geranium purple; lavender tulip; and pink tulip) from Milaegers at a cost of $11 per plant. The signup sheet will be out in the narthex beginning Sunday, February 11th through March 11th in the narthex. April 1st at 10:15 am The Men s Breakfast group is meeting for their monthly gathering on Saturday, March 10th at 8:30 am. They will gather at the Phoenix Restaurant, th St, Kenosha located west of I94 on the north side of Hwy 50 at the West Frontage Road intersection. Lenten Chocolate for Lent Tuesday, March 6th, 13th, 20th 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary 3

4 Invite your family and friends: ANNUAL SOMERS COMMUNITY CHURCH EASTER EGG HUNT SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST 2:00 P.M. HWY. E & 100TH AVE. DON T MISS OUT ON FREE FAMILY FUN Face Painting/ Coloring Station / Snack & Juice after hunt IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CALL One Great Hour of Sharing, as part of Our Churches Wider Mission, is the special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that carries God s message of love and hope to people in crisis. The UCC works with international partners to provide sources of clean water, food, education and health care, small business micro-credit, advocacy and resettlement for refugees and displaced persons, and emergency relief and rehabilitation. OGHS also supports domestic and international ministries for disaster preparedness and response. The United Church of Christ responds to development, disaster, and refugee needs in 138 countries, and provides disaster relief and immigration assistance in the United States. Funding decisions are made by asking our worldwide mission partners, "What would you have us do with you?" The United Church of Christ responds as a member of organizations such as Church World Service and the ACT Alliance. We also support the direct mission efforts of churches and church-based organizations that the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have direct partnerships with through Global Ministries. early one-third of the UCC's offering is shared through Church World Service to support refugee, disaster, development, and advocacy programs. We will take up this offering on Sunday, March 11th Spring Forward! Don t forget to set your clocks ahead on Sunday, March 11th. 4

5 Somers Community United Church of Christ Council Meeting February 15, 2018 at Kent & Joyce Duesing Home Present: Dennis Curnes Barbara Sherman Kent Mayes Deanna Mayes Char Laba Pastor Kathy Gloff Bonnie Curnes Kent Duesing Susan Goldsmith Joyce Duesing Rev. Franz Rigert The meeting was opened by Dennis Curnes, Moderator, at 10:35 AM. Rev. Franz Rigert, Conference Minister from the Wisconsin United Church of Christ was invited to offer what the Conference could do for us. He asked about how Somers Church is doing to get a better understanding of our church. He mentioned we need at to look at all options and explore different pathways. Pastor Kathy offered a prayer. The January 11th minutes have the following corrections: Add under Missions that mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves were also donated to Somers Elementary School and Women's Horizon but not given to Curtis School and Grace Lutheran. The January minutes were approved with the correction. Dennis presented the treasurer s report. The first quarter money ($8,100) from Planned Giving Account has been received and put in designated account until needed. All bills are current but the OCWM. Property: Kent M. asked if we should have another fundraiser for the parking lot. He will also get quotes for concrete in different areas of the parking lot. It was noted Planned Giving has less than $8,000 for grants this year. We have to put on the calendar to have the water tested for nitrates in January so the Day Care can file their application to the State of Wisconsin. Spiritual Life: Char reported the signup for Easter flowers is out. Faith Development: The group served about 13 people for the Pancake Supper and everyone thank the group for the event. Administrative Associate: Barb let everyone know that there will be a piano recital on May 5th at the church. Pastor: Pastor Kathy reported she found out where Marge Aderman has relocated. She is looking at a workshop to help ministers learn about Bivocational Ministry which would be an eight month workshop. The next council meeting will be Thursday, March 15th at 10:30 AM. The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM, followed by the Lord s Prayer. Barbara Sherman, Clerk of Council 5

6 Somers Community United Church of Christ Annual Meeting February 4, 2018 Present: Pastor Kathy Gloff Gloria Chubrilo Stephanie Christenson Susan Goldsmith Karen McKenzie Deanna Mayes Kent Mayes Douglas Coleman Dennis Curnes Adam Mayes Peggy Gallo Noreen Charon Bonnie Curnes Char Laba Martha Swartz James Smith Joyce Duesing Jennifer Swartz Barbara Sherman LeRoy Johnson Don Dinges Barbara Dinges Rich Glasenapp Barb Flocker Shirley Mandernack Ralph Mandernack Rand Lee Terri Lee Marianne Hinder Mary Rossi Liz Borger Patti Stolfi Donald Stolfi Daniel Hollister Maryann Hollister The meeting was called to order by Dennis Curnes, Moderator, at 12:05 PM. Pastor Kathy offered an opening prayer. Stephanie C. made a motion to approve the agenda. Seconded by Shirley M. and approved. Kent M. made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous annual meeting. Donald S. seconded the motion and was approved. The slate of end-of term officers and members of the various committees were reviewed with the correction of Shirley M. and Joyce D. should read 2020 under Planned Giving. James S. made a motion to approved the slate of officers and members of various committees. Douglas C. seconded the motion and was approved. Pastor Kathy did the installation of the committee members and officers. Joyce D. took over the minutes for the budget section. Dennis presented the proposed 2018 budget. 1. Under Property, it was decided a $100 gas gift card should be given to the person who snowplows the church. For lawn care, we used Douglas C.'s lawn mowers, and it took Doug, Kent M., and John Marti about 5 hours trimming to mow. 2. Under Resources, they will take over the position of treasurer. They found the Financial Software was redundant, so they will use other software to keep track of the finances and save fees. The vote on the budget was postponed until we looked at the Pilgrim Heritage Fund proposal. Douglas C. made a motion to approve use of funds up to $32,400 from the Pilgrim Heritage Fund as a onetime withdrawal for the year to pay the following: Property insurance/ workers comp, Pastor's pension & life insurance, Pastor's health/ dental insurance, Pastor's SSA & Medicare; Administrative Associate SSA & Medicare, ADA payroll services, and Kenosha News notices. We would take up to $8,100 per quarter. Donald S. seconded the motion. The motion was amended to say if money is not needed, it won't be taken out and only for The motion was approved by a ballot vote of 32 yes votes out of 35 present. Donald S. made a motion to approve the 2018 Budget. Kent M. seconded the motion and was approved. Richard G. made a motion to approve the 2017 Annual Reports. Karen M. seconded the motion and was approved. Committee Reports: Property: Kent M. reported the windmill funding came from 50% donor and 50% the Pilgrim Heritage Fund. We still owe on 2017 lawn care and for 2018 we could use some help with mowing the lawn. We still need to decide what to do about fixing the parking lot, since we are about $70,000 short. No decision was made. Continued on page 7 6

7 Somers Community United Church of Christ Annual Meeting (continued from page 6): February 4, 2018 Dennis C. presented a open letter to area churches to partner with us which was drafted by Kent Duesing. The first step would be to share the church and the second step would have the other group take over the property. We need to think ahead about what the church will do in the next five years, since attendance and finances are decreasing but expenses are increasing. Joyce D. made a motion to table sending the letter to area churches. Donald S. seconded the motion and was approved. The following people will make up an Ad Hoc Committee: Donald Stolfi, Susan Goldsmith, Kent Mayes, Richard Glasenapp, and Shirley Mandernack. They will meet after the meeting to pick a chairperson and when to meet. Old Business: We need to remind people that Scrip is available for members to purchase and the church receives proceeds from the use of Scrip. We talked about having Coffee Hour in the Memorial Lounge since taking down and resetting the fellowship hall is a cost. We will give it a try. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 PM. followed by the Lord s Prayer. Barbara Sherman, Clerk of Council DIAPER MINISTRY We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all the non-perishable food items and the monetary donations that was collected on Souper Bowl Sunday. Kind deeds do change lives. - Members of the Mission Committee Changes to the Somers Community UCC Directory Marge Aderman Bay Point at the Atrium, 3900 N Main St. Room 106, Racine WI If you have any changes to the directory, please let the church office know. While I have your attention I am also asking you for your support in the Diaper Ministry. I know that some of you don t feel our church should be helping families with this ministry. Some weeks we give out as many as 317 diapers or as few as 66. Diapers are not cheap and these families would not be driving all the way to Somers Church or walking through our doors feeling very uncomfortable or ashamed to be asking for help. We try very hard to make them feel welcomed at Somers Church. Until WE have walked in their shoes we as a church cannot judge these people who are coming to us for support. As we get to know these individuals week after week we find that they all have a story. These individuals are very appreciative and everyone of them leaves saying Thank You. If you have any questions or would like to share your opinion about this cause, I would be happy to talk with you just contact me at I will continue buying the diapers for I know what sizes we need at all times. If you would like to help, please make checks payable to Somers United Church of Christ and mark on the check Diaper Ministry. Thank you. - Bonnie Curnes, Project Manager 7

8 The food pantry is always in need of food (see list below). Again I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people in our Somers United Church of Christ for their faithful dedication in bringing in food on a regular basis. We are one of the many churches in the area who are trying to help those in need in this struggling economy. If you do not want to shop or cannot shop make a check payable to Somers United Church of Christ and mark it Food Pantry and I will do the shopping for you. Remember you can turn in your receipts of your purchases and get credit for your donations on your statements. FOOD ITEMS (**food items we use the most) Kid s Cereal** Paper Towels** Chef Boyardee (15 ounce cans)** Toilet Paper** Peanut Butter** Jelly / Jams ** Jell-O Snack Pudding Cups** Small juice boxes** Pancake Mix** Syrup** Pop Tarts** Jell-O** Spaghetti Sauce** Fruit Cocktail, Peaches, Pears, Pineapple, Applesauce** (not lite) Tuna Fish Jiffy Mix Canned Chicken breast Rice /Pasta Sides Egg Noodles Ramen Noodles (beef & chicken) Soup (no cream soups) We can always use small hygiene containers like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and mouth rinse. It is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU. Bonnie Curnes, Project Manager Diaper Ministry / Food Pantry Palm/Passion Sunday March 25th 10:15 am Maundy Thursday - March 29th 7:00 pm Good Friday - March 30th 1:00 pm Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31st 2:00 pm Easter Sunday -April 1st at 10:15 am 8

9 OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE PERSONNEL (*Chairpersons) MODERATOR: Dennis Curnes (2020) ASSISTANT MODERATOR: Kent Duesing (2020) TREASURER: Resources Committee *FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Deanna Mayes (2019) CLERK: Barbara Sherman HEAD USHER: Karen McKenzie (2018) COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE FAITH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE *Dennis Curnes (2018) Chynna Chung (2018) Bonnie Curnes (2018) Terri Lee (2019) Chynna Chung (2018) *Rand Lee (2020) Pastor & Administrative Associate (EX-OFFICIO) Stephanie Christenson (2020) MISSION AND SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE Martha Swartz (2018) *Kent Duesing (2018) Jackie VanBesien (2018) Susan Goldsmith (2018) *Bonnie Curnes (2020) Peggy Gallo (2019) PROPERTY COMMITTEE Shirley Mandernack (2020) *Kent Mayes (2018) Joyce Duesing (2020) Jack Adams (2018) RELATIONSHIPS COMMITTEE Moderator & Pastor (EX-OFFICIO) RESOURCES COMMITTEE Barbara Flocker (2018) *Don Stolfi (2018) *Bonnie Curnes (2019) Deanna Mayes (2019) Jennifer Swartz (2020) Dennis Curnes (2020) Kent Duesing (2020) SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMITTEE Karen McKenzie (2018) Jim Smith (2018) Martha Swartz (2019) Susan Goldsmith (2018) *Char Laba (2020) *Dennis Curnes (2019) Jane Fahey (2020) Jack Adams (2020) Mary Rossi (2020) SOMERS UNITED CHURCH AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC. 9

10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Service Team #1 Co-chairs Fellowship Hall in Use Char Laba and Jennifer Swartz 4 Communion 9:00 am Choir 10:15 am Worship 5 6 1:00 pm Resources 2:00 pm Diaper Ministry 3:00 pm Lenten 6:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm Lenten 7 10:30 am Kenosha Senior Care 11:00 am Ad Hoc Committee :30 am Men s Breakfast at Phoenix 11 Turn Clocks Ahead One Great Hour of Sharing Coffee Hour 9:00 am Choir 10:15 am Worship :00 pm Diaper Ministry 3:00 pm Lenten 6:00 PM Choir 7:00 pm Lenten 14 12:00 pm Pastor s Community of Practice 15 10:30 am Council :00 am Breakfast & Books :00 am Choir 10:15 am Worship 2:00 pm Diaper Ministry 3:00 pm Lenten 6:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm Lenten 10:30 am Kenosha Senior Care 25 Palm Sunday 9:00 am Choir 10:15 am Worship Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm Service 30 Good Friday 1:00 pm Service 31 2:00 pm Easter Egg Hunt 2:00 pm Diaper Ministry