S PA RTA. Rev. Janice Sutton-Lynn. Inside This Issue:

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1 S PA RTA U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U RC H Inside This Issue: Calendar 2 Children + Youth 5 Church + Society 6-7 Congregational Care 13 Small Groups 15 Study 14 United Methodist Women 8 Upcoming News/Events 9-12 Volunteer Opportunities 3-4 Worship Youth Group 5 NEWSLETTER October 2016 As I think about fall and where the summer has gone, I am excited for another year at Sparta. We are so blessed to be in such an amazing place with wonderful people and beautiful surroundings. As we enter the next phase of our backyard plan, we are reminded of how we are intentionally creating space for Family Ministries. It is with high hopes that a walkway and a new playground will be a solution to the concern of small screens of smart phones and the large ones in our living rooms. We hope that the church might become a place where children want to be together outside enjoying God's creation. We have to remember: Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs. (Matthew 19:14). We also have to remember that as God's grown children, we need some kind of holy playtime. We need to laugh, let loose, and even pretend once in a while. We need to swing and slide and run. We need to experience the JOY that will offset the fear, and the stress, and the insecurity of this world. We need to find that healthy and holistic balance. We have added new opportunities for worship indoors, more classrooms for the children, and we can take our worship outside in our own backyard throughout the week. Everywhere we go there is God, and everywhere we are together Christ is alive! Everywhere we are at work, the power of the Holy Spirit is alive in us! Thanks be to God! Rev. Janice Sutton-Lynn

2 October

3 Volunteer Opportunities Plenty of projects for plenty of people. Church Member Looking For Extra Help Sharon Gordon is looking for a reliable young person who can walk her dogs every day, between 3 6 p.m. If you are interested and want more information, contact Sharon at DRIVERS WANTED As many of our senior members grow older, many will be faced with the reality of no longer being able to drive. It is a very sad moment. We also k of 2 new people who would like to attend at Sparta UMC but need a ride. Will you volunteer to drive people to Sparta UMC? provide for them the chance to be in community? worship God? It just might... change your life. Call the office and say YES! to be put on a rotation of drivers 1x or 2x per month. Maintenance or project updated 9/14/16 When Push mower grass path to pavilion weekly Signage for pavilion Repair, relocate monitor and recorder video surveillance system Repair asphalt in parking lot Widen concrete apron by entrance to demarest hall for easier door access Sand and remove rust/prime and paint steel doors, Check why parking lot pole lights frequently trip breaker Purchase small lightweight extension ladder to keep outside for roof access. Remove weeds from all concrete seams around building and reseal Remove terrace and ramp weeds, fill gaps and seal before winter Remove and repoint mortar joints in terrace/ramp walls Refinish stucco on terrace block walls Repaint stucco after resurfacing cracks in terrace and ramp block walls Replace electrical floor receptacle in sanctuary. Refinish and paint ceiling in narthex in front of double doors. Needed clean and seal all sidewalk/wall interface cracks with self leveling polyurethane, no thicker than ¼ inch depth, use poly foam rope filler for larger fills, then seal. Inspect exterior wood window trim in demarest hall and scrape/sand/fill paint Paint interior of demarest hall. Replace old shadow manger display with new smaller display for portico roof Trim shrubs around demarest hall front entrance and side Remove bushes along ramp wall? Back stairway area and along white fence /pull weeds (poison ivy in spots) smooth gravel. 3 Needed before winter December evaluate

4 Volunteer Opportunities (cont.) Plenty of projects for plenty of people. Maintenance or project updated 9/14/16 when Cut back area grass weekly Remove hanging tree limb by hill cross area Weed wack back area and hill cross area Weed control grill area Leaf blow pavilion area Clean roof drains Thrift shop, double door, and downstairs doorway steps below Wesley room drains Remove vines demarest hall Replace weather stripping on demarest hall double doors Caulk demarest hall windows, one or more Fix sliding doors in hall outside back kitchen door Tear out counter top and lower wall below to accommodate new kitchen cabinets Install new kitchen cabinets and finish wall Install auto door release switch in office for door entrance Upgrade window mount in back office window for air conditioner Replace ballast and bulbs in choir room Repair water damaged sheet rock wall section at the bottom of stairs by youth rm. Replace and frost glass window in mens room with window from rm 8 Replace cracked window in music room Refasten gutter on parsonage right side and clean rear gutter Winterize and tune up tractor Shut off and turn on outside water faucets front is in downstairs hall ceiling, maintenance shed is in the youth room and rear is in thrift shop with drain. Triage roof slates and repair as necessary/ contract out for difficult areas Professional evaluation of flat roof Professional evaluation of slate roof Clean sanctuary gutters Paint white outside ed. wing Brown stain sanctuary trim/fill woodpecker and carpenter bee holes in fascia Scrape and remove mud wasp nests around building exterior Check emergency fire exit signs Map electrical panels Map water cut offs Update contact info for outside contractors Update timetable for routine contractor inspections Bulbs and balasts Salt stock for winter 4 As As mo as winter Winter spring fall monthly As fall As

5 Sunday'SCOOL at Sparta UMC Sunday School at Sparta is growing with more programs for YOUTH and Children at 9:30 AND 10:30 a.m!!! Please come, explore and discover the many ways that the kids can be taught, fed and given a firm foundation. 8:30 a.m. Worship 8:30 a.m. Toddler Room Open 9:30 a.m. Interactive Classroom 9:30 a.m. YOUTH GROUP 10:15 a.m. Children's Music 10:30 a.m. Worship - all classes gather 10:45 a.m. Sunday School -Downstairs Classrooms 11:45 a.m. Youth Choir (grades 4th-12th) 1st and 3rd Sundays Youth Group 12pm-1:30 p.m. PLEASE let Melissa Lambert k if you are willing to be on the substitute list for helping and teaching. YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS October October 4 October 9 October 22 October 23 5pm Dinner with Watoto 7pm Watoto Church 4:15 pm Contemporary Worship & Light Dinner LOCK IN with our own Bill Refsland MISSION TRIP Celebration Luncheon 5

6 Church & Society Advocacy Works Made Cluster Bomb Production Unprofitable On August 30, 2016, the last U.S. weapons company making cluster bombs announced at a press conference it will end production because the current political climate had led to decreased sales and lowered the chances of getting future sales approved by Congress and the Administration. Here is what led to that decision: President Obama suspended the scheduled transfer of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia in May due to a groundswell of opposition - Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International both documented that U.S. backed Saudi led coalition had used U.S. made cluster bombs on civilian areas of Yemen which mounted to war crimes, given the indiscriminate nature of these weapons. A grassroots campaign to end the U.S. transfer of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia followed, including sit-ins outside the manufacturer s facility, followed. By June, Congressional support to make the suspension permanent increased. Cluster bombs are deadly indiscriminate weapons that dispense bomblets over large areas that civilians can stumble upon and accidentally detonate. Some of these bomblets even look like toys, leading children to pick them up and play with them. The U.S. should join the Treaty Banning Cluster Munitions. Cluster bombs have been banned internationally by 119 states, but not the U.S. Congress and the President can take steps for the U.S. to join the treaty. It is up to each of us to urge our representatives to do so. The Church and Society Committee continues to work on this issue. If you are interested in participating in advocating on issues the Committee works on, contact Litsa Binder litsa@embarqmail.com or call

7 Church & Society 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. World Mission Gift Shop The World Mission Gift Shop, where international handcrafts (all fair trade) are featured. Each purchase allows artisans to provide food, education, healthcare, and shelter for themselves and their families. Proceeds from sales support mission work. Look for: That one-of-a-kind gift you ve been searching for Sales on many items throughout the shop Tea sale buy two boxes at full price and get a third box free The shop is open as follows: Wednesday and Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday - 11:30 a.m. to12:00 p.m. Join the World Mission Gift Shop volunteer team. Just a few hours of your time will make a difference in the lives of so many people. Call Pat Johnson for further information

8 Sparta UMW BookWorms Books for 2016 Here s the list for the year of There is one copy of each book in the United Methodist Women s portion of the church library. Sign the book out so we k where it is and so more than one person can read it. Be sure to join us whether you ve read the book or not. October 10: November 14: December 12: House of Purple Cedar by Tim Tingle Cured but Not Healed by Kymberley Clemons-Jones Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman On October 10-9:30am, the book to be discussed is House of Purple Cedar by Tim Tingle. This is an amazing book about forgiveness, all centered around a Choctaw community in Oklahoma. There is much to discuss, so be sure to be present on Monday, October 10, at 9:30am. The new United Methodist Women Reading Program catalogs are in and will be distributed that day. The November book is Cured but Not Healed by Kymberley Clemons-Jones. The meeting for November will be Monday, November 14, and at that time we will work on the book list for Children and Youth Reading Program Started by Sparta s United Methodist Women, the Children and Youth Reading Program has officially launched! It will use components of the National United Methodist Women s Reading Program Catalog along with some additions by the committee set up to oversee this program. In the Wesley Room, there is a special shelf just for children and youth, boys and girls. If you d like to suggest a book or donate a book, please see Ann Freeman Price or Pat Schutz. UMW will be in the Wesley Room after church on Sunday. Come see what we have and to hear more about the Reading Program. UMW Feed the Body, Feed the Soul Feed the Body, Feed the Soul is a ministry of the Church and UMW that gives people who are struggling financially a helping hand by giving them a $10 grocery card and a free lunch. We give approximately 200 of these each month. In the lunch is a Bible verse that offers hope, an invitation to join us for worship, and an opportunity to share their prayer concerns with us. We also give smiles and hugs when. We serve because God loves us. Following the example of Jesus, we help those who cannot help themselves. Many of the people who come are sick and broken. Others are temporarily down on their luck. We don't ask, but as we get to k each other better, they share their stories with us. God is good. If you'd like to volunteer to help with this program or help in the Thrift Shop, give us a call or pat.schutz@yahoo.com. 8

9 Upcoming News & Events WE ARE SO EXCITED! The Watoto Children s Choir will be performing at our church on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00! If you have never heard them, you are in for a treat! If you ve seen them before, I k you will be there! They are fantastic! Watoto Child Care Ministries Watoto Child Care Ministries has cared for more than 4,000 orphaned and vulnerable children since it was established in 1994, with over 3,000 currently receiving care. Some are former child soldiers and some were born to rebel leaders during the civil war. Many of these children have gone on to become lawyers, teachers, computer scientists, journalists, farmers and doctors. As a result of the care and education they have received, they are impacting society in a positive way. Living Hope Watoto s Living Hope initiative provides crucial support to vulnerable women, helping them to stay alive and to care for their children. To date, dignity has been restored to more than 3,000 vulnerable women through Living Hope. These women have been empowered with literacy, business and practical skills. Their children numbering more than 15,000 boys and girls have a better chance in life. There is no charge, but they will take a free will offering and have items for sale. Our responsibilities: We are expected to provide dinner on the evening of the performance, house them in homes on Tuesday night, and make lunches for them to take along on Wednesday. Please call Pat Schutz to volunteer or pat.schutz@yahoo.com. For a quick preview go to: 9

10 Upcoming News & Events 10

11 Upcoming News & Events October Mouse News! Fall is in FULL GEAR at the Thrift Shop!! The latest in sweaters, slacks, boots, coats, shoes and scarves are ready for your choice! Fall decorations in browns, oranges, and greens abound! And Halloween costumes and accessories are out! And jewelry galore! And don t forget we always have an abundance of toys, baby gear, books, house wares, linens, pictures and frames. AND the very first week in November there is another ½ price sale on EVERYTHING in the shop!!! Mark your calendars November 2 nd - 5 th. Come visit! You ll be glad you did! Remember, all proceeds go to Missions! Hours: Wednesday 10-2 Thursday 1-4 Friday 1-4 Saturday Genesis Ringers, a bell choir for beginners, will begin rehearsals on Sunday, October 23. This bell choir is open to all ages from 8 and up. No musical experience necessary. Rehearsals will be held most Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15. This choir is scheduled to play during worship on November 13 and December 11 (Christmas pageant). For more information, contact Yvonne Roux at: yrouxrings@gmail.com or

12 The Buy A Brick Fundraiser sale will be going on through Sunday, October 16th. In addition to placing an order using the printed forms, you can also order online by going to: 12

13 Congregational Care - Events and Socials New Member Dinner We will be having a dinner and information session for all those interested in learning more about membership in the Sparta United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 2. If you would like to attend, please call the church office, or send an to: officeadmin@spartaumc.org. Coming SOON!! Please mark your calendar!! Date: Saturday, November 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We will have gifts for children to purchase for their parents, crafts, jewelry, hand knitted items, food (WOW, do we have great food!), a bakery, frozen foods (did you hear that we have FOOD?), silent auction, hair braiding and nail painting, face painting, crafts for children to make, and more! You can help us make the family Fun Fest successful by asking merchants where you shop if they will donate something for the silent auction. Last year we had massages, hair and nail appointments, dinners, pizzas and more all donated for our silent auction. If we all asked at one or two places, we d be in very good shape. We need your help! Please speak with our Family Fun Fest Coordinator, Eleanor Shumaker, at , and let her k who you will be asking so we don t ask merchants more than once. 13

14 ADULT STUDY, CONVERSATION AND FELLOWSHIP Sunday Morning Adult Study Video Series at 9:30 a.m. in Room 8 Monday Nights - The Powers that Be Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. Men s Study and Reflection at the Sparta Diner! A Testimony from Beth Sheldon: I m fairly new to this church but I feel moved to testify on behalf of the adult education group that meets in Room 8 between the two Sunday services. We watch videos and learn from leaders in the field AND we learn from each other minutes, very simple AND very deep. A great group of people, discussing topics that enlighten our lives. An Adult Sunday School. For many of us a vast improvement over our Sunday School of youth. I am moved to recommend it highly after several months of personal experience there Adult Sunday School starts a new DVD October 2 nd The System Belongs to God Is the ancient biblical message relevant to our complex, dangerous world today? We deal with various powers (government, corporations and even families) daily. We can t live without them. But something is wrong: people get caught in the system. In this DVD, noted bible scholar Walter Wink helps us understand the spiritual forces in these powers and claims them for God. He is joined in conversation by pastors Janet Wolf and James Forbes. A HEARTFUL OF THANKS FROM SANDI LINDAHL No matter how damaged my heart is, it is filled with gratitude to each and every one of my church family and friends at Sparta United Methodist church. If not for all the prayers that were sent upward for me, the outcome could have been a bit different. Thanks to you, I am still here to write this note of THANKS for your thoughts and prayers that kept me going. I have been back at the Church Mouse since August 18 th and am going strong. I feel great, actually better than I felt before this medical debacle. Just k how much your prayers meant to me and k that they were all answered! Praise God! Thank you, again! Sandi Lindahl 14

15 The Sunday Lunch Bunch a group for further socialization Sunday after church. Watch the bulletin for the next date (4th or 5th Sunday) If you are interested in a church family meal, please call Wilma Smith, or WIDOW S WELL for those who have lost husbands. October 21st at 11:30 a.m. Bring your lunch! 15

16 Sunday Morning Opportunities to Serve Coffee Hour Schedule Shumaker Eleanor Oct. 2 & 9 Carpenter Jack Hahn Doug & Alicia Iaroli Elaine Leibrecht Michelle Long Harry Manrodt Diana & Rebecca Stiles Joann Worship Leader/Liturgist 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. October 2 Lynn Godbersen SUNDAY SCHOOL in Worship October 9 Brittany Vaslavic Alison Collins October 16 Donna Scott Doug Hahn October 23 Janice Vaslavic Brian Stites October 30 Harry Tappen Patrick McCall Baldini Sue Oct. 16 & 23 Berghahn Craig & Martha Lane Gary & Debbie Lapinski Brian & Diane Price Ann Freeman Van Houten Lauren Van Houten Nan Missions Committee Oct. 30 CHILDREN S MESSAGE October 2 Debbie Dickerson October 9 Pastor Janice October 16 Alison Collins October 23 Pat Schutz October 30 Debbie Dickerson Take Worship to Knoll Heights! Did you k that every month Sparta UMC has people to go and provide worship for the residents of Knoll Heights? Why not volunteer to lead? To join the team? Please see Kathy Schehovic for details. ATTENTION! Please be mindful of our Handicapped Parking spaces. The first 3 spaces (including the current pastor s space) will be for wheelchairs only. The rest will be handicapped parking. We want to reserve these spaces for those who need them. THANK YOU! 16

17 Next Service: October 9th Band and Vocals Rehearsal: Monday, October 2nd Next Service: October 5th 17

18 SPARTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 71 Sparta Avenue Sparta, NJ spartaumc.org Worship Every Week. Communion Service at 8:30 a.m. Choir and children s message at 10:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Contemplative/Meditation Service FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH at 12:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Contemporary Worship 2nd Sundays at 4:30 p.m. with lite supper to follow World Mission Gift Shop Wednesday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday 1: p.m. Friday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. *Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (*Not open on Sundays in August) Church Mouse Thrift Shop Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Friday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 18 THE DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER NEWSETTER WILL BE OCTOBER 15 PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUBMIT ANY ARTICLES BY DEADLINE