THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY UCC

Transcription

1 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY UCC 9365 Clarence Center Rd, Clarence Center, NY (716) Website: Minister: Parson Mark G. Dibelka Home Phone # (716) pastor@epiphanyucc.us Office: 9am - 1pm M-Th October 2015 PARSON S PONDERINGS...October 2015 From the desk of...parson Mark G. Dibelka We talk a lot about family at Epiphany, but I sometimes wonder what it means to our congregation to be family. It has struck me that I was welcomed in with love and excitement, and I am aware that there are others who have either returned to the congregation or who have been joining us during worship for the past several months I believe we have been welcomed as family. This is a good thing and I am excited that we place a value on folks who may not have been with us since before the merging of any of the churches that created Epiphany. But are we doing enough? As pastor, I cannot make them feel welcome, I cannot make them believe that Epiphany matters to the congregation, I cannot show them how much life there is in our church, and I cannot show them how special or exciting events are at the church when the congregation doesn t support the events. What are we showing people who look at our family? In 2011, my parents wanted nothing to do with Kamille, but she persevered and in 2015, my parents can t imagine me (or my kids) without her. She supports me in all I do and I lend strength to her for her projects. When something special is going on, we all pull together to make things happen. We show our love through our actions. Epiphany is full of love, and it isn t even a love earned through years of perseverance; it is a love that is given freely. I know this and you know this, but what do visitors or the community see when they look at our family? Do they see a family that does not support each other, or maybe they see just a group of old people hanging on to a dying church? Do they see our family out in public, maybe kids alongside adults guiding cars to parking spots, or people bragging about their family by hanging a poster for a fundraiser at their work/school/recreation center/fire house? I want to belong to the family where the members support each other (not just when it s convenient) and help to grow the family. I ve already been in families where there is active neglect of a member or several members, and I don t like it. I began thinking about this issue when I was in CA visiting my family. Initially, my family provided a VERY cold reception for Kamille (based upon what my ex-wife had to say) when she joined us. Over the course of about four years, she worked with me and the kids until my parents were actually excited to meet her this August. How many people are willing to work for four years to become part of a family? Certainly, we can sit back and say things along the lines of, If it is important to them, they will work for it, but why should we make folks work to become part of God s family? As pastor, I can invite folks to visit, I can welcome them when they visit, I can encourage them to make return visits, and I can encourage them to join us at special or exciting church events. We are active and beautiful now let s show the world who we really are! May your faith be forever active and guided with peace and love. Parson Mark INSIDE THIS ISSUE Parson s Ponderings 1 President, Fundraising, Statistics & Memorials 2 Sunday School, Women s Fellowship, & Outreach 3 Dunkirk, Church Activities & Youth Group 4 October Schedules & Calendar 5 & 6

2 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 2 Fellow Members, I hope everyone is getting back into their routines and your families are all doing very well. It has been nice to see our church starting to fill back up and having the chance to see many of you during the recent Labor Day events and Rally Sunday. I d like to thank everyone who worked on both events, as it takes a lot of hard work to make them successful. A special thanks needs to go out to Dave, Bud and Emmy Hess for their efforts at the parking and Joan Harms and her team, for manning and coordinating our first annual information tent at the fair. On behalf of all of us Thanks! As I was watching the Buffalo Bills yesterday, I started to draw some comparisons to our Epiphany UCC family/team. We both have new coaches, and they are trying to help their teams reach their potential for greatness. The positive energy and desire to be successful can be felt by many. It was wonderful to see and hear the crowd cheer for and support the Bills. This excitement reached a pinnacle after the first scoring drive and the Bills took the lead. It was a feeling that the fans have not felt in a very long time. The fans, from every generation, are so hungry to support a winner, that they can almost taste it. Unfortunately, these feelings did not last long, as the team began to make a lot of mistakes and mental errors. They were being out played by a very good Patriots team. The Bills could have given up, but they did not. They gathered themselves and fought back to make the game very close. The game ended with a Bills loss on the scoreboard, but there were a lot of positives and lessons that can be learned. It will take a lot of work, but the Bills will be a better team and will grow from the entire experience of this past weekend. Epiphany UCC is a lot like this Bills team. We have a new coach and a lot of excitement and potential. We just need to harness it and keep it pointed in the right direction. We have been waiting a long time to be in a position to be a strong and vibrant church again. It is going to take a lot of teamwork and dedication, but we have the fans and players that can make it happen. Please continue to find ways to get involved and add your talents and suggestions to an ever improving church. Every little bit helps. I have said it before, but I know we are headed for greatness, and I look forward to continuing to being a part of the future of our Epiphany UCC Team. God Bless and see you at church. Scott H. Howell - President Fundraising committee We are so excited for our 1st Blues and BBQ night on October 3rd from 3-8pm and we hope that you are as well! If you haven't bought your ticket or you need another for a friend please see myself, Dave Hess or Kerrie Dunning! On November 6th, we will be having our 2nd Vendor/ Craft Fair of the year! We already have many of the same vendors as our 1st one that was held in May! Please come and get some Christmas shopping done or even buy something for yourself! It is FREE to get in!! There will be a small basket raffle at both events so please let us know if you would like to donate a basket! Thank you! Kim Endres BUILDING RENTAL Both the Community Outreach Building and our sanctuary are available for rent. If you have an event that is getting too large for you to have at your home...why not consider having it here. There are tables and chairs available and you don t have to worry about the weather. The price is reasonable too, just a security deposit of $50 (that will be returned after the event) and a donation depending on the size of the group and what is being utilized. Please see Emmy for more information and the forms. You can also call the office for the forms and to check availability. VITAL STATISTIC 08/16/ /15/2015 Address Change: Sharon Terry 261 Robert Dr Apt 1 North Tonawanda, NY Please report any changes you may have in your address/phone number. This will save the Church money. Thank You MEMORIALS 08/16/15-09/15/15 DONATIONS TO MEMORIAL FUND: In Memory Of: PENNY ELLIS From: Ed & Bev Miller In Memory Of: BETTY METZ September Birthday From: Bob Metz DONATIONS TO DAVID WELLS SCHOLARSHIP: In Memory Of: PENNY ELLIS From: Women s Fellowship MEMORIAL GIFTS HOW DO I MAKE ONE? If you would like to remember someone with a gift that is shared with your church, you may do so through a donation to any designated fund that you desire. Your donation can be made in memory of OR in honor of someone. Please call the office and the Pastor can discuss your options with you.

3 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 3 SPIRITUAL GROWTH & SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS... Sunday School has started with a bang! We had 18 youth on our first Sunday back! Yeah! Everyone was excited to be back. In September we started talking about Moses and how he and the Israelites had to have faith and trust in God that he would make sure they were safe! We need to remember those stories and have Faith that God will help us get through tough times! There will be a few Family Activities going on in the next few months, please remember to put us in your busy schedules! More information to come! November 1-Bring a friend Sunday- We will also Trick or Treat for coins-wear costumes and bring a friend! Jennifer Spiritual Growth Facilitator WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP NEWS The Women's Fellowship met on Thursday, September 3 with nine in attendance. It was decided to give: $ for Youth Conference in Florida July 2016 $ Gift card to United Church Mano0r for their Oct. 4 dinner Dunkirk Auxiliary dues is now $5.00. Looking Ahead: Epiphany Theme Basket Fundraiser -Saturday, April 23. Mother-Daughter Banquet - Friday, May 6. Labor Day, 2015 Members of Epiphany UCC participated in the annual Labor Day Fair from September 5 to the 7th. The event is sponsored by the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company. Under the supervision of David Hess, volunteers from our church parked vehicles of attendees on our property. This year we had an information booth located on the actual grounds of the fire company. It was donated to us by them. Children and their families who stopped at the booth were encouraged to attend our church and the Sunday school program. 350 children received a keepsake with the church name, address and phone number on it. The booth was sponsored by the Epiphany Outreach Team and supervised by Joan and Bill Harms. A big thank you goes to Helen Matthews, Bob Knaus and Michael Schrader for their help with set up and take down. Parson Mark marched in the firemen's parade held on Labor Day, Monday. In this photo, he is seen talking with Mr. Ed Adams, friend of the Harms and owner of the GMC 1967 Ambassador. There were only 200 models of this vehicle ever made. Mr. Adams drove the car in the parade with the Epiphany group. Submitted by Joan D. Harms Finance and Leadership Team Member Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 1 at Ruth Degener's. Nina Trietley will lead devotions and Joan Harms will serve as hostess. Please bring a can of soup to this meeting. Outreach News Since Mark s Installation was September 27 and the BBQ & Blues is October 3rd, our Brunch will begin on November 1st with our Town Hall meeting. Brunch is provided the first Sunday of each month from November through May. All are welcome to attend following church. There is a free will offering to help defray the cost of these meals. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm. If you are interested in joining our Team, we welcome you with open arms!!! If you need more information about Outreach, feel free to contact Helen Matthews at or helenhmatthews@aol.com. Emmy/Kim/Ryan/Paul riding in the Labor Day parade and proudly representing EUCC. (courtesy of Channel 2 WGRZ)

4 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 4 Dunkirk Fall Work Weekend Fri, Oct 9 and Sat, Oct 10. Contact Sandra Hamann at or sandrashamann@aol.com by Oct 1. Overnight accommodations avail Halloween Happenings- Oct 17th 3-6pm- If you would like to donate a bag of candy to have the youth pass out- we would appreciate it! MORTGAGE REDUCTION ENVELOPES Enclosed is an envelope to be used to help with the cost of our mortgage payments. We are placing this income in our Building Fund. This is the account where our mortgage payments are made from. For those of you receiving this via , if you d like to make a donation to the Building Fund just mark your envelope with ATTN: Mortgage Reduction or envelopes are available in the back of church. Epiphany UCC presents A Family Blues and BBQ Event! Featuring the musical talent of The Growlers Dinners from Two Smokin Guys Cost: $25 and children under 10 $5 October 3, 2015 from 3pm-8pm At 9365 Clarence Center Rd 50/50~raffles~kids games~bounce house! Youth Group Fundraisers & Events for this Fall/Winter 2015: When you look to the right of the Church and see our new edition be sure to thank the youth group! On Friday September 18th, the kids spent their night building a bonfire pit for all of us to enjoy! Get your s'more stuff together and let s plan a bonfire night! Thank you to Doug Endres and his friend Rod Strom for all of the materials used. October is a busy month for our youth! We will be going to DCC the 16th - 18th to help with their Halloween Happenings event as well as do some group activities with the many other youth groups that attend as well. Be sure to let Kim or Krista know if you will be joining us! Then on Friday the 23rd be sure to come to Church for a spaghetti dinner that will help support the youth going to the National Youth Event (NYE) in July 2016! More details to follow! Have a great month! Kim, Nick and Krista Tuesday, September 29 Fri-Sun, October Friday, October 23 Tuesday, October 27 Sunday, November 8 Tuesday, November 24 Friday, December 4 Saturday, December 19 Sunday, December 20 Friendly s Fundraiser need coupon fundraiser for NYE trip Halloween Happenings at Dunkirk Spaghetti Dinner (at Epiphany) - fundraiser for NYE trip Pizza Hut Fundraiser need coupon fundraiser for NYE trip Making blankets for Clarence Food Pantry Chili s Fundraiser need coupon fundraiser for NYE trip Sleepover at church Breakfast with Santa Christmas Pageant The Youth Group will also be selling candy bars. Please support our youth in any way you can. We have provided different ways that you can help, from just going to places to eat (with coupons to say they will contribute a portion of your bill to our youth) or coming to church for meals or even the purchase of a candy bar or bake sale item. We will also accept monetary donations if you are unable to come to other fundraiser events and would like to make a donation.

5 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 5 October /04 10/11 10/18 10/25 GREETERS: Robert Knaus Ed Miller Roger Hoeltke Clayton Beisiegel Marilyn Knaus Bev Miller Bernice Hoeltke Lorraine Beisiegel USHERS: Andy Kreuzer Paul Wollenberg Scott Howell Ed Miller Ed Stepien Clayt Beisiegel Pat Schultz Bev Miller Chris Stepien Bob Metz Robert Knaus Roger Hoeltke Carol Leible Greg Trietley Shirley Wollenberg Dave Brockner ELDERS: Ruth Degener Robert Knaus Pat Schultz Greg Trietley Bob Metz LAYREADERS: Helen Matthews Rob Knaus Bev Miller Marlene Schlifke ALTAR: Carol Leible Bev Miller Chris Stepien Shirley Wollenberg IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN ANY OF THE COMMITTEES, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING: Greeters: Ruth Degener /Lorraine Beisiegel Ushers/Elders: Ed Stepien Lay Readers & Altar: office ALERT: We are requesting anyone bringing in food with nuts, that they label the food. We have a child with allergies. The Birthday money collected is going into our Building Fund to help with our mortgage payments. Have your coins, dollars or even checks ready for the Celebration on October 4th. Share Your Good News!! If you have any news that you d like to share with your Epiphany Family, please let the office know and we will try to have the information included in our next newsletter. PLEASE NOTE: Gluten Free options are available for congregants taking communion. If anyone has a gluten allergy, they should let the usher know and they will be served gluten free a communion. October Birthdays HAPPY BIRTHDAY! If we have missed your birthday, please give our office a call Adults 02 Marlene Schlifke 06 Marilyn Knaus 15 Carol Leible 18 Ruth Degener 18 Jim Weber 24 David Schnaufer 28 Brandon Smith Children 01 Trent Loos 01 Cooper Dunning 03 Brady Karas $2 Dunkirk Auxiliary dues can be paid through Emmy Hess. $2 Samaritan Society Dues can be paid through Pat Jarmusz. Community Music School of Buffalo (CMSB) Epiphany has become a music satellite for individual voice and instrumental lessons. For information or interest in lessons, please contact CMSB at November Birthdays (1-10) Children - Adults 08 Krista Ulrich 10 Nicholas Vacanti

6 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 6 CHURCH SERVICES & Sunday School 10:00am** 9365 Clarence Center Rd, Clarence Center, NY **coffee hour begins at 9:30am OFFICE HOURS 9:00am 1:00pm Monday Thursday October 2015 Women s Fellowship 1st Thursday - Meet at Ruth s home, 67 Lou Drive, Depew 11:00am Callers 1st Thursday 10:30am - Meet at Ruth s home Samaritan Society meet at St. Stephens/Bethlehem UCC on Wehrle Drive Bible Study 2nd & 4th Thursdays 10:00am - not meeting at this time Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 Communion :30am Callers 11am Women s Fellowship 6:30pm Leadership Blues & BBQ 3-8pm 11 11am Spiritual Growth 12 Columbus Day Office closed 13 6:30pm Finance pm Facilities pm Samaritan Society Spaghetti Dinner - NYE fundraiser Pizza Hut Fundraiser need coupon Happy Halloween 7pm Outreach

7 PLEASE THE TIMES SUPPORT OF EPIPHANY THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT EPIPHANY! Page 7

8 Epiphany United Church of Christ 9365 Clarence Center Rd. Clarence Center, NY Return Service Requested THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 8 A Family Blues and BBQ Event! Live Music, Raffles, Games, Bounce House Piggy Gibbons says: BE THERE! FEATURING: October 3, 2015, 3pm-8pm Epiphany UCC 9365 Clarence Center Rd. Tickets include live music, food, and family fun. Adults: $25 - Children (10 & under): $5 Info: or call