GLADE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IMPACT JUNE 2015

Transcription

1 GLADE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IMPACT JUNE 2015

2 Ponder with the Pastor Because God Keeps Working Father Tom Ehrich, an Episcopal priest, speaks to what I, too, believe about God s activity in the world and our lives even in those occasional seasons when the church may frustrate, disappoint, and leave us wondering with questions like, Why bother with any of it? This is how he opens a blog post on Sojourner s blog site: Let s be clear: The much heralded decline of Christianity in America [statistics from the Pew Forum], isn t about God losing faith in humankind. It isn t about losing our moral compass thanks to whatever you happen to loathe. It isn t about fickle millennials. It isn t about zigging trendy or zagging traditional. In fact, I would argue that Christianity isn t in trouble at all. Churches are in trouble. Denominations are in trouble. Religious institutions like seminaries are in trouble. Professional church leaders are in trouble. But churches can t hold God hostage. God will do what God will do. Whether our churches stay open for business, God will keep on loving all that God has made. Loss of an institution won t deter God. He then named five flaws the church inflicted upon itself: We stopped trying. By this, he means to say that we ceased taking chances and became comfortable. We stopped giving. He suggests that congregations no longer have financial support to do what the church needs to do. He writes, Over the past 50 years, our giving has dropped by more than half as a percentage of family income. We have starved our churches of resources. When tough budget choices had to be made, the facilities that we wanted usually defeated the mission that God wanted. We turned inward. Just as American houses went from porches in front to patios out back, we stopped connecting with our neighbors. Extravagant welcome has ceded to put in your time, and then we may be able to say, We re glad you are here. We fixated on Sunday morning. Rather than transform lives through mission work, circles of growth, and spirituality, he writes, we had people sit in pews for a crammed hour of singing, praying, announcing, chatting, communing, and learning. Then we sent people out to their cars and figured we had done our work for the week.

3 We trashed our reputation. On this point he says, We became known as judgmental, angry, self-serving, smug, boring, and old. As far as people outside can tell, we live to fight, we think too highly of ourselves, and we are moral scolds. Who needs that? I am grateful for Ehrich s words and insight, and whole-heartedly agree that even if the mountains fall and the hills turn to dust, God s presence, activity, and love will be as alive as ever. Though we often describe ourselves as co-creators with God, we are not indispensable; nor are we equal to God. God, of course, will always choose to partner with us in ways that allow us to be vessels for God to use. If we are not interested in subscribing to God's agenda of love, but try to convince God to buy into ours, God can happily find other ways to take care of the business of transformation. When the consistory met for its May meeting, something was said that caused someone in the room to recall a story of how one member once told a visiting family (years ago) that they were in her seat. You caught that, didn t you? Her seat. She actually believed there was a particular spot in the church that was hers. In loving-kindness, and through immense grace, God has given us life to enjoy and to glorify God. So, should we ever find ourselves tempted to make this journey of life about only ourselves, as opposed to living in partnership with God, may we remember what Jesus said to the Pharisees when they tried to get Jesus followers to be quiet. He had just entered Jerusalem, and the crowd was hooping and hollering because he was there. But, the Pharisees became frustrated and angry by the warm reception the crowd had given Jesus, so they told Jesus to silence them. His reply? I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out. God will always find a way. And that, I think, is wonderfully good news. Best,

4 Consistory Corner May 18, 2015, Consistory Meeting Minutes The Pastor s Report, the Treasurer & Improvement Fund Reports were presented and approved. Items from Past Meetings: Computer Equipment & Internet All computer equipment have been purchased and received. Software installation and transfer of files have not been completed. The secretary s old computer will be updated and be placed in the welcome/message center at the back of the sanctuary. The new color laser printer is schedule to be installed. Investment Committee The investment & policy recommendations are in development. Adriane Wodey has drafted the information & the committee is reviewing. The committee will be asked to present the developed policy to the Consistory members at the June meeting. Stewardship Committee The members are scheduled to meet in June. Financial Audit Some procedures have been changed and Alan stated he believes the Consistory and the church are going in the right direction for consistency in practices. Christian Education Update 38 topic suggestions for the adult Sunday school program were received. The committee met with Christy Yingling to get a better idea of her plans for the Christmas program. The date of the program was confirmed. New By-laws/Committee Re-organization The members are schedule to meet on May 20th. Bonnie Ogg met with the Worship Committee to discuss the Worship Committee s description, designated duties, and responsibilities. New Business: It was approved to provide the Glade Players $100 for their upcoming Player s event. Members of the Consistory were asked if Glade UCC would be interested in a canopy tent. The Consistory declined the offer. The June meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00 p.m..

5 General Fund Financial Activity April 2015 Beginning Balance: $7, Total Income: $13, Worship Offering: $12, Sunday School Offering: $ Use of Building: $ Rental Income: $ Interest on Checking Acct: $0.19 Total Expenses: $11, Ending Balance: $ 9, June Assistants Ushers: Becky & Leo Duncan Greeters: June 7th & 14th Connie & Ron Rough June 21st & 28th TBA Nursery: 7th Faye Fogle & Piper Susi 15th Shelby & Kirsten Saylor 21st Lou Goff & Elaina Frederick 29th Patty Green & Garrett Kreimer Acolytes: 7th Ellie Stevens 14th Jessica Saylor 21st James Mollet 28th Sarah VenDouern Thanks to all the June Assistants for participating in our worship experience. Communion Servers: Alan VenDouern, Bonnie Ogg, John Poole, Joan Hummer, and Bob Stull Lay Readers: - TBA

6 Special Thanks My church family has helped make my illness more bearable with your many cards, messages, and food. I appreciated the prayer shawl committee making me a prayer shawl and the many prayers from all of you. A special thanks to Pastor Phil for his many visits, calls and making me laugh on my down days. We are so lucky to have all of you and thanks for everything. God Bless You, Shirley Wisner NEW MEMBER Glade UCC welcomes our newest member, Stuart Clark. Stuart joined Glade UCC on May 10, Stuart is the husband of Carol Clark. Stuart has been an active part of Glade UCC and we welcome him as a member. If you have not already met Stuart, please introduce yourself to him and welcome him as a member of Glade UCC.

7 Our Star Celebrity Elwood Hummer, 96, the oldest living member of the Frederick Hustlers, and oldest member of Glade UCC, threw out the 1st pitch on Saturday, May 16th at the Frederick Keys game. The Keys celebrated their 100th year anniversary of professional baseball in Frederick and the city s first professional championship, which was won by the Frederick Hustlers in Many of our members joined the Hummers on May 16th to watch Elwood make his ceremonious pitch. REMINDER!!!!!! Our summer worship schedule will begin on June 7th at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Classes will end for the summer on May 31st. Also, on June 7th we will be recognizing our 2015 graduates during the worship service.

8 Dates to Remember June 1 7:30 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting, FS Saturdays in June Covering the GVCS Thrift Shop June 7 9:30 a.m. Summer Worship Service Time Change 9:30 a.m Graduates Recognition Service June 12 6:30 p.m. Community Summertime Picnic, SH June 14 10:30 a.m. Glade Players Rehearsal, Stage 10:30 a.m. Mission & Outreach Meeting, FS June 15 DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR JULY/AUGUST IMPACT June 17 6:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Meeting, Wegman s Café 7:00 p.m. Consistory Meeting, FS June 21 10:30 a.m. Glade Players Rehearsal, Stage June 29-July 3 11:30 a.m. SOWAC, Creamery Park Girls Nite Out W O W WOMEN OF WORTH The ladies of Glade UCC were fully entertained on their special evening hosted by Becky Duncan, Jan Dinterman and Carole Kreimer. We shared memories of our mothers, a hilarious skit, and enjoyed a delicious meal, making new memories of our own. Thanks to Jan, Becky and Carole for all their work.

9 G Y G After the fabulous production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat the youth are winding down their year with only one more event on their calendar: June CREATION Fest GREAT JOB GYG OF YOUR PERFORMANCE!!!! Thanks to all that played a part in this fund raiser for the youth. All the totals are not in but thus far, the youth raised approx. $2,500. The youth really appreciated ALL your support, Glade UCC. Second Mile Giving For June Since 1994, Mission of Mercy, a nonprofit 501C(3), has been operating mobile medical programs that offer free medical and dental care to the uninsured working poor, the homeless, and those unable to access health care. The Mission of Mercy van visits Frederick (at Frederick Church of the Brethren), Thurmont (at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church), and Brunswick (at Trinity Church of God) twice monthly, serving more than 275 Frederick County residents each month. Mission of Mercy seeks to restore dignity to all people by being an instrument of healing through love, and by the reciprocal sharing of God s mercy with those we serve.

10 Care Giving From a little book called A Calendar of Prayers for the Seasons of the Year comes this prayer for summer: The golden sand, the silver tide, the clear blue sky where seagulls glide; the lazy hours of rest and play: we thank God for our holiday. As we begin this summer season, may we be grateful for the enjoyment of carefree days, but may we never take holiday from being care-givers...take the opportunity to share God s love with those in need by giving a hug, sending a card, making a phone call, baking a goody -there are many ways you can reach out & show you care. The Care Giver and Prayer Shawl ministry teams will combine their August meetings for their annual summer time picnic. Tim & Jan Dinterman will be our gracious host and hostess at their home on Thursday, August 20th at 5:30 p.m. Team members -you are encouraged to invite and bring a guest with you (as well as a tasty dish to share with everyone). Please RSVP to Connie Rough, Betty Baggett, or Becky Duncan. The Glade Guild The Glade Guild, again this year, sold breakfast and lunch items as well as a table full of baked goodies at the Walkersville Day Community Yard Sale on May 16th. We raised over $400. We are brainstorming ideas for next year. Thanks to all those that provided their time and or baked

11 Glade Players Here s a heads up for the Glade Players October plans. We will be holding a Back to the 1940 s day with music and supper and a number of surprises. Of course, there will be a radio play with music and humor and singing. More information later, but right now we re asking you to get out a picture or two of the 40 s with either yourself, a grandparent or aunts and uncles, or anything you think would be of interest. Make sure your name is on them and drop them off at the office. They will be returned to you after our video presentation is prepared. There will also be a peach cobbler cook-off, so start practicing your best recipes this summer. Prayer Shawl Jan Dinterman, the fringe benefit (Jan adds the fringes to many of our pieces) of our Prayer Shawl Ministry presented Amy Gilbert & Chuck Richardson a wedding shawl in celebration of their upcoming wedding on June 6th. The Prayer Shawl Ministry will hold its June meeting on June 17, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wegman s café.

12 Suggested Food Donations for June Food donations tend to decline through the summer at the Glade Valley Community Services Food Bank. There are many ways one can donate to the food bank; fresh fruit and vegetables from your garden, items purchased from stores and cash donations. Items most needed: Baked Beans Canned Peas Canned Fruit Canned Pasta (spaghetti-o s, etc.) Cereal (healthy but kid friendly to) Boxed potatoes (mashed, scalloped, etc.) Donations of food can be dropped off in the baskets at the church or at the Food Bank, lower level of Town Hall, 21 West Frederick Street, Walkersville on Mondays, 6:30 8:00 p.m. and Thursdays, 1:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are always needed for the many jobs at the Food Bank. New volunteers are welcome! Cash donations are accepted by the Glade Valley Community Looking Ahead at GVCS Projects The Glade Valley Food Bank will again this year be holding their School Supplies Distribution Project. More information will be provided in the July/August Impact, but we wanted to give you a heads up that the supplies will be collect at GVCS on August 9, We will be able to drop off the supplies at GVCS on August 8th and 9th.

13 Mission & Outreach IF IT S SO-WAC, IT MUST BE SUMMER It s SO-WAC time again this summer. Last year was a great experience for all involved. The kids were great polite, cooperative and engaged. The volunteer support was overwhelming. I m looking for an encore performance in Highlights of last year were the bookmobile, the Ellen Garst cornhole game, snow cones, thanks to the Gilberts, a free throw contest, horseshoes (plastic horseshoes just don t fly right), Connect4 (I didn t win a single game), and Rummikub (instructions by Becky Hommer). This year, our week is June 29. Jack and I will be there, but we sure would love to have others sign up, drop by or otherwise join us under the pavilion on a nice summer afternoon. It s a simple concept consisting of a shared meal (prepared and delivered by Frederick Community Action Agency), crafts, games and some one-on-one time with the kids. We start at 11:30 and wrap up around 1-1:30. Please let me know if you ve got a free afternoon to stop by. Bring your kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends. There will be a sign-up sheet in the back of the church. Looking forward to seeing you there. This year, we do not have full coverage of Creamery. The last three weeks of summer are still up for grabs. If anyone from Glade would like to coordinate for one of those weeks, I d be happy to show you the ropes. Also, still looking for someone to help me go through the craft tubs in the Pilgrim Room. There is a wealth of material down there, but I am craft-challenged so could use the help.

14 Mission & Outreach JUNE IS BARGAIN MONTH AT THE THRIFT SHOP Ladies and gents, it s time again for the GVCS Thrift Shop. Glade usually does the month of August, but this year, we ve decided to get an early start. June is our month and if you love a bargain, this is the place for you. Where else can you get a bagful of clothes for $2 and almost everything else is free. Many thanks to my regular crew, but if you d like to give it a try, sign up for a Saturday in June. We work from 10-2 in St. Paul s Lutheran Parish House basement. We sort clothes, straighten up and cash out. We also provide free fashion advice (unsolicited or not). Nurture the fashionista in your soul. In order for the Thrift Shop to function, it needs donations. Time to clean out the attic. Get the backhoe and tidy up the kids rooms. De-clutter. And you don t have to worry about what you ll do with all that stuff. Just bag it and put it in the lovely drop box (made by our own Time Dinterman) at the St. Paul s parking lot at the foot of Fulton Street.

15 All Are Welcome for a free Community Dinner Glade United Church of Christ 21 Fulton Avenue Walkersville, MD Friday, June 12th From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We will be serving our Summertime menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Baked Beans, and all the other fixin's for a country picnic and don t forget the dessert. Please come and join us for the fun filled evening, dining with our neighbors.

16 6/01 Jan & Tim Dinterman Ruth Ann & Ken Wilson Billy & Jenny Veith 6/04 Allyson & Richard Harrison 6/10 Becky & Leo Duncan 6/13 Dawn & Glenn Robinson 6/18 Dennis & Debbie Nester Stephanie & David O Planick Robbie & Tiffany Kauffman Kristin O Planick & Andre Mershon 6/20 Debra & Richard Gilbert 6/21 Cathy & Brooks Widder Deborah Wachter-Harne & Wayne Harne 6/23 Lisa & Adam Frederick 6/25 Debbie & Randy Cramer 6/26 Monica & Alan VenDouern 6/30 Joyce & Robert Shry Julie & Eric Tingue

17 Birthdays 6/01 Kirsten Saylor Meredith Fritz 6/02 Eric Reickel 6/03 Kathy Angleberger Jesse Burrier 6/04 Jennifer Johnson 6/05 Michael Rinehart 6/06 Carole Kreimer 6/07 Christopher Frederick Paul Green, Jr. Cole Stevens 6/08 David Ogg Alexander Mershon 6/09 Dylan Stull Meg Grim 6/10 Stephanie Howell Jack Reickel 6/12 Christy Yingling 6/13 Michael Zimmerman Nathan Lenhart 6/15 Shannon Jordre Nancy Humm Shelby Saylor Marie Walker 6/16 Leah Ogg 6/17 Robert Byrd 6/18 Robbie Kauffman 6/19 J.J. Speak 6/21 Katharine Stauffer 6/23 Melanie Funk Ryan Keyser Lauren Roop 6/24 Mary Middlebrook 6/25 Thomas Lake, Jr. 6/26 Debra Gilbert 6/26 Robert Walker