C O M M A C K U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H. Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors. A W o r d F r o m O u r P a s t o r

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1 July/August 2010 C O M M A C K U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H The Messenger Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors W h a t s I n s i d e U p c o m i n g E v e n t s B S A H e l p i n g H a n d s S u m m a r y o f A n n u a l C o n f e r - e n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i v e B o a r d M i n u t e s f o r M a y F a m i l y P a g e Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe Pastor Donna Etergineoso Editor A W o r d F r o m O u r P a s t o r It was such a joy to witness Juhye Hahn commissioned at Annual Conference. She will now serve as a pastor of a local congregation. Commissioning is one of the major milestones along the journey to ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Isn t it neat to know we had a part in helping her along the way during the year she served God here at Commack UMC as a Student Intern Pastor? Juhye and I traveled to Annual Conference together and speculated about what the Bishop might ask her and others to be commissioned in front of all the clergy gathered for Executive Section. The Bishop likes to shake things up a bit by sometimes asking questions not scripted and practiced. It keeps us on our toes! One of the questions the Bishop likes to ask is: Do you know the General Rules of the church and will you keep them? The general rules are John Wesley guide in how to live fully in faith and give evidence to our desire for salvation. There are three: First, Do no harm by avoiding evil of every kind. Among the evils listed, Wesley included: Taking name of God in vain Profaning the day of the Lord Drunkenness Slaveholding Unlawful interest Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation Laying up treasure on earth Second, Doing good by being in every way merciful. As you have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possible to all people. Again Wesley included among other things: Giving food to hungry 486 Town Line Road Commack NY (631) Office: mail@commack-umc.org Pastor: pastor@commack-umc.org Giving clothes for the body Visiting or helping the sick and those in prison Encouraging and instructing each other Helping each other in business Third, Attending all the ordinances of God. The list here includes: Public worship Taking part in communion Family and private prayer Study of scripture Fasting or abstinence Rueben Job, a Bishop of the United Methodist Church condenses the General Rules this way: Do no harm Do good Stay in love with God His summary makes it easy to remember them. These General Rules are not just for clergy they are for all Christians. I encourage you to reflect on the rules and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in keeping them in the context of your own walk of faith. Who knows, maybe one day in worship I may ask you: Do you know the General Rules and will you keep them? Now you can answer, Yes and Yes! May you know the blessing of God s Presence and the fullness of faith as you live the General Rules. Peace, Rev. Lynda

2 J u l y / A u g u s t Page 2 A Prayer... Gracious Giver, so much has been bestowed upon me. I lack for little yet yearn for so much. Continue to teach me to appreciate what has come to me as blessing and gift. Keep on urging and challenging me to share what I have. Help me to give generously and freely of my bounty. I offer you my thanks for all that is granted to me. Amen A Note of Thanks... To the CUMC congregation, The Mother s Day service was very moving and special. I greatly appreciated the Service and the Coffee Hour. The flowers were beautiful and I thank you for the cash gift. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated. Fondly, Carolyn S u m m e r B i r t h d ay s JULY July s Flower is the Larkspur. August s Flower is the Gladiolus. AUGUST Harry Gahrman Deb Hervey Andi Kessler John Kessler Barbara Knippenberg Michael Kopping Ryan Kopping Suzanne Litrel Dagmar Mackay Jessica Malgraff Gery Spory Erin Sullivan July s Birthstone is the Ruby. August s Birthstone is the Peridot. Kinder people we've rarely known, your friendship true with love you've shown. So today, dear friends, with all love we send... special bouquets of all God's flowers, filled with prayers for all His powers to keep you safe and strong throughout your days. So, our friends, we are sending Birthday Wishes for you today, We re hoping that you will have the Best Birthday in every way! If you know someone not listed, please give us a call! Christine Amato Mary Lee Arfer Matilda Gollatz Lara Manjares- Ciamician Sue Medina Dotty Megna Nick Mondelli Cyndi Pinkham Mark Prasad Caroline Reddo Timothy Sampson Anne Tammaro Eileen Waidelich

3 JULY 6 July 10 July 8 Sept 9 AUGUST 5-6 Page 3 T h e M e s s e n g e r Upcoming Events Long Island Ducks Game On July 6th we will be enjoying our annual trip to the ball park to watch the Ducks in action! This is an All-Star Game and it is a night of Grucci fireworks! An evening not to be missed! Tickets in our reserved section will be $12 each. Game time is 7:05pm but you can come early. For tickets please contact: The Happening Committee Pat, Karen, Margie, Lisa or Mike M. Annie Get Your Gun One of the best loved of all Broadway shows will be presented on JULY 10th in Heckscher Park, Huntington, by Plaza Theatricals. They are doing a wonderful job with this show, as they always do. We bet you know most of the songs! FREE Show The cost? FREE! How nice is that? A Broadway musical with no trip to the city! Though showtime is 8:30pm, we bring our picnic suppers and folding chairs at 6:30 or so in order to get a spot, relax and wait for the opening number There s No Business Like Show Business! Mark it down! You ll be singing the songs for days afterwards! Busy as summer is, hope some of you could take advantage of this great evening. Let us know, we can carpool if needed and carve out our space at the park when we get there. The Happening Committee Pat, Karen, Margie, Lisa & Mike M. United Methodist Women Events On Thursday, July 8th, members of the UMW will pay our usual visit to St.Catherine of Siena Nursing Home for fellowship, refreshments and a songfest. We will meet in the church parking lot at 6:15pm to carpool. All members of our congregation are cordially invited to join us. Donations of refreshments are not needed. On Thursday, September 9th, the Reverend Annie Bovian is our planned guest speaker. Annie works closely with WAM (Women s Advocate Ministry) and will speak on this topic. A baby shower for incarcerated pregnant women is planned. Donations of new infant and toddler clothing of all types, unwrapped, will be accepted. More information will be forthcoming. Global Leadership Summit a message from Rev. Lynda This year s Global Leadership Summit presenters will include host Bill Hybels of the Willow Creek Church, Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, Adam Hamilton Pastor of one of the largest UMC churches in the country, Jim Collins, business researcher and consultant, and many others. The Summit is Thursday and Friday, August 5-6. On Long Island the satellite location is Syosset. If you are interested in more information you can check

4 July/August 2010 Page 4 Boy Scout Troop 125 Memorial Day Boy Scout Troop 125 celebrated Memorial Day with a weekend full of activities honoring the troops that have served and are still serving our great nation. The scouts began on Saturday morning by placing flags at the Long Island National Cemetery at Pinelawn which was followed by a special ceremony around the flagpole where Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Ryan Glass gave a very moving speech about the meaning of Memorial Day. On Sunday, the scouts participated in our special Memorial Day service in the 1789 Chapel and read the honor roll of family and former members who are deceased veterans who have served in the United States military. The service was followed by a bagel reception for the members of the Church and the troop. The weekend concluded on Monday morning when the scouts marched in the Commack Memorial Day Parade. The troop also participated in the ceremony which followed by placing a wreath by the monument where Veterans Highway meets Jericho Turnpike. Boy Scout Troop 125 meets every Tuesday from 7:30-9:00pm at the Commack United Methodist Church (486 Town Line Road, Commack) and is open to boys ages residing in Commack, Dix Hills, East Northport, Kings Park, Smithtown and their surrounding communities. For membership information, contact Scoutmaster Bob Kowalski via at scoutmaster@troop125ny.org or visit the website at

5 Page 5 T h e M e s s e n g e r how you can help our community. Helping Hands P e a n u t B u t t e r & J e l l y G a n g The June PB & J Gang saw a great turnout families with young children, Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers, and members of the congregation all turned out to make sandwiches! Volunteers during the summer months are usually much lower so WE NEED YOUR HELP! July 3rd is our next production day! Please take the time to come to the church and spend about 2 hours making PB&J sandwiches which help our local food pantries. It is fun and easy and your help makes a world of difference! Another way to contribute... Throughout the summer Troop 125 is having a PB & J Campaign to feed Long Island! Please help their efforts by donating jars of creamy peanut butter and jelly during the Troop 125 PB&J Campaign. August 7, 2010 will be Troop 125 PB&J DAY at the Commack United Methodist Church, where the scouts will be making hundreds of PB&J sandwiches. You can help with donations of creamy peanut butter and jelly by responding to our flyers which will be distributed throughout the community by dropping your donations on our PB & JAM DAY August 7, 2010 from 8:00 am to 10 am at Commack United Methodist Church, 486 Town Line Road, Commack, NY or by contacting our PB&J Gang at (631) or (631) T h r i f t S h o p p e N e w s Presenting it s Summer BAG SALE Saturday, July 31st 9am 1pm All the clothing and shoes you can fit in the paper bag we supply for only $5.00

6 J u l y / A u g u s t Page 6 All That s Happened! 2010 Annual Conference Summary of Ginny Eichenauer s report of the 2010 Annual Conference Are you ready? Bishop Park enthusiastically asked us all at the opening of the 2010 Annual Conference held at Hofstra University on June 9th. His question addressed this year s Annual Conference theme... It is a time for change, a return to joy! To help us embrace the theme of change, the backdrop of his stage was decorated with modern flair and liturgical dancers waved colored flags through the aisles as they made their entrance. Bishop Park s message included: Charging us all to Revive love and joy in our churches because without that, what is the point?. He reported that: The number of new members by profession of faith has increased and that we are starting six new congregations next year. There has been an increase in students entering theological programs and schools. We should celebrate our continued focus on mission work. Our conference sent $948, to Haiti so far. We ve received 7,400 health kits during the conference and there were 3,600 kits compiled at the Momentum of Ministries Festival on Saturday. (CUMC contributed 46 health kits and 2 bags of supplies) Collections were taken during the conference: The Children s Home offering- $3, Black Colleges offering- $3, Cokesbury donated $50,000 to the Malaria Campaign and $10,000 to UMCOR for Haiti.

7 Page 7 T h e M e s s e n g e r Friday night we had the joy of being part of the celebration at the commissioning as provisional members for Juhye Hahn and eleven others. Our own Pastor Lynda is the Compass Mentor Coordinator who has helped guide and prepare them for this most important occasion. There were also nine candidates for Elders, one Associate Member but no Deacons this year. Saturday s festivities included a celebration of missions and new members from the last five years who came by the busloads. There were tents filled with booths filled with merchandise from all of our mission fields, and information about our different organizations. In other areas there was a P.E.T. obstacle course simulating mine fields that people could try out, an African hut display, a troupe of mime dancers, bands and singing groups. There was also a Noah s Ark bouncer and a climbing wall and a group playing the steel drums to liven the festivities. Upon the commencement of the service concluding the 2010 Annual Conference, we participated in the parade of banners, all 200 of them, marching through the arena. The main speaker, Bishop James E. Swanson, led a very rousing and spiritual sermon engaging the crowd in the southern tradition. The Bishop proposed to the crowd to step down from their seats and come forward to the stage if they felt Jesus in their hearts and approximately 300 people were moved to take action. It took a while for Bishop Park to calm the crowd down to give the benediction and announce the close of the 2010 Annual Conference. Overall, the joy and love felt by the crowd moved those that were present and hopefully they will carry that momentum back to their congregations to further our ministry throughout this year.

8 J u l y / A u g u s t Page 8 Reporting to the Congregation... Administrative Board Minutes for May 2010 The meeting was called to order by Matilda Gollatz at 7:35 PM with 17 members present. Rev. Lynda opened with prayer. Lay Leader: Mike Malgraff Absent, no report Finance: Ann Aupperle Absent, no report SPR: Chris Litrel Chris was absent but sent in an report to Matilda...and I quote: 1. New hire: Donna Etergineoso as Administrative Assistant 2. " I have also been involved with farmer's market. I think Bruce Ettenberg, president of the Commack Civic Association is looking for the church to develop it and run it which is different from just providing a location where it can be hosted. I sent Bruce an detailing what we needed for insurance purposes as host. In response, Bruce accused the church of wanting to be a 'landlord.' This is an absurd comment as the church had no intention to charge rent, so far as I know. My impression is Bruce wants the church to do the developmental work and operational work. As there are no farmers currently interested in attending a farmer's market in Commack, this might be a lot of work with the project getting off the ground. This is just my opinion of what is going on - in the event that there are church members who want to develop this program and then run it, Bruce would be a good person to speak with and might have additional information. I've only been in touch with him about legal and insurance issues." During discussion, Connie Jarvis explained the original plans. Joan Nehlsen, trustee, stated that our insurance carrier insists on 'certification of liability' from other groups. Apparently a 50/50 partnership with Commack Civic Association was/is expected. Those present declined but there was no motion or action taken. Connie will pursue the issue. Membership: Ginny Eichenauer It was noted that Leslie Bouain was accepted into church membership on Easter Sunday. A few things, including names need to be added and checked for membership. Historian: John Muller Nothing new to report Memorial: Kathy Muller No new memorial donations at this time. Trustees: Tom Mazzola, absent, Joe Megna reported: 1. The fence has been installed at the parsonage. 2. The Boy Scouts did a fine job weeding and putting down mulch in the Chapel garden, cleaned up and spread new sand in the playground. 3. It was noted that our red, wooden sign needs refurbishing. 4. A spindle on the Chapel communion railing had been broken, repaired by Joe. He stated that trustees need timely notification of needed repairs. Thrift Shoppe: co-chairs absent The June 12 yard sale was noted, flyers to be available. Summer Vendor Craft Fair: Nancy Gamby Nancy noted that after 13 years of chairing, she will not be able to continue. Volunteers invited to take charge. Annual Fall Fair: Connie Jarvis Articles continue in Messenger. Parcel Post Booth explained. UMW : Youth: Nancy Gamby There was a good turnout at last meeting with 12 guests from Pilgrim State Hospital for fellowship and refreshment. Deb Hervey to present the June program. Deb Hervey There has been scarce attendance. Trying to work with youth and Habitat for Humanity, difficult to coordinate, as 10 people are needed. VBS commences June Theme: "Galactic Blast Cosmic Adventure Praising God." There is a corresponding adult study. Volunteer help is needed. The Paul Paoli fund-raising concert was attended by Deb and Mike Hervey Good music with about in attendance at 'Samantha's Little Bit of Heaven.' Men's Group : Al Svoboda Intermittent and new interest by some men. Church neighbor 'Al' does volunteer electrical work for us. Pumpkin Patch : Tom Mazzola, absent Joe Megna reported: in process of up-grading electrical work for air conditioner use. P.P. doing well. Treasurer : Karen Malgraff All bills up to date are paid. Expense handout distributed. Financial Secretary: Judi Titolo, absent Judi, absent but made financial handouts available.

9 Trivia Answers from page Brooklyn or Brooklyn Heights 2. Citizen Kane 3. Roosevelt Field 4. Belmont Park 5. The Big Duck 6. King Kullen 7. St. James The St. James General Store was established in Theodore Roosevelt in Sagamore Hill 9. Four (William Floyd, Lewis Morris, Francis Lewis & Philip Livingston) 10. The Chapel was erected in 1789 and the new church was dedicated in 1968 Page 9 J u l y / A u g u s t T h e M e s s e n g e r Page 9 Council on Ministries: Mike Hervey, absent 1. NCD postcards mailed and meetings have started. 2. Rev Lynda stated the Labyrinth was " incredible!" 3. Family Retreat went well, new attendees and there were many participants in leadership BSA : Dagmar Mackay Absent, no report Sunday School: Tricia Nehlsen The student's 'creation mural' hanging in parlor. Attendance has been down with only 4-5 attending. There has been a month long study on Paul's transformation plus crafts. Worship: Sobana Prasad, absent Report by Dot Megna: Holy week plans went well, but there is too much of a rush by congregants to pick up their plants after service. Referred to committee and organist for solution. Pastoral Care: Al Svoboda Dorothy Baile was visited, the Pastor's Messenger article was read to her and NCD information given. Barbara Knippenberg visits her often. Dorothy's faith appears strong. At different times, Al and Nick Mondelli visited Jim Milich in VA hospital. He is expected to be discharged. Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Muller, Recording Secretary Attendance: Matilda Gollatz Kathy & John Muller Tim Sampson Dotty & Joe Megna Lynda Bates-Stepe Joan Nehlsen Tricia Nehlsen Joan & Allen Svoboda Ginny Eichenauer Pat Ross Karen Malgraff Nancy Gamby Connie Jarvis Deb Hervey The CUMC Parsonage 2010 Happening: Pat Ross "Antique Road Show' event was successful, hoping for a return Duck's, July 6th, All Star baseball tickets will be available for $ Committee will preview Pat Shea, a' Squeaky Clean Comedian' for a future event. Missions: Victoria Zinkarvich & Phyllis D'Amato, absent No report Old Business: 1. Deb Hervey reported on her research re: AEDs. AEDgrants.com works with manufacturer to underwrite costs. Deb will submit application. American Heart Association recommend working with local EMS. A physician is needed for oversight. There is a line item in our budget for this purchase. 2. Rev Lynda thanked all who participated in the preparations for Lent and Holy week. New Business 1. Pat Ross discussed possible danger of 2 women alone with a cash register in Thrift Shoppe. Some sort of alarm is needed. Matter referred to Trustees. 2. Rev. Lynda discussed need for updating calendar system, at present on the office wall and online. Please think of some solutions. 3. Rev. Lynda complimented for her outstanding Holy Week services. Matilda noted next meeting date: Tuesday, July 27 Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm by motion. The newest improvement: New yard fence. Last year: New Roof & Siding

10 J u l y / A u g u s t Page 10 Family Page I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y P r i c e o f f r e e d o m Author unknown Have you ever wondered What happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons, who served in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers and plantation owners. All were men of means and well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay is debts and died in rags. Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Ellery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnet, Heyward, Rutledge and Middleton. At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He urged Gen. Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. The home of Francis Lewis was destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from the bedside of his dying wife. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and grist mill were laid to waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves returning home to find his wife dead and his children gone. He died shortly thereafter. Morris and Livingston suffered similar fates. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering, they pledged for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. They gave us a free and independent America. Too often, we know take these liberties for granted. So,. While you are enjoying the festivities of the July 4th holiday. Take a few minutes to thank these patriots for their heroic contributions. It is not too much to ask for the price they paid. Freedom, is never free. L o n g I s l a n d T r i v i a H o w m a n y c a n y o u g e t c o r r e c t? 1. Where on Long Island was the Battle of Long Island fought? 2. Old Westbury Gardens, a mansion on Long Island s Gold Coast, was featured in various Hollywood movies except a. Citizen Kane b. Love Story c. North by Northwest d. Wolf 3. Charles Lindberg took off on his historic flight from which Long Island air field? 4. Which racetrack is home of the third leg to the Triple Crown? 5. What architectural oddity is located between the town of Flanders and Hampton Bays? 6. What is the name of America s First Supermarket whose first store opened up in Queens, Long Island? 7. Which town boasts the oldest continuously operating General Store in the United States? 8. Which US president lived on Long Island? Where did he live? 9. How many men who signed the Declaration of Independence came from NY? Name one of them (hint: there is a Suffolk County school district named after him) 10. What year did the Commack Methodist Church erect the original chapel? The new church?