CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER - FEB 2009

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER - FEB 2009"

Ronald Ramsey
5 years ago
Views:

It was founded in 1703 by the tsar Peter the Great, and is a cultural capital of Russia and Europe. The downtown area is all old, neoclassical style buildings with a few palaces sprinkled around.

But, it's a clean and safe neighborhood and the family I live with is so wonderful that I don't mind the 50 minute commute to the downtown area.

1 BUCK BUCK CREEK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER UMC NEWSLETTER HELLO FROM RUSSIA! I'm sure most of you already know this, but I've spent the last four and a half months in St. Petersburg, Russia on a study abroad program and will be here until mid-may. St. Petersburg is a really fascinating city. It was founded in 1703 by the tsar Peter the Great, and is a cultural capital of Russia and Europe. The downtown area is all old, neoclassical style buildings with a few palaces sprinkled around. I live up in the north of the city, in what we like to call the Bronx of St. Petersburg because it's mostly old Soviet apartment buildings that were built in the 1970s and haven't been touched since. But, it's a clean and safe neighborhood and the family I live with is so wonderful that I don't mind the 50 minute commute to the downtown area. I live with a single mother and her daughter, and so far it's been great. My host mother's a great cook and refuses to buy packaged food from the store, so needless to say I've eaten quite a lot of traditional Russian food, which is surprisingly delicious. My host sister is 18 and very sweet, before I left for Italy to spend Christmas with my aunt and uncle there, she made me a CD of Russian pop songs that I've really enjoyed. I do go to school here, and our program provides classes (all in Russian) for us Americans. Being on the program with other Americans has been wonderful, and I've made a lot of very close friends here that I will be sorry to part with when the program is over. Living abroad, and in Russia on top of that, has been a wonderful and extremely challenging experience. I'm so thankful that I've been able to experience it though because I've learned a lot, not only about Russia but about myself as well. I hope everyone back in America is doing well, and thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers! -Alli Germain 1 BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER - FEB 2009 THE STAFF Tim Schnepp, editor. timothys81@yahoo.com Nancy Schnepp, primary reporter Additional reporters this month: Ruth Davidson Carol Shepard, church secretary, duplicator. People providing pictures this month: N. Schnepp, Kyle Schnepp, Germain family Thanks be to God forever. BCUMC on the web: SANCTUARY FLOWERS Feb. 01: Celebrating Theran & Helen Brown s 65 th wedding anniversary (Feb. 11) Feb. 08: For Ken Mueller s 60th birthday today, from Lydia & Robert Feb. 15: Happy Valentine s Day after Feb. 22: Mary Strong for her 87th birthday WISHES + We wish to ask where the poinsettias were from this year? They were extra pretty and large this year. [Ed note: the poinsettias were from Bennett's Greenhouse.] + We wish to thank the Wilson Brothers for repairing the rolling door at the bottom of the stairs. Parts and labor were donated by them. CHURCH CALENDAR + If your church group or organization meets at the church, please mark your meetings on the 2009 calendar posted by the church office. LADIES MISSIONARY INVITES YOU The Buck Creek Ladies Missionary Society invites all the women of the church and community to attend any or all of their quarterly meetings for We meet at 6:30pm at the church for a meal before the meeting. Come see what we're about! February 16 May 18 2 September 21 November 16

EASTER CHOIR Easter this year is April 12th. If there is enough interest, Pastor Dwight will be forming a choir for the season. If you are thinking about participating, please let him know!

2 EASTER CHOIR Easter this year is April 12th. If there is enough interest, Pastor Dwight will be forming a choir for the season. If you are thinking about participating, please let him know! Practices will be on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. Stay tuned for more details! THANK YOUS + Thanks so much for collecting more than 500 pairs of socks. You help make the boys and girls at Indiana United Methodist Children s home feel extra special. Loved the sock monkey!! Blessings and Happy Holidays, -Susan Bennett + Thank you so much for the beautiful flower arrangement. It has brightened my day as I recover from my surgery. I think of you and your smiling faces. It cheers me up and reminds me of all I have to be thankful for! God is Good! I am so blessed he has blessed me and my family with each one of you. Thanks for all your prayers. We love you and miss you. Thanks to Pastor Dwight for visiting me at the hospital. Love, -John, Barb, Noah & Katie + Thank you everyone, for the digital camera, storage card, and camera bag you gave us for Christmas. We were so surprised! Thank you also for the gift of money. We are enjoying the gifts! You are very generous to us. -Dwight, Teresa, Joseph, Mary, Thomas, Anna, and Jonathan RECYCLE AT BCUMC Why not recycle the following at church: Campbell s Soup labels (for Bashor Home) Used Ink Cartridges (Ladies Missionary) Used eyeglasses (Lion s Club) Canceled stamps (Marion Missions) Used greeting cards (Mulberry Nursing Home) RECYCLING AT HERSHEY ELEMENTARY If you want to recycle your cardboard, newspapers, plastic, glass and/or aluminum, there are recycling bins behind Hershey Elementary School. Help take care of God s world! 3 BCUMC CHURCH PERSONNEL 2009 REGIONAL LEVEL BISHOP: Michael J. Coyner DISTRICT SUPER: Kate Lehman Walker CHURCH LEVEL: PASTOR: Dwight L. Monical CHURCH COUNCIL CHAIR: Ron Austin VICE CHAIR, CHURCH COUNCIL: TBD CHURCH SECRETARY: Carol Shepard CHURCH COUNCIL RECORDING SECRETARY: TBD LAY LEADER: Ralph Rohrer ANNUAL CONFERENCE MEMBER: Ralph Rohrer RESERVE MEMBER, ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Dick Temple STAFF PARISH RELATIONS CHAIR: TBD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Co-CHAIRS: Nancy Balser / Bob Waugh CHRISTIAN ED SUPER: TBD CHURCH TREASURER: Sam Stratton FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Judy Skees ASST. FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Nancy Balser ALTERNATE FINANCIAL SECRETARY: John Metro FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR: Jim Davidson Jr. MEMBERSHIP CHAIR: Pat Sense MISSIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR: Bob Shepard WORSHIP CHAIR: Ken Mueller SOUND/PROJECTION COORDINATORS: Bob Shepard / Jim Davidson Jr. COMMUNION STEWARD CHAIR: Lydia Mueller LADIES' MISSIOARY CHAIRS: Nancy Schnepp / Gini Tull HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE Co-CHAIRS: Jane Arnold / Diane White FAMILY LIFE COORDINATOR: Ruth Davidson YOUTH GROUP COORDINATORS: Tom & Deb Davidson NEWSLETTER STAFF: Tim Schnepp (editor) / Nancy Schnepp (reporter) FLOWERS: Nancy Schnepp MEMORIALS: Maralyn Turner WEBMASTER: Tim Schnepp CUSTODIAN: Mike Taylor 4

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: CLASS of 2009: Bob Waugh / Wes Austin / John Metro CLASS of 2010: Audrey Chappell / Nancy Balser / Tammy Louthen CLASS

CLASS of 2010: Mary Strong / Carolyn Coblentz / Bev Poore CLASS of 2011: Jane Arnold /?unknown /?

unknown CLASS of 2011: John Warren / Ali Davidson /? unknown ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTERS Nov. 30: Pam & Austin Church Dec.

TREASURER: Sam Stratton TRUSTEES REP: Nancy Balser / Bob Waugh CHURCH COUNCIL CHAIR: Ron Austin LAY LEADER: Ralph Rohrer STAFF PARISH

14: Sam, Jamie & Tina Stratton, with friend Elizabeth Downard Dec.

3 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: CLASS of 2009: Bob Waugh / Wes Austin / John Metro CLASS of 2010: Audrey Chappell / Nancy Balser / Tammy Louthen CLASS of 2011: Fred Merkel / Clayton Temple / Ron Tull STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE: CLASS of 2009: Willy Metro / Bill Sharp / Ruth Waugh CLASS of 2010: Mary Strong / Carolyn Coblentz / Bev Poore CLASS of 2011: Jane Arnold /?unknown /?unknown NOMINATING COMMITTEE: CLASS of 2009: Andy Coblentz / Diane White / Carol Burke CLASS of 2010: Sam Stratton / Maralyn Turner /?unknown CLASS of 2011: John Warren / Ali Davidson /? unknown ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTERS Nov. 30: Pam & Austin Church Dec. 07: Clayton, Cristie, Gabe & Jonah Temple FINANCE COMMITTEE: CHAIR: Jim Davidson Jr. TREASURER: Sam Stratton TRUSTEES REP: Nancy Balser / Bob Waugh CHURCH COUNCIL CHAIR: Ron Austin LAY LEADER: Ralph Rohrer STAFF PARISH CHAIR: TBD FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Judy Skees PASTOR: Dwight L. Monical AUDITORS: Pat Miller / Ruth Waugh Dec. 14: Sam, Jamie & Tina Stratton, with friend Elizabeth Downard Dec. 21: Donna Payne & Mary Rausch FABRIC FOR YES KITS NEEDED If you have fabric that would be appropriate for YES kits, please let Ruth Davidson know. 25 kits have been cut out so far and are ready to sew. Please feel free to take several (they are in the Adult Sunday School classroom). Thank you! Dec. 24: Dwight, Teresa, Mary, Thomas, Jonathan, Anna Monical 5 6

CHRISTMAS EVE 2008 The Mueller family were our ushers/greeters this evening. Pianists were Mindy Jester and Pastor Dwight Monical.

Diane White. The Choir was directed by Pastor Dwight Monical. It was an icy Christmas Eve day, with many churches in the area canceling their evening services.

Jonathan Monical read the scriptures inbetween carols [Micah 5:2,4,5; Luke 2:10-14; Matthew 2:9-11].

The Herald Angels Sing; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Emmanuel, Emmanuel; Angels We Have Heard on High; and Joy to the World. The Advent candles were lit by the Monical family.

4 CHRISTMAS EVE 2008 The Mueller family were our ushers/greeters this evening. Pianists were Mindy Jester and Pastor Dwight Monical. Buck Creek UMC Christmas Choir 2008 members: Ruth Davidson, Tegan Hanna, Mindy Jester, Linda LaMaster, John Metro, Teresa Monical, Donna Payne, Nancy Schnepp, Coley Sharp, Judy Skees, Ralph Rohrer, Diane White. The Choir was directed by Pastor Dwight Monical. It was an icy Christmas Eve day, with many churches in the area canceling their evening services. It was 14 degrees and there was still ice on the side roads when we headed into Buck Creek for the 8pm gathering. Scripture readings and Christmas carols were interspersed. Jonathan Monical read the scriptures inbetween carols [Micah 5:2,4,5; Luke 2:10-14; Matthew 2:9-11]. Pastor Dwight Monical read the scriptures [John 1:1-12] directly preceding the evening's message "The Christmas Angels". Christmas carols we sang in celebration were: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Emmanuel, Emmanuel; Angels We Have Heard on High; and Joy to the World. The Advent candles were lit by the Monical family. Special music this joyful evening included the BCUMC Christmas Choir singing two specials, the familiar "The Little Drummer Boy (with cymbals)" and the lovely "Still, Still, Still". Soloist Tegan Hanna blessed us with her lovely voice as she sang "All is Well". The evening ended with the lighting of candles held by each and every person (76 were in attendance). The light from the candles filling the sanctuary was amazing. (Thanks to Kyle Schnepp for capturing it on film.) 7 8

5 TAPESTRY GIFT This beautiful tapestry of Jesus with a child, was given to the church by the family of the late Lola Jean Harner. It hangs appropriately in the church nursery. Thank you for this wonderful gift. 9 10

6 COMMUNITY OBITS DEREK J. LIPHARD, 26 Derek John Liphard, 26, of Monrovia, Indiana, formerly of Lafayette, died Friday, December 26, 2008, in Lafayette. He was born on Tuesday, November 23, 1982, in Lafayette, to Jon G. and Shirley Irene Cree Liphard, who survive. A loving son, he was very close to his parents. He was a 2001 graduate of William Henry Harrrison High School and a 2004 graduate of Lincoln Tech. He received his associate's degree in diesel and truck service management in He served in the Army Reserves as a specialist from 2001 to Derek had been employed by NAPA Balkamp as a technical adviser. He had lived in Monrovia since September 2007; prior to that he lived in Lafayette. He was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church. He enjoyed camping, hiking, mountain bike riding, boating, ATV riding and roller blading. He also enjoyed working in his yard and was proud of his new home. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan. Surviving with his parents are a daughter, Addyson Clapp of Indianapolis; and a sister, Nicole Krebs (husband: Michael) of Delphi, Indiana. Also surviving are his maternal grandmother, Helen I. Cree, of Camden; an aunt, Janice Napier of Austin, Texas; 2 uncles, Jay Dee Cree (wife: Valerie) and Ron Cree (wife: Pam), both of Camden; and a nephew, Corbin, and a niece, Peytin, both of Delphi. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Gordon and Evalyn Liphard; and maternal grandfather, Billy D. Cree. Visitation was on Thursday, January 1, 2009, at Heritage United Methodist Church, 3111 N. 350 East, Lafayette. Services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2009, at Cree Funeral Home, Camden. Pastor Bruce Mowery officiated. Interment at Camden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cree Funeral Home for Addyson Clapp. Arrangements by Cree Funeral Home. Our sincerest and deepest sympathies to Derek's parents, his family and friends. He was a fine young man and will be missed more than words can say. The Buck Creek Ladies Missionary Society will include his name on the "in memory of" list with this year's socks donation to the UM Lebanon Children's Home in December

7 LILLIE E. MARTIN, 88 Lillie E. Patrick Martin, 88, of Lafayette, died Thursday, January 1, 2009, at Home Hospital, in Lafayette, Indiana. She was the sister of Buck Creek United Methodist member, Ralph Patrick. She was born in Lafayette on Wednesday, February 4, 1920, to the late Elvin and Lillie Freestedt Patrick. She married Lowell A. Martin on Sunday, November 24, 1940, in Lafayette, and he survives. Mrs. Martin was a homemaker, and enjoyed gardening and working with flowers. Surviving with her husband are a son, Donald P. Martin of Lafayette, and three brothers, Russell Patrick of Indianapolis, Ralph Patrick of Buck Creek and Wilbur Patrick of West Point. Also surviving are a grandson, Brian L. Martin (wife: Vanessa) of West Lafayette, a niece, Maureen Gray (husband: David), a nephew, David Patrick (wife: Car olyn), and many other beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Patrick, and her aunt, Helen Freestedt. Her family was very important to her. Visitation was on Sunday, January 4, at Hippensteel Funeral Home with service there at 1 p.m. Monday. Interment West Point Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Our most sincere and deepest sympathies to Lillie's husband, brothers, and family and friends. She will be sincerely missed by all. Lillie's name will be included on the "in memory of" list by the Buck Creek Ladies Missionary Society, for the yearly socks donation to the UM Lebanon Children's Home from Buck Creek UMC. A donation will also be made to the Gideons from Buck Creek UMC in Lillie s name. QUOTES November 16, December 14, God is Love; but even He got MAD one time: Ask Noah. -R.G. Temple + When we're thankful, others see that... -Pastor Dwight + God is awesome! He is with us all the time... -Pastor Dwight + Trust is knowing Jesus can do it. Faith is knowing He will... -A sign that Ruth D. saw + Help us be the kind of people You created us to be. -Pastor Dwight (prayer) 13 + God takes misfits (us) and forms us into a team. When God does that, all things are possible. -Pastor Dwight (message) + As Christians, things can get harder, as our decisions get clearer... - Pastor Dwight (message) + Right now, touch our hearts with your love... -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + It's good to give thanks to the Lord no matter what circumstances you're in. -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + Remember all good things God has blessed us with... -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + Father, we celebrate Your presence with us this morning. We look forward to preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus... -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + It's just a good time, and we're blessed in that. -Ruth Davidson on Angel Tree party + We come to worship You, to celebrate the birth of Jesus once again. May the Son of God be born again in our hearts once again this season... -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + You've got me multi-tasking---with a baby under one arm, and a flame under the other. -Clayton Temple (on lighting Advent candles) + Reflect on it for a moment what it is to be the child of God. -Pastor Dwight + Father, we look forward to the Holy season, and to be more aware that you are with us, and what the gift of Your Son means to us... -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + Father God, You are with us and guide us and fill us, and keep us. We pray you will remind us we are your children and You are our Abba, our dad. No matter what happens we can come to You and set on Your lap and have You hold us... -Pastor Dwight (prayer after sermon) + We pray that this joyous season continue to penetrate our hearts and burst forth from us in words and actions so others may be caught up in it... -Pastor Dwight (prayer) + It's good to have the Choir today, wasn't it? -Pastor Dwight + At this hectic time of year, we need to slow down and reflect that Jesus is truly the reason for the season. -Pastor Dwight (sermon) + God has a plan for each of us. Do you know what yours is? -Pastor Dwight (sermon) 14

8 WE GET LETTERS Dear Buck Creek, We just had 12 of us return from a mission trip to Dulac, Louisiana. We served a United Methodist mission to the Houmas, a little known native people who are not officially recognized or given rights as Native Americans yet have always faced discrimination as such. Historically, they had been pushed out of their homelands around Baton Rouge as Europeans came in, until they finally settled in the marshy bayous about one and a half hours southwest of New Orleans, an area they thought no whites could ever possibly want. The Houmas are some of the poorest people in our nation literally struggling to stand their ground with the encroachment of commercial fishing industries and oil companies. They have made their living primarily catching shrimp, crawfish, crabs, and fish. Now, in great part because of the vast oil resources found down there, they are finding it almost impossible to gain federal recognition and rights as a Native American Tribe. I had seen this poverty 11 years ago when I last went on a mission trip to Dulac with the Wesley Foundation at the University of Illinois. Things are much worse now. They were hit in the past 3 years with Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike People had evacuated for Gustav whose eye went right through Dulac, but they mostly sustained wind damage. Few evacuated for Ike because it was headed for Texas. However, they got lashed with incredible flooding from the backside rains of Ike. In the first hour alone the waters rose 3 feet and then kept rising. Taken pretty much by surprise, people in this area fled with little time to pack any belongings. Quite a few people lost their homes while many others sustained major flood damage to their homes, their boats (source of livelihood), their lands, and their possessions. Many haven't yet received their promised aid to recover from Katrina and funds haven't even been released yet for recovery from Ike. People are living in condemned houses, staying with relatives, or moving away completely. Thanks to volunteers through United Methodist Hurricane Relief, lots of work has been done since last summer, yet there is so much more to be done. I kept trying to remind our group that we are just one part of a great body in Christ, past, present and future! We also had fun serving with VIMs from Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, and another Wesley group from University of South Carolina. We built upon the labor of others before us and prepare things for groups to come. Our group put down flooring and new kitchen cabinets in one house, moved tons of things in and out of the temporary Distribution Center found in the Dulac Community Center) scrubbed walls, doors and tables, painted several rooms in the Center, secured loose tarp on the roof during a storm, and played with kids and painted murals for a pre-school. You can see photos of this trip on our website, Please hold these people in your prayers and consider going yourself to serve. God bless you for your faithfulness in prayers and support for student ministries of our Wesley Foundation at Purdue. Now please pray for us as we prepare for a student group to go to Mountain TOP over Spring Break. It is because of you that we are able to serve others. Shalom, Rev. Lana J. Robyne, Co-Director SERVANTS OF THE LORD - FEBRUARY 2009 USHERS > Ron Austin / Austin Church / Tom Davidson / Bev Poore GREETERS > Tammy Louthen / Bill Pless ACOLYTE > Tina Stratton LITURGIST > Coley Sharp CHILDREN S MESSAGE > Pat Miller (8 th, 15 th, & 22 nd ) BELL RINGER > Teia Louthen COMMUNION STEWARDS > Jim Sr. & Ruth Davidson SCRIPTURE READERS > Pam Church (1 st ), Dan Fleming (8 th ), Mindy Jester (15 th ), Ralph Rohrer (22 nd ) If you will not be able to serve as assigned, please contact Ken Mueller

9 BRIDGE UPDATE Last month, we gave you construction photos of the new bridge being built over Buck Creek. Well, we took four more pics. One on each of the past four Sundays. In the most recent one, you ll notice it s done! 17 18

RECIPE CORNER GOOEY PIE Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who seeks refuge in Him.

Crust: 1 cup flour 1 stick margarine 1/3 cup chopped nuts (or not) >> Combine and put in an 8 inch piepan or square pan.

softened cream cheese 1 big carton Cool Whip minus 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar Pour filling into crust.

Cover with remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with nuts. Let set. Devour.

10 RECIPE CORNER GOOEY PIE Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who seeks refuge in Him. -Psalm 34:8 This makes a sweet treat for Valentine's Day or any day! Crust: 1 cup flour 1 stick margarine 1/3 cup chopped nuts (or not) >> Combine and put in an 8 inch piepan or square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool. Combine: 1 8-oz. softened cream cheese 1 big carton Cool Whip minus 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar Pour filling into crust. Make 1 package any flavor instant pudding as directed on package. (Chocolate is best.) Pour pudding on top. Cover with remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with nuts. Let set. Devour. (Karen DeLong) CORRECTION FOR JANUARY RECIPE: The amount of sharp cheddar cheese for the Loaded Potato Soup recipe is 1 cup. 19 JOIN OUR SUNDAY SERVICES! 9AM SUNDAY SCHOOL / 10:15AM WORSHIP BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER. = FEBRUARY 2009 = 20 The God of love and peace shall be with you. - 2 Cor. 13

BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER

BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER BUDGET First thing s first. Here s a look at BCUMC s 2007 budget... Church Camp 00900.00 Sunday School / Christian Ed 00900.00 Vacation Bible School 00 00900.00 Total Christian