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 June 2016 PARSON S PONDERINGS.....June 2016 From the desk of...parson Mark G. Dibelka I spend my time wondering about all kinds of things that normal folks probably would never bother considering. Recently, I ve been wondering what I can do to make the Epiphany family stronger and give us a sense of community. Of course, that internal conversation takes place parallel to the internal conversations about how I can help make my fraternity and radio clubs stronger and give them a greater sense of community as well. This sudden interest in strengthening community comes about as the result of several essays, articles, and editorials that seem to be popping out of the woodwork regarding the declining church and its relationship with current generations. Perhaps we are experiencing what Paul Lynde (role reprised in 1995 by George Wendt), playing the role of Harry McAfee in Bye-Bye Birdie, voiced when he said, Kids! What s the matter with kids these days? Why can t they be like we were, perfect in every way. What s the matter with kids today? When we look back on the past, we remember how much more wholesome and trouble-free life was back in the day. So long as we continue to look at the world and wonder why it isn t as wonderful as it once was, we will continue to alienate those who would come behind us and take up the Pentecost flame. Those who are younger or maybe come from different cultural backgrounds have much to offer the entire family of Christ - just like the words of the Apostle Paul remind us, For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. (1 Corinthians 12, NRSV) I am thankful that Epiphany is not divisive in this way - we love our children and celebrate them! The Youth Service that was held on April 30 shows just that. The youth of Epiphany asked for a worship service to be geared to their needs and their understanding of the world, and, I pray, this is what they received. As a result of the feedback from that worship service, it will continue to evolve and become a more contemporary setting for people of all ages who are looking for sacred time that is different and, perhaps, more meaningful to a wider range of people. What s the matter with kids these days? Absolutely nothing! They are full of wonderful ideas and the energy to make them happen. As long as we keep our ears open and really listen to what they have to offer, we will continue to be the people who love large and welcome many. As a final thought for anybody who still might be wondering what s wrong with the kids around us, I also offer these words from Billy Joel: The good old days weren t always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems. Grace and peace and joy in the Lord be yours forever - Peace, Parson Mark INSIDE THIS ISSUE Parson s Ponderings 1 President, Dunkirk, Stats & Memorial 2 Sunday School & Youth Group & Flag Day sign up 3 Publicity, Fund Raising, Women s Fellowship & Outreach 4 Labor Day Weekend 5 New York Conference My Thoughts 6 June Schedules & Calendar 7 & 8 Ads

2 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 2 Fellow Members, As we all know, Summer is a beautiful season in our area. It is a time for vacations with family and friends. A time to get some rest and enjoy the warm weather and our wonderful children, while school is out. Many of our teams and committees will be taking two or three months away from meetings. Thanks for all you do, and I encourage the members to take this time off to recharge and then restart your meetings with new energy and enthusiasm. Many of our members will be spending weekends at cottages and on vacations. Even though many of us will miss Sunday services on occasion, I know we will all keep Epiphany UCC in our hearts and prayers. I encourage everyone to also continue to support the church and our fellow members throughout the summer. I wish everyone a great start to Summer and hope to see many of you at some of our upcoming events, such as Flag Day celebration and Blues and BBQ. God Bless our Epiphany family, Scott H. Howell - President, Epiphany UCC Special Thanks to our NYE Donors through our Go Fund Me page: Dan Griffin These funds will help send our youth to the National Youth Event (NYE) to be held in Orlando, Florida in July On Saturday June 25,2016 Carl McKinnon will be riding in the annual Ride For Roswell. If you are able to help him raise money in memory of his grandmother Jean Irwin please see his mother Paula McKinnon in church or you can mail donations payable to the Ride for Roswell to Carl at 24 Nardin Drive, Depew, NY Thank you Carl McKinnon VITAL STATISTIC 04/16/ /15/2016 Please report any changes you may have in your address/phone number. This will save the Church money. Thank You Baptisms: 4/17 Eleanor Rose Dunning Dunkirk News June 3-5th Women's weekend-fun and fellowship for the ladies! Come join in the fun at Dunkirk! Camp Scholarship information for Dunkirk summer camps are due into Jennifer by June 1st. Luau Update Those who did not attend the Luau missed a great evening of fun and laughter. The Food was great. Parson Mark and Kamille put a great deal of time in making the evening full of fun right from the start. The meat dishes were great and the activities were full of fun and laughter. Thank you for the outstanding evening. Looking forward to the next event and hope the attendance will more than double so we can have double the fun. MEMORIALS 04/16/16-05/15/16 DONATIONS TO BUILDING FUND: In Memory Of: DOROTHY NEUBAUER & MARGE POMERHN for Mother s Day From: Joan Bischoff DONATIONS TO DAVID WELLS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: In Memory Of: WAYNE SCHLIFKE From: Marlene Schlifke 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. 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.

3 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 3 SPIRITUAL GROWTH & SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS... Sunday School is winding down-seems that after Easter it begins to get very quiet in the classrooms. So sad! Please don't forget that June 5th is our Bake Sale for Dunkirk Scholarships and the requests for scholarships are due that day as well! Celebration Sunday is June 12, Please make sure your children attend in the next couple weeks so we can practice! It should be fun as usual! Please send pictures to Shauna Karas so we can do a photo show again! Sunday School will start again in September on the 11th, which is Rally Sunday and the picnic. Anyone interested in possibly helping with Sunday School please see Jennifer or Parson Mark so we can set up some quick painless classes to help! The curriculum is super easy to follow and the children are a joy to spend time with! Happy Summer- Jennifer Upcoming Dates June 1st Dunkirk scholarship applications due June 5th Bake Sale for Dunkirk Camp Scholarships June 12th Celebration Sunday June 18th Flag Day Party July National Youth Event August 27 Blues & BBQ Youth Group Youth Group is selling raffle tickets all proceeds go to the NYE trip. The tickets are $5.00 each or 3/$10.00 there are only 150 total tickets to be sold so the chances of winning are great! Prizes include: one night stay at Clarion Hotel & $25 gift certificate for Salvatore s; 2-hour party at OOGIE Games; Thirty One Gift Basket; $50 cash. See any of the Youth for tickets. Drawing on June 5, Thank you for all your support of our fund raisers. We are nearing our goal of paying for the registration of our youth. We are one of the smaller churches sending the largest number of youth. Please bring in any candy money or raffle ticket money as soon as possible so we can determine where we stand concerning our fund raising. Flag Day Celebration! My fellow citizens - join us for a day of celebration in the God given freedoms of this great land! Saturday, June 18, 6pm in the Community Outreach Building, 9365 Clarence Center Rd. Clarence Center, NY. Wear Red/White/Blue or Patriotic clothing Bring an All-American potluck dish Parking Lot Art Gallery (sidewalk chalk) Water Balloon Toss USA Trivia 3 Legged Race Scavenger Hunt (digital verification) Crafts & Notes to our Vets/Active Duty service folks Chow for the day includes hots, burgers (beef, turkey, and veggie), and regional potluck dishes that you are willing to share with your neighbors - bringing individuals together into one, united group. A freewill offering will be accepted to help offset the cost of drinks and supplies. Prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic outfits, and to the winners of the contests and games. You may even be able to have your picture taken with Honest Abe, the Marines of Iwo Jima, or the presidents on Mt. Rushmore. Step up and be counted, because every person in our congregation was created equal. Flag Day Celebration Saturday, June pm All-American Themed Potluck meal and activities for all ages (meat provided please bring a dish to pass) Name: Phone: Count: Adult Child Reservations due by June 12th

4 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 4 Publicity Committee The Publicity Committee met to discuss the strategy for advertising the upcoming Barbeque and Blues event to be held on Saturday, August 27th. Ads will be placed in Bee Publications and posters will be hung in stores and other public places throughout the area. A chairperson for the Fireman s Carnival in September is being sought. This event will be held on September 3rd, 4th and 5th. We will have a table located at the entrance in the food area. Someone needs to sit at our booth and hand out child friendly items to children in attendance. The hours of participation are from 11 am to 5 pm each day. Contact will be made with the Clarence Hollow Farmers Market to see how Epiphany UCC can participate in an effort to get our name out in the community. We will hand out shopping bags free of charge. They will have our name on them and they will contain an insert about our church. Business cards for the church were distributed in early May. They will be available at any time by calling the office. Joan D. Harms, Publicity Committee Chair Outreach News It is with great pleasure that we announce this year s recipients of the David Wells Memorial Scholarship. The following young men are graduating seniors: Michael Shrader, who is a Senior at Clarence Central HS, will be attending Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. Michael will be pursuing a degree as an Intervention Specialist with a minor in Musical Therapy. Michael also received Crew and Music performance scholarships from Marietta College. Michael is the son of Krista Ulrich, and the grandson of Marlene Schlifke. Zachary Wahl, who is a Senior at Clarence Central HS, will be attending Niagara County Community College. Zachary will be pursuing a nursing degree. In preparation for his studies in the medical field, Zach participated in the Connections program which is affiliated with Millard Fillmore Hospital and SUNY Buffalo Medical School. Zachary is the son of Jennifer Knaus and the grandson of Marilyn and Rob Knaus. Shawn Vacanti, who is a Senior at Lancaster Central HS, will be attending SUNY at Buffalo. Shawn will be pursuing a degree in the Computer Science/ Engineering field. While attending Lancaster HS, Shawn participated in the Finance Academy honors program. Shawn is the son of Jennifer and Mike Vacanti, and the grandson of Emmy and Bud Hess. To these three fine young men - your Epiphany family is so very proud of your accomplishments! WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP NEWS The 42nd Mother-Daughter Banquet on Friday, May 6 was as always an evening filled with good food, fellowship and laughter. Following a buffet style dinner, served by the men, we sang a few songs and played a fun game for the table centerpieces. Thank you to the many people who gave their time and talent to help make it a successful evening. A special thank you to our men; Parson Mark, Tyler Dibelka, Clayton Beisiegel, Tony Giovino, Dave Hess, Scott and Trevor Howell, Bob Knaus, Ed Miller, and Dave Schnaufer. Remember our last meeting until September will be Thursday, June 2 at Ruth Degener's. Emmy will serve as hostess and Pat Jarmusz will lead devotions. April, 2016 Women's Fellowship met on Thursday, April 7 with 8 members attending. It was decided to give $25.00 to Family Promise $25.00 to Angels Among Us for the Hospice Walk $25.00 to the Women Vets There will not be a meeting in May as we will be setting up for the Mother-Daughter Banquet. PLEASE NOTE: If you are working on a fundraiser for the church, please give all information to Kim and Joan so it can be published on our social media pages and in the Clarence Bee and other publications. Fund Raising Committee The 2nd Annual Blues and BBQ is August 27th, 4-8 pm, tickets are $25 There will be pulled pork dinner with sides from 2 Smok'n Guys BBQ, dinner also includes a soft drink coffee or tea. Live Music with the Growlers Blues Band. Door prizes and 50/50 and a basket raffle. Bring your lawn chair and your cooler with your favorite beverage. It is sure to be a fun night

5 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 5 Labor Day Weekend Parking Volunteers NAME Phone # Fri. Sept 2nd 5-9pm set-up Sat. Sept 3rd (at least 3* people per time slot) Parking Cars noon 2:30pm 2:30pm-5pm 5pm-7:30pm 7:30pm-10pm Sun. Sept 4th (at least 3* people per time slot) Parking Cars noon 2:30pm 2:30pm-5pm 5pm-7:30pm 7:30pm-10pm * Need 6 people during demo derby 3-7pm Mon. Sept. 5th (at least 6 people per time slot) Parking Cars Water Bottles noon 2:30pm 2:30pm-5pm 5pm-7:30pm Facilities Team is looking for help for the Labor Day weekend. This year the Event is September 3rd, 4th and 5th. On Saturday and Sunday we will be manning our lot from 12 noon till 10 pm our busy times are Saturday 3 to 7 for the Demo-Derby and Sunday from 3 to 10 for Demo-Derby and Fireworks. Monday 11 to 5 pm, our busy time is 11 till 2 for the parade. We are looking for 2 to 3 hour shifts, so if you can help, please let the Church office or David know. If you need different hours than what is shown on the sign up sheets, please write in your available hours. Donations of water are greatly appreciated for handing out during the Labor Day Weekend Parking. We are also looking for small, child friendly items to be handed out at our information booth. Labor Day Weekend Information Booth Volunteers NAME Phone # Sat. Sept 3rd (at least 1 person per time slot) noon 2:30pm 2:30pm-5pm Sun. Sept 4th (at least 1 person per time slot) noon 2:30pm 2:30pm-5pm Mon. Sept. 5th (at least 1 person per time slot) noon 2:30pm 2:30pm-5pm FLOAT Mon. Sept 5th PARADE (1pm)

6 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 6 Happenings Around Our Conference (as stated in the weekly online editions) Or to read the actual weekly newsletter My Thoughts reprinted from April 27, 2016 Some of us, over a certain age, were spiritually moved in the 1970's by these words :"Where are you going? /Can you take me with you? / For my hand is cold /And needs warmth /Where are you going? /Far beyond where the horizon lies..." I think these were the words that began my spiritual birth. We had these sung at our wedding. I'm also certain that they inspired me to learn more about Jesus Christ, and eventually were the soundtrack playing in background when I sensed the call to Christian ministry. But those were words for my generation, and today, while the meaning remains, the rhythm is very different. Where are we going? I am so hopeful in this moment of the Christian movement: the Church. This past Sunday in Watertown I watched a young woman lead congregational signing and clapping with unbounded joy, sheer spiritual abandon. The church was quite full. I was excited. Two Sundays ago at Bronx Spanish Evangelical I was caught up in the Pentecostal spirit of glorifying God. The sanctuary was packed, the decibels high. Several weeks ago I met with members of Rivers of Living Water (Fellowship of Affirming Ministries) and experienced an extravagant welcome that will teach much to the UCC, I was awestruck with encouragement. Far beyond where the horizon lies. If there is one thing I am certain of, it is that the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully in congregations that leave the window open enough for it to blow in. Where the head and the heart embrace the Gospel together, that is where a whirlwind of holiness is stirring up lives and communities. Where the window is sealed shut, because it hasn't been opened since anyone can remember, that is where stale air will stay put until the building is sold. I believe that right now is when we are moving beyond where the horizon lies. Where I have changed in my thinking over recent years is that I no longer believe "it" is about excellent preaching, fine music, or tight liturgy (all good things). "It" is about the personal encounter with Godheart and mind. That is where the emerged church is found. If you go to church and your heart is beating fast because you know God is in that place, then you have found "it". My Thoughts reprinted from May 4, 2016 I suppose that spring is my least favorite season. It is almost always disappointing for me. My childhood memories are the yardstick by which every other spring is measured. Brilliant Forsythia, robust Sweet William, and oh, the Connecticut Dogwood...breath-taking. No spring seams to live up to those of years ago. Today I was looking at some early crabapple blossoms and found myself saying: "you can do better than that." But, in truth, the spring flowers have not changed. I have. At the age of ten I probably only had noticed Dogwood for three or four seasons. And that early admiration became my template. As a child I observed the daffodil closely. I looked inside it. I noticed the gentle folds in its trumpet. I was puzzled that its smell was not as sweet as its appearance. I noticed the detail. Today, I don't look for the Dogwood's cross. Rather, I make a mental note: "not as pink as..." Yesterday on my walk, I came across a male sandpiper spreading his back feathers and clearly singing his mating call, hoping to attract a nearby Ms. Sandpiper. I thought to myself, in fifty-five years, I have never seen this before. I stopped and watched for all of 60 seconds (a long time for me nowadays). Probably if I had witnessed this dance years ago, I would have sat down in the grass and watched until he flew away. There is a lot for us to learn about how to live when we observe children, or reflect upon our own early years. I am glad that I am at least aware that sixty seconds is a ridiculously short time to observe a beauty I have never seen before. Nothing I do is more important than appreciating fully the wonder of God's creation. I have one daffodil left in my yard. Today, after work, I am going to see it... really see it. Imagine if we observed other people with that same lens. David Rev. David R. Gaewski, Conference Minister DavidGaewski@uccny.org David Rev. David R. Gaewski, Conference Minister- DavidGaewski@uccny.org

7 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 7 June /05 6/12 6/19 06/26 GREETERS: Bev Miller Diane Marlinski Sharon Hamerski Margaret Jones Ed Miller Carole Mathews Sean Vacanti Linda Hill USHERS: Ed Miller Andy Kreuzer Paul Wollenberg Scott Howell Bev Miller Ed Stepien Bob Metz Pat Schultz Roger Hoeltke Chris Stepien Greg Trietley Robert Knaus Dave Brockner Carol Leible Shirley Wollenberg ELDERS: Ruth Degener Robert Knaus Pat Schultz Greg Trietley Bob Metz 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. LAY READERS: Rob Knaus (looking for lay readers during the summer call office with dates you re available) 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 /Carole Mathews 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 June 5th. 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. Dunkirk Auxiliary dues for 2016 are raising to $5 for single or family though we are accepting any donation amount in lieu of membership. They 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 Hospice On May 22 team Angels Among Us will be walking at the 20th Hospice Memorial Walk. If you enjoy walking, we would love to have you join our team where we celebrate and remember how Hospice helped so many of our loved ones. There is a 1 mile and a 5K route. Any donations can be given or mailed to Kerrie Dunning, team captain or any one of the team members. If you would like more information or have any questions, you can call her at Thank you for your support. June Birthdays HAPPY BIRTHDAY! If we have missed your birthday, please give our office a call Children 01 Brionna Russell 23 Jacob Strasser 23 Kaitlyn Bohne 30 Andrew Russell Adults 05 Shawn Vacanti 06 Joan Bischoff 08 Charles McKinnon 08 Linda Hill 09 Richard Augustine 09 Sara Uebler 12 Marilyn Kreuzer 13 David Hess 24 Andrew Brockner 26 Beverly Miller 27 Pamela Uebler 29 Marilyn Burgess

8 THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 8 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 June 2016 Women s Fellowship 1st Thursday 11:00am Meet at Ruth s home, 67 Lou Drive, Depew Callers 1st Thursday 10:30am Meet at Ruth s home Samaritan Society meet at St. Stephens/Bethlehem UCC on Wehrle Drive Bible Study 3rd Sunday 11:30am Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 5 Communion Baptism (COB reserved) Bake Sale for Camp Scholarships :30am Callers 11am Women s Fellowship :30pm Leadership (COB reserved) 12 Celebration Sunday 11:30am Bible Study 19 Baptism (COB reserved) 11:30am Bible Study Happy Father s Day pm Facilities pm Samaritan Society K Run (church reserved) 6-8pm Flag Day Party

9 PLEASE THE TIMES SUPPORT OF EPIPHANY THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT EPIPHANY! Page for 5 Church Offerings... One of our 5 for 5 Offerings is Strengthen the Church. This offering will be taken on June 12. Your gift will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Because of this offering, many more will hear the good news that God is still speaking. Your offerings are directed to our church s Conference, Local Church Ministries, and The Stillspeaking Ministry for these purposes. Thank you for supporting Strengthen the Church!

10 Epiphany United Church of Christ 9365 Clarence Center Rd. Clarence Center, NY Return Service Requested THE TIMES OF EPIPHANY Page 10