Deeds and Opportunities

Transcription

1 Deeds and Opportunities Brentwood Community United Methodist Church 809 Second Street Brentwood, CA Office: (925) Fax: (925) Alexis Easton, Pastor Website: Brentwoodumc.org Facebook Group: Brentwood Community United Methodist Church Betty Gaughan, Editor: June 2013 On Pentecost-Confirmation Sunday, May 19, 2013, the congregation celebrated these five youths as they shared their testimonies and made their vows. Here they are answering questions about Methodism. Aidan Dunn, Chinyere Ekpemiro, Justine Joaquin, John Scott Marks, and Murphy Slay We thank their mentors for giving them encouragement and confidence in the path to Confirmation.

2 Heart to Heart Greetings, Friends (The Pastor s Column) It s Annual Conference Session time again. ACS 2013 will be June in the Sacramento Convention Center, and I will be attending with first-timer Carla Marks and nearly a thousand other United Methodists clergy and laity from the California-Nevada Annual Conference. Annual Conference Session always includes inspiring worship, interesting displays, news about the UM connection nationally and globally, and, of course, good ol legislation. Arguably, the most important piece of legislation this year is the Tithing Proposal for apportionments. Apportionments a portion meant for others is a good way to look at it is an amount local churches pay to support the national and global mission of United Methodism. The amount designated yearly to each congregation is derived by a formula, which seems quite complex and administrative, not very biblical or spiritual. It often feels unjust and arbitrary even when it s not! Well, the tithe is the biblical pattern for financial stewardship of individuals and families -- why not congregations? What if the congregation s commitment of our treasure were a model for what we do as individuals? It would make the local congregation the center of the giving structure. It is simple and scriptural, and the congregation itself would truly be modeling the stewardship that is asked of the congregation. Congregational tithing would create a culture of tithing at all levels of the church. In addition to the Tithing Proposal and other Cal-Nevada legislation, the Session will vote on four constitutional amendments that were passed at the quadrennial General Conference in 2012 and now are submitted for ratification to each Annual Conference this year. To change the constitution, a proposed amendment must be passed by at least 2/3s of the Annual Conference delegates. These four amendments include one to change the term lay speaking ministries to lay servant ministries. This would seem useful since the 2012 Book of Discipline says that lay speakers are to witness to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries, in other words, a lot more than just preaching occasional sermons! This year s Conference Offering will support our continuing relationship with the Methodists in Angola Conference. We will receive the Conference Offering on June 9. Will the Tithing Proposal and other legislation pass? Well, friends, stay tuned to the report that Carla and I will make on Sunday, June 23 about that and other interesting, inspiring, challenging elements of the 165 th Session of the California-Nevada Annual Conference. And God keep you all this summer in respite, adventure, compassion and joy, Blessed be,

3 WHO WILL BE OUR NEXT CHURCH HISTORIAN? If you are reading this article, you are interested and probably participate in the activities of the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church. As a result you are part of the accumulating current history of our church. Yes, our history is developing now. Who will be interested enough to preserve it for future generations of our congregation? My own interest in the story of our church's past was triggered by a brief examination in 1994 of the brass offering plate used weekly by the choir. The engraving on the bottom of the plate showed that it had been a gift in 1894 from Josephine Sanford, last surviving child of James T. Sanford who had purchased the John Marsh property in 1871 after the owner's death. The offering plate in my hands was 100 years old. That discovery led to my asking the pastor, John McLaughlin, if I could write a monthly article for Deeds & Opportunities about the people my wife, Chick, and I had known and the events we had experienced in the forty-eight years we had been members of this church. John readily agreed with my request. That decision led to ten years of monthly articles in the newsletter, including my contributions and stories by Chick, Jane Curlee, Billie Fortner, and Helen Halsey. The series gradually became a history of the church. It culminated in the publishing of a book that many of you now own, "Looking Back Over More Than a Century of Methodists in Brentwood, California." In addition, an extensive database was created and a large fireproof file was purchased to store the growing volume of pertinent material. Advancing age and failing eyesight forced my retirement as historian in Bryan Webb volunteered to accept the position. Much too soon afterward, Bryan's company required him to move to the state of Washington. Since then nobody has agreed to fill the position. Would you be willing to do so? You, yes YOU, are really needed to help maintain the recording of our history. I am quite willing to answer any questions about the position. Don't hesitate to see me at church or to telephone me at Vernon Noble A LAY LEADER'S PERSPECTIVE: GOT A BUCK!! We have spent a bunch of time lately developing a solid youth program for our young disciples. We often integrate community service into our bi-weekly get-togethers. One common theme has been education on world hunger. We gravitate back to the common question of How can you live on $1 a day? The fact is that 20% of the world population lives on $1 day. We see the face of the needy every week at H.O.P.E. House. BCUMC recently became a Food Pantry member of the Contra Costa County food bank. As a member, we can now purchase food at $.18/pound. So what can $1 do? We can buy 5 cans of tuna, 3 peanut butters, 6 packages of pasta, and tomato sauce. Team that up with 7 racks of free bread a week, free produce, milk, and juice and now you can feed several folks on a $1 donation. One Starbucks = 15 cans of tuna. One candy bar = lunch meat for several families. I understand our daily routines include these things and we should enjoy them. The main point is that one monthly sacrifice can transform people in our community. We aren t just offering food and clothes. We are offering HOPE. Now that s a good use of a buck. Julius Lukacs

4 YOUTH KEEP THE EXCITEMENT GOING! By the Youth Team The youth had a busy month of May with two sleepovers at church and five of our youth being Confirmed. The month started with a trip to the Stockton Port s game on Saturday May 4th along with a trip to Glide Memorial Church to make lunch bags and attend the Sunday Service. It was a very moving experience to see their hard work help those in need. On the 16th, by special request of one of our youth, we went to Black Bear for dinner and then to the Harvest Park Bowl for "Brentwood ROCKS". It was a night of LIGHTs, Music, Dancing, Snacks, and of course, Bowling. Saturday Pastor Alexis and Lay Leader Julius Lukacs conducted a session on Being Methodist." This helped our five Confirmands prepare for their Confirmation on Sunday, May 19th. Our youth that took this very important step in their Christian Discipleship were: Aidan Dunn, Chinyere Ekpemiro, Justine Joaquin, John Scott Marks, and Murphy Slay. Congratulations to our youth and a BIG thanks to their mentors: Mel Strong, Lisa Slay, Rebecca Feldermann, Greg Pacquer, and Dennis Buckley. Friday, June 7th, the Youth will attend a sold out concert, "For King and Country," at Golden Hills Community Church. We do have a few tickets remaining. If any youth want to attend, contact Julius Lukacs for your ticket. Our final event before summer break will be Friday, June21st. We will have a Pool Party at the Slays. Watch for an from the Youth Team for more information, or contact Paul if you just can't wait to know more. In June we are sending representatives to the Contra Costa Interfaith Council youth program. This program is just starting so more information will follow. Again we will be taking a break for family vacations in July, but get ready for a great school year starting in August! The Youth have brainstormed quite a list of ideas, so we'll be working up a schedule of fun and meaningful activities. Can you feel the excitement?! We would also like to say a special congratulation to our high school graduates: Nwachukwu Ekpemiro and Annie Azevedo. CONGREGATIONAL CARE NETWORK ( CCN ) Are you alone and need help getting your groceries? Do you no longer drive and need someone to take you to the doctor? Or to get your hair cut? Do you need someone to read to you? Or, are you a caregiver that needs a "caregiver" yourself so you can have some time away from the care giving you give? CCN is a group of people from this congregation who are available to help you with your needs. The coordinator of this ministry is Robin Vaughan. Please call me (Robin) so I can schedule someone to come and help you. My number is Thanks much, and God bless you.

5 H.O.P.E. (Hope, Opportunity, Prayer, Encouragement) HOUSE ORIENTATION--SUNDAY, JUNE 9th Sunday, June 9th, immediately following church service, there will be a gettogether for those of you that have expressed an interest in helping at H.O.P.E. House. This ministry is growing! We are in need of more volunteers to help. Whether you're interested in clerical duties, clothing, helping make up bags for food distribution, there is something for everyone. We have USDA and Food Pantry membership now. This get-together is a great opportunity to find out what goes on at H.O.P.E. House, so please join us there after worship Sunday June 9th. For more information, contact Robin Vaughan ( ) or Julius Lukacs ( ). We want to add a special thank you to Ethel Badham, Mary Bronzan and Diane Lee for their constant help at H.O.P.E. House. The Screwtape Letters at the Lesher Center for the Arts C.S. Lewis' brilliant novel The Screwtape Letters reveals spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view. This funny, provocative, and wickedly witty theatrical adaptation will change the way you think about how demons influence your everyday life. The Screwtape Letters, presented by the Fellowship for the Performing Arts, is coming to the Hoffman Theatre at the Lesher Center Friday, June 21 Sunday, June 23. One of the great blessings of this play is how it opens up questions of faith that are often difficult to bring up in ordinary conversation. The Screwtape Letters is a wonderful place to awaken Christian ideas in a safe, neutral environment; to experience the unique way in which Fellowship for the Performing Arts carries out its mission to produce theatre from a Christian worldview that is engaging to a diverse audience. Group price of $36 for 10 or more is available for the 8 pm performances Friday and Saturday, the 21st and 22nd. Contact Debra Urzua at or durz2004@yahoo.com for more information or to make reservations. Visit to learn more about this wonderful production. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT A special thank you to each and every one of you faithful givers! It is through your monetary contributions that we are able to advance Christ's Ministry at BCUMC. I trust by now each of you pledging or regular giving units have received the letter from our Office Manager Debra Urzua showing your giving in If you have any questions, please give Debra a call ( ). It is important to keep up our faithful giving. In April our Expenses of $15,099 exceeded our April Income of $11,852 resulting in a deficit of $3,247. This is a concern since the pattern of donations typically decreases during the summer, so we ask that you please be mindful during the upcoming dog days of summer. In regard to the loose change and bills contributions toward apportionments: Your contributions have been so helpful for the past two years. Please notice that the apportionment envelopes (horizontal) are available in the pew racks for your contributions. John D. Moore Finance Committee Chairman

6 MERRY METHODISTS at City Park Summer Concert June 28 All are welcome to join Merry Methodists and the Fulton St Jazz Band (Dixieland) Friday, June 28th at 7:00 pm for the Starry Nights in Brentwood concert series in Brentwood City Park (across from BCUMC). Please bring your own picnic and gear and maybe a towel for any kids who might venture into the children's water play area. THE GREEN TEAM! Did you know that when the astronauts view earth from space they could tell what areas of the world were celebrating the Sabbath by a decrease in pollution? Have you ever wondered what your faith has to do with or can help with global warming, recycling preserving the earth and her resources? Come join the Green Team on the first Sunday of each month at 6:30 pm. We will discuss "Green" issues and make plans for helping our church become "Greener." One of our first projects is to start collecting bulletins after church to recycle. You will find containers in the Narthex and the kitchen where you can leave them and they will be recycled. A simple act, but it will save lots of paper from going to the landfill each year! (Jo Merritt has already been doing her part for years by gathering up the bulletins left behind every Sunday. Let's all help!) If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Dunn or Patti Bartlebaugh. The book we are using is The Green Church by Rebekah Simon-Peter and it is available from Barnes and Noble or Amazon. SERVE THE WORLD Members of United Methodists of the California-Nevada Annual Conference are organizing many Volunteers in Mission (VIM) trips both in the USA and abroad. UMVIM, California-Nevada continuously strives to provide mission opportunities in disaster relief, construction/reconstruction, medical, connectional and educational venues that will enable the persons volunteering to do mission service, and the persons to whom they are in convenient relationships with, to progress along their faith journey, with simplicity, authenticity, and relevancy. We are in service locally within this Conference, through the rest of the United States and internationally throughout the world. If you would like specific locations and dates for trips, contact Patti Bartlebaugh at or go to SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP with Mel Strong Our summer 9am Sunday morning discussion group will be reading and discussing Rob Bell's book Love Wins. Rob Bell is founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids Michigan. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary. Some comments about his book include the following: "Author, Pastor and Innovative teacher Rob Bell presents a deeply biblical vision for discovering a richer, grander, truer and more spiritually satisfying way of understanding Heaven, Hell, God, Jesus, salvation and repentance. The result is the discovery that the 'Good News' is much, much better than we ever imagined." Mr. Bell has a unique style of writing that lends itself to group discussion. We will have a great time discussing his book. This group will start on July 7. There is a signup sheet in the Fellowship Hall where you can let me know if I can get you a book. I hope you can join us in reading and discussing Mr. Bell's book.

7 LET S GET ACQUAINTED WITH PAT BALZELL! Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Pat Fox grew up in the Methodist Church. Over the years, she has maintained relationships with many of her friends back in Peoria. Pat took various kinds of dancing, including toe-tap dancing, in which she stood on her toes like a ballerina and tap danced! Her mom made Pat s costumes and Pat danced until her mother s passing when Pat was 15. Pat also took singing lessons and was on the Juvenile Theatre Radio Show for a couple years singing pop standards like It Had To Be You, Victory Polka, It s Been a Long, Long Time. She made a record of her four favorites, including When I Grow Too Old to Dream, which her dad taught her when she was little. Pat aged out of Juvenile Theatre at 14 and then had more time for studying and friends. Pat married Ken Balzell soon after high school and lived in Peoria til they were in their early 20s. Ken worked in Peoria industries, and three of their six children were born there. The Balzells moved to California in their early 20s and settled in Fremont where their other three children were born, and all were baptized. Memories include annual road trips every summer heading back to Illinois. Pat began working as a bookkeeper and continued her mother s tradition of sewing the clothes for her children. In 1986 Pat and Ken moved to Arizona to be near one of their daughters and really enjoyed the area. They stayed in Arizona until 2009 when they both retired. Pat and Ken endured family tragedy: In 1991 their son Ken Jr. died, and in 2002 their daughter Joanne passed away. Then in 2009 the Balzells moved back to California from Arizona to be close to family. After 61 years of marriage, Ken passed away in 2011, and Pat felt strongly the need to find a church community. She participated in a very supportive grief group and began visiting churches looking for the Connection! Her Methodist roots played a role, and so she came to visit BCUMC also, she thought the church was cute. (I told Pat she is not the only person who has found our church on the corner cute!) She felt comfortable from the beginning and continues to enjoy the fellowship. In February Pat joined BCUMC. Pat became a member of the Love People Team, which has been working with the Greeter ministry. The next thing you know, Pat is coordinating the Sunday Greeters. She also attends United Methodist Women. We welcome Pat Balzell. Her kindness and care for others is a blessing to all of us who know her. CHURCH FAMILY NEWS JOYS: Congratulations to Diana Easley on reaching her 35th anniversary of employment at K-Mart! Alvin and Roxanna Simas welcomed a new grandson in April. The youth had five members that went through confirmation. They are an inspiration to the congregation. Beverly Johnson's broken arm has healed. James Collins reported that Pam and Oliver Washburn were safe in Texas. They will return to Brentwood in June. James plans to go to Texas with them for a visit. Miriam Pflum is helping her son while working at the Black Bear Dinner. Darby Gray landed the job she wanted. Shirley Gray is traveling to LA for a visit with Darby and Brian. They will visit Disneyland. CONCERNS: Ivy Caruso broke her leg. She is receiving therapy at home. Pat Gridley requested prayers for her ill sister. Robin Beck requested prayers for her sister who is recovering from a broken leg. Church members are suffering with allergies. Several members are travelling and prayers are needed for their safe return. Pray for the tornado and other victims who are experiencing severe weather.

8 RELIEF KITS FOR UMCOR The UMW EVEning Circle has decided to collect and put together items for Relief Kits for UMCOR. These will be collected at Annual Conference June and taken to the depot in Utah for distribution for emergencies. Please bring your donations to Mercy Hall and label them for UMW UMCOR Collection. Following is a list of items needed. For more information, contact Patti Bartlebaugh at LAYETTE KITS: Many women do not have swaddling clothes with which to welcome their child into the world. Layette kits provide basic supplies for their baby's needs. Bundle the items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with the diaper pins. 6 cloth diapers 2 shirts or 2 one-piece body suits 2 baby washcloths 2 gowns or sleepers 2 diaper pins 1 sweater open in the front 2 receiving blankets Value: $35 per kit. In a separate envelope, please send a check written to UMCOR Sager Brown for at least $1.00 for each kit to help with the costs of processing and shipping kits around the world. Important: Please do not include any religious, political or patriotic notes or emblems in any kit. BEDDING PAK: 2 flat double-bed sheets 2 pillowcases 2 pillows Value: $50 per pak. In a separate envelope, please send a check written to UMCOR Sager Brown for at least $1 for each kit to help with the costs of processing and shipping kits around the world. Important: Please do not include any religious, political or patriotic notes or emblems in any kit. HEALTH KIT: Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Health kits are also used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes. When people gain the knowledge and materials to maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves. 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27") 1 washcloth 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized) 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers) 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up) 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes) 1 large tube of toothpaste (4.5 oz or larger, expiration date must be 6 months or longer in advance of the date of shipment to UMCOR Sager Brown, No child-size brushes) 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag. Value: $12 per kit. In a separate envelope, please send a check written to UMCOR Sager Brown for at least $1.00 for each kit to help with the costs of processing and shipping kits around the world. Important: Please do not include any religious, political or patriotic notes or emblems in any kit.

9 BIRTHDAYS 4 Cheryl Dobson 8 Bob Clarke 9 Jillian Sterling 18 Fran Hassler 21 Connie Cembura 25 Roxanna Simas 27 Jan Schults Cheryl Breitenbucher 28 Samuel Lukacs 29 Edie Tidrick ANNIVERSARIES 5 Mary Jean & Urb Spediacci 13 Betty & Jack Gaughan 15 Patti & Scott Bartlebaugh 19 Katie & John D. Moore 20 Pamela & Oliver Washburn 24 Janet & Blake Kurz 25 Diana & Robert Easley 26 Joan & Bud Petersen JUNE NOTABLES Worship Leaders Ushers/Greeters 2 Diana Easley Robin & Michael Ann 9 Horace Gipson Lisa & Marge 16 Mel & Cheryl 23 Bob & Dolores 30 Carla Marks Communion: Beverly Tucker and Pat Balzell Lectionary (Scripture Readings) SUNDAY/SPECIAL DAY OLD TESTAMENT PSALM EPISTLE GOSPEL June 2 Second Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 18:20-39 Psalm 96 UMH 815 Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10 June 9 Third Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 17:8-24 Psalm 146 UMH 858 Galatians 1:11-24 Luke 7:11-17 June 16 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 21:1-21a Psalm 5:1-8 UMH 742 Galatians 2:15-21 Luke 7: June 23 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:1-15a Psalm 42 UMH 777 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39 June 30 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Psalm 77:1-2, UMH 798 Galatians 5:1, Luke 9:51-62

10 Statement of Inclusion: Because we believe that no one is excluded from God s love and that all may come who hear the Shepherd s voice (John 10:1-18), so we affirm: In keeping with the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ and with United Methodist principles, the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church welcomes all persons into our fellowship. Resident Bishop: Warner H. Brown, Jr. El Camino Real District Superintendent: Kristie Olah Pastor: Alexis Easton; Lay Leader: Julius Lukacs Secretary: Debra Urzua The Mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Brentwood Community United Methodist Church 809 Second Street Brentwood, CA TIME DATED MATERIAL