Through Jesus, we strive to GROW in our relationship with God through Worship, Prayer and Study. Guided by the Holy Spirit we seek to make Christ s love known as we CONNECT and SERVE others. United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak 1176 East Main Street Shrub Oak, New York 10588 Office: 914-245-4682 Fax: 914-743-1003 Parsonage: 914-245-3114 E-mail: umcso.ny@gmail.com OUR THIRD CENTURY IN SERVICE OF THE LORD Reverend Iwy Patel-Yatri, Pastor March 2019 Vol. 41, No. 3 Mailed on February 25, 2019 - Next Deadline 3/15/19 Dear UMCSO Family, We will soon enter into the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 6 th. The imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday reminds us that from dust our bodies were made and to dust they will return. Our faith assures us that this is not the end for at the end of the Lenten journey, we will come to Easter; the celebration of resurrection and new life. The good news of the resurrection is that our spirits will live forever with our Lord in God s Kingdom! When writing to the church in Corinth about how the dead are raised and our new bodies, Paul notes, Flesh and blood can t inherit God s Kingdom. Something that rots can t inherit something that doesn t decay. (1 Corinthians 15:50). This is a good reminder for us, because too often our focus on this earth revolves around our physical reality and we work hard in tending our physical bodies and meeting our material needs. Yet we neglect the care of our soul, which is to receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, as Peter reminds in 1 Peter 4:4. When is the last time we reflected upon this amazing inheritance that Christ has shared with us? During the forty day season of Lent, we are invited to reflect upon the state of our souls. If you have ever done a spring cleaning, you know that sometimes dust balls collect under the bed, under the sofa and places that are not visible to the eye. Unless we make an intentional effort to clean these areas, not only will they remain dirty but they will continue to accumulate even more dirt and dust.
Similarly, our souls are in a filthy state and unless we make an intentional effort to focus on the state of our souls, they will remain dirty. Sin such as anger, resentment, pride, greed, lust, envy to name a few will distort and soil our spirits. The good news is that Christ offers us a cleaning of our souls when we invite him in as Lord of our lives. When we receive Christ, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, who enters in and gives us new life. In his conversation with Nicodemus about new life, Jesus claims, Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of the flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. (John 3:6). Here is yet another reminder that we need to be mindful of the state of our Spirits. Let us take to heart the words of our Savior. Lent begins with a call to repentance, renewal and turning back to God. During this Lent season, I invite you to take time daily to spend with our Lord and allow Christ to renew your Spirit. As a church, we are inviting people to commit to reading a daily Lenten devotional. As we take time to repent of the many ways we have not done God s will, I pray that we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit renewing our spirit, and restoring us to new life in Christ. Along with daily time with God, please join us for our Lenten activities and services: Sunday, March 10 th, 5pm - Lenten Bonfire with Pot-trust dinner Wednesdays in Lent, Pot-Trust dinner and Lent Services at various churches (details Page 9) Sunday, April 14 th, Holy Week begins with Palm/Passion Sunday Thursday, April 18 th, 7pm - Holy Thursday service Soup & Bread Supper (6pm) Friday, April 19 th, 12-3pm Good Friday Vigil (please sign up) The Psalmist prayed, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10). May we too echo these words as we prepare for the Lenten journey with our hope firmly rooted in the promise of the resurrection and new life! In Christ,
UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, March 1 st 12 noon - World Day of Prayer Peekskill Presbyterian Church Saturday, March 2 nd 9:00 am 12:00 pm Session: Marriage, Sexuality, Divorce Sunday, March 3 rd Girl Scout Sunday Wednesday, March 6 th 10:00 am - Distribution of Ashes; 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service March 10 th 5:00 pm Pot Trust Dinner followed by Lenten Bonfire Saturday, March 16 th 10:00 am 3:00 pm - New York Annual Conference, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College. Registration required. Visit website: nyac.com. Wednesday, March 27 th Lenten Cluster Service with carry in supper 6:30 pm GP room, Service 7:30 pm Sanctuary. Sunday, March 31 st UMCOR Sunday Sunday, April 14 th to 20 th Holy Week Schedule is noted on the right column of this page. Please bring your family and friends to these special events that are planned especially for you. ------------------------------------------ WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2019 FRIDAY, MARCH 1 st 12 noon The World Day of Prayer will be held at the Peekskill Presbyterian Church, 705 South Street, Peekskill in 2019. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common Day of prayer. The service lifts up issues of mission, justice and peace that are important to a specific country. The writers of this year s service are from Slovenia in Eastern Europe and the theme is ALL God s Creation Is Very Good! Following the hour-long service beginning at 12 noon, we will gather for lunch at 1:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share with our sisters from neighboring churches. ------------------------------------------ GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY We will be celebrating Girl Scout Sunday on March 3 rd. The Girl Scouts will be participating in the Worship service and hosting the coffee hour. DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS Sunday, March 10 th Just a reminder don t forget to set your clocks ahead on Saturday night before you go to bed. Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 10 th. HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Palm/Passion Sunday Sunday, April 14 th 10:30 a.m. Worship Service (Palm Procession in church and dramatic reading of the Passion of Christ) Maundy/Holy Thursday April 18 th 6:00 p.m. Soup/bread supper 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion Service (There will be a sign-up sheet in the.) Good Friday, April 19 th 12 Noon 3:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil. Sanctuary will be open from 8:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday April 21 st 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service in, followed by a continental breakfast 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Easter egg Hunt
LEST WE FORGET JOSEPH MASKIELL, JR. Joseph Maskiell, Jr. entered life triumphant on February 1, 2019. Please keep the Maskiell family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. GLOBAL MAP We are updating our global map (located in the ) and asking those whose place of origin is outside the USA to contact Maxine Haigh or Annette Reynolds to let them know. Kindly provide a photograph of yourself to place on the map alongside your birth place. PWP (People without Partners) Our Valentine s Luncheon was fun for everyone. There were 17 in attendance. Thank you to all those who contributed to a fun time. MARCH BIRTHDAYS Cindy Ayling 2 John Ayling 4 Brooke Barnett 4 Tony Capozza 5 Leslie Anne Norman 6 Marshall Moseley 7 Daniel Hocker 12 Ken Semcken 12 Matthew Spina 12 Joey Spina 15 Daniel Hoernes 16 Garrett Stokes 20 Raina Jesu Indra 21 Joan Prentice 22 Mary Lockhart 24 Doris Shields 24 Lee Anne Chung 27 Lilia Gutowski 27 Natalie Grace 28 Kelly Barnett 29 Brielle Bucher 30 Ken Mannino 30 Glenna Outhouse 30 Michael Antonucci, III 31 Maxine Haigh 31 ------------------------------------------ (There are no wedding anniversaries for March.) Thanks to all our volunteers who so freely and willingly give of their time and talent in the name of the Lord. Acolytes Donovan Matthews Sophia Stella Veronica Rosario Audio Visual Marilyn Bucher Cliff Cullum Dom Schiavi Evan Yatri Chimes Mary Ferreira Coffee Hour Hosts Annette Reynolds Dianne Benincasa Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts Marshall Moseley Jean Engel Communications Marilyn Bucher Communion Elements & Ushers Patricia Scozzari Debbie Vesuvio Greeters Muriel Carpenter Jean Engel Bill Carlock Glen & Marilyn Bucher Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts Dianne Benincasa Hospitality Jean Engel Maxine Haigh Grace Reynolds Rachel Ward
LENT: REPENT, RENEW & TURN BACK TO GOD What is Lent? Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6 th and ends on Holy Saturday, April 20 th. The imposition of ashes on our foreheads or hands remind us that we have sinned, which has brought death and separation from God. Yet, in the midst of this, Christ s resurrection assures us that Christ has conquered our sins and he offers us new life as we repent and turn back to Christ. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, as he prepared to begin his ministry following his baptism; fasting, praying and facing the temptation of Satan. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini- Easter" and the reverent and solemn spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. What do we do in Lent? During Lent, we take time to reflect, repent and renew our commitment to Christ. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. During this time, let us consider our sins and Christ s sacrifice for us. May we take this time to focus on our relationship with God, choose to give up things we have valued more than Christ, and to volunteer and give of ourselves for others. Prayer for Forgiveness: Merciful God, I confess that I have not loved you with my whole heart. I have not loved my brothers and sisters as you have loved me. I have not done your will and held on to my needs and grudges. Forgive me, I pray this in Christ s name. Amen. When Jesus saw, their faith, he said, Friend, your sins are forgiven. (Luke 5:20) SAVE THE DATES: Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, March 6 th, 10:00 am Distribution of Ashes; 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service. Lenten Bonfire - Sunday, March 10 th, 2019, 5:00 pm with pot-trust dinner. We will write down our sins on paper and burn them in the fire, remembering that through Christ, our sins are forgiven by his sacrifice.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CORNER...From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise Matthew 21:16 This past month has been a busy one for our children and youth. On Sunday, February 3 rd, a small but dedicated group of students created 80 beautiful Valentines for the residents of the Cortlandt Healthcare Center. Because of concerns over the flu virus, we were not able to visit with the residents this year, but the Valentines were delivered, and we pray that they brightened the days of the recipients. February 3 rd was also the date of the Souper Bowl of Caring. At the end of the church service, some of our wonderful children used large soup pots to collect monetary donations for our two local food pantries. A week later, our confirmands participated in a Progressive Lunch. They visited different homes for appetizers and a main course, and then returned to church for dessert and some games. Special thanks to Tawyanna Francis and Linda Stella for coordinating and hosting!! As we look towards March, we are anticipating the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 6 th. We will be holding our traditional Lenten bonfire on Sunday, March 10 th. We will begin with a pot trust dinner at 5:00 pm, and then we will proceed to the bonfire and the burning of our sins, remembering that through Christ, our sins are forgiven. Throughout the Lenten season, we will be having special Children s Moments for our youth, culminating in a parade and Seder on Palm Sunday and our traditional egg hunt on Easter itself. May God guide us and bless us as we approach the Lenten season. Yours in Christ, The Sunday School Teachers + + + + + + + + + + + NOTE FROM OUR LAY LEADER DIANNE BENINCASA And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. - Matthew 6:7-8 There are many people I know who pray the most eloquent prayers I have ever heard. They are really lovely. I guess some people just have a way with words. On the other hand, I have gone to God when I have been in places so dark and confusing that I could barely speak. The most I could utter was, Help me. I need you, Lord. I ve known many believers, both young and old, who don t like praying out loud in a group because they don t feel like They have the right words to say. I guess, if we can get past the words and just share our hearts, then we begin to open ourselves up to each other and align our wills with the heart of God.
I was on one of the Tres Dias Weekends, and went up to one of the Spiritual Advisors and told him, that I didn t know how to pray like that. All I knew were the prayers I was taught when in Catholic School. We sat there and had a conversation. When we were finished, he asked me what we were just doing. I said talking. Do you know what he told me? That is what you do when you speak to God, just talk to him as though he was sitting with you the way I am. I never thought about prayer in that way. Jesus taught that it is not the impressive words of speech that God desires when we come to Him. In fact, the only ones who are impressed are other people. He doesn t delight in fancy words. He delights in a heart that comes humbly to Him. Even when we have no words, whether from joy or pain, the Spirit, who lives in us, knows our needs and prays for us (Romans 8:26). The Father knows what we need before we even ask. We only need to call out to Him. So with that thought in mind, I say. Lord, I am thankful that you know me so well. Be near to me. Thank you for hearing what s in my heart even if my words are few. Amen. + + + + + + + + + + + MARCH WOMEN S HISTORY MONTH Susan B. Anthony, an American women's rights activist, devoted her life to racial, gender, and educational equality. One of the most famous women in American history, she played a prominent role in the women's suffrage movement; the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, is named in her honor. Here are five reasons why we celebrate Anthony's achievements during Women's History Month. 1. Susan B. Anthony was arrested for illegally voting in a presidential election. 2. In 1900, Anthony persuaded the University of Rochester to admit women. 3. She fought for women to have the right to own property. 4. Susan B. Anthony was the first woman to appear on a U.S. Coin. 5. Above all, Anthony paved the way for the 19 th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
SAVE THE DATES: MAY 4 th (RAIN DATE MAY 11 th ) Do you need a helping hand? Have projects around the house you really need done? Let us help! Mission Possible, based out of the United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak, is a group of people excited to volunteer our time to helping you! As a youth-based mission, our teams consist of volunteers of all ages interested in making a difference in their community. We take applications for minor home repairs (not electrical or plumbing), landscaping and gardening, small odd jobs, etc. and during our one-day events a small team will come to your home to tackle these jobs! Applications for work requests and volunteers available at: Senior Center, Cortlandt Manor Local libraries Online - umcso.com/ministriesmission/youth-mission-possible Email: MissionPossible.UMCSO@gmail.com
LENTEN CLUSTER SERVICES Please join the area cluster as we prepare for Easter 2019. We will have three services in different churches led by lay members of the church. The service begins at 7:30 pm and is preceded by a carry in supper at 6:30 pm. Please join this community of believers as we observe Lent together. Following is the schedule of services: DATE HOST CHURCH SPEAKER S CHURCH SCRIPTURE READINGS March 27, 2019 Shrub Oak UMC Grace UMC Isaiah 55:1-9 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 April 3, 2019 Peekskill UMC Shrub Oak UMC Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 April 10, 2019 Grace UMC Peekskill UMC Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 TOPIC Repenting Coming Together Making a New Thing If weather prohibits our scheduled dates, the church will plan to meet the following Sunday evening at 6:30 pm. Check messages at 914-245-4682 for cancellation notices. + + + + + + + + + + + THE SISTERS DUET! Saturday Afternoon Music at UMCSO Saturday, March 23 rd, 6-8 pm Polina Beliakovich, CIMBALOM Alexandra Beliakovich-Shkoda, PIANO Join us for an evening of Belarusian and Russian Music played by the sisters' duet, followed by a reception. Unique folk and classical music from Belarus and Russia played on a very rare instrument by a virtuoso cimbalom player POLINA BELIAKOVICH. Suggested donation $15
EASTER SUNDAY April 21, 2019 We will decorate our Sanctuary with Easter Lilies We trust that, as a member and friend, you will give these plants in memory or honor of loved ones. If you would like to provide a lily(s), please fill out this form and present to Michele Squibb or Linda Purcell, the offering plate, or the Church office. Thank you. Orders must be received by SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 Plants are $10.00 each. It would be helpful if your payment accompanied your order. Thanks in advance for helping to make our Sanctuary lovely on Easter! Please make checks payable to: "UMCSO" and note in the memo flowers. WE WILL PROVIDE (please circle) Lily or Other * (donation to Missions) Please print: Name of donor Phone No. ( Person(s) to be memorialized: ) Person(s) to be honored: If you choose other there will not be a plant. Your name(s) will be listed in the bulletin.* If you have any questions, please call Michele Squibb (914)-393-5682 LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE READINGS (Month of March 2019) Sunday, March 3 rd (Transfiguration Sunday) Genesis 45:3-1, 15 Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 Luke 6:27-38 Note: Wednesday, March 6 th (Ash Wednesday) Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, or Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Sunday, March 10 th (1 st Sunday in Lent) Isaiah 55:10-13 Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Luke 6:39-49 Sunday, March 17 th (2 nd Sunday in Lent) 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 Psalm 96:1-9 Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10 Sunday, March 24 th (3 rd Sunday in Lent) Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43) Sunday, March 31 st (4 th Sunday in Lent) Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
March 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat EVERY SUNDAY IS FOOD SUNDAY 1 2 Men s Women s History Month Small 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 8:00-9:00 am Session: Marriage, Sexuality, Divorce 9:00 am 12:00 noon 3 Transfiguration Sunday (White) Girl Scout Sunday 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Escape Room 10 1 st Sunday in Lent (Purple) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Upper Room 5:00 pm Pot Trust Dinner, Lenten Bonfire 17 2 nd Sunday in Lent (Purple) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Upper Room 24 3 rd Sunday in Lent (Purple) 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Puppet show 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Upper Room 31 4 th Sunday in Lent ( Purple) UMCOR Sunday 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 12-1:00 pm Choir Practice 12-2:00 pm Youth Upper Room 4 Women s Small 6:30 pm 11 Women s Small 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting 7:30 pm 18 Women s Small 6:30 pm Vision Table 7:30 pm 25 Women s Small 6:30 pm 5 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 12 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 19 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 26 Bible Studies 10:00 am & 8:00 pm 6 Small 1 10:30-11:30 am Distribution of Ashes - 10:00 am Ash Wednesday Service with Communion 7:00 pm 13 Small 1 10:30-11:30 am 20 Small 1 10:30-11:30 am 27 Small 1 10:30-11:30 am Lenten Cluster Carry in supper 6:30 pm Service 7:30 pm Sanctuary 7 Prayer 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 14 Prayer 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 21 Prayer 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 28 Prayer 11:00-11:30 am Chapel 8 Small 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 15 Small 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am Chimes Deadline 22 Small 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 29 Small 2 10:00 am Crafts for a Cause 11:00 am 9 16 Men s 8:00-9:00 am Small Leaders 9:30 am Special New York Annual Conference 10:00 am 3:00 pm Performing Arts Center Purchase College 23 Concert Sisters Duo Alex Beliakovich Shkoda & Polina Beliakovich Sanctuary 6:00 8:00 pm Light reception 30