First United Methodist Church March, 2017 Pastor s Pen 1 Dear Friends, This year the First of March coincides with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent when we remember that we are dust. God has created us from the dust of the earth and during this service we reflect upon our mortality, acknowledge our sins, and seek God s mercy and guidance for this season of formation and reformation in the way of Jesus. Lent is both a season of self-examination and self-work, and it is a season of preparation and support for people who have chosen to learn to the live the way of Jesus. In the earliest Christian tradition Lent was the time of preparation for baptism and lifelong Christian discipleship. Each Sunday this Lent we will focus upon a section of the United Methodist baptismal vows, and what it means to live out in our daily lives these vows. The focus for each of the five Sundays will be as follows: Renounce, Accept, Confess, Nurture, Believe! Then we will enter Holy Week with Palm/Passion Sunday and on Thursday hear again Jesus command to love one another as we break bread together, remember the events of Good Friday when Jesus gave his life for us on the cross, and wait in vigil until the miracle of his resurrection on Easter morning! This Lent, I invite you to deepen your faith by engaging in a new spiritual practice, draw closer to God, and prepare yourselves to follow Jesus Christ as more deeply committed disciples! Peace, Love, and Blessings, Pastor Scott Tyler 2 That s A Bright Idea Medical Supplies About The Prayer List 3 Family Corner: Birthdays and Anniversaries Special Days Adult Fellowship Potluck Wednesday Prayer Services Garden ideas wanted 4 Book Club News UMCOR Sunday A Year of the Bible 5 Thrift Shop News 6 The Food Pantry Free Community Dinner Grace Notes Calendar 7 8 Sunday Volunteers Acolytes Coffee Greeters&Ushers Lay Readers Schedule March, 2017 Page 1
Now That s A Bright Idea Trustees didn t meet in February but will meet the second Monday of March. There are a few things going on that are interesting. The main sign at the entrance to the church seems to have a mind of its own. It will be working for a few days and decide not to light up for a week or more. When the snow is off the ground and there is less danger of breaking any of the inserts, we will try to find out what is going on and replace the part or parts that are working only when they feel like it. While Pastor Scott s kids were away for vacation week, the ceiling in the upstairs hallway was repaired (from a water leak years ago) and painted. A new Korg keyboard has been purchased for use by the Chorale and the church. The keyboard that they were using is now in the choir room and used by Grace for rehearsals. The Chorale paid for part and there was a donor for the remainder so there will be no cost to the church. Warmer weather will bring a few projects. As always if you see something that needs fixing or have a bright idea, see Pastor Scott, Donnie or myself and we ll try our best to get er done! Bill Westervelt, chair trustees Do you need any handicapped accessories? The church has some items to loan: crutches, walkers, etc. If you or a family member needs a little help, let us know. If we don t have what you need, we may be able to help you find it. The Prayer List If you wish to add someone s name to the Prayer List, please write down the person s name, spelled as that person prefers, either on the sign-in sheet with a note, or on a note left on Bridget s desk. Email is always fine. If you feel that being on the Prayer List is a comfort to you, you are certainly welcome. It is a lovely ministry in this faith community that anyone can participate in- prayer for those in need of prayers. If you are lifting up someone for prayer during services, and aren t officially adding to the Prayer List, that is not a problem. Sometimes, a prayer in the moment gets the job done. Once someone is added to the Prayer List, please help us keep it up to date. Noting an answered prayer is very helpful. March, 2017 Page 2
Happy Birthday Dylan Manning March 3 Scott Manning March 4 Enid Bousfield March 7 Carolyn Buckland March 9 Jerry Cooper March 13 Kristin Gibbs March 16 Ann Westervelt March 16 Margot Anello March 22 Penny Mason March 22 Joe Sawyer March 24 Marjorie Hurlburt March 29 Adult Fellowship Potluck Dinner March 27 6:30 in Fellowship Hall Game Night! Rolls by Ann, Dessert by Carol B. Family Corner March 1 7:00pm Service Wednesday Prayer Services Each Wednesday at noon. All are welcome to come spend a half hour in prayer and peace. Clocks Spring Forward March 12 First Day of Spring! March 20 Ideas and suggestions for the garden area in front of the Cross & Flame would be appreciated. Please direct comments to Betty Rettig. March, 2017 Page 3
UMCOR Sunday March 26 Nancy A. Carter I worked several years for UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief). The dedication of the executive and support staff is remarkable. Sometimes, we had to work long hours even when personally affected by a disaster. On 9/11, UMCOR's offices were located about seven miles north of the twin towers. While riding to work on the bus, one of us saw a plane hit one of the towers fall. Others lived in the directly affected area. As I worked on my computer some 12 hours a day in the aftermath, sometimes the horrible burnt plastic and electric wiring smell filled my apartment. In January 2010, by chance, the well-loved head of UMCOR was in Haiti when the terrible earthquake hit. He died beneath the rubble of a hotel building that he had just entered for a dinner meeting with other church representatives. While grappling with a heart-wrenching personal loss, UMCOR's staff continued to do their job. The UMCOR's staff is not that big, but it does a lot. The relief and development agency UMCOR does not receive World Service support for staff and administrative costs. It raises these funds through this United Methodist special Sunday, formerly known as One Great Hour of Sharing. Any excess funds raised from this offering go to ongoing UMCOR projects related to hunger, health, and displaced people. That means that when we give money for a disaster response such as a hurricane or earthquake, 100% of those funds go to the response and none to administration. Book Club 5:30 in the lounge on March 6 is most likely a meeting time. Updates from the group regarding the book are welcome. A Year with the Bible. Have you thought of reading the whole Bible, but weren t sure how to get through it? One day at a time! Here is a link to a schedule, which is printed out on the Bulletin Board, to get you started. https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/ comprehensive?version=niv Day Today's Scripture Reading Day 1 Genesis 1-3 Day 2 Genesis 4-6 Day 3 Genesis 7-9 Day 4 Genesis 10-12 Day 5 Genesis 13-15 Day 6 Genesis 16-18 Day 7 Genesis 19-21 Day 8 Genesis 22-24 Day 9 Genesis 25-27 Day 10 Genesis 28-30 How great is that? March, 2017 Page 4
Thrift Shop News Our February sales are over, and our volunteers have worked very hard to make room for bright, cheery spring items. Clothing and other things are going out on the racks and shelves continually. We still have many winter items on sale, because we know it is not over yet! The shop is decorated and ready for St. Patrick s Day stop in and maybe you ll find that special item to help you celebrate! Easter is coming, and we will soon be putting out Easter items. Are you planning a special celebration? We will have baskets, decorations and stuffed bunnies to get you ready for the holiday and springtime. If you haven t yet stopped in to see our new, improved shop, please do. We have received many favorable comments about the layout and our new look. We will celebrate all our volunteers with a recognition luncheon on Saturday, April 22. Details will be forthcoming. If you want to get out of the house for a few hours, come and join us: Sorting days Monday and Thursday, 9-noon; Selling days Wednesday and Saturday 9-2. Thrift Shop Committee Members: Ellen Ellor, Committee Chairperson Jeanne Thatcher, Treasurer Joyce Barry, Assistant Treasurer Jeanne B. Thatcher, Trustees Representative Margot Anello, Joyce Barry, Wanita Blanchard, Stephanie Frazier, Beth Hanley, Betty Messier, Leona Simpson, Pam Thorne, Jeannine Wright and Rev. Scott Tyler Welcome to newly-retired Sandy Sprague, who has helped us out in the past, but will now be able to take a more active role. Watch the bulletin and Facebook for specials! Thrift Shop Volunteers Wednesday (9-2pm) Saturday (9-2pm) 1 Leona & Betty R. 4 Pam & Betty R. 8 Wanita and Carolyn B. 11 Mary Lou and Joan C. 15 Stephanie and Jeannine 18 MaryLou & Carole 22 Joyce B and Ann W. 25 June, Lee, Gloria 29 MaryLou and Dorcey March, 2017 Page 5
Notes from The Ticonderoga Food Pantry Thank you all for your continued support of the Ticonderoga Food Pantry. Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11am-Noon. Please be aware that filling a basket takes time, so don t arrive at the last minute. Anyone seeking a food basket should bring a utility bill as proof of residency. 2016 Ticonderoga Food Pantry Report We served 931 families in Ticonderoga and Putnam That translates to 2,612 people! Free Community Dinner First Sunday Dinner 4:30-6:00pm Corned Beef & Cabbage Sides & Desserts All are welcome! Donations are not required, but are always welcome. This is a volunteer effort. Your participation is welcome. We received 68,693 pounds of food from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. We received $6,609.00 in USDA items. We also received items from Walmart in thefeeding American Program. The above donations were in addition to the Food Drives held locally for us, within the area churches, donations from individuals, civic organizations, and School/Youth groups. Thank you one and all for your continued support. Recipe Idea? Is there any interest in sharing recipes, either in the newsletter or posted on the bulletin board? Let me know! - Bridget Ringers and Singers are always welcome! Wednesday 6:30 Children s Bells 7:30 Adult Bells Thursday March, 2017 Page 6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday March In like a Lion Out like a lamb? 1 Ash Wednesday 2 3 4 7:00 Service 10:00 Worship Meeting Bridget out of the office 7:30 Men s & Women s Prayer Breakfasts in Silver Bay 9-2 Thrift Shop 9-2:30 Lay Servant Class, Day 2. Bag Lunch. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:30 Worship, Communion 10:30 Worship, Communion, Sunday School, Coffee 4:30-6pm Free Community Dinner 5:30 Book Club 10:30 Range of Motion 7:00 Champlain Valley Chorale UMW Bridget out of the office 9-2 Thrift Shop 12 13 14 15 16 17 St. Patrick s Day 18 8:30 Worship, Communion 10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Coffee 1:00 Finance 6:30 Trustees 10:30 Range of Motion 7:00 Champlain Valley Chorale 6:30 Children s Bell 7:30 Adult Bell 9-2 Thrift Shop 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:30 Worship, Communion 10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Coffee 1:00 Ad Council 10:30 Range of Motion 7:00 Champlain Valley Chorale 6:30 Children s Bell 7:30 Adult Bell Pastor Scott away all week 9-2 Thrift Shop 26 One Great Hour of Sharing 27 28 29 30 31 8:30 Worship, Communion 10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Family Coffee 6:30 Adult Fellowship Potluck Game Night 10:30 Range of Motion 7:00 Champlain Valley Chorale 6:30 Children s Bell 7:30 Adult Bell March, 2017 Page 7
First United Methodist Church 1045 Wicker Street Ticonderoga, NY 12883 Church Phone: 518 585-7995 Email: timethodist@gmail.com Website: www.tifumc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tifumc Editor: Bridget M.M. Simpson, MBA St. Patrick s Day March 17 New Member Classes: Please contact Pastor Scott Tyler at 585-7995 if you are interested in joining the church as a new member. Sunday Volunteers Lay Reader s Schedule March 8:30 10:30 5 Sue Fahey Carole Potter 12 Ann Westervelt Jeanne Thatcher 19 Beth Hanley Betty Rettig 26 Donnie Norton Enid Bousfield March Flowers Ushers and Greeters 5 Yarr Tyler Victoria Sawyer 12 Roger Sawyer Yarr Tyler 19 Xann Tyler Zyleen Tyler 26 Victoria Sawyer Roger Sawyer The Finglands Family Coffee No Flowers During Lent March, 2017 Page 8