The Messenger June 2017 First United Methodist Church Wellsville, NY God s love grows here... Through Worship, Bible Study, and Service WELLSVILLE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH God s Love Grows Here... Through Worship, Bible Study and Service FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 79 MADISON STREET WELLSVILLE, NY 14895 (585) 593-1860 lovegrows@wellsvilleumc.org www.wellsvilleumc.org CHANGED SERVICE REQUESTED
First United Methodist Church of Wellsville Contemporary Worship Service 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School/Adult Study 9:45 am Designated Sundays Hymn Sing 6:30 pm Phone (585) 593-1860 Fax (585) 593-1889 E-mail: lovegrows@wellsvilleumc.org Web Page: www.wellsvilleumc.org Serving Christ and Community Since 1852 UPCOMING EVENTS: Thursday, June 1-3 Upper New York Annual Conference in Syracuse Sunday, June 4 Combined Worship Svc., 9:45 AM; Praise Music 9:30 Thursday, June 8 SPRT Meeting, 7 PM Monday, June 12 Team Meetings @ 6:15 PM Admin. Council Meeting @ 7:30 PM Tuesday, June 13 Day Apart for Staff & SPRT Thursday, June 15 Triple L Picnic, 12 Noon (See sign-up sheet) Monday, June 19 July/August Messenger Articles Due Wednesday, June 21 Naomi Circle Picnic, 5 PM @ Linda Austin s Home Sunday, June 25 Hymn Sing @ 6:30 PM, Please join us! Weekly Bible Studies: Our Staff: Pastor..Rev. Greg DeSalvatore Office Manager.Mrs. Kim Smith Organist & Traditional Music Director...Ms. Joy Caldwell Church Custodian.Mrs. Mary Brown Tuesdays Women s Bible Study @ 9:15 AM in the Welcome Room/Library; Currently studying Scripture Press Dare to Believe Series Studies in Numbers & Joshua. Fridays Men s Bible Study @ 9:00 AM in the Welcome Room/Library; Currently studying the Invitation to the Old Testament: A Disciple Bible Series. Sundays Adult Study @ 9:45 AM in the Downstairs Lounge; Selections from Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias.
JOY-FILLED LIVING The early Christians were people of joy. The Word says that with gladness and simplicity of heart, they ate their meat; they praised God and they rejoiced (Act 2: 46 NKJV). There is a passage in the Psalms that speaks about rendering to God the sacrifices of thanksgiving (Psalm 107:22 NKJV). Christian joy is not something that solves all our problems, and it is not something that comes automatically. Joy is not even necessarily something that is given to us, but is something that we choose. Joy is not a commodity that God drops as a gift into our hearts. Joy is an option; it is a choice instead of a gift. Certainly, this was true in the early church. The first believers chose to suffer joyously because they understood it as Christ s will for them. The world is dumbfounded with people who take the difficult in front of them and choose to see it as a joy. That attitude of joy will make an enormous difference in the ministry to which you are called, whether in a business, an office, in a church, or in your home. You will never be as tempted to run away from your situation when you look at it through the eyes of joy and even see it as God s gift to you. Joy is a choice. Take care to hear the old Scottish version of Psalm 100: 1-3 by William Kethe; which we United Methodists recognize sung to the tune of Old Hundredth and is currently found in some 591 hymnals throughout all of Christendom. All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell Come ye before Him and rejoice. That is a great word...mirth. Are you mirthful as you serve the Lord today? In joyful submission, Pastor Greg OUTREACH/MISSION NEWS This month we present details regarding two ministries which provide needed assistance to members of our local and regional communities. On the first Sunday of each month we collect non-perishable food items and donate them to the Salvation Army for distribution to needy members of our community. Beginning with the first Sunday of June, your Outreach/Mission team requests that you consider donating sundry items in addition to food items. The types of items we have in mind include paper towels, bathroom tissue paper, household cleaning materials and disposable diapers. These items will then be made available along with donated food items for distribution by the Salvation Army. Last summer one of our most successful ministries involved collecting school supplies for distribution to needy students in the local communities. This year we will again be working with the Community Action Angels and the Accord Corporation to complete this ministry. During the month of June, a list of required school supply items will be included in the weekly bulletin. Please consider purchasing items included on that list and delivering the items to the church office by the middle of July. This year, there is a particular need for book bags as well as the supplies to go in them. Finally, if anyone would like to join in the effort to fill the bags and prepare them for distribution please contact a member of the Outreach team and we can put you to work at the headquarters of the Community Action Angels in Allentown. Bryan Caldwell WFUMC Housing Study Team UPDATE: On Sunday, May 21, it was announced that the church is again looking for appropriate housing for our pastor s family. The current residence, in use since July 2014, will shortly be placed back on the real estate market so we must make prudent and intentional progress right away. We are currently looking for acceptable* rental or purchase options that we might bring before our church family. If you have or know of someone whose property may meet our needs, please contact one of the following persons or the Church Office right away. Pastor Greg, Sharlet Fuller, Truett Sweeting, Gary Barnes, Bryan Caldwell, Elva Cornell. [*There are 2016 Book of Discipline and 2016 UNYAC Housing Standards which govern our choices.] SAVE THE DATE!! The SPRT is planning a special event for Sunday afternoon, August 6th. We will be holding a Blueberry themed festival at the Church that afternoon, with the intent to provide an opportunity for good fellowship with our Church family as well as to reach out to our neighbors and community. The summer calendar fills up fast, so please mark this one down! More details will follow.
The Story of our newest Pentecost Banners... These banners depict our biblical History, our Present and our Future. The painting on the left brings the story of Acts, where in a moment a great swirling wind came around the gathered disciples, the Spirit appeared in the room as in tongues of flame coming down on them. Suddenly the disciples started calling out the name of God in all the languages spoken, bringing praise to God by speaking "in tongues" to all the nations. This moment is recognized as the beginning of the Church. The banner on the right shows the present, where we honor and teach bible history in our churches by sharing the stories, this time in our stained glass windows. At the Constituting General Conference in Dallas, TX on April 23, 1968, two major church families joined to become one: The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church together became The United Methodist Church. Our new emblem unites symbols of the second and third persons of our Triune God; using the cross [Jesus] and the flame [Holy Spirit] and so combines the rich histories, tradition, and Christian witness and service of each of the predecessor denominations. So, today, throughout the world as The United Methodist Church (UMC), we make disciples of Jesus Christ, for the transformation of the world. Bishop John Gordon Howard, in referencing the UMC s new logo, said in his Episcopal address in 1970, the cross and flame must cease being decorative and become incarnate. It must take hold of us until we become sources of the life which is reconciled both with God and with man. May it be ever so. We are thankful for our rich faith heritage and for the artistry of these newest banners by Michela Wilson. LIBRARY NEWS This time of the year is one of the busiest times for everyone. The changes in the weather and children finishing a school year, also getting ready for planning vacations to see the summer progress to green lawns and trees, but of course, that means planting and cutting the lawns. The beauty of nature is amazing this time of the year. There were many different types of books donated this month of May. Twenty eight books were donated. Fifteen books were fiction and thirteen were non-fiction and two of those are excellent study guides. Books were donated this month by Nancy Blackman, Betty Stoll, Linda Austin, Joan Smith and Sue Browning. Some of the books are by names we are familiar with such as Jonathon Chan, Anne Graham Lotz, David Jeremiah, Charles Swindoll and Bill O Reilly. Books such as Why which is a small word with tons of answers and Came Before Winter and Share My Hope have been donated. These are written by well known writers. Remember to stop in the WELCOME ROOM from time to time and before church to have a cup of coffee, juice or tea. Take a moment to say HELLO to friends and greet new people attending church. There are sweet treats if you so desire. If you would like a Prayer Bear for someone you know is having a difficult situation or has a problem, just let Kim in the church office or someone from the Tuesday Bible Study class know and they will pray over the bear to take to a friend, family member or anyone who could use one. Sue Browning Bible Trivia Which of the following sports does Paul use metaphorically to describe the Christian life? A. Fishing D. Both B & C B. Running a Race E. All of the Above C. Boxing
WOMEN S GROUP NEWS The April meeting was held on the 17th with 12 ladies attending. Each seemed to enjoy the craft of making a Reflection hanging cross with paper strips, Mod Podge and lettering. Project work continued during the meeting with Linda using her teacher voice! Naomi Circle will be sponsoring a potluck picnic on Wednesday, June 21st at 5:00 PM for all women of the church. (After all, the men have a steak bake in August!). It will be held at the home of Linda Austin (3223 Proctor Road, Wellsville, 593-3315). Some may want to make arrangements to carpool at the church at 4:45??? There will be a sign-up sheet in the church entryway so we know how many to set up for. The hostess will provide beverages and table service. All attending plan to bring a dish to pass. If the weather is a major factor, this event may be moved to the church at the last minute. Diane & Linda, co-chairpersons Greetings from UMM! UNITED METHODIST MEN Hi everybody, This time of year I always think of what the Poet says about the month of May. He calls it the Merry Mocker of months. Undoubtedly May is always a very busy month. Once again God has been faithful and supplied our needs for the Mother's Day Brunch and Gil's Hills workday events. Thank you all for being faithful and participating side by side in the fellowship. Good times are always here. There will be no Men's Breakfast in June. Happy Father's Day!! Our next breakfast will be Sunday, July 16th. Darrin has signed up to cook and we will be looking for helpers to assist him. Plans for the August steak bake will be forthcoming later. Men are always encouraged and invited to come to the Friday morning Bible Study. Coffee and cookies are available. God is good all the time! UMM, where all men and boys are welcome. TRIPLE L NEWS Triple L met on May 18th at noon with nine in attendance. There was a nice variety of dishes despite the very light turnout. We enjoyed each others company and were happy to have Bill Hamlin join us! Our annual picnic will be Thursday, June 15th at noon. Max & Gloria Shay will be our hosts. Please see the sign-up sheet in the church entryway to specify your preference of a hamburger or hotdog, and bring a dish to share and your table service. This will be our last get together until September. GOD, THE NEIGHBOR (by G. Buell 5/17) I lived in your neighborhood You knew I was there You didn t stop over Too busy to care I gave you some things When you were in need But you never said thank you For those blessings received The years have gone by And old you ve become The life that you ve had Too soon will be gone I m still your neighbor I ll come to your side But you must call out So I can abide I m standing beside you As you take your last breath Just call out; there s life after death Now at my gate, you want to come in But I cannot let you You re still covered with sin Showers of Blessings to you all! Alan and Bryan
Focus on Prayer Why Pray? The Bible assures us that God hears us and gives us what we need, but is that the basic reason Jesus taught us to pray? George MacDonald offered this reason for prayer: What if God knows prayer to be the thing we need first and most? What if the main object in God s idea of prayer is a supplying of our great, our endless need the need of Himself? Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other needs. Prayer is the beginning of that communion, of talking with God, a coming to know Him. We must ask that we may receive, buy that we should receive what we ask in respect to our lower needs is not God s end in having us pray. He could give us everything without that. To bring His child to His knee, God withholds that men may ask. When we pray, we often concentrate on the gifts in God s hand and ignore the hand of God Himself. We pray fervently for the new job or for the return of health. When we gain the answer, we are delighted. And then we have little more to do with God. If we are only after the gifts, God s hand serves only as a way to pay the rent, heal the sickness, or get through the crisis. After the need has been met, the hand itself means little to us. While God in His grace does give good gifts to His children, He offers us more than that. He offers us Himself. Those who are satisfied merely with the answers God gives miss the best reward of prayer the reward of communicating and communing with the God of the universe. Prayer is hard work. It is a discipline that cannot be learned without effort. Our communication with God is as essential to our spiritual well-being as breathing is to our physical life. Let us, each one, get into the habit of prayer; setting aside time each day to have that essential communion with God. Joy Caldwell FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH June Prayer List: 1 Those who are Sick/Hospitalized/Homebound 2 Men s Bible Study 3 Pastor Greg 4 Pastor s Family (Bonnie, Anthony & Family, Michael & Emily) 5 Church Custodian (Mary) 6 Women s Bible Study 7 Jail Ministry 8 Administrative Council 9 AA & NA Participants 10 Pastor Greg 11 Pastor s Family 12 Church Teams: Trustees, Finance, Worship, Outreach, Education 13 Day Apart Staff & SPRT 14 Jail Ministry 15 Organist & Trad. Music Dir. (Joy) 16 Gil s Hills & Youth for Christ 17 Pastor Greg 18 Pastor s Family 19 FUMC s Financial Stability 20 Church Volunteers 21 Jail Ministry 22 Healing of Broken Relationships 23 High School Graduates 24 Pastor Greg 25 Pastor s Family 26 Choir & Praise Team 27 Office Manager (Kim) 28 Jail Ministry 29 Prayer Warriors 30 Summer Camps & Kids who will be attending
Food Pantry, Giant Register Tapes & Campbell Soup Labels Please bring in your nonperishable grocery donations for the Salvation Army food pantry on the first Sunday of each month; the collection box is located just inside the sanctuary to the right. Giant register tape & Campbell Soup label (UPC barcode only) collection bin is located in the Welcome Room. Thanks for your continued participation! Altar Flowers The sign up chart is located on the bulletin board before you enter the sanctuary. Cost is $15. (Larger arrangements are available upon request.) Payment of cash or check made payable to FUMC is required prior to your scheduled Sunday. Drop it in the offering plate (specify that it is for altar flowers) or you may bring/mail it to the church office. Please notify the church office if there are specific colors or flowers you would like. You may take your flowers anytime after the 11:00 service. June Altar Flowers June 4th, In Memory of Vernon McMorris, given by Jean McMorris June 11th, In Memory of S. Elgin White, given by Loved Ones June 18th, In Honor of Tom Smith s Birthday, given by Sheila Smith June 25th, In Memory of Lavern Bemus Palmiter, given by Loved Ones June Counters Truett Sweeting & Bill Hamlin June Greeters Jim & Donna Leonard Answer to Bible Trivia: D. (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27) 5 Nyhl & Linda Austin 14 Pastor Greg & Bonnie 20 Eric & Tracie Austin 6 Bill Hamlin 7 Nyhl Austin 10 Nitia Cole 11 Alex Brown 11 Gary Brown 11 Eric Austin 20 C. Thomas Smith 30 Gary Barnes FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APR 17 YTD 17 Operating Budget Income $ 13,687 $ 65,433 Expenses: Pastor s Package $ 7,552 $ 29,901 Other Staff 3,990 14,994 Maintenance & Supplies 2,911 8,119 Teams 391 1,455 Ministry Shares 1,000 7,425* All Other Expenses 224 6,420 Total Expenses: $ 16,068 $ 68,314 Income less Expenses $ (2,381) (2,881) *$1,425 paid towards 2016 Ministry Shares