S PA RTA U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U RC H Faithful Friends, September 2015 Inside This Issue: CALENDAR 17 CHURCH CONFERENCE 8 CHURCH & SOCIETY 12 CONFIRMATION 6 CONGREGATIONAL CARE 7 CONTEMPLATIVE 16 WORSHIP ECUMENICAL COUNCIL 13 FAMILY PROMISE 11 FUTURE WITH HOPE 13 GOING DEEPER WITH GOD 4 GREIF SUPPORT 10 LABYRINTH 16 LIBRARY PICKS 15 MINISTRIES 11 MUSIC 2 SUNDAY SCHOOL 3 UNITED METHODIST 9 WOMEN WORLD MISSION GIFTS 14 YOUTH GROUP NEWS 5 The summer is coming to a close. The children are going back to school and many of you are going back to work. We are all settling back into church life, Sunday School, choir practice, and two services of worship. One of the things we have been wondering about is whether or not there is enough variation in our worship settings. We began our First Wednesday Contemplative Service and that is going very, very well. Consistently we see new people. Now, we will work to set apart the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. services to meet more people seeking to experience God s presence. We are not sure what that will look like, so be patient with us as we try some new things. It will include holy communion at more services, contemplative and contemporary forms of worship, and of course, an ongoing commitment to excellence no matter what we do. Please be attentive to the work of the Reconciling Community this month. Read their work within these pages. And please don t miss our annual church conference on September 30 th at 7:30 p.m. There we will confirm our goals for this new year, elect our new leaders, and bless our ministries together. Let us not forget to celebrate the success of the summer! 19 people served in mission and shared with us in a glorious worship service! Once again, we welcomed over 100 children at Vacation Bible School. We are raising up amazing kids, new leaders, all filled with great hope and possibilities for the future. As the light of our summer evenings lessen, I see light on every horizon. I hope you see it too. I pray you feel it deep in your bones. For the Lord is up to something. We give thanks to God for all that we have in store.
Bells for All The Children's Chime Choir for grades K-3 will start rehearsals on September 20. Rehearsals will be held on Sundays, September 20, September 27, October 4 and October 11 from noon to 1 p.m. The Chime Choir will play during the 10:30 worship service on October 18. Genesis Ringers, for grade 3 and up, will begin rehearsals on Sunday, October 18. This choir is for beginning ringers of all ages. Rehearsals will be held every Sunday, 12 noon to 1:15 until December 13. This group will perform at the Christmas pageant. Heavenly Metal Ringers, for high school age and up, will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, September 1. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 pm. Participants must be able to read music. For additional information about handbell activities please contact Yvonne Roux, 973-209-2288 or yrouxrings@gmail.com Join the Choir! The Chancel Choir, open to adults and teens, will begin rehearsals on August 23 from 11-12:15 p.m. following the Sunday morning service. Performances begin on September 13, at which point rehearsals will be moved to the normal time of 12-1:15 p.m. Details on youth choirs for children of all ages to sing will be announced soon! Short rehearsals will be held on Sunday mornings before Sunday School, with performances approximately once per month. Please contact the Music Director, Ian Good, for more information. imgood808@gmail.com or 508-364-9523 Two WORSHIP services begin again on September 13-8:30 and 10:30 We will be making some changes for the 8:30 a.m. Be patient with us! Sign up in the narthex to offer the Children's Message! The pastor is interested in your God-Experiences, God-incidences (those co-incidences in your life that we know are of God) and of course, your God sightings. If you have a good story to tell, please send it to the pastor to be included as a sermon illustrations and or story to be told. We want to make time and space for you to share (write, type, or tell)---and we want to plan well for that to happen! 2
2015-2016 Pre-K/K Laura Louie Michelle Harnish 1st/2nd Kim Noel need assistant teacher 3rd/4th Alicia Hahn Linda Coombs 5th/6th Kasia Juan need assistant teacher 7th and up CONFIRMATION CLASS - Pastor Janice and Miss Shelley High School Bill Refsland need assistant teacher We need second teachers and helpers for all! Please see our Sunday School Superintendent, Melissa Lambert, for details. Our nursery/toddler care helpers will be in the sanctuary for the beginning of 10:30 a.m. After the children's message they will leave with the children so that parents don't have to leave (unless of course they feel a need to do so.) Stay tuned for updates! PLANT THE SEEDS NOW! 3
. On Tuesday mornings at 7a.m. Men s Study and Reflection at the Sparta Diner! On Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Lectionary Study Group Watch for details and texts in the weekly bulletin. MONTHLY UMW Book Worms Second Mondays at 9:30 a.m. ON MONDAY NIGHTS Divinity and Diversity, by Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki Join Pastor Janice on a journey through a process-inclusive thought on God and the faith. Buy a book! Bring your thoughts! We might open up a whole new world! ON SUNDAY MORNINGS Spirited Topics VIDEO SERIES continues in Room 8 AND SOMETHING NEW - COMING TO A SUNDAY MORNING NEAR YOU New Bible Study Plus class for adults, youths, searchers of all ages; each session (4 6 weeks) will focus on a single Biblical story. Examples may include: Abraham and the Covenant Job and a new paradigm of justice Joseph and his brothers Hagar and Ishmael Rebekah and Rachel David and Saul The Ziggurat of Babel and the semiosphere The Two Hebrew Creation stories plus others In each case we will look at the Biblical text(s) (perhaps several translations), the context of the times, and perhaps an alternative theological perspective (because occasionally a text will have a special significance to, say, liberationists, fundamentalists, feminists or others). The class will invite participation -- members can dial their involvement up or down depending on their interest and personal comfort levels. Lectures will be mini not many. The new class will begin October 11th and will be held during the regular Sunday School times, starting at 9:30 a.m. and aiming to end at 10:20 a.m. The class will meet in the Wesley Room (at the end of the long hallway). The facilitator will be James Sodt. 4
Sparta UMC Youth Group News The 2015 TEAMeffort Mission Trip of 13 Youth & 5 chaperones was an amazing trip to Virginia Beach, VA! We served our God for a man named Carlton...to improve his home in ways he could not. We practiced patience & perseverance, which the bible tells us develops character, & which the chaperones winessed creating memories & bonds that will last a long time (yes we made it to the beach for 1 day!). We are SO very grateful for the TE 2015 Steward sponsorships & SUMC Thrift Shop/Missions support who made it possible! I will continue to pray on the decision for when/where next year's trip will be & very much hope that you will consider joining us (7th & up)!! God is good...all the time!! Our next adventure is the IGNITE 2015 Conference, October 2-4, 2015 in Wildwood, NJ!! You do NOT want to miss out! 9 of Miss Shelly's Wantage UMC Youth attended last year with over 750 other Youth & can attest to what a powerful, transformative experience it was for all. Preston Centuolo, IGNITE's 1st Keynote speaker returns this year...filled with inspiration & motivational messages, as does Grounds Zero Masters Commission with drama/music ("stomp" drums). New artists Phil Wickham (music/worship) & KB (music/rapper) are Performing, as is just announced comedian F.U.D.G.E. COST = $60/person (+ hotel) if 10+ participants. Checkout www.ignitenj.org for more info & contact Miss Shelly asap to register/request cost assistance! Youth Group activities will resume (dates TBA) for Sr. High (grades 9-12) & Jr. High (grades 6-8): Friday movie nights, Laser Tag, Lock-in, mission service and more! Thanks be to God for this fantastic group of Youth and willing adult leaders to gather, serve & grow together in His name! 5
CLASS of 2016 Sparta United Methodist Church Sundays 9:15 a.m. -10:15 a.m. Plus worship 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. October 4 October 10 November 1 November 8 November 15 December 6 January 3 January 10 February 7 February 14 March 6 March 27 April 10 April 17 May 1 May 8 June 12 June 19 CONFIRMATION CEREMONY Throughout the year, confirmands will: Participate in worship in some way. Attend one business meeting. Comment on worship. Write a statement of faith. 2 paragraphs Interview a faithful adult Must keep a faith statement/prayer journal, transforming feelings into faith-filled boldness. Participate in one mission. We plan to journey to Philadelphia to study important UMC history, to visit a Mosque and a Synagogue; and to discover ways that the kids can be more involved and engaged in the life of the church. Parents can decide who is ready and able to make this commitment, grades 7 and up. Confirmation is such an important part of our faith journey. 6
Welcome to new members, Eric and Nicki Fastnacht and children, Brooke and Brielle. Next New Member Introduction Dinner, September 27 at 5:00 PM please call the church office to RSVP, 973-729-7773. The Family Fun Fest will be held Saturday, December 5th How you can help: we need crafters (Fridays at 1:00 in the craft room) and knitters (we have some projects you can do at home). Make crafts at home and donate them. Think about a service you or a friend can donate for our Silent Auction. Ideas: dinner for 4, free babysitting for 3 hours, a batch of cookies each month for 3 months, a haircut, face painting for a birthday party, dog sitting, window washing. Be CREATIVE! Call Pat Schutz or Muriel Godbersen for more information. Please save: Altoid tins, glass jars with lids (the size almond butter/peanut butter come in), buttons. Sometimes we scatter in the summer. It s time to come back to share stories of the summer and to plan to do God s work together. Church Picnic, Sunday, September 13 after the 10:30 worship service, behind the church, under our new pavilion! Please bring a salad or dessert to share. burgers and hot dogs will be provided. 7
Make the Leap! Been thinking about becoming a member of SPARTA UMC? Are you wondering what that means? Membership Information Dinner Sunday, September 27 at 5:00 p.m. CHURCH CONFERENCE Wednesday, September 30 At 7:30 (no meetings prior) Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. ALL paperwork due September 1 8
DON'T MISS IT District United Methodist Women October 10, 2015 Communion Brunch and Speaker Vote for Officers Sept. 14 A slate of officers for Sparta's United Methodist Women's unit will be presented for election at the September 14th board meeting. Any woman of Sparta Church is invited to come and vote. We will celebrate the election at the November 29th general meeting. Sock it to Me! Feed the Body/Feed the Soul Needs Your Help PLEASE DONATE NEW SOCKS AND TOILETRIES TO OUR CHURCH MINISTRY, FEED THE BODY/FEED THE SOUL. This outreach program provides free lunches and good cheer to local people on a weekly basis. In addition to the lunch program, we will be distributing 100 blessing bags filled with necessary items to those in need. How: Place donations in the box in the narthex labeled Feed the Body/Feed the Soul When: Now through November 1 What we Need: Socks for men, women and children Toothbrushes and toothpaste Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner Any Basic toiletries Deodorant, lotion, etc. Gift cards to local stores/shops Cash/check donations are also greatly appreciated! Funds will be used to buy products to fill the bags. 9
Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and support we have received from our Church Family after the death of our daughter Kari. The beautiful service, food, cards, gifts, as well as the loving and caring words and prayers, have done so much to help our family begin our healing. Your love for us has been so "over the top"and we have felt and been warmed by your friendship and concern. We love all of you and we thank you. Pat and Bob Schutz and family WIDOW S WELL For those who have lost husbands within the past 3 years. Third Thursdays at Noon. Beginning September 17 in the pastor's office. Bring your lunch! FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS for parents who have lost children... Fridays at 7p.m. Suicide Survivors Group For those impacted by the trauma of suicide in their families. Watch for details. 10
The Sparta United Methodist Church will sponsor the fall session of Rainbows for All God s Children. This program supports children (kindergarten through 8 th grade) who are grieving as a result of loss. This may be a result of death of a parent/grandparent, divorce, separation or incarceration. Rainbows offers peer support along with the guidance from trained, caring adults who will listen and give youngsters a safe place to express their feelings about the changes in their family s dynamics. The fall session begins October 6, 2015, and concludes November 10, 2015 (Tuesday evening meetings at the Sparta United Methodist Church). If you would like to register your child for this program, please call Pat Johnson - 973-729-3233. Family Promise Volunteer News As most of you are aware, we as a church community provide support to Family Promise of Sussex County by hosting homeless families twice a year for one to two weeks at a time. Our next opportunity for this mission will be the week of October 11. There have been several positive changes at Family Promise in the last year, including a new director, Chris Butto and a new case manager, Theresa McDevitt. Linda and I have talked with them and there is definitely a new aura of enthusiasm coupled with compassion at the main office with these two new additions to the staff. We felt that it would be a good idea to hold a get together for all of you who have volunteered in the past and for all of you who are curious about Family Promise and want to find out more. We are so blessed at Sparta UMC to have a solid core group of committed servants of Christ who enrich us with their gifts of time, kindness and caring wherever there is a need. We would like to expand on that core group by hosting a coffee hour that will serve as a big THANK YOU! to all of you who have served in the past and an introduction to new members and friends of SUMC who want to find out more. We are going to invite the executive director and case manager to attend and we will be announcing the date or dates if need be in the next couple of weeks at the church services and the bulletin. In the meantime, if any of you have any questions regarding how you can help this vital community mission, feel free to call or talk to any one of our coordinators, Mike or Linda. Mike Vrabel 973 600 2960 Linda Giammanco 973 600 2242 11
News & Opportunities from Church & Society The Church and Society Committee of the Sparta United Methodist Church is connected to both the Conference and the General Boards of Church and Society. The job of the Church and Society Committee at all these levels in the United Methodist Church is to work on issues of social justice.. SAVE THE DATE November 7, 2015 Solitary Confinement What s Happening With Reconciling The process of taking a vote on becoming a Reconciling Congregation is still in the planning stages. Our District Superintendent, Steve Bechtold, let us know of several requirements, which the Reconciling Committee pulled together while Rev. Bechtold was on vacation. Upon his return we were hoping that the committee could meet with him, fulfill the requirements, and set the date for the vote. This meeting may have happened by the time you receive this newsletter. A document titled Sparta United Methodist Church Reconciling Ministries Questions and Answers 2015, will be sent out to members of the church, after having it cleared by the District Superintendent. Meanwhile, there are things each person in the congregation can do to increase your knowledge on the subject. First you could read the book by the bishops: Finding Our Way Love and Law in the United Methodist Church. Second, watch three videos based on the book: http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/connectional-table-online-christian-conferencing-on-human-sexuality And last research the Reconciling Ministries Network by going to their website: www.rmnetwork.org This is the group we would be affiliating ourselves with. There are also books in the church library on the subject. As soon as we have clearance about the voting process we will be following, we will let you know by church bulletins, announcements from the pulpit, and e-blasts. 12
Sparta Ecumenical Council Food Pantry 32 Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871 St. Kateri Tekakwitha Our Lady of the Lake Sparta United Methodist Church Sophia Inclusive Catholic Community First Presbyterian Church of Sparta Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church St. Mary s Episcopal Church Save the Date! September 24, 2015 4 th Annual Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction The Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry is holding its largest fundraising event on Thursday September 24. This event provides much needed funds to provide food for those in need in Sussex County. Financial donations are also appreciated. Tickets are $55 per person and are available now for purchase. Please contact Allison Sidoli at (973) 691-6943 for additional information or to purchase tickets. If you have questions about what you pledged for this year, please inquire in the office. AND THANK YOU FOR THE MANY WAYS THAT YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 13
Stop by to browse and shop at the World Mission Gift Shop, where unique international handcrafts (all fair trade) are featured. Each purchase allows the artisans to provide food, education, healthcare, and shelter for themselves and their families. Proceeds from the shop also support mission work. Look for: That one-of-a-kind gift you ve been searching for End-of-season sales Upcoming special sale table Tea sale buy two boxes at full price and get a third box free The shop is open as follows: Wednesday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday - 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. Join the World Mission Gift Shop volunteer team. Just a few hours of your time will make a difference Come visit the Mouse! We changed to beautiful fall colors, home decorations and clothing. Treasures abound, so come explore! There s something for everyone at the thrift shop! 14
SPARTA UMC Library Picks Featured Be sure to check out the bookcase in the narthex. Books are there to strengthen our faith These books will be on the shelves in the narthex during the month of September: The first two books are as we celebrate Labor Day: The Betrayal of Work How low-wage jobs fail 30 million Americans by Beth Shulman. Anna Quindlen in Newsweek wrote: Should be required reading for every presidential candidate and member of Congress. Everyday Justice by Julie Clawson. On the back of the book it says: Julie Clawson takes us on a tour of everyday life and shows how our ordinary lifestyle choices have big implications for justice around the world. And here s a children s book: The Other Side of the Road by Mel Hioki This is a children s book inspired by CUMAC-ECHO, the United Methodist food pantry in Paterson. Be sure to read it to a child (or read it just for yourself if you are an adult). Plus: Seven others. The Lord Is My Shepherd Healing wisdom of the Twenty-Third Psalm by Harold S. Kushner. Rabbi Kushner believes this psalm offers spiritual riches that can change a person s life. Listening for God A Minister s journey through silence and doubt by Renita J. Weems. Colman McCarthy from The Washington Post wrote in his review: While Weems listens to her Almighty, readers can listen to her and hear the voice of a wise and doubt-challenging woman who writes as powerfully as she believes. If Grace Is True Why God will save every person by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. The Dallas News wrote: Their proposal remains a bold and controversial idea. Jesus and Courageous Women by Elsa Tamez. There are three parts to this book: Women Who Love and Dare; Anonymous Women Who Struggle and Resist; and Women Teachers and Disciples. Marked for Life The story of Hildegard Goss-Mayr by Richard Deats. This tells the story of an Austrian Catholic pioneer in teaching the philosophy and practice of non-violence amidst the great historical events of the past half century. Inspiration 2000 years of Christian wisdom. Wonderful pictures and amazing quotes. Parables from the Back Side Bible stories with a twist by J. Ellsworth Kalas. New insight into twelve of Jesus parables. BookWorms for September Don t Miss It! The Golden Cage written by Shirin Ebadi who in 2003 won the Nobel Peace Prize or her efforts to promote human rights, in particular, the rights of women, children, and political prisons in Iran. The sub-title of the book is Three Brothers, Three Choices, One Destiny. The September book group will meet at 9:30am on Monday, September 14th. There is a copy of the book in the United Methodist Women s section of the church library. The October book is End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. It is available in most public libraries. 15
Walk the Labyrinth Soon at Sparta United Methodist Church Questions About The Labyrinth As Sparta United Methodist Church continues to plan for a labyrinth on their back property, here are some often asked questions: What is a labyrinth? It is a single path that is used for personal, psychological, and spiritual transformation. Why do people walk a labyrinth? Some do it as a walking meditation. Some walk to relax. Some walk a labyrinth just for fun. Some people have used a labyrinth for healing a great loss. Some use it for new insights. There are multiple reasons. The labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France is one of the most famous remaining labyrinths from the Middle Ages. People walked it as a pilgrimage. It was a journey to become closer to God. What is the difference between a labyrinth and a maze? A maze is a puzzle and you have to find the way out. A labyrinth is a path to the center. There are no dead ends or wrong turns. You walk the path to the center and then you walk the path out again. How can I learn more about labyrinths? The Sparta United Methodist Church library will soon be ordering the book Walking a Sacred Path Rediscovering the labyrinth as a spiritual practice by Lauren Artress. You can also get some answers by going to the website: www.labyrinthsociety.org Do you like full color graphics and content? READ THE NEWSLETTER ONLINE!!!! Help the church to save money! Read in color! Pass it on! Visit our updated website at www.spartaumc.orgrg. Contemplative Worship Enter the practice of the ancients. Monthly on the First Wednesdays 12:15 pm or 7:15 pm prayer, scripture, sacred songs, and silence by candlelight-40 minutes. 16
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SPARTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 71 Sparta Avenue Sparta, NJ 07871 973.729.7773 spartaumc.org Worship on Sundays SEPTEMBER 13 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 a.m. Come browse gifts from our Fair Trade Shop World Mission Gift Shop Wednesday 10:00-2:00 Thursday 1:00 400 Friday 1:00 4:00 Saturday 10:00 to 2:00 CHURCH MOUSE THRIFT SHOP Wednesday 10:00 2:00 Thursday 1:00-4:00 Friday 1:00 4:00 Saturday 10:00 2:00 (973)729-9121 THE DEADLINE FOR THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER WILL BE SEPTEMBER 15TH PLEASE REMEMBERTO SUBMIT ANY ARTICLES BY DEADLINE 18