A Newsletter for the Willistown United Methodist Church May 2014 6051 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, Pa. 19073 610-644-2227 Mission Statement: To welcome all people, share Christ's love, and be disciples who make disciples. 1 2 Inside this Issue Guest Writer Pastor Coryn is on Vacation! Editor s Note Parish Spotlight: Don Stapleton 3 Hymn History: Spirit Song Composer Biography: Robert Hobby 4 Methodist Breakfast 5 6 Easter Sunday at WUMC HILLTOPPERS Birthdays and Anniversaries Blood Drive Spaghetti Dinner WUMC 50th 7 SERVING IN WORSHIP PRAYER LIST 8 Picture Gallery 9 CALENDAR Choir Calendar Brian Weimer Colorado Springs Christian Perspectives Examiner Easter immediately brings to mind a montage of thoughts, feeling and images, depending on your beliefs and upbringing. This is the time of year when spring temperatures and the colorful leaves remind us that summer is drawing near. For some, Easter is celebrated by watching children hunt for colored eggs, and welcoming cute bunnies, while others focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the personal impact of this on their spiritual lives. Although originally a Christian holiday, Easter means different things to different people, and is the season for hope, renewal and rebirth. It is a season of new beginnings, and a time to refocus and readjust our lives. In addition, this time of year is also a reminder that in order for new things to be born, old things must die. Death and rebirth. This is a spiritual thing that can only be understood in the deepest part of our inner beings. The busyness and struggles of living often distract us from the peace that God alone provides. All too easily, we get pulled down into the mire of life, shifting our focus away from spiritual things. We often allow the difficult times in which we live to take the forefront of our thinking, and we spend far too much time thinking about our jobs, money and the future. We exert too much effort chasing the so-called American dream, and keeping up with the proverbial Joneses. Although church attendance soars on Easter Sunday, many people attend only because of family tradition or to avoid guilt. This kind of religious thinking undoubtedly keeps people from experiencing a personal relationship with God. The vast majority of humanity will unfortunately never see with the eyes of faith, the eyes that look beyond the mountain to see its creator. For believers and followers of Christ, the images of the cross and the empty tomb symbolize this season. We focus on the belief that Jesus, the son of God, died for our sins, and was supernaturally resurrected three days later. We believe that just as He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up... (2 Corinthians 4:14). We are also told that when we were dead in our sins that God made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). These beliefs are the heart of the Christian faith. Easter is a reminder that if we have been recreated, we are walking in new life. In the midst of all our life situations, the Savior remains true, constantly reminding us that we are forgiven and redeemed. He wants to bring us new life, and to resurrect us from the dark places of our souls. We are often the ones who stand in the way of allowing ourselves to die to the past so that a new present, and future, can be born. God can also resurrect us from the tombs and graves of our lives through His Spirit. This is the mystery of rebirth and resurrection; the mystery of Easter.
Note from the Editor Spring is here in full gear! It seemed like winter would never end and now summer is on the horizon! Let s share stories of lounging by the pool or picnics on the beach. Pictures are always welcome. Remember Willistown s 50 th is coming soon! Sara Beam, Editor Parish Spotlight: Don Stapleton Our man of the month is none other than Donald Stapleton. What an asset he is to our church yet, at times, you would never know he is around. He certainly does not have to toot his own horn to hear the music. Look at this list of involvement for Don. He is an usher every month, he is the chief man in the scullery for our breakfasts, lunches, spaghetti dinners, etc. He always comes up with a winning team for this chore that has to be done. He is the treasurer of the Methodist Men's Group and serves on the Endowment Committee. He works every Monday with the "Top of the Hill Gang". He takes the food collected by the church to the Salvation Army. He is always anxious to bring those to church who have a difficult time driving. Dot Smith was a recent example. On Roy Kleinfelter's frequent trips to see us, it is Don who usually picks him up at the airport and has Roy stay at his house. That will be coming up again for Don in a few short weeks, as Roy is making another visit to see us. Don also has been speaker for many of the Hilltoppers meetings. He is a world traveler and is so meticulous in keeping records of his trips, photos, DVD's, of places he has visited and always makes a wonderful presentation. On the personal side, Don's wife, Nan, also a long time member of our church, who passed away some years back, was quite active in our church. Including singing in our choir and also as our choir director. She was a nurse by profession. Although Don misses her terribly, he has picked up the pieces and keeps himself busy. Don, after school, became a member of our armed forces, serving in the U.S. Navy. Every year he attends a reunion of his outfit. His career was with the Bell Telephone Company and although he is retired, every Thursday afternoon he travels to Delaware where he meets with a group of his fellow Bell Workers and volunteers his time repairing various devices that are used by the handicapped. Don has three daughters, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is so proud of his family. One of his grandchildren, Brian Brown, is the star pitcher for the Coatesville High School's baseball team. He has already been accepted to go to North Carolina University in the fall on a baseball scholarship. His team almost made the State finals last year, and while the team is not doing quite as well this year, it is not Brian's fault. Brian already has two nohitters, and one game that I call a "perfect game" at East High School. One runner got to first base on a walk, but Brian almost immediately picked him off first base and therefore, pitched to the minimum numbers of batters for the game. (21) I could go on and on about Don, the man and the quality of his commitment to help others, but wanted to end by saying that I am so happy being in his presence and calling him a true friend, one that I know I could count on if I had a problem. There are not many people you would call up at 3 o'clock in the morning if something was wrong. Don, I would not hesitate to call. Thank you Don for all that you do for your family and for others. You a truly an example of a "life well lived". God Bless. Alan Clark 2
"Spirit Song John Wimber The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 347 by C. Michael Hawn "Spirit Song," written in 1979, is the most lasting musical contribution from Wimber. It appears widely in hymnals and is one of the more popular new hymns in The United Methodist Hymnal. Stanza one begins with an image of Christ, inviting "The Son of God" to "enfold" the worshipper "with his Spirit and love." The song encourages an intimate relationship between the singer and Christ through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. If the singer will surrender "all the things that hold you," the Holy Spirit will descend "like a dove... upon your life and make you whole." Stanza two invites a classic charismatic expression: "Lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name." "Surrender" involves giving Christ "all your tears and sadness" and "all your years of pain" as one "enter[s] into life in Jesus' name." The refrain is a petition to Jesus to "come and fill your lambs." The repetition of Jesus' name and the simple words provide a musical mantra over which the singer may pray and perhaps sway with uplifted arms in the Holy Spirit. Carlton Young notes that this song was "[c]omposed as an altar call... the type of song used in charismatic communities, some of which are composed of former United Methodists who claimed they were not spiritually fulfilled in their own local church worship and song." Wimber's ministry was fraught with controversy. In the early years of the movement, accusations of heresy stemmed from Wimber's claims of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit and the kinds of experiences that these gifts encouraged in worship. For some more conservative evangelical critics, Wimber's teachings challenged the authority of the Bible (sola scriptura) as the sole basis of faith by giving so much weight to the activities inspired by the Holy Spirit. Wimber countered by stressing that biblical teaching was the foundation of Vineyard worship and instruction, but he seemed to stop short of claiming that Scripture was the final authority for faith and practice. Wimber's ministry in the 20th century has inspired many and provided a spiritual home for thousands of Christians seeking direct encounters with the Holy Spirit. "Spirit Song" is one of the most poignant legacies of Wimber's work. 3 Robert A. Hobby Composer of Choral and Organ Music Mr. Hobby received his Bachelor s Degree in Church Music from Wittenberg University in 1985 and a Master s Degree in Organ Performance from the University of Notre Dame in 1987. His organ teachers have included Darwin Leitz, Kirby and Kristi Koriath, Donald Busarow, and Craig Cramer. His private study in composition has been under Donald Busarow and Richard Hillert. He has had private coaching in improvisation with Paul Manz and compositional coaching from English composer, Andrew Carter. To date, most of his composition time has been spent writing commissions for churches and organizations throughout the country. Over 150 of Mr. Hobby s compositions are in print with Augsburg Fortress Publishing House, Choristers Guild, Concordia Publishing House, G.I.A. Publishers, MorningStar Music Publishers, Northwestern Publishers, Pavane Publishing Co., and Warner Brothers Publishers. His music has been heard on nationally syndicated radio programs such as The Lutheran Hour, Pipe Dreams, and Sing for Joy. A representation of his writing for organ, choral, and instrumental forces can be found on Thine Is the Glory, a recording produced
by MorningStar Publishers. In 2006, Mr. Hobby premiered a major work of his entitled The Good Shepherd which is scored for tenor solo, adult and children s choirs, and orchestra; it is published with MorningStar Music Publishers. His compositions are present in two hymnals: Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Lutheran Service Book. As a performer and clinician, Mr. Hobby keeps an active schedule throughout the United States. He has played for the national conventions of the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada, Organ Historical Society, and National Pastoral Musicians, and he has played for both national and regional conventions of the Association of the Lutheran Church Musicians and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has been a featured artist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, performing Poulenc s Organ Concerto and Haydn s Organ Concerto #2 in C. In 2005, he conducted the premiere performance of Andrew Carter s Concerto in C for organ and orchestra with David Higgs at the organ. In addition, his workshops for both regional conventions and individual chapter meetings of the American Guild of Organists and other similar organizations have gathered wide acclaim. Robert A. Hobby currently serves as Director of Music for Trinity English Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his responsibilities include playing for many of the worship services, overseeing the graded choral program, and managing the concerts the church offers. Mr. Hobby and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of three daughters: Hannah, Lydia, and Elizabeth. Sarah Cass enjoys playing many of Hobby s works. METHODIST BREAKFAST Our speaker for our Methodist Breakfast on Sunday, the 11th of May will be former police officer, in West Chester, Thomas Yarnall. Tom spent over 30 years with the West Chester Police Dept. In his retirement he took up being a clown and participates in many activities in his clown outfit. He goes by the name of "Fuzzy". Most of his clown work is done to benefit the Shriners Hospital but he also is a familiar face around West Chester in the various parades, Restaurant Festival, events at the hospital, etc. He is a joy and I am sure you will like his presentation. (Yes, he did come to our church in the past, but it has been a long, long, time ago. Back when we had our breakfasts in the Great Room.) Alan Clark EASTER SUNDAY AT WUMC Easter Sunday was just beautiful in Chester County and our Church had two wonderful services. Our Sunrise Service went very well with Bill Snyder on the keyboard. Afterwards we had a delightful breakfast, prepared and provided, (hint, hint), for us by Kim. It was delicious. Even Fred Eufrasio, a former restaurant owner and well know chef, enjoyed it. Said it was as eating at Wellington. Pastor Coryn spoke to us of our own baptisms and it brought back many memories of those baptized in our church. The first service went well, although I was not there to see it and the second service was wonderful. To see so many of our member's families in attendance was a joy to behold. As a charter member of our church I had the privilege of seeing so many of those who were there with their children and remembering the years when they were all so young. Precious memories. To top it off, our former Pastor, John Zondag was in the congregation with his grandson Shawn, and gave the benediction. Alan Clark 4
HILLTOPPERS Flower Thank You While on the subject of thank you, I would also like to thank those who do our altar work and also do the work involved with the special flowers for Easter and Christmas. It certainly adds so much to the atmosphere of the church to see such beautiful geraniums, tulips, daffodils, and poinsettias on these special days. It just not happen by itself. Thank you Jane, Pat, Barbara, Betty and Grace. You are appreciated. (Again, I hope I have not left anyone off) Alan Clark There were 9 people at our meeting but a lot was accomplished. The video on blown glass chandeliers was presented by Don Stapleton. It was most interesting to see how these objects were put together and I know we all held our breath that nothing would be broken during the assembly of these chandeliers and other blown glass items displayed throughout the cactus gardens It was voted to send $100 to the church for the Snow Removal Fund. Various programs/trips were discussed for the remainder of the year. There WILL NOT BE A MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 13TH. ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE WILL BE TUESDAY, MAY 20TH. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Great Room for donations of all types of goodies. We ve been asked to have sugar-free goodies available this time around. A notice will be sent out in the next few weeks requesting volunteers to help package, price and set-up the table on Monday and there are a few spots open for help on Tuesday. Betty Barlow 5
Blood Drive Our church's next BLOOD DRIVE is Friday, July 11 th. Please consider donating or volunteering that day! Contact Gil Fell at fellga@aol.com for information. 2 Denise Clark 3 Bill Rice 8 Liz Clark 13 Gil Fell 17 Marilyn Bolz 18 Libby Krausser 12 Russ and Shannon Fell 22 June and Savie DiRomualdo 25 Sung and Byung Choi 26 Carol and Bill Rice 31 Janet and Curt Wise Hear Ye! Hear Ye! This fall we will be celebrating our 50 th Anniversary as a church. Pastor Coryn is planning on having some of our previous pastors come to different Sundays during the month of our anniversary to take the pulpit. We are also planning a luncheon for November 2, 2014 for the congregation and any guests. Stay tuned on this subject, more to follow. Alan Clark SPAGHETTI DINNER NEWS A thank you to, Marylou, Harry, Betty, Jack, Bonnie, Ann, Doug, Gil, Leonard, Brian, Bill, Charlie, Jim, Grace, Kim, Lance, Barbara, Beth, Lisa, Don, Jane, Curt, for all of their wonderful help with our last Spaghetti Dinner. (I hope I did not miss anyone). Also many, many, thanks for the work of the Abbes and Friars and Gio, from the college. What would we do without them? Also a huge hug and thank you for those who could not attend but purchased tickets for others. I think we had over two tables of guests from the West Chester Area Senior Center as guests. So many good comments from people all over town about the dinner, and I am already being asked when our next one will be. Since you asked, I am hoping for late September or very early October. So much depends on the availability of the servers from the college. I did ask one of the Abbes why they like our particular project so much. She said it gave them a chance to work as a group with the Friars, and that" they love the atmosphere of our church and the wonderful people who come to the dinner". So give yourselves all a pat on the back and know that you are appreciated. On top of all that, we came very close to clearing $2,400 a new record. That is the serendipity g) of the evening. This money will be turned over to our church. Alan Clark 6
Serving in Worship Date Greeters Ushers Liturgist 4 11 18 25 Leonard Eads and David Michael June DiRomualdo and Pat Roelofs Alan Clark and Fred Eufrasio Betty and Mel Cox Barbara Gorham and Beth Southern Barbara and Lance Seidel Nancy Barr and Carol Rice Marge McKee and Carol Bowers Bonnie Boyer Gil Fell Betty Byar William Bowers Greeters: Please be in place by 10:00 A.M. Wear your greeter tag and if we have a visitor, please give them the little identification lapel sticker to identify themselves as visitors. Also, please have them sign the guest register. If anyone comes in "new" try to get their name and address in a non-threatening way and give to Alan Clark. Ushers: Please be in place by 10:05. Give out the bulletins and ask if anyone has a special need. (hearing or seeing) Take up the offering when called upon by the Pastor. Liturgist: Make certain that the Pastor has the purple sheet that lists "Joys and Concerns" found on the little shelf just before entering the hallway of the church. Be available for the Pastor to have a short moment of prayer and then walk down the aisle with the Pastor, pause for a moment at the altar and then proceed to your podium. Your readings will be emailed to you prior to your Sunday. I would appreciate it if you would let me know when you will not be able to make the Sunday I have chosen for you. You can reach me at 610-399-1248. It has even been suggested that you let me know that you will be available for your slot on the Sunday, again, that I have chosen for you. Thank you for all of your help each Sunday. You are appreciated. Alan Clark Our Prayer List for Members, their families, Regular Attendees, and Friends of our Congregation Congregation Tara Bennett Jean Conover Brian Huss Stacy Johnson Libby Krausser Vivian Leknes Kim Pierce and her Mother Walt Visnyczke Janet Wise s Daughter-in-law, Jennifer Lowell (Curt Wise s brother) Friends James Barnes Norman Beck Baby Benjamin Audrey Brown Mary Lou Cassell Marty Cox Norman Dukes Leonard Frame Rich Hannum Ralph Hansen Priscilla Kelly Jackie Kurtz Larry Light Rob Lucas Ron Paul Magoon Malkus Family Lois Matthews Tami Michetti Kayla Nakonechni Jim Stevenson Dan Troxel Fred Williams Baby Victoria Pat Vesily Dana Vink General Concerns: Bereavement: All our Armed Services Personnel. Sympathy to the families of Jack Sherry, Mrs. Paul Skelly, Albert Moreno, Jane Jeffrey s Mother, Barbara Bartlett Bryan and the Oas family. If you would like a note sent to someone that needs our prayers, please call Carol Rice at 610-793-0325. 7
Picture Gallery Spaghetti Dinner! Pastor Coryn and Soloist Ann Buglio Abbes and Friars! Pastor Coryn and Guest Speaker, Frank Schaefer See Bulletin Board and Next Month s Newsletter for More Pix! 8
Mother s Day CHOIR SCHEDULE SUNDAY MAY 4 th SARAH AWAY BUT CHOIR SINGS with sequencer. MONDAY MAY 5 th NO REHEARSAL SATURDAY MAY 10 th 9-10 am REHEARSAL FOR SUNDAY SUNDAY MAY 11 th MOTHER s DAY CHOIR SINGS. MONDAY MAY 12 th REHEARSAL 10:15 am MONDAY MAY 19 th REHEARSAL 10:15 am MONDAY MAY 26 th NO REHEARSAL- MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY JUNE 2 nd REHEARSAL????? SUNDAY JUNE 8 th LAST SUNDAY TIL FALL SEASON Sunday, May 11 th : Mother s Day and Methodist Breakfast 9
Willistown United Methodist Church Pastor: Coryn Peña Pastor s email: Ps139CPena@gmail.com Pastor s Cell Phone: 215 266-7580 Office Phone: 610 644-2227 Office email: willistownumc@comcast.net Lay Leader: Grace Miller Lay Leader s Phone: 610 353-6479 Lay Leader s email: gracewmiller@yahoo.com Newsletter Editor: Sara Beam Phone: 610-812-6826 Email address: willistownumc@comcast.net WUMC web page: www.willistownumc.org SPRING 2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies. Song of Solomon 6: 2-3 May Newsletter Deadline: April 18, 2014. Willistown United Methodist Church 6051 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED