Commack United Methodist Church 486 Townline Road Commack, NY 11725-7310 -(631) 499-7310 Web Site: http://www.commack-umc.org Emails: mail@commack-umc.org : pastor@commack-umc.org CELEBRATING 225 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN COMMACK 1783-2008 Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington, Pastor 631.499.4770 APRIL 2008 Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors A WORD FROM THE PASTOR I have finally made it to Sunken Meadow Park. All year long, as I traveled the Northern State Parkway, I have seen signs to Sunken Meadow Park. Each time I saw the signs I would say to myself, John, you must take some time to visit the park and especially to walk the boardwalk. But I never did until Easter Sunday morning when I attended the Easter sunrise service led by our youth group. It was my first experience attending an outdoor sunrise service. I served one church where, along with two other congregations, we annually held a 6 AM Easter sunrise service indoors. In spite of a below freezing temperature on the boardwalk, we had a good size group of children, youth and adults in attendance. Deb Hervey reported that the participation of youth was at least 50 % more than last year. The worship was led by the youth group. It seemed that each one of them had a task to do in the worship. Thankfully, toward the end the sun made its warming and bright appearance. I commend Jennifer Mallgraf and Deb Hervey for the excellent leadership that they are giving to those who are involved in our youth programs. We are fortunate that we live in an area where we can use a facility like Sunken Meadow Park to celebrate a sunrise and appreciate that God has given us another new day to enjoy in the midst of the beauty of God s creation. The other reason that causes me to say that I finally made it to Sunken Meadow Park is that when I was a much younger preacher of a Bronx church, the church had planned an August Saturday bus outing. Two buses and people gathered early that morning, but to our dismay there was a heavy rainfall and the forecast was for rain all day. We cancelled the outing and never reinstated it. Virginia, my wife, had prepared a delicious picnic lunch and so our family of four ate our Sunken Meadow Park picnic lunch in our home. We enjoyed good family time together for most of the day. So I finally made it to Sunken Meadow Park, thanks to the youth group. 1
One final comment, I thank everyone who contributed in anyway, as a worshiper, usher, singer, organist, conductor, acolyte, costume management, coordinator of readers, light and sound engineers, stage arrangements, photographer, cinematographer, greeter and actor during the various Holy Week and Easter services. It was a job well done by all. APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED Rev. Richard J. Rice, District Superintendent for the Long Island East District, recently announced that Bishop Jeremiah Park will appoint Rev. Lynda Bates- Stepe to become our Pastor beginning in July of this year. The Staff-Parish Committee (SPR) has had an opportunity to meet with Rev. Bates-Stepe and was impressed with her energy and experience. At each of our meetings the Cabinet would raise up Commack in prayer that we might recommend the right person for this appointment, said Rev. Rice. Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe, has served the East Meadow United Methodist Church since July 2006. Before that, she served the Setauket church for nearly 10 years. She has significant experience in making worship relevant to the congregation, community outreach, community involvement, vision setting, counseling, church school, and youth programs. She also has a strong background in administrative leadership including facilities maintenance. Some of her previous work also includes care for the terminally ill and service at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. She has also served on several Conference and Bishop s committees and task forces. Presently she is involved with significant activities concerned with the professional development of our District and Annual Conference clergy and as part of a team that addresses transitions, conflicts and concerns that impede the ministry of the church. Ms. Bates-Stepe has a B.A. in Business Administration from Gettysburg College and a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. Her husband, Atis Stepe works for Estee Lauder in Melville. I know that we are all looking forward to meeting our new Pastor and to the opportunities that are in front of us all. Ms. Bates-Stepe has graciously offered to begin to integrate into some of our program planning committees ahead of her official July start. A special welcoming fellowship time is being planned for her first Sunday with us on July 6. Mike Hervey, Co-chair, SPR 225th ANNIVERSARY Our church was established in 1783 and this year the Commack United Methodist Church is celebrating its 225 Anniversary. A special Save the Date mailing is being sent to church members, former pastors, organists, dignitaries, guest speakers and others. Plans are being made to celebrate this important event in the life of our beloved church. Some of these events include: Strawberry Festival (our Kickoff Event) Sunday, June 15, 2008 (immediately following the church service. Outdoor Barbeque Chapel Open House Sanctuary Open House Christian Band Saturday, September 27, 2008 evening Joint Service with our sister Korean Church Sunday, September 28, 2008 Homecoming Service. Reception in the Fellowship Hall to follow immediately after Homecoming Service. 2
September 28, 2008 3:00 PM Guest Speakers UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Our brothers and sisters of the Korean Methodist Church will be joining us for these celebrations. Please check the Messenger and Sunday bulletins for details and other plans as they are finalized. Anyone wishing to participate in our 225 Anniversary Celebration this year is most welcome. Other important dates to remember: Pot Luck Dinner Fellowship Hall Saturday, June 28, 2008 6:00 PM. - Honoring our beloved interim Pastor, John Carrington Reception for our new Pastor, Rev. Lynda J. Bates-Stepe July 6, 2008 immediately following church service. Marge Wright ================================== HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS Another year is a happy gift, so cut your cake and say, "Instead of counting birthdays, I count my blessings every day!" Kimberly Clendenning Florence Schneckenberger Sarah D'Amato Tom Devin June Fick Joan Fritz Maggie Hervey Jennifer Mallgraf Sam Prasad NOTE: if you don't see your birthday listed, please let me know. The church does not keep a record of your birth. Some time ago, I polled our congregation and requested their birth months for this greetings list. Thank you, Kathy Muller MITTEN MINISTRY Several women knit and crochet mittens, hat and scarves, at home, for distribution to the homeless and donations of yarn are always needed. To assure a good winter supply, we stockpile these during the summer months. Volunteer crocheters and knitters are always welcome. We supply the yarn, some patterns and needles if needed, you supply your time and talents. Please contact Kathy Muller for further information. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. Proverbs 31:13 OUR PURPOSE: The organized unit of the United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. As you can see by this statement of purpose, we are 'all about serving God through missions!' Our programs and prayers, the proceeds of our pledges, bake sales, mother and father's day booklets, etc., go toward missions at home and abroad; as defined by the Women's Division of the UMC. We all enjoy the fellowship this organization provides! All women in the congregation and friends are invited to attend our 7:30 meetings. We are usually home by 9-9:30. If transportation is needed, please contact Nancy Gamby and she will make arrangements for a ride. OUR PROGRAMS: Our March program, presented by Ann Aupperle, focused on the plight of the innocent Israelis and Palestinians who share the land of Israel. Enable us to see God's image in the one who is not in our image. Amen Our Thursday, April 10th meeting will be led by Deb Hervey. Our topic will be "Still in Chains: Slavery in the 21st Century." Ginny Eichenauer will be our hostess for the evening. MOTHER'S DAY BOOKLET: You will soon receive the application for this in your Sunday Bulletin. The deadline date is April 27, so our collator can complete and print the listings. Please put the application and check (so marked) in the offering plate or give to Cyndi Pinkham, Mel Walker or Kathy Muller. All proceeds support our mission projects.our thanks to all. DATE CHANGED: Due to other church activities, the date of our High Tea has been changed to Saturday, May 31st from 2-4 PM 3
NURTURE/EVANGELISM WORKAREA We had an active month of March. The Membership Committee is working on up-dating the rolls of active and inactive members and constituants. Faithfully every Monday but one, Kathy Muller, Janice Woods, Marge Wright, Martha Lockhart, Joan Kopping and Ginny Eichenauer have worked on the records with still much to be done. Letters will start going out the end of March 2008. We also discussed how we might be helpful in the preparations for our church s 225 th Anniversary Celebration. Several ideas were discussed some heartily endorsed, others nixed or postponed for another time. We won t get into particulars until we can flesh out some more! We look forward to joining all the plans for a wonderful, fulfilling weekend in September. We are meeting the last Saturday in March to plan for our Intergenerational Church Family Retreat. The theme chosen for this year is appropriately enough, Happy Birthday. We will be staying at Asbury House Again. The house accommodates 25 people. Some are bunk beds, but we find the children LOVE THEM not so much the older folk. So reserve early!! Reservations can be made by contacting Ginny Eichenauer 499-7394. We already have 10 reservations---so hurry. Maps and what you should bring lists will be given with reservations. A reminder that the dates are April 18-19-20. The cost is determined by dividing up the cost of the house plus food. You would also need the ferry fee which is $10.50, one way, for car + driver, $1.00 extra for each passenger and you provide your own Friday night Supper. Our Camp Quinipet is a very special place and we know that you will enjoy the retreat. Treat yourself! "During the last six months the number of families needing assistance has increased ~ especially those still working or those who were working and now are out of work for a few months due to illness, injury or being laid off. Some who come for help say they've never had to ask for help before, but they don't know what else to do. They thank us, they thank the Lord, they bless us, they cry because they are so relieved." Judy Matheny, church & community worker, West Va. Conference MISSION PRAYER FOCUS: W.Va.: Deaconess Judy Matheny's families in need & our adopted Appalachian Family Zimbabwe: UMC Murewa Daycare Center Oklahoma City, Ok: Neighborhood services Dates to Mark on your calendar April 18-20 2008 Family Retreat Quinipet Deadline April 27th Mothers Day Booklets May 18, 2008 Confirmation Sunday September 19-21 2008 UMW Retreat Quinipet FAIR WORKSHOP- April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29th Craft Workshop meets in preparation for Annual Fall Fair to be held Oct. 11, 2008. We welcome you to join us every Tuesday (weather permitting, and with a bag lunch), from now until the fair. We meet from 10-1 in Room 9 of the Religious Education Building. Martha, Ginny, Ann A, Lille & Kathy Members of the Lydia Circle will meet on Wednesdays at 10:30 in the Parlor. All are invited. WESTMINSTER HAND BELL COLLEGE CHOIR When: April 19 th 2008 at 7 PM Free Will Offering Kathleen Ebling-Thorne Director 30 Years Organized Largest Collection of Handbells. 14 Players 71/2 Octives ON TOUR AT: First United Methodist Church 631.264.0152 25 Broadway Just before Route 110 ends at Merrick Road Amityville NY 4
EASTER WEEK SPECIAL SERVICES WORDS OF THANKS AND APPRECIATION Our thanks to Dotty Arola,Organist, Bell Choir and Choir Director, and voices for their outstanding contribution to the Easter Services. Maundy Thursday Service The Living Last Supper" by Ruth Elaine Schram The 12 Disciples are as follows: John Titolo, Steven Waidelich Mike Leone, Nick Mondelli Mark Prasad, AI Svoboda Good Friday Friday, March 21, 2008 7:30 PM A SERVICE OF THE DARKNESS (TENEBRAE) The Readers GINNY EICHENAUER, KATHY MULLER MARGIE ZOLTOWSKY, DEB HERVEY ANN AUPPERLE, MIKE HERVEY JACK ADAMS, MAGGIE HERVEY NANCY GAMBY, JUDY TITOLO Ben Fick, Peter Gamby DOTTY MEGNA, PAULA TITOLO John Kessler, Tom White Richard Manel, Jim Milich, Mike Mallgraf Serving Girl --- Maggie Hervey PAT ROSS, JOHN TITOLO MIKE MALLGRAF, KIMBERLY CLENDENNING SUBSTITUTES: MATILDA GOLLATZ, J OAN KOPPING, MARGE WRIGHT Greeter--- Sarah Mackay Ushers: Betty Carson and Janice Woods 5