methodist messengerfumcwestfield.umcchurches.org/wp-content/uploads/...love. narrators were lynn...
TRANSCRIPT
From the Pastor’s Desk
1
Christian Education Kickoff
2
Youth Group Kickoff 2
Rainbow Garden Selected as “Garden of the Month”
2
Kindness in Action 2
Serving in Worship Breakfast
2
Festifall Dunk Tank 3
Missions Sunday 3
5th Sunday Players Present “Be the One”
3
October Calendar 4
November Calendar 5
Prayer List 6
September Birthdays 6
Inside this issue:
Volume 75, No. 9 October 2019
September Sermon Series: Engaged Living We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things 'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes
to know You're near What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.
- Lyrics to the song ‘Blessings’ by Laura Story
This past summer, my family went to Hershey Park for the weekend. It’s a trip that we had been planning, and all of us were looking forward to the experience, especially the children. Soon after we arrived, the children played one of those games in which water is shot at a small hole in order to move the horse forward. The horse that reaches the finish line first wins a prize. Well, two of our three children had won a prize, and after a little discussion, Joyce and I decided to play one more time in hopes that the third child would win. Well, he didn’t. Imagine the elephant tears coming from this little child. We walked away attempting to console him; trying to empathize with him as he tasted the pain of defeat. It was then, that the young boy who had won ran to us and gave his newly earned prize to our weeping child. He said, ’He can have mine.’ Well, his actions did help. The tears stopped and thank yous from all five of us rung out like a cho-rus. This decisive action was the start to a great weekend. Every time I see this little stuffed toy, I’m reminded how joy and heal-ing came through tears.
Recently, we went to the movies. I had worked hard the day before scouring the movie theaters to purchase tickets that allowed all five of us to sit together – in a location that wasn’t the front row. I finally found the right movie theatre, the correct time, and the perfect location. When we arrive, we encounter a little boy and his mother with anx-ious and worried expressions on their faces. You see, they couldn’t find seats that would allow the two of them to sit next to each other, and the only place they could sit included one of our five seats. The same child that heard, ‘he can have mine´ all of a sudden indicated to Joyce, ‘he can have mine´
and gave up his seat, so that this little boy and his mother could sit next to each other.
During September’s sermon series, Engaged Living¸ I and our speakers (Janet Sarkos from Car-ing Contact, Hope Basaman from the FUMC Youth Group Leadership Team, and the Children’s Chan-cel Drama) attempted to articulate a message that would help us find ways to insert ourselves, for the better, into the lives of people who were in need of help. We were encouraged, like God who is engaged in our lives, to remained engaged in the lives of our neighbors, especially those who are in need. The Children’s Chancel Drama summed up this series’ message in three simple yet powerful words - Be the One.
Be the One to make a difference Be the One to listen Be the One to let your tears speak Be the One to say yes to God Be the One to inspire Be the One to be present Be the One to give generously Be the One to Engage yourself, so that others
might see your acts as blessings, healing, or mer-cies in disguise.
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much… (Luke 16:10, NIV)
Of course, there are more important and mean-ingful ways in which we can Be the One in our local and global world than I articulated in my il-lustrations. Yet, I’m prayerful that the congrega-tion of FUMC Westfield will show ourselves faith-ful to the small moments in life that can make a big difference, so that when the time arrives, our faithfulness and resolve will remain as we experi-ence the larger complexities of life.
As you read this month’s messenger, I invite you into a spiritual practice of engagement – discern-ing and acting on ways that you can Be the One person in someone’s life to live the Gospel mes-sage.
You’re always invited to e-mail me at [email protected]. Also, if you haven’t attended worship in a while, please come back. There is a place for you. Thank you,
Rev. William M. Williams, III
Next Messenger Deadline:
October 23, 2019 for the November
2019 edition. Please submit your
articles to the church office or
email communications
@fumcwestfield.org
METHODIST MESSENGER 1 E BROAD ST. WESTFIELD, NJ 07090 • 908-233-4211 • FUMCWESTFIELD.ORG
Christian Education Kicks Off
We started the new education year on September 8th with a gathering of all ages in the Social Hall. Participants were encouraged to bring their school bags for a blessing and those who did not have bags had their shoes blessed! Our newly appointed children’s education direc-tor, Patti Merkle read the story “Each Kindness” by Jac-quline Woodson as our introductory lesson before the chil-dren departed for get to know you activities with the teachers in their class groups. Through the year, the stu-dents will be engaged in a curriculum plan called “Doing the Word” inspired by Micah 6:8 that explores what it is to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.” The series explores the challenges involved in putting our faith into action and moves us beyond just hearing the Word into becoming “do-ers” of the Word.
First Steps of Faith was introduced this year as our new group for kids in Kindergarten and below. Pat Guglielmi and Amy Brodersen take the lead with this group with the support of guest readers, providing weekly childcare and guidance for our youngest children during the education hour in room 106. The Elementary Faith Explorers will meet throughout the year with Lauren Genato and Summer Burke in room 207 when they are not off in other parts of the church or community being “do-ers". The middle and high school students will gather in 218 for Youth Bible Study under the leadership of Greg Wilson and Peter Pan-talena unless they helping out with Elementary Faith Ex-plorers or First Steps of Faith. No matter the Sunday, there is a place at FUMC for any step of one’s faith journey!
Youth Group Returns
Youth Group started back up for middle and high school students at FUMC on Sunday, September 8th! The night offered opportunities to get to know new students to the group, as well as time for games and to tie dye socks with the Youth Group’s S.A.L.T. logo on them. The Youth Group meets on Sundays from 5:30-7:30 PM and is open to all students Grades 6-12!
Rainbow Garden Selected as
“Garden of the Month”
Our church’s Rain-bow Garden was se-lected as the Septem-ber Garden of the Month by the Garden Club of Westfield! A huge thank you to Dan Bottorff and for all of those who work so hard to make our gardens beautiful!
Kindness in Action
How can we help our neighbors? By getting out and doing it! On September 15th we took our first steps into Doing Kindness in a variety of ways. Some of our families helped with the YMCA Run for Everyone - from early morn-ing set up and cheering the runners to running the races and clean up. Others church members helped with gather-ing shoes for a collection for Soles4Souls hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church in neighboring Cranford - over 800 pairs of shoes were collected with FUMC contributing about 200 of that!
Serving in Worship Breakfast Each and every Sunday the work of many individuals
comes together in the creation of the 10AM worship ser-vice. On September 22nd, the education team took time to thank those who have served over the recent years and recognized the many ways one can help with the ser-
PAGE 2 ME T H OD I S T ME S S E N G E R VO LU M E 7 5 , N O . 9
PAGE 3 ME T H OD I S T ME S S E N G E R VO LU M E 7 5 , N O . 9
vice. Creating a wel-coming and inclusive service each Sunday is no small task. Special guest speakers includ-ing Tom White (head usher team), Carolyn Culhane (Worship Mu-sic Arts team leader), Patti Merkle (chancel drama director) and
Pastor Williams each took a moment to express their gratitude for the continued collaboration and to invite the kids and families to actively engage in leadership roles throughout the year. All gathered left with full bellies and excitement for future worship servant opportunities.
Dunk Tank Festifall Fun
FUMC’s Fun Team organized our Second Annual Festi-fall Dunk Tank on Sunday, September 22nd! The dunk tank was placed on the front lawn of the church all after-noon, and a few brave adults and youth from our church volunteered to be dunked. The cost to participate was 3 throws for a dollar and all proceeds went to the Youth Group. Thank you to the Fun Team for putting this event together!
Philly Project Team Shares on Missions Sunday Our Youth Mission Team was presented on Missions
Sunday, September 22nd. The team, which consisted of
Kylie Haskins, Dahlia Pantalena, Riley Pantalena, Hope Basaman, Jonathan Culhane, Sean Merkle, Suzanna Rogers, McKenzie Meyers, Julia Flowers, Ethan Heifetz, and Vinny Culhane, spent a week in June working with The Philadelphia Project. The team was introduced and given an opportunity to share their favorite moments from the trip, and Hope Basaman shared a message about her ex-perience, reminding all of us that God is always with us.
5th Sunday Players Present “Be The One”
Our 5th Sunday youth led service on September 29th featured a chancel drama titled “Be The One”. Under the direction of Patti Merkle, the students shared a play based upon the parable of the Good Samaritan that was developed out of the work of those who attended the Summer Service Exploration program. With just a few practices, the players came together to deliver the mes-sage that we can each be the one to show God’s love. Narrators were Lynn Basaman and Leah Genato; players were Hope Basaman, Caroline & Lily Burke, Noah Gallagher, Abby Genato, Sarina Incorvaia, Mae & Sean Merkle, and Julia Williams. Worshipers were welcomed to the church by Joyce, James & William Williams who served as our greeters, and Tyler & Jeff Greenhouse, and Briana, Gavin & Jill Montenez-Tobin who all helped usher under the leadership of Robert Broadwell. Luke Tennant served as the lay reader with Ella & Macy Hartz helping during the prayers and affirmation of faith. A wonderful testament and benediction was deliv-ered by Mary Kay Jackson who shared how her family has shown God’s love to neighbors through international mis-sion work. The service was supported musically by Max Tennant, Shae Trennery, and Diane Silvester and filmed for the website and future viewing by Gary Broder-sen and Aidan Trenery.
The brave “dunk-ees”! Rev. Williams, Dahlia Pantalena, Greg Wilson, Suzanna Rogers, Dan Bottorff, and Julia Flowers.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR Men’s Group,
7:30 PM, Loft
3 Martha’s Circle, 1
PM, FR Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
4
5 Men’s Breakfast,
8:30 AM, Westfield Diner
NJFO, 7 PM
6 Worship, 10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM Youth Group, 5:30 PM,
Loft
7
8
9 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR
10 Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
11 Pumpkin Delivery,
5:30 PM
12 Church Confer-
ence, 7 PM
13 Worship, 10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM Youth Group, 5:30 PM
14
15 16 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR JYF, 6 PM, Loft Men’s Group,
7:30 PM, Loft
17 Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
18 Noontimers, FR Movies in the
Patch: Hotel Transylvania, 6 PM
19
20 Worship, 10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM FMP Luncheon, 11:30 AM,
SH Youth Group, 5:30 PM
21 22
23 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR
24 Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
25 Movies in the
Patch: Coco, 6 PM
26 Movies in the Patch: Nightmare Before Christmas, 6 PM
27 Worship, 10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM Youth Group, 5:30 PM
28 29 30 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR
31 Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
PAGE 4 VO LU M E 7 5 , N O . 9 ME T H OD I S T ME S S E N G E R
Sunday Worship Schedule
9 AM Education Hour 9:15 AM Fellowship Choir (4th Sunday) 10 AM Morning Worship 11 AM Fellowship Time in the Fellowship
Room
OCTOBER
Youth Ignite Conference
Pumpkin Patch
Youth Lock-In
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 Men’s Breakfast,
8:30 AM, Westfield Diner
3 Worship, 10 AM Pledge Campaign
Luncheon, 11:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM Youth Group, 5:30 PM,
4
5
6 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR Men’s Group,
7:30 PM, Loft
7 Martha Circle, 1
PM, FR Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
8
9
10 Worship, 10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM
11
12 Church Council
Meeting, 7:30 PM, FR
13 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR
14 Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
15 Noontimers, 12
PM, FR
16 Church Retreat, 9
AM, FR
17 Worship, 10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM Youth Group, 5:30 PM
18 19
20 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR JYF, 6 PM, Loft Men’s Group,
7:30 PM, Loft
21 Sanctuary Choir,
7:30 PM, Choir Room
22
23
24 Worship (Bible Sunday),
10 AM Women’s Prayer Group,
11:30 AM
25 Youth Family Pot-
luck, 6 PM, Loft
26 27 Prayer Shawl,
12:30 PM, FR
28 Thanksgiving Day
29 Prayer
30 Prayer
PAGE 5 VO LU M E 7 5 , N O . 9 ME T H OD I S T ME S S E N G E R
Sunday Worship Schedule
9 AM Education Hour 9:15 AM Fellowship Choir (4th Sunday) 10 AM Morning Worship 11 AM Fellowship Time in the Fellowship
Room
NOVEMBER
David Norwine
Barbara Hooper
Marianne Salanik
Marie Huxley West
Marie Walford
Christopher Relton
Charles Jackson
Bob Curtis
Skip Kraft
David Qua
Margaret Campbell
Gwen Buttermore
Parker Enix-Ross
Judy O’Connor
PAGE 6 VO LU M E 7 5 , N O . 9 ME T H OD I S T ME S S E N G E R
1st Lochlan Beene Kim Corrello
2nd Rick Ellsworth
4th Lyla Kaul
6th Dolores Vincentsen
7th Julia Flowers Evan Sewald Remi Newhart
8th Yaeko Knaus 9th Dante Aguiar Betty Woerner
10th Kenneth Taylor John Dedousis
11th Marcus Knaus
12th Anna Marie
Gerwitz Suzannah Plant William Filiciello
13th Kendra Taylor
14th Kiera Foley Samuel Jones
15th Tyler Midrano
16th Abigail Genato Diane Silvester
17th Greg Wilson 20th Lorelle Caldora
21st Lauren Curtis-
Skorka
22nd Justin Harris
Liane Harris Chong Kwok
26th Michelle Rosa Elizabeth Kaul Judy Sullivan
27th Kirk Huber Margaret Merrill
28th Jacquelyn Fitschen Anne Auda
29th Emily Kim Will Close Susan Tennant Peter Terry Ignatius Jozwik
30th Lucy Palmer Kevin Spellman Flo Masar
31st Lauren Kolaya
We apologize if you were not included on our list. If we have not listed your birthday, please contact the church office so we can include you in future editions.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
If you would like to receive the digital version of the
Messenger, please contact [email protected].
Staff Contact Information
Rev. William Williams, III, Senior Pastor—[email protected]
Marcee Rogers, Children’s Program Coordinator—[email protected]
Jonathan Evers, Music Director— [email protected] Kylie Haskins, Youth & Communications Coordina-
tor—[email protected] Jane Bowman, Administrative Assistant—
[email protected] Melissa Romelli, Director of Wesley Hall—
Church Office Hours: 10 AM-2 PM, Monday-Friday
On Our Prayer List:
Coming Up in Worship This November:
● November 3rd: All Saints Sunday
● November 10th: Guest Preacher
● November 17th: Guest Preacher
● November 24th: Home Improvement.
This one-part pre-advent sermon is designed
to help us examine the places in our lives that
need repair as we prepare to receive the gifts of
Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love presented in Advent.