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The Church HeraldStony Brook Community Church (United Methodist), Stony Brook, New York
STONY BROOKCOMMUNITY CHURCH
216 Christian AvenueStony Brook, NY 11790
Chuck Van Houten, Pastor
Church Office Tel: (631) 751-0574
Church E-mail:[email protected]
Pastor’s Study Tel: (631) 751-0659
Church Website:www.stonybrookcommunitychurch.org
NYAC VISION STATEMENTThe New York Annual Conference, through the grace of God, embodies a beloved
community of hope, building up a healthy Body of Christ, with heartwarmedUnited Methodists in mission for the transformation of the world.
February 2015 1
Newsletter Table of Contents
1......Pastor’s Letter2......Ash Wednesday; Church History3......Lectionary4......February Calendar5......MYF News6......Church Council; Spring Musicale7......Bishop Middleton8......Person to Person/Disciple to Disciple Workshops11.....Doing the Voices by Dave Barnhart
Please send updates and information to Newsletter Editor, Bob Retnauer, at
Remember Who You Are
Dear Friends, now we are God’s children, and it hasn’t yet appeared what we will be.(1 John 3:2)
With the season of lent fast approaching, and the busyness of these winter months, and all the shoveling they bring, it is easy to lose sight of who we are as God’s redeemed children―children of a child born in a man-ger, sent for the salvation of the world.
From time to time you have heard me mention remembering who you are by remem-bering “whose you are.”
The truth is, most of us identify ourselves by the world’s standards as one thing or another that has little to do with the core of who we really are. The world may label us as African American, White, Asian, Hispanic, male, female, a doctor, lawyer, plumber, teacher, accountant, pastor, father, mother, son, or daughter, or any of the other labels that our culture puts upon us. At times you may even receive and allow these outward labels to define who you believe you are. However, this often causes us to miss our true, created identity. You and I are always first and foremost beloved children of our creator God. We were all created as God’s beloved children to love and to serve God with our lives and who we are.
Nevertheless, if we turn toward the ways of the world to continue to define our selves and one another, we limit and greatly reduce our true potential as we put one another and our selves in human made boxes. It is only as we continue to nurture our inner faith life, which is at the core of our being, that we begin to become more and more aware of who we really are, and consequently, whose we are. As we become more aware of that eternal truth we realize that every person in the world around us is also a beloved child of God – whether we feel some affinity for them, or not.
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Remember Who You Are (Continued from Page 1...)
However, we cannot break through these artificial labels and boundaries unless we nurture a closer and more regular rela-tionship with our creator, redeemer, and sustainer. The truth is, if we do not know God more intimately— in whom we find the ground of our very being—then how can we know ourselves at our core; how can we know whose we are?
This is why, once again, I would like to invite you to be much more mindful about your faith life and relationship with God as we enter together the season of Lent. This is the season in which we listen to the teachings of Christ as he turns his life and ministry toward the cross at Calvary. For Christ is the very incarnation of God, and the best picture and human example that we have of God living, teaching, loving, and acting in the world. I encourage you to be more deliberate in your Sunday worship attendance and in your prayer life as we move into this journey with Christ in the season of Lent. For one of the greatest ways for us to remember who we are is through prayer, study, worship, and humble service.
May you be blessed with a profound, life changing relationship with our one creator God and with God’s children in the world around you.
I look forward to seeing you on Sundays in this season of journey, devotion, exploration, and inner nurture that lies ahead.
Yours in the name of our blessed Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
In Christ’s love, joy, and promise,Pastor Chuck
Ash Wednesday
February 18thPrayer Vigil – all day at church or in the wider worldAt a designated time or at any timeSoup Supper – 6:30Communion Service – 7:30Please sign up in the Community Room or call the churchoffice for more information
Stony Brook Community Church Historical Facts
Did you know?
In 1809 a women named Deborah Davis invited two preachers from the Long Island Circuit of Methodist Preachers to Stony Brook. A class of worshipers was formed. Meetings were held in her home and Deborah and her husband, George, served as leaders. For nine years the group met faithfully. As you drive down Christian Avenue today, you can see the house where the roots of The Stony Brook Community Church were planted.
February 2015 3
Lectionary Calendar
February 01Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany"Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congrega-tion" (Psalm 111:1, NRSV).• Deuteronomy 18:15-20• Psalm 111 (UMH 832)• 1 Corinthians 8:1-13• Mark 1:21-28
February 08Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany"If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boast-ing, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a com-mission" (1 Corinthians 9:16-17, NRSV).• Isaiah 40:21-31• Psalm 147:1-11, 20c (UMH 859)• 1 Corinthians 9:16-23• Mark 1:29-39
February 15Transfiguration Sunday"Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them" (Mark 9:2-3, NRSV).• 2 Kings 2:1-12• Psalm 50:1-6 (UMH 783)• 2 Corinthians 4:3-6• Mark 9:2-9
February 18Ash Wednesday“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:1-3).• Joel 2:1-2, 12-17• Psalm 51:1-17 (UMH 785)• 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10• Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
February 22First Sunday in Lent"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased'" (Mark 1:9-11. NRSV). • Genesis 9:8-17• Psalm 25:1-10 (UMH 756)• 1 Peter 3:18-22• Mark 1:9-15
March 01Second Sunday in LentBut turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mark 8:33-34, NRSV). • Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16• Psalm 22:23-31 (UMH 752)• Romans 4:13-25• Mark 8:31-38
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Please join us for a lovely afternoon of Music and Fellowship
Featuring:Friends of Jazz doing a great set of American standards
The Harbor Front Trio: Phuc Phan, cello, Natalie Kress, violin, and Ofir Tome,viola
And our own Valerie Grehan
Tickets will be available starting February 22: General Admission - $15
Seniors - $12, Students - $5
For sponsorships, tickets and other information,call 631 751 0574 or email
stonybrookcommunitychurch.gmail.com
February 2015 6
Stony Brook Community Church Council Update
Church Council met on January 20, 2015. At the meeting reports were heard from Committees, Trustees, Finance and the Pastor:
The month ahead will be a busy time for the youth of the church. Valentino Night is right around the corner on February 8th. There will be two seatings; 5:30 and 7:00. Tickets are on sale after service and at the door. We are excited for this lovely evening! The MYF is also looking ahead to the 30 Hour Famine on March 1st. The youth will be taking part of the service as a conclusion to the 30 hours. Come be a part of this important event! The youth also participated in collecting food for Souper Bowl Sunday. We’re still waiting to hear which “team” had the largest donation of food!
On February 10th, Gail Chase will be organizing a wonderful event for the women of the church. We will be making val-entines to send to people in our church and community. Come be a part of this wonderful time of fellowship! We will meet at 7:30 in the Community Room. Bring your supply of scissors, tape, and glue.Trustees have been busy with various repairs for all the buildings. Finance is developing a budget for the year with the help of the various committees. Op Shop will continue to operate as we make plans for the future.
Pastor Chuck outlined plans for the upcoming Lenten season. Ash Wednesday is February 18th and our church will be hosting a dinner for neighboring Methodist churches at 6:30, with a service to follow at 7:30. A sign-up sheet is in the Community Room for those who wish to make soup, bring salad, and help with set-up and clean-up. For the following Wednesdays during Lent, dinner and service will be held at each of the other participating churches. In addition, a prayer vigil for Ash Wednesday at our church will be held throughout the day. If you would like to participate, the sign-up sheet is in the Community Room. Pastor Chuck attended a convocation in January for the new Bishop, which was very successful.
Well, get out your calendar everyone! The Apple Festival is only 7 months away: September 12th! The committee begins meeting in February and new ideas are happily entertained.
Council next meets February 17th. Any member of the church is invited to attend.
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A light lunch will be provided by the district.
To ensure an adequate supply of food PLEASE R.S.V.P. to the District office
if you intend to be present for the meal. The deadline for your R.S.V.P.
is noon on Tuesday, February 17th.
Long Island East District (631) 366-2396 [email protected]
Bishop Jane Allen Middleton is coming to the
Long Island East District!
Saturday February 21, 2015
Order of the Day
10:00AM - 12:30PM Time with Clergy
12:30PM - 1:30PM
Luncheon (All Welcome)
1:30PM - 3:00PM Time With Laity
Yes, our new Bishop
will be spending a day on our district!
Clergy and laity
will have the opportunity to engage Bishop Middleton in their
separate affinity groups as she guides us
in conversations about leadership.
In her time with clergy
our Bishop will engage those present in discussions regarding
excellence in pastoral leadership,
including resources for building
on the gifts we’ve been given.
In her time with laity,
Bishop Middleton will discuss
the role of the laity in the vitality
of congregations.
Come and be blessed by the presence and guidance
of our new spiritual leader! Bible United Methodist Church of New York 1201 Carll’s Straight Path ~ Dix Hills, NY 11746
February 2015 8
Person to Person/Disciple to Disciple Saturday, February 7th, 2015
Hampton Bays UMC 158 West Montauk Highway Hampton Bays, NY 11946
(631) 728‐1660
Saturday, February 14th, 2015 Westbury UMC
265 Asbury Ave Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 333‐0874
8:15 a.m. ‐ 2:30 p.m. You may attend all or any part of this event.
You may attend one or both days. Please RSVP to the District Office (631) 366‐2396 or liedistrict@nyac‐umc.com about what workshop(s) you will attend as well as if you will stay for lunch, so leaders know
how many handouts to prepare and we know how much food to order. Thanks!
At the Person to Person/Disciple to Disciple Resourcing & Training Event you will experience a Spirit‐filled time of worship, learning and fellowship with other laity and clergy of the Long Island East District.
Order of the Day 8:15 – 9:00 Registration & Refreshments 9:00 ‐ 10:00 Worship 10:15 ‐ 11:45 Workshops #1 12:00 – 1:30 Workshops #2 1:30 – 2:30 Luncheon & Fellowship
Being elected to a leadership position in your church is a huge responsibility. That is especially true in these difficult days, when the fate of the world could very well depend upon how effectively the church goes about the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
We learn and grow with changing times, and best practices evolve. Make sure you are equipped to undertake your ministry with excellence.
Come, and learn something new, or refresh your knowledge of a favorite topic. The world is
depending on the church, and the church is depending on you!
February 2015 9
Workshops: 1)"Birthing the Bible: The Formation of the Biblical Canon" with Rev. Hal Low. Rev. Hal Low ‐ Pastor Hal is a native New Yorker. He did his undergraduate work in History at Stony Brook University, and graduated with his Master of Divinity Magna Cum Laude from Drew University. He currently serves at Wesley UMC in Franklin Square, NY. Pastor Hal has a long standing dedication to the serious study of the Sacred Scriptures, combined with a deep passion for animated teaching, His other great passion is gardening. Pastor Hal has one son who is his pride and joy.
Where did the book, or rather the collection of books, we call the Bible come from? Did God hand Moses what we know as the Bible on Mt. Sinai, or was it Mt. Horeb, or perhaps neither? Who decided what books were in and what books were out, and why? Whose Bible is the "real" Bible? What does "inspiration" mean and what role did it play in the process?
Knowing the real historical processes and circumstances behind the formation of the scriptures will give you a deeper appreciation for what the scriptures are, and a deeper understanding of who the church is and the movement of the Holy Spirit within the church.
2) “Church Finances” – Ross Williams and the Conference Finance Staff Ross is a life‐long United Methodist who has served in the roles of Treasurer, Finance Chair and Stewardship Chair. Ross was previously VP Controller of Cognizant Technology Solutions, a global provider of Information Technology services. Ross is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an M.B.A. from Fordham University.
Ross will present “a discussion on Church Finances including the most frequently asked questions of his office. Topics will include taxes, budgeting, auditing, apportionments and clergy benefits along with others.”
3) Church Technology 101 ‐ Putting A Billboard On Your Neighbor's Lawn – Rev. David Czeisel Today getting the word out about your church's ministries requires a balance of attractional (i.e. websites) and missional (i.e. tweets, shares) online methods. Many of these require knowing where people are regularly accessing the kind of information you're providing. Our class will share how to get your church's information out there using:
Denominational, ecumenical and other websites (i.e. Google Maps, Patch) Facebook posts and shares on other's pages Facebook ads Weekly E‐newsletters
Rev. David Czeisel is a United Methodist pastor serving the Glen Cove UMC and the Village Church of Bayville. In addition to previous workshops at Leaders To Leaders, he also teaches with the RPMBox Digital Ministry Seminar team, and has taught seminars through the Parish Resource Center of Long Island and the Bayville Free Library.
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4) Lay Servant Ministries and Clergy Guidance – For Laity and Clergy – The Rouse Team The Rouses share a TEAM MINISTRY providing a clergy and lay servant approach within their local church, which Huntington‐Cold Spring Harbor. They are leading this workshop to... * Describe meaningful ways to strengthen Lay Servant Ministries in local churches. * Suggest effective ways in using the Nurture, Outreach & Witness structure for supportive laity and clergy serving the church. * Share information on guiding use of Scripture, Church tradition/history, UMC polity, doctrine & connectional resources in the local church. * Recommend development of leadership in faith‐sharing, community outreach, Christian education and membership caregiving. * Encourage maintenance of active roles in the Church Luonne Abram Rouse is. since 1982. Pastor‐UMCH‐CSH 2010; Assistant Professor United Methodist Studies ‐ Erskine Seminary, 1996‐2004; Adjunct Professor Black History ‐ NYTS, 2006‐08; Pastoral Care & Counseling ‐ UTS, 2008; License Marriage & Family Therapist; Fellow‐American Association Pastoral Counselors. Marie L. Rouse is .a Retired Elementary School Teacher with 29 years experience; Twice Teacher of the Year; Reading Specialist; Co‐president Clergy Spouse NYAC; Co‐DCOM LIED‐NYAC; Minister's Spouse at UMCH‐CSH; Married to Luonne, both, being Stephen Ministry Leaders.
5) Missions (Hampton Bays Location Only on February 7) – The Rev. Lorraine De Armitt is a retired elder in the NYAC. She is the LIE District Missions Coordinator, and is especially interested in helping congregations expand their involvement in GLocal mission work [global and local!]."
The workshop will look at the new missions awards guidelines, and help church leaders think about "Next Steps" for their congregations in terms of identifying need both locally and globally, and matching those needs with church resources and passion for mission.
6) Staff/Pastor‐Parish Relations will be led by our District Superintendent, the Rev. Adrienne Brewington. New information will be shared about the new manner clergy will be appointed to churches. Members of the SPR committee and lay leaders are especially encouraged to attend.
7) Trustees Hampton Bays Location on February 7th will be led by Mr. William Moore, Attorney. Led by the Rev. Ken Kiefer, District Superintendent, Westbury location on the 14th.
More may be offered. Check the forms available on site each day!
February 2015 11
DOING THE VOICES By Dave Barnhart
“Do the voices, Daddy.” It’s a common request that kids make of their parents when it is bedtime, and the parent has been dragging through the bedtime ritual, longing for sweet, sweet sleep. The parent starts reading a bedtime story in a listless monotone, and the child corrects the parent: “Do the voices.” If she were an acting coach or a movie director, she might say, “Put your heart into it!”
Christians often debate what the Bible means or how to interpret particular passages, but one thing we don’t often talk about explicitly is how we do the voices. The voice we use to read the Bible makes a big difference in how we hear it, whether we read it publicly in church or at home during devotional reading. It’s one reason I enjoy watch-ing religious movies, because how different directors choose to shoot the same scene tells you a lot about their theology. Is Jesus speaking in a serene “spiritual” voice? Or is he speaking with an edge, or even snarky sarcasm? How are characters cast — their ethnicity, size and age? Do they have loud or soft voices, reedy voices or gravelly voices? Does God boom from heaven like James Earl Jones? You can tell a lot about somebody’s implicit theol-ogy by the voices they choose to represent different characters.
I also note what kind of characters speak with what kind of accents in Bible movies. For some reason, Roman and Egyptian leaders often speak with English accents and soldiers speak with Scottish ones. But nobody speaks with a Boston accent or a southern drawl! We are so used to these conventions that we don’t question them, or consider what they tell us about class or ethnicity, or who we consider exotic and “other.”
I often suggest that people read the Bible out loud, even during devotional study. Sometimes reading out loud is the only way you can follow the convoluted phrasing of Paul’s longer sentences, or hear the choppiness of Mark’s writing, or hear the parallelism or wit of Psalms and Proverbs.
I also suggest that people try out different voices. Imagine that you are a director of a movie, casting different ac-tors to play different roles. What if Jesus looks and speaks more like Chris Rock or Danny DeVito, instead of Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of the Christ,” 2004) or Jeffrey Hunter (“King of Kings,” 1961)? How does that change how you hear the gospel? Who would you cast as Jesus, as Pilate, as Mary or as Peter? Why? When you ask these kinds of questions and play this game with friends, you are beginning to dig into your own implicit theology. Why do we feel that God “should” speak with a certain voice?
It’s no secret that we bring a lot of baggage into our reading of Scripture, both from pop culture and church cul-ture, but we can begin to identify these biases when we talk about tone and voice. For example, consider Galatians 3:1-4:
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so much for nothing?” (NRSV).
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Paul says he only wants to learn one thing, but then he asks no less than five questions. He’s clearly flustered, but you could choose to read this in any number of voices. Paul could be pleading, or he could be exasperated, or he could be so angry he spits out the words. Maybe he pauses, trying to search for the right words, or maybe he’s so angry he plows forward and the sentences become one long rant.
Unfortunately, when we read Scripture in church, we often put on the “Bible voice,” which reads everything in the same pious monotone. But whenever we read, we are engaged in active interpretation even in the tone we choose. Some folks in one Bible study I lead talk about my “sarcastic, badass Jesus” voice. It’s not a voice that they are used to hearing in the church traditions they come from, but it’s the voice I use to read Matthew 21:25, when Jesus defends his authority against the religious leaders: “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” I imagine Jesus leaning forward, jabbing his finger into the air. When they can’t an-swer, he leans back, arms folded across his chest. “Then neither will I answer you, Mr. Smarty-pants.”
No, Jesus doesn’t ever say “Mr. Smarty-pants.” But when I do the voices, it’s implied.
Dave Barnhart is the pastor of Saint Junia UMC in Birmingham, Ala.