The Flame The Owego United Methodist Church, 261 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827

Telephone: 607-687-2417 Email: owegounitedmethodist@verizon.netWebsite: www.owegoumc.org Flame Articles to: faithatwork@stny.rr.com

The Flame may be read on our website owegoumc.org – if you are notreceiving your newsletter by email and wish to do so, please let the church

office know so we can add you to the list. Thank You!Purpose Statement: Who We Are – The people of the Owego United Methodist Church are being transformed by the biblical message and the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, so as to grow and flourish as children of a loving God.What We Are Called to Do – Our purpose is to use God’s empowering spirit through acts of faith, fellowship and

service to share Christ’s love that we may be a blessing to the world for the glory of God.Senior Pastor: Rev. James W. Stevens Editor/Typist: Deborah Borrelli

OUMC Worship Schedule – March 2017

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Ash Wednesday Worship Time: 7:00 pm Rev. James Stevens

Sunday, March 5, 2017 Worship Times: 8:15 & 10:30 am

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11Sermon: Debra Arnold

Sunday, March 12, 2017 Communion/Healing Service Worship Times: 8:15 & 10:30 am 1st Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 3:1-7Sermon: “Born Again” Rev. James W. Stevens

Sunday, March 19, 2017 Worship Times: 8:15 & 10:30 am

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7Sermon: “How Thirsty Are You?” Rev. James W. Stevens

Sunday, March 26, 2017 Worship Times: 8:15 & 10:30 am

Scripture: John 9:1-7Sermon: “Punishment” Rev. James W. Stevens

My dad, who was born on March 19th, always said that he was born in a blizzard, and spent the rest of his life in a fog. Interestingly enough, he made some of the greatest mysteries in life clear for myself and for many other people. In particular, he was able to demonstrate God’s love with a clarity that I have rarely experienced elsewhere. As we focus on our relationship with God, ultimately a relationship of pure love, during this season of Lent, I want to share a story.

When I was a senior in high school, a classmate, a young lady with whom I had attended church and Sunday school and considered a good friend all my life became pregnant. She immediately stopped coming to church. I tried to figure out something I could say, to let her know that my attitude toward her hadn’t changed, and that I felt sure that she was welcome and would be loved by everyone at church, and I believe that she would have been, but I had no idea how to approach it, fearful (terrified) that I would somehow make things worse. I think my dad recognized what was going on inside me, and sat me down one day with the words “I want to talk to you about this.” He said, “I can’t tell you what to do, but know that she is the same person you have always known, and loved, and know that your mom and I still love her too. And more importantly, God hasn’t stopped loving her.”

Years later, I ran into her in a youth event, and she raced over and gave me a big hug, and I found that she was super active in her church, working with youth, and we talked extensively about the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I was overjoyed, and realized that I had held that concern for her over all the intervening years.

Years later LATER, I was going to do a funeral for her (are you ready?) step-grandmother-in-law. As I was getting ready, I realized that she would be there, and I had the strongest urging to tell her about my father’s words, to make sure that she knew that my dad loved her. It was overpowering, and as the day approached, I sort of felt like that teenage kid again, unsure of what to say, but knowing that this time, I would address it! The day came, and I discovered that she wasn’t able to be there. I was somewhat shocked, considering the preparation I felt that the Lord had put me through, but following the service, a young lady came up to me and introduced herself, and her husband of a few days – it was my friend’s daughter. She said, “My mom asked me to say “Hi” but I really wanted to meet you anyway and tell you about your dad. When you talked about God’s love today, I wanted you to know that I understand that because of your father. When I was little, my favorite memory was after church, he’d be waiting for me, looking for me, and when he spotted me, he would drop to one knee, and I would race into his arms, and he would pick me up and hug me, and I have never felt more loved.” Then she laughed and said, “EVERY week!” It’s burned into my brain. God wasn’t preparing me to talk, but to listen. A testimony of words put into action, of love professed and exemplified by the partnership in life of my God, and my father. I hope my arms are that open. I hope yours are too. Opening our arms to God, and for God are a big part of the nature of Lent. Rejoice!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Jamie

Lenten Bible StudyWednesdays of Lent - March 8, 15, 22, 29, & April 5

6:00 pm – Lenten Supper – Fellowship Hall6:45 pm – Communion – Ruey B. Stickney Memorial Chapel7:00 pm – Lenten Study – Ruey B. Stickney Memorial Chapel

This year’s study is still to be determined – watch for details.

Reservations for the suppers are needed. The cost is $6.00 per person. Place the convenient form (below) in the offering plate or call the church office at 687-2417 with your reservation by Tuesday, 12 noon of that week’s supper.

You may attend any one of the above activities or all three.

Thank you to Judy Hartman, Mel Patterson, Nikki Schreiner, Carolyn Gwin, and Deb Arnold for providing the meals.

_________________________Tear off and place in offering plate________________________“Lenten Bible Study”

_____ Mar. 8 – Beef Stew/Biscuits, salad, dessert, beverage

_____ Mar. 15 – Cheesy Ham/Potato Soup, salad, bread, dessert, beverage_____ March 22 – Sloppy Joes, salad, dessert, beverage

_____ March 29 – Vegetable soup, Italian bread, dessert, beverage

_____ April 5 – Macaroni/Cheese, salad, dessert, beverage

Name _______________________________ # attending __________

GETTING TO KNOW YOUThis month the focus is on the three teachers in our middle school class (grades 6 – 8). They are Pastor Jamie Stevens, Debra Taft, and Marilyn Ochs. Our Pastor Jamie Stevens

Jamie was born on 11/27/57 in Hume, NY. His family consists of 2 sisters (who have joined us in this church from time to time); his father, who is a music teacher in the Hume public schools; and his mother, who is a lifetime organist and Sunday School teacher in the Hume Methodist Church. Jamie graduated from Hume High School in 1976, and from Cornell University in 1980. It was then he decided to become a pastor. In September of 1981, he married Kathy and enrolled in Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Jamie and Kathy’s son Travis was born the following year. Jamie graduated from Asbury in 1983 and was ordained a Deacon. He was appointed to Lockport UMC as an Associate Pastor for 6 years. In 1985, Jamie was ordained an elder and his daughter Lindsay was born. He was appointed Pastor of Lyndonville UMC for 8 years. In 1991 Alyssa was born. Jamie was later appointed to Dansville UMC and was there for 16 years. In 2015, we were blessed to have him appointed here in Owego.

Pastor Jamie taught the Confirmation Class his first year here and enjoyed the interaction with the youth so much that he continues this year as a permanent member of our Sunday School staff. His gifts and graces are so full of music (guitar, banjo, ukulele, vocal) and love and laughter that our Sunday School is truly blessed! His hobbies include hunting, fishing, wood-working and enjoying his grandson Warren. You might also catch the “Jamie/Kathy Duo” at open mike night at Carol’s Coffee Bar in downtown Owego.

Jamie’s personal reflection is a memory he shared. He remembers at age 5 answering the call to give his life to Jesus at a revival meeting – just because he wanted to! Jesus was as real to him then as He is today, which is another reason he enjoys teaching Sunday School and leading Children’s Time during the Sunday service. Jesus’ love is real whether you are 7 or 70! And to quote Pastor Jamie: Can I hear an Amen to that?

Debra Taft Debra Taft is the daughter of Ken and Melody Patterson and the sister of Michelle Hogancamp. She

was brought up in our church, went to Owego schools and graduated from OFA in 1993. She married Tom Taft, who passed away last year. They have three sons: Tim, Aaron, and Tyler. Her children all attended Sunday School and participated in many youth activities.

Debbie, always a willing parent volunteer, has taught the middle school class for 3 years. She is the Director of Club Positive, the before and after school program at O.E.S., run by the Boys and Girls Club of Owego. Thus, she offers a wealth of good ideas to our Sunday School program.

Her hobbies are Civil War Reenactments, family fun, and FOOTBALL (Go OFA! Go Giants!) The youth are blessed. What a loving addition to our Sunday School teaching team she is.

Marilyn OchsMarilyn Ochs is a middle school Sunday School teacher and the curriculum coordinator for the children’s Sunday School. Marilyn was born in 1929, which means she will be 88 this year, in Corning NY to Clara and Russell Allen. Marilyn has 2 sisters and 1 brother. In 1933, her family moved to Endicott and she graduated from U. E High School in 1947. She graduated from SUNY Albany in 1951. Marilyn taught in many schools, including Cohocton, Corning, Elmira, and Owego. In 1953, she married Reid Ochs, who was a newspaper reporter. In 1955, Marilyn earned her Master’s Degree and her family joined OUMC. In 1957, Mark Ochs was born. The following year Scott Ochs was born. In 1962 Deidre Ochs (we know her as Dee Dee Jones) was born. In 1969, her beloved husband died. Before she turned 40, Marilyn had to raise her three children alone. In 1991, Marilyn retired after 40 years in public education.

Marilyn lists ‘a few of her favorite things’ as teaching Sunday School, Volunteers in Mission (VIM) in Zimbabwe; Educational Opportunities (E. O.) Travels to Israel, Oberamagau [Ed. Note: located in Bavaria, Germany and known for its passion plays and woodcarvers], Greece, and Italy. She also loves and enjoys her 7 grandchildren and 1 greatgrandchild, as well as volunteering in our church library and storytelling.

Marilyn’s ‘last word’ is this: The Methodist Church with its Open Doors – Open Minds – Open Hearts is where I have always encountered Jesus Christ and where I serve Him today!

There are so many groups in our church that do God’s work and serve him in a mighty way. And we serve by supporting these groups in what they do. We have the Dortheans, the Men’s Group, Missions, Friendship café. Please continue to support

these vital works in our church.

~ ~ ~Many hands make light work. ~ ~ ~__________________________________________________________

Dortheans

On April 1, the Dortheans will host an Italian Fest from 4:00 to 7:00 in Fellowship Hall. The menu will include spaghetti, meatballs, vegetable lasagna, meat lasagna, chicken cacciatore, tossed salad, bread, and an Italian dessert. The cost is $10 for adults, $7 for kids ages 7 – 12, and free for kids 6 and under.

On Palm Sunday, April 9, we will have a bake sale featuring all kinds of baked goods. We welcome donations from anyone for this sale. We hope you will stop by to purchase some delicious treats.

The next meeting of the Dortheans will be on Wednesday, March 15, at 1:00 in Room 106 of the Barton Education Building.

__________________________________________________________________

88 cans! We thank you for your donations of 88 cans of soup for our Souper Bowl Sunday collection. The staff at Tioga County Rural Ministries was very pleased!

We are collecting packets of vegetable and herb seeds for the “Seeds for Hunger” project. The collection will end on April 2 so the seeds can be sent to the Jackson Area Ministries Center and then distributed for the beginning of the growing season. There are collection baskets in the sanctuary and one on the Missions Table in Fellowship Hall.

Our next meeting will be on Sunday March 12 at 9:30 in the Wesley House Conference Room.

We thank you for your continued support of our missions which help people in our community, our country, and the world.

The Men's GroupReal maple syrup

OUMC Family Pancake BreakfastMen, women & children - all are welcome!

Saturday, March 11, 2017in OUMC Fellowship Hall

8:00 am to 10:00 am$5.00 - Adults - $3.00 ages 12 and under

Sponsored by OUMC Men’s GroupQuestions/directions – call the Church Office at 687-2417

___________________________________________________________________

Give us this day our daily bread (Mt. 6:11 ESV).

DAILY BREAD Have you ever read or said anything so often it becomes rote, but in becoming rote it lost its meaning? We say the Lord’s Prayer every Sunday, but I confess sometimes I am just saying the words at the same time thinking what I need to do after church. (Shhh! Don’t tell Pastor Jamie; let it be our little secret.) One of the reasons I love the Bible is because you can read a scripture one hundred times but on the hundred and first time, the Holy Spirit enlightens you to something new. This is what happened to me when I read the above scripture. I was reminded of the Israelites during their time in the wilderness - how they had to rely on the God’s provision to literally supply their daily bread in the form of manna from heaven. The Israelites depended on God to provide the right amount of manna for their survival. If they took too much, the bread would turn into maggots and not be able to eat. If they didn’t take enough they would be hungry. So, when we ask God for our daily bread we are asking him to help us through this day. Not tomorrow, not 10 years down the road, but give us the strength, the wisdom, the ability to get through this day and with all the joys, struggles and heartache it has for us. Life is a journey and we tend to worry about what we cannot understand or control. We are told, ”So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.” Trust God with your daily bread.

Thought to ponder:What has become rote in your spiritual journey? Maybe it’s time to try something new to gain a new perspective. Try a different devotional or version of the bible. Maybe it is as simple or complex as asking yourself, ‘Have I grown in my journey with the Lord?’ Then pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you into a deeper relationship with our heavenly father.

Devotional submitted by:

Open to the Public

Debra Arnold

Lay Servant Ministries

As a Christian, we are all disciples of Jesus Christ, and being a Lay Servant I like to think of as just another name for disciple. Think of the parable of the good Samaritan when you see or hear the word Lay Servant. Lay servant doesn’t mean getting up in front of the congregation on Sundays to preach or be liturgist unless you have heard the call of God to the role of Lay Speaker. You can be a lay servant in your family, neighborhood, or place of business. Being a lay servant is using your gifts and talents to further God’s kingdom by showing his love to all.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, it is also our responsibility to grow in maturity in our faith. John Wesley felt we did this by prayer, bible study, service to others, and fellowship with others. There are opportunities to grow through the Lay Servant classes in person or on line. Below are the upcoming classes which will be held within the Binghamton District of the United Methodist Church. If these classes do not fit into your schedule, another way of participating and growing in your faith would be to take an online class through beadisciple.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or see me at church.

Deb Arnold, OUMC Lay LeaderCall or text: (607)972-8396darnold88@gmail.com

LAY SERVANT SPRING CLASSESMark your calendar! The Lay Servant classes for the spring are set and are as follows. If you have any questions, please contact Melody Patterson, Marilyn Ochs, or Deborah Borrelli.

Friday and SaturdayApril 28 & 29Registration: Friday 5:30Class Fri. 6:00 to 9:00 & Sat. 8:00 to 3:00

Waverly UMC Basic

Leading Prayer

Marilyn OchsMelody PattersonPastor Alan Bill

Friday and SaturdayApril 28 & 29Registration: Friday 5:30Class Fri. 6:00 to 9:00 & Sat. 8:00 to 3:00

Ogden Hillcrest UMC BasicMiracles

Pastor Joyce AllenRev. Mark Marino

Tuesday and ThursdayMay 9, 11, 16, 18Registration: 5:30Classes: 6:00 to 8:30

Owego UMC Biblical Storytelling I

HeritageBasic

Rev. Jamie Stevens and Marilyn OchsPastor Bill PrenticeDrew Griffin and Rev. Anne Canfield

Lord, Is It I?

For the last six years, the men of the Owego United Methodist Church have presented the play Lord, Is It I? by Ernest K. Emurian on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. The play is set in the Upper Room as Leonardo da Vinci portrayed in his famous painting The Last Supper.

The play begins with the disciples gathering in the Upper Room for the Passover meal, where Jesus says to them “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” (Matthew 26:21). After the shock of hearing Jesus say this, one at a time the disciples step forward, face the audience, reflect on their life with Jesus and then ask the question, “Lord, is it I?” This simple phrase starts with the acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord. We can only imagine what may have been going through the disciple’s minds, especially Judas, the one who ultimately betrays his friend and mentor. In Matthew's account of the Last Supper, he reports that the disciples were greatly distressed. The intensity of their distress really does not come through in the written accounts of the Last Supper, found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

Can the cast, two thousand years after this earth shattering and world changing event, come close to approximating what those twelve men may have been feeling? They were friends, who had spent three years together. They loved Jesus and he loved them, yet they still didn't quite understand who and what Jesus was. Could he really be the Messiah and the King of the Jews? Some imagined that Jesus would be a political leader and some a military leader and for some the savior of mankind. The disciples were confronted with losing him and they learned that Jesus would be betrayed by one of their own. It was beyond their comprehension.

This year once again, I wonder which man will commit to playing which disciple. Who will accept the risk and step forward? Who will ask, “Lord, is it I?” Will they just act out the part or will they, deep in their heart, ask it of themselves? Will it be personal? Will the audience be moved?

Each year brings its own unique challenges. There have been years when it appeared that there was absolutely no way that we were going to have the fourteen men needed. That number includes the narrator, the twelve disciples and Jesus. Usually ten or eleven men will step up and commit, but finding the remaining two or three men has been difficult. With the core group of men who return each year and through fervent prayer, we have been able to have successful plays.

Sometimes I think it would be nice to let someone else do this so that I could sit in the audience and watch. Then I remember why I suggested it in the first place. I came across an article in the Interpreter telling about the Lansing Methodist Churches presentation of “Lord, Is It I?” When I read the article, my immediate thought was that it would be the perfect project for the men of the Owego United Methodist Church. Not me, mind you, but “the men” of the church. The director from the Lansing Methodist Church graciously met with Bev and me and gave us a copy of everything she had. Our Maundy Thursday presentation of Lord, Is It I? has become a tradition that draws people from all over the area to our church. You, the congregation are invited to come and experience Lord, is it I on April 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm. Please bring a friend. Respectfully Submitted by Jeff Dimick

Are we missing your birthday?Please let the Church Office know.

687-2417

March Birthdays

1. Andrew Arbes

2. Lauren Dewey-WrightCarrie (Tronkowski) LukeDan NickelsDave OstranderKeith Shields

3. David Swenton

4. Patrick Joseph BidwellBarb ReeseRichard Alex Verno

5. Blanche DavisJane Woodburn

6. Gerald Russell

7.8. Helen Dimick

9. Daniel CummAbby Murphy

10. Alysah BerwaldMike Hollenbeck

11.12. Lynn McCormick

13. Ron BellMary Mundt Emily WarfleMegan (Allen) Williams

14.15. Holly Jagger

Lorraine ReynoldsAlison Wainwright

3/17

16. Caleb Simerson

17. Eleanor Melville18. Scott Stannard

19. Alison KemererLinda Russell

20. Denise (Hodge) Gordon

21. Margaret DimickStephen JaggerBrian Rohrabaugh

22. Trevor LarchevequeEdgar Morgan

23. Courtney Jacobs24.25.26. Christopher Linaberry

MaryAnne VanBurger

27. Karen Wood28.29. Megan Barnhart

Sarah Whitney

30. Jonah BarnhartErin BerwaldJoan FisherLinda Moreland

31. Joe SwentonSuzanne Gilbert

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

  

    1 Ash Wednesday  8 am—Men’s Group7 pm-Worship Service

2  6 pm—ACT Supper7 pm—Chancel Choir

3  4:45 pm-Celebration Choir

4

5   

6 7  10 am—Craft Group

8 8 am-Men’s Grp. 6 pm-Lenten Supper6:45—Communion7 pm—Bible Study

9  6 pm—ACT Supper7 pm—Chancel Choir

10  4:45 pm-Celebration Choir

11  8:-00-10:00 am -Pancake Breakfast

12 10:30 am -Communion/HealingWorship Service9:30 am-Missions7 pm-Emmaus Reunion

13 14   10 am—Craft Group

15 8 am-Men’s Grp. 1 pm-Dortheans 

6 pm-Lenten Supper6:45—Communion7 pm—Bible Study

16  6 pm—ACT Supper7 pm—Chancel Choir

17   4:45 pm-Celebration Choir

18

19  11:30 am-Blood Pressure Check

20  

21   10 am—Craft Group

228 am-Men’s Grp. 

6 pm-Lenten Supper6:45—Communion7 pm—Bible Study

23  6 pm—ACT Supper7 pm—Chancel Choir

24  4:45 pm-Celebration Choir

25

26 NO Cherub or Teen Choirs

27 28  10 am—Craft Group7 pm—Trustees

29 BLOOD DRIVE8 8 am-Men’s Grp. 

6 pm-Lenten Supper6:45—Communion7 pm—Bible Study

30  6 pm—ACT Supper7 pm—Chancel Choir

31  NO Celebration Choir

 

Every Sunday8:15 & 10:30 am—Worship Service 8:30 am—Cherub Choir9 am—Sunday School9:30 am—Coffee fellowship11:30 am—Coffee hour

2017

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10