first united methodist church -...
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April 2016 Issue Deadline for Next Issue: April 17
First United Methodist Church
Dear Friends, Greetings to you in this joyous and pleasant season. We had a truly blessed worship celebration for Holy Week and Easter. All services were moving and well attended. We praise God for the gift of new and everlasting life we have received through our risen and living Lord. We also had a wonderful Palm Sunday Concert on March 20. Special thank you to all our serv-ants: Henry Repp, Mark Hontz, chancel choir, bell choir, soloists, Wesley Wind Ensemble, Easter flower decorators, ushers, greet-ers, worship readers, sound and video crew, and church office staff (Jerri Gilsky), and many volunteers behind the scenes. Thank you very much for your beautiful team work. During this Easter season, I pray that you will find opportunities to go deeper in your walk with the Lord. It means attending worship services more regularly. It means getting into the daily routine of reading God’s Word and praying by faith. It means participating in at least one small group with your fellow church friends. It means doing one good thing for others in need. It means sharing the joy of Christ with those around you, especially your loved ones right next to you. So, let’s roll! The month of April is going to be another active time at our church: JOY Fellowship Contemporary Service will now be offered every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. On April 16, we will have our
April 2016 Page 2
FINANCIAL UPDATE
We are now at the end of the first quarter and our income is at 24.6% totaling $58,868.00 which is quite good. Our expenses are at $62,770.00 which is at 25.4% Leaving us with a differ-ence of <$ 3,902.00>. All of the current bills and payroll taxes are paid in full. We have paid one month of our Mission Obli-gation to the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. This is due in part to the mild weather we have had this winter and the faithfulness of our congregation to support us with their pledges and gifts. I thank you on behalf of the Finance Committee.
~ Shirley Spooner
Annual “International Dinner” for scholarship for youth, and many of us will be involved in this joyous feast. On April 17, we will have a “Mission Celebration” with mission updates and a Baptism Service for Annabelle Stewart. On April 24, new members will join our church and we will host Skylands Dis-trict UMW Spring Celebration as well. Every Sunday we will have a special service for celebrating God’s presence in our lives. All aspects of our ministry - worshipping, learning, serving, and sharing - will continue to move in full swing.
May God continue to inspire our hearts and minds to serve God and God’s church with generous giving and faithful service.
With Hope and Gratitude,
Pastor Jennifer
Page 3 April 2016
APRIL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
JOY Contemporary Service: 9:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.
Church School: 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. April 3 JOY Fellowship Service @ 9:00 a.m. ` Preacher: Joe Capitulik, Lay Servant
Holy Communion & Commissioning Service @ 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Mark Hontz, Lay Servant
April 10 JOY Fellowship Service @ 9:00 a.m.
185th Capital Drive Update @ 10:30 a.m.
April 17 JOY Fellowship Service @ 9:00 a.m.
Baptism and Mission Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.
April 24 JOY Fellowship Service @ 9:00 a.m.
New Member Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Joe Capitulik, Lay Servant
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Church members who are graduating high school seniors are invited to apply for the First United Methodist Church of New-ton's Scholarship. The scholarship application can be down-loaded from the FUMCN web site on the Outreach page: http://newtonumc.com/cp/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Newton-FUMC-Scholarship-Application.pdf
April 2016 Page 4
Spring Has Sprung!
Let’s celebrate together at the April
Coffeehouse
First United Methodist Church of Newton 111 Ryerson Avenue, Newton
Friday, April 1, 2016
at 7:30 p.m. Featuring:
Wesley Wind Ensemble
Kathleen Meredith &
The Hontz Family
Bring a friend or four for a casual evening of fellowship, food and music.
Page 5 April 2016
JOY CONTEMPORARY SERVICE Now Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Now you have two opportunities to worship on Sunday mornings! In addition to our traditional service, our JOY Fellowship Contemporary Service is now being offered every Sunday 9:00 a.m. Come and enjoy a comfor table setting with excellent praise music, inspiring messages, and fun fellowship. You’ll be glad you did!
JOY Fellowship—March 20, 2016
2016 LAITY RECOGNITION AWARD— BEULAH CAPITULIK
Congratulations! Beulah Capitulik will receive the Laity Recognition Award for her ministry at Newton First UMC. The Laity Board is honored to present her this award at the Laity Celebration on April 23, 2016 at the new Mission and Resource Center in Neptune, NJ.
April 2016 Page 6
Volunteers are key to our ministry. Stephanie Doyle and Donna Meisinger faithfully lead our church school classes each week and have done so for many years. Teaching and guiding our children to love and to follow the Christian life is essential to making new deciples –our churches primary goal. We greatly appreciate their commitment; please take a moment to extend your personal thanks.
Our Lenten Food Bag Program was a great success. Thanks to all for suppor ting our annual food dr ive for
the needy in our community. Special thanks to Russell McCue who invited his
friends and family to contribute food in lieu of birthday gifts in celebration of his 90th birthday—a great idea which others may wish to emulate to support our year around food donations.
Thanks to our Cub Scout Pack #85 who also added to this project from their annual door to door food collection.
Thanks to our UMW team for leading this effor t.
GOD LOVES YOU! --- LOVE HIM, TOO! Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (The 4
th t Commandment)
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
Our Mission: Transform the world with God’s love
by being and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our Vision: Reaching and serving all people with
God’s message of hope.
Page 7 April 2016
Our 185th Anniversary Celebration projects are progressing! Work on the stained glass windows has been contracted and will begin in June.
The lectern side of the chancel area has been modified; we now have risers in the performance area, safety railings, improved seating, a new microphone and spruce-up of the baptismal font. During the spring we will focus on painting, floor coverings, sound system and telephone upgrades and other improvements with focus on the sanctuary and office annex. Our task force con-tinues to develop plans to accomplish all of the projected goals, as listed in the tri-fold available in the narthex.
Thanks to the many volunteers who have been so important to the progress of these projects as we continue Restoration & Renewal of our church facility. Thanks, also, for your gifts in support of our projects—pledges and gifts are still welcomed; forms and progress are displayed in the narthex by the vestibule entrance.
SPECIAL MISSION OFFERINGS April 3 Communion- Shared Ministries-GNJAC April 10 My Father’s House Orphanage, Haiti. We sponsor “Wilson Mathieu” with a donation of $85. per month to provide food, clothes, medical care, transportation, loving caregivers plus tuition and school supplies for his Christian education. April 17, 24 Jackson Family Mission at Ghana Mary Kay Works to bring potable water to the rural poor in Ghana while sharing the living water of Jesus. Charlie Lectures at Methodist University and witnesses to future Ghanaian leaders through his servant attitude. Chip & Ken Serve as vital witnesses in their schools.
(Special offering envelopes are provided in weekly bulletins; checks may be mailed and marked according to mission selected.)
April 2016 Page 8
FUMC MEMBER NOTES
Congratulations to Kristen & Stephen Regula, (Tom and Shirley Spooner’s daughter), on the birth of their daughter, Lorelei, on March 17th!
Congratulations to Zach and Lizzy Virga, on the birth of their son, Maxwell Jett, born on March 19th!
Condolences to Gail Ewin and family on the passing of her husband, Jim Ewin, on March 14th. A Memorial Ser-vice will be held on April 23rd at 11:00 a.m. in our sanctuary
Condolences to Shirley and Tom Spooner and family on the passing of Shirley’s sister, Ruth LaLevee, on March 15th.
Wesley Wind Ensemble—March 27, 2016
Page 9 April 2016
MEMORIALS, SPECIAL GIFTS AND ESTATES
When special occasions arise, consider the “Perfect Gift” which perpetuates our church, providing special needs be-yond the operating budget, and making a lifelong connection for individuals. Acknowledgement cards are mailed to donors & families.
Please remember your church in your will. God calls us to be faithful stewards of our possessions. A will is one way to con-tinue faithful stewardship with ‘Gifts That Keep Giving’. You may also wish mourners to give a remembrance to your church in lieu of flowers. Envelopes and forms are available in the literature rack in Holland Hall to assist friends and your execu-tor in observing this request.
Memorial gifts received this past month
In Memory of: Given by: James Coe Ewin Elsie Burdge,
Beulah & Joe Capitulik, Judith L. Coe Laura & Jim Frasier
Roberta Harris Laura & Jim Frasier Jeanne Sipley Evelyn and Robert Foster Samuel E. Mitchell, her husband Lois Mitchell In Honor of: Lois Mitchell’s 80th Birthday Adele Rosen Doris Mitchell Jeanne & Walter Current’s 70th Wedding Anniversary Lois Mitchell
GROCERY CARDS: Those who shop at Shopr ite or Weis, please try using gift cards instead of money. This is another fund raiser that helps the church. The more we use them, the more we make! Please see me, Linda Plimpton, after church.
BARGAIN BASEMENT: Please bring clean household items or toys, books, etc. Saturday morning or to the church whenever you can. Also pass the word on To your friends and family that the church has this great sale, every Saturday from 9-1.
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PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FRIENDS
Rev. & Mrs. Cho in Hawaii, Audrey States, Claus Seebeck, Jan Cohrs, Lorraine Virga, Carol Abrams, Greg Fischer, Irene Blauvelt, Shirley McCracken, Kristen Regula, Tom and Shirley Spooner, Kiersten Motz, Rebecca Schick, Jim Frasier, Carole Monesmith, Frederic Weber, Theresa Iliff, Noella Kinney, Don Pisscott, Fanelli Family, Ann Romyns, Sharon Longenecker, Friend of Terry Iliff being treated for lung cancer, Joe Rhinesmith (Rose Fischer’s brother), Trevor Wilinski and all friends and family of Kashish Negotia who recently passed
away, and Members and Friends at Bristol Glen.
Continuing Prayers – Bill Coe, Diane Bozzone, Eileen Seaman, Cooper Mufferi, Rev. Dorothy Gilbert Andover Nursing – Margaret Miller Forest Manor – Betty Lawrence Out-of-State – Gladys Heckman
Chancel Choir—March 27, 2016
Page 11 April 2016
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY CHRIST CARE GROUP Monday, April 11, 10am - 12pm at the home of John and Terry Iliff. Monday; April 25, 10am - 12pm Meeting place to be determined. Our Monday morning Christ Care group extends a very warm welcome to new members. We would love to have you join us for small group worship, discussion, prayer, and fellowship!!! Contact Merle Tanis at (973) 271-0464. DIAKONIA/UMW Diakonia Circle &UMW will meet Tues. April 12th 2:00 PM. Please join us in the Media Center to meet and fellowship with others as we plan for the following:
Sunday, April 24, 3 PM Skylands District UMW Spring Celebration Our Newton Unit will be hosting this celebration honoring recipients of Special Mission Recognition Awards; Rhonda & Harry Kays from Newton and others throughout the district. Local units will be presented with certificate awards and a special liturgical dance “Alabare” (O Praise the Lord) will be performed. Guest Speaker is Rev. Eunice Vega-Perez of Vernon United Methodist Church. We invite all members of our congregation to join the celebration and to welcome our guests. Come enjoy an inspiring program plus good food & fellowship. Please contact Beulah at (973) 383-2565 if you have questions or wish to volunteer to provide, prepare and serve refreshments to our guests from churches throughout our district. LUNCH CLUB April 27th. Meet at the church at noon for a nearby lunch. Contact Pastor Jennifer: 201-463-6696. LYDIA CIRCLE April 15th at 2:00 p.m. Contact Lynne, 973-948-5641. PRAYERS & STITCHES – April 6 & 20 @ 11:00 a.m. Learn to create hand knitted/crocheted shawls. Contact Melinda McCoy-Miller: 973-579-6465.
April 2016 Page 12
INVITATIONAL EVANGELISM LESSON 3
This month we look at how, as a church, we live out the call to be welcoming and hospitable to anyone who walks through our doors. We all love to walk through a door and be recognized, a place where we can be ourselves. How do we en-sure that people who walk into our church will feel a sense of belonging and being at home?
Creating an atmosphere where people feel at home, making sure the church is always ready and inviting—you just never know who might show up. According to research, visitors decide in three to eight minutes whether or not they’ll return.
The Greeters and Ushers are the first contact – guide-lines have been prepared for them. The congregation is invited to greet visitors and members during worship.
Our Pastor and the Worship committees work to pro-vide traditional and contemporary inspirational services
Our Trustees oversee the property and work at keeping things in repair, keeping it clean, painted, heated, cooled, etc. and adding new equipment as necessary. They are presently leading a ‘Restoration and Renewal’ campaign addressing all of the property, inside and outside.
We need everyone to use their gifts, talents and skills to build up the church, spread the good news of God’s love, and bring healing to the world. Preparing our minds for ministry and understanding our gifts and skills mean nothing, if we do not put them to good use.
Members of the body of Christ have responsibilities, working together, encouraging our members and reaching out to the world. The best way is to simply get involved. Do not wait to be asked. Instead, look for a place where you think you can help. When you become an active part of the body of Christ, you help the church to become, fully, what Christ intends, making the church unified and building people up in love so that others will want to be a part of it.
We are to be a witness and a light reaching out to the world. Let’s work together to do this!
Page 13 April 2016
INTERNATIONAL DINNER BUFFET
Come enjoy cuisine from Costa Rica, France, Germany, Korea, Italy, Thailand, the Middle East & more!
Saturday, April 16, 2016
at
First United Methodist Church of Newton 111 Ryerson Avenue, Newton
Doors open at 5:00 pm
$10.00 adults - $5.00 children (5 to 12) - under 5's free
Tickets available at the door
Questions - call 973-383-4450
Proceeds go towards International & Local Scholarships!
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Handicapped Accessible
April 2016 Page 14
First United Methodist Church 111 Ryerson Avenue Newton, NJ 07860
Phone: (973) 383-4450 Fax: (973) 383-0084
www.newtonumc.com [email protected]
BIRTHDAYS
04/01 Shirley Moore, Mary Goytil, Ralph Porter, Taryn Macaluso 04/02 Bud Post, John Edwards
04/03 Lynn Bastek, Jenna Scott, Josh Huber, Shane Snellen 04/04 Merle Tanis, Alex Miller 04/05 Dana Catalano 04/06 Stan Vogt, Donna Poyer, Heather Manochio 04/08 Mary H. Bischoff, Cindy Rich 04/09 Jeff Snook, Alice Uptegrove 4/10 Jacob Porter 4/11 Mike McGlew 04/12 Robin Vander Groef, Sarah Leusink, Michaela Virga 04/13 Elsie Burdge, Debra King, Billy Edwards 04/14 Alexa Babcock 04/16 Helen Thompson, Natalie Elvidge 04/17 Kayleigh Russell 04/18 Wendy Patterson, Melanie Baldwin 04/19 Carol Baldwin 04/20 Allan Stewart 04/21 Shelley Mufferi 04/22 Scott Fucito 04/23 Robert Miller, Kelly Hontz 04/24 Edward Baldwin III 04/26 Jolen Stoner 04/27 Kiersten Motz, Katelyn Sagar, Nathaniel Hontz 04/28 Diane Beatty, Matthew Tanis 04/29 Shirley McCracken, Mark Whitby, Danielle Kovach 04/30 Colin McCaughey
Is your birthday missing or listed incorrectly? Let the church office know so that we may correct our records!
Pastor Rev. Dr. Jennifer Cho
Office Administrator Jerri Gilsky
Director of Music Henry F. Repp
Family Ministries Coordinator Megan Quinn
Contemporary Worship
Music Coordinator Christie Mazurkiewicz
Page 15 April 2016
Newsletter Staff Editor: Jerri Gilsky Preparers: Irene Blauvelt, Marion Lanterman, Ethel Musser, Lynne Sherman The newsletter is produced 11 times per year. Deadlines are the third Sunday of the month. It is also available via e-mail or on the church’s website.
YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Happy April Everyone! March was a great month for all of our youth. Youth group went to Sky Zone, young families went to a pancake breakfast and egg hunt and the Sunday School class has been doing great. April 16th we will host a table at International Dinner. April 24th the youth group will participate in March for Babies at Skylands. Sunday School will continue has normal, please let me know if there are any questions or concerns. ~Megan Quinn
April 2016 Page 16
Telephone: (973) 383-0200 Fax: (973) 383-7703
U. S. PAYMENT SERVICES Merchant Services Visa Mastercard ATM
Thomas Spooner V. P. Regional Sales
414 Route 15 South Wharton, NJ 07885 Tel: (973) 663-5021 Fax: (973) 663-0086 Cell: (973) 452-4121
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (973) 579-5000 Fax: (973) 579-1152
Page 17 April 2016
We join FUMC of Newton in celebrating 185 years of Mission & Ministry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Smith-McCracken Funeral Home 63 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860 (973/383-4600)
Wood Funeral Home 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ 07826 (973/948-3030)
Robert E. McCracken, Owner/Manager
N.J. Lic. No. 3640
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