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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.
January 2016 1
Please send updates and information to Newsletter Editor, Bob Retnauer, at
Newsletter Table of Contents
1......Pastor’s Letter2......Lectionary3......January Calendar4......New District Superintendent5.....Winter/Lenten Studies5.....”Souper” Bowl for Caring6.....December Recap7.....Letter from the Bishop8.....Prayer: What Is It Good For?
“Choosing Hope”Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. - Psalm 42:11
At the very beginning of Max Lucado’s, Grace for the Moment: Inspirational thoughts for each day of the year, Max begins his year long book of daily reflec-tions in the following way:
In a few moments the day will arrive…For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose. I choose love … No occasion justifies hatred. No injustice warrants bitterness … I choose joy … I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical … I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live … I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. I choose kindness … I choose goodness … I choose faithfulness … I choose gentleness … I choose self control … To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek [God’s] grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
It is not by accident that Max Lucado begins his book of daily devotions for the New Year with this reflection. For each new year, like every new day, is a new op-portunity to begin again, to be cre-ated and recreated by God’s power within. But first, before that new creation can happen in you, there must be a conscious choice to do so – to acknowledge the power of God’s transformative Spirit around and within you and always available to us all. For God has the power to do all, yet God wishes and chooses to be in relationship with us first – with you. This not only implies, but it requires that we take part in that relationship, and our own spiritual/transformative process with God.
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I have never been more aware of our need to decide to have hope, to have faith, and trust in a God of healing and re-creation as I have been in recent years – especially with the tragedies that we all have witnessed recently in Paris, in San Bernardino, and around the globe. There has been so much loss, so much human suffering and pain. How are such a people to continue? The answer is that on our own it is not possible. But with the help of God through the service of God’s people we can heal, we can continue on, even in the darkest of circumstances. And yes, we can make a difference. For with God even the dark-ness is as light and all things are possible (Psalm 139:12).
With what difficulties are you struggling as we begin this new-year together?
Give them over to God. And even in the midst of pain, in the midst of tragedy, and yes, even in the midst of the joys of life that we often overlook, embrace the promise of life eternal. And in that promise chose hope. For the good news is that we can choose hope because with the advent of each new day we have the privilege and the God given ability to choose love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. To these commit your day: To these commit your new year. And let us pray with Paul in our hearts:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfad-ing, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1 Peter 1:3-5
May we all give generously to our brothers and sisters in need around the world. May we seek to serve them in God’s joy and love including our neighbors in our communities right here at home. May we recognize how blessed we truly are as we choose to share God’s blessings. And May God bless you richly in new and wondrous ways this year.
In God’s love, joy, and hope,Pastor Chuck
January 2016 2
Lectionary Readings
JAN 03: Epiphany SundayIsaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12Matthew 2:1-12
JAN 10: First Sunday after the Epiphany/Baptism of the LordIsaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
JAN 17: Second Sunday After the Epiphany, Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
JAN 24: Third Sunday after the Epiphany Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
JAN 31: Fourth Sunday After the EpiphanyJeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30
January 2016 3
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Dear Beloved Sisters and Brothers: Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ! I am pleased to announce that Reverend Julia Yim will be appointed as District Superintendent of the Long Island East District effective July 1, 2016. Rev. Adrienne Brewington will complete her 8-year term as Long Island East District Superintendent in 2016. I know that Rev. Yim will follow the legacy that is left to her with similar zeal and commitment.
Rev. Yim has served a variety of churches, has held many district- and conference-level leadership responsibilities and most of all brings a passion to serve Christ and the people of God. She is respected by clergy and laity as one who truly loves Jesus. She currently serves as member of the NEJ Board of Ordained Ministry and as chair of the NY/CT District Committee on Ordained Ministry. Rev. Yim is a graduate of Barnard College and Gordon-Cromwell Theological Seminary. During this transition please pray for Reverend Yim, for the congregation of the Warwick United Methodist Church, and for the Long Island East District. In Christ's love,
Bishop Jane Allen Middleton
January 2016 4
January 2016 5
Please join us for our winter and Lenten study series:
Ruben Job’s Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living January 20, 27, and February 3, 1:30 and 7:15 In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God."
“Every year I review the three general rules of the United Methodist Church with those who are being ordained. Now I have a wonderful ordination gift to give them in Bishop Job’s, Three Simple Rules, to start and deepen the conversation as they enter a new relationship with the church. Bishop Job has described “by attending upon all the ordinances of God” to be to “stay in love with God.” It’s a fresh language that speaks especially to long-time Christians and United Methodists.” Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop, Minnesota Area
Adam Hamilton’s Final Words Six week Lenten sermon series and book study starting Sunday, February 14 and Wednesday, February 17, 1:30 and 7:15
Father Forgive Them Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise
I Thirst It Is Finished
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit In this inspiring book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a
first-person story as might have been told by one of the people at the cross and then explores the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today.
Please sign up in the Community Room First Notice! Save the Date!!
Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday, February 7th!
Dress In Your Favorite Sports Team Garb!
That’s right! Souper Bowl Sunday is coming! February 7th is not only the day of the big game, but it is also the day when our children and youth have a major drive against hunger. Please come dressed in your favorite clothes and bring non-
perishable food items (or make a financial donation with “Souper Bowl” on the check’s or envelope memo line).
Please join us for our winter and Lenten study series:
Ruben Job’s Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living January 20, 27, and February 3, 1:30 and 7:15 In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God."
“Every year I review the three general rules of the United Methodist Church with those who are being ordained. Now I have a wonderful ordination gift to give them in Bishop Job’s, Three Simple Rules, to start and deepen the conversation as they enter a new relationship with the church. Bishop Job has described “by attending upon all the ordinances of God” to be to “stay in love with God.” It’s a fresh language that speaks especially to long-time Christians and United Methodists.” Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop, Minnesota Area
Adam Hamilton’s Final Words Six week Lenten sermon series and book study starting Sunday, February 14 and Wednesday, February 17, 1:30 and 7:15
Father Forgive Them Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise
I Thirst It Is Finished
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit In this inspiring book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a
first-person story as might have been told by one of the people at the cross and then explores the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today.
Please sign up in the Community Room
January 2016 6
LIVING NATIVITYThe MYF presented a wonderful Living Nativity on Sun. 12/13. We had a wonderful surprise visitor – Jerome, the don-key. Thank you to the Marino and Dougherty families for ar-ranging this for us. Many members of the Congregation joined in a carol sing around the Nativity and then went caroling to some local families. Everyone enjoyed a potluck supper to end the evening. Thank you to all who supported the MYF in this event.
5K HOLIDAY FUN RUNWe had a great turnout for our annual 5K Holiday Fun run. 125 runners participated – the weather was a balmy 65 degrees and spirits were running high. We had 22 participants from the Rolling Thunder Running Club—a group of special needs athletes. It was wonderful to have them with us and we look forward to seeing them again next year. Thank you to all who helped getting sponsors, give-aways and to those who helped with Registration and Refreshments the day of the race.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANTDuring the Worship Service on 12/20, the MYF and Sunday School children presented a Christmas Pageant. Pastor Chuck even made an appearance as a fuzzy sheep! Thanks to Ward Hooper for the wonderful photos!
January 2016 7
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in this Advent season in the name of Emmanuel!
A central focus in many worship services during the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. The outer ring of the wreath holds four simple candles that represent so much: Hope, peace, joy, and love.
The world in which we live is crying out for what we claim in our liturgy of Advent. The candle in the center of the wreath represents the promise and reality of a Savior in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the One who will turn despair into hope, violence into peace, grief into joy, and injustice into love.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we – the United Methodist bishops serving the great states of New York and Connecticut – call upon all of our congregations to claim and proclaim the fullness of our faith. Let us not live with an attitude of fear, but rather of assurance. Let us not contribute to ways of division and prejudice, but seek to live in harmony with one another. While we must pray, let us not just pray for an end to violence and disregard for human life, but boldly allow God to use our lives in action and word to seek solutions that offer peace and recognize the intrinsic value of every person. Let us show the world how God’s amazing love transforms.
Bishop Jane Allen Middleton
Bishop Mark J. Webb
We must stand against acts of terror and those who choose these acts. We understand the need for our government to provide and ensure safety to its citizens, and we pray for God’s wisdom upon our political leaders as they develop ways to more effectively and compassionately provide screening to those seeking to enter the United States. Closing our doors and demonizing whole categories of people becomes justification for the acts of violence by those who would harm us. We adamantly oppose any screening process that discriminates solely on one’s religious faith.
In the midst of security, we also recognize the need for radical hospitality to find a way. Those who are fleeing the very acts of terror we are attempting to protect ourselves from, must be given refuge. Syrian women, men, and children are fleeing war and the rise of ISIS, and we must find a way to offer the promise of Advent.
We call upon United Methodists in New York and Connecticut to welcome those seeking refuge, to advocate for systems that will deal with this international crisis, and to offer hope, peace, joy, and love to all, in the name and person of Jesus the Christ.
May God give us courage for these days. As we trust the promises of God, may we share those promises with the world around us.
Through the grace of God,
Bishop Jane Allen Middleton Bishop Mark J. Webb
January 2016 8
PRAYER: WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?November 30th, 2015 By Kira Schlesinger
Absolutely nothing. Or so the swift backlash said after the ini-tial outpouring of thoughts and prayers after the massacres in Paris and the ensuing spotlight on the Syrian refugee crisis. As the hashtag #PrayForParis started to trend and people around the world changed their Facebook profile pictures, many became cynical about the motivation behind, and the efficacy of, all those people praying.
Instead of “just” praying, “just” sending your thoughts (and posting about it on your social media network of choice, of course), why don’t you do something, anything? Volunteer. Donate money. March with signs in the streets. Even the Dalai Lama came out with a critique of those who stop with prayer: “We cannot solve this problem only through prayers. I am a Buddhist and I believe in praying. But humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it. It is illogi-cal. God would say, solve it yourself because you created it in the first place.”
Behind this backlash appears to be a misconception about what prayer is and what prayer does for the prayer herself and the world for which she is praying. Is it that those of us who are sending our thoughts and prayers either across the world or down the street expect a deus ex machina to suddenly appear out of the clouds and magically make everything better in an instant? My personal experience with divine intervention is that it is much more subtle — a connection, a relationship, finding one’s self in the right place at the right time, the right words from the right person that promote healing and flood the spirit with the love of God.
Our Christian tradition tends to experience God’s presence in the ordinary — bread and wine, water, oil, the laying on of hands. So when we send our thoughts and prayers, many of us are praying for peace, for the knowledge of God’s love and presence in the midst of difficult times, and in time, for healing and wholeness.
Prayer of intercession, the type of prayer we engage in when we pray “for” people, is not the only kind of prayer. Prayer is individual and communal, said silently and aloud, engaged in stillness or in movement, with our own words or the words of Scripture or a prayer book. There is not just one way to pray, to connect with God. Ultimately, prayer should lead us to action; but without prayer, we do not know what action to take. We act out of our own ego or pride. Action that is born from prayer is of God.
We live in an impatient world, a world that demands that we act and react immediately. Prayer is counter-cultural; it invites and demands us to slow down. But the God we find in prayer does not leave us where God finds us. We change. We are compelled to act for justice and peace, to play the long game, not simply respond with our gut.
As Jesus hung on the cross, the bystanders and chief priests and scribes taunted him for his inaction. “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Jesus’ response is from the Psalms, the Jewish prayer book, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Those who criticize Jesus want him to DO something, and he responds with prayer first. At the time, Jesus seemed ineffectual and weak, only to take the ultimate action on the third day when he is resurrected from the dead.
Prayer is not inaction; rather it leads us to right, contemplative action, the action that God wants us to take in the moment in which God wants us to take it. Our prayer lives might be counter-cultural, but they are the only thing that can lead us as faithful people to change the world.