Through Jesus, we strive to GROW in our relationship with God through Worship, Prayer and Study.

Guided by the Holy Spirit we seek to make Christ’s love known as we CONNECT and SERVE others.

United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak 1176 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, New York 10588 • Office: 914-245-4682 • Fax: 914-743-1003

Parsonage: 914-245-3114 • E-mail: umcso.ny@gmail.com

“OUR THIRD CENTURY IN SERVICE OF THE LORD”

Reverend Iwy Patel-Yatri, Pastor

May 2019 Vol. 41, No. 5 Mailed on April 25, 2019 - Next Deadline 5/15/19

Dear UMCSO Family,

With the end of the Lent season, we entered into Holy Week leading up to the Easter Resurrection.

Easter celebration has also passed as the month of April came to an end. The words “The End”

usually signal the conclusion of a story. However, as Easter people, what seems to be the end for

others is the start of a new beginning. Where some saw the cross as the end of Jesus, we celebrate

the new life that his resurrection brings to us!

When Jesus proclaimed the good news of God’s kingdom, many people were excited for they had

been waiting for the promised Messiah that the prophets had written about in the Scriptures. The

Israelites had spent many years in wars, battles and turmoil. They were looking for peace and

looked to the Messiah who would deliver them from Roman oppression. And so, when Jesus did

not fit in their idea of a political Messiah, they could not understand him. They thought Jesus was

blaspheming by equating himself to God and they tried to end Jesus’ life. On Good Friday, death

seemed to claim victory as Jesus breathed his last.

Three days later, it was clear that what was meant to be an end was really the beginning. The good

news is that with Jesus’ resurrection, we too can have new life when we believe in Christ. Christ

came so that there would be an end to our separation from God. He took on himself our death so

that with his sacrifice, the penalty for our sin would be paid. With his resurrection, he offers us a

forgiveness of sin and grace to start anew.

As we think about this new beginning in Christ, I invite us to consider if we have allowed Christ to

make us new or if we have allowed our past to imprison us? Throughout the Bible, God does a

new thing in the lives of those who put their trust in him. God gives them a new direction and

guides them to a future filled with hope. Through the prophet Isaiah, God reminds us, “Behold, I

am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the

wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). Not only does God promise but follows through

with action. We see it when God keeps his promise to Abraham of descendants as numerous as the

stars when Abraham had no child. Again God does a new thing in making a way for the Israelites

by parting the Red Sea when there was no way. Over and over we read in the Bible of how God

keeps his promise to do a new thing when there seems to be no way. The culmination of this new

thing can be seen in the empty tomb on Easter morning as the angels proclaim, “Christ is not here,

for He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:16). The good news is that God speaks to us time

and time again about the new thing he can do in our lives. Christ invites us to believe in him and

allow him to change our lives.

Friends, if you are struggling with the choices you made in the past or the things in your life that

seem to have no way of being made right with God, then hear again the words of our God, “Forget

about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history” (Isaiah 43:19, Message version). As we

celebrate the power of the Easter Resurrection and see God’s gift of new life in the flowers and

trees, let us delight at the new beginning that is ours in Christ! Rejoice, my friends, for Christ is

Risen!

In the light of Christ’s Resurrection,

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, April 28th During worship, Hoving Home Ladies will sing & share their testimonies. Light lunch to follow worship. Monday, April 29th Mission Statement Follow-up, 7:00 pm; Preceded by Pot Trust Dinner at 6:00 pm, GP Room. Pastor Jessica will lead us. All are invited to join us. Saturday, May 4th Mission Possible Event starts at 7:30 am. Rain date is set for Saturday, May 11th at 7:30 am. Sunday, May 5th Native American Ministries Sunday. Sunday School Teachers Meeting and Administrative Council Meeting after Worship. Sunday, May 12th Mother’s Day Sunday, May 19th Spring Breakfast Midnight Run to NYC. Please bring your family and friends to these special events that are planned especially for you.

CONCERT - SISTERS’ DUET

We were blessed with the talented Sisters’ Duet, Alex and Polina, who played the piano and cimbalom! Many thanks to everyone for attending and supporting this event.

HOVING HOME LADIES

On Sunday, April 28th, the ladies of the Hoving Home and the “Sounds of Life” choir will once again join us in our worship service. What a blessing they are as they witness to the power of God through their singing and testimonies. After the service they will join us for lunch and refreshments in the General Purpose Room. Please bring a dish to share with the ladies. A sign-up sheet is in the GP Room. Hank Schrot

BREAKFAST MIDNIGHT RUN

Sunday, May 19th

We will be taking our older Sunday school classes on our fifth Breakfast Midnight Run on Sunday, May 19th. We will serve breakfast to our homeless friends. We will also be handing out drawstring backpacks with a pair of new socks, a new short sleeved T-shirt, and a toiletry bag. Our goal is to assemble 100 bags. We are collecting NEW short sleeved dark colored T-shirts (no writing on the shirts) in sizes Large, Extra Large and XX Large and NEW men’s crew socks (preferably black). For the toiletry bags, we need travel size toothpaste, individually wrapped toothbrushes, combs, travel size shampoo and new washcloths. We would like the items at the church by Sunday May 5th, so the Sunday school classes can assist in packing the bags.

Thank you for sharing and caring! Linda Hoernes

UPDATE ON NEW

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

As you may recall, Lifetouch is producing our new pictorial directory. The final changes were submitted in early April and we expect to receive the directory early this month. We apologize for the long wait but we wanted to ensure that all members’ information was correct on all pages. Directories will be available for those who had pictures taken. You will be notified when the final product has been received.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD USE A CARD?

If you know someone who is sick or having surgery please let us know. Our dedicated member, Connie Vollmer, sends cards to those who aren’t well. So, please let us know and Connie will send a card to cheer them up or encourage them.

Maxine Haigh

NEW MEMBERS CLASSES

Classes for new members will be held in the fall.

MEMORIAL SERVICE GERTRUDE DEARMAN

There will be a Memorial Service celebrating the life of Gertrude Dearman on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 12:00 Noon.

A reception will follow in the GP Room.

------------------------------------------

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Bruce Lockhart 1 Nicolas Uribe 1 Lisa Casey 3 Sundeep Thomas 3 Logan Gaylor 3 Terry Gladwell 5 Brent Horton 7 Laura Nicole DeMartino 8 Charlotte Hocker 8 Eric Coleman 9 Richard Haigh, Jr. 11 Siona Jesu Indra 13 Karla Ruth 15 Art Shkoda 15 Ken Meiselbach 17 Joshua Moore 17 Rev. Jacob Dharmaraj 18 Doug Empson 18 Derek Gilbert 19 Kimberly Costello 20 Brandon Dwyer 20 Michael Will 20 Mary Washburn 21 Sharon Krueger 23

Jackson Twoguns 23 Billy Geis 24 Jamal Neal-Young 24 Victor Chung 25 John Neal-Young 26 Kathy Schiavi 26 Debbie Haigh 27 Kim Ryder 27 Eric Uribe 28 Kaitlyn Pagano 29 James Horton 31

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

Darrah and Michael Walls 6 Anto & Poshia Jesu Indra 22 Rev. Raj & Glory Dharmaraj 25 Sharon & John Krueger 31

Thanks to all our volunteers who so freely and willingly give of their time and talent in the name of the Lord. Acolytes Michael Antonucci Chris Closi Christopher Mannino Sophia Stella Audio Visual Marilyn Bucher Cliff Cullum Dom Schiavi Evan Yatri

Chimes Mary Ferreira Bulletin & Inserts Joy Santaroni Nigel Ferreira Coffee Hour Hosts Marshall Moseley Friends of the Church Tuesday’s Bible Study Group Trustees Communications Marilyn Bucher Communion Elements Patti Scozzari Debbie Vesuvio Hospitality Jean Engel Rachel Ward Maxine Haigh Grace Reynolds Greeters Dianne Benincasa Marilyn Bucher Beth Gilleo Don Hoffmann Muriel Carpenter Bill Carlock Kathy Schiavi Grace Reynolds Ushers Patti Scozzari Joy Santaroni Annette Reynolds Debbie Vesuvio

SAVE THE DATES: MAY 4th (RAIN DATE MAY 11th)

7:30 am

Applications for work requests and volunteers available at:

Senior Center, Cortlandt

Manor

Local libraries

Online -

umcso.com/ministries-

mission/youth-mission-

possible

Email: MissionPossible.UMCSO@gmail.com

Do you need a helping hand? Have projects around the house you

really need done?

Let us help!

As a youth-led mission, our teams consist of volunteers of all ages interested in making a

difference in their community.

We take applications for minor home repairs (not electrical or plumbing), landscaping and

gardening, small odd jobs, etc. and during our one-day events a small team will come

to your home to tackle these jobs!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

PLEASE SIGN UP IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE.

YOU STILL HAVE TIME!

NOTE FROM OUR LAY LEADER by DIANNE BENINCASA

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9

There have been many times in my life that did not track out the way I thought they were

going to. I have been thinking about this and have come to the conclusion that when it doesn't

track out according to my plan, it doesn't mean that God put me on this path to throw me a

curve ball. Looking back on my life with all its' twists and turns that did not add up, I realize

that I kept telling myself that this must be the path God wants me on. But, now I think that is

wrong because God does not want me to suffer. I have experienced hardships - either through

choices I made, choices made by others or have faced challenges that are out of my control. I

must confess that I still wrestle with how to deal with it to this day. I now believe that God

will get me through these challenges. God has always walked beside me every step of the

way. He has never let me down and I have come out a stronger person.

Now, I know God is in the business of changing, molding and shaping us. There will always

be unexpected occurrences that develop in our lives that will make us wonder what God

expects from us. I believe that is part of life's test, to see if we are serious about the work He

has called us to do.

I don't know if these challenges were preparing me, testing me or if it was Satan trying to get

to me. If God was changing me, I am definitely a different person now, and I passed the

test. If God was preparing me, I am thankful for the work He has done as He continues to

make me a better Christian woman. But, most of all, if it was Satan attacking me... guess

what? He failed.

God is building something out of all our lives, and the initial product does not look like the

finished one. I keep telling myself that God is the one who created me and has a path for me

to follow. It is up to me to stay on that path and every day I thank Him for walking that path

besides me. I know that when I take a detour or fall, He is always there to pick me up and

point me back in the right direction.

Looking back on my past, I can trace God's work in my

life through the many turns in the road, including the

detours, forks and disappointment. There have always

been joys and blessings that make me smile. Ultimately,

His will is being accomplished in my life, and I choose to

walk this path with Him by my side, for I know he is

leading me closer to him.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CORNER

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” ~ Romans 8:14

As we enter the beautiful season of spring, our children and youth will be looking forward to some important special events. On May 19th, our youth will once again travel to Manhattan for the Breakfast Run. They will serve breakfast to some of our needy brothers and sisters in Christ, and they will also distribute bags of necessities to those who would like them. Upon returning to church, a few of the youth will share some of their experiences during the service.

To support the Breakfast Run, please sign up in the church hall if you would like to drive, or if you have a youth who would like to participate. We are also looking for the following donations:

Plain, dark T-shirts in large or Extra Large sizes

Black men’s socks

Toiletries, such as soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for Honors Day on June 9th. On this special day, all of our children and youth will participate in the service. Our middle school students will put on another puppet show, and all of the children will be recognized for their participation in Sunday School. Please join us on this special day. Yours in Christ, Sunday School Teachers

GLOBAL MAP We are updating our global map (located in the GP Room) and asking those whose place of origin is outside the USA to contact Maxine Haigh or Annette Reynolds to let them know. Kindly provide a photograph of yourself to place on the map alongside your birth place.

*******

ARE YOU CRAFTY? We have a lot of material and ‘Knick Knacks’ which can be used to make dresses for children around the world who may need them. If you are good at sewing or if you want to learn how to make dresses for girls and shorts for boys, contact Maxine Haigh and she will be able to supply you with patterns and materials to make these much-needed items for boys and girls somewhere.

LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE READINGS (Month of May 2019)

Sunday, May 5th (Third Sunday of Easter) Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

Sunday, May 12th (Fourth Sunday of Easter) Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30

Sunday, May 19th (Fifth Sunday of Easter) Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35

Sunday, May 26th (Sixth Sunday of Easter) Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:1-10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29

May 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Every Sunday is Food Sunday

1

Small Group 1

10:30-11:30 am

GP Room

2

Prayer Group

11:00-11:30 am

Chapel

3

Small Group 2

10:00 am

GP Room

Crafts for a Cause

11:00 am

4

Mission Possible

7:30 am

5 3rd Sunday of Easter (White)

Native American Ministries Sunday

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

10:30 am Worship with Holy Communion

Sunday School Teachers Meeting

Administrative Council Meeting

12-1:00 pm Choir Practice

12-2:00 pm Youth Group, Upper Room

3-6:00 pm NY/CT District Conference,

Danbury UMC

6

Women’s Small Group

6:30 pm

GP Room

Trustees Meeting

7:30 pm

7

Bible Studies

10:00 am &

8:00 pm

GP Room

8

Small Group 1

10:30-11:30 am

GP Room

9

Prayer Group

11:00-11:30 am

Chapel

10

Small Group 2

10:00 am

GP Room

Crafts for a Cause

11:00 am

11

Mission Possible

(Rain date)

12 4th Sunday of Easter (White)

Mother’s Day

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

10:30 am Worship

12-1:00 pm Choir Practice

12-2:00 pm Youth Group, Upper Room

13

Women’s Small Group

6:30 pm

GP Room

14

Bible Studies

10:00 am &

8:00 pm

GP Room

15

Small Group 1

10:30-11:30 am

GP Room

Chimes Deadline

16

Prayer Group

11:00-11:30 am

Chapel

17

Small Group 2

10:00 am

GP Room

Crafts for a Cause

11:00 am

18

Men’s Group

8:00 - 9:00 am

GP Room

Small Group

Leaders

9:30 am

19 5th Sunday of Easter (White)

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

10:30 am Worship

12-1:00 pm Choir Practice

12-2:00 pm Youth Group, Upper Room

20

Women’s Small Group

6:30 pm

GP Room

Vision Table

7:30 pm

21

Bible Studies

10:00 am &

8:00 pm

GP Room

22

Small Group 1

10:30-11:30 am

GP Room

23

Prayer Group

11:00-11:30 am

Chapel

24

Small Group 2

10:00 am

GP Room

Crafts for a Cause

11:00 am

25

Gertrude

Dearman’s

Memorial Service

12 noon

Sanctuary

Light reception

GP room

26 6th Sunday of Easter (White)

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

10:30 am Worship

12-1:00 pm Choir Practice

12-2:00 pm Youth Group, Upper Room

27

Women’s Small Group

6:30 pm

GP Room

28

Bible Studies

10:00 am &

8:00 pm

GP Room

29

Small Group 1

10:30-11:30 am

GP Room

30

Prayer Group

11:00-11:30 am

Chapel

31

Small Group 2

10:00 am

GP Room

Crafts for a Cause

11:00 am