Commack United Methodist Church 486 Townline Road Commack, NY 11725-2026 - 631.499.7310

Web Site: http://www.commack-umc.org [email protected] Emails: [email protected]

226 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN COMMACK 1783-2009 Rev. Lynda Bates-Stepe, Pastor 631.499.4770 Carolyn Gehlbach, Editor FEBRUARY 2010

Open Hearts

Open Minds

Open Doors

rubble. He says he believed they would all be saved. And they were all saved but not in the way Gulley hoped. For Rabb and Dixon, their deaths have meant tears and heartache, especially for their families. But loved ones and friends have testified to their lives and how filled they were with hope, with love, with joy, with life. And although their present salvation was not to come by the hard work of rescue teams, God has provided for them through the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. They are still experiencing the joy of life in ways we can only imagine at this point. They are an inspiration to us, an example of what it means to live the full and abundant life that Jesus promises.

A Word From the Pastor Since the earthquake in Haiti we have witnessed great feats of heroism, sad scenes of devastation and reminders of both the fragility and tenacity of life. The United Methodist Church lost two United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) executives, Rev. Sam Dixon and Rev. Clinton Rabb, and a short-term Volunteer in Mission (VIM) from the Highland Park UMC in Texas, Jean Arnwine. Their deaths reminds us that discipleship, taken seriously, is never without risk. Nor is it without joys and rewards. These Christians were willing to take the risks and serve God as disciples of Jesus Christ because it brought them a fullness of life. Certainly what they were doing, Jean Arnwine working at an eye clinic and Revs. Dixon and Rabb making plans on how to better help and work with the people of Haiti, made a difference in the lives of many people. But the work they did also made a difference in their life. It made their life worth something beyond precious. And it made their deaths both tragic and hopeful.

There was a team of United Methodist lay and clergy from United Methodist churches in the New York Annual Conference in Haiti when the earthquake hit. All are safe and may even be home by this time. We have teams going to Haiti regularly and another was preparing to leave in February. I think that trip will be postponed but I don’t doubt that as soon as short-term mission teams can be helpful, members of the New York Annual Conference churches will be wanting to go. Why? Why take such a risk in Haiti or anywhere else in the world? Because we are disciples of Jesus Christ. We know the completeness of life and delight that comes from serving in the name of Jesus. Jesus said, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” (Mark 8:35) Who wouldn’t want the life that Jesus offers?

Tragic because they died too soon and under circumstances no one should have to endure. All three survived the quake itself only to die after rescue from their injuries. Rev James Gulley, a third companion trapped with the UMCOR executives, tells how they talked, sang hymns and encouraged each other during their long hours buried in the

There is nothing better than saving a life. And that life may be your very own. Peace, Rev. Lynda 1

FEBRUARY NEWS

Nurture Committee Gets a Running Start

The February meeting will be held on Thursday February 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm in the parlor. Program and hostess to be announced. All women are invited to attend. Please call president Nancy Gamby if a transportation is needed.

The Nurture Committee held their first meeting on Monday, January 11. While this is a re-building year for the committee, they set an aggressive plan for 2010. The committee consists of Nancy Gamby, Tom White, Penny White, Ginny Eichenauer, Karen Mallgraf, Suzanne Litrel, John Titolo, Cyndi Pinkham, Trish Nehlsen, and, of course, Rev. Lynda. Members in attendance discussed the purpose of the committee and generally agreed to work on projects or special events that expand the congregation’s spiritual life and knowledge of their faith and that some projects may involve coordination with other congregations. They ultimately decided to work on 5 projects this year; 1. Family Retreat (April 16-18) – Tom, John, Cindy Penny and Karen will hold a planning meeting, along with an open invitation to the congregation. Penny will host the meeting. 2. Lenten (or Advent) Program – John and Nancy will develop a concept for a devotional style booklet that will ask congregation members to share some reflective thoughts about their faith. John will set the next meeting. 3. Labyrinth – Ginny and Karen will coordinate having a labyrinth program at Commack UMC. It is envisioned that several other members of the congregation may be willing to help with coordinating this program. Ginny and Karen have already set their next meeting date. 4. A trip – Nancy and Karen will investigate a congregation trip, possibly to some Christian sites in NYC or Pennsylvania. Nancy will set the next meeting date. 5. Welcoming Kits – Lynda, Tom, Penny, and Karen will work together to revive the Welcoming Kits that will be given out to visitors. Lynda agreed to set the next meeting date. Anyone not on the committee wanting to help with the planning or execution of any of these projects should contact one of the Committee members. We agreed to meet again to discuss progress at 7:30 on February 4th during the regularly scheduled Council on Ministries meeting, regarding the scheduling of the event, or any coordination that is necessary.

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INTERNATIONAL DINNER, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 @ 6 PM We are looking forward to our Annual International Dinner in the fellowship hall. Each family is requested to bring a favorite (or heritage) dish to SERVE YOUR FAMILY in ADDITION to a salad or dessert. A sign-up sheet will be available on the bulletin board. There will also be a sheet to sign up for some of the essentials: coffee, tea, sugar, milk, cold drinks, etc. We ask that you enter the number of family members who will (or might) attend, so we have a viable count for the table and chair set up. The time is 6 PM with a guaranteed dinner bell at 6:30 PM If you have any souvenirs, items from your travels or treasures from "the old country", please bring them in so we have some lovely artifacts to display. Inform John of this, and he will have space available for you... and if you are concerned about safety, you may bring them in earlier in the day or just prior to our dinner. Authentic foreign dress is always an eye catcher and in the past we have had a fashion show of Korean, Indian, Chinese, Bavarian and Philippine outfits~do not hesitate to dress according to your heritage...this is an International Dinner ENTERTAINMENT~ENTERTAINMENT~ As you know there is no fee involved for CUMC's social event of the year, SO! We need some home grown entertainers! We are hoping for some very enjoyable surprises, So step up to the plate and show us your talents! Help will be needed in setting up and serving, we would be pleased to have you volunteer to help. John & Kathy Muller (499-6672) 2

MITTEN MINISTRY

Natural Church Development Takes Next Step

This has been a very cold few weeks for many. After being distributed to the homeless and the shelter, our summer stockpile of several hundred crocheted and knit mittens has been depleted. There is more cold weather coming and the need for volunteers to knit or crochet is most urgent. I do have simple knit & crochet patterns available.

The next meeting for the Church Health Team has been scheduled for Monday, February 8, at 7:30. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting. Before the holidays, Rev. Ann Pearson of the NY Annual Conference presented the results of the NCD survey that was taken by 30 members of the congregation. The survey measures 8 areas of Quality Characteristics of our congregation. The idea of the NCD process is to address the lowest ranking characteristic or “Minimum Factor” and by addressing the Minimum Factor the congregation will improve the quality of its programs which, in turn, will bring more people to Christ though our church . CUMC’s Minimum Factor is Passionate Spirituality. Other characteristics that the survey measured are Empowering Leadership, Gift-Based Ministry, Effective Structures (organizational), Inspiring Worship Services, Holistic Small Groups, NeedOriented Evangelism, and Loving Relationships. While the NCD process clearly has its own vocabulary, each of these characteristics in balance with each other should lead to growth.

Thank you to Florence Critelli and Florence Schneckberger for their crochet talents (all year long!) In addition to using their talents, they have purchased their own yarn. Donations of yarn are sorely needed. Kathy Muller ******************************************* * A MISSION MOMENT What is mission? Over the past year and a half, I have heard many people's stories. I've talked soldiers and peacemakers, Congressional staffers and cave dwellers, families mourning and families celebrating, people marching and people prevented from leaving their towns. And what was my role in all of this? To listen, to learn, to accompany, to witness was my role. Mission is presence, relationship, witness, sharing. Mission is refusing to turn away when the tears of God are being shed over the violence and injustice and suffering of God's wayward creation. Simply being open to listening~~so fallibly, with God's grace~~to the groans and the hopes of our souls, our spirits, our world." by:David Hosey, Mission Intern serving at the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Washington, D.C.

The next task for the Church Health Team is to more closely examine the survey results and to begin to develop a set of finely tuned questions which will be used later in the year to get broad input from regular church members and well as those that rarely attend. Rev. Ann Pearson will be our coach through this process as we go forward. Please offer a special thank you to Rev. Lynda, Dot Megna, Al Svoboda, Penny White, Ginny Eichenauer, John Titola, and Mike Hervey for their work on the Church Health Team. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THANK YOU Thank you to my church family for yhour prayers and concerns, your phone calls, cards, and the lovely floral piece. Special Thanks to Anne Tammaro for keeping me up-dated on church happenings, to Kthy Muller for taking care of the crochet items for the needy. Thank you all again.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Joan Svoboda, Kathy Muller, Jack Adam, Arlene Lavoie, Carol Wilson, Betty Carson, Norma Adam " A year of fun and happiness is our birthday wish for you. You are someone special and your birthday should be too!"

Florence Schneckenburger 3

CUMC Moves Forward With Farmers Market Opportunity

HOW IT WORKS: 1. Join iGive.com to support Commack United Methodist Church It's free, safe, and easy to join. http://www.iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?memberid=540 070&causeid=44180

The Council on Ministries, Trustees, and the Administrative Council have all heard a proposal to work with the Commack Civic Association to explore the possibility of holding a seasonal farmers market on the CUMC grounds. This idea, presented by the Civic Association is seen by CUMC as an opportunity for the church to become more a community focal point. The Civic Association’s intent is to develop more a community feeling within Commack.

2. Shop through iGive.com OR just surf their stores Their online mall features over 680 online stores 3. Watch the $$ roll in for Commack United Methodist Church! Up to 26% of EACH purchase is donated, plus a bonus $5 donation if you shop within 45 days. Any questions? Call Mike Hervey

The Council on Ministries sees this as an opportunity to develop outreach programs around the days the eth famers market is held. Details have to be worked out but the market could possibly be held on weekends during the summer and fall. The Civic Association would handle the organizing and logistics. Many see this as a win-win which would help develop some sense of community with CUMC as the center of attention without placing an burden on the congregation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Save the Date – March 12th and 13th, 2010 The Nurturing Committee is planning a Labyrinth Walk for Friday, 5:00 to 10:00 PM and on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!! We appreciate all your wonderful donations. Now, we have another request. We need YOU to visit the Thrift Shoppe. There are so many amazing items there. Once you have visited, you will become our advertising agents. Please, suggest to your friends and neighbors, and coworkers: " Try the Thrift Shoppe." Come , visit, and buy.

The Administrative Council has authorized a committee to explore the details with the Civic Association, address concerns, and work out a tentative agreement. The committee would then come back to the Administrative Council for final approval of the agreement with the civic association.

I GIVE SUPPORT

See you in the shop; Harriett, Patti, and Anne   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Use Internet Shopping to Support Our Church If you shop on the internet then you might be interested in a new service that takes a part of the seller’s profits at certain stores and sends them to your favorite cause.IGive.com is a new way to give to your favorite cause, including Commack United Methodist Church. Once you register at http://www.iGive.com and follow the directions, certain internet purchases will go to your favorite cause, all without costing you any additional money. Sounds too good to be true? There’s more! You can designate that the donations are made in your name then if you're donating to an organization that qualifies under section 170 of the IRS code as a nonprofit, your donation may be considered taxdeductible.

SAVE THE DATE!!!! ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER MARCH 20TH, SATURDAY at 6:00PM All you can eat Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, Irish Soda Bread, rye bread, desert, coffee, tea, and juice Buy Tickets by March 17th. Adults $12, Children 6-12 - $6:00 and under 6, free. For further information call the church office, 631-488-7310

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Proclamation.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 125 (COMMACK) 40 ANNIVERSARY REUNION AND DINNER Many Current and Former Members attended TH

Free Directory Service for Cell Phones. Dial 800 373-3411. Program this number800 FREE411 into your cell phone now ___________________________________________ Annual Harvest Fair

Boy Scout Troop 125 (Commack) celebrated its 40th Anniversary of continuous service to the youth of the community with a party held in the Fellowship Hall at the Commack United Methodist Church (CUMC) on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Current members of Troop 125 reunited with former members including Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, adult scouting volunteers, many family members and several members of the CUMC. An opening invocation was made by the Pastor, Reverend Lynda Bates-Stepe. They were also joined by NYS Assemblyman Andrew Raia, who presented the Troop with a Citation, and Huntington Town Councilwoman Susan Berland, who presented the Troop with a Proclamation, both in celebration of the 40th Anniversary. These recognitions were presented to the CUMC, the troop’s sponsoring organization for the past 40 years, and will be on display in the church. The evening featured a slide show of past scouting events, troop meetings and camping trips that the members had participated in over the years as well as dinner, dessert and piano entertainment by current members of Boy Scout Troop 125. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our annual Harvest Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2010, and planning is underway! John Muller has ‘retired’ as Chairperson of the Harvest Fair after many years of success, promoting fellowship, teamwork and profitable proceeds designated for the Church’s current expenses. I am grateful for the opportunity to be the Chairperson this year. Thank you, John, for your guidance, assistance and continued support. I am looking forward to another successful Harvest Fair! We will have all of our traditional booths and the White Elephant Table is returning this year! If you have any ideas for additional booths or tables, please let me know. Thank you, . Connie Jarvis

Photo 1: left to right – Eagle Scout/Senior Patrol Leader Andrew Vrana, NYS Assemblyman Andrew Raia, Eagle Scout/Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Chris Cassano with Citation.

Photo 2: left to right – Eagle Scout/Senior Patrol Leader Andrew Vrana, Huntington Town Councilwoman Susan Berland, Eagle Scout/Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Chris Cassano with 5

Photo 5: Eagle Scout/Senior Patrol Leader Andrew Vrana (left) and Eagle Scout/Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Chris Cassano with Reverend Lynda Bates-Stepe (center) holding the Citation which was presented by NYS Assemblyman Andrew Raia.

Photo 3: left to right – Scoutmaster Ken Voigt, Eagle Scout/Senior Patrol Leader Andrew Vrana, Committee Chairman Charlie Zambito with the 40th Anniversary cake.

Photo 4: Scouts, former members and leaders gather to celebrate (Commack) Boy Scout Troop 125’s 40th Anniversary of continuous service to the youth of the community with a party held in the Fellowship Hall at the Commack United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 9, 2010. 6

Lord’s Prayer followed in March by The Last Supper. The schedule of workshops looks very interesting and fun ranging from learning about forgiveness from Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor to learning how this prayer is said all over the world to making pretzels. The children will be making holy land travel brochures to understand where Jesus traveled his last week and have their own Seder to understand the Last Supper meal. We have changed our format and workshop leaders only need to make a one week commitment to sharing a lesson. Do you like reading stories to children? Do you have a skill, hobby or interest, but you’re not sure how you could use it in a Sunday School workshop? Please contact Tricia Nehlsen, Deb Hervey or Rev. Lynda and we’d be happy to review our workshops for April – June and see where you could share that gift God has given you! Look for our sign-up sheet in the hallway at the end of February!

Theo’s Sunday School Update We had a lot of fun and learned sooo much in our Incarnation workshops throughout December and through the Christmas season. The children had fun picking out a favorite crèche with so-oo many choices that Mrs. Muller provided from all over the world. Everyone who came to Christmas Eve service saw the puppets we made of the animals who shared their stable with baby Jesus, that first Christmas night. We also learned that there may have been more Wise Man than the three we traditionally celebrate. Ask one of the children about the Other Wise Man, if you haven’t heard his story yet! Special thanks to Nancy Gamby, Kathy Muller and Kim Colavito who were our workshop leaders for our Incarnation workshops. Our lesson for January is Feeding the 5,000. The children have had fun thinking about what they would bring to a picnic if they only had limited money to buy the food and supplies you would need. It was hard spending money on charcoal and then knowing you could only have hot dogs but no buns! Our puppets came to life again in January when the children used them to re-tell the story of the boy sharing his loaves and fish. The children had a hands on lesson on sharing by making Health Kits to send to the UMCOR to use in Haiti and other places where disasters occur. Here is the class, filling the Ziploc bags with the basic needs to stay clean – washcloth, handtowel, soap, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and bandaids.

Youth Group had limited activities during the fall and holidays, but we have a busy winter/early spring planned. Youth Winter Retreat re-scheduled for Feb. 26th - 28th Get those snow clothes ready for our 2010 Annual Winter Youth Retreat, February 26th – 28th at Camp Epworth in High Falls, NY. We will spend one afternoon at the PET workshop helping to assemble or paint Personal Energy Transportation (PET) Vehicles and learn about the countries they are delivered. The rest of the weekend will be a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Theme and agenda will be available by 2/14. Cost will be $70 per person. A $25 non-refundable deposit is due by February 7th. Please drop by church office or give to Deb Hervey. FLOWER-GRAMS FOR VALENTINES DAY

The Lesson for February will be The 7

Relief} through Commack UMC

This year, the Youth Group will be offering Flower-Grams to share for Valentine’s Day. Orders will be taken Sunday, January 31st and February 7th. 1 Carnation for $1.50, or a 6 flower minibouquet for $5.00. Flowers will be available for pick-up after the International Dinner,on 2/13. Valentine’s Day afternoon and evening. This is our single fundraiser to supplement the budget for youth activities.

For those who would like to have the opportunity give to the UMCOR through the United Methodist Church Either send or drop off a check to the church office ~ Or you can use your credit card to give online --Mike Hervey has put a link on our website www.commack-umc.org Please make all check out to Commack UMC & write Haiti Relief in the memo line. When giving online remember we are part of the Long Island East District of the New York Annual Conference

YOUTH GROUP OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Even if you feel you can give little or nothing in terms of monetary gifts you can give your endless and deeply felt prayers. Please know your prayers are meaningful.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY th FEBRUARY 7 Please remember to bring your loose change (and large currency as you are able) to put in the soup pots that the Youth will be filling on Super Bowl Sunday after sharing a special message during the Time for All Ages. This year we also ask that all who are able, join our Sunday School children in bringing a can of soup.

God's Peace be with you and God be with the people of Haiti ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ve Learned …. Written by Andy Rooney ~ a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy!

Tentative Date for 30 Hours of Famine Set for March 5th – 7th

I’ve Learned… That just one person saying to me “You’ve made my day!” Makes my day.

We are working to coordinate this event with the Dix Hills Youth Group so that we have enough participants to make this a fun and meaningful event. Exact hours and location of activities is still being finalized.

I’ve Learned… That being kind is more important than being right.

Youth Work Day to help with Methodist Habit House

I’ve Learned… That money doesn’t buy class.

We are working to get a work day scheduled in late March or April. Let Deb know if you’re interested.

I’ve Learned… That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile!

HAITI RELIEF Donations can be made to UMCOR, {United Methodist Committee on 8