COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 486 Townline Road, Commack, ew York 11725
A Word From Our Pastor DEIAL PARALYSIS CHAGE These are the three responses church folks, and in particular church leaders, have to the predicament of the church in North America. Not just the United Methodist Church, but all mainline, historic denominations. This is according to Thom Schultz, researcher and publisher of Christian books and materials for forty years. As the world view and American culture changes drastically outside the church, the attendance, commitment and involvement inside the church is shrinking drastically. And in his exploration of this, Schultz has found that people involved in church usually have one of these three responses: Denial: although it is very hard to still be in denial there are those who hold fast to the idea that things are not that bad and churches just need to hold on and it will be OK. Paralysis: things are bad but what’s a church leader to do? There are new books, videos, guides, workshops coming out every day all giving different ideas and practices that we’re told will be sure to turn things around. There is so much to choose from and the cost (both monetary and in losing present members and giving) is worrisome. As Schultz puts it, “Some wallow in grief and sadness, unable or unwilling to deal with their losses and disappointments. Some are bewildered by their choices. Some hope against hope that circumstances will magically turn around on their own. Some fear change of any kind. Some fret that any change will cause someone to get upset and leave, or trim their tithe.” He goes on to say, “They're plagued with fear, indecisiveness and lethargy. Even if they find a way to bring new vitality to their ministry, they typically study it to death, brood over it, sink it into a committee coma, and delay it until sometime next year, or the year after that.” Change: as uncomfortable as it may be, some leaders give thanks for the past and then look forward. They are willing to try and risk failure rather than do nothing at all. But success does depend on one very important focus: “The successful change agents are not changing God's message, but they're exploring different methods to spread the message, to be more effective stewards with the gifts God has given.” Schultz is someone who has a wide view of the church in today’s world so I think it is helpful to use his categories and ask ourselves a few questions: 1. Where is our Pastoral Leader (that would be me!) in these categories? Is she leading us in denial, paralysis, or change? 2. Where are we, as a congregation, the Body of Christ, at this time in this place? What is our focus as we do ministry? 3. Where am I (the one who is reading this newsletter) in this scenario? What is my immediate, gut level response? Interesting and important questions. I won’t tell you where I am but if you want to know, please ask. I do think there’s no doubt where we all should be. In a perfect world we’d be working on the changes that need to happen in order for us to continue the 230+ years of ministry sharing the message of God’s love and forgiveness to the people all around us. Change is the hardest place to be but also the most hopeful. Schultz describes it this way, “They are ordinary people who believe that God will do extraordinary things through them. They pray fervently, and they rely on the One who makes all things new. They're open to God's leading. They listen to God's command to ‘fear not.’ Even though they realize they don't have all the answers, they're willing to step out--one step at a time into a future that isn't perfectly clear.” Wow, “step out – one step at a time into a future that isn’t perfectly clear.” That is a scary, exciting, hopeful place to be. And it is where God is waiting for us. So let’s step out, encouraging each other along as we love God, serve as Christ did, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, may we share and experience the power of God’s presence in our lives now and in all the days to come. Peace, PS if you would like to read the blog you will find it at http://holysoup.com/2014/05/14/3-reactions-to-church-decline/
Prayer: Dear Lord God, we thank you for loving us as your children. Thank you also for reminding us that we need to have the heart and attitude of a child to see you. Show us your heart for the children around us so that we may do your best for them. Help us to see children as you see them— as people of great worth. Through Christ Jesus we pray, Amen
FAIR WORKSHOP A few of us meet every Tuesday at 10 am-1 pm in room 9 of the RE Bldg. We will continue our handcrafting until the fair in October. We each bring our own bag lunch. You are welcome to join us.
JUNE BIRTHDAYS 8th Joan Ford 13th Mike Hervey 24th Doris Hoffmann 27th Christopher Titolo 29th Mike Theofield Barbara Devine Pranith Gona Carol Fricke Brad Kopping Elizabeth Waidelich May God’s awesome blessing be upon you this day and for the future years ahead. May His blessings never fade in any area of you life, So that you may be a fruitful vine. Amen
MITTEN MINISTRY REMINDER Free yarn is available for those who wish to knit or crochet mittens and scarves for our homeless. Knitting a pair of mittens is a very portable project for your summer holidays and will be greatly appreciated when needed by the homeless during our next cold season. Rev. Lynda J Bates-Stepe Pastor
Mary K Frey Editor
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (Turning Faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.) Last month, we were pleased to host our Pilgrim State guests to an evening of fellowship which included song and refreshments. A joyful time was had by all UMWs and our 11 guests. The parlor looked lovely with green and lavender table covers, napkins and plates, the potted yellow marigolds, which will be planted on our grounds, added a nice touch of spring. One guest, looking around the room, inquired...” is this Church only for women?” I reassured him that we encompass men as well as women and include all peoples. SoI hope some of you our male members and constituents attend this event next year. Our Mother’s Day candle program went well and we hope you enjoyed the beauty of our candle-lit altar and the folder collated and printed by Mary Frey. Thank you all for donating to this, as you know the proceeds go toward our mission projects The program for our June 12th meeting, prepared by Dotty Megna, will be ”Calling to Work for Children.” The objective is to prepare and equip women to act and advocate on behalf of children and their needs as they recognize their worth in God’s kin-dom. Tracey Kopping will be our hostess for the evening. We invite all women to attend. For our mission this month, members are reminded to bring new underwear for adults and/or children. These items will be donated to the homeless shelter
Dates to Remember: June: Date to be announced: Sing a long at Olsen Nursing Home June 8, 2014: Deadline for submissions June 12, 2014: UMW meeting : members to bring new underwear (adult and/or children’s) for donation to St Anne’s soup kitchen, for the homeless. June 15, 2014: Father’s Day Altar Candle Program Aug. 16, 2014: Planning for UMW retreat @ the home of Ginny Eichenauer Sept. 27-28, 2014: UMW retreat @ Quinipet, Shelter Island Fall 2014: We plan to assemble wash up kits for the homeless, so please save your small hotel soaps and other amenities, while you are on vacation. (no glass)
LYDIA CIRCLE There will be no June meeting. FYI: On Jan 24th 2014: The Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic and more published an article and video stating that knit and crochet have therapeutic benefits to mood, mind and body! ~Kathy Muller
Historian Corner Submitted by John Muller Church Historian article from S. Berliner, III ‘s website
HISTORY OF THE RESTAURANT AND PARKWAY The Long Island Motor Parkway (LIMP) - erroneously also known as the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, was the brainchild of William K(issam). Vanderbilt, Jr. (not "II"). It ran from the Kissena Corridor in Queens County, convenient to the New York (Manhattan) ferries and the Queensborough (59th Street) Bridge, which had opened in 1909, and to Vanderbilt's Lake Success home, "Deepdale", near Great Neck, out along the Island, south of Vanderbilt's other estate in Centerport, the Eagle's Nest (today's Vanderbilt Museum), to Lake Ronkonkoma, a distance of some 48 miles. Construction of the Parkway was started on 06 June 1907, with the stretch from the Queens line (Lakeville Road) through Bethpage opened in 1908, and opened virtually its full length by 1911, being extended westward to Horace Harding Boulevard (today's LIE) in 1926; it closed on Easter Sunday, 1938, a victim of the adjacent toll-free Northern State Parkway. A spur was built northwards to Jericho Turnpike in Commack, giving more convenient access to Eagle's Nest; it still exists today as Harned Road, just east of the Bonwit Inn on the east side of the Sagtikos Parkway. It was the longest spur road built for the Long Island Motor Parkway and there was a Toll Lodge at that intersection, as well. While the Bonwit Inn might be rumored to include in its structure that former Toll Lodge, it isn't true; the site of the lodge is at the southwest corner of the building, where the "well" stands today. What DOES stand today is the original chimney of the earlier Deer Head/Heinie's Tavern, which shows above the roof line at the far left (west) of the front of today's building Genial hosts, Charlie and Jimmy Tsunis, bought the property in 1971 and converted a German Restaurant [Heinie's (or Heine's)] into what has gradually developed into today's elegant restaurant (long before, the place was called "The Old Tavern" and the "Deer Head Tavern"). I deeply regret the passing of both James (Jimmy) G. Tsunis, real estate broker and co-owner of the Bonwit, on Saturday, 24 November 2001, at his home in Commack at age 69, and of genial host Charles (Charlie) J. Tsunis on Saturday, 04 August 2001, at his home in Dix Hills at age 75; they are both going to be missed. "Sometime during the 1930's the Toll House was torn down and the Deer Head Tavern was built in its place. The tavern was a one large open room with a fireplace at each end and a bar the length of the back wall. The family who kept the tavern lived upstairs. Later the tavern was taken over and became Hiney's {sic}. The chimney of the old tavern can still be seen on the top of the roof to the left.
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COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THRIFT SHOPPE Hours of Operation Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm Friday 10 am - 4 pm The First Saturday of the month 10 am - 2
Bag Sale 6/27 & 6/28
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Commack United Methodist Church 486 Town Line Road Commack, NY 11725
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