` 120 WEST MAIN STREET, NEW HOLLAND, PA 17557 Church Phone: 717-354-0226 Website: http://nhumc.us/ Pastor: Ray Voran Pastor Email: revoran@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 2014 2014 CHARGE CONFERENCE REPORT During my time in ministry at New Holland United Methodist Church, I continue to be impressed with what I have found and to have the opportunity to serve this congregation. God has told us that we, as the church, are to be his body, representing him and shining his light in the darkness. We realized that this is our mission -- we exist to Ignite the Light of God! What a great privilege! I believe New Holland UMC possesses tremendous potential and is in the midst of many opportunities. God has blessed with the gifts and resources necessary to accomplish the tasks He places before us. The strengths of the church include a congregation that is racially diverse and includes a number of children and youth, a solid core of committed volunteer leaders (including 3 individuals who are Christ Servant Leaders), dedicated staff members, a hardworking group of trustees, two diverse worship services, an impressive music ministry for a church our size, a desire to reach out to those outside the church and an ideal location -- close to many folks to whom we may minister. The church family also continues to spend many hours working together in fundraisers and ministry projects. Of course we face challenges as well. We continue to struggle to meet financial obligations (though this situation has improved during the past few years). There are very few young adults and families within the church. Overall, attendance remained dropped slightly on Sunday mornings -- the Ignite service in particular has seen attendance drop. At times, we may find it easy to focus on personalities or the past offenses -- to get sidetracked from our mission to Ignite the Light. As the church has experienced over a decade of decline, it is tempting to focus on the “good old days” rather than see what God is doing today and the greater things that He can accomplish in us and through us in the future. As we grow spiritually and become more committed disciples of Jesus Christ, I believe we will have a better understanding of how God wants us to minister and represent Him in our community. But good things are happening. We began two new Bible study groups that will meet for 2-3 months as we study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (we will discuss another topic when this one ends). The New Holland Senior citizens group, as well as AA and Al-
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anon, Lifeline health screenings and ESSN Resource Fair met at the church in the past year. The children and youth of the church continue to join with EUMC to have a more active youth ministry. Vacation Bible School was a big success. Thanks to the many volunteers, we were able to minister to over 20 children from outside the church. We began a Zumba exercise program that has been well received by those inside and outside the church. We have also made an effort to minister to those in our neighborhood through events such as the Ice-cream social and Christmas on Main events (Concert, Tea and Children’s program). Again, these events were well attended and well received! The time for the evening Ignite service was changed to 10:30 Sunday morning in the hope that this will be more convenient for new worshipers -- the group continues to participate in service projects. We also make efforts to combine in ministry with other churches. We continue to be involved with Rancks and Mt Zion Churches for the community meals that are served monthly at our church. The New Holland Ministerium Thanksgiving worship service was held at our church in 2013. The Northeastern Lancaster County Mission Connection (which includes our church and 6 more UM churches in the area) had a combined picnic on Pentecost Sunday and the group is planning a combined youth event and also a VBS fair in 2015. It is encouraging that we were able to increase our giving to missions, supporting the GRAICO clean water project in Haiti through some dedicated fund-raising efforts. And the church is now blessed with a new sound system! John Wesley, with words and actions, emphasized that we are to worship God with our hearts, our heads and our hands. This is our duty and privilege as well. New Holland UMC must be known as a place where people can feel the presence of God during worship services and events. We must all strive to know God better through our corporate and individual Bible study and meditation. As your pastor, I will attempt to provide opportunities for spiritual growth to everyone (through things like sermons, worship services, small groups and service projects). We must also take advantage of opportunities God gives us to minister to the needs of those in our community -including many who live within sight of the church building. As we grow to become more Christ-like, we will be better equipped to lead others into His presence. I do continue to adjust to my status as a part-time Pastor. Obviously it is true that, since I have responsibilities at EUMC, I am not always physically present at our church. However, I will do my best to model servant leadership. I am happy to have the privilege to serve as the shepherd of this flock and am available at any time for those facing troubles or in need of Pastoral care. Once again, I request your assistance in being made aware of those needs. 2
Along with my wife, Valerie, and daughter, Sara, I thank you for providing all the assistance and support that we have received here. I am excited about what God has in store for New Holland United Methodist Church and believe that we have the opportunity to witness Him doing great things as we place our trust in Him and worship with hearts, heads and hands. Thank you, Pastor Ray Voran
Our Worship Service starts at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday. 10:00 a.m. Time of Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Ignite Gathering
Contacting Pastor Ray ~ email: revoran@gmail.com Home: (717) 656-0812 Cell: (717)333-6939 Look for me on Facebook: Ray Voran
Regular Events Knepper Care Group – Second and Fourth Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Naval Care Group – Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. Community Senior Center – Second Thursday, 10:00 a.m. Seniors meet at Yoder’s Restaurant – Third Saturday, 11:15 a.m. LUMINA ministry – Second Thursday
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Free Community Meals 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. November 20, 2014 Third Thursday of every month Ranck’s United Methodist Church at the New Holland United Methodist Church Dinner is served with all ages welcome. -- Dee Kopicz, Outreach Chair at Ranck’s United Methodist Church (610-223-8207)
ELECTRONIC GIVING As you probably know, the Finance Committee and Church Council have been exploring the possibility of offering electronic giving as an option for everyone to use as we faithfully tithe to the church. The results of the survey that was taken were basically 50-50…..23 people said they did not think they would use electronic giving while 22 said they would either use it or consider using it. Studies show that organizations that begin to use electronic giving see an increase in donations. The finance committee has studied the issue and information received from Vanco, the company that is endorsed and used by many churches within the United Methodist
4 denomination. They would include a link on our church website that would make it possible to donate directly to the church using a credit or debit card or also through a direct transfer from any bank account. When using this service, you could choose to make a one-time gift or an ongoing donation (weekly, monthly etc.). You would always be able to view a history of your electronic giving. The service will be free for two months and then cost $25/month. We would be able to cancel at any time. Many of us already use direct transfers to pay utility bills or to make other payments electronically. The church council has decided that in order to move forward, it is best to continue to pursue this option. We hope to be able to offer electronic giving by January 2015. We do welcome any comments and want to address any concerns. Please see Sandi Rapp, Selma or Hank Wells, Pat Williams or Pastor Ray with any questions. Thank you!
Mission Agency Prepares For Long-term Integrated Response to Ebola Since June 2014, the General Board of Global Ministries’ United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Global Health unit have been working in collaboration on a global scale to coordinate an integrated approach in response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa. Community education about the disease, health worker protection and psychosocial counseling for affected people and their 4
families are the strategy’s three prongs, said Dr. Olusimbo Ige, of Global Health. To date, UMCOR and Global Health have worked together to ensure that grants totaling $400,000 for educational programs, protective equipment and other Ebola-related supplies have been proved primarily to United Methodist health boards in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire. “Our approach is to work closely with United Methodist health boards in affected countries, listening closely to them as they identify needs and strategies we can support,” said Rev. Jack Amick, UMCOR executive who heads the organization’s International Disaster Response unit. Amick is in charge of disbursing UMCOR emergency funds, while Ige advises that distribution in the case of the Ebola response. Together, they hold a weekly conversation by telephone with the United Methodist health boards in Liberia and Sierra Leone. It has become apparent to the international humanitarian community and the governments involved with this crisis that the epidemic will like have a long-term negative impact on the health systems, economies and social practices of these countries. Global Ministries is partnering with local health boards, bishops, missionaries, UMCOR technical offices and others to enable a longterm approach that not only response to the current Ebola crisis but, also, helps strengthen healthcare capacity in the region to make it better prepared to meet any possible future crisis. This long-term, integrated approach reflects the established standard for response to health crises and issues of sustainable development. To financially support these immediate and long-term goals, please write “Ebola response” in the memo section of your check. This will ensure that funds go where intended.
2014 Farm Show Dinners Report There was a total of 399 dinners served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Farm Show week, including 58 take-outs. There was a gross income of $5,209.50. After expenses were paid, there was a profit of $3,867.26. Ranck’s UMC received 45% of the profits ($1,740.27) and NHUMC received 55% ($2,126.99). Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make this event possible. -- Heather Bressi and Fred Naval ~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas Bazaar Attic Treasures
NOW Committee Prepares For Christmas NOW committee is getting ready to assemble some Christmas baskets for shut-ins. They want to give the congregation an opportunity to help financially. They will have a basket at the back of the sanctuary where you can put your cash donations, which will enable the NOW members to buy some appropriate items for our shut-ins. Thank you for your help with this project! -- Loretta Zimmerman and NOW members 5
Don’t forget to collect your attic treasures items for the Christmas Bazaar. Bring them in on Monday, November 3; Thursday, November 6; or Friday, November 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. -- Jane Keene
Thanks and Cheers
Thank you to those who stay after the worship service Sunday mornings
6 performing the “Teller” duties. The giving of your talent and time to the church is greatly appreciated. -- Finance Committee
Thank you for all the prayers, cards and calls for my son Donald. He is better, but not out of the woods yet. He still has eye problems. – Jane Frybarger
Thank you to all that served faithfully in our military. -- Grateful Americans
Bazaar chairperson, Pat Williams, reports the following areas for your shopping convenience at New Holland UMC. • Craft Room, under the direction of Jane Frybarger and Judy Trost, includes such items as pot holders, dish cloths, wall hangings, aprons, small and large table toppers and Christmas wreaths and decorations of all kinds. Also there are many wooden projects. • Attic Treasures Room, headed by Jane Keene and Ginny Smith, is a popular area for bargain hunters as well as people who like house plants. Each year, Jane Keene donates house plants which she has nurtured throughout the year for the bazaar. • Used Book Room, headed by Loretta Zimmerman, features gently used books donated by members of the congregation and the community. There are many books by well-known authors, including fiction and nonfiction, some self-help books, cook books, children’s books as well as tapes and videos. • Baked Goods/Food Table is set up in fellowship hall and has been a favorite with holiday shoppers with a sweet tooth. In addition to the ever popular cookies, candy, and fruit cake, home canned goods and items from the garden will also be available. • •
Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 9 am to 2 pm 6
Theme Basket Auction features baskets provided by the church committees or care group. New Holland Café chaired by Heather Bressi, will introduce a breakfast menu for those who come early to the Bazaar. Included in the menu will be a breakfast egg biscuit sandwich, muffins, Sloppy Joe sandwich with chips, hot dog and sauerkraut with
chips, 17-bean and ham soup, and chicken corn soup. Coffee, iced tea and cake will be available. Soups will be available for take-out at $7.00 per quart. The church, 120 W. Main Street, New Holland, is handicap accessible.
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7:00 p.m. (following the musical) Christmas Tea in Fellowship Hall
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Our annual Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday, Nov. 8. We will need items for the food table. Please consider baking, cooking, preparing or harvesting an item(s) to help fill the three long tables that will be set up in Fellowship Hall. Popular treats are: cookies, cupcakes, sweet breads, candy, brownies, pies, cakes, Chex Mix, canned goods, items from the garden, red beet eggs, and whatever else you might consisder. Items will be received on Friday evening, Nov. 7 from 4-7:00 p.m. and on Saturday moning from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Please have your donations wrapped, identified, and priced. thank you for your help. For questions, see Cathy Williams.
Cathy
Saturday, December 6 There will be many activities throughout the community on this day, but New Holland UMC is pleased to host these events: • 2-5:00 p.m. Children’s Craft Projects • 6:00 p.m. Musical Program 7
The Christmas Events at New Holland United Methodist By Betty Hostetter, Publicity Christmas on Main is more than a month away. The New Holland Business Association started this event in New Holland several years ago. It gets bigger and bigger every year with more and more businesses and groups joining in this day-long celebration. Traditionally New Holland United Methodist Church has been opening the Christmas holiday season with a Christmas Tea. Each year, the committee tries to enlist musical entertainment that will be enjoyed by the majority of the attendees. This year, Anne Williams, recommended an instrumental group called, Trio Jolie. Trio Joie is made up of a cellist, flutist and oboist. They will be playing a
8 combination of sacred, secular and Christmas music. Jill Haley is an oboist/English horn player, who composes and records music about our National Parks. She released three Soundscapes about the Zion, Bryce Canyon and Mesa Verde Parks. She also performs with York Symphony and various ensembles in Berks County, Robin Lilarose, flutist, graduated from Elizabethtown College with a BS in Music Therapy. She currently teaches privately from her home in Sinking Spring and is an adjunct flute professor at Lebanon Valley College and Alvernia University. She performs with several ensembles in the Berks County area. Crystal Jordan, cellist, has a Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University. She is an adjunct cello professor at Alvernia University. She has taught chorus and orchestra in the Central Bucks and Oley Valley school districts. From 2 to 5 pm, members of the youth Sunday school classes will be working with the young people of the community on Craft projects. The musical program begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday night, December 6. At 7:00 p.m., following the inspiring program, the Christmas Tea will be held in Fellowship Hall at the church, located at 120 W. Main St., New Holland. The church is handicapped accessible.
• Joann Souden (who was married at our church in June) whose sister-in-law passed away. Please pray for her and her brother, Artie. • Jeremiah and Joshua, infant twins who were born prematurely • Revival in America; men and women to stand for truth and salvation • Peace of Israel
Prayer and Praise
• Jane Frybarger’s son, Donnie, fell off a ladder and has 9 broken ribs. He is recovering at home.
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SERVER SCHEDULE FOR THIS MONTH Nursery
Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30
Barb Mask, Nick Boisrond Donna Sandoe, Paula Gauthier Selma Wells, Beatrice Gauthier Cathy Williams, Vanapolie Gauthier Pat Williams, Arentz Menard Lay Readers
Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30
Ginny Smith Pat Williams Joyce Wilbur Hank Wells John Mask Tellers
Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30
Win Hall & Sandi Rapp Pat Williams & Shirley Givler Karen Miller & Pat Williams Julie Mitton & Sandi Rapp Shirley Givler & Sandi Rapp
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Happy Birthday Nov. 2 Nov. 7 Nov. 8 Nov. 12 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 26 Nov. 27 Nov. 28
Joshua Hess Kathy Phillips John Mask Jeff Good Justin Stoltzfoos Betty Hostetter Ken McLean Sheila Arment Selma Wells Joey McComsey Jane Frybarger Mervin Stoltzfoos
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(Be sure to change this address in your NHUMC directory) Dorothy Weidman 413 W. Cedar Street New Holland, PA 17557
Happy Anniversary Nov. 19 Brian and Lynne Corrie Nov. 20 Dave and Judy Trost Nov. 22 Charles & Esther Smith Nov. 27 Tim and Tracey Hess Nov. 29 Rick and Lucinda Boone
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10 Please call the church office (354-0226) so we can update our records if your name was missed.
Let His Light Shine!
The Call: An LED Team Update
By Kip Wolf As a historian, the apostle Luke wrote the book of Acts in approximately A.D. 63-70 in order to tell what happened after Jesus’ resurrection. The books of Acts and Luke’s Gospel comprise together almost onefourth of the New Testament! In Acts, the second volume of the Good News, Luke explained Christianity’s amazing growth, as if to encourage, exhort and challenge the church to remember our Savior and continue to share the Good News. In Acts 20:35, Luke says “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” These are words we have all likely heard in our lifetime; but, too often they are spoken as
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anecdotes or casual colloquialisms. We must remember, however, that they are as relevant to our faith now as they were in Luke’s day. So much so that there have been entire paradigms, philosophies and strategies built around servant leadership. Robert Greenleaf’s book Servant Leadership was first published in 1977, and remains a revised and relevant seller to this day. As we consider our modern church and our current faith, we are compelled to think about the application of ancient scripture to our present times: to make reverence relevant. In the context of Acts 20:35, this means not just to “show up” on Sunday, or simply to drop a few dollars in the offering plate; but, to truly consider what we have and how we are “spending” the resources with which we have each been blessed. This goes far beyond monetary resources, and encourages us to think about how we are spending our time. When was the last time you practiced active listening, to give someone 100% of your attention? Turn off the cell phone. Ignore that Facebook post or Twitter tweet. The church is made up of you and me. How will you be involved? How will you say “Yes” when asked to contribute? How will you give someone your undivided attention, listen to them, hear God’s word on your heart, and… participate. Volunteer. Get involved. And feel the love of Christ and way Luke felt it in the earliest days of the church!