The SPIRE

Morristown United Methodist Church

50 South Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960 www.morristownumc.com

Phone: 973-538-2132

Vol. 19, No. 4 April 2019

The CHO-sen Words We had a special Annual Conference session of GNJ on March 16, 2019. The theme was Rooted. According to Bishop Schol, we are rooted in God so that we transform the world as we make disciples and grow vital congregations. From our MUMC, Pastor Charles, Rolf Frantz, Jack Scharf, Harriet Jane Olsen, and I attended. This special Annual Conference session was called to discern together our future course in light of the action of the Special General Conference of our United Methodist denomination. Instead of debating on the issues around how we will minister with LGBTQIA+ persons, we spent a chunk of our time in sharing “our stories” and “our experiences” with each other. We then blessed the formation of the GNJ Way Forward Team, whose assignment is “to identify and propose a plan to the Annual Conference by or before the May 2020 Annual Conference Session” on how GNJ will:

1. Support congregations in different contexts to be in ministry with the LGBTQIA+ community;

2. Respect and honor one another based on our theological and cultural differences; and

3. Share our hopes and concerns with our United Methodists around the world.

We also approved a newly revised Shared Ministry Plan and Budget which included a .5% decrease in the Shared Ministry Apportioned to local churches (from 16.1% to 15.6%). This means more funds will remain with local churches to support their own local church and community ministries. GNJAC members also extended the nomination of potential clergy and lay delegates to the 2020 General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference till March 31, 2019. This way more persons can be nominated in order to send a truly inclusive delegation from GNJ. I am grateful to God that our Annual Conference is led by a Bishop who leads us to be a body of Christ deeply rooted in God’s grace and committed to move forward together in spite of our differences. I encourage you to keep our GNJAC and the entire United Methodist Church in your prayers. Serving Christ With You,

Pastor Brandon

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We are preparing inspiring worship services for this year’s Holy Week and Easter that will touch your hearts and bring you closer to God. Join us for these special services.

April 14, 2019 Palm Sunday Mark 11:1-11

“The Procession of the King” Pastor Brandon preaching

April 18, 2019 Maundy Thursday John 13:1-17; 31b-35 “The Servant of All”

Pastor Brandon preaching

April 19, 2019 Good Friday Luke 23:26-43

“The Most Blessed Day” Jack Scharf preaching

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April 21, 2019 Easter Sunday

Early Morning Service 7:00 a.m.

Fellowship Hall Pastor Charles preaching

April 21, 2019 Easter Sunday

10:15 a.m. John 20:1-18

“Meet the Risen Christ” Pastor Brandon preaching

Special music from the Chancel Choir, Jubilation Ringers and Brass Quartet

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April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Matthew 13:1-9; 19-23

“Sharing Christ’s Message with Joy and Generosity” Rev. Jana Purkis-Brash,

Executive Director of the Stewardship Foundation for GNJAC

April 14, 2019 Palm Sunday Mark 11:1-11

“The Procession of the King” Pastor Brandon preaching

April 18, 2019

Maundy Thursday John 13:1-17; 31b-35 “The Servant of All”

Pastor Brandon preaching

April 19, 2019 Good Friday Luke 23:26-43

“The Most Blessed Day” Jack Scharf preaching

April 21, 2019 Easter Sunday

7:00 a.m.

Early Morning Service Pastor Charles preaching

10:15 a.m.

John 20:1-18 “Meet the Risen Christ”

Pastor Brandon preaching

April 28, 2019 Second Sunday of Easter

John 21:1-14 “A Good Breakfast for Your Body and Soul

Pastor Brandon preaching

How can I have a relationship with a God I can’t see?

Pastor Charles There are things in this earth and universe that we believe and have facts of its existence; even though we can’t see it. For example, at this moment; there are radio waves coming and going through our cell phones. Gravity is here present with us and even though we can’t observe it; we can measure it. How can I believe in a God; I can’t see? Well, there are a lot of mysterious in this world that exist; yet we can’t see but we are 100% sure that it is there. In the whole universe only 5% is matter (physical material), the other 25 % is Dark Matter (which is an invisible force of energy that gives a sense of order in our universe) and 75% is made of Dark Energy that is expanding our universe in alarming rate. So, we live in a universe that the material (the physical) is the minority, while what we can’t see is the majority. That is very interesting!

In the allegory of the cave (Plato’s Book); speaks on men who were chained in a cave and all they ever saw was shadow figures (those were reflections of people) and noises from the people talking. When one of them was freed and noticed the beautiful world outside of the cave. He tried to convince the other individual, but he did not believe because his reality was based on only what he experienced. So, if we talk or and demonstrate God; a God who already lives in humanity (because we are made in the image of God). I am just making you aware of a God who is already there. The listening and hearing that God is alive and active is the beginning of putting that thought in your mind. The more you here it; experience it and it is made known to you; the more you will believe in the reality that there is a God.

Since the ban of the Blue Laws from 1966 and on; the consciences of God (Jesus) has been disappearing in the minds and hearts in America. As God has been removed from our schools, from a society who once honored the Sabbath Day to go to church and the consciences of other priorities has become the norm of our society. Then we wonder why people have a hard time believing in God in America. “Our whole business in this life is to restore to health the eyes of the heart, whereby God may be seen. (St. Augustine)” We are all born blind and not able to see like the man in Mark 8. The first task is convincing people by putting that thought of consciousness that there is a possibility that there is a God. So, we are like the man who starts to see walking trees who are people. So, we take them to a place of being an atheist to an agnostic. With the hope of them encountering the living Christ through words, actions, creation, symbols, signs and life circumstances; you hope that they start to see crystal clear. Just like the blind man who was able to see eventually.

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At the recently completed UMC Special General Conference, the Traditional Plan, which would maintain and actually strengthen strictures against LGBTQIA+ persons, was approved by a vote of 438 to 384. In a ruling before the Conference our church’s Supreme Court, the Judicial Council, had already ruled that 9 of the 17 key items (petitions) in the Traditional Plan were unconstitutional. In April the Judicial Council will again be meeting in Illinois and will again take up the entire Traditional Plan and rule on its constitutionality. Whatever is finally authorized will take effect on January 1, 2020.

Our Council of Bishops advocated for the One Church Plan which would have allowed Annual Conferences and individual churches to make their own decisions on LGBTQIA+ matters.

Of the 840 delegates attending the General Conference 40% were from outside the United States and these delegates voted overwhelming for the Traditional Plan. The US delegates voted by nearly two thirds for the One Church Plan.

Our Greater New Jersey Conference held a special Annual Conference on March 16th and approved the formation of a special Way Forward committee to develop recommendations and strategies for our Conference’s response to the Traditional Plan.

It is safe to say that things are in a state of flux! Developments are being monitored by our church’s Reconciling Ministry Committee and we will provide you with regular updates. Please direct questions and comments to either Pastor Brandon or Jack at JackScharf7@gmail.com.

Dear Friends, Thank you for your prayers and comforting kind words for my family and me concerning the recent sudden death of my brother Peter. I treasure the support you continue to provide me.

Sincerely,

Cherry Tom

There’s a lot going on in our church! This month we’re starting a new feature in the SPIRE where we’ll highlight each month a different ministry or mission of our church.

This month we will highlight our Adult Education Ministry program.

This ministry began 30 years ago with the goal of deepening Christian discipleship through informative and engaging adult education programs. The program is developed for each year by the Education Ministry Team: Holly Dinneny, Kristen Moran, Kris Hansen, Kevin Vance, David Sullivan, and Jack Scharf. Each year’s program runs from September through June. There are usually two programs at 9 am each Sunday: library program tends to be more didactic, Breakfast Club in the Wesley Room tends to be more discussion.

During Advent and Lent we combine both programs. This year’s Advent Program was facilitated by Kris Hansen on the theological implications of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Our Lenten program is facilitated by a different person each Sunday and is coordinated by Kristen Moran based on the “Plenty Good Room” Bible Study.

There are also a series of special Adult and Family Programs offered throughout the year:

Couples Connection – Holly Dinneny

Harry Potter – Kristen Moran

The Movie “Welcome to my Neighborhood” –

Mr. Rogers

Basic Lay Servant Training – Jack Scharf

Walk to Emmaus in the fall

New Member Classes

Please consider joining one of our programs! If you have questions or suggestions please contact Jack Scharf at 973-590-8556 or at JackScharf7@gmail.com.

BRANDON & JACK’S

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We are delighted to welcome the Rev. Purkis-Brash to our pulpit on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Rev. Purkis-Brash is currently serving as the Executive Director of Foundation for our GNJAC. She is a very wise leader in the area of developing sound and healthy financial ministry for local churches.

She will share her sermon on “Sharing Christ’s Message with Joy and Generosity” based on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

After worship, she will lead a workshop on “Planning for a Future of Generosity.” In this workshop, she will address both the 12 Month Plan for Stewardship and the Investment Strategy of the Foundation.

You are cordially invited to hear her message in worship and participate in the workshop as well.

A.S.P. Fundraising - Grocery Card Program

We regret that we had to discontinue our grocery card program. Our church auditor has advised our financial committee that a program like this is against "best church accounting practices." In the overall picture of our ASP fundraising the profit from this fundraiser was small, but it was consistent. Last year we raised over $1,800 in profit. We would like to thank everyone who has supported this program for the last eight years! We will explore other fundraising options to make up the difference for our mission trip.

Vince & Maria ASP Mission Coordinators

EASTER FLOWERS Members and friends of our congregation may honor a loved one by placing a spring flower in the sanctuary for Easter Sunday. The deadline for ordering is Monday, April 14, 2019. Please fill out the form below and return it to the

church office. The cost is $12.50 per plant. Name_____________________________________ Phone________________________ Name of person(s): __________________________________________

(In honor of)

__________________________________________ (In honor of)

__________________________________________ (In honor of)

__________________________________________

(In memory of)

__________________________________________ (In memory of)

__________________________________________ (In memory of)

_______ I would like for the plant to be delivered to a shut-in. _______ I will pick up the plant(s) Enclosed is my check for $________. There are a limited number of daffodils and tulips available. If you are interested in reserving one of those instead of lilies, please contact the office at 973-538-2132.

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THE FLAMINGO PROJECT

Our Flamingo Flock is on the move! Send our flock to someone you know

(Family, Neighbors, Friends, Co-workers) To have someone “Flocked” contact:

Debie Foster – 973-476-1124 – deborahfoster23@gmail.com

We can “Feather” by mail too!!!

“Th

How this fundraiser works: Our “Flock” shows up at someone’s house with a flier.

The “Flocked” house is asked to make a donation towards our ASP Mission Project. The “Flocked” house

gets to pick where the flock goes next!

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April 1 Gail Ginnett 2 Denise Schmidt

3 Kaylyn Davis 5 Sarah A Michal

6 Chris Scharf 8 Sonya Burroughs Chip Miller 10 Erika Davis 12 Eric Frantz April Kuryluk 13 Nicole Perri Bartku 18 Judy Rivera 19 Les Sutton 20 Andres Torres Celia Zeller 21 Carol Ferraro 22 Jacqueline Quinn 24 Hannah Foster Matt Hansen 26 Tracey Coutts 28 Hailey Arakelian 29 Clive Coutts, Jr. 30 Pearl Park

ANNUAL STUDENT MERIT AWARDS

The United Methodist Women are pleased to announce that they will be awarding one or more Student Merit Awards to a deserving student(s) on Youth Sunday, June 16, 2019.

All 2019 high school graduates and young adults who are church-oriented and plan to either attend college, trade, vocational school, or graduate school and those with at least one year left in their program are eligible to apply.

Applications will be available in the church office starting Monday, April 1 and need to be returned to the church office by May 21, 2019.

All information provided through the application process is held in the strictest of confidence. If you have any further questions please contact Student Merit Award Co-Chairpersons, Jan Buck at 973-586-3133 or Kris Hansen at 973-267-3310

Our Sunday School and Youth Ministry

Church Leaders and Ministry Teams

Nueva Esperanza Worship and Minsitry

The United Methodist Church

Our Church Family and Friends Pastor Brandon and his family, mourning the death of his father Katie’s family and friends, mourning her death The Yarosz family, mourning the death of Lisa Maudette Brownlee, healing after surgery Evan and Edgar, business venture success Jill, mourning the death of her father Lou Cattano, undergoing treatment Brenda Diaz, healing from cancer Dorothy, diagnosed with ALS Carol G., strength and healing Deb VanderSande, stage 3 cancer Carol, in Hospice Care Jeanne B., brain cancer Christina, tumor Jeff, cancer William E. Hettrick, prostate cancer Gary, loss of job Joan, in hospice care Janice Harris, colon cancer Stephanie, leukemia Carolyn, successful cancer treatment Adam, successful treatment of colon cancer James, recovery from stage 4 cancer

On-going Prayer Shannon Bain Barbara MacHale Sonya Burroughs Micah Rev. & Mrs. Man Kee Cho Chris Nagy Beth & Bruce Courter Lea O’Shea Gene Crance Rick Radis Erika Davis Ms. So Jean Doig Arden & Les Sutton Neil Eriksen Emma Wyman Nancy Gardner Ken Zippler

Serving Our Country Pfc. Abigail Crisp, NJ Army National Guard Jordan Dale, U.S. Marines Sgt. Randall Ferrara, NJ Army National Guard Rich Lamm, US Marine Corp LCDR Karen Kraft McAllister, Washington, DC

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Music@MUMC proudly presents

The Manhattan Saxophone Quartet

Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Join us for a Meet-the-Artist reception following the concert!

Music@MUMC

Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 S. Park Place (on the Green), Morristown, NJ 07960 973-538-2132 Suggested donation: $25 adults/$20 seniors $22/$17 in advance by calling 973-538-2132 All Students with ID Free

Funding has been made possible in part by Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the

National Endowment for the Arts. Wheelchair accessible. Large print programs available upon request.

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Love Blooms for Couples Who Attend the April 6th Art of Marriage Event!

Couples at all stages and ages are invited to participate in the Couples’ Connection program on Saturday Night April 6, 2019 at 5 p.m. The group will study The Art of Marriage: Getting to the Heart of God's Design. Participants will meet with other adults for discussions from 5-6:30 p.m. Afterwards, they are encouraged to hit Morristown to take advantage of the wonderful restaurant and entertainment options! Creative childcare will be provided from 4:45-8 p.m.

The small-group Bible study will help participants blend their personalities and their life's circumstances to create a divinely-inspired work-of-art marriage. Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Blending these to make marriage work is a divinely inspired art form challenging to master, but definitely worth the effort. Get ready to make a masterpiece of your marriage through this video-driven study!

Attendance at every session is not required. Each event is self-contained and independently beneficial. The program promises to help couples: -- discover the primary purpose of marriage -- learn to walk by the power of the Holy Spirit in marriage -- learn to manage healthy conflict resolution -- understand the purpose of sex in marriage -- learn how they can leave a godly legacy -- understand their roles of husbands and wives in marriage

Session dates after April 6 are May 4 and June 1. For more information or to sign-up, contact program facilitator Holly Dinneny at hdinneny@optonline.net or 201-230-7257.

Mona’s Musings Dave White and his lovely wife Nancy made a very special trip to Myrtle Beach, SC recently. Their

daughter Caitlin went to college down there and fell in love with the area and with Scott Porter. They are expecting a baby in mid-July and were hosting a “Gender Reveal” party in which the parents-to-be throw darts at balloons attached to the wall. On Caitlin’s very first try she hit the balloon which was filled with blue confetti. “It’s a boy!” This new

grandson will join the three grandsons and one granddaughter that hold a special place in their Pop Pop’s heart. I think there will be many more trips south for Dave and Nancy.

Speaking of new babies, you’ll remember that I mentioned the arrival of Jane Rehmke and Lee Schubert’s new granddaughter Loretta Leigh in last month’s Spire. Well, the proud grandparents just returned from Denver where they experienced one of the biggest snowstorms in that city’s history. Jane sent along this adorable pic of Evie and Lori doing some sisterly bonding.

The 65th Annual Choir Festival of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association will be presented in the Grand Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on July 14, 2019. Our own Sarah A Michal has been invited to conduct the huge choir that will celebrate “On Christ the Solid Rock.” Any singer may register to participate—Sarah has all the details—see her if you are interested. Hopefully, I can

include more information in the May Spire. See you next month!!

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RUMMAGE SALE Saturday-April 13th, 2019--8AM-3PM

Proceeds Benefit Youth Mission Project.

DONATIONS NEEDED- We accept:

Household items, dishes, utensils, appliances, toys, children’s furniture, books,

holidays, glassware, antiques, office supplies, linens, furniture, electronics, DVD’s,

CD’s, phones, lamps, sports equipment, computers, vases, picture frames, jewelry

(please bring jewelry to the office), baskets, tins, tools, pet supplies, TV’s (LED’s only,

no tube TV’s).

Please make sure that the rummage you donate is in good enough condition to

resell. It costs us time and money to throw out things that are damaged or broken.

We reserve the right to refuse any items that are not in good condition.

Please DO NOT donate the following:

Cribs, Car seats, Washers/Dryers/Stoves/Refrigerators, Mattresses, Gas powered

equipment, Clothes, Big Screen TV’s

Donations accepted until April 7, 2019

Please contact rummagemumc@gmail.com before dropping off any large

items, to schedule pickups, or for any questions.

All items are to be placed on the stage behind the curtain.

Drop off times are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

or on Sunday mornings 9am-noon.

Morristown United Methodist Church

50 South Park Place Morristown

Call 973-538-2132

or visit us at www.morristownumc.com for more info.

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April 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4:00pm Soccer Ministry 7:00pm Jubilation Ringers

4 7:30pm Chancel Choir

5 10:00am Aphasia Support 5:30pm Soccer Ministry

6 5:00pm Couples Connection

7 8:30am Adult Education 9:00am Breakfast Club 10:15am Worship Service 11:30am Harry Potter 3:30pm Nueva Esperanza

8 7:30pm A.A.

9 6:15pm Trustees

10 4:00pm Soccer Ministry 7:00pm Jubilation Ringers

11 6:30pm Yarners 7:30pm Chancel Choir

12 5:00pm Soccer Ministry

13 8:00 am

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8:30am Adult Education 9:00am Breakfast Club 10:15am Worship Service 11:35am Asbury Choir 2:00pn Lay Servant Training 3:30pm Nueva Esperanza

15 7:30pm A.A.

16 7:30pm Chancel Choir

17 4:00pm Soccer Ministry 7:00pm Jubilation Ringers

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7:30pm Worship Service

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7:30pm Worship Service

20 9:00am Lay Servant Training

21 Easter Sunday

7:00am Early Morning Service 10:15am Worship Service

22 7:30pm A.A.

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24 4:00pm Soccer Ministry

25 6:30 pm Yarners

26 5:00pm Soccer Ministry

27 7:30pm Abendmusik Concert

Manhattan Saxophone Quartet

28 8:30am Adult Education 9:00am Breakfast Club 10:15am Worship Service 11:35am Asbury Choir 2:00pm Emmaus Board 3:30pm Nueva Esperanza

29 7:30pm A.A.

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Rev. Dr. Brandon Cho, Senior Pastor Pastor Charles Perez, Associate Pastor

Mike Laba, Financial Manager Jack Scharf, Administrative Director

Sarah A Michal, Director of Music Ministries Jennifer Yang, Organist

Maria & Vince Cattano, Youth Ministry Coordinators Mona Lindemann, Administrative Assistant/Spire Editor

David White, Property Manager Kevin Vance, Webmaster

Hayoung Kang, Pastoral Intern

Morristown United Methodist Church on-the-Green 50 South Park Place Morristown, New Jersey 07960 Change Service Requested

The Spire