E-MESSENGER UNION  UNITED  METHODIST  CHURCH    

200  BROOKLINE  BLVD.    HAVERTOWN,    PA      19083  610-­‐789-­‐1700                        Fax  –  610-­‐789-­‐0136          www.unionhavertown.org  

 

APRIL 2013

JAZZ VESPERS

Featuring

“The Father John D’Amico Trio”

SUNDAY, April 14, 2013 7:00 PM

UNION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 BROOKLINE BOULEVARD HAVERTOWN, PA 610-789-1700

Freewill offering accepted Reception to follow to meet the artists

APRIL WORSHIP Saturday, April 6: 5:00 p.m. - Evening Praise Sunday, April 7: Second Sunday of Easter 9:45 a.m. – Sunday School for all ages 11:00 a.m. – Worship Service – Holy Communion – “Have You Believed?” - John 20:19-31 Saturday, April 13: 5:00 p.m. - Evening Praise Sunday, April 14: Third Sunday of Easter/ Native American Ministries Sunday 9:00 a.m. – Family Breakfast 9:45 a.m. – Sunday School for all children 11:00 a.m. – Worship Service – “Do You Love Me More?” - John 21:1-19

Saturday, April 20: 5:00 p.m. - Evening Praise Sunday, April 21: Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:45 a.m. – Sunday School for all ages 11:00 a.m. – Worship Service – “One of the Sheep” John 10:22-20 12:00 p.m. – After Church Fellowship 6:00 p.m. – Covered Dish – Missions Program

Saturday, April 27: 5:00 p.m. - Evening Praise

Sunday, April 28: Fifth Sunday of Easter 9:45 a.m. – Sunday School for all ages 11:00 a.m. – Worship Service – “Love One Another?”

John 13:31-35 1:00 p.m. – CROP Walk

Join us for our Family Breakfast on Sunday, April 14 at 9 a.m. We are so thankful to the Methodist Men for serving us a delicious breakfast. Our speaker is Dr. Mary White, Director of United Methodist Neighborhood Services.

FROM THE PASTOR:

My prayer for you, Church Family, is that the awesome reality of our Risen Lord and the indescribable Joy of our life in Christ is abiding deep within you. I am thankful for you all and for our partnership in the Gospel. It occurred to me this week that Easter is an E-word, though not a verb (which all of our e-words have been.). Since last fall we have lifted up e-words (in honor of that awesome e-word, evangelism) that help us to get a handle on what Jesus calls us to do. There have been 28 different e-words lifted up. Some of my favorites are entrust, employ, economize, envision, embody, encourage, energize, and (surprisingly enough) empty! It’s been a good exercise for me to prayerfully narrow down the theme each week. Bunnie Bryant has formatted most all of these e-words for our weekly worship. Thank you, Bunnie! I hope the e-words have given you some pause for your own prayerful consideration and also as a way to remember Jesus’ calling to you. Well, I mentioned that Easter is not a verb, and yet I have tried to make it so over the years, I must admit. What does it mean to be Easter people? That’s the question. And what does this reality produce in us? Well, influenced by Timothy’s lessons with our youth on what it means to be Citizens of the Kingdom of God, I will begin later this month a series of sermons on living as Citizens of God’s Kingdom and how that looks in 2013. We know that the world has been changing; we know that our culture’s perception of religion and the spiritual life has been changing. I’ve read books, listened to other Christians, and prayed a lot about what this means for our discipleship today. I will share this in a series called “Citizens of the Kingdom 2013.” Friends, as we move into Eastertide, let’s make Easter a verb, an action word, by the grace of God. One more thing; it is entirely possible that we may find some new words to instruct our faithful response that do not begin with an e, but something else? Blessings, Pastor Mary Jane

STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY: At its meeting this month, our Leadership Team prayerfully considered that it is our calling and blessing, as the Leaders of our Church, to extend a welcome to all persons, as our Lord has modeled for us, with a call to follow. Unfortunately, many persons see the church as exclusive, with closed doors, and unwelcoming. May this never be the case at Union. Therefore, the following statement was adopted by our Leadership Team: ‘The Leadership Team of Union UMC affirms Jesus’ example and teaching to love God and love others as you love yourself. Therefore, we celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all persons regardless of race, age, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, family configuration, and difference in ability.”

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY NEWS APRIL 2013

We concluded March celebrating the Resurrection of Christ! This has been a great month for our youth groups. In the children youth group, UH3, we made dog treats one week and then in two weeks we went to the SPCA to visit the cats and dogs and drop off supplies. We learned about how God calls us to care for the Earth, others, and animals. We ended the month with a fun and classic Easter activity, our annual Egg Hunt. This included making crafts and the Easter Bunny! What a wonderful way to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with such joyous laughter and fun! For the month of April, we are going to meet April 13th and 27th at 1:30pm. Our Middle School Youth Group had a great time in March. Our Wednesday Night meetings, which focus on how we are to live as citizens in God’s Kingdom, have been great fun. We also had an opportunity to go to Gretna Glen for their Free Youth Group Night. For April, the Youth Group will still meet every Wednesday Night from 7:30-8:30pm.

On April 12th, we have our Wii Olympics Tournament. Havertown’s Youth Together group will be joining us for this event.

On a personal note, I will be speaking at the Subverting the Norm II Conference in Springfield, MO the weekend of April 4th and 5th. I am presenting on youth ministry in a post-modern world and creating new ways of engaging youth with the Christian faith. I am very excited to attend. April: 3rd: Youth Group 7:30-8:30 17th: Youth Group 7:30-8:30 10th: Youth Group 7:30-8:30 21st: Gretna Glen 3:45 leave time 12th: Wii Olympics 24th: Youth Group 7:30-8:30 13th: UH3 1:30-3:00 27th: UH3 1:30-3:00 Easter Peace, Timothy

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Grace Brogan Matthew Shaw Lindsay Brogan Sue Owen Betty Parsons Anita Radke Edythe Flanagan Joan Consul Jill Gilbert Caroline Schaible Matthew LaDue Herman Kirby George Keller Mary Hankins Doris DuVal Joy Bennett Jim Brodie Daniel LaDue Janet Tyler Lois Flounders Stephanie Brunelli Lambert Payne

  MEETINGS Tuesday, April 9 _ (7:00 p.m.) Trustees Monday, April 15 (7:00 p.m.) Leadership Team Tuesday, April 16 (7:00 p.m.) Finance Committee

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

All are invited to join in an ongoing study of Books of the Bible, from 10-11:30 in the church lounge.

COMMUNITY DINE AROUND

2012-2013 Cost: $7.00. Please make your reservation by calling Pastor Mary Jane by the Wednesday prior to the luncheon.

Second Mondays, 12:00 Noon Luncheon dates: April 8 - Union UM Church May 13 - Temple Lutheran Church June 10 - St. James UCC

MESSENGER SPONSOR Please consider being a sponsor for the Messenger. Sponsors cover the expenses related to printing and mailing the Messenger ($100), so that we can share church news with visitors, friends and neighbors, as well as church members. If you would like to sponsor a future edition, contact Barbara Drake or the church office.

BLESSINGS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to the following people with April birthdays: Heather Flynn 04/06 Lou Kusko 04/10 Barbara Drake 04/17 Tom McAlpin 04/17 Jen Flanagan 04/18 Matt LaDue 04/25 If we have missed your birthday, we apologize. Please call the church office to add your birthday to the list.

UNITED METHODIST

WOMEN April 6 - Mission Celebration at Olivet UMC, Coatesville 9-4.

This is a time to meet missionaries and hear about many of the different ways we are in mission in this country and around the world. Carpooling is possible, so let Barbara Drake know if you would like to go.

April 21 – Sunday evening 6 pm covered dish supper and mission program.

Highlights from the Mission Celebration will be shared. This is for the whole church family. Invite some friends to join you.

May 11 – Flea Market. May 14 – Buffet lunch and presentation by Rev. David Ryan on Congo Partnership. June 6 – Strawberry Festival

April 20

9 A.M. – NOON WORKERS NEEDED

Please let Jim or Martie Drew know if you can make it so they can prepare

the work schedule.

STAFF PASTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . .MARY JANE KIRBY MINISTER OF MUSIC . . . . .YUKIKO ISHIDA ORGANIST . . . . . . . . . . .JOSE MELENDEZ YOUTH & FAM. MINISTRIES. . . . . TIMOTHY WOTRING TREASURER. . . . .. . . . . . . . TOM McALPIN CHURCH SECRETARY . . .CYNTHIA L. KLINE MESSENGER EDITOR . . . .BARBARA DRAKE

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE:

Vacation Bible School Sponsored by: St. Faith Episcopal, Temple Lutheran Church and Union United Methodist

JULY 8-12, 2013, Mon.

through Fri. 9 to noon each day.

Held at Union, UMC Ages 4 through 10

Call 610-789-1700 to pre-register.

BULLETIN SPONSORS NEEDED!

The cost is $10. per week. You may choose to sponsor the bulletins in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone, or in thanksgiving for a blessing; whatever you choose! You will be sent the bulletin in the mail with a note for payment. Please sign up on the pages in the narthex. There are plenty of Sundays available.

FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR After many years, the cost of our altar flowers has risen from $30. to $40. per Sunday. We have needed to change florists and are now getting flowers from Nally’s in Upper Darby. Thank you for sponsoring flowers in honor or in memory of your loved ones or for special occasions. The price change is effective immediately. Please speak to the pastor if you would like to sponsor flowers and need some assistance with the increased cost. We extend our thanks to the member of our church who has offered to cover extra expenses above those listed to provide larger bouquets for our worship. Thank you!

DAWN

The portrayal of youthful radiance, She glistened and sparkled

And invaded the billowy gray Of the intruding darkness.

Then with a quickened glance,

Alert--accelerated-- Accompanied by Creator God,

She stretched out her luscious arms Into a delicate smile

That found a startled audience Clapping and singing

And breaking into exuberant laughter.

A welcome to the newest day! --Bunnie Bryant

• An energy audit was conducted in the church buildings and in the Parsonage and the Trustees have been taking steps to implement ways to save money. The congregation can help by turning out the lights if you are the last to leave a room and by closing the door to the classroom when you leave.

• Smoking is NOT permitted in the church buildings and anyone caught smoking could jeopardize the rental status of the group using the building.

• Please do not go in the day care rooms. While the church owns the building, we must respect their property.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Thursday - May 2, 2013 at Rose Tree Park at 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. Rt 252 & Rt 1, Media – All are welcome to join in prayer and song for our country, our leaders, our emergency workers, our schools and teachers, our businesses, the media and our Pastors, Priests, Rabbi’s and churches. This is a very special event, which comes once a year…Let your voice be heard along with many others as we pray to the Lord for our nation.

Don’t forget to bring chairs.

EARLY NOTICE

On Saturday, June 15th, we will host a fundraiser for the mission work of the church. Yes, Nelson’s Port-a-Pit BBQ will return to serve those delicious chicken and rib dinners. There will be an order form in the May Messenger, plus in the narthex and this is because the more pre-orders we have, the more dinners we will have for “walk-ins” and, of course, more money for mission projects. Last year’s June BBQ sold out about 45 minutes before closing time and people were turned away as we were taking down the signs. Please pre-order and if a problem comes up, give Martie Drew a call at 610-446-5791. Dinners will be take-out or eat-in and will be sold from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until sold out. Please note that the ending time has changed from 4:00 to 3:00 p.m. Dinner choices are: ½ rack of ribs meal for $12.00 or ½ chicken meal for $7.00. Each meal consists of the meat, roll, butter, drink and a choice of a side dish.

MISSION AND OUTREACH Mission Covered Dish Supper on April 21 at 6 pm. Everyone is invited to a church-wide covered dish supper and mission program. Featured in the program will be highlights of the displays and information shared at the Mission Celebration on April 6 in Coatesville. Helpers are needed to set up at 5:30. Interfaith Hospitality Network We will be hosting the week of April 21. Helpers are needed as always for set-up on Sunday after worship, and each evening and overnight. This is a date change from the original plan of the following week. We switched with another church that had too many things happening to host. We will be having the Mission Covered Dish supper on April 21, so our IHN guests will participate. The IHN guests will also be at Union the week of April 8, when Drexel Hill UMC will be the hosts. They expect that this will be the last time they need to host at Union, as they are anticipating township approval to use their gym for hosting. After School Program Was a Success On Monday afternoons from January to March, when the Main Street Elementary School in Upland was in session, folks from Union went to help with the after school enrichment program connected to the Knowledge Points Tutoring Program. We helped the students who wanted to work on homework, and we assisted them in craft projects, as they made flowers, picture frames, and bracelets for themselves or to give as gifts. The participants in this community outreach program were Pastor Mary Jane, Bev Kester, Laura Radke, Emily White, Otis Gayle, and Barbara Drake. Some of the children developed an attachment to us, and it was good to see the smiles on their faces when they saw us. Those in leadership roles also appreciated having regular volunteers.

2013 CROP WALK April 28, 1 p.m. – The Grimes Center, St. Denis Church Our youth and other members of our church will be walking in the CROP Walk this year, which supports those who are facing hunger and poverty throughout the world as well as in our own area, as 25% raised goes to support our Delco Interfaith Hospitality Network. Thank you for your faithful sponsorship in the past. Here at Union, let’s make this walk in honor of Jay Davis, who can’t be with us this year, but whose commitment and example for the CROP Walk over the years has been an inspiration to us. Please speak to Barbara Drake or Bob Flanagan or any of our youth to make your donations this year. Perhaps this is the year that you will join us for a pleasant 2.5 mile walk on a Spring Day!

RECOGNIZING OUR YOUTH:

Olivia Martin will be graduating in June from Haverford High School. Even while taking honors and “AP” classes, Olivia has been very involved in sports. She played ice hockey for the girls’ varsity program all four years (as well as for the Quakers Tier 1 Club Program). Olivia earned numerous awards and was one of the top ten scorers in the Inter County Scholastic Hockey League all four years with a total of 137 points. Her team also won the league championship in her freshman and junior years. Olivia also played varsity soccer in her freshman and senior year. Currently, she is playing varsity lacrosse and is one of the co-captains. This will be her fourth year as a varsity lacrosse player and she looks to be on track to score more than 100 goals. Olivia plans on attending West Chester University this fall with a major in biology and grad work in nursing. She will be playing NCAA D2 Lacrosse for the Golden Rams (and maybe even ice hockey).