The Messenger

The Messenger

First United Methodist Church of Mexico

June 2011

From the pastor…

Just like all of you I have spent a lot of time with the death of Osama bin Laden on my mind. As a religious “authority” a lot of folks have approached me with questions about how conflicted they feel; as Christians, they say, shouldn’t we feel one way, but as Americans shouldn’t we…?
I can’t (and don’t want to) tell anyone how they should feel. And, I have been pretty conflicted over this myself. I want to offer you a reasonable, Christian perspective on this matter that comes from the May 31, 2011 issue of The Christian Century. I am certainly not suggesting that the author has the answer to how you should feel but the article is very much worth reading.

Grateful, not joyful

May 13, 2011 by John M. Buchanan

“The horrors of World War I turned many thoughtful men and women into pacifists, including the Christian theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. But in the 1930s Niebuhr witnessed the rise of Nazism in Germany, a movement based on rabid anti-Semitism and dangerous theories of Aryan racial superiority. Niebuhr decided that armed resistance is sometimes the lesser of two evils and is sometimes the moral imperative even for Christians. He said that Christians should resist evil and fight tyranny with a clear conscience—but also with a heavy heart. When Christians take up arms they are fully aware of the reality of sin not only in the aggressor, but in their own hearts as well.
    Now Osama bin Laden is dead at the hands of U.S. special forces. For many Americans and people throughout the world, his having been killed was an act of simple justice: the man who headed a terrorist network that murdered 3,000 innocent people on September 11, 2001, and killed many others in other attacks throughout the world was appropriately punished. For many it was a national victory, the product of the determination of two presidents and the relentless, disciplined skill of U.S. forces.
            I am of two minds in this matter. It is realistic and fitting to resist planned terrorist attacks that result in thousands of innocent deaths and to do anything possible to stop those responsible. When I heard the news of bin Laden’s death, I was grateful. But I was not joyful. It did not seem to be an occasion for celebration. As a follower of one who astonished his contemporaries by teaching that “You shall love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”-one who taught his followers to pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”-I’m not going to celebrate anyone’s death.
    I confess that I’m not up to forgiving Osama bin Laden. But I’m not going to dance in the street over his death either. The best I can do is be grateful that one dreadful chapter in the story that began on 9/11 is over. The best I can do is to ponder the mystery of human beings, with their staggering potential for both good and evil, and offer thanks for a gracious and merciful God who relieves me of the responsibility of being the judge and who in the end will sort it all out-even this sad piece of history.”

We worship, and follow, and serve a God who is loving, merciful, just, and gracious. Like the author of the article above, I too am more than ready to let God make the final decisions - both on people like Osama bin Laden, and people like me.

Blessings. Bill

What Is Pentecost?

The word 'Pentecost' comes from the Greek; it simply means 'fiftieth'. Pentecost Sunday ends the season of Easter; it is the sabbath day after a week's worth of weeks (7 x 7 = 49). This year, it's on 12 June 2011.

Pentecost grew from what was originally a festival marking the first grain harvest of the Middle Eastern year, marked by a sacrifice to the gods from the first part of that first harvest. As the Jews grew to understand themselves as followers of the one and only true God, they created ways to be thankful to that God, Yahweh, for the first harvest, without the pagan trappings. The festival began to take on another religious role around the time of the Exile. Because Exodus 19:1 describes the arrival of the Jewish people at Sinai as being at about that time of year, Pentecost was used to mark the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Over time, the Torah became more prominent in Feast of Weeks celebrations.

Now, fast-forward to Jesus' time. As Luke reports it, the believers had gathered together after Jesus returned to the Father. Not just the 12 disciples, but about 120 of them. They were talking, remembering, praying, wondering what was next. (They had just been through several of the strangest months there ever were.) On the morning of Pentecost, they came out of the room, and started telling the people they met about Jesus, lit up by the Holy Spirit. The streets were full of people from many places, mostly there for the holy day, some still hanging around from Passover. When each of them heard the witnesses speak, they heard it in their own language! (That is, if they were allowing themselves to listen; otherwise, they heard babbling, as shown by the remarks about drunkenness.) What was being told, for the first time in full form, was the good news of Jesus and what it means for all people. But more than words : the words were being carried with power and authority by the Holy Spirit into the ears and the hearts of those who are listening. About 3000 new people join their ranks. This is the first fruits of a new kind of harvest, and the giving of a new covenant of grace that fulfills the covenant of the Torah.

How Is the Spirit's Presence Different Now?

Pentecost was not the first time the Spirit was active. The Spirit had been working all along in humans who listened, giving them guidance, teaching, shedding light on the mysteries of life, and causing prophecies. The Spirit struck home powerfully in John the Baptist's message, and came in full force upon Jesus at the baptism which began Jesus' public ministry. Jesus was a man who was overflowing with the Spirit, and it showed in whatever He did -- the teaching, the healings, the suffering and the death, the return and the leaving. John's Gospel even mentions that Jesus had blown the Spirit onto each of His disciples before leaving. But Pentecost was the first day that the Spirit took hold of the followers of Christ as a group or "body", and came to stay. It was the first time the Spirit's raw power was there in anyone who followed Christ, not just the Twelve.

The Church Gets A Mission

Pentecost was not the first time Jesus' believers had acted together. They did so during His ministry, and did so by gathering in the house just before Pentecost. But it was the first time they had a complete message, an empowered mission or purpose, and a unity that came from beyond themselves. Before, they were just another small circle of people following a leader around; now, they had become the church, an entity that would eventually be measured in billions. The difference: the arrival of the Holy Spirit in force, to join them together.

SAVE the DATE FOR the AUCTION!!!!!

October 1st!! That's the date for this year’s auction, our 19^th annual event. The proceeds from the auction help to pay the end-of- the-year bills, so the church finishes the year in the black. Members from the auction committee checked out two other local auctions for fresh ideas. While the other auctions had some "big" ticket items such as a car and appliances, which we probably won't have, we will have lots of items that everybody can use or give as gifts. (More ideas of items to be auctioned, later.) But one thing which the other auctions had was bidders, many bidders. So, save the date, come and support this year’s auction.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Update

Here is a live action, up-close opportunity to see the shoe box ministry in major motion. Last fall Wayne and Rose Ann Myers traveled to North Carolina to work at the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project processing center in Charlotte. Now the Outreach Committee is planning a mission trip to the same processing center in Charlotte, North Carolina from November 28 to December 3. Everyone is invited to take the trip. Participants will be helping to process the Christmas shoe boxes for shipment to children around the world. The cost is approximately $200./person, with four in the hotel room, but perhaps additional cost with the increased cost of gas. The New York North Central Area Coordinator needs to know numbers by June 20. If you are interested in going on the trip, or simply have questions, please call Rose Ann Myers (963-3161) or Sue Morton (963-3566) before that date. Thank you.

THE TUG HILL PLAYERS RETURN!

Sunday, June 12, at 2pm

Many remember The Tug Hill Players from their performance at our church last year. Their mostly lively, sometimes wistful, always entertaining instrumentals and vocals highlight Celtic music but add in a bit of bluegrass, country, Appalachian, and folk. The public is invited. The ASAP Committee will host a dessert and fruit reception in the fellowship hall following the program. The suggested donation is $5. All proceeds go toward the church handicap elevator project.

JELLYSTONE PARK was GREAT FUN!!

The ASAP Committee extends many thanks to Ed and Barb Lighthall and their family for hosting the Family Fun Day at Jellystone Park on Sunday, May 22. Upwards of 130 tickets were sold for the event and there was terrific attendance on what turned out to be a terrific day. The pulled pork dinner prepared by the Lighthalls and the staff was delicious. The jumping pillow, miniature golf, water balloons and wagon ride were all great fun. All proceeds from the Family Fun Day go to support the handicap elevator project at the church. Thank you to Barb and Ed Lighthall, and thank you to their family and staff.

PIZZA for DINNER and CHOCOLATE for DESSERT!!!

The fundraising for summer church camp for our children continues. There are still a few boxes of Gertrude Hawk candy bars available if anyone would like a box to sell. The Pizza Sale has been extended to June 8th. We are about 25 kits away from our 100 kit goal. If you are interested in purchasing a kit please see Melissa or Steven Maciejko (or call 963-1066). We have at least 12 youth going to camp this year (we think that is a record), so please support the kids of our church and buy some pizza for dinner and chocolate for dessert!
Thank you!

SUCCESSFUL ATTIC TREASURE SALE

The Outreach Committee extends sincere thanks to all who helped make the Annual Attic Treasure Sale on Saturday, May 14, a terrific success. Thank you to the many people who donated treasures for sale and to the many who came to purchase those treasures. Thank you to those who worked hard to set up and close down the sale. Thank you to the bakers who donated baked goods.
The proceeds from the sale totaled over $1,600! We thank you and thank God for this success and for the opportunity to reach out as a church in missions.

Monday’s Meal Update

Monday’s Meal continues to serve as a valued ministry in the community. On Monday, May 23, the number served reached 62. Thank you for those who continue to serve in this ministry and thank you for those who come to eat the soup! Both are appreciated! Following are the cooks scheduled for the month of June.

June 6:        Rose Ann & Wayne Myers and Leslie & Rick Sherman
June 13:      Maggie Palmer & Sue Morton
June 20:      Steve Maciejko & George Monson
June 27:      Jeanette Spicer & Pam Roach

Important Dates…

June 5:       Jr High Youth Group, 6:30pm
June 6:      Administrative Council Meeting
June 7-11: Annual Conference, Rochester
June 10:    Deadline for July Newsletter
June 12:    Pentecost (wear RED to church)
June 12:     Tug Hill Players Concert: 2pm
June 12:     Senior High Youth Group
June 12:     The Pulse, 6pm
June 13:    Administrative Council Meeting
June 14:     Trustees Meeting
June 16:     Angelfood Orders Due
June 19^:     Father’s Day
June 21:     Lake Effect Cooperative Meeting
June 25:     Angelfood Distribution Day
June 26:     Graduation Sunday at Church
June 30:     UMMen Night at the Ball Park

Thank You, Thank You To….

~ all who contributed to the Annual Attic Treasure Sale.
~the Watros family for bringing the food donations from our church to the Mexico Food Pantry.
~those who donate food for those in need.
~the Sunday school staff for serving tirelessly this past year.
~the youth group leaders who have led the groups throughout the year.
~the Bake Shop Eatery for faithfully providing bread for Monday’s Meal.
~Esther Granger’s family, for their assistance in moving church furniture.

Local Mission Opportunity

Do you enjoy serving those in need? Do you have two extra hours a month available for mission work? If so,

The Mexico Ecumenical Food Pantry, located at St Anne Mother of Mary Catholic Church in Mexico, would welcome volunteers to bag food and distribute it to folks as they come to the pantry. Please call Bob and Nancy McClelland at 963-3640 for more information.
Thank you.

Congratulations on the birth of…

Noah David Lewis

on April13, 2011

Parents are:

Major Dr. Steven & Melissa (Anderson) Lewis

Grandparents are:

Dave and Sharon Anderson

Congratulations to….

the family of:

Salvatore Rocco Cannata

who was baptized on:

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Salvatore is the son of:

Sal and Tricia Cannata.

Congratulations to our 2011 Graduates…

Mary Bromfield                             Mackenzie Myers
    Zachary Earl                                 Nick Pachoud
      Molly Freihofer                             Robert Sherman
         Joanna Hirsh         Millie Hurtig         Alyssa Sprague
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Donald Albrecht graduated Summa Cum Laude on May 21, from

Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

THE TUG HILL PLAYERS RETURN!

Sunday, June 12, at 2pm

A FATHER’S PRAYER

“Our Father who art in heaven,
I am a father on earth.
You have given me this gift and responsibility.
Grant me the wisdom to carry it out.
Let me be there for my children when they need me,
And get out of the way when they don’t.”

Adolfo Quezanda
“Holy Humor: by Cal and Rose Samra

Fruit or Cookies?

The ASAP Committee is hosting a dessert and fruit reception following The Tug Hill Players concert on Sunday, June 12. If you would like to donate a dessert or dish of fruit, please contact Madelyn Schmidt at
963-3646

RECIPE CORNER: This seasonal recipe comes to us from Bonnie LoForte who has an ample supply of fresh rhubarb growing in her yard. She reports that the recipe takes just 15 minutes!

Thanks for sharing Bonnie.

Rhubarb Jam

2 ½ cups finely diced rhubarb                                                                     2 boxes strawberry gelatin
2 ½ cups sugar                                                                                                   ½ cup water

Let the above sit overnight in the refrigerator after mixing it well. Put on slow heat and bring to a low boil.   Add two boxes of strawberry gelatin and one-half cup water.   Cook for five minutes. Preserve as you would any jam or jelly.

This issue of The Messenger is graciously sponsored by:

Marge Perth

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