The Messenger

First United Methodist Church of Mexico
October, 2009

Stress! Anxiety! Fear! These words capture well the state of mind of many of us in America today. We have witnessed dramatic market losses, the collapse of the world’s largest insurance company, and many bankruptcies and mergers. Every day seems to bring another piece of economic uncertainty.

A recent survey found that over three in four Americans are stressed about the economy and their personal finances. Half were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. Over half of respondents reported feeling angry and irritable, and reported lying awake at night worried about this. The report concludes that, “The declining state of the nation’s economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide.”  

Our nation is experiencing what many have described as the “American Nightmare.” Increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, and a volatile stock market are all a part of our economic insecurity. We live in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.

All of us have struggled with these economic and financial issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, over several weeks beginning in mid-October, we will be having a church-wide study and a worship emphasis called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Beginning on October 18, I will be delivering a three-week sermon series entitled Enough, which will focus on these issues. During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial management through our worship services each week, and a small-group Bible study. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working through financial challenges. Each week in church we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation. Our “kick-off” is Sunday, October 18, both during the worship service and at a covered-dish lunch following the service that day.

At the conclusion of these several weeks of prayer and study, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate our commitments in the worship service on Sunday, November 8 (see the schedule that follows).

I hope you will join me in church in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy.

Sincerely,

Rev. Bill

Schedule of Events:

• (Sun.) Oct.18   “Kick-Off” Service at 9:45am; covered-dish luncheon following worship.

• (Tues.)Oct.20, 27, & Nov. 3:   Small-group Bible studies, at both 11am and at 7pm at the church.

• (Sun.)Nov,8     “Consecration Sunday” at 9:45am (when we together offer to God our personal commitments for the     coming  year).

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Recipe Corner:  This month’s recipe for chicken noodle soup was donated by Kenny Tupper.  It is a perfect recipe for fall and winter weather!   Thanks Kenny.

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

1 Tablespoon butter                                       ½ cup chopped onions

½ cup chopped celery                                    4 (14.5) ounce cans chicken broth

1 (14.5) can vegetable broth                           ½ pound chopped cooked chicken breast

1 ½ cups egg noodles                                    1 cup sliced carrots

½ teaspoon dried basil                                   ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.  Cook onion and celery in butter until just tender, 5 minutes.  Pour in chicken and vegetable broths and stir in chicken, noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes before serving.

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17^th ANNUAL CHURCH AUCTION

Saturday, October 3^rd

Fall is here, October too, and we are just days away from our Annual Church Auction.  This year a successful auction is most important for the church budget. 

  We are offering some spectacular items to sell.  But, you may think, there won’t be anything you need.  There is, however, something for everyone at this year’s auction.  Check out some of the donations to date:

Food:  All kinds of goodies – Certificates to be redeemed when you wish for cakes, pies, cream puffs, cheese cakes, apples, lasagna, chili, soup, multi-course dinners, and groceries.

Gift Certificates:  To Daddy Ed’s, Greco’s, Eis House, Pelican Pam’s, Ponderosa, and the Greenside Restaurant.

Trips, rides and fun:  Luncheon cruises: one on Lake Ontario and one on Skaneateles Lake.  Two fishing charters on Lake Ontario.  Tickets to the Renaissance Faire, North Pole, Sylvan Beach Amusement Park (unlimited rides),  and  Screamer’s Hollow.  Also, golf course certificates and (like new) golf clubs.

Beauty & Wellness: Hair cuts, sets, perm, pedicure and a massage.

PEDALS, PIPES, and PIZZA!

The fourth annual Pedals, Pipes and Pizza! Concert, held here, the First United Methodist Church, will be from 10:00am to 11:00am, Saturday, November 7.  Refreshments and pizza will follow. Organist Abel Searor and his student, Elliot Ringwald, will perform music by a variety of composers, entertaining to both children and adults. Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza! is free and open to the public.
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Accessibility and Safety Achievement Project (ASAP)

           The Accessibility and Safety Achievement Project (ASAP) Committee is thankful to all who have contributed to the ASAP Project.  We now have $25,694.49 in the account.  This account will cover the cost of the new handicap accessible restroom in the Fellowship Hall.  Building of this restroom will commence on or about October 5.  In addition monies from this account will assist in covering the cost of guard rails in a portion of the church’s newer back parking lot.  Had Fravor has researched the cost of installing guard rails.  According to the survey it appears that approx. 120’ of railing and 12-13 posts would be needed.  Had secured an estimate from Matt Gracey for the materials and Had was authorized by the ASAP committee to go ahead with the project.  The remaining amount in the account will be the beginning funds for a handicap accessible elevator.  Thank you to one and all who have contributed to ASAP!

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Jesus is the
Rock
That Doesn’t Roll.
"Church Signs Across America”

By Steve and Pam Paulson

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IMPORTANT DATES

October 1: Bible Study 6pm

October 3: Annual Church Specialty Auction

October 4: Senior High Youth  Group Bonfire        Meeting at Lofortes  6-8pm

October 4: Junior High Youth Group, church, 6:30pm

October 7: Shoebox Wrapping 4pm at church

October 10: Deadline for  November Messenger

October 11: “Kick-off Sunday For Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

October 17: UMMen’s  Breakfast Meeting  New time: 8am

October 18: Stewardship ‘Kick-off’ Sunday w/ Covered-dish following worship.

October 18: Junior Youth Group, church, 6:30pm

October 20: Bible Study 11am and 7pm

October 20: ASAP Meeting6:30pm

October 25: Senior High Youth, Church 6:30pm

October 27: Bible Study 11am and 7pm

November 3: Bible Study 11am and 7pm

November 3: Trustees AnnualPancake Supper  

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Confirmation Class to Begin  

Confirmation class, led by Reverend Bill and assisted by Bonnie Loforte, will begin on
Sunday, October 25, at 5:30pm. at the church.
Confirmation is a stepping-up in faith offered to youth ages 12 and older.
Parents are urged to attend the first class on October 25.
Questions?  Please call Reverend Bill at 963-3272, or Bonnie Loforte at 963-0642. 

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