FEBRUARY 2019
FEBRUARY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING S1UMC Tues. Feb. 5 @7 p.m.
KENNEL CLASS REGISTRATION S1UMC Thurs. Feb. 7 @ 6:30-9:30 p.m.
MISSION TEAM MEETING S1UMC Tues. Feb. 12 @ 7 p.m.
Valentine Swing Dance On Saturday, February 16, there will be a Valentine Swing Dance featuring live Big Band dance music by the Springville Jazz Orchestra from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Tickets cost $15 per person and they are available at the Love in the Name of Christ office or Springville Hardware. A dessert buffet, punch, and coffee will be available. All benefits go to the Aftershock Youth Ministry and the Love in the Name of Christ organization.
VALENTINE’S DAY Tues. Feb. 14
Valentine Care Packages VALENTINE SWING DANCE FLC Sat. Feb. 16 @ 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
MUSIC PLANNING MEETING S1UMC Thurs. Feb. 19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Each year we as a church help sweeten our College Student’s February by sending them some Valentine’s Day treats. You can help by stopping by the Connections Table and signing up to bring a treat, and/or coming to help pack the boxes on Sunday, February 10 after Sunday School in Room 1B. Parents, please make sure we have your child’s correct school address at the Connections Table.
FIRST FRUITS DEADLINE Fri. Feb. 22
DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH FIRST FRUITS NEWSLETTER: FRIDAY, FEB. 22 NEWSLETTERS@S1UMC.ORG OR DROP OFF ARTICLES TO CHURCH OFFICE
2
February 2019
From the Pastor’s Desk
Church on a Mission The S1UMC mission statement is: Empowered by God to love and serve one another. Maybe you know it well, maybe you’ve seen it printed in some places, maybe you had no idea that we had a mission statement. We will spend a few weeks this month putting our hearts before the Lord as it relates to the mission that Jesus has given us as a church. I have a few people helping me with the message these Sundays as we explore the importance of three aspects of our mission: Empowered, Love, and Serve. This series will remind us how fundamental these three things are for our faith as individuals and our life together as a church. It will also serve as a launch pad for us to seek the Lord for the vision of where we are being led to follow in this mission in the next season of our life together. To say it all briefly, the Holy Spirit lives in us and empowers us to live for Jesus. Jesus makes it clear that to follow him is to live a life of love towards God and others. Jesus also models for us the way that our love for God and others is lived out in service. I am really excited to explore all of this more deeply together as we trust Christ to lead us forward as individuals, families, and as a church. Being a Christian isn’t only about what we believe, we are a church on a mission! There are ways our community and world need us to live faithfully so the Kingdom of God grows around them as we follow after Jesus. Because of Grace, Pastor Matthew
Thank You With a very busy December and a much needed family vacation we didn’t get the chance to say thank you for the many blessings we received here in Springville this Christmas season. There were many kind words, thoughtful gifts and cards from the S1UMC family. We were also blown away by the way so many came together for a Night in Bethlehem and the children’s Christmas Eve program. Thank you to everyone who made our first Christmas season in Springville so memorable and we look forward to many more. Love in Christ, The French Family.
3
February 2019
From the Pastor’s Desk Con't
Psalm a Day Psalm a Day continues in February. Just to help you keep your bearings or if you want to jump in and join us, here are just the Psalms that correspond with each Monday this month: Feb. 4 is Psalm 35, Feb. 11 is Psalm 42, Feb. 18 is Psalm 49, and Feb. 25 is Psalm 56. Guides will continue to be available in the church entry. Also, a daily reminder of the psalm and a variety of ways you may pray the psalms is on the church Facebook page daily. https://www.facebook.com/s1umc/
Special Session of General Conference February 23-26 United Methodist representatives from all over the world will gather for a special session of General Conference in St. Louis. They will be receiving a report by the Commission on a Way Forward that was formed as a result of the 2016 General Conference. There are a few options coming to the conference from this report and there is the possibility that the body will consider additional options as well. Essentially what all these options look to address is how does the United Methodist denomination come together in greater unity for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus. Near the center of the conversation are the differences in beliefs regarding human sexuality, and how we can structure the institution and stay accountable to our Book of Discipline. Leadership Council has been made aware of the options that we know will be presented. We have not done more to educate the congregation on the options because it is likely that what gets voted on will be a modified version of the report and it is also possible that no action comes from the gathering. If something comes out of the Conference it will have more of an impact on the structure and work of the denomination, not much of an immediate impact on the ministry of Springville First. If you follow the news media you may hear reports about our General Conference. It is important to know that these reports will not likely understand how our church is governed. If anything is decided at General Conference that would make changes to our constitution those changes come back to every Annual Conference for a vote. In order for a change to take effect, â…” of all the Methodists voting at all Annual Conferences have to vote in favor of the change. So despite what might be reported there will be no change to the United Methodist Church in February, any possible change would still be many months away. If anything more definitive happens we will keep the congregation informed. Feel free to speak with Pastor Matthew if you have question or concerns related to this.
4
February 2019
Remembering Betty Gundlach Remembering Betty Gundlach Born in Buffalo, Betty and husband George earned their Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo. In 1951 they moved to Springville and joined Methodist Church. They both gave of themselves as active members teaching Sunday School and serving on several boards and committees. They were “mustard seeders” responsible for the building of our present facility. Betty, particularly, gave of her time as youth leader, Financial Secretary, Official Board (Leadership) member, Board of Trustees, Director of Vacation Bible School, and lay member to the Western New York Conference. Betty was active in the Olean District WSCE (Women’s Society of Christian Service) and the UMW (United Methodist Women) locally and at the District and Conference levels. She was Secretary of Youth Work and Secretary for Social Concerns at the UMW Conference level, and was elected its President in 1968. She, also, served on the Board of School of Christian Mission and was Director of the School of Christian Mission for the Northeastern Jurisdiction UMW. Betty held several offices as a member of the Annual Conference from 1955-1987. She served on the Board of Evangelism, Board of Church and Society, Board of Missions, and Board for Youth Programs. She was the first woman to serve on the Conference Board of Trustees and was elected its president. In 1972 she became a lay delegate to the General Conference. During her tenure, Betty was Co-Chair of the Advance Committee, a member of the Methodist Corporation, liaison with the Board of Global Ministries, and a member of the Personnel Committee. She, also, became an alternate to the Judicial Council and in 1976 was elected to the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council, the highest judicial body, court, of the UMC, is made up of nine elected members who determine the constitutionality of acts and decisions, of the church. She was re-elected for a second eight-year term in 1984 and became Vice-Chair of the Council. To date, she is only the third woman ever to ever on the Judicial Council. A person of many talents, Betty graciously gave her gift of leadership to the United Methodist Church. She was an early advocate for clergywomen and was proud to help ensure that they were treated with parity concerning compensation and benefits. Throughout her life, Betty offered her considerable gifts of a sharp mind, quick-wit, devotion, time and energy, to the work of the United Methodist church, to the local communities in which she lived, and, most important of all, her family. [This article was written to remind us that Betty and George were two of the many people from our past who laid the foundation for “where we are today.” Betty was a dynamic leader of our local church, a pioneer, and decision-maker at the highest levels of the United Methodist Church. It is important that we know and remember our past, as it shapes who we are today. Betty passed away Dec. 7, 2018 at the daughter’s home in California. Don Orton]
5
February 2019
Small Groups & Fellowships/Room Reservations Tuesday Men’s Group
Men join together each Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. for Faith, Food, and Fellowship at the Apple Dumplin Restaurant. All are welcome to join in for the study as well as the companionship. For further information feel free to reach out to David Ploetz at 9828764.
Wednesday Volleyball Do you like volleyball? A group gets together each Wednesday from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center for volleyball games. Mark your calendar for February 6, 13, 20, and 27 when games will take place. Like to watch? Contact Mike Lux at 5922635.
Leadership Council Respite Care A group of those with memory impairment issues meets the first Wednesday of each month for a time of fun, learning, and companionship. Everyone needs a break. Carepartners may need a break from caregiving tasks. Individuals with memory impairment issues may want a break from their care partner, and have the opportunity to meet with others who share some of the same challenges. Respite Care can help by providing a new environment or time to relax. The meetings take place the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30-2:30 in the Family Life Center. If interested, please contact the church office and we can give you the information you may need.
Pastor’s Bible Study
Pastor Matthew leads a Pastor’s Bible Study on Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. currently studying the book of I Timothy. Join in.
There will be a Leadership Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 5 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Al-Anon Those who find it difficult to cope with alcohol related issues, either AA or Al-Anon are available in the church building for you or a loved one. Al-Anon meets on Friday evenings from 6:00-7:00 p.m. AA meets on Saturdays from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Call the church office at 592-7451 for more information.
Pickleball Pickleball meets in the Family Life Center for pickle ball games each Monday and Thursday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Please see the contact information located near the church office for more information.
6
February 2019
Library Corner Quote of the Month “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations” Henry David Thoreau
NONFICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH Its Not Supposed to be This Way: finding unexpected strength when disappointments leave you shattered by Lysa TerKeurst Are you experiencing daily disappointments or a life changing loss? The author understands because she’s been there! With grit, vulnerability, and humor, she helps you navigate the divide between Eden and eternity. Discover how to better process unmet expectations, recognize three strategies of the enemy, stand steadfast in the face of overwhelming difficulty and more. The ROCK, the ROAD, and the RABBI by Kathie Lee Gifford A WONDERFUL read for those who have visited the Holy Land, or who want to visit the Holy Land, or who want to grow their faith and knowledge of the Bible. A book not to be missed!! When she began studying the biblical texts in their original Hebrew and Greek and hiking the ancient paths of Israel, Kathie Lee discovered a deeper understanding of the Bible and of God Himself. Follow her as she hikes the land with Rabbi Jason Sobel, Ray Vander Laan, and others who are trained in the messianic rabbinical way - and see Jesus' earthly homeland with new eyes! Features end-ofchapter teachings from Rabbi Sobel. THE ROCK (Jesus Christ): Hear directly from Kathie Lee about her life-changing and ever-deepening connection with Jesus, the Lover of her soul. THE ROAD (Israel): Explore dozens of ancient landmarks and historical sites from Israel, the promised land of God's covenant. THE RABBI (God's Word): Go beyond a "Sunday school" approach to the Bible by digging into the original languages and deeper meanings of the Holy Scriptures.
FICTION BOOKS OF THE MONTH Many Sparrows by Lori Benton Fiction with a great spiritual message that will challenge each reader to be still, wait and let God fight their battle for them! In the year 1774 in the Ohio Kentucky frontier, the Colonists begin taking over the Native American territories. Philip must leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob, alone on a mountain trail. The Shawnee Indians take Jacob and hold him captive. Philip does not return and Clare must find the best way possible to get her son back. “Stunning…an inspired masterpiece sure to stir the soul.” A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling # 3 in Under Northern Skies In 1910 Minnesota, Nilda Carlson's dreams are coming true. Though her first few months in America were difficult, her life now resembles the images that filled her daydreams in Norway. She and her younger brother Ivar live in their own house, just a short distance from her older brother and his family. Together they work the farm and fell trees for lumber. They plan to grow a dairy herd, weave rugs out of their own wool, and make skis to sell. Everything is going right. The only thing missing from Nilda's life is love. But though she has two suitors--a quiet schoolteacher and a handsome lumberjack--Nilda feels hesitant. A terrifying experience in Norway has made her cautious where men are concerned. When she thinks she sees the man in question, all her fears come flooding back. Is it possible the danger has followed her across the Atlantic? If Dreng Nygaard is truly in Minnesota, all of her dreams for the future could come crashing down around her.
7
February 2019
Children & Youth Sunday School
Sunday Morning Worship Regular Sunday morning worship services are scheduled at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages is available at 9:45.
Lenten Services
Kennel Class
Lenten services will take place each Wednesday throughout Lent (March 6 - April 17) at the Presbyterian Church at noon and will include lunch as well as a time of worship.
There is a Kennel Class for dog training which meets in Room 1F downstairs. The next meeting is February 7, which is a registration meeting day.
Our Staff & Information
Matthew French mfrench@s1umc.org
8
February 2019
Announcements You may be wondering what Not MOPS is, and you are most likely not alone! This moms group started out as MOPS, which stands for Moms Of PreSchoolers. It is a great not for profit organization that ministers to lots of moms internationally! They began in 1973 and have been growing ever since. We were blessed to be a part of that organization and they brought so many moms together in our community. But we mamas are frugal and did not want to continue to purchase the kit every year when we were truly not taking advantages of all that it contained. We are still small in relation to many of the groups across the nation and we have been focusing on building relationships with one another rather than following a curriculum. We didn’t want to continue to use the name MOPS, so Not MOPS was born. We want to make sure that all moms know they are welcome. Whether you have, newborns, preschoolers or high schoolers, all moms need friends! Motherhood is hard and can be lonely but with mom friends life is a lot better! So, what have we been up to? Every 4th Monday of the month we gather in the Yellow Room for coffee and conversations! Our incredible volunteers keep our kids happy in the Family Life Center where they enjoy play time, music time, and of course snacks! Some activities we have enjoyed as a group in the past were a lesson in cupcake decorating from Amanda’s Sweets, creating Advent Calendars with supplies donated by the Women’s Sunday School class and a Christmas party with a sock exchange! We talk, laugh, and we get a little break from our kids for an hour and a half. We all love it and if you are expecting, or have kids we invite you to join us! If you are interested in helping in this ministry please let me know! We are always looking for volunteer to help with the kiddos, prayer warriors to pray us through these years, and financial partners to help fund special blessings for the moms. We want to thank you all for the use of the facility! It is such a blessing to have a safe, warm space to accommodate our growing group! Thank you to the volunteers who watch our kids, you have no idea how special that hour and a half break is! And thank you to those who have been keeping this ministry, the moms and the kids in your prayers. God has been working in the hearts of us all and we know it is because of prayers being answered. Look for another update next month! Samantha Skura, samanthaskura@ymail.com, (716) 880-4943
Updated Addresses Please be sure to advise the church office of your loved ones new college or military address as soon as possible.
Springville/Concord Community Food Pantry The Springville Concord Community Food Pantry would like to send our sincere thanks for your continued bread donations throughout the year. Our records indicated that your church donated a total of 459 loaves of bread in 2018. Because of you, we always have fresh bread to offer those we serve. We would also like to acknowledge the collection you held in November for warm beverages. The coffee (10), teas (5), and hot chocolates (7) did not gather any dust on the shelves, and are helping to warm our clients in these warm months. Thank you for remembering those in need!
9
February 2019
Committee Prayers News for & the More Ingersolls/Finances
Prayers for the Ingersolls
Dear Friends in Springville, We wanted to personally let you know of a decision recently made by World Impact. After over 35 years of service, Newark Christian School will be closing at the end of June. The main reason given is that World Impact national leadership did not see a way to financially sustain NCS or the properties they own here. The school and staff will continue in operation through the final days of class in June. We, especially Carol as the current principal, have deep sorrow at the passing of this institution that brought us to Newark to minister the gospel. Please pray for us in this time of grieving. The World Impact national ministry, including Newark, is in the process of restructuring in the upcoming months. We are working with our leaders to discern how (or if) we will fit into future ministry with World Impact. While we will not rush this process, we will need to make decision in the next few months. However, we do feel at this time that God is leading us to continue ministry in Newark. A few possibilities have already been brought to our attention. Nevertheless, we want to be clear that we are committed to World Impact at least through the end of June. Now, more than ever, we need your prayers, love, and continued financial support. We look forward to continuing to partner with all of you at First United Methodist. Please pray for grace and wisdom from above in this next phase of our lives. Pray that we will see how God is leading, hear his voice, and joyfully follow in step with the Spirit. Please pray also for the families of Newark Christian School as we help the students during this difficult transition. We treasure your prayers as you go with us in our new adventure. May the Lord bless you and keep you! David and Carol Ingersoll
Finances You've probably heard the great news by now - an anonymous donation has been given to S1UMC to pay off the remainder of our mortgage for the "new" addition. This was a project which began in 2000 and we've been reaping the benefits of it since then. You may have been giving donations to the mortgage fund and we are very appreciative for your support. Perhaps you'd like to continue this giving towads something like the general fund or the newly created parking lot fund. Any questions, see Paul Williams or Debe Ploetz. God is so good! As always, the church appreciates your support. Thank you!!
10
February 2019
Book Club
Wise Words Book Club Our next discussion night will be Friday, March 1 at the parsonage from 6:008:00pm. The book we're reading is Put on Your Warrior Boots by Lisa Whittle. Lisa is an inspirational author and speaker who wants you to experience the joy and release of trusting in your Savior to help you live a God-ignited life. In Put on Your Warrior Boots, Lisa challenges her readers to reject a passive faith and to be who we say we are in the midst of a watching world. In these days leading up to lent, I urge you to read along with us, even if you can't make it to the discussion group. The book is suitable for women of all ages, from high school on up, and all are invited to join us....even if you don't finish. There's no test, just lots of fun and casual conversation.
Looking ahead - Everybody Always by Bob Goff will be our next read. The audible version of this book is fabulous. Matthew and I greatly enjoyed it on our holiday road trip. So if you’re planning any trips in the next months, consider taking this one along.
Worship Assistant Schedule
11:00
8:30
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
MEDIA CREW
Feb. 17 Adam Tillinghast
Feb. 24 Kate Moody
NURSERY GREETERS
Cindy & Dennis Sullivan
Brenda & Robert Denk
GREETERS
Mary Hill & Debe Ploetz
Shirley Quick & Peggy Rice
WORSHIP LEADER
Mary Lou Forster
Tom Place
De Bonenberger
Jan Ingerson
Mary Kay Williams
Rich Place
Paul Williams
MEDIA CREW USHERS COFFEE HOUR
Jan Ingerson
Sue Place
Bart Moody Jon & Joy Maybray
Jen Sullivan De & Dolf Bonenberger Jan Ingerson
February 2019
11
February 2019
FEBRUARY 2019