June, 2018 Page 1

1

Pastor’s Pen

2That’s A Bright IdeaAdult Fellowship Dining Out

3Family Corner:Birthdays and AnniversariesAbout Our FamiliesGraduatesGrace Notes

4Book Club NewsThe GazeboWidows’ Group starting

5Thrift Shop News

6Free Community DinnerTiconderoga Food Pantry

7Calendar

8Sunday VolunteersAcolytesCoffee Greeters&UshersLay Readers’ Schedule

June, 2018 Dear Friends,

I invite you to please hold our Upper New York Annual Conference in prayer as Clergy and Lay delegates converge upon Onondaga Community College Wednesday May 30th through Saturday June 2nd. It will be a joy to experience Conference through new eyes as Lynn Sawyer and Xann Tyler come with me as Lay Delegate and Adirondack Equalization Member.

I am extremely excited for our New Widow Support Group beginning on Wednesday June 13th at 1:30PM in the Lounge, facilitated by Kate Barry, a wonderfully gifted person whom you can read about in her bio in the newsletter. Please invite women from the community whom might be interested. This ministry is a result of parishioners asking for it to happen. Please Please Please talk to me about your ideas for ministries that will engage our members and the community!

I have been talking to people in the community about the Bible Stories that have meant the most to them. And I would like to know which parts of the Bible have made an impact on your

life. This will help me to design Bible Studies and preaching plans for this coming year.

As of July 1st I will be released from my District and Conference leadership positions and will be able to focus most of my time and attention in our community. This will also give me time and space to heal and learn how to best live with Fibromyalgia. As you all know I have had a crash course this past Winter on listening to my body and resting and learning to reduce stress. One of the ways I am reducing stress is through the rediscovery of my love of pastels. I am experiencing great joy drawing and painting again!

Throughout the Scriptures we learn that we grow in our relationship with God when we build intentional rest and re-creation into our lives. I invite you to share your joy with God as you engage in the activities and recreation you love this summer!

Peace, Love, and Blessings,Pastor Scott Tyler

First United Methodist Church

June, 2018 Page 2

Now That’s A Bright Idea

Things are warming up and projects are getting under way.

To bring you up to date, as I write this the SHOCK crew is helping Betty with making our church grounds neat and tidy. It’s a good thing we have Betty since I have two black thumbs. Say thanks to her next time you see her.

If you haven’t noticed, there’s a new big gray, (no not an elephant) garage out back. The thrift shop now will have enough storage and we will have storage for larger items such as the snow blower.

In other news, the Parsonage will be getting a new furnace. New LED lamps are on order for the church. (National Grid is picking up over half the cost) Painting of the upper windows of the Fellowship Hall wing is complete. The old storage shed has been removed. (Thanks Penny) It sounds like we’re busy and we are.

I need your input. An idea has been put forth that our addition to the entrance to Fellowship hall should include a steeple. The bell from the old Street Road church is available. The bell from downtown that is in the garden is broken and unusable. I’m having Joe Vilardo do some quick sketches for ideas. When I have them I’ll post them and we can discuss.

Further to the changes to the entrance to Fellowship Hall, unfortunately the crabapple tree is being removed. It is too bad but here are the reasons it had to come out. First, it has a fungus of some sort that last year killed all the leaves and apples by August. The disease has cause the tree not to bloom this year and while the leaves look ok now, they are already doing the same thing as last year. Second, is that we will be removing the retaining wall and digging up along all the basement walls to install a drainage system next summer as part of the entrance addition. The tree would have to come out at that time anyway. Betty feels we can pot or transplant most of the other plants in front of the office when the time comes.

Last month I mentioned an idea that had been put forth about the handrails on the stairs. I have sketched three ideas to provide grip to our stair handrails. They are still being discussed.

We still haven’t heard anything from the Moses fund or the bequest from Alma Thompson. You’ll know soon after I do.

As always if you see something that needs attention, contact Donnie, Pastor Scott or myself and we’ll do our best to “get ‘r’ done”!

Bill Westervelt, Chair

Adult Fellowship Dining Out!June 25 at the Sentinel Grill!!

Dutch Treat. NOTE new location.

All are welcome- just contact Ann or the office to RSVP, so they know how many will attend!

June, 2018 Page 3

Family CornerHappy BirthdayPamela Moser June 5Donald Norton June 10John Wesley- June 12, 1703 founder of Methodism.Pastor Scott Tyler June 13Sandee Thompson June 14Kathy Liddell June 18Alexander Moser- June 18Leona Simpson June 20Peggy Armstrong June 27Laurie Ward June 29Olivia Quesnel June 29

Happy Anniversary!Douglas & Janice Morse June 2Jeannine & Bill Wright June 4Mike & Kim Powers June 13Sue and Colby Fahey June 17Albert & Mary Thompson June 20John Wade & Deb Endsley June 24Jerry & Joyce Cooper June 26Douglas & Carolyn Buckland June 30

Dear Friends,

My Mom, Dona Tyler, has asked me to express her thanks to each of you for all of your prayers for her during her cancer surgery and recovery. She is recovering well, has started sewing a new quilt, and is anticipating that she will soon be able to drive herself!

Peace and Blessings,Pastor Scott

Marge Hurlbert has finished her

Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in

Addiction!

Amanda Powershas completed her

Doctor of Pharmacy degree!

United Methodist Women

June 13 at 6:00 PM We will share a picnic at

Nancy Carter's house. Come one and all!

Pastor Paints Pup

Special music needed for the summer, beginning July 15. It can be instrumental, vocal or dance.

Thanks, Grace

June 17

June, 2018 Page 4

Book ClubJune 4th at 5:30 Somewhere. . .

Little Fires Everywhere

By Celeste Ng

Come see the Gazebo!Pack a lunch, bring a book, or

just enjoy the view!Photo from July 20, 2009.

From left to right- Betty Rettig, Art Secor,

Pastor Scott Tyler, Beverly Sann, Béla Ambrus, and

Grace Ambrus

Kate Barry will be offering a

Widows’ Support Group

WednesdaysStarting June 13

at 1:30pm

I am a widow and a very new Vermonter having moved to Middlebury in September of 2017. When my daughter said that she and her family would be in Middlebury for life, I decided that it would be a good move for me to be there too. But the north country was not new to me. My husband and I were teachers and so were free to spend the past 38 summers in our old farmhouse on Split Rock Rd in Hague. I count two long term residents of Hague – Anna Denno and Pat Delarm – as good friends who died all too soon.

I’m originally from Baltimore and have made several northward moves, first to Pennsylvania, then New Jersey, then to Suffern NY where I lived for 47 years, and now to Vermont. Along the way I spent 10 years as a Catholic sister, and finally left when I was certain that religious life was not my calling. I met my husband not long after I left and we had

2 terrific kids and 25 years of a solid marriage. We both liked to travel, hike and camp and weathered well the bumpy spots that are inevitable in marriage.

I come from a dynamic Catholic parish in Jersey that was just over the New York border, and reluctantly left many wonderful and deeply spiritual close friends there with whom I worked In ministry. I sang in the choir, shepherded folks who wanted to come back to the church, led bereavement groups for a number of years, was part of a team that originated Women’s Journey Parish retreats, and was on the parish council. Most recently I worked in our Peace and Justice and in our St. Francis (ecology) ministries. The parish promoted Small Christian Community formation and I was actually an SCC junkie as a member of 3 of them. Much of the work in the parish I did after my husband Frank died, my 2 children, Julie and Frank, were grown and on their own, and I was alone.

For none of us is life the bed of roses that we might like it to be. But the tough parts in my life have been my teachers. It is only because of them that I have been able to come to real compassion, to walk with others in their pain and to know more intimately the joys and depths of love.

June, 2018 Page 5

Thrift Shop News

Warm weather has finally arrived – and we have many colorful summer items in the shop to choose from. Capris, shorts, bathing suits and summer dresses are available. Currently we are having a sale on selected men’s & women’s clothing. Come in and browse around; you never know what you’ll find!

Welcome back Laurie Ward! You’ll find her greeting our customers on Wednesdays.

Several of our long-time volunteers on “open” days are currently unable to help out due to physical limitations. We are desperately in need of people to cashier or assist by wrapping and bagging purchases on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9-2. Please

contact Bridget or Wanita Blanchard (585-6613) if you can help. Our volunteers have fun, and provide a wonderful service to the community and our church.

DID YOU KNOW???? The Thrift Shop contributes $30,000 to the Church’s general fund annually. It also contributes $6,000 to the Clergy fund each year.

Thrift Shop Committee Members:Ellen Ellor, Committee Chairperson

Jeanne Thatcher, Treasurer Joyce Barry, Assistant Treasurer

Jeanne B. Thatcher, Trustees Representative Margot Anello, Joyce Barry, Wanita Blanchard, Stephanie Frazier, Beth Hanley, Betty Messier, Leona Simpson, Pam Thorne, Jeannine Wright

and Rev. Scott Tyler

Thrift Shop VolunteersThrift Shop VolunteersThrift Shop VolunteersThrift Shop Volunteers

Wednesday (9-2pm)Wednesday (9-2pm) Saturday (9-2pm)Saturday (9-2pm)

2 Jeanne & Margot

6 Angie & Jeannine

9 Joan & MaryLou

13 Ellen & ? 16 Margot & Pam

20 Wanita & ? 23

27 Angie & ? 30 June, Lee, Gloria

The Thrift Shop will close early on June 2. The Ticonderoga

Food PantryThank you all for your continued support of the

Ticonderoga Food Pantry.

Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday:

11am-Noon.

Please be aware that filling a basket takes time, so don’t arrive at the last

minute. Anyone seeking a food basket should bring a utility bill as

proof of residency.

June, 2018 Page 6

Free Community Dinner

Mac & Cheese & HamSide & desserts

June 34:30-6:00pm

All are welcome! Donations are not required, but are always welcome.

Christmas in July -- and so much more

July 21 9-2

8 special sale areas, snacks & lunch.

Donations are encouraged in the following areas:

Christmas décor, Gifts – like our Nov. Gifts Galore,

Crafts, Gifts for pets (leashes, carriers, etc.), Books

(no textbooks, encyclopedias or almanacs)Small furniture

(no baby equipment)Call the office to be sure you can access

the Sunday School room.

Bake sale items will be needed.We hope to draw campers and summer

visitors as well as our community friends.How do you want to be involved?

Jane BassettLynn Sawyer

Shepherds Needed!We need you!

A new program will be starting soon that calls for us to be more of a caring shepherd to your fellow worshipers. We are looking for people to become shepherds in a way Jesus was a shepherd to all of us.

A shepherd cares for his flock You as a shepherd would be a contact for a small group of fellow worshippers. Your role would be to contact them regularly and give them prayerful support and be a person they could contact in times of joy or need.

Please give this your prayerful consideration.

We are a church family and as such we need to care for our flock at all times. If you are interested in this program, please contact Ann Westervelt, Sue Fahey, Joni Viault, or Pastor Scott.

Champlain Valley Chorale Concert

Side by Side June 3 in the FUMC Sanctuary

Director is Mrs. Jeris French, and Mr. Vaughn Watson is accompanist.

You are cordially invited to attend this public concert presentation.Although an admission fee is not required,

donations are always cheerfully appreciated and accepted to further the work of the Chorale.

June, 2018 Page 7

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

JuneJuneJuneJuneJune1 2

JuneJuneJuneJuneJune 7:30 Men’s & Women’s Prayer Breakfasts in Silver Bay

9-? Thrift ShopClosing Early!

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

8:30 Worship, Communion10:30 Worship, Communion, Sunday School, CoffeeCVC Concert4:30-6pm Free Community Dinner

5:30 Book Club

Chorale1:00 Craft Workshop at FUMC

7pm THS Awards Ceremony

9-2 Thrift ShopNoon Prayer Service

7:30 Chancel Choir

9-2 Thrift Shop

10 Donnie’s Birthday

11 12 13 Pastor Scott’s Birthday

14 15 16

8:30 Worship, Communion10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Coffee

1:00 Finance

6:30 Trustees

9-2 Thrift ShopNoon Prayer Service

1:30 Widows’ Support GroupUMW6:00 UMW picnic

7:30 Chancel Choir

9-2 Thrift Shop

17 Fathers’ Day 18 19 20 21 22 23

8:30 Worship, Communion10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Coffee3:00 Grace’s Recital

1:00 Ad Council

9-2 Thrift ShopNoon Prayer Service

1:30 Widows’ Support Group

7:30 Chancel Choir

9-2 Thrift Shop

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

8:30 Worship, Communion10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Coffee

NOTE change in dining out plan due to fire.

6:30 Adult Fellowship Dining out at Sentinel Grill RSVP.

9-2 Thrift ShopNoon Prayer Service1:30 Widows’ Support Group

7:30 Chancel Choir

9-2 Thrift Shop

31 Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!8:30 Worship, Communion10:30 Worship, Sunday School, Family Coffee

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

Remember- July & August is a double newsletter!

Happy Summer!

June, 2018 Page 8

JuneUshers and Greeters

3 Roger Sawyer Zyleen Tyler

10 Victoria SawyerXann Tyler

17 Taylor BoltonYarr Tyler

24 Roger Sawyer Zyleen Tyler

Family Coffee

Sunday Volunteers

Lay Reader’s ScheduleLay Reader’s ScheduleLay Reader’s Schedule

June 8:30 10:30

3 Ann Westervelt Carole Potter

10 Louise Goodwin Sue Fahey

17 Scott Manning Don Norton

24 Sandra Trepanier Bill Westervelt

First United Methodist Church1045 Wicker StreetTiconderoga, NY 12883Church Phone: 518 585-7995Email: timethodist@gmail.comWebsite: www.tifumc.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tifumcEditor: Bridget M.M. Simpson, MBA

New Member Classes:Please contact Pastor Scott Tyler at 585-7995 if you are interested in joining the church as a new member.

You are welcome to make your offering electronically.

Sign up forms are on the bulletin board, also