inside this issue a note from pastor laura · 2020. 8. 7. · the iblical story of the food that...

August- October 2020

20 Blackwell Ave. Hopewell, NJ 08525

(609) 466-0471 www.hopewellmethodist.org

HopewellMethodistNJ HopewellMethodist

A NOTE FROM PASTOR LAURA

HUMC Mission Statement

We are a home for ALL people to be transformed by the love of God and grow in mind, body, and spirit.

Inside This Issue

Pg. 1 A Note from Pastor Laura

Pg. 2 Online Ministries

Pg. 3 Realities of Race and Racism Adult Study Pg. 4 Letter on Racism featured in Mercer Me

Pg. 5 New Fall Bible Study/Book Talk

Pg. 6 Upcoming Events and Worship Series

Pg. 7 HUMC Mission Offerings

Pg. 8 66th Annual Choir Festival (on-line)

Pg. 9 Music Ministries News

Pg. 10 Community Closet News Pg. 11 Important Dates/ Scholarship Congratulations

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” Exodus 16:4-5

As I write to you today, the expression “Like manna from heaven” has been running on repeat in my head. Have you ever heard or used this expression? If you look up what “manna from heaven” means, here is what you will find: manna from heaven:

“An unexpected benefit or assistance, especially when it comes at the time when it is needed most. The phrase is a reference to the Biblical story of the food that God miraculously provided to the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness.”

If I could describe the past few months from a pastoral perspective, it would definitely fall into the wandering in the wilderness category. Not only has the COVID19 pandemic ravaged our country, community, and world - it has left churches famined in the dessert.

But as I reflect upon the past few months here at Hopewell UMC, although we have been wandering in the wilderness, we have certainly been nourished. As we approached moving our worship and ministries to a virtual format, cancelled all of our building rentals, in-person events, and fundraisers; the threat of financial crisis was upon us.

In fact, many churches and businesses have faced an unimaginable financial fallout due to the pandemic.

However, I’m writing today to celebrate that, in comparison, our church has most certainly experienced manna from heaven – and, it is all thanks to YOU. As we began to navigate our way through the wilderness, so many of you stepped up and rose to the challenge. Some of you signed up for online giving, some of you started mailing in your tithes, and in a moment where our church could have experienced a tremendous loss and hit to our many ministries – we were able to rise above. Here are the things that you made possible during this time of great famine:

- We were able to continue to pay

all of our staff. We have not had

to lay off or let go of any of our

staff members.

- We have been able to pay all of

our bills on time.

- We have been able to continue

our ministries in new and

creative ways.

Friends, your continued giving has been a blessing in the midst of what could have been an extreme famine – it has been true manna from heaven.

Thank you all for these unexpected gifts. I cannot express how honored and grateful I am to serve this amazing church family.

(this note from Pastor Laura has also been included in our quarterly financial statements mailed to our members)

Stay in the Light, Pastor Laura

August-October 2020

20 Blackwell Ave., Hopewell, NJ 08525 (609) 466 – 0471 www.hopewellmethodist.org

Online Ministries!

HUMC Virtual Worship - 10 AM Sunday Welcome to virtual Worship at HUMC! Please join us each Sunday at 10:00am as we worship together online via the HUMC Website at www.hopewellmethodist.org or at 10:00am on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HopewellMethodistNJ

Virtual Coffee Time! Grab a cup of coffee and a snack and join us at 11:00 am via Zoom for our Virtual Coffee Time! Although we are separated physically, we have found new and exciting ways to connect virtually. Every Sunday after the 10:00am online worship, we will have our virtual Coffee Time! The Zoom Meeting ID for Coffee Time is 878 0513 2866 or Dial by phone: 1 929 205 6099 and enter the above meeting ID number. “See” you there!!

Online Prayer Meeting – 7:00pm Wednesday’s Please join us on Zoom for our weekly prayer meetings. Let's gather from our homes to bring our concerns to each other and to the Lord. The Zoom Meeting ID for Prayer Time is: 867 0701 6102 or Dial by phone: 1 929 205 6099 and enter the above meeting ID number.

NEW! Outdoor Worship Services: 3rd Sunday of each month Our Outdoor Worship Services will take place on the third Sundays of the month at 10:00am (weather permitting). All Are Welcome. We will be making room for the Holy Spirit by social distancing on the

church lawn. Bring a lawn chair and get comfy or for folks who are most at-risk you don’t need to leave your car! We have a drive-in option where you can tune into the service right from the comfort and safety of your own car. Parking spots are reserved in front of the church. We will have hand sanitizing stations available and masks on hand for anyone that needs one. Please note: masks are required and we are unable to open our restrooms to the public at this time.

http://www.hopewellmethodist.org/

http://www.facebook.com/HopewellMethodistNJ

August-October 2020


NEW! Realities of Race and Racism Study: Sunday’s 9AM Aug. 2nd – Oct. 11th

Conversations around race can be uncomfortable for most of us. Conversations around race in the Church are no exception. The General Commission on Race and Religion of The United Methodist Church has created a Vital Conversations Video Series as a way to begin dialogue, face our misconceptions and

fears, and move deliberately to spiritual, communal and social transformation. Join us Sunday mornings at 9:00 am via Zoom as we come together in humility, vulnerability and a willingness to have open conversations about race and racism. Email: [email protected] for more! Race and Racism Zoom Meeting ID: 897 0546 1156 or Dial by phone: 1 929 205 6099 and enter the meeting ID number.

➢ August 2, Session One: Introduction

➢ August 9, Session Two: Deconstructing White Privilege with Dr. Robin DiAngelo

➢ August 16, No Adult Sunday School – Outdoor Worship 10AM

➢ August 23, Session Three: Building the Beloved Community with Dr. Miguel de la Torre

➢ August 30, Session Four: Ongoing Acts of Repentance with Rev. Glen Chebon Kernell Jr.

➢ September 6, Session Five: Meaningful Conversations on Race with Rev. David Anderson

Hooker

➢ September 13, Session Six: Continued Struggles in Race Relations with Dr. Phillip Klinkner

➢ September 20, No Adult Sunday School – Outdoor Worship 10AM

➢ September 27, Session Seven: The Intersections of Oppression with Dr. Pamela Lightsey

➢ October 4, Session Eight: The Building of Bridges to Community with Rev. Cynthia Moore-

Koikoi

➢ October 11, Session Nine: Where do we go from here?

mailto:[email protected]

August-October 2020


Hopewell Borough Council of Churches Ministerial

Alliance Letter on Racism featured in Mercer Me: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of us speak the truth with his

neighbor, for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25 ESV

We, the undersigned pastors of the Hopewell Borough, collectively bear witness to the pain, shock and horror of the unfolding racial events that are taking place in our nation and more recently here in Hopewell. In the midst of all this and the tension that now grips us, we have been praying constantly, prayers of lament and prayers of confession, prayers for our country and particularly prayers for our community. Through our prayers and conversation, we believe that as a community of faith we are called to continue to witness and follow our calling in this moment: “to hate what is evil and to cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). So we, the undersigned, condemn the sin of racism as we do with evil in all its forms. Acknowledging the pervasive nature of sin, we recognize that this sin exists even in our beloved community of Hopewell. We were reminded of this when we heard the news of the suspension of several police officers due to an alleged mischaracterized reference of the Black Lives Matters movement and other alleged racially induced innuendos.

As we were reminded of this, we not only saw the effects of sin but also the repercussions of a lack of honest dialogue. We recognize that for an extended period of time in America, having an honest discussion about race related issues has proven to be difficult. We understand that healthy race communication can bring up intense and powerful emotions as a result of a diversity of opinions and experiences. We see the ways in which the difficulty of these conversations has led to deepening of divides and the further hardening of hearts and biases. For some, this is manifested as a result of a lack of empathy and understanding and for others apathy or hatred. We believe that skillfully handled dialogue can improve communication, increase racial literacy, and expand the critical consciousness of one’s racial/cultural identity ultimately leading to a more just, loving, faithful, and unified community.

Based on these realizations, we, the undersigned, work to “cling to what is good” by committing to work to promote healthy discussions about race; not only in our respective houses of worship, but also within the broader community. We commit to do our best as leaders to model healthy dialogue and to develop forums and community opportunities to safely engage in discussion, transforming age-old stereotypes and unproductive rhetoric.

Finally, we endeavor to bear the prophetic witness to the oppression of all and share the transformative power of the good news in a way that leaves room to support all, bear all, and love all.

Respectfully submitted, Rev. Dennis M. O’Neill Jr., Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Melissa A. Martin, Pastor Hopewell Presbyterian Church Rev. Gregory Smith, Pastor Second Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Laura Steele, Pastor Hopewell United Methodist Church Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, Pastor St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

August-October 2020


NEW! Fall Study: Lost Women of the Bible Wednesdays OR Thursdays 11AM Sept.-Oct. (TBD) You know the women of the Bible, but you don’t know them like this... It’s easy for Christian women—young and old—to get lost between the opportunities and demands of the present and the biblical teachings of the past. They live in a confusing world, caught in the crossfire

between church and culture. Although home and family still remain central, more women than ever, by choice or by necessity, are blending home, career, and ministry. They need strong biblical role models to help them meet these challenges. Building on solid scholarship and a determination to wrestle honestly with perplexing questions, author Carolyn Custis James sheds new light on ancient stories that brings the women of the Bible into the twenty-first century. This fresh look at the women in the Bible unearths surprising new insights and a powerful message that will leave readers feeling challenged, encouraged, and deeply valued. Rediscover and be inspired by: • Eve • Sarah • Hagar • Tamar • Hannah • Esther • Mary • and more! Email [email protected] to sign up!

Book Talk Meeting: Sunday August 11th at 7:00 pm For our next book in August, we will be discussing "Goodnight from London" by Jennifer Robson. This is a historical fiction novel about a young American women in 1940 who works as a journalist that goes to London to report about WWII. Shortly after arriving, she experiences the nightly horror of the Blitz.

mailto:[email protected]

August-October 2020


Upcoming Events and Worship Series

September 13th: "Blessing of the Devices"

Instead of our annual "Blessing of the Backpacks" this year, HUMC will hold a virtual "Blessing of the Devices" to bless those devices that will assist our students, parents, and teachers this year.

September Worship Series "Creation: The Spirit Series"

Sundays throughout the month of September.

September 6: 1st Sunday in Creation: Forest Sunday September 13: 2nd Sunday in Creation: Land Sunday September 20: 3rd Sunday in Creation: Wilderness Sunday September 27: 4th Sunday in Creation: River Sunday

October 4th Blessing of the Animals 3:00pm This year we will have a socially distanced Blessing of the Animals. There will be a blessing station set up on the front lawn and Pastor Laura will bless pets and their families individually. (weather permitting)

October 11th-November 22nd: HUMC Fall Music Worship Series: Did you

love our Simon and Garfunkel series last year? This year Pastor Laura and Director of Music Mary McIntyre in collaboration with the Music Ministries team, bring you the worship series "Dolly: Smoky Mountain Songbird". Join us as we experience Dolly Parton's music through the

lens of faith - how has God influenced Dolly's music? How can Dolly's music connect our spirits? Join us on this six-week journey.

August-October 2020


HUMC Mission Offerings & Service Projects for 2020

HUMC Mission with a Purpose: Our mission theme for the third quarter of the year is Education with our focus being The Neighborhood Center in Camden.

Summer camp, Camp Kumbaya is just beginning at the Neighborhood Center for over a hundred children in need of care, love and fun for the entire summer. The Center has had its challenges this year with many new tasks: hiring more staff, buying new equipment and learning new procedures to keep everyone healthy and safe. The children will find what they always have found there: stability; community and a place where they belong, just as they are. The camp is also vital for parents so that they can return to work to support their families.

With your help we can support Camp Kumbaya. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can help us raise the funds to support one or more of these goals. We will continue to collect for Camp Kumbaya until Sunday, August 16.

$50 – to provide activity materials for learning $150 – to provide one meal for the summer camp program $400 – to assist with safe sanitation practices for the children $900 – to sponsor a Counselor in Training $1800 – to cover the cost of one child to attend summer camp

Ways you can give:

• Through your general giving check to HUMC – note the amount you want designated to the Neighborhood Center

• Through a separate check to HUMC – noted for Missions: Neighborhood Center

• Through our online giving service – designate the amount you want to give to the Neighborhood Center.

We thank you in advance for your continued support to our special outreach ministries and for your prayers for Camp Kumbaya, the Neighborhood Center of Camden. For over 100 years they have been a beacon of light to the community.

Sue Esche, Chairperson of the Mission Team

August-October 2020


66th Annual Choir Festival

ON THE THIRD DAY Our Journey to Salvation

A Virtual Experience Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

This yearly event is generally held in the historic Great Auditorium, directed by Dr. Jason Tramm and featuring hundreds of singers, exciting guest conductors, brass ensemble and Dr. Gordon Turk on the magnificent Great Auditorium pipe organ.

Due to the current health crisis, this year’s Festival will not feature a live choir and the audience will be limited based on current guidelines from the State. The Festival Choir will appear on screen as a virtual choir, and there will be scripture readings and hymns led by the Dr. Jason Tramm, Dr. Gordon Turk and the Auditorium Quartet.

This is a free admission event. Tickets are not required to attend.

2020 GUEST CONDUCTORS: Thomas Berdos, Dr. Bradley Nix, Dr. Cindy Bell, and Dr. Mark Miller.

(More information about how to view it online will be provided as we get closer to the date.)

https://www.oceangrove.org/map/aud

August-October 2020


MUSIC MINISTRIES NEWS

The Director’s Corner, by Mary McIntyre:

The music team at HUMC has really dug deep to find new ways of providing meaningful worship music, virtually. When our accompanist Rich Grant learned how to edit videos with

multiple contributors, it opened up a world of creative possibilities for us. We’ve all especially enjoyed the contributions of his daughters to our services. The HUMC Choir and Praise Band will also soon have videos to contribute, and more solo/duet pieces are forthcoming from members. Creating music together virtually can be very challenging due to multiple technical hurdles; timing is easily thrown off, and that synergistic, silent communication that exists amongst musicians during performance is absent. Yet somehow our church, and many others around the world, have found a way to makes lemonade out of these pandemic lemons! Paul B generously loaned us technical equipment to facilitate musical performance at our outdoor worship service on July 19th and showed us how to make it all work. During the setup, it was kind of nice to be wrangling with mic stands and de-tangling cables together as a team again. Isn’t it funny how we grow to miss even the little things during all this separation? I pray for the day we can all be together again, singing and praising God with music. Until then, take care and much love to you all! Mary

August-October 2020


Our Community Closet will be open on Saturday’s 9:00-11:30am Masks will be required. If you do not have a mask, we will provide one for you. Social distancing practices

will be in place. We will post customer guidelines on the chalk board outside the closet. Closet Social distancing and disinfecting protocols to be done by staff are as follows:

Closet Social distancing and disinfecting protocols to be completed by staff are as follows:

1. ALL staff and customers must wear a mask and gloves at ALL times in the Closet. We

have masks and gloves to hand out if customers show up without them.

2. Windows and entrance door will be open to allow in fresh air before and during open

hours. In the case of rain, use your judgement.

3. ONLY 1 person or family will be allowed in the Closet at a time.

4. The sidewalk leading to the Closet will be marked with chalk lines at 6 ft. intervals. A

cord will be draped across the top of the stairs to let 1 person or family in to shop by a

staff member so as to maintain a 6 feet of distance.

5. The large chalkboard with customers guidelines on it will be placed outside on Sat.

mornings. It and the street sign will be kept near the entrance door during the week.

6. If there is a line to the Closet, customers will be given a number. Then they could wait in

their cars if they wish to and then be waved in. There also will be some metal chairs six

ft. apart set up on the grass strip by the sidewalk for people who have come on foot.

The chairs will need to be brought in and wiped down with an alcohol wipe.

7. The dressing room will be closed.

8. Church bathrooms will be closed to the public but open to staff if necessary. Please

follow the disinfecting instructions located on the mirror.

9. During business hours, 2 staff members are needed every Saturday. If we don’t have 2,

then the Closed Sign will be affixed to the entrance door.

10. Donated clothing will be accepted during open hours only. The bags can be placed in the

hallway leading to the office. Stickers will be placed on the bags with the date received.

After closing, the bags can be divided evenly and then moved into the 2 workrooms.

Sorting of the clothing is NOT to be done until the following week as the virus can live on

clothing for 24 hours. ONLY 1 staff member can be in a workroom at a time to maintain

6 ft. distancing.

11. After closing, the rooms need to be disinfected with Lysol spray. Starting at one end of

the room, spray the entire room while working your way to the doorway. Close the door

and leave it for 15 minutes. Then go back in and wipe down the light switches, door

knobs, window opener, air conditioner, radio, thermostat, etc.

August-October 2020


For More Information

Hopewell United Methodist

20 Blackwell Ave. Hopewell, NJ 08525

Phone

(609) 466-0471

Pastor Rev. Laura Steele

Email

pastor@ hopewellmethodist.org

Office Hours

The Church is closed until further notice.

Sunday Morning Worship (online) Begins at 10 a.m.

Prayer Time (online) Every Wednesday at

7 p.m.

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

The People of the United Methodist

Church welcome you.

Important Dates: September 16th, Church Conference Paperwork Due.

------------------------------------------------

Congratulations to this year’s Joanne Davison

Memorial Scholarship recipients!

Lauren Gebhart: $1,000 Karlyn Kraft: $1,000

Jocelyn Donahue: $1,000

The Joanne Davison Memorial Scholarship Fund was formed in honor and memory of Joanne Davison, daughter of long-time members Barbara and Barry Davison. Since its inception, the

Joanne M. Davison Scholarship Fund has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in the Hopewell community and

beyond.

HOPEWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 20 BLACKWELL AVE HOPEWELL, NJ 08525

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inside this issue a note from pastor laura · 2020. 8. 7. · the iblical story of the food that...

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