The Northside SpiritApril, 2015

 

Acts 29 

In the last verse of the Book of Acts, Paul, who is imprisoned, says he will “proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). Acts is all about the early church living out and spreading forth the Easter joy of Jesus’ resurrection to those all around them. This little rag-tag band of disciples grew daily into a bold witness for God. How did this happen? Acts 2:42 tells us: “The apostles devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” This small group of disciples cared for each other and cared for their neighbors around them. It was said about them: “Oh how they loved one another.” It’s amazing what God can do when we submit to one another in love and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Another small group of people began to gather together 1700 years later in England. These small groups of Methodists began to “watch over one another in love.” People from other denominations joined this revival, and many who felt left out were also welcomed into these Methodist classes and bands. These groups were not mainly about transferring information from the “expert” to a passive recipient, but rather, they were intended to help people come to know Jesus better and help them to give themselves fully to God (“The Heart of the Methodist Revival,” Good News, Kevin Watson, 16). American Methodism grew dramatically as well from 1776 to 1850 due to the preaching and testimony of Methodists. All during this time people were expected to gather weekly in their class meetings to learn what it meant to follow Christ.

So we are called today to be people of Acts—Resurrection people. We are called to be Acts 29. We are to continue the story of the early church and the early Methodists. Nowis our time! I invite us to be a part of a small group. Perhaps to gather weekly to pray with another person. Meet at someone’s house or go out for coffee. Ask each other how is your life with God? What are your struggles? And how can I pray for you? We already have some small groups—Helping Hands, the Choir, Bible studies, Men’s Group, the Women’s Book Club, and Crossroads. Pray for one another. Take time to ask how you can help one another spiritually. Be intentional! Go deeper! Then look outward. Who could I invite to one of these small groups? These small groups will help us in our Circle of Faith as we Connect with God, Grow with God and Care for others. It will also help us reach out to connect others to God as we give the Spirit full reign in our life. May we live out our faith in this Easter Season as Acts 29 people and, with Paul, proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about Jesus Christ with boldness! 

Peace,Pastor Matthew 

From Your Assistant to the Pastor Sojourners,

A while back I watched portions of a movie entitled, “Blood Diamond.” Not my usual choice for a movie as its quiet violent but it happened to be on when I walked in the door and it caught my attention. Just what I need as I was winding down from a busy week which included our Ash Wednesday service. Upon sitting down and watching the movie I happened to catch a scene that was rather poignant. Leonardo DiCaprio’s character had suffered some terrible trauma as a child and was sharing his story. His family was South African, and they had been caught in the guerrilla warfare in Angola. At age nine he was forced to watch his mother brutally beaten, raped and murdered and his father beaten and beheaded. The scene ends with DiCaprio’s profound statement that he does not know how to forgive. Very similar to how the families of the 21 Egyptian Christians who were just murdered must feel. This statement took me immediately to Good Friday, because we did a similar evil to Jesus. We brutally tortured Him, and we killed Him using a cross, the worst form of execution known at that time. Jesus did not need to forgive us. Hatred and revenge would have been a natural response to what we had done to Him and His family. And yet, because of Jesus’ overwhelming love for us, He does forgive. His love is greater than all the other feelings churning through Him that afternoon as He hung, bled and eventually died. In Luke’s Gospel, in an incredible statement, He manages to say the words shortly before His last breath, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” A tremendous gift of forgiveness! Jesus’ gift means that it is possible to forgive. His example, His work in and through us enables all of it to happen. It is possible for DiCaprio’s character in “Blood Diamond” to forgive, and it is possible for us to forgive. Forgiveness is a gift and it allows us to move forward in our lives. If we hold on to the bitterness, and if the hatred continues to ferment within us, it will destroy us. Therefore as we approach Good Friday, let us remember Jesus’ example and remember that through the strength of Jesus’ work in our lives, we can forgive, and let go. We can move forward, and although it may not be easy at times, and may be the hardest thing we ever do, we will never be alone. Jesus is with us and with Jesus all things are possible. May your Easter Season be filled with blessings of Jesus’ promises of love, joy and forgiveness today and always, Kate 

 

From Your Director Of Children and Youth Ministries 

April Festivities with our Children & Youth  

Bus Stop Ministry: interested in providing a snack for the fabulous young people? Please see Evy. Snacks should be individually wrapped, please avoid peanuts, juice boxes are perfect and they are quite fond of fruit snacks! We need coverage too, interested in covering for an afternoon to run the bus stop when Evy has the day off? It’s about a 40 minute commitment. Please see Evy to make arrangements! Thank you for supporting our Bus Stop Ministry! Do you like to make quilts? Interested in making a Prayer Quilt for one of our 6 graduating Seniors this year? We will be giving our High School Graduates each a prayer quilt this coming Children’s Sunday in June and are in need of some seamstresses. We have all of the fabric, plenty of squares and the pattern to follow. If interested, please see Evy. We only need one more volunteer! Maundy Thursday: on Thursday April 2nd, we will have our Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm and Child Care will be provided.  Easter Sunday: On Sunday April 5th there will be no Sunday School classes. This is so all of our families can worship with one another on Easter Sunday. There will be a Sunrise Service at Corporation Beach early in the morning and then there will be a 9am and an 11am Easter service at Northside. Nursery care will be provided at our 9am & 11am services. FYI: Trinity UMC from Springfield, Mass. will be spending the night here at Northside on April 10th to the 11th. They are a wicked awesome group and if you’re here, make sure to say “Hey”! When our Youth Group goes to Six Flags, Trinity UMC invites us to stay with them in their fabulous castle of a church! Sunday School Teachers Meeting: Sunday April 12th after church in the old fellowship hall! We invite all of our Sunday School Teachers to come for an awesome time of planning and organizing for Children’s Sunday! Please make sure to RSVP to Evy! Save the Date: Children’s Sunday this year is Sunday June 7th!  NEW Youth Group Days & Time! The Sunday after Easter will be the start of our NEW Youth Group time! We’ll be meeting once a week each Sunday night usually from 5-7pm! Some weeks we’ll meet at church, some weeks will be about service and other times we’ll meet at other places for fun activities! Keep an eye out for new times at events, as it may not be 5pm that we start. Everyone is welcome to invite friends and Youth Group is for our 7th-12th Grade students! Make sure to sign up on the Sunday School Bulletin Board to join in on the fun! We are in need of fabulous junior chaperones & chaperones! If interested, please see Evy!

 Sunday April 12: “Get to know you” Youth Night at Northside from 5-7pm! We’ll be having

Tacos for dinner! Let us know what you would like to bring for dinner! 

Sunday April 19: Setting up our very own Geocach here at Northside! Remember this past Fall we went Geocaching? We’ll, we’ve decided to set up a Geocach for others to find! It will be a fun night of hiding the ultimate treasure for people to find! And we’ll grill hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner. Let us know what you would like to bring for dinner!

 Sunday April 26: Meet at Cape Bowl in Yarmouth off of Rt. 28 at 5:30pm for a great

evening of bowling and pizza! We start with dinner and then we can stay until 8pm bowling our hearts out! Cost: $3.00 for your rental shoes. Sign up so we know how many lanes to reserve!

 

Youth Ministry Team: Your next payment of $50.00 is due Sunday April 19th.   

Movie Night for our children at our Community Dinner: We invite all of our Sunday School Families to come for a FREE dinner here at Northside on Tuesday April 21st! It’s open to everyone in our community! For our children, we invite you to come and enjoy a movie in the Library after you’re done with dinner! We’ll have arts and crafts for all ages! And of course we’ll have pop-corn! Make sure to invite your friends and sign up on the Sunday School Bulletin Board! Interested in sending your child to a Christian Summer Camp? Then check out Camp Aldersgate on Sunday April 19th following our Worship Service in the Sanctuary! We will have a Family Presentation time where representatives from Camp Aldersgate will come and share the awesome programs they have planned this summer! You can find their brochure beneath the Sunday School Bulletin Board and make sure to check out their website at www.campaldersgate.com! 

Love Offering from our Youth Mission Trip Team: Join us during April Vacation! On Wednesday April 22nd we will be meeting at 10am at Crosby Landing Beach in Brewster doing a Beach Clean Up! Make sure to wear your Red Northside T-Shirts! Once were done at the beach join us for lunch at Buncey’s Pizza. Make sure to sign up on the Sunday School Bulletin Board so we know how many to expect! Invite our friends! 

Young Adult Ministries: We have new opportunities for our College Age students that are not quite 21 to serve in leadership as Junior Chaperones. Interested in joining? Please see Evy! You can also check out our events online at www.northside-umc.org! 

Parents and Guardians: Please make sure to pick up your precious cherubs from Sunday School right after worship, before you get your goodies and coffee in the Fellowship Hall. We ask that all students, Nursery-4th grade, get picked up by a parent for their safety. Our volunteer Sunday School Teachers are graciously giving of their time and talents to plan & teach lessons this year. Please do not have them wait for you to come and get your children. Thank you. 

Facebook Update: Check out our page and make sure to “like” us!  

FYI: Evy will be at a Youth Ministry Conference at Grace Baptist Church in Hudson, Mass. on Saturday April 25th. “You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” ~Mandy Hale With love, Evy

 

Who Are Those Helping Hands?For those new to Northside UMC, Helping Hands is a committed group of 7 men who form the ministry dedicated to helping the members and friends of Northside, as well as their friends outside the church, who are in need of assistance or advice to stay in their homes. We minister specifically but not exclusively to single women, single mothers, elderly and those in financial need. We also reach out to aid those who find that local contractors will not respond to their needs for whatever reason. Our abilities are almost endless in responding to home upkeep. We average about 70 homes a year and have done just about everything imaginable in home care, large or small. If you need assistance or advice contact Pastor Fred—508-385-5407 

New MembersWe wish to welcome the following new members to Northside UMC

 

Mary McGrath—I grew up in upstate New York and was raised in the Presbyterian Church. After attending college at UMASS Amherst, I married and had two sons while living in the Worcester area.Our family moved to Cape Cod in 1978. My sons attended Dennis-Yarmouth schools and are now local businessmen and owners of Pine Harbor Wood Products in Harwich and Hyannis. As they were growing my interest in travel led me to earn my certificate as a travel agent where I spent many interesting years before ending my working career as a national sales manager for a local tour operator. At the same time, my husband Keith chose to take early retirement from his position in the bio-tech industry. We purchased a motorhome, (had never even been in one before) and took off to travel the country and have the time of our lives! Our biggest accomplishment was visiting every State Capitol and every designated National Park in the lower 48 states including Hawaii. I now spend my time enjoying seven grandchildren, a little yoga, a little cooking, a little volunteering, and many good friends.

Kim (Hollis) Ingram-  I am the mother of two awesome daughters. The oldest, Kacie, is a 24-year-old chef, and the youngest, Jamie, is a 7-year-old ice hockey player. I am absolutely smitten by my two girls and am incredibly proud of both of them.  I am also a proud native Cape Codder. I am raising my family in my childhood home, which is full of great memories of my own childhood. I am the Director of Cape Cod Child Development's Yarmouth School Age Program. I have been with the agency for over twelve years, and have seen a lot of young children come through my doors. I am very lucky that I get to work in an environment that provides a safe, caring place for children to spend their afternoon hours. I have worked with children in several capacities over the years including 12 years as a Girl Scout leader, and a few years as a Sunday school teacher.  My interests include a newly acquired love of outdoor motor sports: jet skiing, snowmobiling, boating and hopefully soon, learning to ride a motorcycle. Besides all that, I am currently working toward finishing my Bachelor's degree requirements at UMass Amherst. I have only more semester to go! I also love to read when time permits. It's not always easy to find a quiet moment to spend with a good book.

 I am happy to be a new member of Northside. I couldn't have gotten a better introduction than I did the day of the New Members service. What a way to make an entrance!! Thank you all for being so welcoming. You definitely made me feel at home.

 

Jackie Ross—I am originally from the Cape, but dad was Tony's TV in West Dennis and I'm sure people remember him. I lived in Texas on and off for 30 years. Thats where ya'll comes from! I'm here to stay because my Mom needs me. My dream has come true I have a great place to live, my Mom as my best friend and a wonderful church to be part of. Sandra Labriola—I am a life long member of the United Methodist Church and have served the church in many capacities.  I was a young widow when I met my husband Matthew.  Matt is a Methodist Pastor, retired.  We have served churches in NJ, NY and Connecticut before retiring to Brewster 4-years ago.  Matt and I have been married 23-years.  Between us we have 9 children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  I have had a 43-year career in banking and finance.  We feel blessed to have found Northside UMC.

Sharon & Bob DeCarlo—Sharon and Bob moved to Massachusetts from New York in 1995, and have lived in on the Cape in East Dennis for one year.  Sharon was a teacher and reading specialist before becoming a school and district administrator.  She currently works as an educational consultant.Bob left IBM in 1992 where he worked in sales and marketing.  He became a financial advisor for John Hancock and retired in 2014.They are transferring their membership from the First United Methodist Church in Hudson, MA.

 

Outreach Committee 

In April Northside will be continuing to “Feed Hearts, Minds, Souls, and Stomachs!” There are many ways in which everyone can participate in outreach opportunities and we hope you will join us in making a difference and changing lives! Various events and up-coming dates that are happening at church and in the community will be on the new bulletin board so stay tuned! In April we continue with our Healing Hunger ministry and will prepare, provide and serve a meal at Champ Homes on the fourth Monday of the month. Through this ministry we have an opportunity to meet and touch the lives of 30 to 40 individuals in our community in Hyannis by bringing them a warm meal. Additionally, we will continue with our “Red Wagon” ministry on the second Sunday of the month. On the second Sunday of the month as the children go to the front for the Children’s Message they will walk up the aisles with the wagon collecting donated canned goods or non-perishable items for the food pantry from all of you. So instead of placing your donation in the brown box in the hallway by the offices before the service, hold on to your items and when the Children’s Message happens in the service, hand your items to a child. Our goal is to fill the Red Wagon every month! These items will be added to the brown box and be brought to the local food pantry at the end of the month. Thank You!!!

Continuing with our exciting mission of “feeding” we invited everyone to a Community Connection Night on Tuesday, April 21st, from 5 to 6:30p.m. We will provide a free dinner at Northside and have a movie playing in the library for the kids so that after they are done they can enjoy a movie while we have fellowship. This is open to everyone in the church and in the community! Our hope is that everyone can feel fed by our church in multiple ways and a free will offering will be accepted. We look forward to having you join us in sharing God’s love with our community!

Another wonderful way to participate in outreach is to remember to purchase DY-ECH Cards before you go shopping at Stop and Shop, Shaws or Dunkin’ Donuts! All cards are sold after the service in the fellowship hall. A portion of the sales is donated to preventing homelessness on Cape Cod. Thank you again for your continued support!

Alongside these opportunities is the Changing the World Loose Change Outreach Project. April’s focus is Imagine No Malaria. By bringing your loose change and putting it in the collection plates on Sunday mornings you are making a difference and showing that you care about those in need around the world!

Our food focus this month at the Yarmouth Food Pantry is boxes of Rice, and mashed Potatoes. If you are able to provide any of these items the panty would be grateful as they are in short supply of these items right now. If you are interested in participating in this ministry please bring your donated items on Red Wagon Sunday or anytime to church and place the items in the brown box by the church offices. Thank you for making a difference!

 Yarmouth Food Pantry

845 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673508-771-1135Spring 2015

Thank you for all your food collections.

Canned Mixed Fruit Brownie or Corn Bread MixesCanned Chili or Hash Hamburger, Chicken, or Tuna HelperJelly Canned Stew meat or SpamCoffee or Tea Chef-Boy-A-DeeKetchup, Mustard, Mayo Cereal

 

 

From Your Thrift Shop

Transportation is provided to and from Sunday Worship for those who meet at the Thrift Shop at 9:30am.

 The Northside Thrift Shop has completed its 23rd year of operation. Last year the Thrift Shop moved to a brand new location not far from the old one, and we thank all those who helped with the move. We are now located in a smaller location at 18 Hall Street in Dennis Port that is more manageable but not able to hold as much furniture as in our previous location. Volunteers have worked hard at maintaining the appearance of the store, and we continue to recruit new workers for the shop and for pick-ups of donations. Terry Currey has taken over the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Please call her if you can dedicate some time to help out—508-430-7252.The Thrift Shop Committee is pleased to announce that the shop contributed $23,750 to the work of Northside UMC in 2014, our first year in our new location. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the new shop a success.The Northside Thrift Shop stresses the importance of our outreach program by donating goods to those in need, as was evident last year when we donated clothes to victims of a devastating Dennis Port fire that affected many individuals and families, and we also donated clothes to many homeless individuals who would have otherwise gone without. 

2014 was a year of transition for the Thrift Shop, and we are looking forward to serving our community in 2015 with the same commitment to serve those in our community in need. 

Your Thrift Shop staff continues to accept your donations of seasonal clothing and household items. Remember, all donations need to be in good to excellent condition—no rips, tears, or stains. If in doubt, please call the Shop to ask if your items can be accepted. 

Fall/Winter HoursMonday—Friday, 11am-3pm (Wednesday—11am-6pm)

Saturday—10am-4pmThe address is 18 Hall Street in Dennis Port

Telephone: 508-760-5300. 

In and Around Weekly Learn To Cope Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7pm at Yarmouth Police Department. Support, Counseling, and free Narcan training at 7PM. Learn to Cope is a support group for parents and family members dealing with a loved one addicted to heroin, Oxycontin, and other drugs. All are welcome to attend and there is no cost to attend. If you would like to attend or have questions please contact Kate LaCroix. *Change the World Sunday is coming- May 17, 2015! Mark your calendars! We will be going out into the community to serve. More details to follow 

 Searching for Spiritual Gifts: Do you have a joy in Public Relations and in Advertising? Our church family is in need of a volunteer to run our advertising for our special events throughout the year. We use media avenues and local publications to get the word out about Northside and we need your help to spread the good news to our community! Please prayerfully consider this opportunity for our Church Family. To volunteer, please speak with Karen Schrader or Tom Kerr. 

   

Meet our NEW Nursery Attendant, Alysa Iafrate! Alysa is 25 years old and is an original Cape Codder from Orleans, Mass. She

currently lives in Dennis Port. Make sure to check out her "bling" because she is to be married this October. It has a very beautiful story! Alysa started a baby sitting service when she was 12 years old and grew up to pursue a career in child care.

She has worked as a full time Nanny for the past three years to two young children, and acts as a part time personal care assistant to a lovely older woman. She loves

horseshoe crabs, bull dogs and the color green! She is passionate about early childhood education and sometimes sings what she is doing! We are thrilled to have Alysa join us this year and we hope you stop by the Nursery to introduce

yourself and say "Hey!"

 

Moments in StewardshipApril 2015

 As a recurring theme starting this year the Stewardship Committee will expand with a year-round emphasis on what it means to go and make disciples. The past many months have seen Northside in transition as we change pastors, attempt to get our financial house in order, expand our outreach to the community… and this will continue into the future.The Stewardship team of five current members, soon to expand, has developed the following description for your review and comment if you should so desire. 

Our Committee’s Vision:To expand the understanding of Northside’s Community of Believers that everything we have is a gift given to us by God, and as “Christian Stewards” we have a responsibility to affect lives by using our time, talents and treasure in service to all. 

The Committee’s Mission:By building on the foundation of our “Circle of Faith” we will engage in activities of leadership, education, communications and coordination to enable the congregation in fulfilling the “Great Commission” of making disciples, 

2015 Goals: 

 Raise awareness of Church Ministries Share new and existing opportunities for our church family to participate in Ministries Get everyone involved in a Ministry (“if you’re breathing you can serve”) Educate the congregation that stewardship is a way of living Immediate Plans:1. Add more individuals to the committee2. Establish interface/liaison to other appropriate church committeesPractice Stewardship 365 days a year 

We believe Stewardship is the glue that holds our “Circle of Faith” together and are meeting with the “Charting the Course” team to let them know the role we will play in church life. Comments are greatly appreciated and you might want to send a “love note” or email to dickschrader@comcast.net with your feedback. You might want to answer the following question in your reply:

If you left Northside today and did not return for one or two years, what would you most like to see when you returned?

 

Parish Health & Christian Education 

6 Ways to reduce the risk of diabetes

 25.8 Million Americans have diabetes. 26% us your chance of developing diabetes if your spouse has been diagnosed with it. 45% is the likely hood (if your life is stressful) of developing diabetes.1) Banish soda from your usual diet (contains high fructose corn syrup and caffeine) instead try

selzer or green tea.2) After meals try a 15 minute stroll to lower blood sugar levels.3) Try to eat more beneficial fats such as olive oil which raises insulin sensitivity.4) Move around more by not sitting for long periods.5) Try strength training (lifting weights) twice a week. This keeps blood sugar levels lower

longer than aerobic exercise.6) Savor your meals and eat slowly in smaller portions. Observing these easy changes can greatly contribute to a healthier life style.

 

Life After LossBereavement Support Group

 Broad Reach Hospice and Palliative Care is offering a free “Life after Loss” Bereavement Support Group beginning on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. The group will meet for 7 weeks at the Victorian Assisted Living Facility, 389 Orleans Road in Chatham. The group is open to all who are grieving the death of a loved one. We will explore the many faces of grief and share coping strategies in a compassionate circle of understanding to find healing in each person’s own unique way and time. Please call Peggy Wilbur or Abigail Cobb at 508.945.4601 for information and to register. 

Spiritual Life Groups Crossroads - Wednesday, April 15th, 2014 at 7pm at a location to be determined Crossroad’s is a group that is open to any adult who is interested in exploring their spirituality through every day experiences and seeing where faith and life intersect. Each time we meet we gather for fellowship, great food and wonderful conversation. So join us for an amazing evening and get to know others in our church better! Please RSVP with Kate LaCroix prior to April 13th if you would like to join us!

. Taize Prayer What is Taizé prayer?

Taizé prayer is a quiet simple way of prayer designed for people of all Christian traditions. These meditative candle lit services include simple chants sung repeatedly; rich silence; and prayers of praise and intercession. 

History of Taizé: These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. Brother Roger, Taize's founder, arrived in the village of Taizé, France in 1940. In the midst of World War II, he dreamed of creating a community where reconciliation was a daily reality. He began by giving shelter to refugees of the war, especially the Jewish community. Brother Roger recognized that the search for reconciliation was within each individual as well as within the community. Initially, the Taizé founder lived alone, until brothers from various Protestant and Roman Catholic backgrounds followed. Today, as an ecumenical monastic community, Taizé is a sign of reconciliation. People from around the world, especially young people, come to Taizé looking for meaning in their lives as they prepare for responsibilities in their own communities. The brothers seek to awaken spirituality, particularly in young adults, and promote Christian unity and peace. The community's and promote Christian unity and peace. The community's style of worship, including the mixing of meditative prayer and song, periods of silence, and the use of light have influenced services in many Christian churches. 

Invitation to Join us:Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 at 7pm at Northside United Methodist Church in the sanctuary for a time together of prayer, worship, singing, and silence. This service is incredibly moving and

powerful and we invite all people of all ages to join us. Questions, please contact Kate.

 

Advance Notice of Northside Spirit Change 

In the near future we will be changing the method of distribution for The Northside Spirit. Each month, for members that have email addresses, we will send the Spirit electronically.

For those who do not, the Spirit will continue to be mailed, but it will be in a different format than the current view.

Most Northside members now have email capability and this change will save a significant amount of office time to print, assemble and mail each month to say nothing of paper and postage expense. The new email method of delivery will be as an attachment to allow members to print out their Spirit as needed.Please make sure the office has your correct email address.INTERESTED IN AN EVENT LOOK FOR THIS MONTH’S CALENDAR! SIMPLY CLICK THE LINK BELOW: http://www.northside-umc.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=42563&PG=events&RecordType=&pkg=