In the United States, we pride ourselves

on our independence. When we are little, we

proclaim, “I can do it myself!” When we are

older, we look forward to being

on our own and having our own

place to live. As adults, we look

for financial independence so that

we can retire and live a life of

leisure. When we move a little

further through life, we fear being

put in a home and losing our independence.

Independence is very important to us.

We celebrate the independence of our nation

every year, and with bold arrogance we

proclaim we are not in need of anyone or

anything!

Maybe, it is time for us to declare our

dependence on God. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 is

God’s response to Solomon’s prayer. God

declares, “When I shut up the heavens so that

there is no rain, or command locusts to

devour the land or send a plague among my

people, if my people, who are called by my

name, will humble themselves and pray and

seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

“IN-Dependence”

Please join us for Worship on Sunday at 10:00 am

July 2020

then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive

their sin and will heal their land.”

In these verses, we see that when we are in

trouble, we must humbly admit

that we are dependent on God for

health and healing.

This verse has been used in the

past, but it seems so appropriate for

the second half of 2020. We have

been hit with natural disasters,

fires, floods, locusts, killer hornets, and a

plague like we have not seen in 100 years.

Add to that deadly racism, riots, and hatred. It

is clearly time for the people of God to get on

their knees! We must humble ourselves and

pray. We must seek the face of God and turn

from our wicked ways. This applies to all of

us - every single one.

Let us make the second half of this year a

time to humbly declare our total dependence

on the one who created us, called us, and

redeemed us. We are IN-Dependence on the

only one who can save us.

Pastor Jenni

Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church

918 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905

Rev. Jenni Piatt (607) 724-5421 Nimmonsburgumc.weebly.com

P a g e 2

July 5, 2020 — Communion

5th Sunday after Pentecost—Green 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

1 Peter 2:11-21

Sermon: “IN-Dependence Day”

July 12, 2020

6th Sunday after Pentecost—Green

Matthew 13:1-9

Matthew 13:18-23

Sermon: “Sowing in the Kingdom”

Lectionary Readings & Sermons for July

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them

with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the

Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to

each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is

powerful and effective. (James 5:13-16)

The Prayer Chain

If you or a friend are in need of immediate prayer we urge you to use Nimmonsburg’s Telephone Prayer Chain. Members are Coordinator Nancy Oakley, Phyllis Bartlett, Helen Morgan, Burt Sturdevant, Mini Daub, Shirley Savage, Holly Sensenig, Donna Lewis, Evelyn Erler and Dee Seeley.

To initiate a Prayer Chain request, simply contact the Coordinator, Nancy Oakley, at (607) 743-3022. The request will be passed on to all Prayer Chain members in sequence. To avoid any delay in processing a request, the next person on the list will be contacted whenever an answering machine is encountered. Finally, the last Prayer Chain member will call the Coordinator as verification that the request went through the entire chain.

For confidential prayer concerns, please call the Church Office at 724-5421 or Pastor Jenni directly at (716) 560-4400.

If you believe in the power of prayer, are faithful, able to keep a confidence and would like to

become a part of our Prayer Chain, please call Nancy Oakley.

Lay Readers

Due to current restrictions regarding the Corona virus, Pastor Jenni has

asked that the Worship Leader read the scriptures on Sundays rather than the

scheduled Lay Reader.

As things change (and we know that they will), we will let you know

when Lay Readers will resume reading the scriptures again.

July 19, 2020

7th Sunday after Pentecost—Green

Guest Preacher—Zach Moyer

Jeremiah 33:1-9 & Matthew 6:19-21

Sermon: “Where Our Treasures Are”

July 26, 2020

8th Sunday after Pentecost—Green Guest Preacher—Don Birtch

1 Chronicles 13

Sermon: “Is it About Us?”

T h e N i m m o n s b u r g W i t n e s s

P a g e 3 T h e N i m m o n s b u r g W i t n e s s

The Injustice of Racism—From the Desk of Bishop Webb

Editor's Note: On June 2, Upper New York (UNY) Area

Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, reflecting on the death of

George Floyd, sent the following letter to the UNY

Conference urging both clergy and lay to be committed to

increasing their efforts against the virus of racism.

As the world continues to deal with the impact

of the Coronavirus, we find ourselves facing the

reality of another virus that has impacted our lives

and societies, damaging our souls for far too long –

the virus of racism.

The tragic killing of George Floyd by a police

officer in Minneapolis is yet another horrendous

chapter in the injustice and system of racism that

exists in our culture and remains unresolved. The

cries for justice and change are ultimately not in

response to this most recent event, but to the reality

of the virus of racism left unchecked for centuries!

I pray with those who protest this injustice

peacefully as they demand change. I am moved by

the witness of law enforcement and other community

leaders who are committed to justice and change, as

they join the protests in spirit and action. I fervently

pray that agendas not aligned to the protests seeking

change in our reality of racism will lose their

foothold.

I must confess that I feel overwhelmed and

inadequate in how to respond and even to lead in the

times we are experiencing. My spirit is heavy, and

my soul mourns. Yet I know this – I must lead in the

injustice of racism. I must acknowledge my privilege,

confess that at times I have been complicit in racism

and say enough is enough; our God calls us to a

different way.

I commit to increasing my efforts against the

virus of racism and I call on every follower of Jesus

Christ in the Upper New York Conference of the

United Methodist Church to do the same. The change

we need is deep, it is systemic. We must continue to

work diligently to change the systems that allow

racism to continue.

Within the Upper New York Conference we

have been calling one another to do the work of

“Imagining No Racism.” I am deeply appreciative of

the work and leadership provided by the Upper New

York Conference Committee on Religion and Race

for the resources they have developed and the ways

they seek to equip us. I urge all of us to engage those

resources and begin to lead the way in destroying the

virus of racism. There can no longer be excuses for

why this is not our work to do. I join several of my

colleague Bishops in recommending that every white

leader, clergy, and lay purchase and read

the book: White Fragility: Why It’s So

Hard for White People to Talk About

Racism (2018) by Robin DiAngelo, not

just to accomplish reading a book, but to

be better equipped to lead the church in

eliminating racism.

As the Church of Jesus Christ, we must also

respond to a call to repentance within our own lives

regarding racism and issue that call throughout the

land in the name of Jesus Christ. Racism is sin! It is

sin that perpetuates injustice. It is sin that maintains

systems of oppression. The only solution to the

reality of sin is a heart, mind, spirit and life

transformed by the person of Jesus Christ! In these

days, as the Church of Jesus Christ, let us make sure

our allegiance is to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and

nothing else. It is only the truth of the Gospel and the

person of Jesus that fully drives out darkness,

changes hearts, heals wounds, and

sets us free!

(Continued on Page 4)

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what

does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to

love kindness, and to walk humbly with your god?”

Micah 6.8

P a g e 4

7/6 - Patti Derr Jacob Shoemaker 7/7 - Philip Kocan 7/9 - Jacob Rueffer 7/10 - William Pease 7/12- Ellie Minett 7/18 - Lynne Ruth 7/19 - Judy Sanaeko 7/21- Zachary Moyer 7/22- Myrnie Ferro 7/23- Marie Thornton

7/27- Brianna King 7/28 - Mini Daub Audrey Finch Justin Hagerman Gordon Justice David Morgan 7/31 - Deaven Rought

7/2 - Amy & Dan Morgan 7/7 - Kathy & Chris Nabinger 7/10 - Madeline & Richard Nemcek Judith & William Poit 7/19 - Deborah & David Hagerman

Did we miss your special day? Please let us know so we

can celebrate with you!

Birthdays Anniversaries

July Birthdays and Anniversaries

Meet Marge McCoy

If you have walked by

the office during the week, or

called the Church, you have

probably met Marge, our

Church Secretary. She’s

been with us for about six

years now and handles

general off ice dut ies

including preparation of bulletins and inserts,

monthly newsletters, calendars, announce-

ments, advertising, ordering supplies,

mailings, preparation of posters, meeting

reminders, updating church records, phones

and general assistance to Pastor Jenni and all

church members.

You will find her in the church office from

9:00 to 2:00 on Tuesday and Thursday, and

9:00 to 1:00 on Wednesday and Friday.

Marge and Tom

The Injustice of Racism (Continued from Page 3)

The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said,

“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”.

The love of God through Jesus the Christ is the answer

and it’s our call to boldly offer Jesus to the world

around us. As we celebrate Pentecost, we are reminded

that the Holy Spirit has equipped and empowered us to

be witnesses of the transforming truth and reality of

Jesus. Our world needs the Church of Jesus Christ to

boldly live our mission in word, action and deed.

May I say yes! May you say yes! May we say

yes!

Grace and Peace,

Bishop Mark J. Webb

While Sky Lake is unable to host guests, they still want to connect with YOU. Check in with them on their website and Facebook. Matt Williams, Director, and Jenna Amberge, Asst. Director, have been taking mini-hikes so we can all get outside and enjoy the trails that may be too far away from us right now. Matt is also hosting a campfire on Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm, so tune in and sing along! Keep up-to-date with all of the latest news and dates on their website and social media. They have asked for your continued prayers for the ministry of Sky Lake, and they are ready to resume as soon as safely possible!

T h e N i m m o n s b u r g W i t n e s s

P a g e 5 T h e N i m m o n s b u r g W i t n e s s

Letter to Our Church Family

A Task Force met on June 10th to discuss reopening of our church for

worship services. We have decided to reopen on July 5.

As we prepare to reopen there is much to consider both at the church

and communicating to you all our responsibilities so we can all remain

clean, safe and mindful of health needs and issues in preparation for a

non-touch experience.

When entering the church:

1. You will be asked if you have had any symptoms;

2. You should be wearing a mask, including children over the age of 2;

3. We will take your temperature with a non-touch thermometer; and

4. We will have you sanitize your hands.

In order to accommodate this procedure, we ask that you arrive a little earlier than normal. We

have been starting our services at 9:55 during this pandemic, and we will return to a prompt 10:00

start time on July 5th.

Social distancing will need to be maintained throughout the church when entering, seating and

exiting. We ask that socializing occur in the parking lot so the entering and exiting continues to

flow.

Masks need to be worn by everyone in the church. If you do not have a mask or cannot afford

one contact the church and we’ll arrange for one.

There can be no singing but you may hum if you so desire. There will be no paperwork,

pencils, hymnals or Bibles in the pews. Service elements are all on the overhead monitor.

We need to refrain from touching. Instead please use virtual hugs, virtual high fives or a bow

and prayer hands for greetings.

Once we are seated and the service has begun, we will take 2-3 pictures of the congregation.

These photos will be kept in the office for three weeks, and seen only by the office staff. (After

three weeks, the photos will be destroyed.) The photos will only be used if a member of our

congregation is found to have an active case of the virus. We will use the pictures to make sure

everyone is notified accordingly.

Part of our Christian fellowship (coffee hour) will need to be set aside to ensure we all remain

healthy.

Everyone present during service must wear a mask. I will remove my mask to preach from

behind the pulpit and wear one when exiting and entering the service. We’ll use a microphone to

enhance the sound for others who would be speaking.

Some of the building will be roped off in order to reduce the area we need to clean and disinfect.

Between services, the occupied parts of the building will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

(Continued on Page 6)

P a g e 6

High risk individuals, those who do not feel comfortable in public, if your immune

system is compromised, or you are not feeling well, please shelter in place and

engage with on-line services. Additionally, those who have high risk jobs such as

essential services should consider watching on-line to reduce the risk to our

congregation.

Services will be recorded and can be found after 1:00 pm each Sunday on YouTube through the

link on our church website: NimmonsburgUMC.weebly.com.

We love you and miss you all. We look forward to seeing you all when that is possible.

Blessings,

Rev. Jenni Piatt, Pastor

Letter to Our Church Family (Continued)

Importance of a Medic Alert

Necklace

Even though you might think you don’t need

one, please consider getting a Medic Alert. I certainly

didn’t think I needed one until I recently fell in my

kitchen.

I was cooking supper when it happened. Some-

how I fell and could not get up. I was unable to turn off

the stove for 13 hours which resulted in “very well

done” food and lots of smoke. No one heard me yelling

for help all that time until the next morning.

Thanks to the Office for the

Aging, I now wear a Medic Alert

necklace. I would not wish this

experience on anyone!

Act now — don’t put it

off. You might not be as lucky as I

was to only suffer embarrassment and bruises.

Evelyn Erler

If you cannot physically worship

with us at Church, you can view our

services by going to our website at

NimmonsburgUMC.weebly.com. Each

Sunday’s service will be posted by

noon.

Please remember that Pastors

Jenni and Dave Piatt invite you for

prayer each weekday morning at 5:30

pm at PortaParsonage.weebly.com. If

you are not an early riser, you can use

the YouTube link on this website to

view each morning’s prayer.

T h e N i m m o n s b u r g W i t n e s s

BIBLE TRIVIA

1. King David succeeded: A. Solomon, B. Samson, C. Saul, D. Isaiah, E. Jeremiah. (1 Samuel 18) 2. Hagar was the handmaid to this matriarch: A. Bathsheba, B. Ruth, C. Sarai, D. Rebekah, E. Rachel.

(Genesis 16) 3. Elisha healed the waters of Jericho by putting this into the spring: A. blood, B. an olive, C. wine, D. sand,

E. salt. (2 Kings 2:19-22) 4. In the Old Testament, Zion refers to: A. a city, B. heaven, C. a prophet, D. a name for God, E. a fortress

on a hill. (Psalm 48:1-2)

P a g e 7

Picnic in the Park

Joint Worship Service and Picnic

with Conklin Forks and Hawleyton Churches

Sunday, August 6th

Kirkwood River Park Pavilion

Worship Service at 10:30 am

Picnic at Noon

Drinks, hot dogs and table

settings will be provided. Please

bring a dish or dessert to pass,

camping chairs, and any yard

games you would like to play.

Picnic will be held “rain or shine”. If inclement

weather, the picnic will be in Fellowship Hall at

Hawleyton United Methodist Church.

It’s Your Turn to Plan Worship …..

August 16, 23 and 30, 2020 will be congregation-led worship. Pastor

Jenni will put together worship for these three weeks based upon your responses

to the following. We will collect responses through July 31st.

Please cut this out and place in the offering plate, Pastor Jenni’s mailbox, or

in the box on the Office door. Thanks!

1. What question do you want our Pastor to answer?

2. What hymn do you want to sing?

3. What scripture would you like read?

4. Are you willing to give a 3-5 minute testimony about what God means to you or has done for

you? (Include your name)

5. Would you like to share a song or a poem with the congregation? (Include your name)

6. Anything else you would like us to do?

Everything I Never Told You

Author: Celeste Ng

Date: Sunday, August 16th

Time: 2:00 pm

Place: Hilltop Community

Center

Host: Bernis Proper

Contact: Elizabeth Button at 772-1047

or cbutton4@stny.rr.com

All readers are welcome!

T h e N i m m o n s b u r g W i t n e s s

Nimmonsburg United Methodist ChurchNimmonsburg United Methodist ChurchNimmonsburg United Methodist Church E-Mail: Phone:

Bishop: Rev. Mark J. Webb BishopsOffice@unyumc.org Ofc: (855) 424-7878

Binghamton District Super.: Rev. Dr. David Kofahl BinghamtonDistrict@unyumc.org Ofc: (607) 748-0662

Pastor: Rev. Jenni Piatt ChurchPastornumc@gmail.com (716) 560-4400

Office Administrator: Marjorie McCoy ChurchOfficenumc@gmail.com Ofc: (607) 724-5421

Chair of Trustees: Paul Derr paulderr2@gmail.com (607) 648-5471

Chair of Administrative Board Patti Derr pakderr@gmail.com (607) 648-5471

Chair of S/PPRC: Don Birtch debirtch52@gmail.com (607) 238-7983

Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church 918 Upper Front Street Binghamton, New York 13905 (607) 724-5421