st.. mmaa ttthheeww’’s mme essssennggeerr...2012/01/12 · 1 nicholas cullis 2 ryan mcmillan 3...
TRANSCRIPT
SSTT.. MMAATTTTHHEEWW’’SS MMEESSSSEENNGGEERR
St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ
at 5289 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg, New York
Building Relationships with God’s Love for Over 140 Years
January 2012 Newsletter
JANUARY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Bible Study 9:00 Sunday School 9:30 Sunday Worship 10:30 Coffee Fellowship 11:30
Sunday, January 1 ~ First Sunday after Christmas
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40
Sunday, January 8 ~ First Sunday after Epiphany
Lectionary Readings: Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11
Sunday, January 15 ~ Second Sunday after Epiphany
The Sacrament of Christian Baptism
Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51
Saturday, January 22 ~ Third Sunday after Epiphany
The Sacrament of Christian Baptism
Lectionary Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Sunday, January 29 ~ Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Lectionary Readings: Deut. 18:15-20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28
A nursery with audio and visual participation is available above the sanctuary for infants with parents.
Childcare is provided for children 2 years old through 2nd
grade following the Children’s Message.
Please join us for coffee fellowship immediately following Sunday worship.
Grace Notes
January is a very full month here at St. Matthew’s. On January 8th
, we will
resume Sunday School and Adult Bible Study. On January 15th
, we will gather
together for worship and the sacrament of Christian baptism. On January 22nd
, we
will welcome another child into our church through the sacrament of baptism. At
the conclusion of worship on January 22nd
, we will hold our annual meeting, and
on January 29th
, we will hold a new member class from noon to 3 p.m.
As we begin 2012, none of us can predict what the future will hold. With all of
you, I take great comfort in trusting and serving the God who holds us in his
loving hands. We will begin a new chapter in our journey together as a church on
January 22nd
, as we gather for our annual meeting. This is an important event in
the life of our church. At this meeting the congregation will have the opportunity
to reflect on the past year and the plans we have for the new year. At the end of
the meeting, we will vote to accept reports about our life together in 2011 and on
the proposed budget for the new year of 2012.
It is vital that all of us who call St. Matthew’s Church our spiritual home support
the ministry and mission of this faithful congregation with our time, talents and
treasure. Without you, there can be no church gathered here at St. Matthew’s. We
have a wonderful blessing in the life we live together here at St. Matthew’s as we
follow after Christ. When the body of Christ, our church, calls for our support in
any way, let’s all joyfully answer, ―Here I am, Lord!‖
I look forward to all that the Holy Spirit will do in, with and through us in this
new year. May you and your loved ones be richly blessed by our God whose love
knows no end.
Happy New Year! See you in worship!
Yours in Christ,
~ Pastor Dick
Help Wanted!
St. Matthew’s is looking for a Director of Christian Education. This position, of such
importance in the lives of our children, takes approximately 10-12 hours per week. Duties
include coordination of Sunday School classes, Sunday School curriculum review,
supervision of acolytes, chairing the Board of Christian education meetings, and planning
other events such as vacation Bible school, youth group and youth mission activities. This is
a compensated position. Please see Pastor Hanks for details.
CAREGIVERS - Do you know someone in need of a Care Giver service? A call to the
church office (649-1532) or to the coordinator of a particular aspect of service needed will
initiate the process of finding a volunteer caregiver ready to serve. Karen Kaitanowski,
General Coordinator, 649-7824 (house/yard work), Sue Rich, 649-0061 (drivers), Michelle
Kemp 648-6259 (meals).
CAN YOU HELP? - Members of the church generously help one another during sickness
and other difficult times through the church’s caregivers. More assistance is needed in
providing meals, transportation and other care. Can you help? Please fill out a form,
available in the Narthex, or call Karen Kaitanowski, General Coordinator, at 649-7824.
Thank you!
EMERGENCY FAMILY FUND
When a member of the church family is in need, please
talk with Howard Rich or Karen Kaitanowski.
♦ CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
On Sunday, January 22nd
, St. Matthew’s will hold its
annual congregational meeting.
Please be sure to mark your calendar so you can participate in
the discussion and vote on our annual reports and our 2012 budget.
♦ NEW MEMBER CLASS
On Sunday, January 29th
, from noon to 3 p.m. in the church parlor,
a class will be offered for those new to the church and wondering about membership.
All are welcome. Lunch will be provided
(please R.S.V.P. to the church office at 716-649-1532 or
Pastor Hanks at [email protected]).
My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
- Psalm 119:50
Christian Education
Christmas Pageant Hopefully everyone enjoyed our annual Christmas Pageant. While the
story never changes, the children of St. Matthew’s somehow manage to always bring us a
reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas season. Thanks to all of the children for their
hard work. You all did a great job. A HUGE thank you to Norm Wahl for sharing his
incredible musical gifts with us. We could not have done it without you. Again, thank you
so much!
Cornerstone Manor Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Middle School mission
project for the Cornerstone Manor. Many items were donated and we were able to make a
very generous delivery. Thank you to everyone for supporting this worthy cause.
Cookbooks The 100th
Anniversary Cookbooks are here and ready for purchase. The cost is
$15 and the proceeds will benefit our youth group mission programs. See Tammy Kruszka
or Holly Dobrick to purchase your copy. Don’t wait to make your purchase – there are only
a limited number available.
Blessings, Tammy Kruszka
Christian Education
Winter 2012 Adult Bible Study
Please join us as we explore God’s Word given to us in the Holy Scriptures.
All members and friends of St. Matthew’s UCC
are welcome to partake of this time of fellowship, sharing and learning.
Here’s the schedule for Bible Study with Pastor Hanks this winter:
~Sunday morning at 9:00, beginning January 8th
~Thursday morning at 9:30, beginning January 12th
~Friday morning Men’s Bible Study at 7:30, beginning January 13th
The Thursday and Sunday classes will study the Gospel of Mark. This class will
help guide you to a deeper understanding of St. Mark’s Gospel, and bring the
scripture narratives to life through in-depth study, reflection, and thought-provoking questions.
The Friday morning Men’s Bible study will resume their study of St. Paul’s Epistles. Please join
this group of men as they share a time of fellowship that offers coffee, conversation, study and
prayer.
New Member Class New to the Church? Want to Know More? Wondering About Membership?
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Time: 12:00 — 3:00 p.m.
Place: Church Parlor
A group of us will meet on Sunday, January 29, to talk about the Christian faith and how it is lived
out in a local congregation - this congregation. Lunch is provided and all are welcome. R.S.V.P. to
the Church Office (716-649-1532) or Pastor Hanks ([email protected]) so we can plan lunch.
Questions? See Pastor Hanks. (If you’re interested but cannot make this date, please let us know.)
In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you
will fulfill the law of Christ." At St. Matthew's our Stephen Ministers are
trained and organized to do just that. They provide one-to-one care, prayer,
and support to those who are going through a difficult time. The Stephen
Minister doesn't try to solve problems; rather, they listen, care, pray and help
the care receiver find their path to healing and wholeness. All caring
relationships are confidential.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, contact Lyn Rich,
648-2165.
Musical Notes
LET US MAKE A JOYFUL SOUND UNTO THE LORD!
On December 11, 2011, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, our St. Matthew's Chancel Choir was honored
by a gift from Sally Harrington in memory of her daughter, Susan Gervase. Sue was our previous
Minister of Music, and the gift included ten Christmas pieces for the choir by Sue's favorite choir
composer, John Rutter. Sally also presented beautiful choir folders (which hold each singer's music
for the week), emblazoned with a memoriam to her daughter. Finally, Sally also gave us choir
books for a collection of songs by the Christmas carol composer Alfred Burt. The choir performed
Rutter's beautiful "Christmas Lullaby" on that Sunday, and on Christmas Eve. The music and the
folders will provide wonderful music and memories for years to come.
The Chancel Choir did a beautiful job at the Christmas Eve service. The singers put a lot of effort
into learning quite a number of harmony parts, and performed them very well. Supplementing the
choir were two young ladies who flew back to Buffalo for Christmas from their out-of-town
endeavors, Natalie Stormer and Ashley Hanks. Natalie and Ashley each sang several very moving
solo pieces, and choir members Don Ruff and Sharon Mooney also contributed wonderful solos.
Sue's son Joe added triumphant trumpet descants to many of the carols.
The choir's performance of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" recalled the tune's origin as a 15th
Century chant. Similarly, their performance of "Silent Night" evoked that carol's original rendition.
"Silent Night" was written on Christmas Eve 1818, as a simple carol that could be accompanied by
guitar (possibly the organ was broken). Sharon Mooney sang the first verse in the original German,
accompanied by Tom Schaner on guitar.
The choir provided a wonderfully enhanced Christmas spirit to the congregation. However, what's
even nicer than hearing a good choir is being in one! We have room for more good and faithful
singers. Please let me know if you're interested.
See you Sunday …
Norm Wahl
Our Church Family
Remember…
Homebound Margaretha Dubrowskij, Lois McMoil, Peggy LaVett
Adult Residence Ethel Deuchler, Eugene Behringer, Helen Wise, Maxine Helm, Stella Williams
Those in Military Service Matthew Barrett (USMC) Tyler Jordan (USMC) Kameron Kuczka (USAF)
Randy Kryszak, (Army) Elie Shaw (Navy) Donald Hamann (Army)
Steve Hope (Army) Mike Powers Gary Shull (Army)
Matt Hayes (Marines) Ken York (Air Force)
BIRTHDAYS FOR THE
MONTH OF JANUARY!
1 Nicholas Cullis
2 Ryan McMillan
3 Tyler Jordan
4 Brook Lynn Clausell, Clayton Errington 5 Donn Mergenhagen
7 Virginia Mackey
8 Paul Rich
12 Stella Williams
14 Kimberley Hamm
16 Andrea Larson
17 Jane Duewiger
20 Sharon Mooney
21 Gail Burdick 22 Abigail Zelle
24 Pastor Hanks
26 Barbara Middaugh
28 Connor Neureuter
31 Paul Federmann
IN OUR PRAYERS
Jennifer Funk - Frank Norwood - Ryan
Nurmi - Robin Kester - Jack Johnson -
Suzie Harvey - Dick Gillette - Evonne
Mauser - Carol Rich - Ken Plotz - Don
Chapman - Dan Licker - Ethel
Deuchler - Dorothy Snow
INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP - If you or someone you know has a need for our
prayers, call Pastor Hanks (649-1532), Dolly Errington (823-6210) or Jane Duewiger (649-2085).
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:12
THANK YOU!
Gin and I extend our deepest thanks
and love to you for the many ways you
reach out to us all year, but in
particular at Christmas. Your love and
generosity fill our hearts. It is a joy to
serve with you here at St. Matthew's.
We wish you all every blessing in this
New Year.
~ Pastor Dick, Gin and Ashley
Missions and Outreach
CIA CAROLING
Thanks to Howard Rich for capturing these pictures of the event!
Missions and Outreach
CIA CAROLING – Thank You! Thank you to all who participated by singing and/or baking cookies. We were able to share
cookies, Christmas carols and fellowship at 10 local group homes. We had a great turn-out this year
with 144 carolers of all ages! It looked like Sunday evening worked for many to be able to
participate. For many people this has become a favorite holiday tradition. The residents at the
group homes also look forward to this evening, particularly the cookies! Thanks, Susan Rich
Thanks for your “Thank Offering” On Sunday, November 20
th, we collected our annual Thank Offering.
We are pleased to announce we were able to give $160 each to
Kathleen Mary House and Union Presbyterian Food Pantry.
Thank you for keeping your little bank handy to deposit your daily coins.
Notes of Thanks to St. Matthew’s
From the Kathleen Mary House
Dear Members of St. Matthew’s:
On behalf of the women and children who reside at the Kathleen Mary House, I want to thank you
for your recent donation of $160 from your annual Thank Offering. You can't imagine how grateful
we are for your support of the Kathleen Mary House and we will use this donation in the best way
possible to honor your giving. Saying "thank you" almost seems not enough to express our sincere
gratitude. You continue to confirm my faith that angels walk among us every day.
Merry Christmas!!!
Very truly yours,
Sharon E. Wroblewski
Executive Director
From the Union Presbyterian Church, UPC Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your recent donation of several bags of food. You have been so faithful in donating
to our food pantry. We can’t thank you enough. We have had an increase in the number of
individuals (and families) who come to our pantry for food. You have been a great blessing to our
pantry. Merry Christmas. God bless you.
Darlene Cebulski, Food Ministry
Church News HELP OUR YOUTH GROUP As a fundraiser for our youth group – who are planning mission and conference trips – we are
having a bottle and can drive. During January and February, please help by depositing your bottles
and cans in the basket provided in the downstairs hallway. If you have any questions, please
contact Sue Rich at 574-5865.
FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY
Please remember to bring in a bag of non-perishable groceries on the first Sunday of each month to
help feed the hungry of greater Hamburg. We are also in need of volunteers to bring the food items
to the Union Presbyterian Church food pantry in Blasdell once a month throughout 2012. Please
look for the sign-up sheet on the downstairs bulletin board or see Shirley Jones to volunteer.
BY THE NUMBERS: ACTUAL YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCIAL THROUGH November 30, 2011
Actual Income $133,267
Actual Expenses $131,320
Net Gain $1,947
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR MAIL SLOT LATELY?
We will soon be cleaning out the mail slots, so please take a moment to check yours for any items
including the newsletter and your weekly offering envelopes.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ENVELOPES AND RECORDING
Beginning in January 2012, I am looking for someone to take over the distribution and recording of
money that comes in from Sunday School children. I will be happy to get you started.
Thank you. Pamela Kaznica
ROSES ON THE ALTAR
The church family would like to celebrate with members when a new baby or grandchild comes into
the world. Please contact Pamela Kaznica, 823-2568, about a new arrival so that a rose can be
placed on the altar and an announcement put in the bulletin.
~ January 2012 ~ St. Matthew’s UCC 5289 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg, NY 14075 716-649-1532 [email protected]
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
10:30 Worship/
Communion
11:30 Coffee Fellowship
Happy New
Year!
2 Annual Reports
due
3
4 Stephen Ministry
4 10:30 AA
7 BCE
5
7 Choir Rehearsal
7:30 OA
6
7
8 9:00 Bible Study
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Worship
11:30 Coffee
Fellowship
9
10
7:30 Church
Council
11 10:30 AA
12 9:30 Bible Study
7:30 OA
13 7:30 Men’s Bible
Study
14
15 9:00 Bible Study
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Worship
11:30 Coffee
Fellowship
11:45 Youth Group
16 17
4 Stephen Ministry
18 10:30 AA
19 9:30 Bible Study
7 Choir Rehearsal
7:30 OA
20 7:30 Men’s Bible
Study
21
22 9:00 Bible Study
9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship 11:45 Congregational
Meeting
MESSENGER ARTICLES DUE
23
24
7 Quilters
25 10:30 AA
26 9:30 Bible Study
7:30 OA
27 7:30 Men’s Bible
Study
28
29 9:00 Bible Study
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Worship
11:30 Coffee
Fellowship
30 31
Happy New Year to All!
Sundays in January
PEACE BE WITH YOU!
LAY READERS January 1 Perry Kaupa
January 8 Cheryl Larson
January 15 Tracy Meyers
January 22 Nancy Jankowski
January 29 Linda Velazquez
ACOLYTES January 1 Trevor Hoffritz
January 8 Jack DeMeo
January 15 Isabella DeMeo
January 22 Nicole Rich
January 29 Gigi Raymond
CHILD CARE January 1 No childcare
January 8 Robynn & Jeff Rich
January 15 Andrea & Joe Capasso
January 22 Kimberly Hoffritz
January 29 High School Youth
USHERS: TEAM # 1 Andy Federmann, Leader
Clayton Errington
Steve Jankowski
Keith Kanaley
Christian Kanaley
Donn Mergenhagen
Jeffrey Rich
Kurt Rich
Luke Rich
Tom Schaner
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP January 1 TBD
January 8 TBD
January 15 TBD
January 22 Annual Meeting
January 29 TBD
ALTAR GUILD Sue Rich
ATTENDANCE 2010 2011
NOV 117 114
DEC 112 114 143 129 159 158 154 161 64 70
COLORING PAGE FOR THE KIDS!
John Baptizes Jesus
Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3
St. Matthew’s UCC
S5289 McKinley Pkwy.
Hamburg, NY 14075-3925
_____________________________________________________
Church Office: 716-649-1532 email: [email protected]
Pastor Richard Hanks 716-649-0821 email: [email protected]
Minister of Music, Norman Wahl email: [email protected]
Director of Christian Education, Tammy Kruszka, 716-648-0343 email: [email protected]
Custodian, Steve Jankowski, 716-826-0012
Website: stmattsucc.org
St. Matthew’s Insurance Memorial Fund- Marilyn Rich, 716-649-6979
Mission Statement:
Believing that Jesus Christ is Lord as attested by Holy Scripture, we have been called together in his
body to rejoice in His love, to know His peace, to strengthen and share our spiritual gifts, and to
witness the Gospel in prayer, word and deed.
The church is completely accessible.