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Mohawk District UMC May Month of Miracles 2006 |
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Scroll down for descriptions of the Miracles. Click here to enter the photo gallery.
EACH CHURCH IN THE NORTH CENTRAL NEW YORK CONFERENCE IS ENCOURAGED TO ACCOMPLISH AS MANY "MIRACLES" AS POSSIBLE IN THE MONTH OF MAY. ------------------------------------------------------------ "MIRACLES" CAN BE A HELPING HAND OR A VISIT OR A GOOD DEED OR A FUNDRAISER OR A RIDE OR A PHONECALL OR A FOOD BASKET OR A FAMILY DAY OR A HEALTH KIT WORK BEE OR A SPECIAL OFFERING OR A SURPRISE THANK YOU OR . . . GO TO PRAYER, GOD WILL SUGGEST MIRACLES.
PLEASE KEEP A JOURNAL OF ALL THE MIRACLES. TAKE PHOTOS, SKETCH, WRITE PROSE OR POETRY. BE READY TO SHARE AND CELEBRATE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE BY YOUR CHURCH DURING MIRACLE MONTH AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAITY LUNCHEON. QUESTIONS? CONTACT YOUR DISTRICT LAY LEADER »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»«««««««««««««««««««« The North Shore Ecumenical Food Pantry meets the third Saturday of each month at the Bernhards Bay UMC. It is staffed by six to seven faithful servant ladies who are all 70-plus years of age, wit an occasional male helping to stock heavy things. Postal workers, Scouts and various churches help to supply items on occasion, but it is these ladies who shop and provide selections to be picked up by those in need every month. In the Miracle Month of May, these ladies served more than 49 area families. Their director also makes a special trip down to the church to provide help for any need in between the normal pick up days. -------------------------------------------- About five years ago, the Bernhards Bay UMC heard about a school in India that could provide a hot lunch for a child for a cost of about 15 pennies of U.S. money. The money Americans spend on a coffee break could provide hot nourishment for many children. The church placed a jar in the doorway of the sanctuary to collect pennies and other donations. When $200 is collected, a check is sent. This May, another check was sent. The church averages about two, $200 donations per year. Pastor Stephen Maddox reminds the church that a hungry child performs poorly in school and we know they certainly get a poor start in life when distracted by hunger. ---------------------------------------- What a joy! The Bernhards Bay UMC handed over a check for $519 to ARISE to assist a homebound person with building a ramp so the person can get out of the house. The UMW of the church sponsored a Mission Outreach Luncheon on May 9. The 25-year-old Mission Outreach Luncheon tradition is a gift to all guests. This year's speaker was Sabine Ingerson, director of Oswego County ARISE. A love offering was received, with 100 percent going to missions. -------------------------------------- Bernhards Bay UMC recently learned of a need for a physically challenged woman in the area of a computer and printer. The cost of such items was not within her limited financial means. Two separate rummage sale donations brought in a computer and a printer. No one thought the machines would be compatible or up-to-date enough to be of use. The pastor, Steve Maddox, was consulted to look at the equipment and lend his expertise. A miracle is surely needed to help this lady out. The church hopes God has provided what is needed: computer, printer and pastor!
Boonville United Methodist Church We are experiencing a mighty miracle at the Boonville United
Methodist Church. We have been enjoying a growing number of children
attending Camp Aldersgate for the past several years. A few weeks ago,
we realized that we had 60 kids signed up to attend! While that is
great, it left us with a funding dilemma. Our church pays all but the
initial $50 registration fee for every camper!
CHERRY VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Every age group, and organization,
in the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church family, from the
Church School through the Adult
Class, has made miracles happen in May.
On May 1st. the Sunday School
kicked off the Month of Miracles with the creation and delivery of 36
May Baskets. On Sunday May 7th, United Methodist Women put together three
large boxes of fruit and goodies that were delivered on Monday to the
Community Health Center in Cherry Valley, and to the bus drivers and the
custodial staffs at the two area schools.The boxes were a surprise; and notes
were attached to the boxes thanking the recipients for their service to the
community.
The women also sponsored a church
wide shower for the Utica Neighborhood Center. the Adult Class scheduled a
lesson and fellowship time for two members of the class who are now living at
The Manor-The Otsego County adult home- and who had been faithful members of
the church and of the class. In addition, one of the present class members
knit four prayer shawls for members of the church who now reside at the Manor.
On Sunday May 21st. seven members of the adult Bible class at Cherry Valley took their class to the Otsego Manor where one of their members is now a resident. Marge Brigham was a faithful member of the class. Being with her created a miracle for all of the class as Marge shared her faith with them.
Participation in the 2006 May
Month of Miracles helped our congregation in Cherry Valley to personalize
our faith by reaching out into the greater community.
Clark Mills United Methodist Church
Members
of the local Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Police Department and their
families were honored at a brunch at the Clark Mills United Methodist Church
on Sunday, May 21st, 2006. The following members were able to attend: Sue
Tenbrink, Bob Tenbrink, Judy Burks, Duane Fleming, Jared Fleming, Pam Fleming,
Alexis Fleming, Bryan Fleming, Bethanne Ramsdale, Michael Abbe, Brandon Abbe.
Unfortunately the Police Department members had another commitment. The brunch
was hosted by the church community as a way to say “thank you” for the
commitment and support of all of the members of the Ambulance Corp and Police
Department in this area.
Clinton United Methodist Church
The Clinton UMC sponsors a bi-annual kids clothing exchange. The exchange is simple: For each item you bring, take four items in exchange or purchase any item for 25 cents and finally, please take only what your family needs. In April 2006, families from 19 communities were served. Families have said,
"There is such a community feeling here!" "I buy winter things for my grandchildren from Florida to wear when they visit." "I get extras of everything to keep at my sitter's." "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Deansboro United Methodist Church We have three miracles to share that were reported for the month of May 2006. We
have had several restorations on our church which is a miracle as we are small
and have a small number of members from whom to ask for help. We
usually send a letter to ask for donations and the money comes in. With
the help of professionals and volunteers the work gets done. Two
of our miracles were Clifford Small and Edward Bellinger
(both now deceased) who helped out considerably with our fuel bills. Delta United Methodist Church In Mark 8: 1 – 9 we learn about the Miracle of the Loaves
and Fishes. It is possible that a portion of that miracle was the generosity of
the people gathered to hear Jesus. When they saw a need and the faith of the
person donating the meager amount of food they too contributed to the meal and
the five loaves and two fish that grew into a meal that would feed 5,000 and
more with substantial “leftovers”. We too when we gather to listen and learn
about Jesus can be involved in the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. At Delta
United Methodist Church the Heifer Project, the Corner Closet, the Corner
Cupboard and the opening of our doors to new members has grown from our loaves
and fishes. Heifer Project During the past year our loaves and fishes have grown in a
variety of ways. Our five loaves and two fish of loose change gathered by the
children during worship after the Children’s Sermon have grown into $200 in
donations that has enabled us to purchase ten flocks of chickens to help
families throughout the world. Once a year Charity Chicken and her flock visit
our children during worship service to remind us of how important our
contributions are and how loose change can grow into food to feed others. Corner Cupboard The loaves and fish of canned and non-perishable food items
brought by the members and friends of Delta UMC and placed in a large barrel in
the vestibule has enabled us to stock our Corner Cupboard, a food pantry open to
anyone in the community in need of food. Excess donations allow us to take 20 to
30 cartons of food to Welcome Hall every year. Corner Closet Loaves and fish can take the form of quality used clothing with almost 200 consignors a year bring this clothing to the Corner Closet. This shop allows individuals to purchase at very low cost clothing that they might not otherwise be able to afford. Next year we hope to be able to provide transportation to individuals from the inner city as an extension of this ministry. 5 New Families Generosity extends beyond the realm of the material world. When we reach out to others and accept them for who they are the Miracle of the Loaves and Fish is played out again. Delta UMC will soon be accepting five new families into membership. Stewardship It has been many years since Delta UMC had a formal Stewardship Campaign. Last year with the help of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation we engaged in a campaign that was very successful. What we learned as a church was that by individuals increasing their monetary contribution a little the cumulative affect was an increase of about 35% in our projected receipts. But beyond the needed money we have re-learned the stewardship of time and talent and we remind ourselves of this the 3rd Sunday of every month when we have a Stewardship moment during worship presented by various members of the congregation. You might say that time and talents are yet another form of bread and fish.
Dolgeville United Methodist Church Parson (Jeff) Losey's sermon on Sunday, Nov. 13, was based on Matthew 25: 14-30, The Parable of the Talents. This caused some thought, "Why can't our church do that?" What if ten people from our congregation were sent out into the world with ten dollars each? Suppose they had the use of the money for three months and then were to return the original ten dollars, plus any more they were able to make? Wouldn't this be an interesting and fun Stewardship program? The project began March 5th. Ten volunteers were called to come forward and accept the challenge. The volunteers signed a contract to participate in the Talent Challenge. May 28th, the "Day of Reckoning," the participants turned in a total of $1,718, which included the original investment of $100 and a donation of $10 seed money to do the project again. Two were away on vacation and unable to report and some opted to continue their projects. Here are some of the ideas people used: Selling Guatemalan crafts Sending money to UMCOR Baking pies/other baked goods Making specialty greeting cards Cooking Crafts Selling candy bars Small business start-up Recording a CD of hymns and selling it
East Hamilton United Methodist Church The East Hamilton UMC set a goal to raise money and send area youth to a United Methodist camp. More than $800 was raised in the Erieville Camper Walk-a-Thon. Also, cans and bottles are collected year-round. The camp savings account contained $3,356.52 and $583.90 was added from a CD. More than enough money was available to send the number of children projected for 2006. We are pleased with our Miracle results. Florence United Methodist Church By Pastor Joanne Haier PREFACE: Miracle: (noun) an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary) Ezekiel : 37: 3 He said, “Ezekiel, son of man, can these bones come back to life?”
I replied, Lord God only you can answer that.” (The
Learning Bible, CEV) If
we always do what we’ve always done, we will always get what we’ve already
got. Upon
asking my mentor about the meaning of events at Florence UMC, she replied,
“They’re experiencing a spiritual awakening and renewal.”
What was obvious to her, had been a mystery to those in the middle of the
experience. Florence
was a typical country church with all of its inherent charms and various warts.
The people of the church were concerned about the future.
They decided to try a new attitude, a new way of communicating and a new
view of mission. After all, things,
at worst, would end up exactly where they were.
They took a leap of faith and started to try a new way.
Some
of their action steps included: -
Meeting regularly to pray, plan and assess -
Encouraging people to live out of their strengths and supporting people
in their weakness -
Encouraging the ministry of ALL believers regardless of age, infirmity,
wealth or status. -
Connecting to online resources, the resources of our fellow UM churches,
and the treasures of the resource center. -
Modeling ministries and inviting others to create, sustain or improve
existing ministries. -
Naming and Claiming our identity as a people, church, and outreach of
God’s love in our community and world. -
Accepting failure as part of the growth process. -
Establishing personal and corporate accountability for the actions of the
church and its people. -
Focusing on the needs of people, rather than on numbers. During
the month of May, this month of miracles, it became evident that this plan was
bearing fruit. Attendance has
doubled and giving has increased. The
church is sponsoring one teen to go to camp and one teen to Kingdom Bound.
Seventeen of our people will be attending the festival. The
children of the church took over the monthly fundraising breakfast in honor of
their parents, and had one of our most successful breakfasts ever. They even invited their friends to help cook and serve.
Fifteen believers worked with the senior citizens to begin an
intergenerational program. The
church is exploring some non-Sunday worship options. The church is planning
several community outreach projects each designed to meet a different community
need. However the
changes in peoples’ lives have been incredible.
Family conflicts have been resolved.
Hospitality and joy have replaced a concern for survival.
Some members have shifted their focus from chronic illness to new
ministries and gained significant ground in both areas.
People are looking at each other with new eyes and grace has become an
epidemic. Children are asking
questions about faith. A common
comment is, “I never knew that this was possible.
Why didn’t anyone tell us before?” Florence UMC is still a country church but it is no longer typical. A fire has been lit. Breath has been breathed into the peoples’ souls and where these miracles will lead us, Lord God, only YOU can answer that.
Floyd United Methodist Church The Floyd United Methodist
Church embraced Bishop Fisher’s challenge to seed new miracles in the world
with prayer and enthusiasm. For the first time in many years, this faith
community is blessed and excited to send 6 children to Camp Aldersgate this
year. Through private donations and bottle drives, we raised monies to apply
toward the camper ships with the vision of building this ministry to include
all children in the Town of Floyd that would benefit from the life-changing
experience that one day or one week can offer in God’s nature. Eighteen months ago, a local bus
company donated a bus to the church and work began to discern its possible
uses, costs, availability of drivers, and storage. After numerous discussions
we could not, at this time, support this incredible gift. But that is
not the end of the story. We seeded a miracle by donating the bus to a local
fire department that will now use it for their firefighters, the victims of
tragedies, trips for youth in that community, and for transportation to
training events. We rejoice in the opportunity in giving this gift, while
rejoicing in new relationship with the community. We can only imagine what
other miracles this relationship can bring! One of the sidelines to the
Month of Miracles is the opportunity to review what mission and ministries
already exist. It is a chance to shore up those that have been lagging,
discontinue those that are not needed anymore, while being inspired to look
with new ideas at the needs of the world on both the small and large scale. We
celebrate one faithful member who is deeply involved in the conference and the
United Methodist Women who through her experiences and concern keeps us
informed of the global needs so that we may fully participate. We look
to every man, woman and child for any idea that will benefit others. And, we
are not afraid to try something and fail. It only creates growth with many
more opportunities.
That being said there is one more miracle in the works at present. The
children are slowly but surely filling a large jar with pennies. Why? Starting
in March and ending in October, the children have been challenged to engage in
extra little “miracles” for anyone at home, at church, at friends’, or
at school. They are to show kindness with a helping hand and caring heart. If
they are offered payment, they are to accept only pennies and each week added
them to the jar. The most important part of the task is to tell those they
help why and for whom they give their time. A chance to witness to the love of
Jesus and the invitation to “come and follow me.” This is only the beginning for all of our church families, faith communities, churches for the world. We accept the challenge and give glory to the One who loves us.
Frankfort United Methodist Church Frankfort UMC is one of the few churches in the Mohawk Valley where a person can step out of their car and there are no stairs to climb to enter the building. As one comes in the door, there is a wheel chair, a cane, crutches and a walker--all available to be used. The parking lot is equipped with handicapped parking and there are many spaces, both in the front and rear. The restrooms are handicapped accessible and there is a large dining room with many tables and chairs. Wheel chairs fit under the tables and there are plenty of people to help with mobility issues. Herkimer United Methodist Church We incorporated our Sunday School into our Month of Miracles
and used
Matthew 25:34-40 as our focus. We switched the WWJD to WWDJ (What We
Do for Jesus) and moved out into the community with our mission
projects. Some of the projects were completed the last part April.
We made cookies, coffee and juice to sell to our own parishioner during
coffee time to raise money to buy food for the Food Pantry. And then
we went to Wal-Mart to buy nutritional food and delivered it to the
Food Pantry.
The Sunday School acted as greeters at church, for as we all know, many of the children are strangers to some of the more mature members,
and vice versus. We also took cookies to the local Police and Fire
Departments to thank them for protecting us throughout the year.
The Kid's Praise Party had a bottle drive and food sale and raised
$218 to send to a Sunday School in the Gulf.
We talked about what we could do for this part of the parable and
thought Pampers were probably the most needed article of clothing. The
Food Pantry was thrilled to receive them!
Since Folts Homes is only two blocks, we walked to the home to visit
some of our members, and some who never have visitors. The kids sang
some lively songs and the residents were happy. We could not visit but we did make cards for the guests of the Herkimer County Jail and hope their day was brightened.
Lairdsville United Methodist Church Lairdsville United Methodist Church have lifted up Amy Schachtler and her trip to Australia as a Miracle for May. Schachtler will travel to Australia in July for a cross-country competition. The church has taken a loose change collection for the last few months. Also, the church sponsored a Chili Dinner, Easter Breakfast, and a can/bottle drive to raise funds for Schachtler's trip. Through her efforts, Schachtler received donations from community members, area politicians, and civic groups. It has been very moving and heart-warming to see everyone come together and work toward this goal. Schachtler was not sure the trip would be possible and is overjoyed to be able to attend. She realizes she is an ambassador for her church, community and country, but most importantly for God, for without God's hand in this it would not have been possible to achieve. Through God all things are possible. Phil. 4:13 Lairdsville UMC is humbled by this accomplishment and continues to give God the glory. Not only did God offer this opportunity, but also has been with it the entire time. We lift up travel mercies to God and ask that God see Amy to and from Australia and be with her the entire time. Praise God in give God glory!!! Leonardsville United Methodist Church The Leonardsville UMC members have been busy performing many miracles throughout the month. Here are some of them: -Visit a shut-in or senior citizen; visit someone sick or in the hospital; call a friend you have not talk to in ages; repairi a broken relationship; write a letter of thanks; memorize a Bible verse; read at least five chapters of the Bible; do random acts of kindness; forgive someone; pray for 10 or more non-family members in need of prayer; pray for the President, Congress persons, senators, judges and persons of authority; pray intensely and often for an ill person; tithe for a least one month if you are not currently tithing; contribute to a food bank; give time to a rescue mission or similar program; volunteer at your local school; give anonymously to a different charity than usual; plus many, many more. Morning Star Ministries (including East Schuyler, Frankfort, Ilion and Mohawk UMC)
The Morning Star Ministries
parish is happy to report a miracle of transformation!
There once was a large unused gym in the Ilion UMC. It
was not used for basketball anymore, but rather served as a repository for
unused boxes and stored items. It looked very dismal.
Then one day a local gym closed with all its marvelous
equipment, free weights, treadmills, Stairmasters, Nautilus, elipticals).
Always on the alert, Rev. Bob persuaded the Vision Team to make a purchase and
the fitness craze began.
One big part of this miracle was that all the churches of the
parish chipped in to buy this equipment, even though it would be housed in
only one of its buildings! A true miracle!
Part 2 of this miracle is that it is being used on a regular
basis by not only the members of the parish, but by members of the
community as well.
Operating on a donation basis only, it makes gym participation
available to those who cannot afford a gym membership.
What a healthy miracle!
New London United Methodist Church As our May Miracle The New London United Methodist Church collected a large basket of food for an especially needy family in the Verona Area Council of Churches Community Food Pantry. New Hartford First United Methodist Church Recently a team of 13 volunteers visited Jesus Christ Tabernacle of David, JCTOD, an inner-city ministry in Utica. Through the work of Rev. Scates and Rev. Meier, missionaries to this section of Utica located on Johnson Park, several houses have been revitalized and drug areas cleaned up. Weekly programs and services for members of the community are provided. Most recently, JCTOD has renovated a lot into a raised bed garden. The local children work in the garden throughout the summer and the fresh vegetables are consumed by the children and their families. People of New Hartford UMC donated money to purchase vegetable plants for the community garden. The volunteer team put in the plants and did some landscaping work around the properties. Also the laundry room and storage area was cleaned and organized and over 60 gift bags were put together for the summer children's program, King's Camp for Kids. The New Hartford Church plans to continue working miracles with JCTOD to benefit children and families in this economically disadvantaged area by assisting with the summer children's program and providing child care during a support group meeting for drug-addicted women. Ohio United Methodist Church WAY TO GO! A miracle in May The parting of the Red Sea,
for the Children of the Ohio United Methodist Church, was recreated on Monday
May 22nd. Along with the parting of the sea, the children enjoyed
manna from heaven, quail flying low overhead, and water from a stone for
dinner. The children dressed as slaves
escaping from Egypt. It was a time capsule going out the door, crossing the Red Sea and spending time in the desert walking and dining. And, of course, the children had fun, prizes, and made pictures of the Red Sea parting while enjoying snacks afterward. Peterboro United Methodist Church AN ODE TO MIRACLES
Pratts
Hollow United Methodist Church Pratts Hollow United Methodist Church has always been a church filled with prayer. This congregation has had a prayer list that is always very active. Many people were touched with the loving whispers of prayers throughout the month. We believe in the power of prayer and God’s grace. There were visitations from the members of the congregation during this month of miracles. Several of our members visited with shut-ins and the elderly in their homes and those in Nursing Homes. Fellowship and friendship are important miracles that happen here often. There are card ministries that bring a smile and a chuckle. Items are collected for the local food pantry and also the troops that are in Iraq. And each week the congregation comes together after the service for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Pratts Hollow is a place where miracles happen quietly. No fanfare, but God’s grace shines in every corner. Richfield Springs: Church of Christ Uniting The
people of our church always inspire me; they are such caring, concerned,
giving people. Most of the things
we’ve done this month have been the response of one or two people to an idea
that has been dropped into their midst like a seed and found good, fertile
soil in which to grow and bear fruit. The
first example that comes to mind is our Prayer Shawl ministry.
This began in a meeting of our women’s group, when our President read
the appeal for prayer shawls to be sent to Assembly in May.
There was an article in the conference newsletter, as well as
information on making the shawls. One
woman in our group was really inspired by this article, and got together with
several other women who had seen or heard of a prayer shawl ministry.
Within a few weeks a group was meeting at church to knit or crochet
prayer shawls, and one woman who has a talent for making cards was designing
cards to go along with the shawls. In
the month of May approximately six shawls were completed and blessed and sent
to people in need, and many more are in progress.
Several shawls went to members of our congregation who were ill, had
surgery, were undergoing cancer treatments, etc.
One has been taken to the cancer center at our local hospital to be
given to someone there who is in need of the consolation of a prayer shawl.
A woman who has been through the deaths of several family members in
the past few years learned to knit and made a prayer shawl for a young mother
who is waiting for a kidney transplant. The
women who have been making the shawls have truly been filled with the Holy
Spirit and are on fire to reach out in this way to those in need. Our church also participated in the Networkers Mother’s Day Project for malaria prevention in Africa. We ordered specially made Mother’s Day cards and the accompanying promotional materials and invited people to participate by buying the Mother’s Day card, for a suggested donation of $10.00. This $10.00 goes to buy a net for a pregnant woman in Africa, and she is shown how to use it to protect her and her family. One woman in our church made a wonderful display of the promotional materials, including a copy of an article in Sports Illustrated urging participation in the Networkers program. The author, who normally writes about sports, wrote a wonderful article appealing for help, interweaving mention of the nets used in a variety of sports with how much a mosquito net can help in malaria-ridden areas of Africa. We sold all ten cards and received additional donations so we were able to send over $100 to this cause. This can help to save at least twenty lives—each mother and her child—and possibly more as the nets are used for the family. SAUQUOIT VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rescue Mission of Utica ContributionsAfter reading an article in the Utica Observer Dispatch
concerning the Rescue Mission’s particular need for men’s undergarments, the
SVUMC’s Missions Committee decided to reach out to our church membership and
make this a Month of Miracles donation project—to help the homeless.
We collected many packages of men’s socks, T-shirts, and underwear for
the Rescue Mission to distribute…this project will continue to be an on-going
donation within our church, as the need is great.
The Rescue Mission has distributed over 6,500 pieces of donated clothing
to residents and has assisted over 5,615 men seeking shelter through their open
doors. A Gift of DanceWithin the SVUMC, we have a new and beautiful way to spread both God’s love and God’s word and that is through the medium of dance. Our new Sacred Dance team has eight members…four adults and four youth and they decided to make a “spiritual” contribution for the Month of Miracles by going to the Presbyterian Nursing Home in Clinton to perform for the residents. Thirty residents thoroughly enjoyed the four dances they performed…they danced to “Amazing Love”, “El Shidi”, “Colors of the Wind”, and “We All Bow Down”. The dancers performed in costume…well, in new tie-dyed t-shirts with a picture of a cross that Pastor Sharon and her daughter, Margo made. After the performance, the team served refreshments and mingled with the residents. The team received many compliments from the residents and of course, invitations to return to give another Sacred Dance performance. Youth Helps YouthOn Saturday, May 13th, the SVUMC’s Youth Group contributed to Month of Miracles by collecting used sporting goods to be donated to the House of the Good Shepherd in Utica. The Youth group partnered with Sauquoit Valley Central Schools to advertise the collection drive. Five “crates” of various sporting items were donated…roller blades, softballs, bats, gloves, soccer balls, and tennis rackets. The House of the Good Shepherd provides shelter, care, and education to children from pre-school through high school who can’t live in their own homes for various reasons. In February, a representative from The House spoke to the Sunday School about their mission. The Sunday School chose to donate the money from their Lenten offering to The House of the Good Shepherd. For Month of Miracles, the Youth Group got the idea of collecting sporting goods from their own garages, basements, and closets and “recycling” these donated items by sending them on to The House for use there. Showered With May FlowersLovetta Rose is a doer and she decided she needed “to do” something special for Month of Miracles…her contribution will be to plant flowers…plant flowers at very “special” homes…homes within our community that care for “special needs” individuals. Lovetta, with the help of other “green-thumbed” parishioners, will be planting the flowers when the weather permits. Frankly, I think she will be “planting” more than just flowers…she’s planting a visual reminder of God’s presence for those who may need reassurance. CHRIST CHURCH: SHERRILL Christ Church does not need a certain month to perform their miracles. The members of the church seem to be working miracles every day. One of the projects is Project Linus. Quilts and blankets are dedicated during the first Sunday in May each year. Members of our congregation: men, women and children make blankets for the Neighborhood Center in Utica and also for Hospice and the Bereavement Program in New Hartford. They are given to children in need, who are undergoing a crisis in their lives. This is the sixth year that we have made quilts for these children. The UMW of the church provides the fabric, batting and instructions for the quilts or members can also make their own, by knitting or crocheting. Sometimes the blankets are dark colored or not colorful enough for children, we then give these blankets to the local American Legion Post for their veterans. In 2006 we made a record number of 95 blankets! Since we are a community-oriented church, each December we put on a live Christmas nativity for the area. The youth of our church work very hard to portray the story of the birth of Jesus. Many adults help with the costumes, construction of the stable, lighting, and providing live animals. We have the full cooperation of the City of Sherrill and several streets are closed off during the performance, which we put on for two nights. Also in December we provide Christmas for several families in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill School District. Our church finds out from the school, the ages of the children and how many there are in each family. We buy toys, clothing, food and other gifts for each of these families. The church tries to also purchase something for the parents so they will have a gift to open on Christmas morning. December seems to be a giving month because we also collect toys, clothing and gifts for the Neighborhood Center in Utica as another mission of our church. Every six weeks the churchwomen go to the local Salvation Army in Oneida and help serve a free lunch to area residents in need. They make the lunch and then help serve it and clean up. Because Christ Church is a giving church. We have always made health kits, school kits and collected money for Blanket Sunday. The congregation has been working on these projects for as long as the kits and blankets have been needed. It is always amazing how generous this church is. The chair people of these missions only have to mention that they are now collecting for school kits or which ever project it is and the supplies just seem to pour in. Because Christ Church is concerned about all God’s children, we hold Developmental Disabilities Worship, once a month. The service provides music, candle lighting, scripture, and a short meaningful sermon or life lesson as well as provides for the fellowship of the believers. This has grown for the congregation and the residents of the local group homes to the point that these services are now treated as another worship service provided to the community of faith. We are now looking at ways to provide transportation to Sunday Worship for the local Independent Living Facility known as Noyes Manor, here in Sherrill. The discussion has gone from members driving residents in cars to our church service and dinners; to the church purchasing a van to provide the transportation for the residents and also for the church’s youth group to go about its activities. Miracle Month for Christ Church is all year long, and it is constant. We share the love of Christ with the world and the community and we share God’s Grace wherever it is needed or called for. Steuben United Methodist Church Each person was given a 5x8 card and asked to write down things that they did or ways in which they were aware of God working in their life, during the next seven days. We
mentioned: Did you call someone? Did someone at work need someone to talk to
and you were the willing listener? Did you stop to visit with someone that
needed company? Did your children need you to just stop hurrying around and
listen to them? Did you bake something? Run errands for someone? Each
person was asked to bring the card back to church each Sunday and our pastor
used these ideas (anonymously) during JOYS and CONCERNS during our service. We
did this for all Sundays in the month of May. Encouraging people to see their
homes, workplaces, and their families as their mission fields. Urging them to
take their faith outside the walls of our church all through the week. The things that people reported doing, conversations that they had had with their children, and often the cards were discussed during our fellowship time, encouraging us. Stittville United Methodist Church “Pennies from Heaven”
Upon
receiving the Bishop’s invitation to May as a Month of Miracles, our members
went right to work challenging their minds and worked to set these miracles into
place sooner than later. We began our miracles with a simple request. On the
first Sunday in March, “Pennies from Heaven” opened with a challenge to the
children, and the children-at-heart, to fill 5 gallon size glass jar with
pennies. To obtain the pennies, they were asked to do a little extra at home, at
school, at family or friends’ homes, in some way, extend their service and
help to others. The children were challenged to forego some of their own treats
and put the money they would have spent on those items in the glass jar. We
talked of how the penny reminds us that “In God We Trust.” This ministry is
designed to put God in mind all the time and to understand that one little penny
may not have much power, but when put together with everyone else’s pennies,
they become God’s power in the world.
Incredible as it may seem, as of Sunday, April 30th, the glass
jar is three fourths full! Not only have the children been committed and
diligent in bringing their pennies, the children-at-heart have been faithful
also. Every Sunday morning, they press rolls, bags, or individual pennies into
the children’s hands as the children race to the front before service to throw
them in to the glass jar. In particular, there is one wonderful woman who even
brings a basket, laden with pennies in individual baggies for every child, even
visitors, to feel part of this ministry.
Eventually
the glass jar was full. $209 was
collected. The children will
be given a chance to vote on how they would like to “spend” the money.
Contribution to Neighborhood Center’s new playground, school supplies for
children in the midst of Katrina reconstruction, and local needs will be offered
for the children to discuss and decide how the money is to be dispersed.
Following a coin rolling and pizza party, they will pray and talk and because
they are so loving and giving, it will not be a surprise if they vote to give
some to everyone in need. The goal of this miracle is not a one time miracle.
The goal of this miracle is to keep God alive in every heart every day, to help
all of us remember that even the smallest token can become a gigantic giving,
and to keep us connected beyond the doors of the worship center.
This is only the beginning for the Stittville UMC and its Month of
Miracles. Stay tuned for more as the Spirit is alive and giving!
“Thailand
Receives Our Miracle”
Today,
May 18, 2006, 20 year old Lindsay Tersmette, a member of this faith community
begins her three week journey of mission to Thailand. Along with 13 other
undergraduate and graduate students from Roberts Wesleyan College, she will be
sharing her self, her faith, and her story with children and their families half
way around the world.
As a student of Roberts Wesleyan, you are given many opportunities to
serve on a mission trip both in the United States and beyond her borders.
Uganda, Chile, Costa Rica, Mississippi, and Chicago have benefited from the love
of Christ through these trips. Lindsay was accepted for the Thailand mission
following a vigorous interview process, medical clearance and family support of
her decision. When asked why she would like to be a part of the team, Lindsay
responded, “I felt really called to go, to work with children and make a
difference in their lives. To experience a different culture and share the
strength and hope that my faith gives me.” Her bravery to accept this call and
work to achieve the trip is even more of an inspiration when you understand that
Lindsay is visually impaired, known technically as “legally blind.” “I can
see only with my left eye with tunnel vision the size of a hole-punch in the
shape of an amoeba.” Lindsay accepts her visual impairment as just a part of
life. She does not, however, accept her lack of sight as a hindrance to what she
wants or needs to do in life. “I guess I walk by faith and not by sight.”
Her faith and commitment, love and genuine caring have been nurtured by a
faith-filled family at home and at church.
The cost of this trip is $2400.00. Lindsay sent letters to family and
friends asking that they join her in mission with whatever gift they could
share. Her church family - the Stittville United Methodist Church - as a whole
and through individual contributions helped Lindsay achieve 75% of her goal
rapidly. Once her need was met, the extra money was placed in a fund to help the
other students achieve their goal of ministry. Not only does this church
celebrate the miracle of Lindsay herself, they continue to extend the miracle to
others by supporting and sharing this precious child of God as she examples the
faith in Christ and the call of the Holy Spirit on our behalf.
Once arriving in Thailand, the mission team will spend four days in the
second largest city, Chiang Mai. There they will participate in orientation to
the country, purchase supplies and visit an orphanage that houses children who
are HIV+ and children whose parents are HIV+ and unable to care for them.
Following that time, they will travel to 14 small villages to present programs
for children along the lines of our own Vacation Bible School. With games,
crafts and stories they will introduce Christ into a predominantly Buddhist
country. If the political climate is calm, they will also travel to a Burmese
refugee camp, near the border of Thailand and Burma.
Together, through Lindsay and her teammates, we rejoice that we, in some
small part, can bring love and light to our brothers and sisters in Thailand. We
look to Lindsay as an inspiration that God is at work everywhere. Thank you,
Lindsay, for being our miracle.
Together in One Peace, Stittville United Methodist Church, A Community of Faith
Stockbridge United Methodist Church
Stockbridge United Methodist Church has many on going outreaches, most of the
congregation contributes to at least one outreach. How we reach out to
be God's hands and feet to comfort people are:
Our Miracles in May is collecting items and making quilts for the Veteran's
Home in Oxford, New York.
Taberg United Methodist Church People of Taberg UMC and UMW took cookies to the Camden school bus garage to highlight the miracle of bringing our kids to school and back home safely. We took a dozen doughnuts to the Police Department and Sheriff as thanks for the miracles they do for our community in keeping us safe. Doughnuts also were brought to the Annsville school to show the teachers the miracles they make in kids' lives. We took a small gift to Judge Newton of Annsville to illustrate the miracle of changing a person's life around from bad to good. Also a small gift was taken to a day care provider. She tries to show kids God's love and to help them get along. It is a miracle the help she gives families in need. Trinity United Methodist Church Whitesboro Trinity United Methodist Church in Whitesboro has encouraged everyone at Trinity to be part of a cell group. It is through these small groups that people are able to experience spiritual growth and to care for each other. Each group is also challenged to be in outreach in mission and ministry in the church and community. Through Trinity’s cell groups, members have performed all kinds of “miracles.” These have included: v Creating a library for the Neighborhood Center v Thanking Whitesboro’s school bus drivers who bring our children to school and deliver all the children to Trinity’s Tree House After School program with special cookies and thank you notes. v Delivering lunch to the Whitesboro and Whitestown police departments, and cookies for the Sheriff’s Department, State Police and “911” emergency workers as a thank you for all they do. v A thank you dinner for Hospice and Red Cross volunteers to thank them for their work. v Creating a team to walk and run in the Cystic Fibrosis walk and run v Cooking and serving dinner at Hope House v Cooking and serving dinner at the Rescue Mission v A party for the kids at the House of the Good Shepherd v Creating a new nursery at Trinity for “creepers” and “leapers” v As well as ongoing mission through Trinity’s Faith Furniture Store where good used furniture is sold at low prices to people need; the Apple Tree Preschool; and Tree House Before and After School program; and mission in Ciudad Quesada, Costa Rica Before and after pictures are attached for the creation of the library at the Neighborhood Center. Pictures will follow from some other projects. SPARES AND PAIRS SMALL GROUP - TRINITY UMC The Spares & Pairs small group of Trinity UMC
(Whitesboro) contacted the Neighborhood Center, Inc. in VanHornesville United Methodist Church Here is a little miracle. Laken Elizabeth Dynn joins the
family of Christ through her Baptism May 25th! See her photo on the
photo page. Just look into those little eyes and see the miracle of God at
work! Vernon United Methodist Church Packing School kits, Tuesday evening, May 6th: Our first scheduled Miracle in May, packing and boxing up 70 UMCOR school kits was a miracle on many levels. Back in September we packed and shipped out about 150 school kits from our church along with several others that were either dropped at our church, or picked up by Pastor Frank and David Myers as they drove a truck full of many kinds of kits to Mechanicsburg, PA to be used for the hurricane relief efforts. Some folks at Oneida Healthcare Center had wanted to contribute to that effort, but unfortunately were not able to get the materials to the church until November, well after the truck full of items had gone south. The generous donation by Oneida Healthcare Center included materials for about 64 school kits, minus the tote bags, and minus a few other items, plus some extra items which couldn’t be included as per UMCOR specifications. There was no time when the materials first arrived to properly sort them, but we did plan on getting them ready to send. In December we had a “Community Christmas Carol Sing”, featuring music by an ensemble from the Oneida Area Civic Chorale. A free will offering was taken, and split with the Chorale. The church’s share was designated to go towards postage for the kits that we were sure we would be getting ready to go soon. In January we had a sewing weekend to start working on the tote bags needed for the kits. (We had had a big sewing weekend in September which I do have pictures of, but there are no pictures from the January sewing day.) The effort in January, as well as the earlier one in September were joint projects of the UMW and a local craft group, the Ottman Nite Hawks, and many other church members who offered their talents. Even my sisters, Andrea and Kathy, from out near Rochester, brought sewing machines and Sergers to help us out with the sewing day in September, and Andrea came back for the January day. 70 tote bags is a lot to make, and we couldn’t finish them all in one day, so for the remaining bags, I serged side seams, and pressed hems, pinned on handles and Velcro, and then turned them over to UMW members Diane Lummis and Elba Knight to do the topstitching. Several members of the Ottman Nite Hawks were helpful in getting straps turned, and fraychecked. In the meantime, some of the youth of the church helped to sort out the contents of the school kits so that they would meet UMCOR specifications. Final sorting was finished at a Family Game night in April, and the sewing was finished soon after. Sometime in April, the library where I worked received a special shipment of books that came in boxes that were perfect for packing school kits. So, on the night of May 2nd, a small group at church worked to finish filling tote bags that had not yet been stuffed, and then got all of the finished totebags packed into boxes, with 7 or 8 kits in each box. The boxes were then delivered to the Pre-Conference briefing in New Hartford on May 16th. Supplies that were not able to go in the kits will
either be taken to the Neighborhood Center in Utica, or sent to an orphanage
in Liberia – see more info on May 20th’s celebration of
adoption. Bell Festival,
Saturday May 6th, 2006, at Ilion UMC Our second scheduled Miracle in May was actually courtesy of the Ilion UMC, who were host to the annual Bell Choir Festival – 22nd Annual, I believe. The Bell Festival is held at different churches every year, and has different choirs participating, but our bell choir, the Jubilate Ringers, has been at almost all 22 festivals through the years, and will be hosting it next year. The bell festival begins with a morning full of rehearsals – each bell choir participating plays at least one solo number, and chooses one “Mass Ring” number that all the bell choirs will play together. The choirs will have been practicing on their own all along, but this is the first and only time they get to practice together. The day ends with a concert after lunch that is open to the public. This year’s audience was a little bigger than other years, as one of our members took a break from a scheduled motorcycle trip to play with us, and brought all of her motorcycling buddies to listen to the concert. Music is a very powerful way to share, and to experience God’s love. These annual Bell Festivals offer invaluable opportunities for fellowship with other bell-ringers, and a unique musical experience if you are lucky enough to be able to attend the concert! Chicken and
Biscuit Dinner, Saturday May 13th, 2006 The weekend after the Bell Festival we held our 2nd of 2 annual Chicken and Biscuit Dinner fundraisers. While these dinners serve as valuable fundraisers for the church, they are also a great community service. We have people calling the church office to find out when the next dinner will be! All told, we served about 200 dinners between the dining room and takeouts. Work for the dinner begins much earlier in the week, of course, and provides some great time for fellowship while cooking, and cutting up chicken, peeling and slicing potatoes, setting up the dining room, baking the biscuits (which are absolutely delicious – especially when we test the first batch topped with Bea Jones’ homemade strawberry freezer jelly – an essential part of the baking ritual!), and doing all the other myriads of food preparation. There is plenty of work to go around, to take advantage of everyone’s gifts. Our homemade pies are also a big draw for our customers! My own job at our dinners, in addition to baking and sampling biscuits, is to work in the take-out room. It is amazing how much people appreciate the good food, and look forward to the next dinner! Mother's Day and Golden Cross Offering On May 14th, we celebrated Mother’s Day by giving each mother a little plant to take home. We also took the Golden Cross offering on Mother’s Day. – I still have to check with the treasurer to see how much we took in for that. Another pleasant highlight of our worship service was having the Bell Choir play for a while before the service, and for the anthem time. We made special recognition of one of our members, Willard Williamson, who is a graduating senior, whom we are all going to miss immensely! (Willard has been playing with us for many years – though he is now about 6 feet tall, when he started, he had to stand on a chair to be able to see over the music and watch the director!) Family Game Night On May 19th, we had our monthly family game night. We have been having game nights for a few years now, and attendance varies from month to month. We had a good turn out for this game night, but unfortunately the girl who usually brings the Twister game wasn’t able to make it, so we had to settle for the more sedate games like Aggravation, Blink, Scene-It, and perennial favorite Racko. Not that the evening was quiet by any means! Game night is open to anyone in the community who wants to bring their favorite games and find someone to enjoy it with them. Refreshments are always served, and it is generally a pretty lively time. Celebration
of Adoption, Sunday May 21st, 2006, 11:00a.m. worship and
collection of food for Food Bank Sunday’s worship was extra special as we celebrated the addition of 2 more children to our community. Sonya and Robert Lydford, who have already adopted several children, recently adopted two young boys from Liberia, Mark and Zack. Robert made the trip to Liberia himself and gave a presentation about what he learned on his trip at a potluck luncheon after worship on Sunday. Food Bank Collection We have been collecting groceries for the entire month, and ended up with several boxes full of food to take to the Food Bank. Love Offering Our final “Miracle in May” will be taking the Love offering for Annual Conference on this coming Sunday.
Vienna United Methodist Church The Vienna Church looked for Miracles taking place daily within the church. Here are some they shared.
Waterville United Methodist Church The Waterville UMC put on a chicken barbecue in early May. It's an annual event. The night before, there were volunteers to scrub potatoes, make coleslaw, and wrap rolls and butter. The day of the barbecue there were servers and a great clean up crew. The leftovers were frozen for a chicken and biscuit dinner in the fall. A banner was made by Evelyn Gerhardt for our Pastor to take for Annual Conference. The UMW put on a bridal shower for a local girl. The women made salads and finger sandwiches. We all had fun. A trip to the Women of Faith Conference in Rochester was attended by 11 women. We all had a wonderful time and an enriching experience. This was the UMW's third trip to Women of Faith. A van was borrowed and the group was able to be picked up and dropped off at the arena, thanks to the help of driver Rick. The church also made a trip to Bounty's Crossing. It's a Retreat Farm off Route 46. They grow vegetables and teach people how to grow and process their own. Then, most of what is grown is donated. West Schuyler United Methodist Church We held a spiritual growth retreat at the West Schuyler United Methodist Church entitled "Heart to Heart Knowing God's Grace" part I on May 12th and 13th. We were blessed to have Rev. Darryl Barrow the NYNC Conference Direcctor of Spiritual Leadership as our keynote speaker/spiritual leader. We had sixteen participants and thirteen facilitators from several different churches including the Kuyahoora Methodist Charge, Remsen/Prospect Methodist Charge, Spirit In Truth Christian Assembly, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, First Tabernacle Penecostal Christian Center and West Schuyler United Methodist Church. All were touched by Darryl's powerful, spirit-filled presentation of the prodigal son. Tears and laughter accompanied fellowship, spiritual growth, good food and music. A wonderful sharing of God's grace and love was experienced by all who attended. We will be holding part II "Heart to Heart-Knowing God's Love" on June 9th and 10th. For more information call Sue at 315-794-6807. Westmoreland United Methodist Church As a part of May Miracles the Westmoreland United Methodist Church collected 'gifts of love and grace' which members of the church received or shared during the month. We used colored slips of paper placed into a large fish bowl at the offering time in worship on Sundays. Pastor preached from them on Father's Day because all good gifts and miracles come from God our Father. The church also provided extraordinary volunteer support for the Westmoreland Country Food Pantry organized by the Westmoreland area Churches and provides food for over 70 families each month. The Church collects food every week. and several times each year new clothing, school supplies, and gifts are given to the families.
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