Newsletter
January 2012
- Details
- Written by Kim Marsh
ChurchChat
The Cicero United Methodist Church is a caring Body of Christ, open to all, working together to discover, teach, and carry out God’s will.
Cicero United Methodist Church
January 2012
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E-Pastor
Dear Saints,
OK it’s time for a “true confession” from Pastor Jack!
In September I received a “Nook” for my birthday. For those of you asking, “What’s a Nook?” I can tell you that it is an electronic reading device on which I can order books, magazines, articles, etc. that I’d like to read. It’s been fully charged, set up and sitting on my desk at home since September. Now the excuse has been that I still had some books to finish reading before I made the switch over but, truth be told, this thing scares me to death!
You see, I’ve been a committed life-long reader and I love reading. But it’s always been in the printed form. I mean, who ever knew there was another form??? I’ve been a confirmed Barnes and Noble shopper, I’ve even got their version of the “frequent flyer” card. I know the clerks at the store, I’ve received many gift cards and I like the security of having a book in my hand.
But now, alas, I have completed my last real book in my “to read” pile. The shelf is empty, the printed words are gone and I am staring at an electronic device that many have told me will “revolutionize my reading world!” And I am scared to death of it! My reading world doesn’t need revolutionizing, thanks! I’m pretty comfortable with carrying a book or two on a journey. I can’t imagine living without book marks and being able to fold over a corner or jot a note on the page to think about later. But still….. I’m out of books now. It seems I will (maybe grudgingly) have to try to adapt to this new technology!
Maybe, in your life, you’re at the same point I am. Sometimes the start of another New Year can cause us to feel fearful about what is ahead. Maybe it’s a change in job or health insurance plans, or ways of living. Maybe it’s a looming departure of a family member heading off to do something new. Or maybe it’s just leaving behind comfortable, old 2011….. for the uncertainty of a new 2012!
It’s at times like this when we need to remember once again that God makes these journeys with us. It’s not like when things get difficult God says to us, “Don’t worry…. I’ll see you on the other side of your problems!” Instead God promises to accompany us on the journeys of our lives and stay with us at all times. As you face the uncertain challenge of the coming New Year, do so knowing that God walks right beside you into the unknown. And rejoice that there is no where you can or will go that God cannot offer protection and guidance on your journey.
I just hope He knows how to download new reading materials to my “Nook”! Because I’m still kind of lost about it all!
I can’t wait to see you in Church,
Pastor Jack Keating
Sunday School News
Christmas Pageant
Thanks to the hard work of Patt Carpenter, Phyllis Chapman, and Joanie Kesel our children presented the gift of their talents on December 11th in “The Christmas Story.”
Our children’s Nativity choir- pre-k- 3rd graders and youth choir 4th grade – Sr, High performed. We also had our chime choir, sacred dancers, soloist and a variety of musicians play their instruments in honor of our Savior’s birth.
Thank you to the children for giving the gift of their talents to the Lord and their church family. A BIG Thank you to our Sunday school teachers and the host of parents who gave their time and love to our children during this Christmas season.
We also greatly appreciate the generous donations given to the Sunday school Christmas pageant in memory of Gene Bowman. Gene Bowman who passed away in November was a long time member of Cicero UMC, he had the gift of a beautiful voice which he shared with all. The monies went to purchase new pageant costumes.
Confirmation News
All students in 6th grade and higher who have not made their confirmation will be invited to do so this year. We will be looking for mentors to help share their Christian Faith with our youth during this process. Please prayerfully consider this awesome experience. Kick-off luncheon will be Sunday, January 8th 2012, 12:00-2:00pm. If interested in mentoring please let Rev. Bassett, Pastor Jack or Sue Bonspille know.
YSIC
Sue Bonspille- God Bless you with a Happy, Healthy,2012
Staff Pastor Parish Relations News
We welcome Ben Shearer as our new Organist. He started on September 21st & is learning the ropes at Cicero UMC. Ben was born in England and has been in our country for seven years. He is a professional musician and a talented pianist and organist. Ben was recently married to Brianna the week before starting at Cicero. Please take a minute to introduce yourself and welcome Ben to our church family.
The SPPRC recently approved two new positions at our church. These positions are being established as unpaid positions at this time and will involve approximately 10 hours per week.
The first new position is the Director of Older Adult Ministries. Barb Carns has been selected to fill this position. Barb recently received her certificate as a Local Pastor & her interest has been to work with older adults. She has been assigned to Cicero UMC in that capacity by the Conference. She will work with those 62 years young and older, organizing events and helping individuals needing assistance. She will build a ministry team to address the needs of this group in our Church.
The second position is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Sharon Bassett will fill this position. She will work with those between the ages of 12-30 in our church family. She will build leadership teams to address the needs of the youth & young adults in our Church and plan functions/gatherings related to these age groups.
Wanted
The Christian Education Department is looking for a couple of parents to assist the acolytes for the 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. These persons would oversee the assignments of the children for the Sunday services.
The Sunday school department will oversee the training of the children on what to do. All we need is someone to be present to assist if they need help with their robes and to keep a clipboard with the children’s names so that they can be rotated and all get equal turns at acolyting.
Please see Sue Bonspille if you could assist with this need. We have many children excited to be acolytes and be part of the worship service. We don’t want to discourage their enthusiasm to be a part of the worship experience.
From Our Congregation
Dear Friends at Cicero:
Many thanks for all the cards, calls, notes, and prayers you sent our way since Gene has been ill. We both enjoyed hearing from everyone. Until the day Gene died, Cicero was home.
Thanks to the Sunday School for the blanket and bear you sent. Gene used the blanket almost every day after he received it.
Thanks for the lovely Memorial Service and the awesome meal after the service. May God bless each of you this New Year.
Love, Dora and family
Many thanks for all of your good wishes during my bout with COPD – I’m doing better.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Havens
I sincerely wish to thank my church family for their Christmas cards, thoughts and prayers, the UMW for the wonderful fruit basket, and to all the Carolers who made it a joyful evening in the lives of the residents here at Buckley Landing. It is always a pleasure to hear them, and this year to see so many more young people in the group was great.
Thanks again, for making us a real united family.
Pat Jaquay
To the person(s) who left the “small gift” in my mailbox,
Thank you so very, very much.
Kim Marsh
January Birthdays
1/1 Elizabeth Boyke
1/1 Kandice Champouillon
1/1 Gavin Parks
1/2 Joan Kesel
1/2 Margie Quinn
1/2 Samuel Stupp
1/3 Maria Miles
1/3 Marshall Rioux
1/4 Denise Enright
1/4 Arlene Fickett
1/5 Tom Roach
1/7 Mike Boyle
1/7 Joanne Marsh
1/8 Warren Covell
1/8 Jim Crouch
1/8 Fred Koch
1/8 Tim Mills
1/8 Noah Paterniti
1/10 Faye Gregory
1/11 Sally Bushnell
1/11 Terri Rommes
1/11 Diane Travers
1/12 Tiffanie Lane
1/12 Mary Alice Scheel
1/13 Benjamin George
1/13 Dustin Jacobson
1/13 Sylvia White
1/14 Kim Boyle
1/14 Connor Doren
1/14 Rachel Martineau
1/14 Sara Cartier
1/15 Emily Griffith
1/16 Kaitlyn Annal
1/16 Dorcas Tuohey
1/17 Shaun Annal
1/17 Karen Love
1/17 Roger Mercier
1/18 John Parks
1/19 Debbie Irwin
1/19 Renee Stewart
1/20 Michael Livesay
1/22 Lona Flynn
1/22 Mason Willis
1/23 Chris Nosiglia
1/23 Dick Burtis
1/23 Anna Doren
1/23 Jason McAllister
1/23 Nick Panagakis
1/23 Michael Jorgensen
1/24 Bob Coe
1/24 Ethan Messer
1/24 Cari Tudman
1/25 T.J. Walker
1/26 Drew Bickom
1/26 Bethany Cripps
1/26 Hope LeBlanc
1/26 Adam Panek
1/27 Kaitlyn Lambert
1/27 Elaine Ruckdeschel
1/28 Linda Martineau
1/28 Vivian Pennock
1/28 Julia Cumber
1/29 Mary Akley
1/29 Abby Burian
1/30 Brittany Bausinger
1/30 Samantha Bonnet
1/30 David Frysinger
1/30 Maris Troiano
1/31 Ralph Boyd
1/31 Kelsey Helms
1/31 Schafer Meyer
Church Chat
- Details
- Written by Kim Marsh
ChurchChat July 2011
E Pastor JULY 2011
“Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child,
will rank high in God’s kingdom.” Matthew 18:4 MSG
Too many of us have too much to think about, function on too little sleep, don’t have enough time in the day, and suffer from sensory overload. Demands for our attention seem to increase as we speed into our futures. Even as we are “liberated” by modern, time-saving conveniences, we are at the same time oppressed by higher expectations and greater demands to achieve, have, and become more. The more efficient we become, the more productive we must be, right?
We seem to want more and more to complicate our lives. Our thirsts can seem unquenchable. But there is a Well that satisfies. Let’s not forget the simplicity of the Gospel --- the simple truth found in Christ. Christ is the source of all peace, joy and true contentment. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness --- seek first his rest. Seek the simplicity found in Christ.
So I can pray a breath prayer, Help me keep it simple, when…..
--- I feel like I’m not achieving all I want to.
--- I’m not satisfied with my life.
--- I’m bored.
--- I can’t seem to keep up with my neighbors or colleagues.
--- I’m excited about a new project in my already busy life.
Help me keep it simple, Jesus. Amen.
(reprinted from the Breath Prayers Devotional)
I think summertime is the ideal time to examine our lives and see where we might have tried to cram way too much into each day. As life slows a bit, perhaps that time might give us the opportunity to consider where it is that God is really calling us to be. I pray you’ll each have a peaceful, restful and prayerful summer as you consider your place here in the great vineyard of God’s creation! .
I can’t wait to see you in worship!!!
Pastor Jack Keating
THE SPIRIT MOVING – Sermons for Summer, 2011
What in the world is God doing?
As we look at the seemingly random and chaotic events taking place all the time in this world, that question about God comes up again and again. If God is in charge, then what in the world is He doing?
It is a good question to consider during the Pentecost season in the church year, when we celebrate the movement of God’s Holy Spirit.
This is probably distant memory now, but last year during the Easter season, continuing into the Pentecost season, we began reading the Book of Acts each Sunday, hearing about the powerful Pentecost Spirit that God unleashed into the church. We read through the conversion of Paul in Acts 9 before we turned to other things.
This Pentecost season I want to pick up where we left off, because the Book of Acts is our guide to the Spirit’s continuing power in the world. It fits perfectly with our year-long emphasis of sharing our story of faith, and with our current theme, ‘We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.’
What in the world is God doing? It’s quite an amazing list. The Spirit is moving! These are the lessons we’ll cover in the weeks ahead:
June 19 -- THE SPIRIT HEALING Acts 9: 32-43
June 26 -- THE SPIRIT BREAKING DOWN WALLS Acts 10-11: 18
July 3 -- THE SPIRIT BUILDING THE CHURCH Acts 11: 19-29
July 10 -- THE SPIRIT SETTING FREE Acts 12
July 17 -- THE SPIRIT CHALLENGING FALSEHOOD Acts 13: 1-12
July 24 -- THE SPIRIT LIFTING UP SCRIPTURE Acts 13: 13-52
July 31 -- THE SPIRIT STIRRING UP TROUBLE Acts 14: 1-7
August 7 -- THE SPIRIT FACING IDOLS Acts 14: 8-20
August 14-- THE SPIRIT RESTORING TIRED SOULS Acts 14: 21-28
Pastoral Transitions
As most of you are aware, effective July 1st the Bishop and Cabinet of our Annual Conference have appointed me to an additional appointment. On that date I will become the pastor at the Brewerton United Methodist Church on Orangeport Road, as well as continuing my ministry here at Cicero United Methodist Church. Needless to say, this will mean a few transitions in the lives of both of your pastors! We anticipate some changes in pastoral responsibilities at that time as well. My title of Associate Pastor will be combined with the new title of Business Administrator and I will move into team and ministry roles that are less dependent on my Sunday morning presence. So the new team and ministry responsibilities will begin to look like:
Everett--- Care Team Areas, Worship Planning, Nominations, SPRC, Futures, Evangelism
Jack --- Discipleship, Tech, Sunday evening Ministries, Missions, Trustees, Masters facilities, Finance, Mission Possible.
The process of developing these roles will be an ongoing one. We will “live into it” and as I have mentioned to some of you during the last couple of weeks in this situation two churches who have never shared a pastor and a pastor who has never been shared will, through God’s Grace, make it all work! And because we are a connectional church… it will continue to benefit both churches to keep the other one as strong as possible.
I am excitedly looking forward to starting my ministry in Brewerton and continuing my ministry here in Cicero. God is indeed good, all the time!
Pastor Jack Keating
CUMC AT THE MOVIES–
Join us on Sunday evenings in July as we discuss Christian themes from the movies. You may or may not have seen the movie in advance – we won’t spoil the ending.
Sunday nights, 7:00-8:30. Snacks provided. Child care can be arranged with advance notice – 699-2731.
The line-up:
July 3 -- The King’s Speech
July 10 -- Bruce Almighty
July 17 -- Gone With the Wind
July 24 -- Swing Vote
July 31 -- The Bucket List
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS July 2011
VACATIONBIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School, High Seas Expedition. Registration $10.00, includes T-shirt.
Our Vacation Bible School will run July 25th -29th 9:00am-12:00pm. All children ages 3 years through 6th grade are invited.
Please sign up to help us set sail to explore the mighty love of God. During their journey on the high seas the children will be encouraged to search for evidence of God in things like a sunset, a rainstorm, a laugh, a kind word, a fun surprise, and a tasty snack. We call these happenings God Sightings. Plan to set sail with us for this awesome experience. Our craft and snack lists items needed will be out soon.
Next planning meeting Tuesday July 5th at 6:30. Any questions, or to sign up see or call Sue Bonspille at 699-8485, or Libby Montecalvo. Registration forms to sign up or to help are available in the Welcome Center. Some snack and craft items needed are square and pretzel sticks, M&M ‘s, Honey Nut Cheerios, mini marshmallows, blue jello, cool whip, vanilla wafers, gummy worms, chocolate graham crackers, cherry pie filling, 9oz. clear plastic cups, lemonade, 8 oz. drinking cups, plastic spoons, resealable plastic sandwich baggies, small and large paper plates, napkins, plastic forks and spoons- glue sticks, construction paper, markers, baby wipes, blank CD’s, craft or grocery store gift cards are also a blessing- look for the cutest donation boxes outside Sue’s office. Perishable items made be brought in the week prior, please let us know what you will be bringing, so we may happily anticipate it.
SPONSORED CHILD
Keep those bottles and cans coming! The 7th & 8th grade boys appreciate your support in their mission work. If you have large quantities of bottles and cans and you need them picked up Call Larry Bonspille at 699-8485 . Look on the Sunday School bulletin board to see all about Aheerza our young brother in Christ that the boys are sponsoring with your help. We look forward to possibly sponsor another child in need soon.
CONFIRMATION
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY- June 5th 10:45 SERVICE- on this day 13 confirmands publicly confirmed their commitment to God and their church family. They were Malerie Belles, Ryan Bristow, Elise Chamberlin, Kyle Davis, Dillon Emory, Owen Flaherty, Troy Griffith, Parker Lane, Alexandra Low, Christopher Mazzotti, Mason Skinner , Megan Smith, and Kyle Wicks. Congratulations Confirmands and thank you mentors for the time and love you gave our children.
GRADUATION BREAKFAST
Our Graduation Breakfast took place on Sunday June 19th with a graduation breakfast put on by our Juniors and their parents. They were honored at our 10:45 service. Thank you to Mindy Thorpe for being our guest speaker. Our known graduates were: : Brittany Bausinger, Aaron Burton, Kasey Chewning-Kulick, Mariah Chamberlin, Leah Cripps, Alyssa Elwood, Lauren Emigholz, Christa Frysinger, Ame Hinman Hall, Janelle Jacobson, Patrick Kenyon, Phillip Knoop, Conor Krupke, Barry LeBlanc, Kaitlyn Lambert, Kimberly Mniece, Holly Nosiglia, Lauren Osada, Jody Otabara, Brian Pitonzo, and Rachel Reid. Congratulation graduates and Thank you Juniors and parents for a breakfast well served.
OTHER SUNDAY SCHOOL DATES
*Joyful Noise Services 10:00- July 30* Summer Sunday school starts July 10th * Sunday school resumes on September 11, 2011 with Noah’s carnival.
A lot is happening in our Sunday School/Education department. We are always looking for people to help us out. Team teachers needed to help out in all grades in September. Come play and pray with us. If interested see Sue Bonspille. P.S. Church does not close during the summer, sign up for a week to help out for summer Sunday school. Sunday school is the place to be!
Your Sister In Christ
Sue Bonspille
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN - JULY 2011
Please check the Pink Lounge for UMW Reading Books. They are set up for sign-out there. Note the information on the Bulletin Boards in the Pink Lounge and the Corridor. There is information and interesting articles for you to take with you to read and return.
YELLOW – UMW 2011 BOOKLETS are available in the Pink Lounge.
CHURCH PICNIC – will be at the Robbins home on Tuesday, July 12th starting at 5PM. Their home is directly across from the church. All are welcome – men, women, children and friends. Plan to bring a dish to share, your table service and a yard chair. Some chairs are available. Coffee, iced tea and lemonade will be provided. In case of rain we will reschedule for Wednesday evening. Questions – call Jackie Robbins at 699-5228.
Information about SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION is on the UMW BULLETIN BOARD. It will be held at CazenoviaCollege July 29-31.
NO CIRCLE MEETINGS ARE PLANNED FOR JULY OR AUGUST but we may schedule a mission work project. Watch for information in the bulletin. If you have an idea for us please let us know.
School Supplies for Delaware Academy
Again we are collecting school supplies for the Westside of Syracuse. The list of school supplies is:
• 3 hole binders (plain)
• 3 hole binder paper, wide ruled
• 5-subject spiral notebooks, wide ruled
• 24 pack crayons
• #2 pencils
There is a pool at the school that has been cleaned and refurbished, there will be volunteer Life Guards and volunteer swim instructors. The children who use the pool are in need of swim suits. There will be a box in the Welcome Center, along with the boxes for the school supplies, for “gently used” or new swim suits for both boys and girls, sizes 6 to 14.
The DEADLINE for this collection is AUGUST 21. Watch for sales during the summer. Let’s help these children learn a skill they will have for the rest of their lives.
Thank you,
Nancy Morgan, project chair
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW !!!
Back by need and popular demand this Fall we will offer another edition of Small Group Leadership training. The SGL program will run on Monday nights in September and October. The course will be team-taught by Sharon Bassett and Jack Keating (now there's a fun combination, huh?) and is designed to help folks lead small groups. Topics to be considered include, leadership styles, philosophy, learning techniques and faith sharing... among others. Please speak to either Sharon or Jack about this fun and exciting opportunity and plan to join us on Monday nights! You'll be blessed with many new insights and, even a few laughs!
TERRIFIC T's (because it happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays) can use volunteers during the summer with children and youth at Brown Memorial UMC. Begins Tuesday, July 5 from 11:00 to 3:00. Could use a person to help prepare lunch (11:00 to about 12:30). The new part time interim worker, Deb Thompson, is setting up the program and obtaining leadership. The need is for extra hands. Great opportunity for high school youth! For more information, sign up on the "Terrific T's" list at the Welcome Center desk. We'll call.
Help keep our Church clean!
With the addition of the Conference area there is now a much larger area to keep clean. Consequently we need everyone’s cooperation & help to keep our Church looking its best.
Our present Custodian is a full time employee but half of her time she is the Christian Education Director. To keep within our budget & not hire additional help many areas will be kept clean with volunteers.
Everyone is asked to make sure their areas of use are picked up & cleaned up every time after you’re done with your activity and/or meeting.
Jim Havens has graciously offered to get volunteers to help keep Fellowship Hall clean. Our Junior & Senior high youth are responsible for their classroom areas & the Choir is also taking responsibility to clean their new area. The U.M.W. is going to over see the kitchen is kept tidy except when groups use it for a specific function.
All groups using the kitchen and Fellowship Hall are responsible to leave it in the same or better shape than they found it. Our kitchen is now a bring it in & take it out facility. DO NOT LEAVE FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR. Others will throw out anything not labeled and dated for a short term stay only. Please take home what is left over from your function except if you plan to sell it the next day.
Persons allowing their children to use classrooms while they are in a meeting are responsible for picking up & putting away items their children use.
We thank everyone for their cooperation as this Church belongs to all of us & it’s up to all of us to take care of.
Are You a Traveler?
Have you visited State and National Parks or Foreign Countries? Do you have photos, slides, video tape and/or souvenirs you would be willing to present and share with your church family?
The Fellowship Team hopes to have a Travelogue Program with their fall Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, October 22.
If you are interested in sharing your adventures, please call Bill Robbins at 699-5228 to discuss participating in the Travelogue Program.
More VBS…
Join us for our VBS Work Week, July 18 – 23. ALL HELP GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED!!!
HEAD’S UP During VBS Work Week (July 18-23), the refrigerators and freezers in the kitchen will be purged and cleaned. This space is needed for our VBS snacks. NOW is a good time to remove your items from the refrigerator.
VBS Recycling Crafts
This year our VBS crafts will be using many recycled items. We are collecting water bottles, Gatorade or Powerade bottles, empty Pringles cans and old neck ties. We have a collection box by Sue Bonspille's office. Thank you for your support.
Our Congregation…
Chris and Jerry Voorhies’ granddaughter, Jenna Wellington, graduated from Elmira College in May as Valedictorian of the class of 2011.
Shafer James Meyer was baptized June 12. He is the son of Jim and Jennifer Meyer, and little brother to Riley.
Lauren Emigholz was Salutatorian of the Class of 2011 at Cicero-North Syacuse High School. Congratulations Lauren!
July Birthdays
7/1 Barb Longwell
7/3 Jennifer George
7/4 Karin LeBlond
7/4 Michael Mort
7/4 Katie Picciotti
7/6 Megan Mazzotti
7/6 Elise Penrod
7/7 Petar Bojlevski
7/7 Ken Johnson
7/7 Peggy Kenyon
7/7 Deb Mercier
7/7 Vera Mort
7/7 Diane Riese
7/8 Stephanie Spinos
7/9 Barbara Buchester
7/9 Bob Buchester
7/9 Dale Cripps
7/9 Morgan Ransom
7/10 Joe Chrissley
7/10 Millicent Morgan
7/12 Samantha Atherton
7/12 Jen Campolieto
7/12 Chris Tolbert
7/13 Daniel Chomyszak
7/13 Stephanie Muraca
7/14 Ruthe Case
7/14 Brent Chomyszak
7/14 Aryn Gring
7/14 Mike Janisch
7/14 Bill Krupke
7/15 Dee Cutrie
7/15 Brylee Walker
7/15 Neil Webb
7/16 David Bakker
7/16 Jonathan Bojlevski
7/16 Ken LeBlond
7/17 Brenda Perperian
7/19 John Keating V
7/19 Tari Otabara
7/20 Matthew Bowen
7/20 Mallory Coyle
7/20 Wesley Coyle
7/20 Keri Marsh
7/21 Taylor Buddie
7/22 Noah Henderson
7/23 Barry LeBlanc
7/24 Ainsley Hill
7/24 Garry Wood
7/25 Joyce Nencetti
7/26 Camille Luteran
7/26 Colin Stanton
7/27 Victoria Iannotti
7/28 Rose Atherton
7/28 Marissa Calaprico
7/28 Barbara Edwards
7/29 Lisa Gauthier
7/30 Brittney Ancillotti
7/30 Dante Iannotti
7/30 Jerry Voorhies
7/31 Sue Bonspille
7/31 Sarah Brown-Paul
7/31 Lawson Weckesser
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