The Red Flame Messenger
APRIL 2010
FROM THE PASTOR
Hello, Everyone! As I write this, we are in the “downhill stretch” of Lent. In our Lenten “Walk to Jerusalem” fitness program, we reached Jerusalem in record time, and are heading across “the pond” back to Eden, NY! Later this week, after the poignancy of the Lord’s Supper, and the suffering of the cross, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, once again raising our voices in “Alleluia’s”, Amen! Our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, year after year, reminds us that we also can be reborn, can start life a new together, spiritually – because of God’s love and forgiveness. The risen Christ is with us daily and always, and yet how often do we fail to recognize it?
In this, we are not alone or doing something new – the risen Jesus was not recognized – by Mary, in the garden; by the disciples walking to Emmaus; and as he served breakfast by the Galilean Sea.
Here we see first-hand witnesses who did not recognize the Lord – is it any wonder we don’t either? From ancient times, down through the ages, to our modern world, human beings wear “blinders,” and perhaps even stop looking for the presence of Christ – the presence of the Holy Spirit, always with us. Even when we experience a life-changing epiphany, we are easily nudged back into “blinder-ville” by messages in our media and society. We must be “ever vigilant” to discount these worldly voices and keep a clear vision of our identity and purpose – “who we are and whose we are.” This keeps resurrection possibility and potential in the forefront of our lives – everyday – not just on Easter Sunday.
As we journey through the Easter season together, may each of us live out this desire expressed in poetic prayer, after the way of St. Patrick –
“Christ my life and only way,
Christ my lantern, night and day,
Christ be my unchanging friend,
Guide and Shepherd to the end.”
From Doris and me – Alleluia! Happy Easter!
Pastor Helen
PASTOR HELEN’S OFFICE HOURS
(subject to change for various meetings)
Tues., Wed., Thurs. - 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fri. - 11:00 am – 1:00 pm or
By appointment – please call the church (991-4211) or the parsonage (992-3586) to arrange a mutually agreeable time.
Thanks – pH (pastor Helen)
Mission Statement
The Eden United Methodist Church defines its mission:
“To make disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, witness, study, service and fellowship.”
Value Statements
1. We are committed to worship that glorifies God.
2. We are committed to personal and corporate Bible study
and prayer.
3. We are committed to support God’s Kingdom on this
earth through local, national and global missions.
We are committed to be the family of God.
COMMUNION SCHEDULE
Communion will be offered during our worship service on Sunday, April 4 at the 10:00 am Easter service. Our servers will be Gloria Nedimyer, Dawn Quesenberry and Jackie Wenglik. Shut-ins and others unable to be present may call the church office (992-4211) to arrange for Communion to be brought to you.
PRAYER CORNER
Prayers to you at Eden UMC,
This is just a reminder to continue sending your prayers up to God. He loves to hear from you and we know how God listens to all our prayers. They may not be answered as quickly as we would like or in the manner we would like, but when we look back we see that they were answered the way they should and in the time they should. Trust God for the right answers, He knows best.
In God's love, Prayer Corner
THOSE WHO SERVE IN APRIL
Nursery
April 4 Adult and helper
April 11 Adult and Erynn Motak
April 18 Adult and helper
April 25 Adult and helper
Greeters
April 4 Vern and Judy Heiler
April 11 Bill and Nancy Lance
April 18 Cindy Arnold, Michelle and Gabi Rohauer
April 25 Warren and Linda Jensen
Lay Readers
April 4 Nancy Sheffer
April 11 Gloria Nedimyer
April 18 Michelle Schultz
April 25 Dorothy Bunce
Acolytes
April 4 Drew Palmerton
April 11 Declan Pierce
April 18 Caitlin Glaser
April 25 Trent Laing
Jr. Church
April 4 Diana Graovac
April 11 Melanie Perry
April 18 Sue Roseman
April 25 Cathy Jeffers
Parish Nurses
April 11 Carol Brodie and Dawn Quesenberry
Coffee Hour:
Jim and Gloria Nedimyer
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
ATTENDANCE
March 7 42 March 21 41
March 14 36 March 28 43
Average attendance for March 2010: 41
Average attendance for September – March 2010: 40
Our Mission project is to continue collecting coins for donation to Primera Iglesia church in Buffalo. They are raising money to buy property to expand their programs. This is a great way for us to help a church in need and we invite everyone to participate. The next Second Sunday Coin Collections will be on Sunday, April 11.
4th Sunday of the month (April 25) we are collecting canned or dry foods (cash donations are greatly appreciated, they can buy much more items at a reduced rate) for the Eden/North Collins Food Pantry. All are invited to participate. You can leave items or cash/check donation in the church office also.
We extend an open invitation to anyone at any time to join a Sunday School class. It's a great way to learn more and get to know people in the church. Jim Munro
TRUSTEE NEWS
The Trustees have contacted the company that will engrave the bricks in the memorial walkway. We have been assured that the job will be completed this spring. Twelve people have signed up to have bricks engraved.
Trustees met with a representative from St. Pauly Textile to discuss the clothing drop off station. A location for the drop off shed was selected. The Town requires a building permit. Information was given to the representative from St. Pauly so that a permit application can be prepared.
This spring we will be focusing on several repairs/upgrades (water damage to walls, fill mortar joints, carbon monoxide monitors, etc.)
NOTE FROM THE LAY LEADER
Greeting to all at Eden UMC,
Spring is here and so much to look forward to. An opportunity for new growth and meeting new people. We start this month with Maundy Thursday and sharing in the last supper with Jesus Christ; then Good Friday, so we hope to see many there as we celebrate these days for their own meanings. Then we celebrate together that Sunday when Jesus Christ rises from the dead and gives life to all. We are all forgiven our sins and given a clean slate for God to work with. We have an opportunity to serve our neighbors this month on Saturday April 24 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Community Day at Eden UMC, by giving out hotdogs, chips and soda pop. We will set up out in front of the church and offer this to all who stop by at no charge to them. It will give us an opportunity to meet more people who live in the area. All are welcome to be a part of this, no experience required, only an open heart. Happy Easter everyone, looking forward to this season with all of you! In God's love, Your Lay Leader, Dawn M. Quesenberry
APRIL MEETINGS
Tues. April 6 7:00 pm Trustees Team Meeting
Sun. April 11 12:15 pm Visitation Team Meeting
Sun. April 11, 18 & 25 6:00 pm Youth Group
Mon. April 12 7:30 pm UM Women Board Meeting
Tues. April 13 9:30 am Retired Men’s Fellowship
6:00 pm UM Men’s Dinner
Wed. April 14 7:00 pm Nurture/Witness Team Meeting
Sun. April 25 12:15 pm Worship Team Meeting
HOLY WEEK – EASTER SCHEDULE
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 1
7:00 pm Service in the sanctuary
GOOD FRIDAY – April 2
1:00 pm Good Friday Service here
EASTER SUNDAY – April 5
10:00 am Worship Service
REMINDER – Sunday School classes will not meet Easter Sunday
NEW EUMC CHURCH DIRECTORY
Appointments are being set up for the scheduled dates of April 6, 7, & 13.
People located out of WNY have a couple of options.
- Call Judy or Vern Heiler at (716) 992-4557, they will check with Olan Mills to see if they have appointments in an area close by. If they are, an appointment can be arranged. You would just have to make sure that you specify that the portrait is for the Eden United Methodist Church in Eden, NY.
- The second option is to send in a photo no later than April 10, preferably a close up to be included in the directory.
If anyone needs transportation to the church for their appointment, please let us know and we will provide it.
We want everyone to be a part of this directory. If there are any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact either Judy or Vern Heiler.
LAITY BANQUET
The Laity Banquet is scheduled for Sunday, May 2 at 4:15 pm at Samuel’s Grande Manor, 8750 Main Street, Williamsville. Signup sheet is on the opportunity board in the narthex, please mark if you would like the vegetarian meal or pork meal. Menu: Italian Wedding Soup and Dinner Rolls, Samuel's House Salad and Dressing, Stuffed Center Cut Pork Chop, Buttered Salt Potatoes, Coffee, Tea, Water, Dessert. Vegetarian Menu also available: Gourmet Pasta with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Steamed Vegetables.
Nominations for the Laity Banquet are due in the church office by Wednesday, April 7 and will be voted on in church on Sunday, April 11. To attend the dinner, please sign up and pay $25 (make checks out to “Western NY Conference”) by Sunday, April 11.
METHODIST SENIOR GROUP (MSG)
The purpose of this group is to enjoy a lunch together & an afternoon of fellowship playing board games, cards, etc.
The next meeting will be held on April 9 at 12 NOON. The Hostess for the month will be Dorothy Mackey, please remember to bring a sandwich.
A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please sign-up if you will be interested in coming on that day.
Yours in Christ, Joyce Maggs and Gloria Nedimyer
DISCERNING OUR CALL
TO PRAYER MINISTRY
Rev. Dr. Roy Miller of THE BETTER PLACE, prayer and retreat ministries, in Jamestown, is coming Saturday, April 17 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, to Trinity UMC, Grand Island. He’ll share from his pastoral and prayer ministry how we can start or boost our own personal prayer life and/or our churches’ prayer ministry. “DISCERNING OUR CALL TO PRAYER MINISTRY” starts with a continental breakfast, upbeat worship and has four teaching sections interspersed with lunch and interactive breaks: “JESUS OUR MODEL & PRAYER WALKING, RELEASING THE POWER, PERSISTENCE, VISION FOR TRANSFORMATION” are the topics and with time for questions/discussion/prayer. (Child care, accessible space. $15/adult. Please go to gitumc.org for registration details, travel info or your church office for brochure.)
Since Roy left the parish and District ministries, he founded “THE BETTER PLACE” Ministries in Jamestown. Since 2003 he has been involved in teaching, preaching, retreat and sabbatical experiences in a 5-state area and has worked with local pastors and authorities to ready a site and eventually build a retreat center there. He has blessed so many folks with renewed prayer possibilities in the Cornerstone District.
This is a time so fraught with challenge at every level of our society and world that it’s a pivotal time to add our voices and prayers to the healing of our churches and nation. Our Bishop Marcus Matthews has called us to this very thing! Here is a special opportunity to help each of our churches to be called “A HOUSE OF PRAYER”.
CHICKEN BAR B CUE
Mark your calendar for SUNDAY APRIL 18
12 NOON TIL ALL ARE SOLD!!
Please save the date - YES we are having a Chicken Dinner AFTER Church Service. It will be Delicious Wendell’s half Chicken with Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw, Bread and Dessert. TAKE OUT ONLY for $8.00. Proceeds to benefit Church activities. We will need lots of Brownies. Questions call ABetty Hill or any of the 6 members of New Life Circle.
NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES SUNDAY
The United Methodist Church will be celebrating Native American Ministries Sunday, April 18. On that day recognition is given for the many contributions by Native Americans to the church and to society. A special offering will be received on that day to fund Native American Ministries in urban areas and for seminary education of Native Americans at United Methodist Theological Schools. Half of the offering remains in our conference for local ministries with Native Americans. A brochure with offering envelope will be included in the April 18 bulletin. Offerings may be given on that day or any Sunday thereafter.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DAY REMINDER
We have an opportunity to serve our neighbors this month on Saturday April 24 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Community Day at Eden UMC, by giving out hotdogs, chips and soda pop. We will set up out in front of the church and offer this to all who stop by at no charge to them. It will give us an opportunity to meet more people who live in the area. All are welcome to be a part of this, no experience required, only an open heart.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We will be “Passing the Hat” to collect money towards the Scholarship Fund this year on Sunday, April 25 during worship service.
Scholarships are ideal ways of recognizing and thanking our youth for the contributions they have made to our church and encouraging them as they go out into the world.
Because the present market turmoil has adversely affected the scholarship fund, contributions are needed now to ensure that awards can be made on Student Sunday in June.
You can pick up a scholarship application in the church office. Applications can be submitted up until 12:00 noon on the last Friday in April (April 30) at the church office.
Lillian Brenner, Chair, Scholarship Committee
SPRING RUMMAGE and BAKE SALE
SATURDAY, MAY 1
8:30 AM------1:00 PM
Has anyone thought about ‘doing’ their spring cleaning? Well, start thinking! The Spring Rummage/Bake Sale is right around the corner. This fund raiser is a major contribution towards the Women’s yearly budget here in Eden UMC. This does take a lot of organization and commitment, but the results are beneficial.
Keep in mind, “One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure,”
Things to remember: Clean & un-damaged clothes, Furniture that is not broken/damaged. Please, No sets of encyclopedias.
Yes we do need your help sorting anytime on Thursday, April 29, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm and Friday April 30 from 9:00 am.
WE NEED YOUR BAKE GOODS SAT MORNING and help on Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm for the BAKE SALE & TO HELP AROUND THE FLOOR and also at 1:00 PM PICKING UP & BAGGING LEFT OVERS.
We need MEN at 1:00 pm to show the Turning Point men where to put things.
There is a lot to a Rummage Sale and very good prices for everything. When you help unpack- It's like a treasure hunt!! Please come and help- we generally have a loaded stage full of goodies. You may start bringing your items in on Sunday, April 18 . Blessings, ABetty Hill
Items that we can not take (Asbury Shalom Zone gave us a list of items they can not take because of federal regulations) are the following: cribs, playpens, baby car seats, baby walkers, baby gates, baby swings, strollers, bassinettes, toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, plastic children shoes, children’s bicycle helmets, bunk beds, halogen floor lamps, bean bag chairs, plastic riding toys, pacifiers, children’s plastic dishes/utensils/cups/ bottles, plastic bibs, children’s books with foil, plastic pieces made for children under 12.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER BANQUET
All women and girls from our church, along with their family and friends, will gather for the annual Mother/Daughter Banquet on Saturday, May 8 at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. This year’s entertainment will feature live animals by Hawk Creek Wildlife. A reservation sheet will be posted in the Narthex. Also needed are men and sons to wait tables, pour drinks and help clean up. Come for a delicious dinner and great fellowship.
CAMPING MINISTRY
It’s not too early to be thinking about summer camp. Camperships are available from the UM Women, see Joyce Maggs for details. A camping display will be up soon in the Sunday School wing, stop by and check it out and to pick up a brochure. Contact our camp coordinator, Joyce Maggs with any questions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Community Concern is looking for patient, compassionate, and understanding volunteers to make a difference in the life of a homebound senior. Call Jessica at Community Concern at 947-5025 for an application or more information.
MARCH WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
March 7 112 March 21 118
March 14 110 March 28 173
Average attendance March 2010: 128
Average attendance January – March 2010: 123
GREEN THUMB CLUB
The Trustees would like to continue this year with a team to take care of the church grounds. Responsibilities of individuals on the team will include: fertilizing the shrubbery; planting trees, shrubs and flowers; weeding the flowerbeds; raking and trimming grass. Individuals can expect to work a few hours a month during the growing season. If we can get six to ten volunteers we can keep our churchyard beautiful without burdening any member. If you would like to serve on this team, please contact Frank Shattuck at 992-3225.
WALK TO JERUSALEM
As of Palm Sunday we only had one week left to make our journey home. So far we have walked 7942.7 mile. Keep up the good work everyone.
Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. I Thessalonians 5:14.
Michelle Schultz
FROM THE FLOWER LADY
The sign up book for 2010 is on the table in the Narthex. One-sided arrangements are $18.00, two sided arrangements are $23.00 and vases are $18.00 (this is two vases).
We have many open dates: June 6 & 13; July 18; August 8; September 26; October 3 & 31; December 26. If you would like flowers on any of those dates please fill it in on the flower book in the narthex.
For those of you who are out of town reading this that request flowers during the year, please contact me. There is room for at least two families to have flowers each Sunday. Should a date come up where the two spaces are filled, I can most likely accommodate a third arrangement.
Michelle Munro
GALACTIC BLAST
a Cosmic Adventure Praising God!
August 16 - 20, 2010
Board the Starship Galactic Praise to see our awesome universe and our awesome God in a whole new way! Each mission includes a Bible story, science activities, art projects, games, music and a snack. Sign on for a Vacation Bible School leadership role and join in an incredible week of adventure and growing in God’s love.
Check your calendar and think about how you can help. There will be a sign up sheet soon or talk to Cathy Jeffers or Michelle Schultz. We will also have some work days to make signs and decorations; and to create a float for the Corn Festival Parade! Let us know if you want to be on the work day list.
Quick survey: Does the morning (9:00 am – noon) VBS format work for you? Would you and your children attend an evening (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) VBS? Let me know at. Cathy Jeffers
MEN'S NEWS
Retired Men’s Fellowship will meet on Tuesday, April 13 at 9:30 am.
The next UM Men’s dinner is on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:30 pm. A sign up sheet is on board in the narthex.
Peace and Love in Christ, Mike Quesenberry, President, UMM
WOMEN'S NEWS
Many thanks go to all who took part in, and attended, the World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 5 at St. John’s UCC. Special thanks to Joyce Maggs for coordinating our church’s participation. We look forward to hosting the 2011 World Day of Prayer written by the women of Chile.
April 18 - CHICKEN BBQ (take out only) after church. Tell your friends and neighbors, and plan to pickup your Sunday meal – no cooking and no clean up!
“Known By Our Love” NFD Gift Day is on Wednesday, April 21 at Batavia UMC at 9:30am. Speakers will be Jim Haid of Lockport Cares and Dee Quinn-Miller of Crossroads House. The 2010 Conference Projects information is posted on our bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Look for the collection box with the Gift Day “Needs List” of the various organizations.
Finishing off the month is the Rummage and Bake Sale. Set up will be Thursday, April 29 & Friday, April 30, with the sale on Saturday, May 1. WE NEED YOUR HELP with baked goods, setting out the rummage and working the day of the sale. Please let ABetty Hill know how you can help.
Mark the date of Saturday, May 8 and save it for the Mother/Daughter Banquet. The program will be presented by Hawk Creek Wildlife. Sign up sheets and more information will be available soon. Reservations - Mosaic; Set Tables- Alice Hines & Louise Hickman; Favors – Friendship; Décor/Geraniums – New Life.
The next Executive Committee meeting is Monday, April 12 at 7:30 pm in the Library.
Peace, Dawn Zopp
SAVE THESE DATES
Sun April 18 12:15 pm Chicken BBQ
Wed. April 21 9:30 am Niagara Frontier District UM Women Gift Day
Thurs. April 29 1:00 pm Set Up for Rummage Sale
& 7:00 pm Your help is needed!
Fri. April 30 9:00 am Finish Set up - Rummage Sale - Your help is needed!
Sat. May 1 8:30 am – 1:00 pm Rummage and Bake Sale
Sat. May 8 6:00 pm Mother/Daughter Banquet - Program by Hawk Creek Wildlife.
Circle Meetings for April
Mosaic Circle – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 7
New Life Circle – 12:15 pm
Sunday, April 18 Chicken BBQ
Friendship Circle – 7:30 pm
Monday, April 19 Hostess: Marlene Sullivan
Devotions: Ruth Bucki
Refreshments: Carol Lewis
Program: Holy Land Film
Louise Hickman Circle – 12:00 pm
Monday, April 26 Hostess: Jean Velott
(Gloria to make dessert)
Devotions: Joyce Maggs
Program: Safety at home –Vern Heiler
NIAGARA FRONTIER DISTRICT UMW CONFERENCE DISTRICT PROJECTS
A Message from Joanne Dickes, Chair
Dear Ladies,
The Conference Projects Committee is in need! It needs officers. My term ended December 2009 however I have agreed to stay on through the end of 2010. My co-chair will not be able to continue on due to personal and family reasons. We also need a recording secretary and financial coordinator to round out the roster.
I know there are ladies in the Niagara Frontier District who are more than capable of performing these duties. It is my prayer that they will step forward to serve. The committee meets in March, May, September and November.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have. I am more than happy to help and instruct whoever would be willing to accept the position of Chair.
Those who have been helped with grant monies through our committee’s work are truly thankful.
God bless you all. Joanne Dickes, Phone 585-535-7629
e-mail jmdickes2636@yahoo.com
GREEN MOMENT
Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 when away from the house. (Warmer temperatures may be recommended for homes with infants or ill or elderly persons) While sleeping, add an extra blanket to your bed for warmth. Every degree you lower your thermostat could shave about 2% off your heating bills.
Dawn Zopp, Eden UMW President, pdnsz@roadrunner.com
CUTLERY ITEMS
Cutlery items (butcher knifes, knives, pizza cutters, food chopper, servers and peelers) are available for sale from Dorothy Mackey or other members of the Louise Hickman Circle.
YOUTH GROUP NEWS
Youth group meetings are SUNDAYS 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped with Youth Sunday, especially Chris Raduluff and Mike Forester for their patience! The youth worked really hard on putting their hearts into the service. The district youth Green Lent Event, a fun evening at Buffalo Christian Center in March, was also a great success with five of our own youth helping to organize the night.
EASTER EGG HUNT - Please join us after church on Easter Sunday for an indoor Easter Egg Hunt! There will be groups for children in 6th grade and below, and it’s all free!
What’s going on…
!!!ADULTS!!! WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO ‘ADOPT A YOUTH’?!? We need adults!!! There’s a program we want to begin in order to build some relationships across generations. All that is required is that you love a youth! Parents of youth can participate, and any adult in the congregation is encouraged to take part alone or as a couple, there is no age limit. See Liza (call, email, wave!) for details, we’ll need at least 12 adults to join us for the fun, and we’re anxious to get started!
4WORD ’10! – April 23 - 25 Liverpool, NY - Even bigger than the annual Fall Gathering, this youth event brings together United Methodist youth from ALL of our brand new conference! Our youth group account is able to cover about half of the cost and a food budget from all of our fundraising, but we will need some extra transportation depending upon the number of youth attending. At this point, we have a lot of interested youth and now just need to figure out how to get them to Liverpool! Parents, let us know if you can drive or chaperone!
MISSION TRIP TO NASHVILLE – July 11 – 16, 2010 - Youth from our area will join others from across the country in grades 7-12 for a week of community service in Nashville, TN through YouthWorks. We’ve registered, but if more are interested there’s a good possibility we can add others on. Just let us know!
CIA MISSION WEEKEND! – May 14 – 15 - Downtown Buffalo – It’s only next month, so mark your calendars… it’s a great mission project for the month of May. The youth always have a great time while getting a lot accomplished; it’d be great to have even more this year! Keep watch in the bulletin for more information as the weekend approaches. We’ll make Saturday, the 15, our all day work day, and we’ll need help with transportation. It’s a fun event and there’s a job for EVERYONE, regardless of experience. Anyone wanting to chip in for even a few hours is truly encouraged to do so, hope to see you all there!
YOUTH BIBLE STUDY! – Wednesdays 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm - Join Liz Quesenberry for a fun Bible study that will be going through the Devo’zines each week and talking about things that are going on with you!
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE…
Cans and Bottles, Cans and Bottles! – The youth have a large garbage bin in the hall on the way to the Sunday school wing for collecting your empty returnable bottles and cans. It’s emptied periodically and the money collected helps cover our $100 donation ($200 annually) to the Youth Service Fund at the gatherings we attend each year. PLEASE help keep this container clean and pre- bag your empty containers if possible. (Returnable bottles and cans ONLY, please) THANK YOU, Motaks!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate:
Liza Pope or Erynn Motak
‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.’ Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
MISSION MOMENT
Honduras Medical Mission-February 28-March 7
The medical mission to Honduras with Methodist Global Missions-VIM was wonderful! The team of 26, primarily from New Berlin, Wisconsin, was absolutely delightful to work with. We signed on with the team on February 8, and left on February 28. The entire team accomplished so much serving God’s needy people in Honduras.
The Methodist “churches” there made everyone feel so welcomed. It was a privilege to work with VIM and especially because of its leadership – Jay and Chuck. It was so well organized. Another special aspect of the mission is the team worked with Pastor David Cabellos, and his wife Cindy, who are the Methodist VIM coordinators throughout Honduras. They enlightened us as to the church’s many efforts in the country.
The team consisted of 3 members who were Occupational Therapists who worked with the people directly in their homes. Another group of 3 worked with teaching sewing skills. There was a group that taught VBS – the youth in the group were so enthusiastic! The medical team was divided into 2 groups who worked in 2 VERY rural “clinics” located in the mountain areas. Vern worked in the pharmacy with Linda, the RN, and the Honduran translator. Vern counted, and split tablets, and prepared the bags for patient handouts. Some called him “The drug lord”! We had 5 medical providers (DR’s and NP’s). At the one clinic the total seen for the 5 days of that clinic was over 650 patients! We are still awaiting the final statistics for both clinic areas.
We treated the usual poverty illnesses/diseases of scabies, parasites, worms, and anemia. What a difference it makes to have the right meds and enough to treat all. God’s grace was felt there.
Thank you for your prayers for the team while we were in Honduras.
In Christ’s love, [Jesus said] ”whatever you did for one of
Judy and Vern Heiler the least of my brothers and sisters of
mine, you did it for me”. Matthew 25:40
CHURCHES IN ACTION (CIA) NEWS:
Friday, May 14 – Saturday, May 15 is work weekend at St. Luke Mission of Mercy. Lots of things to do – gardening, painting, renovation, and construction. More news coming soon.
RED BIRD MISSION - April 17-24
The Heilers are joining the Hamburg Methodist Church group going to Red Bird, Kentucky to do construction work projects. We will bring back lots of information so that in 2011 our Mission Committee can hopefully form a group and work for the Lord at this mission.
This is just another way to serve Jesus! Be sure to let us know what you think of this idea.
CENTRAL CITY CAFÉ:
Next time to serve is Thursday, April 15 and Thursday, April 22. Sign up sheet will be posted soon in the narthex on the opportunity board.
DISTRICT AND CONFERENCE WEBSITES
The Niagara Frontier District has a new website at www.nfdistrict.umcwebsites.org .
The new union of Conferences also has an new informational website on the union at www.UpperNewYork.org.
The Western New York Conference website is an important resource for all United Methodists. It has conference and district news, calendar, event information, resources and more. Bookmark the site at www.wnyumc.org.
CHURCH COLUMBARIUM
Our church’s Columbarium offers an opportunity for persons who wish to have their ashes inurned as a final resting place. Niches cost $750 each and can be purchased at any time. One-half of the cost is tax deductible as a donation to the church. Application forms and/or other information are available from Jackie Wenglik, Columbarium chairperson or the church office (992-4211).
HAVE YOU REMEMBERED YOUR CHURCH IN YOUR WILL?
As a Christian you are a trustee of God-given gifts including the blessed gift of your own life. God planned it. We should plan our giving by leaving a bequest when our life ends. Many Christians provide gifts to the church through this planned giving. A bequest to Eden UMC in your Will can benefit both the church and your family. If you would like information about wills, estates and planned giving, please call the church office at 992-4211.
ADDRESSES NEEDED
Please notify the church office of any address changes at the earliest possible time. Any newsletters returned by the post office with an address correction cost 50 cents. Families with college students or persons in the military are asked to contact the church office with a current address for mailing newsletters. This is an important outreach ministry of our church. Thank You!
OFFICE MAX
OfficeMax has a way for us to get money back for returning ink and toner cartridges as well as cell phones (much more varieties are excepted this way also). We have a recycling kiosk located in the hallway outside Fellowship Hall for collecting, and then we send them to OfficeMax in postage paid boxes and wait for our check. Any questions please see Chris Raduluff in the office (992-4211).
CHURCH DOORS
Please call the church office (992-4211) in advance if you need to get into the church before 7:30 am, Monday – Friday or for a special event on a Saturday.
WORSHIP TAPES
Cassette tapes of the Worship services are made each Sunday. Contact the church office if you would like to borrow any of them. After two weeks the tapes are recycled. Thank you to Tim Schnaufer and crew who care for the sound system and make the tapes.
ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR
We had an electric wheelchair donated for use by the church. Please call the church office if you are interested in borrowing it. Training needed, so please do not take before notifying office.
REMINDER TO SAVERS
The following items are being collected for respective projects:
- Coins and loose change are being collected by the Sunday School to benefit the Sunday School Mission. Use designated coin cans or your own container and bring to Sunday School or church on the second Sunday of each month.
- Box tops for Education (General Mills products) and Campbell Soup Labels and labels from Campbell products are given to the Education Program sponsored by Eden Central Schools. Place them in the specially marked container near the mailboxes in the hallway by the office.
CHURCH REGISTER
BAPTISM:
… Nathan William Tarnish, son of Steve and Tami Tarnish, baptized March 28.
IN REMEMBRANCE:
… Jane Wilson, died March 18.
CONGRATULATIONS
… to June Longbine for earning her Silver Award in Girl Scouts for making 25 blankets for the Linus Foundation.
THANK YOU
… to Michelle Schultz for doing so much with putting together the March newsletter.
To Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to you for all the cards, calls, favors and especially prayers on our behalf for so many weeks. We both have a ways to go and we covet your continued prayers. God is the ultimate physician and we must trust Him. What a blessing to belong to such a caring church family! God bless you all. Dean and Bea Barton
COMING EVENTS
Sat. May 1 8:30 am – 1:00 pm Spring Rummage and Bake Sale
Sun. May 2 11:00 am Worship Service with Communion
MISSION SUNDAY
4:00 pm NIAGARA FRONTIER
DISTRICT LAITY BANQUET
at Samuel’s Grande Manor,
8750 Main Street, Williamsville
Sat. May 8 6:00 pm Mother/Daughter Banquet
Sun. May 9 MOTHER’S DAY
Wed. May 19 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Red Cross Bloodmobile
Sat. May 22 UM Women WNY Conference
Communion Breakfast at Houghton College
Fri. May 28 OFFICE CLOSED
Sun. May 30 Peace with Justice Offering Day
Mon. May 31 OFFICE CLOSED – MEMORIAL DAY
MAY
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010
