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Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
Little Falls United Methodist Church
A Welcoming Community of Faith, Hope, & Outreach —
Sharing Christ’s Love Since 1825
MAY
Little Falls United Methodist Church | 139 Main Street | Little Falls, NJ | 07424 | 973.256.0993 | [email protected] | www.littlefallsumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE



PASTOR’S PEN
UMW NEWS
MEETING REMINDERS
DON’T FORGET



UMW VICTORIAN TEA: Sat May 16th, 12noon
GEMS PRESENTATION SUNDAY: Sun May 17th, 10am
TREASURER’S REPORT: 1st Quarter 2015
THE PASTOR’S PEN
Dear friends,
I hope that all of you are staying well,
safe, and warm in this spring!
We had a wonderful Palm Sunday with
Jireh Korean Presbyterian Church and
Easter Sunday. In particular, I saw that
many of you enjoyed the fellowship with
each other on those days. We are further
planning to work together with other
churches for more inclusive ministries. I
pray that all of us come and grow together in God’s love and grace!
GEMS Sunday on May 17. For Mother’s
Day, UMW is preparing a special
presentation with carnations. I hope
that this day will remind you of all the
love that you got from your mothers.
On May 17, our GEMS Girls’ Club is
preparing a special presentation and
worship dance. As you might already
know, the group has been growing with
the devotion of Marlaina Malek, who is a
director of Little Falls GEMS. I hope that
you will feel the lively and vibrant mini
try of God among us on that Sunday!
Sermon Series for Lent from
April 12 to May 3
For four Sundays from April 12 to May 3,
I share messages in a series titled, “Who
Is God to You?” In your life, what aspects
of God have experienced? According to
the Bible, God is a friend (1 John 1:3), a
parent (1 John 3:1), a shepherd (John
10:11), and the true vine (John 15:1). I
pray that your belief in God will lead you
to the experience of various aspects of
God’s love and grace throughout your life
journey.
Special Prayer Request
As many of you might already know,
Dick and Rosemary Beck, who are our
longtime church members, are at hospital due to a tragic accident on April 27. I
am so grateful to all who already expressed their concern and even reached
out to them for help and encouragement. Please keep them in your prayers
for their healing and comfort.
Mother’s Day and GEMS Sunday
Among various church ministries
for this May and June, I would like to introduce Mother’s Day on May 10, and
“You show me the path of life. In your
presence there is fullness of joy; in your
right hand are pleasures forevermore
(Psalm 16:11).”
- Pastor Lee
3—Worship, 10am
3—Sunday School, 10:15am
3—Communion Sunday
3—UMW Executive Mtg, 11:15am
6—Admin Council Mtg, 7:30pm
7—Handchimes Choir, 6:30pm
7—Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm
10—Worship
10—Happy Mother’s Day!
10—Sunday School
11—Trustees Meeting, 7pm
14—Handchimes, 6:30pm
14—No Choir Rehearsal
15—Unity Circle, 1:30pm
16—UMW Victorian Tea, 12noon
17—Worship, 10am
17—Gems Presentation Sunday
17—Sunday School, 10:15am
17—SPRC Meeting, 11:15am
19—Circle of Friends, 12noon
19—Finance Meeting, 7:30pm
21—Handchimes, 6:30pm
21—Choir Rehearsal
24—Worship, 10am
24—Sunday School, 10:15am
25—Memorial Day
28—Handchimes, 6:30pm
28—Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm
31—Worship, 10am
31—Sunday School, 10:15am
JUNE
4—Handchimes, 6:30pm
4—Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm
7— Worship, 10am
7—Sunday School, 10:15am
7—Communion Sunday
8—Trustees Meeting, 7pm
11—Handchimes, 6:30pm
11—Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm
14—Flag Day
14—Worship, 10am
14—Sunday School, 10:15am
16—Circle of Friends, 12noon
16—Finance Meeting, 7:30pm
18—Handchimes, 6:30pm
18—Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm
19—Unity Circle, 1:30pm
21—Happy Father’s Day!
21—Worship, 10am
21—Sunday School, 10:15am
21—SPRC, 11:15am
25—Handchimes, 6:30pm
25—Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm
28—Worship, 10am
28—Sunday School, 10:15am
View the Belfry online: www.littlefallsumc.org/monthly-belfry/
Page 2
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
MEMBERS UPDATE
CHRISTIAN CONDOLENCES:
Please continue to remember the
families who have lost their loved ones:

To family and friends of Fran Anderson
at the passing of her husband George,
3/29.
HOSPITAL/RECENT TREATMENT: Dick
& Rosemary Beck (St. Joes Paterson); Evelyn
Billig (Paul’s Mom); Craig Davennport (Jean
Scott’s nephew); Marilyn Belding.
Remember our friends in prayer, by cards,
calling, and visiting the sick.” (Matt 25:39)
CONTINUING RECOVERY:
Bob Eissman (Home); Esther Meder (at home);
Frank Crouch; Betty Caceres (at home); Jane
Flannagan (Care One); Charles Flannagan; Isabelle Oxley; Al and Norma Taylor; Carolyn
Breecher (Cathy Gritman’s sister); Ted Fischer;
Gary Ziskin; Charlotte Wendel (PA).
ALTAR OF PRAYER: Our Bishop, Rev.
Dr. John Schol and his family; Our Superintendent, Rev. Manuel Sardinas; Pastor Woo
Min Lee; Urban Promise in Camden & Malawi; CUMAC. For local police & fire companies; Enterprise #2, Great Notch, & Singac;
Eagle Rescue Squad.
HOMEBOUND: Bill Richardson; Janet
Youngster; Dot Steller (Connecticut); Eleanor
Schmitt (Denville); Jean Ketterer (North Bergen); Marge Gambuti; Prayers for all our senior citizens who are dealing with the challenges of aging.
For all who recently lost loved ones in our
church family & community.
NURSING HOME/REHAB: Jane Flannagan (Care One); Mildred Dyke (PA); Fran
Anderson (Cedar View).
Congratulations!
To Allison Smith and
family, on the safe arrival of,
Mikayla Marie Carrera, born
April 21st. Parents are, Terri and
CJ Carrera. Parents and baby are
doing great!
LITURGIST SCHEDULE:
3—Melissa Downing
17—Kelly Predojevic
31—Peter W. Dewes
MAY
MAY
10th—Marilyn Downing
24—Jeff Lewis
JUNE
14—Paul Billig
28—Kathy Flannagan
7—Kathy Wilson
21—Vicky Stonebridge
1—Esther Meder
1—Emily Van Biert
2—Catherine Drake
2—Daniel Start
3—Jeffrey Hinko
5—Tom Passafaro
5—Mark Springstead
6—Matthew Billig
COMMUNION STEWARDS
May 3rd: Peter & Janet Dewes
June 7th: Sal & Debbie Benvenuti
DO YOU WANT TO SERVE?
See Jeff Lewis regarding Communion Steward’s & Usher’s Schedules.
See Robin Hofgesang regarding Greeter’s Schedules.
See Paul Billig regarding Counter’s Schedules.
See Kelly Predojevic regarding Liturgist Schedules.
6—Jean Ketterer
6—Kenny Krattiger
7—Leah Ketterer
8—Marion Start
12—Cara Iglody
15—Nancy Heinrich
AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES
**************************
Summer Break— May, June & July
18—Thomas Passante
18—Al Zicker
19—Ellen Batelli
20—Fred Batelli
22—Tracy Imes
31—Robin Hofgesang
Movies resume Sept 19th, 2pm
JUNE
3—Mackenzie Web Taylor
4—Cooper Ryan Juhlin
6—Susan Niedjiwik
10—Frances Anderson
11—Alyssa Strippoli
11—John Santalla, Sr
11—James Venezia
12—Elaine Mostello
14—Sharen Schmitt
14—Victoria Stonebridge
15—Carol Miller
18—Elsa Stonebridge
18—Mary Gasior
18—Janis Meder
19—Kristen Callahan
20—Nicholas Bianco
22—Ryan Callahan
23—Kelly Billig-Figura
23—Becky Krattiger-Higgs
23—Connor Gleason
25—David Santalla
27—John Ketterer Jr.
28—David Downing
30—Henry Youngster
30—Kayla Roberts
Page 3
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
A PRAYER FOR MOM:
A young boy had been misbehaving,
so his mother sent him to his room.
Sometime later, he came out and
told his mom he’d prayed about the
matter. “That’s good,” she replied.
“If you ask God for help to not misbehave, he’ll help you.”
“Oh, I didn’t pray for help behaving,” said the boy. “I prayed for God
to help you put up with me.”
—Unknown
Is it enough to think today
Of all our brave, then put away
The thought until a year has sped?
Is this full honor for our dead?
Is it enough to sing a song
And deck a grave; and all year long
Forget the brave who died that we
Might keep our great land proud
and free?
A dad is someone who wants to
c a t c h y o u b e f or e y o u f a l l
but instead picks you up, brushes
you off, and lets you try again.
A dad is someone who wants to
keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own
way, even though his heart breaks in
silence when you get hurt.
Full service needs a greater toll,
That we who live give heart and
soul
A dad is someone who holds you
when you cry, scolds you when you
break the rules, shines with pride
when you succeed, and has faith in
you even when you fail.
To keep the land they died to save,
And be ourselves, in turn, the
brave!
—Unknown
—Annette Wynne
UPCOMING EVENTS
TRUSTEES MEETINGS:
May 11th & June 8th, 7pm
UNITY CIRCLE:
May 15th, & June 19th, 1:30pm
GEMS GIRLS CLUB:
May 8th, 6:30pm
(Rehearsal & Pizza Party)
June 12th, 7pm
For girls in K through 4th grade.
(See the ad on pg 4 for more info.)
GEMS PRESENTATION
SUNDAY:
Sun May 17th, 10am
ADMIN COUNCIL:
May 6th, 7:30pm
SPRC MEETINGS:
May 17th & June 21st
(following worship)
AFTERNOON MOVIE:
On Summer Break
Movies Resume Sept 19th, 2pm
FINANCE MEETINGS:
May 19th & June 16th, 7:30pm
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS:
May 19th & June 16th, 12noon
(See pg 8 for more info.)
UMW EXECUTIVE MTG:
Sun May 3rd, following worship
UMW VICTORIAN TEA:
Sat May 16th, 12noon
(See the ad on page 8
for more info.)
SUMMER WORSHIP:
Dates to be announced
Watch the bulletin for info
coming soon!
COMMUNITY WIDE
VACATION BIBLE
SCHOOL:
Dates: July 20th—24th
Time: 6 to 8pm
Ages: 4 through 12
Location: St. Agnes Church
65 Union Avenue, Little Falls
(More Info Coming Soon!)
ENCOUNTER GROUPS:
Ongoing in May & June
Page 4
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
What is GEMS?
GEMS is an acronym for
Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior.
The mission of GEMS is to bring girls into a living,
dynamic relationship with JESUS CHRIST.
Who can attend GEMS?
All girls in Kindergarten through 4th grade (Invite your friends too!)
What Happens at a GEMS meeting?
During a meeting, girls will make new friends, foster a relationship with their leaders, study
the Bible, make crafts, complete a variety of badges, sing, play group games, participate in
service projects, and enjoy other special events.
GEMS meet twice monthly on
Friday evenings at LFUMC from 7-9pm
Our Next Meetings Will Take Place:
May 8th, 6:30pm (Rehearsal & Pizza Party)
May 17th: Gems Presentation Sunday
June 12th, 7pm
Summer Break: July & August
Gems resume in September.
Registration is Available Online:
http://littlefallsumc.org/our-ministries/gems-girls-club/
You may also download the registration form online and submit to the church office or
pick up a form in the Church Narthex at the upcoming events bulletin board.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please contact group leader,
Marlaina Malek at [email protected] or by cell at (917) 841-6485.
If you are interested in volunteering to help make this a great ministry, please let us know.
We will be looking for special presenters, crafting ideas, and service project ideas to help
the girls earn badges.
For more information about GEMS Girls Clubs visit:
www.gemsgc.org
Page 5
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
BUY SCRIP GIFT CARDS:
Thank you for your support of the Scrip Program. Through the end of April 2015, we have sold $39,130 in Scrip, which provides
$1,956.00 to the church budget. Based on past history, projections are that we will reach $113,500 by the end of the year. This
amount provides $5,675.00 to the church budget for the year. Sales have been down this year and we ask, if you are not already
using scrip at the grocery store, please consider supporting the church budget by using the store gift cards when you shop. The
church purchases the gift cards at a 5% discount and sells them at face value. If you spend $20 per week at the grocery store the
church budget benefits by $52 per year. Not too bad if all you have to do is buy food. We have scrip for Shoprite, A&P and Fairway.
So if you shop at these stores please consider using scrip (gift cards) to support the church budget.
If you are not at worship any Sunday, please call Janet or Peter Dewes at 973-595-5765 and we will make arrangements for delivery
or pick-up.
Thank you,
Peter and Janet Dewes
Sunday School Sept through June. Meet in the sanctuary at 10am.
Children will be dismissed at 10:15am, for children
ages 4 and up.
Nursery Care provided for
children under 4 years of age.
Page 6
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
LFUMC strongly supports the
Center for United Methodist
Aid to the Community
in feeding more than
2,600 hungry neighbors per month!
Suggested Food Donation for:
May & June
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Please donate to help CUMAC replenish their
supplies and continue to minister to those in need!
Our church has been working hard to help support the ministries of
CUMAC, a United Methodist-Affiliated Regional Food Pantry &

Thrift Store in Paterson for many years.
Each week, volunteers take bags of donated food, clothing, etc. to
CUMAC’s warehouse. Our church is one of the top supporters of
this important regional outreach ministry!

Little Falls UMC Supports Local Food Pantry and CUMAC:
The Little Falls UMC maintains a food pantry to serve the local community in
conjunction with the food pantries at other churches in Little Falls. During 2014,
the Little Falls UMC pantry distributed food for 750 meals to families in
the local community.
In addition, members of the Little Falls Church continue to donate food to
CUMAC along with items for their Thrift Shop. During 2014, more than
1,400 pounds of food were delivered to CUMAC, to help
in feeding the larger community.
More than 800 bags and boxes of clothing, and household items were given to
CUMAC, for the Thrift Shop. Some larger items were also donated, such as
children’s toys, microwaves, travel bags, luggage, and a sewing machine.
Thank you for your ongoing participation
in these local outreach ministries!
Page 7
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
TREASURER'S REPORT - First Quarter 2015
BALANCE ON HAND -1/01/2015
INCOME
Pledges
Offering - other
All Rentals
Flowers
$38,245.22
$
$
$
$
33,806.00
930.91
11,580.00
165.00
Scrip Profit
$
1,422.25
Kohls Profit
Soup Profit
Chili & Subs Profit
Fish & Chips Profit
$
$
$
$
62.50
240.50
218.43
978.25
One Great Hour of Sharing
$
70.00
$
49,473.84
$
$
$
12,080.46
133.50
15,030.57
Trustees' Maintenance Fund
Payroll
Cablevision: Church & parsonnage
$
$
$
2,700.00
21,000.00
649.44
Office Supplies
$
2,528.32
Scrip Purchases (all stores)
Worship
$
$
3,800.00
337.43
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
$
58,259.72
$
29,459.34
Shared Ministries
$
8,539.02
UMCOR
$
1,500.00
One Great Hour of Sharing
$
70.00
AVAILABLE BALANCE
$
19,350.32
TOTAL INCOME
DISBURSEMENTS
Utilities: Church & Parsonage
Education: Bible Study Textbooks
GNJ Annual Conference -Shared Ministries
BALANCE ON HAND - 3/31/2015
OWED ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Page 8
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
UMW NEWS
NEXT CIRCLE OF FRIENDS' MEETING:
Tues May 19th, 12noon: On May 19th, the Circle of Friends will host a
program led by Heather, from our local ShopRite. She will discuss proper
nutrition, and will teach us how to prepare a typical nutritious meal. Bring
your lunch at 12noon, or come for the program at 1pm. All are welcome
to attend. Come and bring a friend! Dessert and coffee will be provided.
(June Meeting: Tues June 16th, 12noon)
NEXT UMW EXECUTIVE MEETING:
Sun May 3rd, 11:15am
SAVE-THE-DATE
UMW Victorian Tea: Sat May 16th, 12noon.
Won't you please join us for this special day?
Tickets: $15 each
Feel free to wear such Victorian items as a hat, a shawl, or gloves to
add to the Victorian experience, and bring your favorite Tea Cup!! Proceeds of the tea will be used to fund our mission projects.
Last year the UMW gave over $2,000 to charity. Please help us continue our work.
See Carol Miller for Tickets. (See the ad on pg 10 for more info.)
Page 9
Volume 174 Issue 4 & 5 May & June 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS
UMW Victorian Tea:
May 16th, 12noon
Won't you please join us for this special day?
Tickets: $15 each
Feel free to wear such Victorian items as a hat, a shawl, or gloves to add
to the Victorian experience, and bring your favorite Tea Cup!! Proceeds of
the tea will be used to fund our mission projects.
Last year the UMW gave over $2,000 to charity. Please help us continue
our work. See Carol Miller for Tickets.
GEMS Presentation Sunday:
Sun May 17th, 10am
Club Theme this year: Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And
I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Don’t miss this exciting morning of presentation from our Gems Girls!
JULY/AUG BELFRY: Please submit info to be included in the July/Aug
bi-monthly Belfry by, June 24th. Submit by e-mail to: [email protected]
LITTLE FALLS
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
139 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424
Website: www.littlefallsumc.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/lfumcnj