401-333-5203 [email protected] ~ www.amumc.org A Publication of the Arnold Mills United Methodist Church The Rev. Lynn McCracken (401) 333-5203 November, 2014 Holidays in Arnold Mills Annual Holiday Fair Saturday, November 15 8a.m. - 3p.m. Coffee & Muffins - 8-10:30 a.m. Express Lunch beginning at 11:00 a.m. Our Fair Features: Holiday Crafts ~ Christmas Tree Ornaments Baked Goods Table ~ Homemade Apple Pies Homemade Peanut Brittle &Fudge Homemade Stained Glass and Chocolate Candy Homemade Baked Beans ~ Cabot Cheese Garden Shop ~ Book Nook Hidden Treasure's Room Last Minute Helpers: It’s not too late to sign up to work at a table, to help with set up before the Fair and cleanup after. There are many ways you can help! Holidays at Arnold Mills Featuring: Bake Shop: We pride ourselves in providing a wonderful selection of home-baked goods and specialties donated by members of the congregation. Jellies, jams, canned items, and dry mixes are found here as well as our very popular Apple Pies, both frozen and baked. Bean & Cheese table: Home-baked beans using a recipe passed down through generations, and Vermont’s Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Book Nook: Featuring gently used books, videos, CD’s, and DVD’s. Candy & Fudge: Our famous Stained Glass Candy, homemade chocolate candy, and varieties of homemade fudge, peanut brittle and other handmade candies. Country Café: Coffee and tea are served along with a selection of homemade muffins between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Express Lunch: Our Express Lunch for busy holiday shoppers. Our popular church-made chicken salad sandwiches, church-made chili, and hot dogs are the featured menu items. Express lunch will be available at 11:00 a.m. Garden Shop: Live plants, dried flowers and arrangements, baskets and vases. We welcome donations of appropriate items for this area. Hand Made Crafts: Homemade crafts including knit goods, reversible aprons, placemats, fleece items, gifts for pets, and much, much more! Ornaments: Look for a variety of hand made ornaments to decorate your home and Christmas tree this holiday season. Hidden Treasures Room: We are looking for some special items including paintings, furniture, quilts, antiques and other higher priced items that you are willing to donate. Gift certificates from your favorite store or restaurant are welcome. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be available. Decorators: We need you! Please come to help set up, arrange and decorate the church for this annual event. To volunteer, please sign up in Cargill Hall or call us! Fran Carr, Nancy Dolan, Pam Martin, Pam Thurlow, Co-Chairpersons Page 2 Dear AMUMC Family, It is this time of the year that I am always reminded of the rhythm of our life together. When we turn the page of the calendar to the month of November, my thoughts immediately turn to the annual Church Fair, our Commitment Campaign, the now rapidly falling leaves signaling a change in the season, Thanksgiving, and this year, the approach of the Advent season. I am so aware of all the things that will be happening that the words to the 1960’s rock group The Byrds (which they borrowed from the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes), Turn! Turn, Turn!, starts running through my head: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. The appeal of the words is that we can all relate to the times the song speaks about. There is a season for everything, and for every purpose under heaven. We all experience the good with the bad, the highs and the lows of our being. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations for which we thought we were unprepared. Despite our own thoughts about our weaknesses, God prevails and carries us through, making us new. How we face the challenges of existence reflects how we live out our faith journey. The one thing I did not mention in the opening paragraph is that this month is also the time that the Committee on Leadership meets and will be calling to invite you to serve on various church committees. I hope you will say, “Yes,” to the call. It takes many voices and hands to form the community and family that is Arnold Mills Untied Methodist Church. We depend on you to make the church the living body of Christ in the world. Live Boldly for Christ, Pastor Lynn Pg. 3 COMMITMENT CAMPAIGN 2015 On October 19th, I kicked off our 2015 Commitment Campaign, announcing the theme ‘WE ARE THE CHURCH!’. We are the Church!, a simple but powerful reminder that who we are as a body and who we can become is up to us, and us alone. During our four week program we will have heard from myself; Laura Thompson, Church Treasurer; Keith Johnson, Council Chair and Pastor Lynn on various topics of stewardship and commitment. We will learn about the budget deficits we continually face, we will rejoice in the great works we, the Church, do for the community and we will understand God’s call for us to be good stewards. Our formal program will commence on November 9th when we will all be asked to pledge our support. When I tell people I belong to AMUMC, they almost always say something like ‘Oh I’ve driven by there, it’s a beautiful little church’. I usually reply, ‘Yes, We Are’. We cannot see the church from the outside. If you want to see Arnold Mills United Methodist Church, you have to be inside, looking at the person to your left, the person to your right and the person in the mirror. The building, like an ornate picture frame is just window dressing. WE ARE THE CHURCH! We are called. We need to answer. I hope we will all take the time to look in the mirror, reflect on your relationship with God and your fellow church members and make a meaningful commitment to your church. Steve Dolan Stewardship Chair Celebrating Christ the King Sunday Every year our liturgical and secular calendars meet each other the Sunday before Thanksgiving. On November 23, we will be celebrating Christ the King Sunday and collecting non-perishable food items to help others celebrate Thanksgiving. Christ the King Sunday invites us to more fully grasp the Advent promise of the One who will be coming to reign over all humankind. The one who calls us to “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11). You are invited to begin thinking about this transition in the church calendar on this particular Sunday. Advent begins early this year, November 30. As you meditate on this concept, think about how the living Christ has entered and changed your life. Church School News November Birthdays 11/11 Ian Abrams 11/13 JJ O'Melia 11/20 PJ Saccocieo God Bless you on your Birthday! BIBLE SUNDAY November 23 If you have a child in the third grade or an older child who does not have a Bible, please let us know ASAP. It is a tradition here that all registered children in the third grade receive a Bible as a gift from the church. Upcoming Dates: 11/2 - Jr Church - Children report to Cargill Hall 11/3 - Christian Ed Meeting 11/23 - Bible Sunday On her blog “Tales of Wonder,” Marlo Schalesky writes about the short-lived goldfish her family has accumulated over the years. When her daughter brought two more home, Schalesky tried to lower her expectations: “Fish like this don’t live that long.” Yet those particular fish thrived — one lived five years! Schalesky figured their well water must have been purer than the city water their previous pets inhabited. People are like fish that way, Schalesky suggests: What surrounds us has power over us. Constantly “swimming” in negativity and impure thoughts hinders our growth and well-being. Yet if we seek Christ-like surroundings, we’ll thrive spiritually. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV). Congratulations to John Pavao! John Pavao, who sings in our choir and is married to our Minister or Music, Barbara Pavao, was inducted into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame on October 26th. John is a retired legendary band and choral director for East Providence High School. John was hired in 1959 to teach music classes in and to lead the Sophomore Girls Chorus and male singers. In a short time, he developed an elite boys' choir called the Crimson Men's Chorus. For five years the Crimson Men won top prizes in New England Music competitions. Alongside Band Director Dr. Stephen Farnum and Choral Director Richard Fairbanks, Pavao helped to make EPHS a powerhouse for music. When Dr. Farnum retired in 1969, John was made the full time Band Director. The high school music program grew tremendously under Pavao. He founded the Double Brass Choir, the Stage Band, the Dixie Stage Band and a vibrant marching band - the envy of all Rhode Island high school bands. As the marching band delighted crowds at football games, John added flag corps, a rifle guard, baton twirlers and a color guard. His band won awards throughout New England. The band played at parades, the city's bicentennial program, new city hall dedication, and new school construction. John was also an interim director for the Cumberland Lincoln Community Chorus and arranged music for many area churches. "Through Mr. Pavao, came a love for music that stays with me forever," is a sentiment echoed by many of his former students. Worship Committee All Saints Sunday November 2 It has been our tradition to use this Sunday as a “Christian Memorial Day.” The names of members, friends and others who have touched the church family that returned home to the Lord since All Saints’ Sunday last year are printed in a special insert in our bulletin and a candle will be lit as their names are read. Potluck Lunch/Advent Wreath Making - Join us Sunday, November 30, at 11:30AM in Cargill Hall. Bring a dish to share, enjoy some fellowship, then make an advent wreath to take home! There is a sign-up sheet in the coat room. Family fun! The Worship Committee will be conducting a survey about current worship services and desires of the Congregation toward our Worship at Arnold Mills United Methodist Church. We ask that all adults and Youth complete a copy of the survey online (watch for email notice) or by filling out a hard copy in the Sanctuary by the end of November. We will compile the results and go from there. Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback and input. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven Psalm 107:28-30 In our Prayers: Our heartfelt condolences to: Regina, Ron, and Adam Blais and family after her Mom, Regina A. Silke returned home to the Lord on October 23rd. Jim and Jan Motta and family after Jim’s brother, John E. Motta, passed away on October 18th. Please pray for: Ras Lindblom, ; Chris, who is traveling to Guinea, Jason St. Pierre (leg surgery, Godchild of Jan & Jim Motta); Pastor Carlos and wife Mara in Costa Rica after a car accident; Diedre Sniezek; Dawn Marie (Stg4 Lung Cancer); those affected by Alzheimer's; Megan Condon, healing; Richard, cancer; Joe in Florida; James Moorehead; Stacy Johnson’s mother; for those navigating RI Adoption; Alex Philips’ Mom; Jean, Jane Shaw’s sister; peace for those grieving; Gary Mazzie, Laura Viehmann, Arthur Belisle; Marge Denler; JoAnne Jones; nursing home residents & caregivers including Don and Joyce Burrell, Dawn Cavallaro, Margaret Kelly, Doris Palmer, Eleanor Preston, Flora Stanley, and Virginia Ziegler. Special Birthday – Blanche Ilmonen will be 90 on November 8th! If you’d like to send a card: 227 Ledges Dr. Apt 216, Laconia, NH 03246. She’d love to hear from you! Together, we educate students so they can make a difference in the world. United Methodist Student Day is November 30, 2014 Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical Service, November 26, 7:00PM Right now there are UMC young people who might not have had the resources to attend a school of their choice, or, for some, any school at all. When you give generously, you support these students as they prepare for a life that unites faith with knowledge. We hope you will be a part of the Community of Faith that will gather at Emmauel Episcopal Church on Nate Whipple Hwy. in Cumberland, for an Ecumenical Service of Worship and Thanksgiving on Wednesday evening, November 26th at 7PM. Pg. 9 Missions Committee Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is close to starting the new construction project on Providence Street in Woonsocket. They have purchased a lot and are waiting for approval of the house design. Hopefully the project can start in a few months. Al Belisle is our liaison between AMUMC and the Habitat staff. Thank you Al! Any questions, please contact Al at: 333-2290; [email protected]. Cintas Clothing Donations The Cintas clothing donations continue to the River UMC and the St. James Episcopal Church, both in Woonsocket. We transport on every other Thursday. Ron Blais and Chip Thurlow are the current drivers. Any questions, please contact Chip Thurlow. (401-333-1235, [email protected]) The River UMC Soup Kitchen The monthly soup kitchen suppers will begin this month. We will prepare and serve the meals on the following 2nd Wednesdays of the month: November 12th, December 10th in 2014 and January 14th, February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, May 13th in 2015. Thanks to Karen Oswain and Tom Cabana for their wonderful planning, organizing and leadership. Thanks to the many volunteers who help cook serve and clean up at the suppers, and donate the exquisite desserts! If you would like to join this wonderful effort to help feed some of our hungry neighbors please contact Karen at 401-333-2166 (H) Karen's e-mail: [email protected] Franklin Farm The volunteers at the Franklin Farm Community Garden harvested over 41,000 pounds of zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, eggplant (regular and Japanese), peppers (bell and hot), decorative gourds, tomatoes, green beans and butternut squash. Over 23,000 pounds was donated to the RI Community Food Bank and over 9,000 pounds to several local soup kitchens and food pantries in northern RI. The remainder was available on the farm stand for local consumption. The garden has been put to “bed” for the winter, but preparations have already begun for the growing season next year. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make this the most productive harvest season ever! If you are interested learning more about Franklin Farm, please contact Chip Thurlow. (401-3331235, [email protected]) See you at the garden! Food and Personal Care Donations The many donations of boxed and canned food goods and personal care items continue to be distributed to the Northern RI Food Pantry, the Food Pantry at the Cumberland Senior Center at the Monastery and the Woonsocket Shelter. Thank you AMUMC members for your generous donations! The thank you letters from the Woonsocket Shelter are posted on the Missions Committee bulletin board. Fall/Winter Planning The Missions Committee members are beginning planning for this fall and winter: Adopt-A-Family Holiday Turkeys H.A.P.P.Y. Baskets Chip Thurlow, Chairperson AMUMC Missions and Social Concerns Committee (401-333-1235; [email protected]) The Board of Trustees Here are photos of recent Trustee improvements and upgrades done at the church and parsonage. Arnold Mills United Methodist Church 690 Nate Whipple HWY Cumberland, RI 02864 (401) 333-5203 Rev. Lynn McCracken Visit us on our web page! www.amumc.org Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Church school 10:30 a.m. Daylight saving time ends November 2!
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