Dear Families and Friends of Woodmar UMC, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Writing for the January 2018 Pylon the week leading up to Christmas is challenging! There are many squirrels in my office. (If you haven’t seen the movie UP, you will need to watch it to understand the reference to squirrels!) Even with the many distractions and sparkly things that are catching my eye, I keep hearing the word “faithful.” More specifically, “God is faithful.” By the time you are reading this, Christmas will be “over.” But, Christmas is never truly “over.” Oh, we may have put away the tree and the decorations, but the true meaning of Christmas…Emmanuel, God with us…will never be “over.” John Ylvisaker gives us a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness…Emmanuel, God with us, through his hymn I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry. Are you familiar with it? Please read these beautiful words written as if God were speaking: “I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell. When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; you were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun. When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise. I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old, I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.” This hymn, in turn, reminds me of Psalm 139 where the Psalmist speaks of God knitting him together in his mother’s womb, and that there is no place he can go that God is not there. Again, God is faithful. No matter what happens to us or our loved ones…no matter how unfair this earthly life seems, God, in God’s great mystery, is faithful. My prayer for all of us as we begin a new year together is that we will pause long enough to notice all the ways (big and small) that God is faithful… that no matter what happens in this life, we will feel and know the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. Happy New Year! Living in the Grip of God’s Grace, Pastor Esta Woodmar United Methodist Church Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformaon of the world Pastor Esta Rosario January 2018 PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
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Dear Families and Friends of Woodmar UMC,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Writing for the January 2018 Pylon the week leading up to Christmas is challenging! There are many squirrels in my office. (If you haven’t seen the movie UP, you will need to watch it to understand the reference to squirrels!) Even with the many distractions and sparkly things that are catching my eye, I keep hearing the word “faithful.” More specifically, “God is faithful.”
By the time you are reading this, Christmas will be “over.” But, Christmas is never truly “over.” Oh, we may have put away the tree and the decorations, but the true meaning of Christmas…Emmanuel, God with us…will never be “over.”
John Ylvisaker gives us a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness…Emmanuel, God with us, through his hymn I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry. Are you familiar with it? Please read these beautiful words written as if God were speaking:
“I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.
When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; you were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old, I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.”
This hymn, in turn, reminds me of Psalm 139 where the Psalmist speaks of God knitting him together in his mother’s womb, and that there is no place he can go that God is not there. Again, God is faithful. No matter what happens to us or our loved ones…no matter how unfair this earthly life seems, God, in God’s great mystery, is faithful.
My prayer for all of us as we begin a new year together is that we will pause long enough to notice all the ways (big and small) that God is faithful… that no matter what happens in this life, we will feel and know the presence of Emmanuel, God with us.
Happy New Year!
Living in the Grip of God’s Grace,
Pastor Esta
Woodmar United Methodist Church Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
Pastor Esta Rosario January 2018
PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
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SCRIPTURE & SERMON TITLES
January 7th Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 The King Has Arrived! Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 January 14th Luke 4:16-21 Jesus’ Mission Statement Rev. Bob Coolman, CEO of Operation Classroom, preaching January 21st Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Let’s Go Fishing! Mark 1:14-20 January 28th Psalm 111 With Authority Mark 1:21-28
1/01 to 1/05 Preschool closed. Resumes January 16 1/04 6:00 Caregivers meet 1/07 11:15 Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany with a Three Kings Party 1/08 9:30 United Methodist Women’s Board Meeting 12:30 Community Preschool & Childcare Board Meeting 1/11 4:00 Deborah Circle meets 1/13 8:00 Shaped by God’s Heart book study 1/14 11:15 Congregational Care Corps meets 1/15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Preschool closed. 11:00 Book Club meets 6:30 Trustees meet 1/17 9:30 Hannah Circle meets 1/18 6:30 Church Council meets 1/24 9:30 Mary Circle meets
Weekly Events Sunday 10:00 Praise and Worship Service Coffee fellowship immediately after Worship 6:30 Young Adults Tuesday 10:00 Tuesday Bible Study resumes January 16 Tuesday—Thursday 10-1 Sonrise Seniors—everyone welcome
JANUARY DATES TO REMEMBER
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
January Birthdays 1/02 Prudi Leslie 1/04 Megan Bieda 1/06 Nancy Craig 1/06 Erik Benson 1/06 Sarah Austin 1/07 Taylor Krivanek 1/07 James Willerman 1/09 Kristen Slaboski 1/11 Emily Morgan 1/11 Don Ward 1/14 Christopher Ward 1/18 Betsey Hartigan 1/19 Alejandra Keefe 1/22 June Ranich 1/23 Steve Meeker
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Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our Vision: Growing Hope: Embracing the Community Nurturing the Spirit Following Jesus
Dear Friends,
It has been brought to my attention that there are a few people in our church family who suffer with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). What I learned is that it is difficult for people with COPD to breathe when they are near others who are wearing perfume, after-shave, or cologne. I am writing to invite all of us to extend Christ-like hospitality to our brothers and sisters with COPD by abstaining from wearing perfume/after-shave/cologne when we come together to worship. Together, we can make our worship space welcoming for all! Thank you!
With Gratitude,
Pastor Esta
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The book club will meet on
Monday, January 15,
11:00
Woodmar Book Club
The Woodmar Book Club continues reading The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. “During a summer party at the family farm in the English countryside, sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson has escaped to her childhood tree house and is happily dreaming of the future. She spies a stranger coming up the long road to the farm and watches as her mother speaks to him. Before the afternoon is over, Laurel will witness a shocking crime. A crime that challenges everything she knows about her family and especially her mother, Dorothy—her vivacious, loving, nearly perfect mother. Now, fifty years later, Laurel is a successful and well-regarded actress living in London. The family is gathering at Greenacres farm for Dorothy’s ninetieth birthday. Realizing that this may be her last chance, Laurel searches for answers to the questions that still haunt her from that long-ago day, answers that can only be found in Dorothy’s past. Dorothy’s story takes the reader from pre–WWII England through the blitz, to the ’60s and beyond. It is the secret history of three strangers from vastly different worlds—Dorothy, Vivien, and Jimmy—who meet by chance in wartime London and whose lives are forever entwined. The Secret Keeper explores longings and dreams and the unexpected consequences they sometimes bring. It is an unforgettable story of lovers and friends, deception and passion that is told—in Morton’s signature style—against a backdrop of events that changed the world. “ ~review from GoodReads website
WOODMAR BOOK CLUB
Our prayers and love to the family of April McCabe who joined the angels on December 9.
Sympathy and prayers for the family of Dorothy Dycus who passed away on December 2.
Dave & Val Chnupa say: “Thank you all, for your support, encouragement and particularly care and prayer. We miss our church families and are happy to report good healing with no setbacks during the last two months. We hope to see you soon and our prayers for you continue.”
Tuesday Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. We will study “The Prayer of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson. The Prayer of Jabez Bible Study reveals how to make praying the Jabez prayer a lifetime habit. Readers will broaden their understanding of the four components of the Jabez prayer (“bless me; enlarge my borders; keep Your hand upon me; keep me from evil”) by investigating key scriptural passages and learning how to apply them to their lives. Please sign up in the narthex or email the church office [email protected]
The Shaped By God’s Heart Study will meet on Saturday, January 13th, 8:00 – 11AM in the lounge. Please read chapters 5-8 and answer the questions at the end of each chapter. Friendly reminder to interview 6 peo-ple of varying ages using the questions from #4 found on pages 14-15. You may also pick up copies of these questions in the narthex. They are beside the sign-up sheets by the office. I look forward to learning from you on January 13th!
PLEASE PRAY THIS PRAYER EVERY DAY:
Holy Spirit, fill me and empower me for the
work to which you have called me. Holy Spirit, fill
Woodmar United Methodist Church and
empower us for the work to which you have called us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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News to share? The February Pylon deadline is Monday,
January 22nd.
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January begins with rested staff and children. Community Preschool and Childcare was on Christmas break from December 25 - January 1. Our next Holiday will be on Monday, January 15, for observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Winter is the back drop for exciting learning experiences this month. The Dunes Learning Center will provide an in-house field trip for our classes on January 17. Each class will experience animals in winter through materials and activities provided by staff from the Dunes Learning Center. This experience was made possible by donations to our program. Reading Buddies from Woodmar’s United Methodist Women will provide a reading experience with the Pre-K class on January 18. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect children with the Woodmar family.
Connecting with our Community Thank you to Jason and Lisa Mendoza for providing a float for the Hammond Holiday Parade. Children filled the float and threw candy (left over from Halloween). Teachers and parents passed out flyers for Community Preschool and Childcare and the All in One Home Parties. The float also invited spectators to Unwrap Christmas at Woodmar UMC. Thank you to our parade walkers, riders and decorators! The Mexican Buffet provided a wonderful opportunity to embrace a family from our preschool that is struggling to comply with the changing DACA policy, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Donations for the dinner were $1200! The family is able to complete the requirements for a waiver in hopes of re-entering the United States after returning to Mexico to file for a visa.
This is the first step in a series of requirements and fees associated with citizenship. If you would like more information regarding this issue, please go to the United Methodist site, umcjustice.org. Thank you for your support and for spreading awareness of an issue affecting families. Community Preschool and Childcare presented, The Christmas Story, complete with angels, donkeys, lots of sheep, shepherds, drummer boys, Magi and of course Mary and Joseph. 55 children participated in the story of Jesus’ birth through songs, costumes and narration. It was a very special evening. Afterwards, the Community Center was filled with families gathering to visit and enjoy cookies and punch. Thank you to our amazing staff for keeping the children calm, happy and organized! Thank you
to our kitchen helpers for keeping the cookie platters filled and the punch filled.
COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE
Publication’s title The Pylon (Tax ID 35-0988814)
Issue date/frequency/number January 1, 2018 published monthly, Issue No. 85
Sunday Schedule Worship 10:00 AM Coffee fellowship following
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The mission for January is Operation Classroom. On January 14, Rev. Robert Coolman, the CEO of Operation Classroom will preach. “The Mission of Operation Classroom is to partner with the United Methodist Churches of Liberia and Sierra Leone to improve secondary education – particularly vocational education.“ The December mission was supporting a pre-school family with their DACA issues and for the Bishop’s Christmas Offering.
MONTHLY MISSION
RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE
For 140 years, United Methodist Women have been involved in missions that include prayer, study, and action. Our Reading Program encourages members to think critically about current issues, to expand understanding of God’s mission, and to increase sensitivity to all human beings. The Scripture base for the program is Proverbs 8:11. “...for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you desire cannot compare with her.”
We have a large collection of books in the library section of the lounge. Anyone may check out the books. It is an excellent opportunity to deepen your spirituality and grow in self-knowledge. See Irene Maurer for further details.
DID YOU KNOW?
WOODMAR UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
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We received a poster dated December 5th, 2017 from the Hammond Shiftworkers of AA saying:
“60 years and counting..
Mention that number or age to a younger person and they think of Grandparents or antiques. 60 years is how long our AA group has been meeting in that room below your kitchen! December 5th, 1957 is the date we show for our first meeting and we are only one of several groups fortunate enough to use that room. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We thought you would be interested in knowing about this milestone.
Thank you for having faith in us! For many of us, walking down those stairs for the first time, faith was lacking. We didn’t have much faith in ourselves or anything else. AA began on June 10th , 1935 and a special ministry had begun giving hope to alcoholics and their families for more than 82 years. Your church and congregation are an unknowing part of that ministry.
Thank you for your support and being a living demonstration of “The Good Samaritan” story.”
AS A SIDE note: we just replaced the old wooden tables and old chairs with new. God is Good!
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Woodmar has “Care Notes” available in the Lobby/Narthex and Library/Lounge on a wide variety of subjects. Please take a look at them and help yourself if you find something that may be helpful to you. The Caregivers Group meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm. A Caregiver can be anyone from a spouse caring for a spouse, a child caring for a parent, someone caring for a family member or friend, or a grandparent helping raise a grandchild. Each has need of a time for self. Join us.
CAREGIVERS GROUP
RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE
Congregational Care Corps (CCC) is a team that meets to discuss and plan events for our congregation, as well as tending to the needs of our congregation through visits, phone calls and cards.
Please join us on the second Sunday of the month following the worship service in the lounge. All are welcome, we would love to hear your ideas. Please contact Nancy Craig with any questions at 219-688-2705 or email [email protected].
CONGREGATIONAL CARE CORPS
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Classes in American Sign Language are resuming in the Lounge/Library on Sunday mornings after worship on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month. If you ever said that you would like to learn a new language, here is your chance! It is never too late to start. Please talk to Nancy Craig if you would like to participate. She can be reached at [email protected] or (219) 845-0595.
Through Hope for Hammond, we are learning how to reach out, welcome, and create opportunities for young adults. Woodmar has been accepted into a three year training program to Engage Young Adults. Sponsored and funded by the Center for Congregations and Eli Lilly Foundation, our congregation will spend time listening to young people in our community and learning ways to welcome them into the life of the church and make a difference in Hammond.
Our Young Adults Group will spend January 12th-14th together at Starved Rock State Park, learning how to share our story together, and beginning the next steps to reaching young people in our community. Thank you to the Center for Congregations for providing the $3,000 for this weekend and other opportunities to listen to young adults. As we move further in the process, we will be creating a new ministry together that will receive up to $30,000 in matching funds.
HOPE CAFÉ CONCERTS
Our monthly concert series is growing. Each month, we welcome local musicians and the community to an evening of entertainment and support of local talent. Special thanks to Krista Baker, Rosie White, and our young adults team for hosting each show. As we move forward, we’re hoping to expand to highlight our support for non-profit organizations and create a community for young people to grow and share their talents. Our next concert will be February 17th.
ENGAGING YOUNG ADULTS
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Scrip is available for purchase to take with you or to order. Scrip cards are a great gift for birthdays or any special occasion! They are always the right size! We have Strack and VanTil, Target, Kohl’s, Panera, Cracker Barrel, Applebee’s, Dunkin, and many others. We have no problem ordering the ones you might need, even Amazon or Macy. Take a look at our list! Thank you for your support.
NOVEMBER FINANCES
Please pick up your giving envelopes and directory for 2018. They are on the table in the Narthex/Lobby. The staff would like to thank the members of Woodmar for the many cards, gifts, and love that they have shared with us this Christmas and during the entire year. We love you all!
EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY
SCRIP
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Income for budgeted expenses Donations 14,324 Rental income 1,226 Fundraisers 145 Foundation Rummage 20 Scrip 42 Preschool 539 Total 16,296
YTD Operating Profit/loss (14,154)
Budgeted expenses Program expenses -7
Building related 5,356
Office related 534 Staff & related expenses 12,049
Apportionments 400
Finance & Fees 55
Total 18,387
November Operating Profit/loss
( 2,150)
Unbudgeted Income Memorials
Missions 357
Christmas 50
Mortgage Fund 1,725
Property Maintenance 155
Camperships 251
Altar flowers 26
Other unbudgeted income 10
Total 2,574
We ended November with $549 in the Current Expense account. Our contributions to this account, for both the month and the year, are equal to
what we budgeted. Thank you to all our faithful givers!
SONRISE SENIORS
You are invited to join the Sonrise Seniors every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to play games and break bread together. You don’t have to be a member of Woodmar, you don’t have to come every day. You just have to want to enjoy yourself and laugh a lot!
FROM THE OFFICE
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Woodmar United Methodist Church 7320 Northcote Ave
Hammond, IN 46324-2943
Phone (219)844-3030
www.woodmarumc.org
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Hammond, Indiana
Permit 1206
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Please join us on Sunday mornings for praise and worship at 10am.
EPIPHANY PARTY! (Three Kings’ Party!)
We will play a few games together (including piñatas), then eat! Pork, arroz con gandules, fried chicken, drinks and cake will be provided.
Please bring a dish to share and invite your friends! Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day is a feast day in the Christian Church. It commemorates the visit
of the Magi to the Christ Child which symbolizes that Jesus came for the Gentiles as well as the
Jews. If you have ever wondered why the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written,
this is why. Epiphany falls on January 6th, which is the 12th day of Christmas! Please join us on
January 7th as we celebrate Jesus coming for all people!
SAVE THE DATE! You are cordially invited to an
EPIPHANY PARTY! (Three Kings’ Party!)
When? Sunday, January 7, 2018 immediately following worship Where? Community Center
