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October 2006

The Pastor’s Column
By Rodney Newman

Disciple Making

To make disciples of Jesus Christ. This is the declared mission of the United Methodist Church. It recognizes our participation in the commission given to all Christians by the resurrected Jesus as recorded in Matthew’s gospel: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The love and grace of God we know in Jesus compels us to share this news with others that they also might know such blessings. This includes telling people what Jesus has done for us and what motivates us in our living. It also entails embracing Jesus’ concern for justice and hospitality in our attitudes and treatment of others. And even more specifically, we are called actively to nurture this faith in particular individuals and communities.

At our Annual Conference in May, our bishop and conference lay leader asked each United Methodist church in the state to enter a conversation around this mission. How are we making disciples both within and outside our congregation? Our local lay leader, Julie Williams, led these discussions with our adult and youth Sunday School classes. The responses noted how our education ministry, United Methodist Women’s groups, and weekly invitation in the worship services enables our discipleship within while our outreach through such programs as Skyline, Whiz Kids, and Mexico mission trips touches the lives of others.

When sharing this with a ministerial colleague, he celebrated with me and then challenged me further. “Who are you discipling?” he asked. “In what ways are you being intentional in forming others in the image of Christ?” I get his point. Our programs serve an important function but they can go only so far. Disciples are made one at a time through the questions we ask, the rituals we perform, the decisions we make with our time and money, and the way we love. Will you join me in considering the questions put to me, and indeed to us all, that we might be and make true disciples of Jesus Christ?

World Communion Sunday

On this Sunday when we celebrate our unity with all Christians, our music ministry will present musical selections from around the world in the 11:00 service. Countries and regions represented include France, England, Italy, Greece, Africa, and Latin America. We will also include guest instrumentalists. Invite your family and friends to this very special service!

Piano Restoration

We have all enjoyed the new sound for our Steinway piano in the sanctuary. Peter Krauss, a master technician for Steinway, did a magnificent job reworking this very fine instrument. Improvements include replacing the hammers and revoicing that produces a richer sound. This restoration was made possible through contributions from the Maxine Dinstbir endowment fund and a number of memorial gifts. We are equally blessed with a fine musician, Mariann Searle, whose excellent gifts bring this instrument to life. We will rededicate the piano with special selections offered in our worship services on October 15.

Come take a walk through the Pumpkin Patch

Mission News

October is Skyline Can Drive Month

It's almost time for our annual can food drive for Skyline Urban Ministry. Our gifts go to restock the food pantry for those in need. Last year we collected 2005 cans! Let’s go for even more this year!! We’re looking for canned fruit, vegetables, meat (such as tuna), pasta, whatever would satisfy you or your family if you were hungry. Peanut butter is always good.

Begin now by watching for sales, combo packs, discount stores, etc. We have momentum from the last few years. You may bring your cans to the church on Sunday mornings or through the week. Donations by cash or check are also welcome. Checks should be made out to Crown Heights UMC with “Skyline cans” on the memo line. If you have any questions, contact Greg Jorgensen at 840-1878.

Rio Bravo, Mexico

December 26-31, 2006

Are you ready to give the gifts of service and love the Christmas season? Well, building a simple concrete block home for a family in need in Rio Bravo, Mexico may be just the opportunity calling you. Experiencing a different culture, making new friends from both sides of the border, and discovering talents you didn't even know you had may just be the perfect way to begin your new year. The cost of the mission is going to be about $250 and it might be the best investment you will make this year. 

If you are interested or would just like more information call Bruce Pitts at 412-2963. 

This Month in Worship

By Reverend Newman

We start the month by finishing a sermon series on 2 Corinthians where we will look at the text where Paul speaks of his “thorn in the flesh.” We then get acquainted with three women in the Hebrew Scriptures and enjoy the witness of our laity.

Sermon Titles & Texts

October 1    It’s All Good

                Communion Sunday

                     2 Corinthians 12:2-10

                     Seventeenth Sunday of Pentecost 

October 8    Ruth: Crossing Borders

                     Ruth 1:1-8, 14-16

                     Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost 

October 15    Esther: Risking for Others

                   Esther 7:1-6

                   Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost  

October 22    Laity Sunday

                   Twentieth Sunday of Pentecost  

October 29    Hannah: Releasing to God

                   1 Samuel 1:21-28

                   Twenty First Sunday of Pentecost

Come and get it!

 You are invited to dinner at the Crown Heights Café.

                             What:     A home cooked meal, and    time of fellowship.

                             When:    Wednesday, October 25   -  5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

                              Where:   Fellowship Hall

Invite your family and friends. The cost is $3.00 - $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 3 -11, and children under 3 are free. We will be open again on November 29.

It's Pumpkin Time Again

The Crown Heights United Methodist Women’s annual Pumpkin Patch is in full swing. "Orange-you" glad?

Stop by to purchase a pumpkin or two. All of the proceeds go for various United Methodist missional concerns. Parents/Grandparents...this is a great photo opportunity, so bring your children and camera and take some cool photos as you browse for that perfect pumpkin to do your fall decorating. 

You are also invited to help sell pumpkins at The Patch. Check your calendars and sign up to volunteer for a shift during the month of October. Look for the sign-up poster in the garden room or call Charlotte Trobaugh at 948-4061.

Youth News

by Tyler Kirk

Youth Group

On Saturday, September 30, at 1:00 p.m. we’ll gather to help in the unloading of the pumpkins.

Also, on Sunday, October 8, the youth will be staffing the pumpkin patch from 3:30–7:00 p.m. I hope to see you all there!

Thank You

The Youth would like to send its thanks to Courtney Evans and her family for the donation of their ping pong table to the youth group.

Future Events

Keep a look out for e-mails with upcoming Halloween party information.

Music Ministry

by George Massey

Chancel Choir members, please look each Sunday at the rehearsal schedule posted on the choir room door to see the selections from One Incredible Moment we will be rehearsing each Wednesday. Our CDs isolating each vocal part should be very helpful so please try to work with them when you can. 

Don't forget our Christmas dinner at Eddy's on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. Menu for ordering will come in early November.

Children’s Ministry

By Ryan Mobley

New Curriculum

On October 1 we begin using the new curriculum developed by our United Methodist Publishing House. Live Big teaches about the Bible and our faith through an interactive format that includes stories, music, art, and dance just to name a few. Each session includes a vibrant DVD component sure to capture the imagination of our children. We begin with this month’s theme, Jesus is the Messiah. Many thanks to the Yancey and Copeland families for the donation of televisions to make this possible.

Acolyte Recognition

We appreciate the contribution of our acolytes to our worship services. On October 1 we will recognize them in our 11:00 service and present them with their new ribbons for their service crosses for this year.

Creative Kids

Our children are invited to participate in a new drama group beginning October 8. On most Sundays, Ryan will meet with the group after the children’s moment in the 11:00 service. They will prepare a skit or presentation of a scripture passage for presentation in worship services periodically. Contact Ryan for more information and encourage all interested children to take part.

Trunk or Treat

Everyone’s invited to this holiday party beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29. The idea is for each family to decorate the trunk of their car or the back of their van for Halloween and have some treats, games, or food to share. By each of us displaying our unique personality we should have a good variety when we come together.

United Methodist Women

UMW Round-up Brunch Enjoyed by All!

A great big thank-you goes out to Alice Whittle for arranging with the staff at The Fountains at Canterbury-Town Center to host this event. Seventeen Crown Heights women gathered in the lovely commons area at Town Center on Saturday, September 16. The food was provided compliments of Canterbury and was absolutely wonderful! Jerry Russell's one-man-band entertained us all with delightful music and stories. Charlotte Peavler provided our inspiration with a poignant devotion. All agreed that the gathering was an enjoyable experience. Thanks to all for helping to make the brunch a memorable time of fellowship.  

Kitchen Items Donated

The next time you prepare food in the CHUM kitchen you will notice a few new items to work with. UMW  members donated several pots/pans, various cooking utensils, dish cloths & towels, a spice rack, a can of coffee along with some monetary gifts to purchase other needed items. Thanks to all for helping to keep our kitchen stocked.

UMW Executive Committee Meeting

The UMW Executive Committee will meet around 6:00 p.m. on the Wednesday evenings of October 25 and November 29 (Crown Heights Cafe nights) in the Fellowship Hall. All current UMW officers and Circle chairpersons and/or alternates are encouraged to attend these meetings. Please be thinking about nominees for UMW offices (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, & Treasurer at least) for next year.  Encourage your Circle members to honor their pledges for 2006 and to give their input as to which missional concerns and UMW activities they desire to support.

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