Glad Tidings

SPIRIT LED TRANSITION

We are entering into another phase of our self-identity as a community of faith. Both Wil and Hulen will be missed, and  I am already feeling the pang of loss. They have been good friends and partners in ministry. In a very real way we are treading on new ground. There is no one that can tell us how to proceed. The Manual on Ministry for the UCC does not have a section called post Katrina, multi-cultural church covenants. It doesn’t exist. And even if it did it might not apply because this is New Orleans. We tend to do things a bit different down her.

And yet at the same time all of us know about transition. We know about what to do when our worlds get turned upside down; we know about what it has felt to lose loved ones; we know about change.

During the immediate months following Katrina at St. Matthew, some folks were very focused on what they lost, and what they went through. Other folks focused on what happened and were grateful to be alive. Although some I talked to lost their houses, there was a common theme that “stuff” can be replaced. In the latter case it was their faith that carried them through the trauma of Katrina.

With Wil and Hulen leaving, it feels like Katrina’s winds are still blowing in my face. What I love about both of them is their openness to the spirit of God. For me the power of God’s presence will always be greater than anything that life can throw at us.

We will not only survive but thrive if we are ready to receive and be guided, if we continue to pray together, worship together, comfort together and break bread together. Yes, we need to compassionately challenge one another. Yes, we need to share ideas together. And yes, we will make mistakes, and there will be misunderstandings, but our love for God will overcome any obstacle. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know a God who has never let me down.

I have great faith in our future. As your pastor I have seen many positive changes in this church over the last ten years. It will continue as long as we are open to God and to one another.

In Christ,
Rev. Fred

WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

Since Fred announced last month that he would be sending out his profile, people have asked, ‘What happens next?’  In a nutshell, the usual procedure for a church is to form a search committee whose first job is to complete a self-study.  It becomes a very thorough, comprehensive, and reflective document that takes considerable time to complete.  When finished it is sent to the denomination’s clearing house where it is matched with candidates who are looking for a church.  Candidates are sent copies of a church’s self-study and the local church is typically sent 20 ministerial profiles at a time to read through and examine until one or more candidates stand out.  Then further contact with that person(s) takes place through phone calls and interviews culminating in a trial sermon either on site or in a neutral pulpit.  The search committee recommends a candidate to the members of the congregation who then vote to extend (or not) a call to the candidate.

The situation with St. Matthew is more complicated.  We are not typical.  First of all, Fred is not leaving right away.  We do not require immediate pastoral replacement.  It is a luxury that Fred has given us time to contemplate the future.  Secondly, our future is somewhat dependant on decisions that Central makes for its future, and they are just beginning to look ahead.  The loss of their leadership (along with the loss of use of their facilities) is heavy on their hearts, and we must be respectful as they work through their grieving.  Thirdly, although individual UCC churches are not governed by a hierarchy, we still need to be cognizant of our South Central Conference (and the denomination) and use their supporting structure to help us.  Consequently as a first step, we have invited the Reverend Douglas Anders, South Central Conference minister, to meet with four persons from the St. Matthew Council and four persons from Central’s Governance Board on April 8th.   The plan for that meeting is for us to listen to Rev. Anders’ counsel and form the questions that we are all beginning to ask.  The purpose of this first meeting is not to determine outcomes or long term procedures but rather to pose the questions that need to be asked before we can move forward.

So, that’s the next step for now.  I think our journey through the next few months needs to be deliberate and inclusive and prayerful.  It is my personal pledge, members and friends of St. Matthew, to keep you informed.  Be assured that there will be opportunities for you to express your thoughts and feelings about our future direction.  We are at another historical juncture in the life of our church.  Dream, look to the future, and pray for your church which this year will celebrate its 159th anniversary!

Joan Fairbank,
St. Matthew Moderator      

WHAT’S NEXT?

I know that there are many questions going through your minds. I know you’re anxious. I know the future is uncertain. I also know “we’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in his Holy Word.  He’s never failed me (us) yet.” 

There are three things of which I am certain:  (1) part of your Governance Board will meet with our South Central Conference Minister on April 8, 2008 to ask the questions and get some guidance;  (2) we need to be faithful, prayerful, and patient; (3) we have to trust God and the process.

You will be a part of the process, whatever that turns out to be, every step of the way. If your question is not answered, ask, call or email one of us on the governing body.

Blessings,
Dale Bonds
Central President

POSTCARD TO ST. MATTHEW
Dear St. Matthew Family,

Just a note to say hello and let you know I’m thinking of you all during the Lenten Season.  Gale and I are well as are Roy and Beth.  I hope this finds my friends in New Orleans in good spirits and health.  Thoughts and prayers to you all.  My email is: chrisjenkins1536@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.
Love,
Chris Jenkins

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR, DR. BETH ROTA

As you may remember, Beth was gone on March the 9th.  She  attended an annual convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Founded in 1959, the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) is a nonprofit music-education organization whose central purpose is to promote excellence in choral music through performance, composition, publication, research, and teaching. In addition, ACDA strives through arts advocacy to elevate choral music's position in American society.

This year was a year for division conventions, so Beth attended the Southern Division, which was held in Louisville, KY. Next year will be a national convention, which will be in Oklahoma City, OK. (And the following year she will go to Southern Division in Memphis, TN.)

Beth shares, “At the convention, I heard many concerts by schools, universities, church choirs and professional choirs; attended lectures on a variety of topics; sight-read new and old choral literature in group-singing sessions; perused (and purchased quite a bit of) organ music, choral music and teaching books at exhibit booths; and had a great time with old friends, as well as new ones.”

CENTRAL/ST. MATTHEW PICTURE DIRECTORY

Thank you to everyone who has had their photo taken for the Central/St. Matthew picture directory.  We will continue taking pictures throughout the month of April. Photos will be taken in the lounge during the coffee hour.
If you have a favorite photo, it can be scanned into the directory.  If you choose this option, please be sure that your photo is clear and recent.  Please check the church records list and make any necessary changes.

UNO DOCUMENTARY TEAM FILMS AT CENTRAL/ST. MATTHEW

Filming is progressing well. Julie Gustfason reports that she and the UNO students shot two hours of very usable footage of the worship service on February 1st. They filmed in the lounge after church with parishioners telling their 'Katrina' stories.  Julie has film from March 2nd when Wil announced his departure and from Easter Sunday of the sermon and the children decorating the Living Cross.

Julie and students plan to film on Wil's last Sunday both in church and during the reception in Fellowship Hall. After that they plan to film a recovery work group, the Hume Center, and possibly a service with the Metropolitan Community Church. They also plan to film a choir rehearsal on April 16 and do a final big shoot in church on April 20th.

Plans are to have a first fine cut by the end of the semester – early to mid- May. At that point Julie will show the film to those interested and those involved in some of the scenes.  This version will be longer than the final product which is scheduled to be between 54 – 60 minutes in length. But this 1st cut will give a sense of the style of the movie and will include music. All those involved will have the opportunity to approve/reject the scenes involving themselves.

This project represents a lot of hard work. It will be exciting to see the results. Julie has promised Central/St. Matthew a copy of the work which should be an excellent marketing tool for us to tell our story. Thank you, Julie and UNO students.

CHURCH  WORK  DAY - WE  NEED  YOU!

You do not have to grab your paint roller or even your lunch on Saturday, April 12.  We need only YOU for a gigantic work day at the St. Matthew building.  Chris Engelbracht is organizing the projects and will supply the materials and tools needed except for work gloves and rakes.  Chris is renting a dumpster so we can really clean out the building.  There will be inside and outside jobs to work on.  Lunch will be provided.  Members of MCC and the Central Carrollton Association will be joining us on that day, also.  The time is from 9:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.  Please consider coming to help get needed projects done on April 12th.  The Fellowship Committee planned this event  for fellowship and fun.  Come try it out and see if it is!     

HUME CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER will celebrate its reopening and dedication on Sunday, April 20,
2008 from 3:00-5:00pm. All are invited to join us in this joyous occasion. Please RSVP by April15,2008
504-822-7883. Thank you.

Helen Smith Green
Executive Director

WOMEN'S DAY
In keeping with some of our traditions, the Women of Central Congregational United Church of Christ are planning "Women's Day" at St.Matthew/Central on Sunday, April 27, 2008. This event will include a church service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a soul food luncheon in the church hall. Pastor Cheryl Cramer will give our sermon and the women of St.Matthew/Central will sing in the choir, usher, read scriptures and greet for the service. Each member of St. Matthew/Central is asked to invite a guest to attend the service and luncheon. Also, our men will serve us at the luncheon. The colors for the day are black and white, representing the diversity of our church family. Specific information will be forthcoming. Questions, see Marie Slade Weatherspoon.

CENTRAL-ST MATTHEW ANNUAL BASEBALL NIGHT
 
Spring is here and that means it’s baseball season, so mark your calendar now and plan to attend our annual church night out at Zephyr Field on Airline Hwy.
 New Orleans Zephyrs vs. the Texas Round Rock Express
Friday, April 25th @ 7:00 pm
Tickets cost only $8.00 each (group rate located near the first base line)
Parking at stadium is $3.00 per car
 
Register in church lobby on Sunday, April 6th or April 13th and your tickets will be available for pickup on Sunday, April 20th.
 
Come out and bring a friend or your whole family for a night of exciting Zephyr baseball and stick around for the awesome free fireworks display following the game.

For further information see Harold Ostendorf in the lobby after church or call 737-0006.   
 

SCHOOL KITS FOR CHURCH WORLD SERVICE

South Central Conference challenges us to participate in a service project which involves putting together school kits for impoverished children, to be delivered to the Conference Annual Meeting in June for distribution by Church World Service.
 Here are the components:
  One pair of blunt scissors (rounded tip)
  Three 70-count spiral or tape-bound pads of 8x10 ½ ruled paper
   or pads with 200-210 sheets of ruled paper. (No loose-leaf)
  One 30-centimeter ruler (12”)
  One hand-held pencil sharpener and one large eraser
  Six new pencils with erasers
   One box of 24 crayons (only 24)
  Two dollars to cover processing/shipping

Bring the items to church in a cotton cloth bag with handles which you may purchase or sew, dimensions 12” x 14” to 14” x 16”.  If you have trouble finding or making a cloth bag, you may bring the contents to church and we’ll see to it that a bag is made for you. Please bring the completed kits to the church office no later than Sun., May 18 so our conference delegates may take them along. Questions? Ellen Pecoul, 866-8874
  
RECOVERY TEAMS IN APRIL.
April will be a busy month for hosting recovery teams. On March 30th we will be welcoming 20 volunteers from First Parish Church, York, Maine who will be joined by 2 volunteers from Garner, North Carolina. On April 6th 9 volunteers will be arriving and then on April 13th we welcome back for a second time a group from Louisville Paradise UCC from Louisville, Ohio. On April 20th a group of 15 will be joining the recovery efforts from First Congregational Church of Sharon, Sharon, Massachusetts and on April 26th our friends from First Congregational Church, Stockbridge, Massachusetts will arrive for their 6th visit. We thank all the volunteers who continue to come to New Orleans to give of their time and talents