Glad Tidings
St. Matthew-Central United Church of Christ Newsletter
July -August
Central Congregational United Church of Christ
CELEBRATES
135 Years of Ministry
In New Orleans
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2007
10:00 A.M.
Catered Celebration Brunch Following Worship
St. Matthew/Central United Church of Christ
1333 S. Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
504-861-8196 / 504-861-9980
Central members wishing to sing in the choir for the 135th Celebration, please come to St. Matthew at 9:00 am for a rehearsal before the service.
If anyone has photographs or memorabilia about Central Church, please bring it to the 135th Anniversary Celebration. Tables will be set up to display items.
Joining us for this special service will be forty plus members of First Church of Christ, Congregational in Redding, CT. They will be in New Orleans for recovery work but will not be staying at St. Matthew. This was a church that contributed $5,000 worth of Walmart cards in the days following Katrina.
Saturday, June 30 Gutting Central properties, 7:30 am. See article.
Sunday, July 1 St. Matthew Church Council, 8:30 am
Central 135th Celebration; brunch following service
Panel presentation on Katrina for church from CT. 7:00 pm
Tuesday, July 3 Worship Committee, 7:00 pm
Tuesday, July 10 Recovery Team Committee, 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 15 Food Sunday
Tuesday, July 24 Women’s Guild, 10:30 am
Tuesday, August 7 Worship Committee, 7:00 pm
August 6-10 Vacation Bible School
Thursday, August 9 St. Matthew/Central Core Committee, 7:00pm
Sunday, August 12 Presentation on China following worship; sandwich lunch
Tuesday, August 14 Recovery Team Committee, 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 26 St. Matthew Congregational Meeting. Specific details will be sent in an early . August mailing.
Tuesday, August 28 Women’s Guild, 10:30 am
Bible study will continue through the summer.
Film series will resume in the fall.
Pastors’ Vacation Schedules
Fred Meade will be on vacation from July 4-August 3.
Will Brown will be on vacation May 13-19th and from August 19-24th. He will be available for pastoral and worship services during Rev. Meade’s vacation.
Pat Godfrey, our church secretary, will work from 8-4 on Wednesdays and Thursdays in June and July.
ALTAR FLOWERS GIVEN IN THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST
July 29 George D’Aquin by Michele D’Aquin
Aug. 12 Wickliffe Many, Sr. By Noel Braning
Aug. 19 Mary Bryson Wilkins by James & Dale Bonds
Aug. 26 Eldridge Conzonre by Shirley Adams
PRAYER LIST: Dr. Ed Abernathy, Jimmy Adams, Shirley Adams, Evelyn & Ralph Beets & Becky, Karla & Robert Bennett, Edwina Bonds & her family, Drew Bridges & family, Michael & Keila Brown, Marc T. Carter, Paula Cartwright, Melvin Chaix, Lorraine Chatman, Mildred & Raymond Chenevert, Milton Cheramie, Dionne & Chloe, Cathy Dorothy, Willis Evans, Vanessa Etter & Desiree, Alvin Falls, Rosie Gordon, Mildred Henderson, Janet Howard, Becky Hyatt, David & Leslie, Lionel & Grace, Lavera Kelly, Matthew Montagnino, Bridget Neigle, Megan, Winnie Schumacher, Paulette Solow, family of Margaret Creel Teal, Helen L. Smith, Terrel, Pam Wilson, new college graduates, all mothers.
RECENT MEMORIALS:
For: Rev. Fred Schumacher
From: Al & Ethel Creel
Shirley Adams
Women’s Guild
For: Clara & Hilton Ostendorf
From: Linda & Harold Ostendorf
For: Harold Ostendorf, Sr.
From: Yvonne C. Ostendorf
For: Catherine Hudgens
From: Yvonne Ostendorf
Shirley Carambat
Al & Ethel Creel
Harold & Linda Ostendorf
Dorothy Campbell
Noel Braning
In Loving Honor of Birthday and Father’s Day
For: Edgar Strickland
From: Shirley Strickland & Family
In memory of: From:
Fred Schumacher (3 chairs) Winnie Schumacher
Dorothy K. Kolman Nancy Marks & Ellen Bentz
Bert Pittman Evelyn Pittman
Hilda, George & Lawrence Pier Shirley Carambat & Virgie Pier
Edwin H. Gebhardt, Sr. Gebhardt Family
Hazel & Wickliffe Many Noel Braning
Harold Ostendorf, Sr. Yvonne Ostendorf
Alan Shapley John & Carol Etter
Kay Shapley John & Carol Etter
Lillian Dunn Perry Robert & Tia Perry
Dr. George Thomas, Jr. Central Congregational UCC Church
George & Karoline Schleh Ingrid & Walter Schleh
Ruth Ricks Karen Wulff, John & Ellen Pecoul
William Fairbank John & Ellen Pecoul
Katie Sax Kenneth Bowers
Ruth Bowers Kenneth Bowers
Phil Bowers Kenneth Bowers
Catherine Hudgens Kenneth Bowers
Harvey Hudgens Kenneth Bowers
Lavera Kelly Wilmer & Hulen Brown
Engelbracht and Creel Families Adele & Mike Engelbracht; Al & Ethel Creel
Edgar Strickland Scott & Stephanie Abadie
Shirley Strickland Scott & Stephanie Abadie
LECTIONARY READINGS FOR JULY AND AUGUST
Reading God’s word in scripture is a discipline and a joy that many practice regularly. For your convenience we are printing the weekly readings that our ministers use to prepare their sermons. Reading one or more of these lectionary passages in advance of Sunday worship gives one an opportunity to reflect on their meaning and relevance prior to the pastors’ illumination. If you are not already doing so, you may wish to join others around the world who are studying the same passages of scripture.
July 1 II Kings 2:1-14 or I Kings 19: 15-16, 19-21 Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 or
Psalm 16 Galatians 5:1,
13-25 Luke 9:51-62
July 8 Isaiah 66:10-14 Psalm 66:1-9 Galatians 6:
1-16 Luke 10:
1-11,16-20
July 15 Amos 7:7-17 or
Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Psalm 82 or
Psalm 25:1-10 Colossians 1:
1-14 Luke 10:25-37
July 22 Amos 8:1-12 or
Genesis 18:
1-10a Psalm 52 or
Psalm 15 Colossians 1:
15-28 Luke 10:38-42
July 29 Hosea 1:2-10 or Genesis 18:
20-32 Psalm 85 or Psalm 138 Colossians 2:
6-19 Luke 11:1-13
August 5 Hosea 11:1-11 or Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 Psalm 107:
1-9,43 or
Psalm 49:1-12 Colossians 3:
1-11 Luke 12:13-21
August 12 Isaiah 1:1,
10-20 or Genesis 15:1-6 Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 or Psalm 33:12-22 Hebrews 11:
1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40
August 19 Isaiah 5:1-7 or Jeremiah 23:
23-29 Psalm 80:1-2,
8-19 or
Psalm 82 Hebrews 11:
29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56
August 26 Jeremiah 1:4-10 or Isaiah 58:9b-14
Psalm 71:1-6 or Psalm 103:1-8 Hebrews 12:
18-29 Luke 13:10-17
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING
Marie Weatherspoon represented Central at the SCC Annual Meeting; Maggie Synder was St. Matthew’s representative. Hulen and Wil Brown and Fred Meade also attended. Following is a report from Maggie.
Dear Friends,
Thank you all for sending me as your delegate to the South Central Conference in San Antonio, TX. What a phenomenal Conference! The agenda was filled with much to accomplish, and many remarkable insights were gained. In lieu of space, I will touch on a few highlights. Our new conference minister, Rev Douglas Anders was officially installed.
Delegates for General Synod were voted upon; lay delegates are our own Dale Bonds and Lynn Slagel of Good Shepherd. Wil Brown continues to be on the Camp Council for Slumber Falls. Pastors that have served for twenty or more years were recognized. In our New Orleans Association the following were called forward: Rev Wil Brown, Rev Stokes Snyder, Rev Gary Arndt, and Rev Paul Pic. I know that I am not the only one that feels blessed having these servants of God in our midst.
Because this is the 50th Anniversary of the UCC, and the theme designated for this year is "Let it Shine,” two phrases that became the cornerstones were: “You are to be light in God's colors," and "Do something outrageous for Jesus." Certainly all of the firsts that I am so proud of in the history of the UCC - the first African-American man to be ordained, the first woman to be ordained, the first openly gay person to be ordained, and so many other firsts - call to mind that all of these firsts were at one time, and still are by some outside of the UCC, outrageous things to do for Jesus. Firsts or other beginnings are not to be viewed in the past tense; they are our call today, here and now!
Our church, indeed all of Christendom, stands with and upon a "great cloud of witnesses.” Each one of us needs to do something outrageous for Jesus. Do not think large as it will be overwhelming. Think small for even the mustard seed grows to be something of impact. We, as a community and individually, must accept our mission in service.
This 50th year of the United Church of Christ, let us all do “something outrageous for Jesus.” We stand on the shoulders of others - will anyone stand on ours?
With Love in Christ,
Maggie
UPDATE ON CENTRAL PROPERTIES
The Men’s Fellowship of Central is inviting all members from Central and St. Matthew to help with gutting Central’s rental properties on Bienville Street on Saturday, June 30th. Even though these buildings will most likely be torn down, the city has cited Central. So it is somewhat of an emergency to salvage anything of value - architectural features, plumbing, bathroom fixtures – and then get the buildings boarded up. Meet at the church at 7:30 am for a light breakfast; lunch also will be provided. All tools needed will be on site. Just come to work if you can.
The Central parsonage is nearing completion! Recovery groups are now painting. New floors and kitchen cabinets will follow. It should then be ready. Please talk to Marie Weatherspoon on furnishings that might still be needed. Plans are for the denomination to house long-term volunteers in the parsonage.
Central’s day care facility, the Hume Center, is now targeted to open in early September. Helen Smith Green reports that everyday people stop by wondering when this facility will be available. Unfortunately, inspection issues have delayed the process. Faculty and staff are currently being hired.
Helen reports it was “Christmas in June” this past week when an eighteen-wheeler rolled up to Hume Center and unloaded 16 tons of equipment: cubicles, baby beds, a copier, rockers, tables and chairs, bikes, puzzles, and so much more. These items were donated by Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lexington, MA. Thanks to the efforts of Carolyn Mains at Good Shepherd UCC in Metairie, a group of teachers working in New Orleans met Helen and visited Hume Center. One of them, Allison Copp, returned to Pilgrim with her story. Pilgrim Church, no longer needing this equipment, sent it to Hume. “God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.”
REPORT ON ST. MATTHEW WORK DAY
About 20 people participated in getting many projects done: the recovery dining area was painted, the kitchen cleaned, window sills in sanctuary dusted, air conditioners cleaned, and gravel spread on the roof. The church office was also cleaned and painted. Our church secretary, Pat, is delighted to have a bright, organized and clean space in which to work. The Council expresses thanks to all who helped. We are fortunate to have Chris Engelbracht working on projects every week. But he can’t do everything. That is why everyone’s help is so important. Thank you!
HOW TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH NEWS OF THE DENOMINATION AND THE SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
The UCC publishes a free bi-monthly magazine called United Church News. Be informed of the ministries of the United Church and the South Central Conference. To subscribe call 1-800-363-0575 or visit the web at www.ucc.org/ucnews.
Remember that the UCC has outstanding Internet visibility. Their web site has recently been redesigned. In a prime position across the homepage are these words that never move out of position, even though all kinds of images float across the screen. “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.” You will find information on global ministries, disaster response, evangelism, current events, worship resources, history and so much more. You can sign up for online alerts and newsletters. On line meditations can be delivered to your e-mail. If you have not yet done so, check it out. The address is: www.UCC.org.
Stay informed about news of the South Central Conference by subscribing to the conference minister’s weekly e-newsletter at: office@sccucc.org. Rev. Douglas Anders is sincere and earnest about communicating Conference news. His enthusiasm and commitment will be obvious as you read the newsletter.
On Sunday, June 17th Central/St. Matthew celebrated with its choir. Week after week their music inspires us at worship. Special acknowledgement is extended to Dr. Beth Rhoda, Minister of Music, for her professional, gentle, and skillful leadership. Beth’s enthusiasm and love for her work are a joy for all of us to experience. Thank you, choir and Beth. How lucky we are for your gifts of music.
Also on June 17th, five visitors from St. James UCC in Limerick, PA, presented our congregations with a gift. It is a handmade, colorful quilt stitched by Nancy Swart. Each piece has a name(s) written on it which indicates a monetary contribution to Katrina relief. The quilt is lovely and will most likely assume a prominent position on one of the walls in the church office. Come take a look. A second quilt, from a St. Matthew congregation in PA is on its way. Members of these two churches have gifted us with money, quilts, prayers, and now service. They will be doing recovery work through the week of June 17-23.
The bus will be rolling and six women from Central have indicated they will be on it. It is reserved and ready for other New Orleans Association women to ride to Blowing Rock, North Carolina for the Southern Regional Meeting of UCC Women to be held on Friday, October 26th through Sunday, October 28th. The event promises to be rich in fellowship, spiritual enrichment, fun, and rest. How many St. Matthew women will be able to attend? Registration information is available in the church office.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
St. Matthew/Central is planning a VBS for Monday, August 6 through Friday, August 10 from 9:00 am until noon. The theme this year is “Ark Avenue – God’s Great Get Together.” Students will discover the world of God’s promises through the animals of Noah’s Ark.
VBS is open to students who have completed kindergarten through those who have completed sixth grade. The daily curriculum consists of Scripture-based lessons, music, crafts, and games. A mid-morning snack is provided.
There is a $10.00 registration fee per child. Registration forms must be submitted by Friday, August 3. A registration form is included in this newsletter.
You can help by bringing supplies for crafts: flat buttons, old jigsaw puzzle pieces, bubble wrap with large bubbles, old CD’s, and 2-liter green plastic bottles.
COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CENTRAL AND ST. MATTHEW CONGREGATIONS
A “Core Committee,” a small group of people representing the Central and St. Matthew congregations, has met informally to discuss the future relationship between the two churches. Ideas have centered on forming a covenantal relationship. The word “covenant” is an historic and theologically important word in the United Church of Christ; relationships in the UCC are based on COVENANT.
Ideas have been shared with Central’s Governance Board and with St. Matthew’s Church Council. A written proposal on what a covenantal relationship between St. Matthew and Central would involve will be drafted this summer. That proposal will then be shared with each congregation separately. If acceptable to both congregations, it will form the basis of our being together for the next two years.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF NEWSLETTER TO BEGIN IN FALL
Would you be interested in helping the church cut down on postage? Do you enjoy receiving mail on line? Then you might be interested in receiving the Central/St. Matthew “Glad Tidings” by e-mail. If you have not already done so, please call the church office and give Pat your e-mail address. Beginning in September we will mail electronic copies of the newsletter to the e-mail addresses we have on file. If you do not have e-mail, you will continue to receive the newsletter by mail. Of course, if you have e-mail but would rather receive a hard copy, that is fine. If you wish to receive both an electronic and a hard copy, that is fine, also. We just need to know your wishes. So, if the church office has your e-mail address and you want to receive the newsletter in your inbox, there is no need for you to do anything. If we do not have an e-mail address for you, we will continue to mail you the newsletter, and there is no need for you to do anything. If you have e-mail but prefer a hard copy, please call Pat. If we do not have your e-mail address, but you would be interested in an electronic copy, please call Pat and give her your e-mail address. With your help the transition should go smoothly. By the way, the newsletter is included on our St. Matthew web site at www.stmatthew-nola.org.
ST. MATTHEW UCC
P. O. Box 850527
New Orleans, LA 70185-0527
Contact Numbers and Office Hours:
Church Mailing Address: P.O. Box 850527
New Orleans, LA 70185-0527
Church Phone Number: (504) 861-8196
(504) 861-8197
Church Secretary: Pat Godfrey
Wed. and Thur. from 8:00am-4:00pm
Pastor Fred Meade: (504) 615-1634
Office hours on T, W, and Th – 10am-1pm
Fredmeade@aol.com
