1 May 2016

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when we live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

For me, one of the beautiful things about a Methodist church is that we are connected to other Methodists. Our connection offers us resources, as well as being able to participate in ministries we couldn’t necessarily do on our own. Our youth, for example, gather with other Methodist youth in regional and national events that open their minds, spirits and hearts to young people from different areas and backgrounds. Some of our United Methodist Women participate with faithful women from around the state and nation as individuals but, also, in leading us toward common mission projects that reach out to women and children close to home and around the world.

Our connection is built around conferencing, gathering on the local, state and regional levels. Since the time of our founder John Wesley, “holy conferencing” has served as a way to discuss tough issues in the church. It is a way to be in conversation and decision-making that allows for all kinds of diversity, while remaining united in our common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. The principles of holy conferences are: 1) every person is a child of God; 2) listen before speaking; 3) strive to understand from another’s point of view; 4) strive to reflect accurately the views of others; 5) disagree without being disagreeable; 6) speak about issues, do not defame people; 7) Pray, in silence or aloud, before decisions; and 8) let prayer interrupt your “busy-ness.”

As we continue about the ministry of this church, I encourage you to keep these principles in mind; let’s together listen to one another, striving for understanding of one another, and displaying forgiveness when any of us falls short of expectations.

Also, as delegates of the global United Methodist Church prepare for our once-every-four-years’ General Conference in Portland, Oregon, from May 10-20, we encourage you to join us in “60 Days of Prayer” already underway, praying for us, for the church and for the Conference. Our delegates will be discussing and making decisions on some difficult, even divisive issues, and we know we can reach God’s will in what we decide only through prayer and holy conferencing. I encourage you to join us here at Christ UMC on Sunday, May 1 between services in the chapel, for an information session on the General Conference; it will be a time to become acquainted, and engage with others on the issues facing the church and the nation, and each one of us. For more information, please see Pastor Francie, Director of Program and Lay Ministries, Judy Hopkins, or Lay Leader, Keith Cunningham, or go to the website www.umc.org/topics/general-conference-2016. “

To paraphrase Psalm 133, “How good and pleasant it is when we live together in unity, even within our differences and diversity.”

Blessed to be on the journey with you,

Pastor Francie

From the Pastor

Inside This Issue:

From the Pastor ����������������������������1

May Worship & Events �����������������2

Fellowship News �������������������������� 2

Missions News ������������������������������ 2

Men’s Fellowship ��������������������������3

Women’s Fellowship ����������������3/4

Fellowship News �������������������������� 5

Youth News �����������������������������������5

Minnow Pond ������������������������������ 5

Music Ministry Notes ��������������������7

Stephen Ministry ���������������������������7

Birthdays �������������������������������������10

Unto Enternal Life ���������������������� 10

Christ UMC Mailbox ������������������ 10

Homebound Friends ������������������10

May 2016 • Volume XIII • Issue V

N E W S L E T T E RChrist United Methodist Church

2 May 2016

MAY WORSHIP & EVENTSMay 1: General Conference Information Session 9:15amMay 7: Piscataway Street Fair 10:00am - 3:00pm;

UMW Rummage Sale 10:00am - 3:00pmMay 8: Youth Group Mother’s Day Plant SaleMay 14: Men’s Fellowship at Fontainbleu Diner 8:00am;

Camp Lenape Open House 9:00am - 11:00am

May 15: Youth lead services;

Youth Groups meet 12:00 noon - 1:30pm

May 19: Fishes & Loaves Café 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

May 21: Youth Groups at Acme 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

May 22-24: Annual Conference (Wildwood) starts 9:00am

Mission NewsTHANK YOU!

The Missions Team would like to thank all those who attended our Silpada fundraising party on Saturday, April 9, 2016. We raised over $500! These funds will help defray the cost of attending the 2016 AGAPE Mission trip for CUMC folks. Look for more information on the trip in church bulletins and next month’s newsletter.

Also, thank you to those who baked and set up for the party and to Sherry Peterson for her generous contribution!

The dates are now set for the upcoming events:

• June 5th is “Bring a Friend Sundae Sunday.” Everyone is encouraged to invite a friend to church and enjoy an ice cream sundae withallthefixings,afterthe10:30amworshipservice.

• July17thisourannualchurchpicnicafterthe10:30amservice.Wewillenjoyfellowship,alongwithhamburgers,hotdogs,chickenand some other goodies. We are still looking for a venue for this event. If you would like to host at your home, we will provide the volunteers to cook and clean up!

• Saturdaynight,July30thisourannualoutingtoaSomersetPatriots’baseballgame,withaspecialtreat.ItisFireworksNightand“Christmas in July.” If you bring a new, unwrapped toy to the game, you will receive a ticket to a future Patriots’ game. The toys are being collected by the Salvation Army. In addition, it is also “dollar hot dog night.” Come for some family fun at the ballpark in Bridgewater,NewJerseywhilewatchingthePatriots,lastyear’sleaguechampions!TicketswillgoonsaleinJune.

Blessings,Fellowship Committee

F e l l o w s h i p N e w s

May 22 Peace with Justice Offering Benefits Local and Global ProgramsThe Peace with Justice Sunday special offering enables The United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of local and global programs.

PeacewithJusticeSundayisMay22,thefirstSundayafterPentecost.

HalfofthePeacewithJusticeofferingremainswithintheGreaterNewJerseyConferencetofundlocalprojects, while the other half is used for Peace with Justice ministries related to the General Board of Church and Society.

For more information on Peace With Justice Sunday, including examples of the programs supported by this offering, visit www.umcgiving.org/ministry-articles/peace-with-justice-sunday.

May 2016 3

JOIN THE MEN OF CHRIST UMC FOR BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY, MAY 14!

Warmweather,earlyspringflowersandmanytime-consumingspringchoresareuponus,butit’salways a good time to gather in God’s name to serve and learn. The next monthly breakfast meeting for our local men’s group is Saturday, May 14 at 8 AM at the Fontainbleau Diner on Stelton Road in Piscataway. There’s always plenty of good food, fellowship and a generous helping of God’s Word, as we come togethertosharewhatevermaybeonourheartsasChristianmen.Noreservationsrequired,first-timersarealwayswelcome.CallDanConklinat732-885-1648formoreinformation.Seeyouonthe14th!

Men’s Fellowship

UMW/Women’s Fellowship

2016 United Methodist Women DatesSunday, May 1: Raritan Valley UMW Spring Meeting – To honor the recipients of the Special Mission Recognitions;

3:00-5:00p.m.,ChristUnitedMethodistChurchPiscatawayFriday, July 15:MovieNight–Locationtobedetermined.Movie-Joy starring Jennifer Lawrence Thursday, August 11: Book Discussion – book TBAWednesday, October 19:UMWAnnualMeeting–electionofofficers,adoptionofbudget,pledgeservice,andWorldThankoffering;7:30p.m.atChristUMCSunday October 30-Friday, November 4: Set-up for Bazaar Saturday, November 5: Annual Bazaar Saturday, December 3: Advent Brunch; 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Christ United Methodist Church Rummage Sale

May 7th,10:00am–3:00pm

Attic treasures, used clothing, toys and linens will be collected from

Sunday, May 1st – Noon to Wednesday, May 4th

(This event is on the same day as the Piscataway Street Fair)

Special Mission Recognition PresentationsThe United Methodist Women presented their Special Mission Recognition Award in April to two members of our church who,theyfelt,hadcontributedalotoftimeandtalenttotheglorificationofGodthroughtheirworkinourchurch.Theserecipients will be honored at the District United Methodist Women’s Fiesta held on May 1st at Christ United Methodist Church. This year, the event is very local, so come out and support our recipients.

The recipients are Jonathan Ramteke (posthumously) and Eric Ruoff. Congratulations!

Key Box Code Change

The Trustees are changing the code on the outdoor locked key boxes on May 1st. If you are a current user or feel that you needaccesstothechurch,pleasemakesurethatyoucontactNancyDraketogetthenewcode.

4 May 2016

A Plea From Your Counting Team. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 and each Tuesday your counting team (Sallie Trainor, Carol Otte, Edie Turi, and Jack Sarhage) is witness to this as we meet to record your gifts to Christ United Methodist Church.

Thistaskispleasantand,atthesametime,difficult.PleasantbecausewedoseehowgenerousthecongregationistowardourmissioninreachingoutwithGod’smessageofsavinggrace.Difficultbecausewearenotmindreaders.Sothisisourplea.

Whether you have pledged to give a certain amount to the church or give without a pledge, our responsibility is to see that you are credited. If you use your offering envelopes or mark in the memo portion of your check that it is your offering/pledge, there is no problem.

The problem is when you use one of the envelopes that is found included in the bulletin; Lent, Communion, Blanket Sunday, etc. for your offering. If you use one of these envelopes, we have no choice but to record your gift to that fund. That means that if you didpledge,youwillbeshortattheendoftheyear.Ifyouhaveforgottenyourenvelopeorhavenotrequestedany,pleaseusethepewenvelope printed in red. It would also make it clear to us if you mark on your check that it is for Lent, Communion, etc.

WethankyouandasPaulwrotein2Corinthians13:14,“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Raritan Valley United Methodist Women Presents

SPRING FIESTA with Special Mission Recognition

Sunday, May 1, 2016, 3-5PM Christ United Methodist Church

485 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854

All Women, Youth, Children, and Friends are invited for a

Spring Fiesta with Multi-Cultural Music,

Featuring Guest Speaker Rev. Iraida Ruiz: “Celebrating our Hispanic Ministries”

Pastor at Christ UMC in Lakewood, Rev. Ruiz transferred from Puerto Rico, and has joyfully served the Greater New Jersey Conference since 2007.

Also

Celebrate our Special Mission Recognition Recipients and their Families Send Nominations & pin money to Carol, Carol@theblochfamily.com by: April 1

Each UMW unit that will be in attendance is responsible for bringing a tray of tea sandwiches and desserts for every 5 people.

Ingathering: please bring small soaps, toothpaste & toiletries for IHN Families

Raritan Valley United Methodist Women Presents

SPRING FIESTA with Special Mission Recognition

Sunday, May 1, 2016, 3-5PM Christ United Methodist Church

485 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854

All Women, Youth, Children, and Friends are invited for a

Spring Fiesta with Multi-Cultural Music,

Featuring Guest Speaker Rev. Iraida Ruiz: “Celebrating our Hispanic Ministries”

Pastor at Christ UMC in Lakewood, Rev. Ruiz transferred from Puerto Rico, and has joyfully served the Greater New Jersey Conference since 2007.

Also

Celebrate our Special Mission Recognition Recipients and their Families Send Nominations & pin money to Carol, Carol@theblochfamily.com by: April 1

Each UMW unit that will be in attendance is responsible for bringing a tray of tea sandwiches and desserts for every 5 people.

Ingathering: please bring small soaps, toothpaste & toiletries for IHN Families

May 2016 5

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP FEED THE HUNGRYAre you currently part of one of the CUMC food ministries (Epiphany, Shepherd’s Shelves, Fishes and Loaves)? Would you like to be involved but only have a limited amount of time to spare? Do you love cooking up a delicious pot of something and sharing it with others? Do you like meeting and getting to know people over a good meal? If you answered YES to anyofthesequestions,we’dliketoinviteyoutoaFood Ministries Meet Up. What is that? Well it’s a chance to mix it upwithkindredspiritsandputaplantogethertokeeptheseministriesgoing.JoinusonWednesday,May4at7:30pminFellowshipHall.SeeSherryPetersonwithanyquestions.

Fishes and Loaves Café Thursday, May 19th 11:00am – 1:00pmInterested in being a part of the wonderful ministry? There are many opportunities to help, from shopping to prepping to cooking to serving or just being in fellowship with those who need a good meal. See Sherry Peterson or Anna Mantell for more information.

Shepherd’s Shelves / Shepherd’s AngelsBridge the Gap Bags – Providing needed pantry staples to families who may need some help feeding their school-aged children when school breakfast/lunch is no longer available. The bags will be available for pick up/distribution during the week of June 27. See Sherry Peterson or Laurene Cholish for more information. Hereisalistingoftheitemsthatweneedtofillthebags:

Canned goods- Lean Meats (chicken/tuna)- Fruits- Vegetables- Hearty Soups- Beans

Dried Goods- Beans- Rice, pasta, instant potatoes- Whole grain cereals (hot and cold)- Granola Bars- Macaroni & Cheese- Tuna, Hamburger, Chicken Helper

Other- Boxed milk (i.e., Parmalat)- Pasta Sauce- Peanut Butter- Jelly- 100% fruit juice

Food donations – Did you know that we regularly donate food to three different food pantries? Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community Ecumenically Concerned Helping Others (CUMAC- ECHO) - Passaic’s largest food pantry dedicated to alleviating hunger and poverty.

FISH - Service organization of volunteers who respond with compassion to the needs of the poor, the elderly, the homeless and those who “fall between the cracks” of public assistance.

Elijah’s Promise - Using food as a tool to alleviate hunger, empower lives and invite justice for the most vulnerable membersofourCentralNewJerseycommunity.

Donations made between now and June/July will go to Elijah’s Promise.“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon” Isaiah 58:10

6 May 2016

Spring, here we come! Minnow Pond started the month by adding our new program, the KidsClub.TheKidsClubarefitnessclasseswehaveadded tofocuson thegrossmotordevelopment of our little ones. We had fun with obstacle courses, relay races, super stunts and more. We were really working hard to get ourselves in tip top shape. We also added a social group called the Lunch Bunch. Our Lunch Bunch met in Fellowship Hall so we could all sit together to enjoy lunch, conversation and bonding time. This was a lot of fun!

We also had our Chick Hatching Project while we worked on Pet Week. We learned so much from these little chicks and we were lucky enough to have some special visits from some of our staff’s pets.

In addition, we had a visit from Miss Cindy from the Piscataway Library. She came back to read us stories, sing songs and show off her puppets.

There was a lot happening this month and all of it good!

Happy Spring!

Tracey Graham, Director

YOUTH NEWS JYF = Junior Youth Fellowship, grades 6-8 YD = Young Disciples, grades 9-12

30 Hour FamineWe are thankful to all of our sponsors for the 2016 Famine. A full report will be in next month’s Newsletterbutweareproudofouryouthandtheirconcernforthoselessfortunate.

General ConferenceWe will have an opportunity on May 1 to learn more about the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which takes place in Oregon this month. See the church Facebook page for daily devotions to pray for the delegates and decisions made.

Mother’s DayWe will hold our annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale on Sunday, May 8th. All youth are asked to help sell plants after each worship service.

IGNITE 2016Registration is open and $50 is due by May 15 for Ignite 2016. United Methodist youth from grades 6-12 will gatherattheWildwoodsConventionCenterinWildwood,NJfromSeptember30throughOctober2,2016tolearnabout God’s calling on their lives and go deeper in their faith journey. Housing will be a separate charge but we need to know how many youth are attending before we can reserve accommodations. Please sign up by May 15.

Important dates to put on your calendars:May 1: General Conference Information Session 9:15amMay 8: Mother’s Day Plant SaleMay15: YouthleadPentecostworshipservices8amand10:30amMay15: YouthGroupsmeetafter10:30worshipMay21: YouthatAcme9:00am-3:00pmJune 11: Musicfest of Praise 4:00-8:00pmJune 18: Year End EventSeptember30-October2: IGNITE2016-Markyourcalendars!

May 2016 7

OCEAN GROVE FESTIVALSave the date! This year’s concert is on July 10, 2016. It is a day of fun for those of us who have participated in thepast.WelearnthesongshereinPiscatawayandthenputthefinishingtouchesonthemtheafternoonoftheconcert. We have a fun dinner and then we are part of the up-to-1000 singers that present the songs to a packed house at The Great Auditorium. On the way home, there is always a treat. Please let Lynne Stallworth know if you plan on joining us, so that we can make sure to have a set of music for you!

Call for Summer MusiciansAre you interested in singing or playing for one of the services this summer? I invite those of you that would like to sing a solo or be part of an ensemble or group to contact me. LynneCS@aol.comor(732)310-2047.

Do You Have a Favorite Hymn?

Perhaps there is a hymn that was a favorite of yours growing up or one that you just love to sing. All hymns selected for our services are related to the scripture, psalm or sermon topic. Even with that being said, I am sure that your favorite hymn will be an appropriate selection in the next coming months. Let me know and we will all be able to sing it soon! Just drop me an email at LynneCS@aol.com.

Stay tuned for presentations by our youth on Mother’s Day, as well as Pentecost.

Music Ministry Notes

Musicfest of Praise: More Than MusicThrough our fourth annual Musicfest of Praise on Saturday, June 11, from 4 to 8 p.m., we’ll serve our community by gathering and sharing food with the needy while spreading the joy of our faith through great music…and much more.

We ask concertgoers to come with lawn chairs, blankets and smiles and offer them free admission if they bring donations of nonperishable food items. We then distribute those donations to the hungry. Food donations during the 2015 concert totaled more than 2,000 pounds.

Putting themusic inMusicfestwill beRelinquish, aVirginia-basedband that will make its second Musicfest of Praise appearance, Stonecrest Worship of Stonecrest Community Church in Warren and our own praise band, Messiah’s Quest.

In addition to music, this year’s Musicfest will feature comedian, Mike Cordry, who will entertain between band performances. The event also will offer more children’s activities than in the past. Children will enjoy games, building crafts, hair braiding and face and nail painting. There also will be ministry information areas.

Snacks and beverages will be available for sale. The event will also include drawings for prizes donated by local businesses.

Be sure to come with your family and invite your friends and neighbors. We also welcome additional volunteers. To volunteer,filloutaformattheMusicfesttableinthenarthexorcontactLynneStallworth(LynneCS@aol.comor 732-271-8886).

Join our praise band, Messiah’s Quest, at the 2016 Musicfest of Praise on June 11.

8 May 2016

Do you want to help minister to Rutgers students in a new way? Do you seek meaningful relationships with young people?

Then, consider signing up to sponsor a Rutgers student for the year!

Family sponsors covenant to do the following for their students:

• Bake a dozen cookies to welcome your student to Rutgers and to CUMC. We’ll let you know when we need them, and we’ll take care of distribution.

• Host your student for a meal at least once a semester (twice a year). It can be at your own home, or at a restaurant, but students long for opportunities to get off campus and share fellowship.

• Communicate with your student at least once a month. It can be a call, a text, or an email—the important thing is to reach out and reach out consistently! It doesn’t matter if your student responds—the important thing is that you are letting them know you care about them and are thinking about and praying for them!

• Send your student a birthday card/package. We’ll give you the date, you make sure something is in the mail that expresses celebration of their special day!

Other ideas:

- Invite your student to attend an event on-campus — go see a play, or a sporting event. Better yet, find out what they’re involved in and support them by attending an event where they’re presenting/performing or by sponsoring them in an activity!

- While your student may not identify as a Christian, it’s always nice to explore the culture of others. Feel free to invite your student to worship or to church events, but don’t be too disappointed if they decline.

- Send care packages during finals or mid-term weeks.

- Be creative! There are lots of ways to share the love of Christ with others-especially if they’re international students! Students may need rides to go to the grocery store or shopping. They may want opportunities to better understand American culture — like the Super Bowl, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July.

- Also, keep in mind, ministering to your student needn’t be costly — meet your student for coffee on campus, go for a hike, or sign up to make a meal with them at the church for FISH hospitality. The goal here is to establish meaningful relationships, not to take on another form of tithe!

For more information, contact the CUMC Campus Ministry at our new(!) email address: cumc.campusministry@gmail.com

GraduatesIf you, or someone in your family, will be graduating from college this month, or will be graduating from middle schoolorhighschoolthisJune,pleasesendtheinformationintothechurchoffice(includename,school,degreeand future plans, if known). We will recognize all graduates on June19 during worship but need you to provide the information. Please do not assume we know, as we are assembling the list only from information submitted in writing. Thank you!

May 2016 9

GENERAL CONFERENCE: The Global Church GathersThe United Methodist Church’s top legislative body will meet at the Oregon Convention Center, the largest conventioncenterinthePacificNorthwest,onMay10-20,2016.

General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.WewillbegatheringonSunday,May1at9:15amintheChapeltoprovideinformation,answerquestionsandexplore the issues being voted upon. Our church Facebook page has daily devotionals to help us pray for General Conference proceedings. For more information, see http://www.umc.org/topics/general-conference-2016.

17th Annual Conference Session: May 22 - May 24, 2016Annual Conference is a yearly session for clergy and lay members to worship, learn about programs and conduct thebusinessof theUnitedMethodistChurchofGreaterNewJersey.During theAnnualConference session,members of the conference will hear reports of past and ongoing work; adopt future goals, programs and budgets; ordain clergy members as deacons and elders; and vote to endorse Episcopal candidates. All are welcome to the May22-24eventattheconventioncenterinWildwood,NewJersey.

Could You Use a Stephen MinIster?Stephen Ministers are laypeople…Christian men and women…trained to provide one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. This is our congregation’s one-to-one caregiving ministry.

Are you going through a difficult time? When was the last time someone really listened to you? We’re talking about that undistracted, full-attention kind of listening. That’s one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for others. Could you use a Stephen Minister? Talk to Beth Hart, Stephen Ministry Director; Nancy Drake, Stephen Leader or Pastor Francie for more information. Everything is confidential including inquiries. Call the Church office today!

10 May 2016

Remember our Sick & Homebound FriendsPlease keep in touch – in thought, word, and deed – with these members of our Church Family:

Anna Jajecznyk Calvin Van Talmedge

Check your Church Directory or call the Admin� Office if you need their mailing address�

Thank you from the family

The extended Howes family and I are truly grateful for the acts of kindness, prayers, and all the expressions of sympathy extended to us upon the death of my dad, Doug Howes. Your love and support even before that have been greatly appreciated.

Very Blessed - Nancy Drake

Christ UMC Mailbox

Dear Christ UMC Family.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Doug Howes on Thursday, March 31st at the age of 90. An “almost-founding” member who joined the church in 1962, Doug was our Finance Secretary for 25 years, a member of the choir even longer than that, and through the years quietly served faithfully, including as a Trustee and Lay Leader. Please keep Nancy and the extended Howes family in your prayers as they mourn his passing.

Steven Davies 05/01Taylor Huggup 05/01Kevin Mayers 05/01Becky Espar 05/02Jean Holton 05/03Janet Saving 05/03Connie Stout 05/05Jill Griffith 05/06Zola Gregory 05/07Adanna Obuba 05/07Jennie Ray 05/08Dupree Wade 05/08Natalie Hopkins 05/09Michael Otoo 05/09Nicolette Arnone 05/10Dan Conklin 05/10Artie Pinori 05/10Ruth Stevens 05/10James Bautista 05/11

Eunice Oseghale 05/11Julia Kesinger 05/12Esther Ramirez 05/13Kevin Ruoff 05/13Ashley Stallworth 05/13Gwendolyn Joe 05/14Vicki Malko 05/15Alex Kuziola 05/16Vicky Davies 05/17Carol Otte 05/17Gary Walther 05/17Bruce Drake 05/18Alexei Hazell 05/18Bob Bunting 05/20Dylan Johnson 05/20Gia Aidasani 05/21Alex Nocciolo 05/21Britten Fry 05/22Sasha Paul 05/22

Christine James 05/23Isaiah Rainey 05/23Victoria Forster 05/24Valerie Latham 05/24Arianna Otoo 05/24Adam Griffith 05/25Marlon Browne 05/26Joan Harrigan 05/26Jacob Glover 05/27Chandra Opoku 05/27Brianna Rushing 05/27Olivia Sekulich 05/28Ruth Harris 05/29Gloria May Ladia 05/29Fabian Thompson 05/29William Collins 05/30Mark Harris 05/30C�J� Hopkins 05/31

MAY BIRTHDAYS

May 2016 11

May 2016Sunday

MondayTuesday

Wednesday

ThursdayFriday

Saturday

1

Coffee Hr Hosts:

Worship 8 & 10:30; S.Sch. 9:15

General Conf. Info. Session 9:15amStaff m

tg. 12:00 pm

2

Youth Bells 6pm/Jubilee Ringers

7:30pm

Craft Group 10:00 am

(Open AA mtg) 12:15 pm

- 1:15pmMAD/FwFr 6:00 pm

3

Daisy Girl Scouts 6:00 pm - 7:00

pm

4

Yoga 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Missions mtg. 6:30 pm

Evening Praise & Prayer 7:00 pm

Trustees mtg. 8:00 pm

5 Ascension Day

Sanct. Choir reh. 7:30 pm

67

(Piscataway Street Fair) 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

UMW Rum

mage Sale 10:00 am

-3:00 pm

8 Mother's Day

Coffee Hr Hosts:

Mother's Day Plant Sale

Worship 8 & 10:30; S.Sch. 9:15

9

Youth Bells 6pm/Jubilee Ringers

7:30pm

Craft Group 10:00 am

(Open AA mtg) 12:15 pm

- 1:15pmMAD/FwFr 6:00 pm

1011Yoga 9:00 am

- 10:00 am

Evening Praise & Prayer 7:00 pm

12Sanct. Choir reh. 7:30 pm

1314Men's Fell'p @

Fontainbleu Diner8:00 am

(Camp Lenape Open House) 9:00

am - 11:00 am

15 Pentecost Sunday

Coffee Hr Hosts:

Worship 8 & 10:30; S.Sch. 9:15

Youth lead services

Youth Groups meet 12:00 pm

-1:30 pm

16Youth Bells 6pm/Jubilee Ringers

7:30pm

Craft Group 10:00 am

(Open AA mtg) 12:15 pm

- 1:15pmMAD/FwFr 6:00 pm

17Daisy Girl Scouts 6:00 pm - 7:00

pm

18Yoga 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Evening Praise & Prayer 7:00 pm

19Fishes & Loaves Cafe 11:00 am -

1:00 pm

Sanct. Choir reh. 7:30 pm

2021Youth at Acm

e 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

22 Trinity Sunday

Coffee Hr Hosts:

Peace w. Justice Sun. (sp. off.)

Worship 8 & 10:30; S.Sch. 9:15

Annual Conf. (Wildwd.) starts 9:00

amSPR mtg. 11:45 am

23Annual Conf. cont'd

Youth Bells 6pm/Jubilee Ringers

7:30pm

Craft Group 10:00 am

(Open AA mtg) 12:15 pm

- 1:15pmMAD/FwFr 6:00 pm

24Annual Conf. dismissal 1:00 pm

25(Cantabile reh.)

Yoga 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Evening Praise & Prayer 7:00 pm

26Sanct. Choir reh. 7:30 pm

2728

29Coffee Hr Hosts:

Worship 8 & 10:30; S.Sch. 9:15

30 Memorial Day

Youth Bells 6pm/Jubilee Ringers

7:30pm

Craft Group 10:00 am

(Open AA mtg) 12:15 pm

- 1:15pmMAD/FwFr 6:00 pm

31

12 May 2016

RE: CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

The IRS requires all tax deductions for charitable

contributions be supported by a written communication from the charity. If itemizing deductions & therefore you require this documentation,

we strongly recommend that you use your personal

offering envelope (or a pew offering envelope

with your name & address on it) for any cash

contributions that you may make to the church, to provide you with the

necessary documentation at year’s end.

CASH

CONTRIBUTIONS NOT PROPERLY

IDENTIFIED CANNOT BE DOCUMENTED.

Questions? Contact Rick Evers, Finance

Secretary.

Lectionary Bible Readings:

SUNDAY/DATE LESSON 1 PSALM LESSON 2 GOSPEL

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 1, 2016

Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

Seventh Sunday of Easter May 8, 2016

Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97 Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

John 17:20-26

Day of Pentecost May 15, 2016

Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21

John 14:8-17, (25-27)

Trinity Sunday / 1st Sun. after Pentecost May 22, 2016

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Psalm 8

Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15

2nd Sun. after Pentecost May 29, 2016

1 Kings 18:20-21, (22-29), 30-39

1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 or Psalm 96:1-9

Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10

PURCHASE OF GIFT CARDS PROVIDES FUNDS TO CHRIST UMC

Through the purchase of GROCERY GIFT CARDS our church made $426.75 during the month of March. We truly thank those who give to the church in this special, easy way, & hope others join in.

Year to Date Revenue and Expenses: Actual vs. Budget

May 2016 13

SEWING

For

ALTERATIONS or REPAIRS

Call Elreta Blackman

732-968-7280

V ERM O NT V A C ATI O N RE NTA L

Lakefront 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home Monthly, weekly, or 3 night weekend rentals available. Attractions include boating, fishing, swimming & hiking.

For more info call Shalini @ (908) 812-2600 or Vijay @ (201) 921-3821.

Website: www.vrbo.com Listing, #309963

(10% of proceeds donated to CUMC)

Sheenan Funeral Home

233 Dunellen Ave., Dunellen, N.J. 732-968-4227

Thomas E. Sheenan, Owner/manager NJ Lic. #2592

Evelyn M. Hartmann Attorney at Law

One Woodbridge Ctr., Suite 240 Woodbridge, NJ 07095

732-750-0050

Millie Grey Licensed Professional Counselor

New Horizons Counseling Services College & Career Planning 26 Patton Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873 Choosing a College Application Process College Essay Job Search Strategies Cover Letter & Resume Writing Interview Techniques

732-247-0346 Millieg178@aol.com

Buy Our SUPERMARKET GIFT CARDS.

Help Support Christ UMC!

CUMC receives 5%, in advance, selling you

ShopRite and Stop ‘N Shop, gift cards

Tough Times? Need someone who cares to listen?

Ask Pastor, or Beth Hart (732-968-9334) CUMCStephenLeader@verizon.net about

Stephen Ministry

Christ Caring for People

through People

BALSAMO & SON

COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR “From Basements to Roofing”

Free Estimates Fully Insured

908-256-9071

Tony

Keith Cunningham Sales Representative

Office: 732-906-8200 / Fax: 732-906-8109

Cell: 732-672-0067 kcunningham@weichert.com

Weichert Realtors® Metuchen Office

640 Middlesex Avenue Realtor ® Associate Metuchen, NJ 08840

A Nurturing Place for Kids to Grow & Learn Sponsored by Christ UMC

732-463-1517

14 May 2016

Christ United Methodist Church485 Hoes LanePiscataway, NJ 08854

Phone: 732-463-1517Fax: 732-699-1112Email: cumcoffice@verizon.netWebsite: http://www.ChristUMCpiscataway.com

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

PERMIT NO. 895

“Over 50 years: Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds”

Newsletter Staff: Lois Bjornsen, Elreta Blackman, Barbara Carroll, Nancy Drake, Becky Espar, Betty FitzGerald, Janet Forgash, Julie Griffith, Karen Griffith, Judy Hopkins, Joan Johnson-English, Sunny Merrill, Joan Reed and Edie Turi�

Don’t fo

rget

to b

uy S

uperm

arket Gift Cards and help supp

ort C

hrist UM

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Remember toShop with

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CHRIST UNITED

CHURCH

ME

TH

OD

IST

Bible Study for Busy LivesSince 1987, Disciple Bible Study has reached nearly 3 million people worldwide, introducing the grand sweep of Scripture in a 34-week format. Now Disciple Fast Track maintains the integrity and principles of the original study, but its modifications can better meet the needs of a hectic world. Participants still receive a thorough introduction

to the Bible, but in almost a third less time. Fast Track is not a replacement for the original; it is simply a practical option. Disciple Fast Track uses the same Disciple Study Manual, but the class time and course length have all been adjusted for busy lifestyles. New print and video materials, which are extremely easy to use, give participants the tools to absorb and retain what they learn in this shortened format. Main features of Disciple Fast Track: * Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks* Each group session lasts 75 minutes* Designed for Small Groups and Large Groups* 24 new weekly Illustrated Review Videos* 24 new Introductory Videos* Illustrated Review Flash Cards

If you are interested in participating in Disciple Fast Track, please sign up on the bulletin board. If you always wanted to explore the Bible more in-depth, this is your opportunity! For more information, please speak with Pastor Francie or Judy Hopkins.