poughkeepsie united methodist church the journeymessage from pastor jody greetings family and...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JODY 2 -------------------------------------------------------------UPDATE- REGARDING COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND PLANS 3 -------------------------------ANNOUNCEMENTS 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SHOP USING AMAZON SMILE NOT AMAZON 4 -------------------------------------------CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS 4 ------------------------------------------------------------THANK YOU 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------UNITED METHODIST WOMEN - HARVEST FAIR (BAZAAR) 5 -----------------------------GREEN THUMB NOT A REQUIREMENT! 6 -----------------------------------------------------CHUCKLE 6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NOTES FROM THE CHOIR ROOM 6 ------------------------------------------------------------YOUTH NEWS 7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAPPENINGS 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS 7 ---------------------------------------------------------------

OUR MEMBERS & THEIR FAMILIES 7 -----------------------------------------------------FRIENDS OF OUR CHURCH 7 ----------------------------------------------------------------MEMBERS OF OUR MILITARY 7 ------------------------------------------------------------

KIDS’ CORNER 8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE FOUR CANDLES 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------AUGUST ▪ CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10---------------------------------------------------------

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Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church The Journey

AUGUST 2020

2381 New Hackensack Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603-4260 Telephone (845) 452-2933 Newsletter E-Mail [email protected]

E-mail [email protected] Website www.pokumc.org

Jody Spiak PASTOR Louise Dalton, Karyn Millham SECRETARIES

Katherine Betz TREASURER

Polly James CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR

Stephen Siktberg ORGANIST

John Marrine YOUTH MINISTRY DIRECTOR

Diana Collello COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Vivien Simpson DIRECTOR OF HARRIET TUBMAN ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTER

Karen Schurr PUMC CUSTODIAN

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JODY

Greetings Family and Friends of PUMC,

I love it when the message of scripture and the teachings of science so clearly agree. Both the Bible and medical professionals concur that laughter is good medicine for the soul, and as it turns out, for the body. We all know that feeling we have after a good laugh and can feel the change which has taken place within us. Sometimes we forget in the seeming seriousness of our circumstances that laughter can be an appropriate, helpful, and even productive practice.

The Mayo Clinic’s website lists as the benefits of laughing that it: “enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” Beyond these immediate effects it also has the long term benefit of, “improving your immune system, relieving pain, increasing personal satisfaction, and improving your mood.” Laughing is not just due to a fleeting funny moment, it can be the cause of a lasting joy within us. It can comfort and calm us in trying times. It can have a healing affect amidst the world’s many wounds. This sounds like some good medicine for all of us ... that is available at no cost: there is no doctor’s appointment needed and you don’t need insurance to cover the expense.

Looking back at recent newsletter articles and updates I’ve written to the congregation they have almost all had a serious and heavy tone. I’ve tried to lighten them with humor here and there, but what I have not done is explicitly encourage you to laugh. Not until now! While there is a time and place for everything, including being serious, Ecclesiastes reminds us there is also a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4). I’ve been asking people to, “breathe deep,” for months now as we navigate these uncertain times. As noted above, one great way to, “breathe deep,” is through laughter.

Today I offer a pastoral prescription for a regular regimen of good laughter. Little laughs that start with your smile and work their way down to your toes or deep laughs that bubble up from inside your belly are all welcome. Find something that makes you laugh, chuckle, chortle, snort, giggle, snicker, hackle, howl, or roar. Avoid mean spirited humor that is offered at another’s expense or masks negativity and bitterness behind a smile. Focus instead on the kind of humor that tickles your soul in caring and nurturing ways. With each wave of laughter allow yourself to be filled. Feel the change taking place in you. This call to joy is not a means of escaping the hard realities we are living in, but meant to equip us for the road ahead. There should be joy in this journey, even when it is hard.

I imagine you might welcome some ideas? Garrison Keeler has some funny thoughts on church people if you want to listen to his recordings about the fictional town of Lake Wobegon. Do a web search on bulletin bloopers to see some of the unbelievable and ridiculous things churches have printed in their bulletins. Learn a joke to share, rewrite a favorite song as a parody, or take a silly picture with someone you love. Watch a video or listen to a recording of other people laughing (especially babies) and decide whether laughter really is contagious ... in a good way. May a little laughter today, rooting you more deeply in the abiding joy of the Lord, make whatever comes tomorrow more manageable and achievable.

Blessings on the Road Ahead, Reverend Jody Spiak ______

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One final thought: Do you know who the greatest comedian in the Bible was? It was Samson ... he brought the entire house down.

“A joyful heart is good medicine.” — Proverbs 17:22a

UPDATE- REGARDING COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND PLANS Thanks to the excellent efforts of our Re-convening Team we have officially been certified to hold public worship service gatherings. On Sunday we will hold in-person worship at 8:30am, to be followed by our live streamed service at 10am. Please make note of the following important information regarding our public gatherings, and see our church website for more detailed information:

• Persons who are vulnerable to the Coronavirus, due either to age or other health risk factors, should not attend public worship services at this time.

• Each week there will be a shorter Sunday in person worship service at 8:30am, and our 10am live streamed service will continue.

• There will be no congregational singing during any public worship gatherings (we will still have music during our live streamed services). We will have occasional soloists or other special music.

• We have limited seating based on distancing requirements and not to exceed 33% of Total capacity. ReConvening Team members have volunteered to allow other attendees first chance at seating. Anyone beyond our maximum capacity will be encouraged to watch the live stream from home.

• Attendees will be led to seating and dismissed by ushers so that physical distancing requirements are observed.

• Attendance and contact information will be taken for each public worship service. • Masks are required for all attendees and hand sanitizer will be available. • All spaces used will undergo a disinfection process after each public gathering

Please keep your eyes open for additional updates.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ◻We will hold worship outdoors in the church parking lot on August 23rd. ◻ Prayers for our Prayer Team can be submitted here: PRAYER REQUESTS ◻ Our Dismantling Racism Team has begun meeting and discussing plans and projects our

congregation can participate in to promote racial and social justice in our community and world. We will be making announcements soon on ways you can get involved in this holy and healing work.

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https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRWN0TE15BiKEfFCb6bjXpCS7O99qS_T-3XbLq9s7FIov-Cg/viewform

ANNOUNCEMENTS (CONTINUED)

◻ Discipleship - Continuing to Grow We are learning new ways of growing together as disciples. Below are some ways PUMC is offering opportunities for all ages to keep learning the important lessons of faith.

■ Children - Check out the exciting online Sunday School program for our kiddos here.

■ Youth - John Marrine has set up weekly ZOOM gatherings for youth, a Bible Study, a system for checking in, and they are continuing to plan ahead for when they can gather back together.

■ Confirmation Class - Confirmation classes have resumed in person August 9 at 12pm in the Fellowship Hall.

■ Pastor’s Bible Study - We are currently working through the Book of Mark. Classes meet weekly, Thursdays at 11am on ZOOM - https://zoom.us/j/529250349, or call in at (929)205-6099, meeting number 529250349 (there will be no Bible Study on August 27 or September 3)

■ Wednesday Prayer Group - Wednesday’s at 7:30am on ZOOM, https://zoom.us/j/724532728, or call (929)205-6099, meeting number 724532728.

■ Art & the Bible Class - Available anytime online: riverflow.com/adultstudies ■ Selah with the Spirit Daily Meditation (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE) - This is available

daily, Monday - Saturday, 12:30-1pm on ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81921999394 , or call in at (646)558-8656, meeting number 81921999394.

SHOP USING AMAZON SMILE NOT AMAZON

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Church leaders are continuing to meet via Zoom. Some highlights of the July Council meeting were:

• The Reconvening Plan was well received, and after requested revisions it is hoped that the church will soon receive Conference certification to reconvene within the building.

• A special Charge Conference is currently planned for July 11 to discuss the minimum price for the Slate Hill parsonage and the election of 3 Trustees who were formerly in the Wappingers Falls United Methodist Church.

• A team has been established to help us move forward in developing practical steps to support social justice and community engagement.

• With current donations and grants from the Paycheck Protection Program and Fidelity Fund, the church is currently in a reasonably good financial position.

• Kathy Betz was approved as the new church treasurer. • Missions have continued their outreach, with an outpouring of support for Dutchess

Outreach and Love, Inc. • A Council meeting will be held in August since things are changing so rapidly. • Information on all of our programs and activities is available on the church website at

www.pokumc.org.

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When you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice (e.g., Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church). Note that every item available for purchase on amazon.com is also available on smile.amazon.com at the same price.

https://zoom.us/j/529250349




http://riverflow.com/adultstudies

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81921999394

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81921999394

THANK YOU … to all who have donated needed supplies to Mid-Hudson Love INC in the month of June. This helps to keep our pantries stock. Love INC, as well as our many neighbors who benefit from your generosity, thank you for your support!

John Marrine

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN - HARVEST FAIR (BAZAAR)

[Geri Hoernes] Yes, we are planning a 2020 Harvest Fair (Bazaar) this Fall! Saturday, October 17th, 10am - 3pm

All our plans are contingent on COVID-19 and how the fall schedule develops. We are making adjustments to our Fair. We will hopefully still have our bake booth, jewelry, “made with love” area, gift baskets (see below) and a simple luncheon. Our September Journey will bring additional details. Meanwhile please support Sandy Pullinger's basket area.

Our gift basket room will be in full swing during our Harvest Bazaar. We usually have 50 baskets ready for our customers to purchase. Summer is a great time to get a head start on your fabulous creation. Here are some of the most popular basket themes . . .

Have fun “basketing”, and we’ll be ready to welcome our guests to our amazing gift boutique.If our Harvest Bazaar is postponed TAKE HEART! You’ll have a beautiful gift basket ready for a friend or family member.

A Spot of Tea or Coffee Chocolate Celebration Gourmet Delight Here Comes Baby [Boy or Girl] One Stop Gift Wrap Shop Gizmos & Gadgets Fido or Fluffy 4th of July Santa Claus Halloween

Thanksgiving Paint & Paste Auto Detail Shutterbug Warm & Cozy Date Night Music Lovers Game Night Movie Night w/Popcorn Italian Dinner

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GREEN THUMB NOT A REQUIREMENT!

Volunteers are needed to help maintain and beautify our church grounds. During this time of social distancing the garden group will not be having an organized work day. We will instead be asking for volunteers to adopt an area around the church to weed, trim and maintain at a time that is most convenient for each volunteer. If you and maybe your family would be interested in choosing a section of the church property to lovingly oversee, please, contact Carla Vinson.

CHUCKLE

NOTES FROM THE CHOIR ROOM Which note are you? And did you know that dots can be added and more flags and beams? And what does all this trivia have to do with our choir room? (Perhaps I should have added all the different kinds of rests because - well you know the answer to that!) Then there is my favorite tiny note - a grace note, a note that is sung or played just before a beat or pulse. It’s like God’s Grace... it’s there, but we don’t always hear it because we are not listening carefully and the sound is fleeting. BUT IT’S THERE - JUST AS GOD’S GRACE IS THERE FOR US!

“Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe!” UMC Hymnal, Julia Johnston, 1911 (Romans 5:20) We who will return to the choir room, sing of God’s Grace and pray all will know of that Grace. Next month . . . the oft ignored REST!

Always In Christ’s Service, Polly James ____________

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YOUTH NEWS [ John Marrine - Youth Ministry Director ]

HAPPENINGS The Youth Group continues to find ways to meet both remotely and in-person during the pandemic restrictions. The recent increase in the small group gathering number that can meet in-person has allowed us to plan for some summer activities which are posted below. We have also completed a draft of a PUMC Youth Ministry COVID-19 Reconvening Plan - Fall 2020 for when the Youth Group kicks off regular activities in September. Any future plans will adhere to our finalized Reconvening Plan and will always have the safety of our youth and leaders at the forefront. It has been awhile since we have been able to meet in-person so it will be good to see the youth at these events (families are always welcomed as well). See you there!

Blessings, John Marrine _____

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

OUR MEMBERS & THEIR FAMILIES Cuthbert Allen, Steve Allen, Barbara Bates, Gladys Bierce, Catherine Carroll,, Jeff Chandler, Bill Close Sr., Janet Cole, Dylan Coughlin, Sandra DeGuzman, Irene Feller, Bryan Foy, Emily Griess, Veronica Gordon, Pat Hughes, Jane Jackson, Dana Jones, Danny Jones, Betty Longobardi, Sue Lynch, Marge Michaloski, Bea Northway, Joyce Pendell, Karla Quinlan, Julia Rock, Gloria Sherban, Diana Silverman, Pat Southard, Lu Stuart, Ed Terpstra, Lauren Varuzzo, Harold Veeder, Kerianne Wendover, Marilyn Zier.

FRIENDS OF OUR CHURCH DDavid Andujar, Anthony Box Jr. Jay Bacchiochi, Donald Brooks, Fr. Michael Cambi, Maurice Collem, Gina Dellosso, Judy Ebling, Jordan Fidler, Peter Huff, Jason, Dottie Kranz, Mary Lorefice, Adonis Marzan, Hilary McAllister, Melissa, Frank Minnetto, Joan Phelps, Charlie Pike, David Polivka, Patricia Schmidt, Shayna, Sue Rock, Helen Sypek, Skip Sypek, Ronald Tomaso, Jackie Triguero, Jeffery Wendover Jr., Wesley and Carmen, Clifford Zier. Also all those impacted by the Coronavirus.

MEMBERS OF OUR MILITARY Both the active and/or retired: Airman Alexander Cymbar, Sheppard AFB Wichita Falls, Texas; Joshua Lord, 1-69 Infantry Medical Platoon Sergeant, NYC; Randal Middleton, Naples, Italy Naval Base; Capt. Jason Oliver, Ft. Dix.

August 6 (Thursday)

7pm-8:30pm Game Night (Zoom) We'll plan to play several games on Zoom. Zoom details will be sent out closer to the event.

August 21 (Friday)

7pm-8:30pm Mini-Golf Drop off and pick up at the Overlook Golf & Recreation Center to play mini-golf and then walk down to the Mapleview Cafe ice cream shop.

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IF YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE OR FRIEND WHOSE NAME YOU WOULD LIKE INCLUDED, CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE.

KIDS’ CORNER

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THE FOUR CANDLES

The ambiance was so soft, one could almost hear them talking …

The first candle said: “I am Peace! The world full of anger and fighting. Nobody can keep me lit.”

Then the flame of Peace went out completely.

The second candle said: ”I am Faith!” I am no longer indispensable. It doesn’t make sense that I stay lit another moment.”

Just then a breeze softly blew Faith’s flame out,

Sadly the third candle began to speak: "I am Love!"People don't understand my importance so they simply put me aside. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."

And waiting no longer Love’s flame wont out.

Suddenly … a child entered the room and saw the three unlit candles.

"Why aren't you burning? You’re supposed to stay lit till the end."

Saying this, the child began to cry.

Then the fourth candle answered: "Don't be afraid, I am Hope!” While I am still burning we can re-light the other candles"

With shining eyes the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other candles.

The greatest of these is Love … but the flame of Hope should never go out of your life! With hope each of us can live with Peace, Faith and Love.

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by Aino Makoto

AUGUST ▪︎ CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ALL MEETINGS VIA UNLESS NOTED, ART & THE BIBLE CLASS [AVAILABLE ANYTIME ONLINE]

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Wednesday, August 12, 2020

JOURNEY DEADLINE 12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation 7:30pm SPRC 7:30pm Prayer Group

Thursday, August 13, 2020

11:00am Pastor’s Bible Study 12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation

Friday, August 14, 2020

12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation

Saturday, August 15, 2020


Sunday, August 16, 2020

8:30am In-Person Service 10:00am Online Streaming Service (ZOOM & YOUTUBE)

Monday, August 17, 2020


Tuesday, August 18, 2020



12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation 7:00pm Evangelism & Church Growth 7:00pm Finance 7:30pm Prayer Group




8:30am Collate Journey (FELLOWSHIP HALL) 12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation










12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation 7:00pm Church Council 7:30pm Prayer Group








8:30am In-Person Service 10:00am Online Streaming Service (ZOOM & YOUTUBE) 12:00pm Confirmation Class (FELLOWSHIP HALL)








8:30am In-Person Service (CHURCH’S PARKING LOT) 10:00am Online Streaming Service (ZOOM & YOUTUBE)






12:30pm Selah w/ Spirit Meditation 7:00pm Trustees 7:30pm Prayer Group











poughkeepsie united methodist church the journeymessage from pastor jody greetings family and...

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