The Willow Word A Publication of the Willow Glen United Methodist Church
God’s Family Growing Through Caring, Sharing and Serving
Summer Worship Schedule Begins May 31 Joint Worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Summer is a great time to connect with your friends in the “other” service and experience worship as one church family. Newcomers are often looking for a church in the summer and we want them to see your shining face when they walk in the door, so make worship attendance a priority every week that you are in town this summer.
Summer Pledges
Even if you are gone, bills need to be paid, so be sure that you make arrangements to keep current with your pledges this summer. Now is a good time to arrange to have your pledge paid automatically. Go to the church’s website at www.wgumc.org, look at the left sidebar on the homepage and click on “Give” to get instructions about online payments. If you have any questions, contact the church office.
May Day! May Day! Care Team Introduces New Program
An emergency contact information program formerly sponsored by the San Jose Fire Department of Emergency Services is being instituted at Willow Glen UMC (in a slightly altered form) under the auspices of the Care Team. Continued on Page 7, See Related Information on Page 2
Open Table Report on Sunday, May 17, at Both Services
When the Mexico Mission Team came home from Mexico in 2011, they wanted to continue “building hope” here in Silicon Valley. Specifically, they wanted to address the problem of poverty and to make a measurable dent in it. Pastor Rebecca told them about a program that she had been involved with in Marin County and they ran with the idea. They contacted the Open Table program that a United Methodist businessman got started in Phoenix, Arizona. The goal of the program is to refocus resources from poverty maintenance to poverty transformation. In the last few years, two “tables” of people have worked with two “sisters” to help them get to a more hopeful place in their lives. As these tables conclude their work, we have invited Evan Green from Almaden Hills UMC to make a report about what the volunteers did and what they learned, how they struggled and how they grew in their time on their tables. We hope that his report will encourage others to make a difference for Christ in the world.
Music Sunday on May 31 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary We kick off our summer joint worship with a grand celebration of our music ministry. On that day, our Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Praise Band and LightShine Children’s Choir will fill the sanctuary with songs of praise. Also, Summer Latimer and some members of her family will join us to sing one of their family favorites. It’s a perfect day to bring a friend to worship!
May 2015
In This Issue: Pastor’s Page General Church News Children & Family Ministries Christian Education Women’s Page All Around Willow Glen Joint Youth Ministry
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8
2 Sunday Worship 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship 9:45 – 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Time 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Christian Education/Sunday School 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Traditional Service 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Fellowship Time
Church Staff Rebecca Irelan Senior Pastor
Susan Smith Pastor of Children & Family Ministries Lisa Jacobs Director of Joint Youth Ministries Lorene Sheridan Director of Weekday Ark Ministries Robert Birnstihl Organist & Director of Music Ministries Tom Mounts Director, the Willow Glen Ringers Dee Davis Office & Facilities Manager Karen Kwon Wedding Coordinator
Pastor’s Page In an Emergency...Caring for One Another
A few years ago, when we took pictures for our church directory, we asked each family to complete an emergency information form to keep on file in the church office. Some of us did. Some of us didn’t. The forms we received are kept under lock and key in the finance office where only a few staff can access them. It may seem like a fruitless exercise, but the information from those few forms has allowed us to support our members and connect with their families in times of need. We have had the contact information for the adult children of our aging members so we can be in conversation about the need for more care, share health concerns or living concerns we have observed, or offer support during a crisis or long-term caretaking. The forms also have provided the personal and health information for members in the rare instance when we become increasingly worried about their well-being and have needed to call for a welfare check by the police. When we have discovered elderly members incapacitated in their homes, the forms have been sent to the hospital with our loved one giving family contacts, insurance and health information. Throughout the month of May, we are once again asking you to complete an emergency form for your family. In addition to keeping a copy of this form on file for members of all ages, we encourage you to place another copy in a large medicine-style bottle and place it in your refrigerator at home. We’ll even provide the plastic bottle and a corresponding magnet. If emergency personnel respond to your address, the magnet on your refrigerator will tell them where to find the bottle and the information they need to care for you. Look for the UMW and the Care Team each week after worship to pick up your emergency form, your bottle and your magnet. This “Vial of Life” could make the difference in an emergency, and the file in our office will continue to allow us to better care for one another in all the events of our lives. For me, that’s what being the church is about. Peace, Susan
General Church News
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Staff Appreciation Potluck June 7
By Luke Rankin Please join us in celebrating our outstanding staff with an appreciation potluck on Sunday, June 7, following the joint 10:00 a.m. summer service. The event will be held on the Woodhaven patio, weather permitting. Please bring a potluck dish to share. There is no way we can adequately compensate our staff for all the heart and soul that they bring to their work, but we can still express our appreciation for them. If you have ever been grateful for what these people do for God and for you, please join us on that day to say “thanks.”
Mission Possible Update, May 2015
Hello WGUMC! The Mission Possible team is back from a small break after our hugely successful Pancake Breakfast (thank you again Unger Family!). What a great all-church event that was. Plan on having pancakes with us again next year! Kitchen Remodel Update Our kitchen is looking beautiful! We are so proud of how it has turned out. The replacement pantry refrigerator is being delivered April 30. We have a few lighting fixtures to install and then this project is done. (Almost done – we are still looking for a new-but-affordable freezer.) Fellowship Hall Update Our research into sound-proofing screens is now complete. The new linen-covered screens will cost between $8,000.00 and $12,000.00. These screens are not ordered yet but are next on our “To-Do” list. Stay tuned. We are also looking into updating the sound system and getting a new projector and screen. The amazing new cross for over the stage is made and will be installed soon. God is Good! All the Time! Financial Update As of May 1, the Mission Possible finances are approximately: • $4,126.48 in Checking (with a few small bills outstanding) • $27,075.79 in Savings • $113,000.00 Debt to repay (we paid $15,000.00 towards this debt in April) Looking Ahead • Start cleaning out those closets! Our WGUMC Annual Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12. You know the drill – we are looking for clean, slightly used donations – clothes, toys, furniture, tools, books, bikes, etc. We will also be looking for MANY volunteers to make this very successful event happen for a third year. • The replacement sanctuary speaker screens are on hold temporarily until the team is sure how best to complete the project. We are hoping to have this done by June. Mission Possible Team Our team is always open to new members. If you are interested in joining the team, please let one of us know: Brian Ganz, Kyle Mastrolia, Jeff Chamberlain, Peggy Schlosser, David Freeman, and Carlos Soler.
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Children & Family Ministries Learning Honesty in Sunday School
Living honestly builds trust and helps us avoid being tangled in lies. We’re sorting it all out and developing good habits in Sunday School. Honesty is a really big deal. That’s why we’re spending the month of May talking about it in Sunday School. Honesty is choosing to be truthful in whatever we say and do.
CrossWalk
Faith and Fellowship for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders Friday, May 8 7:00-8:30pm Wesley Room and Kohlstedt Hall CrossWalk will meet on Friday, May 8, to welcome our newest members – next year’s third graders. We will introduce ourselves and get ready for another year of growing together in faith, all while having some crazy CrossWalk fun! CrossWalk is for all third, fourth and fifth graders. Bring a friend!
Since the beginning, God has been in the business of making and keeping promises. God is honest. And we’re called to reflect the image of God to the world around us. When what we say lines up with what we do, people know they can trust us. Our words have strength. Our relationships grow stronger. Our lives are built with integrity. We can show the world this reflection of God’s honesty and faithfulness. We’re building strong foundations of faith in Sunday School each week at 10:00 a.m. in the preschool building. See you there!
Moses: Wilderness Adventure Vacation Bible School 2015 June 22-26 Willow Glen UMC and St. Francis Episcopal Church invite every child between the ages of 3½ years through fifth grade to Vacation Bible School, June 22-26.
This year, we are heading into the wilderness with Moses and the Israelites - trusting God all the while! We will travel back in time and experience life in the Israelites’ camp as we explore the journey they took with Moses and all they learned about their relationship with God along the way. Throughout the week, children will enter the Old Testament world through Bible adventures, crafts and games, discovering the strength of God’s faithfulness and their own faithful response. It will be a week of adventure and fun with God and each other! Experience God’s covenant. Join us for Moses: Wilderness Escape. Registration has been extended to May 10, so register soon at vbs.wgumc.org! If you would like to volunteer at Vacation Bible School this year, please be in touch with Pastor Susan (extension 30 or
[email protected]).
Toyon Kids Camp 2015
July 6-11, Monte Toyon, Aptos, CA Our conference offers summer camps for children and youth beginning in third grade. Pastor Susan and our CrossWalk kids are planning to attend Toyon Kids Camp at Monte Toyon in Aptos, July 6-11. However, there are lots of camps available throughout the summer. Check it out at www.cnumc.org. There is nothing like camp to bring you closer to God! Consider a week of faith, friends and fun at camp this summer. Online registration is now open at cnumc.org (youth and camping). If you have questions or would like to request financial assistance, contact Pastor Susan (
[email protected]).
Christian Education
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Women’s Page
Women’s Groups
UMW Plans Picnic May 27
It will be our annual Potluck Picnic in the Wesley Room – no ants or bees, but plenty of good food and fellowship. Members, friends and guests are invited to bring a dish to share – hot dish, salad or dessert at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. Paper plates, bread and beverages will be provided.
Open to all, newcomers are welcome. Please call the contact listed below for information. Heart and Hand First Thursday 7:00 p.m., Woodhaven Susan Smith Friendship Circle Third Wednesday at Woodhaven See bulletin for time Sue Johnson
Program plans are pending – come be informed and inspired! Childcare is available if requested in advance. Please contact President Patricia Madsen.
The Global Impact of Our Choices
At the General Meeting of United Methodist Women on April 25, Betty Spencer Dickey led those present in a discussion of the global impact of our daily choices. In the relatively short time available, UMW members met in small groups to talk about the choices we make in shopping that can make big differences in the lives of others. Specifically, we discussed chocolate and clothing and learned how and where they are produced and the effects on the lives of those who produce them. It was a moment to consider what we can do to bring about change in the world, even though it may be on a very small scale. We were left with this quotation from Sydney Smith, “It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can do little – do what you can.”
See’s Candy Follow-Up
UMW Executive Board will meet Monday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room. UMW is open to all women regardless of church membership. For more information about UMW, call Patricia Madsen.
The deadline for the June Willow Word is May 25. Please send your story ideas and submissions to Leslie Chamberlain
In our discussion of chocolate (see above) we wondered if we should be selling See’s Candy as our major fund-raiser of the year. Patricia Madsen offered to contact See’s about how their products are made. The results were gratifying. The Policy Statement of See’s Candies declares that See’s is “committed to protecting the working rights and safety of the people who produce and supply products of our Company, while recognizing and respecting the cultural and legal differences found throughout the world.” Further, See’s “Prohibits human trafficking and slave labor in its operations; requires compliance with applicable laws and regulations in its operations” and “expects its direct suppliers to comply and to monitor their suppliers…” The full Policy Statement is available on-line.
Think Green!
Do you know that it takes ten times as much water to make a Styrofoam cup as it does to wash a china or ceramic cup?
Summer Plans for Mission U
Please see the UMW bulletin in the office hallway for information on schools planned this summer: a weekend event at UC Davis August 7-9; an overnight event in Sparks, Nev., July 31-August 1; and a one-day event in Salinas in August. Study topics for 2015 include: Spiritual Growth, The Pursuit of Happiness; Geographic Study, Latin America; Issue Study, The Church and People with Disabilities. Local and Conference scholarships are available, but applications must be submitted early. Please contact Ruth Granfors for additional information.
All Around Willow Glen
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In Memorium
We sorrow with the Pierson family in the untimely death of Claudia Pierson, whose memorial service was held on April 18. Our sympathy also to Karen Kwon for the recent death of her father, Cecil; and to Lois Moore for the death of her father, Lowell Fisher.
May Day! May Day! Care Team Introduces New Program
Continued from Page 1 The program consists of a water-proof container holding emergency identification, personal and medical information, and placed in the refrigerator for use by emergency medical personnel. The Care Team is suggesting that a second copy be kept under secure file in the church office for use in emergencies. The fire department is no longer providing the containers or the forms, presumably due to budget cuts. The Care Team recognizes the need for such information in each home and that some of the same information needs to be available at the church. There have been recent incidents where emergency information on file in the church office proved helpful. Using the theme of May Day! May Day! (a universal call for emergency assistance) the Care Team will soon begin distributing contact information forms to be completed for each family member at Willow Glen UMC. One copy will be securely filed in the church office; the other will go home to be inserted in a container. Although this program was originally intended for seniors or disabled persons, it has merit for all family members and the Care Team encourages participation by all. Persons concerned for older family members may obtain copies for their use as well. For more information, contact the church office or any member of the Care Team.
California-Nevada Missionary Safe in Nepal
From the California-Nevada Conference Website Missionary Katherine Parker, whose home church is Mill Valley’s Mt. Tamalpais UMC, has reported she is safe and well following the big earthquake in Nepal that is in the news. At the time of the quake, she was away from her home in Kathmandu and in Pokhara with a group from the agency with which she works, the United Mission to Nepal. Katherine reports that all those who are with her are safe and well. Parker is a commissioned United Methodist missionary who works as part of the health team of the United Mission to Nepal. Her work focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene. She is supported in her work by a significant number of churches in the California-Nevada Annual Conference. Katherine writes: Thank you for your prayers and prayers for Nepal, initially for calm level-headed responses and then for thoughtful recovery. For more information, visit www.cnumc.org/news.
An Evening in New Orleans
Thank you so much for your contributions to this year’s Joint Youth Ministry fundraiser: An Evening in New Orleans. Due to your donations, we were able to meet and exceed our target fundraising goal. We had hoped to raise $25,000 and were able to raise $33,000! This means that we are able to provide scholarships for any of our students who want to attend our upcoming summer trips, we can pay for our volunteers to join us, we can provide emergency groceries and counseling services to people in need, we can continue to put on consistent programming throughout the year, and so much more! We would not have been able to achieve this goal without you. So for your kind generosit on behalf of our Joint Youth Ministry family, we want to say: Thank you! In Christ, Lisa Jacobs and Kat Kraynick
Willow Glen United Methodist Church
1420 Newport Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 408-294-9796 wgumc.org
