Morrow News - Summer issue

CONTENTS

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From the Pastor

Our Sr. Pastors' Letters

Worship Services ...

Summer Worship

Updates ...

Your Church Council

Board of Trustees

Photo Directory

Grocery Gift Cards in Summer

Faith Formation

Parents of Teens

Children & Youth

VBS Registration Continues

Outreach

United Methodist Women

COP Picnic - we need your help

Turnover Sale

Summer VBS Volunteers Needed

Come See Willy Wonka

List of Events

Events

 

Our Sr. Pastors' Letters

Outgoing Pastor's Farewell:

I can hardly believe that it is time for us to say goodbye.  Gil and I thank you for all your love, care, support and blessings over the three years that we have been here with you at Morrow Church.  You have been and remain gifts from God. You are generous, kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. You have extended these qualities to us, our community and to the world. Your care for persons and God’s creation near at hand as well as around the globe is outstanding. Your ministry of Christ is extraordinarily generous.

It has been an honor to serve among you as your pastor. May God continue to be with you and us as we both explore new forms of ministry. You are dear and precious in God’s eyes and in our hearts.

With love,

Bobbie and Gil

Incoming Pastor's Greeting:

2 Corinthians 5:17

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”

Greetings, members and friends of Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church,

It is with great joy and excitement that Kimberly and I prepare to join your church family in ministry.

The United Methodist Church has stated our common mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Over the last four years in my work for the church’s mission agency, I have witnessed churches in the U.S., Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia at work in ways that have truly transformed lives.  It has been amazing to work with staff, missionaries, pastors, and laity who are dedicated to transformation that happens through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

One thing I am certain of… Transformation happens in community -- where people see God in the lives of others and find challenges, encouragement, and support through the people around them.  In community trust is built, love is shared, hope is nurtured and relationships are formed that allow God to work in powerful ways. This Christian transformation happens through worship, fellowship, visitation, music, dinners, Bible studies, mission trips, weddings, funerals and many other occasions that are central to the life of church community.

We are thrilled to be called to minister with you in Maplewood, where God calls us each to claim our blessedness and to bless others.

I believe that the season ahead of each of us is one that transforms lives… despair into hope, mourning into dancing, and death into resurrection.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Chris Heckert

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Summer Worship

Summer Worship Opportunities: (Note DATES & TIMES)

As of Sunday, June 20 - 10:00 AM – A lively Worship Service in the Sanctuary. Refreshment hour will be on the Baker Street lawn following 10 AM Worship.

Beginning Sunday, July 4th we add an early service at 8:15 AM – An informal service of prayer and music in Chapel Garden.  Access is through the Chapel Garden gate on Lenox Place or from the hallway by Ivy Chapel. In case of rain, services will be in the Ivy Chapel.

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Your Church Council

We were pleased that Chris Heckert (our soon-to-be pastor) was able to join us for our most recent Church Council meeting which was held on May 4.  In addition to meeting Chris, we discussed the current status of the stained glass windows in the sanctuary - if you have a few minutes, you can observe the problem for yourself just by standing in front of the windows and looking carefully.  The glass is bowed and some of the pieces look like they may not stay in place - a problem that is unlikely to improve unless we take action.  So now the question is - how do we raise the funds to fix the problem?  At the next Church Council meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 15 at 7:30 PM in the music room, the Trustees have scheduled Buddy Miller from Stewardship Consulting Services, LLC to describe how we might conduct a capital campaign.  The Trustees previously interviewed three stewardship consulting experts, and Mr. Miller is their candidate of choice for assisting us with a capital campaign. So - come to the June 15 Church Council meeting and participate in the discussion on this important matter.

In addition to the stained glass windows discussion, the Church Council discussed the following at the May 4 meeting:

• John Scherer, chair of Buildings and Grounds, reported that:
  • We will be spending some money on trees this year - one needs to come down and three need trimming.
  • He has been working on energy efficient lighting in Fellowship Hall and in one of the upstairs classrooms.  Although there is a cost to install this lighting, it is significantly more energy efficient and will be less costly in the long run.
  • A roof evaluation indicates that roof repairs will be required in the near future.  Alternatives for this project are being considered. 

Feel free to talk to John if you are interested in knowing more about any of these projects. 

• Jeanne Adams offered, as a gift to the church from the United Methodist Women, a defibrillator.  The Council voted unanimously (and gratefully) to accept the gift.  The defibrillator will be placed in a central location and staff will be trained on how to use it.
• We discussed the timing for the July, 2010 - June 2011 Morrow calendar meeting and settled on Sunday, June 13 after Bobbie's celebration brunch.  Anyone with church calendar input should attend this meeting, and provide their input to Chaille as soon as possible so she can pull together a draft calendar.

Mary Beth Scherer - Church Council Chair

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Board of Trustees

This summer a certified lead abatement contractor will be on-site to bring the Preschool areas into compliance with state standards.  The trustees are keenly aware of the heavy year-round use of our facility, and are doing our best to minimize any disruptions caused by this work. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.

The old adage "A stitch in time saves nine" can be applied to our stained glass windows. We are at a point where the windows and their frames can still be repaired. The plexiglass that is currently in place is causing premature failure of the leading, and contributing to the rotting of the wood frames. The windows already need significant repair. If left unaddressed, they will need to be completely rebuilt at much greater expense.

The trustees recommend running a capital campaign to raise the funds needed for the windows and other major repairs needed, including the kitchen floor.  Discussions about a feasibility study for a capital campaign will take place at the June 15th Church Council meeting. All are welcome to attend.

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Photo Directory

We are looking for group photos for possible submission in the "Activities" portion of our directory, reflecting any of the events, trips or projects taking place here at Morrow.  These group pictures can be submitted in hard copy form, or downloaded onto a CD in JPEG or TIFF format.  In terms of size, 5x7 or 4x6 is best.  We look forward to seeing some wonderful pictures coming in!!

Did you miss out on a photo session for the directory?  No worries!  Just submit a wallet size photo of yourself/family in an envelope with your name(s), address, and phone number to the membership box in the church office.  We'll take care of the rest. 

 

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Grocery Gift Cards in Summer

Email your request for the grocery gift cards and pick them up Tuesdays from 2 - 7 PM at the CSA produce stand in the parking lot.  If you're unable to pick them up, include it in your email to make other arrangements.

Specific supermarkets’ gift cards - (e.g., Kings, Shop Rite, Pathmark, A&P) in denominations of $50 and/or $100 to spend like cash at that store are available.  You don't pay anything extra and Morrow receives 5% of all cards sold!
 
Order requests can be sent to GrocCards@morrowmem.org by Monday for pick up the following Tuesday.  Questions can be directed to Teddy at 973-903-3069.

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Parents of Teens

 

How can I let my teen know that I love him/her when she slams the door in my face?

Parents Helping Parents discussions run on Wednesdays in July from 7:30 – 9pm.

Join parents to read The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers together and discuss ways to parent and show our kids that we love them – no matter what.

Books are available from major booksellers – grab one now and join us on July 7, 14, 21 and 28 at Morrow Church.

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VBS Registration Continues

Rainforest VBS kicks off at Morrow on August 29th (Sunday evening), and VBS runs from 9am to 12 noon on August 30 - Sept. 2.  VBS is open to kids 3 through 5th grade and registration is now open.  Complete the two forms: registration and medical, and drop them in the VBS box in the church office.

Please encourage family and friends to register early and tell everyone they know about our Rainforest VBS!

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United Methodist Women

UMW President Caroline Campbell recently attended a meeting of the Maplewood Committee for Servicemen and Women.  They send mail and packages to our servicepeople.  If you know of anyone not receiving this reminder of home, let Caroline know.

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COP Picnic - we need your help

We are blessed to have 23 youth and 8 adults attending the Christian Outreach Project this month.  Please keep them, their co-workers and their homeowners in your prayers.
 
Morrow continues its tradition of hosting the picnic at Camp Aldersgate for the entire COP camp on Wednesday, June 30th.  We will be feeding 120 very hungry workers and need donations from everyone!
 
Please let us know if you can bring any of the following to the church kitchen no later than noon on Wednesday, June 30th:
 
Soda or juice or other drink (cans preferred)
Dessert
Salad or other side
 
Keep in mind that we need to transport the food to Aldersgate, so preferably nothing that will melt on the car ride!  There is a sign-up board outside the church office -- sign up there or call Brenda to let her know.

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Turnover Sale

What is this "Miracle on Baker Street"?
Our Turnover Sale, now in its 77th year, is often called, "the Miracle on Baker Street," for it is an amazing event one has to see to believe! Our goal is to raise money for mission and charitable projects; in the process two full floors of the church are transformed into a full-fledged department store with a 40x40 tent to add even more space! As a result of our joint labors, we share a great time of camaraderie, fellowship, outreach, and fun.

Lower Level has furniture, men's clothing, sporting goods, music, records, books, electrical appliances, luggage, linens, paintings, and a Christmas Shop.

Upper Level has women's clothing, shoes, boutique & vintage clothing, jewelry, antique items, kitchen items (dishes, pot/pans, etc.), and children's clothing & baby items.

The Tent will house toys, puzzles and games - plus more furniture!!

The wonder of it all is the wide variety of items that one can find in this unique "store."

Who are these Miracle Workers?
The wonder and variety also extends to the workers, men and women, who so graciously give of their time and expertise to help at the sale. Many are not Morrow Church members, but they are most definitely Turnover Sale members, for they are faithful to their summer job year after year. We count on their help, and they, in turn, count on the sale to provide them with the fellowship of people working together for a common, good cause. Our 76 years in business have built a fine reputation and a clientele as varied as our merchandise. On opening day the waiting lines often reach to Maplewood Avenue and beyond!  Our customers come from all towns near and many towns far. Special relationships develop between sales people and those who come to buy. We may not see a customer for a year, but in July we fully expect to renew the friendship that has grown through the years. The workers are blessed by helping others and by giving shoppers the joy of buying items that they might not have found or might not be able to afford otherwise. This sale is truly a community event, as evidenced not only by the workers and customers, but also by the donations of items upon which the success of the sale is based. Community members have said that they plan their house cleaning around the Turnover Sale. While we workers sometimes roll our eyes to the sky when we see all that comes in, down deep in our hearts we are grateful to a community that so generously allows us to stock our tables.

When does this Miracle Occur?

• Opening & Closing Day: July 3 & 22, Sat. & Thurs. mornings, 9:30am - 12:30pm
• Three Tuesday evenings: July 6, 13 & 20, 7:00pm - 9:00 pm
• Additional mornings: July 8 & 17, Thurs. & Sat. 9:30am - 12:30pm

How Can You Help?
No experience necessary! If you want to sell, help with the set-up, sorting, help with childcare or closing day, please let us know, as more hands are always welcome, and many hands make light work. Remember no experience is necessary!  We need: 

• Salespersons in most of the departments.
• Department Heads - contact Mary Auth at ext. 12.
• Set-up Friday June 18, 7:00 pm. Need over 50 helpers and many with strong arms to help to transport the east side of the church to the west, and vice versa.
• Donations accepted beginning Monday, June 21 inside MacDonald Hall, parking lot level. Please sort by dept. if possible.
• Sorting help is always needed every weekday morning, beginning June 21 until the end of the sale. Evening sorting, upon request, is Mon., Wed., and Thurs. nights from 7:30 -9:00.
• Break-down on Closing Day, Thursday, July 22, 12:30 pm.
• Dumpster day - Saturday, July 24 at 9 am.  Tossing items after charities visit.

On Closing Day, July 22, the workers will be treated to a luncheon in Fellowship Hall, where we share fellowship, good food and a big sigh of relief. 

The Bottom Line
Even when the sale is over, the good work continues. Unsold items are donated to Goodwill Industries, The Methodist Home in Ocean Grove, the Burn Center in Newark, American Rescue Workers, CUMAC, PCCI, Habitat, Essex County Family Violence, and other charities too numerous to list. While the basic goal is to raise money for charitable projects, there are many other examples of grace in action. The Turnover Sale is truly a special event, for so much good comes from it! Please be part of it!

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Summer VBS Volunteers Needed

The urban churches of the Gateway North district will be working together this year on strengthening our Vacation Bible School offerings.  Morrow has had such a dynamic and exciting VBS ministry over many, many years and we hope those of you who have shared your gifts will be interested in sharing with other churches.  Below is the list of weeks and churches.  If you can help with any of them, the many task areas are listed below.  Just send an email to Rev. Ehlers (behlersATmorrowmem.org) and she can tell you about the VBS ministry and connect you with the coordinators in any area.  Thank you for sharing your gifts with our neighbors.

Wesley UMC, Belleville – June 28-July 4

July
Franklin-St. John’s UMC, Newark – The month of July
Hilton UMC, Maplewood – Week of July 5th
South Orange-Vailsburg UMC, South Orange – July 12-July 15
El Redentor UMC, Elizabeth – July 16-July 18 OR July 23-July 25
Calvary UMC, Kearny – July 19-July 23 from 6-8:00 p.m.
St. Paul-Centenary UMC, Newark – July 26-July 30

August
Bethany Browne UMC, Jersey City – August 2-August 6
Trinity UMC, Newark & Park Ave.-St. John’s UMC, East Orange – the 2nd week in August
 Newark Housing Project-Seth Boyden – August

Help Wanted!

      We will need disciples who will assist in the following areas:

1. Teaching
2. Teacher’s Assistants
3. Curriculum 
4. Music & Worship
5. Audio-Visual 
6. Missions Project Coordinator
7. Refreshments
8. Recreation
9. Transportation
10. Promotion
11. Scheduling
12. Equipment & Supplies & Facilities
          
    Rev. Brenda Ehlers

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Come See Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka Jr. Comes to Morrow
Enjoy Roald Dahl?
Come see the Musical Theatre Campers 
perform Aug. 21 & 22
Times to be announced.  Call for performances.

All performance proceeds to benefit rebuilding Haiti.

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Events

Fri., 6/18	7:00 PM	Turnover Set-Up
Sun, 6/20	10:00 AM	Summer Worship Schedule
Mon., 6/21	9:00 AM	Sorting of Turnover donations begins
Sat., 7/3	9:30 AM	Turnover Sale Opening Day
Sun., 7/4	---	Welcome Rev. Chris Heckert
Thurs. 7/22		Turnover Closing Day & Clean-up
Sat., 7/24	9:00 AM	Dumpster loading
8/16-20	9 AM-3 PM	Musical Theater Camp
8/21 & 22	TBA	Willy Wonka, Jr. Musical
8/30 - 9/2	9 AM-Noon	Vacation Bible School, Kick-off 8/29

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