April Beacon
Description: SUMC happenings in April 2017

The beacon

Sebastian United Methodist Church
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

May 2017

My Dear Sisters and Brothers --- Resurrection People!
We’re deep into Eastertide and evidences of resurrection continue to create joy, ease pain, fill lonely spaces in the lives of friends, and extend the love of Christ to countless persons in retirement centers, after-school kids programs, school classrooms and across our community.
But as we know, for “Resurrection People” all is not sweetness and light. We, too, along with our sisters and brothers across history and creation, are linked not only by the joy that is so deeply embedded in our hearts and symbolized by Easter lilies and empty crosses, but also by the individual and the collective pain and human-inflicted suffering we share in common with others as sister and brother human beings on this planet.
This week, the week following the ending of the Jewish observance of Passover and the Christian celebration of Easter, I pause in my daily schedule of hospital visits, worship planning, sermon preparation, and general “busy-ness” to honor and remember more than Six Million Jews among the Twelve Million Souls who perished during the Holocaust of mid-20th Century Europe, destruction inflicted upon humanity by Adolph Hitler’s Nazi regime of fear, hate, and unprecedented systematic violence.
While the First Century Herodian murder of infants remains indelibly part of our own “religious memory,” the technologies of genocide have been part of the human arsenal of war for centuries. In the centuries since, humanity has developed far greater efficiencies for killing, technologies of mass destruction and murder … each and all contrary to the affirmations we as Disciples of Jesus Christ repeatedly but often passively affirm.
Hitler’s “Final Solution” required the intellectual dismissal of human value before any significant popular critique or effective political resistance could materialize. Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoller witnessed the systematic demonization of minorities across Europe, counting himself as one who stood silent by. His words echo today as we remember the countless millions who have died during our own brief histories in this and the last century and as we recon with political forces in our own day who dehumanize before destroying and who depend upon human differences of race, religion, social status, and/or political philosophy to divide us:
“First they came for the socialists,
and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me,
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
In this “Season of Resurrection” it is imperative that we who claim the mantle of Christian Discipleship, rediscover our voices and speak out for those whom Jesus himself identified in words reported in Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 25: “When you did it for/to the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”
May our worship, our praise, our prayers, and our speech be reified in our behaviors and actions as we “speak out” and act on behalf of “the least” among us today.
Remember! We worship Sunday at 10 AM and dine next Friday, May 5, at the First Fresh Fish Fry! Join us in peace and joy! God’s Blessings be yours.
In His Service,
Will

Just a Note From Megan Mash

And he walks with me,
and he talks with me,
and he tells me I am his own;
and the joy we share as we tarry there,
none other has ever known.
The Gospel of John gives us a glimpse of the early morning experience of Mary Magdalene following Jesus’ resurrection. This account in the twentieth chapter is one that is often read at Easter. This text was a favorite of hymn writer C. Austin Miles. He notes that it is one that he would read often. The constant reading of this passage led Miles to write the beloved hymn “In the Garden.” Miles writes this about the hymn’s origin:
One day in March, 1912…I drew my Bible toward me; it opened at my favorite chapter, John 20…That meeting of Jesus and Mary Magdalene had lost none of its power to charm. As I read it that day, I seemed to be part of the scene. I became a silent witness to that dramatic moment in Mary’s life, when she knelt before her Lord, and cried, “Rabboni!” …Under the inspiration of this vision I wrote as quickly as the words could be formed the poem exactly as it has since appeared.
Miles does not simply set the scripture text but expands upon and interprets it. This scripture passage, not unlike others, has the possibility of only telling us the essential facts of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus in the garden. Prior to this event Mary Magdalene finds herself full of grief. Not only has Jesus been crucified but she has now found the tomb empty and wants to know where Jesus has been taken. Once her eyes are opened to know it is Jesus who stands before her I can only imagine what she would have said to him. It is likely there is an interaction not recorded in the gospel. Miles provides us with an idea of what that could have been like in the refrain. Jesus probably walked and talked with Mary and reassured her that everything was alright. The final stanza of the hymn tells about the end of their encounter:
I’d stay in the garden with him
though the night around me be falling,
but he bids me go;
thru the voice of woe
his voice to me is calling.
Jesus tells Mary Magdalene to go and tell the disciples about what she has seen and that he is alive! And not to worry because the story is not over yet and he will eventually ascend into heaven. The United Methodist Hymnal, our current hymnal, is the first Methodist hymnal this hymn was published in and was the most requested hymn to be included. This speaks to our desire to have a person encounter with Jesus like Mary Magdalene did. We want to know Jesus is close. As we experience Jesus is settings of quiet and solitude it is important to remember his final words to Mary Magdalene in the garden. “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17) Go and tell the world that Jesus is alive in our world today and walks with us and talks with us and reminds us that we are indeed his own.

Next Meeting is the Spring Luncheon
May 19, 2017
Check Sunday Bulletin for
Luncheon Restaurant and time.

Next Meeting
Saturday, May 13 at 8 am
Fellowship Hall

The Tuesday morning bible study group has experienced a great season of study.
Our class ran from September 2016 until June 2017. We had a group of between 10 and 15 people throughout the season. We accomplished the completion of 5 studies by Adam Hamilton lasting from 6-8 weeks each. We started the studies with “The Acts”. Then continued with the Hamilton studies of “Revival”; “The Call”; “John”; “The Journey”; and the “The Way”.
We are now completing the study of “Psalms” from the Disciple Bible study series. Which will finish in June. Making a total of 7 completed and inspiring studies.
So, to say the least we have had an inspiring and fruitful season. We had Bob and Theresa Cary who came in for the winter all the way from the great state of New Hampshire. Also, Enid Wible and Barbara Danner from the north lands also came to participate with us. We are hopeful they will return next season and perhaps even more of the folks from the great land up north. It was inspiring to have them here to study with us. It is a joy to participate with such a group of dedicated Christians.
The group also contributed to the work of the church by making contributions to the battered women charity of Indian River county. They also contributed financially to the “Welcome Table” and some worked in the endeavor as they were able, headed by Donna Oborne who was also in attendance.
We are hoping for a great turn out again next session. We will announce when we begin the fall series of study.
We wish peace and love for all,
Bill and Lynda Chapman

No Host May Fellowship Potluck
Beverages provided
Bring Dish to pass
Fellowship Hall
6 PM

DISCRETIONARY FUND (Grace In Action) May 7, 2017
We traditionally take a special collection for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (Grace in Action) on the first Sunday of the month. We are trying to help as many individuals as possible, so if you are able to make a donation, please put it in a pew envelope or your envelope and mark for Discretionary Fund. You can also give online www.sebastionumc.com

The Welcome Table is in need of Food Donations & Workers
Our May 26th dinner, being served at Grace’s Landing and By The River, will be a Salad Plate Trio of Tuna, Chicken & Ham Salad plus Dessert.
Once again the sign-up sheet is in the Narthex prior to service & on the Hospitality Table during Fellowship. Please donate however you may be called. All donations must be brought to the Fellowship Hall by Sunday May 21st marked with your name & “Welcome Table”.
Please also indicate on the bottom of the donation sheet if you would like to cook or work the dinners. We need 5 cooks & 8 to 10 dinner workers
God Bless & many thanks for your continued support of this mission

CPR/AED training course on May 6, 2017 in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30 AM for those interested in taking this course. The fee is only $15. This class is not for certification.
Sign up with me either at
nancy@teamfoxy.com or by phone
Cell 772 713-4853
Thank you and God Bless,
Nancy Fox

Thank you… thank you,…thank you…
I want to thank my church family for the love and support
that I received following my fall. All the phone calls, cards,
meals and to just come by and visit with me.
It has been a long process, but I am on the mend and anxious
to see you all again.
I also thank you for all of your prayers. God is good!!!
Blessings,
Mary Lou Rothfuss

Happy Birthday May
Muriel Douglas May 4
Chuck Benjamin May 5
Norva Green May 8
Sherry Hunter May 11
Alan Hulse May 12
Harold Banta May 28
Carol Pheneger May 28

Note:
AED machine is located in the Fellowship Hall Kitchen, just inside door on the wall.

Happy Anniversary
Ed & Janice Ertel May 2, 1952
Brad & Janice Marx May 2, 1964
Ed & Yvonne Oleksy May 2, 1992
Harold & Pat Banta May 7, 1961
Lee & Marlene Kalsch May 9, 1961
Ron & Barbara Farrington May 30, 1998

Music Camp Registration Now Open $35 For the entire Week!
sumcmusiccampjune2017.eventbrite.com
sumcmusiccampaugust2017.eventbrite.com

Music Camp T-Shirt Order Form
Order forms are due by May 21. Return to Megan or the church office.
Cost is $20 per shirt. Please submit payment with form.
Name:_______________________________________________Telephone: _________________________________________

Each T-Shirt Purchased covers the cost of a camper’s t-shirt

June T-Shirt

August T-Shirt

Size	Small	Medium	Large	X-Large	2XL	3XL	4XL	Total
June
August
Cost

Take Out Available

First Friday Fish Fry
Sebastian United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
May 5, 2017
$7
SUMC Methodist Men will be hosting a
First Friday Fish Fry Fundraiser
every month.
Join us for fresh fried fish!
First Fish out of the Fryer at Five (5 pm)
5 pm to 7 pm or until fish is gone!
Come Early!

First Friday

Menu
Fish Basket with Hush Puppies, Slaw $7
Can Soda $1
Side Bake Beans $1
Fish Basket to Go $7.50

Missions

What is our Mission?
Are we His disciples?
Do others see Him through us?
Are our words His words & our actions His actions?
Those questions can be really overwhelming. That is quite a responsibility. Many thoughts come to mind when I ponder them. Sometimes, I must confess, I try not to ponder them. Maybe then they will just go away & not nag at the back of my mind. I realize I can’t just skate by letting life happen & reacting on a whim. I believe I have to be intentional if I really want to get it right. But sometimes, life just gets in the way!!
I am busy, I volunteer for various church functions, I do behind the scene stuff for committees. I answer the call to help when someone from my church asks for help. I bet that sounds like most of us. So check mark! I’m doing it, YES!! OK so then why is that voice still nagging at the back of my mind?
I think I know what it is, but I’m not sure that I can give myself that checkmark every day with this one. Attitude. It is not always easy to have a loving attitude. I seriously try, I think we all intend to, but boy sometimes it is hard, really hard. I know a few people who can get me to the point of fighting with myself to have & display that loving attitude. Sometimes I lose the fight. So I am realizing I have to allow Jesus to be a part of it all.
In conversing with others I believe we are praying & having quiet time with God. That is how I think we are fed and prepped for discipleship. With that we join & volunteer & work & help. All wonderful things that positively impact our church & our community, maybe even our world. But what about the Attitude? Do we have a Jesus attitude as we go about our business without intentionally working at it? I’m thinking yes, sometimes; but then again sometimes not.
Like that guy in line who takes way too long to get his money out, the woman who pulled into the parking space I was waiting for, the person who commits to doing something then forgets, someone who is rude or talks harshly to me, the adult child who doesn’t always behave like an adult. All these people get in the way of me trying to have a loving attitude. I am betting in those moments it might not be His words or actions that come shining through.
I think of Christ’s words on the cross “Father forgive them, they know not what they do” Wow! If under those circumstances Jesus could have a loving heart. How must it hurt him when I treat one of His without a loving heart? Don’t I owe Him more than that? Besides being his intentional disciples I think being intentional about acting with a loving heart was what he taught by his many examples.
Maybe that is why there is a nagging thought in the back of my mind? Maybe, just maybe, our daily, mundane interactions need as much intentionalism as volunteering & working and helping??
Blessings Peace & Joy
Donna Oborne
Mission Chair

Donna Oborne, Chairman

John Wesley’s Approach to Mission

Jeff Hiatt, M.Th, D.Miss.
Click on the John Wesley’s Approach to Missions to read article

John 15:16
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

2017 FLORIDA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
June 8-10, 2017

May 2017

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	1 / 4 pm Ecumenical Council LCR / 7 pm SPR CO	2 / 10 am Aphasia FH / 4:30 pm Kids Choir / 7 pm Welcome Table CO / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	3 / 6 pm Brownies CCR / 7 pm Handbells S	4 / 9:30 am SG / 7 pm Choir / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	5 / First Friday Fish Fry 5-7pm / Fellowship Hall	6
7 / 10 am Worship / 11 am after worship fellowship FH	8 / 5 pm Kids Chime / 6 pm Worship CO / 6 pm NAMI SGR / 7 pm Trustee CO	9 / 9:30 am Stroke of Hope FH / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	10 / 7 pm Handbells S	11 / 7 pm Choir (last Choir until Fall) / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	12 / Brownies / 6 pm CCR	13 / UMM 8 am FH
14 / 8:45 Children’s Sunday School / 10 am Worship / 11 am after worship fellowship FH	15 / 5:00 pm Kids Chime S / 5:45 StewardshipCO / 7 pm Finance Committee FH	16 / 10 am Aphasia Group FH / 4:30 pm Kids Choir / FH / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	17 / 6 pm Potluck FH / 6 pm Brownies CCR / 7 pm Handbells S	18 / 3 pm Task Force CO / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	19 / UMW / Luncheon	20
21 / 10 am Worship / 11 am after worship fellowship FH / Music Camp / Tshirt order due	22 / 6 pm NAMI SGR / 6 pm Worship CO / 7 pm MC meeting / CO	23 / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	24 / No Handbells	25 / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	26 / Brownies 6pm CCR	27
28 / 10 am Worship / 11 am after worship fellowship FH	29	30 / 7:30 pm Alanon / LCR	31 / 7 pm Handbells S	June 1 / All volunteer music camp meeting in the fellowship hall / 7 PM	June 2 / First Friday fish fry / Fellowship hall / 5– 7 pm

Weekly

Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
10 am Bible Study LCR / 6:30 AA / 7:30 Alanon LCR	10 am Bible Study FH / 6:30 pm ACA SGR	7:30 Alanon LCR

BS—Bible Study FH– Fellowship Hall
LCR– Large Class Room MC—Music Camp Meeting
CCR—Children Class Room CO—Church Office
SGR—Small Group Room S—Sanctuary

Sebastian United Methodist Church
1029 Main Street
Sebastian FL 32958
Office (772) 589-5230
Pastor’s cell phone (386) 209-8073
Thrift Shop (772) 388-0405
E-mail: sebastianumc@bellsouth.net
Website: www.sebastianumc.com
Like us on Facebook!

Group Room Use Schedule for the Summer
If your group uses one of the classrooms, fellowship hall , etc.
Your group will have to find another place to meet during these weeks this summer.
June 19-24 Music Camp 1
July 10-14 Science Camp
July 31-August 5 Music Camp 2

Roseland
United Methodist Church
Loaf & Ladle Dinner
ASH WEDNESDAY
March 1st 6pm Donation
Corn Beef and Cabbage Dinner
Friday March 17th
St. Patrick’s Day
5-7pm $12

Most Needed Food Pantry Items NOW—Peanut Butter and Jelly

Finance Committee Report
Kathy Messersmith
Finance ChairmLan

Florida Conference Women’s Retreats 2017
The Women’s Retreats are designed to provide women a time to intentionally come away from the responsibilities of their home, children, families, and jobs; to set their feet on holy ground; and to meet Jesus Christ face to face. Come and join us at one of our three weekends held annually at the Life Enrichment Center on the shores of beautiful Lake Griffin in Fruitland Park, Florida. Every weekend offers a time for Bible study, enrichment and craft sessions, music, fun, fellowship and food! Spend the weekend in a way that is meaningful to you – bring a friend, bring a group of friends or come and make new friends.
Click this link for more information or go to: http://www.flumc.org/floridaconferencewomensretreats
The Retreats for United Methodist Women groups are in the fall

Websites Methodists should know and use
www.Sebastianumc.com
http://floridaconferenceconnection.info
http://www.flumc2.org/
http://www.umc.org
http://www.gcumm.org/ (UM Men)
http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/

sumc staff
Dr. William M. Finnin, Jr. Th. D. Pastor
Megan Mash, MSM Music Minister
Sharon Johnson Office Manager
Kevin Snyder Treasurer
Colin MacNeil Media Support
Richard Schumacher Custodian

UMM
The UMM are still meeting on the second Saturday of every month. However, the 11th of March is the final training for Certification of new Lay Speakers at Sebastian U.M.C. Because of this Colin McNeal and Bill Oborne will not be in attendance at the UMM. They will be in Melbourne for the training. Colin as the Trainer and Bill as a Trainee. In other news our UMM have agreed to host the "Pot Luck" in July. They are planning a B-B-Q and it may not be on July 19th but details will follow in time to make your plans.
On Wed, Feb 22, 2017 at 3:49 PM, Bill Oborne <obiejuan@gmail.com> wrote:
AdMin Council
AdMin Council has started a new year with a new Chair person. Bill Oborne has accepted the position and hosted his first meeting on Feb. 21st. There was much discussion as to how to bring more people to Christ and to our church. Ann McCullah presented a mission opportunity she found with the need to better feed some of the high schoolers who need more nourishment than they presently have. And Donna Oborne spoke about a seminar she and others from the church attended less than a week ago. This was hosted by the diocese and presented to many local churches. Both opportunities sound exciting and worth the effort. The two ladies are forming an idea to make their presentations at a luncheon to be held in the fellowship hall. Details to follow as they become available.
(Check spelling on Ann's name please. And changes as you see fit.)

Salty Service Reminder
The past 3 Sundays we have had about 5 or 6 Salty Service cards placed in the collection plates. However the numbers of hours are not marked on the line corresponding to the type of service. I want to expand the collecting of this information for the summer. I will keep collecting the cards & report to you all by the last Sunday in August. This could be a great way to see the percentage of time, we as a congregation, are responding to God’s call.
Remember….
A salty servant is someone who joins Jesus in service to persons outside their congregation. A Salty Servant ministers for at least one hour. Admittedly, it is an arbitrary time period. The point is that being a Salty Servant involves more of an investment of our time than just smiling nicely at a stranger.
Please provide the hours you have spent in a week in one of these four ways:
Alleviating the suffering of others
Justice ministry addressing systems that cause suffering
Earth-care as a steward of God’s creation
Relationship building to ease the emotional or spiritual needs of rovide the strength & courage you