Opportunities in the Life of the Church
of the Nativity
(To
obtain a list of the month's events and the monthly calendar,
click on the link to Our
Community and
then choose Monthly
Newsletter.)
Week of March 7, 2010 – March 13, 2010 at a Glance
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Soup for the Soul at Kenmore United Methodist Church
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Radio Association of Western New York
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Yoga – Bodyshaping by Sandy
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Wednesday Evening Soul Feast Supper
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Wednesday Evening Soul Feast Meditation
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Zumba – Bodyshaping by Sandy
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Outreach Committee Meeting
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Northtown’s Clergy Meeting
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First Class Nursery School Fun Fridays
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New York Scholl of Ministry
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The flowers for today’s service are given by Linda Heffley in loving memory of her husband Phillip and Debbie Komorowski and family.
Just a reminder… Coffee, tea, and lemonade will be available in the Gathering Space (Narthex) between Services. A coffee hour will also follow the 10:30 am service in the Dining Room. Please join in these times of fellowship!
Sign up for The Annual Nativity Bistro Fine Dining Experience
March 14th from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm / Deadline for reservations is today!!!
Make your reservation! Fill out the form on the table in the Gathering Space. Once again, The Senior High Youth (guided by Kathy Ivancic and her helpers) will be transforming the dining room into the fanciest fine dining establishment in a church basement. This is a major fund raiser for the SHY and they could use some extra help. Please see or call Felix Coniglio if you can volunteer - 830-6493 or e-mail: youth@nativityucc.org
Order your flowers for the altar on Easter early! Order forms are available in the Gathering Space. Nativity’s 2010 Annual Flower Sale – deadline to order is April 11th
Payment due on pick-up: Friday, May 14th (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm) or Saturday, May 15th (10:00 am – 2:00 pm). Order forms with more information are available in the Gathering Space.
Mile of Pennies – Grades 3 and 4
The 3rd and 4th graders are once again challenged to collect a mile of pennies for One Great
Hour of Sharing. We need your help! As our children approach you for spare change, please be generous! Collections will take place through Palm Sunday, March 28th. Thank you for your sharing.
Also, there is a special envelope in the pews and in the March Issue of the Parish News to be used for folded money or checks for OGHS. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plate. Make your check payable to Church of the Nativity and under memo, mark, One Great Hour of Sharing. Thank you for your support of OGHS - to learn more, visit www.ucc.org/oghs.
Women – Please sign the Women Leaders’ Statement! Ask the County Executive to reverse his elimination of daycare subsidies for more than 1100 poor children. Take a copy of the statement from a table in the narthex and sign the sign-up sheet. Sponsored by VOICE-Buffalo, the YWCA of WNY, the League of Women Voters, the Women’s Fund of WNY, etc.
This Week’s Events in detail
Meditation Group - Monday, March 8th at 7:30 pm in the Sangree Chapel. Call Kirsten Carrie´ at 833-3430 daytimes or 692-4138 evenings and weekends for information about this group. Come to a meeting and check it out!
Women’s Spirituality Group – Tuesday, March 9th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 p.m. We are about support and companionship of other women and an opportunity to nurture our spirit. All friends, family, co- workers, and/or neighbors are invited! If you have any questions or would like to talk further, please feel free to call or speak with Jane Piduch (876-0041) or Pastor Ruth Snyder (668-5610). Check us out!
Soup for the Soul - A Daytime Lenten Series at Kenmore United Methodist Church
Tuesdays: March 9, 16, and 23. Lunch starts at Noon. The Meditation or a short call to worship and prayers runs from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm. We hope you can join with us for an inspirational hour in the Library of the church. Each week throughout Lent a Clergy person from a different church will lead us in a meditation based on the theme, “The Art of Forgiving” from a classic book by the Rev. Lewis Smedes. A free-will offering will be taken
proceeds given to the Ken-Ton Clergy to help their ministries. Take time out of your busy
schedule to join us!
Parables: The Greatest Stories Ever Told” Every Wednesday evening until March 24, we will gather in the Sangree Chapel for a simple soup, bread and fruit supper prepared by our great Nativity cooks. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm and the meditation runs from 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm. The season of Lent provides an opportunity for us to gather together as a community of faith to be nourished both physically and spiritually. We will be exploring the Parables: The Greatest Stories Ever Told. Please free to come to the meditation even if you can’t make the meal. Meditation leader for this week is Rev. Tim Dykstra
First Class Nursery School – Friday Fun Days! Every Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm First Class Nursery School offers a babysitting service for all who are interested. This service is available for children 1 to 5 years of age from one hour to three hours. Cost is $3.00 per hour. Take some time to do shopping, run errands, etc. If you are interested, please call 863-9224 to sign up your child or for more information.
Join Us for Worship Next Sunday, March 14th
March 14th – 9:00 am Extreme Makeover - Step 4: Step Away.
If you watch the TV show, you know that the family is sent away on vacation while the new house is being built. This is intended to be fun, but these people are also filled with some anxiety and fear because they don’t know what the final outcome will be. Often in our own faith makeovers, we need to retreat, either literally or figuratively, and we likely feel anxiety because we’ve let go of the past but are uncertain of the future.
March 14th - 10:30 am Fourth Sunday in Lent – Jesus, of course, is a master storyteller. His unforgettable parables have burned themselves into the minds and hearts of his followers. And none more than the Parable of the Prodigal Father in Luke 15:1-2, 11-32. As we reflect on this greatest of parables we will learn how Jesus has come to understand God in the course of his ministry and see how God’s love works to penetrate our hearts. Our worship theme will be Shameless Love.
Coming up in the Near Future
Spring Forward – Saturday, March 13th. Do not forget to set your clock ahead one hour before you go to bed. Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday, March 14th.
Middle High Youth host the Coffee Hour after the 10:30 am service on Sunday March 14th We would like all of our MHY and their parents to help. Please bring in baked goods such as cookies, breads, danishes, fruit, donuts, brownies or any baked goods that you would like. They do not have to be homemade. Helpers needed for set-up, serving, and clean-up after coffee hour. Please let Bonnie Johnson know what you will be able to donate and if you can help by calling 695-1036 or (cell phone) 432-1687 or e-mail - nysate@verizon.net.
Just a reminder… Please have your parish news articles in on time… The newsletter deadline for the April issue of the Parish News is Monday, March 15th. The Lenten / Easter Season is a very busy time of year for our church and your cooperation in submitting your information for the newsletter in a timely manner (preferably e-mailing it to office@nativityucc.org is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Friends of the Night People – Friday, March 19th – 3:30 pm If you want to help serve, it would be greatly appreciated - come to church by 3:30 pm and carpool (or join us at Friends of the Night People). Combined, we make up meals for 150-200 people. We ask that you bring food in by 3:30 pm of the day we are to serve the meal. The main dish for March is macaroni and cheese with hot dogs. Other food is still needed - green salad, buttered rolls or bread, and brownies or cupcakes. Sign up today!
Men’s Group Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 PM – Investing Explored Come meet with member Gino Callisto, Certified Financial Consultant, and discuss our current economic situation and investment planning for the long run.
Senior High Youth volunteer at SABAH Ice Show - Sunday, March 28th
SABAH is the Skating Athletes Bold at Heart and every year they have an ice show at the HSBC Arena. As a service project we are going to volunteer at the ice show as ushers or program sellers. We need to be at the arena at 12:30 pm so we will leave right after church. If you are interested please return the volunteer sign-up form as soon as you can to Felix Coniglio – if you need one see him on Sunday. Questions? Phone number: 830-6493
or e-mail: youth@nativityucc.org.
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday, March 28 – Contemporary Service at 9:00 am
Palm Sunday, March 28 – Traditional Service at 10:30 am
Maundy Thursday, April 1 – As is our tradition, we will begin with a pot luck supper in the Dining room hosted by the parents of this year’s confirmation class. We will begin at 6:00 pm and each household should bring either a casserole or a salad. Sliced ham, dinner rolls and dessert will be provided. Following the meal, at about 7:00 pm, confirmation class members will lead us in a service. The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Gathering Space.
Good Friday, April 2 – 7:00 pm
Easter Breakfast, April 4 - 8:30 am – 10:30 am
The youth of the church will serve Easter breakfast from 8:30 am – 10:30 am. It will include their famous ham, egg, and cheese casserole, hard boiled eggs, coffee cakes, cereal, juice, and beverages. Sign up on the bulletin board in the Gathering Space if you wish to attend. Everyone is welcome. A free will offering will be received.
Easter Sunday, April 4 – Contemporary Service at 9:00 am
Easter Sunday, April 4 – Traditional Service at 10:30 am
Special Requests
Erie County Home Prizes Needed! The Middle High Youth is making their second annual trip to the Erie County Home and Infirmary to play BINGO with the residents on March 21st. We want to make them happy by having lots of prizes for BINGO! They love items such as new hairbrushes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand cream, shampoo, stuffed animals and gently used jewelry. These little gifts are so appreciated by the residents! Please bring them in during the month of March and place them in the collection bin located in the Narthex. Any questions, please call Bonnie Johnson at 695-1036 or 432-1687 or e-mail her at nysate@verizon.net.
Attention Sunday School Parents: The Sunday school teachers and staff would like to remind everyone that our Sunday School program runs from 10:30 am - 11:30 am each Sunday. In the event that the church service lets out early (11:15 am or so), please be aware that the teachers may need a little more time to finish their classwork. Feel free to go ahead to coffee hour and the teachers will bring the students to you when they are finished. Also, a reminder that on the last Sunday of each month all children age 4 and up should attend the first part of church with their parents. After the children’s message the students will be dismissed to their classes. Thank you!
Old cell phones and small empty ink cartridges wanted: Sandy Olear, on behalf of the Christian Ed. Dept., is collecting these items for recycling. The small profit earned will go toward Vacation Bible School 2010. There is a box in the Gathering Space for your items. Many thanks.
SERVING OUR COUNTRY… A first-class stamp will deliver your letters.
Ryan Bolton – in US Navy – OSSN Ryan J. Bolton, 320 A Dewey Ave., BEQ 839, Room 1412, Great Lakes IL 60088 -2911.
LCPL Daniel G. Higgins - in Afghanistan - 2/4 Echo Company, Unit 42085, FPO-AP 96610-0285 – nephew of The Rev. Linda Heffley
Ken Oswald - in Alaska – 703 Quartermaster Rd., Box 2428, Ft. Richardson, Alaska 99505
Email address: swimnfreek89@aim.com.
Congratulations to Kathy and Mary Beth Robson! They have signed the “Letter of Intent” to adopt Lena and Zach. They now have a forever home! The official legal adoption will be in approximately 6 weeks and then the baptismal ceremony.
We are very happy to have everyone present at this service of worship. It is here that we can find light for any darkness. It is here that we may find the blessings and comfort which God alone can offer. Welcome!
Church of the Nativity UCC is a God is Still Speaking Congregation
“Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” – Gracie Allen
God is still speaking for peace and justice…
On this fifth Sunday in Lent, we welcome all who have come to praise God and remember the Lord Jesus Christ. Your presence brings us joy. May God bless us all richly.
Voice –Buffalo will be selling coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate bars and pecans in the Gathering Space today before and after Services. Stop by! on the first and third Sundays of each month.
Discussion Group on the writings of John Shelby Spong – John Shelby Spong is the well known Episcopal Bishop who has been identified as a spokesman for the cause of inclusiveness. The leader of the group is Bill Roberts. Meetings continue on Sundays, March 14 and 28 after the 10:30 am Service coffee hour in the 3rd and 4th grade classroom. You are welcome to join our group at any time!
Nativity’s 2010 Annual Flower Sale – from Jennifer Heckmann, Flower Sale Chairperson. It’s not too early to order! The deadline for orders is April 11th, 2010 Payment due on pick-up – Friday, May 14th (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm) or Saturday, May 15th (10:00 am – 2:00 pm). Order forms with more information are available in the Gathering Space.
It may still be snowing, cold winds may still be blowing, but it’s time to start thinking about warmer weather! Brighten your garden this year by purchasing flowers from Nativity’s Annual Flower Sale! The flower sale is one of the church’s major fundraisers, raising over $2000 every year for the church’s general fund.
All of your old favorites are back – gorgeous hanging baskets, big, bright geraniums, greenery, fabulous patio tomatoes, many different types of bedding plants, and beautiful 4 ½ “ potted plants. Order forms are included in this month’s newsletter. There will be a box in the Narthex for completed order forms, or you may send the completed forms to the church office. Orders are due by Sunday, April 11th.Payment is not due until pickup, and there is no sales tax on flower sale orders! Your orders can be picked up on either Friday, May 14th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm or Saturday, May 21st from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Please feel free to extend this offer to friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers! Please call Jennifer Heckmann at 837-7139 if you have any questions. We thank you for your support!
Help Wanted – volunteers are needed. If you have an hour or two to spare and would like to join our “Keep in Shape” Flower Brigade on May 14th please call Jennifer Heckmann at 837-7139 or sign up in the narthex. Volunteers are needed to unload flowers from the trucks, and fill orders. In addition, flower lovers are needed on both May 14th and 15th to help people find their orders, assist them in loading their cars and receiving payment. We offer free refreshments, pleasant companionship and an opportunity to meet and greet the many people who have placed flower orders. Please join us! Even a few hours of your time would be greatly appreciated.
UCC Home Society – Support your UCC Home Society, Inc. with a one-year membership: $3.00 per person or $6.00 per couple. This society provides housing for seniors at several income levels and a Parish Nurse Ministry. Their Mission Statement: “Expressing God’s love in human care by offering housing and related services.” Make checks payable to “UCC Home Society Inc.” and send them to: The United Church Home Society, Inc., One Fox Run Lane, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Membership is not only a bargain it helps others and gives you a voice in the society’s affairs. Thank you!
Dash’s Supermarket Tapes – SAVE THEM AND BRING THEM TO CHURCH! There is a box on the table in the narthex for them. Joan Haubeil has taken on this project to add them up, submit them, and get a dollar amount based on the amount submitted for our church. To date, we have received approximately $1000.00. They give us 3.5% of the total of the tapes. Every little bit helps! Keep bringing in those tapes!
Help! We are looking for our Chicken Costumes! Has anyone seen or borrowed them? Please call the church office if you know where they are. They’re homesick!
Voice–Buffalo will be selling coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate bars and pecans in the Gathering Space today before and after Services. Stop by! on the first and third Sundays of each month.
The 2010 Altar Flower chart is posted in the Gathering Space across from the Church office. Please sign up for your Sunday or call me at 836-3508. Thank you… Lydia Murdock
The Health Ministry Team now has a list of people who are available to assist members of the congregation who have special health- related needs. Please call the church office if you need help with any of the following: transportation, errands, someone to sit with a homebound loved one to give you respite, meals when you are ill or recently hospitalized, a friendly phone call or someone to check up on you, or someone to be a health advocate or help you find needed services.
Volunteers Needed !!! Help share Christ’s love with members and friends of Nativity who are sick, shut-in or otherwise in need of a visit! Jane Piduch is organizing visitors and Marj Donovan is organizing people who can provide transportation and/or services. Call the church office if you can help or need help and we’ll pass your name along.
