The Steeple
Love | Serve | Grow
“The Truth! You Can’t Handle the Truth!” This line
said by Jack Nicholson in the movie A Few Good
Men is one of the most recognizable lines in movie
history, as cited by a New Jersey newspaper.
According to Pastor Edward Markquart, humanity
has always been on a quest to find out the truth. In
the past we sought the truth about our planet,
asking, “Is the earth flat? Round? Does earth revolve
around the sun? Or does the sun revolve around the
earth?” Today we ask other questions about the
Earth. “Are our oceans dying? Are we endangering
this little planet? What are the sources of global
warming?”
We desire to know the truth about everything. We
spent tons of money on medical research trying to
find out the truth about diseases. We want to find
the truth out about politics and terrorism. We want
to know the truth about ourselves. What makes us
tick?
world. There did come a time in biblical history for
God the Father to, not create but send the Son, Jesus.
And a time for the Father and Son to not create but
send the Holy Spirit. If one person of the Trinity
created the others, then one would be superior to
the other, but we understand them all equally as one
God, known in three different ways.
As we search for the truth about our world and
ourselves, know that God is our truth. We can know
the Lord and love him, who is the same yesterday,
today and tomorrow!
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three
persons, blessed Trinity!” ~ UMH #64
We want to know the truth about God.
The truth is we have one Lord, known in three ways.
God the Father who is seen through the glory and
care of the Creator. God the Son as displayed
through servanthood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
And God the Holy Spirit, as felt by the sometimes
nudging and sometimes urging of the Spirit of Truth.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Juel
MAY MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
May 5
National Day of Prayer Service at 7pm at the
Pavilion at Horseshoe Lake
May 12 Thrift Store Donation Drop-Off 6:30—8pm
The three persons of the trinity were together at the
beginning of time. They are unbegotten, meaning
nothing created them, rather God created the entire
May 21 Family Breakfast 8am
WORSHIP UPDATE
GRADUATE RECOGNITION
SUNDAY
NEWS
Graduate recognition Sunday is June
5 and during worship we’d like to
recognize all our graduates from
middle school through college. If
you have not done so already, please
let the church office know at
[email protected] as soon as
possible the name of your 8th grade,
high school or college student who
has graduated in January or will be
graduating this May/June.
MAY SERMON SERIES:
THE TRINITY
UMC MISSION AND RESOURCE CENTER
On Friday, April 15, Bishop John Schol, the leaders of the United
Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey and 200 special guests
This month in Sunday worship, celebrated, dedicated and blessed the new Mission and Resource
Pastor Juel begins a new sermon Center in Neptune, New Jersey.
series about the trinity, the Bible’s
revelation to us of God being one in
This space houses the leadership and staff offices of the church and
essence and known in three ways, a
resident bishop. It includes 50 offices, 4,000 square feet of meeting
fundamental doctrine of the
rooms and a video and sound studio. More than just office space, the
Christian faith. Join us as we look at
Mission and Resource Center will be a place of inspiration and
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
learning for spiritual and community leaders throughout the state,
region and world.
The center will also serve as the administrative headquarters for A
Future with Hope, the nonprofit organization started by the United
Methodist Church to help people in the region recover from
Superstorm Sandy. A Future With Hope has become a leader in Sandy
recovery around the state and to date has rebuilt 209 homes and
employed more than 11,000 volunteers.
CHURCH GROUNDS CLEAN-UP
POTLUCK DINNER
Thanks to all those
who volunteered
their time and help
spread mulch and
spruce up the
church grounds. It
looks great!
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BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
MISSIONS UPDATE
Thanks to everyone who has been
clipping Box Tops for Education
labels. They are still being sent to
the Red Bird Mission so please keep
them coming. You may place
them in the offering plate or
in the Missions mailbox in
the hall by the church offices.
The Missions team has been working on developing a calendar for all
of our planned activities this year. Here are a few of the planned
activities that we would love for you to consider volunteering your
time to support!
1. Hurricane Sandy Relief – Volunteers Needed! This year’s Day of
Service for ‘A Future with Hope’ will be on Saturday, July 9th. We will
be spending the day working at a shore location close to Neptune, NJ,
helping to clear property, do yard work and empty an attic in a home
affected by Hurricane Sandy.
2. CUMAC Opportunities – We have two dates this year where we
are hoping to work at the CUMAC food bank in Paterson – July 23rd
and November 12th. We are looking to have a team of at least 15
people for both dates.
If you are interested in attending either of these Missions
opportunities, please contact Linda Diffley at [email protected].
Thank you!
BREAKFAST DRIVE
The missions committee is sponsoring a breakfast drive for the month
of May.
During summer months there is a great demand for breakfast foods.
Families have to provide breakfast for their children that they would
normally get while in school. Items suggested include cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup.
Last year we collected over 80 boxes of cereal. This year let’s set a
goal of over 100 items.
Questions contact Peggy Groh at
[email protected].
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FOOD PANTRY
There are envelopes in the pews for
gift cards or donations to purchase
gift cards for the Roxbury Food
Pantry.
You may place your
donations in the offering plate.
THRIFT SHOP
The Thrift Shop is open year round
for purchases on Wednesdays from
9:30am to 1:30pm and is open to
receive your donations on Tuesdays from 9-11am. There will be
special donation drop-off hours on
Thursday, May 12 from 6:30—
8pm.
SUMC CHURCH
POTLUCK PICNIC
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
After 11am service
Bring a chair and a dish
We will gather in the back
parking lot and side yard
(Fellowship Hall if
inclement weather)
UPCOMING EVENTS
THURSDAY, MAY 5, NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first
Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It
was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress
and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
Sign-up sheets will be
available in Fellowship
Hall
Questions contact:
Tami Haupt
973-598-5499
Join members of SUMC and the community at Horseshoe Lake Pavilion FUNNEL CAKE SALE
at 7pm. We’ll be praying for the world, the nation and our neighbor- The St. Therese carnival funnel cake
hood. All are welcome to this interfaith event.
sale is fast approaching!
The
carnival
is
scheduled
for
Wednesday, June 8 through
MAY 13, 6:30PM, BUILDING BETTER MOMS
Saturday, June 11. This is one of
POTLUCK DINNER
our most profitable fundraisers and
Bring a dish to share and join us in Fellowship Hall.
as always your help in manning the
funnel cake booth at the carnival is
MAY 21, 8AM, FAMILY BREAKFAST
needed to make this a success for
The whole family is invited to the UMMen sponsored family breakfast. our church. You can sign up to help
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and hear Kelly Canzone, Clinical Director on SignUpGenius at:
and owner of Tri-County Behavioral Care, discuss life stages; how each www.signupgenius.com/
go/30E044CABA628A4FF2-sttherese
life stage presents room for growth, change, and challenge.
or contact Roger Hendrickson at
973-927-5662.
MAY 22—24, 17TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION
A yearly session for clergy and lay members to worship, learn about
programs and conduct the business of the UMC of Greater NJ. This
year Jennifer Antoncich, Beth Sweeney, Liz Kihm and Cari Cruz, will
attend the session with Pastor Juel in Wildwood, NJ.
Succasunna United Methodist Church is a caring fellowship called to love
and serve according to Jesus’ example, welcome all people,
worship God and grow as Christian disciples.
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TABS (TUESDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY)
SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES
BUILDING BETTER MOMS
Our next meeting will be Friday, May 13th at
6:30pm, Farm to Table Dinner. Join us in Fellowship
Hall for our last event of the year together. Bring a
dish that is seasonal, a book to swap with another
for summer reading and invite someone special.
RSVP by Tuesday, May 10th to Tami Haupt at 973598-5499 or [email protected].
Would you like to know the Bible better? Plan to
join a fun group of folks at Tuesday Adult Bible
Study. Whether you’re brand new to the Bible or
know it inside and out, you’re welcome! Bring your
Bible and a little something to share for our pot luck
lunch. We provide beverages, a lively study and
discussion of the scriptures. Bring a friend!
We meet twice a month on the second and fourth
Tuesdays at 12 noon til about 2pm in the Wesley
room next to the library (May 10 and 24). We’re
studying the flow of the Old Testament history by
focusing on the stories of some of its
leading people.
MEN’S STUDY
Join us on Saturday mornings at 7:30am in
Fellowship Hall to engage in discussions about
spiritually relevant books and issues.
BOOK CLUB MEETING
Everyone is invited to our next
meeting on June 14 at 7pm at the
Migneault residence.
We’ll be
discussing The Girl on the Train by
Paula Hawkins, a psychological
thriller that will forever change the
way you look at other people's lives.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The ministry meets every Monday from 7 to 9pm.
New knitters are always welcome—yarn and needles
provided. Please call Melanie Newton at 973-3967885 if you have any questions or would like to have
a shawl for someone in need.
SUNDAY ADULT SMALL GROUP
Spreading the Word
Come join us for coffee, cake and learn how to
strengthen your faith, regain your faith in difficult
times and learn to live in a world of trials and
temptations. Life should be simple and filled with
love. Come share with us Sunday morning at 10am
in the Aldersgate room. We have a wonderful group
and everyone is welcome.
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We are continuing our current study using a DVD
study “The Marks of a Cult - A Biblical Anaylsis” by
the Apologetics Group. This study examines the
differences between orthodox Christianity as
defined by the biblical texts and the
historic creeds and confessions of the
early church, and groups who selfprofess to be Christian but who
deviate in some important way from
orthodox Christianity.
For more information contact Lee
Pitea at 862-223-7101 or [email protected].
EDUCATION UPDATE
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – Surf Shack
July 18 – July 22 | 9:30am-12pm
Volunteers needed in all
areas:
Decorating, shepherds,
leaders and assistants
needed in crafts, music, AV/tech,
snack, bible story, missions.) Volunteer hours apply to youths!
Please contact Jennifer Antoncich if
you are interested in helping this year.
[email protected] or (c) 908-403-5368.
UPCOMING DATES
May 29 | One Room Sunday
School – Confirmation Class to
meet as normal
June 5 | Sunday School Celebration and Church Picnic
June 12 | Confirmation Sunday
THANK YOU
On behalf of the Township of Roxbury Social Services Department, I would like to extend my sincerest
gratitude to the United Methodist Church for their generous donation of Easter Baskets.
Your never-ending support and the spirit of giving and care you have shown has always been a significant
element in our ability to reach our ultimate goal, that being to assist those less fortunate families in
Roxbury. These donations will make this holiday season somewhat easier and much happier for many
families.
“Thank You and God Bless”
Sincerely submitted,
Janet Wald, Director
Roxbury Social Services
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STEWARDSHIP OF TIME
IF GOD RESTED, WHY DON'T WE?
God rested.
We live in a culture that praises busyness and shames those who show any sign of slowing down. Rest isn’t
something we put a lot of value on these days. But we’re created in the image of God—and He intentionally
designed and practiced rest. There’s a reason He took a break from work and made that rest day holy. He
knew rest mattered; it provided a chance to enjoy creation. That’s why He created the Sabbath. Taking our
foot off the gas pedal gives us a chance to clear our heads and concentrate on what truly matters: Him.
Here are three basic, but necessary, steps to take to make rest a priority in your life.
1. Pick your day of rest.
Many Christians choose to rest on Sunday since it lines up with church. But if you’re in a profession that
requires you to work on the weekends, just pick another day. It’s more important to understand the why of
Sabbath rest than to get caught up in the when. After all, Jesus called out the Pharisees for being too
concerned with the law (Mark 2:23–28). The Sabbath was made for people, not the other way around.
2. Set some boundaries.
Just because you mark down a day on the calendar doesn’t mean you’re automatically good to go. It’s smart
to set up some guardrails to keep you on track. Create a list of things you will do on the Sabbath. Maybe
you’ll focus on reading Scripture or spending time in prayer. But you also should make a list of things you
won’t do during this time: answer your work emails and find busy work. Think about activities that will
strengthen your relationship with God and focus on those.
3. Put the plan into practice.
The only way the Sabbath will start to take root in your life is if you put your plan into action.
Make sure your family and friends know what you’re doing, too. You’re less likely to be derailed if you keep
your tribe in the loop. Plus, those healthy relationships in your life can serve as great accountability and
encouragement as you make resting a habit.
If we try to keep up with a 60-mph society, we’re going to end up more than physically exhausted. We’ll be
emotionally drained, mentally scattered, and spiritually bankrupt. But God knew that would be the case! And
that’s why He created the Sabbath. Unless we’re diligent about participating in this holy activity, the
Sabbath will pass us by week after week. We aren’t going to stumble into obedience. We have to make a
plan and rest—on purpose.
We’re created in the image of God—and He intentionally designed and practiced rest. He knew rest
mattered. That’s why He created the Sabbath.
by Stewardship Team on April 1, 2016 #personal-development | @ChrisBrownOnAir (edited)
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FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE
MATCHING GIFTS
WHAT IS A MATCHING GIFT?
A matching gift, also known as a
matching fund or matching donaSUMC is quite blessed that our congregation
tion is a charitable gift made toover the years has generously supported the
ward a nonprofit organization by
programs and ministries of our church.
a matching donor (e.g. an employAfter the first quarter of the year we see that er) provided an original donor
our congregants have given at a rate of 98.2% of their pledged amounts. (e.g. an employee) first makes a
gift toward that organization.
Your extravagant giving allows us to continue to “Love. Serve. Grow.”
Blessings,
Many companies offer matching
The Finance Committee
gift programs to encourage emMarge Peletier, Chair
ployees to contribute to charitable organizations. Some provide
matching funds to support employee volunteer hours. Most of
these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some
will even double or triple the
amount of your gift!
SHOPRITE AND SUSSEX MEATPACKING GIFT CARDS
Please consider purchasing gift cards in preparation for your next
shopping trip. For each ShopRite gift card purchased the church
receives a donation of 5%. You can purchase ShopRite cards in
denominations of $10, $25, $50 and $100 that can also be used in the
pharmacy and to purchase gift certificates. Also available are Sussex
Meat Packing food cards, however, SUMC will receive a 10% donation
when these cards are purchased.
Find out if your company matches
donations.
By enrolling in a
matching gift program you could
double or even triple your gift to
SUMC.
This is an easy fundraiser for SUMC and would not cost you anything in
addition to what you are already spending on groceries. If you spend
$100 per week, then on an annual basis $260 would benefit
Succasunna UMC by purchasing ShopRite gift cards. Gift Cards are sold
by Bruce Hopper in Fellowship Hall between services. Thank you for
your support of this program.
Church Staff
Rev. Juel Nelson, Pastor
Audrey Schultz, Director of Music
Angie Stierch, Praise Band Leader
Debbie Watson, Admin Assistant
Bob Ruppel, Sexton
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Church Information
Office Hours: 9am—1pm
Tuesday—Friday
Phone: 973.584.7349
Email: [email protected]
Sunday Schedule
9am Contemporary Worship
10am Sunday School
11am Traditional Worship
9
23
Annual Conference
30
22
Annual Conference
29
1 Room Sunday School
31
24
Annual Conference
TABS 12 Noon
Scouts 7-9pm FH
17
Scouts 7-9pm FH
25
18
11
Trustee Meeting 7:30pm
26
Scouts 7pm Aldersgate
19
12
Thrift Shop Donation
Drop-Off 6:30—8pm
5
National Day of Prayer
7pm Horseshoe Lake
Pavilion
Monday
Office Closed
6:30—9pm | Fellowship Hall NA
Closed Meeting
7pm | Prayer Shawl Ministry
Saturday
7:30am | Men’s Bible Study
Thursday
7:30pm | Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday
9:30am—1:30pm | Thrift Shop Open
7pm | Praise Band Practice
Tuesday
9-11am | Thrift Shop Donations
16
15
NA FH/Epworth
1:30-5pm
10
TABS 12 Noon
Scouts 7-9pm FH
SPRC meeting 7:30pm
4
Thu
Sunday
9am | Contemporary Worship
10am | Church School
11am | Traditional Worship
12:15pm | Youth Choir Rehearsal
9
8
Mother’s Day
3
Stewardship Meeting
7:30p
Wed
REGULAR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
2
Scouts 7-8/8-9p
Aldersgate
1
Tue
REGULAR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Mon
Sun
27
BASIC Picnic 6—8pm
20
13
BBM Potluck Dinner
7—9pm
Scouts 7pm FH/Wesley/
Aldersgate
6
Scouts 7pm FH/Wesley/
Aldersgate
Fri
28
21
Family Breakfast 8am
Eagle Scout Ceremony
10—4pm
14
7
Sat
May 2016