A PUBLICATION OF THE
COMMUNITY CHURCH AT OCEAN PINES
We are an intentionally diverse, ecumenical and inclusive fellowship of the United Methodist Church,
striving to grow as a caring family united by the transforming love of Jesus Christ, and reaching out
in ministry to the needs of people and creation in our community, nation, and world.
11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD 21811
Phone 410-641-5433
Fax 410-641-5894
Website www.ccaop.org
Facebook www.facebook.com/ccaop Twitter www.twitter.com/ccaop
Little Lambs Learning Center 410-641-5434
April 2
April 3
April 5
April 12
April 18
- Holy Thursday Service – 7 PM
- Good Friday Service – Noon
Prayer Vigil after worship until 3 PM
- Easter Sunday – Services 8, 9:15 and 10:30
April 19
April 19
- ASP Sub Orders taken for May 3 delivery
- Worcester County Recycling Day –
Park & Ride Lot in West OC
- Tea & Fashion Show Tickets on Sale
Beginning at 7:30 AM in the Narthex
- ASP Pancake Breakfast between all services
- Worcester County Choral Concert – 3 PM
May 5
- UMW Tea – 12 Noon – 2 PM (Tickets required)
June 27
- Fabulous Three Tenors and a Diva
April 19
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WORDS FROM PASTOR BOYD:
By the time this issue of our Community Connexion reaches you, we will find ourselves in Holy
Week, which has already begun on Palm-Passion Sunday. Our special services on Maundy
Thursday (April 2nd at 7:00 pm) and Good Friday (April 3rd at 12 Noon) make us mindful of Jesus’
great love for us in sharing a holy meal with us. And then hours later Jesus offered Himself in the
most supreme sacrifice imaginable—He laid down His life upon a cruel cross. But God raised
Him to new life at Easter, which arrives earlier than usual on Sunday, April 5th. We shall
celebrate Resurrection Sunday at the usual hours of worship (8:00; 9:15; and 10:30).
Yet seldom do we stop to consider that Easter is more than merely a day (Easter Sunday).
Easter is a season of fifty days. The meaning of the term, “Easter” is simply “spring.” This is the
season for which we have been longing, especially through three late-winter snow storms that all
arrived after the middle of February! We’ve been waiting with baited breath for those tulips,
hyacinths, and daffodils to appear!
One way to think of Easter is as a “week of weeks.” The number “seven” is significant here. On
the seventh day of creation, God celebrated the goodness of creation by resting. And thus, the
Sabbath was given as a great gift to us. So if seven is a good number, how much better must be
forty-nine (seven squared). The forty-nine days of Easter (seven weeks of seven days) is also
about one-seventh of the year. Just as God invites us to set aside one-seventh of each week as
special and devoted to God, so one-seventh of the year (this Easter season) is special as well.
God inspired Luke—who also gave us a Gospel bearing his name—to deliver our book of early
New Testament history. In the Acts of the Apostles we read the exciting experiences of the first
followers of the risen Christ. We are especially mindful of what we find in Acts, chapter 2: 42 They
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and
the prayers. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke
bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.
A glance at our church calendar reveals many opportunities to follow the example of the first
Christians. During the Easter season, we continue to prepare our youth for confirmation through
classes on Sunday afternoons.
We will gather our younger children, parents, and grandparents on Friday, April 10 th for a
Family Movie Night.
The weekend of Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, will be marked by a choral workshop and
concert. How better to express our faith in the risen Christ than through music?
Near the end of April (Sunday, April 26th) we are blessed to host an event that will invite youth
and young adults to hear and respond to Christ’s call to continuous Christian service. From birth,
Christ invites us to become principled Christian leaders who are moved to share Christ in all we
seek to say and do on a daily basis.
Plan now to spend this entire month of April (beginning with Holy Week and Easter Sunday,
special as they are) with us at church. And may God empower you with the same sort of
courage, sharing Jesus just as those excited, enthused first followers who experienced the
power of life over death!
Boyd Etter
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SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Living Into The Lessons
This group continues to meet Thursday afternoons. Efforts of the group can be
observed in the improvement of our three services. The group is always open to anyone
who would like to join us. We are also open to ideas and suggestions from the
congregations. Won’t you come join us? This group continues to be honest, open and
led by the Holy Spirit in love. Living Into The Lessons is a “small group”.
Small Group Ministry
As we move toward small group ministry, building upon existing small groups, we
will begin with a core team that will identify all other small groups in the church and how
they are connected with the mission of CCOP. We will begin by defining what a small
group is. Our drafted definition is “Any group associated with Community Church that is
smaller than our congregation and engaged in Christian Fellowship. It may be ministerial,
social or skill driven. These groups may meet and participate in activities in the church
building, private homes, or any other venue that supports our Christian faith. They include
church members of any age.” Please keep in mind this is a draft. We would be interested
in your feedback and comments.
LOU MAGSAMEN
Small Groups Coordinator
VETERANS – TAKE NOTE
PLEASE RESPOND TO GARY CALDWELL – [email protected]
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FINANCE COMMITTEE
Why the Church Must Use Fund Accounting
Church members often ask the Finance Committee why we need to use fund accounting.
Actually, they also ask us to explain fund accounting. That’s understandable since fund
accounting is a type of accounting that only charitable organizations like Community Church,
non-profits and government entities use. If you want to know how fund accounting works, please
see Michelle Hernandez, our Assistant Treasurer and Church Accountant. She has become a
fund accounting expert.
So why do we use fund accounting? The short answer is, because we are legally
obligated to do so. Let’s say a member donates money to the church and designates that the
money is to be used to buy a new piano. If the church fails to follow the donor's designation, the
donor may sue the church under federal law. The donor may also be able to sue under a state’s
deceptive trade practices law to enforce their designated gifts.
Therefore, we use fund accounting to keep track of these donations. We also have to identify
them as either temporarily restricted funds (the money can be spent to buy a piano) or
permanently restricted funds (the money has to be saved and invested – just like our Endowment
Fund). For added assurance that we are complying with federal and state laws, we also
segregate restricted funds into separate bank accounts.
Here are some of our funds. As you can see, most are temporarily restricted. Since these
funds can only be used for a designed purpose, Michelle requires a form to be completed and
signed by the fund manager before she will release money to purchase the good or services that
the donor designated.
Temporarily Restricted
Multimedia Fund
Church Reserve Fund
Cemetery Fund
Hospitality Fund
Flower Fund
Kitchen Fund
Library Fund
Music Fund
ASP Fund
Chi Rho Youth Fund
Labyrinth Fund
Memorials Fund
Missions Fund
Food Pantry Fund
Stephen Ministries Fund
Permanently Restricted
Endowment Fund
We also use funds to track projects related to operating the church. For instance, we have
a Church Reserve Fund to identify money that is available to properly maintain the church’s
buildings and equipment. Donations made for Repairs and Renovations are included in the
Church Reserve Fund.
If you have any questions about fund accounting and the church’s legal obligations to
protect a donor’s designated funds, please contact Michelle Hernandez or email me at
[email protected].
Gary Deutsch, CPA, MBA, CMA, CIA, CBA
Treasurer
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YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES
APPALACHIA SPONSORSHIPS
Thank you for your support at our Carrabbas Dinner!
Wow, we
cleared approximately $2500! Although we had a grill mishap, folks enjoyed
a good night of food and music! Carrabbas workers could not stop talking
about how kind and patient our guests were while they were waiting for their
food. Due to the inconvenience, they offered us a break in the cost. Thank you very
much for setting a good example in patience and gratitude.
Come out and support our upcoming events:
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE – PREMIER JEWELRY
Thursday, March 25th at 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM in the Family Life Center.
Enjoy eating snacks and buying beautiful jewelry! Order just in time for Mother’s day or
find a deal on our cash and carry table!
PANCAKE BREAKFAST – It’s back after a SLOW and SNOWY season! Join us
Sunday, April 19 between services. Give our youth an opportunity to serve you! $6 for
Adults, $3 ages 4-10, under 3 free.
SUB ORDERS – New! Orders will begin on April 12 and delivery will be Sunday, May
3. $8 Foot Long - Choice of Cold Cuts or Turkey.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH during 9:15 services.
Don't miss out on our children's church ministry during the 9:15
service! Val Hughes and Atlea Compher lead children from Preschool
through 5th Grade in creative activities and amazing worship! Kids in
grades 4 and 5 can take a vital role in worship just like adults in our
services! We hope to see you in April!
Jr. and Sr. High Groups meet on Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM. Build faith and
friendships!
PARENT FELLOWSHIP
After 9:15 services, adults and parents are invited in the Family Life Center for Coffee and
snacks as they wait for Children's Church to finish.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT COMMUNITY CHURCH
April 10 at 6 pm in the Family Life Center
Pizza, popcorn and snacks will be provided FREE OF
CHARGE
(NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM IS RATED PG)
Movie starts at 6:15 pm!
Bring a blanket and pillows for the little ones and enjoy fun & fellowship!
Donations toward family ministries will be gratefully accepted
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LIZA ALVARADO, Director Youth & Family Ministries
STEPHEN MINISTRIES
Jesus’ desire for us is that we stay near to Him as we walk along
life’s path. Although sometimes we may feel we are going nowhere in
this world, our spiritual journey is of importance so that we walk in the
Light of His presence daily and not stumble along the way. His touch can
remove the bags of exhaustion from beneath our eyes and turn tears of
despair into tears of peace. God reveals His heart personally to each
person. If we walk with Him long enough we will come to know His heart. God is more
patient with us than we are with ourselves. He wants us to come to Him as we are.
Sometimes lost, sometimes discouraged and sometimes having little faith. As long as we
are willing to give all that we have, God will do the rest. He wants us to give Him our
whispering thoughts.
God knows we need a Savior. He not only knows us but He loves us even more. It
is through His love that a Stephen Minister can help you see and feel the perfect gift of
Jesus Christ.
There are four habits worth having in our daily walk with God:
1) The Habit of Prayer
2) The Habit of studying His Word
3) The Habit of Giving
4) The Habit of Fellowship
In our world of challenging changes, adjustments and even surprises, God is the
one who never changes. He is our Alpha and our Omega, the First and the Last, the
Beginning and the End. He wants us to trust Him to guide us through our day. God does
what it takes to get our attention. Has He gotten yours yet? His Hand is there. Grab it!
Blessings!
KATHY PEYTON, Stephen Ministry Outreach
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
The Tea and Fashion Show committee is planning a wonderful show for you. We're
working hard to pull it together. A lot of people contribute to this event and we are very
grateful. The proceeds from the show go to missions. Please remember to bring your tea
cup. I want to remind you that the tickets ($15.00) will be sold in the Narthex on April l9,
starting at 7:30 AM and the Tea and Fashion Show is on May 5th from 12:00 Noon until
2:00 PM.
At the next meeting of the general UMW, our guest speaker will be from
The Shirley Grace Pregnancy Center. The Dorcas Craft Group recently donated
homemade baby items to the center.
Our Candlelight ladies continue with their studies of "Women of the Bible."
JANE BISHOP, UMW President
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NEWS FROM THE SHEPHERD’S NOOK AND SARAH’S PANTRY
In February, the thrift shop helped 10 adults and 12 children receive clothing. The
VFW of Ocean City received 8 bags of clothing; HALO of Salisbury received 9 bags of
clothing and Mary Yenney received 3 bags of clothing for the Berlin Nursing Home and
the homeless.
Sarah’s Pantry served 65 families, which included 115 adults and 43 children, with
food and personal items.
Sarah’s Pantry distributed approximately 60 Easter Food bags on March 30th.
Thank you for helping the pantry make this possible with donations of hams and the
trimmings.
The change over from Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer started after closing on
Saturday, March 21st and finished on Tuesday, March 24th. The winter clothing was
bagged and donated to the Vets.
Plans for the silent auction to be held at the United Methodist Women’s Tea on
May 5th are progressing. If you have a new or gently used item you would like to donate,
please drop it off at the thrift shop counter and let the volunteer know that it is for the
auction.
We all miss Ethel Betts and hope she is feeling better every day and will be back
with us soon.
Our snow birds are starting to return and we are happy to have them back.
KAREN SMITH
WORCESTER COUNTY CHORAL CONCERT AT CCOP
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 19 AT 3 PM.
That is when the Worcester County Choral Concert conducted by
Jean Anne Shafferman, Sacred Choral Music Editor for The Lorenz
Corporation, with accompaniment by David Leahey, who has played
recitals at the White House, will take place in our sanctuary.
Choir Director Chet Bober along with the Chancel Choir is looking for
singers to take part in the second annual presentation of this event. The workshop date
for singers is Saturday, April 18, 8:30 AM to 4 PM (coffee and donuts in the morning; bring
your own lunch). Additional workshop rehearsals are Saturday, April 11 (10 AM – noon)
and Thursday, April 16 (7 – 9 PM). Concert and all rehearsals will be held at our church.
The cost of a singer’s personal music (eight anthems) is $20.
The concert is Sunday, April 19 at 3 PM when everyone, members
and friends, are invited to come and enjoy this free performance. Any
questions and/or singer sign-up, please call Marion Wells at (410) 6417591 or Dolores Pike at (410) 641-7335.
DOLORES PIKE
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SHARE OUR SPIRIT
We provide copies of Our Daily Bread in English and
Spanish to patrons of the Shepherd’s Nook and Sarah’s Pantry.
Clients at the Nook are offered these devotionals, and the Pantry
is putting them in all the Easter food boxes.
It is wonderful to see the smiles people offer as they take
the booklets! As we feed bodies, we are also feeding souls, as
we Share Our Spirit.
ANNETTE GRAYSON and JANICE MCTERNAN,
Spirit Team
“THE FABULOUS THREE TENORS AND A DIVA”
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2015 - 7:3O PM
At the NEW, SPECTACULAR
Ocean City Performing Arts Center
4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
Ticket Prices $45, $40 & $30 Sponsored by Community Church at Ocean Pines
Tickets available on March 16th at the OC Convention Center
or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-551-7328
SPRC COMMITTEE
The committee continues to evaluate and approve any issues that come up before
us. Three of our members recently attended the Safe Sanctuary training taught by Liza.
Regards,
MARLENE OTT, Chairman
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INFORMATION FROM OUR PARISH NURSE:
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA
Dementia is a long term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember
so that a person's daily functioning is affected.
Facts:
• The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease which makes up 50% to 70% of
cases.
• Dementia causes emotional problems, problems with language, and a decrease in motivation.
• Nearly half of seniors over the age of 85 are affected by dementia.
• There is no cure for dementia.
There is a stigma that surrounds dementia and evidence shows it is likely to worsen a
person’s symptoms and quality of life through loneliness and rejection. Reports show people
over the age of 55 fear being diagnosed with dementia more than any
other chronic condition. At least 1 in 4 people hide their diagnosis for fear of stigma.
Risk Reduction:
Age and genetics are some risk factors that cannot be changed. But research has
shown that cardiovascular factors, physical fitness, and diet do play a key role in
reducing your risk.
Cardiovascular: Your brain is nourished by one of your body's richest networks of blood
vessels. Anything that damages blood vessels anywhere in your body can damage blood vessels
in your brain, depriving brain cells of vital food and oxygen. Blood vessel changes in the brain
are linked to vascular dementia. (Alzheimer’s Association)
Physical exercise: Regular physical exercise may help lower the risk of some types of
dementia. Evidence suggests that increasing the blood flow to the brain by stimulating
brain cell activity during exercise can lower your risk for developing dementia.
Diet: Research has also shown that what you eat has a huge impact on brain health
through heart health. Evidence suggests that a heart healthy diet, like the Mediterranean
diet, can reduce your chances of developing dementia. This diet is low in red meat and
emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, nuts, olive oil and other
healthy fats.
Medications: Different medications have been shown to be effective in treating mild,
moderate and severe dementia. Depending on the underlying diagnosis, severity of the
condition, or any other issues observed by the doctor, you may be prescribed
medications. However, not everybody will benefit from these drugs. There is no cure for
Alzheimer’s.
For more information visit: www.healthfinder.gov; http://alzfdn.org/
or www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf
LAURA LASSITER, Parish Nurse
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