Since 1791

May 2008 Edited By George Hoag

Bishop Appoints New Pastor Worship In May The United May 4—7th Sunday of Easter. Lectionary Readings: Psalm 68:1-10,32-35; Methodist Acts 1:6-14; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John 17:1-11. Our newest Lay Speaker, Church of June Barile, will lead worship and deliver the sermon today. Rev. Stevens will Patchogue will celebrate communion. be served by a new pastor May —Mother’s' Day & The Day of Pentecost. Lectionary Readings: beginning July 1. Psalm 139:7-14; Hosea 11:1-4; Matthew 23:37-39. Sermon: God & Motherhood. With the May 18—Confirmation Sunday & the 2nd Sunday of Pentecost. Lectionary announcement Readings: Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23. Sermon: Don't Leave Home Without It. We last month that will celebrate the Spirit of Pentecost as we welcome Justin Zimmerman and Dr. Judy Stevens would begin her new Brian Shadbolt into our church family's full membership. appointment at St. Paul’s UMC in May 25—Memorial Day Sunday & the 3rd Sunday of Pentecost. Staten Island on that date, Bishop Lectionary Readings: Psalm 1; Isaiah 2:1-4; Philippians 4:4-9; John 14:25-31. Jeremiah J. Park has named Rev. In Sermon: The Peace of God. Koo Chung to Patchogue. He currently serves two churches, in Peekskill and in 1994, he says, he received God’s calling and decided to enroll in a theological Ossining. Seminary, ISEDET. He describes that school as an “ecumenical seminary, deeply colored Rev. Chung was born in Seoul, with liberation theology.” He began work as Korea in February, 1970, the son of a a Youth and College Pastor in the Korean minister in the Korean Methodist Presbyterian Church in 1995 and says the Church. Church life was very impor- experience deepened his commitment to the tant to him as he grew up and influ- ministry. enced his decision to become a minis- ter. He received a BA and Master of Divinity Degree from ISEDET in Dec.1998 and When he was 14, his father’s mis- then, in 1999, came to the U.S. to continue sionary work took the family to his theological studies. He first went to Argentina, his first airplane ride. He Xavier University in Cincinnati for a year to struggled for a while but then learned learn English, and then entered Drew Spanish and adapted to the culture. University in Madison, NJ in Mar. 2000, In 1991, he entered Universidad receiving a Master of Divinity Degree in Argentina de la Empresa in Buenos May 2003. Aires, and majored in Business. Then, Continued on Page 2 Relating People to Jesus Christ and God's Word Pastor Chung (from Pg. 1) Rev. Chung says Drew brought great For Joys: changes to his life. His brother joined Katie Weber’s friend Steven Santiago has returned safely from Iraq. Jessica and him there in 2001 at about the same Frank Nuzzo’s new son (and Barbara Schroeder’s grandson), Gavin Anthony, time his parents returned to ministry in born March 11th, 6lbs, 15oz, 19 and 3/4” long. The Chae’s granddaughter was Korea after 18 years of missionary given a gold medal from New York State as a writer amongst young writers. work in Argentina. And, he met Myung For Bereavement: Jin, a fellow student at Drew. They Family and Friends of: Beulah Wylazlowski, George Roessler, Sr., Olive Ann married right after they received their Cox, John Williford, John Emerson Bransford, Ruth Siebert. Master of Divinity degrees in June For Guidance: 2003, which was, he says, “the happiest Steven Santiago, Barbara McAllister, Joe Brentlink, David & Lori Purificato, and most blessed moment in my life.” Ray Gallo, Ray Clark, Maj. Don Cornwell stationed in South Korea, Cat Myung Jin also attended Yale Divinity Placement and Rescue, Brenda Bonfe D’Angelo, the Stawecki family, Maria Spera School and will begin Ph.D studies at and family. Boston College this fall. These Who are Hospitalized: Rev. Chung became a certified can- Michael Abate, Howard Alt, Aunt Lee Kraemer, Zachary, Sheila SanGiovanni, didate for ordained ministry in the Doug Brown, Deborah Belmonte, Joe Schievone, Alicia Sophabmixay, Marge Methodist Church in 2003. He worked Kirkup, Vincent Maggio, Maggie Reynolds, Warren Davis, Liam Keady, Mike as a Youth Pastor at Central Korean Welsh. UMC and Memorial UMC in White Plains and was appointed to Ossining These at Home: UMC in 2005, becoming at the same Ernie Titus, Linda Werner’s friend Lois, Lucille Barthelme, Jean Miller, Wayne time an Administrative Assistant to the Stawecki, Henry Prince, Maria Agtuco, Debi DelRossi, Belle Barile, June Barile, NY Conference UMCOR Coordinator. Rick Healy, Lisa Ann Manginelli, Catherine Cullen, Tom Furman, Krysten In July, 2006 he became a Probationary Wagonberg, Antonio Salgada, Ann Mazie Diema, Robert and Don DeLaVergne, Elder and received the additional Lisa Lopez, Dorotea Sanchez, Mary Jones, Carol Knapp, Joan and Richard appointment to serve Peekskill UMC. Simpson, Mary Ceaser, Josephine and Louis Adone, Ed Erdmann, Ruth Masem, He expects to be ordained as an Elder and Kitty Dayton. in June 2009. These who are in Rehab or Nursing Care Facilities: Rev. Chung will lead his first George and Shirley Strauss; Alice Zahnd in Patchogue Nursing Center, 25 Patchogue service on July 6. He says he Schoenfeld Blvd., Patchogue, NY; Anna Satterly in Brookhaven Health Care is looking forward to seeing you there. Facility, 801 Gazzola Drive, East Patchogue, NY 11772; Lew and Kitty Brunnemer in Cedar Lodge Nursing Home, 6 Frowein Road, Center Moriches, Covenant Group NY 11934; Gerry Flood in St James Nursing Home (room 269) 273 Moriches All are welcome to join the Rd., St. James, NY 11780; Doris Shrimpton in Bellhaven Nursing Center, 110 covenant group that meets in the Beaverdam Rd., Brookhaven; Hazel Nargi in McPeak’s Adult Home, 286 N. library of the cloud room each Ocean Ave., Patchogue; Marian King in Sunrise Assisted Living, 2 Hills Rd., E. Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.. Come to Setauket, Rm. 2; Anna Bonfe, Rm. 201, Cunningham Bldg., Loretto Rest, 708 E. share scripture, joys and concerns. Brighton Ave., Syracuse, NY 13205; Toby Miller (Room 213B) in Affinity Skilled Living and Rehabilitation Center, 305 Locust Avenue, Oakdale, NY 11769. Contact Jan Boyd or June Barile for further information. The deadline for the June Link is Pray for our church and her future directions! May 16. E-mail: [email protected]

Lift up your church with your prayers, presence, gifts and service. Love As The Commandment One of the greatest psychologists, The source of loving is outside of Erich Fromm said in his book, “The our relationship. The source of love is John 15:9-17 Art of Loving” that most people when from God. Love in the Bible does not A serman by Rev. In Koo Chung they think about love, they think more mean that we love because we are We all like to be loved. The kids like about “being loved,” rather than “lov- attracted. Love in the Bible does not to be loved by their parents. The par- ing.” Thus, we usually make more mean that we love because we see the ents like to be loved by their kids. The efforts to be loved, thinking how to be lovability in other people. students like to be loved by the teach- loved, and how to be lovable. We love because God commands us. ers and the teachers like to be loved by And, he makes a very interesting We love because God first loved us. We the students. The wives like to be loved statement. He says that “love is an art.” are able to love because God showed by their husbands and the husbands And, we are the artist. To be a good us God’s love first. We love because of like to be loved by their wives. artist, we have to learn and make God. We all like to be loved by someone. efforts. That’s why we have to learn Kierkegaards said “If one man, There is no one who does not want to about love and make efforts to be a when another man says to him, ‘I can be loved. good artist of loving. no longer love you,’ proudly answers, My wife’s sister has a son, and he is We want to be loved and we know ‘then I can also stop loving you,’ this 3 years old. And, as he is the first son well how we have to act to be loved love is dependence, because whether in the family, and the first grandchild and be lovable, and we do all kinds of he will continue to love or not depends for my father-in-law and mother-in- efforts to be loved. on whether the other will love. But if law; he is receiving full attention in the However, many times we want to be the one answers ‘then I will still contin- family, and is being loved by family loved, rather than to love. And, many ue to love you,’ this love is everlastingly more than anyone. times, we don’t know how to love, and free in blessed independence. His love does not depend on the other person, But, the interesting thing is that he many times we don’t make efforts to and it is independent.” himself does very lovable and sweet love. As the Bible asks us to love, we things to be loved more. And, he also have to make efforts to love rather Love in the Bible is independent knows who loves him most and least. than only to be loved. love. That’s why we love no matter As the grandfather and mother love Today, I’d like to share the under- who you are. No matter what you have him a lot, he also likes them more than standing of love in the Bible. done. No matter what social and eco- other people in the family. nomic status you have. No matter how ) Love is the commandment. The 1 different you are from me. I believe that the desire to be loved summons to love arises not from with- is the instinct for every human being. in the natural attractiveness (lovability). We love because the source of lov- ing comes from God. We love, because The Bible also says a lot about We usually love someone because of God, and we are called to love. We “love.” It explains how God has loved he/she has attractiveness and lovability are commanded to love. This is our the world and all human being. And, it that motivate us to love him/her. The vocation, and this is the calling from also teaches us what and how we have source of loving comes from the other God. to behave before God to be loved person, not from me. That’s why we more and more by God. easily love someone who is “attractive” We were called to love, we are called to love, and we are continually being However, the Bible does not only in some way, and we also want to be an called by God to love our neighbors. talk about how much we are loved by “attractive person” to be loved. Because we are Christians, we are God, but also say how much we have However, love in the Bible is differ- God’s children and Jesus’ disciples. to love God and love one another. ent. Love in the Bible is the command- Loving is not an expression of We are loved by God, so that we ment. And the source of loving does 2) our “emotions” or “affections” but it is have to love one another. Not only not come from the person whom I the “act of will.” being loved but loving. love, but it comes from God. Continued on Page 4 Celebrate your life! Witness for your faith! Love As The Commandment This is the understanding of love in crete situation. (Cont. from page 3) the Bible. Love is not “liking.” Love is Today I want you to remember that Love in the Bible is not “liking.” not an expression of our emotion, but we all are called by God to love our Love in the Bible is not an expression it is an act of will. neighbors. of our emotions toward our neighbors. 3) Love is the concrete and immedi- We love our neighbors not because When Jesus said to us “love one ate response to the need. they are loveable and attractive, but we another,” he does not refer to the love The word “love” in the Bible is not love our neighbors because God com- between Mom and her child, or just a concept and an abstract word, manded us, because God loved us first, between two lovers. Jesus does not but it is the practical, and concrete call and because God shows how to love. refer to just some vague and general- from God. The reason and source of love is from ized “disposition of the soul,” feeling, In other words, love is the concrete God. or attitude, but he does refer to love as acts of obedience in response to And, love as it is meant in the Bible an act of the will. encountered need. is not “liking,” and it is not an expres- For example, when I say, “I love When Jesus said “love your neigh- sion of our emotion, but it is the acts some poor kids who are in Honduras, bors as yourselves,” “neighbors” is not of will, and it is the concrete and who don’t have parents, who cannot go just a concept or an abstract word, but immediate response to those who are to school,” what do I mean? “neighbors” are those who you in need. I do not know them personally. I encounter in your daily life. Today, Jesus says to us one more don’t know if they have good behav- You are my neighbors. If one of time “This is my commandment, that iors or not. I don’t know if they have you is in need, I have to respond, you love one another as I have loved the same interests as me. because you are my neighbors. you.” Love is the commandment. It is hard to say that I like them, but When Hurricane Katrina hit —Rev. In Koo Chung is the pastor it is clear in the biblical understanding Mississippi, there were many people of Ossining and Peekskill, NY of love that we can LOVE them. I do who lost there lives, jobs, and families. United Methodist Churches. This pray for them. I do help them to go to They are our neighbors. And, they are sermon was delivered In Ossining school. I don’t know whether I like in need, so that we had to show and May 21, 2006. He has been appoint- them or not, but I do love them practice love toward them. ed to Patchogue, beginning July 1. because they are also God’s children, Last summer, the Spanish congrega- and I am called by God to love them. tion had to leave the place where they As the people of In Matthew 5:43-45, “You have used to meet for the worship service. the United States heard that it was said, 'You shall love And, they came to our church to ask us honor those who have your neighbor and hate your enemy.' to use our church building for their died in the nation’s But I say to you, love your enemies and worship. In this situation, these people service this Memorial pray for those who persecute you, so were our neighbors. And they were in Day, let us pray for peace for all peo- that you may be children of your need of our help. And, we could ples and nations of the world. Father in heaven”. respond to their needs in a very con- Almighty God, How can we like those who hate us? crete way. We showed love toward In whom we live, love, and have our being, How can we like those who hurt us? them. We take time today to uplift the heavy hearts How can we like our enemies? Again, to love is the concrete and Of those for whom Memorial Day I don’t think that we can. However, immediate acts of response to those yes, we can love them. With love who are in need, because they are our Is more than a mere diversion, toward them, we can forgive, under- neighbors. To love is to show our soli- But is, instead, a painful time of reflec- tion, lamentation stand, reconcile and pray for them. darity with our neighbors in each con- And enduring bereavement.

Celebrate your life! Witness for your faith! UMC. Org Reviews Juno a whole jug of Sunny D to take a preg- ever enlarging Juno at school (called nancy test. But this test, just like all the “The Cautionary Whale” by snide class- Production Company: Fox previous ones, is positive. True to mates)? How will she find suitable adop- Searchlight Pictures; Director: Jason teenage form, she first tells her best tive parents? (And can you trust Reitman; Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, friend and then Paulie (Michael Cera), prospective parents who advertise in the Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia the baby’s father. He agrees she must do Pennysaver?) And what about Juno and Thirlby, Rainn Wilson, Jason Bateman, something and observes in perfect Paulie? As Juno muses, "I know people Jennifer Garner; Rating: PG-13 for some teenage deadpan, “because...pregnancy are supposed to fall in love before they crude language and sexual situations often results in an infant.” Juno agrees, reproduce, but normalcy's not really our By Gregg Tubbs saying “that’s what happens when our style." (UMC.org)—This review comes with moms or teachers get pregnant.” Juno's humor is tart but never too a warning: No matter how hard I try, I Exchanges like this show screenwriter sharp or hurtful. Though its teenage may use the word “sweet” more often Diablo Cody’s keen understanding of slang is authentically frank, even crude, it than good writing rules recommend. the lingering innocence of adolescent. avoids gratuitous obscenity and rings Then again, Juno itself is a rule-breaker. Although they are mature in many ways, true to anyone who’s just been there, or It's a rib tickling comedy about a serious Juno and Paulie are still just kids who (like me) is raising a teenager. And the subject—teen pregnancy—that manages find themselves in way over their heads. film shows a remarkable understanding to be both youthfully sweet and worldly After a fateful and funny encounter of teens. They are, after all, “still in the wise without heavy moralizing, and lands with a pro-life schoolmate outside an oven” and will make foolish decisions— on a happy ending that should settle well abortion clinic ("Fingernails? The baby even the best of them. with people of faith. The film bounces already has fingernails?"), Juno decides What’s most surprising about Juno is along with some of the snappiest, rapid- to “keep the spawn” and goes home to that it’s not just a film about teenage fire repartee this side of an old screwball face her parents. This scene proves to be pregnancy. Teen pregnancy is almost a comedy, all wrapped up in a warming air another comic gem, as Juno’s similarly plot device to explore its real themes— of sweetness. deadpan father (J.K. Simmons) and step- commitment and lasting love. Juno’s A lot of people are calling Juno this mother (Allison Janney) take in the mother walked out when she was young, year’s Little Miss Sunshine or Sideways, news. Sweetness again prevails as her and we see relationships touched by but in all fairness to those fine films, unexpectedly understanding folks offer uncertainty throughout the film. The Juno tops them all. It is the indie master- forgiveness, support and even a little yuppie couple who want to adopt the s' thesis. “Fresh” is a word we hear a lot rueful humor. baby show troubling cracks in their per- when a newcomer arrives, usually a In another moment that shows an fect couple façade. Juno’s dad sees his young writer or director, who ruffles uncanny understanding that adolescence second marriage as a lucky second conventions and lets some fresh air into is a unique, in-between state, Juno’s chance. And Juno and Paulie aren’t yet the stale media market. The smart, brash father gently chides her, “I thought you sure if they even have a relationship. team behind Juno threw all the windows were the kind of girl who knew when to When Juno implores, “Is it possible for wide open and let in a refreshing cross- say when.” And she replies, “I have no two people to stay happy together forev- breeze that mixes young love, deadpan idea what kind of girl I am.” The scene, er?” Her wise old dad replies, “Find a comedy, sophisticated observations and which could have been a traumatic person who loves you for exactly what old-fashioned sentimentality in a way shouting match, is instead a testament to you are.” that remains real—and yes, sweet.heads. parental love and forgiveness (and again, Juno is a little miracle of a film about Juno (Ellen Page) is a bright, wise- sweetness). treasuring life; finding true love and, cracking and 16-year-old who lives in an With nine months ahead, Juno, most importantly, someone who will unnamed middleclass neighborhood. In Paulie, and her parents have a lot to do stick with you. And did I mention that the droll opening, Juno storms into the and decide. Do they keep the baby or it’s sweet? local pharmacy restrooms after chugging give it up for adoption? What awaits the Celebrate your life! Witness for your faith! 631-758-1550 E-mail: [email protected]

A Message from Bayport The Bayport United Methodist Church softball team has been playing in the Suffolk Christian League for about 10 years. It’s a fun, well organized, non-cutthroat, Christian League. The season runs from April through July and the games are usually on Monday evenings. Our home field is at the James Wilson Young Middle School in Bayport. We invite anyone in the Patchogue United Methodist Church (age 15 or older) to join us for the fun and fellowship. It costs about $65 per person for League fees (they provide umpires), t-shirt, and cap. If you are interested, please call Don Kolacki at 363-6499 or notify the church office at 475-0381. United Methodist Church of Patchogue May 2008

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 9:30 a.m.²ESL 10 a.m.±3 p.m.² Class Chrysalis 6:30 p.m.²ESL Class 7:00 p.m.² Confirmation Class 7:30 p.m.²Chancel Choir

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 a.m.²Church 7 p.m.²Disciple II 10 a.m.±Noon² 9:30 a.m.²ESL 9:30 a.m.²ESL 10 a.m.±4 p.m.² School /Communion 7 p.m.²AA Food Pantry Class Class Plant Sale Worship 7:00 p.m.²AA 6:30 p.m.²ESL 6:30 p.m.²ESL 11:30 a.m.²Teachers Class Meeting 7:30 p.m.² Class Recovery 7:00 p.m.² 11:30 a.m.²Youth Confirmation Class Group 7:30 p.m.²Chancel

Choir

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 10 a.m.²Church 7 p.m.²Disciple II 10 a.m.±Noon² 9:30 a.m.²ESL 9:30 a.m.²ESL 9:30 a.m.² School /Worship 7 p.m.²AA Food Pantry Class Class UMWomen 11:30 a.m.² 7:00 p.m.²AA 6:30 p.m.²ESL 6:30 p.m.²ESL Finance Committee 7:30 p.m.² Class Class Recovery 7:00 p.m.² Confirmation Class 7:30 p.m.²Chancel Choir

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10 a.m.²Church 7 p.m.²Disciple II 10 a.m.±Noon² 9:30 a.m.²ESL 9:30 a.m.²ESL School /Worship 7 p.m.²AA Food Pantry Class Class 11:30 a.m.²Church 7:00 p.m.²AA 6:30 p.m.²ESL 6:30 p.m.²ESL Council 7:30 p.m.² Class Class 11:30 a.m.²Youth Recovery 7:00 p.m.² Group Confirmation Class 7:30 p.m.²Chancel Choir

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 10 a.m.²Church 7 p.m.²Disciple II 10 a.m.±Noon² 9:30 a.m.²ESL 9:30 a.m.²ESL School/Worship 7 p.m.²AA Food Pantry Class Class 11:30 a.m.² 7:00 p.m.²AA 6:30 p.m.²ESL 6:30 p.m.²ESL Trustees 7:30 p.m.² Class Class 7 p.m.²Healing Recovery 7:00 p.m.² Prayer Service Confirmation Class 7:30 p.m.²Chancel Choir The United Methodist Church of Non Profit Organization Patchogue U.S. Postage 10 Church Street PAID Patchogue, NY 11772 Permit #7 Rev. Dr. Judith Stevens, Pastoral Minister Kathleen D’Angelo, Office Assistant Office Phone: 631-475-0381 | Fax: 631-363-2163

Sunday Worship—10 A.M. — Sunday School—10 A.M. Fellowship Coffee Hour—11 A.M. Supervised Nursery during worship. 05/01 Youth News Mothers' Day Plant Sale Alexandra Aldrich Our conversation about “How To Our Mothers' Day Plant Sale is 05/01 Raise Your Parents” was postponed Christopher McGrath scheduled for May 10th. Please send because so many of you were away for 05/02 Kelli Pearson in your orders ASAP. Suzie Conti is school break. How To Raise Your 05/04 Amanda Mujic collecting the orders at church You Parents is a 2 part conversation, and we 05/04 could leave them in the church Thomas DeCrescenzo will begin with part 1 May 4th. office, or give them to Suzie. 05/05 Lorie Purificato May 18th is Confirmation Sunday - We need helpers Friday evening, 05/05 Elizabeth Hillman a special day for Justin Zimmerman May 9, to get the orders together, 05/05 Emma Hillman and Brian Shadbolt, who will be con- and helpers to sell additional plants 05/05 Sarah Hillman firmed as full members of our church on the 10th. Jean Miller will set up 05/06 Justin Belmonte family. Let's plan a special celebration! her white elephant sale on the 10th, 05/07 Ryan Bettencourt We will continue with part 2 of as well. 05/08 Justin Lazzarino “How To Raise Your Parents” the 1st 05/09 Rachel Betts 05/09 Maeve Foley Sunday of June. governed only by the General 05/09 Kelsey O'Reilly Congratulations to these high Conference, a gathering of (this year 05/13 Eric Dorfman school graduates: Jen Whalen, Chelsea 992) clergy and lay people who meet 05/13 Meggan Kryssing Loris, Laura Ann Feldman. Do you for ten days every four years, this time 05/14 David Carfora know anyone else who is graduating in Ft. Worth, Texas, from Apr. 23 to 05/14 Kathryn Roberts this year? If you do, call the church May 2. Dr. Stevens is a delegate this 05/20 Jacqueline Hyde office and let Kathleen know their year, among those plunged into what 05/20 Ronny Hyde name. has been described as a two week 05/20 Timothy Rishkel “frenzy of democracy”. General Conference 05/22 Zachary Long Past Conferences have brought large 05/23 Amanda Rose The United Methodist Church is an controversies, reflecting in part the lib- 05/23 Jason Morello hierarchical denomination of 11 mil- eral/conservative cultural divisions of 05/24 Kevin Leahy lion people, but, of course, it has no the society as a whole. This year there 05/26 Edward Merritt Pope. It does have Bishops elected to are requests for a change of tone, with 05/26 Michael Zoeller serve geographical areas, 50 in the organizers focusing on ten principles 05/27 Jake Lipponer United States, 19 elsewhere in the including respect, civility and mutual 05/27 Conor McGrath world. But the church is not governed understanding. 05/30 Gavin O'Leary by either Bishops or Ministers. It is We’ll see. 05/30 Laela Murtha

—George Hoag