BUCK CREEK UMC NEWSLETTER APRIL 2006 BUCK CREEK

THE STAFF Tim Schnepp, editor. UMC NEWSLETTER Nancy Schnepp, primary reporter

Carol Shepard, church secretary, duplicator. People providing pictures this month: Sam Stratton, Audrey Chappell, Jean Harner, Summer Taylor

Additional contributors: Maralyn Turner, Jamie Stratton, Suzann Brouwer

Thanks to God, who makes all of this possible.

SOMETHING ENCOURAGING TO PASS ALONG BCUMC on the web: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/bcumcin/

This is an article I found very helpful. I pray that it will also be EDITOR’S NOTES This is it, Christians, this is it. That’s right. Easter is just helpful and encouraging to you. In Christ ’s great love, Pastor Dwight around the corner. It’s when we recall the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus and His rising from the dead in three days. Sure I can hype it up all I 4 Marks of a Transforming Church: There's more to it than doing good deeds. Our inner-city church in Indianapolis offered many want in this little box, but for the real miracle, and the real details, I would kindly refer you to the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Take your pick! ministries to the poor: a soup kitchen, a sports ministry, free Thanksgiving turkey dinners. A back-to-school program gave out -Timothy Schnepp e-mail: [email protected] shoes, coats, and book bags. We were proud of our reputation as "the church that stayed" instead of fleeing to the suburbs. Nevertheless, something was wrong. None of our outreach programs was leading people to faith in Jesus Christ. ALTAR FLOWERS APRIL 2006 Residents we touched were not entering into the life of the church. We April 2: Betty Carlton for birthday remained an enclave for affluent, educated whites. April 9: Easter Lilies April 16: Easter Lilies What was wrong? While wrestling with this question, I happened to th read Luke 5, the story of Simon Peter, who spent all night fishing April 23: For Noah's 6 birthday (Apr. 18) from parents John & Barb Irr April 30: John & Barb Irr for their 8th anniversary (May 2) without catching any fish. As he sat frustrated on shore, Christ told him, "Put out into deeper water and let down your nets." I was struck by our church's similar situation. Where was the "deeper water" we needed to EASTER WEEK SERVICES go? I identified four places. April 9: Palm Sunday, 10:15am worship 1. Deeper relationships: Many of our outreach ministries were April 13: Maundy Thursday communion service, 7:pm impersonal, treating people like clients rather than friends. For 12 April 14: Good Friday, no services scheduled years, for instance, we operated our soup kitchen as a take-out April 16: Easter Sunrise Service: 7:30am window. People lined up for bowls of soup but couldn't enter the Easter breakfast: 8am building. The doors were locked. What message did that send? Easter worship: 9am (no Sunday School)

So we unlocked the doors and invited people to eat inside the church. Some of our members began coming each day to sit and eat lunch with OOPS! the guests. Before long, some of the neighborhood residents were Please forgive our oops! helping out in the soup kitchen. One of our key volunteers, a retired + Oops! March 2006 issue, Opal Shoop's name should be “Shoop,” not professor of social work, told me: "All my life I taught classes about the “Should.” Sorry, Opal! poor. Now, they're my friends!" + Oops! We forgot to include Brittany Bunte as reporter in the March 2. Deeper invitations: Jesus calls us to fish, not to be ichthyologists. issue! We weren't catching any fish. For years our church had a recreation + Oops! In the February issue, the poinsettias listing for Chappel ministry where children learned to play football, basketball, and should read: In memory of George Chappel, with love from Audrey

(article continued on page 4) Chappel.

1 2 (continued from page 1…) WISHES OVERHEARD + We wish to say the Chicken Noodle Dinner was a great success, with SOMETHING ENCOURAGING TO PASS ALONG delicious food and fellowship. Many thanks to Tammy Louthen and her baseball. But we didn't try to share the gospel in a deliberate way. A leader helpers for organizing, and all the work that they did. The St. Patrick's of the community told me: "My son grew up playing sports at your church. theme was very appropriate. Thanks also to Nancy Balser. He wanted to join the church, but no one ever invited him." If the goal is leading people to Christ and transformation, we'd missed it. So we made THANK YOUS changes. Leaders of the program committed themselves to evangelism + I was surprised and shocked to find flowers at my door. Your and discipleship. We took a group of neighborhood kids to a summer camp kindness and caring is appreciated. Whenever I look at the beautiful run by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where some made arrangement, I will think of you. In Christ, - Mary Martin commitments to Christ. We prepared devotional materials for teams to use before practice. We began offering a midweek "huddle" time to disciple + Ladies Missionary Society received this note of thanks... Thank you youngsters who had become Christians. for the great box of stamps. I don't see the stamps very often---but I 3. Deeper investments: It is not a bad thing to hand out Christmas did open your box. I know our buyer is going to be very pleased. In baskets, but lifting people out of poverty requires deeper investment. Christian Love, - Olive Hale (Volunteer @ Marion Mission Warehouse) Studying our neighborhood, we realized the greatest need was for

+ Thanks so much for the flowers for my birthday. education: many children near our church were illiterate. Unable to read or I've fished with many a frog but this is the first time write, they soon dropped out of school and were lost to the street culture. I ever saw a frog fishing, especially Giving them book bags wasn't enough; they needed a school that would with a straw hat on! equip and protect them. After much planning, we purchased an abandoned school building, and Thanks again, - Verne Harner in 1998 the Oaks Academy opened its doors with 53 students. Enrollment has since grown to more than 220, with a student body racially and

economically mixed. In recent years, the church has also started a medical

clinic and Christian legal clinic, both requiring generous investments of money and talent. POLLING PLACE, PRECINCT CHANGES 4. Deeper faith: Our greatest need is for deeper faith—to believe what God These changes in polling places are the ones that affect our area. wants to do. After the miraculous catch of fish, Peter fell before Jesus and Be aware there are others that have been changed. Double check exclaimed, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Peter was your polling place in Tippecanoe County before the Primary Election overwhelmed by Christ's power and presence. Day on May 2, 2006. Polls open at 6am and close at 6pm. As our church ventured into deeper waters, we witnessed that same power and presence. For the first time in our 150-year history, a significant number of PERRY 1: Moving from East Tipp Middle School, 7501 E. County Road African Americans began attending. Our staff—previously all white—became 300 N, to Faith Baptist Church, 5526 Indiana 26E multiracial. Some of our members opened a Christian coffee shop in the PERRY 2: Will vote at Faith Baptist Church neighborhood, and soon the Unleavened Bread Café became a gathering place PERRY 3: was split into Perry 3 and Perry 4. for all sorts of people, from the district attorney to drug dealers. God exceeded PERRY 3: will vote at Lafayette Fire Station No. 9 our dreams. Training Center, 1757 S County Road 475E. Yes, before sailing into deeper waters, you need to count the cost. You'll PERRY 4: will vote at Eastside Assembly of God, exceed your comfort zone. We exposed deep undercurrents of fear, pride, and prejudice. Would we become a "black" church? Could we afford these new 6121 E. County Road 50 S, Lafayette ministries? Would starting a Christian school hurt the public school system? WASHINGTON 1: moving from Colburn United Methodist, Colburn, We faced resistance. And after five years, I resigned due to the persistent to East Tipp Middle School, 7501 E County Road 300 N. conflict. But I'm pleased with what we did. Moving into deeper water led to WASHINGTON 2: moving from Buck Creek Fire Station, County transformation for our church and for the neighborhood. —Peter Larson is now pastor of Lebanon (Ohio) Presbyterian Church. Road 450 N, to East Tipp Middle School, Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership 7501 E County Road 300 N Journal. Summer 2005, Vol. XXVI, No. 3, Page 29

3 4 MORE WINTER BABIES! MILITARY UPDATES Congratulations to all on these beautiful new babies! Please continue to keep our military in your prayers. And please feel

METRO-LUCIES free to write to them. If you have anyone you'd like to be listed, please Chloee Michelle Faith Metro-Lucies was welcomed into the world on contact the editor. January 17, 2006, by parents Jona Metro Lucies and David JULIE STOCK Lucies of Lafayette. Chloee was Julie is the daughter of Mike & Barb Stock. Here's an update on born in Lafayette, Indiana at Julie. She is now a Capt. and will be in Germany with her Home Hospital. She weighed in Transportation Company until June. At that time, she is rotating back to at 5 pounds, 13 ounces, and was the States and will attend a six month Officer's Advance Course in Ft. 20 1/2 inches long. Maternal Lee, VA. When her school is completed, she will receive a new grandparents are BCUMCers assignment, which her parents hope will be in the States! Thank you John & Willy Metro of Buck Creek. for continuing to include her on the list of Buck Creek Military and keeping her in your prayers. -Barb Stock Also welcoming Chloee are Aunt Summer Taylor & Uncle Here is her current address: Mike Taylor, along with Uncle Joe Metro. Chloee has two older CAPT JULIE STOCK siblings, Hunter, age 7, and Rylee, age 5, who probably can't wait till 51ST TRANS CO Chloee is big enough to play with them! UNIT 30020 BOX 367

FRENCH APO AE 09166

Camden Michael French was born on February 6, 2006, at JIMMY STRATTON Lafayette Home Hospital. He Jimmy Stratton is the son of Sam & Jamie Stratton, and brother to weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 Tina. Jimmy has just joined the service, and is currently in basic ounces, and was 20 1/2 training. He will also be getting extended training for the military police. inches long. Camden's His address follows: parents are Michael and Robin (Harner) French of Pvt James D Stratton Lafayette, Indiana. Camden is B Co, 795th MP BN 2nd Plt the grandson of Rob Harner, 350, 19th Street, Unit #25 and the great-grandson of Ft Leonard Wood, MO 65473

BCUMC members Verne & Jean JAMES FAUROTE James "Scooter" Faurote is the son of Frank & Jane Faurote. He Harner of Lafayette, Indiana. has re-enlisted and will be traveling overseas soon. We will print an SMITH address for him when it becomes available. Maci J. Smith was born on Saturday, February 25, 2006, weighing in at 5 pounds and 14 ounces. She is the daughter of Kent and Kellie Smith of Lafayette , Indiana. She has a sister, Madison and one stepsister Stephanie, and one step-brother Wesley. BCUMC member Audrey Chappell is a very proud Grandma!

5 6 SOUPER BOWL OF CARING PENNY HARVEST: BIGGEST TOTAL EVER FOR BCUMC The Jr. & Sr. High Sunday School classes collected $95.16 on Souper This is the 6th year that BCUMC has participated in the Annual Bowl Sunday. They have decided to use the money to purchase animals Penny Harvest to benefit Family Services, Inc., in Lafayette. Here are for the Heifer Project. We thank you for your generosity. the totals collected each year including 2006:

2001: $72.71 2003: $72.71 2005: $77.23

2002: $49.69 2004: $80.00 2006: $94.64

This year the boys and girls used mailing tubes to collect the pennies. The younger classes decorated their tubes and took home to fill and return. Sunday School teacher Chris Pullen reports that his high school class met their goal of 3 tubes! (They figured $15 worth to fill 1 tube). They set their own goal and reward. They had breakfast at McDonald's on March 12th. Chris says, "I am so proud of them, it was truly Dick Mohler drops in a their effort." donation. The girls collected $53.09,

and were the first placers, rewarded with donuts! The SPRC REPORT boys were second place with Members of your Staff Parish Relations Committee are always available $41.55, and got the donut for you to voice your comments (positive and negative) and concerns to. holes! Great job, everyone! However, it is important that we hear them directly from you and not from the void of "A lot of people have been saying ..." Without direct contact there is no responsibility taken for actions and words and accountability is not being fostered. We believe that the major issue here is "trust." You are wondering "Do I trust that I can tell you what I think and you will listen to me even if you disagree"? Please know that your SPRC cares and that you can trust us to address your cares and concerns. Pastor Dwight now has a cell phone. The number is 765-413-3662. Please feel free to call him when the need arises. However, be aware that if he is in the middle of teaching a class, grading tests, etc. he may not be able to answer his phone. Leave him a message and he will return your call as soon as he can. Your SPRC members are: Patrick Balser, Suzann Brouwer, Jil Funk, Jean Harner, Barb Irr, John Metro, Steve Mitchell, Dick Mohler, Sam Stratton, Ralph Rohrer, and Pastor Dwight. –Suzann Brouwer

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Servants of the Lord APRIL 2006

USHERS > Jil Funk / Bill Pless / Sam Stratton / Ken Mueller GREETERS > Carol Shepard / Audrey Chappell ACOLYTE > Teia Louthen LITURGIST > Ruth Davidson CHILDREN’S SERMON > Coley Sharp BELL RINGER > Drew Davidson

NURSERY HELP SCRIPTURE READER APR 02 > Kiersten Davidson / Amanda Shepard Carol Shepard APR 09 > Lydia Mueller / Paige Davidson Jil Funk APR 16 > Barb Irr / Ali Davidson Adrian Davidson APR 23 > Michele Mitchell / Megan Mitchell Barb Irr

APR 30 > Kiersten Davidson / Amanda Shepard Megan Mitchell

>>No children’s sermon April 2nd (Holy Communion) >>Communion Steward: Tammy Louthen

Choir Director: Anita Davidson

If you will not be available to serve as assigned, please contact Bob Shepard, 589-7255.

LEBANON CHILDREN'S HOME SPRING AUXILIARY PROGRAM This year the date for the Lebanon Children's Home Spring Auxiliary program is Saturday, April 22, 2006, at 10:00am. Lunch will be served with the boys and girls around noon. We hope you can come!!!! The program will take place in our chapel. No reservations are needed - just come, have a great time, and be inspired! (Information from Susan Bennett, Public Relations Representative United Methodist Children's Home in Lebanon.)

WAUGH 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Bob & Ruth Waugh will celebrate their 50th anniversary on June 25, 2006. Their party will be held at the Buck Creek Community Center, with a hog roast. Time is 1:00-5pm. Please RSVP to Bob and/or Ruth at 589-8360, by Thursday, June 1st. They request no gifts, but cards would be welcomed!

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COMMUNITY OBIT DAVID A. BUCK The Buck Creek community was saddened by the passing of farmer David A. Buck, of rural Buck Creek. He passed away at 1:30a.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2006, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on July 30, 1945 to parents James A. and Erby E. Heath Buck in Lafayette, Indiana. He was a

1963 graduate of East Tipp High School and a 1967 graduate of Purdue University. He was a life resident of Tippecanoe County. Dave was a veteran, serving in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. On March 5, 1968, he wed his beloved Judith A. Thayer in Lafayette, and she survives. They were married a full 38 years. Dave was a self-employed farmer. He was a member of Schuyler Avenue Wesleyan Church, president of Tippecanoe County Pork Producers and manager for the tent for the organization (you would see them at the 4-H Fair each year). He served on the advisory board for Farm Credit Services and was a member of the Tippecanoe County Exhibit Association. In 2003, he was awarded the title Master Farmer by the State of Indiana, and appeared on the cover of Prairie Farmer magazine. He enjoyed working with 4-H, woodworking, and NASCAR. Surviving with his wife are three loving daughters and sons-in-law, Tracy Ann & Richard Bowerman; Tammy &

Shane Gebhard; and Tory & Mark Havens, all of rural Buck Creek. Two brothers also survive, James C. Buck (wife: Lois) of rural Buck Creek, and Jack D. Buck (wife: Sharon) of Delphi. Dave loved and is loved by his grandchildren: Tyler Bowerman, Ashley Bowerman, Lexie Gebhard, Taylor Gebhard, Cody Havens. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dallas Buck, a sister Marlene Mitchell, and his parents. Services were at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel on March 8th, with Rev. Joseph Kelly officiating. Interment with military rites by American Legion Post 11 at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Farmer, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, helper, mentor, friend and neighbor---Dave was all of these and more. We will all miss him very much. Our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to his wife Judy, and to his family and friends. Memorials to David A. Buck 4-H Memorial Fund, c/o Tippecanoe County Extension Office, 3150 Sagamore Pkwy S., Lafayette, IN 47905.

11 12 GET OUT YOUR EASTER YARD CROSSES! GUEST SPEAKER: STEVE CAIN In 2005, Andy Coblentz made several wooden 4 foot by 2 foot Easter On Sunday, February 19, 2006, Rev. Steve Cain from the Wesley crosses from 1x4 boards. The crosses were distributed to church family Foundation at Purdue, was our guest speaker. Excerpts from his members so they could display them in their yards for the Easter season to message follow. witness to the neighborhood/community. This is a reminder to get your "Courage, Cooperation and Conviction!" cross out from wherever you stored it. A reminder of instructions follows: [Scriptures : Mark 2:1-12 read by Megan Mitchell] Each cross will come with three cloths, each a different color. The cloths should be changed on the crosses as the Lenten season proceeds. + Pastor Dwight introduced When the cross is first displayed (it should be placed no later than Palm Rev. Cain... there's a lot of Sunday) drape the purple cloth on, signifying the coming of Easter. In the connections between Buck afternoon of Maundy Thursday, place the black cloth on the cross Creek and Wesley. Steve has signifying the death of Christ on the cross. (This should remain until been there 16-17 years, & we're Saturday evening.) Then replace it with the white cloth, which signifies the so thankful he's here today... resurrection of Christ. I do feel very connected to Pray for the message of the cross to be presented as a witness to your this church. You are high tech! neighbors and into your community each day it is in front of your house. I've been to your website, I get “So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem your newsletter. Some very increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the large churches aren't as tech faith.” -Acts 6:7 savvy! I'm also connected for knowing Dwight and Teresa. Bob Shepard QUOTES I've known them since Teresa & Steve Cain. + “I've heard prayer described as breathing... it should come as natural married Dwight, when I was to us as breathing.” -Pastor Dwight young and going to Seminary. Dwight has preached at Wesley---I + “If we want to trust in one another, then the One we need to trust in need to have him there again. I know Bill Pless from Brazil when he first is Jesus Christ.” -Pastor Dwight (prayer) was there on a work crew. He messed up his knee when bricks fell off! + “God gathers us together to remind us we're a family.” -Pastor Dwight I have a lot of connections. I am a child of the church. That means I + “It takes conviction, cooperation and courage to put the guy on the grew up in a parsonage. Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan... Dad was roof.” -Rev. Steve Cain (message: see Mark 2:1-12) not a fully ordained minister. He had 7 different churches just in + “Only in Christ can we find unity and healing to be the nation God Kentucky. I praise God to be in the church and see that faithfulness in wants.” -Rev. Steve Cain (message) our life. Today I have the prime opportunity to be here with you. Thank + “It was nice to set by my wife!” :) -Pastor Dwight (who wasn't in the you for this wonderful church. pulpit today) I was in Brazil 8 years. At most churches there, they don't preach less + “We want to go and we want to make a difference...” -Ralph Rohrer than 45 minutes, with 2 hours services!! That won't happen today! :) on Rosebud Mission trip Another connection is Mike Sharp. He worked for us at Wesley. He did a + “Don't ever believe you're alone---we need to be connected to one great job, and loved his . I remember a sermon he gave and began another.” -Pastor Dwight with "Jesus was a freak who loved freaks!" He got the crowd's attention! + “If you don't have a plan to read through the bible, get one.” -Pastor He was a good influence for me and on our students. Dwight (message) The scriptures read are my favorite text. The text is a good one and + “God as the Father is a good thing.” -Pastor Dwight (message) important. It talks about their faith---not just mine, but yours. The people + “Christ is the Way to the Father. Are we a part of that way?” -Pastor are exercising "stretcher bearing faith". Have you heard of that? They Dwight (message) knew that Jesus would heal the paralytic. They went into action, and the + “I don't know about you, but I need refreshment---and I need this...” - stretcher bearers took the paralytic to where Jesus was for salvation and Pastor Dwight (on communion) healing. We have that stretcher bearing ministry. At Africa University we would not have that opportunity if not for the UMC being a connected

13 14 church. Stretcher bearers in Africa---they have huge issues. One third of their children are dying from Aids. People don't know what will happen to BROOKSTON GOSPEL SING REPORT: March 5, 2006 Africa. Think if it were our kids. They took the paralytic to the place where How did the Brookston Gospel Sing begin 13 years ago? Brookston Jesus was. The crowds were so big, what were they to do? There were United Methodist Men member Jake Rhoda told us. It wasn't a benefit tiles in the ceiling. (I know about colonial tile ceilings---I fell through three or a fundraiser, but a gift from the of them in Brazil!) They pushed the paralytic up to the roof. They moved Pastor BUMMS to the Community and the tiles---they were standing on sticks. They broke up enough space to Bill everyone who loves Jesus Christ. lower the man down into Jesus' midst. They were not only convicted, but Berry. You have Christmas, then they cooperated. The church needs to be cooperating within the church, January and February, and when whatever faith. you get to March, you've got to do I've preached at St. Thomas 3 times in 4 years. It's a great privilege, SOMEthing! but after, I always have to go and sit down, and can't take communion. BUMM member Jake Rhoda They let me know they are glad I came and for the message, and that we opened with prayer. The BUMMS are united in Jesus Christ. In Nicaragua the Catholic churches are were up first and sang "I've Got a different. I became the one who SERVED the communion to a parish of Mansion Over the Hilltop" (Judy's 500 people. It takes conviction, cooperation, and courage to put the guy on the roof. We're a paralyzed nation today, and polarized. Only in Christ favorite) and "Why Me Lord?" can we find unity and healing to be the nation God wants. Wesley was (BCUMC's former Pastor Joe is really struggling. We have raised partnerships with you at BCUMC. We now a BUMM---belonging to the treat you as our congregation, and you treat us as yours. We have 120 Brookston United Methodist Men!) partnerships now. God is helping us to raise funds to go forward. Have Deloris England from the you heard of the After Dark program? Wesley was the place they held Battle Ground Church of God with their organizational meeting. Did you know there are 80 campus ministries her friend Rob sang "Clouds of at Purdue? They work hard as they can. Michael Tate from DC Talk, a Glory". famous Christian rock group, and 14 groups, had Elliot Hall filled. Rev. Joe For saying they only practiced White built a cross on stage. We knew God was there. 300 were for the last two weeks, The Federated Four (2 ladies, 2 men from rededicated that night, and 150 new converts. That unity included every Brookston Federated Church) sounded great as they treated us to Little type and stripe of Christian. When unity hits us, the church will change. Brown Church and warmed us up for Victory in Jesus. They were We have a spiritual, Godly bond, raising funds to continue the ministry at accompanied by their pianist. Wesley. We have 89 years of history. God has shown us He wants the "OLD" Blue Grass Connection we're told consisted of a Lutheran, a ministry to continue. Methodist, and 2 Catholics with a bass , , guitar and When I, or you, were a little guy, say 6,7, or 8 years old, do you . They treated us to "the only song we know" "Just a Closer remember how it was---you'd be so excited about what you were doing, Walk with Thee". Plus two more: "Move to the Top of the Mountain" when Mom called, you had no mom... you were so focused on what you and "As I Set by the Side of the Road". were doing, you're not even thinking about supper. *STEVE!* didn't hear The Praise & Worship Team from Brookston United Methodist (of Mom calling. Have you had that? God wants us to be that way---focus on the presence and power of God. Courage, conviction and cooperation. which our former pastor's wife Joelle Hornick is a member) sang Express that focus---find out what it is. God has blessed each one of you "Standing on the Solid Rock" and "Movin' Up to Glory Land". The four with unique gifts. Find that focus---whatever makes you lose time---focus ladies and 3 men sounded wonderful. on it in the spirit. Brookston United Methodist Church member Sue Levy (and wife of We at Wesley are stretcher bearers. We do counseling, etc. We help Ralph Levy) shared with us, "there's not anyone here that doesn't have people to get to Jesus, by lowering the rope. Thank you for the Word. a dark time of the soul. Death, illness, other things go wrong... These Thank you for the work you're doing. Thank you for Dwight, and for all you are the times we call on the Lord and He brings strength to our souls." do as a church. Pastor Dwight prayed for Steve & Wesley, as we extended Sue used her great voice to give us the gift in song "You Bring Strength hands. to My Soul".

[ Wesley's website: http://www.wesleyfoundation.org ]

15 16 The Buck Creek Choir was up next, the largest group of the Thanks go to honorary Bumette Sharon Miller for her piano, and evening. They sang "God is Good" (with solos by Dwight Monical and Dick Bol for doing audio and sound this evening. Coley Sharp), "How Beautiful", and as an encore did "Fill-a Me Up" Choir members participating: Anita Davidson (director), Bob (with solos by Rosalyn Antcliff and Mindy Jester). Our youngest critic, Shepard, Jim Davidson, Coley Sharp, Dick & Sally Mohler, Rosalyn Tina Stratton reports "the Buck Creek United Methodist Church [choir] Antcliff, Brittany Bunte, Nancy Schnepp, Judy Skees, Ralph Rohrer, did awesome!" Mindy Jester, Dwight Monical, John Metro. The BCUMC "cheering block" included Willy Metro, Margaret Shadowens, Sam, Jamie & Tina The Buck Creek Choir. Stratton, Nancy Balser, Tammy Louthen, Audrey Chappel (and friend), and Suzann Brouwer.

The BUMMS! From the Dayton United Methodist Church, Betty Adams did a newer song called "Ancient Words". Listen for it, the words are QUOTES FROM THE SING: amazing. Then with her friend Carrie Robeson, it was a duet of "I Love + “Ralph (Levy) won't bite unless you've got cookies!” -Jake Rhoda Thee Dear Jesus". + “Whatever your heaven is, it's going to be wonderful!” -Jake Rhoda Burnett Creek Blue Grass from Battle Ground consists of 6 guys + “When have we had snow last?” -Ralph Levy, master of ceremonies with strings: fiddle, bass fiddle, banjo, guitar and . If this (we haven't till Brookston Gospel sing day) were a talent show night, they were the winners of the trophy with their + “We're gonna have a good time glorifying God!” -Ralph Levy songs "Sometimes", "Glory, Glory" and "Hallelujah I'm Ready". Close + “Being second makes you nervous too...” -Deloris England your eyes and think "Grand Old 'Opry". + “Anybody believe in angels?” -Ralph Levy asked as he checked out A Brookston Gospel sing is never complete without the sounds of the snare drum that seemed to be playing itself during the Federated Pastor Bill Berry (from the New Salem Church of God in Seymour, Four performance Indiana) strumming his guitar and coming down the aisle "I've + “Oatmeal raisin.” -Ralph Levy got more to go to Heaven for than I had yesterday!" (He has been to + “The town is just loaded with Christians!” -Ralph Levy 11 of the 13 gospel sings.) With audience accompaniment, Bill did the + “If you hear something you like, don't sing with me----(dramatic old favorite, "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder". Lucky for us, the old pause) unless you WANT to!” -Bill Berry two song limit did not seem to apply tonight as Bill sang "I'll Fly Away" and "Down in the Valley". We so enjoy Bill's jokes and songs. The traditional congregational sing of "Victory in Jesus" was the last WELCOME TO OUR “LIVELY CHURCH!” It is no fun being part of a dying church. Churches must consciously music of the evening. Brookston's Pastor Joe Hornick gave a few decide whether they will dive, survive, or thrive. When we collectively cry words of recognition to those from his former church (Buck Creek out for God's help, thriving becomes a possibility. Thanks be to God we UMC) before closing in prayer. are a lively church, taking risks to reach beyond the comfort of our four It was good to see Pastor Joe & Joelle and their growing boys walls so that we will more and more be a thriving church! There are very Anthony & Samuel. A very enjoyable evening, and one of the best real differences between dead and lively churches. Consider the following: Brookston gospel sings I have attended. I hope through this report that +A lively church has parking problems; a dead church doesn't. you can also enjoy it as well. -Nancy Schnepp +A lively church has lots of noisy children and young people; a dead

church is fairly quiet.

17 18 +A lively church often changes the way things are done; a dead church doesn't. +A lively church often asks for more program and mission money; a dead church tries to keep plenty of money in the treasury. +A lively church asks people to open up and risk involvement; a dead church plays it safe and never takes risk. +A lively church sees challenges and opportunities; a dead church sees problems and dangers. +A lively church apologizes, forgives and seeks forgiveness; a dead church never makes mistakes. +A lively church uses its traditions and facilities to serve people; a dead church uses people to preserve facilities and traditions. +A lively church believes in God's future and "lets go" with faith; a dead church believes in the past and "holds on". +A lively church is filled with committed givers; a dead church is filled with tippers. +A lively church dares to dream great dreams for God's kingdom a dead church has nightmares.

Isn't it good to be part of a "Lively" Church? (Reprinted, with permission, from Middleburg UMC, Green Cove Springs, FL newsletter "The Circuit Rider") Thanks to Ruth Davidson for forwarding.

RECIPE CORNER

TIM’S INVERSE S’MORES

Have you ever sat around a campfire with a bag of marshmallows, graham crackers, and a chocolate bar handy? Did you find a random stick on the ground, put a marshmallow on it, stick it into the fire, and make a s’more? Whether or not you’ve had that delicious experience, you have probably tasted a s’more at some point, even if it required the assistance of a microwave. I invite you to enjoy my special April Fool’s Day version of the classic combination.

o bag of Chocolate marshmallows o white chocolate Ghirardelli bar o package of chocolate graham crackers Come join our Sunday services! Sunday School @ 9am! Worship @ 10:15am! Place a square piece of chocolate graham on a microwave safe plate. Cover graham with a piece of white chocolate, and place a marshmallow on top. Place in microwave* and heat for 15 seconds. BCUMC - APRIL 2006 Immediately place a second square piece of chocolate graham on top of marshmallow. Pause a moment to admire the inverse colors of a He arose! (He arose) He arose! (He arose) normal s’more. Then eat! Hallelujah, Christ arose!

* or over a campfire, should you be camping!

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