The Vincent Voice March 2021

Vincent United Methodist Church 100 Vincent Place Nutley, NJ 07110 973-667-5440 [email protected] www.vincentumc.org

Worship and Sunday School Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Dear Friends in Christ, March Worship Schedule The season of Lent has begun. Lent is a season of self-examination where we March 7 Third Sunday in Lent are to reflect on our lives in the light of the cross. It is a Special Music by Louise Cimaszewski time where we should faithfully consider committing Homily by Rev. LeDuc ourselves to a season of Weekly Worship, Daily Prayer, “24 Hours: The Denial” Daily Bible Reading, to Give Something Up, and/or to Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Do Something Extra (see elsewhere in this newsletter for further information on this). The point of all of these is March 14 Fourth Sunday in Lent the same. It is to draw us closer to Jesus – to knowing Girl Scout Sunday him, to following him, to sharing him, and to serving Recognition of Our Girl Scouts others in his name. Special Music by Linda Baker Grimm In order to help us do this, we are sharing in a Sermon by Rev. LeDuc special Lenten worship and sermon series entitled “24 “24 Hours: The Trial” Hours.” Based on the book “24 Hours That Changed the World” by Adam Hamilton, the series is helping us walk March 21 Fifth Sunday in Lent through the closing events of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Scouts BSA Sunday We are exploring events like the Last Supper, the Recognition of Our BSA Scouts Garden of Gethsemane, the Trial, the Crucifixion… and Special Music by the Chancel Choir then the Resurrection. But not only the events, but what Sermon by Rev. LeDuc they mean for us in our lives in our day. In this holy and “24 Hours: The Humiliation” reflective season, may this series help us rediscover and renew our walk as disciples of Jesus Christ. March 28 Palm Sunday Additionally, we are having two studies on Special Music by Janet Saia-Feld Zoom to help us learn and grow. “Seven Words: Sermon by Rev. LeDuc Listening to Christ from the Cross” by Susan Robb is the “24 Hours: The Crucifixion” resource being used for the Monday morning study group from 9:30-11. I am leading a study on Adam “24 Hours” Worship Series for Lent Hamilton’s “24 Hours” book on Tuesday evenings from Vincent Church is presenting a worship and sermon 7:30-9:00. More information on both of these is below. series for Lent this year entitled “24 Hours.” Based on Lent is a particularly meaningful time to join in such a the book “24 Hours That Changed the World” by Adam study and to grow in faith in Jesus’ name. Hamilton, the series will walk through the closing events As we join in this powerful season together, may of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We are exploring events like: we avail ourselves of this wonderful opportunity to grow the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Trial, in our faith and commitment, to be challenged at the the Crucifixion…and then the Resurrection. But not only Cross-roads of our world, and to journey to life with and the events, but what they mean for us in our lives in our in our Lord Jesus Christ. day. Join us as we experience the sacrificial love and never-ending life we have in Jesus Christ! Faithfully yours, Rev. Dave NOTE: Daylight Savings Time Begins March 14!! Girl Scout Sunday – March 14 Spiritual Disciplines for Lent We will celebrate Girl Scout Sunday at our service on Lent is a season of reflection upon our lives, of March 14. We invite all of our Girl Scouts and their repentance of our sins, of re-direction of our paths, and leaders to tune in to our service that Sunday for a special renewal of our faith. Life is not easy and we tend to time of recognition and blessing before our stray from the way. Lent is a time to try to get back on congregation. track by seeking God’s guidance and help and strength. So, we are encouraged to consider doing one or more of Scouts BSA Sunday – March 21 the following for Lent: Scouts BSA Sunday will be held on March 21. We 1. Come to Worship - Worship is a weekly discipline invite all of our Cub and Boy Scouts and leaders to tune that puts us firmly in the presence of God. Through in to our service that Sunday for a time of recognition hymns and prayers and scriptures and sermons, God and blessing before our congregation. speaks to our hearts and encourages us and seeks to guide us. Vincent Church Is Sharing Virtual Worship 2. Pray Daily – Let’s take some time to open our Due to the dangerous surge of coronavirus cases in our hearts to God, sharing our thoughts and concerns area, Vincent Church is closed for in-person and listening for God's guiding in quietness. Even if worship. We are broadcasting the worship services live it is only a few moments, let’s take some time to from the church sanctuary for viewing on Facebook Live check in with God! and for Call In. Our church’s goal is to spread the Good 3. Read the Bible – We’ll have available for you a News of Jesus Christ and NOT the coronavirus. Please devotional guide called “Sanctuary for Lent.” For plan to join us online or by phone, and invite your each day of the season, it has a scripture, a story, and friends, on Sundays at 10 a.m. a prayer. Using this or some other devotional, let’s take a few minutes each day to be fed by God's Worship with Us on Facebook Live! word! On Sundays at 10 a. m. (9:50 for prelude music), we 4. Give Something Up – Here’s the old standby! Let's invite you to go to the church’s Facebook page on a think of something that we could “give up for Lent” computer, tablet, or smart phone by clicking this link: that would be beneficial to us and a ready reminder Vincent UMC Facebook Live Tab (or for our main page: of Jesus’ self-denial for us. Vincent UMC Facebook Page). You do not need a 5. Do Something - Here's a new twist on the old Facebook account to watch the service (you may need to standby. Is there something we could do to reach click “Not Now” on the invitation to join out in a loving way to someone else in Jesus’ name? Facebook). Click on the service to enlarge it and you Perhaps we could try to call or visit or send a card to should be good! one person per week that is in need of encouragement, or some other type of witness or Call In to HEAR the Worship Service!! service to others. Those unable to be online for Sunday worship can call in Which one might be most meaningful for your journey to worship with us by phone. To do so: call phone of faith? Which one might help you grow more in the number 1-929-205-6099 (touch the green “dial” button if Spirit? Which one or more of these would best fit your you haven’t), enter this Meeting ID: 886-1883-8523, schedule? Pray about it. Then, decide how this season touch #, then enter Participant Code 100, press # again, of Lent can be an especially holy time for you. then enter Password 100, press # again and you’re in! So call in by phone on Sunday mornings at 9:50 a.m. “24 Hours” Study for Lent to join our Vincent Church family for worship at 10:00! Vincent Church is holding a Lent Study on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 via Zoom starting February 16 based on Winter Soup Sale Results!! the book “24 Hours That Changed the World” by Adam The Winter Soup Sale fundraiser was a huge success Hamilton. Walking with Jesus through his final hours is netting $1,695 for the church! That is just incredible! not easy, but bring us closer to the hearts of the Lord Thank you to our “Super Soupers” who donated their who gave up his life for us. Through exploration of the time and talent along with all the supplies and love that scriptures, video clips of the Holy Land sites, and went into those soups! Those “Super Soupers” are discussion, we are exploring these world-changing and Barbara Carrino, Gaylene Maichuk, Linda Baker life-changing events. Books can be purchased through Grimm, Becky Olivo, Colleen Kingston, Diana Amazon in paperback or Kindle versions. To join the Spangenberg, and Carol Greengrove. Thank you also to study use this Zoom link "24 Hours" Study Group or call those who purchased soups and made some extra in at 1-929-205-6099 with Meeting ID: 822 3307 6836 donations. This is a big help as we work to fulfill the and Passcode: 764497. Join us as we grow in mission and ministry of Christ through Vincent Church! appreciation of the love of Christ for us all. “Seven Words” Study "Blessing of the Palms" – March 28 “Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross” by Several Nutley congregations will assemble with palms Susan Robb is the resource being used for a Monday from their churches on the front lawn of Town Hall morning study group from 9:30-11 on Zoom. The most (corner of Chestnut Street and Vincent Place) on Palm difficult part of Lent is contemplating our Savior on the Sunday, March 28, at 9:15 a.m. for a brief service of cross. Our hearts break. It’s natural to try and avoid the blessing of the palms. Masks and social distancing will reality of how Jesus died, but it is from the cross that be required. The palm branch for Christians is a Jesus shows his deepest love for us. As Jesus draws his reminder of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem when the crowds final breath and utters his last words, it is then that his waved palm branches of victory. It will conclude by deep trust in the Father and his divine glory are revealed. 9:30 so participants can worship with their individual In Seven Words, Susan Robb looks at Christ’s final congregations. All are welcome. words from a biblical and historical perspective, showing how we can find life and hope in them. For Scheduling Baptisms - Revised more information, contact Becky Olivo The Church Council has revised its policy for Sunday ([email protected]). The Zoom link is: morning Baptisms during the church closure due to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85690479936. All are COVID. We would invite families to have a child welcome. baptized at church during Sunday worship with attendees limited to: the child, the child’s parents and “Reflection” Group Online siblings, and up to six additional adults. Attendees The “Reflection” Small group is now meeting after would have to pass the VUMC health screening and church every week by video conference. The purpose is agree to abide by the VUMC protocols. Others would 1.) to reflect on the sermon and how to live out the be welcome to participate in the baptism through the message, and 2.) to be in fellowship with and pray for Facebook Livestream or by Call-In. Families are also one another. The meeting is led by Win Shin on welcome to wait until the church reopens, though we are Sundays from 11:45-12:45 on Zoom. To join, use Zoom unsure at this point when that will be. For more meeting ID 702 057 072 or the link information or to schedule a baptism, contact Rev. https://zoom.us/j/702057072 . All are welcome. LeDuc.

Lenten Devotional Guides Spring Flowers for Easter Sunday “The Sanctuary for Lent” is a devotional guide for the Every year, we decorate our sanctuary Easter Sunday season of Lent. For each day, there is a scripture, a with a beautiful array of Spring flowers: Easter lilies, meditation, and a prayer. Pick one up by contacting the tulips and daffodils. The congregation is invited to Church Office (or download a Kindle version for 99¢) dedicate/purchase a plant in honor or memory of and use it for a Christ-centered Lenten season. someone. The listing of dedications will be published in the Vincent Church Easter Letter. If you would like to Hams Needed do so, send your dedication and $10 per plant (payable Hams are needed for the Take Out Tuesday Dinner to Vincent United Methodist Church) to the Church coming up in early May. If you have a free ham from a Office or email them to the Office at local store you don’t need or one you would like to [email protected] while making a donation purchase for us, please contact Gaylene Maichuk online (Vincent Church Online Giving) using ([email protected]) for more info or to donate. the “Easter Flowers” line. The deadline is Monday, March 22. If you have any questions, call Cathie Lent Easter Offering Note Tedesco at 973-751-2749. As we move through the season of Lent, we invite each of us to consider honoring Jesus’ sacrifice for us by Church Office Open with Limited Access setting aside $1 or $2 a day – sacrificing a cup of coffee The Church Office is open with limited access. The or a candy bar each day. This would add up to $50 or church front door will remain locked. Visitors are asked $100 for the season, which would be submitted as our to ring the doorbell and speak with the Office love offering for Jesus for Easter. For some, this might Administrator by intercom. Items might be dropped off, be too much to ask; for others, it might be too but to protect the staff, only limited situations will be little. Please submit whatever your contribution might admitted. Church Office business is highly encouraged be by mailing your donation in to the Church Office or to be conducted by phone or email. You can contact by using the “Holiday” line on our online giving site Martha Canova in the Church Office at (Vincent Church Online Giving). May this be one of the [email protected] or 973-667-5440 from many ways that we honor the Lord Jesus in this holy Monday to Friday from 10-1. season. Pause for Prayer Stock Donations Welcome There is a movement inviting people to “Pause for Vincent Church has an account with TD Prayer” at 7:00 p.m. each evening for all those being Ameritrade. Anyone who might like to explore or affected by the coronavirus pandemic – locally, donate stocks to the church, receiving the appropriate tax nationally, and globally. Perhaps set a phone alarm and benefits, should contact our church Financial Secretary pause for a moment of prayer. There is power in unified Rich Baumann at [email protected]. prayer and a sense of connection in the body of Christ as hearts are lifted to God for grace and healing. The Heritage Club of Vincent Church The Heritage Club of Vincent Church is for those who Sunday School have included our church in their estate planning. It is a Sunday School will not likely begin now until way for us to recognize and thank those who have September. Sunday School Superintendent Michael decided to help ensure the vision and vitality of our Blanchard is sending out weekly Bible activities for the church not just in this life, but into the future. If you children and families. They are also meeting have designated Vincent Church in your will or as a occasionally by video conference. If you are not on his beneficiary in any of your financial vehicles, you can be email list and would like to be included, contact him at a part of The Heritage Club of Vincent Church simply [email protected] and he will gladly add you! by contacting Dave Rauschenberger at (973) 667-6947 or [email protected]. We won’t ask for proof, but Worship Assistants only your word. You might also contact Dave if you We are currently in need of a few more Worship have any questions about ways to honor Vincent Church Assistants. Worship Assistants assist the pastor in through your estate planning. As member of The leading worship at church by sharing announcements Heritage Club, you annually will be recognized and and reading the scripture lesson. If you might be invited to a special gathering of members for interested in joining the rotation and offering your gifts appreciation and updates on the church’s mission and to the Lord in this way, please contact Office ministry. May this be one way that our congregation Administrator Martha Canova helps ensures the future of the Lord’s work through at [email protected]. Vincent Church.

Online Giving! Community School – No Pass Through We can now support the mission and ministry of Vincent For the foreseeable future, we request that no one “pass Church through online giving through Vanco! This can through” the Community School area. This is due to the be done by using this link: Vincent Church Online stringent NJ preschool requirements for keeping the Giving , by visiting the church website and clicking school sanitized. If one needs to access the Fellowship “Online Donation,” or by downloading the “GivePlus” Hall or lower Kitchen, please use the Fellowship Hall app from the Apple App Store (iPhone) or the Google entrance and then exit by the same way. Thank you! Play Store (Android). The Vanco service is highly secure, supporting online giving to over 20,000 churches We are in this TOGETHER – and non-profits. It is nationally endorsed by the United Even if we are not together. Methodist Church. They can process donations by credit We can do all things card (yes you can collect your rewards on this!) or by through Christ who strengthens us! electronic payment from a bank account. You can also setup recurring giving so it would be a one-time 2021 Staff-Parish Relations Committee setup. We would appreciate your consideration of Our church's Staff-Parish Relations Committee is opting to cover the small fee for the responsible for maintaining good communication transactions. Collectively, the fees will add up to lost between our staff and our congregation, and supporting income for the church. Your online donation, plus the and encouraging the growth and development of our coverage of the fee, will be on your year-end giving staff. If anyone has compliments or concerns regarding statement and will all be tax deductible. May this be one a member of our staff, simply speak to a member of the way that we offer ourselves to the work of the Lord committee. This year's committee members are: Judy through Vincent Church. Concepcion (Chairperson; [email protected]), Sue Brogan, Randy Rossman, Carol Greengrove, Paul Community Care Kitchen – HIATUS Gallagher, Rich Baumann, Pam Damiano, Lillian Gripp, The Community Care Kitchen program is suspended Gene Carlson, Marilyn Smith and Cathie Tedesco. May through at least April 30, out of concern and care for our God bless our staff and this ministry we share together. guests and our workers. Prayers for all!

VINCENT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST 2021 CHURCH GOALS Church Family and Friends Pat Green, Tom Olivo, Diane Schmolze, Chris Mastakas, 1. Reopen our church building for worship, Sunday Diana Spangenberg, Faith Young, Hazel Purvis, Walter School and outreach programs as soon as it is Koroluk, John Olsen, The Lautenbachers, Sue Brogan, safe to do so. In the meantime: Stephen Spangenberg, Paul De Kovessey, Tom Tress, • Keep presenting our church as an anchor of hope Jr., Amanda Rivera, Butch Buset, Rita Padilla, Rev. Julie by reaching out and caring for the congregation Yarborough, Tom Tress, Sr., Rev. Ginny Hubbard, and community Alessio Tirico, Linda Reda, Lucy Reda, Theresa Baldino, • Consider planning a special outdoor ecumenical Barbara Mueller, Wayne Johnson, David Maichuk, Keith celebration for Easter Baker, Dylan Loehner, Lynn Caterson, Shirley Johnson, • Continue to improve the technology used in our Cheri Walker, Claire Volpitta, John Bowie, Jennifer, virtual worship services Thomas & Amy Houtenville Rojas, Don Hughes, Dennis • Develop a “Renew and Re-Know You” program Thibaudeau, Kim Walker, Khanh Whiteman, Regina for when church reopens (fellowship, suppers, Langan,, Karen Wood & Family, Susan Strozyk, Rev. groups) Cindy Reynolds, David O’Connor, Joe B., Ajay Sah, Jack Turner, Family of Davey Davis, Family of Ernest Davis, 2. Grow our weekly worship attendance toward 125 Jr., Arthur Lagios, Family of James Slattery, Melissa people over the next two years Wright, Family of Norma Faber, The Henderson Family, • Continue to reach out to and engage new Family of Lynn Risoli, The Willis-Goode Family, persons who are visiting our virtual worship Kathleen Motylenski, Betty Gennarelli, Family of Marcel services and in-person when church re-opens Major, Tommy Campbell, Brody Cleary (infant), Family • Publicize the availability of our worship service of Carol Payne, Family of Rose Kopec, Family of Evelyn on Facebook and by Call-in Kalooky, Liam Willis-Goode, Family of Bill French, George Draney, Michael Turner, Ralph Cilento, William 3. Continue marketing the church using the Ford Riffle, Bishop John Schol and Family, Janelle remaining money from the GNJ grant In the Military 4. Consider partnering with GNJ to develop “A Justin Bakal, Matthew Basile, Aaron Cameron, Michael Journey of Hope ACT Plan” Nocera, Jonathan Raia, Christine Spafford, Eric Dietrich, Eric Oberndorf, R. T. Morgan, Dennis Kirk, Jarred • To grow in vitality by building on the past Team Young, Antone Leonard, Joseph Craige, Austin Tooney, Vital work Justin Fonyi, Lt. Matthew McDonald, Kenneth Bratten, • To study and work to dismantle systems and Zack Hickey, our Veterans structures that perpetuate racism

• Offer a congregational study on racism New Members

We were delighted to receive four new members into the In Prayer… church last month! Terence and Erica Beebe joined on Church Family and Friends Prayer Concerns February 14 and Tim and Kristen Henderson joined on • Faith Young is home and coming along.. February 28. We welcome them to Vincent Church and • Hazel Purvis is recovering at home from pneumonia. pray God’s blessing on our journey in and for Christ • Pat Green has come home from the rehab. together! • John Olsen is recovering from pituitary surgery. • Diana Spangenberg is having chemotherapy. The flowers placed on the altar this Sunday, March 7, • Chris Mastakas is having more chemotherapy are given to the Glory of God. • Those suffering from the Coronavirus. • Our country in a time of unrest. “Safe Sanctuaries” Policy Available • Those engaged in the struggle against racism. Vincent Church is committed to providing a safe and • The men and women in law enforcement. protected environment for our children, youth and Let us keep these and all those on our prayer list vulnerable adults. We have a “Safe Sanctuaries Policy” wrapped in our prayers. to help reduce the risk of abuse through background checks, youth protection training, and other procedures New Baby and protocols. A copy of the policy is posted on the Liam Matthew Willis-Goode was born to Farrah and church bulletin board by the elevator and is available Matthew on February 19. Mom and baby are doing through the Church Office. well. We pray God’s blessing on Liam and his family! MARCH BIRTHDAYS Monthly Mission Contributions for March 1 Erick Frobose Our Monthly Mission Offering for March will be used to Travis Pied help those in need through CUMAC. The mission of 2 Natalie Feraco CUMAC is “to feed people and change lives; to alleviate 3 Bill Rebenack hunger and its root causes for those in need in Paterson, 4 Linda Baker Grimm Passaic County, and northern New Jersey.” CUMAC Janet Saia-Feld began with one man in a local church in the late 1970s. 5 Rich Baumann Growing from the back of Hugh Dunlop’s car to a 6 Kris Bello 28,000 square foot building in Paterson, CUMAC Rev. David LeDuc provides food for over 4,000 low income people each 8 Sal Olivo, Jr. month, serves as a food depot for smaller area food 9 Joe Tedesco pantries, operates a thrift store, and provides job 11 Rev. Jung Benitez, Sr. training. For more information, visit 12 Brayden Brown www.cumacecho.org. Your donations for this “Monthly Fay Dziura Mission Offering” (designate on any envelope or on an 13 Savannah Lalljee offering envelope) will make a difference in the lives of 14 Bette-Ann Rebenack those who are struggling to get by and seeking to get 16 Scott Ballou ahead in these difficult times. 20 Maeve Benitez Danielle Goode Mason Marsala 21 Hailey Brown Nor James Leah Miles 24 Sierra Lalljee 25 Sharon Lautenbacher THANK YOUS 27 Emily Feraco Dear Vincent Church Friends, Patricia Hogan I am deeply grateful for all of the cards I have David Shaw received during my time of illness. Your love and 29 Deborah Jensen prayers are much appreciated. Tommy Moran Love, Hazel Purvis Allison Scorsone 30 Danielle Lohf Dear Friends in Mission, 31 Frank Bello A special Thank You from the dear people you have helped with your gift and in supporting the following: MARCH ANNIVERSARIES • Tanzania United Methodist Complex 5 Anthony & Lisa Feraco • Tanzania Women Development, Orphans and 20 Rick & Jane De Kovessey Children Schools 29 Gene & Marilyn Carlson • Kabaka Ndala Alphonsine • Strength for Service Emotional Support Information • Red Bird Mission Outreach Ministries If you need emotional support or are feeling anxiety or • World Hunger and Poverty worry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can call the A total gift amount of $4,855.00 NJ Mental Health Cares number at 1-866-202-HELP Grace and Peace, (4357). It is staffed with a live mental health specialist 7 Roland Fernandes, General Secretary days a week, 8 am-8 pm. Locally, the Nutley Family Service Bureau is accepting referrals and can be reached CHURCH STAFF by calling 973-667-1884. Ministers: All Members of the Congregation

Pastor: The Rev. David LeDuc DEADLINE FOR MARCH VINCENT VOICE Prayer Minister: The Rev. John Benitez Articles for the April Vincent Voice will be due on Pastoral Assistant: Winthrop Shin Monday, March 15, 2021. Articles should be e-mailed Music Director: Tricia Blanchard directly to the church office [email protected], or Office Administrator: Marty Canova mail or drop off at the church office or fax them to 973- Sexton: Scott Dziura 667-8765. Emailed copies are preferred. Missionary: Kabaka Ndala Alphonsine

Upcoming Events April 1 Maundy Thursday Service (7:30) April 2 Good Friday Cross Walk (12:00) Good Friday Service (7:30) April 4 Easter Sunday April 11 Commitment Sunday April 17 Spring Cleanup in the Cemetery (10-3)

May 6 National Day of Prayer (Noon; Town Hall) May 9 Mother’s Day May 16 192nd Anniversary Sunday Recognition of 50 Year Members May 23 Pentecost Sunday May 24-25 Greater New Jersey Annual Conference May 30 Memorial Sunday