Voice of the Spire The Newsletter of Arch Street United Methodist Church

A Reconciling Congregation

Spring 2014

Arch Street United Methodist Church POWER’s 2014 Voter Campaign Betsy Connor 55 North Broad Street (Broad & Arch Streets) Philadelphia, PA 19107 Let’s begin at the end: It is May 21, 2014, the day after the primary. You tune in to KYW, pick up Tel: 215-568-6250 Fax: 215-568-2256 the Inquirer, or pull up your local online news www.archstreetumc.org source.

Whoa! Yesterday’s referendum to include certain airport employees in the minimum wage

Senior Pastor increase passed! You remember the young Robin Hynicka woman who told her story at one of the POWER Visitation Pastor meetings. She worked for less than minimum Reinhard Kruse wage plus a few tips to support herself and her Deacon kids. She sounded so worried. You know their David W. Brown lives will be made a little easier and more hopeful Music Director, 11:00 AM because you made phone calls to get out the Andrew Monath vote. A huge and well-planned POWER campaign Music Director, 8:30 AM Then you find out that certain voting districts Dolores Farinre-Carey has targeted the May 20 primary and referen- had an unusually high voter turnout. Hmmm… dum vote to demonstrate that we can move Secretaries these are the districts that you went to for voters to the polls, even in a primary that most Anne McCormick POWER’s door-knocking effort. If you noticed voters don’t show up for. Our church, and all 45 Cathy Minecci this, certainly city and state politicians have POWER member congregations, will show up noticed too. You know that POWER has told and will bring 5,000 other voters who wouldn’t Voice of the Spire them about our voter turnout efforts. They think usually vote in a primary to the polls. maybe they’d better pay more attention to what Editor If you’ve volunteered already and joined your Nancy Megley POWER, representing ordinary Philadelphians, is Arch Street friends in this effort, take pride in asking them for—especially since it won’t be long Photographer that and come back again to make calls and until the November election rolls around and we Ken Dorsey knock on doors. If you haven’t pitched in yet, are checking on our representatives’ support for Contributors please join in and donate a few hours to get out a Full, Fair Funding Formula (FFFF) for our schools Janis Campbell the vote. Training sessions will be held before and urging these same voters to pull the lever for Warren Cederholm each phone-call and door-knocking shift. Sup - Betsy Connor candidates who truly want to give our kids a port from experienced GOTVers (Get Out the good, solid education. Jordan Harris Vote) will be available. Refreshments will be Margaret Harris By now, you have heard our pastor Robin provided. Robin Hynicka Hynicka urging us all to make a contribution of Back to the future—it’s November 2014, Reinhard Kruse our time to POWER’s spring voter turnout effort. elections for the governor and state reps are Anne McCormick POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Cathy Minecci over. Those elected are committed to good Empower and Rebuild) is the multi-faith Andrew Monath schools via the FFFF. Airport workers are a little Nick Nicholas organization of 45 churches, mosques, and more financially secure. POWER is known as a Dale Shillito synagogues determined to make needed changes force to be reckoned with. Our church helped to our city’s wage structure, schools, and make it happen! immigration policies. Thank you, Arch Streeters!

Page 2 News & People

News & People

The New Tenants at Serenity House

igan, one in Evanston, and one currently be working with O as well as Rev. Nick lives outside of Dublin, Ireland. Nicholas to help answer the question My role at Serenity House will be to “What is Serenity House?” encourage mission teams to be involved While most of what I am actually going in ministry with us in the North Philadel- to do remains ambiguous at this time, phia neighborhood. I hope to replicate a there are a variety of things I want to ministry I worked with on the North Side focus on during my stay. They include: of Chicago. There we provided a Vacation helping to find creative ways towards Bible School based “Kids Camp” three peace in the neighborhood, strengthen- Rev. Nick Nicholas days a week for five weeks over the ing the connection between Arch Street summer. and the people who live in the neighbor- So, a Deacon from Chicago gets ap- hood at 12th and Lehigh, and continuing pointed to the Northeastern Jurisdiction The only issue I see with this model is to make the actual space of Serenity as the coordinator of United Methodist that we may run out of space quickly! House into a place where more people Volunteers in Mission and needs a place interested in ministry can live and grow. to live. There are a lot of ideas and visions That’s how I ended up at Serenity around programming at Serenity House, House. In my first conversation with from things like a vacation bible school Bishop Johnson, I asked if she knew of a for children, to a center for practicing and parsonage or church-owned home look- teaching “green living” and intentional ing for a part-time resident. “Let me call community, to creating a space for young Robin” is what she said to me. adults interested in ministry to explore I’m a Deacon in Full Connection and a their calling in a way that has not yet member of the Northern Illinois Confer- been seen. Many dedicated members of ence. My wife, Rev. Jane Cheema, is also Arch Street have been and are being very a Deacon and serves as minister of Jordan Harris hands on in what is already happening Children, Youth and Family Ministries at there. My job is to help connect those First UMC of Evanston, Illinois, just north In the coming months, I will have the ideas with people who can make them of Chicago. We have three grown chil- opportunity to work with Arch Street’s into ministry. dren. One lives in Grand Rapids, Mich- satellite ministry at Serenity House. I will

The Spring Concert Will Be “Amazing”! Andrew Monath

Our Spring Concert will take place on The main feature of the concert will be Thousand Tongues to Sing," and "Joy to Sunday, May 4 at 4:30 PM. It will be a con- the World Premiere of "God's Amazing the World." It is going to be quite cert of big hymn arrangements for choir, Grace," a piece written by Doug Helvering spectacular! organ, and orchestra. We will include for choir and organ. He sets six verses of Go ahead—sing those tunes with the some of your favorites, among them "Amazing Grace" to six different tunes, Amazing Grace text. It works! "Here I Am, Lord," "When I Survey the including "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "The Wondrous Cross," "Battle Hymn of the Gift of Love," the themes from The Brady Republic," and "It Is Well with My Soul." Bunch and Gilligan's Island, "O For a

Voice of the Spire Spring 2014 News & People Page 3

Remembrances

Angie Scott – She “Loved” Facebook Janis Campbell

and for 25-plus years, a die-hard fan of of color, particularly young women who the ASUMC 8:30 service. She will be long wanted to attend medical school but may remembered for her gracious humility not have been aware of such oppor- and the loving acceptance she offered to tunities. Angie enthusiastically encour- all. aged students to apply, apply, apply! Despite moving more than 1,000 miles The priceless gift of her gracious dignity away to relocate to Florida a few years and humility is a shining example of ago, Angie continued to connect to her authentic servant leadership. In memory many friends across the country and here of Angie Scott, I share the following at Arch Street through her weekly e-mail redacted excerpt from a William Cullen blasts and Facebook messages. Without Bryant poem: social media, many of us might have lost So live, that when thy summons comes touch with her along the way. Instead, to join the caravan in the silent halls of An e-mail address retires … almost every week, Angie could hop on death, you go not like the quarry-slave [email protected] the laptop and blast us and keep in at night, scourged to his dungeon, but, touch! sustained and soothed by an unfal- Thank you to 21st century technology, to Even before she left the Delaware Val- tering trust. Approach thy grave as one e-mail, and to Facebook for helping many ley, for many years, Angie through weekly who wraps the drapery of his of us stay connected to Angie Scott, e-mail updates shared information about couch about him and lies down to devoted physician, compassionate friend, academic scholarships for young people pleasant dreams.

Bertha Morris: Angel in a Fur Coat Margaret Harris

I’ve been asked to write a few words enjoying a good joke. That would be matter what you talked about with about my friend and longtime Arch Street Bertha. Bertha, you always felt better after your member, Bertha Morris, who departed I had the very great good fortune to be conversation than you did before. She this world last July. I can’t write about her in a Disciple group with Bertha for years. always saw the best in people, and after life story, but only about what she meant The members of our Disciple group liked talking with her, you felt better about to me. each other so much that we kept finding yourself and other people too. It wasn’t I loved Bertha, and if you ever met excuses to meet, long after we finished that she didn’t know trouble, or was un- Bertha, I’m pretty sure you loved her too. the Disciple studies. Bertha was a big part realistic, but she had tremendous faith. In case you are fairly new to Arch Street of what made that group so much fun. Her faith gave you hope that you could and are wondering who Bertha was, you She knew how to enjoy herself, and made get through whatever problems you had might remember having seen a small everyone around her enjoy themselves in your life, partly because, if Bertha was African-American woman of mature too. I don't think I ever had a conver- praying for you, things were going to years, wearing a big hat and a fur coat, sation with Bertha when we didn't laugh. work out. sitting on a bench in the hall outside the This wasn’t because we didn’t talk about I miss Bertha, but I know that heaven is chapel between or after services, sur- difficult issues or discuss hard problems— a lot more fun now that Bertha is there. rounded by friends, who always seemed many of us shared experiences of great to be having a great conversation or pain, anxiety, and suffering. However, no

Spring 2014 Voice of the Spire Page 4 Columns

Columns

Minister’s Message break, they decided to come to snow- that provide students with hands on, and ice-covered Philadelphia to live, heads up, and hearts open experiences learn, and lend a hand. that classroom course work just can’t The William & Mary students are just provide. Student Leader Sara Dufour one of several student groups that in from William & Mary said, “We had an recent years have made Arch Street their amazing and eye-opening experience at home for a week of service. Students Arch Street and will take away the from Western Michigan University, lessons learned and apply them in our Dickinson College, Emory & Henry local community.” College, and Carson-Newman College ASUMC does its part to introduce Rev. Robin Hynicka now call ASUMC their second home. students to the way congregations engage in social justice and community Senior Pastor Thanks to the ASUMC support and pastoral staff, the students are made to development activities. In particular, the feel welcome and safe. They sleep in the William & Mary students learned about Student Groups at Arch conference room or the chapel, cook and helped out with POWER’s “Living Street UMC their meals in the kitchen, and branch Wage” Campaign and the Serenity House out from the church each day to work at renovation project. Six students from the College of William places like MANNA, Serenity House, and Offering ASUMC as a temporary home & Mary camped out at Arch Street Grace Café. In fact, the College of William to students on spring break is just one United Methodist Church from March 2 & Mary calls their Alternative Spring more way the congregation contributes to 7, 2014. Instead of going to Florida or Break program – BRANCH OUT! The goal to a more gracious, generous, and “get it some other exotic place for their spring is to develop service learning contexts done” social and spiritual agenda.

Capital Campaign Update

The “Be Lifted Up Campaign” will support to cover the gap in the pastors’ pre- close the gap. Contact Pastor Robin four things that will “Lift Us UP”! 1982 pension fund ([email protected] or 215-498- 3718) and make an appointment to dis- 1. Design and install an elevator Since the Winter issue of the Spire, sig- cuss your personal contribution. 2. Support and participate in building nificant progress has been made toward This project will make the church the Serenity House Ministry and the capital campaign goal of $800,000. building more welcoming and accessible. short-term mission projects We now have receipts and pledges The Building Committee is forming and 3. Give in thanksgiving for the resto- totaling just over $650,000. That means will soon resume work to bring this ration of the Arch Street Window we need just $150,000 to reach our goal. dream into reality. 4. Provide a “love gift” to Annual Con- If you haven’t made a gift or pledged to ference in support of the campaign make a gift, please do so now in order to

Church Picnic Arch Street’s annual Church Picnic will take place Sunday June 22 at Carson Simpson Farm in Hatboro. There will be an open air worship service, lunch, and games. Come for the food and fellowship and to swim, hike, talk to your friends, play softball, and watch Pastor Robin compete with the kids in sack races, tossing, and tug of war.

Voice of the Spire Spring 2014 Columns Page 5

“U” Are a Part of US! Rev. Reinhard Kruse

Only relationships give life meaning. You and neighbor, and that is the glue which subject matter and each other, they are are born into your first relationship with gives meaning to our individual and ready to help and support anyone in your mother, which expands to your common life. the group in a crisis. Thanks be to God! family and friends. Relationships keep The church is a group of people who The choir meets because they enjoy developing, and when God enters in, it join together to serve a higher purpose. singing; talent helps, but the spirit and becomes a spiritual and eternal rela- The church is a community, a fellowship, purpose is the most important key— tionship. a “communion of Saints.” It is a spiritual sing praises and glory to God! Over a The most intimate human relationship relationship with other believers, and a period of time the singers gel into one is marriage. For Sue and me, our rela- spiritual relationship with each one and group; there is a feeling of camaraderie tionship started in college and now has all to God. that lifts the spirit of God, the group, passed 50 years. It has grown, is still Read I John 1:1–7. Here John says that and of each singer. growing, and now has reached the point we have the word of life revealed to us where neither one of us can make it on through our fellowship with God in The church always needs volunteers. It our own; each is totally dependent on the Christ, and that fellowship is among us. is your opportunity to do something good and worthwhile. It benefits others other, indispensable. We can also testify Two examples of how relationships while also building relationships be- from observation that a marriage rela- work to bring meaning and salvation: tionship dedicated only to each other will tween you and others and God. In- not survive; it must be a relationship Study groups meet regularly to study volvement makes your life richer and where together the couple serves a and learn. They learn from each other fuller. Just as a tag may read “Void if higher cause or purpose. Then it becomes and get to know one another. Growing detached,” don’t be a loner or outside a joint spiritual relationship serving God in knowledge and understanding of the and lost—“U” should be part of US.

Our History: Friendly Hour under Betty Smith Dale Shillito, Arch Street Historian

Music and singing were staples of Friendly were designed to break the ice and share green strings were tied together in the Hour, the weekly social event for young fun experiences. Betty Smith, the director center of the room. A woman with a gift adults after the Sunday Evening service. of Friendly Hour, sometimes would write would follow her red string to the center Arch Street’s choir director Alyce Bianco half of a well-known Bible verse on a of the room where she would find a played the piano, accompanied by the sheet of pink paper, and the other half on young man holding a gift with a green church’s paid quartet. Provided with a green sheet of paper. The young women string. songbooks, the crowd joined in the sing- would choose a pink sheet, and the young Many young people meeting at Arch along as well. The theme of Friendly Hour men a green sheet, out of a hat. The fun Street fell in love. Weddings between was “In My Heart There Rings a Melody.” began as everyone tried to match up their Friendly Hour participants were often fol- Arch Street’s archives contain a thank you Bible verse. Similarly, at Christmas, two lowed by long-term membership at Arch letter from a young British seaman who large Christmas trees were placed at Street. Church membership grew as was shipped out in 1942. What he re- either side of the room. Inexpensive gifts Friendly Hour prospered. Eventually, how- membered most was the friendship and were purchased from Woolworth’s and ever, the advent of television and the camaraderie at Friendly Hour, and all of set under the trees. Each gift under one exodus of many families to the suburbs in the new hymns he had learned. tree had a red string attached to it. The the 1950’s and ‘60’s took their toll and Friendly Hour was designed for people red string extended halfway across the Friendly Hour came to an end. not only to be entertained, but to meet room. Green strings were attached to each other. Specifically, many activities gifts under the other tree. The red and

Spring 2014 Voice of the Spire Page 6 Events

Events

Regular Sunday Activities Weekly Activities

8:00 AM - Nursery, 1st floor (open till 12:30 PM) Monday 1:00 PM - Bible Study with Rev. Cederholm, Office

8:30 AM - Worship, Chapel 1:00 PM - Tea and Talk, Chapel 9:45 AM - Adult Sunday School, Chapel 4:00 PM - Community Music Program, Chapel 9:45 AM - Youth Bible Study, 2nd fl. Office 5:30 PM - AA Meeting, Nichols Hall PM 9:45 AM - Children’s Sunday School, Nichols Hall 7:00 - Freedom Band Rehearsal, Chapel Tuesday 12:00 PM - Bible Study with Rev. Waller, Sanctuary 9:45 AM - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Loft 3:30 PM - Community Music Program, Chapel 11:00 AM - Worship, Sanctuary Wednesday 3:00 PM - Community Music Program, Chapel 12:30 PM - Get Acquainted Time, Chapel 5:30 PM - AA Meeting, Nichols Hall 2:00 PM - Unity Fellowship Church Service, Chapel Thursday 3:00 PM - Community Music Program, Chapel 4:30 PM - Grace Chorale Rehearsal, Nichols Hall 5:30 PM - AA Meeting, Nichols Hall 5:30 PM - Grace Café, Sanctuary and Nichols Hall 7:00 PM - Diversity Group, Chapel

Committee Meetings, Special Events and Activities United Methodist Men meet the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM; United Methodist Women meet the second Sunday of the month immediately after the 11:00 AM service; the Native American Indian Awareness Group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Refer to the weekly “What’s Happening” bulletin for exceptions to these dates.

April 2014 May 2014 June 2014

Sun Apr 13: Sun May 4: ASUMC Spring Choir Sun June 1: Caribbean Heritage Concert Sun Apr 20: Concert Sun June 8: Sunday December

Apr 25–27: UMW Assembly Sun May 11: Mothers Day Sun June 15: Fathers Day 2 - Regina Bedell 4 - Aaron Carson Sun June 22: Church Picnic Submit calendar events to Nancy Megley ([email protected]). 6 - Kobina Amissah, Listings for Summer 2014 issue due June 1. Don Robinson 13 - Richard Dudley 16 - Fornati Bedell,

Birthdays Elizabeth Lexa, Bob Reeves April May June 19 - Gladys Ackerman, 1 - Devon Goodwin 2 - Amy Durfee West 1 - Agatha Lewis, Russell Whaley, Heather Warley 2 - Donald Lathrop 3 - Michelle Brooks Whittaker Karen Wolfe 20 - Alice Ming 3 - Amy Woodworth 7 - Ilaisaane Tapealava 6 - Callie Chen, Alicia Garcia 22 - Carol Jones, 4 - Robert Arsenault, Gabe Bedell, 11 - Fred Farmer 9 - Davida Gobin Steve Raytek Elizabeth Fuller, Kenny Jackson, 12 - Jacob Bonfante, Jane Pipes 10 - Elaine Jenson 24 - Stephanie Carson Seilala Tapealava 14 - Tom Bartlow, Jordan Harris 11 - Demaris Anderson, Jean Bibber, 25 - Janice Ciampa 7 - Barbara Williams 17 - Ken Bere Ben Cady, Anne McCormick 28 - Juanita Campbell Ford 29 - Barbara Prince 10 - Rick Taylor 19 - Martin Farmer 13 - Deborah Fowlkes, Dr. Charles Lewis 30 - Zeke Sadler 14 - Jason Paul Regino 21 - Frederick Farmer 15 - Susan Lee Miller 31 - Jonathan Liu 15 - Louella Chase, Solange Pereira 27 - Sophia Govorov 16 - Don Caskey 16 - Thomas Bowen 28 - Susan Mattison 18 - Karen Porter 23 - Bruce Byker James 30 - Rev. Oscar Allen 19 - Audra Wolfe 24 - Anana Tinnhé 31 - Alexander Govorov 21 - Ralph Ciampa, Paul Ertel 27 - Miriam Cady 24 - William Crawford, Ted Koziara 25 - Rev. Dave Krueger 26 - Roger Rohtert 27 - Nancy Gilmore 30 - Vanessa Flacks-Brown, Alex Patterson, Chris Whaley

Voice of the Spire Spring 2014

Events Page 7

Holy Week at Arch Street powerful story of Jesus’ last days, and May. Meanwhile, here’s a brief preview extinguishing all the candles, we will of what we have to look forward to. Rev. Warren Cederholm leave the church in darkness quietly. We The theme this year is helping each Sunday, April 13th starts this year’s Holy are left to contemplate the crucifixion of person find her individual voice for mis- Week. A special service commemorating our Lord and Savior when we come back sion. There are hundreds of workshops on to hear members of our Palm Sunday will be held at the 8:30 AM focusing on leadership development and service, followed by a “parade” with own congregation express their thoughts offering education and skill-building on a palms through Love Park and City Hall. At on the “Seven Last Words of Christ,” broad array of topics, including growing spoken while Jesus was hanging on the the 11:00 AM service the choir will bring spiritually, service and advocacy for us special music, including some from the cross and dying for our sins. justice, and personal wellness and self- rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, We are given three opportunities to care. To give you some idea of the great interwoven with the scripture that tells come back together as a congregation on diversity and range of topics covered, the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Easter Sunday morning to celebrate the here are just a few of the workshops that Jerusalem and on through the arrest, the joy of the Resurrection, starting with a will be offered: Birthing a Healthy trial, and the crucifixion. in Love Park at 6:30, a World, Race and Immigration in the Unit- is not just Palm Sunday and Praise Service at 8:30 in the chapel, and a ed States, Violence against Women and Easter—it constitutes the week between festive service with Brass and Choir and a Native American Women, Land-grabbing as well. You will want to be sure to par- memorial garden at 11:00 in the sanc- and Women’s Livelihoods, Challenging ticipate in many of the worship services tuary. The celebration will conclude with the Culture of Violence in the United planned at Arch Street. These events our Grace Café service at 5:30 PM. States, How Is It with Your Soul?, Mis- define the substance of our faith. On that day, we will join with Christians sionaries for the 21st Century, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, Generation Wednesday at 11:30 AM, we will have everywhere to shout “Alleluia, Christ is Transformation, When a Family Mem- the final of our Lenten series of organ Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!” ber’s Faith is Not Yours, and Where Do concerts followed by the mid-week wor- Our Mission Dollars Go? ship at noon. The dramatic visual presen- tation toward the back of the sanctuary United Methodist Women The film festival is always illuminating will take many forms during the week, “Make It Happen!” and well worth attending. Films are being depicting familiar Christian symbols. shown on domestic violence, economic Margaret Harris justice, environmental justice, human Thursday evening, beginning at 7:00, trafficking, immigration, peacemaking, we will celebrate one of the holiest nights Every four years, thousands of United and racial justice. We’ve already shown of the Christian year. We will gather in Methodist Women from all over the Not My Life at Arch Street and I will be the chapel for our service to United States and around the world watching for more movies for us to see remember Jesus’ that he gather for Assembly. This year’s confer- and discuss together. shared with his disciples. Through the ence, entitled “Make It Happen!,” is centuries, the words and memory have taking place April 24–27 in Louisville, Ken- There’s a lot more, and Wilhelmina and been passed down to us, his present-day tucky, and Wilhelmina Young and I are I look forward to sharing with you what disciples. After hearing once again the going. We’ll be reporting back to you in we have learned on our return!

The 2014 African Heritage Luncheon

Spring 2014 Voice of the Spire

Future Dates Arch Street In this issue

United Methodist Church News & People Independence Day POWER’s Voter Campaign Page 1 July 4 New Tenants at Serenity House Page 2 Youth Mission Trip The Spring Concert Page 2 Early August Remembrances Page 3

Labor Day Columns September 1 Minister’s Message Page 4 World Communion Capital Campaign Update Page Sunday Importance of Relationships Page 5 October 5 Our History: Friendly Hour Page 5 Fall Retreat Events October Calendar, Birthdays Page 6 Holy Week at Arch Street Page 7 See page 6 for full calendar of events The UMW General Assembly Page 7 Photo courtesy of Sheila Buchanan Scenes from African Heritage Day Page 7 Follow events at the The Caribbean American Heritage “What’s Happening” Foundation of Pennsylvania will kick off page on our website: National Caribbean Heritage Month with a www.archstreetumc.org special program at Arch Street on June 1.

Voice of the Spire Periodicals Postage Paid at Arch Street United Methodist Church Philadelphia, PA 55 North Broad Street 19104 Philadelphia, PA 19107

Spring Issue April – June 2014

Voice of the Spire (USPS 856-580) is published 4 times a year by Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Periodicals post- age paid at Philadelphia, PA 19104. Voice of the Spire is distributed free of charge.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arch Street United Meth- odist Church, 55 North Broad Street, Philadel- phia, PA 19107.