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THE PETALUMAN “PUMC WELCOMES ALL TO WALK WITH US AS WE REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY WITH OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN DOORS”
May 2020
The Petaluman Is published monthly Petaluma United Methodist Church 410 D Street Petaluma, CA 94952 Phone (707) 762-9785 Fax: (707)-762-9791 E-Mail: [email protected] Rev. Eric Dale (707) 280-2670 [email protected] Pastor’s Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday Web Sites: www.petalumaumc.org
Petaluma Live
Open Mike Night On You Tube: http://petalumalive.org/youtube Weekly Podcast: petalumaumc.org Click on sermon link Editor and Distributor: Olivette Wright [email protected] Proof Reader: Charlotte Peterson Newsletter Deadline: June Issue: Deadline May 22
Pastors Corner 1, 2 Worship Series 2 Announcements 3 Office Managers Report 4 Birthdays/Anniversaries 4 Prayer List/Church Calendar 5 Finance Report 6
Treasurer’s Report 6 Outreach 6 SPRC 6 Trustees 7 Worship Committee 7 Phone Tree 8 Coffee Schedule 8
Grace and Peace to you, Sisters and Brothers in Christ! Who would have thought, a month ago, I’d be sending you greetings again while we are still in the sheltering in place mandate of this pandemic?! It gives truth to the saying, “it was the
worst of times, it was the best of times.” Loss of life and suffering due to the COVID-19 coronavirus continue to esca-
late, although some of the numbers ap-pear to be plateauing and the “curve flat-tening” (now part of our new social lin-
go). Nearly the same number of people in the US have died now of the virus as were killed during the whole of the Vi-
etnam war (some 58,000). People losing jobs and hence incomes, businesses hav-ing to close, cities losing tax revenue.
Yet, many people are sharing how they are now in contact more frequently with
friends and family. Folks are stepping up to help neighbors, serve at feeding cen-ters. Many people are getting a lot more
exercise than they had previously. Peo-ple are discovering what is really im-portant to them. We’re slowing down
some; less distractions. Use of cars and airplanes is down dramatically, marked-ly improving air quality across the coun-
try and reducing use of fossil fuels.
Yes, changing times require changing ways of doing things. With the mandate to keep our church buildings closed -- now through the end of May (see April 28 letter from Bishop Carcano on con-ference website: www.cnumc.org) – we have been sending out twice weekly e-notices: PUMC Weekly Update and Worship Resources. In addition to this monthly newsletter,
The Petaluman, these 2 e-notices are our primary way to stay in touch with the congregation as a whole. We have 92
names on the e-mailing list, and between 54% and 74% open them. If you haven’t yet, check them out; that’s where you’ll
hear about things happening at PUMC as well as topics related to the pandemic. And pass them on to friends!
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Several people have been helping produce a weekly re-
corded worship service. Join everyone at 10:30a.m. Sun-
days as we worship together! Go to church website: www.petalumaumc.org
In the midst of this time of pandemic crisis we can re-member that the Chinese ideogram for crisis is composed of the characters signifying both danger and opportunity. Let us take this time to embrace the opportunities present-ed to us; to step into possibility. Remembering we become the thoughts we hold in our minds, and that our emotions fuel our thoughts (and vice versa!), whenever you experience yourself feeling fear replace that with hope, grace, love, gratitude, or another life-giving attribute. Fear cannot live in the presence of these qualities. Hold on to them! Yours, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to constant-ly surprise us beyond our wildest imaginings and expecta-tions,
Pastor Eric
Scriptures and Sermon Titles for May
(Included are all the lectionary readings for each Sunday. May they help you enter fully into the .story)
May 3 “Life Abundant”
Acts 2:42-47 John 14: 1-10
May 10 “Doing Greater Things”
1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14
May 17 “Abiding in God”
Acts 17:22-31 John 14:15-21
May 24 “Before the World Existed”
Acts 1:6-14 John 17:1-11
May 31 Day of Pentecost “Talk to Strangers”
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Acts 2:1-21
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GIVING CONTINUES We give thanks always for the generosity of God’s abounding abundance in our lives! We give thanks to each and every one of YOU for your generosity, which makes possible the outreach, mission, and ministry of Petaluma United Methodist Church! During this time of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pan-demic we remember that even though our Sunday morning worship services are not held onsite, the min-istry of PUMC continues. We are finding ways to remain connected – by phone, by email, through this website, Zoom calls, confer-ence calling, write a letter, send a postcard! That’s what we are about, connection. Relationships are at the heart of our church community. Indeed, relation-ship is at the heart of our Christian faith. Reach out to your sisters and brothers. See how they are doing. Ask if they need anything. Extend your love. Be generous! And, although we’re reminded at this time that the church is not the building, but rather you and I, the people of God, we still have expenses: a church cam-pus to maintain, lights to keep on, phones, office sup-plies, insurance, salaries to pay, commitments to com-munity missions and more. You have options for continuing your pledge or offering:
Mail your check to the church: 410 D St., Petaluma, CA 94952
Coming soon, you will have the option of paying di-rectly from a link on the church web site.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!
Save our Sanctuary
Thanks to all of the donations from you and your friends
we are ready to tent our facility on May 4, 2020. At the end
of April we had $19,203.52 enough to start the pro-ject. Let’s keep those Donations coming in!
Ted has been working with Schork Inspection Services of Santa Rosa, one of the two companies that provided bids to do the job of removing the termites. Larry Schork has said the project could begin as soon as May 4. A major part of scheduling the work is the availability of a crane that can support the tenting operation. Although Ted hasn't worked the details yet with Larry, Ted assumes the task will take approximately 5 days, 1 day (maybe more) to tent every building; 2 days for the fumigation process; then 1 to 2 days to remove the tenting.
Because the termites were located within the sanctuary structure doesn't mean they are not in the other "connected" buildings. Ted has been informed that in the past there has been evidence of termites in the office wing. Both compa-nies have said it would be foolish to just do the sanctuary and not the other connected buildings.
There are some things that the members of the church will need to do to prepare for this operation. Of primary con-cern is any food stuffs not in sealed cans/containers must be removed. Items in a refrigerator are ok as long as there is a good seal on the refrigerator door. Outside, if there are fragile bushes or plants that are right next to a building, do what you can to protect or trim back so the plant will not be damaged.
Pictures of this event will show an historical event. I'm sure that PUMC structure will be the largest complex in Petaluma that would have been tented for termite treat-ment. Those who are willing, and take precautionary measures, should stop by and take pictures.
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May Birthdays
5/22 Elizabeth Stallinga 5/22 JoAnn Layne 5/25 Denise Ward
5/30 May Wongkar
No known Anniversaries this month Weekly emails from Pastor Eric As a way to help keep us all connected, Pastor Eric is sending two emails out each week: 1) on Wednesdays: PUMC Weekly Update 2) later in the week: Worship Resources We hope you find these helpful during this time of virtual connecting. Please let Pastor Eric know if you have any ideas or suggestions: [email protected]
OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT
Just a reminder—when you have a change with your name, phone number, address, or email please let me know so that our directory and contact list can be updated. .
Email: [email protected] Website: www.petalumaumc.org
Phone: 707-762-9785 Olivette
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Please send extra prayers to our brothers and sisters in Christ listed below:
Family of Ken Mange Louise Lattimore Diane Peterson Cordelia Hall Millie Mc Laughlin Barbara Gravett
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MONTHLY CALENDAR
Even though the PUMC campus is closed we encourage all groups to continue to meet electronically; via conference call, email, Zoom, Facebook, etc. Coffee Hour: Lay Leadership & Congregational Care (if we are-reopened by the end of May)
5/3 Trustees Mtg. 12:00 p.m. 5/10 Worship Meeting 12:00 p.m. 5/12 Men’s Group 8:30 a.m. 5/17 Church Council Meeting 12:00 p.m.
WEEKLY CHURCH CALENDAR Church Office Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9:30 a m.–11:30 a.m.
Sunday - Be sure to make use of the worship resources that Pastor Eric has sent in his special emails. Adult Bible class-suspended until further notice. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. (via podcast) Fijian Bible Study 12:30 p.m. Sanctuary Fijian Worship Service 1:00 p.m. Monday - Adult Bible Study class suspended until further notice. Tuesday -
Pastor—[email protected] Wednesday –
Pastor [email protected] Meditation, Fijian Bible Study, & A.A.—suspended until further notice. Thursday – Quilt Group -suspended until further notice. Again, please feel free to reach out to your group electronically.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
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FINANCE- Sharon Sibbet
The Finance Committee would like to thank everyone who has so generously donated to the social hall and foyer painting project and to the termite eradication fund. With your help, those fundraising campaigns have been very success-ful. We also appreciate all of you who have been mailing or dropping off your pledge or faith-giving donations. For any of you who have wondered how to continue supporting our church, for now it is best to send a check to the church or put an envelope through the slot in the office door. Our giving for March was above normal, which was outstanding. However, April giv-ing has decreased to well below normal. Even when we are not using the facility, our bills re-main the same except for reduced utilities and janitor fee. If you are able, please help us meet our financial commitments. ,
Treasurer Report—Ron Malone
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A preacher went into his church and he was praying to God. While he was praying, he asked God, "How long is 10 million years to you?" God replied, "1 second." The next day the preacher asked God, "God, how much is 10 million dollars to you?" And God replied, "A pen-ny." Then finally the next day the preacher asked God,"God, can I have one of your pennies?" And God replied, "Just wait a sec."
SPRC—Pat Cercos SPRC continues recruiting activities for the new posi-tion of Choir Director/Pianist.
OUTREACH—Judy Hillery
We have lots of exciting things planned for the upcoming months, but when? The good news is people have had time to clean out garages, closets, storage sheds, and etc, providing a Huge Rummage sale and an opportunity for ad-ditional profits for the church. This time has also provided crafters the time to sew, knit, build, etc. for the Craft Faire. We’re looking forward to even more vendors this year. Remember the social hall will be beauti-ful. I can’t wait for the community to see our beautiful space. Just thinking, but a good idea might just be a Dine and Donate to get the “return to normal” started. We’ll notify everyone when this will be possible!
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TRUSTEES—Ted Mills
Treating for Termites—Ted has heard from the ter-mite company (Schork out of Santa Rosa) on April 20, 20. The bid Schork offered last October is still good. Schork indicated that he could start as soon as April 30, hoping to get started as soon as is possible. Now is a good time since the facility is mostly closed. The cost is $20,000.00. At this writing we are close to that goal. Village Network - The Village Network board has voted and agreed to help support the church by paying rent by half. Earlier in March, by direction of Ted and agreed upon by a majority of the church council, we thought it was not appropriate to charge Village Net-work rent if they were forced to not be able to use the facility. Small Organ - The small organ in the Social Hall is still up for sale. Pat Cercos is checking with small churches. Nora Tallent, has put an ad in the Cal/Nev Conference want ads. Judy Hillery to have Desiree McGunagle place ad on several social media sites. Church Facilities - The campus is still in a lock-down status, the only active area is the office so Olivette can still handle administrative functions. All furnaces have been turned off, with warmer weather now is the time to turn them off anyway. The outside watering has been turned off for the most part by the sprinkler controller (it monitors the weather, when rain is forecast it will not water) and Ted has manually turned watering off (Ron and Ted are wondering why we have water bills that don't reflect lower amounts).
Worship – Charlotte Peterson CHURCH BELLS ARE RINGING! What a treat! Unsure of whether or not they were operational, a trial run was made early Easter Sunday morning since there could be no church service, Sunrise Ser-vice or otherwise due to "social distancing", etc. Some members gathered around in front of the church standing at least 6-10 feet apart; you could feel the anticipation. Marilyn Lee had arrived earlier and pre-pared to play. What a joy to hear "CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY" flowing from the church tower! Special thanks and blessings to Marilyn for making this happen. Now that the system has proven operational, you may hear music from the church tow-er at approximately 10:30 each Sunday morning at least through the shelter-in-place period.
Again, thanks to our church organist, Marilyn, for helping us send out a message that we are here and God is with us.
Cleaning Out
In cleaning out and prepping for the painting of the Social Hall, Richard Hillery took a 920 lb. load of “stuff” out to the County Dump. Thank you Richard for your hard work. I know it is never pleasant smell-ing to go out there.
About six months ago when cleaning out the Educa-tional Wing, to get it ready for renters, we dumped 3 truckloads and 1 small trailer. This included a large desk and several toilets. This after several folks picked through the pile before the hauling and some of it went to the Rummage Sale. Efforts were made to sell the desk and some other items but that was not suc-cessful, it was too damaged and no one wanted it. It feels great to have the extraneous “stuff” out of our buildings!
Richard H. hard at work.
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The Beat At The Church Goes On…... Thanks to those special angels that spend part of their Sat. at the church preparing the podcast for Sunday worship services. A big thank you to Marilyn who is also there on Sunday mornings sharing the organ mu-sic and bells with the community. Also a big thank you to Ron and Gyann Malone, Richard and Judy Hillery for keeping the lawns and shrubbery looking great.! Jim and Audrey Phillips too!!
Resources: The Village Network has some great resources in their May Newsletter. Here is the path if you want to take a look: www.VillageNetworkofPetaluma.org click on News; click on News/Newsletter; click on the May 2020 newsletter
Phone Tree
Your Church Council members and a few others have taken on being the primary "Contactors" for a good old fashioned "Calling Tree" during this unprecedent-ed shelter in place reality. When we can't gather to-gether physically, including a weekly worship service and fellowship time, we need to have a way to stay in touch with each other. Each caller/contactor has the names of 5 to 9 members and friends of our PUMC community. We want to make sure everyone is doing okay, and, have an op-portunity to simply say "Hi! How you doing?" If you'd like to be a caller/contactor please let Pastor Eric know. Thanks one and all. Many Blessings to everyone.
COFFEE HOUR SCHEDULE
Many of our committees are small and there are peo-ple that serve on several committees so we are joining committees for coffee hour to help reduce the burden.
Also, if you are not on any committee but would like to help please contact the office or the committee chairperson(s).*
JANUARY - SPRC Pat Cercos*, Sue Sarno*
FEBRUARY - FINANCE & COUNTERS Sharon Sibbet,* Ken Shafer*
MARCH - WORSHIIP Charlotte Peterson*
APRIL - TRUSTEES & OUTREACH Ted Mills *, Judy Hillery* & Elizabeth Bickmore*
MAY - CONGREGATIONAL CARE & LAY LEADERSHIP Nora Tallent*
JUNE - FIJIAN CONGREGATION
JULY - CHOIR
AUGUST - FINANCE & COUNTERS Sharon Sibbet,* Ken Shafer*
SEPTEMBER - SPRC Pat Cercos*, Sue Sarno*
OCTOBER - WORSHIP Charlotte Peterson*
NOVEMBER - TRUSTEES & OUTREACH Ted Mills*, Judy Hillery* & Elizabeth Bickmore*
DECEMBER - FIJIAN CONGREGATION
