FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS
April 2011
“The Lord has risen indeed...”
Luke 24:34, NRSV
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FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS is published by:
The First United Methodist Church
201 Dayton Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Phone: (856)858-1186
Fax: (856)858-1775
E-mail: info@fumccollingswood.org
Church Staff
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Rev. Sam Mountain - Senior Pastor
(pastorsam@fumccollingswood.org)
Mr. Shawn Zook - Youth Director
(shawn@fumccollingswood.org)
Mrs. Elizabeth Averell - Director of Music
Mrs. Maria Gianfrancesco - Church Secretary
(maria@fumccollingswood.org)
Office Hours
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Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed for lunch 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm)
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FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS is online at
www.fumccollingswood.org.
FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS is available via e-mail. Send an
e-mail to ewindows@fumccollingswood.org to subscribe.
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IN WINDOWS THIS MONTH
From the
Pastor’s Heart
Announcements
Holy Week
The RYVER
VBS 2011
Tiara Club
Missionary Messages
Wings of Prayer
Birthdays and Anniversaries
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The submission deadline for the April
issue of Windows is March 10th.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING WINDOWS!
====================
FROM THE
PASTOR’S HEART
Easter Reflection 2011
As we set our clocks ahead, there come a myriad of other
things that happen at this time of year: longer days of sunlight, flowers begin
to bloom (so do the allergies), the grass begins to grow, and we are reminded
Spring is here! As we enjoy the magical time of spring, there is also much
preparation that takes place: we clean things up, cut the lawn, trim the bushes
and get ready for the promise of summer and activities from picnics to beach
time to watching the Phillies.
About 2000 years ago Jesus also was making preparations to
fulfill His Father’s plan “On the Way to the Cross.” This is the focus I have
been thinking about for our Easter message series in the month of April. How was
Jesus preparing Himself and his disciples for the cross and resurrection
experience? How did Jesus do it?
What would you do if you knew you only had one week to
live? How would you spend the time you had left? As we consider the amazing gift
we have in Jesus, let me share with you a thought from Max Lucado in his book
“And the Angels Were Silent”:
When a man knows the end is near - only the IMPORTANT
surfaces. Impending death distills the vital. The trivial is bypassed. The
unnecessary is overlooked. That which is vital remains. So, if you would know
Christ, ponder his final days... He knew the end was near. He knew the finality
of Friday. He read the last chapter before it was written and heard the final
chorus before it was sung. As a result, the critical was centrifuged from the
casual. Distilled truths taught. Deliberate deeds done. Each step calculated.
Every act premeditated. Knowing he had just one week with the disciples, what
did Jesus tell them? Knowing it would be his last time in the temple, how did he
act? Conscious that the last sand was slipping through the hourglass, what
MATTERED?
Let’s follow Jesus on his journey. For by observing His, we may learn how to
MAKE OURS.
What Did Jesus Do As He Prepared To Die?
How did He act?
How did He respond to people?
How did He stay focused?
What can we learn from Jesus about facing death?
1. JESUS FACED HIS DEATH AND FUTURE WITH
CONFIDENCE. As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus
RESOLUTELY set out for Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51 - NIV) Jesus gathered up his
courage and STEELED HIMSELF for the journey to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51 - The
Message)
2.
JESUS FULFILLED HIS FATHER’S PLAN. Jesus said: “By myself, I can do nothing...
for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” (John 5:30 - NIV) Jesus
said: “I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but to do the will of Him
who sent me.” (John 6:38 - NIV).
The amazing part of Jesus’ journey is how it turns out! He
LIVES! When we journey with Jesus, we, too, can live a life that lasts an
eternity. Just like He promised!
So as you prepare for this Easter, invite Jesus to lead
your journey. You will be glad you did!
In Our Savior’s Love and Service,
Pastor Sam
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:43 NRSV
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ATTENTION!
JOURNEY CLASS 2
If you are interested in learning more
about our church and wish to explore membership in the church a new class is
forming now. It will be held on Sundays, April 3rd and 10th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
Please let Pastor Sam or the church office know if you are interested in coming
to this class.
We will be
receiving our new members on Membership Celebration Sunday which will be held on
May 1st.
SCHOLARSHIPS
2011 Scholarship
forms are available in the church office or on our website at http://www.fumccollingswood.org.
The completed forms may be returned to the church office in
person or by e-mail to maria@fumccollingswood.org.
Forms are due back to the church office by April 21.
EASTER FLOWERS
If you would like to place Easter
flowers on the altar in memory or in honor of loved ones, please fill out an
envelope which can be found in the church office, outside the parlor and in the
narthex. The cost of the plants are $6.00 each. Checks can be made out to First
United Methodist Church, memo - Easter plants. Please have them in no later than
Wednesday, April 13th.
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South Jersey Men’s Sports Breakfast
Saturday April 16th, 2011
Audubon High School, 8:30 -10:30 am, Cost: $10
With Guest Philadelphia Eagle, Jason Avant
For ticket
information call or see:
Bob
Gordon, Dan Hughes or Scott Dobson
FCA: 609-680-6601 or NCCC: 856-546-0344
www.southjerseyfca.org
kharvey@fca.org
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Good Friday Prayer Breakfast
Join us for a special
gathering where all of our neighbors are invited to come together for a time of
reflection, encouragement and prayer.
Keynote Speaker: Irving Fryar - minister
at New Jerusalem House of God in Mt. Holly, former NFL player and lifelong SJ
resident
April 22, 2011, 7:00 -
8:00 am
Crowne Plaza, 2349 W. Rt.
70, Cherry Hill, NJ
$30 per person
Hosted by: Haddonfield Y’s Men Club &
Y Service Club of Moorestown.
You can register online at www.ymca.org
under special events or pick up a registration form in the church office. First
come - first served. Respectfully request your registration with payment by
April 8th. Please direct your questions to Denise Agostini at 856234-6200x202 or
denisea@ymca-bc.org. For church contact, please see Bill Brown.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, April 3rd, 10:15 am
GSC Sunday
Wednesday, April 6th Pray and Fasting Service 6:00 pm in
the Sanctuary.
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HOLY WEEK
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On the Way to the Cross
Sunday Worship Services April 10th &
17th 10:15 am
HOLY WEEK REFLECTIONS EVERY NIGHT!
Monday through Friday, April 18 -22, 2011
7:00 -7:30 pm in our sanctuary!
Join us each night as we follow what
Jesus did on the way to the cross. We will reflect on what Jesus did each day
through his week before the cross. On Thursday night we will be observing
communion as well.
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Jesus Last 7 Words
Good Friday Service - April 22 -12:00 to
3:00 pm
A special time of
meditation from God's word and music.
Various speakers will be sharing with us.
You are invited to come when you are able
and leave when you must.
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Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
Easter Sunday - April 24th, 2011 -
10:15am
“I Can’t Believe This!”
(Why Easter is a time to Celebrate!)
Matthew 28:1-10
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Reflections on Jesus’ Last Week
Sunday
The Triumphal Entry – Hosanna!
Matt: 21:1-11 Mark 11:11
Monday
Clearing the Temple
Matthew 21:10-17
Mark 11:15-18
Tuesday
Day
of Controversy and Parables
Matt.
21:23-24:51
Mark 11:27-13:37
Luke 20:1-21:36
Wednesday
Day of Rest
Thursday
The Lord’s Supper (Passover)
Matt 26:17-30
Mark 14:12-26
Luke 22:7-23
John 13:1-30
Friday Crucifixion
Matt. 27:1-66
Mark 15:1-47
Luke 22:66 - 23:56
John 18:28 -19:37
Sunday Resurrection - He is Risen!
Matt. 28:1-13
Mark 16:1
Luke 24:1-47
John 20: 1-31
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THE RYVER YOUTH
MINISTRY OF FUMC
A ministry of students
loving God, loving people,
connecting with our neighbors
Senior High (grades 9-12) meets on
Sunday nights and Junior High (grades 6-8) meets on Wednesday nights, both from
6:00-8:00 pm (for relationship building and spiritual topical discussions), and
everyone meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am (for deeper Bible teaching and
spiritual life training) except for the following:
ryver staff – (first Sun) – for all
youth leaders – praying, planning, preparing
All-ryver Games – (first Wed; all grades) – come meet
people through sit-down games, open-gym, etc.
All-ryver Serving – (last Sun; all grades) – focused on
meeting needs in our surrounding community
All-ryver Worship – (last Wed; all grades) – experience God
through music, teaching, and arts
COMING EVENTS
Movie Night - Friday, 4/8
More info will be announced, but mark your church calendars
so you won’t miss this opportunity to hang out with great people and watch the
incredible movie “To Save A Life.” It’s the story of Jake Taylor - a high school
kid who has it all, yet his life is quickly unraveling - and of the deep purpose
he finds in the midst of it all (for trailer & more info visit http://tosavealifemovie.com)
And who needs to be here with you…?!
South Jersey Men’s Breakfast - Saturday,
4/16 - 8:00 am
We’re meeting at
the church and traveling to Audubon
H.S. this morning - good guy time, great food, and the
chance to hear Eagle’s wide receiver, Jason Avant, share from his journey with
God. Cost: $10. Contact Shawn for more info.
On the Way to the Cross
4/18 through 4/22 - 7:00 to 7:30 pm
Our church will be gathering each night
this week for ½ hour in an intimate time of worship and reflection, focusing our
attention on all that Christ has done for you and I.
Good Friday Service - Friday, 4/22 -
12:00 to 3:00 pm
Many different
speakers and musicians will be sharing Christ’s 7 last words with us throughout
this service. Come when you can, leave when you need to, but join us to reflect
on His unbelievable sacrifice on the cross.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on
the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds
you have been healed.”
1 Peter
2:24
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Vacation Bible School 2011
Mark Your Calendar:
June 27 to July 1
Registration begins this month!
3 years old by June 30 through entering
6th grade
Be
in prayer about how you can help make VBS 2011 better than ever! There will be
many serving opportunities at Son Surf Beach Bash!
For more information contact
Nicole Meyers
If you know where you’d like to serve,
please let me know!
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SonSurf Beach Bash VBS
Please return form to First UMC
201 Dayton Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
08108
Child’s
Name _____________________
Birth
date _______________________
School grade just completed _________
Street Address ___________________
City ___________ State ___ ZIP_____
Home Phone ( ) _________________
Parent Cell ( )
__________________
Parent(s)
Name(s) _________________
In case
of emergency contact:
Name
___________________________
Phone
( ) ______________________
Allergies or other medical conditions:
Name of home church, if any:
Form must be complete to register child.
One form per child.
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TIARA CLUB
Daughters of the King
The Tiara Club meets regularly on the
second Friday of each month, with an occasional Saturday thrown in for those who
can't make it on Fridays. You don't need to “join” anything - if you're a woman,
you already belong!!
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Bible Studies for Women
Tuesday mornings @ 9:00 am
“Effective Parenting in a Defective
World” (Stokes Ave.)
Wednesday evenings @ 6:45 pm
“Believing God” (Parlor)
1st & 3rd Tuesday @ 7 pm
“The Life You Always Wanted” (Parlor)
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Adopt-a-College-Student!
Do you have time to
show one of our college students that First Church still cares? If you choose to
“adopt” one of these young people, you’ll be matched up with a student and will
be given his or her school address. You’ll then be asked to keep in touch with
your student through notes, cards, emails, and an occasional care package.
You’ll be developing a relationship that could make a huge difference in the
life of one of these great kids.
To “adopt” a college student or for more information, see
or contact Susan Gibbins-Davis. If you would like to be a part of this exciting
new ministry opportunity, there’s a student waiting for you!
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APRIL SHOWERS
On April 12th, April Showers are coming
to Collingswood Manor and nobody gets wet! This is the yearly event that the
residents look forward to. Each resident is given a bag which they can fill free
of charge with many items donated by local church members. Who wouldn’t love a
free shopping spree! These items include shampoo, cards, note paper, paper
towels, soap etc. A full list of suggested items is below and is also attached
to the donation box located outside the Parlor and in the Narthex. Thank you for
helping to share God's love with our friends at the Manor. See Sharyn Bailey for
any questions.
Kitchen
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dish cloths
tea towels
dish soap
sponge
laundry soap (small)
paper towels
Zip Lock sandwich bags
Bathroom
--------
large bars of soap (not
hotel size)
shampoo
Soft soap
hand lotion
face cream
powder, dusting or baby
baby oil
Vaseline
cotton balls
dental floss
toothbrush/paste
wash cloths
shower cap
Misc
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hand towels
note paper
greeting cards
comb/brush
Kleenex
napkins
bobby pins
needle/thread
pens/pencils
puzzle books
safety pins
scotch tape
knee highs/socks
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BASKETS FOR MOMS
The Tiara Club will be making Easter
baskets for the children at Fellowship House to give to their mothers.
We are collecting small items for the
baskets. Please drop your donations in the boxes marked “Fellowship House Easter
Baskets." There will be one in the narthex and one outside the parlor. Donations
are due by April 3.
Some suggested items:
Lotion
Body wash
Nail polish
Nail Files
Candy
Small
candles
Shampoo
Healthy Snacks
Tissue packs
and Gift Cards to WaWa, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.
If you prefer, you can donate by cash or
check and let us do the shopping. Someone will be near the boxes after church on
Sundays to receive your donations. Checks can be made out to FUMC with
"Fellowship House Easter Baskets" on the memo line.
On Friday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. we
will be assembling the baskets and will need lots of help! Join us in the Stokes
Avenue Dining Room. Many hands make light work! If you have any questions,
please contact Lisa Mountain at medfordumc@comcast.net
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The Tiara Club of the
First United Methodist Church Of Collingswood
Presents
Hats Off to Women!
Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 p.m.
Join us in the parlor for a lovely
afternoon of celebrating the many hats that Christian women wear. Tea, finger
sandwiches and dessert will be served. Janice Bittle will be our speaker. There
will be a hat decorating craft For the little ones followed by a fashion show
for them to show off their creations!
Cost: Ladies - $5
Girls 10 and under - $3
No more than $10 per family
Tickets are available
after church Sundays or from the office.
Wear your favorite hat! (Don’t worry,
it’s not required!)
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MISSIONARY MESSAGES
David & Andrea Brunner
This February, we had the privilege of
meeting our baby grandson, Alec Philip. We also spent time with the parents, our
son, Andrew and wife Sarah, and visited Appalachian Bible College. A group from
our home church in Limerick, PA will come to help with a Vacation Bible School
this summer.
Ken Rudy
I’m planning to lead a team to Cambodia from July 25 to
August 8 for a work project and vision trip. I sure would like to have some
folks from Collingswood FUMC join me.
Dana & Debbie Cherry
We have begun
40 days of intense, focused prayer for Europe during Lent leading up to Easter.
As we join with the Pray Europe Network of over 1,200 workers for the Kingdom
across Europe, let’s lift up the challenges and incredible opportunities that
lie before us. We hope you will join with us in prayer. You can sign up for
daily updates at http://www.prayeurope.com.
Saint’s Prison
Fellowship
Basketball season is almost over and the softball teams will go into action.
Thanks to God for those who recently accepted Christ as their Savior. Please
pray for safety and clarity of the message to inmates this year. Don’t forget
the 9th Annual Charity Auction on April 16.
Ellie Hall
Please pray as I try
to find a good place to live as I return to Thailand. Please also pray that a
language translation committee can quickly be formed with the right people and
good communications.
Larry & Fay Buckman
Recently Fay and I
made a trip into Paraguay to see the Ache Indians. The anniversary of their
church seemed to be the right moment to observe them and hear their testimonies.
What follows is an unbelievable story:
Thirty-six years ago the Fostervold
missionary family arrived to find the Ache Indians deep in the jungle, living in
very primitive conditions. The missionaries opened a new world to them in
Biblical truth, education, farming and mechanics which grew into accounting,
computers, and medicine. As we opened the car door, children came running to hug
us and tell us how glad they were that we had come. The parents came out of
their houses dragging chairs to sit around our car and talk. After a while the
pastor swung the conversation toward my real reason for the visit. I told him we
had come to steal some of his Indians. He laughed and said that he would call a
leadership meeting at the church. The next morning about 15 men sat around us to
hear about the Terenas and their churches. I poured out my heart. “Our Terena
churches are trying to support their pastors and missionaries with 80%
unemployment in their villages. They have land but lack vision to make it
produce more than their own needs. The Terenas asked me to see if you would come
as missionaries to teach them what you know. Would you help us?”
The Ache discussed
the Terena challenge among themselves. Then Fay requested, “Would you be willing
to teach us how to live in a Christian community like yours?” They realize that
their community is unique. The secret is their faith. They are probably the
closest comparison to the early church of Acts 2 that I know of. They literally
have everything in common. They have no government aid, no health plan, no
United Nations food, just enjoyable, hard work in love preferring one another.
If someone needs an operation they sit down and decide how to pool the funds to
meet the costs. Their answers came with tears. We think so selfishly about
everything we do, and here is a selfless community of true believers who
honestly love each other more than themselves.
The Ache people want to know the Terena
history and the background of their church. They plan to create a Christian
association of churches to confront outside denominations trying to divide their
tribe. The Indian trading has begun. “You want our agricultural knowledge, We
want your experience in missions.” The next stage will be an exchange on April
1, when Ache people attend our annual Bible conference and see the Terenas on
their reservations. Their goal will be to research ways for mutual exchange of
resources to move indigenous missionaries to unreached tribes. They will travel
with us for two weeks to our most remote sites and meet the people taking the
gospel to the unreached. Upon their return home, the Ache will begin to discuss
a strategy of mutual benefit for their churches. These are exciting days to see
God work!
“Do
not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are
pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16,
NRSV
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WINGS OF PRAYER
“I am the resurrection and the life; he
who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11:25
Dear Friends in Christ and Partners in Prayer,
I’m sure you have smiles on your faces
and joy in your hearts in anticipation of what April has in store for you. We
know the snow and ice of winter are behind us; that the April showers and
warming earth will have the early springtime flowers bursting into bloom while
the leaf buds are popping on the trees; and the sounds of the wooden and
aluminum bats hitting the balls will be ringing in the air along with the cheers
of the fans. God sent us another spring as we constantly marvel at each changing
season. As all this takes place, I wonder how some can say there is no God.
This month we
continue through the Lenten season making our way toward the start of Holy Week.
On Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the palm branches strewn by crowds believing
Jesus was setting up an earthly kingdom. We partake of the remembrance of
Christ’s body and blood with communion on Holy Thursday. We meditate on, but
cannot fathom the agony Jesus went through, on the cross as we take part in Good
Friday services. Easter Sunday brings us the joyous celebration of Christ’s
resurrection and his power over death.
We always have much to praise and thank
God for, even though our circumstances may sometimes make it a struggle to see
the good God is always doing.
Wee Sports had another fantastic season. We pray that many
families with young children who participated in the program will want to become
a part of our Sunday school and church family. We give praise for the successful
weekend program with the Mahers. Thanks and praise are given for the continued
growth in our Sunday morning attendance. There are many opportunities for Bible
study for all ages, small groups, and social activities for which we praise Him.
We always have many requests we need to
lift up to God in prayer. Our world is in a turmoil never quite seen before,
especially in the Middle East. We can see God’s prophecy at work. Just pray for
safety of the innocent people and that God’s will continue to be done. Our
servicemen and women still need your prayers. Our country and it’s leadership
need prayer to be accountable to God as well as it’s citizens. Pray for our
missionaries that they may be safe and have sufficient supplies to preach and
teach the Gospel.
Pastor Sam and his family, along with our staff members,
covet your prayers and support in whatever form you can give, in order to help
them be the best they can be in serving our church. We have many members and
friends on our prayer list and we ask you remember to pray for their needs.
Ella Gregson,
Susan Doman, Betty Strike, Ginny Morrow, The Latch Family, Marilyn Dougherty,
Marilyn Ellis, Ruth Carey, KJ Schmitt, Nancy Marino, Ken Steward, Betty Averell,
Arnie Arnold, Bea Williams, Jason Piligno, Kim Aurig Hartke, Annie Hartke, Lily
Reckeweg, George Stevens, Christine Fink, Florence Keller, Warren Creely,
Mildred Young, Helen Lewin, Betty Andrews, Caroline Gerelus, Paul Gaehring.
Sing and rejoice as we celebrate the
spring and Easter season. As the hymn writer said, ”He lives, He lives, Christ
Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me, along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives, He
lives within my heart.” I pray He is living in yours.
Your prayer partner,
K.J. Schmitt
====================
BIRTHDAYS AND
ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
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April 2 Heather McGaurn
April 4 Lisa Santulli
April 6 Bernard C. Beals
Debbie Cherry
Charles “Bud” Shropshire
April 7
Ken Steward, Jr.
April 9
Gregory McGaurn
April 10
Marion Shallcross
April 11
Suzanne Hoover
April 12 Bea
Hunsberger
April 13 Bert
Stevens
April 15 Cindy
VanPelt
April 18 Bill
Bittle
April 27 Mark
Burgoon
Anniversaries
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April 5 Tom and Cheryl Averell
April 20 Ken and Margie Underwood
April 23 Douglas and Julia
Schmitt
April 25 Bill and
Marion Wertz
If you have not already done so, please give your dates (birth dates and
anniversary dates) to the church office in writing or by e-mail:
maria@fumccollingswood.org.
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Baptisms at First Church
Aiden Gene Partridge
February 20, 2011
James Edward Tierney
March 6, 2011
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Deaths at First Church
Ruth Wolf
February 16, 2011
Cynthia Fuester
February 24, 2011
Jack Latch
February 25, 2011
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BIBLE QUIZ
Two places in the Bible, one in the Old
Testament and one in the New, feature the following words: “My God, my God, why
have you forsaken me?”
The New Testament account is found in Matthew 27:46, when
Jesus is hanging on the cross. Where are the words found in the Old Testament?
A. 1 Kings
19:4
B. Jeremiah 38:9
C. Psalm 22:1
D. Lamentations 1:20
Answer: C
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The First United Methodist Church
201 Dayton Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
“He has risen from the dead...”
Matthew 28:7, NIV
Loving God...Loving People...Connecting
With Our Neighbors