Church Life Weekly Newsletter
Find pdf files of Church Life newsletters at the bottom of this page.
Mission statement: Grace United Methodist Church is a family of faith striving to share God’s love with all people.
WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
We are in the Lenten season. This is a season of prayer, contemplation, and seeking God. While the Lenten journey calls us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus – we are able to do so with the hope of Easter and what our resurrected Savior promises us. One of the promises is that we will become a new creation, the old will go and the new will come. I know that in my own life, I see so many areas where I long to grow and change. I would like to suggest that the path to this new life can happen as we choose to focus on three areas of change during the season of Lent.
First, be diligent in our attitude toward Christ. Scripture says that those who “seek” will find. (Mt 6:33) If we hunger and thirst for Christ more than desiring pleasure, money, or success we are promised that we shall indeed find Him. Second, be diligent in your commitment to Christ. Jesus calls us to be his disciples, and the life of any disciple requires commitment. During Lent, commit yourself to attending services regularly, or maybe join our mid-week (Wednesday) Bible study and prayer service, or perhaps serve the church by joining the choir, helping with the thrift store, or participating in our bi-monthly prison ministry. Increase your level of commitment in some concrete way. Third, be diligent in renewing your mind to be like that of Christ. (Rom 12:1) Many people are fixed in their opinions and thoughts. But if God is truly going to change us from the inside out, we need a teachable spirit. This Lent, be open to the possibility that God wants to show you something new. Humble yourselves by having an open mind.
If we seek Christ with all our heart, if we commit ourselves to Him, and if we allow our minds to be teachable and moldable, I believe God will begin to bring about beautiful change in our lives. The old will begin to fade, and the new life that Christ promises of joy, peace, and love will flourish. May God be with you as we begin this journey toward becoming a new creation.
Pastor Kim
Prayer List
♥†♦Family of Mary (Polly) Wheat, ♥♦Kevin Gatherer, ♥†Family of Kevin Kennedy Brown, ♥Amanda Brown, ♥Lionel Brown, ♥Chris Ukanwoke, ♥Family of Francis Paul D’Elia (father of Janice Biegler), ♥Diane Vitacco, ♥Jerry Noble (father of Thomas Noble), ♥SofiaRose Curry (relative of Sing Larson), ♥Families dealing with the natural disasters, ♥Edie Zipperlen, ♥Mary Flynn (mom) and Maureen Andersen (daughter), ♥Priscilla Caparelli (friend of Kim Neri), ♥Manny Kurz, ♥Cecil and Carol Walker (friends of Barbara Woodford), ♥Everon Palmer (son of Enid Simpson), ♥Carol Whyte, ♥Winston Scarlett (brother-in-law of Maudlyn Scarlett), ♥Jennifer LaRochelle (friend of Kim Neri), ♥David Biegler, ♥Michael Kurz, ♥Vin Dowling, ♥Garvin Phillip (nephew of Eleanor Phillip), ♥Elaine Treske, ♥Marilyn Eller (sister of Elaine Treske), ♥Jim Poch, ♥All our Military men and women, ♥Barbara Siegl, ♥All UMW in Rehabilitation and Nursing Homes, ♥Castells Family (family of Elaine Treske, ♥Evelyn Neber (friend of Elaine Treske). Note. Prayer List names will continue to be listed for two weeks. After that period of time, the names will be removed unless you call us with current information.
† – Death in family, ♦ – New entry
Sunday School
CHURCH SCHOOL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8TH. It’s never too late to join us. My name is Janet Stone and I am writing to invite your child to join us for Church School each Sunday. Church School is where students will learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and how to live a Christian life. We learn Bible stories and we learn how to use those stories to help us be better people. All rising PreK-8th Grade students are welcome. Children start out in Church at 10:00 with their families and are sent to Church School following the Children’s Sermon. Please note that on the first Sunday of the month, children are directed to the Education Building first and then return to the church building in order to be with their family for communion. I am looking forward to a wonderful Church School year! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns at mom2springers@gmail.com ~Janet Stone
April 6, 2025
Peter followed at a distance when the soldiers took Jesus to Caiaphas, the high priest. The rest of the disciples ran away just as Jesus had prophesied. A number of people were in the courtyard of Caiaphas, so Peter tried to blend in with them. He was afraid, so he didn’t want anyone to know he was a follower of Jesus. Three times during the night, he was challenged by others in the courtyard. Three times he denied he knew Jesus. Then the rooster crowed just as Jesus said it would happen. Peter left the courtyard and cried uncontrollably over his betrayal of Jesus. He had failed Jesus, but he repented. Jesus always offers us forgiveness and reconciliation. Peter thought he understood what following Jesus meant, but he really didn’t understand until after Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. He had boldly claimed that he would never betray Jesus, but Jesus’ arrest made him afraid and he reacted to the fear. Peter’s sorrow and repentance were immediate, but he wasn’t able to make it right with Jesus until after the Resurrection and Jesus appeared to the disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was entrusted with a mission to take the good news to the Gentiles.
NOTE: There will be no Church School on Palm Sunday. Also, there will be no Church School on Easter Sunday. We will resume Church School on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Janet Stone
Church School says “Thank You”! Over the recent months, big changes have occurred in the classroom that is used for Church School each Sunday. Thanks to Anthony Heywood and the Teen Center youths, we now have a transformed room! Old tables were replaced with repurposed modular classroom tables. Bookshelves were brought in and stocked with the Bibles that had been piled up on a shelf. Plastic containers with drawers now house the crayons, scissors and glue sticks, replacing old shoeboxes. The bulletin boards were recovered with durable, decorative paper and a monitor screen was hooked up so the students can watch Bible story videos on Youtube! There is even a small couch in the room now! Both the teacher and the students appreciate this very much! Thank you Anthony Heywood and the Teen Center youths!
DATE CHANGE: The Church Council will meet on Sunday, April 27, 2025 – not Sunday April 13, 2025. That means United Women in Faith will meet May 4 instead of April 27.
UMCOR SUNDAY – March 30, 2025
UMCOR provides humanitarian relief and disaster response in the United States and internationally. Our efforts are targeted in places where natural disasters, war, or conflict have done so much damage that communities are unable to recover on their own. In addition, UMCOR helps communities in the United States and abroad prepare for emergencies and to reduce the risk of disasters through a roster of training programs. We also are involved in global development work. Specific programs address issues of health, sanitation, poverty, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security. Many development problems are interrelated, so UMCOR uses integrated solutions to address their root causes. UMCOR seeks to empower local hospitals, schools, churches, and other stakeholders by enhancing their capacity to address these issues.
You may put money in one of the Special Sunday Offering envelopes available in the narthex and circle UMCOR Sunday or write UMCOR Sunday in the memo line of your check or Zelle. Thank You!
A Big Welcome to our newest members – Cherissae and Lionel Brown, Allison LaVoie, Janet Wilson, and Desrine Edwards who joined our Church on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Holy Thursday Service
We will have a Holy Thursday Service in the sanctuary on Thursday, April 17 at 8 PM. We will have communion as part of the service. We hope you will join us!
Good Friday Services
On Friday, April 18 there will be a noon service of the Seven Last Words of Christ at St. John’s UMC in Elmont that we are participating in as part of our cooperative parish.
There will be an 8 pm Good Friday Tenebrae service with the Sacred Dance of reenactment of the crucifixion in the sanctuary at Grace.
April 18, 2025 marks the return of our beloved Tenebrae Service for the evening of Good Friday. The word “tenebrae” is Latin for “shadows” or “darkness,” and the service is characterized by the gradual extinguishing of candles as readings and music reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The service typically culminates in darkness and a loud noise, symbolizing the closing of Christ’s tomb. It is a somber and reflective experience that helps to prepare Christians for the celebration of Easter. Volunteers are needed to participate in this service. No special talent is required, just a willingness to participate in this beautiful tradition. If you have questions or wish to volunteer please see Bob DiSalvo, Pastor Kim or anyone on the worship committee.
EASTER SUNDAY – April 20
6:00 am Sunrise Service (on terrace of the church)
10:00 am Church Service in the sanctuary
All are welcome!!
Lilies. If you would like to place a Lily in the Sanctuary for Easter in loving memory or in honor of a special someone, please fill out the order form (located in the Narthex) or email (GraceVSNY@aol.com) me your request. The Lilies are $14 each. Please make the check out to GUMC and either place it in the Offering Plate in a sealed envelope marked for the Church Office, mail it to the Church Office, or use Venmo/Zelle. If you have an envelope number, please note it either on the order form or on your check. The deadline for ordering is Monday, April 14, 2025.
Spring Blood Drive. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, we hosted our SPRING BLOOD DRIVE in the Education Building Gym. Thank you to Bob DiSalvo and his helpers for setting up, providing a delicious dinner (thank you Chef Bob) and cleaning up. Twenty-seven pints of blood were given to help save the lives of others. Thank you.
THANK YOU to Scout Troop 109 for participating in our Service March 9. We appreciate all your Troop does for us. The participating Scouts were Joseph Albano, Francisco Castillo, Arvind Gajraj, Christopher Ramnaith, Christopher Cavaliere, and Nicholas Castillo. Christopher Ramnaith was the Scout who gave the presentation.
The Evangelism Committee hosted a special fellowship hour this past Sunday. Under the support and leadership of Pastor Eumin Kim we were able offer flowers and tokens of appreciation to our church members who have consistently offered prayers and service at our Annual Evangelism Prayer Breakfast. Ten years of saying yes to the Lord through the ups and downs of life, through COVID 19 and more deserve a song of praise. Please let us offer a word of prayer and thanks to our team. Their resounding and consistent yes, to helping to create a wonderful hour of prayers, praise and hospitality to a community and world that is so in need of prayers and hospitality warm the heart, every time. There are a few more of us that have served consistently who were absent this Sunday. The proceeds from the Prayer Breakfast are used to fund our Prison Ministry. Maudlyn Scarlett, Mahala Holness-Brooks, Dr Tonia Ukanwoke, Andrea Owen-Boyd (Chairperson)
New Confirmation Class
Pastor Prumeh will be starting a new confirmation class in 2025 for youth. At the end of the class, there will be a special for the participants. If a child was baptized as an infant, they will “confirm” their faith during the service. If a child was not baptized, they will receive their baptism. Everyone becomes a full member of the congregation. Please email Pastor Prumeh at prumeh.lee@nyac-umc.com to let her know you are interested in registering. Include the child’s name, grade, and email address as well.
Looking for Volunteers for Youth Ministry
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping with youth ministry. We would love volunteers of all generations – seniors, adults, and young adults (Pastor Prumeh loves intergenerational ministry.) However, everyone will have a background check completed for the safety of our youth. Email Pastor Prumeh if you are interested, either as a volunteer or if you have youth in your family: prumeh.lee@nyac-umc.com
1) Hospitality
We are looking for volunteers to help cook on rotation (either an entree, salad or dessert) for our upcoming Youth Dinner Church that will start in January.
2) Chaperone
We also need chaperones willing to be a warm and welcome presence either at the Youth Dinner Church, other youth programs, or Confirmation.
3) Committed to a youth ministry team.
-Considering committing to be a part of the team to help plan, organize, and lead youth programs.
-If you are a youth, you may also consider becoming part of this leadership team! We need your voice!
We (Pastor Kim, Everett, Carol, and Eileen) were so very happy to see Richard (Dick) Tiedge and his daughter Jeanne. Dick looks great and Jeanne says his health is good. We were in the BKR and reminisced, told funny stories, heard stories of involvement in the war, and had a lot of laughs. Jeanne told us that her Dad was sweeping up leaves at his home in Malverne! Dick will be remaining at his home in Malverne and will be celebrating his 102nd Birthday – May 2025! What a Super Man!!
Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 8:00pm in the church. All adults and teens who like to sing are welcome to join!!
THANK YOU to Barbara Howard and Family for their very generous donation in loving memory of Pastor Robert W. Howard.
Please sign up for Coffee Hour, now known as FELLOWSHIP HOUR. There is a sign-up sheet in the Bert Keller Room. Please use the sign-up sheet in the BKR or call the Church Office. Thank you to Marianne Pike for hosting on March 30 and to Kim Neri for hosting on April 6. Thank you to the Kim Family for volunteering on April 13th! We are looking for volunteers for April 27. Thank you.
The Evangelism Committee would like to thank our church family, extended family and guests for a wonderful and spirit filled 10th Annual Evangelism Prayer Breakfast. To God be the glory. We were blessed by the fellowship, songs, prayers, storytelling, scriptures, testimonies, meditation and more. The breakfast was super delicious. Also a big Thank You to the Scouts from Troop 109 and My Brother’s Keeper for setting up, kitchen help and serving.
MISSIONS
April is a Missions Month. Please give to Missions this April. You may put your money in an envelope marked “Missions” or write “Missions” in the memo line of your check or Zelle. Far Rockaway Mission (also called United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway), which operates a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays and provides hot meals Monday through Friday, is one group that we support with our Missions money. Thank you!
Mark your calendar! The *International Potluck Dinner* will be Saturday, April 26 in the Grace Church gym. We want everyone to come! Start thinking about what food you will bring to share. We always have a wonderful time. Our highlighted country will be Kazakhstan where Pastor Kim and Prumeh were missionaries!
Give to Disaster Relief through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We encourage you to give to UMCOR for Disaster Relief following the fires in California and the floods in North Carolina. The link to the UMCOR giving page for disaster relief is https://advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx. That link takes you right to giving for Advance #901670. When you type in your information, you will be able to choose Grace Valley Stream as your local church.
Pray for missionaries during their birthday month. The names for April are Adole Gloria Rebecca Akue, Afiju Kamara, Allison Francesco, Alma Navarro, April Cowart, Barbara Drake, Binu Abel, Christi Campos, Cindy Saufferer, Didier Monga Wa Shakapanga, Donno James II, Ellyn Dubberly, Emma Samson, Ernest Mudzengerere, Ester Kim, Gloria D. Parker, Gloria Marple, Grace Mallare, Joanne Reich, John Jessup Peterson, Jovanir Lage, Joy Prim, Juanita Rodriguez, Kady Herr-Yang, Karen Cheek, Kenneth Koome Nkando, Kim Lewis, Kimberly King, Laura Young, Leah Wandera, Leanna Lake, Mari Ellyzsa Valencia, Mary Lou Boice, Mollie James-Vickery, Ngoy Mulanga Kalangwa, Pat Warden, Rosa Linda Guadarrama, Ruth Pierre Jean Pierre, Sharon Hachtman, Sharon Jokwiro, Soila Vincent, Tariro Salim Nyamudeza, Vanny Keo, William Lovelace, Yadira Linton, Yvette Diaz, Yvonne Njoroge.
Meet missionaries on Zoom. The link to Register to meet missionaries on the Still In Mission monthly Zoom is https://umcmission.org/stillinmission/. The next episode is Thursday, May 1 at noon.
Giving. You can give to Missions any time. Just write Missions on the notation line on your check or Zelle, or write Missions on the outside of the envelope you drop in the plate. Your giving through Missions goes to Far Rockaway Mission, Anchor House, Methodist City Society, Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home, and El Porvenir (clean drinking water projects in Nicaragua).
2024 Missions Giving Summary: In 2024 Grace Church gave $450 to each of the five groups listed above plus an additional $366 was spent to provide meals at Far Rockaway Mission. Thank you!
Sending a SUPER thank you to everyone who donated food and money to our Souper Bowl collection! We delivered a carload of food and nine cases of diapers which were purchased with cash donations! The INN in Hempstead was grateful for the donations. Thank you for being so generous!
Long Island Cares – This past spring, Long Island Cares opened the West Nassau Center for Food Assistance & Community Support at 241 Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream. We have reached out to them and they are available to support any church and community members who may be in need of help. They are also willing to receive donations from Grace Church so our Fall Food Drive collections will be going there. If you are in need of food, personal or household care items or even pet food items, please know that you are welcome there. Families can also be assessed for additional support beyond food including referrals for SNAP, WIC, health insurance, emergency housing, utility assistance (HEAP) and other related programs. Flyers, in both English and Spanish will be on the table in the narthex and emailed out to all church members. If you need more information about Long Island Cares in Valley Stream you can call 516-980-9100 or email www.licares.org. Help is available if you need it.
THRIFT SHOP NEWS
The Thrift Shop revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $3,374 which is $480 more than the 1st quarter of 2024. The expanded space has led to an increase in sales. We are now preparing for spring and summer switching out the fall and winter clothing for the lighter weight clothing. This is very labor intensive and, as a result, we have paused donations at the present time. We are in a critical need for volunteers on Thursday mornings and Saturdays from 10am-2pm to help us continue this ministry and serve our community. Please contact Maudlyn Scarlett, Eileen or Marianne Pike if you are interested in serving. Marianne Pike
SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERINGS – 2025
MISSIONS – January/April/July/October 2025
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY – January 19, 2025
UMCOR SUNDAY – March 30, 2025
EASTER – April 20, 2025
NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRY – May 4, 2025
PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY – June 15, 2025
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – October 05, 2025
UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY – November 30, 2025
CHRISTMAS EVE – December 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
CHRISTMAS DAY – December 25, 2025
PLEDGES FOR 2025 – Our current Pledge amount is $128,874. Hopefully, if you haven’t already pledged, please consider helping us reach our goal. Pledge cards are available in the Narthex or you can call or email the Church Office and your pledge will be entered. Thank you.
CALENDAR – If you have any dates that you would like to have on our calendar, please send them to me (Eileen) at GraceVSNY@aol.com. The meetings could be weekly, monthly or just a special meeting or event. Thank you.
PLEASE put your envelope number on any of your donations (check/Venmo/Zelle). This will help our Counting Teams, It also helps the Church Office to input your donation to the correct account.
COUNTING TEAM SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 2025
April 06 – Debbie Nicosia
April 13 – Everett Fitch
April 20 – Debbie Nicosia
April 27 – Marisa Pershad
Where You Can Volunteer
Liturgist or Reader – Contact Pat Eshun
Sunday School – Contact Janet Stone
Evangelism – Contact Andrea Owen-Boyd
Thrift Shop – Contact Marianne Pike, Andrea Owen-Boyd, or Maudlyn Scarlett
Music – Contact Drew Banzhoff or leave a message for the Music Ministry Office (516/825-1940)
Missions – Contact Katherine Perkins
Worship – Contact Kim Neri or Carol Provenzano
Acolytes – Contact Tim Neri or Mike Provenzano
Ushers – Contact Mike Provenzano or Carol Provenzano
Counting Team – Contact Marisa Pershad or Eileen Robertson
Hospitality – Contact Bob DiSalvo
(Please call Eileen if you need contact information – 516/825-1182)
Zoom Bible Study Moves Back to Wednesdays. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Zoom Bible Study is moving back to Wednesday evenings at 7:30. We are currently studying 1 John. We would love to have you join us!
Weekly Meetings and Rehearsals
Please note whether meetings are in-person at the church or via Zoom. Thank you.
*Every Sunday – Church School 10AM/start in Church (except 1st Sunday of the month start 10AM/Education Building)
*Every Second Sunday of the month – Healing Prayer Service after Church/Chapel (Starting October 13, 2024)
*Fourth Sunday of every month – United Women in Faith (no UWF meeting in July and August)
*Every Wednesday – Bible Study 7:30PM-8:30PM/Zoom (Same Zoom Link every week)
*Every Thursday – Westminster Ringers 7PM
*Every Thursday – Chancel Choir 8PM/Church
*Every Saturday – Prayer Meeting 8AM/Zoom (Same Zoom Link every week)
*Every Saturday – Thrift Shop 10AM-2PM
Upcoming Events
Sunday, April 13 – Palm Sunday
Thursday, April 17 – Holy Thursday, 8:00pm Communion Service
Friday, April 18 – Good Friday Services
12:00pm (7 last words) at St. John’s UMC Elmont and
8:00pm with Sacred Dance of reenactment of the crucifixion
Sunday, April 20 – Easter Sunday
6:00 am Sunrise Service (On Terrace of the Church)
10:00 am Easter Sunday Church Service
Saturday, April 26, 2025 – International Potluck Dinner
Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Laity Sunday
Upcoming Meetings
Sunday, April 27 – Church Council/ BKR
Saturday, October 25 – New York United Women in Faith Annual Meeting/ Grace UMC Valley Stream
