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.
Prayer List
♥†♦Family of Mary (Polly) Wheat, ♥Marianne Pike, ♥†Family of Kevin Kennedy Brown, ♥Amanda Brown, ♥Lionel Brown, ♥Chris Ukanwoke, ♥Diane Vitacco, ♥Jerry Noble (father of Thomas Noble), ♥Heather Manning (friend of Kim Neri), ♥SofiaRose Curry (relative of Sing Larson), ♥Anthony, Nancy and Macky Orovwuje (friends of Debbielee Thomsen), ♥Debbielee Thomsen, Cliff McBride (friend of Debbielee Thomsen), ♥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), ♥Everol 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
Please note that May 18th was the last day of Church School for this school year. We will resume Church School on September 7th.
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
May 18, 2025
Our lesson for this final week of Church School until September was taken from the book of Acts 3:1-4:22. Peter and John traveled around sharing Jesus’ message with the people they met. They weren’t rich, and they didn’t have any possessions. Instead, they depended on the communities they visited to provide their supplies. Daily a man who was lame from birth was carried to the Temple by other people and placed at the Beautiful Gate. He begged for money from the people who were entering to pray. The man’s physical condition made him an outsider, and he wasn’t allowed to enter the Temple to pray. When Peter and John came to pray, the man asked them for money. They told him they didn’t have any money, but they would give him what they did have. Peter said, “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, stand up and walk!” Healing the man in public was a controversial move, but Peter didn’t hesitate to do God’s work. The man stood and began walking and leaping, confirming his healing and allowing him to be a part of the community of faith again. He entered the Temple with Peter and John and worshipped with them. Many who saw the miracle believed in Jesus, but the Sadducees were angry with Peter and John for healing in Jesus’ name. They had the disciples put in prison, but they weren’t able to hold them for very long. Too many people in Jerusalem knew what had happened and didn’t understand why Peter and John were arrested. Peter was concerned about the crowd understanding that healing wasn’t an attribute the disciples cultivated over time. He reminded the people that he healed by the authority of Jesus, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
2025 Camperships
Camperships are financial gifts given to Church School students who wish to attend either Camp Quinipet or Camp Kingswood. Camperships are determined by the Education Scholarship Committee. Consideration is given to church involvement, church school attendance and service to church. Submissions may be made by email or paper. See the link for application. Please note that it is due no later than May 23rd. Late applicants may receive a reduced scholarship. Please be sure to submit both sections (parent and camper).
2025 Campership Application Link
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10e9xI9VUWRRGx4Kz7upP5vzIrXm-f6klvypcBy2sWns/edit?usp=drivesdk
2025 Educational Scholarships
Education Scholarships are financial gifts given to church members who are college students. Consideration is given to church involvement and community service. Submissions may be made by paper or email no later than May 23rd. Only complete applications will be considered.
2025 Scholarship Application link
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!
Diaper Drive. We are having a DIAPER DRIVE! Did you know that Social Services benefits such as Welfare do NOT cover the cost of diapers? And that in order to leave a child with a subsidized daycare the parent MUST provide disposable diapers, not cloth? As we celebrate mothers during the month of May, let’s remember to donate diapers, wipes and baby food to those less fortunate. Collection boxes are located in the Church and in the Education Building. All donations will benefit The INN. We will be accepting donations through May 31st. We will also accept cash donations and diapers will be purchased with your donation. If you have any questions, please see Janet Stone or email mom2springers@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your generous donation!
Use of Kitchen – Just a gentle reminder that clean-up in the kitchen after use is the responsibility of the user(s). Our Sexton is only responsible for mopping the floor.
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.
Youth Dinner Church – Thank you to all who attended our first gathering! The next dinner church for youth will be on Sunday, May 18th at 5pm in the Bert Keller Room. We will have a time of working, eating, and sharing together. Let Pastor Prumeh know if you are willing to cook for future events (entree, salad, or dessert). Invite youth in your family or community and send an email to prumeh.lee@nyac-umc.com.
For our Juneteenth Celebration which will be held on June 22, we are looking for people who would like to sing “Praise Music” before the service begins. Please contact Kim Neri, Coleen Murray or Jane Schreiber if you are interested in participating.
The New York Annual Conference (NYAC) Board of Laity invites both laity and clergy to begin an intentional season of reflection, prayer, and discernment for the six weeks leading up to the 226th Annual Conference Session.
Each day, Monday through Friday, we ask that all members of the NYAC set aside 15 minutes from 7:00am-7:15am to join us on Zoom starting on *April 21 until May 30, 2025.
Together, as the body of Christ, we will seek God’s guidance and wisdom for the decisions that will be made, grow in unity and love together as United Methodists, ask God to empower mission and ministry within the NYAC in productive, vibrant, and fruit-filled ways, and more.
Please feel free to join as often as you’d like throughout the six weeks of prayer and know that your participation is not tied to a district.
Mark your calendars (April 21-May 30, 2025) and tap the Zoom icon below to join us online at 7:00am each day.
MEETING ID: 818 9888 5888
PASSWORD: 126031
*We will not meet for prayer on May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day)
We had a wonderful International Potluck Dinner on Saturday, April 26. We shared lots of delicious food from around the world. Rev. Prumeh and Pastor Kim shared about their time as missionaries in Kazakhstan, about the people and culture there, and about the United Methodist presence there. There was an engaging question and answer period and a table of items from Kazakhstan. We collected $717 for mission projects in Central Asia (which includes Kazakhstan.) If you missed the International Potluck this year, we hope you will join us next year!! Missions Committee
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 in March. 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)
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!!
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE. A gift has been given in loving memory of Dr. Polly Wheat from Lenore and Manny Kurz and family. A gift has been given in loving memory of Polly Wheat Cole by George and Jeanne Simmons. A gift has been given in loving memory of Mary (Polly) Wheat by Eileen and Sarah Robertson.
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. Please use the sign-up sheet in the BKR or call the Church Office. Thank you Trustees and Evangelism Committee for co-Volunteering for May 4th. Thank you Jane Schreiber and Tom Littman for volunteering for May 11 and United Women in Faith for volunteering for May 18. Looking for volunteers for May 25 and month of June!!
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
You can give to Missions at any time. You may put your money in an envelope marked “Missions” or write “Missions” in the memo line of your check or Zelle. 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).
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. We delivered canned goods and cleaning supplies to Far Rockaway Mission on April 14. Thank you!
We had a wonderful International Potluck Dinner on Saturday, April 26. We shared lots of delicious food from around the world. Rev. Prumeh and Pastor Kim shared about their time as missionaries in Kazakhstan, about the people and culture there, and about the United Methodist presence there. There was an engaging question and answer period and a table of items from Kazakhstan. We collected $717 for mission projects in Central Asia (which includes Kazakhstan.) If you missed the International Potluck this year, we hope you will join us next year!!
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 May are Akouvi Blessing Dedjinou, Alpha May Tomas, Annette Greer, Arabia Sweet, Cecilia J Malm, Chaddy Ilunga Mutombo, Cheryl Robinson, Chiedza Mubaiwa, Choong-Hee Lee, Daniel Yang, Daphne Hurd, Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee, Elize Chin, Emma Hylton, Erica Oliveira, Gwanghui Jeong, Hannah Reasoner, Heidi Careaga, Hikari Chang, Jasmine Johnson, Jean Martial Arsene Mbah, Jeanne Roe Smith, Joseph Riddle, Judith Pierre-Okerson, Katherine Hills Uzoka, Kathi Edwards, Kathy Loomis, Kim Provost, Kirk Sims, Kristyl Frantz-Shoaf, Leslie Nedderman, Loi Salazar, Lori Sluder, Lydia Munoz, Mae Griner, Melisa Abdool, Michael Leahanne Gable, Natallia Manyeza, Nicholas Theyerl, Nora Marker, Rashida Craddock, Reagan Page, Ronald Julian, Ruth Planta, Ruth Nattasha Karr, Saory Pon, Sara Logeman, Sarah Mae Gabuyo, Sherlette Lee, Tara Barnes, Tracy Tarver, Tridia Wa Kasamba Kamwanga, and Yeferson Collo Perdomo.
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.
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
What is Native American Ministries Sunday?
United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. The United Methodist Church acknowledges a gap in understanding Native American life and culture, while affirming the sacredness of Indigenous peoples, their languages, their unique identities and their contributions to the church and the world. Contributions help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry. Last year, almost $240,000 was raised to support these vital ministries through the Native American Ministries offering:
- Fifty percent of the funds collected on Native American Ministries Sunday stay within the annual conference to support Native American ministries. Each conference has a Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) to develop these programs, advocate for ministry with Native Americans, and promote Native culture, history and traditions. CONAM also oversees the distribution of offerings, coordinates the promotion of Native American Ministries Sunday, and monitors Native ministries in the Annual Conference. Twenty-five percent of donations fund scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry at any approved theological school. These scholarships address the significant shortage of Native American pastors and trained professionals, supporting higher education recruitment, retention and development efforts. Twenty-five percent of donations collected are allocated to develop impactful programs. These funds enable the UMC to collaborate with established Native ministries to create new initiatives for Native American communities. Some of these efforts include mentoring programs, peer support systems, funding for economic development projects, and the revitalization of traditional practices that cultivate new leaders.
One of the beautiful things about The United Methodist Church is that, together, we can accomplish far more than we could on our own. Together, we celebrate the voice and ministry of Native Americans worldwide. (There are envelopes in the Narthex for donations for Native American Ministry.)
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 MAY 2025
May 04 – Marisa Pershad
May 11 – Debbie Nicosia
May 18 – Everett Fitch
May 25 – Debbie Nicosia
COUNTING TEAM SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 2025
June 01 – Marisa Pershad
June 08 – Marisa Pershad
June 15 – Debbie Nicosia
June 22 – Everett Fitch
June 29 – Debbie Nicosia
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, June 22, 2025 – Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, August 2, 2025 – United Women in Faith District Picnic at Grace
Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Laity Sunday
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – Trustees Meeting (In Person) BKR/7:30PM (Teams meeting Link is an option if you cannot attend in person)
Saturday, October 25 – New York United Women in Faith Annual Meeting/ Grace UMC Valley Stream
