Lakeview United Methodist Church July 2022 Newsletter
Sharing, Praying, Caring, Staying in touch
Lakeview United Methodist Church www.lakeviewunitedmethodistchurch.net email: LakeviewWVUMC@gmail.com
Pastor: Kerry Bart C: (610)304-5437 Kerry.w.bart@gmail.com
A message from Pastor Kerry...
Did you know that in the second week of July we received 4.5 inches of rain? Did you know that the average rainfall for July in St Albans is 4.3 inches? That means we’re above average!
There are always a few different ways to look at numbers. I would be remiss in my duties if I did not encourage the folks of Lakeview to make sure you’re up to date with COVID vaccinations and boosters, and that you continue to actively take precautions regarding masks and handwashing. It’s my hope of course that we can prevent another surge of infections.
The recommended daily scripture readings has us completing the book of Jeremiah (52 chapters, wow! How’d you do?) and beginning the shorter and more infamous book of Revelation (only 22 chapters), and there are quite a few references to numbers throughout Revelation. Seven cities, a beast with seven heads and ten horns, four horses, twelve elders, 144,000 servants of God marked with the Father’s name, a third of humankind being decimated by three plagues… what are we to make of all these numbers?
Some people will seek explanations for every number, searching for hidden (coded) meaning in every paragraph. Personally, I have three recommendations for you regarding Revelation:
One, Listen to the whole book. Recall that our ancient forebears were more likely to hear the text than read it for themselves. You can find an audio recording here: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rev.1 (chapter by chapter)
(the whole book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN-2lt54N9o )
Listen to the book and Two, write down words or verses or questions you have and then Three, share those questions with another person (maybe even your pastor!)
It can be easy to get carried away with the drama of the book of Revelation. Let us keep in mind that God loves us and wants us to know abundant life while abiding in him, that God gives an example of servant leadership and asks us to follow him and to do likewise, and that nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Grace and peace to you, dear ones!
Praise song for August
Judy
My heart is so heavy hearing the news of Judy Belcher’s passing. She was a remarkable person and such a spark of creativity to all. My first attempt to make some art and try to sell it at a craft show was with Judy. We teamed together and made all the nativity characters out of salt dough, in what we thought were clever, minimalist type ornaments. We made lots of them, designed an arty booth, and tried to sell them at the St. Francis Craft Show. We bombed! We only sold two and one was to one of Judy’s friends who felt sorry for us, I think. That was it for me, but not for Judy. She didn’t let it get her down and later designed and sold Christmas sweatshirts, polymer clay jewelry, even teaching her techniques to others in classes, as well as authoring books.
When our kids were little, Judy and I worked on the same committees at church. We decided we needed to do a church retreat. We chose Spring Heights as the destination, then thought up all kinds of meaningful, fun programs and activities we could do there. Finally, we looked into the cost and I remember the meeting where others heard the final tab and said, “Well, that’s out.” I thought so, too, but not Judy, she said, “No, it’s still on, but we’re going to have to do some fund-raising first.” We figured out if church families would skip one time going out to eat and at that time, can you imagine, donate the $20 to the church instead, we could do it. We also decided that all the names would be put into a hat and whoever drew your name would invite you over for dinner so you could still enjoy an evening without cooking. A very unconventional idea, but what fun! We had the Thompsons up for dinner and another year we hosted the Griffiths. We went to Donna and Tom Trammels’ house for dinner, which I wasn’t even sure where they lived, and got to know them better. Judy’s can-do attitude, creative spirit, and positive outlook made things happen.
The kids grew up, life moved on, and things changed. Schedules get busy, jobs challenging, and life often gets in the way. I will always remember how inspirational Judy was to me and how contagious her positive outlook and enthusiasm were. She was one of the most creative people I’ve ever known and my life has been blessed by knowing her. Our prayers are for her kids, family, and friends. She is loved and missed.
Karen Kersey
Praise song for July
Lakeview United Methodist Church Administrative Board Minutes. July 12, 2022
Opening: The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Bud Newbrough and opened with prayer.
Present: Pastor Kerry, Jeff Ekstrom, Wayne Kersey, Bud Newbrough, Marilyn Morton, Dicky Thompson, Linda Thompson.
Jeff Ekstrom shared an update about Judy Belcher, who is receiving care at Hubbard Hospice House. (Judy passed away July 13th and our prayers are with her family.)
Minutes – presented by PK
• The minutes of the June 14 meeting were distributed and reviewed.
• Motion (Linda/Jeff) made to accept the minutes as presented, unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report - Jeff Ekstrom.
• The income looks good and we are current on all bills.
• Pastor Kerry reported that Humphreys’ treasurer had a stroke at the beginning of June and the church has been scrambling to take care of obligations. The church has been able to authorize a substitute treasurer.
• Motion was made (Wayne/Marilyn) to accept the Treasurer’s report and was unanimously approved.
Trustees – Dicky Thompson
• Dicky purchased and Pastor Kerry installed a wifi thermostat at the parsonage. PK will provide written instructions for operating the church and parsonage thermostats.
• Dicky requested a key to the parsonage front door (latch assembly replaced 12/2020)
Parsonage - Marilyn Morton
• The glass in the lower level sliding doors will be replaced.
SP/PRC – Wayne Kersey
• The multipurpose room, kitchen, and hallway floors were stripped and waxed. The end of the hallway was not completed; Wayne will bring this up with Larry.
• SPRC has a regularly scheduled meeting 7/18.
Pastor’s Report -
The “brainstorming” meeting Lakeview leaders participated in on 5/31/22 brought forth the Ice Cream Social (6/26/22) and two Community Movie nights (7/8, 8/12).
The ice cream social was held in the social hall due to inclement weather, and between 30 and 40 church and community members enjoyed the treats and fellowship.
The 7/8 community movie was held in the social hall due to inclement weather, with 5 church members showing up. We hope for a better turnout for 8/12.
There will be a followup “brainstorming” meeting September 13 at 6:30pm, followed by the 9/13 Administrative Board meeting.
COVID is still an issue to be contended with. PK recommends vaccination and boosters, and wearing of masks.
PK will be on vacation Monday Aug 1 through Saturday Aug 6.
He will lead worship with Holy Communion on Sunday Aug 7,
and then leave for a Communications retreat Sunday evening through Tuesday Aug 9.
Pastor Kerry Dates to remember:
• Friday, August 12 – OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT, 8pm
• Sunday, September 18 – BACK TO CHURCH (community promotion)
Upcoming Meetings:
• FINANCE – July 14
• SP/PRC – July 18
• Administrative Board – August 9
• NOMINATIONS – August 17, September 15
• Brainstorming – September 13 (6:30pm)
• Administrative Board – September 13 (7:30pm)
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned with Prayer by Pastor Kerry at 7:45
Minutes Submitted by: Kerry Bart