1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

April 2015
HOLY WEEK AT
NEWARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
April 2, 7pm:
Maundy Thursday service (with Communion)
April 3, 7pm:
Choral Tenebrae for Good Friday
Light in the Darkness, by Patrick M. Liebergen
Last Supper service with Communion (in Heritage
Hall)
Chancel Choir & Youth Chorale
With chamber orchestra
A publication of the Newark United Methodist Church
April 5
EASTER SUNDAY: CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
6:30am: Sunrise service (with Communion)
8:00am: Liturgical worship (with Communion)
Chamber Choir
9:30am: Liturgical worship
Carol/Crusader Choirs, Youth Chorale /Chancel
Choir, brass quintet
11:00am: Liturgical worship
Carol/Crusader Choirs, Youth Chorale /Chancel
Choir,brass quintet
11:00am: SonSpirit service
Please note:
There will be no Taizé worship service in April;
we’ll be back the first Wednesday in May!
To the Easter People of Newark
UMC—
“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” This
is the historic liturgy spoken in Christian
churches around the world on Easter
morning. I wonder, though, whether we
should change it to be more aligned with
scripture. In all three synoptic gospels,
Matthew, Mark, and Luke, there is a common phrase in their
stories. “He is not here.” Maybe the liturgy should go: “He is
not here! Christ is risen!”
Regardless, from the very beginning Christianity has been
about experiencing the risen Christ. Our faith starts with a
“mystical” experience. We encounter “holy mystery” and
suddenly everything changes.
The 20th-century Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel called
these moments “radical amazement”, where: “Everything is
phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually.” I
believe this radical amazement was part of the core of Jesus,
giving him courage, compassion, and will to live and give his
life for all.
This past January, Marcus Borg died. While not everyone
embraces his thoughts and beliefs, I believe that his words
below speak to the core of our Christian faith.
I began [through mystical experiences] to understand that the
word “God” refers to “what is” experienced as wondrous and
compelling, as, to use William James’ phrase, “the more” which is
all around us. Or to use a phrase from the New Testament, the
word “God” refers to “the one in whom we live and move and
have our being” (Acts 17.28). “God” is not a hypothesis, but a
reality who can be known.
This Easter, as we celebrate the empty tomb, I trust the music
or liturgy or spoken word or the community will be the
avenue of mystical awareness of the Risen Christ.
He is not here. Christ is risen!
Shalom,
Rev. Dr. David M. Palmer
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302/368-8774
www.newark-umc.org
webmaster@newark-umc.org
Lay Leaders:
Stacey Altemus, Karen DeMonte,
Danny Fisher, Adrian Peoples
STAFF
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. David M. Palmer
ext. 214
Pastor of Congregational Care
Rev. George Ayer Tigh
ext. 212
Campus Pastor
Rev. Mary K. Haggard
ext. 216
Assistant Campus Pastor
Rev. Ward Mesick
Director of Education Ministries
Donna Hitchner
ext. 225
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Melanie Hartley
ext. 217
Sunday School Administrative Assistant
Lisa Santare
Director of Music Ministries/Principal Organist
Ned Perwo
ext. 220
Associate Organist/Bell Director
Lauren Cataldi-May
ext. 299
Business Manager
Rob Cappiello
ext. 218
Office Manager
Danette Eberly
ext. 213
Bookkeeper
Connie Wright
ext. 215
Facility Manager
Rob Taylor
ext. 227
Custodian
Piedad Luna
ext. 227
IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
NUMC Stories...Staff Member Reflections
Tammy Sharp, Preschool Director
In the spring of 1989 my husband, Roland, and
I were married at NUMC. He and his family
had been members for many years, and I only
knew it as the beautiful church on Main Street.
Shortly after our wedding, we moved to
Maryland, and in 1998, when we moved back
to Newark, I joined the church. At that time our
daughter, Megan, began attending the
preschool, and I began to learn about NUMC’s
many wonderful ministries.
Those which have reached the farthest into my
family life are music ministries and Youth
Group. Megan and Paul joined the choir in first
grade; both also participated in Music Factory.
Megan went on to participate in several Inner
Light Theater productions as well. Paul still
sings in the Choir as a junior in high school,
and we enjoy Megan singing with the Youth
Chorale Alumni on Christmas Eve when she is
home from college. Through these activities,
my children, along with many others, have
developed a love for music through the
guidance of the wonderful shepherds who have
made these activities possible at NUMC.
Youth Group has offered many wonderful
experiences for my entire family. My best
vacations have been spent as a mission trip
chaperone! I’ve only accompanied the group
two times to Boston and once to North Carolina,
but for many years our teens have taken one to
two mission trips every summer. There’s no
better feeling than that which comes from
helping individuals and families in need and
observing our youth find such great fulfillment.
While these two are the foremost in my
thoughts, many other ministries and the
shepherds that have made them possible have
touched my family’s lives. I thank my church
family for making NUMC a great and loving
place to be.
Boy Scouts
Hello all! The Boy Scouts of
NUMC would like to invite our
church family and friends to
participate in our fundraiser
at Friendly's on Rte 896,
Wednesday, April 29 from 5-9pm.
Please help support our troop as
they earn funds for their
upcoming summer camp.
Be sure to give mom and dad the
night off from cooking to
support a good cause.
And be sure to explore
Friendly's newly revised
menu! We hope to see
many familiar faces on
the 29th.
The First State Ringers participated in the Area 3
Handbell Musicians of America Conference in Ocean
City, MD March 13-14.
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BUNTING LIBRARY/NEWARK UMW
NEW BOOKS AND BOOKS NEW TO BUNTING LIBRARY: This is a new display set up just
inside the library. Some of these books are brand new, while others may not necessarily be new,
but were newly donated to the library.
Over the past few months, we have highlighted books for younger children and adults. Most of
the selections this month were chosen for middle school age and older youth.
 Midnight on the Moon, Dolphins at Daybreak and Eve of the Emperor Penguin are three new
books that have been added to Mary Pope Osborne's popular Magic Tree House series. Jack
and Annie are whisked away by the magic tree house on further exciting learning adventures!
 Chocolate Fever, by Robert Kimmel Smith. Henry Green loves chocolate in all its forms, for
every meal of the day and in between snacks, too. One day he finds that strange things are
happening to him and he makes medical history with the only case of Chocolate Fever ever!
What next???
 The Secret in the Matchbox, by Val Willis. Bobby Bell's secret is hidden in a matchbox. His
teacher takes it away and puts it in her desk. But the secret gets out and grows bigger and
BIGGER...!
 Ginger Pye, by Eleanor Estes. (Newbery Medal Winner) Ginger is the hard-earned dog (bought
for a dollar) belonging to Jerry Pye. Ginger is smart, knows many tricks, is loyal, and steals the
hearts of all he meets. But then, someone steals him!
 Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen. (A Newbery Honor Book) This off-beat, hilarious book tells the story of
middle-school screwballs, greedy developers and other quirky characters. It's a proenvironmental, kid-empowering tale—and you don't have to be a young adult to enjoy its
satirical wit!
Recent Reads Book Group
Come and share books, light refreshments
and delightful company.
Join us in Bunting Library for our next
meeting: Monday, 4/13 from 1:152:15pm (note new time). Bring a book to
share!
Thelma H. Hughes celebrated her 100th
birthday with NUMC’s Eve Circle (with
Lydia-Miriam friends) at Millcroft on March 3.
She sends her thanks to these good friends for
a wonderful luncheon and their loving
friendship.
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Bunting’s new blog—
A Peek in the Pages
Our Communications Intern, Nate
Donhowe (on loan from UD) has created a
new feature for our website to highlight the
Bunting Library. Please take a look at the
first installment!
Covenant Discipleship groups help us hold ourselves and one another mutually accountable for
IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
our walk with God. The community developed in our weekly meetings strengthens us and teaches
us. Interested? Contact coordinator Mark Deshon (Deshon@udel.edu) or one of the folks below to
learn more! Sunday 9:15am (meets off-site)
Wednesday 6:30am (meets off-site)
Kevin Smith* (klsmith@habitatncc.org)
Dan Logan
Tom Rim
Sunday 11am (meets off-site)
Diane Ferry* (ferryd9044@gmail.com)
Mary Alice Hinerman
Mary Hudson
Pat Marks
Catherine Rounsely-Maxwell
Sunday 7pm
Marina Lutz* (lutzm@neumann.edu)
Karen Brown
Kay Davis
Pat Hammond
Carrie Melchisky
Monday 2pm
Ruth Oatman* (roatman2@earthlink.net)
Lois Bailey
Jo Anne Deshon
Lora Lee Harget
Carol Thompson
Monday 7:30pm (meets off-site)
Stacey Altemus* (staceykea@yahoo.com)
Steve Caton
Mark Deshon
Diane Smith
Sue Hollenbeck*(shollenbeck@comcast.net)
Barbara Chamberlain
Lys Murray
Phyllis Muyskens
Cara Lee Palmer
Wednesday 7:30am (meets off-site)
David Palmer* (dpalmer@newark-umc.org)
Karen DeMonte
Kevin Lammers
Jane Savino
Thursday 8am
Donna Hitchner* (dhitchner@newark-umc.org)
Deede Cataldi
Danette Eberly
Betsy Kent
Lisa Santare
Connie Wright
Friday 9am
Linda Steinkrauss* (ljsteinkrauss@hotmail.com)
Mary Bell
Lisa Heinsohn
Alan Hitchner
Janet King
as of March 2015
**Group Convener (contact)
NUMC TRUSTEES SPRING WORKDAY!!
Saturday, May 2 (rain date 5/16)
8am-2pm (or whatever time you can be here)
Come one, come all!! It is time once again to spruce up the church, inside and out, and we
all can help! There will be many jobs to do, from cleaning to raking to scraping paint. Let’s help
our church home shine!
If you can’t make it to the workday, we also have some one-time jobs
we would love to have volunteers for: adopt one room for window
cleaning, adopt a garden area to weed…
Please contact Rob Cappiello (RCappiello@Newark-UMC.org; 3688774) if you can help out. NUMC Facility Manager Rob Taylor will coordinate our projects and provide supplies for the day. If you have
favorite clippers, shovels, a wheel barrel, or rakes bring them along
(labeled).
Lunch and beverages will be provided. If you can send a dessert for
our workers, let us know.
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IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
A Note of Thanks—
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February's prolonged harsh weather
took a toll on everyone, with a
noticeable impact both on NUMC
attendance and giving. I want to
personally thank everyone who was
able to make it out on those horrible
days, as well as those of you who
have been able to catch up on your
giving.
Spring is here and we are all looking
forward to the beautiful weather that
comes with it!
-Rob Cappiello, Business Manager
George Kirk Concert Series—Coming May 31 at 3pm!
Wilmington Handbell Ensemble in Concert
The Wilmington Handbell Ensemble (WHE) was founded 2000 and is the only community-based
handbell ensemble in Wilmington. Membership is by audition or invitation; the group draws from
various church bell choirs in New Castle County and Pennsylvania. Members of our own First State
Ringers—Ruthie Toole, Dee Loux and Holly VanSuch—are also members of WHE.
The purpose of the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble is to educate and introduce audiences to the
beautiful and varied repertoire for handbells as well as promote excellence in musicianship among
its members. WHE is sponsored by St. Paul’s UMC in Wilmington.
Kerry W. Dietz, Artistic Director, began his formal music training at the age of seven and his
church music career at the age of fourteen. A graduate of the University of Delaware and
Westminster Choir College, he is Minister of Worship & Music at Ebenezer UMC in Newark, DE,
where he has served since 1994. He has been
involved with handbells as a ringer and
conductor for over 30 years and has been a
conductor and clinician for handbell festivals in
Newark, DE and Ocean City, MD. He was a
founding member of WHE and has been artistic
director since 2006.
WHE’s first CD, A Little Bit of Christmas, Our
Holiday Favorites, is available for purchase after
the program for $15 each or 2/$25 (cash or check
made out to Wilmington Handbell Ensemble), as
well as online.
Renewing Our Foundation (ROF) Update
ROF Phase A (2016) Project Given Unanimous Preliminary Approval
IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
Approximately 75 congregational members and friends met in Heritage Hall on 3/15 for a
Church Conference presided over by District Superintendent Rev. Derrick E. Porter to
consider plans for an ROF Phase A (2016) project. The ROF Building Committee
presented information about this next phase of renewal at NUMC.
This project will complete several major building improvements identified in the ROF
Master Plan that was developed several years ago. These include: a new, handicapaccessible “Welcome Center” entrance addition on the Delaware Ave. end of the building,
parking lot improvements, upgrades to Heritage Hall enhancing its usability for various
activities, and new sanctuary lighting. Construction would begin in late spring 2016, with
completion in early 2017.
A preliminary project estimate of $990,000 has been established. Financing plans include a
pledge campaign extension to the current 3-yr ROF Capital Campaign and loan financing,
possibly combining a commercial mortgage with congregational notes to fund the balance
of the project cost.
Following the presentation and discussion, the Building Committee
presented a motion for a written vote by members of the congregation in
attendance to:




confirm the membership of the Building Committee with the addition
of a Preschool representative,
affirm the overall project scope and anticipated cost,
affirm the project financing plan with specific approval for the ROF
Capital Campaign extension in the fall of 2015, and
approve continued architectural work to complete detailed design and
construction bids.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Also at the Conference, the Building Committee shared the results of its reevaluation of
the photovoltaic (PV) solar project, which confirmed that purchasing the system (vs.
leasing) will be the most economical approach. This project will proceed, funded by
borrowing from the NUMC Endowment principal, with installation planned for summer
2015.
The presentation charts used at the Conference are posted on the NUMC website.
Fellowship Time at NUMC
Make fellowship part of your Sunday experience! Whether you go to 8:00 worship and 9:30 study
or go to 9:30 study and 11:00 worship or to 9:30 or 11:00 worship, share with old and new friends
during Fellowship Time in Heritage Hall from 10:30-11:00. Refresh with a hot beverage (regular
or decaf coffee, tea, or chocolate), a cold beverage (fruit punch or water), and snacks (assorted
cookies and/or baked goodies).
Thank you to the people who set up, serve, and clean up each Sunday. More volunteers are
needed so that each only needs to serve once every 4-8 weeks in teams of two or three. We help
with directions and coaching.
Visit the sign-up sheet on the hot beverage counter. Talk to Coordinators Bill and Meurial McLain
for more details. See them at church or call them (368-9845).
See you in Heritage Hall on Sunday!
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Youth Ministry Announcements
Mission Trip Pledge Drive:
Orders being taken until April 26
We’re still placing orders for the youth mission trip-look for our students and leaders in Cokesbury Lobby
to get a closer look and place your orders!
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Contact Melanie for questions or information (mhartley@newark-umc.org).
Bronze Level—$10-$15: Car magnet with youth or church logo
Silver Level—$20-$35: Canvas tote bag with youth logo (made to order)
Gold Level—$40-$75: T-shirt w/youth logo or church logo (made to order)
Platinum Level—$80 or more: Polo shirt w/embroidered “Radiating God’s Love” logo
(made to order)
Youth Newsletter Spring 2015: The spring Newsletter is now available. Contact Melanie
Hartley for a copy and stay up to date on what the youth are doing this spring!
Young Adult Announcements
Young Adult Bible Study
Tuesday nights, 6:30-8:30pm in Rm 109
We are continuing our study in the book of 1 Samuel. Learn some biblical history, and
discuss leadership and character from God’s perspective.
19 Therefore,
my friends,[g] since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of
Jesus,
the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through
his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true
heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our
bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without
wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Hebrews 10: 19-23 (NRSV)
20 by
Happy Easter—Christ is risen! May you all live in the love and grace of God this
Easter season and be assured of the hope we have in Christ’s sacrifice.
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GREEN Team Happenings
A GREEN Team missions mini-meeting (M3) is scheduled for 4/19 from
10:30-11am in Rm 213. We may have another M3 event on 4/26, but that
will be determined after the Habitat Work Day (4/25). All Team
members are invited to attend Habitat Work Day activities at the
church while their parents and/or older siblings volunteer at the worksite. Note: Volunteers
for the Habitat work site must be age 16 or older.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
For more information on the Habitat Work Day, go to http://newark-umc.org/wp/habitatwork-day/
Adult 9:30 Sunday Morning Learning Opportunities
(most classes will not meet on 4/5)

Companions in Christ (Wesley Lounge)—we currently are finishing
up the Living the Questions 2.0 series on DVD. Next, we’ll begin
another DVD-based study from the makers of Living the Questions.
The Jesus Fatwah*: Love your (Muslim) Neighbor as Yourself tries to clear up some
common misconceptions about those who practice the faith of Islam in our local
community. *Fatwah (fatwa) is defined on dictionary.com as “a non-binding judgment on a point
of Islamic law given by a recognized religious authority.”

Sunday Morning Bible Study (Rm 121) presently is using the Abingdon Press Bible study
material on the book of Romans.

Teachables (Samuel Wesley Rm) will begin on 4/12 to discuss Ordinary Missionary, by W.
Jay Moon. The resource book may be purchased through Amazon or other booksellers.

Trying Christians (Memorial Lounge)—we’ll spend April examining Paul’s first letter to
the Thessalonians.
Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study (begins at 1:15pm)
WABS will continue with the DVD-based study The History of Jesus through mid-May. Each
week is a different topic and there is nothing to purchase, so come any time you are able!
Women’s 2015 Retreat
Save the date—we’ll be retreating October 9-11, 2015! The team is working hard to reduce the
cost of the weekend for each participant by running multiple fundraisers through September,
so the final cost will not be known for
some time. Women who wish to attend are
encouraged to complete a registration
form (either print out the paper form or
use the online link) and reserve their spot
with a $20-$50 deposit. Registration forms
can be found on the NUMC website
(http://newark-umc.org/wp/2015-womensretreat/).
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SOCIAL JUSTICE @ NUMC
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
God’s children have the right to their dignity,
a life of love, and the respect of their brothers
and sisters. God loves us as we are, and the
policies and practices of our institutions—
including our faith communities—must
reflect that radical, embracing agapé.
At Newark United Methodist Church, we
believe that we are all God’s beloved
children. We welcome everyone regardless of
race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual
orientation, social or economic status,
physical and mental ability, or religious
affiliation. However, it seems that this is not
the belief of The United Methodist Church in
some other parts of our country and world.
Visit the Social Justice page on the NUMC
website to learn more about this and other
social justice concerns, and learn how you can
add your voice to those raised for justice here
at NUMC and beyond.
Emmanuel Dining Room: Cookies Needed
We are asking for pre-packaged store-bought cookies to fulfill our monthly
commitment to Emmanuel Dining Room. We appreciate your help in bringing these
to the church office by 9am on Thursday, April 23.
Questions? Call 368-8774.
Thank you for your support with our 2015
Spring Break Mission Trip!
Each year you buy our baked goods and eat
up our Super Bowl Subs in order to help us
serve those in need. This year we helped
churches within our conference, Camp
Pecometh (getting it ready for the summer),
and worked with Habitat for Humanity in
Denton, MD. We are all "On a Mission from
God!"
Brunch Angels—We're still on the hunt for
some good home cooking. We're not picky,
and we're very appreciative. Please keep in
mind that there are about 20 of us (including
a vegetarian). Quiches and casseroles are
awesome, as are sticky buns or cinnamon
rolls. You can even do a theme brunch (UMW
does this very well).
We'll enjoy and gobble up whatever you
bring us. So gather up a few friends, think
creatively, and have fun it! Sign-up is outside
the Wesley Lounge; contact Rev. Mary or
Rev. Ward if you have any questions.
Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub! Amen!
A Letter of thanks from Amy Jenney Dill—
Please read the thank-you letter from Amy (Jenney) Dill to our NUMC
family for the love, prayers, and support following the death of her father,
Stephen Jenney.
You can find the letter posted on the bulletin board outside the Main
Office, as well as the NUMC website.
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Know someone who’s making a difference? Email parishnotes@newark-umc.org to suggest an
article for the Parish Notes!
OUTREACH
NUMC Habitat for Humanity Work Day
Saturday, April 25 from 8am-3pm
OUTREACH/BELIEVERS IN ACTION
(Must be 16 years or older)
This will be a great time of work and
fellowship, radiating our love to the local
community.
There will also be a Service Project Day for
children at NUMC on the same day. This
way, you can drop your kids off at church,
go to the Habitat work site, and then pick up
the kids when you are finished working.
Interested? Contact Linda Steinkrauss ASAP
(ljsteinkrauss@hotmail.com; 224-0243).
Believers in Action: Partners First!
Thinking about the partnerships in my life, the
first one I tend to think about is my marriage. I
believe it is accurate to say that the
primary reason Mark and I have
GOD
been happily married for nearly 39
years is our attitude of putting our
partner first when making decisions.
The reality, though, is that our
marital partnership is triangular.
For those of you who are math
KW
MW
nerds like I am, it’s an isosceles
(though not equilateral) triangle!
This year’s annual stewardship pledge activities
use the theme
PARTNERS WITH GOD, LLC
A Limited Liability Collaboration
Native American Ministries Sunday
April 19
Donations to this mission equip Native
congregations—like New York’s Onandaga
Nation UMC and Nebraska’s Native
American Sacred Winds congregation—to
worship and serve as only they can, and
equip seminary students who will honor and
celebrate Native American culture in their
ministries.
If you wish to give to Native American
Ministries Sunday online, please go to the
NUMC online Giving Web Page http://
newark-umc.org/wp/online-giving/ and
type in Native American Sunday under
Optional.
Outreach Team Members Needed
Interested persons are cordially invited to
join the Outreach Team. Monthly meetings
are held on the second Monday of the month
at 7pm! Contact Outreach chair Mary
Hudson (maryhud@msn.com; 737-6676) for
information.
An important part of the April 6-May 17 period
will be challenging ourselves to become true,
effective partners with God. The Believers in Action
Team invites everyone to participate, bolstering
one another as we are challenged to balance and
prioritize the many competing factors in our crazy
-busy lives. We especially hope that you will join
one of the study groups using Mike Slaughter’s
books First–Putting God First in Living and
Giving and Shiny Gods (see below).
Then join us on pledge Sundays (May 10 & 17) as
we turn in our pledge cards, and on May 17 please
visit the Ministry Fair after each of the morning
services. Find out where best you can be a Partner
with God through our NUMC ministries!
Purchase your copy of these great
devotional and study books,
available from Cokesbury.com or
Amazon.com (about $10 each).
Consider using this study in your
own adult Sunday School class or
Covenant Discipleship Group, or
join Pastor David Palmer’s 4-week
class, 4/12-5/3, 12:15-1:45pm.
Please note: although the Mike
Slaughter books will be excellent
additions to your personal library, you
are welcome to attend the classes even
without your own copy of the booklets!
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69 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711-4645
www.newark-umc.org
302-368-8774
Return Service Requested
Music and Drama Camp
August 3-7
with worship presentations at
9:30 & 11:00am on
August 9
Since its founding in 1991 by Leanna Williston, Music Factory Camp has been providing a fun-filled,
enriching opportunity for children from our church and surrounding community to nurture their faith
through music and drama.
Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors.
Spread the word! Sign-ups begin in early May. Visit www.newark-umc.org for more details.
Parish Notes Deadline April 15—email parishnotes@newark-umc.org