Vails Gate UMC

FROM THE PASTOR

“[Jesus] unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit
of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He
has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let
the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’” Luke 4:17b-19

As we leave February and enter March, we go from Black History Month to Women’s
History Month. Since the time of Jesus reading this scroll to the present, Christians have been
striving to fulfill this Scripture. Methodists particularly have been at the forefront seeking to “let
the oppressed go free” here in the United States.

Did you know that Rosa Parks was a lifelong Methodist in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church? That is not something we usually hear when the story of her protest on the
bus is recounted. Not only was she integral in the bus boycott in 1955, but Rosa Parks continued
to work for justice throughout her life. In 1987, she founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks
Institute for Self-Development, and she piloted a program called "Pathways to Freedom" that
takes 11-17 year-olds on extended, hands-on educational tours of the historic sites of the
Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement all around the United States and Canada.
The Institute has touched the lives of thousands of youth from the United States.

Fighting for the rights of those who are oppressed takes years for real change to be
recognized. Let us continue to remember those who have gone before us and carry on the fight
for the rights that all God’s children deserve.

Who Knows?
Who knows what signal, what internal sentry,
prodded Rosa to sit when the bus driver said: "Get up and move."
Was it her aching feet as some have said?
Was it her pounding head that could not wrap itself around the concept of such inequality?
Or was it her aching heart, bruised from years of injury, compounded with interest?
Perhaps, it was just impossible for her to walk any longer with the spiny pebble of injustice in her
shoe, in her life, in her spirit.
Only God knows the signal, the sentry,
the prod required for each of us.
Oh God, let there be enough feeling left in us to feel your nudging when it comes.

Peace,
Pastor Martha

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING – SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010
When disaster strikes, as it recently did in Haiti, many people are moved to open their
wallets as well as their hearts to those in desperate situations. In these situations we want to be
absolutely certain that our donation, whatever the size, is used for the designated purpose.
When you donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), you do not have to
wonder. You can be absolutely sure that 100% of your donation goes to the cause that you
select. This is possible because the annual Special Sunday offering for One Great Hour of
Sharing funds the administration of UMCOR. Gifts over and above UMCOR's administration
costs go where they are most needed, often supporting under funded programs.

No one knows when and where disaster will strike but when it does UMCOR will be
among the first responders, and, they will stay as long as they are needed. For example,
UMCOR has developed a five-year plan and commitment to the rehabilitation and
reconstruction of Haiti. UMCOR receives no funds from apportionments or from World Service.
It is the support of members like you and like me, contributing a dollar or two that allows this
remarkable organization to do its work. Please give as generously as you are able. Every
donation, no matter the size, contributes greatly to this work.

NEWBURGH MINISTRY LENTEN MISSION PROJECT
For several years our UMW has supported the wonderful work of the nuns at the
Newburgh Ministry in the heart of Newburgh. This amazing group of “sisters” have opened their
hearts and doors to the neediest members of our community. Throughout the winter months
they operate Winterhaven, a nightly shelter for homeless men. Their other programs include a
thrift shop where neighborhood folks can buy gently used clothing and household items, a play
and learn center for young children and a drop in center where folks can get a hot cup of coffee,
make a phone call and seek help. The ministry has an ongoing need for a number of items
including decaffeinated coffee, sugar, creamer, and diapers. We will collect various items for
the ministry each Sunday during Lent until Easter.

HAITI RELIEF
Thanks to all who supported the relief effort in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Haiti. We
have collected over $500 and a good number of health kits. The totals won’t be final by the
time this issue of The Visitor is released, but our donations to UMCOR, combined with those of
many other churches, will help ease the suffering and bring hope to those living amidst the
devastation.

LENTEN MISSION EMPHASIS
During Lent, we will be collecting the following items for the Newburgh Ministry,
according to the following schedule:

February 28 Used sheets and blankets (clean and in good condition)
March 7 Decaf coffee or decaf tea bags
March 14 8-oz. paper hot cups, non-dairy creamer, packets of sugar
March 21 Toilet paper, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers (size 3, 4, or 5)
March 28 Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, disposable razors
April 4 Any of the above items or a cash donation (use pew envelope and mark
“Newburgh Ministry,” or on memo line of your check.)

Please place donated items in the basket in the front of the sanctuary.

On Thursday March 4 at noon, we will welcome friends to a covered dish luncheon.
Bring a dish to share and your own place setting. The topic is “Organ Donation.” Ladies from Cornwall
and Grace UMW will be invited.

Seven blankets and a large bag filled with yarn were delivered to Project Linus in February. Meetings
are held monthly at the Wallkill Community Center in Middletown to sew Linus labels on quilts, etc; for
sick children. Sweaters and a donation went to the Newburgh Ministry, so thanks to everyone for their
donations in February.

On Ash Wednesday names of needy children were distributed to churches in our area
from the Advocate Agency in Newburgh. We have been giving Easter Joy to these children for a
few years now. This year we will have 20 children for Easter Joy Program. Baskets should be
returned to church on March 21. Information will be posted in the Ellison Room.

The UMW Assembly will take place April 30 –May 2 in St. Louis, MO. Women have
been attending the assembly since 1942. The theme this year is Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.

Prayers for VGUMC, Haiti, all projects, and peace on earth.

Good, better, best, never let it rest until good is better and your better is best.- Anon.

Come and be on staff at the 2010 Holy Land Adventure VBS,
Egypt – Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace,
where the Bible will come to life right before your eyes!

Help is needed in many areas:
Family Leaders and Assistant Family Leaders, Pyramid Playground Director,
Shopkeepers: Barbershop and Salon, Toy Shop, Brickmaking, Embalmer's Workshop,
Jewelry Shop, Linen Shop, Hieroglyphic Artist's Shop, Basket Weaver's Shop,
Animal Courtyard, Food Shop
VBS Photographer & Actors

Watch for more information on the bulletin board in the Ellison Room, or go to
http://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/vgumcvbs/gpgs/home.aspx to volunteer.
Looking forward to a wonderful VBS adventure!