Dear Centenary Church Family:

As our Call to Worship on this Second Sunday After Pentecost reminds us, “This day marks the beginning of the ‘ordinary season’ in the church, the Sundays after Pentecost. It is a season with few festivals, and it draws us to the teachings of Jesus rather than the events in Jesus’ life. It is a time for teaching and learning.” When we gather in our Sanctuary at 10:15 AM for the Worship of God we will also offer a special Prayer for Memorial Day Sunday and join together in singing America the Beautiful in our tribute to and thanks for those who offered their lives in defense of our freedom. Assistant Pastor Terrilisa Durham Bauknight will bring a word to the children. Because it is Memorial Day weekend, there will be no regular Sunday School classes this Sunday. My morning Message, The Worry Bank, will be based on a portion of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” from Matthew 6:24-34. We will also share in the Epistle reading from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. Our Chancel Choir will sing the joyous Sing Praise and Alleluias! by B. R. Luttrell & Benjamin Harlan. Our Celebration of Found Coins for May is designated for The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Domestic Disaster Response…and will assist UMCOR to respond to those in our own nation who have recently suffered losses from strong spring storms and tornadoes. There will be no Junior Choir rehearsal or Centenary United Methodist Youth Fellowship gatherings on this Memorial Day Sunday evening, and the Church Office will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

ADULT CLASS STUDIES “GREAT FIGURES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT” Centenary’s Adult Class is looking at some of the great figures of the New Testament before adjourning for the summer months. Each Sunday through June 8, we are studying the lives of some of the key figures in the New Testament, including James, the brother of Jesus (May 25); Judas Iscariot (June 1); and, Pontius Pilate (June 8). Each class features a 30-minute in-depth video portrait of these figures by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, who is an outstanding lecturer and Bible scholar. These vivid portraits are part of her DVD, Great Figures of the New Testament. Join us in the Sunshine Room, Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, for these informative and entertaining presentations.

Information Requested About Our 2008 Graduates: We are seeking information about those Centenary members and friends who will be graduating from college and high school in May or June. Please call (732-548-7622) or e-mail (CentaryUMC@aol.com) the Church Office so we may share in the joy of their accomplishments in our June & July Lamplighters. We will also have a special time of recognition for our high school graduates during our June 15th Service of Worship.

2008 Greater New JerseyAnnual Conference
One in Spirit, All in Ministry: In the Spirit of Fellowship
May 29-31 at the Valley Forge Convention Center
The ninth session of our Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church will be held next week—May 29-30-31, 2008—at the Valley Forge Hotel & Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA. Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar will preside at the business sessions of the Conference, which will officially convene with a Service of Tribute and Holy Communion at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 29. Annual Conference is scheduled to adjourn at 4:30 PM on Saturday, May 31. Giselle Esquivel Cordero, Centenary’s Lay Member to Annual Conference, and Pastor John Painter will attend the Annual Conference sessions. They will join with about 1,500 clergy and lay members of Annual Conference for this three-day gathering, representing local congregations and other ministry settings in and beyond the geographical bounds of the Annual Conference (the entire state of NJ; portions of Rockland and Orange Counties, NY; and a portion of Pike County, PA).

One of the major items of interest during this 2008 Annual Conference session will be receiving reports from our delegates about the actions of the 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, which will have met from April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, TX, under the theme A Future with Hope. We will also take several actions in preparation for the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference to be held July 14-17, 2008.

Members of Centenary who may be interested in attending any of the sessions or services of Annual Conference are welcome to do so, and may speak with Pastor Painter or Giselle Esquivel Cordero for directions to the Valley Forge Convention Center and for the schedule of events during these three days. (You may also access the information at our Greater NJ Annual Conference Web site: www.gnjumc.org) We ask you to be in prayer for the Clergy and Lay Members of the Greater NJ Annual Conference as they gather in late May for “Holy Conferencing.”

Upcoming Children’s Ministries Events:
· Kids’ Night Out—Friday, May 30 from 6:30-8:30 PM: We will be reviewing “Power Lab,” 2008’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) material, and performing some science experiments. Dinner will be hot dogs, chips, fruit and drinks. Come one, come all and have a fun night. Please register early for VBS so we can order supplies. VBS is August 4-8, from 9:00 AM to Noon. On Friday, August 8th, we will have a picnic at Roosevelt Park.

· The Last Day for Regular Children’s Sunday School will be Sunday, June 8. There will be a barbecue picnic lunch on the front lawn following Worship. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken and cold beverages will be provided. Please bring a salad or dessert to share.

REMINDERS for your CALENDAR:
TGIF: ToGether Intergenerational Fun final gathering before Summer: Dinner at The Barge in Perth Amboy on Friday, June 6, from 6:30-8:30 PM. Please call 732-826-1921 or 732-548-7622, Extension 12 for reservations.

Next Ozanam Shelter Dinner on Monday, June 2
Centenary will next be serving dinner at the Ozanam Shelter on Monday, June 2. Please check the information on the bulletin board in the Narthex and sign up to assist with food preparation or serving. The June Menu: Swedish meat balls, egg noodles, corn on the cob, pudding and cake. For further information, please contact Glenna Gundell (732-463-1431) or Mary Ellen Heim (732-548-2587). Thanks.

ANNUAL WALK FOR HOPE TO CURE BREAST CANCER
Please support the 7th AnnualCityof Hope / Michelle Offsie Memorial Walkfor Hope to Cure Breast Cancer on June 8th 2008. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM at the Jewish Community Center/YMCA campus at 1775 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ. The Walk/Run will begin at 10:00 AM. You can make a difference and support this event by:

1. Joining as a walker or runner. There will be a 2/4-mile walk and a 4-mile run.
You may contact Giselle Esquivel Cordero at (732)549-6525 for information; or register at 800-344-8160 or online at www.walk4hope.org/edison.
2. Sponsoring a walker/runner with your tax-deductible contributions. See donation forms on the Narthex bulletin board.
You may also donate on line at www.walk4hope.org/edison.
3. Checking with your employer to see if they will match your donation.
Pizza Supper and Games & Fun Fellowship Night
on Saturday, June 14 @ 6:00 PM
Sponsored by our Evangelism Committee
Food Collection—Sunday, June 15: Please bring cereals, staple food items in plastic jars or cans, and paper products to share with persons in need in our area. We are deeply grateful for your generous sharing.

Special Appeal for Diapers and Infant/Toddler Food for Amandla Crossing: Your assistance is needed to provide diapers (sizes #4, #5 & #6…not pull-ups) and infant & toddler food for children at Amandla Crossing. Please bring the items to Centenary and leave them in the boxes provided in the Narthex. Thank you. —Your Mission Committee

Centenary United Methodist Youth Fellowship
Father’s Day Car Wash
immediately following Worship on Sunday, June 15!

Summer Worship & Church School at 9:30 AM Begins on June 22: From Sunday, June 22, through Sunday, August 31, Worship and Summer Sunday School will be held at 9:30 AM. (No Sunday School classes on July 6.) Please make note of this seasonal change in our Worship and Sunday School schedule for the Summer. On Sunday, September 8th, we will resume our Sunday morning schedule with Worship and Sunday School for Pre-K through 12th Grade Youth at 10:15 AM. The Adult Class will continue to meet at 9:00 AM.

Celebration Honoring District Superintendent Veronica P. Palmer—June 22: A celebration in honor of Raritan Valley District Superintendent Veronica P. Palmer will be held on Sunday, June 22, beginning at 5:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church in Piscataway. All clergy and laity from the district are invited to attend as we recognize the leadership that Rev. Palmer has given to the Raritan Valley District for the past four years, and for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ which she has shared with us all. A fun time is planned with lots of laughter, a bit of serious reflection, followed by a light buffet. More information will be provided in the future…but now is the time to save the date and make plans to participate in Piscataway on June 22.

You are invited to sponsor the time of coffee and refreshments following our Sunday Worship service. Please consider sponsoring a refreshment time and signing up for one of the many available weeks on the 2008 Refreshment Chart in the Narthex. Information on what you need to provide is available on the information sheet attached to the Refreshment Chart. Thank you for providing hospitality on a Sunday morning.

UMCOR Responds to ChinaEarthquake
Using undesignated funds available for response to international disaster relief, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is providing assistance for the victims of the powerful earthquake in central China on May 12. It is estimated that over 50,000 people may have lost their lives, tens-of-thousands more are missing in the rubble, and many survivors have been left homeless.
Your gifts to assist UMCOR in its response may be placed in the offering plates at any Worship service at Centenary. Please make your checks payable to Centenary UM Church and write “UMCOR China Earthquake” on the Memo line of your check. (Or place cash offerings in an envelope labeled “UMCOR China Earthquake”.) You may also mail your gifts to the Church Office (200 Hillside Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840) or directly to UMCOR at P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write “UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster Response” on the Memo line of the check. Credit-card donations can be made by calling (800) 554-8583 or online by clicking on any of the “Give Now” links at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor.

UMCOR Response to Myanmar Cyclone
The primary partners in this response from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) are part of the Action by Churches Together network of church and faith-based agencies. Partners have been able to distribute water purification tablets, food, and materials for shelter reconstruction into Myanmar. UMCOR is providing funding support to partners who are bringing relief to the people of Myanmar. UMCOR ensures that its assistance is delivered directly to those who need it most.
Please continue to pray for the cyclone survivors and for additional venues for assistance to be opened to help those in need. Financial gifts will allow UMCOR to respond immediately and with generosity when the appropriate structures are in place to receive further assistance.
Your gifts may be placed in the offering plates at any Worship service at Centenary. Please make your checks payable to Centenary UM Church and write “UMCOR Myanmar Emergency” on the Memo line of your check. (Or place cash offerings in an envelope labeled “UMCOR Myanmar Emergency”.) You may also mail your gifts to the Church Office (200 Hillside Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840) or directly to UMCOR at P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write “UMCOR Advance #3019674, Myanmar Emergency” on the Memo line of the check. Credit-card donations can be made by calling (800) 554-8583 or online by clicking on any of the “Give Now” links at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor

Some Thoughts for This Week:

One must care about a world one will never see. – Bertrand Russell

We are never alone when we are alone with God.

Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” – Harvey Mackay

He deserves paradise who can make his companions laugh. – The Qur’an

The closer we grow to Christ, the closer we become to one another.

If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. – Yogi Berra

To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.

Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours. – Richard Bach

The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you. – Robert Louis Stevenson

It is possible to know God, but not comprehend God. – Richard Baxter [adapted]

We cannot help conforming ourselves to what we love. – Francis de Sales

Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues. – Confucius

Happiness comes not from where you live, but from how you live.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mohandas Ghandi

Whether you are a success or failure in life has little to do with your circumstances; it has much more to do with your choices! – Nido Qubein

Between stimulus and response, one has the freedom to choose. – Stephen Covey

Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose. – Lyndon B. Johnson

Prayer is faith passing into action. – Richard Cecil

I am always in haste, but never in a hurry. – John Wesley

Next Sunday — June 1, 2008:
9:00 AM– Sunday School Worship Rehearsal for June 8 Service (Sanctuary)
9:00 AM– Adult Study—Great Figures of the New Testament (Sunshine Room)
10:15 AM – Worship & Sunday School (Pre-K Children through 12th Grade Youth)
The Third Sunday After Pentecost / Men’s Sunday /
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Preacher: Robert Carlson
Lectionary Readings: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-31
Psalm 46 Matthew 7:21-29
11:45 AM– Fellowship Time (Room 20)
2:00-4:00 PM – S-Anon Intergroup Meeting (Sunshine Room)
5:45 PM– Junior Choir Rehearsal (Music Room)
6:30 PM– United Methodist Youth Fellowship (Youth Room/Room 20)

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN: We have organized a Men’s Chorus to sing on Sunday, June 1 for Men’s Sunday. A rehearsal is being held following Worship this Sunday, as well as a brief run-through before the service on June 1. If you can make at least these 2 final rehearsals, please join us. See Shirley Mosteller for more information.
Male Worship Leaders & Readers are still being recruited for the Worship Service on Men’s Sunday, June 1. If you are interested in serving please contact Pastor John Painter today!

Sunday School Worship Rehearsal—Sunday, June 1 at 9:00 AM: Please be on time, or your part will be given to someone else. Please contact Cathy Jean Savoia for more information or with questions at 732-826-1921 or 732-548-7622, Extension 12.

Pastor John Painter to Be on “Renewal Leave” During the Month of June
Pastor John Painter has been granted a “Renewal Leave” for the month of June (effective Sunday, June 1 through Saturday, June 28), by recommendation of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, with the endorsement of the Church Council, and the approval and authorization of our District Superintendent, the Rev. Veronica P. Palmer. This is in accordance with Paragraph 352.2 & 3. of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004, which provides for a month’s continuing education/ spiritual growth leave for clergy during one year of every quadrennium. Pastor Painter last engaged in a month-long “Renewal Leave” in June 1999, while he was Pastor of Morrow Memorial UM Church in Maplewood.
Pastor John has provided further details about this “Renewal Leave” in his “Ministerial Musings” in the June edition of The Lamplighter. At present he anticipates using this time for extensive reading in several areas of theology, worship and the contemporary and emerging church. He will also be attending to several personal and medical matters. Pastor John is grateful to all who have planned for this period of renewal and who will be providing Pulpit coverage during Worship services in June.
While he does not plan to leave the area for any significant period during June, administrative and pastoral care coverage will be provided by Assistant Pastor Terrilisa Durham Bauknight. You may call the Church Office at 732-548-7622, or call Pastor Bauknight directly at 908-419-4101 (cell phone).

Prayer for the Week of May 25: We praise you, O God, for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, signs of beauty in your creation. In your wisdom they are clothed and fed, and they serve to point us to you and your providential goodness. We give you thanks for all that we take for granted—the roof over our heads, a night of rest, the strength and health to rise from our beds each morning, people who know us and greet us, some money in our pockets, some food on our tables, and the privilege of being named as God’s beloved children. Not all in our world know such abundance, and we who do often fail to give you thanks. We cannot account for the unequal distribution of all that is needed for life, and we cannot solve such a dilemma alone. We praise you for creating the abundance, and we pray for wisdom and energy to see that such provisions are shared with all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

I look forward to sharing with many of you in study, Worship and Christian fellowship on this Second Sunday After Advent/Memorial Day Sunday at Centenary. And our prayers for traveling mercies go with you if you will be away from home on this Memorial Day weekend.

Shalom, John