Glad Tidings St.

Matthew UCC/ (504) 861-8196

The Newsletter of Central St. Matthew UCC May, 2010

How a Different View Changes Our Vision

The man and the woman asked, "What's a
partner?" and God answered, "A partner is
"Creation"
someone you work with on a big thing
neither of you can do alone. If you have a
Before there was anything, there was God, a partner, it means that you can never give
few angels, and a huge swirling glob of rocks up, because your partner is depending on
and water with no place to go. The angels you. On the days you think I may not be
asked God, "Why don't you clean up this doing enough and on the days I think you are
mess!" not doing enough, even on those days we are
still partners and we must not stop trying to
So God collected rocks from the huge swirling finish the world. That's the deal." And they
glob and put them together in clumps and all agreed to the deal.
said," Some of these clumps of rocks will be
planets, and some will be stars, and some of Then the angels asked God, "Is the world
these rocks will be … just rocks." finished yet?" And God answered, "I don't
know. Go ask my partners."
Then God collected water from the huge
swirling glob and put it together in pools of
water and said, "Some of these pools of water Marc Gellman, Does God Have a Big Toe?:
will be oceans, and some will become clouds, Stories about Stories in the Bible, (New
and some of this water will be … just water." York: Harper & Row, 1989)
Then the angels said, "Well God, it's neater
now, but is it finished?" And God answered, "
… Nope!"
On some of the rocks God placed growing
things, and creeping things, and things that
only God knows what they are, and when God
had done all this the angels asked God, "Is the
world finished now?" And God answered,
"Nope!"
God made a man and a woman from some of
the water and dust and said to them, "I am
tired now. Please finish up the world for me
… really it's almost done." But the man and
woman said, "We can't finish the world alone!
You have the plans and we are too little."
"You are big enough," God answered them.
"But I agree to this. If you keep trying to
finish the world, I will be your partner."

From our Pastor
Years ago when I ran every day, I was
jogging north along the Lake Michigan shoreline
absolutely oblivious to my surroundings.
Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, I saw an
enormous gate directly in front of me. I
stopped and stared. The gate was easily 12'
high, 5' wide, and made of thick steel set in
concrete. It was locked with a large steel
padlock. Here stood the gate: a solid,
impenetrable barrier to the path ahead.
There was absolutely no way through that gate.
There was the gate, but there was no
fence! The gate was impenetrable, but there
was no fence. I could run into the gate, I could
push and pull at the gate, I could smash at it
with a nearby log all day long and never get
through. But there was no fence. So, I took a
step or two to one side, went around the gate
and continued on my way. I was bewildered
by the gate with no fence, but I was on my way
running north along the Lake.
I share the "gate with no fence" story
(it is true) with you because for the last 35
years it has meant a great deal to me. It has
proven true in so many situations. There are
obstacles in front of us. There are always
impenetrable gates erected to confront and
stop us, especially in the church.
You have run into more than your fair
share of gates: a general decline in members
and worshippers, an increasingly secular
society even in New Orleans, the battering
rams of Katrina and Rita, the years of trying to
rebuild homes, churches, and lives, and the
terribly difficult task of finding a pathway
forward. These and other impenetrable gates
have been erected before you.
And yet you are still here, you are still
moving forward, you are still finding ways to
see around the gate and move forward. You
have discovered in the amazing faith you
Page 2 of 8
possess, the vision to see around the gate and
to discover that there is no fence. You are free
to go where God is leading.
The beauty of the church, and
particularly the beauty of Central St. Matthew
is that it is the place where people learn to see
a world without gates to bar the way: To see a
world of gates with no fences.
At this moment there are gates aplenty
in front of Central St. Matthew. There are the
gates of "Not enough": Not enough people, not
enough money, not enough young people, not
enough Sunday School children, not enough
people to share the load, not enough of almost
everything. There are the gates of "Too many":
Too many old buildings, too many old
members, too many old memories, too many
competitors for the precious Sunday morning
time slot, too many missing people.
I know these gates are real. You know
these gates are real. But they are no match for
your faith and your love of church. The gates
in front of you are no match for the deep love
of God and Christ that fills your hearts. Time
and again over the past year I have seen -with
my own eyes - you face the gates and, led by
the Holy Spirit, I have watched you move
around the gates and keep going. The pace
may seem too slow or too fast at times, but you
are still running with God.
Central St. Matthew is in the perfect
position. There are all those gates in front of
you, and there is God, and Jesus the Christ,
and the Holy Spirit carrying you forward. You
know that all will be well.
Page 3 of 8

Who You Said We Are!

The Pastoral Search Committee is thankful to those of you that took the time to answer our
questionnaire. Without your input, our job would have been much more difficult. One of the questions
asked of you was … “Describe the strengths or positive qualities of your church.”
Here is what you answered:

- Diversity of race and educational background (Most have some college and many have
advanced degrees.)
- Long histories of faithful service
- Rooted in faith and seeking ways to do God’s will
- Open to new ideas, friendly, warmly welcoming to newcomers, caring, loving and accepting of
all types of people, adaptable, helpful, joyful, enthusiastic
- Collegiality, respect, and friendship among members
- Strong core of lay leaders with talents and energy
- Strong mission stance and sense of caring and service to community, national, and
international needs
- Strong commitment to CSM covenant and the UCC
- Openness to variety of styles and forms of music in worship.
- Awareness that we are a new church, and looking forward to new identity and what that
means for congregational life.
- Commitment to welfare of mission possibilities at both church campuses.
- Good location and plenty of space at Carrollton campus. (near colleges, universities, Audubon
Park, zoo, convenient transportation to all parts of the city)
Thank you again. You may view the finished copy of our profile in the church office, soon.

Financial Update

Our adopted 2010 budget calls for us to collect an average of $25,334 per month to meet our expense
and outreach obligations.

As of the end of March, this would amount to about $76,002. Between our tithes and offerings and
rental income, we have collected $73,250 for the three months ending March 31, 2010.

Thank you for your generous gifts, tithes and offerings in support of our church’s ministry and outreach.
By the way, please make all checks payable to Central St. Matthew UCC. Envelope numbers are no longer
necessary. Credit for cash donations will be given when money is in any envelope, identified, and
designated. Envelopes are provided on the Welcome Table and/or from the ushers.

If you have any questions, please see Carol or Dale.

 Page 4 of 8

News from Our Association

Spring Meeting on Saturday - May 15, 2010: 12:30PM - Light Refreshments and Registration. 1:00PM
to 5:00PM - Program and Meeting. Keynote Speaker will be Rev. David Schoen, National UCC Staff
for Church Vitality. The meeting will be hosted by Beecher Memorial UCC-New Orleans, meeting
at Dillard University. We will be discussing New Church Vitality. Please plan to join us for a
wonderful and informative afternoon. Contact Alyce Downer, NOA Moderator for more information
(210) 563-1272. You need not be a delegate to participate, however only delegates vote.

CWS SCHOOL KITS and BACK BAY MISSION DROP OFF FOR ANNUAL MEETING KITS

Thanks to all of you who have been assembling hygiene kits for Back Bay Mission and school kits for
Church World Service. This is the final word on delivery dates. We will deliver hygiene kits to the
New Orleans Association Meeting on May 15, so we need them by Sunday, May 9.
Since we have learned that school kits will be brought to the conference annual meeting in early
June, we will need school kits brought to church no later than Sunday, May 23 so we can
determine the final count of how many bags we will need to make. Howard Hartman, director of
Church World Service, says they have had world-wide appeals for 700,000 kits! If you can't
purchase kit items, a donation of $13 per kit would be welcome.
Thanks, Ellen

Prayer List

Please continue to pray for:

-victims of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and China

-victims of tornadoes and floods
-no oil more oil leaking in the Gulf
-no oil moving on shore
-Melvin Chaix
-Al and Ethel Creel
-Mary Graves
-Eleanor Lauer
-Mike Engelbracht, Sr.
-Lavera Kelly
- the family of Rev. Poppe
-Rev. Cheryl Cramer
-Brandy Perez
-Jeffrey Moore
-Ben Johnson
Page 5 of 8

From Our Board of Christian Education

Sunday School Assistant Teachers Needed

Our regular Sunday School teachers are looking for four enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the kids
during the 10:00am morning worship. No experience or pre-planning is necessary. All you have to do is
show up at 10:00am and be prepared to have fun. One assistant is needed for each Sunday of the month.
With this rotating schedule you will only miss the worship service once a month. We would like to start
right away, so please speak with a member of the BCE and choose the Sunday you are willing to help.
Hurry before the Sunday you want is gone!

Vacation Bible School Help Needed

This summer our VBS will be August 2-6, 2010 from 9am until noon. Please speak to a member of the BCE if
you are willing to help at any level-planning, teaching, assisting teachers or identifying students. VBS is
open to children entering first through sixth grades. More information will follow as plans develop.

Slumber Falls

Great news! For the first time in many years we have campers from our congregation planning to go to
Slumber Falls. Thomas Gibson and Terrance Lodrig will attend camp in June. They need our help to defray
the cost of registration and transportation. Upcoming fund raising events will be announced shortly. If in
the meantime you wish to give a donation please see a member of the BCE.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration for all of the above events. FYI the members of the Board are
Noel Braning, Nancy Marks, Sarah Moore, Robert Perry, Karen Plummer, Marsha Quick and Julie
Starr.

Dear Friends,
I regret to inform you of the death of our father, Rev. Hans M. Poppe on March 16, 2010 in Sioux Falls, SD. He
was ninety-two years old.
Dad was healthy until the evening before he died when he began having labored breathing. He went to sleep
and was gone by early morning, most likely from pneumonia. We’re grateful that his death was peaceful.
The funeral service was held on March 19th with the Rev. Kathy Timpany officiating, assisted by his long time
friend Rev. Fred Sprenger. Fittingly, Fred shared the words of an old German hymn that was traditionally sung at
funerals. Many of our family members were able to attend. It was a wonderful celebration of his life and his ministry.
He would have enjoyed it.
This summer Mark and I and our families will meet to inter his ashes with our mom’s in the cemetery in
Scotland, SD. It’s a windblown site on the side of a small rise. The graves of his parents and grandparents are also
there.
We want to thank you for the warm friendship you shared with dad. You were a blessing to his life. Until his
last few years when his eyesight and mental capacities began to fail him, he kept in contact with scores of old
parishioners, colleagues, and friends. Only a couple of years ago, he went through his old photo albums from high
school, college, and his early years of married life and ministry. He regaled us with story after story. He could identify
all of the people in the pictures and tell us what happened to them, how many children they had, and most of the
time, when they had died. Friendship and keeping in contact with people were of the utmost importance to him.
I’m sorry to have to share this news with you, but I want you to know that we appreciate the role you played
in his life.
If you are interested, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice, or Placerville Camp, 13801 W.
Hwy. 44, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Please don’t hesitate to call or write if you’d like further information.

Sincerely,
Tanis Binfield Mark Poppe
8474 Birchcroft 1405 Larkspur Trail
Dallas, TX 75243 Sioux Falls, SD 57106
 Page 6 of 8

News from South Central Conference and Beyond

Regional Youth Event

Southern Region
Another Brick in the Wall: Tearing Down Inequality, Building Up Hope
Summary: Join other UCC Youth, ages 13-18, from across the Southern Region for fun,
service, music, learning and worship
June 10-13, 2010
Location: Dillard University, New Orleans
Information: Southern RYE or contact Beau Heyen at beau@cathedralofhope.com

SPECIAL HONOR FOR SHARI PRESTEMON

Rev. Shari Prestemon, Executive Director of Back Bay Mission-Biloxi, MS, will be receiving an
honorary doctorate degree from Heidelberg University (a UCC related university) in Tiffin, OH.
Shari will be receiving the Doctor of Divinity degree (honoris cause) at Heidelberg University's
157th commencement on Saturday-May 8. She will be preaching at the University's baccalaureate
service (earlier on the same day).
We rejoice with Shari on her special honor and continue to give thanks for her ministry and
leadership not only at Back Bay Mission but in the wider UCC.
If you wish to send Shari a note or e-mail of congratulations: sprestemon@thebackbaymission.org
or 1012 Division Street, Biloxi, MS 39530

The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black installed as the United Church of Christ's new General
Minister and President in monumental weekend celebration.

The United Church of Christ installed the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black as its new leader during
services Saturday, April 17 at Federated UCC in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Services began at 2 p.m., with
a reception following.
Black, new general minister and president of the 1.1-million-member UCC, succeeds the
Rev. John H. Thomas, who served in the office for 10 years. Thomas was ineligible for an additional
term.
Black served for nearly a decade as minister of the UCC's New York Conference before being
elected general manager and president last June during the UCC's 27th General Synod. In his
nomination speech, Black invited all members of the church, in every setting in local churches, in
covenanted ministries, in theological seminaries, and as ecumenical partners to work together. "In
the UCC," he said, "ministry is not a social act. We are in this together."
"We do not lose heart," he said, quoting scripture. "We are all of us in this ministry
together." Black spoke of the UCC's commitment to justice and peace as part of our identity. It is
possible for us to be an inclusive church and still be a church of faith. This is why our voice is
needed; so that all people will know that they are God's people."
Page 7 of 8

Annual Meeting 2010

"RESTORING THE DANCE"

47TH ANNUAL MEETING OF SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE UCC
HOSTED BY NEW ORLEANS ASSOCIATION
REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT CSM WELCOME TABLE

DANCE IN NEW ORLEANS FROM FRIDAY, JUNE 4 THRU SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010
DANCE SITE IS THE MARRIOTT NEW ORLEANS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER
DANCE RATES ARE $99.00/NIGHT PLUS TAX
(RATES AVAILABLE 3 DAYS PRE & POST EVENT)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER,
THE REV. SUSAN BROOKS THISTLETHWAITE
PROFESSOR, CHICAGO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

SUNDAY PREACHER, THE REV. GAIL BOWMAN

CHAPLAIN, DILLARD UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

A LL MEMBERS A RE EN COU RA GED TO J OIN THE CON FEREN CE

IN WORS HIP ON S U N D A Y, J U N E 6 , 2 0 1 0 A T THE
MA RRIOTT N e w Or l e an s A T THE CON V EN TION CEN TER

N O S ERV ICE WILL BE HELD A T CEN TRA L S T. MA TTHEW THA T S U N D A Y

REGIS TRA TION N OT REQU IRED TO J OIN IN WORS HIP !

 Central St. Matthew UCC Page 8 of 8

Mailing Address: CALENDAR

1333 S. Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118 Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
Phone: Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Choir Warm Ups
(504) 861-8196
Today Acts Bible Study
Fax:
(504)861-8197 Saturday, May 15, 11:00 a.m. Prayer Circle
E-Mail: I to I Rummage Sale
office@centralstmatthew.com Tuesday, May 18, 6:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting
Office Hours: 6:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education Meeting

Church Secretary: Saturday, May 22, 11:00 a.m. Prayer Circle

Ms. Brandy Perez
Mon., Wed., and Fri. Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. Governing Council Meeting
9 am to 2 pm
Saturday, May 29, 11:00 a.m. Prayer Circle
Pastor:
Rev. Douglas S. Moore
Friday, June 4-27 ABCT performance of “Our Town”
Call anytime, (802) 299-6152
DSmoore66@yahoo.com
Office hours Tues. to Thurs. Saturday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. Prayer Circle
10am to 1pm
Saturday, June 12, 10:00 a.m. Board of Deacons Meeting
11:00 a.m. Prayer Circle

We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.centralstmatthewucc.org
Tuesday, June 15, 6:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting
Board of Christian Education Meeting
Saturday, June 19, 11:00 a.m. Prayer Circle

CENTRAL ST. MATTHEW UCC

1333 S. Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118

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