OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – NOVEMBER 16th

Operation Christmas Child was a successful and wonderful
mission event. Thank you for all who wrapped the shoe boxes, contributed items, helped
set up, filled the boxes, cleaned up, packed the shipping boxes and delivered the boxes.
On Sunday November 17th, some 126 boxes were dedicated and they started their journey. We will continue to pray for the children who will receive these boxes. Some activities can be viewed in the photos below.

By Linda Hoernes

SUCCESSFUL FALL ‘MISSION POSSIBLE’ PROJECTS
NOVEMBER 9th

Some 16 church members, youth and adults, ventured into Peekskill and Cortlandt Manor on a cold Saturday morning to assist three homeowners with fall projects, the third ‘Mission Possible” event, which included raking leaves, removing trees, fixing fences and filling in holes with soil. All three homeowners were extremely grateful for the generosity and kindness extended to them by the youth led ‘Mission Possible’ team. See photos below for some activities captured during the day.

FIRST EVER UMCSO BLESSING OF PETS EVENT

SEPTEMBER 16th

Members brought their pets for UMCSO’s first pet blessing ceremony on the church lawn. Among the pets were the following: two parakeets, two cats, three medium sized dogs, one large dog, and nine small dogs. Patti Scozarri brought a photograph of her two horses which were too large to bring to the blessing event. The event was organized by Sophia Stella, a confirmation candidate. For the most part, the pets were well behaved throughout the ceremony. Check out the photographs from UMSCO’s first ever “pet blessing”. Thanks to everyone who attended and brought pet toys and food for the Posh Animal Rescue group.

CHURCH FAMILY BBQ
September 20th

The church BBQ on Friday, September 20^th was a blessing for all who attended. It was great to end the long work and school week as a church family. We were blessed with beautiful weather. Over 30 people enjoyed the food, companionship and smores cooked over the campfire! A special thanks to all who helped to plan, prepare, set up and cook! We would like to plan other Friday night church family activities, so please let Pastor Iwy know if you have any ideas. Here are some photographs from this successful church event.

MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY CAKE SPLASH AT COFFEE HOUR

Some sixteen celebrants who made their 80’s & 90’s milestones joined us after worship yesterday to celebrate in the GP Room during coffee hour. Pastor Iwy gave a special blessing at the beginning of the event.

A special thank you goes out to the organizers, Joy & Dianne, and all the helpers and contributors who ensured there was enough food and drink for the celebrants and guests to enjoy.

YOUTH BBQ & KIDDIE POOL EVENT

Many volunteers and youth came out on Saturday, July 13th to prepare for the 2nd Annual Youth BBQ & Kiddie Pool Kick Ball Event.

With an attendance of 20 youth from varying schools in the area, we all had a great time eating and playing games.

We look forward to continuing this tradition in the future. Big thanks to Russ and Doug for manning the grill!

BLESSINGS TO OUR GRADUATES & MISSION TEAMS

We celebrated and prayed for graduates on Sunday, June 23^rd. We wish them God’s blessings as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Please continue to keep them in your prayers and send them cards to let them know that their church family loves them! We also blessed those going on ASP & UM ARMY Mission trips in the summer.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CLEANING CREW

JUNE 2nd

Everyone who volunteered to help us on cleaning day did a superb job in dusting, polishing and tidying up and around the church premises. We could not have done it without you. Our church looks beautiful!

SPRING MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST RUN – A SUCCESS

On Sunday, May 19th, at 6:30 am, some 17 volunteers – youth and adults from our Sunday School – made the journey into New York City.

The youth made pancakes and other goodies for the homeless under the watchful eye of the adult volunteers.

They even gave out care packages to the needy.

Thanks to everyone who contributed and participated in this outreach effort.

MEANINGFUL ‘MISSION POSSIBLE’ SPRING EVENT

by Cory Casey

Mission Possible, held its second event on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Some 18 volunteers handled work for three homeowners in northern Westchester. Blessed with a beautiful afternoon, the Mission Possible group served our neighbors and made connections within our community.

THE HOVING HOME

“SOUNDS OF LIFE” CHOIR

SUNDAY, APRIL 28^th

The ladies of the Hoving Home and the “Sounds of Life” choir joined us in our worship service. Thanks to everyone for making the luncheon a success and to Lynne and Hank for inviting the choir.

ANNUAL LADIES TEA

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Thanks to Joy, Dianne and Nancy for arranging a wonderful afternoon for the ladies at our annual tea event. Some 32 ladies turned out, adorned in their favorite hats, as sisters in Christ for joy filled fellowship and enjoy the interesting games planned by the coordinators.

The winners of the “word” game were Joan Prentice, Fran Maddalone, and Marilyn Bucher. The winner of the “Guess how many jelly beans” game was Linda Kenneson.

A special thank you to each lady who contributed to the special menu enjoyed by all.

Indeed, the teapots and decor for the gathering were fitting and beautifully displayed.

If you missed this one, plan to come next year!

LENTEN CLUSTER SERVICE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27th – UMCSO

Some 70 people attended the first Lenten Cluster Pot Trust Supper & Service at UMCSO on March 27th. Members came from various churches, notably Peekskill UMC, Grace UMC, Yorktown UMC, St. Colombanus, & Park Avenue AME Zion. See photos below.

LENTEN BONFIRE 2019

We began the Lent season by burning our written sins in the Lenten Bonfire. As the flames turned our sins to ashes, we gave thanks for Christ, our Savior who removed our sins and took them on himself.

NEW YEAR’S PANCAKE BRUNCH 2019

Our Pancake Brunch on Sunday, January 6th, 2019 was very well attended and judging from the members who attended (some 100) a good time was had by all. Special thanks to our Chef in charge, Jack “Flapjack” Casey, who skillfully and patiently made each pancake. Also, thanks to our volunteers who donated food items to make our event memorable and to Joy Santaroni who worked quietly behind the scenes.