Glad Tidings St.
Matthew UCC/ (504) 861-8196
The Newsletter of Central St. Matthew UCC
Magnifying God
My soul magnifies the Lord….Luke 1:47
We hear Mary’s song each Advent and revel in its
beauty and radical proclamation. But I wonder if we
skip too quickly past this odd first phrase. What
does it mean to “magnify” something? We use a
magnifying glass to make something look bigger to
us; the magnification of microscopes helps us see
small things as they look bigger. But how can we
make God look bigger to us; why would we want to
when God is already so big?
The way Mary uses the word is slightly different
than this. Her soul, she says, proclaims the
greatness of God. She is so overwhelmed by her
growing understanding of what God is about to do
that she can’t say, or sing, enough about how
amazing God is. She proclaims this not only
through a magnificent song, but in her body as she
nurtures her child and in her steadfast faith which
she holds as a witness to God’s work in the world.
By her actions as well as her words, she proclaims
the wonder that is God.
This Advent and Christmas, how is your church
magnifying God in your community? What does
God ask of you in order to help give birth to the
promises of which Mary sang? How is God’s
greatness manifest in the life of the Spirit being
born in your life and faith community? May your
spirits rejoice with Mary as you see God at work in
you!
Rochelle A. Stackhouse is the Senior Minister of The
Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ, New
Haven Connecticut.
December 2010 God is still speaking,
This resource is a free service and is made possible by your gifts to
Our Church's Wider Mission.
December, 2010
Where we are in the process!
Have you been checking the document on the window of the
office? Well actually it may be behind one check mark.
Usually the search committee is responsible for:
•Selecting a chairperson and a secretary.
•Agreeing on basic understandings.
•Meeting with the appropriate conference staff person.
•Sending an informative letter to every household in the
congregation.
•Carefully studying the congregational profile.
•Asking the governing board for a preliminary determination
of salary and benefits.
•Setting a cutoff date for receiving ministerial profiles.
•Keeping the congregation informed about its progress.
There is a chart in A Local Church Seeks a Pastor that
can help keep progress visually before the congregation.
•Asking each member of the committee to read every profile.
•Eliminating as many candidates as possible by a unanimous
decision.
•Writing a letter to each candidate whom you are no longer
considering.
•Sending each remaining candidate the church's profile.
•Eliminating from the list any candidate no longer interested.
• Determining the agenda for interviews with
candidates.
• Selecting several candidates to interview.
• Calling the top candidates and telling them they are
still being considered.
• Scheduling interviews.
• Ranking the Candidates interviewed.
• Selecting the top candidate.
• Assembling all available data and reports concerning the
top candidate.
• Providing the data on the top candidate to the governing
board.
• Recommending the candidate to the congregation by letter
jointly with the governing board.
• Scheduling a time for the candidate to lead worship and
meet members of the congregation and for a
congregational vote to take place.
• Introducing the candidate to the governing board.
• Encouraging the congregation to meet the candidate when
she or he leads worship.
• If the candidate is rejected, selecting another candidate.
• If the candidate is accepted and accepts the call, notifying
all other candidates that the church has called a new
pastor.
The chart on the window of the office is merely a summary of
all these tasks. We are now at dots 14, 15, 16, and 17.
Continue to pray for us, the process and GOD’S guidance
and spirit of discernment.
Your Pastoral Search Committee

Sing PRAISES!
Dr. Robert Perry
2010 Asante Award Honoree
Despite hurricane Katrina’s devastation,
Dr. Robert Perry remained active in
academia as a consultant at Morehouse
College’s General Education Department
in Atlanta and at Educational Testing
Service (ETS) of Princeton even though
he was retired.
He tutors a few science and mathematics
students and serves as the President of
the Board of Hume Child Development
Center, which was founded in New
Orleans by his grandfather in 1911.
Dr. Perry has more than thirty years of
teaching and research experience at
universities and with mainstream scientific
and technical companies. He was one of
the creators of the Talladega College and
Auburn University 2 and 3 Year
B.A./Engineering Degree Program. He
also has had more than ten years of
industrial work as a Research
Scientist/Engineer in the Electro-Optics
and Data Systems Group (EDSG) of
Hughes Aircraft Company and as a
member of the Technical Staff in the
Optical Systems Group at the Aerospace
Corporation.
Congratulations Robert on receiving this
award!
Page 2 of 8
Christmas Tree Trimmers
After twenty generous years of beautifully
decorating the Christmas tree that graces
our sanctuary, Ray and Ellen Cook and
Harold and Linda Ostendorf have decided
to pass on the joy of trimming to others.
We send them our profound gratitude for
years of gorgeous trees. We give
thanks, as well, to Chris Engelbracht, who
has been purchasing the tree and to Chris
and Mike Duplessis, who have been
putting it in the stand and who will
continue to do so. Aren't we blessed?
Thanks again Ray, Ellen, Harold and
Linda for your years of service. Who will
pick up the torch?
Thanksgiving Baskets
Thank you for your generosity in
donations for the Thanksgiving baskets.
We were able to put together seven (7)
baskets. Turkeys were purchased with
money contributed by members. Two
baskets were delivered on Sunday,
November 21, 2010 to fill requests called
into the church office. Five baskets were
sent and distributed to needy families of
Hume Child Development Center.
Page 3 of 8

Organics May Cut Heart Disease

The level of flavonoids — "the good stuff" — in fruits and vegetables appears to be
increased in organically grown crops, say U.S. researchers. And those higher levels may
have intriguing implications for cutting the risk of heart disease, they said.

Scientists said that levels of flavonoids in tomatoes harvested over a 10-year period
increased in a field grown organically when compared to a matched field in which the
tomatoes were farmed commercially. ries

"There are some indications that people who eat increased amounts of fruits and
vegetables rich in flavonoids have a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease," said
Allyson Mitchell, associate professor and food chemist at the University of California at
Davis.

Other research has suggested that consumption of flavonoids may protect against
cancer, heart disease and other age-related diseases.

The research focused on tomatoes because per capita consumption in the United States
is so high, second only to potatoes. Researchers analyzed organic and conventional
tomatoes that had been dried and archived under identical conditions from 1994 to 2004.

"The levels of flavonoids increased over time in samples from organic treatments,
whereas the levels of flavonoids did not vary significantly in conventional treatments,"
Mitchell reported.

Increases corresponded with the accumulation of soil organic matter in organic plots and
with reduced fertilization rates. "Well-quantified changes in tomato nutrients over years in
organic farming systems have not been reported previously."

So this is why I should buy the pricey stuff at Whole Foods!

Submitted by Marsha McFadden Quick

 Page 4 of 8

Vital Signs
Financial Update: Our revised 2010 budget calls for us to collect an average of $22,575 per
month to meet our expense and outreach obligations.

As of the end of November, this would amount to about $248,325. Between our tithes, offerings and
rental income, we have collected $212,287.30 for the eleven months ending November, 2010. This
total does not include Thanksgiving or the last Sunday in November. Please check to see if your
pledge is up to date.

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.

Should you require a check, please submit your voucher to the office by Wednesday morning for
Sunday availability. Our new procedures do not allow for checks on a same day basis.

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

Prayer List

Please continue to pray for:

-Melvin Chaix
-Ethel Creel
-Eddie Gephardt
-Winston Gifford
-Ben Johnson and family
-Lavera Kelly
-Doris Kerner
-Eleanor Laurer
-Wilfred Lodrig
-Ricki Lynn Myers
-Verna Sileci
-Rhonda Smith
Page 5 of 8

Things We Can Do!

Od! For He has crafted me and He has blown

Two holiday concerts will brighten the season this Sunday, December 5.

The first is the annual Loyola Christmas Concert with choirs and orchestra at 3:00 PM at
Holy Name of Jesus on St. Charles Ave.
The second is a Shades of Praise concert “A Tribute to the Late Gospel Legend Walter
Hawkins” at 7:00 PM, Roussel Hall, Loyola University. For advanced tickets $15.00, call
717-7060.

Are you looking for Christmas gifts with a purpose?

Then shop the SERRV table in the lobby on December 12 and December 19.

SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it

resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

So far this year, we have donated approximately 814 lbs. of food to Second Harvest! Can
we reach 1000 lbs. by year end? That’s just 186 lbs. We can do it! Our commodities for
the rest of the year are as follows:

DECEMBER Cereals (whole grain, low sugar)

2011 Calendar

The Governing Council is putting together a calendar of events for the year 2011. If you are
leading a committee or have an event that you want to schedule in the 2011 calendar year,
please get the dates you would like to use to the office no later than December 15th by
calling 861-8196 or email at office@centralstmattewucc.com. We realize it may be difficult
to make definitive dates for the whole year but we need to have an idea of what types of
activities you are hoping to have and a good idea of when you would like to hold these
events. If you have any questions you can contact Arlean Fermanis at 866-8908 or via
email at afermanis@sprynet.com.
 Page 6 of 8

CONFERENCE MINISTER'S MUSINGS

Last Sunday I had a busy day with worship in a local UCC church, conversation with a Korean UCC
that has expressed interest in finding out more about the UCC, an Ecclesiastical Council that
welcomed three new persons seeking pastoral leadership in the UCC, the installation service of Rev.
Tim Marquez as the new Houston Association, Association Minister and lots of conversation with folk
at the reception following the installation service. I thought of the various expression of "church" that
I experienced or was part of in one day. In a time when it is easy to get depressed about the state of
the "mainline" church, I think there is still much spirit and life in our churches and in the Conference.
In the days ahead the UCC may become smaller and leaner, but as long as God's Spirit rests with us,
there will be life, spirit and vitality. As long as we aren't going through the motions of being church,
but inviting God to bring new life and spirit into our churches, there will be a United Church of Christ.

In a day when the church seems headed for decline,

...we have developing new churches that want to share the good news of
God and be part of the UCC

...we have existing congregations who are intrigued by what the UCC is and seeking us out; some
even join us and become part of us
...we have new members that find their way to a local UCC and say this is the kind of church I want to
be part of, a church that speaks to my mind and spirit

...we have increasing numbers of In-Care students, who are responding to God's call in their lives and
who seek to be leaders in God's church

...we have people who have not been part of any church or left the church a long time ago and hear
of God's extravagant welcome through the UCC and want to "come and see" if such a welcome can
be true

...we have Pastors that continue to serve faithfully and daily share God's good news through their
lives and ministry

...we have churches that support such a wide variety of mission and ministry in their communities and
through UCC related missions

The good news I see on the eve of this Thanksgiving is that God is still speaking, even when we
might be preoccupied with decline, decreasing finances, challenges and the limitations we face in
ministry.

God is still speaking in every expression of good news in this Conference. As families gather to give
thanks, I trust every congregation can also pause, reflect, and be thankful for the good things
happening in their ministry and for the ways that God is still alive and speaking to their church. It
might be an interesting exercise to give every person who comes to worship one Sunday a card
inviting them to share the reasons they are thankful for your church. You might be amazed at the
diversity of answers and replies.

There is much to be thankful in the life of our churches. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for all our
UCC churches and the many, many, many ways you share God's good news and the good news of
the United Church of Christ, where you are. Have a blessing filled Thanksgiving.
Page 7 of 8

My Top 10 Reasons for Giving to the Church

By Bob Sturdevant,
Plymouth Congregational UCC, Fort Collins, Colorado

10 Because my parents set the example by giving generously to the church.

9 Because it feels good to give.

8 Because I believe in what this the greater UCC stands for and what it does to make
our church, our community and our world a better place.

7 Because during tough economic times, I know that other people are hurting much
worse than I am. I still have my home and my job. That’s more than many others
have.

6 Because when my money is added to your money it has greater power.

5 Because there are many other items I could buy with the money that I really don’t
need and which will not add to the value of my life. Yet the same money can make a
huge difference to someone with more basic needs.

4 Because it is a way to say “thank you” for all the gifts that GOD has given me.

3 Because this is one more way I can make a difference in this world.

2 Because as someone who has dedicated his life to stewardship of our natural
resources, carrying this same concept into my church life is very easy. I want to
make sure that this church, and its ideals, are here for the generations to come.

1 Because GOD asked me to.

 Central St. Matthew UCC Page 8 of 8

Mailing Address: CALENDAR

1333 S. Carrollton Ave. December 2010/January 2011
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: Sunday, Dec. 5th, 2nd Sunday in Advent Christmas Craft Workshop
(504) 861-8196
Central Church Office: Thursday, Dec. 9th, 5:45 pm Praisercize
(504) 861-9980
Friday, Dec. 10th, 12:30 pm Bible Study
Fax:
(504)861-8197 Saturday, Dec. 11th, 10:00 am Come help decorate the Christmas Tree!
E-Mail:
Sunday, Dec. 12th, 3rd Sunday in Advent Living Nativity (during service)
office@centralstmatthew.com
Office Hours: Thursday, Dec. 16th, 5:45 pm Praisercize

Church Secretary: Friday, Dec. 17th, 12:30 pm Bible Study

Ms. Brandy Perez 6:00 pm Music Committee Meeting
Mon., Wed., and Friday
9 am to 2 pm Sunday, Dec. 19th, 4th Sunday in Advent Christmas Musical (during service)

Interim Pastor: Friday, Dec. 24th, 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Rev. Cheryl Q. W. Cramer
504-288-2607 Sunday, Jan. 2 First Sunday of Epiphany
504-920-1035
cqwcramer@bellsouth.net

We’re on the Web!

See us at:
www.centralstmatthewucc.org

CENTRAL ST. MATTHEW UCC

1333 S. Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118

COMPANY NAME
STREET ADDRESS
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