Au‌gust 28, 2‌024

Summer is winding down, Autumn is on the horizon, children are starting school, and DeBows invites you to join us as we

Worship | Grow | Serve


S‌unday, S‌‌eptember 1

“Was Prophecy Fulfilled?”

Isaiah 9:6-7 & Matthew 26:21-25      


S‌unday, S‌‌eptember 8

Communion


Starting S‌‌eptember 15

New Sermon Series

“Created for Connection”


Observing the widespread and severe effects of social disconnection on Americans’ health, Dr Vivek Murthy (Surgeon General of the United States) says that “loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being.” This reality reflects what our faith already teaches us: God created us for connection and community. Drawing on the experiences of the early church in scripture, let us relearn how God leads us into lives of meaningful relationship with God, self, and one another.


S‌‌eptember 15

“Connection Among Christians”

Ephesians 4:1-6

Our local church is a place to build meaningful relationships through the gift of our one faith.


S‌‌eptember 22

“Connection with God”

John 15:1-12

Jesus was connected to the Creator and all his relationships were built on this relationship; so may all our relationships be built on our relationship with God. Staying connected to God helps us have more loving relationships with others and bear fruit.  


S‌‌eptember 29

“Connection with Community”

Hebrews 10:23-25

In our loneliness, we often retreat from church and community. We are called, as believers, to prioritize the time for worship and small groups, to encourage each other in the faith.


O‌ctober 5

“Connection with the Larger Church”

World Communion Sunday

1 Corinthians 10‌:16-17

On World Communion Sunday, Christians remember that they are part of the one body of Christ. Whether they share communion in a cathedral or the countryside, this S‌unday celebrates our diversity as well as our common bonds.


Be a Blessing,

Pastor Scott

DeBows Worship Online


We are recording our worship services and posting the videos on YouTube. Each Sun‌day, the recording of the 9 A‌M worship service will be available for viewing anytime after 10:‌30 A‌‌M.


You may use the below link to view the worship service videos on YouTube. Once on the DeBows UMC YouTube channel, please subscribe, so you will receive future notifications when new live events or other videos are posted on the channel. Please remember to bookmark this link in your web browser.

S‌unday, S‌‌eptember 1

9‌ A‌‌M Worship Service


Monday, S‌‌eptember 2

Labor Day


Tuesday, S‌‌eptember 3

Bible Study - 10 A‌‌M


S‌unday, S‌‌eptember 8

Communion

9‌ A‌‌M Worship Service

Fellowship Time After Service


M‌onday, S‌‌eptember 9

Food Pantry Open - 6 P‌M

--- By Appointment Only ---

Call 848-373-8844


Tuesday, S‌‌eptember 10

Bible Study - 10 A‌‌M

Band Practice - 6:‌‌30 P‌M


We‌dnesday, S‌‌eptember 11

Next Newsletter Published


S‌unday, S‌‌eptember 15

9‌ A‌‌M Worship Service


Tuesday, S‌‌eptember 17

Bible Study - 10 A‌‌M

Band Practice - 6:‌‌30 P‌M


T‌hursday, S‌‌eptember 19

Church Council Meeting - 6:‌‌30 P‌M


S‌aturday, S‌‌eptember 21

Church Flea Market

(See separate article)


S‌unday, S‌‌eptember 22

First Day of Fall

9‌ A‌‌M Worship Service


M‌onday, S‌‌eptember 23

Food Pantry Open - 6 P‌M

--- By Appointment Only ---

Call 848-373-8844


NOTE: Please check the church website and calendar frequently for the most up-to-date scheduling and activity information.

Next Fellowship Time

Su‌nday, S‌eptember 8


On the second Su‌nday of each month, we have Fellowship Time immediately after the 9 A‌M Worship Service. It will be in Fellowship Hall and is a time of light refreshments and conversation; a time to catch up with each other and welcome visitors. Please join us!


Fellowship Time is volunteer driven. There is a sign-up sheet outside of Fellowship Hall. Please use this sheet to indicate which Fellowship Time you would like to host. "Thank You" to those who have already volunteered. The next date that needs a volunteer host is J‌anuary 12.

Each S‌aturday at 10‌:30 A‌M, Barbara Wesolovski leads free sewing classes in Fellowship Hall. This will be a time of fellowship and a chance to learn basic sewing skills. There is a sign-up sheet outside of Fellowship Hall, but walk-ins are welcome. In the meantime you may contact Barbara for more information.

We are thankful for your faithful support. It is only through your generous giving that we are able to maintain our ability to cover expenses and share God’s love via our church ministries. You may continue giving in-person during the S‌unday morning worship service, by sending your offering check directly to the church, or by using the church online giving feature found in the footer of the church website. If so inspired, you may make an online donation now by clicking HERE.

Please keep the following people in your prayers ...


  • Theresa Slover – back in hospital while recovering from thyroid surgery.

  • Diane & Ricky – (married couple – friends of the Cliffton family) – Diane is recovering from a stroke & Ricky is recovery from surgery.

  • Donna Ridge – she is in the hospital (in Texas) and unable to speak.

  • Teressa Blair (granddaughter of Guy & Christine) – some pregnancy issues requiring bed rest until the baby comes.

  • Anna May (Rose Mary’s sister) – waiting for medical test results.

  • Prayers for Michael Genovay (Rose Mary’s cousin) & Bessie Stout (Rose Mary’s aunt)

  • Continued prayer for home-bound church members: Jean Iannacone;

    Dottie Weeks


NOTE: Please let Pastor Scott know of any additions, removals, or status updates to this prayer list. Please place a completed prayer request card in the offering if you wish for the prayer request to appear in this list. Prayer requests will roll off the list after 4weeks unless updated or renewed.


Prayer Shawl Ministry

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is a year-round mission activity. Shawls are made by members & friends of our congregation. The shawls are given to people in need of comfort and as a reminder that they are in our thoughts and prayers. The person receiving a shawl does not have to be a member of our church. We share our shawls just as we share our prayers.


If you are aware of anyone who would appreciate a shawl, please give the information to Anita Chichester or Pastor Scott. Click HERE for more information & instructions for making prayer shawls.

Next distribution is S‌‌eptember 9


The DeBows Food Pantry is open on the 2nd & 4th Mon‌day each month, 6‌-8pm. DeBows uses an "Appointment Only" system to distribute the food. To make an appointment, call 848-373-8844.

Please note: participants need to call for an appointment by 5‌p‌m on the S‌aturday prior to the scheduled food pantry day. This gives the Food Pantry volunteers time to prepare the food for distribution. "Thank You" for your cooperation.

NOTE: The Food Pantry Ministry is growing and now is serving about 46 families (~135 people) every two weeks. And this number continues to increase. As the community need increases, so does the need for helping hands. Please contact Pastor Scott if you need further information or would like to explore ways to help with the Food Pantry ministry.

Every S‌unday, you have the opportunity to purchase grocery store shopping cards for either ShopRite or Stop & Shop. This is a convenient way to pay for the food you buy at the grocery store and at the same time support the ministries of DeBows UMC. The church makes 5% of all shopping cards sold. You may see Sue Hayward to purchase the shopping cards.

DeBows is blessed with talented people who love to praise God and newcomers are always welcome to join our music ministry. Please contact Grayce by email at music@debowsumc.org for any questions or to discuss opportunities to participate in our music ministry.

Chime Choir

Rehearses Su‌nday morning 8:‌30 to 8:‌45 A‌M and rings the introit to worship on Su‌nday morning, except on Revival Su‌nday. New members are always welcome. Ability to sight read music and prior experience not necessary. Ability to be present and have fun very important!


Praise Band  

Rehearses Tuesday nights at 6:‌‌30 P‌M and plays a five-song set once a month for Revival Sunday, usually the last Sunday of the month. Check email and church calendar for exceptions. All instruments welcome.

*** More information about the DeBows music ministry can be viewed HERE. Modification or cancellation of specific dates will be communicated by Grayce via email. Please check email for any cancellations before coming out.

Let us not become weary of doing good. ~ Galatians 6:9


DeBows is committed to extending God’s love beyond our own sanctuary and to meet the needs of our neighbors. While our flagship mission, the Food Pantry, happens every month, other outreach activities happen at various times during the year. Below is feedback from previous mission activities and the mission activity for September.


*** UMCOR Hygiene Kits Mission

We have 5 completed kits to send to UMCOR and have 7-8 partially completed kits. Here are the items we need to complete those kits.


  • 10 Hand towels                  

  • 10 Face cloths                    

  • 8 toothbrushes

  • 5 sets of 10 band aids


If we receive  these items soon, we can complete the kits and send them to people who need them. If you cannot get out to shop, but would like to make a financial donation, please see Anita and she will do the shopping for you. Thank you for your support.


*** Back-to-School Supplies

“Thank You” to everyone who donated Back-to-School supplies, in support of the Children’s Home Society & children associated with the DeBows Food Pantry Ministry.


— S‌‌eptember —

DeBows Food Pantry Ministry


Many of the food items distributed are obtained through our affiliation with the Fulfill Foods Bank program. However, some items we could use from other sources include:

  • Peanut Butter

  • Pasta

  • Beans (not green beans)

  • Canned Goods

  • Brownie & Cake Mixes


If you would like to donate any of these items, please bring them to the church and place them on the table outside of Fellowship Hall. Please check the expiration dates on anything you donate, as we cannot distribute expired food items.


As always, your faithful support of our church ministries is greatly appreciated. —- THANK YOU

The T‌‌uesday morning bible study will resume on S‌‌‌‌eptember 3. Please contact Anita at 848-373-9304 or Christine at 609-847-6421 for more information.


When:   T‌uesdays 10‌‌:00a‌m - 11‌:30a‌m

Where:  Fellowship Hall

What:    Book of James


Please bring your own bible and going forward, check your email and the church calendar for any exceptions to the schedule.

DeBows will host a Flea Market on S‌at‌u‌rday, S‌eptember 21 from 8 A‌‌M to 2 P‌‌M. Table space (no table) for vendors is $15. Please contact Sue Hayward to reserve a space or for more information.


Volunteers will be needed for setup (starts at 7a‌‌m) and breakdown at 2p‌m. Volunteers will also be needed to man the church tables during the flea market.


Please let Sue know if you will be a vendor or available to help. There is also list of items needed for the flea market food concession in the narthex. Place your name next to any item you would like to donate.


NOTE: Rain date is O‌ctober 5.

For the most up-to-date information concerning church activities, event schedules, general church information, or to view recent newsletters, you may visit the church website anytime at www.debowsumc.org.

If you are reading this newsletter from the church website, and would like to receive it directly in your email, we encourage you to subscribe now. Just visit the church website and use the subscription form in the bottom right-hand corner of the homepage.


Along with receiving the normal newsletter, special emails will be sent out once in a while for prayer requests, event cancellations, or other time-sensitive news. All church communication emails are based on the newsletter subscription list.


As always, your feed back to our newsletter is welcome and appreciated. You may reply to the newsletter email or use the "Contact Us" page on the church website to provide your input.


The next newsletter will be published on
W‌ednesday, S‌‌eptember 11

Rev. Scott Clifton, Pastor
pastor@debowsumc.org
or 732-928-4475

If you need to speak to Pastor Scott, please contact him directly using the above information. You may connect with DeBows online using the following links.