Page 1 Volume 60 Issue 9
Volume 60 Issue 9 Harbor United Methodist Church September 2010
55 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA 02066
Church Office: 781.545.0818
Reverend Rick McKinley is also available by appointment
Dear Friends:
The United Methodist Church recently released the findings of a study of more than 32,000 churches in North America. The
findings are important for all of us to pay attention to, so my offering this week highlights those findings and invites you to consider
the areas of strength and areas of weakness at Harbor. One thing the research shows is that those United Methodist congregations
that are thriving have a few things in common—whether large or small, urban or rural.
United Methodist churches with the greatest vitality are marked by inspirational preaching, plenty of small groups and pro-
grams for children and youth, and a mix of both traditional and contemporary worship services. You’ll have to judge for yourself
how “inspired” you consider the preaching to be; it is something to which I give a lot of attention, time and study. Small groups con-
tinue to be a growing edge for us. We have seen some great success in our small group ministry but still need to work at investing in
them to a greater degree. They could still be much more than they are. The change in the worship schedule is directly related to our
efforts to expand our children and youth ministry. Our worship team also works very hard at creating a blended worship experience,
and I am excited at how Rebecca will help us continue to grow in this area.
For the “Congregational Vitality” survey, the consulting firm Towers Watson researched attendance, growth and engage-
ment—defined as professions of faith and annual giving. Only 15 percent of United Methodist churches surveyed scored high in vi-
tality. Some 36 percent of United Methodist churches ranked low, with nearly half in the medium-range category. Characteristics of
high-vitality churches included having a greater percentage of attendees involved in lay leadership roles, pastors who are good at
developing and mentoring lay leaders, more topical preaching and longer pastoral appointments. It’s the combination of factors that
contribute to vitality, rather than any one or two, the report states. And these characteristics can be duplicated across the denomina-
tion. One of the things that excites me about our congregation is the number of high caliber leaders we have in many different areas
of ministry. At the same time, I think we can improve, being sure that each leader is mentoring the next person.
Four key drivers of local church vitality—effective pastors, lay leadership, worship services and small groups and pro-
grams—were consistent in the research findings among the high-vitality churches, regardless of church size, predominant ethnicity
and jurisdiction. Churches that ranked high in vitality engaged more attendees in lay leadership roles. Lay leaders in these churches
were more likely to practice regular prayer and Bible study, to attend worship regularly, to give proportional to their income levels,
to participate in mission and to share their faith. Pastors’ effectiveness in these high-vitality churches did not depend on whether or
not they were seminary graduates, or how long they’ve served in the ministry.
Worship experiences in vital congregations also shared common characteristics. Churches that use only traditional music
were the least effective, while those that used at least some contemporary music and multimedia in worship services scored higher in
growth and attendance. In the South Central and Southeastern jurisdictions, it helps to have a longer tenure for pastors, while in the
Northeast, the amount of time a pastor spends on personal devotion and worship are strongly related to church vitality. (There’s a
definite call to keep going deeper!)
I’m grateful the denomination has spent time of self-study and self-reflection. The findings in this study can help the entire
church, not just the United Methodist Church. Pastors of every tribe should look closely at their devotional life and commitment to
answering the call God has placed on their lives - to equip the saints for the work of their ministry. Are they developing new leaders?
Are congregations offering relevant, inspiring, meaningful worship that connects with the communities around them? Congregations
only grow to the level of their leadership. Are the leaders of the congregations also taking the lead when it comes to personal spiri-
tual practices and development? These are great questions for the body of Christ to consider. May we continue to be bold in our
commitment to being the community God has called us to be - the continuing presence of Jesus in the world today.
Grace and peace
Rick
Page 2 Volume 60 Issue 9
Financial Report
Operating Income for July $12,943.55 September Birthdays!
Operating expense for July $14,239.16
Surplus/(Deficit) (1,295.61) Aidan Reidy 1
Alexander Shannon 10
Beginning checkbook balance: 7/1 $41,794.65 Marcia McClanahan 10
Total income for month 18,929.77 Lucy Morris 11
Total expense for month 41,734.95 Elizabeth Rotchford-Long 12
Ending checkbook balance 7/31: 18,989.47 Andrew Ford 12
Less; Special Funds Accounts 2,508.74 Jean Finnie 18
John Ryan 19
Cash for Budget $16,480.73 Julie O’Keefe 20
James Crowell 21
David Sincoski 22
Are you a…. Melinda Cerny 23
Reid Fulton 24
New resident or Visitor Laura O’Keefe 28
Or have a neighbor who is one of Lisa Ryan 28
the above?
Then please call Ken Cerny,
Lay Leader at 781.749.5862.
Thank you.
What the Pastor Is Reading
Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne
Prayer by Richard Foster
Pie Social
The Pie Social was another great SUCCESS!!!
We want to thank everyone who participated in the event, from the
people who baked and contributed the delicious pies, to all who helped
in making this a special event. We also want to especially thank Sue
Lovering for chairing and organizing this annual event.
Approximately $1250.00 was raised for the Church.
Stephen Smith, Finance Chairman
Page 3 Volume 60 Issue 9
Prayer Concerns
Please lift the following in prayer, that they may be strengthened,
guided, and healed…
Consider visiting or sending a card.
Please contact Alice Hamer at 781-545-4112 if you know of anyone
who is ill, a recent shut it, has had a tough go, or suffered a loss. If we can get this information,
an appropriate card will be sent to them.
Jack Gage Jimmie McCall (Bill’s brother—pray for Lucy Morris
(recovering from surgery) strength)
Helen and Maynard Huntley Joe Davies (nephew of Mary Voelger) Ruth Roberts
Teri Hopkins Martin Sally Haines (Shirley’s cousin—cancer) Perley Griswold
Rich Lynam (Shirley’s son) Maria Jose—in orphanage in Nicaragua Jean Reardon (cancer)
Star Bakery Project/NITCA Eric Foote (heart problems) Holly Silva
Bill McCall (job search) Jenny Styers (adoption decision) Muriel Silva
John and Mary Ellen Ross Donna Roberts (health issues) Betty Schmidt
Ann Borda Mimi Liu (healing for Rheumatoid Arthritis) Hazel caring for mother
Linda Huskisson (patience & Roger Schumacher (Heart surgery, Thomas Pierson
strength caring for elderly parent) Multiple Myoloma)
Frank and Pat Lasapio (Health Mary Ann (healing after brain surgery & Nicaragua Mission team
Issues) during chemo) (planning for next year)
Betty Leslie (health concerns) Ted Barry (Serious Cancer Surgery) Diane Evans (broken foot)
Finnie Family (death of Olga)
PRAISE For Answered Prayers:
Ben Crovella (home from Iraq!), Michelle and Family, Mattie Dillon
John and Louise Proctor
Phone: 781-536-8772 10 Village Green Way, Allerton House #208
Marshfield, MA 02050
Prayer List Update
If you have requested prayers for someone who is still on the prayer list, would you please contact Alice Hamer
as to the status of that person. Let us know if he/she no longer needs our prayers. We do not wish to remove anyone who
continues to need our prayers.
If prayers have been answered we would LOVE to put “Praise for answered prayers” on the list for that person.
If the people or person still is in need of prayer, we would like to update that so that we will be praying for their
particular needs.
Thank you for all your help,
Alice Hamer—781.545.4112
Page 4 Volume 60 Issue 9
Sunday Worship Servants
Sept Acolyte Liturgist Communion Youth Liturgist/
Servers Worship Assistant
5 Andrew Ford Tom Murphy Dave Evans, Colleen Ford, Colleen Ford
Wendy Ford, Pastor Rick
12 A.K. Bruccoleri Christy Bruccoleri Christy Bruccoleri, Henry Lock- Henry Lockwood
wood, Shelley Rinehart, Pastor Rick
19 Ben Pretzer Pam Pretzer Pam Pretzer, Max Pretzer, Max Pretzer
Bryan Pretzer, Pastor Rick
26 Tommy Lovering Liz Watson Liz Watson, Julie O’Keefe, Julie O’Keefe
Bill McCall Pastor Rick
Greeters for September are Mary Sheehan and Janet Ryan. Ushers are Bob Leach and Mary Voelger .
The Wednesday and Friday Night Small Groups are providing coffee hour for the month of September.
Please call to switch dates with the next person above, if you are not available to participate on your assigned
day. Also, kindly contact Ann White at 545-0815 to tell her of the change. Thank you.
Ye Olde Village Fair & Luncheon
Saturday, November 13th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
It’s almost time for this exciting event and fund-raiser…..our annual offerings of crafts, jewelry,
attic treasures, baked goods, and of course a delicious lunch!
It’s not too late for crafting or baking a little something to help make this year’s event the best ever.
Donations of your “white elephants” are needed for the Attic Treasures and Jewelry tables.
You might even have something valuable to offer for the Kids Table.
We are looking for new leadership to help coordinate this year's Fair.
Please contact Bryan or Pam Pretzer for more details.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for fun and fellowship. Please join us. You’ll be glad you did!!
Scituate Interfaith Food Pantry
School will soon be in session again and the needs change a bit. Especially needed items are: small canned
ham and canned chicken, stews and chowders, also pancake mix and syrup, crackers and healthy school
snacks. Peanut butter and jelly always needed!
Proverbs 22:9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he share
his food with the poor.
Thank you, as always,
Alice Hamer, 781-545-4112
Page 5 Volume 60 Issue 9
September 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
9AM to noon— 9AM to noon—
Small Groups meet in various homes Office Hours Office hours in
and at both campuses so please visit 1PM—Small Scituate
the website to get more details about Group (Mary Ellen
connecting with a small group. Ross) 7 to 8:30PM—
7 to 8:30PM— Small Group
www,harbormarsh.org Small Group (Rick McKinley)
(Melinda Cerny)
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
9AM to noon—
9:30AM 9AM to noon— 9AM to noon— Office Hours 9AM to noon—
Scituate Worship Office Hours Office Hours 1PM—Small Office Hours
Group (Mary Ellen
6 to 7:30PM— Ross)
Small Group 7 to 8:30PM— 7 to 8:30PM—
(Diane Evans) Small Group Small Group
(Melinda Cerny) (Rick McKinley)
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
9:30AM 9AM to noon—
Scituate Worship 9AM to noon— 9AM to noon— Office Hours 9AM to noon—
Children’s Office Hours Office Hours 1PM—Small Office Hours
Church BEGINS Group (Mary Ellen
4-530—Youth Ross)
Group HUMC 7 to 8:30PM— 7 to 8:30PM—
6 to 7:30PM— Small Group Small Group
Small Group (Melinda Cerny) (Rick McKinley)
(Diane Evans)
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
9:30AM 9AM to noon— SERVICE
Scituate Worship 9AM to noon— 9AM to noon— Office Hours 9AM to noon—
Children’s Office Hours Office Hours 1PM—Small Office Hours SATURDAY
Church Group (Mary Ellen
4-530—Youth Ross)
Group HUMC 7 to 8:30PM— 7 to 8:30PM— 9am—
6 to 7:30PM— Small Group Small Group 12 noon
Small Group (Melinda Cerny) (Rick McKinley)
(Diane Evans)
26 27 28 29 30
9:30AM 9AM to noon—
Scituate Worship 9AM to noon— 9AM to noon— Office Hours 9AM to noon—
Children’s Office Hours Office Hours 1PM—Small Office Hours
Church BEGINS Group (Mary Ellen
4-530—Youth 7pm— Ross)
Group HUMC Ad Council 7 to 8:30PM— 7 to 8:30PM—
6 to 7:30PM— Small Group Small Group
Small Group (Melinda Cerny) (Rick McKinley)
(Diane Evans)
Page 6 Volume 60 Issue 9
THE HARBOR UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
55 First Parish Road
Scituate, MA 02066
Pastor: Reverend Rick McKinley
Church Office: 781.545.0818
Church Email: harborumc@verizon.net
Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 9AM to 12noon
Also available by appointment.
Connect - Grow - Serve
harbormarsh.org
harbormarsh.org
Youth Group News
Our Senior High and Junior High Youth Groups will start an exciting new pro-
gram beginning Sunday, September 12th. Both youth groups will meet each
week on Sunday afternoons from 4pm-5:30pm. Our meetings will encompass
fun new ways to learn about God, His world, each other.....and have a lot of
fun along the way!!! Please contact any of our youth leaders with ques-
tions: Shelley Rinehart, Laura O'Keefe, Wendy Ford, Sue Lovering, or Bryan
Pretzer. THANKS!
And DON’T FORGET:
October 2nd in Exeter, NH.
A fun youth event with work-
shops, worship, and fun!!