The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 52, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 January 1983 — Page 15

Decline in church attendance caused by summer residents, 'snowbirds'

Even though the area appears to be having an open winter this year, churches in the Syracuse and North Webster area are experiencing a decline in church tn a telephone interview with the pastors and or church secretaries, the following result concerning church attendance was noted. Father David Hyndman at All Saint’s Episcopal Church, Lake Wawasee, stated the attendance number is the biggest during the summer, however, during the winter regular attendance is maintained. He added that in the winter time some members go south for several months, mainly January and February. This is when the attendance is at its worst. Father Hyndman commented last year during the heavy snow congregation members came by snowmobiles and various other ways. At Grace Bible Church, Syracuse, it was found that the attendance is hardly down and that members hardly every miss a service. Grace Lutheran Church, Syracuse officials commented the major effect on attendance is during the months of January, February and March, when the older members travel to Florida. Rev. Frank Barcus remarked “the faithful are here. ’ ’ At Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse, the report was that there is not much difference between summer and winter. Syracuse Church of God’s attendance isn’t effected by the winter weather unless there is an abundance of snow. Rev. Michael Johnson commented there is a big drop when the ice arrives, adding he believes the winter breather encourages attendance. Rev? Johnson reported the church has a policy if the schools do not have school on a Wednesday then the Wednesday evening services are cancelled. Rev. Norman McVey also k ***** W ** WM ’***’ ► He who helps in the . < k saving of others, < ► Saves himself as well. < ► — HartmannV on Aue < ► 1 > 1 ► “...whatsoever good thing < ► any man doeth, the same 4 ► shall he receive at < ► the Lord” < — Ephesians 6:8 <

Lakeland Churches

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stated that the winter weather does not affect the attendance at Wawasee Heights Baptist Church. He added the attendance number is down from the summor due to viators in the area. Rev. Harold Burton, at the Syracuse Church of the Nazarene, said the attendance at services does go down and if the weather is extremely snowy or icy the effects are felt. “Winter doesn’t bother the steady people in the church.” Attendance at Calvary United Methodist Church, Syracuse, has dropped to some degree, because a number of people have gone to a warmer climate. The main attendance drop at Saint Martin’s de Pores Catholic Church is when the lake residents leave. Otherwise the attendance is regular. Rev. John McFarland, Syracuse Church of the Brethren, stated the attendance drops terribly during the winter. Rev. McFarland commented that because of the safety of congregational members the church encourages them to remain at home during bad weather conditions. He added the problems in attendance can be attributed to the “snowbirds” and winter illnesses. Bible Christian Church, North Webster, has a decrease in attendance mainly because of the summer residents. Rev. Dean McFadden added attendance also and the older people of the church cannot make it to services. Rev. Roy Mickley of Lakeland Community Church, Oswego, reported attendance of regular church goers stays stable throughout the year, noting there is a drop after the lake residents leave. Rev. Mickley also commented road conditions effect attendance somewhat. Quaker Haven is not effected by winter attendance as the regular attenders live close to the camp and remain in the area year around. However, last year’s .snow did cause a cancellation of church services for the whole month of January. Harlan Steffen, pastor of Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, stated the attendance there depends on the kind of weather the area is experiencing. “We have a substantial change over, ’ ’ remarked Steffen, who added there are a number of members who go to Florida and there are quite a few summer residents who attend. “The snow does have an effect,” he commented, if there is no snow, the attendance is much better.

1 Byland Jewelers "Services 107 E. Main 457-4282 Syracuse

GRACE BRETHRENCHURCH LEESBURG Howard Downing, Pastor Tim Hood. Sunday School Supt. Sunday School Morning Warship TO: 35a.nr. E waning Warship * p m. Prayer Service, Wednesday 7 p.m SYRACUSE UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH (Corner Harrisae A Nmtl St) David Hudson, Pastor Sunday School Warn Praise and Worship. Sunday 7:M pm. Youth Service. Tuesday 7pm. Bible Study, Thursday 7:Mpm. WAWASE E LAKESIDE CHAPEL Harlan Steffen, Pastor Francis Denton, Adult Supervisor Marge and Roger Kryder, Primary Supervisors Worship Service 10 a.m. Sunday School TT am. cluhette united METHODIST CHURCH Karen Weaver, Warship Service9am. Sunday School iff; Warn. FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Barbu Ciwnaßy Church (Kahn Drive LMR BoihilllRi) William L. Hutchins, Pastor Sunday School, Warn. Worship Service Use Sunday EveningOp.m. Wednesday Bible Study And Prayer MORRIS CHAPEL UNITED **ETMNNST tOiwOy bn* iWHiiOIHFI Charles Taylor, Paster DmCadey, Supt Sunday School 0: Warn. Worship TO: M a. m SAINT kNDREWT uihtedbiktnodmt church Rev. Philip Frew, Pastor Church Scheel * Isam. Warship Hour TO: 30am. UMYF*pm. ZKM CHAPEL U.B. CHURCH (Corner Syr.-WSAI RAaadHWH* Rev. Do* Rosa Radar Eric Kolbarg, S.S. Supt WknMplßam Evening Warship 7 pm GCBHEH FIRST CNNRCH OF CHRIST SOEHTMT Service* Ham Sunday Scheel * Mam WbWMSdPy Service 7:46pm

I si ■ j 1 fl » •' * - -

WHERE’S THE SNOW* — With the absence of snow so far this winter the attendance in the area churches are up rem pa red to when the weather is had or there is snow. The only decline hi attendance, as stated hy a number of pasters, is from these who spend the winter m a warmer climate. With the absence of snow this year Lows Firestone, Syracuse, doesn't knew what to do with his shovel since there's no snow on the sidewahs to dear off at Syracuse Church of God. During the past years Firestone has assisted in clearing the sidewalks and church parking lot for these attending services. (Photo by Deb Fax)

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH (Armstrong Raed) OSWEGO DaieW. Parlier, Pastor Sunday School 9: Mam. Morning Warship TO: Ma.m. Sunday Evening Worships p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7 pm. Awane Clubs Wednesday C TSpm. SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC CHURCH SYRACUSE Sunday Mass 7: TSam and *4Sam. Saturday Mass*: 30pm. Confession Before Masses Holy Days7am aad7:Mpm. HASTINGS ISLANDCHAPEL UNITEDMETHOOfST CHURCH David Widmoyer, Pastor Mike Zimmerman. Jr.. Supt. Kendall Biller, Supt. Sunday School 9 30 am. Worship TO:Ma m. Prayer Meeting Thursday 7: M pm. t APOSTOLK CHRISTIAN MILFORD DWdSlrassheim, Jesse Beer, Elmer Hartter and Weiler Steffen, Ministers Afternoon Warship T 2: M p.m. CHRISTIAN CHURCH MILFORD Carl Sheerer, Minister Bible Scheal*. Mam. Worship IWMam andtpm We Ail i db|i Bible TkidkTpm TURKEY CREEK CHURCH ' OF THE BRETHREN GRAVELTOH DweMwaad Iva* Fry, Team Paslers Church Schoei* Mam. Worship *Mam. CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH Onßßllpß) FfWIM MWCUfe PBbMF' Sunday Srhsslh Warn Worship Service I* 45am. NEW SALEM CHURCH OP THE BRETHREN NMNaWBEI Sunday SdMef 9: Ma m. wwdwyißTßam. EveningWership7pm. WaMaedHy Prayer MaaNe* *3* pm.

TEGHTMEYER \ / North Webstar \/VL<*/ 834-2021 Syracuse ’ 457 3474

UNITEDMETHODISTCHURCH NORTH WEBSTER Rex Lindemaod. Pastor Warship*: Mam. and TO: dam. Church School * Mam BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH HORTH WEBSTER Deal i McForiAin, Pastor Sunday School 9: »*m. , Warship lo:Ma.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday Services 7pm. CHMBCN OF ROD NORTH WEBSTER Charles E. Towriss, Pastor Henry R McCray. Opsociate Pastor * Men s Prayer Breakfast 7: Mam. Warship 9 30 am. Sunday School 10:40 a.m. Sunday Night Live youth 4 p.m. Evening Servlceot Praise 7pm. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH (41* And Mtia Streets) MILFORD Bro. James Linscott, Administrator Sunday Mass TO: Mam. CHURCH OF GOO SYRACUSE Rev. Michael J ohnson, Pastor Tom Stiver, SS. Supt. Sunday Schaaf 9:Mam. Morning Warship 10: M a. m. Junior Warship 10:30 am. FIRST BRETHREN CHURCH MILFORD PaulTinkei. Pastor Church Scheel 9: Mam. BYC Sunday *p.m. BETHELCHURCH OF THE BRETHREN MILFORD Roger Eberly, Pastor Nancy Snider, BA Chm. Sunday Scheel* Mam Warship 10: Mam. BETHANY CHURCH OF THERRETHREN tUSSI Meming Worship* Mam Sunday School * Mam. Wednesday Activity HlM*?:* MHTEDMRTHCDMT CHURCH Lawrence Byrnes Poctar Sms day Tritenl*3Bam Warship *3Bam • CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN ■URACNIE JMo MLFwMndPwdbr Jwrier BteagA Sapk Sunday SduNbJßam *—iniiißWkHMß *3Bam Seadby BRb Slud* ?*m

fcy" 1 K ' ■] I | I ! I _L* <I" A I • urLlll T>i vJ F -r~ /■ v. 1 I \ r'xt k” [Jtet /1 og|0g| //|rpj J 'aT WHEN FAITH CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS, THIS INCLUDES YOU H. simpler age than the one in which we are now living, people used to help each other and the r communities whenever they were needed. If the neighbors’ house burned down, everyone pitched in with labor and materials to help them rebuild it, and provided food, clothing and blankets. If the town needed a place cleaned up to establish a park, the entire population went to work on it Fortunately, this spirit of cooperation still prevails in some areas. Many a House of Worsh i p must be maintained on a very limited budget; so if the one you attend cal Is for volunteers to paint the walls, pull the weeds in the parking lot or type the bulletin, raise your hand and lend it for whatever task you are able to perform. It is so little to ask in return for all the blessings you have received there from Gods guidance and love.

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH SYRACUSE Dr David R. Haifley, Pastor Sunday School 9:45am. Morning Worship Mam. Evening Service 7 pm. Wednesday Evening Service 7pm. JEHCWAHtS WITNESS KtMCDDMNALL «Emt NWModh Labe Drive) Sunday: Public Lecture * Mam. Watchtower Study *Mam. Tuesday, Study of Prophecy 7M pm. .ThaieNwi kNaikley rrfceekTpm SALEM COMMUNITY CHURCH (Ito Mile Southeast Os Wilmot) PastorElmerMHler Sunday Schoei*M a.m. Morning Warship 10: M a. m. Sunday Evening Service 7 pm. Prayer-Bible Study Wednesday 7 pm. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (MOE. Maia St.) SYRACUSE Frank Barcus Pastor Worship* 15am Sunday School 10:15 a.m. CHURCH OF THE HAZARENE SYRACUSE Harold Barton, Pastor Sunday Schaaf 9:3Bam Morning Warship 10: Ma m. Sunday Evening Warship 4 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7 p.m. OBUROIOFTHE BRETHREH PMF Shrider, Pastor Morning Warship 9: Mam Sunday School 10: Mam. FAfTHRMY BAPTIST CHURCH (KnbwlHive, LiMe Barbae Lahe) WIIIInwL. Hutchins. Pashtr Sunday School TBam Worship Service n am. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7pm Sunday Service <o:ooam., A 3Bpm. MMWa i> Wenlß Wed f Bya UaHTTHMETMaNNT CHURCH Date Man cNnhad, Pastw Church Schaaf 10:39am. FIRST CHURCH OF <IMN.DeReB» Sue day SrluHldam Saaday Servlre We m WaWmedayJpm

We<_, 12,1983—THE MAIL-JOURNAL

Church news

IOSK TOFU meets ot MMoriUM Many opportunities are available Milford United Methodist Church each week for anyone interested in attending. Each Sunday at'U:3o a.m. is hospitality time for ref reshments and fellowship with other members and guests. Also on Sundays, the Junior UMYF meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday morning from 8:30 until U is weekly Bible study. This week the group studied Proverbs 23 and 24. Then on Wednesday evening, choir practice is held from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Thursday at 7 p.m. is a special Evangelism Task Force meeting at the church under the leadership of Paul and Diane Fulp. AU task force members are encouraged to be present. On January 14 and 15, the junior youth group wilt have a starve-in at the church. On Sunday, Jan. i«. the men’s breakfast will be held at 7:30 am under the direction of Denny Newcomer, new president of the group. All community people are invited to attend these events. first Brethren funds purchnss new Bibles The Women’s Missionary Society of the First Brethren Church met at the home of Judy Tinkel, president, on January 6 with 14 members and one guest present. Mrs. Tinkel opened the meeting with a verse of scripture and comments on this month ’f theme, “Judge Not.” Several letters were read from both home mission churches and foreign mission fields. Love gifts sent at Christmas to the adopted mission pastor and his wife in North Carolina enabled them to purchase 25 New international Version Bibles and several pocket Bibles to help in starting their church. The ladies will meet at the church on January 13 at » am. for a sewing day when they will make lap robes for nursing homes. At noon, a salad bar lunch will be served and each lady is asked to take a salad for the lunch. Debbie Beer, program leader.

ALL SAINTS' EPISCOPAL CNURCN SOUTH SHORE LAKE WAWASEE Vicar: Rev David L. Hyndman Holy Eucharist: 9am. QUAKER HAVEN FRIENDS CNURCN (MOEandMBN) “ DEWART LAKE Sunday School 9am. Worship 10a m. (Quaker Hall) WAWASEE HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH (Acrons From High Scheel) NnrmanD. McVey, Pastor Jon Rumley. S.S. Supt. Sunday School *Mam. Worship 10:30 a.m. and7p m. Mid-Week Wed. 7p.m. AWANA Clubs Thurs. 4:30 p.m. CALVARY UNITED ' METHODIST CHURCH (SR 13 South) g SYRACUSE * David C. Maish, Pastor Arlen Boheck, Sunday School Supt Church School 9: M am. Worship Service 10:40 a.m. UNITEDMETNQDIST CHURCH MILFORD Kenrath Greenwood. Pastor Mary Duncan. Lay Leader Church School 9: lsam. Worship 10: Mam. UMYF Sunday 4 p.m. Blbkf Study Sunday 5 30p.m. LAKELAND COMMUNITY CHURCH OSWEGO Rev Roy Mickley. Pastor Sunday School * Mam. Worthip Service 10: Mam. EveitingServlce7p.m. SOLOOtOIVS CREEK WNTEDMETHODIST CHURCH Rev Don Shellne, Pastor WorshipFam. Sunilay School 10 am. MN FORD CHAPEL (Rear Reed) My Un Henley. Lap Leader WNdb* Yoder, Supt. Sunday School 10 am. WaWiipServlcanam. W*tneaduyServlce7p.m. CTiwbeuSScMewunßen CNbi Or. Gary M. Tuttle, Paetor WH*Mad*y R*ie Schaaf 7 p m. TItNNTYLUTHERAM CHURCH MtSSOURt SYNOD OwtFlecher. Vicar ChtrchServiceYam. SMdby Schaaf * Mam

gave the lesson, “Casting Shadows.” The program involved influence as parents, relatives er friends have on children and other people contacted each day She mentioned that Tometimm people do things that seem unimportant, but the act has brightened someone rise's day. At the close of the program, she gave each one present paper and an envelope to wnte a thank you note to someone who had touched them in someway. The February 3 meeting vril he church. AH dishes must be from a country church has a mission stationed. A recipe should accompany the dish aad tell from what country the food originated. Clariece Stump will be hostess with Lois Me Mi lire as Pt invitation is extended to all ladies of the church. WSCShos fondue supper The ladies of the Syracuse Church at God WSCS began the new year with a fondue supper prepared by Jackie Plikerd and Brenda Vanlaningham at the heme of Pauline Firestone on January 6. After the dinner was enjoyed by 14 members and one guest, the regular business meeting was opened with prayer and a poem read by President Gwen Williams. The minutes of the previous meeting were reed and approved and committee reports were given. Under new business, the father and son banquet which will be held Friday, Feb. 25, at the church, was discussed. Pauline Firestone Jackie Plikerd and ' Brenda Vanlaningham will serve as the co-chairmen and plan the menu for the banquet The meeting was turned over to KDUQEu 1 IW UDE lAUgTttlu entitled, “Friendship.” An offering was taken aad the meeting was closed with the WCSC The next meeting will be February 3 at the home of lor Ito OW Tpstniwnt Thou shal t not, commit adultery. Enodats 20:14

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