Cool gift for United Methodists

Sparta - Thanks to lifelong member David Hess, the Sparta United Methodist Church sanctuary is a lot cooler on Sunday mornings. Last winter Hess decided to honor the memory of his parents, Harold and Mary Hess, who had also been longtime members of the Sparta Church, with a new air conditioning unit installed just in time for the summer season. “It is more comfortable for everyone but particularly better and healthier for the youngest and oldest members of our congregation,” said Pastor Charlie McNeil. Member Pat Schutz pointed out that it’s not only the congregation but the whole community that benefits, citing piano recitals, Sussex County Youth Orchestra concerts, Scout events and, most recently, Children’s Week (also known as Vacation Bible School). “David is one of those solid good people you can always depend on to help where help is needed” Schutz said. “This is just the sort of thing he would do… he’s a ‘behind the scenes’ kind of guy- quietly working in the background.” In the past the church has had to adapt it’s Sunday worship schedule to avoid the worst of the summer heat, but this year the schedule continues with primary worship at 10:30 a.m., a brief service at 8:30 a.m., (and church school for all ages at 9:30 a.m Sept.to May). The church is located at 71 Sparta Avenue. For more information, call 973-729-7773 or visit the Web site at www.spartaumc.org.