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The Messenger
First & Wesley United Methodist
Church
89 Center Street
West Haven, Connecticut 06516
203-933-8795
June 2016
We have just begun the season of Post-Pentecost which will continue until the end of November.
What do we Christians celebrate during the long season of Pentecost? One of the main
celebrations is the coming of the Holy Spirit into each of us.
At the table with his disciples for their last supper, Jesus tells them that he is going away. He is
going to die on a cross. Therefore, what should be a joyous Passover meal is becoming a sad last
meal before a terrible departure. As Jesus leaves his disciples, he tells them that he will not leave
them alone. He will leave, but he will give them the Advocate. He promises them the gift of the
Holy Spirit and fulfills the promise at the day of Pentecost.
Have you ever met the Holy Spirit, the Advocate? I believe you have. In Greek, the advocate means literally “to call
alongside.” The advocate is one called alongside of us. It is translated into “helper,” “counselor,” “comforter,” or
“instructor.” Jesus promises his disciples the one who will be called to walk with them wherever they go. It is the Holy
Spirit, the Advocate.
Some years ago, my wife, Hyeonjin, and I took a trip to Quebec City in Canada. There, we visited the city museum,
exhibiting some famous paintings of Impressionism. Among them there were the paintings of Edward Monet and Henri
Matisse. However, unfortunately, I could not understand any of their paintings. I was bored, but I realized that the audio-
guide was available. It was good news, especially for me who had no idea about Impressionism.
I was given a headphone and an audio-player. Wherever I went, the audio-guide was with me. As soon as I pushed the
button, the audio-guide explained everything about each painting, such as why the painting represents Impressionism,
what situation the artist was in, what the artist tried to express through the painting, and so on.
That is what Jesus promises us. When we go through a tough time in our lives, we do not know which way we should go.
In our pain, we have asked questions like, “Where is God! Does God care about me?” Then, through the Holy Spirit, we
experience the presence of God. Then, we say, “Yes, now I know. God loves me. God is not far from me! I can go on!”
After experiencing the Holy Spirit, we say, “Now I remember! For a while, because of my troubles, I almost forgot. Now
I remember, I am a child of God, precious to God, held by God in loving embrace. Thank God that Jesus has called the
Holy Spirit to walk alongside me.”
During the season of Pentecost, let us remember Jesus’ promise, “I will not leave you as orphans!” To stand with us,
speak to us, teach us, and remind us, God has sent us the Holy Spirit, the Audio-guide. We give thanks to God for letting
us experience the Holy Spirit! Amen.
Sungmu Lee
Lectionary Readings for June 2016
June 5, 2016 1 Kings 17:8-16, (17-24) and Psalm 146 • 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Psalm 30 • Galatians 1:11-24 • Luke 7:11-17
June 12, 2016
1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21a and Psalm 5:1-8 • 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15 and Psalm 32 •
Galatians 2:15-21 • Luke 7:36-8:3 June 19, 2016
1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a and Psalm 42 and 43 • Isaiah 65:1-9 and Psalm 22:19-28 • Galatians 3:23-29 • Luke 8:26-39
June 26, 2016
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 and Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 • 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 and Psalm 16 • Galatians 5:1, 13-25 • Luke 9:51-62
PRAYER GROUP
The Prayer Group will meet-first Tuesday in June (7th) from 10:00 AM to noon. Please come and join with
us for a time of fellowship, spiritual study, and prayer time.
This group will meet at Thelma and Richard Reid's home, 101 Bellevue Avenue, West Haven.
All are welcome to come and enjoy fellowship one with another!
*******************************************
(Genesis 28:16: Jacob made a powerful and poignant statement that has resounded across the ages. "Surely
the Lord is in this place - and I did not know it.” The modern - day version of that statement would sound
something like this: "God was here, and I was out to lunch." In other words, God comes near to us, but we
are so busy, so preoccupied, so set in our ways or so caught up in our own agenda that we don't recognize
that we don't recognize God: we don't realize it when God is here. But God's love is the most powerful thing
in the world! When we turn ourselves toward Jesus Christ and learn that love is the answer, love is the way,
love is what God wants, we can live each day-every moment-aware that we are in God's presence. (From
Booklet "God Was Here & I Was Out To Lunch...written by James Moore, pastor United Methodist Church
in Texas.)
June 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 Church Café
10:00am
Adult Choir
7:00pm
3
4
Prayer Vigil
9:00am-1:00pm
5
Services 10:30am
Coffee Hour 11:30am
No Youth Group
6
Mission
Meeting
7:00pm
7 Prayer Group
101 Bellevue Ave
10:00am- 12:00pm
Junior Choir
5:15-6:00pm
Memorial Committee
Meeting 7:00pm
8
New York Annual
Conference at
Hofstra University
June/8-11
9
Church Café
10:00am
Adult Choir
7:00pm
10
11
Pasta Dinner /
Dessert Auction
5:30pm
12 Services 10:30am
Children’s Sunday
I/M Youth
6:00pm – 7:30pm
13 14
Junior Choir
5:15-6:00pm
Finance Committee
7:30pm
15
Bible Study
7:30pm
16
Church Café
10:00am
Adult Choir
7:00pm
17
18 Painting day for VBS
from 9am to 12pm.
Please consider coming
for a fun day of
painting to create our
fantastic decorations for
VBS!!
19 Father’s Day
Services 10:30am
Coffee Hour 11:30am
Worship Committee
20 21
Junior Choir
5:15-6:00pm
22
Bible Study
7:30pm
23
Church Café
10:00am
Adult Choir
7:00pm
24
25
26 Summer Services
9:30am
Recognition of the
Confirmands
Anointing & Laying on of
Hands
Council Meeting 11:00am
Coffee Hour 10:30am
27 28
Junior Choir
5:15pm-6:00pm
Trustees Meeting
7:00pm
29
Bible Study
7:30pm
30
A Big Thank You!!
I want to thank everyone who worked to make Pancake Day such a wonderful success!
I want to thank all my crew members: Joe DelFranco, Jim Stuhlman, and Wendy Memmott for flipping all
the pancakes; Ralph Lawson and Marissa deNicolo for stirring the mix; Abe McKim for keeping those plate
moving out of the kitchen; Julianna deNicolo who help to put everything away at the end, Mary Hickman
and Jim Ammon and for keeping the tables clean and set; and Doris Hunter and Mary Kiesinger for
collecting and selling tickets.
Thank you also goes to Chris Latham who took care of the baked goods and Judy Juzwiakowski for selling
the books (she does a wonderful job of keeping the books sorted and in order throughout the year) and Beth
Ammon and Kathy Hulse for a wonderful job selling all those plants.
I can’t say thanks enough to Richard Memmott and Ray Memmott who went with me to Glendale Farms in
Milford to help hand pick all the plants and flowers. Beth Ammon for helping with the wonderful display to
catch the eye to help sell all the plants; and then sells them on Saturday and Sunday.
I also want to thank Jackie McKim and Beth Ammon who count the money at the end. That is not an easy
job. This year we made a total of $1663.50. Great job done by all!
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who came out to eat pancakes, buy books, baked goods, plants and enjoyed
the wonderful company of old and new friends.
Thanks to everyone!
Linda Memmott, Chair
LET US BE UNITED
Many of us are concerned about the future of our nation and its ability to meet the needs of all of our citizens.
We have the human desire to accumulate wealth, which we respect, and at times couple this desire with a deep
compassion for others. The question remains: How much should we try to do? At this time there is quite a
division in our government as to what is proper.
Perhaps it would be better if our elected officials were seated in Congress according to the state which they
represent rather than being seated according to their party. At least they should be better able to communicate
with one another. Abraham Lincoln, our former president once said, “A house divided against itself cannot
stand”. (See Matthew 12:25). There are moral values in religious literature which can aid us in making fair,
rational and equitable decisions which can improve our quality of life. We might ask the questions: “To what
extent do some of our economic policies embrace the biblical precept of unconditional love?” “Can a
country, regardless of its form of government, be stronger than the character of its citizens?” Like previous
generations, we are living in troubled times, (See Hosea 4:1-5). We aspire to a place of security and
contentment. Sometimes it seems out of reach.
In my opinion the only solution is to accept and to practice the wholesome principles found in scripture.
Times change but people do not change. We are always in need of spiritual guidance.
Suggested scripture: Micah 4:1-5 Benson A. Benton, Sr.
Missions and Outreach
At the meeting held at 7:00pm on Monday, May 16, 2016 we discussed the following completed projects:
The baby layettes which were assembled at the UMW Spring Day Apart on Saturday, April 16, from items
that we collected since January. The socks and other needed clothing items that are needed by Columbus
House in New Haven that we have also collected since January.
We also discussed fundraising to support our 6 UMARMY participants. We have raised nearly $500 with
the sale of the lovely inspirational CDs that Helen Smith made available to us. These are still on sale for $20
each during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall following Sunday services. We are planning a Pasta
Dinner/Dessert Auction for 5:30pm on Saturday, June 11. Please come join us to support our youth, and
enjoy a pasta supper with salad and beverages, and bring a dessert that you would like to auction off
following the dinner. This gives all of us a chance to show off our skills as bakers. Everyone has a dessert
that they are especially proud of, so come and bring it!! The tickets will be $8 for adults and $5 for children
10 and younger. If possible, please let the Missions & Outreach committee know whether you plan to
attend, so we can plan food accordingly.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, June 6, 2016 to finalize plans for the Pasta Dinner/Dessert Auction
and discuss the Guidelines booklet. All mission project suggestions are welcome, and everyone is welcome
to attend our meetings.
Please save the date of June 26th, at 11am for our next Council meeting
All are welcome to attend and Council meeting and committee Chairs are expected to send in reports ahead
of the meeting.
In disciple-making, we will work to
1. Make our Church Spiritually inclined while increasing Communication and Visibility
We will work to
2. Increase Attendance and Strengthen our Church Community
We will work to
3. Provide Internal/External Leadership Training
We recognize that
We can do these and “all things through Christ who strengthens us” Philippians 4:13
Draft Agenda for June Meeting will include updates from the following:
- Worship Committee (includes: worship leaders, greeter’s ministry, flowers, prayer notes, coffee hour)
- Music Ministry
- Ushers, Altar Guild and Communion Stewards
- Nurture, Outreach and Witness
- Missions Committee (includes: Social Concerns, CoNAM and Public Events)
- Bible Study and Adult Education
- Lay Servants
- Membership and Evangelism
- Communications (Publicity, Website and the Messenger)
- Children’s Ministry
- Sunday School
- Youth (Methodist Youth Fellowship)
- Vacation Bible School
- Finance Committee and Treasurer
- Memorial
- Stewardship
- Trustees
- Lay Leader
- Staff-Parish Relations
- Pastor’s Report
If you have an agenda item to include, please do let Nana know.
Please, Save the Dates ~ September 9th & 10th
Come and have your picture taken for our new pictorial directory.
Friday hours are from 2:00pm - 9:00pm with Saturday photos beginning at 10:00am.
Additional information on how to schedule your appointment will be available in the coming months.
We are hoping to include everyone.
If you can assist in anyway please see Kathy Hulse, Chris Latham or Linda Memmott.
Youth Choir There is no news for Youth choir - we will start rehearsals again in September.
Youth Group News - Our meetings have ended until September. Four Senior High
youth, Derek Baker, Anna Bartozzi, Marissa deNicolo, and Hannah Werle, will be attending
UMARMY from July 10th-16th. Becky Baker and Helen Smith will be going as well as adult
supervisors. The cost is $300 a person and we need people to help financially support our youth in this
mission project. Please consider helping out.
Thank you!
Painting Day
June 18th will be painting day for VBS from 9am to 12pm.
Please consider coming for a fun day of painting to create our fantastic decorations for VBS!!
Vacation Bible School
Sunday July 24th to Thursday 28th
Pre-k - 6th Grade
Dinner 5:30
Program starts at 6:00
If you need any other information for the program, would like to volunteer or make a donation
please see Jen Werle.
Fundraiser
Just a reminder that Dave Smith is selling Stop
and Shop cards to members and friends of First
and Wesley. Whether for buying groceries or to
give as a gift, as an added bonus, you can earn
Stop & Shop gas rewards for every $1 spent on
gift cards.
It is hard to believe that more people don’t take
advantage of this marvelous way to raise money
for the church. If you buy a gift card from Dave
Smith you get the full face value at the register
and Stop & Shop sends a percentage to the
church. It couldn’t be simpler and it doesn’t cost
you a dime. The church raised over $500.
Pennies From Heaven
The Native American Penny Collection is ongoing to
provide very much needed food and fuel. Please help
the Sunday school students by giving them your loose
change each week to support those in need.
Coffee Hour
“Coffee Hour ~ we are always looking for
kindhearted souls to take a turn at serving coffee
after church. Meet your friends to chat in a
relaxed atmosphere. A sign-up sheet is available
in Fellowship Hall. You can also sign up online
on our website,
www.firstwesleyumc.org/Forms.html
The winter volleyball
session went well, with no
injuries to report! It is
over in May and we will
start over in November.
Thank you, Laurie
Adult Sunday School
In February the Adult Sunday
School Class will continues
the book, Faith is the
Answer, But What Are the
Questions? Come join us in
Kendall Hall each Sunday
morning at 9:15 for a
delightful, insightful, and
thought provoking
discussion.
Congratulations!
Isaiah will be promoted to the 2nd
Grade. He also participated in the After School Arts Program.
Congratulations Isaiah!
Steven and Gregory are graduating from Carrigan Middle School, 6th
Grade.
Congratulations Steven and Gregory!
Geoffrey Hulse is a Graduate of the Class of 2016 from
Southern Connecticut State University.
Congratulations Geoffrey!
Sunday School
May 29 is the last class for Sunday school.
We will celebrate the children and teachers on June 12 during our church service.
Deep Blue Sunday School Classes and the Submerge Sunday School Class:
In May our theme for Sunday school was “I can help spread the Good News.”
Sunday school students got to listen to and read stories about Pentacost and sharing the good news.
“Come to the Mountain” CD Sale: Fundraiser for UMARMY participants
Sundays | following the 10:30am services
The Mission Committee and the UMARMY (United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth)
participants are selling CDs, courtesy Helen Smith and her summer music workshop. These are being
sold for $20 each in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday services, and all proceeds will go toward
sponsoring 4 youth and 2 chaperones ($300 each) for a week-long mission work week in Torrington, CT
from July 10th through July 16th. Also, if you wish to just donate money for this group, contact Chris
Latham.
June Birthdays 2 - Jenny Santamauro
Arlyn Memmott
6 - Judy Wetmore
8 - Shirley Pyrdol
9 - Courtney Skipper
12 - WilmaWhitley
14 - Greg Hulse
Phoenix Chan
16 - James McGregor
17 - David Smith
18 - Lauren Heafy
21 - Joshua Braacker
23 - Kelli Jackson
24 - Linda Memmott
Anthony Sablone
25 - Richard Reid
27 - Christine Chan
29 - Mary Kiesinger
Thelma Reid
June Anniversaries
1 - Susan and Mark Cascio
7 - Thelma and Rich Reid
Jim and Sharon Ewen
17 - Cynthia Dodd and Joseph Maltese
25 - Lynne and John Ryerse
If you would like to include someone for birthdays or
anniversaries please see below. Example- name
change, address change, marriage, birth, death, etc.
Email: [email protected] or send to church
office.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Articles for the May Newsletter are due
by June 20th. Please mark your calendars.
EVERYONE IS A REPORTER If you give me the- who, what, when, where and
why, I will write your article for you - Email to
[email protected] or call 203-213-6363 and
leave a message Please send me your email address
to speed up delivery of the newsletter.
Thank you, Bill Hunt
Pastors
Discretionary
Fund:
Please consider giving a “Love Offering” to Pastor’s
discretionary fund. You may place your gift in the
container on the back table of the sanctuary. If you
wish to write check to the church, please write
“Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” in the memo section.
Tell us if you have a member information change:
example- name change, address change, marriage,
birth, death, etc.
Email: [email protected] or send to
church office.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl meets the second Tuesday of every
month at the home of Chris McGregor or Linda Kopec.
If you would like to give a shawl to someone, please
see one of the members: Linda Kopec, MaryAnn
Hawkes, Edith Mulligan, Sue McMillian, Sharon Ewen
or Chris McGregor.
Alternately, there are blessed shawls in the church
office as well as letters to go with them and gift bags.
If you take one, please leave a note with the name of
the recipient. We try to keep a list so that we know
how many shawls have been given to friends.
If you don't knit but would like to be part of this
ministry, we would be happy to accept donations
toward the purchase of yarn. If you would like to
choose the yarn yourself, three skeins of Lion Brand
Homespun are needed for each shawl.
Thank you!
The Messenger First & Wesley United Methodist Church
89 Center Street West Haven, CT 06516
Phone (203) 933-8795
www.firstwesleyumc.org
Email: [email protected]
Reverend Sungmu Lee
Sunday School 9:15
Sunday Worship Times: 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
The June Newsletter