21
THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: [email protected] 2600 MAIN STREET STRATFORD, CT 06615-5893 SUMC phone: 203-375-5851 ~ and fax: 203-375-6890 SUMC email: [email protected] SUMC website: www.sumcct.org Volume 57 No. 3 November 2015 The Rev. Simeon Law, Pastor The Rev. Dr. Donald Kirkham, Pastor Emeritus Dr. Paul Jacobson, Director of Music Lanette Kardos, Director of Christian Education Beth Buckmir, Preschool Director Mary Jane S. Fast, Church Secretary

THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: [email protected] ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

THE GOOD NEWS from the

Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: [email protected]

2600 MAIN STREET STRATFORD, CT 06615-5893 SUMC phone: 203-375-5851 ~ and fax: 203-375-6890

SUMC email: [email protected] SUMC website: www.sumcct.org

Volume 57 No. 3 November 2015

The Rev. Simeon Law, Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Donald Kirkham, Pastor Emeritus Dr. Paul Jacobson, Director of Music

Lanette Kardos, Director of Christian Education Beth Buckmir, Preschool Director

Mary Jane S. Fast, Church Secretary

Page 2: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

1

Dear Stratford United Methodist Church,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ. It continues to be a joy and

privilege to serve the Stratford United Methodist

Church. Each time I interact with congregants I learn

more of your stories and how God has been at work in

your lives. It is truly my desire to better know the

people of our congregation.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email

([email protected]) or by phone (860-821-

3015). I am thankful for those who have reached out

to me to inform me that a person is in the hospital or

ill, invited me to their homes, or just to share an

encouraging word. I am here to serve this church and

community.

It was quite an experience to be present for the arrival

of the pumpkin truck. It was heartwarming to see

congregants and community members working hand-

in-hand to unload the truck. What a wonderful

reminder that we are called to be a community in

Page 3: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

2

action, in service to others. The Church exists to be

agents of God's redeeming work, Christ's hands and

feet in service to the world.

We are currently in the midst of a worship series

entitled “Growing as Stewards.” We have been so

richly blessed by God with the gift of life,

relationships, and material blessings. We are called to

be good stewards of these gifts, to use them in way

that glorifies God and furthers the redemptive and

transforming work of the kingdom.

Keep your eye out for our 2016 pledge mailing. They

should be arriving shortly in blue envelopes. Take

time to prayerfully consider your financial support for

God's continued work in our midst. The pledge cards

can be placed in the enclosed envelope and either

mailed back or placed in the offering plate.

I encourage you to join us in worship as we continue

to learn more about being good stewards of all that

God has us entrusted with.

In Christ,

Rev. Simeon Law

email: [email protected]

cell: 631-504-9886

Page 4: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

3

The 2016 Stewardship Campaign is underway.

You will soon receive a newly designed

Pledge Card along with a letter from Pastor

Simeon. This year, we’ve added an electronic

giving option for your pledge. Should you

select this option, instructions for doing so

will follow prior to year-end.

Our 2016 goal is $227,000. Your generosity in

helping us achieve this goal will be greatly

appreciated.

If you have any questions, please contact me

at 203-878-8801 or at [email protected]. You

may also leave a message for me at the

Church Office.

Thank you,

Jerry Dellert, Finance Chair

Page 5: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

4

The ownership of the Dead Sea scrolls has been disputed ever since they were found in a cave above the Dead Sea in Israel. Found by a fifteen year old goatherd, they have proved to be fascinating to archeologists, historians, biblical scholars, and laymen. Following the original discovery, other scrolls and fragments were found in the area until about 1957. Most of the scrolls, which are approximately two thousand years old, were in fragments, and scholars continue to attempt to piece the fragments together. Included in the fragments are the Book of Isaiah the Book of Psalms. The manuscripts of the Book of Isaiah are among the oldest Hebrew copies of the Hebrew Bible found to date. You can find more information about the scrolls in these books: The Dead Sea Scrolls, by J.M. Allegro (221.4 A); Dead Sea Scrolls , Life and Faith in Bible Times, (221.4 D); and The Dead Sea Scrolls by Millard Burrows (221.4 B). Advent begins at the end of November,the Church Library is a source of Advent and Christmas material, including crafts, stories, and home worship ideas. In Straw and Story (394.2) is one of those books. Look for more suggestions in the December Good News.

Page 6: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

5

INCIDENTS AND HAPPENINGS

OUT OF OUR PAST

The Italian Mission

An American philosopher once said, “What passes for identity

in America is a series of myths about one’s ancestry”. In the early 1900’s immigrants from Southern Europe

flocked to America to seek a better life. A large number of

these were uneducated farmers and working class Italians.

Unlike previous immigrants from Northern Europe and

England the Italians found it difficult to assimilate into the

“American Melting Pot”. During that time many Americans

believed that the Italians were incapable of assimilating into

American society and were a menace to the future of the

country. The leaders of the Methodist Church did not share

these beliefs. They felt that the heroes of the Italian race could

be reidentified in such a way that they could find a place in the

national myths that constituted the American identity. To this

end the American Methodist Church established the Italian

Mission. Through this mission Columbus and many other

Italian heroes were recast in a way that symbolically unified

the Italian race with the Anglo-Saxon race. The Stratford Methodist Church contributed to the work

of the Italian Mission. In the early 1900’s many Italian

immigrants lived in Honeyspot and near the new Beaver Dam

reservoir in Stratford. A series of weeklong tent revival

meetings, sponsored by our church, were held on the commons

in Stratford. One tent meeting was held near Beaver Dam for

the Italians, with the Reverend Filiteo Tagliatatela from the

Methodist Italian Mission of New York City preaching. As a result of the work of the Methodist Church Italian

Mission, Columbus Day is now a national holiday, and Italians

are well established as part of American society.

Page 7: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

6

UMCOR – HOPE IN ACTION

Responding to most vulnerable, least visible

For 75 years and counting, the United Methodist Committee

on Relief (UMCOR) has lived up to its mandate to alleviate

human suffering around the world. UMCOR is present in

humanitarian aid, walking alongside survivors of disaster,

conflict, or war, and working with local partners to bring

needed relief during events that overwhelm a community’s

ability to recover on their own.

In 2014, the International Disaster Response and Risk

Reduction unit of UMCOR issued 107 grants, totaling $8.5

million, to partners across 35 countries. The grants provided

humanitarian aid for those affected by conflict in Syria, Iraq,

and Ukraine, and for those impacted by Ebola in West Africa

and by flooding in Bosnia, to name a few.

In the United States, UMCOR responded to 33 new disasters,

while also maintaining a presence in 10 disasters from

previous years. New grants included those made in response

to the immigration emergency, when some 60,000

unaccompanied minors came to the U.S. through Mexico.

Page 8: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

7

However, UMCOR’s work is not just in disaster response – it

includes programs and projects in water and sanitation,

sustainable agriculture, food security, relief supplies, and

much more.

Some current projects:

South Carolina floods: South Carolina is beginning to pick up the pieces after a storm so catastrophic South Carolina’s governor called it a “1,000-year flood.” The South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is now stepping up in the aftermath, with Bishop Jonathan Holston urging prayer, generosity of compassion and financial resources and volunteerism as the state begins slow steps to regroup and heal.

“Presently, we are in a time of waiting until the floodwaters

recede before any coordinated response can begin,” Holston

said in a statement. “As people of faith, we hold onto the

promise that God is faithful in the midst of the storm and the

flood. God’s love will triumph in the midst of loss and

destruction.” UMCOR urges people to do four key things:

pray, donate funds to UMCOR or the South Carolina Annual

Conference, wait for the invitation to come and serve as

volunteers for cleanup, and assemble health kits. Donations

to help in the aftermath of the South Carolina flooding should

go to Advance #901670.

Last year’s US disasters: Assisting communities in Oklahoma,

Texas, and Maryland whose moments in the headlines

because of disaster have long faded, but whose recovery is far

from over. Families in Oklahoma and Texas are still feeling the

Page 9: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

8

impact of tornadoes, torrential rain, straight-line winds, and

massive flooding that tore across both states last spring. Rain

fell steadily for weeks, causing rivers to overflow their banks

and flood the homes of thousands, notably those who could

least afford it.

Dominica: When Erika, the fifth named tropical storm in this

year’s Atlantic hurricane season, hit the windward shores of

Dominica, a small island nation in the eastern Caribbean, the

devastation was unprecedented. UMCOR is supporting

recovery efforts there, providing clean drinking water and

emergency food items.

California wildfires: People have been calling, people have

been giving, but it's because of United Methodists in the

United States and all around the world who give to UMCOR

that we are able to continue to make a difference for the long

haul. UMCOR will be here California for the long haul.

Alleviating suffering in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine: UMCOR is

providing ongoing relief to affected populations in Syria, Iraq,

and Ukraine, where armed conflicts have alternately

simmered and raged for years and where a total of more than

16 million people have been forced from their homes. The

beauty of UMCOR is, because of the values we ascribe to—

impartiality, independence, humanity, and neutrality—the

only thing that matters is human suffering. If somebody is

suffering, we’re called to be there—as UMCOR and as an

extension of The United Methodist Church.

You can subscribe to the weekly UMCOR HOTLINE at umcor.org.

Page 10: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

9

Arts & Crafts : will meet Wednesday, November 11th, 2:30 pm at the home of Joyce Fuller. We will be making Christmas crafts for the boutique. Books & Things: will meet Monday, November 16th, 12:00 pm at the home of Margaret Wachs. Please bring a sandwich. Susanna Wesley: will meet Wednesday, November 18th. Please bring a sandwich.

UMW News

Page 11: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

10

NOVEMBER 2015 BIRTHDAYS 2 Taylor Millbauer 17 Patrick Spada 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard Jack, Jr. 19 Alexander Siksay 4 Jean Sosnoski 20 Phebe Kirkham 6 Ryan McCoy 20 Sarah Ruskin 6 Susan Nedbal 21 Madeline Burgess 6 Brian Olah 21 Ethan Erickson 6 Melanie Russell 21 Harold Lee 7 Connie Beth Demko 22 Robert W. McCarthy 7 D’Andre Dina 23 Vincent Hardy 8 Martha Baird 23 Marjorie Milne 8 Barbara DeBiase 24 Robyn Bicknell 8 Maya Hopkins 24 James Demko 10 Laura Weller 25 Megan Uhrynowski 11 Karen Giammattei 26 Mary Hardy 11 Molly McFarland 27 Robert Bobko 12 Leontene Grandfield 28 Bill Rehm 13 Frank John 28 Elwood Tschopp 14 Chelsea Green 29 Autumn Graham 14 Vickie Matthew 29 Caitlyn Knight 16 Theresa Knowles 30 Barbara Mwanga 16 Janice Narus 30 Holly Crowther 30 Brendon Wall

Page 12: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

11

November 2015 Wedding Anniversaries

Nov. 6th Mr. & Mrs. Millbauer Nov. 17th Mr. & Mrs. Jack Nov. 17th Mr. & Mrs. Devonish Nov. 18th Mr. & Mrs. James

If your November birthday or anniversary isn’t on this list, please call the church office at 203-375-5851.

Page 13: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

12

All Saint’s Day – November 1st. As is our custom, we will celebrate All Saints Day by honoring the memory of those parishioners and their friends and/or family who have passed away within the past year. Names of the deceased will be read during the 8:15 am and 10:00 am services. If you have lost a loved one (who is not a parishioner of SUMC) and would like their name to be included, please contact the church office (203 375-5851 or email: [email protected]). – Thank You

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS November 22nd. Each year at Thanksgiving time we generally see cornucopias spilling over with

a colorful harvest bounty of fruits, vegetables and nuts. This year we would like to share our bounty with those in need. On Sunday, November 23rd, we are asking everyone to bring in a non-perishable food item. After the 10am service all the food will be boxed up and sent to a local Food Pantry. All donations are greatly appreciated. – Thank You!

Page 14: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

13

Page 15: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

14

On Sunday, November 29th,

We will be hosting our annual

First Sunday of Advent Joint Service

with the First Baptist Church

During the 10am service.

Page 16: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

15

Check out our new Facebook Page, which can be found at SUMC

Sunday School. Here you will find upcoming events and classroom

news.

Page 17: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

16

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH!

The SUMC Sunday School, Pre-School and Daycare Center will be collecting warm hats, mittens and scarves again this year for children and families in need. Please consider donating to our mitten tree and help give the gift of warmth this season!

A Six-Session Bereavement Support Group will be offered at our church beginning in mid-

Oct. All are welcome and you need not be a

member of the church. Anyone interested

should call Joyce Lewis at 203-375-2161 or the

Church Office. Our suggested meeting day will

be Tues. morning, but we are flexible

according to the needs of the participants.

Page 18: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

17

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Walter Rauschenbusch

O God, we thank you for this earth, our home; For the wide sky and the blessed sun, For the salt sea and the running water, For the everlasting hills And the never-resting winds, For trees and the common grass underfoot. We thank you for our senses By which we hear the songs of birds, And see the splendor of the summer fields, And taste of the autumn fruits, And rejoice in the feel of the snow, And smell the breath of the spring. Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty; And save our souls from being so blind That we pass unseeing When even the common thorn bush Is aflame with your glory, O God our creator, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

From Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers

Page 19: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

18

Thank You to those who collated the Good News on Aug. 19th

and Sept. 23rd: Diane Troutman, Cecila & Howard Jack, June

Evitts, Barbara Hagan, Marianne Care, Ruth Semancik, and

Barbara Piper.

Congratulations to Alena and Michael Romano on the baptism of their son, Dante John Moniz Romano, born Sept. 13, 2013 in Danbury, CT. Congratulations to Emily Scofield and John Samela who were united in marriage on October 10, 2015. Emily is the daughter of Ed and Judi Scofield and granddaughter or Chris and Joyce Fuller.

Condolences to the family of Bernie Sosnoski, former SUMC Member, who passed away on Wed., Oct. 7th in Colchester, at the age of 84. A Memorial Service was held in Colchester on Fri., Oct. 16th. Bernie leaves behind his beloved wife Jean and two sons, David and Robert.

Page 20: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

19

ALTAR FLOWERS are provided by church families each

week to honor, or in memory of, loved ones. We have been blessed

to have very faithful donors for very many years. At this time, we

need some additional help. Circumstances have changed for many of

our families. Please call Jo Ann Schif at 203-378-1845 if you wish to

help in this important ministry.

CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES are available on the Narthex

Table. You are welcome to take a copy.

FLOWER DELIVERY MINISTRY We are looking for a

Chairperson for our Flower Delivery Ministry which delivers the

altar flowers after the 10am service to our shut-ins. Duties include

scheduling monthly Sunday delivery ministers. Please speak to

Burdette James if you are interested.

SUMC NEIGHBORHOOD BREAKFAST Third Saturday of each

month: We are currently serving an average of thirty to forty meals

at our neighborhood breakfast. We have a loyal staff preparing,

serving, setting up and cleaning up each third Saturday. We

welcome new volunteers, or just stop by and enjoy a meal with us. If

you wish to volunteer, in any capacity, please contact Ray & Jo-Ann

Burrows 203-377-5034 or [email protected].

USHERS NEEDED! If you would like to become an usher, please

see Michael Kranyak.

NEW ADDRESS Rev. Stu and Carolyn Baker’s new address:

Cornwall Manor, 118 Overlook Dr., Lebanon, PA 17042; 1-717-270-

5391 (Independent Living).

Page 21: THE GOOD NEWS - sumcct.org · THE GOOD NEWS from the Stratford United Methodist Church Good News email: sumcgoodnews@yahoo.com ... 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard

20

SUMC Church Email Addresses: Rev. Simeon – [email protected]

Church Secretary – [email protected]

Church School – [email protected]

ALL ARTICLES FOR THE GOOD NEWS SHOULD BE

E-MAILED TO [email protected] OR

LEFT IN THE GOOD NEWS BOX IN THE CHURCH

OFFICE. THANK YOU!

GOOD NEWS SCHEDULE FOR 2015

Good News Issue Articles Due no

later than...

Good News Mailed

January/February December 7th December 17th

March February 8th February 18th

April March 8th March 18th

May April 12th April 22nd

June May 10th May 20th

July/August June 7th June 17th

September August 9th August 19th

October September 13th September 23rd

November October 11th October 21st

December November 8th November 18th

In addition to reading The Good News, bulletin supplements,

viewing our website (www.sumcct.org), looking at our

Facebook page, or checking out the local newspapers, there

is another way to keep up-to-date on upcoming events at

S.U.M.C. Call the Church Office (203-375-5851) when it

isn't staffed (that would be after 2 p.m. weekdays and all

weekends). Press 5 to hear a calendar of upcoming

events. The recording is updated on a regular basis.