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Pastor Kelly
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then. The author may even quote somebody they know we know but want to remind us about. And just like with my grandmother’s letter, there’s some deciphering that needs to happen. Sometimes, there’s a prayer request section for the poor, for the community in Jerusalem, or for the ongoing mission Paul or some apostle is working on. Then there’s a word (or two or three) of encouragement. In the case of Ephesians, it is the assurance that we are clothed in the armor of God. We can
wear our power on the outside, even if we don’t feel it on the inside—the belt of truth, the breastplate of justice, the shoes of readiness to proclaim peace, faith as a shield, the helmet of salvation, and the word of God as a sword. This is how you suit up spiritually, not to fight against people, but against wickedness. It was an interesting metaphor to use given the letter went to those who were occupied by Roman soldiers wearing the finest battle armor money could buy. Here was a very different kind of uniform, not the hard exoskeleton to protect from harm, or for creating a barrier from the world, but one that clothes us in God’s love to go boldly into the world. That’s a message we
need to re-read from time to time to explore its mysteries.
At one August morning service, we offered the congregation a chance to write a line of advice to the larger church. The responses fell into those same ancient categories of praise, thanksgiving, advice about the specific culture/denominational reality in which we find ourselves, quoting popular wisdom, prayer request and encouragement, see “Wisdom” on page 4. (We welcome more responses on our facebook page.)
Of course, any good letter ends with a final greeting to assure you that you are held in grace, peace, and love. My grandmother says, “Love You 2 and take care". Shalom,
t his summer we explored the wisdom written to 1st century disciples circulated to groups of followers in and around Ephesus (now recorded in the New Testament as Ephesians). And each week, we were encouraged to write to different people/groups as part of that spiritual discipline of letter writing.
In our technological age, perhaps letter writing is a dying art. My grandmother in New Mexico and I still communicate this way although her deteriorating shoulder makes it difficult now for her to write and almost impossible for me to read what she’s written. She always includes information on the weather. There’s usually something about her state of mind—and how she should be grateful (only she writes it in such a way that it’s a question whether she actually is grateful or not). Often, there’s some word about how she’s getting along with folks out there and some advice on how things ought to be. Her latest card began, “Hey it was a great surprise to get your card” which means she’s getting more forgetful (or maybe it was a comment about the too-long interval between mailings). I keep her letters to re-read—to “hear” her again and again—hoping to decode anew what was once a mystery.
In the letters to the early church, there’s often a greeting of grace and peace to start, followed by a section of thanksgiving, sometimes specific people are mentioned, sometimes it’s a prayer of gratitude for faith and life together as a community of faith. At some point, you can bet the author (or authors) are going to address some very real and specific issues they’ve heard about—it may be a theological question causing concern, an administrative matter that’s spiraled out of control, a debate that’s divided the community—it may seem trivial, a topic relevant only to that time, or a universal reference as timely today as it was
~~On-Line Edition
THE METHODIST MESSENGER
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Norman H_ and Virginia H_ at Wingate East Longmeadow.
JT at home.
Gene H_ at East Village.
Helen W_ , Jewish Nursing Home.
Bob W_ at Holyoke Soldier’s Home.
Kevin H_ ; send cards to: [ please contact the church office for the address ]
Special health concerns: Arnold C_ ; Carolyn F_ , Janet G_ , Tom M_ ’s sister, Mary; Grace M_ , Tom S_ .
Charlton City UMC and their Natural Church Development process.
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and wife, Prema, as they begin their episcopal appointment to New England.
4 Linda & Ken McGrady
20 Jean & Joe Merton
you for your generosity! placing yellow stars around and setting up both the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
Nathan Conz
3271/2 4th Street Jersey City, NJ 07302-5326
Tom St. Marie
c/o Peter St. Marie 816 Woodland Street
Channelview, TX 77530 (Temporary)
Dear, dear friends!
g reetings and peace to you all. First of all, thank you so very much for your cards,
notes and visits. They have all lifted my spirits! More importantly, thank you so much for your continued prayers, which sustain and encourage me every day as I struggle with my therapy. A steroid injection in my sacroiliac joint has brought some relief, but not enough to send me home yet. Knowing that I am in your prayers is a tremendous comfort. I have crafted the lyrics to several movements of a new Christmas cantata! Its premiere may have to wait until next year, but it is a delight to work on it! It is titled, "Hope for the Lowly."
"Hope for the lowly, comfort for the poor, Bread for the hungry, blessings in great store, All of these gifts, mercies tenfold, You sent in a Savior more precious than gold."
...and so the title song begins. Other pieces include "The Shepherds Did!," "Elizabeth and Mary," "Joseph's Dream." "Humble Yourself," and "Glory! Glory! Glory!" Get ready—start singing in the shower because some movements have parts
for the congregation to sing! hehehe. God be with you 'til we meet again. Know that you are in my prayers as surely as I am in yours. Blessings and peace to you all,
Dear E.L. UMC friends,
t hank you for your recent gift to the Carrington Scholarship Fund given in memory of our mother, Florence Pomeroy. The fund was started in 1975 when our grandfather passed away and scholarships are awarded each year to college students who attend ELUMC. Our mother was very proud of all the young people who have been assisted by the scholarship fund over the years and would have been most appreciative of your gift.
With our sincere thanks, Alice, Marsha and Neil
JT
October Anniversaries
THE METHODIST MESSENGER
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10. The Royal Blue choir robes hide a multitude of sins (Sooooo flattering! )
Seriously, we would LOVE to have you join our small but devoted group. We meet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday nights and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. I personally do not believe there is anyone who can't sing. . . and joining the choir is a great way to overcome this silly thought!
Come and try it for a week, a month, the Christmas Season. . . however long you like. You have our guarantee that it's a GUILT-FREE zone, so please, if you are interested, see Hope after the Sunday service.
Great Reasons to Join our Choir!
1. We want you. . .
2. We NEED you!
3. Singing is good for your health! It gives you energy, expands the soul, brightens up your mood. . .!
4. Choir members have reported "Uplifting songs stay with you all through the week. . .!"
5. You'll be the first people on earth to sing some of Hope's er, creative, uh, compositions. . . (untested!)
6. You'll be contributing to the service in a brand new way.
7. You'll experience the wonderful sense of appreciation church members have for the music!
8. You'll be in the Christmas Spirit a month before anyone else is! (You could also just commit to the Christmas season!)
9. You can wear ANYTHING you want to church on Sunday mornings—
The Education Team invites our church family to enjoy the autumn weather and each other. Meet at the church at 10 a.m. to head out for a day of apple and pumpkin
picking, hay rides, and leisure. You may RSVP to Laura Kinney or Liz Gelinas, or show up that morning! Details about costs are coming. . . Some ideas for future events: a birthday party for Jesus (near Christmas) where kids can bring in a toy for a toy drive; nature walk; and, of course, any kind of crafts are always a hit! Stay tuned!!!
October 20 Apple/Pumpkin Picking
Echo Hill Orchards
Monson
CHURCH FAMILY FALL FUN DAY
Hope Solanis
Volunteers from ELUMC will be in New Orleans October 21-27 to continue the rebuilding efforts there.
We are seeking donations to help offset their expenses. Checks should be made payable to ELUMC. Put “Mission Trip” on the memo line. Please donate by October 17.
THE METHODIST MESSENGER
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Film Screening October 10 at 7:00 p.m.
a few weeks ago, millions tuned in to watch the National Conventions of the Republican and Democrat parties. In large part, these are political party funded by wealthy interests seeking to appeal to middle-class voters in an election year. Jim Wallis of Sojourners reminds us: “A strong middle class is important for a nation. But there are many more people who need to be lifted up into economic security. Matthew 25 doesn’t say, ‘As you have done to the middle class, you have done to me.’ What it records Jesus saying is, ‘As you have done to the least of these, you have done to me.’ That may not be the central message of politics during an election year, but we can educate ourselves about issues of poverty and be a part of an informed electorate. It is in this spirit, this election year, that we present an important new short film called The Line.
Poverty in America — It's not what you think.
The Line documents the stories of people across the country living at or below the poverty line. They have goals. They have children. They work hard. They are people like you and me.
From Chicago's suburbs and south side to the Gulf Coast to North Carolina, millions of Americans are struggling every day to make it above The Line.
Wisdom from followers to the church
Be joyful in worshiping God!
If you make God and church a priority in life, the rest of those things in life will follow. All that I needed hath been provided.
My advice to the church is to get out to the public. Be seen doing God’s will in the community.
Put people above the rules, the structure, the money, the power.
Do justice, breathe deeply, pray daily.
We need to continually “talk” to God and work at having a personal relationship with Jesus. He will lead us.
Remember that we are all God’s children—black, white, straight, gay, Islam, Jew, Christian—it does not matter S/He loves us all and all others.
Follow Christ’s teaching and do not be more concerned by man-made rules and institutional survival than in the people you serve.
Accept all people as sacred children of God, created just as God intended.
Continue being reconciling. Advertise our openness.
Everyone should be sincere in their love of Christ and each other.
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter won’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
“Live simply, love generously, speak truthfully, serve faithfully, the rest we may leave with God.” –Fred Craddock
My God is a loving God who accepts all—do not use God as a weapon against others.
Pray for the church to be a place of truly open hearts, open minds and open doors.
Believe in yourselves. Believe that mission work, including VBS, Youth Groups, Mission trips, local community efforts, is working. It may not always be direct or visible right away.
Thanks to all those
who participated in
our summer mission project!
We recycled 119 pairs of old sneakers
saving them from land fills.
THE METHODIST MESSENGER
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PROVIDING HELP FOR CHARITIES by Theda Cornbower
i n this tight economy, we often feel there is no extra money to contribute to charitable organizations. Did you know there are other ways to help besides giving money? Many of the items you have in your food pantry offer a way to help the needy. Here’s how:
CAMPBELL SOUP UPC CODES: Cooper Community Center (the only United Methodist National Mission Institution in New England) collects the UPC code on cans of soup. These are redeemed to receive additional classroom
materials or recreation equipment. Don’t bother cutting off the code, simply remove the entire label for collection. KEEPING TABS: Going Green to Support Shriners’ Hospitals. Tabs removed from cans have value in addition to the nickel received for recycling a can in some states. Why does the tab have value? The tab is pure aluminum and the can is not. Collecting aluminum tabs and recycling them with a scrap metal recycler is an ideal way to raise money for a charitable cause. Collected tabs are taken to a recycling company where they are weighed. The company issues a check based on the weight of the tabs times the value of aluminum on that particular day. Some of the items that have been purchased by Shriners’ Hospitals over the last few years are: Cassette holder for Radiology Department Wall-o-Balls unit by Playscapes Blood gas monitor and infusion pump School-age through teen program equipment Donations towards purchase of new van for
transportation Child life supplies Tabs come on all kinds of cans— tuna fish, soup, cat food, etc., as well as soda and beer!
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION: These small squares are on most products today. Many schools, including Cooper, collect them and purchase needed equipment and supplies. Won’t you be a saver? The United Methodist Women have provided containers by the mailboxes for you to deposit the labels, tabs, and coupons. SUPPORTING LOCAL SCHOOLS WHEN BUYING GROCERIES: Were you aware of the program offered by supermarkets that donate points to schools when you purchase certain products? There is no charge to you but it is necessary to sign up for the program and designate the school you wish to receive your points. The schools use the points to purchase needed equipment and supplies. Watch for posters advertising this program in your favorite supermarket.
Theda Proposes . . .
Friends and Neighbors of ELUMC or The Needlers/Menders Group
Who: People who are interested in any kind of needlework,
sewing, painting, or simply to sit and read/converse/laugh together.
When/Where: Meeting once a month, say 10:00 a.m., in Fellowship
Hall. Transportation provided. What:
Begin with a short devotion/end with a prayer. Bring projects to work on. Do minor repairs for people at no charge (those wishing to pay may make donations to ELUMC for Mission Shares Funds).
Refreshments available—nothing more than tea/coffee/beverages/possibly cookies.
Goal: For all to become more aware of the connection between all persons. No agenda; simply for the congregation to better know one another and feel free to talk/share.
(continued on page 6)
THE METHODIST MESSENGER 6
Mission Shares Funds Market Place Offer carry-out soups/baked goods
for sale the 2nd Sunday of each month following morning worship from October to June, except for any 2nd Sunday with another program being held by a church group.
Take requests for soups/baked goods from members of the congregation. Special requests could/would be filled if sufficient notice is given (i.e., decorated cakes, special soups/baked goods).
Soups packaged in one-half pint or pint containers. Income raised would go toward Conference Mission
Shares Funds.
Theda Proposes . . . ( continued from page 5.)
“Sensations of Man” & The Best of Kim Obara
CDs available - $10
All songs written by Kim and performed by various artists.
Call 525-1035 to purchase or see her in church.
A Visitation Coordinator is needed. Let God wear your face, as you visit folks in the hospital or homes and direct others to do the same. We can provide training to you and others interested,
We just need a leader to get things moving.
CT/WMA
Alleluia Sunday
October 7, 2012 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Wesley UMC, 741 State St., Springfield
A special time for laity and clergy from across our district to come together and
celebrate “all things new.”
Join us for a time of worship and fellowship that nourishes our body and soul
as we reconnect with the one, true Vine who came so that our joy might be complete.
The East Longmeadow Food Pantry needs our help. Last spring I challenged each of you to bring in one food item each week. I am now renewing that challenge. If each of us follows through with that plan, imagine how many people in East Longmeadow who are living on the edge would have better nutrition with more and better food. This is an opportunity to reach out to our less fortunate neighbors.
Lois Harris
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary
with
The Dan Kane Singers
An Evening of Broadway & Pops Music
November 9 & 10 7:30 p.m.
featuring
Lauran Beluzo Soloist
Tickets on sale October 1
Tickets available at St. Mark’s Church, One Porter Road, East Longmeadow, 413-525-6341 Monday - Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. General admission $10 donation Seniors & Students $5 donation
THE METHODIST MESSENGER
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What does ELUMC & St. Mark’s Episcopal Church have in common?
a. Shared Anglican history
b. Working together on mission projects to rebuild Springfield
c. Softball team tournaments in the 90s (see the trophy above the mailboxes)
d. Young(ish) clergy committed to local farming (they’re both members of the organic Red Fire
Farm)
e. A commitment to ecumenism and the concerns of East Longmeadow through the town’s
ministerium gatherings
f. Laura Everett, Director of Mass. Council of Churches, preaching October 21
ALL of the above.
Meet at ELUMC on Sunday, October 21 at 9:00 for a brief prayer breakfast and we’ll carpool
over to St. Mark’s (1 Porter Road) together for the service at l0:00.
g.
THIS CHURCH IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE PLACE FOR OUR CHILDREN.
Address Service Requested
East Longmeadow United Methodist Church 215 Somers Road, STE 2
East Longmeadow, MA 01028-2998
413-525-7416 • a reconciling congregation www.elumc.org
THE SUNDAY EXPERIENCE
8:30 a.m. – Bible Study for Jr./Sr. High & Adults 10:00 a.m. – Worship & Church School (pre-schoolers through Grade 5) Professional child care is provided for “Cribs & Creepers”/“Toddlers & Twos.” 11:15 a.m. – Fellowship Time
The Methodist Messenger is a journal of the ministry of The East Longmeadow United Methodist Church. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
Saturday
November 10
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Congregation Bake Sale Donations
Drop Off Schedule
Friday, November 9, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. (Please leave donations in the church kitchen)
Items needed include:
breads, brownies, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, fudge, muffins, pies, etc.
OCTOBER 2012Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
308:35 AM Christianity After Religion AdultSunday School - St. Marie Parlor9:00 AM Choir rehearsal10:00 AM Worship11:15 AM Fellowship Time - Hall
17:00 PM Education Team -St. Marie Parlor7:00 PM Worship Team -Pastor's office
2PASTOR'S SABBATH4:30 PM - 7:30 PM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.
310:00 AM WednesdayMorning Study Group - St.Marie Parlor
47:00 PM Choir rehearsal7:30 PM AlAnon - St. MarieParlor7:30 PM Recovery - YouthRoom
5CHURCH OFFICECLOSED
68:30 AM - 11:30 AM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.
78:35 AM Christianity After Religion AdultSunday School - St. Marie Parlor9:00 AM Choir rehearsal10:00 AM Worship; Holy Communion;Communion offering for World CommunionSunday11:15 AM Fellowship Time - Hall3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Alleluia Sunday - WesleyUMC, Springfield
8
CHURCH OFFICECLOSED7:00 PM Trustees Team -St. Marie Parlor
9PASTOR'S SABBATH4:30 PM - 7:30 PM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.5:30 PM Singles Ministry
1010:00 AM WednesdayMorning Study Group - St.Marie Parlor7:00 PM "The Line" filmscreening - Sanctuary - seenewsletter pg. 47:00 PM GAP - Youth Room
119:30 AM - 12:00 PM DistrictClergy - Wesley UMC, EastHartford7:00 PM Choir rehearsal7:00 PM Stewardship Team7:30 PM AlAnon - St. MarieParlor7:30 PM Recovery - YouthRoom
12CHURCH OFFICECLOSED6:30 PM - 9:30 PM In theMidst of New Dimensions -St. Matthew's UMC - Acton,MA
138:30 AM - 11:30 AM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.9:00 AM - 4:00 PM In theMidst of New Demensions -St. Matthew's UMC -Acton,MA
149:00 AM Choir rehearsal10:00 AM Worship; Open Pantry Sunday11:15 AM Fellowship Time - Hall5:00 PM Pastor Kelly at Lake Spofford -Advent planning
15
Pastor Kelly at LakeSpofford - Advent planning10:00 AM United MethodistWomen - St. Marie Parlor7:00 PM Church Council -St.Marie Parlor
16Pastor Kelly at LakeSpofford - Advent planning4:30 PM - 7:30 PM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.6:30 PM Men's Fellowship -St. Marie Parlor
178:30 AM Our Place mealpreparation10:00 AM WednesdayMorning Study Group - St.Marie Parlor1:00 PM EL Ministerium7:00 PM Staff/ParishRelations Team - St.MarieParlor
1810:30 AM - 9:00 PM Boardof Ordained Ministry - RollingRidge7:00 PM Choir rehearsal7:30 PM AlAnon - St. MarieParlor7:30 PM Recovery - YouthRoom
19CHURCH OFFICECLOSEDSt. Luke's Greek Festivalusing back lot for overflowparking8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Board ofOrdained Ministry - RollingRidge
20
St. Luke's Greek Festivalusing back lot for overflowparking8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Board ofOrdained Ministry - RollingRidge8:30 AM - 11:30 AM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.10:00 AM Family Day;apple/pumpkin picking -Echo Hill, Monson
21New Orleans Mission Rebuilding TripSt. Luke's Greek Festival using back lot foroverflow parking9:00 AM Choir rehearsal10:00 AM Joint service at St. Mark's - LauraEverett preaching1:00 PM CROP Walk - Trinity UMC
22New Orleans MissionRebuilding Trip
23New Orleans MissionRebuilding Trip4:30 PM - 7:30 PM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.
24New Orleans MissionRebuilding Trip10:00 AM WednesdayMorning Study Group - St.Marie Parlor7:00 PM GAP - Youth Room
25New Orleans MissionRebuilding Trip7:00 PM Choir rehearsal7:30 PM AlAnon - St. MarieParlor7:30 PM Recovery - YouthRoom
26CHURCH OFFICECLOSEDNew Orleans MissionRebuilding Trip
27New Orleans MissionRebuilding Trip8:30 AM - 11:30 AM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.
289:00 AM Choir rehearsal10:00 AM Worship11:15 AM Fellowship Time - Hall
29 309:00 AM - 3:00 PM DCOM -Enfield4:30 PM - 7:30 PM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.
3110:00 AM WednesdayMorning Study Group - St.Marie Parlor
19:00 AM - 3:00 PM DCOM -Enfield7:00 PM Choir rehearsal7:30 PM AlAnon - St. MarieParlor7:30 PM Recovery - YouthRoom
2CHURCH OFFICECLOSED
38:30 AM - 11:30 AM JanetStabile - Youth Rm.
We are honored to be a part of a groundbreaking new project: one that we believe captures the urgency and action inone of the most important conversations of our time. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for WomenWorldwide is a transmedia project addressing the challenges facing women and girls around the world, and aimed at
igniting hope and action to create a new reality. Inspired by Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and SherylWuDunn's book of the same name, this project uses video, web, games, and other tools to educate viewers on the issues
involved and give concrete ways they can help.
Somaly Mam is one of six activists featured in the four-hour television series, shot in 10 countries with celebrityadvocates America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, and Olivia Wilde. Each segment tells thestories of women and girls living under some of the toughest circumstances imaginable - and finding the courage and
strength needed to overcome them.
On October 1st and 2nd, tune into PBS at 9PM for two nights of uplifting and inspiring stories, and learnwhat you can do to help. Don't miss Somaly Mam and Meg Ryan, featured in the first night of this two-part
special. Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #HalftheSky.
SHARE. Watch the trailer,read more, and share withyour networks. Encourage
everyone to tune in onOctober 1st & 2nd.
ACT. Be an ambassador,share your own story
online, or attend a localITVS screening. Click to
learn more.
WATCH. Be sure to tune inon October 1st and 2nd.Host a screening party foryour friends if you own aTV.
Thank you for joining us in the fight to end slavery.
