H as your aggravation with the public discourse led you to become

disengaged with the world? Take a vacation from the partisan rhetoric and learn the habits of the heart needed to revitalize

our politics and energize engagement in the public square. E a c h su m m e r t h i s congregation is invited to participate together in a faith practice. There was the year of taking Jesus out into the world (finger puppets and bobbleheads) and the photo contest results. There was the sharing of tears, the bringing back of water, and all those postcards revealing where you found “sanctuary” in the summer. This summer you’re invited to engage yourself, your co-workers, neighbors and even those you come across at the campsite or on the beach in a conversation worthy of the human spirit. Start with reading Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit by Parker J. Palmer, named one of the most important books of the early 21st century.

Terry Tempest Williams, in “Engagement,” invites us to consider what is our part in maintaining a robust democracy: “The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous?

Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up–ever–trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy?” Learn more about a topic (any topic, news story, or political concern will do) and engage in

conversation with someone else about it. But here’s the catch: share how your own story informs your ideas and listen for the other person’s story. Reveal your interests, values and fears but NOT YOUR POSITION. Be curious and open more than convincing. Then share those experiences with the congregation. Don’t stop there: write a prayer about that concern for the ELUMC’s “prayers of the people” time. Shalom,

June 2013

Pastor Kelly

photo by Fred Gagnon

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Norman Heidel at Wingate East Longmeadow.

Barbara Roberts at Wingate Hampden.

Fran Thieme at East Village

JT at home; Eleanor Goodrich at Wingate Hampden; Gene Hutton at East Village; Helen White, Jewish Nursing Home; Bob Wood at Holyoke Soldier’s Home.

Kevin Hutchinson; send cards to: Hampshire County HOC; c/o Kevin Hutchinson; 205 Rocky Hill Road; Northampton, MA 01060

Special health concerns: Marilyn Burns, Dot Buzzelle, Arnold Christianson, Michaela Coltey, Helen Lesure, Grace Morin, Olivia Ryan, Bev Palmer, Tom St. Marie.

Charlton City UMC and their Natural Church Development process; Trinity UMC (reconciling process).

C ongratulations to Wesley St. Marie on his graduation from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. His father, Tom, says "Thanks to everyone’s support at ELUMC.”

Evelyn & Andrew Soucie June 2 Terry & Alan Robertson June 11 Julie & John Dunlop June 18

Dear Pastor Kelly & ELUMC Family,

I have many wonderful

memories of my 9+ years at

ELUMC but Sunday, May 19,

will be at the forefront.

Thank you, Kelly for your kind words during the

service and Scott for supplies - they truly will be used!

The Coach K photos, complete with frame, and the

Duke tapestry throw were a pleasant surprise and we’ll

enjoy them for many years to come.

Many, many thanks for the heart stopping Love

Offering. Once we’re settled in Meredith, it will be used

for something special that will always provide memories

of my friends and time at ELUMC.

Thank you again for everything and please know you

are always welcome at our new home in Meredith, NH.

Love

Phyllis

I want to thank everyone who sent me notes and called during my recovery this past

month. I really appreciated it and hope to be

back in church soon and into activities. I really miss everyone and all the people in the

church and in my life. Sincerely, Marilyn Burns

Barbara Roberts now at Wingate 34 Main St. Hampden, MA 01036

Beginning

Monday, June 17,

the office hours

will be

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.,

Monday – Thursday.

Regular hours will resume September 3.

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soul vacation reviving the spirit in a harried world

July Sunday services feature special music, guest preachers and Vacation Bible School carnival fun as well as “open space” for your own spiritual practice. A Southern folk service on July 7 includes old-time songs from the Cokesbury hymnal and storytelling.

In August, sleep in Sunday mornings and join us on the front lawn at 6:30 p.m. for informal services with plenty of room to pursue your own soul renewal. Invite your spiritual- but-not-religious friends to enjoy a welcoming, non-judgmental time of centering, wisdom, song and revival.

Your chance to DJ Do you have a favorite piece of music that speaks to your soul? Why not share that with your church family on a Sunday morning?

The Worship and SPRC teams are working on some ideas to do music differently in the summer services so that we can save money and still raise a joyful noise to God. We're looking for a few people to agree to share their favorite, soul-filled music selections. As a guest "DJ" for a service, you get to choose the musical style and favorite recordings (the confirmands loved the rock genre--but perhaps you like Josh Groban or James Taylor, Broadway, folk, classical or hip hop). Just tell us your favs and we can handle the technical end.

Churches report loving this approach since it allows them to hear a variety of music the congregation can't produce itself, and it provides a window into our neighbor's musical styles.

The pastor will start on July 7 with a southern folk meeting style service (Yes! you get to sing with a southern accent) with recordings from the old Cokesbury hymnal--think harmonica and banjo.

With a fun attitude (and folks who step up to share their favorites), in this transitional time between Music Directors, we can make the most of not having a paid musician and actually enjoy singing a new song!

soul holidays

faith @ the public square All-church reading: Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit by Parker J. Palmer. Learn the habits of the heart needed to revitalize our politics and energize engagement in the public discourse.

Follow along with

quotations and discussion starters on facebook. The Politics of the Broken hearted July 7 Democracy’s Ecosystem July 14 Confessions of an Accidental Citizen July 21 The Heart of Politics July 28 The Loom of Democracy Aug 4 Life in the company of Strangers Aug 11 Classrooms and Congregations Aug 18 Safe Space for Deep Democracy Aug 25 The Unwritten History of the Heart Sept 1

faith @ justice – Wednesday, June 26 – 7 p.m. Rally to Oppose Casinos, Christ Cathedral, Springfield MA

faith @ the movies – Monday, July 1 – 6:30 p.m. Explore issues of faith and how we live it with the screening & discussion of Salmon Fishing in Yemen.

faith @ the world’s needs – Saturday, August 17 –8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Convoy of Hope, Riverfront Park, providing a variety of services including food, job fair, prayer and family portraits. Volunteer orientation Friday night.

faith @ the farm – Saturday, August 24 –10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Tomato Festival at Red Fire Farm, 7 Carver Street, Granby. faith @ the trails – August 25 and Sept 7 Revive the soul hiking and enjoying the wonder of nature.

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Quotes from class

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles just to watch you burn” - John Wesley

Emily on her belief of God as a child: “I used to think God was in the clouds and then science was all like ‘clouds are made of water’ and then it didn’t make sense anymore.”

Chris on losing a card in a rousing game of Apples to Apples: “How is Bullwinkle more clueless than discovering America?!”

Confirmation We are grateful

Thanks to the mentors (Diane Chandler, Laurie Conz, and Chris Hutchison), those who journaled along with us (Eileen Brogan, Theda Cornbower, Lauren Dunlop, Tom McGowan), those who shared their faith stories with us and those who feed us lunch each week. We’re also thankful to those who hosted an event (Sandy Lemanski, Arlene Greener, Tally Reeverts) and the Education Team for hosting the Confirmation breakfast. And thanks to the spectacular KC Leveille for coordinating the program!

Group building included making ice cream, straw bridges and burning the Palm Sunday branches for next year’s Ash Wednesday service

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Activities Visited Sinai Temple, enjoyed Seder

Dinner, hosted Jewish students discussion of Israel

Hiked Mr. Tom

Studied spiritual practices in the garden

Studied church history in the attic

Monroe House Mission Day

Retreats

Movie Discussion “Boy in the Stripped Pajamas”

Ramp building w/ Tom McGowan

I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever

cease to exist...but I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.-- John Wesley

The confirmands represented ELUMC at the May 19 Change the World event rehabing Monroe House at Wesley UMC in Springfield. It was an important reminder that Confirmation is about choosing a faith that puts Christ and the service of others at the center of our lives. Wesley’s new pastor Catherine Cummings waters their newly planted garden (left).

2013

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With love, ~ Hope Solanis It's been my joy to serve as Interim Music Director this past year, which started with Music Appreciation Sunday last June (2012) and will

formally end June 30. My heart is filled with deep appreciation: for our Chancel Choir—“The Ladies:” Diane, Courtney, Patti, Marilyn; lovely and harmonious, unafraid of any genre or reaching for the high notes! “The Fellas”—Scott and Steve, excellent bass buddies. And for our tenor, Bill, who stands in his own class... never flinching when asked to take a solo or a difficult harmony. Your dedication and hard work made Sunday Music Ministry beautiful, spirited and often moving; and in recent months I've seen the kind of magical choir unity that every choir director hopes for. Thank you for never complaining about newly hand-written music or having to sing the Theme from the Golden Girls. (School of Life, January '13). And I have seen "De-light!" (can we hear an 'Alleluia' for this?) in working with our newly-formed and ever-growing Bell Choir: "Ringers of the Light" Bill, Steve, Rick, Diane M., Anita, Joan (who also directed rehearsals at times), Suzanne, and young Kyla. Many of you started as beginners, and yet we were able to make Christmas and Easter special moments with beyond-beginner level anthems, made possible only through practice, practice, practice! May our church continue to have the blessing of the use of bells (on loan, praise be!) and everyone who is interested in joining to come forward; they will find themselves in the company of angels. What I will take with me from this experience is all the love, the abundance of compliments and appreciation, and the everyday kindnesses extended to me by so many of the parishioners. You couldn't possibly know how much these small acts meant... when I was tired they gave me a fresh burst of energy... or when feeling disheartened, renewed faith. Special memories include the magic of decorating the church at Christmas, a late-night rehearsal with the Mezzo-Soprano after a 24-hour prayer vigil before Easter, and those wonderful coffee hours after church every Sunday that always gave nourishing food and smiles and a chance to socialize as one family in God.

A special thank you to Kelly Stenta for running the Singles Ministry. Through this, I met some of the most warm-hearted people, who are not as shy as some would think! Best Valentine's Day Ever... who needs romance when we have each other? !! I'd like to thank the SPRC, specifically Paul and Scott, who were my supports throughout this journey. You've listened and cared, and there's nothing more I could ask for than that. I will continue to keep the ELUMC and its music program in my thoughts and prayers. And to the Parishioners: the opportunity to know each of you who have shared yourselves with me has left me so much richer for the experience. You'll continue to live in my heart. Here's hoping everyone will come to the June 16 Music Appreciation Sunday, sure to be special. Thank you for this opportunity. I am a better Music Director and person for having had it.

Do you have a Canon printer that needs ink? If you do then you are in luck.

The Church office has a Canon 40 Black ink cartridge and Canon 41 Tri-color ink cartridge that we cannot use.

Stop by at the Church office Monday-Thursday 9 am to 2:30 pm to pick them up.

ELUMC isn't picky about summer attire--come as you are and worship with us (grass skirts are welcome).

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Convoy of Hope, August 17 at Riverfront Park, 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(or clean up crew volunteers 1 p.m.-5 p.m.)

Sign up with Ruth Owen (or the sign up sheet outside the office) or donate to the cause (put Convoy on check).

Tell those in need of services (food, job fair, sneakers, hair cuts, family portraits, children fun area), gates open at 9 a.m. and continue till 3 p.m. or until supplies run out.

Orientation and t-shirt on Friday Aug 16 at 7 p.m. Bethany Assembly of God.

Plan NOW to help with one of the biggest outreach events in Springfield's history planning to serve 4,000 people and needing 1,000 volunteers.

Dear Friends,

We are walking on June 9 at the

Boston Children’s Hospital walk to

support the hospital’s efforts to help

children like Johnny O’Rourke.

For those of you unfamiliar with Johnny's story, he was the son of some very dear friends of ours who was born with a heart defect and cerebral palsy. Johnny was a very happy little boy who loved to play in the sandbox, go bowling, dance to music, and hang out with his friends. Despite his physical limitations, Johnny learned to feed himself, say “Mama”, and even walked once with the use of a walker! This past summer, Johnny had some serious health setbacks when he suffered a stroke and a series of seizures. On November 1st, All Saints Day, Johnny joined the angels in Heaven. We all miss him greatly. Johnny was born in Boston Children’s and was a frequent patient there during his life. The hospital took excellent care of Johnny and his family. From providing him with a stander so he could strengthen his muscles to a computer that allowed him to communicate using his eyes, the hospital enriched Johnny’s life immensely. Our family is joining Johnny’s parents and sister on this walk. We are asking you to support us in any way you can. Please go to the link below to contribute to our fundraising efforts.

http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/walk/team/OA0044.htm

Thank you so much!

Love, Ashley, David, Davy & Caleb Mundrick

You Rebuilt Homes. You Revived a Neighborhood.

THANK YOU! Green-N-Fit Neighborhood

Cluster Rebuild Saturday, April 27, 2013

Have Summer Fun In The Sun!

(But don’s forget your check to the church)

The Finance Team reports that we’re doing will on keeping up with our pledges but we are headed into the lean summer months when cash flow is really tight. So, if you’re behind on your pledge and have the ability to catch up, please do so. If you’re able to pay your pledge for the summer months in advance, please send in that check NOW. We are still in the hole because of the Montessori school reduced rent, so if you can help with a second mile Alleluia give. PLEASE, please do.

Thanks! Julie Dunlop

Because of YOU, 25 Tyler Street families have safe, energy-efficient homes

on a clean, beautifully landscaped street. YOU helped rebuild a sense of community

in a downtrodden neighborhood.

SAFE SANCTUARIES

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.

July 8 - 12 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Come one, come all

to an interactive and energizing Bible-based program that gives children

a chance to discover God’s welcoming love!

REGISTRATION OPEN!

We invite all children to the Everywhere Fun Fair: Where God’s

World Comes Together. The adventures include interactive Bible

fun and great music, super science, cool crafts, global games,

and more.

The fun begins on Monday July 8 and ends on Friday July 12 with a VBS Showcase and Cook-

Out for our VBS families and church family. Registration forms can be found in the church office

or you can register online through the link on our website: www.elumc.org STEP RIGHT UP!

Volunteers still needed to make the fair fun. Contact Amanda Grimaldi if you can help.

Click this Link for the on-line June Calendar