In this issue:Youth News.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Confirmation Sunday . . . . . . 3New Members.. . . . . . . . . . . 4Focus on Women. . . . . . . . . . 4Men’s Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Mystic Retreat. . . . . . . . . . . 5Mission .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Within Our Family. . . . . . . . . 8

May 2018

On a rainy 21 May in 1988 at 12:00 Noon, myeyes filled with tears of happiness when I sawmy beautiful wife-to-be, Lisa Cordes at theback of the sanctuary in a beautiful weddinggown with her Dad standing proudly next toher. The service that began with Lisa and herwonderful Father walking up the church aisleended with Lisa and I walking down that sameaisle as wife and husband, beginning awonderful life together.

Over the past thirty years Lisa and I have experienced the very bestGod has to offer – a love and friendship that is strong and enduring,three children who are priceless treasures, a life in a church familythat is filled with joyous love, and ahome that truly is a haven of blessingand peace.

Over the past thirty years Lisa and Ihave supported each other throughpainful losses of loved ones, times oftrail and uncertainty, and dark days ofsadness.

Newsletter of the

First United Methodist Church Meriden, Connecticut

Ric HansePastor

Since 21 May 1988 we have growncloser to Jesus, closer to each other.By God’s grace our marriage enjoysa wonderful depth, richness andbeauty that shows us the enduring,unconditional love of God.

There is a beautiful song thatBarbara Streisand sings on heralbum “What Matters Most”, whosewords express so beautifully theblessings Lisa and I celebrate this 21May 2018:

It’s not how long we held eachother’s hand,What matters is how well we loved each otherIt’s not how far we traveled on our way,But what we found to say.It’s not the springs we’ve seenBut all the shades of green.

It’s not how long I held you in my armsWhat matters is how sweet the years together.It’s not how many summertimes we had to give to fall,The early morning smiles we wistfully recall,What matters most is that we loved at all.

It’s not how many summertimes we had to give to fall,The laughter and the tears we gratefully recall,What matters most is that we loved at all. (Lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman/Music by Dave Grusin)

Affectionately,

Pastor Ric

2

YOUTH NEWS

Thank you to all who donated for the clothing drive. We brought in nearly

1,700 pounds of clothes. That is $340 fromSAVERS! Thanks

The Schedule for May 2018

5/6 A Day in the Park let us celebrate God’s

beauty around us. Picnic in the park, outdoorfun and maybe cloud watching. Return tochurch by 3PM. DRIVERS NEEDED!

5/12 from 6PM until 8:30 PM come on out and

we Can Make a Surprise for Mom.

5/13 No Youth Group – Mother’s Day

5/20 Pre-Memorial Day picnic and annual flag placement on Veteran

graves at St. Patrick’s cemetery. DRIVERS NEEDED! Return 3PM.

5/27 Outdoor games, bring a towel and dress to get wet!

The Youth Group is open for all youth from grades 4 through High School. Wetypically meet Grades 4 & 5 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Grades 6 & up 12:45 pm –3:00 pm. Lunch for both groups will be 12:45 pm. All Junior & Senior High youthof the Church and their friends are welcome. If you have any questions pleasecontact Jim Hazlett at 860.324.2588 or email at jhazlett1222@gmail.com.

CONFIRMATION CLASS

On 20 May, our Confirmation Class will publicly profess the faith intowhich they were baptized and become full and responsible

members of Christ’s Church. Please join this wonderfulcelebration of new beginnings for these special people whowill give their lives to Jesus to join First UMC.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship Applications are available for graduating seniors who will beattending college, a technical school or some other course of advance training,full-time. Applications are on the bulletin board in the Cloister (hallwayconnecting the sanctuary and the Rogers Hall). Applications must be returned tothe church office no later than May 7 . th

Please Note - there are also hundreds of scholarships available to collegestudents of all ages through the General Board of Higher Education. Call 615-340-7344 or go to the web-site www.gbhem.org. Click onto Scholarshipinformation and requests. A form is available to request information.

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY!

On April 15 we were privileged to receive the followingNew Members to our Church family. Kimberly Doerfler,Doreen Ellison, Roger Fancher, Anne Jones, and KentSinram . Please welcome them into our family.

FOCUS ON WOMEN

Unit 4 will meet May 14 1:15 pm for a dessert meeting. Dessert is providedth

and all women are welcome. Our program will be assembling the HealthKits. All kinds of help is needed. Please come May 14 , 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm toth

package health kits. Come early (at noon) if you can but if you can’t comeanytime from noon to 2:00 pm.

The Women’s Craft Group continues to meet on alternate Mondays toprepare items for the Fall Craft Fair. Check the exact dates on our calendar:http://www.firstumcmeriden.com/events

UMW Luncheon: May 6 Myrna Spencer andth

gals will prepare a wonderful meal. We will have abrief business meeting. Our guest speaker is ChrisWebster, director of Gallery 53 in Meriden. Shewill share with us some history of art and artists of Meriden, things that arebeing rediscovered, and how art makes a better community. She is awealth of information and stories. See Deb Molloy for tickets, $10.

4

Women’s Scholarship: The Greater Meriden Branch of the AmericanAssociation of University Women offers scholarships to women who have beenout of High School for at least 5 years and live in Meriden, Wallingford,Southington, or Cheshire. Applicants must be enrolled or anticipate enrollment inan accredited college or university, pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, orAdvanced Degree. Recipients are chosen on the basis of goals, performance, andfinancial need. Scholarship applications are available for the 2018-2019academic year. Call Barbara Rogers, 860-316-5050, for more information.

Prayer Chain continues active and strong, and would love to bepraying for your needs and desires. If you have a special need for prayer,please let our prayer chain coordinator (Holly Wishart) know so she canshare your burdens and needs with those who are on the chain. Pleasemake certain you have permission from the person(s) you are praying for,and then call Holly, 203-907-5725, or the Church office, 235-9620. Youcan also e-mail the office, fumc@snet.net, if you prefer.

MEN’S NOTES

Brothers in Christ: Bible study, support & encouragement. The goal is to growin our responsiveness to Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives. We meet on the1 and 3 Saturdays of each month, 8:00 am in the Parish House. If you havest rd

any questions or need additional information please see Hal Quigley. All menwarmly welcomed.

“Mystic Retreat – Experiencing God’s Presence”

How Do You Experience God – put thatstuff that we use to experience God onthe altar, for example, wrench, runningshoes, carburetor, weights etc.July 6– 7 in Mystic CT Sign up by mailor e-mail to the church office, fumc@snet.net. Include your name, phone, andaddress. Payment of $110 is needed by May 28th, Memorial Day. You can maila check to the Church office or put it in the plate - note: Men’s Retreat.

Friday Schedule:5pm Arrival and check in.6-8pm Dinner8pm Worship & Music 9pm Hangout time

Saturday Schedule:8am Breakfast9am Tai Chi10am Devotional10:15am Prodigal God11am Free Time12pm Lunch1 pm Life Size Jenga Game /

Bible Theme

2pm Prodigal God2:45pm Experiencing God through

Mission & Service3pm Two Small Groups4pm Closing – Cross Video,

Papers that say what keep usfrom experiencing God

5pm Head home

MISSION

The Health Kits will be taken to NY Annual Conference for UMCOR todistribute to those affected by floods, tornados, and other natural disasters.Donations of the items or cash to buy & send them are appreciated! Please markany donations “Health Kits.” Please leave items in the Health Kits box in thehallway. Any questions see Kate Eglee or members of Unit 4. Thank you!!!Items most needed: Hand towels

Ongoing Mission projects: Fostering Love Children placed in Foster Carereceive from 1 UMC Church a backpack with an outfit, a toy, and toiletries. West

are in need of: Boys coloring books, cards and other games for olderkids...especially for boys. Thank you for your generous help!

Caring Hands group makes blankets for the patients at MidState MedicalOncology and the veterans at West Haven VA Hospital. Each blanket costs$15.00 and we include a copy of The Upper Room. Since 2014 we have given245 blankets to these people who have given so much and are in need of a warm“hug.” Please help us to keep this mission going with a small (or large) donation.Questions? Please contact Jan Richardson or Nancy Tracy. Thank you.

Unity House is a refugee house run by the South Meriden UMC. Your missionscommittee is providing three ways for you to participate. Change in the

6

Collection Plate. Loose change placed in the collection plate will be set asidefor Unity House. Unity Jar. A collection jar will be available in Rogers Memorialfor those that want to give a little more. Check. Checks made out to FUMCwith “Unity House”in the Memo line will be given to Unity House. Our goal andpledge commitment to Unity House as a congregation is $100.00 per month.

Briefs: The deadline for the June Parish Herald is Friday, May 25. We have openings for Altar Flowers May 6, 13, & 27 and all of June. If you

wish to donate flowers in honor of or in memory of someone please sign upon the poster in the Cloister at least one week before or call the Churchoffice, 203-235-9620.

Don’t forget you can access our Church Calendar on our website athttp://www.firstumcmeriden.com/events/ This calendar has the most currentschedules.

A Food Pantry is available at New Opportunities, 74 Cambridge St, Meriden.Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Thurs, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm.

Upper Room devotional books are available on the table by the kitchen inRogers Memorial. A small donation in the offering plate will help cover thecost. Large print copies are also available.

For the Comfort of Our Parishioners several cushions are available for use ifyou find our pews difficult to sit on. Please ask an usher.

Upcoming meetings: Education Commission, Sunday May 6 after worship...Unity House Monday May 7, 6:30 pm...Worship Commission, Thursday, May10 6:30 pm.... City Mission , Monday May 21, 5:00 pm. ScholarshipCommittee, Tuesday, May 22, 9:309 am

FELLOWSHIP HOUR

May 6 – Team 2: Stanley & Sharon Kapustinski, Brenda Daly, Nancy Tracy,Jan Richardson, Stacy Harris, Karen Harrison

May 13 – Team 3: Debbie Molloy, Novelyn Cosmiano, Susan Farquharson,Jessica Nelson, Steve Rittenhouse, Jennifer Janus

May 20 – Confirmation: Commission on Membership: JoAnn Myers,Chairperson, Juliette Buccilli, Michael Buccilli, Nancy Childers, NovelynCosmiano, Brenda Daly, Roberta Dolan, Kate Eglee, Joyce Ganon, Carmen

Garcia, Jan Gawlik, Allison Green, Debra Lippold, Evelyn Mills, RuthPetrucelli, Janice Richardson, Sue Winchel, Simone Keen, Maureen James,Christa Green.

May 27 – Team 4: Ray & Rosanne Knapp, Jim & Sue Kostuk, Debbie Lippold,Toni Merrill,

June 3 – Team 5: Nancy Coppola, Mary Alling, Kate Eglee, Bette Grasso, MaryLavado, Tracy Wodatch

June 10 – Team 6: Deane Poirier, Alison Green, Maurice Poirier, MaryEllenBrechlin, Trudi Schott, Mark Fancher, Lauren Rhines, Ellen Fisk.

Worship Leaders: May6 – Neil Lavado. May 13 – Gerry West. May 20 –Confirmation Class. May 27 – Sarah Uylaky

WITHIN OUR FAMILY

My sister Karen Barnes and I will be forever grateful to everyone whocontributed to the beauty and hospitality of our mother Martha Green'smemorial service on April 14. Sincerely, Alison Green

May BirthdaysLee McLean 1Adeline Kostuk 1Katherine Uymah 2Thomas Wodatch 3Bongai Akwenye 3Dylan Craft 4Kevin Merrill 4Jacqueline Partridge 5Santino Parisi 7Haley Lespier 9Danielle Britton 9

Lindsay Underwood 9Donna Timm 9Abigail Lespier 9Luette Hanson 11Thomas Petrocelli 13Myrna Spencer 15Jane Ashton 15Jacob Kapustinski 22Don Emond 22Shelby Doerfler 22Sonja Willhite 24

Ray Kopcza 24Christa Green 25Sandra Barse 25John Marquardt 29Ryan Molloy 29Steven Porsch 29John Mansolf 30Anthony DiPietro 30George Thomson 30Ellen Fisk 31

Births: 4/17 – Parker Peter Smith son of Peter and Alison Smith. GrandparentsWayne and Bev Smith

8

Hospitalized since the last Parish Herald: Rick Childers, Toni Merrill, DebbieLippold, Jim Mizell, Bruce Pomeroy

+ In Memoriam + Since our last issue of the Parish Herald, the followinghave passed into eternal life: 4/7 – Martha Green. 4/13 – Charles “Artie”Rule.

Adult Bible Study, Seasonally. Pastoral & Lay LeadershipBoy Scout Troop 52 Tuesday, 7:00 pm.Brothers in Christ 1 & 3 Saturday, 8:00 am, Parish House st rd

Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Thursday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 9:00 amChurch School Children’s Choir – 1 Sunday and Seasonal: 10:15 amst

Confirmation Class, alternate Sunday’s after worshipHandbell Choir Rehearsal, Sunday, 11:30 am. Youth Groups, Grades 6- 12 , Sunday, 1:00 pm United Methodist Women, 2 Monday of each monthnd

and Special Programs

ANSWER KEY

Across

1. The disciples had the big job of spreading the good news of Jesus’s (Life), death and

resurrection to the world.

3. Jesus said, “Go and make (Disciples) of all nations.”

7. That day, three (Thousand) people were brought into God’s family.

8. Peter ran out into the crowded streets and told everyone in their own language to “Repent

and be (Baptized)!”

Down

1. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they could speak new (Languages)

2. Who did Jesus say was coming after he left? (Holy Spirit)

4. What was another name Jesus gave to the Holy Spirit? (Comforter)

5. After a final lesson, the (Heavens) opened and Jesus rose up into the sky.

6. What appeared on the disciples’ heads? (Flames)

10

Kindly tear off and return to Church office. Thank you.( ) Please add/drop person below to mailing list ( ) Would like offering envelopes( ) Would like to join Church ( ) Changes in Address, phone, e-mail...( ) The person below is in the hospital ( ) Please pray for:NEWS FOR THE PARISH HERALD, COMMENTS, INFORMATION.

Signed..........................................................................................................

Mail should be sent to our 15 Pleasant St. Church office address. Please do notuse the East Main Street address. Our E-Mail address is fumc@snet.net Phone:203-235-9620

First United Methodist Church15 Pleasant StreetMeriden, CT 06450-5702