In this issue:Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Sunday School . . . . . . . . . 3Confirmation Class . . . . . . 3Youth group . . . . . . . . . . . 3Focus on Women . . . . . . . 4Men’s Notes. . . . . . . . . . . 4Choir News . . . . . . . . . . . 4Clean & Shine Day . . . . . . 5Ushers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Missions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Within Our Family . . . . . . . 8

September 2019

Dear First UMC Family Member:

The early morning air temperature at the Hansehome was 49 degrees on Monday 26 August whenI went running. It feels like autumn is on its way.Running by two elementary schools and a middleschool, I prayed for teachers and students who arestarting back to school.

While the warm, long, lazy days of summer arecoming to a close, summertime at 1st UMC Meriden

was busy, eventful, inspiring and life changing. Here is a synopsis of whatwe did this summer:

General Church Our leadership team met with DistrictSuperintendent Sylvester to discussdisaffiliation and ways we could faithfullyoffer ministry to all people regardless ofsexual orientation. In mid-July I met withBishop Bickerton, who shared with me thathe was working on a plan that might lead toa new and fully inclusive expression ofMethodism for the churches of the NewYork Annual Conference. I enthusiasticallyoffered our church’s support.

Newsletter of the First United Methodist Church

Meriden, Connecticut

Ric HansePastor

Because of voting irregularities – four 2019 General Conferencedelegates gave their non-transferrable credentials to four other people forthe disaffiliation vote – the 2019 General Conference policy ondisaffiliation was ruled null and void.

At an August training event for Cooperative Parish leaders (l lead theGreater Meriden Cooperative parish of the UMC) Bishop Bickertonshared his belief that United Methodism will look very different next July.Please be praying for Bishop Bickerton as he leads us to an expressionof Methodist Christianity that embraces and offers ministry to all peopleregardless or race, sexual orientation, cultural or economic status.

1st UMC, Meriden Youth and Families Advocate Position Filled In August, the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee interview teammet with three candidates for the Youth and Families Advocate positionwe created last year. Two of the candidates were truly extraordinary.After prayer and discernment we hired Ms. Roxanne Wilson, a socialworker who works at the Teen Center in East Hartford. Roxanne willbegin her ministry with us on Sunday 8 September.

Summer SundaysOur dual service summer schedule (8:30 and 10:00) was a wonderfulsuccess. The only Sunday that saw lower attendance than 2018, was 21July, when because of the heat we cancelled the 10:00 service. The 8:30Early Praise service will return next summer!

Youth Ministries After years of faithful service as our Youth Group Director, Jim Hazlettwill be retiring. During worship and Fellowship Hour on Sunday 8September (Education Sunday) we will celebrate Jim’s ministry. WhileJim is retiring from directing Youth Ministries, you’ll still find him teachingSunday School in his corner room on the second floor of RogersMemorial Hall. Thanks Jim ever so much for all you have done to growour youth in Jesus!

Bishop Bickerton’s 8 October VisitOn Tuesday evening, 8 October, Bishop Bickerton will enjoy time with thepeople of the Greater Meriden Cooperative Parish, getting to know us ashe enjoys conversation with the laity of our cooperative parish. Time ofthe event will be provided in the near future.

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Greater Meriden Cooperative Parish Church Conference Like last year, the fourteen churches of the Greater Meriden CooperativeParish will gather at 1st UMC, Meriden on Sunday 20 October at 2:00pmfor our Ministry Celebration, Reception and Church Conference. Pleasejoin us for this wonderful experience.

Bring A Friend Sunday 29 September Please invite a friend to church on Sunday 29 September. We’ll have agreat time introducing our friends to our welcoming, inclusive churchfamily, whose members are all about sharing Jesus and His love witheveryone.

Affectionately,

Ric

RESUME 10:00 WORSHIP

Sunday, September 8th we resume 10:00 amWorship.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

September 15th is the first day of SundaySchool. We are always encouraging more

parents and adults and help teach or co-teach our classrooms.

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Children in eighth grade and up have the opportunity to experience thepresence of Jesus in new and deeper ways as they discover what it means tolove and follow Jesus with all their hearts. Pastor Ric will lead this excitinggroup on Sundays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. There will be a parent/childorientation on Sunday, 29 September at 11:30 am in the Wesley Room.

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YOUTH GROUP

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our risen Lord;Youth group will meet on September 8th during coffee hour. At thattime we will be celebrating the ministry of Youth Group and it will be my timeto retire as Youth Group Advisor. It has been a privilege and joy to serve ourLord in this capacity for the past several years here at First United MethodistChurch in Meriden and the past 34 years in total. As always each youth holdsa special dear place in my heart, thoughts and prayers now and forever.In HIS Service, Jim Hazlett – Youth Advisor

FOCUS ON WOMEN

September is almost here and that means that UMW (United MethodistWomen) UNIT 4 will be gathering for their first Fall meeting (September 9th!)For those who may not know, Unit 4 is a group of women who meet togethermonthly for learning, mission work, fellowship and fun. Meetings are usuallyheld on the second Monday of the month and include a program and, of course,in typical Methodist tradition, tasty refreshments to share.

Unit 4 of our UMW (United Methodist Women) will meet Monday,September 9, for a Pot Luck Luncheon at 12:00 pm. All women are mostwelcome.

Save the date! UMW Luncheon Sunday, September 22. More info tocome.

MEN’S NOTES

Brothers in Christ: Bible study, support & encouragement. The goal is togrow in our responsiveness to Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives. We meeton the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, 8:00 am at the Parsonage, 185David Dr. If you have any questions or need additional information please seeHal Quigley. All men warmly welcomed.

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& CHOIR NEWS!

We are going to kick off our year with a dinner on Thursday, September5th, starting at 6:30 pm followed by a short rehearsal at 7:30. The choirdecided to contribute towards a prepared meal rather than bring a pot luck.The cost will be $6 per person. If you see Dorothy or Cindy over the next fewweeks, you can pay us. If not, you can pay us on September 5 th.

The choir will be singing on Sunday September 1st with a pick-up rehearsalon that Sunday at 9 am. Please be sure to be on time so that we can quicklyrun a simple anthem.

If you’d like to join the choir see Dorothy Barnhart, (860) 621-1653 ordbarn1@cox.net; or Cindy Lopiano, (203) 877-9665.

CLEAN & SHINE DAY

Don’t forget! Help wanted Saturday, September 28, forClean & Shine Day, from 8:30 am -12:00 noon! Pleasemark your calendars now.. Many hands make for lightwork. Whatever your talents, we can fit a job to it. Pleaseplan to join us for a morning of satisfying labor on behalf ofYOUR Church.

HELP WANTED

Ushers! We will train you. No pay, but the rewards aregreat. Some new teams and captains are needed as webegin the Fall season. Teams only serve every 10weeks. Won’t you commit to this important service?Call the Church office or our Usher Coordinator, JimSpencer, 203-679-2377. Thank you.

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MISSIONS

Red Cross Bloodmobiles: Wednesday, September 18, and Tuesday,October 15. 1:00 – 6:00 pm in Rogers Memorial. Giving blood only takesabout one hour and can save up to three l ives. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or make anappointment on the Internet at http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

Fostering Love. Children placed in Foster Care receive from 1st UMC Churcha backpack with an outfit, a toy, and toiletries. Thank you for your generoushelp! Most needed now: Backpacks and all supplies. Thank you!

FUMC Observes “1st Sunday” The Meriden Soup Kitchen cupboards arealways in need of supplies, and we can help! As we celebrate Holy Communionon the 1st Sunday of every month we ask you to bring in non-perishable fooditems as an offering of thanks to God for His great love. A box is in the cloisterfor your monthly ‘love gifts.’ Can’t come on a 1st Sunday? We’ll receive themon 2nd, 3rd,or 4th Sunday too!

Prayer Chain continues active and strong, and would love to be prayingfor your needs and desires. If you have a special need for prayer, please letour prayer chain coordinator (Holly Wishart) know so she can share yourburdens and needs with those who are on the chain. Please make certainyou have permission from the person(s) you are praying for, and then callHolly, 203-907-5725, or the Church office, 235-9620. You can also e-mailthe office, fumc@snet.net, if you prefer.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR

Some of our Fellowship Hour Teams are in need ofnew helpers. If you are willing to help host FellowshipHour once every two months please see StanKapustinski, (203) 213-2831, or Myrna Spencer,(203) 238-2704. Thank you.

Sept 1 – Team 3: Debbie Molloy, Novelyn Cosmiano,Susan Farquharson, Jessica Nelson, Steve Rittenhouse, Jennifer Janus

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Sept 8 – Team 4: Ray & Rosanne Knapp, Jim & Sue Kostuk, Toni Merrill,Sept 15 – Team 5: Nancy Coppola, Mary Alling, Kate Eglee, Bette Grasso,

Mary Lavado, Tracy Wodatch

Sept 22 – Team 6: Deane Poirier, Alison Green, Maurice Poirier, MaryEllenBrechlin, Trudi Schott, Mark Fancher, Lauren Rhines, Ellen Fisk.

Sept 29 – Team 7: Myrna Spencer, Karen Caproizzo, Linda Mizell, JimPearsall, Renee Pearsall, Mary Andersen

Oct 6 – Team 8: Ed & Nancy Peterson, Donna Oddie, Gerry West, Jim Hazlett,Sheila Mansolf, Ruth Petrucelli, Beverly Teixeira

Oct 13 – Anniversary Sunday: Commission on Membership: JoAnn Myers,Chairperson, Juliette Buccilli, Michael Buccilli, Novelyn Cosmiano, BrendaDaly, Roberta Dolan, Joyce Ganon, Carmen Garcia, Jan Gawlik, EvelynMills, Sue Winchel, and Christa Green.

Briefs: We have openings for Altar Flowers for September 8, 22, and 29. Ifyou wish to donate flowers in honor of, or in memory of, someone pleasesign up on the poster in the Cloister at least one week before or call theChurch office, 203-235-9620.564 Please take your flowers with youafter the 10:00 worship service.

Administrative Board will meet Tuesday, September 3, 7:00 pm in RogersMemorial.

Finance Committee will meet Sunday, September 8, 12:00 pm in the ParishHouse.

Commission on Christian Education will meet Sunday, September 8,11:00 am in the Wesley Room.

The Deadline for the October Parish Herald is Friday, September 20. TheHerald will be mailed Thursday, September 25th, 9:00 am from the Churchoffice. Help is welcomed to collate and label.

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.

FUMC Facebook Page: Take a minute to “like” it and “share” items ourFacebook page. If you would like something posted (advertisement of

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church events, meeting time, photos etc.,) please contact the church officeat fumc@snet.net.

Join us on the web! Www.firstUMCmeriden.com Better still it is smartphone friendly. This is a wonderful new way for us to grow closer to Jesusand each other as a Church Family. Be sure to check it out!

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

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. There isalso a food pantry (Ted’s Pantry) and breakfast at St Andrew’s Church,20 Catlin St on the 3rd Saturday of each month (next - February 16).Breakfast is at 10:00 am.

WITHIN OUR FAMILY

A note received for Caring Hands: Dear ladies – Thank you so much forthe beautiful lap blanket I received at MidState Hospital. I know it will beput to good use, as the cold weather approaches. The good work that al l ofthe ladies do is so much appreciated. Thank you once again and may GodBless You all. Sincerely, Nancy

Hospitalized since the last Parish Herald: Roger Fancher, Lillian Schultz,Evelyn Mills, Doreen Ellison, Norma Osborne, Dawn Szacik.

+ In Memoriam + Since our last issue of the Parish Herald, the followinghave passed into eternal life: Pastor Ric officiated at the memorial servicefor Iona Johnson on 7/6

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September Birthdays

Sara Mergel 1Sara Porter 1Leah Ryan 1Marc Spencer 2Roberta Dolan 2Sheri Kroll 3Kendra Henderson 3Eloise Woods 3Courtney Walton 3Julia Kovach 3Luke Henderson 4Natalie Timm 6Jessica Fancher 9Nancy Peterson 9Jeanie Duddie 10Donna Marquardt 10

Justin Lavoie 11Madison Gianotti 11Daniella Smith 11Henriee Quaye 12Sharon Kapustinski 13Rebecca McNeill 13Sandra Gawlak 15Pamela Levesque 15Barry Spencer 17Ray Knapp 17Rachel Quaye 17Everly Willhite 18Ashton Knapp 18Amy Aikin 19Andrew Wodatch 19Jim Teagle 21

Nicholas Koff 21Jim Pearsall 21Bette Grasso 21Megan Carter 22Leila Timm 22Amy Coppola 23Chris Lavoie 23Shawn Lavoie 23Gene McLean 24Carmen Garcia 24Tammy Fields 25Anthony DeRosa 26Madelyn Rhines 28Debra Tomasino 28MaryEllen Brechlin 29Ella Kostuk 29Lilyonna Carlson 29

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Coloring page

Adult Bible Study, Seasonally. Pastoral & Lay LeadershipBoy Scout Troop 52 Tuesday, 7:00 pm.Brothers in Christ 1st & 3rd Saturday, 8:00 am, Parish House Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Thursday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 9:00 amChurch School Children’s Choir – 1st Sunday and Seasonal: 10:15 amConfirmation Class, alternate Sunday’s after worshipHandbell Choir Rehearsal, Sunday, 11:30 am. United Methodist Women , 2nd Monday of each

month and Special ProgramsWorship Service & Church School at 10:00 am

Sunday - Nursery provided.Web Site: www.FirstUMCMeriden.com

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