The Messenger

First & Wesley United Methodist

Church

89 Center Street

West Haven, Connecticut 06516

203-933-8795

June 2016

We have just begun the season of Post-Pentecost which will continue until the end of November.

What do we Christians celebrate during the long season of Pentecost? One of the main

celebrations is the coming of the Holy Spirit into each of us.

At the table with his disciples for their last supper, Jesus tells them that he is going away. He is

going to die on a cross. Therefore, what should be a joyous Passover meal is becoming a sad last

meal before a terrible departure. As Jesus leaves his disciples, he tells them that he will not leave

them alone. He will leave, but he will give them the Advocate. He promises them the gift of the

Holy Spirit and fulfills the promise at the day of Pentecost.

Have you ever met the Holy Spirit, the Advocate? I believe you have. In Greek, the advocate means literally “to call

alongside.” The advocate is one called alongside of us. It is translated into “helper,” “counselor,” “comforter,” or

“instructor.” Jesus promises his disciples the one who will be called to walk with them wherever they go. It is the Holy

Spirit, the Advocate.

Some years ago, my wife, Hyeonjin, and I took a trip to Quebec City in Canada. There, we visited the city museum,

exhibiting some famous paintings of Impressionism. Among them there were the paintings of Edward Monet and Henri

Matisse. However, unfortunately, I could not understand any of their paintings. I was bored, but I realized that the audio-

guide was available. It was good news, especially for me who had no idea about Impressionism.

I was given a headphone and an audio-player. Wherever I went, the audio-guide was with me. As soon as I pushed the

button, the audio-guide explained everything about each painting, such as why the painting represents Impressionism,

what situation the artist was in, what the artist tried to express through the painting, and so on.

That is what Jesus promises us. When we go through a tough time in our lives, we do not know which way we should go.

In our pain, we have asked questions like, “Where is God! Does God care about me?” Then, through the Holy Spirit, we

experience the presence of God. Then, we say, “Yes, now I know. God loves me. God is not far from me! I can go on!”

After experiencing the Holy Spirit, we say, “Now I remember! For a while, because of my troubles, I almost forgot. Now

I remember, I am a child of God, precious to God, held by God in loving embrace. Thank God that Jesus has called the

Holy Spirit to walk alongside me.”

During the season of Pentecost, let us remember Jesus’ promise, “I will not leave you as orphans!” To stand with us,

speak to us, teach us, and remind us, God has sent us the Holy Spirit, the Audio-guide. We give thanks to God for letting

us experience the Holy Spirit! Amen.

Sungmu Lee

Lectionary Readings for June 2016

June 5, 2016 1 Kings 17:8-16, (17-24) and Psalm 146 • 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Psalm 30 • Galatians 1:11-24 • Luke 7:11-17

June 12, 2016

1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21a and Psalm 5:1-8 • 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15 and Psalm 32 •

Galatians 2:15-21 • Luke 7:36-8:3 June 19, 2016

1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a and Psalm 42 and 43 • Isaiah 65:1-9 and Psalm 22:19-28 • Galatians 3:23-29 • Luke 8:26-39

June 26, 2016

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 and Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 • 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 and Psalm 16 • Galatians 5:1, 13-25 • Luke 9:51-62

PRAYER GROUP

The Prayer Group will meet-first Tuesday in June (7th) from 10:00 AM to noon. Please come and join with

us for a time of fellowship, spiritual study, and prayer time.

This group will meet at Thelma and Richard Reid's home, 101 Bellevue Avenue, West Haven.

All are welcome to come and enjoy fellowship one with another!

*******************************************

(Genesis 28:16: Jacob made a powerful and poignant statement that has resounded across the ages. "Surely

the Lord is in this place - and I did not know it.” The modern - day version of that statement would sound

something like this: "God was here, and I was out to lunch." In other words, God comes near to us, but we

are so busy, so preoccupied, so set in our ways or so caught up in our own agenda that we don't recognize

that we don't recognize God: we don't realize it when God is here. But God's love is the most powerful thing

in the world! When we turn ourselves toward Jesus Christ and learn that love is the answer, love is the way,

love is what God wants, we can live each day-every moment-aware that we are in God's presence. (From

Booklet "God Was Here & I Was Out To Lunch...written by James Moore, pastor United Methodist Church

in Texas.)

June 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 Church Café

10:00am

Adult Choir

7:00pm

3

4

Prayer Vigil

9:00am-1:00pm

5

Services 10:30am

Coffee Hour 11:30am

No Youth Group

6

Mission

Meeting

7:00pm

7 Prayer Group

101 Bellevue Ave

10:00am- 12:00pm

Junior Choir

5:15-6:00pm

Memorial Committee

Meeting 7:00pm

8

New York Annual

Conference at

Hofstra University

June/8-11

9

Church Café

10:00am

Adult Choir

7:00pm

10

11

Pasta Dinner /

Dessert Auction

5:30pm

12 Services 10:30am

Children’s Sunday

I/M Youth

6:00pm – 7:30pm

13 14

Junior Choir

5:15-6:00pm

Finance Committee

7:30pm

15

Bible Study

7:30pm

16

Church Café

10:00am

Adult Choir

7:00pm

17

18 Painting day for VBS

from 9am to 12pm.

Please consider coming

for a fun day of

painting to create our

fantastic decorations for

VBS!!

19 Father’s Day

Services 10:30am

Coffee Hour 11:30am

Worship Committee

20 21

Junior Choir

5:15-6:00pm

22

Bible Study

7:30pm

23

Church Café

10:00am

Adult Choir

7:00pm

24

25

26 Summer Services

9:30am

Recognition of the

Confirmands

Anointing & Laying on of

Hands

Council Meeting 11:00am

Coffee Hour 10:30am

27 28

Junior Choir

5:15pm-6:00pm

Trustees Meeting

7:00pm

29

Bible Study

7:30pm

30

A Big Thank You!!

I want to thank everyone who worked to make Pancake Day such a wonderful success!

I want to thank all my crew members: Joe DelFranco, Jim Stuhlman, and Wendy Memmott for flipping all

the pancakes; Ralph Lawson and Marissa deNicolo for stirring the mix; Abe McKim for keeping those plate

moving out of the kitchen; Julianna deNicolo who help to put everything away at the end, Mary Hickman

and Jim Ammon and for keeping the tables clean and set; and Doris Hunter and Mary Kiesinger for

collecting and selling tickets.

Thank you also goes to Chris Latham who took care of the baked goods and Judy Juzwiakowski for selling

the books (she does a wonderful job of keeping the books sorted and in order throughout the year) and Beth

Ammon and Kathy Hulse for a wonderful job selling all those plants.

I can’t say thanks enough to Richard Memmott and Ray Memmott who went with me to Glendale Farms in

Milford to help hand pick all the plants and flowers. Beth Ammon for helping with the wonderful display to

catch the eye to help sell all the plants; and then sells them on Saturday and Sunday.

I also want to thank Jackie McKim and Beth Ammon who count the money at the end. That is not an easy

job. This year we made a total of $1663.50. Great job done by all!

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who came out to eat pancakes, buy books, baked goods, plants and enjoyed

the wonderful company of old and new friends.

Thanks to everyone!

Linda Memmott, Chair

LET US BE UNITED

Many of us are concerned about the future of our nation and its ability to meet the needs of all of our citizens.

We have the human desire to accumulate wealth, which we respect, and at times couple this desire with a deep

compassion for others. The question remains: How much should we try to do? At this time there is quite a

division in our government as to what is proper.

Perhaps it would be better if our elected officials were seated in Congress according to the state which they

represent rather than being seated according to their party. At least they should be better able to communicate

with one another. Abraham Lincoln, our former president once said, “A house divided against itself cannot

stand”. (See Matthew 12:25). There are moral values in religious literature which can aid us in making fair,

rational and equitable decisions which can improve our quality of life. We might ask the questions: “To what

extent do some of our economic policies embrace the biblical precept of unconditional love?” “Can a

country, regardless of its form of government, be stronger than the character of its citizens?” Like previous

generations, we are living in troubled times, (See Hosea 4:1-5). We aspire to a place of security and

contentment. Sometimes it seems out of reach.

In my opinion the only solution is to accept and to practice the wholesome principles found in scripture.

Times change but people do not change. We are always in need of spiritual guidance.

Suggested scripture: Micah 4:1-5 Benson A. Benton, Sr.

Missions and Outreach

At the meeting held at 7:00pm on Monday, May 16, 2016 we discussed the following completed projects:

The baby layettes which were assembled at the UMW Spring Day Apart on Saturday, April 16, from items

that we collected since January. The socks and other needed clothing items that are needed by Columbus

House in New Haven that we have also collected since January.

We also discussed fundraising to support our 6 UMARMY participants. We have raised nearly $500 with

the sale of the lovely inspirational CDs that Helen Smith made available to us. These are still on sale for $20

each during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall following Sunday services. We are planning a Pasta

Dinner/Dessert Auction for 5:30pm on Saturday, June 11. Please come join us to support our youth, and

enjoy a pasta supper with salad and beverages, and bring a dessert that you would like to auction off

following the dinner. This gives all of us a chance to show off our skills as bakers. Everyone has a dessert

that they are especially proud of, so come and bring it!! The tickets will be $8 for adults and $5 for children

10 and younger. If possible, please let the Missions & Outreach committee know whether you plan to

attend, so we can plan food accordingly.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, June 6, 2016 to finalize plans for the Pasta Dinner/Dessert Auction

and discuss the Guidelines booklet. All mission project suggestions are welcome, and everyone is welcome

to attend our meetings.

Please save the date of June 26th, at 11am for our next Council meeting

All are welcome to attend and Council meeting and committee Chairs are expected to send in reports ahead

of the meeting.

In disciple-making, we will work to

1. Make our Church Spiritually inclined while increasing Communication and Visibility

We will work to

2. Increase Attendance and Strengthen our Church Community

We will work to

3. Provide Internal/External Leadership Training

We recognize that

We can do these and “all things through Christ who strengthens us” Philippians 4:13

Draft Agenda for June Meeting will include updates from the following:

- Worship Committee (includes: worship leaders, greeter’s ministry, flowers, prayer notes, coffee hour)

- Music Ministry

- Ushers, Altar Guild and Communion Stewards

- Nurture, Outreach and Witness

- Missions Committee (includes: Social Concerns, CoNAM and Public Events)

- Bible Study and Adult Education

- Lay Servants

- Membership and Evangelism

- Communications (Publicity, Website and the Messenger)

- Children’s Ministry

- Sunday School

- Youth (Methodist Youth Fellowship)

- Vacation Bible School

- Finance Committee and Treasurer

- Memorial

- Stewardship

- Trustees

- Lay Leader

- Staff-Parish Relations

- Pastor’s Report

If you have an agenda item to include, please do let Nana know.

Please, Save the Dates ~ September 9th & 10th

Come and have your picture taken for our new pictorial directory.

Friday hours are from 2:00pm - 9:00pm with Saturday photos beginning at 10:00am.

Additional information on how to schedule your appointment will be available in the coming months.

We are hoping to include everyone.

If you can assist in anyway please see Kathy Hulse, Chris Latham or Linda Memmott.

Youth Choir There is no news for Youth choir - we will start rehearsals again in September.

Youth Group News - Our meetings have ended until September. Four Senior High

youth, Derek Baker, Anna Bartozzi, Marissa deNicolo, and Hannah Werle, will be attending

UMARMY from July 10th-16th. Becky Baker and Helen Smith will be going as well as adult

supervisors. The cost is $300 a person and we need people to help financially support our youth in this

mission project. Please consider helping out.

Thank you!

Painting Day

June 18th will be painting day for VBS from 9am to 12pm.

Please consider coming for a fun day of painting to create our fantastic decorations for VBS!!

Vacation Bible School

Sunday July 24th to Thursday 28th

Pre-k - 6th Grade

Dinner 5:30

Program starts at 6:00

If you need any other information for the program, would like to volunteer or make a donation

please see Jen Werle.

Fundraiser

Just a reminder that Dave Smith is selling Stop

and Shop cards to members and friends of First

and Wesley. Whether for buying groceries or to

give as a gift, as an added bonus, you can earn

Stop & Shop gas rewards for every $1 spent on

gift cards.

It is hard to believe that more people don’t take

advantage of this marvelous way to raise money

for the church. If you buy a gift card from Dave

Smith you get the full face value at the register

and Stop & Shop sends a percentage to the

church. It couldn’t be simpler and it doesn’t cost

you a dime. The church raised over $500.

Pennies From Heaven

The Native American Penny Collection is ongoing to

provide very much needed food and fuel. Please help

the Sunday school students by giving them your loose

change each week to support those in need.

Coffee Hour

“Coffee Hour ~ we are always looking for

kindhearted souls to take a turn at serving coffee

after church. Meet your friends to chat in a

relaxed atmosphere. A sign-up sheet is available

in Fellowship Hall. You can also sign up online

on our website,

www.firstwesleyumc.org/Forms.html

The winter volleyball

session went well, with no

injuries to report! It is

over in May and we will

start over in November.

Thank you, Laurie

Adult Sunday School

In February the Adult Sunday

School Class will continues

the book, Faith is the

Answer, But What Are the

Questions? Come join us in

Kendall Hall each Sunday

morning at 9:15 for a

delightful, insightful, and

thought provoking

discussion.

Congratulations!

Isaiah will be promoted to the 2nd

Grade. He also participated in the After School Arts Program.

Congratulations Isaiah!

Steven and Gregory are graduating from Carrigan Middle School, 6th

Grade.

Congratulations Steven and Gregory!

Geoffrey Hulse is a Graduate of the Class of 2016 from

Southern Connecticut State University.

Congratulations Geoffrey!

Sunday School

May 29 is the last class for Sunday school.

We will celebrate the children and teachers on June 12 during our church service.

Deep Blue Sunday School Classes and the Submerge Sunday School Class:

In May our theme for Sunday school was “I can help spread the Good News.”

Sunday school students got to listen to and read stories about Pentacost and sharing the good news.

“Come to the Mountain” CD Sale: Fundraiser for UMARMY participants

Sundays | following the 10:30am services

The Mission Committee and the UMARMY (United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth)

participants are selling CDs, courtesy Helen Smith and her summer music workshop. These are being

sold for $20 each in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday services, and all proceeds will go toward

sponsoring 4 youth and 2 chaperones ($300 each) for a week-long mission work week in Torrington, CT

from July 10th through July 16th. Also, if you wish to just donate money for this group, contact Chris

Latham.

June Birthdays 2 - Jenny Santamauro

Arlyn Memmott

6 - Judy Wetmore

8 - Shirley Pyrdol

9 - Courtney Skipper

12 - WilmaWhitley

14 - Greg Hulse

Phoenix Chan

16 - James McGregor

17 - David Smith

18 - Lauren Heafy

21 - Joshua Braacker

23 - Kelli Jackson

24 - Linda Memmott

Anthony Sablone

25 - Richard Reid

27 - Christine Chan

29 - Mary Kiesinger

Thelma Reid

June Anniversaries

1 - Susan and Mark Cascio

7 - Thelma and Rich Reid

Jim and Sharon Ewen

17 - Cynthia Dodd and Joseph Maltese

25 - Lynne and John Ryerse

If you would like to include someone for birthdays or

anniversaries please see below. Example- name

change, address change, marriage, birth, death, etc.

Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com or send to church

office.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Articles for the May Newsletter are due

by June 20th. Please mark your calendars.

EVERYONE IS A REPORTER If you give me the- who, what, when, where and

why, I will write your article for you - Email to

dollar.signs@snet.net or call 203-213-6363 and

leave a message Please send me your email address

to speed up delivery of the newsletter.

Thank you, Bill Hunt

Pastors

Discretionary

Fund:

Please consider giving a “Love Offering” to Pastor’s

discretionary fund. You may place your gift in the

container on the back table of the sanctuary. If you

wish to write check to the church, please write

“Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” in the memo section.

Tell us if you have a member information change:

example- name change, address change, marriage,

birth, death, etc.

Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com or send to

church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer Shawl meets the second Tuesday of every

month at the home of Chris McGregor or Linda Kopec.

If you would like to give a shawl to someone, please

see one of the members: Linda Kopec, MaryAnn

Hawkes, Edith Mulligan, Sue McMillian, Sharon Ewen

or Chris McGregor.

Alternately, there are blessed shawls in the church

office as well as letters to go with them and gift bags.

If you take one, please leave a note with the name of

the recipient. We try to keep a list so that we know

how many shawls have been given to friends.

If you don't knit but would like to be part of this

ministry, we would be happy to accept donations

toward the purchase of yarn. If you would like to

choose the yarn yourself, three skeins of Lion Brand

Homespun are needed for each shawl.

Thank you!

The Messenger First & Wesley United Methodist Church

89 Center Street West Haven, CT 06516

Phone (203) 933-8795

www.firstwesleyumc.org

Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com

Reverend Sungmu Lee

Sunday School 9:15

Sunday Worship Times: 10:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

The June Newsletter