Inside this issue... April 2019

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April 2019 The United Methodist Church of Enfield phone: (860) 745-6241 41 Brainard Road http://www.umce.org Enfield CT, 06082 churchoffice@umce.

Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30PM Prayer Shawl Ministry: Wednesdays 9:30AM Men s Group: Thursdays 10:00AM New Church Office Email Address!

1 April 2019 The United Methodist Church of Enfield phone: (860) Brainard Road Enfield CT, Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00AM-Noon Sunday Worship: 10:00AM Service Sunday School: 9:00AM Children ages 3 - Adult Supervised Nursery: For infants and children up to 5 years Choir Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30PM Prayer Shawl Ministry: Wednesdays 9:30AM Men s Group: Thursdays 10:00AM New Church Office Address!!! Please update your contact information with our new church address: churchoffice@umce.org. If you have not been getting messages from the office, please check your spam filter! Inside this issue... Page 2.. Holy Week Calendar Page 3.. A Note from Our Pastor Page 4.. Birthdays/Anniversaries, Easter Flowers, Women s Bible Study, Men s Social Group, The Needhams Concert Page 5. S.O.N. Activities Page 6. S.O.N. Continued Page 7. Christian Education Page 8. News from Big Y, Special General Conference Update Page 9.. Prayer List Page 10 April Calendar

2 Palm & Passion Sunday - April 14 Palm Sunday Breakfast 8:30-9:45AM Please join us for this special time of fellowship. Worship 10:00AM Our worship service will begin in Fellowship Hall, with the proclamation of Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Then we will process together to the sanctuary, waving palms and singing. During the service, we will hear the Passion Story through a dramatic reading from the Gospel of Luke. Maundy Thursday - April 18 Soup Supper & Service 6:00PM This will be held in Fellowship Hall, and is one of two shared services during Holy Week with Hazardville UMC. Our worship will begin with a simple soup supper. Afterwards, the service will continue, and include Communion along with an opportunity to participate in foot or hand washing. Soup makers are needed please call or the church office if you are able to help. Good Friday - April 19 Prayer Vigil 8AM-12PM The sanctuary will be open for silent prayer. You are welcome to come for any part of the morning. 12PM-1PM Enfield Ecumenical Service Calvary Presbyterian Church (1518 King Street). The Enfield Clergy will be offering a service including a dramatic reading of the Passion story from the Gospel of Mark. 7PM Worship Service Hazardville UMC (330 Hazard Avenue) This is the second of two worship services shared with Hazardville UMC. All are welcome to come to this service of passion, reflection & darkness when we recall the last hours of Jesus. Easter Sunday Morning - April 21 Worship 10:00AM Come and celebrate the glory of the Resurrection!

A pril is finally, at last, here. After a long, cold winter, we eagerly wait for spring, for daffodils to bloom, trees to bud.

Just like a New England spring, we also await this year our annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year Easter falls on April 21 late! Just like a New England spring.

(Points to whoever can tell me which hymn that last phrase is based on.).

He entered Jerusalem triumphantly, hailed as a king with shouts of Hosanna! (Palm Sunday).

3 A pril is finally, at last, here. After a long, cold winter, we eagerly wait for spring, for daffodils to bloom, trees to bud. The length of our winter creates a strong anticipation of anything with color to appear in our drab brown landscape. Just like a New England spring, we also await this year our annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year Easter falls on April 21 late! Just like a New England spring. But also just like a New England spring, the wait highlights the anticipation of seeing once again the sun rise along with the knowledge that we serve a risen Savior, who s in the world today. (Points to whoever can tell me which hymn that last phrase is based on.). Sometimes we are so eager to get to the celebration of Easter after the long period of Lent, that we forget about everything that happened during the last week of Jesus life. He entered Jerusalem triumphantly, hailed as a king with shouts of Hosanna! (Palm Sunday). He wept over the state of people s relationship with God, continued teaching, shared a last supper with his disciples, predicted Peter s denial of his identity, prayed in a garden on the Mount of Olives (Maundy Thursday). He was betrayed, arrested, brought before the authorities, sentenced to death and crucified (Good Friday). Three days he lay in the dark of the tomb. Until he rose on the third day, resurrected in ways we still strive to comprehend almost 2000 years later (Easter). I encourage you to participate in one special service held during Holy Week. While Easter comes every year, every year we are at a different point on our faith journey. Our annual series of services during Holy Week provides you with a fresh opportunity to hear about Jesus faithful journey to the cross. This year we have a variety of options some are new! Please take a look at the description of Holy Week services, found on page 2. Choose at least one to participate in, as a way to say thank you to Jesus for his walk to the cross, a symbol of death. But for us, the people of the Resurrection, it s become a symbol of hope for Christ lives! Peace & grace, Pastor Janet 3

April Birthdays 9. Ally Tetro 11. Jeremy Hart 14.

Cole Boissonneault Don Kinney 16. Karen Piret 17.

Matthew Leduke 24. Holli Simmons 26. Don Griffee 28. Scott Shepherd 29.

is scheduled for the first and third Saturday mornings of the month April

Enjoy a wonderful potluck breakfast and great fellowship, followed by Bible

Using the devotional guide Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, the group

For additional information please contact Lorraine Creedon 860-749-0931 or

com We will be ordering Easter Plants from the North Thompsonville Fire

More information will be in the weekly office notes.

(860) 745-6241 or churchoffice@umce.org Thank you.

See Don Crouser for more information: (413) 596-4945 or Retiredgrey@msn.

Thursday, May 16, 2019 @ 7PM There is no charge for the concert.

We are having a reception after the Needhams concert!

4 April Birthdays 9. Ally Tetro 11. Jeremy Hart 14. Matthew Gagnon Brendan Kinney Mark LaBranche 15. Cole Boissonneault Don Kinney 16. Karen Piret 17. Doug Oakes Lynne Tracey-Thim 19. John Riley 21. Sue Peterson 23. Matthew Leduke 24. Holli Simmons 26. Don Griffee 28. Scott Shepherd 29. Ja- Happy Anniversary Don & Carrie Kinney Women's Breakfast and Bible Study is scheduled for the first and third Saturday mornings of the month April 16 & 20) at 9:00 AM. Enjoy a wonderful potluck breakfast and great fellowship, followed by Bible study. Using the devotional guide Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, the group reflects on the reading and scripture to share personal experiences of God at work in our lives. There is always plenty of food for everyone, so come and join us. For additional information please contact Lorraine Creedon or lacreedon@yahoo.com We will be ordering Easter Plants from the North Thompsonville Fire Department again this year! Look for the sign-up sheet in the entry way. More information will be in the weekly office notes. If you have any have questions, please call or Dorie in the office. (860) or churchoffice@umce.org Thank you. The UMCE Men's group continues to meet on Thursday morning at 10:00 for breakfast and fellowship. Great discussions and wonderful breakfast fare in the UMCE kitchen! See Don Crouser for more information: (413) or Retiredgrey@msn.com Join us for some wonderful Southern Gospel Music! Thursday, May 16, 7PM There is no charge for the concert. A goodwill offering will be taken. We are having a reception after the Needhams concert! If you would like to contribute by bringing or making finger food for this time of hospitality, please contact the church office (860) or churchoffice@umce.org Thank you! Dear UMCE Family, I am very blessed and humbled at the love and support you have shown to our family during the difficult time of loss we have encountered over the last six months. We have given back to God my mother, Dan s mother and most recently my father. Your kind words, hugs, phone calls, cards, meals and presence at the services have helped fill an emptiness in our hearts. May God bless you all abundantly, Dorie Justice 4

A thought for April 2019: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV Rejoice! Spring has sprung.

Let us give thanks for the wondrous cycle of life that we experience right here in our backyards. PALM SUNDAY BREAKFAST When? Sunday April 14, 2019 Time? 8:30 AM 9:45 AM What?

5 A thought for April 2019: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV Rejoice! Spring has sprung. Days are growing longer. Birds have returned to spend the spring and summer with us. Gardens, lawns and trees have the hint of green growth. This is a time to rejoice in God s creations. Let us give thanks for the wondrous cycle of life that we experience right here in our backyards. PALM SUNDAY BREAKFAST When? Sunday April 14, 2019 Time? 8:30 AM 9:45 AM What? Hot Pancakes and Sausage prepared by Don Crouser Quiche (including gluten free) prepared by Lorraine Creedon Baked French Toast prepared by Linda Thorn & friends Juice, coffee, tea, milk, etc Why come? Excellent food. Fantastic company. Coloring pages and puzzles will be available for our young participants. Get the date on your calendar. Join us! Last Sunday Activity Please let us know what you think about the Last Sunday Activities: January Chili Cook-off February Potluck March Macaroni & Cheese Bake-off Next is our SOUP COOK-OFF on April 28. PLEASE mark your calendar now! We need your vote on which soup is the best. If you wish to have YOUR fantastic creation in the cook-off, please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the entryway or contact Linda Thorn. Outreach Collection During March, we collected snack items for the Enfield Loaves & Fishes to use in the preparation of meals for the Educational Resources for Children. Information on this month s collection will be available soon via the church bulletin and office notes. For further information, please contact Linda Thorn or Lorraine Creedon. Pray for First Responders We have a basket with toy police and fire personnel figurines in the narthex. Please take one home as a reminder to pray for all the first responders that keep our community safe. Remember to say a pray for their skills and safety. 5

Communion Offerings Our communion offering for April will be directed to Enfield Food Shelf (EFS). This wonderful organization works to eliminate hunger in our community.

6 Communion Offerings Our communion offering for April will be directed to Enfield Food Shelf (EFS). This wonderful organization works to eliminate hunger in our community. We support their mission through our food collections, which are delivered monthly, special collection this month, and as a collection site during the USPS Postal Employees Food Drive. Many individuals from our congregation have donated their time and presence to help with sorting, fund-raising, taking blood pressure reading. Our gifts of love and service support their mission. Thank you for support of EFS. Next month s collection will be for the UMC special Sunday collection: Native American Ministries Sunday. Do you have your UMCE t-shirt? Remember the beautiful yellow shirt with the Methodist cross on it. Let s wear them to celebrate our faith during our mission and fellowship activities. If you need a t-shirt, then please see a member of the SON committee or Linda Thorn to get one! Join us in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and snack after church on every Sunday. Take time to relax and enjoy your church family. Enjoy the good company, good coffee, and good snacks. Share your thoughts with Pastor Janet, your church family and friends. Please remember to wear your name tag, so everyone will have an opportunity to learn our names. We will have a basket where you may leave your badge in the Fellowship Hall. Emergency Meals We have some special dinners in the freezer for emergency use. All are made with love and filled with prayers. Please remember this resource for anyone in need : friends, family, neighbors, etc. If you need a meal for yourself, family or friends in need, please see Pastor Janet or a member of the SON committee. Please let us know if the freezer is getting low on meals, so we will know when to start cooking our next set of meals. THANKS! If you would like to join this ministry, please see Linda Thorn about the next scheduled cooking day! Remember: All church members are welcome to attend the following: Parkway Pavilion Bible Study Monday 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM May you be filled with the joy by the blessings of spring, Linda Thorn Chairperson of the SON Committee 6

Christian Education News Experience and Discover God Everywhere Do you remember last year at VBS?

The music, the crafts, the props, the science projects, the snacks, the recreation, the lessons, the stories, the assemblies, the Missions,

It is easy to get carried away, when this church can work together with others to accomplish such a wonderful project of a weeklong Vacation

Well, we are going to have another VBS this summer. So mark your calendar!

both before, during and after the VBS. Consider how you might add to the wonder of VBS 2019. Contact Linda Thorn for more information!

information: (860) 741-3157 or LindaMThorn@cox.net Here are some of the roles that we need filled. Can you help?

7 Christian Education News Experience and Discover God Everywhere Do you remember last year at VBS? Rolling River Rampage and our good friend, Romper, the river Otter. How could we forget! It was fantastic. The music, the crafts, the props, the science projects, the snacks, the recreation, the lessons, the stories, the assemblies, the Missions, the Bible door, the river rapids down the hall, the enthusiasm.. Wow, I guess I got a little carried away. It is easy to get carried away, when this church can work together with others to accomplish such a wonderful project of a weeklong Vacation Bible School. This always is an exciting (and challenging) opportunity to introduce youth to the awesome wonders of our Lord. Well, we are going to have another VBS this summer. So mark your calendar! July 15 through July 19 = Camp EDGE at the UMCE We do need volunteers with many different skills and abilities to help with the many tasks, both before, during and after the VBS. Consider how you might add to the wonder of VBS Contact Linda Thorn for more information! Come to our April introductory meeting for more information and to meet our friend, Sparx (date to follow) or contact Linda Thorn for more information: (860) or LindaMThorn@cox.net Here are some of the roles that we need filled. Can you help? Role Leader Helper Assembly Leader 2 Puppeteer 1 Bible Storyteller Grades 1 3 Teacher 1 2 Kindergarten Teacher 1 1 Preschool Teacher 1 3 Music Leader 1 1 Craft Leader 1 4 Snack Leader 1 1 Role Leader Helper Recreation Leader 1 Mission Leader 1 2 Mission Craft (M) 1 Discovery Leader 1 1 Reflection Time teachers helpers Sign in and out 1 1 Director 1 1 Schedule Keeper 1 7

News from The Network and Big Y: your opportunity to help Following is a letter from the CEO of The Network Against Domestic Abuse: We are excited to announce that The Network Against Domestic Abuse

8 News from The Network and Big Y: your opportunity to help Following is a letter from the CEO of The Network Against Domestic Abuse: We are excited to announce that The Network Against Domestic Abuse has been selected to be a part of the Big Y Community Bag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment. For the entire month of April, each time a reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Big Y located at 65 Palomba Drive, $1.00 will be donated to The Network, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag. We appreciate the support you give, which has allowed The Network to maintain the work we do in our community. The Big Y Community Bag Program is a great way to continue to support our cause while working to eliminate single-use paper and plastic bags. Imagine if each one of our supporters purchased just ONE bag! Please spread the word and pass this exciting news on to your friends and family. Thank you so much for your continued support. Sincerely, Kathy Barron, CEO The Network Special General Conference 2019 in St. Louis From February 23-26, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church met to consider three plans proposed by the Commission on a Way Forward, a task force who examined the United Methodist Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality, and to explore options that help to strengthen the unity of the church. Three plans were considered the One Church Plan, the Connectional Conference Plan and the Traditional Plan. The One Church Plan was preferred by a majority of the Council of Bishops, would have removed restrictive language from the Book of Discipline that prohibits same-gender weddings in UMC properties and ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals, allowing congregations and clergy to respond individually. By a vote of 438 to 384, the delegates to General Conference voted to approve the Traditional Plan which maintains the current UMC Book of Discipline language regarding homosexuality, puts penalties in place for disobedience to the Discipline; and requires bishops, pastors and annual conferences to certify adherence to the Discipline. Another vote ( ) was held to send the Traditional Plan to the Judicial Council of the UMC (functioning like the Supreme Court) for their review and decision on the constitutionality of the plan. The Judicial Council will address the matter at its next meeting April The close vote on the main legislation with a difference of only 54 votes, highlights a church that s divided in its understanding of how to live faithfully in this time. Following GC2019, Bishop Devadhar (of the New England Annual Conference), sent an open letter to the people of the conference (link: ). The president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church sent an open letter to the entire denomination (link: s3.amazonaws.com/website_properties/news-media/press-center/documents/ COB_President_Letter_to_UMC_March12019.pdf ). Other news as it emerges can be found on the UM News webpage (link: ). While everyone wants to know what s next?, no one knows what s going to happen. But we have the model of our Lord Jesus Christ, who wandered for 40 days in the desert. Through all that wandering, he remained anchored in God s word and connected to God through prayer. As we wander through the wilderness after this divisive General Conference, let s follow his example. Please contact Pastor Janet, or Lorraine Creedon, Lay Delegate to the New England Annual Conference, if you would have questions or would like to talk. 8

Inside this issue... May The United Methodist Church of Enfield phone: (860) Brainard Road Enfield CT,

Inside this issue... May The United Methodist Church of Enfield phone: (860) Brainard Road Enfield CT, May 2018 The United Methodist Church of Enfield phone: (860) 745-6241 41 Brainard Road Enfield CT, 06082 http://www.umce.org Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00AM- Sunday Worship: Traditional Service