Stories that Changed the World: Parables of Jesus. Where the joy of life in Christ overflows Main Street Manchester, CT 06040

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1226 Main Street Manchester, CT 06040 1226 Main Street Manchester, CT 06040 Return Service Requested The CHALLENGE June 2013 - South United Methodist Church June Sunday Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m.

union served monthly 10:45 a.m. Sunday School For All Ages 11:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Wildfire Worship Band in the Café Communion served monthly June 9th One Service at 10am, picnic following June 16th Summer hours begin 9:30 a.

1 1226 Main Street Manchester, CT Main Street Manchester, CT Return Service Requested The CHALLENGE June South United Methodist Church June Sunday Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with Choir Children s Story in the Sanctuary Communion served monthly 10:45 a.m. Sunday School For All Ages 11:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Wildfire Worship Band in the Café Communion served monthly June 9th One Service at 10am, picnic following June 16th Summer hours begin 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship in Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the Café with Rev. John Marshall Where the joy of life in Christ overflows Contact Information: Church office: (860) Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00a-12:00p Tues, Thurs 6:00p-9:00p address: info@southumc.com Web address: southumc.com July/August Challenge Deadline: Sunday, June 16, 2013 SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 9:30a - Traditional Worship with Choir and Children s Story 9:45a - Sunday School for Nursery-Grade 2 10:45a - Sunday School for all Ages (Children, Youth and Adults) 11:45a - Contemporary Worship with Wildfire Worship Band June 9th 10a - One Service June 16th Summer hours begin 9:30a Traditional 11:15a Contemporary I N S I D E T H E J U N E I S S U E June Worship 2 SUMC News 3 June Calendar 6 Outreach News 8 Admin. Board 10 T H E C H A L L E N G E J U N E Stories that Changed the World: Parables of Jesus Jesus said, What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? (Luke 13:18) Dear Friends, Most people enjoy a good story! As a child, some of my favorites included: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. As a parent, it was a great joy to share these books with our children, who I discovered, loved them just as much. Through stories, children of all ages, can grasp timeless morals, lessons and truths. Jesus clearly understood this principle, as he used stories extensively to teach people about the Kingdom of God. The form of story most used by our Lord was the parable, a short illustration meant to convey a specific spiritual message. That this technique was effective is shown by what people remember of Jesus words. We may forget many of His claims and other teachings, but most people remember at least fragments of parables. In a time when the great majority of people were unable to read, Jesus told stories filled with memorable images. Long after hearing the parable people would still be reflecting on its meaning. In so doing, they would learn more about what Jesus came to announce the coming of the kingdom of God. God s kingdom, Jesus taught, is like, A mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. (Luke 13:19) A mustard seed is so small and seemingly insignificant that it is easily missed or overlooked. So to with God s kingdom: consider one child upon grasping that she is loved by God, decides to believe in His only Son. In many ways such an event may appear pretty Insignificant. And yet, if the young person sticks with it, we can imagine the people she might help, the lives that might be changed in the course of her lifetime. And it all begins with a simple little bit of faith in the heart of a child. Such is the nature of God s kingdom at work in a trusting human heart, there is no limit as it grows to the influence it may have in a life and in the world. It is my prayer that the seed of God s kingdom will continue to grow unhindered in our lives. May it be so that this seed of faith may grow into a plant that might benefit many others through our willingness to live out the good news message of Jesus Christ. Join me in worship this month as together we learn more about these simple stories of Jesus. In Service to Christ, Pastor John "It is my prayer that the seed of God s kingdom will continue to grow unhindered in our lives.

June Worship Theme June 2, 2013 Scripture: Luke 13:18-22, The parable of the mustard seed Focus Verse: Jesus said that the

lives. June 9, 2013 Youth Sunday, one service at 10am!

For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.

You won t want to miss this special Sunday in the life of our church!

Anyone interested in contributing in any amount to South Church's support of Lovendy, please write checks to SUMC and designate

U M C June 16, 2013 Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, The parable of the prodigal son Focus Verse: Let us eat and celebrate; for this

(Luke 15:23b-24) Theme: God is waiting for lost, hurting sons and daughters to trust Him and return Home.

man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy.

(Luke 10:36-37) Theme: Being part of God s kingdom means caring for those overlooked by most people.

change in Worship Schedule June 9th - Youth Sunday at 10 a.m.

(860) 647-9141 Office Hours: Mon Wed Fri 9:00a -12:00p Tues, Thurs 6:00p-9:00p Email address: info@southumc.

2 June Worship Theme June 2, 2013 Scripture: Luke 13:18-22, The parable of the mustard seed Focus Verse: Jesus said that the Kingdom of God, Is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. (Luke 13:19) Theme: The kingdom of God can grow from a small seed of faith to the point where it influences every aspect of our lives. June 9, 2013 Youth Sunday, one service at 10am! Focus Verse: Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, Let the children come to me. Don t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. (Luke 18:15-17) Theme: Children and youth from our Sunday School will help to lead us in worship. You won t want to miss this special Sunday in the life of our church! S Outreach Sponsors Child from Haiti Monthly support for Lovendy is $38. Anyone interested in contributing in any amount to South Church's support of Lovendy, please write checks to SUMC and designate Compassion in memo section. For more information Bill McGugan, runbillrun01@gmail.com, U M C June 16, 2013 Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, The parable of the prodigal son Focus Verse: Let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:23b-24) Theme: God is waiting for lost, hurting sons and daughters to trust Him and return Home. June 23, 2013 Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, The parable of the Good Samaritan Focus Verse: Jesus asked, Who was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise. (Luke 10:36-37) Theme: Being part of God s kingdom means caring for those overlooked by most people. Please note time change in Worship Schedule June 9th - Youth Sunday at 10 a.m. - followed by All Church Picnic June 16th - Summer hours begin South United Methodist Church Contact Information Church office: (860) Office Hours: Mon Wed Fri 9:00a -12:00p Tues, Thurs 6:00p-9:00p address: info@southumc.com Web address: southumc.com Facebook: facebook.com/southumc Twitter: twitter.com/southumc Text (SMS): (860) 281-SUMC [7862] P AG E 2 South Church Staff Pastor - Rev. John Marshall ext. 14 Director of Music - Earle Bidwell ext. 11 Interim Accompanist Jill Smith Director of Ministries - Terry Marshall ext. 15 Director Youth Ministries - Nick Adams ext. 13 Sexton - Ken Schaller ext. 20 N E W S Mark your calendars! Monday, August 19 Friday, August 23, 9am to noon. Children will be a part of fun Bible learning experiences they can see, hear, touch, and even taste!! VBS is for children who are Pre-K (potty trained) through finishing 5th grade. Registration forms are available in Reception Hall and Classrooms. You can download a registration from our website at: Assistant Sexton - Don Wilby ext. 20 Office Managers - Colleen Olbert/Patti LaForest ext. 10 Rev. Richard Thompson (retired) P AG E 3

The Story of Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministry where did it all begin? It dates back to 1974 when Kenneth C. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, was pastor of St.

3 The Story of Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministry where did it all begin? It dates back to 1974 when Kenneth C. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, was pastor of St. Stephen s Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Fresh out of seminary, his strengths and heart were in caregiving ministry, and he was looking forward to making a positive impact on his congregation and community by providing pastoral care to all those experiencing divorce, grief, hospitalization, discouragement, and other life difficulties. Very quickly, though, he found that the needs for care by far exceeded that which he alone could provide. He faced one of a pastor s greatest frustrations: seeing people slipping through the cracks because their urgent needs were going unmet. In November of 1974, he discussed the situation with two seminary friends over a cup of coffee. The conversation turned to Ephesians 4 and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Haugk realized that God didn t intend for pastors to monopolize ministry. Rather, God gave all his people gifts for ministry and one of his roles as pastor was to equip others to use their gifts in ministry. Haugk returned to St. Stephen s with a plan. In the coming months he recruited nine lay people who had the gifts and heart to do caring ministry. He then used his combined backgrounds in theology and psychology to develop a training program in Christian caregiving. By March 1975 the nine were commissioned as Stephen Ministers. Their first care receivers included a widower, a blind person, a young woman with cancer, a truck driver forced to retire early, and an inactive member struggling with faith issues. The impact was immediate. People began receiving the focused Christian care they needed. Fewer people were slipping through the cracks, and Haugk found he had more time to perform his other pastoral duties. The Stephen Ministers were surprised by the spiritual growth they encountered as they saw God working through them to bring love and healing to others. The story would have ended there, had not two of the Stephen Ministers cornered Haugk on a hot May morning after worship services. This is good stuff, they said to him. We re not going to let you go until you promise to bring this ministry to other churches! Still wearing his vestments and perspiring from the heat, Haugk gave in and agreed to find a way to bring Stephen Ministry to other churches. In November 1975 Haugk and his wife, Joan, founded the not-for-profit Stephen Ministries organization and began bringing Stephen Ministry to other congregations. It spread like wildfire. South United Methodist Church is one of more than 11,000 congregations from more than 150 Christian denominations that now have Stephen Ministry. These congregations represent more than 150 denominations and come from all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 23 other countries. More than half a million people have been trained as Stephen Ministers, a number that grows by tens of thousands each year. More than a million people across the United States, Canada, and the world have been touched by God s love through a Stephen Minister. And that is the mark of God s doing, because finally the story of Stephen Ministry is a million stories and more of caring ministry. Upcoming Youth Events All Youth in grades 7 12 are welcome June 2nd - 5-7pm - at South SUMC June 9th - Youth Sunday - **Youth Group 11:30am-1:30pm** - at South SUMC June 16th - Father's Day - No Youth Group June 23rd - Summer Kickoff - 3-5pm - at South SUMC June 30th - 3-5pm - at South SUMC Heifer Fair At Our All Church Picnic June 9 Almost 70 years ago, Dan West herded 17 heifers onto a boat in Mobile, Alabama, and shipped them to Puerto Rico, where they were given to families whose children had never before tasted milk. This was the beginning of Heifer International, a relief organization that from the beginning has been about giving the world s rural poor what is necessary for them to support themselves rather than making them dependent upon short-term relief. Heifers are young cows that haven t yet given birth, with a long life ahead of them to supply their owners with milk and calves. When Heifer International gives a family a heifer, it comes with the obligation on that family to make a gift of the first female calf to another family. Since 1944, when the first boatload of heifers were shipped, more than 12 million families in 125 countries have received livestock through the network of giving that Heifer International has built up. And it is more than cows. Heifer International gives poor rural families in the developing world pigs, goats, sheep, geese, llamas, water buffaloes, chickens, rabbits, and beehives, all with the requirement that the first offspring of these animals be donated to neighbors. And if the know-how to care for these animals is lacking, Heifer International ensures that the families are trained and provided with the necessary equipment to raise and make use of the animals it gives. At our Heifer Fairs over the past 10 years, members of South Church have raised money for Heifer International to help sustain it in this wonderful work. Here is a list of the animals we have provided during these last 10 years. 100 Flocks of Chicks 15 Flocks of Ducks/Geese 20 Hives of Bees 8 Planting of tree seedlings 9 Sheep 11 Pigs 9 Water Buffaloes 6 Schools of Fish 55 Rabbits 6 Llamas 15 Goats 6 Heifers (last year, we named them Emilia, Faith, And Margery P. Fizzlepipp!) Youth Summer Mission Trip When: July 7th, 2013 July 12th, 2013 Where: Lynn/Boston, MA Who: Students in Grades 8-12 Cost: $110 per student. $55 deposit due May 19th. Scholarships available upon request. Contact: Nick Adams. youth@southumc.com or (860) ext. 13 Another Mission Opportunity for Guys When: July 21st, 2013 July 26th, 2013 Where: Philadelphia, PA Who: Guys in Grades 9-12 Cost: $110 per student. $55 deposit due June 1. Scholarships available upon request. Contact: John Marshall. pastorjohn@southumc.com or (860) ext. 14 P A G E 4 P A G E 5

4 June 2013 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7:30am Men s Fellowship 9:00am Kingdom Creation 9:30am Knitting Group 2 9:30am Traditional Worship w/ Choir and Children s Story 9:45am Kindergarten, 1 st and 2 nd Grade Sunday School Class 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages (Children, Youth and Adults) 11:45am Contemporary in Café 5:00pm Youth Group 3 4 6:30pm Wildfire Worship 7:00pm Commission/Committees :00am Youth Sunday One Service 11:30 All Church Picnic 11:30am Youth Group 6:30pm Wildfire Worship 7:30pm Special Church Charge Conference 9:30am Knitting Group :30am Traditional Worship 11:15am Contemporary in Café 5:00pm NO Youth Group 6:30pm Wildfire Worship 7:00pm Lydia Circle :30am Traditional Worship 11:15am Contemporary in Café 3:00pm Youth Group 30 9:30am Traditional Worship 11:15am Contemporary in Café 3:00pm Youth Group :30am Men s Fellowship 9:30am Knitting Group P A G E 6 P A G E 7

T H E C H A L L E N G E Outreach News Rebuilding Together April 27, 2013 It was a gorgeous day for our 21 st year of participating in this town-wide event & we had a great group of (41) hard workers.

5 T H E C H A L L E N G E Outreach News Rebuilding Together April 27, 2013 It was a gorgeous day for our 21 st year of participating in this town-wide event & we had a great group of (41) hard workers. This year we met on Village Street & were joined by Home Depot, Rockville Bank & students from UCONN. We spent the morning painting, raking, mowing, trimming, & planting. It always amazes me how much we get done in just 4 hours! T H E C H A L L E N G E Outreach News South Church is Reaching out Through: Blankets for Mothers Day A recent from Boris shared that we had raised money for 450 blankets (that s $2250, a new record for our congregation). What a joy to see all those red hearts up on the wall and to think about all the lives we might touch in Jesus name. Stop Hunger Now We had a great time on Saturday, May 18 packaging up lunches for some 11,000 children. Earlier this year, we had raised the necessary funds; now we could enjoy the fellowship and lift up the hope. By the way, if you couldn t get here this time, the Ad Board has suggested that we might do it again next year, and invite other congregations to join with us. Watch for a date. Washington School Beth Lavalette led a group of our church members over to the school on May 23 to assist in a special program to encourage math and reading skills. We also provided free pizza to all children (and their parents) who took part, and free children s books which Judy Rohlfs had gathered up from a variety of places and sorted out for us. Crop Walk We received a thank you note from MACC for our part in the CROP WALK last fall. It went in part: Our 25% from the CROP WALK ($2,784) will feed 253 hungry families in the greater Manchester, CT area for an entire week each this month. MACC serves 700 families a month representing 1,300 people, so this money will take care of over a third of those we serve each month. Not bad for a walk we take once a year in honor of our world that walks an hour or more just to get their water each day. The other 75% went to Church World Service to feed hungry people all over the world. Many thanks to our SUMC team: our professional painter, Bill Bruno, Tim Ayer, Kathy Falce, Jake Falce, Susan Fritz, Boris Gerger, Clarissa Gerber, Linda Gregory, Kim Grehn, Karen Harley, Deb Horrigan, Bill Hyde, Matt Kendall, Jeff Lapworth, Jill Larmett, Max Larmett, Jeffrey Marshall, John Marshall, Marnie Meek, Randy Meek, Sheridan Meek, Judy Rohlfs, Janet Schmidt, Jeff Schmidt, Craig Thompson, Dick Thompson, Jane Thompson, Kathy Watson, Don Wilby & past & present members of Boy Scout Troop #47: Bill Arfanis, James Dusza, Jonathan Estrella, Jacob Fromerth, A.J. Gryk, Mike Lawlor, Ron Newport, Eric Ott, Richard Ott, Nicole Prasser & Rusty Prasser. Also, special thanks to Bill McGugan who graciously brought us a banquet when we most needed refreshment & Boris Gerber for all his help in organizing the Scout Troop. Look for a pictorial display in Reception Hall sometime in May that captures some of the highlights of our day and feel free to take any pictures that you like. Please consider joining our Outreach team on April 26, You won t soon forget the joy of giving back to your community. Pat Lapworth Outreach Commission Compassion International In case you have not yet heard, the child from Kenya that we have supported for years has graduated out of the program. We took a small offering at a worship service and sent him $100 as a graduation present. We now have a new child, a handsome boy named Lovendy Delva from Haiti, and you ll find information on him elsewhere in this newsletter. Youth Volunteers in Mission We understand that our youth are planning to head off this summer on two mission trips. The primary one is to an area north of Boston; the other is a program just for guys, in Philadelphia. We wish our young people, and their adult leaders, well; and we look forward to hearing all about their experiences. Some of their support, by the way, we think comes from the parking program for the Manchester Road Race, so thanks to all those of you who joined in on that day. Heifer Fair Coming up in early June. A great tradition of contributing toward an animal to improve some family s (and eventually, some community s) nutrition and well-being. Again, see more information elsewhere. P A G E 8 P A G E 9

6 SUMC Administrative Board Meeting April 9, 2013 Meeting Minutes In Attendance: Deb Grehn, Carol Goodwin, Bob Thulin, Phil Susag, Kim Grehn, Patti LaForest, Jake Beverage, Thelma Dickerson, Brian Mohr, Pastor Dick Thompson, JoAnn Thulin. Opening Prayer/Reading of Vision and Mission Statements: The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Chairperson Deb Grehn. Jake Beverage read SUMC s vision and mission statements and Pastor Dick offered a prayer. Acceptance of Outstanding Minutes: Draft minutes of the March 13, 2012 meeting were reviewed. One correction was raised the next meeting date referenced in the minutes should read April 9 instead of May 7. There was a motion (Kim Grehn, Jake Beverage) to approve the Ad Board s March 12, 2013 meeting minutes with the correction noted. All were in favor and the motion carried. Committee Reports: Member at Large: Jake Beverage provided an update on technology activities. He and Nick Adams have discussed technology needs/goals, roles and responsibilities, and certain areas such as data protection and privacy. They ve provided a report to the Trustees and they are working to build out a full plan, including exploring more ways to use technology for ministry. They should be able to present their plan at the next Administrative Board meeting.. New Business: Pastor Dick advised the group about a gap in visitation that has been highlighted by the Outreach Commission. Pastor Dick offered the following motion on behalf of the Outreach Commission: A committee be formed to address how South Church can provide visitation to those that are hospitalized and those who have been unable to attend church for an extended period of time. Deb Grehn read Pastor John s response to the proposal, including his support for creation of a work group or work team to address the visitation need. Various ideas were discussed by the group, and there was general support for creation of a work team. There was no formal vote on the motion. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The next meeting of the Administrative Board will be held Tuesday, May 14, Respectfully submitted, Carol E. Goodwin, Recording Secretary Treasurer s Report: JoAnn Thulin delivered the Treasurer s report for Bill Hyde, who was unable to attend. After not making a Mission Share contribution in February because of high expenses for Education and Stephen Ministries, a check for $13,516 was sent in at the end of March. This check, combined with our January contribution, results in total contributions of $21,143 or 31.7% of our targeted goal. All other invoices received as of the end of March have been paid. Bill will send Deb Grehn a copy of the March income and expense report, for further distribution to members of the Administrative Board, as soon as it is finalized. Seasonal Ministries: Brian Mohr reported that Seasonal Ministries is wrapping up for the year. Patti LaForest shared plans for a Harvest craft event in November, which will include making Thanksgiving centerpieces or something similar.. Trustees: Bob Thulin reported on activities with church properties. Replacement of the tile floor in Cooper Hall is in process, with Above and Beyond Company as the selected vendor. The steps at the front of the church have been reset and regrouted. Architect Rick Lawrence is proceeding with preliminary plans for the elevator. At Susanna Wesley Hall, a toilet leak has been addressed. We will likely submit an insurance claim for this. New Hope vacated Jesse Lee House effective 3/22. There was a subsequent break in and a 50 TV was taken. There was also damage to the back door. The security system for this property is now being assessed. Deb Grehn further reported items from Larry Fiano, who was unable to attend the meeting. Discussions of the Wish List of items presented to Trustees will commence in earnest at the 4/15 Trustees meeting and hopefully be concluded at the May meeting. The Trustees are awaiting a meeting with Conference representatives regarding permission to sell Oak Street and Jesse Lee House properties. Brian Mohr asked for a status on his questions about disposition of the 21 Hartford Road property. Deb Grehn asked Bob Thulin to ensure this item is put on the agenda for the 4/15 Trustees meeting. Member at Large: Phil Susag reported that United Methodist Eldercare may be interested in looking at South Church properties (Susanna Wesley Hall and Jesse Lee House) for a potential retirement living facility. The idea of a future open forum to discuss the possibilities was suggested by Pastor Dick. Pastor s Report: Pastor Dick stated that Mike Sullivan from Stop Hunger Now will be here Sunday to provide information on the May 18 event. The following Sunday, funds will be raised for SUMC-sponsored child Saisa Kutata, who has graduated from the Compassion International Program. Special Charge Church Conference Notice South United Methodist Church Tuesday, June 11, :30 p.m. In the Café We will be discussing the potential sale of 2 properties 371 Oak Street (parsonage) 48 Hartford Road (Jesse Lee House) If you have any questions or comments, please submit them in writing to Larry Fiano or Pastor John ( - pastorjohn@southumc.com.) P A G E 1 0 P A G E 1 1

Boldly speak, Boldly help, Boldly share!

Boldly speak, Boldly help, Boldly share! 1226 Main Street Manchester, CT 06040 1226 Main Street Manchester, CT 06040 Return Service Requested The CHALLENGE December 2013 - South United Methodist Church December Sunday Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m.