Advent Party. December 3 rd. All are welcome!!! During Sunday School 10 o clock service Gingerbread decorating, and Christmas crafts, Page 1 of 24

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1 Advent Party December 3 rd During Sunday School 10 o clock service Gingerbread decorating, and Christmas crafts, All are welcome!!! Page 1 of 24

2 Please welcome our brothers and sisters from the First Baptist Church on Dec. 3rd for a joint Communion Service at 10 am. This is also the day our Church School has their Advent celebration with fun for all. There will be a delicious luncheon served afterwards in the Parish Hall. Everyone is invited! Note: There will not be an 8:15 am service on this day. It will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the same hours as the Thrift Shop: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9:00 am to 12 pm on Saturday until just before Christmas. There are so many beautiful things. You must come and take a peek. You can do this after church on Sunday too. Page 2 of 24

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4 Call to the church to observe Global Migration Sunday on Dec. 3, Brothers and Sisters of The United Methodist Church, Grace and peace to you in the compassionate name of our Lord Christ Jesus. I write to you on behalf of our Council of Bishops to invite you to observe Global Migration Sunday on Dec. 3rd. This is the first Sunday of the season of Advent, a time when we remember the coming birth of the Christ child, who himself was a migrant. From Asia and Europe to Africa and the Americas, the plight of more than 65 million men, women and children, forced to leave their homes and migrate to places unknown, calls all Christians to remember what God requires of us. Wars, natural disasters, persecution, economic hardships and growing violence around the world are the major root causes of the unprecedented global migration we witness with grave concern today. As if these deadly forces were not enough, Page 4 of 24

5 Call to the church to observe Global Migration Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 (continued) migrants also face myriad problems including hazardous travel, cultural barriers and the physical and emotional costs of arriving in strange lands where they are not always welcome and they often face persecution. For most of these migrants, the decision to flee their homeland comes as a last resort effort to live. We are reminded of Joseph and Mary as they sought to save their lives and especially the life of the Christ child as they fled to Africa to escape the wrath of King Herod, who (threatened by the birth of Jesus) ordered the massacre of children (Matthew 2:13-14). As United Methodists, we believe that the prayers of God s people can cause the outpouring of God s mercy and justice. As your bishops, it is our fervent hope that on Global Migration Sunday on Dec. 3rd, United Methodist congregations in all the places we serve around the world will join our voices to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering the journey of forced migration. In addition, as a people who pray and act upon those prayers, we ask that all our congregations gather an offering dedicated to the human suffering inflicted by forced migration. Offerings collected should be sent to the Migration Advance No Page 5 of 24

6 Call to the church to observe Global Migration Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 (continued) We are grateful for our general agencies who have prepared excellent resources for Global Migration Sunday in English, Arabic, French and Spanish including the prayer that we ask all pray on Dec.3rd. Jesus said, When you welcome the sojourner, you welcome me. (Matthew 25:35) Let us welcome our migrant brothers and sisters with compassionate care, pray for them without ceasing and give generously that they, too, may have life. Grace and peace, Bishop Bruce R. Ough President, Council of Bishops _ A gift: Take the opportunity to invite someone to attend Church Services or Events during this coming Christmas Season. Perhaps a ride can be offered. Food, fellowship, music, education, and inspiration available at 2600 Main Street - share the "news"! Page 6 of 24

7 YOUR TRUSTEES AT WORK The Trustees are charged with being good stewards of the church s properties. We whould like you to know what has occupied our attention during In a subsequent issue, we shall outline upcoming and future projects. A big Thank You to the many persons who have helped us! Parsonage. Electrical issues were resolved and a new light fixture added; a broken picture window was replaced; the deck was cleaned and coated (long overdue); and the property was landscaped. Fire Exit. To be in compliance with fire codes, we completed a fire exit platform, walkway, and stairway from the Chapel. Home Depot provided materials through a Team Depot grant. Gym/Fellowship Hall. Completed asbestos abatement and installed new flooring. Dan Burns then assembled a crew that provided material and labor and gave that room a new coat of paint. Bell tower. Cleaned. We are seeking quotes to replace the Plexiglass in the steeple. Bathrooms. All painted. Plumbing issues addressed in two of them. Thrift Shop. Floor stripped and waxed. Cleaning services. Hired a new cleaning contractor, Morgan Janitorial, who services both the church and the preschool. Page 7 of 24

8 YOUR TRUSTEES AT WORK (continued) Roof leaks. Oversaw repairs needed for the preschool wing damaged by faulty roof repair. Exterior doors. Painted a nice Methodist red -- so bright and welcoming! Exterior kitchen stairs & walkway. Repaired as an Eagle Scout project. Energy audit. Audit completed. Work in process to improve outside lighting fixtures and interior lighting upgrades. We anticipate substantial savings on energy costs. The project is cost neutral and benefits are expected within approximately two years from project completion. Gardens. The Preschool donated leftover mulch to use around the church. Thanks, Beth! Exterior drains. All drains around the church and in the parking lot were cleaned out to prevent flooding. Stairs to Chapel entrance. Repaired and recoated. In Process: New signage to identify entrances for sanctuary and handicap access; refurbishing of Friendship Room with assistance of Bonnie Huey. Stay tuned for the next installment! Page 8 of 24

9 This year Advent, a season of preparation, begins on the first Sunday of December. A book that can be particularly helpful in your preparation is In Straw and Story. This book, by Joyce Miller, contains craft activities for children and parents. There are also stories, prayers, songs, and international celebrations and traditions. There are even a few recipes. Another book that will provide a craft activity for families is Let s Make a Jesse Tree. This book contains patterns for symbols similar to those on trees we see in many churches during Advent. For adults there is A Reader s Digest Book of Christmas. This book, published by Ideals, is a compilation of stories, poems, hymns, and reproductions of many paintings that all tell the story of Advent and Christmas. A story book for children about caring for friends at Christmas is Christmas Gift for a Friend. These Church Library books will be found on the small table in the Narthex. They can be borrowed by signing the card in the back of the book and leaving the card in the envelope attached to the book stand. As they are Library books, they must be returned. Keep it for two or three weeks and return it to the table. I will make sure the card is returned to the book so someone else can borrow it. Page 9 of 24

10 MISSION UPDATES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE United Methodist University in Sierra Leone Opens: After a year s delay, the United Methodist University in Sierra Leone is up and running. Orientation has been completed and students have started classes in earnest as they grapple with both the academic and social challenges. Located at Leicester Peak the highest peak on the Freetown Peninsula overlooking Freetown the new one-building School of Theology provides a serene atmosphere for learning. The paved compound is far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the elevation offers cooler temperatures in a country known for its humid weather year-round. The United Methodist University in Sierra Leone was initially proposed to start with four faculties nursing, theology, development studies and agriculture. The other faculties will be integrated as they become ready. [From an article by Phileas Jusu, director of communications for The United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone] Santa Rosa Residents Return to Ashes: The Rev. Blake Busick and his wife, Peggy, got a first look at their house and neighborhood just a few days ago after the worst California wildfire on record savaged their area. All that remains of their beautiful home is the brick archway. The striking thing for us was not just that we had lost a home, but we have lost a neighborhood, said Busick, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Santa Rosa. Every house in the entire neighborhood as far as the eye could see, except for one house, is just gone. Homes turned to ash, he said. Busick said more than 20 families in the congregation also lost their homes to the wildfire. Despite the damage to homes of so many members, First United Methodist Church of Santa Rosa opened its doors as a shelter for a week and a half. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has awarded an emergency grant of $10,000 to the California-Nevada Conference and the conference is assessing next steps for helping people recover. We remain in prayer for the communities impacted by Page 10 of 24

11 MISSION UPDATES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (continued) the fires and continue to be in conversation with the pastors who are giving excellent leadership in their communities, said the Rev. Linda Caldwell, Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Conference. [From an article by Kathy L. Gilbert, a multimedia reporter for United Methodist News Service.] Five Years Later, Sandy Cleanup Continues: Five years after Hurricane Sandy roared up the east coast, United Methodists leaders in recovery efforts recognized rebuilding efforts but also expressed concern for the work that still needs to be done. Long term recovery is just that it s long, and it wears on people, said the Rev. Tom Vencuss, Disaster Coordinator for the New York Conference. Bobbie Ridgely, executive director of A Future With Hope, the Greater New Jersey Conference s Sandy recovery effort, said people are surprised to learn recovery is still underway five years later. There s a tendency to think that it ll be all taken care of in six months, but it s a much longer process to get fully recovered. But there are still an estimated 2,000 families in New Jersey that have not yet finished recovery. The United Methodist Committee on Relief provided financial assistance through the conferences in the areas most affected: more than $3.1 million to the Greater New Jersey conference, almost $4 million to the New York conference, and $500,000 to the Peninsula-Delaware conference as well as support, expertise and training. The New York Conference s Disaster Recovery Ministries has assisted more than 1,550 families in relief and recovery, and provided some $7.7 million in direct client services, including volunteer labor, case management and goods and materials to clients. The conference also coordinated Volunteers in Mission relief and recovery teams, and provided disaster case management as well as emotional and spiritual care. UMCOR, the American Red Cross, churches and other conferences also have supported the efforts. With funds almost exhausted and the stream of volunteers drying up, the Page 11 of 24

12 MISSION UPDATES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (continued) conference will conclude its recovery program by the end of the year. But Vencuss says there are still families waiting to return to their homes. It s about relationships and a ministry of care. It s showing up and being there and letting people know they re not alone, Vencuss said. [From an article by Mary Jacobs, a freelance writer living in Plano, Texas.] _ Pumpkin Patch Committee & Volunteers: Daphne and I thank you for your commitment to a successful season. Because of you and our supportive community, we at SUMC will receive $2, in sales proceeds, $ in donations, for a total of $2, Because of all of you, the project goals were met and exceeded. Thank you, Daphne and Jerry. Page 12 of 24

13 SUMC s Neighborhood Breakfast Our Breakfast continues to nourish our neighbors in need every third Saturday of the month. As the Christmas holiday approaches, we are asking you to consider donating gift cards from either WalMart, Shop Rite, or Stop & Shop. These will be included in gift bags at our pre-christmas breakfast. Please help us bring a little joy to a needy family during this holy season. Gifts may be given to Ray or Jo-Ann Burrows, or left in the Church Office prior to December 15th. Page 13 of 24

14 Ask the Pastor Rev. Law will be answering questions about Christianity, the Church, and life. Please submit by to They can also be left with the Church Secretary. Question: Is it okay to be cremated? What does the church say about it? According to Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, the Director of Worship Resources of the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, United Methodists do not insist upon burial as the only appropriate means of committing our earthly remains to God, and so are generally open to cremation as a viable alternative. Burial practices are varied across cultures and have changed over time. While some Christian denominations in the past have discouraged or prohibited the practice of cremations, no such restriction exists in the United Methodist Church. _ Be sure you do not to miss this: There will be a special liturgy of Healing and Blessing during worship on December 10th. Page 14 of 24

15 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 TH. at the Stratford United Methodist Church 2600 Main Street (across from the Town Hall) Featuring the Holiday Boutique with: Handcrafted Items, Christmas Dishes, Centerpieces, Beautiful Holiday Decorations & so much more There will be a Cookie Walk at the Holiday Boutique directly after the 10 o clock service. ADVENT JOY IN MUSIC at 3:00 pm. Singing by the choir, wonderful organ music, and the Festive Ringers Bell Choir will play. Then there will be time for shopping in the Christmas Boutique, and another Cookie Walk, followed by a Delicious Dinner in the Parish Hall. Menu Fall Salad with Roasted Scallions Roast Pork with Apricot Honey Mustard Glaze with Rice Pilaf, Roasted Butternut Squash, Sweet Peas and a Festive dessert. $12 Dinner Donation (children 5 & under free) Dinner Reservations required. RSVP by Wednesday, December 6th, Page 15 of 24

16 The Christmas Pageant, presented by the church school children, will be held on Dec. 17th. There will also be a special Musical Cantata by Pepper Chapin, I HEAR THE PROPHET CALLIN, presented by the Choir. SUMC Youth Group will meet Sunday, Dec. 17 th, at 6:30 pm. Rev. Simeon Law will have a special holiday project, and it will be a great time of fellowship and fun. Page 16 of 24

17 Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, and the services will be held at 10 am, 3 pm and 11 pm. All services will be celebrated in the Sanctuary, and there will be Holy Communion at the 11 pm service. Come join us to celebrate our Saviors birth. Deliver some Joy: Once again, our Church altar will be graced with beautiful poinsettia plants at the Christmas Season, donated to "remember and to honor" loved ones. We will have our "Christmas Plant Delivery Board" in the Narthex to enable volunteers to deliver a plant to a shut-in or a person in a health care facility. Plants will be delivered after Christmas Services, and provide Christmas cheer to those who deliver and those who receive. Thanks to all who continue to participate in this Ministry. Page 17 of 24

18 Save the Time and Date: January 7, 2018 at 2 pm. Epiphany Tea Sponsored by the United Methodist Women An invitation to all the women of our Church to come for tea, fellowship, and inspiration. Page 18 of 24

19 Do You Want To See A Show? AMAZING GRACE January 19, p.m. Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT. Join the Connecticut District for a matinee performance of Amazing Grace on Saturday, January 19 th, at 2 p.m. at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. This sweeping musical-- centering on the life of repentant former slave trader John Newton, the hymn's 18th century author-- tells the inspiring story of how the beloved song came to be. The Connecticut District has reserved a block of discounted tickets for $46 each. To reserve your seat(s), please make out a check to: Connecticut District Council on Ministries. And please mail it to: Rev. Paul Fleck Hamden Plains United Methodist Church 15 Church Street, Hamden, CT Page 19 of 24

20 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ASSEMBLY WHEN WOMEN UNITE, BOLD AND COURAGEOUS ACTIONS HAPPEN. May 18-20, 2018 Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio United Methodist Women Assembly 2018 is a time for fellowship and opportunity to empower faithful women to be stronger discipleship leaders in their communities. Through moving worship services, inspiring speakers, immersion experience exhibits, and riveting workshops and town hallstyle meetings, members will leave the Assembly with the knowledge, courage and determination to change the world as part of a daring and compassionate 150-year-old movement. Registration is now open for Assembly (Early bird rate of $295 is available through November 30th. Why spend more?) Here is your chance to worship, learn, work, and share stories with thousands of United Methodist Women. Don t miss this chance to be inspired and to learn about the national and global mission of United Methodist Women. For more information: Go to: Contact Pat Knebel at pknebel@yahoo.com or Page 20 of 24

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22 To the family of SUMC Member Barbara Hagan who passed away this week on Tues., Nov. 7 th. A Funeral Service was held on Fri., Nov. 10 th, at Dennis & D Arcy. To the family of SUMC Member Dolores Rebstock who passed away on Nov. 5 th. A Graveside Service was held on Fri., Nov. 17 th, at the Lakeview Cemetery. Page 22 of 24

23 To those who collated the Good News mailed October 25 th, 2017: Barbara Hagan, Diane Troutman, June Evits, Barbara Piper. Cecilia & Howard Jack, Ruth Semanick and Marianne Card ALL ARTICLES FOR THE GOOD NEWS SHOULD BE ED TO OR DROPPED OFF IN THE GOOD NEWS BOX IN THE CHURCH OFFICE. THANK YOU! Good News Issue GOOD NEWS SCHEDULE FOR 2018 Articles Due no later than... Good News Mailed January/February December 12 th December 27 th March February 14 th February 28 th April March 14 th March 28 th May April 11 th April 25 th June May 9 th May 23 rd July/August June 13 th June 27 th September August 8 th August 22 nd October September 5 th September 19 th November October 10 th October 24 th December November 7 th November 28 th In addition to reading The Good News, bulletin supplements, viewing our website (sumcct.org), looking at our Facebook page, or checking out the local newspapers, there is another way to keep up-to-date on upcoming events at S.U.M.C. Call the Church Office ( ) when it isn't staffed (that would be after 1:30 p.m. weekdays and all weekends). Press 5 to hear a calendar of upcoming events. The recording is updated on a regular basis. Page 23 of 24

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