First United Methodist Church  P.O. Box 2664  Middletown, CT  06457    203-410-3221         Worship 10:00 AM Sundays
First United Methodist Church, Middletown, CT
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  • Home
  • What to Expect
  • Right for you?
  • Fellowship + Social
    • Adult Study Groups
    • Sew 'n' Sew
  • Get connected
    • Visit or contact us
    • Latest News >
      • For children + teens
    • Meet our pastor
    • Photos >
      • Have a passion?

January 22nd, 2021

1/22/2021

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Scriptures

Jonah 3:1-5,10

& 

Mark 1:14-20

Sermon Title

"Surprising Change of Direction"

​Pastor Barbara Marks
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This Sunday-In times of stress and confusion who do you call on? In this uncertain anxious world where is the light?  Is it time for a change? Turn your direction and follow the one who created you. There is a purpose! Thank you to Shawn & Melissa Roberts, Justine Guckin, and Tom Fisher for helping to present our Gospel message today. 
Pledge Cards? Pledge cards were mailed with a return stamped envelope. If you haven't submitted your pledge cards please do so...God is counting on you. Many need your support. 
Amazing Grace & St Vincent DePaul are always in need of your food items. You can drop them directly to Amazing Grace or  you would like to drop them at the church we would be happy to take them for you. Please let Pastor Barbara know if you do so. 
Lent is Coming! Stayed tuned for upcoming study!
Finance Meeting-Wednesday February 3 at 7pm. ​

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January 15th, 2021

1/15/2021

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Scriptures

1Samuel 3:1-10

& 

John 1:43-51

Sermon Title

“Your Time Is Now!”  
​Pastor Barbara Marks
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This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the National Day of Service in honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “through volunteerism in our communities.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday should be a “Day On, Not A Day Off.”
In Middletown, the Middletown Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown will be presenting the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Monday, January 18th beginning at 12:30 p.m. with a virtual service on zoom. The Meeting ID is 92853898676 and the passcode is mlk2021. The keynote speaker will be the Connecticut Commissioner of the Department of Children & Families Vannessa Dorantes, LMSW.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic there will not be a march in Middletown on January 18th according to organizer Brittany Hardy. She went onto say that “This program is our key fundraiser in honoring Dr. King's dream for equality and his stance on education. It also allows us to provide continued financial support to high school graduates continuing on to a higher education.” Donations to the scholarship fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 282, Middletown, CT 06457. If you have any questions about the virtual service or the scholarship fund, please send your queries to mlkscholarship@yahoo.com
For more information about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. please see the following websites:
https://www.dodea.edu/dodeaCelebrates/MLK.cfm
https://www.ushistory.org/US/54f.asp
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/march-on-washington
https://www.history.com/news/kings-letter-from-birmingham-jail-50-years-later
Enjoy the videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs&list=RDsmEqnnklfYs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAe4oyRkLdY
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January 10,2021

1/8/2021

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Scripture Readings

Acts 19: 1-7

&

Mark 1:4-11

Sermon Title

"Is the Power ON?!"
​
Pastor Barbara Marks
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UMC Laity Celebration is Saturday, January 16, 2021  10AM - 2PM  You may register for the Laity Conference at NYAC.com. It is on the homepage scroll, "Stronger Together."
 Several years ago we had an amazing turn out for our discussion on Same Kind of Different As Me. I believe the book below would be a great follow up, not only with the Conference, but in our local church. I am hoping to connect with Golden Hill UMC for future on line discussions.
The book discussion for the Laity Celebration and beyond is-
 Black & White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time, by Teesha Hadra & John Hambrick. 
There will be no registration fee.
 Looking forward to a series of great upcoming discussions!
​
Thank you to all who contributed to our family in need with beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts. Mom was overwhelmed by your generosity. Her mid-size SUV was filled to the brim with clothing, shoes, educational toys and books, for her four children. We were able to purchase gas and food gift certificates with cash that was donated.  JOY!

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Prayer for Our Nation
God of justice, love and hope,

So many Americans, and people around the world, have hearts that are saddened and minds that are in shock.
This country has been an inspiration on the right of people to self-governance, and yet on Wednesday all of that fell apart. American democracy has been a model for numerous countries and changed the course of world history. But today democracy is under brutal attack and we are in danger of self-destruction and implosion from within.
Help us to come together as a nation and realize that any political and ideological differences are negligible and can be overcome. Lead us as only you can to live in acceptance of each other’s differences and united by our common allegiance to you and to nation. Help us to go forward with a new determination to learn from our mistakes, to overcome our divisions and advance to being a better nation.
Please use the United States as an example of a country that is determined to become more compassionate, just and democratic. A nation where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream. A nation determined to promote peaceful engagement for all people.
Amen.   Written  Jimmie Hawkins
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January 01st, 2021

1/1/2021

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Epiphany Sunday 

Scripture

Matthew 2:1-15
"The Empty Manger"
​
Rev Ron Cox



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New Year 2021 will be Celebrated with Holy Communion this Sunday. Thank you Rev Ron Cox for sharing your gifts with us to bring in the New Year...keep following the star! 

​Reminder - Our UMC Laity Celebration is Saturday, January 16, 2021 
10AM - 2PM  
You may register for the Laity Conference at NYAC.com. It is on the homepage scroll, "Stronger Together."
 Several years ago we had an amazing turn out for our discussion on Same Kind of Different As Me. I believe the book below would be a great follow up, not only with the Conference, but in our local church. I am hoping to connect with Golden Hill UMC for future on line discussions.
The book discussion for the Laity Celebration and beyond is-
 Black & White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time, by Teesha Hadra & John Hambrick. 
You may order a copy from one of these vendors: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, etc. If you need help with this (or would like me to order for you) let me know...
  Note: because this will be a virtual event, there will be no registration fee.

 Looking forward to a series of great upcoming discussions!

​
Thank you to all who contributed to our family in need with beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts. Mom was overwhelmed by your generosity. Her mid-size SUV was filled to the brim with clothing, shoes, educational toys and books, for her four children. We were able to purchase gas and food gift certificates with cash that was donated.  JOY!
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