July 2, 2017
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
​
Sermon
"No, Please, Not That God!"

by
Barbara Marks, Pastor
 
Please join us for worship
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  

 at

The Elk’s Lodge
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT 

~
Scripture:

Matthew 10:40-42
 &
Genesis 22:1-14

​
Announcements

Thank you Pepi Capezzone, singer/songwriter, for sharing your gift of music with us this morning.
 
Christ Chapel MINGO County Mission Trip 2017  - Mingo County is one of the poorest counties in the Appalachian Mountains region of our country in West Virginia.  From July 30th – August 6th, David Hurlburt with a team of 14 (11 high schoolers and 3 leaders) will be going to help the people there who are in poverty and however else God may lead them.
 
Heartsaver® CPR AED  - August 12th from 8:45am – 12pm at the parsonage.  The cost of the course is $70.00 cash, credit, or debit.  This is a video-based, instructor –led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in adults, children, and infants.  This course teaches skills with the AHA’s research-proven practice- while –watching technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback, and guide the students’ learning of skills.  This course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory, or other requirements.  If you are interested in joining, please sign up or contact the church office.
 
Small Great Things Summer Book Club  - discussion August 17, 2017.  This is a novel by Jodi Picoult, where she tackles the profoundly challenging yet essential concerns of our time: prejudice, race, and justice.  This book club discussion will be combined with the Hartford UMC.  Please sign up if you are interested.  If you have questions, please contact Pastor Barbara Marks.
 
Women of Joy  - is August 18th & 19th in Lowell, MA.  Women of all ages and walks of life as they encounter the Word of God, the joy of music and the spirit of friendship.  Its your life journey – Women of Joy will encourage you along the way.  For more details please call (800) 374-1550 or view details online at womenofjoy.org.
 
FUMC Choir needs YOU!  - Yes, you… If you would like to share your voice we are happy to have you join the choir. The choir is open to all.  Please see Patty Hurlburt for more information.
 
The Sew ‘n’ Sew’s - will meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Heritage Commons.  And they will be hosting coffee hour July 16th.  Bring a brown bag lunch.  Please see Barbara Hendershot for more information. 
 
Finance Committee - will meet Wednesday, July 12th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Warren Western for more information.
 
Trustee Committee - will meet Wednesday, July 19th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Bill Collins for more information.
 
SPPR Committee - will meet Wednesday, July 26th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Sharon Riley for more information.

Days for Girls ​is an organization that provides quality sustainable feminine hygiene kits and education to girls and women in over 75 countries to help reverse the cycle of poverty.  Activities include sewing, ironing, folding, snapping, prepping, etc. Fabric donations are also appreciated. There are no requirements to participate, besides a desire to do so. All are welcome and encouraged to participate. The Sew 'n' Sews meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Heritage Commons.  Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in supporting this wonderful mission!

We thank David Hurlburt, our pianist Patty Hurlburt's son, for his musical contributions to our worship services, and for his devotion to Christian service. David is planning to join a mission trip to Mingo County, West Virginia, one of the poorest counties in the Appalachian Mountains region of our country, from July 30th – August 6th, with a  team of 14 (11 high schoolers and 3 leaders).

David says, "I am excited to go to Mingo County, West Virginia on a mission trip this summer.I want to help the people there who are in poverty, and however God wants to use me.I would appreciate your support and prayers." Mission trips like David's help to change young lives in ways that bring them to Christ in powerful ways.

Please offer your prayers for David, and, if you can, please make a contribution to his mission team's financial goal to support their mission from donations. Thank you, and good luck, David!

June 25, 2017
Third Sunday after Pentecost
​
Sermon
"More than Almost"

by
John Blossom, CLS
 
Please join us for worship
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  

 at

The Elk’s Lodge
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT 

~
Scripture:

Genesis 21:8-21
 &
Matthew 10:24-39

Announcements
 
Heartsaver® CPR AED  - August 12th from 8:45am – 12pm at the parsonage.  The cost of the course is $70.00 cash, credit, or debit.  This is a video-based, instructor –led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in adults, children, and infants.  This course teaches skills with the AHA’s research-proven practice- while –watching technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback, and guide the students’ learning of skills.  This course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory, or other requirements.  If you are interested in joining, please sign up or contact the church office.
 
Small Great Things Summer Book Club  - Will be starting August 17, 2017.  This is a novel by Jodi Picoult, were she tackles the profoundly challenging yet essential concerns of our time: prejudice, race, and justice.  This book club will be combined with the Hartford UMC.  Please sign up if you are interested in joining…  If you have more questions, please contact Pastor Barbara Marks.
 
Women of Joy  - is August 18th & 19th in Lowell, MA.  Women of all ages and walks of life as they encounter the Word of God, the joy of music and the spirit of friendship.  Its your life journey – Women of Joy will encourage you along the way.  For more details please call (800) 374-1550 or view details online at womenofjoy.org.
 
FUMC Choir needs YOU!  - Yes, you… If you would like to share your voice we are happy to have you join the choir. The choir is open to all.  Please see Patty Hurlburt for more information.
 
SPPR Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 28th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Sharon Riley for more information.
 
The United Methodist Men – meet at the parsonage for a men’s breakfast Saturday, July 1st, and the first Saturday of each month.  And they will be hosting coffee hour on July 2nd.  Bring a friend!  See David Marks or Warren Western for more information.
 
The Sew ‘n’ Sew’s - will meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Heritage Commons.  And they will be hosting coffee hour July 16th.  Bring a brown bag lunch.  Please see Barbara Hendershot for more information. 
 
Finance Committee - will meet Wednesday, July 12th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Warren Western for more information.
 
Trustee Committee - will meet Wednesday, July 19th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Bill Collins for more information.
 
Amazing Grace Donations – are extremely grateful for our donations.  Our congregation’s donations so far in 2017 total 189 pounds of food.  All donations can now be brought to church any Sunday.  In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup.    Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at (860) 346-0005.
​

June 18, 2017
Second Sunday after Pentecost
​
Sermon
"No Hand?!"

by
Barbara Marks
 
Please join us for worship
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  

 at

The Elk’s Lodge
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT 

~
Scripture:

Romans 58:1-8
 &
Matthew 9:35-10:8

Announcements
 
 
“The Lesson That Could Save Your Child’s Life” – will be Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Elks Club at 6:30pm.  This event is being sponsored by the First United Methodist Church and the Elks Club, and being presented by The Courage to Speak Foundation. We would like everyone to participate in any way possible, Greeters, Prayer Partners, Bakers, Set up/take down. ALL are needed.  Please see Rossana Barnaby, Sharon Riley, or Jill Bennett to sign up on where you will be able to help.
 
 
 
 “Trip to Korea with God, the Creator” VBS – is being hosted at the United Methodist Church of East Berlin from June 22nd thru June 24th.  This VBS is designed for children to learn the Bible with fun cultural experiences.  For more information, contact Pastor Sun Lee by email - sunyong.lee@nyac-umc.com or by phone 230-850-9886.
 
FUMC Choir needs YOU!  - Yes, you… If you would like to share your voice we are happy to have you join the choir. The choir is open to all and we meet every Tuesday evening at 7pm, at the Parsonage for rehearsals.  Please see Patty Hurlburt for more information.
 
Finance Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 21st at 6:30pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Warren Western for more information.
 
Trustee Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 21st at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Bill Collins for more information.
 
 SPPR Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 28th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Sharon Riley for more information.
 
The Sew ‘n’ Sew’s - will meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Heritage Commons.  And they will be hosting coffee hour June 21st.  Bring a brown bag lunch.  Please see Barbara Hendershot for more information. 
 
Amazing Grace Donations – are extremely grateful for our donations.  Our congregation’s donations so far in 2017 total 189 pounds of food.  All donations can now be brought to church any Sunday.  In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup.    Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at (860) 346-0005.
 

June 11, 2017
First Sunday after Pentecost
​
Sermon
"GO!"

by
Barbara Marks
 
Please join us for worship
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  

 at

The Elk’s Lodge
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT 

~
Scripture:

Genesis 1:1-2:4a
 &
Matthew 28:16-20

Announcements
 
 
“The Lesson That Could Save Your Child’s Life” – will be Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Elks Club at 6:30pm.  This event is being sponsored by the First United Methodist Church and the Elks Club, and being presented by The Courage to Speak Foundation. We would like everyone to participate in any way possible, Greeters, Prayer Partners, Bakers, Set up/take down. ALL are needed.  Please see Rossana Barnaby, Sharon Riley, or Jill Bennett to sign up on where you will be able to help.
 
Peace with Justice Sunday  - is TODAY, June 11th.  Gifts on Peace with Justice Sunday fund programs that advocate for peace and justice in the United States and around the world.  These programs empower United Methodists to speak out for removing structures and systems that harm God’s children globally.
 
“Trip to Korea with God, the Creator” VBS – is being hosted at the United Methodist Church of East Berlin from June 22nd thru June 24th.  This VBS is designed for children to learn the Bible with fun cultural experiences.  For more information, contact Pastor Sun Lee by email - sunyong.lee@nyac-umc.com or by phone 230-850-9886.
 
FUMC Choir needs YOU!  - Yes, you… If you would like to share your voice we are happy to have you join the choir. The choir is open to all and we meet every Tuesday evening at 7pm, at the Parsonage for rehearsals.  Please see Patty Hurlburt for more information.
 
The Sew ‘n’ Sew’s - will meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Heritage Commons.  And they will be hosting coffee hour June 21st.  Bring a brown bag lunch.  Please see Barbara Hendershot for more information. 
 
Finance Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 21st at 6:30pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Warren Western for more information.
 
Trustee Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 21st at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Bill Collins for more information.
 
SPPR Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 28th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Sharon Riley for more information.
 
Amazing Grace Donations – are extremely grateful for our donations.  Our congregation’s donations so far in 2017 total 189 pounds of food.  All donations can now be brought to church any Sunday.  In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup.    Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at (860) 346-0005.
​

You know from our Pentecost worship service how important is it to share faith with others - people who we invite through God's Holy Spirit to join us in worship are the logs that our faith is meant to set afire in Christ, so that we can be a strong and faith-filled church. We are here not just to sustain one another in faith - we are here to transform the world through faith!

In your Sunday church bulletin we included a greeting card. We encourage you to send it to someone who you know needs to be touched by faith - not necessarily a friend, but someone who you know needs to be touched by God. The card is attractive, and it should make it easy for you to touch one person or one family with the invitation to be present in the warmth of God's love this summer. 

Do you know ONE person or family who needs to be touched by God? For the price of a postage stamp - or less- you can encourage that person to be transformed by God through our church.

If you want to send this card to MORE people, feel free -below is the Microsoft Word file to print it out. Ask the church office for help if you need it. If you're visiting this post as a member of another church, feel free to adapt this design to your own outreach efforts. A church on fire is a church that invites other people to be set on fire. Let's do it!
​

June 4, 2017
Pentecost Sunday
​
Sermon
"Called"

by
John Blossom, CLS
 
Please join us for worship
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  

 at

The Elk’s Lodge
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT 

~
Scripture:

John 7:37-39
 &
Acts 2:1-21

Announcements
 
“The Lesson That Could Save Your Child’s Life” – will be Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Elks Club at 6:30pm.  This event is being sponsored by the First United Methodist Church and the Elks Club, and being presented by The Courage to Speak Foundation. We would like everyone to participate in any way possible, Greeters, Prayer Partners, Bakers, Set up/take down. ALL are needed.
 
Peace with Justice Sunday  - is on Sunday, June 11th.  Gifts on Peace with Justice Sunday fund programs that advocate for peace and justice in the United States and around the world.  These programs empower United Methodists to speak out for removing structures and systems that harm God’s children globally.
 
FUMC Choir needs YOU!  - Yes, you… If you would like to share your voice we are happy to have you join the choir. The choir is open to all and we meet every Tuesday evening at 7pm, at the Parsonage for rehearsals.  Please see Patty Hurlburt for more information.
 
The Sew ‘n’ Sew’s - will meet the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Heritage Commons.  And they will be hosting coffee hour June 21st.  Bring a brown bag lunch.  Please see Barbara Hendershot for more information. 
 
Finance Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 14th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Warren Western for more information.
 
Trustee Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 21th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Bill Collins for more information.
 
SPPR Committee - will meet Wednesday, June 28th at 7pm, at the Parsonage.  Please see Sharon Riley for more information.
 
Amazing Grace Donations – are extremely grateful for our donations.  Our congregation’s donations so far in 2017 total 189 pounds of food.  All donations can now be brought to church any Sunday.  In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup.    Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at (860) 346-0005.
​