 | First UMC Middletown is putting an innovative twist into their Annual Christmas Pageant this year on Sunday, December 20th, during the 10 AM worship service. Not only is everyone in the Middletown, CT area invited to come and enjoy the pageant, but everyone of all ages is invited to play a role in it, in whatever dress or costume helps them to express their celebration of the Christmas season. “We want children and adults to feel comfortable being themselves in the story of Jesus’ birth,” said Barbara Marks, Pastor of First UMC Middletown. “If someone wants to come in their work clothes, a sports uniform or a costume of a favorite cartoon character to become a part of the story instead of playing a traditional role, that’s great. When Jesus came to us, everyone came to him as they were to offer their lives to God’s redeeming ways of love. Why shouldn’t we try to do the same for people today?” The pageant will take place Sunday, December 20th as a part of First UMC Middletown’s Sunday 10AM worship service, held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Elks Lodge at 44 Maynard Street in Middletown. The church is worshiping in this place while they evaluate options for building a new church worship and meeting facility. People or their children wishing to play non-traditional roles in the pageant, can come as they wish to come on that day. People who would like to have their children participate in the pageant in traditional Biblical roles are encouraged to attend First UMC Middletown’s worship services Sundays at 10 AM on December 6th and December 13th, during which there will be rehearsals for these children. First UMC Middletown will make traditional costumes available for children who dress up or act as one of the characters in the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth. A final dress rehearsal for people playing these traditional roles will he held Saturday, December 19th, 9-11AM, in the Crystal Ballroom. “ We hope that this inviting approach to celebrating Christmas will be welcome by many people in our community,” said Pastor Barbara Marks, “and we are looking forward to everyone coming to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world.” #PrepareYe the way of the LORD! |
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 November 29, 2015
First Sunday of Advent Sermon “The Waiting Makes Us Helpless and Strong” by Pastor Barbara Marks Children's Sermon by John Blossom Please join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at The Elk’s Lodge 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT ~ Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-12 & Luke 21:25-36 ~ Announcements: This Sunday is UM Students Day. Please contribute and help students explore and grow in their faith in higher education. Together we educate students so they can make a difference in the world. THIS SUNDAY is Adrianne Brown’s last day with us at the piano. We will miss her. Her gentle and flexible Spirit makes our worship soar. Please give her a warm Middletown send off. Thank You Adrianne…Come back soooooon! Advent Study SENT begins THIS SUNDAY - As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them - John 17:18. God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This church-wide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Next Sunday Pageant rehearsals will begin. Calling allgrandparents, parents, children, and friends! We need you to participate. You are never too old to be a shepherd or an angel! Join the fun. See Megan Camp or Becky Godwin for details. There will be a Charge Conference on January 5th. Charge Conference Reports are due NO LATER THAN Wednesday, December 2nd. Please send an electronic copy of your report to Cyndi in the church office at churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org. All committee chairs and church leaders are expected to provide a charge conference report. Please contact Cyndi in the church office with any questions at 860-346-3689. West African Drumming and Dance Concert, Friday, December 4, 2015 at Wesleyan University, Crowell Concert Hall. Master drummer and Adjunct Professor of Music Abraham Adzenyah celebrates his final performance with his students. Mr. Adzenyah is retiring in December after 45 years of sharing the vibrancy of West African music with generations of Wesleyan students. He will be joined by students of choreographer and Artist in Residence Iddi Saaka and special guests. Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased at the door or by calling The Box Office at 860-685-7323. Sew n’ Sew will be having their annual Holiday luncheon onTuesday, December 8th at 11:30 at The Green Room - 124 College Street, Middletown. They will also be collecting donations for the Heifer Project at this meeting. (Heifer works with families around the world to end hunger, lift them out of poverty and strengthen their communities.) All are invited and welcome to attend. Service of Blue Christmas: A Service of Blue Christmas is a special service of remembrance for those grieving a loss during the holidays. Christmas can be a time of loneliness, sorrow, alienation, and sadness. This service offers a way for people to claim those feelings and acknowledge they are real and painful while still feeling surrounded by the compassionate love of God and the support of community. The service of song and prayer will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 81 Clintonville Rd, North Haven CT, on Monday, December 14th at 7:00 pm. Pastor Jerry & Pastor Barbara will be officiating. It is open to anyone regardless of religious affiliation. All are welcome and there is no need to RSVP. Refreshments to follow. Please ask Pastor Barbara if you have any questions. Amazing Grace Donations can now be brought to church anySunday. In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup. The Missions committee will collect these items every Sunday and deliver to Amazing Grace. Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at 860-346-0005. Amazing Grace Food pantry would like to thank everyone at First United Methodist Church for donating throughout the year. The 237 pounds of food which you have generously donated in 2015 - including 89 pounds on 11/2/15 and 31 pounds on 10/14/15 - helped to stock the pantry shelves, fill dozens of shopping bags, and put food on the tables of our neighbors. They greatly appreciate that you are a part of this caring community which bands together to help those most in need. We have a Facebook page! Help spread the word about the church by “liking” the church page and “sharing” posts. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-United-Methodist-Church/109638702407308). Please Note - We are looking for everyone to update their home phone and cell phone numbers as well as their email addresses for correct communications. Please call or email Cyndi at the church office to update churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org /860-346-3689.
 November 22, 2015 Christ the King Sunday Sermon “All This and Jesus Too?” by Pastor Barbara Marks Children's Sermon by John Blossom Please join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at The Elk’s Lodge 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT ~ Scripture: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 & John 18:33-37 ~ Announcements: SUNDAY EVENING SOUP KITCHEN MEAL FOR ST. VINCENT'S DePAUL Our Annual Sunday Evening Meal for the St. Vincent DePaul Soup kitchen IS THIS SUNDAY, November 22, 2015. This has been a fun event and our Methodist cooking has always been well received by the soup kitchen guests! The meal today will be soup, bread and cheese, cookies and coffee or tea. It’s not too late to help. Anyone interested in volunteering should see Jill Bennett after church or call her at home at 860-345-7382. Sign-up sheet is also available. SENT - ADVENT BIBLE STUDY Advent Study - SENT- As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them -John 17:18. God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This church-wide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Centered around a DVD with 8-10 minute videos it is created by a group of dynamic pastors. FUMC will begin this Advent Study starting NEXT Sunday, November 29th following worship/fellowship at 11:30. Please sign up today so that books can be ordered or call the Church office to reserve a place. AMAZING GRACE DONATIONS Amazing Grace 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. The Missions committee will collect these items every Sunday and deliver to Amazing Grace. Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at 860-346-0005. ~ Amazing Grace Food pantry would like to thank everyone at First United Methodist Church for donating throughout the year. The 237 pounds of food which you have generously donated in 2015 - including 89 pounds on 11/2/15 and 31 pounds on 10/14/15 - helped to stock the pantry shelves, fill dozens of shopping bags, and put food on the tables of our neighbors. They greatly appreciate that you are a part of this caring community which bands together to help those most in need. JANUARY 5TH CHARGE CONFERENCE There will be a Charge Conference on January 5th. Charge Conference Reports are due NO LATER THAN Wednesday, December 2nd. Please send an electronic copy of your report to Cyndi in the church office at churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org. All committee chairs and church leaders are expected to provide a charge conference report. Please contact Cyndi in the church office with any questions at 860-346-3689. CELEBRATING ABRAHAM ADZENYAH'S LEGACY OF MUSIC West African Drumming and Dance Concert, Friday, December 4, 2015 at Wesleyan University, Crowell Concert Hall. Master drummer and Adjunct Professor of Music Abraham Adzenyah celebrates his final performance with his students. Mr. Adzenyah is retiring in December after 45 years of sharing the vibrancy of West African music with generations of Wesleyan students. He will be joined by students of choreographer and Artist in Residence Iddi Saaka and special guests. Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased at the door or by calling The Box Office at 860-685-7323. SEW 'N SEW HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AND DONATION DRIVE Sew n’ Sew will be having their annual Holiday luncheon on Tuesday December 8th at 11:30 at The Green Room - 124 College Street, Middletown. They will also be collecting donations for the Heifer Project at this meeting. (Heifer works with families around the world to end hunger, lift them out of poverty and strengthen their communities.) All are invited and welcome to attend. We have a Facebook page! Help spread the word about the church by “liking” the church page and “sharing” posts. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-United-Methodist-Church/109638702407308). Please Note - We are looking for everyone to update their home phone and cell phone numbers as well as their email addresses for correct communications. Please call or email Cyndi at the church office to update churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org /860-346-3689.
 Reminder: Bring an object from home that you treasure
25th Sunday After Pentecost Sermon “Treasures?” by Pastor Barbara Marks Children's Sermon by John Blossom Please join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at The Elk’s Lodge 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT ~ Scripture: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 & Matthew 6:19-21 ~ Announcements: Council Meeting – THIS SUNDAY, immediately following worship. ALL are invited to attend. Our Annual Sunday Evening Meal for the St. Vincent DePaul Soup kitchen will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2015. This has been a fun event and our Methodist cooking has always been well received by the soup kitchen guests! There are many ways you can help with this mission project. We will need donations for the paper/plastic ware (small plates, bowls, spoons, cups) and for the groceries to feed 150 people. We also need VOLUNTEERS to: cook the soup at home (5 volunteers), bring it to the soup kitchen or arrange to have it picked up, set up and serve the meal to the soup kitchen guests and clean up after the meal. The Missions Committee will put together soup making kits with recipe and soup ingredients for those cooking the soup. The meal will be soup, bread and cheese, cookies and coffee or tea. Anyone interested in volunteering should see Jill Bennett after church or call her at home at 860-345-7382. Sign-up sheet is also available. Amazing Grace Donations – On November 22nd we will be accepting perishable items during the offertory to be distributed later that day as we serve in mission at St Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen. There will be a Charge Conference on January 5th. Charge Conference Reports are due NO LATER THAN Wednesday, December 2nd. Please send an electronic copy of your report to Cyndi in the church office at churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org. All committee chairs and church leaders are expected to provide a charge conference report. Please contact Cyndi in the church office with any questions at 860-346-3689. Advent Study- SENT- As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them -John 17:18. God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This church-wide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Centered around a DVD with 8-10 minute videos it is created by a group of dynamic pastors. FUMC will begin this Advent Study starting Sunday, November 29th following worship/fellowship at 11:30. Please sign up today so that books can be ordered or call the Church office to reserve a place. West African Drumming and Dance Concert, Friday, December 4, 2015 at Wesleyan University, Crowell Concert Hall. Master drummer and Adjunct Professor of Music Abraham Adzenyah celebrates his final performance with his students. Mr. Adzenyah is retiring in December after 45 years of sharing the vibrancy of West African music with generations of Wesleyan students. He will be joined by students of choreographer and Artist in Residence Iddi Saaka and special guests. Tickets are $8. The Coordinator of Rides to The Elk’s Lodge in Middletown is Jill Bennett. Please contact Jill at 860-345-7382 if you are in need of a ride to our new location. We have a Facebook page! Help spread the word about the church by “liking” the church page and “sharing” posts. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-United-Methodist-Church/109638702407308). Please Note - We are looking for everyone to update their home phone and cell phone numbers as well as their email addresses for correct communications. Please call or email Cyndi at the church office to update churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org /860-346-3689.
24th Sunday After Pentecost
Sermon “Who's Watching?” by Pastor Barbara Marks Children's Sermon by John Blossom Please join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at The Elk’s Lodge 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT ~ Scripture: Psalm 146 & Mark 12:38-44 ~ Announcements: The Finance Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, November 11th at 7 p.m. at the parsonage. Finance committee members are encouraged to attend this meeting to complete the budget for 2016. Contact Warren Western for details. Tres Dias Women’s #101 will be held November 12-15. It is a weekend filled with the love, grace and peace of Jesus. Come experience this closer walk on the journey of faith. See Pastor Barbara for details. Council Meeting – Next Sunday, November 15th immediately following worship. ALL are invited to attend. Advent Study - SENT- As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them -John 17:18. God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This church-wide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Centered around a DVD with 8-10 minute videos it is created by a group of dynamic pastors. FUMC will begin this Advent Study starting Sunday, November 29th following worship/fellowship at 11:30. Please sign up today so that books can be ordered or call the Church office to reserve a place. Our Annual Sunday Evening Meal for the St. Vincent DePaul Soup kitchen will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2015. This has been a fun event and our Methodist cooking has always been well received by the soup kitchen guests! There are many ways you can help with this mission project. We will need donations for the paper/plastic ware (small plates, bowls, spoons, cups) and for the groceries to feed 150 people. We also need VOLUNTEERS to: cook the soup at home (5 volunteers), bring it to the soup kitchen or arrange to have it picked up, set up and serve the meal to the soup kitchen guests and clean up after the meal. The Missions Committee will put together soup making kits with recipe and soup ingredients for those cooking the soup. The meal will be soup, bread and cheese, cookies and coffee or tea. Anyone interested in volunteering should see Jill Bennett after church or call her at home at 860-345-7382. Sign-up sheet is available. Email Correction - Pastor Barbara’s correct email isBarbara.marks@comcast.net. It is listed incorrectly in the directory. Amazing Grace 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. The Missions committee will collect these items every Sunday and deliver to Amazing Grace. Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at 860-346-0005. The Coordinator of Rides to The Elk’s Lodge in Middletown is Jill Bennett. Please contact Jill at 860-345-7382 if you are in need of a ride to our new location. We have a Facebook page! Help spread the word about the church by “liking” the church page and “sharing” posts. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-United-Methodist-Church/109638702407308). Please Note - We are looking for everyone to update their home phone and cell phone numbers as well as their email addresses for correct communications. Please call or email Cyndi at the church office to updatechurchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org /860-346-3689. ~ First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 65 Middletown, CT 06457 churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org 860-346-3689 *Please Note: Church cancellations can be found on WFSB (channel 3) and NBC30. Make sure we have your email for additional notifications. Thanks. Do not hesitate to call the church office with any questions or concerns. |
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