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June 2017
Circuit Writer Jesse Lee United Methodist Church
25 Flat Rock Rd. Easton, Ct 06612
203 372-8250 www.jesselee.org
A Message from Reverend Jim Stinson Likely by the time you read this, I will have been to our New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. I have been going now for over fifty years, having gone for the first time for the purpose of being ordained in 1965. I was 23 years old, a college graduate and ready to enter my senior year in seminary. There was much to learn, many new relationships to form, many things to make me certain that even though I did not know how, or why, I had been called by God for this special act of service, to this specific life. I still wonder why, of all the many pathways and possibilities to serve God, a ministry of disciple making took hold of my mind and spirit. I am still not certain of the best way to carry out this ministry. But here I am in what likely are the final chapters of my life and I still wonder. I feel good about the ways I've been effective as I feel badly about the ways I have not been effective. One big question centers on being faithful and prophetic when change inevitably pops up. Have I been faithful to my calling? Have I helped or hindered others from being faithful to theirs. For the truth is, it is often easier to conform to the ways of the world, than it is to affirm and to confirm, by our actions, the ways of Jesus. In a time when "me first," "country first," seems on the upswing, it is difficult to prophetically call for concern for others, for 'outsiders,' those who are 'different.' Yet implicit in Jesus' call to "Follow me" is the commandment that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Church Calendar June 11-Children’s Sunday June 25 2:00 Mando Madness Aug. 13 11:30 Church Council
Jesse Lee Birthdays
June 1 - Sara Currier 13 - Bob Sabia 14 - Grace McKeon 19 - Lois Halzack 20 - Kara Davis 23 - Kathryn Killian 24 - Abby LePage 25 - Carol Halzack Charest 26 - Jessica Mercedes 26 - Suzeanne Herlihy
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In a time of skepticism of doubt and mistrust of institutions, it is difficult to invite others to become part of a community of faith. Yet that too is implicit in the call of Jesus. These things are a part of every commitment to follow the ways of Jesus. So, I invite you to join me as I wonder. Allow yourself to wonder "Am I faithful to my Christian values? Am I being prophetic in my life? Am I witnessing in word and in action to the things that make for peace, the things that allow justice for everyone, to the things that affirm a God who loves all equally?"
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Jesse Lee Events
“Jesus loves the little children” and so do we. Please join us for Children’s Sunday on June 11. The Sunday School class will be coordinating a special service.
Tiny Miracles Foundation-At coffee hour after the children’s service we will be assembling fleece blankets for premature babies. This is a simple activity suitable for children and adults, a great time to socialize and to help babies and families facing the substantial challenge of time in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Mando Madness!-June 25 Mandolin Workshop 11:45, $25 Concert 2:00, $15-20 A high energy performance of Bluegrass, Jazz, Celtic music featuring mandolins and more [email protected] 203 215-9277
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Summer Camp Opportunities
United Methodist Churches have two camps available to congregations: Camp Kingswood in Hancock, NY www.kingswoodcampsite.org Youth Camp-July 12-22 for children in grades 5-12 Family Camping –June 23-Sept 4, for a week or a weekend Family sites feature platform tents for 6 people and fully equipped kitchen/dining area Quinipet in Shelter Island, NY www.quinipet.org Overnight camp for children age 7-17, One week sessions from July 3 to Aug. 5
Activities in our Extended Church Community
Community Interfaith Iftar-“Come Learn Together and Eat Together” June 21 7-10:00 PM Islamic Center 877 Park Avenue, Bridgeport Enjoy fellowship, learn about the Muslin month of Ramadan, and celebrate our unity in diversity Charles Wesley Singers in Concert, Thursday, June 22, 7:30pm, Mary Taylor UM Church, 176 Broad St, Milford (203)874-1982) Free will offering to benefit missions. Free Summer Enrichment Program sponsored by the Janus Center July 5-August 4 Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-1:00 Ages 14-17 Contact Stephanie 203 334-1121 To fill out an application go to www.ccgb.org Trip to France sponsored by First Congregational Church of Stratford Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 , 2017 $3300 per person Rev Meg Williams 203 378-2644 [email protected] Fact to Act: Data Driven Decision Making-sponsored by Bridgeport Prospers June 26 8:30 University of Bridgeport www.unitedwaycfc.org/facttoact Mission u-Planting Seeds for the Beloved Community of Disciples July 14-16 Stamford Hilton Nyac.com/eventdetail
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Mission/Outreach Activities
Homes for the Brave With an emphasis on Veterans, Homes for the Brave provides the housing and services necessary to help homeless individuals return to a productive and meaningful life. Jesse Lee members cooked and served a delicious ham dinner to 40 veterans. Thanks to all who helped with this annual event!
Days for Girls International-CT District Mission Project
Days For Girls is creating a more dignified, humane and sustainable world for girls through advocacy, reproduction health awareness, and sustainable feminine hygiene. The Poverty cycle can be broken when girls stay in school. Not having sanitary supplies means days without school. Days for Girls gives Days back to girls, Days that can change their lives. Jesse Lee has provided funds for 10 kits to support this mission project. If you would like to make a personal donation make checks payable to DT District with Days for Girls in the memo line and send it to CT District 20 Broadfield Rd. Hamden, CT 06517
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The life of Muriel Riling, a longtime Jesse Lee member was celebrated in a special ceremony on May 20.
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God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew his masterpiece was complete, And so, he called it Dad
--Anonymous
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May 8, 2017 Church Council Meeting Summary
• Church Retreat was well attended and enjoyed by all • Teach Compassion-Song, Supper, Services was lightly attended but a step forward in trying
new forms of outreach to the community. There should be an article in the Easton Courier about the event
• New members are becoming very active and interested in the workings of the church • Finance-We remain behind in YTD pledges but finances remain strong as a result of
parsonage income. Church books and Trustee accounts need auditing and plans are being made for that to occur. The list of authorized people for the Trustee’s safe deposit box will be updated.
• Pastor’s Report-Lenten messages were well received by the congregation. Confirmation call will start with Elizabeth and Jennifer Berg. Membership roster is in the process of being updated. Rev. Jim will be attending the Annual Conference June 7-9 and will take the health kits we assembled.
• Jesse Lee is still interested in sponsoring a workshop with Ada Monsoor and Pat Davis will contact her to see about availability for a workshop in September or October.
• There will be a meeting of Easton Churches at the Covenant Church on May 21 to discuss sponsoring a refugee family thru IRIS. Several people, including Rev. Jim plan on attending
• Youth Sunday is planned for June 11, Michelle and Rev. Jim will coordinate it. • Jesse Lee will provide funds for 10 hygiene kits for the Days for Girls , CT District Mission
Project • Would like to concentrate on how to increase our presence in the community at the next
council meeting scheduled for June 4.
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