Pastor Kelly

So this Advent, we’ll not ignore the harsh realities of our world. We won’t hide the ugliness of our broken lives behind the beauty of Christmas card scenery. We won’t pretend that everyone has access to a Norman Rockwell holiday, nor will we blindly try to live up to a consumer idea of Christmas that has little to do with Christ. Instead, let’s choose belief. Let’s foster a faith enriched by doubt, a hope deeper than despair, a love stronger than evil. . . . For in the cold of winter, a child was born poor, homeless and hunted by soldiers, who awakens us to love. Let’s choose to follow the way of this small and vulnerable truth born anew in each of us.

Shalom, We agreed on two things: firstly that life was not all about getting what we wanted or doing what we liked. And then he, a Muslim, and I, a Christian, agreed that one of the purposes of the great world religions was to enable people to face up to what they would rather avoid. The more I have mused on that, the more I am convinced that in the dominant hedonistic culture which is ours to adopt or transform, spirituality has precisely that high calling and function. --John L Bell, Disturbing Complacency

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when God is silent.”

t HIS defiant statement of faith was scrawled on a cellar wall in Cologne

by a Jew hiding from the Nazi Gestapo during WWII. American soldiers discovered it below a Star of David when searching the bombed house. This poem is now a haunting anthem composed by Mark Miller and inspired this “I believe” Advent series. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aL2MtBIW_E

I believe even when . . . even when there seems an the absence of light, of love, and sometimes, even, what feels like, the absence of God. Even when . . . money woes weigh heavy, addiction binds, depression looms, relationships are damaged, stressors build, I believe. How do we begin to have that kind of faith?

Let’s begin where the gospel story begins. For some gospels that’s with the birth of a baby but according to others it started long before that. This Advent, by exploring the first chapter of each of the gospels, we will acknowledge the presence of hope through Christ “even when”. . .

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An Invitation to join our Bell Choir

Do you love music, but secretly suspect you might be 'tone deaf'? We have the PERFECT SOLUTION for you, then!

Come and join our Bell Choir, which rehearses on Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 (December 6 is the next rehearsal).

It's fun, as easy or challenging as you'd like, and you don't even need to read music to participate. You'll know exactly when it's your turn to ring a glorious, perfectly-pitched bell or chime. For more info, stop by and see me after church service.

DECEMBER 16: Christmas Carol Service

Sunday, December. 16 will be a cross between a Hymn-sing and Christmas Caroling. We'll stay in one place, and enjoy the festive decorations with special musicians and carol songbooks for the entire congregation.

So Come, All ye Faithful, to this special service that will fill you with the Christmas spirit and song. Afterwards, Christmas cookies and mulled cider will be served.

Norman Heidel and Virginia Herzog at Wingate East Longmeadow.

JT at home; Gene Hutton at East Village; Helen White, Jewish Nursing Home; Bob Wood at Holyoke Soldier’s Home.

Kevin Hutchinson; send cards to: [ Please contact the Church office for the address. ] Special health concerns: Arnold Christianson; Janet Gagnon, Tom McGowan’s sister, Mary; Grace Morin, Tom St. Marie.

Charlton City UMC and their Natural Church Development process.

Tally Reeverts

8 Rosemont Street Springfield, MA 01108

Eleanor Goodrich

Wingate at Hampden 34 Main Street

Hampden, MA 01036

Seasonal Notes from our

Interim Music Director, Hope Solanis

address correction:

Tom St. Marie c/o Peter St. Marie 815 Woodland Street Channelview, TX 77530 (temporary)

We have received a total of 52 pledges so far, with 32 of those

pledges as increases. We have received 6 new pledgers this year. The total amount pledged to date is $116,748. Last year, we had 66 pledge units for a total of $134,344, so we are well on our way.

UMY Christmas Childcare

Saturday, December 15, 2012

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

The youth will

provide free

babysitting

and childcare for parents wishing

to do some Christmas shopping,

or spend a quiet afternoon at home.

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I believe even when . . . .

Society says religion is irrelevant and Christmas is little more than a sentimental holiday or an excuse to over spend and over indulge. In many ways, consumption has become a religion. Cultural voices would have us believe the right car can give you “soul.” Or you can “renew your spirit” with a particular coffee company’s products. And apparently nothing says love like a diamond.

Society says to put our faith in buying power— promising that we can purchase our way to fulfillment. Or that beautiful decorations just might disguise unattractive realities. And the right menu—perfectly executed, can heal unhealthy family dynamics, honed over generations. The right gift will repair divisions and set a relationship right (or at least help us get ahead). Many believe that the birth of a baby in a Bethlehem manger thousands of years ago is a sentimental story that has little bearing on our current lives beyond the crèche scenes we display in our homes.

Even some churches go along for the ride, suggesting that the birth of Christ deserves this kind of consumer-driven, feel-good celebration. But what if the nativity is not a story of excessive spending, family gatherings, or even charity but about a re-ordering of the world? What if it’s a story about God moving into our neighborhood to help us discover the neighbor in others? What if the birth of Jesus is filled with the common themes of human drama: unknowing, doubt, disgrace, fear, oppression, journey, hardship?

This advent, let’s reflect on what keeps us from reflecting on the shadows cast by that story? Perhaps it is: the glow of all the beautiful twinkling lights making it difficult to focus on the stark realities of light and shadow; the loneliness and grief over lost loved ones, may make it hard to sustain a sense of excitement for whatever is struggling to be born in our life; the feel-good holiday atmosphere, with its nostalgic movies, and self-indulgent excesses that makes it almost impossible not to feel guilty about those who do not experience this time of year as one of light and hope.

And so we turn away from the very real contrasting realities of life. But what if we chose instead to look? Can we believe in

the Spirit of Christ, who calls us to look beyond our own desires and reach out to the needs of others?

Maybe, just maybe, the season of Advent could help us look at the stark shadows of the world and claim a faith that persists even when it seems irrelevant.

Advent is the beginning of a new church year after all. Maybe it can be a time to prepare to see our world and ourselves differently – through the eyes of a 1st century Palestinian couple and their newborn.

Grow, Pray, Study this Advent

Our growing, praying and studying during Advent will be guided by the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in God is in the Manger. You can follow excerpts in the weekly GPS

inserts in the worship bulletin or buy your own copy to read along with a brief daily reading. For those who would like to take the discussion deeper, join us for the

Manger Moment, December 12, 6:30 at the parsonage.

Part study reflection, art, and fellowship, this is an evening that’s not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule. It’s about opening a space for reflection that draws you deep into this season that shimmers

with mystery and possibility.

Advent Oasis - Tuesday mornings

8-8:30 a.m. at Panera Come and find a quiet center to the holiday festivities with a brief bite and breath prayer. Look for the pastor in a booth so we won’t disturb others with our centering.

Special Services December 16 – Christmas carol service with guitar and lute with Adam Sweet, who specializes in Celtic and world music

December 23 – Taizé meditative service with candlelight and prayer and the spiritually inspiring music of Jim Harris, with Native American flute

Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. – Come at 6:30 to hear special musicians, John & Nancy, a cellist and guitarist, and soprano, Mary Bonacci.

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Several months ago we formed a "sister" relationship with a church in Zambia, with Rev. Lenox Sukawaha as pastor. The relationship began when they asked me to locate hymnals for them. I did locate the hymnals, and sent them to their church, and I have been corresponding with Rev. Sukawaha via e-mail ever since then. They have many needs we can help with but they always ask for our prayers and hold us in prayer.

They have built their church by hand, even making their own bricks. Sunday school meets out in the yard. The church includes all generations with activities for orphans, widows and elderly persons. They’re excited by their efforts to inspire future leaders.

Rev. Lenox and his wife Joyce have two children: a 3 year old daughter named Kisu (meaning benediction or blessing) and Isaac is 1 ½ years old and is very active. Joyce has been working hard to organize choirs, clubs

and a women’s ministry.

by Lois Harris

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Forgiveness for Mission Share Arrearage

Many of you know that for several years prior to 2005, we were unable to fully fund all of our commitments to the conference level administrative and pension costs. It's called Mission Share Fund 3 and whenever we can't pay all of our fair share, other churches have to pick up the slack or conference programs and staff and ministries have to be cut. The conference kept track of the money we still owe, $10,465. We have not incurred any new arrearages in the last seven years but this amount is a hold over from leaner times.

In June, the New England Annual Conference passed a Jubilee forgiveness resolution that allows for 20% of our former debt to be forgiven every year (for the next five) that we pay 100% of all of our Mission Share obligations (Funds 1, 2 & 3).

We're currently on track to pay all of Mission Share 3 before the end of the year but we still need to raise the monies for Fund 1 & 2—$10,000 to support the important work of United Methodism around the globe.

Last year, we were able to pay 100% of ALL of our Mission Shares thanks to the generosity of several people who sent in big checks in December and lots of folks who pushed hard to offer a second-mile gift as a Christmas offering.

Wouldn't it be GREAT if we could meet that goal again this year!? We could meet 100% of our obligations, have the satisfaction of knowing we did our part to make ministry possible around the world AND get a 20% forgiveness of our own debt in the bargain!

From our little corner, let's generously fund ministry in every other corner of the earth. Give

today (put Mission Share on your check).

Rev. Sakawahu, is asking for our help with the expense of installing electricity for his church. It will amount to about $800. Lois Harris is willing to put in $100. Is there anyone else willing to join her with a donation? If you have any questions, please

contact Lois .

The new sanctuary includes sockets for electricity but don’t have the funds yet to wire the building. They also have plans to build other structures to act as shelters and they’re preparing to have a service in English and the choir members are using the hymnals we sent them.

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Those Holiday Blues Every year we resolve to “do things

differently” for the holidays. However, most of the time, we fall back into old, familiar patterns and induce the same stress and feelings of being overwhelmed at Christmas time as always. Sadness and depression can be a result of the stress we experience during the holidays due to excessive commitments, financial pressures and unrealistic expectations. Sometimes, we voluntarily take on those stressors ourselves without thinking!

As we head into the winter holiday season, we can stop and reflect on making changes that will help us focus on what is most important and gives us the truest feelings of being blessed. The following are some tips to help prevent stress and the resulting mild depression during the holidays:

1. Be realistic about what you can take on and what you simply cannot do. Say no with the reason that you are taking good care of yourself. You count. It is not your responsibility to make everyone happy.

2. Choose to spend time with people who are supportive and caring. Minimize interactions with negative people, including family members, by being planful. For example, see certain family members in larger gatherings rather than small get-togethers.

3. Let someone else host the holiday dinner gathering. You can still bring your signature dish. Ask for help when needed. Share the responsibilities of holiday tasks with others.

4. Limit commitments and outside activities. Make a list and prioritize what is most important.

5. Create your own family! If you are estranged or live far from family, gather together with good friends.

6. Delegate or eliminate any holiday task that you dread. If you hate to cook, hold a potluck. If you hate to shop, buy gift cards. Simplify.

7. Track your spending—financial difficulty can result from excessive buying and lead to depression and anxiety. Get creative—agree with other parents to buy only for the children in the extended family, make one family donation to a favorite shared

charity instead of gifts, or put a financial limit on gift purchases this year (everyone will be relieved!).

8. Take time for yourself—get a massage, a pedicure, or a night out as a couple away from the hub-bub. Get extra rest, eat regular meals and go to bed early. Actually schedule this into your calendar.

9. Do something for someone else. Invite a lonely person to your home; volunteer some time.

10. Give meaning to Christmas—focus on your faith and the true reason for the season.

Hopefully, these simple tips can help beat a mild case of the blues. However, if depressive symptoms persist (poor or excessive sleep, change in appetite, feelings of prolonged sadness or hopelessness, poor concentration, fatigue), it is best to see your primary care doctor for evaluation and treatment. As always, social supports like counseling and support groups can also help.

May Christmas bring you Comfort and Peace

Reference: www.medicinenet.com

The Education Team invites our church family to celebrate the

"Reason for the Season." December 8, 2012, 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall.

~Make Your Own Pizza! ~Crafts! ~Music!

~ Fun and Games! Please bring a new, unwrapped gift to be donated to the Greater Springfield Council of Churches for distribution to families in need.

Please RSVP to Laura Kinney or Liz Gelinas or let us know if you would like to help out with crafts or pizza-making!

Janet J. Stabile MSW LICSW

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This year, instead of angels, birds will be on our tree with messages of mission ideas that you can do during Advent. There are three color coordinated categories. The red ones are suggestions of things that you can do for our church, the

yellow ones are for our community and surrounding area. The blue ones are for the nation and world.

All of you are urged to take at least one bird and follow its message.

We will have the "Warming Tree" for hats, and mittens, and socks again this year. All items will be donated to the Gray House in Springfield. Their mission is to help their neighbors in the north end of Springfield meet their immediate needs, and besides hats, mittens, and socks, they need non-perishable food.

According to Dena Calvanese, their director, the food pantry is almost empty. In 2011 they provided emergency food to nearly 8,000 people, 45% of them children. People can't feel warm if their stomachs are empty. . . just think how a hot bowl of soup tastes on a cold day.

Please place all food donations for the Gray House under the warming tree at the top of the stairs near the fellowship hall.

The East Longmeadow United Methodist Women will meet on December 17 at 10:00 a.m. in the St Marie Parlor for the annual Christmas program and luncheon. This year it will NOT be pot luck.

As in past years, Jim Harris will be here to entertain us and lead us in a Christmas sing-a-long. All are invited to attend.

Dear Members of the ELUMC,

Grace and peace. I wanted to express my deep appreciation for the lovely flower arrangement I received from the church while I

was recuperating in the nursing home. They are beautiful and I enjoyed them so much. It really brightened my day.

Thank you again for your kindness, concern, and prayers. May God bless you.

In Christian Love, Helen E. Lesure

Dear [UMW] Members,

On behalf of the East Longmeadow Council on Aging, thank you for your generous donation to our Food Pantry. The response from our community has been overwhelming.

It is donations like yours that allow us to continue providing food for those in our community that are in need.

Sincerely, Janice Michaelis

Social Services Coordinator

Fred and Rick for taking care of the multiple issues with the small bathroom toilet between the classrooms. It was not an easy fix to say the least!!!! They did a perfect job.

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed

to making the Crafty Apple Fair a great success. Scott, Fair Chairman

Thanks to Scott Grabowski for another

successful Crafty Apple Fair. With over 40 vendors, the youth/GAP food concession, and the church bake sale, the proceeds from the fair were over $2000. Thanks also, to all who helped at and attended the fair.

THIS CHURCH IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE PLACE FOR OUR CHILDREN.

Address Service Requested

East Longmeadow United Methodist Church 215 Somers Road, STE 2

East Longmeadow, MA 01028-2998

413-525-7416 • a reconciling congregation www.elumc.org

THE SUNDAY EXPERIENCE

8:30 a.m. – Bible Study for Jr./Sr. High & Adults 10:00 a.m. – Worship & Church School (pre-schoolers through Grade 5) Professional child care is provided for “Cribs & Creepers”/“Toddlers & Twos.” 11:15 a.m. – Fellowship Time

The Methodist Messenger is a journal of the ministry of The East Longmeadow United Methodist Church. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

The deadline for ordering Christmas poinsettias is:

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Please make checks payable to: “ELUMC” and write “Christmas Flowers” in the memo section. (Payment by check would be appreciated.) You may place your order in the offering plate, leave it in the church office between December 2 and December 9, or mail it to the office prior to the deadline. The cost of each poinsettias is $9.00.

I would like to order _____ (number) poinsettia plants for the sanctuary on Christmas Eve.

Given by:________________________________________________________________________

In honor of:______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

In memory of:_____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE PICK UP YOUR PLANT(S) AFTER THE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE.

Click on this link for the DECEMBER calendar

Light in the Light in the Light in the

DarknessDarknessDarkness

Sunday, December 9, 2012, 4:00 p.m.

East Longmeadow United Methodist Church

215 Somers Rd., East Longmeadow, MA

3rd ANNUAL Holiday Coffeehouse

Featuring 6 artists and ensembles from up and down the Pioneer Valley,

including an eclectic mix of folk and blues musicians

and singer songwriters:

Larry Dulong and Sheryl Stanton (piano, guitars, and blues-based

vocals), the Westfield State Sax Quartet, Carrie Ferguson (singer-

songwriter), Susan Kirchhausen (viola) and Charles Ketter (guitar),

Jim Harris (guitar, mandocello, Native American flute and vocals),

and headliner Justina Golden and Friends.

Suggested donation: $10 adults, $5 seniors/students

All proceeds benefit the WORLD FUND UMC

and the music program at ELUMC, the host.

Light refreshments provided

Check out our Gift-ready Bake Sale