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THE GOOD NEWS from the

Stratford United Methodist Church

2600 MAIN STREET STRATFORD, CT 06615-5893 SUMC phone: 203-375-5851 ~ fax: 203-375-6890 SUMC & Good News email: secretary@sumcct.org

SUMC website: www.sumcct.org

Volume 59 No. 3 November 2017

The Rev. Simeon Law, Pastor The Rev. Dr. Donald Kirkham, Pastor Emeritus

Chris Muller, Director of Music Beth Buckmir, Preschool Director

Mary Jane S. Fast, Church Secretary

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Opening day for the Holiday Boutique will be Saturday, November 4th, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. After that it will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the same hours as the Thrift Shop: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday and Friday;

and 9:00 am to 12 pm on Saturday.

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INCIDENTS AND HAPPENINGS

OUT OF OUR PAST

Singing Thanksgiving

Coming just before Advent, the Thanksgiving season in

church seems to be very short. But it does have some favorite

hymns. Actually, there is a whole section in the United Methodist

Hymnal devoted to “Praise and Thanksgiving,” because praising

God, giving thanks, and being grateful should be practiced every day

of the year, and multiple times a day.

The section begins with Hymn #57, “O for a thousand

tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise,’ by Charles Wesley,

and ends with #101, “From All That Dwell Below the Skies.” The

section includes Hymn #92, “For the Beauty of the Earth…Lord of

all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.” It also includes

the hymn we use as the Doxology (a song of praise), #95, “Praise

God, from Whom All Blessings Flow.”

Interestingly, most of our favorite Thanksgiving season

hymns are not in this section at all:

#102, “Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices.”

Written in German in 1663 by Martin Rinkart, and set to music by

Johann Cruger in 1647, the words were translated into English by

Catherine Winkworth in 1858.

#131, “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” This Dutch

hymn dates back to 1626, and was translated into English by

Theodore Baker in 1894. Edward Kremser set it to the folk melody

we know today in 1877.

#139, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!” This

hymn is another old German one, written by Joachim Neander in

1680. Various verses were translated into English by different

people, but the music dates back even earlier to 1665.

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INCIDENTS AND HAPPENINGS

OUT OF OUR PAST (continued)

#694, “Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest

home.” This hymn is the newest of this group, written in English in

1844 by Henry Alford, and set to music in 1858 by George J. Elvey.

So sing your thanks and praises on Thanksgiving Day, and

everyday.

_ _ _ _ _

UMCOR Disaster Relief Updates

Sometimes the devastation is overwhelming. The waters rise and the rain won’t stop. The ground shakes beneath our feet, or the wind blows the roofs off homes. Sometimes, even the side of the mountain roars into town. The problems seem insurmountable, the destruction beyond our comprehension. When tragedy strikes, it is common for us to ask why. In a sermon titled “The Promise of Understanding,” John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, says we may never know. Our good God does not send suffering. According to Wesley, it is “entirely contrary to [God’s] own nature, and so destructive of his noblest works.” Suffering is not punishment for sin or a judgment from God. We suffer,

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UMCOR Disaster Relief Updates (continued) and the world suffers, because we are human and part of a system of processes and a physical environment where things go wrong. As this article is written on September 10th, among the places UMCOR is working in disaster relief are:

in Sierra Leone, where the flooding and a mudslide killed hundreds on Aug. 15th;

in Texas, where Hurricane Harvey emergency relief is underway, along with plans to begin hosting volunteers to begin assisting with cleanup and rebuilding;

in Louisiana, where many Hurricane Harvey victims were still working to recover from flooding 18 months ago;

in Florida, Pam Garrison, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Florida Conference, said the conference is still working on both coasts to repair damage from Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew. Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties, where Matthew recovery work is proceeding, are now in Irma’s projected path. “All these folks we are still trying to help are in the path of harm’s way again,” she said, adding that “volunteers already working in the area are getting ready to help with

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UMCOR Disaster Relief Updates (continued) the Irma response.”;

In Georgia and South Carolina, where churches are actively caring for evacuees, and collecting and storing supplies ready to distribute as relief efforts begin;

And in multiple places where rebuilding is still taking place from previous hurricanes, tornados, and other disasters (like Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey where hurricane Sandy rebuilding continues).

Jesus is calling his disciples and us to a ministry. We are an extension of God’s presence in the midst of the tragedy as we come beside those who are suffering in ways we don’t comprehend. In the aftermath of tragedy, we give witness to the love of God. In our outpouring of support, we proclaim the value of every human life. As we grieve with those in mourning, we share the love of God. When we send supplies through the United Methodist Committee on Relief, we witness to God’s provision. When medical professionals bind up wounds, Jesus is shown as a healer. When homes are rebuilt, we proclaim resurrection. [From several articles on umc.org by Linda Bloom, Vicki Brown, and others.]

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SAVE THE DATE! UMC #GivingTuesday is Nov. 28th.

We hope that on Nov. 28th you will once again join the United Methodists around the world to change lives on UMC #GivingTuesday. In 2016, more than 2,550 people from 19 countries gave gifts of more than $850,000 toward Global Ministries missionary support and Advance projects. Thank you for your faithful giving through The Advance, the designated giving channel of The United Methodist Church. Frederick Buechner once described “calling” as the place “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” One of the great things about The Advance is it allows you to invest your resources where your passion answers specific needs in the world. The UMC #GivingTuesday theme this year is "Connect Your Passion with God's Mission." One hundred percent of your gifts made online through The Advance goes to the missionary or project of your choice. Now is a great time to start thinking about how you want to connect your passion to God's mission on Nov. 28th. Visit umcmission.org/give to learn more about missionaries and projects. Your gift on UMC #GivingTuesday will help bring hope and healing to a world in need.

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Five hundred years ago, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the doors of Wittenberg Cathedral in Germany. He was at the time a little known professor who was following tradition by proposing an “academic” debate. This was the beginning of the Reformation – a period of social change, geographical discovery, and the growth of science. With the development of the printing press and the publishing of books, the change also affected religion. Books in the Church Library relating to Martin Luther include The Ninety-Five Theses and Other Writings edited by William R. Russell. This book contains translations of sermons and other writings, all preceded by background and explanations. Another book is Luther vs. Leo, by Paul R. Hinlicky. The subtitle of this book is “A Conversation in Purgatory.” Luther and Pope Leo are sentenced to be in the same room in Purgatory, where discussions begin. They are joined in 1791 by John Wesley, and the discussions continue. Along with these and other books pertaining to Martin Luther, there is the DVD Martin Luther from PBS. This was filmed in the many places Luther travelled in Europe.

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HOLY COMMUNION

Why do most Methodist churches serve grape juice instead of wine

for Holy Communion?

In the history of the church, wine has been the normal drink for Holy

Communion. In the 19th century, Methodists and other denominations

were persuaded that the unfermented juice of the grape was an

important witness to the grace of God and of the churches resistance to

the abuses of alcoholic beverage.

This Holy Mystery, the official statement on communion, says, "Roman

Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and many Protestant denominations

have always used wine in the Eucharist. During the movement against

beverage alcohol in the late nineteenth century, the predecessor bodies

of The United Methodist Church turned to the use of unfermented grape

juice…. (The term wine is used in this document because of its biblical and

historical antecedents, although United Methodists customarily serve

unfermented grape juice in Holy Communion.)"

The United Methodist Book of Worship says, "Although the historic and

ecumenical Christian practice has been to use wine, the use of

unfermented grape juice by The United Methodist Church and its

predecessors since the late nineteenth century expresses pastoral

concern for recovering alcoholics, enables the participation of children

and youth, and supports the church's witness of abstinence."

(The United Methodist Book of Worship. Copyright © 1992 by The United

Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.)

There is no longer a prohibition against serving wine at communion, so

some United Methodist churches also offer wine.

Read more: Changing Wine into Grape Juice: Thomas and Charles

Welch and the Transition to Unfermented Fruit of the Vine.

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THIS IS GREAT FOR LARGE ITEMS. (SMALL ITEMS SHOULD STILL GO TO

THE THRIFT SHOP). LET THEM KNOW IT IS FOR THE STRATFORD UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH AND A PERCENTAGE OF WHAT THEY GET WILL GO

TO THE CHURCH.

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Ask the Pastor

Starting in the December issue of the Good News, Rev. Law will be

answering questions about Christianity, the Church, and life. Please

submit your questions by email to “senior.pastor@sumcct.org.” They can

also be left with Mary Jane, the Church Secretary.

In Acts, Chapter twelve, Peter finds himself imprisoned by the order of

King Herod. The night before Peter is to be executed by Herod, an angel

of the Lord appears in Peter’s cell. Peter assumes that the angel is simply

a vision from the Lord. The chains fall from Peter’s wrists and the angel

instructs Peter to get up quickly and go. Thinking what he is experiencing

is a vision, Peter follows the angel past several unaware guards. It is only

after they safely leave the prison that Peter realizes that he is not having

a vision and that he has in fact been freed.

Imprisoned and shackled between two guards, Peter had resigned

himself to what he expected would undoubtedly be his fate: death at the

hands of King Herod. So strong was his expectation of what is and will be

that he misinterprets the angel of the Lord that is standing before him.

Sometimes our expectations blind us to the ways in which God is moving

in our lives and in the world around us. We wrongly assume that the way

things are in the now are the way things will always be. We confuse

temporary circumstances with lasting realities. However, nothing could

be further from the truth of God in Jesus Christ. We believe in a God of

possibilities and potentialities. A God who desires our wholeness and our

holiness. A God whose Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of every believer,

guiding and transforming us. We believe in a God of miracles.

What change is God working in your life? Keep your eyes and mind open

to what God is already doing.

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Adult Ministries

Adult Bible Study Group

with Pastor Simeon Law The new time now will be on Thursdays, from 1 pm to 2:15 pm. We are continuing with the Book of Acts. We evaluate what we know, and discover many things we did not know or forgot. All are welcome, and come when you can. It is a great class and you will be glad you came.

Adult Discussion Group

with Pastor Simeon Law Current topics of interest are discussed, and we meet on the second Sunday of the month after service from 11 am to 12 pm. The topics are decided by the group and all opinions are valued. It is very interesting and informative. Come whenever you are able, and all are welcome.

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NOVEMBER 2017 BIRTHDAYS 2 Taylor Millbauer 17 Patrick Spada 2 Brittney Schuessler 19 Katie Frusciante 4 Howard Jack, Jr. 19 Alexander Siksay 4 Jean Sosnoski 20 Phebe Kirkham 6 Ryan McCoy 20 Sarah Ruskin 6 Susan Nedbal 21 Madeline Burgess 6 Brian Olah 21 Ethan Erickson 6 Melanie Russell 22 Robert W. McCarthy 7 Connie Beth Demko 24 Robyn Bicknell 7 D’Andre Dina 24 James Demko 8 Martha Baird 25 Megan Uhrynowski 8 Barbara DeBiase 26 Mary Hardy 8 Maya Hopkins 27 Robert Bobko 10 Laura Weller 28 Bill Rehm 11 Karen Giammattei 28 Elwood Tschopp 11 Molly McFarland 29 Autumn Graham 12 Leontene Grandfield 29 Caitlyn Knight 13 Frank John 30 Barbara Mwanga 14 Chelsea Green 30 Holly Crowther 14 Vickie Matthew 30 Brendon Wall 16 Janice Narus

If your November birthday isn’t on this list, please call the Church Office at 203-375-5851.

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November 2017 Wedding Anniversaries

Nov. 6th Mr. & Mrs. Millbauer Nov. 17th Mr. & Mrs. Jack Nov. 17th Mr. & Mrs. Devonish Nov. 18th Mr. & Mrs. James

Have you noticed how bright our church is looking?

Cindy Booth is a big blessing, having helped us obtain a

new cleaning service that is doing a great job, and which

she checks on regularly. She has, with the Girl Scouts,

arranged for the painting of the bathrooms in the

Education wing. And Dan Burns and the basketball

players have given our large Parish Hall a nice paint job.

Many wonderful changes are happening, and thank you

all for the great work. God bless our wonderful

volunteers!

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Beginning in November, the Thrift Shop will be open on the first Sunday of every month immediately following the first service and the second service. It will remain open as long as possible. United Methodist Women Donations needed. As the year draws to a close, the U.M.W. would appreciate your donation. We are a group in mission especially to help women and children. Donations can be left in the Weekly offering or in the Church Office, clearly marked. Thank you. UMW planning meeting on Sun., Nov. 5th, following worship. All interested

women are welcome.

Condolences to: SUMC member Diane Scripture and family on the loss of her beloved father, SUMC Member Herb Scripture, on Sept. 22nd. A Funeral Service for Herb was held on Sept. 27th at the McDonald Funeral Home with Rev. Law officiating. Condolences to: the family of SUMC member Joe Dorso who passed away on Sept. 22nd. An SUMC Funeral Service for Joe was held on Sept. 27th with Rev. Law and Dr. Kirkham officiating. Joe leaves behind two sons and daughters, three brothers, six sisters, many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Condolences to: SUMC members Casey Kudravy, Deborah Lockwood, and Rita Cursio on the sudden passing of their beloved Sister, Cousin, and Aunt, Barbara Holm Blakeman, who died on Mon., Oct. 9th, in Florida at the age of 59. A CT Memorial Service is being planned for November (the date and time to be determined).

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ALL ARTICLES FOR THE GOOD NEWS SHOULD BE E-MAILED TO SECRETARY@SUMCCT.ORG OR DROPPED OFF IN THE GOOD NEWS BOX IN THE CHURCH OFFICE. THANK YOU!

GOOD NEWS SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 2017

Good News Issue Articles Due no later than... Good News Mailed

December November 8th November 22th

In addition to reading The Good News, bulletin supplements, viewing our website (sumcct.org), looking at our Facebook page, or checking out the local newspapers, there is another way to keep up-to-date on upcoming events at S.U.M.C. Call the Church Office (203-375-5851) when it isn't staffed (after 1:30 p.m. weekdays and all weekends). Press #5 to hear a calendar of upcoming events. The recording is updated on a regular basis.

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