Pastor Kelly

photo by Fred Gagnon

Garden soil perhaps, while coaxing vegetables to grow? Or maybe sand, squishing between your toes because you plan to spend �me at the beach? Maybe it will be the pink linoleum of your ancestral home you’re visi�ng, or the mountain rock at a hiking overlook.

I hope, at some point, (and dare I say, as o�en as possible), it will be wood floor of the chancel sanctuary as our informal summer series, Country Roads, kicks off. We’re exploring the God of honky-tonks, heartaches, and ni�y-gri�y journeys with Tex Sample.

He calls this kind of ordinary and coarse spirituality “earthly mys�cism.”

I am not helped much by conven�onal approaches to spirituality. I find it almost impossible to “do” devo�ons. Daily Bible study in the sense of devo�ng 20-30 minutes a day never worked for me. I cannot get around to scheduled �me for prayer on my knees with head bowed. I find labyrinths and prayer beads boring. I am ever and again distracted in silent medita�on. I simply cannot sustain a spirituality based on such things. Yet, Bible study, prayer, worship, and Eucharist form the heart of my prac�ces, but it is a different spirituality. . . . It’s about a God of surprises, of One who comes in the ordinary and the seamy. It is about a God who will goose you. –from Earthy Mys�cism: Spirituality for Unspiritual People

We’ll enjoy his storytelling, first on the screen with his Southern accent and then in readings around our circle. We will explore a spirituality rooted in a place, with a kind of gravity to it, that leaves dust on our boots.

Theologian Paul Tillich’s favorite image for God was the “ground of our being.”

So how are you experiencing the ground of being this summer? What will be the ground beneath your feet? Your

summer assignment (‘cause there’s always a summer assignment) is to bring back the substance beneath your feet. AND YES, that means bringing back some of the dirt/ground you encounter in whatever strange place you travel. (We’ll collect the dirt in a special service Sept. 18 and maybe even make a terrarium).

We want your stories also, of the ground of your being– both the more literal kind about the dirt beneath your feet or the more spiritual kind of encounter. We’d love for you to share them.

We hope you will take this series on the road with you and be a�en�ve to a God who shows up in the unexpected places, unseemly events, and the wrong people. Maybe it’s the metaphorical ground that speaks to you – like a hometown landscape that won’t let you go, or a special place to which you return in mind or body. Since last year’s bird stories were so much fun, we’ll make �me to share our “ground” stories each Sunday.

Our soundtrack this summer will be decidedly country, with guitar music this August. We’re asking for your favorite country music selec�ons (those that are appropriate for worship) to accompany us on our country roads. May they take us home.

Shalom,

W���’� B������ Y��� F��� T��� S�����?

Summer Homework Bring in:

– cowboy boots & hats

– country music worship selec�ons

– dirt from your travels

– Stories of an earthly spirituality

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Special health concerns: Betty E__ , Bob & Diane F__ , Janet G__ , JT C__ & Phyllis R__ .

Evelyn & Andrew Soucie June 2

Terry & Alan Robertson June 11 Julie & John Dunlop June 18

Beginning Monday, June 12 church office summer hours

will be 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Monday – Thursday

Regular hours will resume August 21

Edie Buckley - East Village

Marilyn Burns - LifeCare, Wilbraham

Dottie Barnes - Birch Manor in Chicopee Dot Buzelle - Redstone

Joan Kearns - Wells Country Village, Vernon CT Ruby Waide - Orchard Valley, Wilb.

Paul Willer - Reeds Landing

John Cavicchia - Vibra Hospital of

WMass, Springfield

Many thanks to all who attended "Jumpin' Jambalaya" on April 30. Thanks to you, we raised $400 for our music program!

I'd like to thank all the folks who helped publicize, set up, decorate, shop, cook, and clean up: Diane & Steve Chandler, Laverne & Theda Cornbower, Vance Gagnon, Sco� Grabowski, Steve Hilbun, Bill & Carol Johnston, Joan McGowan, Pa�y Richards and the Rev. Kelly Turney.

Thanks also to the incomparable Ethel Lee, singer, Ralph whi�le, piano, Rudi Weeks, base and Rick Marshall, drums, for providing such amazing music to make our Jumpin’ Jambalaya Mardi Gras celebra�on a success!

Peace and blessings, JT.

Please turn to page 5 for pictures of the event.

Ju mpi n’ Ja mba la y a !

Undie Sunday Thank You!

Boxers or briefs? Actually both, plus hipsters, kid cartoon underwear, t-shirts, crew socks . . . a wide diversity of items from Undie Sunday were sent

to West Virginia and the Open Hearts ministry of ELUMC'S favorite deacon, Gayle Lesure. Gayle says they have already arrived, “Awesome, thank you all so much! We have already put them out on the racks for our fami-lies to take home!”

“Say Yes to the Prom Dress”

Thank you for the dona�ons to the "Say Yes to the Prom Dress" event. Since the event on April 28th, over 70 students have chosen free prom dresses and/or accessories. The remaining items will be sent to the Job Corp for their "Second Chance Prom."

Thank you, Vera Denyko

Carol Derouin will be out of the office July 10–13. The office will be open that week Monday through Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm staffed by volunteers.

Please call the office if you can help.

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V������� B���� C���

J��� 26-30 6:00 - 8:00 pm

You're invited to discover your strength in God with East Longmeadow United Methodist Church for Hero Central VBS! For more information or to register, go to 2017.cokesburyvbs.com/ELUMC2017.

"Do good! Seek peace and go a�er it!" Psalm 34:14b, CEB

For more informa�on contact:

Laura Kinney at meanielk21@yahoo.com

A�� C����� C��������� Monday, June 19, 2017

6:30 - 7:00 pm Please join us in celebra�ng our leaders and vo�ng for the new officers who will guide our teams and ministry in the coming years.

Everyone is invited to a�end; All members have vo�ng privileges.

The Lay Leadership Team has been prayerfully working to invite people to be a part of this congrega�on’s efforts to be the body of Christ. If you would like to serve in an area or even develop a new ministry please contact our Lay Leaders Rick & Chris Hutchinson or the Pastor. We are grateful for all those who have stepped up to lead, those who have brought us to this point and those who take the baton now and continue the race.

U���� �� F����, J��� 11 St. Mark’s, ELUMC & the

Congrega�onal Church worship together & play so�ball

ELUMC, St. Mark’s Episcopal, and the Congrega�onal Church will be worshiping together on Sunday June 11 at the UCC church at the rotary with Dr. M. Saleem Bajwa from the Islamic Society of Western

MA as our preacher.

We will worship, pray, and sing, together as a united Body of Christ. It will be a joyful celebra�on of our God and our unity in faith.

Following our joint service there will be a �me of fellowship and food.

Soon therea�er we head to Center Field (@ rotary) to play a friendly game of so�ball with the John Wesley Trophy on the line. Anyone who is interested in playing should contact Gary Conz at g.conz@yahoo.com. You must sign a liability waiver for the Town of East Longmeadow to be able to play, so please pick up a form from the office no later than June 3 and put your name on Coach Gary's team list.

Prac�ce game schedule: Monday, 6/5 at 6:00 at the JV Field at East Longmeadow High School. We'll meet at the athle�c field parking lot behind ELHS.

Prac�ce#2. Friday, 6/9 at 6:00 pm at Center Field.

“R����� ��� A��” W������� June 4th

ELUMC’s “Rhythm for All” grant program kicks off its series of workshops on multigenerational music-making with rhythm instruments on Sunday, June

4th in tandem with the Carrington Scholarship Pasta luncheon. This workshop is FREE and open to ELUMC folk.

The opening workshop will be led by our good friend, drummer Rick Marshall. Rick will introduce us to the idea of drum circles, using his “bucket” drums which are so popular. Rick has over two decades of experience in teaching percussion and working with children of all ages, so he brings a great wealth of expertise to the program. Audience participation is not only encouraged, but expected.

We would like to make sure everyone feels welcome, so please, help us out! Make a reserva�on in advance, so we know how many chairs and drums we need. You can make a reservation by contacting the church office at 413-525-7416.

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5�� A����� V�������� G����-N-F�� N����������� C������ R������ 2017

Members of the East Longmeadow United Methodist Church once again participated in Revitalize CDC’s Green-N- Fit Neighborhood Rebuild on April 29.

This has become an annual event everyone looks forward to. We worked alongside United Methodists from Wesley Springfield & Trinity Springfield.

ELUMC was front and le� and ready to work!

Lots of helping hands, including many Springfield College students

Denise Evans, Kelly Greene, Kevin Greener, Arlene Greener, & Marty & Arlene Wright

All smiles as they finish the day..

Denise Evans & Kevin Greener ready to lend a hand.

Like a swarm, we took over the yard. Many hands make light work.

Next up Mission: 6/21 Loaves & Fishes meal prep, 8:30 - 10:00 am in the kitchen. HELP NEEDED.

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Jumpin’

Jambalaya! Rick Marshall keeps the

beat while Rudi Weeks on base, Ralph Whittle on piano and Ethel Lee on vocals provide some hot

Mardi Gras jazz.

A Year in Music at ELUMC – and what a year we’ve had! I’m so grateful to our fabulous choirs and outstanding guests for

bringing my original compositions and arrangements to life. Special thanks and recognition goes to Mallory Wray, who is not only a terrific soprano section leader, but also has proven herself to be a DYNAMIC children’s choir director! Loved by kids, parents, and educa�on team alike, she has provided strong leadership for our young group to make a quantum leap UP-WARD in confidence and musical skills. I also want to recognize the assistant director of our bell choir, Joan McGowan! Her bell solo on “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” was nothing short of beau�fully inspired – and her leadership at rehearsals has proven invaluable. But wait - we have one more special day of music: June 4 is Pentecost! We have spirit-filled music for worship, including my original anthem "The Breath of God.” Then, be sure to stay a�er church not only for the Carrington Scholarship pasta luncheon but also an upbeat, energe�c drumming workshop led by our good friend Rick Marshall! All ages welcome, so come one - come all. Look for Rick again in the fall, and think about singing and ringing with us then! NA-MASTE Keep a song in your heart ~ JT.

Christmas Cantata “Longing, Seeking, Watching, Waiting; What Shall We Call Him?”

Children’s Choir at Easter Worship Joan McGowan offers an impressive Bell solo 2 hands, 7 bells

M���� �� ELUMC

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ELUMC along with Methodists from the region get ready to celebrate diversity at the May 6th Northampton Pride Celebrate Diversity parade. The day started off rainy but the sun finally came out and everyone had a great �me.

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We are very pleased to announce that Tom McGowan was named the East Longmeadow Lions Club's 2017 Dis�nguished Ci�zen of the Year.

Tom was honored at a recogni�on dinner on May 17th at Elmcrest Country Club. The evening also included the reading and presentation of a special cita�on from Congressman Richard Neal’s office.

Tom is a long-�me volunteer for Habitat For Humanity. Most recently being instrumental in the building of a home on Allen Street in Springfield. He has visited the New Orleans area several �mes assis�ng in the rebuilding efforts of homes there after hurricane Katrina. He has also served as outreach team leader at ELUMC organizing food drives, running a “Walk the Rail Trail” for seniors, and led a project to clean up and repair seniors’ homes in East Longmeadow.

Tom receives his award from EL Lions Club King Lion Dave Martinez.

C�������� T�� S��� Like last year, there will be a community tag sale on the lawn of ELUMC. The event will take place on Saturday, September 9 from 8am to 2pm rain or shine. Members of the community will be able to purchase space and sell

their tag sale items. Anyone in the congrega�on is also welcome to purchase a space and sell their tag sale items. Each 10’ x 10’ space is $10. Applica�ons are available on our church website. Ques�ons — see Julie Dunlop, Liz Gelinas, Laurel Manley, Laura Kinney, or Barbara Ollson.

At the request of the educa�on department an amazon.com wish list has been created with books people

can purchase for the church library. If you would like to see this list just follow

the direc�ons printed below.

Sign into your Amazon.com account

Go to Accounts & Lists

Click on Wish List - On the upper right side click on List help

Under Find A List choose Search for a List

1. Enter the person whose list you’d like to find (Kelly Turney)

2. Click Search (the List is labeled ELUMC Church Library click on

this and the list of books will come up).

3. Once you’ve located the applicable list, you can Click Remember

Thank you for supporting the ELUMC church library.

C��������� S���������� R���������

Congratulations to this years Carrington Scholarship recipients:

Emily Dunlop, continuing her studies at the University of New Hampshire.

Annalyse Arnold, continuing her studies at Framingham University.

Jack Stenta, continuing his studies at Southern New Hampshire University.

Please join us as we celebrate these recipients at a luncheon on Sunday, June 4 right a�er worship.

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In June, we'll journey with Tex Sample into honky-tonks, heartaches, and the earthy spirituality of those who find God in the ordinary and seamy.

Send in your favorite country song of faithful living and we'll play it during worship.

July 2 -  Hero Central

July 9 -  David Calhoun, District Superintendent preaching

July 14-16 -  At Partridge Hollow Campground – All-Church Camping Adventure with Sunday morning worship around the campfire.

July 16 - Tom & Joan McGowan preaching in the sanctuary.

In August - our services move to the evening on the front lawn; bring your own lawn chair.

Summer worship series: Country Roads – guitars, rural wisdom & a God who will goose you.

A summer camp experience for everyone

Mechuwana has some unique camp programs that you just don't find at other camps. Check out these special camp

programs designed for families, grandparents, and seniors.

Grand Camp Spend special time together with your grandchildren at camp. Experience campfires, cra�s, swim-ming, boa�ng, music, and much more as you create wonderful memories

with your grandchildren during this special time together. This camp is a half-week.

Mom/Child Camp

Moms bring their child(ren) for a half-week of sharing quality �me without the pressure of school, jobs, or home rou�ne. Share �me with

other moms and families as you take part in all the fun camp ac�vi�es. Scheduled �me just for mom is also part of this unique experiences. Half-week camp.

Golden Oldies Camp This camp is designed for adults who are 55+ and want to have a great camp experience with oth-ers. Enjoy Mechuwana's beau�ful se�ng while participating in a program including swimming,

boa�ng, and other fun ac�vi�es. You will have plenty of free �me to explore and relax. This is half-week camp.

You and Me Camp Dads, moms, aunts, un-cles, and step-parents, this is your chance to come to camp with a special child in your life. Enjoy experiencing camp ac�vi�es together like boa�ng, swimming,

cra�s, and more. Make memories that will last a life-�me. This is a half-week camp.

For more informa�on go to:www.mechuwana.org or email us at: mechuwana@fairpoint.net Phone 207-377-2924

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The warmer weather means it’s �me to think about caring for our church grounds.

We would welcome anyone who could help with shrub & hedge trimming over the summer.

If you can spare some �me please see the “Gardeners for God” sign up sheet on the bulle�n board.

SAFE SANCTUARIES

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Address Service Requested

East Longmeadow United Methodist Church 215 Somers Road, STE 2

East Longmeadow, MA 01028-2998

413-525-7416 • a reconciling congrega�on 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.

Come join us for the weekend, 1 night or 1 day. No Tent? No problem we’ve got plenty. The campground has a pool, wading pool, horseshoe pit, playground etc...

All Ages Welcome!

The cost is $72 per family which includes 2 adults and 2 children. Day trippers can come for the day for a fee. You need not have camping equipment to par�cipate — we have extra stuff.

For more informa�on please contact Rick Hutchinson or see the registra�on form on the back of the calendar insert. (for the on-

line version of the Newsle�er please go to the last page.) Deadline to register is July 7. Please e-mail completed informa�on to Rick Hutchinson or leave it his church mailbox. Payment in full due upon arrival. Makes check payable to ELUMC and mark CAMPING on the check.

For the on-line church calendar follow this link:

http://57650311.view-events.com/

THIRD ANNUALELUMC ALL-CHURCH CAMPING WEEKEND

JULY 14-16 (Friday-Sunday)PARTRIDGE HOLLOW CAMGROUND

72 Sutcliff Rd, Monson, MA

Come Join Us for the Weekend, 1 Night, or 1 Day! No Tent?? No Problem… we’ve got plenty!!

All Ages Welcome!! There’s Plenty to do Including Swimming, Horseshoes, Nearby Hiking,

Westview Creamery, Group Campfire etc…

We will Provide Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Beverages Pricing

CAMP SITE FOOD ages 12+/ per personFOOD ages 2-11/ per person

$72/weekend$35/weekend$15/weekend

$36/ 1 night$15/ 1 night or day visit$ 5/ 1 night or day visit

REGISTRATION

NAME: CELL:

EMAIL:

NUMBER OF CAMPERS AGES 12 AND ABOVE (YOUTH & ADULTS) NUMBER OF CAMPERS AGES 2-11 NUMBER OF CAMPERS UNDER 2

I AM PLANNING TO CAMP OR ATTEND FOR: The Whole Enchilada (Fri-Sun) 1 Sleepless Night is Plenty (Fri-Sat) I’ll Be There For the Food & Fun On Saturday (daytime)

YES, I NEED A TENT I ALREADY HAVE A TENT

I HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES:

Campers need to bring appropriate clothing for the weather (cool nights), sleeping bags, pillows, folding chairs, personal items. Adult beverages are welcomed (and you’re encouraged to share them with the camp chef)

To determine your total cost, add the cost of the camp site plus the food costs