Pastor Kelly

photo by Fred Gagnon

For too long the church has bought into

the prevailing narra�ve of Empire– a pyramid with concentrated power at the top. And those who rule, whether the 1% economically, those in the upper class, those born of the right color or na�onal origin, those thought deserving, or those given ins�tu�onal authority are the ones in charge. Whether their rule is thought to be benevolent or not, it’s about maintaining the pyramid.

In sanctuary design this arrangement leads to chancels that are off limits to the people, to raised pulpits where the wisdom of the ordained clergy are the voices amplified and projected for a passive congre-ga�on to sit and receive.

But what would it mean if we lived into the wisdom of Jesus– a leader who divested of the divine power given him to embody a more equalitarian model where every person offers the imago Dei–the image of God– regardless of class, color, gender or status? What would it mean to live into the wisdom of the early church whose central image was the table, not a pyramid?

What if we gathered around a table? On the same level. What if we gave privilege to not just the preacher’s voice but to the wisdom of the community in its understanding of scripture?

What if we understood that the word of God is within us and among us as well as in the Bible?

What happens when we create an environment where the Bible is in conversa�on with the other elements of the quadrilateral – reason, tradi�on, and the experience of our lives? –Lives shared around the table, broken open even as the

bread is broken and shared.

–Where drinking from the common cup becomes a symbol of our commitment to live into the gospel story – and its counter-cultural good news that doesn’t rely on a rise to the top of a pyramid but rather sets a table in our midst and makes a place for everyone.

Jesus was se�ng a table for all in an economically-unjust society. . . . How can we take on the promise of the early church about tables and live into the vision and power of the reforma�on with the priesthood of all people gathered?

In her highly-an�cipated new book Grateful, social historian Diana Butler Bass, says our deepest need in our spiritual lives is to get rid of the pyramids. In a society more and more divided and demonizing of the other, she reflects on a study that finds Americans more anxious, less op�mis�c, and more distrus�ul than ever. She

explores a more shared sense of communal gra�tude–an understanding with a focus more on “we” than “me.” It’s about developing and apprecia�ng the �es that bind society. And how our ins�tu�ons can sustain those �es to neighbor rather than allow us to revel in our individuality.

New church starts and congrega�ons seeking to live into the new kin-dom have figured out that the worship style of fixed pews and set-apart chancels works against this sense of community. Our Capital Campaign Team is working on ways that our sanctuary– when the pews and carpet are removed – can be re-designed for such a future – and we are grateful for the opportunity to form us anew around the table as the body of Christ for the world.

June 2018 Photo by Fred Gagnon

...for those who cry out for love & jus�ce

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Special health concerns: Bob & Diane F___ , Hank & Bev K___ , Tom R___ & Phyllis R___ .

Beginning Monday, June 11 church office summer hours

will be 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Monday – Thursday

Regular hours will resume August 20

Marilyn Burns - LifeCare, Wilbraham

Dot Buzzelle - Redstone

Joan Kearns - Wells Country Village, Vernon CT

Paul Willer - Reeds Landing

Carol Derouin will be out of the office July 16–19. 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.

Evelyn & Andrew Soucie June 2 Terry & Alan Robertson June 11 Julie & John Dunlop June 18

A Big Thank You to Brian Kingsley.

On a recent beautiful spring day, Brian raked

and cleaned up the Memorial Garden to ready it for mulch.

The project was supervised by Brian’s dog, Jack, who barked at anyone that tried to distract Brian from his work. Great Job, Brian & Jack!!

L����� � F����� On the third Wednesday of each month, the Loaves and Fishes team meets at 8:30 a.m. in the church

kitchen to prepare a hearty lunch, which is then served at a local soup kitchen in neighboring Springfield.

Help support this important ministry that helps feed those who are homeless in the Springfield area. Dona�ons can be made to Loaves and Fishes by wri�ng a check to ELUMC with “Loaves & Fishes” on the memo line.

Volunteers are needed; please contact Denise Forgue

(413-231-0411) or Vance Gagnon (413-209-4522) if you can assist with food prep and/ or cleanup. Thank you.

Patty Richards & Fred Gagnon help prepare the meal for Loaves & Fishes.

O��� P����� C�������� S�������, I��. Dear Friends,

Thank you for your contribu�on of $75 to Open Pantry Community Services. In our con�nuing struggle to maintain our services, your concern and support for those who are less fortunate is most welcome and much appreciated.

Your generous donation will help ease the burden of some of our community’s less fortunate, bringing a ray of hope where it is most needed. On behalf of the people we serve, thank you for your kindness.

Sincerely,

Terry S. Maxey, Agency Director

It is with sadness that we bring you the news of the passing of Edith Buckley. Edie died on Saturday, May 26th a�er a massive stroke. Please remember her family, and her nieces and nephews

who surrounded her in the hospital.

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June 10 - Last Day of Sunday School

June 17 - Choir Recognition Sunday, Show our gratitude to our

talented Chancel and Bell Choirs.

September 9 - Rally Sunday

September 16 - Sunday School begins again.

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You're invited to join us at the East Longmeadow United Methodist Church

for Rolling River Rampage Vacation Bible Camp! Join the volunteer team as we experience the ride of a lifetime with children and discover what it means to be

God's ra�ers!

June 25-29th from 6-8 PM.

For more informa�on or to find out how you can help, call/text Laura Kinney at (413) 348-7212, email

laurakinney21@gmail.com, or go to rrr.cokesburyvbs.com/elongmeadowumc.

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, playground, horseshoe pit, etc…

For more informa�on please contact Rick Hutchinson. or see the registration 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 13. Please e-mail completed informa�on to Rick Hutchinson or leave it in his church mailbox.

ALL-CHURCH CAMPING Weekend

July 20-21-22 Partridge Hollow

Campground Monson, MA

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N�� H������/C������ S����� The Trustees have been meeting with several hea�ng contractors to discuss op�ons for the church’s

new hea�ng/cooling system. A new system should be in place before the cold weather this Fall/Winter season.

Joan Clark, Paul Kinney, Fred Gagnon & Bill Gelinas discuss heating/cooling options with a contractor.

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It was a beau�ful

day for a parade and United Methodists from ELUMC and beyond along with other people of faith marched together in the May 5th NoHo Pride parade

The Denyko family, Stephanie, Vera, daughter, Kay, and son, Sammy (in

the stroller) and Jacob a family friend, (next to

Stephanie) all enjoyed marching in the Parade.

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6�� A����� V�������� G����-N-F�� N����������� C������ R������ 2018

Members of the East Longmeadow United Methodist Church participated in Revitalize CDC’s Green-N- Fit Neighborhood Rebuild on April 28th.

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

Starting the Day

The ELUMC crew is ready to get to work. (kneeling),

Kelly Turney, Brian Kingsley, (back row) home owner Awilda, who is also the vice president of Old Hill Neighborhood Associa�on, Sco� Grabowski, Tom McGowan, a random volunteer, Kelly Greene and Andrew Samuelson.

Andrew Samuelson entertains his fellow workers with a broom solo.

Dr. Andrew Balder & others work hard cleaning the deck and planting.

Sco�, Andrew & Kelly G.

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Submitted by Diane Hemingway

ELUMC is grateful to donate $500 to the Rainbow Community Garden at St. Mark's and build relationships with the Bhutanese community.

The Bhutanese population are refugees fleeing ethnic persecution having lived in UN refugee camps in Nepal. They were rese�led by the State Department in eleven different countries. The Jewish Family Service has been working with these families, who o�en have mul�ple genera�ons living together. The children a�end the public schools. Their Pentecostal congregation worships at the Lutheran church. Senator Lesser helped make the connection between St. Mark's, (who wanted to provide community garden space for those who needed it,) and the Bhutanese families (who wanted to garden.)

We celebrated the blessing and opening of the garden in a joint service with St. Mark's on May 27th. Senator Eric Lesser preached. Given our history at ELUMC, par�cipa�ng in this community ministry with a dona�on from the Mission Endowment Fund seemed right.

A�er all, Florence Pomeroy o�en hoped ELUMC would host a community garden and she and her husband Herb left ELUMC an enriching history of responding to the call to act and working to promote peace. The Pomeroys began a community vegetable farm in the 1950's which con�nues today. In the 1980's, they opened their home and hearts to 2 Vietnamese and 2 Cambodian refugee boys, helping them learn English. One of the youth stayed for 4 years and graduated from East Longmeadow High School.

Florence went to Nicaragua as a Witness for Peace, and walked the Via Cruces from Pi�sfield to Boston in her "senior" years. Herb passed away in 1999, and Florence con�nued to share her strong spirit and belief that every-one should be part of God's mission un�l her passing in 2012.

ELUMC, through the Jewish Family Services, sponsored a Somali refugee family, helping them rese�le and worked with them to learn English. Zanieb (mother), Abdul (father), and 3 wonderful children, Amina, Ahmed, and Abo ( at the �me, 14, 10, & 5). Rela�onships were built and grew with everyone involved learning from each other.

ELUMC continues our commitment to welcoming the stranger through our par�cipa�on with the Jus�ce for Our Neighbors immigra�on legal aid clinic in Springfield.

Hope and working towards a healing, las�ng peace is like a garden that grows from seed to harvest. Lives also grow with love, jus�ce, and welcome.

Thanks to all who were able to come to the Ladies Brunch & Tea on Thursday, May 17th. A special thank you to Laurie Conz, Liz Gelinas, Diane Hemingway, Gail McGrath & Pastor Kelly for providing and serving the brunch. Everyone enjoyed getting together and sharing a great meal.

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Ivy Gelinas helps Pastor Kelly serve Be�y Edge� & Diane Ferguson.

Cam Leveille is ready to dig in

while Chris Hutchinson &

Pat Jerome look on.

Louise House, Lois Harris & Gail McGrath enjoy some

tea and conversa�on.

Reese was ready to a�end the tea or even a royal wedding with her pink fascinator.

See pictures from the dedica�on service at end of the newsle�er.

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Congratula�ons to this years Carrington Scholarship recipients:

Annalyse Arnold, continuing her studies at Framingham University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Emily Dunlop, con�nuing her studies at the University of New Hampshire pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology.

Ryan Fisk, con�nuing his educa�on at Elms College pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

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Hi everyone,

Spring is finally here!

Thank you for all the great feed-back for our musical efforts. I am

so blest to be among you! Of course, you are welcome to be a part of the

Chancel Choir or the Bell Choir – admission is free.

By the �me you read this we will be heading toward the end of our choir season on Father’s Day, June 17, and we will have survived services in the “Upper Room.” I miss the pipe organ, but have been happy to be closer to the congrega�on.

Grace and Peace, Rick

“Music is a language that doesn’t speak in par�cular words. It speaks in emo�ons, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.” ― Keith Richards

PRAYER CHAIN IN NEED OF NEW

“LINKS”

Currently, our prayer chain has two branches. Both branches

have lost a few par�cipants, or “links”, in the last year or so. Consequently, we are looking for replacements. Would you like to serve your church community by becoming a new “link” in one of our chains? If you care about the well-being of others in our church community, and if you don’t mind receiving calls, phone messages, and calling others, you are fully equipped to become a successful “link” in this caring ministry. People with prayer needs in the congrega�on really do appreciate being able to access a formal prayer ministry, when they feel a need for prayers about themselves or loved ones. Like sharing happiness and success, sharing anxiety, grief and pain with those who care brings a measure of relief and comfort to those in need of prayer.

If you yourself have special prayer needs, please contact the pastor, the Rev. Kelly Turney, or the church secretary, Carol Derouin, in the church office at (413) 525-7416. Carol will pass the word along to the leaders of the 2 prayer chains. If the office is closed please contact Lois Harris at 413-525-9883.

If you are interested in and would like to find out more about our program, or would like to join one of our teams, please contact Prayer Chain Coordinator Lois Harris, at (413) 525-9883, or Church Secretary Carol Derouin, at (413)525-7416, at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for seriously considering becoming a par�cipant in this much needed and appreciated ministry of the ELUMC.

Diane Ferguson & Lois Harris, Prayer Chain Coordinators.

To my church family,

I want to send a sincere thank you for the Carrington scholarship I was awarded. It means a lot to see my educational goals as attainable thanks to ELUMC's generosity. Additionally, it means so much to see my church family supporting me in this way. I feel so loved and blessed to be a part of this congrega�on. Thank you all, I hope to accomplish great things with your help.

Sincerely, Emily Dunlop

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July 20-22 -  Join us at Partridge Hollow Campground for the All-Church Camping Adventure with Sunday morning worship around the campfire.

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

Bless to Me Discovering blessing in the ordinary, Encountering holiness in daily living this summer

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Nursery: Natalya Yazhbin Volunteers: Ashlee Deziel, Julie Dunlop, Liz Gelinas, Diane Hemingway, Carol Johnston, Bev Kalloch,, Laura

Kinney, Kaitlin Leveille, Pam Minahan, Jessie &, Olivia Ryan.

Sam Denyko, Faye Gelinas, Cam Leveille, Curtis Minahan, Madison Wilkes.

Pre-school: Teachers - Laurie Conz, Pa�y Ryan Ryan Deziel, Theo Gelinas, Joshua Hack, Aleah Hernandez, Sawyer

Ketcham, Reese Leveille, Taylor Minahan, , Michael Manley.

K - 1st & 2nd: Teacher - Molly McLaughlin

Leo Deziel, Ivy Gelinas, Jack Ketcham, Caleb Kinney, Kay Denyko, Ryan Manley.

3rd , 4th ,5th Grade: Teacher - Paul Kinney Bailey Kinney, Caiden Manley.

Jr. High: Teacher - Kelly Greene Olivia Ryan, Bailey Kinney.

Subs�tute teachers: Laura Kinney, Laurel Manley, Jessica & Olivia Ryan, Kaitlin Leveille.

Many of you can name a Sunday School teacher who had an impact on your lives.... We’ve heard the stories of Ray Ellison's

lessons standing on a table or Paul Kinney's class, Tom St Marie with his guitar or Kelly Greene's bingo. Each pu�ng their unique spin on their classes. There are those some might think unlikely teachers, but students tell of their impact like Ed Warner, Carol Johnston, Jeff Jones, the Chandlers. Some�mes, it's a�er a person dies, that the mourners tell the stories of when the deceased taught them in Sunday School -- and all the things they remember.

It's also lovely to hear from folks nearing their end of days who talk about the impact teaching had on them.... even if it was that one year thirty-five years ago. They can recall how unprepared they felt for the job, how they were "voluntold" for the job, how they resisted the job for so long . . . and yet how grateful they were for the experience. How those students, that �me, had touched them. They say it was perhaps more meaningful for them as a teacher than for their students.

To lead a children's Sunday School Class, you need not be a Florence Pomeroy with a life of extraordinary service, or a Molly McLaughlin whose longstanding faithfulness has held the program together, or a Pa�y Ryan with her conscien�ous detail to each child or even a Laurie Conz with her organization and craftiness.

You need only have a heart for our children and our faith... The Educa�on Team and its curriculum can help you fill in the rest. The best way to learn the Bible stories that form our faithful living is by teaching them to others.

Please pray each day this summer about our Sunday School program -- so that the spirit may speak to you and others who might help, teach, subs�tute come this fall. Without all of us taking part our youngest disciples will not get the love and guidance of the faith community we have promised them upon their bap�sm. The Educa�on Team knows you have a busy schedule and are unable to commit to teaching every week. The program is no longer built around that model....now there is flexibility and a team of teachers building a schedule of coverage together.

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.

Father’s Day June 17, 2018

Each month the Loaves & Fishes ministry provides a hot nutri�ous meal to over 100 people in Springfield. There are women and families but most who receive our meals are men. Some are veterans, many are fathers, some have fallen on hard �mes or suffer from addic�on. . . . But in feeding those who are hungry we feed Christ.

In honor or memory of our fathers and other important men in our lives this coming Fathers' Day, our church will be raising funds to support the Loaves & Fishes ministry. Please fill out this form and return it with your dona�on of $10 to the church office by June 10. Checks should be made payable to ELUMC with Loaves & Fishes wri�en on the memo line. This gi� to Loaves & Fishes is given by:____________________________________________________ In Honor of ___________________________________________________________________ In Memory of __________________________________________________________________

For the on-line church calendar follow this link:

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

EAST LONGMEADOW JOINT WORSHIP

AND

RAINBOW COMMUNITY

GARDEN

DEDICATION

Sunday, May 27, 2018 St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Many Thanks to the participants of today’s service and dedication: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for hosting this service and the garden

Senator Eric Lesser Readers: Kevin Strickert (St. Paul Lutheran) and Scott Grabowski (ELUMC) Acolytes, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Counters, Vestry Healing Ministers

Nancy Gague, Organist, Holy Grounds Ministry (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church) Members of East Longmeadow First Congregational Church (UCC),

Members of East Longmeadow United Methodist Church, Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church,

Members of Kingdom Embassy, Members of Salvation Nepali Church

ELCAT, News 22 And most of all, God Almighty, who gives us the means to do all things!

FORTH ELUMC ALL-CHURCH CAMPING WEEKEND

JULY 20-22, 2018 (Friday-Sunday)

PARTRIDGE HOLLOW CAMGROUND72 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 Camp re etc… We will Provide Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Beverages

PricingCAMP SITE FOOD ages 15+/ per person FOOD ages 5-14/ per person

$80/weekend$40/weekend$20/weekend

$40/ 1 night$20/ 1 night or day visit$10/ 1 night or day visit

REGISTRATION

NAME: CELL:

EMAIL:

NUMBER OF CAMPERS AGES 15 AND ABOVENUMBER OF CAMPERS AGES 5-11NUMBER OF CAMPERS UNDER 5

I AM PLANNING TO CAMP OR ATTEND FOR:2 Nights1 Night circle one Friday Saturday

I’ll Be There For 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