The Messenger

First & Wesley United

Methodist Church

89 Center Street

West Haven, Connecticut 06516

203-933-8795

May 2019

This is a special year for us in that we had both the Special General

Conference in February and the Special New York Annual Conference which

our church Lay Delegates, Peggy Jerrell and Helen Smith, and I attended in

March. Some of you have asked me about the structure of the United

Methodist Church.

Our church, The United Methodist Church, is often called “connectional

church.” To understand our nick name, we need to know our structure.

1. The General Conference is the largest body of the United Methodist Church

(held every 4 years in April or May). It has full legislative power over all matters

distinctively connectional. All legislation of the General Conference shall

become effective January 1st following the session of the General Conference at which it is enacted. For

example, the 2016 Book of Discipline became effective on January 1, 2017.

2. The Jurisdictional Conference shall meet at the time determined by the Council of Bishops or its

delegated committee. There are five Jurisdictions in the United States, each of which consists of annual

conferences. For example, the New York Conference belongs to the Northeastern Jurisdiction which covers

the 10 Episcopal areas (13 annual conferences). Each Jurisdictional Conference elects bishops and determines

the boundaries of their annual conferences.

3. The Annual Conference is the basic body in the United Methodist Church. The New York Annual

Conference includes six districts: Catskill Hudson, Connecticut, Long Island East, Long Island West,

Metropolitan, and New York-Connecticut. If the General Conference is the Congress of United Methodism,

the Annual Conference is its state legislative. The session committee with the consultation of bishop sets the

agenda including reports, resolutions, ordinations, budgets, elections of the delegates for the General

Conference and the Jurisdictional Conference.

Likewise, the United Methodist Church is a connectional church. First & Wesley United Methodist Church

belongs to the Connecticut District that belongs to the New York Annual Conference that belongs to the

Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference that follows the rule of the General Conference.

I hope this will help you to understand the connectional system of The United Methodist Church. May God

richly bless you and your loved ones, as you serve God and God’s Church!

Sungmu Lee

Lectionary Readings for May 2019

May 5, 2019 • Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) • Psalm 30 • • Revelation 5:11-14 • John 21:1-19 May 12, 2019 • Acts 9:36-43 • Psalm 23 • • Revelation 7:9-17 • John 10:22-30 May 19, 2019 • Acts 11:1-18 • Psalm 148 • • Revelation 21:1-6 • John 13:31-35 May 26, 2019 • Acts 16:9-15 • Psalm 67 • • Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 • John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

Prayer Group

PRAYER GROUP will meet on Tuesday, May 7th from 10:00 AM to Noon at Richard and Thelma Reid's

home, 101 Bellevue Avenue, West Haven, Connecticut. YOU are welcome to come for a time of fellowship,

spiritual conversation and prayers.

*********************************

Laughing is something I like to do! If someone else starts laughing I have to join in. Our family places high

value on laughter.

(WHAT IS IT ABOUT JOY THAT IS SO CONTAGIOUS!)

We love to laugh so much because God created us for joy. His word is full of joy references such as you

shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the

morning. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Life can be hard! There is broken mess and grief to contend with. Dark days in our lives. But the truth is

we were formed with joy. Joy heels us and restores us like good medicine. Joy lifts our spirits and ushers in

hope. If we can laugh if we can find joy even in the dark moments, we know we are not alone. He is there!

The One in whom joy resides. Jesus with all His hope and goodness and love is the Joy-bringer Embrace

that joy filled person that He created us to be!

PRAYER:

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning...Grant us so to hear!

First & Wesley United Methodist Church May 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 10 Koinonia Café 6p Bell Choir 7p Adult Choir

3

4 2-4p Mother’s Day Tea & Diaper Drive

5 Native American

Ministries Sunday 9:15 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Worship Children’s Sunday School 11:30 Celebration Coffee Hour

6 6:30-8:30p Community Volleyball (Gym)

7 10-12p Prayer Group (101 Bellevue Ave. West Haven)

8 10 Prayer Shawl (Sharon Ewen’s 615 Lambert Rd. Orange) 6p Missions & Outreach Meeting 7:30p Bible Study

9 10 Koinonia Café 6p Bell Choir 7p Adult Choir

10

11 8-12p Pancake Day & Plant Sale

12 Mother’s Day 9:15 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Family Service 11:30 Anointing for Healing and wholeness 11:30 Coffee Hour 11:45 Craft Corner

13 6:30-8:30p Community Volleyball (Gym)

14

7:30p Finance Meeting

15 7:30p Bible Study

16 10 Koinonia Café 6p Bell Choir 7p Adult Choir

17 18 9-12p Church Clean-up Day 5-7p Love Meal

19 Heritage Sunday 9:15 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Worship & Communion Children’s Sunday School 11:30 Coffee Hour 11:45 Confirmation Class 2-4p CT District Conference

20 6:30-8:30p Community Volleyball (Gym)

*Messenger Articles Due

21 7p SPR Meeting

22 7:30p Bible Study

23 10 Koinonia Café 6p Bell Choir 7p Adult Choir

24

25

26 9:15 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Worship Children’s Sunday School 11:30 Coffee Hour

27 Memorial Day

28 7p Trustees Meeting

29 7:30p Bible Study

30 10 Koinonia Café 7p Adult Choir

31

*Baked Potato Bar Luncheon (UMARMY Fundraiser) Sun., June 2, 12pm

* For further updates, visit www.firstwesleyumc.org/calendar.

Bible Study

Bible Study resumes with Chapter 10 on Wednesday May 8th at 7:30pm with two more sessions to complete

the book. Our study book is written by Max Lucado, "Life Lessons from GALATIANS". A new Bible Study

book will be announced for the Fall. If you would consider attending on a different day and time, please let

Pastor Lee know.

Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee:

The major purpose of this committee is to serve as a liaison between the congregation and our dedicated,

hardworking staff members. Consequently, if you have any compliments, complaints, suggestions, etc.

regarding any of our church staff, please let one of us know.

Staff Pastor Parish Committee members: Linda Memmott, Kathy Hulse, Wendy Memmott, Becky Baker,

Jacki McKim, Jenny Werle, Peggy Jerrell (ex officio Lay Leader), Helen Smith (ex officio Lay Delegate),

Thurmon Whitley (Committee Chair).

Native American Sunday

May 5th we will join together in a service lead by our own Native American “Shadow Walker” Clinton. He

will bring us all a message about the Native American understanding and practice of three core principles of

their society. Civility – Understanding – Faith ~ Be sure not to miss it.

We have just passed the 49th anniversary of Earth Day and we all must learn to be better Stewards of our

beloved Planet.

Our Church's Financial Status

Income Shortfall For Budgeted Expenses

Budgeted Income / Expenses Week No. 16 Year To

4/21/2019 Date

Budgeted Income

- Weekly Collections(1)

$3,610 $39,068

- Fund Raisers(2)

$795 $2,353

- Frontier Foundation Income(3)

$5,500 $5,500

Total Income $9,905 $46,921

Budgeted Expenses(4)

$3,715 $59,434

Budgeted Income Shortfall(5)

-$6,190 $12,512

(1) Weekly Collections Of Current Expense Income - For Budgeted Expenses

(2) For Budgeted Expenses - Fair, Pancake Day, Stop & Shop Cards,

Envelopes, Room Use, etc.

(3) Investment Income Paid In April And October

(4) Average Toward The $193,159 Full Year Budget For 2019

(5) Income Shortfall = Expenses Minus Income

The Finance Committee would like to thank all who have supported our Church through their

regular giving and by supporting our fund raisers. We have received $956 from the April 6 Pasta

Dinner and Dessert Auction and $782 (as of April 21) from Easter Envelope contributions.

The Stop & Shop gift card fund raiser has been on-going at our Church since 1993. Our Church

receives 5% of the value of the cards sold as a donation from Stop & Shop. Over the years, through

those who have participated in it, we have raised $2000-$3000 per year. It has raised $500 as of

April 21 this year. If you shop at Stop & Shop, please consider getting gift cards from our

coordinator, Dave Smith. This is a painless way to support our Church's finances based on your

normal purchases at no additional cost to you. The cards are available each week after the Church

service.

Coffee Hour

Please help us keep the Coffee Hour going. Coffee hour is needed. We all need the chance to

meet after church and chat with our friends. We need kind-hearted souls to take a turn at serving

coffee after church services. Coffee, punch, milk and sugar are set up for you ahead of time, all

you need do is put it all out just before the service is over. Please see Christine Chan or call our

church secretary at 203-933-8795.

If you plan on attending, please register and let the church office know so, we can carpool.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - 2019

TO MARS AND BEYOND!

Our VBS is literally “Out of this world” this year. Come and join us!

JULY 21st -25th - 5:30 PM Free dinner - 6:00 - 8:30 PM - program

If you would like to help out with this mission program, please contact Helen

Smith either by phone at 203-444-2362 or by e-mail at drsmith@snet.net

Helen will let you know when we will have an organizational meeting.

Youth Choir News

Come and sing!

The youth choir is open to anyone ages kinder-garten

and up. You may join at any time - all are welcome!

We rehearse on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:00 PM.

I would like to thank all the children who have come

every week to practice. They are a terrific group of

kids! Thanks to Jayden, Jonathan, Sofia and Ryan -

you are AWESOME!

Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., adults and children

gather in the sanctuary to begin worship

together. Children (ages 4 & up) are invited to go

to their Sunday School class after a

Children's Message.

Sunday School will give children the opportunity

to:

• Understand themselves as children of God

• Explore and deepen their relationship with

God through Jesus Christ

• Love and serve God and neighbor

For more information, contact Gail Bartozzi with

questions - e-mail a.g.bartozzi@sbcglobal.net or

call the church office.

The Craft Corner, a group of youth grades 5 and

up meet the second Sunday of each month from

11:45 – 1:15 to make Get Well and Thinking of

You cards or holiday cards. It’s a lot of fun!

We chat, create, and laugh. Bring a sandwich

and a drink. Chips and dessert will be provided.

Contact Gail if you would like a card sent to

someone. We send Get Well and Thinking of

You cards.

Contact Gail Bartozzi with any questions or requests –

you can call the church office or e-mail Gail at

a.g.bartozzi@sbcglobal.net.

UMARMY We have 3 youth and 2 adults going to UMARMY (United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth) from August 4-10. This is an opportunity for our youth to help other people, gain leadership skills and grow in their relationship to God. To help finance this trip we will be having a baked potato luncheon on Sunday, June 2nd, after church. Cost is $10 (age 11 and up), $5 (5-10), under 5 free. We hope you can support our youth and this tremendous opportunity.

Adult Sunday School

The Adult Sunday School class is for anyone too old

for the teenager’s class. We meet in Kendall Hall

during Sunday school hour, 9:15 – 10:00 each Sunday

morning, for energetic, lively, and wide-ranging

discussions on how our faith impacts our daily lives.

We are continuing our study of the book, Noah Built His

Ark in the Sunshine, by James W. Moore. The aim of

this book is to help us build our faith, spiritual maturity,

and gratitude so that, as the author says, we can pray

“Lord, whatever this day may bring, you are here, you

are in it, you are with us.” Some sample chapters are

“Building the Ark of Compassion,” “Building the Ark

of Confidence,” “Building the Ark of Trust in God,”

“Building the Ark of Purpose.”

Come join us for an energetic and enlightening time!

May Birthdays

6 - John Poe III

Nana Osei-Sappong

7 - Geoffrey Hulse

8 - Jodi Memmott

10 - Ralph Lawson III

12 - Alisha Braacker

13 - Muriel Knoll

17 - Rachael Memmott

18 - Jacquelyn Eastman

19 - Cindy Geissler

20 - Audie Jackson

22 - Sungmu Lee

26 - Zygmunt Pyrdol

27 - Mary Rolfe

28 - Douglas Hunter

30 - Garrett Argentino

May Anniversaries

3 - Israel and Hyacinth Young

5 - Michele and Edward Gertsch

16 - Elaine and Matt Schwag

If you would like to include someone for birthdays or

anniversaries, please see below. Example- name change,

address change, marriage, birth, death, etc.

Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com or send to church office.

Fundraiser

Just a reminder that Dave Smith is selling Stop and

Shop cards to members and friends of First and Wesley.

Whether for buying groceries or to give as a gift, as an

added bonus, you can earn Stop & Shop gas rewards for

every $1 spent on gift cards.

It is hard to believe that more people don’t take

advantage of this marvelous way to raise money for the

church. If you buy a gift card from Dave Smith, you get

the full-face value at the register and

Stop & Shop sends a percentage to the church. It

couldn’t be simpler, and it doesn’t cost you a dime.

Have you visited our Church Website lately?

It is truly beautiful and informative.

The Church calendar is updated as needed

and you can check on dates and times of

meetings and events.

Website is firstwesleyumc.org

Check it out!

Pastors

Discretionary

Fund:

Please consider giving a “Love Offering” to Pastor’s

discretionary fund. You may place your gift in the

container on the back table of the sanctuary. If you wish

to write check to the church, please write “Pastor’s

Discretionary Fund” in the memo section.

Tell us if you have a member information change: example- name

change, address change, marriage, birth, death, etc.

Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com or send to the Church

office.

.Average Weekly Church Attendance

2018 2019

January 69.5 55

February 70.5 64

March 81.5* 63

*March 2018 includes Palm Sunday March 25 (93)

Palm Sunday 2019 April 14: 85

Recycling of

Plastic Bags

Stop & Shop accepts plastic bags for recycling.

The collection box is inside the entrance.

Gentle Reminder

Staff Issues: This is a gentle reminder that if you

have any issues, compliments, complaints, or other

comments for or about our staff – Pastor, Music

Director, Sexton, please direct them to either Pastor

Sungmu Lee or to Thurmon Whitley, Chair of Staff

Parish Relations Committee, rather than to the

individual. This will help us more easily, directly,

and appropriately deal with the item in question.

Thank you for all your help.

Thurmon Whitley, Staff-Parish Relations Chair

Pennies From Heaven

The Native American Penny Collection for

Conam is ongoing to provide very much needed

food and fuel. Please help the Sunday school

students by giving them your loose change each

week to support those in need.

The pennies keep on coming – getting rolled and

deposited. We are in constant contact with other

units of our group as well as the rest of our other

members.

Clean Up Day at the Church

May 18th – 8 am to noon

Volunteers are needed to help the Trustees spruce

up the church.

• Raking and laying down mulch, some

landscaping.

• Carry out bulk trash from bell tower, third

floor Sunday School, furnace, etc. to a

dumpster in the parking lot.

The more volunteers the easier it will be to

complete this effort. If you can spare an hour or

two, please come to help. All Welcome! Thank

you.

For Sale

Troy Built 30 in 10.5 hp Riding Lawn Mower,

purchased 5/1/2017. It has only been used 3 times.

It is for sale to church family for $500, $600 to

community.

See Jim Jerrell.

Painting Party

Volunteers are needed to help the Trustees paint the

Pastor’s office and Kendall Hall on 7/27/2019.

Mark your calendar and join the Trustees for a fun

painting party! See Helen Smith.

A/V WORSHIP SUPPORT TEAM

If you are interested in helping out during our morning

worship by running the PPT for the service or monitoring

the sound, please see Helen Smith or call/text her at 203-

444-2362.

Also, if you are interested in programming the PPT for

Sunday morning worship, we really need one or two more

people who would be able to do this. Again, talk to Helen

Smith if you would be willing to use your computer skills

to aid in our worship!

Thank You!

Missions & Outreach

EASTER COMMUNITY BREAKFAST – Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 9 to 11 AM

Community Breakfast was as great success! Over 80 people were served a hearty breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausage &

juice. Approximately 30 children of all ages enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt in Fellowship Hall. Most of the participants

were from the neighborhood. Thanks to the Easter Bunny who on Thursday, stood on the corner greeting the children as

they came off the buses!

Upcoming Events

MOTHER’S DAY TEA and Diaper Drive– SAT. MAY 4, 2019 – A signup sheet will be in Fellowship hall to get a

count for food, etc. Mayor Rossi may attend. All Women & Girls are invited. Admission is a box of diapers.

UM ARMY: MISSION TRIP – AUGUST 4, 2019 TO AUGUST 10, 2019.

Three youth and 2 adults are going so far. Potato Luncheon Fund Raiser June 2nd.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: SUN JULY 21 to THURS JULY 25, 2019. There will be a pizza Fundraiser in June.

YAS PROGRAM (Young Adult Services program at Bridges Healthcare: Birthday and gift cards were distributed for

April, May & June. Nana asks whether we could train young people to engage…….possibly offering classes in

COOKING, eggplant parm, chili etc., SEWING, simple repairs, BASIC BOOKKEEPING. SKILLS…….possibly through

an income tax service where a class might be offered, class on PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE, a DANCE CLASS, HOW

TO PREPARE FOR A JOB INTERVIEW (filling out forms Etc.), and MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE.

BRIDGES MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING: Per Peg J., no date has been set for training.

WEEKLY KOINONIA CAFÉ: To be continued for the summer, except for the week of Vacation Bible School.

MONTHLY LOVE MEALS: No April dinner, will have a meal for May 2019. May take the summer off

WEST HAVEN VETERAN COMMUNITY/WHEAT DONATION: Steve Carney belongs to West Haven Vietnam

Veterans, and he asks that we support their group’s fundraisers. On Sat. May 11 and Sun. May 12 from 10 to 2 at Elm St.

Stop and Shop, their group is sponsoring a collection for WHEAT. They will accept cash or food. There is also a free

concert on the green on Sat. June 15, 2019 at 7 PM. They sell T-shirts and they hire the band. In addition, this year they

are contributing $4,000 to the West Haven High School Scholarship Fund, which benefits students in financial need only.

This will make $10,000 the group has contributed.

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM: Peg J. explained that she e-mailed the Board of Ed…….because we want to continue

to be a feeding site.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Native Americans and UMCOR collections. We Collected $410 for UMCOR. Some

people do not take bulletin which includes announcements and special envelopes at Sunday service. The suggestion was

to announce a collection one week prior…….such as UMCOR and on the actual collection date.

A cross was built by Jim Jerrell and decorated by Marianne Hawkes. A purple drape and palms for Palm Sunday, a black

drape for Good Friday. On Easter Sunday, the congregation was asked to bring cut flowers to decorate the cross in

celebration of the risen Lord and new beginnings.

NEXT MEETING: WED. MAY 8, 2019 at 6:00 PM

The Messenger First & Wesley United Methodist Church

89 Center Street West Haven, CT 06516

Phone (203) 933-8795

www.firstwesleyumc.org

Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com

Reverend Sungmu Lee

Sunday Worship Time: 10:30 am

The May Newsletter