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The Sound spirit

First & Wesley United Methodist Church

Newsletter March 2008

“Therefore my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.”

2Peter 1:10

In November, the American people will vote for a new President. This 2008 presidential race has been by far one of the most exciting in decades. No other presidential race in recent history has received such mass attention from not only the American people, but from those around the entire world. Like many people, I too must confess that this presidential race has definitely captured my attention.

On March 4, 2008, less than two weeks away, Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island will hold their primary elections. Texans will have the opportunity to vote twice. While this is an exciting time in American history where people are getting involved with the hopes of making the best decision for America’s future, I can’t help but to reflect upon our spiritual future.

The fervor of the American people is undeniable, but what about their relationship with God? Are people as eager and willing to make their election sure for the greatest candidate in the universe, Jesus the Christ? Yes, Jesus is the ultimate candidate. He became the greatest candidate and leader (both present and future) when he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, when he was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that we deserved, Jesus took upon himself so that we can have peace. (Isaiah 53)

And what did Jesus promise? That if we confess with our mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved…Everyone who calls on then name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, 13) This is making our eternal election sure!

In November, the American people will elect a new President. That’s good news for many. While there are several things at stake during this year’s presidential election, the greatest thing that is at stake is your relationship with Jesus Christ. And so, as you prepare to make the decision on who you feel should be elected the next President, please do not forget to make your election sure in regard to your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus is counting on you!

Pastor Rhonda

DON’T FORGET TO COME TO OUR ANNUAL

When: Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008

Time & Place: 6:30am – Bradley Point

Sponsored by:

The West Haven Clergy Association

Prayer Vigil

On Sunday, March 9, there will be a Prayer Vigil from 12:00pm to 12:00am, Monday morning (March 10). Volunteers are asked to pray for all the church ministries (finance, trustees, Committee on Lay Leadership Committee on Lay Leadership, SPPR, Church Council….), church officers and leadership; men, women, children; our United States government and the Presidential Candidates. A sign-up sheet available on bulletin board in the fellowship hall.

pastor’s column con’t :Page 10

First and Wesley United Methodist Women

Invites our Congregation to come

Tuesday, March 4^th at 7:30 p.m. Kendall Hall

“Continuing a 100-year tradition of service”

· A look down memory lane, from the West Haven and Danbury Homes to Bishop Wicke Health Center at Wesley Village.

· Pictures and stories about health care then and health care today.

· A review of the current programs used by United Methodist Homes.

Humor and Healing “Discovering your Inner Clown”

· Text Box: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the first step.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented by Sue Sexton, case manager at Bishop Wicke Health Center. Learn how to use humor as a tool for combating everyday stress.

· Tap into your inner clown and learn to appreciate the joy and laughter you have within you.

· Humor can bring you and those you care for better health.

· Check your inhibitions at the door and enjoy this highly participatory presentation.

At 6:30 p.m. there will be a pot luck dinner in Kendall Hall for those who wish to attend before Program. Bring a dish to share. Be sure to bring your memories of our West Haven Methodist Home to share. Program- Sharon Ewen. Hospitality -Edith Mulligan and Paget O’Connor.

Please remember to bring your UMW pledge cards and surveys on March 4^th if you have not already handed them in to Sue McMillan.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

The Northeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Women Quadrennial Meeting will be held on Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13 in Springfield Massachusetts. Registrations should be submitted by February 26, 2008.

Registration forms for this can be found on the Usher’s Table in the rear of the sanctuary. Please call Edith Mulligan for information at 934-5111.

Children’s Corner

To Glorify Jesus Christ and Grow Disciples

Thanks to Cathy Bartozzi and her crew of fifth to eight graders decorating the Children’s Playroom. We want to invite parents to bring their children into the playroom during coffee time.

“Bible teaches us how to live”

Discovery of what God wants us to do and what he wants us to be.

“Where Children’s Faith Grows Stronger”

Children’s Sunday School

9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Adult Sunday School

Meets in Kendall Hall

9:15 a.m to 10:00 a.m.

Thrumon Whitley Leader

Book Study

“Rich in the Things that Count the Most”

by James W. Moore.

“While we may or may not be wealthy when it comes to material things, James W. Moore says every one of us can be rich in the things that count the most. True happiness, fulfillment, and wealth come from knowing that God is with us, and from being grateful for all the blessings God has given us. Through Scripture and compelling stories of faith, the author invites us…to explore the real

riches in our lives….”

Communion Stewards

Two additional communion stewards are needed to assist Pastor with communion the first Sunday of each month. Pastor will be conducting a two-hour training workshop for all communion stewards and acolytes shortly. If you feel lead and would like to volunteer, please see Pastor Rhonda.

Don’t Forget to Order your Lilies

March 16 deadline

I (We) wish to order_____ plant(s) for the altar at a cost of $10.00 each. Please make checks payable to First & Wesley United Methodist Church and write “flower fund” in the memo section of the check.

IN MEMORY OF

OR IN HONOR OF

GIVEN BY

TELEPHONE#

Taking plant(s) home

Plants to be given to shut-in

News & Announcements March

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Evenings: Second Tuesday 7:30p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Chris McGregor’s home.

PRAYER GROUP

WILL BE MEETING ON

WEDNESDAY, March 5^TH

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Everyone is invited to come for a time of discussion, personal prayer and intercessory prayer time.

During this month as we observe Lent,contemplate this prayer by Corrie ten Bloom:

“Father, remind us to forgive. We are often so busy asking for our own forgiveness that we forget others, or we deliberately withhold our forgiveness.”

Bible Study Classes

These program studies are opportunities for adults to nurture and grow their faith and their understanding of their faith!

Daytime: Monday morning Study Group meets from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.in Pastors Study”Women of the Bible”

Evening: Wednesday Night 7:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. Group is studying the Old Testament using a book/DVD entitled “An Invitation to the Old Testament”. The group has just finished talking about the Ten Commandments. Meet in the Pastors Study.

All are welcome to attend.

If you would like to participate in one of our Bible Studies or need more information,
contact the Church Office at 933-8795

SOUP & SANDWICH

Beginning Sunday, February 10^th and continuing for 4 consecutive weeks (through March 2^nd) from 12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m., come join us each Sunday morning after worship service for soup, sandwiches, fellowship followed by a Lenten study on PRAYER in Kendall Hall. If you would like to attend the bible study or volunteer to make soup or sandwiches, please sign your name on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board located in the fellowship hall.

Thanks to Myrna Clinton, Joe DelFranco, and Laurie Simone for making our delicious Soup and Sharon Ewen and Jeanette Marshall for their great sandwiches for February. March 2nd Edith Mulligan will make soup.

Anniversaries

13 - Sara and Kirby Stafford
15 - Donna and Keith Stutler

23 - Barbara and Jim Birmingham

March Birthdays

March Birthdays

3 - Janet Lentini
Taylor Poulen (Burbridge)
4 - Vivian Macero
5 - Keith Morton
Amy Sablone
7 - Timothy Geiger

9 - Jennifer Shove-Sisson
        Robbie Skipper
10 - Keith Stutler
12 - Mason Argentino
13 - Les Thomas
14 - Betty Moore
17 - Jeff Krinsky
19 - Karen McGregor
20 - Susan Cascio
        Terry Cadwell
21 - Donna Rhoads-Frost
       Grethe Popp
24 - Alex Lynn Simone
       Geoffrey Stafford

27 - Doris Hunter
28 - Anna Bartozzi
29 - Rose Cook
Kayleigh Hinckley

31 - Meagan Shaw
Madisyn Birmingham

DON’T FORGET TO BRING FOOD ON SUNDAY

Please remember that we collect non-perishable food each week. Food can be left inside the doors at the Second and Center Street entrance. The first, second, and fourth Sunday, the food is given to WHEAT. The third Sunday's food collection is given to Project Hope's Soup Kitchen.

BOOKS TO GO

Be sure to check out the lending library on the bookcase at the rear of the church. There are books for children and adults as well as some included in the UMW Reading Program. Be sure to sign in the book provided when taking out and returning.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

Will meet April 6^th after 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service. Discussion on the recommendation and clarification of Wesley Foundation Funds will be discussed.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

For those who attended ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE at the Church of the Holy Spirit saw our very own First and Wesley Bell Choir perform. Many of our members came out and showed their support. The sound of the bells in the church echoed and had a great affect on those that came to worship. They did a wonderful job!

March Sign Up for Coffee Hour

The coffee hour signup sheet is next to the coffee hour table - Laura Braacker is in charge. Linda Memmott will set up the coffee, tea, juice, etc. and plug it in on Sunday morning. All the person has to do is bring a snack (and only if they want to - it's not mandatory), then they set up the coffee hour table, pour and cleanup. The supplies (tea, coffee, milk, sugar, cups, punch, etc. are supplied).

Board of Trustees will Meet

March 25, 7:00 p.m. at the church, the Trustees always meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month, except for July and December.

News from the church office

Pastor Rhonda

It is with great pleasure to share with you that our church name has officially been changed. In addition, our tax exempt status certificate has been updated with our new church name. PRAISE THE LORD!

New EMAIL for Church and Newsletter

We now have an email address: FWUMC@ATT.NET, Feel free to send all church related items to the above email address.

Newsletter EMAIL

For those who want to send Newsletter information please send to Sharon Ewen sme71@yahoo.com

New Membership/Transfers

There will be a meeting with Pastor on Saturday, April 5^th at 10 a.m. in her office. During the 10:30 a.m. worship service on April 20, 2008 all new members will receive the right hand of fellowship at First & Wesley.

Thank you for the "Little Tykes" wagon. There are

Time’s when the food for WHEAT and Project Hope Soup Kitchen is too heavy for the children to bring up for the offering. Thanks to Christine McGregor for acquiring the wagon.

March 2008

Lectionary Readings

March 2

One Great Hour of Sharing &

4^th Sunday in Lent

1Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41

Worship Leader:

Christine Latham

March 9

Girls Scout &

5^th Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45

Worship Leader:

Laura Braacker

March 16

Passion/Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 31:9-16

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66 (27;11-54)

Worship Leader: TBA

March 20

Maundy Thursday

(Services begin at 7:30pm)

Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, 1Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Worship Leader: TBA

March 21- Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10:16-25,

John 18:1-19:42

March 23 –Easter Sunday

Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18

Worship Leader: Becky Baker

Elevator Available for all those who are disabled or elderly. Parking is in rear of

church, with door to the elevator found outside by the disabled parking area. We encourage those who need help to please call the church office for further information.

West Haven High School Theater Workshop

Godspell is being performed by West Haven

High School Theater Workshop on Thursday, Friday & Saturday - March 13, 14 & 15 at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door.

Geoffrey Hulse who will be performing in the chorus and is a sophomore at West Haven H.S. is Kathy Hulse’s grandson.
If anyone would like tickets for any of these performances they can ask Grandma Kathy.

SAVE THE DATE:

July 24 - 27, 2008

NYAC Cooperative

School of Christian Mission

Western Connecticut State University

Living the Sacred

I Believe in Jesus

Giving Our Hearts Away, Native American Survival

Israel and Palestine

COME

Sojourn

Study

Share

Doug Nicholson, Registrar, 190 Springdale Drive, Ronkonkoma NY 11779

631 588 0924 somdoug@yahoo.com

Registration Forms Available at HTTP://WWW.GBGM-UMC.ORG/NYACCSOCM/

Text Box: Registration Before
March 1, $ 30.00,
At the Door, $35.00 Eleventh Annual NYAC - UMM

Bishops Luncheon

Representing Our Bishop, the Rev. Denis Winkleblack

“Men Challenged for Leadership Rolls, within and Outside the Church!”

Saturday, March 15th, 2008, 12:00 - 2:30pm

at Memorial United Methodist Church

252 Bryant Avenue

White Plains, NY 10605

Our Guest Speaker will be, Our Guest Speaker will be; Rev. Noel M. Chin

District Superintendent of the Metropolitan, United Methodist Church

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Registration Form;

Church Name _______________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

Phone # ______________ Church Contact _______________

(Use the back of this Registration Form for additional names)

LENTEN CALENDAR

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Mar. 2^nd

4^th Sunday in Lent

Mar. 3^rd

“For a tree is recognized by its fruit”

Matthew 12:33

3¢ for every tree in your yard

Mar. 4^th

“..and let him have your cloak as well”

Matthew 5:40

2¢ for every coat in your home

Mar. 5^th

“You are the salt of the earth”

Matthew 5:13

1¢ for each spice

Mar. 6^th

“When you walk, your steps will not be hampered”

Proverbs 4:12

10¢ for every hamper in your home

Mar. 7^th

“I am the Lord who heals you”

Exodus 15:26

2¢ for each medicine bottle

Mar. 8^th

“The wise man keeps himself under control”

Proverbs 29:11

5¢ for every remote control in your home.

Mar. 9^th

5^th Sunday in Lent

Mar. 10^th

“Thou preparest a table before me”

Psalm 23

5¢ for every table in your home

Mar. 11^th

“…my cup runneth over”

Psalm 23

1¢ for each mug in your home”

Mar. 12^th

“Let us keep in step with the Spirit”

Galatians 5:25

2¢ for each stair in your home

Mar. 13^th

“He who has clean hands and a pure heart”

Psalm 24:4

5¢ for each bar of soap or bottle of liquid soap

Mar. 14^th

“..now I look in a mirror dimly…”

I Cor. 13:12

5¢ for every mirror in your home

Mar. 15^th

“…but to save the world through Him”

John 3:17

15¢ for each computer

Mar. 16^th

6^th Sunday in Lent

Mar. 17^th

”He makes me to lie down in green pastures”

Psalm 23

25¢ if you wore green today

Mar. 18^th

“Comfort ye my people”

Isaiah 40:1

3¢ for each blanket & afghan

Mar. 19^th

“..and birds of the air have their nests”

Matthew 8:20

5¢ for each pet you own

Mar. 20^th

“…I will send rain on the earth”

Genesis 7:4

15¢ for each umbrella

Mar. 21^st

“I was thirsty & you gave me drink”

Matthew 25:35

Water/juice – 5 ¢

Soda, coffee, tea 10¢

Mar. 22nd

“For God so Loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son”

NO CHARGE!!

Mar. 23rd

HAPPY EASTER!!

Please count up your change and write out a check for the amount you collected – Thank you!

This is your Lenten calendar. If you would like to use this during Lent just find an empty jar at home and every day read what is for that day and put the amount in the jar. If you would like to use this also as a devotional, read the whole chapter that the scripture verse is in (i.e. the first scripture is Isaiah 58:11 - read all of Isaiah 58 to get the context of the one verse). When Lent is over, please count up your change and make out a check for the amount that you have collected. Thanks Helen Smith.

pastor’s column con’t

Church offers 'ministry of presence' to campus

DeKALB, Ill.––On the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, students from the Wesley Foundation at Northern Illinois University prepared a pancake breakfast at the First United Methodist Church of DeKalb to raise money for a mission trip to Puerto Rico in May. The mood was festive and fun. "Everything was great," said Nikki Walters, 20, president of the Wesley Foundation. On Feb. 14, everything changed for the students, church and school when a gunman opened fire on campus, killing five people and injuring 17 others before killing himself. The United Methodist Church responded quickly, providing counseling and assistance to families and students, holding prayer vigils, and opening church doors to offer support to those shaken by the events.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference expressed the grief of the entire United Methodist denomination. "As the church prays for victims and their families and friends and a troubled young man who turned to violence, we seek healing and comfort for all who are touched by this tragedy," he said. "We acknowledge a need for communities of faith to be a voice of healing and hope, of Christ’s peace and reconciliation for a world that desperately needs peace."

Jehovah Rapha Corner

(The Lord who heals)

Exodus 15:25-26

PLEASE KEEP IN PRAYER: Jeanette Marshall, Peggy, Barbara Jean, Kathy Miller, Charlie and Tony, Dr.Bob Rauch.

Let’s remember in our thoughts and prayers the students and faculty of Northern Illinois University and the families of 20 year old Sophomore Dan Parmenter of Westchester, 20 year old Catalina Garcia of Cicero, 19 year old Ryanne Mace of Carpentervsville and 32 year old Julianna Gehant of Meridan.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING SUNDAY- March 2^nd. This special offering enables UMCOR (united Methodist Commission of Relief) to keep its promise that 100 percent of your designated gifts goes entirely to specific causes. One Great Hour of sharing means UMCOR will provide hands-on care for persons caught in the effects of storms, war, disaster and disease, Often UMCOR is the first to arrive on the scene and the last to leave. UMCOR’s ministry is all over God’s world. We have seen immediate results of UMCOR’s assistance in our conference.

Please, as you worship make it One Great Hour of Sharing as you share the goodness of life with those who hurt. Your gift makes a world of difference! For more information, please log on to http://ww.umcgiving.org

Annual Auction and

Dinner

Save the Date March29th

GOODS AND SERVICES AUCTION

AND

CHICKEN DINNER

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 , 2008

FIRST & WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

89 CENTER STREET

(CORNER OF CENTER AND SECOND AVE.)

WEST HAVEN, CT

Tel.: 203-933-8795

DINNER 6 P.M.

AUCTION 7 P.M.

ADULTS: $10.00

CHILDREN (5-10) $ 5.00

Now is the time to start looking for new or nearly new items to donate to the auction. Things to look for: NEW ITEMS: could be presents you didn’t like or will never use or something you have made or baked and NEARLY NEW ITEMS could be things you have used (gently) but don’t really want anymore. Don’t forget those SERVICES (spring cleanup, babysitting, dinners, bus trips, etc.). All donations can be left in Pastor Rhonda’s office near the wardrobe on the left or in the gym on the opposite side from where the books are. Please be sure to mark the items “AUCTION”.

Tickets will be on sale Palm Sunday, March 16 and Easter Sunday March 23 after church in Fellowship Hall. Plan to come and bring friends for an evening of good food, fun and fellowship.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. QUESTIONS? Call the church at 933-8795 or Dorothy Chamberlain at 481-1947.

March 2008 First & Wesley United Methodist Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY (12pm-1pm)

Worship Meeting

6PM

SPPR Meeting 7:30pm (Pastor’s Office)

UMW – 7:30pm

Presentation: United Methodist

Homes

Prayer Group -10am

Bible Study – 7:30pm

Adult Choir

Bells – 7:30pm

Statistical Information Due

9 Infant Baptism

Prayer Vigil – Sunday 12noon – 12am(Monday)_

Bible Study

11:00am

Prayer Shawl Ministry

7:30pm

Bible Study

7:30pm

Adult Choir

Bells – 7:30pm

PALM SUNDAY

(Bells Playing,

Youth & Adults Sing)

HOLY WEEKn

Bible Study

11:00am

Adult Choir

Bible Study

7:30pm

Maundy Thursday

Service – 7:30pm