Tuesday, May 22, 2012

New Sermon Up - Listen for the spontaneous applause

Listen online to our latest sermon. You might also be interested to read this from last year as it seems on topic.

Friday, May 18, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 5/16/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church

Friday, May 11, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 5/7/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church

Friday, May 4, 2012

Spring Movie Night

MOVIE NIGHT - Saturday, May 12th at 6:30 pm

Take Mom to the movies for Mother’s Day—heck, bring everyone!
Come join in the fun, laughter, adventure, popcorn, drinks,
and fellowship of our Spring movie night.

"TANGLED" - one of the funniest, most hair-raising tales ever told.

When the kingdom's most infamous - and charismatic - outlaw, Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi), takes refuge in a secret tower hidden deep in the forest, he's taken captive by Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore), a striking and spirited teen blessed with 70 feet of enchanted, golden blonde hair. Having been looking for an escape route from the tower where she's been grounded her whole life, Rapunzel makes a pact with the handsome thief and the improbable duo soon find themselves tangled up in a spectacular action-packed escapade, complete with a super-sleuth horse, a chameleon side-kick and a rowdy gang of pub thugs.

Featuring unexpected heroes, calculating villains, laughter, action and hair - lots of hair - Disney's Tangled is a comedy adventure for the whole family.

Stamp Out Hunger

Good Morning Congregations of MACC Member Churches-

This is a reminder that the national campaign of “Stamp Out Hunger” is coming up on May 12th. Postal Workers will collect canned food which has been bagged and placed by a mailbox to then donate to local pantry that day (we happen to be one of those local pantries). Here is the link to the online information: http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/ . This is a simple drive that can have long-lasting effects if people are aware of the opportunity.  Food drives like this one keep our shelves stocked and families fed- we thank you in advance for your involvement, please contact us with any questions.


Kindly,

Nathan Oldham

Community Engagement Coordinator for MACC Charities

Call or Message 860-942-4549

Thursday, May 3, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 5/2/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

MACC Needs

MACC can feed an average family of 4-6 for about $11 a week. The reason we can
stretch our dollars that far is because of food and financial donations and the countless
volunteers that receive, sort, stock and help distribute the food each week.

This time of year is always a challenge – it is not far from the holidays, usage is up due to the
school vacations (child home and childcare costs are up in addition to more in the household
longer periods of the day), not to mention fixed incomes and higher prices of gasoline… it all
effects the household budget and people do not have many other areas they can cut back so
the food budget tends to take the hardest hit.

Your support reassures me that you remember people are hungry year round. Homelessness
does not take a holiday and advocating for the needs of others never rests. Your gift is
needed and never taken for granted.
 
Someone’s life will get better because you care and choose to help.

Shopping list:
  • Cereal
  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham & beef stew)
  • Peanut butter
  • Pasta & sauce
  • Canned veggies & fruits
  • Soup
  • Healthy snacks for children
  • Condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayo, salad dressing etc.)
  • Toilet tissue
  • Paper towel
  • Diapers
  • Laundry detergent
  • Feminine products
  • Toothpaste
  • Tooth brushes
  • Soap
  • Dish soap
  • We always need paper and plastic grocery bags, clean plastic bottles with tight fitting lids, freezer bags and egg cartons.
Information about the food pantry:
Please call Dale Doll, Program Director for Food Services 860.288.4251

Opportunities to serve:
Please call Nathan Oldham, Community Engagement Coordinator 860. 942.4549

Thank you for helping. It really does take a community.
Beth Stafford
Executive Director/CEO

Communion Breakfast this Sunday the 6th

On Sunday May 6, 2012, North United Methodist Church will host a tradition that is called “A Communion Breakfast”. I have tried to research this tradition to uncover its meaning and have come up with the understanding that this is one of the various expressions of a holy meal adopted by this congregation. There are several bases for this meal.

First, during his ministry, Jesus often gathered his disciples around a meal after opening the scriptures to them. When he shared the Last Supper with his disciples, it was in celebration of the Feast of the Passover, which recalls God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus fed five thousand men, besides women and children, after a busy day of teaching and healing. The fellowship meal and the Eucharist was an important feature of the church during the Apostolic era. Paul encourages the church at Galatia to sing hymns and psalms and spiritual songs and to participate in the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup until Jesus comes again.

How does the Holy Meal play itself out in the United Methodist Church? In preparation for the United Methodist General Conference in 2004, the church carried out a study on United Methodists’ understandings of Holy Communion in the United States and in several other territories where the church exists. The results were heartening. More than anything else, United Methodists wanted to experience Holy Communion more frequently than they were at that time. Thus as a result of the study, the 2004 General Conference passed a resolution that included, among other things:
  • That United Methodists could increase the frequency of Holy Communion. Some churches went to a weekly Communion and others to a bi-monthly Communion.
  • That wine (fermented grape juice) is allowed in addition to grape juice. Wine was not seen as a substitution for grape juice, but in addition to. The choice must always be made clear for participants.
During the seventeen hundreds as the Methodist movement developed, John Wesley adopted the Love Feast having experienced it with the Moravians. The Love Feast, or Agape meal is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with his disciples during his ministry and express the koinonia community, sharing fellowship enjoyed by the family of Christ. Early Love Feasts began and ended with thanksgiving and prayer and according to Wesley, were celebrated “in a decent and solemn manner.” Sometimes, the Love Feast has been held when there was no-one present to consecrate the elements for Holy Communion. Anyone may conduct the Love Feast, which features the presentation of testimony and praise by individuals.

In the report to the General Conference 2004 titled “This Holy Mystery”, the story is told of a little girl whose parents had taken her forward to receive Holy Communion. Disappointed with the small piece of bread she was given to dip in the cup, the child cried loudly, “I want more! I want more!” While embarrassing to her parents and amusing to the pastor and congregation, this little girl’s cry accurately expresses the feelings of many contemporary United Methodist people. We want more! We want more than we are receiving from the sacrament of Holy Communion as it is practiced in our churches.
Holy Communion is one of the two recognized sacraments in the Protestant Church. There are several different understandings of Holy Communion, which have developed over the centuries. Roman Catholicism teaches that the substance of bread and wine are changed (although not visibly) into the actual body and blood of Christ (sometimes called transubstantiation). Protestant Reformers in the sixteenth century rejected this teaching but had diverse ideas among themselves. Lutherans maintain that Christ’s body and blood are truly present in and with the elements of bread and wine in the celebration (sometimes erroneously called corporeal presence or consubstantiation). Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss reformer, taught that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial or reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, an affirmation of faith, and a sign of Christian fellowship. Although his name may be unfamiliar, Zwingli’s views are widely shared today, especially within evangelical churches. Denominations in the Reformed tradi-tion, following John Calvin, maintain that although Christ’s body is in heaven, when Holy Communion is received with true faith, the power of the Holy Spirit nourishes those who partake. The Church of England affirmed a somewhat similar view in its Catechism and Articles of Religion. These understandings (stated here very simplistically) suggest the range of ideas that were available to John and Charles Wesley and the early Methodists.

Like baptism, Holy Communion is regarded by Protestants as a sacrament. That is, it’s an act of worship ordained by Christ and is a means of grace. This does not mean that we become any more worthy of God’s grace by taking part in Communion. Rather, we open ourselves to the divine love that’s already there; we become more ready to receive that love and to respond to it. As with baptism, we use common, physical gifts of the earth, bread and wine—though in United Methodist churches we prefer unfermented grape juice. All Christians are welcome at our table, whatever their denomination. Holy Communion is a family meal, and all Christians are members of Christ’s family. Therefore, in each congregation, when we receive the bread and cup, we join with millions of brothers and sisters across the ages and around the world. Holy Communion (or the Lord’s Supper) is a mystery too deep for words. Its meaning will vary for each of us and from one time to another. But three essential meanings are caught up in this proclamation in our Communion service: “Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again” (The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 14).

In part, Communion is a time to remember Jesus’ death, his self-giving sacrifice on our behalf. As he said to the disciples at their last meal together, “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). In remembering his passion and crucifixion, we remember our own guilt; for we know that in our sin we crucify Christ many times over from day to day. So the Lord’s Supper is a time of confession: “We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart….We have not heard the cry of the needy” (The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 12).

But Communion is not a memorial service for a dead Jesus. It’s not a time to wallow in our own guilt. It’s a time to celebrate the Resurrection, to recognize and give thanks for the Risen Christ. The bread and wine represent the living presence of Christ among us—though we do not claim, as some denominations do, that they become Christ’s body and blood.

In Luke’s Resurrection story, the Risen Christ broke bread with two of his followers at Emmaus, “then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (24:31). So, as we’re nourished by this meal, our eyes are opened; and we recognize Christ here in our congregation, our community, and our world. What’s our response? Thanksgiving! In fact, another of our words for Communion, the Eucharist, means thanksgiving.

In Communion we also celebrate the final victory of Christ. We anticipate God’s coming reign, God’s future for this world and all creation. As Jesus said, “I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).
So as we participate in our Communion breakfast we will hold all these things in mind.
The Communion breakfast is a Love Feast and a Eucharistic celebration in which we enjoy fellowship through Christ with Christians across the ages and around the world. We will share a meal and participate in Holy Communion. We will share testimonies and affirm our faith in God’s goodness and give thanks for the many ways in which God continues to bless us. But first and foremost we will worship God.

Monday, April 30, 2012

May Tidings

There is a lot going on!  Read all about it in the May edition of Tidings, our monthly newsletter.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Sermons and Shoes

The two most recent sermons are now online on our website.  Give them a listen and while you are there also check out the message from Coach Thayer Redman when he came and thanked us for helping out with track shoe donations.  I also recommend following the link to the address he gave at the 2009 MHS graduation.

UMCatalyst News Notes 4/23/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Judith (Pettingell) Desautell

Judith (Pettingell) Desautell, 66, of East Hartford, (formerly of Manchester) passed away on March 27, 2012, at her home. She was born August 14,1945, in Columbus Ohio, and was the daughter of Frank and Margaret Pettingell. She was a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono and a former Elementary School teacher. Judith leaves behind her daughter Courtney (Desautell) Gagne and her husband Douglas Gagne, and her two Grandsons, James and Miles Gagne of East Haddam; as well as her brother, Dana Pettingell and his wife Peggy of Hillsborough, NJ. She also leaves many close friends. She was predeceased by her parents and daughter Suzanne (Desautell) Labbe.

Judith fought a long battle with Hereditary Spastic Parapalegia and because of her special needs, became a strong advocate for the rights of people dealing with the Probate Courts. She was a member of the North United Methodist Church in Manchester for more than 40 years and leaves many special friends from the church. She was a cat lover and rescued many cats throughout her adult life which brought her much happiness.

A memorial service will be at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street in Manchester, CT on Friday, April 20th, 2012 at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Protectors of Animals P.O. Box 24 South Glastonbury, CT 06073 or online at poainc.org.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Revisit The Fourteen Stations of the Cross

If you missed coming to the service on Good Friday you can still listen and Revisit the Fourteen Stations of the Cross.

UMCatalyst News Notes 4/4/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Reminder

Reminder that there will be a baptism, and four new members joining North Church this evening at 7 pm - during the last hour of the prayer vigil. If you are available, please come to church and support our newest members.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Palm Sunday Breakfast reminder

8 am Tomorrow at North United Methodist Church is the place to be enjoy some good food and fellowship to kick off Holy Week in style. Pancakes and baked goods and fruit oh my!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 3/28/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Important Message for Those Who Have Signed The Open Letter to General Conference

Thank you for taking time to express your support of the Open Letter to the Delegates to the 2012 General Conference. As of last night 1,735 people had signed - clergy and lay from small, medium and large churches.  Signers came from every jurisdiction and from across the theological spectrum.  We would like to encourage you in two ways:
  1. First, commit to daily prayer for the upcoming General Conference, that God might guide our church. You can access the General Conference prayer guide or simply pray your own prayer asking that God’s vision for the United Methodist Church will be discerned by the delegates.  If these proposals are of God, we pray that the delegates will see this and that they will have the courage and boldness to pursue this vision.  If they are not God's will we pray God will reveal the path we are meant to take.
  2. Secondly, take a moment to copy and paste the link to the Open Letter so it can be shared thru your social media (Email, Facebook, Twitter)to other United Methodist clergy and laity encouraging them to consider expressing their support in this effort. The expression of this support is extremely important.
We believe the United Methodist Church has a future with hope. Thank you for your commitment, and passion for seeing a new church, one that is vital in making disciples for Christ in all the world.

Blessings,
Adam Hamilton

Monday, March 26, 2012

April Tidings and New Sermons

Check out the April edition of our monthly newsletter Tidings for information and inspiration. There are also new sermons online for your listening pleasure.

Friday, March 23, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 3/21/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

SUNDAY, MARCH 25
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
directly following fellowship time - approximately 11:30 am

We hope you will plan to remain after service to
join your church family for this important church health update.

Friday, March 16, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 3/14/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Sermon 3/4/2012

It has been great to hear that people have found the online sermon recordings useful. The sermon from this past Sunday is up online. Give it a listen if you weren't able to be here, if you want to hear it again, and always feel free to share it with anyone that you think might get something out of it.

Monday, February 27, 2012

March Tidings and New Sermons

Check out the March edition of our monthly newsletter Tidings for information and inspiration. There are also new sermons online for your listening pleasure.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 2/22/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ash Wednesday service 7pm tonight

Just a quick reminder that there is an Ash Wednesday service tonight at 7 pm at North United Methodist Church.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 2/15/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Fellowship "Mac And Cheese" Potluck

A favorite comfort food loved by almost everyone! This is an evening to share in fellowship and explore the many varieties of this American dinner staple. From classic to gourmet!



Pasta – elbows, shells, twists, spaghetti, penne, etc.

Texture – firm, creamy, creamy with crunch, crumb topping, etc.

Cheese – American, cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, gouda,

pepper jack, fontina, gorgonzola, etc.

Additions – tomato, broccoli, spinach, bacon, ham, sausage,

jalapenos, mushrooms, onions, etc.



So many options! Join us on this gastronomical journey.

Whether you choose to cook or to taste – all are welcome!



All cooks are asked to please bring a detailed ingredient sign to display with their Mac and Cheese.

There is a sign-up in the Memorial Room and an 'Event' on Facebook.

Habitat for Humanity Building Opportunity

Saturday, March 24

NUMC is looking for 7 volunteers to join 7 folks from SUMC to work on a Habitat building project in Hartford. Building skills are not required as instruction is provided on site. North Church has been involved in many Habitat projects in the past and this is an exciting opportunity to again provide support to such a worthy cause. We’ll meet at church and carpool to the site.

For details speak with Bud Moyer – 860-646-0424.

A sign-up sheet is in the Memorial Room.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Great New Sermon Up

Catch last week's sermon if you missed it or hear the fine message again.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

February 2012 Tidings

A new issue of our monthly newsletter is now online. Be informed! Be inspired! Read the February 2012 issue of Tidings.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

1/29/2012 Sermon Online

Listen to the sermon from 1/29/2012 given by special guest Ms. Doreen Petroza, visiting lay speaker from Crystal Lake Community UMC.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Souper Bowl Sunday, February 5, 2012 — Proceeds to benefit MACC

Please help us on February 5th by purchasing soup, chili, pepperoni/mozzarella bread, sandwiches and/or additional goodies.  Check out what the youth are cooking up this year and pre-order get sandwiches or grinders and to make sure you don't miss out on the fast moving favorites.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 1/25/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

January 22nd, 2012 Sermon - Gone Fishing

Hear the sermon from this past Sunday, January 22nd online.
You can also check out the whole service mashed into about 5 minutes. Full services may be heard at North United Methodist Church on Sunday mornings at 10am.

Friday, January 20, 2012

This Sunday

This is a reminder that there is a Leadership Breakfast Meeting this Sunday at 8:15. Worship is at 10 am as usual and there is a Power to Heal Class at 11:30. Additionally, there are Membership Forms and Talent Pledge Cards that have not yet been completed and returned, thank you very much to those who have, so please take a couple minutes to help our dedicated workers have the information they need.

MACC Food Pantry and SCRIP - Working Together

The MACC Food Pantry is always in need of donations, but we realize that many people are already pressed for time in their busy lives.

It's as simple as 1-2-3:
  1. Five minutes or less to order/buy a SCRIP grocery card - TIME SAVED!
  2. The purchase of a SCRIP card - MONEY RAISED FOR NUMC!
  3. The grocery card given to Marlene Camper to buy groceries for the food pantry - DONATION MADE!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

UMCatalyst News Notes 1/4/2012

Follow this link to read the latest in e-news for clergy and laity in the New England Conference:
UMCatalyst News Notes
You can also check out old issues in the News and Publication Archives of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Interactive 'Wizard of OZ' Family Movie Night January 14th at 6:30 pm

Join us to watch Dorothy Gale (and her little dog too!) as they are swept up in a tornado from their Kansas farm, and then dropped in a magical and colorful land filled with a host of characters and adventures. We’ll follow them on their quest to return to Kansas because "There’s no place like home!"

Reserve the date and join in the fun!

All are invited to: dress up as a character, bring friends and family (especially your little "munchkins"), participate throughout the movie with some planned activities, sing-along, and enjoy freshly popped popcorn, and fellowship!

Sign-up in the Memorial Room!
Join on Facebook and it will remind you to come.

You won’t want to miss this fun filled evening!

Recent Pictures

Thanks Tim for posting some pictures of some of the recent good times at NUMC on Facebook.