Choir and praise band rehearsals start up again tonight

Reminder that rehearsals start again tonight for PrISM at 6pm and chancel choir at 7pm. We welcome and encourage anyone with a love of music to give it a try, we can always use more singers, drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, flautists, cellists, violists, ocarinists, harpists, etc... Come sings and play!

Pulled Pork Success

The Pulled Pork Dinner on Saturday, August 27 was a great success!

Approximately 70 people attended and enjoyed a hearty dinner and wonderful fellowship.

A big thank you to the coordinators and cooks, Anita Haynes and Barbara Judd — as well as their many helpers. Everything was finger lickin’ good!

Keep a look out for the NEXT Fellowship and Food Event!

Summer Sermons Up

Catch up on your summer sermons now up on our website for your enjoyment.

Tomorrow and Tonight

Sunday, August 28 Worship Service is canceled. Please make phone calls to members and friends who do not have email or do not check it regularly.

The Barbecue Dinner is still happening from 5 - 7 pm. We hope you can join in the fellowship of your church family - especially since we will not gather on Sunday morning.

Just two days left until the Pulled Pork BBQ

Pulled Pork Barbeque SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 * 5 pm — 7 pm

Please plan to join your church family for fellowship and: Pulled Pork sandwiches, Coleslaw, Baked Beans
There will be vegetarian options available as well.

Cost: free will offering

Be sure to invite family, friends, and neighbors.

Questions may be directed to:
Anita Haynes 860-712-9991 or Barbara Judd 860-643-1758

Outdoors This Sunday, July 31st

Sunday, July 31, Worship Service (9:30 am) will be held outdoors on the lower side of the church building on the flat grassy area under the shade trees. The service will include a baptism at the brook and a barbecue of Hot Dogs and Hamburgers after the service.

A Message from Kow

I'd say it was my most humbling moment ever, joining
37 other civilian natives of Japan, South Korea,
China, and Philippines in taking the naturalization
oath. I walked into the courtroom full of strangers,
but after the hour long ceremony we were like one
big family. We sang "God bless America", waving
our miniature flags. The judge spoke at length
about history of the flag since June 14, he said, was
going to be flag day, and he exhorted us on our civic
duty. Then handed the microphone to each of us to
say how we felt as new citizens. I didn’t know her
name or where she was from but one lady asked to
take a photo with me. We exchanged email addresses
so I can get some photos which her family took. My
favorite moment was when I volunteered to lead in the
singing of the national anthem. I hope someone
caught that on camera. I didn’t know the Judge's
name either but we took some photos together too. My
greetings to all and again I thank you for your support.

Warmest Wishes.
Kow

-->Read more about Kow and a great many other things in the current edition of Tidings

We want to hear your music

Chris Collins, our Music Director, is making an invitation to all members of North Church to share their musical talent.

Throughout the summer, instrumentalists and vocalists are invited to provide special music for services.

All ages and levels are welcome to share their gift.

Please speak with Chris if you have questions and sign-up in the Memorial Room.

Also, check out our revamped music page on the website and also hear about our Music Director and other Ministry Moments on the website as well.

Mark Your Calendars Now

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 * 5 pm—7 pm

Pulled Pork Barbeque

Mark your Calendars and please plan to join your church family for fellowship and: Pulled Pork sandwiches, Coleslaw, Baked Beans

Cost: free will offering

A sign-up will be available in the memorial room during the month of july. Be sure to invite family, friends, and neighbors.

Questions may be directed to:
Anita Haynes 860-712-9991 or Barbara Judd 860-643-1758

Prepare for the Fall Tag Sale

It's time to clean out those unwanted, but usable, items and get ready for the Fall Tag Sale. Your tag sale donations can be stored in either of the basement rooms across the hall from the Sunday School office. A tag sale sign is on the door.

The dollars collected at the sale will again go into the general fund to help the expected shortfall in the budget.

We DO NOT accept clothing, large pieces of furniture, or large television sets. Help out the church as you help clear up the clutter in your own storage spaces.

TAG SALE
Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 8 am to 12 noon

Summer Book Club

North's Summer Book Club will be meeting again this summer. 

Our first discussion book is: Little Bee by Chris Cleave. We will meet on July 31st right after coffee fellowship. Bring a bag lunch and join our discussion, facilitated by Jackie Abbott.

Little Bee is a dual narrative story about a Nigerian asylum-seeker and a British magazine editor, who meet on a beach in Nigeria in a shocking encounter, and are reunited in England two years later. Cleave, inspired as a university student by his temporary employment in an asylum detention center, wrote the book in an attempt to humanize the plight of asylum-seekers in Britain. The novel examines the treatment of refugees by the asylum system, as well as issues of British colonialism, globalization, political violence and personal accountability. You will be amazed and challenged by the choices Little Bee and Sarah have to make.

Family Movie Night Saturday, July 16th

FAMILY MOVIE
Saturday, July 16 at 6:30 pm

The original, "Yours, Mine and Ours"
with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball.

You’d be hard pressed to find a bigger family film than this chaotic comedy. Based on a true story of a blended family of 18 children, this movie keeps the laughs coming. She has eight kids and he has ten and when they tie the knot, anarchy reigns as the opposing camps of step-siblings do all they can to sabotage each other. Through it all, resentment gives way to respect and something bigger than anyone could imagine.

An evening of family fellowship. Bring friends and family!

The MACC Food Pantry

We especially need: meat soups, beef
stew, canned meat, pasta sauce, cereal,
corn, peas, tomatoes, baked beans,
baking mixes and coffee, diapers sizes 4
& 5, corned beef hash, chili with beans,
canned white potatoes, juice, rice/pasta
mixes, jelly, mixed vegetables, spinach,
clam chowder, peanut butter, canned
pasta (ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs,
etc.), condiments, tuna, dry boxed potatoes,
dry red kidney beans, mayonnaise,
gelatin/pudding mixes, ramen noodles,
sugar, green beans, beets, beans (black,
white, pinto, etc.), chicken soup, yams,
snacks, hot chocolate, pasta, carrots.

Thanks to all who have been
faithfully donating!

June Tidings

The June 2011 edition of our monthly newsletter Tidings is now posted online on our website. Please check it out as there is much in it for you to find interesting, informational and inspirational.

New Sermons Online

Three recent sermons are up on our website now for you to revisit or to catch up if you couldn't make it on a recent Sunday.

Obituary for Rev. Kyle McGaw

Click here to view the obituary for Rev. Kyle McGaw

WORSHIP Focus Group Meetings

Members and friends of North Church were invited to participate in discussion groups concerning worship services over the past few months. We have done our best to include everyone, however, if we have inadvertently missed including you in a discussion group, please call the church office (860-649-3696) or inform us through an email to: northchurch@snet.net to make us aware. Notes from discussion groups are being reviewed by the Worship Team and recommendations based on those notes will be forth coming.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share your thoughts and ideas.

Memorial Service for Rev. Kyle McGaw

A Memorial Service for Rev. Kyle McGaw will be held at North United Methodist Church at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

There will be a reception at the church following the service. The family invites members of North Church to please provide desserts for the gathering.

The family requests Memorial Donations be made in Kyle's memory to any of the following organizations:

Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity
PO Box 1933
Hartford, CT 06144

North United Methodist Church
300 Parker Street
Manchester, CT 06042

MACC Charities
P.O. Box 3804
Manchester, CT 06045-3804

Donation Forms and Memorial Cards will be available at the Memorial Service.

Cleanup and a Movie

This is a reminder that tomorrow, May 14th from 9 am to 12 pm there is an All Church Clean-Up Work Day Sponsored by the Trustees. Help a little or a lot, every bit helps and all are welcome.

Come back at 6:30 pm to enjoy fellowship with a FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT as we view the movie Up.

Up is described as a "comedic adventure" starring a 78-year man named Carl Fredricksen, who's "spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest". Due to his age, he thinks life has "passed him by". One day, however, a "twist of fate", and an 8-year old "Wilderness Explorer" named Russell, changes his outlook on life. The pair go on adventures, encountering "wild terrain", "unexpected villains" and "jungle creatures".

Come join in this fun family fellowship evening. NO cost—bring family and friends. Snacks and drinks provided. A heart warming experience awaits all.

Family Movie Night This Saturday

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT—SATURDAY, May 14 at 6:30 pm

Up is described as a "comedic adventure" starring a 78-year man named Carl Fredricksen, who's "spent his entire life dreaming of ex-ploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest". Due to his age, he thinks life has "passed him by". One day, however, a "twist of fate", and an 8-year old "Wilderness Explorer" named Russell, changes his outlook on life. The pair go on adventures, encountering "wild terrain", "unexpected villains" and "jungle creatures".

Come join in this fun family fellowship evening. NO cost—bring family and friends. Snacks and drinks provided. A heart warming experience awaits all.

Watch “A Killer in the Dark” Documentary on NBC

On Sunday, May 1, Imagine No Malaria presents “A Killer in the Dark,” a documentary produced by United Methodist Communications, about the fight against malaria and how we are fighting back. This special television event, hosted by Pauley Perrette (of TV’s NCIS) will air on NBC affiliates (check your local listings).

It chronicles community-based efforts on both sides of the ocean – nationally and globally – as everyday people strive to reduce the deadly results of the disease. As one mother tucks her children into bed in Middle America, a mother in Africa does the same. In the morning, their children will wake with two very different missions directed toward the same critical goal: ending deaths caused by malaria.

Malaria kills more than one million people each year. Every 45 seconds a child in Africa dies of this preventable and treatable disease. Yet, malaria can be eliminated with the right tools: prevention, treatment, education and communication

To make sure “Killer in the Dark” is part of your NBC station’s May 1 lineup, please call or email your local NBC affiliate and ask them to share this important message with your community. Here is an NBC affiliate directory to help.

REBUILDING TOGETHER (CHRISTMAS IN APRIL)

NUMC:

Please make aware anyone else at North who may not see this.

Everyone is welcome.

We have our assignment.



LOCATION: 129 BRETTON RD, MANCHESTER, CT

TIME TO REPORT: 9:00AM

JOB TO COMPLETE: CLEAN YARD, PLANT FLOWERS



Please bring: water bottles, rakes, yard gloves, trowels, hand held pruning shears.



An announcement will be available on the Recreation Department’s cancellation line 860-647-3162 at 7AM

Rain date is Sunday May 1st


Click on this link to get a map of the area.

It’s located not too far from the church:



http://mapq.st/fNdLoI



Tim

860-989-7790

One 10:30 Easter service tomorrow morning

Christ reached out to us in love so we could reach out to Him and live.

Come celebrate Easter with us at a single service tomorrow morning at 10:30, Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Ready For Easter?

The message from the Good Friday service is now online. Listen for the words of Jesus on the cross as we prepare and wait. Remember also the Prayer Vigil Saturday April 23 at NUMC from 5 pm to 8 pm. Be ready for that which is surely coming.

Good Friday Reminder

Continue to prepare for the Easter that we yearn to celebrate by joining us at the Good Friday service this evening at 7:00 pm.

New Sermons Online

Both of today's sermons are now online on our website. Be sure to hear Pastor Laurel's sermon from the 9:30 service and check out our first pulpit exchange and hear the 10:30 sermon of Rev. Linda Peabody.

Being Good Stewards of God’s Creation

Collection boxes have been placed by the exits of the church so that you may discard any components of your bulletins and announcements that you have not used or do not care to keep. These items will either be reused or recycled.

Thank you for supporting this “green” ministry!

The MACC Food Pantry

Three days hence, Sunday April 10th, please join the Outreach Committee and help stock the MACC Food Pantry shelves.

We will meet at the Food Pantry at 460 Main Street at 1:30 pm.
(The Committee will be transporting the 100+ bags!)

Come and see what happens to your generous food donations! Jacki Campion, MACC Director of Volunteers, will give us a short talk at 1:45 and then we will get to work. There is plenty of parking in the Lincoln Center parking lot. Children are encouraged to take part in this "giving" effort. There is a sign-up sheet in the Memorial Room.

The pantry is especially in need of meat products (beef stew, chili, canned pasta, hash, canned meat, meat soups), jelly, condiments, and baked beans. Coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, and paper products also are running short. Thanks to all for your donations!

Thanks to all who have been faithfully donating.

Remember: Marlene accepts monetary donations and is happy to do the shopping for the Food Pantry donations if you are unable.

Pulpit Exchange

Beginning this month our pastor, Laurel Scott, will participate in a Pulpit Exchange (once a month) within the local United Methodist church cluster.

On Sunday, April 10, we welcome Rev. Linda Peabody from Bolton UMC to join us for the 10:30 service as Pastor Laurel preaches at Bolton UMC.
Along with North UMC, the cluster includes:

South UMC (Manchester), Rockville UMC, Bolton UMC,
Crystal Lake Community UMC (Ellington), Wesley (East Hartford),
New Covenant (East Hartford), Vernon UMC

This is a great opportunity to bear witness to the message through various preachers who will bring their individual interpretations of the Word.

March Sermons

Sermons from the month of March are now online for your listening pleasure.

Support Japan 100 percent

One hundred percent of donations to this advance will help the people of Japan recover from this still unfolding disaster. Your generosity will support the rebuilding of communities, and may address the reconstruction of homes and places of worship, among other needs.

If you would like to donate to the emergency in Japan, you can go to gbgm-umc.org,
click on “advance” and enter #3021317.

By Mail: Make your check payable to NUMC. Write the name of the ministry (Japan Emergency) and The Advance code number (3021317) on the check.

Send your check to: North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St., Manchester, CT 06042

OR place your check in the collection plate at Sunday service.

By Phone: Credit card gifts can be accepted by phone. The number is: (888) 252-6174

Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers, particularly as they wait out efforts to control the risk from the damaged nuclear reactors.

More detailed leaflets are available in the Memorial Room at Church.

April Tidings

Check out the April edition of Tidings, our monthly newsletter. There is a lot going on that you will surely want to be a part of.

Ministry Minute

Starting March 27 in each service there will be a Ministry Minute in which Lay Ministers will describe current activity in their area of service:

• April 3 — Mission Outreach
• April 10 — Trustees
• April 17 — Sunday Bible Study

This past Sunday we heard from Anita as she enthusiastically shared the exciting work going on with Fund Raising.

Interdenominational Community Service for Japan

Sunday, March 27 at 2 pm North United Methodist Church will host an interdenominational service in support of Japan. The whole community is welcome as this a truly global tragedy affecting us all.

LENTEN HEALING SERVICE this Sunday

LENTEN HEALING SERVICE with District Superintendent,
Rev. Heidi Chamberland and the District Healing Team
Sunday, March 27, 4 pm at South UMC

One Service at 10:30 am Sunday, March 13

Daylight Savings Time - Spring Forward
Set Clocks ahead 1 hour
Saturday night - March 12

Sunday, March 13 - One Service at 10:30 am
Congregational Meeting directly following the service.
Please plan to stay and share your views.

Ash Wednesday Service at 7 pm

This Wednesday there will be an Ash Wednesday service at North United Methodist Church at 7 pm.

Chancel choir will meet half an hour later than usual at 7:30 pm for rehearsal.

Marry Me Medieval - A THEME FUNDRAISER BUFFET DINNER WITH INTERACTIVE SHOW

Food Drive for MACC

Can we collect 100 bags of groceries for MACC between now and April 10th ?

The Outreach/Mission Committee believes we can! Starting this past Sunday, we will be placing the donated bags of groceries on the altar and then storing them until the BIG DAY on Sunday April 10th .

We especially need: meat soups, beef stew, canned meat, pasta sauce, cereal, corn, peas, tomatoes, baked beans, bak-ing mixes and coffee, diapers sizes 4 & 5, corned beef hash, chili with beans, canned white potatoes, juice, rice/pasta mixes, jelly, mixed vegetables, spinach, clam chowder, peanut butter, canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, etc.), condiments, tuna, dry boxed pota-toes, dry red kidney beans, mayonnaise, gelatin/pudding mixes, ramen noodles, sugar, green beans, beets, beans (black, white, pinto, etc.), chicken soup, yams, snacks, hot chocolate, pasta, carrots.

Everyone is invited to join the committee on Sunday afternoon, April 10th to deliver the bags to the MACC Food Pantry. We will then sort the food, check the expiration dates, and stock the pantry shelves. Jacki Campion, Director of Volunteer Services, will be on hand to explain a little about how the pantry works. Several people have expressed an interest in seeing where their donated food goes and how the food pantry operates. This is also a wonderful opportunity to involve the children in giving to those in need.

We expect this will run from about 1:30 to 2:30 or 3:00. We hope you will be inspired during this Lenten season to think of your neighbors who may be struggling during the economic downturn. James 2:8 reminds us: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”.

More information will be forthcoming as to times and logistics.

New Tidings and Today's Special Sermon

Newly on our website you will find the March edition of Tidings, our monthly newsletter, as well as many sermons including the very special one shared with us today.

North Stars Singing this Sunday

Hear the children of North United Methodist Church sing "Sing When the Spirit Says Sing" at the 10:30 service this Sunday.

Local Music this Sunday at 6pm

Come see one of NUMC's own, Caleb Cadman play with One Achord at a benefit concert at Ellington Wesleyan Church (Rt.140, 276 Crystal Lake Rd) Ellington CT at 6pm Sunday. Read more at the Facebook entry for this event.

What’s all the “murmur” about?

This February we are taking the “pulse” of our music ministry.
Do we have a healthy “rhythm” or do we need “resuscitation”?
Are we keeping “pace” with your musical needs?
Help us “monitor” our program by leaving suggestions in the box found in the new narthex.
Also, “no pressure” . . .
But if you like music, why not consider becoming a choir member?
You can’t “beat” it!
- Chris Collins

Good Clean Fun

This Saturday is the first of a series of Good Clean Fun gatherings for children and youth ages 8 to 15. GCF evenings are open to the children and youth of North Church and their friends.

Cost is a mere $10 per child and will include adult supervision of the following: Games, Activities, DJ music and Refreshments.

Call your friends and come join an outrageously fun night!

Saturday, February 12 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Questions? Want to Volunteer to help or chaperone?
Call Anita at 860-712-9991

PRAYING THE PSALMS

During the next nine weeks, up to Palm Sunday, we will engage in a sermon series focusing on the Psalms. The Psalms come to us from our Judeo-Christian roots. Psalms were the hymn book of ancient Israel, were used during worship in the early church and continue to be used today throughout both the Jewish and Christian world.

As I opened the bible recently to look for a psalm to find words to fit my situation (sometimes I prefer to use other people’s words. They seem so appropriate!) I was struck by how many psalms were psalms of lament – grief over the situation in which the person praying finds herself, a complaint to God, a petition to God and thanksgiving that God is faithful to attend to the particular situation. There are other psalms as well -- Psalms of praise, psalms of thanksgiving, royal psalms, wisdom/torah psalms, entrance (to the temple) liturgies, prophetic exhortation, psalms of confidence and trust.

Scholars believe that many of the individual psalms of lament were prayers from individuals in distress who went to the temple to pray for God’s help. Sometimes the prayer is for relief from evil – sickness, war or conflict, and sometimes the prayers are admissions of the praying person’s own guilt, but always the psalms acknowledge our fundamental dependence on God for life and the future. The righteous are those who understand this and try to live it.
We will be following the psalm of the day in the lectionary calendar, begin-ning with Psalm 119 – the longest psalm in the bible – 176 verses, although we will only be reading the first eight verses in worship, UMH # 840. The fact of the matter is that this psalm is repetitive, but we find the essence of the teaching in the first eight verses – those who follow God’s law are blessed, or happy. So I have titled the first sermon HAPPY PEOPLE. I follow this theme throughout the series with a description of the kind of people the psalm focuses on, so for example one sermon will be titled Righteous People, another Humble People. The neat thing about following the lectionary is that themes run through all of the readings for the day, and so I am able to include references from the other readings, to tie the message all together neatly.

I hope you will find the series useful in enriching your personal prayer life and for your own personal spiritual growth. (Shalom. Shalvah) Peace, Safety and security to you, which are the results of praying the psalms.

One Service Tomorrow

A late reminder that there is one service tomorrow at 10:30 followed by a potluck lunch, sure to be delicious.

Tidings and Sermons

A new Tidings monthly newsletter and recent Sermons are up on the NUMC Website.

United Methodist Federal Credit Union Announces Scholarships

The Reverend Frank Witman - United Methodist Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program is open to students attending or planning to attend a college or university, community college, campus ministry or a technical college or trade school. Four $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Deadline is February 15, 2011.

Click Here for additional details and an application.

Sound Of Music Sing-along January 22 at 6 pm

An Evening of Fun Fellowship for the whole family.

Come with family, friends, and neighbors to a join in some interactive musical fun as we watch and sing-along to the “Sound of Music”.

The movie will be presented on a large projection television
and lyrics are included at the bottom of the screen
for each song so we can sing-along!

FREE ADMITTANCE * Concessions available

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 AT 6 PM
(snow date: Friday, January 28 at 6 pm)

You are invited to dress-up as a favorite character!

Sign-up in the Memorial Room.

Let’s make this a BIG and FUN event!

Good Clean Fun

Good Clean Fun

Planning has begun for a series of Friday evening gatherings for children and youth ages 8 – 15.

GCF evenings are open to the children and youth of North Church and their friends.

Cost is a mere $10 per child and will include adult supervision of the following:

Games
Activities
DJ music
and refreshments.

Call your friends and come join an outrageously fun night!

Friday, February 4 ~ 7:00 pm—9:30 pm

Questions? Want to Volunteer to help or chaperone?
Call Anita at 860-712-9991

Souper Bowl Sunday February 6, 2011

The MYF of North Church will once again prepare food and snacks for sale on Sunday, February 6 with proceeds to go to the MACC Food Pantry.

Sub sandwiches will be made to order, and there will be a selection of additional foods and desserts for sale.

Please plan to support this annual fundraiser to help feed those in need in our community. As always, non-perishable donations are always accepted. THANK YOU!

Questions may be directed to Tim and Charlene.

SHELTER WEEK is FEBRUARY 16-18, 20-23

North Church Shelter Week is quickly approaching. Sign-up in the Memorial Room. For those who routinely volunteer, consider inviting someone who may be new to this ministry to join you.

Questions may be directed to Florence Wollaston at 860-649-9903. Thank You!

How to contact the Pastor

Rev. Laurel Scott may be reached in the
following ways:

By email at pastorlaurel@aol.com

By phone at the church office: 860-649-3696.

• If Pastor Laurel is not in or unavailable when you call, please leave a message in her voicemail mailbox by pressing the number 2.
• In case of emergency, call 860-432-7996. You may also leave a message on the church voicemail mailbox. Pastor Laurel will check her messages several times daily.

PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS

Though there may be occasional changes due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pastor’s office hours for 2011 will be as follows:

Mondays
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tuesdays
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Afternoon Visitations

Wednesday and Thursday
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sunday Worship
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

*Please note: Routine hours for the NUMC church office remain 9 am – 12 noon, Monday – Friday.

January 2011 Tidings

Visit our website to read the latest newsletter and listen to recent sermons. Happy 2011, may it be a great year for each of us and all together.

Feed the Hungry! FREE Pasta Dinner to benefit MACC Charities! Tues. Dec. 28

Feed the Hungry! FREE Pasta Dinner to benefit MACC Charities!
Tuesday Dec. 28
snow date of Dec. 30.

Bring 3 non-perishable donations to benefit MACC's food pantry and enjoy a free pasta dinner & entertainment! All the delicious menu items are donated by local restaurants. Musical performance by local duo, Agape. Revolving seating between 5:30pm-7:30pm.

North United Methodist Church
300 Parker St.
Manchester CT 06040.
(860) 649-3696
http://numc.axelhouse.com/

Budget Meeting Rescheduled

The Budget Meeting originally scheduled for

Sunday, Dec. 26 at 10:30 am has been rescheduled.


There is still One Service at 10:30 for Christmas Sunday with the presentation of a cantata.




Budget Meeting update:




2011 All-Church Budget Meeting

MONDAY, JANUARY 3 * 7:00 PM


There will be a meeting concerning the 2011 Budget on Monday, January 3 at 7 pm. We encourage all members to attend. This meeting is critical to reconciling the budget.


We invite you to pick up a copy of the 2011 proposed budget which can be found in the Memorial Room. Please review this document in preparation of the meeting. You will see that we are in need of help with ideas and constructive input for balancing the budget.

Prayerfully consider the future of North Church for it is your church, our church, and the church of those yet to come to our doors.

Holiday Fellowship Meal Tuesday 12/28/2010 at 5:30

Join Us for Christmas Cheer

A Holiday Fellowship Meal

North UMC
300 Parker Street
Manchester, CT 06042

Tuesday, December 28

starting at 5:30 pm

Cost is a non-perishable canned good such as:

• beef stew
• jelly
• canned juice

All collected will be donated to MACC Charities

for the hungry within our community.

Questions may be directed to Lori Hovey (Fowler)

at 860-268-5947. Hope to see you there!

Hallelujah

Call it what you will, a random act of Christianity or a flash mob or whatever, it was something to see, hear and sing in.

See the 12/12/2010 Hallulujah Chorus at Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester CT on YouTube here or here or here or here or search YouTube for more! See if you recognize any of us!

Churches honored for CROP Walk Efforts

Three MACC Member Churches honored on Friday, December 03, 2010, for raising money to fight hunger in town and throughout the world.

The Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC Charities) presented the Gold Sneaker award to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, which raised the most money during the Manchester Crop (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty ) Walk in October. A total of $15,000 was raised, twenty-five percent will stay in our community food pantry to fight local hunger. The Silver Sneaker goes to Center Congregational Church and the Bronze to South United Methodist Church. The awards ceremony was held at 11 a.m. at MACC Charities, 460 Main St.


From left to right: Tom and Nancy Mann, Walk Coordinators from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Chuck Obuchowski, Misson Outreach Committee Rep. from Center Congregational Church, Geoff Luxenberg, Development Officer, MACC Charities, Edith Gerber, Walk Coordinator for South United Methodist Church & Beth Stafford, Executive Director/CEO, MACC Charities.

See what your contributions to UMCOR and Church World Service do in Haiti

HAITI: RELIGION'S RESPONSE TO DISASTER, a CBS Religion Special about the assistance given to the people of Haiti, will be broadcast Sunday, Dec. 5, on the CBS Television Network. (Please check your local station for exact time.)

After a 7.0 magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti in January 2010, some of the first responders were religious relief organizations. These faith-based groups continue to work in Haiti, as the road to helping the country sustain itself remains a very long one. The program looks at relief efforts begun immediately after the quake as well as the progress currently being made in Haiti by faith-based organizations. Members of Church World Service, Catholic Relief Services, Jewish Distribution Committee, and United Methodist Committee on Relief will share stories about their work with viewers.

THE DREAM ACT -- HOW YOU CAN HELP

The DREAM Act could come up for a vote any day now and we need your help! Will you 1) pray daily for the DREAM Act to pass and 2) call the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-225-3121, and ask for your Senators and Representative, and urge them to vote for and publicly support the DREAM Act.

If enacted, the DREAM Act would create a pathway for undocumented immigrant students to legal status. Students will be eligible for the pathway to legal status if they:

• entered the United States before age 16;
• lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years immediately before the bill becomes effective;
• graduated from high school or gained admission into an institute of higher education;
• have "good moral character" and not committed certain crimes; and
• are younger than 35 when the bill becomes effective.

The DREAM Act would make a huge difference in the lives of undocumented youth who were brought to the United States by their parents and now, because of their lack of legal status, face obstacles to their future. By removing such barriers, the DREAM Act will allow immigrant students to pursue their dreams through college education or, if they choose to, through military service. DREAM Act students are talented, intelligent and dedicated young people who know only the U.S. as their home and who are ready to contribute to this country and have much we can benefit from.

SCRIP — FIRST STOP for Holiday Shopping!

Gift Cards are not just to give as gifts. As you plan holiday shopping, please consider buying gift cards for the stores at which you will shop and use them instead of cash. You’ll be donating to the church at the same time! We’re not asking you to spend money that you are not already spending.

Online Ordering Now Available go to www.shopwithscrip.com

Register using the NUMC church code:
34ECFECD22752

Place your order no later than 1:00 pm on the Monday of any given week, and your Scrip Cards will be available for pick-up on the following Sunday
morning. Pay for cards when you pick them up.

Thank you to those continuing to make routine purchases on Sunday mornings. If you have not participated yet, please consider doing so. Questions may be directed to Anita Haynes at 860-712-9991. Thank you!

BE READY: Walk in the Light

This past Sunday's sermon is now on our website for your listening pleasure.

Dramatic Christmas Musical

The Little Star: A Christmas Fantasy by Georgene Meddows will be performed at North United Methodist Church in Manchester, CT on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 7:00 pm with a Carol Sing to follow. Refreshments will be served. Please join us to celebrate this Holiday Season. Invite your family and friends, people love to be invited. For Facebook connected folks you can also invite through the event we have created there.

New Sermon Online

The sermon from the November 21 service at North United Methodist Church is now on our website for your listening pleasure.

Order Your Pointsettias

Poinsettia cost remains $19.00

ORDERING DEADLINE is SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5th

The poinsettias will decorate the chancel. We hope you will leave your plants on the chancel until Christmas Sunday, December 26. You may order by phone by calling Doris Timbrell at 860-649-6494, or you may fill out an Order Form which can be found at church.

Thanks For a Great Auction

A HUGE Thank you to SO many people for making our Church Auction such a great success!
OVER $12,000 Raised!!

Hosted by our Auction Chairperson, Anita Haynes, and led by Joe LeBlanc, our very energized auctioneer, it was a fabulous evening of fellowship!

Thank you to SO many many people who helped by: donating services and goods, soliciting donations, cataloging all donations, making programs and auction paddles, baking desserts, hauling all the items to the venue and setting it all up, cashing people out, inviting friends and family, and bidding on items,… just to name a few tasks.

“Every Generous act of giving… is from above,
coming down from the Father…” - James 1:17

BOILER REPLACEMENT COMPLETED!

North Church is amazing! God has worked in our lives to allow us to install a brand new boiler for the church that will serve us and our children and grandchildren for many years to come. As cold weather approaches, we will be toasty no matter what the weather is like, and we will be saving energy besides.

We appreciate the many generous donations for the boiler fund -- it demonstrates how much the church means to all of us, and that we can always count on each other in times of need. Special thanks go to Carole and Jim Williamson for their guidance and technical expertise and John Wilks for his help with the pledge drive.

Jan Miller — President, Board of Trustees

Tidings and Sermons

Our web site now has the November Tidings monthly newsletter as well as the October 24th sermon for your listening pleasure!

Increasing Our Standard Of Giving

Before John Wesley became the founder of the Methodist Church he was a teacher at Oxford University back in the 1700’s. When he began his career he was paid 30 pounds per year - in those days a lot of money. His living expenses were 28 pounds - so he gave 2 pounds away.

The next year his income doubled - but he still managed to live on 28 pounds - so he gave away 32 pounds. The third year he earned 90 pounds - lived on 28 - and gave away 62. The fourth year he earned 120 pounds - lived on 28 - and gave away 92. One year his income was a little over 1,400 pounds - he lived on 30 and gave away nearly all of the 1,400 pounds.

Wesley felt that with increasing income, what should rise is not the Christian’s standard of living but the standard of giving. Increasing our standard of giving. What a great Christian man and what a great lesson he taught, a lesson we can all learn from today.

The MACC Food Pantry

Summer has taken its toll on the MACC food pantry. With fewer food drives and a higher demand, the food pantry shelves are almost bare.

We especially need: meat soups, beef stew, canned meat, pasta sauce, cereal, corn, peas, tomatoes, baked beans, baking mixes and coffee, diapers sizes 4 and 5, corned beef hash, chili with beans, canned white potatoes, juice, rice/pasta mixes, jelly, mixed vegetables, spinach, clam chowder, peanut butter, canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, etc.), condiments, tuna, dry boxed potatoes, dry red kidney beans, mayonnaise, gelatin/pudding mixes, ramen noodles, sugar, green beans, beets, beans (black, white, pinto, etc.), chicken soup, yams, snacks, hot chocolate, pasta, carrots.

Thanks to all who have been faithfully donating.

Remember: Marlene accepts monetary donations and is happy to do the shopping for the shelter if you are unable.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

Join In This Saturday

The Fall Work Day to spruce up the church and grounds is scheduled for Saturday, October 23 from 9:00-12:00 a.m. The Trustees would appreciate any help you can give to rake leaves, clean up the grounds, sort closets in the building, do some painting, etc. We want to be sure we head into winter with some of these fall chores taken care of.

Please join us even if you can only help a little or you can't stay the whole time.

If you have questions, please see or call Jan Miller, 860-646-6619.

10-Fold: Hurry to be counted today. Just one more day tomorrow.

CROP WALK 2010

October 17 at 12 noon

Members are invited to walk with Pastor Laurel to raise money to feed the hungry through MACC Charities here in town and worldwide through Church World Service. Contributions can be solicited and made on line, so that members with internet access do not have to worry about tracking money. Walkers please speak with Pastor Laurel. The walk is approximately 4.5 miles, starting at South UMC and ending at MACC on Main Street. There is a shorter walk for those who cannot make the 4.5 miles. That walk is actually half a mile. Volunteers are needed for support (Traffic control, water stations etc.) To volunteer, please speak with Pastor Laurel or Florence Wollaston.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS 2009/2010

Meetings: Sundays at 6:30 pm in the Memorial Room

The Adult Bible Class spent the greater part of the 2009/2010 year studying Genesis. During the last month the class we looked at the letters of James and Peter. The class met every Sunday night at 6:30. Much time was put into discussion of what the bible meant then and how it affects us now. The average attendance was eight people.

This study covered the creation and God's relationship with man before and after the fall. It continues with God's establishment of the people of God through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We finished with the story of Joseph. This was a good story of faith and how it works in ones life to affect those around you.

The letters of James and Peter dealt with the problems of the early church. It shows how Christians have always had to fight the weakening of our faith. Then and now we have had to deal with Gnosticism and antichristian teachings. Both James and Peter spent much time in their letters defining what being a Christian means and what we must guard against.

The class felt studying the letters was time well spent and will continue with the letters of Peter this fall. After this we will take a look at the gospel of Mark.

New members always welcome!

Respectfully,
John B. Chadwick (860-643-0943)

10-Fold: Only A Few Days Away!

As you have heard over the last few months, 10-Fold is an online interactive event that will highlight 10 projects, supported by The United Methodist Church, that are making a difference. In just a few days, starting on October 10th, when you come to 10-Fold.org you will hear, live, from people all over the world who are working to feed the hungry, heal the sick, or help spread the Word. And with a few easy steps you will be able to trigger support for these projects on your behalf.

Here is what you need to know:

--Starting Sunday, October 10th through Tuesday, October 19th, visit 10-Fold.org and register your interest in the daily highlighted project to trigger a $1 donation on your behalf. And while you are there, take part in one of the online activities to learn more about the project.

--Visit the site daily to learn about all 10 projects and secure support for each one.

--Tell family and friends so we can multiply this effort and help secure up to $10,000 of support for each project.

It’s now up to you. Starting on October 10th, visit www.10-Fold.org, register your interests, and help multiply God’s work.

Lay Speaking

Hi, my name is Cathy McNeill and I am the new CT/WMA Director of Lay Speaking.

I am reaching out to all of you because we have two Basic classes scheduled with not enough people to take them!

Dalton, MA - October 25 and 30 9:30am - 4:30pm.

Monson, MA - October 16 and 30 9:00am - 3:00pm

Please think about those in your faith communities that have been talking about, or maybe called into this exciting ministry. Now would be a great time to take the classes.

Please call or email me so we can get the books out. The registration forms are:

Basic-Dalton-Oct_2010-2_2_36_05_PM.doc
Basic-Monson-Oct_2010-3_2_36_05_PM.doc

Cathy McNeill

cathymcneill@ymail.com

(860) 230-6804

Knitting Ministry resumes this Monday, September 20th

The Ministry was on a break for the summer. Regular meetings will resume on September 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm and the first and third Monday of each month there after. We thank all our members for their work this year. We have a nice supply of prayer shawls, and a good head start on lap rugs for the VNA Hospice Christmas baskets. We have made baby blankets, hats and booties for MMH birthing center, and red bed blankets for the MMH ICU . This fall we will be considering some additional charities to which we may donate . New members are always welcome as are items from those who prefer to work at home.

For more information contact:
Paula Adamczyk 860-646-6609;
Sue Derby 860-643-4589;
Diana Custer 860-875-9805.

MACC Moment

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much for the overwhelming response to our Community Pantry and soup kitchen‘s needs this past year.

You filled our pantry, cellar, store house and soup kitchen storage many times over. Your generosity fed over 2,000 people each month for over a year and no one was turned away.
The MACC Food Pantry is doing very well right now but a few items are in short supply:

Baked Beans
Condiments
Juice
Mac & Cheese
Canned potatoes
Soup: Chicken and Chowders
Ramen Noodles
Canned meats
Diapers
Jelly & Jam
Jell-O & pudding

I want everyone at North United Methodist Church to know how much we appreciate your support of programs at MACC. Please be assured that your kindness is so important to us.

Blessings to all.

Sincerely,
Dale Doll, Director of Food Services, MACC Charities

Invite!

Who would you like to bring this Sunday? The entire month of September is Open House month in the United Methodist Church. So let's all invite someone else to perhaps the most important activity that we engage in -- care of the soul and joy-filled living.

Huge Indoor Tag Sale

Come check out the tremendous variety at our huge indoor tag sale. Come find things you need. Collect some new treasures at NUMC this Saturday!

Saturday September 11, 2010
8 am to Noon

Church Photo Directory

Are you ready to see yourself in pictorial form as a member of North United Methodist Church? Well you can and we want you. North will be publishing a church directory in the Fall and today marks the beginning of our adventure. You are the characters- as God’s people North Church is the setting. The plot lies in our Mission here in Manchester. The action is in the Sunday service, in the Sunday School, in our many activities and classes, and very much in our outreach and our mission. There will be pictures of all of this, and most importantly all of YOU. Pictures will be taken of family groups- groups of ten and of one. Pictures will be taken free of charge and each family will receive a free 8x10 photo to keep. No pressure to purchase more, but this could be an opportunity to have photos as Christmas gifts. Our focus will be highlighting our North Church family. Olan Mills is our photo agent, with years and years of experience. Pictures will be taken on Oct. 1 and 2. Watch for more information and opportunities to signup for your own appointment.

Music & Fellowship Program

Sunday, Sept. 12th 4:00- 6:00 PM

Former NUMC member Everett Barber will be visiting in the area and will provide a music program.

Please plan to join us for a fun time!

Back to School -- Back to Church

September 12 is an important day in our church life. It is back to Church Day. Invite a friend or relative who has never been to church. Invite a friend or relative who has not been in a long time to return to church. If they can't come on September 12, the entire month of September is Open House month in the United Methodist Church. So let's all invite someone else to perhaps the most important activity that we engage in -- care of the soul and joy-filled living. Invitation cards will be provided. September 12 is also Sunday School Rally Day.

The MACC Food Pantry

"Summer has taken its toll on the MACC food pantry. With fewer food drives and a higher demand, the food pantry shelves are almost bare. We especially need meat soups, beef stew, canned meat, pasta sauce, cereal, corn, peas, tomatoes, baked beans, baking mixes and coffee. Thanks to all who have been faithfully donating throughout the summer." Thank you for your continued generosity.

NUMC Tag Sale

The NUMC Tag Sale will be held on Saturday, September 11.

Now is the time to start bringing the gently used items that clutter up your house for the Tag Sale!

We are now collecting items in the basement room across from the Sunday School office. There is a sign that says "Place Tag Sale items here." This is a great time to clear out those unwanted items.

Remember: We don't take clothing or large furniture but will sell everything else.

One man's junk is another man's treasure!

Youth Mission Trip

Check out our facebook page to follow our youth and their leaders on their 2010 Mission Trip. They have been posting updates regularly!

Memorial Remembers Victims Of Hartford Distributors Tragedy - Courant.com

Memorial Remembers Victims Of Hartford Distributors Tragedy - Courant.com

Prayer Service

An interdenominational prayer service is set for August 10, the one-week anniversary of the mass killing to help the community cope with the tragedy and mourn the loss of the Hartford Distributors workers. The service is expected to last about an hour and is scheduled for 6:30 pm. The Mayor of Manchester and other town officials will be attending and the church will be open for any in the community to come and join in prayer of this tragic event.

Thursday Evening Prayer

Next Sessions: August 12 and 26

All are invited as we learn about prayer and how to pray for our congregation, community, and self. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. You may sign up in the Memorial Room, though all are invited even if you didn't get a chance to sign up.

New Sermon Online

Sermons are online on our website up to and including August 1st.

New Sermons Online

Sermons up through July 18th are now online on our website.

Summer Tidings Available

The July/August issue of Tidings, the NUMC newsletter is now available on our website.

Charge Conference

NUMC's Charge Conference for 2010 (Reports covering the period October 2009 --September 2010) takes place on SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, beginning at 4pm. The SPRC meets with the DS at 3pm

Just a “Friendly” reminder. (get it?)

Come to Friendly’s on Buckland Rd. in Manchester for dinner or dessert Monday night June 21st and a portion of you bill will go to the North United Methodist Church Youth Group’s mission trip this year. Details below. Please bring this flyer with you: Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


---------


Hi Everybody,



As some of you may or may not know, our youth group is raising funds for another mission trip.



This time we’re going to Florida to volunteer at the “Give Kids the World” village.

It is a facility for terminally ill kids and their families run by volunteers from all over.

If possible, we would also like to participate in a leadership training session for high school youth members.



We’re traveling by train, renting transportation, renting a house for a week and providing our own meals.



We would like to invite you to attend this fundraiser at Friendly’s Ice Cream where a portion of the evening’s proceeds will go to the youth group.

The more people we can get to attend the better the donation to the group so please pass this email around to everyone you know.



Those attending need to bring the attached flyer with them that evening.



We’ll be sending out reminders and we’ll have extra flyers available at church.



Any questions about this event or the mission trip itself, please don’t hesitate to call.



Thanks,



Tim & Charlene

860-289-2163

Share Your Talent

Chris Collins, our Music Director, is providing an open invitation to all members of North Church to share their musical talent.

Throughout the summer instrumentalists and vocalists
are invited to provide the Prelude for services.

Please speak with Chris if you are interested in participating.

Reminder:

Sunday, June 20 is ONE Service at 10:00 am

Also:

SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE
Sunday, June 27 - September 5
One Service at 9:30 am

June 27 is the Congregational Meeting
directly following the service.
Please plan to stay and attend.

Your assistance in contacting those who do not receive email is greatly appreciated.

Race Tomorrow Supports MACC

JUNE 12, 2010
TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS 1 GOLF CLUB ROAD CROMWELL, CT
8:00 a.m. Kids Fun Run (Ages 2-11)
8:30 a.m. 5K for Charity

The second annual BlumShapiro 5K for Charity at the Travelers Championship will complement the tournament’s mission of giving back to the community by raising funds and donating food to local Connecticut shelters and food pantries.

SUPPORT THE FOOD DRIVE!

Visit their website for details.

New Sermons Online

The 4 most recent sermons are now online. Listen on the NUMC website.

Prayers from North United Methodist Church – week of May 31 through June 6

We invite you to pray with us and include these persons and situations in your prayers

For the spiritual health of this congregation, for healing and wholeness

For those persons in our fellowship of concern who have asked that we pray with them

For our Annual Conference, for the bishop, clergy and all members

For those involved in the church planting, so that we bring the good news of God’s love to those who are in need, lost, lonely, sick, in prison or oppressed in any way

For those involved in military conflict around the world, for members of our armed forces past and present and their families.

For those whose lives and livelihoods are endangered as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico

For those affected by earthquake, flood, fire, hurricane, storm, especially the people of Haiti, Chile, Tennessee

For those who have died and their families

For new lives coming into the world and for their families

For graduates, teachers, instructors and professors

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer