My husband, John, and I have a show we like to watch together. In this show, a reality docuseries called Long Lost Family, people seek out the help of two adoptees-turned-

inves�gators-and-television-show-hosts to find long lost family members. Typically, parents or children are trying to reconnect with biological family members they never knew.

Love keeps no records of wrongs.

Inves�ga�ons are typically frui�ul and reunions joyful, not much of a show otherwise. Needless to say, we are usually tearful at the end of every episode. Touched by the joy, loss, and reunifica�on, humbled by the love of family, related by biology or not.

Love always hopes.

Recently, I watched an episode in which a woman was mee�ng the baby boy she’d given up when she was just a teen. The baby was now a 38-year-old man, stoic un�l he learned his birth mom had been just a kid, who wanted him, slept with him next to her for three days before le�ng him go. His wonderful, loving, honest adop�ve family had not prepared him for the gut-wrenching moment he had to consider this young woman’s loss all those years ago. He crumpled, first his face and then his torso. He heaved with sobs. It was gut–wrenching to see something break in this person on TV, to realize he hadn’t thought of her pain un�l that very moment.

Love protects.

He agreed to meet her. He was nervous. She was overjoyed. She had gone on to have a wonderful life. The inves�gator brought a photograph with her, of the grown man willing to meet his birth mother. She refused to look at the photo. She said, “I have only had pictures all these years. I will wait to see him in person.” I definitely cried then. I cried for her joy and resolve. She was so strong.

Love always perseveres.

Just before they met, before all of the reunifica�ons, one person

is le� at a door knowing their loved one is inside. Most people pause and reflect. I imagined what she was thinking as she stood, with no coat, outside on a cold Minnesota winter’s day. I wanted to shout through my tears, “GO IN!” She hadn’t looked at the photo but had learned he lived just twenty minutes away from her, he had lived there his whole life, now he was two seconds away! Why was she wai�ng!? How could she stand it!?

Love is pa�ent.

Her face was glowing, I realized in this drama�c pause, which very well could just be TV magic, that this woman’s life is going to change forever. Everyone in her life, her husband, her children, their lives were going to change forever. Like the first �me she met her son, this mee�ng would, again change her life forever. She had this

last moment of before, then everything else would be a�er. She needed just one minute more. Those pauses make so much sense.

Love always trusts.

As we stand in front of our own “doors,” new phases in life, new jobs, new friends, new years, filled with trepida�on, excitement, poten�al, we can pause. Take a minute before you cross from that before to that a�er. Say a prayer and be reminded that our God is a God of love, our faith is a faith in ac�on. Pause and be in the moment in which you find yourself, not fearing tomorrow or weighing the risk. Put one foot in front of the other, take a deep breath, and open the door in front of you. Love is worth the risk.

-Kim Ketcham, Lay Leader

2018 January 2019 [on-line edition]

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Special health concerns: Bev & Hank Kalloch, Little Ford, Ellen Marcil, Jessie Grabowski, Phyllis Rathbun, and Richard

MacGovern, undergoing cancer treatment.

Pat & Tom Ryan January 28

Dot Buzzelle - Redstone

Joan Kearns Wells Country Village, Vernon CT Paul Willer - Reeds Landing

Jesus said to visit the sick, care for the widow, the refugee, the orphan, for by doing so, you do so to him.

– Make time to visit these people (drop by for no more than 15 minutes).

– Listen or sit in silence.

– If they're too tired to talk tell them something about what’s going on in your life.

– Thank them for spending time with you & tell them the church continues to hold them in prayer.

– Let them get on with their day.

Dear Friends in Mission,

Recently, several Hurricanes have hit the United States and

the Caribbean. Hurricane Harvey and Irma have devastat-ed Texas, Florida, and other areas. As images have streamed across our screens, many of us have move to prayer, giving and ac�on. We’re grateful that you are partnering with us through the United Methodist Com-mi�ee on Relief (UMCOR).

Thank you for your gi� received on 10/29/18 for $125.00 through The Advance, the designated giving channel of the United Methodist Church. We are pleased to share that 100 percent or your contribu�on will support UMCOR’s U.S. disaster training and response. Giving through The Advance enables United Methodists to part-ner with one another in mission and ministry around the world. Thank you for joining with us in God’s mission.

Grace and Peace, Roland Fernandes Rev. Russell C. Pierce General Treasurer Execu�ve Director, Mission Engagement

If anyone has a K-cup Keurig coffee maker they no longer use and would like to donate it to the kitchen we would greatly appreciate it.

Now that the holidays are over several groups will occasionally gather during

the winter months to clean the kitchen or other areas of the church. A QUICK cup of HOT coffee would be a great warm up. Let Carol or Joan know if you have one available.

Thank you

N��� � D�������� C��� F�� A S������ O�������? (or none in particular?)

A wide range of flavors are available in a variety of sizes including cupcakes.

Best of all, sales benefit Mission Shares.

Please see Vance Gagnon or email gagnonvance@gmail.com for more informa�on

and to place an order. Thank you.

Join us on New Year’s Eve for a great, safe, FREE celebration! Dinner, entertainment

…all for Free in a safe environment.

Families will meet at East Longmeadow United Methodist Church for dinner and activities;

Adults can have dinner and dance to live music at St. Mark's Episcopal Church;

Special needs folks can enjoy dinner and a movie at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

For more information, and to register, please contact Kelly Phillips (413-262-1709) or St. Paul Church (413-525-6084)

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SOUP’S ON The Mission Shares marketplace will be open in the fellowship hall a�er the worship service Sunday, January 13th. Sales help support ongoing mission programs and services of the United Methodist Church.

Please see Vance Gagnon (or send an email to gagnonvance@gmail.com) if you would like to make a soup or baked item for this important fundraiser.

Thanks and 'hope to see you there.

The footlights of Broadway's popular musicals will illumine our worship.

So many of you loved singing "Seasons of Love" from Rent and we had a few extras for "My God" from Sister Act.

If you'd like to help sing some of the most memorable Broadway tunes, please join the choir for the series.... it's more fun when we're all struggling and having fun together

Dinner and a Movie The Lion King

January 12th 4:00 p. m.

Join us for a ma�nee showing of The Lion King followed by a delicious mac & cheese dinner.

“No muscle bound man can take me away from my God.” from Sister Act

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Each week of Advent the children brought in the light of Christ and the stars for our starry night tree. And we lit the Advent Wreath. Thank you Worship Design Studio for your "Calm & Bright" help celebra�ng the 200th anniversary of the beloved hymn "Silent Night. "

Thanks to all those who helped make the sanctuary and building such an inspiring place of calm and bright.

Vance Gagnon puts the star on the tree while Bill Johnston & Chris Hutchinson hold the ladder.

Carol Johnston, Kim Ketcham & Vera Denyko get the wreaths ready to decorate the doors while Joan Clark unpacks more decora�ons and Chris Hutchinson (pictured below) prepares the manger.

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L����� A����� L������� submi�ed by Kelly Greene

Thanks to all who were able to come to the Advent Ladies Advent Luncheon on Thursday, December 6th. A special thank you to Laurie Conz, Joan Clark, Diane Hemingway, Pa�y Ryan & Pastor Kelly for providing and serving the brunch.

Everyone enjoyed getting together and sharing a great meal that included chicken vegetable soup, chicken salad on a croissant, strawberry and arugula salad, and gingerbread for dessert. The chai nog tea was a hit along with the hot apple cider.

Jim Harris provided beautiful music on the Native American flute and Laurie told the stories of the Advent wreaths that were on display. Joan also told the story of the teapot that was donated by Ansel Miller years ago.

The food was delicious, the music created the ambiance, and the Social Hall was beau�fully decorated. Many of the ladies stated that it was a lovely a�ernoon.

Ruth Owen & Louise House enjoy ge�ng together at the Luncheon.

Judy & Andrew Del Negro enjoyed some tea & conversa�on.

Jim & Lois Harris enjoyed the a�ernoon while Theda Cornbower catches up with Marj Mollar.

“S����� N����” P���� N����

Thanks to Vera Denyko for organizing this crea�ve evening where 4 congrega�ons were represented. With Cathy MacGovern, Kim Ketcham, Denise Evans, Tom & Joan McGowan, Kelly Green, Ellen Marcil, Chris Hutchison, Vera & Stephanie Denyko, Vance Gagnon, Laura Kinney, Jess Ryan, Sco� Grabowski, Jane Schneeloch, and Karen visi�ng from Louisiana.

B�������� W��� T�� B��� The ELUMC Men’s Group met for breakfast recently. The group has expanded to 10 and is s�ll growing. If you think you might enjoy ge�ng together with the men of ELUMC please contact Steve Chandler or Sco� Grabowski.

John Dunlop, Laverne Cornbower & Bob Ferguson enjoy ge�ng together for breakfast and fellowship.

Bill Johnston, Steve Chandler & Paul Kinney decide what’s good on the menu.

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F��� ��� M���� D�������: Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed the music for Christmas Eve. Thank you to Doree and our special musical guests!

If you are apprecia�ng our a�empts at Broadway tunes as they may apply to our Theology, please let us know. As it happens, many of the themes from our Scripture readings are played out in our popular and Broadway songs. Sometimes all you need to do is substitute God for the significant other. Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” was actually written to The Eternal.

Grace and Peace, Rick

Calling all folks who want to help us create sensory-rich worship in the coming year.

We have a mini-worship planning

retreat Saturday, January 26th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Hutchinsons.

Let the church office know if can a�end.

L����� � F�����

The Loaves and Fishes team meets diligently at 8:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in our

church kitchen to prepare a hearty meal, which is then later served at an area soup kitchen.

Volunteers are needed to help with the food prepara�on (and cleanup). Also, because so many are in need of this service, the cost of the monthly meal ingredients is approximately $180/mo. This is not a funded item in our church budget but an important mission that we’ve supported for many years.

If you are able to volunteer, please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulle�n board outside the church office. If you can donate toward the cost of the meal, please write a check to ELUMC with “Loaves & Fishes” on the memo line.

Thank you so much for your continued support of this ministry.

MLK B�������� January 19, 2019

9:00 a.m. Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel

Tickets $40

Come and celebrate The 37th Annual Dr. Mar�n Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Breakfast! The Scholarship Breakfast features engaging speeches, food, live music, and is attended by a diverse gathering of civic, community, and religious leaders and members from Western Massachusetts. The Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan will be the guest preacher. She is a graduate of Harvard University/Radcliffe, the Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Religion from Princeton University. She has published in blogs and The Audacity of Faith: Chris�an Leaders Reflect on the Elec�on of Barack Obama by Marvin A. McMickle (Editor). Event proceeds fund student scholarships and community programs hosted by MLK Scholarship Fund located at 741 State St. Springfield, MA 01109.

Contact the church office for ticket information or purchase online through EventBrite. See Wesley’s Facebook page. Tickets may s�ll be purchased with cash or check at the door, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Parking valida�on is includ-ed for all �cket holders.

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January 3rd through January 10th.

For pastoral emergencies during that �me you may contact Tom McGowan at 413-478-1018, Lay Leaders, John & Kim Ketcham at 334-791-5634 or the Rev. Janet

Deranian, pastor at Enfield United Methodist Church.

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A C���� �� R�������

You can probably think of several “saints” of the church whose support you’d like remembered with a chair.

Perhaps Bob Schieding who regularly took off work to nego-�ate more �me on our mortgage loan when ELUMC was late with the payments. Or Ray Ellison who is remembered for having jumped up on a chair to make his point to his Confirma�on Class. Or Ed Warner, Ray Ellison, Jean Merton or Marilyn Burns whose faithful singing the choir enlivened our worship. You might think of Lucille St Marie whose decora�ng touch and name graces our upstairs parlor. Or any of the faithful United Methodist Women who led the congrega�on in mission awareness like Edie Buckley, Mary Haley, Marilyn Burns, Fran Thieme, Lucille Schieding, Bueh-lah Klemme, Rose Reis, Faye Barron, Lila Mar�n, Lo�e Mil-ler, Janet Gagnon or Jean Merton. You might think of those leaders whose quiet wisdom shep-herded programs or taught Bible studies like Millie Hansen, Jeff Jones or Florence Pomeroy. Or how about those suppor�ve behind-the-scene types who prayed and paid for ministry done by others like Shirley Willer, Helen & Ira Lesure, Sue McCormack, Grace Morin, Arnold Chris�anson, Ray Klemme, Winnie McGrath, Lloyd & Marian Barton, Ruth Overlock, Forrest House or Michael Ulich and his partner Wesley Williams.

And those are just a sampling of the members I’ve buried over the years. You could name so many others.

Of course if you look back into this congrega�on’s first 100 years you might find others whose support could be re-membered with a chair. In January’s worship, we’ll consider some of those par�cu-lar, peculiar, and troublemaking souls who we remember – chair or no chair.

SAFE SANCTUARIES

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Address Service Requested

East Longmeadow United Methodist Church 215 Somers Road, STE 2

East Longmeadow, MA 01028-2998

413-525-7416 • a reconciling congrega�on www.elumc.org

THE SUNDAY EXPERIENCE

8:30 a.m. – Bible Study for Jr./Sr. High & Adults 10:00 a.m. – Worship & Church School (pre-schoolers through Grade 5) Professional child care is provided for “Cribs & Creepers”/“Toddlers & Twos.” 11:15 a.m. – Fellowship Time

The Methodist Messenger is a journal of the ministry of The East Longmeadow United Methodist Church. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

The Open and Affirming Team Invites You to Movie Night on January 4!

The ONA Team of First Church of Longmeadow invites everyone to see the movie “Normal” on Friday, January 4 at 6:00pm in the Buxton Room. We will have pizza and popcorn, view the movie, and hopefully have a li�le �me for discussion a�erwards.

An official selection at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, this HBO Films production adapted by Jane Anderson from her acclaimed play “Looking for Normal” mixes humor, drama, and tenderness in telling the story of a seemingly "normal" Midwestern factory worker who stuns his family and community by revealing that he wants a sex change opera�on.

Come join us for an enjoyable and informa�ve evening to start off our new year! Please let the church office (567-6287) know you are coming so that we may have enough food for all.

Interfaith Coffee and Conversa�ons Every Tuesday 9:30 - 10:30 am, un�l June 4, 2019 A weekly drop-in gathering at Starbucks in the Longmeadow Shops anchored by Pastor Marisa of First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, UCC and joined each week by different area interfaith clergy. Come by for a private chat, a group question, or a connection with a cup and a faith presence!

For the on-line church calendar follow this link:

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

Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

New England Annual Conference Pilgrimage

The Journeys of Paul: his world, his wri�ngs and his mission

September 30 - October 9 2019

A pilgrimage led by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar in Greece to explore the world, missionary strategies of Paul and the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament

$3,384

From Boston

5 Day Elec�ve Biblical Backgrounds in Italy

$1,457

Returning on 14 October 2019

This pilgrimage will acquaint par�cipants with the geographical and cultural se�ngs of the New Testament. The pilgrimage will begin in the north of Greece along the Via Igna�a where the Pauline cities of Philippi and Thessaloniki are located. We will examine Classical and Hellenistic influences on Paul and his churches. In the south of Greece, we will explore the archaeological testament of ancient Greece through extensive visits to the Acropolis, the Athenian and Roman

agoras, Corinth and the Peloponnessus.

Please contact the church office for more informa�on