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CONNECTICUT DISTRICT NEWS

NOVEMBER 2014 The Connecticut District Office of the United Methodist Church

20 Broadfield Road, Hamden, CT 06517

Interim Bishop: Ernest S. Lyght

Superintendent: Reverend Kenneth Kieffer Editor: Dorothy Chamberlain

E-mail: ctdistrict@nyac-umc.com Web: www.ctdistrictumc.org ___________________________________________________________________________

“IS PRAYER YOUR STEERING WHEEL OR YOUR SPARE TIRE?”

Minutes earlier, I had pulled out of the driveway at the District Office in Hamden and made my way to Whitney Avenue. Once on that busy road, though, something caught my eye. I am amazed that I spotted it at all, given the various movements of the crossing guard and all the yellow and red flashing lights from the various school buses making their way to the institute of lower learning nearby. But the thing I spied with my little eye was out of place, and my brain recognized that fact and sent an instant message to my hands on the wheel – “STOP THE CAR!”

So I did. Trying my very best to balance immediacy and safety, I pulled into the first available parking lot. I quickly put the car in “park”, got out, and gingerly picked up the praying mantis that had been clinging to the hood of my car for the last mile or so. Taking him in my hands, I gently relocated the little green guy to the leaf-strewn blacktop. On my way back into the driver’s seat, I silently congratulated myself for doing a good deed…before lunch even!

It wasn’t until I pulled my car back onto the crowded street that it occurred

to me that instead of saving Mickey Mantis’ life, I might have just allowed him to get run over by another car that happened to be traveling in or out of the active parking lot. The phrase, “From the fire to the frying pan” immediately came to mind. That was quickly followed by the Methodist mandate, “Do no harm, you moron!”

Concerned that I might be (ir)responsible for the death of this tiny creature, I looked in my rearview mirror to see if I was being followed by the police.

Is it just me or was everybody else told as a child that killing a praying mantis was against the law? And that if the cops (or worse yet, your mother!) found out what you had done, you would be sent to jail (or worse yet, your room!).

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“Is Prayer your steering Wheel or your Spare Tire?” continued from page 1

Now, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always thought that such a punishment didn’t quite fit the crime. I mean, why was accidentally killing a tiny bug a federal offense, while intentionally copying Chris Killian’s history homework, or sneaking into the movies, and/or pouring a bit of Clorox bleach on the substitute French Teacher’s chair was NOT? Hmmm.

Exactly what is it about a praying mantis that separates it from other insects? Why are praying mantises (mantii?) considered to be sacred while cockroaches are not?

Well, for starters, a praying mantis appears to be praying while the nasty neighborhood cockroach appears to be just plain disgusting!

Secondly, “mantis” means “prophet” or “seer” - a being with special spiritual/mystical gifts. Given that, it is not too surprising that, according to legend, the praying mantis is given credit for once directing pilgrims to Mecca, helping to recover wayward sheep and goats in Africa, and assisting wandering lovers and lost children find their way back home in France. At first, I was a little skeptical about the part where the eggs of the praying mantis actually cured bedwetting in China, but I confirmed this on the internet so it’s gotta be true!

Following a little mature reflection on the half-hour drive home, I thanked God that I was NOT pulled over by the police for negligent “insecticide”. I also gave thanks that I live in a place where praying mantises are protected by the government. After all, who wants to be a citizen in a society that doesn’t revere and protect its pray-ers? With all the violence and hatred being exhibited all around this orb of ours (see CNN), I’m grateful that, in this country at least, the children of God who are intentional about deepening their relationship with God through prayer are protected.

But just because God has given us this privilege to be in prayer, and just

because the Constitution has granted us some protection while we are praying, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are taking full advantage of particular spiritual discipline.

I don’t mean to “bug” you, but when was the last time you had a nice long

chat, or better yet, a nice long listen, with God? When was the last time you closed up your laptop and sent a knee mail to your Heavenly Parent? When was the last time you tried to establish a wireless connection to your Creator?

I know that you’re probably already feeling pretty busy these days, just

trying to hang onto the hood of the speeding car that is your life, and you don’t have time for one more thing. But let me remind you that Martin Luther, who reportedly got a lotta stuff done during his life once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”

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DISTRICT MISSION PROJECT

2014 -2015

Personal Energy Transportation

The Gift of Mobility

The PET, a hand-crafted wheelchair, is designed to provide “The

Gift of Mobility” to persons who have lost the use of their legs

due to polio, landmine injury, earthquakes, amputation, disease,

etc. It is hand-cranked and wagon style with wheelbarrow

wheels and solid rubber tires. It has cargo space for hauling and

gives income producing opportunities for many. There are 21

million people, including children, in the world in need of some

kind of mobility. The PET is:

� STURDY to provide service for many years

� SIMPLE – Easily maintained in outpost areas

� LOW COST – So the donor dollar can serve as many as

possible

� GIVE SOMEONE A CHANCE FOR A MORE MOBILE LIFE FOR

JUST A $250 DONATION.

Make checks payable to: Connecticut District and mail to the CT

District Office, 20 Broadfield Road, Hamden, CT 06517. Attn:

Dorothy

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CONGRATULATIONS TO

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF MONROE!

The article below was in the September-October issue of the Interpreter:

Homemade Apple Pies at Harvest Festival

The aroma of autumn fills the air with scents of freshly baked apple pies and pork

and ribs slow cooking in the smoker and apple fritters sizzling in the deep fryer in

the church’s kitchen.

Once again, the United Methodist Church of Monroe (Conn.) will be getting ready for its Harvest Festival fundraiser in October. Twenty-five children, youth and adult volunteers will work in the church kitchen one week ahead of time peeling, coring and chopping about 1,000 locally grown apples to make 200 pies. They will make and freeze the pies ahead of time, baking and selling one-third of the pies the day of the event and selling others frozen for people who prefer to bake at home. The pies are the best sellers at the festival. “It used to be called ‘Apple Pie Festival’ 40 years ago,” said Rose Aiello, who organizes the event. Aiello said that since then, the menu has expanded to include lunch items such as pulled-pork sandwiches, barbeque ribs, baked beans and potatoes, hot dogs, cole slaw and apple fritters. In 2013, they made fried Oreos. As people enter the church, they hear a live bluegrass band, and children can engage in activities like face painting, a moon bounce and cupcake decorating. Vendors sell scarves, Jewelry, books and handmade items. “Everyone gets excited for the day,” said Aiello, who is grateful for the fellowship the church volunteers have with one another as they prepare the food. In 2013, the church raised more than $6,000 for mission projects. The proceeds support mission work in Mozambique, the church’s food pantry, homeless shelters and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

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WORKSHOP ON THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR

Loving and Serving Others Better by Knowing Yourself Better

For Lay Servants and Others!

Led by Rev. Dennis Winkleblack Saturday, November 8, 2014

Location:

Wethersfield United Methodist Church 150 Prospect St., Wethersfield, CT 06109

Sign in and Fellowship 10 am to 10:30 am

Workshop 10:30 am to 3:30 pm with ½ hour lunch

Please bring a lunch. In saying “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus expressed a truth too often overlooked: we’re blessed or hindered in following Jesus by how we love ourselves. And the first step in loving ourselves suitably is understanding how God has uniquely gifted us. In a fun, non-threatening atmosphere, Dennis will lead participants to better understand themselves, appreciate differences in others, enjoy richer relationships, work smarter and fulfill their life’s purpose more creatively. Utilizing the most widely employed personality assessment tool in America, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Dennis is experienced in helping Christians love and serve others better by knowing themselves better. Some good news in advance: There are no inferior types! Rev. Dr. Dennis Winkleblack is a retired United Methodist pastor living in Simsbury, Connecticut. In a 41 year ministry in the New York Conference, Dennis served 8 churches, was a district superintendent for seven years and served another seven years as Assistant to the Bishop. Certified by the Center for Application of Type in 1995, Dennis has led numerous Myers-Briggs workshops for laity, clergy and the Cabinet.

Cost $30 (due to cost of testing materials)

Registration: Please make a check payable to CT District and mail check and registration form to Dorothy Chamberlain CT District Office 20 Broadfield Road Hamden, CT 06517 If you have questions about the workshop, please contact Rev. Dennis Winkleblack dwinkleblack5@gmail.com Your Name: _________________________________Home Phone: ______________________ Cell Phone: ______________________________ Email: ______________________________ Address: _____________________________City__________________State______Zip______

Church________________________________________District___________________

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Connecticut District Basic Lay Servant Ministry Course Fall 2014 Cost $15.00

Three Saturdays: November 8, November 15, November 22 Fellowship 9 am. Classes begin promptly at 9:30 am,

ending by 3:30 pm CLASS LOCATION : Saint Andrew’s UMC

1230 Townsend Avenue, New Haven, CT (Easy access from I-95)

What is a Lay Servant? A Lay Servant is an active, supportive member of a United Methodist congregation who is eager to be in ministry through the church. He/she is well-informed on scripture, doctrine, heritage, organization and life of the United Methodist Church and is committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care giving ministries and spoken communication. A Lay Servant is willing to initiate ministry in partnership with clergy and other Lay Servants and willing to improve his/her skills for service. Lay Servant Ministries offers training opportunities for laity who would like to use their witness, leadership, and service to inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and a more effective discipleship.

Name: __________________________ Home Phone: _____________________________________

Cell Phone: _________________Email:__________________________________________________ Street Address ______________________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip: _____________________________________________________________________ Church Membership: ___________________________ District: ________________________________ Under the guidance of my pastor, I desire to explore my faith journey in the United Methodist Church by attending the Basic Lay Servant Ministry Course. I realize that I must be present at all three sessions in order to receive a certification of completion of this course. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Applicant Date ____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Pastor Date ___________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Admin. Council Chairperson Date 1. Please print legibly. 2. Obtain the required signatures. 3. Make $15 check payable to CT District. 4. Mail check and registration form to Dorothy Chamberlain CT District Office, 20 Broadfield Road, Hamden, CT 06517 IMPORTANT: 1. Bring your own lunch. Coffee/tea will be provided. 2. Purchase your book: “Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participants Book” at Cokesbury 800-672-1789 # 9780881776263 $7.48+tax+S&H, or Amazon.com 3. Read Chapters 1 & 2 prior to the 1st class. For questions, please contact Mary Brevigleiri CLM, CT Director Lay Servant Ministries 860-307-4611 mbrevigleiri@perrytechnology.com

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FESTIVAL OF NATIVITY ART

“THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM”

DECEMBER 5 – 7, 2014

NICHOLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

35 Shelton Rd, Trumbull, CT 06611

Nichols UMC invites you to attend a beautiful display of the meaning of Advent at Nichols UMC in Trumbull. The Festival of Nativity Art will feature more than 80 expressions of the Birth of Christ in a number of media. The theme of the display is THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM.

Friday, December 5 -- 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 6 -- Advent Service of Worship Sunday, December 7 -- 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We, at Nichols, hope you will spread the news of the Festival of Nativity Art and plan to bring your friends. Nichols UMC is just off Exit 51 on the Merritt Parkway if coming from the South and Exit 52 if coming from the North. Parking will be available around the church or in the areas across the Huntington Turnpike.

We, at Nichols, are looking forward to seeing you at The Festival of Nativity Art -- December 5-7, 2014!

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SUPPLIES NEEDED IN SIERRA LEONE FOR EBOLA WORKERS

Mission Central from Mechanicsburg, PA, through the Sierra Leone Initiative of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church is in constant contact with Bishops from Sierra Leone and Liberia. They have expressed a need to build tents and isolation units, provide personal protective equipment for medical workers and training for the health staff. Mission Central is helping the Susquehanna Conference by requesting supplies or monetary donations to help do this. If you give a monetary donation, please be sure to include “Ebola Relief” in the memo. You can help Ebola workers in Sierra Leone by donating some of the following supplies that are needed. heavy duty latex gloves (hospital grade) rubber boots Clorox products KleenGuard breathable liquid and particle protection coveralls face masks (hospital grade) Please contact Deb Harden, Executive Assistant at Mission Central for more information. You can call 717-766-1533 or go to their website www.missioncentral.org

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WHITE GENEVA ROBE AVAILABLE

I have been given a white Geneva robe with black panels and trim, and two reversible "yoke" style stoles in four liturgical colors. If any clergy have need of them, they are yours to claim by contacting me at brian.bodt@yahoo.com or 203.874.1982, ext. 11. - Pastor Brian Bodt

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RETIREES BREAKFAST

2014

All retirees are invited to meet on November 20th for breakfast at Denny's, 631 Queen St. (Route 10) in Southington, just off I-84, exit 32. We meet on the third Thursdays in 2014. Keep this future breakfast date on your calendar – ? it helps to know about how many to expect. Kindly contact Ralph Roy at Ralphlroy@aol.com or call 860-620-1711. Call too, if the weather is questionable in case it is cancelled. Please come prepared to share information on any illness, bereavement or other circumstances that should engage the group’s attention.

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PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE FOLLOWING: Rachel Ye Kim, her husband Tom and children Elizabeth and Jonathan. Rachel is undergoing treatment for a malignant tumor on her brain. Retired pastor Arthur Yost who is in rehab after recent hospitalization. Retired pastor Paul Godburn who is in rehab. Retired pastor Dick Yerrington who is in Maine recovering from a recent heart attack. Nancy Rhodes (wife of retired pastor Rob Rhodes) who is recovering from back surgery. The family of Tom Beveridge who died on October 12, 2014. Our sympathy to Amy and their son Tom.

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BISHOP’S CONVOCATION

JANUARY 13-15, 2015

NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JUNE 10-13, 2015

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CONNECTICUT DISTRICT IS ON FACEBOOK!

CHECK US OUT AT: nyac connecticut district Have your local church events posted on our District Facebook page by

contacting Ximena Varas at: ximena.varas@nyac-umc.com

DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER DISTRICT

NEWS IS NOVEMBER 15th