photo by Fred Gagnon

A ll systems are a go to launch the new sanctuary June 16 (Pentecost on the orthodox calendar

so wear RED). Well, maybe not ALL systems. There are several projects to be phased in this summer but we plan to be worshiping in our newly renovated (and cool) sanctuary in just a few short weeks. But as nice as it will be (and it's shaping up quite nicely), it isn't designed to be a dwelling place where we escape the world, it’s more like a launching pad from which we are sent out into crea�on. So in that sense, maybe we’ve made the sea�ng too nice, too cushy, too appealing – maybe the hard, uncomfortable pews conveyed be�er sense that this is not a place you’re meant to stay for long – just long enough to be shaped into disciples, to be nourished and formed into a community of faith to go out and serve the world. We hope you can join us in our new home base where our body is knit together and from which we are deployed to as the body of Christ. For many Sundays to come this summer,

June 2019 [on-line edition] Photo by Fred Gagnon

5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 B L A S T O F F ! new features will be added, new projects will be completed. (the Trustees are working hard & short on funds, so if you haven’t yet contributed to the building efforts, they can use your help).

On June 24th, the space will become a launching pad (a li�le more literally) for our "To Mars and Beyond" vaca�on bible camp. Our denomina�on also is undergoing renova�ons– trying to re-design itself for ministry in the 21st century and to ensure it reflects the libera�on of the Bible mandate. The Our Movement Forward summit in Minneapolis (in which I participated) provided one of the most beau�ful visions of church I’ve ever seen. I was inspired by the leadership of persons of color, queer people, trans clergy and young voices (like super young – are they even old enough to drive, must less be in seminary?) They e n v i s i o n e d a denomina�onal structure

beyond our colonial roots, fla�er and leaner than the current hierarchy that slows our progress, and more regionally-responsive than globally-bound. Most importantly we were invited into radical solidarity with the marginalized.

(Con�nued on page 7)

June 16 10:00 am worship

215 Somers Road East Longmeadow, MA

EAST LONGMEADOW UMC INVITES YOU TO A

Re-dedication of the of the

sanctuarysanctuary

S����� M������ O������������

Dear Church Family,

Your Stewardship and Outreach team is ready for summer with two projects that will serve our local communities. First, for those of you that have a summer garden, any extra pro-duce you may have can be donated to Lorraine's Soup Kitchen in Chicopee. Starting in July, bring any extra produce to our worship service. Andrew Samuelson will deliver our collec�on to the soup kitchen on Monday mornings.

Another opportunity for mission is through school supplies. In the past we have collected school supplies throughout the summer to donate to our local schools. However last year we discovered a need for school supplies in our local Boys & Girls Clubs. Below is a list of supplies that our Boys & Girls Clubs are in need of:

Pencils

Pens

Erasers

Crayons

Markers

Colored pencils

Construc�on paper

These supplies will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield and Chicopee. Please feel free to bring them in over the summer. The delivery will be made in late August. Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping those in need in the front of your thoughts.

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Special health concerns: Eileen Brogan, Hank & Bev Kalloch, Linda Krause, Little Ford, Ellen Marcil, Jessie Grabowski & Phyllis Rathbun.

Beginning Monday, June 10 church office summer hours

will be 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Monday – Thursday

Regular hours will resume September 3

Dot Buzzelle - Redstone

Joan Kearns - Wells Country Village, Vernon CT

Paul Willer - Reeds Landing

Carol Derouin will be out of the office July 8–11. The office will be open that week Monday through Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm staffed by volunteers.

Please call the office if you can help.

Evelyn & Andrew Soucie June 2 Paul & Carol Kinney June 8

Terry & Alan Robertson June 11 Julie & John Dunlop June 18

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John & Julie Dunlop have moved. Their new address is:

19 Evergreen Drive East Longmeadow, MA 01028

A heart felt thank you to soup makers, bakers, and all who have par�cipated in the Mission Shares Marketplace so far this year.

From January through April, together we raised $590 to benefit ongoing church mission work. Way to go! The Market-place will be held again on the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of the month star�ng in October. Meanwhile, there are more ways to support church missions. These include purchasing photo note-cards (available in the St. Marie Parlor), making a con-tribution to Mission Shares through ELUMC, and/or by simply collecting loose change for the fund. Again, thanks so much for your con�nued generosity.

- Vance Gagnon

Glue s�cks

kid -size scissors

Folders

Notebooks

Tissues

Wipes

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June 5 - 7:00 8:00 pm New England United Methodist Town Hall. Please join us in the church parlor where we can all par�cipate together.

June 9 - Last Day of regular Sunday School

June 16 - Sanctuary Re-dedication & Choir Recognition Sunday, Show our gratitude to our talented Chancel

and Bell Choirs.

June 23 - Summer Playground Kidzone

June 30 - Special Church Conference to approve new slate of officers.

September 8 - Rally Sunday with French Toast breakfast

September 15 - Sunday School begins again

S��� ��� D����

Come join us for the weekend, 1 night or 1 day. No Tent? No problem we’ve got plenty. The campground has a pool, wading pool, playground, horseshoe pit, etc.

For more informa�on please contact the church office or see the registration form on the back of the calendar insert. (for the on-line version of the Newsle�er please go to the last page.)

Deadline to register is July 14. Please e-mail completed informa�on to info@elumc.org or leave it in the church office.

ALL-CHURCH CAMPING Weekend

August 2-4 Partridge Hollow

Campground Monson, MA

V������� B���� C���

J��� 24��-28��

6:00 - 8:00 pm

One small step for your kids...one giant leap for God’s Kin-dom!

To Mars and Beyond helps kids explore the wonders of God’s universe. As they journey through space, they’ll learn how God walked with heroes of the Bible, and is always with them, too. Add to the adventure with out-of-this-world fun and timeless Bible stories that inspire kids to give glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine!

You're invited to explore where God's power can take you with ELUMC’s To Mars and Beyond VBS!

For more information about our Vacation Bible School, or to register, call Laura Kinney at (413) 348-7212,

email laurakinney21@gmail.com, or go to tmab.cokesburyvbs.com/elumc19

Registra�on is open for children ages 3-11

R���������� O�� S����� S�����

T������� � S������� Our education program, for our youngest disciples, is a beau-�ful thing! May 19th we celebrated our students, gave out Carrington scholarships and honored our teachers and nursery staff.

Nursery: Natalya Yazhbin Volun-teers: Ashlee Deziel, Diane Hemingway, Laura Kinney, Pam Minahan.

Sam Denyko, Donald Ketcham, Serenity Ketcham, Cam Leveille, Curtis Minahan, Penny Restivo.

Pre-school: Teachers - Laurie Conz Caroline Conz, Ryan Deziel, Theo & Faye Gelinas,

Reese Leveille.

K - 1st & 2nd: Teacher - Molly McLaughlin

Kay Denyko, Leo Deziel, Tahir Folkes, Aleah Hernandez, Sawyer Ketcham, Taylor Minahan.

3rd , 4th , 5th Grade: Teacher - Andrew Samuelson Shayne Folkes, Ivy Gelinas, Jack Ketcham, Caleb Kinney.

Jr. High: Teacher - Kelly Greene Bailey Kinney, Olivia Ryan.

Subs�tute teachers: Liz Gelinas, Laura Kinney, Kaitlin Leveille & Pam Minahan

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A����� V�������� G����-N-F�� N����������� R������ 2019

Members of the East Longmeadow Methodist Church participated in Revitalize CDC’s Green-N- Fit Neighborhood Rebuild on April 27th.

This has become an annual event everyone looks forward to.

Green-N-Fit under the direc�on of Team Captain Tom McGowan who lectures us on safety--gloves, safety glasses,

hard hats (he's wearing none of the above).

We filled up two dumpsters by 10:30 and were well on our way to a third across the street. Student athletes are a must for this work--we had gymnasts, track and football players.

Rev. Kelly takes a moment to pose with her mentee, Erin Newcomb-Moore.

New Hope United Methodist Regional Ministry was one of the House Sponsors

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E��� L��������� F������ D����

The East Longmeadow Fishing Derby tradi�on was revived on April 13th

at Heritage Park by the Lions Club and ELUMC was proud to be one of the sponsors, with lots of ELUMC volunteers.

Kelly Greene & Sco� Grabowski were leaders in organizing the event.

P � � � � P� � � � �

Methodists from ELUMC and beyond along with other people of faith marched together in the May 4th Northampton Pride parade.

#thisweaffirm that God created the glorious variety of rainbow people and called it good... at NoHo pride with five CT/WMA congregations

Thanks to Kimberly Ketcham for crea�ng the logo and banner.

J���� W������ On May 5th ELUMC, St. Mark’s Episcopal, the Congregational UCC & St. Paul’s Lutheran church came together to worship, sing and pray together at the annual joint

worship service.

The congrega�on welcomed Ute Schmidt, ACPE Certified Educator & Manager of Spiritual Services and CPE at Baystate Medical Center.

This year’s service was held at St. Mark’s on Porter Rd. in East Longmeadow.

Fr. Peter Swarr, Denise Evans, Rev. Kelly Turney, Rob Fitzpatrick, guest preacher, Ute Schmidt, Anne Stuart & Joe Mahyer.

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C��������� S���������� R���������

Congratula�ons to this years Carrington Scholarship recipients:

Annalyse Arnold, con�nuing her educa�on at Framingham University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and gradua�ng next spring.

Emily Dunlop, con�nuing her educa�on at the University of New Hampshire to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and gradua�ng next spring.

Evan McElreath, pursuing a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, hoping to seek commis-sioning as a provisional Elder.

Bailey Pennington, finishing her junior year and soon to start her senior year at Salem State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business MIS, before returning to school to pursue a Master’s program.

Rachel Wood, finishing her freshman year at Mount Holyoke College. Pursing higher educa�on to find a path to bring change both to herself as well as the world.

F��� ��� M���� D�������

Hi everyone,

This year’s Music Sunday is June 16, and we will be have the Bell and Chancel Choirs perform. For those of you who could not a�end the Joint Service, we will be reprising Goodall’s “The Lord is My Shepherd”

as featured on the BBC series, The Vicar of Dibley.

For those of you who think singing in the Chancel Choir is a big commitment, it is not really as much as you might expect. Sure, we have to be at the church Thursday evenings at 7:45 pm, and on Sundays at 9:00 am, but since I have been with you we have not had a single extra rehearsal.

You are always welcome to a�end a rehearsal to see what actually goes on – you might enjoy it!

Grace and Peace, Rick

GO confidently

in the DIRECTION

of your dreams!

Live the LIFE

you’ve imagined Thoreau

L����� � F����� On the third Wednesday of each month, the Loaves and Fishes team meets at 8:30 a.m. in the church kitchen to prepare a hearty lunch, which is then served at a

local soup kitchen in neighboring Springfield.

Help support this important ministry that helps feed those who are homeless in the Springfield area. Dona�ons can be made to Loaves and Fishes by wri�ng a check to ELUMC with “Loaves & Fishes” on the memo line.

Volunteers are needed; please contact Denise Forgue

(413-231-0411) or Vance Gagnon (413-209-4522) if you can assist with food prep and/ or cleanup. Thank you.

Congrats to Sco� Grabowski for being awarded the Massa-

chusetts Lion of the Year and an International President's Leadership medal. And in true humble fashion he says

"there are so many Lions who do so much more.... and I don't really like things like this publicized." Whoops. But this word of gra�tude isn't about him, it's about how we all live out our faith and those who inspire us to do so. So thanks to everyone who serves their community.

P���� ��: W��� A�� T�� T����� Y�� C�� T����?

T�� T����� Y�� A�����?

Take the opportunity to answer in a word or phrase and get your picture taken to be shared on our Instagram account and social media. Help spread the word of the work of this reconciling congrega�on to raise hope, seek jus�ce, and risk whatever it takes to offer God’s wide wel-come. Or add the #thisweaffirm comments to the graffiti wall in the parlor.

(Con�nued from front cover)

We par�cipated in trainings before the event to be be�er allies. And we studied what to do, when, despite our best inten�ons, we made mistakes and our ac�ons oppressed or fell into old pa�erns of supremacy (see the ar�cle to the le� of this page which I found helpful in how to respond when you metaphorically step on someone’s toes with ac-�ons that reflect the racism of our culture.) This is our exci�ng and challenging way forward. The laity of this conference created a statement with design principles for this new denomina�onal project. If you have not yet signed on, I invite you to read their work and add your name to the effort before Annual Conference on June 12. link: NEC Laity Statement

Be a part of the efforts to re-design who we are as a denomina�on and the space that launches us into that future here at ELUMC.

Shalom,

p.s. We also need 7-10 more chair dona�ons to make our next order complete, so if you haven't yet ordered one or if you've thought of someone else you'd like to honor/remember, please call the office with your order soon.

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Pastor Kelly

Boots & Sandals: How to handle mistakes from the folks at guidetoallyship.com

While mistakes are to be expected, when trying to be a good ally, what’s the best way to go about resolving them? Let’s start with an exercise.

Imagine your privilege (from your skin color, gender, orienta�on, etc.) is a heavy boot that keeps you from feeling when you’re step-ping on someone’s feet or they’re stepping on yours, while op-pressed people have only sandals. “Ouch! You’re stepping on my toes!” How do you react?

Because we can think more clearly about stepping on someone’s literal toes than we usually do when it comes to oppression, the problems with many common responses are obvious:

Centering yourself: “I can’t believe you think I’m a toe-stepper! I’m a good person!”

Denial that others’ experiences are different from your own: “I don’t mind when people step on my toes.”

Derailing: “Some people don’t even have toes, why aren’t we talking about them instead?”

Refusal to center the impacted: “All toes ma�er!”

Tone policing: “I’d move my foot if you’d ask me more nicely.”

Denial that the problem is fixable: “Toes ge�ng stepped on is a fact of life. You’ll be be�er off when you accept that.”

Vic�m blaming: “You shouldn’t have been walking around people with boots!”

Withdrawing: “I thought you wanted my help, but I guess not. I’ll just go home.”

In reality, most of us naturally know the right way to react when we step on someone’s toes, and we can use that to help us learn how to react when we commit microaggressions (those unintended missteps in exclusionary behavior).

Center the impacted: “Are you okay?”

Listen to their response and learn.

Apologize for the impact, even though you didn’t intend it: “I’m sorry!”

Stop the instance: move your foot.

Stop the pa�ern: be careful where you step in the future. (When it comes to oppression, we want to actually change the “footwear” to get rid of privilege and oppression (sneakers for all!), but metaphors can only stretch so far!)

Reac�ng in a fair and helpful way isn’t about learning arbitrary rules or being a doormat. When we take the poli�cs out of it, it’s just the reasonable thing to do. S�ll, it’s hard to remember in the moment, because these issues are so charged in our society. As

such, it may be helpful to reframe the situa�on so that you don’t feel defensive. You may have no�ced it’s easier to handle being corrected about something you didn’t know if you’re grateful for (and open to) the opportunity to learn rather than embarrassed to have been wrong. Being able to let go of your ego is an incredi-bly important skill to develop.

Try star�ng with “Thanks for le�ng me know” to put yourself in a be�er frame of mind. If, a�er you say that, you need to take some �me to think about the situation, that’s fine, too. Just remember that this isn’t about changing the other person’s frame of mind. They’re allowed to be upset about being oppressed.

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.

Father’s Day June 16, 2019

Each month the Loaves & Fishes ministry provides a hot nutri�ous meal to over 100 people in Springfield. There are women and families but most who receive our meals are men. Some are veterans, many are fathers, some have fallen on hard �mes or suffer from addic�on. . . . But in feeding those who are hungry we feed Christ.

In honor or memory of our fathers and other important men in our lives this coming Fathers' Day, our church will be raising funds to support the Loaves & Fishes ministry. Please fill out this form and return it with your dona�on to the church office by June 10. Checks should be made payable to ELUMC with Loaves & Fishes wri�en on the memo line. This gi� to Loaves & Fishes is given by:____________________________________________________ In Honor of ___________________________________________________________________ In Memory of __________________________________________________________________

For the on-line church calendar follow this link:

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

FIFTH ANNUAL

ELUMC ALL-CHURCH CAMPING WEEKEND

PAR TR I D GE H OL L OW C A MP GR OU ND AUGUST 2nd - 4th (Friday-Sunday)