The Messenger - West Haven, CT
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The Messenger
First & Wesley
United Methodist Church
89 Center Street
West Haven, Connecticut 06516
203-933-8795
January 2021
As we begin a new year, we Christians celebrate Epiphany. Its origins are obscure,
but the Christian feast of Epiphany may have begun in Egypt as early as the last second
century. I , E ,J 6 J
birth and baptism.
On the other hand, the Christians in the West celebrated the Cana miracle when Jesus
changed water into wine and the visit of the Magi, distinct from the nativity itself, as a
theme of the Epiphany only where and when the festival of the nativity is celebrated on
,D 25. J , C
Rome and elsewhere began to celebrate Epiphany as the festival of the manifestation of God in Jesus Christ to
the Magi, in the baptism of Jesus, and in the first miracle of Jesus at Cana.
Soon after Jesus was born, the wise men who studied the stars came from the East to Bethlehem. When they
saw that the star had stopped, they entered the house, saw the baby Jesus, and knelt and paid homage to him.
Then, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And then, they returned to their country by
another road since God had warned them in a dream not to go back to King Herod.
Traditionally, we emphasize three important lessons. First, the wise men did not simply admire or study the star
but followed it. Second, when they found and worshiped Jesus, they presented precious gifts to him. Third,
they followed God s direction and did not go back to King Herod.
If I add one more important point, I will say, They unexpectedly received the precious reward from God.
They not only had a chance to meet the Messiah, but also encountered God who showed them in the dream
which way they should take to return to their country. They experienced the Father God, the Son Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit who guided them during the long journey. They were blessed by the triune God, which was
the unexpected reward from God.
As we begin the year of 2021, we want to give our precious gifts to the Lord. What do you want to give the
Lord? Let us give the Lord our most precious gifts. That is, our sincere hearts. When we give the Lord our
hearts, God will give us the unexpected reward. The reward from God is not a material thing but a spiritual joy
which cannot be exchanged with anything in the world.
On the Epiphany of the Lord, God is incarnated in our hearts. God gives us spiritual joy and precious faith as
rewards. Like the wise men, we will be blessed and guided by God through the whole year of 2021. Happy
New Year!
Sungmu Lee
Lectionary Readings for January 2021
January 3, 2021
Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12 • Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom of
Solomon 10:15-21 • Ephesians 1:3-14 • John 1:(1-9), 10-18
January 10, 2021
Genesis 1:1-5 • Psalm 29 • Acts 19:1-7 • Mark 1:4-11
January 17, 2021
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) • Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 • 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 • John 1:43-51
January 24, 2021
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 • Psalm 62:5-12 • 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 • Mark 1:14-20
January 31, 2021
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 • Psalm 111 • 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 • Mark 1:21-28
NEW GROUP ~ BIBLE STUDY
Our zoom study begins on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 7:30pm with ROMANS CHAPTER EIGHT . A
Four Session video-based study by Tom Holladay led by Pastor Lee. We will journey together to greater faith.
The Four sessions will help us clearly see the journey from doubt to faith from discouragement to hope that
God has for us.
Session 1: No Condemnation!
Session 2: No Frustration!
Session 3: No Desperation!
Session 4: No Separation!
You are invited to join in and enjoy good discussion and fellowship. Everyone is welcome! If you would like a
book please let Pastor Lee or the church office know so we can arrange to get you a copy.
First & Wesley United Methodist Church January 2021
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
All Worship Services and other church activities will be held only virtually (via Zoom conferencing video & call) until further notice.
*Sunday Worship Service – Link: https://zoom.us/j/147691027 / Call-in: 1-646-876-9923 *Meeting ID: 147691027#
*Children’s Sunday School – Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89213099413 / Call-in: 1-646-876-9923 *Meeting ID: 89213099413#
*Monday Adult School – Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88207725653 / Call-in: 1-646-876-9923 *Meeting ID: 88207725653#
*Wednesday Group Study – Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81010488582 / Call-in: 1-646-876-9923 *Meeting ID: 81010488582#
*Virtual Koinonia Café – Link: https://zoom.us/j/337822774 / Call-in: 1-646-876-9923 *Meeting ID: 337822774#
1 2
Happy 11-12p Communion
New Year! Elements Pick-up
3 Epiphany Sunday 4 5 6 7 8 9
10:30 Worship & Communion 7p 10:30-11:30 10 Worship Committee
Birthday/Anniversary Celebration Monday Adult School Virtual Koinonia Café Meeting
10 Baptism of the Lord 11 12 13 14 15 16
10:30 Family Worship Service 7p 7p Finance Meeting 10:30-11:30 6P Virtual Game Night
1p Children’s Sunday School Monday Adult School Virtual Koinonia Café (Scattergories)
17 Humans Relations Day 18 Martin Luther 19 20 21 22 23
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday King Jr. Day 7p Leadership 7:30p Group Study 10:30-11:30
10:30 Family Worship Service 7p Committee Meeting *Messenger Virtual Koinonia Café
1p Children’s Sunday School Monday Adult School Articles Due
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
10:30 Family Worship Service 7p 7p Trustees Meeting 7:30p Group Study 10:30-11:30
1p Children’s Sunday School Monday Adult School Virtual Koinonia Café
31
10:30 Family Worship Service
1p Children’s Sunday School
* For further updates, visit www.firstwesleyumc.org/calendar.
From the Layleader
I co ldn ai fo 2019 o be o e af e lo ing o clo e f iend , one ddenl and one f om panc ea ic
cance and one of m b o he f om l ng and b ain cance . I co ldn ai fo 2020 o I co ld ee a b igh e
and better year.
Well, 2020 basically said 2019, hold m bee !
We an o h o o he bad b igh no , in keeping i h Pa o Lee e mon on Rejoicing , I am
looking at what has been good this last year. Through everything that has happened this year, I am so
glad to be in ministry at First & Wesley. Because of our missional focus, we have been able to help many
families many times who are experiencing food insecurity. Our prayer shawl ministry continued making
prayer shawls AND they made mittens and hats. We have figured out how to do our church services, our
meetings, bible studies, Sunday school, our virtual VBS, streaming our service, an online choir (kudos to
Chris & Jian Chan), people made masks, we established online giving, and much, much more.
As many of you have said and thought, THIS has been a VERY different year than any I have experienced
EVER. Through technology, we have managed to stay in contact with each other. That is a positive that
has come out of this pandemic. As I look to 2021, I hope I will NEVER take our in-person gatherings for
granted again. It will be so good when we can meet again.
Happy New Year!
Communion Element & Envelope Pickup
Saturday, Jan. 2nd 11 AM – NOON
When you come to pick up your elements for Sunday, come to the back of the parking lot. We will be
stationed at the handicap lift to try to stay out of the cold. Also, you may pick up your envelopes for 2021
for your offerings.
Small Group studies:
Every Sunday (except Jan. 3rd) Child en S nda School 1 PM
Every Monday Adult Sunday School 7 PM
Every Wednesday (begins on Jan. 20th) Bible Study
Meeting reminders:
Worship committee - Saturday, Jan. 9th, 10 AM
Finance committee - Tuesday, Jan. 12th, 7 PM
Leadership meeting - Tuesday, January 19th, 7 PM
This is for all who are chairs of committees meet so everyone knows who is doing what, plans for the
upcoming months (as much as we can plan). Please let Helen Smith know if you cannot make it. Trustees
meeting Tuesday, Jan. 26th, 7 PM
Game Night, Saturday, January 16th
6-7:30 PM
Come one, come all!
We will be playing Scattergories on Zoom. You can join by computer, smartphone, or regular phone. You
will need a pad of paper, a pencil, and a brain. Households can work in teams. Below are 12 lists that you
will need to play the game. Each round we use a different list and you will be given a different letter for
each round to come up with answers that start with that letter. I will send out the link two days before that
night and explain the rest when you join.
Ways to support the Church with no cost to you!
Amazon Smile
The church is now registered on Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile is a way for customers to
support their favorite charitable organization every time they shop with Amazon. For the
church to get the .5% from Amazon, make sure you start your shopping using
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-0681807. If you have any questions, please contact Helen
Smith.
Stop & Shop Fundraiser (gift cards )
I & , D (203-415-
6092). O 5% &
. C D .
ShopRite Fundraiser (gift cards )
& . 4%
.I , H 203-444-2362. Checks made payable to
F MC .
We appreciate your continued support!
Remember you would be spending money at these stores anyway and now the church can receive a
percentage. Share with your family and friends this opportunity.
Thanks to Your Generosity!
Your generosity helped to fulfill the Christmas wishes of 21 children and young adults in DCF. After being
blessed on 3rd Sunday of Advent, the gifts were delivered to our Covenant to Care social worker for distribution.
We also provided C G G C C H 39
community families in need.
Ble ing of Ch i ma Wi h Li gif & Ha & Mi en kni ed b P a e Sha l Mini membe on 3rd
Sunday of Advent (December 13, 2020)
January Birthdays
1 - Neil Thomas
Macie Franson
Frank Osei-Sarpong
3 - Emma Franson
7 - Christine Latham Join us for Sunday School each Sunday at 1:00 on
Walter Clinton G .
10 - Paul Franson stories, make art projects, and spend time together on
Israel Young Zoom. Materials will be ready for you to pick up
14 - Lauren Simone each Saturday.
16 - Melissa Santamauro
Marissa deNicolo E-mail or call Gail Bartozzi (gbartozzi@yahoo.com
Julianna deNicolo or text (203)747-6039) to sign up for Sunday School
19 - Mary Ann Hawkes or to find out more information.
24 - Jen Werle
27 - Eleanna Ormazabal
30 - Elizabeth (Liz) Levy
The Craft Corner
January Anniversaries
9 - Walter and Myrna Clinton We have some Get Well and Thinking of You cards.
23 - Richard & Wendy Memmott Contact Gail if you would like a card sent to
someone or have questions about the group. You can
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed call the church office or e-mail Gail at
please let the church office know so we can update gbartozzi@yahoo.com .
our list and make sure you are not missed.
If you would like to include someone for birthdays or
anniversaries, please see below. Example- name Native American Pennies Collection
change, address change, marriage, birth, death, etc.
Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com or send to church $180 N A
office. mission. Thank you to the donor who gave up their
penny collection! Thank you, Walt & Myrna, for
rolling up all those pennies! Thank you and keep
collecting those pennies!
Pastors Discretionary
Fund:
P L O P
discretionary fund. You may place your gift in the Have you visited our Church Website lately?
container on the back table of the sanctuary. If you wish
It is truly beautiful and informative.
to write check to the , P
The Church calendar is updated as needed
Disc F .
and you can check on dates and times of
Tell us if you have a member information change:
meetings and events.
example-name change, address change, marriage, birth,
death, etc. Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com or send to Website is firstwesleyumc.org
the Church office.
Check it out!
First & Wesley United Methodist Church
Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development
Elected November 12, 2020
MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
Chairperson Peggy Jerrell
Secretary Chris Latham
Lay Leader Helen Smith
Annual Conference Lay Members Mary Rolfe, Helen Smith
Trustees Chair To be elected by Trustees in January 2021
Finance Chair Mary Rolfe
Financial Secretary David Smith
Church Treasurer Jim Jerrell
Staff-Parish Relations Chair Josephine Amos
Worship Committee Chair Christine Chan
Missions & Outreach Chair Stephanie Wilson
Music Director Christine Chan
Church School Superintendent Gail Bartozzi
Assistant Church School Super. Jenny Werle
Youth Representative Cecilia Amos, Hanna Werle
Members at Large
Nathaniel Amos Will Arhin Myrna Clinton Walter Clinton Kathy Hulse
Judy Juzwiakowski Ruth Kreyoh Abe McKim Jacki McKim Edith Mulligan
Richard Memmott Jim Stuhlman Thurmon Whitley Nana Amos
The following 3 committees are divided into classes. One class is elected for one year, one class for two years, and one
class for 3 years. Each class will begin on January 1, 2020 and end December 31st of the class year.
COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS
Board of Trustees Chair: To be elected in January 2020
Class of 2021 Will Arhin, Judy Jennette
Class of 2022 Kathy Hulse, Laurie Simone, Jim Stuhlman
Class of 2023 Abe McKim , Shelby Poe, Helen Smith
Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development Chair: Pastor Lee
Lay Leader, ex officio
Class of 2021 Ruth Kreyoh, Kathy Hulse, Keisha Hammond
Class of 2022 Peggy Jerrell, Jacki McKim
Class of 2023 Myrna Clinton, David Smith
Staff Pastor Parish Relations Chair: Josephine Amos
Lay Leader, ex officio, Lay Delegates, ex officio
Class of 2021 Jacki McKim, Jenny Werle
Class of 2022 Josephine Amos, Walter Clinton, Peggy Jerrell
Class of 2023 Thurmon Whitley, Nana Amos
Finance Chair: Mary Rolfe
Treasurer: Jim Jerrell Assistant Treasurer: Judy Juzwiakowski
Reporting Financial Secretary David Smith
Members Nana Amos, Helen Smith (Lay Leader), Peggy Jerrell (Council Chair), Jacki McKim, Jim
Stuhlman, Josephine Amos (SPR Chair)
Stewardship Committee Chairs
Lead Counters Kathy Hulse, Jacki McKim, Jim Stuhlman, Thurmon Whitley
Assistant Counters Peggy Jerrell, Judy Juzwiakowski, Laurie Simone
Mary Rolfe, Stephanie Wilson
Youth Group Advisors Pastor Sungmu Lee, Helen Smith, Jim Stuhlman, Jenny Werle
Lay Servants Nana Amos, Nathaniel Amos, PaaKow Amos, Christine Chan, Myrna Clinton, Walter
Clinton, Cynthia Geissler, Peggy Jerrell, Jim Stuhlman, Wendy Memmott, Helen Smith
Worship Committee Josephine Amos, Paakow Amos, Gail Bartozzi, Myrna Clinton, Rev. Cynthia Dodd
Chair: Christine Chan MaryAnne Hawkes, Peggy Jerrell, Hyeonjin Kim, Helen Smith (Lay Leader)
Mary Levy, Laurie Simone, Jim Stuhlman
Hospitality & Nurture Myrna Clinton, Walter Clinton, Edith Mulligan
Altar Guild/ Flowers MaryAnne Hawkes, Shirley Pyrdol
Ushers Will Arhin, PaaKow Amos, Doris Hunter (alternate), Judy Juzwiakowski, Richard
Memmott (alternate), Thurmon Whitley
Communion Stewards Myrna Clinton, Walter Clinton, MaryAnne Hawkes
Memorial Committee Doris Hunter, Linda Kopec, Abe McKim, MaryAnne Hawkes
Chair: Judy Juzwiakowski
Safe Sanctuary Committee Gail Bartozzi, Peggy Jerrell, Chris Latham, Helen Smith, Jen Werle
Chair: Pastor Lee
Missions & Outreach Committee Nana Amos, Gail Bartozzi, Myrna Clinton, Rev. Cynthia Dodd, Peggy Jerrell
Chair: Stephanie Wilson Judy Jennette, Christine Latham, Mary Levy
Membership Committee Kathy Hulse, Edith Mulligan
Chair: Peggy Jerrell
Prayer Shawl Ministry Shelby Poe, Sharon Ewen, Susan Hackett, MaryAnne Hawkes
Leader: Linda Kopec Sue McMillian, Edith Mulligan, Amy Sablone, Joan Sablone
Audio Visual Team Cecilia Amos, Nana Amos, Gail Bartozzi, Catherine Gigola, Marissa deNicolo
Chair: Helen Smith Rev. Cynthia Dodd, Peggy Jerrell, Hyeonjin Kim, Abe McKim, Andrew Nevin
Laurie Simone, Julia Werle
Archives Committee Nana Amos, Kathy Hulse, Peggy Jerrell, Jackie McKim, Edith Mulligan,
Chair: Peggy Jerrell
Communications Myrna Clinton, Bill Hunt, Peggy Jerrell, Kathy Hulse, Hyeonjin Kim
Webmaster Hyeonjin Kim
Nativity Scene on the Church Ground 15 figures have been added to the Nativity scene over time to illustrate the Christmas story. Special thanks to our talented volunteers who built, painted, and set up the beautiful scene: Jim Jerrell, Jen Werle, Peggy Jerrell, Helen Smith, David Smith, Kathy Hulse, and Sungmu Lee.
The Messenger First & Wesley United Methodist Church 89 Center Street West Haven, CT 06516 Phone (203) 933-8795 www.firstwesleyumc.org Email: firstwesleyumc@gmail.com Reverend Sungmu Lee S da W hi Time: 10:30am ( li e only)" The January Newsletter
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