July-August 2016 - United Methodist Church, Branford

The Cross & Flame
“Where the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Power of
the Holy Spirit
converge to change hearts and lives.”
Monthly Newsletter of The United Methodist Church, Branford
Growing Stronger by Billy Graham
But grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
— 2 Peter 3:18
In This Issue:
Summer Message
Worship Stewards
B-Days & Anniversaries
Announcements
Learn & Play News
Sewing for God
History Highlights
Vacation Bible School
Upcoming Fundraisers
July Calendar
August Calendar
Special Messages
Whole In One Brochure
Just For Kids
Upcoming Events
So Much More…..
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Many years ago, engineers made plans to construct a suspension bridge over a deep
river gorge. The biggest problem was how to get the heavy steel cables from one side of
the gorge to the other. Helicopters hadn’t been invented, and the rock-strewn river
below made it too dangerous to transfer the cables by boat.
The solution? One day the engineers flew a kite over the gorge. As it hovered over the
opposite shore, they deliberately grounded it — which meant the two sides of the
river were now linked by a thin kite string. They then tied a slightly heavier string to one
end of the kite string and carefully hauled it across to the other side. They repeated this
process several more times, graduating on to stronger ropes, until eventually they were
able to pull the heavy steel cables across the gorge and construct the bridge.
Spiritual growth is like the construction of that bridge.
Just as the link between the gorge gradually grew stronger, so God’s will is for our faith
to grow stronger and stronger.
Do you want your faith to grow? Then let the Bible begin to saturate your mind and
soul. One of my most enduring memories of my mother is of her sitting quietly in her
favorite chair, reading her well-worn Bible every day. This was her practice right up to
the end of her life and was the reason she had such an unwavering faith.
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Summer Worship Schedule
Services are at
9:30 AM
every Sunday morning.
Church Office Hours
The Church Office is open
Monday through Friday
from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Next Cross & Flame Deadline
August 15 for September Issue
Meeting the deadline helps to get the
Cross & Flame out on time.
Golf Tournament We need everyone’s help to make our 2nd Annual “Whole In One”
Golf Tournament a great success. All of the details are in the brochure which is included
as Pages 9 and 10 of this Cross & Flame Newsletter. Please talk to friends, neighbors
and local businesses and encourage them to play in the tournament and to help out by
sponsoring the tournament.
Pastor Kent
Summer Worship
During July & August, we will continue to hold
one Sunday service at 9:30 AM.
Weekly Sermons Now On Our Website
Thanks to the technology expertise of Roger Gagné, you can go to UMC’s
website to see Pastor Kent’s weekly sermons. Check out the videos on
www.umcbranford.org - follow the link.
Keeping God’s Time – Worship Stewards July/August 2016
Summer Sanctuary Steward: Heather Mazzucco
July 31st Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Judy Loukides Lay Reader: Tom Macy
Greeter: Laurie Gagné Ushers: Sam & Larry Appleton
Acolyte: Alice Talbot
Prayer Partner: Linda Beagle
Flowers: In Memory of Paul A. Viel
Given by Carole Viel
Fellowship Hosts: Carole Viel, Ginger Charlotte
July 3rd Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Jean Massage Lay Reader: Adam Jackson
Communion Servers: Ro & Dick Robinson
Greeter: Ken Schneider Ushers: Michelle & Russ Ritter
Acolyte: William Gagné
Prayer Partner: Janice Samoeil
Flowers: In Honor of Rosemary Luzzi’s Birthday
Fellowship Hosts: Sam & Larry Appleton
August 7th Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Mike Cartwright Lay Reader: Lori Cartwright
Communion Servers: Jean & Bob Massage
Greeter: Earl Lind Ushers: Alice Macy, M.E. Solomon
Acolyte: William Gagné
Prayer Partner: Ken Schneider
Flowers: To The Glory of God
Given by The Worship Design Team
Fellowship Hosts: Marcia Donnelly
July 10th Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Ken Schneider Lay Reader: William Gagné
Greeter: Janet Viets Ushers: Ro & Dick Robinson
Acolyte: Haley Mazzucco
Prayer Partner: M.E. Robinson
Flowers: To The Glory of God
Given by The Worship Design Team
Fellowship Hosts: Jean & Bob Massage
July 17th Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Shanta Kapadia Lay Reader: Cyrus Kapadia
Greeter: Sam Appleton Ushers: Jean & Bob Massage
Acolyte: Ellie Bowman
Prayer Partner: Ro Robinson
Flowers: In Memory her mother, Ruth S. Curtis, given by Ginny Busca
Fellowship Hosts: Vacation Bible School
July 24th Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Larry Appleton Lay Reader: Earl Lind
Greeter: Cyrus Kapadia Ushers: Rosemary Luzzi, Laurie Gagné
Acolyte: Hannah Jackson
Prayer Partner: Don Robinson
Flowers: In memory of her husband Paul, given by Carole Viel
Fellowship Hosts: Linda & Bill Beagle
August 14th Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: M.E. Solomon Lay Reader: Ken Schneider
Greeter: Alice Macy Ushers: Don Robinson, Adam Jackson
Acolyte: Haley Mazzucco
Prayer Partner: Janice Samoeil
Flowers: In Memory of Margitta Freerksema
given by Conny & Bob Umile
Fellowship Hosts: TBA
August 21st Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Ro Robinson Lay Reader: Daniel Gagné
Greeter: Tom Macy Ushers: Earl Lind, Janice Samoeil
Acolyte: Ellie Bowman
Prayer Partner: M.E. Solomon
Flowers: TBA
Fellowship Hosts: Carole Viel and Ginny Busca
August 28th Fifthteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Call to Worship: Diane Komp Lay Reader: Earl Lind
Greeter: Sam Appleton Ushers: Michelle & Russ Ritter
Acolyte: Hannah Jackson
Prayer Partner: Ro Robinson
Flowers: TBA
Fellowship Hosts: The Ritters
Lectionary Readings:
During 2016 we will not be printing the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. Instead, you may ask for a
copy of the One Year Chronological Bible. The weekly sermons will be based on these readings. We have copies
available in 3 translations. Please let us know if you would prefer The New International Version, The New Living
Translation or the New King James Version. A donation of $15 per copy is appreciated.
The Cross & Flame
Published 11 times a year by The United Methodist Church, Branford, 811 East Main Street, Branford, Connecticut 06405, (203)
488-0549, [email protected], Pastor: Rev. Kent Fredric Jackson. Deadline for copy: The fifteenth day of the month prior to
publication. Brenda Prunty, Editor, reserves the right to edit for content and space. ©2016 UMC, Branford.
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July Birthdays
Rosemary Luzzi
John Blossom
Philip Gregoire
Don Robinson
Andrew Wolek
Jocelyn Neary
James Torello
Michael Mazzucco
Marcia Donnelly
Molly Mazzucco
Ellie Bowman
Erica Klein
Anne Jackson
Edward Perchaluk
Carole Viel
Bill Davies
August Birthdays
Bob Umile
Dorothy Chamberlain
Diane Komp
Jean Massage
Kiley Mazzucco
Terri Wells
Monya Zurkus
Nancy Dineen
Alice Talbott
Mary Lou Woods
Connie Nickou
Charles Steeves
Priscilla Blake
Sophia Appleton
Chelsea Marks
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July Anniversaries
Eunice & Sterwin Maggay
M.E. & Stephen Solomon
Heather & Michael Mazzucco
Susan & Robert McMahon
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August Anniversaries
Stacey & Ken Cronk
Deborah & Brent Talbott
Suzanne & Jim Lee
Priscilla & Bruce Blake
Terri & David Wells
Pastor Kent will be out of the office for spiritual
growth and vacation time from July 20 through August
6. While he is away, if there is a pastoral emergency,
call Brenda in the church office (203) 488-0549 or be
in touch with Laurie Gagné, Lay Leader, Cell (203) 6764287.
We have initiated a monthly youth night for the
purpose of fun & fellowship. All youth from our
church (6th-12th grade) are encouraged to attend and
bring their friends.
We meet in the church basement from 7-9:30 PM.
Snacks are being provided. Ping Pong, Air Hockey,
Foosball and video games all are available, and we’ll
continue to add other activities in the future.
Our July Youth Night will be Friday the 29th; our
August Youth Night will be Friday the 26th.
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19 Our monthly Men’s Breakfasts group will meet on July
24 16 and August 20 at 8:00 am. After a time of good
food and fellowship, we will view one of Pastor Rob
Bell’s Nooma videos.
All men of our church are encouraged to put these
dates on their calendars and to invite friends to join
them each month.
SAVE THE DATE !!! ….. SAVE THE DATE !!!
SAVE THE DATE !!! ….. SAVE THE DATE !!!
JUBAL’S LATTE will be held outdoors on church grounds on Saturday,
August 13. Plan to attend and invite your friends to our kid friendly event.
This “special edition” of Jubal’s Latte Open Mike, featuring great
entertainment, will be fun for the whole family. A barbeque is to be
included, and you are welcome to bring snacks. We will provide seating,
but bring lawn chairs and blankets if you wish. (This replaces our regular
2nd Friday time slot for August) Come enjoy good food & great music !!!
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After taking a year off, GODFEST returns to the
Branford Green on Sunday August 21st with music
beginning at 1 PM.
Musicians from many Branford churches will be
offering sharing songs of praise & thanksgiving! Bring
a chair and come enjoy fresh air and fellowship!
A FEW FACTS YOU MAY
NOT KNOW
LEARN & PLAY NEWS
As of this writing, we are anticipating our End of Year
Celebration and Family Picnic on Friday, June 17th.
Children will participate in a musical review of some
our favorite songs, and we will honor the Pre-K students and
present them with graduation certificates. Following the
celebration, we will have our annual family picnic with fun
and fellowship for approximately 160 people.
Our summer Olympic Camp is gearing up for nine
weeks of fun in the sun! Each week will feature a different
country, sport activity and a person from “God’s team” in
addition to water activities and special enhancement visitors.
I think it will be busy and a great summer!
Our fall registration continues with many of our
classes already at capacity. At the present moment we still
have a few openings available, especially in our Pre-K class. If
you know of anyone looking for a quality experience for their
child, have them contact us for additional information or a
tour.
Enjoy your summer………September will be here
before we know it!
Pastors used to have to mow not only the parsonage yard but the
church as well. They often shoveled the snow too! Things have
changed for the better, right Kent!
Learn & Play was founded by our first full time paid pastor, Rev.
Frank Herbert. More on L& P history next time.
Ever heard our bell ring? It was just repaired so you may get the
chance soon. The bell was given by Charles Thompson in memory
of his brother in law Leroy Carpenter back in the early 70’s. That
created a need to build a steeple in which to house the bell. The
steeple was built by Morgan Thompson, Ed Viets, Jay Johnson and
Dick Robinson.
Chicken BBQs were our first major fund raisers. There was no
trouble selling two hundred tickets, and people were fed in two
seatings. Ask a few of the older members—maybe they will tell
you the secret sauce ingredient if you’re lucky. Dessert was
delicious homemade ice cream made by church women.
Speaking of delicious, what is now the back yard and Learn & Play
playground was once a peach orchard. Rev. John McBeth was
quoted as saying, ”There are peaches out there as big as
grapefruits and boy are they great!”
Not only was Herr Hall, named for founding member Jack Herr, our
first sanctuary but it also served as the all-purpose room for
church fairs, meetings, suppers, you name it, it happened there.
The pastor’s office was over in the parsonage.
On the way back and forth the pastor had to watch where he
stepped. The parking lot wasn’t paved until after 2000 and
required constant pot hole repair and gravel raking! A big trustee
job for sure.
No doubt there are many other fun facts to be shared. Be sure to ask
people about their favorite church family stories as we celebrate
fifty years of history.
Robin Costa
SEWING FOR GOD
2nd & 4th Thursday Nights
6pm – 9pm **
“Notice change of day and
time”
Hi,
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Do you know who we are? Why we were formed?
This group was started many years ago with a small
number of women who like to sew quilts. Some who didn’t
even know how to sew came to just press and socialize.
The quilts we make have gone to children and adults
of Life Haven, the West Haven VA, and Veterans at the
Dialysis Center. When requested we have given quilts for
comfort for a hospital stay. These quilts are included in the
Holiday Fair every year and have been a huge success.
Located BELOW “Learn and Play” center, please use
the side entrance only.
During July and August the goal is to work on quilts
for the Holiday Fair.
All materials/machines provided. Come enjoy some
time together.
Get ready for a life-changing adventure that will take
place each evening July 11 through July 15 from 5:30 until 8:00
pm, right here at United Methodist Church, Branford. (Adult
Bible study will be held while the kids are at VBS.)
After a light supper and prayer we will head to
Celebration Reef where kids will sing, shout, praise, and hear
the Bible story and theme for the evening.
Activities include: Pelican Pier (games), Curiosity
Cavern (crafts and science), and E.C.H.O. Sea Sub (service with
a lasting purpose). All these fun activities tie into the Bible
story and the timeless truth of God's everlasting love!
We are in need of a helper for each of the following:
games, the registration table, and to be a guide for the kids
(helping kids move through each activity).
If you would like more information or would like to
help, contact Cheryl Torello at [email protected]
Rosemary
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Day Lily & Perennial Sale
Saturday, July 9—9 am to 3 pm
United Methodist Church
811 East Main St.
Branford, CT 06405
Great Selection! Our Perennials
are native to the area and very hearty
Annual Holiday Festival
Mark Your Calendars !
November 5, 2016 9 am to 2 pm
Day Lilies & Other Perennials
Selective Day Lilies-Buy One, Get One Free
Hosta-Buy One, Second at Half Price
Yes, it that time already, well almost. The Holiday Festival is
just 5 months away and the Committee is already at work.
How can you help? Chairpersons have volunteered for
most areas and will need lots of assistance. More
information will be forthcoming. Watch the Cross & Flame
and the Bulletin.
Landscaping Plants
Bake Shoppe (Diane N.)
Dwarf forsythia
Stella D´ Oro
Creeping Geraniums
Homemade Jelly and Jams, baked goods, candy & fudge,
any kind of food item
Pricing: $6.00-$18.00
Silent Auction (Rosemary)
Gift Cards / Services / ITEMS / Baskets: tool box, fast food
gift cards, baking supplies (donate items for these
baskets or make and donate the whole basket)
Huge Sale-Perennial Fall Plantings
At Reduced Prices
Saturday, Aug 27
9 am to 3 pm
Ruby’s Garden (Ruby)
Clippings from Christmas Cactus
Handcraft Center (Carole)
All variety of crafts: knitting, sewing, crocheting,
painting, Christmas crafts and ornaments, candles, any of
your favorite crafts.
United Methodist Church
811 East Main St.
Branford, CT 06405
Jewelry (Sam)
Donated jewelry – second hand and new
Great Selection!
Granny’s Cellar (Laurie & Roger)
Clematis
Creeping Phlox
Hosta
Irises
Shasta Daisies
Spirea
Sedums
. . . and many more . . .
Landscaping Plants
Dwarf forsythia
And other Shrubs
Trees-Snowball Japonica
Chase Tree/Vitex
Start collecting items that SOMEONE can’t live without!
Watch for craft and food workshop dates over the summer.
Lots of fun was had by all last year.
Your Holiday Festival Coordinators,
Rosemary Luzzi
Shirley Gilkerson
Ginger Charlotte
Pricing: $5.00-$15.00
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The United Methodist Church, Branford
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Saturday
2
10a Visioning
7p AA Meeting
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4
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6
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8
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7th Sunday
After Pentecost
CHURCH OFFICE
CLOSED
7p Power of Praise
10a L&P Chapel
10a Thurs Study Group
7p Jubal’s Latte
9a Plant Sale
10:30a Prayer Shawl
7p Al-Anon
7:30p AA Meeting
Ministry
11a Sunday Study
Group
7p AA Meeting
7p Finance Committee
7:30p Devotional Bible
Study-Shoreline
Cafe
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11
12
13
14
15
16
8th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
5:30p Vacation Bible
School
10a L&P Chapel
5:30p Vacation Bible
School
8a Men’s Breakfast
11a Sunday Study
Group
2p Prayer Meeting
7:30p AA Meeting
10a Thurs Study Group
5:30p Vacation Bible
School
6p Sewing for God
7p Al-Anon
7:30p Dev Bible Study
Shoreline Cafe
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5:30p Vacation Bible
School
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
5:30p Vacation Bible
School
7p Monday Study Grp
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9th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
7p Trustees
7p Power of Praise
10a L&P Chapel
10a Thurs Study Group
7p Al-Anon
7:30p Devotional Bible
Study-Shoreline
Cafe
11a Sunday Study
Group
7:30p AA Meeting
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
7p Faithful Stewards
PASTOR KENT
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10th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning 7:30p AA Meeting
Quarterbacking
11a Sunday Study
Group
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7p Monday Study Grp
PASTOR KENT’S VACATION 
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10a L&P Chapel
10a Thurs Study Group
6p Sewing for God
7p Al-Anon
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
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7p AA Meeting
AT ALDERSGATE CONFERENCE
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6p Community Dinner
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7p AA Meeting
7p Youth Night
7:30p Dev.Bible Study
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11th Sunday
After Pentecost
11a Sunday Study
Group
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Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. during July & August
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7p AA Meeting
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The United Methodist Church, Branford
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
2
3
4
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
7:30p AA Meeting
10a L&P Chapel
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
10a Thurs Study Group
7p Monday Study Grp
7p Al-Anon
7:30p Dev. Bible Study
Friday
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Saturday
6
7p AA Meeting
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PASTOR KENT
RETURNS
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9
10
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12
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12th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
7p Power of Praise
10a L&P Chapel
10a Thurs Study Group 8:30a Golf Tournament
7:30p AA Meeting
10:30a Prayer Shawl
6p Sewing for God
2p Prayer Meeting
Ministry
7p Al-Anon
4p Jubal’s Latte
Outdoors
7p AA Meeting
7:30p Devotional Bible
Study-Shoreline
Cafe
7p Monday Study Grp
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15
16
17
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13th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
7p Power of Praise
10a L&P Chapel
10a Thurs Study Group
OUTDOOR
WORSHIP
7p Trustees
7:30p AA Meeting
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
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8a Men’s Breakfast
5:30p L&P Board
7p AA Meeting
7p Al-Anon
7p Faithful Stewards
7:30p Devotional Bible
Study-Shoreline
Cafe
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21
22
23
24
25
26
27
14th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
7p Prayer Meeting
10a L&P Chapel
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
10a Thurs Study Group
6p Community Dinner
9a Plant Sale
7p Youth Night
7p AA Meeting
1p GODFEST
7p Monday Study Grp
7:30p AA Meeting
6p Sewing for God
7p Al-Anon
7:30p Devotional Bible
Study-Shoreline
Cafe
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29
30
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15th Sunday
After Pentecost
10a Monday Morning
Quarterbacking
7:30p AA Meeting
10a L&P Chapel
10:30a Prayer Shawl
Ministry
7p Monday Study Grp
Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. during July & August
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It is the season for planting.
Did you know that God has a garden?
THE LORD HAS A GARDEN ON EARTH;
WE ARE ITS FLOWERS!
Imagine for a moment what it would be like to visit
God’s farm, a little piece of acreage here on Earth where He
planted, tended and harvested a private garden. What kind
of crop would He plant? Flowers or nutritious vegetables?
Mighty oak trees or trees that bear delicious fruit?
We know He has created so many beautiful things,
so perhaps He would plant the classic beauty roses or
tulips?
Well Dear Friends, you may have figured out the
answer already, because the Lord does have a garden here
on Earth and WE are its flowers and fruit! We are the
children of God, whom He cares for, as He listens to and
answers our prayers.
Yes, it is the Lord, through our faith, who gives us
strength and courage when we need it. With His support,
we can stand strong against troubles and temptation.
He also blesses us with the sweet fruits of peace
and a better way of life when we request that through
prayer. An, God blesses us with a sturdy foundation of faith,
which we rely upon when times are hard.
Truly, we are all products of God’s garden. He
tends us each with loving care, nourishing, protecting and
encouraging us to live good, fulfilling lives. If we want to
flourish in His garden, all we have to do is open our minds
and hearts to His goodness and loving caretaking.
When we pray, we know God is listening. He may
not make His answers available right away, but rest assured
God will reveal them in His own time for the best effect. He
doesn’t ask for much from us, only that we keep in touch
through prayer and keep faith with him.
So, that’s how God’s garden grows, Dear Friends. It
is a reflection of us, and one imagines how carefully tended
it must be, with perfectly trimmed shrubs and plants that
flower all year.
Indeed, we are blessed to have the Lord looking
after us. Tended by faith and watered by His love, we are
pampered plantings in the lushest and most beautiful
garden of all!
Let us all plant a garden—a garden of Hope, Love
and Joy!
Don Robinson
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The time to continue our visioning process is
quickly arriving! In December we created several lists
of values and ideas for ministry. In April we sifted
through the lists and discerned 4 focus areas. We got
a good start on creating a statement of purpose and
listing what we want to accomplish in each area.
Now it is time to get concrete by setting specific
goals and activities to move forward in each area.
Everyone is invited to attend and participate
in all or part of this event on Saturday July 2 from
10am-2pm. We will spend 45 minutes working on
specific goals and projects for each area. After each
45 minute work session we will have a 15 minute
break before we focus on the next area. The work
sessions will be in the following order: 10am
Worship, 11am Marketing/Communications, 12pm
Youth Ministry and 1pm Congregational Care.
As Pastor, I am excited about this next step
on our journey and look forward to working with
those who have a passion for each of these areas.
Remember, you do not have to come for the entire 4
hours … feel free to pick and choose the areas where
you have the greatest interest.
Pastor Kent
Ahhh, what a wonderful thought.
I sit here with a smile on my face, thinking about not only
of my Secret Pal or who mine may be, but rather of what
God has given me.
He has given me the wisdom to understand that his time
is not my time. For everything there is a reason that only
he knows and someday I will understand too. Most of all
he has given me unconditional Love, with him, my family
and my friends.
Thank you God for all these things. Amen
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JUST FOR KIDS
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The United Methodist Church, Branford
811 East Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203.488.0549
203.488.9952 Fax
[email protected]
www.umcbranford.org
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Upcoming Events - August
Upcoming Events - July
July 8
July 9
July 11-15
July 29
August 13
August 26
August 27
Jubal’s Latte Open Mike
Plant Sale
Vacation Bible School
Community Dinner
Jubal’s Latte Open Mike Outdoors
Community Dinner
Plant Sale
Committee & Board Meetings
August 15—Trustees
August 18—L&P Board
Committee & Board Meetings
July 7—Finance
July 18—Trustees
July 20-Faithful Stewards
Regular Groups
Tuesdays-7:30 pm—AA
Wednesdays-10:30 am—Prayer Shawl Ministry
2nd & 4th Thursdays 6 pm—Sewing for God
Thursdays-7:30 pm – Al Anon (7 pm new attendees)
Saturdays-7 pm – AA
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