Return Service Requested The CHALLENGE October 2013 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

South United Methodist Church with Rev. John Marshall

October Sunday Worship Schedule

9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with Choir Children’s Story in the Sanctuary Communion served monthly 10:45 a.m. Sunday School For All Ages

11:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Wildfire Worship Band in the Café Communion served monthly

1226 Main Street Manchester, CT 06040

Contact Information:

Church office: (860) 647-9141 Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00a-12:00p Tues, Thurs 6:00p-9:00p Email address: info@southumc.com Web address: southumc.com

November Challenge Deadline: Sunday, October 20, 2013

“Where the joy of life in Christ overflows”

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“A Faith That Lifts Us Up”

“This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith…” (1 John 5:4b)

T H E C H A L L E N G E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 SUNDAY

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:30a - Traditional

Worship with Choir and Children’s Story

9:45a - Sunday School for Nursery-Grade 2

10:45a - Sunday School for all Ages (Children,

Youth and Adults)

11:45a - Contemporary Worship with Wildfire

Worship Band

I N S I D E T H E O C T O B E R I S S U E

1226 Main Street Manchester, CT 06040

October Worship 2 SUMC News 3 October Calendar 6 Outreach News 9 Admin. Board 10

Dear Friends, Getting along in the world can be challenging. Getting through times of stress and anxiety takes strength and determination. Getting beyond the mistakes of the past often requires no small amount of resolve. The truth is, we need help, God’s help to get along, get through and get beyond, the tough experiences that life presents us with on a daily basis. Especially in the above text, the apostle John reminded first century Christians in Ephesus that their faith in Christ was critical to successfully coping with the burdens they were carrying.

“This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith…”

As followers of Christ, we have made the choice to make “faith,” a core mental response in difficult times as well as in easier ones. If you are anything like me, at times you wonder how to specifically seek God’s help and direction. Or to put in another way, how can we develop a faith that overcomes?

1) Begin each day with God. Here is a verse to reflect on from the Psalms…“O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.” (Psalm 5:3) We give our time the Lord, reminding ourselves of God’s continue presence with us, and look or watch for God’s hand in the day’s events.

2) Take a few moments each day to deepen your faith by reading the Bible. This can be done with the aid of devotional guide like the Upper Room or Our Daily Bread which are both available here at church. If you are online you can visit our website www.southumc.com: click on the DEVOS tab and there you will find links to three outstanding daily devotionals.

3) Stick with God. As you go through the day, take time to remind yourself that by God’s grace, and through His strength, you can and will overcome! As you do reflect on this promise of Jesus, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

As we become convinced that only with God’s help can we expect to get along, get through and get beyond life’s challenges, our faith will grow and we will overcome! Do you believe that?

In service to Christ, Pastor John

We need God’s help to get through the tough experiences that life presents

The Kind of Faith that Overcomes…

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South United Methodist Church Contact Information

Church office: (860) 647-9141 Office Hours: Mon Wed Fri 9:00a -12:00p

Tues, Thurs 6:00p-9:00p

Email address: office@southumc.com Web address: southumc.com Facebook: facebook.com/southumc Twitter: twitter.com/southumc Text (SMS): (860) 281-SUMC [7862]

South Church Staff Pastor - Rev. John Marshall ext. 14 Director of Music - Earle Bidwell ext. 11 Organist - Christopher Walton Director of Ministries - Terry Marshall ext. 15 Director Youth Ministries - Nick Adams ext. 13 Sexton - Ken Schaller ext. 20 Assistant Sexton - Don Wilby ext. 20 Office Managers - Colleen Olbert/Patti LaForest ext. 10 Rev. Richard Thompson (retired)

October Worship Theme

“A Faith That Lifts Us Up” Description: We will look at four encouraging texts from the book of First John which remind us of the power God gives us to deal with life’s struggle and the certain hope we have as we look to the future. October 6, 2013: “Family Traits: The Character of a Child of God” Scripture: 1 John 3:1-10. Focus Verse: “Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” (1 John 3:9, New Living Translation) Theme: Children of God are known for their character and their conduct. October 13, 2013: “It All Boils Down to This” Scripture: 1 John 3:21-24 Focus Verse: “And this is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” (1 John 3:23, NRSV) Theme: Gods commands His people to believe in His Son and love one another. October 20, 2013: “The Faith that Overcomes” Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6. Focus Verse: “Whoever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.” (John 5:4, NRSV) Theme: Through our faith, we can thrive in the world. October 27, 2013: “Our Certain Hope” Scripture: 1 John 5:10-15. Focus Verse: “This is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11, NRSV)) Theme: Through Jesus, eternal, abundant life is available for the asking.

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Special Music

Events in October Earle Bidwell, Director of Music

For sports enthusiasts, October usually means college and NFL football, and baseball’s World Series, especially if the Red Sox, Yankees or, lately, the Detroit Tigers are involved. Somewhat under the radar is the beginning of the ice hockey season. Why is this music news as SUMC? The answer is that

the Chancel Choir has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the Hartford Wolf Pack’s October 23rd game against the Portland Pirates! For the hockey team, this is an opportunity to have a quality music group “kick off” their game. For SUMC it is an opportunity for outreach, and for the Chancel Choir, it is a “field trip” and fund-raiser. About the field trip, it has been 5 years since our last one! Regarding fund-raising, Music Ministries will receive $5 for every SUMC member/ friend who accompanies us to the game! Choir members will have tickets two weeks before the game. We invite you to make this an SUMC Field Trip!

October also signals the beginning of rehearsals for the 90th Christmas Candlelight Concert. The Chancel Choir welcomes singers to the Concert Choir who like to sing, but cannot make regular Wednesday rehearsals and Sunday morning obligations. Singing in the concert requires only a 6 week Wednesday rehearsal commitment, and a Saturday morning dress rehearsal on December 14th, the day before the concert. The music is uplifting and the choir is very welcoming of newcomers. Contact Earle Bidwell, Music Director at (860) 647-9141 or Earlegb@gmail.com to join the Concert Choir or to get more information.

The Case Memorial Chime welcomes us to worship with inspirational hymns from the bell tower each Sunday morning. As we leave our homes, walk from the parking lot, or sit in the pews waiting for worship, we are treated to a musical prelude of what is to come in hymn singing, Pastor John’s message and choir offering. Leading us from the bell tower are: Alberta Hoagland, Don Gray, Marcia Memery, Anne Zimbelman, Kathy Wilby and Cathy Fogel. We are blessed by their offerings.

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Youth Group is our two hour event on Sunday Evenings taking place in the Café at South Church where teens in grades 7-12 can come together and have a ton of fun playing games, playing with the youth band, learning from and sharing with one another, and just having a great time hanging out! Youth Group will be meeting through most of October.

Teen Bible Study is new this fall and happens on Wednesday evenings in the newly remodeled Youth Lounge. Each week, we go through 3 chapters of the Bible and discuss how they relate to our lives and teens and young adults. Bible Study will be happening every Wednesday in October.

CROP Hunger Walk is on October 20 and is an annual event all around the country where people raise money for and awareness of hunger both worldwide and in our own communities. 25% of our proceeds will go directly to MACC to help fight hunger in Manchester. The Youth Group will be walking together again this year. Visit southumc.com to sign up for our team.

Upcoming Youth Events

HI! HO! FAIR! October 19, 2013 ~ 9am to 2pm

Come for the fun,

Come for the crafts,

Come for the food

FEATURING: in the Upper Education Wing The Country Store—hand crafted and quilted items, pickles, jams, jellies, chili and holiday decorations. Baked Goods, Candy and Fudge, Knitwear, Plants Used Jewelry, Cookies in a Can. on the lower level in the Nursery Antikews in Cooper Hall Used books, Trash & Treaures

Featured in The Country Store

Greeting Cards—all occasion

Painted Slates

Crafts—elegant to practical

Hi! Ho! Luncheon

From 11am to 1pm Enjoy lunch in the Café

Delicious soup, sandwiches, and a variety of homemade

pies.

10.20.2013 // Youth Group in the Café @ 6-8pm 10.23.2013 // Youth Bible Study in Youth Lounge @ 6-8pm 10.27.2013 // No Youth Group This Week 10.30.2013 // Youth Bible Study in Youth Lounge @ 6-8pm

10.2.2013 // Youth Bible Study in Youth Lounge @ 6-8pm 10.6.2013 // Youth Group in the Café @ 6-8pm 10.9.2013 // Youth Bible Study in Youth Lounge @ 6-8pm 10.13.2013 // Youth Group in the Café @ 6-8pm

P A G E 5

New Stephen Minister Training Class Set to Begin

Caring ministry at South Church will be expanding soon as 11 members are set to begin the first Stephen Minister training in November. At the completion of their training in April, they will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers and will then begin to provide one-to-one care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life. Stephen Ministry training combines sound theological principles with contemporary psychology. The training is top-notch. The skills our Stephen Ministers learn and practice prepare them to provide a very high level of Christian caregiving. The training is intense because it explores some serious life issues, but it is also a growth-producing and enjoyable experience. Stephen Ministers in training expect to learn a lot about caregiving, but usually don’t anticipate the personal and spiritual growth they experience. Often what is enjoyed most is the close Christian community formed with everyone in the training class. The 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training is broken down into twenty 2 ½ hour sessions that will be held on Thursday evenings and two full day Saturday in house retreats. Among the training topics are:

Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours The Art of Listening Distinctively Christian Caring Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly Maintaining Boundaries in Caregiving Confidentiality Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief Caring for People before, during, and after Hospitalization

More than a half-million people have gone through Stephen Ministry training in more than 11,000 churches world-wide since the ministry began in 1975. We will definitely be part of something big. The impact of Stephen Ministry on our congregation will be tremendous. People whose needs might otherwise slip through the cracks will come face to face with Jesus’ love through a Stephen Minister. Our new class will help us touch that many more lives with the Gospel. Please lift up the training class in your prayers over the coming months and watch for regular training class updates in the Monthly Challenge and Sunday bulletins. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support, The Stephen Leader Team: Pastor John & Terry Marshall, Alberta Hoagland and Don Wilby

October 2013 Calendar

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Sunday Monday Tuesday

1 12pm Bulletin Deadline 6:30 Wildfire Practice 7:00pm Commission/Committee Night

2 6:00pm Youth Bible Study6:30pm Wesley Ringers7:30pm C

6 9:30am Traditional Worship w/ Choir and Children’s Story 9:45am Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Sunday School Class 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages (Children, Youth and Adults) 11:45am Contemporary in Café 3:00pm Alleluia Sunday 6:00pm Youth Group

7 8 12pm Bulletin Deadline 6:30 Wildfire Practice 7:30pm Ad Board

9 6:00pm Youth Bible Study6:30pm Wesley Ringers7:30pm C

13

9:30am Traditional Worship w/ Choir and Children’s Story 9:45am Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Sunday School Class 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages (Children, Youth and Adults) 11:45am Contemporary in Café 6:00pm Youth Group

14

Columbus Day

15

12pm Bulletin Deadline 1:30pm Book Sorting/Fair 6:30pm Wildfire Practice 7:00pm Lydia Circle 7:30pm Staff Parish

16

1:30pm Book Sorting/Fair6:00pm Youth Bible Study6:30pm Wesley Ringers7:30pm C

20

9:30am Traditional Worship w/ Choir and Children’s Story 9:45am Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Sunday School Class 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages (Children, Youth and Adults) 11:45am Contemporary in Café 1:15pm Crop Walk 6:00pm Youth Group

21

22

12pm Bulletin Deadline 6:30pm Wildfire Practice 7:30pm Finance

23

6:00pm Youth Bible Study6:30pm 7:00pm Chancel Choir @

27

9:30am Traditional Worship w/ Choir and Children’s Story 9:45am Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Sunday School Class 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages (Children, Youth and Adults) 11:45am Contemporary in Café 6:00pm NO Youth Group

28

29 12pm Bulletin Deadline 6:30 Wildfire Practice

30 6:00pm Youth Bible Study6:30pm 7:30pm

October 2013 Calendar

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Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

6:00pm Youth Bible Study 6:30pm Wesley Ringers 7:30pm Chancel Choir

3 4

5 7:30am Men’s Fellowship 8:30 Women’s Retreat

6:00pm Youth Bible Study 6:30pm Wesley Ringers 7:30pm Chancel Choir

10 1:00pm Stephen Leaders Mtg

11

12

1:30pm Book Sorting/Fair 6:00pm Youth Bible Study 6:30pm Wesley Ringers 7:30pm Chancel Choir

17 6pm Book Sorting

18

19

9:00am Hi Ho Fair

6:00pm Youth Bible Study 6:30pm NO Wesley Ringers 7:00pm Chancel Choir @ Wolfpack Game

24 1:00pm Stephen Leaders Mtg

25

26

10:00am Wedding

6:00pm Youth Bible Study 6:30pm Wesley Ringers 7:30pm Chancel Choir

31 1:00pm Stephen Leaders Mtg

1

2 7:30am Men’s Fellowship 9:30am Knitting Group 4:00pm Harvest Gathering

T H E C H A L L E N G E

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More South News

Save the Date… South Church’s Day Long Women’s Gathering

Saturday, Oct. 5, here at SUMC.

“The demands of a women’s life can be challenging, as we learn to balance so many aspects of life…

You are invited to come, bring a girlfriend if you wish, and prepare to feel refreshed, renewed and revived!”

For more info, see or call Terry Marshall (860-647-9141 ext. 15)

Come support South United Methodist Church as they sing the

National Anthem

Wednesday, October 23rd, 7pm

Tickets are $13 with $5 going back to the church

Wolfpack vs. Portland Pirates For info contact Earle Bidwell

At (860)647-9141 or earlegb@gmail.com

Mark your calendars!!

CWM Alleluia Sunday, October 6, 2013 3pm to 6pm

Here at South United Methodist Church South Chancel Choir and Wildfire will sing

All Churches in the district are invited to attend This event is hosted by our District Superintendent, Rev. Heidi Chamberland

*Please see Alberta Hoagland or Jane Thompson if you can help provide

refreshments for this event

A special thank-you for the lovely prayer shawl, to Pastor John for his visits, and for your

cards and prayers.

It’s good to be back!!

Barbara Banks

T H E C H A L L E N G E

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Outreach News

South Church is Reaching out Through:

Stop Hunger Now

We have received word that the meals from our meal packaging event last May have been shipped in a container totaling 285,120 meals from the New England warehouse. The meals will be received by an in-country partner: Convoy of Hope in Haiti, and will be employed to support their Mission of Hope program in Haiti. Mission of Hope Haiti (MOH) exists to bring life transformations to every man, woman, and child in Haiti. Through a multitude of avenues, MOH seeks to create holistic transformations utilizing indigenous mobilization, relational proclamation and excellent implementation. Their programs include education, church advancement, medical care, orphan care, disaster relief, earthquake relief, cholera relief, nutrition, home construction and Haiti One, an alliance of non-profit partners working together to bring positive and sustainable change. MOH currently serves more than 50,000 meals per day to children in schools and orphanages across Haiti! To learn more about Mission of Hope please visit either of the following sites: www.mohhaiti.org, www.convoyofhope.org Stop Hunger Now thanks us for donating our time as volunteers in helping to create a world without hunger!

Update on Shelter Work

Some of you will be wondering why the calls for working at the shelter have decreased. It is not that the shelter is any less important in the lives of people; it is just that MACC is going through reorganization in the volunteer program relative to the shelter, and their expectations of us have, at least temporarily, decreased. We’ll let you know more as the new shape of things becomes clearer.

SUMC in Mission

Sylvia Gafford-Alexander will be heading off again this fall to join New England United Methodist in one more week of trying to put the houses in that area back into shape. Our prayers will be with her. Tom McGowan of the East Longmeadow Church will be leading the group. Crop Walk

Your next opportunity to get involved in mission on a local level is the town-wide Crop Walk on Sunday, October 20. See a complete announcement elsewhere in this newsletter, and don’t forget to sign up to walk or offer to become a sponsor for some other walker (or both).

Ready? Set? Minister!

Riding a bike. Using a new computer program. Ironing a shirt. Training is important whenever anyone learns a new skill. Training is important in Stephen Ministry too. Before Stephen Ministers begin their work, they go through a lot of training. When they start their official ministry, they're ready.

A training class for Stephen Ministers is beginning soon. To find out more about what this ministry has to offer, contact Terry Marshall at 860-647-9141 ext. 15 today!

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Hi Ho Fair needs your help! October 19, 2013

The women of SUMC have been working together in smaller groups throughout the year including, but not limited to, “Crafters” (which meets most Sunday mornings at 10:45am) and the “Knitters Group” (which meets most 1st & 3rd Saturday mornings) to prepare for our Hi Ho fair held each year in October. These crafters and knitters are ready to ask for your help, so NOW the time has come for us to add to their efforts. . . They could use your: Old books, any Attic Treasures to be sold or re-purposed (No electronics please), Home canned items (pickles, jams, jellies), any knitting, quilting or craft projects are also welcome. WE ALSO NEED: cooked chicken (for our luncheon to make chicken salad), and A LOT of baked goods to sell such as: cookies/bars (small enough to fit in a coffee can), cakes, breads, candy and PIES! PIES! and more PIES! (Please label all baked goods/candy that have nuts)

Crafts after Church

If you are interested in helping with crafts to sell at the upcoming church fair, a group will be meeting after the 9:30 service at church for a couple of hours in the classroom upstairs next to the choir room. We plan to meet every Sunday until the fair on October 19th. We will have the supplies there, but it would be helpful if you bring basic craft tools, such as scissors, pencil, ruler etc. Bring a lunch or snack also if you wish. If you have any questions, please contact Ginny Hartzog at 860 646-3962 or ginhartz@gmail.com.

CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 20

Our church is joining other Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC) congregations in the Manchester Community CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 20 (the day after our fair).

CROP Hunger Walk funds are used to support the worldwide self-help and development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance programs of Church World Service. 25% of the funds raised will go to MACC to help the hunger-fighting programs in our own community.

Our walk begins at 1:15 pm at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St. Registration (and entertainment!) begins at 12:30 pm. This year’s walk will be a little shorter: up Main St. to MACC, for refreshments and the opportu-nity of a tour of the MACC homeless shelter, soup kitchen and food pantry, and then back to St. Bridget.

All South Church members and friends are urged to join our Manchester neighbors in this walk. If you are asked by a “walker” to be one of their sponsors, please give generously. By supporting the CROP Hunger Walk you can make a difference in the lives of refugees, displaced people, and those struggling just to survive.

For more information, to sign-up to be a walker, or to make a donation, please visit the CROP Walk table in Reception Hall on any Sunday morning.

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Dear SUMC Congregation, Many of you have watched me grow up before your eyes. As a baby, you were there when I was baptized. In elementary school, you were there when I took my first communion. When I was in high school, you were there when I was confirmed. You've sung with me, danced with me, and prayed with me. On October 26th, I am marrying a wonderful man, Jason Soler, and I would like to invite you to be present as I take the next big step in my life and my faith journey.

I am blessed to be able to call South United Methodist Church my home. Every one of you has touched my life in your own special way, and I sincerely appreciate everything you have done for me. It is because of you that I have become the person I am today.

We would be delighted if you could join us, along with our families, for the celebration of our marriage, officiated by Pastor Melissa Pisco on Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 am. Following the ceremony, cake and refreshments will be provided in the Reception Hall.

We look forward to having you accompany us on our very special day!

With Love, Shannon Lyman

It is time to order your Holiday Poinsettia!!

The plants will be placed in the Sanctuary for worship services and the Candlelight Concert on December 15th. The plants may be taken after the Candlelight Concert, however, we hope you will choose to leave your plant until after the Christmas Eve services.

Please make your checks payable to SUMC Flower Fund and mail with the following form to Jeanne Eagleson here at church, 1226 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040 Poinsettia Order @ $8.50 each

The deadline for ordering Poinsettias is November 28, 2013

Please print all information.

In Loving Memory of: __________________________________________________________________ In Loving Memory of: ___________________________________________ ______________________ In Honor of: ______________________________________________________________________________ Given by: ________________________________________________________________________________ Will be left for shut in: ___________ Will be taken: ____________