September 12
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Rally Day
Luke 15: 1-10
Sermon: “Jesus Came for Me”
Pastor Bryan Travis Hooper

On Sunday, September 12, the church year will begin! Plan to be with us as we celebrate the start of the fall season. The long summer days are coming to an end, but the church has many exciting opportunities for you to live out your faith in the weeks and months ahead… Rally Day is also a great opportunity for you to invite a friend to church. If you have a friend that you have never brought to church, consider extending an invitation to our September 12th service. Sharing your church is a great way to share your faith and expand your community. Invite a friend to join us in worship on September 12.

This year’s Consecration Sunday promises to be an exciting event. Featuring popular gospel selections by The Hot Cat Jazz Band, Connecticut’s hottest Swing and Dixieland jazz band, we are sure to have a great time…For Consecration Sunday, we ask you to prayerfully consider one question: what percentage of my income is God asking me to give to support our shared ministry in this church? As we faithfully respond to that question together, we will grow in our awareness of God working in our community and enrich our spiritual formation.

As is our custom, the worship service will be followed by a reception in Wesley Hall. You will hear more about Consecration Sunday during worship services closer to the date. Be sure to reserve your spot early so that we have a good sense of how many people will be in attendance.

On Tuesday September 28th, our Outreach Commission will be sponsoring a community spaghetti dinner from 5pm until 7:30pm in Wesley Hall in the basement of our church. It will take place during regular West End Farmers’ Market and West End Food Pantry distribution hours, and just prior to the Church Council meeting. Patrons of the food pantry are invited to join us for supper without charge. For all others, a free will offering to benefit the food pantry is suggested. Join us for an evening of good food and good fellowship…To volunteer for a one hour shift (or more!) please contact Steve Derby or Gretchen Vivier at 860-233-5657. We need help setting up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up.

Our United Methodist Women’s Unit sponors a Prayer Shawl Ministry. It meets the first Tuesday of each month (October-June) for one hour in the church office. Through this ministry we have touched the lives of many during times of fear, grief, pain and joy. A donation of yarn or money to further the work of this group is welcome. If you can knit or crochet, please consider using that talent to enrich the life of someone else. Speak to Dianne Antos (or call the church office) to learn more or to get involved. For more information about Prayer Shawl Ministry, go to http://www.shawlministry.com/.

Adult Forum will resume on Sunday, September 19. The Fall season will begin with a series on the Gospel of Luke lead by Pastor Bryan. Luke’s gospel is often considered a “feminist gospel” because of its special concern for women. The parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan are only found in Luke’s Gospel. Join us for an insightful study of this important book in our Bible. Newcomers are always welcome to join in for lively conversation and warm fellowship. Adult Forum meets on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. in Wesley Hall.

The West End Civic Association is sponsoring a Jane’s Walk on Saturday, October 9 to celebrate the West End. Our church will be one of the stops on the walk and will be welcoming guests to learn more about our history and mission.

The West End Walk will feature six separate activities: (more…)

Rev. Carolyn Gibson, a United Methodist pastor who served churches in Connecticut, will be leading a special fall retreat entitled “Seasons of the Spirit (A God for All Time)”. This retreat is a weekend experience for men and women based on the church’s liturgical calendar. The event will be hosted from September 24-26 at Wisdom House, 229 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT. It will start on Friday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. and conclude on Sunday after lunch. The cost for this retreat is $225 and includes the program, five meals, and your room.

For more information call 203-380-1260 or email cgibsonumc@peoplepc.com.

“Front Lawn Storytime” recently concluded its’ third summer on the church’s front lawn. Under the auspices of our church, with additional funding from the West End Civic Association, this six week children’s program took place each Tuesday from 4 – 5 PM, rain or shine. The program was geared for preschoolers through third grade children and their parents. Each week books by a different children’s author were featured along with a related activity. One example was the author, Robert McCloskey; his book, Blueberries for Sal; and the activity, making blueberry muffins.

On Sunday, July 11, over 100 of us celebrated our church family with a special service on the front lawn, in chairs and on blankets. We were outside not only because it was a beautiful summer day, but also as a reminder that Christ calls us to move outside among our neighbors rather than remain inside our own walls. The music for the service was provided by two of our chancel choir soloists, accompanied by two guitarists. Following the service, we enjoyed a wonderful potluck picnic for church members, friends and passersby. The event was well attended, much enjoyed, and will likely be repeated next summer.