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First United Methodist Church
8 Church Street
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
2015 Edition
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
~ Rev. John Wesley
(Priest, English Evangelist, founder of
Methodism. 1703-1791)
Our Mission Statement:
We, the people of First United Methodist Church of Stafford Springs, are in mission. It is our aim to reach out
in genuine acceptance, welcoming people into a growing, life-giving relationship with God in Jesus Christ
through vital worship, warm fellowship, and careful attention to people's needs.
Adult Discussion every Sunday at 8:30AM
Sunday Evening Worship Service
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – contemporary music
Communion offered every week
In our Fellowship Hall
Worship & Sunday school at 10AM
FREE Childcare provided  for infants and toddlers
0 - 2 years old
February 1 –Family Communion Service
February – Boy Scout Sunday Worship & Sunday school
February 15 – Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday
Worship & Sunday school
February 22 – 1st Sunday in Lent Worship & Sunday
school
February 18, 2015
Service 6:30 p.m.
in our sanctuary
Prayer & Praise Worship Service
Wednesday Evenings 6:30 -7p.m.
In Room 101
March
Easter flower orders taken March 1- 22
Talent show – Date tbd
Palm Sunday – Men’s Service and Breakfast
7am March 29
APRIL 5th – Easter Sunday
Confirmation Classes
Starting February 1st @ 4pm
Seventh Grade and up.
Feb.1st class open to parent
and children — orientation.
If all goes as planned this
should be between 8-10
weeks.
To sign-up see Pastor Roy or contact Connie.
Membership
Anyone interested in membership please talk with
Pastor Roy.
Pastor’s Notes
February 2015
I’m sitting in the office, wondering how we got to
February so fast. It seems like yesterday it was
Thanksgiving and yet Christmas has come and
gone, as well as New Years and we are moving into
the month of love. When we think of love, what
comes to your mind? I remember forty two years
ago when I was still dating Debbie that Valentine’s
Day was still very big. Wanting to find the perfect
card and gift for the one I love. But forty two years
later I still look for the right card to say to Debbie
what is in my heart. February is still a good month
to look into our hearts and survey the love we have
for others and for God.
How much love do you have for God, for Jesus
Christ, is it enough to follow Him in your life? Will
it be enough to love your neighbor as yourself?
Will it be enough to reach out to the stranger, the
orphan, those in prison, or the sick? How much love
do I have for God and will I show it to the world;
a world that is more in need of love now, than ever
before. Yes do we love God enough to love the
world? For we all know how much God loves us, as
Hallmark Cards would say: when you care enough
to send the best, God cared enough to send His very
best, His only begotten Son that who so ever
believeth in Him shall have life everlasting (John
3:16). So this year do you love God enough to give
Him your very best? And will you give your best to
the world that others will see the love of God in all
you do? You may say why? Because God cared
enough to send His best, Jesus Christ to all who
would have faith that we may dwell in God’s love
forever more. Amen.
Six Week Bible Study during Lent
The God We Can Know
Exploring the “I AM” Sayings of Jesus
Video presentation with discussion
Starts on Sunday February 22nd –March 29th 2015
@ 2pm
All Invited---Open to people, Churches, etc.
Happy February, Happy Valentine’s Day.
May you experience the love of
God in Jesus Christ this year,
Pastor Roy
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Who to contact when you have
questions:
FEBRUARY
3 Fred Streb, Keiko Thon
5 Butch Hajosy
10 Koehl & Kamden Lindsay
11 Doris Charter
16 Gordon Giller
21 Ruth Amrein, Kathy Aborn, Sue Pagano
26 Jane Benson, Debra Richardson,
Jeff Roberts
First United Methodist Church
8 Church Street
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
Office 860.684.2468
Fax/Kitchen phone 860.684.3418
www.fumcstafford.org
“Like” us on Facebook – we have a page there that’s
updated regularly.
17 Diane & Les Platt
28 Laurie & Glenn Tyler
Reverend Roy Richardson, pastor:
860.684.2468 (Office), 860.684.2657 (Parsonage)
(Cell) 401.378.8776
Email: [email protected]
Administrative Assistant/Newsletter Editor:
Ministry Participants-Liturgist, Ushers, Greeters,
Communion & Counters Connie Fogarty 860.684.2468
Email: [email protected]
Birthdays & Anniversaries: If you’ve noticed yours is not
listed on the yahoo church calendar or in our newsletter and
monthly birthday list PLEASE email or call Connie in the office
to add yours. If you call when I’m not here just leave your
information on the answering machine. We want to make sure
everyone who wants to be listed is!  860.684.2468 or
[email protected]
Visitors Welcoming Ministry:
Barbara Reilly 860.965.5846
Women’s Ministry Group & Lay Leader:
Kathy Aborn 860.684.9484
NOW Committee: Susan Pagano 860.617.4238
Debbie Jacobsen 860.684.9287
Church Council: Dennis Lindsay 860.729.3618
Church Council Recording Secretary: Lisa Smith
Finance Committee: Jill Gregori 860.684.7035
All Building Use: Sue Lauzier 860.684.2477
Trustees Chair: David Buchanan 860.684.3816
Staff, Pastor, Parish Items: Dennis Lindsay
860.729.3618
Woman to Woman/Shepherding/Adult Bible Study:
Polly Streb 860.684.2838
Guests & visitors: Kristen Contois, Cindy
Anderson
Wedding Ministry: none scheduled
Community Funeral Ministry: Deanna Eric
Bouchard 1/24/15 Transfers: none
New Members : Bill Madsen 1/21/15 member #513
Updates for your address books: there are new booklets
printed for anyone who would like one. They are on the table
at the sanctuary entryway.
Monday 7:30 ‐12:30 Wednesday 7:30 – 12:30 Thursday 7:30 ‐12:30 & Friday 7:30 – 11:30 Connie is off on Tuesdays Church office will be closed Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day. Christian Education Coordinator:
Lisa Smith 860.670.3309
Men’s Ministry Group:
President – Kirk Pekrul 860.684.2135
Vice President – Open position
Treasurer – Jeff Aborn 860.684.9484
Secretary – Daren Yeo 860.684.6500
Devotional Leader - Leroy Atkins 860.305.4091
Financial Secretary: Amanda Pekrul 860.684.2135
Youth Group: Daren Yeo 860.684.6500
Music Ministry:
Jill Gregori, Music Director 860.684.7035
Susan Pagano, Jr. Choir 860.617.4238
Hospitality/Flowers: Nancy Fisher 860.684.2679
Upper Room Prayer Remote Ministry:
Gordon Giller 860.454.7253
Leroy Atkins 860.840.9285
Gary Symonds
860.684.5151
The church office follows the same schedule as Stafford Public Schools for weather closings, delays and early closures. Submissions for Weekly Announcements: Absolute deadline is TUESDAY! Email is preferred, but you can call the office or leave a note for Connie. It’s that time of year…
Watch your TV for storm closings for worship &
events that are happening at the church.
We will be listed on WFSB and also NBC as
First United Methodist – Stafford Spgs.
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Building Use Forms: call the church office and we can
email you a form or grab a form from the Fellowship
Hall bulletin board next time you are in the church. We
can also USPS a form to you, just ask. If you’d like to
use any part of the building PLEASE plan ahead and
get your form filled out and call the office (to be sure
date and time you need is available) at least 1 month
prior to the date you need. Trustees meet the 3rd
Wednesday of the month. Filled out form MUST go to
office before going to trustees! This goes for renewals
also. If you have any questions regarding building use –
ask Dave Buchanan or Sue Lauzier. Weddings, baptisms
& funerals do not need a form filled out – talk to Pastor.
All outside groups (scouts, etc…) need to renew
before the start of their meeting year.
February 15, 2015 For our March 2015 edition
2015 Meeting Dates
Meeting dates subject to
change – Watch your weekly bulletins & the yahoo
calendar for up to date information!
Trustees: (No meeting in July or Aug) Feb – TBD
February
15+ Years Membership*(1998)
–due to Ash Wed. service, March 18, April 15, May
20
Church Council: meet at 7PM in Room 101 on
*The listing we use is from our handwritten membership
the last Thursday of the month Feb. 26 March 26,
records notebook in the office.
April 30, May 28 (No meeting in July).
Finance
Committee: LAST Thursday of the
Upper Room Devotional Guide month at 6 PM in Room 101(no meeting in July or
Adult Discussion Group, August) Feb. 26, March 26, April 30
NOW: Second Thursday of every month 7:00PM
Sunday Mornings, 8:30 a.m. (Room 101). –
Room 101 Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 14
Stop by, open enrollment or contact Gordon Giller (No meeting in December or July).
860.454.7253 or Leroy Atkins 860.840.9285. LLDC: First Wednesday at 7PM in Room 101 –
Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, May 6
SPRC: (Staff Pastor Relations Committee) First
Link to Upper Room Daily Devotional.
Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at FUMC in Room
Click, read and pray each day.
101 Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, May 7
Carlene Kangas 2/22/98
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/
TBD = to be decided – normally due to a holiday or a special
worship service being held on the “normal” cycle of days.
Giving report for special funds for
2015: thru 1/18 /15
The adult literacy
program, R.E.A.D.,
has been serving adults
who want to improve
their reading writing,
and spelling skills for four years. We are thankful
for the volunteers who make this possible. Since the
beginning, the R.E.A.D. program has served six
students who meet twice a week with tutors, one on
one. If you know of an adult who would like to be
included in the program, please contact Connie
Fogarty at 860 684-2468 or Donna Panciera at 860
684-5606
(Numbers taken off financial secretary’s weekly
report)
Sunday school $6, Initial Envelope
Offering $17, Fuel $40, Building Use $80,
Upper Room $1, Mission Shares $170,
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund $5, Special
Offering $30, Funeral Ministry $100, Safe
Net $25, Calendar Sales $40, Memory
Tree $*5 (*please note this is for the month
of January only)
First United Methodist Church
Stafford Springs, CT Like” us on
Facebook – We have a page there that’s updated
regularly; news, events and inspiration for you.
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Please check your weekly bulletin
Please be sure to check your
newsletter & bulletins for the
schedule. Connie will email you a
reminder, please respond to that
email so we can plan our worship
service. Thanks so much for serving!
for the MOST current notice of
worship participants; sometimes
we have to make changes after
Coffee Hour Ministry Reminder:
If you need to change your scheduled time or have
any questions see Nancy Fisher.
Feb. 1-Cara Ravetto, Cheri Jobbins 8 – Boy Scout
Sunday 15 – Peg Symonds, Debbie Jacobsen 22Phyllis Lindsay, Perne Barnes March 1- Michelle
O’Neil, Amanda 8 – Nancy Fisher, Julie Geraldi,
Barbara Lytwyn 15 – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West
22- Polly Streb, Betty Burns
the newsletter deadline.
Reminder: Liturgist ~ there is a bulletin
highlighted up at the station. It’s your
responsibility to get the pages of the Bible
marked and ready for the reading.
Feb. 1 – Family Communion Worship
Liturgist – Savannah Rossick
Counters – Nancy Fisher, Pat Klus
Greeters – Donna & Gene Panciera
Ushers – Gordon Giller, Al Higgins
Communion – altar set up – Carol & Debbie,
Stewards – Joan & JoAnn, Servers – Pastor,
Savannah, Doug F & Polly
Feb. 8 – Boy Scout Sunday
Liturgist – Boy Scouts
Counters – Jane Slater, Perne Barnes
Greeters – Boys Scouts
Ushers – Boy Scouts under Fred’s direction
Feb. 15
Liturgist – Doug Fassett
Counters – Jeff Aborn, Robert Spencer
Greeters – Kathy Aborn, Julie Geraldi
Ushers – Tom Reilly, Charles Williams
Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Service
Liturgist – Kathy Aborn
Greeters – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West
Ushers – Fred Streb, Leroy Atkins
Feb. 22
Liturgist – Lindsay Jacobsen
Counters – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West
Greeters – Lisa Smith, Betty Burns
Ushers – Doug Fassett, Leroy Atkins
March 1 - Communion
Liturgist – Ashley Wilson
Counters – Beth Gallison, Nancy Oakes
Greeters – Joan Johnson, Polly Streb
Ushers – Robert Spencer, Charles Williams
Communion – altar set up – Carol & Debbie,
Stewards – Joan & JoAnn, Servers – Pastor, Ashley
Wilson, Doug Fassett, Donna Panciera
"Which is better: to give something up for Lent
or do something new for Lent? The answer
would be both."
— William B. Lawrence
Please join us in enjoying
something new during Lent this
season. Beginning on Sunday
February 22, 2015, we will be
serving homemade soup, bread
and beverages for coffee hour. We ask for your
support and understanding by waiting to share any
other food items (desserts, veggies, snacks) at
coffee hour until after Easter. We will make sure
there are vegetarian and gluten free choices for the
soup and bread.
During the time of Lent, instead of being
overwhelmed with multiple goodie choices, we will
be invited to simplify and to focus on our
relationship with God. By limiting our distractions,
we can take a moment to recognize the presence of
God in the world around us. Let’s reflect upon the
goodness of God and appreciate the true abundance
in our lives during our Lenten coffee hour.
Let the presence of the Lord help you recognize the
blessings that we take for granted most of the time
and reminded us that the blessings that we are so
accustomed to enjoying do not come from our own
hands, but from the Lord whose generosity is the
source of all kindness.
If you are unable to participate on an assigned
week contact the office by Wednesday of that week.
If you have a last minute cancellation and the office is
closed please know it is your responsibility to find a
replacement! Thank You! 
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Offering envelopes for 2015 – are available
now! Pick up a box from the table in the
sanctuary entryway. If you
haven’t been assigned a
number use the last 4 digits
of your phone number & be
sure to put your name on the
envelopes. Any questions see Amanda Pekrul.
Women’s Ministry
Our next meeting is on
Saturday, February 7th, from
9:15-10:45 a.m. in Fellowship
Hall. It will be a ‘SOUPER
DAY ‘as we make SOUP for some seniors
and shut-ins! All ingredients will be
supplied and ready --- and waiting for
loving hands to work together on this
delicious soup. When all is ready, we will
deliver this warm surprise! It ‘warms’ a
heart to show our love in this way!
If you have any questions or need child care,
please contact me. Hope to see you at this
SOUPER event! May God’s grace, love, and
Valentine’s Dinner &
Dance!
Saturday,
February 14th, 2015
5 pm – 10 pm
Dinner-6 pm * Dancing 7–10 pm
NEW: A ‘Dance Off’ with prizes!
JOY be in your day. Kathy Aborn
[email protected] H-860-684-9484 C-860-8746697
Dinner music provided by local talent and dance
music provided by our favorite DJ: Bosco Fowler!
All are welcome! This is NOT just a couple’s event.
It is for anyone who wants to have a great time—
so come as a couple, as a single, or bring some
friends! Come and enjoy good food, fellowship, &
fun. Dancing is optional! 
Volunteer: We are blessed by all of the volunteers who
assist in every aspect of our ministry outreach to the
Stafford and Union communities. Just send us an email
for more information on how you can be involved with
Safe Net Ministries: [email protected].
There is NO CHARGE! 
Donations accepted at door
See Jeff Aborn for advance tickets….tickets only
to help with the count for dinner! (Home: 860684-9484 cell: 860-573-8070
[email protected])
Deadline: February 8th,
2014
Childcare available by Youth Group: 4:30 – 10 pm
Sponsored by the Men’s Ministry of
First United Methodist Church.
Proceeds to go to local mission projects.
86 Main Street, PO Box 93,
Stafford Springs, CT 06076,
Phone 860-851-9987
www.safenetministries.com
Food Cupboard: The hours are 9 a.m.
‘til 1:00 p.m. The “Cupboard” will
continue to be open on the second and
fourth Saturdays of each month.
The next food distribution will be February 14 & 28
This is a supplemental food program.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Flo’s Friendship Kitchen (“Flo’s”) is an
original Incorporator of Safe Net
Ministries and is located in the First
United Methodist Church, 8 Church Street (primary
access and parking from Main Street). Lunch served at
11:30 on Wednesday -If there is no school due to
weather there is no Luncheon held that day.
Friday Evening Dinner is served at 5 p.m. and everyone
gets a take-out meal. –If there is no school due to
weather there is no Friday Evening Dinner held that
day. These meals are open to the public and are without
cost. Interested in volunteering at Flo’s Friendship
Kitchen? Call 860.684.2468 & leave a message for Jill.
Our meetings are on the first Saturday
of each month at 7:30 a.m. and all are
welcome. February 7 & March 7th are
the next meeting dates. For more information,
please contact Kirk Pekrul at
[email protected] or (860) 684-2135.
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practices. Anyone interested please let me know.
Thank you Lisa Smith
The Safe Net Board of Directors thanks all of our
supporters throughout the year, especially during
our holiday’s direct mail campaign. Thanks to the
community’s support, Safe Net has been able to
distribute food to about 160- 170 families twice a
month. We were also able to provide turkeys and
fixings for Thanksgiving to our clients, among
many other programs.
Safe Net is a volunteer, multidenominational ministry serving those in need in
Stafford and Union. Our success is only
possible due to the wonderful devoted volunteers
and the support from the community. May you
have a blessed New Year.
Safe Net Board of Directors
Keith Marin, President
Sunday at our 10AM service
We have nursery care for children
0-2 years old. Children who are now 3 or who have just
turned 3 will be attending our Pre-k – 2 grade Sunday
school class just down the hall.
Our Youth Group will be attending
Deep Freeze in Newfound Lake in New
Hampshire March 6-8. The kids &
chaperones will be enjoying fellowship,
worship, concerts, meals and warm
accommodations while they spend their
weekend with other Christian youth from all over
New England. This event is a Friday – Sunday
Event.
The Stafford FUMC Youth Group is looking for a
woman leader (adult) to join us this year at Deep
Freeze 2015. There are 2 seats open in our van and
I know the Lord is speaking to someone to be part
of this youth ministry trip. Please see Mr. Yeo to
help out with this wonderful ministry.
Thank you for your donation of 121 lbs. of
miscellaneous food items made during the
months of November & December
Mary Ann Harting, Safe Net Ministries
High School Sunday school class
announcement:
Mr. Wilson will be gone for five
weeks, February 22 to March 29,
2015, which means, the High School class will be
without a teacher for that time. The last class will
be on Sunday, Feb. 15, and then we'll start back up
again on Sunday, April 5. (There will be homework for the
high schoolers during this time.) Keep Mr. Wilson in your
prayers as he serves our country during his tour of
duty.
UPDATES ON WHAT’S
HAPPENNING IN OUR
SUNDAY SCHOOL
PROGRAM
ALL Building use requests need to be
brought to Connie’s attention when
scheduling, a phone call or an email to
inform her is necessary!
This pertains to church and ministry group
functions too – these groups do not have to
fill out a building use form but DO have to
inform secretary of time and date and what
is going on. This helps so that events are put on the
church calendar and when other groups call and ask for
a date the secretary is aware of the date being not
available. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
TO PREVENT DOUBLE BOOKING OF EVENTS OR 2
GROUPS USING THE BUILDING OR A ROOM AT
THE SAME TIME. Thank you 
Voices from The Past
At the 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve
Service I heard someone
“pulling the ropes”, ringing our
bell calling everyone to worship.
Thank you to Louise Omer for
the Sunday School Supplies.
Classroom/ Teacher Changes: Parents of Prek2nd grade - Reminder that these classes are now
combined and will be taught by Sue and Jim Heintz.
Looking ahead: Children's Sunday isn't until June,
but I would like to try something different this year
and I am looking for volunteers to help me pull this
off. This year I would like to see ALL the kids
involved in one skit. I am looking for ideas on what
the skit could be people to help with creating the
skit, etc. and will definitely need help with
(When will we hear the bell ring
again?)
I thought about how old our bell is. This
bell was purchased in 1858 for a little
church we owned on West Main Street.
Then in 1866 the bell was moved into
our newly completed building. An
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inscription on the bell reads: Jones
Brothers, Founders, Troy, NY 1858It also bears the inscription Pat. 1856.
In 1866 Torrent Engine Co. #1 requested
the Stafford churches in the Borough
provide outside ropes to their bells so
that if one discovered a fire, he could
alarm the people and the firemen by
ringing the nearest bell. The pipe and
box are still in place. Ask Dave Buchanan
he will show you where the box is though
it is not operable in 2015. What a
heritage we have.
J. S. Johnson, Historian 2014
Out of State: Vivi Hatch, 1573
Cambridge St. Room 202 Cambridge,
MA 02138.
Servicemen/women: Joe Hutchinson,
Doug Fassett’s Grandson serving in
Libya.
Prayer List: (*Names will be retained for four
weeks.) Riley Pickering & family, Jackie & Bill
Madsen, Dottie Hillman, Bob Lee, Rev. Heidi
Chamberland, Mary, Kathy Fay & her family, Hank
& Michelle, Dick, Gail & Barbara, Tom, Louise
Omer for passing of her sister Teresa Hollay, Tricia,
Sean, Heather, Lois Grimwade, Marty, Kim Blais,
Dana Roberts, Wendy Klecak, John, Betsy &
family.
In an effort to keep our prayer list as current as
possible, please let Connie in the office or Pastor
Roy know if you have any additions or renewals.
860.684.2468
[email protected]
[With help from Earl Witt’s research]
If you’d like to honor or remember
someone with altar flowers please fill
out a form (located in Fellowship Hall
and in the sanctuary entryway), don’t
forget to write on the bottom of form
what Sunday you’d like your altar flowers placed
and include your payment with it and place in the
offering plate. Remember you take the flowers
home with you following Sunday service and you’ll
get to enjoy them all week or longer.
If you’d like to send sympathy
card
Louise Omer
91 West Street Apt. 101 A
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
STAFFORD
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
2015 - Advance Lay Servant
Ministries Course Opportunity
Location: Hope United Methodist Church
31 Main St., Belchertown, MA 01007
Dates: Saturday March 14th and 21st 2015
Time: 9:00AM - 3:30PM
Registration deadline: March 1st, 2015
- Registration forms are in Fellowship Hall on the bulletin
board.
We will be meeting on the
SECOND TUESDAY of the month
from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Stafford Public Library.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 10,
2015.
We welcome individuals who would like to attend
and knit, crochet, or quilt these much needed prayer
shawls. (We'll even teach you to knit or crochet!)
Join in a ministry that brings God's grace, peace,
comfort, love, joy, and hope to those in need. If
you cannot make the meeting but want to make
prayer shawls at home, we'll even pick them up. If
you or your pastor knows of anyone who could use
a prayer shawl, we’ll arrange for one to be picked
up. Please contact Kathy Aborn at 860-684-9484
for information or pick up arrangements.
*February 14, 2015
All ministry leaders
please have your 2014
reports into Connie in the
office by Valentine’s Day.
It is time to compile everything and print the 2014
Annual Report Booklet for FUMC.
All we need is a short description of the who (it
would be great if in the report you can list the
names of people in ministry with you, or you may
just give us the number who participate if you are
unsure of all the names), what, when & where of
your ministry group.
NOTE: Please note that Prayer Shawl will be cancelled
according to the winter weather conditions. If you are unsure
about venturing out for this meeting due to weather
conditions, please call the number above to check if the
meeting is being held or is cancelled. Thank you!
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and community who participated in this ministry.
For just a $5 donation, a clear bulb replaced a colored
one shining in honor or memory of a loved one. A
total of 203 names are recorded in our Memory Tree
Book on display in the church …with a total of $1,060
raised to go towards Mission Shares. What a great
beginning to a tradition we plan on carrying forward
into the future. Look for our Memory Tree next
Christmas season…and in years to come!
Thank you for your part in the success of our Memory
Tree! 
If you are unsure of what’s needed take a look at the
2013 Annual Report booklet (there are copies in
Fellowship Hall) or ask Connie.
*It’s very important for me to have all your
information for 2014 by this date. This year I will
not be waiting until the summer to produce our
Annual Report Booklet – if you miss the deadline
your information will not be recorded. It’s
important for FUMC to have a permanent record of
all areas of ministry we participate in. Thank you 
MUNSON’S
CHOCOLATE
FUNDRAISER
Please support our
Mission Share Fundraiser by ordering some
delicious Munson’s Candy, just in time for
Easter! You can help out the Easter Bunny
by picking up your order form in Fellowship
Hall or see Nancy Fisher (860-684-2679) for
individual orders. Your candy will be
delivered in time for Easter. Munson’s has
many specialty items for Easter and over 35
varieties of candy and chocolates to choose
from. Avoid the rush at the store and let us
deliver your Easter goodies directly to you.
Order deadline is March 1. Thank you!!
Stafford Middle School Honor Roll: Audrey
Sprague, James Missell, Muriel Sprague, Kamden
Lindsay, Koehl Lindsay, Emma Everhart - Deckard
Reminder: *Yellow attendance forms can be found in each classroom and in Fellowship Hall & the kitchen. *Write names of all who are there and put in Barbara’s Mailbox as you finish the meeting. *This is to document discipleship growth and is part of our Stewardship Grant. Thank you! You are a blessing! 
Dave Buchanan for putting the mail cubbies back on the wall after they fell off. Keith Marin for getting us a new recycling bin after the other 2 blew away, again. Scott Gallison & crew for taking down the nativity scene on the lawn. Sue & Debbie & Tommy Jacobsen and crew for un‐
decorating FUMC. Kathy Aborn for helping coordinate leadership recognition Sunday. Thanks for your donation of $40 received on 12/31/14 to UMCOR – Undesignated. MEMORY TREE
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
What a wonderful response to the
first year of a very special tradition:
The Memory Tree at First United
Methodist Church in Stafford Springs, CT. Our tree
began with colored lights and was transformed into a
tree with all clear lights thanks to those in our church
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Kathy’s Corner………
“Where can I help?”….
The Lord will show us where and
how we might serve others……
Pray for the Lord to show YOU
how and where and when you can serve others. Let
your hearts fill with compassion that reflects God’s
love as you take action to serve in many different
ways at First United Methodist Church. When we
follow the example of Christ, we can serve those in
need by giving our time and talents, our passions,
our love.
Copies of Safe Sanctuary Policies, Procedures, and
forms can be obtained at the church office or by
looking at the FUMC web site.
Thank you to all the committee members and those
who helped with the celebration luncheon and
childcare.
It truly takes a village to care for those most
vulnerable.
Donna Panciera, Safe Sanctuaries Chairperson
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all.
Gallatians 6:10
MEN’S MINISTRY &
WOMEN’SMINISTRY
FRIENDSHIP KITCHEN
LAWN CARE…
COFFEE HOUR…
SMALL GROUP STUDIES….
YOUTH GROUP….
MEALS & EVENTS: SET-UP, CLEAN UP,
PREPARE FOOD, COOK, SERVE, & ATTEND!
VBS—Vacation Bible School
Finance Forum
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS & HELPERS
Greetings and Happy New Year! We are off and
running with our newly approved 2015 budget. I
am elated to share with you that we have a 21.85%
increase in dollars pledged and a 13.85% increase in
the number of pledging units!!! What a great way
to start the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to give you a
brief review on the closing of the 2014 budget year.
First, and foremost, we were able to pay ALL
outstanding bills through the end of December;
therefore we started the new year off with an empty
bill folder!
Second, due to the unanticipated payment of 4 years
of tax credits earned against our payment of health
insurance premiums for pastor, we were able to pay
off our debt to Festi’s Oil, pay part of our property
insurance premium and make a substantial payment
to Mission Shares. We are praying that this same
tax credit will be available for the 2014 tax year.
COMMITTEES:
SPRC—Staff –Pastor Relations Committee
LLDC – Lay Leadership Development Committee
N.O.W. – Nurture, Outreach, Witness Committee
TRUSTEES – care of our church building and grounds
FINANCE COMMITTEE – care of our budget,
income, and expenses
SAFE NET FOOD CUPBOARD….
…and many other ways….
Look, Seek, and Ask…. 
May God’s grace, love, and JOY be in your day!
Kathy
860-684-9484-h 860-874-6697-c
[email protected]
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Let’s discuss Mission
Shares – what are they?
Well, in short, Mission
Shares are contributions
that are to be paid to the
New England Conference
of the United Methodist
Church by each Methodist
Church in the New
England Conference. The
shares are calculated using
the operating expense of
each individual church and
applying a calculation. It is important that each
church pay these shares as they are used to support
local churches, and missions and disaster relief in
the United States and around the world.
I pray that I will be able to continue to make these
positive reports in future months. Please keep our
congregation and our church missions and
ministries in your prayers.
Jill Gregori, Chairperson, Finance
Andrews List:
Please pray for the following people, that they will
find Jesus and salvation – Scott & Matt.
Andrew’s List comes from John 1: 40-42, “Andrew,
Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who
heard what John had said and then followed Jesus.
Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told
him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means
Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet
Jesus”.
Our Mission Shares for 2014 were as follows:
Ministerial Support
$12,404.00
World Missions
6,945.00
New England Missions
2,868.50
22,217.50
Over the past years, our Mission Shares payments
have decreased dramatically due to operating
expense exceeding income.
2010
we paid 38.76%
2011
we paid 18.22%
2012
we paid 13.99%
2013
we paid 5.58%
I am pleased to report that thanks to the tax credit
mentioned above, Pastor Roy’s Braised Beef
Dinner, the Memory Tree and donations by our
congregation we paid our Ministerial Support
Mission Shares in FULL!!!! $12,404.00!!! Which
represents 55.83%!! Praise God!!
Now, let me tell you what Mission Shares have
done for our church in the past year. We received
support and/or grant monies in the following areas:
Strategic Salary Grant (helps to pay Pastor’s salary)
$4,845.00
Mission Share Relief Grant (reduces Mission
Shares)
7,003.00
Health Performance Dividend – reimbursement
500.00
Stewardship Grant
2,123.00
Total $14,484.00
Praise God!!!
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MINISTRY OPPURTUNITIES AND WORSHIP SERVICES
AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
8 CHURCH STREET, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076
860.684.2468
fumcstafford.org
Office email [email protected]
Monday
4:30 p.m. Bible study with Pastor Roy
6:00 p.m. Fellowship Dinner
6:30 p.m. Bible study with Pastor Roy
Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Bible Study 101 with Pastor Roy
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Devotional Discussion time with Pastor Roy
10:00 a.m. Morning Bible Study with Pastor Roy
11:30 a.m. Flo’s Friendship Kitchen serves lunch
6:30 p.m. Prayer & Praise Worship Service Room 101
7:00 p.m. “The Shack” Book Study with Pastor Roy Room 101
Thursday
9:00 a.m. Woman to Woman
Friday
2:00 p.m. Upper Room Prayer Remote
5:00 p.m. Flo’s Friendship Kitchen serves dinner
Sunday
8:30 a.m. Adult Discussion Group
10:00 a.m. Worship & Sunday school
2:00 p.m. 6 Week Lent Bible Study
4:00 p.m. Confirmation Classes
6:00 p.m. Contemporary Music Communion Worship
Coming Soon!
o March – Talent Show – date TBD
o March 1 – Easter Flower orders start and continue through March 22
o March 29 – Palm Sunday – Men’s Service & Breakfast 7am,
o Traditional Palm Sunday service 10am – we will have Sunday school
o April 4 – Egg hunt
o April 5 – Easter Sunday – Sunrise Service at the Lake Time TBD,
10AM Traditional Family Service
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Mission Trip
April 18th- April 26th, 2015
We have been invited by the West Springfield United Methodist Church to help them with the
siding of a small story and a half home. My hope is with enough help we can accomplish this in
a week.
A difference this trip will be that people who would like to work a day or more are also invited.
The cost will be $100.00 for the week or $15.00 per day. This will include insurance, food and supplies to help
with the project.
We will be staying at the W. Springfield U.M.C. ------ Air mattresses and sleeping bags.
Registration:
Name: _______________________________
Address: _______________________________
Town: _______________________ State: _______ Zip: _____________
Tel. ______________________
Cell: _______________________
E-Mail: _______________________
Home Church: _______________________________
Dates you are available: _______________________________
Upon receiving your registration I will send you the forms for insurance and liability.
Please send registration to
Pastor Roy Richardson at 8 Church St. Stafford Springs, CT 06076
Or E-mail, [email protected]
For more info please e-mail or call---401-378-8776
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