APRIL/MAY 2015

Monthly Newsletter

Rev. Geisa Matos-Machuca

961 Valley St, Manchester, NH 03103 Phone: 603-622-8863

Visit our web site for more information about our congregation, ministries, and events at:

WWW.FUMCMANCHESTER.ORG

Pastoral Reflection

Easter Hope “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

On Easter Sunday we

celebrated with great joy that our Lord is Risen. Alleluia! Though I was physically tired after the worship service, my heart was filled with new strength and energy, and more importantly, with new hope. This is because I was reminded that, as Easter people, we have received a hope that surpasses all understanding. I was reminded that our hope is not built on sinking sand. It is built on the Savior who overcame death. When our hope does not depend on our personal prospects or circumstances, we can sing with confidence: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.”1

What God has done in raising Jesus from the dead tells us that God can raise us from the lowest point in our lives. This means that the kind of hope that comes through the resurrection of Jesus is a “living hope”. It is a hope that has a life of its own and that can endure even the most challenging personal problem we might encounter in our broken world. It is our Easter hope. It means that from darkness, light can be born! So

1 Lyrics from "My Hope is Built", United Methodist Hymn #368

we can bless the Lord by singing: “When Darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.” Easter hope is not wishful thinking; it is not false hope; it is the hope that affirms God’s steadfast love, unconditional compassion, and divine power! Although Jesus was risen over two thousand years ago, his resurrection is relevant to us today. I pray that as the Easter season continues we can listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit telling us over and over again: “Fear not, for I am with you”! Because of our Easter hope, we can face our worries and fears by singing from the bottom of our hearts: “His oath, his covenant, his blood supports me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.” The disciples went through periods of darkness and despair, but they were never alone. Jesus promised them that after his ascension the Holy Spirit was going to come. He fulfilled this promised. The Holy Spirit has been empowering disciples of Jesus, like us, to “fight the good fight” in this world until Christ comes again. While we wait to see our Risen Lord face to face, we keep singing: “When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found! Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne”!

Easter people receive resurrection hope in Jesus’ name! Easter people raise your voice and proclaim that the best is yet to come! Alleluia!! Pastor Geisa.

&

Special WorShip ServiceS!

April 19th Third Sunday of Easter & Scouts Sunday

Title: “Be Prepared” Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:8-9 and 1 Samuel 17:26 Theme: David was prepared when he was needed and made a significant difference in his community. This week we will reflect on the importance of being prepared to serve God and others.

By: Andrew Chalbeck

April 26th Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, & the Baptism of Ayden Agyei Darkwah

Title: “The Good Shepherd Within Me?” Scripture: John 10:11-18. Theme: As we try to imitate the Risen Lord, we can find opportunity to act as Good Shepherds by caring for others. Jesus was willing to lay down his life for his flock because he loved them. What would you be willing to do to care for both those that are in the “flock” of Jesus and those that are not in “his fold?”

May 3th Fifth Sunday of Easter

Title: “With Whom Are You Walking?” Scripture: John 15:1-8 Theme: We will be reflecting on the importance of walking with Jesus to bear good fruits. The Scripture invites us to abide in Christ, the true vine, and we will bear much fruit.

May 10th Sixth Sunday of Easter & Baptism of Jesenia AnneMarie Acevedo & Geila J. Matos-Machuca Title: “Yes, This Is About Us" Scripture: John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48 Theme: Loving God by loving the children who are before us.

By Rev. Dr. David Abbott

May 17th Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday

Title: “Promises of God” Scripture: Luke 24:44-53 Theme: God has been faithful to us—fulfilling his promises. Let’s remember together that God sends us into the world to proclaim the Good News and promises to never leave us alone. He has sent the Holy Spirit to help us!

May 24th Day of Pentecost & Welcoming of New Church Members*

Title: “When the Spirit of Truth Comes” Scripture: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Theme: Amazing things happen when we welcome our Advocate, the Holy Spirit into our lives. Come ready to be refreshed by the presence of God’s Spirit as we celebrate together birth of the universal Church! *All people are encouraged to wear red this Sunday

May 31th Trinity Sunday/First Sunday after Pentecost

Title: Living as Community Scripture: Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19 Theme: We will engage in a deep reflection of how our Triune God shapes our life together. What does the Trinity teaches us about living in unity and in relationship with others?

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2015

Roast Beef Dinner!

Cost: $9 – Adults

(Ages 5-13) $5,

Under 5 – Free

Dinner is served at 5:30pm

From Pastor Geisa-Thank you to

everyone who helped to make this Lenten/Easter season so special-the Worship Team, Choir, Sacred Dance, Stick Drama Team, Seder Team, Special Readers, Media Team & to all who helped in any way!

A special thank you from Dotty to all who donated to the Puchacz-Cunan luncheon.

A special thank you from Betty Puchacz

& Family: “Dear Dotty & Church Family,

Thank you very much for serving a lunch to my family & friends following my daughter Jean’s

funeral. It meant a lot to us! Thanks to everyone who helped.”

++++++++++++++++++++++ SAVE THE SODA CAN TOPS! The Trustees are

collecting the little tab from soda cans! There is a basket on the table in the back of the sanctuary for the tabs! These tabs get turned into money!!!! Thank you!!!!!

You are Invited to Activa-Tree Christian Preschool’s Spaghetti Dinner-Fashion Show!

Date: Friday, April 24th Time: 6pm

Place: FUMC’s Fellowship Hall Price: $15 per family up to 4 ($5 for extra adult/$2.50 for

extra children)

2015 New England Annual

Conference!

June 18-20, 2015

Circle of Hope: Powered by Witness and Service is the theme for this year’s Annual Conference, which will be June 18-20, at the Radisson Downtown in Manchester, NH. This is a new venue for Annual Conference & it is exciting to think about the possibilities when 1000 United Methodists will be together in one place in the heart of a city where all can gather for prayer, holy conferencing & fellowship!

First United Methodist Church will be helping to provide lunches and a dinner as we engage in radical hospitality with our brothers & sisters in Christ. Also, both our Preschool and Food Pantry are potential sights for volunteer work during Annual Conference!

For more information as to how you can help contact Pastor Geisa or Karen at the Church Office – 622-8863 or office@fumcmanchester.org

Coming in July …

First UMC’s VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

For all ages!

July 27th – 31st

Dinner @ 5:45pm For more information contact the Church

Office@ 622-8863

Move! Act! Care! Follow! Share!

Dear F.U.M.C. Family,

The Crafters meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and on one Saturday of each month from 10am to 2pm.(watch church newsletter for dates) Our primary purpose is to share ideas, talents and fellowship, while creating items for ourselves and crafts for sale at the F.U.M.C.’s Annual Holiday Fair, (Oct. 17, 2015). We are inviting you to come join us, at any meeting, to share your interest and talents.

Come bring new ideas, and learn a new craft. We are looking for people who knit or crochet as we have received yarn donations just waiting to be turned into useful items! All who wish to help prepare for the Holiday Fair are urged to join us. Our next Saturday meeting will be April 25th for

making! We suggest bringing a brown bag lunch, coffee and tea are provided.

To contact the Crafters with questions or remarks you can call Pam Brisson at 603-669-3274 or the church office at 603-622-8863 and leave a message. You may also email the church at office@fumcmanchester.org.

PALM SUNDAY 2015

THE SEDER 2015

EASTER 2015

Activa-Tree Christian

Pre-school

Hello and happy spring! It was a LONG winter for us with many days when the playground was unsafe to use and it was too cold to go outdoors. The children were happy to slide down the snow pile and now they are just as happy to be digging holes in the sand and playing in the mud (and the puddles.) I can tell the ground below the sand is still frozen because of the size of the puddles on top of it. That means we will be wearing snow pants and putting wet mittens on our mitten racks at least a few more weeks. During March we had our annual visit from the state licensing worker. She was impressed that we had held a fire drill the day before where we had a drawing of flames on the back door so the children had to exit the building via the front door. We also learned about some of the miracles Jesus performed and learned a song about Jesus walking on the water. March saw us hosting many balls: It all started when two children dressed up and asked if they could have some music to dance to: I had just brought in my daughter’s Disney princess CD in, and as soon as the music started, the ball was in session! The extra dancing was nice during those super cold days when we couldn’t go outdoors to play! Our Furry Friends Animal Clinic has been at preschool during March. The animals have been rotated so there are new furry friends to examine and adopt, but one of my favorite things is when a child puts on the Spot the dog costume and goes to the clinic for a check-up! On Saint Patrick’s Day we learned how Saint Patrick used the shamrock to teach people about God being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We also had a catalog fundraiser that our students showed to friends and family and took orders from. It was a success! The second annual Activa-Tree Spaghetti Dinner/Fashion Show/Bake Sale will be on Friday, April 24 at 6:00. We hope to see many of our friends from FUMC there! Easter has diminished our supply of egg cartons—please save them for us! We especially like ones from a dozen eggs. It’s time to think about preschool for the fall –we are currently accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 school year! Please feel free to pop in and visit our preschool and see our new art cabinets—the place is looking so nice with new paint on the walls and now new cabinets!

For more information about Activa-Christian Preschool regarding current openings, registration for the 2015-16 school year, arranging a visit or our Scholarship Program, please contact Kathleen Steinmetz, Director, at 622-6654. You can also find us on Facebook and on the web at www.activa-tree.org

FIRST UMC MINISTRIES Activa-Tree Christian Preschool Director: Kathleen Steinmetz – 622.6654 Email: activatree@fumcmanchester.org Food Pantry/Clothing Ministry/Parish Nurse Coordinator: Scott Camire Open every Tuesday – 9am to 11:30am Contact Church Office – 622.8863 Breakfast with Jesus! Every Saturday morning @ 6:30am Contact Wade Ewing, Pastor Geisa 622.8863 Prison Ministry Contact Pastor Geisa 622.8863 Visiting Team If you know someone in need of visitation, a card, call, etc. contact Pastor Geisa or the Church Office – 622.8863 or office@fumcmanchester.org Prayer Chain In need of prayer? Contact Pastor Geisa or Karen Cassidy Church Office 622.8863 or pastorgeisa@fumcmanchester.org office@fumcmanchester.org Crafters Group Coordinator: Pam Brisson 669.3274 Meets 1st & 3rd Weds @ 10am & 1 Sat a month to work on craft items for the Oct. Fall Festival. All are welcomed! Sunshine Group Coordinator: Dotty P. 624.4483 or contact the Church Office@622.8863

Choir Director: Pat Ohrt Meets every Wednesday evening @ 7pm All are welcomed! Praise Band Director: Lee R. Soto For more info contact Lee R. Soto – praiseband@fumcmanchester.org All are welcomed! Adult Sacred Dance Director: Deb Frederick Rehearses every Thursday evening @7pm All are welcomed! Children’s Sacred Dance Director: Pastor Geisa Rehearses every Wednesday evening @6:15pm Media Ministry Coordinator: Carl Chalbeck For more information contact the Church Office @622.8863 or office@fumcmanchester.org Sunday School Coordinator – Stephanie Chalbeck Sunday School for all ages – preschool through adult Every Sunday – 9am.

APRIL 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir-7pm

2

Holy Thursday

Seder – 6pm

3 Good Friday Service @ 7pm

7 Girl Scouts

5 Easter! Sunrise Service 6:30am Crystal Lake Worship – 10:30am

6

7 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

8 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm Finance Com. 7pm

9 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

10 8-10am Living Sober

11 Girl Scouts

Baked Chicken Church Supper @5:30pm

12 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship

13

14 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

15 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

16 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

17 8-10am Living Sober

18 Girl Scouts

19 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship

Scout Sunday

20

21 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

22 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

23 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

24 8-10am Living Sober

25 Girl Scouts

Crafters meet 10-2pm

26 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship Baptism Sunday!

27 28 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

29 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

30 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

MAY 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3

9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship

4 5 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse Worship Team mtg.6:30pm

6 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

7 Boy Scouts

Trustees 7pm

Sacred Dance@7pm

1 8-10 Living Sober _____________ 8 8-10 Living Sober

2 Girl Scouts _____________ 9 Roast Beef Dinner5:30pm

10 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship

Mothers Day! Baptism!!!

11

12 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

13 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

14 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

15 8-10am Living Sober

16 Girl Scouts

17 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship

18

19 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

20 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

21 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

22 8-10am Living Sober

23 Girl Scouts

Praise Band Rehearsal

24 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship

Pentecost Sunday! Wear Red!!!

25

Memorial Day!

26 9am-11:30am Food Pantry Clothing Ministry Parish Nurse

27 Children’s Sacred Dance Choir-6:15pm Choir@7pm

28 Boy Scouts

Sacred Dance @7pm

29 8-10am Living Sober

30 Girl Scouts

Crafters!!!!

31 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship