Thursday 5 September 2024

Blessings to you all as we embark on another beautiful week together. This newsletter contains exciting updates, important information, and upcoming events for our five campuses. We encourage you to read on and stay connected with our vibrant community. May your week be filled with faith, joy, and growth.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2024, 6:30 PM - MIDDLETOWN CAMPUS

As we prepare to take off on a new adventure together this Fall, I would like to share with you what I believe is an inspiring historical event that speaks to our human sense of wonder, adventure, and faith. I pray you will find this inspirational and aspirational.

When Apollo 11‘s Eagle lunar module landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had to do something hard: Wait. They were scheduled to open the door of their lunar lander and step onto the unknown surface of a completely different world. But for now, their mission ordered them to take a pause before the big event. 

And so, Aldrin spent his time doing something unexpected, something no man had ever attempted before. Alone and overwhelmed by anticipation, he took part in the first Christian sacrament ever performed on the moon—a rite of Christian communion. Aldrin’s lunar communion has since become shrouded in mystery and confusion, but the rite itself was relatively simple. Aldrin was also an elder at Webster Presbyterian Church, and before he headed into space in 1969, he got special permission to take bread and wine with him to space and give himself communion.

Men had already prayed in space, but Aldrin was about to go one step further—literally and figuratively. Part of his mission was not just to land on the moon but to walk on it. To prepare, he took communion after the Eagle lunar module landed on the moon’s Sea of Tranquility during an hours-long downtime period... As the men prepared for the next phase of their mission, Aldrin got on the comm system and spoke to the ground crew back on Earth. “I would like to request a few moments of silence,” he said. “I would like to invite each person listening, wherever and whomever they may be, to contemplate for a moment the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in their own individual way.” Then he reached for the wine and bread he’d brought to space—the first foods ever poured or eaten on the moon. “I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine curled slowly and gracefully up the side of the cup,” he later wrote. Then, Aldrin read some scripture and ate.  (History.com, Erin Blakemore, July 17, 2024, Buzz Aldrin Took Holy Communion on the Moon)

As I came across the above-annotated article this week, I found myself riveted all over again to this historic event. I was about to turn eight years old when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. It was a fascinating, out-of-this-world kind of moment to a young boy – just as it was for millions of others who inhabit this beautiful blue planet that God has provided for us. Think of the journey they were on. No one had ever accomplished or even attempted what they were about to do: walk on the surface of the moon. The whole thing is simply mind-boggling to me. Equally as mind-boggling to me were the thousands of hours of calculations by NASA and Grumman engineers who had to figure out exactly how to make this voyage possible. A number of those Grumman engineers were members of my church in Centerport, Long Island, in the early 2000’s. One of the members of the team had to calculate the engine thrust that would be needed to land the Lunar Module safely on the surface of the moon and then blast off again and rendezvous with the command module. I remember being told by one of my parishioners, “We were reasonably certain our calculations would work,” with a wry grin on his face. 

So why am I talking with you about this besides the obvious holy communion connection? Well, that is a big part of it. Imagine, being so far away from home, from your loved ones, your friends, your church family, and yet still being connected by that thread of faith that binds us all together. That, my friends, is faith in God by the power of the Holy Spirit. It reminds me that God’s Spirit is with us always and everywhere. Even our human minds, and very human ways cannot keep God from being in communion with us. Our job is to be aware of God’s presence and be attentive to the Spirit of God which lives within us and connects us all, wherever we may be. Aldrin wasn’t just connected to his church family back home because of the chalice they sent with him, or the bread and wine. He was connected because of our faith in a God who communes with us all and lives in us all. God, literally and spiritually, is the blessed tie that binds.

On June 28th, Karen and I landed here at the Meriden parsonage to serve among the New Room Parish family. And no, I am not equating moving to Connecticut with landing on the moon. But for us it was quite a large undertaking and adjustment. It has been a journey, thus far – one that will continue over the years. And yes, there are some interesting cultural and practical differences between Connecticut and Long Island. Yet, for me one of the parallels with Apollo 11 that is so striking is the community that is always with us among God’s people wherever we are. What a blessing that has been. The next equally important parallel is this new thing that God is doing among us in the form of the New Room Parish. It is, literally and spiritually, a new adventure for all of us. The truth is we also are calculating a course to a place we have never been before. Yet, some of it feels so familiar and comforting. The ritual of sharing in communion itself. The varying worship styles and the people of God sharing concern, care, and support. That to me is communion – communion with God and with one another. What a comfort and blessing that is – what a joy. And yet, it’s important not to get too comfortable. For God is always leading us to places and ministries that we cannot get to, or do, without God’s help. If we don’t need God’s guidance and help, then it probably isn’t what God is calling us to do, right?

Yet, one of the things I love about the above article is that Armstrong and Aldrin landed in the Sea of Tranquility. As I remembered that, I was reminded of how the body of Christ, the people of the New Room parish, and the sacrament of Holy Communion have become my Sea of Tranquility, or Tranquility Base, as NASA called it. Amidst all the newness, the questions, and moving parts of this new adventure that we are all on, we are steeped in faith and tranquility amidst the busyness. Yes, God is with us always. And that is what brings tranquility, comfort,and hope to us all.  

Buzz Aldrin was the first human being to receive Holy Communion on the moon. And while that may be “out of this world,” communion has always had an out of this world, other-worldly sort of spiritual quality to it. It transports our souls to the heavens, while drawing us deep within ourselves to the place where God resides. The place to which Communion transports us is both deep within and far beyond oneself to something far greater than we could ever be or experience on our own. God will take us to new worlds, my friends, if we allow God to do so. 

I pray you will read the handwritten scripture pictured in this article that astronaut Buzz Aldrin carried with him on his historic journey in 1969. Let’s all remember to pray those scriptures in the months and years ahead. And let’s remember that we are on an even more important mission and journey together, the mission and ministry of Christ’s holy church, the hope of the world here in our own corner of God’s glorious creation. We are commissioned by Christ to make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the transformation of the world – one life at a time. You and I are a part of the body of Christ, the most influential body the world has known in the last two millennia. Let’s work together for the good of not just the church but for the good of the world around us. Let’s become courageous ambassadors on a mission to Meriden, South Meriden, Middletown, Higganum, Kensington, Berlin, and beyond.

The journey ahead may feel like one giant leap for us, but it really is only one small step at a time together.

I look forward to the journey ahead. 

In God’s love, joy and adventure

Pastor Chuck

Sign-Ups Needed THIS WEEK for the Berlin Fair

Hello, New Room Family. Please see this year's schedule and consider helping. 

For the Kensington Campus, the Berlin Fair is our biggest fundraiser, and we are always quite busy beginning way before August for the fair, which takes place September 12-15. 

Many helping hands are extremely important on all of our “work days” full of Fellowship. FREE ENTRANCE TICKET to the fair and FREE FOOD at our booth is our way to show appreciation to those who sign up and help during the fair. Please see our schedule below. 

Signup sheets are at Kensington Campus, and the link is below. Tickets will be available 

at Kensington's Sunday Service on 9/8, or we can meet. 

Sign up here - only names & comments are seen by others

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0848A9A822A3F94-51096847-2024
 

The fair closes at 10 pm Thurs-Sat. & 7 pm on Sunday
 

• Thursday  9/12 (2 shifts)  3-7 pm, 6-Close + clean-up 

• Friday 9/13 (3 shifts) 10 am-3 pm, 3-7 pm, 6-Close + clean-up 

• Saturday  9/14 (4 shifts) 9 am-3 pm, 10 am-3 pm, 3-7 pm, 6-Close + clean-up 

• Sunday  9/15 (4 shifts) 9 am-3 pm, 10 am-3 pm, 3-7 pm, 6-close + clean-up 

Also Need: Grill cooks (time slots in sign-ups) and BBQ Pit Crew (Outdoor chicken- Contact us for more info on Pit Crew)
 

Here’s a link to all the Nonprofit Food Vendors and food items: https://www.ctberlinfair.com/p/food/non-profits. You can also get directions, Event schedules, and more.  

If you have any questions about signing up and/or our booth, feel free to email us. Please add your phone number if you prefer to be called back. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely, 

Robert Hall, Chair

Robertehall62@gmail.com
Ann Hall, Co-Chair  860-508-7640

Annhalllmt2@yahoo.com

North United Methodist Church Harvest Festival

A Message From Rev. Andrea Davidson, Pastor

Grace and Peace, North UMC Members & Friends,

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Thank you again for accepting our invitation to preach at North United Methodist Church in Hartford for the Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, at 4:00 pm. We are looking forward to you bringing the message.

This year's theme is “Lord of the Harvest,” with Matthew 9:38 as our centering biblical text - “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.”

We hope you will invite your congregation to worship with us and your choir to minister during the service. There will be refreshments following the service, during which we hope to fellowship further.

Please send your picture as soon as possible so we can include it in our promotional materials. We also ask that you send your bio for the program to pastorandrea@numc-hartford.org. Feel free to call me (860.962.9095) if you have any questions or if anything changes.

In Christ,

Andrea E. Davidson

Rev. Andrea Davidson Pastor

A Message From Pastor Chinma

Grace and peace in the name of God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The North United Methodist Church, Hartford, which was my home church, invited me to be the Guest Speaker at their Annual Harvest Thanksgiving service on September 8, 2024, at 4:00 pm. Visiting clergy are expected to attend with their people. I would be grateful if members of the New Room could attend the service with me. Please let me know if you can attend the service by completing the form linked here or calling 203-235-9620. In the form, there is an opportunity to indicate if you need a ride or can give someone a ride to Hartford. I encourage us all to come and meet our other brothers and sisters in Christ. God bless us and our loved ones in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Chinma Uche

Pastor, New Room Parish, Connecticut District of NYAC

Kick-Off Potluck Luncheon with Pastor Chuck

UNIT 4 of FUMC Meriden cordially invites all women of the New Room Campuses to the first meeting of our new season on Monday, September 9th, at noon.  This is a potluck luncheon.  Bring your favorite dish to share with others.

Our special guest will be Pastor Chuck.  Come and enjoy what he shares with us.  Bring your questions for him.  It will be an opportune time for us to get to know each other.

The New Room Family Picnic

Welcome Men, Women, and Children!

The Men’s Group from Meriden is excited to invite everyone to a Parish-Wide Picnic on September 22nd, from 12 to 3 PM. Join us at Chatfield Hollow State Park.

Here's what we have planned:

• Picnic: Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please bring your own drinks, snacks, and utensils.

• Games: Enjoy card games, corn hole, and more. Plus, participate in the corn hole tournament for a chance to win a meal at Higganum BBQ Chicken!

• Hikes: Explore the beautiful trails of Chatfield Hollow.

• Fellowship: Spend quality time with fellow parish members.

• Sing-Along: Bring your musical instruments and voices for a community sing-along with Steve Yantz and Pastor Chuck.

Location: Chatfield Hollow State Park, 381 Rte 80, Killingworth, CT 06419.

*On arrival, please follow the "New Room" signs to the picnic*

KUMC Music Night

Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Installation Service for Pastor Chuck and Nat

& Celebration of Pastor Chinma being Reappointed to our Parish

At the Middletown Campus

On October 6, 2024, in the afternoon

Rain date: October 13, 2024

Come join your brothers and sisters of the New Room Parish as we enjoy a joint worship celebration of installing Pastor Chuck and Nat and celebrating Pastor Chinma being reappointed in an outdoor event at the Middletown campus.

Plenty of parking will be available.

Details are being finalized, and the exact time will be shared in our next Newsletter.

Bible Study: Know Your ABCDs

October KUMC Music Night

Wednesday, October 30th at 6:30 pm

"Honoring the Saints"

Harvest Fair

The New Room Women’s Retreat Mercy by the Sea

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 8:30-4:00 p.m.

167 Neck Rd, Madison, CT

For women 18 and older from the campuses of The New Room

Cost $55

Important Dates to Remember:

• Weekly Registration at each campus begins on August 25th

• The final date of registration is Sunday, November 3rd

Come and experience a day planned just for you. There will be fun and laughter, self-reflection, making new friends, bonding, devotions, worship, healing/communion, music, and the famous circle game.

Reach out to your campus registrar for forms and an opportunity to ask questions. Don’t delay in registering—the deadline is November 3rd!

Campus contacts:

• First Meriden: Simone Keen

• Kensington: Carol Thompson

• South Meriden: Donna Timm

• Higganum: Linda Mascaro

• Middletown: Deb Camp

Baptism at Higganum UMC

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Higganum UMC celebrated the Holy Baptism of two young people, Nova Joyce McGrath (Becky Godwin’s granddaughter) and Zakmi Ebube Buzhyason (Pastor Uche’s grandson), with a wonderful fellowship after the service.  Erin Elizabeth McGrath reaffirmed her baptism. The people were fed by Mrs. Nora Osafo of North UMC, Hartford, Becky Godwin, and Joan Fisher of our Middletown campus. Thank you to every member of HUMC who helped make the occasion special, especially our sister, Linda Mascaro, and our brother, Rick Johnson. Our visitors found it a joyous and blessed occasion. Let us keep the young people and our visitors in our prayers. My gratitude goes to Rev. Egan Bovell of Bloomfield UMC, who helped with the service. To God be the glory!

New Room Wednesday Zoom Prayer Meetings

September & October Preaching Schedules

Future Newsletter Submissions

Please help support the Family Newsletter by submitting articles and pictures from your campus to Donna at firstumcmeriden@gmail.com. Share the wonderful good news happening on your campus.

Note: All submissions must be sent by Monday at noon before the newsletter is published to ensure they’re included. Submissions received after this time will not be included until the following newsletter. Thank you for contributing!

Next Newsletter Submissions Due: September 16th by Noon

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