The Quester Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church April, 2018 A Message from Pastor Cho: To My Dearest Sisters and Brothers of Fairfield Grace, “Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.” May all of you be filled with the joy and the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Five long-time and faithful FGUMC members have entered life eternal during Lent of 2018-- Jim Lubeck on Thursday, February 15, Patricia Vosburgh on Friday, March 9, Priscilla Gminski on Saturday, March 10, Dottie Connelly on Thursday, March 15, and Sung K. Chun on Wednesday, March 28. It was a heavy-hearted and saddened Lenten season for many of us, including myself. As a matter of fact, it was the first time that I prepared and officiated at four funeral services within the duration of a month. Be informed that a memorial service for Patricia Vosburgh is scheduled on Friday, April 27. They have left behind a big empty space in our hearts, which I expect will remain for a long time. We continue to keep in our thoughts and prayers their family members in grief. Henri Nouwen, whom I consider as one of my spiritual mentors, writes, “Dying is a gradual diminishing and final vanishing over the horizon of life. When we watch a sailboat leaving port and moving toward the horizon, it becomes smaller and smaller until we can no longer see it. But we must trust that someone is standing on a faraway shore seeing that same sailboat become larger and larger until it reaches its new harbor. Death is a painful loss. When we return to our homes after a burial, our hearts are in grief. But when we think about the One standing at the other shore eagerly waiting to welcome our beloved friend into a new home, a smile can break through our tears.” How comforting it is! Remembering our beloved ones who have finished their earthly journey before us, I ponder how I would like to live before my earthly journey ends. Yes, we all are dying sooner or later. Once again, Henri Nouwen shares with us this eye-opening insight: “Dying well means dying for others, making our lives fruitful for those we leave behind. The big question, therefore, is not “What can I still do in the years I have left to live?” but “How can I prepare myself for my death so that my life can continue to bear fruit in the generations that will follow me?” Jesus died well continued on following page
Transcript
The Quester Fairfield Grace United
Methodist Church
April, 2018
A Message from Pastor Cho:
To My Dearest Sisters and Brothers of Fairfield Grace,
“Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.” May all of you be filled with the joy and the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Five long-time and faithful FGUMC members have entered life eternal during Lent of 2018-- Jim Lubeck on Thursday, February 15, Patricia Vosburgh on Friday, March 9, Priscilla Gminski on Saturday, March 10, Dottie Connelly on Thursday, March 15, and Sung K. Chun on Wednesday, March 28. It was a heavy-hearted and saddened Lenten season for many of us, including myself. As a matter of fact, it was the first time that I prepared and officiated at four funeral services within the duration of a month. Be informed that a memorial service for Patricia Vosburgh is scheduled on Friday, April 27. They have left behind a big empty space in our hearts, which I expect will remain for a long time. We continue to keep in our thoughts and prayers their family members in grief.
Henri Nouwen, whom I consider as one of my spiritual mentors, writes, “Dying is a gradual diminishing and final vanishing over the horizon of life. When we watch a sailboat leaving port and moving toward the horizon, it becomes smaller and smaller until we can no longer see it. But we must trust that someone is standing on a faraway shore seeing that same sailboat become larger and larger until it reaches its new harbor. Death is a painful loss. When we return to our homes after a burial, our hearts are in grief. But when we think about the One standing at the other shore eagerly waiting to welcome our beloved friend into a new home, a smile can break through our tears.” How comforting it is!
Remembering our beloved ones who have finished their earthly journey before us, I ponder
how I would like to live before my earthly journey ends. Yes, we all are dying sooner or later.
Once again, Henri Nouwen shares with us this eye-opening insight: “Dying well means dying for
others, making our lives fruitful for those we leave behind. The big question, therefore, is not
“What can I still do in the years I have left to live?” but “How can I prepare myself for my death
so that my life can continue to bear fruit in the generations that will follow me?” Jesus died well
continued on following page
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because through dying he sent his Spirit of Love to his friends, who with that Holy Spirit could
live better lives. Can we also send the Spirit of Love to our friends when we leave them? Or are
we too worried about what we can still do? Dying can become our greatest gift if we prepare
ourselves to die well.” Wouldn’t you want to intentionally and passionately prepare yourself
to die well? I would. I hope we also join to say, “We would!” We are the living body of Jesus
Christ, the risen Lord. We are here to “die well.” We are here “Making our lives fruitful for
those we leave behind.”
How can we make our lives fruitful for those who come after us? Praying is, I firmly believe, one sure way. Yes, as people of God, worshiping weekly is important. “Holy conferencing” – small group meetings-- help us grow strong and mature in faith. Loving fellowshipping is another key discipline we need to stay strong. But I would say that praying together and indi-vidually is a foremost foundation of the church mission and ministry. Praying helps us to stay not only in an intimate relationship with God, but also awakes us to the awesome call from the Lord. It directs and empowers us in such a way that we may enjoy obeying Jesus’ greatest commandment, loving God and our neighbors, which eventually makes our lives fruitful for those who come after us.
I am glad and grateful that many of us have been joining to pray for the church and its vital growth every Wednesday morning at 9:30 am wherever we might be. I am also happy that we open the sanctuary every Wednesday from 6 pm to 7:30 pm for a Centering Praying meeting. We pray for ourselves and for one another. We pray for the mission and ministry of Fairfield Grace Church. We pray for the world, the nations and the neighbors. Above all, we pray that we may make our Christian lives fruitful for those whom we leave behind. Pray, and you will be enlightened and empowered. Pray, and you will be filled with the joy of living and loving day by day. Pray and you will make your life fruitful for people whom you leave behind. Amen. Amen.
Blessings,
Kun Sam, your M&M partner
continued from previous page
THANK YOU
from the staff to church members... A heartfelt and sincere thank you from the staff to all church
members for the very generous Holiday gift. We are grateful for your kindness
and thoughtfulness during this season as well as throughout the year.
Your support makes us thankful to be a part of the Fairfield Grace family.
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Consider a Bequest to Fairfield Grace in Your Will
Your gifts to Fairfield Grace ensure the means to continue the mission and ministry of the church into the
future. Members and friends are encouraged to make a bequest in a Will to benefit the church or specific
ministries of the church.
Ways to designate the amount of your bequest:
Specific Dollar Amount,
I give, devise and bequest to Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church located at 1089 Fairfield
Woods Road Fairfield, CT the sum of ________ dollars ($ _______) {or specifically described
personal or real property} for its general uses and purposes. [The bequest can also designate
specific ministries or purposes for its use.]
Specific Percentage,
I give; devise and bequest to Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church located at 1089 Fairfield
Woods Road Fairfield, CT an amount equal to ___ percent (__ %) of the value of my gross or net
estate, both real and personal for its general uses and purposes. [The bequest can also designate
specific ministries or purposes for its use.]
Residual Bequest,
I give; devise and bequest to Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church located at 1089 Fairfield
Woods Road Fairfield, CT the entire residue of my estate, both real and personal for its general
uses and purposes. [The bequest can also designate specific ministries or purposes for its use.]
The bequest can be added as a codicil/attachment to your current Will. If you don’t have a Will the State
of Connecticut will determine who receives your estate after your death. Anyone that owns a house
should have a Will if they know who they want to receive their remaining estate. It will also keep the
cost of settling the estate down.
(These are suggestions and should be approved by your attorney.)
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Lectionary Readings
Apr 1: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; I Corinthians 15:1-11; John 20:1-18 Apr 8: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31
Apr 15: Acts 3:12-19; Ps 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
Apr 22: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
Apr 29: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
Weekly Centering Prayer at the Sanctuary
Daily Centering Prayer at Home
Pastor Cho invites you to join him in the practice of Centering Prayer
in the sanctuary every Wednesday.
It will help us deepen our relationship with God.
The next Centering Prayer time on Wed., April 11.
The Sanctuary will be open from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
Please join us!
Adult Bible Study ~ 2017-2018
There is no requirement to purchase the reading materials.
10/22/17 3 You Hear a Voice You Can Trust
10/29/17 4 You Won't Be Foresaken
11/5/17 5 Your Final Chapter Becomes a Preface
11/12/17 6 You Will Finally Graduate Veterans Day Sunday
11/19/17 1 Rejoice in the Lord Always New Consecration Sunday
11/26/17 2 Let Your Gentleness Be Known to All
12/3/17 3 Everything by Prayer/Thanksgiving First Sunday of Advent
12/10/17 4 The Peace of God Second Sunday of Advent
12/17/17 5 Meditate on These Things Third Sunday of Advent
12/24/17 Christmas Sunday
12/31/17 New Year's Eve
1/7/18 1 No Way Around Wilderness The Baptism of the Lord
1/14/18 2 Entering the Wilderness
1/21/18 3 Walking with Others in the Wilderness
1/28/18 4 Walking with God in the Wilderness
2/4/18 5 Wrong Turns in the Wilderness
2/11/18 6 Coming Out of the Wilderness
2/18/18 1 Moral Excellence First Sunday in Lent
2/25/18 2 Knowledge Second Sunday in Lent
3/4/18 3 Self-control Third Sunday in Lent
3/11/18 4 Endurance Fourth Sunday in Lent
3/18/18 5 Godliness Fifth Sunday in Lent
3/25/18 6 Affection for Others Palm Sunday
4/1/18 7 Love Easter
4/8/18 1 Put on the Wesley Lenses Holy Humor Sunday
4/15/18 2 Scripture is our Primary Source…
4/22/18 3 Grace is the Necessary Glue…
4/29/18 4 Repentance and Justification
5/6/18 5 Initial Sanctification and Holy Love
5/13/18 6 Christianity is a Social Faith… Mother's Day
5/20/18 1 Prayer Pentecost
5/27/18 2 Searching Scripture Memorial Day Sunday
6/3/18 3 Receiving the Lord's Supper
6/10/18 4 fasting
6/17/18 5 Conferencing Father's DayFiv
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DATE CHPTR TOPIC9/17/17 1 Exit Strategy
9/24/17 2 Heavenly Graduation
10/1/17 3 The End of Time
10/8/17 1 Discover Your Place in God's Plan
10/15/17 2 Ordinary Matters
10/22/17 3 You Hear a Voice You Can Trust
10/29/17 4 You Won't Be Foresaken
11/5/17 5 Your Final Chapter Becomes a Preface
11/12/17 6 You Will Finally Graduate Veterans Day Sunday
11/19/17 1 Rejoice in the Lord Always New Consecration Sunday
11/26/17 2 Let Your Gentleness Be Known to All
12/3/17 3 Everything by Prayer/Thanksgiving First Sunday of Advent
12/10/17 4 The Peace of God Second Sunday of Advent
12/17/17 5 Meditate on These Things Third Sunday of Advent
12/24/17 Christmas Sunday
12/31/17 New Year's Eve
1/7/18 1 No Way Around Wilderness The Baptism of the Lord
1/14/18 2 Entering the Wilderness
1/21/18 3 Walking with Others in the Wilderness
1/28/18 4 Walking with God in the Wilderness
2/4/18 5 Wrong Turns in the Wilderness
2/11/18 6 Coming Out of the Wilderness
2/18/18 1 Moral Excellence First Sunday in Lent
2/25/18 2 Knowledge Second Sunday in Lent
3/4/18 3 Self-control Third Sunday in Lent
3/11/18 4 Endurance Fourth Sunday in Lent
3/18/18 5 Godliness Fifth Sunday in Lent
3/25/18 6 Affection for Others Palm Sunday
4/1/18 7 Love Easter
4/8/18 1 Put on the Wesley Lenses Holy Humor Sunday
4/15/18 2 Scripture is our Primary Source…
4/22/18 3 Grace is the Necessary Glue…
4/29/18 4 Repentance and Justification
5/6/18 5 Initial Sanctification and Holy Love
5/13/18 6 Christianity is a Social Faith… Mother's Day
5/20/18 1 Prayer Pentecost
5/27/18 2 Searching Scripture Memorial Day Sunday
6/3/18 3 Receiving the Lord's Supper
6/10/18 4 fasting
6/17/18 5 Conferencing Father's DayFiv
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“Top Ten United Methodist Beliefs”
by Don Adams— 7 sessions
Sundays: April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13
Weekly Discussion Groups in Hood Parlor:
Wednesdays at 10:00 am Thursdays at 6:45 pm (Faith Circle arrive at 6:15)
Fairfield Grace will celebrate this old Easter custom begun by the Greeks in the early
centuries of Christianity at the 10:00 am Worship Service on April 8.
It is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection on the Sunday after Easter. For centuries the week
following Easter Sunday, including "Bright Sunday" (the Sunday after Easter), was observed by
the faithful as "days of joy and laughter" to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.
Bring with you a funny anecdote, humorous story or a joke to share with the congregation.
Summer Mission meeting
Sunday, April 15 at 5:00 pm
Fairfield Grace youth, their parents and anyone interested in participating in the Summer Mission this summer, please plan to be at an Organizational Meeting on
Sunday, April 15 at 5:00 pm in Fellowship Hall to hear about new plans for this summer. A representative from UM ARMY (United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth)
will be here to talk to us about this exciting opportunity!
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Serena Circle Book Group: Monday, April 16
The next Serena Book Group meeting will be Monday, April 16 at 7:00 pm in Hood Parlor. All women are invited to the discussion. We will be discussing the next chapter about Andrew,
the apostle. The book (Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur) gives insights into the disciples who followed Jesus and spread the Gospel.
We only examine one chapter a month so there is no pressure to prepare.
If you have questions, please contact Karen Price 203-333-1272 or at [email protected]
Eating Lunch Together: Let’s Go “Dutch” at Duchess!
Thurs., Apr 19 ~ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Are you eating lunch alone? Why not share a meal with Fairfield Grace Church friends
every Third Thursday of the month
between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm, at the Duchess Restaurant
on Black Rock Turnpike.
Come and see who will be waiting for YOU.
Second Annual Methodist Nursery School
Art Show
Sunday, April 22
The Nursery School invites the Fairfield Grace Congregation to its
Second Annual Art Show showcasing the creative work of its students.
Fairfield Grace Church has been offering scholarships to young persons who are starting college as well as people continuing in a college program at the undergraduate level. These awards were started in 1985 by Harold Harris in memory of his wife, Betty. Since then 77 students have received scholarships—some for more than one year.
Funds for scholarships were initially provided by individuals in the church, primar-ily by Harold Harris. The UMM and UMW also provided some money for many years. The fund expanded over the years by receiving large donations from the estate of Harold Harris as well as from the estates of the Spicer family. In recent years some money has come from donations from the congregation in a second offering on “Scholarship Sun-day.” This past year additional money was raised from a tag sale organized by Scholar-ship Team member Patty Jurgielewicz. To date the scholarships awarded have totaled $94,200.
Who can get one of these scholarships and how can they apply? First you need to be planning to attend college or some post high school undergraduate educational pro-gram during the next (2018-19) academic year. Next get and fill out an application form available from our church office. You do not need to come to the office for one. Just phone (203-374-6528) and ask for a copy. It can be sent by e-mail or snail mail. To com-plete your application, you will need written recommendations from adults who have supervised or at least observed your work on church and community service projects. If you have received a scholarship from the church in the past, ask for a re-application form.
So if you are eligible and want to apply, GET BUSY FAST. Applications with all sup-porting adult recommendations are due in the church office by May 15. The Scholarship Team will be meetuing shortly after that to review applications and determine the money to be awarded. Scholarship checks will be handed out on Sunday, June 17, in church.
Al Oneto, Scholarship Team Chairman
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Submissions to Bulletin Announcements and Friday e-News
by Tuesday at noon for that week’s editions. Thank you!
Deadline for the March Issue of the Quester is Fri., April 20
Cancellations due to Weather
In the case of hazardous weather conditions, it may be necessary for the church to
cancel building activities or services.
The decision to close the church on Sunday mornings will be made
as early as possible, but no later than 7:00 AM.
We will send an email alert to members when a decision is made. In addition,
any closures will be posted on Channel 12 News, News 8 and NBC Connecticut.
Wednesdays: Pray/Fast Together for the Vital Growth of the Church
Every Wednesday morning at 9:30 am, some of us will gather and pray in the Sanctuary.
We invite you to join us by either coming to the
Sanctuary or praying from wherever
you may be on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
A Time with Pastor Cho
Pastor Cho extends an invitation to visit with you and your family on an Individual basis at your home, in his office … or you can stop in at Panera Bread on Black Rock Turnpike any Tuesday between 10:00 am and 12:00
