Announcements
The flowers on the altar are given by Patricia Dudley to the glory of God, to honor all fathers with us today, and those fathers who are in heaven.
Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads at SUM!
Tomorrow, Sunday, June 15, Quad Preaching Schedule
SUM - Pastor Gene Ott
Copper Hill UMC - Sue Lemke
North Canton Community UMC - Jeff Cedarfield
Peace with Justice Sunday
Tomorrow, Sun. June 15 is Peace with Justice Sunday. This is one of the six special Sundays that we recognize throughout the year. The United Methodist Church uses this day to speak out for peace and justice. All contributions will support programs that witness to God’s demands for a faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world. If you would like to make a donation, envelopes will be available in the sanctuary.
Sunday, June 22 – Only One Worship Service
There will be only one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 22.
Farewell Party for Pastor Gene and Deacon Deb
You are invited to Gene and Deb's farewell party!
When: Sunday, June 22, immediately following the 10 AM service (there is only one combined service that day).
Where: Wesley Hall - This way, we have air conditioning in case it's hot, and a cover in case we drift back into one of CT's new monsoon seasons.
What: This will be a traditional cookout. We'll have burgers, dogs, vegetarian options, the usual condiments and toppings, and a cake. We'd love for people to bring side dishes they'd like to share.
Sign-up: If you are going to bring a side dish, please sign up here.
We will be presenting Gene and Deb with farewell gifts from SUM. You can email Glenn Knight if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!
Summer Schedule
Mark your calendars! Beginning June 29, we will follow our summer schedule: 8:00 a.m. (weekly communion) and 9:30 a.m. (communion on the first Sunday of the month). We will gather in Wesley Hall throughout the summer; many in our faith community have come to appreciate this more informal and intimate setting.
Heart to Heart
Heart to Heart is the connection and support of a small group who gather in a sacred space to share, pray, reflect, and discern God's voice. We have no political agenda. Only a recognition of the anxiety many of us feel in this current political landscape, and recognition of the strength and comfort we find when we are in relationship with God and each other. You are invited to gather with us on Tuesday, June 17, either at 2 pm or at 7 PM at North Canton Community United Methodist Church. 3 Case St., North Canton.
Help Us Welcome Pastor DH Choi!
Share your best wishes and area "wisdom" for Pastor DH as we welcome him and his family to SUM, and as they make their move to the Farmington Valley! Look for the special box on the stage in Wesley Hall where you can place: · cards & notes
· If you wish, small tokens or gifts
· Insights about favorite spots to eat, play, or relax in Simsbury and the surrounding area
Let's welcome DH in the warmest of ways!
Summer Services Music Help
Now is the time to sign up to provide music for our summer services! We are looking for soloists, instrumentalists, small groups, bells—whatever you can provide—to play and/or sing a piece of music during the 9:30 services throughout July and August. Contact Bridget Scarlato, SUM Music Director, in person or by email.
Pride Month
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. As a church, we “deplore acts of hate and violence against groups or persons based on sexual orientation [or] gender identity (Social Principles, ¶162).” We seek that every person is recognized and seen as valued. Here are three things you can do to help us achieve this goal:
Listen openly to the stories and experiences of people whose lived experience is different than your own.
Create safe spaces for young people to talk about their Christian faith where they are supported as they navigate challenges they experience growing into adulthood (e.g. dating, bullying, peer pressure, drug use, etc.).
Advocate for laws protecting the dignity and rights of people of all sexual orientations.
The Reconciling Ministries Network provides many resources for those seeking further information.
Communion Stewards Needed for all Three Services!
The Worship Committee is seeking helping hands for communion (1 additional person to work with Jan at the 8:00 service, 3-4 people willing to serve on a rotating schedule for the 9:00 service, and 3-4 people willing to serve on a rotating schedule for the 10:30 service). This is a great chance to get to know Pastor DH, the others on the team, and enrich your participation in the service. You will be able to choose the service and the Sundays you would like to serve, and training will be provided! Please email Sandy Lipscomb or Melissa Fearrington if you are interested!
Acoustic Evening – One Last Song, July 6, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a tribute concert celebrating the life of Brian Horton, a gifted fingerstyle guitarist and beloved community connector. The free event will feature performances by artists who shared his musical journey and spirit, including the Steve O’Brien Band. Donations will be accepted to support Brian’s family. Location: Raymond Family Farm, 18 Ramstein Rd, New Hartford, CT. Click here for more information and to reserve your tickets.
Welcome our New Pastor, DH Choi
We will be welcoming Pastor DH Choi, who will officially join us on July 1. Please watch for information in The Messenger and on the kiosk in Wesley Hall about upcoming welcoming events for DH! This will be an opportunity to get involved and to add your own ideas to the mix.
Praying for the Entire SUM Family
Each week, we will publish five SUM directory entries to the Messenger so that you can add these people to your prayers. By the end of the year, we will have prayed for the entire SUM family. This week, please pray for the following: Ross & Pat Fritschler, the Fryer family (Lucy, Matthew, and Daniel), Marysue Gailey, the Gailey family (Peter, Lori, Emma, and Hannah), and the Gallion family (Robert, Alynne, and Garrett).
The Prayer Chain is Ready for Your Requests
The SUM reinvigorated Prayer Chain is ready for your requests. We have a dedicated team of Prayer Warriors who will receive them. To submit a prayer request, email our Prayer Warriors. Please let our Prayer Chain team know if the prayers are no longer needed by sending an update to the same email address.