May 2025 - Living As Easter People
He Is Risen, Indeed!
As we continue to make our way through the liturgical season of Easter, signs of life and resurrection are making themselves known all around us. Fledgling birds, delicate butterflies, and once-dormant flower bulbs are now exploding with life and vitality - and as the church we are invited to join in their celebration of life and abundance!
A Word from Pastor Rich
Greetings Friends,
We are in the Easter Season, a time in the Lectionary Calendar that represents the days of the Risen Christ among the disciples. It goes from Easter Sunday to Ascension Sunday, always the Sunday before Pentecost. This year the Easter season falls mostly in May. This May we will hear from John’s Gospel and the encounters of the disciples and others with Jesus. May is also our Witness quarter for our Stewardship Committee. As part of this Easter season and Witness quarter, we will “hear” from members of our congregation and others about their lives and how the resurrected Jesus has influenced them.
It is my prayer that during this season we will look for the resurrected Jesus in and around us. We can see and experience this living and present God in all creation. It is a good time for that, as May is a time for new life in plants and animals. I have enjoyed the return of the finch to our bird feeder and seeing in them a redeeming and loving God and the dogwood blooms with the bluebirds in the branches. In addition, I am reminded of God’s redemption of all creation in the beauty of the new life all around me. We can also look for the risen Christ in our neighbors. It is easy to miss the Christ in those around us. We can be in such a hurry that we fail to see the goodness that God pronounces in creation, which includes human kind. In our polarized culture, it is easy to “write off” people that may not think like us or act like us. However, Jesus calls us to love our neighbor and our enemies. Jesus sends us as God sent him. That is a tall order but empowered by the Holy Spirit it is possible.
Finally, it is important to look for the Risen Christ in ourselves. Look for ways that God is using you to bring peace to a difficult situation, to bring healing to a hurt, and kindness to every encounter. This is a way we can begin to live into the call to be witnesses in our homes, at work, in the community, and beyond. All of this is a great reminder of our theme for this year. “You are the salt of the earth… and the Light of the world… let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Rich
Staff Spotlight - Holly Richardson, Director of Congregational Vitality and Adult Discipleship
Friends,
What a time of transition for all of us here at MSUMC! It’s a little hard to believe, but on April 16th, I began my fourth year with you all, and I am so grateful for every single day. With Barbara’s retirement and the addition of Andy onto the team, I have the opportunity to step into a new role, Director of Congregational Vitality and Adult Discipleship. Although it has been difficult for me to move away from working with children, youth and the many volunteers that support these ministries, I am excited to move into a roll designed to ignite and engage with everyone here.
I have recently completed the long process for Certified Lay Ministry (CLM), and sat before the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) in early April. I have been recommended contingent on completing one more Lay Servant Ministry (LSM) course, and I will be recognized at this year’s Annual Conference in June as a CLM. I am so very grateful to Pastor Rich, who served as my mentor, and to my Mutual Ministry Team members: Barbara McPhail, Sharon Slate, Nancy Webb and Joe Webb. This journey has enlightened me and given me new direction and meaning in my walk with and for God. And it serves wonderfully as I step into this new chapter here at MSUMC. There are many new projects and opportunities ahead here, including things like: a visitation ministry team, more small-group classes and ministries, and more opportunities to discover and use our spiritual gifts. One project that is already underway is the “First Impressions Team”. This is a refresh of our hospitality procedures, which includes updating the Atrium space with new paint, new furniture, and a designated communications area, new sitting areas with a food and beverage credenza, and most importantly, a “welcome” counter for all newcomers to be greeted and invited, from the start, to engage in our MSUMC community.
As I transition into this new role, I want to say to our children, youth and their parents how very special my time has been here with you. Thank you for supporting me as a newcomer to the area and as I navigated living here in Suffolk. It has been an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to create a new Confirmation class, special VBS programs, Advent and Easter celebrations, Children’s church, and a children’s music program with Julie the last 2 years Each and every one of you holds a very special place in my heart, and my door, as always, continues to be open to you. Now I have the opportunity to extend that “open door” invitation to everyone here at Main Street, and would love to talk with anyone about my new job and direction here. If you have any questions, any ideas for new programs, events, classes, or you just want to check-in, please let me know. I feel this is a wonderful new chapter and road that God is leading me to, and I look forward to all of the ways that I will lead and grow with you as we journey in living and being “the salt and light of the earth”.
UMCOR ‘Kits for Conference’ 2025
It’s time again for our congregation to join communities across our United Methodist connection as we assemble supplies and pack relief kits for our partners at UMCOR! Main St will be collecting supplies to make Cleaning Kits (formerly known as flood buckets) and Hygiene Kits throughout the month of May in the Atrium, and we need your help.
Stocking a full Cleaning Kit (approx $75) or Hygiene Kit (approx $12) can be a large undertaking, so don’t feel obligated to fill an entire bucket if you need some help. Just donate what you can, and together we can make a difference for our neighbors in need!
Each complete Cleaning Kit will contain:
(1) 5-gallon round bucket with resealable lid (no screw lids)
(1) 32-64 oz bottle liquid laundry detergent
(1) 16-40 oz bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner
(1) 16-34 oz bottle liquid dish soap
(1) 4-8 oz pump spray liquid air freshener
(1) 6-14 oz pump spray insect repellent with cover
(1) scrub brush
(18) reusable cleaning wipes (no terrycloth, microfiber, paper towel)
(5) scouring pads (no stainless-steel pads with soap)
(1) pack clothespins 36-50
(1) 50’-100’ clothes line (plastic or cotton)
(1) Roll of 24 heavy duty trash bags (33-45 gal)
(5) N95 respirator dust masks 1-3mm thickness (no surgical masks)
(2) Pair durable, multi-use kitchen gloves
(1) Pair work gloves (all leather, or leather reinforced palm)
Each complete Hygiene Kit will contain:
(1) hand towel (15''x25'' to 17''x27'')
(1) washcloth
(1) comb (4-7'' of teeth, no pocket combs)
(1) toenail or fingernail clipper (no emery boards or metal nail files)
(1) bath-sized bar of soap 3oz or larger (no Ivory or Jergen’s)
(1) adult toothbrush
(10) adhesive bandages
(1) one-gallon resealable bag
To learn more about UMCOR Cleaning and Hygiene Kits – or to see what a complete kit looks like – stop by the collection station in the atrium before or after service on any Sunday in May!
Annual Conference Season Is Almost Here!
The 2025 Virginia Annual Conference session is almost here, and many members of our community and staff will be travelling to the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA from June 11-14 to worship, pray, and plan for the future of our church with folks from across the United Methodist connection. As delegates, members, and observers get ready to gather, the Virginia conference office has been releasing videos that will help them prepare.
Check out the video below from Rev Lauren Wright - our conference co-chair of the Commission on the Status and Role of Woman - as she shares what “monitoring” is at Annual Conference session and why it is important.
Children/Youth Update
As our young folks return from spring break for the home-stretch of the 2025 academic year, they have been busy both inside and outside the walls of Main St UMC! This years confirmation class spent all day Saturday, April 12 at the Cedar Point Club for their retreat, and they got to take time to dig-in to questions about the historic tenants of the United Methodist Church. These young folks will have their final confirmation meeting May 4, and will then be confirmed during 11:00 worship on Pentecost Sunday, June 8!
The following Sunday, June 15 will be our Graduate Celebration Sunday, which will include light refreshments between services and a time of recognition and sending-forth during the 11:00am worship service. If you are a graduate in the congregation and have not yet done so, please fill out the following online form as soon as possible so that we know how many folks to prepare for. Congrats y’all!
Fill Out Graduate Sunday Form Here! (https://forms.gle/8tk5J5GV7S3m5EEd9)
As we shared last month, if you are a child, youth, parent, or volunteer involved with our ministries with young people at Main St, we need your help! In order to ensure that our contact information on file is accurate and that you are kept in the loop, please fill out the following survey for each child, youth, and adult involved at Main St.
Fill Out the Contact Survey Here! (https://forms.gle/tfViAHfpqbzRnKtd6)
Upcoming May Events At Main St UMC
The Chosen Bible Study Tuesdays (6:30-7:30)
Join Pastor Rich and Colleen as they facilitate a group discussion about Season 4 of the hit television series every Tuesday evening from now until June 17. All are welcome to bring dinner or a snack and join in the conversation!
Movie Night @ Main Street May 18 (5:30-7:30)
We’re kicking off our church-wide movie night series with a classic that appeals to all ages…The Princess Bride! It’ll be a night for the whole family with pizzas, popcorn, and light discussion as we enjoy this modern classic together.
For a full calendar of events at Main St UMC, click here!
May Birthdays and Anniversaries
5/1 - Graham Garner, Sawyer Holland, Beth Johnson
5/2 - Allie Pietrowski-Powers, Michelle Selezneva
5/3 - Sarah Catlett, Maxwell Russell
5/4 - Peggy Bradshaw, Glenda Johnston, Ryan Patterson
5/6 - Lew & Ann Carr (anniversary)
5/8 - Jack Webb
5/9 - Connor Zydron
5/10 - Reed Browne, Charnell Blair
5/11 - Jodi Browne
5/12 - Thomas Bartlett, Penn Birdsong, Phillip LaRose, Suzanne VanOrden, Chris Tenorio, Carrington Wentz, David & Christel Hoy (anniversary)
5/13 -Mallory Walker
5/14 - Ralph Branchaud, Cole Browne, William Hill, Colleen Meiser, Jim & Barbara Haverty (anniversary)
5/15 - Trevor Boyd, John Yauger
5/16 - Stanley Picott
5/17 - Mac Birdsong, Pam Fuller, Anthony & Sarah Giacometti (anniversary)
5/18 - Tom & Linda Argust (anniversary), John & Kim Wagner (anniversary)
5/19 - Aubrey Callis, Dan Myers
5/20 - Marie Bowman, Angie Mills, Everett & Miriam Birdsong (anniversary), Mike & Betty Michael (anniversary), Joseph & Nancy Verdirame (anniversary)
5/21 - Patrick Suttle
5/23 - E Duke
5/24 - Connor Hill, Paul Hogg, Sarah Wampler, Amy Yauger, Wes & Nancy King (anniversary)
5/25 - Chase Brooks, Barbara O'Berry, Kim Wagner
5/26 - Paul Callis, Barbara McPhail, Steve & Courtney Jackson (anniversary)
5/27 - Steven Clark, Taylor Conner, Anne Ruffin House, Finley House
5/28 - Brian Kinsey, Lalona Saunders, Steven & Laura Clark (anniversary)
5/29 - Jack Bivins, Zachary Crytzer, Don & Harriette Albritton (anniversary)
5/30 - Emily Hill
5/31 - Alyssa Bossick, David Eure, Robert Flintoff
Final Thoughts
During the children’s sermon, we started the process of building a terrarium with our young folks as a reminder of the ways in which we are to live as good stewards of the world around us. We’ll add different components during worship every week until it is ready to be sealed, and then it will (hopefully) sustain itself as an example of what can happen when communities come together to meet each other’s needs. As you go about your month, remember that you go as Easter people with the assurance of resurrection - and with gifts to share and life to bring to the people and planet around you!
