May G.I.F.T.

Great Inspiration for Thought

A message from the Pastor

“Make Room for God” Part 2

A challenge was offered in a previous issue of the GIFT; to shift our thinking of the material “stuff” in our lives.

One prayer included in the last issue of GIFT included the words, “shift my focus from accumulating earthly possessions to storing up eternal treasures in heaven.” I deemed the healthiest first step to making space for God was praying for God to shift our focus. Refocusing will take an act of God for some to release earthly possessions.

I am circling back to the March issue of GIFT with part 2. I am hopeful I did not miss-time this next step I am highlighting in this issue. This is a time of year for what many still deem as “Spring Cleaning.” Some approach this event as a comprehensive, seasonal deep clean designed to remove built-up dust and clutter, traditionally done in early spring as weather warms to refresh the home. Key tasks include deep-cleaning appliances, washing walls, and cleaning forgotten areas, which improves air quality and organization. Does this cover the way you define spring cleaning?

I have known some households sorting “stuff” in their homes to purge or get rid of. Maybe items are worn out, broken, seen better days…regardless, they need to go. Some will make several trips to Goodwill, Salvation Army, call Veterans of America or donate to “Feed My Sheep.” Others will stockpile stuff for a neighborhood garage sale, a church rummage sale or give Facebook Market Place or eBay a try and make some money. Do you know another way to get some money back?

I am about to propose some thoughts that many may feel is meddling. It is healthy to sort through our “stuff” – the clutter of our calendars, cupboards, closets, garages, basements and even our minds/emotions. The focus of a new sermon series is on “Making Room for God”.

April 26 – “Make Room for God: Choose Well” Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

May 3 – “Make Room for God: Declutter” Romans 15:13 NIV; Colossians 3:8-10

May 10 – “Make Room for God: Made New” Ephesians 4:20-24, 5:15-17

May 17 – “Make Room for God: Write in Pencil” Acts 1:6-14

May 24 – Pentecost “Have We Made Enough Room?” Acts 2

Join Hudson UMC in person at 9:30am or on-line anytime as we “Make Room for God” and mature as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Living in Hope,

Rev. Bruce

You are warmly invited to join us for a Church Chat following worship on Sunday, May 17. This will be an opportunity to remain after the service for fellowship, connection, and thoughtful conversation centered on faith, life, and the ongoing ministry of HUMC. This is a welcoming space to engage with one another and strengthen our sense of community. We would be grateful for your presence and hope you will consider staying to participate.

From Elizabeth Goodin, Director of Family Ministries

contact: familyministries@hudsonumc.com

A Summer of Prayer

Over the past months, we’ve placed a great deal of attention on the 6 Keys to Discipleship. Can you list them yet?

1.     Attending worship

2.     Reading and reflecting on Scripture

3.     Participating in small groups

4.     Praying daily

5.     Giving to support the church’s ministry

6.     Serving the church and community.

The Discipleship Pathway Ministry Team is working to create environments where members and friends can grow and engage meaningfully in all of these areas. But we recognize that it’s A LOT to take on all at once.

That’s why we’ve decided to focus our energies on growing one area at a time, beginning with the one Key we believe is the foundation of a relationship with Christ and any spiritual endeavor: Prayer.

Between now and August, we’ll offer experiences that invite you to explore new forms of prayer and grow in confidence in this essential spiritual practice. We hope that this focused effort will not only nurture closeness within our faith community but also bring about a heightened awareness of God’s presence and guidance in our daily life. 



Throughout this newsletter, you’ll see various prayer opportunities offered, but there is one in particular that I would like to highlight here, because it involves our children. It is the Long-Distance Hugs program, conceived as a way for our kids to reach out when someone in their church family is either in celebration or experiencing a time of need. 

A few weeks ago, the kids made paper and ribbon “hugs” using their own handprints and measured to the size of their own arm spans. The plan is that these hugs will be sent to those on our ongoing prayer list as well as to anyone whom we sense might benefit from knowing that others are thinking of them and wish to send them a hug.

Each child will be informed where their hugs have been sent and who they might have touched. If you receive one of these hugs, know that it was prepared and sent in love.

In the spirit of that same care and connection, I invite you to take time to consider how each one of the prayer opportunities offered this summer might deepen your journey in meaningful and life-giving ways. May our shared commitment to prayer nurture connection, drawing us closer to both God and one another.

God Bless,

Elizabeth

Join us for our first Sunday evening Messy Church

OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

4:00 to 6:00p

Invite a friend. Spread the word.

Last day of Preschool – Grade 5 Sunday school is May 17. Children’s Sermon returns during summer worship June 7 – August 30.

Preschool through Grade 5:

Current Series: Power of the Spirit

Through May 17

In this series, we’ll discover the coming of the Holy Spirit into the lives of Jesus’ followers. The Holy Spirit gives power and strength when we need it. We can trust that He will be there to guide us and help us each day.

Grades 6 through 12:

Last day of Youth Sunday school is May 10. Youth are invited to attend the Church Chat on May 17 with their parents.

Current Series: NOW

Through May 10

“Now” helps students discover that following Jesus is a today practice. Each week shows how God is at work and links purpose to simple, faithful choices—at school, home, and online. Students learn they don’t have to wait to matter; they can live their faith—now.

During the sermon portion of the worship service, Elizabeth, along with an adult volunteer, will take the kids to the CAC for a brief lesson and activity related to the sermon topic. If anyone has ever been curious about what happens during this time with the kids, or would value making some meaningful connections with our “young disciples,” then serving as our adult helper might be the perfect volunteer opportunity. No preparation is required, but the kids would certainly benefit from any additional wisdom offered to the conversation.

If you think this ministry is something you would like to be involved in, please take a look at the summer schedule linked below and add your name to one or more upcoming Sunday’s slots.

Classes will NOT meet on May 17 to allow class members to attend the Church Chat. 

Family Ties (Room 116/118):

Study: The Bible With and Without Jesus

In this Bible study based on their book, The Bible With and Without Jesus, esteemed Bible scholars and teachers Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler take readers on a guided tour of the most popular Hebrew Bible passages quoted in the New Testament to show what the texts meant in their original contexts and then how Jews and Christians, over time, understood those same texts.

Men’s Sunday School Class and Amazing Graces (Room 109):

Study: The Heart of the Psalms

The Book of Psalms has been called a school of prayer, as these eloquent words to God become the Word of God for us and a road map to navigate life with God in this world. This study focuses on six psalms, each offering a unique glimpse into God’s heart.

To preview AMPLIFY MEDIA studies, use access code KGCLFW

Bible Project Sunday School (Room 115):

Viewing and discussing videos produced by The Bible Project. Through creative videos and accompanying study guides, The Bible Project introduces books and key themes of the Bible in ways that are clear, approachable, and transformative.

Continuing with our weekly exploration of individual books of the Bible through overview videos and discussion:

May 3: 1 & 2 Samuel                                                                          

May 10: 1 & 2 Kings

Lunch and Labyrinth Walk

Tuesday, May 19 at 12:00 noon

(rain date: May 20)

 A Labyrinth is a single life-size circular path, which always leads to the center. Certified labyrinth facilitator, Susi Kawolics describes this ancient form of prayer this way: “Walking the Labyrinth is a type of pilgrimage toward transformation or enlightenment. It allows the mind to relax and become aware. We emerge more awakened, focused and peaceful. We feel more optimistic and more connected.” 

The labyrinth walking group will meet for lunch at Cowboy Food & Drink (8586 E Washington St, Chagrin Falls) before proceeding to the labyrinth (16349 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge) for a quiet, reflective walk. ALL ARE WELCOME!

CLICK BELOW to sign up for lunch and the labyrinth walk on May 19 and to read an article on walking Federated’s outdoor labyrinth, referred to by visitors as the “best labyrinth in Ohio.”

The Way of Prayer

An 11-Week Small-Group Journey into Prayer

Daily exercises and weekly check-up meetings

Thursdays, June 18 – August 27

6:00 – 8:00p

The Way of Prayer is an 11-week small-group study that explores the nature, practice, and transforming power of prayer. This study invites you to honor the ways you were taught to pray, while gently expanding your understanding to include new and life-giving practices.

Participants will utilize the Companions in Christ resource, The Way of Prayer Participant’s Book. Books and an accompanying journal are available to order through Hudson UMC for $15.00. CLICK BELOW to register for the class and to place an order for the book. There will also be a sign-up sheet in HUMC’s main hallway.

Prayer Partners

Bearing each other’s burdens, celebrating each other’s wins, and growing in faith and friendship.

We are forming a network of pairs who will pray for each other throughout the year. Being a prayer partner offers a meaningful way to support someone through consistent encouragement, care, and connection with God. It deepens your own faith while building a relationship rooted in trust, compassion, and shared hope.

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20

CLICK BELOW for more information and to let us know that you’d like to participate. You’re welcome to sign up with a partner, or we’ll gladly pair you with someone!

Additionally, if you have a senior graduating from college or graduate school, please email Elizabeth their name, school, degree, and future plans. We will recognize their accomplishment in the morning’s bulletin and include them in our prayer for the graduates. 

Do you feel called to lift others up in prayer? Hudson UMC is looking for compassionate, faith-filled volunteers to join our Prayer Ministry Team!

As a team member, you will:

·        Call church members weekly to ask for their prayer requests.

·        Pray throughout the week over their needs and concerns.

·        Be a source of hope, support, and spiritual connection.

·        Strengthen our church community through the power of prayer.

No experience needed—just a willing heart and a desire to serve! Training and guidance will be provided.

Interested? Reach out to Elizabeth or CLICK BELOW to sign up.

FELLOWSHIP EVENTS:

Hudson United Women in Faith board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the church. Bring your own brown bag dinner to enjoy. (Please note the time).

Mary Martha Circle will be hosting a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at the Orchard School on Thursday, May 7, 2026. There will be carpooling from the church at 10:00 a.m. Watch your email for more information.

Mary Martha meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Questions/Information contact Cheryl Maimona at ctm2949@roadrunner.com

Priscilla Circle will meet on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the church. Marcia Rais will be sharing key points learned from the recent bible study class on Joseph. Bring your own brown bag dinner and drink to enjoy.

Priscilla Circle usually meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Questions/Information contact Ann Ingling at anningling@gmail.com, Marty Hannah marty2uin@windstream.net

Books for Breakfast will meet on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. for their 2026/2027 book selection at the home of Michelle Novosel.

Books for Breakfast meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Questions/Information contact Michelle Novosel at novandkoz@yahoo.com

We are on Facebook - check us out at Hudson United Methodist Church Women- be sure to "Like" us to get current updates.

SPIRITUAL OUTREACH

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH SUNDAY- THANK YOU

We would like to thank all the ladies who participated in the United Women in Faith Worship Service on Sunday, April 12. Also, many thanks to Sandy Simpson, Jinyang Tian and the Daughters of Faith Chorus for the wonderful music selections. It was a blessing to have Rev. Joy Fenton Jones, Director, First Christian Church (DOC/UCC) & Pilgrim UCC and Executive Director, 915 North Main as our special guest speaker and to hear her inspirational message.

We would also like to thank everyone who donated to our special offering to 915 North Main. Through your generosity, we collected over $600 that will continue to help support the mission of 915 North Main – a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together for education, entertainment, recreation and connection.

We also presentd Rita Naylor and Colleen Padgett as our very deserving 2026 Mission Pin recipients.

Rita has served Hudson United Methodist church in the Nursery as a staff childcare provider for nearly 35 years. Her dedication, service and genuine care of the youngest members of our church over the years has shown what a caring, compassionate person she is. She serves the young families of our church with lots of love, energy and dedication from her heart.

Colleen Padgett is someone who is very passionate about mission work and has spent countless hours coordinating fundraising, planning and volunteering for Appalachia Service Project. Colleen is a great example of serving joyfully by building special bonds with fellow volunteers and the families being served.

Please be sure to congratulate Rita and Colleen the next time you see them at church.

Thank you for your continued support of the Hudson United Women in Faith.

Cheryl Gamble and Marcia Rais, Co-Presidents Hudson United Women in Faith

United Women in Faith Sunday Worship Service Participants

United Women in Faith Daughters of Faith Chorus

Joy Fenton Jones (with sons, Xander and Declan) was the UWF Sunday Special Guest Speaker

United Women in Faith Co-Presidents, Cheryl Gamble and Marcia Rais presented Mission Pin to Colleen Padgett and Rita Naylor

The Board met together on April 18, 2026. We planned for the upcoming Church Chat on Sunday May 17. In that church wide gathering the Board will highlight the ministry boards available to everyone. An update regarding our financial budget will be presented to ensure transparency. We also discussed the parking lot repair initiative. Currently we are waiting for the completion of a drainage engineering review prior to making a recommendation regarding the best manner to proceed with repairs. To ensure the safety of our church, the Board determined a prudent action will be to secure the Stow Road and sanctuary entrances during the service. Each entrance will be locked during the service. All doors are equipped with crash bars so exiting the church is always available. Rev. Bruce reported that a candidate for the open Nursery School Director had been identified and a group of church members will meet with that candidate to evaluate mutual interest. The next Board meeting is May 9 at 9:30 AM. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

What a month April was! We had some crazy weather and are so ready to get out on the playground!  We started the month with our spring pictures. This is always fun to see how we have grown from the fall pictures! We also do graduation pictures for our pre-K kids who will be going to kindergarten. This is an exciting time of year!  We had our caterpillars delivered so we will watch what will happen in the next few weeks. If all goes as planned, we should be able to release some beautiful butterflies. 

We had our annual Art show on April 15th, and it was so much fun. It is so fun to see what each class creates. This is one of the children’s favorite events. They love to show their family what they have been working on all year.   



It does not seem possible that we are just a few weeks away from another school year.  We do have openings in all our classes. If you know someone looking for a preschool, please let them know. We hope everyone enjoys the Spring! 

For the last two years the Hudson Coalition of Churches working with Habitat for Humanity of Summit County have been building houses at the Silver Maple Ridge project in North Akron. This year the coalition will be building the 16th and final house in that development.

The build schedule is from April through August and our HUMC assigned volunteer dates are:

· Saturdays; May 16th, June 13th, and August 15th

· Thursday August 6th

If you are 18 and older and would like to volunteer from 9:00am to 3:30pm on any of the dates, please contact John Kralik at jpkralik@gmail.com.

No construction skills are required, only a willingness to learn and help!

I am back “on the Road again.” 🎶 The past 6 months were challenging, not being able to drive. I am deeply grateful for the concern, prayers, and support of my HUMC church family. Your compassion carried me through this difficult time. Here I come 🚘

Have you ever thought about the kind of legacy you’d like to leave? One simple way to make a lasting impact is by including Hudson UMC in your will or estate plans. Your gift can help support the ministries, mission, and community we love—well into the future. If you’re curious or want to learn more, we’d be glad to talk with you.

In our ongoing commitment to care for the safety of our congregation and building, the main doors will be locked once worship begins for the foreseeable future. We kindly ask that worshipers plan to arrive before the start of the service. For late arrivals, Ushers will be available to open the doors by the Sanctuary. We are grateful for your understanding and for the ways you help us create a safe and welcoming space for all who gather in worship.