T W H D 4,2013

C hristmasiscoming,andthatmeansthatChristmasmusicwillsoonbehere.IthoughtIwouldsharewithallofyousomeof themusicalhappenings that Iam involvedwith in thegreaterWorcesterarea.IcouldwriteanentireHeraldonthehappeningsinthecity,butforeaseand

brevity,I’lljustfocusontheonesthatIaminvolvedin.

AnnualHolidayConcert,MechanicsHall(321MainSt.,Worcester):Wednesday,December11,12noon.Free

Boar’sHeadFestival,WesleyChurch:Saturday,December14,4:00pm.$25adult;$20senior/student.Childrenunder17are$10atdoor.

AssabetValleyMastersingersMessiahSing:Sunday,December15,3:30pm.St.MatthiasParish,409HemenwaySt.,Marlborough.Suggestiondonation:$10.

Lessons&Carols,WesleyUnitedMethodistChurch,Sunday,December22,during10:30amservice

GhanaianChoirConcertattheWorcesterArtMuseum:Sunday,December22,1:30pm.55SalisburySt.,Worcester.Free.

Ifyouhaven’tquite felt theChristmasspirityet, theannualholidayconcertatMechanicsHallwilldo the trick!Many area groups come together – choir, bell ringers, soloists, instrumentalists, andreaders– topresentanhourofChristmas fun.Therewillbeplentyofopportunities tosingalong,sopackalunch(orbuyonethere)andjoinusthere!

There’snowhereelseintownwhereyouarelikelytoseesomanyperiodcostumesasintheMasterSingers’epicproduction,theBoar’sHeadFestival. Youreallydon’twanttomissseeingourGothicsanctuary transformed into a medieval gathering place. There will be choir groups, bell ringers,youthchoirs,anddancers.

Worcester is blessed to have a number of high quality choral groups. TheAssabet ValleyMaster‐singersalwaysputonaMessiahsing.Scoreswillbeavailableforthesingingofpart1andafewextrafavoritesfromlaterparts.(Youcan’thaveaMessiahsingwithouttheHallelujahChorus,canyou?)

Evenifyouaretoopressedfortimetotakeanyoftheseextra‐curricularevents,markyourcalendarsforDecember22.Duringthe10:30amservicewewillhaveaLessons&Carols.Thechoirswillbesinging some favorite anthemswith guest soloists, and therewill beno shortageof carols for thecongregationtosing.

As if one big event wasn’t enough, the Ghanaian Choir will be racing over to theWorcester ArtMuseum after the Lessons & Carols. They have been invited to perform an hour‐long concert inthemainhall.It’sabeautifulspace,soifyouhaven’thadyour illofmusic,besuretoswingbythemuseumtoshowyoursupportfortheGhanaianChoir.

That’salot!Ihopetoseeyouatsome–ifnotall!–oftheseevents.

WishingyouthebestthisAdvent, BrettMaguire,DirectorofMusic

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L A F ...T T lightingforDecemberisgiveninlovingmemoryofJeanandCalvinWilliamsbyDebbie,Gailandfamilies.

T R windowlightingforDecemberisgiveninlovingmemoryofAliceR.(Kokernak)Rand,WesleyB.Rand,MildredA.KokernakandHenriH.KokernakbyHenryRand.

T whitepoinsettia’sintheSanctuaryonDecember1stweregiveninlovingmemoryofRuthandLeonFelton.

W L U P W ...Wecelebrateour22childrenwhoreceivedtheirBibles...pleasekeepthechildren,

theirfamiliesandourChildren'sChristianEducationMinistryinyourprayersasweallcontinuetolearnandgrowtogetherinourChristianunderstanding,commitmentandloveofGod'sWord.~ValerieJansson

FamilyandfriendsofMarjorieBrewerwhodiedFriday,November22nd.CardscanbesenttohersonBillBrewer,18BigWoodsDrive,HiltonHeadIsland,SC29926.AmemorialservicewillbeheldforMarjorieonFriday,December20that11 hereatWesleyChurch.

StanGutridgeinUMassMemorialHospitalfollowinggall‐bladdersurgery.BethVietze’smotherforcontinuedhealingfollowingsurgery.TheAidoofamilyonthebirthofKojoVincentAidoo,onNovember20th,bornto

Adriana&David.TheproudgrandparentsareJoseph&RebeccaAidoo.Prayersofblessingandthanksgiving.

Adjoawhohaslostherfather‐in‐law.BlairWoodringforsuccessfulhipsurgeryinDelaware.CelebrateDenzelDanielsninthbirthdaylastSaturday,November30th.DonandMargaretAnderson,onthedeathoftheirdaughterBethonSept10thaftera

longbattlewithlungcancer.Cardscanbesentto:DonandMargaretAnderson,1501E5thAveWinfieldKs67156

C I M N O …S ,D 1 ,A R D toDebiinoffice.Extendeddeadline

date:December6th.W ,D 11, 18.6:30 ~A C S S ,D 14 ,4 ~BoarsHeadFestival

(Snowdate:Sunday,December15th,4 )S ,D 15 ~A C M tobeheldafter10:30WorshipSPRC~S ,D 21 ,9:30 MeetingbeforeChargeConference.C C ~S ,D 21 ,10:30

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M C B A N F

Thanksgiving Actuals Budget Difference $2,444.50 $3,525.00 $‐1,080.50

OperatingBudget Actuals Budget Difference YTDIncome $516,118.91 $503,478.00 $12,640.00YTDExpense $507,377.98 $548,824.00 $‐41,446.02Subtotal $8,740.93 $‐45,346.00 $54,086.93UnpaidMissionShares $‐22,465.00AdjustedNetLoss $‐13,724.00 $‐45,346.00 $31,622.00Through11/30/13

Whilepledgesareexceedingbudgetbyalmost$20,000,wewillincuranetlossifwepaymissionsharesinfull.

2014PledgesPastorShandiandtheFinanceCommitteehaveaskedthatthepledgeanalysisincludedinthis issueof theHeraldbesharedwithyou. It showshowmanypledgeshavebeen re‐ceived(119),howmanypeoplegivebutdonotpledge(113),howmanynewpledgeshavebeenreceived (33)and thebreakdownof thepledges (11peoplepledged less than thisyear, 45pledged the same, and30pledgedmore). Please letmeknow if youhave anyquestionsonanyofthesenumbers.Yourpledgeshelpustoplan—thankstoallwhosub‐mittedapledgecard!!

FirstNightSodadonationsrequested!!!TohelpdefraythecostsassociatedwithourFirstNightfoodofferings,wearesolicitingyourdonationsofsoda.Pleaseusetheenclosedformtocheckoff what you can contribute. All donations can be given to Lorna in the of ice before12/20/13.THANKYOU!!!!!

Also,Iwillbesendingacoupleofemailsthisweek.OnewillgototheTeamLeaders,andonewillgo toeveryonewhohasvolunteered. (fyoudon’thaveemail, Iwillmailyouacopy.)These communicationswill give everyone thebasic informationyouwill need toknow.Pleasebesuretokeepmepostedifyourplanschangeandyouareunabletohelp.THANKYOUAGAIN!!!

Regardsandpeace,Lorna

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2014P A #412/2/13

WillLikely 2014 Pledgeand/ # Pledge orGive HaveCategory People CardsRc’d in2014 Pledged Notes

NoPledgesReceivedyetfor2014

Pledgedin2013,Gave, 27 0 32,858 0 48wkrr Nopledgeyetin2014

Nopledgein2013, 113 0 34,540 0 48wkrr Gave,Nopledgein2014 Totals 140 0 67,398 0PledgesReceivedfor2014

Pledgedin2013,Gave, 11 11 0 26,560 13,442less Pledgefor2014‐lessthan2013

Pledgedin2013,Gave, 45 45 0 69,478 Pledgefor2014‐sameas2013

Pledgedin2013,Gave, 30 30 0 121,822 12,832more Pledgefor2014‐morethan2013 Totals 86 86 0 217,860 NewPledges

NoPledgein2013,DidnotGive, 4 4 0 830 NewPledgefor2014NoPledgein2013,Gave, 29 29 0 43,370 NewPledgein2014 Totals 33 33 0 44,200

259 119 67,398 262,060

Total‐GeneralFundac1010only 329,458

ForecastfortheyearatendofNov.2013 307,230 GeneralFund 52weeks

CHRISTMAS WREATHS FOR DEDICATION… Once again this year, we have 3 wreaths on the outside doors (on Main Street and State Street) that are available for dedication. The cost of each wreath is $28. If you are interested in dedicating a wreath in honor or memory of a loved one or friend, please contact me in the office as soon as possible (508-799-4191). Thank you, Debi

MISSION TREES AT WESLEY

Once again in 2013 the mission tree tradition continues Wesley Church. You are invited to participate in decorating these trees while helping others during the Christmas season.

THE “MITTEN” TREE in Brewer Hall - Please help decorate this tree with warm hats, gloves, scarves and/or mittens. These practical ornaments bring happiness to those who enjoy seeing their variety and color and the needy Carty Cupboard clients who will receive and enjoy their warmth.

THE “MEMBER” TREE in East Hall - It is our hope that all families in Wesley Church will have a symbol - some ornament of their choice - among the decorations on this tree. If your family is not represented, please bring one and add it to our interesting a varied collection. (There are hangers under the tree.) All ornaments are carefully packed and stored so that they may be displayed annually.

THE SLENDER “RED BIRD” TREE in Brewer Hall on the stage - Please don’t toss out those labels from Campbell and Betty Crocker products. Instead, bring them in and place them in the basket near the slender “Red Bird” Tree. They will be sent to the Red Bird Mission in West Virginia where they will be collected and exchanged for needed items.

Have A Wonderful Holiday Season!

UPCOMING ADVENT EVENTS & SERVICES BROCHURES are available in the Welcome Office or you can print it off the website. If you do not have internet access and can not get out of the house, please contact the church and we can mail you one. Otherwise, you may pick a brochure up when you are at church next. Thank you, Debi

H N … December18thwillbethe inalHeraldfor2013.Pleasebesuretohaveyourarticlesintotheof icebyMonday,December16that12 .

The irstHeraldof 2014will be on January8th. Pleasemarkyour calendars andplanyourarticlesaccordingly.

O C W C … Thiswarmweatherwon’tlastmuchlonger.Let’sfaceit,weliveinNewEnglandandwewillgetsnow!SogetajumpstartandputyournameontheOneCall list.Beoneoftheluckyonesandreceiveaphonecallto indoutifchoirhasbeencancelled,orameetinghas been rescheduled, or even if worship has been cancelled. OneCall is not only forstorms and closings, it’s for those unexpected cancellations or change oflocationofameetingorevenareminderofaspecialeventatWesley—wewillbeabletodoanyofthisandmoreoverthephone.

Ifyouwouldliketosignupforthis,pleaseemailme(of ice@wesleyworc.org),callmeintheof ice,orsignupintheWelcomeOf iceonSundaywhenyou’rehereforchurch.Iwillneedyourname,homephonenumberandonecellphonenumberforeachfamily.Thisisjustanotherwayforustohelpkeepyouinformedofwhatisgoingonatyourchurch.

Ifyousignedup lastyear,youarestillonthe listandthere isnoneedtodoanything,unlessyouhavechanged/removedaphonenumber.

P O … The deadline for ordering a poinsettia to help decorate the Sanctuary for ChristmasSundayiscomingfast. Pleasetakeaminutetocompleteanorder. Yourpoinsettiacanbegiveninhonor/celebrationorinmemoryofalovedone.

YoucanleaveyourpoinsettiatobegiventoaWesleyshut‐inoryoucantakethemhometoenjoyafterchurchonDecember22nd.Orifyouwish,youcanleaveyourpoinsettiaatchurchfortheChristmasEveservicesandtakethemhometoenjoyafterward.

Besuretoplaceyourordersoon.AllordersshouldbeinbySunday,December8th.

~Thankyou,Debi

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B ’ H F T S …OnceagainweareveryfortunatetohavetheBoar’sHeadFestivalperformanceinourSanctuaryonSaturday,December14,2013from4to6 . This isawonderfulholidayeventputonbytheMasterSingersofWorcester,ledbyMalcolmHalliday.Ticketswillbeavailableforsalepriortotheeventinthechurchof ice, Monday through Friday, from 9 to 3 . Prices are $25 adult; $20 senior,studentandWOOCardadmission.Areceptionwillfollow.SeeLornaorDebiforticketsandmoreinformation.Hopetoseeyouthere!

M Q … If you or someone you care for hasMedicare and still wonderif you/they have the "right" choice, please see the Shine counselor (1‐800‐243‐4636,508‐852‐5539)atyourSeniorCenterortalkwithCarolynBellil(508‐798‐9848)whoisaShinecounselorbeforeDecember7th.Thankyou,CarolynBellil

G G H … Stumped on what to give for Christmas? Everyone can usegrocery gift cards! Buy them after church on Sunday and you can help a family stay intheir home. Prevent homelessness and share the hope of this Advent season! Supportour Hope for Housingministry. Gift cards are available for Shaw's, Stop & Shop, Big Y,HannafordandCVSindenominationsfrom$10to$100.

Andifyoufeelmovedtohelpevenmore,wecoulduseafewmorevolunteerstohelpsellinBrewerHallaftereitherserviceanySunday.Formoreinformation,callAllisonHansenat508‐853‐5339orsendheranemailatAChis4788@aol.com.

ThankYou,T Y ,THANKYOU!!!

Our beautiful sanctuary has once again been decorated for the Christmas season by adedicatedgroupofvolunteers. We thank thedecorators: SandyMcManus,LindaD’Acri,NancyEllis,CordeliaFerdinand,MarkandCindiMuncie,LindaBellil,andGaryPicardfortheircreativework.A special thank you also goes to Phil Johnson, Debi Ritacco, and Nancy Cook for theircontinualhelp.Everyone’stimeissovaluableduringthisbusyseasonandasalways,thisisateameffort. GodBless, RenellePicard WorshipandtheVisualArtsIwouldliketoThankeveryonefortheirprayers,cards,andheart‐feltcondolencesduringthetimeofmyMeme’spassing.Shewillalwayshaveaspecialplaceinmyheart.Allyourspecialwordsduringthistimehelpedmethroughthis. Blessings,DebiRitacco

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S S

We celebrate our 22 children who received their gift Bibles this past Sunday. Wegive thanks to the Wood Family Memorial fund and The Eleanor Kidwell MemorialFund for touching the children’s lives year after year with the greatest gift one couldreceive,theWordofGod. Aswerejoiceinthisfamilyfaithmilestone, letus,asachurchfamily, remember to live out our promise to the children… to help guide, teach, serve,andgrowtogether inourChristianunderstanding,commitmentand loveofGod’sWord,and most importantly pray for our children as they continue on their faith journey.PleasespeaktoPastorShandiorValerieJanssonforwaysyoucanpersonally impactthelivesofourchildren.

In the traditionof having our children share the good news of our Saviors birth, weare excited to present our Christmas pageant, The Plane TruthAbout Christmas, byJimmy Travis Getzen and Gail Getzen, on Sunday, December 22, 12:00 PM, BrewerHall stage. Our story comes alive when a family stranded at the airport on Christmasdecides toshare their faithwithother travelersbyputtingonaminiChristmaspageant.I would like to invite all the children to be part of this memorable faith experience aswe offer speaking and non‐speaking roles, and we will learn new songs together…pleasecontactValerie Jansson, vjansson@wesleyworc.org formore information.WeareblessedtohaveRachelFerdinand,RebeccaBartonhelpingdirectwithAnnOpenshawandValerieJansson.

Children’sChristmasPageantRehearsals: Sundays,December8th,and15th,rightafterchurch,Saturday,December21st,9:30‐11:00AM,andarriveat9:30AM,Sunday,December22nd.

“Godhadaplanredeemingman,andonChristmas itbegan.AChildwasborn to save theworld,HisnameisJesus.”¯JimmyTravisGetzen

ValerieJansson,SundaySchoolSuperintendent

M M T S C S onNovember30th, LindaD'Acri,her family, andothervolunteers fed 73! They created a tasty dinner of homemade turkey,mashed potatoes,squashandotherThanksgivingdishes. AppreciativedinerswerefromanumberofareasheltersandWesley.SomesaiditwastheironlyThanksgivingdinner.Thankyou,Linda,forplayingtheleadershiprole!Also,Chloe,we'redelightedwiththestoveyougave!

T T C S S ! KimberlyLindsey‐Amoahhasagreed tobeinchargeofaShepherd'spiedinneronthelastSaturdayinDecember,the28th,from4 to 6 pm. She is looking forWesley people to donate desserts (cookies, cupcakes, orbrownies)andbeverages(juices,juicedrinks,lemonade).Kimberlyalsoneedsvolunteersto set up at 3 pm, serve, and clean up. If you can help, please sign upwith Kim aftera 10:30 service, or contact her at kabooper@gmail.com or 508‐439‐0435. This suppercould be a bright spot in the week between Christmas and New Year's. That week isdif icultformanypeople,andperhapsforsomeinthesixareasheltersorCartyCupboardwhoreceiveprintedinvitations.

T D …NancyCookdeliveredtheitemswhichWesleyfolkshaddonated to theMaine EconomicMinistry. Dot Ellis and volunteers packed, labeled andsent18largeboxesofclothingwhichwereleftoverfromtheIndoorYardSale.Thankyoutoall!TheMaineministrytellsusthattheyuseeverythingthey'resent.

W A S C G U S … R S A …If you have any shoes that you no longer wear and they are in good shape, pleasedonatethem.Every100poundsofshoescollected‐‐(nodamagedshoes,fashionboots,winter booths or high heels), Rerun Shoes donates a mosquito net to Imagine NoMalaria(INM).Weareupto255pairsdonated.Thankyou!!!DebiRitacco

B T N V C …For several years, theWesleyBasketball Team has been a valuablemission because 54 young people ofmany ethnicbackgroundshavemet3or4daysaweektopracticeandplaygames.Theyrepresentedall of Worcester's high schools and some middle schools. Isaac Berko managed to dothe coaching, scheduling games and practices, and fund raising himself, but then wentto college in Boston. He also arranged for speakers such as theWorcester Police, andplayers had prayer time at each meeting. To get the program rolling again, the teamneeds a Coordinator to communicate with basketball leagues, schedule games andpractices,andarrangetransportation.Ifyoucouldplaythisroleyourself,orwithafriend,pleasecontactPastorShandiwhooverseestheteam.

D , , ? The basketball team alsoneeds a fundraiser ‐ either someone with experience, or someone who wishes to addgrant writing skills and experience to a resume (plus one of Wesley's experiencedfundraiserstotrainthatperson).Isaacmanagedtoraise$10,000lastyearforleaguefees(refereeing, gym rentals) and transportation. Wesley committees also provided somefunding and snacks last year. If you could serve as the fundraiser, please contactPastorShandiorBetsyPennino.

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F C C F P …Thanksgiving meal distribution was another success for us this year. Thanks to manygenerousdonations fromthe folksatWesley,ourpartnerchurchesandBancroft school.Theboxestheclientsreceivedhadthefollowing:one10to14lb.Turkey,freshpotatoes,fresh butternut squash, fresh carrots, fresh apples, stuf ingmix, gravy, cranberry sauce,a large can of corn or green beans, muf in mix, a dessert or pie mix, canned yams, orolives, or coffee. We bought and received from the state the turkeys and the freshvegetables,andtherestwasdonated.Thiswasthe irsttimewedidnothavetopurchaseanyofthenonperishableitems,becauseofthiswewereabletoprovideeachboxforunder$14.00…thisisaverygoodthing!!

So to everyonewhodonated items forThanksgiving, IThankYou!! With your helpwewereabletogive198familiesaHappyThanksgiving!!!

A VolunteerOpportunity… Carty Cupboard is looking for some help…We need apersonorpersonstobeableto ill inatthedeskusingthecomputerduringdistributiondays Wednesdays 12:30 to 3:30 and Fridays 9:30 to 12:30. This will not be everyweek, this will be once or twice a month when volunteers go on vacations and haveappointments.IfyouareinterestedpleasecallNancySpencerat508‐887‐1481.

~Thankyou!Nancy Spencer

U M W

TheThanksgivingBakeandCraftSalewasverysuccessful.Weearned$931.75inalltotal.Thankstoallwhobaked,bought,andvolunteered.SpecialthankstoLindaD'Acri,DoloresAugustus,andDorothyPalmgren,ourcoordinatorsforthisevent.Allproceedswillbene itUMWmissions.

NoticetoallUMWCircleLeadersandOf icers:YourannualreportisduebyWednesday,January8th.Allreportswillbeincludedintheannualbookletdistributedtoourmembers.Reports may be left in the UMW mailbox in the Welcome Of ice or given directly toMargaretWatson.

TheUMWAnnualMeetingandMemorialServicewillbeheldonSunday,January19,2014at12noonfollowingthe10:30worshipservice. AllUMWmembers,leaders,andof icersare encouraged to attend. Lunchwill be served by the Dorcas Circlewith Emily Smithcoordinating. For the second year we will include a pledge service, so Circles mayformallypresenttheirpledgesatthattime.

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W Y G

EveryWednesday7‐9pm:Joinusforourweeklymeetings!

NOYOUTHonWednesdayDec.25thorJan.1st–MerryChristmasandHappyNewYear!

ComingAttractions

RSVP foralleventsonourFacebookpage,bye‐mailingyouth@wesleyworc.org,orontwitter@YouthWesley

HitsDeepTourfeaturingTobyMac:FridayDecember6th7pmWewillattendthisconcertanditwillbeawesome!Weneed20+peopleforthegroupratesomakesuretoRSVP!

FirstNight!December31st. It’sback!We’ll servepopcornandsoda, thenwewill go toashowintheevening.

SpaghettiDinneratEpworthUMC January112014 We will help Epworth UMC servetheirmonthlyfreeSpaghettimeals.

CampAldersgateLaunchMissionRetreatJanuary24‐26AweekendformiddleandhighschoolstudentstospendlearningaboutmissionatCampAldersgate.

White‐OutDanceFebruary222014Bring a friendanddress inwhite forourWhite‐OutDance!

UMARMYSummerMissionTrip July13‐192014 We will participate in the UM ARMYSummerMission Trip. Please RSVP soon sowe know howmany peoplewill be comingwithus.ParentsmeetingTBA.

A C P F …Worcester County Memorial Park, located in the picturesqueandquiettownofPaxton,MAisofferingafreeconsultationonthebenefitsofpreplanningyour burial arrangements. Pre‐planning your cemetery arrangements ‐with your headandnotyourheart‐isanactoflovethatprovidesseveralfinancialandemotionalbenefitstoyourfamily,nottomentionyourownsatisfactioninknowingthatyourwisheswillbecarriedouttoyourpersonalspecifications.

We also offer special programs forVeterans, Police, Firefighters and SpecialNeedsFamilies.Asyoumayknowalready,cremationorburialcostsareexpenseseveryfamilymustpay.Youcanmeettheseneedstodayoutofyourcurrentincomethrougheasybudgetpayments.

If you are interested in a free consultation, please feel free to contact Scott LeBlanc at774‐276‐1751orviaemailats.leblanc@wcmp.org.

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S N :C C M ,D 02,2013

TheChurchCouncilshallprovideforplanningandimplementingaprogramofnurture,outreach,witness,andresourcesinthelocalchurch…Itshallenvision,plan,implement,andannuallyevaluatethemissionandministryofthechurch.

(BookofDiscipline(2012)paragraph252)

Present: RonRamsey(chair),CarolineBellil,MichaelEdmunds,EmmanuelOkrah, MarkMuncey,BetsyPennino,PhilSmith,ValerieJansson,PastorShandi

AGENDA:‐Theagendawastoreviewthegoalspresentedatthelastcouncilandallchurchmeetingwiththeobjectivetoconcludethemeetingwithsomerecommendationsfromthecouncilaboutwhatstepstotakeinordertoimplementourgoals.

SUMMARYOFDISCUSSION:ThecouncildiscussedthefeedbackreceivedattheAllChurchMeetingandothersettings.Feedback included programmatic ideas for a children’s choir, youth and young adultsSunday, full time staff personworkingwith children, and newmodels ofworship. Aftersome discussion, the council discerned that the goals previously identi ied still re lectsomeofthemostpressingneedsinthecongregation,andthatthefeedbackreceivedcanstillbeaddressedthroughthepresentgoals.Therevisedgoalsarethereforeasfollows:

GOALI: Tostrengthenandgrowourministrywithchildren,youthandtheirfamiliesGOALII: TostrengthenandgrowourministriesofmakingdisciplesGOALIII: TostrengthenWesley’spositionasagrowingandself‐sustainingcongregation

InitialOBJECTIVES: ConductaSWOT(Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities,andThreats)Analysisto

discernthepresentstateofthechurch. Developaplanforprovidingrelevantandintentionalprogrammingthataddressthe

mostpressingneedsofourcommunity(Wesleyandbeyond)inlightoftheSWOTAnalysis.

Putforwardaplanfordevelopingthenecessaryresources,staffleadershipandlayleadershipcommittedtotheidenti iedprogrammingplan.

Aswedevelop furtherobjectives andaplan formeetingourgoals, a careful look at ourprogramming, staff leadership, lay leadership, and resources will be integral. We willneed to be good stewards of all our gifts and resources, including the time, talents, andspiritual gifts of both our staff and lay leadership. We will need to invest in the areaswhere signi icant gapsare identi ied.Wewill need to alignall gifts, staff and leadershipwiththemissionandvisionofourchurch.

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NextSteps:Wewill employ the gifts and consulting experiencesof LisaFagerstrom, ourDirector ofChristian Formation to conduct the SWOTAnalysis. Lisawill guide andhelp the councilconduct the analysis. Time is of the essence, so the council will set the time frame forthisportionoftheprocessattheJanuarymeeting.AplanshouldbeinplaceandreadyforimplementationJuly1,2014.

REPORTSFinance: Michael Edmunds reported that we have identi ied a person to conduct ourannual inancial audit at a signi icantly lower cost than originally thought, thanks toLorna’sefforts.

SPRC:MarkMunceyreportedthatSPRCisseekingtoaddresstheanticipateddepartureofouryouthdirectors(PhilandEmiSmith)byputtingforwardarecommendationtoincludeyouth ministry responsibilities to the Director of Christian Formation position on theinterim,until a fullplanhasbeendevelopedby the council. SPRC’svision is tohave fulltimestaffintheareasofChristianformation,children’sministry,andyouthministry.

AllChurchMeeting:December15,2013,12:00PM

ChargeConference:December21,2013,10:00AM

NEXTCOUNCILMEETING:Monday,January6,2014,7:00PM.

Agenda:ReceiveguidancefromLisaFagerstromonhowtoconductaSWOTAnalysisofa)childrenandyouthministries, andb)ministriesofmakingdisciples; set a time frame; andbeginthatwork.

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AG N H DearWesley,Asmanyofyouknow, IpurchasedagoatduringourHarvestcelebration.He isarescuegoatandlivesatalocalfarm.Idecidedtobuyhimasanactofthanksgiving.Iwasgivingthanks for an interview offer I received at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana.Hanover College is searching for an Assistant Professor of Genetics to lesh out theircurrentbiologydepartment.Itisasmall,privateschoolofabout1200studentslocatedonthe banks of the Ohio River. I was extremely excited to have the chance to interview.The school is only inviting 2‐3 candidates for this opening, and I am one of their topchoices. By the time you read this, the interview will have concluded. However, it is aprelude,settingthings inmotionthat impactyouandtherestofWesley.PhilandIhavebeen faithfulmembers ofWesley UMC for 6 years, ever sincewemoved from Indiana.In that time, we have enjoyed serving God among you. We have created meaningfulrelationshipsandparticipatedinmanyprograms,studies,missionopportunitiesandotherevents.AndobviouslyweworkedhardtoensurethattheyouthofWesleyhaveaministrythatisspeci icandvitalandrelevant,everyweekofeveryyear.Wehavegrowntogetherwith themaswe ledcon irmationclass, tookagroup toYouth2011,developedourownmini‐retreat featuring the RezLife band,went onweekend retreats to CampAldersgate,planned and executed fundraisers, shared our talents, played sardines in the darksanctuaryduringour lock‐ins,dancedthenightaway in thegym, talkedabout theBible,aboutKoinonia (I gotyourback, Iputyou irst, Iplaymypart, and I loveyouanyway),aboutBullhornGuyandBarefootGuyandwhat itmeans tobeachurch(abridge,notastore), about collegeandpromandboysandwhat aweave is andhowGod lovesusnomatter what. Of course we are sad to go, but our plan was never to stay. As we facethis timeof transition together, Iwanted to remindeveryone that theyoutharenot thefutureofthechurch,theyAREthechurch,rightnowthisminute.Itissocriticalforustoremember that. We so often lament the lack of young people among us, but what arewedoingtoaddressthatissue?Howdowespeci icallyministertothecollegekidslivinginthedormacrossthestreet?Howdowespeci ically loveandcare for theyouth inourcommunity?Theanswer, inmyopinion, involvesRELEVANCE.Whatisrelevantforthemtoday? The answer to that question includes all of us, actually.What is relevant today?AsPhilandIprepareforthenextstepofourjourney,wedonotleaveyouwiththeburdenof a leaderless youth group. Instead, we leave you with the exciting chance to be inministry with our youth, to support an additional staff member that will continue theconversation of relevance and begin to reach out evenmore thanwe have done, to thecollegekidsacross thestreetandaroundthetown, to theyouthof theneighborhood, tothechurchrightnowinthepresentmoment.Don’tletthemomentslipaway.YourstogetherwithChrist, EmiSmith(P.S.InamedthegoatHowardbecauseIthinkitisafunnynameforagoat.Noreason.)

I C Gospel Lectionary selection, Pentecost 27C (November 24, 2013)

Luke 23:33-43++++++++++++

Thecruci ixionof Jesuswasthehighpointof therevengeandsatisfactionsoughtbyJesus’ Jerusalemenemies– thechiefpriestsandscribes,whohadplottedthis(22:2)after seeing Jesus’ in luence growwith the crowdswho came to listen to him dailyin the temple (21:38). This cruci ixion inparticularwas theultimate formofpublicdegradation and humiliation – being nailed naked to a cross, on public display. Avarietyoffeaturescommontocruci ixionswerenotedbywritersofthetime:

Cruci ixionwasconsideredtheappropriatepunishmentforslaves,bandits,prisonersofwar,andrevolutionaries.

Publictrialsservedasritualsofstatusdegradation. Floggingandtorture,especiallyblindingandbloodshedding,generallyaccompaniedthesentence.Becausescourgingwasdonebothtothefrontandthebackofthebody,thevictimswerenaked–theirclothingwascon iscatedpriortothe logging,aswasanyotherpropertytheymighthavehadwiththem.

Thecondemnedwereforcedtocarrytheircrossbeam. Thevictimlostpowerthroughpinioningofthehandsandarms,especiallyinthecasesofthosewhowerenailedtothecross.

Theexecutionservedasacrudeformofpublicentertainment,wherethecrowdsridiculedandmockedthevictims,whoweresometimesaf ixedtocrossesinanoddandwhimsicalmanner,includingimpalement.

Deathwasoftenslowandprotracted.Thepowerlessvictimssufferedbodilydistortionsandlossofbodilycontrol.

Inmanycases,thevictimsweredeniedhonorableburial–corpseswereleftondisplayanddevouredbycarrionbirdsandscavengeranimals.

TheGospelsquicklypassover thephysical tortureof Jesus (the term “GoodFriday”is a medieval Christian invention). Rather, they point out the various attempts todishonor Jesus – spitting on him, striking him on the face and head, ridiculing him,insultinghim,andingeneraltreatinghimasthoughhewerenothing.

++++++++++++MalinaBJ,RohrbaughRL.Social‐ScienceCommentaryontheSynopticGospels.SecondEdition.Minneapolis:FortressPress,2003.pp.321;346f(Cruci ixion).

‐CharlesKiefer,fortheLectionaryStudyGroup

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ThispastSundaywebeganourobservationoftheliturgicalseasonofAdventwiththelighting of the irst candle on the AdventWreath. The custom of the AdventWreathoriginated centuries ago in Northern Europe and was associated with a householdtradition of burning lights during the Yule season. By the sixteenth century thesebecame Advent symbols in Christian homes, but the use of the Advent Wreath as asymboloftheseasoninworshipisaphenomenonofthelast iftyyearsorso.Did you know that in the early stages the candles of the AdventWreathwerewhiteor red? Gradually a color scheme for the candles evolved which is based on theliturgicaluseofcolor.OurAdventWreathhas threepurplecandlesandarosecandlein the outer circle of the wreath itself with a slightly larger white candle in thecenter. SinceAdvent isaseasonofpreparation, ithasaspectswhicharebothsolemnandpenitential. Thisissymbolizedbytheuseofadeeppurple(orinsometraditionsa deep blue) color, which also is the color of royalty,passion, and longing, for the irst, second and fourthcandlesof theAdventWreath.Advent also is a seasonofexpectant waiting, a more joyous aspect of the seasonsymbolized by the use of a rose colored candle for thethirdSunday.Finally,onChristmasEvewelighttheChristcandleinthecenterofthewreath.ThewhitecoloroftheChristcandleisasymboloffestivity.Advent is a season in which we mark the passage oftime—notonlythewaitingforourcelebrationofthebirthof Jesus at Christmas but also preparing for his inalcoming at the end of time. TheAdventWreath helps ustomark that passage of time—aswewatch the candlesdiminish in size we also see the accumulation of light.The gradual increase of light as a new candle is lightedeachSundayremindsusoftheapproachoftheLightoftheWorld.

Submittedby,DeborahA.O’Driscoll

D Y K ?

2013H S BelowarethenextHeraldmailingdatesalongwiththedeadlinedates.

ArticleDeadline HeraldMailing Date Date Mon.,Dec..16 Wed.,Dec.18**ThisisthelastHeraldfor2013.

2014 Mon.,Jan.6 Wed.,Jan.8

Ifyouhaveanarticle,pleaseemailitasaWordattachmentto:

of ice@wesleyworc.org

A F …Beautiful loral arrangements on the altarduring Sunday worship is a special gift weoffer to God as part of our praise andworship. The arrangements are usuallydedicated incelebrationoforinmemoryofalovedone.Byyourchoice,youmaytakethelowers home to enjoy or you may requestthe lowers be delivered to a shut‐in ormember/friend in the hospital. If you areunable to join us in church, arrangementscanbemade for the lowers tobedeliveredtoyouathomeafter the service.A calendarof available dates and order forms areavailableintheWelcomeOf ice.Thecostforaltar lowers is $50. If you are not able tocome to church but would like to dedicatelowers, please call Debi in the of ice(508‐799‐4191).Thankyou.

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W S L T Pastor ShandiraiMawokomatanda

DirectorofMusicMinistries BrettMaguire

MusicAssistant DeborahO’Driscoll

SundaySchoolSuperintendent ValerieJansson

DirectorofChristian LisaFagerstromFormation&Discipleship

ToddlerCareLeader LoriConlon

BuildingSuperintendent PhilJohnson

BusinessAdministrator LornaMattus‐Merrill

ChurchSecretary DebiRitacco

Custodians CarolFlionis, GerardPiscitelli, SteveBoyns

HeadUsher DavidDagle

AdministrativeCouncil RonRamsay

BoardofTrustees AnnelleBenson

CartyCupboardFoodPantry NancySpencer

CommunionSteward EarlFlagg

EducationWorkArea AnnOpenshaw

Finance&Stewardship MichaelEdmunds Co‐Chairs WilliamWong

GhanaianAssociation EmmanuelOkrah

Events&Fellowship CoffeeHour Gary&RenellePicard

Layleader DeborahO’Driscoll

MedicalMinistry RonRamsay

MemorialGifts CarolynBellil

MissionCoordinator BetsyPennino

Staff‐ParishRelations BrentDrajesk Co‐Chairs MarkMuncey

YouthDirectors Phil&EmilySmith

UnitedMethodistWomen MargaretWatson

ChurchPhone:508‐799‐4191Fax:508‐799‐3725E‐M

ail:ofice@wesleyw

orc.orgWebpage:w

ww.wesleyw

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