the weekly chronicle - sudbury united methodist...
TRANSCRIPT
THE CHRONICLE – NOVEMBER 30, 2017
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FROM PASTOR JOEL NOVEMBER 30, 2017
Dear Friends in Christ,
When our two daughters were pre-school aged children, Wendy found a wooden puzzle pattern in the back of a women’s magazine that she subscribed to that she wanted both girls to have. From a piece of inch-thick pine stock maybe ten inches square, the pattern demonstrated how it was possible to cut out a frame that looked like Bethlehem’s stable along with a Mary-figure, a Joseph-figure, a tiny manger, three Magi, a couple of shepherds, a donkey, a pair of sheep, and three camels. After Jody and Jordan were tucked into bed, Wendy and I worked on those puzzles like a pair of paupers in an O. Henry short story. Our goal was to finish them in time for Advent’s first Sunday. Fortunately, we succeeded. Blessedly, the girls loved playing with their puzzles to reenact the Christmas story. And, amazingly, they still know where to find their puzzles whenever December rolls around again. Now their children dump the figures out of the barn-shaped frame and set them up like a nativity scene. Or they work on piecing the puzzle back into the frame – an accomplishment few grown-ups can conquer the first time around.
The next time you and I gather for worship on Sunday, December 3, we will begin our annual Advent journey to Bethlehem where we will witness again the birth of God’s only begotten Son to a Jewish virgin named Mary. The story of Christmas, as we tell it to small children – with or without a simple set of wooden figures to illustrate it – is so basic its most obvious meanings are easily grasped by the youngest minds in our church. Mother Mary loves Baby Jesus. And “God so loved the world he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
This year, Advent worship services will begin, as they almost always do, with a brief liturgy that includes lighting tall purple candles set in an evergreen wreath. We will learn a new song, “Christ, Be Our Light,” and we will focus each Sunday on the two main characters in the Christmas story: Mary and her infant Son – the Madonna and her Holy Child. Like I said, very basic, except for one significant wrinkle: Each Sunday’s Madonna and Child will look like they come from a world religion other than Christianity.
Did you know that there are versions of the Christmas story in some non-Christian faiths and close parallels in others? On Advent’s first Sunday, December 3, we will see images of Mariam and Isa, the Islamic Mary and infant Jesus. Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha, will be introduced to us on December 10 because the birth legend of her son carries symbolic parallels to the birth of Jesus. Jewish parallels will be explored on December 17 followed by Hindu similarities on Advent IV, December 24.
During Sunday worship services, we won’t spend a lot of time discussing the similarities or the differences between Jesus’ birth stories and the legends of holy births in other faiths. After all, Sundays belong to Jesus so our worship will be directed exclusively to Christ. But on Wednesdays in Advent, December 6, 13, and 20, we will gather in Hawes Hall for a bowl of warm soup at 6:00 p.m. followed by nourishing worship or stimulating study at 6:30. That’s when we plan to pick up where we left off when we lit the prior Sunday’s Advent candles. “Why are birth stories so similar from faith to faith?” we will ask. “What do the parallels and differences teach us about Christianity, about other world religions, and humanity?” And, “Is there room for conversation between Christians and those who practice other faiths – not to mention mutual understanding, deeper appreciation, and growing respect?” Sound interesting?
See you in church!
Pastor Joel
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CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS
DATES TO KEEP IN MIND
Dec. 2: Christmas Pageant Rehearsals continue. Dec. 2: Sunday School Teacher Training. Dec. 3: Acolyte Training. Dec. 3: Health Ministries Book Discussion – Being Mortal. Dec. 4 Christmas Flower Ordering Deadline. Dec. 4: Women’s Fellowship – Not So Silent Auction at Hosmer House. Dec. 6, 13, 20: Advent Soup Supper and Programming. Dec. 8-9: Youth Lock-In. Dec. 10: Christmas Cantata. Dec. 14: Magic Years. Dec. 17: Carols and Cookies (Formerly the Barn Sing!) Dec. 17: Blue Christmas at 5:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s. Dec. 20: Health Ministries Cancer Support Group.
LEARN
The Magnuson Moment
The time between mid-November and mid-January is, indeed, a unique time. All of us encounter the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. And with those special days we experience a variety of emotions. Hopefully we sense more hope, peace, and joy rather than despair, loneliness, and a feeling of loss.
My favorite aspect of the holiday season is the Christmas carols; the messages conveyed through the lyrics as well as the old familiar tunes. I have
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already pulled out and started to play my Christmas CD collection. One of the first CDs I listened to was “Noel” by Josh Groban. Halfway through the CD, Josh Groban sings “Thankful,” a song written by David Foster. In some ways, I felt that song to be out of place among the other carols of “Silent Night” and “The First Noel.” However, upon reflection it is very fitting to have “Thankful” in the middle of the other Christmas songs.
We just celebrated a holiday of giving thanks and we need to continue that spirit of thankfulness and gratitude with us into the Advent season. So before continuing on with the reading of the Chronicle with the dates and opportunities sprinkled throughout December, please copy the link below into your browser, sit back and listen to “Thankful” by Josh Groban. In the song, Mr. Groban admonishes us to “see the joy that surrounds us,” and not be “caught up inside ourselves.” If you are feeling more sorrow than gladness, think about how you can be a positive light in our church community. You might consider volunteering for one Sunday in December in Sunday School to dress up as a shepherd or wise man, or help the children to make an angel or star ornament. You might try to connect with a prayer partner on December 17 for the “Carols and Cookies” celebration.
My hope and prayer for you is that you may you experience hope, peace, and joy this Advent season. Josh Groban's "Thankful"
December Dates and events to keep in mind:
Training for Sunday School teachers for ages 3 through Grade 8
Dec. 2: The Who? Dec. 9: The What? Dec. 16: The How?
Sunday School (A live Nativity)
Dec. 3: A Visit from Mary and Joseph; making Nativity-shaped cookies Dec. 10: A Visit from the Angel and Shepherds; making an angel ornament Dec. 17: A Visit from the Three Wise Men; making a star ornament
Wednesday Soup Suppers. Activities for children (Christmas Celebrations Throughout the World)
Dec. 6: Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day Dec. 13: Celebrate Saint Lucia’s Day Dec. 20: Celebrate and share your family and cultural traditions
Prayer Pals Connection. Prayer pals, please consider connecting together on
Dec. 17: Carols and Cookies (formally known as “Barn Sing”) at 3:00 p.m.
Magic Years.
Dec. 14: The music ministry team of Meredith DeBow and Janice Lunn will present “Christmas Carols, Our History and Heritage.” For this event, please bring a tray of cookies to share and an idea for a 2018 New Year’s Resolution.
Prayer Pals. The key word for Week 13, Dec. 3-9 is: Grace. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”—2 Corinthians 13:14
This Year’s Advent Focus: Mother and Child
The heart of the Christmas story is an intimate relationship: Mother Mary loves Baby Jesus. Did you know that there are versions of the Christian Christmas story in some non-Christian faiths and close parallels in others?
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On Advent’s first Sunday, December 3, we will see images of Mariam and Isa, the Quran’s story about Mary and Jesus. Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha, will be introduced on December 10 because the birth legend of her son carries symbolic parallels to the birth of Jesus. Jewish parallels will be explored on December 17, followed by Hindu similarities on Advent IV, December 24.
At 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays we will take time to become more familiar with the Madonna and Child we met in worship on the previous Sunday. The Membership and Community Life Commission will help us to get organized for three soup suppers on December 6, 13, and 20. Come to Hawes Hall for hot soup, fresh bread, and warm fellowship. Then, at 6:30, choose one of the following options:
“Mother and Child” – led by Pastor Joel in the Choir Room, this class will introduce parallels to the Christmas story in Islam (December 6), Buddhism (December 13), and Judaism (December 20). Why are birth stories so similar from faith to faith? What do the parallels and differences teach us about Christianity, other world religions, and humanity? And, is there room for conversation between Christians and those who practice other faiths – not to mention mutual understanding, deeper appreciation, and growing respect?
“Salutation to Mary” – Heather Josselyn-Cranson and musicians Kevin Murphy and Rob Hammerton will lead worship in Davison Chapel for a three-evening series featuring Advent and Christmas hymns focused on Mary and her Son, the reading of scripture, and contemplative prayer. Davison Chapel is a special place to be during candlelit Advent services! Give it a try!
“My Neighbor’s Faith” – teens and their friends will join Zack Moser for an Advent workshop during which Zack will lead activities and discussions on the beliefs and practices of other religions. Teens will explore areas where Christian faith overlaps with other faiths and where differences exist. We will also look at the concept (or misconceptions) of “religion.” December 6: Islam and Christian/Muslim relations; December 13: Eastern religions (Buddhism/Hinduism); December 20: Judaism – Christian foundations (or “Why aren’t we Jewish?”)
“Christmas Celebrations throughout the World” – for kids in grades five and under, Director of Christian Education Eric Magnuson will lead an introduction to Christmas celebrations in the Netherlands (St. Nicolas Day on December 6), in Sweden (St. Lucia Day on December 13), and in the countries represented by the children in this year’s Advent class (December 20).
Greetings from the SUMC Youth!
Happy New Year! Did you know that the Christian liturgical calendar begins on the First Sunday of Advent? It makes sense when you think about it. The celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas is the first major event on the calendar, which is chronologically reasonable, and Advent is the season during which we prepare for Christmas. Therefore…Happy New Year!
So what is Advent all about? Preparation. During the month of December, the youth will be exploring ways in which we prepare for the coming of Christ – not just before Christmas, but throughout the year and throughout our lives. The way we do this is through what we call Holy Habits. What is a Holy Habit? The best way to find out is to come to youth group during Advent. There are other things going on, too. For example…
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Our lock-in/Christmas party will be Friday night, December 8. It will go from 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Zack will not sleep, but strongly encourages the youth not to follow suit. Sleep is important for
teens, he says. Zack may be out of luck on this one. Also, no energy drinks.
The high school Coffee Hour Bible Study will continue in the teacher’s lounge this Sunday (the
room right before the chapel). We’ll still have donuts.
Parents, please check your email for updates on all other things youth-related at SUMC.
Keep the Faith.
Advent Dinner Announcement…
While Pastor Joel leads a discussion on images of the Madonna and Child in various faiths on Wednesday evenings in December, there will also be an Advent workshop for teens. Similarly, Zack will lead activities and discussions on the tenets and practices of other religions. We will explore areas where Christianity overlaps and where we differ, and discuss what we can learn from each other – as well as the basic concept (or misconceptions) of “religion.” It’s gonna be cool. Come for the dinner. Stay for the cool.
Topics:
December 6: Islam and Christian/Muslim relations
December 13: Eastern religions (Buddhism/Hinduism)
December 20: Judaism – Christian foundations (or “Why aren’t we Jewish?”)
Sudbury Faith Leaders after Thanksgiving Worship
The Upper Room
The Upper Room booklets are available in the narthex. Help yourself to a free copy for your daily devotional readings. Or access it online by clicking here: https://www.upperroom.org/
Health Ministries Commission Book Discussion on December 3rd
The Health Ministries Commission is launching a new book discussion series. The program will start with Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande. In Being Mortal, author Atul Gawande tackles the hardest challenge of his profession: how medicine can not only improve life but also the process of its ending. The discussion will take place following worship on December 3, in Davison Chapel. Please contact Kay D’Orlando to find out more and to sign up: [email protected].
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CONNECT
Here-We-Come-A-Caroling!
Help us spread some Christmas Cheer at Sudbury Pines Nursing Home (642 Boston Post Road) this Sunday, December 3, at 12:30 p.m. If you can hold a tune, join us and make a joyful noise. If you can’t carry a tune in a bucket, join us anyways - and just make a noise with joy! After all, it’s all about offering our presence and sharing the love of Christ at Christmas. The guests at Sudbury Pines are always so happy to see us – and we have made some new friends over the years. Be careful though: you may find the experience is just as meaningful to you as it is to the folks we serenade!
Woman’s Fellowship at Hosmer House on Monday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 4, we will meet at the Hosmer House in Sudbury for our “NOT SO SILENT AUCTION”. It is our Christmas tradition to raise money for charity. Please bring just ONE wrapped gift to be auctioned off (unseen) to the highest bidder. The proceeds will be given to the town social worker to be distributed as needed for counseling at Lincoln Sudbury High School. All women of the church are welcome to come and enjoy the fun!
2017 Peanut Butter Giving Tree is “Live”
20 tags remain on this year’s Peanut Butter Tree. At your convenience, please visit our “virtual” tree anytime by following these 3 easy steps:
Click this link to go to our invitation page on Signup.com: http://signup.com/go/augdOLn
Review the Available Tags
Select a Tag! You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on file. You will receive an automated confirmation and Karen Monteiro will e-mail you detailed instructions within 24 hours.
Each tag on our “giving tree” represents a child or teenager that is anonymously assigned through Wayside Youth & Family Support Network and Justice Resource Institute. Wayside’s mission is to provide leading edge counseling, family support, residential and educational services for building strength, hope, and resiliency in youth, families, and communities. Many of the children represented on our giving tree have experienced multiple placements with various family members or foster homes and have histories of abuse, neglect, and trauma. Through Justice Resource Institute, we support teens that reside in group homes. These adolescent residential settings specialize in supporting those struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD symptoms that lack the appropriate family setting to provide the emotional and educational support needed.
Many we support have no family contact and the holidays can be an especially difficult time for them. Please consider including this in your Advent season. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer with gift collection on Sunday, December 17th, please contact Karen Monteiro ([email protected]).
The Peanut Butter Tree is a wonderful and fulfilling family outreach program and we look forward to another successful year!
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Year End Donations
As we approach the end of the calendar year, the Stewardship and Finance Committee reminds SUMC members who make contributions (for either their Annual Pledge or Pave-the-Way) through donations of appreciated stock, life insurance cash-outs, distributions from IRAs, or Donor Advised Funds, to please notify SUMC of the amount of donation; form of donation; who it might be coming from (e.g., the name of the broker/dealer; bank; insurance company, mutual fund company, etc.). Having this information will enable us to apply the contribution to the donor (You!) and to the correct account (Annual Pledge or PTW). You may do this by speaking with Mike Greb (SUMC’s Business Manager) at the office (978-443-4351); Don Glencross (SUMC Treasurer); Jim Bennett or John Antes (Financial Secretaries) or George Gorman (Chair of S&F), or by putting a note with the pertinent information into the plate. Mike Greb can be emailed at: [email protected].
We recently received a donation check from USAA Life Insurance Company without any donor identifying information. If you were the member who made this donation, please let us (Mike Greb or any of the above individuals) know the necessary information, so we will be able to apply the amount to your name and to its intended purpose (Annual Pledge or PTW).
Also, as we approach the end of the calendar year, please remember that all 2017 Annual Fund and PTW donations must be received by December 31, 2017, in order for you to take your tax deduction in 2017, if you itemize your deductions.
The Temporary Protected Status Program (TPS) of the U. S. Immigration Policy
While immigration policies stall in congress, the executive branch has ordered the rollback of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. President Bush established the TPS program in 1990 to allow eligible immigrants from designated countries undergoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other unsafe conditions to live in this US. The TPS program does not provide a pathway to citizenship but permits the immigrant to live and work in this country without fear of deportation. Many people in the TPS program have lived in the US for upwards of 20 years. The Department of Homeland Security ended TPS for some 2,500 Nicaraguan citizens who took refuge in this country when Hurricane Mitch struck Central America. They have been given 14 months to leave the country. The agency has sent signals that it soon could end protection for 190,000 El Salvadorans, 57,000 Hondurans and 50, Haitians living in the US as well.
Please encourage your representatives to make changes to the immigration laws to provide a permanent solution for individuals who have lived and worked in this country for so many years.
Join the Thursday Bible Study
Sudbury UMC’s Thursday Bible study group always welcomes new participants. Meetings take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Panera Bread located at 21 Andrew Avenue in Wayland’s Town Center, just two miles from Sudbury UMC!
Each week’s focus text is the next Sunday’s preaching passage. Remember to bring your Bible and a few bucks for something warm or cool to sip.
We will look ahead to the passages being preached during worship on:
December 3: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 December 10: Mark 1:1-8
December 17: John 1:6-8, 19-28 December 24: Luke 1:26-38
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‘Tis the Season when friends and neighbors may need Stephen Ministry
The darker days of winter and even the holidays can sometimes trigger loneliness, sadness, or anxiety. This is especially true if a loved one has suffered a loss, a sudden change, or a difficult life transition. Perhaps you have a family member, friend or neighbor who could benefit from a caring relationship.
Sudbury UMC has thirteen active Stephen Ministers (caregivers). Ten of our caregivers are currently available to offer their gentle support. They can walk with those who need kindness, a listening ear, and distinctively Christian care-giving.
If you know a friend – including yourself – who might benefit from a caring relationship, you can speak to Pastor Joel, Lori Granger or Richard Smith. And every Sunday morning, one Stephen Minister is available after worship in the O’Reilly room. They are there to listen to your concerns and pray with you.
December 3: Lori Granger December 10: Melody Karian
COMMUNITY
Drivers Needed for FISH and Meals on Wheels
FISH - Deb Galloway, director of the Sudbury Senior Center, reports that FISH (a network of volunteers that provide transportation to medical appointments to anyone in need, regardless of age or ability level) needs volunteer drivers. Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport Sudbury residents to and from medical appointments. Interested in volunteering or learning more about FISH? Please dial 978-443-2145.
Meals on Wheels – Our drivers deliver 3,000 healthy meals, every weekday, to elders and adults living with disabilities. They may deliver the only meal of the day to our homebound clients in addition to providing critical social contact a safety check.
Today additional drivers are needed to meet the increasing demand for home delivered meals in our service are that includes 11 cities and towns. If you are
interested in giving back to your community through this part-time job, apply today! Please call Sara at 781-324-7705 ext. 689 or visit our website www.mves.org/join-us/.
Household Goods
Household Goods, 530 Main Street (Rte. 27) in Acton, needs additional volunteers, especially:
•Furniture movers during the week and on Saturday/Sunday afternoons. These volunteers assist both on the road (picking up donations) and at the facility in Acton (moving donations in and client furniture out to waiting vehicles). •Truck drivers who can also move furniture •Volunteers who are willing to be trained and make a commitment to scheduling donation pick ups •Quality control/triage volunteers who will help check appliances/electronics for completeness and working order, cleaning appliances and preparing rugs and upholstered furniture for display (vacuuming). The minimum age to volunteer independently is 14. Hours and days of the week are flexible. Whether
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you can spare as little as three hours a month, or a day or more a week, we invite you to join us in our mission to assist those in need. For more information, please visit this Volunteer page on the Household Goods website, or call 978-635-1710 x6.
Donations Urgently Needed: Your Extra Could Be Someone’s Only
Every day, Household Goods welcomes new families emerging from homelessness or other difficult circumstances, and strives to offer them the dignity of choice as they set up a new home. Immediate needs: Our inventory of pots and pans, kitchen utensils, glasses and other kitchen items is running low. If you have pots and pans to donate, please consider us. We are also in urgent need of mattresses and kitchen/dining tables. Donated goods should be clean (no rips, tears or stains) and in working order.
Donations are gratefully accepted on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at 530 Main Street (Rte. 27) in Acton. Your repurposing gift could make a real difference for someone in need! Find more details at this Donations page on the Household Goods website.
A Reminder from the Sudbury Community Food Pantry
There will be no distribution of either frozen or fresh Thanksgiving turkeys this Holiday Season. For logistical reasons we will be providing $15 gift cards to each family to use at their local supermarket. If past donors of turkeys wish to donate a gift card instead, that would be appreciated. If someone has a turkey to donate, we suggest they contact Bethany Hadvab, Town Social Worker at 978-440-5476 [email protected]
Pat Mullen Director
MetroWest Free Medical Program Seeking Volunteers
On Tuesdays, about 20 volunteers gather to provide healthcare services to people who don't have insurance. The program serves an average of 35 patients, using the sanctuary at Congregation Beth El as the clinic site.
Volunteers are needed to help put the medical supplies and equipment away in the shed behind Beth El. Specifically, people are needed to help move the screens, exam tables, buckets of medical supplies, as well as tables and chairs. With enough volunteers, this can be done in 30 minutes.
This is a great job for high school students looking to finish up their community service hours or anyone who wants to get an extra 30 minutes of exercise! When? Tuesdays, 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Kim Prendergast at [email protected].
Memorial Congregation Church to Offer Suicide Alertness Training
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 9am - safeTALK suicide alertness training
Learn four basis steps to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them with suicide helping resources. This three-hour training can help you make a difference. safeTALK is for everyone who wants to help prevent suicide: front line workers, clergy, volunteers, parents, youth, teachers, law enforcement, …anyone who wants to help prevent suicide. $10 donation to cover costs is appreciated. However, no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Registration is required, please contact the Rev. Tom O'Brien at [email protected].
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Christmas Flowers
Help us create a festive sanctuary by ordering a holiday plant today!
Amaryllis $15.00
Cyclamen $11.00
Poinsettia $11.00
Potted Evergreen $15.00
Our Choice $11.00
Total # Plants
Amount
Name (as you’d like it in the bulletin)
Phone/E-mail
Dedication Please circle one In Memory of In Honor of
I would like to: Please circle one Bring my plant home Deliver to shut -in
Bring your order to the Flower Committee in Hawes Hall after the service. Deadline for ordering is December 4th
Questions? Wanda Doughty @ 774-219-9065 or [email protected]
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We are a Stephen Ministry
Congregation
We are a Reconciling and Welcoming Congregation
Church Office: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sudbury-umc.org
Church Staff
Lead Pastor: The Rev. Joel Guillemette Pastor Joel Business Manager: Mike Greb Mike Christian Education Director: Eric Magnuson Eric Director of Youth Ministries: Zack Moser Zack Music Director/Organist: Kevin Murphy, AAGO Kevin Sanctuary Choir Director: Rob Hammerton Rob Office Administrator: Shetal Kaye Shetal Sextons: Joe Picorelli and Phil Lenentine Joe
Sudbury United Methodist Church | [email protected] | www.sudbury-umc.org