IMPORTANT: THE CHURCH BUILDING REMAINS CLOSED PER THE BISHOP AND CABINET GUIDELINES
Greetings Church,
This week, I have been attending the Festival of Homiletics, virtually, thanks to the wonder of livestream and modern technology. It has been such a blessing to hear from some of the best preachers and teachers from across our nation. They each, from their own homes and local churches, have wrestled with what it means to be the church in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic and devastating climate change. What does it mean to BE the church, to be the hands and feet of Jesus, when we can’t be together in the way we’re used to, in the places we’re used to? What does it mean to BE the hands and feet of Jesus, to care for all of creation? They have found ways, each in their own voice, to honor the pain of this current time and to cast a vision of hope. Yes, this is hard, and painful, and scary and a powerful opportunity to see how God is at work. More than that it is an opportunity to imagine, with God, how the wind of the Spirit might blow in the days to come.
Peace,
Heather
Together In Christ:
We Give Thanks and Pray Together
Good news! May 1, Pat and Sandy Sloskek were blessed with twins, Alexander and Ivy. Both are doing great, and grandparents Pat and Sandy are anxious to see them.
Please pray for Alex Anderson as he navigates the challenges of the current crisis in a new community.
Please pray for all United Methodist Churches that are saying goodbye to their current pastor, and waiting to meet their new pastor July 1. These are adventurous, heart-rending days.
Please pray for all civic leaders, city councillors, governors, and national authorities. May God give them wisdom, courage, compassion, and stamina.
Please pray for Sheila Hickinbothem, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.
–Please submit all prayer requests to pastorheather@umcchurches.org.
We Learn Together
Are you interested in learning more about God’s word in scripture? Click here to let me know if Wednesday Evening or sometime Thursday is better for you. Weekly Bible Study will begin the week of May 24.
We Worship Together–Virtually:
Sunday: You can catch our worship, on-line, on Sunday through our website and facebook. We premiere it on Facebook at 9:30 am, or you can watch it at your convenience.
Monday: In honor of Memorial Day, we will be sharing a brief prayer and blessing, through our website and on our facebook page.
Next Sunday, May 31, Pentecost Sunday our Bishop and Cabinet will lead a conference wide worship experience. They offer this gift as a sign of our solidarity and connection across New England. They also offer this gift to all who are involved in producing, recording, distributing online worship each Sunday. I am grateful for the gift and the opportunity to be in worship with you, and rest.
Our on-line worship will continue indefinitely. Our leadership team is following the guidelines prepared by the New England Annual Conference Re-Entry Team. You can read those guidelines and watch the Bishop’s Webinar here.
Our re-entry will be slow, meticulously thought out, and carefully communicated. We do so out of love and faithfulness, not fear. We are committed to putting your health and wellness, and the health of our community, first. We are discussing creative ways to gather that honor the needs of our congregation while keeping us all safe and healthy. If you, or someone you know, is into FM radio and knows something about transmission, please get in touch with me. This is just one avenue we’re exploring.
Committed to Serve
“A hero for A Hero” Update:
Thanks to your generosity, this week our church is providing healthy snack packs to all the staff of the Regency! Our youth helped pack 100 bags of goodies, full right to the ribboned brim. Additionally, we are sending cards to every Resident reminding them, they are not alone. Thank you to all who have made or sent cards. Thank you all who have supported this project with financially, prayerfully and faithfully. You are making a difference in our community!
“Sharing is Caring” You may have seen this phrase on our website. It’s simply a reminder that when you share good news about our church, you are inviting someone to connect with our church. Every share of a meaningful mission and ministry, devotional, mission project, worship offering, and more is just one more way we’re telling others, “Come make a difference with us!” And, it’s not limited to Facebook. Tell your friends and family. Send a text inviting someone to our Zoom Coffee Hour–just so you can see their smiling face! Pick up the phone and give someone the phone number to join our Wednesday Check in. Let’s tell the community in these uncertain days, the United Methodist Church is Together In Christ…Committed to Serve.
Gatherings This Week
Last Sunday Zoom experienced technical difficulties around the globe. In addressing these problems, all of our meeting invitations had to be reset. Below, are fresh new invitations to our Coffee Hour and Wednesday Gathers.
Then at 11am, join us for Virtual Coffee Hour. It’s an opportunity to check in and hear and see one another.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 821 9234 2222
Password: 732012
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82192342222#,,1#
Or Call: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 821 9234 2222
Password: 732012
Wednesday Prayer and Check In 3pm
Password: 720546
+16465588656,,81159648170#,,1#
Or Call: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 811 5964 8170
Password: 720546