JANUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER

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1 WEST CHELMSFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 242 Main Street, North Chelmsford, MA Pastor: Rev. A. Mack Hagins Tele. # office@wcumc.us Church website:wcumc.us WCUMC Faith, Family, and Future are the Cornerstones of this nurturing community. JANUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER From the Pastor s Desk If only we could know the future. If there is one sentiment that people in all times and places have expressed, it is this one. And as the calendar turns to January and we begin another year, the thought surfaces in many of us: what does the future hold? From the earliest times people have sought to know what was going to happen in the future. Various cultures at various times have turned to seers, soothsayers, magicians, shamans, crystal balls, tea leaves and the reading of entrails (don t ask; you don t want to know. Hint: it has to do with telling the future by inspecting the inner organs of slaughtered animals. See? You didn t want to know that, did you?). Today you and I can consult tarot cards or a palm reader; or we can look online for a psychic reading. Because people, even today, still want to know the future. What will 2018 bring? You wonder because you believe that if you can just know what is coming, you can be prepared. If you know you are going to resolve that family dispute in the next few months, then you don t have to lose sleep worrying about it now. If you know your high school senior is going to get into that university to which he or she has applied, then you can begin now figuring out how to pay for it all (oh well, back to losing sleep!). On a more serious note, we enter 2018 with some real concerns. The economy is still strong, but our national politics are more divided than ever. Tensions with North Korea, a nuclear nation, are higher than ever. This year we view the new year with more concern than usual. But our faith teaches us to live by faith, and to live day by day. That is so difficult! We want to know the future because we think knowledge will prepare us, even insulate us from the challenges of life. But our faith teaches us to trust not in our own knowledge and preparation, but in our God. God promises not an absence of challenges, but the strength to faces the challenges. No amount of knowledge or forewarning can provide that. A favorite quote for me (I don t know who said it) goes like this: I don t know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future. We do know who holds the future, and the future is safe in the hands of our God. Reverend Mack 1

2 Worship Services in January January 7th - 9:30am Worship Service Holy Communion Epiphany Sunday 9:30am - Sunday School January 14 th 2 nd Sunday after the Epiphany Human Relations Day (offering) 9:30am - worship & nursery care 9:30am Sunday School January 21 st 3 rd Sunday after the Epiphany 9:30am Worship & nursery care 9:30am Sunday School January 28 th 4 th Sunday after the Eqiphany 9:30am Worship & nursery care 9:30am Sunday School ~~~~ Happy New Year 2018 Winter Epiphany Festival & Potluck Dinner Mark your calendars for January 6 th when we will celebrate the winter season and the start of Epiphany. Starting at 4:00pm we will have some outside activities including snowmen building, sledding (snow permitting) and time by the fire! Then we will move indoors for some Epiphany activities and a potluck dinner. The Christian Education Committee will be providing hot dogs to roast over the fire so we ask attendees to bring a side dish to share. At the end of the evening, about 6:00pm we will share in worship around the bonfire. If you have any questions please speak with a member of the Christian Education Committee. 2

3 From the Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees now has an address where you can reach us. If you need to contact the Trustees about a maintenance issue with the church, an idea for sprucing up the church, or an idea for the church s spring and fall cleanups, you can speak to a member of the Trustees or send an to Trustees@wcumc.us Current Trustees members include: Adrienne Kieldsing, Dave Wilson, Cathy Order, Beth Arnald, Chris Hoff, Carl Markey, Bob Hill, Tom Laflamme and Thad Russell Thank you on behalf of the Trustees, Adrienne Kieldsing co-chair Church Office Information The Church Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. ( ) We have 4 addresses: office@wcumc.us for general church business. revmack@wcumc.us for Rev Mack music@wcumc.us for Karen Leonard, Music Minister Christian-ed@wcumc.us for Sarah Laflamme, Christian Ed Director Our Website is wcumc.us Items for the Sunday bulletin insert are due in the church office by Wednesday morning. Items for the monthly Newsletter are due in the church office on the third Monday of each month. All articles must be signed February 2018 Newsletter All articles are due by January 22 nd To the Prayer Shawl Ministry, Thank you so much for my prayer shawl. Whenever I use it I will think of you all and your precious gift. It s very hard when you lose a sibling, but I m doing well and life does go on. And I know my sister is in a better place. Thank you all for thinking of me at this sad time. God Bless, Bonnie Carson Dear Elsie and Shawl Ministry: I want to thank you for the lovely prayer shawl. It will be a great comfort to me when I am missing my mother, especially during the holidays this year. Love, Judy Gordon Dear WCUMC family: Thank you for the Thanksgiving note with your pins. The motivation will keep me going through my college finals. Looking forward to seeing you all for the holidays! Ashley Archangelo 3

4 Christian Education News Coming Soon! Winter Epiphany Festival and Potluck Dinner The Christian Education Committee invites you to celebrate the winter season and the start of Epiphany on January 6 th! Starting at 4:00pm we will have some outside activities including snowmen building, sledding and time by the fire! Then we will move indoors for some Epiphany activities and a potluck dinner. The Christian Education committee will be providing drinks and hot dogs to roast over the fire! At the end of the evening we will share in worship around the bonfire. If you have any questions, please speak with a member of the Christian Education Committee. Children s Sunday with Musical on April 29 th! You may be thinking April 29 th is not Coming Soon and you would be correct. There are lots of other activities happening at the church between now and then, but rehearsals for the children s musical are coming soon! This year we will be telling the story of Esther during our children s Sunday service. If your youth/child is interesting in auditioning for a speaking role or solo, please keep an eye out for information about auditions in late January/early February. What s happening in SS? Worshiping in the Sanctuary Since the Sunday School program worshiped in the sanctuary for the whole hour three times in December, they will not be staying for the whole hour in January. This will give time for the teachers and children/youth to reconnect after such a long time without being in the classroom. Stay tuned to future newsletter articles to find out the next time the Sunday school program will worship for the whole hour with the rest of the church family. Connecting with Christ The Christmas Invitation to Love As we move into this season of Christmas and then Epiphany we are invited to await the renewal of love divine within our own troubled hearts and the world. There are many legitimate fears in our society, but as we remember Christ s birth and move through his life of ministry and eventually death and resurrection let us remember that God is more powerful than our fears. Time and again in the bible God s love brings peace to individuals and the world. Over this season you are invited to reflect on the words of our hymn, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling as we strive to bring God s love into the world. Love divine, all loves excelling joy of heaven, to earth come down; Fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown! Jesus thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart. If you have any questions or comments about our Christian Education Program please contact: Sarah Laflamme Harry Johnson Christian Education Director Chairperson, CE Committee Christian-ed@wcumc.us johnson3rd@verizon.net

5 Inspiration Corner The 12 Days of Christmas From 1558 thru 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during this Era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning, the surface plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has code words for a religious reality, which the children could remember. A Partridge in a pear tree Jesus Christ Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. Four calling birds were the four gospels Mark, Matthew, Luke and John Five Golden rings recalled the law First five books of the Old Testament The six geese is laying stood for the six days of creation The seven swans a swimming represented the Seven folds gifts of the Holy Spirit, Prophesy, Serving Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy. Eight maids a milking were the Eight Beatitudes Nine Ladies a dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. Ten Lords a leaping were the Ten Commandments Eleven Pipers stood for the 11 faithful disciples Twelve drummers drumming symbolized 12 points of belief in the Apostle s Creed Evangelism Committee Happy New Year to all! COMFORT SUPPER SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018, at 5:30 PM (Snow date February 3, 2018) We will be having our Comfort Supper on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 5:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. All kinds of comfort food are welcome: soups, stews, chili, and casseroles. Feel free to share a favorite of your s or your family! We also welcome crackers, breads, rolls, and of course, desserts! Please bring a recipe card with the ingredients in your dish listed. This is a relaxing evening for all ages. Round up your family members and friends to come and share fellowship. A musical group Still Working will be playing for us after dinner. They play a variety of Christian music that is fun for all ages! Help us welcome them and share our faith through music. Debbie Allen, Chairperson The Men s Breakfast Club has been discontinued. Larry Estelle has stepped down as the Men s coordinator. If someone would be willing to take over as the coordinator between the club and the Comet s restaurant please contact Larry and he will be glad to give you the information relative to who to contact at Comet. ( ) 5

6 Mark your calendar for the up-coming Scholarship Dinner and Music Program Saturday March 10 th! The West Chelmsford United Methodist Church is fortunate to have, as one of its programs, a college scholarship for graduating high school seniors planning to continue their education. While the dollar amount will not determine whether or not the student will be able to attend college, it is an indication to these young people that their church continues to care for them. The annual Scholarship Dinner supports this program. It also provides an opportunity for fellowship-before, during and after the meal! Please reserve the date, Saturday March 10th. at 5:30. The menu: Meatloaf Roasted garlic mashed potatoes Fresh ginger glazed carrots Garden salad Fresh bread Beverages and dessert Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 11 year and under, and children under 4 are free. Tickets will go on sale mid February. Celebration of Music: A special music program, under the leadership of Karen Leonard, will follow. Please consider sharing your talents and participating in the program. Policy on Church Services During Bad Weather It is the time of year when our church activities can be affected by bad weather. We will plan to have a service at our usual 9:30am time on snowy Sundays. The parking lot should be plowed and we ask those who come to park there and not on the street, if at all possible. We will try to communicate any change of schedule on such Sundays in the following ways: 1. People who have particular responsibilities on a Sunday will be notified by phone by the pastor or other church leaders. 2. We will communicate with the rest of the congregation by putting an announcement on the church voic system ( ), by posting the information on the homepage of our webpage (wcumc.us), and by listing the information on TV on WCVB (Channel 5). In general we urge everyone to use your own best judgment as to whether you should drive in the weather on a given Sunday. 6 Reverend Mack

7 HOLIDAY HANDBELL CONCERT! Merrimack Valley Ringers The annual Holiday concert of the Merrimack Valley Ringers will be held this year on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 7:00 pm at Saint Mary Parish, 25 North Road, Chelmsford, MA. MVR is pleased to have been invited to play at Saint Mary s more than a year ago by their new Director of Music, John Volpe. In preparation for our nine holiday concerts, we decided not to do an open dress rehearsal concert at West Chelmsford UMC this year. The feeling was that the ringers would benefit more from a closed rehearsal to put the finishing touches on everything. We have some exciting news to share. MVR is releasing its 4 th CD on Dec. 1 entitled Fifteen in celebration of their 15 th year as an organization 15 tracks of both holiday and non-holiday music. If you would like a copy before Jan. 6 or for Christmas gifts, please contact Karen Leonard at director@mvringers.org or through the web site We hope to see many of you at St. Mary s on January 6 th which will be Epiphany! Karen Leonard, Artistic Director UMARMY Are you ready for a life changing experience? Sign up for UMARMY! Youth completing grades 7 or higher are eligible to participate in the camp on July 15-21, Older youth can join for the Young Adult camp June 3-9. Adults of all ages are welcome to participate in either camp. The cost is $300/person if we register soon! Please contact Carol Elmore at (978) or celmore@elmorepatents.com for more information. Prayer List In the Sunday bulletin under Let us remember these people in our prayers, we list those with more acute needs. Our Monthly Newsletter carries a list of more on-going concerns to bring to God in Prayer. We will keep the description you provide as general or specific as you indicate. Please let us know what you would like included. We also encourage you to print out these names and keep them in your prayers. If you would like your name to be added or removed from any of the prayer lists, please contact the church office. It s never too late for a note, a card, or a call. Those who are at home or in nursing homes: Edna Macpherson At home Lee Reid At home Lenore Reynolds Sunny Acres, Chelmsford Pat Rienstra Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, Littleton, MA Prayer list for on-going health needs: Ken Weinbeck Judi Hill Amy Connell s cousin Larry Estelle s brother, Jay Jen Weinbeck s friends, Mike and Sarah Margaret Wilkinson s niece, Julie Rebecca Markey s brother, Dennis Woodruf 7

8 Human Relations Day is January 14, 2018 TOGETHER, WE EXTEND A HELPING HAND TO THOSE IN CRISIS SO THEY CAN OVERCOME FORMIDABLE OBSTACLES. Turn on the news or drive around the outskirts of your town and you will find what Jesus called the least of these. Those living in the margins of society, struggling to survive. People like: An immigrant teenager in Texas poorest county, being recruited by a local gang A father struggling for sobriety in Little Rock, Arkansas An Oklahoma woman recently released from incarceration looking for work Over and over Jesus served people like this, embracing them. And that s what we want to model as the people of The United Methodist Church. To continue the ministry of Jesus we established Human Relations Day as a Special Sunday that calls all of our churches to participate in helping all God s children to realize their potential. Will You Support the Ministry of Christ Among Those on the Margins? Will you continue to support Human Relations Day? Will you continue nurturing at-risk youth, strengthening communities self-improvement efforts and advocating for the oppressed? Rev. I Maliik Safir, whose church works with those gripped by addiction in Little Rock, sums up the work of Human Relations Day by recalling Jesus story of the Good Samaritan: to meet the poor, the disadvantaged and the underserved at the places where others have robbed them and help them to recover from the wounds of social inequality. Open Pantry Donation/St. Paul s Meal Remember to bring a food donation for the Open Pantry. Also you can sign up on the poster in the church for the next meal at St. Paul s Meal at Eliot Presbyterian Church in Lowell, on Wednesday, January 24 th. 8

9 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Happy New Year 7:30pm-A.A. 2 7:30pm-Missions 3 7pm-Boy Scouts 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 7:30pm-Christian Ed 4 6:30pm-Children Choir 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 5 7pm-Cub Scout Pack meeting 6 4:00pm Winter Epiphany Festival 7 9:30am-Sunday School 9:30am-Worship service and Nursery care 10:30-Fellowship 8 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm-Finance 7:30pm-Trustees 7:30pm - Evangelism 7:30pm-A.A. 9 7:30pm-Staff/Parish 10 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 7pm-Boy Scouts 11 6:30pm-Children Choir 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 12 7pm-Den meeting :30am-Sunday School 9:30am-Worship and Nursery care 10:30-Fellowship 6:30pm-Sr. MYF 15 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm - A.A pm- Boy Scouts 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 18 7pm-Scout den meeting 6:30pm-Children Choir 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 19 7pm-Den meeting 20 5:30pm-Sr. MYF Fellowship Dinner 21 9:30am-Sunday School 9:30am-Worship and Nursery care 10:30-Fellowship 22 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm - A.A. 7:30pm-Council on Ministries 23 6:45pm-Webelos 24 7pm-Boy Scouts St. Paul s Meal at Eliot s Presbyterian 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 25 6:30pm-Children Choir 7:30pm-Sr. Choir :30pm Soup Supper 28 9:30am-Sunday School 9:30am-Worship and Nursery care 10:30-Fellowship 29 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm-A.A. 11:00am Celebration Ringers & Celebration Singers rehearsals on Sunday January 7, 14, 21, 28 9