FEBRUARY 2019 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 Faith, Family, and Future are the Cornerstones of this nurturing community. FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER From the Pastor s Desk Easter is late this year. It may seem strange to hear me talking about Easter here in early February, but I ve been thinking about the implications of a late Easter. Easter this year is on April 21. April 23 is the latest it can ever be, so this is a pretty late one. You see, the date of Easter is determined by an ancient method that may seem rather arbitrary to us. Each year Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. This odd astronomical method of setting the date comes from a time when communication across the church in the Roman Empire was difficult. This astronomical formula could be used in any location during any year so that all of the church celebrated in Easter on the same Sunday. But it means that the date of Easter can vary more than a month, depending on when Sundays and the full moon and the equinox fall. These days it makes planning the life of the church in the winter and spring very interesting and challenging, since the date of Easter determines the date of Ash Wednesday, the weeks of Lent, Holy Week, and even Pentecost. So, Easter is late this year. That means Ash Wednesday doesn t come until March 6. We therefore have an Epiphany season that lasts for two months. Why should you care about all of this? And why do I care? Epiphany is the season during which we celebrate the spread of the message of Christ to the world. It began with the Wise Men from the East seeing the star that announced the birth of Christ. During this season we hear the stories of Jesus calling his disciples to follow him and spread his message. We are reminded of the work we are called to do as Christians, just as the disciples did the work of God as they followed Jesus. This year we have more time than usual to focus on how we are following Jesus as his disciples. We have more time than usual to ask ourselves how we are bringing the Good News of the Gospel to the world. We have more time than usual to focus on our work together as Christians in this church. Our church offers many ways you can be a part of God s great work. Our missions committee is actively supporting many good causes, such as the Open Pantry in Lowell and Dr. Belinda Forbes, a United Methodist medical missionary in Nicaragua. People from our church serve a meal each month at the St. Paul s meal program in Lowell. We have an annual Faithworks program to reach out and do work projects families in our area. These are just a few of the many ways we reach out to others. Use this long Epiphany season to ask yourself how you are spreading the love of Christ in our world. Go with some of those from our church who reach out in Christ s name to our broken world. Maybe a late Easter and a long Epiphany are a good thing. Reverend Mack

2 Worship Services in February February 3 rd 4 th Sunday after the Epiphany Holy Communion 9:30 & 11:00am Worship Services & Nursery Care 9:30am Sunday School February 10 th 5th Sunday after the Epiphany Scouting Sunday 9:30 am Worship Service & Nursery Care 9:30 am Sunday School February 17 th 6th Sunday after the Epiphany 9:30 am Worship Service & Nursery Care 9:30am Sunday School February 24 th 7th Sunday after the Epiphany 9:30 am Worship Service & Nursery Care 9:30am Sunday School Every Sunday 10:30 am Fellowship time after worship service Save These Dates: Ash Wednesday service at West Chelmsford UMC Wednesday, March 6 th at 7:30pm. Our Annual Scholarship Dinner and Celebration Music Program Saturday, March 9 th at 5:30pm. Children s Musical Esther Sunday, March 17, 2019 during the worship service at 9:30am. 2

3 Mark your calendar for the up-coming Scholarship Dinner and Music Program Saturday March 9 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 9th at 5:30 pm. Chicken Carbonara Roasted broccoli Garden salad Fresh bread Ice cream sundae bar Beverages Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 11 year and under, and children under 4 are free. The dinner is a major fundraiser to keep the scholarship program growing. Please join us to show our young church members we care about their future. Tickets will go on sale early February. See sign-up sheets in entryway to fellowship hall, for ways you can help. 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. 3

4 Christian Education News Coming Soon! Children s Sunday Service Several children/youth from our congregation are working hard to prepare the musical, Esther, for our Children s Sunday service on March 17 th. On March 10 th, all of the Sunday school children and youth will be spending the whole hour of church time exploring the story of Esther, creating materials, and preparing for the service using a rotation curriculum including an art station and a storytelling station. Come worship on March 17 th to support the children and youth of WCUMC! What s happening in SS? Sunday School Curriculum The Preschool through 7 th grade Sunday school classes continue to work with curriculum that follows the lectionary which means that most of the time the scripture story being explored in the classrooms is the focus of Rev Mack s sermon in the sanctuary. We hope that parents will take advantage of this connection and talk with their children about their exploration of that scripture on the ride home. The High School Sunday school class continues to primarily use a current events based curriculum that helps the youth to connect their faith with the world around them. Children s Worship Bulletins There are many ways to welcome the children of our church to the worship services. One way is by providing a modified bulletin that makes it a little easier for children in 5 th grade and younger to participate in the worship service. The modifications include pictorial cues to help the children know what is going on in the service, small check boxes that encourage the children to keep track of where we are in the service, and space for drawing/coloring which helps the kids to stay engaged. Connecting with Christ Daily Prayer Rituals and habits drive our lives so how do we make space to connect with God in our daily routine. The United Methodist Church has developed over the years the idea to stop and pray during for times of the day: morning, noon, evening, and night. Many of us may struggle to find four times a day to stop and pray, but maybe you can choose one of those times. And remember praying comes in all different shapes and sizes. You can sing your prayers, paint your prayers, speak aloud your prayers, or hold them silently in your hearts. They are all ways that you can connect with Christ! 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 College Addresses Reminder - If there has been any change in your son or daughter s college address please notify the church office office@wcumc.us Valentine mailing for each student will be going out very soon! Thank you Inspirational Quote As we rise each morning, let us determine to respond with more love and kindness to whatever might come our way. Thomas Monson Open Pantry Donations Remember to bring a food donation for the Open Pantry. And remember to sign up for the St. Paul s meal at the Eliot Presbyterian Church in Lowell on February 27 th. UM ARMY Are you ready for a life changing experience? Sign up for UM ARMY! Youth completing grades 7 or higher are eligible to participate in the camp on August 4 10, 2019 in Wethersfield, CT. Older youth can join for the Young Adult camp May 26 June 1, 2019 in Centerport, Long Island, NY. Adults of all ages are welcome to participate in either camp. The cost is $300/person if we register soon! Please contact Carolyn Elmore at (978) or celmore@elmorepatents.com or Jill Przbylowicz at (978) or cfchiro@verizon.net for more information. 5

6 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 clip 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. Bev Jones and family on Irv s passing Roberta Stratton, cancer treatments Those who are at home or in nursing homes: Edna Macpherson At home Lenore Reynolds Sunny Acres, Chelmsford Pat Rienstra Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, Littleton, MA Lorraine Anderson 2 Technology Dr., N Chelmsford Mitzi Curry D Youville Senior Care Center, 981 Varnum Ave. Lowell Prayer list for on-going health needs: Ken Weinbeck Judi Hill Jen Weinbeck s friends, Mike and Sarah Margaret Wilkinson s niece, Julie Rebecca Markey s brother, Dennis Woodruff Submission Deadline for the March 2019 Newsletter is: February 18 th, 2019 Please send your articles by to office@wcumc.us Thanks. 6

7 Church Office Information The Church Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. ( ) We have 6 addresses: office@wcumc.us for general church business. revmack@wcumc.us for Rev Mack only music@wcumc.us for Karen Leonard, Music Minister sarah.laflamme@gmail.com for Sarah Laflamme, Christian Ed Director treasurer@wcumc.us for Bill Benedum, Church Treasurer trustees@wcumc.us for the Trustees Items for the church 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. Church website: Do you know how to raise your issues and concerns in our Church? If you have a question, suggestion, concern or complaint, you can talk to any of our Church Leaders who will help you. We welcome your ideas and will address your concerns within our Christian fellowship. Talk to any of us on the list below. Pastor: Rev. Mack Hagins Minister of Music: Karen Leonard Director of Christian Education: Sarah Laflamme Church Secretary: Roberta Stratton Lay Leader: Nancy Luscombe Chairperson Administrative Board: David Troughton Chairperson Council on Ministries: Cathy Order Chairperson Staff Parish Relations Committee: Elly Evans Chairperson Education Committee: Harry Johnson Chairperson Committee on Youth Ministries: Wendell Luke Chairpersons Missions Committee: Robin Orford, Lori Evans Chairperson Evangelism Committee: Debbie Allen Chairperson Worship Committee: Holly Cerullo Chairpersons Trustees: Dave Wilson, Adrienne Kieldsing Chairperson Finance: Michael Warren Treasurer: Bill Benedum Financial Secretary: Steve Kirby 7

8 Scholarships available from the General Board of Higher Education And Ministry Current or perspective college students who are members of The United Methodist Church may apply for a Fall 2019 general scholarship from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The scholarships provide undergraduate level assistance from $500 to $1,000 and graduate level assistance from $100 to $2,000 per year. To be eligible, you must have been an active member of a local United Methodist church for at least one year and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applications are being accepted from January 3 to March 7, Apply online at This General Board of Higher Education and Ministry application process is also used by the New England Conference Scholarship Committee to award the MERIT scholarship for the New England Conference. The MERIT scholarship is awarded to a United Methodist student who is enrolled or will be enrolled in a full-time degree program at an institution of higher education recognized as United Methodist by the University Senate. It is not required that the institution be within the bounds of the Conference from which the award originates. This scholarship is for merit." Merit can be in terms of academic scholarship, church involvement, financial need, special vocational preparation for ministry or other service, or a combination of these factors as may be determined by the annual conference board. Again, to be eligible, you must have been an active member of a local United Methodist church for at least one year and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. NOTE: This General Board of Higher Education and Ministry application is NOT for the New England Conference General Scholarship. That application process will start in May of ************* the following ways: Policy on Church Service 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 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. 8 Reverend Mack

9 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7pm-Cub Scouts Pack meeting 2 3 9:30am Worship & Nursery care 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Fellowship 4:30pm-Boy Scout Leaders 7:00pm - LSUMC 10 9:30am Worship & Nursery care 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Fellowship 1:30pm-MVR 4:30pm-Boy Scout Leaders 17 9:30am Worship & Nursery care 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Fellowship 4:30pm-Boy Scout Leaders 24 9:30am Worship & Nursery care 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Fellowship 1:30pm-MVR 4:30pm-Boy Scout Leaders 4 4pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm-Evangelism 7:30pm-Christian Ed 7:30pm-Boy Scouts 7:30pm - A.A. 7:30pm-LSUMC 11 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm-Finance 7:30pm-Trustees 7:30pm-Boy Scouts 7:30pm - A.A. 7:30-pm-LSUMC 18 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:30pm-Admin Board 7:30pm-Boy Scouts 7:30pm - A.A. 7:30pm-LSUMC 25 4:00pm-Girl Scouts 7:00pm-Divine Readers 7:30pm-Boy Scouts 7:30pm - A.A. 7:30pm-LSUMC 5 7:00pm-Missions 12 7:30pm-Staff/Parish 6 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 8:00pm-LSUMC 13 6:30pm-Den Meeting 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 8:00pm-LSUMC :30pm-Festival Ringers 8:00pm-LSUMC 26 7:00pm-CS Pack 70 Den Meeting 27 St. Paul s Meal 7:30pm-Festival Ringers 8:00pm-LSUMC 7 6:30pm-Children Ch. 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 14 6:30pm-Children Ch. 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 21 6:30pm-Children Ch. 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 28 6:30pm-Children Ch. 7:30pm-Sr. Choir 8 7pm-Den meeting 15 6:30pm-Den Meeting 7:00pm-Den Meeting :00pm-LSUMC 11:00am Celebration Ringers & Singers Rehearsal on Sunday February 3, 10, 17, 24