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Connections Volume 20 Issue 5 féâà{ jtäñéäx hç àxw `xà{éw áà V{âÜv{ September / October 2016 To all God s beloved who are called to be saints: grace to you and peace through God our father and the

For eight weeks we will be highlighting saints of the church in worship and during Kingdom kids. Some churches typically focus on saints more than Methodists have.

In recent decades Methodists have been observing All Saint s Day in worship and everyone is aware of Saints Valentine, Patrick, Francis and Nicolas.

The word Paul uses also means holy. Followers of Jesus Christ are made holy by God s grace through the sacrament of Baptism and through taking on spiritual disciplines and Christian virtues.

Over the years the Catholic Church has developed rules for a Christian to be added to their official list of saints. Mother Teresa is going through this process right now.

During the Reformation, Protestants insisted that every individual human being has the opportunity to communicate with God, be forgiven of sin and live the Christian life without the interposition of

Methodists number among the saints those Christians who have gone before us who led inspiring lives. Saints were not all perfect people.

1 Connections Volume 20 Issue 5 féâà{ jtäñéäx hç àxw `xà{éw áà V{âÜv{ September / October 2016 To all God s beloved who are called to be saints: grace to you and peace through God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ. So begins Paul s letter to the Christians in Rome. It s a good place to start as we kick off our fall worship series a Season of Saints. For eight weeks we will be highlighting saints of the church in worship and during Kingdom kids. Some churches typically focus on saints more than Methodists have. The Orthodox have prayer corners filled with icons of the saints in their homes, Catholic churches are full of stained glass windows, and they remember one or more saints every day of the year. In recent decades Methodists have been observing All Saint s Day in worship and everyone is aware of Saints Valentine, Patrick, Francis and Nicolas. But the world of saints is mostly unfamiliar territory. What are saints? Paul s use of the term saint to describe all of God s beloved people shapes how Protestants think about saints. The word Paul uses also means holy. Followers of Jesus Christ are made holy by God s grace through the sacrament of Baptism and through taking on spiritual disciplines and Christian virtues. Methodists have always been interested in helping people live more holy lives through a process we call sanctification. Over the years the Catholic Church has developed rules for a Christian to be added to their official list of saints. Mother Teresa is going through this process right now. Catholics have also developed the practice of asking the saints, who are considered very close to God, to pray on their behalf. During the Reformation, Protestants insisted that every individual human being has the opportunity to communicate with God, be forgiven of sin and live the Christian life without the interposition of another person or institution. Thus, the Catholic tradition of asking the saints to pray for something seems unnecessary to Protestants. Methodists number among the saints those Christians who have gone before us who led inspiring lives. Saints were not all perfect people. Religion columnist, Jonathan Merrit writes, Conduct even a cursory review of the saints and you ll stumble over scores of misfits and outcasts. They were not considered balanced or stable or completely sane by all in their respective communities. Instead, this throng of oddballs was bold, countercultural, and unashamed. Saints embody what it means to follow Jesus when we are tempted to play it safe or go with the flow or opt for acceptability over conviction and commitment and passion. As we consider the saints over the next four weeks we will lift up saints common to the whole Christian church, and those who come from the Methodist tradition, including our local congregation. As we work through different categories of saints the worship committee invites you to share some saints that inspire you with the rest of the congregation. At the end of the series, on October 30, we will have a celebration of the saints. You will be invited to come to worship dressed as your favorite saint, ready to talk about his or her life in Christ during coffee hour. One of the hymns we sing on All Saints Day says, They were all of them saints of God, and I mean, God helping to be one too. If you look at the life of each person the church recognizes as a saint you will see that most of them did not think of themselves as being extraordinary in any way. They were not trying to show off their personal capacity to endure or even God s power to give them endurance. Rather, they were showing up as faithful people in challenging times. They generally understood their actions as the simple obedience required at the moment. As we focus our attention on such faithful disciples of Jesus Christ I pray that their example will inspire us to grow in our faith and inspire our neighbors to join that number when the Saints go marching in. Sept p.m. 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct a.m. 2 p.m. SWUMC 200th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 15 & 16, 2018!

Connections Page 2 To All the Members of the South Walpole United Methodist Church: From friends the Val & Bob Lomus made on their vacation to Hawaii: To the Congregation, It is with grateful

God bless. P.S. Mahalo, Val & Bob Aloha, Ed &Myra Boteilho Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers.

I have experienced His presence so many times in my lifetime and during this difficult time God has been right there with me.

Thank you so much for your prayers and continues prayers, Peace and Love, Janet Meller (David Ruggles' sister) To All You Wonderful People at the South Walpole United Methodist Church, Thank you

Thank God there are people like you in this world. Paul and I will always be grateful for your caring and prayers. Much love, health and happiness to all of you. Sincerely, Ann C.

Everyone s prayers and positive thoughts were felt through all of this. John is recovering from all of this and his surgeon is very positive. Again, thank you all so very much.

2 Connections Page 2 To All the Members of the South Walpole United Methodist Church: From friends the Val & Bob Lomus made on their vacation to Hawaii: To the Congregation, It is with grateful hearts we way mahaol mui Loa (thank you very much) for your prayers. Your kind words of encouragement were up-lifting and appreciated. The thank the Lord for wonderful Christians like you. God bless. P.S. Mahalo, Val & Bob Aloha, Ed &Myra Boteilho Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers. Your prayers have helped to give me peace of mind knowing I have so many people praying for me. God is watching over me. I have experienced His presence so many times in my lifetime and during this difficult time God has been right there with me. When things are not going well all of a sudden everything falls into place only He could do that. Thank you so much for your prayers and continues prayers, Peace and Love, Janet Meller (David Ruggles' sister) To All You Wonderful People at the South Walpole United Methodist Church, Thank you so much. I truly appreciate all your prayers. I really feel I would be a lot worse without your praying for me. You are so kind and thoughtful. I am sure God is listening. Thank God there are people like you in this world. Paul and I will always be grateful for your caring and prayers. Much love, health and happiness to all of you. Sincerely, Ann C. Gookin A word of thanks to all of you who prayed to John while he was going through cancer treatment and surgery. It meant to the world to both of us. Everyone s prayers and positive thoughts were felt through all of this. John is recovering from all of this and his surgeon is very positive. Again, thank you all so very much. God Bless all of you, Kathleen & John Pedroli Lois Wiley's son Steven Danz was married to his long time sweetheart Amber Ford in Camdenton, MO on August 23. The scheduled start was delayed due to a shower. The bride and her bridesmaids arrived soon after the weather cleared and the ceremony was conducted on a bluff overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The reception followed at the Sugar Loaf Winery site and a good time was had by all! Dear SWUMC, Thank you for adding me to your prayer list. I truly believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking! Thank you for your support! Yours truly, Betsy Thomas

Connections Page 3 Neighborhood Block Party One of the Christian disciplines we have been getting better at recently is hospitality.

On Sunday September 11, SWUMC will be hosting a Neighborhood Block Party for residents in and around South Walpole.

Please plan to be present and pray for God to make you bold in striking up a conversation or two with a potential new friend.

And because the people of The United Methodist Church believe that all of God s children have been created and gifted to build the kingdom Jesus ushered in, we re resourcing them to do just that.

3 Connections Page 3 Neighborhood Block Party One of the Christian disciplines we have been getting better at recently is hospitality. When guests come to worship they report feeling welcomed and happy to return. Now we have the opportunity to grow even more by practicing hospitality outside of the building on the church lawn. On Sunday September 11, SWUMC will be hosting a Neighborhood Block Party for residents in and around South Walpole. From 4-7 we will serve hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream as we enjoy the music of Rob Belcher and the Neponset River Ramblers. Please plan to be present and pray for God to make you bold in striking up a conversation or two with a potential new friend. Nelson Mandela said, Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. And because the people of The United Methodist Church believe that all of God s children have been created and gifted to build the kingdom Jesus ushered in, we re resourcing them to do just that. Because of your giving on World Communion Sunday, the most powerful tool to change the world is in more hands. My garbage disposal has not worked for sometime. My Dad had talked about fixing but I didn't want to bug him. So I bought my replacement and went on line one night to Home Advisor to get some local names. I called two the next morning, but I only talked to one of them. He told me it would be $ to replace. I told him ok and he could do it on my only day off that week. He called me and told me when he would be here. In the meantime I went on line to check my bank account. It would work ok. Then the mail came. I still had one check that I was waiting for from a consult job that I did. It came $120. So I said my thank you to God and waited. Rick came with his helper, replaced the disposal while we chatted and I asked about some other "little jobs" that I want to do down the road. When he was finished, I started to ask him if he took credit cards and he told me we were good. He didn't charge me at all. A double blessing in one day. God is good! I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. Helen Keller God is working in our lives ALL the TIME! Tell us your story; when God brought forth a miracle for YOU. Sharing those stories are testament to our faith and God s faithfulness to us. You can be anonymous. I won t tell! Dianne

Connections Page 4 A Season of Saints: Worship for September and October 10/ 9 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Break Boundaries The world has set up barriers and boundaries between people, giving some privileges

10/23 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Go Out Apostles are those sent out and the Apostle Paul describes himself as being poured out like an offering. Many saints could not be content to stay at home.

Make a poster with pictures and a story or two about your saint and be ready to share with others at fellowship time.

Each worship service is based on a theme which comes from a scripture lesson.

Jesus Christ to become saints of the church. If you do this before Saturday and you have a question, please send it to Pastor Sarah at revdrelewononi@gmail.

From Saint Paul, to John Newton (the author of Amazing Grace) Saints bear witness to the grace of the Lord overflowing with faith and love, transforming their lives.

They not only pray for their own salvation, but for others because the know God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

4 Connections Page 4 A Season of Saints: Worship for September and October 10/ 9 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Break Boundaries The world has set up barriers and boundaries between people, giving some privileges and holding others down. Many saints, trusting that the word of God is not bound have questioned the status quo, proclaiming the equality of the children of God, even at risk of their own lives. 10/23 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Go Out Apostles are those sent out and the Apostle Paul describes himself as being poured out like an offering. Many saints could not be content to stay at home. They went out into the world to share the good news of the grace of Jesus Christ. 10/30 All Saint s Celebration Come to worship dressed as your favorite Saint. Make a poster with pictures and a story or two about your saint and be ready to share with others at fellowship time. Church members like Bob Lomus and Heather Centuro will tell you that taking a little time preparing for worship each week can make a big difference. Each worship service is based on a theme which comes from a scripture lesson. To have a better worship experience spend some quiet time one evening before bed or during Sunday breakfast reading the assigned passage of scripture and considering how God calls all followers of Jesus Christ to become saints of the church. If you do this before Saturday and you have a question, please send it to Pastor Sarah at revdrelewononi@gmail.com 9/ 11 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Transformed by Grace Many saints led miserable, ungodly lives before their conversion. From Saint Paul, to John Newton (the author of Amazing Grace) Saints bear witness to the grace of the Lord overflowing with faith and love, transforming their lives. 9/ 18 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Practice Prayer Spending time in prayer before the throne of God s grace is a common element of all of the saints. They not only pray for their own salvation, but for others because the know God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 9/ 25 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Model Virtue This passage lists some of the virtues that come from being a disciple of Jesus. Paul advises that any who would be church leaders have acquired such habits. Kingdom Kids is our after school Christian Education program for children in Elementary and Middle School and their parents. It is an opportunity for everyone to practice living as children of God, learning to talk to God and hear God respond in prayer, reading the stories of the Bible and sharing our growing faith with one another. It is a time to ask questions, a time to dance, sing and play together, a time to learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Like last year we will meet on Monday afternoons, but this year s schedule is shifting to meet the needs of our children by having a session for older kids starting at 4:15. At 5:00 the younger children will come for some joint activities. Then at 5:15 the program will shift focus to those in early elementary school. The theme of Kingdom Kids this fall will be Saints and one goal of Kingdom Kids is to prepare the children to participate in the upcoming worship services. Our first session will be Monday September 12. If you or a child you know would like to join us please speak with Pastor Sarah, Beth Wiley or Shannon Hunchard. 10/2 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Have Mystical Encounters with God Great indeed is the mystery of godliness and everything created by God is made holy by the word of God and prayer. Saints are taken up into the mystery of God, and learn to see the Holy in every day. 10/16 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Act on their Vision The Saints are often motivated by a vision of the Kingdom of heaven, just within grasp. They are spurred on even when life gets hard by the hope of the future God has planned for us. The vision of the saints helps them to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness; fighting the good fight of faith.

Page 5 Connections World Communion Sunday October 2 Around the globe, countless gifted and

has given them, especially youth and young adults.

for those people of color who haven t historically had access to resources that make higher

What would it look like if the church today imitated Jesus affirmation of the full dignity and

international graduate students whom God has gifted to learn and to serve.

labored as a housemaid in exchange for food and clothing.

As a member of The United Methodist Church, your giving on World Communion Sunday has allowed

now changing her community as she works to eliminate poverty.

possible for more students, like Mary Grace?

5 Page 5 Connections World Communion Sunday October 2 Around the globe, countless gifted and qualified people face financial obstacles that hinder them from preparing for the vocation God has given them, especially youth and young adults. For ethnic students who will be the first generation in their families to attend college, or for those people of color who haven t historically had access to resources that make higher education possible, the road toward education has often been unwieldy. What would it look like if the church today imitated Jesus affirmation of the full dignity and God-given potential of all women and men especially those who ve historically been assigned to the world s margins? On World Communion Sunday your giving helps to provide scholarships for national and international graduate students whom God has gifted to learn and to serve. Equipping Disciples Like Mary Grace to Serve in Jesus Name As a small child Mary Grace Galapon labored as a housemaid in exchange for food and clothing. Yet, allowed to attend church, she found hope. As a member of The United Methodist Church, your giving on World Communion Sunday has allowed this deaconess, of the Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference, to pursue an education that is now changing her community as she works to eliminate poverty. Mary Grace s work, and the impact of hundreds more like her, are possible because you give. Will You Equip World-Changers? Will you give generously on World Communion Sunday to make education and vocational impact possible for more students, like Mary Grace? Will you equip gifted and qualified students from around the globe to become the world-changers God created them to be? As Grace and Salem grow, Pastor Sarah's work hours shift. This year Salem is in half-day kindergarten in the afternoons. So you can expect to find Pastor Sarah in her study at the church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:45-3:20. Other times to meet are available by appointment. Pastor Sarah's revdrelewononi@gmail.com Church phone (508) Parsonage phone (508)

Connections Page 6 The world can be filled with its trials and swords, Its famines and perils, its peasants and lords, With power and heights and bitter despair, With sorrows and death and with

6 Connections Page 6 The world can be filled with its trials and swords, Its famines and perils, its peasants and lords, With power and heights and bitter despair, With sorrows and death and with crosses to bear. Yet which one alone, or combined with the rest, Can wedge out God s love and the Christ he has blessed? For, no! There is nothing of evil or worth That can separate God from his children on earth! Peggy Ferrell Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday I am leading you along a way that is uniquely right for you. The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self the one I designed you to be Heifer Read to Feed Party Beth Wiley Home, 66 S. Pleasant St., Sharon Trustee Meeting 7 p.m. Chapel p.m :00 am 11:30 a.m

Connections Page 7 Easy, indeed, it were to reach A mansion in the courts

love. But none shall gain the blissful place, Or God s unclouded glory see,

William Cowper Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Accepting donations for the Silent Auction.

Pie baking and apple crisp making on Friday; starting 8:30 am 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

7 Connections Page 7 Easy, indeed, it were to reach A mansion in the courts above If swelling words and fluent speech Might serve, instead of faith and love. But none shall gain the blissful place, Or God s unclouded glory see, Who talks of free and sovereign grace, Unless that grace has made him free! William Cowper Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Family Fun Fest- Saturday October 22, 9a-2p. Accepting donations for the Silent Auction. Setup starts Thurs Oct 20 at 6pm and will continue on Friday Oct 21st. Pie baking and apple crisp making on Friday; starting 8:30 am Trustee Meeting 7 p.m. Chapel SPRC Meeting Chapel 7:15 p.m :00 am Saturday, Oct a.m. 2 p.m

8 Page 8 Connections Congratulations to Dick and Marion Potter as they celebrated their 60th anniversary in July. The church planned a surprise party at fellowship time. Dick and Marion decided to sleep in that Sunday, after having celebrated at a party the night before. A quick phone call explained why we really wanted them at church, so they got dressed and arrived in time to enjoy their surprise party! All Church Cookout July 31 VÉÇÇxvà ÉÇá Postmaster: Address Service Requested To: P.O. Box 144, So. Walpole, MA Published Bi-Monthly Pastor: Rev. Sarah Mount Elewononi Lay Leader: Steve DiMattei Church Office: Parsonage: Editor: Dianne Langer

God s Attributes #1 Psalm 139:8 Salvation #1 Romans 3:23

God s Attributes #1 Psalm 139:8 Salvation #1 Romans 3:23 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.