The Beams. From the pastor. Weston United Methodist Church

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1 Editor: Shari Gabriele Inside this issue: From the Pastor 1 Yard Sale / Bake Sale 2 Whittemore School 3 Sunday School News 3 New Youth & Adult 3 ROMEO 4 Youth Event 4 Adult Bible Studies 4 Bristol Lodge 5 Making JC Known 5 New Members 6 Crop Walk 6 Letter of Thanks 7 Nicaragua Benefit 7 Bishop s Day 8 Endowment Fund 8 CROP Walk 8 Pumpkin Patch 9-10 David 11 Birthdays / Joys/ Concerns 12 Calendar 12 CHURCH STAFF The Beams Volume 3, Issue 9 From the pastor Weston United Methodist Church Office Hours: Mon Fri, 9 am 12 Noon Telephone: (781) (voice mail) Fax: (781) westonunitedmethodist@gmail.com Web Address: Purpose Statement: To know Jesus Christ and to make Jesus Christ known. October 2015 In January of 2014, the church council voted to establish a reconciling congregation committee that would begin the process of drawing up a reconciling congregation statement that would be voted on by the church council and then by a church conference. The impetus behind this decision was the defrocking of United Methodist minister, Rev. Frank Schaefer, who officiated at his son's same-sex marriage in Hull, MA. It was the opinion of the church council that this decision to defrock Rev. Schaefer gave the United Methodist Church a black eye. The council wanted everyone to know that we, the congregation of WUMC, welcome all God s people. To address this issue, there have been sermons, speakers and a Lenten study on diversity where we discussed what it meant to be a reconciling congregation. Below is the culmination of the committee's work. We the people of the Weston United Methodist Church openly welcome all persons of any age, gender identity, race, ethnic origin, economic reality, sexual orientation or diverse ability as full participants in the life and work of this reconciling community of faith and as persons of sacred worth created in God's image. We recognize there are differences among us, but believe we can love alike even though we may not think alike. We invite all people to join us in our journey together with Jesus toward greater love, inclusion, understanding and mutual respect. The church council approved this statement at its September meeting. The statement will be presented for a final vote by a church conference later this fall. Steve Pastor: Rev. Dr. Stephen T. Melius Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Shephard S. Johnson Lay Leader: Anne Gehrenbeck-Shim Administrative Assistant: Shari Gabriele Music Director: Saewon Lee Chun Sexton: Diane Olsen

2 Volume 3, Issue 9 Page 2 WUMC YARD SALE & BAKE SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, am - 2pm It is time to go through your attic and basement and bring clean items no longer being used to the church for our annual Yard Sale! Also, plan to come to the church and shop for some treasures! We have many different items that have been donated. We will need volunteers for the following: BAKING: Please bring baked goods that can be sold during the yard sale. PRICING: Help is needed with pricing items. If you are available please call Sandy Melius Please do not bring items the day of the Yard Sale as Wednesday is the deadline. SET UP: 7:45 am arrival - Coffee will be ready TABLE SHIFTS: 9am-11:30am/11:30am-2pm We need help with the following tables: 1. Money table 2. Donuts & coffee/bake sale 3. Glassware 4. China, dishes, mugs 5. Pots & pans/small kitchen appliances 6. Toys/baby equipment 7. Games, puzzles 8. Books/pictures/cd's/dvd's/records 9. Sports equipment/tools 10. Clothing items/hats/shoes/baby 11. Nick-nacks/lamps/miscellaneous 12. Christmas/holidays Clean Up: 1:00 pm arrival Remaining items will be moved into Parish Hall to be sold during coffee hour on Sunday. All proceeds will support our WUMC budget. TO VOLUNTEER, PLEASE CON- TACT SANDY MELIUS: Phone: , e- mail: sandsmelius@verizon.net

3 Page 3 Whittemore School The Beams This is the fourth year that we are volunteering with the Whittemore Elementary School. The children are always the same generally happy smiling faces with eager minds. The teachers change and the administration changes. This year Ms. Herzog will be the fourth principal the school has had in the last 4 years. Over the summer, our church has restocked clothing and shoes that are given to the children in emergency situations. Once a month we provide cheerios snacks for the children which are sorted and put into bags by the residents of Sunrise Living Center. In addition, each week we provide food bags for 30 children to take home on the weekends. These bags cost $5 per child, per week or $20 each month. Would you consider sponsoring a child this year to provide this weekend supplemental nutrition? These children are dependent on this food for their nutritional needs. Please pray for the school, especially the students, teachers, and administration. Our church is very well known for its prayers, its presence, and its gifts to the school. Those who read with the children are present every week and have a better time than the kids! If you wish to participate in this ministry, please contact Carole or Joe Kerr ( ) or Pastor Steve Sunday School News Cool Notes to God from kids and teens: Dear God, did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? Norma Come check out the cool DVD that helps give the Bible lesson on Sundays. Our age 4 through 4 th grade classroom is studying Abraham and his family. Mrs. Kerr is teaching this class this month. The 5 th grade and older class has a sofa and new chairs to go along with a new look in the Sunday School/Youth Room. Dr. Anne Gehrenbeck Shim will be teaching this class about how Christianity began spreading and changing the world. Sunday School will begin following the children s message in the worship service. Diane Olsen provides excellent nursery care for our little ones up to age 4 during the worship service. New Youth and Adult Opportunities (1) On the first Sunday of each month, there will be a YOUTH activity after church. Steve Melius and Alex MacNeil will be working with our youth in grades (2) Also on those same afternoons, beginning in November, Joe Kerr will offer a one-hour lesson on some of the parables of Jesus for the ADULTS. (3) Before each monthly sessions, Jen Hall will prepare a luncheon for those who want to participate; PEOPLE NEED TO SIGN UP IN ADVANCE. (4) If any family has a CHILD TOO YOUNG for the youth activity that child is invited to stay for lunch and there will be a program provided for them after lunch. Please tell or Jen Hall (in advance for the meal) and tell or Carole Kerr (in advance so she can be prepared to provide a program for children up to grade 4). All meal reservations: jjerhall@gmail.com Young child reservations: kerrjoecarole@gmail.com

4 Page 4 R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) The ROMEO & Ladies group will be meeting for lunch on Wednesday, October 21st, at UNO s in Waltham on Bear Hill Road. Come join us. We order food about 12:10pm. Working people leave about 1pm but 1:30pm is usually the ending time for everyone else. All men & women in the church are welcome! YOUTH EVENT Sunday, October 4th The youth will be starting their monthly activities on Sunday, October 4th. After church, the youth will meet in the Parlor to have lunch and then they will go apple picking. Jen Hall will be preparing the meal for the youth and their families. Apple picking is also open to anyone in the congregation. Alex MacNeil and Rev. Steve Melius will be leading the youth group activities. Adult Bible Studies to begin October 5th/6th The Monday Evening and Tuesday Morning Bible studies will begin a study of Clif Christopher's Not Your Parents' Offering Plate. One might wonder why a book on stewardship for a Bible study. The reason is Jesus talked more about money than almost anything else. Clif Christopher's book will give us the opportunity to talk about a subject that is important to our faith development and why money was such an important topic to Jesus. Come join us Monday evenings starting October 5th, for dinner in the parlor at 7:00pm followed by a discussion or Tuesday monings, October 6th, at 10:30 in the parlor. Rev. Melius is the leader for both groups. All are welcome.

5 Volume 3, Issue 9 Bristol Lodge Serving Day Monday, October 12 Our hungry brothers and sisters come to the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen, held daily in the basement of the United Methodist church on Cherry Street in Waltham. They are so grateful that God and YOU care about them! As blessed children of God, please lift up in prayer each of them and their needs and concerns, including: - For Nada, who is sleeping better. - For Zack, whose replacement bike is now broken. - For Dick, who has completely healed from surgery. - For Louie, and Steve. - For the Health Clinic, and volunteers Dr. Daley, Betty, Eric, Jorge, and Dick. After worship on Sunday, please sign up on the bulletin board in Parish Hall to share Christ's love by playing YOUR part in this ministry. You can contribute one or more food items for our next serving day and/or assist with reheating or serving the meal. As always, please keep in your prayers this ministry of love and everyone who it touches. (5) Sloppy Joes, 4 lbs. from each contributor, prepared (4) Hamburger Buns, 2 dozen from each contributor (4) Coleslaw, extra large bags plus bottle of dressing (4) Potato Chips, extra large bags (2) Brownies or Cookies, each portion to serve 24 (2) Orange Juice and (3) Milk, 1 gallon each Page 5 Thanks for contributing to the September meals / Yogi & Boo Boo: Kettee Boling, Anne Canfield, Jen Hall, Norma Hill, Bob Hout, Ben Kawaala, Joe and Carole Kerr, Nancy and Sarah Mack, Alex Mac- Neil, Sharon Magoon, Taj Meister, Steve and Sandy Melius, Betty Rote s family, Julie Samarjian, Betty Smith, and Tony, John, and Tony who joined us, and all who support these ministries through your prayers and your gifts. Making Jesus Christ Known to the World Deaconess Abundant Life Communities Dear Weston UMC Members, Thank you for your thoughtful donation of $250 to help those of our residents who need assistance in paying for hairdressing and other personal necessities. We appreciate your partnership in our efforts to provide a quality of life that includes the very best skilled nursing care, memory support assisted living and independent living with supportive services in a setting that includes enriching activities and events for older adults living in our communities. Your gift, combined with the gifts of other, ensures that residents of the Deaconess will continue to experience life in the manner they so richly deserve. Helen Keller once said, The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. Your generosity in giving is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Christopher Sintros, Chief Executive Officer Robert Fallon, Executive Officer (submitted Sandy Melius, Missions Chp,)

6 Page 6 Welcome New Members! New members who have joined our church family are: June 7: Lea Sarnblad, by youth confirmation June 14: Fredrik and Annie Sarnblad, by profession of faith September 20: Alyssa Heisten and Anne Canfield, by profession of faith We welcome back to our church family: June: Arnold and Sally Barnes, by letter of transfer Making Jesus Christ Known to the World, (continued) Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Dear Weston UMC Members: On behalf of all of us at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, thank you for your generous donation of $1,000. Your gift makes a powerful statement that you have joined us to help build healthy communities by ending dating and domestic violence. We at REACH seek to empower individuals through intervention, prevention, education and advocacy programs. Each year, REACH provides more than 5,000 nights of safety and days of healing to adults and children affected by domestic violence. Our advocates spend thousands of hours talking with survivors about the dynamics of abuse, legal options, and plans to stay safe. More than 2,000 people call out 24 hour hotline each year, and we connect with more than 2,500 youth through our therapy and teen dating violence prevention programs. Our work would not be possible without your support. We are grateful for your generosity to our organization and your commitment to helping individuals and families in need. We hope you will continue to support our efforts by sharing what you know with others and speaking out against abuse. Together we can reach beyond domestic violence. Sincerely, Laura R. Van Zandt, Executive Director (submitted Sandy Melius, Missions Chp,)

7 Page 7 The Beams A Letter of Thanks To the congregation of the Weston United Methodist Church & Dr. Rev. Melius: Thank you for the kind offer to have the members of the Weston Police Department for lunch. We appreciate your thought and support. I enjoyed meeting you and loved the great lunch. Thanks again! Mike Goulding, Chief of Police 2nd Annual Nicaragua Benefit Concert A Night at the Opera Saturday, October 24 th 7:00 p.m. Featuring: Mary-Alexandra Onstad, soprano Brian Gonzalez, Tenor Nathan Rodriguez, Baritone Saewon Lee Chun, Piano with guest artists: Tevin Vincent, Baritone Carrie Reid-Knox, Mezzo-Soprano Concert is FREE; donations encouraged. 100% of money raised by this concert will be donated to support the Weston United Methodist Ministries in Nicaragua. Dinner will precede the concert at 5:30. Mary-Alexandra Onstad to Teach Voice Lessons: Are you or someone that you know looking for a Private Voice Instructor for yourself or your child? Mary-Alexandra Onstad has openings on her teaching roster for the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 seasons. For more information, please Mary-Alexandra Onstad at info@maryalexandraonstad.com or visit Teaching experience in all age ranges starting from 5 years to 65 years and beyond. Mary- Alexandra has experience teaching all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Musical Theater and Pop. Also, Mary is available for audition preparation and acting instruction. She is available for in-home instruction and willing to travel; or at her home studio in Brighton; or her music studio in Jamaica Plain, MA.

8 Volume 3, Issue 9 Page 8 Page 8 Bishop's "Day on the District" - Monday, October 19th files/devadhar.jpg?width=423) Our Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar will bless us with his annual visit to our Central Massachusetts (CMA) District on Monday, October 19th. This is your opportunity to meet and be inspired by the leader of United Methodism in New England. Join Bishop Devadhar for an evening of celebration and open dialog, preceded by dinner (optional). Quoting Bishop Devadhar, "I envision a Church of the Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit is igniting, gifting and empowering God's children of all ages, backgrounds, colors and personalities to glorify their Creator as passionate witnesses for Jesus Christ. Such a church does not merely serve the poor, the left out, the different, but welcomes them warmly into its hearts, homes, and worship." For more information about this event in our area, as well as about our Bishop and his role in the United Methodist Church, contact Bob Hout and/or visit: Endowment Fund Offering / Luncheon Sunday, October 25th On Sunday, October 25th, the offering will go towards the Trustees Endowment Fund. Following the service there will be a luncheon in parish hall prepared by Jen Hall. For reservations, please R.S.V.P by ing westonunitedmethodist@gmail.com, or by calling the church office at (781) by October 22nd. CROP Walk for World Hunger The annual CROP Walk for world hunger will take place on Sunday, October 18, at the Weston Town Hall, at 1:00 p.m. The walk is about three miles in length with a refreshment stop halfway through the walk. Twenty-five percent of the money raised will be divided between Bristol Lodge in its work with the homeless in Waltham and the Council of Aging food pantry in Weston. The remaining seventy-five percent will go to Church World Service to support its programs in combating world hunger. If you would like to participate, Rev. Melius has walker forms, or you can donate to one of the walkers. This is yet another way we are in mission to the least of these.

9 Pumpkin Patch Thank you to everyone who helped with unloading the pumpkins on Sunday: Paul Angiolillo, Grace Brown, Jeanne Collar, Shari Gabriele, Charlie Hamlin, Bob Hicks, Logan Hicks, Bob Hout, Rollin Jeglum, Carole Kerr, Joe Kerr, Alex MacNeil, John Magoon, Sharon Magoon, Keith Melius, Sandy Melius, Steve Melius, Bob Reitano, Mike Reitano, Annie Sarnblad, Emma Sarnblad, Fredrik Sarnblad, Lea Sarnblad, Mattias Sarnblad, Jackson Taranto, Kelly Taranto, Kirby Taranto, Tyler Taranto, Matt Ursino, Gordon Townsend. Please sign up to help sell the pumpkins. Steve is sitting out front from 12 6pm each day. There is a link on the church s website for you to click on to sign up to work a shift or two. The shifts run from 12-2pm, 2-4pm, and 4-6pm daily. If you are unable to go on line to sign up, please talk to Steve directly about helping out. Page 9 Thank You! More pictures on the next page..

10 Volume 3, Issue 9 Pumpkin Patch, continued Lot s of helping hands made fun work for all! Page 10 Page 10

11 Page 11 The Weston Wayland Interfaith Action Group Invites you to view David Sunday, October 18th 3:00-6:00pm at The Islamic Center of Boston, 126 Boston Post Road, Wayland David is a simple yet profound tale of the journey of two preteen boys one Muslim (Daud) and one Jewisih (Yoav). A friendship develops between the two boys, and complications evolve around youthful deceit and the best of intentions. The boys discover that while they do have their differences, they are ultimately most similar. They re just kids being kids. The film is as much about youthful camaraderie as it is about cultural divisions and boundaries. It is appropriate for middle school and high school children as well as adults, and families are encouraged to attend. A discussion facilitated by Dr. Asif Razvi, member and past president of The Islamic Center of Boston, and Rabbi Jen Gubitz of Shir Tikva will follow the showing of the film.

12 Page 12 Page 12 Page 12 October Birthdays 1 Kettee Boling 1 Ed Heller 3 Ryan Heller 5 Steve Melius 7 Lisa Reitano 15 Milo Igersheimer 17 Merrill Mack 20 Lisa Milbert 25 Don Ackerman 25 Anne Canfield 26 Judy Foote 26 Grace Gehrenbeck-Shim 26 Emma Hall 26 Janet Mitchell 26 Sean Manzira 27 Kim DuLaurence 28 Irene Igersheimer Concerns: Sending Thoughts and Prayers to: Sean Keenan Jean McKnight Gerry Quinlan Louise Reed Helen Shim October 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00 am Yard Sale 4 9:00am Adult Choir 10:30am Communion 10:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 11:30am Fellowship 11:45am Youth Group 5 7:00pm Bible Study 6 10:30am Bible Study :00am Adult Choir 10:30am Worship & Communion 10:30am Sunday School 11:30am Fellowship 3:00pm Healing Service 12 Columbus Day 5:00pm Bristol Lodge 7:00pm Bible Study 13 10:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Mary s House 14 12:00pm ROMEO at Uno s in Waltham :30 NPC Mtg. - Parlor 18 9:00am Adult Choir 10:25am Communion 10:30am Worship/ SS 11:30am Fellowship 1:00 pm CROP Walk 19 7:00pm Bible Study 20 10:30am Bible Study 21 7:30 pm Trustee s Meeting :00pm Dinner 7:00pm Nicaragua Benefit Concert 25 9:00am Adult Choir 10:25am Communion 10:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 11:30am Luncheon 26 7:00pm Bible Study 27 10:30am Bible Study Halloween