June 5, 2021
Beautiful Beloveds,
In this season of graduations, commencements, and school wrapping up, we pause to celebrate threshold moments. In both our virtual and Drive-in Style worship, we’ll take a look back at the last year. We’ll also prayerfully peek into the unknown future. Whether you are graduating, love a graduate, or simply want to take stock with God, reflecting on your growth in this season of life, join us as we celebrate a threshold moment.
Peace,
Heather
Change is Coming! June 13, 9:30am, we move our worship to “Gather on the Green” (front lawn of the church). Much more info below.
Mark Your Calendars
Sunday, June 6
5:30 am Worship available on our YouTube channel
8:30 am: Virtual Worship premier on Facebook
11:00 am: “Drive-In” style worshipful Engagement in our Parking Lot.
—Please register here **.
7:00 pm: Youth Group (Zoom link below)
Monday, June 7
9:00 am: Lend-a-Hand
7:00 pm: Men’s Study Group (via Zoom)
Tuesday, June 8:
12:00 pm: Deadline for “A Word on Wednesday,” AND Saturday Tidings
Wednesday, June 9:
6:30: Justice Team Meeting (via Zoom)
Thursday, June 10:
2021 New England Annual Conference session
6:30 pm COVID-19 Leadership Task Force
Friday, June 11:
2021 New England Annual Conference session
Saturday, June 12:
2021 New England Annual Conference session
Sunday, June 13:
5:30am: Worship available on our YouTube channel and our Facebook Page
9:30 am: “Gather on the Green” Worship Please register here
7:00 pm: Youth Group meets via Zoom (link below)
**Why do we ask you register for worship?
- Your registration lets us know how many people are coming and plan accordingly. This will become increasingly important as we move to “Gather on the Green,” beginning June 13 and as we look ahead to re-entering our sanctuary.
- If you sign up by email, on Sunday morning we will email you the scripture and songs of the day, including a YouTube playlist, so you can go back and find that song that really struck a chord.
- It also allows us to track attendance more easily, which allows for contact tracing if the need arises.
Please register here for worship in June. You can sign up for the whole month, or register one Sunday at one time.
If you prefer not to register on-line, you can email pastorheather@umcchurches.org, or call the church office to let us know you’re coming. “This is Susanna Wesley, I’ll be attending worship every Sunday in June with all 17 of my children. We’ll bring our own chairs, and warmed hearts.”
Together in Christ—We worship, learn and grow
An Update from our COVID-19 Leadership Task Force on Safety Protocols
We are no longer requiring everyone to wear masks outdoors on our church property. We do ask everyone to continue to mask indoors. We must each make our own decision whether or not to mask. We want our church to be a place where both masked and unmasked feel their choice will be honored, without judgment or derision.
Whether we are masked or not, we ask everyone to please continue to practice physical distancing. While we deeply desire to be close to one another, let us keep distance between us for everyone’s health and safety. You may notice that sometimes the person you’re talking to will back away from you to maintain that distance. This is not a sign of lack of affection or attention, but rather, a sign of our care for one another. Let’s help remind one another to create space as a sign of our love.
We also ask that we practice deep respect for one another. We cannot always know why someone has chosen to mask or not. We can honor the choice they have made for themselves and their family. Let us not see masked/unmasked as a source of division between us, but rather, a reminder of our shared desire for the health and safety of us all.
June 6, we will continue to gather in the parking lot at 11am. You are welcome to stay in your car, and listen on your radio. Or you can bring a chair and an umbrella to create shade, or find a seat anywhere on the property you can find a bit of shade. If you bring a radio with you, you can tune in to 91.5 and hear the worship from any shady spot within ¼ mile of the church.
9:30 am, Sunday, June 13th, our worship time and gathering spot will change. At 9:30 am we’ll “Gather on the Green,” in front of the church by the flag pole and red cross. There will still be space for those who want to stay in their car to do so, or scatter more widely on the property, and continue to tune in to 91.5.
I hope you’re noticing a theme. Our leadership team is committed to reducing risk of transmission of COVID-19 and maintaining a space where all are welcome. We want all to feel welcome to make the choices you need to make for your health and safety. And we hope to retain a culture of warm inclusion of all, supporting one another in whatever decisions we make. It has been a hard season of difficult and sometimes painful choices. May the church be a place where we model deep compassion for one another. If that means staying in your car, wearing a mask, sitting in a chair, and/or lowering your mask, we are glad you have chosen to worship with us. We welcome your questions, ideas, and suggestions.
Graduation Celebration! June 6, 2021
We will be sending Renee Van Leeweun off with a devotional Bible. This year, we invite you to create a “Blessing Bookmark” that can put into the Bible. Mail it to the church by June 1 or bring your bookmark to worship on Sunday, June 6.
Need help getting started? Cut a bookmark from sturdy cardstock or heavy duty paper (2-3 inches x 6-8.5 inches). Consider writing out your favorite scripture, or your own words of hope and encouragement for Renee. Draw a picture to delight and encourage! Share a memory of her time in our church, and in your life.
Pride Celebration! June 13, 2021
Bring out your rainbows! Bring out your truest self! June 13th both our virtual and in-person worship will center on a celebration of all God’s people and every beautiful expression of human sexuality. We will be moving from Drive-in style worship to Gather on Green at 9:30am. As part of our special celebration we will share Holy Communion together. Wear your rainbows and most colorful expressions of God’s love!
Thank you!
Imagine my surprise when I finally picked up my mail after being in the hospital. So many cards from so many of you. It certainly made my day! Many thanks for all of your prayers and cards. I am feeling so much better. A heartfelt thanks – Janie Gray.
A Homily by John Greene
Help Wanted
Many churches have signs out front on which announcements are displayed. Occasionally there will be words of encouragement or a saying that will cause the viewer to take a second look. In times when jobs are not always easily found this is an ad for your church.
Workers Wanted
Apply Inside
No Resume Required
No Previous Experience Needed
Long Hours Low Pay
Good Retirement Package
Long Term Housing
Great Benefits
Non-Discriminatory Hiring
Come In and Talk to the Boss
If you are thinking about what to do with yourself and need job counseling, don’t hesitate to apply at the nearest church.
John Greene
United Methodist Women—A Day of Prayer, June 19, 2021
On June 19th, the United Methodist Women at Shepherd of the Valley (604 Seven Mile Road, Hope RI) will open our church and labyrinth from 8A to 4P for the annual Day of Prayer and Self-Denial Celebration. Join us anytime during the day to take part in contemplative, reflective and interactive opportunities of prayer. We will come together around the theme She Leads: Empowering Women to Make a Difference. We welcome you to come pray, learn and offer your gifts that will make a real change in the lives of women, children and youth around the world.
- PRAY – As we unite in prayer, we prepare ourselves to listen.
- LEARN – As we learn about the impact of the Call to Prayer and Self-Denial, we also learn about the impact our giving has on the world.
- GIVE – As we generously give, we remember with confidence all that God has already done in and through us and all that God has yet for us to do.
Join together to bring justice and inspire change, living into United Methodist Women’s faith and action.
Please note that we are following all CDC Covid-19 protocols to protect the vulnerable around us and request that you and your party wear masks while in the church building.
For more information, please contact UMW President Barbara Walz (barbw146@verizon.net) or the SOV Church Office (401.821.8217 or office@sovumc.org).
Miracle Sightings! A new feature in our Weekly Tidings
Where are you seeing God at work in and through our church? Send us a story or a picture of “miracle sightings.” Let’s remind one another of the good in the midst of challenge.
Committed to Serve—We are making a difference
Volunteers Needed:
Help is needed with the gleaning on Fridays at the Marstons Mills Stop & Shop (3900 Falmouth Road) between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Fridays. After the food is picked up it needs to be delivered to Faith Family Kitchen, which is located in the Faith Assembly of God Church at 154 Bearses Way, Hyannis. Regular volunteers are needed as well as folks willing to substitute. Please call Allen Morell, 703-725-2772, for more information and/or to sign up.
Food for Thought: Thoughts, Articles, Resources from your Justice Team
No-No Boy Virtual Concert to benefit NEJFON
Join New England Justice For Our Neighbors (NEJFON) for a No-No Boy virtual concert at 7 pm on June 5, 2021 to support immigrants and refugees worldwide and in our neighborhoods.
“No-No Boy is an immersive multimedia work that blends original folk songs, storytelling, and projected archival images to illuminate hidden American histories.”
CLICK HERE: 10_Things_to_Know_About_Asian_Americans
Learn more about it or go directly to the registration page
Green Tips: See the Sea
World Ocean Day, June 8
Plastic waste in the ocean is dangerous to marine life and can break into microplastics. Save Our Shores has a campaign to minimize pollution from six pollutants: beverage containers, toiletry bottles, microfiber, contact lenses, balloons, and coffee pods. You can donate to their cause, or find other ways to support their campaign.
But plastic waste isn’t the only thing threatening the ocean. For example, by conserving water, you can help prevent excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean. Check out these 10 simple things you can do at home or around town to help our oceans.
Cape Cod Council of Churches is Hiring
Go to to https://www.capecodcouncilofchurches.org/ for details.
Chef/Program Director for Faith Family Kitchen
Direct and Implement the mission of Faith Family Kitchen, to alleviate hunger by serving without judgement those in need of regular, free nutritious meals. Faith Family Kitchen, which is a program of the Cape Cod Council of Churches, operates in partnership with Faith Assembly of God Church, Hyannis, MA.
Program Director, Covenant to Care for Foster Families
Direct and implement the mission of Covenant to Care, which exists to create partnerships between local foster care families, Cape and Islands faith communities and the broader Cape and Islands community to support foster families and the children in their care. Covenant to Care for Foster Families (CCFF) is a collaboration between the Cape Cod Council of Churches and the Cape and Islands Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Do you shop at Amazon.com?
Sign up with smile.amazon.com and most purchases will support our church without costing you an extra cent. Be sure to go to smile.amazon.com, rather than just amazon.com, whenever you shop, so our church earns every time! In the last year our church has earned $139 in this way. Sign up today and select Osterville United Methodist Church as the charity to support and help us earn more.
Need Prayer?
Please submit prayer requests here or contact Pastor Heather directly, pastorheather@umcchurches.org and 774.994.3645.
Zoom Links
Youth Group—Sundays at 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89016033879?pwd=bnpjYUVqc1Rkc0RRRWtjeG0yTXV2Zz09
Meeting ID: 890 1603 3879
Passcode: 312727
One tap mobile
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Justice Team, Wednesday, June 9, 6:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 847 8756 9440
Passcode: 508605
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