In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
John 1: 1-5
Beautiful Beloveds,
On Sunday, our youth group concluded our study of the four gospel tellings of the Christmas Story. Mark doesn’t have one, Matthew is the only version to include the wise visitors, Luke was hands-down the group favorite, and John, well… Is it a Christmas Story? The verdict in our group was mixed. And, if you struggle with pride, see if you can explain John, chapter one, without resorting to church language. Invite any child aged 3-23 to ask follow-up questions.
I cling to the promise of verse 5, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” I am reassured both by the promise and the invitation. You see, you and I are part of God’s work, God’s life and light shining in the darkness. We are called to reflect that light. As Robert Fulghum quotes Dr. Papaderos in his book, It Was on Fire when I lay down on it,
“I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have, I can reflect light into the dark places of this world – into the dark places of human hearts – and change some things in some people. Perhaps others seeing it happen will do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life.”
How are you reflecting the light of Christ into the dark places of this world?
Peace,
Heather
As United Methodists we promise to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Here are some ways you can live into those promises, this week:
Prayers
Please pray for our our nation, and our leaders. Please pray for all those who are barely able to make ends meet, who must make painful, difficult decisions, to pay rent, and put food on the table.
Please submit prayer requests here or contact Pastor Heather directly, pastorheather@umcchurches.org and 774.994.3645.
Presence
| CALENDAR | |||
| Virtual—
Zoom links at the end of the email |
In Person | ||
| Wednesday, January 13:
Noon—Deadline for Saturday Tidings Submissions |
|||
| Moment of Light—Prayer and Conversation
3pm & 7pm 5:30 pm Finance Committee |
|||
| Thursday, January 14 | |||
| 10 am Bible Study | |||
| Friday, January 15 | |||
| Saturday, January 16 | |||
Moment of Light—Prayer and conversation via Zoom—3pm and 7pm Wednesdays in January
Let’s connect, check in, and pray together.
Gifts
What about pledge cards and envelopes? We’ll be handing out pledge cards later this month, and the envelopes are in the church office. If you want yours sooner, rather than later, please contact Jane Gray in the office, 508.428.2811 or office@umcchurches.org to set up a time to pick yours up.
Service and Witness
Gail Bennett/Miracle Kitchen wants to let everyone know how appreciative the recipients of all the winter gloves and mittens are! They can’t thank all who donated enough for such a wonderful gift. Thank all of you who supported them.
Zoom Links
Wednesday Moment of Light
Topic: Moment of Light
Time: 3pm and 7pm Wednesdays in January
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82424932249?pwd=WmxjU29wMWM0RzNDMEZOMG9RclVQZz09
Meeting ID: 824 2493 2249
Passcode: 374395
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82424932249#,,,,*374395#
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 824 2493 2249
Passcode: 374395
Wednesday Evening 5:30 pm Finance Committee
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83445466618?pwd=ekNlSnRiYUNQMCtkU2VMTnBwSFF3dz09
Meeting ID: 834 4546 6618
Passcode: 422146
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,83445466618#,,,,*422146# US (New York)
+13017158592,,83445466618#,,,,*422146# US (Washington D.C)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 834 4546 6618
Passcode: 422146
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kEqLX5zrX
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Time: Thursday mornings, 10am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83958360902?pwd=K2Q1enBPQWJ4cGJLamI2UXJWVzhEZz09
Meeting ID: 839 5836 0902
Passcode: 477955
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83958360902#,,,,*477955# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,83958360902#,,,,*477955# US (New York)
Or Call: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 839 5836 0902
Passcode: 477955