Read on to discover:
We’re celebrating Baptism at the church!
An Update on re-entry
Announcing our new Church Online Shopping Cart!
Beautiful Beloveds,
When I announced to a congregation that we were expecting our daughter, one of our littlest disciples ran down the hall to announce to the women preparing coffee hour, “We’re having a baby!”
I feel that way whenever we celebrate a baptism. I want to tell anyone who will listen, “We’re having a baptism!” This Sunday, we’ll have not one but two baptisms. Don’t miss this special celebration and reminder that even in the midst of COVID-19, the work of the church is to bless and welcome in those who are new to the body. The ritual will look a little different in the church parking lot, but the vows and the work of the Spirit will be the same. We celebrate what God already knows, these children are already loved, claimed and blessed by God. We’re just taking it public. So tell your friends and your neighbors, “We’re having a baptism!”
I’ll see you on Sunday!
Peace,
Heather
Please register here to attend Sunday’s Worshipful Engagement & baptisms at 11am.
Mark Your Calendars
Today, Saturday, October 17
New England Annual Conference: please hold our Bishop, Sudarshana Devadahar his cabinet, our delegates, Wendy Lithwin and Pastor heather in your prayers as they tend to the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church of New England.
Sunday, October 18
8:30am Facebook Premiere Worship— Or watch on YouTube as early as 5:30am
11am Worshipful Engagement continues at the church Register here.
Monday, October 19
Noon—New Deadline for Wednesday Tidings Submissions
Wednesday, October 14
4pm New—Deadline for Saturday Tidings Submissions
5:00 pm Bible Study (at the church) register here.
5:30 pm Vespers (at the church) register here.
Thursday, October 15
10am Bible Study (via Zoom) Join us for Matthew ch. 4.
10am-3pm Rainbow’s End Open! Volunteers needed.
October 23-30
On-line Church Auction! Stay tuned for more information!
Monday, November 2
7:00 pm Church Conference (via Zoom)
Dr. David Calhoun, Seacoast District Superintendent, presiding
Saturday, November 21
Holiday Fair
Almost A homily by John Greene
Together in Christ—We worship, learn and grow
Announcing the United Methodist Church of Osterville’s new online shop! Support our church with the purchase of unique products!
So far we are offering 2021 Calendars, Christmas Cards (free personalization offered) and Note Cards, all featuring unique artwork produced by our church community.
We accept the following payment methods online:
Online orders can be placed safely at https://ostervillechurch.com/shop-at-umco/. All orders can be picked up at our church located at 57 Pond Street in Osterville, after approximately a week. We will email or call you when you order is ready. If you have any questions, please call us at 508-273-6447.
We’re bringing back the contact tree! Are you willing to help? Beginning in March, several people have volunteered to call, text, and email people to let them know the church cares and offer updates on what happening in our church. If you’re willing to call, email, or text 4-8 people every two weeks, please let Pastor Heather know. Let’s stay connected!
Re-Entry Update: Our Leadership Team has changed our current policy to allow groups of up to 12 people to use our solarium. These groups must be scheduled with either Jane Gray in the church office or Pastor Heather. Each group must review the current guidelines, policies and procedures, and the group leader is responsible for ensuring these guidelines are followed.
As we continue to practice a spirit of abundant caution, our Leadership Team is also carefully and intentionally planning indoor worship. There are many details to consider how to do so safely and with warm hospitality.
Dear Friends,
I was honored/overwhelmed/touched/ all of the above to receive so many expressions of appreciation. We were just about to go shopping for a mum plant, so great timing. And Dunkin’ is my favorite coffee.
It means a lot to get feedback on my offerings of music and liturgical leadership, since with masks on, I can’t see your faces. This tells me that I don’t need to see your faces, because I know your hearts.
Many thanks,
Ed
Thank you so much for your kind words, your cards, flowers, affirmations and encouragement! As I gift to myself, I enjoyed quiet time just reading the cards, giving thanks for you, and the joy of working together. I am grateful for you and our congregation. Remember, God loves you and so do I.
-Heather
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 5pm **New Time** at the Church, Thursdays at 10am via Zoom
We’re reading the Gospel of Matthew, together. Join us. To participate at the church, please register here. You need only register, once. Or join us via Zoom, Thursdays at 10am
5:30 pm *New Time* Vespers at the church.
Register here for the month of October.
Committed to Serve—We are making a difference
Council Update:
At our Church Council meeting on Tuesday, we approved salaries for 2021, reviewed our current financial health, and considered what it would mean to post a Rainbow Flag or Black Lives Matter banner/flag outside our church. It was the beginning of an important conversation for our church that will continue.
After much listening and sharing, the question goes back to our Anti-Racism Conversation Team. If you are interested in joining our Anti-Racism Conversation, please reach out to Pastor Heather for the Zoom link. We continue to explore, and ask ourselves, and our church, “How can we best bear witness to God’s extravagant grace and love for all people, particularly our oppressed siblings?”
Practicing Compassionate Generosity
Your tithes and offerings are making a difference! Thank you. Please continue to submit pledges via our online giving portal, and through the mail: 57 Pond St, Osterville, MA 02655.
The Bishop hosts An Evening with the Authors: Jane P. Ives and Bonnie Ives Marden
You’re invited to join Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar for an evening celebrating the most recent work by mother and daughter authors, Jane P. Ives and Bonnie Ives Marden. This Zoom webinar will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020.
In their latest books, both writers followed the age-old advice to authors: Write what you know. Ives, the wife of Bishop Cliff Ives, has written “They Also Serve: Methodist and United Methodist Bishops’ Spouses, 1940-2018.” Their daughter, who is a leadership consultant and financial stewardship practitioner, has written “Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices for Faithful Stewardship.”
Moderator for the evening will be the Rev. Dr. Robert Allan Hill, Dean of Boston University’s Marsh Chapel, and an elder in the Upper New York Conference. During the webinar you will have an opportunity to hear reflections on these books from the bishop and others in the New England Conference as well as hear from the authors themselves. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and share your comments about these books.
No registration required. The session will be recorded. Find the logon information here
More Opportunities to Help Our Community:
Food Collection: During the month of October Thanksgiving Foods will be collected such as canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, canned corn, canned pumpkin, canned ham, canned olives, rice, canned gravy, nuts, instant potatoes, and bread mixes. Please do not donate any perishable food including bread products. For right now we would also prefer not to receive anything packaged in glass. You may put your items up at church inside the trash can out front marked, “Non-Perishable Food Donations.”
“Sweatshirts and Blankets for our Homeless Neighbors.” The Outreach Committee is partnering with South Congregational Church in collecting specific items for at least 40 people who will be sleeping outdoors in tents over the winter. What is most needed are men’s sweatshirts in size medium and large, women’s sweatshirts in size medium, as well as blankets. Items can be gently used (and cleaned) or new. Please leave them in the trash can in the front of the church marked, “Sweatshirts and Blankets for our Homeless Neighbors.”
Rainbows End Update: Rainbow’s End is open Thursdays, 10am-3pm. Volunteers needed. Please contact Pamela Turner, store manager, directly at the store to volunteer today: (508) 428-5304.
During COVID 19, all donations will be gone through out side of the Annex building Wednesdays from 11am-1pm. Consignments will also be accepted during this time. We cannot accept yard sale donations at this time. Whether shopping or donating, for the health and safety of all, everyone must be masked.
On days with inclement weather, rainy, drizzle, wet days and snow days, donations will not be taken in and can be brought in the following Wednesday.
Influenza Vaccination Clinics
November 4, 2020 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Drive-thru Only at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Route 28, Centerville
These clinics are open to Town of Barnstable residents only (open to Centerville, Osterville, Hyannis, West Barnstable, Cotuit, Marstons Mills, and Barnstable Village residents) .
Please print-out and complete the consent form before arriving to reduce waiting times. CONSENT FORM
For More Information: Call the Town of Barnstable Public Health Division at (508) 862-4644.
Zoom Links:
Thursday Morning Bible Study– 10am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83958360902?pwd=K2Q1enBPQWJ4cGJLamI2UXJWVzhEZz09
Meeting ID: 839 5836 0902
Passcode: 477955
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,83958360902#,,,,,,0#,,477955#
Or Call +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 839 5836 0902
Passcode: 477955