Greetings Church,
I recently read a twitter conversation about the adjectives and phrases we’re using (and overusing) to describe this present time we’re living in: uncertain, strange, unprecedented and so on. One tweeter suggested we should change our language and use words like adventure and discovery, wilderness, frontiers, and possibility as we discover together new ways to be the church, to be community, and to keep one another healthy and connected. Another suggested we focus more on the language of love: giving, caring, sacrificing, nurturing. It helped me re-frame, at least for a few minutes. It invited me to focus on what we might learn and create as we find new ways to connect and worship and be the church together. What might we imagine in these adventurous days? How might we love one another best?
In his post this week, John Greene helps us to think through, what is essential and non-essential to our community and to each other. It’s a fun thought experiment. What is essential to be the church, today or any day? When our leadership team met we discussed: outreach, love, conversation, connection, God’s word, prayer, and listening. And we’re doing those things now, discovering new ways to love one another and our neighbors, from afar.
Dear ones, there has been much public debate about when to reopen our churches, communities, etc. Some churches and pastors petitioned our governor just last week to ask for an end to this time of social distancing. I was not among them. While I pray for a quick end to our time of separation, and long to see and hug you, it is important that out of love for one another we continue to stay apart. As our Bishop and extended Cabinet wrote,“…keeping with the highest calling of preserving life and honoring essential, sacrificial work, we will refrain from meeting in person for worship, retreats, Bible studies, and any other in-person church-related gatherings through at least Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020. We abide by this promise…because we are connected through Christ.“ You can read more and see a video from the Dean of the Cabinet, Rev. Jill Colley Robinson here.
It is hard to be apart, but we do so out of love, lovingly and courageously discovering new ways to be the church. We remain, Together in Christ and Committed to Serve.
Peace,
Heather
PRAYERS
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Please pray for:
Our Music Director, Betty Kelly’s brother George, and their family. George’s wife, Marceita, died last week.
Those for whom Mother’s Day is a difficult day, for any reason
Our religious and civic authorities who are trying to discern how to help us all return to church, work, etc safely.
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PRESENCE
(even if we cannot be physically together, we can connect)
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This week we will share communion during our Wednesday gatherings. To participate you can simply observe (like every other time we have communion) or you can bring your own elements of bread and juice. Remember, these items are symbols, so please don’t stress if you don’t have something that looks like what you’re used to. Be flexible: a slice of sandwich bread, a cracker, a roll, bagel, a tortilla chip, a rice cake, a cookie etc and some kind of juice or wine. Remember, Jesus picked up what was on the table, so bring what you might usually eat, a staple food, and an ordinary drink. It is not the elements that make it holy, but rather the work of the Holy Spirit.
3pm – Wednesday Afternoon Check-in: Notice the good and share prayer concerns too. We will share communion at 3:30pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Password: 680367One tap mobile
+16465588656,,83290379122#,,1#,680367# US (New York) Or Call: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 832 9037 9122
Password: 6803677pm – Wednesday Evening Vespers: Sharing Communion
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 894 2800 7760
Password: 297288
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GIFTS
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Thank you to everyone who has supported our “a hero for Hero,” program. This important ministry has expanded to include local nursing homes. Our church is delivering pizza to Pleasant Bay and healthy snacks to the Regency later this week! You can support this ministry through our church website or by sending a designated check to the church.
Pledges, tithes, and offerings can be mailed to the church, or you can give through our online giving portal, or directly through your bank. Questions? Just ask our financial secretary, Jane Gray, office@umchurches.org.
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SERVICE
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Lunch for our Neighbors: Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
Lennie, the chef, at the Salvation Army was very appreciative of our efforts. He wanted to make sure we all knew what a blessing we are to this organization.
For June, we will again be dropping off prepared bagged lunches and the Salvation Army will take care of distribution.
We’re looking for six volunteers to make 10 bag lunches (total of 60 lunches needed.) 1 bag lunch= 2 sandwiches, juice box or something to drink, and fruit and/or dessert (brownies are very popular). Sandwiches must be wrapped individually. Please place in small paper bag and label the outside of the bag with the type of sandwich inside. Condiments are provided at the Salvation Army.
If two people would like to partner and divide the task, that also would be fine. Example: one makes the sandwiches and provides the napkin. The other prepares the dessert and/or fruit, plus drink. If two people do partner, Gail would appreciate if the lunches were combined before she collects and distribute to the Salvation Army.
Many thanks to ALL our volunteers who support this organization. Some have done this for many years. It is so needed by many people!
Any questions? Gail Bennett, (508) 420-7978.
Drop off Tuesday, June 2: UMC Osterville parking lot (not inside the church), 57 Pond St, 9:50-10:10am,or the Salvation Army no later than 10:30.
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WITNESS
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Special Thanks to Sharlene Moran and Jackie Schrafft
Jackie and Sharlene purchased a brand new flag for the church in honor of their mothers and the mothers of our church in honor of Mother’s Day. Thank you. It’s beautiful!
Nursing Home Residents: You are Not Alone
As we all work to keep one another safe and healthy, residents in Nursing Homes are isolated from their families and one another. Let’s work together to remind them that they are in our hearts and prayers with cards from our church! Since we do not have specific names for the recipients, please use a general greeting suitable for anyone: Dear friend, Dear Resident, Thinking of you, etc. Please feel free to sign your name, along with our church name, or just simply the church name. If your child makes a card or draws a picture, please consider including their age. Please drop cards and drawings off at the church no later than Wednesday, May 20th at 9 p.m. and place in the black weighted trash can that is clearly labeled in front of the church. If you would like someone to pick up your cards, please call the Outreach Co-Chairs, Patty & Allen Morell. Please use gloves to write, stamp, and seal with water or scotch tape, not saliva.
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