November 27, 2021
Beautiful Beloveds,
When do you begin to play Christmas music? Do you put on the carols as you take down the jack-o-lanterns? Or do you wait until a special day: after Thanksgiving, December 1, Christmas Eve. Music so often captures so many feelings of the season. It goes deeper than the to-do lists, straight to the heart. My sister and I talk about how we don’t play, “I’ll be home for Christmas,” until we’re in the car on the way to West Virginia.
Christmas songs, traditions, memories, and the scriptures of the season evoke emotions, often touching us in our most tender spots. Our series, Close to Home, “acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized.”Each week, as we hear familiar songs and light the candles of hope, peace, joy and love, we’ll consider what home means in scripture. We’ll consider what it means to be at home in God’s presence, safe to be who we are, and feel what we feel. We’ll give thanks that God, creator of all there is, chose to find home on earth, as a human baby. Our all powerful God chose the vulnerability of a human heart in a human home.
This Advent, may God make a home in us. May we offer a place of rest, safety and belonging for all who wander, for all who feel lost, all who long for home. May we find our way home to the most beautiful gifts of this holy season: hope, peace, joy, love, and the Light of the world.
We remain Together in Christ…Committed to Serve.
Peace,
Heather
A musical playlist for thinking about home, the coming series and season of Advent.
Mark Your Calendars
Sunday, November 28: First Sunday of Advent
8:30 am: Drive in Worship
Sit on the lawn around around the flagpole, or stay in your warm car and tune in to 91.5.
10:30 am: Worship in our sanctuary (masks required). Please register here
10:30 am: Livestream available on our YouTube channel
Silent Auction items are on display in the Solarium until November 28
4:00 pm: Youth Group Leads Advent Family Fun Please register here
Monday, November 29:
9:00 am Lend-a-Hand
7:00 pm: Men’s Study Group (via Zoom)
Tuesday, November 30:
9:00 am: Yoga
12:00 pm: Deadline for “A Word on Wednesday,” AND Saturday Tidings
7:00 pm Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, December 1:
10:00 am Bright Promises Yoga
10:30 am Chair Yoga
10:30 am – 3:00 pm Rainbow’s End Open (Donations accepted 11 am-2pm)
Thursday, December 2:
9:00 am: Yoga
Friday, December 3:
10:00 am: Al-anon Meeting
Saturday, December 4:
9:00 am: Yoga
Sunday, December 5: Second Sunday of Advent
**Register for Worship Here for 8:30, 10:30, and Christmas Eve Worship**
8:30 am: Outdoor and Drive In Worship
10:30 am: Worship in our sanctuary
10:30 am: Livestream available on our YouTube channel
4:00 pm: Youth Group Leads Advent Family Fun Please register here
Together in Christ—We Tend the Spirit
Advent Begins November 28
Advent Family Fun Our youth will be leading a 30 minute activity for children up to 5th grade November 28, December 5, 12, and 19. Each Sunday they’ll offer a brief Bible Study followed by a craft, game or other fun activity. Please sign up here to participate and/or help make it a success!
Sunday Singers make the season bright! If you’re interested in singing during our 10:30 Sunday worship please fill out this form. Pastor Heather will use this to schedules duos and trios for Sunday worship, Christmas Eve, and January worship.
Weekly Bible Study via Zoom, Tuesdays at 10am
We’ll open with sharing our prayer concerns and praying together. Then, we’ll study one of four different tellings of the Christmas story, a different gospel each week. Then we’ll close with prayer and end by 11am.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, December 24, 5pm
We will gather in our sanctuary, at 5pm, as well as transmitting to your radio, if you prefer to stay in your car, and livestreaming for those who wish to join us from off campus or off cape. The recording will also be available so you can also watch it later at your convenience.
Worship with Us Outside, Inside, and Online: For the health and safety of us all, please follow our safety guidelines, listed at the end of this email. This may be subject to change as our leadership team reviews this every week. If you are feeling unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please stay home and join us online.
Please submit prayer requests here or call MaryAnne Farley (774) 487-0719 or Pastor Heather, (774) 994-3645.
Together in Christ—Our United Methodist Connection
Our church is one of 84 United Methodist Churches in the Seacoast District, which includes Western Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod. The Seacoast District is led by our District Superintendent, David Calhoun. Our District is one of seven districts (574 churches), spread over 6 states making up the New England Conference. Our Conference is led by our Bishop, Sudarshana Devadhar.
Please pray for all United Methodist Churches who are working through the legal implications of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy after suits related to abuse. Please pray for all survivors of this abuse and all who have been harmed.
United Methodist Women
The General Secretary of United Methodist Woman says, “We’ve seen what innovative use of technology makes possible. We know the power of personal relationships with God and others. We see the needs in our communities and around the world that call us to give and serve and at the same time to speak up for justice and long-term changes.” Our UMW will be meeting again soon and presenting work and programs as our Purpose says.
Committed to Serve—We Celebration Faithful Service
Human Rights Award 2022
Church Women United of Cape Cod & Women of Faith have selected Patty Morrell as an Honoree this year. She has demonstrated involvement in the struggle for human rights and as a part of our United Methodist Church Osterville which stands up for human rights. Her service to the community and the global community has been outstanding. It is a National Award in a Local settings. We congratulate her!
Patty will be honored at a Celebration on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at The Lady of Victory Church, Centerville. Many of us will be able to attend that celebration by registering later in January.
Committed to Serve—We Give to Bless Others
During this Advent season out Outreach Group would like to offer the following gift giving opportunities. Safe Harbor for women and children who need protection and assistance.
CHAMP Homes who provide transitional housing to homeless adults on the Cape.
Gifts to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund and to Sierra Leone.
A Gift of gloves or mittens to our Miracle Kitchen guests.
December Food Collection for Local Food Pantries.
Details on these Christmas donations will be sent out next week in a special separate email to all of you.
HOLIDAY SILENT AUCTION
Sunday, November 14—Sunday, November 28
United Methodist Church
Solarium
57 Pond St, Osterville, MA
Many exciting items!
Bids accepted until 12:00 noon November 28.
Bids can be made in person at church Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am till 1:00 pm, by phone 508-428-2811 or by email office@umcchurches.org.
Annual Holiday Church Auction – All Auction items will be on display on Sunday and the bidding will continue. You also may come in Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm to bid or call Jane 508-428-2811 or email her office@umcchurches.org. The Curent High Bids are as follows:
ITEM VALUE HIGH BID
#1 Window Boxes $75.00 $50.00
#2 Isaiah Thomas Books $100.00 $60.00
#3 Jonquil’s Catering $275.00 $200.00
#4 Vermont Trip $800.00 $875.00
#5 Home Sketch $100.00 $125.00
#6 Home Check/Dog Walk $125.00 $40.00
#7 Italian Gourmet Basket $100.00 $200.00
#8 Wreath $60.00 $30.00
#9 Handmade Quilt Priceless $150.00
#10 Albertos Gift Cert. $100.00 $175.00
#11 Christmas Tree $50.00 $30.00
#12 Nantucket Trip $180.00 $100.00
#13 Barton & Gray Trip $1500.00 $400.00
#14 Stool $100.00 $30.00
#15 Cotuit Center for the Arts $100.00 $75.00
2022 Calendars are on Sale this Sunday. Order blanks are available or you can call in your order (508-428-2811) or send us an email office@umcchurches.org. They come in small ($8.95) Large ($12.95) Small Frame ($5.00) Large Frame ($9.00.)
Holiday Gift Cards (with a % going to BIC) are available again this year. There is a list of vendors available in the Solarium next to the Calendars that you may pick up on Sunday or come in any time next week between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm Monday through Thursday to get one.
Rainbow’s End, our church thrift boutique, is open Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30-3pm. Stop by to shop and/or donate goods, particularly, Fall and Winter Clothes. Bring them in on Wednesday and Thursday between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Thanks so much.
To volunteer, donate or consign items, or find out other ways to support our store, please call shop manager, Pamela Turner, at 508-548-2245.
Give online. Visit our online giving portal, to set up your pledge, make a one time gift for a special project, support the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, make memorial contributions, and more. You can use your credit card, bank card, or set up an electronic funds transfer.
We’re here to help. Give Jane Gray, financial secretary, a call 508.428.2811 if you need help navigating the online giving portal.
Worship with Us
Outside, inside, or online
If you are feeling unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please stay home.
Please register here for November Worship
If you prefer to not to register online,
please leave a message at the church 508.428.2811
or text Pastor Heather, 774.994.3645.
8:30 am Gather On the Green (Outdoor Worship):
- We are now inviting congregational singing outdoors.
- If you register, you will receive an order of worship for the day, including links to scripture, hymn lyrics,our online-giving portal and a music playlist to compliment the day’s themes. Registering also helps us with contact tracing if that becomes necessary.
- Please stay home if you are feeling unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
- Masks are optional.Please honor the choices that others have made to mask or not.
- Please continue to practice risk-reducing distancing, staying about 6 feet apart.
- If, after worshiping with us, you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed, it is important to the health of our congregation that you let us know so we can notify others who may have been exposed.This will be treated carefully and confidentially, so that we can care for another. Please call Pastor Heather directly, 774.994.3645.
- Worship will feature pre-recorded music, and we encourage you to stay in your cars when it is wet and/or cold.
10:30 am In Our Sanctuary
- If you register, you will receive an order of worship for the day, including links to scripture, hymn lyrics,our online-giving portal and a music playlist to compliment the day’s themes. Registering also helps us with contact tracing if that becomes necessary.
- Please stay home if you are feeling unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
- Please wear a mask.If you forget, we’ll have plenty available.
- Sanctuary Shepherds will be there to greet and guide you, as you enter and exit our building
- Please enter through the main sanctuary doors, where you will be “checked-in,” and invited to use hand sanitizer.Communion Elements, in pre-packaged containers will be available. You can also grab a mask if you need one, and pick up a Bible if you choose. At this time we will not be using hymnals or paper bulletins.
- After you are “checked in” you will be led to a seat by a sanctuary shepherd.We will be seating individuals and families six feet apart from one another from the front of the sanctuary to the back. Please sit as close to the colorful dot as possible.
- We will have one or two singers, but not congregational singing at this time.
- The ionizers will be on, and at least one window will have a fan running, and other windows will be open.Additionally, all doors will be open. Please dress warmly and feel free to bring a lap blanket.
- Please exit through our solarium as directed by our shepherds.
- An offering plate will be available as you enter, as we will not be “passing the plate.”Don’t worry if you forget, or are moved to give more, there will be another place to give on your way out.
- We will be livestreaming our sanctuary worship, so you catch it on YouTube, or if we need more seating at the church, in Fred Curtis Hall.
- If, after worshiping with us, you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed, it is important to the health of our congregation that you let us know so we can notify others who may have been exposed.This will be treated carefully and confidentially, so that we can care for another. Please call Pastor Heather directly, 774.994.3645.
**Our COVID-19 Leadership Task Force is watching the rates of COVID-19 on Cape Cod. We will gather in our sanctuary on Sunday, and will decide week by week if we will continue to do so. If a change is needed we will communicate quickly, clearly, and in a variety of media.
Zoom Links:
Youth Group
Sundays, 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89016033879?pwd=bnpjYUVqc1Rkc0RRRWtjeG0yTXV2Zz09
Meeting ID: 890 1603 3879
Passcode: 312727
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,89016033879#,,,,*312727# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,89016033879#,,,,*312727# US (Chicago)
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, 10am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82427947759?pwd=aTBXM3pWblJRN2U5OWxzSFNtdUxZZz09
Meeting ID: 824 2794 7759
Passcode: 755424
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82427947759#,,,,*755424# US (New York)
+13017158592,,82427947759#,,,,*755424# US (Washington DC)
Or Call: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 824 2794 7759
Passcode: 755424