30 December Sunday 

Worship Service 

10:30 am 

"Calm and Bright: Is Born" 

Thought for the Week 

“Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. 

The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” 

L.R. Knost

Upcoming 

Monday, Dec. 31 

Family Game Night, and Watch Night Service 

Family game night and Watch Night Service: Bring games you would like to share with others (board games, card games, etc.) for a 5:00 p.m. potluck and game time. Then at 7:00 p.m. (if we use 7:00 p.m.: which is midnight in London, when John Wesley would have observed his Watch night service), we will join together in a traditional Watch Night service.

John Wesley believed that Methodists, and all Christians should reaffirm their covenant with God annually, so he created a service in which an individual renews his/her covenant with God.

In 1755 Wesley held his first covenant service, and he published this service in a pamphlet in 1780.

The covenant hymn, "Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine," was written for this service by his brother, Charles Wesley. The service is included in The Book of Worship under the title "An Order of Worship for Such as Would Enter Into or Renew Their Covenant with God."

This covenant service is often used in United Methodism as a Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve, and sometimes on New Year's Day or on the first Sunday in January.

Coffee Hosts Needed for January 

Please sign up to host our fellowship time after church 

Learning Opportunities 

Saturday January 26 and Saturday February 9, 2019.

Registration Due: Friday, January 11. 

At Weston UMC's annual Charge Conference on December 10, our District Superintendent Rene Perez spoke with us about the United Methodist Church's 2019 Special Session of General Conference coming up on February 26-29, 2019. In preparation for that important event, three learning opportunities are coming up:

Justice in Every Day Life – Takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church - the church's attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which we are confronted today, and delves deeper into existing issues surrounding matters of faith and practice. Covers topics such as the Natural World, Social Community, Economic Community, Political Community, Biblical Foundations of the Social Principles, and Teaching the Social Principles, as well as the draft of the recommended changes to be voted at General Conference in 2020.

Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution – Based on the book “The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation”, and led by its author Thomas Porter from Boston University together with one of our conferences three lay delegates to General Conference, Bonnie Marden. “The work of conflict transformation is about a way of life and the transformation of our culture to a culture of justpeace.” Part I explores how we can, as Gandhi stated, be the change we want to see in this world. Part II explores engaging others, and three important movements in peacebuilding: appreciative inquiry, interest-based mediation, and restorative justice.

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course – Helps individuals discern and respond to God’s particular call on their lives. Encourages each person to recognize and employ his or her spiritual gifts for the church to become what God intended it to be. Invites participants to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in discipleship. Offers guidelines for optimal communication in leadership and presents numerous types of ministries in which lay servants may assume roles.

For the registration form and details, see the bulletin board in the church narthex or Bob Hout or click the link above “Winter 2019 Lay Servant Ministry Courses” halfway down this webpage:
https://www.neumc.org/layspeakingcoursescma

Special Outreach 

Call for Prayer for Indonesia in Wake of Tsunami

Through UMCOR (The United Methodist Commission on Relief), United Methodist church families across the U.S. and the world are connected together and reaching out in compassion to people impacted by disasters including the earthquakes and tsunami in Indonesia:

https://www.umcor.org/umcor/resources/news-stories/2018/december-/call-for-prayer-for-indonesia

https://www.umcor.org/umcor/resources/news-stories/2018/august/umcor-responds-to-current-disasters-around-the-world

Let us be in prayer and loving solidarity with the people of Indonesia and the Christian community there, including the Methodist Church of Indonesia, in the wake of a December 23 tsunami that caused hundreds of deaths and injuries, notably on the islands of Java and Sumatra. The surprising, destructive wall of water is thought to have been caused by an eruption of the Anal Krakatau volcano. Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief has reached out to partners there and have initially received a request for prayer for the families of those killed, injured and still missing.

UMCOR is fortunate to consistently work with many partners in Indonesia. We are currently coordinating with partners on the ground to address immediate needs of vulnerable people affected by the earthquakes and tsunami. We have been in contact with Methodist Church leadership to support assessment, initial relief work and further evaluation and prioritization of needs as we reach recovery phases.

To contribute online and support ongoing relief efforts: 

Click on "International Disaster Response Advance #982450" at: https://www.umcor.org/Search-for-Projects/Search-for-Projects

Upcoming Meetings / Events

23 December  Sunday

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Worship Service

10:30 am

"Calm and Bright: Let Us Sleep"

Thought for the Week

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved;

loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."

Victor Hugo

Upcoming

Monday, Dec. 24

7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service

Family and friends join together at this very special candle light service to celebrate the Light of the World and the birth of our Savior.  Traditional hymns and the re-telling of the Christmas story make this family friendly service a very special occasion in the life of the congregation.

Tuesday, Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Monday, Dec. 31

Family Game Night, and Watch Night Service

Family game night and Watch Night Service: Bring games you would like to share with others (board games, card games, etc.) for a 5:00 p.m. potluck and game time. Then at 7:00 p.m. (if we use 7:00 p.m.: which is midnight in London, when John Wesley would have observed his Watch night service), we will join together in a traditional Watch Night service.

John Wesley believed that Methodists, and all Christians should reaffirm their covenant with God annually, so he created a service in which an individual renews his/her covenant with God.

In 1755 Wesley held his first covenant service, and he published this service in a pamphlet in 1780.

The covenant hymn, "Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine," was written for this service by his brother, Charles Wesley. The service is included in The Book of Worship under the title "An Order of Worship for Such as Would Enter Into or Renew Their Covenant with God."

This covenant service is often used in United Methodism as a Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve, and sometimes on New Year's Day or on the first Sunday in January. 

Coffee Hosts Needed: December 30

Please sign up to host our fellowship time after church

Continuing Prayer Requests 

Taj M., Bill B., Gail M.

Special Outreach

December 23

No-sew blankets

For children who are seriously ill or traumatized, or otherwise in need. Project Linus gets these to children and has patterns and other resources available.

About Project Linus - https://www.projectlinus.org/about/

Pattern - http://www.projectlinus.org/patterns/pdf/NoSewFB.pdf

Council On Aging (COA) Food Drive

Now that we have all stuffed ourselves at Thanksgiving dinner, let’s help stuff some others in our community, Our Church Council is sponsoring a canned goods and staple food drive for the Weston COA from December 9 thru December 23. We will have a container in the Narthex for the food.

UMCOR : Hurricane, Wildfire, and Earthquake Relief

Through UMCOR (The United Methodist Commission on Relief), United Methodist church families across the U.S. and the world are connected together and reaching out in compassion to people impacted by disasters including hurricanes in the east, wildfires in the southwest, and earthquakes in the northwest United States: https://www.umcor.org/umcor/resources/news-stories/2018/august/umcor-responds-to-current-disasters-around-the-world

Here are some powerful testimonies of United Methodist church families making a difference:

- October, Hurricane Michael:

    https://www.umnews.org/en/news/long-road-for-recovery-from-hurricane-michael

- November, California Wildfires:

    https://www.umnews.org/en/news/churches-coping-with-california-fires

- December, Alaska Earthquakes:

    https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-steps-up-after-earthquake

To contribute online and support ongoing relief efforts:

  Click on "United States Disaster Response Advance #901670" at:

    https://www.umcor.org/Search-for-Projects/Search-for-Projects

Upcoming Meetings / Events

23 December  Sunday

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Worship Service

10:30 am

"Calm and Bright: Let Us Sleep"

Thought for the Week

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved;

loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."

Victor Hugo

Upcoming

Monday, Dec. 24

7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service

Family and friends join together at this very special candle light service to celebrate the Light of the World and the birth of our Savior.  Traditional hymns and the re-telling of the Christmas story make this family friendly service a very special occasion in the life of the congregation.

Tuesday, Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Monday, Dec. 31

Family Game Night, and Watch Night Service

Family game night and Watch Night Service: Bring games you would like to share with others (board games, card games, etc.) for a 5:00 p.m. potluck and game time. Then at 7:00 p.m. (if we use 7:00 p.m.: which is midnight in London, when John Wesley would have observed his Watch night service), we will join together in a traditional Watch Night service.

John Wesley believed that Methodists, and all Christians should reaffirm their covenant with God annually, so he created a service in which an individual renews his/her covenant with God.

In 1755 Wesley held his first covenant service, and he published this service in a pamphlet in 1780.

The covenant hymn, "Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine," was written for this service by his brother, Charles Wesley. The service is included in The Book of Worship under the title "An Order of Worship for Such as Would Enter Into or Renew Their Covenant with God."

This covenant service is often used in United Methodism as a Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve, and sometimes on New Year's Day or on the first Sunday in January. 

Coffee Hosts Needed: December 30

Please sign up to host our fellowship time after church

Continuing Prayer Requests 

Taj M., Bill B., Gail M.

Special Outreach

December 23

No-sew blankets

For children who are seriously ill or traumatized, or otherwise in need. Project Linus gets these to children and has patterns and other resources available.

About Project Linus - https://www.projectlinus.org/about/

Pattern - http://www.projectlinus.org/patterns/pdf/NoSewFB.pdf

Council On Aging (COA) Food Drive

Now that we have all stuffed ourselves at Thanksgiving dinner, let’s help stuff some others in our community, Our Church Council is sponsoring a canned goods and staple food drive for the Weston COA from December 9 thru December 23. We will have a container in the Narthex for the food.

UMCOR : Hurricane, Wildfire, and Earthquake Relief

Through UMCOR (The United Methodist Commission on Relief), United Methodist church families across the U.S. and the world are connected together and reaching out in compassion to people impacted by disasters including hurricanes in the east, wildfires in the southwest, and earthquakes in the northwest United States: https://www.umcor.org/umcor/resources/news-stories/2018/august/umcor-responds-to-current-disasters-around-the-world

Here are some powerful testimonies of United Methodist church families making a difference:

- October, Hurricane Michael:

    https://www.umnews.org/en/news/long-road-for-recovery-from-hurricane-michael

- November, California Wildfires:

    https://www.umnews.org/en/news/churches-coping-with-california-fires

- December, Alaska Earthquakes:

    https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-steps-up-after-earthquake

To contribute online and support ongoing relief efforts:

  Click on "United States Disaster Response Advance #901670" at:

    https://www.umcor.org/Search-for-Projects/Search-for-Projects

16 December Sunday 

Third Sunday in Advent 

Worship Service 

10:30 am 

"Calm and Bright: Redeeming Grace" 

Christmas Cantata 

Come Now to Bethlehem 

Christmas Luncheon 

Please stay and enjoy a wonderful time of holiday fellowship together! 

3:00 p.m. Healing Service

Thought for the Week 

'Twas the beginning of Advent and all through the Church 

Our hope was all dying-- we'd given up on the search. 

It wasn't so much that Christ wasn't invited, 

But after 2,000 plus years we were no longer excited. 

A baby, it seems, once had been born 

In the mid-east somewhere that first holy-day morn. 

But what does that mean for folks like us, 

Who've lost ourselves in the hoopla and fuss? 

Perhaps we begin by letting go 

Of our limits on hope, and of the stuff that we know. 

Let go of the shopping, of the chaos and fuss, 

Let go of the searching, let Christmas find us. 

We open our hearts, our hands and our eyes, 

To see the king coming in our own neighbors' cries. 

We can't make him come with parties and trees, 

But only by getting down on our knees. 

Can we block out commercials, the hype and the malls? 

Can we find solitude in our holy halls? 

Can we keep alert, keep hope, stay awake? 

Can we receive the child for ours and God's sake? 

He'll lead us to challenge the way that things are. 

He'll lead us to follow a single bright star. 

From on high with the caroling host as he sees us, 

He yearns to read on our lips: Come Lord Jesus!

Advent Bible Study 

Tuesday December 18 @ 10:30 am & 6:30 PM 

All are welcome. 

Join in the Advent Bible Study, Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem
Journeying from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Adam Hamilton uses historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Coffee Hosts Needed: December 30 

Please sign up to host our fellowship time after church 

Continuing Prayer Requests 

Taj M., Bill B., Gail M. 

Blankets for the Homeless in Waltham
At our last Monday serving night, I was approached by one of the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen workers helping with the 5 PM dinner we provided. She said there are several who sleep outside who need a blanket.

Please bring clean, new or lightly used blankets to church to be distributed to those in need.
Thank you, Debbi Miller

UPCOMING 

Christmas Cantata 

Come Now to Bethlehem 

December 16 

WUMC invites you for a special service on December 16th with Christmas lessons and carols, Come Now to Bethlehem by well-known American composer and choral director, Dale Wood, arranged by Douglas E. Wagner. The choral settings of eight traditional carols are adapted from Dale Wood's organ pieces.

Music is one of many offerings WUMC would like to share with its friends and community. The choir is made up of both accomplished professional musicians and gifted volunteer singers, providing a wide range of traditional, classical repertoire and contemporary praise and gospel music.

Christmas Luncheon 

December 16 

All are invited to celebrate the season - we will be providing ham and assorted casseroles. If friends would like to bring a side dish or dessert to share it would be appreciated. We look forward to sharing this time of fellowship with everyone in our church family.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

11:45 ROMEO 

7:00 p.m. Church Council 

Thursday, Dec. 20 

6:30 p.m. Outreach Committee 

Sunday, Dec. 23 

10:30 a.m. worship, 4th Sunday of Advent

Monday, Dec. 24 

7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service 

Tuesday, Dec. 25 

Merry Christmas! 

Monday, Dec. 31 

Family Game Night, and Watch Night Service

Thought for the Week 

“Salutation” 

Framed in light, Mary sings through the doorway. 

Elizabeth’s six-month joy jumps, a palpable greeting, 

a hidden first encounter between son and Son. 

And my heart turns over when I meet Jesus in you. 

-Lucy Shaw 

Upcoming Meetings / Events 

9 December Sunday 

Second Sunday in Advent 

Worship Service 

10:30 am 

"Calm and Bright: Glories Stream" 

Advent Bible Study 

Tuesday December 11 @ 10:30 am & 6:30 PM 

All are welcome. 

Join in the Advent Bible Study, Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem
Journeying from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Adam Hamilton uses historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Coffee Hosts Needed: December 23 & 30 

Please sign up to host our fellowship time after church

Christmas Cantata 

Come Now to Bethlehem 

December 16 

WUMC invites you for a special service on December 16th with Christmas lessons and carols, Come Now to Bethlehem by well-known American composer and choral director, Dale Wood, arranged by Douglas E. Wagner. The choral settings of eight traditional carols are adapted from Dale Wood's organ pieces.

Music is one of many offerings WUMC would like to share with its friends and community. The choir is made up of both accomplished professional musicians and gifted volunteer singers, providing a wide range of traditional, classical repertoire and contemporary praise and gospel music.

2 December Sunday

First Sunday in Advent

Worship Service

10:30 am

"Calm and Bright: Sleep in Peace"

Hanging of the Greens

Caroling

2 December – after lunch

Anne and David Gehrenbeck-Shim will lead everyone who would like to go caroling to shut-ins and others unable to join us for this joyous season immediately after lunch.
Bring your own lunch. Carpooling recommended

Advent Bible Study

Monday December 2 @6:30 pm (includes dinner)

Tuesday December 3 @ 10:30 am & 6:30 PM

All are welcome.

Join in the Advent Bible Study, Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem

Journeying from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Adam Hamilton uses historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus.

“This book may be the greatest Christmas present of the year. Adam thoughtfully, movingly walks us through what really happened when God touched this planet. The richness of the full story will touch your life as well.” John Ortberg

Continuing Prayer Requests 

Louise R., Taj M., Bill B., Gail M.

Blankets for the Homeless in Waltham
At our last Monday serving night, I was approached by one of the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen workers helping with the 5 PM dinner we provided. She said there are several who sleep outside who need a blanket.

Please bring clean, new or lightly used blankets to church to be distributed to those in need.
Thank you, Debbi Miller

Dinner for Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen 

Monday December 10, 5:00 PM 

Our hungry brothers and sisters come to the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen, held daily in the basement of Grace Vision (formerly Immanuel) UMC, at the corner of 545 Moody Street and Cherry Street in Waltham. They are so grateful that GOD and YOU care about them!

After worship on Sunday, please sign up on the two signup clipboards in the church parlor / Parish Hall to share Christ's love by playing YOUR part in this ministry. You can contribute one or more food items for our next serving day and/or assist with reheating or serving the meal. Our next serving day is Monday, December 10th at 5 pm (the second Monday of every month). As always, please keep in your prayers this ministry of love and everyone who it touches.

(5) Sloppy Joes, 4 lbs. from each contributor, prepared
(4) Hamburger Buns, 2 dozen from each contributor
(4) Potato Chips, 2 large bags
(2) Brownies or Cookies, each portion to serve 24
(2) Orange Juice and (3) Milk, 1 gallon each

Thank you again to all those who contributed to the November meal. 

United Methodist Student Day
Our United Methodist Student Day offering supports scholarships and student loans for qualified United Methodist applicants from diverse backgrounds at any accredited institution within the US.

Advent
Advent season starts next Sunday – Begin to prepare in your heart for the rebirth of Christ in your life.   For your personal & family study, the readings for next Sunday, December 2, are:

• Silent Night, vs. 1; 
• Luke 2:6, 
• Matthew 19:13-15 

Council On Aging (COA) Food Drive
Now that we have all stuffed ourselves at Thanksgiving dinner, let’s help stuff some others in our community, Our Church Council is sponsoring a canned goods and staple food drive for the Weston COA from December 9 thru December 23. We will have a container in the Narthex for the food.

Poinsettias

Starting next week, December 3, there will be poinsettia order forms in the church bulletin. We will need to have all our orders in by December 16. You can take your plants home after the Christmas Eve service.

Angel Tree

WUMC will be receiving the names of 30 children in need who are students at Whittemore Elementary School for our annual Angel Tree. We buy gifts for these youngsters who the school identifies for us. We get the name and age or grade of each child. All the children in a family are included in our angel list. The names will be available December 3 on the Christmas Tree in the Narthex.

From last year, remember:

• The average amount spent on each child is roughly $20. 
• Carole Kerr will volunteer to be your personal shopper if you wish. Please take an angel from the tree and give it to her with your money. 
• Please use the angel as the name tag on your wrapped gift. 
• The gifts need to be back under the Narthex Tree by Dec. 16 since we need to deliver them to the school on December 17 to allow these families to pick them up. 
• Each family will receive a basket of food which is given by an anonymous donor.

Upcoming Meetings / Events

25 November Sunday

United Methodist Student Day – Welcome students!

Worship Service

10:30 am

"I Can Only Imagine"

Healing Service

3:00 pm

Thought for your meditation

“I imagine: a church where all disciples have opportunities to experience and grow in God's love, and to serve in as many ways as they are led; a church that works for peace and justice for all of God's creation; a vibrant, enthusiastic church for the glory of God.”

Wendy Kipp

Small Group Study

Tuesday November 27

10:30 am & 6:30 PM

All are welcome.

“Living Faithfully: Human Sexuality and the United Methodist Church” – Three Week Study November 13-27. We will continue to meet on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm for November. See Pastor Pat to get a copy of the book ($12.00 each).

"There is a lot of concern about where the United Methodist Church stands when it comes to homosexuality, same-gender marriage, and the ordination of LGBTQ persons, and what will result from the upcoming General Conference in February. Living Faithfully, a small-group study was created especially for United Methodists, to guide discussions in a way that encourages openness, humility, a spirit of grace, and above all, love for fellow United Methodists who may disagree with you. Offering multiple lenses through which to consider different perspectives, the study is based on Scripture from start to finish."

Stewardship Moment

Special thanks to everyone who completed a pledge card last Sunday in support of the Weston United Methodist Church. Your generosity of your time, talents, prayers and resources will enable WUMC to continue to know Jesus Christ and to make Jesus Christ known.

Pledge forms are available for download on the church website www.westonunitedmethodist.org.

Advent Bible Study 

Tuesday December 3 

10:30 am & 6:30 PM 

All are welcome. 

Plan to take part in the Advent Bible Study, Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem – Mondays 6:30pm (includes dinner), and Tuesdays 10:30am, beginning December 3.

Journeying from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Adam Hamilton uses historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus.

“This book may be the greatest Christmas present of the year. Adam thoughtfully, movingly walks us through what really happened when God touched this planet. The richness of the full story will touch your life as well.” John Ortberg

Online Church Directory 

Please sign-in to our new Online Church Directory. Only those who are listed in the directory by email address will have access to our new online directory.

1. Go to InstantChurchDirectory.com. 
2. Click on the link: “First time signing in? Create a login now.” 
3. Enter your email address as it is listed in our printed directory. If you need to change it or add another one, please contact Pastor Pat at westonunitedmethodist@gmail.com. 
4. Create a password. The password must be 8 characters long, and contain at least two of the following special characters: capital letters, numbers or symbols. 
5. Retype the password to confirm it and click "Request Login." 
6. Check your inbox for an email from: service@instantchurchdirectory.com. 
7. To complete the sign-up process, you will need to verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you in that email. 
8. Once you confirm your email, you may sign in at members.InstantChurchDirectory.com. 
9. Your email with the password you created will work on all the Instant Church Directory apps on any device: 
10. If there is no photo in the directory for you or your family, please send a family picture or head shot to the church by email for the new online directory: westonunitedmethodist@gmail.com. 
11. If you need a new photo, touch base with Cindy Boudreau or Richard Lee to have your picture taken at church. 

Need help signing in? Please see your directory Administrator, currently Pastor Pat) 

Continuing Prayer Requests

Louise R., Taj M., Bill B., Gail M.

Blankets for the Homeless in Waltham 

At our last Monday serving night, I was approached by one of the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen workers helping with the 5 PM dinner we provided. She said there are several who sleep outside who need a blanket.

Please bring clean, new or lightly used blankets to church to be distributed to those in need.

Thank you, Debbi Miller 

Church Safety 

Members of the Trustees, Church Council and the Outreach Committee recently had a general information session with the Weston Police Department. Weston’s Chief of Police Mike Goulden, Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Beohner, and School Resource Officer Kellie Connarton fielded questions and concerns regarding local crime, safe building evacuation and community outreach. The officers also provided information on ways for Weston United Methodist Church to be helpful in the community.

Officer Connarton will meet again with the Trustees to evaluate building security, exterior lighting and measures to be taken in an emergency. CPR training will likely be offered to those interest in congregation in the future.

Upcoming 

Wednesday, November 28 

6:30pm – SPRC Meeting 

Sunday December 2 

First Sunday of Advent 

Hanging of the Greens at 10:30am service 

Caroling 

Bring your own lunch, and we’ll head out after we eat

18 November Sunday 

Worship Service 

10:30 am 

"Living Thankful Lives" 

Thanksgiving / Pledge Sunday

Stewardship Lunch after Worship 

All are invited 

Please bring your favorite dessert to share 

Thought for your meditation 

A certain rabbi and his people had been through horrible, cruel experiences, and he said "sometimes I don't have words to be able to pray. I don't know what to say or how to say it. In those times, I pray the alphabet and trust God to rearrange the letters."

New Small Group Study 

Tuesday November 20 

10:30 am & 6:30 PM 

All are welcome. 

“Living Faithfully: Human Sexuality and the United Methodist Church” – Three Week Study November 13-27. We will continue to meet on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm for November. See Pastor Pat to get a copy of the book ($12.00 each).

"There is a lot of concern about where the United Methodist Church stands when it comes to homosexuality, same-gender marriage, and the ordination of LGBTQ persons, and what will result from the upcoming General Conference in February. Living Faithfully, a small-group study was created especially for United Methodists, to guide discussions in a way that encourages openness, humility, a spirit of grace, and above all, love for fellow United Methodists who may disagree with you. Offering multiple lenses through which to consider different perspectives, the study is based on Scripture from start to finish."

Online Directory Photo 

Please send a family picture or head shot to the church by email for the online directory being developed. A 150 dpi JPG format file is preferred.

westonunitedmethodist@gmail.com

If you need a new photo, touch base with Cindy Boudreau or Richard Lee to have your picture taken at church.

Continuing Prayer Requests 

Jason Duane, Louise R., Taj M., Bill B., Gail M. 

Stewardship Moment 

Good morning. I wasn’t exactly sure how to approach a stewardship conversation this morning. I wasn’t really thinking that there is much that I could say to try and convince you all to “dig a little deeper” this year. So instead, I thought I would tell you a story about something that I experienced this past week.

This story actually started about 50 years ago. Back in Michigan, my best friend, Ann, grew up across the street from me. Her brother Mike, her dad and mom, Bob and Martha have all been lifelong friends and neighbors to my family. Birthday parties, family vacations, a chat at the kitchen table – our families pretty much grew up together.

Almost 20 years ago, Martha passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. Of course by that time, their kids were grown and married and living far away - and Bob struggled. There were about 5 years where he dealt loneliness, depression and alcoholism before he decided to move to Minneapolis to be near his son and his grandchildren.

It still wasn’t easy but gradually things improved and Bob found a new normal – he found support, and connections, and contentment in his new community and with his family.

So now we fast forward to this past weekend. I flew to Minneapolis to meet up with my parents, my sister, and her family to attend my nephew’s college hockey debut. It was a quick trip for all of us. Out on Friday afternoon, back on Sunday morning. A lot flying and a lot of driving – from the airport to the hotel. From the hotel to the college and back. To an away game on Saturday. Just a lot of activity and shuffling around.

We had hoped to meet with Bob and his son Mike while we were in the area but they lived quite a bit further away than we had first realized. We ended up being short a car as one person had to leave early. Bob doesn’t drive. The weather was bad. They were busy, we were busy. It just wasn’t going to be convenient to get together. We all had other things going on and decided it just wasn’t going to work this time. But we would visit Minneapolis again – maybe for a game next winter. He would be back in Michigan this summer. We would catch up next time.

So on Wednesday afternoon I got a phone call from my friend Ann. She told me that her father Bob passed away early that morning. We blew it --- and we immediately regretted it. We had an opportunity and we didn’t take advantage of it. We didn’t make it a priority. We didn’t give that relationship the value that it deserved. Our actions didn’t reflect our feelings and now that connection is gone.

After the shock had faded, I began to see the similarity of this situation to what could possibly happen in our church. What if we don’t accept the opportunities that are offered here at Weston United Methodist Church? Are we making this church – both its missions and spiritual offerings - a priority? Do we place value on the relationships and the connections we find here? Do our actions reflect how we feel about this place and these friends? Or are we too busy? Is it too inconvenient? Do we have other things to do? Or do we just say “We’ll be there next time”?. Because if that’s the case, we could wake up one day and find that it’s gone.

Now I realize that in a way, I am preaching to the choir – because you are here! But you also probably know that there are things that need to be fixed. We don’t have to have all of the answers right now - We just have to be willing to take a step. A small step in the right direction is all that is being asked. Whether that step for you is one of finances, or of time in service, or of prayer – I ask you to consider the value you place on this church and its work in this community. If you believe in WUMC’s purpose then let your actions truly reflect your priorities. This is your opportunity - don’t miss it.

I found a quote on Facebook that struck me so I will share it in closing:

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. 

Do justly, now. 

Love mercy, now. 

Walk humbly, now. 

You are not obligated to complete the work, 

But neither are you free to abandon it. 

Thank you, Jennifer Hall 11 November 2018 

Blankets for the Homeless in Waltham 

On Monday night, I was approached by one of the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen workers helping with the 5 PM dinner we provided. She said there are several who sleep outside who need a blanket.

Please bring clean, new or lightly used blankets to church to be distributed to those in need.

Thank you, Debbi Miller

Thought for the Week

Pastor Pat

A certain rabbi and his people had been through horrible , cruel experiences, and he said "sometimes I don't have words to be able to pray. I don't know what to say or how to say it. In those times, I pray the alphabet and trust God to rearrange the letters."

11 November Sunday 

Worship Service

10:30 am

“Do You Dare to Be Generous”

New Small Group Study 

Starting Tuesday November 13 

10:30 am & 6:30 PM 

All are welcome. 

“Living Faithfully: Human Sexuality and the United Methodist Church” – Three Week Study November 13-27. We will continue to meet on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm for November. See Pastor Pat to get a copy of the book ($12.00 each). Read chapter 1 for November 13th.

"There is a lot of concern about where the United Methodist Church stands when it comes to homosexuality, same-gender marriage, and the ordination of LGBTQ persons, and what will result from the upcoming General Conference in February. Living Faithfully, a small-group study was created especially for United Methodists, to guide discussions in a way that encourages openness, humility, a spirit of grace, and above all, love for fellow United Methodists who may disagree with you. Offering multiple lenses through which to consider different perspectives, the study is based on Scripture from start to finish.

Dinner for Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen 

Monday November 12, 5:00 PM 

Our hungry brothers and sisters come to the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen, held daily in the basement of Grace Vision (formerly Immanuel) UMC, at the corner of 545 Moody Street and Cherry Street in Waltham. They are so grateful that GOD and YOU care about them!

After worship on Sunday, please sign up on the two signup clipboards in the church parlor / Parish Hall to share Christ's love by playing YOUR part in this ministry. You can contribute one or more food items for our next serving day and/or assist with reheating or serving the meal. Our next serving day is Monday, November 12th at 5 pm (the second Monday of every month). As always, please keep in your prayers this ministry of love and everyone who it touches.

(5) Sloppy Joes, 4 lbs. from each contributor, prepared
(4) Hamburger Buns, 2 dozen from each contributor
(4) Potato Chips, 2 large bags
(2) Brownies or Cookies, each portion to serve 24
(2) Orange Juice and (3) Milk, 1 gallon each

Thank you again to all those who contributed to the October meal.

Thought for your meditation: 

“God works on us in all sorts of ways. But above all, God works on us through each other. People are mirrors, or ‘carriers’ of Christ to other people. Usually it is those who know God that bring God to others. That is why the church, the whole body of Christians showing God to one another, is so important."

C.S. Lewis (edited)

4 November Sunday 

Worship Service 

10:30 am 

“Even Jesus Weeps” 

All Saints Sunday

"I sing a song of the saints of God, patient and brave and true, who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew."

This Sunday, November 4, is All Saints Sunday. During the 10:30 service, we will remember those members and friends of our church who have died in this past year in a special way, and then offer an opportunity to remember other loved ones who have gone before. All are invited to recognize loved ones by name and participate in a special remembrance to honor their memory. 

New Small Group Study

Starting Tuesday  November 13

10:30 am & 6:30 PM

All are welcome.

“Living Faithfully: Human Sexuality & the United Methodist Church”

Three Week Study November 13-27. We will continue to meet on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm for November. See Pastor Pat to get a copy of the book ($12.00 each). 

Read chapter 1 for November 13th.

"There is a lot of concern about where the United Methodist Church stands when it comes to homosexuality, same-gender marriage, and the ordination of LGBTQ persons, and what will result from the upcoming General Conference in February. Living Faithfully, a small-group study was created especially for United Methodists, to guide discussions in a way that encourages openness, humility, a spirit of grace, and above all, love for fellow United Methodists who may disagree with you. Offering multiple lenses through which to consider different perspectives, the study is based on Scripture from start to finish."

  

Stewardship Moment

HOW SHALL I GIVE?

The choir has sung Offertory by John Beck on many occasions.  It is taken from the book of Micah.

With what shall I come before the Lord,
And bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,
Shall I come before Him with yearling calves?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

With ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I give my first-born for my transgressions,
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has shown you, O man,
He has shown you what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice and to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

Too often we focus on what shall I give?  How much money?  What can I afford?  How shall I give is the more critical question. Our most precious gift is our love.  How can we share that love?

Do you love this church?  Is it worthy of your time, your service, your money, your prayers, your love?  This special community of faith and friendship at WUMC is at risk.  Risk of financial insolvency.  Risk of declining membership.  Risk of losing that special sense of community that binds us together, that brings people here, and that has kept Sally and me coming back each week over the years. 

We have been members of WUMC for almost 40 years.  People here have welcomed us since the day we first walked in the door.  This community has loved us.  The church has celebrated the birth and maturation of our sons and people here have been like their grandparents, as both Sally’s and my parents lived far away.  It is where we have come to celebrate and to grieve, to give praise and receive kindness.  This special community of faith has been supported over the years by many ‘saints’ who have generously given of their time and witness.  We each have the opportunity to follow their example, to be an integral part of this community, to help the congregation grow and thrive.

And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice and to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

As members of this church, each of us pledged to support it with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.  How we give has everything to do with our presence, our service and our witness.  It’s not just about money.  Do you give of your time to the church?  Do you serve WUMC and the church community?  Do you witness about WUMC to friends and family?  As part of this year’s Stewardship effort, I hope you will generously renew your pledge to give of your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness to this United Methodist Church.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

FORGIVE OUR CHURCH LEADERS, O LORD

Forgive our Church leaders, O Lord, if we have said it wrong.

Help us to state clearly that our Church wants something FOR its members much more than something FROM its members all year long, not just in a Stewardship Campaign.

Poor stewardship is dangerous. Some financially-able church attenders give nothing or next to nothing. This is not a financial problem but a spiritual one. God is a giver. Our willingness to share meaningfully in return reveals our relationship to God.

Examples can be found throughout Scripture, but two of the most helpful are found in Luke 12 and Revelation 3.

In Luke 12:15–21, we see a rich farmer blessed with an abundant crop. He gives no credit to God, nor does he give thought to being a steward. He thinks only about himself. Jesus calls him a “fool,” not because he had a great many possessions, but because his possessions had him.

In Revelation 3:14–17, we get to eavesdrop on the letter to the church in Laodicea. The people in the church believed their material blessings indicated they were right with God. But God exposed the error of their lukewarm church life.

In both cases, a harmful relationship with wealth became the root of spiritual blindness.

Our church wants FOR every member a strong relationship with God, with meaningful worship, a place of meaningful service for kingdom work, and meaningful stewardship of the blessings given by God.

Stewardship includes time, talents, and money. Stewardship includes learning how to be a stronger follower of and worker for Jesus.

Annual Dinner

Justice for our Neighbors

providing legal services, advocacy & education for immigrants

Saturday, November 3, 2018; 5:30 pm

St. John’s Korean UMC/MBH District Office

2600 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421

R Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) will hold its annual dinner on Nov. 3 in Lexington. Our church has been an active supporter of JFON. JFON is a national Methodist affiliated organization that provides free legal representation to those caught up in the immigration legal process; especially unaccompanied children. Just within eastern Massachusetts, there are JFON clinics in Woburn and Lowell, and another is scheduled to open soon in Lawrence. 

Please see either Richard or Hyo Choon to purchase the remaining seats. Have fun, enjoy a good meal with great company while supporting a great, timely cause.

Blessing of the Animals

A number of our four-legged friends assembled with their 2 legged companions for a blessing service at 2:00 pm on Sunday October 28.