Link to Sermon: Would I Have Answered When You Called
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
FUMCOB News and Events for 1/23
Link to 1/16/11 Sermon: Wash Your Mouth with a New Song
Please join us February 6 through March 13, 2011 for a sermon series and study based on Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations written by Robert Schnase, bishop of the Missouri Area of the United Methodist Church. The practices include Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch for the two hour study which will begin following worship at about 11:30. If you need transportation or child care, please contact Pastor Cheryl.
The Men’s Group will provide a ham and bean supper on January 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm including homemade coleslaw, rolls, chocolate cake and assorted beverages. $9.00/Adults, free for children 12 and under. Take-out available.
Join us Sunday, February 13 at 6:30pm for a night of delightful chocolate desserts and charming entertainment. You can sign up to participate or just come and enjoy.
Join us for a Mardi Gras Potluck following worship on Sunday, March 6. There will be beads and mask-making, fun and fellowship. Bring a fanciful dish to share.
Please join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, March 9 at 6pm as we mark the beginning of Lent and accept the mark of ashes that we may be reminded to "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." —Mark 1:15
Join us Sunday, April 24th at 5:56am for an outdoor sunrise service at the parsonage on Easter morning.
Bishop Peter Weaver of NEAC to preach here on Sunday, May 8th.
Please join us February 6 through March 13, 2011 for a sermon series and study based on Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations written by Robert Schnase, bishop of the Missouri Area of the United Methodist Church. The practices include Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch for the two hour study which will begin following worship at about 11:30. If you need transportation or child care, please contact Pastor Cheryl.
The Men’s Group will provide a ham and bean supper on January 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm including homemade coleslaw, rolls, chocolate cake and assorted beverages. $9.00/Adults, free for children 12 and under. Take-out available.
Join us Sunday, February 13 at 6:30pm for a night of delightful chocolate desserts and charming entertainment. You can sign up to participate or just come and enjoy.
Join us for a Mardi Gras Potluck following worship on Sunday, March 6. There will be beads and mask-making, fun and fellowship. Bring a fanciful dish to share.
Please join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, March 9 at 6pm as we mark the beginning of Lent and accept the mark of ashes that we may be reminded to "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." —Mark 1:15
Join us Sunday, April 24th at 5:56am for an outdoor sunrise service at the parsonage on Easter morning.
Bishop Peter Weaver of NEAC to preach here on Sunday, May 8th.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Church News and Events for 12/19
Tomorrow night, Friday, December 17th we'll show "Polar Express" and provide popcorn at the church for movie night at 6:30pm. It also happens to be the date slated for Game Night so we've pushed the time back to 4:30 for anyone who would like to come early for some fun and games, including Wii bowling, Banagrams, checkers and more!
This Sunday, December 19th is a wealth of opportunity for worship, service and fun. Worship at 10am will include a children's pageant and a wonderful choral anthem. We'll go Christmas caroling to homebound members and our neighbors at Adair Heights right after church just after 11am. All are welcome at 1pm to return to the church for Talented Hands: a knitting and needlework circle of friendly conversation. At that same time a group in the kitchen will
prepare a meal for the Overflow Shelter and proceed there at 5pm to serve the meal.
The Annual Vigil in recognition of Homeless Memorial Day will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM in Pliny Park in downtown Brattleboro. The Vigil is held on the longest and coldest night of the year in recognition of the challenges our homeless neighbors face in the winter on the streets of our nation. This is a time when homelessness is recognized as a community challenge and our homeless neighbors are reached out to by the community. The vigil will include a brief presentation, lighting of candles, singing of songs, and a walk to the Brattleboro Winter Overflow Shelter at First Baptist Church where a blessing will be said and more music provided. Join us and members of other faith communities gathering at Centre Church to practice at 3:30 before we proceed to Pliny Park.
On Friday, December 24th we will offer two Christmas Eve worship services with joyful brass at 7:00pm and quiet candlelight at 11:00pm. Invitational Christmas cards are being sent to members, visitors and constituents that we don't see on a regular basis and you are encouraged to invite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers! You can order poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones by 12/19 through the church office. $6 for 4 1/2 inch red; $10 for 6 inch white or red.
The church seeks a Sexton to work about four hours a week for about $10 an hour vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms and similar tasks. For more information, please contact Doug Reed at 365-7732 or dhr268@yahoo.com.
Bring your leftover Christmas treats and dried out wreaths and Christmas trees to the parsonage on Epiphany, Thursday, January 6th from 4-7pm for a variety of Epiphany traditions including burning of the greens, a King Cake and Blessing of the Homes. We'll share mulled cider, hot cocoa, the last of our Christmas cookies and hopefully a few snowballs and sledding for the kids. If you've never participated in this type of celebration, ask Pastor Cheryl for details and plan to come and help make a new memory and start a fun tradition.
This Sunday, December 19th is a wealth of opportunity for worship, service and fun. Worship at 10am will include a children's pageant and a wonderful choral anthem. We'll go Christmas caroling to homebound members and our neighbors at Adair Heights right after church just after 11am. All are welcome at 1pm to return to the church for Talented Hands: a knitting and needlework circle of friendly conversation. At that same time a group in the kitchen will
prepare a meal for the Overflow Shelter and proceed there at 5pm to serve the meal.
The Annual Vigil in recognition of Homeless Memorial Day will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM in Pliny Park in downtown Brattleboro. The Vigil is held on the longest and coldest night of the year in recognition of the challenges our homeless neighbors face in the winter on the streets of our nation. This is a time when homelessness is recognized as a community challenge and our homeless neighbors are reached out to by the community. The vigil will include a brief presentation, lighting of candles, singing of songs, and a walk to the Brattleboro Winter Overflow Shelter at First Baptist Church where a blessing will be said and more music provided. Join us and members of other faith communities gathering at Centre Church to practice at 3:30 before we proceed to Pliny Park.
On Friday, December 24th we will offer two Christmas Eve worship services with joyful brass at 7:00pm and quiet candlelight at 11:00pm. Invitational Christmas cards are being sent to members, visitors and constituents that we don't see on a regular basis and you are encouraged to invite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers! You can order poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones by 12/19 through the church office. $6 for 4 1/2 inch red; $10 for 6 inch white or red.
The church seeks a Sexton to work about four hours a week for about $10 an hour vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms and similar tasks. For more information, please contact Doug Reed at 365-7732 or dhr268@yahoo.com.
Bring your leftover Christmas treats and dried out wreaths and Christmas trees to the parsonage on Epiphany, Thursday, January 6th from 4-7pm for a variety of Epiphany traditions including burning of the greens, a King Cake and Blessing of the Homes. We'll share mulled cider, hot cocoa, the last of our Christmas cookies and hopefully a few snowballs and sledding for the kids. If you've never participated in this type of celebration, ask Pastor Cheryl for details and plan to come and help make a new memory and start a fun tradition.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Stuffing Alert!! and Weekly News in Brief
STUFFING ALERT!! The Brattleboro Area Drop In Center has procured 420
of the 1000 boxes of stuffing they need to fill Thanksgiving baskets
for the needy. If you can contribute stuffing or money to purchase
stuffing, please let us know at the church office or bring your
contribution directly to the Center at 60 South Main Street.
WORSHIP this Sunday, November 21st will focus on Colossians 1:11-20, a
detailed description of Christ the King, read by liturgist, Priscilla
Barnard. Pastor Cheryl Meachen's sermon entitled “The Way” will
explore the nature of Christ and his sovereign place in the kingdom.
Eleanor Vanderpool will sing “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” and Bunny
and Tim Fogg will accompany the hymns on flute and guitar, including
“I’ve Got Peace Like a River.”
The United Methodist Women will hold their annual BAZAAR on Saturday,
November 20th beginning at 9:00am.
ADVENT STUDY: In this four-week Advent study, author Richard B. Wilke
focuses on people in the story of Christ’s birth. There are those we
associate with the joy and celebration of Christmas—the wise men, the
shepherds, and Joseph. Yet the author reminds us not to forget that
the evil King Herod is also part of the Christmas story, and how it is
because there is evil in our world that we so desperately needed—and
need—a Savior. Sign up in the Fellowship hall and take a book.
Sessions will be held on the next four Sundays at 9:00am in the
Pastor’s Study. You are welcome to contribute the cost of the book
$6.37 marking your check “advent study” or feel free to contribute for
two knowing that someone else might not be able to afford it.
Join our knitting (and crocheting) circle: TALENTED HANDS this Sunday
at the church at 1:00pm for conversation and fellowship while you work
on your projects or prayer shawls.
Join us at the parsonage at 120 Country Hill on Wed, Nov 24th at 6pm
at a THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE to share thanks for our blessings.
Please sign up in the fellowship hall and let us know whether you need
or can offer a ride, child care or snacks.
Volunteers are needed to work 7pm-1am or 1am-7am at the OVERFLOW
SHELTER this winter. A training session will be held at First Baptist
Church on Sunday, November 28th at 3pm. Please contact Lucie Fortier
at overflow.bratt@yahoo.com or 802-579-7645 for more information.
Join us here at the church for SABBATH SPACE Friday, December 3rd at
6pm for rest and reflection to rejuvenate your spirit during this
hectic season.
Volunteers are being sought to portray characters at the ROAD TO
BETHLEHEM on December 12th from 5:00-8:00pm.
Contact fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218 for more information. The
church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road, across from
the Shell Station and is handicap-accessible. Open Hearts. Open Minds.
Open Doors. All are welcome.
Pastor Cheryl Meachen<><
First United Methodist Church - Brattleboro VT
Week of November 21st – November 27th
SUN 9:00 Young Disciples
10:00 Worship / Blessing of Food / Funday School
1:00 Talented Hands
MON 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
WED 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
6:00p Thanksgiving Eve Worship at parsonage
SAT 9:00a WOW Decorating
Week of November 28th – December 4th
SUN 9:00 Young Disciples
Adult Advent Study
10:00 Worship / Chrismon / Funday School
3pm Overflow Training at 1st Baptist
MON 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
WED 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir Rehearsal
FRI 6:00p Sabbath Space
SAT 9:00a UMW Brunch at Foggs’
Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 5th
Annual Church Council Meeting (all welcome) Wednesday, December 8th at 5:30pm
Bishop’s daytime visit HERE! December 9th or 10th (to be scheduled)
Road to Bethlehem: Drive Through Nativity Sunday, December 12th from 5-8pm
Tom Mousin ordained as deacon at St. Michael's Tuesday Dec 14th
(more details to follow)
Lifeline Health Screening Tuesday, December 14th at 9am
Movie Night: Polar Express Friday, December 17th at 6:30pm
Caroling Sunday, December 19th after church
National Homeless Memorial Day Tues, Dec 21st 4pm at Pliny Park
Burning of the Greens/Epiphany/sledding party Thursday, January 6th at
the parsonage
Movie Night Friday, January 14th at 6:30
Martin Luther King Celebration Monday, January 17th
of the 1000 boxes of stuffing they need to fill Thanksgiving baskets
for the needy. If you can contribute stuffing or money to purchase
stuffing, please let us know at the church office or bring your
contribution directly to the Center at 60 South Main Street.
WORSHIP this Sunday, November 21st will focus on Colossians 1:11-20, a
detailed description of Christ the King, read by liturgist, Priscilla
Barnard. Pastor Cheryl Meachen's sermon entitled “The Way” will
explore the nature of Christ and his sovereign place in the kingdom.
Eleanor Vanderpool will sing “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” and Bunny
and Tim Fogg will accompany the hymns on flute and guitar, including
“I’ve Got Peace Like a River.”
The United Methodist Women will hold their annual BAZAAR on Saturday,
November 20th beginning at 9:00am.
ADVENT STUDY: In this four-week Advent study, author Richard B. Wilke
focuses on people in the story of Christ’s birth. There are those we
associate with the joy and celebration of Christmas—the wise men, the
shepherds, and Joseph. Yet the author reminds us not to forget that
the evil King Herod is also part of the Christmas story, and how it is
because there is evil in our world that we so desperately needed—and
need—a Savior. Sign up in the Fellowship hall and take a book.
Sessions will be held on the next four Sundays at 9:00am in the
Pastor’s Study. You are welcome to contribute the cost of the book
$6.37 marking your check “advent study” or feel free to contribute for
two knowing that someone else might not be able to afford it.
Join our knitting (and crocheting) circle: TALENTED HANDS this Sunday
at the church at 1:00pm for conversation and fellowship while you work
on your projects or prayer shawls.
Join us at the parsonage at 120 Country Hill on Wed, Nov 24th at 6pm
at a THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE to share thanks for our blessings.
Please sign up in the fellowship hall and let us know whether you need
or can offer a ride, child care or snacks.
Volunteers are needed to work 7pm-1am or 1am-7am at the OVERFLOW
SHELTER this winter. A training session will be held at First Baptist
Church on Sunday, November 28th at 3pm. Please contact Lucie Fortier
at overflow.bratt@yahoo.com or 802-579-7645 for more information.
Join us here at the church for SABBATH SPACE Friday, December 3rd at
6pm for rest and reflection to rejuvenate your spirit during this
hectic season.
Volunteers are being sought to portray characters at the ROAD TO
BETHLEHEM on December 12th from 5:00-8:00pm.
Contact fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218 for more information. The
church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road, across from
the Shell Station and is handicap-accessible. Open Hearts. Open Minds.
Open Doors. All are welcome.
Pastor Cheryl Meachen<><
First United Methodist Church - Brattleboro VT
Week of November 21st – November 27th
SUN 9:00 Young Disciples
10:00 Worship / Blessing of Food / Funday School
1:00 Talented Hands
MON 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
WED 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
6:00p Thanksgiving Eve Worship at parsonage
SAT 9:00a WOW Decorating
Week of November 28th – December 4th
SUN 9:00 Young Disciples
Adult Advent Study
10:00 Worship / Chrismon / Funday School
3pm Overflow Training at 1st Baptist
MON 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
WED 9:30a Exercise/Strength Training
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir Rehearsal
FRI 6:00p Sabbath Space
SAT 9:00a UMW Brunch at Foggs’
Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 5th
Annual Church Council Meeting (all welcome) Wednesday, December 8th at 5:30pm
Bishop’s daytime visit HERE! December 9th or 10th (to be scheduled)
Road to Bethlehem: Drive Through Nativity Sunday, December 12th from 5-8pm
Tom Mousin ordained as deacon at St. Michael's Tuesday Dec 14th
(more details to follow)
Lifeline Health Screening Tuesday, December 14th at 9am
Movie Night: Polar Express Friday, December 17th at 6:30pm
Caroling Sunday, December 19th after church
National Homeless Memorial Day Tues, Dec 21st 4pm at Pliny Park
Burning of the Greens/Epiphany/sledding party Thursday, January 6th at
the parsonage
Movie Night Friday, January 14th at 6:30
Martin Luther King Celebration Monday, January 17th
Monday, November 8, 2010
Habitat for Humanity
From: Frank Sopper
Date: Mon, Nov 8, 2010 at 9:14 AM
Subject: Brattleboro Habitat for Humanity update and urgent need
Good morning all –
Of the many blessings of the effort to bring a donated house and land
together with a family, the most moving for me was the Sunday morning
a month ago at First United Methodist Church. Pastor Cheryl had
invited me to speak about Habitat for Humanity, and as I returned to
my seat following the sharing, a woman in the pews pressed a $5 bill
into my hand. It took me back to my childhood and the teachings on
generosity – how all of us count; that the smallest gift can be the
most significant -- instilled into me by my community of faith. That
woman’s gesture of faith and generosity has been with me and feeding
me during this season.
This email is to bring your attention to an opportunity and set back.
The opportunity: The Thompson Trust has extended our deadline to
raise $12,000 until December. Thanks to the generosity of our
community – members of your congregations among them – we are $9000
toward that goal. $5000 of that is a personal gift from a Habitat
Board member.
The set back: We had expected a large corporate gift that would have
closed the fundraising gap. We heard this week, there will be no such
gift.
Therefore, we are reaching out to you again in hopes there are those
among your congregations that could help us raise the remaining $3000
in a very short time.
Our board is available to present at your services and at mission
committee meetings. If you have congregation members who may consider
this work to be something to be included in their personal ministries,
we will be much obliged to invite them to join us.
A Habitat Board member will try to contact you by phone over the next
two weeks. I also invite you to call me directly – 802-254-6036 -- if
you feel your congregation is able to answer this appeal. An amount of
around $500 from a majority of you will make this house a home.
Also, please join us or send a representative to our November meeting
at the Book Press in north Brattleboro, Thu 11/18 at 6pm.
Every blessing,
-- Frank Sopper
Treasurer Brattleboro Area Habitat for Humanity
802-254-6036
Date: Mon, Nov 8, 2010 at 9:14 AM
Subject: Brattleboro Habitat for Humanity update and urgent need
Good morning all –
Of the many blessings of the effort to bring a donated house and land
together with a family, the most moving for me was the Sunday morning
a month ago at First United Methodist Church. Pastor Cheryl had
invited me to speak about Habitat for Humanity, and as I returned to
my seat following the sharing, a woman in the pews pressed a $5 bill
into my hand. It took me back to my childhood and the teachings on
generosity – how all of us count; that the smallest gift can be the
most significant -- instilled into me by my community of faith. That
woman’s gesture of faith and generosity has been with me and feeding
me during this season.
This email is to bring your attention to an opportunity and set back.
The opportunity: The Thompson Trust has extended our deadline to
raise $12,000 until December. Thanks to the generosity of our
community – members of your congregations among them – we are $9000
toward that goal. $5000 of that is a personal gift from a Habitat
Board member.
The set back: We had expected a large corporate gift that would have
closed the fundraising gap. We heard this week, there will be no such
gift.
Therefore, we are reaching out to you again in hopes there are those
among your congregations that could help us raise the remaining $3000
in a very short time.
Our board is available to present at your services and at mission
committee meetings. If you have congregation members who may consider
this work to be something to be included in their personal ministries,
we will be much obliged to invite them to join us.
A Habitat Board member will try to contact you by phone over the next
two weeks. I also invite you to call me directly – 802-254-6036 -- if
you feel your congregation is able to answer this appeal. An amount of
around $500 from a majority of you will make this house a home.
Also, please join us or send a representative to our November meeting
at the Book Press in north Brattleboro, Thu 11/18 at 6pm.
Every blessing,
-- Frank Sopper
Treasurer Brattleboro Area Habitat for Humanity
802-254-6036
Monday, November 1, 2010
12/12/10 Road to Bethlehem
First United Methodist Church, Brattleboro VT presents a Live Road to Bethlehem from 5:00 - 8:00pm on the second Sunday in December each year with nine of the biblical scenes leading to Jesus' birth around our circular parking lot at 18 Town Crier Drive. Hundreds of cars drive along the way lit with luminaries and view the scenes with costumed characters, live animals and sacred scripture on beautifully calligraphied signs. If you would like to participate on this December 12th by portraying one of the biblical characters, sharing an evening of the deep meaning of the Christmas season, fun fellowship and a delicious potluck dinner, please contact the church at fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218. This counts as community service for high school students who need to fulfill that requirement for graduation. We use two shifts of cast members so that no one is outside for more than 20 minutes and our costumes are large enough to fit over layers of warm winter clothing. "Admission" is a canned good for our local drop-in center. Three of the scenes include Mary and Joseph and with two shifts that means we need six Marys and six Josephs, as well as innumerable shepherds, wise men, angels, innkeepers and Caesars. Join us as participants or as audience members!
11/12/10 Stewardship Dinner
The church will hold its annual stewardship dinner on Friday, November 12th at 6:00pm. Members and friends of the church will pledge their support as the church celebrates its mission in the Brattleboro community by sharing a delicious meal prepared by Douglas Reed and the Men’s Group. Jean Maclean and her committee have organized a wonderful evening of fellowship, creative skits by Mary Anne Deer, a delightful Bible scavenger hunt designed by Priscilla Barnard and an inspiring message from the Reverend Robert K. Sweet. Contact fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218 for more information. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road, across from the Shell Station and is handicap-accessible. Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
11/7/10 Worship
Worship this Sunday, November 7th will include the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and will focus on the Gospel message from Luke 20:27-38, the story of a group of church elders that question Jesus about how human laws apply in heaven, read by liturgist, Jane Clarke. Pastor Cheryl Meachen's sermon entitled “Seriously?!” will explore the ways in which Jesus answers our deepest felt needs in the present even as we fret about whether we can count on familiar laws in the life to come. Bunny and Tim Fogg will accompany our hymns on flute and guitar, including “When We Are Living.”
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
10/31/10 Bulletin Announcements
In Communion we come together as the body of Christ. An offering plate will be available at the altar rail each month, beginning next week to offer benevolence through the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to members of the body in need.
___________
We’re trying something new in Christian Education. We’re offering Young Disciples with in-depth Bible study, discussion and application at 9:00am led by Jill Strout for our older children who would like to also be present in worship. At 9:00 am Judy Massey will provide a wonderful one room Sunday School for children of all ages during worship that includes Bible stories and crafts and Feast, a communion and prayer experience.
___________
There are several Community Mission Projects for you to support this month. We will be collecting blankets, pillows, sleeping bags for the Mason’s Warm Hearts, Warm Hands drive in the blue bin outside our door. This month we will begin providing meals at the Overflow Shelter on the third Sunday of each month for about 40 people. If you can help prepare, serve or coordinate these meals, please contact Lucie Fortier. We also need overnight volunteers either 7p-1a or 1a-7a for the Overflow Shelter. Please volunteer by e-mailing overflow.bratt@yahoo.com.
___________
On Sunday, November 14th we will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals. You are welcome to bring your house-broken or caged pets to worship, or photographs of them to display. We will share a service of blessing for all of God’s creatures, commemorating St. Francis of Assisi.
___________
On Wednesday, November 24 at 6:00pm we will share a Thanksgiving Eve worship and sharing service. It will be held in a private home - please contact church at fumc@sover.net for details. It will be a great opportunity to step back from baking pies and preparing guest rooms to share testimonies of gratitude for all God is doing in our lives.
___________
We’re trying something new in Christian Education. We’re offering Young Disciples with in-depth Bible study, discussion and application at 9:00am led by Jill Strout for our older children who would like to also be present in worship. At 9:00 am Judy Massey will provide a wonderful one room Sunday School for children of all ages during worship that includes Bible stories and crafts and Feast, a communion and prayer experience.
___________
There are several Community Mission Projects for you to support this month. We will be collecting blankets, pillows, sleeping bags for the Mason’s Warm Hearts, Warm Hands drive in the blue bin outside our door. This month we will begin providing meals at the Overflow Shelter on the third Sunday of each month for about 40 people. If you can help prepare, serve or coordinate these meals, please contact Lucie Fortier. We also need overnight volunteers either 7p-1a or 1a-7a for the Overflow Shelter. Please volunteer by e-mailing overflow.bratt@yahoo.com.
___________
On Sunday, November 14th we will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals. You are welcome to bring your house-broken or caged pets to worship, or photographs of them to display. We will share a service of blessing for all of God’s creatures, commemorating St. Francis of Assisi.
___________
On Wednesday, November 24 at 6:00pm we will share a Thanksgiving Eve worship and sharing service. It will be held in a private home - please contact church at fumc@sover.net for details. It will be a great opportunity to step back from baking pies and preparing guest rooms to share testimonies of gratitude for all God is doing in our lives.
Reverse Trick-or-Treating 10/31/10
Worship this Sunday, October 31st will focus on the Gospel message from Luke 19:1-10, an important story of redemption, read by liturgist, Betty Stacy. Pastor Cheryl Meachen's sermon entitled “One Small Step for Zacchaeus, One Giant Lesson for Us” will explore the necessity of personal vulnerability and accountability in the Christian transformation of our lives. Bunny and Tim Fogg will accompany our hymns on flute and guitar, including “Take My Life, and Let it Be.” The church is taking back All Saints Eve a/k/a Halloween by dressing in family-friendly costumes for worship and bringing special treats to neighbors at Adair Heights and the community in reverse trick-or-treating. Contact fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218 for more information. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road, across from the Shell Station and is handicap-accessible. Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Bulletin insert for 10/24/10
Please come tomorrow night, Monday, October 25th at 6:00pm to hear from the Brattleboro Community Justice Center of Vermont about how we can help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society
___________
A Stewardship Orientation for all table hosts will be held this Friday, October 29th at 5pm. Please plan to attend, enjoy pizza and report how many affirmative responses you have received for our 11/12 dinner and then stay for movie night and popcorn!
___________
Next Sunday is Halloween, known in religious circles as All Saints’ Eve (All Hallows’ Eve). We encourage you to dress up for worship in friendly (PG) costumes to celebrate this day. Following worship, come with us to Adair Heights to do some “reverse trick-or-treating” together. We will give away candy that Bunny Fogg and Cynthia Clough are preparing with a welcoming scriptural message from our church.
___________
A Stewardship Orientation for all table hosts will be held this Friday, October 29th at 5pm. Please plan to attend, enjoy pizza and report how many affirmative responses you have received for our 11/12 dinner and then stay for movie night and popcorn!
___________
Next Sunday is Halloween, known in religious circles as All Saints’ Eve (All Hallows’ Eve). We encourage you to dress up for worship in friendly (PG) costumes to celebrate this day. Following worship, come with us to Adair Heights to do some “reverse trick-or-treating” together. We will give away candy that Bunny Fogg and Cynthia Clough are preparing with a welcoming scriptural message from our church.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A Brief History
In 1833 Cyrus Davis came to Brattleboro to superintend the printing department of a local publishing house. An ardent Methodist, Davis lost no time in organizing a Methodist Society, which held services in a schoolhouse on Canal Street. The first house of worship was erected in 1834-37 on Canal Street near the schoolhouse. By 1842, the Society experienced problems, which led them to abandon the building. The denomination eventually reestablished itself in the new and better quarters, which they erected on School Street. The new structure was built of brick and was located directly opposite the old Estey Homestead. The building was later disposed of, and the members of the Methodist Society met in the Town Hall until 1880, when they were able to build a church free of debt on Elliot Street. The congregation used this brick edifice until 1970, when a new, modern one-floor facility was constructed on a three-acre site on Putney Road. The famous first Estey organ, Opus 1, Model A, built in 1902, and the church bell were moved to the Putney Road location. An education wing was added in 1974-75 completing the present church home. The altar, pulpit and baptismal font are made of solid Vermont white marble. During the 1980s the church was very active in Troy Conference and hosted the first Emmaus walk in this area; through this church’s ministry, a grant from Troy Conference was integral in starting and continuing to support the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center that feeds and shelters the homeless; this church was also integral in starting the Brattleboro Pastoral Counseling Center and continues to provide at least one board member of that agency.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Weekly News for October 3, 2010
Worship this Sunday, October 3rd is a celebration of World Communion Day. Pastor Cheryl Meachen's sermon entitled “Faith of Our Grandmothers” will explore 2 Timothy 1:1-14 and whether we are willing to hand the reins of the church to the reign of God through the next generation, no matter what form it may take. Rev. Tom Shanklin who was pastor here in the 1980s will join us to provide music on our Estey organ and perform a duet with Tari MacDonald. Our opening hymn will be “I Come With Joy!”
On Friday, October 8th at 6:00pm the church will provide Sabbath Space, a wonderful opportunity to step out of the rigors and rituals of daily life and work and into a period of spirituality and Sabbath renewal. There are opportunities for prayer, candlelighting, reflective paint chip poetry, sacred drumming, Sign Chi Do, contemplative coloring of mandalas and a labyrinth walk.
God has affirmed, “my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” ~ Isaiah 55:11 Come explore Sunday’s scripture and sermon and take the next step putting what you heard and felt on Sunday morning into action. Join Pastor Cheryl for Monday Morning Quarterback discussions at 10:30am.
UMW will hold a regular monthly meeting next Tuesday, October 5th at the parsonage at 6:30pm. The UMW Rummage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th and the UMW Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 20th. The United Methodist Men will meet this Saturday, October 9th at 9am at the church. All are welcome.
The WOW team (Worship, Outreach, Witness) will hold its next meeting next Monday, October 4th at 5:15 pm. Join us! This team plans altar and sanctuary design, decorations for the fellowship hall and outer entry, worshipful skits and music for services, fellowship events and mission projects. Additionally, the team has suggested a proposal to the Trustees and Church Council that we redecorate the room that currently stores choir items as a formal parlor for more intimate church functions. If you currently store items in that room or would like to participate in redecorating it, please plan to attend this meeting to share your input.
Save the date for our annual Drive Through Nativity - Sunday, December 12th. We’ve decided to hold this event annually on the second Sunday of each December so that we can plan early. Signup sheets will be out soon for parts, animals, food and other details.
Week of October 3rd – October 9th
SUN 10:00a Worship with Communion and Sunday School
MON 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
5:15p WOW meeting
TUE 6:30p UMW at Parsonage
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir
FRI 6:00p Sabbath Space
SAT 9:00a Men’s Group
5:00p Empty Bowls
UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS
UMW Rummage Sale Saturday, October 16th
Faith and Money Seminar Saturday, October 23rd
Brattleboro Community Justice Talk Monday, October 25th
Stewardship Dinner Friday, November 12th
UMW Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 20th
Drive Through Nativity Sunday, December 12th
Lifeline Health Screening Tuesday, December 14th
For more information please contact the church at fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road in Brattleboro VT, across from the Shell Station and is handicap-accessible. Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
On Friday, October 8th at 6:00pm the church will provide Sabbath Space, a wonderful opportunity to step out of the rigors and rituals of daily life and work and into a period of spirituality and Sabbath renewal. There are opportunities for prayer, candlelighting, reflective paint chip poetry, sacred drumming, Sign Chi Do, contemplative coloring of mandalas and a labyrinth walk.
God has affirmed, “my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” ~ Isaiah 55:11 Come explore Sunday’s scripture and sermon and take the next step putting what you heard and felt on Sunday morning into action. Join Pastor Cheryl for Monday Morning Quarterback discussions at 10:30am.
UMW will hold a regular monthly meeting next Tuesday, October 5th at the parsonage at 6:30pm. The UMW Rummage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th and the UMW Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 20th. The United Methodist Men will meet this Saturday, October 9th at 9am at the church. All are welcome.
The WOW team (Worship, Outreach, Witness) will hold its next meeting next Monday, October 4th at 5:15 pm. Join us! This team plans altar and sanctuary design, decorations for the fellowship hall and outer entry, worshipful skits and music for services, fellowship events and mission projects. Additionally, the team has suggested a proposal to the Trustees and Church Council that we redecorate the room that currently stores choir items as a formal parlor for more intimate church functions. If you currently store items in that room or would like to participate in redecorating it, please plan to attend this meeting to share your input.
Save the date for our annual Drive Through Nativity - Sunday, December 12th. We’ve decided to hold this event annually on the second Sunday of each December so that we can plan early. Signup sheets will be out soon for parts, animals, food and other details.
Week of October 3rd – October 9th
SUN 10:00a Worship with Communion and Sunday School
MON 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
5:15p WOW meeting
TUE 6:30p UMW at Parsonage
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir
FRI 6:00p Sabbath Space
SAT 9:00a Men’s Group
5:00p Empty Bowls
UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS
UMW Rummage Sale Saturday, October 16th
Faith and Money Seminar Saturday, October 23rd
Brattleboro Community Justice Talk Monday, October 25th
Stewardship Dinner Friday, November 12th
UMW Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 20th
Drive Through Nativity Sunday, December 12th
Lifeline Health Screening Tuesday, December 14th
For more information please contact the church at fumc@sover.net or 802-254-4218. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road in Brattleboro VT, across from the Shell Station and is handicap-accessible. Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A Christian Response to the 9/11 Anniversary and One "Pastor" calling for the burning of the Qu'ran
You may have read that a "Christian pastor" in Florida plans to burn copies of the Muslim sacred text on 9/11 (this Saturday). I encourage a non-violent, non-confrontational response to this atrocity, perhaps you will join me in one of the following:
1) Pray, friends, deeply and ardently, that we may love our neighbors.
2) A pastor friend of mine suggests following his lead: "I don't (care) what some Florida bigot does. But I do care deeply when sacred texts are burned in acts of fearful hatred. My response: On 9/11 I'm going to READ the Q'uran, at least some of it."
3) Call or click on the Massachusetts Bible Society to offer to give two copies of the Qur'an to prisons and hospitals, for use by Muslim people needing their services, for every one that is burned. (information below)
4) Attend one of the local interfaith events being held to remember the lives lost on 9/11/01 (information below)
The Massachusetts Bible Society Announces the "They Burn One, We Give Two" Drive.
Rev. Terry Jones of the Dove Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL intends to burn the Qur'an on Sept. 11 in an act of hatred against Muslims and the Islamic Faith. We join with thousands of religious leaders across the country to renounce this act and affirm those like General Petraeus who warn that such an act could cost innocent lives.
As people of the Book, we are joined to Islam and Judaism in a special way and as an organization that has sought to put that Book into people's hands for 201 years, we cannot stand idly by while the sacred text of a sister religion is burned as our beloved Bibles once were.
Lest the culture believe that Rev. Jones' position represents that of all Christians, MassBible is prepared to take a counter action. For 201 years we have given the Bible to those without access. In response to Rev. Jones despicable act, we are prepared to give two Qur'ans for every one that Rev. Jones burns.
They will go to prisons, to hospitals, to shelters, or to any place where there are Muslims without access to their sacred text. This in no way diminishes our belief in the Bible as the Word of God. On the contrary, it is acting on the command within its pages to love our neighbors as ourselves (Lev. 19:18) and to do unto others as we would have done unto us. (Matt. 7:12).
We can supply two Qur'ans for $25. If you would support us in this, please send a check marked "Two for one" or click below to donate to the effort directly. You may also call us at 617-969-9404 to make a donation by credit card. http://www.massbible.org/burn-one-give-two
___________________
STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE
The Brattleboro Area Interfaith Clergy Association encourages the community to remember the people of many faiths who died and all who were affected and are affected by the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the fourth airplane which went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. The death toll of the attacks was 2,996, including the 19 hijackers. The overwhelming majority of casualties were civilians, including nationals of over 70 countries.
The Baha'i Center, located at 148 Elliot Street and Jewish Congregation Shir Heharim, located at 151 Greenleaf Street will both hold prayer services at 10am . This year Shabbat Shuvah falls on Sept 11th so the special Jewish Shabbat morning service that day will focus on themes of repentance and remembrance. Every year the Sabbath that falls between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is called Shabbat Shuvah (the Sabbath of Repentance). For more information call (802) 257-1959. For information about the Baha'i service please call 254-2115.
The sanctuary of the Guilford Community Church, U.C.C. will also be open for prayer and silent meditation between 8:30 and 10:45am The open meditation will extend from 15 minutes before the time of the first attack at 8:46 to fifteen minutes after the time of the last attack at 10:28am and will be a time of silence in honor of the many faiths who will be remembering loved ones at this time. The public is invited to come and go at any point during this time. A bell will be rung at fifteen minute intervals and a simple book of prayers will be provided for those unfamiliar with meditation. Guilford Community Church is located 1 mile south of exit 1 on route five just in back of the Guilford Country Store. For more information call 257-2776 or check out the web-site at guilfordchurch.org.
1) Pray, friends, deeply and ardently, that we may love our neighbors.
2) A pastor friend of mine suggests following his lead: "I don't (care) what some Florida bigot does. But I do care deeply when sacred texts are burned in acts of fearful hatred. My response: On 9/11 I'm going to READ the Q'uran, at least some of it."
3) Call or click on the Massachusetts Bible Society to offer to give two copies of the Qur'an to prisons and hospitals, for use by Muslim people needing their services, for every one that is burned. (information below)
4) Attend one of the local interfaith events being held to remember the lives lost on 9/11/01 (information below)
The Massachusetts Bible Society Announces the "They Burn One, We Give Two" Drive.
Rev. Terry Jones of the Dove Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL intends to burn the Qur'an on Sept. 11 in an act of hatred against Muslims and the Islamic Faith. We join with thousands of religious leaders across the country to renounce this act and affirm those like General Petraeus who warn that such an act could cost innocent lives.
As people of the Book, we are joined to Islam and Judaism in a special way and as an organization that has sought to put that Book into people's hands for 201 years, we cannot stand idly by while the sacred text of a sister religion is burned as our beloved Bibles once were.
Lest the culture believe that Rev. Jones' position represents that of all Christians, MassBible is prepared to take a counter action. For 201 years we have given the Bible to those without access. In response to Rev. Jones despicable act, we are prepared to give two Qur'ans for every one that Rev. Jones burns.
They will go to prisons, to hospitals, to shelters, or to any place where there are Muslims without access to their sacred text. This in no way diminishes our belief in the Bible as the Word of God. On the contrary, it is acting on the command within its pages to love our neighbors as ourselves (Lev. 19:18) and to do unto others as we would have done unto us. (Matt. 7:12).
We can supply two Qur'ans for $25. If you would support us in this, please send a check marked "Two for one" or click below to donate to the effort directly. You may also call us at 617-969-9404 to make a donation by credit card. http://www.massbible.org/burn-one-give-two
___________________
STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE
The Brattleboro Area Interfaith Clergy Association encourages the community to remember the people of many faiths who died and all who were affected and are affected by the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the fourth airplane which went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. The death toll of the attacks was 2,996, including the 19 hijackers. The overwhelming majority of casualties were civilians, including nationals of over 70 countries.
The Baha'i Center, located at 148 Elliot Street and Jewish Congregation Shir Heharim, located at 151 Greenleaf Street will both hold prayer services at 10am . This year Shabbat Shuvah falls on Sept 11th so the special Jewish Shabbat morning service that day will focus on themes of repentance and remembrance. Every year the Sabbath that falls between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is called Shabbat Shuvah (the Sabbath of Repentance). For more information call (802) 257-1959. For information about the Baha'i service please call 254-2115.
The sanctuary of the Guilford Community Church, U.C.C. will also be open for prayer and silent meditation between 8:30 and 10:45am The open meditation will extend from 15 minutes before the time of the first attack at 8:46 to fifteen minutes after the time of the last attack at 10:28am and will be a time of silence in honor of the many faiths who will be remembering loved ones at this time. The public is invited to come and go at any point during this time. A bell will be rung at fifteen minute intervals and a simple book of prayers will be provided for those unfamiliar with meditation. Guilford Community Church is located 1 mile south of exit 1 on route five just in back of the Guilford Country Store. For more information call 257-2776 or check out the web-site at guilfordchurch.org.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
FUMCOB Weekly News - 100912
Worship this Sunday, September 12th will focus on God’s hope for mankind as detailed in Jeremiah 4:27 and Luke 15:1-10. Pastor Cheryl Meachen's sermon will explore the remnant of hope in humanity as illustrated in Jeremiah where God is furious and plans to destroy the people because of their sinfulness, but not all of them. This is complemented by Luke’s story of the lost sheep, where Jesus asks his audience to consider whether they would leave the 99 to seek after the lost one. Tim and Bunny Fogg will provide music for the service on guitar and flute including hymns full of grace, including Amazing Grace. The choir returns to the sanctuary this week to provide special music.
During a Mission Moment in worship this coming Sunday, Robert Baldauf, Worshipful Master of Brattleboro Masonic Lodge #102 will discuss Warm Hands, Warm Heart, Inc., a Vermont non-profit organization, in partnership with Vermont Masons, who are sponsoring a children’s clothing drive for Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens - our children. Please look into your closets, storage areas, and most importantly, your hearts and donate new and gently used outerwear, innerwear, underwear, sleepwear, shoes and socks and school clothing for children: newborn to the 3rd grade (ages 9-10). Collection sites from Aug 15th through Sept 30th include this church and any of Vermont’s 87 Masonic Centers.
A meeting of the Vermont District Mission Team will be held at the Middlebury UMC on Wednesday, October 20, 1-3 p.m. to elect leaders, consider how to use funds from Troy Conference designated for Vermont missions, and more. Contact Rene for more information at lwilbur@vermontel.net
The Men’s Group is meeting on Monday, Sept. 13th at 6pm. They are planning a dinner and silent auction for Friday, Sept. 17th as a church fundraiser. Creative donations are needed by next Friday. Items already received include two handmade quilts, vintage golf clubs, a meal at your home, a handmade afghan, a bean bag chair, auto service, 2 quarts of maple syrup, a bride doll, a round table, 2 large china dolls, dessert a month for a year, a computer desk and a serving Genie. Registration begins at 5pm with bidding until 6:45. The meal will include pot roast with potatoes, gravy, carrots and peas, dinner rolls, coffee and dessert. The buffet line begins at 6pm with one seating. The cost is $10; children under 12 free with parent. Final bids will be announced at 7pm. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this fun event.
Warm Hearts, Kindred Friends, a three-day Academy for Spiritual Formation will be held October 14-17, 2010 at Rolling Ridge Retreat & Conference Center in North Andover, MA. Guided by the question “In an age of Facebook friends, global village connections and yet persistent stories of abuse, how can we cultivate and expand spiritual friendships, become companions with others on the journey?” led by Wendy Wright, retreat leader in contemporary spirituality and writer of “Sacred Dwelling and The Vigil” and portions of the Companions in Christ series. For more information, please contact Rosemary McNulty at (978-682-7676 x. 201 or RMcNulty@neumc.org).
A Stewardship Team from the Finance Committee is busily preparing this year’s campaign and needs your help! Consider hosting a table by making followup calls and leading a short bible study. Sign up to provide entertainment like a skit, song, dance, story, jokes or other entertainment are welcome!. Our Consecration Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 12th and our next Stewardship Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13th at 5:30pm.
The Trustees have scheduled a Work Day on Saturday, Sept. 18th from 9am-noon. Please join us at the parsonage to take care of some of the overgrowth that occurred when the home was unoccupied. Some of the ways you can help include rototilling gardens, sharing perennials or bulbs from your garden, resetting the sidewalk and patio stones, preparing the deck to be stained, and painting the front porch columns. Alternatively, you could help Pastor Cheryl prepare lunch for the workers or purchase fall flowers like chrysanthemums, sedum and kale to be planted at the church in the two entry planters, around the bell and around the sign at the street. Sign up to help!
A regularly scheduled church council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm and our District Superintendent has scheduled our annual Charge Conference for Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm. Please plan to attend these important church meetings.
The Fundamentals of Financial Stewardship are Spiritual! Our church is blessed to host a Faith and Money Seminar on Saturday, October 23rd from 9am-3. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about this important topic and also to prepare a worship service, serve a meal and host our new colleagues from the New England Conference. Join us for a day of joyful and participatory worship, dialogue and practical workshops on personal and congregational financial stewardship including managing church assets, socially responsible investing, trustee responsibilities; planned giving through wills, gift annuities, charitable trusts and capital campaigns; integrating faith with financial resources. Please sign up to help with worship, preparing and serving the meal or to attend this important seminar.
United Methodist membership means sharing our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness in this church. How are you equipped to lead and participate? The Lay Leadership Committee is accepting self-nominations to any committee, mission or ministry, existing or new. Please drop a note in Pastor Cheryl’s box or send an e-mail to Cheryl.meachen@gmail.com to identify your gifts, ideas and willingness to serve!
The Community Justice Network of Vermont unites the efforts of Vermonters seeking to make restorative responses available for people whose lives are disrupted by conflict or crime. Volunteers are needed for the Reparative Probation Program. This program brings together offenders on probation with a panel of 4-5 community volunteers to discuss the impact of their crime and ways in which they can make fair and reasonable amends. The panel meets once a month for two hours. Join us on Monday, October 25th at 6:00pm and visit http://www.brattleborocjc.org/ to learn how you can participate!
During a Mission Moment in worship this coming Sunday, Robert Baldauf, Worshipful Master of Brattleboro Masonic Lodge #102 will discuss Warm Hands, Warm Heart, Inc., a Vermont non-profit organization, in partnership with Vermont Masons, who are sponsoring a children’s clothing drive for Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens - our children. Please look into your closets, storage areas, and most importantly, your hearts and donate new and gently used outerwear, innerwear, underwear, sleepwear, shoes and socks and school clothing for children: newborn to the 3rd grade (ages 9-10). Collection sites from Aug 15th through Sept 30th include this church and any of Vermont’s 87 Masonic Centers.
A meeting of the Vermont District Mission Team will be held at the Middlebury UMC on Wednesday, October 20, 1-3 p.m. to elect leaders, consider how to use funds from Troy Conference designated for Vermont missions, and more. Contact Rene for more information at lwilbur@vermontel.net
The Men’s Group is meeting on Monday, Sept. 13th at 6pm. They are planning a dinner and silent auction for Friday, Sept. 17th as a church fundraiser. Creative donations are needed by next Friday. Items already received include two handmade quilts, vintage golf clubs, a meal at your home, a handmade afghan, a bean bag chair, auto service, 2 quarts of maple syrup, a bride doll, a round table, 2 large china dolls, dessert a month for a year, a computer desk and a serving Genie. Registration begins at 5pm with bidding until 6:45. The meal will include pot roast with potatoes, gravy, carrots and peas, dinner rolls, coffee and dessert. The buffet line begins at 6pm with one seating. The cost is $10; children under 12 free with parent. Final bids will be announced at 7pm. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this fun event.
Warm Hearts, Kindred Friends, a three-day Academy for Spiritual Formation will be held October 14-17, 2010 at Rolling Ridge Retreat & Conference Center in North Andover, MA. Guided by the question “In an age of Facebook friends, global village connections and yet persistent stories of abuse, how can we cultivate and expand spiritual friendships, become companions with others on the journey?” led by Wendy Wright, retreat leader in contemporary spirituality and writer of “Sacred Dwelling and The Vigil” and portions of the Companions in Christ series. For more information, please contact Rosemary McNulty at (978-682-7676 x. 201 or RMcNulty@neumc.org).
A Stewardship Team from the Finance Committee is busily preparing this year’s campaign and needs your help! Consider hosting a table by making followup calls and leading a short bible study. Sign up to provide entertainment like a skit, song, dance, story, jokes or other entertainment are welcome!. Our Consecration Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 12th and our next Stewardship Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13th at 5:30pm.
The Trustees have scheduled a Work Day on Saturday, Sept. 18th from 9am-noon. Please join us at the parsonage to take care of some of the overgrowth that occurred when the home was unoccupied. Some of the ways you can help include rototilling gardens, sharing perennials or bulbs from your garden, resetting the sidewalk and patio stones, preparing the deck to be stained, and painting the front porch columns. Alternatively, you could help Pastor Cheryl prepare lunch for the workers or purchase fall flowers like chrysanthemums, sedum and kale to be planted at the church in the two entry planters, around the bell and around the sign at the street. Sign up to help!
A regularly scheduled church council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm and our District Superintendent has scheduled our annual Charge Conference for Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm. Please plan to attend these important church meetings.
The Fundamentals of Financial Stewardship are Spiritual! Our church is blessed to host a Faith and Money Seminar on Saturday, October 23rd from 9am-3. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about this important topic and also to prepare a worship service, serve a meal and host our new colleagues from the New England Conference. Join us for a day of joyful and participatory worship, dialogue and practical workshops on personal and congregational financial stewardship including managing church assets, socially responsible investing, trustee responsibilities; planned giving through wills, gift annuities, charitable trusts and capital campaigns; integrating faith with financial resources. Please sign up to help with worship, preparing and serving the meal or to attend this important seminar.
United Methodist membership means sharing our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness in this church. How are you equipped to lead and participate? The Lay Leadership Committee is accepting self-nominations to any committee, mission or ministry, existing or new. Please drop a note in Pastor Cheryl’s box or send an e-mail to Cheryl.meachen@gmail.com to identify your gifts, ideas and willingness to serve!
The Community Justice Network of Vermont unites the efforts of Vermonters seeking to make restorative responses available for people whose lives are disrupted by conflict or crime. Volunteers are needed for the Reparative Probation Program. This program brings together offenders on probation with a panel of 4-5 community volunteers to discuss the impact of their crime and ways in which they can make fair and reasonable amends. The panel meets once a month for two hours. Join us on Monday, October 25th at 6:00pm and visit http://www.brattleborocjc.org/ to learn how you can participate!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 5, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
CONTENTS:
1) Worship notes
2) Stewardship Campaign looking for volunteers
3) Choir rehearsals to start
4) Trustees' Work Day needs volunteers
5) Church Family Tag Sale this weekend
6) UMW Events
7) Opportunity to help Pakistan Flood victims
8) Helpers needed for Faith and Money Event
9) Men’s Group Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser
10) Calendar
1 - Worship this Sunday, September 5th will focus on God as the eternal
potter reworking us as found in Jeremiah 18:1-11. Pastor Cheryl
Meachen's sermon will focus on the ways in which water works to soften
and loosen a potter's clay and fire works to set it in it's final
shape, in much the same way that Christian baptism and fiery trials
mold our human lives. Tim and Bunny Fogg will provide music for the
service on guitar and flute including the hymns: "God the Sculptor of
the Mountains" and "Eternal Mind the Potter Is." Jane Clarke and
Lillian Hellinger will present a soprano duet and the communion table
is open to all.
2 - A Stewardship Team from the Finance Committee is busily preparing this year’s campaign and needs your help! Consider hosting a table by making followup calls and leading a short bible study. Sign up to provide entertainment like a skit, song, dance, story, jokes or other entertainment are welcome!. Our Consecration Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 12th and our next Stewardship Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 13th at 5:30pm.
3 - Choir Rehearsals begin again this week and held weekly on Thursdays at 5:00 pm. You are welcome to join whether or not you can read music or have perfect pitch. Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
4 - The Trustees have scheduled a Work Day on Saturday, September 16th from 9am-noon. Please join us at the parsonage to take care of some of the overgrowth that occurred when the home was unoccupied. Some of the ways you can help include rototilling gardens, sharing perennials or bulbs from your garden, resetting the sidewalk and patio stones, preparing the deck to be stained, and painting the front porch columns. Alternatively, you could help Pastor Cheryl prepare lunch for the workers or purchase fall flowers like chrysanthemums, sedum and kale for the church to be planted in the two entry planters, around the bell and around the sign at the street. Please sign up to help.
5 -This Saturday, September 11th beginning at 8am, all are welcome to bring items from home to sell to the public at our Church Family Tag Sale. We will provide a table, space and advertising and you bring the items, keep the proceeds and bring leftovers home or to the dump. You are encouraged to tithe to the church from your proceeds. For example, if you sell $100 worth of items, you would give $10 to the church for the general fund. A great opportunity for some fall cleaning!
6 - There will be a potluck picnic and meeting of UMW at Leslie Kramsky’s home on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:00 pm. Other upcoming events include the UMW Rummage Sale on Saturday, October 16th and the UMW Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 20th. Other regional UMW events include: Fill Us with God’s Spirit! Spiritual Growth Retreat on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Green Mountain College, Poultney VT from 9:30 am to 3:00 PM. Come and enjoy the singing, sharing, prayers and food with us! $15 includes lunch and supplies. Register by Oct 2, 2010. Contact Rene Wilbur, 13 Bliss Road, Tinmouth VT 05773. The New England Conference UMW Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010, 9:00am at Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord NH. Fanning the Flame of Faith Hope and Love: Fall Gathering of United Methodist Women will be held at the Rutland United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from10:00am to 3:00pm. $10 includes lunch.
7 - With new floods compounding the effects of weeks of inundation across Pakistan, the people of this nation in crisis are in desperate need of a different kind of deluge: the rain of compassion. Please give generously to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450 and help the people of Pakistan survive the worst disaster in memory in their country. Please indicate Pakistan Floods on the memo line of your check.
8 - THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP ARE SPIRITUAL! Our church is blessed to host a Faith and Money Seminar on Saturday, October 23rd from 9am-3. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about this important topic and also to prepare a worship service, serve a meal and host our new colleagues from the New England Conference. Join us for a day of joyful and participatory worship, dialogue and practical workshops on personal and congregational financial stewardship! Some of the focus areas include:
A. Narrative Budget/Annual Giving: communicate your church’s mission and ministries through its giving (power of storytelling and narrative budget examples); helpful budget setting processes and resources.
B. Managing Existing Church Assets/Resources: “Endowments: Blessing or Curse?” –investment policies and spending plans; diversification/asset allocation, socially responsible investing, how to maximize income; trustee fiduciary responsibilities.
C. Major/Planned Giving and Developing New Church Assets/Resources: New opportunities for significant giving: planned giving vehicles (wills, gift annuities, charitable trusts), capital campaigns; how to promote a year-round gift planning ministry.
D. Year-Round Stewardship: Models for effective annual financial stewardship; developing models of stewardship-themed worship and education for all ages that integrate faith with financial resources. Please sign up to help with worship, preparing and serving the meal or to attend this important seminar.
9 - The Men’s Group is meeting on Monday, September 13th at 6pm. They are planning a dinner and silent auction for Friday, September 17th as a church fundraiser. The men hope someone will contribute 3-4 hours of house cleaning, ironing, yard work, a restaurant gift certificate, baked beans that could be frozen, babysitting service, tickets to a youth theater performance or a $50 gas certificate. Donations are needed by next Friday. Items already received include two handmade quilts, vintage golf clubs, a meal at your home, a handmade afghan, a bean bag chair, auto service, 2 quarts of maple syrup, a bride doll, a round table, 2 large china dolls, dessert a month for a year, a computer desk and a serving Genie. Registration begins at 5pm with bidding until 6:45. The meal will include pot roast with potatoes, gravy, carrots and peas, dinner rolls, coffee and dessert. The buffet line begins at 6pm with one seating. The cost is $10; children under 12 free with parent. Final bids will be announced at 7pm. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this fun event.
Week of Week of September 5th – September 11th
SUN 10:00a Worship / Communion
MON LABOR DAY
TUE 6:00p United Methodist Women
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
5:30p WOW Planning
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir Rehearsal
FRI 7:00p Sabbath Space
SAT 9:00a Church Family Tag Sale
Week of September 12th – September 18th
SUN 10:00a Worship (with Robert Fagge from Masons re: Clothe the Children)
MON 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
5:30p Stewardship Planning
6:00p Men’s Group
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
6:00p Church Council
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir Rehearsal
5:00p Trustees
FRI 5:00p Silent Auction…6:00p…Dinner
SAT 9:00a Trustee Work Day
SAT 9:00a Church Family Tag Sale
UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS
Restorative Justice Talk Monday, October 4th
UMW Rummage Sale Saturday, October 16th
Faith and Money Seminar Saturday, October 23rd
Stewardship Consecration Dinner Saturday, November 12th
UMW Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 20th
Drive Through Nativity Sunday, December 12th
Lifeline Tuesday, December 14th
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/First United Methodist
Church, Brattleboro VT and our blog at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/
If you use Twitter, you are heartily encouraged to tweet during
worship or anytime using our hashmark: #fumcob.
Check out our special on Foursquare.
1) Worship notes
2) Stewardship Campaign looking for volunteers
3) Choir rehearsals to start
4) Trustees' Work Day needs volunteers
5) Church Family Tag Sale this weekend
6) UMW Events
7) Opportunity to help Pakistan Flood victims
8) Helpers needed for Faith and Money Event
9) Men’s Group Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser
10) Calendar
1 - Worship this Sunday, September 5th will focus on God as the eternal
potter reworking us as found in Jeremiah 18:1-11. Pastor Cheryl
Meachen's sermon will focus on the ways in which water works to soften
and loosen a potter's clay and fire works to set it in it's final
shape, in much the same way that Christian baptism and fiery trials
mold our human lives. Tim and Bunny Fogg will provide music for the
service on guitar and flute including the hymns: "God the Sculptor of
the Mountains" and "Eternal Mind the Potter Is." Jane Clarke and
Lillian Hellinger will present a soprano duet and the communion table
is open to all.
2 - A Stewardship Team from the Finance Committee is busily preparing this year’s campaign and needs your help! Consider hosting a table by making followup calls and leading a short bible study. Sign up to provide entertainment like a skit, song, dance, story, jokes or other entertainment are welcome!. Our Consecration Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 12th and our next Stewardship Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 13th at 5:30pm.
3 - Choir Rehearsals begin again this week and held weekly on Thursdays at 5:00 pm. You are welcome to join whether or not you can read music or have perfect pitch. Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
4 - The Trustees have scheduled a Work Day on Saturday, September 16th from 9am-noon. Please join us at the parsonage to take care of some of the overgrowth that occurred when the home was unoccupied. Some of the ways you can help include rototilling gardens, sharing perennials or bulbs from your garden, resetting the sidewalk and patio stones, preparing the deck to be stained, and painting the front porch columns. Alternatively, you could help Pastor Cheryl prepare lunch for the workers or purchase fall flowers like chrysanthemums, sedum and kale for the church to be planted in the two entry planters, around the bell and around the sign at the street. Please sign up to help.
5 -This Saturday, September 11th beginning at 8am, all are welcome to bring items from home to sell to the public at our Church Family Tag Sale. We will provide a table, space and advertising and you bring the items, keep the proceeds and bring leftovers home or to the dump. You are encouraged to tithe to the church from your proceeds. For example, if you sell $100 worth of items, you would give $10 to the church for the general fund. A great opportunity for some fall cleaning!
6 - There will be a potluck picnic and meeting of UMW at Leslie Kramsky’s home on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:00 pm. Other upcoming events include the UMW Rummage Sale on Saturday, October 16th and the UMW Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 20th. Other regional UMW events include: Fill Us with God’s Spirit! Spiritual Growth Retreat on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Green Mountain College, Poultney VT from 9:30 am to 3:00 PM. Come and enjoy the singing, sharing, prayers and food with us! $15 includes lunch and supplies. Register by Oct 2, 2010. Contact Rene Wilbur, 13 Bliss Road, Tinmouth VT 05773. The New England Conference UMW Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010, 9:00am at Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord NH. Fanning the Flame of Faith Hope and Love: Fall Gathering of United Methodist Women will be held at the Rutland United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from10:00am to 3:00pm. $10 includes lunch.
7 - With new floods compounding the effects of weeks of inundation across Pakistan, the people of this nation in crisis are in desperate need of a different kind of deluge: the rain of compassion. Please give generously to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450 and help the people of Pakistan survive the worst disaster in memory in their country. Please indicate Pakistan Floods on the memo line of your check.
8 - THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP ARE SPIRITUAL! Our church is blessed to host a Faith and Money Seminar on Saturday, October 23rd from 9am-3. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about this important topic and also to prepare a worship service, serve a meal and host our new colleagues from the New England Conference. Join us for a day of joyful and participatory worship, dialogue and practical workshops on personal and congregational financial stewardship! Some of the focus areas include:
A. Narrative Budget/Annual Giving: communicate your church’s mission and ministries through its giving (power of storytelling and narrative budget examples); helpful budget setting processes and resources.
B. Managing Existing Church Assets/Resources: “Endowments: Blessing or Curse?” –investment policies and spending plans; diversification/asset allocation, socially responsible investing, how to maximize income; trustee fiduciary responsibilities.
C. Major/Planned Giving and Developing New Church Assets/Resources: New opportunities for significant giving: planned giving vehicles (wills, gift annuities, charitable trusts), capital campaigns; how to promote a year-round gift planning ministry.
D. Year-Round Stewardship: Models for effective annual financial stewardship; developing models of stewardship-themed worship and education for all ages that integrate faith with financial resources. Please sign up to help with worship, preparing and serving the meal or to attend this important seminar.
9 - The Men’s Group is meeting on Monday, September 13th at 6pm. They are planning a dinner and silent auction for Friday, September 17th as a church fundraiser. The men hope someone will contribute 3-4 hours of house cleaning, ironing, yard work, a restaurant gift certificate, baked beans that could be frozen, babysitting service, tickets to a youth theater performance or a $50 gas certificate. Donations are needed by next Friday. Items already received include two handmade quilts, vintage golf clubs, a meal at your home, a handmade afghan, a bean bag chair, auto service, 2 quarts of maple syrup, a bride doll, a round table, 2 large china dolls, dessert a month for a year, a computer desk and a serving Genie. Registration begins at 5pm with bidding until 6:45. The meal will include pot roast with potatoes, gravy, carrots and peas, dinner rolls, coffee and dessert. The buffet line begins at 6pm with one seating. The cost is $10; children under 12 free with parent. Final bids will be announced at 7pm. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this fun event.
Week of Week of September 5th – September 11th
SUN 10:00a Worship / Communion
MON LABOR DAY
TUE 6:00p United Methodist Women
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
5:30p WOW Planning
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir Rehearsal
FRI 7:00p Sabbath Space
SAT 9:00a Church Family Tag Sale
Week of September 12th – September 18th
SUN 10:00a Worship (with Robert Fagge from Masons re: Clothe the Children)
MON 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
10:30a Monday Morning Quarterback
5:30p Stewardship Planning
6:00p Men’s Group
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
6:00p Church Council
THU 9:30a Prayer Circle
5:00p Choir Rehearsal
5:00p Trustees
FRI 5:00p Silent Auction…6:00p…Dinner
SAT 9:00a Trustee Work Day
SAT 9:00a Church Family Tag Sale
UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS
Restorative Justice Talk Monday, October 4th
UMW Rummage Sale Saturday, October 16th
Faith and Money Seminar Saturday, October 23rd
Stewardship Consecration Dinner Saturday, November 12th
UMW Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 20th
Drive Through Nativity Sunday, December 12th
Lifeline Tuesday, December 14th
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/First United Methodist
Church, Brattleboro VT and our blog at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/
If you use Twitter, you are heartily encouraged to tweet during
worship or anytime using our hashmark: #fumcob.
Check out our special on Foursquare.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
August 29, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
First United Methodist Church will host the congregation of First Baptist Church and invite all to join them for worship at 10:00 am in the sanctuary this week. Pastor Cheryl Meachen’s sermon,
entitled "God’s First Class" draws from the story of who to invite to the banquet and where to sit found in Luke 14. The message will focus on God’s love for the least, last and lost with encouragement for those of us with means to serve others. Pastor Suzanne Andrews will assist with liturgy and give the Children’s Message. Margaret Fogg, flutist and Timothy Fogg, guitarist will provide inspiring special music throughout the service and be joined by the two pastors in a contemporary praise set of songs at the beginning of the service. The liturgical billowers will do a form of sacred dance with long bands of colorful cloth to “Amazing Grace.” Tithes and pledges placed in the offering plate in one or the other of the churches’ envelopes will be allocated to that church and all loose offerings will be donated to the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center, a ministry in which we share as faith communities.
Week of August 29th – September 4th
SUN 10:00a Worship with First Baptist Church
MON 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
4:30p Stewardship Meeting
5:30p Blueberry Debriefing
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
6:00p Family Game Night and Pizza
THU 10:30a Prayer Circle
5:30p SPRC (tentative)
A donation to “Nothing But Nets” is given by Grace Gunnip this week in memory of her brother Herb’s birthday, as evidenced by the wheat placed at the altar.
Kids of all ages are welcome to Family Game Night on Wednesday, September 1st from 6-8pm for board games, cribbage, Wii bowling and pizza, as well as some great conversation and fellowship.
Our United Methodist Membership vows demonstrate our covenant to share our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness in this church. What gifts do you have to share in service? Those that you have gained over years of experience as well as those lying dusty on the shelf of your imagination are welcome here! Please pray about what our church is and should be doing and how you are equipped to lead and participate in that endeavor, whether it is a named committee or a new ministry, we want you! Even if it appears to be running fine, your presence and ideas can infuse new life. The Lay Leadership Committee is accepting self-nominations to any committee, mission or ministry, existing or new. Please use one of the welcome cards in the pew to identify your gifts, ideas and willingness to serve!
The members of the Lay Visitation Ministry and Prayer Chain invite you to join us for a weekly prayer circle in the Pastor’s study on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am.
There will be a potluck picnic and meeting of UMW at Leslie Kramsky’s home on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:00 pm.
Join us here at the church on September 10th at 7pm for our monthly Sabbath Space, a wonderful opportunity to step out of the rigors and rituals of daily life and work and into a period of spirituality and Sabbath renewal. There are opportunities for prayer, candlelighting, reflective paint chip poetry, contemplative coloring of mandalas and a labyrinth walk.
Rev. Carrol Newquist and JoAnn Newquist are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their children in Hawaii. Carrol was the pastor of First United Methodist Church here in Brattleboro from 1965-73. Their daughter Liz invites us to send cards for them to open in Hawaii at their celebration. You may send your card to: Liz Newquist, 3583 W. Greentree Circle Unit D, Anaheim CA 92804 and write "surprise" in lower left corner of envelope for delivery by 9/25/10.
An SPRC meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 2nd at 5:30pm. A regularly scheduled church council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm and our District Superintendent has scheduled our annual Charge Conference for Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm. Please plan to attend these open church meetings.
Acts of Hate and Bigotry in Windham County are Unacceptable! Let us be a community free of prejudice and unlawful discrimination. Everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, skin tone, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic standing marital status, physical or mental abilities deserves to live or visit here without the fear of bullying, harassment, bigotry or violence.
Let’s give Jenny a hand for harvesting 358 pounds of produce from the Helping Hands Garden so far this season. Or better yet, let’s give Jenny a hand by picking a few items to help. You’ll be amazed at how many beans or tomatoes you can pick in just 20 minutes after church or on your way through town on a weekday and you won’t even get that dirty. Please do your part in this church-wide ministry to feed those in need.
Please touch base with Lucie Fortier or sign up in the fellowship hall if you are interested in volunteering in local schools as a "foster grandparent." You are heartily encouraged to connect with our community in this way to provide a strong Christian witness to our youth and so that their joyous spirit may warm your heart.
Betty Stacy's children invite us to celebrate her 80th birthday with an Open House celebration here at the church on Saturday, September 25 from 1-4pm. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.
Don’t miss the PEP. Get the bounce back in your step: Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am here at the church. Exercise and Strength Training, previously known as Strong Living by Tufts University. Call Phyllis Emery at 802-254-2543 for more information. Donation $2.00.
Please join us to debrief this year’s Blueberry Festival on Monday, August 30th at 5:30pm. Together we can celebrate our successes, discern ways to tweak things that could have gone better and vision new ways to invite the community to share in the blueberry harvest with us.
All are welcome to bring items from home to sell to the public at our Church Family Tag Sale to be held on Saturday, September 11th here at the church beginning at 8am. We welcome your tithe to the church from your sale proceeds in lieu of a table fee. For example, if you sell $100 worth of items, you would give $10 to the church for the general fund. A great opportunity for some fall cleaning!
The Men’s Group is planning a dinner and silent auction for Friday, September 17th as a fundraiser giving 75% to the church and 25% for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. The dinner will be with one seating, with auction items to be bid upon prior to, and during the meal. Your contribution of auction items is invited on the signup sheets on the table in the fellowship hall.
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/First United Methodist
Church, Brattleboro VT and our blog at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/
If you use Twitter, you are heartily encouraged to tweet during
worship or anytime using our hashmark: #fumcob.
entitled "God’s First Class" draws from the story of who to invite to the banquet and where to sit found in Luke 14. The message will focus on God’s love for the least, last and lost with encouragement for those of us with means to serve others. Pastor Suzanne Andrews will assist with liturgy and give the Children’s Message. Margaret Fogg, flutist and Timothy Fogg, guitarist will provide inspiring special music throughout the service and be joined by the two pastors in a contemporary praise set of songs at the beginning of the service. The liturgical billowers will do a form of sacred dance with long bands of colorful cloth to “Amazing Grace.” Tithes and pledges placed in the offering plate in one or the other of the churches’ envelopes will be allocated to that church and all loose offerings will be donated to the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center, a ministry in which we share as faith communities.
Week of August 29th – September 4th
SUN 10:00a Worship with First Baptist Church
MON 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
4:30p Stewardship Meeting
5:30p Blueberry Debriefing
WED 9:30a Exercise / Strength Training
6:00p Family Game Night and Pizza
THU 10:30a Prayer Circle
5:30p SPRC (tentative)
A donation to “Nothing But Nets” is given by Grace Gunnip this week in memory of her brother Herb’s birthday, as evidenced by the wheat placed at the altar.
Kids of all ages are welcome to Family Game Night on Wednesday, September 1st from 6-8pm for board games, cribbage, Wii bowling and pizza, as well as some great conversation and fellowship.
Our United Methodist Membership vows demonstrate our covenant to share our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness in this church. What gifts do you have to share in service? Those that you have gained over years of experience as well as those lying dusty on the shelf of your imagination are welcome here! Please pray about what our church is and should be doing and how you are equipped to lead and participate in that endeavor, whether it is a named committee or a new ministry, we want you! Even if it appears to be running fine, your presence and ideas can infuse new life. The Lay Leadership Committee is accepting self-nominations to any committee, mission or ministry, existing or new. Please use one of the welcome cards in the pew to identify your gifts, ideas and willingness to serve!
The members of the Lay Visitation Ministry and Prayer Chain invite you to join us for a weekly prayer circle in the Pastor’s study on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am.
There will be a potluck picnic and meeting of UMW at Leslie Kramsky’s home on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:00 pm.
Join us here at the church on September 10th at 7pm for our monthly Sabbath Space, a wonderful opportunity to step out of the rigors and rituals of daily life and work and into a period of spirituality and Sabbath renewal. There are opportunities for prayer, candlelighting, reflective paint chip poetry, contemplative coloring of mandalas and a labyrinth walk.
Rev. Carrol Newquist and JoAnn Newquist are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their children in Hawaii. Carrol was the pastor of First United Methodist Church here in Brattleboro from 1965-73. Their daughter Liz invites us to send cards for them to open in Hawaii at their celebration. You may send your card to: Liz Newquist, 3583 W. Greentree Circle Unit D, Anaheim CA 92804 and write "surprise" in lower left corner of envelope for delivery by 9/25/10.
An SPRC meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 2nd at 5:30pm. A regularly scheduled church council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm and our District Superintendent has scheduled our annual Charge Conference for Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm. Please plan to attend these open church meetings.
Acts of Hate and Bigotry in Windham County are Unacceptable! Let us be a community free of prejudice and unlawful discrimination. Everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, skin tone, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic standing marital status, physical or mental abilities deserves to live or visit here without the fear of bullying, harassment, bigotry or violence.
Let’s give Jenny a hand for harvesting 358 pounds of produce from the Helping Hands Garden so far this season. Or better yet, let’s give Jenny a hand by picking a few items to help. You’ll be amazed at how many beans or tomatoes you can pick in just 20 minutes after church or on your way through town on a weekday and you won’t even get that dirty. Please do your part in this church-wide ministry to feed those in need.
Please touch base with Lucie Fortier or sign up in the fellowship hall if you are interested in volunteering in local schools as a "foster grandparent." You are heartily encouraged to connect with our community in this way to provide a strong Christian witness to our youth and so that their joyous spirit may warm your heart.
Betty Stacy's children invite us to celebrate her 80th birthday with an Open House celebration here at the church on Saturday, September 25 from 1-4pm. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.
Don’t miss the PEP. Get the bounce back in your step: Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am here at the church. Exercise and Strength Training, previously known as Strong Living by Tufts University. Call Phyllis Emery at 802-254-2543 for more information. Donation $2.00.
Please join us to debrief this year’s Blueberry Festival on Monday, August 30th at 5:30pm. Together we can celebrate our successes, discern ways to tweak things that could have gone better and vision new ways to invite the community to share in the blueberry harvest with us.
All are welcome to bring items from home to sell to the public at our Church Family Tag Sale to be held on Saturday, September 11th here at the church beginning at 8am. We welcome your tithe to the church from your sale proceeds in lieu of a table fee. For example, if you sell $100 worth of items, you would give $10 to the church for the general fund. A great opportunity for some fall cleaning!
The Men’s Group is planning a dinner and silent auction for Friday, September 17th as a fundraiser giving 75% to the church and 25% for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. The dinner will be with one seating, with auction items to be bid upon prior to, and during the meal. Your contribution of auction items is invited on the signup sheets on the table in the fellowship hall.
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/First United Methodist
Church, Brattleboro VT and our blog at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/
If you use Twitter, you are heartily encouraged to tweet during
worship or anytime using our hashmark: #fumcob.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 15, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
I hope you plan to join us for one or more of the fellowship events
scheduled over the next few days!
Tonight, we are meeting at 6:00 pm at the church for Family Game
Night. We will enjoy worship videos as we share a meal of pizza
together, followed by everything from good old-fashioned cards and
cribbage to Wii bowling and golf! Everyone can play!
Friday night, we will meet at 7:00 pm for Sabbath Space, a monthly
opportunity to find a quiet center through acts of contemplation and
meditation. This month we will offer mandalas, prayer wall,
labyrinth, Sign Chi Do, paint chip poetry and creative collages. The
labyrinth is especially beautiful to walk quietly as the sun sets at
this evening hour.
And Saturday, August 14th from 8-3pm we will host our community for
the Annual Blueberry Festival! Come early to enjoy Marlene Rose’s
famous blueberry breakfast and the church ladies’ delectable blueberry
jam and baked offerings. There are crafters with items such as ethnic
jewelry, painted silk, woodcraft and homemade goats’ milk beauty
products for sale. Music is being performed by House of Purpose on
tour, a coffee house venue from Hillsboro NH specializing in gospel,
Christian and sacred music. A variety of musical artists, including
Purpose and Timothy and Margaret Fogg will play beginning at 10am.
Please touch base with Lucie Fortier or sign up in the fellowship hall
if you are interested in volunteering in local schools a
"grandparent." You are heartily encouraged to connect with our
community in this way to provide a strong Christian witness to our
youth and so that your heart may be warmed by their joyous spirit.
Pastor Cheryl will be attending a Suicide Prevention Seminar in
Strafford VT on Monday, but Priscilla Barnard has graciously offered
to lead our Monday morning Quarterback session here at the church at
10:30 am. Join her to discuss the week's scripture and sermon.
The Finance Committee will hold its regularly monthly meeting next
Monday, August 16th at 5:00 pm. All members of the Lay Visitation
committee and others interested in starting a weekly prayer meeting
are invited to gather at the church at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August
18th.
Worship will be held on Sunday at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Pastor
Cheryl Meachen’s sermon, entitled "Faith: Lodgepole Pine Style” will
focus on faith in times of success and times of trial and will be
based on scripture from Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2. Margaret Fogg, flutist
and Timothy Fogg, guitarist will accompany the hymns including "Faith
is Patience in the Night." Lillian Hellinger and Betty Stacy will sing
"When We All Get To Heaven" as a duet for special music.
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/First United Methodist
Church, Brattleboro VT and our blog at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/
If you use Twitter, you are heartily encouraged to tweet during
worship or anytime using our hashmark: #fumcob.
scheduled over the next few days!
Tonight, we are meeting at 6:00 pm at the church for Family Game
Night. We will enjoy worship videos as we share a meal of pizza
together, followed by everything from good old-fashioned cards and
cribbage to Wii bowling and golf! Everyone can play!
Friday night, we will meet at 7:00 pm for Sabbath Space, a monthly
opportunity to find a quiet center through acts of contemplation and
meditation. This month we will offer mandalas, prayer wall,
labyrinth, Sign Chi Do, paint chip poetry and creative collages. The
labyrinth is especially beautiful to walk quietly as the sun sets at
this evening hour.
And Saturday, August 14th from 8-3pm we will host our community for
the Annual Blueberry Festival! Come early to enjoy Marlene Rose’s
famous blueberry breakfast and the church ladies’ delectable blueberry
jam and baked offerings. There are crafters with items such as ethnic
jewelry, painted silk, woodcraft and homemade goats’ milk beauty
products for sale. Music is being performed by House of Purpose on
tour, a coffee house venue from Hillsboro NH specializing in gospel,
Christian and sacred music. A variety of musical artists, including
Purpose and Timothy and Margaret Fogg will play beginning at 10am.
Please touch base with Lucie Fortier or sign up in the fellowship hall
if you are interested in volunteering in local schools a
"grandparent." You are heartily encouraged to connect with our
community in this way to provide a strong Christian witness to our
youth and so that your heart may be warmed by their joyous spirit.
Pastor Cheryl will be attending a Suicide Prevention Seminar in
Strafford VT on Monday, but Priscilla Barnard has graciously offered
to lead our Monday morning Quarterback session here at the church at
10:30 am. Join her to discuss the week's scripture and sermon.
The Finance Committee will hold its regularly monthly meeting next
Monday, August 16th at 5:00 pm. All members of the Lay Visitation
committee and others interested in starting a weekly prayer meeting
are invited to gather at the church at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August
18th.
Worship will be held on Sunday at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Pastor
Cheryl Meachen’s sermon, entitled "Faith: Lodgepole Pine Style” will
focus on faith in times of success and times of trial and will be
based on scripture from Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2. Margaret Fogg, flutist
and Timothy Fogg, guitarist will accompany the hymns including "Faith
is Patience in the Night." Lillian Hellinger and Betty Stacy will sing
"When We All Get To Heaven" as a duet for special music.
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. All are welcome.
Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/First United Methodist
Church, Brattleboro VT and our blog at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/
If you use Twitter, you are heartily encouraged to tweet during
worship or anytime using our hashmark: #fumcob.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 8, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
Greetings friends!
Pastor Cheryl apologizes for not blogging about the conference as hoped, but upon learning that Internet would cost $14 a day, I chose to save the $70 and wait until I returned to digest the material and share it with you. I hope some of you were able to view the webcast at the General Board of Discipleship site. There was truly amazing preaching and inspired teaching shared by leaders from across the country.
WORSHIP: This week you are invited to worship at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Pastor Cheryl Meachen’s sermon, entitled "Hate Has No Home Here" will focus on the Christian value of truly loving one's neighbor while breaking down barriers of prejudice and thereby transforming a culture of intolerance into a culture of justice. Specifically, we will focus on the painting of swastikas in Dummerston and our response. You are encouraged to contribute generously through the offering to the ad we will place with other faith communities uplifting our shared message that we are Standing on the Side of Love. Margaret Fogg, flutist and Timothy Fogg, guitarist will accompany the hymns including "Seek Ye First" and provide inspiring special music throughout the service.
BLUEBERRIES: Plans for the church’s Annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday, August 14th from 8-3pm are rolling into high gear with Marlene Rose’s famous blueberry breakfast and the church ladies’ delectable blueberry jam and baked offerings. There will also be crafters with items such as ethnic jewelry, painted silk, woodcraft and homemade goats’ milk beauty products for sale. Music will be provided by House of Purpose on tour, a coffee house venue from Hillsboro NH specializing in gospel, Christian and sacred music. A variety of musical artists, including Purpose and Timothy and Margaret Fogg will play.
ACTS OF HATE AND BIGOTRY IN WINDHAM COUNTY ARE UNACCEPTABLE! Let us be a community free of prejudice and unlawful discrimination. Everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, skin tone, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic standing marital status, physical or mental abilities deserves to live or visit here without the fear of bullying, harassment, bigotry or violence. Vermont Partnership is looking for sponsors from the faith community for a half page, color advertisement in The Brattleboro Reformer, The Observer, and The Commons newspapers to run once a week for two weeks with each sponsoring faith community contributing $250 or any other amount. Earmark your contribution in today’s offering by writing “Hate has no home here” on the memo line of your check.
HELPING HANDS GARDEN: The harvest is in full gear! 199.5 pounds have been harvested from the garden so far this season including 33 lbs of mostly mostly cabbages and rutabagas Tuesday Night that Jenny delivered to the AIDS Project. She has also begun to harvest potatoes, delivering those to the Drop-In-Center. The glorious spread she left on the table for the AA meeting here on Saturday night were gratefully "gobbled up." Take a moment to offer to help Jenny pick and deliver God's bounty to our neighbors in need. If you physically cannot help, your thanks to her and prayers would go a long way towards watering our harvest with your expression of God's grace.
SABBATH SPACE: Please join us on August 13th and monthly on each second Friday at 7pm for Sabbath Space, a new opportunity to step out of the rigors and rituals of daily life and work and into a period of spirituality and Sabbath renewal. There will be opportunities for prayer, candlelighting, contemplative coloring of mandalas, and a labyrinth walk. Please also consider donating old magazines for pictures to be cut and used in prayerful collages to the mail pocket beside Pastor Cheryl’s office door.
AN AFTERNOON OF RETREAT AND RENEWAL ON THE MANITOU LAND on Sunday, August 8th from 1-4pm (Sunset Lake Rd, 1.4 miles up from Williamsville, or approximately 5 miles from the Rt. 9 intersection at the Chelsea Royal Diner.) Co-sponsored by The Manitou Project and the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Initiative: Facilitators: Fred Taylor and Rupa Cousins. A time of visioning for anyone who wants to deepen their spiritual connection with nature. Contact r_taylor@antiochne.edu or 387-5276 for directions and information.
HELPING HANDS GARDEN: The harvest is in full gear! 199.5 pounds have been harvested from the garden so far this season including 33 lbs of mostly cabbages and rutabagas Tuesday Night that Jenny delivered to the AIDS Project. She has also begun to harvest potatoes, delivering those to the Drop-In-Center. The glorious spread she left on the table for the AA meeting here on Saturday night were gratefully "gobbled up." Take a moment to offer to help Jenny pick and deliver God's bounty to our neighbors in need. If you physically cannot help, your thanks to her and prayers would go a long way towards watering our harvest with your expression of God's grace.
GAME NIGHT: Join Pastor Cheryl and others for a night of games, pizza and fun at 6pm on August 11th. We’ll play board games, video games and have some great conversation and fellowship. Kids of any age are welcome!
MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: The prophet Isaiah tells us in 55:11 that God has affirmed, “my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Do you want to explore the scripture shared on Sunday and take the next step putting what you heard and felt on Sunday morning into action with others who feel the same way? Join Pastor Cheryl and others for an hour beginning at 10:30am on Monday mornings for discussions seeded by Sunday sermons and proceeding as the Spirit leads.
SUMMER FELLOWSHIP FUN: Please join us on Friday, August 27th at 7pm for miniature golfing at Hidden Acres Campground at a cost of $3.00 a game. Please sign up on the table in the fellowship hall or see Bunny Fogg of WOW for details. If the cost is prohibitive for you but you wish to participate, please see Pastor Cheryl or leave a message at 254-4218, ext. 2 for financial assistance.
YES WE CAN: Please consider picking up extra food for the food pantry as part of your regular shopping routine. There has been a decline in giving and an increase in need due to the economy. Thirty cans of vegetables and twenty cans of soup are needed each month to feed the Brattleboro area families we serve in Christian love. The UMW encourage us to contribute full meals like tuna and noodles, stews, spaghetti and sauce and breakfast items to meet our neighbors’ needs. Cat food for pets also welcome. Together we CAN!
UNION SERVICES WITH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: We will invite our ecumenical neighbors at the First Baptist Church to join us on Sunday, August 29th sharing songs of praise, heartfelt prayer, inspired scripture and preaching. To help welcome our guests, please sign up to bring special fellowship snacks, set up, clean up and break down tables.
MEN’S GROUP: The Men’s Group is planning a dinner/silent auction for Friday, Sept. 17 as a fundraiser, a portion of which will be for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. The dinner will be with one seating, with auction items to be bid upon prior to, and during the meal. Your contribution of auction items is invited on the signup sheets.
Pastor Cheryl apologizes for not blogging about the conference as hoped, but upon learning that Internet would cost $14 a day, I chose to save the $70 and wait until I returned to digest the material and share it with you. I hope some of you were able to view the webcast at the General Board of Discipleship site. There was truly amazing preaching and inspired teaching shared by leaders from across the country.
WORSHIP: This week you are invited to worship at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Pastor Cheryl Meachen’s sermon, entitled "Hate Has No Home Here" will focus on the Christian value of truly loving one's neighbor while breaking down barriers of prejudice and thereby transforming a culture of intolerance into a culture of justice. Specifically, we will focus on the painting of swastikas in Dummerston and our response. You are encouraged to contribute generously through the offering to the ad we will place with other faith communities uplifting our shared message that we are Standing on the Side of Love. Margaret Fogg, flutist and Timothy Fogg, guitarist will accompany the hymns including "Seek Ye First" and provide inspiring special music throughout the service.
BLUEBERRIES: Plans for the church’s Annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday, August 14th from 8-3pm are rolling into high gear with Marlene Rose’s famous blueberry breakfast and the church ladies’ delectable blueberry jam and baked offerings. There will also be crafters with items such as ethnic jewelry, painted silk, woodcraft and homemade goats’ milk beauty products for sale. Music will be provided by House of Purpose on tour, a coffee house venue from Hillsboro NH specializing in gospel, Christian and sacred music. A variety of musical artists, including Purpose and Timothy and Margaret Fogg will play.
ACTS OF HATE AND BIGOTRY IN WINDHAM COUNTY ARE UNACCEPTABLE! Let us be a community free of prejudice and unlawful discrimination. Everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, skin tone, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic standing marital status, physical or mental abilities deserves to live or visit here without the fear of bullying, harassment, bigotry or violence. Vermont Partnership is looking for sponsors from the faith community for a half page, color advertisement in The Brattleboro Reformer, The Observer, and The Commons newspapers to run once a week for two weeks with each sponsoring faith community contributing $250 or any other amount. Earmark your contribution in today’s offering by writing “Hate has no home here” on the memo line of your check.
HELPING HANDS GARDEN: The harvest is in full gear! 199.5 pounds have been harvested from the garden so far this season including 33 lbs of mostly mostly cabbages and rutabagas Tuesday Night that Jenny delivered to the AIDS Project. She has also begun to harvest potatoes, delivering those to the Drop-In-Center. The glorious spread she left on the table for the AA meeting here on Saturday night were gratefully "gobbled up." Take a moment to offer to help Jenny pick and deliver God's bounty to our neighbors in need. If you physically cannot help, your thanks to her and prayers would go a long way towards watering our harvest with your expression of God's grace.
SABBATH SPACE: Please join us on August 13th and monthly on each second Friday at 7pm for Sabbath Space, a new opportunity to step out of the rigors and rituals of daily life and work and into a period of spirituality and Sabbath renewal. There will be opportunities for prayer, candlelighting, contemplative coloring of mandalas, and a labyrinth walk. Please also consider donating old magazines for pictures to be cut and used in prayerful collages to the mail pocket beside Pastor Cheryl’s office door.
AN AFTERNOON OF RETREAT AND RENEWAL ON THE MANITOU LAND on Sunday, August 8th from 1-4pm (Sunset Lake Rd, 1.4 miles up from Williamsville, or approximately 5 miles from the Rt. 9 intersection at the Chelsea Royal Diner.) Co-sponsored by The Manitou Project and the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Initiative: Facilitators: Fred Taylor and Rupa Cousins. A time of visioning for anyone who wants to deepen their spiritual connection with nature. Contact r_taylor@antiochne.edu or 387-5276 for directions and information.
HELPING HANDS GARDEN: The harvest is in full gear! 199.5 pounds have been harvested from the garden so far this season including 33 lbs of mostly cabbages and rutabagas Tuesday Night that Jenny delivered to the AIDS Project. She has also begun to harvest potatoes, delivering those to the Drop-In-Center. The glorious spread she left on the table for the AA meeting here on Saturday night were gratefully "gobbled up." Take a moment to offer to help Jenny pick and deliver God's bounty to our neighbors in need. If you physically cannot help, your thanks to her and prayers would go a long way towards watering our harvest with your expression of God's grace.
GAME NIGHT: Join Pastor Cheryl and others for a night of games, pizza and fun at 6pm on August 11th. We’ll play board games, video games and have some great conversation and fellowship. Kids of any age are welcome!
MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: The prophet Isaiah tells us in 55:11 that God has affirmed, “my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Do you want to explore the scripture shared on Sunday and take the next step putting what you heard and felt on Sunday morning into action with others who feel the same way? Join Pastor Cheryl and others for an hour beginning at 10:30am on Monday mornings for discussions seeded by Sunday sermons and proceeding as the Spirit leads.
SUMMER FELLOWSHIP FUN: Please join us on Friday, August 27th at 7pm for miniature golfing at Hidden Acres Campground at a cost of $3.00 a game. Please sign up on the table in the fellowship hall or see Bunny Fogg of WOW for details. If the cost is prohibitive for you but you wish to participate, please see Pastor Cheryl or leave a message at 254-4218, ext. 2 for financial assistance.
YES WE CAN: Please consider picking up extra food for the food pantry as part of your regular shopping routine. There has been a decline in giving and an increase in need due to the economy. Thirty cans of vegetables and twenty cans of soup are needed each month to feed the Brattleboro area families we serve in Christian love. The UMW encourage us to contribute full meals like tuna and noodles, stews, spaghetti and sauce and breakfast items to meet our neighbors’ needs. Cat food for pets also welcome. Together we CAN!
UNION SERVICES WITH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: We will invite our ecumenical neighbors at the First Baptist Church to join us on Sunday, August 29th sharing songs of praise, heartfelt prayer, inspired scripture and preaching. To help welcome our guests, please sign up to bring special fellowship snacks, set up, clean up and break down tables.
MEN’S GROUP: The Men’s Group is planning a dinner/silent auction for Friday, Sept. 17 as a fundraiser, a portion of which will be for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. The dinner will be with one seating, with auction items to be bid upon prior to, and during the meal. Your contribution of auction items is invited on the signup sheets.
Friday, July 30, 2010
SCD - first learnings
Air and ground travel were flawless and I have safely arrived in Music City. There are 11 of us here from New England and hundreds altogether. I've attended a seminar on Social Networking and a plenary session with the UM President of Bishops Larry Goodpastor. My first learning has been that you have to pay extra for Internet access so blogging will be challenging on this tiny phone keyboard but I will search again today for a wi-fi hotspot.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
July 28, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
Greetings, friends!
PASTOR CHERYL is excited to be flying out in the morning to Nashville for the National School of Congregational Development. The New England Conference graciously provided a scholarship for the registration fee for this event. There will be a webcast of various seminars available during the July 29 to August 2 conference broadcast on the web at http://gbgm-umc.org/scd10. Also broadcast on Sunday, August 1 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm will be the UMCOR Benefit for Haiti and Nashville with Tony Campolo and music by Richie McDonald and The Gordon Memorial UMC Choir. I will be blogging (publicly journaling) various learnings to share with you at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to follow along. While I'm away, Rev. Peggy Yingst of Trinity Lutheran Church is available for pastoral emergencies at 579-1948 (home) or 254-4220 (church office).
SOCIAL JUSTICE: In light of the sighting of another swastika, this time in the Dummerston quarry, days after the racist and anti-Semitic graffiti on the Dummerston bridge abutment Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity is asking you, the Southern Vermont interfaith community, to show your support for the basic right of your parishioners to live, play and conduct business without the fear of harassment, bigotry or violence. The public display of hate language and symbols in Dummerston compels an equally, if not greater, public reminder of our community values. Vermont Partnership is looking for sponsors from the faith community for a half page, color advertisement in The Brattleboro Reformer, The Observer, and The Commons newspapers to run once a week for two weeks with each sponsoring faith community contributing $250 or any other amount. Earmark your contribution in offertories over the next two weeks by writing “Hate has no home here” on the memo line of your check.
HELPING HANDS GARDEN: The harvest is in full gear! Jenny and her crew have harvested 124 pounds from the garden so far this season including 27lbs this past Tuesday, alone, of which 11 lbs were cucumbers! These items have been delivered to the Women’s Crisis Center. Take a moment to walk around the side of the church yourself to check out the green and glorious growth in our community garden! Say a prayer and volunteer to pull some weeds and help harvest God’s bounty for our neighbors in need. Jenny welcomes your help whether it is once or once a week.
YES WE CAN: Can we? Are you one of those who purchases extra food to share with the needy each time you shop? If not, please consider making this important ministry a part of your regular shopping routine. Jenny has noticed a decline in giving and an increase in need due to the economy. Thirty cans of vegetables and twenty cans of soup are needed each month to feed the Brattleboro area families we serve in Christian love. The UMW also encourage us to contribute full meals like tuna and noodles, stews, spaghetti and sauce and breakfast items to meet our neighbors’ needs. Cat food for pets also welcome. Together we CAN!
BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: We need your legs, jelly jars, voices and hearts to make this church fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, August 14th a huge success! Please sign up to pick blueberries or bake blueberry goods to sell. Please volunteer to set up, serve and break down on the day and take a handful of posters and cards to share with friends and post to notify the whole community of this wonderful event that features crafters and live music in addition to our usual food offerings.
WORSHIP: The Rev. Tom Shanklin will preside over communion, preach and play the organ during worship this week based on the Gospel of Luke 12:13-21 with a sermon entitled, "If I Were a Rich Man." Eleanor Vanderpool and Judy Flower will perform "The Creation Hymn" as special music.
CALENDAR:
Week of August 1st – August 7th
SUN 10:00 Worship
MON/WED 9:30-10:30 Exercise / Strength Training
Week of August 8th – August 14th
SUN 10:00 Worship
MON/WED 9:30 Exercise / Strength Training
10:30 Monday Morning Quarterback
6:00 Men’s Fellowship
6pm Game night
FRI 7:00 Sabbath Space
SAT 8am Blueberry Festival
PASTOR CHERYL is excited to be flying out in the morning to Nashville for the National School of Congregational Development. The New England Conference graciously provided a scholarship for the registration fee for this event. There will be a webcast of various seminars available during the July 29 to August 2 conference broadcast on the web at http://gbgm-umc.org/scd10. Also broadcast on Sunday, August 1 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm will be the UMCOR Benefit for Haiti and Nashville with Tony Campolo and music by Richie McDonald and The Gordon Memorial UMC Choir. I will be blogging (publicly journaling) various learnings to share with you at http://fumcobvt.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to follow along. While I'm away, Rev. Peggy Yingst of Trinity Lutheran Church is available for pastoral emergencies at 579-1948 (home) or 254-4220 (church office).
SOCIAL JUSTICE: In light of the sighting of another swastika, this time in the Dummerston quarry, days after the racist and anti-Semitic graffiti on the Dummerston bridge abutment Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity is asking you, the Southern Vermont interfaith community, to show your support for the basic right of your parishioners to live, play and conduct business without the fear of harassment, bigotry or violence. The public display of hate language and symbols in Dummerston compels an equally, if not greater, public reminder of our community values. Vermont Partnership is looking for sponsors from the faith community for a half page, color advertisement in The Brattleboro Reformer, The Observer, and The Commons newspapers to run once a week for two weeks with each sponsoring faith community contributing $250 or any other amount. Earmark your contribution in offertories over the next two weeks by writing “Hate has no home here” on the memo line of your check.
HELPING HANDS GARDEN: The harvest is in full gear! Jenny and her crew have harvested 124 pounds from the garden so far this season including 27lbs this past Tuesday, alone, of which 11 lbs were cucumbers! These items have been delivered to the Women’s Crisis Center. Take a moment to walk around the side of the church yourself to check out the green and glorious growth in our community garden! Say a prayer and volunteer to pull some weeds and help harvest God’s bounty for our neighbors in need. Jenny welcomes your help whether it is once or once a week.
YES WE CAN: Can we? Are you one of those who purchases extra food to share with the needy each time you shop? If not, please consider making this important ministry a part of your regular shopping routine. Jenny has noticed a decline in giving and an increase in need due to the economy. Thirty cans of vegetables and twenty cans of soup are needed each month to feed the Brattleboro area families we serve in Christian love. The UMW also encourage us to contribute full meals like tuna and noodles, stews, spaghetti and sauce and breakfast items to meet our neighbors’ needs. Cat food for pets also welcome. Together we CAN!
BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: We need your legs, jelly jars, voices and hearts to make this church fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, August 14th a huge success! Please sign up to pick blueberries or bake blueberry goods to sell. Please volunteer to set up, serve and break down on the day and take a handful of posters and cards to share with friends and post to notify the whole community of this wonderful event that features crafters and live music in addition to our usual food offerings.
WORSHIP: The Rev. Tom Shanklin will preside over communion, preach and play the organ during worship this week based on the Gospel of Luke 12:13-21 with a sermon entitled, "If I Were a Rich Man." Eleanor Vanderpool and Judy Flower will perform "The Creation Hymn" as special music.
CALENDAR:
Week of August 1st – August 7th
SUN 10:00 Worship
MON/WED 9:30-10:30 Exercise / Strength Training
Week of August 8th – August 14th
SUN 10:00 Worship
MON/WED 9:30 Exercise / Strength Training
10:30 Monday Morning Quarterback
6:00 Men’s Fellowship
6pm Game night
FRI 7:00 Sabbath Space
SAT 8am Blueberry Festival
July 21, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
This Sunday, July 25th, we are sharing union services with the First
are concerned about parking availability, please consider carpooling
or using the lot on Grove Street behind the church.
Please consider returning any small homemade jelly jars and rings you
may have to the church to be used to make Blueberry jam to be sold at
the Blueberry Festival on August 14th.
The Helping Hands Garden has produced 67 lbs. of produce for our
community so far this year, of which, 6.5 lbs. was kale this week!
Thanks so much to Jenny and Kim for their faithful work among the
veggies.
Weekly calendar (All are welcome to all meetings and events):
Sunday, July 25th at 10am - worship at First Baptist Church
Monday, July 26th at 9:30 am - Exercise and Strength Training
10:30 am - Monday Morning Quarterback Discussion
5:00 pm - Blueberry Festival Planning meeting
Wednesday, July 28th at 9:30 am - Exercise and Strength Training
Friday, July 29th at 7pm - Glow Bowling at Brattleboro Bowl $7 -
please arrive 15 minutes early
Baptist Church on Main Street so be sure to go there at 10am since no
one will be here to greet you! We will reciprocate by inviting our
Baptist friends to join us in our sanctuary on August 29th. If youone will be here to greet you! We will reciprocate by inviting our
are concerned about parking availability, please consider carpooling
or using the lot on Grove Street behind the church.
Please consider returning any small homemade jelly jars and rings you
may have to the church to be used to make Blueberry jam to be sold at
the Blueberry Festival on August 14th.
The Helping Hands Garden has produced 67 lbs. of produce for our
community so far this year, of which, 6.5 lbs. was kale this week!
Thanks so much to Jenny and Kim for their faithful work among the
veggies.
Weekly calendar (All are welcome to all meetings and events):
Sunday, July 25th at 10am - worship at First Baptist Church
Monday, July 26th at 9:30 am - Exercise and Strength Training
10:30 am - Monday Morning Quarterback Discussion
5:00 pm - Blueberry Festival Planning meeting
Wednesday, July 28th at 9:30 am - Exercise and Strength Training
Friday, July 29th at 7pm - Glow Bowling at Brattleboro Bowl $7 -
please arrive 15 minutes early
July 14, 2010 - FUMCOB Weekly News
24 HOUR CAR WASH AND BBQ BLOCK PARTY
Don't forget to come and have the Men's Group wash your dirty car(s)
THIS Saturday, July 17th from 9am through Sunday at 9am. Paul Fantini
will really appreciate your visit (and maybe a cup of coffee) in the
wee hours of this 24 hour endeavor!
Our Adair Heights BBQ Block Party will kick off right after worship
this week with hot dogs, hamburgers and your wonderful salads and
desserts. If you'd like to help set up or cook, Jim Meachen will
appreciate your culinary skills and party planning abilities.
This week we will worship at 10:00 am in the sanctuary this week with
prayers and hymns of praise focusing on the scripture from Luke 10
sharing the story of Mary and Martha. Pastor Cheryl’s sermon, "The
Perfect Hostess or the One with the Mostess" will focus on the value
of contemplative study of Scripture and Christian conference rather
than aiming for perfection as a hostess. Margaret Fogg, flutist and
Timothy Fogg, guitarist will accompany the hymns including Come and
Find the Quiet Center and Be Thou My Vision and provide inspiring
special music throughout the service and Eleanor Vanderpool will sing
a vocal solo.
Plans for the church’s Annual Blueberry Festival are rolling into high
gear with Marlene Rose’s famous blueberry breakfast and the church
ladies’ delectable blueberry jam and baked offerings. There will also
be crafters with items such as ethnic jewelry, textiles on silk,
woodcraft and homemade goats’ milk beauty products for sale. Music
will be provided by House of Purpose on tour, a coffee house venue
from Hillsboro NH specializing in gospel, Christian and sacred music.
A variety of musical artists, including Purpose and Tim and Bunny Fogg
will play.
Next week on July 25th we are sharing union services with the First
Baptist Church on Main Street so be sure to go there at 10am since no
one will be here to greet you! We will reciprocate by inviting our
Baptist friends to join us in our sanctuary on August 29th.
Pastor Cheryl will be away from July 29 through August 2nd at a
National Congregational Development conference in Nashville TN. Rev.
Peggy Yingst of Trinity Lutheran Church is available for pastoral
emergencies at 579-1948 (home) or 254-4220 (church office).
Don't forget to come and have the Men's Group wash your dirty car(s)
THIS Saturday, July 17th from 9am through Sunday at 9am. Paul Fantini
will really appreciate your visit (and maybe a cup of coffee) in the
wee hours of this 24 hour endeavor!
Our Adair Heights BBQ Block Party will kick off right after worship
this week with hot dogs, hamburgers and your wonderful salads and
desserts. If you'd like to help set up or cook, Jim Meachen will
appreciate your culinary skills and party planning abilities.
This week we will worship at 10:00 am in the sanctuary this week with
prayers and hymns of praise focusing on the scripture from Luke 10
sharing the story of Mary and Martha. Pastor Cheryl’s sermon, "The
Perfect Hostess or the One with the Mostess" will focus on the value
of contemplative study of Scripture and Christian conference rather
than aiming for perfection as a hostess. Margaret Fogg, flutist and
Timothy Fogg, guitarist will accompany the hymns including Come and
Find the Quiet Center and Be Thou My Vision and provide inspiring
special music throughout the service and Eleanor Vanderpool will sing
a vocal solo.
Plans for the church’s Annual Blueberry Festival are rolling into high
gear with Marlene Rose’s famous blueberry breakfast and the church
ladies’ delectable blueberry jam and baked offerings. There will also
be crafters with items such as ethnic jewelry, textiles on silk,
woodcraft and homemade goats’ milk beauty products for sale. Music
will be provided by House of Purpose on tour, a coffee house venue
from Hillsboro NH specializing in gospel, Christian and sacred music.
A variety of musical artists, including Purpose and Tim and Bunny Fogg
will play.
Next week on July 25th we are sharing union services with the First
Baptist Church on Main Street so be sure to go there at 10am since no
one will be here to greet you! We will reciprocate by inviting our
Baptist friends to join us in our sanctuary on August 29th.
Pastor Cheryl will be away from July 29 through August 2nd at a
National Congregational Development conference in Nashville TN. Rev.
Peggy Yingst of Trinity Lutheran Church is available for pastoral
emergencies at 579-1948 (home) or 254-4220 (church office).
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