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First United Methodist Church of Hudson 34 Felton Street Hudson, MA 01749 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

September 2019 Back to School!

The Messenger News and Information for the First United Methodist Church, Hudson, MA

September 2019

Join us this Sunday! Current Schedule: 9:30 Summer Worship hours 10:45 Worship Service (Resumes 9/15) Office Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:30am – 1:30pm Church Phone: 978-562-2932 Email Church Office: bonnie@hudsonfumc.org Email Pastor Rosanne: pastor@hudsonfumc.org Web Page: www.hudsonfumc.org

Staff Leaders 2019: Pastor: Rosanne Roberts Music Director: Lisa Schliker Organist: Jean James Administrator: Bonnie Elman Newsletter Editor: Lisa Schliker Sexton: Mario DiMare Nursery Care: Kerry Mason Lay Leader: Ada Arenstrup TV Ministry: Bob Collins Rick Andrews

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Block Party celebration is upon us and as we prepare to invite the neighborhood to join us and enjoy the activities, fun, and great food, I can’t help but wonder if we are missing a great opportunity here. Yes, it’s fun to watch the children as Ed Lacadera shares his love for exotic animals. It’s great to enjoy the laughter and wonder as Steve Charette,

the magician grabs our attention with his sleight of hand. And of course, sharing lunch and dinner, both free to the community, is truly a sacred time. However, it seems to me that we are missing something… are we missing an opportunity to truly sharing ourselves and who we are, as loved children of God? Are we missing the opportunity to be in conversation with our neighbors to hear their stories? And in turn, to share our stories, and to let our

neighbors know what it is like to be a part of this faith community. Are we missing the opportunity to tell the person we are speaking with what it is like to be a beloved child of God; and a follower of Jesus Christ? I know, sounds scary, but let’s think of it this way; we are simply telling the story of our faith journey, and what means to us, as well as how our faith influences our lives. We may want to speak about how being a part of this church family has impacted our life. Yes, in ‘church’ language, this is evangelism, but it is also an opportunity to truly live out our discipleship, that is to follow Jesus Christ. And just like Jesus, offer an opportunity to our neighbors to tell their story, and in return, we can offer the amazing love of God! Know that you all are in my prayers. May God continue to bless you, our church, and teach us how to truly become kingdom citizens!

Upcoming District Events: Service of Installation for DS Megan Stowe - Sunday, October 27 from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM - Location: TBD Bishop's Day on the District - Saturday, November 9 - Location and Time: TBD District Resource w/Metro Boston Hope - Speaker: Diana Butler Bass Saturday, November 16 from 9:30 AM-2:30 PM - Location: TBD

10:45 AM Worship resumes, Sunday, September 15th

Just Think’n… Pastor Rosanne Roberts

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Update - As many of us have questions regarding the United Methodist Church and where our conference stands regarding our LGBTQA+ siblings and church polity, I thought it important to keep our church family updated. This is the latest communication received from our conference.

Open Spirit Task Force meets, names leadership August 20, 2019 In June, the 2019 Annual Conference approved creation of the Open Spirit Task Force (OSTF), the purpose of which is "to examine whether and how United Methodists of New England might align with, create, or form a new church body in the Methodist tradition (independently or in collaboration with others)." The OSTF met for the first time on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at the Conference offices in Methuen, MA. Thirty-three members were selected by the Committee on Leadership/Nominations and two were designated by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar. At its first meeting, Dr. Adama Brown-Hathaway, who serves as Minister of Connection and Care at Union UMC in Boston, and the Rev. Dr. Hope Luckie, pastor at Crawford Memorial UMC in Winchester, MA, were named co-chairs of the task force. Rev. Ashley Murphy, serving as a deacon at Carter Memorial UMC in Needham, MA, was named secretary. The Rev. Jinwoo Chun, serving Belfast (ME) UMC, and the Rev. Dr. Marcelo Gomes, serving Lee Memorial in Norwich, CT, were named representatives to the steering committee. Conference Lay Leader Rene Wilbur and Vermont District Superintendent Jill Colley Robinson, Dean of the Cabinet, will serve as advisors along with the Rev. Dr. Jay Williams, lead pastor at Union UMC and head of the New England Delegation to the 2020 General Conference and Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference.

Find a list of task force members on our website at https://www.neumc.org/committeesboardsagencies

Members also created working teams for the following areas: • Communications • Finance • Legal/Ethics/Structure • Options/Organization • Theology/Spirituality

If you would like a list of team members, leaders and secretaries, just let me know.

The OSTF will meet via teleconference in mid-October, and is planning a retreat for January 2020.

“The focus of the retreat will be to bring all of our conversations, questions, concerns and recommendations to the same table and to begin to Dream a New Methodism for New England,” writes Dr. Luckie.

We will offer regular updates on the work of the Open Spirit Task Force.

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Sharing Space – The Trustees are pleased to announce that we are blessed to be sharing our space with a new Portuguese Congregation Igreja Nasso Deus Reina (Our God Reins) led by Pastor Evaldo Penha. They will start worshiping on Sunday, September 1st at 6:30 PM. This congregation is so grateful for the use of our facility and we pray that they will be blessed through this hospitality. Please keep INDR and Pastor Evaldo in your prayers.

ALL CHURCH YARD SALE & E-CYCLE EVENT

Saturday, October 5th

9:00am – 2:00pm If you would like to take part in our fall yard sale, please speak to Bonnie or give her a call 978-562-2932 at the church office to reserve a table.

September Birthday 1 Christopher Siano 8 Ken Lizotte 8 Rob Robinson 10 Patrick Hannon 11 Samantha Sileo 12 Anthony Curtis 12 Nancy Sullivan 14 Charlie Bancroft 14 Darnell Butler 14 Dan Hannon 15 Joanne Doucette 16 Gregory Sniffin 16 Linnea Bates 17 Erika Eastman 17 Reid Phillip Williams 19 Doris Downey 21 Nathan Siktberg 24 John DeRusha 26 Brad Lowe 27 Christian Crue 29 Cristy Jenkins 29 Bonnie Elman

September Anniversaries 2 John & Debbie Devereaux 16 Chris & Kimberly Lambert 19 Don & Edwina Eastman 29 Bill & K Latzka September's Girls Night Out Friday, September 13th - 6:00 PM at Longhorns Restaurant Address: RK Plaza, 191 Boston Post Rd W, Marlborough, MA 01752

FRIENDSHIP DINNER – Saturday,

September 28th at 5:00 PM

Welcome River's Edge Chorale! The Trustees are pleased to announce that we are making space available for the River's Edge Chorale. The River’s Edge Chorale is a Community Chorus open to all area singers 8th Grade and older. There are no auditions for this group. New singers are encouraged to attend our open rehearsals at the beginning of each season to see what they are about. Our own Lisa Schliker is the Music Director. The River's Edge Chorale will begin rehearsing in the Sanctuary on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:30 PM and will be rehearsing on Tuesday evenings through the season. We also look forward to their Holiday Concert, which has become an annual holiday event!

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Music Notes… The FUMC Chancel Choir will resume rehearsals starting on Thursday, September 5th at 7pm. We rehearse in the Sanctuary. The choir is open to anyone who is interested in singing with us. Just come to one of our Thursday rehearsals. For more information, reach out to me! Lisa Schliker – FUMC Music Director

The FUMC Handbell choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:15 pm. The Handbell choir is open to anyone who is interested in joining us. You do not need to read music to join the group. I will provide “on the job” training. We typically perform about every 3-4 weeks.

Joys and Concerns - For Elaine and family on the passing of her mother Anne. - For all who struggle with mental illness and addictions. - For victims and families of violence. - Doris; for sister-in-law Marie; and for Lily with bi-polar disorder - For Heleena & Brandon; beginning a new life journey. - Carol L.; for friend Steven in hospice and for his family. - For Clair; recovering from knee replacement surgery and for Chris; family issues. - For the families of two of Bonnie's high school classmates. - For BonnieJean & Charlie Bancroft. - For children still separated from their parents. - The Robinson's; for Christopher & Jill's wedding, for Rob's PET Scan, Barbara's eye surgery, - Dawn's travel and safe travel for Gianna & Ryan. - Pam; for Rebecca undergoing final round of chemo this week. - Steve; for pain relief from oral surgery. - Those struggling with anxiety, depression and other difficult issues. - For students heading back to school. - For our government and the decisions they make that affect us all. - Gratitude for our community garden. HeatSmart Information Session – Sunday, September 22, 2019 Are you interested in a low-cost, low-carbon alternative to heating and cooling your home? You are invited to join us for an information session, sponsored by Green Hudson, on Sunday afternoon, September 22, to learn about two types of heat pumps – air source or ground source – and how they function. Heat pumps are the cleaner, greener alternative to fossil fuels, a major factor in global warming. A heat pump can lower your heating bill AND your carbon footprint! Whether you’re looking to replace your existing heating system, or just want to heat or cool selected rooms, heat pumps can be customized to serve different needs. You will also hear about the range of financial rebates, grants, and incentives which are available. For more information please go to: HeatSmartHS.org The session will be held in Lamson Hall, First United Methodist Church of Hudson, following a light lunch at 12:30pm.

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BLOCKPARTYINFORMATION-SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER8FUNDRAISINGwillbeourSEPTEMBERMISSIONALGIVINGTheBlockPartywillbeasamazingaswemakeit.Hereisalistofwhatittakestoputtogetherourwonderfulafternoonofgivingbacktothecommunity:Lunch–donatedbyAgapeCaféandtheUMWMagician&BalloonAnimals-$275.00Fric&FracTrain-$300.00 AnimalAdventures-$400.00BouncyHouse&CottonCandyMachine-$250.00 HAMDinner–Fooditemsdonatedfromwhiteboard.Cookingandservingsuppliesapprox.$300.00Publicityandotherexpenses-$300.00Wearealsoaskingfordonationsofpottedplantsto“enhance”themakeshiftaltarthatwillbeusedfortheworshipservice.Bringtheplantinforthedayandyoumaytakeithomeatday’send!Thankyou!

BLOCKPARTYOPPORTUNITYTOGIVEBACK8:30am:Setupoutside–lotsofhandsneededNOON:Setuplunch1:30pm:DinnerCooks3:00pm:Breakdown/Dinnerset-up4:00pm:DinnerServers5:00pm:CleanUp–insideandout

SCHEDULEOFEVENTS10:30amOutdoorWorship&HymnSing12:00pmHotDogLunch12:00pm-3:00pm:BouncyHouse,Popcorn,CottonCandy12:30pmIceCreamParty,FricandFracTrain,MagicianandBalloonCharacters1:00pmAnimalAdventures2:00pmSpecialEntertainment3:00pmTREEDEDICATION4:00pmHam&Mac&CheeseDinner

WednesdaymorningBibleStudyresumesthisfall.

10:00a.m.–11:00September18th(PLEASENOTECHANGEOFTIME)Allarewelcome!

BeginningonSeptember18thwewillbebeginabasicBiblestudyonthehow,weunderstandtheBible.Whyaretheredifferentauthors?ifGodwroteitandthepurposeoftheBibleasitrelatestotoday’stime.Howwouldyouanswerthesequestionsaskedofanon-believer?Howdoyouknowthatthebibleisauthentic?Whyaretheresomanydifferentversions?IfthereisaGod,whydoesn’thestopallthedisasters,andevilintheworld?howcananygodneglectthepoorandsufferingifhelovesthem?PeoplemaysayifthereisaGod,hemustbeonvacation.Establishedreligionisforthebirds.Thisstudywillbeaninformalstudythroughwhichyouwillreceiveasolid,foundationalunderstandingofHolyScriptureandtheimpactithasonhumanity.Itwillbetterequipyoutoanswerquestionsmorecomfortablybecauseitcontainssomehistoryandcontemporaryproofofyourbelief.YouwillneedaBibleandanotebook/pencilorpen.