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First United Methodist Church of Hudson 34 Felton Street Hudson, MA 01749 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
February 2020 Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Messenger News and Information for the First United Methodist Church, Hudson, MA
February 2020
Join us this Sunday! Current Schedule: 10:45 Worship Service Office Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:30am – 1:30pm Church Phone: 978-562-2932 Email Church Office: [email protected] Email Pastor Rosanne: [email protected] Web Page: www.hudsonfumc.org
Staff Leaders 2020: Pastor: Rosanne Roberts Music Director: Lisa Schliker Organist: Margarita Merriman 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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Just Think’n – Rosanne Roberts
These days I’m thinking about gratitude and a call to love. I have been taking time to consider all the things in my life to be grateful for. Perhaps it’s because in looking back on my pastoral ministry it’s easier to see God’s love at work. From how a pastor in New Hampshire heard about me, and when I think about those events I can’t help but see God’s hand in those events. Events that brought me into pastoral ministry and to this place. Even years earlier, when through heartbreak, I came to realize I had forgotten that God should be first in my life. It was a time when work was number one and my priorities were out of whack and it took heartbreaking events to turn my life around.
The years spent in various ministries, serving the people God loves, can teach love. The people around me have taught me how to love through their gift of love. You’ve taught, through your love. What an amazing gift this is. Our ability to love is just such an amazing gift from God that we are able to share, a gift we are able to give one another. There are times when this thought
comes into my head and it can bring me to tears, because it is just so overwhelming. It can take my breath away because love is just so big, so humbling and so astounding, and so very powerful. This is God’s greatest gift to people. And too often we seem to just fritter it away. I would encourage you to take a bit of time, sit quietly; think about love. The love in your life, the people whom you love and who love you, the God who loves you. Can you see how that love grows? Spreading out like ripples in a pond, circling out to the edges, encircling all of life. It’s funny how by loving others we learn to love ourselves. And it’s surprising how love can grow so far beyond us. Is love contagious, not sure, but today I sure hope so, because “what the world needs now is love, sweet love.” 2019 Pledge information If you made a pledge for 2019 and have not received your year-end giving statement or you feel there needs to be a correction, please let Laurie Brown know by e-mailing her at: [email protected]
2020 Pledges Have you had a chance to complete a pledge form in support of your church’s ministries? This year’s goal for pledges is $138,000.00, however we currently stand at $94,390.00 in pledged giving. It’s not about keeping the heat on, or the electric bill. Your pledge is important in support of the ministries of your church. So many give generously to the church, but have not completed a pledge form, and your filling out a form would be so very helpful.
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M. O. O. (Mission, Opportunity, and Outreach) Missional Giving Opportunity for February - Farley Elementary School
The Mission, Outreach, and Opportunity team is happily offering this outreach opportunity of
giving to the children and teachers of Farley Elementary School. Your help is greatly appreciated, your offerings will help the students and teachers with
much needed items to get them through the school year. There will be a receptacle inside the sanctuary just as you enter from Wesley Hall. Thank you so very much for your most
generous support. Tissues Antibacterial wipes Hand sanitizer Liquid soap (individual and refill) Clear packing tape Children's socks Children's underpants Black dry erase markers A 64 box of crayons Colored markers
Baked Potato Bar Sunday, February 9th
This is a great way to support the youth who would like to go on this year’s Mission Trip. Baked Potato Lunch with all the fix’ins!
GREAT LUNCH! GREAT CAUSE! FREE WILL OFFERING – YOUR GIFTS
ARE SO APPRECIATED!
February’s Girl’s Night Out Friday, February 21st at 6:00 PM
The Chateau Restaurant 95 Turnpike Rd, (Route 9, West) Westborough, MA 01581
----- Friendship Dinner
Saturday, February 22nd at 5:00 PM
All are invited!
Tithing Our Tax Returns
Some of us are fortunate enough to receive a refund on our tax returns, either State or Federal. The Finance
Committee is encouraging you to prayerfully consider offering 10% of your return to the church. Simply write ‘tax return’ on the memo portion of your check!
Membership Have you thought about 'officially' becoming a member of this church family at FUMC? Please speak with Pastor Rosanne. You can send an email: [email protected] or [email protected] You can also call the church at: 978-562-2932
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Craft Groups Starting The Crafty Elves will start meeting again in February. This year, we will have two groups:
- Monday evenings at 7:00 starting on February 10
- Tuesday mornings at 10:00 starting on February 11
(We have revisited the Monday evening meetings, to accommodate anyone who cannot join us on Tuesday mornings.) All are invited to join us!! There are no skill requirements needed! Come for the fellowship!!
Green Hudson Announcement In 2020, Green Hudson will be focusing on Plastic reduction and 100% renewable energy initiatives. If you are interested in helping to chart a course to a more sustainable future please join us. Green Hudson meets regularly on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3:00pm at the Avidia Bank Community Room (Pope street side entrance, parking behind town hall). For more information check out our webpage http://www.greenhudson.org/, email [email protected], or talk directly with Diana Andrews.
Pancakes for Supper? Oh-Yeah!
Join us for Shrove Tuesday, February 25th at 6:00 – 7:00 PM for a supper of pancakes and all the wonderful things that can go with pancakes. Join in on the celebration and fun before Lent begins on Wednesday, February 26th!
Ash Wednesday Prayer and Meditation February 26th 3:00 – 7:30 PM
This is a come and go as you are able event to be held in the sanctuary, it will include four prayer stations. You are invited to spend as much time as you wish in prayer and meditation. It will end with the imposition of ashes.
Winter Worship PLEASE NOTE: The church will joyfully come together for worship each Sunday, unless a state of emergency is
declared. However, please use your own discretion, and be safe.
Newsletter Article Deadline - March Would you like to submit an article for the March FUMC Newsletter? Please send your article to me by Monday, February 24 by 5:00 pm. Lisa Schliker - Newsletter editor [email protected]
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Thank You Notes… From Marlboro Jr. Women’s Club and committee for Voices Against Domestic Violence: On behalf of all of us who attended the Rivers Edge Concert in December, Thank You. We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed the concert very much. On top of the concert, we want to thank you for your hospitality and inviting everyone to the craft fair. Saying “Thank you” isn’t enough for your generosity of the baskets of items, mittens and hats for the shelters @ Voices Against Domestic Violence and Abbey’s House. It was totally unexpected and very much appreciated. God Bless You All!” From our letter carrier: Dear First United Methodist, Thank you for thinking of me this holiday season with a Honey Dew gift card. Your letter carrier, Jason
From Fresh Start Furniture Bank: Dear FUMC Congregation, Thank you for your continual support! We are just thrilled to be the recipient of this additional donation of $411.00! The generosity of community partners like you, are vital to Fresh Start being able to continue helping families as they rebuild their lives. Thank you. Kate Halpin, Manager and the Volunteer Team at Fresh Start.
February Birthdays 1 Joan Hinterseer 2 Don Eastman 2 Charlie Bancroft 2 Greg Gorman 3 Amber Cyr 6 Marissa Hartford 7 Ron Paskavitz 8 Millie DeWolfe 12 Kalen Stafford 14 Jean Luther 15 Clara Dyason 16 Cheryl O’Leary 16 Charlie Long 16 Tarah Rich 19 Mike Kauffman 20 Lynn Kerner 21 Sarah Ann Siktberg 23 Katie Krasinski 25 Joan Vincent 25 Bob Berube 27 Katie Dunnell 29 Keaghan O’Leary
February Anniversaries 14 Trina & John Zompetti 14 Christine & Mario DiMare 24 Allen & Laurie Brown Looking Ahead… Birthday Sunday - March 1st following worship – Celebrate your birthday with others who have their birthday in the same month as yours! Lenten Lunches – Noon - each Wednesday in March and the first Wednesday in April – join us for a luncheon of soup, bread and Bible Study. Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner – Saturday, March 7th, 5:00 PM to benefit Bridges to Malawi. Calling All Knitters – we are hoping to have red shawls available to folks for Sunday, May 31st in celebration of Pentecost.
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Joys and Concerns - For Jo; struggling with anxiety and physical pain. - Carol Lazzaro; for a co-workers daughter with a tumor on her spine and brain. - For the young police woman who recently died in the line of duty. - For Cindy's surgery this Wednesday. - Janice; thanksgiving for successful eye surgery; for our country/gov't - For Australia and others around the world suffering the wrath of nature. - Carol Stacey; joy for her brother-in-law, Rick Lang; nominated for a Grammy - Praises for a successful cataract procedure for Janice Owen. - For reconciliation with family. - For relief from pain. - Deb; for cousin's grandchildren with newly diagnosed health issues. - For all who struggle with life's challenges in mind, body and spirit. - Frances; for a kind young neighbor who helped with snow blowing. - Frank; recovering from a heart attack. - For Val; strength to get through this holiday season. - Bob Scerra; thanks to all who prayed for his dad, Fred, now home. - For Allen Peterson; peace, comfort and healing. - Susan’s brother, Wes, recovering from shoulder surgery. - For Diane N.; facing cancer surgery. - For the people of New Foundland as they recover from a major blizzard - Continued prayers for Australia, their losses and future. - For all people suffering from the effects of natural disasters. - Peace from all the chaos in the world. - Healing for those with anxiety, addiction, depression and other difficult concerns. - For our country, its leaders and our church.
Luncheon Bible Study Lent is almost here and once again we are offering a 5-week Lenten Luncheon Bible Study beginning on Wed, March 4th in Lamson Hall. We will watch a short video by Max Lucado, entitled “He Chose the Nails.” Followed by a verbal study. The Sessions titles are: He Chose to Be One He Chose to Forgive Us He Chose to Invite Us into His Presence He Chose to Love Us He Chose to Give Us Victory The lunch will consist of Soup, Bread, and a beverage. All are welcome. The time is 12 – 1pm. Please contact Barbara Robinson via e-mail: [email protected] or via phone at: 928-710-0479.
