The Chimes
Church Hill United Methodist Church
11 Church Street, Norwell, MA 02061 / (781) 826-4763 / www.chumcnorwell.org
Pastor: Rev. Nicholas Perez

Sunday Service 10:00 am
THE WEEKLY WORD...

To My Church Hill Faith Family:

This Sunday (November 28) marks the beginning of the Advent Season. The English word “advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming”. During Advent, we prepare our hearts and minds for our annual celebration of the birth of the Christ child. We give thanks for how “the Word became flesh” in Christ Jesus and shined light into our darkness. We rejoice at how the eternal God entered into this world of space and time to save us. But we do not only look back at God’s coming into the world in the person of Jesus Christ during the Advent Season. We also look forward with confident hope to when Christ will come again in final victory and all will be made right, when all will be love and light and peace.

In Christ,
Pastor Nicholas
SPECIAL CHARGE CONFERENCE
Tuesday, November 30th 7:00 pm

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for bankruptcy after numerous suits were filed for sexual abuse. As part of the bankruptcy process, United Methodist local churches across the country had the opportunity to file a proof of claim. Filing a proof of claim indicated, among other things, that the local church had a right to be indemnified/protected by BSA as well as BSA insurance policy coverage for any claim filed against the local church by a scout survivor. Church Hill has previously been a chartering organization and could have a lawsuit filed by an abuse survivor against us. Church Hill filed a proof of claim in November 2020 and now has the opportunity to vote on the bankruptcy plan. Because local churches' votes must be received by December 14, 2021, and because we will not know if all United Methodist local churches will be covered against BSA claims until November 23, 2021, all United Methodist local churches that filed a proof of claim must prepare now to record their vote. The congregation’s vote is critical to ensure United Methodist local churches are protected from a lawsuit filed concerning an individual claiming they were abused while in a scouting program associated with the local church. A special charge conference is set for Tuesday, November 30 at 
7 pm to record the vote.

Please be aware that this is a Charge Conference and only members of the Church Council are permitted to vote at Charge Conferences (though all members of the congregation are welcome to attend). Pastor Nicholas will preside at this Charge Conference.

We pray for justice for abuse survivors and for a fair and peaceful resolution for all involved. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.
SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL
Our Snowflake Festival will be held on December 4 th from 9-2. Please let Rena
Lukoski know by phone or email what the theme for your basket is so there will
not be duplicates. Make sure you mention what is in the basket and the price.
There will be no bidding. In the past, people have offered baskets with themes
such as Christmas, sports, soup making, baking, Harry Potter, Fortnite, and
movies.

Please bring all baskets to the Fellowship Hall on December 3 rd when tables will be set up. If you are interested in volunteering at the Fair, please let me know.

Baskets so far: Taste of Italy, Game night, Wine basket

Thanks, Rena
UPCOMING EVENTS
Beginning on November 28, Pastor Nicholas will be offering a four week Sunday School class focusing on the traditional Advent themes of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. The readings for each class can be found below. We will meet at 8:30 am in the fellowship center and the classes will last around an hour. All are invited to join!

November 28: Isaiah 2:1-5
December 5: Isaiah 40:1-11
December 12: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
December 19: Isaiah 9:2-7"
PRAYERS & PRAISE