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THIS WEEK
Mason United Methodist Church
A theologically progressive, open, and affirming faith community.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.
December 1 – December 7, 2022
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Reflections on our Charge Conference.
And encouragement to attend the Blue Christmas service on 12/23 at 7:00.
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PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR.... | |
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Sunday, 12/11
10:00 - Worship Series Continues: Do Not Be Afraid
Monday, 12/2
Church office closed
Wednesday, 12/14
12:30 - Living the Questions
5:30 - Living the Questions
Thursday, 12/15
1:00 - Living the Questions
6:30 - Living the Questions
6:30 - Christmas Choir Rehearsal
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JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR!
Over 20 showed up for the choir's first meeting. We can grow that even more by inviting your friends and family for just this one evening to celebrate Christmas.
Practices are on Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:00. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience—no audition required! For more information, contact Emma in the church office. Put these dates on your calendar!
Choir rehearsal dates:
Dec 15
Dec 22
Performance: Dec 24, Christmas Eve!
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HOW WE WORSHIP................ | | |
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Advent Continues – "Do Not Be Afraid"
We are told that fear is a barrier to one another and to God; therefore, if we are to truly love God and others, we must be free from our fears. Tough stuff—and yet, that's what we're called to do. Let us all come together during this special season and practice love, courage, and vulnerability modeled to us by Jesus from birth to death. And be sure to invite a friend!
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Worship Video from December 4
Advent: Week Two – "Fear Not - More Peace"
Unfortunately, we were unable to upload the video of the service; it can, however, be viewed on Facebook. Here's the link:
https://fb.watch/hgzaU7vt7l/
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WEEK of November 27th, 2022
In attendance:
38 adults
3 leaders of worship
2 children
2 caretakers
TOTAL: 45
Facebook attendance is unknown.
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Your Generosity is Greatly Appreciated!
Click below to go directly to
Paypal on our website.
Paypal on Mason's Website
Earn all you can. Save all you can.
Give all you can. - John Wesley
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BLUE CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 23rd at 7:00
Not everyone sings their “hollies and jollies” during December. In fact, for many, the holidays are especially difficult. While there is an expectation that everyone should be happy for the holidays, many struggle with depression, grief, and loneliness during this holiday season more than any other time of the year. Mason UMC acknowledges this truth by offering a service for those who struggle. We struggle in many different ways, in many different intensities. But, the fact is, many do struggle. We all have different experiences when it comes to the presence of God and for many, at this time of year, the experience is the cry: "Where are you, God?"
I invite you to come and claim the truth of your feelings and know that it's okay. It's okay to not sing "hollies and jollies." It's okay to lock yourself behind doors, waiting for the lights and tinsel to
come down. It's okay to miss holiday parties. It's okay to not buy gifts. It's all okay.
If this is you, please come and give a name to your pain. It's real. I also encourage you to invite others. You yourself may be excited about this time of year, but your friends or family members or neighbors or co-workers may not be so excited. There's a kindness in inviting someone to a Blue Christmas Service because it says to that person, "I feel your pain, and I affirm that it's real."
Come. Friday, December 23rd at 7:00. Put it on your calendar and invite someone who may be struggling. It may be the most important gift you offer this year.
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SHARE YOUR CRECHE!
This Advent and Christmas season, we want to display your family’s nativity scenes! We will have tables set up in the foyer so all can admire Mason’s nativity scenes. If you have a piece you would like to showcase for the weeks leading up to Christmas, please reach out to Gail Simpson.
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SERVICE IS LIVE ON FACEBOOK LIVE. JOIN US SUNDAYS AT 10:00
Be sure to make a comment so we can record your attendance. Here is a link to our Facebook page.
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HOW WE LEARN................ | |
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LIVING THE QUESTIONS -
Below is the reading for December 14th and 15th
(click title) Myth of Redemptive Violence
AFTERNOON EVENING
Wed from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Wed. from 5:30 – 7:00pm
Thurs. from 1:00 – 2:30pm. Thurs. from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Join us anytime in person OR by ZOOM - (Click Here for ZOOM link)
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HOW WE SERVE................ | |
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BREAKING BREAD with OASIS QUEER YOUTH PROGRAM
Let's practice what we preach. It’s time to break bread with those that have been marginalized. Let's get out of our comfort zone, and build relationships with queer teens served by OASIS.
We will be providing dinner for 15 - 20 youths on the second Thursday of each month. We will have someone organize this effort and it can be—with your help—one of the vital things we do to serve our community and reach out to our neighbors.. Please contact me if you want to know more. pastor.boegli@gmail.com | 360-342-7913
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to SyraBeth Puett, Dick Wittstock, Brian Nelson, and Gail Simpson for providing our first supper forthis youth group.
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MAUA METHODIST HOSPITAL in Maua, Kenya
Pastor Susan is going to Kenya on a mission trip with the Volunteers in Mission of the United Methodist Church. There is a need to raise money for the hospital in Maua Methodist Church, medical vaccinations, and building supplies. The information for the work and ministry that continues to happen thanks to teams from the Northwest is attached. Just click to open.
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A GIFT FOR YOUR GENEROSITY | | |
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Pastor Susan has been busy quilting gifts. From wall hangings to lots of bowl koozies, you are invited to make a donation and help yourself to a gift or two (depending on the size of your donation). | |
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SPECIAL REQUESTS ARE ENCOURAGED
Do you want a lap quilt, a baby quilt, gifts that match your kitchen, pillowcases, or anything else that could be quilted? THINK CHRISTMAS GIFTS! Just tell me what you're looking for, and I will create it for you.
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THE HOSPITAL NEEDS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO DONATE:
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Single bed sheets – flat and fitted- white only (3’x6’). Wash if possible, then they can go as “used”.
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Scrubs for patients (S, M, L in light blue)
- Scrubs for theater staff – (M, L in dark blue or turquois–TOP PRIORITY)
- * Fetal scopes
- Light weight blankets, rubber pads for incubators mattresses
- * Stethoscopes
- Surgical Gloves (size 7-7.5)
- *Implant removal forceps
- BP machines (digital)
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How to send your support: CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO:
First United Methodist Church of Portland
BE SURE TO NOTE THE CHECK IS FOR “KENYA VIM TEAM 2023”
AND MAILED TO:
FUMCPDX. c/o Paul and Kathleen Cosgrove
6211 Buena Vista Drive
Vancouver, WA 98661
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DON'T FORGET YOUR CHANGE FOR HEIFER INTERNATIONAL!
The children are collecting change on Sunday mornings to buy an animal from Heifer International for Christmas. Whatever amount they collect at the end of the season will be used by the foundation to purchase a chicken, goat, cow, or other livestock animal for an impoverished family. Don't forget to look in your couch cushions for extra quarters. Every dime counts!
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H.U.G.S. Tree
This holiday season, we are accepting donations of hats, underwear, gloves, and socks in the foyer. Donations of warm clothes can quite literally save a life when temperatures drop—especially as an increasing number of our neighbors and their families face evictions, houselessness, and sweeps of encampments this winter. If you are able, please be generous in donating items to this ministry.
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BLESSING BAGS FOR UNHOUSED PEOPLE
This is an Outreach Ministry that we can all participate in.
Good news: Lynn Stetson and Gail Simpson will be sharing the coordinator role to get this ministry going. We will put out a bin or box so we can collect the following supplies for our houseless and impoverished neighbors:
socks, protein bars, tissues, hand sanitizer, bottled water, feminine hygiene products, dog food, gallon zip lock bags, deodorant, first aid supplies, hand/foot warmers, and any other essentials that people might need.
When we have our supplies, we will regularly hold an assembly line to fill the bags for all of us to take and keep in our cars. STAY TUNED!
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Congregational Care Opportunity
Dorothy is without transportation for the next few months, but she would love to continue coming to church services in person. She will need a carpool with enough trunk space to bring her walker along. If you are able to help out by offering her a ride, please call her son Bob at 360-481-4269.
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BEGINNING JANUARY -
NEW RETIREES FELLOWSHIP TIME
Early in the new year, I hope we can begin scheduling monthly gatherings of retirees for fellowship and the reinforcement of our connections in and with Mason Church. Covid has effected our fellowship greatly, and it's time to re-connect again. If you are interested in helping to put together a program that will clearly define our mission and purpose and assist in getting the fellowship into operation, please call me or email me.
Sincerely,
Doug Nelson
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UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH (former UMW)
Meeting 1/10 from 11:00 - 1:00
in the Conference Room
For 153 years, Methodist women have been working tirelessly for the women, children, and youth in the United States and around the world. To learn more about the official women’s organization of the United Methodist Church, go to uwfaith.org. Join us as we come together for our first meeting January 10th at 11am. Contact Carol Sprague at 719-406-1126 with any questions.
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Sign up to Host Sunday Fellowship
Just another way to serve God—Hospitality.
Hospitality is a recurring theme in Scripture, and we are called to gather, break bread, and build relationships. If you are willing to assist in the planning and implementation of Sunday Fellowship, contact Sandy Roszman, as she is the coordinator of this ministry.
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A Musical Update from Emma
Dear Mason Church,
I’m excited to give you an update on all the musical events we have coming up in the next several weeks. There are Mason UMC events, as well as concerts by groups we’re hosting. Mark your calendars and join us for a season of music and joy!
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Thursday Evenings – First and foremost, our own Christmas Choir is up and running. Under the direction of Mike Collier, we’re preparing several pieces to sing for our Christmas Eve service. We’re meeting Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm, and there is still time to join in. No worries if you don’t have musical or singing experience—there are no auditions or sign-ups required.
Sundays of Advent – Pastor Susan and I are working on bringing you a special music series for the season of Advent, and we want Mason musicians front and center. If you have any musical talents to share with the church, please let us know; we would love to feature you! If you want to participate, please email me at admin@masonchurch.org.
Sunday 12/18 – There will be a Christmas Organ Concert on December 18th at 5:00pm, right here at Mason. Familiar favorites by Bach, Corelli, and Holst will be showcased, as well as pieces by 20th century and living composers. Come and enjoy.
Monday 12/19 – Tacoma Youth Chorus will be holding a holiday concert in our Sanctuary on December 19th. This group has performed in our space in past seasons, and we are happy to welcome them back.
Sunday 12/25 – On Christmas Day, we will have a special performance by our Bell Choir.
I’m looking forward to all these events, and I hope to see you there!
Best,
Emma
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HOW WE LEAD................
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BISHOP ELAINE'S FAREWELL ADDRESS | |
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LET'S MAKE IT EVEN EASIER
FOR YOU TO GIVE
We are now capable of accepting your offering with your debit
or credit card. Just ask Brian Nelson or Pastor Susan, or contact the church office. We want to make life easy for you, and simplifying the process of contributing to our church family is one way to do so. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
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HOW WE PRAY................ | |
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PRAYER IS IMPORTANT TO US
BECAUSE WE ARE A FAITH FAMILY.
Families share what's happening in our lives, and since we are a church family, we too can share our joys and concerns with one another.
JOYS:
Dana rejoices that Emmie and Lloyd are on the road to recovery after many weeks of sickness.
Chandler would like to remind everyone that Christmas is in 16 days!
CONCERNS:
Grace Mills is in rehab, as she is having trouble walking and can’t go home until she can walk up the stairs. Since the recovery process may take some time, she would greatly appreciate a visit from anybody. Please visit her at your convenience: Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound Room #304
Mary Denend was due to have a stent placed in her heart, but new findings prevented this and resulted in a change in medication instead. Please pray that the change is sufficient and her recovery is swift and easy.
Lloyd Lede is having tubes put in his ears for multi-month ear infections. Please keep the Lede family in your prayers as this process unfolds.
Chandler lifts up his friends who are sad.
Please hold the family of Barbara Cramer’s sister, Carole, in your prayers. Carole passed away last week after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jennifer Permann asks for prayers for the family of her friend Jon Sugel, and offers prayers of strength and condolences on the passing of their mother and grandmother.
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OTHER STUFF................
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PASTOR'S OFFICE HOURS set aside for you.
Sunday from 11:00 - 1:00
Tuesday from 10:00 - 12:00
Thursday from 4:30 - 6:30
The church office will still be operating regular hours:
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 2:00pm.
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PASS THIS ON
Share What's Happening Here.
It's all Good!
Want to be a part of reviving Mason? Want to fill the sanctuary with folks who wish to live a meaningful life? There's one little thing you can do to help make that happen. It only takes seconds. Forward this newsletter to two people this week. Don't fear judgment. We're all judged no matter what we do; just do it. Just spread the Word without words.
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EARN ALL YOU CAN.
SAVE ALL YOU CAN.
GIVE ALL YOU CAN.
Please continue to make contributions
to the church as you are able.
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