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THIS WEEK
Mason United Methodist Church
A theologically progressive,
open, and affirming faith community.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.
February 2-9, 2023
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Discerning Mason's Future
Let us move forward as one body.
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PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR.... | |
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CALENDAR of EVENTS
Thursday, 2/2
10:30 - Retirees Fellowship Time
1:00 - Living the Questions
6:30 - Living the Questions
Friday, 2/3
10:00 - Art Class with Mary
Sunday, 2/5
10:00 - Sunday Morning Worship
Worship Series Continues: On A Christian Mission
11:00 - Fellowship Hour
11:30 - Ad Council Meeting – all are invited!
Monday, 2/6
Church office closed
Tuesday, 2/7
11:00 - UWF Meeting
Wednesday, 2/8
12:30 - Living The Questions
5:30 - Living The Questions
Thursday, 2/9
1:00 - Living The Questions
6:30 - Living The Questions
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STANDING
ADMINISTRATIVE MEETINGS
If you are on one of the committees below, please save the dates for meetings in your calendar.
1st Sunday of the Month at 11:30
AD COUNCIL (all are invited!)
2nd Sunday of the Month at 11:30
TRUSTEES
3rd Sunday of the month at 11:30
DREAMING TEAM
5:00 - FINANCE
4th Sunday of the month at 11:30
SPRC
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ADMINISTRATIVE COUCIL MEETING
This coming Sunday, 2/5, at 11:30. Come one! Come all!
On Sunday, February 5th at 11:15, we will be having our first Administrative Council Meeting in the Parlor after worship. In that meeting, each chair will offer a short report of their work, and the "Project Mason" team will be available for your questions. A Zoom option will be available. Below is the Zoom link.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/91531476302
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PROJECT MASON..................... | |
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Project Mason is the name we've given the team who is dedicated to doing the hard, time-consuming, complicated work of re-visioning Mason United Methodist Church for the future. The church at this point does not have a choice to sell or not sell. We have to sell, but the team is working on selling only part of the block. The vision is for Mason to be church in worship and service, in God and neighbor. Pastor Susan will do everything she possibly can to share with you everything we know along the way. You will find information in this newsletter, on Facebook, on our website, through emails, through conversations throughout the week, and from the pulpit. Below are the people on the team and their shared vision of where we are headed. If you have any questions, please ask Pastor Susan or talk to one of these fine people dedicated to this project. Keep an open mind and open heart for the Spirit to do the Spirit's work through us.
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Change is Inevitable and it's coming fast!
Because Mason United Methodist Church will close in 4 and a half years if we continue on as we have been. Click below to see the financial reality that Jane Hallstrom prepared for the Dreaming Team.
Click here for a: Simple Financial Report regarding the Future of Mason UMC
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WHERE WE'RE AT from the PROJECT MASON TEAM | | |
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The new name of the Dreaming Team is Project Mason. Our meetings are honest, characterized by good listening and challenging questions. The team is working very hard and is action-oriented. We’ve met three times in January and reached solid consensus in responding to the question, “What is the purpose of church?” Church is a community where we live out the commandments of Jesus to love God and our neighbor for the transformation of the world. Both worship and service are intertwined and essential. It’s love in action. We agree that we’ve got to build more relationships and partnerships in Proctor and in the city. We agree that we need to lease or sell a portion of our land. Our vision is emerging, and it worship-centered and mission-centered, focusing on the needs of people in our community. We agree that our vision of Project Mason will remain fluid as we collect data, meet with experts, and review other models. We need lots of data to ground our decisions. Please fill out the survey. We seek your input as boldly, we move forward together to be the hands and feet of Christ. | | |
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We want Project MASON to be a spark that ignites us and the larger community to make a better world. We are envisioning selling or leasing part of our property in partnership with other non-profits to develop a multi-service center that would include, but not be limited to, affordable multi-generational housing. We are now in the information gathering stage to determine what about Mason UMC is most important to the congregation, which parts of the property would be best to sell, which other services and activities we want to promote, who would be our partners, how this could be financed, where the district and conference can help, and all the other nitty-gritty details. We are excited! | | |
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After listening to the meeting, I believe we are in agreement that 3/4 of the block, minus the parsonage, will be either sold or leased. The big thing we agree on is that the space is mission-centered, focused on the needs of the Tacoma community. The other consensus is that whether we keep the sanctuary or the education wing, we need to have a fluid worship space.
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I believe we are in agreement that some portion of the current property will be sold or leased. The remaining structures will need to be restructured to serve a wide range of activities as we will not be able to narrowly allocate a remaining smaller portion of our building to one purpose alone. We also are in general agreement that Mason needs to be more visible in the broader community and interact with the public in a broader range of activities. | | |
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The Strategic Planning Committee discussed frequently and at length some of the options we have at hand for the survival of Mason Church. We agreed that a portion of the Church property needs to be leased or sold resulting in some kind of development. We wish for the congregants to share their opinions on this matter. | | |
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Our purpose at Mason is to help all people in their journey through life. The concept that will accomplish our mission in the future is to lease half of the property area in a way that allows us to continue providing the community with living space for all. This will also provide monetary support for the church to continue as a vibrant center of the community. The lease will allow for development of housing to benefit the community; and it will also provide an annual income stream to support the church as we act as a center for the non-profits who provide much-needed community services. This shows that the church supports the community's needs by listening to them. We will provide what our community needs in today's world (primarily housing). It shows that we preach providing support to all in having a life of peace, joy, happiness, but most of all: love for all. | |
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For a Bold Plan suggested by Gary Grindley,
CLICK HERE
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MASON NEEDS YOUR INPUT!
Hello Mason Church! The Project Mason team is looking for
specific feedback in order to make decisions that best reflect the needs and desires of our congregation. Whether you come to church regularly, used to come and don't anymore, are a member or not, please take a few minutes and fill out the following survey.
Thank you, Dana Lede
CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY: https://forms.gle/N1aKm1f8n1qrbbeu5
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HOW WE WORSHIP................ | |
WORSHIP WHILE PASTOR SUSAN IS IN AFRICA | |
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Pastor Susan is preparing to go to Kenya on February 15th. She will be gone for three Sundays but we have three exciting pastors to fill in.
February 19: Brian Nelson (certified Lay Pastor)
February 22: ASH WEDNESDAY (Dr. Rev. Delbert Permann)
February 26: Rev. Derek Nakano (District Superintendent)
March 5: Rev. Jim Simpson (retired UMC pastor)
Rev. Derek will be staying after worship in the Parlor to chat with you about anything. This is a good time for you to ask questions about "Project Mason" from the Conference’s point of view.
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January 29, 2023
Sermon only
"How We Can Serve"
Pastor Susan Boegli
Click video for Sermon Only
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January 29, 2023 Worship Service
"How We Can Serve"
Click video to view worship!
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Sarah Joslyn
from Nourish Pierce County
An invitation to serve!
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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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Your Generosity is Greatly Appreciated!
Make your giving easy.
Pay through Paypal or with your credit/debit card in the church's office.
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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HOW WE LEARN................ | |
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LIVING THE QUESTIONS
for FEBRUARY 8 AND 9
Click on the title for a copy of that week's reading:
SOCIAL JUSTICE
AFTERNOON - Wed from 12:30 – 2:00pm. and Thurs. from 1:00 – 2:30pm.
EVENING Wed. from 5:30 – 7:00pm and 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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Pastor Susan is going to Kenya on a mission trip with the Volunteers In Mission of the United Methodist Church. The team has reached its goal of $100,000. But new needs in the hospital have come to our attention. Due to extreme drought, Kenyans are suffering from a massively depleted food supply. Many people are starving. In addition to the resources UMVIM provide on a typical trip, nutrition supplements are in high demand, as families bring their malnourished children to the hospital. Any love offering you provide will go directly to the hospital to care for the hungry.
If you would like to support the people of Maua, you can send a check to:
FUMCPDX
c/o Paul and Kathleen Cosgrove
6211 Buena Vista Drive
Vancouver, WA 98661
Please make your check out to FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF PORTLAND.
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BREAKING BREAD with OASIS QUEER YOUTH PROGRAM
A huge THANK YOU to Syra Beth and all who volunteered to support and serve Tacoma’s queer youth. If you haven't yet signed up, Syra Beth is still looking for substitutes. You can contact her via email at syr07@nventure.com, or call her at 253-651-7869.
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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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Supper Bowl Challenge
For many years, Mason UMC has had a Food Bank challenge during the Apple Cup. Since we missed that in 2022, we will be doing a “Supper” Bowl challenge next Sunday, February 12th. If you want to show your support for the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City team, bring donations for the Food Bank! There will be a table for each team where you can set your donations, and after a tally of total numbers, we will announce the winning team. (And don’t worry, Huskies and Cougars, we’ll also be doing the Apple Cup Challenge this year.)
Remember: food is always important to bring, but as Sarah Joslyn told us last week, there are other items that are just as needed. So don’t forget to include detergent, soap, formula and baby supplies, personal hygiene items, and pet supplies—or even something special.
Stay tuned for another opportunity during Lent to reach out to those in need. Contact Gail Simpson if you have questions.
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RETIREES FELLOWSHIP TIME
monthly on the first Thursday at 10:30am
Next meeting:
Thursday, March 2nd at 10:30am
Greetings. The interruption of our group stemming from Covid has been long and disrupted our connections with one another. In our coming gathering we hope to restart things and begin a monthly gathering which will emphasize conversations, group discussions and our relationships with one another. We will have coffee, tea, and juice with some morning snacks.
We hope you can join us as we restart this fellowship. If you have questions, please contact me.
Doug Nelson
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Mason UWF is Alive and Well in 2023!
United Women in Faith will meet on Tuesday, February 7th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for fellowship, selection of officers, a short program and prayer. All women are welcome, no matter your faith, to join us. There are UWF information flyers and copies of the UWF Reading Program Booklist available out on the front entry table for anyone to take. The UWF Booklist always has a wonderful book selection. You can check out the books that are currently in the library on the UWF bookshelves. Our librarian, Roberta Larson, is the person to talk to if you have questions or need assistance. We know there are some ladies who work but are interested in joining us so we need your input on which day and time would be most available for monthly meetings. The two choices are 2nd Tuesdays from 11:00 - 1:00 OR Saturday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30.
Contact Carol Sprague at 719-406-1126 or email at ces0204@gmail.com for any questions or to voice your preference of meeting days.
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Want to have an event or meeting at the church? We would love to host you and/or your group! As traffic increases, please make sure you contact the church office, so we can avoid double-booking events. Calendars are updated as frequently as possible, but do not always reflect the most current bookings.
Email admin@masonchurch.org, call 253-759-3539, or stop by the office Tuesday-Friday between 9:00am - 2:00pm.
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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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HOW WE LEAD................
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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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2022 Giving Statements should have arrived. If you have not received yours yet, please contact the church office. | |
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
We lift up Becca Newkirk as she has started student teaching in this past week. It is the last step toward getting her Masters in Education from Western Washington University.
Pat Roundy celebrates that her husband, Jack, is recovering well at home following a brief hospitalization.
Syra Beth Puett shares her gratitude for kind friends Mary & Denny Denend, Dick Wittstock, Sandy & Doug, and Pastor Susan, all of whom took good care of her after a fall.
Concerns
We pray for Jane Brosius, who is having medication and pain issues.
Please pray for Connie Bender’s family in her final stage of life; we ask for a smooth, painless transition.
Gail lifts up her cousin, Barb, who fell and suffered multiple injuries; she has been hospitalized and may never get to go back home again.
Let us pray for those families who have lost a child to gun violence, and those who are broken enough to commit those crimes. We also continue to pray for courage, in both ourselves and in others, to fix our broken society, to act and effect change and prevent further tragedies.
An update from Maura Cullen: “I have bene transferred from Tacoma General to Life Care Center, a rehab unit in Puyallup. I’m still working on my medical challenges, but am also getting physical and occupational therapy. Progress is slow but steady. On-going prayers appreciated! P.S. I love receiving emails, calls, cards, texts, etc.!
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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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