|
|
THIS WEEK
Mason United Methodist Church
A theologically progressive,
open, and affirming faith community.
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
August 4th, 2022 - August 10th, 2022
|
|
|
|
What are three radically hospitable things Mason can do as a faith community? |
|
Reconciling Ministries Network
Votes are due by August 28th
As expected, when we took a straw poll representing the vote to become a Reconciling Congregation (those in the congregation at the time), the result was 24 yes with 1 no. I assume the "no" was based on the question, "Does this mean we won't be a United Methodist Church anymore." Indeed, we absolutely will continue as United Methodists. Not only that, but the tea leaves suggest that when the denomination splits at the next General Conference, it will be the Reconciling churches that will remain United Methodists while others will break off and start their own denomination. This has already happened with the "ultra-conservative" congregations.
So, we have two things to do before the official vote on Sunday, August 28th. First of all, unfortunately, only members can vote. However, there are many members out there that do not attend Mason UMC in person. One example is children who have moved away from home, but are still members. If you have the address of a member who does not attend in person, please give it to Pastor Susan or the church office. For those not present in worship on Sunday, August 28th, we will have other opportunities to vote, such as Facebook or via e-mail. This requires the honor system. Please remember that ONLY members can vote, and please only vote once.
The second thing I want to offer is an opportunity for anyone who has questions or comments contact me. I would like to be sure that everyone understands what this vote means for Mason UMC. We have 4 weeks for everyone to make sure they have the information needed to make an informed vote.
Below, is the question that all members will say YES or NO to. Please read carefully, talk with others, talk with me, and read about being a reconciling congregation on the Reconciling Ministries Network website.
(click below)
|
|
You will be asked to vote
YES or NO
Should Mason United Methodist Church adopt and commit to the following statement, build ministries around that commitment, and live it out in our own lives and in the life of this faith community?
“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”
|
|
ARE YOU AN AUTHENTIC SMILER?
MASON NEEDS YOU!
Regarding church growth, the #1 reason thing that determines whether a visitor will come back is their welcome.
Our greeters are wonderful, AND WE NEED MORE! Please contact Pastor Susan if you are willing to greet everyone who enters through our doors with your authentic, lovely, and welcoming smile. IT MATTERS!
|
|
HOW WE LEARN................ |
|
LIVING THE QUESTIONS
Stay tuned—Pastor Susan will be facilitating this theologically progressive study starting in fall 2022 and ending in spring 2023. I have previously used this study seven times, because it is by far the best curricula regarding the whole Christian kit-n-caboodle!
Studies will be held on Wednesdays at noon, starting the first week in September and ending at Christmas Eve. If we have enough interest, we will also hold a weekday evening class. Both classes will offer childcare.
Please email Pastor Susan if you are interested in this study, but you can only come to an evening gathering.
|
|
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
A video-based God study for those seeking to live their best lives possible.
It was brought to Pastor Susan's attention that those who have "aged out" of youth group want have an opportunity to explore their faith in a deeper and more meaningful way. Pastor Susan will offer this fellowship starting in September. The date and time is TBD, but if you know a young person who would enjoy this kind of Godly pondering and seek connections with others, please have them contact Pastor Susan. The day and time will depend upon those who desire this ministry. Pass the word on.
|
|
|
|
Contact Syra Beth
for more information @
syr07@nventure.com
|
|
HOW WE PRAY................ |
|
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
Betty Serjeant will be moving to the Mercy Apartments.
Rachel Newkirk & her partner made it to New York safely.
She has moved there to be closer to her partner.
Betty Sergeant gives thanks for two new wonderful friends, Marta & Randy.
CONCERNS
We continue to pray for all of those who have lost jobs and security during this time.
If you know of anyone who needs assistance with paying bills, please have them
contact the church. Funds are available in our Debt Liberation Fund.
|
|
CONGREGATIONAL CARE CARD MINISTRY
Another meaningful way to participate in the Congregational Care team's mission is to send handwritten cards. When things are hard, it is so lovely to know that someone is taking the time to send a card—just because. If sending love in this way is something you are able to do, and something that will bring you joy, please let Gail Parker know; she has the prayer lists for everyone each week.
|
|
HOW WE SERVE................ |
|
PROCTOR ARTS FEST IS BACK!
Saturday, August 6th
Mason will give out FREE water.
We need you help!
Saturday, August 6th marks the return of this community event and our Mason family will be participating by handing out bottles of water in front of the church to thirsty festival goers. The fun begins at 10:00am and runs all day. If you would like to take a turn at being a friendly greeter, please contact Del Permann.
|
|
ANNUAL AUGUST
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE
It is time again to open your hearts and your wallets as we collect school supplies for distribution to families who can’t easily afford them. This year, we are partnering with the Communities In Schools organization to get the supplies to those school sites and students who truly need them. Please refer to the donation list for the types of supplies that are needed. The good news is that many of the major retail stores currently have these supplies on sale, so you can get a lot of “bang for your buck.” Look for a donation box that will be in the church foyer for the entire month of August. Monetary donations may also be made by writing a check to “Communities In Schools”—please do not write a check to the church.
|
|
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATION LIST |
|
#2 Pencils—Ticonderoga Brand
2-Inch to 3-Inch Three-Ring Binders
70 Page Spiral Notebooks
Cloth Pencil Pouches
Colored Markers—Pack of Eight
Colored Pencils
Composition Books
Crayola Brand Crayons
Erasers
Five-Tab Colored Dividers
Glue Sticks
Hand Sanitizer
Highlighter Markers
|
|
Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
Mechanical Pencils
Pencil Sharpeners That Hold the Shavings
Pens (Black, Blue, Red)
Plastic Dividers with Pockets
Scissors (Including Left-Handed)
USB Flash Drives
“Big Ticket” Items
Sturdy Backpacks
Donations By Check to “Communities In Schools”
|
|
COVID-19 VACCINE AND BOOSTER RESOURCES
Individuals over 50 years old, and immunocompromised individuals over 12 years old, are now eligible for the second dose of the Covid-19 booster!
Everyone over 5 years of age is eligible for the first dose of the booster.
Everyone over 6 months of age is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
As a reminder, Covid-19 vaccines and boosters are free, regardless of whether or not you have health insurance. For more information on Covid-19 vaccines, eligibility, and resources, click HERE.
|
|
HAVE AN IDEA?
Keep them coming!
HERE'S AN IDEA:
What if we invite the Red Cross to use our space to hold blood drives each week?
HERE'S AN IDEA:
I pray for the world, the earth, our country, and our leadership every morning. Perhaps we could produce a short but effective prayer that our congregation could pray together at a certain time each week, wherever we are?
HERE'S AN IDEA:
What if we offered a "Parents' Night Out" opportunity, where parents can bring their children to be cared for by church volunteers? Parents can have a little quality time together or much-needed time alone. Would you be willing to volunteer to take care of the children?
What about a "Parents' Morning Out" so parents and guardians can get some errands done or have coffee with a friend? Would you be willing to volunteer?
If this is something that brings you joy, tell Pastor Susan. Maybe we can get this event going in the fall.
Do you have an idea?
Call, email, or stop by the office to let us know, and we'll include
your idea in this weekly newsletter.
ALL IDEAS ARE WELCOME!
|
|
SERVING ON SUNDAY IS STILL SERVING.
Please sign up to help make Sunday morning special. We have opportunities to offer flowers, usher, be a liturgist, be a greeter (smilers!), and/or be a host for a Sunday's Fellowship Hour. Sign up sheets are on the table as you walk in. Let's get lots and lots of participation!
|
|
HOW WE WORSHIP................ |
|
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP RETURNS!
After a few long years of Covid-19 preventing "normal" worship, we're taking baby steps to get back to our worship essentials. Offering childcare is essential for families, so Linda will once again be back to take care of your little ones! If you know someone who is not coming to church and needs childcare during the hour of worship, please pass this good news on.
__________________________________________________________________________
|
|
SERMON SERIES
What should we explore together?
Pastor Susan is planning her messages for this coming fall. What are your questions about your faith and your journey? Let Pastor Susan know as soon as possible what kinds of themes are of interest to you, and she will try to incorporate them in her Sunday worship planning.
|
|
Sunday Livestream
We are broadcasting our Sunday services on Facebook!
If you are having difficulty with the new system, we appreciate your kind and respectful feedback at admin@masonchurch.org, or in the comments on the Facebook page.
|
|
SUMMER WORSHIP SERIES
Church 101: What's the point?
Have any of your friends or family asked you why you bother giving up your Sunday morning just to go to a big building to sing a bunch of unknown weird songs and hear some person dressed in a holier-than-thou robe talk about some guy named Jesus? (As if that person knows any more about God than anyone else!) Well, if your circle of people wonder why you bother, what do you say? Will what you say make a difference to your friend or family member?
That's what I want to explore this summer. Why do we even bother being part of a church? And here's how we will break it down:
|
|
Maybe together we will come up with an answer when someone asks us, "What's the point?" |
|
Video from
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2022 -
Church 101: What's Evangelism
(click below for entire service)
|
We apologize for the technical difficulties.
You can also access this worship service on our Facebook page.
|
|
Video from
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2022 -
Church 101: What's Evangelism
(click below for sermon only)
|
|
WEEK of JULY 24, 2022
In attendance:
36 adults
2 children and youth
5 live Facebook attendance
TOTAL - 43
|
|
Plate offering for this week:
$1,765
Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can. - John Wesley
|
|
SOCIAL JUSTICE STUFF...... |
|
This is an ongoing list of the different links to Social Justice events and opportunities in our community. Click on any that seems interesting, so that you can learn more and maybe even get involved. If you know of a Social Justice event happening, please send the link to the church office and we will include it here.
|
|
November 15th 8am - noon
A free event, but registration is encouraged
United Way of Pierce County is holding its signature community summit on barriers to economic equity. Click below to learn more and/or register.
|
|
This Sunday @ 12:00 - 3:00
Susan and Ken invite you to a gathering at the parsonage
Susan and Ken are opening the parsonage for a gathering on Sunday, August 7th, from 12:00 - 3:00. Light snacks will be served, and everyone is invited. Ken and I feel so blessed that your parsonage is our home. It’s so beautiful!
|
|
Join Mary Denend for art class this Friday, August 5th! Class begins at 10:00am in the Parlor. Please bring your own supplies.
|
|
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP AFTER WORSHIP RETURNS!
We are excited to announce that beginning this coming Sunday, we will be offering fellowship after worship again. If you would like to host on a Sunday, you can do so by signing up in the narthex. For any questions, contact Sandy Roszman as she is the coordinator of this ministry.
|
|
HOW WE LEAD................ |
|
WE NEED HELP WITH OUR
MEMBERSHIP RECORDING
We have been unable to find Mason's membership book from 2014 on. It's vitally important that accurate records are kept for our memberships, deaths, baptisms, etc. To help us update as best as we can, please contact Gail Parker and let her know if you are a member. If you became a member after 2014, we will need to get you in "the book."
If, however, you are aware of a membership book starting in 2014 that might be hiding, PLEASE let Gail know.
|
|
Recommended United Methodist Church
Administrative and Ministry Structure
Linked below is a document summarizing the roles and responsibilities of the work and ministry of the church. The whole document may be overwhelming, but the first few pages are an overview of the structure. If you are only interested in one part of the document, you can go to the table of contents and find what you are interested in. The leadership committee will be voting on whether or not Mason should adopt these UMC guidelines, or continue to operate it as is. Feel free to review, and offer thoughts to those on the leadership team or Pastor Susan.
Click below:
|
|
|
|
LEADERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
from Sunday, July 24 at 12:30
|
|
OTHER STUFF................ |
|
The GODCAST
Listen to an interview Pastor Susan gave for the comparative religion podcast "The GodCast", with Xavier Nazzal. It's available to stream for free on Spotify; you can also access it by clicking below:
|
|
PASS IT ON
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.
|
|
Pastor Susan's blog. Click below:
|
|
Click below to go to Mason UMC's Facebook Page
|
|
|
|
EARN ALL YOU CAN.
SAVE ALL YOU CAN.
GIVE ALL YOU CAN.
Please continue to make contributions to the church as you are able.
|
|
2710 N Madison St., Tacoma, WA 98407
253-759-3539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
