THE WESLEYAN JANUARY 2022

Letter From the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 


During the full moon cycle a couple of weeks ago, some of you may have noticed that the brightness and beauty of the moon was spectacular! It lit up the sky, and cast a beautiful glow over the earth. The neat thing was that this striking display wasn’t just for one night, but for a few nights. And one early morning, while the moon was still in view, John and I were having our devotions, and I looked out the window, awed at the sight, when suddenly that bright full moon began to grow dim as clouds passed over it, obscuring my view. Soon the clouds passed and there it was, shining brightly, until more clouds passed over it, and once again my view of the moon was obstructed. This happened several times, until at one point I couldn’t see the moon at all, for several minutes. But even though I couldn’t see the moon, I knew it was still there, and I trusted that it was still shining, trusted that it was charting its course, and trusted that eventually the clouds would clear and I would see the moon once more.  


And I thought to myself, this is like our relationship with God. There are times when we feel like God is shining down on us, and everything looks bright in our life. Then there are times when something happens and the clouds of doubt and fear obstruct our vision of God, and we struggle to see him working in our lives. And yet, like the moon, God is always still there, charting our course, even when we can’t see or understand. We do not have to see God, but we do have to trust God.  


We are going into a new year – 2022! And there will be times of joy and excitement and love and laughter. And there will also be times when the clouds of darkness will come in, and overshadow your joy. In the verse above, God is talking to the Israelites who were returning home after many years in captivity. They were glad to begin the journey, but it would not be easy – it was a treacherous path. And do you notice how God says, “When you go through deep waters… When you go through rivers of difficulty… When you walk through the fire of oppression….” God clearly says, “When” not “if”.  


We live in a time when people are very anxious. The fears surrounding the pandemic, the incivility that is so prevalent, the uncertainly over the future, all contribute to creating a culture where we are on edge and stressed out. But we need to remind ourselves that God is, as the palmist said, “Our rock and our refuge, a very present help in time of need.” So in this new year – with whatever is in store, let us do as God said, “Be still and know that I am God.”  


Read through these words from the first two verses of “Be Still My Soul,” and trust that God is, and always will be, there for you.


Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to your God to order and provide; in every change, God faithful will remain.

Be still my soul: your best, your heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.


Be still my soul: your God will undertake to guide the future, as in ages past. 

Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. 

Be still my soul” the waves and winds still know the Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below. 


I wish you a peace-filled, joy-filled, faith-filled new year!

Pastor Rebecca


LIVESTREAM SERVICES

Link to LIVESTREAMED SERVICES.


SERMONS

Link to SERMONS.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR JANUARY

Youth Groups and Sunday School have begun their new schedule. Read More

CALENDAR

See what's happening this JANUARY


Children and Youth ~ Hannah Stelter

Youth Group Update:

Starting January 9, our Youth Group format is changing! Both youth groups will now meet on Sunday evenings. Middle School (5th-8th grade) will have their lesson from 4:00-5:00pm. At 5:00, all youth (5th-12th grade) are invited for a free dinner and games. High School (9th-12th grade) will have their lesson from 6:00-7:00pm. To summarize, Middle School Youth will be from 4:00-6:00 and High School will be from 5:00-7:00! By combing our time together, we are hoping to strengthen relationships while deepening our conversations with one another.

Because we will now be serving dinner every week, we are looking for volunteers to make meals! All ingredients and a recipe will be provided if necessary. You can click this link to sign up!


Upcoming Events:

MLK Day of Service: January 17 @ 9:00am

All youth are invited to join us as we use our day off from school as a day for service! Join us on Monday, January 17th at 9:00am as we spend the morning serving others in our community. More information about the volunteer opportunity will be coming soon!


Recap:

Family Christmas Celebration

On December 11, 5 families gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a morning full of decorating cookies and ornaments! We also played Nativity Bingo and had a great time being together!

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Youth Christmas Parties

The Middle and High School Youth Groups thoroughly enjoyed their Christmas parties! We played many games, including a Candy Cane Relay, Marshmallow Baseball, and a Wrapping Paper Fashion Show! We ended the night with a gift swap and everyone left satisfied with their gifts! A special thank you to all of our volunteers who helped to make the night so much fun!

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Worship

Thank you to everyone who made our Advent and Christmas season so special. Especially to the Worship Ministry Team, headed by Diane Huban, and our Music leaders – Linda and Mirela. You will find links to all our services, including Christmas Eve on our website.


We will celebrate Communion Sunday on January 2nd. If you plan to watch the livestream, please have elements available, so that we can all share together. And we will share a special blessing over Allison as she prepares to leave for her cross cultural appointment.  


On Sunday, January 9th we will celebrate Baptism of the Lord Sunday. If you or your child has not been baptized, and you would like to learn more, please see Pastor Rebecca.  


The Worship Ministry Team will be meeting on Monday, January 17th at 3:00. If you are interested in attending, please contact Diane Huban at 860-841-3952 or dhuban@comcast.net

Hospitality, Invitation & Fellowship ~ Colleen Karsner

At our Fall meeting, several people expressed interest in particular events to combat the Winter Doldrums, so let’s get to it! A little fellowship is always welcome this time of year. 


One popular idea was a Jamaican night in January! We will do a family potluck dinner, but are in need of some expert advice on the particulars. If anyone is interested in steering a Jamaican Night, we have lots of helpers but need that Expert or two to help choose menu items…anybody in? And of course we'll contact our Jamaican friends in the congregation. Besides those yummy hand-held meat pies with I’m-not-sure-which spices, for example, I have no suggestions! Help me out please! I know we have many authentic and skilled chefs in our group. (The most important ingredient is enthusiasm, which we do not lack, either. Curry, too, though…)


A Thursday night in January, perhaps the 20th or 27th, is the goal, but is flexible. 


We continue to reach out and help out those who are sick, alone, lonely. The folks who do this on their own initiative are amazing and faithful, and thank you from all of us. 


Anyone who knows of a need, or wants to help, please contact Colleen Karsner at (508) 272-5917 or by email Falmouthyoda@yahoo.com. 


Colleen Karsner

Music Ministry ~ Linda Brouder

"Happy New Year from the Music Ministry. Thank you to every single singer, ringer and player who brought together some wonderful musical offerings in 2021. A big thank you to Mirela for the flexibility and dedication needed throughout these trying times. I truly appreciate each one of you. 


We will resume handbells on January 5th at 5:45 pm and choir on the same night at

 7 pm. NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN! Please come a few minutes early to rehearsal if you would like to start singing or ringing with us. 

Godspeed to all of us in 2022! 

Spiritual Growth ~ Sheldon Keller

During Advent three study groups were held at various times using the book, "While We Wait: Living the Questions", by Mary Lou Redding. As we approach the New Year plans are underway for Lenten/Spring programming, including the second season of "The Chosen", which chronicles the “life of Jesus Christ through the lens of the ordinary people who connected with him in everyday interactions”. Also planned is a short lecture series on the formation of Scripture (the canonization of the Bible) led by Sheldon Keller. Questions such as: “Why do our Catholic brothers and sisters have books in their Bible not included in the Protestant version? Why did the Gospel of Mark make it into the Bible, but the Infancy Gospel of Thomas did not?” Watch for more information in the coming months. 


In the meantime, our confidential prayer chain ministry continues to be active under the leadership of Karen Camp. Be in touch with her if you wish for her group to lift up your concerns in prayer. In addition, there are opportunities after worship to pray with a member of that ministry. They will be available on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. And of course, Pastor Rebecca continues leading a time of prayer Wednesday mornings beginning at 11 o’clock in the Fitzgerald Room. This affords people an opportunity for individual and corporate prayer. A brief devotional is also offered.


Stay tuned!

Outreach/Missions Ministry ~ Julie Immelt Whelden

Venezuela Project. We recently sent another shipment of powered milk to the pediatric division of a hospital in Venezuela for kids with harelip. Here are pictures of some of the mothers receiving the milk. The hospital posted the following on their Instagram page: “The Board of Directors, medical staff and administrative personnel would like to thank the John Wesley United Methodist Church for the donation of milk formula that have benefited babies 0 – 12 months old in the Maracalbo communities. We ask the Creator to continue pouring blessings on the church and to illuminate their path to continue providing human assistance to people from developing countries.”

The Changing the World money for December went to support another shipment in the near future.

Wesley and Larry's loaded a truck with donated wrapped gifts for the Dress A Live Doll & Teen Angel Outreach/Mission project

A carload was needed as well! Salvation Army was so greateful.

Salvation Army “Dress A Live Doll & Teen Angel”                                                      

This year we brought tears to The Salvation Army. Just before I called, they were so worried about meeting the needs of all the children. We were blessed this year and took on 15 children and 7 teenagers, the youngest being 5 months old and the oldest being 16. For the children, they received a head to toe outfit. Shoes/boots, socks, pants, long sleeve shirt, sweater, jacket, hat, gloves, and a couple toys. We couldn’t have done this without your help! Thank you for your donations, whether it was items or money donations, to help purchase the items!  


Our next date to bring snacks is Saturday January 15th.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD



As I arrived at the work site I was moved by the noise of continuous hammering from all directions. The thought of future memories and houses filled with the warmth of love and families. Six houses were being worked on by many volunteers. One house even had a wreath hanging to signify the first house this person has ever owned. After I set up the snacks and wiped a circle full of chairs from the drizzle a holler was made to signify that it was snack and devotion time. A small metal trash can in the middle of the circle had just been replenished with wood to warm the workers. As they all enjoyed warm baked goods, coffee, and tea we listened to an amazing devotional. It included all beliefs and how in darkness there is light. I will try to obtain a copy because it was very moving. 

Thank you to all who baked and brought in donations! They felt very blessed with what we brought. If you are able, please bring in baked items or easy edible fruits (bananas, clementines, apples). Even if you don’t bake, you can bring in muffins or small cinnamon rolls from the grocery store. Our next date is January 15th. Please drop off Friday the 14th or Saturday the 15th before 9:00AM. They can be left in the Fitzgerald Room.   


Belonging to Each Other  

                                                    

With the reverse advent we were able to make six female and six male stockings. They were filled with a Bible, Dollar Store gift card, Stop N Shop gift card, deodorant, soap, deck of cards, candy, travel Kleenexes, some socks, some hats, hand sanitizer, and much more. They were overjoyed with our thoughtfulness. Thank you all for donating items to fill the stockings. We also delivered two boxes of clothes and food! 

High School Teens In Need: This year we donated $500 to the High School Guidance Counselors. During the Holidays there are some teens that don’t have the means to come back from break with new clothes or new technology items. This money helps the counselors purchase items for teens.  

Change the World this month is being collected for The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. This Fund has helped countless people during hard times! People who come in off the streets and even some of our own congregation. It is all based on individual needs. During the pandemic I was a recipient of some donations to help with things going on. I was overwhelmed not working and many things went wrong at the same time. I was blessed that Pastor Rebecca offered to help and it truly saved me and my son. I am forever indebted to John Wesley and will always serve God. 

Cape Kid Meals Volunteers  

Looking for volunteers to help out with packing at the administration building and delivering to the schools once a month for Cape Kid Meals. We have done this in the past and they were looking for some help from January to June. Once a month, three people pack the bags and four people or less deliver to the four elementary schools. If you are interested, please email Sarmaria at sallenby48@gmail.com. 

 

Outreach & Missions is always looking for new members or just one-time meeting members with great ideas. Don’t want the commitment that’s ok just come to one meeting or email me some ideas you have!!! We are always looking to do new things and do more! Julie Immelt Whelden Email jimmelt11@aol.com


Fundraising

 A Christmas Fair - - - “Thank You!”


With a heart full of gratitude, THANK YOU! to everyone that contributed to make our 2021 Christmas Fair such a GREAT success!  


I’m so excited and happy to report our amazing results…$31,760! This represents an increase of $696 over 2019! This is our best year yet!  FANTASTIC job everyone!  


Thank you to all the station chairs, these results are because of your commitment to John Wesley!  

How did we get to $31,760?  Here’s how….

Attic Treasures 

Baked Table 

Boutique Clothing 

Boutique Gifts 

Chocolates

Crafters

Hardware

Holiday

Jams & More

Jewelry

Kids/Puzzles/DVD/Books

Wooden Treasures

Wreaths & Greens

Dinner 

Luncheon 

Silent Auction

$2,352.

$1,669

$2,072

$1,815.

$1,068.

$2,588

$  985.

$  474.

$2,975

$2,374

$1,302.

$2,664.

$3,191

$1,080.

$  876.

$4,275

Is all this just the Fair?  NO, this represents our year long activity/selling. This final number is a compilation of ……. 

Pre Sales ….$5,881.    The actual Fair  $22,835     Post Sales $4,234.(Anything sold or paid for after the last day of the Fair)


How are Pre Sales and Post Sales accomplished? It’s the sales of seasonal wreaths year round, it’s selling books, DVD’s, puzzles, Attic Treasures in our “new store” in the Fellowship Hall. Check it out…inventory is always rotating. Holiday decorations are a HUGE seller.


Serve The Lord…

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15


THANK YOU for your continued commitment in making our Fair one of the BEST around! The community LOVES our Fair, but most importantly the community experiences the love we have for the Lord and if just ONE person decides they want some/more of what we share than it’s all worth it.


So, we’ll start to think about next year’s Fair….so PLEASE mark your calendars for

          NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 2022


With much love and gratitude, Thank You!

Aline Ward,    aw7050@comcast.net  or  603-566-3482 (cell)


Church Mouse

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From the Church Mouse

This has been a busy month with all the activities at the John Wesley Church. I hope I can remember it all and try to explain all that I saw.


The church is decorated with all kind of decorations, trees, wreaths with candles, garland, lights, and something called a manger. I looked up one day, which is hard for a mouse, and noticed beautiful banners outside each of the rooms along the hallway they call the education wing. There are words on each banner which I later learned were the names of the rooms! Not sure what all these things are about but during the month I learned a lot. 


The month started with something called Advent. I overheard people talking about book studies and the book was called “While We Wait”. Not sure what that means either so I investigated the study groups. I found a good place to hide in the library next to the kitchen. It was led by a lady called Betty and it was interesting. A lot of it I did not understand, but everyone seemed happy to be attending and talking about the book. I will need to think about that book.


Each Sunday during Advent different people would come to the altar. They would talk about a word. I think they were families because they had children who talked, lighted a candle and said a prayer.  Each Sunday focused on a word. The banners, which hang on the altar, spell out the words: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Pastor Rebecca preached on Hope the first Sunday and Peace the second. Rev. Keller preached one Sunday on Joy. I really had to hide the next Sunday because there were a lot of people moving around to sing and ring bells and play music. I heard it called a Cantata for the word Love. There was still a final candle to be lit which was the most important - the Christ Candle!


During this Advent Season (I overheard Pastor Rebecca say that) the Sanctuary was open on Tuesday afternoons for prayer. The heat was on and soft music was playing. She said this is a time for reflection and prayer. Everyone was invited to come, so I came on Tuesdays and hid in my usual spot. The music was nice and I think everyone who came was thankful to be in the sanctuary. They would write something on a piece of paper and place it in a special pocket on a banner on the altar.  I tried to investigate the pockets but I was afraid to fall in. I hear someone named Diane made these especially to collect the notes. Christmas Eve I was surprised to see a Christmas tree covered with notes. I wonder if they were from the banner pockets.


My favorite times are when people come with children. One morning people came into the big hall and decorated cookies. They were nice enough to let me enjoy some of the sprinkles and crumbs! The best night of all was when young people came in and sat to watch pictures on a big screen. I heard it called a movie. There was popcorn and cookies. I may not fit back into some of my hiding spots!


I overheard that a concert of piano and organ music was happening in the sanctuary one evening. I made sure I was in my secret place so I would not miss anything. The sanctuary was loaded with people and with the decoration it looked festive. (I heard someone say that.) It was a wonderful evening of music by our Pianist Mirela and an Organist named Robert. It was wonderful.


One Sunday I overheard someone say that the choir will sing a cantata and the bell choir will play the bells. Again, I did not understand until Sunday arrived. That was a beautiful service. I am starting to understand this thing called Christmas a little. Everyone is celebrating the arrival of the baby Jesus. Again, I do not completely understand this Jesus.  


One evening it was really busy with so may people outside the church. It started at 4:00 and ended at 4:30. They had a live nativity with real people, scripture readings, carol singing and luminaries (candles in bags). I stayed inside as it was too cold for me outside. I had a good spot to watch everything out a window or two. Then at 7:00 a church service was held inside the sanctuary. The lit the Christ Candle! Violinists played, the choir sang and the bells played. Pastor Rebecca preached and at the end everyone lighted a candle and sang Silent Night. I think this is what Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus who was laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn. I wish I had been there!

 

Whew, another busy month. Happy New Year to you all.


P.S. Don’t forget to leave some crumbs on the floor on Sundays 

Announcements

Staff Appreciation Campaign. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the members of John Wesley, we raised $11,305 in this year's campaign! This is about 10% more than last year's total. All of the money has been delivered to the wonderful people who make our church run smoothly every day. On their behalf, I cannot thank you enough for your contributions.  Mark Karsner


From the staff: With Gratitude, thank you to all of the kind and generous people of JWUMC who contributed to the staff appreciation fund. The staff is overwhelmed with the recognition these gift represents. It is truly a blessing to be a part of the staff here at JWUMC. George, Hannah, John, Linda, Mirela, Pastor Rebecca & Ruth


LGBTQ+ As a follow up to our discussions around our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers, we have put our statement of position on our website. You will find it under the “About Us” heading. I refer to it in my Welcome Letter, and it is spelled out in our “Beliefs.” In addition, we want to accommodate our diverse congregation, so we have established an All Gender/Gender Neutral bathroom located in the Sunday School Wing. 

 

Pledge envelopes for 2022 are on a table in the Fellowship Hall for you to pick up. If you have not yet turned in your pledge, please leave it in the office, or contact Carrie Leonard.


ESL. Our second semester starts early in January. We anticipate some 15 tutors and approximately 20 to 25 students. There will be a tutors’ Zoom meeting on January 4 at 7:00 PM. If anyone is interested in participating in this wonderful program, please contact me at markkarsner@outlook.com or 508-272-5961. Mark Karsner


The next Racial Justice Team meeting is on Monday, January 10, at 5:00 p.m. We'll be discussing the podcast, The Word is Resistance, episodes #170-173 (Advent 2020). It can be found at https://surj.org/our-work/surj-faith/twir/  At our February meeting we'll be discussing the book Nice White People by Robin DiAngelo. Contact Ali Armitage with questions: alexarmitage72@gmail.com.

January Meetings and Events at JWUMC

Monday 3rd - TLT 6:30 pm

Tuesday 4th - Book Study 10 :30 am

Monday 10th - Blood Drive 10-4 pm

Monday 10th - Racial Justice Mtg. 5 pm

Tuesday 11th - Book Study 10 :30 am

Tuesday 11th - Spiritual Growth 6:30 pm

Monday 17th - Worship Ministry Team 3pm

Monday 17th - Office Closed - MLK Holiday

Tuesday 25th - Finance Ministry Team 4 pm

Tuesday 25th - Trustees 3:30 pm


Weekly Meetings:

Sunday - Middle School Youth Group 4 pm

Sunday - All Youth Free Dinner & Games - 5 pm

Sunday - High School Youth Group 6 pm

Tuesday- Bible Discussion Group with Tim Cline 10 am

Wednesday- Prayer Meeting 11 am

Wednesday- Handbells Rehearsal 5:45 pm

Wednesday- Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7 pm

Birthday Wishes for January: 1st ~ Loretta Croft & Rebecca Mincieli, 4th ~ Eileen Burt, 12th~ Joy Stosz, 15th Denise Sievert, 20th ~ Marilyn Mugno, 22nd ~ Jan Brooks, 31st ~ Louise Clark


Marilyn Mugno will celebrate her 90th birthday on January 20th. Help her to celebrate with cards which may be sent to her at: 439 Currier Rd., E. Falmouth, MA 02536.


Let us celebrate life among our church family. It's a great thing to have a birthday, a gift from God. Please give your birthday information by recording it on the calendar on the Fellowship bulletin board.

John Wesley United Methodist Church, 270 Gifford Street, Falmouth, MA 02540

(508) 548-3050 www.johnwesleyumc.org


Rev. Rebecca Mincieli, Pastor

Hannah Stelter, Dir. of Children & Youth Ministries

Ruth Moulton, Office Administrator

Linda Brouder, Director of Music Ministries Mirela Chisbora, Pianist/Organist

George Cary, Treasurer

John Loewen, Sexton 

This New Year


In this new year, let us all try

To make a difference each day,

To be kind to one another

And always remember to pray.


To seek God and His forgiveness,

And worship Him with thanks and praise,

To love our neighbors as ourselves,

Trying to be patient always…


To enjoy the gifts of Nature,

To read God’s word and meditate,

To give to the poor and the sick

And try to spread God’s holy Light.


Let’s be renewed in this new year,

Abandon our old, selfish ways,

Spreading God’s love to everyone,

As our praises to God we raise.


Joy Stosz

December 19, 2021


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