THIS WEEK

Mason United Methodist Church

A theologically progressive,

open, and affirming faith community.

Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.

September 9th – September 14th, 2022

We're All On the Journey

It's funny the fortuitous events that continually happen in ministry. We will be starting a series on the not-so-popular verse, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." I suppose it's very popular to some, but personally, I've struggled with this one. 

Anyway, I walked 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago last fall with Ken, and boy was it a journey! There are so many metaphors and symbols along this pilgrimage that teach us about the path, the road, the trail, the way toward the heart of God. And at the same time, while preparing for this series on pilgrimage, we began our "Living the Questions" classes, and what do you know, the first topic was that our spirituality is in fact a journey. 

Journey... Journey.... Journey.... As your spiritual leader, I hope to walk along side you and you walk along side of me as we continue on this sacred journey we call life. And I for one am very excited to do this thing with you.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: Thurs, Sept. 9th – Wed, Sept. 14th

Friday, 9/10

   Church Office Closing at 1:30pm

Sunday, 9/11

   10:00 - New Worship Series begins: To Be A Pilgrim

   11:00 - 1:00 - Pastor Susan's office hours

   5:00 - 6:00 - NOOMA for young adults

Monday, 9/12

   Church Office Closed

Tuesday, 9/13

  10:00 -12:00 - Pastor Susan's office hours

Wednesday, 9/14

    12:30 - 2:00 - Living the Questions

     5:30 - 7:00 - Living the Questions

Thursday, 9/15

    1:00 - 2:30 - Living the Questions

     4:30 - 6:30 - Pastor Susan's office hours

     6:30 - 8:00 - Living the Questions

Friday, 9/16

   10:00 - Art Class with Mary

    11:00 -1:00 - Pastor Susan's office hours

Sunday, 9/17

    10:00 - Worship Series: To Be A Pilgrim

     5:00-6:00 - NOOMA - a young adult conversation

   PASTOR'S OFFICE HOURS

Pastor Susan will be keeping office hours set aside for you. Now that the church is beginning a new year of activities, Susan is offering a variety of drop-in hours to cater to your schedules. Her availability beyond these hours are extremely limited. Feel free to pop in or make an appointment during one of the following slots:

 Sunday from 11:00 - 1:00

 Tuesday from 10:00 - 12:00

Thursday from 4:30 - 6:30

Friday from 11:00 - 1:00

*Pastor's schedules have to be flexible for any unforeseen pastoral event and/or community meeting. These hours are subject to change without notice.

Your patience is appreciated!

LIVING THE QUESTIONS - Week 2

This Week's Reading:

An Invitation to Journey (Click Here for week #2 reading)

Living it Out  (Click Here for "Living It Out")

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

If you are in need of childcare, please let Pastor Susan know ASAP.

FOR YOUNG ADULTS

A video-based God study for those seeking

to live their best lives possible.

BEGINS THIS SUNDAY! 5:00 - 6:00

feel free to bring a snack and a friend.

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 celebrate that last Sunday was Denny Denend’s 79^th birthday! Congratulations Denny!

Dana Lede shares her joy that school is starting, and her 6^th grade class has 55 students in it.

Betty Serjeant gives thanks as her new cat is learning to be house-broken.

Emmie Lede is excited to start preschool this week at the Lutheran Church by her daycare.

CONCERNS:

Lynn Stetson lifts up her father, who is in this hospital with pneumonia.

With her joy, Dana Lede also shares her concern that her abundant 6^th grade class has 55 students in it. 

Denny Denend has tested positive for Covid-19. We pray for his swift recovery.

We lift up Ken Boegli's mom, who has been put on hospice.

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 Pastor's Discretionary Fund.

CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!

We have wonderful news. Linda and Tarycca Queree will be returning as our childcare providers after a long Covid hiatus.  Let parents/grandparents/guardians know, that while the children play, the adults can seek connection without interruption, should they choose to utilize the hospitality of caring for our young ones.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE CONTINUES!

Even though the donation box has gone, we can still help Communities in Schools serve our local schools. This charity accepts monetary donations and checks, which can be made out to COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS and mailed to:

Communities In Schools Development Department

2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 700

Arlington, VA 22202 

Congregational Care Opportunity

Do you have construction or building skills? Congregation member Kathy Starr is looking for your help! Kathy is in need of a ramp that goes up to the front door of her house. If you are interested and able to help, please contact Kathy's daughter Susan: 509-868-1164

Sound for Sunday Livestream is Still a Problem

BUT WE'RE WORKING ON IT!

We are still working on delivering the best quality Sunday service live on Facebook, and we hope that we are close to being done with all our troubleshooting. However, regardless of whether or not we are able to livestream the service, each Sunday, several hours after worship, a video of the service will be available on our Facebook page. We understand that it's not the same, but it seems to be the best we can do at this time.

This link will take you to our Facebook page.

Whole Worship Video from

September 4th, 2022

All Means All

SERMON ONLY Video

SEPTEMBER 4, 2022

All Means All

Click below to read the manuscript of Sunday's sermon.

9/4 SERMON MANUSCRIPT -All Means All All Means All

WEEK of September 4th, 2022

In attendance:

43 adults

3 children

TOTAL: 46

Facebook attendance is unknown.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd

7:00 - 8:00

GUESS WHAT?

We have been chosen to hold the Interfaith Celebration of Gratitude this year! What an honor!

Hosting will be a whole lot of work, so I will need all hands on deck to volunteer. What a wonderful way to showcase who we are (and Margaret Nelson will be a featured musician on  the bagpipes)!

SOCIAL JUSTICE ..............

WATER CRISIS IN JACKSON 

100% of your giving through UMCOR goes directly to disaster relief.

The city of Jackson, Mississippi, has been under a state of emergency due to the flooding of the Pearl River and the ongoing failure of public infrastructure. Not for the first time, residents have gone days without access to clean and potable water. You can help by donating to people in crisis. 

UMCOR's Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program: Click HERE

The Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition, endorsed by the city of Jackson, Mississippi, is on the ground distributing bottled water to the residents of Jackson. You can donate to their Water Fund: Click HERE

HOW WE HAVE FUN........

Art Class with Mary

Art Class with Mary returns on Friday, September 16th. We'll be meeting in the Parlor at 10:00am. Hope to see you there!

Be on the look out for our upcoming Stewardship Campaign.  We'll have more information for you in late September and early October.

NEW WEBSITE

Pastor Susan has been working on Mason's website this summer. It is a work in progress as Emma has been editing along with Susan. 

No, it's not done, but we're getting there, and there's enough information for you to check it out and pass it on. In today's world, people find churches through the internet, so it is imperative that we present ourselves in ways that are inviting. Look it over. Remember it's a work in progress. And pass it on to your friends!

PASS THIS 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.