THE CHRONICLE - SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 - Sudbury United Methodist Church
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THE CHRONICLE – SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JOEL SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
On Sunday, October 28, Sudbury UMC will host a listening session for United Methodists in the
Central Massachusetts District. We will gather in Hawes Hall from 3:00 till 5:00 p.m. to talk with lay and
clergy members of the General Conference delegation who will deliberate and decide the place of gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in The United Methodist Church. After almost 50 years of
quadrennial battle over The Book of Discipline, their historic decision will emerge from a Special General
Conference to be convened by the Council of Bishops February 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis, MO.
It is unusual for me to announce an upcoming event at our church more than a month in advance.
Most big events in the life of a congregation don’t really need that much publicity. Christmas and Easter, for
example, draw fairly good crowds whether I write about them in The Chronicle or not! But I am asking you in
this letter to mark your calendar now and plan to attend the listening session that Sudbury UMC will host on
October 28 at 3:00 p.m. For most of us, that gathering will be the closest we will get to the representatives
who will make history for The United Methodist Church by finding “a way forward” or by dividing our
denomination into two or more separated churches.
Announcing the Central Massachusetts listening session a month in advance will also give you time to
read and prepare for a fruitful conversation with the delegates we will send to St. Louis to represent United
Methodists in New England. If you have not already done so, please read some or all of the materials at
http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/commission-on-a-way-forward-news-and-updates. To read the final
report of the Commission on a Way Forward, click the tab at the top of the page and choose the language
you prefer. Clicking the third tab will take you to a collection of 5-minute videos. Most are testimonials
assuring us that United Methodists on opposite sides of the LGBTQI debate can still be friends! But the 53-
minute overview recorded by the Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle, the commission’s coach, is well worth the extra time:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5314r5oadqw5ws5/Gil%20Rendle%20Overview%20of%20CoWF.mp4?dl=0.
Finally, all United Methodists are being urged to read The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute.
After receiving the Commission’s report, with its three options, a majority of the Council of Bishops
voted to recommend the “One Church Plan.” This model would allow United Methodists in different places
to make different decisions regarding ministry with or by LGBTQI persons rather than maintaining a single
standard that operates everywhere in the global church. Restrictive language in The Book of Discipline
would be removed and conferences, local churches, and pastors would be given the flexibility to “uniquely
reach their missional context in relation to human sexuality without changing the connectional nature of The
United Methodist Church." Central conferences in Europe, Africa, and Asia, on the other hand, would be
permitted to adapt The Book of Discipline to retain traditional values and language. Finally, this plan would
also protect the choices of United Methodist individuals whose theological convictions do not allow them to
perform same-sex weddings or ordain LGBTQI people.
If the 2019 General Conference chooses the “Traditionalist Plan” nothing changes. This plan affirms
the Discipline’s current positions and seeks to strengthen enforcement of church law when violations occur.
The “Connectional-Conference Plan” would replace U.S. jurisdictions and the central conferences in
Europe, Asia, and Africa with three bodies that share a clearly defined and aligning theology and set of
values. Each would be governed by its own version of The Book of Discipline and all annual conferences
around the globe would choose which body to affiliate with. Local churches that find themselves in an
annual conference that doesn’t fit their theological style could opt for a different affiliation elsewhere.
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Like I said, the Special General Conference of 2019 will be history-making. It will rival the importance
of the General Conference of 1844 when Methodists divided over slavery and, almost a century later, the
General Conference of 1939 when that historic division was healed organizationally if not spiritually. For
United Methodists, these historic times require historic prayer and participation. Please use the month of
October to read, reflect, and pray about the decisions to be made by and for our church. And, half-way
through the month, please plan to be part of a gathering that I will lead at 7:00 p.m. on October 15.
See you in church,
Pastor Joel
CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS
DATES TO KEEP IN MIND
➢ September 30, and October 7: “Five Marks of a Methodist”
Sunday Adult Christian Education
➢ October 1, and 18: “Five Marks of a Methodist” Monday
Adult Christian Education
➢ October 7: World Communion Sunday
➢ October 7: Animal Blessing at First Parish
➢ October 8: Columbus Day – Office Closed
➢ October 14: Acolyte Training
➢ October 15: Preview of UMC “A Way Forward”
➢ October 17: Health Ministries Cancer Support Group
➢ October 28: New England UMC Listening Session
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DINE WITH A DIFFERENT NINE!
Please join us this fall.
Top ratings from all who attended last spring!
Last Call! We’re hoping to have everyone’s reservations by this Sunday,
September 30.
I will participate:
Name(s) _____________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________ Email _____________________________
Number of adults participating _______________
I prefer (check one/more): _____ dinner, _____ lunch, _____ brunch
Best location: _____ home _____ SUMC
I'd be happy to _____ host _____ be a guest
For more info, please see or contact Nancy Hammerton:
Text: 978-290-3637, V-mail: 508-358-4613, Email: nancyhammerton1@gmail.com
LEARN
The Magnuson Moment
In the Rotation Station class in church school, the children have been learning a different part of The Lord’s
Prayer each week. In part of this week’s lesson, the children will be assembling kits for UMCOR. There is still
time to contribute any of the following items:
• 1 hand towel between 15-by-25 and 17-by-27 inches
(no kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber towels)
• 1 wash cloth
• 1 adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging
• 6 adhesive bandages between ¾ and 1 inch in size
• 1 bath-size soap (3 ounces for larger) in its original
packaging (no Ivory or Jergen’s brand)
• 1 study comb (6 inches of teeth or longer)
• 1 metal nail file or nail clippers (no emery boards)
This is the fourth week of Five Marks of a Methodist (“A Methodist Prays Constantly”). We meet in the
O’Reilly Gathering Room following the morning worship service with a repeat of the class on Monday
evenings at 7:30 p.m. This week’s teacher will be Heather Josselyn-Cranson.
Greetings from the SUMC Youth!
We have our first official youth outreach activity of the new
school year this Saturday morning at the HOPE Food Pantry in
Framingham, where we will help pack and distribute meals to
the community. We’re certainly grateful for those
volunteering this weekend, but right this second, it is
important to emphasize that, while this is the first official
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youth-specific outreach opportunity of the semester, the youth are by no means restricted from joining
other efforts within our congregation. A few of those upcoming opportunities include…
❖ The Homesuites Halloween party on Saturday, October 20
❖ Two Habitat for Humanity builds (October 13 and December 1, both are Saturdays)
❖ Advent Conspiracy activities (tbd)
Why do we encourage the youth to participate in church-wide outreach efforts? It is not solely a response to
Christ’s call to love our neighbor as ourselves (although, yeah, that’s important). It is also about forming and
strengthening relationships within the church, which in turn strengthens the church as a whole, which allows
us to more fully and effectively glorify God in the world. It’s the same reason that we encourage adults in
the congregation to volunteer to provide dinner at youth group on Sunday nights* - it’s because we are the
Church. We want to be fully invested in the life of this congregation, and we want the congregation fully
invested in the lives of the youth. The question is, how do we do that?
We do it intentionally.
*(Incidentally, if you would like to volunteer to provide one of the aforementioned Sunday night dinners for
the youth group, there are still Sundays available that you can claim (isn’t that exciting?!?)! Please email
Zack at zack@sudbury-umc.org to sign up)
Last week, there were four youth in attendance at our monthly Commission Meetings. That’s encouraging.
We also had a non-youth parent sign up for an upcoming youth dinner. That’s also encouraging. Let’s keep
doing intentionally encouraging things because eventually, that will absolutely lead to doing greater and
greater things. That’s a guarantee.
Keep the Faith.
CALLING ACOLYTES!!!
Are you curious about what acolytes do? Would you like to become an
acolyte?
An acolyte is a person who serves at God’s altar, bringing the light of Christ
into the sanctuary, assisting with worship leadership, and carrying the light of
Christ out to the world at the end of Sunday morning services. Children and
teens in grades four and above are invited and encouraged to join Sudbury
UMC’s acolyte team. To express interest in serving, contact Wendy
Guillemette at wguillemette@comcast.net. A training session for new acolytes will take place after worship
on Sunday, October 14, in the sanctuary.
The Upper Room
The newest Upper Room booklets are available in the narthex. Help yourself to a free copy for your daily
devotional readings. Or access it online by clicking here: https://www.upperroom.org/
CONNECT
Photos from the Artic on View at Magic Years
On Thursday, October 11, Sudbury UMC retirees and their friends will have an opportunity to enjoy a free
catered lunch in Davison Chapel followed by a display of photographs taken in the Arctic region of Norway.
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THE CHRONICLE – SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Lunch will begin at 12:00 p.m. Our speaker, Bob Cooke, will bring his presentation to a close at 2:00 p.m. To
make a reservation for lunch, please phone Shetal Kaye at 978-443-4351, ext. 0, and leave a message if you
place your call before or after office hours.
Last July, Bob flew to northern Norway to board a small rusty ship built in 1943. It was designed to punch its
way through sea ice, he says, but not powerful enough to tackle thick glacial ice. Onboard was a small group
of passengers with interests divided evenly between photographers and “birders.” Many of the birders
divided their effort between photography and bird-seeking (they don’t like to be referred to as bird
watchers). Bob came back with a lot of polar bear photos, as well as images of the scenery, walruses, seals,
and, of course, birds.
“Almost every time we scampered out when a bear was spotted,” Bob adds, “we scrambled with cameras in
hand, and plenty of thick, down-filled clothing on. The bears didn’t seem to mind our presence, although our
guide reminded us not to ‘stress’ the animals too much by chasing them too vigorously. Almost all of the
photos were taken as we stood on deck.”
Come and see what Bob calls a “great – but not perfect – trip.” Bring your questions about the Arctic, about
cameras, and about staying warm when the ship’s heat goes off for days at a time in freezing temperatures.
And please remember to make that call: 978-443-4351, ext. 0 and how many seats you want to reserve for
lunch.
Habitat for Humanity
Sudbury UMC is continuing to work on the Acton Habitat for Humanity work site.
Chris Straub has set up two additional dates for this important ministry:
• Saturday, October 13
• Saturday, December 1 (an early Advent Conspiracy event!)
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to end at 4:30 p.m. Please let Chris
know as soon as possible if you are available for either of these dates and he’ll put
you on the schedule!
Unfortunately, it appears that it is taking a little longer to get the Stow project
started, so there will be no SUMC build dates for that project this fall. If you are able to volunteer, please
send your contact information to Chris Straub at christopher.straub@novartis.com. Please note: you must
be 16 years or older to work on a construction site
Special call on Saturday, September 29, for a fixer upper of Marlborough veteran. If you would like to participate
please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@habitatmwgw.org
Choir Notes
Audio Help
Have you ever wondered how Pastor Joel's sermons end up on the church web site? Or what that large
electronic box behind the liturgist's pulpit is? Or how the equipment works that allows us to hear speakers
through the sanctuary sound system? We at SUMC are blessed to have a good quality sound system that
makes these worship supplements possible, and at the moment they are Kevin Murphy's and the Trustees'
responsibility. We would love to introduce some of these components to SUMC members and friends who
might be interested in running this system; we have needs that are about equal parts hardware (turning the
system on and off, replacing spent batteries, placing microphones) and software (editing the sound files we
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capture with the audio PC and preparing them for dissemination.) If you think you might have the time and
inclination to help the church in these areas, speak with Kevin at your earliest convenience, and we can
identify a piece of the work that you might be able to take over. All helping hands, whether occasionally or
every week are welcome! Thanks so much!
A Cappella Group
Are you a fan of a cappella? Some of you may be familiar with the lively
tradition of informal singing that has been especially successful in the high
school and university scene. Well, the musicians of SUMC plan to resume
their own version of a cappella, after an auspicious start last program year.
Starting Wednesday, October 3, from 6:30 pm till 8:00 pm and for the next
five Wednesdays (i.e. through 11/7, but NOT Halloween) we will meet for an
hour to learn a modest list of a cappella items with a sacred twist. A cappella
groups typically work without printed music, so you do not need to read
music to participate. You also don’t have to have a vocal degree from the conservatory to add your voice.
We >do< have a keen interest in making a musical opportunity for SUMC members who have never joined in
a SUMC music project. We know your time is precious, so let us combine the evening meal with the music by
including a potluck supper with our gathering. We will also arrange for child care, young parents, if you want
to attend but are not quite sure what to do with small people. (Been there.)
Our only request is that you SIGN UP. It is super important to know who will attend so our planning can be
the best. Here’s the link: http://sudbury-umc.org/sumc_v1/music/a_cappella/ This will take you to a
Google doc where you can tell us what works for you. Of course, you are also quite welcome to call or email
me and/or Rob (see the contacts information on this Chronicle).
Check your calendar, keep singing in the shower, and let Kevin or Rob know if this is a project for you! Don’t
be afraid to jump in… this might be just the mid-week spiritual break you need! kevin@sudbury-umc.org.
Join the Thursday Bible Study
Sudbury UMC’s Thursday Bible study group always welcomes new participants. Meetings take place at 10:30
a.m. on Thursdays at the Panera Bread located at 21 Andrew Avenue in Wayland’s Town Center, just two
miles from Sudbury UMC!
Each week’s focus text is the next Sunday’s preaching passage. Remember to bring your Bible and a few
bucks for something warm or cool to sip.
We will look ahead to the passages being preached during worship on:
September 30: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 October 14: Mark 7:10-31
October 7: Mark 10:2-16 October 21: Laity Sunday
Stephen Ministers Offer a Listening Ear
Sudbury UMC has thirteen active Stephen Ministers (caregivers). Ten are currently available to offer their
support. They can walk with those needing kindness, a listening ear and distinctively Christian care-giving.
If you know a friend – including yourself – who might benefit from a caring relationship, you can speak to
Pastor Joel, Lori Granger or Richard Smith. And every Sunday morning, one Stephen Minister is available
after worship in the O’Reilly room. They are there to listen to your concerns and pray with you.
Sept.30: John Fraize October 7: Diane Hammond
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Coffee Hour Helpers Needed
Want to serve the church in a way that involves little time and no meetings? Prepare and serve
coffee on Sunday mornings every 4 to 6 weeks. It’s fast and easy with the new equipment in our new
beautiful kitchen. If interested, please contact Kathie at kathiestayton@gmail.com.
School Is in Session – Please Remember Sudbury UMC Is a Nut Free Zone!
Please be aware that a number of preschoolers, staff, and guest users have serious
allergies to nut products and coconut oil. It is important to keep food and products
containing tree nuts out of the church building and to be mindful of coconut oil in non-
food related items like soaps and lotions. Please also avoid sesame oil and seeds
which can be found in crackers and breads. Thank you for ensuring the safety of all!
COMMUNITY
Sunny Hill Preschool Is Grateful
Sunny Hill Preschool wishes to thank one of our very own alumni, Parker Simon, who has created several
brand-new A-frame signs to help us promote Sunny Hill and obtain his Eagle Scout rank. In order to
obtain an Eagle Scout rank, Boy Scouts must fulfill certain requirements and tasks in a number of areas.
Parker sought out donations from businesses for materials, assisted in cleaning up his neighbors’ yards,
and asking for donations to fund his project. Over a period of several months, Parker worked hard with
several other members of his troop, to build, paint, and create our beautiful new signs.
If you have not seen our current posted sign, it is placed in the front of the Church near the entrance.
Thank you so very much Parker for your hard work and dedication. Sunny Hill is proud of you!
Drivers Needed for Meals on Wheels and FISH
Meals on Wheels – Our drivers deliver 3,000 healthy meals, every weekday, to
elders and adults living with disabilities. They may deliver the only meal of the
day to homebound clients while providing critical social contact a safety check.
Today additional drivers are needed to meet the increasing demand for home
delivered meals in our service are that includes 11 cities and towns. If you are interested in giving back to
your community through this part-time job, apply today! Please call Sara at 781-324-7705 ext. 689 or visit
our website www.mves.org/join-us/.
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FISH - Deb Galloway, director of the Sudbury Senior Center, reports that FISH (a network of volunteers
that provide transportation to medical appointments to anyone in need, regardless of age or ability level)
needs volunteer drivers. Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport Sudbury residents to and from
medical appointments. Interested in volunteering or learning more? Please dial 978-443-2145.
Household Goods Fundraiser and Needs.
A Taste for Something Good at Verrill Farm: Tickets now available for
our October 20 Fundraiser
On Saturday October 20 at 6:30 pm, Verrill Farm
will host "A Taste for Something Good" - an
Oktoberfest featuring fine food, music, wine
tasting and more. For more information or to
purchase tickets, please click here.
We are running especially low on towels, silverware, pots and pans. If you or your church group is willing
to host a drive, we can make it easy for you! Interested? Email info@householdgoods.org.
Remember we accept donations all year round, but kindly check our Donation Guidelines for a list of
items we can accept. We truly appreciate your understanding that there are items we cannot accept.
Thank you!
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THE CHRONICLE – SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Sudbury United Methodist Church 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Phones: (978) 443-4351 or (978) 443-6785 Fax: (978) 443-3052
Church Office: sumc@sudbury-umc.org Website: http://www.sudbury-umc.org
Church Staff
Lead Pastor: The Rev. Joel Guillemette pastorjoel@sudbury-umc.org
Christian Education Director: Eric Magnuson eric@sudbury-umc.org
Youth Ministries Director: Zachary Moser zack@sudbury-umc.org
Music Director/Organist: Kevin Murphy, AAGO kevin@sudbury-umc.org
Sanctuary Choir Director: Rob Hammerton rob@sudbury-umc.org
Business Manager: Michael Greb michael@sudbury-umc.org
Office Administrator: Shetal Kaye sumc@sudbury-umc.org
Sexton: Joe Picorelli joe@sudbury-umc.org
We are a Stephen Ministry We are a Reconciling and Welcoming
Congregation Congregation
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