Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Romans 12:12-13 (NRSV)
For the last three and change years I’ve been pastor here at Flemington UMC, this newsletter has settled into a particular pattern:
Date (usually correct)
Image (normally something beautiful or topical to what follows)
Title
Scripture
Devotional
Announcements (sometimes these don’t change much week to week, which often means they don’t get read week to week)
I’ve received unsolicited feedback from people in and beyond our local church that they appreciate what I put together here, but improvement is always possible. The format won’t change, but I’m going to put renewed effort in updating everyone about the church and its ministries, opportunities to give and lead, and also to relay information about the work of our committees in this space.
This is going to be even more important as we pivot toward a Leadership Council which will take the place of Finance, SPRC, Trustees, and Council. Each of our existing committees has a purpose and responsibilities, and that work will continue through participation in work teams. While we have talked about this some over the past year, it’s not too late to ask some questions. In short, this structure is a way to communicate better and implement ideas more quickly than the traditional four-committee model. Please reply to this message if you have any questions.
So, starting now and continuing indefinitely, this newsletter will be a little different. The format won’t change, but I’ll make sure to bold announcements that have been changed or edited in any way week to week. Additionally, we will begin including Leadership Council meeting minutes beginning in January, budgets, and other plans here as well. If you know someone who is technology-averse or reluctant and who yet desires to be more strongly connected, this may be a good time to invite them to subscribe or resubscribe and get involved.
The method of our mission matters both for those of us who are here (whether in person or online) and active and also for those seeking a meaningful community to share and grow in faith. As things move toward returning to a world where we can plan events in our community with some certainty they will truly take place, the changes we put in place now will reap a bountiful harvest then.
Thank you for being you, being faithful, seeking to grow, and sharing your life with me and others here at Flemington UMC.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ben
Announcements
Help Family Promise Care for Homeless Families in Our Area
People have asked what we can do to support Family Promise today. They shared they are in need of the following items:
Paper towels
Body lotion
Razors
Hand sanitizer
$25 Shop-Rite or Walmart gift cards
If you can share some of these items, please bring them to the sanctuary on Sunday and store them under the back table. Walter Maze and others can transport those items to Family Promise’s office.
After Storm Check-up
With fast-moving Tropical Storm Isaias behind us, it’s good to check in with one another to see how we weathered the storm. In the immediate aftermath, many had lost power and, for those who live outside the Borough, that often carries with it the loss of water. Don’t be shy! There are people here who love you, care about you, pray for you, and want to help. We are putting together an unofficial team of people who can drop off water, food, supplies… chop up fallen trees…generally do some of the immediate work needed after a storm to get you back up and running. If you’d like to help or if you’d like to be checked on, please reply to this message.
Nominations Season is Here
Each year we invite new people to lead different aspects of the church’s ministries. If you are eager or interested in giving your time please contact Pastor Ben. If you are asked, consider it an invitation to something good and worthwhile and say “yes!” This is a particularly exciting year to answer the call as we are moving from separate boards to a Leadership Council to free up time and energy for mission. More news and information to follow, but your gifts are needed at this table now.
Zoom Coffee Hour Continues – First-Time Participants Always Welcome
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/387187084?pwd=eHU0cmRmVE56OEthUmpidVc0QkVpUT09
Worship with Flemington UMC on Facebook
Each Sunday at 10:30am, reach for your phone, tablet, computer, or other internet-connected device for a time of music, prayer, scripture, and preaching. Watching live gives the opportunity to comment in real-time with prayer requests, updates on your life, and more, but if you view the service later you can still comment and share prayer requests and experiences from your life with your church.
If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can simply visit the church’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FlemingtonUnitedMethodist/
The videos are all accessible there without the need to create an account or login. If you have technical questions, please reach out.
A New Hope