Dear Friends in Faith,
Blessed Holy Week! This week we remember Jesus betrayal, crucifixion and, ultimately, resurrection. It is a week of ups and downs, highs and lows. Because Jesus endured what he did during his life, we know that he understands our pain and sorrows. And, because Jesus was raised, we know that the sorrows of this life are not the end of the story. We’ve been promised the hope of eternal life, eternal joy.
Below you’ll find information about worship opportunities this week and other important announcements and events, including an adult study starting after Easter and a scholarship opportunity for our college students. May your faith and life be enriched this week as we follow Jesus to the cross and discover the empty tomb.
Your Friend in Faith,
Pastor Kristabeth
Jesus, Lamb of God,
when you walked this earth
you did not consider
heavenly equality,
though that was yours to choose,
but took the role of servant,
and in humility
and obedience
allowed the rough nails of our sin
to be hammered into your flesh
for the sake of our salvation.
And so it is
that we acknowledge you
as Lord of all,
to the glory of God the Father,
Son and Spirit, Three.
~ Faith and Worship
(Schedule may change as visitation needs and other pressing matters arise.)
Sunday: Sunrise Worship 6am, Worship 9:30am
Monday: Office 8:30am-11:30am, Afternoon Off
Tuesday: Domestic Violence Task Force 9:30am-11am, Lunch Meeting
Wednesday – Saturday: Vacation
Sunday, April 23: Worship 9:30am, Worship Theme Meeting 11am, Adult Study 6pm
Sunday Worship April 16 – Easter Sunday
Theme: Filling Our Plates
Scripture: John 20:1-18, Colossians 3:1-4
Sermon: “Gratitude, Joy, Hope, Love, Wonder, and Generosity”
Good Friday Service 7pm at Shelburne United Methodist Church
We are invited to join the Shelburne UMC for “We Remember Calvary” – a cantata by Joel Raney. This is a very moving setting of scripture and song. A Tenebrae observance of candles is also part of this service. The congregation will participate through the singing of familiar Lenten hymns woven into the story. (30 Church Street, Shelburne VT)
Easter Sunrise
Our Easter Sunrise Service will be at 6:00am at the Wheeler Homestead at 1100 Dorset St. (formerly the National Gardens). Celebrate the Risen Christ with the rising of the sun ~ rain or shine!
Faith UMC Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Cancelled!
Here are some options for egg hunting in our area:
10am Colchester’s Bayside Park
10am Shelburne United Methodist Church
10am Essex Jct. at 75 Maple St. Park
Worship at The Pines – Easter Sunday at 11:30am – 5 Aspen Drive Dining Room
Every month our Pines Ministry Team leads worship with our friends at The Pines. Our Lay Speakers bring the message and Communion is shared. When the piano is available Shirley Murray leads us in song. While held at The Pines, this service is open to all who wish to come and worship!
Thursday Afternoon Bible Study is on “hiatus” until further notice. Please speak with Pastor Kristabeth if you have questions.
JUMP into Spring
April is our church’s month to collect food bags for the Joint Urban Ministry Project(JUMP). Last year we generously supplied twenty five. Thanks go to Hanaford’s for donating the bags! Please see the display and the food list in the Gathering Space for more information. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
New Address for Carole Carver
1786 Union St., Apt. #225, Niskayuna, NY 12309
Apply now for undergraduate scholarships from the New England Conference
Each year the New England Conference Scholarship Committee seeks applications from adults or recent high school graduates who are pursuing an undergraduate education at any accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school.
The application deadline for 2017-18 support is Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
http://www.neumc.org/
New Vermont District Superintendent Announced
Bishop Devadhar is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Jill Colley Robinson as District Superintendent of the Vermont District, effective July 1, 2017. Rev. Colley Robinson is a person of prayer, a disciple maker, and someone who is committed to connectionalism with the gift of administration. Additionally, her creativity, innovativeness, encouraging spirit,and sense of humor are all qualities the Vermont District sought in their new DS. Rev. Colley Robinson follows the Rev. Brigid Farrell, who served eight years as District Superintendent. Rev. Colley Robinson currently serves a four-point charge in Vermont including Middlebury, Vergennes, West Addison, and Ferrisburgh Center. Prior to her current appointment, she served churches in East Middlebury and Ripton, VT, and Lebanon, NH. She was ordained an elder in 2003 in the former Troy Conference. Let us pray for the Colley Robinsons, Rev. Farrell, the congregations of Middlebury, Vergennes, West Addison, and Ferrisburgh Center, and the Vermont District during this time of transition.
