Dear Friends in Faith,
Another sunny day in Vermont! Could we get used to this? I think so! But even with the warmth of the sun, I’m starting to feel a crispness in the air at night that reminds me autumn is just around the corner. And with autumn comes the return to school for some and the start of new adventures for others. Ben moves into his dorm at UVM in two short weeks. Others begin their college adventures even sooner. Let us pray for our students – those beginning at new schools and those returning to familiar places. And let us pray for each other that, as the days grow shorter, we may find moments of peace to experience God’s presence in the joy of summer in Vermont.
Below I’ve included a prayer for your spiritual reflection. Please scroll down to read the announcements about events and opportunities in our church and community.
Your Friend in Faith,
Pastor Kristabeth
Enter my hearing, Oh, silence
Soften my sight with love
Rid my thoughts of harshness
Open my search for good
Lighten my heart, compassion
Relieve my soul from the fight
Wash me, best intentions
In hope’s pure promising light
Protect my day, good instincts
Safe from remorse this night
~ Richard Holdsworth
Pastor Kristabeth’s Schedule and Office Hours Week of August 13-19
(Schedule may change as visitation needs and other pressing matters arise.)
Sunday: Worship 9:30am, FLOCK Teachers Meeting 11am, Visit
Monday: Office 8:30am-11:30am
Tuesday: Lunch Meeting, Working out of the Office
Wednesday: Vermont Interfaith Action Convention 9am-3pm, Staff Support 6:30pm
Thursday: Office 10am-2pm, Visit, Barnes & Noble Open Hours 3:30pm-5:30pm, Tending Faith 7pm
Friday: Morning Confirmation Class
Saturday: Pastor’s Sabbath and Evening FUMC @ Lake Monster’s Game!
Worship Sunday, August 13
Theme: Family Stories: Direction
Scripture: Psalm 105:16-22, 45b, Matthew 14:22-33
Sermon: “Putting Yourself Out” – Tim Hess Preaching
Healing Prayer
Holy Humor Sunday: August 20
Do you have a joke you want to share? Do you have a crazy hat you can’t wait to wear? Bring both to Holy Humor Sunday on August 20th! The theme for Holy Humor Sunday is “He Who Laughs Last….”
Circle Sunday August 20 following Worship
(Note Change of Date)
Sunday, August 20th will be our quarterly Circle Sunday! On Circle Sundays the Ministry Circles of Compassion, Encouragement and Inspiration meet. Ministries of Compassion are ministries that show concern or care for the experiences of others. Ministries of Encouragement are ministries that support others in their spiritual growth. Ministries of Inspiration are ministries that move us closer to God. Please bring a simple pot luck dish to share. A collaborative meeting of all Circle Ministry Teams will gather from 12-1pm.
There’s a Circle for Everyone! Families, singles, children, elders, youth….. everyone has a place in the Circle! Plan to stay for Circle Sunday and discover where your gifts can be used in the work of the church!
Hymn Sunday: September 3
On Sunday, September 3 we will sing all our favorite hymns – or as many as we can squeeze into our worship time! Sign up on the kiosk to sing your favorite hymn and indicate the hymn name, number in the hymnal, and which two verse you would like to sing. Then warm up your vocal chords for a Sunday morning filled with song. We will not have communion September 3. Communion will be shared September 10.
FLOCK Kick-Off Sunday – September 10
FLOCK Classes (preschool through high school) begin for the Year. A Potluck Lunch will follow Worship and FLOCK.
THIS SATURDAY August 12! Our FUMC Women’s Breakfast takes place the second Saturday of every Month at 9am at Trader Dukes on Williston Rd. All women welcome!
Our FUMC Men’s Breakfast takes place the first Saturday of the Month at 8am at Denny’s on Shelburne Rd. All men welcome! Next one Saturday, September 2.
Nursery Care Volunteer Needed First Sunday of the Month
Our dedicated Nursery Care Provider, Sharon, takes the first Sunday of the month off so she can attend worship. If you would like to volunteer to provide nursery coverage on the first Sundays of the month please speak with Pastor Kristabeth. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Those under 18 may serve as nursery assistants under an adult’s supervision.
Celebrate 138 pounds of food donated to the Food Shelf for July! With children home from school for the summer break, need continues to be great. Place your donation in the shopping cart in the Gathering Space.
Donations of disposable razors and tooth brushes are needed for JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project).
Weekday Bible Study
For the past several years we have held a weekday Bible Study during the school year (September –June). At various times we’ve met weekly or every other week, in the morning or in the afternoon. In order to determine the best time for the study I’ve created a poll. Participation in the poll does not obligate you to attend! Please give your feedback as to what days and times would work best for you if you were to attend a weekday study: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C5P9SWR
(This study is for those available during the day. We will continue to have Sunday and evening studies for those who are occupied during the weekdays.) Thanks!
Ministry Circles on the Web!
As our circle ministry plan continues to evolve –
so does our website.
If you haven’t been there in a while –
take it for a spin!
