This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Neighbor News

Sudbury United Methodist Church

January 18th, 2024 Announcements

Find out what's happening in Sudburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Theme in “Exploring Topics” Adult Formation Class

SUMC’s “Exploring Topics in Christianity” class meets every Sunday in Davison Chapel from 9:15-9:45 am. Each week focuses on a new topic.
Throughout January, our theme will be “What does it mean to be a Member in the UMC?” If you are considering joining SUMC or if you are interested in a theological reflection on the baptismal vows that we take when joining the Church, you will enjoy this month’s discussions. The weekly topics are…

Find out what's happening in Sudburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • January 21: Our Theology of the Christ
  • January 28: The Communion of Saints

Socks for the Outdoor Church

From now through January 21, you might notice a big stocking in the narthex as you enter the sanctuary. We hope to fill this stocking with socks that will be donated to and distributed by the Outdoor Church, a homeless ministry in Cambridge.
Over the last two years, SUMC has given hundreds of wool and synthetic socks to The Outdoor Church, and each pair has found an extremely grateful recipient. Warm socks are one of the biggest needs for the homeless population in the winter (and often one of the most overlooked needs), so bring some socks to the church.
Please make sure the donated socks are either wool or synthetic so that the recipients’ feet stay dry. Please do not donate cotton socks.
Youth volunteers will hand out the socks personally when we head into Cambridge to help with their food distribution ministry (which we do monthly). If you cannot bring socks to the church, please use this link to an Amazon wish list where you can purchase socks and have them sent directly to SUMC: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1UOWUMVYNMKGA?ref_=wl_share

Spirituality Book Group to Study An Altar in the World through February 8th, at 6:30 pm

On Thursday evenings through February 8th at 6:30 pm, we’ll venture into Barbara Brown Taylor’s An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith. In this beautifully written book, Taylor reveals meaningful ways to discover the sacred in the small things we do and see, from simple practices such as walking, working, and prayer. Even the most ordinary tasks can become acts of meditation if we take time to notice the sights, smells, and sounds around us. Making eye contact with the cashier at the grocery store can become a moment of connection. As we incorporate these practices into our daily lives, we discover altars everywhere we go and in everything we do. We learn to live with purpose, slow down, and practice reverence.
Books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Cokesbury. Please let Karen Lubic or John McKinney know if you plan to attend so they can send you the Zoom link.

Connexions Concert This Sunday at 3:00 PM

We will have another eclectic mix of offerings! Snow date will be the following Sunday at 3:00 pm. If you have any questions about the event or perhaps want to get involved with the performances or production, contact Kevin at ([email protected]) or Rob at ([email protected]).

Sudbury Inter-Faith Social Justice Event February 25th: Gun Violence Film Screening and Discussion

SUMC is co-hosting a screening of Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence on February 25th at 2:00 pm. The event will be held in person at the Presbyterian Church in Sudbury and online via zoom. Join to watch the 51-minute film, hear from the film’s producer, and engage in discussion about what we can do to end our crisis of gun violence.

Keep the Snowball Rolling!

As we step into the new year, we are thrilled to announce a series of enriching and uplifting events. Save the dates for these upcoming gatherings and let's start the year with joy, music, service, and spiritual reflection. Keep the snowball rolling!
In Faith, Kristin
January Highlights:
Sunday, Jan. 7,14, 21, and 28 Chapel Bible Study at 9:15 am - Learn more about the United Methodist Church from Pastor Leigh and Pastor Zack.
Friday, Jan. 19 from 7:30-9:00 pm - Come and be part of Shabbat at Temple Beth El, celebrating the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3:00 pm: Connexions Concert - Come to hear friends and friends of friends come together to make musical connections during a special concert.
Saturday, Jan. 27 and Feb. 24: Youth Outdoor Church - Youth and youthful alike are welcome to join as the Outdoor Church ministers to the needs of people in Cambridge. See Zack for more information about how to help with distributing food and warm socks.
Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 7:00 pm: Ash Wednesday Service - Commence the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service, a time of reflection and renewal. Join us as we mark the beginning of this sacred period leading up to Easter.
Wednesday evenings, from Feb. 21 through Mar. 20, at 6:30 pm: Lenten Suppers - Share in the spirit of fellowship and nourishment during our Lenten Suppers. These gatherings provide an opportunity to break bread together, engage in meaningful conversations, and deepen our understanding of the Lenten season. This year’s study is entitled “Embracing the Uncertain.”
March 15-17: Youth Berea Trip - Youth are invited to sleep away at Camp Berea and enjoy winter activities. Contact Zack ([email protected]) to find out how to register.
March 24, 28, 29, 31: Holy Week and Easter - Join together for services during Holy Week, a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and the hope of Easter. Details about Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday services are forthcoming.
We encourage you to participate in these events, as well as the many Bible studies and classes - and of course Kidbury - throughout the week, by bringing your energy, enthusiasm, and faith to each gathering. Let us come together as a church family to make these months a time of spiritual growth, community building, and shared joy. Keep the snowball rolling!

SUMC Is Live-Streaming on Facebook and YouTube Every Sunday! Join us on Social Media!

The Church Growth Commission invites you to follow SUMC on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter!
We are now streaming live to our own YouTube channel. We will also continue to live-stream on our Facebook page. Please take note and bookmark the links!
By reaching out through social media, the commission hopes to reach a larger audience. Please help us to grow. Follow us on (YouTube), (Facebook), (InstagramSUMC) and (TwitterSUMC).

Sunday Greeters Needed

The Church Growth Commission is recruiting greeters to welcome visitors and members to church each Sunday morning. Cindi Bockweg puts the Sunday Greeters’ calendar together. Cindi’s email is ([email protected]). She looks forward to hearing from you!

Looking for Coffee Hosts

We need help!!! Coffee and Fellowship Hour is enjoyed by many. Thank you to the few dedicated people who have been serving. But we could use some more volunteers!
Sherry and Ernie are willing to train those who are willing to join the team. It is a fantastic way to get to know our congregation. Contact Sherry at ([email protected]) to offer your help.

Coming to Church? Please Follow Safety Guidelines!

The windows in the sanctuary will remain open for the foreseeable future to improve air flow and enhance public safety. Please do not close the windows during worship. We’re trying to prevent the spread of viruses and COVID. Please be mindful of the outdoor temperature and dress accordingly. Mask wearing is optional; if you need a mask, the ushers have a supply on hand.

How to Donate Sunday Morning Altar Flowers

The Flower Team welcomes altar flower donations. To choose a date, visit a user-friendly website: Flower Sign-Up Genius. or email (Kerry Healy). Please use the comment section to note if your gift is intended to be in honor or in memory of someone special. And if you have specific flowers in mind, please share that information also in the comment section. Thanks.
Do you love flowers? Join the Flower Team!
Would you like to join the team that creates the beautiful arrangements on the altar each Sunday? Please contact Kerry Healy to let her know of your interest and she’ll be happy to fill you in about the process. Her email address is [email protected].

Ron Smith Memorial Fund

The Ron Smith Memorial Fund award is given each year to remember a beloved member of our congregation. Ron was a member for many years and contributed much to the music program with his very talented trumpet playing.
The Fund was established in 2019 after Ron's passing and is given annually
(1) to a young person to encourage and to help pursue their musical goals.
(2) It can also be awarded to cancer patients and loved one who provide care for them.
The Fund awards a monetary gift in May. Please see Pastor Leigh or a member of the Worship and Music Commission for more information and to apply.
Going Shopping? Pick-up Something for the Food Cart!
Donations to our church’s shopping cart may be left at the O’Reilly Room entrance Monday through Friday. The best canned items to donate include solid white tuna, fruits, and vegetables. Raisins in boxes, dried beans, condensed milk, rice pilaf, pancake mix, syrup, pasta and pasta sauce in jars, macaroni and cheese, instant coffee, laundry detergent, shampoo, soap, feminine care products, and wipes are also appreciated. Whenever you shop – or have groceries delivered to your home – please remember the food cart!

Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Phones: (978) 443-4351 or (978) 443-6785Fax: (978) 443-3052
Church Office: [email protected] Website: http://www. sudbury-umc.org
Church Staff
Pastor: The Rev. Leigh E. [email protected]
(Pastor Leigh observes Sabbath on Friday)
Youth & Children’s Ministries Director: Zachary Moser [email protected]
(Pastor Zack observes Sabbath on Wednesday)
Organist/Music Director: Kevin Murphy, [email protected]
Sanctuary Choir Director: Rob [email protected]
Business Manager: Michael Greb[email protected]
Sunny Hill Director: Kathy Palmer[email protected]
Office Manager: Shetal Kaye [email protected]
Sexton: Joe Picorelli[email protected]

We are a Reconciling and Welcoming Congregation

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?