Bishop Bickerton's Installation Service This Saturday, November 2
Bishop Thomas Bickerton will be installed as the episcopal leader for the New England Conference this Saturday at 1:00 pm. The service will be held here at Sudbury UMC followed by a reception. Please hold all who will be participating in prayer.
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Stewardship for 2025
The following is a message shared by Jane Ann Chrumka, Chair of the Endowment Committee, on Sunday, October 27th.
Today, I am here to discuss the supporting role of the Endowment in the finances of our Church; how it supports the mission of our church and its relationship to the Annual Pledge Campaign.
We are fortunate to have an Endowment; some members may not know that we have one and others may ask, what role does the Endowment play in paying the Church’s expenses and/or why do we need so much in pledges when we have an Endowment? These are all good questions.
The Endowment, since its establishment, has had a dual mandate of supporting Outreach and, secondly, the Operating Budget. In most years, the distributions are allocated 51% to Outreach and 49% to the Operating Budget. So, a few words about each of these uses.
Our church has always prided itself on its commitment to outreach and service. However, these initiatives often require additional resources. The SUMC Endowment enables us to support Sunny Hill Scholarship and teacher development; the Greenwood Memorial School After School Program in Dorchester, outreach Building Programs outside of SUMC, and about 25% of the Annual Outreach Commission Budget to fund investment in programs that reach beyond our church walls—feeding the hungry, providing educational opportunities, and supporting local charities. By allocating a portion of our endowment to outreach, we not only fulfill our spiritual calling, but also make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. Imagine the impact we can have when we invest in programs that help the vulnerable, foster community connections, and spread compassion.
Like any organization, our church has ongoing operational costs—utilities, staff salaries, and program expenses. However, the Endowment annual distributions cover only about 4% of our annual Operating Budget, approximately $29,000 annually, with $8,000 of that amount being allocated to the Outreach Commission. This amount provides a budgetary boost, but the majority of the operating budget, 96% or approximately $735,000, is funded primarily through our annual pledges, plus rental income from a cell tower in our Steeple and renting one of our two Parsonages.
The vast majority of the Endowment assets have been contributed over many years by past members, most of whom have passed on, reaching back to the 1970s with an initial gift of $22,000. These gifts are essentially a way for members to continue their legacy of committed annual giving. The combination of our annual pledges and endowment distributions allows us to focus on what truly matters: serving our community and spreading our message.
By fostering a culture of giving, we can ensure that our church is not just surviving but thriving.
In conclusion, the Church Endowment Committee is committed to supporting our operating budget, but this is just a small portion of our annual operating expenses. Thank you for your time, your support, and your commitment to our shared mission. Together we can build our congregation like the tree that Jeremiah recalls as the one “that does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Christmas Pageant
Dear Families,
I'm excited to invite your children to be part of Sudbury United Methodist Church's Christmas pageant, to be held at 10 am on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 22nd. At this time, the children of the church will assemble to tell the story of Christ's birth.
Rehearsals for the pageant are held on the five Saturday mornings before the fourth Sunday of Advent, beginning this year with the Saturday before Thanksgiving (11/23). Rehearsals are typically held from 9-12 am, with some variation for preschool children, who are usually cast as "animals" (they typically don't rehearse the first week, and arrive late/leave early most other weeks) and for children who would like to be "dancing angels" (usually Grade K or 1 and up), who arrive at 8 am. I understand that sometimes children might need to miss a rehearsal, and I am happy to work with families to help find the perfect part to accommodate everyone's schedule. Some children who might not be interested in an acting role might find it fun to be part of the "props" crew. Older teens might like to mentor younger participants by helping with the pageant, or might like to be readers or singers.
This pageant comes without guilt! There is no need for parents to volunteer (though parents who would like to do so are warmly welcomed and needed). Please join us this year! I am happy to write a part for your child, and can write speaking parts as well as create non-speaking parts for your child.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (kristinmurphytpt@gmail.com). Along with my husband, Kevin, I've organized and led the pageant here at SUMC for the past 15 years, and I look forward eagerly to my 16th year. We would love to have as many children join us as possible, in order to proclaim the Good News!
Here is the Pageant Registration form, but if it is more convenient, please just email me at kristinmurphytpt@gmail.com to let me know your children's wishes for roles, whether they would like a speaking or non-speaking role, and their Saturday morning availability.
I'd also welcome help from church members who don't have a child involved in the pageant. Please let me know if you would be interested in supporting the pageant with your time and expertise. Thank you!
Thanks for joining the many people who make the pageant part of their November and December. We'd love to have you!
Sincerely,
Kristin Murphy
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Everyone Plays in the Snow: Winter Clothing Drive
This winter will be Christie White’s fifth year running a winter clothing drive for the McCarthy Elementary School in Framingham where she teaches English as a Second Language. McCarthy serves about 525 students, from preschool through 5th grade. Around 55 percent of these students are English Learners. Many of these students come from the southern hemisphere, and arrive each year at McCarthy without adequate winter clothing, among other critical needs.
The policy, understandably, at many elementary schools including McCarthy, is that students need head-to-toe winter gear in order to play in the snow during recess. This prevents students from sitting in cold, wet clothing during the remainder of their school day. While this policy is necessary, it also creates a striking justice issue between the haves and the have-nots. Children whose families can afford winter gear play in the snow at recess, while those who can’t remain on the blacktop.
Everyone Plays in the Snow is designed with no barriers. If a student or parent asks for winter gear, that child is provided with what they need immediately—no questions asked, no forms to complete, and no judgment.
There are several ways SUMC can support these children:
- Contribute new winter hats or gently used children’s coats and snow pants (kids sizes 5-18), boots (kids 12 - adult 8), and water-resistant gloves. Collection box is in the Narthex
- Make a donation for this cause by indicating in the memo line “Winter Clothing Drive”. Christie and other volunteers use the funds to shop at Savers for items
- Volunteer to wash occasional loads of laundry as all items are laundered before distributing to students.
Please reach out to Christie White or Karen Monteiro from the Outreach Commission, karmon23@yahoo.com.
Greetings from the SUMC Youth!
Cardboard Box City!
This will be Cardboard Box City’s fifth year at SUMC, where the youth stay overnight outside on the front
lawn of the church and sleep in cardboard boxes. The purpose of the event is twofold. First, we’re raising awareness of the homeless population in Massachusetts (it’s a large homeless population) and Raising funds for Family Promise
(familypromisemetrowest.org/). Family Promise is a faith-based organization that helps homeless families find permanent housing and helps prevent families on the brink from becoming homeless.
You can do two things to support this outreach. First, learn about the homeless situation in the commonwealth and tell others who may be blissfully unaware. Second, give a donation to Family Promise to one of our youth (payable to SUMC). If you have any questions about Cardboard Box City or any other youth events and activities, contact Zack (zack.sumc@gmail.com)
Keep the Faith.
Magnific Moment
Kidbury UMC
Kidbury UMC continues from 9:15-9:45 am every Sunday morning (as well as after worship). Throughout October, our theme is “Treasure,” and we will be learning about how to build up treasure in heaven.
What can adults and teens do?
Where can you go after bringing your children to Kidbury? We have options! There are two adult education opportunities every Sunday. The Upper Room Group meets in the O’Reilly Room, the youth group meets in the youth room below the sanctuary, and there are our new red ropes on the back pew for you. Drape the rope across the pew next to you as an indication that you are there for quiet meditation, reflection, or just to have time to breathe.
If you’d like more information about our Christian Education/Formation programs, contact Zack Moser (zack@sudbury-umc.org)or Caryl Walsh (CarylW@comcast.net).
Spirituality Group Meets on Thursdays at 6:30 pm
This fall we’re revisiting Fr Richard Rohr with a discussion of the Daily Meditations written by The Center for Action and Contemplation that he founded in 1987. This year’s theme is “Radical Resilience,” and each week explores an aspect how we can face hardship with love and awareness through sustained inner strength, purpose, and connectedness. By choosing love and peace over anger, denial, and despair, we can not only imagine a better future, but live that better future out into the world.
To access the Daily Meditations, go to https://cac.org/email-sign-up/?tfa_5118=1 and sign up. Each Thursday, starting October 10th at 6:30 p.m., we’ll review the week’s topic, highlighting the intersections of the readings with our lives.
Please email Karen Lubic at kglubic@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 24, at 4:00 pm
Sudbury UMC will be hosting a Community Thanksgiving Service in the Sanctuary. Please refer to the flyer below for more information.
Members Called to November 17, Church Conference
Members of Sudbury UMC are hereby called to a Church Conference on Sunday, November 17 at 7:00 pm The meeting will take place online via Zoom and a link will be provided as the date approaches.
Please remember that only current members of Sudbury UMC are eligible to vote. The agenda for our meeting will include electing the chairpersons and commission members recruited by the Committee on Nominations and receiving written reports at the end of the 2023/2024 program year. The Rev. Rachel Fisher will preside. Only business in harmony with the call to conference will be transacted.
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).
Facebook
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. Please be mindful of the outdoor temperature and dress accordingly.
Donating Sunday Morning Altar Flowers
The Flower Team welcomes altar flower donations. To choose a date, visit a user-friendly website : Flower Sign-Up. 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 in the comment section. Checks in the amount of $50.00 to cover the cost of the flowers can be made out to Sudbury United Methodist Church with a notation in the memo field indicating “Flower donation.” Thanks.
Food Pantry Donations
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! Please also be mindful of expiration dates.
Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Phones: (978) 443-4351 or (978) 443-6785Fax: (978) 443-3052
Church Office: sumc@sudbury-umc.org Website: http://www. sudbury-umc.org
Church Staff
Pastor: The Rev. Leigh E. Goodrichpastorleigh@sudbury-umc.org
(Pastor Leigh observes Sabbath on Friday)
Youth & Children’s Ministries Director: Zachary Moser zack@sudbury-umc.org
(Zack observes Sabbath on Wednesday)
Organist/Music Director: Kevin Murphy, AAGOkevin@sudbury-umc.org
Sanctuary Choir Director: Rob Hammertonrob@sudbury-umc.org
Business Manager: Michael Grebmichael@sudbury-umc.org
Sunny Hill Director: Kathy Palmerdirector@sunnyhillpreschool.org
Office Manager: Shetal Kaye sumc@sudbury-umc.org
Sexton: Joe Picorellijoe@sudbury-umc.org
We are a Reconciling and Welcoming Congregation
Please use the QR code below if you would like to make a contribution to Sudbury United Methodist Church.
