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And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
Grace and Peace in the name of the Living Christ!
During this blessed season of waiting, we have a chance to ready ourselves, reflecting on the past and preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ. This year we will once again have a family friendly service at 6:00 pm led by Pastor Zack and appropriate for all of our children, their families and the young at heart. At 8:00 pm, we will observe the traditional service of Lessons and Carols.
Over the past four decades, United Methodist congregations have frequently included a service of “Lessons and Carols” on Christmas Eve. The service is modeled on “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” held annually at King’s College in Cambridge, England since 1918. The service is particularly appealing in that it allows each of the texts to speak for itself, while drawing the congregation through a breadth of pericopes that tell the story of Christ’s coming.
The bidding prayer at the beginning of the Christmas version of the service, spoken by the pastor, alludes to this:
“Beloved in Christ,
this Christmas Eve it is our duty and delight
to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels,
and to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
and the Babe lying in a manger.”
The emphasis is on hearing the message and engaging with the story of the scriptures. The music is intended to be selected to enhance meditation on each scripture. It welcomes both familiar and new music performed by both choir and congregation. Further, it can be enjoyed by those with plenty of church experience as well as visitors attending a church experience for the first time on Christmas eve.
While the worship service evokes ancient forms of celebration, it may surprise some to learn it is just a wee bit older than a century.
And, indeed, in its basic form, it is.
However, the Lessons and Carols we enjoy is a form of a “vigil” service. A vigil is a service held late at night or just before dawn. Think of our Easter vigil services. Egeria, a fourth century Spanish pilgrim to Jerusalem, described the Sunday vigil services she experienced in the holy city as a series of spoken hymns and antiphons.
We use the same pattern. The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols concludes with several of the stories of Christ’s birth from Luke and Matthew and the prologue of John’s gospel reflecting on the mystery of the incarnation.
Why nine lessons for the Christmas vigil? Nine is three rounds of three, underscoring the Trinitarian nature of the Incarnation of the Christ.
Whenever a congregation offers a service of Lessons and Carols, it is engaging in an ancient pattern of Christian worship intended to help its participants spend extended time together in meditation on the Scriptures.
So, join us on Christmas Eve, at either 6:00 pm for our family friendly service, or 8:00 pm for our Christmas Eve vigil of Nine Lessons and Carols. Invite a friend who has never been to church, or a family member that has been away for a while. Engage the readings as the music wraps you in its warm embrace.
Blessed Christmas to all,
Pastor Leigh
LEARN
Greetings from the SUMC Youth!
Socks!
From now through January 6 (which is the actual end of the Christmas season), you might notice a big stocking in the narthex as you enter the sanctuary. At the time this month’s Chronicle is going out, the stocking is empty, but we hope to fill it with socks over the next few weeks – socks that will be donated to and distributed by the Outdoor Church, a homeless ministry in Cambridge.
Over the last three years, SUMC has given hundreds of warm socks (one of the biggest and most overlooked needs of the homeless in winter) to The Outdoor Church, and each pair has found an extremely grateful recipient. 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 in December and January to help with their food distribution ministry. 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: Amazon Outdoor Church Wish List
.
Reading Genesis and Luke
Back in October, the youth were challenged to read the book of Genesis in its entirety, and as a result, our illustrious youth pastor is being forced to post many embarrassing dances (because he didn’t believe they would do it? Maybe?) on the youth Instagram page, so you give us a follow if you’d like to see those. They should go up this weekend.
In the meantime, the youth are being challenged to read the Gospel of Luke this month. The prize won’t be so embarrassing for Zack this time, but it’s still well worth it.
If you have questions about anything pertaining to youth ministry at SUMC or would like to be on the youth weekly email list, contact Zack (zack.sumc@gmail.com).
Keep the Faith.
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Magnific Moment
Kidbury UMC Outreach in December
Last week, the children wrapped gifts to be delivered to Timothy’s Toy Box in Framingham. This Sunday (December 15), we're going to make travel bags for the homeless, which Zack will give to our friends at the Outdoor Church. We'll keep the goal easy - let's make ten bags! To make sure we have everything we need, if you are willing to provide some of the items for the homeless travel bags, please let us know by signing up here: https://tinyurl.com/5eshmbd6
This is the last week that Kidbury is open until after the New Year. Don’t worry, though. We will pick back up in January with a new theme, new activities, and a renewed spirit from the Christmas Season! Exactly what will be happening? Well…
The Kidbury UMC Choir will return in January! We will rehearse each Sunday morning from 9:15-9:45am, and it is all leading up to February 2, when the children will join the adult choir in worship to sing the morning’s anthem. We hope to have many voices singing with us to lead our congregation in worship and praise the Lord!
Adult & Youth Sunday Morning Options
In addition to the regular Youth Devo (downstairs in the youth room below the sanctuary) and the Upper Room Group (in the O’Reilly Room), Exploring Topics in Christianity returns in January. For a list of the topics to be explored, stay tuned!
If you'd like more information about our Christian Education/Formation programs, contact Caryl Walsh (CarylW@comcast.net) or Zack Moser (zack.sumc@gmail.com).
Exploring Topics In Christianity
"Exploring Topics in Christianity" will begin again in January, prior to worship, in Davison Chapel, 9:15 - 9:45 am. We will kick off the year exploring the ideas presented by Jonathan Walton in his 2018 book, A Lens of Love, Reading the Bible in Its World for Our World. In this book, Walton attempts to help his students at Harvard understand "the more problematic dimensions of the Bible, such as overt sexism and violence and Paul's troublesome views on slavery."
At the conclusion of that series, the Social Justice Commission will be leading discussions regarding the recently adopted United Methodist Social Principles which become effective in January. We will talk about the role of the Social Principles in the United Methodist Church as well as discussing specific topics as a guide for putting our faith into action.
Specific dates for specific topics will be announced in January. All sessions will be stand alone, and it is not necessary to read Walton's book in order to participate in the discussions.
CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS
Do You Have A Prayer Request For “Concerns And Celebrations?”
How can we pray for you? Share prayer requests at: https://www.facebook.com/SudburyUMC/ and send us a message by clicking on the blue “Send Message” button. Or email sumc@sudbury-umc.org.
"Where the World Meets to Pray"
Free copies of The Upper Room may be found in an outdoor Lucite rack next to the O'Reilly Room entrance and in the narthex. Daily readings can also be found online by clicking: https://www.upperroom.org/.
Five minutes, fifteen, or thirty reading Scripture and sitting quietly in God’s presence will set the tone for the whole day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Peanut Butter Tree Thank You
Thanks so much to everyone who selected tags to support our 2024 Peanut Butter Tree and for spreading the joy of Christmas this season. Your generosity and thoughtfulness made a difference in the lives of many children and teenagers who otherwise might have been missed out this Christmas. We are especially grateful for the Sunny Hill families who participated again this year; your generosity is a true gift!
Please remember that all unwrapped gifts are due this Sunday, December 15th.
Join Us for These Advent Conspiracy Events
The Outreach Commission requests that you join your SUMC family for these upcoming Advent Conspiracy Sunday Events!
December 15th (12:30 pm {NEW TIME} at Sudbury Pines Nursing Home): Caroling for the Seniors!
December 22nd (3:30 pm at Sudbury Farms): Flash Mob Caroling for the Sudbury Community!
Advent Conspiracy: Spend Less / Give More / Worship Fully / Love All - help spread the love of Jesus this Christmas Season!
Christmas Pageant Is on Sunday, December 22, 2024
Kristin Murphy, along with the children of Sudbury UMC, are getting ready to share the 2024 Christmas Pageant to be held at 10:00 am on the morning of Sunday, December 22nd. We hope you can attend as the children of the church tell the story of Christ's birth. It’s sure to be a great morning!
Everyone Plays in the Snow Winter Clothing Drive Update!
To the SUMC Outreach team and congregation:
I wanted to send you a winter gear update. I have been in touch with Mike Greb this week, and the Winter gear drive has received $2270 in cash donations from SUMC members so far, including $250 from Outreach! I am humbled and blown away and of course so excited for the students who will benefit directly and immediately from our support.
In addition to cash donations, the clothing bin in the Narthex is working really well. Each week I have happily retrieved goodies from this box including coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, and scarves. A friend of Judy A's knitted about 50 gorgeous hats which the students are snapping up left and right. I would also like to highlight that we have three people so far who have volunteered to do laundry including Jody A, Heather C, and Kay K. I am deeply grateful for the broad support from SUMC in all forms and excited for the students in Framingham to feel God's love and our presence to them as a community.
Christie
Musical Notes
- Instrumental Signups!
There is still room for SUMC instrumentalists to jump in with the Pageant Band at 10:00 am on December 22nd, the family service Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm, and the 8:00 pm Lessons and Carols service Christmas Eve. Are you interested in playing with us? Sign up with these Google forms:
Pageant Band Wesley Winds: https://forms.gle/BmTyLi3v3RwUrvB77
Pageant Band SUMC Strings: https://forms.gle/Q3E5gxrBYD1B1Mh96
Christmas Eve family service Wesley Winds: https://forms.gle/DeGYYArTY6c2Cg23A
Christmas Eve family service SUMC Strings: https://forms.gle/di4rhhHpP9C1wv2u9
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Wesley Winds: https://forms.gle/53egHEY1XNEe4Tww7
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols SUMC Strings: https://forms.gle/8QU3o7N7YePfUhYw8
Don’t be shy - we encourage players of all ages and experiences.
Singing School will take a brief hiatus while the choir, Gospel Group and SUMC musicians tend to the work of Advent and Christmas. Singing School will resume in January on Thursday evenings at 7:15 pm till 7:45 pm in the Choir Room. Anyone interested in learning how to sight sing is welcome to join us! Don’t worry if you need to catch up with our present class - we save previous classes at the music web site (https://sites.google.com/view/sumc-music/singing-school) and split into sectionals to catch up anyone who wishes. Invite friends and neighbors from the area who may like to learn how to sight sing! They are welcome.
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. 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.
GIVE
A word from Finance and Stewardship…
Merry Christmas to you all! Thank you for your generosity over this past year. We are grateful to have such a loving and supportive congregation.
Please be advised that any gifts you give to the church before December 31, 2024 will appear on your 2024 statement.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
The Finance and Stewardship Committee
An Invitation to Thank our Church Staff!
As we all know, the upcoming Advent Season is both a time of reflection and celebration. As part of this Season, the Staff Parish Relations Committee invites you to reflect upon and celebrate the blessing of a wonderful church staff that helps encourage and inspire us and fulfill our church's mission in the world. If you’d like to express your appreciation to our staff for their tireless commitment and effort, please send a check to SUMC with “Staff Christmas Gift” in the memo line. Feel free to either mail the check to the church office or drop it in the collection plate, ideally by Christmas Eve. Thank you for the consideration in helping bless the staff's holiday just a bit more!
How to Donate Sunday Morning Altar Flowers
The Flower Team welcomes altar flower donations in honor or memory of a loved one. Please choose a date; perhaps an anniversary, birthday, or just a date you’d like to honor someone special, by visiting a user-friendly website: Flower Sign-Up Genius. 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. The cost is $50.00. Enhance our worship by giving this gift to God. Thanks.
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!
Finding Sudbury UMC on SOCial media
Live-Streamed Sunday Services Available on YouTube and Facebook Live
Sunday morning services at Sudbury UMC can now be viewed on SUMC’s own YouTube channel and Facebook page live each Sunday morning. Missed a service and want to watch it later? You can find them using the same links! We hope these social media platforms will help us reach a larger audience. Please help us grow by using these services. You can also connect with SUMC through InstagramSUMC and TwitterSUMC.
Sunny Hill Is Enrolling
Christmas Flowers
Help us create a festive sanctuary by ordering a holiday plant today!
Christmas Cactus $10.00
Cyclamen $10.00
Poinsettia $10.00
Large
Poinsettia
$25.00
Our Choice $10.00
Total # Plants
Amount
Name (as you’d like it in the bulletin)
Phone/E-mail
DedicationPlease circle oneIn Memory ofIn Honor of
I would like to: Please circle oneBring my plant homeDeliver to shut-in
Please put the flower order form in the collection plate or the file pocket outside the office door. Checks should be made out to SUMC with a notation “Christmas Flowers” in the memo field. Deadline for ordering is December 15th.
Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Phones: (978) 443-4351 or (978) 443-6785
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.
