Subject: This Week at Medford UMC -- October 9, 2020


This week at Medford UMC for {today}.

A Word from the Pastor

Hello everyone!

This Sunday we’ll be finishing up our series on “Forgiving Ourselves” and for that, I’m going to talk about my favorite guy, Moses, again. We’ve talked about being human, experiencing shame, receiving grace, and we’ll finish by talking about how with God, we can be more than we ever thought we could be. Early into the Moses story, we find a very imperfect person being asked to do the difficult work of God in the world. He cannot seem to make sense of this:

Look at all these things that I can’t do! There’s no way you want me to be a leader!

I’ll talk about how we need to forgive ourselves for the things we cannot do and for the things that we see as limitations for our life because they aren’t limitations to God. God doesn’t need us to be good at everything. What we lack, God can provide in other people. The work of God flourishes when we utilize our gifts together.

Though we’ll be meeting on Facebook this Sunday, I hope you’ll join us for our next outdoor worship service at the church on Sunday, October 18! It was such a joy finally get to meet many of you and I look forward to seeing you again!

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rachel 

 



 

Small Groups with Pastor Rachel

Although you may have “met” Rachel through her sermons, devotionals, or committee meetings, we would like for you to have a chance to meet her in a more personal setting – and for her to meet YOU! This is a fantastic opportunity to have a chat, find out who Rachel is, and share dreams for our church with one another.

We have set up three new meetings for small group conversations with Rachel. You can register for any of the meetings here -- there are two outdoor, morning gatherings at the church or an evening Zoom session from which you may choose. We trust you will be able to find a time and a setting that feel comfortable for you.

 

Worshipping Together Again!

Please join us for another outdoor worship service on October 18 at 9:30 am in the parking lot in front of Bowker Hall. We look forward to welcoming you! This is a socially distanced event - bring your mask and chair! Pre-registration is required - you can do that online at medfordumc.org/inperson. Can't make it? We'll also be live-streaming. See you then!

 

Fill-In Janitorial Help Needed (Paid Position)

Due to the increased cleaning requirements around COVID-19, it's critical that when our regular custodian, Jenny Feliciano, is sick or on vacation that we have a back-up. Are you or someone you know interested in filling in for her? Training will be provided. Please contact Pastor Joe.

 

All Saints Sunday

On Sunday, November 1, we will remember and celebrate our saints: our faithful family and friends who have gone on to their reward. If you would like someone who has died in the past year to be remembered by name during worship, please call the church office at 609/654-8111, or email us no later than Monday, October 26. Provide your name, the name and date of death of the deceased and your relationship to them. 



 

Opportunities to Serve & Give

 

Be a Part of the MUMC Ministry: Would you like to contribute to our digital ministry? We would love to hear from you. There are many opportunities: you can write a daily devotional, read scripture, record a piece of music, or share a children's moment. We can guide you through the process - we just need those willing to step forward and offer their gifts. Contact any member of the music staff, either of the pastors, or the church office.

 

Push Your Tush Move-a-Thon: The United Methodist Women invite you to their newest event – it is happening throughout the month of October, whenever and wherever YOU want! With large gatherings and events being cancelled, our work toward Loving God, Serving People, and Changing Lives certainly is not! That’s why we’re so excited for our “Push Your Tush” Virtual Run, Walk or Move-a-Thon during the month of October. What’s so cool about a virtual event is that you can join from anywhere, go anywhere, and do it at any time and at your own pace. There are several ways to be involved – even for those among us who feel like they can’t move enough. Check out all the details here -- updates have been recently added!. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund which provides emergency resources for local people in need. 

 

Dining for Dollars: The United Methodist Women invite you to enjoy a delicious take-out meal from Illiano’s Cucina on October 13, 14, or 15. When you call the restaurant (856/985-2721), place your order and mention the United Methodist Church or United Methodist Women -- Illiano's will donate $2.50 per entrée ordered for our organization to share with the Providence House for their domestic violence services. Support missions, help a local business and enjoy a delicious meal! A win-win-win! If you have questions, please email Bonnie Crosby.

 
Thank You for Your Financial Support: During the pandemic, many of our families have experienced financial difficulty. As a result, we've seen a decline in giving. Your staff and lay leadership remain committed to ministering to you in the best way we can through the pandemic. If you have the ability, please consider making an additional gift or increasing your regular support to the church. We are grateful for your support of our work to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Make a gift at medfordumc.org/give or through our app. Thank you!
 

Shop, Save & Give: The UMW invites you to save 20% while shopping at Boscov's and select the "Neighborhood Center in Camden" to receive a donation. Details can be found here. 

 



 

Small Groups & Spiritual Growth

As outlined below, many of our small groups have been able to continue meeting by using the ZOOM video conferencing app. We also have some small groups meeting in person, outdoors, socially distanced. And we are working on a plan for bringing groups indoors as the weather gets cooler and as virus conditions permit. Don't hesitate to reach out for support!
 
Pickleball Success! The Pickleball group met last week and had a fantastic time! Come play with them this Saturday, October 10 at 10:00 am in the parking lot in front of the Family Life Center. Find out everything you want to know about pickleball by visiting the USA Pickleball Association. To find out about Medford UMC Pickleball, email Jeff Higgins.
 

Book Club Update: Don't forget, on Wednesday October 14 we will discuss our most recent book, The Henna Artist. Weather and social distancing permitted, we will meet at the Frames' lakeside dock.

On Saturday, October 24, our members and friends will be participating again in the ALS Association Walk to Defeat ALS. To join our team or make a donation, just click here to get started. For more information, please email Patty Rosvold or visit our team page

 
Meet with the Pastors: Whether you are seeking individual pastoral care or simply an opportunity to talk, we want to connect with you. Don't hesitate to call, text, email, or request prayer through our website or our app. If you would like to schedule an individual time to talk, you can email Pastor Joe.
 
Women's Bible Study: The Weekly Women's Bible Study meets in person every Thursday morning at 10:00 am outside, behind the church to continue their look through "Disciplines." Please bring a mask and chair.
 
Upper Room Disciplines for 2021: Upper Room Disciplines is a book of Daily Devotions, enjoyed by many in our congreation, which provides opportunity to reflect on God’s Word and nourish and transform your spirit. To order a print copy for $12 ($14 for large print), please email Lisa in the church office, lisa@medfordumc.org, to order. You can also purchase an electronic version of the book via Cokesbury.com.
 

Men’s Bible Studies: Our men's groups are continuing their regular meetings through ZOOM video conferences. Simply click on the group description to be taken directly to the relevant ZOOM link.

Men’s Study – 1st Saturday of the month – 8:00 am
Men’s Study – 3rd Saturday of the month – 8:00 am

 
Children & Youth Ministries: Kids & Youth Fellowship Groups begin this weekend. For detailed information, including Zoom links, click here. The Children & Youth Ministry Calendar is available here. Email any questions to Bethany Carl.
 

Save the Date: Join us for a night of dress up and Halloween fun on Friday, October 23 starting at 5:00 pm for a Family Halloween Event featuring a Safe Parade and an outdoor Movie Night. Details to follow!

 

Using ZOOM for Your Small Group: If you lead a small group or wish to start a small group but need training on how you can use Zoom to connect with your people, please contact the pastors. They will be happy to assist you in setting up your group and share the basics of ZOOM use with you.

 



 

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Medford United Methodist Church
2 Hartford Road, Medford NJ 08055
609/654-8111

 

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