FRI MAR 21 AT NOON

Noontimers is a group for FUMC's retirees that meets monthly for fellowship and programs related to a topic of interest. For this month's special guest, we'll have the joy of meeting a seeing eye dog. 

SUN MAR 2 FOLLOWING WORSHIP / SOCIAL HALL

On March 2 after church, the Social Justice Team is inviting you to attend an Ancestry Potluck. Please bring a dish that represents food that your ancestors ate. If it’s a family recipe, please bring a copy of the ingredients and directions. It can be a main course, side dish, drink, dessert… any food item you choose. Additionally, we encourage you to bring a family memento, heirloom, family picture, or an item that represents a family or faith tradition to display. Please email Connie Palmer (cqpalmer@yahoo.com) what food dish you plan to bring. Christine Munoz (wellatleast@hotmail.com) can also help with any questions you may have. 

SUNDAYS 10AM / IN PERSON + ONLINE

In the fall, FUMC Westfield identified four values that are vital to who we are and what we do as a church: Welcome All, Cultivate Community, Grow in Faith, and Reflect God's Love. Each Sunday in February will focus on one of these values, how it shows up in Jesus' ministry as told in the Gospel of John, and why it matters to us individually and collectively. We'll start off with Welcome All based on the story of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a well in John 4.

VIA THE CALIFORNIA-PACIFIC ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UMC

HOW TO HELP:
The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:

Denyse Barnes c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006
 
TAX-DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS:
We’ve set up a special fund – the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week. Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to:

California-Pacific Conference/Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund
PO Box 6006
Pasadena CA 91102

SINGERS NEEDED / COMMEMORATION SERVICE MON JAN 20

On Monday, January 20, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Association of Westfield will hold its 38th Annual Interfaith Commemoration Service at 2pm at Saint Helen Church, 1600 Rahway Ave. in Westfield. This year is also the 30th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a National Day of Service. 

Singers for the Choir Needed We would appreciate your contribution of service by joining us as a singer in the Dr. King Interfaith Choir on January 20. Several of Dr. King’s favorite songs and hymns will be featured, such as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome.” There is no requirement to be able to read music, just a willingness to share your voice with us.

There will only be two rehearsals:
+ Monday, January 6 at 7pm
+ Monday, January 13 at 7pm 

Rehearsal are held at Holy Trinity Church, 506 Westfield Avenue and are led by Sara Hedgepeth, Director of Contemporary Ensemble at Holy Trinity, and Mrs. Rosa Randall, vocal and spiritual leader (St. Luke's AME Zion Church, Westfield) with Rev. Simon Irving, music director and organist at Bethel Baptist Church, Westfield, as collaborative pianist.

Please join us for this uplifting and moving experience. RSVP by contacting Sara Hedgepeth at hedgepethsara@gmail.com or Laurie Clancy, rehearsal assistant, at lauriemclancy@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

DARING GREATLY BY BRENE BROWN

Rev. Jessica Campbell, pastor of Montgomery UMC in Belle Mead, NJ, is inviting young women aged 18-30 from area churches to join her for a small group that will read Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. This group will create a caring and empowering space for young women to explore their leadership potential and build Christian relationships.

Dates/Times: The class will run virtually on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm on 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19.

Please contact Pastor Alison with interest.

COLLECTING COFFEE GROUNDS

We can all proactively help protect our beautiful church gardens by saving and donating our coffee grounds to be sprinkled on the gardens as a natural deer, rabbit, squirrel and insect deterrent.  When you have enough saved, just bring the containers and place them by the mailboxes at the parking lot entrance door.  (I use an old quart size plastic take out container to collect mine but you can use a coffee can or anything similar which you would otherwise discard.)

Pests hate the bitter taste and smell of coffee grounds and will avoid digging up the bulbs being planted now, and eating the young shoots which will be sprouting in the spring.  If you like, you can even donate cinnamon, ground red pepper or flakes, or any kind of mint.  People won't detect the smell on the soil, but pests will be repelled.

SUNDAYS 10AM / IN PERSON OR ONLINE

Our worship theme for Advent comes from Jesus’ call in Luke 21:36 to stay awake, part of a passage that is often read during Advent. Each week we’ll pair that call with a specific quality we can be open to in our daily lives, taken from the United Methodist pastor Tyler Sit’s book Staying Awake: The Gospel for Changemakers. We hope you’ll join us for worship in Advent!

MON DEC 16 AT 7PM

FUMC Westfield will be hosting our new bishop for a time of worship with clergy and laity from around our district! Bishop Moore-Koikoi will be preaching.

PICK UP TAGS ANYTIME / DUE BACK ON DEC 15

For this year's Giving Tree, we are participating with St. Joseph Social Service Center in Elizabeth and Neighborhood Health in Plainfield. 

St Joseph’s is looking for you to purchase a warm top and bottom for the children and a $25 gift card (Visa, American Express or Walmart preferred) for the adults. Children’s gifts should be placed unwrapped, price tags attached, in large Christmas gift bags with the labels stapled to the upper right corner. Gift cards should be placed in envelopes with the labels affixed to the front. 

St Joseph’s also welcomes any other donations of extra Christmas gift bags, tissue passer and smaller items such as toiletries- socks, and winter accessories that will be added to the gift you provide. 

If you prefer not to shop, you can give cash or check and we will do the shopping for you. 

Neighborhood Health would appreciate gift cards. Any amount $25 and over is greatly appreciated. 

The donation tags are available for pick up anytime. Gifts should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 15. 

Thank you for helping families in Union County this holiday season. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Heifetz.

AVAILABLE SUN DEC 15 AFTER WORSHIP

Heifer is coming Sunday morning December 15 (after worship).  Can't think of what to get someone for Christmas? How about a donation to Heifer for a flock of honeybees or other items in their name that will help someone in need. For any questions contact Bonny Chopey by email at nchopey@comcast.net.

THURS DEC 19 AT 7PM / FUMC WESTFIELD & VIA LIVESTREAM

This service is a supportive space for those experiencing loss or struggle during this holiday season. Gathering together for candle lighting, hymns, scripture provide glimmers of light in the midst of our dark nights. 

SUN DEC 15 / DURING 10AM WORSHIP

Come celebrate the story of Christmas! Our children will share the story of Jesus' birth through drama and song. 

SUN NOV 17 AT 3PM / SANCTUARY

Please join the Oratorio Singers of Westfield with soloists, chorus and orchestra as they celebrate Trent Johnson's farewell concert! On Sunday, November 17 at 3pm they will present a varied program of music both old and new. The concert will be Trent Johnson's Celebration Overture, for orchestra; Karl Jenkin's Benedictus (from The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the door. Join us for this concert, you'll be glad you did!

SUN NOV 17 FOLLOWING WORSHIP / ROOM 214

In order to secure the continued participation of FUMC in the Free Meal Program, additional/new leadership needs to be identified. Individuals or a team of people are needed to take on managing the tasks of creating a menu, shopping for the ingredients, providing ancillary materials, cooking, scheduling volunteers, interacting with program coordinators at Covenant, and tracking funding. Initially, these responsibilities can be shared with the current leadership, with the intent to take over full responsibility in the future.

There will be a meeting after church on November 17 in Room 214 for anyone interested in learning more about the Free Meal Program and to discuss how to best ensure FUMC’s continued participation.

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER / PIES AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP SUN NOV 24

It’s once again time to order your delicious Thanksgiving pie from the UMW! The following 9-inch pies will be available at a cost of $15 each: Apple Crumb, Cranberry Crumb, Kentucky Derby, Pecan, Pumpkin and a No Sugar Added Apple pie.

To order your pies, you can call Pat Curtis at (908) 232-3139 or Janet Poland at jmpoland@yahoo.com. The pies will be available for pick-up on Sunday, November 24, after church or we can arrange delivery. Payment can be made by cash or check to UMW or you can Venmo Janet-Poland-1

GIVING YOUR TIME, TALENTS, AND TREASURE

Everyone at FUMC are invited to share our commitments to give of our time, talent, and treasure to loving God and neighbor in the coming year. Bring your commitment card and talent coin from the stewardship mailing that arrived recently. You can also make your pledge online and review the opportunities to use your talents through the buttons below.

WITH 5TH GRADERS FROM MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY

Be a part of the Intergenerational Pen Pal volunteer program and share your life experiences before social media and technology, and impart your wisdom on today's youth! Pen Pal volunteers will correspond with students on different topics chosen by their teachers based on what they are learning about in class. For questions or to become a pen pal, contact Danielle McLear (dmclear@jfscentralnj.org).

LIGHT KITS SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

With your help, WUF will once again light up the Town of Westfield on the evening of SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, to Shine a Light on Mental Health. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season of gratitude and service, please purchase candle kits to line your curb, driveway, and pathways.

Kits are $20 each and include 10 candles, 10 paper bags, and sand, as well as set-up instructions. 

Pro tip: Luminaries should be placed about 2 feet apart, so one kit will cover about 20 feet.

The first $25K raised from this event will go to support mental health programs at WUF agencies. Funds raised in excess of $25K will be distributed across WUF's 17 member agencies.

SUN NOV 17 FOLLOWING WORSHIP / ROOM 214

In order to secure the continued participation of FUMC in the Free Meal Program, additional/new leadership needs to be identified. Individuals or a team of people are needed to take on managing the tasks of creating a menu, shopping for the ingredients, providing ancillary materials, cooking, scheduling volunteers, interacting with program coordinators at Covenant, and tracking funding. Initially, these responsibilities can be shared with the current leadership, with the intent to take over full responsibility in the future.

There will be a meeting after church on November 17 in Room 214 for anyone interested in learning more about the Free Meal Program and to discuss how to best ensure FUMC’s continued participation.

FRI DEC 13 5:30-6:30PM (RAIN/SNOW DATE DEC 20) 
All are welcome to a community bonfire with caroling on the front lawn from 5:30-6:30pm, complete with marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, and holiday music. Bring a chair or blanket and warm up by the fire, or come inside the sanctuary for quiet reflection and prayer. Note: The county's fire restrictions have been lifted! If they are put back in place before the bonfire, we'll still have caroling on the lawn with hot chocolate, treats, and electric lights.

SUN OCT 27 3-5PM

Family Fun Day is coming!  On Sunday, October 27, from 3-5pm FUMC will have Family Fun Day activities in the Pumpkin Patch: face painting, pumpkin painting, trunk or treat, games, and Halloween tattoos (washable of course).  Wear your costume and bring a friend. 

We Need Trunk Decorators!
We REALLY need people to volunteer their trunk, donate candy, and help with set up and clean up.  Contact Connie cqpalmer@yahoo.com or Marcee at mmrogers93@gmail.com with any questions or to let us know that you can help.

SAT NOV 2 9AM-NOON

This year the Rev. Dr. Juel Nelson, Director of Leadership Development for the Greater NJ Annual Conference of the UMC, will be leading us in articulating the core values that guide how we live into our purpose together. This retreat is open to anyone interested in contributing your presence, thoughts, and heart!

WED OCT 9 AT 6PM / GO KART RACING IN EDISON

Join us for a fun night out at go kart racing in Edison NJ. Feel free to bring friends and family. Kids under 15 can only race the slower track. Over 15 have free choice. We will be meeting at supercharged entertainment on route 1 south, Edison NJ. Wednesday October 9, 2024 at 6 pm. You can reserve for the fast track only. Walk ins are welcomed and encouraged after 6 pm. Track intervals are 10 minutes with 60 minute prep arrival time recommended. You and your group can arrive anytime you wish, but please rsvp so we can meet and share in some fellowship time before we race. RSVP to Peter Pantalena at Ppantal@aol.com.

For more information on Supercharged Entertainment Indoor Karting Track, click the following button. 

OPPORTUNITIES AT THE PATCH

The Pumpkin Patch will be open daily for pumpkin sales, photos, and various events for everyone. Proceeds will benefit local feeding ministry programs. Buy some pumpkins, enjoy the patch… all for a great cause!

Upcoming Special Events:
Trick or Treating at the Patch 4-6pm

SUN SEPT 15 / DURING AND AFTER WORSHIP

Join us on Sunday, September 15 as we kick off a new fall sermon series, our Young Disciples program for the fall, and a special back-to-school blessing for students, parents, and teachers. After worship, there will be lunch in the Social Hall to reconnect with friends after the summer and learn about current ministries and upcoming events at FUMC. 

SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER

Our FUMC Pumpkin Delivery is scheduled to arrive by 9am on Saturday, October 12. 

We will have a large truck coming with LOTS of pumpkins that need to be unloaded and arranged all over the church yard.  Many hands make light work, so please save the date and plan to join us. See the options for helping and sign-up through the button below. 

Can't make it on delivery day?  Fear not, for there are many ways you can help with this fun event throughout the season.  Contact Marcee Rogers for more information about hosting school visits, working the sale table, pumpkin rolling, photo station displays, and helping at special events.

WED MARCH 5

Join us as we begin the season of Lent that leads us on a spiritual journey with Jesus through the wilderness toward the resurrection and its promise of new life. 

Ash Wednesday Schedule
As Lent begins, remember you are both mortal and loved. Ashes available... 
+ 8-9am & 4-5pm in the church lobby 
+ 12-1pm in the sanctuary 
+ 7pm at our service with ashes and communion 

Christmas Eve at FUMC
TUES DEC 24 

Join us for Christmas Eve worship! There are multiple options to worship and celebrate the birth of the One who loves and saves us. O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

4pm Family-Friendly Service
7pm Traditional Service with Choir (Available on Facebook + YouTube)
11pm Traditional Service with Strings

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

Beginning in May, Covenant UMC in Plainfield will re-start their Free Meal Program. The Program has been inactive since the pandemic, and efforts to bring it back have faced some challenges. Fortunately, all issues have been resolved and Monday evening free meals will again be offered to anyone in the community. FUMC Westfield has been a partner with Covenant in this program for over 25 years, and we are proud and enthusiastic to again take part in preparing and serving dinners.

In order to give the program a jump-start and support Covenant UMC, we have initially committed to the dates of May 13, May 20, June 10 and June 24. Our tasks are to cook dinner, provide dessert, set the tables, serve the guests and clean-up. Preparation/cooking of the dinner meals are already covered, but it takes about 10 people each evening to fulfill all the other needs. If you are available on one of the Monday evenings from 5:15pm to 6:45pm, or have any questions, please contact Joann Huber or the church office at office@fumcwestfield.org.