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A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP DEVADHAR JUNE 14, 2018

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Festival of Homiletics in Washington, D.C., an annual event that brings together a wide variety of outstanding preachers and professors of preaching for inspirational worship and workshops.

One of the stalwarts of the festival is Dr. Walter Brueggemann, and he once again impressed me deeply with not only his prophetic and challenging words, but also his humility and grace.

I am still processing the spiritual food I tasted. It was good to see colleagues from New England and connect with other colleagues and friends as well.

Reflecting on Dr. Brueggemann's presentations, one blogger wrote:

"For Brueggemann, many are praying anemic prayers with no imagination miracles can actually happen through the power of God. He made clear, 'Jesus did not say, if you pray this way, you will get what you want. If you pray this way, you will not lose heart.' It takes great faith to pray but participants were called to trust in the compelling work of intercessory prayer and God’s tenacious solidarity. After all, 'It is the work of the church and its pastors to pray without ceasing.'” (Festival Blog, Festival of HOMILETICS, May 21-25, 2018, Washington, D.C.).

It is a human tendency to pray as if we are giving a shopping list to God, and expecting God to supply our needs like loading items into our grocery cart.

Brueggemann shared, “Jesus did not say, if you pray this way, you will get what you want. [Rather,] If you pray this way, you will not lose heart.”

How true and powerful Brueggemann’s words are, for God knows what is best for us, and we do not pray to change God's mind, instead we pray not to lose heart despite whatever problem or concern we are struggling with as we pray.

Recently I have been fielding numerous questions regarding the future of our church and denomination. While I cannot predict the future, my response to these questions and anxious hearts is that we need to share with God all our dreams, hopes, and prayers, yielding ourselves completely to the will of God, praying God will grant us the strength and courage to face all that is to come, without losing heart.

Friends, it is my hope that we continue to be in prayer – deep prayer on our knees – for this week’s Annual Conference session, for all our churches, and for our forthcoming special session of the General Conference, including our delegates, presiders, and committees that work on behalf of the General Conference and the decisions the General Conference may make.

I trust God will not let us lose heart, but enable us to go forward with hope while demonstrating the love Jesus Christ challenged us to demonstrate in the midst of all we do.

Bishop Michael Curry, who preached during last month’s royal wedding, described that love perfectly when he said:

"Love the neighbor you like and the neighbor you don't like. Love the neighbor you agree with and the neighbor you don't agree with. Love your Democrat neighbor, your Republican neighbor, your black

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neighbor, your white neighbor, your Anglo neighbor, your Latino neighbor and your LGBTQ neighbor. Love your neighbor! That's why we're here!" (CNN, May 25, 2018).

What is your prayer today?

As we pray to God in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may we yearn for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that it may be crystal clear to the world that we are witnesses for Christ who will not lose heart, but will continue to demonstrate His love through all our challenges every day of our lives.

In Christ's love,

Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

➢ June 14: Magic Years at Lotus Blossom in Sudbury ➢ June 16: Pine Street Inn ➢ June 17: Crossflame Youth Choir at 9:30 Worship Service ➢ June 20: Health Ministries Cancer Support Group ➢ June 23-30: Youth at Salkehatchie ➢ June 24: Guest Preacher at 9:30 Worship Service: The Rev. Rene Perez

followed by Spring Church Conference ➢ June 25: Church Office Summer Hours Begin (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) ➢ June 27, July 11 and 18: Food for Thought Summer Bible Study (more

information to follow) ➢ June 30: Greenwood Memorial UMC & Sudbury UMC Picnic in Dorchester at 3:00 p.m. ➢ July 4: Independence Day Holiday – Office Closed ➢ July 23: Chronicle deadline for July Chronicle to be published July 26. ➢ August 20: Chronicle deadline for August Chronicle to be published August 23.

Stayin’Alive! Stayin’ Alive!

On June 6, the Health Ministries Commission and other volunteers learned that administering CPR is as easy as humming an old Bee Gees disco tune – “one, two, three, four, Stayin’ Alive! Stayin’ Alive!” and doing chest compressions with the beat. Karen LaCure, youth and family program director and parish nurse for St. John Lutheran Church in Sudbury, taught the Wednesday evening class to familiar participants with the new AED defibrillator mounted on the wall over the water cooler. Ann Hamilton, Richard Smith, and Phil Lenentine were among Karen’s students. The dummy on the floor did not give his name.

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CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS

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LEARN

The Magnuson Moment

It takes a little over 2 months (66 days to be exact) for a new behavior to become automatic—a habit. Beginning with the first of June, it seems as though there are graduations, weddings, Father’s Day, a cookout at Aunt Louise’s, the Fourth of July celebrations, the two-week family vacation…and before we know it, the summer has flown by.

We are encouraged in the letter of Hebrews, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrew 10:25).

In the summer months, Sunday School will continue for children in Preschool through Grade 5. In this One Room Sunday School model, the lesson and activities will augment the “Children’s Time” message and the morning’s lectionary reading.

Also, for three Wednesday evenings, June 27, July 11, and July 18, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. there will be a provocative study for adults led by Pastor Joel with a central theme, Did Paul Hate Women? Also, there will be activities for children and a light supper provided by the Membership and Community Life Commission. These three Wednesday evenings will be called, “Food for Thought.”

Let’s start a new habit this summer.

This Sunday, June 17, the children will stay in the service and hear the Crossflame Youth Choir and Orchestra.

Thank you for your active role in the spiritual formation of our children this past year to all who helped out

in Sunday School and the Prayer Pal program. Your efforts and contributions in Jesus’ name are deeply appreciated. There are gifts of appreciation, made by the children, and prayer cubes for the prayer partners in the Christian Education office, if you did not pick yours up in Hawes Hall.

If you would like to continue as a prayer partner, or become a new prayer partner in the fall, please contact Eric Magnuson eric@sudbury-umc.org. The focus word and verse for our final week are: Wise Instruction, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah 54:13.

Please prayerfully consider helping in Sunday School for next year. Help is always needed as a teacher, helper, or non-teaching support assistant, such as preparing a craft or game for Sunday school, or assisting with a bulletin board. As plans are being developed for the next program year, there are openings for teachers and helpers in the Rotation Station model (Preschool through Grade 3), Grades 4 & 5, and Grades 6 through 8.

Greetings from the SUMC Youth!

Salkehatchie: We are just over a week away from Salkehatchie 2018. The Salkehatchie team will leave on Saturday, June 23, and return on Saturday, June 30. During that week, we ask for everyone’s prayers while we serve as the hands and feet of Christ and join other youth in Christian worship and fellowship. We cannot say “thank you” enough for all the support that this congregation has shown us, and

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we are pleased to announce that we did reach our fundraising goal. Thanks to your contributions and the efforts of the team, we did not require of youth families a per person payment for Salkehatchie. Therefore, as promised, our youth director, Zack Moser, will shave his head this Sunday in Hawes Hall during coffee hour. (However, please don’t let the denuding of Zack’s head keep you from getting to know the Crossflame Choir – we’re pretty excited about that, too)

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy: During the months of July and August, we will not have split high school and middle school meetings, but we will have one joint meeting from 6:30-8:00pm. We will resume the separate meetings (along with dinners) on September 16, which is one week after our 2018-2019 kickoff at Lake Cochituate! More details will be given about that event as it approaches, but for now, we just want it to be on the calendars of all youth and parents of youth (grades 6-12).

Summer youth dates:

July 10: Hiking at Purgatory Chasm July 24: Six Flags New England - Agawam August 4: Deerfield River Funyaking August 7: Volunteering at the Boston Food Bank

As always, parents should check their email for more info and details about all things youth.

Keep the Faith.

Thanks to the following local businesses for sponsoring our June 23-30 mission trip to South Carolina:

The Upper Room

The newest Upper Room booklets are available in the narthex. Help yourself to a free copy for your daily devotional readings. Or access it online by clicking here: https://www.upperroom.org/

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CONNECT

Greenwood Shalom Tutoring Zone

Twenty-five years ago, SUMC entered into a covenant with Greenwood United Methodist Church in Dorchester. Since 1993, that covenant has included our participation in worship, fellowship, education, and capital improvements such as the building of their handicap access ramp.

The Greenwood church sponsors the Greenwood Shalom Tutoring Zone after-school and summer enrichment program. The mission is to empower disadvantaged students to overcome poverty and live with dignity to achieve their full potential. The program provides a safe and nurturing environment to attend to the spiritual, educational, physical, and social needs of neighborhood children. In addition to a curriculum of after-school activities, it provides homework help and tutoring assistance. SUMC has been very active in this program. From 2005 to 2010, several SUMC members dedicated hours of their time tutoring students. In addition, we have provided assistance in legal matters, board leadership, and financial support.

During the summer months, Greenwood offers a full-day program for 26 children. This program is designed to prevent “summer learning loss.” Studies show that if students are able to participate in organized educational activities during the summer months, they are less likely to experience a loss of academic skills and knowledge before the start of the next school year.

SUMC has traditionally supported this program financially, but budget constraints have limited the support this year. At a Stewardship Moment on Sunday June 24, Greenwood children will be in attendance, and we will have the opportunity to help fund this valuable program through a special offering. A gift of $175 will pay for one child’s attendance at the program for a week. If you are interested in supporting the program at any level, please make your check out to SUMC with the word “Greenwood” in the memo line.

Thank you for your support of this valuable program and our continuing Greenwood covenant.

Dave D’Orlando Board Member, Greenwood Shalom Tutoring Zone

Dominica/Sudbury Alliance invites you!

Two opportunities exist for you to become actively involved in SUMC's support of our brothers and sisters in Dominica.

We hope you'll consider either or BOTH!

Family and Preschool Sponsorship Program

Sponsors will be asked to donate $350 per year to either the Family Support program or the Marigot Preschool teachers' salaries. Each family support sponsor will be paired with a specific family in either Marigot or Wesley. Sponsors will be encouraged to establish a personal relationship with a sponsoree. Preschool Sponsors will contribute to a pool of funds which will support the salaries of 2 teachers for 1 year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Jim Bennett at jamesfbennett@comcast.net

Dominica/Sudbury Alliance

As a sub-committee of the Outreach Commission, this group will “manage” SUMC's overall relationship with Dominica. We will assess current and potential projects, prioritize opportunities, and carry out plans created

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by the group. One of the first tasks will be to answer the question: What's next for SUMC and Dominica? The group will meet regularly, probably every two months, as well as on an as-needed basis. If you'd like to be part of this planning committee, please contact Rick Houpt at rickhoupt@hotmail.com

Pine Street Inn Volunteer Opportunity

On Saturday, June 16th, we’ll have an opportunity at Pine Street Inn’s central kitchen to do our voluntary culinary stuff; chopping veggies fruits, setting up oven trays of food for baking, making sandwiches for street distribution, and generally assisting the Inn’s great Chef Staff.

The time we carpool from SUMC’s parking lot is 8:00 a.m. However, we’ll actually wait until 8:10 to allow for any last-minute forgetfulness or tardiness! We’re always

back from the adventure by no later than 1:00 p.m.

Sharpen up those kitchen skills before all the summer barbecuing begins in earnest and join us on June 16th! Please let John Iberg know at jwi0841@verizon.net if you would like to add your talents to the fun.

Members Called to June 24 Church Conference

Members of Sudbury UMC are hereby called to the annual Spring Church Conference at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 24. Copies of the conference booklet will be available after worship on June 17. The agenda for our semi-annual business meeting will include voting the slate of chairpersons and commission members recruited by the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development, receiving written reports at the end of the 2017/2018 program year, and officially marking the conclusion of our Pave the Way capital renovation project. The Rev. Rene Perez, superintendent of the Central Massachusetts District, will be presiding. Only business in harmony with the call to conference will be transacted.

Author Debby Irving to Speak at First Parish of Sudbury, Saturday, June 16th, at Noon

The First Parish of Sudbury Racial Justice Book Group, along with St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church and Memorial Congregational Church are proud to announce that Debby Irving will speak and discuss her book “Waking Up White”. All are welcome to attend. We ask that people plan to contribute what they feel comfortable with to defray the cost of hosting the speaker.

Debby writes: I’m a white woman, raised in Winchester, Massachusetts during the socially turbulent 1960s and ‘70s. After a blissfully sheltered, upper-middle-class suburban childhood, I found myself simultaneously intrigued and horrified by the racial divide I observed in Boston. From 1984 to 2009 my work in urban neighborhoods and schools left me feeling helpless. Why did people live so differently along racial lines? Why were student outcomes so divergent? Why did I get so jumpy when talking to a person of color? Where did the fear of saying something stupid or offensive come from, and why couldn’t I make it go away? The more I tried to understand racial dynamics, the more confused I became. I knew there was an elephant in the room; I just didn’t know it was me!

In 2009, a course at Wheelock College, Racial and Cultural Identity, shook me awake with the realization that I’d missed step #1: examining the way being a member of the “normal” race had interfered with my attempts to understand racism. What began as a professional endeavor became a personal journey as I shifted from trying to figure out people whom I’d been taught to see as “other” to making sense of my own socialization.

My book “Waking Up White” is the story of my two-steps-forward-one-step back journey away from racial ignorance. I continue to study racism and strategies for its undoing while working to educate other white

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people confused and frustrated by racism. I remember these feelings all too well and am passionate about transforming anxiety and inaction into empowerment and action, be it for an individual or an organization.

Picnic with Greenwood on Saturday, June 30 at 3:00 P.M.

The annual summer picnic with our sister church, Greenwood Memorial UMC, will be held in Dorchester this year on Saturday, June 30, at 3:00 p.m.

The picnic will take place on the church grounds in Dorchester. The address is 378-A Washington Street. We are awaiting more information (though our Caribbean friends are famous for their chicken and rice!) and will let you know more details when we learn of them.

A Note of Thanks for the Book Donations

Thank you so much to everyone who donated books or money to my book project! I brought four bins of books to the clinic two weeks ago, and the children (and some adults!) loved them. Most of the kids were excited to find a book and ended up reading them instead of using an electronic device. The financial donations are being used to buy books in Portuguese and Spanish. Again, thank you for making these children happy and supporting the work of the Metrowest Free Medical Program!

Cecelia

Join the Thursday Bible Study

Sudbury UMC’s Thursday Bible study group always welcomes new participants. Meetings take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Panera Bread located at 21 Andrew Avenue in Wayland’s Town Center, just two miles from Sudbury UMC!

Each week’s focus text is the next Sunday’s preaching passage. Remember to bring your Bible and a few bucks for something warm or cool to sip.

We will look ahead to the passages being preached during worship on:

June 24: Psalm 130

Stephen Ministers Offer a Listening Ear

Sudbury UMC has thirteen active Stephen Ministers (caregivers). Ten are currently available to offer their support. They can walk with those needing kindness, a listening ear and distinctively Christian care-giving.

If you know a friend – including yourself – who might benefit from a caring relationship, you can speak to Pastor Joel, Lori Granger or Richard Smith. And every Sunday morning, one Stephen Minister is available after worship in the O’Reilly room. They are there to listen to your concerns and pray with you.

June 17 Linda Cooper

June 24 John Fraize

July 1 Diane Hammond

July 8 Lori Granger

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SERVE

Painters Needed!

On Saturday, June 23, the Sunny Hill Committee will be hosting a paint party with the purpose of refreshing the classrooms and common areas at Sunny Hill for the 2018/19 school year. Committee members will be present from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and volunteers are needed for any or all of that time frame. Come for an hour or come for five! This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours and for adults to help Sunny Hill look its best! Light refreshments and supplies will be provided, but please wear clothing that is paint-friendly. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Sunny Hill Is Enrolling Now for Fall Classes

Sunny Hill Preschool – owned and operated by Sudbury UMC for 60 years – is gearing up for a fabulous 2018-2019 school year. We are currently taking enrollments in all classes with limited availability in some so, don't miss out on your first choice. Contact Heather Porder for a tour or to complete your child's enrollment. Call 978-443-2627 today.

Habitat for Humanity Opportunities

Chris Straub needs to fill the roster for the two remaining SUMC dates to join Habitat for Humanity at 43-45 School Street in Acton. You will help to transform a historical home into a duplex to house 2 families. Chris has worked with the North Central Massachusetts affiliate of Habitat to secure 3 Saturdays this summer for SUMC to send teams of 8 to this project. The remaining work days are:

June 30 July 14

The work day will begin at 8:30 and end at 4:00. He has not been able to confirm if half day volunteers are permitted, so at this time, he will need commitments for a full day from anyone volunteering.

Please let him know with the email link below with an indication of which dates you are available to volunteer, even if you have provided your availability to him previously. Since he has over 30 people on the list of interested volunteers, he will not be able to reserve slots for everyone in this round, and he will not be able to accommodate all dates that you may be wishing to attend. However, he will try to fit in as many people as possible according to their preferences. He will also keep names on a waiting list if plans change for individual volunteers. So please provide him with all the dates that you are available, and he will do the rest. He hopes to have all slots filled by the end of this week.

Below are some of the technical details that Habitat has on their website for volunteers. Please read this over and prepare as the organization has requested. He will send this information to the team members about a week before the date of the build as a reminder.

Cancellations: To cancel your work day sign up, please let him know as soon as possible. This will ensure that other volunteers can fill your space.

Thanks again for your interest, and Chris looks forward to working with you in Acton.

• Previous construction experience is helpful but not necessary. Habitat NCM will provide all tools and training needed.

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• Construction volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, and all volunteers are required to complete, sign and hand in a Volunteer Liability Waiver form before they begin work.

▪ Volunteers aged 16-18 should click here to print a MINOR waiver which must be signed by their parent / legal guardian.

▪ Volunteers over age 18 should click here to print an ADULT waiver.

Chris can be reached at christopher.straub@novartis.com

GIVE

Pastor’s Emergency Fund

Your gift to the Pastor’s Emergency Fund helps members of our church and other neighbors to weather financial storms they cannot navigate without a helping hand. When you give to this ministry, please write your check to: “Sudbury UMC – Pastor’s Emergency Fund.” Thanks.

COMMUNITY

Drivers Needed for FISH and Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels – Our drivers deliver 3,000 healthy meals, every weekday, to elders and adults living with disabilities. They may deliver the only meal of the day to homebound clients while providing critical social contact a safety check.

Today additional drivers are needed to meet the increasing demand for home delivered meals in our service are that includes 11 cities and towns. If you are interested in giving back to your community through this part-time job, apply today! Please call Sara at 781-324-7705 ext. 689 or visit our website www.mves.org/join-us/.

FISH - Deb Galloway, director of the Sudbury Senior Center, reports that FISH (a network of volunteers that provide transportation to medical appointments to anyone in need, regardless of age or ability level) needs volunteer drivers. Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport Sudbury residents to and from medical appointments. Interested in volunteering or learning more? Please dial 978-443-2145.

Household Goods News and Needs.

Please visit the Household Goods website to review what they accept by following the link: See our Donation Guidelines. They update their donation guidelines based on the items our clients need most. We also review how to minimize incurring disposal expenses for items clients do not take.

Many well-meaning donors bring us things that "someone could use," and are surprised when we turn them away. Please understand that due to space and resource constraints, we must limit what we take to items clients will also take -- items they need to furnish very small apartments.

All items should be clean and in good enough condition that you'd be proud to offer them to a friend.

WHAT THEY NEED MOST THIS MONTH:

• Pots and Pans

• Silverware

• Queen Sheets and Blankets

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New Feature: If you've already cleaned your house but would still like to donate - please check out our new Amazon Wish List.

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Sudbury United Methodist Church 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 Phones: (978) 443-4351 or (978) 443-6785 Fax: (978) 443-3052 Church Office: sumc@sudbury-umc.org Website: http://www.sudbury-umc.org

Church Staff Lead Pastor: The Rev. Joel Guillemette pastorjoel@sudbury-umc.org Christian Education Director: Eric Magnuson eric@sudbury-umc.org Youth Ministries Director: Zachary Moser zack@sudbury-umc.org Music Director/Organist: Kevin Murphy, AAGO kevin@sudbury-umc.org Sanctuary Choir Director: Rob Hammerton rob@sudbury-umc.org Business Manager: Michael Greb michael@sudbury-umc.org Office Administrator: Shetal Kaye sumc@sudbury-umc.org Sexton: Joe Picorelli joe@sudbury-umc.org

We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

We are a Reconciling and Welcoming Congregation