John Wesley United Methodist Church 270 Gifford St., Falmouth, MA 02540

Telephone: 508-548-3050 Fax: 508-540-7273 Email: jwumcfalmouth@verizon.net www.johnwesleyumc.org

“The Wesleyan”

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

“Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for

us while we were still sinners.” Romans 3:23, 5:8

These verses from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome capture the essence of Lent, that time in our church year where we are called to

self-reflection and examination. Lent is the forty day period prior to Easter, when we, as Christians are encouraged to remember why

Christ needed to suffer and die on the cross – because “everyone has sinned.” And that includes you and me. Now I know that none

of us like admitting to our own sin. It’s much more comfortable not to think about our un Christ-like thoughts, our inappropriate

words, our thoughtless actions. But when we fail to confess to those times when we “miss the mark,” we do two things.

1) We lessen the great sacrifice of Christ’s death on the cross. Jesus went to the cross, because, as he said, “this is my blood

poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus came to save us from our sins. And if we fail to admit we are sinners, then we

fail to recognize the reason Christ died. However, by confessing our sins, we honor Christ’s death.

2) And, when we fail to confess our sins, we pass up the opportunity to be forgiven, to be set free from the weight of shame

and guilt. You see, it’s not about punishment or feeling bad. Confession is about being honest with God and with ourselves, so we

can be forgiven, reconciled with God and transformed into a different person – someone new, someone better, someone a little more

like Christ.

Lent begins on February 10th. Below is a prayer, based on the Beatitudes that I would encourage you to pray at least once a week

during Lent. It touches on many areas of our lives and it offers Christ’s blessings to us as we grow and mature in our Christian faith.

Forgive my spiritual arrogance, my self-righteous pride.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Forgive my hard heartedness and for the times I hide my true feelings. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Forgive my misplaced aggression, and the desire to be in control.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Forgive my indifference in growing in my faith.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Forgive me when I harbor resentment and seek revenge.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Forgive my half-hearted commitment to holy living.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Forgive me for my anger, impatience, hurtful words and actions.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Forgive me for not taking a stand because I am more concerned with what others think of me than what YOU think of me. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Assurance of Pardon

Blessed are those who ask for forgiveness of their sins, for they shall be forgiven. Blessed are those who repent, for they shall be

freed to live fully as God intended.

Later in the newsletter you will find other ways to make your Lenten journey holy and meaningful this year, and I hope you will take

advantage of as many as you can. ~ Pastor Rebecca

Lent: A Season of Prayer Lent is the Christian’s time to live more deliberately, to make sure that our lives match up as well as they

can with the life Jesus led and into which he called us. If you read about Jesus’s life in the Gospels, one

trend you’ll see is that he was constantly going off alone to pray, and he also prayed often with his disciples

and in public. If Jesus -God himself- needed to pray so often, chances are that we do too.

So, this Lenten season, you are invited to take your prayer life just a little deeper. So many people say,

“Prayer just isn’t my strong point.” That’s okay! Just start where you are and then learn a little more about

prayer, pray a little more, and watch for opportunities to pray about something or just say “Thanks.” Sign

up for an hour in our church-wide Prayer Vigils, participate in a John Wesley Fast, come to a Silent Prayer

Retreat, and learn more prayer in the church-wide Lenten study of Living Prayer by Maxie Dunnam.

• Why do we pray?

• What does the Bible say about prayer?

• How did Jesus pray?

• What does prayer teach us about God and ourselves?

Living Prayer groups will meet for about 75 minutes each week, beginning the week of February 10, with

meeting times designed to make it easy to participate: weekday mornings and evenings, and between

services on Sunday morning. Every group will be following the same format, so you can drop in at

whatever time works for you that week. Register using the form in Sunday’s bulletin, or contact Jennifer

Linton (jennifer.v.linton@gmail.com or 508-548-2792).

Meeting Times

Sunday 9:30 a.m. in the church lounge (Jenn & Brian Linton)

Monday 11:00 a.m. at church (Donna Fish)

Monday 7:00 p.m. at church (Mel Trott)

Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at church (Betty Smith)

Tuesday 6:30 p.m. at the church (Jenn Linton)

Thursday 12noon at church (Pastor Rebecca)

Listen to reviews from people who have done the study:

“This is by far the best small group study resource I have ever read. Not only will it get you comfortable with prayer,

it will get you downright excited about it. “

“I have used this workbook to lead small group studies at least four times. It has changed more lives than any other

book I have ever used.”

“This book has transformed my prayer life.”

February, 2016

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.

This brings great glory to my Father.” John 15:8

At our last Vision 20/20 meeting, we considered excerpts from the book, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by Bishop Robert Schnase. The five practices are:

1. Radical Hospitality 2. Passionate Worship 3. Intentional Faith Development 4. Risk-taking Mission and Service 5. Extravagant Generosity.

Take a moment and re-read these practices and think about each one. Schnase writes, “The presence and strength of these five practices demonstrate congregational health,

vitality and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these

practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of

Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. These

fundamental practices are so critical to a congregation’s

missions that failure to perform them in an exemplary way

results in congregational deterioration and decline.”

As the above verse shows, Jesus felt it very important for us to be disciples who bear fruit. So our Vision 20/20 focus groups are looking at ways to help our church become even more fruitful by bringing others to know Jesus Christ, and fulfilling our mission to “Love God…Love others…Serve the world.”

A few examples of what we are doing: Our Invitation and Hospitality Group is practicing Radical Hospitality by providing umbrellas and people that will go out to the parking lot and offer those coming in, protection from the rain. In addition, based on the excitement and success that our Christmas Invitation Cards generated, we will be doing the same thing for Easter. We will be offering an all church Lenten study to help us all intentionally grow deeper in our faith and discipleship. Allison has completed our new, easy to navigate website, with photos, calendar, and information – all easy for our first time visitors to explore. Our Fellowship Group is again sponsoring their all-church Valentine’s Party, which you’ll see later in the newsletter. Our Outreach Group also has an article – on volunteering with Neighborhood Falmouth to provide hands-on service to people in our community. The Building Appearance and Improvement Group has put in a new sound system in the sanctuary which will enhance the worship experience at 10:30, and is modernizing our bathrooms, to be more sanitary and welcoming to our guests and members.

You’ll be learning about more new initiatives in the near future, and let us all keep in mind what it means to be a fruit-ful church, and reflect on the practices of Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service and Extravagant Generosity.

February, 2016

This is a half-hour service in the chapel with hymn singing followed by a message delivered by Rev. Deborah Warner from the Church of the Messiah. Lunch is served after the service. All are welcome. There is no cost, but donations are always gratefully accepted.

Food for the Soul Wednesday, February 3rd at 12noon

Do You Need a Lift?

Can You Provide a Ride? We are looking for people who would like to

come to church but don’t have a way to get there.

If this is you or you know someone who needs a ride, please call the church at 508-548-3050 or

Karyn Briggs at 315-750-0682. We will match you up with someone

who can give you a lift. And if you can provide a ride, please call us.

We need to know if you are a rider or a driver who could solve this need. Call us!

Thank you from the Staff!

Thank you to everyone who gave to

the Staff Appreciation Fund for our Christmas gifts.

We really appreciate your support and generosity.

It is a blessing to work at John Wesley UMC.

Lenten Series—Soup for the Soul Feb. 17th: Sally Miller, Chaplain at Falmouth Hospital Feb. 24th: Jonathan Drury, Pastor at Falmouth Congregational Church Mar. 2nd: Gary Bernhardt, Lay Leader JWUMC Mar. 9th: Carl Evans, Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Falmouth Mar. 16th: Nancy Leger, Lay Speaker, JWUMC Mar. 23rd: Eva Peterson, Lay Speaker, JWUMC

Worship

Ash Wednesday Service – Wed. February 10th at 7pm. This is a meaningful worship service which begins the forty day season of Lent. Its name comes from the practice of placing ashes on your forehead or hand in the sign of the cross, as an act of repentance and mortality. This service will include prayer, a short meditation, Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes to those who wish to receive them. This is an important service to begin our Lenten journey, and all are encouraged to attend. Celebration of Marriage – On Sunday, February 14th, (Valentine’s Day) those who would like will have the opportunity to renew your marriage vows. After both the 8:30 service – plan to meet at 9:50, and the 10:30 service – plan to meet at 11:50, couples are invited to the chapel where Pastor Rebecca will lead a short celebration with words of encouragement, renewal of vows, and a prayer for God’s continued blessing upon the marriage. This is open to any and all couples who wish to reaffirm their love and commitment to one another. This is not meant to exclude anyone who is not or has not been married, nor is it a judgment on singleness or divorce. It is simply a time to recognize that marriage is a fragile institution, and is an opportunity to support one another in honoring the values of commitment, fidelity and marital love. Any questions- see Pastor Rebecca. Lenten Series—Soup for the Soul Every Lenten season our church offering of “Food for the Soul” transitions to “Soup for the Soul.” Starting Wednesday, Feb. 17th, we will have weekly services each Wednesday at noon, with the final one on Wed, March 23rd. There will be a half hour of Lenten hymns, and sermon, followed by a delicious soup lunch. Pastor from various churches in Falmouth are the speakers. Everybody is welcome to this time of Lent and spiritual growth. What is worship? Popular worship leader Graham Kendrick is quoted saying, "Worship is first and foremost for

God’s benefit, not ours, though it is marvelous to discover that in giving Him pleasure, we ourselves enter into

what can become our richest and most wholesome experience in life." Often, our culture encourages us to consider worship as something that benefits us. We ask, “what did I get out of worship,” when the more appropriate question would be “what did I put into worship – the worship of God?” To help us better understand the concept of worship, theologian Soren Kierkegaard developed the idea that Christian worship is a drama. He observed that, in most churches, God was expected to be the prompter; the preacher, the liturgists, and musicians were considered the performers, and the congregation had become the audience. Thus, the idea that we should benefit from worship. Kierkegaard taught that this understanding of our worship of drama was totally incorrect. People were taking on the wrong rolls. The preacher, liturgists and musicians are to be the prompters in worship. All in the congregation are the performers, and God alone is the audience. And it’s true – we come on Sunday mornings to worship God – to give our praise, our prayers, our songs, our offerings to God, desiring to know more about God. We don’t come to be entertained. It’s all about God – loving God, praising God, pleasing God. Just like we would want to please anyone we love. But the really incredible thing is just what we read above – “it is marvelous to discover that in giving Him pleasure, we ourselves enter into what can become our richest and most wholesome experience in life.” And so let us come to Sunday morning worship with the desire to love, praise and please God, and God alone, but knowing that in our giving to God, we will abundantly blessed.

February, 2016

CHURCH MOUSE Well, it's the beginning of a new year and I thought it would be nice to make some resolutions. So I made two! The first is to be more positive and less sarcastic. (Like I won't screw that one up right away!) And the second is to make better bad decisions. (I think I'll be able to keep that one.) So let's begin...

I attended all three Christmas Eve services. They were fantastic! The worship, the carols, the music. Too bad for you if you missed it. Now I don't want to be a spoilsport, but I do have one suggestion. And that would be to do away with the candle lighting at the end of the service during the singing of Silent Night. Yes, it was beautiful, and meaningful, but, you see, I seriously burned my whiskers. And it hurt worse than a root canal gone bad. So, can I have some support out there in the congregation for those fake battery operated candles next year? Please! However, if you don't like my idea, please leave your thoughts and comments in any one of large gray round files I keep in the fellowship hall.

Just so you know, I had the opportunity to visit my good friend Jeremy in Seattle last month for a few days. And I want to pass on to you that the boy is now in love! No, not with a new fancy bicycle, but with a real live girl. I just hope she knows what she's getting into. I mean here's a guy who has more money invested in biking clothing than furniture for his house. Here's a guy who won't buy a car unless a bicycle can fit inside it. Here's a guy that would rather have a power bar, then a candy bar. Here's a guy that seriously identifies with road kill. Need I say more? But honestly, I really miss him, and if I had my druthers, I would want him back here... that is, only if Allison wasn't here. Ha! Fooled you! I'm sentimental, but only to a point.

Speaking of Allison, I hear we now have a wonderful new website and updated facebook page that she's responsible for putting together. Yea! Three cheers for this young woman! But I noticed there are no photos or mention of me on either. I'd like this little omission corrected, Allison, or my infatuation with you will quickly come to an end. I know breakups are difficult, but church business comes before pleasure. Plus, I never really liked your cat.

So I hear we're having a Valentine's Day party! Let's hope it's not canceled because of snow like last year. And even though I just publicly broke up with, "you know who," I like the thought of Valentine's Day. You see, love is complicated enough. So let's have a day where we can have some fun, be flirty (which I plan to be), and have a fight with your spouse over something like, "who loves the other person more," and not get mad. But some people can ruin the day for the rest of us. Like last year. I was in the post office and saw this overweight, balding, middle-aged man standing at the counter placing "love" stamps on a huge stack of bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then took out a perfume bottle and started spraying scent all over the cards. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I went up to the guy and asked him what he was doing sending out all those cards. He answered me, "I'm sending out 1000 Valentine cards signed. 'Guess who?'" "But why," I asked. He replied, "I'm a divorce lawyer." See what I mean?

Well, I'm going to sign off now. And I just want to leave Pastor Rebecca with some advice. The secret to a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending. And, to make sure the two are as close together as possible. Darn! There goes my resolutions.

February, 2016

February, 2016

EDUCATION: Lent Studies: During the 6 weeks of Lent, both Sunday School and Youth Group will be participating in lent-themed studies: - Sunday School will learn short Easter stories during this corporate time together (before splitting into their individual classes). -Youth Group will be participating in the study "Renegade Gospel," where they'll discover the Rebel Jesus, his revolutionary lifestyle and how we too can be a renegade for Jesus. UPCOMING EVENTS: Super Bowl Sunday Sub Sandwich Fundraiser (Sunday, February 7, after 10:30 am service) Take home a 10" Submarine Sandwich for $8 from the Youth Group on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th. All proceeds will go towards the Youth Group Winter Retreat and Summer Mission Trip. *Please contact Allison ASAP to get your order in—allison.jwumc@gmail.com. Pre-Super Bowl Party (Sunday, February 7, 4:00 to 5:00 pm) Youth Group (grades 5 and up) are having their Pre-Super Bowl party on Sunday, February 7th from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in the Youth Group Room in the Education Wing. Tailgating foods, games and prizes will be provided. Make sure you represent your favorite team (even if they didn't make it to the Super Bowl)! Confirmation Interest Confirmation is a special marker along a persons spiritual journey. This year, John Wesley UMC will be having confirmation classes for children who are 6th grade and above who are interested in confirming their faith in Jesus Christ and promising to live as a person of faith. If your child is interested in being confirmed, please speak with Pastor Rebecca or Allison. Confirmands will be required to take a 10-week class with Pastor Rebecca, Allison and their peers.

Youth Group Winter Ski Retreat (Friday, March 11 to Sunday, March 13th) Youth (grades 5 and up) are invited to attend the Winter Retreat to Camp Calumet in New Hampshire during the weekend of March 11th. Spiritual development such as daily devotionals, activities and conducting a worship service will be included and winter recreation actives (skiing, snow tubing, ice skating). Cost will be around $100 per child. Talk to Allison if you have any questions and sign-up on the Children & Youth Bulletin Board.

New Website! John Wesley is pleased to announce it's new and improved website (www.johnwesleyumc.org)!

You will notice it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, has consolidated content and organized by groupings, such as About Us, Worship, Children & Youth, Spiritual Growth, Outreach Ministries and Newsletter. We encourage everyone to go to the site and navigate through the various drop down menus.

Some highlights include worship times/services, upcoming events, spiritual growth opportunities, youth group blog,

how we offer our building to the community and more.

February, 2016

MLK Day of Service Event Wrap-Up On MLK Day, the Youth (grades 5 and up), used their day off from school as a day "on" to serve the community. 14 kids and 5 chaperons participated in making hand made goods from recyclable materials, such as no-sew fleece blankets, jump ropes, bird feeders, flower planters and more. All the goods are being donated to organizations that assist families, children and babies and nursing homes. Read more about the day in the Youth Group Blog:

http://johnwesleyumc.org/index.php/2016/01/20/2016-mlk-day-of-service-recap/

Hanging Out With God

“My Nemesis Brother Lawrence” by Bobye Anderson

Brother Lawrence is my nemesis. Well, perhaps not my archenemy nemesis like Harry Potter and Voldemort. But Brother Lawrence is my constant reminder of the potential of individuals to live in the Kingdom of God while still on earth – and how far removed I live from that ideal.

So who was Brother Lawrence? A lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in 17th century France, Brother Lawrence’s days were spent cooking in the priory kitchen or repairing sandals. He was given God’s grace to know that “it was necessary to always be aware of God’s presence by talking to him throughout each day.” He wrote with simplicity, wisdom, and guidance of “doing each daily chore in communion with the Lord”; after his death his writings and words with visitors were made into the small book The Practice of the Presence of God.

I received a small yellowed paperback of this book and it changed my view of prayer and of communication with God. As a child I had learned to pray at bedtime; in adulthood I somehow learned I could also pray for help. And sadly, that remained my prayer life for some years. But Brother Lawrence’s book and this church and its dear members opened my mind and heart to the depth and richness that is available in a prayer life that is connected to my real life. A prayer life that weaves through my real life. A prayer life that guides and enhances my real life.

Some days I do fairly well. I wake up with a prayer of thanks for health. For the taste of the coffee. For the sunrise, always the sunrise. For the incredible vastness of our surroundings and the smallest detail of a cardinal at the birdfeeder. I send a prayer for the grumpy honking driver, the friend in pain, our leaders in the newspapers. I talk to God as if He were going through my day with me (knowing, of course, that He is way too busy for that!)

But then there are my other days. I sink into this tech-driven culture-on-steroids craziness and lose myself in busyness instead of centeredness, in mindlessness instead of mindfulness.

The good news is that I now live with greater awareness and can turn away from the phone/TV/computer and back to God/nature/silence. I can turn to Annie Lamott’s book Help, Thanks, Wow that reminds me to pray simple prayers of guidance, gratitude, and awe. And of course, to Brother Lawrence. He teaches me that the simple thing is the purest and most honest thing. That I can make a choice each day, each moment of the day, of whether I live in the presence of God. Or not. So dear nemesis Brother Lawrence, for your example and your words and your presence in my life many centuries after you lived, I thank you.

Would you like to share a “Hanging Out with God” experience?

Please contact Worship Chair Betty Smith at (508) 540-1073 or email me at campingkat@comcast.net

February, 2016

Sock Drive for the Homeless Please only NEW men's athletic socks - white or grey.

These will be distributed to

our unsheltered homeless personally.

The bin for the socks is located in the Narthex.

We are collecting through February 14th.

If you have any questions,

contact Bonnie Valade at

508-563-9578 or

bvaladecc@comcast.net.

February, 2016

Please consider yourself invited to our meetings! We meet at 7 PM in the Lyman Lounge

on the fourth Monday of every month. Please join us with ideas and suggestions!

Thank you so much for your generous contributions to the Falmouth Service Center and the homeless!!! Here are the results of your generous contributions:

Coats - 25

Fleece Wraps (includes hat, scarf, gloves, and socks wrapped inside) - 24

Hats - 30,

Scarves - 15

Gloves - 30

Sweatshirts - 8

Our church's "Change the World" campaign has been successful! For February bring in your coins for “Belonging to Each Other,” the Falmouth Homeless program.

The Cape Cod Center for Women could use donations of gift cards, feminine hygiene products, kitchen supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, hygiene items, and laundry items, as well as any other items on the list on the receptacle.

Your love of your neighbors has been so clear through your support

of the events of the Missions Committee! Happy Valentine's Day!

Greetings From Seattle

Dear JWUMC Family,

I am feeling very settled and know without a doubt that I made the right decision to move here. Here is 627 14th Ave E., Seattle WA 98112. Within a week of moving to Seattle, I was introduced to a friend of a friend of a friend who was looking for a roommate, a week later he and I moved into a place together. It is in a great neighborhood and is super nice (a bit more expensive then I was hoping for and a lot nicer than what I need, but that is ok for now). His name is Renny, he is from Maine and works for AllRecipe.com. The neighborhood is called Capital Hill and for anyone that knows Seattle, we are a few blocks south of Volunteer Park. It's about a 30 minute bike ride to work, and a short walk from all the fun stuff happening in Seattle.

My new job is with Bike Works, where I am the Youth Development Coordinator. During the school year, I will teach and assist with bike mechanic classes for school-age youth, as well as organize and lead activities and events for alumni of our programs. In the summer, I will be busy leading week-long bicycle tours with youth. In short, it is the perfect job for me as it allows me to build meaningful relationships with youth, while teaching bicycle repair and going on bicycle adventures together. I started mid December and plan on being there for a while, all the folks are great! I miss all the wonderful people of Falmouth and John Wesley, but I am looking forward to building similar relationships with my new West Coast Family.

I have yet to find a church that can fill the void left by JWUMC in my heart, but I am hopeful that the new year will bring better results. This whole moving experience has really worked to strengthen my belief that when you do what God wants you to do, he makes sure you are able to do it. I continue to be amazed at how easily things seem to happen when I trust in God and act boldly. And I continue to draw strength from the wonderful example so many of you have gifted me. I look forward to keeping in touch and celebrating all the wonderful things you all will accomplish in the future! Please keep me in your prayers as you continue to be in mine. ~ Mr. Tags

February, 2016

Announcements Thank you, Louise Bailey, for putting together last month’s newsletter for us!

The Memorial Service for Joan Swartz will be on Saturday, February 20th at 10:30am with a collation to follow.

You will notice yellow prayer cards in the pews in the sanctuary, and on the table in back of the chapel. If you would like yourself or a loved one to be prayed for, please fill it out and drop it in the offering plate, or in the mailbox outside the office, and it will be given to Pastor Rebecca. There are three options: 1) for the Pastor only – confidential, 2) Prayer chain – confidential, 3) Prayer list in the bulletin. Pastor Rebecca will be at a Board of Ordained Ministry meeting in Andover from Wednesday, February 3—Friday, February 5th.

Don’t forget—our next Falmouth Eats Together is Thursday, February 11th at 4pm. You are welcome to come and eat. And if you would like to help, please contact Bonnie or Tim Valade at (508) 563-9578.

The Men's Breakfast and Discussion Group will be on Tuesday, February 16th at 7:30am at Persy’s Place. All men are invited to share in breakfast and informal discussion of one of Pastor Rebecca's sermons. The cost, including meal, coffee, and gratuity is $10. A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex. Any questions, contact John Mincieli at 508-776-8653.

In the event of a major snowstorm and we have to cancel our worship services, we will post the cancellation on our website, www.johnwesleyumc.org, through Constant Contact, and on the local radio stations WQRC – 99.9, Ocean 104.7, Classical 107.5, WCOD – 106.7, Cape Country 104. Our primary concern is safety for our church family, so please use prudence and common sense in deciding whether to attend.

February, 2016

New Bathrooms. Trustees, Vision 20/20 and Church Council have agreed to update our bathrooms, to make them cleaner, more sanitary, more modern, and baby-friendly, which new changing stations. The work has begun, so we appreciate your patience as we seek to make God’s house more welcoming and inviting to our guests and our members. You may notice new and improved sound in our sanctuary. Thanks to grants from the New England Annual Conference, and the Falmouth Chamber Orchestra, we were able to install new microphones and

speakers at no cost. This is one of the Vision 20/20 Building Appearance and Improvements initiatives, to upgrade and repair our facilities. Other projects will soon be announced.

Building Appearance and Improvements

February, 2016

Neighborhood Falmouth

There’s a great group of volunteers out there just waiting to help elderly neighbors and residents in the Falmouth area with such things as rides to doctors and other appointments, grocery shopping, minor home repairs, social events, and programming electronic devices, among many other good things.

This group is called Neighborhood Falmouth and some of those volunteers include members of John Wesley Church.

Started in 2006, Neighborhood Falmouth is a community-based non-profit membership organization whose mission is to provide services and information to help members live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.

If you are a senior and happen to live alone, you could certainly benefit from the services provided, especially regular telephone check-ins or friendly well-being visits and trips to food and other stores.

Although Neighborhood Falmouth is a membership organization, costs to become a member are kept as low as possible; the cost is $50 per month (based on a 6 or 12 month membership), and scholarships are available, thanks to donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Seasonal and household memberships are also available. Check the website, http://www.neighborhoodfalmouth.org/ or contact 508 564 7543, Susan Loucks, Executive Director.

As the Outreach coordinator for Vision 20/20, I see an opportunity here for John Wesley Church members. First, think about becoming a Neighborhood Falmouth volunteer. Volunteers say they appreciate the wonderful relationships that develop with the members and also appreciate the unique flexible scheduling that allows volunteers to start with their own schedule in choosing times to help. And second, perhaps you can take advantage of the services offered by Neighborhood Falmouth.

During the month of March, we will have an informational table set up in the Parish Hall prior to and after both Sunday services. Stop by and talk to people you know who will be present to answer your questions. ~ Henry Brown

February School Vacation Art and Theatre Workshop with Jacek Zuzanski

Monday-Friday, February 15-19, 2016—9 am to 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall

(Children should plan to bring lunch) Discounted Fee for JWUMC children: $ 130.00/per child—Register in the Church Office*

Immerse yourself in a theatrical adventure leading to a final performance based on an original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories. The workshop is for those who like to move and express themselves using their bodies and voices, and will include painting, drawing and sculpting. Students will play acting games, and will exercise physical and vocal expression, as well as articulation. They will explore ways actors use imagination and give life to characters, as well as learn how to enjoy supporting each other. Everybody will take home his own puppets and puppet theater to continue creative adventures with family and friends. No experience necessary. Materials provided. For children ages 8-12. For More information: http://www.dreamtalepuppets.org/workshops.html.

Questions? Contact Jacek Zuzanski at info@dreamtalepuppets.org or 508-420 0931.

*Bring exact amount cash or check payable to The Polish Theatre Institute.

John Wesley UMC's February, 2016 Calendar of Events SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 Groundhog Day 3 4 5 6

7am AA 9:15am Women's Devot. 7pm Church Council

7am AA 10:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Mothers

Recovery 7pm Fal. Chorale FH

7am AA 12 Noon Food for the

Soul 7pm Yoga With Grace

7pm AA

7am AA 1pm Sewing 101

5pm Coal. for Children 7pm Brazilian Church 7pm Fal. Orchestra FH

7am AA 2pm AA Women 5:30pm AA Study

Group

7 8 9 10 Ash Wednesday 11 12 13

8:30am Communion Service

9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Worship/WoW 1pm Fal. Chorale FH 4pm Youth Group

6pm Brazilian Church 6pm Narcotics Anon.

7am AA 9:15am Women's Devot.

7pm SPRC

7am AA 10:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Mothers

Recovery 7pm Fal. Chorale FH

7am AA 7pm AA

7pm Ash Wednesday Service

7am AA 12Noon Lenten Study

4pm Fal. Eats Together

5pm Coal. for Children 7pm Brazilian Church 7pm Fal. Orchestra

FH

7am AA 2pm AA Women 3pm JML Nursing 5:30pm AA Study

Group

4pm Valentine's Day Dance

14 Valentine's Day 15 Presidents' Day 16 17 18 19 20

8:30am Communion Service

9:30am Lenten Study 10:30am Worship/WoW 4pm Youth Group

6pm Brazilian Church 6pm Narcotics Anon.

7am AA 9am Theatre Workshop 9:15am Women's Devot.

OFFICE IS

CLOSED 11am Lenten Study 7pm Lenten Study

7am AA 7:30am Mens Breakfast

9am Theatre Workshop 10:30am Lenten Study

3:30pm Finance 6:30pm Lenten Study 6:30pm Mothers

Recovery 7pm Fal. Chorale FH

7am AA 9am Theatre Workshop

12Noon Soup for the Soul

7pm Yoga with Grace 7pm Choir 7pm AA

7am AA 9am Theatre Workshop

12Noon Lenten Study 7pm Brazilian Church 7pm Fal. Orchestra FH

7am AA 9am Theatre Workshop

2pm AA Women 2pm Atria Nursing 3pm Royal on the

Main 5:30pm AA Study

Group

Fal. Chorale Citrus Sale (Parking Lot) 10:30am Swartz Memorial Service

6pm Brazilian Church (Chapel)

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

8:30am Communion Service

9:30am Lenten Study 10:30am Worship/WoW 3pm Fal. Women's

Event 4pm Youth Group

6pm Brazilian Church 6pm Narcotics Anon.

7am AA 9:15am Women's Devot. 11am Lenten Study 4pm Trustees 7pm Missions

7pm Lenten Study

7am AA 10:30am Sight Loss

Group 10:30am Lenten Study

6:30pm Mothers Recovery

6:30pm Lenten Study 7pm Fal. Chorale FH

7am AA 12Noon Soup for the

Soul 7pm Yoga With Grace

7pm Choir 7pm AA

7am AA 12Noon Lenten Study

5pm Coal. For Children

7pm Brazilian Church 7pm Fal. Orchestra FH

7am AA 2pm AA Women 3:15pm Royal Megansett

5:30pm AA Study Group

28 29

8:30am Communion Service

9:30am Lenten Study 10:30am Worship/WoW 4pm Youth Group

6pm Brazilian Church 6pm Narcotics Anon.

7am AA 9:15am Women's Devot. 11am Lenten Study 7pm Lenten Study

John Wesley United Methodist Church

270 Gifford Street

Falmouth, MA 02540 (508)548-3050

Email: jwumcfalmouth@verizon.net

www.johnwesleyumc.org

Dated Material

Rev. Rebecca Mincieli, Pasto

Allison Deyo, Dir. Of Youth Ministries

Laura Peterson, Office Administrator

John Yankee, Music Director

Robert Wyatt, Pianist/Organist

Countless Blessings

I looked across Great Bay and thought: What pleasure this to me has brought.

To live in such a wondrous place, To be blessed by God’s saving grace.

To see the rising of the sun As each special day has begun,

To thank God for all that is free, Countless blessings bestowed on me.

The diamond sparkles on the bay, The sunlight welcoming the day,

The beauty of the azure sky, Watching the clouds as they float by.

How blessed am I to have the time, To appreciate the sublime.

God’s gift of nature to behold And watch as each day will unfold.

Every day to God I give praise And thanks for all His caring ways.

~ Joy Stosz, December 15, 2015